erratum 20404HEADmain

1 files changed, 0 insertions, 21054 deletions

diff --git a/old/9840.txt b/old/9840.txt
deleted file mode 100644
index c248a39..0000000
--- a/old/9840.txt
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,21054 +0,0 @@
-Project Gutenberg's Vivian Grey, by Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
-
-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: Vivian Grey
-
-Author: Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
-
-Release Date: October 23, 2003 [EBook #9840]
-Last Updated: September 11, 2012
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ASCII
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIVIAN GREY ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Charlie
-Kirschner and PG Distributed Proofreaders
-
-
-
-
-
-
-VIVIAN GREY
-
-By The Earl Of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
-
-
-
-The English Comedie Humaine
-
-Second Series
-
-[Illustration: frontispiece]
-
-[Illustration: titlepage]
-
-
-PUBLISHER'S NOTE.
-
-As a novelist, Benjamin Disraeli belongs to the early part of the
-nineteenth century. "Vivian Grey" (1826-27) and "Sybil" (1845) mark the
-beginning and the end of his truly creative period; for the two
-productions of his latest years, "Lothair" (1870) and "Endymion" (1880),
-add nothing to the characteristics of his earlier volumes except the
-changes of feeling and power which accompany old age. His period, thus,
-is that of Bulwer, Dickens, and Thackeray, and of the later years of Sir
-Walter Scott--a fact which his prominence as a statesman during the last
-decade of his life, as well as the vogue of "Lothair" and "Endymion,"
-has tended to obscure. His style, his material, and his views of English
-character and life all date from that earlier time. He was born in 1804
-and died in 1881.
-
-Disraeli was barely twenty-one when he published "Vivian Grey," his
-first work of fiction; and the young author was at once hailed as a
-master of his art by an almost unanimous press.
-
-In this, as in his subsequent books, it was not so much Disraeli's
-notable skill as a novelist but rather his portrayal of the social and
-political life of the day that made him one of the most popular writers
-of his generation, and earned for him a lasting fame as a man of
-letters. In "Vivian Grey" is narrated the career of an ambitious young
-man of rank; and in this story the brilliant author has preserved to us
-the exact tone of the English drawing-room, as he so well knew it,
-sketching with sure and rapid strokes a whole portrait gallery of
-notables, disguised in name may be, but living characters nevertheless,
-who charm us with their graceful manners and general air of being people
-of consequence. "Vivian Grey," then, though not a great novel is beyond
-question a marvelously true picture of the life and character of an
-interesting period of English history and made notable because of
-Disraeli's fine imagination and vivid descriptive powers.
-
-
-
-
-LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
-
-
-Is there anything you want, sir?
-
-He distinctly beheld Mrs. Felix Lorraine open a small silver box.
-
-It was very slowly that the dark thought came over his mind.
-
-
-
-
-VIVIAN GREY
-
-
-
-
-BOOK I
-
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-
-We are not aware that the infancy of Vivian Grey was distinguished by
-any extraordinary incident. The solicitude of the most affectionate of
-mothers, and the care of the most attentive of nurses, did their best to
-injure an excellent constitution. But Vivian was an only child, and
-these exertions were therefore excusable. For the first five years of
-his life, with his curly locks and his fancy dress, he was the pride of
-his own and the envy of all neighbouring establishments; but, in process
-of time, the spirit of boyism began to develop itself, and Vivian not
-only would brush his hair straight and rebel against his nurse, but
-actually insisted upon being--breeched! At this crisis it was discovered
-that he had been spoiled, and it was determined that he should be sent
-to school. Mr. Grey observed, also, that the child was nearly ten years
-old, and did not know his alphabet, and Mrs. Grey remarked that he was
-getting ugly. The fate of Vivian was decided.
-
-"I am told, my dear," observed Mrs. Grey, one day after dinner to her
-husband, "I am told, my dear, that Dr. Flummery's would do very well for
-Vivian. Nothing can exceed the attention which is paid to the pupils.
-There are sixteen young ladies, all the daughters of clergymen, merely
-to attend to the morals and the linen; terms moderate: 100 guineas per
-annum, for all under six years of age, and few extras, only for fencing,
-pure milk, and the guitar. Mrs. Metcalfe has both her boys there, and
-she says their progress is astonishing! Percy Metcalfe, she assures me,
-was quite as backward as Vivian; indeed, backwarder; and so was Dudley,
-who was taught at home on the new system, by a pictorial alphabet, and
-who persisted to the last, notwithstanding all the exertions of Miss
-Barrett, in spelling A-P-E, monkey, merely because over the word there
-was a monster munching an apple."
-
-"And quite right in the child, my dear. Pictorial alphabet! pictorial
-fool's head!"
-
-"But what do you say to Flummery's, Horace?"
-
-"My dear, do what you like. I never trouble myself, you know, about
-these matters;" and Mr. Grey refreshed himself, after this domestic
-attack, with a glass of claret.
-
-Mr. Grey was a gentleman who had succeeded, when the heat of youth was
-over, to the enjoyment of a life estate of some two thousand a year. He
-was a man of lettered tastes, and had hailed with no slight pleasure his
-succession to a fortune which, though limited in its duration, was still
-a great thing for a young lounger about town, not only with no
-profession, but with a mind unfitted for every species of business.
-Grey, to the astonishment of his former friends, the wits, made an
-excellent domestic match; and, leaving the whole management of his
-household to his lady, felt himself as independent in his magnificent
-library as if he had never ceased to be that true freeman, A MAN
-OF CHAMBERS.
-
-The young Vivian had not, by the cares which fathers are always heirs
-to, yet reminded his parent that children were anything else but
-playthings. The intercourse between father and son was, of course,
-extremely limited; for Vivian was, as yet, the mother's child; Mr.
-Grey's parental duties being confined to giving his son a daily glass of
-claret, pulling his ears with all the awkwardness of literary affection,
-and trusting to God "that the urchin would never scribble."
-
-"I won't go to school, mamma," bawled Vivian.
-
-"But you must, my love," answered Mrs. Grey; "all good boys go to
-school;" and in the plenitude of a mother's love she tried to make her
-offspring's hair curl.
-
-"I won't have my hair curl, mamma; the boys will laugh at me," rebawled
-the beauty.
-
-"Now who could have told the child that?" monologised mamma, with all a
-mamma's admiration.
-
-"Charles Appleyard told me so; his hair curled, and the boys called him
-girl. Papa! give me some more claret; I won't go to school."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-
-Three or four years passed over, and the mind of Vivian Grey
-astonishingly developed itself. He had long ceased to wear frills, had
-broached the subject of boots three or four times, made a sad inroad
-during the holidays in Mr. Grey's bottle of claret, and was reported as
-having once sworn at the butler. The young gentleman began also to hint,
-during every vacation, that the fellows at Flummery's were somewhat too
-small for his companionship, and (first bud of puppyism!) the former
-advocate of straight hair now expended a portion of his infant income in
-the purchase of Macassar, and began to cultivate his curls. Mrs. Grey
-could not entertain for a moment the idea of her son's associating with
-children, the eldest of whom (to adopt his own account) was not above
-eight years old; so Flummery, it was determined, he should leave. But
-where to go? Mr. Grey was for Eton, but his lady was one of those women
-whom nothing in the world can persuade that a public school is anything
-else but a place where boys are roasted alive; and so with tears, and
-taunts, and supplications, the point of private education was conceded.
-
-At length it was resolved that the only hope should remain at home a
-season, until some plan should be devised for the cultivation of his
-promising understanding. During this year Vivian became a somewhat more
-constant intruder into the library than heretofore; and living so much
-among books, he was insensibly attracted to those silent companions,
-that speak so eloquently.
-
-How far the character of the parent may influence the character of the
-child the metaphysician must decide. Certainly the character of Vivian
-Grey underwent, at this period of his life, a sensible change.
-Doubtless, constant communion with a mind highly refined, severely
-cultivated, and much experienced, cannot but produce a beneficial
-impression, even upon a mind formed and upon principles developed: how
-infinitely more powerful must the influence of such communion be upon a
-youthful heart, ardent, innocent, and unpractised! As Vivian was not to
-figure in the microcosm of a public school, a place for which, from his
-temper, he was almost better fitted than any young genius whom the
-playing fields of Eton or the hills of Winton can remember, there was
-some difficulty in fixing upon his future Academus. Mr. Grey's two
-axioms were, first, that no one so young as his son should settle in the
-metropolis, and that Vivian must consequently not have a private tutor;
-and, secondly, that all private schools were quite worthless; and,
-therefore, there was every probability of Vivian not receiving any
-education whatever.
-
-At length, an exception to axiom second started up in the establishment
-of Mr. Dallas. This gentleman was a clergyman, a profound Grecian, and a
-poor man. He had edited the Alcestis, and married his laundress; lost
-money by his edition, and his fellowship by his match. In a few days the
-hall of Mr. Grey's London mansion was filled with all sorts of
-portmanteaus, trunks, and travelling cases, directed in a boy's
-sprawling hand to "Vivian Grey, Esquire, at the Reverend Everard
-Dallas, Burnsley Vicarage, Hants."
-
-"God bless you, my boy! write to your mother soon, and remember your
-Journal."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-
-The rumour of the arrival of "a new fellow" circulated with rapidity
-through the inmates of Burnsley Vicarage, and about fifty young devils
-were preparing to quiz the newcomer, when the school-room door opened,
-and Mr. Dallas, accompanied by Vivian, entered.
-
-"A dandy, by Jove!" whispered St. Leger Smith. "What a knowing set
-out!" squeaked Johnson secundus. "Mammy-sick!" growled Barlow primus.
-This last exclamation was, however, a scandalous libel, for certainly no
-being ever stood in a pedagogue's presence with more perfect sang froid,
-and with a bolder front, than did, at this moment, Vivian Grey.
-
-One principle in Mr. Dallas's system was always to introduce a new-comer
-in school-hours. He was thus carried immediately in medias res, and the
-curiosity of his co-mates being in a great degree satisfied at the time
-when that curiosity could not personally annoy him, the new-comer was,
-of course, much better prepared to make his way when the absence of the
-ruler became a signal for some oral communication with "the arrival."
-
-However, in the present instance the young savages at Burnsley Vicarage
-had caught a Tartar; and in a very few days Vivian Grey was decidedly
-the most popular fellow in the school. He was "so dashing! so devilish
-good-tempered! so completely up to everything!" The magnates of the land
-were certainly rather jealous of his success, but their very sneers bore
-witness to his popularity. "Cursed puppy," whispered St. Leger Smith.
-"Thinks himself knowing," squeaked Johnson secundus. "Thinks himself
-witty," growled Barlow primus.
-
-Notwithstanding this cabal, days rolled on at Burnsley Vicarage only to
-witness the increase of Vivian's popularity. Although more deficient
-than most of his own age in accurate classical attainments, he found
-himself, in talents and various acquirements, immeasurably their
-superior. And singular is it that at school distinction in such points
-is ten thousand times more admired by the multitude than the most
-profound knowledge of Greek Metres, or the most accurate acquaintance
-with the value of Roman coins. Vivian Grey's English verses and Vivian
-Grey's English themes were the subject of universal commendation. Some
-young lads made copies of these productions, to enrich, at the Christmas
-holidays, their sisters' albums; while the whole school were scribbling
-embryo prize-poems, epics of twenty lines on "the Ruins of Paestum" and
-"the Temple of Minerva;" "Agrigentum," and "the Cascade of Terni."
-Vivian's productions at this time would probably have been rejected by
-the commonest twopenny publication about town, yet they turned the brain
-of the whole school; while fellows who were writing Latin Dissertations
-and Greek Odes, which might have made the fortune of the Classical
-Journal, were looked on by the multitude as as great dunderheads as
-themselves. Such is the advantage which, even in this artificial world,
-everything that is genuine has over everything that is false and forced.
-The dunderheads who wrote "good Latin" and "Attic Greek" did it by a
-process by means of which the youngest fellow in the school was
-conscious he could, if he chose, attain the same perfection. Vivian
-Grey's verses were unlike anything which had yet appeared in the
-literary Annals of Burnsley Vicarage, and that which was quite novel was
-naturally thought quite excellent.
-
-There is no place in the world where greater homage is paid to talent
-than an English school. At a public school, indeed, if a youth of great
-talents be blessed with an amiable and generous disposition, he ought
-not to envy the Minister of England. If any captain of Eton or praefect
-of Winchester be reading these pages, let him dispassionately consider
-in what situation of life he can rationally expect that it will be in
-his power to exercise such influence, to have such opportunities of
-obliging others, and be so confident of an affectionate and grateful
-return. Aye, there's the rub! Bitter thought! that gratitude should
-cease the moment we become men.
-
-And sure I am that Vivian Grey was loved as ardently and as faithfully
-as you might expect from innocent young hearts. His slight
-accomplishments were the standard of all perfection, his sayings were
-the soul of all good fellowship, and his opinion the guide in any crisis
-which occurred in the monotonous existence of the little commonwealth.
-And time flew gaily on.
-
-One winter evening, as Vivian, with some of his particular cronies, were
-standing round the school-room fire, they began, as all schoolboys do
-when it grows rather dark and they grow rather sentimental, to talk
-of HOME.
-
-"Twelve weeks more," said Augustus Etherege; "twelve weeks more, and we
-are free! The glorious day should be celebrated."
-
-"A feast, a feast!" exclaimed Poynings.
-
-"A feast is but the work of a night," said Vivian Grey; "something more
-stirring for me! What say you to private theatricals?"
-
-The proposition was, of course, received with enthusiasm, and it was not
-until they had unanimously agreed to act that they universally
-remembered that acting was not allowed. And then they consulted whether
-they should ask Dallas, and then they remembered that Dallas had been
-asked fifty times, and then they "supposed they must give it up;" and
-then Vivian Grey made a proposition which the rest were secretly sighing
-for, but which they were afraid to make themselves; he proposed that
-they should act without asking Dallas. "Well, then, we'll do it without
-asking him," said Vivian; "nothing is allowed in this life, and
-everything is done: in town there is a thing called the French play, and
-that is not allowed, yet my aunt has got a private box there. Trust me
-for acting, but what shall we perform?"
-
-This question was, as usual, the fruitful source of jarring opinions.
-One proposed Othello, chiefly because it would be so easy to black a
-face with a burnt cork. Another was for Hamlet, solely because he wanted
-to act the ghost, which he proposed doing in white shorts and a
-night-cap. A third was for Julius Caesar, because the murder scene would
-be such fun.
-
-"No! no!" said Vivian, tired at these various and varying proposals,
-"this will never do. Out upon Tragedies; let's have a Comedy!"
-
-"A Comedy! a Comedy! oh! how delightful!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-
-After an immense number of propositions, and an equal number of
-repetitions, Dr. Hoadley's bustling drama was fixed upon. Vivian was to
-act Ranger, Augustus Etherege was to personate Clarinda, because he was
-a fair boy and always blushing; and the rest of the characters found
-able representatives. Every half-holiday was devoted to rehearsals, and
-nothing could exceed the amusement and thorough fun which all the
-preparations elicited. All went well; Vivian wrote a pathetic prologue
-and a witty epilogue. Etherege got on capitally in the mask scene, and
-Poynings was quite perfect in Jack Maggot. There was, of course, some
-difficulty in keeping all things in order, but then Vivian Grey was such
-an excellent manager! and then, with infinite tact, the said manager
-conciliated the Classics, for he allowed St. Leger Smith to select a
-Greek motto, from the Andromache, for the front of the theatre; and
-Johnson secundus and Barlow primus were complimented by being allowed to
-act the chairmen.
-
-But alas! in the midst of all this sunshine, the seeds of discord and
-dissension were fast flourishing. Mr. Dallas himself was always so
-absorbed in some freshly-imported German commentator that it was a fixed
-principle with him never to trouble himself with anything that concerned
-his pupils "out of school hours." The consequence was, that certain
-powers were necessarily delegated to a certain set of beings
-called USHERS.
-
-The usherian rule had, however, always been comparatively light at
-Burnsley Vicarage, for the good Dallas, never for a moment entrusting
-the duties of tuition to a third person, engaged these deputies merely
-as a sort of police, to regulate the bodies, rather than the minds, of
-his youthful subjects. One of the first principles of the new theory
-introduced into the establishment of Burnsley Vicarage by Mr. Vivian
-Grey was, that the ushers were to be considered by the boys as a
-species of upper servants; were to be treated with civility, certainly,
-as all servants are by gentlemen; but that no further attention was to
-be paid them, and that any fellow voluntarily conversing with an usher
-was to be cut dead by the whole school. This pleasant arrangement was no
-secret to those whom it most immediately concerned, and, of course,
-rendered Vivian rather a favourite with them. These men had not the tact
-to conciliate the boy, and were, notwithstanding, too much afraid of his
-influence in the school to attack him openly; so they waited with that
-patience which insulted beings can alone endure.
-
-One of these creatures must not be forgotten; his name was Mallett; he
-was a perfect specimen of the genuine usher. The monster wore a black
-coat and waistcoat; the residue of his costume was of that mysterious
-colour known by the name of pepper-and-salt. He was a pallid wretch with
-a pug nose, white teeth, and marked with the small-pox: long, greasy,
-black hair, and small black, beady eyes. This daemon watched the
-progress of the theatrical company with eyes gloating with vengeance. No
-attempt had been made to keep the fact of the rehearsal a secret from
-the police; no objection, on their part, had as yet been made; the
-twelve weeks diminished to six; Ranger had secretly ordered a dress from
-town, and was to get a steel-handled sword from Fentum's for Jack
-Maggot; and everything was proceeding with delightful success, when one
-morning, as Mr. Dallas was apparently about to take his departure, with
-a volume of Becker's Thucydides under his arm, the respected Dominie
-stopped, and thus harangued: "I am informed that a great deal is going
-on in this family with which it is intended that I shall be kept
-unacquainted. It is not my intention to name anybody or anything at
-present; but I must say that of late the temper of this family has sadly
-changed. Whether there be any seditious stranger among you or not, I
-shall not at present even endeavour to discover; but I will warn my old
-friends of their new ones:" and so saying, the Dominie withdrew.
-
-All eyes were immediately fixed on Vivian, and the faces of the Classics
-were triumphant with smiles; those of the manager's particular friends,
-the Romantics, we may call them, were clouded; but who shall describe
-the countenance of Mallett? In a moment the school broke up with an
-agitated and tumultuous uproar. "No stranger!" shouted St. Leger Smith;
-"no stranger!" vociferated a prepared gang. Vivian's friends were
-silent, for they hesitated to accept for their leader the insulting
-title. Those who were neither Vivian's friends nor in the secret, weak
-creatures who side always with the strongest, immediately swelled the
-insulting chorus of Mr. St. Leger Smith. That worthy, emboldened by his
-success and the smiles of Mallett, contained himself no longer: "Down
-with the manager!" he cried. His satellites chorussed. But now Vivian
-rushed forward. "Mr. Smith, I thank you for being so definite; take
-that!" and he struck Smith with such force that the Cleon staggered and
-fell; but Smith instantly recovered, and a ring was instantly formed. To
-a common observer, the combatants were unequally matched; for Smith was
-a burly, big-limbed animal, alike superior to Grey in years and
-strength. But Vivian, though delicate in frame and more youthful, was
-full his match in spirit, and, thanks to being a Cockney! ten times his
-match in science. He had not built a white great coat or drunk blue ruin
-at Ben Burn's for nothing!
-
-Oh! how beautifully he fought! how admirably straight he hit! and his
-stops quick as lightning! and his followings up confounding his
-adversary with their painful celerity! Smith alike puzzled and punished,
-yet proud in his strength, hit round, and wild, and false, and foamed
-like a furious elephant. For ten successive rounds the result was
-dubious; but in the eleventh the strength of Smith began to fail him,
-and the men were more fairly matched. "Go it, Ranger! go it, Ranger!"
-halloed the Greyites; "No stranger! no stranger!" eagerly bawled the
-more numerous party. "Smith's floored, by Jove!" exclaimed Poynings, who
-was Grey's second. "At it again! at it again!" exclaimed all. And now,
-when Smith must certainly have given in, suddenly stepped forward Mr.
-Mallett, accompanied by--Dallas!
-
-"How, Mr. Grey! No answer, sir; I understand that you have always an
-answer ready. I do not quote Scripture lightly, Mr. Grey; but 'Take heed
-that you offend not, even with your tongue.' Now, sir, to your room."
-
-When Vivian Grey again joined his companions, he found himself almost
-universally shunned. Etherege and Poynings were the only individuals who
-met him with their former frankness.
-
-"A horrible row, Grey," said the latter. "After you went, the Doctor
-harangued the whole school, and swears you have seduced and ruined us
-all; everything was happiness until you came, &c. Mallett is of course
-at the bottom of the whole business: but what can we do? Dallas says you
-have the tongue of a serpent, and that he will not trust himself to hear
-your defence. Infamous shame! I swear! And now every fellow has got a
-story against you: some say you are a dandy, others want to know whether
-the next piece performed at your theatre will be 'The Stranger;' as for
-myself and Etherege, we shall leave in a few weeks, and it does not
-signify to us; but what the devil you're to do next half, by Jove, I
-can't say. If I were you, I would not return."
-
-"Not return, eh! but that will I, though; and we shall see who, in
-future, can complain of the sweetness of my voice! Ungrateful fools!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-
-The Vacation was over, and Vivian returned to Burnsley Vicarage. He
-bowed cavalierly to Mr. Dallas on his arrival, and immediately sauntered
-up into the school-room, where he found a tolerable quantity of wretches
-looking as miserable as schoolboys who have left their pleasant homes
-generally do for some four-and-twenty hours. "How d'ye do, Grey? How
-d'ye do, Grey?" burst from a knot of unhappy fellows, who would have
-felt quite delighted had their newly arrived co-mate condescended to
-entertain them, as usual, with some capital good story fresh from town.
-But they were disappointed.
-
-"We can make room for you at the fire, Grey," said Theophilus
-
-"I thank you, I am not cold."
-
-"I suppose you know that Poynings and Etherege don't come back, Grey?"
-
-"Everybody knew that last half:" and so he walked on.
-
-"Grey, Grey!" halloed King, "don't go into the dining-room; Mallett is
-there alone, and told us not to disturb him. By Jove, the fellow is
-going in: there will be a greater row this half between Grey and Mallett
-than ever."
-
-Days, the heavy first days of the half, rolled on, and all the citizens
-of the little commonwealth had returned.
-
-"What a dull half this will be!" said Eardley; "how one misses Grey's
-set! After all, they kept the school alive: Poynings was a first-rate
-fellow, and Etherege so deuced good-natured! I wonder whom Grey will
-crony with this half; have you seen him and Dallas speak together yet?
-He cut the Doctor quite dead at Greek to-day."
-
-"Why, Eardley! Eardley! there is Grey walking round playing fields with
-Mallett!" halloed a sawney who was killing the half-holiday by looking
-out of the window.
-
-"The devil! I say, Matthews, whose flute is that? It is a devilish
-handsome one!"
-
-"It's Grey's! I clean it for him," squeaked a little boy. "He gives me
-sixpence a week!"
-
-"Oh, you sneak!" said one.
-
-"Cut him over!"
-
-"Roast him!" cried a third.
-
-"To whom are you going to take the flute?" asked a fourth.
-
-"To Mallett," squeaked the little fellow. "Grey lends his flute to
-Mallett every day."
-
-"Grey lends his flute to Mallett! The deuce he does! So Grey and Mallett
-are going to crony!"
-
-A wild exclamation burst forth from the little party; and away each of
-them ran, to spread in all directions the astounding intelligence.
-
-If the rule of the ushers had hitherto been light at Burnsley Vicarage,
-its character was materially changed during this half-year. The
-vexatious and tyrannical influence of Mallett was now experienced in all
-directions, meeting and interfering with the comforts of the boys in
-every possible manner. His malice was accompanied, too, by a tact which
-could not have been expected from his vulgar mind, and which, at the
-same time, could not have been produced by the experience of one in his
-situation. It was quite evident to the whole community that his conduct
-was dictated by another mind, and that that mind was one versed in all
-the secrets of a school-boy's life, and acquainted with all the workings
-of a school-boy's mind: a species of knowledge which no pedagogue in the
-world ever yet attained. There was no difficulty in discovering whose
-was the power behind the throne. Vivian Grey was the perpetual companion
-of Mallett in his walks, and even in the school; he shunned also the
-converse of every one of the boys, and did not affect to conceal that
-his quarrel was universal. Superior power, exercised by a superior mind,
-was for a long time more than a match even for the united exertions of
-the whole school. If any one complained, Mallett's written answer (and
-such Dallas always required) was immediately ready, explaining
-everything in the most satisfactory manner, and refuting every complaint
-with the most triumphant spirit. Dallas, of course, supported his
-deputy, and was soon equally detested. This tyranny had continued
-through a great part of the long half-year, and the spirit of the school
-was almost broken, when a fresh outrage occurred, of such a nature that
-the nearly enslaved multitude conspired.
-
-The plot was admirably formed. On the first bell ringing for school, the
-door was to be immediately barred, to prevent the entrance of Dallas.
-Instant vengeance was then to be taken on Mallett and his companion--the
-sneak! the spy! the traitor! The bell rang: the door was barred: four
-stout fellows seized on Mallett, four rushed to Vivian Grey: but stop:
-he sprang upon his desk, and, placing his back against the wall, held a
-pistol at the foremost: "Not an inch nearer, Smith, or I fire. Let me
-not, however, baulk your vengeance on yonder hound: if I could suggest
-any refinements in torture, they would be at your service." Vivian Grey
-smiled, while the horrid cries of Mallett indicated that the boys were
-"roasting" him. He then walked to the door and admitted the barred-out
-Dominie. Silence was restored. There was an explanation and no defence;
-and Vivian Grey was expelled.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-
-Vivian was now seventeen; and the system of private education having so
-decidedly failed, it was resolved that he should spend the years
-antecedent to his going to Oxford at home. Nothing could be a greater
-failure than the first weeks of his "course of study." He was
-perpetually violating the sanctity of the drawing-room by the presence
-of Scapulas and Hederics, and outraging the propriety of morning
-visitors by bursting into his mother's boudoir with lexicons
-and slippers.
-
-"Vivian, my dear," said his father to him one day, "this will never do;
-you must adopt some system for your studies, and some locality for your
-reading. Have a room to yourself; set apart certain hours in the day
-for your books, and allow no consideration on earth to influence you to
-violate their sacredness; and above all, my dear boy, keep your papers
-in order. I find a dissertation on 'The Commerce of Carthage' stuck in
-my large paper copy of 'Dibdin's Decameron,' and an 'Essay on the
-Metaphysics of Music' (pray, my dear fellow, beware of magazine
-scribbling) cracking the back of Montfaucon's 'Monarchie.'"
-
-Vivian apologised, promised, protested, and finally sat down "TO READ."
-He had laid the foundations of accurate classical knowledge under the
-tuition of the learned Dallas; and twelve hours a day and
-self-banishment from society overcame, in twelve months, the ill effects
-of his imperfect education. The result of this extraordinary exertion
-may be conceived. At the end of twelve months, Vivian, like many other
-young enthusiasts, had discovered that all the wit and wisdom of the
-world were concentrated in some fifty antique volumes, and he treated
-the unlucky moderns with the most sublime spirit of hauteur imaginable.
-A chorus in the Medea, that painted the radiant sky of Attica, disgusted
-him with the foggy atmosphere of Great Britain; and while Mrs. Grey was
-meditating a visit to Brighton, her son was dreaming of the gulf of
-Salamis. The spectre in the Persae was his only model for a ghost, and
-the furies in the Orestes were his perfection of tragical machinery.
-
-Most ingenious and educated youths have fallen into the same error, but
-few have ever carried such feelings to the excess that Vivian Grey did;
-for while his mind was daily becoming more enervated under the beautiful
-but baneful influence of Classic Reverie, the youth lighted upon PLATO.
-
-Wonderful is it that while the whole soul of Vivian Grey seemed
-concentrated and wrapped in the glorious pages of the Athenian; while,
-with keen and almost inspired curiosity, he searched, and followed up,
-and meditated upon, the definite mystery, the indefinite development;
-while his spirit alternately bowed in trembling and in admiration, as he
-seemed to be listening to the secrets of the Universe revealed in the
-glorious melodies of an immortal voice; wonderful is it, I say, that the
-writer, the study of whose works appeared to the young scholar, in the
-revelling of his enthusiasm, to be the sole object for which man was
-born and had his being, was the cause by which Vivian Grey was saved
-from being all his life a dreaming scholar.
-
-Determined to spare no exertions, and to neglect no means, by which he
-might enter into the very penetralia of his mighty master's meaning,
-Vivian determined to attack the latter Platonists. These were a race of
-men, of whose existence he knew merely by the references to their
-productions which were sprinkled in the commentaries of his "best
-editions." In the pride of boyish learning, Vivian had limited his
-library to Classics, and the proud leaders of the later schools did not
-consequently grace his diminutive bookcase. In this dilemma he flew to
-his father, and confessed by his request that his favourites were not
-all-sufficient.
-
-"Father! I wish to make myself master of the latter Platonists. I want
-Plotinus, and Porphyry, and Iamblichus, and Syrirnus, and Maximus
-Tyrius, and Proclus, and Hierocles, and Sallustius, and Damascius."
-
-Mr. Grey stared at his son, and laughed.
-
-"My dear Vivian! are you quite convinced that the authors you ask for
-are all pure Platonists? or have not some of them placed the great end
-rather in practical than theoretic virtue, and thereby violated the
-first principles of your master? which would be shocking. Are you sure,
-too, that these gentlemen have actually 'withdrawn the sacred veil,
-which covers from profane eyes the luminous spectacles?' Are you quite
-convinced that every one of these worthies lived at least five hundred
-years after the great master? for I need not tell so profound a
-Platonist as yourself that it was not till that period that even
-glimpses of the great master's meaning were discovered. Strange! that
-TIME should alike favour the philosophy of theory and the philosophy of
-facts. Mr. Vivian Grey, benefiting, I presume, by the lapse of further
-centuries, is about to complete the great work which Proclus and
-Porphyry commenced."
-
-"My dear sir! you are pleased to be amusing this morning."
-
-"My dear boy! I smile, but not with joy. Sit down, and let us have a
-little conversation together. Father and son, and father and son on such
-terms as we are, should really communicate oftener together than we do.
-It has been, perhaps, my fault; it shall not be so again."
-
-"My dear sir!"
-
-"Nay, nay, it shall be my fault now. Whose it shall be in future,
-Vivian, time will show. My dear Vivian, you have now spent upwards of a
-year under this roof, and your conduct has been as correct as the most
-rigid parent might require. I have not wished to interfere with the
-progress of your mind, and I regret it. I have been negligent, but not
-wilfully so. I do regret it; because, whatever may be your powers,
-Vivian, I at least have the advantage of experience. I see you smile at
-a word which I so often use. Well, well, were I to talk to you for ever,
-you would not understand what I mean by that single word. The time will
-come when you will deem that single word everything. Ardent youths in
-their closets, Vivian, too often fancy that they are peculiar beings;
-and I have no reason to believe that you are an exception to the general
-rule. In passing one whole year of your life, as you have done, you
-doubtless imagine that you have been spending your hours in a manner
-which no others have done before. Trust me, my boy, thousands have done
-the same; and, what is of still more importance, thousands are doing,
-and will do, the same. Take the advice of one who has committed as many,
-ay more, follies than yourself; but who would bless the hour that he had
-been a fool if his experience might be of benefit to his beloved son."
-
-"My father!"
-
-"Nay, don't agitate yourself; we are consulting together. Let us see
-what is to be done. Try to ascertain, when you are alone, what may be
-the chief objects of your existence in this world. I want you to take no
-theological dogmas for granted, nor to satisfy your doubts by ceasing to
-think; but, whether we are in this world in a state of probation for
-another, or whether we cease altogether when we cease to breathe, human
-feelings tell me that we have some duties to perform; to our fellow
-creatures, to our friends, to ourselves. Pray tell me, my dear boy, what
-possible good your perusal of the latter Platonists can produce to
-either of these three interests? I trust that my child is not one of
-those who look with a glazed eye on the welfare of their fellow-men, and
-who would dream away an useless life by idle puzzles of the brain;
-creatures who consider their existence as an unprofitable mystery, and
-yet are afraid to die. You will find Plotinus in the fourth shelf of the
-next room, Vivian."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII
-
-
-In England, personal distinction is the only passport to the society of
-the great. Whether this distinction arise from fortune, family, or
-talent, is immaterial; but certain it is, to enter into high society, a
-man must either have blood, a million, or a genius.
-
-The reputation of Mr. Grey had always made him an honoured guest among
-the powerful and the great. It was for this reason that he had always
-been anxious that his son should be at home as little as possible; for
-he feared for a youth the fascination of London society. Although busied
-with his studies, and professing "not to visit," Vivian could not avoid
-occasionally finding himself in company in which boys should never be
-seen; and, what was still worse, from a certain social spirit, an
-indefinable tact with which Nature had endowed him, this boy of nineteen
-began to think this society delightful. Most persons of his age would
-have passed through the ordeal with perfect safety; they would have
-entered certain rooms, at certain hours, with stiff cravats, and Nugee
-coats, and black velvet waistcoats; and after having annoyed all those
-who condescended to know of their existence, with their red hands and
-their white gloves, they would have retired to a corner of the room, and
-conversationised with any stray four-year-older not yet sent to bed.
-
-But Vivian Grey was a graceful, lively lad, with just enough of dandyism
-to preserve him from committing gaucheries, and with a devil of a
-tongue. All men will agree with me that the only rival to be feared by a
-man of spirit is a clever boy. What makes them so popular with women it
-is difficult to explain; however, Lady Julia Knighton, and Mrs. Frank
-Delmington, and half a score of dames of fashion, were always
-patronising our hero, who found an evening spent in their society not
-altogether dull, for there is no fascination so irresistible to a boy as
-the smile of a married woman. Vivian had passed such a recluse life for
-the last two years and a half, that he had quite forgotten that he was
-once considered an agreeable fellow; and so, determined to discover what
-right he ever had to such a reputation, he dashed into all these
-amourettes in beautiful style.
-
-But Vivian Grey was a young and tender plant in a moral hothouse. His
-character was developing itself too soon. Although his evenings were now
-generally passed in the manner we have alluded to, this boy was, during
-the rest of the day, a hard and indefatigable student; and having now
-got through an immense series of historical reading, he had stumbled
-upon a branch of study certainly the most delightful in the world; but,
-for a boy, as certainly the most perilous, THE STUDY OF POLITICS.
-
-And now everything was solved! the inexplicable longings of his soul,
-which had so often perplexed him, were at length explained. The want,
-the indefinable want, which he had so constantly experienced, was at
-last supplied; the grand object on which to bring the powers of his mind
-to bear and work was at last provided. He paced his chamber in an
-agitated spirit, and panted for the Senate.
-
-It may be asked, what was the evil of all this? and the reader will,
-perhaps, murmur something about an honourable spirit and youthful
-ambition. The evil was great. The time drew nigh for Vivian to leave his
-home for Oxford, that is, for him to commence his long preparation for
-entering on his career in life. And now this person, who was about to be
-a pupil, this stripling, who was going to begin his education, had all
-the desires of a matured mind, of an experienced man, but without
-maturity and without experience. He was already a cunning reader of
-human hearts; and felt conscious that his was a tongue which was born to
-guide human beings. The idea of Oxford to such an individual was
-an insult!
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII
-
-
-We must endeavour to trace, if possible, more accurately the workings of
-Vivian Grey's mind at this period of his existence. In the plenitude of
-his ambition, he stopped one day to enquire in what manner he could
-obtain his magnificent ends.
-
-"The Bar: pooh! law and bad jokes till we are forty; and then, with the
-most brilliant success, the prospect of gout and a coronet. Besides, to
-succeed as an advocate, I must be a great lawyer; and, to be a great
-lawyer, I must give up my chance of being a great man. The Services in
-war time are fit only for desperadoes (and that truly am I); but, in
-peace, are fit only for fools. The Church is more rational. Let me see:
-I should certainly like to act Wolsey; but the thousand and one chances
-against me! And truly I feel my destiny should not be on a chance. Were
-I the son of a millionaire, or a noble, I might have all. Curse on my
-lot! that the want of a few rascal counters, and the possession of a
-little rascal blood, should mar my fortunes!"
-
-Such was the general tenor of Vivian's thoughts, until, musing himself
-almost into madness, he at last made, as he conceived, the Grand
-Discovery. Riches are Power, says the Economist; and is not Intellect?
-asks the Philosopher. And yet, while the influence of the millionaire is
-instantly felt in all classes of society, how is it that "Noble Mind" so
-often leaves us unknown and unhonoured? Why have there been statesmen
-who have never ruled, and heroes who have never conquered? Why have
-glorious philosophers died in a garret? and why have there been poets
-whose only admirer has been Nature in her echoes? It must be that these
-beings have thought only of themselves, and, constant and elaborate
-students of their own glorious natures, have forgotten or disdained the
-study of all others. Yes! we must mix with the herd; we must enter into
-their feelings; we must humour their weaknesses; we must sympathise with
-the sorrows that we do not feel; and share the merriment of fools. Oh,
-yes! to rule men, we must be men; to prove that we are strong, we must
-be weak; to prove that we are giants, we must be dwarfs; even as the
-Eastern Genie was hid in the charmed bottle. Our wisdom must be
-concealed under folly, and our constancy under caprice.
-
-"I have been often struck by the ancient tales of Jupiter's visits to
-the earth. In these fanciful adventures, the god bore no indication of
-the Thunderer's glory; but was a man of low estate, a herdsman, a hind,
-often even an animal. A mighty spirit has in Tradition, Time's great
-moralist, perused 'the wisdom of the ancients.' Even in the same spirit,
-I would explain Jove's terrestrial visitings. For, to govern man, even
-the god appeared to feel as a man; and sometimes as a beast, was
-apparently influenced by their vilest passions. Mankind, then, is my
-great game.
-
-"At this moment, how many a powerful noble wants only wit to be a
-Minister; and what wants Vivian Grey to attain the same end? That
-noble's influence. When two persons can so materially assist each
-other, why are they not brought together? Shall I, because my birth
-baulks my fancy, shall I pass my life a moping misanthrope in an old
-chateau? Supposing I am in contact with this magnifico, am I prepared?
-Now, let me probe my very soul. Does my cheek blanch? I have the mind
-for the conception; and I can perform right skilfully upon the most
-splendid of musical instruments, the human voice, to make those
-conceptions beloved by others. There wants but one thing more: courage,
-pure, perfect courage; and does Vivian Grey know fear?" He laughed an
-answer of bitterest derision.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX
-
-
-Is it surprising that Vivian Grey, with a mind teeming with such
-feelings, should view the approach of the season for his departure to
-Oxford with sentiments of disgust? After hours of bitter meditation, he
-sought his father; he made him acquainted with his feelings, but
-concealed from him his actual views, and dwelt on the misery of being
-thrown back in life, at a period when society seemed instinct with a
-spirit peculiarly active, and when so many openings were daily offered
-to the adventurous and the bold.
-
-"Vivian," said Mr. Grey, "beware of endeavouring to become a great man
-in a hurry. One such attempt in ten thousand may succeed: these are
-fearful odds. Admirer as you are of Lord Bacon, you may perhaps remember
-a certain parable of his, called 'Memnon, or a youth too forward.' I
-hope you are not going to be one of those sons of Aurora, 'who, puffed
-up with the glittering show of vanity and ostentation, attempt actions
-above their strength.'
-
-"You talk to me about the peculiarly active spirit of society; if the
-spirit of society be so peculiarly active, Mr. Vivian Grey should beware
-lest it outstrip him. Is neglecting to mature your mind, my boy, exactly
-the way to win the race? This is an age of unsettled opinions and
-contested principles; in the very measures of our administration, the
-speculative spirit of the present day is, to say the least, not
-impalpable. Nay, don't start, my dear fellow, and look the very
-Prosopopeia of Political Economy! I know exactly what you are going to
-say; but, if you please, we will leave Turgot and Galileo to Mr.
-Canning and the House of Commons, or your Cousin Hargrave and his
-Debating Society. However, jesting apart, get your hat, and walk with me
-as far as Evans's, where I have promised to look in, to see the Mazarin
-Bible, and we will talk this affair over as we go along.
-
-"I am no bigot, you know, Vivian. I am not one of those who wish to
-oppose the application of refined philosophy to the common business of
-life. We are, I hope, an improving race; there is room, I am sure, for
-great improvement, and the perfectibility of man is certainly a pretty
-dream. (How well that Union Club House comes out now, since they have
-made the opening), but, although we may have steam kitchens, human
-nature is, I imagine, much the same this moment that we are walking in
-Pall Mall East, as it was some thousand years ago, when as wise men were
-walking on the banks of the Ilyssus. When our moral powers increase in
-proportion to our physical ones, then huzza, for the perfectibility of
-man! and respectable, idle loungers like you and I, Vivian, may then
-have a chance of walking in the streets of London without having their
-heels trodden upon, a ceremony which I have this moment undergone. In
-the present day we are all studying science, and none of us are studying
-ourselves. This is not exactly the Socratic process; and as for the
-[Greek: gnothi seauton] of the more ancient Athenian, that principle is
-quite out of fashion in the nineteenth century (I believe that's the
-phrase). Self is the only person whom we know nothing about.
-
-"But, my dear Vivian, as to the immediate point of our consideration. In
-my library, uninfluenced and uncontrolled by passion or by party, I
-cannot but see that it is utterly impossible that all that we are
-wishing and striving for can take place, without some, without much
-evil. In ten years' time, perhaps, or less, the fever will have
-subsided, and in ten years' time, or less, your intellect will be
-matured. Now, my good sir, instead of talking about the active spirit of
-the age, and the opportunities offered to the adventurous and the bold,
-ought you not rather to congratulate yourself that a great change is
-effecting at a period of your life when you need not, individually, be
-subjected to the possibility of being injured by its operation; and when
-you are preparing your mind to take advantage of the system, when that
-system is matured and organised?
-
-"As to your request, it assuredly is one of the most modest, and the
-most rational, that I have lately been favoured with. Although I would
-much rather that any influence which I may exercise over your mind,
-should be the effect of my advice as your friend than of my authority as
-your father; still I really feel it my duty, parentally, to protest
-against this crude proposition of yours. However, if you choose to lose
-a term or two, do. Don't blame me, you know, if afterwards you
-repent it."
-
-Here dashed by the gorgeous equipage of Mrs. Ormolu, the wife of a man
-who was working all the gold and silver mines in Christendom. "Ah! my
-dear Vivian," said Mr. Grey, "it is this which has turned all your
-brains. In this age every one is striving to make an immense fortune,
-and what is most terrific, at the same time a speedy one. This thirst
-for sudden wealth it is which engenders the extravagant conceptions, and
-fosters that wild spirit of speculation which is now stalking abroad;
-and which, like the Daemon in Frankenstein, not only fearfully wanders
-over the whole wide face of nature, but grins in the imagined solitude
-of our secret chambers. Oh! my son, it is for the young men of the
-present day that I tremble; seduced by the temporary success of a few
-children of fortune, I observe that their minds recoil from the
-prospects which are held forth by the ordinary, and, mark me, by the
-only modes of acquiring property, fair trade, and honourable
-professions. It is for you and your companions that I fear. God grant
-that there may not be a moral as well as a political disorganisation!
-God grant that our youth, the hope of our state, may not be lost to us!
-For, oh! my son, the wisest has said, 'He that maketh haste to be rich
-shall not be innocent.' Let us step into Clarke's and take an ice."
-
-
-
-
-BOOK II
-
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-
-The Marquess of Carabas started in life as the cadet of a noble family.
-The earl, his father, like the woodman in the fairy tale, was blessed
-with three sons: the first was an idiot, and was destined for the
-Coronet; the second was a man of business, and was educated for the
-Commons; the third was a Roue, and was shipped to the Colonies.
-
-The present Marquess, then the Honourable Sidney Lorraine, prospered in
-his political career. He was servile, and pompous, and indefatigable,
-and loquacious, so whispered the world: his friends hailed him as, at
-once, a courtier and a sage, a man of business and an orator. After
-revelling in his fair proportion of commissionerships, and
-under-secretaryships, and the rest of the milk and honey of the
-political Canaan, the apex of the pyramid of his ambition was at length
-visible, for Sidney Lorraine became President of a Board, and wriggled
-into the adytum of the cabinet.
-
-At this moment his idiot brother died. To compensate for his loss of
-office, and to secure his votes, the Earl of Carabas was promoted in the
-peerage, and was presented with some magnificent office, meaning
-nothing; swelling with dignity, and void of duties. As years rolled on,
-various changes took place in the administration, of which his Lordship
-was once a component part; and the ministry, to their surprise, getting
-popular, found that the command of the Carabas interest was not of such
-vital importance to them as heretofore, and so his Lordship was voted a
-bore, and got shelved. Not that his Lordship was bereaved of his
-splendid office, or that anything occurred, indeed, by which the
-uninitiated might have been led to suppose that the beams of his
-Lordship's consequence were shorn; but the Marquess's secret
-applications at the Treasury were no longer listened to, and pert
-under-secretaries settled their cravats, and whispered "that the Carabas
-interest was gone by."
-
-The noble Marquess was not insensible to his situation, for he was what
-the world calls ambitious; but the vigour of his faculties had vanished
-beneath the united influence of years and indolence and ill-humour; for
-his Lordship, to avoid ennui, had quarrelled with his son, and then,
-having lost his only friend, had quarrelled with himself.
-
-Such was the distinguished individual who graced, one day at the latter
-end of the season of 18--, the classic board of Horace Grey, Esquire.
-The reader will, perhaps, be astonished, that such a man as his Lordship
-should be the guest of such a man as our hero's father; but the truth
-is, the Marquess of Carabas had just been disappointed in an attempt on
-the chair of the President of the Royal Society, which, for want of
-something better to do, he was ambitious of filling, and this was a
-conciliatory visit to one of the most distinguished members of that
-body, and one who had voted against him with particular enthusiasm. The
-Marquess, still a politician, was now, as he imagined, securing his
-host's vote for a future St. Andrew's day.
-
-The cuisine of Mr. Grey was superb; for although an enthusiastic
-advocate for the cultivation of the mind, he was an equally ardent
-supporter of the cultivation of the body. Indeed, the necessary
-dependence of the sanity of the one on the good keeping of the other,
-was one of his favourite theories, and one which, this day, he was
-supporting with pleasant and facetious reasoning. His Lordship was
-delighted with his new friend, and still more delighted with his new
-friend's theory. The Marquess himself was, indeed, quite of the same
-opinion as Mr. Grey; for he never made a speech without previously
-taking a sandwich, and would have sunk under the estimates a thousand
-times, had it not been for the juicy friendship of the fruit
-of Portugal.
-
-The guests were not numerous. A regius professor of Greek; an officer
-just escaped from Sockatoo; a man of science, and two M.P.'s with his
-Lordship; the host, and Mr. Vivian Grey, constituted the party. Oh, no!
-there were two others. There was a Mr. John Brown, a fashionable poet,
-and who, ashamed of his own name, published his melodies under the more
-euphonious and romantic title of "Clarence Devonshire," and there was a
-Mr. Thomas Smith, a fashionable novelist; that is to say, a person who
-occasionally publishes three volumes, one half of which contain the
-adventures of a young gentleman in the country, and the other volume and
-a half the adventures of the same young gentleman in the metropolis; a
-sort of writer, whose constant tattle about beer and billiards, and
-eating soup, and the horribility of "committing" puns, give truly an
-admirable and accurate idea of the conversation of the refined society
-of the refined metropolis of Great Britain. These two last gentlemen
-were "pets" of Mrs. Grey.
-
-The conversation may be conceived. Each person was of course prepared
-with a certain quota of information, without which no man in London is
-morally entitled to dine out; and when the quota was expended, the
-amiable host took the burthen upon his own shoulders, and endeavoured,
-as the phrase goes, to draw out his guests.
-
-O London dinners! empty artificial nothings! and that beings can be
-found, and those too the flower of the land, who, day after day, can
-act the same parts in the same dull, dreary farce! The officer had
-discoursed sufficiently about "his intimate friend, the Soudan," and
-about the chain armour of the Sockatoo cuirassiers; and one of the
-M.P.'s, who was in the Guards, had been defeated in a ridiculous attempt
-to prove that the breast-plates of the household troops of Great Britain
-were superior to those of the household troops of Timtomtoo. Mrs. Grey,
-to whose opinion both parties deferred, gave it in favour of the Soudan.
-And the man of science had lectured about a machine which might destroy
-fifteen square feet of human beings in a second, and yet be carried in
-the waistcoat pocket. And the classic, who, for a professor, was quite a
-man of the world, had the latest news of the new Herculaneum process,
-and was of opinion that, if they could but succeed in unrolling a
-certain suspicious-looking scroll, we might be so fortunate as to
-possess a minute treatise on &c., &c., &c. In short, all had said their
-say. There was a dead pause, and Mrs. Grey looked at her husband,
-and rose.
-
-How singular it is, that when this move takes place every one appears to
-be relieved, and yet every one of any experience must be quite aware
-that the dead bore work is only about to commence. Howbeit, all filled
-their glasses, and the peer, at the top of the table, began to talk
-politics. I am sure I cannot tell what the weighty subject was that was
-broached by the ex-minister; for I did not dine with Grey that day, and
-had I done so, I should have been equally ignorant, for I am a dull man,
-and always sleep at dinner. However, the subject was political, the
-claret flew round, and a stormy argument commenced. The Marquess was
-decidedly wrong, and was sadly badgered by the civil M.P. and the
-professor. The host, who was of no party, supported his guest as long as
-possible, and then left him to his fate. The military M.P. fled to the
-drawing-room to philander with Mrs. Grey; and the man of science and the
-African had already retired to the intellectual idiocy of a May Fair "At
-Home." The novelist was silent, for he was studying a scene; and the
-poet was absent, for he was musing a sonnet.
-
-The Marquess refuted, had recourse to contradiction, and was too acute a
-man to be insensible to the forlornness of his situation; when, at this
-moment, a voice proceeded from the end of the table, from a young
-gentleman, who had hitherto preserved a profound silence, but whose
-silence, if the company were to have judged from the tones of his
-voice, and the matter of his communication, did not altogether proceed
-from a want of confidence in his own abilities. "In my opinion," said
-Mr. Vivian Grey, as he sat lounging in his father's vacated seat, "in my
-opinion his Lordship has been misunderstood; and it is, as is generally
-the case, from a slight verbal misconception in the commencement of this
-argument, that the whole of this difference arises."
-
-The eyes of the Marquess sparkled, and the mouth of the Marquess was
-closed. His Lordship was delighted that his reputation might yet be
-saved; but as he was not perfectly acquainted in what manner that
-salvation was to be effected, he prudently left the battle to his
-youthful champion.
-
-Mr. Vivian Grey proceeded with the utmost sang froid; he commented upon
-expressions, split and subtilised words, insinuated opinions, and
-finally quoted a whole passage of Bolingbroke to prove that the opinion
-of the most noble the Marquess of Carabas was one of the soundest,
-wisest, and most convincing of opinions that ever was promulgated by
-mortal man. The tables were turned, the guests looked astounded, the
-Marquess settled his ruffles, and perpetually exclaimed, "Exactly what I
-meant!" and his opponents, full of wine and quite puzzled, gave in.
-
-It was a rule with Vivian Grey never to advance any opinion as his own.
-He had been too deep a student of human nature, not to be aware that the
-opinions of a boy of twenty, however sound, and however correct, stand
-but a poor chance of being adopted by his elder, though feebler,
-fellow-creatures. In attaining any end, it was therefore his system
-always to advance his opinion as that of some eminent and considered
-personage; and when, under the sanction of this name, the opinion or
-advice was entertained and listened to, Vivian Grey had no fear that he
-could prove its correctness and its expediency. He possessed also the
-singular faculty of being able to improvise quotations, that is, he
-could unpremeditatedly clothe his conceptions in language characteristic
-of the style of any particular author; and Vivian Grey was reputed in
-the world as having the most astonishing memory that ever existed; for
-there was scarcely a subject of discussion in which he did not gain the
-victory, by the great names he enlisted on his side of the argument. His
-father was aware of the existence of this dangerous faculty, and had
-often remonstrated with his son on the use of it. On the present
-occasion, when the buzz had somewhat subsided, Mr. Grey looked smiling
-to his son, and said, "Vivian, my dear, can you tell me in what work of
-Bolingbroke I can find the eloquent passage you have just quoted?"
-
-"Ask Mr. Hargrave, sir," replied the son, with perfect coolness; then,
-turning to the member, "You know, Mr. Hargrave, you are reputed the most
-profound political student in the House, and more intimately acquainted
-than any other person with the works of Bolingbroke."
-
-Mr. Hargrave knew no such thing; but he was a weak man, and, seduced by
-the compliment, he was afraid to prove himself unworthy of it by
-confessing his ignorance of the passage.
-
-Coffee was announced.
-
-Vivian did not let the peer escape him in the drawing-room. He soon
-managed to enter into conversation with him; and certainly the Marquess
-of Carabas never found a more entertaining companion. Vivian discoursed
-on a new Venetian liqueur, and taught the Marquess how to mull Moselle,
-an operation of which the Marquess had never heard (as who has?); and
-then the flood of anecdotes, and little innocent personalities, and the
-compliments so exquisitely introduced, that they scarcely appeared to be
-compliments; and the voice so pleasant, and conciliating, and the
-quotation from the Marquess's own speech; and the wonderful art of which
-the Marquess was not aware, by which, during all this time, the lively,
-chattering, amusing, elegant conversationist, so full of scandal,
-politics, and cookery, did not so much appear to be Mr. Vivian Grey as
-the Marquess of Carabas himself.
-
-"Well, I must be gone," said the fascinated noble; "I really have not
-felt in such spirits for some time; I almost fear I have been vulgar
-enough to be amusing, eh! eh! eh! but you young men are sad fellows, eh!
-eh! eh! Don't forget to call on me; good evening! and Mr. Vivian Grey!
-Mr. Vivian Grey!" said his lordship, returning, "you will not forget the
-receipt you promised me for making tomahawk punch."
-
-"Certainly not, my Lord," said the young man; "only it must be invented
-first," thought Vivian, as he took up his light to retire. "But never
-mind, never mind;
-
-     Chapeau bas! chapeau bas!
-     Glorie au Marquis de Carabas!!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-
-A few days after the dinner at Mr. Grey's, as the Marquess of Carabas
-was sitting in his library, and sighing, in the fulness of his ennui, as
-he looked on his large library table, once triply covered with official
-communications, now thinly besprinkled with a stray parliamentary paper
-or two, his steward's accounts, and a few letters from some grumbling
-tenants, Mr. Vivian Grey was announced.
-
-"I fear I am intruding on your Lordship, but I really could not refrain
-from bringing you the receipt I promised."
-
-"Most happy to see ye, most happy to see ye."
-
-"This is exactly the correct receipt, my Lord. TO EVERY TWO BOTTLES OF
-STILL CHAMPAGNE, ONE PINT OF CURACOA." The Peer's eyes glistened, and
-his companion proceeded; "ONE PINT OF CURACOA; CATCH THE AROMA OF A
-POUND OF GREEN TEA, AND DASH THE WHOLE WITH GLENLIVET."
-
-"Splendid!" ejaculated the Marquess.
-
-"The nice point, however, which it is impossible to define in a receipt,
-is catching the aroma. What sort of a genius is your Lordship's chef?"
-
-"First-rate! Laporte _is_ a genius."
-
-"Well, my Lord! I shall be most happy to superintend the first
-concoction for you; and remember particularly," said Vivian, rising,
-"remember it must be iced."
-
-"Certainly, my dear fellow; but pray don't think of going yet."
-
-"I am very sorry, my Lord; but such a pressure of engagements; your
-Lordship's kindness is so great, and, really, I fear, that at this
-moment especially, your Lordship can scarcely be in a humour for my
-trifling."
-
-"Why this moment especially, Mr. Vivian Grey?"
-
-"Oh, my Lord! I am perfectly aware of your Lordship's talents for
-business; but still I had conceived, that the delicate situation in
-which your Lordship is now placed, requiring such anxious
-attention such--"
-
-"Delicate situation! anxious attention! why man! you speak riddles. I
-certainly have a great deal of business to transact: people are so
-obstinate, or so foolish, they will consult me, certainly; and certainly
-I feel it my duty, Mr. Vivian Grey; I feel it the duty, sir of every
-Peer in this happy country (here his Lordship got parliamentary): yes,
-sir, I feel it due to my character, to my family, to, to, to assist with
-my advice all those who think fit to consult me." Splendid peroration!
-
-"Oh, my Lord!" carelessly remarked Vivian, "I thought it was a mere on
-dit."
-
-"Thought what, my dear sir? you really quite perplex me."
-
-"I mean to say, my Lord; I, I thought it was impossible the overtures
-had been made."
-
-"Overtures, Mr. Vivian Grey?"
-
-"Yes, my Lord! Overtures; has not your Lordship seen the _Post_. But I
-knew it was impossible; I said so, I--"
-
-"Said what, Mr. Vivian Grey?"
-
-"Said that the whole paragraph was unfounded."
-
-"Paragraph! what paragraph?" and his Lordship rose, and rang the library
-bell with vehemence: "Sadler, bring me the _Morning Post_."
-
-The servant entered with the paper. Mr. Vivian Grey seized it from his
-hands before it reached the Marquess, and glancing his eye over it with
-the rapidity of lightning, doubled up the sheet in a convenient readable
-form, and pushing it into his Lordship's hands, exclaimed, "There, my
-Lord! there, that will explain all."
-
-His Lordship read:
-
-"We are informed that some alteration in the composition of the present
-administration is in contemplation; Lord Past Century, it is said, will
-retire; Mr. Liberal Principles will have the--; and Mr. Charlatan Gas
-the--. A noble Peer, whose practised talents have already benefited the
-nation, and who, on vacating his seat in the Cabinet, was elevated in
-the Peerage, is reported as having had certain overtures made him, the
-nature of which may be conceived, but which, under present
-circumstances, it would be indelicate in us to hint at."
-
-It would have been impossible for a hawk to watch its quarry with eyes
-of more fixed and anxious earnestness than did Vivian Grey the Marquess
-of Carabas, as his Lordship's eyes wandered over the paragraph. Vivian
-drew his chair close to the table opposite to the Marquess, and when the
-paragraph was read, their eyes met.
-
-"Utterly untrue," whispered the Peer, with an agitated voice, and with
-a countenance which, for a moment, seemed intellectual.
-
-"But why Mr. Vivian Grey should deem the fact of such overtures having
-been made 'impossible,' I confess, astonishes me."
-
-"Impossible, my Lord!"
-
-"Ay, Mr. Grey, impossible, that was your word."
-
-"Oh, my Lord! what should I know about these matters?"
-
-"Nay, nay, Mr. Grey, something must have been floating in your mind: why
-impossible, why impossible? Did your father think so?"
-
-"My father! Oh! no, he never thinks about these matters; ours is not a
-political family; I am not sure that he ever looks at a newspaper."
-
-"But, my dear Mr. Grey, you would not have used the word without some
-meaning. Why did you think it impossible? impossible is such a peculiar
-word." And here the Marquess looked up with great earnestness to a
-portrait of himself, which hung over the fire-place. It was one of Sir
-Thomas's happiest efforts; but it was not the happiness of the likeness,
-or the beauty of the painting, which now attracted his Lordship's
-attention; he thought only of the costume in which he appeared in that
-portrait: the court dress of a Cabinet Minister. "Impossible, Mr. Grey,
-you must confess, is a very peculiar word," reiterated his Lordship.
-
-"I said impossible, my Lord, because I did conceive, that had your
-Lordship been of a disposition to which such overtures might have been
-made with any probability of success, the Marquess of Carabas would have
-been in a situation which would have precluded the possibility of those
-overtures being made at all."
-
-"Hah!" and the Marquess nearly started from his seat.
-
-"Yes, my Lord, I am a young, an inexperienced young man, ignorant of the
-world's ways; doubtless I was wrong, but I have much to learn," and his
-voice faltered; "but I did conceive, that having power at his command,
-the Marquess of Carabas did not exercise it, merely because he despised
-it: but what should I know of such matters, my Lord?"
-
-"Is power a thing so easily to be despised, young man?" asked the
-Marquess. His eye rested on a vote of thanks from the "Merchants and
-Bankers of London to the Right Honourable Sydney Lorraine, President,
-&c., &c., &c.," which, splendidly emblazoned, and gilt, and framed, and
-glazed, was suspended opposite the President's portrait.
-
-"Oh, no! my Lord, you mistake me," eagerly burst forth Vivian. "I am no
-cold-blooded philosopher that would despise that, for which, in my
-opinion, men, real men, should alone exist. Power! Oh! what sleepless
-nights, what days of hot anxiety! what exertions of mind and body! what
-travel! what hatred! what fierce encounters! what dangers of all
-possible kinds, would I not endure with a joyous spirit to gain it! But
-such, my Lord, I thought were feelings peculiar to inexperienced young
-men: and seeing you, my Lord, so situated, that you might command all
-and everything, and yet living as you do, I was naturally led to believe
-that the object of my adoration was a vain glittering bauble, of which
-those who could possess it, knew the utter worthlessness."
-
-The Peer sat in a musing mood, playing the Devil's tattoo on the library
-table; at last he raised his eyes, and said in a low whisper, "Are you
-so certain that I can command all and everything?"
-
-"All and everything! did I say all and everything? Really, my Lord, you
-scan my expressions so critically! but I see your Lordship is smiling at
-my boyish nonsense! and really I feel that I have already wasted too
-much of your Lordship's valuable time, and displayed too much of my own
-ignorance."
-
-"My dear sir! I am not aware that I was smiling."
-
-"Oh! your Lordship is so very kind."
-
-"But, my dear sir! you are really labouring under a great mistake. I am
-desirous, I am particularly desirous, of having your opinion upon
-this subject."
-
-"My opinion, my Lord! what should my opinion be, but an echo of the
-circle in which I live, but a faithful representation of the feelings of
-general society?"
-
-"And, Mr. Grey, I should be glad to know what can possibly be more
-interesting to me than a faithful representation of the feelings of
-general society on this subject?"
-
-"The many, my Lord, are not always right."
-
-"Mr. Grey, the many are not often wrong. Come, my dear sir, do me the
-favour of being frank, and let me know why the public is of opinion that
-all and everything are in my power, for such, after all, were
-your words."
-
-"If I did use them, my Lord, it was because I was thinking, as I often
-do, what, after all, in this country is public life? Is it not a race
-in which the swiftest must surely win the prize; and is not that prize
-power? Has not your Lordship treasure? There is your moral steam which
-can work the world. Has not your Lordship's treasure most splendid
-consequence, pure blood and aristocratic influence? The Millionaire has
-in his possession the seeds of everything, but he must wait for half a
-century till his descendant finds himself in your Lordship's state; till
-he is yclept noble, and then he starts fair in the grand course. All
-these advantages your Lordship has apparently at hand, with the
-additional advantage (and one, oh! how great!) of having already proved
-to your country that you know how to rule."
-
-There was a dead silence, which at length the Marquess broke. "There is
-much in what you say; but I cannot conceal it from myself, I have no
-wish to conceal it from you; I am not what I was." O, ambition! art thou
-the parent of truth?
-
-"Ah! my Lord!" eagerly rejoined Vivian, "here is the terrible error into
-which you great statesmen have always fallen. Think you not, that
-intellect is as much a purchasable article as fine parks and fair
-castles? With your Lordship's tried and splendid talents, everything
-might be done; but, in my opinion, if, instead of a practised, an
-experienced, and wary Statesman, I was now addressing an idiot Earl, I
-should not see that the great end might not equally be consummated."
-
-"Say you so, my merry man, and how?"
-
-"Why, my Lord: but, but, I feel that I am trespassing on your Lordship's
-time, otherwise I think I could show why society is of opinion that your
-Lordship can do all and everything; how, indeed, your Lordship might, in
-a very short time, be Prime Minister."
-
-"No, Mr. Grey; this conversation must be finished. I will just give
-orders that we may not be disturbed, and then we shall proceed
-immediately. Come, now! your manner takes me, and we shall converse in
-the spirit of the most perfect confidence."
-
-Here, as the Marquess settled at the same time his chair and his
-countenance, and looked as anxious as if Majesty itself were consulting
-him on the formation of a ministry, in burst the Marchioness,
-notwithstanding all the remonstrances, entreaties, threats, and
-supplications of Mr. Sadler.
-
-Her Ladyship had been what they style a splendid woman; that was now
-past, although, with the aid of cashmeres, diamonds, and turbans, her
-general appearance was still striking. Her Ladyship was not remarkable
-for anything save a correct taste for poodles, parrots, and bijouterie,
-and a proper admiration of Theodore Hook and John Bull.
-
-"Oh! Marquess," exclaimed her Ladyship, and a favourite green parrot,
-which came flying in after its accustomed perch, her Ladyship's left
-shoulder, shrieked at the same time in concert, "Oh! Marquess, my poor
-Julie! You know we have noticed how nervous she has been for some days
-past, and I had just given her a saucer of arrow-root and milk, and she
-seemed a little easier, and I said to Miss Graves. 'I really do think
-she is a leetle better' and Miss Graves said, 'Yes, my Lady, I hope she
-is; 'when just as we flattered ourselves that the dear little creature
-was enjoying a quiet sleep, Miss Graves called out, 'Oh, my Lady! my
-Lady! Julie's in a fit!' and when I turned round she was lying on her
-back, kicking, with her eyes shut.' And here the Marchioness detected
-Mr. Grey, and gave him as sublime a stare as might be expected from a
-lady patroness of Almack's.
-
-"The Marchioness, Mr. Vivian Grey, my love, I assure you we are engaged
-in a most important, a most--"
-
-"Oh! I would not disturb you for the world, only if you will just tell
-me what you think ought to be done; leeches, or a warm bath; or shall I
-send for Doctor Blue Pill?"
-
-The Marquess looked a little annoyed, as if he wished her Ladyship in
-her own room again. He was almost meditating a gentle reprimand, vexed
-that his grave young friend should have witnessed this frivolous
-intrusion, when that accomplished stripling, to the astonishment of the
-future minister, immediately recommended "the warm bath," and then
-lectured, with equal rapidity and erudition, on dogs, and their diseases
-In general.
-
-The Marchioness retired, "easier in her mind about Julie than she had
-been for some days," as Vivian assured her "that it was not apoplexy,
-but only the first symptom of an epidemic." And as she retired, she
-murmured her gratitude gracefully to Julie's young physician.
-
-"Now, Mr. Grey," said his Lordship, endeavouring to recover his dignity,
-"we were discussing the public sentiments you know on a certain point,
-when this unfortunate interruption--"
-
-Vivian had not much difficulty in collecting his ideas, and he
-proceeded, not as displeased as his Lordship with the domestic scene.
-
-"I need not remind your Lordship that the two great parties into which
-this State is divided are apparently very unequally proportioned. Your
-Lordship well knows how the party to which your Lordship is said to
-belong: your Lordship knows, I imagine, how that is constituted. We have
-nothing to do with the other. My Lord, I must speak out. No thinking
-man, and such, I trust, Vivian Grey is, no thinking man can for a moment
-suppose, that your Lordship's heart is very warm in the cause of a
-party, which, for I will not mince my words, has betrayed you. How is
-it, it is asked by thinking men, how is it that the Marquess of Carabas
-is the tool of a faction?"
-
-The Marquess breathed aloud, "They say so, do they?"
-
-"Why, my Lord, listen even to your servants in your own hall, need I say
-more? How, then! is this opinion true? Let us look to your conduct to
-the party to which you are said to belong. Your votes are theirs, your
-influence is theirs; and for all this, what return, my Lord Marquess,
-what return? My Lord, I am not rash enough to suppose, that your
-Lordship, alone and unsupported, can make yourself the arbiter of this
-country's destinies. It would be ridiculous to entertain such an idea
-for a second. The existence of such a man would not be endured by the
-nation for a second. But, my Lord, union is strength. Nay, my Lord,
-start not; I am not going to advise you to throw yourself into the arms
-of opposition; leave such advice for greenhorns. I am not going to adopt
-a line of conduct, which would, for a moment, compromise the consistency
-of your high character; leave such advice for fools. My Lord, it is to
-preserve your consistency, it is to vindicate your high character, it is
-to make the Marquess of Carabas perform the duties which society
-requires from him, that I, Vivian Grey, a member of that society, and an
-humble friend of your Lordship, speak so boldly."
-
-"My friend," said the agitated Peer, "you cannot speak too boldly. My
-mind opens to you. I have felt, I have long felt, that I was not what I
-ought to be, that I was not what society requires me to be; but where is
-your remedy? what is the line of conduct that I should pursue?"
-
-"The remedy, my Lord! I never conceived, for a moment, that there was
-any doubt of the existence of means to attain all and everything. I
-think that was your Lordship's phrase. I only hesitated as to the
-existence of the inclination on the part of your Lordship."
-
-"You cannot doubt it now," said the Peer, in a low voice; and then his
-Lordship looked anxiously round the room, as if he feared that there had
-been some mysterious witness to his whisper.
-
-"My Lord," said Vivian, and he drew his chair close to the Marquess,
-"the plan is shortly this. There are others in a similar situation with
-yourself. All thinking men know, your Lordship knows still better, that
-there are others equally influential, equally ill-treated. How is it
-that I see no concert, among these individuals? How is it that, jealous
-of each other, or each trusting that he may ultimately prove an
-exception to the system of which he is a victim; how is it, I say, that
-you look with cold hearts on each other's situation? My Lord Marquess,
-it is at the head of these that I would place you, it is these that I
-would have act with you; and this is the union which is strength."
-
-"You are right, you are right; there is Courtown, but we do not speak;
-there is Beaconsfield, but we are not intimate: but much might be done."
-
-"My Lord, you must not be daunted at a few difficulties, or at a little
-exertion. But as for Courtown, or Beaconsfield, or fifty other offended
-men, if it can be shown to them that their interest is to be your
-Lordship's friend, trust me, that ere six months are over, they will
-have pledged their troth. Leave all this to me, give me your Lordship's
-name," said Vivian, whispering most earnestly in the Marquess's ear, and
-laying his hand upon his Lordship's arm; "give me your Lordship's name,
-and your Lordship's influence, and I will take upon myself the whole
-organisation of the Carabas party."
-
-"The Carabas party! Ah! we must think more of this."
-
-The Marquess's eyes smiled with triumph, as he shook Vivian cordially by
-the hand, and begged him to call upon him on the morrow.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-
-The intercourse between the Marquess and Vivian after this interview was
-constant. No dinner-party was thought perfect at Carabas House without
-the presence of the young gentleman; and as the Marchioness was
-delighted with the perpetual presence of an individual whom she could
-always consult about Julie, there was apparently no domestic obstacle to
-Vivian's remaining in high favour.
-
-The Earl of Eglamour, the only child in whom were concentrated all the
-hopes of the illustrious House of Lorraine, was in Italy. The only
-remaining member of the domestic circle who was wanting was the
-Honourable Mrs. Felix Lorraine, the wife of the Marquess's younger
-brother. This lady, exhausted by the gaiety of the season, had left town
-somewhat earlier than she usually did, and was inhaling fresh air, and
-studying botany, at the magnificent seat of the Carabas family, Chateau
-Desir, at which splendid place Vivian was to pass the summer.
-
-In the meantime all was sunshine with Vivian Grey. His noble friend and
-himself were in perpetual converse, and constantly engaged in deep
-consultation. As yet, the world knew nothing, except that, according to
-the Marquess of Carabas, "Vivian Grey was the most astonishingly clever
-and prodigiously accomplished fellow that ever breathed;" and, as the
-Marquess always added, "resembled himself very much when he was young."
-
-But it must not be supposed that Vivian was to all the world the
-fascinating creature that he was to the Marquess of Carabas. Many
-complained that he was reserved, silent, satirical, and haughty. But the
-truth was, Vivian Grey often asked himself, "Who is to be my enemy
-to-morrow?" He was too cunning a master of the human mind, not to be
-aware of the quicksands upon which all greenhorns strike; he knew too
-well the danger of unnecessary intimacy. A smile for a friend, and a
-sneer for the world, is the way to govern mankind, and such was the
-motto of Vivian Grey.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-
-How shall we describe Chateau Desir, that place fit for all princes? In
-the midst of a park of great extent, and eminent for scenery, as varied
-as might please nature's most capricious lover; in the midst of green
-lawns and deep winding glens, and cooling streams, and wild forest, and
-soft woodland, there was gradually formed an elevation, on which was
-situate a mansion of great size, and of that bastard, but picturesque
-style of architecture, called the Italian Gothic. The date of its
-erection was about the middle of the sixteenth century. You entered by a
-noble gateway, in which the pointed style still predominated; but in
-various parts of which, the Ionic column, and the prominent keystone,
-and other creations of Roman architecture, intermingled with the
-expiring Gothic, into a large quadrangle, to which the square casement
-windows, and the triangular pediments or gable ends supplying the place
-of battlements, gave a varied and Italian feature. In the centre of the
-court, from a vast marble basin, the rim of which was enriched by a
-splendidly sculptured lotus border, rose a marble group representing
-Amphitrite with her marine attendants, whose sounding shells and coral
-sceptres sent forth their subject element in sparkling showers. This
-work, the chef d'oeuvre celebrated artist of Vicenza, had been purchased
-by Valerian, first Lord Carabas, who having spent the greater part of
-his life as the representative of his monarch at the Ducal Court of
-Venice, at length returned to his native country; and in the creation of
-Chateau Desir endeavoured to find some consolation for the loss of his
-beautiful villa on the banks of the Adige.
-
-Over the gateway there rose a turreted tower, the small square window of
-which, notwithstanding its stout stanchions, illumined the muniment room
-of the House of Carabas. In the spandrils of the gateway and in many
-other parts of the building might be seen the arms of the family; while
-the tall twisted stacks of chimneys, which appeared to spring from all
-parts of the roof, were carved and built in such curious and quaint
-devices that they were rather an ornament than an excrescence. When you
-entered the quadrangle, you found one side solely occupied by the old
-hall, the huge carved rafters of whose oak roof rested on corbels of the
-family supporters against the walls. These walls were of stone, but
-covered half-way from the ground with a panelling of curiously-carved
-oak; whence were suspended, in massy frames, the family portraits,
-painted by Dutch and Italian artists. Near the dais, or upper part of
-the hall, there projected an oriel window, which, as you beheld, you
-scarcely knew what most to admire, the radiancy of its painted panes or
-the fantastic richness of Gothic ornament, which was profusely lavished
-in every part of its masonry. Here too the Gothic pendent and the Gothic
-fan-work were intermingled with the Italian arabesques, which, at the
-time of the building of the Chateau, had been recently introduced into
-England by Hans Holbein and John of Padua.
-
-How wild and fanciful are those ancient arabesques! Here at Chateau
-Desir, in the panelling of the old hall, might you see fantastic
-scrolls, separated by bodies ending in termini, and whose heads
-supported the Ionic volute, while the arch, which appeared to spring
-from these capitals, had, for a keystone, heads more monstrous than
-those of the fabled animals of Ctesias; or so ludicrous, that you forgot
-the classic griffin in the grotesque conception of the Italian artist.
-Here was a gibbering monkey, there a grinning pulcinello; now you viewed
-a chattering devil, which might have figured in the "Temptation of St.
-Anthony;" and now a mournful, mystic, bearded countenance, which might
-have flitted in the back scene of a "Witches' Sabbath."
-
-A long gallery wound through the upper story of two other sides of the
-quadrangle, and beneath were the show suite of apartments with a sight
-of which the admiring eyes of curious tourists were occasionally
-delighted.
-
-The grey stone walls of this antique edifice were, in many places,
-thickly covered with ivy and other parasitical plants, the deep green of
-whose verdure beautifully contrasted with the scarlet glories of the
-pyrus japonica, which gracefully clustered round the windows of the
-lower chambers. The mansion itself was immediately surrounded by
-numerous ancient forest trees. There was the elm with its rich branches
-bending down like clustering grapes; there was the wide-spreading oak
-with its roots fantastically gnarled; there was the ash, with its smooth
-bark and elegant leaf; and the silver beech, and the gracile birch; and
-the dark fir, affording with its rough foliage a contrast to the trunks
-of its more beautiful companions, or shooting far above their branches,
-with the spirit of freedom worthy of a rough child of the mountains.
-
-Around the Castle were extensive pleasure-grounds, which realised the
-romance of the "Gardens of Verulam." And truly, as you wandered through
-their enchanting paths there seemed no end to their various beauties,
-and no exhaustion of their perpetual novelty. Green retreats succeeded
-to winding walks; from the shady berceau you vaulted on the noble
-terrace; and if, for an instant, you felt wearied by treading the velvet
-lawn, you might rest in a mossy cell, while your mind was soothed by the
-soft music of falling waters. Now your curious eyes were greeted by
-Oriental animals, basking in a sunny paddock; and when you turned from
-the white-footed antelope and the dark-eyed gazelle, you viewed an
-aviary of such extent, that within its trellised walls the imprisoned,
-songsters could build, in the free branches of a tree, their
-natural nests.
-
-"O fair scene!" thought Vivian Grey, as he approached, on a fine
-summer's afternoon, the splendid Chateau, "O fair scene! doubly fair to
-those who quit for thee the thronged and agitated city. And can it be,
-that those who exist within this enchanted domain, can think of anything
-but sweet air, and do aught but revel in the breath of perfumed
-flowers?" And here he gained the garden-gate: so he stopped his
-soliloquy, and gave his horse to his groom.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-
-The Marquess had preceded Vivian in his arrival about three or four
-days, and of course, to use the common phrase, the establishment "was
-quite settled." It was, indeed, to avoid the possibility of witnessing
-the domestic arrangements of a nobleman in any other point of view save
-that of perfection, that Vivian had declined accompanying his noble
-friend to the Chateau. Mr. Grey, junior, was an epicurean, and all
-epicureans will quite agree with me, that his conduct on this head was
-extremely wise. I am not very nice myself about these matters; but there
-are, we all know, a thousand little things that go wrong on the arrivals
-of even the best regulated families; and to mention no others, for any
-rational being voluntarily to encounter the awful gaping of an English
-family, who have travelled one hundred miles in ten successive hours,
-appears to me to be little short of madness.
-
-"Grey, my boy, quite happy to see ye! later than I expected; first bell
-rings in five minutes. Sadler will show you your room. Your father, I
-hope, quite well?"
-
-Such was the salutation of the Marquess; and Vivian accordingly retired
-to arrange his toilet.
-
-The first bell rang, and the second bell rang, and Vivian was seated at
-the dinner-table. He bowed to the Marchioness, and asked after her
-poodle, and gazed with some little curiosity at the vacant chair
-opposite him.
-
-"Mrs. Felix Lorraine, Mr. Vivian Grey," said the Marquess, as a lady
-entered the room.
-
-Now, although we are of those historians who are of opinion that the
-nature of the personages they celebrate should be developed rather by a
-recital of their conduct than by a set character on their introduction,
-it is, nevertheless, incumbent upon us to devote a few lines to the lady
-who has just entered, which the reader will be so good as to get
-through, while she is accepting an offer of some white soup; by this
-means he will lose none of the conversation.
-
-The Honourable Felix Lorraine we have before described as a roue. After
-having passed through a career with tolerable credit, which would have
-blasted the character of any vulgar personage, Felix Lorraine ended by
-pigeoning a young nobleman, whom, for that purpose, he had made his
-intimate friend. The affair got wind; after due examination, was
-proclaimed "too bad," and the guilty personage was visited with the
-heaviest vengeance of modern society; he was expelled his club. By this
-unfortunate exposure, Mr. Felix Lorraine was obliged to give in a match,
-which was on the tapis, with the celebrated Miss Mexico, on whose
-million he had determined to set up a character and a chariot, and at
-the same time pension his mistress, and subscribe to the Society for the
-Suppression of Vice. Felix left England for the Continent, and in due
-time was made drum-major at Barbadoes, or fiscal at Ceylon, or something
-of that kind. While he loitered in Europe, he made a conquest of the
-heart of the daughter of some German baron, and after six weeks passed
-in the most affectionate manner, the happy couple performing their
-respective duties with perfect propriety, Felix left Germany for his
-colonial appointment, and also left his lady behind him.
-
-Mr. Lorraine had duly and dutifully informed his family of his marriage;
-and they, as amiably and affectionately, had never answered his letters,
-which he never expected they would. Profiting by their example, he never
-answered his wife's, who, in due time, to the horror of the Marquess,
-landed in England, and claimed the protection of her "beloved husband's
-family." The Marquess vowed he would never see her; the lady, however,
-one morning gained admittance, and from that moment she had never
-quitted her brother-in-law's roof, and not only had never quitted it,
-but now made the greatest favour of her staying.
-
-The extraordinary influence which Mrs. Felix Lorraine possessed was
-certainly not owing to her beauty, for the lady opposite Vivian Grey
-had apparently no claims to admiration, on the score of her personal
-qualifications. Her complexion was bad, and her features were
-indifferent, and these characteristics were not rendered less
-uninterestingly conspicuous by, what makes an otherwise ugly woman quite
-the reverse, namely, a pair of expressive eyes; for certainly this
-epithet could not be applied to those of Mrs. Felix Lorraine, which
-gazed in all the vacancy of German listlessness.
-
-The lady did bow to Mr. Grey, and that was all; and then she negligently
-spooned her soup, and then, after much parade, sent it away untouched.
-Vivian was not under the necessity of paying any immediate courtesy to
-his opposite neighbour, whose silence, he perceived, was for the nonce,
-and consequently for him. But the day was hot, and Vivian had been
-fatigued by his ride, and the Marquess' champagne was excellent; and so,
-at last, the floodgates of his speech burst, and talk he did. He
-complimented her Ladyship's poodle, quoted German to Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine, and taught the Marquess to eat cabinet pudding with Curacoa
-sauce (a custom which, by-the-bye, I recommend to all); and then his
-stories, his scandal, and his sentiment; stories for the Marquess,
-scandal for the Marchioness, and sentiment for the Marquess' sister!
-That lady, who began to find out her man, had no mind to be longer
-silent, and although a perfect mistress of the English language, began
-to articulate a horrible patois, that she might not be mistaken for an
-Englishwoman, an occurrence which she particularly dreaded. But now came
-her punishment, for Vivian saw the effect which he had produced on Mrs.
-Felix Lorraine, and that Mrs. Felix Lorraine now wished to produce a
-corresponding effect upon him, and this he was determined she should not
-do; so new stories followed, and new compliments ensued, and finally he
-anticipated her sentences, and sometimes her thoughts. The lady sat
-silent and admiring! At last the important meal was finished, and the
-time came when good dull English dames retire; but of this habit Mrs.
-Felix Lorraine did not approve, and although she had not yet prevailed
-upon Lady Carabas to adopt her ideas on field-days, still, when alone,
-the good-natured Marchioness had given in, and to save herself from
-hearing the din of male voices at a time at which during her whole life
-she had been unaccustomed to them, the Marchioness of Carabas dozed. Her
-worthy spouse, who was prevented, by the presence of Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine, from talking politics with Vivian, passed the bottle pretty
-briskly, and then, conjecturing that "from the sunset we should have a
-fine day to-morrow," fell back in his easy-chair, and snored.
-
-Mrs. Felix Lorraine looked at her noble relatives, and shrugged up her
-shoulders with an air which baffleth all description. "Mr. Grey, I
-congratulate you on this hospitable reception; you see we treat you
-quite en famille. Come! 'tis a fine evening; you have seen as yet but
-little of Chateau Desir: we may as well enjoy the fine air on
-the terrace."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-
-"You must know, Mr. Grey, that this is my favourite walk, and I
-therefore expect that it will be yours."
-
-"It cannot indeed fail to be such, the favourite as it alike is of
-nature and Mrs. Felix Lorraine."
-
-"On my word, a very pretty sentence! And who taught you, young sir, to
-bandy words so fairly?"
-
-"I never can open my mouth, except in the presence of a woman," observed
-Vivian, with impudent mendacity; and he looked interesting and innocent.
-
-"Indeed! And what do you know about such wicked work as talking to
-women?" and here Mrs. Felix Lorraine imitated Vivian's sentimental
-voice. "Do you know," she continued, "I feel quite happy that you have
-come down here; I begin to think that we shall be great friends."
-
-"Nothing appears to me more evident," said Vivian.
-
-"How delicious is friendship!" exclaimed Mrs. Felix Lorraine;
-"delightful sentiment, that prevents life from being a curse! Have you a
-friend, Mr. Vivian Grey?"
-
-"Before I answer that question, I should like to know what meaning Mrs.
-Felix Lorraine attaches to that important monosyllable, friend."
-
-"Oh, you want a definition. I hate definitions; and of all the
-definitions in the world, the one I have been most unfortunate in has
-been a definition of friendship; I might say" (and here her voice sunk),
-"I might say of all the sentiments in the world, friendship is the one
-which has been must fatal to me; but I must not inoculate you with my
-bad spirits, bad spirits are not for young blood like yours, leave them
-to old persons like myself."
-
-"Old!" said Vivian, in a proper tone of surprise.
-
-"Old! ay old; how old do you think I am?"
-
-"You may have seen twenty summers," gallantly conjectured Vivian.
-
-The lady looked pleased, and almost insinuated that she had seen one or
-two more.
-
-"A clever woman," thought Vivian, "but vain; I hardly know what to think
-of her."
-
-"Mr. Grey, I fear you find me in bad spirits to-day; but alas! I--I have
-cause. Although we see each other to-day for the first time, yet there
-is something in your manner, something in the expression of your eyes,
-that make me believe my happiness is not altogether a matter of
-indifference to you." These words, uttered in one of the sweetest voices
-by which ever human being was fascinated, were slowly and deliberately
-spoken, as if it were intended that they should rest on the ear of the
-object to whom they were addressed.
-
-"My dearest madam! it is impossible that I can have but one sentiment
-with regard to you, that of--"
-
-"Of what, Mr. Grey?"
-
-"Of solicitude for your welfare."
-
-The lady gently took the arm of the young man, and then with an agitated
-voice, and a troubled spirit, dwelt upon the unhappiness of her lot, and
-the cruelty of her fortunes. Her husband's indifference was the
-sorrowful theme of her lamentations; and she ended by asking Mr. Vivian
-Grey's advice, as to the line of conduct which she should pursue with
-regard to him; first duly informing Vivian that this was the only time
-and he the only person to whom this subject had been ever mentioned.
-
-"And why should I mention it here, and to whom? The Marquess is the best
-of men, but--" and here she looked up in Vivian's face, and spoke
-volumes; "and the Marchioness is the most amiable of women: at least, I
-suppose her lap-dog thinks so."
-
-The advice of Vivian was concise. He sent the husband to the devil in
-two seconds, and insisted upon the wife's not thinking of him for
-another moment; and then the lady dried her eyes, and promised to do
-her best.
-
-"And now," said Mrs. Felix Lorraine, "I must talk about your own
-affairs. I think your plan excellent."
-
-"Plan, madam!"
-
-"Yes, plan, sir! the Marquess has told me all. I have no head for
-politics, Mr. Grey; but if I cannot assist you in managing the nation, I
-perhaps may in managing the family, and my services are at your command.
-Believe me, you will have enough to do: there, I pledge you my troth. Do
-you think it a pretty hand?"
-
-Vivian did think it a very pretty hand, and he performed due courtesies
-in a becoming style.
-
-"And now, good even to you," said the lady; "this little gate leads to
-my apartments. You will have no difficulty in finding your way back." So
-saying, she disappeared.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII
-
-
-The first week at Chateau Desir passed pleasantly enough. Vivian's
-morning was amply occupied in maturing with the Marquess the grand
-principles of the new political system: in weighing interests, in
-balancing connections, and settling "what side was to be taken on the
-great questions?" O politics, thou splendid juggle! The whole business,
-although so magnificent in its result, appeared very easy to the two
-counsellors, for it was one of the first principles of Mr. Vivian Grey,
-that everything was possible. Men did fail in life to be sure, and after
-all, very little was done by the generality; but still all these
-failures, and all this inefficiency, might be traced to a want of
-physical and mental courage. Some men were bold in their conceptions,
-and splendid heads at a grand system, but then, when the day of battle
-came, they turned out very cowards; while others, who had nerve enough
-to stand the brunt of the hottest fire, were utterly ignorant of
-military tactics, and fell before the destroyer, like the brave
-untutored Indians before the civilised European. Now Vivian Grey was
-conscious that there was at least one person in the world who was no
-craven either in body or in mind, and so he had long come to the
-comfortable conclusion, that it was impossible that his career could be
-anything but the most brilliant. And truly, employed as he now was, with
-a peer of the realm, in a solemn consultation on that realm's most
-important interests, at a time when creatures of his age were moping in
-Halls and Colleges, is it to be wondered at that he began to imagine
-that his theory was borne out by experience and by fact? Not that it
-must be supposed, even for a moment, that Vivian Grey was what the world
-calls conceited. Oh no! he knew the measure of his own mind, and had
-fathomed the depth of his powers with equal skill and impartiality; but
-in the process he could not but feel that he could conceive much, and
-dare do more.
-
-We said the first week at Chateau Desir passed pleasantly enough; and so
-it did, for Vivian's soul revelled in the morning councils on his future
-fortunes, with as much eager joy as a young courser tries the turf,
-preliminary to running for the plate. And then, in the evening, were
-moonlit walks with Mrs. Felix Lorraine! And then the lady abused England
-so prettily, and initiated her companion, in all the secrets of German
-Courts, and sang beautiful French songs, and told the legends of her
-native land in such, an interesting, semi-serious tone, that Vivian
-almost imagined, that she believed them; and then she would take him
-beside the luminous lake in the park, and now it looked just like the
-dark blue Rhine! and then she remembered Germany, and grew sad, and
-abused her husband; and then she taught Vivian the guitar, and some
-other fooleries besides.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII
-
-
-The second week of Vivian's visit had come round, and the flag waved
-proudly on the proud tower of Chateau Desir, indicating to the admiring
-county, that the most noble Sidney, Marquess of Carabas, held public
-days twice a week at his grand castle. And now came the neighbouring
-peer, full of grace and gravity, and the mellow baronet, with his hearty
-laugh, and the jolly country squire, and the middling gentry, and the
-jobbing country attorney, and the flourishing country surveyor; some
-honouring by their presence, some who felt the obligation equal, and
-others bending before the noble host, as if paying him adoration was
-almost an equal pleasure with that of guzzling his venison pasties and
-quaffing his bright wines.
-
-Independently of all these periodical visitors, the house was full of
-permanent ones. There were the Viscount and Viscountess Courtown and
-their three daughters, and Lord and Lady Beaconsfield and their three
-sons, and Sir Berdmore and Lady Scrope, and Colonel Delmington of the
-Guards, and Lady Louisa Manvers and her daughter Julia. Lady Louisa was
-the only sister of the Marquess, a widow, proud and penniless.
-
-To all these distinguished personages Vivian was introduced by the
-Marquess as "a monstrous clever young man, and his Lordship's most
-particular friend," and then the noble Carabas left the game in his
-young friend's hands.
-
-And right well Vivian did his duty. In a week's time it would have been
-hard to decide with whom of the family of the Courtowns Vivian was the
-greatest favourite. He rode with the Viscount, who was a good horseman,
-and was driven by his Lady, who was a good whip; and when he had
-sufficiently admired the tout ensemble of her Ladyship's pony phaeton,
-he entrusted her, "in confidence," with some ideas of his own about
-martingales, a subject which he assured her Ladyship "had been the
-object of his mature consideration." The three honourable Misses were
-the most difficult part of the business; but he talked sentiment with
-the first, sketched with the second, and romped with the third.
-
-Ere the Beaconsfields could be jealous of the influence of the
-Courtowns, Mr. Vivian Grey had promised his Lordship, who was a
-collector of medals, an unique which had never yet been heard of; and
-her Ladyship, who was a collector of autographs, the private letters of
-every man of genius that ever had been heard of. In this division of the
-Carabas guests he was not bored with a family; for sons he always made
-it a rule to cut dead; they are the members of a family who, on an
-average, are generally very uninfluential, for, on an average, they are
-fools enough to think it very knowing to be very disagreeable. So the
-wise man but little loves them, but woe to the fool who neglects the
-daughters!
-
-Sir Berdmore Scrope Vivian found a more unmanageable personage; for the
-baronet was confoundedly shrewd, and without a particle of sentiment in
-his composition. It was a great thing, however, to gain him; for Sir
-Berdmore was a leading country gentleman, and having quarrelled with
-Ministers about the corn laws, had been counted disaffected ever since.
-The baronet, however, although a bold man to the world, was luckily
-henpecked; so Vivian made love to the wife and secured the husband.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX
-
-
-I think that Julia Manvers was really the most beautiful creature that
-ever smiled in this fair world. Such a symmetrically formed shape, such
-perfect features, such a radiant complexion, such luxuriant auburn hair,
-and such blue eyes, lit up by a smile of such mind and meaning, have
-seldom blessed the gaze of admiring man! Vivian Grey, fresh as he was,
-was not exactly the creature to lose his heart very speedily. He looked
-upon marriage as a comedy in which, sooner or later, he was, as a
-well-paid actor, to play his part; and could it have advanced his views
-one jot he would have married the Princess Caraboo to-morrow. But of all
-wives in the world, a young and handsome one was that which he most
-dreaded; and how a statesman who was wedded to a beautiful woman could
-possibly perform his duties to the public, did most exceedingly puzzle
-him. Notwithstanding these sentiments, however, Vivian began to think
-that there really could be no harm in talking to so beautiful a creature
-as Julia, and a little conversation with her would, he felt, be no
-unpleasing relief to the difficult duties in which he was involved.
-
-To the astonishment of the Honourable Buckhurst Stanhope, eldest son of
-Lord Beaconsfield, Mr. Vivian Grey, who had never yet condescended to
-acknowledge his existence, asked him one morning, with the most
-fascinating of smiles and with the most conciliating voice, "whether
-they should ride together." The young heir-apparent looked stiff and
-assented. He arrived again at Chateau Desir in a couple of hours,
-desperately enamoured of the eldest Miss Courtown. The sacrifice of two
-mornings to the Honourable Dormer Stanhope and the Honourable Gregory
-Stanhope sent them home equally captivated by the remaining sisters.
-Having thus, like a man of honour, provided for the amusement of his
-former friends, the three Miss Courtowns, Vivian left Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine to the Colonel, whose moustache, by-the-bye, that lady
-considerably patronised; and then, having excited an universal feeling
-of gallantry among the elders, Vivian found his whole day at the service
-of Julia Manvers.
-
-"Miss Manvers, I think that you and I are the only faithful subjects in
-this Castle of Indolence. Here am I lounging on an ottoman, my ambition
-reaching only so far as the possession of a chibouque, whose aromatic
-and circling wreaths, I candidly confess, I dare not here excite; and
-you, of course, much too knowing to be doing anything on the first of
-August save dreaming of races, archery feats, and county balls: the
-three most delightful things which the country can boast, either for
-man, woman, or child."
-
-"Of course, you except sporting for yourself, shooting especially, I
-suppose."
-
-"Shooting, oh! ah! there is such a thing. No, I am no shot; not that I
-have not in my time cultivated a Manton; but the truth is, having, at an
-early age, mistaken my intimate friend for a cock pheasant, I sent a
-whole crowd of fours into his face, and thereby spoilt one of the
-prettiest countenances in Christendom; so I gave up the field. Besides,
-as Tom Moore says, I have so much to do in the country, that, for my
-part, I really have no time for killing birds and jumping over ditches:
-good work enough for country squires, who must, like all others, have
-their hours of excitement. Mine are of a different nature, and boast a
-different locality; and so when I come into the country, 'tis for
-pleasant air, and beautiful trees, and winding streams; things which, of
-course, those who live among them all the year round do not suspect to
-be lovely and adorable creations. Don't you agree with Tom Moore,
-Miss Manvers?"
-
-"Oh, of course! but I think it is very improper, that habit, which every
-one has, of calling a man of such eminence as the author of 'Lalla
-Rookh' _Tom_ Moore."
-
-"I wish he could but hear you! But, suppose I were to quote Mr. Moore,
-or Mr. Thomas Moore, would you have the most distant conception whom I
-meant? Certainly not. By-the-bye, did you ever hear the pretty name they
-gave him at Paris?"
-
-"No, what was it?"
-
-"One day Moore and Rogers went to call on Denon. Rogers gave their names
-to the Swiss, Monsieur Rogers et Monsieur Moore. The Swiss dashed open
-the library door, and, to the great surprise of the illustrious
-antiquary, announced, Monsieur l'Amour! While Denon was doubting whether
-the God of Love was really paying him a visit or not, Rogers entered. I
-should like to have seen Denon's face!"
-
-"And Monsieur Denon did take a portrait of Mr. Rogers as Cupid, I
-believe?"
-
-"Come, madam, 'no scandal about Queen Elizabeth.' Mr. Rogers is one of
-the most elegant-minded men in the country."
-
-"Nay! do not lecture me with such a laughing face, or else your moral
-will be utterly thrown away."
-
-"Ah! you have Retsch's 'Faust' there. I did not expect on a drawing-room
-table at Chateau Desir to see anything so old, and so excellent, I
-thought the third edition of Tremaine would be a very fair specimen of
-your ancient literature, and Major Denham's hair-breadth escapes of your
-modern. There was an excellent story about, on the return of Denham and
-Clapperton. The travellers took different routes, in order to arrive at
-the same point of destination. In his wanderings the Major came unto an
-unheard-of Lake, which, with the spirit which they of the Guards surely
-approved, he christened 'Lake Waterloo.' Clapperton arrived a few days
-after him; and the pool was immediately re-baptized 'Lake Trafalgar.'
-There was a hot quarrel in consequence. Now, if I had been there, I
-would have arranged matters, by proposing as a title, to meet the views
-of all parties, 'The United Service Lake.'"
-
-"That would have been happy."
-
-"How beautiful Margaret is," said Vivian, rising from his ottoman, and
-seating himself on the sofa by the lady. "I always think that this is
-the only Personification where Art has not rendered Innocence insipid."
-
-"Do you think so?"
-
-"Why, take Una in the Wilderness, or Goody Two Shoes. These, I believe,
-were the most innocent persons that ever existed, and I am sure you will
-agree with me, they always look the most insipid. Nay, perhaps I was
-wrong in what I said; perhaps it is Insipidity that always looks
-innocent, not Innocence always insipid."
-
-"How can you refine so, when the thermometer is at 100 deg.! Pray, tell me
-some more stories."
-
-"I cannot, I am in a refining humour: I could almost lecture to-day at
-the Royal Institution. You would not call these exactly Prosopopeias of
-Innocence?" said Vivian, turning over a bundle of Stewart Newton's
-beauties, languishing, and lithographed. "Newton, I suppose, like Lady
-Wortley Montague, is of opinion, that the face is not the most beautiful
-part of woman; at least, if I am to judge from these elaborate ankles.
-Now, the countenance of this Donna, forsooth, has a drowsy placidity
-worthy of the easy-chair she is lolling in, and yet her ankle would not
-disgrace the contorted frame of the most pious faquir."
-
-"Well! I am an admirer of Newton's paintings."
-
-"Oh! so am I. He is certainly a cleverish fellow, but rather too much
-among the blues; a set, of whom, I would venture to say, Miss Manvers
-knoweth little about."
-
-"Oh, not the least! Mamma does not visit that way. What are they?"
-
-"Oh, very powerful people! though 'Mamma does not visit that way.' Their
-words are Ukases as far as Curzon Street, and very Decretals in the
-general vicinity of May Fair; but you shall have a further description
-another time. How those rooks bore! I hate staying with ancient
-families; you are always cawed to death. If ever you write a novel, Miss
-Manvers, mind you have a rookery in it. Since Tremaine, and Washington
-Irving, nothing will go down without."
-
-"By-the-bye, who is the author of Tremaine?"
-
-"It is either Mr. Ryder, or Mr. Spencer Percival, or Mr. Dyson, or Miss
-Dyson, or Mr. Bowles, or the Duke of Buckingham, or Mr. Ward, or a young
-officer in the Guards, or an old Clergyman in the North of England, or a
-middle-aged Barrister on the Midland Circuit."
-
-"Mr. Grey, I wish you could get me an autograph of Mr. Washington
-Irving; I want it for a particular friend."
-
-"Give me a pen and ink; I will write you one immediately."
-
-"Ridiculous!"
-
-"There! now you have made me blot Faustus."
-
-At this moment the room-door suddenly opened, and as suddenly shut.
-
-"Who was that?"
-
-"Mephistopheles, or Mrs. Felix Lorraine; one or the other, perhaps
-both."
-
-"What!"
-
-"What do you think of Mrs. Felix Lorraine, Miss Manvers?"
-
-"Oh! I think her a very amusing woman, a very clever woman a
-very--but--"
-
-"But what?"
-
-"But I cannot exactly make her out."
-
-"Nor I; she is a dark riddle; and, although I am a very Oedipus, I
-confess I have not yet unravelled it. Come, there is Washington Irving's
-autograph for you; read it; is it not quite in character? Shall I write
-any more? One of Sir Walter's, or Mr. Southey's, or Mr. Milman's or Mr.
-Disraeli's? or shall I sprawl a Byron?"
-
-"I really cannot sanction such unprincipled conduct. You may make me one
-of Sir Walter's, however."
-
-"Poor Washington!" said Vivian, writing. "I knew him well. He always
-slept at dinner. One day, as he was dining at: Mr. Hallam's, they took
-him, when asleep, to Lady Jersey's: and, to see the Sieur Geoffrey, they
-say, when he opened his eyes in the illumined saloons, was really quite
-admirable! quite an Arabian tale!"
-
-"How delightful! I should have so liked to have seen him! He seems quite
-forgotten now in England. How came we to talk of him?"
-
-"Forgotten! Oh! he spoilt his elegant talents in writing German and
-Italian twaddle with all the rawness of a Yankee. He ought never to have
-left America, at least in literature; there was an uncontested and
-glorious field for him. He should have been managing director of the
-Hudson Bay Company, and lived all his life among the beavers."
-
-"I think there is nothing more pleasant than talking over the season, in
-the country, in August."
-
-"Nothing more agreeable. It was dull though, last season, very dull; I
-think the game cannot be kept going another year. If it were not for the
-General Election, we really must have a war for variety's sake. Peace
-gets quite a bore. Everybody you dine with has a good cook, and gives
-you a dozen different wines, all perfect. We cannot bear this any
-longer; all the lights and shadows of life are lost. The only good thing
-I heard this year was an ancient gentlewoman going up to Gunter and
-asking him for 'the receipt for that white stuff,' pointing to his Roman
-punch. I, who am a great man for receipts, gave it her immediately: 'One
-hod of mortar to one bottle of Noyau.'"
-
-"And did she thank you?"
-
-"Thank me! ay, truly; and pushed a card into my hand, so thick and sharp
-that it cut through my glove. I wore my arm in a sling for a month
-afterwards."
-
-"And what was the card?"
-
-"Oh, you need not look so arch. The old lady was not even a faithless
-duenna. It was an invitation to an assembly, or something of the kind,
-at a place, somewhere, as Theodore Hook or Mr. Croker would say,
-'between Mesopotamia and Russell Square.'"
-
-"Pray, Mr. Grey, is it true that all the houses in Russell Square are
-tenantless?"
-
-"Quite true; the Marquess of Tavistock has given up the county in
-consequence. A perfect shame, is it not? Let us write it up."
-
-"An admirable plan! but we will take the houses first, at a pepper-corn
-rent."
-
-"What a pity, Miss Manvers, the fashion has gone out of selling oneself
-to the devil."
-
-"Good gracious, Mr. Grey!"
-
-"On my honour, I am quite serious. It does appear to me to be a very
-great pity. What a capital plan for younger brothers! It is a kind of
-thing I have been trying to do all my life, and never could succeed. I
-began at school with toasted cheese and a pitchfork; and since then I
-have invoked, with all the eloquence of Goethe, the evil one in the
-solitude of the Hartz, but without success. I think I should make an
-excellent bargain with him: of course I do not mean that ugly vulgar
-savage with a fiery tail. Oh, no! Satan himself for me, a perfect
-gentleman! Or Belial: Belial would be the most delightful. He is the
-fine genius of the Inferno, I imagine, the Beranger of Pandemonium."
-
-"I really cannot listen to such nonsense one moment longer. What would
-you have if Belial were here?"
-
-"Let us see. Now, you shall act the spirit, and I, Vivian Grey. I wish
-we had a short-hand writer here to take down the Incantation Scene. We
-would send it to Arnold. Commencons: Spirit! I will have a fair castle."
-
-The lady bowed.
-
-"I will have a palace in town."
-
-The lady bowed.
-
-"I will have a fair wife. Why, Miss Manvers, you forget to bow!"
-
-"I really beg your pardon!"
-
-"Come, this is a novel way of making an offer, and, I hope, a successful
-one."
-
-"Julia, my dear," cried a voice in the veranda, "Julia, my dear, I want
-you to walk with me."
-
-"Say you are engaged with the Marchioness," whispered Vivian, with a low
-but distinct--voice; his eyes fixed on the table, and his lips not
-appearing to move.
-
-"Mamma, I am--"
-
-"I want you immediately and particularly, Julia," cried Lady Louisa, in
-an earnest voice.
-
-"I am coming, I am coming. You see I must go."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X
-
-
-"Confusion on that old hag! Her eye looked evil on me, at the very
-moment! Although a pretty wife is really the destruction of a young
-man's prospects, still, in the present case, the niece of my friend, my
-patron, high family, perfectly unexceptionable, &c. &c. &c. Such blue
-eyes! upon my honour, this must be an exception to the general rule,"
-Here a light step attracted his attention, and, on turning round, he
-found Mrs. Felix Lorraine at his elbow.
-
-"Oh! you are here, Mr. Grey, acting the solitaire in the park! I want
-your opinion about a passage in 'Herman and Dorothea.'"
-
-"My opinion is always at your service; but if the passage is not
-perfectly clear to Mrs. Felix Lorraine, it will be perfectly obscure, I
-am convinced, to me."
-
-"Ah! yes, of course. Oh, dear! after all my trouble, I have forgotten my
-book. How mortifying! Well, I will show it to you after dinner: adieu!
-and, by-the-bye, Mr. Grey, as I am here, I may as well advise you not to
-spoil all the Marquess's timber, by carving a certain person's name on
-his park trees. I think your plans in that quarter are admirable. I have
-been walking with Lady Louisa the whole morning, and you cannot think
-how I puffed you! Courage, Cavalier, and we shall soon be connected, not
-only in friendship, but in blood."
-
-The next morning, at breakfast, Vivian was surprised to find that the
-Manvers party was suddenly about to leave the Castle. All were
-disconsolate at their departure: for there was to be a grand
-entertainment at Chateau Desir that very day, but particularly Mrs.
-Felix Lorraine and Mr. Vivian Grey. The sudden departure was accounted
-for by the arrival of "unexpected," &c. &c. &c. There was no hope; the
-green post-chariot was at the door, a feeble promise of a speedy return;
-Julia's eyes were filled with tears. Vivian was springing forward to
-press her hand, and bear her to the carriage, when Mrs. Felix Lorraine
-seized his arm, vowed she was going to faint, and, ere she could recover
-herself, or loosen her grasp, the Manvers were gone.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI
-
-
-The gloom which the parting had diffused over all countenances was quite
-dispelled when the Marquess entered.
-
-"Lady Carabas," said he, "you must prepare for many visitors to-day.
-There are the Amershams, and Lord Alhambra, and Ernest Clay, and twenty
-other young heroes, who, duly informed that the Miss Courtowns were
-honouring us with their presence, are pouring in from all quarters; is
-it not so, Juliana?" gallantly asked the Marquess of Miss Courtown: "but
-who do you think is coming besides?"
-
-"Who, who?" exclaimed all.
-
-"Nay, you shall guess," said the Peer.
-
-"The Duke of Waterloo?" guessed Cynthia Courtown, the romp.
-
-"Prince Hungary?" asked her sister Laura.
-
-"Is it a gentleman?" asked Mrs. Felix Lorraine.
-
-"No, no, you are all wrong, and all very stupid. It is Mrs. Million."
-
-"Oh, how delightful!" said Cynthia.
-
-"Oh, how annoying!" said the Marchioness.
-
-"You need not look so agitated, my love," said the Marquess; "I have
-written to Mrs. Million to say that we shall be most happy to see her;
-but as the castle is very full, she must not come with five
-carriages-and-four, as she did last year."
-
-"And will Mrs. Million dine with us in the Hall, Marquess?" asked
-Cynthia Courtown.
-
-"Mrs. Million will do what she likes; I only know that I shall dine in
-the Hall, whatever happens, and whoever comes; and so, I suppose, will
-Miss Cynthia Courtown?"
-
-Vivian rode out alone, immediately after breakfast, to cure his
-melancholy by a gallop.
-
-Returning home, he intended to look in at a pretty farm-house, where
-lived one John Conyers, a great friend of Vivian's. This man had, about
-a fortnight ago, been of essential service to our hero, when a vicious
-horse, which he was endeavouring to cure of some ugly tricks, had nearly
-terminated his mortal career.
-
-"Why are you crying so, my boy?" asked Vivian of a little Conyers, who
-was sobbing bitterly at the floor. He was answered only with
-desperate sobs.
-
-"Oh, 'tis your honour," said a decent-looking woman, who came out of the
-house; "I thought they had come back again."
-
-"Come back again! why, what is the matter, dame?"
-
-"Oh! your honour, we're in sad distress; there's been a seizure this
-morning, and I'm mortal fear'd the good man's beside himself."
-
-"Good heavens! why did not you come to the Castle?"
-
-"Oh! your honour, we a'nt his Lordship's tenants no longer; there's been
-a change for Purley Mill, and now we're Lord Mounteney's people. John
-Conyers has been behind-hand since he had the fever, but Mr. Sedgwick
-always gave time: Lord Mounteney's gem'man says the system's bad, and so
-he'll put an end to it; and so all's gone, your honour; all's gone, and
-I'm mortal fear'd the good man's beside himself."
-
-"And who is Lord Mounteney's man of business?"
-
-"Mr. Stapylton Toad," sobbed the good dame.
-
-"Here, boy, leave off crying, and hold my horse; keep your hold tight,
-but give him rein, he'll be quiet enough then. I will see honest
-John, dame."
-
-"I'm sure your honour's very kind, but I'm mortal fear'd the good man's
-beside himself, and he's apt to do very violent things when the fits on
-him. He hasn't been so bad since young Barton behaved so wickedly to
-his sister."
-
-"Never mind! there is nothing like a friend's face in the hour of
-sorrow."
-
-"I wouldn't advise your honour," said the good dame. "It's an awful hour
-when the fit's on him; he knows not friend or foe, and scarcely knows
-me, your honour."
-
-"Never mind, I'll see him."
-
-Vivian entered the house; but who shall describe the scene of
-desolation! The room was entirely stripped; there was nothing left, save
-the bare whitewashed walls, and the red tiled flooring. The room was
-darkened; and seated on an old block of wood, which had been pulled out
-of the orchard, since the bailiff had left, was John Conyers. The fire
-was out, but his feet were still among the ashes. His head was buried in
-his hands, and bowed down nearly to his knees. The eldest girl, a fine
-sensible child of about thirteen, was sitting with two brothers on the
-floor in a corner of the room, motionless, their faces grave, and still
-as death, but tearless. Three young children, of an age too tender to
-know grief, were acting unmeaning gambols near the door.
-
-"Oh! pray beware, your honour," earnestly whispered the poor dame, as
-she entered the cottage with the visitor.
-
-Vivian walked up with a silent step to the end of "the room, where
-Conyers was sitting. He remembered this little room, when he thought it
-the very model of the abode of an English husbandman. The neat row of
-plates, and the well-scoured utensils, and the fine old Dutch clock, and
-the ancient and amusing ballad, purchased at some neighbouring fair, or
-of some itinerant bibliopole, and pinned against the wall, all gone!
-
-"Conyers!" exclaimed Vivian.
-
-There was no answer, nor did the miserable man appear in the slightest
-degree to be sensible of Vivian's presence.
-
-"My good John!"
-
-The man raised his head from his resting-place, and turned to the spot
-whence the voice proceeded. There was such an unnatural fire in his
-eyes, that Vivian's spirit almost quailed. His alarm was not decreased,
-when he perceived that the master of the cottage did not recognize him.
-The fearful stare was, however, short, and again the sufferer's face
-was hid.
-
-The wife was advancing, but Vivian waved his hand to her to withdraw,
-and she accordingly fell into the background; but her fixed eye did not
-leave her husband for a second.
-
-"John Conyers, it is your friend, Mr. Vivian Grey, who is here," said
-Vivian.
-
-"Grey!" moaned the husbandman; "Grey! who is he?"
-
-"Your friend, John Conyers. Do you quite forget me?" said Vivian
-advancing, and with a tone "which Vivian Grey could alone assume.
-
-"I think I have seen you, and you were kind," and the face was again
-hid.
-
-"And always will be kind, John. I have come to comfort you. I thought
-that a friend's voice would do you good. Come, cheer up, my man!" and
-Vivian dared to touch him. His hand was not repulsed. "Do you remember
-what good service you did me when I rode white-footed Moll? Why, I was
-much worse off then than you are now: and yet, you see, a friend came
-and saved me. You must not give way so, my good fellow. After all, a
-little management will set everything right," and he took the
-husbandman's sturdy hand.
-
-"I do remember you," he faintly cried. "You were always very kind."
-
-"And always will be, John; always to friends like you. Come, come, cheer
-up and look about you, and let the sunbeam enter your cottage:" and
-Vivian beckoned to the wife to open the closed shutter.
-
-Conyers stared around him, but his eye rested only on bare walls, and
-the big tear coursed down his hardy cheek.
-
-"Nay, never mind, man," said Vivian, "we will soon have chairs and
-tables again. And as for the rent, think no more about that at present."
-
-The husbandman looked up, and then burst into weeping. Vivian could
-scarcely hold down his convulsed frame on the rugged seat; but the wife
-advanced from the back of the room, and her husband's head rested
-against her bosom. Vivian held his honest hand, and the eldest girl rose
-unbidden from her silent sorrow, and clung to her father's knee.
-
-"The fit is over," whispered the wife. "There, there, there's a man, all
-is now well;" and Vivian left him resting on his wife's bosom.
-
-"Here, you curly-headed rascal, scamper down to the village immediately,
-and bring up a basket of something to eat; and tell Morgan Price that
-Mr. Grey says he is to send up a couple of beds, and some chairs here
-immediately, and some plates and dishes, and everything else, and don't
-forget some ale;" so saying, Vivian flung the urchin a sovereign.
-
-"And now, dame, for Heaven's sake, light the fire. As for the rent,
-John, do not waste this trifle on that," whispered Vivian, slipping his
-purse into his hand, "for I will see Stapylton Toad, and get time. Why,
-woman, you'll never strike a light, if your tears drop so fast into the
-tinder-box. Here, give it me. You are not fit to work to-day. And how is
-the trout in Ravely Mead, John, this hot weather? You know you never
-kept your promise with me. Oh! you are a sad fellow! There! there's a
-spark! I wonder why old Toad did not take the tinder-box. It is a very
-valuable piece of property, at least to us. Run and get me some wood,
-that's a good boy. And so white-footed Moll is past all recovery? Well,
-she was a pretty creature! There, that will do famously," said Vivian,
-fanning the flame with his hat. "See, it mounts well! And now, God bless
-you all! for I am an hour too late, and must scamper for my very life."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII
-
-
-Mrs. Million arrived, and kept her promise; only three
-carriages-and-four! Out of the first descended the mighty lady herself,
-with some noble friends, who formed the most distinguished part of her
-suite: out of the second came her physician, Dr. Sly; her toad-eater,
-Miss Gusset; her secretary, and her page. The third carriage bore her
-groom of the chambers, and three female attendants. There were only two
-men servants to each equipage; nothing could be more moderate, or, as
-Miss Gusser said, "in better taste."
-
-Mrs. Million, after having granted the Marquess a private interview in
-her private apartments, signified her imperial intention of dining in
-public, which, as she had arrived late, she trusted she might do in her
-travelling dress. The Marquess kotooed like a first-rate mandarin, and
-vowed "that her will was his conduct."
-
-The whole suite of apartments were thrown open, and were crowded with
-guests. Mrs. Million entered; she was leaning on the Marquess' arm, and
-in a travelling dress, namely, a crimson silk pelisse, hat and feathers,
-with diamond ear-rings, and a rope of gold round her neck. A train of
-about twelve persons, consisting of her noble fellow-travellers,
-toad-eaters, physicians, secretaries, &c. &c. &c. followed. The entree
-of Her Majesty could not have created a greater sensation than did that
-of Mrs. Million. All fell back. Gartered peers, and starred ambassadors,
-and baronets with blood older than the creation, and squires, to the
-antiquity of whose veins chaos was a novelty; all retreated, with eyes
-that scarcely dared to leave the ground; even Sir Plantagenet Pure,
-whose family had refused a peerage regularly every century, now, for the
-first time in his life, seemed cowed, and in an awkward retreat to make
-way for the approaching presence, got entangled with the Mameluke boots
-of my Lord Alhambra.
-
-At last a sofa was gained, and the great lady was seated, and the
-sensation having somewhat subsided, conversation was resumed; and the
-mighty Mrs. Million was not slightly abused, particularly by those who
-had bowed lowest at her entree; and now the Marquess of Carabas, as was
-wittily observed by Mr. Septimus Sessions, a pert young barrister, "went
-the circuit," that is to say, made the grand tour of the suite of
-apartments, making remarks to every one of his guests, and keeping up
-his influence in the county.
-
-"Ah, my Lord Alhambra! this is too kind; and how is your excellent
-father, and my good friend? Sir Plantagenet, yours most sincerely! we
-shall have no difficulty about that right of common. Mr. Leverton, I
-hope you find the new plough work well; your son, sir, will do the
-county honour. Sir Godfrey, I saw Barton upon that point, as I promised.
-Lady Julia, I am rejoiced to see ye at Chateau Desir, more blooming than
-ever! Good Mr. Stapylton Toad, so that little change was effected: My
-Lord Devildrain, this is a pleasure indeed!"
-
-"Why, Ernest Clay," said Mr. Buckhurst Stanhope, "I thought Alhambra
-wore a turban; I am quite disappointed."
-
-"Not in the country. Stanhope; here he only sits cross-legged on an
-ottoman, and carves his venison with an ataghan."
-
-"Well, I am glad he does not wear a turban; that would be bad taste, I
-think," said Fool Stanhope. "Have you read his poem?"
-
-"A little. He sent me a copy, and as I am in the habit of lighting my
-pipe or so occasionally with a leaf, why I cannot help occasionally
-seeing a line: it seems quite first-rate."
-
-"Indeed!" said Fool Stanhope; "I must get it."
-
-"My dear Puff! I am quite glad to find you here," said Mr. Cayenne, a
-celebrated reviewer, to Mr. Partenopex Puff, a small author and smaller
-wit. "Have you seen Middle Ages lately?"
-
-"Not very lately," drawled Mr. Partenopex, "I breakfasted with him
-before I left town, and met a Professor Bopp there, a very interesting
-man, and Principal of the celebrated University of Heligoland, the model
-of the London."
-
-"Ah, indeed! talking of the London, is Foaming Fudge to come in for
-Cloudland?"
-
-"Doubtless! Oh! he is a prodigious fellow! What do you think Booby
-says? He says that Foaming Fudge can do more than any man in Great
-Britain; that he had one day to plead in the King's Bench, spout at a
-tavern, speak in the House, and fight a duel; and that he found time for
-everything but the last."
-
-"Excellent!" laughed Mr. Cayenne.
-
-Mr. Partenopex Puff was reputed, in a certain set, a sayer of good
-things, but he was a modest wit, and generally fathered his bon mots on
-his valet Booby, his monkey, or his parrot.
-
-"I saw you in the last number," said Cayenne. "From the quotations from
-your own works, I imagine the review of your own book was by yourself?"
-
-"What do you think Booby said?"
-
-"Mr. Puff, allow me to introduce you to Lord Alhambra," said Ernest
-Clay, by which means Mr. Puff's servant's last good thing was lost.
-
-"Mr. Clay, are you an archer?" asked Cynthia Courtown.
-
-"No, fair Dian; but I can act Endymion."
-
-"I don't know what you mean. Go away."
-
-"Aubrey Vere, welcome to ----shire. Have you seen Prima Donna?"
-
-"No; is he here? How did you like his last song in the Age?"
-
-"His last song! Pooh! pooh! he only supplies the scandal."
-
-"Groves," said Sir Hanway Etherington, "have you seen the newspaper this
-morning? Baron Crupper has tried fifteen men for horse-stealing at York,
-and acquitted every one."
-
-"Well then, Sir Hanway, I think his Lordship's remarkable wrong; for
-when a man gets a horse to suit him, if he loses it, 'tisn't so easy to
-suit himself again. That's the ground I stand upon."
-
-All this time the Marquess of Carabas had wanted Vivian Grey twenty
-times, but that gentleman had not appeared. The important moment
-arrived, and his Lordship offered his arm to Mrs. Million, who, as the
-Gotha Almanack says, "takes precedence of all Archduchesses, Grand
-Duchesses, Duchesses, Princesses, Landgravines, Margravines,
-Palsgravines, &c. &c. &c."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIII
-
-
-In their passage to the Hall, the Marquess and Mrs. Million met Vivian
-Grey, booted and spurred, and covered with mud.
-
-"Oh! Mrs. Million--Mr. Vivian Grey. How is this, my dear fellow? you
-will be too late."
-
-"Immense honour!" said Vivian, bowing to the ground to the lady. "Oh! my
-Lord I was late, and made a short cut over Fearnley Bog. It has proved a
-very Moscow expedition. However, I am keeping you. I shall be in time
-for the guava and liqueurs, and you know that is the only refreshment I
-ever take."
-
-"Who is that, Marquess?" asked Mrs. Million.
-
-"That is Mr. Vivian Grey, the most monstrous clever young man, and
-nicest fellow I know."
-
-"He does, indeed, seem, a very nice young man," said Mrs. Million.
-
-Some steam process should be invented for arranging guests when they are
-above five hundred. In the present instance all went wrong when they
-entered the Hall; but, at last, the arrangements, which, of course, were
-of the simplest nature, were comprehended, and the guests were seated.
-There were three tables, each stretching down the Hall; the dais was
-occupied by a military band. The number of guests, the contrast between
-the antique chamber and their modern costumes, the music, the various
-liveried menials, all combined to produce a whole, which at the same
-time was very striking, and "in remarkable good taste."
-
-In process of time, Mr. Vivian Grey made his entrance. There were a few
-vacant seats at the bottom of the table, "luckily for him," as kindly
-remarked Mr. Grumbleton. To the astonishment and indignation, however,
-of this worthy squire, the late comer passed by the unoccupied position,
-and proceeded onward with undaunted coolness, until he came to about the
-middle of the middle table, and which was nearly the best situation
-in the Hall.
-
-"Beautiful Cynthia," said Vivian Grey, softly and sweetly whispering in
-Miss Courtown's ear, "I am sure you will give up your place to me; you
-have nerve enough, you know, for anything, and would no more care for
-standing out than I for sitting in." There is nothing like giving a
-romp credit for a little boldness. To keep up her character she will
-out-herod Herod.
-
-"Oh! Grey, is it you? certainly, you shall have my place immediately;
-but I am not sure that we cannot make room for you. Dormer Stanhope,
-room must be made for Grey, or I shall leave the table immediately. You
-men!" said the hoyden, turning round to a set of surrounding servants,
-"push this form down and put a chair between."
-
-The men obeyed. All who sat lower in the table on Miss Cynthia
-Courtown's side than that lady, were suddenly propelled downwards about
-the distance of two feet. Dr. Sly, who was flourishing a carving-knife
-and fork, preparatory to dissecting a gorgeous haunch, had these fearful
-instruments suddenly precipitated into a trifle, from whose sugared
-trellis-work he found great difficulty in extricating them; while Miss
-Gusset, who was on the point of cooling herself with some exquisite iced
-jelly, found her frigid portion as suddenly transformed into a plate of
-peculiarly ardent curry, the property, but a moment before, of old
-Colonel Rangoon. Everything, however, receives a civil reception from a
-toad-eater, so Miss Gusset burnt herself to death by devouring a
-composition, which would have reduced anyone to ashes who had not fought
-against Bundoolah.
-
-"Now that is what I call a sensible arrangement; what could go off
-better?" said Vivian.
-
-"You may think so, sir," said Mr. Boreall, a sharp-nosed and
-conceited-looking man, who, having got among a set whom he did not the
-least understand, was determined to take up Dr. Sly's quarrel, merely
-for the sake of conversation. "You, I say, sir, may think it so, but I
-rather imagine that the ladies and gentlemen lower down can hardly think
-it a sensible arrangement;" and here Boreall looked as if he had done
-his duty, in giving a young man a proper reproof.
-
-Vivian glanced a look of annihilation. "I had reckoned upon two deaths,
-sir, when I entered the Hall, and finding, as I do, that the whole
-business has apparently gone off without any fatal accident, why, I
-think the circumstances bear me out in my expression."
-
-Mr. Boreall was one of those unfortunate men who always take things to
-the letter: he consequently looked amazed, and exclaimed, "Two
-deaths, sir?"
-
-"Yes, sir, two deaths; I reckoned, of course, on some corpulent parent
-being crushed to death in the scuffle, and then I should have had to
-shoot his son through the head for his filial satisfaction. Dormer
-Stanhope, I never thanked you for exerting yourself: send me that
-fricandeau you have just helped yourself to."
-
-Dormer, who was, as Vivian well knew, something of an epicure, looked
-rather annoyed, but by this time he was accustomed to Vivian Grey, and
-sent him the portion he had intended for himself. Could epicure do more?
-
-"Whom are we among, bright Cynthia?" asked Vivian.
-
-"Oh! an odd set," said the lady, looking dignified; "but you know we can
-be exclusive."
-
-"Exclusive! pooh! trash! Talk to everybody; it looks as if you were
-going to stand for the county. Have we any of the millionaires near us?"
-
-"The Doctor and Toady are lower down."
-
-"Where is Mrs. Felix Lorraine?"
-
-"At the opposite table, with Ernest Clay."
-
-"Oh! there is Alhambra, next to Dormer Stanhope. Lord Alhambra, I am
-quite rejoiced to see you."
-
-"Ah! Mr. Grey, I am quite rejoiced to see you. How is your father?"
-
-"Extremely well; he is at Paris; I heard from him yesterday. Do you ever
-see the Weimar Literary Gazette, my Lord?"
-
-"No; why?"
-
-"There is an admirable review of your poem in the last number I have
-received."
-
-The young nobleman looked agitated. "I think, by the style," continued
-Vivian, "that it is by Goethe. It is really delightful to see the oldest
-poet in Europe dilating on the brilliancy of a new star on the
-poetical horizon."
-
-This was uttered with a perfectly grave voice, and now the young
-nobleman blushed. "Who is _Gewter_?" asked Mr. Boreall, who possessed
-such a thirst for knowledge that he never allowed an opportunity to
-escape him of displaying his ignorance.
-
-"A celebrated German writer," lisped the modest Miss Macdonald.
-
-"I never heard his name," persevered the indefatigable Boreall; "how do
-you spell it?"
-
-"GOETHE," re-lisped modesty.
-
-"Oh! _Goty_!" exclaimed the querist. "I know him well: he wrote the
-Sorrows of Werter."
-
-"Did he indeed, sir?" asked Vivian, with the most innocent and inquiring
-face.
-
-"Oh! don't you know that?" said Boreall, "and poor stuff it is!"
-
-"Lord Alhambra! I will take a glass of Johannisberg with you, if the
-Marquess' wines are in the state they should be:
-
-     The Crescent warriors sipped their sherbet spiced,
-     For Christian men the various wines were _iced_.
-
-I always think that those are two of the best lines in your Lordship's
-poem," said Vivian.
-
-His Lordship did not exactly remember them: it would have been a wonder
-if he had: but he thought Vivian Grey the most delightful fellow he ever
-met, and determined to ask him to Helicon Castle for the
-Christmas holidays.
-
-"Flat! flat!" said Vivian, as he dwelt upon the flavour of the Rhine's
-glory. "Not exactly from the favourite bin of Prince Metternich, I
-think. By-the-bye, Dormer Stanhope, you have a taste that way; I will
-tell you two secrets, which never forget: decant your Johannisberg, and
-ice your Maraschino. Ay, do not stare, my dear Gastronome, but do it."
-
-"O, Vivian! why did not you come and speak to me?" exclaimed a lady who
-was sitting at the side opposite Vivian, but higher in the table.
-
-"Ah! adorable Lady Julia! and so you were done on the grey filly."
-
-"Done!" said the sporting beauty with pouting lips; "but it is a long
-story, and I will tell it you another time."
-
-"Ah! do. How is Sir Peter?"
-
-"Oh! he has had a fit or two, since you saw him last."
-
-"Poor old gentleman! let us drink his health. Do you know Lady Julia
-Knighton?" asked Vivian of his neighbour. "This Hall is bearable to dine
-in; but I once breakfasted here, and I never shall forget the ludicrous
-effect produced by the sun through the oriel window. Such complexions!
-Every one looked like a prize-fighter ten days after a battle. After
-all, painted glass is a bore; I wish the Marquess would have it knocked
-out, and have it plated."
-
-"Knock out the painted glass!" said Mr. Boreall; "well, I must confess,
-I cannot agree with you."
-
-"I should have been extremely surprised if you could. If you do not
-insult that man, Miss Courtown, in ten minutes I shall be no more. I
-have already a nervous fever."
-
-"May I have the honour of taking a glass of champagne with you, Mr.
-Grey?" said Boreall.
-
-"Mr. Grey, indeed!" muttered Vivian: "Sir, I never drink anything but
-brandy."
-
-"Allow me to give _you_ some champagne, Miss," resumed Boreall, as he
-attacked the modest Miss Macdonald: "champagne, you know," continued he,
-with a smile of agonising courtesy, "is quite the lady's wine."
-
-"Cynthia Courtown," whispered Vivian with a sepulchral voice, "'tis all
-over with me: I have been thinking what would come next. This is too
-much: I am already dead. Have Boreall arrested; the chain of
-circumstantial evidence is very strong."
-
-"Baker!" said Vivian, turning to a servant, "go and inquire if Mr.
-Stapylton Toad dines at the Castle to-day."
-
-A flourish of trumpets announced the rise of the Marchioness of Carabas,
-and in a few minutes the most ornamental portion of the guests had
-disappeared. The gentlemen made a general "move up," and Vivian found
-himself opposite his friend, Mr. Hargrave.
-
-"Ah! Mr. Hargrave, how d'ye do? What do you think of the Secretary's
-state paper?"
-
-"A magnificent composition, and quite unanswerable. I was just speaking
-of it to my friend here, Mr. Metternich Scribe. Allow me to introduce
-you to Mr. Metternich Scribe."
-
-"Mr. Metternich Scribe, Mr. Vivian Grey!" and here Mr. Hargrave
-introduced Vivian to an effeminate-looking, perfumed young man, with a
-handsome, unmeaning face and very white hands; in short, as dapper a
-little diplomatist as ever tattled about the Congress of Verona, smirked
-at Lady Almack's supper after the Opera, or vowed "that Richmond Terrace
-was a most convenient situation for official men."
-
-"We have had it with us some time before the public received it," said
-the future under-secretary, with a look at once condescending and
-conceited.
-
-"Have you?" said Vivian: "well, it does your office credit. It is a
-singular thing that Canning and Croker are the only official men who can
-write grammar."
-
-The dismayed young gentleman of the Foreign Office was about to mince a
-repartee, when Vivian left his seat, for he had a great deal of business
-to transact. "Mr. Leverton," said he, accosting a flourishing grazier,
-"I have received a letter from my friend, M. De Noe. He is desirous of
-purchasing some Leicestershires for his estate in Burgundy. Pray, may I
-take the liberty of introducing his agent to you?"
-
-Mr. Leverton was delighted.
-
-"I also wanted to see you about some other little business. Let me see,
-what was it? Never mind, I will take my wine here, if you can make room
-for me; I shall remember it, I dare say, soon. Oh! by-the-bye: ah! that
-was it. Stapylton Toad; Mr. Stapylton Toad; I want to know all about Mr.
-Stapylton Toad. I dare say you can tell me. A friend of mine intends to
-consult him on some parliamentary business, and he wishes to know
-something about him before he calls."
-
-We will condense, for the benefit of the reader, the information of Mr.
-Leverton.
-
-Stapylton Toad had not the honour of being acquainted with his father's
-name; but as the son found himself, at an early age, apprenticed to a
-solicitor of eminence, he was of opinion that his parent must have been
-respectable. Respectable! mysterious word! Stapylton was a diligent and
-faithful clerk, but was not so fortunate in his apprenticeship as the
-celebrated Whittington, for his master had no daughter and many sons; in
-consequence of which, Stapylton, not being able to become his master's
-partner, became his master's rival.
-
-On the door of one of the shabbiest houses in Jermyn Street the name of
-Mr. Stapylton Toad for a long time figured, magnificently engraved on a
-broad brass plate. There was nothing however, otherwise, in the
-appearance of the establishment, which indicated that Mr. Toad's
-progress was very rapid, or his professional career extraordinarily
-prosperous. In an outward office one solitary clerk was seen, oftener
-stirring his office fire than wasting his master's ink; and Mr. Toad was
-known by his brother attorneys as a gentleman who was not recorded in
-the courts as ever having conducted a single cause. In a few years,
-however, a story was added to the Jermyn Street abode, which, new
-pointed and new painted, began to assume a mansion-like appearance. The
-house-door was also thrown open, for the solitary clerk no longer found
-time to answer the often agitated bell; and the eyes of the entering
-client were now saluted by a gorgeous green baize office door; the
-imposing appearance of which was only equalled by Mr. Toad's new private
-portal, splendid with a brass knocker and patent varnish. And now his
-brother attorneys began to wonder "how Toad got on! and who Toad's
-clients were!"
-
-A few more years rolled over, and Mr. Toad was seen riding in the Park
-at a classical hour, attended by a groom in a classical livery. And now
-"the profession" wondered still more, and significant looks were
-interchanged by "the respectable houses:" and flourishing practitioners
-in the City shrugged up their shoulders, and talked mysteriously of
-"money business," and "some odd work in annuities." In spite, however,
-of the charitable surmises of his brother lawyers, it must be confessed
-that nothing of even an equivocal nature ever transpired against the
-character of the flourishing Mr. Toad, who, to complete the
-mortification of his less successful rivals, married, and at the same
-time moved from Jermyn Street to Cavendish Square. The new residence
-of--Mr. Toad had previously been the mansion of a noble client, and one
-whom, as the world said, Mr. Toad "had got out of difficulties." This
-significant phrase will probably throw some light upon the nature of the
-mysterious business of our prosperous practitioner. Noble Lords who have
-been in difficulties will not much wonder at the prosperity of those who
-get them out.
-
-About this time Mr. Toad became acquainted with Lord Mounteney, a
-nobleman in great distress, with fifty thousand per annum. His Lordship
-"really did not know how he had got involved: he never gamed, he was not
-married, and his consequent expenses had never been unreasonable: he was
-not extraordinarily negligent; quite the reverse: was something of a man
-of business, remembered once looking over his accounts; and yet in spite
-of his regular and correct career, found himself quite involved, and
-must leave England."
-
-The arrangement of the Mounteney property was the crowning stroke of Mr.
-Stapylton Toad's professional celebrity. His Lordship was not under the
-necessity of quitting England, and found himself in the course of five
-years in the receipt of a clear rental of five-and-twenty thousand per
-annum. His Lordship was in raptures; and Stapylton Toad purchased an
-elegant villa in Surrey, and became a Member of Parliament. Goodburn
-Park, for such was the name of Mr. Toad's country residence, in spite of
-its double lodges and patent park paling, was not, to Mr. Toad, a very
-expensive purchase; for he "took it off the hands" of a distressed
-client who wanted an immediate supply, "merely to convenience him," and,
-consequently, became the purchaser at about half its real value.
-"Attorneys," as Bustle the auctioneer says, "have _such_ opportunities!"
-
-Mr. Toad's career in the House was as correct as his conduct out of it.
-After ten years' regular attendance, the boldest conjecturer would not
-have dared to define his political principles. It was a rule with
-Stapylton Toad never to commit himself. Once, indeed, he wrote an able
-pamphlet on the Corn Laws, which excited the dire indignation of the
-Political Economy Club. But Stapylton cared little for their subtle
-confutations and their loudly expressed contempt. He had obliged the
-country gentlemen of England, and ensured the return, at the next
-election, of Lord Mounteney's brother for the county. At this general
-election, also, Stapylton Toad's purpose in entering the House became
-rather more manifest; for it was found, to the surprise of the whole
-country, that there was scarcely a place in England; county, town, or
-borough; in which Mr. Stapylton Toad did not possess some influence. In
-short, it was discovered, that Mr. Stapylton Toad had "a first-rate
-parliamentary business;" that nothing could be done without his
-co-operation, and everything with it. In spite of his prosperity,
-Stapylton had the good sense never to retire from business, and even to
-refuse a baronetcy; on condition, however, that it should be offered
-to his son.
-
-Stapylton, like the rest of mankind, had his weak points. The late
-Marquess of Almack's was wont to manage him very happily, and Toad was
-always introducing that minister's opinion of his importance. "'My time
-is quite at your service, General,' although the poor dear Marquess used
-to say, 'Mr. Stapylton Toad, your time is mine.' He knew the business I
-had to get through!" The family portraits also, in ostentatious frames,
-now adorned the dining-room of his London mansion; and it was amusing to
-hear the worthy M.P. dilate upon his likeness to his respected father.
-
-"You see, my Lord," Stapylton would say, pointing to a dark, dingy
-picture of a gentleman in a rich court dress, "you see, my Lord, it is
-not in a very good light, and it certainly is a very dark picture, by
-Hudson; all Hudson's pictures were dark. But if I were six inches
-taller, and could hold the light just there, I think your Lordship would
-be astonished at the resemblance; but it's a dark picture, certainly it
-is dark; all Hudson's pictures were."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIV
-
-
-The Cavaliers have left the ancient Hall, and the old pictures frown
-only upon empty tables. The Marquess immediately gained a seat by Mrs.
-Million, and was soon engrossed in deep converse with that illustrious
-lady. In one room, the most eminent and exclusive, headed by Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine, were now winding through the soothing mazes of a slow waltz,
-and now whirling, with all the rapidity of Eastern dervishes, to true
-double Wien time. In another saloon, the tedious tactics of quadrilles
-commanded the exertions of less civilised beings: here Liberal Snake,
-the celebrated political economist, was lecturing to a knot of alarmed
-country gentlemen; and there an Italian improvisatore poured forth to an
-admiring audience all the dulness of his inspiration. Vivian Grey was
-holding an earnest conversation in one of the recesses with Mr.
-Stapylton Toad. He had already charmed that worthy by the deep interest
-which he took in everything relating to elections and the House of
-Commons, and now they were hard at work on the Corn Laws. Although they
-agreed upon the main points, and Vivian's ideas upon this important
-subject had, of course, been adopted after studying Mr. Toad's "most
-luminous and convincing pamphlet," still there were a few minor points
-on which Vivian "was obliged to confess" that "he did not exactly see
-his way." Mr. Toad was astonished, but argumentative, and, of course, in
-due time, had made a convert of his companion; "a young man," as he
-afterwards remarked to Lord Mounteney, "in whom he knew not which most
-to admire, the soundness of his own views, or the candour with which he
-treated those of others." If you wish to win a man's heart, allow him to
-confute you.
-
-"I think, Mr. Grey, you must admit that my definition of labour is the
-correct one?" said Mr. Toad, looking earnestly in Vivian's face, his
-finger just presuming to feel a button.
-
-"That exertion of mind or body which is not the involuntary effect of
-the influence of natural sensations," slowly repeated Vivian, as if his
-whole soul was concentrated in each monosyllable. "Y-e-s, Mr. Toad, I do
-admit it."
-
-"Then, my dear sir, the rest follows of course," triumphantly exclaimed
-the member; "don't you see it?"
-
-"Although I admit the correctness of your definition, Mr. Toad, I am not
-free to confess that I am ex-act-ly convinced of the soundness of your
-conclusion," said Vivian, in a musing mood.
-
-"But, my dear sir, I am surprised that you don't see that--"
-
-"Stop, Mr. Toad," eagerly exclaimed Vivian; "I see my error. I
-misconceived your meaning: you are right, sir; your definition
-is correct."
-
-"I was confident that I should convince you, Mr. Grey."
-
-"This conversation, I assure you, Mr. Toad, has been to me a peculiarly
-satisfactory one. Indeed, sir, I have long wished to have the honour of
-making your acquaintance. When but a boy, I remember, at my father's
-table, the late Marquess of Almack's--"
-
-"Yes, Mr. Grey."
-
-"One of the ablest men, Mr. Toad, after all, that this country ever
-produced."
-
-"Oh, poor dear man!"
-
-"I remember his observing to a friend of mine, who was at that time
-desirous of getting into the House: 'Hargrave,' said his Lordship, 'if
-you want any information upon points of practical politics;' that was
-his phrase; you remember, Mr. Toad, that his Lordship was peculiar in
-his phrases?"
-
-"Oh! yes, poor dear man; but you were observing, Mr. Grey--"
-
-"Ay, ay! 'If you want any information,' said his Lordship, 'on such
-points, there is only one man in the kingdom whom you should consult,
-and he is one of the soundest heads I know, and that is Stapylton Toad,
-the member for Mounteney;' you know you were in for Mounteney then,
-Mr. Toad."
-
-"I was, and accepted the Chilterns to make room for Augustus Clay,
-Ernest Clay's brother, who was so involved, that the only way to keep
-him out of the House of Correction was to get him into the House of
-Commons. But the Marquess said so, eh?"
-
-"Ay, and much more, which I scarcely can remember;" and then followed a
-long dissertation on the character of the noble statesman, and his views
-as to the agricultural interest, and the importance of the agricultural
-interest; and then a delicate hint was thrown out as to "how delightful
-it would be to write a pamphlet together" on this mighty agricultural
-interest; and then came a panegyric on the character of country
-gentlemen, and English yeomen, and the importance of keeping up the old
-English spirit in the peasantry, &c. &c. &c. &c.; and then, when Vivian
-had led Mr. Toad to deliver a splendid and patriotic oration on this
-point, he "just remembered (quite apropos to the sentiments which Mr.
-Toad had just delivered, and which, he did not hesitate to say, 'did
-equal honour to his head and heart') that there was a little point,
-which, if it was not trespassing too much on Mr. Toad's attention, he
-would just submit to him;" and then he mentioned poor John Conyers'
-case, although "he felt convinced, from Mr. Toad's well-known benevolent
-character, that it was quite unnecessary for him to do so, as he felt
-assured that it would be remedied immediately it fell under his
-cognisance; but then Mr. Toad had really so much business to transact,
-that perhaps these slight matters might occasionally not be submitted to
-him," &c. &c. &c.
-
-What could Stapylton Toad do but, after a little amiable grumbling about
-"bad system and bad precedent," promise everything that Vivian
-Grey required?
-
-"Mr. Vivian Grey," said Mrs. Felix Lorraine, "I cannot understand why
-you have been talking to Mr. Toad so long. Will you waltz?"
-
-Before Vivian could answer, a tittering, so audible that it might almost
-be termed a shout, burst forth from the whole room. Cynthia Courtown had
-stolen behind Lord Alhambra, as he was sitting on an ottoman a la
-Turque, and had folded a cashmere shawl round his head with a most
-Oriental tie. His Lordship, who, notwithstanding his eccentricities, was
-really a very amiable man, bore his blushing honours with a gracious
-dignity worthy of a descendant of the Abencerrages. The sensation which
-this incident occasioned favoured Vivian's escape from Mrs. Felix, for
-he had not left Mr. Stapylton Toad with any intention of waltzing.
-
-But he had hardly escaped from the waltzers ere he found himself in
-danger of being involved in a much more laborious duty; for now he
-stumbled on the Political Economist, and he was earnestly requested by
-the contending theorists to assume the office of moderator. Emboldened
-by his success. Liberal Snake had had the hardihood to attack a
-personage of whose character he was not utterly ignorant, but on whom
-he was extremely desirous of "making an--impression." This important
-person was Sir Christopher Mowbray, who, upon the lecturer presuming to
-inform him "what rent was," damned himself several times from sheer
-astonishment at the impudence of the fellow. I don't wish to be coarse,
-but Sir Christopher is a great man, and the sayings of great men,
-particularly when they are representative of the sentiment of a species,
-should not pass unrecorded.
-
-Sir Christopher Mowbray is member for the county of ----; and member for
-the county he intends to be next election, although he is in his
-seventy-ninth year, for he can still follow a fox with as pluck a heart
-and with as stout a voice as any squire in Christendom. Sir Christopher,
-it must be confessed, is rather peculiar in his ideas. His grandson,
-Peregrine Mowbray, who is as pert a genius as the applause of a
-common-room ever yet spoiled, and as sublime an orator as the cheerings
-of the Union ever yet inspired, says "the Baronet is not up to the
-nineteenth century;" and perhaps this phrase will give the reader a more
-significant idea of Sir Christopher Mowbray than a character as long and
-as laboured as the most perfect of my Lord Clarendon's. The truth is,
-the good Baronet had no idea of "liberal principles," or anything else
-of that school. His most peculiar characteristic is a singular habit
-which he has got of styling political economists French Smugglers.
-Nobody has ever yet succeeded in extracting a reason from him for this
-singular appellation, and even if you angle with the most exquisite
-skill for the desired definition, Sir Christopher immediately salutes
-you with a volley of oaths, and damns French wines, Bible Societies, and
-Mr. Huskisson. Sir Christopher for half a century has supported in the
-senate, with equal sedulousness and silence, the constitution and the
-corn laws; he is perfectly aware of "the present perilous state of the
-country," and watches with great interest all "the plans and plots" of
-this enlightened age. The only thing which he does not exactly
-comprehend is the London University. This affair really puzzles the
-worthy gentleman, who could as easily fancy a county member not being a
-freeholder as an university not being at Oxford or Cambridge. Indeed to
-this hour the old gentleman believes that the whole business is "a
-hoax;" and if you tell him that, far from the plan partaking of the
-visionary nature he conceives, there are actually four acres of very
-valuable land purchased near White Conduit House for the erection, and
-that there is little apprehension that, in the course of a century, the
-wooden poles which are now stuck about the ground will not be as fair
-and flourishing as the most leafy bowers of New College Gardens, the old
-gentleman looks up to heaven, as if determined not to be taken in, and
-leaning back in his chair, sends forth a sceptical and smiling "No! no!
-no! that won't do."
-
-Vivian extricated himself with as much grace as possible from the toils
-of the Economist, and indeed, like a skilful general, turned this little
-rencontre to account in accomplishing the very end for the attainment of
-which he had declined waltzing with Mrs. Felix Lorraine.
-
-"My dear Lord," said Vivian, addressing the Marquess, who was still by
-the side of Mrs. Million, "I am going to commit a most ungallant act;
-but you great men must pay a tax for your dignity. I am going to disturb
-you. You are wanted by half the county! What could possibly induce you
-ever to allow a Political Economist to enter Chateau Desir? There are.
-at least, three baronets and four squires in despair, writhing under the
-tortures of Liberal Snake. They have deputed me to request your
-assistance, to save them from being defeated in the presence of half
-their tenantry; and I think, my Lord," said Vivian, with a serious
-voice, "if you could possibly contrive to interfere, it would be
-desirable. That lecturing knave never knows when to stop, and he is
-actually insulting men before whom, after all, he ought not to dare open
-his lips. I see that your Lordship is naturally not very much inclined
-to quit your present occupation, in order to act moderator to a set of
-brawlers; but come, you shall not be quite sacrificed to the county. I
-will give up the waltz in which I was engaged, and keep your seat until
-your return."
-
-The Marquess, who was always "keeping up county influence," was very
-shocked at the obstreperous conduct of Liberal Snake. Indeed he had
-viewed the arrival of this worthy with no smiling countenance, but what
-could he say, as he came in the suit of Lord Pert, who was writing, with
-the lecturer's assistance, a little pamphlet on the Currency?
-Apologising to Mrs. Million, and promising to return as soon as possible
-and lead her to the music-room, the Marquess retired, with the
-determination of annihilating one of the stoutest members of the
-Political Economy Club.
-
-Vivian began by apologising to Mrs. Million for disturbing her progress
-to the Hall by his sudden arrival before dinner; and then for a quarter
-of an hour poured forth the usual quantity of piquant anecdotes and
-insidious compliments. Mrs. Million found Vivian's conversation no
-disagreeable relief to the pompous prosiness of his predecessor.
-
-And now, having succeeded in commanding Mrs. Million's attention by that
-general art of pleasing which was for all the world, and which was, of
-course, formed upon his general experience of human nature, Vivian began
-to make his advances to Mrs. Million's feelings by a particular art of
-pleasing; that is, an art which was for the particular person alone whom
-he was at any time addressing, and which was founded on his particular
-knowledge of that person's character.
-
-"How beautiful the old Hall looked to-day! It is a scene which can only
-be met with in ancient families."
-
-"Ah! there is nothing like old families!" remarked Mrs. Million, with
-all the awkward feelings of a parvenue.
-
-"Do you think so?" said Vivian; "I once thought so myself, but I confess
-that my opinion is greatly changed. After all, what is noble blood? My
-eye is now resting on a crowd of nobles; and yet, being among them, do
-we treat them in a manner differing in any way from that which we should
-employ to individuals of a lower caste who were equally uninteresting?"
-
-"Certainly not," said Mrs. Million.
-
-"The height of the ambition of the less exalted ranks is to be noble,
-because they conceive to be noble implies to be superior; associating in
-their minds, as they always do, a pre-eminence over then equals. But to
-be noble among nobles, where is the preeminence?"
-
-"Where indeed?" said Mrs. Million; and she thought of herself, sitting
-the most considered personage in this grand castle, and yet with
-sufficiently base blood flowing in her veins.
-
-"And thus, in the highest circles," continued Vivian, "a man is of
-course not valued because he is a Marquess or a Duke; but because he is
-a great warrior, or a great statesman, or very fashionable, or very
-witty. In all classes but the highest, a peer, however unbefriended by
-nature or by fortune, becomes a man of a certain rate of consequence;
-but to be a person of consequence in the highest class requires
-something else besides high blood."
-
-"I quite agree with you in your sentiments, Mr. Grey. Now what
-character or what situation in life would you choose, if you had the
-power of making your choice?"
-
-"That is really a most metaphysical question. As is the custom of all
-young men, I have sometimes, in my reveries, imagined what I conceived
-to be a lot of pure happiness: and yet Mrs. Million will perhaps be
-astonished that I was neither to be nobly born nor to acquire nobility,
-that I was not to be a statesman, or a poet, or a warrior, or a
-merchant, nor indeed any profession, not even a professional dandy."
-
-"Oh! love in a cottage, I suppose," interrupted Mrs. Million.
-
-"Neither love in a cottage, nor science in a cell."
-
-"Oh! pray tell me what it is."
-
-"What it is? Oh! Lord Mayor of London, I suppose; that is the only
-situation which answers to my oracular description."
-
-"Then you have been joking all this time!"
-
-"Not at all. Come then, let us imagine this perfect lot. In the first
-place, I would be born in the middle classes of society, or even lower,
-because I would wish my character to be impartially developed. I would
-be born to no hereditary prejudices, no hereditary passions. My course
-in life should not be carved out by the example of a grandfather, nor my
-ideas modelled to a preconceived system of family perfection. Do you
-like my first principle, Mrs. Million?"
-
-"I must hear everything before I give an opinion."
-
-"When, therefore, my mind was formed, I would wish to become the
-proprietor of a princely fortune."
-
-"Yes!" eagerly exclaimed Mrs. Million.
-
-"And now would come the moral singularity of my fate. If I had gained
-this fortune by commerce, or in any other similar mode, my disposition,
-before the creation of this fortune, would naturally have been formed,
-and been permanently developed; and my mind would have been similarly
-affected, had I succeeded to some ducal father; for I should then, in
-all probability, have inherited some family line of conduct, both moral
-and political. But under the circumstances I have imagined, the result
-would be far different. I should then be in the singular situation of
-possessing, at the same time, unbounded wealth, and the whole powers and
-natural feelings of my mind unoppressed and unshackled. Oh! how splendid
-would be my career! I would not allow the change in my condition to
-exercise any influence on my natural disposition. I would experience
-the same passions and be subject to the same feelings, only they should
-be exercised and influential in a wider sphere. Then would be seen the
-influence of great wealth, directed by a disposition similar to that of
-the generality of men, inasmuch as it had been formed like that of the
-generality of men; and consequently, one much better acquainted with
-their feelings, their habits, and their wishes. Such a lot would indeed
-be princely! Such a lot would infallibly ensure the affection and
-respect of the great majority of mankind; and, supported by them, what
-should I care if I were misunderstood by a few fools and abused by a
-few knaves?"
-
-Here came the Marquess to lead the lady to the concert. As she quitted
-her seat, a smile, beaming with graciousness, rewarded her youthful
-companion. "Ah!" thought Mrs. Million, "I go to the concert, but leave
-sweeter music than can possibly meet me there. What is the magic of
-these words? It is not flattery; such is not the language of Miss
-Gusset! It is not a rifacimento of compliments; such is not the style
-with which I am saluted by the Duke of Doze and the Earl of Leatherdale!
-Apparently I have heard a young philosopher delivering his sentiments
-upon an abstract point in human life; and yet have I not listened to a
-brilliant apology for my own character, and a triumphant defence of my
-own conduct. Of course it was unintentional; and yet how agreeable to be
-unintentionally defended!" So mused Mrs. Million, and she made a
-thousand vows not to let a day pass over without obtaining a pledge from
-Vivian Grey to visit her on their return to the metropolis.
-
-Vivian remained in his seat for some time after the departure of his
-companion. "On my honour, I have half a mind to desert my embryo faction
-and number myself in her gorgeous retinue. Let me see. What part should
-I act? her secretary, or her toad-eater, or her physician, or her cook?
-or shall I be her page? Me-thinks I should make a pretty page, and hand
-a chased goblet as gracefully as any monkey that ever bent his knee in a
-lady's chamber. Well! at any rate, there is this chance to be kept back,
-as the gambler does his last trump, or the cunning fencer his
-last ruse."
-
-He rose to offer his arm to some stray fair one; for crowds were now
-hurrying to pineapples and lobster salads: that is to say, supper was
-ready in the Long Gallery.
-
-In a moment Vivian's arm was locked in that of Mrs. Felix Lorraine.
-
-"Oh, Mr. Grey, I have got a much better ghost story than even that of
-the Leyden Professor for you; but I am so wearied with waltzing that I
-must tell it you to-morrow. How came you to be so late this morning?
-Have you been paying many calls to-day? I quite missed you at dinner. Do
-you think Ernest Clay handsome? I dare not repeat what Lady Scrope said
-of you! You are an admirer of Lady Julia Knighton, I believe? I do not
-much like this plan of supping in the Long Gallery; it is a favourite
-locale of mine, and I have no idea of my private promenade being invaded
-by the uninteresting presence of trifles and Italian creams. Have you
-been telling Mrs. Million that she was very witty?" asked Vivian's
-companion, with a significant look.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XV
-
-
-Sweet reader! you know what a Toadey is? That agreeable animal which you
-meet every day in civilised society. But perhaps you have not speculated
-very curiously upon this interesting race. So much the worse! for you
-cannot live many lustres without finding it of some service to be a
-little acquainted with their habits.
-
-The world in general is under a mistake as to the nature of these
-vermin. They are by no means characterised by that similarity of
-disposition for which your common observer gives them credit. There are
-Toadeys of all possible natures.
-
-There is your Common-place Toadey, who merely echoes its feeder's
-common-place observations. There is your Playing-up Toadey, who,
-unconscious to its feeder, is always playing up to its feeder's
-weaknesses; and, as the taste of that feeder varies, accordingly
-provides its cates and confitures. A little bit of scandal for a dashing
-widow, or a pious little hymn for a sainted one; the secret history of a
-newly discovered gas for a May Fair feeder, and an interesting anecdote
-about a Newgate bobcap or a Penitentiary apron for a charitable one.
-Then there is your Drawing-out Toadey, who omits no opportunity of
-giving you a chance of being victorious in an argument where there is no
-contest, and a dispute where there is no difference; and then there
-is--but we detest essay writing, so we introduce you at once to a party
-of these vermin. If you wish to enjoy a curious sight, you must watch
-the Toadeys when they are unembarrassed by the almost perpetual presence
-of their breeders; when they are animated by "the spirit of freedom;"
-when, like Curran's Negro, the chain bursts by the impulse of their
-swelling veins. The great singularity is the struggle between their
-natural and their acquired feelings: the eager opportunity which they
-seize of revenging their voluntary bondage, by their secret taunts, on
-their adopted task-masters, and the servility which they habitually mix
-up even with their scandal. Like veritable Grimalkins, they fawn upon
-their victims previous to the festival; compliment them upon the length
-of their whiskers and the delicacy of their limbs prior to excoriating
-them, and dwelling on the flavour of their crashed bones. 'Tis a
-beautiful scene, and ten thousand times more piquant than the humours of
-a Servants' Hall, or the most grotesque and glorious moments of high
-life below stairs.
-
-"Dear Miss Graves," said Miss Gusset, "you can't imagine how terrified I
-was at that horrible green parrot flying upon my head! I declare it
-pulled out three locks of hair."
-
-"Horrible green parrot, my dear madam! Why, it was sent to my Lady by
-Prince Xtmnprqtosklw, and never shall I forget the agitation we were in
-about that parrot. I thought it would never have got to the Chateau, for
-the Prince could only send his carriage with it as far as Toadcaster.
-Luckily my Lady's youngest brother, who was staying at Desir, happened
-to get drowned at the time; and so Davenport, very clever of him! sent
-her on in my Lord Dormer's hearse."
-
-"In the hearse! Good heavens, Miss Graves! How could you think of green
-parrots at such an awful moment? I should have been in fits for three
-days; eh! Dr. Sly?"
-
-"Certainly you would, madame; your nerves are very delicate."
-
-"Well! I, for my part, never could see much use in giving up to one's
-feelings. It is all very well for commoners," rather rudely exclaimed
-the Marchioness' Toadey; "but we did not choose to expose ourselves to
-the servants when the old General died this year. Everything went on as
-usual. Her Ladyship attended Almack's; my Lord took his seat in the
-House; and I looked in at Lady Doubtful's where we do not visit, but
-where the Marchioness wishes to be civil."
-
-"We do not visit Lady Doubtful either," replied Miss Gusset: "she had
-not a card for our fete champetre. I was so sorry you were not in town.
-It was so delightful!"
-
-"Do tell me who was there? I quite long to know all about it. I saw some
-account of it. Everything seemed to go off so well. Do tell me who
-was there?"
-
-"Oh! there was plenty of Royalty at the head of the list. Really I
-cannot go into particulars, but everybody was there who is anybody;
-eh! Dr. Sly?"
-
-"Certainly, madam. The pines were most admirable. There are few people
-for whom I entertain a higher esteem, than Mr. Gunter."
-
-"The Marchioness seems very fond of her parrot, Miss Graves; but she is
-a sweet woman!"
-
-"Oh, a dear, amiable creature! but I cannot think how she can bear the
-eternal screaming of that noisy bird."
-
-"Nor I, indeed. Well, thank goodness, Mrs. Million has no pets; eh! Dr.
-Sly?"
-
-"Certainly. I am clearly of opinion that it cannot be wholesome to have
-so many animals about a house. Besides which, I have noticed that the
-Marchioness always selects the nicest morsels for that little poodle;
-and I am also clearly of opinion, Miss Graves, that the fit it had the
-other day arose from repletion."
-
-"I have no doubt of it in the world. She consumes three pounds of
-arrowroot weekly and two pounds of the finest loaf sugar, which I have
-the trouble of grating every Monday morning. Mrs. Million appears to be
-a most amiable woman, Miss Gusset?"
-
-"Quite perfection; so charitable, so intellectual, such a soul! It is a
-pity, though, her manner is so abrupt; she really does not appear to
-advantage sometimes; eh! Dr. Sly?"
-
-The Toadey's Toadey bowed assent as usual. "Well," rejoined Miss Graves,
-"that is rather a fault of the dear Marchioness, a little want of
-consideration for another's feelings; but she means nothing."
-
-"Oh, no! nor Mrs. Million, dear creature! She means nothing; though I
-dare say, not knowing her so well as we do; eh! Dr. Sly? you were a
-little surprised at the way in which she spoke to me at dinner."
-
-"All people have their oddities, Miss Gusset. I am sure the Marchioness
-is not aware how she tries my patience about that little wretch Julie. I
-had to rub her with warm flannels for an hour and a half before the fire
-this morning; that is that Vivian Grey's doing."
-
-"Who is this Mr. Grey, Miss Graves?"
-
-"Who, indeed! Some young man the Marquess has picked up, and who comes
-lecturing here about poodles and parrots, and thinking himself quite
-Lord Paramount, I can assure you. I am surprised that the Marchioness,
-who is a most sensible woman, can patronise such conduct a moment; but
-whenever she begins to see through him the young gentleman has always
-got a story about a bracelet, or a bandeau, and quite turns her head."
-
-"Very disagreeable, I am sure."
-
-"Some people are so easily managed! By-the-bye, Miss Gusset, who could
-have advised Mrs. Million to wear crimson? So large as she is, it does
-not at all suit her. I suppose it's a favourite colour."
-
-"Dear Miss Graves, you are always so insinuating. What can Miss Graves
-mean; eh! Dr. Sly?"
-
-A Lord Burleigh shake of the head.
-
-"Cynthia Courtown seems as lively as ever," said Miss Gusset.
-
-"Yes, lively enough; but I wish her manner was less brusque."
-
-"Brusque, indeed! you may well say so. She nearly pushed me down in the
-Hall; and when I looked as if I thought she might have given me a little
-more room, she tossed her head and said, 'Beg pardon, never saw you!'"
-
-"I wonder what Lord Alhambra sees in that girl?"
-
-"Oh! those forward misses always take the men."
-
-"Well," said Miss Graves, "I have no notion that it will come to
-anything; I am sure, I, for one, hope not," added she, with all a
-Toadey's venom.
-
-"The Marquess seems to keep a remarkably good table," said the
-physician. "There was a haunch to-day, which I really think was the
-finest haunch I ever met with; but that little move at dinner; it was,
-to say the least, very ill-timed."
-
-"Yes, that was Vivian Grey again," said Miss Graves, very indignantly.
-
-"So you have got the Beaconsfields here, Miss Graves! nice, unaffected,
-quiet people."
-
-"Yes, very quiet."
-
-"As you say, Miss Graves, very quiet, but a little heavy."
-
-"Yes, heavy enough."
-
-"If you had but seen the quantity of pineapples that boy Dormer Stanhope
-devoured at our fete champetre! but I have the comfort of knowing that
-they made him very ill; eh! Dr. Sly?"
-
-"Oh! he learnt that from his uncle," said Miss Graves; "it is quite
-disgusting to see how that Vivian Grey encourages him."
-
-"What an elegant, accomplished woman Mrs. Felix Lorraine seems to be,
-Miss Graves! I suppose the Marchioness is very fond of her?"
-
-"Oh, yes; the Marchioness is so good-natured that I dare say she thinks
-very well of Mrs. Felix Lorraine. She thinks well of everyone; but I
-believe Mrs. Felix is rather a greater favourite with the Marquess."
-
-"O--h!" drawled out Miss Gusset with a very significant tone. "I suppose
-she is one of your playing-up ladies. I think you told me she was only
-on a visit here."
-
-"A pretty long visit, though, for a sister-in-law, if sister-in-law she
-be. As I was saying to the Marchioness the other day, when Mrs. Felix
-offended her so violently by trampling on the dear little Julie, if it
-came into a court of justice I should like to see the proof; that's all.
-At any rate, it is pretty evident that Mr. Lorraine has had enough of
-his bargain."
-
-"Quite evident, I think; eh! Dr. Sly? Those German women never make good
-English wives," continued Miss Gusset, with all a Toadey's patriotism.
-
-"Talking of wives, did not you think Lady Julia spoke very strangely of
-Sir Peter after dinner to-day? I hate that Lady Julia, if it be only for
-petting Vivian Grey so."
-
-"Yes, indeed, it is quite enough to make one sick; eh! Dr. Sly?"
-
-The doctor shook his head mournfully, remembering the haunch.
-
-"They say Ernest Clay is in sad difficulties, Miss Gusset."
-
-"Well, I always expected his dash would end in that. Those wild
-harum-scarum men are monstrous disagreeable. I like a person of some
-reflection; eh! Dr. Sly?"
-
-Before the doctor could bow his usual assent there entered a pretty
-little page, very daintily attired in a fancy dress of green and silver.
-Twirling his richly chased dirk with one tiny white hand, and at the
-same time playing with a pet curl which was picturesquely flowing over
-his forehead, he advanced with ambling gait to Miss Gusset, and, in a
-mincing voice and courtly phrase, summoned her to the imperial presence.
-
-The lady's features immediately assumed the expression which befitted
-the approaching interview, and in a moment Miss Graves and the physician
-were left alone.
-
-"Very amiable young woman Miss Gusset appears to be, Dr. Sly?"
-
-"Oh! the most amiable being in the world; I owe her the greatest
-obligations."
-
-"So gentle in her manners."
-
-"O yes, so gentle."
-
-"So considerate for everybody."
-
-"Oh, yes! so considerate," echoed the Aberdeen M.D.
-
-"I am afraid, though, she must sometimes meet with people who do not
-exactly understand her character; such extraordinary consideration for
-others is sometimes liable to misconstruction."
-
-"Very sensibly remarked, Miss Graves. I am sure Miss Gusset means well;
-and that kind of thing is all very admirable in its way; but, but--"
-
-"But what, Dr. Sly?"
-
-"Why, I was merely going to hazard an observation, that according to my
-feelings, that is, to my own peculiar view of the case, I should prefer
-some people thinking more about their own business, and, and, but I
-mean nothing."
-
-"Oh, no, of course not, Dr. Sly! You know we always except our own
-immediate friends, at least when we can be sure they are our friends;
-but, as you were saying, or going to say, those persons who are so very
-anxious about other people's affairs are not always the most agreeable
-persons in the world to live with. It certainly did strike me that that
-interference of Miss Gusset's about Julie to-day was, to say the least,
-very odd."
-
-"Oh, my dear madam! when you know her as well as I do, you will see she
-is always ready to put in a word."
-
-"Well! do you know, Dr. Sly, between ourselves, that was exactly my
-impression; and she is then very, very, I do not exactly mean to say
-meddling or inquisitive; but, but you understand me, Dr. Sly?"
-
-"Perfectly; and if I were to speak my mind, which I do not hesitate to
-do in confidence to you, Miss Graves, I really should say that she is
-the most jealous, irritable, malicious, meddling, and at the same time
-fawning, disposition that I ever met with in the whole course of my
-life, and I speak from experience."
-
-"Well, do you know, Dr. Sly, from all I have seen, that was exactly my
-impression; therefore I have been particularly careful not to commit
-myself to such a person."
-
-"'Ah! Miss Graves! if all ladies were like you' O--h!"
-
-"My dear Dr. Sly!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVI
-
-
-Vivian had duly acquainted the Marquess with the successful progress of
-his negotiations with their intended partisans, and Lord Carabas had
-himself conversed with them singly on the important subject. It was
-thought proper, however, in this stage of the proceedings, that the
-persons interested should meet together; and so the two Lords, and Sir
-Berdmore, and Vivian were invited to dine with the Marquess alone, and
-in his library.
-
-There was abundance of dumb waiters and other inventions by which the
-ease of the guests might be consulted, without risking even their secret
-looks to the gaze of liveried menials. The Marquess' gentleman sat in an
-ante-chamber, in case human aid might be necessary, and everything, as
-his Lordship averred, was "on the same system as the Cabinet Dinners."
-
-In the ancient kingdom of England it hath ever been the custom to dine
-previously to transacting business. This habit is one of those few which
-are not contingent upon the mutable fancies of fashion, and at this day
-we see Cabinet Dinners and Vestry Dinners alike proving the correctness
-of our assertion. Whether the custom really expedites the completion or
-the general progress of the business which gives rise to it, is a grave
-question, which we do not feel qualified to decide. Certain it is that
-very often, after the _dinner_, an appointment is made for the
-transaction of the _business_ on the following morning: at the same time
-it must be remembered that, had it not been for the opportunity which
-the banquet afforded of developing the convivial qualities of the
-guests, and drawing out, by the assistance of generous wine, their most
-kindly sentiments and most engaging feelings, it is very probable that
-the appointment for the transaction of the business would never have
-been made at all.
-
-There certainly was every appearance that "the great business," as the
-Marquess styled it, would not be very much advanced by the cabinet
-dinner at Chateau Desir. For, in the first place, the table was laden
-"with every delicacy of the season," and really, when a man is either
-going to talk sense, fight a duel, or make his will, nothing should be
-seen at dinner save cutlets and the lightest Bordeaux. And, in the
-second place, it must be confessed, that when it came to the point of
-all the parties interested meeting, the Marquess' courage somewhat
-misgave him. Not that any particular reason occurred to him which would
-have induced him to yield one jot of the theory of his sentiments, but
-the putting them in practice rather made him nervous. In short, he was
-as convinced as ever that he was an ill-used man, of great influence and
-abilities; but then he remembered his agreeable sinecure and his
-dignified office, and he might not succeed. The thought did not please.
-
-But here they were all assembled; receding was impossible; and so the
-Marquess took a glass of claret, and felt more courageous.
-
-"My Lords and Gentlemen," he began, "although I have myself taken the
-opportunity of communicating to you singly my thoughts upon a certain
-subject, and although, if I am rightly informed, my excellent young
-friend has communicated to you more fully upon that subject; yet, my
-Lords and Gentlemen, I beg to remark that this is the first time that we
-have collectively assembled to consult on the possibility of certain
-views, upon the propriety of their nature, and the expediency of their
-adoption." (Here the claret passed.) "The present state of parties," the
-Marquess continued, "has doubtless for a long time engaged your
-attention. It is very peculiar, and although the result has been
-gradually arrived at, it is nevertheless, now that it is realised,
-startling, and not, I apprehend, very satisfactory. There are few
-distinctions now between the two sides of the House of Commons, very
-different from the times in which most, I believe all, of us, my Lords
-and Gentlemen, were members of that assembly. The question then
-naturally arises, why a certain body of individuals, who now represent
-no opinions, should arrogate to themselves the entire government and
-control of the country? A second question would occur, how they contrive
-to succeed in such an assumption? They succeed clearly because the
-party who placed them in power, because they represented certain
-opinions, still continue to them their support. Some of the most
-influential members of that party, I am bold to say, may be found in
-this room. I don't know, if the boroughs of Lord Courtown and Lord
-Beaconsfield were withdrawn at a critical division, what might be the
-result. I am quite sure that if the forty country gentlemen who follow,
-I believe I am justified in saying, our friend Sir Berdmore, and wisely
-follow him, were to declare their opposition to any particular tax, the
-present men would be beaten, as they have been beaten before. I was
-myself a member of the government when so beaten, and I know what Lord
-Liverpool said the next morning. Lord Liverpool said the next morning.
-'Forty country gentlemen, if they choose, might repeal every tax in the
-Budget.' Under these circumstances, my Lords and Gentlemen, it becomes
-us, in my opinion, to consider our situation. I am far from wishing to
-witness any general change, or indeed, very wide reconstruction of the
-present administration. I think the interests of the country require
-that the general tenor of their system should be supported; but there
-are members of that administration whose claims to that distinction
-appear to me more than questionable, while at the same time there are
-individuals excluded, personages of great influence and recognised
-talents, who ought no longer, in my opinion, to occupy a position in the
-background. Mr. Vivian Grey, a gentleman whom I have the honour to call
-my particular friend, and who, I believe, has had already the pleasure
-of incidentally conversing with you on the matters to which I have
-referred, has given great attention to this important subject. He is a
-younger man than any of us, and certainly has much better lungs than I
-have. I will take the liberty, therefore, of requesting him to put the
-case in its completeness before us."
-
-A great deal of "desultory conversation," as it is styled, relative to
-the great topic of debate, now occurred. When the blood of the party was
-tolerably warmed, Vivian addressed them. The tenor of his oration may be
-imagined. He developed the new political principles, demonstrated the
-mistake under the baneful influence of which they had so long suffered,
-promised them place, and power, and patronage, and personal
-consideration, if they would only act on the principles which he
-recommended, in the most flowing language and the most melodious voice
-in which the glories of ambition were ever yet chaunted. There was a
-buzz of admiration when the flattering music ceased; the Marquess smiled
-triumphantly, as if to say, "Didn't I tell you he was a monstrous clever
-fellow?" and the whole business seemed settled. Lord Courtown gave in a
-bumper, _"Mr. Vivian Grey, and success to his maiden speech!"_ and
-Vivian replied by proposing _"The New Union!"_ At last, Sir Berdmore,
-the coolest of them all, raised his voice: "He quite agreed with Mr.
-Grey in the principles which he had developed; and, for his own part, he
-was free to confess that he had perfect confidence in that gentleman's
-very brilliant abilities, and augured from their exertion complete and
-triumphant success. At the same time, he felt it his duty to remark to
-their Lordships, and also to that gentleman, that the House of Commons
-was a new scene to him; and he put it, whether they were quite convinced
-that they were sufficiently strong as regarded talent in that assembly.
-He could not take it upon himself to offer to become the leader of the
-party. Mr. Grey might be capable of undertaking that charge, but still,
-it must be remembered that in that assembly he was as yet untried. He
-made no apology to Mr. Grey for speaking his mind so freely; he was sure
-that his motives could not be misinterpreted. If their Lordships, on the
-whole, were of opinion that this charge should be entrusted to him, he,
-Sir Berdmore, having the greatest confidence in Mr. Grey's abilities,
-would certainly support him to the utmost."
-
-"He can do anything," said the Marquess.
-
-"He is a surprising clever man!" said Lord Courtown.
-
-"He is a surprising clever man!" echoed Lord Beaconsfield.
-
-"Stop, my Lords," said Vivian; "your good opinion deserves my gratitude,
-but these important matters do indeed require a moment's consideration.
-I trust that Sir Berdmore Scrope does not imagine that I am the vain
-idiot to be offended at his most excellent remarks, even for a moment.
-Are we not met here for the common good, and to consult for the success
-of the common cause? Whatever my talents are, they are at your service,
-and in your service will I venture anything; but surely, my Lords, you
-will not unnecessarily entrust this great business to a raw hand! I need
-only aver that I am ready to follow any leader who can play his great
-part in a becoming manner."
-
-"Noble!" said the Marquess.
-
-But who was the leader to be? Sir Berdmore frankly confessed that he
-had none to propose; and the Viscount and the Baron were quite silent.
-
-"Gentlemen!" exclaimed the Marquess, "Gentlemen! there is a man who
-could do our bidding," The eyes of every guest were fixed on the
-haranguing host.
-
-"Gentlemen, fill your glasses, I give you our leader, Mr. Frederick
-Cleveland!"
-
-"Cleveland"' every one exclaimed. A glass of claret fell from Lord
-Courtown's hand; Lord Beaconsfield stopped as he was about to fill his
-glass, and stood gaping at the Marquess with the decanter in his hand;
-and Sir Berdmore stared on the table, as men do when something
-unexpected and astounding has occurred at dinner which seems past all
-their management.
-
-"Cleveland!" exclaimed the guests.
-
-"I should as soon have expected you to have given us Lucifer!" said Lord
-Courtown.
-
-"Or the present Secretary!" said Lord Beaconsfield.
-
-"Or yourself," said Sir Berdmore.
-
-"And does any one maintain that Frederick Cleveland is not capable of
-driving out a much stronger Government than he will have to cope with?"
-demanded the Marquess with a rather fierce air.
-
-"We do not deny Mr. Cleveland's powers, my Lord; we only humbly beg to
-suggest that it appears to us that, of all the persons in the world, the
-man with whom Mr. Cleveland would be least inclined to coalesce would be
-the Marquess of Carabas."
-
-The Marquess looked somewhat blank.
-
-"Gentlemen," said Vivian, "do not despair; it is enough for me to know
-that there is a man who is capable of doing our work. Be he animate man
-or incarnate fiend, provided he can be found within this realm, I pledge
-myself that within ten days he is drinking my noble friend's health at
-this very board."
-
-The Marquess said, "Bravo," the rest smiled, and rose from the table in
-some confusion. Little more was said on the "great business." The guests
-took refuge in coffee and a glass of liqueur. The pledge was, however,
-apparently accepted, and Lord Carabas and Vivian were soon left alone.
-The Marquess seemed agitated by Vivian's offer and engagement. "This is
-a grave business," he said: "you hardly know, my dear Vivian, what you
-have undertaken; but, if anybody can succeed, you will. We must talk of
-this to-morrow. There are some obstacles, and I should once have
-thought, invincible. I cannot conceive what made me mention his name;
-but it has been often in my mind since you first spoke to me. You and he
-together, we might carry everything before us. But there are some
-obstacles; no doubt there are some obstacles. You heard what Courtown
-said, a man who does not make difficulties, and Beaconsfield, a man who
-does not say much. Courtown called him Lucifer. He is Lucifer. But, by
-Jove, you are the man to overcome obstacles. We must talk of it
-to-morrow. So now, my dear fellow, good night!"
-
-"What have I done?" thought Vivian; "I am sure that Lucifer may know,
-for I do not. This Cleveland is, I suppose, after all, but a man. I saw
-the feeble fools were wavering, and, to save all, made a leap in the
-dark. Well! is my skull cracked? Nous verrons. How hot either this room
-or my blood is! Come, for some fresh air (he opened the library window).
-How fresh and soft it is! Just the night for the balcony. Hah! music! I
-cannot mistake that voice. Singular woman! I will just walk on till I am
-beneath her window."
-
-Vivian accordingly proceeded along the balcony, which extended down one
-whole side of the Chateau. While he was looking at the moon he stumbled
-against some one. It was Colonel Delmington. He apologised to the
-militaire for treading on his toes, and wondered "how the devil he
-got there!"
-
-
-
-
-BOOK III
-
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-
-Fredrick Cleveland was educated at Eton and at Cambridge; and after
-having proved, both at the school and the University, that he possessed
-talents of a high order, he had the courage, in order to perfect them,
-to immure himself for three years in a German University. It was
-impossible, therefore, for two minds to have been cultivated on more
-contrary systems than those of Frederick Cleveland and Vivian Grey. The
-systems on which they had been educated were not, however, more
-discordant than the respective tempers of the pupils. With that of
-Vivian Grey the reader is now somewhat acquainted. It has been shown
-that he was one precociously convinced of the necessity of managing
-mankind, by studying their tempers and humouring their weaknesses.
-Cleveland turned from the Book of Nature with contempt, and although his
-was a mind of extraordinary acuteness, he was, at three-and-thirty, as
-ignorant of the workings of the human heart as when, in the innocence of
-boyhood, he first reached Eton.
-
-Although possessed of no fortune, from his connections and the
-reputation of his abilities, he entered Parliament at an early age. His
-success was eminent. It was at this period that he formed a great
-intimacy with the present Marquess of Carabas, then Under Secretary of
-State. His exertions for the party to which Mr. Under Secretary Lorraine
-belonged were unremitting; and it was mainly through their influence
-that a great promotion took place in the official appointments of the
-party. When the hour of reward came, Mr. Lorraine and his friends
-unfortunately forgot their youthful champion. He remonstrated, and they
-smiled: he reminded them of private friendship, and they answered him
-with political expediency. Mr. Cleveland went down to the House, and
-attacked his old comates in a spirit of unexampled bitterness. He
-examined in review the various members of the party that had deserted
-him. They trembled on their seats, while they writhed beneath the
-keenness of his satire: but when the orator came to Mr. President
-Lorraine, he flourished the tomahawk on high like a wild Indian
-chieftain; and the attack was so awfully severe, so overpowering, so
-annihilating, that even this hackneyed and hardened official trembled,
-turned pale, and quitted the House, Cleveland's triumph was splendid,
-but it was only for a night. Disgusted with mankind, he scouted the
-thousand offers of political connections which crowded upon him; and
-having succeeded in making an arrangement with his creditors, he
-accepted the Chiltern Hundreds.
-
-By the interest of his friends he procured a judicial situation of
-sufficient emolument, but of local duty; and to fulfil this duty he was
-obliged to reside in North Wales. The locality, indeed, suited him well,
-for he was sick of the world at nine-and-twenty; and, carrying his
-beautiful and newly-married wife from the world, which without him she
-could not love, Mr. Cleveland enjoyed all the luxuries of a cottage
-ornee in the most romantic part of the Principality. Here were born unto
-him a son and daughter, beautiful children, upon whom the father
-lavished all the affection which Nature had intended for the world.
-
-Four years had Cleveland now passed in his solitude, an unhappy man. A
-thousand times during the first year of his retirement he cursed the
-moment of excitement which had banished him from the world; for he found
-himself without resources, and restless as a curbed courser. Like many
-men who are born to be orators, like Curran and like Fox, Cleveland was
-not blessed, or cursed, with the faculty of composition; and indeed, had
-his pen been that of a ready writer, pique would have prevented him from
-delighting or instructing a world whose nature he endeavoured to
-persuade himself was base, and whose applause ought, consequently, to be
-valueless. In the second year he endeavoured to while away his time by
-interesting himself in those pursuits which Nature has kindly provided
-for country gentlemen. Farming kept him alive for a while; but, at
-length, his was the prize ox; and, having gained a cup, he got wearied
-of kine too prime for eating, wheat too fine for the composition of the
-staff of life, and ploughs so ingeniously contrived that the very
-ingenuity prevented them from being useful. Cleveland was now seen
-wandering over the moors and mountains, with a gun over his shoulder and
-a couple of dogs at his heels; but ennui returned in spite of his patent
-percussion: and so, at length, tired of being a sportsman, he almost
-became what he had fancied himself in an hour of passion, a misanthrope.
-
-After having been closeted with Lord Carabas for a considerable time the
-morning after the cabinet dinner, Vivian left Chateau Desir.
-
-He travelled night and day, until he arrived in the vicinity of Mr.
-Cleveland's abode. What was he to do now? After some deliberation, he
-despatched a note to Mr. Cleveland, informing him "that he (Mr. Grey)
-was the bearer to Mr. Cleveland of a 'communication of importance.'
-Under the circumstances of the case, he observed that he had declined
-bringing any letters of introduction. He was quite aware, therefore,
-that he should have no right to complain if he had to travel back three
-hundred miles without having the honour of an interview; but he trusted
-that this necessary breach of etiquette would be overlooked."
-
-The note produced the desired effect, and an appointment was made for
-Mr. Grey to call at Kenrich Lodge on the following morning.
-
-Vivian, as he entered the room, took a rapid glance at its master. Mr.
-Cleveland was tall and distinguished, with a fare which might have been
-a model for manly beauty. He came forward to receive Vivian with a
-Newfoundland dog on one side and a large black greyhound on the other;
-and the two animals, after having elaborately examined the stranger,
-divided between them the luxuries of the rug. The reception which Mr.
-Cleveland gave our hero was cold and constrained; but it did not appear
-to be purposely uncivil, and Vivian flattered himself that his manner
-was not unusually stiff.
-
-"I do not know whether I have the honour of addressing the son of Mr.
-Horace Grey?" said Mr. Cleveland, with a frowning countenance, which was
-intended to be courteous.
-
-"I have that honour."
-
-"Your father, sir, is a most amiable and able man. I had the pleasure of
-his acquaintance when I was in London, many years ago, at a time when
-Mr. Vivian Grey was not entrusted, I rather imagine, with missions 'of
-importance.'" Although Mr. Cleveland smiled when he said this, his smile
-was anything but a gracious one. The subdued satire of his keen eye
-burst out for an instant, and he looked as if he would have said, "Who
-is this yonker who is trespassing upon my retirement?"
-
-Vivian had, unbidden, seated himself by the side of Mr. Cleveland's
-library table; and, not knowing exactly how to proceed, was employing
-himself by making a calculation whether there were more black than white
-spots on the body of the old Newfoundland, who was now apparently
-happily slumbering.
-
-"Well, sir!" continued the Newfoundland's master, "the nature of your
-communication? I am fond of coming to the point."
-
-Now this was precisely the thing which Vivian had determined not to do;
-and so he diplomatised, in order to gain time. "In stating, Mr.
-Cleveland, that the communication which I had to make was one of
-importance, I beg to be understood, that it was with reference merely to
-my opinion of its nature that that phrase was used, and not as relative
-to the possible, or, allow me to say, the probable, opinion of Mr.
-Cleveland."
-
-"Well, sir!" said that gentleman, with a somewhat disappointed air.
-
-"As to the purport or nature of the communication it is," said Vivian,
-with one of his sweetest cadences and looking up to Mr. Cleveland's face
-with an eye expressive of all kindness, "it is of a political nature."
-
-"Well, sir!" again exclaimed Cleveland, looking very anxious, and moving
-restlessly on his library chair.
-
-"When we take into consideration, Mr. Cleveland, the present aspect of
-the political world, when we call to mind the present situation of the
-two great political parties, you will not be surprised, I feel
-confident, when I mention that certain personages have thought that the
-season was at hand when a move might be made in the political world with
-very considerable effect--"
-
-"Mr. Grey, what am I to understand?" interrupted Mr. Cleveland, who
-began to suspect that the envoy was no greenhorn.
-
-"I feel confident, Mr. Cleveland, that I am doing very imperfect justice
-to the mission with which I am entrusted; but, sir, you must be aware
-that the delicate nature of such disclosures, and--"
-
-"Mr. Grey, I feel confident that you do not doubt my honour; and, as for
-the rest, the world has, I believe, some foolish tales about me; but,
-believe me, you shall be listened to with patience. I am certain that,
-whatever may be the communication, Mr. Vivian Grey is a gentleman who
-will do its merits justice."
-
-And now Vivian, having succeeded in exciting Cleveland's curiosity and
-securing himself the certainty of a hearing, and having also made a
-favourable impression, dropped the diplomatist altogether, and was
-explicit enough for a Spartan.
-
-"Certain Noblemen and Gentlemen of eminence and influence, hitherto
-considered as props of the ---- party, are about to take a novel and
-decided course next Session. It is to obtain the aid and personal
-co-operation of Mr. Cleveland that I am now in Wales.
-
-"Mr. Grey, I have promised to listen to you with patience: you are too
-young a man to know much, perhaps, of the history of so insignificant a
-personage as myself, otherwise you would have been aware that there is
-no subject in the world on which I am less inclined to converse than
-that of politics. If I were entitled to take such a liberty, I would
-recommend you to think of them as little as I do; but enough of this.
-Who is the mover of the party?"
-
-"My Lord Courtown is a distinguished member of it."
-
-"Courtown, Courtown; powerful enough: but surely the good Viscount's
-skull is not exactly the head for the chief of a cabal?"
-
-"There is my Lord Beaconsfield."
-
-"Powerful, too; but a dolt."
-
-"Well," thought Vivian, "it must out at last; and so to it boldly. And,
-Mr. Cleveland, there is little fear that we may secure the great
-influence and tried talents of the Marquess of Carabas."
-
-"The Marquess of Carabas!" almost shrieked Mr. Cleveland, as he started
-from his seat and paced the room with hurried steps; and the greyhound
-and the Newfoundland jumped up from the rug, shook themselves, growled,
-and then imitated their master in promenading the apartment, but with
-more dignified and stately paces. "The Marquess of Carabas! Now, Mr.
-Grey, speak to me with the frankness which one gentleman should use to
-another; is the Marquess of Carabas privy to this application?"
-
-"He himself proposed it."
-
-"Then he is baser than even I conceived. Mr. Grey, I am a man spare of
-my speech to those with whom I am unacquainted, and the world tails me a
-soured, malicious man. And yet, when I think for a moment that one so
-young as you are, endowed as I must suppose with no ordinary talents,
-and actuated as I will believe with a pure and honourable spirit, should
-be the dupe, or tool, or even present friend of such a creature as this
-perjured Peer, it gives me pang."
-
-"Mr. Cleveland," said Vivian, "I am grateful for your kindness; and
-although we may probably part, in a few hours, never to meet again, I
-will speak to you with the frankness which you have merited, and to
-which I feel you are entitled. I am not the dupe of the Marquess of
-Carabas; I am not, I trust, the dupe, or tool, of any one whatever.
-Believe me, sir, there is that at work in England which, taken at the
-tide, may lead on to fortune. I see this, sir; I, a young man,
-uncommitted in political principles, unconnected in public life, feeling
-some confidence, I confess, in my own abilities, but desirous of
-availing myself, at the same time, of the powers of others. Thus
-situated, I find myself working for the same end as my Lord Carabas and
-twenty other men of similar calibre, mental and moral; and, sir, am I to
-play the hermit in the drama of life because, perchance, my
-fellow-actors may be sometimes fools, and occasionally knaves? If the
-Marquess of Carabas has done you the ill-service which Fame says he
-has, your sweetest revenge will be to make him your tool; your most
-perfect triumph, to rise to power by his influence.
-
-"I confess that I am desirous of finding in you the companion of my
-career. Your splendid talents have long commanded my admiration; and, as
-you have given me credit for something like good feeling, I will say
-that my wish to find in you a colleague is greatly increased when I see
-that those splendid talents are even the least estimable points in Mr.
-Cleveland's character. But, sir, perhaps all this time I am in error;
-perhaps Mr. Cleveland is, as the world reports him, no longer the
-ambitious being who once commanded the admiration of a listening Senate;
-perhaps, convinced of the vanity of human wishes, Mr. Cleveland would
-rather devote his attention to the furtherance of the interests of his
-immediate circle; and, having schooled his intellect in the Universities
-of two nations, is probably content to pass the hours of his life in
-mediating in the quarrels of a country village."
-
-Vivian ceased. Cleveland heard him with his head resting on both his
-arms. He started at the last expression, and something like a blush
-suffused his cheek, but he did not reply. At last he jumped up and rang
-the bell. "Come, Mr. Grey," said he, "I am in no humour for politics
-this morning. You must not, at any rate, visit Wales for nothing.
-Morris! send down to the village for this gentleman's luggage. Even we
-cottagers have a bed for a friend, Mr. Grey: come, and I will introduce
-you to my wife."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-
-And Vivian was now an inmate of Kenrich Lodge. It would have been
-difficult to have conceived a life of more pure happiness than that
-which was apparently enjoyed by its gifted master. A beautiful wife and
-lovely children, and a romantic situation, and an income sufficient not
-only for their own but for the wants of their necessitous neighbours;
-what more could man wish? Answer me, thou inexplicable myriad of
-sensations which the world calls human nature!
-
-Three days passed over in delightful converse. It was so long since
-Cleveland had seen any one fresh from the former scenes of his life,
-that the company of any one would have been agreeable; but here was a
-companion who knew every one, everything, full of wit and anecdote, and
-literature and fashion; and then so engaging in his manners, and with
-such a winning voice.
-
-The heart of Cleveland relented; his stern manner gave way; all his
-former warm and generous feeling gained the ascendant; he was in turn
-amusing, communicative, and engaging. Finding that he could please
-another, he began to be pleased himself. The nature of the business upon
-which Vivian was his guest rendered confidence necessary; confidence
-begets kindness. In a few days Vivian necessarily became more acquainted
-with Mr. Cleveland's disposition and situation than if they had been
-acquainted for as many years; in short.
-
-     They talked with open heart and tongue,
-     Affectionate and true,
-     A pair of friends.
-
-Vivian, for some time, dwelt upon everything but the immediate subject
-of his mission; but when, after the experience of a few days, their
-hearts were open to each other, and they had mutually begun to discover
-that there was a most astonishing similarity in their principles, their
-tastes, their feelings, then the magician poured forth his incantation,
-and raised the once-laid ghost of Cleveland's ambition. The recluse
-agreed to take the lead of the Carabas party. He was to leave Wales
-immediately, and resign his place; in return for which the nephew of
-Lord Courtown was immediately to give up, in his favour, an office of
-considerable emolument; and, having thus provided some certainty for his
-family, Frederick Cleveland prepared himself to combat for a more
-important office.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-
-"Is Mr. Cleveland handsome?" asked Mrs. Felix Lorraine of Vivian,
-immediately on his return, "and what colour are his eyes?"
-
-"Upon my honour, I have not the least recollection of ever looking at
-them; but I believe he is not blind."
-
-"How foolish you are! now tell me, pray, point de moquerie, is he
-amusing?"
-
-"What does Mrs. Felix Lorraine mean by amusing?" asked Vivian.
-
-"Oh! you always tease me with your definitions; go away. I will quarrel
-with you."
-
-"By-the-bye, Mrs. Felix Lorraine, how is Colonel Delmington?"
-
-Vivian redeemed his pledge: Mr. Cleveland arrived. It was the wish of
-the Marquess, if possible, not to meet his old friend till dinner-time.
-He thought that, surrounded by his guests, certain awkward senatorial
-reminiscences might be got over. But, unfortunately, Mr. Cleveland
-arrived about an hour before dinner, and, as it was a cold autumnal day,
-most of the visitors who were staying at Chateau Desir were assembled in
-the drawing-room. The Marquess sallied forward to receive his guest with
-a most dignified countenance and a most aristocratic step; but, before
-he got half-way, his coronation pace degenerated into a strut, and then
-into a shamble, and with an awkward and confused countenance, half
-impudent and half flinching, he held forward his left hand to his
-newly-arrived visitor. Mr. Cleveland looked terrifically courteous and
-amiably arrogant. He greeted the Marquess with a smile at once gracious
-and grim, and looked something like Goliath, as you see the Philistine
-depicted in some old German painting, looking down upon the pigmy
-fighting men of Israel.
-
-As is generally the custom when there is a great deal to be arranged and
-many points to be settled, days flew over, and very little of the future
-system of the party was matured. Vivian made one or two ineffectual
-struggles to bring the Marquess to a business-like habit of mind, but
-his Lordship never dared to trust himself alone with Cleveland, and,
-indeed, almost lost the power of speech when in presence of the future
-leader of his party; so, in the morning, the Marquess played off the two
-Lords and Sir Berdmore against his former friend, and then, to
-compensate for not meeting Mr. Cleveland in the morning, he was
-particularly courteous to him at dinner-time, and asked him always "how
-he liked his ride?" and invariably took wine with him. As for the rest
-of the day, he had particularly requested his faithful counsellor, Mrs.
-Felix Lorraine, "for God's sake to take this man off his shoulders;" and
-so that lady, with her usual kindness, and merely to oblige his
-Lordship, was good enough to patronise Mr. Cleveland, and on the fourth
-day was taking a moonlit walk with him.
-
-Mr. Cleveland had now been ten days at Chateau Desir, and was to take
-his departure the next morning for Wales, in order to arrange everything
-for his immediate settlement in the metropolis. Every point of
-importance was postponed until their meeting in London. Mr. Cleveland
-only agreed to take the lead of the party in the Commons, and received
-the personal pledge of Lord Courtown as to the promised office.
-
-It was a September day, and to escape from the excessive heat of the
-sun, and at the same time to enjoy the freshness of the air, Vivian was
-writing his letters in the conservatory, which opened into one of the
-drawing-rooms. The numerous party which then honoured the Chateau with
-their presence were out, as he conceived, on a picnic excursion to the
-Elfin's Well, a beautiful spot about ten miles off; and among the
-adventurers were, as he imagined, Mrs. Felix Lorraine and Mr. Cleveland.
-
-Vivian was rather surprised at hearing voices in the adjoining room, and
-he was still more so when, on looking round, he found that the sounds
-proceeded from the very two individuals whom he thought were far away.
-Some tall American plants concealed him from their view, but he observed
-all that passed distinctly, and a singular scene it was. Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine was on her knees at the feet of Mr. Cleveland; her countenance
-indicated the most contrary passions, contending, as it were, for
-mastery; supplication, anger, and, shall I call it, love? Her
-companion's countenance was hid, but it was evident that it was not
-wreathed with smiles: there were a few hurried sentences uttered, and
-then both quitted the room at different doors, the lady in despair, and
-the gentleman in disgust.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-
-And now Chateau Desir was almost deserted. Mrs. Million continued her
-progress northward. The Courtowns, and the Beaconsfields, and the
-Scropes quitted immediately after Mr. Cleveland; and when the families
-that form the material of the visiting corps retire, the nameless
-nothings that are always lounging about the country mansions of the
-great, such as artists, tourists, authors, and other live stock, soon
-disappear. Mr. Vivian Grey agreed to stay another fortnight, at the
-particular request of the Marquess.
-
-Very few days had passed ere Vivian was exceedingly struck at the
-decided change which suddenly took place in his Lordship's general
-demeanour towards him.
-
-The Marquess grew reserved and uncommunicative, scarcely mentioning "the
-great business" which had previously been the sole subject of his
-conversation but to find fault with some arrangement, and exhibiting,
-whenever his name was mentioned, a marked acrimony against Mr.
-Cleveland. This rapid change alarmed as much as it astonished Vivian,
-and he mentioned his feelings and observations to Mrs. Felix Lorraine.
-That lady agreed with him that something certainly was wrong; but could
-not, unfortunately, afford him any clue to the mystery. She expressed
-the liveliest solicitude that any misunderstanding should be put an end
-to, and offered her services for that purpose.
-
-In spite, however, of her well-expressed anxiety, Vivian had his own
-ideas on the subject; and, determined to unravel the affair, he had
-recourse to the Marchioness.
-
-"I hope your Ladyship is well to-day. I had a letter from Count Caumont
-this morning. He tells me that he has got the prettiest poodle from
-Paris that you can possibly conceive! waltzes like an angel, and acts
-proverbs on its hind feet."
-
-Her Ladyship's eyes glistened with admiration.
-
-"I have told Caumont to send it me down immediately, and I shall then
-have the pleasure of presenting it to your Ladyship."
-
-Her Ladyship's eyes sparkled with delight.
-
-"I think," continued Vivian, "I shall take a ride to-day. By-the-bye,
-how is the Marquess? he seems in low spirits lately."
-
-"Oh, Mr. Grey! I do not know what you have done to him," said her
-Ladyship, settling at least a dozen bracelets; "but, but--"
-
-"But what?"
-
-"He thinks; he thinks."
-
-"Thinks what, dear lady?"
-
-"That you have entered into a combination, Mr. Grey."
-
-"Entered into a combination!"
-
-"Yes, Mr. Grey! a conspiracy, a conspiracy against the Marquess, with
-Mr. Cleveland. He thinks that you have made him serve your purpose, and
-now you are going to get rid of him."
-
-"Well, that is excellent, and what else does he think?"
-
-"He thinks you talk too loud," said the Marchioness, still working at
-her bracelets.
-
-"Well! that is shockingly vulgar! Allow me to recommend your Ladyship to
-alter the order of those bracelets, and place the blue and silver
-against the maroon. You may depend upon it, that is the true Vienna
-order. And what else dues the Marquess say?"
-
-"He thinks you are generally too authoritative. Not that I think so, Mr.
-Grey: I am sure your conduct to me has been most courteous. The blue and
-silver next to the maroon, did you say? Yes; certainly it does look
-better. I have no doubt the Marquess is quite wrong, and I dare say you
-will set things right immediately. You will remember the pretty poodle,
-Mr. Grey? and you will not tell the Marquess I mentioned anything."
-
-"Oh! certainly not. I will give orders for them to book an inside place
-for the poodle, and send him down by the coach immediately, I must be
-off now. Remember the blue and silver next to the maroon. Good morning
-to your Ladyship."
-
-"Mrs. Felix Lorraine, I am your most obedient slave," said Vivian Grey,
-as he met that lady on the landing-place. "I can see no reason why I
-should not drive you this bright day to the Elfin's Well; we have long
-had an engagement to go there."
-
-The lady smiled a gracious assent: the pony phaeton was immediately
-ordered.
-
-"How pleasant Lady Courtown and I used to discourse about martingales! I
-think I invented one, did not I? Pray, Mrs. Felix Lorraine, can you tell
-me what a martingale is? for upon my honour I have forgotten, or
-never knew."
-
-"If you found a martingale for the mother, Vivian, it had been well if
-you had found a curb for the daughter. Poor Cynthia! I had intended once
-to advise the Marchioness to interfere; but one forgets these things."
-
-"One does. O, Mrs. Felix!" exclaimed Vivian, "I told your admirable
-story of the Leyden Professor to Mrs. Cleveland. It is universally
-agreed to be the best ghost-story extant. I think you said you knew the
-Professor."
-
-"Well! I have seen him often, and heard the story from his own lips.
-And, as I mentioned before, far from being superstitious, he was an
-esprit fort. Do you know, Mr. Grey, I have such an interesting packet
-from Germany to-day; from my cousin, Baron Rodenstein. But I must keep
-all the stories for the evening; come to my boudoir, and I will read
-them to you. There is one tale which I am sure will make a convert even
-of you. It happened to Rodenstein himself, and within these three
-months," added the lady in a serious tone. "The Rodensteins are a
-singular family. My mother was a Rodenstein. Do you think this
-beautiful?" said Mrs. Felix, showing Vivian a small miniature which was
-attached to a chain round her neck. It was the portrait of a youth
-habited in the costume of a German student. His rich brown hair was
-flowing over his shoulders, and his dark blue eyes beamed with such a
-look of mysterious inspiration, that they might have befitted a
-young prophet.
-
-"Very, very beautiful!"
-
-"'Tis Max, Max Rodenstein," said the lady, with a faltering voice. "He
-was killed at Leipsic, at the head of a band of his friends and
-fellow-students. O, Mr. Grey! this is a fair work of art, but if you had
-but seen the prototype you would have gazed on this as on a dim and
-washed-out drawing. There was one portrait, indeed, which did him more
-justice; but then that portrait was not the production of
-mortal pencil."
-
-Vivian looked at his companion with a somewhat astonished air, but Mrs.
-Felix Lorraine's countenance was as little indicative of jesting as that
-of the young student whose miniature rested on her bosom.
-
-"Did you say _not_ the production of a mortal hand, Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine?"
-
-"I am afraid I shall weary you with my stories, but the one I am about
-to tell you is so well evidenced that I think even Mr. Vivian Grey will
-hear it without a sneer."
-
-"A sneer! O lady-love, do I ever sneer?"
-
-"Max Rodenstein was the glory of his house. A being so beautiful in body
-and in soul you cannot imagine, and I will not attempt to describe. This
-miniature has given you some faint idea of his image, and yet this is
-only the copy of a copy. The only wish of the Baroness Rodenstein, which
-never could be accomplished, was the possession of a portrait of her
-youngest son, for no consideration could induce Max to allow his
-likeness to be taken. His old nurse had always told him that the moment
-his portrait was taken he would die. The condition upon which such a
-beautiful being was allowed to remain in the world was, she always said,
-that his beauty should not be imitated. About three months before the
-battle of Leipsic, when Max was absent at the University, which was
-nearly four hundred miles from Rodenstein Castle, there arrived one
-morning a large case directed to the Baroness. On opening it it was
-found to contain a picture, the portrait of her son. The colouring was
-so vivid, the general execution so miraculous, that for some moments
-they forgot to wonder at the incident in their admiration of the work of
-art. In one corner of the picture, in small characters yet fresh, was an
-inscription, which on examining they found consisted of these words:
-'Painted last night. Now, lady, thou hast thy wish.' My aunt sank into
-the Baron's arms.
-
-"In silence and in trembling the wonderful portrait was suspended over
-the fireplace of my aunt's favourite apartment. The next day they
-received letters from Max. He was quite well, but mentioned nothing of
-the mysterious painting.
-
-"Three months afterwards, as a lady was sitting alone in the Baroness's
-room, and gazing on the portrait of him she loved right dearly, she
-suddenly started from her seat, and would have shrieked, had not an
-indefinable sensation prevented her. The eyes of the portrait moved. The
-lady stood leaning on a chair, pale, and trembling like an aspen, but
-gazing steadfastly on the animated portrait. It was no illusion of a
-heated fancy; again the eyelids trembled, there was a melancholy smile,
-and then they closed. The clock of Rodenstein Castle struck three.
-Between astonishment and fear the lady was tearless. Three days
-afterwards came the news of the battle of Leipsic, and at the very
-moment that the eyes of the portrait closed Max Rodenstein had been
-pierced by a Polish Lancer."
-
-"And who was this wonderful lady, the witness of this wonderful
-incident?" asked Vivian.
-
-"That lady was myself."
-
-There was something so singular in the tone of Mrs. Felix Lorraine's
-voice, and so peculiar in the expression of her countenance, as she
-uttered these words, that the jest died on Vivian's tongue; and, for
-want of something better to do, he lashed the little ponies, which were
-already scampering at their full speed.
-
-The road to the Elfin's Well ran through the wildest parts of the park;
-and after an hour and a half's drive they reached the fairy spot. It was
-a beautiful and pellucid spring, that bubbled up in a small wild dell,
-which, nurtured by the flowing stream, was singularly fresh and green.
-Above the spring had been erected a Gothic arch of grey stone, round
-which grew a few fine birch-trees. In short, nature had intended the
-spot for picnics. There was fine water, and an interesting tradition;
-and as the parties always bring, or always should bring, a trained
-punster, champagne, and cold pasties, what more ought Nature to
-have provided?
-
-"Come, Mrs. Lorraine, I will tie Gypsey to this ash, and then you and I
-will rest ourselves beneath these birch-trees, just where the
-fairies dance."
-
-"Oh, delightful!"
-
-"Now, truly, we should have some book of beautiful poetry to while away
-an hour. You will blame me for not bringing one. Do not. I would sooner
-listen to your voice; and, indeed, there is a subject on which I wish to
-ask your particular advice."
-
-"Is there?"
-
-"I have been thinking that this is a somewhat rash step of the Marquess;
-this throwing himself into the arms of his former bitterest enemy,
-Cleveland."
-
-"You really think so?"
-
-"Why, Mrs. Lorraine, does it appear to you to be the most prudent course
-of action which could have been conceived?"
-
-"Certainly not."
-
-"You agree with me, then, that there is, if not cause for regret at this
-engagement, at least for reflection on its probable consequences?"
-
-"I quite agree with you."
-
-"I know you do. I have had some conversation with the Marquess upon this
-subject this very morning."
-
-"Have you?" eagerly exclaimed the lady, and she looked pale and breathed
-short.
-
-"Ay; and he tells me you have made some very sensible observations on
-the subject. 'Tis pity they were not made before Mr. Cleveland left; the
-mischief might then have been prevented."
-
-"I certainly have made some observations."
-
-"And very kind of you. What a blessing for the Marquess to have such a
-friend!"
-
-"I spoke to him," said Mrs. Felix, with a more assured tone, "in much
-the same spirit as you have been addressing me. It does, indeed, seem a
-most imprudent act, and I thought it my duty to tell him so."
-
-"Ay, no doubt; but how came you, lady fair, to imagine that _I_ was also
-a person to be dreaded by his Lordship; _I_, Vivian Grey!"
-
-"Did I say _you_?" asked the lady, pale as death.
-
-"Did you not, Mrs. Felix Lorraine? Have you not, regardless of my
-interests, in the most unwarrantable and unjustifiable manner; have you
-not, to gratify some private pique which you entertain against Mr.
-Cleveland; have you not, I ask you, poisoned the Marquess' mind against
-one who never did aught to you but what was kind and honourable?"
-
-"I have been imprudent; I confess it; I have spoken somewhat loosely."
-
-"Now, listen to me once more," and Vivian grasped her hand. "What has
-passed between you and Mr. Cleveland it is not for me to inquire. I give
-you my word of honour that he never even mentioned your name to me. I
-can scarcely understand how any man could have incurred the deadly
-hatred which you appear to entertain for him. I repeat, I can
-contemplate no situation in which you could be placed together which
-would justify such behaviour. It could not be justified, even if he had
-spurned you while--kneeling at his feet."
-
-Mrs. Felix Lorraine shrieked and fainted. A sprinkling from the fairy
-stream soon recovered her. "Spare me! spare me!" she faintly cried: "say
-nothing of what you have seen."
-
-"Mrs. Lorraine, I have no wish. I have spoken thus explicitly that we
-may not again misunderstand each other. I have spoken thus explicitly, I
-say, that I may not be under the necessity of speaking again, for if I
-speak again it must not be to Mrs. Felix Lorraine. There is my hand; and
-now let the Elfin's Well be blotted out of our memories."
-
-Vivian drove rapidly home, and endeavoured to talk in his usual tone and
-with his usual spirit; but his companion could not be excited. Once, ay
-twice, she pressed his hand, and as he assisted her from the phaeton she
-murmured something like a blessing. She ran upstairs immediately. Vivian
-had to give some directions about the ponies; Gipsey was ill, or Fanny
-had a cold, or something of the kind; and so he was detained for about
-a quarter of an hour before the house, speaking most learnedly to
-grooms, and consulting on cases with a skilled gravity worthy of
-Professor Coleman.
-
-When he entered the house he found the luncheon prepared, and Mrs. Felix
-pressed him earnestly to take some refreshment. He was indeed wearied,
-and agreed to take a glass of hock and seltzer.
-
-"Let me mix it for you," said Mrs. Felix; "do you like sugar?"
-
-Tired with his drive, Vivian Grey was leaning on the mantelpiece, with
-his eyes vacantly gazing on the looking-glass which rested on the marble
-slab. It was by pure accident that, reflected in the mirror, he
-distinctly beheld Mrs. Felix Lorraine open a small silver box, and throw
-some powder into the tumbler which she was preparing for him. She was
-leaning down, with her back almost turned to the glass, but still Vivian
-saw it distinctly. A sickness came over him, and ere he could recover
-himself his Hebe tapped him on the shoulder.
-
-[Illustration: small silver box]
-
-"Here, drink, drink while it is effervescent."
-
-"I cannot drink," said Vivian, "I am not thirsty; I am too hot; I am
-anything--"
-
-"How foolish you are! It will be quite, spoiled."
-
-"No, no; the dog shall have it. Here, Fidele, you look thirsty enough;
-come here--"
-
-"Mr. Grey, I do not mix tumblers for dogs," said the lady, rather
-agitated: "if you will not take it," and she held it once more before
-him, "here it goes for ever." So saying she emptied the tumbler into a
-large globe of glass, in which some gold and silver fish were swimming
-their endless rounds.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-
-This last specimen of Mrs. Felix Lorraine was somewhat too much even for
-the steeled nerves of Vivian Grey, and he sought his chamber for relief.
-
-"Is it possible? Can I believe my senses? Or has some demon, as we read
-of in old tales, mocked me in a magic mirror? I can believe anything.
-Oh! my heart is very sick! I once imagined that I was using this woman
-for my purpose. Is it possible that aught of good can come to one who
-is forced to make use of such evil instruments as these? A horrible
-thought sometimes comes over my spirit. I fancy that in this mysterious
-foreigner, that in this woman, I have met a kind of double of myself.
-The same wonderful knowledge of the human mind, the same sweetness of
-voice, the same miraculous management which has brought us both under
-the same roof: yet do I find her the most abandoned of all beings; a
-creature guilty of that which, even in this guilty age, I thought was
-obsolete. And is it possible that I am like her? that I can resemble
-her? that even the indefinite shadow of my most unhallowed thought can
-for a moment be as vile as her righteousness? O God! the system of my
-existence seems to stop. I cannot breathe." He flung himself upon his
-bed, and felt for a moment as if he had quaffed the poisoned draught so
-lately offered.
-
-"It is not so; it cannot be so; it shall not be so! In seeking the
-Marquess I was unquestionably impelled by a mere feeling of
-self-interest; but I have advised him to no course of action in which
-his welfare is not equally consulted with my own. Indeed, if not
-principle, interest would make me act faithfully towards him, for my
-fortunes are bound up in his. But am I entitled, I, who can lose
-nothing, am I entitled to play with other men's fortunes? Am I all this
-time deceiving myself with some wretched sophistry? Am I, then, an
-intellectual Don Juan, reckless of human minds, as he was of human
-bodies; a spiritual libertine? But why this wild declamation? Whatever I
-have done, it is too late to recede; even this very moment delay is
-destruction, for now it is not a question as to the ultimate prosperity
-of our worldly prospects, but the immediate safety of our very bodies.
-Poison! O God! O God! Away with all fear, all repentance, all thought of
-past, all reckoning of future. If I be the Juan that I fancied myself,
-then Heaven be praised! I have a confidant in all my troubles; the most
-faithful of counsellors, the craftiest of valets; a Leporello often
-tried and never found wanting: my own good mind. And now, thou female
-fiend! the battle is to the strongest; and I see right well that the
-struggle between two such spirits will be a long and a fearful one. Woe,
-I say, to the vanquished! You must be dealt with by arts which even
-yourself cannot conceive. Your boasted knowledge of human nature shall
-not again stand you in stead; for, mark me, from henceforward Vivian
-Grey's conduct towards you shall have no precedent in human nature."
-
-As Vivian re-entered the drawing-room he met a servant carrying in the
-globe of gold and silver fishes.
-
-"What, still in your pelisse, Mrs. Lorraine!" said Vivian. "Nay, I
-hardly wonder at it, for surely, a prettier pelisse never yet fitted
-prettier form. You have certainly a most admirable taste in dress; and
-this the more surprises me, for it is generally your plain personage
-that is the most recherche in frills and fans and flounces."
-
-The lady smiled.
-
-"Oh! by-the-bye," continued her companion, "I have a letter from
-Cleveland this morning. I wonder how any misunderstanding could possibly
-have existed between you, for he speaks of you in such terms."
-
-"What does he say?" was the quick question.
-
-"Oh! what does he say?" drawled out Vivian; and he yawned, and was most
-provokingly uncommunicative.
-
-"Come, come, Mr. Grey, do tell me."
-
-"Oh! tell you, certainly. Come, let us walk together in the
-conservatory:" so saying, he took the lady by the hand, and they
-left the room.
-
-"And now for the letter, Mr. Grey."
-
-"Ay, now for the letter;" and Vivian slowly drew an epistle from his
-pocket, and therefrom read some exceedingly sweet passages, which made
-Mrs. Felix Lorraine's very heart-blood tingle. Considering that Vivian
-Grey had never in his life received a single letter from Mr. Cleveland,
-this was tolerably well: but he was always an admirable improvisatore!
-"I am sure that when Cleveland comes to town everything will be
-explained; I am sure, at least, that it will not be my fault if you are
-not the best friends. I am heroic in saying all this, Mrs. Lorraine;
-there was a time when (and here Vivian seemed so agitated that he could
-scarcely proceed), there was a time when I could have called that man
-liar who would have prophesied that Vivian Grey could have assisted
-another in riveting the affections of Mrs. Felix Lorraine. But enough of
-this. I am a weak, inexperienced boy, and misinterpret, perhaps, that
-which is merely the compassionate kindness natural to all women into a
-feeling of a higher nature. But I must learn to contain myself; I really
-do feel quite ashamed of my behaviour about the tumbler to-day. To act
-with such, unwarrantable unkindness, merely because I had remembered
-that you once performed the same kind office for Colonel Delmington, was
-indeed too bad."
-
-"Colonel Delmington is a vain, empty-headed fool. Do not think of him,
-my dear Mr. Grey," said Mrs. Felix, with a countenance beaming
-with smiles.
-
-"Well, I will not; and I will try to behave like a man; like a man of
-the world, I should say. But indeed you must excuse the warm feelings of
-a youth; and truly, when I call to mind the first days of our
-acquaintance, and then remember that our moonlit walks are gone for
-ever, and that our--"
-
-"Nay, do not believe so, my dear Vivian; believe me, as I ever shall be.
-your friend, your--"
-
-"I will, I will, my dear, my own Amalia!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-
-It was an autumnal night; the wind was capricious and changeable as a
-petted beauty, or an Italian greyhound, or a shot silk. Now the breeze
-blew so fresh that the white clouds dashed along the sky as if they bore
-a band of witches too late for their Sabbath meeting, or some other
-mischief; and now, lulled and soft as the breath of a slumbering infant,
-you might almost have fancied it Midsummer Eve; and the bright moon,
-with her starry court, reigned undisturbed in the light blue sky. Vivian
-Grey was leaning against an old beech-tree in the most secluded part of
-the park, and was gazing on the moon.
-
-O thou bright moon! thou object of my first love! thou shalt not escape
-an invocation, although perchance at this very moment some varlet
-sonnetteer is prating of "the boy Endymion" and "thy silver bow." Here
-to thee, Queen of the Night! in whatever name thou most delightest! Or
-Bendis, as they hailed thee in rugged Thrace; or Bubastis, as they
-howled to thee in mysterious Egypt; or Dian, as they sacrificed to thee
-in gorgeous Rome; or Artemis, as they sighed to thee on the bright
-plains of ever glorious Greece! Why is it that all men gaze on thee? Why
-is it that all men love thee? Why is it that all men worship thee?
-
-Shine on, shine on, sultana of the soul! the Passions are thy eunuch
-slaves, Ambition gazes on thee, and his burning brow is cooled, and his
-fitful pulse is calm. Grief wanders in her moonlit walk and sheds no
-tear; and when thy crescent smiles the lustre of Joy's revelling eye is
-dusked. Quick Anger, in thy light, forgets revenge; and even dove-eyed
-Hope feeds on no future joys when gazing on the miracle of thy beauty.
-
-Shine on, shine on! although a pure Virgin, thou art the mighty mother
-of all abstraction! The eye of the weary peasant returning from his
-daily toil, and the rapt gaze of the inspired poet, are alike fixed on
-thee; thou stillest the roar of marching armies, and who can doubt thy
-influence o'er the waves who has witnessed the wide Atlantic sleeping
-under thy silver beam?
-
-Shine on, shine on! they say thou art Earth's satellite; yet when I gaze
-on thee my thoughts are not of thy suzerain. They teach us that thy
-power is a fable, and that thy divinity is a dream. Oh, thou bright
-Queen! I will be no traitor to thy sweet authority; and verily, I will
-not believe that thy influence o'er our hearts is, at this moment, less
-potent than when we worshipped in thy glittering fane of Ephesus, or
-trembled at the dark horrors of thine Arician rites. Then, hail to thee,
-Queen of the Night! Hail to thee, Diana, Triformis; Cynthia, Orthia,
-Taurica; ever mighty, ever lovely, ever holy! Hail! hail! hail!
-
-Were I a metaphysician, I would tell you why Vivian Grey had been gazing
-two hours on the moon; for I could then present you with a most logical
-programme of the march of his ideas, since he whispered his last honied
-speech in the ear of Mrs. Felix Lorraine, at dinner-time, until this
-very moment, when he did not even remember that such a being as Mrs.
-Felix Lorraine breathed. Glory to the metaphysician's all-perfect
-theory! When they can tell me why, at a bright banquet, the thought of
-death has flashed across my mind, who fear not death; when they can tell
-me why, at the burial of my beloved friend, when my very heart-strings
-seemed bursting, my sorrow has been mocked by the involuntary
-remembrance of ludicrous adventures and grotesque tales; when they can
-tell me why, in a dark mountain pass, I have thought of an absent
-woman's eyes; or why, when in the very act of squeezing the third lime
-into a beaker of Burgundy cup, my memory hath been of lean apothecaries
-and their vile drugs; why then, I say again, glory to the
-metaphysician's all-perfect theory! and fare you well, sweet world, and
-you, my merry masters, whom, perhaps, I have studied somewhat too
-cunningly: nosce teipsum shall be my motto. I will doff my travelling
-cap, and on with the monk's cowl.
-
-There are mysterious moments in some men's lives when the faces of human
-beings are very agony to them, and when the sound of the human voice is
-jarring as discordant music. These fits are not the consequence of
-violent or contending passions: they grow not out of sorrow, or joy, or
-hope, or fear, or hatred, or despair. For in the hour of affliction the
-tones of our fellow-creatures are ravishing as the most delicate lute;
-and in the flush moment of joy where is the smiler who loves not a
-witness to his revelry or a listener to his good fortune? Fear makes us
-feel our humanity, and then we fly to men, and Hope is the parent of
-kindness. The misanthrope and the reckless are neither agitated nor
-agonised. It is in these moments that men find in Nature that
-congeniality of spirit which they seek for in vain in their own species.
-It is in these moments that we sit by the side of a waterfall and listen
-to its music the live-long day. It is in these moments that men gaze
-upon the moon. It is in these moments that Nature becomes our Egeria;
-and, refreshed and renovated by this beautiful communion, we return to
-the world better enabled to fight our parts in the hot war of passions,
-to perform the great duties for which man appeared to have been created,
-to love, to hate, to slander, and to slay.
-
-It was past midnight, and Vivian was at a considerable distance from the
-Chateau. He proposed entering by a side door, which led into the
-billiard-room, and from thence, crossing the Long Gallery, he could
-easily reach his apartment without disturbing any of the household. His
-way led through the little gate at which he had parted with Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine on the first day of their meeting.
-
-As he softly opened the door which led into the Long Gallery he found he
-was not alone: leaning against one of the casements was a female. Her
-profile was to Vivian as he entered, and the moon, which shone bright
-through the window, lit up a countenance which he might be excused for
-not immediately recognising as that of Mrs. Felix Lorraine. She was
-gazing steadfastly, but her eye did not seem fixed upon any particular
-object. Her features appeared convulsed, but their contortions were not
-momentary, and, pale as death, a hideous grin seemed chiselled on her
-idiot countenance.
-
-Vivian scarcely knew whether to stay or to retire. Desirous not to
-disturb her, he determined not even to breathe; and, as is generally the
-case, his very exertions to be silent made him nervous, and to save
-himself from being stifled he coughed.
-
-Mrs. Lorraine immediately started and stared wildly around her, and when
-her eye caught Vivian's there was a sound in her throat something like
-the death-rattle.
-
-"Who are you?" she eagerly asked.
-
-"A friend, and Vivian Grey."
-
-"How came you here?" and she rushed forward and wildly seized his hand,
-and then she muttered to herself, "'tis flesh."
-
-"I have been playing, I fear, the mooncalf to-night; and find that,
-though I am a late watcher, I am not a solitary one."
-
-Mrs. Lorraine stared earnestly at him, and then she endeavoured to
-assume her usual expression of countenance; but the effort was too much
-for her. She dropped Vivian's arm, and buried her face in her own hands.
-Vivian was retiring, when she again looked up. "Where are you going?"
-she asked, with a quick voice.
-
-"To sleep, as I would advise all: 'tis much past midnight."
-
-"You say not the truth. The brightness of your eye belies the sentence
-of your tongue. You are not for sleep."
-
-"Pardon me, dear Mrs. Lorraine; I really have been yawning for the last
-hour," said Vivian, and he moved on.
-
-"You are speaking to one who takes her answer from the eye, which does
-not deceive, and from the speaking lineaments of the face, which are
-Truth's witnesses. Keep your voice for those who can credit man's words.
-You will go, then? What! are you afraid of a woman, because 'tis past
-midnight,' and you are in an old gallery?"
-
-"Fear, Mrs. Lorraine, is not a word in my vocabulary."
-
-"The words in your vocabulary are few, boy! as are the years of your
-age. He who sent you here this night sent you here not to slumber. Come
-hither!" and she led Vivian to the window: "what see you?"
-
-"I see Nature at rest, Mrs. Lorraine; and I would fain follow the
-example of beasts, birds, and fishes."
-
-"Yet gaze upon this scene one second. See the distant hills, how
-beautifully their rich covering is tinted with the moonbeam! These
-nearer fir-trees, how radiantly their black skeleton forms are tipped
-with silver; and the old and thickly foliaged oaks bathed in light! and
-the purple lake reflecting in its lustrous bosom another heaven? la it
-not a fair scene?"
-
-"Beautiful! most beautiful!"
-
-"Yet, Vivian, where is the being for whom all this beauty exists? Where
-is your mighty creature, Man? The peasant on his rough couch enjoys,
-perchance, slavery's only service-money, sweet sleep; or, waking in the
-night, curses at the same time his lot and his lord. And that lord is
-restless on some downy couch; his night thoughts, not of this sheeny
-lake and this bright moon, but of some miserable creation of man's
-artifice, some mighty nothing, which Nature knows not of, some offspring
-of her bastard child, Society. Why, then, is Nature loveliest when man
-looks not on her? For whom, then, Vivian Grey, is this scene so fair?"
-
-"For poets, lady; for philosophers; for all those superior spirits who
-require some relaxation from the world's toils; spirits who only
-commingle with humanity on the condition that they may sometimes commune
-with Nature."
-
-"Superior spirits! say you?" and here they paced the gallery. "When
-Valerian, first Lord Carabas, raised this fair castle; when, profuse for
-his posterity, all the genius of Italian art and Italian artists was
-lavished on this English palace; when the stuffs and statues, the
-marbles and the mirrors, the tapestry, and the carvings, and the
-paintings of Genoa, and Florence, and Venice, and Padua, and Vicenza,
-were obtained by him at miraculous cost, and with still more miraculous
-toil; what think you would have been his sensations. If, while his soul
-was revelling in the futurity of his descendants keeping their state in
-this splendid pile, some wizard had foretold to him that, ere three
-centuries could elapse, the fortunes of his mighty family would be the
-sport of two individuals; one of them a foreigner, unconnected in blood,
-or connected only in hatred; and the other a young adventurer alike
-unconnected with his race, in blood or in love; a being ruling all
-things by the power of his own genius, and reckless of all consequences
-save his own prosperity? If the future had been revealed to my great
-ancestor, the Lord Valerian, think you, Vivian Grey, that you and I
-should be walking in this Long Gallery?"
-
-"Really, Mrs. Lorraine, I have been so interested in discovering what
-people think in the nineteenth century, that I have had but little time
-to speculate on the possible opinions of an old gentleman who flourished
-in the sixteenth."
-
-"You may sneer, sir; but I ask you, if there are spirits so superior to
-that of the slumbering Lord of this castle as those of Vivian Grey and
-Amelia Lorraine, why may there not be spirits proportionately superior
-to our own?"
-
-"If you are keeping me from my bed, Mrs. Lorraine, merely to lecture my
-conceit by proving that there are in this world wiser heads than that of
-Vivian Grey, on my honour you are giving yourself a great deal of
-unnecessary trouble."
-
-"You will misunderstand me, then, you wilful boy!"
-
-"Nay, lady, I will not affect to misunderstand your meaning; but I
-recognise, you know full well, no intermediate essence between my own
-good soul and that ineffable and omnipotent spirit in whose existence
-philosophers and priests alike agree."
-
-"Omnipotent and ineffable essence! Leave such words to scholars and to
-school-boys! And think you that such indefinite nothings, such unmeaning
-abstractions, can influence beings whose veins are full of blood,
-bubbling like this?" And here she grasped Vivian with a feverish hand.
-"Omnipotent and ineffable essence! Oh! I have lived in a land where
-every mountain, and every stream, and every wood, and every ruin, has
-its legend and its peculiar spirit; a land in whose dark forests the
-midnight hunter, with his spirit-shout, scares the slumbers of the
-trembling serf; a land from whose winding rivers the fair-haired Undine
-welcomes the belated traveller to her fond and fatal embrace; and you
-talk to me of omnipotent and ineffable essence! Miserable Mocker! It is
-not true, Vivian Grey; you are but echoing the world's deceit, and even
-at this hour of the night you dare not speak as you do think. You
-worship no omnipotent and ineffable essence; you believe in no
-omnipotent and ineffable essence. Shrined in this secret chamber of your
-soul there is an image before which you bow down in adoration, and that
-image is YOURSELF. And truly, when I do gaze upon your radiant eyes,"
-and here the lady's tone became more terrestrial; "and truly, when I do
-look upon your luxuriant curls," and here the lady's small white hand
-played like lightning through Vivian's dark hair; "and truly, when I do
-remember the beauty of your all-perfect form, I cannot deem your
-self-worship a false idolatry," and here the lady's arms were locked
-round Vivian's neck, and her head rested on his bosom.
-
-"Oh, Amalia! it would lie far better for you to rest here than to think
-of that of which the knowledge is vanity."
-
-"Vanity!" shrieked Mrs. Lorraine, and she violently loosened her
-embrace, and extricated herself from the arm which, rather in courtesy
-than in kindness, had been wound round her delicate waist: "Vanity! Oh!
-if you knew but what I know, oh! if you had but seen what I have seen;"
-and here her voice failed her, and she stood motionless in the
-moonshine, with averted head and outstretched arms.
-
-"Amalia! this is madness; for Heaven's sake calm yourself!"
-
-"Calm myself! Yes, it is madness; very, very madness! 'tis the madness
-of the fascinated bird; 'tis the madness of the murderer who is
-voluntarily broken on the wheel; 'tis the madness of the fawn that gazes
-with adoration on the lurid glare of the anaconda's eye; 'tis the
-madness of woman who flies to the arms of her Fate;" and here she sprang
-like a tigress round Vivian's neck, her long light hair bursting from
-its bands, and clustering down her shoulders.
-
-And here was Vivian Grey, at past midnight, in this old gallery, with
-this wild woman clinging round his neck. The figures in the ancient
-tapestry looked living in the moon, and immediately opposite him was one
-compartment of some old mythological tale, in which were represented,
-grinning, in grim majesty, the Fates.
-
-The wind now rose again, and the clouds which had vanished began to
-reassemble in the heavens. As the blue sky was gradually covering, the
-gigantic figures of Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos became as gradually
-dimmer and dimmer, and the grasp of Vivian's fearful burden looser and
-looser. At last the moon was entirely hid, the figures of the Fates
-vanished, and Mrs. Felix Lorraine sank lifeless into his arms.
-
-Vivian groped his way with difficulty to the nearest window, the very
-one at which she was leaning when he first entered the gallery. He
-played with her wild curls; he whispered to her in a voice sweeter than
-the sweetest serenade; but she only raised her eyes from his breast and
-stared wildly at him, and then clung round his neck with, if possible, a
-tighter grasp.
-
-For nearly half an hour did Vivian stand leaning against the window,
-with his mystic and motionless companion. At length the wind again fell;
-there was a break in the sky, and a single star appeared in the midst of
-the clouds, surrounded with a little heaven of azure.
-
-"See there, see there!" the lady cried, and then she unlocked her arms.
-"What would you give, Vivian Grey, to read that star?"
-
-"Am I more interested in that star, Amalia, than in any other of the
-bright host?" asked Vivian with a serious tone, for he thought it
-necessary to humour his companion.
-
-"Are you not? is it not the star of your destiny?"
-
-"Are you learned in all the learning of the Chaldeans, too?"
-
-"Oh, no, no, no!" slowly murmured Mrs. Lorraine, and then she started:
-but Vivian seized her arms, and prevented her from again clasping
-his neck.
-
-"I must keep these pretty hands close prisoners," he said, smiling,
-"unless you promise to behave with more moderation. Come, my Amalia! you
-shall be my instructress! Why am I so interested in this brilliant
-star?" and holding her hands in one of his, he wound his arm round her
-waist, and whispered her such words as he thought might calm her
-troubled spirit. The wildness of her eyes gradually gave way; at length
-she raised them to Vivian with a look of meek tenderness, and her head
-sank upon his breast.
-
-"It shines, it shines, it shines, Vivian!" she softly whispered; "glory
-to thee and woe to me! Nay, you need not hold my hands; I will not harm
-you. I cannot: 'tis no use. O Vivian! when we first met, how little did
-I know to whom I pledged myself!"
-
-"Amalia, forget these wild fancies; estrange yourself from the wild
-belief which has exercised so baneful an influence, not only over your
-mind, but over the very soul of the land from which you come. Recognise
-in me only your friend, and leave the other world to those who value it
-more, or more deserve it. Does not this fair earth contain sufficient of
-interest and enjoyment?"
-
-"O Vivian! you speak with a sweet voice, but with a sceptic's spirit.
-You know not what I know."
-
-"Tell me, then, my Amalia; let me share your secrets, provided they be
-your sorrows."
-
-"Almost within this hour, and in this park, there has happened that
-which--" and here her voice died, and she looked fear-fully round her.
-
-"Nay, fear not; no one can harm you here, no one shall harm you. Rest
-upon me, and tell me all thy grief."
-
-"I dare not, I cannot tell you."
-
-"Nay, thou shalt."
-
-"I cannot speak; your eye scares me. Are you mocking me? I cannot speak
-if you look so at me."
-
-"I will not look on you; I will gaze on yonder star. Now speak on."
-
-"O Vivian, there is a custom in my native land: the world calls it an
-unhallowed one; you, in your proud spirit, will call it a vain one. But
-you would not deem it vain if you were the woman now resting on your
-bosom. At certain hours of particular nights, and with peculiar
-ceremonies, which I need not here mention, we do believe that in a lake
-or other standing water fate reveals itself to the solitary votary. O
-Vivian, I have been too long a searcher after this fearful science; and
-this very night, agitated in spirit, I sought yon water. The wind was in
-the right direction, and everything concurred in favouring a propitious
-divination. I knelt down to gaze on the lake. I had always been
-accustomed to view my own figure performing some future action, or
-engaged in some future scene of my life. I gazed, but I saw nothing but
-a brilliant star. I looked up into the heavens, but the star was not
-there, and the clouds were driving quick across the sky. More than
-usually agitated by this singular occurrence, I gazed once more; and
-just at the moment when with breathless and fearful expectation I waited
-the revelation of my immediate destiny there flitted a figure across the
-water. It was there only for the breathing of u second, and as it passed
-it mocked me." Here Mrs. Lorraine writhed in Vivian's arms; her features
-were moulded in the same unnatural expression as when he first entered
-the gallery, and the hideous grin was again sculptured on her
-countenance. Her whole frame was in such a state of agitation that she
-rose up and down in Vivian's arms, and it was only with the exertions of
-his whole strength that he could retain her.
-
-"Why, Amalia, this, this was nothing; your own figure."
-
-"No, not my own; it was yours!"
-
-Uttering a piercing shriek, which echoed through the winding gallery,
-she swooned.
-
-Vivian gazed on her in a state of momentary stupefaction, for the
-extraordinary scene had begun to influence his own nerves. And now he
-heard the tread of distant feet, and a light shone through the key-hole
-of the nearest door. The fearful shriek had alarmed some of the
-household. What was to be done? In desperation Vivian caught the lady up
-in his arms, and dashing out of an opposite door bore her to
-her chamber.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII
-
-
-What is this chapter to be about? Come, I am inclined to be courteous!
-You shall choose the subject of it. What shall it be, sentiment or
-scandal? a love-scene or a lay sermon? You will not choose? Then we must
-open the note which Vivian, in the morning, found on his pillow:--
-
-"Did you hear the horrid shriek last night? It must have disturbed every
-one. I think it must have been one of the South American birds which
-Captain Tropic gave the Marchioness. Do not they sometimes favour the
-world with these nocturnal shriekings? Is not there a passage in Spix
-apropos to this? A----."
-
-"Did you hear the shriek last night, Mr. Grey?" asked the Marchioness,
-as Vivian entered the breakfast-room.
-
-"Oh, yes! Mr. Grey, did you hear the shriek?" asked Miss Graves.
-
-"Who did not?"
-
-"What could it be?" said the Marchioness.
-
-"What could it be?" said Miss Graves.
-
-"What should it be; a cat in a gutter, or a sick cow, or a toad dying to
-be devoured, Miss Graves?"
-
-Always snub toadeys and led captains. It is only your greenhorns who
-endeavour to make their way by fawning and cringing to every member of
-the establishment. It is a miserable mistake. No one likes his
-dependants to be treated with respect, for such treatment affords an
-unpleasant contrast to his own conduct. Besides, it makes the toadey's
-blood unruly. There are three persons, mind you, to be attended to: my
-lord, or my lady, as the case may be (usually the latter), the pet
-daughter, and the pet dog. I throw out these hints en passant, for my
-principal objects in writing this work are to amuse myself and to
-instruct society. In some future hook, probably the twentieth or
-twenty-fifth, when the plot logins to wear threadbare, and we can afford
-a digression. I may give a chapter on Domestic Tactics.
-
-"My dear Marchioness," continued Vivian, "see there: I have kept my
-promise, there is your bracelet. How is Julie to-day?"
-
-"Poor dear, I hope she is better."
-
-"Oh! yes, poor Julie. I think she is better."
-
-"I do not know that, Miss Graves," said her Ladyship, somewhat tartly,
-not at all approving of a toadey thinking. "I am afraid that scream
-last night must have disturbed her. O dear, Mr. Grey, I am afraid she
-will be ill again."
-
-Miss Graves looked mournful, and lifted up her eyes and hands to Heaven,
-but did not dare to speak this time.
-
-"I thought she looked a little heavy about the eyes this morning," said
-the Marchioness, apparently very agitated; "and I have heard from
-Eglamour this post; he is not well, too; I think everybody is ill now;
-he has caught a fever going to see the ruins of Paestum. I wonder why
-people go to see ruins!"
-
-"I wonder, indeed," said Miss Graves; "I never could see anything in a
-ruin."
-
-"O, Mr. Grey!" continued the Marchioness, "I really am afraid Julie is
-going to be very ill."
-
-"Let Miss Graves pull her tail and give her a little mustard seed: she
-will be better tomorrow."
-
-"Remember that, Miss Graves."
-
-"Oh! y-e-s, my Lady!"
-
-"Mrs. Felix," said the Marchioness, as that lady entered the room, "you
-are late to-day; I always reckon upon you as a supporter of an early
-breakfast at Desir."
-
-"I have been half round the park."
-
-"Did you hear the scream, Mrs. Felix?"
-
-"Do you know what it was, Marchioness?"
-
-"No: do you?"
-
-"See the reward of early rising and a walk before breakfast. It was one
-of your new American birds, and it has half torn down your aviary."
-
-"One of the new Americans? O the naughty thing; and has it broken the
-new fancy wirework?"
-
-Here a little odd-looking, snuffy old man, with a brown scratch wig, who
-had been very busily employed the whole breakfast-time with a cold game
-pie, the bones of which Vivian observed him most scientifically pick and
-polish, laid down his knife and fork, and addressed the Marchioness with
-an air of great interest.
-
-"Pray, will your Ladyship have the goodness to inform me what bird this
-is?"
-
-The Marchioness looked astounded at any one presuming to ask her a
-question; and then she drawled, "Mr. Grey, you know everything; tell
-this gentleman what some bird is."
-
-Now this gentleman was Mr. Mackaw, the most celebrated ornithologist
-extant, and who had written a treatise on Brazilian parroquets, in three
-volumes folio. He had arrived late at the Chateau the preceding night,
-and, although he had the honour of presenting his letter of introduction
-to the Marquess, this morning was the first time he had been seen by any
-of the party present, who were of course profoundly ignorant of his
-character.
-
-"Oh! we were talking of some South American bird given to the
-Marchioness by the famous Captain Tropic; you know him, perhaps;
-Bolivar's brother-in-law, or aide-de-camp, or something of that kind;
-and which screams so dreadfully at night that the whole family is
-disturbed. The Chowchowtow it is called; is not it, Mrs. Lorraine?"
-
-"The Chowchowtow!" said Mr. Mackaw; "I don't know it by that name."
-
-"Do not you? I dare say we shall find an account of it in Spix,
-however," said Vivian, rising, and taking a volume from the book-case;
-"ay! here it is; I will read it to you."
-
-"'The Chowchowtow is about five feet seven inches in height from the
-point of the bill to the extremity of the claws. Its plumage is of a
-dingy, yellowish white; its form is elegant, and in its movements and
-action a certain pleasing and graceful dignity is observable; but its
-head is by no means worthy of the rest of its frame; and the expression
-of its eye is indicative of the cunning and treachery of its character.
-The habits of this bird are peculiar: occasionally most easily
-domesticated, it is apparently sensible of the slightest kindness; but
-its regard cannot be depended upon, and for the slightest inducement, or
-with the least irritation, it will fly at its feeder. At other times it
-seeks perfect solitude, and can only be captured with the utmost skill
-and perseverance. It generally feeds three times a day, but its appetite
-is not rapacious; it sleeps little, is usually on the wing at sunrise,
-and proves that it slumbers but little in the night by its nocturnal and
-thrilling shrieks.'"
-
-"What an extraordinary bird! Is that the bird you meant, Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine?"
-
-Mr. Mackaw was restless the whole time that Vivian was reading this
-interesting passage. At last he burst forth with an immense deal of
-science and a great want of construction, a want which scientific men
-often experience, always excepting those mealy-mouthed professors who
-lecture "at the Royal," and get patronised by the blues, the Lavoisiers
-of May Fair!
-
-"Chowchowtow, my Lady! five feet seven inches high! Brazilian bird! When
-I just remind your Ladyship that the height of the tallest bird to be
-found in Brazil, and in mentioning this fact, I mention nothing
-hypothetical, the tallest bird does not stand higher than four feet
-nine. Chowchowtow! Dr. Spix is a name, accurate traveller, don't
-remember the passage, most singular bird! Chowchowtow! don't know it by
-that name. Perhaps your Ladyship is not aware; I think you called that
-gentleman Mr. Grey; perhaps Mr. Grey is not aware, that I am Mr. Mackaw,
-I arrived late here last night, whose work in three volumes folio, on
-Brazilian Parroquets, although I had the honour of seeing his Lordship
-is, I trust, a sufficient evidence that I am not speaking at random on
-this subject; and consequently, from the lateness of the hour, could not
-have the honour of being introduced to your Ladyship."
-
-"Mr. Mackaw!" thought Vivian. "The deuce you are! Oh! why did I not say
-a Columbian cassowary, or a Peruvian penguin, or a Chilian condor, or a
-Guatemalan goose, or a Mexican mastard; anything but Brazilian. Oh!
-unfortunate Vivian Grey!"
-
-The Marchioness, who was quite overcome with this scientific appeal,
-raised her large, beautiful, sleepy eyes from a delicious compound of
-French roll and new milk, which she was working up in a Sevre saucer for
-Julie; and then, as usual, looked to Vivian for assistance.
-
-"Mr. Grey, you know everything; tell Mr. Mackaw about a bird."
-
-"Is there any point on which you differ from Spix in his account of the
-Chowchowtow, Mr. Mackaw?"
-
-"My dear sir, I don't follow him at all. Dr. Spix is a most excellent
-man, a most accurate traveller, quite a name; but, to be sure, I've only
-read his work in our own tongue; and I fear from the passage you have
-just quoted, five feet seven inches high! in Brazil! it must be an
-imperfect version. I say, that four feet nine is the greatest height I
-know. I don't speak without some foundation for my statement. The only
-bird I know above that height is the Paraguay cassowary; which, to be
-sure, is sometimes found in Brazil. But the description of your bird,
-Mr. Grey, does not answer that at all. I ought to know. I do not speak
-at random. The only living specimen of that extraordinary bird, the
-Paraguay cassowary, in this country, is in my possession. It was sent me
-by Bompland, and was given to him by the Dictator of Paraguay himself. I
-call it, in compliment, Doctor Francia. I arrived here so late last
-night, only saw his Lordship, or I would have had it on the lawn
-this morning."
-
-"Oh, then, Mr. Mackaw," said Vivian, "that was the bird which screamed
-last night!"
-
-"Oh, yes! oh, yes! Mr. Mackaw," said Mrs. Felix Lorraine.
-
-"Lady Carabas!" continued Vivian, "it is found out. It is Mr. Mackaw's
-particular friend, his family physician, whom he always travels with,
-that awoke us all last night."
-
-"Is he a foreigner?" asked the Marchioness, looking up.
-
-"My dear Mr. Grey, impossible! the Doctor never screams."
-
-"Oh! Mr. Mackaw, Mr. Mackaw!" said Vivian.
-
-"Oh! Mr. Mackaw, Mr. Mackaw!" said Mrs. Felix Lorraine.
-
-"I tell you he never screams," reiterated the man of science; "I tell
-you he can't scream; he's muzzled."
-
-"Oh, then, it must Have been the Chowchowtow."
-
-"Yes, I think it must have been the Chowchowtow."
-
-"I should very much like to hear Spix's description again," said Mr.
-Mackaw, "only I fear it is troubling you too much, Mr. Grey."
-
-"Read it yourself, my dear sir," said Vivian, putting the book into his
-hand, which was the third volume of Tremaine.
-
-Mr. Mackaw looked at the volume, and turned it over, and sideways, and
-upside downwards: the brain of a man who has written three folios on
-parroquets is soon puzzled. At first, he thought the book was a novel;
-but then, an essay on predestination, under the title of Memoirs of a
-Man of Refinement, rather puzzled him; then he mistook it for an Oxford
-reprint of Pearson on the Creed; and then he stumbled on rather a warm
-scene in an old Chateau in the South of France.
-
-Before Mr. Mackaw could gain the power of speech the door opened, and
-entered, who? Dr. Francia.
-
-Mr. Mackaw's travelling companion possessed the awkward accomplishment
-of opening doors, and now strutted in, in quest of his beloved master.
-Affection for Mr. Mackaw was not, however, the only cause which induced
-this entrance.
-
-The household of Chateau Desir, unused to cassowaries, had neglected to
-supply Dr. Francia with his usual breakfast, which consisted of half a
-dozen pounds of rump steaks, a couple of bars of hard iron, some pig
-lead, and brown stout. The consequence was, the Dictator was
-sadly famished.
-
-All the ladies screamed; and then Mrs. Felix Lorraine admired the
-Doctor's violet neck, and the Marchioness looked with an anxious eye on
-Julie, and Miss Graves, as in duty bound, with an anxious eye on the
-Marchioness.
-
-There stood the Doctor, quite still, with his large yellow eye fixed on
-Mr. Mackaw. At length he perceived the cold pasty, and his little black
-wings began to flutter on the surface of his immense body.
-
-"Che, che, che, che!" said the ornithologist, who did not like the
-symptoms at all: "Che, che, che, che, don't be frightened, ladies! you
-see he's muzzled; che, che, che, che, now, my dear doctor, now, now,
-now, Franky, Franky, Franky, now go away, go away, that's a dear doctor,
-che, che, che, che!"
-
-But the large yellow eye grew more flaming and fiery, and the little
-black wings grew larger and larger; and now the left leg was dashed to
-and fro with a fearful agitation. Mackaw looked agonised. What a whirr!
-Francia is on the table! All shriek, the chairs tumble over the
-ottomans, the Sevre china is in a thousand pieces, the muzzle is torn
-off and thrown at Miss Graves; Mackaw's wig is dashed in the clotted
-cream, and devoured on the spot; and the contents of the boiling urn are
-poured over the beauteous and beloved Julie!
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII
-
-
-THE HONOURABLE CYNTHIA COURTOWN TO VIVIAN GREY, ESQ.
-
-"Alburies, Oct. 18--.
-
-"DEAR GREY,
-
-"We have now been at Alburies for a fortnight. Nothing can be more
-delightful. Here is everybody in the world that I wish to see, except
-yourself. The Knightons, with as many outriders as usual: Lady Julia and
-myself are great allies; I like her amazingly. The Marquess of Grandgout
-arrived here last week, with a most delicious party; all the men who
-write 'John Bull.' I was rather disappointed at the first sight of
-Stanislaus Hoax. I had expected, I do not know why, something juvenile
-and squibbish, when lo! I was introduced to a corpulent individual, with
-his coat buttoned up to his chin, looking dull, gentlemanlike, and
-apoplectic. However, on acquaintance, he came out quite rich, sings
-delightfully, and improvises like a prophet, ten thousand times more
-entertaining than Pistrucci. We are sworn friends; and I know all the
-secret history of 'John Bull.' There is not much, to be sure, that you
-did not tell me yourself; but still there are some things. I must not
-trust them, however, to paper, and therefore pray dash down to Alburies
-immediately; I shall be most happy to introduce you to Lord Devildrain.
-There _was_ an interview. What think you of that? Stanislaus told me
-all, circumstantially, and after dinner; I do not doubt that it is quite
-true. What would you give for the secret history of the 'rather yellow,
-rather yellow,' chanson? I dare not tell it you. It came from a quarter
-that will quite astound you, and in a very elegant, small, female hand.
-You remember Lambton did stir very awkwardly in the Lisbon business.
-Stanislaus wrote all the songs that appeared in the first number, except
-that; but he never wrote a single line of prose for the first three
-months: it all came from Vivida Vis.
-
-"I like the Marquess of Grandgout so much! I hope he will be elevated in
-the peerage: he looks as if he wanted it so! Poor dear man!"
-
-"Oh! do you know I have discovered a liaison between Bull and
-Blackwood. I am to be in the next Noctes; I forget the words of the
-chorus exactly, but Courtown is to rhyme with port down, or something of
-that kind, and then they are to dash their glasses over their heads,
-give three cheers, and adjourn to whisky-toddy and the Chaldee chamber.
-How delightful!
-
-"The Prima Donnas are at Cheltenham, looking most respectable. Do you
-ever see the 'Age'? It is not proper for me to take it in. Pray send me
-down your numbers, and tell me all about it. Is it true that his
-Lordship paragraphises a little?
-
-"I have not heard from Ernest Clay, which I think very odd. If you write
-to him, mention this, and tell him to send me word how Dormer Stanhope
-behaves at mess. I understand there has been a melee, not much; merely a
-rouette; do get it all out of him.
-
-"Colonel Delmington is at Cheltenham, with the most knowing beard you
-can possibly conceive; Lady Julia rather patronises him. Lady Doubtful
-has been turned out of the rooms; fifty challenges in consequence and
-one duel; missed fire, of course.
-
-"I have heard from Alhambra; he has been wandering about in all
-directions. He has been to the Lakes, and is now at Edinburgh. He likes
-Southey. He gave the laureate a quantity of hints for his next volume of
-the Peninsular War, but does not speak very warmly of Wordsworth:
-gentlemanly man, but only reads his own poetry.
-
-"Here has been a cousin of yours about us; a young barrister going the
-circuit; by name Hargrave Grey. The name attracted my notice, and due
-inquiries having been made and satisfactorily answered, I patronised the
-limb of law. Fortunate for him! I got him to all the fancy balls and
-pic-nics that were going on. He was in heaven for a fortnight, and at
-length, having overstayed his time, he left us, also leaving his bag and
-only brief behind him. They say he is ruined for life. Write soon.
-
-"Yours ever,
-
-"CYNTHIA COURTOWN."
-
-ERNEST CLAY, ESQ., TO VIVIAN GREY, ESQ.
-
-"October, 18--.
-
-"DEAR GREY,
-
-"I am sick of key-bugles and country-balls! All the girls in the town
-are in love with me, or my foraging cap. I am very much obliged to you
-for your letter to Kennet, which procured everything I wanted. The
-family turned out bores, as you had prepared me. I never met such a
-clever family in my life; the father is summoning up courage to favour
-the world with a volume of sermons; and Isabella Kennet most
-satisfactorily proved to me, after an argument of two hours, which for
-courtesy's sake I fought very manfully, that Sir Walter Scott was not
-the author of Waverley; and then she vowed, as I have heard fifty young
-literary ladies vow before, that she had 'seen the Antiquary in
-manuscript.'
-
-"There has been a slight row to diversify the monotony of our military
-life. Young Premium, the son of the celebrated loan-monger, has bought
-in; and Dormer Stanhope, and one or two others equally fresh,
-immediately anticipated another Battier business; but, with the greatest
-desire to make a fool of myself, I have a natural repugnance to
-mimicking the foolery of others; so with some little exertion, and very
-fortunately for young Premium, I got the tenth voted vulgar, on the
-score of curiosity, and we were civil to the man. As it turned out, it
-was all very well, for Premium is a quiet, gentlemanlike fellow enough,
-and exceedingly useful. He will keep extra grooms for the whole mess, if
-they want it. He is very grateful to me for what does not deserve any
-gratitude, and for what gave me no trouble; for I did not defend him
-from any feeling of kindness: and both the Mounteneys, and young
-Stapylton Toad, and Augustus, being in the regiment, why, I have very
-little trouble in commanding a majority, if it come to a division.
-
-"I dined the other day at old Premium's, who lives near this town in a
-magnificent old hall; which, however, is not nearly splendid enough for
-a man who is the creditor of every nation from California to China; and,
-consequently, the great Mr. Stucco is building a plaster castle for him
-in another part of the park. Glad am I enough that I was prevailed upon
-to patronise the Premium; for I think I seldom witnessed a more amusing
-scene than I did the day I dined there.
-
-"I was ushered through an actual street of servitors, whose liveries
-were really cloth of gold, and whose elaborately powdered heads would
-not have disgraced the most ancient mansion in St. James's Square, into
-a large and crowded saloon. I was, of course, received with miraculous
-consideration; and the ear of Mrs. Premium seemed to dwell upon the
-jingling of my spurs (for I am adjutant) as upon exquisite music. It
-was bona fide evidence of 'the officers being there.'
-
-"Premium is a short, but by no means vulgar-looking man, about fifty,
-with a high forehead covered with wrinkles, and with eyes deep sunk in
-his head. I never met a man of apparently less bustle, and of a cooler
-temperament. He was an object of observation from his very
-unobtrusiveness. There were. I immediately perceived, a great number of
-foreigners in the room. They looked much too knowing for Arguelles and
-Co., and I soon found that they were members of the different embassies,
-or missions of the various Governments to whose infant existence Premium
-is foster father. There were two striking figures in Oriental costume,
-who were shown to me as the Greek Deputies; not that you are to imagine
-that they always appear in this picturesque dress. It was only as a
-particular favour, and to please Miss Premium (there, Grey, my boy!
-there is a quarry!), that the illustrious envoys appeared habited this
-day in their national costume.
-
-"You would have enjoyed the scene. In one part of the room was a naval
-officer, just hot from the mines of Mexico, and lecturing eloquently on
-the passing of the Cordillera. In another was a man of science, dilating
-on the miraculous powers of a newly-discovered amalgamation process to a
-knot of merchants, who, with bent brows and eager eyes, were already
-forming a Company for its adoption. Here floated the latest anecdote of
-Bolivar; and there a murmur of some new movement of Cochrane's. And then
-the perpetual babble about 'rising states,' and 'new loans,' and
-'enlightened views,' and 'juncture of the two oceans,' and 'liberal
-principles,' and 'steamboats to Mexico,' and the earnest look which
-every one had in the room. How different to the vacant gaze that we have
-been accustomed to! I was really particularly struck by the
-circumstance. Every one at Premium's looked full of some great plan, as
-if the fate of empires wag on his very breath. I hardly knew whether
-they were most like conspirators, or gamblers, or the lions of a public
-dinner, conscious of an universal gaze, and consequently looking
-proportionately interesting. One circumstance particularly struck me: as
-I was watching the acute countenance of an individual, who young Premium
-informed me was the Chilian minister, and who was listening with great
-attention to a dissertation from Captain Tropic, the celebrated
-traveller, on the feasibility of a railroad over the Andes, I observed a
-great sensation among those around me; every one shifting, and
-shuffling, and staring, and assisting in that curious and confusing
-ceremony called 'making way.' Even Premium appeared a little excited
-when he came forward with a smile on his face to receive an individual,
-apparently a foreigner, and who stepped on with great though gracious
-dignity. Being curious to know who this great man was, I found that this
-was an ambassador, the representative of a recognised state.
-
-"'Pon my honour, when I saw all this, I could not refrain from
-moralising on the magic of wealth; and when I just remembered the embryo
-plot of some young Hussar officers to cut the son of the magician, I
-rather smiled; but while I, with even greater reverence than all others,
-was making way for his Excellency, I observed Mrs. Premium looking at my
-spurs. 'Farewell Philosophy!' thought I; 'Puppyism for ever!'
-
-"Dinner was at last announced, and the nice etiquette which was observed
-between recognised states and non-recognised states was really
-excessively amusing: not only the ambassador would take precedence of
-the mere political agent, but his Excellency's private secretary was
-equally tenacious as to the agent's private secretary. At length we were
-all seated: the spacious dining-room was hung round with portraits of
-most of the successful revolutionary leaders, and over Mr. Premium was
-suspended a magnificent portrait of Bolivar. If you could but have seen
-the plate! By Jove! I have eaten off the silver of most of the first
-families in England, yet never in my life did it enter into my
-imagination that it was possible for the most ingenious artist that ever
-existed to repeat a crest half so often in a tablespoon as in that of
-Premium. The crest is a bubble, and really the effect produced by it is
-most ludicrous.
-
-"I was very much struck at table by the appearance of an individual who
-came in very late, but who was evidently, by his bearing, no
-insignificant personage. He was a tall man, with a long hooked nose and
-high cheek bones, and with an eye (were you ever at the Old Bailey?
-there you may see its fellow); his complexion looked as if it had been
-accustomed to the breezes of many climes, and his hair, which had once
-been red, was now silvered, or rather iron-greyed, not by age. Yet there
-was in his whole bearing, in his slightest actions, even in the easy,
-desperate air with which he took a glass of wine, an indefinable
-something (you know what I mean) which attracted your unremitting
-attention to him. I was not wrung in my suspicions of his celebrity;
-for, as Miss Premium, whom I sat next to, whispered, 'he was quite a
-lion.' It was Lord Oceanville What he is after no one knows. Some say he
-is going to Greece, others whisper an invasion of Paraguay, and others,
-of course, say other things; perhaps equally correct. I think he is for
-Greece. I know he is one of the most extraordinary men I ever met with.
-I am getting prosy. Good-bye! Write soon. Any fun going on? How is
-Cynthia? I ought to have written. How is Mrs. Felix Lorraine? She is a
-deuced odd woman!
-
-"Yours faithfully,
-
-"ERNEST CLAY."
-
-HARGRAVE GREY, ESQ., TO VIVIAN GREY, ESQ.
-
-"October, 18--.
-
-"DEAR VIVIAN,
-
-"You ought not to expect a letter from me. I cannot conceive why you do
-not occasionally answer your correspondents' letters, if correspondents
-they may be called. It is really a most unreasonable habit of yours; any
-one but myself would quarrel with you.
-
-"A letter from Baker met me at this place, and I find that the whole of
-that most disagreeable and annoying business is arranged. From the
-promptitude, skill, and energy which are apparent in the whole affair, I
-suspect I have to thank the very gentleman whom I was just going to
-quarrel with. You are a good fellow, Vivian, after all. For want of a
-brief, I sit down to give you a sketch of my adventures on this my
-first circuit.
-
-"This circuit is a cold and mercantile adventure, and I am disappointed
-in it. Not so either, for I looked for but little to enjoy. Take one day
-of my life as a specimen; the rest are mostly alike. The sheriff's
-trumpets are playing; one, some tune of which I know nothing, and the
-other no tune at all. I am obliged to turn out at eight. It is the first
-day of the Assize, so there is some chance of a brief, being a new
-place. I push my way into court through files of attorneys, as civil to
-the rogues as possible, assuring them there is plenty of room, though I
-am at the very moment gasping for breath wedged-in in a lane of
-well-lined waistcoats. I get into court, take my place in the quietest
-corner, and there I sit, and pass other men's fees and briefs like a
-twopenny postman, only without pay. Well! 'tis six o'clock, dinner-time,
-at the bottom of the table, carve for all, speak to none, nobody speaks
-to me, must wait till last to sum up, and pay the bill. Reach home quite
-devoured by spleen, after having heard every one abused who happened to
-be absent.
-
-"I travelled to this place with Manners, whom I believe you know, and
-amused myself by getting from him an account of my fellows,
-anticipating, at the same time, what in fact happened; to wit, that I
-should afterwards get his character from them. It is strange how freely
-they deal with each other; that is, the person spoken of being away. I
-would not have had you see our Stanhope for half a hundred pounds; your
-jealousy would have been so excited. To say the truth, we are a little
-rough; our mane wants pulling and our hoofs trimming, but we jog along
-without performing either operation; and, by dint of rattling the whip
-against the splash-board, using all one's persuasion of hand and voice,
-and jerking the bit in his mouth, we do contrive to get into the circuit
-town, usually, just about the time that the sheriff and his _posse
-comitatus_ are starting to meet my Lord the King's Justice: and that is
-the worst of it; for their horses are prancing and pawing coursers just
-out of the stable, sleek skins and smart drivers. We begin to be knocked
-up just then, and our appearance is the least brilliant of any part of
-the day. Here I had to pass through a host of these powdered, scented
-fops; and the multitude who had assembled to gaze on the nobler
-exhibition rather scoffed at our humble vehicle. As Manners had just
-then been set down to find the inn and lodging, I could not jump out and
-leave our equipage to its fate, so I settled my cravat, and seemed not
-to mind it, only I did.
-
-"But I must leave off this nonsense, and attend to his Lordship's
-charge, which is now about to commence. I have not been able to get you
-a single good murder, although I have kept a sharp look-out, as you
-desired me; but there is a chance of a first-rate one at ----n.
-
-"I am quite delighted with Mr. Justice St. Prose. He is at this moment
-in a most entertaining passion, preparatory to a 'conscientious' summing
-up; and in order that his ideas may not be disturbed, he has very
-liberally ordered the door-keeper to have the door oiled immediately, at
-his own expense. Now for my Lord the King's Justice.
-
-"'Gentlemen of the Jury,
-
-"'The noise is insufferable, the heat is intolerable, the door-keepers
-let the people keep shuffling in, the ducks in the corner are going
-quack, quack, quack, here's a little girl being tried for her life, and
-the judge can't hear a word that's said. Bring me my black cap, and I'll
-condemn her to death instantly.'
-
-"'You can't, my Lord.' shrieks the infant sinner; 'it's only for petty
-larceny!'
-
-"I have just got an invite from the Kearneys. Congratulate me.
-
-"Dear Vivian, yours faithfully,
-
-"HARGRAVE GREY."
-
-
-LADY SCROPE TO VIVIAN GREY, ESQ.
-
-"Ormsby Park, Oct. 18--.
-
-"MY DEAR VIVIAN,
-
-"By desire of Sir Berdmore, I have to request the fulfilment of a
-promise, upon the hope of which being performed I have existed through
-this dull month. Pray, my dear Vivian, come to us immediately. Ormsby
-has at present little to offer for your entertainment. We have had that
-unendurable bore Vivacity Dull with us for a whole fortnight. A report
-of the death of the Lord Chancellor, or a rumour of the production of a
-new tragedy, has carried him up to town; but whether it be to ask for
-the seals, or to indite an ingenious prologue to a play which will be
-condemned the first night, I cannot inform you. I am quite sure he is
-capable of doing either. However, we shall have other deer in a
-few days.
-
-"I believe you have never met the Mounteneys. They have never been at
-Hallesbrooke since you have been at Desir. They are coming to us
-immediately. I am sure you will like them very much. Lord Mounteney is
-one of those kind, easy-minded, accomplished men, who, after all, are
-nearly the pleasantest society one ever meets. Rather wild in his youth,
-but with his estate now unencumbered, and himself perfectly domestic.
-His lady is an unaffected, agreeable woman. But it is Caroline Mounteney
-whom I wish you particularly to meet. She is one of those delicious
-creatures who, in spite of not being married, are actually conversable.
-Spirited, without any affectation or brusquerie; beautiful, and knowing
-enough to be quite conscious of it; perfectly accomplished, and yet
-never annoying you with tattle about Bochsa, and Ronzi de Begnis, and
-D'Egville.
-
-"We also expect the Delmonts, the most endurable of the Anglo-Italians
-that I know. Mrs. Delmont is not always dropping her handkerchief like
-Lady Gusto, as if she expected a miserable cavalier servente to be
-constantly upon his knees; or giving those odious expressive looks,
-which quite destroy my nerves whenever I am under the same roof as that
-horrible Lady Soprano. There is a little too much talk, to be sure,
-about Roman churches, and newly-discovered mosaics, and Abbate Maii, but
-still we cannot expect perfection. There are reports going about that
-Ernest Clay is either ruined or going to be married. Perhaps both are
-true. Young Premium has nearly lost his character by driving a
-square-built, striped green thing, drawn by one horse. Ernest Clay got
-him through this terrible affair. What can be the reasons of the Sieur
-Ernest's excessive amiability?
-
-"Both the young Mounteneys are with their regiment, but Aubrey Vere is
-coming to us, and I have half a promise from--; but I know you never
-speak to unmarried men, so why do I mention them? Let me, I beseech you,
-my dear Vivian, have a few days of you to myself before Ormsby is full,
-and before you are introduced to Caroline Mounteney. I did not think it
-was possible that I could exist so long without seeing you; but you
-really must not try me too much, or I shall quarrel with you. I have
-received all your letters, which are very, very agreeable; but I think
-rather, rather impudent. Adieu!
-
-"HARRIETTE SCROPE."
-
-HORACE GREY, ESQ., TO VIVIAN GREY, ESQ.
-
-"Paris, Oct. 18--.
-
-"MY DEAR VIVIAN,
-
-"I have received yours of the 9th, and have read it with mixed feelings
-of astonishment and sorrow.
-
-"You are now, my dear son, a member of what is called the great world;
-society formed on anti-social principles. Apparently you have possessed
-yourself of the object of your wishes; but the scenes you live in are
-very moveable; the characters you associate with are all masked; and it
-will always be doubtful whether you can retain that long, which has
-been obtained by some slippery artifice. Vivian, you are a juggler; and
-the deceptions of your sleight-of-hand tricks depend upon
-instantaneous motions.
-
-"When the selfish combine with the selfish, bethink you how many
-projects are doomed to disappointment! how many cross interests baffle
-the parties at the same time joined together without ever uniting. What
-a mockery is their love! but how deadly are their hatreds! All this
-great society, with whom so young an adventurer has trafficked, abate
-nothing of their price in the slavery of their service and the sacrifice
-of violated feelings. What sleepless nights has it cost you to win over
-the disobliged, to conciliate the discontented, to cajole the
-contumatious! You may smile at the hollow flatteries, answering to
-flatteries as hollow, which like bubbles when they touch, dissolve into
-nothing; but tell me, Vivian, what has the self-tormentor felt at the
-laughing treacheries which force a man down into self-contempt?
-
-"Is it not obvious, my dear Vivian, that true Fame and true Happiness
-must rest upon the imperishable social affections? I do not mean that
-coterie celebrity which paltry minds accept as fame; but that which
-exists independent of the opinions or the intrigues of individuals: nor
-do I mean that glittering show of perpetual converse with the world
-which some miserable wanderers call Happiness; but that which can only
-be drawn from the sacred and solitary fountain of your own feelings.
-
-"Active as you have now become in the great scenes of human affairs, I
-would not have you be guided by any fanciful theories of morals or of
-human nature. Philosophers have amused themselves by deciding on human
-actions by systems; but, as these system? are of the most opposite
-natures, it is evident that each philosopher, in reflecting his own
-feelings in the system he has so elaborately formed, has only painted
-his own character.
-
-"Do not, therefore, conclude, with Hobbes and Mandeville, that man lives
-in a state of civil warfare with man; nor with Shaftesbury, adorn with a
-poetical philosophy our natural feelings. Man is neither the vile nor
-the excellent being which he sometimes imagines himself to be. He does
-not so much act by system as by sympathy. If this creature cannot always
-feel for others, he is doomed to feel for himself; and the vicious are,
-at least, blessed with the curse of remorse.
-
-"You are now inspecting one of the worst portions of society in what is
-called the great world (St. Giles' is bad, but of another kind), and it
-may be useful, on the principle that the actual sight of brutal ebriety
-was supposed to have inspired youth with the virtue of temperance; on
-the same principle that the Platonist, in the study of deformity,
-conceived the beautiful. Let me warn you not to fall into the usual
-error of youth in fancying that the circle you move in is precisely the
-world itself. Do not imagine that there are not other beings, whose
-benevolent principle is governed by finer sympathies, by more generous
-passions, and by those nobler emotions which really constitute all our
-public and private virtues. I give you this hint, lest, in your present
-society, you might suppose these virtues were merely historical.
-
-"Once more, I must beseech you not to give loose to any elation of mind.
-The machinery by which you have attained this unnatural result must be
-so complicated that in the very tenth hour you will find yourself
-stopped in some part where you never counted on an impediment; and the
-want of a slight screw or a little oil will prevent you from
-accomplishing your magnificent end.
-
-"We are, and have been, very dull here. There is every probability of
-Madame de Genlis writing more volumes than ever. I called on the old
-lady, and was quite amused with the enthusiasm of her imbecility.
-Chateaubriand is getting what you call a bore; and the whole city is mad
-about a new opera by Boieldieu. Your mother sends her love, and desires
-me to say, that the salmi of woodcocks, a la Lucullus, which you write
-about, does not differ from the practice here in vogue. How does your
-cousin Hargrave prosper on his circuit? The Delmingtons are here, which
-makes it very pleasant for your mother, as well as for myself; for it
-allows me to hunt over the old bookshops at my leisure. There are no new
-books worth sending you, or they would accompany this; but I would
-recommend you to get Meyer's new volume from Treuettel and Wurtz, and
-continue to make notes as you read it. Give my compliments to the
-Marquess, and believe me,
-
-"Your affectionate father,
-
-"HORACE GREY."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX
-
-
-It was impossible for any human being to behave with more kindness than
-the Marquess of Carabas did to Vivian Grey after that young gentleman's
-short conversation with Mrs. Felix Lorraine in the conservatory. The
-only feeling which seemed to actuate the Peer was an eager desire to
-compensate, by his present conduct, for any past misunderstanding, and
-he loaded his young friend with all possible favour. Still Vivian was
-about to quit Chateau Desir; and in spite of all that had passed, he was
-extremely loth to leave his noble friend under the guardianship of his
-female one.
-
-About this time, the Duke and Duchess of Juggernaut, the very pink of
-aristocracy, the wealthiest, the proudest, the most ancient, and most
-pompous couple in Christendom, honoured Chateau Desir with their
-presence for two days; only two days, making the Marquess's mansion a
-convenient resting-place in one of their princely progresses to one of
-their princely castles.
-
-Vivian contrived to gain the heart of her Grace by his minute
-acquaintance with the Juggernaut pedigree; and having taken the
-opportunity, in one of their conversations, to describe Mrs. Felix
-Lorraine as the most perfect specimen of divine creation with which he
-was acquainted, at the same time the most amusing and the most amiable
-of women, that lady was honoured with an invitation to accompany her
-Grace to Himalaya Castle. As this was the greatest of all possible
-honours, and as Desir was now very dull, Mrs. Felix Lorraine accepted
-the invitation, or rather obeyed the command, for the Marquess would not
-hear of a refusal, Vivian having dilated in the most energetic terms on
-the opening which now presented itself of gaining the Juggernaut. The
-coast being thus cleared, Vivian set off the next day for Sir
-Berdmore Scrope's.
-
-
-
-
-BOOK IV
-
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-
-The important hour drew nigh. Christmas was to be passed by the Carabas
-family, the Beaconsfields, the Scropes, and the Clevelands at Lord
-Courtown's villa at Richmond; at which place, on account of its vicinity
-to the metropolis, the Viscount had determined to make out the holidays,
-notwithstanding the Thames entered his kitchen windows, and the Donna
-del Lago was acted in the theatre with real water, Cynthia Courtown
-performing Elena, paddling in a punt.
-
-"Let us order our horses, Cleveland, round to the Piccadilly gate, and
-walk through the Guards. I must stretch my legs. That bore, Horace
-Buttonhole, captured me in Pall Mall East, and has kept me in the same
-position for upwards of half an hour. I shall make a note to blackball
-him at the Athenaeum. How is Mrs. Cleveland?"
-
-"Extremely well. She goes down to Buckhurst Lodge with Lady Carabas. Is
-not that Lord Lowersdale?"
-
-"His very self. He is going to call on Vivida Vis, I have no doubt.
-Lowersdale is a man of very considerable talent; much more than the
-world gives him credit for."
-
-"And he doubtless finds a very able counsellor in Monsieur le
-Secretaire?"
-
-"Can you name a better one?"
-
-"You rather patronise Vivida, I think, Grey?"
-
-"Patronise him! he is my political pet!"
-
-"And yet Kerrison tells me you reviewed the Suffolk papers in the
-Edinburgh."
-
-"So I did; what of that? I defended them in Blackwood."
-
-"This, then, is the usual method of you literary gentlemen. Thank God! I
-never could write a line."
-
-"York House rises proudly; if York House be its name."
-
-"This confounded Catholic Question is likely to give us a great deal of
-trouble, Grey. It is perfect madness for us to advocate the cause of the
-'six millions of hereditary bondsmen;' and yet, with not only the
-Marchese, but even Courtown and Beaconsfield committed, it is, to say
-the least, a very delicate business."
-
-"Very delicate, certainly; but there are some precedents, I suspect,
-Cleveland, for the influence of a party being opposed to measures which
-the heads of that party had pledged themselves to adopt."
-
-"Does old Gifford still live at Pimlico, Grey?"
-
-"Still."
-
-"He is a splendid fellow, after all."
-
-"Certainly, a mind of great powers, but bigoted."
-
-"Oh, yes! I know exactly what you are going to say. It is the fashion, I
-am aware, to abuse the old gentleman. He is the Earl of Eldon of
-literature; not the less loved because a little vilified. But, when I
-just remember what Gifford has done; when I call to mind the perfect and
-triumphant success of everything he has undertaken; the Anti-Jacobin,
-the Baviad and Maeviad, the Quarterly; all palpable hits, on the very
-jugular; I hesitate before I speak of William Gifford in any other
-terms, or in any other spirit, than those of admiration and of
-gratitude.
-
-"And to think. Grey, that the Tory Administration and the Tory party of
-Great Britain should never, by one single act, or in a single instance,
-have indicated that they were in the least aware that the exertions of
-such a man differed in the slightest degree from those of Hunt and Hone!
-Of all the delusions which flourish in this mad world, the delusion of
-that man is the most frantic who voluntarily, and of his own accord,
-supports the interest of a party. I mention this to you because it is
-the rock on which all young politicians strike. Fortunately, you enter
-life under different circumstances from those which usually attend most
-political debutants. You have your connections formed and your views
-ascertained. But if, by any chance, you find yourself independent and
-unconnected, never, for a moment, suppose that you can accomplish your
-objects by coming forward, unsolicited, to fight the battle of a party.
-They will cheer your successful exertions, and then smile at your
-youthful zeal; or, crossing themselves for the unexpected succour, be
-too cowardly to reward their unexpected champion. No, Grey; make them
-fear you, and they will kiss your feet. There is no act of treachery or
-meanness of which a political party is not capable; for in politics
-there is no honour.
-
-"As to Gifford, I am surprised at their conduct towards him, although I
-know better than most men of what wood a minister is made, and how much
-reliance may be placed upon the gratitude of a party: but Canning; from
-Canning I certainly did expect different conduct."
-
-"Oh, Canning! I love the man: but as you say, Cleveland, ministers have
-short memories, and Canning's; that was Antilles that just passed us;
-apropos to whom, I quite rejoice that the Marquess has determined to
-take such a decided course on the West India Question."
-
-"Oh, yes! curse your East India sugar."
-
-"To be sure; slavery and sweetmeats forever!"
-
-"But, aside with joking, Grey, I really think, that if any man of
-average ability dare rise in the House, and rescue many of the great
-questions of the day from what Dugald Stuart or Disraeli would call the
-spirit of Political Religionism, with which they are studiously mixed
-up, he would not fail to make a great impression upon the House, and a
-still greater one upon the country."
-
-"I quite agree with you; and certainly I should recommend commencing
-with the West India Question. Singular state of affairs when even
-Canning can only insinuate his opinion when the very existence of some
-of our most valuable colonies is at stake, and when even his
-insinuations are only indulged with an audience on the condition that he
-favours the House with an introductory discourse of twenty minutes on
-'the divine Author of our faith,' and an eloge of equal length on the
-Genie du Christianisme, in a style worthy of Chateaubriand."
-
-"Miserable work, indeed! I have got a pamphlet on the West India
-Question sent me this morning. Do you know any raving lawyer, any mad
-Master in Chancery, or something of the kind, who meddles in
-these affairs?"
-
-"Oh! Stephen! a puddle in a storm! He is for a crusade for the
-regeneration of the Antilles; the most forcible of feebles, the most
-energetic of drivellers; Velluti acting Pietro l'Eremita."
-
-"Do you know, by any chance, whether Southey's Vindiciae is out yet? I
-wanted to look it over during the holidays."
-
-"Not out, though it has been advertised some time; but what do you
-expect?"
-
-"Nay, it is an interesting controversy, as controversies go. Not exactly
-Milton and Salmasius; but fair enough."
-
-"I do not know. It has long degenerated into a mere personal bickering
-between the Laureate and Butler. Southey is, of course, revelling in the
-idea of writing an English work with a Latin title! and that, perhaps,
-is the only circumstance for which the controversy is prolonged."
-
-"But Southey, after all, is a man of splendid talents."
-
-"Doubtless; the most philosophical of bigots, and the most poetical of
-prose writers."
-
-"Apropos to the Catholic Question, there goes Colonial Bother'em trying
-to look like Prince Metternich; a decided failure."
-
-"What can keep him in town?"
-
-"Writing letters, I suppose, Heaven preserve me from receiving any of
-them!"
-
-"Is it true, then, that his letters are of the awful length that is
-whispered?"
-
-"True! Oh! they are something beyond all conception! Perfect epistolary
-Boa Constrictors. I speak with feeling, for I have myself suffered under
-their voluminous windings."
-
-"Have you seen his quarto volume: 'The Cure for the Catholic Question?'"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"If you have it, lend it to me. What kind of thing is it?"
-
-"Oh! what should it be! ingenious and imbecile. He advises the
-Catholics, in the old nursery language, to behave like good boys; to
-open their mouths and shut their eyes, and see what God will send them."
-
-"Well, that is the usual advice. Is there nothing more characteristic of
-the writer?"
-
-"What think you of a proposition of making Jockey of Norfolk Patriarch
-of England, and of an ascertained _credo_ for our Catholic
-fellow-subjects? Ingenious, is not it?"
-
-"Have you seen Puff's new volume of Ariosto?"
-
-"I have. What could possibly have induced Mr. Partenopex Puff to have
-undertaken such a duty? Mr. Puff is a man destitute of poetical powers,
-possessing no vigour of language, and gifted with no happiness of
-expression. His translation is hard, dry, and husky, as the outside of a
-cocoanut. I am amused to see the excellent tact with which the public
-has determined not to read his volumes, in spite of the incessant
-exertions of a certain set to ensure their popularity; but the time has
-gone by when the smug coterie could create a reputation."
-
-"Do you think the time ever existed, Cleveland?"
-
-"What could have seduced Puff into being so ambitious? I suppose his
-admirable knowledge of Italian; as if a man were entitled to strike a
-die for the new sovereign merely because he was aware how much alloy
-might legally debase its carats of pure gold."
-
-"I never can pardon Puff for that little book on Cats. The idea was
-admirable; but, instead of one of the most delightful volumes that ever
-appeared, to take up a dull, tame compilation from Bingley's Animal
-Biography!"
-
-"Yes! and the impertinence of dedicating such a work to the Officers of
-His Majesty's Household troops! Considering the quarter from whence it
-proceeded, I certainly did not expect much, but still I thought that
-there was to be some little esprit. The poor Guards! how nervous they
-must have been at the announcement! What could have been the point of
-that dedication?"
-
-"I remember a most interminable proser, who was blessed with a very
-sensible-sounding voice, and who, on the strength of that, and his
-correct and constant emphases, was considered by the world, for a great
-time, as a sage. At length it was discovered that he was quite the
-reverse. Mr. Puff's wit is very like this man's wisdom. You take up one
-of his little books, and you fancy, from its titlepage, that it is going
-to be very witty; as you proceed, you begin to suspect that the man is
-only a wag, and then, surprised at not 'seeing the point,' you have a
-shrewd suspicion that he is a great hand at dry humour. It is not till
-you have closed the volume that you wonder who it is that has had the
-hardihood to intrude such imbecility upon an indulgent world."
-
-"Come, come! Mr. Puff is a worthy gentleman. Let him cease to dusk the
-radiancy of Ariosto's sunny stanzas, and I shall be the first man who
-will do justice to his merits. He certainly tattles prettily about
-tenses and terminations, and is not an inelegant grammarian."
-
-"Our literature, I think, is at a low ebb."
-
-"There is nothing like a fall of stocks to affect what it is the fashion
-to style the Literature of the present day, a fungus production which
-has flourished from the artificial state of our society, the mere
-creature of our imaginary wealth. Everybody being very rich, has
-afforded to be very literary, books being considered a luxury almost as
-elegant and necessary as ottomans, bonbons, and pier-glasses. Consols
-at 100 were the origin of all book societies. The Stockbrokers' ladies
-took off the quarto travels and the hot-pressed poetry. They were the
-patronesses of your patent ink and your wire-wove paper. That is all
-past. Twenty per cent difference in the value of our public securities
-from this time last year, that little incident has done more for the
-restoration of the old English feeling, than all the exertions of Church
-and State united. There is nothing like a fall in Consols to bring the
-blood of our good people of England into cool order. It is your grand
-state medicine, your veritable Doctor Sangrado!
-
-"A fall in stocks! and halt to 'the spread of knowledge!' and 'the
-progress of liberal principles' is like that of a man too late for
-post-horses. A fall in stocks! and where are your London Universities,
-and your Mechanics' Institutes, and your new Docks? Where your
-philosophy, your philanthropy, and your competition? National prejudices
-revive as national prosperity decreases. If the Consols were at 60 we
-should be again bellowing, God save the King! eating roast beef, and
-damning the French."
-
-"And you imagine literature is equally affected, Grey?"
-
-"Clearly. We were literary because we were rich. Amid the myriad of
-volumes which issued monthly from the press, what one was not written
-for the mere hour? It is all very well to buy mechanical poetry and
-historical novels when our purses have a plethora; but now, my dear
-fellow, depend upon it, the game is up. We have no scholars now, no
-literary recluses, no men who ever appear to think. 'Scribble, scribble,
-scribble' as the Duke of Cumberland said to Gibbon, should be the motto
-of the mighty 'nineteenth century.'"
-
-"Southey, I think, Grey, is an exception."
-
-"By no means. Southey is a political writer, a writer for a particular
-purpose. All his works, from those in three volumes quarto to those in
-one duodecimo, are alike political pamphlets."
-
-"We certainly want a master-spirit to set us right, Grey. We want
-Byron."
-
-"There was the man! And that such a man should be lost to us at the very
-moment that he had begun to discover why it had pleased the Omnipotent
-to have endowed him with such powers!"
-
-"If one thing were more characteristic of Byron's mind than another, it
-was his strong, shrewd, common sense; his pure, unalloyed sagacity."
-
-"You knew him, I think, Cleveland?"
-
-"Well, I was slightly acquainted with him when in England; slightly,
-however, for I was then very young. But many years afterwards I met him
-in Italy. It was at Pisa, just before he left that place for Genoa. I
-was then very much struck at the alteration in his appearance."
-
-"Indeed."
-
-"Yes; his face was swollen, and he was getting fat. His hair was grey,
-and his countenance had lost that spiritual expression which it once
-eminently possessed. His teeth were decaying; and he said that if ever
-he came to England it would be to consult Wayte about them. I certainly
-was very much struck at his alteration for the worse. Besides, he was
-dressed in the most extraordinary manner."
-
-"Slovenly?"
-
-"Oh, no, no, no! in the most dandified style that you can conceive; but
-not that of an English dandy either. He had on a magnificent foreign
-foraging cap, which he wore in the room, but his grey curls were quite
-perceptible; and a frogged surtout; and he had a large gold chain round
-his neck, and pushed into his waistcoat pocket. I imagined, of course,
-that a glass was attached to it; but I afterwards found that it bore
-nothing but a quantity of trinkets. He had also another gold chain tight
-round his neck, like a collar."
-
-"How odd! And did you converse much with him?"
-
-"I was not long at Pisa, but we never parted, and there was only one
-subject of conversation, England, England, England. I never met a man in
-whom the maladie du pays was so strong. Byron was certainly at this time
-restless and discontented. He was tired of his dragoon captains and
-pensioned poetasters, and he dared not come back to England with what he
-considered a tarnished reputation. His only thought was of some
-desperate exertion to clear himself: it was for this he went to Greece.
-When I was with him he was in correspondence with some friends in
-England about the purchase of a large tract of land in Colombia. He
-affected a great admiration of Bolivar."
-
-"Who, by-the-bye, is a great man."
-
-"Assuredly."
-
-"Your acquaintance with Byron must have been one of the gratifying
-incidents of your life, Cleveland?"
-
-"Certainly; I may say with Friar Martin, in Goetz of Berlichingen, 'The
-sight of him touched my heart. It is a pleasure to have seen a
-great man.'"
-
-"Hobhouse was a faithful friend to him?"
-
-"His conduct has been beautiful; and Byron had a thorough affection for
-him, in spite of a few squibs and a few drunken speeches, which damned
-good-natured friends have always been careful to repeat."
-
-"The loss of Byron can never be retrieved. He was indeed a real man; and
-when I say this, I award him the most splendid character which human
-nature need aspire to. At least, I, for my part, have no ambition to be
-considered either a divinity or an angel; and truly, when I look round
-upon the creatures alike effeminate in mind and body of which the world
-is, in general, composed, I fear that even my ambition is too exalted.
-Byron's mind was like his own ocean, sublime in its yesty madness,
-beautiful in its glittering summer brightness, mighty in the lone
-magnificence of its waste of waters, gazed upon from the magic of its
-own nature, yet capable of representing, but as in a glass darkly, the
-natures of all others."
-
-"Hyde Park is greatly changed since I was a dandy, Vivian. Pray, do the
-Misses Otranto still live in that house?"
-
-"Yes; blooming as ever."
-
-"It is the fashion to abuse Horace Walpole, but I really think him the
-most delightful writer that ever existed. I wonder who is to be the
-Horace Walpole of the present century? some one, perhaps, we
-least suspect."
-
-"Vivida Vis, think you?"
-
-"More than probable. I will tell you who ought to be writing Memoirs;
-Lord Dropmore. Does my Lord Manfred keep his mansion there, next to the
-Misses Otranto?"
-
-"I believe so, and lives there."
-
-"I knew him in Germany; a singular man, and not understood. Perhaps he
-does not understand himself. I see our horses."
-
-"I will join you in an instant, Cleveland. I just want to speak one word
-to Osborne, whom I see coming down here. Well, Osborne, I must come and
-knock you up one of these mornings. I have got a commission for you from
-Lady Julia Knighton, to which you must pay particular attention."
-
-"Well, Mr. Grey, how does Lady Julia like the bay mare?"
-
-"Very much, indeed; but she wants to know what you have done about the
-chestnut."
-
-"Oh! put it off, sir, in the prettiest style, on young Mr. Feoffment,
-who has just married, and taken a house in Gower Street. He wanted a bit
-of blood; hopes he likes it!"
-
-"Hopes he does, Jack. There is a particular favour which you can do for
-me, Osborne, and which I am sure you will. Ernest Clay; you know Ernest
-Clay; a most excellent fellow is Ernest Clay, you know, and a great
-friend of yours, Osborne; I wish you would just step down to Connaught
-Place, and look at those bays he bought of Harry Mounteney. He is in a
-little trouble, and we must do what we can for him; you know he is an
-excellent fellow, and a great friend of yours. Thank you, I knew you
-would. Good morning; remember Lady Julia. So you really fitted young
-Feoffment with the chestnut; well, that was admirable! Good morning."
-
-"I do not know whether you care for these things at all, Cleveland, but
-Premium, a famous millionaire, has gone this morning, for I know not how
-much! Half the new world will be ruined; and in this old one a most
-excellent fellow, my friend Ernest Clay. He was engaged to Premium's
-daughter, his last resource, and now, of course, it is all up with him."
-
-"I was at College with his brother, Augustus Clay. He is a nephew of
-Lord Mounteney's, is he not?"
-
-"The very same. Poor fellow! I do not know what we must do for him. I
-think I shall advise him to change his name to Clay_ville_; and if the
-world ask him the reason of the euphonious augmentation, why, he can
-swear it was to distinguish himself from his brothers. Too many roues of
-the same name will never do. And now spurs to our steeds! for we are
-going at least three miles out of our way, and I must collect my senses
-and arrange my curls before dinner, for I have to flirt with at least
-three fair ones."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-
-These conversations play the very deuce with one's story. We had
-intended to have commenced this book with something quite terrific, a
-murder or a marriage; and all our great ideas have ended in a lounge.
-After all, it is, perhaps, the most natural termination. In life,
-surely man is not always as monstrously busy as he appears to be in
-novels and romances. We are not always in action, not always making
-speeches or making money, or making war, or making love. Occasionally we
-talk, about the weather generally; sometimes about, ourselves; oftener
-about our friends; as often about our enemies, at least, those who have
-any; which, in my opinion, is the vulgarest of all possessions.
-
-But we must get on.
-
-Mr. Cleveland and Mrs. Felix Lorraine again met, and the gentleman
-scarcely appeared to be aware that this meeting was not their first. The
-lady sighed and remonstrated. She reproached Mr. Cleveland with passages
-of letters. He stared, and deigned not a reply to an artifice which he
-considered equally audacious and shallow. There was a scene. Vivian was
-forced to interfere; but as he deprecated all explanation, his
-interference was of little avail; and, as it was ineffectual for one
-party and uncalled for by the other, it was, of course, not encouraged.
-The presence of Mrs. Cleveland did not tend to assist Mrs. Felix in that
-self-control which, with all her wildness, she could appositely
-practise. In the presence of the Clevelands she was fitful, capricious,
-perplexing; sometimes impertinent, sometimes humble; but always ill at
-ease, and never charming.
-
-Peculiar, however, as was her conduct in this particular relation, it
-was in all others, at this moment, most exemplary. Her whole soul seemed
-concentrated in the success of the approaching struggle. No office was
-too mechanical for her attention, or too elaborate for her enthusiastic
-assiduity. Her attentions were not confined merely to Vivian and the
-Marquess, but were lavished with equal generosity on their colleagues.
-She copied letters for Sir Berdmore, and composed letters for Lord
-Courtown, and construed letters to Lord Beaconsfield; they, in return,
-echoed her praises to her delighted relative, who was daily
-congratulated on the possession of "such a fascinating sister in law."
-
-"Well, Vivian," said Mrs. Lorraine, to that young gentleman, the day
-previous to his departure from Buckhurst Lodge, "you are going to leave
-me behind you."
-
-"Indeed!"
-
-"Yes! I hope you will not want me. I am very annoyed at not being able
-to go to town with you, but Lady Courtown is so pressing! and I have
-really promised so often to stay a week with her, that I thought it was
-better to make out my promise at once than in six months hence."
-
-"Well! I am exceedingly sorry, for you really are so useful! and the
-interest you take in everything is so encouraging, that I very much fear
-we shall not be able to get on without you. The important hour
-draws nigh."
-
-"It does, indeed, Vivian; and I assure you that there is no person
-awaiting it with intenser interest than myself. I little thought," she
-added, in a low but distinct voice, "I little thought, when I first
-reached England, that I should ever again be interested in anything in
-this world."
-
-Vivian was silent, for he had nothing to say.
-
-"Vivian!" very briskly resumed Mrs. Lorraine, "I shall get you to frank
-all my letters for me. I shall never trouble the Marquess again. Do you
-know, it strikes me you will make a very good speaker!"
-
-"You flatter me exceedingly; suppose you give me a few lessons."
-
-"But you must leave off some of your wicked tricks, Vivian! You must not
-improvise parliamentary papers!"
-
-"Improvise papers, Mrs. Lorraine! What can you mean?"
-
-"Oh! nothing. I never mean anything."
-
-"But you must have had some meaning."
-
-"Some meaning! Yes, I dare say I had; I meant; I meant; do you think it
-will rain to-day?"
-
-"Every prospect of a hard frost. I never knew before that I was an
-improvisatore."
-
-"Nor I. Have you heard from papa lately? I suppose he is quite in
-spirits at your success?"
-
-"My father is a man who seldom gives way to any elation of mind."
-
-"Ah, indeed! a philosopher, I have no doubt, like his son."
-
-"I have no claims to the title of philosopher, although I have had the
-advantage of studying in the school of Mrs. Felix Lorraine."
-
-"What do you mean? If I thought you meant to be impertinent, I really
-would; but I excuse you; I think the boy means well."
-
-"The boy 'means nothing; he never means anything.'"
-
-"Come, Vivian! we are going to part. Do not let us quarrel the last day.
-There, there is a sprig of myrtle for you!
-
-     What! not accept my foolish flower?
-       Nay, then, I am indeed unblest!
-
-and now you want it all! Unreasonable young man! If I were not the
-kindest lady in the land I should tear this sprig into a thousand pieces
-sooner; but come, my child! you shall have it. There! it looks quite
-imposing in your button-hole. How handsome you look to-day!"
-
-"How agreeable you are! I love compliments!"
-
-"Ah, Vivian! will you never give me credit for anything but a light and
-callous heart? Will you never be convinced that, that; but why make this
-humiliating confession? Oh! no, let me be misunderstood for ever! The
-time may come when Vivian Grey will find that Amalia Lorraine was--"
-
-"Was what, madam?"
-
-"You shall choose the word, Vivian."
-
-"Say, then, my friend."
-
-"'Tis a monosyllable full of meaning, and I will not quarrel with it.
-And now, adieu! Heaven prosper you! Believe me, that my first thoughts
-and my last are for you and of you!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-
-"This is very kind of you, Grey! I was afraid my note might not have
-caught you. You have not breakfasted? Really I wish you would take up
-your quarters in Carabas House, for I want you now every moment."
-
-"What is the urgent business of this morning?"
-
-"Oh! I have seen Bromley."
-
-"Hah!"
-
-"And everything most satisfactory, I did not go into detail; I left that
-for you: but I ascertained sufficient to convince me that management is
-now alone required."
-
-"Well, my Lord, I trust that will not be wanting."
-
-"No, Vivian; you have opened my eyes to the situation in which fortune
-has placed me. The experience of every day only proves the truth and
-soundness of your views. Fortunate, indeed, was the hour in which
-we met."
-
-"My Lord, I do trust that it was a meeting which neither of us will live
-to repent."
-
-"Impossible! my dear friend, I do not hesitate to say that I would not
-change my present lot for that of any Peer of this realm; no, not for
-that of His Majesty's most favoured counsellor. What! with my character
-and my influence, and my connections, I to be a tool! I, the Marquess of
-Carabas! I say nothing of my own powers; but, as you often most justly
-and truly observe, the world has had the opportunity of judging of them;
-and I think I may recur, without vanity, to the days in which my voice
-had some weight in the Royal Councils. And, as I have often remarked, I
-have friends, I have you, Vivian. My career is before you. I know what I
-should have done at your age; not to say what I did do. I to be a tool!
-The very last person that ought to be a tool. But I see my error: you
-have opened my eyes, and blessed be the hour in which we met. But we
-must take care how we act, Vivian; we must be wary; eh! Vivian, wary,
-wary. People must know what their situations are; eh! Vivian?"
-
-"Exceedingly useful knowledge; but I do not exactly understand the
-particular purport of your Lordship's last observation."
-
-"You do not, eh?" asked the Peer; and he fixed his eyes as earnestly and
-expressively as he possibly could upon his young companion. "Well, I
-thought not. I was positive it was not true," continued the Marquess
-in a murmur.
-
-"What, my Lord?"
-
-"Oh! nothing, nothing; people talk at random, at random, at random. I
-feel confident you quite agree with me; eh! Vivian?"
-
-"Really, my Lord, I fear I am unusually dull this morning."
-
-"Dull! no, no; you quite agree with me. I feel confident you do. People
-must be taught what their situations are; that is what I was saying,
-Vivian. My Lord Courtown," added the Marquess, in a whisper, "is not to
-have everything his own way; eh! Vivian?"
-
-"Oh, oh!" thought Vivian; "this, then, is the result of that admirable
-creature, Miss Felix Lorraine, staying a week with her dear friend, Lady
-Courtown."
-
-"My Lord, it would be singular if, in the Carabas party, the Carabas
-interest was not the predominant one."
-
-"I knew you thought so. I could not believe for a minute that you could
-think otherwise: but some people take such strange ideas into their
-heads, I cannot account for them. I felt confident what would be your
-opinion. My Lord Courtown is not to carry everything before him in the
-spirit that I have lately observed; or rather, in the spirit which I
-understand, from very good authority, is exhibited. Eh! Vivian; that is
-your opinion, is not it?"
-
-"Oh! my dear Marquess, we must think alike on this, as on all points."
-
-"I knew it. I felt confident as to your sentiments upon this subject. I
-cannot conceive why some people take such strange ideas into their
-heads! I knew that you could not disagree with me upon this point. No,
-no, no; my Lord Courtown must feel which is the predominant interest, as
-you so well express it. How choice your expressions always are! I do not
-know how it is, but you always hit upon the right expression, Vivian.
-The predominant interest, the pre-do-mi-nant in-te-rest. To be sure.
-What! with my high character and connections, with my stake in society,
-was it to be expected that I, the Marquess of Carabas, was going to make
-any move which compromised the predominancy of my interests? No, no, no,
-my Lord Courtown; the predominant interest must be kept predominant;
-eh! Vivian?"
-
-"To be sure, my Lord; explicitness and decision will soon arrange any
-desagremens."
-
-"I have been talking to Lady Carabas, Vivian, upon the expediency of her
-opening the season early. I think a course of parliamentary dinners
-would produce a good effect. It gives a tone to a political party."
-
-"Certainly; the science of political gastronomy has never been
-sufficiently studied."
-
-"Egad! Vivian, I am in such spirits this morning. This business of
-Bromley so delights me; and finding you agree with me about Lord
-Courtown, I was confident as to your sentiments on that point. But some
-people take such strange ideas into their heads! To be sure, to be sure,
-the predominant interest, mine, that is to say ours, Vivian, is the
-predominant interest. I have no idea of the predominant interest not
-being predominant; that would be singular! I knew you would agree with
-me; we always agree. 'Twas a lucky hour when we met. Two minds so
-exactly alike! I was just your very self when I was young; and as for
-you, my career is before you."
-
-Here entered Mr. Sadler with the letters.
-
-"One from Courtown. I wonder if he has seen Mounteney. Mounteney is a
-very good-natured fellow, and I think might be managed. Ah! I wish you
-could get hold of him, Vivian; you would soon bring him round. What it
-is to have brains, Vivian!" and here the Marquess shook his head very
-pompously, and at the same time tapped very significantly on his left
-temple. "Hah! what, what is all this? Here, read it, read it, man; I
-have no head to-day."
-
-Vivian took the letter, and his quick eye dashed through its contents in
-a second. It was from Lord Courtown, and dated far in the country. It
-talked of private communications, and premature conduct, and the
-suspicious, not to say dishonourable, behaviour of Mr. Vivian Grey: it
-trusted that such conduct was not sanctioned by his Lordship, but
-"nevertheless obliged to act with decision, regretted the necessity,"
-&c. &c. &c. &c. In short, Lord Courtown had deserted, and recalled his
-pledge as to the official appointment promised to Mr. Cleveland,
-"because that promise was made while he was the victim of delusions
-created by the representations of Mr. Grey."
-
-"What can all this mean, my Lord?"
-
-The Marquess swore a fearful oath, and threw another letter.
-
-"This is from Lord Beaconsfield, my Lord," said Vivian, with a face
-pallid as death, "and apparently the composition of the same writer; at
-least, it is the same tale, the same refacimento of lies, and treachery,
-and cowardice, doled out with diplomatic politesse. But I will off
-to ----shire instantly. It is not yet too late to save everything. This
-is Wednesday; on Thursday afternoon I shall be at Norwood Park. Thank
-God! I came this morning."
-
-The face of the Marquess, who was treacherous as the wind, seemed
-already to indicate "Adieu! Mr. Vivian Grey!" but that countenance
-exhibited some very different passions when it glanced over the contents
-of the next epistle. There was a tremendous oath and a dead silence. His
-Lordship's florid countenance turned as pale as that of his companion.
-The perspiration stole down in heavy drops. He gasped for breath!
-
-"Good God! my Lord, what is the matter?"
-
-"The matter!" howled the Marquess, "the matter! That I have been a vain,
-weak, miserable fool!" and then there was another oath, and he flung the
-letter to the other side of the table.
-
-It was the official conge of the Most Noble Sydney Marquess of Carabas.
-His Majesty had no longer any occasion for his services. His successor
-was Lord Courtown!
-
-We will not affect to give any description of the conduct of the
-Marquess of Carabas at this moment. He raved, he stamped, he
-blasphemed! but the whole of his abuse was levelled against his former
-"monstrous clever" young friend; of whose character he had so often
-boasted that his own was she prototype, but who was now an adventurer, a
-swindler, a scoundrel, a liar, a base, deluding, flattering, fawning
-villain, &c. &c. &c. &c,
-
-"My Lord," said Vivian.
-
-"I will not hear you; out on your fair words! They have duped me enough
-already. That I, with my high character and connections! that I, the
-Marquess of Carabas, should have been the victim of the arts of a young
-scoundrel!"
-
-Vivian's fist was once clenched, but it was only for a moment. The
-Marquess leant back in his chair with his eyes shut. In the agony of the
-moment a projecting tooth of his upper jaw had forced itself through his
-under lip, and from the wound the blood was flowing freely over his dead
-white countenance. Vivian left the room.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-
-He stopped one moment on the landing-place, ere he was about to leave
-the house for ever.
-
-"'Tis all over! and so, Vivian Grey, your game is up! and to die, too,
-like a dog! a woman's dupe! Were I a despot, I should perhaps satiate my
-vengeance upon this female fiend with the assistance of the rack, but
-that cannot be; and, after all, it would be but a poor revenge in one
-who has worshipped the Empire of the Intellect to vindicate the agony I
-am now enduring upon the base body of a woman. No! 'tis not all over.
-There is yet an intellectual rack of which few dream: far, far more
-terrific than the most exquisite contrivances of Parysatis. Jacinte,"
-said he to a female attendant that passed, "is your mistress at home?"
-
-"She is, sir."
-
-"'Tis well," said Vivian, and he sprang upstairs.
-
-"Health to the lady of our love!" said Vivian Grey, as he entered the
-elegant boudoir of Mrs. Felix Lorraine. "In spite of the easterly wind,
-which has spoiled my beauty for the season, I could not refrain from
-inquiring after your prosperity before I went to the Marquess. Have you
-heard the news?"
-
-"News! no; what news?"
-
-"'Tis a sad tale," said Vivian, with a melancholy voice.
-
-"Oh! then, pray do not tell it me. I am in no humour for sorrow to-day.
-Come! a bon-mot, or a calembourg, or exit Mr. Vivian Grey."
-
-"Well, then, good morning! I am off for a black crape, or a Barcelona
-kerchief. Mrs. Cleveland is dead."
-
-"Dead!" exclaimed Mrs. Lorraine.
-
-"Dead! She died last night, suddenly. Is it not horrible?"
-
-"Shocking!" exclaimed Mrs. Lorraine, with a mournful voice and an eye
-dancing with joy. "Why, Mr. Grey, I do declare you are weeping."
-
-"It is not for the departed!"
-
-"Nay, Vivian! for Heaven's sake, what is the matter?"
-
-"My dear Mrs. Lorraine!" but here the speaker's voice was choked with
-grief, and he could not proceed.
-
-"Pray compose yourself."
-
-"Mrs. Felix Lorraine, can I speak with you half an hour, undisturbed?"
-
-"By all means. I will ring for Jacinte. Jacinte! mind I am not at home
-to anyone. Well, what is the matter?"
-
-"O! madam, I must pray your patience; I wish you to shrive a penitent."
-
-"Good God! Mr. Grey! for Heaven's sake be explicit."
-
-"For Heaven's sake, for your sake, for my soul's sake, I would be
-explicit; but explicitness is not the language of such as I am. Can you
-listen to a tale of horror? can you promise me to contain yourself?"
-
-"I will promise anything. Pray, pray proceed."
-
-But in spite of her earnest solicitations her companion was mute. At
-length he rose from his chair, and leaning on the chimney-piece, buried
-his face in his hands and wept.
-
-"Vivian," said Mrs. Lorraine, "have you seen the Marquess yet?"
-
-"Not yet," he sobbed; "I am going to him, but I am in no humour for
-business this morning."
-
-"Compose yourself, I beseech you. I will hear everything. You shall not
-complain of an inattentive or an irritable auditor. Now, my dear Vivian,
-sit down and tell me all." She led him to a chair, and then, after
-stifling his sobs, with a broken voice he proceeded.
-
-"You will recollect, madam, that accident made me acquainted with
-certain circumstances connected with yourself and Mr. Cleveland. Alas!
-actuated by the vilest of sentiments, I conceived a violent hatred
-against that gentleman, a hatred only to be equalled by my passion for
-you; but I find difficulty in dwelling upon the details of this sad
-story of jealousy and despair."
-
-"Oh! speak, speak! compensate for all you have done by your present
-frankness; be brief, be brief."
-
-"I will be brief," said Vivian, with earnestness: "I will be brief. Know
-then, madam, that in order to prevent the intercourse between you and
-Mr. Cleveland from proceeding I obtained his friendship, and became the
-confidante of his heart's sweetest secret. Thus situated, I suppressed
-the letters with which I was entrusted from him to you, and, poisoning
-his mind, I accounted for your silence by your being employed in other
-correspondence; nay, I did more; with the malice of a fiend, I boasted
-of--; nay, do not stop me; I have more to tell."
-
-Mrs. Felix Lorraine, with compressed lips and looks of horrible
-earnestness, gazed in silence.
-
-"The result of all this you know; but the most terrible part is to come;
-and, by a strange fascination, I fly to confess my crimes at your feet,
-even while the last minutes have witnessed my most heinous one. Oh!
-madam. I have stood over the bier of the departed; I have mingled my
-tears with those of the sorrowing widower, his young and tender child
-was on my knee, and as I kissed his innocent lips, me thought it was but
-my duty to the departed to save the father from his mother's rival--"
-He stopped.
-
-"Yes, yes, yes," said Mrs. Felix Lorraine, in a low whisper.
-
-"It was then, even then, in the hour of his desolation, that I mentioned
-your name, that it might the more disgust him; and while he wept over
-his virtuous and sainted wife, I dwelt on the vices of his rejected
-mistress."
-
-Mrs. Lorraine clasped her hands, and moved restlessly on her seat.
-
-"Nay! do not stop me; let me tell all. 'Cleveland,' said I, 'if ever you
-become the husband of Mrs. Felix Lorraine, remember my last words: it
-will be well for you if your frame be like that of Mithridates of
-Pontus, and proof against ---- poison.'"
-
-"And did you say this?" shrieked the woman.
-
-"Even these were my words."
-
-"Then may all evil blast you!" She threw herself on the sofa; her voice
-was choked with the convulsions of her passion, and she writhed in
-fearful agony.
-
-Vivian Grey, lounging in an arm-chair in the easiest of postures, and
-with a face brilliant with smiles, watched his victim with the eye of a
-Mephistopheles.
-
-She slowly recovered, and, with a broken voice, poured forth her sacred
-absolution to the relieved penitent.
-
-"You wonder I do not stab you; hah! hah! hah! there is no need for that!
-the good powers be praised that you refused the draught I once
-proffered. Know, wretch, that your race is run. Within five minutes you
-will breathe a beggar and an outcast. Your golden dreams are over, your
-cunning plans are circumvented, your ambitious hopes are crushed for
-ever, you are blighted in the very spring of your life. Oh, may you
-never die! May you wander for ever, the butt of the world's malice; and
-may the slow moving finger of scorn point where'er you go at the ruined
-Charlatan!"
-
-"Hah, hah! is it so? Think you that Vivian Grey would fall by a woman's
-wile? Think you that Vivian Grey could be crushed by such a worthless
-thing as you? Know, then, that your political intrigues have been as
-little concealed from me as your personal ones; I have been acquainted
-with all. The Marquess has himself seen the Minister, and is more firmly
-established in his pride of place than ever. I have myself seen our
-colleagues, whom you tampered with, and their hearts are still true, and
-their purpose still fixed. All, all prospers; and ere five days are
-passed 'the Charlatan' will be a Senator."
-
-The shifting expression of Mrs. Lorraine's countenance, while Vivian was
-speaking, would have baffled the most cunning painter. Her complexion
-was capricious as the chameleon's, and her countenance was so convulsed
-that her features seemed of all shapes and sizes. One large vein
-protruded nearly a quarter of an inch from her forehead, and the dank
-light which gleamed in her tearful eye was like an unwholesome meteor
-quivering in a marsh. When he ended she sprang from the sofa, and,
-looking up and extending her arms with unmeaning wildness, she gave one
-loud shriek and dropped like a bird shot on the wing; she had burst a
-blood-vessel.
-
-Vivian raised her on the sofa and paid her every possible attention.
-There is always a medical attendant lurking about the mansions of the
-noble, and to this worthy and the attendant Jacinte Vivian delivered
-his patient.
-
-Had Vivian Grey left the boudoir a pledged bridegroom his countenance
-could not have been more triumphant; but he was labouring under
-unnatural excitement; for it is singular that when, as he left the
-house, the porter told him that Mr. Cleveland was with his Lord, Vivian
-had no idea at the moment what individual bore that name. The fresh air
-of the street revived him, and somewhat cooled the bubbling of his
-blood. It was then that the man's information struck upon his senses.
-
-"So, poor Cleveland!" thought Vivian; "then he knows all!" His own
-misery he had not yet thought of; but when Cleveland occurred to him,
-with his ambition once more baulked, his high hopes once more blasted,
-and his honourable soul once more deceived; when he thought of his fair
-wife, and his infant children, and his ruined prospects, a sickness came
-over his heart, he grew dizzy, and fell.
-
-"And the gentleman's ill, I think," said an honest Irishman; and, in the
-fulness of his charity, he placed Vivian on a door-step.
-
-"So it seems," said a genteel passenger in black; and he snatched, with
-great sang-froid, Vivian's watch. "Stop thief!" hallooed the Hibernian.
-Paddy was tripped up. There was a row, in the midst of which Vivian Grey
-crawled to an hotel.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-
-In half an hour Vivian was at Mr. Cleveland's door.
-
-"My master is at the Marquess of Carabas', sir; he will not return, but
-is going immediately to Richmond, where Mrs. Cleveland is staying."
-
-Vivian immediately wrote to Mr. Cleveland. "If your master have left the
-Marquess', let this be forwarded to him at Richmond immediately."
-
-"CLEVELAND!
-
-"You know all. It would be mockery were I to say that at this moment I
-am not thinking of myself. I am a ruined man in body and in mind. But
-my own misery is nothing; I can die, I can go mad, and who will be
-harmed? But you! I had wished that we should never meet again; but my
-hand refuses to trace the thoughts with which my heart is full, and I am
-under the sad necessity of requesting you to see me once more. We have
-been betrayed, and by a woman; but there has been revenge. Oh,
-what revenge!
-
-"VIVIAN GREY."
-
-When Vivian left Mr. Cleveland's he actually did not know what to do
-with himself. Home, at present, he could not face, and so he continued
-to wander about, quite unconscious of locality. He passed in his
-progress many of his acquaintance, who, from his distracted air and
-rapid pace, imagined that he was intent on some important business. At
-length he found himself in one of the most sequestered parts of
-Kensington Gardens. It was a cold, frosty day, and as Vivian flung
-himself upon one of the summer seats the snow drifted from off the
-frozen board; but Vivian's brow was as burning hot as if he had been an
-inhabitant of Sirius. Throwing his arms on a small garden table, he
-buried his face in his hands and wept as men can but once weep in
-this world.
-
-O, thou sublime and most subtle philosopher, who, in thy lamp-lit cell,
-art speculating upon the passions which thou hast never felt! O, thou
-splendid and most admirable poet, who, with cunning words, art painting
-with a smile a tale of woe! tell me what is Grief, and solve me the
-mystery of Sorrow.
-
-Not for himself, for after the first pang he would have whistled off his
-high hopes with the spirit of a Ripperda; not even for Cleveland, for at
-this moment, it must be confessed, his thoughts were not for his friend,
-did Vivian Grey's soul struggle as if it were about to leave its fleshy
-chamber. We said he wept as men can weep but once in this world, and yet
-it would have been impossible for him to have defined what, at that
-fearful moment, was the cause of his heart's sorrow. Incidents of
-childhood of the most trivial nature, and until this moment forgotten,
-flashed across his memory; he gazed on the smile of his mother, he
-listened to the sweet tones of his father's voice, and his hand
-clenched, with still more agonised grasp, his rude resting-place, and
-the scalding tears dashed down his cheek in still more ardent torrents.
-He had no distinct remembrance of what had so lately happened; but
-characters flitted before him as in a theatre, in a dream, dim and
-shadowy, yet full of mysterious and undefinable interest; and then there
-came a horrible idea across his mind that his glittering youth was gone
-and wasted; and then there was a dark whisper of treachery, and
-dissimulation, and dishonour; and then he sobbed as if his very heart
-were cracking. All his boasted philosophy vanished; his artificial
-feelings fled him. Insulted Nature reasserted her long-spurned
-authority, and the once proud Vivian Grey felt too humble even to curse
-himself. Gradually his sobs became less convulsed and his brow more
-cool; and, calm from very exhaustion, he sat for upwards of an hour
-motionless.
-
-At this moment there issued, with their attendant, from an adjoining
-shrubbery, two beautiful children. They were so exceedingly lovely that
-the passenger would have stopped to gaze upon them. The eldest, who yet
-was very young, was leading his sister hand in hand with slow and
-graceful steps, mimicking the courtesy of men. But when his eye caught
-Vivian's the boy uttered a loud cry of exultation, and rushed, with the
-eagerness of infantile affection, to his gentle and favourite playmate.
-They were the young Clevelands. With what miraculous quickness will man
-shake off the outward semblance of grief when his sorrow is a secret!
-The mighty merchant, who knows that in four-and-twenty hours the world
-must be astounded by his insolvency, will walk in the front of his
-confident creditor as if he were the lord of a thousand argosies; the
-meditating suicide will smile on the arm of a companion as if to breathe
-in this sunny world were the most ravishing and rapturous bliss. We
-cling to our stations in our fellow-creatures' minds and memories; we
-know too well the frail tenure on which we are in this world great and
-considered personages. Experience makes us shrink from the specious
-sneer of sympathy; and when we are ourselves falling, bitter Memory
-whispers that we have ourselves been neglectful.
-
-And so it was that even unto these infants Vivian Grey dared not appear
-other than a gay and easy-hearted man; and in a moment he was dancing
-them on his knee, and playing with their curls, and joining in their
-pretty prattle, and pressing their small and fragrant lips.
-
-It was night when he paced down--. He passed his club; that club to
-become a member of which had once been the object of his high ambition,
-and to gain which privilege had cost such hours of canvassing, such
-interference of noble friends, and the incurring of favours from so many
-people, "which never could be forgotten!"
-
-A desperate feeling actuated him, and he entered the Club-house. He
-walked into the great saloon and met some fifty "most particular
-friends," all of whom asked him "how the Marquess did," or "have you
-seen Cleveland?" and a thousand other as comfortable queries. At length,
-to avoid these disagreeable rencontres, and indeed to rest himself, he
-went to a smaller and more private room. As he opened the door his eyes
-lighted upon Cleveland.
-
-He was standing with his back to the fire. There were only two other
-persons in the room; one was a friend of Cleveland's, and the other an
-acquaintance of Vivian's. The latter was writing at the table.
-
-When Vivian saw Cleveland he would have retired, but he was bid to "come
-in" in a voice of thunder.
-
-As he entered he instantly perceived that Cleveland was under the
-influence of wine. When in this situation, unlike other men, Mr.
-Cleveland's conduct was not distinguished by any of the little
-improprieties of behaviour by which a man is always known by his friends
-"to be very drunk." He neither reeled, nor hiccuped, nor grew maudlin.
-The effect of drinking upon him was only to increase the intensity of
-the sensation by which his mind was at the moment influenced. He did not
-even lose the consciousness of identity of persons. At this moment it
-was clear to Vivian that Cleveland was under the influence of the
-extremest passion; his eyes rolled wildly, and seemed fixed only upon
-vacancy. As Vivian was no friend to scenes before strangers he bowed to
-the two gentlemen and saluted Cleveland with his wonted cordiality; but
-his proffered hand was rudely repelled.
-
-"Away!" exclaimed Cleveland, in a furious tone; "I have no friendship
-for traitors."
-
-The two gentlemen stared, and the pen of the writer stopped.
-
-"Cleveland!" said Vivian, in an earnest whisper, as he came up close to
-him; "for God's sake contain yourself. I have written you a letter which
-explains all; but--"
-
-"Out! out upon you. Out upon your honied words and your soft phrases! I
-have been their dupe too long;" and he struck Vivian.
-
-"Sir John Poynings!" said Vivian, with a quivering lip, turning to the
-gentleman who was writing at the table, "we were school-fellows;
-circumstances have prevented us from meeting often in after-life; but I
-now ask you, with the frankness of an old acquaintance, to do me the sad
-service of accompanying me in this quarrel, a quarrel which I call
-Heaven to witness is not of my seeking."
-
-The Baronet, who was in the Guards, and although a great dandy, quite a
-man of business in these matters, immediately rose from his seat and led
-Vivian to a corner of the room. After some whispering he turned round to
-Mr. Cleveland, and bowed to him with a very significant look. It was
-evident that Cleveland comprehended his meaning, for, though he was
-silent, he immediately pointed to the other gentleman, his friend, Mr.
-Castleton.
-
-"Mr. Castleton," said Sir John, giving his card, "Mr. Grey will
-accompany me to my rooms in Pall Mall; it is now ten o'clock; we shall
-wait two hours, in which time I hope to hear from you. I leave time, and
-place, and terms to yourself. I only wish it to be understood that it is
-the particular desire of my principal that the meeting should be as
-speedy as possible."
-
-About eleven o'clock the communication from Mr. Castleton arrived. It
-was quite evident that Cleveland was sobered, for in one instance Vivian
-observed that the style was corrected by his own hand. The hour was
-eight the next morning, at ---- Common, about six miles from town.
-
-Poynings wrote to a professional friend to be on the ground at half-past
-seven, and then he and Vivian retired.
-
-Did you ever fight a duel? No? nor send a challenge either? Well! you
-are fresh, indeed! 'Tis an awkward business, after all, even for the
-boldest. After an immense deal of negotiation, and giving your opponent
-every opportunity of coming to an honourable understanding, the fatal
-letter is at length signed, sealed, and sent. You pass your mornings at
-your second's apartments, pacing his drawing-room with a quivering lip
-and uncertain step. At length he enters with an answer; and while he
-reads you endeavour to look easy, with a countenance merry with the most
-melancholy smile. You have no appetite for dinner, but you are too brave
-not to appear at table; and you are called out after the second glass by
-the arrival of your solicitor, who comes to alter your will. You pass a
-restless night, and rise in the morning as bilious as a Bengal general.
-Urged by impending fate, you make a desperate effort to accommodate
-matters; but in the contest between your pride and your terror you at
-the same time prove that you are a coward and fail in the negotiation.
-You both fire and miss, and then the seconds interfere, and then you
-shake hands: everything being arranged in the most honourable manner and
-to the mutual satisfaction of both parties. The next day you are seen
-pacing Bond Street with an erect front and a flashing eye, with an air
-at once dandyish and heroical, a mixture at the same time of Brummell
-and the Duke of Wellington.
-
-It was a fine February morning. Sir John drove Vivian to the ground in
-his cabriolet.
-
-"Nothing like a cab, Grey, for the business you are going on: you glide
-along the six miles in such style that it actually makes you quite
-courageous. I remember once going down, on a similar purpose, in a post
-and pair, and 'pon my soul, when I came to the ground, my hand shook so
-that I could scarcely draw. But I was green then. Now, when I go in my
-cab, with Philidor with his sixteen-mile-an-hour paces, egad! I wing my
-man in a trice; and take all the parties home to Pall Mall, to celebrate
-the event with a grilled bone, Havannahs, and Regent's punch. Ah! there!
-that is Cleveland that we have just passed, going to the ground in a
-chariot: he is a dead man, or my name is not Poynings."
-
-"Come, Sir John; no fear of Cleveland's dying," said Vivian, with a
-smile.
-
-"What? You mean to fire in the air, and all that sort of thing?
-Sentimental, but slip-slop!"
-
-The ground is measured, all is arranged. Cleveland, a splendid shot,
-fired first. He grazed Vivian's elbow. Vivian fired in the air. The
-seconds interfered. Cleveland was implacable, and, "in the most
-irregular manner," as Sir John declared, insisted upon another shot. To
-the astonishment of all, he fired quite wild. Vivian shot at random, and
-his bullet pierced Cleveland's heart. Cleveland sprang nearly two yards
-from the ground and then fell upon his back. In a moment Vivian was at
-the side of his fallen antagonist, but the dying man "made no sign;" he
-stared wildly, and then closed his eyes for ever!
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-
-When Vivian Grey remembered his existence he found himself in bed. The
-curtains of his couch were closed; but as he stared around him they were
-softly withdrawn, and a face that recalled everything to his
-recollection gazed upon him with a look of affectionate anxiety.
-
-"My father!" exclaimed Vivian; but the finger pressed on the parental
-lip warned him to silence. His father knelt by his side, and then the
-curtains were again closed.
-
-Six weeks, unconsciously to Vivian, had elapsed since the fatal day, and
-he was now recovering from the effects of a fever from which his medical
-attendants had supposed he never could have rallied. And what had been
-the past? It did indeed seem like a hot and feverish dream. Here was he
-once more in his own quiet room, watched over by his beloved parents;
-and had there then ever existed such beings as the Marquess, and Mrs.
-Lorraine, and Cleveland, or were they only the actors in a vision? "It
-must be so," thought Vivian; and he jumped up in his bed and stared
-wildly around him. "And yet it was a horrid dream! Murder, horrible
-murder! and so real, so palpable! I muse upon their voices as upon
-familiar sounds, and I recall all the events, not as the shadowy
-incidents of sleep, that mysterious existence in which the experience of
-a century seems caught in the breathing of a second, but as the natural
-and material consequences of time and stirring life. O, no! it is too
-true!" shrieked the wretched sufferer, as his eye glanced upon a
-despatch-box which was on the table, and which had been given to him by
-Lord Carabas; "It is true! it is true! Murder! murder!" He foamed at the
-mouth, and sank exhausted on his pillow.
-
-But the human mind can master many sorrows, and, after a desperate
-relapse and another miraculous rally, Vivian Grey rose from his bed.
-
-"My father, I fear that I shall live!"
-
-"Hope, rather, my beloved."
-
-"Oh! why should I hope?" and the sufferer's head sank upon his breast.
-
-"Do not give way, my son; all will yet be well, and we shall all yet be
-happy," said the father, with streaming eyes.
-
-"Happy! oh, not in this world, my father!"
-
-"Vivian, my dearest, your mother visited you this morning, but you were
-asleep. She was quite happy to find you slumbering so calmly."
-
-"And yet my dreams were not the dreams of joy. O, my mother! you were
-wont to smile upon me; alas! you smiled upon your sorrow."
-
-"Vivian, my beloved! you must indeed restrain your feelings. At your age
-life cannot be the lost game you think it. A little repose, and I shall
-yet see my boy the honour to society which he deserves to be."
-
-"Alas! my father, you know not what I feel. The springiness of my mind
-has gone. O, man, what a vain fool thou art! Nature has been too
-bountiful to thee. She has given thee the best of friends, and thou
-valuest not the gift of exceeding price until the griefs are past even
-friendship's cure. O, my father! why did I leave thee?" and he seized
-Mr. Grey's hand with convulsive grasp.
-
-Time flew on, even in this house of sorrow. "My boy," said Mr. Grey to
-his son one day, "your mother and I have been consulting together about
-you; and we think, now that you have somewhat recovered your strength,
-it may be well for you to leave England for a short time. The novelty of
-travel will relieve your mind without too much exciting it; and if you
-can manage by the autumn to settle down anywhere within a thousand miles
-of England, why we will come and join you, and you know that will be
-very pleasant. What say you to this little plan?"
-
-In a few weeks after this proposition had been made Vivian Grey was in
-Germany. He wandered for some months in that beautiful land of rivers,
-among which flows the Rhine, matchless in its loveliness; and at length
-the pilgrim shook the dust off his feet at Heidelberg, in which city
-Vivian proposed taking up his residence. It is, in truth, a place of
-surpassing loveliness, where all the romantic wildness of German scenery
-is blended with the soft beauty of the Italian. An immense plain, which,
-in its extent and luxuriance, reminds you of the fertile tracts of
-Lombardy, is bordered on one side by the Bergstrasse Mountains, and on
-the other by the range of the Vosges. Situate on the river Neckar, in a
-ravine of the Bergstrasse, amid mountains covered with vines, is
-Heidelberg; its ruined castle backing the city, and still frowning from
-one of the most commanding heights. In the middle of the broad plain may
-be distinguished the shining spires of Mannheim, Worms, and Frankenthal;
-and pouring its rich stream through this luxuriant land, the beautiful
-and abounding Rhine receives the tribute of the Neckar. The range of the
-Vosges forms the extreme distance.
-
-To the little world of the little city of which he was now an habitant
-Vivian Grey did not appear a broken-hearted man. He lived neither as a
-recluse nor a misanthrope. He became extremely addicted to field sports,
-especially to hunting the wild boar; for he feared nothing so much as
-thought, and dreaded nothing so much as the solitude of his own chamber.
-He was an early riser to escape from hideous dreams; and at break of
-dawn he wandered among the wild passes of the Bergstrasse; or, climbing
-a lofty ridge, was a watcher for the rising sun; and in the evening he
-sailed upon the star-lit Neckar.
-
-
-
-
-BOOK V
-
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-
-Thou rapid Aar! thy waves are swollen by the snows of a thousand hills;
-but for whom are thy leaping waters fed? Is it for the Rhine?
-
-Calmly, O placid Neckar! does thy blue stream glide through thy
-vine-clad vales; but calmer seems thy course when it touches the
-rushing Rhine!
-
-How fragrant are the banks which are cooled by thy dark-green waters,
-thou tranquil Maine! but is not the perfume sweeter of the gardens of
-the Rhine?
-
-Thou impetuous Nah! I lingered by thine islands of nightingales, and I
-asked thy rushing waters why they disturbed the music of thy groves?
-They told me they were hastening to the Rhine!
-
-Red Moselle! fierce is the swell of thy spreading course; but why do thy
-broad waters blush when they meet the Rhine?
-
-Thou delicate Meuse! how clear is the current of thy limpid wave; as the
-wife yields to the husband do thy pure waters yield to the Rhine!
-
-And thou, triumphant and imperial River, flushed with the tribute of
-these vassal streams! thou art thyself a tributary, and hastenest even
-in the pride of conquest to confess thine own vassalage! But no superior
-stream exults in the homage of thy servile waters; the Ocean, the
-eternal Ocean, alone comes forward to receive thy kiss! not as a
-conqueror, but as a parent, he welcomes with proud joy his gifted child,
-the offspring of his honour; thy duty, his delight; thy tribute, thine
-own glory!
-
-Once more upon thy banks, most beauteous Rhine! In the spring-time of my
-youth I gazed on thee, and deemed thee matchless. Thy vine-enamoured
-mountains, thy spreading waters, thy traditionary crags, thy shining
-cities, the sparkling villages of thy winding shores, thy antique
-convents, thy grey and silent castles, the purple glories of thy radiant
-grape, the vivid tints of thy teeming flowers, the fragrance of thy sky,
-the melody of thy birds, whose carols tell the pleasures of their sunny
-woods; are they less lovely now, less beautiful, less sweet?
-
-The keen emotions of our youth are often the occasion of our estimating
-too ardently; but the first impression of beauty, though often
-overcharged, is seldom supplanted: and as the first great author which
-he reads is reverenced by the boy as the most immortal, and the first
-beautiful woman that he meets is sanctified by him as the most adorable;
-so the impressions created upon us by those scenes of nature which first
-realise the romance of our reveries never escape from our minds, and are
-ever consecrated in our memories; and thus some great spirits, after
-having played their part on the theatre of the world, have retired from
-the blaze of courts and cities to the sweet seclusion of some spot with
-which they have accidentally met in the earliest years of their career.
-
-But we are to speak of one who had retired from the world before his
-time.
-
-Upwards of a year had elapsed since Vivian Grey left England. The mode
-of life which he pursued at Heidelberg for many months has already been
-mentioned. He felt himself a broken-hearted man, and looked for death,
-whose delay was no blessing; but the feelings of youth which had misled
-him in his burning hours of joy equally deceived him in his days of
-sorrow. He lived; and in the course of time found each day that life was
-less burdensome. The truth is, that if it be the lot of man to suffer,
-it is also his fortune to forget. Oblivion and sorrow share our being,
-as Darkness and Light divide the course of time. It is not in human
-nature to endure extremities, and sorrows soon destroy either us or
-themselves. Perhaps the fate of Niobe is no fable, but a type of the
-callousness of our nature. There is a time in human suffering when
-succeeding sorrows are but like snow falling on an iceberg. It is indeed
-horrible to think that our peace of mind should arise, not from a
-retrospection of the past, but from a forgetfulness of it; but, though
-this peace be produced at the best by a mental opiate, it is not
-valueless; and Oblivion, after all, is a just judge. As we retain but a
-faint remembrance of our felicity, it is but fair that the smartest
-stroke of sorrow should, if bitter, at least be brief. But in feeling
-that he might yet again mingle in the world, Vivian Grey also felt that
-he must meet mankind with different feelings, and view their pursuits
-with a different interest. He woke from his secret sorrow in as changed
-a state of being as the water nymph from her first embrace; and he woke
-with a new possession, not only as miraculous as Undine's soul, but
-gained at as great a price, and leading to as bitter results. The nymph
-woke to new pleasures and to new sorrows; and, innocent as an infant,
-she deemed mankind a god, and the world a paradise. Vivian Grey
-discovered that this deity was but an idol of brass, and this garden of
-Eden but a savage waste; for, if the river nymph had gained a soul, he
-had gained Experience.
-
-Experience, mysterious spirit! whose result is felt by all, whose nature
-is described by none. The father warns the son of thy approach, and
-sometimes looks to thee as his offspring's cure and his own consolation.
-We hear of thee in the nursery, we hear of thee in the world, we hear of
-thee in books; but who has recognised thee until he was thy subject, and
-who has discovered the object of so much fame until he has kissed thy
-chain? To gain thee is the work of all and the curse of all; thou art at
-the same time necessary to our happiness and destructive of our
-felicity; thou art the saviour of all things and the destroyer of all
-things; our best friend and our bitterest enemy; for thou teachest us
-truth, and that truth is, despair. Ye youth of England, would that ye
-could read this riddle!
-
-To wake from your bright hopes, and feel that all is vanity, to be
-roused from your crafty plans and know that all is worthless, is a
-bitter, but your sure, destiny. Escape is impossible; for despair is the
-price of conviction. How many centuries have fled since Solomon, in his
-cedar palaces, sung the vanity of man! Though his harp was golden and
-his throne of ivory, his feelings were not less keen, and his conviction
-not less complete. How many sages of all nations have, since the monarch
-of Jerusalem, echoed his sad philosophy! yet the vain bubble still
-glitters and still allures, and must for ever.
-
-The genealogy of Experience is brief; for Experience is the child of
-Thought, and Thought is the child of Action. We cannot learn men from
-books, nor can we form, from written descriptions, a more accurate idea
-of the movements of the human heart than we can of the movements of
-nature. A man may read all his life, and form no conception of the rush
-of a mountain torrent, or the waving of a forest of pines in a storm;
-and a man may study in his closet the heart of his fellow-creatures for
-ever, and have no idea of the power of ambition, or the strength
-of revenge.
-
-It is when we have acted ourselves, and have seen others acting; it is
-when we have laboured ourselves under the influence of our passions, and
-have seen others labouring; it is when our great hopes have been
-attained or have been baulked; it is when, after having had the human
-heart revealed to us, we have the first opportunity to think; it is then
-that the whole truth lights upon us; it is then that we ask of ourselves
-whether it be wise to endure such anxiety of mind, such agitation of
-spirit, such harrowing of the soul, to gain what may cease to interest
-to-morrow, or for which, at the best, a few years of enjoyment can alone
-be afforded; it is then that we waken to the hollowness of all human
-things; it is then that the sayings of sages and the warnings of
-prophets are explained and understood; it is then that we gain
-Experience.
-
-Vivian Grey was now about to join, for the second time, the great and
-agitated crowd of beings who are all intent in the search after that
-undiscoverable talisman, Happiness. That he entertained any hope of
-being the successful inquirer is not to be imagined. He considered that
-the happiest moment in human life is exactly the sensation of a sailor
-who has escaped a shipwreck, and that the mere belief that his wishes
-are to be indulged is the greatest bliss enjoyed by man.
-
-How far his belief was correct, how he prospered in this his second
-venture on the great ocean of life, it is our business to relate. There
-were moments when he wished himself neither experienced nor a
-philosopher; moments when he looked back to the lost paradise of his
-innocent boyhood, those glorious hours when the unruffled river of his
-Life mirrored the cloudless heaven of his Hope!
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-
-Vivian pulled up his horse as he ascended through the fine beechwood
-which leads immediately to the city of Frankfort from the Darmstadt
-road. The crowd seemed to increase every moment, but as they were all
-hastening the same way, his progress was not much impeded. It was
-Frankfort fair; and all countenances were expressive of that excitement
-which we always experience at great meetings of our fellow-creatures;
-whether the assemblies be for slaughter, pleasure, or profit, and
-whether or not we ourselves join in the banquet, the battle, or the
-fair. At the top of the hill is an old Roman tower, and from this point
-the flourishing city of Frankfort, with its picturesque Cathedral, its
-numerous villas, and beautiful gardens in the middle of the fertile
-valley of the Maine, burst upon Vivian's sight. On crossing the bridge
-over the river, the crowd became almost impassable, and it was with the
-greatest difficulty that Vivian steered his way through the old narrow
-winding streets, full of tall ancient houses, with heavy casements and
-notched gable ends. These structures did not, however, at the present
-moment, greet the traveller with their usual sombre and antique
-appearance: their outside walls were, in most instances, covered with
-pieces of broad cloth of the most showy colours, red, blue, and yellow
-predominating. These standards of trade were not merely used for the
-purpose of exhibiting the quality of the article sold in the interior,
-but also of informing the curious traveller the name and nation of their
-adventurous owners. Inscriptions in German, French, Russian, English,
-Italian, and even Hebrew, appeared in striking characters on each
-woollen specimen; and, as if these were not sufficient to attract the
-attention of the passenger, an active apprentice, or assistant,
-commented in eloquent terms on the peculiar fairness and honesty of his
-master. The public squares and other open spaces, and indeed every spot
-which was secure from the hurrying wheels of the heavy old-fashioned
-coaches of the Frankfort aristocracy and the spirited pawings of their
-sleek and long-tailed coach-horses, were covered with large and showy
-booths, which groaned under the accumulated treasures of all countries.
-French silks and French clocks rivalled Manchester cottons and Sheffield
-cutlery, and assisted to attract or entrap the gazer, in company with
-Venetian chains, Neapolitan coral, and Vienna pipe-heads: here was the
-booth of a great book-seller, who looked to the approaching Leipsic fair
-for some consolation for his slow sale and the bad taste of the people
-of Frankfort; and there was a dealer in Bologna sausages, who felt quite
-convinced that in some things the taste of the Frankfort public was by
-no means to be lightly spoken of. All was bustle, bargaining, and
-business: there were quarrels and conversation in all languages; and
-Vivian Grey, although he had no chance either of winning or losing
-money, was amused.
-
-At last Vivian gained the High Street; and here, though the crowd was
-not less, the space was greater; and so in time he arrived at the grand
-hotel of "the Roman Emperor," where he stopped. It was a long time
-before he could be informed whether Baron Julius von Konigstein at
-present honoured that respectable establishment with his presence; for,
-although Vivian did sometimes succeed in obtaining an audience of a
-hurrying waiter, that personage, when in a hurry, has a peculiar habit
-of never attending to a question which a traveller addresses to him. In
-this dilemma Vivian was saluted by a stately-looking personage above the
-common height. He was dressed in a very splendid uniform of green and
-gold, covered with embroidery, and glittering with frogs. He wore a
-cocked hat adorned with a flowing parti-coloured plume, and from his
-broad golden belt was suspended a weapon of singular shape and costly
-workmanship. This personage was as stiff and stately as he was
-magnificent. His eyes were studiously preserved from the profanation of
-meeting the ground, and his well-supported neck seldom condescended to
-move from its perpendicular position. His coat was buttoned to the chin
-and over the breast, with the exception of one small aperture, which was
-elegantly filled up by a delicate white cambric handkerchief, very
-redolent of rich perfumes. This gorgeous gentleman, who might have been
-mistaken for an elector of the German Empire, had the German Empire been
-in existence, or the governor of the city at the least, turned out to be
-the chasseur of the Baron von Konigstein; and with his courtly
-assistance Vivian soon found himself ascending the staircase of the
-Roman Emperor.
-
-Vivian was ushered into an apartment, in which he found three or four
-individuals at breakfast. A middle-aged man of distinguished appearance,
-in a splendid chamber robe, sprung up from a many-cushioned easy-chair,
-and seized his hand as he was announced.
-
-"My dear Mr. Grey! I have left notes for you at the principal hotels.
-And how is Eugene? wild blood for a student, but an excellent heart, and
-you have been so kind to him! He feels under such particular obligations
-to you. Will you breakfast? Ah! I see you smile at my supposing a
-horseman unbreakfasted. And have you ridden here from Heidelberg this
-morning? Impossible! Only from Darmstadt! I thought so! You were at the
-Opera then last night. And how is the little Signora? We are to gain
-her though! trust the good people of Frankfort for that! Pray be
-seated, but really I am forgetting the commonest rules of breeding. Next
-to the pleasure of having friends is that of introducing them to each
-other. Prince, you will have great pleasure in being introduced to my
-friend, Mr. Grey: Mr. Grey! Prince Salvinski! my particular friend,
-Prince Salvinski. The Count von Altenburgh! Mr. Grey! my very particular
-friend, the Count von Altenburgh. And the Chevalier de Boeffleurs! Mr.
-Grey! my most particular friend, the Chevalier de Boeffleurs."
-
-Baron Julius von Konigstein was minister to the Diet of Frankfort from a
-first-rate German power. In person he was short, but delicately formed;
-his head a little bald, but as he was only five-and-thirty, this could
-scarcely be from age; and his remaining hair, black, glossy, and
-curling, proved that their companion ringlets had not been long lost.
-His features were small, but not otherwise remarkable, except a pair of
-liquid black eyes, of great size, which would have hardly become a
-Stoic, and which gleamed with great meaning and perpetual animation.
-
-"I understand, Mr. Grey, that you are a regular philosopher. Pray who is
-the favourite master? Kant or Fichte? or is there any other new star who
-has discovered the origin of our essence, and proved the non-necessity
-of eating? Count, let me help you to a little more of these saucisses
-aux choux. I am afraid, from Eugene's account, that you are almost past
-redemption; and I am sorry to say that, although I am very desirous of
-being your physician and effecting your cure, Frankfort will supply me
-with very few means to work your recovery. If you could but get me an
-appointment once again to your delightful London, I might indeed produce
-some effect; or were I even at Berlin, or at your delicious Vienna,
-Count Altenburgh! (the Count bowed); or at that Paradise of women,
-Warsaw, Prince Salvinski!! (the Prince bowed); or at Paris, Chevalier!!!
-(the Chevalier bowed); why, then, indeed, you should have some
-difficulty in finding an excuse for being in low spirits with Julius von
-Konigstein! But Frankfort, eh! de Boeffleurs?"
-
-"Oh! Frankfort!" sighed the French Chevalier, who was also attached to a
-mission in this very city, and who was thinking of his own gay
-Boulevards and his brilliant Tuileries.
-
-"We are mere citizens here!" continued the Baron, taking a long pinch of
-snuff, "mere citizens! Do you snuff?" and here he extended to Vivian a
-gold box, covered with the portrait of a crowned head, surrounded with
-diamonds. "A present from the King of Sardinia, when I negotiated the
-marriage of the Duke of ---- and his niece, and settled the
-long-agitated controversy about the right of anchovy fishing on the left
-shore of the Mediterranean.
-
-"But the women," continued the Baron, "the women; that is a different
-thing. There is some amusement among the little bourgeoises, who are
-glad enough to get rid of their commercial beaus; whose small talk,
-after a waltz, is about bills of exchange, mixed up with a little
-patriotism about their free city, and some chatter about what they call
-'the fine arts;' their awful collections of 'the Dutch school:' school
-forsooth! a cabbage, by Gerard Dowl and a candlestick, by Mieris! And
-now will you take a basin of soup, and warm yourself, while his Highness
-continues his account of being frozen to death this spring at the top of
-Mont-Blanc: how was it, Prince?"
-
-"Your Highness has been a great traveller?" said Vivian.
-
-"I have seen a little of most countries. These things are interesting
-enough when we are young; but when we get a little more advanced in
-life, the novelty wears off, and the excitement ceases. I have been in
-all quarters of the globe. In Europe I have seen everything except the
-miracles of Prince Hohenlohe. In Asia, everything except the ruins of
-Babylon. In Africa, I have seen every thing but Timbuctoo; and, in
-America, everything except Croker's Mountains."
-
-Next to eating, music is the business in which an Austrian is most
-interested, and Count von Altenburgh, having had the misfortune of
-destroying, for the present, one great source of his enjoyment, became
-now very anxious to know what chance there existed of his receiving some
-consolation from the other. Pushing his plate briskly from him, he
-demanded with an anxious air, "Can any gentleman inform me what chance
-there is of the Signora coming?"
-
-"No news to-day," said the Baron, with a mournful look; "I am almost in
-despair. What do you think of the last notes that have been
-interchanged?"
-
-"Very little chance," said the Chevalier de Boeffleurs, shaking his
-head. "Really these burghers, with all their affected enthusiasm, have
-managed the business exceedingly bad. No opera can possibly succeed that
-is not conducted by a committee of noblemen."
-
-"Certainly!" said the Baron; "we are sure then to have the best singers,
-and be in the Gazette the same season."
-
-"Which is much better, I think, Von Konigstein, than paying our bills
-and receiving no pleasure."
-
-"But," continued the Baron, "these clumsy burghers, with their affected
-enthusiasm, as you well observe; who could have contemplated such
-novices in diplomacy! Whatever may be the issue, I can at least lay my
-head upon my pillow and feel that I have done my duty. Did not I, de
-Boeffleurs, first place the negotiation on a basis of acknowledged
-feasibility and mutual benefit? Who drew the protocol, I should like to
-know? Who baffled the intrigues of the English Minister, the Lord
-Amelius Fitzfudge Boroughby? Who sat up one whole night with the
-Signora's friend, the Russian Envoy, Baron Squallonoff, and who was it
-that first arranged about the extra chariot?" and here the
-representative of a first-rate German Power looked very much like a
-resigned patriot, who feels that he deserves a ribbon.
-
-"No doubt of it, my dear Von Konigstein," echoed the French Charge
-d'Affaires, "and I think, whatever may be the result, that I, too, may
-look back to this negotiation with no ungratified feelings. Had the
-arrangement been left as I had wished, merely to the Ministers of the
-Great Powers, I am confident that the Signora would have been singing
-this night in our Opera House."
-
-"What is the grand point of difference at present?" asked the Austrian.
-
-"A terrific one," said the Baron; "the lady demanded twenty covers, two
-tables, two carriages, one of which I arranged should be a chariot; that
-at least the town owes to me; and, what else? merely a town mansion and
-establishment. Exerting myself day and night, these terms were at length
-agreed to by the municipality, and the lady was to ride over from
-Darmstadt to sign and seal. In the course of her ride she took a cursed
-fancy to the country villa of a great Jew banker, and since that moment
-the arrangement has gone off. We have offered her everything; the
-commandant's country castle; his lady's country farm; the villa of the
-director of the Opera; the retreat of our present prima donna; all in
-vain. We have even hinted at a temporary repose in a neighbouring royal
-residence; but all useless. The banker and the Signora are equally
-intractable, and Frankfort is in despair."
-
-"She ought to have signed and sealed at Darmstadt," said the Count, very
-indignantly.
-
-"To be sure! they should have closed upon her caprice, and taken her
-when she was in the fancy."
-
-"Talking of Opera girls," commenced the Polish Prince, "I remember the
-Countess Katszinski--"
-
-"Your Highness has nothing upon your plate," quickly retorted the Baron,
-who was in no humour for a story.
-
-"Nothing more, I thank you," continued the Prince: "as I was saying, I
-remember the Countess Katszinski--" but just at this moment the door
-opened, and Ernstorff entered and handed a despatch to the Baron,
-recommending it to his Excellency's particular attention.
-
-"Business, I suppose," said the Plenipotentiary; "it may wait till
-to-morrow."
-
-"From M. Clarionet, your Excellency."
-
-"From M. Clarionet!" eagerly exclaimed the Baron, and tore open the
-epistle. "Gentlemen! congratulate me, congratulate yourselves,
-congratulate Frankfort;" and the diplomatist, overcome, leant back in
-his chair. "She is ours, Salvinski! she is ours, Von Altenburgh! she is
-ours, my dear de Boeffleurs! Mr. Grey, you are most fortunate; the
-Signora has signed and sealed; all is arranged; she sings to-night! What
-a fine-spirited body is this Frankfort municipality! what elevation of
-soul! what genuine enthusiasm! eh! de Boeffleurs?"
-
-"Most genuine!" exclaimed the Chevalier, who hated German music with all
-his heart, and was now humming an air from La Dame Blanche.
-
-"But mind, my dear friend, this is a secret, a cabinet secret; the
-municipality are to have the gratification of announcing the event to
-the city in a public decree; it is but fair. I feel that I have only to
-hint to secure your silence."
-
-At this moment, with a thousand protestations of secresy, the party
-broke up, each hastening to have the credit of first spreading the
-joyful intelligence through the circles, and of depriving the Frankfort
-senate of their hard-earned gratification. The Baron, who was in high
-spirits, ordered the carriage to drive Vivian round the ramparts, where
-he was to be introduced to some of the most fashionable beauties,
-previous to the evening triumph.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-
-Vivian passed a week very agreeably at Frankfort. In the Baron and his
-friends he found the companions that he had need of; their conversation
-and pursuits diverted his mind without engaging his feelings, and
-allowed him no pause to brood. There were moments, indeed, when he found
-in the Baron a companion neither frivolous nor uninstructive. His
-Excellency had travelled in most countries, and had profited by his
-travels. His taste for the fine arts was equalled by his knowledge of
-them; and his acquaintance with many of the most eminent men of Europe
-enriched his conversation with a variety of anecdotes, to which his
-lively talents did ample justice. He seemed fond at times of showing
-Vivian that he was not a mere artificial man of the world, destitute of
-all feelings, and thinking only of himself: he recurred with
-satisfaction to moments of his life when his passions had been in full
-play; and, while he acknowledged the errors of his youth with candour,
-he excused them with grace. In short, Vivian and he became what the
-world calls friends; that is to say, they were men who had no objection
-to dine in each other's company, provided the dinner were good; assist
-each other in any scrape, provided no particular personal responsibility
-were incurred by the assistant; and live under the same roof, provided
-each were master of his own time. Vivian and the Baron, indeed, did more
-than this; they might have been described as particular friends, for his
-Excellency had persuaded our hero to accompany him for the summer to the
-Baths of Ems, a celebrated German watering-place, situate in the duchy
-of Nassau, in the vicinity of the Rhine.
-
-On the morrow they were to commence their journey. The fair of
-Frankfort, which had now lasted nearly a month, was at its close. A
-bright sunshiny afternoon was stealing into twilight, when Vivian,
-escaping from the principal street and the attractions of the Braunfels,
-or chief shops under the Exchange, directed his steps to some of the
-more remote and ancient streets. In crossing a little square his
-attention was excited by a crowd which had assembled round a conjuror,
-who, from the top of a small cart, which he had converted into a stage,
-was haranguing, in front of a green curtain, an audience with great
-fervency, and apparently with great effect; at least Vivian judged so
-from the loud applauses which constantly burst forth. The men pressed
-nearer, shouted, and clapped their hands; and the anxious mothers
-struggled to lift their brats higher in the air that they might early
-form a due conception of the powers of magic, and learn that the
-maternal threats which were sometimes extended to them at home were not
-mere idle boasting. Altogether, the men with their cocked hats, stiff
-holiday coats, and long pipes; the women with their glazed gowns of
-bright fancy patterns, close lace caps, or richly-chased silver
-headgear; and the children with their gaping mouths and long heads of
-hair, offered quaint studies for a German or Flemish painter. Vivian
-became also one of the audience, and not an uninterested one.
-
-The appearance of the conjuror was peculiar. He was not much more than
-five feet high, but so slightly formed that he reminded you rather of
-the boy than the dwarf. The upper part of his face was even delicately
-moulded; his sparkling black eyes became his round forehead, which was
-not too much covered by his short glossy black hair; his complexion was
-clear, but quite olive; his nose was very small and straight, and
-contrasted singularly with his enormous mouth, the thin bluish lips of
-which were seldom closed, and consequently did not conceal his large
-square teeth, which, though very white, were set apart, and were so
-solid that they looked almost like double teeth. This enormous mouth,
-which was supported by large jawbones, attracted the attention of the
-spectator so keenly that it was some time before you observed the
-prodigious size of the ears, which also adorned this extraordinary
-countenance. The costume of this being was not less remarkable than his
-natural appearance. He wore a complete under dress of pliant leather,
-which fitted close up to his throat and down to his wrists and ankles,
-where it was clasped with large fastenings, either of gold or some gilt
-material. This, with the addition of a species of hussar jacket of green
-cloth, which was quite unadorned with the exception of its vivid red
-lining, was the sole covering of the conjuror; who, with a light cap and
-feather in his hand, was now haranguing the spectators. The object of
-his discourse was a panegyric of himself and a satire on all other
-conjurors. He was the only conjuror, the real one, a worthy descendant
-of the magicians of old.
-
-"Were I to tell that broad-faced Herr," continued the conjuror, "who is
-now gaping opposite to me, that this rod is the rod of Aaron, mayhap he
-would call me a liar; yet were I to tell him that he was the son of his
-father, he would not think it wonderful! And yet, can he prove it? My
-friends, if I am a liar, the whole world is a liar, and yet any one of
-you who'll go and proclaim that on the Braunfels will get his skull
-cracked. Every truth is not to be spoken, and every lie is not to be
-punished. I have told you that it is better for you to spend your money
-in seeing my tricks than in swigging schnaps in the chimney corner; and
-yet, my friends, this may be a lie. I have told you that the profits of
-this whole night shall be given to some poor and worthy person in this
-town; and perhaps I shall give them to myself. What then! I shall speak
-the truth; and you will perhaps crack my skull. Is this a reward for
-truth? O generation of vipers! My friends, what is truth? who can find
-it in Frankfort? Suppose I call upon you, Mr. Baker, and sup with you
-this evening; you will receive me as a neighbourly man should, tell me
-to make myself at home, and do as I like. Is it not so? I see you smile,
-as if my visit would make you bring out one of the bottles of your best
-Asmanshausen!"
-
-Here the crowd laughed out; for we are always glad when there is any
-talk of another's hospitality being put to the test, although we stand
-no chance of sharing in the entertainment ourselves. The baker looked
-foolish, as all men singled out in a crowd do.
-
-"Well, well," continued the conjuror, "I have no doubt his wine would
-be as ready as your tobacco, Mr. Smith; or a wafila from your basket, my
-honest cake-seller;" and so saying, with a long thin wand the conjuror
-jerked up the basket of an itinerant and shouting pastry-cook, and
-immediately began to thrust the contents into his mouth with a rapidity
-ludicrously miraculous. The laugh now burst out again, but the honest
-baker joined in it this time with an easy spirit.
-
-"Be not disconcerted, my little custard-monger; if thou art honest, thou
-shalt prosper. Did I not say that the profits of this night were for the
-most poor and the most honest? If thy stock in trade were in thy basket,
-my raspberry-puff, verily thou art not now the richest here; and so,
-therefore, if thy character be a fair one, that is to say, if thou only
-cheat five times a day, and give a tenth of thy cheatery to the poor,
-thou shalt have the benefit. I ask thee again, what is truth? If I sup
-with the baker, and he tells me to do what I like with all that is his,
-and I kiss his wife, he will kick me out; yet to kiss his wife might be
-my pleasure, if her breath were sweet. I ask thee again, what is truth?
-Truth, they say, lies in a well; but perhaps this is a lie. How do we
-know that truth is not in one of these two boxes?" asked the conjuror,
-placing his cap on his head, and holding one small snuff-box to a tall,
-savage-looking, one-eyed Bohemian, who, with a comrade, had walked over
-from the Austrian garrison at Mentz.
-
-"I see but one box," growled the soldier.
-
-"It is because thou hast only one eye, friend; open the other, and thou
-shalt see two," said the conjuror, in a slow, malicious tone, with his
-neck extended, and his hand with the hateful box outstretched in it.
-
-"Now, by our black Lady of Altoting, I'll soon stop thy prate,
-chitterling!" bellowed the enraged Bohemian.
-
-"Murder! the protection of the free city against the Emperor of Austria,
-the King of Bohemia, Hungary, and Lombardy!" and the knave retreated to
-the very extremity of the stage, and affecting agitating fear, hid
-himself behind the green curtain, from a side of which his head was
-alone visible, or rather an immense red tongue, which wagged in all
-shapes at the unlucky soldier, except when it retired to the interior of
-his mouth, to enable him to reiterate "Murder!" and invoke the
-privileges of the free city of Frankfort.
-
-When the soldier was a little cooled, the conjuror again came forward,
-and, having moved his small magical table to a corner, and lit two
-tapers, one of which he placed at each side of the stage, he stripped
-off his hussar jacket, and began to imitate a monkey; an animal which,
-by the faint light, in his singular costume, he very much resembled. How
-amusing were his pranks! He first plundered a rice plantation, and then
-he cracked cocoa-nuts; then he washed his face and arranged his toilet
-with, his right paw; and finally he ran a race with his own tail, which
-humorous appendage to his body was very wittily performed for the
-occasion by a fragment, of an old tarred rope. His gambols were so
-diverting that they even extracted applause from his enemy the one-eyed
-serjeant; and, emboldened by the acclamations, from monkeys the conjuror
-began to imitate men. He first drank like a Dutchman, and having reeled
-round with a thousand oaths, to the manifold amusement of the crowd, he
-suddenly began to smoke like a Prussian. Nothing could be more admirable
-than the look of complacent and pompous stolidity with which he
-accompanied each puff of his pipe. The applause was continued; and the
-one-eyed Bohemian serjeant, delighted at the ridicule which was heaped
-on his military rival, actually threw the mimic some groschen.
-
-"Keep thy pence, friend," said the conjuror; "thou wilt soon owe me
-more; we have not yet closed accounts. My friends, I have drank like a
-Dutchman; I have smoked like a Prussian; and now I will eat like an
-Austrian!" and here the immense mouth of the actor seemed distended even
-a hundred degrees bigger, while with gloating eyes and extended arms he
-again set to at the half-emptied wafila basket of the unhappy
-pastry-cook.
-
-"Now, by our black Lady of Altoting, thou art an impudent varlet!"
-growled the Austrian soldier.
-
-"You are losing your temper again," retorted the glutton, with his mouth
-full; "how difficult you are to please! Well, then, if the Austrians may
-not be touched, what say you to a Bohemian! a tall one-eyed Bohemian
-serjeant, with an appetite like a hog and a liver like a lizard?"
-
-"Now, by our black Lady of Altoting, this is too much!" and the soldier
-sprang at the conjuror.
-
-"Hold him!" cried Vivian Grey; for the mob, frightened at the soldier,
-gave way.
-
-"There is a gentle's voice under a dark cloak!" cried the conjuror; "but
-I want no assistance;" and so saying, with a dexterous spring the
-conjuror leaped over the heads of two or three staring children, and
-lighted on the nape of the serjeant's gigantic neck; placing his
-forefingers behind each of the soldier's ears, he threatened to slit
-them immediately if he were not quiet. The serjeant's companion, of
-course, came to his rescue, but Vivian engaged him, and attempted to
-arrange matters. "My friends, surely a gay word at a fair is not to meet
-with military punishment! What is the use of living in the free city of
-Frankfort, or, indeed, in any other city, if jokes are to be answered
-with oaths, and a light laugh met with a heavy blow? Avoid bloodshed, if
-possible, but stand by the conjuror. His business is jibes and jests,
-and this is the first time that I ever saw Merry Andrew arrested. Come,
-my good fellows!" said he to the soldiers, "we had better be off; men so
-important as you and I should not be spectators of these mummeries." The
-Austrians, who understood Vivian's compliment literally, were not sorry
-to make a dignified retreat; particularly as the mob, encouraged by
-Vivian's interference, began to show fight. Vivian also took his
-departure as soon as he could possibly steal off unnoticed; but not
-before he had been thanked by the conjuror.
-
-"I knew there was gentle blood under that cloak. If you like to see the
-Mystery of the Crucifixion, with the Resurrection, and real fireworks,
-it begins at eight o'clock, and you shall be admitted gratis. I knew
-there was gentle blood under that cloak, and some day or other, when
-your Highness is in distress, you shall not want the aid of
-ESSPER GEORGE!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-
-It was late in the evening when a britzska stopped at the post-house at
-Coblentz. The passage-boat from Bingen had just arrived; and a portly
-judge from the Danube, a tall, gaunt Prussian officer, a sketching
-English artist, two University students, and some cloth-merchants,
-returning from Frankfort fair, were busily occupied at a long table in
-the centre of the room, at an ample banquet, in which sour-crout,
-cherry-soup, and savoury sausages were not wanting. So keen were the
-appetites of these worthies, that the entrance of the new comers, who
-seated themselves at a small table in the corner of the room, was
-scarcely noticed; and for half-an-hour nothing was heard but the sound
-of crashing jaws and of rattling knives and forks. How singular is the
-sight of a dozen hungry individuals intent upon their prey! What a noisy
-silence! A human voice was at length heard. It proceeded from the fat
-judge; a man at once convivial, dignified, and economical: he had not
-spoken for two minutes before his character was evident to every person
-in the room, although he flattered himself that his secret purpose was
-concealed from all. Tired with the thin Moselle gratuitously allowed to
-the table, the judge wished to comfort himself with a glass of more
-generous liquor; aware of the price of a bottle of good Rudesheimer, he
-was desirous of forming a copartnership with one or two gentlemen in the
-venture; still more aware of his exalted situation, he felt it did not
-become him to appear in the eyes of any one as an unsuccessful
-suppliant.
-
-"This Moselle is very thin," observed the judge, shaking his head.
-
-"Very fair table-wine, I think" said the artist, refilling his tumbler,
-and then proceeding with his sketch, which was a rough likeness, in
-black chalk, of the worthy magistrate himself.
-
-"Very good wine, I think," swore the Prussian, taking the bottle. With
-the officer there was certainly no chance.
-
-The cloth-merchants mixed even this thin Moselle with water, and
-therefore they could hardly be looked to as boon companions; and the
-students were alone left. A German student is no flincher at the bottle,
-although he generally drinks beer. These gentry, however, were no great
-favourites with the magistrate, who was a loyal man, of regular habits,
-and no encourager of brawls, duels, and other still more disgraceful
-outrages; to all which abominations, besides drinking beer and chewing
-tobacco, the German student is remarkably addicted; but in the present
-case what was to be done? He offered the nearest a pinch of snuff, as a
-mode of commencing his acquaintance and cultivating his complacency. The
-student dug his thumb into the box, and, with the additional aid of the
-forefinger sweeping out half its contents, growled out something like
-thanks, and then drew up in his seat, as if he had too warmly encouraged
-the impertinent intrusion of a Philistine to whom he had never been
-introduced.
-
-The cloth-merchant, ceasing from sipping his meek liquor, and taking out
-of his pocket a letter, from which he tore off the back, carefully
-commenced collecting with his forefinger the particles of dispersed
-snuff in a small pyramid, which, when formed, was dexterously slided
-into the paper, then folded up and put into his pocket; the prudent
-merchant contenting himself for the moment with the refreshment which
-was afforded to his senses by the truant particles which had remained
-in his nail.
-
-"Waiter, a bottle of Rudesheimer!" bellowed the judge; "and if any
-gentleman or gentlemen would like to join me, they may," he added, in a
-more subdued tone. No one answered, and the bottle was put down. The
-judge slowly poured out the bright yellow fluid into a tall bell glass,
-adorned with a beautiful and encircling wreath of vine leaves; he held
-the glass a moment before the lamp, for his eye to dwell with still
-greater advantage on the transparent radiancy of the contents; and then
-deliberately pouring them down his throat, and allowing them to dwell a
-moment on his palate, he uttered an emphatic "bah!" and sucking in his
-breath, leaned back in his chair. The student immediately poured out a
-glass from the same bottle, and drank it off. The judge gave him a look,
-and then blessed himself that, though his boon companion was a brute,
-still he would lessen the expense of the bottle, which nearly amounted
-to a day's pay; and so he again filled his glass, but this was merely to
-secure his fair portion. He saw the student was a rapid drinker; and,
-although he did not like to hurry his own enjoyment, he thought it most
-prudent to keep his glass well stored by his side.
-
-"I hope your Lordships have had a pleasant voyage," exclaimed a man,
-entering the room rapidly as he spoke; and, deliberately walking up to
-the table, he pushed between two of the cloth-merchants, who quietly
-made way; and then placing a small square box before him, immediately
-opened it, and sweeping aside the dishes and glasses which surrounded
-him, began to fill their places with cups, balls, rings, and other
-mysterious-looking matters, which generally accompany a conjuror.
-
-"I hope your Lordships have had a pleasant voyage. I have been thinking
-of you all the day. (Here the cups were arranged.) Next to myself, I am
-interested for my friends. (Here the rice was sprinkled.) I came from
-Fairy-land this morning. (Here the trick was executed.) Will any
-gentleman lend me a handkerchief? Now, sir, tie any knot you choose:
-tighter, tighter, tight as you can, tight as you can: now pull! Why,
-sir, where's your knot?" Here most of the company good-naturedly
-laughed at a trick which had amused them before a hundred times. But
-the dignified judge had no taste for such trivial amusements; and,
-besides, he thought that all this noise spoilt the pleasure of his wine,
-and prevented him from catching the flavour of his Rudesheimer.
-Moreover, the Judge was not in a very good humour. The student appeared
-to have little idea of the rules and regulations of a fair partnership:
-for not only did he not regulate his draughts by the moderate example of
-his bottle companion, but actually filled the glass of his University
-friend, and even offered the precious green flask to his neighbour, the
-cloth-merchant. That humble individual modestly refused the proffer. The
-unexpected circumstance of having his health drank by a stranger seemed
-alone to have produced a great impression upon him; and adding a little
-more water to his already diluted potation, he bowed reverently to the
-student, who, in return, did not notice him. All these little
-circumstances prevented the judge from laughing at the performances of
-our friend Essper George; for we need hardly mention that the conjuror
-was no other. His ill-humour did not escape the lord of the cups and
-balls, who, as was his custom, immediately began to torment him.
-
-"Will you choose a card?" asked the magician of the judge, with a most
-humble look.
-
-"No, sir!"
-
-Essper George looked very penitent, as if he felt he had taken a great
-liberty by his application; and so, to compensate for his incorrect
-behaviour, he asked the magistrate whether he would have the goodness to
-lend him his watch. The judge was irate, and determined to give the
-intruder a set down.
-
-"I am not one of those who can be amused by tricks that his grandfather
-knew."
-
-"Grandfather!" shrieked Essper; "what a wonderful grandfather yours must
-have been! All my tricks are fresh from Fairyland this morning.
-Grandfather, indeed! Pray, is this your grandfather?" and here the
-conjuror, leaning over the table, with a rapid catch drew out from the
-fat paunch of the judge a long grinning wooden figure, with great
-staring eyes, and the parrot nose of a pulcinello. The laugh which
-followed this sleight-of-hand was loud, long, and universal. The judge
-lost his temper; and Essper George took the opportunity of the confusion
-to drink off the glass of Rudesheimer which stood, as we have
-mentioned, ready charged, at the magistrate's elbow.
-
-The waiter now went round to collect the money of the various guests who
-had partaken of the boat-supper; and, of course, charged the judge extra
-for his ordered bottle, bowing at the same time very low, as was proper
-to so good a customer. These little attentions at inns encourage
-expenditure. The judge tried at the same time the bottle, which he found
-empty, and applied to his two boon companions for their quota; but the
-students affected a sort of brutal surprise at any one having the
-impudence to imagine that they were going to pay their proportion; and
-flinging down the money for their own supper on the table, they retired.
-The magistrate, calling loudly for the landlord, followed them out
-of the room.
-
-Essper George stood moralising at the table, and emptying every glass
-whose contents were not utterly drained, with the exception of the
-tumblers of the cloth-merchants, of whose liquor he did not approve.
-
-"Poor man! to get only one glass out of his own bottle! Ay! call for M.
-Maas; threaten as you will. Your grandfather will not help you here.
-Blood out of a wall and money out of a student come the same day. Ah! is
-your Excellency here?" said Essper, turning round to our two travellers
-with affected surprise, although he had observed them the whole time.
-"Is your Excellency here? I have been looking for you through Frankfort
-this whole morning. There! it will do for your glass. It is of chamois
-leather, and I made it myself, from a beast I caught last summer in the
-valley of the Rhone." So saying, he threw over Vivian's neck a neat
-chain, or cord, of curiously-worked leather.
-
-"Who the devil is this, Grey?" asked the Baron.
-
-"A funny knave, whom I once saved from a thrashing, or something of the
-kind, which I do him the justice to say he well deserved."
-
-"Who the devil is this?" said Essper George. "Why, that is exactly the
-same question I myself asked when I saw a tall, pompous, proud fellow,
-dressed like a peacock on a May morning, standing at the door just now.
-He looked as if he would pass himself off for an ambassador at least;
-but I told him that if he got his wages paid he was luckier than most
-servants. Was I right, your Excellency?"
-
-"Poor Ernstorff!" said the Baron, laughing. "Yes; _he_ certainly gets
-paid. Here, you are a clever varlet; fill your glass."
-
-"No; no wine. Don't you hear the brawling, and nearly the bloodshed,
-which are going on upstairs about a sour bottle of Rudesheimer? and here
-I see two gentles who have ordered the best wine merely to show that
-they are masters and not servants of the green peacock, and lo! cannot
-get through a glass. Lord! lord! what is man? If my fat friend and his
-grandfather would but come down stairs again, here is liquor enough to
-make wine and water of the Danube; for he comes from thence by his
-accent. No, I'll have none of your wine; keep it to throw on the sandy
-floor, that the dust may not hurt your delicate shoes, nor dirt the hand
-of the gentleman in green and gold when he cleans them for you in
-the morning."
-
-Here the Baron laughed again, and, as he bore his impertinence, Essper
-George immediately became polite.
-
-"Does your Highness go to Ems?"
-
-"We hardly know, my friend."
-
-"Oh! go there, gentlemen. I have tried them all; Aix-la-Chapelle, Spa,
-Wiesbaden, Carlsbad, Pyrmont, every one of them; but what are these to
-Ems? There we all live in the same house and eat from the same table.
-When there I feel that you are all under my protection; I consider you
-all as my children. Besides, the country, how delightful! the mountains,
-the valleys, the river, the woods, and then the company so select! No
-sharpers, no adventurers, no blacklegs: at Ems you can be taken in by no
-one except your intimate friend. To Ems, by all means. I would advise
-you, however, to send the gentleman in the cocked hat on before you to
-engage rooms; for I can assure you that you will have a hard chance. The
-baths are very full."
-
-"And how do you get there, Essper?" asked Vivian.
-
-"Those are subjects on which I never speak," answered the conjuror, with
-a solemn air.
-
-"But have you all your stock-in-trade with you, my good fellow? Where is
-the Mystery?"
-
-"Sold, sir; sold! I never keep to anything long. Variety is the mother
-of Enjoyment. At Ems I shall not be a conjuror: but I never part with my
-box. It takes no more room than one of those medicine chests, which I
-dare say you have got with you in your carriage, to prop up your couple
-of shattered constitutions."
-
-"By Jove! you are a merry, impudent fellow," said the Baron; "and if
-you like to get up behind my britzska, you may."
-
-"No; I carry my own box and my own body, and I shall be at Ems to-morrow
-in time enough to receive your Lordships."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-
-In a delightful valley of Nassau, formed by the picturesque windings of
-the Taunus Mountains, and on the banks of the noisy river Lahn, stands a
-vast brick pile, of irregular architecture, which nearly covers an acre
-of ground. This building was formerly a favourite palace of the ducal
-house of Nassau; but the present Prince has thought proper to let out
-the former residence of his family as an hotel for the accommodation of
-the company, who in the season frequent this, the most lovely spot in
-his lovely little duchy. This extensive building contains two hundred
-and thirty rooms and eighty baths; and these apartments, which are under
-the management of an official agent, who lives in the "Princely Bathing
-House," for such is its present dignified title, are to be engaged at
-fixed prices, which are marked over the doors. All the rooms in the
-upper story of the Princely Bathing House open on, or are almost
-immediately connected with, a long corridor, which extends the whole
-length of the building. The ground-floor, besides the space occupied by
-the baths, also affords a spacious promenade, arched with stone, and
-surrounded with stalls, behind which are marshalled vendors of all the
-possible articles which can be required by the necessities of the
-frequenters of a watering-place. There you are greeted by the jeweller
-of the Palais Royal and the marchande de mode of the Rue de la Paix; the
-print-seller from Mannheim and the china-dealer from Dresden; and other
-small speculators in the various fancy articles which abound in Vienna,
-Berlin, Geneva, Basle, Strasburg, and Lausanne; such as pipes, costumes
-of Swiss peasantry, crosses of Mont Blanc crystal, and all varieties of
-national bijouterie. All things may here be sold, save those which
-administer to the nourishment of the body or the pleasure of the palate.
-Let not those of my readers who have already planned a trip to the sweet
-vales of the Taunus be frightened by this last sentence. At Ems
-"eatables and drinkables" are excellent and abounding; but they are
-solely supplied by the restaurateur, who farms the monopoly from the
-Duke. This gentleman, who is a pupil of Beauvillier's, and who has
-conceived an exquisite cuisine, by adding to the lighter graces of
-French cookery something of the more solid virtues of the German,
-presides in a saloon of vast size and magnificent decoration, in which,
-during the season, upwards of three hundred persons frequent the table
-d'hote. It is the etiquette at Ems that, however distinguished or
-however humble the rank of the visitors, their fare and their treatment
-must be alike. In one of the most aristocratic countries in the word the
-sovereign prince and his tradesman subject may be found seated in the
-morning at the same board, and eating from the same dish, as in the
-evening they may be seen staking on the same colour at the gaming-table,
-and sharing in the same interest at the Redoute.
-
-The situation of Ems is delightful. The mountains which form the valley
-are not, as in Switzerland, so elevated that they confine the air or
-seem to impede the facility of breathing. In their fantastic forms the
-picturesque is not lost in the monotonous, and in the rich covering of
-their various woods the admiring eye finds at the same time beauty and
-repose. Opposite the ancient palace, on the banks of the Lahn, are the
-gardens. In these, in a pavilion, a band of musicians seldom cease from
-enchanting the visitors by their execution of the most favourite
-specimens of German and Italian music. Numberless acacia arbours and
-retired sylvan seats are here to be found, where the student or the
-contemplative may seek refuge from the noise of his more gay companions,
-and the tedium of eternal conversation. In these gardens, also, are the
-billiard-room, and another saloon, in which each night meet, not merely
-those who are interested in the mysteries of rouge et noir, and the
-chances of roulette, but, in general, the whole of the company, male and
-female, who are frequenting the baths. In quitting the gardens for a
-moment, we must not omit mentioning the interesting booth of our friend,
-the restaurateur, where coffee, clear and hot, and exquisite
-confectionery, are never wanting. Nor should we forget the glittering
-pennons of the gay boats which glide along the Lahn; nor the handsome
-donkeys, who, with their white saddles and red bridles, seem not
-unworthy of the princesses whom they sometimes bear. The gardens, with
-an alley of limetrees, which are farther on, near the banks of the
-river, afford easy promenades to the sick and debilitated; but the more
-robust and active need not fear monotony in the valley of the Lahn. If
-they sigh for the champaign country, they can climb the wild passes of
-the encircling mountains, and from their tops enjoy the most magnificent
-views of the Rhineland. There they may gaze on that mighty river,
-flowing through the prolific plain which at the same time it nourishes
-and adorns, bounded on each side by mountains of every form, clothed
-with wood or crowned with castles. Or, if they fear the fatigues of the
-ascent, they may wander farther up the valley, and in the wild dells,
-romantic forests, and grey ruins of Stein and Nassau, conjure up the old
-times of feudal tyranny when the forest was the only free land, and he
-who outraged the laws the only one who did not suffer from their
-authority.
-
-Besides the Princely Bathing House, I must mention that there was
-another old and extensive building near it, which, in very full seasons,
-also accommodated visitors on the same system as the palace. At present,
-this adjoining building was solely occupied by a Russian Grand Duke, who
-had engaged it for the season.
-
-Such is a slight description of Ems, a place almost of unique character;
-for it is a watering-place with every convenience, luxury, and
-accommodation; and yet without shops, streets, or houses.
-
-The Baron and Vivian were fortunate in finding rooms, for the Baths were
-very full; the extraordinary beauty of the weather having occasioned a
-very early season. They found themselves at the baths early on the
-morning after their arrival at Coblentz, and at three o'clock in the
-same day had taken their places at the dinner table in the great saloon.
-At the long table upwards of two hundred and fifty guests were
-assembled, of different nations, and of very different characters. There
-was the cunning, intriguing Greek, who served well his imperial master
-the Russian. The order of the patron saint of Moscow, and the glittering
-stars of other nations which sparkled on his green uniform, told how
-well he had laboured for the interest of all other countries except his
-own; but his clear, pale complexion, his delicately trimmed mustachio,
-his lofty forehead, his arched eyebrow, and his Eastern eye, recalled to
-the traveller, in spite of his barbarian trappings, the fine
-countenances of the Aegean, and became a form which apparently might
-have struggled in Thermopylae. Next to him was the Austrian diplomatist,
-the Sosia of all cabinets, in whose gay address and rattling
-conversation you could hardly recognise the sophistical defender of
-unauthorised invasion, and the subtle inventor of Holy Alliances and
-Imperial Leagues. Then came the rich usurer from Frankfort or the
-prosperous merchant from Hamburgh, who, with his wife and daughters,
-were seeking some recreation from his flourishing counting-house in the
-sylvan gaieties of a German bathing-place. Flirting with these was an
-adventurous dancing-master from Paris, whose profession at present was
-kept in the background, and whose well-curled black hair, diamond pin,
-and frogged coat hinted at the magnifico incog, and also enabled him, if
-he did not choose in time to follow his own profession, to pursue
-another one, which he had also studied, in the profitable mystery of the
-Redoute. There were many other individuals, whose commonplace appearance
-did not reveal a character which perhaps they did not possess. There
-were officers in all uniforms, and there were some uniforms without
-officers. But all looked perfectly comme il faut, and on the whole very
-select; and if the great persons endeavoured for a moment to forget
-their dignity, still these slight improprieties were amply made up by
-the affected dignity of those little persons who had none to forget.
-
-"And how like you the baths of Ems?" the Baron asked of Vivian, "We
-shall get better seats to-morrow, and perhaps be among those whom you
-shall know. I see many friends and some agreeable ones. In the meantime,
-you must make a good dinner to-day, and I will amuse you, and assist
-your digestion, by putting you up to some of the characters with whom
-you are dining."
-
-At this moment a party entered the room, who were rather late in their
-appearance, but who attracted the attention of Vivian. The group
-consisted of three persons; a very good-looking young man, who supported
-on each arm a female. The lady on his right arm was apparently of about
-five-and-twenty years of age. She was of majestic stature; her
-complexion of untinged purity. Her features were like those conceptions
-of Grecian sculptors which, in moments of despondency, we sometimes
-believe to be ideal. Her full eyes were of the same deep blue as the
-mountain lake, and gleamed from under their long lashes as that purest
-of waters beneath its fringing sedge. Her brown light hair was braided
-from her high forehead, and hung in long full curls over her neck; the
-mass gathered up into a Grecian knot, and confined by a bandeau of
-cameos. She wore a dress of black velvet, whose folding drapery was
-confined round a waist which was in exact symmetry with the proportions
-of her full bust and the polished roundness of her bending neck. The
-countenance of the lady was dignified, without any expression of pride,
-and reserved, without any of the harshness of austerity. In gazing on
-her the enraptured spectator for a moment believed that Minerva had
-forgotten her severity, and had entered into a delightful rivalry
-with Venus.
-
-Her companion was much younger, not so tall, and of slender form. The
-long tresses of her chestnut hair shaded her oval face. Her small,
-aquiline nose, bright hazel eyes, delicate mouth, and the deep colour of
-her lips, were as remarkable as the transparency of her complexion. The
-flush of her cheek was singular; it was of a brilliant pink: you may
-find it in the lip of an Indian shell. The blue veins played beneath her
-arched forehead, like lightning beneath a rainbow. She was dressed in
-white, and a damask rose, half hid in her clustering hair, was her only
-ornament. This lovely creature glided by Vivian Grey almost unnoticed,
-so fixed was his gaze on her companion. Yet, magnificent as was the
-style of Lady Madeleine Trevor, there were few who preferred even her
-commanding graces to the softer beauties of Violet Fane.
-
-This party, having passed Vivian, proceeded to the top of the room,
-where places had been kept for them. Vivian's eye watched them till they
-were lost among surrounding visitors: their peculiar loveliness could
-not deceive him.
-
-"English, no doubt," observed he to the Baron; "who can they be?"
-
-"I have not the least idea; that is, I do not exactly know. I think they
-are English," answered the Baron, in so confused a manner that Vivian
-rather stared. After musing a moment, the Baron recovered himself.
-
-"The unexpected sight of a face we feel that we know, and yet cannot
-immediately recognise, is extremely annoying; it is almost agitating.
-They are English. The lady in black is Lady Madeleine Trevor; I knew her
-in London."
-
-"And the gentleman?" asked Vivian: "is the gentleman Mr. Trevor?"
-
-"No; Trevor, poor Trevor, is dead, I think; is, I am sure, dead. That, I
-am confident, is not he. He was of the ---- family, and was in office
-when I was in England. It was in my diplomatic capacity that I first
-became acquainted with him. Lady Madeleine was, and, as you see, is, a
-charming woman; a very charming woman is Lady Madeleine Trevor."
-
-"And the young lady with her?"
-
-"And the young lady with her, I cannot exactly say; I do not exactly
-know. Her face is familiar to me, and yet I cannot remember her name.
-She must have been very young, as you may see, when I was in England;
-she cannot now be above eighteen. Miss Fane must therefore have been
-very young when I was in England, Miss Fane; how singular I should have
-recalled her name! that is her name, Violet Fane, a cousin, or some
-relation, of Lady Madeleine: good family. Will you have some soup?"
-
-Whether it were from not being among his friends, or some other cause,
-the Baron was certainly not in his usual spirits this day at dinner.
-Conversation, which with him was generally as easy as it was brilliant,
-like a fountain at the same time sparkling and fluent, was evidently
-constrained. For a few minutes he talked very fast, and was then
-uncommunicative, absent, and dull. He, moreover, drank a great deal of
-wine, which was not his custom; but the grape did not inspire him.
-Vivian found amusement in his next neighbour, a forward, bustling man,
-clever in his talk, very fine, but rather vulgar. He was the manager of
-a company of Austrian actors, and had come to Ems on the chance of
-forming an engagement for his troop, who generally performed at Vienna,
-He had been successful in his adventure, the Archduke having engaged the
-whole band at the New House, and in a few days the troop were to arrive;
-at which time the manager was to drop the character of a travelling
-gentleman, and cease to dine at the table d'hote of Ems. From this man
-Vivian learnt that Lady Madeleine Trevor had been at the Baths for some
-time before the season commenced: that at present hers was the party
-which, from its long stay and eminent rank, gave the tone to the
-amusements of the place; the influential circle which those who have
-frequented watering-places have often observed, and which may be seen at
-Ems, Spa, or Pyrmont, equally as at Harrowgate, Tunbridge Wells, or
-Cheltenham.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-
-When dinner was finished the party broke up, and most of them assembled
-in the gardens. The Baron, whose countenance had assumed its wonted
-cheerfulness, and who excused his previous dulness by the usual story of
-a sudden headache, proposed to Vivian to join the promenade. The gardens
-were very full, and the Baron recognised many of his acquaintance.
-
-"My dear Colonel, who possibly expected to meet you here? Why! did you
-dine in the saloon? I only arrived this morning. This is my friend, Mr.
-Grey; Colonel von Trumpetson."
-
-"An Englishman, I believe?" said the Colonel, bowing. He was a starch
-militaire, with a blue frock coat buttoned up to his chin, a bald head
-with a few grey hairs, and long, thin mustachios like a mandarin's. "An
-Englishman, I believe; pray, sir, will you inform me whether the
-household troops in England wear the Marboeuf cuirass?"
-
-"Sir!" said Vivian.
-
-"I esteem myself particularly fortunate in thus meeting with an English
-gentleman. It was only at dinner to-day that a controversy arose between
-Major von Musquetoon and the Prince of Buttonstein on this point. As I
-said to the Prince, you may argue for ever, for at present we cannot
-decide the fact. How little did I think when I parted from the Major
-that in a few minutes I should be able to settle the question beyond a
-doubt. I esteem myself particularly fortunate in meeting with an
-Englishman."
-
-"I regret to say, Colonel, that the question is one that I cannot
-decide."
-
-"Sir, I wish you good morning," said the Colonel, very drily; and,
-staring keenly at Vivian, he walked away.
-
-"He is good enough to fight, I suppose," said the Baron, with a smile
-and shrug of the shoulders, which seemed to return thanks to Providence
-for having been educated in the civil service.
-
-At this moment Lady Madeleine Trevor, leaning on the arm of the same
-gentleman, passed, and the Baron bowed. The bow was coldly returned.
-
-"You know her Ladyship, then! well!"
-
-"I did know her," said the Baron; "but I see from her bow that I am at
-present in no very high favour. The truth is, she is a charming woman,
-but I never expected to see her in Germany, and there was some little
-commission of hers which I neglected, some little order for Eau de
-Cologne, or a message about a worked pocket-handkerchief, which I
-utterly forgot: and then, I never wrote! and you know. Grey, that these
-little sins of omission are never forgiven by women."
-
-"My dear friend, De Konigstein, one pinch! one pinch!" chirped out a
-little old odd-looking man, with a poudre head, and dressed in a costume
-in which the glories of the vieille cour seemed to retire with
-reluctance. A diamond ring twinkled on the snuffy hand, which was
-encircled by a rich ruffle of dirty lace. The brown coat was not
-modern, and yet not quite such an one as was worn by its master when he
-went to see the King dine in public at Versailles before the Revolution:
-large silver buckles still adorned the well-polished shoes; and silk
-stockings, whose hue was originally black, were picked out with
-clock-work of gold.
-
-"My dear Marquis, I am most happy to see you; will you try the
-boulangero?"
-
-"With pleasure! A-a-h! what a box! a Louis-Quatorze, I think?"
-
-"Oh, no! by no means so old."
-
-"Pardon me, my dear De Konigstein; I think a Louis-Quatorze."
-
-"I bought it in Sicily."
-
-"A-a-h!" slowly exclaimed the little man, shaking his head.
-
-"Well, good afternoon," said the Baron, passing on.
-
-"My dear De Konigstein, one pinch; you have often said you have a
-particular regard for me."
-
-"My dear Marquis!"
-
-"A-a-h! I thought so; you have often said you would serve me, if
-possible."
-
-"My dear Marquis, be brief."
-
-"A-a-h! I will. There's a cursed crusty old Prussian officer here; one
-Colonel de Trumpetson."
-
-"Well, what can I do? you are surely not going to fight him!"
-
-"A-a-h! no, no; I wish you to speak to him."
-
-"Well, what?"
-
-"He takes snuff."
-
-"What is that to me?"
-
-"He has got a box."
-
-"Well!"
-
-"It is a Louis-Quatorze; could not you get it for me?"
-
-"Good morning to you," said the Baron, pulling on Vivian.
-
-"You have had the pleasure, Grey, of meeting this afternoon two men who
-have each only one idea. Colonel von Trumpetson and the Marquis de la
-Tabatiere are equally tiresome. But are they more tiresome than any
-other man who always speaks on the same subject? We are more irritable,
-but not more wearied, with a man who is always thinking of the pattern
-of a button-hole, or the shape of a snuff-box, than with one who is
-always talking about pictures, or chemistry, or politics. The true bore
-is that man who thinks the world is only interested in one subject,
-because he himself can only comprehend one."
-
-Here Lady Madeleine passed again, and this time the Baron's eyes were
-fixed on the ground.
-
-A buzz and a bustle at the other end of the gardens, to which the Baron
-and Vivian were advancing, announced the entry of the Grand Duke. His
-Imperial Highness was a tall man, with a quick, piercing eye, which was
-prevented from giving to his countenance the expression of intellect,
-which it otherwise would have done, by the dull and almost brutal effect
-of his flat, Calmuck nose. He was dressed in a plain green uniform,
-adorned by a single star; but his tightened waist, his stiff stock, and
-the elaborate attention which had evidently been bestowed upon his
-mustachio, denoted the military fop. The Grand Duke was accompanied by
-three or four stiff and stately-looking personages, in whom the severity
-of the martinet seemed sunk in the servility of the aide-de-camp.
-
-The Baron bowed very low to the Prince as he drew near, and his
-Highness, taking off his cocked-hat with an appearance of cordial
-condescension, made a full stop. The silent gentlemen in the rear, who
-had not anticipated this suspense in their promenade, almost foundered
-on the heels of their royal master; and, frightened at the imminency of
-the profanation, forgot their stiff pomp in a precipitate retreat of
-half a yard.
-
-"Baron," said his Highness, "why have I not seen you at the New House?"
-
-"I have but this moment arrived, may it please your Imperial Highness."
-
-"Your companion," continued the Grand Duke, pointing very graciously to
-Vivian.
-
-"My intimate friend, my fellow-traveller, and an Englishman. May I have
-the honour of presenting Mr. Grey to your Imperial Highness?"
-
-"Any friends of the Baron von Konigstein I shall always feel great
-pleasure in having presented to me. Sir, I feel great pleasure in having
-you presented to me. Sir, you ought to be proud of the name of
-Englishman; sir, the English are a noble nation; sir, I have the highest
-respect for the English nation!"
-
-Vivian of course bowed very low; and of course made a very proper speech
-on the occasion, which, as all speeches of that kind should be, was very
-dutiful and quite inaudible.
-
-"And what news from Berlin, Baron? let us move on," and the Baron turned
-with the Grand Duke. The silent gentlemen, settling their mustachios,
-followed in the rear. For about half an hour, anecdote after anecdote,
-scene after scene, caricature after caricature, were poured out with
-prodigal expenditure for the amusement of the Prince, who did nothing
-during the exhibition but smile, stroke his whiskers, and at the end of
-the best stories fence with his forefinger at the Baron's side, with a
-gentle laugh, and a mock shake of the head, and a "Eh! Von Konigstein,
-you're too bad!" Here Lady Madeleine Trevor passed again, and the Grand
-Duke's hat nearly touched the ground. He received a most gracious bow.
-
-"Finish the story about Salvinski, Baron, and then I will present you
-for a reward to the most lovely creature in existence, a countrywoman of
-your friend, Lady Madeleine Trevor."
-
-"I have the honour of a slight acquaintance with her," said the Baron;
-"I had the pleasure of knowing her in England."
-
-"Indeed! Fortunate mortal! I see she has stopped, talking to some
-stranger. Let us turn and join her."
-
-The Grand Duke and the two friends accordingly turned, and of course the
-silent gentlemen in the rear followed with due precision.
-
-"Lady Madeleine!" said the Grand Duke, "I flattered myself for a moment
-that I might have had the honour of presenting to you a gentleman for
-whom I have a great esteem; but he has proved to me that he is more
-fortunate than myself, since he had the honour before me of an
-acquaintance with Lady Madeleine Trevor."
-
-"I have not forgotten Baron von Konigstein," said her ladyship, with a
-serious air. "May I ask his Highness how he prospered in his negotiation
-with the Austrian troop?"
-
-"Perfectly successful! Inspired by your Ladyship's approbation, my
-steward has really done wonders. He almost deserves a diplomatic
-appointment for the talent which he has shown; but what should I do
-without Cracowsky? Lady Madeleine, can you conceive what I should do
-without Cracowsky?"
-
-"Not in the least."
-
-"Cracowsky is everything to me. It is impossible to say what Cracowsky
-is to me. I owe everything to Cracowsky. To Cracowsky I owe being here."
-The Grand Duke bowed very low, for this eulogium on his steward also
-conveyed a compliment to her Ladyship. The Grand Duke was certainly
-right in believing that he owed his summer excursion to Ems to his
-steward. That wily Pole regularly every year put his Imperial master's
-summer excursion up to auction, and according to the biddings of the
-proprietors of the chief baths did he take care that his master
-regulated his visit. The restaurateur of Ems, in collusion with the
-official agent of the Duke of Nassau, were fortunate this season in
-having the Grand Duke knocked down to them.
-
-"May I flatter myself that Miss Fane feels herself better?" asked the
-Grand Duke.
-
-"She certainly does feel herself better, but my anxiety about her does
-not decrease. In her illness apparent convalescence is sometimes as
-alarming as suffering."
-
-The Grand Duke continued by the side of Lady Madeleine for about twenty
-minutes, seizing every opportunity of uttering, in the most courtly
-tone, inane compliments; and then trusting that he might soon have her
-Ladyship's opinion respecting the Austrian troop at the New House, and
-that Von Konigstein and his English friend would not delay letting him
-see them there, his Imperial Highness, followed by his silent suite,
-left the gardens.
-
-"I am afraid Lady Madeleine must have almost mistaken me for a taciturn
-lord chamberlain," said the Baron, occupying immediately the Grand
-Duke's vacated side.
-
-"Baron von Konigstein must be very changed if silence be imputed to him
-as a fault," said Lady Madeleine.
-
-"Baron von Konigstein is very much changed since last he had the
-pleasure of conversing with Lady Madeleine Trevor; more changed than she
-will perhaps believe; more changed than he can sometimes himself
-believe. I hope that he will not be less acceptable to Lady Madeleine
-Trevor because he is no longer rash, passionate, and unthinking; because
-he has learnt to live more for others and less for himself."
-
-"Baron von Konigstein does indeed appear changed, since, by his own
-account, he has become, in a very few years, a being in whose existence
-philosophers scarcely believe, a perfect man."
-
-"My self-conceit has been so often reproved by you, that I will not
-apologise for a quality which I almost flattered myself I no longer
-possessed; but you will excuse, I am sure, one who, in zealous haste to
-prove himself amended, has, I fear, almost shown that he has
-deceived himself."
-
-Some strange thoughts occurred to Vivian while this conversation was
-taking place. "Is this a woman to resent the neglect of an order for Eau
-de Cologne? My dear Von Konigstein, you are a very pleasant fellow, but
-this is not the way men apologise for the non-purchase of a
-pocket-handkerchief!"
-
-"Have you been long at Ems?" inquired the Baron, with an air of great
-deference.
-
-"Nearly a month: we are travelling in consequence of the ill-health of a
-relation. It was our intention to have gone on to Pisa, but our
-physician, in consequence of the extreme heat of the summer, is afraid
-of the fatigue of travelling, and has recommended Ems. The air between
-these mountains is very soft and pure, and I have no reason to regret at
-present that we have not advanced farther on our journey."
-
-"The lady who was with your party at dinner is, I fear, your invalid.
-She certainly does not look like one. I think," said the Baron, with an
-effort, "I think that her face is not unknown to me. It is difficult,
-even after so many years, to mistake Miss--"
-
-"Fane," said Lady Madeleine, firmly; for it seemed that the Baron
-required a little assistance at the end of his sentence.
-
-"Ems," returned his Excellency, with great rapidity of utterance, "Ems
-is a charming place, at least to me. I have, within these few years,
-quite recurred to the feelings of my boyhood; nothing to me is more
-disgustingly wearisome than the gay bustle of a city. My present
-diplomatic appointment at Frankfort ensures a constant life among the
-most charming scenes of nature. Naples, which was offered to me, I
-refused. Eight years ago, I should have thought an appointment at Naples
-a Paradise on earth."
-
-"You must indeed be changed."
-
-"How beautiful is the vicinity of the Rhine! I have passed within these
-three days, for almost the twentieth time in my life, through the
-Rheingau; and yet how fresh, and lovely, and novel, seemed all its
-various beauties! My young travelling companion is enthusiastic about
-this gem of Germany. He is one of your Ladyship's countrymen. Might I
-take the liberty of presenting to you Mr. Grey?"
-
-Lady Madeleine, as if it could now no longer be postponed, introduced to
-the two gentlemen her brother, Mr. St. George. This gentleman, who,
-during the whole previous conversation, had kept his head in a
-horizontal position, looking neither to the right nor to the left, and
-apparently unconscious that any one was conversing with his sister,
-because, according to the English custom, he was not introduced, now
-suddenly turned around, and welcomed his acquaintance with cordiality.
-
-"Mr. Grey," asked her Ladyship, "are you of Dorsetshire?"
-
-"My mother is a Dorsetshire woman; her family name is Vivian, which name
-I also bear."
-
-"Then I think we are longer acquainted than we have been introduced. I
-met your father at Sir Hargrave Vivian's last Christmas. He spoke of you
-in those terms that make me glad that I have met his son. You have been
-long from England, I think?"
-
-"Nearly a year and a half."
-
-The Baron had resigned his place by Lady Madeleine, and was already in
-close conversation with Mr. St. George, from whose arm Lady Madeleine's
-was disengaged. No one acted the part of Asmodeus with greater spirit
-than his Excellency; and the secret history of every person whose secret
-history could be amusing delighted Mr. St. George.
-
-"There," said the Baron, "goes the son of an unknown father; his mother
-followed the camp, and her offspring was early initiated in the
-mysteries of military petty larceny. As he grew up he became the most
-skilful plunderer that ever rifled the dying of both sides. Before he
-was twenty he followed the army as a petty chapman, and amassed an
-excellent fortune by re-acquiring after a battle the very goods and
-trinkets which he had sold at an immense price before it. Such a wretch
-could do nothing but prosper, and in due tune the sutler's brat became a
-commissary-general. He made millions in a period of general starvation,
-and cleared at least a hundred thousand dollars by embezzling the shoe
-leather during a retreat. He is now a baron, covered with orders, and
-his daughters are married to some of our first nobles. There goes a
-Polish Count who is one of the greatest gamblers in Christendom. In the
-same season he lost to a Russian general, at one game of chess, his
-chief castle and sixteen thousand acres of woodland; and recovered
-himself on another game, on which he won of a Turkish Pasha one hundred
-and eighty thousand leopard skins. The Turk, who was a man of strict
-honour, paid the Count by embezzling the tribute in kind of the province
-he governed; and as on quarter-day he could not, of course, make up his
-accounts with the Divan, he joined the Greeks."
-
-While the Baron was entertaining Mr. St. George, the conversation
-between Lady Madeleine and Vivian proceeded.
-
-"Your father expressed great disappointment to me at his being prevented
-paying you a visit. Do you not long to see him?"
-
-"More than I can express. Did you think him in good spirits?"
-
-"Generally so: as cheerful as all fathers can be without their only
-son."
-
-"Did he complain, then, of my absence?"
-
-"He regretted it."
-
-"I linger in Germany with the hope of seeing him; otherwise I should
-have now been much further south. Do you find Sir Hargrave as amusing
-as ever?"
-
-"When is he otherwise than the most delightful of old men? Sir Hargrave
-is one of my great favourites. I should like to persuade you to return
-and see them all. Cannot you fancy Chester Grange very beautiful now?
-Albert!" said her Ladyship, turning to her brother, "what is the number
-of our apartments? Mr. Grey, the sun has now disappeared, and I fear the
-night air among these mountains. We have hardly yet summer nights,
-though we certainly have summer days. We shall be happy to see you at
-our rooms." So saying, bowing very cordially to Vivian and coldly to the
-Baron, Lady Madeleine left the gardens.
-
-"There goes the most delightful woman in the world," said the Baron;
-"how fortunate that you know her! for really, as you might have
-observed, I have no great claims on her indulgent notice. I was
-certainly very wild in England; but then young men, you know, Grey! and
-I did not leave a card, or call, before I went; and the English are
-very stiff and precise about those things; and the Trevors had been very
-kind to me. I think we had better take a little coffee now; and then, if
-you like, we will just stroll into the REDOUTE."
-
-In a brilliantly-illuminated saloon, adorned with Corinthian columns and
-casts from some of the most famous antique statues, assembled, between
-nine and ten o'clock in the evening, many of the visitors at Ems. On
-each side of the room was placed a long narrow table, one of which was
-covered with green baize, and unattended; while the variously-coloured
-leathern surface of the other was closely surrounded by an interested
-crowd. Behind this table stood two individuals of different appearance.
-The first was a short, thick man, whose only business was dealing
-certain portions of playing cards with quick succession one after the
-other: and as the fate of the table was decided by this process, did his
-companion, a very tall, thin man, throw various pieces of money upon
-certain stakes, which were deposited by the bystanders on different
-parts of the table; or, which was much oftener the case, with a silver
-rake with a long ebony handle, sweep into a large inclosure near him the
-scattered sums. This inclosure was called the Bank, and the mysterious
-ceremony in which these persons were assisting was the celebrated game
-of rouge-et-noir. A deep silence was strictly preserved by those who
-immediately surrounded the table; no voice was heard save that of the
-little, short, stout dealer, when, without an expression of the least
-interest, he seemed mechanically to announce the fate of the different
-colours. No other sound was heard, except the jingle of the dollars and
-Napoleons, and the ominous rake of the tall, thin banker. The
-countenances of those who were hazarding their money were grave and
-gloomy: their eyes were fixed, their brows contracted, and their lips
-projected; and yet there was an evident effort visible to show that they
-were both easy and unconcerned. Each player held in his hand a small
-piece of pasteboard, on which, with a steel pricker, he marked, the run
-of the cards, in order, from his observations, to regulate his own play.
-The rouge-et-noir player imagines that chance is not capricious. Those
-who were not interested in the game promenaded in two lines within the
-tables, or, seated in recesses between the pillars, formed small parties
-for conversation.
-
-"I suppose we must throw away a dollar or two," said the Baron, as he
-walked up to the table.
-
-"My dear De Konigstein, one pinch!"
-
-"Ah! Marquess, what fortune to-night?"
-
-"Bad! I have lost my Napoleon: I never risk further. There is that
-cursed crusty old De Trumpet son, persisting, as usual, in his run of
-bad luck; because he never will give in. Trust me, my dear De
-Konigstein, it will end in his ruin; and then, if there be a sale of his
-effects, I shall, perhaps, get his snuff-box; a-a-h!"
-
-"Come, shall I throw down a couple of Napoleons on joint account. I do
-not care much for play myself; but I suppose, at Ems, we must make up
-our minds to lose a few Louis. Here! now, for the red; joint
-account, mind!"
-
-"Done."
-
-"There's the Grand Duke! Let us go and make our bow; we need not stick
-at the table as if our whole soul were staked with our crown-pieces," So
-saying, the gentlemen walked up to the top of the room.
-
-"Why, Grey! Surely no, it cannot be, and yet it is. De Boeffleurs, how
-d'ye do?" said the Baron, with a face beaming with joy and a hearty
-shake of the hand. "My dear fellow, how did you manage to get off so
-soon? I thought you were not to be here for a fortnight: we only arrived
-ourselves to-day."
-
-"Yes; but I have made an arrangement which I did not anticipate; and so
-I posted after you at once. Whom do you think I have brought with me?"
-
-"Who?"
-
-"Salvinski."
-
-"Ah! And the Count?"
-
-"Follows immediately. I expect him to-morrow or next day. Salvinski is
-talking to the Grand Duke; and see, he beckons to me. I suppose I am
-going to be presented."
-
-The Chevalier moved forward, followed by the Baron and Vivian.
-
-"Any friend of Prince Salvinski I shall always have great pleasure in
-having presented to me. Chevalier, I feel great pleasure in having you
-presented to me. Chevalier, you ought to be proud of the name of
-Frenchman. Chevalier, the French are a great nation. Chevalier, I have
-the highest respect for the French nation."
-
-"The most subtile diplomatist," thought Vivian, as he recalled to mind
-his own introduction, "would be puzzled to decide to which interest his
-Imperial Highness leans."
-
-The Grand Duke now entered into conversation with the Prince, and most
-of the circle who surrounded him. As his Imperial Highness was
-addressing Vivian, the Baron let slip our hero's arm, and, taking that
-of the Chevalier de Boeffleurs, began walking up and down the room with
-him, and was soon engaged in animated conversation. In a few minutes the
-Grand Duke, bowing to his circle, made a move, and regained the side of
-a Saxon lady, from whose interesting company he had been disturbed by
-the arrival of Prince Salvinski; an individual of whose long stories and
-dull romances the Grand Duke had, from experience, a particular dread:
-but his Highness was always very courteous to the Poles.
-
-"Grey, I have despatched De Boeffleurs to the house, to instruct his
-servant and Ernstorff to do the impossible, in order that our rooms may
-be all together. You will be delighted with De Boeffleurs when you know
-him, and I expect you to be great friends. By-the-bye, his unexpected
-arrival has quite made us forget our venture at rouge-et-noir. Of course
-we are too late now for anything; even if we had been fortunate, our
-stake, remaining on the table, is, of course, lost: we may as well,
-however, walk up." So saying, the Baron reached the table.
-
-"That is your Excellency's stake! that is your Excellency's stake!"
-exclaimed many voices as he came up.
-
-"What is the matter, my friends?" asked the Baron, calmly.
-
-"There has been a run on the red! there has been a run on the red! and
-your Excellency's stake has doubled each time. It has been 4, 8, 16, 32,
-64, 128, 256, and now it is 512!" quickly rattled a little thin man in
-spectacles, pointing at the same time to his unparalleled line of
-punctures. This was one of those officious, noisy little men who are
-always ready to give you unasked information, and who are never so happy
-as when they are watching over the interest of some stranger, who never
-thanks them for their unnecessary solicitude.
-
-Vivian, in spite of his philosophy, felt the excitement of the moment.
-He looked at the Baron, whose countenance, however, was unmoved.
-
-"It seems," said he, coolly, "we are in luck."
-
-"The stake, then, is not all your own?" eagerly asked the little man in
-spectacles.
-
-"No; part of it is yours, sir," answered the Baron, drily.
-
-"I am going; to deal," said the short, thick man behind. "Is the board
-cleared?"
-
-"Your Excellency, then, allows the stake to remain?" inquired the tall,
-thin banker, with affected nonchalance.
-
-"Oh! certainly," said the Baron, with real nonchalance.
-
-"Three, eight, fourteen, twenty-four, thirty-four. Rouge 34--"
-
-All crowded nearer; the table was surrounded five or six deep, for the
-wonderful run of luck had got wind, and nearly the whole room were round
-the table. Indeed, the Grand Duke and Saxon lady, and of course the
-silent suite, were left alone at the upper part of the room. The tall
-banker did not conceal his agitation. Even the short, stout dealer
-ceased to be a machine. All looked anxious except the Baron. Vivian
-looked at the table; his Excellency watched, with a keen eye, the little
-dealer. No one even breathed as the cards descended. "Ten, twenty (here
-the countenance of the banker brightened), twenty-two, twenty-five,
-twenty-eight, thirty-one; noir 31. The bank's broke: no more play
-tonight. The roulette table opens immediately."
-
-In spite of the great interest which had been excited, nearly the whole
-crowd, without waiting to congratulate the Baron, rushed to the opposite
-side of the room, in order to secure places at the roulette fable.
-
-"Put these five hundred and twelve Napoleons into a bag," said the
-Baron, "Grey, this is your share. With regard to the other half, Mr.
-Hermann, what bills have you got?"
-
-"Two on Gogel of Frankfort for two hundred and fifty each, and these
-twelve Napoleons will make it right," said the tall banker, as he opened
-a large black pocket-book, from which he took out two small bits of
-paper. The Baron examined them, and after having seen them endorsed, put
-them into his pocket, not forgetting the twelve Napoleons; and then
-taking Vivian's arm, and regretting extremely that he should have the
-trouble of carrying such a weight, he wished Mr. Hermann a very good
-night and success at his roulette, and walked with his companion quietly
-home. Thus passed a day at Ems!
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII
-
-
-On the following morning, Vivian met with his friend Essper George,
-behind a small stall in the Bazaar.
-
-"Well, my Lord, what do you wish? Here are Eau de Cologne, violet soap,
-and watch-ribbons; a smelling bottle of Ems crystal; a snuff-box of
-fig-tree wood. Name your price: the least trifle that can be given by a
-man who breaks a bank must be more than my whole stock-in-trade
-is worth.
-
-"I have not paid you yet, Essper, for my glass chain. There is your
-share of my winnings, the fame of which, it seems, has reached even
-you!" added Vivian, with no pleased air.
-
-"I thank you, sir, for the Nap; but I hope I have not offended by
-alluding to a certain event, which shall be passed over in silence,"
-continued Essper George, with a look of mock solemnity. "I really think
-you have but a faint appetite for good fortune. They deserve her most
-who value her least."
-
-"Have you any patrons at Ems, Essper, that have induced you to fix on
-this place in particular for your speculations? Here, I should think,
-you have many active rivals," said Vivian, looking round the
-various stalls.
-
-"I have a patron here who has never deceived, and who will never desert
-me; I want no other; and that's myself. Now here comes a party: could
-you just tell me the name of that tall lady now?"
-
-"If I tell you it is Lady Madeleine Trevor, what will it profit you?"
-
-Before Vivian could well finish his sentence Essper had drawn out a long
-horn from beneath his small counter, and sounded a blast which echoed
-through the arched passages. The attention of every one was excited, and
-no part of the following speech was lost:--
-
-"The celebrated Essper George, fresh from Fairyland, dealer in pomatum
-and all sorts of perfumery, watches, crosses, Ems crystal, coloured
-prints, Dutch toys, Dresden china, Venetian chains, Neapolitan coral,
-French crackers, chamois bracelets, tame poodles, and Cherokee
-corkscrews, mender of mandolins and all other musical instruments, to
-Lady Madeleine Trevor, has just arrived at Ems, where he only intends to
-stay two or three days, and a few more weeks besides. Now, gracious
-lady, what do you wish?"
-
-"And who," said Lady Madeleine, smiling, "is this?"
-
-"The celebrated Essper George, just--" again commenced the conjuror; but
-Vivian prevented the repetition.
-
-"He is an odd knave. Lady Madeleine, that I have met with before, at
-other places, I believe I may add an honest one. What say you, Essper?"
-
-"More honest than moonlight, gracious lady, for that deceives every one;
-and less honest than self-praise, for that deceives no one."
-
-"My friend, you have a ready wit."
-
-"My wit is like a bustling servant, gracious lady; always ready when not
-wanted, and never present at a pinch."
-
-"Come, I must have a pair of your chamois bracelets. How sell you them?"
-
-"I sell nothing; all here is gratis to beauty, virtue, and nobility: and
-these are my only customers."
-
-"Thanks will not supply a stock-in-trade though, Essper," said Vivian.
-
-"Very true! but my customers are apt to leave some slight testimonies
-behind them of the obligations which they are under to me; and these, at
-the same time, are the prop of my estate and the proof of their
-discretion. But who comes here?" said Essper, drawing out his horn. The
-sight of this instrument reminded Lady Madeleine how greatly the effect
-of music is heightened by distance, and she made a speedy retreat,
-yielding her place to a family procession of a striking character.
-
-Three daughters abreast, flanked by two elder sons, formed the first
-file. The father, a portly, prosperous-looking man, followed, with his
-lady on his arm. Then came two nursery maids, with three children,
-between the tender ages of five and six. The second division of the
-grand army, consisting of three younger sons, immediately followed. This
-was commanded by a tutor. A governess and two young daughters then
-advanced; and then came the extreme rear, the sutlers of the camp, in
-the persons of two footmen in rich liveries, who each bore a basket on
-his arm, filled with various fancy articles, which had been all
-purchased during the promenade of this nation through only part of
-the bazaar.
-
-The trumpet of Essper George produced a due effect upon the great party.
-The commander-in-chief stopped at his little stall, and, as if this were
-the signal for general attack and plunder, the files were immediately
-broken up. Each individual dashed at his prey, and the only ones who
-struggled to maintain a semblance of discipline were the nursery maids,
-the tutor, and the governess, who experienced the greatest difficulty in
-suppressing the early taste which the detachment of light infantry
-indicated for booty. But Essper George was in his element: he joked, he
-assisted, he exhibited, he explained; tapped the cheeks of the children
-and complimented the elder ones; and finally, having parted at a
-prodigious profit, with nearly his whole, stock, paid himself out of a
-large and heavy purse, which the portly father, in his utter inability
-to comprehend the complicated accounts and the debased currency, with
-great frankness deposited in the hands of the master of the stall,
-desiring him to settle his own claims.
-
-"I hope I may be allowed to ask after Miss Fane," said Vivian.
-
-"She continues better; we are now about to join her in the Limewalk. If
-you will join our morning stroll, it will give us much pleasure."
-
-Nothing in the world could give Vivian greater pleasure; he felt himself
-impelled to the side of Lady Madeleine; and only regretted his
-acquaintance with the Baron because he felt conscious that there was
-some secret cause which prevented that intimacy from existing between
-his Excellency and the Trevor party which his talents and his position
-would otherwise have easily produced.
-
-"By-the-bye," said Lady Madeleine, "I do not know whether I may be
-allowed to congratulate you upon your brilliant success at the Redoute
-last night. It is fortunate that all have not to regret your arrival at
-Ems so much as poor Mr. Hermann."
-
-"The run was extraordinary. I am only sorry that the goddess should have
-showered her favours on one who neither deserves nor desires them; for I
-have no wish to be rich; and as I never lost by her caprices, it is
-hardly fair that I should gain by them."
-
-"You do not play, then, much?"
-
-"I never played in my life till last night. Gambling has never been one
-of my follies, although my catalogue of errors is fuller, perhaps, than
-most men's."
-
-"I think Baron von Konigstein was your partner in the exploit?"
-
-"He was; and apparently as little pleased at the issue as myself."
-
-"Indeed! Have you known the Baron long?"
-
-"We are only friends of a week. I have been living, ever since I was in
-Germany, a very retired life. A circumstance of a most painful nature
-drove me from England; a circumstance of which I can hardly flatter
-myself, and can hardly wish, that you should be ignorant."
-
-"I learnt the sad history from one who, while he spoke the truth, spoke
-of the living sufferer in terms of the fondest affection."
-
-"A father!" said Vivian, agitated, "a father can hardly be expected to
-be impartial."
-
-"Such a father as yours may, I only wish that he was with us now, to
-assist me in bringing about what he must greatly desire, your return
-to England."
-
-"It cannot be. I look back to the last year which I spent in that
-country with feelings of such disgust, I look forward to a return to
-that country with feelings of such repugnance that--but I feel I am
-trespassing beyond all bounds in touching on these subjects."
-
-"I promised your father that in case we met, I would seek your society.
-I have suffered too much myself not to understand how dangerous and how
-deceitful is the excess of grief. You have allowed yourself to be
-overcome by that which Providence intended as a lesson of instruction,
-not as a sentence of despair. In your solitude you have increased the
-shadow of those fantasies of a heated brain, which converse with the
-pure sunshine of the world would have enabled you to dispel."
-
-"The pure sunshine of the world, Lady Madeleine! would that it had ever
-lighted me! My youth flourished in the unwholesome sultriness of a
-blighted atmosphere, which I mistook for the resplendent brilliancy of a
-summer day. How deceived I was, you may judge, not certainly from
-finding me here; but I am here because I have ceased to suffer, only in
-having ceased to hope."
-
-"You have ceased to hope, because hope and consolation are not the
-companions of solitude, which are of a darker nature. Hope and
-consolation spring from the social affections. Converse with the world
-will do more for you than all the arguments of philosophers. I hope yet
-to find you a believer in the existence of that good which we all
-worship and all pursue. Happiness comes when we least expect it, and to
-those who strive least to obtain it; as you were fortunate yesterday at
-the Redoute, when you played without an idea of winning."
-
-They were in the Limewalk: gay sounds greeted them, and Miss Fane came
-forward from a light-hearted band to welcome her cousin. She had to
-propose a walk to the New Spring, which she was prepared for Lady
-Madeleine to resist on the ground of her cousin's health. But Miss Fane
-combated all the objections with airy merriment, and with a bright
-resource that never flagged. As she bent her head slightly to Vivian,
-ere she hastened back to her companions to announce the success of her
-mission, it seemed to him that he had never beheld so animated and
-beaming a countenance, or glanced upon a form of such ineffable and
-sparkling grace.
-
-"You would scarcely imagine, Mr. Grey, that we are travelling for my
-cousin's health, nor do her physicians, indeed, give us any cause for
-serious uneasiness; yet I cannot help feeling at times great anxiety.
-Her flushed cheek and the alarming languor which succeeds any excitement
-make me fear her complaint may be more deeply seated than they are
-willing to acknowledge."
-
-"They were saying the other day that the extraordinary heat of this
-season must end in an earthquake, or some great convulsion of nature.
-That would bring languor."
-
-"We are willing to adopt any reasoning that gives us hope, but her
-mother died of consumption."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII
-
-
-When the walking party returned home they found a crowd of idle servants
-assembled opposite the house, round a group of equipages, consisting of
-two enormous crimson carriages, a britzska, and a large caravan, on all
-which vehicles the same coat of arms was ostentatiously blazoned.
-
-"Some new guests!" said Miss Fane.
-
-"It must be the singular party that we watched this morning in the
-bazaar," said Lady Madeleine. "Violet! I have such a curious character
-to introduce you to, a particular friend of Mr. Grey, who wishes very
-much to have the honour of your acquaintance, MR. ESSPER GEORGE."
-
-"These carriages, then, belong to him?"
-
-"Not exactly," said Vivian.
-
-In an hour's time, the party again met at dinner in the saloon. By the
-joint exertions of Ernstorff and Mr. St. George's servants, the Baron,
-Vivian, and the Chevalier de Boeffleurs were now seated next to the
-party of Lady Madeleine Trevor.
-
-"My horses fortunately arrived from Frankfort this morning," said the
-Baron. "Mr. St. George and myself have been taking a ride very far up
-the valley. Has your Ladyship yet been to the Castle of Nassau?"
-
-"We have not. The expedition has been one of those plans often arranged
-and never executed."
-
-"You should go. The ruin is one of the finest in Germany. An expedition
-to Nassau Castle would be a capital foundation for a pic-nic. Conceive a
-beautiful valley, discovered by a knight, in the middle ages, following
-the track of a stag. How romantic! The very incident vouches for its
-sweet seclusion. Cannot you imagine the wooded mountains, the old grey
-ruin, the sound of the unseen river? What more should we want, except
-agreeable company, fine music, and the best provisions, to fancy
-ourselves in Paradise?"
-
-"I wish the plan were practicable," said Mr. St. George.
-
-"I take the whole arrangement upon myself; there is not a difficulty.
-The ladies shall go on donkeys, or we might make a water excursion of it
-part of the way, and the donkeys can meet us at the pass near Stein, and
-then the gentlemen may walk; and if you fear the water at night, why
-then the carriages may come round: and if your own be too heavy for
-mountain roads, my britzska is always at your command. You see there is
-not a difficulty."
-
-"Not a difficulty," said Mr. St. George. "Madeleine, we only wait your
-consent."
-
-"I think we had better put off the execution of our plan till June is a
-little more advanced. We must have a fine summer night for Violet."
-
-"Well, then, I hold the whole party present engaged to follow my
-standard, whenever I have permission from authority to unfold it," said
-the Baron, bowing to Lady Madeleine: "and lest, on cool reflection, I
-shall not possess influence enough to procure the appointment, I shall,
-like a skilful orator, take advantage of your feelings, which gratitude
-for this excellent plan must have already enlisted in my favour, and
-propose myself as Master of the Ceremonies." The Baron's eye caught Lady
-Madeleine's as he uttered this, and something like a smile, rather of
-pity than derision, lighted up her face.
-
-Here Vivian turned round to give some directions to an attendant, and to
-his annoyance found Essper George standing behind his chair.
-
-[Illustration: frontispiece]
-
-"Is there anything you want, sir?"
-
-"Who ordered you here?"
-
-"My duty."
-
-"In what capacity do you attend?"
-
-"As your servant, sir."
-
-"I insist upon your leaving the room directly."
-
-"Ah! my friend, Essper George," said Lady Madeleine, "are you there?
-What is the matter?"
-
-"This, then, is Essper George!" said Violet Fane. "What kind of being
-can he possibly be? What indeed is the matter?"
-
-"I am merely discharging a servant at a moment's warning, Miss Fane; and
-if you wish to engage his constant attendance upon yourself, I have no
-objection to give him a character for the occasion."
-
-"What do you want, Essper?" said Miss Fane.
-
-"Merely to see whether your walk this morning had done your appetites
-any good," answered Essper, looking disconsolate; "and so I thought
-I might make myself useful at the same time. And though I do not bring
-on the soup in a cocked hat, and carve the venison with a
-couteau-de-chasse," continued he, bowing very low to Ernstorff, who,
-standing stiff behind his master's chair, seemed utterly unaware that
-any other person in the room could experience a necessity; "still I can
-change a plate or hand the wine without cracking the first, or drinking
-the second."
-
-"And very good qualities, too!" said Miss Fane. "Come, Essper, you shall
-put your accomplishments into practice immediately; change my plate."
-
-This Essper did with dexterity and quiet, displaying at the same time a
-small white hand, on the back of which was marked a comet and three
-daggers. As he had the discretion not to open his mouth, and performed
-all his duties with skill, his intrusion in a few minutes was not only
-pardoned but forgotten.
-
-"There has been a great addition to the visitors to-day, I see," said
-Mr. St. George. "Who are the new comers?"
-
-"I will tell you all about them," said the Baron. "This family is one of
-those whose existence astounds the Continent much more than any of your
-mighty dukes and earls, whose fortunes, though colossal, can be
-conceived, and whose rank is understood. Mr. Fitzloom is a very
-different personage, for thirty years ago he was a journeyman cotton
-spinner. Some miraculous invention in machinery entitled him to a
-patent, which has made him one of the great proprietors of England. He
-has lately been returned a member for a manufacturing town, and he
-intends to get over the first two years of his parliamentary career by
-successively monopolising the accommodation of all the principal cities
-of France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, and by raising the price of
-provisions and post-horses through a track of five thousand miles. My
-information is authentic, for I had a casual acquaintance with him in
-England. There was some talk of a contract for supplying our army from
-England, and I saw Fitzloom often on the subject. I have spoken to him
-to-day. This is by no means the first of the species that we have had in
-Germany. I can assure you that the plain traveller feels seriously the
-inconvenience of following such a caravan; their money flows with such
-unwise prodigality that real liberality ceases to be valued; and many of
-your nobility have complained to me that in their travels they are now
-often expostulated with on account of their parsimony, and taunted with
-the mistaken extravagance of a stocking-maker or a porter-brewer."
-
-"What pleasure can such people find in travelling?" wondered Mr. St.
-George.
-
-"As much pleasure and more profit than half the young men of the present
-day," replied a middle-aged English gentleman, who was a kinsman of the
-St. Georges, and called them cousins. "In my time travelling was
-undertaken on a very different system to what it is now. The English
-youth then travelled to frequent, what Lord Bacon says are 'especially
-to be seen and observed, the Courts of Princes.' You all travel now, it
-appears, to look at mountains and catch cold in spouting trash on lakes
-by moonlight."
-
-"But, my dear sir!" said the Baron, "although I grant you that the
-principal advantages of travel must be the opportunity which it affords
-us of becoming acquainted with human nature, knowledge, of course,
-chiefly gained where human beings most congregate, great cities, and, as
-you say, the Courts of Princes; still, one of its great benefits is,
-that it enlarges a man's experiences, not only of his fellow-creatures
-in particular, but of nature in general. Many men pass through life
-without seeing a sunrise: a traveller cannot. If human experience be
-gained by seeing men in their undress, not only when they are conscious
-of the presence of others, natural experience is only to be acquired by
-studying nature at all periods, not merely when man is busy and the
-beasts asleep."
-
-"But what is the use of this deep experience of nature? Men are born to
-converse with men, not with stocks and stones. He who has studied Le
-Sage will be more happy and more successful in this world than the man
-who muses over Rousseau."
-
-"I agree with you. I have no wish to make man an anchorite. But as to
-the benefit of a thorough experience of nature, it appears to me to be
-evident. It increases our stock of ideas."
-
-"So does everything."
-
-"But it does more than this. It calls into being new emotions, it gives
-rise to new and beautiful associations; it creates that salutary state
-of mental excitement which renders our ideas more lucid and our
-conclusions more sound. Can we too much esteem a study which at the same
-time stimulates imagination and corrects the judgment?"
-
-"Do not you think that a communion with nature is calculated to elevate
-the soul," said Lady Madeleine, "to--?"
-
-"So is reading your Bible. A man's soul should always be elevated. If
-not, he might look at mountains for ever, but I should not trust him a
-jot more."
-
-"But, sir," continued the Baron, with unusual warmth, "I am clear that
-there are cases in which the influence of nature has worked what you
-profess to treat as an impossibility or a miracle. I am myself
-acquainted with an instance of a peculiar character. A few years ago, a
-gentleman of high rank found himself exposed to the unhappy suspicion of
-being connected with some dishonourable transactions which took place in
-the highest circles of England. Unable to find any specific charge which
-he could meet, he added one to the numerous catalogue of those
-unfortunate beings who have sunk in society, the victims of a surmise.
-He quitted England, and, disgusted with the world, became the
-profligate which he had been falsely believed to be. At the house of
-Cardinal ----, at Naples, celebrated for its revels, this gentleman
-became a constant guest. He entered with a mad eagerness into every
-species of dissipation, although none gave him pleasure, and his
-fortune, his health, and the powers of his mind were all fast vanishing.
-One night of frantic dissipation a mock election of Master of the Sports
-was proposed, and the hero of my tale had the splendid gratification of
-being chosen by unanimous consent to this new office. About two o'clock
-of the same night he left the palace of the Cardinal, with an intention
-of returning; his way on his return led by the Chiaja. It was one of
-those nights which we witness only in the south. The blue and brilliant
-sea was sleeping beneath a cloudless sky; and the moon not only shed her
-light over the orange and lemon trees, which, springing from their green
-banks of myrtle, hung over the water, but added fresh lustre to the
-white domes and glittering towers of the city, and flooded Vesuvius and
-the distant coast with light as far even as Capua. The individual of
-whom I am speaking had passed this spot on many nights when the moon was
-not less bright, the waves not less silent, and the orange trees not
-less sweet; but to-night something irresistible impelled him to stop.
-What a contrast to the artificial light and heat and splendour of the
-palace to which he was returning! He mused in silence. Would it not be
-wiser to forget the world's injustice in gazing on a moonlit ocean than
-in discovering in the illumined halls of Naples the baseness of the
-crowd which forms the world's power? To enjoy the refreshing luxury of a
-fanning breeze which now arose he turned and gazed on the other side of
-the bay; upon his right stretched out the promontory of Pausilippo;
-there were the shores of Baiae. But it was not only the loveliness of
-the land which now overcame his spirit; he thought of those whose fame
-had made us forget even the beauty of these shores in associations of a
-higher character and a more exalted nature. He remembered the time when
-it was his only wish to be numbered among them. How had his early hopes
-been fulfilled! What just account had he rendered to himself and to his
-country; that country that had expected so much, that self that had
-aspired even to more!
-
-"Day broke over the city and found him still pacing the Chiaja; he did
-not return to the Cardinal's palace, and in two days he had left Naples.
-I can myself, from personal experience, aver that this individual is
-now a useful and honourable member of society. The world speaks of him
-in more flattering terms."
-
-The Baron spoke with energy and animation. Miss Fane, who had been
-silent, and who certainly had not encouraged by any apparent interest
-the previous conversation of the Baron, listened to this anecdote with
-eager attention; but the effect it produced upon Lady Madeleine Trevor
-was remarkable.
-
-Soon after this the party broke up. The promenade followed; the Grand
-Duke, his compliments, and courtiers; then came the Redoute. Mr. Hermann
-bowed low as the gentlemen walked up to the table. The Baron whispered
-Vivian that it was "expected" that they should play, and give the tables
-a chance of winning back their money. Vivian staked with the
-carelessness of one who wishes to lose; as is often the case under such
-circumstances, he again left the Redoute a considerable winner. He
-parted with the Baron at his Excellency's door and proceeded to the
-next, which was his own. Here he stumbled over something at the doorway
-which appeared like a large bundle; he bent down with his light to
-examine it, and found Essper George lying on his back with his eyes
-half-open. It was some moments before Vivian perceived he was asleep;
-stepping gently over him, he entered his apartment.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX
-
-
-When Vivian rose in the morning a gentle tap at his door announced the
-presence of an early visitor, who, being desired to enter, appeared in
-the person of Essper George.
-
-"Do you want anything, sir?" asked Essper, with a submissive air.
-
-Vivian stared at him for a moment, and then ordered him to come in.
-
-"I had forgotten, Essper, until this moment, that on returning to my
-room last night I found you sleeping at my door. This also reminds me of
-your conduct in the saloon yesterday; and as I wish to prevent the
-repetition of such improprieties, I shall take this opportunity of
-informing you, once for all, that if you do not in future conduct
-yourself with more discretion, I must apply to the Maitre d'Hotel. Now,
-sir, what do you want?"
-
-Essper was silent, and stood with his hands crossed on his breast, and
-his eyes fixed on the ground.
-
-"If you do not want anything, quit the room immediately."
-
-Here the singular being began to weep.
-
-"Poor fellow!" thought Vivian, "I fear, with all thy wit and pleasantry,
-thou art, after all, but one of those capriccios which Nature sometimes
-indulges in, merely to show how superior is her accustomed order to
-eccentricities, even accompanied with rare powers."
-
-"What is your wish, Essper?" continued Vivian, in a kinder tone. "If
-there be any service that I can do you, you will not find me backward.
-Are you in trouble? you surely are not in want?"
-
-"No!" sobbed Essper; "I wish to be your servant:" here he hid his face
-in his hands.
-
-"My servant! why surely it is not very wise to seek dependence upon any
-man. I am afraid that you have been keeping company too much with the
-lackeys that are always loitering about these bathing-places,
-Ernstorff's green livery and sword, have they not turned your
-brain, Essper?"
-
-"No, no, no! I am tired of living alone."
-
-"But remember, to be a servant, you must be a person of regular habits
-and certain reputation. I have myself a good opinion of you, but I have
-myself seen very little of you, though more than any one here, and I am
-a person of a peculiar turn of mind. Perhaps there is not another
-individual in this house who would even allude to the possibility of
-engaging a servant without a character."
-
-"Does the ship ask the wind for a character when he bears her over the
-sea without hire and without reward? and shall you require a character
-from me when I request to serve you without wages and without pay?"
-
-"Such an engagement, Essper, it would be impossible for me to enter
-into, even if I had need of your services, which at present I have not.
-But I tell you frankly that I see no chance of your suiting me. I should
-require an attendant of steady habits and experience; not one whose very
-appearance would attract attention when I wish to be unobserved, and
-acquire a notoriety for the master which he detests. I warmly advise you
-to give up all idea of entering into a state of life for which you are
-not in the least suited. Believe me, your stall will be a better friend
-than a master. Now leave me."
-
-Essper remained one moment with his eyes still fixed on the ground; then
-walking very rapidly up to Vivian, he dropped on his knee, kissed his
-hand, and disappeared.
-
-Mr. St. George breakfasted with the Baron, and the gentlemen called on
-Lady Madeleine early in the morning to propose a drive to Stein Castle;
-but she excused herself, and Vivian following her example, the Baron and
-Mr. St. George "patronised" the Fitzlooms, because there was nothing
-else to do. Vivian again joined the ladies in their morning walk, but
-Miss Fane was not in her usual high spirits. She complained more than
-once of her cousin's absence; and this, connected with some other
-circumstances, gave Vivian the first impression that her feelings
-towards Mr. St. George were not merely those of a relation. As to the
-Chevalier de Boeffleurs, Vivian soon found that it was utterly
-impossible to be on intimate terms with a being without an idea. The
-Chevalier was certainly not a very fit representative of the gay,
-gallant, mercurial Frenchman: he rose very late, and employed the whole
-of the morning in reading the French journals and playing billiards
-alternately with Prince Salvinski and Count von Altenburgh.
-
-These gentlemen, as well as the Baron, Vivian, and Mr. St. George, were
-to dine this day at the New House.
-
-They found assembled at the appointed hour a party of about thirty
-individuals. The dinner was sumptuous, the wines superb. At the end of
-the banquet the company adjourned to another room, where play was
-proposed and immediately commenced. His Imperial Highness did not join
-in the game, but, seated in a corner of the apartment, was surrounded by
-his aides-de-camp, whose business was to bring their master constant
-accounts of the fortunes of the table and the fate of his bets. His
-Highness did not stake.
-
-Vivian soon found that the game was played on a very different scale at
-the New House to what it was at the Redoute. He spoke most decidedly to
-the Baron of his detestation of gambling, and expressed his
-unwillingness to play; but the Baron, although he agreed with him in his
-sentiments, advised him to conform for the evening to the universal
-custom. As he could afford to lose, he consented, and staked boldly.
-This night very considerable sums were lost and won; but none returned
-home greater winners than Mr. St. George and Vivian Grey.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X
-
-
-The first few days of an acquaintance with a new scene of life and with
-new characters generally appear to pass very slowly; not certainly from
-the weariness which they induce, but rather from the keen attention
-which every little circumstance commands. When the novelty has worn off,
-when we have discovered that the new characters differ little from all
-others we have met before, and that the scene they inhabit is only
-another variety of the great order we have so often observed, we relapse
-into our ancient habits of inattention; we think more of ourselves, and
-less of those we meet; and musing our moments away in reverie, or in a
-vain attempt to cheat the coming day of the monotony of the present one,
-we begin to find that the various-vested hours have bounded and are
-bounding away in a course at once imperceptible, uninteresting, and
-unprofitable. Then it is that, terrified at our nearer approach to the
-great river whose dark windings it seems the business of all to forget,
-we start from our stupor to mourn over the rapidity of that collective
-sum of past-time, every individual hour of which we have in turn
-execrated for its sluggishness.
-
-Vivian had now been three weeks at Ems, and the presence of Lady
-Madeleine Trevor and her cousin alone induced him to remain. Whatever
-the mystery existing between Lady Madeleine and the Baron, his efforts
-to attach himself to her party had been successful. The great intimacy
-subsisting between the Baron and her brother materially assisted in
-bringing about this result. For the first fortnight the Baron was Lady
-Madeleine's constant attendant in the evening promenade, and sometimes
-in the morning walk; and though there were few persons whose
-companionship could be preferred to that of Baron von Konigstein, still
-Vivian sometimes regretted that his friend and Mr. St. George had not
-continued their rides. The presence of the Baron seemed always to have
-an unfavourable influence upon the spirits of Miss Fane, and the absurd
-and evident jealousy of Mr. St. George prevented Vivian from finding in
-her agreeable conversation some consolation for the loss of the sole
-enjoyment of Lady Madeleine's exhilarating presence. Mr. St. George had
-never met Vivian's advances with cordiality, and he now treated him with
-studied coldness.
-
-The visits of the gentlemen to the New House had been frequent. The
-saloon of the Grand Duke was open every evening, and in spite of his
-great distaste for the fatal amusement which was there invariably
-pursued, Vivian found it impossible to decline frequently attending
-without subjecting his motives to painful misconception. His
-extraordinary fortune did not desert him, and rendered his attendance
-still more a duty. The Baron was not so successful as on his first
-evening's venture at the Redoute; but Mr. St. George's star remained
-favourable. Of Essper Vivian had seen little. In passing through the
-bazaar one morning, which he seldom did, he found, to his surprise, that
-the former conjuror had doffed his quaint costume, and was now attired
-in the usual garb of men of his condition of life. As Essper was busily
-employed at the moment, Vivian did not stop to speak to him; but he
-received a respectful bow. Once or twice, also, he had met Essper in the
-Baron's apartments; and he seemed to have become a very great favourite
-with the servants of his Excellency and the Chevalier de Boeffleurs,
-particularly with his former butt, Ernstorff, to whom he now behaved
-with great deference.
-
-For the first fortnight the Baron's attendance on Lady Madeleine was
-constant. After this time he began to slacken in his attentions. He
-first disappeared from the morning walks, and yet he did not ride; he
-then ceased from joining the party at Lady Madeleine's apartments in the
-evening, and never omitted increasing the circle at the New House for a
-single night. The whole of the fourth week the Baron dined with his
-Imperial Highness. Although the invitation had been extended to all the
-gentlemen from the first, it had been agreed that it was not to be
-accepted, in order that the ladies should not find their party in the
-saloon less numerous or less agreeable. The Baron was the first to break
-through a rule which he had himself proposed, and Mr. St. George and the
-Chevalier de Boeffleurs soon followed his example.
-
-"Mr. Grey," said Lady Madeleine one evening, as she was about to leave
-the gardens, "we shall be happy to see you to-night, if you are
-not engaged."
-
-"I fear that I am engaged," said Vivian; for the receipt of some letters
-from England made him little inclined to enter into society.
-
-"Oh, no! you cannot be," said Miss Fane: "pray come! I know you only
-want to go to that terrible New House. I wonder what Albert can find to
-amuse him there; I fear no good. Men never congregate together for any
-beneficial purpose. I am sure, with all his gastronomical affectations,
-he would not, if all were right, prefer the most exquisite dinner in the
-world to our society. As it is, we scarcely see him a moment. I think
-that, you are the only one who has not deserted the saloon. For once,
-give up the New House."
-
-Vivian smiled at Miss Fane's warmth, and could not persist in his
-refusal, although she did dilate most provokingly on the absence of her
-cousin. He therefore soon joined them.
-
-"Lady Madeleine is assisting me in a most important work, Mr. Grey. I am
-making drawings of the Valley of the Rhine. I know that you are
-acquainted with the scenery; you can, perhaps, assist me with your
-advice about this view of old Hatto's Castle."
-
-Vivian was so completely master of every spot in the Rhineland that he
-had no difficulty in suggesting the necessary alterations. The drawings
-were vivid representations of the scenery which they professed to
-depict, and Vivian forgot his melancholy as he attracted the attention
-of the fair artist to points of interest unknown or unnoticed by the
-guide-books and the diaries.
-
-"You must look forward to Italy with great interest, Miss Fane?"
-
-"The greatest! I shall not, however, forget the Rhine, even among the
-Apennines."
-
-"Our intended fellow-travellers, Lord Mounteney and his family, are
-already at Milan," said Lady Madeleine to Vivian; "we were to have
-joined their party. Lady Mounteney is a Trevor."
-
-"I have had the pleasure of meeting Lord Mounteney in England, at Sir
-Berdmore Scrope's: do you know him?"
-
-"Slightly. The Mounteneys pass the winter at Rome, where I hope we shall
-join them. Do you know the family intimately?"
-
-"Mr. Ernest Clay, a nephew of his Lordship's, I have seen a great deal
-of; I suppose, according to the adopted phraseology, I ought to describe
-him as my friend, although I am ignorant where he is at present; and
-although, unless he is himself extremely altered, there scarcely can be
-two persons who now more differ in their pursuits and tempers than
-ourselves."
-
-"Ernest Clay! is he a friend of yours? He is at Munich, attached to the
-Legation. I see you smile at the idea of Ernest Clay drawing up a
-protocol!"
-
-"Madeleine, you have never read me Caroline Mounteney's letter, as you
-promised," said Miss Fane; "I suppose full of raptures; 'the Alps and
-Apennines, the Pyrenaean and the River Po?'"
-
-"By no means; the whole letter is filled with an account of the ballet
-at La Scala, which, according to Caroline, is a thousand times more
-interesting than Mont Blanc or the Simplon."
-
-"One of the immortal works of Vigano, I suppose," said Vivian; "he has
-raised the ballet of action to an equality with tragedy. I have heard my
-father mention the splendid effect of his Vestale and his Otello."
-
-"And yet," said Violet, "I do not like Othello to be profaned. It is not
-for operas and ballets. We require the thrilling words."
-
-"It is very true; yet Pasta's acting in the opera was a grand
-performance; and I have myself seldom witnessed a more masterly effect
-produced by any actor in the world than I did a fortnight ago, at the
-Opera at Darmstadt, by Wild in Othello."
-
-"I think the history of Desdemona is the most affecting of all tales,"
-said Miss Fane.
-
-"The violent death of a woman, young, lovely, and innocent, is assuredly
-the most terrible of tragedies," observed Vivian.
-
-"I have often asked myself," said Miss Fane, "which is the most terrible
-destiny for the young to endure: to meet death after a life of anxiety
-and suffering, or suddenly to be cut off in the enjoyment of all things
-that make life delightful."
-
-"For my part," said Vivian, "in the last instance, I think that death
-can scarcely be considered an evil. How infinitely is such a destiny to
-be preferred to that long apprenticeship of sorrow, at the end of which
-we are generally as unwilling to die as at the commencement!"
-
-"And yet," said Miss Fane, "there is something fearful in the idea of
-sudden death."
-
-"Very fearful," muttered Vivian, "in some cases;" for he thought of one
-whom he had sent to his great account before his time.
-
-"Violet, my dear!" said Lady Madeleine, "have you finished your drawing
-of the Bingenloch?" But Miss Fane would not leave the subject.
-
-"Very fearful in all cases, Mr. Grey. How few of us are prepared to
-leave this world without warning! And if from youth, or sex, or natural
-disposition, a few may chance to be better fitted for the great change
-than their companions, still I always think that in those cases in which
-we view our fellow-creatures suddenly departing from this world,
-apparently without a bodily or mental pang, there must be a moment of
-suffering which none of us can understand; a terrible consciousness of
-meeting death in the very flush of life; a moment of suffering which,
-from its intense and novel character, may appear an eternity of anguish.
-I have always looked upon such an end as the most fearful of
-dispensations."
-
-"Violet, my dear." said her Ladyship, "let us talk no more of death. You
-have been silent a fortnight. I think to-night you may sing." Miss Fane
-rose and sat down to the instrument.
-
-It was a lively air, calculated to drive away all melancholy feelings,
-and cherishing sunny views of human life. But Rossini's Muse did not
-smile to-night upon her who invoked its gay spirit; and ere Lady
-Madeleine could interfere Violet Fane had found more congenial emotions
-in one of Weber's prophetic symphonies.
-
-O Music! miraculous art, that makes a poet's skill a jest, revealing to
-the soul inexpressible feelings by the aid of inexplicable sounds! A
-blast of thy trumpet, and millions rush forward to die; a peal of thy
-organ, and uncounted nations sink down to pray. Mighty is thy
-threefold power!
-
-First, thou canst call up all elemental sounds, and scenes, and
-subjects, with the definiteness of reality. Strike the lyre! Lo! the
-voice of the winds, the flash of the lightning, the swell of the wave,
-the solitude of the valley!
-
-Then thou canst speak to the secrets of a man's heart as if by
-inspiration. Strike the lyre! Lo! our early love, our treasured hate,
-our withered joy, our flattering hope!
-
-And, lastly, by thy mysterious melodies thou canst recall man from all
-thought of this world and of himself, bringing back to his soul's memory
-dark but delightful recollections of the glorious heritage which he has
-lost, but which he may win again. Strike the lyre! Lo! Paradise, with
-its palaces of inconceivable splendour and its gates of
-unimaginable glory!
-
-When Vivian left the apartment of Lady Madeleine he felt no inclination
-to sleep, and, instead of retiring to rest, he bent his steps towards
-the gardens. It was a rich summer night; the air, recovered from the
-sun's scorching rays, was cool, not chilling. The moon was still behind
-the mountains; but the dark blue heavens were studded with innumerable
-stars, whose tremulous light quivered on the face of the river. All
-human sounds had ceased to agitate; and the note of the nightingale and
-the rush of the waters banished monotony without disturbing reflection.
-But not for reflection had Vivian Grey deserted his chamber: his heart
-was full, but of indefinable sensations, and, forgetting the world in
-the intenseness of his emotions, he felt too much to think.
-
-How long he had been pacing by the side of the river he knew not, when
-he was awakened from his reverie by the sound of voices. He looked up,
-and saw lights moving at a distance. The party at the New House had just
-broke up. He stopped beneath a branching elm-tree for a moment, that the
-sound of his steps might not attract their attention, and at this very
-instant the garden gate opened and closed with great violence. The
-figure of a man approached. As he passed Vivian the moon rose up from
-above the brow of the mountain, and lit up the countenance of the Baron.
-Despair was stamped on his distracted features.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI
-
-
-On the evening of the next day there was to be a grand fete given at the
-New House by his Imperial Highness. The ladies would treasure their
-energies for the impending ball, and the morning was to pass without an
-excursion. Only Lady Madeleine, whom Vivian met taking her usual early
-promenade in the gardens, seemed inclined to prolong it, and even
-invited him to be her companion. She talked of the fete, and she
-expressed a hope that Vivian would accompany their party; but her air
-was not festive, she seemed abstracted and disturbed, and her voice more
-than once broke off abruptly at the commencement of a sentence which it
-seemed she had not courage to finish.
-
-At length she said suddenly, "Mr. Grey, I cannot conceal any longer that
-I am thinking of a very different subject from the ball. As you form
-part of my thoughts, I shall not hesitate to disburthen my mind to you.
-I wish not to keep you in suspense. It is of the mode of life which I
-see my brother, which I see you, pursuing here that I wish to speak,"
-she added with a tremulous voice. "May I speak with freedom?"
-
-"With the most perfect unreserve and confidence."
-
-"You are aware that Ems is not the first place at which I have met
-Baron von Konigstein."
-
-"I am not ignorant that he has been in England."
-
-"It cannot have escaped you that I acknowledged his acquaintance with
-reluctance."
-
-"I should judge, with the greatest."
-
-"And yet it was with still more reluctance that I prevailed upon myself
-to believe you were his friend. I experienced great relief when you told
-me how short and accidental had been your acquaintance. I have
-experienced great pain in witnessing to what that acquaintance has led;
-and it is with extreme sorrow for my own weakness, in not having had
-courage to speak to you before, and with a hope of yet benefiting you,
-that I have been induced to speak to you now."
-
-"I trust there is no cause either for your sorrow or your fear; but
-much, much cause for my gratitude."
-
-"I have observed the constant attendance of yourself and my brother at
-the New House with the utmost anxiety. I have seen too much not to be
-aware of the danger which young men, and young men of honour, must
-always experience at such places. Alas! I have seen too much of Baron
-von Konigstein not to know that at such places especially his
-acquaintance is fatal. The evident depression of your spirits yesterday
-determined me on a step which I have for the last few days been
-considering. I can learn nothing from my brother. I fear that I am even
-now too late; but I trust that, whatever may be your situation, you will
-remember, Mr. Grey, that you have friends; that you will decide on
-nothing rash."
-
-"Lady Madeleine," said Vivian, "I will not presume to express the
-gratitude which your generous conduct allows me to feel. This moment
-repays me for a year of agony. I affect not to misunderstand your
-meaning. My opinion, my detestation of the gaming table, has always
-been, and must always be, the same. I do assure you this, and all
-things, upon my honour. Far from being involved, my cheek burns while I
-confess that I am master of a considerable sum acquired by this
-unhallowed practice. You are aware of the singular fortune which awaited
-my first evening at Ems; that fortune was continued at the New House the
-very first day I dined there, and when, unexpectedly, I was forced to
-play. That fatal fortune has rendered my attendance at the New House
-necessary. I found it impossible to keep away without subjecting myself
-to painful observations. My depression of yesterday was occasioned by
-the receipt of letters from England. I am ashamed of having spoken so
-much about myself, and so little about those for whom you are more
-interested. So far as I can judge, you have no cause, at present, for
-any uneasiness with regard to Mr. St. George. You may, perhaps, have
-observed that we are not very intimate, and therefore I cannot speak
-with any precision as to the state of his fortunes; but I have reason to
-believe that they are by no means unfavourable. And as for the
-Baron--"
-
-"Yes, yes!"
-
-"I hardly know what I am to infer from your observations respecting him.
-I certainly should infer something extremely bad, were not I conscious
-that, after the experience of five weeks, I, for one, have nothing to
-complain of him. The Baron, certainly, is fond of play; plays high,
-indeed. He has not had equal fortune at the New House as at the Redoute;
-at least I imagine so, for he has given me no cause to believe, in any
-way, that he is a loser."
-
-"If you could only understand the relief I feel at this moment, I am
-sure you would not wonder that I prevailed upon myself to speak to you.
-It may still be in my power, however, to prevent evil."
-
-"Yes, certainly! I think the best course now would be to speak to me
-frankly respecting Von Konigstein; and, if you are aware of anything
-which has passed in England of a nature--"
-
-"Stop!" said Lady Madeleine, agitated. Vivian was silent, and some
-moments elapsed before his companion again spoke. When she did her eyes
-were fixed on the ground, and her tones were low; but her voice was calm
-and steady.
-
-"I am going to accept, Mr. Grey, the confidence which you have proffered
-me; but I do not affect to conceal that I speak, even now, with
-reluctance; an effort, and it will soon be over. It is for the best."
-Lady Madeleine paused one moment, and then resumed with a firm voice:
-
-"Upwards of six years have now passed since Baron von Konigstein was
-appointed Minister to London from the Court of ----. Although apparently
-young for such an important mission, he had already distinguished
-himself as a diplomatist; and with all the advantages of brilliant
-talents, various accomplishments, rank, reputation, person, and a
-fascinating address, I need not tell you that he immediately became of
-consideration, even in the highest circles. Mr. Trevor, I was then just
-married, was at this period in office, and was constantly in personal
-communication with the Baron. They became intimate, and he was our
-constant guest. He had the reputation of being a man of pleasure. He was
-one for whose indiscretions there might be some excuse; nor had anything
-ever transpired which could induce us to believe that Baron von
-Konigstein could be guilty of anything but an indiscretion. At this
-period a relation and former ward of Mr. Trevor's, a young man of
-considerable fortune, and one whom we all fondly loved, resided in our
-family. We considered him as our brother. With this individual Baron von
-Konigstein formed a strong friendship; they were seldom apart. Our
-relation was not exempted from the failings of young men. He led a
-dissipated life; but he was very young; and as, unlike most relations,
-we never allowed any conduct on his part to banish him from our society,
-we trusted that the contrast which his own family afforded to his usual
-companions would in time render his habits less irregular. We had now
-known Baron von Konigstein for upwards of a year and a half, intimately.
-Nothing had transpired during this period to induce Mr. Trevor to alter
-the opinion which he had entertained of him from the first; he believed
-him to be a man of honour, and, in spite of a few imprudences, of
-principle. Whatever might have been my own opinion of him at this
-period, I had no reason to doubt the natural goodness of his
-disposition; and though I could not hope that he was one who would
-assist us in our plans for the reformation of Augustus, I still was not
-sorry to believe, that in the Baron he would at least find a companion
-very different from the unprincipled and selfish beings by whom he was
-too often surrounded. Something occurred at this time which placed Baron
-von Konigstein, according to his own declaration, under lasting
-obligations to myself. In the warmth of his heart he asked if there was
-any real and important service which he could do me. I took advantage of
-the moment to speak to him about our young friend; I detailed to him all
-our anxieties; he anticipated all my wishes, and promised to watch over
-him, to be his guardian, his friend, his real friend. Mr. Grey,"
-continued her Ladyship, "I struggle to restrain my feelings; but the
-recollections of this period of my life are so painful that for a
-moment I must stop to recover myself."
-
-For a few minutes they walked on in silence. Vivian did not speak; and
-when his companion resumed her tale, he, unconsciously, pressed her arm.
-
-"I try to be brief. About three months after the Baron had given me the
-pledge which I mentioned, Mr. Trevor was called up at an early hour one
-morning with the intelligence that his late ward was supposed to be at
-the point of death at a neighbouring hotel. He instantly repaired to
-him, and on the way the fatal truth was broken to him: our friend had
-committed suicide! He had been playing all night with one whom I cannot
-now name." Here Lady Madeleine's voice died away, but with a struggle
-she again spoke firmly.
-
-"I mean with the Baron, some foreigners also, and an Englishman, all
-intimate friends of Von Konigstein, and scarcely known to the deceased.
-Our friend had been the only sufferer; he had lost his whole fortune,
-and more than his fortune: and, with a heart full of despair and
-remorse, had, with his own hand, terminated his life. The whole
-circumstances were so suspicious that they attracted public attention,
-and Mr. Trevor spared no exertion to bring the offenders to justice. The
-Baron had the hardihood to call upon us the next day; of course, in
-vain. He wrote violent letters, protesting his innocence; that he was
-asleep during most of the night, and accusing the others who were
-present of a conspiracy. The unhappy business now attracted very general
-interest. Its consequence on me was an alarming illness of a most
-unfortunate kind; I was therefore prevented from interfering, or,
-indeed, knowing anything that took place; but my husband informed me
-that the Baron was involved in a public correspondence; that the accused
-parties recriminated, and that finally he was convinced that Von
-Konigstein, if there were any difference, was, if possible, the most
-guilty. However this might be, he soon obtained his recall from his own
-Government. He wrote to us both before he left England; but I was too
-ill to hear of his letters, until Mr. Trevor informed me that he had
-returned them unopened. And now, I must give utterance to that which as
-yet has always died upon my lips, the unhappy victim was the brother of
-Miss Fane!"
-
-"And Mr. St. George," said Vivian, "knowing all this, which surely he
-must have done; how came he to tolerate, for an instant, the advances of
-such a man?"
-
-"My brother," said Lady Madeleine, "is a very good young man, with a
-kind heart and warm feelings; but my brother has not much knowledge of
-the world, and he is too honourable himself ever to believe that what he
-calls a gentleman can be dishonest. My brother was not in England when
-the unhappy event took place, and of course the various circumstances
-have not made the same impression upon him as upon us. He has heard of
-the affair only from me; and young men too often imagine that women are
-apt to exaggerate in matters of this nature, which, of course, few of us
-can understand. The Baron had not the good feeling, or perhaps had not
-the power, connected as he was with the Grand Duke, to affect ignorance
-of our former acquaintance, or to avoid a second one. I was obliged
-formally to present him to my brother. I was quite perplexed how to act.
-I thought of writing to him the next morning, impressing upon him the
-utter impossibility of our acquaintance being renewed: but this
-proceeding involved a thousand difficulties. How was a man of his
-distinction, a man, who not only from his rank, but from his
-disposition, is always a remarkable and a remarked character, wherever
-he may be; how could he account to the Grand Duke, and to his numerous
-friends, for his not associating with a party with whom he was
-perpetually in contact. Explanations, and worse, must have been the
-consequence. I could hardly expect him to leave Ems; it was, perhaps,
-out of his power: and for Miss Fane to leave Ems at this moment was most
-strenuously prohibited by her physician. While I was doubtful and
-deliberating, the conduct of Baron von Konigstein himself prevented me
-from taking any step whatever. Feeling all the awkwardness of his
-situation, he seized, with eagerness, the opportunity of becoming
-intimate with a member of the family whom he had not before known. His
-amusing conversation, and insinuating address, immediately enlisted the
-feelings of my brother in his favour. You know yourself that the very
-morning after their introduction they were riding together. As they
-became more intimate, the Baron boldly spoke to Albert, in confidence,
-of his acquaintance with us in England, and of the unhappy circumstances
-which led to its termination. Albert was deceived by this seeming
-courage and candour. He has become the Baron's friend, and has adopted
-his version of the unhappy story; and as the Baron has had too much
-delicacy to allude to the affair in a defence of himself to me, he
-calculated that the representations of Albert, who, he was conscious,
-would not preserve the confidence which he has always intended him to
-betray, would assist in producing in my mind an impression in his
-favour. The Neapolitan story which he told the other day at dinner was
-of himself. I confess to you, that though I have not for a moment
-doubted his guilt, still I was weak enough to consider that his desire
-to become reconciled to me was at least an evidence of a repentant
-heart; and the Neapolitan story deceived me. Actuated by these feelings,
-and acting as I thought wisest under existing circumstances, I ceased to
-discourage his advances. Your acquaintance, which we all desired to
-cultivate, was perhaps another reason for enduring his presence. His
-subsequent conduct has undeceived me: I am convinced now, not only of
-his former guilt, but also that he is not changed; and that, with his
-accustomed talent, he has been acting a part which for some reason or
-other he has no longer any object in maintaining."
-
-"And Miss Fane," said Vivian, "she must know all?"
-
-"She knows nothing in detail; she was so young at the time that we had
-no difficulty in keeping the particular circumstances of her brother's
-death, and the sensation which it excited, a secret from her. As she
-grew up, I have thought it proper that the mode of his death should no
-longer be concealed from her; and she has learnt from some incautious
-observations of Albert, enough to make her look upon the Baron with
-terror. It is for Violet," continued Lady Madeleine, "that I have the
-severest apprehensions. For the last fortnight her anxiety for her
-cousin has produced an excitement, which I look upon with more dread
-than anything that can happen to her. She has entreated me to speak to
-Albert, and also to you. The last few days she has become more easy and
-serene. She accompanies us to-night; the weather is so beautiful that
-the night air is scarcely to be feared; and a gay scene will have a
-favourable influence upon her spirits. Your depression last night did
-not, however, escape her notice. Once more let me say how I rejoice at
-hearing what you have told me. I unhesitatingly believe all that you
-have said. Watch Albert. I have no fear for yourself."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII
-
-
-The company at the Grand Duke's fete was most select; that is to say, it
-consisted of everybody who was then at the Baths: those who had been
-presented to his Highness having the privilege of introducing any number
-of their friends; and those who had no friend to introduce them
-purchasing tickets at an enormous price from Cracowsky, the wily Polish
-Intendant. The entertainment was imperial; no expense and no exertion
-were spared to make the hired lodging-house look like an hereditary
-palace; and for a week previous to the great evening the whole of the
-neighbouring town of Wiesbaden, the little capital of the duchy, had
-been put under contribution. What a harvest for Cracowsky! What a
-commission from the restaurateur for supplying the refreshments! What a
-percentage on hired mirrors and dingy hangings!
-
-The Grand Duke, covered with orders, received every one with the
-greatest condescension, and made to each of his guests a most flattering
-speech. His suite, in new uniforms, simultaneously bowed directly the
-flattering speech was finished.
-
-"Madame von Furstenburg, I feel the greatest pleasure in seeing you. My
-greatest pleasure is to be surrounded by my friends. Madame von
-Furstenburg, I trust that your amiable and delightful family are quite
-well. [The party passed on.] Cravatischeff!" continued his Highness,
-inclining his head round to one of his aides-de-camp, "Cravatischeff! a
-very fine woman is Madame von Furstenburg. There are few women whom I
-more admire than Madame von Furstenburg.
-
-"Prince Salvinski, I feel the greatest pleasure in seeing you. My
-greatest pleasure is to be surrounded by my friends. Poland honours no
-one more than Prince Salvinski. Cravatischeff! a remarkable bore is
-Prince Salvinski. There are few men of whom I have a greater terror than
-Prince Salvinski.
-
-"Baron von Konigstein, I feel the greatest pleasure in seeing you. My
-greatest pleasure is to be surrounded by my friends. Baron von
-Konigstein, I have not yet forgotten the story of the fair Venetian.
-Cravatischeff! an uncommonly pleasant fellow is Baron von Konigstein.
-There are few men whose company I more enjoy than Baron von
-Konigstein's.
-
-"Count von Altenburgh, I feel the greatest pleasure in seeing you. My
-greatest pleasure is to be surrounded by my friends. You will not forget
-to give me your opinion of my Austrian troop. Cravatischeff! a very good
-billiard player is Count von Altenburgh. There are few men whose play I
-would sooner bet upon than Count von Altenburgh's.
-
-"Lady Madeleine Trevor, I feel the greatest pleasure in seeing you. My
-greatest pleasure is to be surrounded by my friends. Miss Fane, your
-servant; Mr. St. George, Mr. Grey. Cravatischeff! a most splendid woman
-is Lady Madeleine Trevor. There is no woman whom I more admire than Lady
-Madeleine Trevor! and Cravatischeff! Miss Fane, too! a remarkably fine
-girl is Miss Fane."
-
-The great saloon of the New House afforded excellent accommodation for
-the dancers. It opened on the gardens, which, though not very large,
-were tastefully laid out, and were this evening brilliantly illuminated.
-In the smaller saloon the Austrian troop amused those who were not
-fascinated by waltz or quadrille with acting proverbs: the regular
-dramatic performance was thought too heavy a business for the evening.
-There was sufficient amusement for all; and those who did not dance, and
-to whom proverbs were no novelty, walked and talked, stared at others,
-and were themselves stared at; and this, perhaps, was the greatest
-amusement of all. Baron von Konigstein did certainly to-night look
-neither like an unsuccessful gamester nor a designing villain. Among
-many who were really amusing he was the most so, and, apparently without
-the least consciousness of it, attracted the admiration of all. To the
-Trevor party he had attached himself immediately, and was constantly at
-Lady Madeleine's side, introducing to her, in the course of the evening,
-his own and Mr. St. George's particular friends, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzloom.
-Among many smiling faces Vivian Grey's was clouded; the presence of the
-Baron annoyed him. When they first met he was conscious that he was
-stiff and cool. One moment's reflection convinced him of the folly of
-his conduct, and he made a struggle to be very civil. In five minutes'
-time he had involuntarily insulted the Baron, who stared at his friend,
-and evidently did not comprehend him.
-
-"Grey," said his Excellency, very quietly, "you are not in a good
-humour tonight. What is the matter? This is not at all a temper to come
-to a fete in. What! won't Miss Fane dance with you?'" asked the Baron,
-with an arched smile.
-
-"I wonder wind can induce your Excellency to talk such nonsense!"
-
-"Your Excellency! by Jove, that's good! What the deuce is the matter
-with the man? It is Miss Fane, then, eh?"
-
-"Baron von Konigstein, I wish you to understand--"
-
-"My dear fellow, I never could understand anything. I think you have
-insulted me in a most disgraceful manner, and I positively must call you
-out, unless you promise to dine at my rooms with me to-morrow, to meet
-De Boeffleurs."
-
-"I cannot."
-
-"Why not? You have no engagement with Lady Madeleine I know, for St.
-George has agreed to come."
-
-"Yes?"
-
-"De Boeffleurs leaves Ems next week. It is sooner than he expected, and
-I wish to have a quiet evening together before he goes. I should be very
-vexed if you were not there. We have scarcely been enough together
-lately. What with the New House in the evening, and riding parties in
-the morning, and those Fitzloom girls, with whom St. George is playing a
-most foolish game, he will be taken in now, if he is not on his guard;
-we really never meet, at: least not in a quiet friendly way; and so now,
-will you come?"
-
-"St. George is positively coming?"
-
-"Oh yes' positively; do not be afraid of his gaining ground on the
-little Violet in your absence."
-
-"Well, then, my dear Von Konigstein, I will come."
-
-"Well, that is yourself again. It made me quite unhappy to see you look
-so sour and melancholy; one would have thought that I was some bore,
-Salvinski at least, by the way you spoke to me. Well, mind you come; it
-is a promise, good. I must go and say just one word to the lovely little
-Saxon girl; by-the-bye, Grey, one word before I am off. List to a
-friend; you are on the wrong scent about Miss Fane; St. George, I think,
-has no chance there, and now no wish to succeed. The game is your own,
-if you like; trust my word, she is an angel. The good powers prosper
-you!" So saying, the Baron glided off.
-
-Mr. St. George had danced With Miss Fane the only quadrille in which
-Lady Madeleine allowed her to join. He was now waltzing with Aurelia
-Fitzloom, and was at the head of a band of adventurous votaries of
-Terpsichore; who, wearied with the commonplace convenience of a saloon,
-had ventured to invoke the Muse on the lawn.
-
-"A most interesting sight, Lady Madeleine!" said Mr. Fitzloom, as he
-offered her his arm, and advised their instant presence as patrons of
-the "Fete du Village," for such Baron von Konigstein had most happily
-termed it. "A delightful man, that Baron von Konigstein, and says such
-delightful things! Fete du Village! how very good!"
-
-"That is Miss Fitzloom, then, whom my brother is waltzing with?" asked
-Lady Madeleine.
-
-"Not exactly, my Lady," said Mr. Fitzloom, "not exactly _Miss_ Fitzloom,
-rather Miss Aurelia Fitzloom, my third daughter; our third eldest, as
-Mrs. Fitzloom sometimes says; for really it is necessary to distinguish,
-with such a family as ours, you know."
-
-"Let us walk," said Miss Fane to Vivian, for she was now leaning upon
-his arm; "the evening is deliriously soft, but even with the protection
-of a cashmere I scarcely dare venture to stand still. Lady Madeleine
-seems very much engaged at present. What amusing people these
-Fitzlooms are!"
-
-"Mrs. Fitzloom; I have not heard her voice yet."
-
-"No; Mrs. Fitzloom does not talk. Albert says she makes it a rule never
-to speak in the presence of a stranger. She deals plenteously, however,
-at home in domestic apophthegms. If you could but hear him imitating
-them all! Whenever she does speak, she finishes all her sentences by
-confessing that she is conscious of her own deficiencies, but that she
-has taken care to give her daughters the very best education. They are
-what Albert calls fine girls, and I am glad he has made friends with
-them; for, after all, he must find it rather dull here. By-the-bye, Mr.
-Grey, I am afraid that you cannot find this evening very amusing, the
-absence of a favourite pursuit always makes a sensible void, and these
-walls must remind you of more piquant pleasures than waltzing with fine
-London ladies, or promenading up a dull terrace with an invalid."
-
-"I assure you that you are quite misinformed as to the mode in which I
-generally pass my evenings."
-
-"I hope I am!" said Miss Fane, in rather a serious tone. "I wish I could
-also he mistaken in my suspicions of the mode in which Albert spends his
-time. He is sadly changed. For the first month that we were here he
-seemed to prefer nothing in the world to our society, and now--I was
-nearly saying that we had not seen him for one single evening these
-three weeks. I cannot understand what you find at this house of such
-absorbing interest. Although I know you think I am much mistaken in my
-suspicions, still I feel very anxious. I spoke to Albert to-day; but he
-scarcely answered me; or said that which it was a pleasure for me
-to forget."
-
-"Mr. St. George should feel highly gratified in having excited such an
-interest in the mind of Miss Fane."
-
-"He should not feel more gratified than all who are my friends; for all
-who are such I must ever experience the liveliest interest."
-
-"How happy must those be who feel that they have a right to count Miss
-Fane among their friends!"
-
-"I have the pleasure then, I assure you, of making many happy, and among
-them, Mr. Grey."
-
-Vivian was surprised that he did not utter some complimentary answer;
-but he knew not why, the words would not come; and instead of speaking,
-he was thinking of what had been spoken.
-
-"How brilliant are these gardens!" said Vivian, looking at the sky.
-
-"Very brilliant!" said Miss Fane, looking on the ground. Conversation
-seemed nearly extinct, and yet neither offered to turn back.
-
-"Good heavens! you are ill," exclaimed Vivian, when, on accidentally
-turning to his companion, he found she was in tears. "Shall we go back,
-or will you wait here? Can I fetch anything? I fear you are very ill!"
-
-"No, not very ill, but very foolish; let us walk on," and, sighing, she
-seemed suddenly to recover.
-
-"I am ashamed of this foolishness; what can you think? But I am so
-agitated, so nervous. I hope you will forget--I hope--"
-
-"Perhaps the air has suddenly affected you; shall we go in? Nothing has
-been said, nothing happened; no one has dared to say or do anything to
-annoy you? Speak, dear Miss Fane, the, the--" the words died on Vivian's
-lips, yet a power he could not withstand urged him to speak, "the, the,
-the Baron?"
-
-"Ah!" almost shrieked Miss Fane. "Stop one second; an effort, and I must
-be well; nothing has happened, and no one has done or said anything; but
-it is of something that should be said, of something that should be
-done, that I was thinking, and it overcame me."
-
-"Miss Fane," said Vivian, "if there be anything which I can do or
-devise, any possible way that I can exert myself in your service, speak
-with the most perfect confidence; do not fear that your motives will be
-misconceived, that your purpose will be misinterpreted, that your
-confidence will be misunderstood. You are addressing one who would lay
-down his life for you, who is willing to perform all your commands, and
-forget them when performed. I beseech you to trust me; believe me, that
-you shall not repent."
-
-She answered not, but holding down her head, covered her face with her
-small white hand; her lovely face which was crimsoned with her flashing
-blood. They were now at the end of the terrace; to return was
-impossible. If they remained stationary, they must be perceived and
-joined. What was to be done? He led her down a retired walk still
-farther from the house. As they proceeded in silence, the bursts of the
-music and the loud laughter of the joyous guests became fainter and
-fainter, till at last the sounds died away into echo, and echo
-into silence.
-
-A thousand thoughts dashed through Vivian's mind in rapid succession;
-but a painful one, a most painful one to him, to any man, always
-remained the last. His companion would not speak; yet to allow her to
-return home without freeing her mind of the fearful burden which
-evidently overwhelmed it, was impossible. At length he broke a silence
-which seemed to have lasted an age.
-
-"Do not believe that I am taking advantage of an agitating moment to
-extract from you a confidence which you may repent. I feel assured that
-I am right in supposing that you have contemplated in a calmer moment
-the possibility of my being of service to you; that, in short, there is
-something in which you require my assistance, my co-operation; an
-assistance, a co-operation, which, if it produce any benefit to you,
-will make me at length feel that I have not lived in vain. No feeling of
-false delicacy shall prevent me from assisting you in giving utterance
-to thoughts which you have owned it is absolutely necessary should be
-expressed. Remember that you have allowed me to believe that we are
-friends; do not prove by your silence that we are friends only in name."
-
-"I am overwhelmed; I cannot speak. My face burns with shame; I have
-miscalculated my strength of mind, perhaps my physical strength; what,
-what must you think of me?" She spoke in a low and smothered voice.
-
-"Think of you! everything which the most devoted respect dare think of
-an object which it reverences. Do not believe that I am one who would
-presume an instant on my position, because I have accidentally witnessed
-a young and lovely woman betrayed into a display of feeling which the
-artificial forms of cold society cannot contemplate, and dare to
-ridicule. You are speaking to one who also has felt; who, though a man,
-has wept; who can comprehend sorrow; who can understand the most secret
-sensations of an agitated spirit. Dare to trust me. Be convinced that
-hereafter, neither by word nor look, hint nor sign, on my part, shall
-you feel, save by your own wish, that you have appeared to Vivian Grey
-in any other light than in the saloons we have just quitted."
-
-"Generous man, I dare trust anything to you that I dare trust to human
-being; but--" here her voice died away.
-
-"It is a painful thing for me to attempt to guess your thoughts; but if
-it be of Mr. St. George that you are thinking, have no fear respecting
-him; have no fear about his present situation. Trust to me that there
-shall be no anxiety for his future one. I will be his unknown guardian,
-his unseen friend; the promoter of your wishes, the protector of your--"
-
-"No, no," said Miss Fane, with firmness, and looking quickly up, as if
-her mind were relieved by discovering that all this time Vivian had
-never imagined she was thinking of him. "No, no, you are mistaken; it is
-not of Mr. St. George, of Mr. St. George only, that I am thinking. I am
-much better now; I shall be able in an instant to speak; be able, I
-trust, to forget how foolish, how very foolish I have been.
-
-"Let us walk on," continued Miss Fane, "let us walk on; we can easily
-account for our absence if it be remarked; and it is better that it
-should be all over. I feel quite well, and shall be able to speak quite
-firmly now."
-
-"Do not hurry; there is no fear of our absence being remarked, Lady
-Madeleine is so surrounded."
-
-"After what has passed, it seems ridiculous in me to apologise, as I
-had intended, for speaking to you on a graver subject than what has
-generally formed the point of conversation between us. I feared that you
-might misunderstand the motives which have dictated my conduct. I have
-attempted not to appear agitated, and I have been overcome. I trust that
-you will not be offended if I recur to the subject of the New House. Do
-not believe that I ever would have allowed my fears, my girlish fears,
-so to have overcome my discretion; so to have overcome, indeed, all
-propriety of conduct on my part; as to have induced me to have sought an
-interview with you, to moralise to you about your mode of life. No, no;
-it is not of this that I wish to speak, or rather that I will speak. I
-will hope, I will pray, that Albert and yourself have never found in
-that which you have followed as an amusement, the source, the origin,
-the cause of a single unhappy or even anxious moment; Mr. Grey, I will
-believe all this."
-
-"Dearest Miss Fane, believe it with confidence. Of St. George, I can
-with sincerity aver, that it is my firm opinion, that, far from being
-involved, his fortune is not in the slightest degree injured. Believe
-me, I will not attempt to quiet you now, as I would have done at any
-other time, by telling you that you magnify your fears, and allow your
-feelings to exaggerate the danger which exists. There has been danger.
-There is danger; play, high play, has been and is pursued at this New
-House, but Mr. St. George has never been a loser; and if the exertions
-of man can avail, never shall, at least unfairly. As to the other
-individual, whom you have honoured by the interest which you have
-professed in his welfare, no one can more thoroughly detest any practice
-which exists in this world than he does the gaming-table."
-
-"Oh! you have made me so happy! I feel so persuaded that you have not
-deceived me! the tones of your voice, your manner, your expression,
-convince me that you have been sincere, and that I am happy, at least
-for the present."
-
-"For ever, I trust, Miss Fane."
-
-"Let me now prevent future misery. Let me speak about that which has
-long dwelt on my mind like a nightmare, about that which I did fear it
-was almost too late to speak. Not of your pursuit, not even of that
-fatal pursuit, do I now think, but of your companion in this amusement,
-in all amusements! it is he, he whom I dread, whom I look upon with
-horror, even to him, I cannot say, with hatred!"
-
-"The Baron?" said Vivian, calmly.
-
-"I cannot name him. Dread him, fear him, avoid him! it is he that I
-mean, he of whom I thought that you were the victim. You must have been
-surprised, you must have wondered at our conduct towards him. Oh! when
-Lady Madeleine turned from him with coolness, when she answered him in
-tones which to you might have appeared harsh, she behaved to him, in
-comparison to what is his due, and what we sometimes feel to be our
-duty, with affection, actually with affection and regard. No human being
-can know what horror is, until he looks upon a fellow-creature with the
-eyes that I look upon that man." She leant upon Vivian's arm with her
-whole weight, and even then he thought she must have sunk; neither
-spoke. How solemn is the silence of sorrow!
-
-"I am overcome," continued Miss Fane; "the remembrance of what he has
-done overwhelms me. I cannot speak it; the recollection is death; yet
-you must know it. That you might know it, I have before attempted. I
-wished to have spared myself the torture which I now endure. You must
-know it. I will write; ay! that will do. I will write: I cannot speak
-now; it is impossible; but beware of him; you are so young."
-
-"I have no words now to thank you, dear Miss Fane, for this. Had I been
-the victim of Von Konigstein, I should have been repaid for all my
-misery by feeling that you regretted its infliction; but I trust that I
-am in no danger: though young, I fear that I am one who must not count
-his time by calendars. 'An aged interpreter, though young in days.'
-Would that I could be deceived! Fear not for your cousin. Trust to one
-whom you have made think better of this world, and of his
-fellow-creatures."
-
-The sound of approaching footsteps, and the light laugh of pleasure,
-told of some who were wandering like themselves.
-
-"We had better return," said Miss Fane; "I fear that Lady Madeleine will
-observe that I look unwell. Some one approaches! No, they pass only the
-top of the walk." It was Mr. St. George and Aurelia Fitzloom.
-
-Quick flew the brilliant hours; and soon the dance was over, and the
-music mute.
-
-It was late when Vivian retired. As he opened his door he was surprised
-to find lights in his chamber. The figure of a man appeared seated at
-the table. It moved; it was Essper George.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIII
-
-
-The reader will remember that Vivian had agreed to dine, on the day
-after the fete, with the Baron, in his private apartments. This was an
-arrangement which, in fact, the custom of the house did not permit; but
-the irregularities of great men who are attended by chasseurs are
-occasionally winked at by a supple maitre d'hotel. Vivian had reasons
-for not regretting his acceptance of the invitation; and he never shook
-hands with the Chevalier de Boeffleurs, apparently, with greater
-cordiality, than on the day on which he met him at dinner at the Baron
-von Konigstein's. Mr. St. George had not arrived.
-
-"Past five!" said the Baron; "riding out, I suppose, with the Fitzlooms.
-Aurelia is certainly a fine girl; but I should think that Lady Madeleine
-would hardly approve the connection. The St. Georges have blood in their
-veins; and would, I suppose, as soon think of marrying a Fitzloom as we
-Germans should of marrying a woman without a _von_ before her name. We
-are quite alone, Grey, only the Chevalier and St. George. I had an idea
-of asking Salvinski, but he is such a regular steam-engine, and began
-such a long story last night about his interview with the King of
-Ashantee, that the bare possibility of his taking it into his head to
-finish it to-day frightened me. You were away early from the Grand
-Duke's last night. The business went off well."
-
-"Very well, indeed!" said the Chevalier de Boeffleurs; completing by
-this speech the first dozen of words which he had uttered since his
-stay at Ems.
-
-"I think that last night Lady Madeleine Trevor looked perfectly
-magnificent; and a certain lady, too, Grey, eh? Here is St. George. My
-dear fellow, how are you? Has the fair Aurelia recovered from the last
-night's fatigues? Now, Ernstorff, dinner as soon as possible."
-
-The Baron made up to-day, certainly, for the silence of his friend the
-Chevalier. He outdid himself. Story after story, adventure after
-adventure, followed each other with exciting haste. In fact, the Baron
-never ceased talking the whole dinner, except when he refreshed himself
-with wine, which he drank copiously. A nice observer would, perhaps,
-have considered the Baron's high spirits artificial, and his
-conversation an effort. Yet his temper, though lively, was generally
-equable; and his ideas, which always appeared to occur easily, were
-usually thrown out in fluent phraseology. The dinner was long, and a
-great deal of wine was drunk: more than most of the parties present for
-a long time had been accustomed to. About eight o'clock the Chevalier
-proposed going to the Redoute, but the Baron objected.
-
-"Let us have an evening altogether: surely we have had enough of the
-Redoute. In my opinion one of the advantages of the fete is, that there
-is no New House to-night. Conversation is a novelty. On a moderate
-calculation I must have told you to-day at least fifty original
-anecdotes. I have done my duty. It is the Chevalier's turn now. Come, de
-Boeffleurs, a choice one!"
-
-"I remember a story Prince Salvinski once told me."
-
-"No, no, that is too bad; none of that Polish bear's romances; if we
-have his stories, we may as well have his company."
-
-"But it is a very curious story," continued the Chevalier, with a little
-animation.
-
-"Oh! so is every story, according to the storier."
-
-"I think, Von Konigstein, you imagine no one can tell a story but
-yourself," said De Boeffleurs, actually indignant. Vivian had never
-heard him speak so much before, and really began to believe that he was
-not quite an automaton.
-
-"Let us have it!" said St. George.
-
-"It is a story told of a Polish nobleman, a Count somebody: I never can
-remember their crack-jaw names. Well! the point is this," said the
-silent little Chevalier, who, apparently, already repented of the
-boldness of his offer, and, misdoubting his powers, wished to begin with
-the end of his tale: "the point is this, he was playing one day at
-ecarte with the Governor of Wilna; the stake was trifling, but he had a
-bet, you see, with the Governor of a thousand roubles; a bet with the
-Governor's secretary, never mind the amount, say two hundred and fifty,
-you see; then, he went on the turn-up with the Commandant's wife; and
-took the pips on the trumps with the Archbishop of Warsaw. To understand
-the point of the story, you see, you must have a distinct conception how
-the game stood. You see, St. George, there was the bet with the
-Governor, one thousand roubles; the Governor's secretary, never mind the
-amount, say two hundred and fifty; turn-up with the Commandant's lady,
-and the pips with the Archbishop of Warsaw. Proposed three times, one
-for the king, the Governor drew ace; the Governor was already three and
-the ten. When the Governor scored king, the Archbishop gave the odds,
-drew knave queen one hand. The count offered to propose fourth time.
-Governor refused. King to six, ace fell to knave, queen cleared on.
-Governor lost, besides bets with the whole etat-major; the Secretary
-gave his bill; the Commandant's lady pawned her jewels; and the
-Archbishop was done on the pips!"
-
-"By Jove, what a Salvinski!"
-
-"How many trumps had the Governor?" asked St. George.
-
-"Three," said the Chevalier.
-
-"Then it is impossible: I do not believe the story; it could not be."
-
-"I beg your pardon," said the Chevalier; "you see the Governor had--"
-
-"By Jove, don't let us have it all over again!" said the Baron. "Well!
-if this be your model for an after-dinner anecdote, which ought to be as
-piquant as an anchovy toast, I will never complain of your silence
-in future."
-
-"The story is a true story," said the Chevalier; "have you got a pack of
-cards, Von Konigstein? I will show it you."
-
-"There is not such a thing in the room," said the Baron.
-
-"Well, I never heard of a room without a pack of cards before," said the
-Chevalier; "I will send for one to my own apartments."
-
-"Perhaps Ernstorff has got a pack. Here, Ernstorff, have you got a pack
-of cards? That's well; bring it immediately."
-
-The cards were brought, and the Chevalier began to fight his battle over
-again; but could not satisfy Mr. St. George. "You see, there was the bet
-with the Governor, and the pips, as I said before, with the Archbishop
-of Warsaw."
-
-"My dear De Boeffleurs, let's no more of this. If you like to have a
-game of ecarte with St. George, well and good; but as for quarrelling
-the whole evening about some blundering lie of Salvinski's, it really is
-too much. You two can play, and I can talk to Don Vivian, who,
-by-the-bye, is rather of the rueful countenance to-night. Why, my dear
-fellow, I have not heard your voice this evening: frightened by the fate
-of the Archbishop of Warsaw, I suppose?"
-
-"Ecarte is so devilish dull," said St. George; "and it is such a trouble
-to deal."
-
-"I will deal for both, if you like," said De Boeffleurs; "I am used to
-dealing."
-
-"Oh! no, I won't play ecarte; let us have something in which we can all
-join."
-
-"Rouge-et-noir," suggested the Chevalier, in a careless tone, as if he
-had no taste for the amusement.
-
-"There is not enough, is there?" asked St. George.
-
-"Oh! two are enough, you know; one deals, much more four."
-
-"Well, I don't care; rouge-et-noir then, let us have rouge-et-noir. Von
-Konigstein, what say you to rouge-et-noir? De Boeffleurs says we can
-play it here very well. Come, Grey."
-
-"Oh! rouge-et-noir, rouge-et-noir," said the Baron; "have not you both
-had rouge-et-noir enough? Am I not to be allowed one holiday? Well,
-anything to please you; so rouge-et-noir, if it must be so."
-
-"If all wish it, I have no objection," said Vivian.
-
-"Well, then, let us sit down; Ernstorff has, I dare say, another pack of
-cards, and St. George will be dealer; I know he likes that ceremony."
-
-"No, no; I appoint the Chevalier."
-
-"Very well," said De Boeffleurs, "the plan will be for two to bank
-against the table; the table to play on the same colour by joint
-agreement. You can join me, Von Konigstein, and pay or receive with me,
-from Mr. St. George and Grey."
-
-"I will bank with you, if you like, Chevalier," said Vivian.
-
-"Oh! certainly; that is if you like. But perhaps the Baron is more used
-to banking; you perhaps don't understand it."
-
-"Perfectly; it appears to me to be very simple."
-
-"No, don't you bank, Grey," said St. George. "I want you to play with me
-against the Chevalier and the Baron; I like your luck."
-
-"Luck is very capricious, remember."
-
-"Oh, no, I like your luck; don't bank."
-
-"Be it so."
-
-Playing commenced. An hour elapsed, and the situation of none of the
-parties was materially different from what it had been when they began
-the game. Vivian proposed leaving off; but Mr. St. George avowed that he
-felt very fortunate, and that he had a presentiment that he should win.
-Another hour elapsed, and he had lost considerably. Eleven o'clock:
-Vivian's luck had also deserted him. Mr. St. George was losing
-desperately. Midnight: Vivian had lost back half his gains on the
-season. St. George still more desperate, all his coolness had deserted
-him. He had persisted obstinately against a run on the red; then
-floundered and got entangled in a seesaw, which alone cost him
-a thousand.
-
-Ernstorff now brought in refreshments; and for a moment they ceased
-playing. The Baron opened a bottle of champagne; and St. George and the
-Chevalier were stretching their legs and composing their minds in very
-different ways, the first in walking rapidly up and down the room, and
-the other by lying very quietly at his full length on the sofa; Vivian
-was employed in building houses with the cards.
-
-"Grey," said the Chevalier de Boeffleurs, "I cannot imagine why you do
-not for a moment try to forget the cards: that is the only way to win.
-Never sit musing over the table."
-
-But Grey was not to be persuaded to give up building his pagoda: which,
-now many stories high, like a more celebrated but scarcely more
-substantial structure, fell with a crash. Vivian collected the scattered
-cards into two divisions.
-
-"Now!" said the Baron, seating himself, "for St. George's revenge."
-
-The Chevalier and the greatest sufferer took their places.
-
-"Is Ernstorff coming in again, Baron?" asked Vivian.
-
-"No! I think not."
-
-"Let us be sure; it is disagreeable to be disturbed at this time of
-night."
-
-"Lock the door, then," said St. George.
-
-"A very good plan," said Vivian; and he locked it accordingly.
-
-"Now, gentlemen," said Vivian, rising from the table, and putting both
-packs of cards into his pocket; "now, gentlemen, I have another game to
-play." The Chevalier started on his chair, the Baron turned pale, but
-both were silent. "Mr. St. George," continued Vivian, "I think that you
-owe the Chevalier de Boeffleurs about four thousand Napoleons, and to
-Baron von Konigstein something more than half that sum. I have to inform
-you that it is unnecessary for you to satisfy the claims of either of
-these gentlemen, which are founded neither in law nor in honour."
-
-"Mr. Grey, what am I to understand?" asked the quiet Chevalier de
-Boeffleurs, with the air of a wolf and the voice of a lion.
-
-"Understand, sir!" answered Vivian, sternly, "that I am not one who will
-be bullied by a blackleg."
-
-"Grey! good God! what do you mean?" asked the Baron.
-
-"That which it is my duty, not my pleasure, to explain, Baron von
-Konigstein."
-
-"If you mean to insinuate," burst forth the Chevalier.
-
-"I mean to insinuate nothing. I leave insinuations and innuendoes to
-chevaliers d'industrie. I mean to prove everything."
-
-Mr. St. George did not speak, but seemed as utterly astounded and
-overwhelmed as Baron von Konigstein himself, who, with his arm leaning
-on the table, his hands clasped, and the forefinger of his right hand
-playing convulsively on his left, was pale as death, and did not
-even breathe.
-
-"Gentlemen," said Vivian, "I shall not detain you long, though I have
-much to say that is to the purpose. I am perfectly cool, and, believe
-me, perfectly resolute. Let me recommend to you all the same
-temperament; it may be better for you. Rest assured, that if you flatter
-yourselves that I am one to be pigeoned and then bullied, you are
-mistaken. In one word, I am aware of everything that has been arranged
-for the reception of Mr. St. George and myself this evening. Your marked
-cards are in my pocket, and can only be obtained by you with my life.
-Here are two of us against two; we are equally matched in number, and I,
-gentlemen, am armed. If I were not, you would not dare to go to
-extremities. Is it not, then, the wisest course to be temperate,
-my friends?"
-
-"This is some vile conspiracy of your own, fellow," said De Boeffleurs:
-"marked cards, indeed! a pretty tale, forsooth! The Ministers of a
-first-rate Power playing with marked cards! The story will gain credit,
-and on the faith of whom? An adventurer that no one knows, who, having
-failed this night in his usual tricks, and lost money which he cannot
-pay, takes advantage of the marked cards, which he has not succeeded in
-introducing, and pretends, forsooth, that they are those which he has
-stolen from our table; our own cards being, previously to his
-accusation, concealed in a secret pocket."
-
-The impudence of the fellow staggered even Vivian. As for Mr. St.
-George, he stared like a wild man. Before Vivian could answer him the
-Baron had broken silence. It was with the greatest effort that he seemed
-to dig his words out of his breast.
-
-"No, no; this is too much! It is all over! I am lost; but I will not add
-crime to crime. Your courage and your fortune have saved you, Mr. Grey,
-and your friend from the designs of villains. And you! wretch," said he,
-turning to De Boeffleurs, "sleep now in peace; at length you have undone
-me." He leant on the table, and buried his face in his hands.
-
-"Chicken-hearted fool!" said the Chevalier; "is this the end of all your
-promises and all your pledges? But remember, sir! remember. I have no
-taste for scenes. Good night, gentlemen. Baron, I expect to hear
-from you."
-
-"Stop, sir!" said Vivian; "no one leaves this room without my
-permission."
-
-"I am at your service, sir, when you please," said the Chevalier.
-
-"It is not my intention to detain you long, sir; far from it. I have
-every inclination to assist you in your last exit from this room; had I
-time, it should not be by the door. As it is, go! in the devil's name."
-So saying he hurled the adventurous Frenchman half down the corridor.
-
-"Baron von Konigstein," said Vivian, turning to the Baron, "you have
-proved yourself, by your conduct this evening, to be a better man than I
-imagined you. I confess that I thought you had been too much accustomed
-to such scenes to be sensible of the horror of detection."
-
-"Never!" said the Baron, with emphasis, with energy. The firm voice and
-manner in which he pronounced this single word wonderfully contrasted
-with his delivery when he had last spoke; but his voice immediately
-died away.
-
-"'Tis all over! I have no wish to excite your pity, gentlemen, or to
-gain your silence, by practising upon your feelings. Be silent. I am not
-the less ruined, not the less disgraced, not the less utterly undone. Be
-silent; my honour, all the same, in four-and-twenty hours, has gone for
-ever. I have no motive, then, to deceive you. You must believe what I
-speak; even what _I_ speak, the most degraded of men. I say again,
-_never_, never, never, never, never was my honour before sullied, though
-guilty of a thousand follies. You see before you, gentlemen, the unhappy
-victim of circumstances; of circumstances which he has in vain struggled
-to control, to which he has at length fallen a victim. I am not
-pretending, for a moment, that my crimes are to be accounted for by an
-inexorable fate, and not to be expiated by my everlasting misery. No,
-no! I have been too weak to be virtuous: but I have been tried, tried
-most bitterly. I am the most unfortunate of men; I was not born to be a
-villain. Four years have passed since I was banished from the country in
-which I was honoured, my prospects in life blasted, my peace of mind
-destroyed; and all because a crime was committed of any participation in
-which I am as innocent as yourselves. Driven in despair to wander, I
-tried, in the wild dissipation of Naples, to forget my existence and my
-misery. I found my fate in the person of this vile Frenchman, who never
-since has quitted me. Even after two years of madness in that fatal
-place, my natural disposition rallied; I struggled to save myself; I
-quitted it. I was already involved to De Boeffleurs; I became still more
-so, in gaining from him the means of satisfying all claims against me.
-Alas! I found I had sold myself to a devil, a very devil, with a heart
-like an adder's. Incapable of a stray generous sensation, he has looked
-upon mankind during his whole life with the eyes of a bully of a
-gaming-house. I still struggled to free myself from this man; and I
-indemnified him for his advances by procuring him a place in the mission
-to which, with the greatest difficulty and perseverance, I had at length
-obtained my appointment. In public life I yet hoped to forget my private
-misery. At Frankfort I felt that, though not happy, I might be calm. I
-determined never again even to run the risk of enduring the slavery of
-debt. I foreswore, with the most solemn oaths, the gaming table; and had
-it not been for the perpetual sight of De Boeffleurs, I might, perhaps,
-have felt at ease; though the remembrance of my blighted prospects, the
-eternal feeling that I experienced of being born for nobler ends, was
-quite sufficient perpetually to embitter my existence. The second year
-of my Frankfort appointment I was tempted to this unhappy place. The
-unexpected sight of faces which I had known in England, though they
-called up the most painful associations, strengthened me, nevertheless,
-in my resolution to be virtuous. My unexpected fortune at the Redoute,
-the first night, made me forget all my resolves, and has led to all this
-misery. I make my sad tale brief. I got involved at the New House: De
-Boeffleurs once more assisted me, though his terms were most severe.
-Yet, yet again, I was mad enough, vile enough, to risk what I did not
-possess. I lost to Prince Salvinski and a Russian gentleman a
-considerable sum on the night before the fete. It is often the custom at
-the New House, as you know, among men who are acquainted, to pay and
-receive all losses which are considerable on the next night of meeting.
-The fete gave me breathing time: it was not necessary to redeem my
-pledge till the fourth night. I rushed to De Boeffleurs; he refused to
-assist me, alleging his own losses and his previous advance. What was to
-be done? No possibility of making any arrangement with Salvinski. Had he
-won of me as others have done, an arrangement, though painful, would
-perhaps have been possible; but, by a singular fate, whenever I have
-chanced to be successful, it is of this man that I have won. De
-Boeffleurs, then, was the only chance. He was inexorable. I prayed to
-him; I promised him everything; I offered him any terms; in vain! At
-length, when he had worked me up to the last point of despair, he
-whispered hope. I listened; let me be quick! why finish? You know I
-fell!" The Baron again covered his face, and appeared perfectly
-overwhelmed.
-
-"By God! it is too horrible," said St. George. "Grey, let us do
-something for him."
-
-"My dear St. George," said Vivian, "be calm. You are taken by surprise.
-I was prepared for all this. Believe me, it is better for you to leave
-us. I recommend you to retire, and meet me in the morning. Breakfast
-with me at eight; we can then arrange everything."
-
-Vivian's conduct had been so decisive, and evidently so well matured,
-that St. George felt that, in the present case, it was for him only to
-obey, and he retired with wonder still expressed on his countenance; for
-he had not yet, in the slightest degree, recovered from the
-first surprise.
-
-"Baron von Konigstein," said Vivian to the unhappy man, "we are alone.
-Mr. St. George has left the room: you are freed from the painful
-presence of the cousin of Captain Fane."
-
-"You know all, then!" exclaimed the Baron quickly, looking up, "or you
-have read my secret thoughts. How wonderful! at that very moment I was
-thinking of my friend. Would I had died with him! You know all, then;
-and now you must believe me guilty. Yet, at this moment of annihilating
-sorrow, when I can gain nothing by deceit, I swear; and if I swear
-falsely, may I fall down a livid corpse at your feet; I swear that I was
-guiltless of the crime for which I suffered, guiltless as yourself.
-What may be my fate I know not. Probably a few hours, and all will be
-over. Yet, before we part, sir, it would be a relief; you would be doing
-a generous service to a dying man, to bear a message from me to one with
-whom you are acquainted; to one whom I cannot now name."
-
-"Lady Madeleine Trevor?"
-
-"Again you have read my thoughts! Lady Madeleine! Is it she who told you
-of my early history?"
-
-"All that I know is known to many."
-
-"I must speak! If you have time, if you can listen for half an hour to a
-miserable being, it would be a consolation to me. I should die with ease
-if I thought that Lady Madeleine could believe me innocent of that first
-great offence."
-
-"Your Excellency may address anything to me, if it be your wish, even at
-this hour of the night. It may be better; after what has passed, we
-neither of us can sleep, and this business must be arranged at once."
-
-"My object is, that Lady Madeleine should receive from me at this
-moment, at a time when I can have no interest to deceive, an account of
-the particulars of her cousin's and my friend's death. I sent it written
-after the horrid event; but she was ill, and Trevor, who was very bitter
-against me, returned the letters unopened. For four years I have never
-travelled without these rejected letters; this year I have them not. But
-you could convey to Lady Madeleine my story as now given to you; to you
-at this terrible moment."
-
-"Speak on!"
-
-"I must say one word of my connection with the family to enable you
-fully to understand the horrid event, of which, if, as I believe, you
-only know what all know, you can form but a most imperfect conception.
-When I was Minister at the Court of London I became acquainted; became,
-indeed, intimate, with Mr. Trevor, then in office, the husband of Lady
-Madeleine. She was just married. Of myself at that time, I may say that,
-though depraved, I was not heartless, and that there were moments when I
-panted to be excellent. Lady Madeleine and myself became friends; she
-found in me a companion who not only respected her talents and delighted
-in her conversation, but one who in return was capable of instructing,
-and was overjoyed to amuse her. I loved her; but when I loved her I
-ceased to be a libertine. At first I thought that nothing in the world
-could have tempted me to have allowed her for an instant to imagine that
-I dared to look upon her in any other light than as a friend; but the
-negligence, the coldness of Trevor, the overpowering mastery of my own
-passions, drove me one day past the line, and I wrote that which I dared
-not utter. It never entered into my mind for an instant to insult such a
-woman with the commonplace sophistry of a ribald. No! I loved her with
-all my spirit's strength. I would have sacrificed all my views in life,
-my ambition, my family, my fortune, my country, to have gained her; and
-I told her this in terms of respectful adoration. I worshipped the
-divinity, even while I attempted to profane the altar. When I had sent
-this letter I was in despair. Conviction of the insanity of my conduct
-flashed across my mind. I expected never to see her again. There came an
-answer; I opened it with the greatest agitation; to my surprise, an
-appointment. Why trouble you with a detail of my feelings, my mad hope,
-my dark despair! The moment for the interview arrived. I was received
-neither with affection nor anger. In sorrow she spoke. I listened in
-despair. I was more madly in love with her than ever. That very love
-made me give her such evidences of a contrite spirit that I was
-pardoned. I rose with a resolution to be virtuous, with a determination
-to be her friend: then I made the fatal promise which you know of, to be
-doubly the friend of a man whose friend I already was. It was then that
-I pledged myself to Lady Madeleine to be the guardian spirit of her
-cousin." Here the Baron, overpowered by his emotions, leant back in his
-chair, and ceased to speak. In a few minutes he resumed.
-
-"I did my duty; by all that's sacred, I did my duty! Night and day I was
-with young Fane. A hundred times he was on the brink of ruin; a hundred
-times I saved him. One day, one never-to-be-forgotten day, one most dark
-and damnable day, I called on him, and found him on the point of joining
-a coterie of desperate character. I remonstrated with him, I entreated,
-I supplicated him not to go, in vain. At last he agreed to forego his
-engagement on condition that I dined with him. There were important
-reasons that day for my not staying with him; yet every consideration
-vanished when I thought of her for whom I was exerting myself. He was
-frantic this day; and, imagining that there was no chance of his
-leaving his home, I did not refuse to drink freely, to drink deeply. My
-doing so was the only way to keep him at home. As we were passing down
-Pall Mall we met two foreigners of distinction and a noble of your
-country; they were men of whom we both knew little. I had myself
-introduced Fane to the foreigners a few days before, being aware that
-they were men of high rank. After some conversation they asked us to
-join them at supper at the house of their English friend. I declined;
-but nothing could induce Fane to refuse them, and I finally accompanied
-them. Play was introduced after supper: I made an ineffectual struggle
-to get Fane home, but I was too full of wine to be energetic. After
-losing a small sum I got up from the table, and, staggering to a sofa,
-fell fast asleep. Even as I passed Fane's chair in this condition, my
-master thought was evident, and I pulled him by the shoulder: all was
-useless; I woke to madness!" It was terrible to witness the anguish of
-Von Konigstein.
-
-"Could you not clear yourself?" asked Vivian, for he felt it necessary
-to speak.
-
-"Clear myself! Everything told against me. The villains were my friends,
-not the sufferer's; I was not injured. My dining with him was part of
-the conspiracy; he was intoxicated previous to his ruin. Conscious of my
-innocence, quite desperate, but confiding in my character, I accused the
-guilty trio; they recriminated and answered, and without clearing
-themselves convinced the public that I was their dissatisfied and
-disappointed tool. I can speak no more."
-
-It is awful to witness sudden death; but, oh! how much more awful it is
-to witness in a moment the moral fall of a fellow-creature! How
-tremendous is the quick succession of mastering passions! The firm, the
-terrifically firm, the madly resolute denial of guilt; that eagerness of
-protestation which is a sure sign of crime, then the agonising suspense
-before the threatened proof is produced, the hell of detection, the
-audible anguish of sorrow, the curses of remorse, the silence of
-despair! Few of us, unfortunately, have passed through life without
-having beheld some instance of this instantaneous degradation of human
-nature. But, oh! how terrible is it when the confessed criminal has been
-but a moment before our friend! What a contrast to the laugh of joyous
-companionship is the quivering tear of an agonised frame! how terrible
-to be prayed to by those whose wishes a moment before we lived only to
-anticipate!
-
-"Von Konigstein," said Vivian, after a long silence, "I feel for you.
-Had I known this I would have spared both you and myself this night of
-misery; I would have prevented you from looking back to this day with
-remorse. You have suffered for that of which you were not guilty; you
-shall not suffer now for what has passed. Much would I give to see you
-freed from that wretched knave, whose vile career I was very nearly
-tempted this evening to have terminated for ever. I shall make the
-communication you desire, and I will endeavour that it shall be
-credited; as to the transactions of this evening, the knowledge of them
-can never transpire to the world. It is the interest of De Boeffleurs to
-be silent; if he speak no one will credit the tale of such a creature,
-who, if he speak truth, must proclaim his own infamy. And now for the
-immediate calls upon your honour; in what sum are you indebted to Prince
-Salvinski and his friend?"
-
-"Thousands! two, three thousand."
-
-"I shall then have an opportunity of ridding myself of that the
-acquisition of which, to me, has been matter of great sorrow. Your
-honour Is saved. I will discharge the claims of Salvinski and
-his friend."
-
-"Impossible! I cannot allow--"
-
-"Stop; in this business I must command. Surely there can be no feelings
-of delicacy between us two now. If I gave you the treasures of the
-Indies you would not be under so great an obligation to me as you are
-already: I say this with pain. I recommend you to leave Ems to-morrow;
-public business will easily account for your sudden departure. And now,
-your character is yet safe, you are yet in the prime of life, you have
-vindicated yourself from that which has preyed upon your mind for years;
-cease to accuse your fate!" Vivian was about to leave the room when the
-Baron started from his seat and seized his hand. He would have spoken,
-but the words died upon his lips, and before he could recover himself
-Vivian had retired.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIV
-
-
-The sudden departure of Baron von Konigstein from the Baths excited
-great surprise and sorrow; all wondered at the cause, and all regretted
-the effect. The Grand Duke missed his good stories, the rouge-et-noir
-table his constant presence, and Monsieur le Restaurateur gave up, in
-consequence, an embryo idea of a fete and fireworks for his own benefit,
-which agreeable plan he had trusted that, with his Excellency's generous
-co-operation as patron, he should have had no difficulty in carrying
-into execution. But no one was more surprised, and more regretted the
-absence of his Excellency, than his friend Mr. Fitzloom. What could be
-the reason? Public business, of course; indeed he had learnt as much,
-confidentially, from Cracowsky. He tried Mr. Grey, but could elicit
-nothing satisfactory; he pumped Mr. St. George, but produced only the
-waters of oblivion: Mr. St. George was gifted, when it suited his
-purpose, with a most convenient want of memory. There must be something
-in the wind, perhaps a war. Was the independence of Greece about to be
-acknowledged, or the dependence of Spain about to be terminated? What
-first-rate Power had marched a million of soldiers into the land of a
-weak neighbour, on the mere pretence of exercising the military? What
-patriots had had the proud satisfaction of establishing a constitutional
-government without bloodshed, to be set aside in the course of the next
-month in the same manner? Had a conspiracy for establishing a republic
-in Russia been frustrated by the timely information of the intended
-first Consuls? Were the Janissaries learning mathematics, or had Lord
-Cochrane taken Constantinople in the James Watt steampacket? One of
-these many events must have happened; but which? At length Fitzloom
-decided on a general war. England must interfere either to defeat the
-ambition of France, or to curb the rapacity of Russia, or to check the
-arrogance of Austria, or to regenerate Spain, or to redeem Greece, or to
-protect Portugal, or to shield the Brazils, or to uphold the Bible
-Societies, or to consolidate the Greek Church, or to monopolise the
-commerce of Mexico, or to disseminate the principles of free trade, or
-to keep up her high character, or to keep up the price of corn. England
-must interfere. In spite of his conviction, however, Fitzloom did not
-alter the arrangements of his tour; he still intended to travel for two
-years. All he did was to send immediate orders to his broker in England
-to sell two millions of consols. The sale was of course effected, the
-example followed, stocks fell ten per cent., the exchange turned, money
-became scarce. The public funds of all Europe experienced a great
-decline, smash went the country banks, consequent runs on the London, a
-dozen Baronets failed in one morning, Portland Place deserted, the cause
-of infant Liberty at a terrific discount, the Greek loan disappeared
-like a vapour in a storm, all the new American States refused to pay
-their dividends, manufactories deserted, the revenue in a decline, the
-country in despair, Orders in Council, meetings of Parliament, change of
-Ministry, and new loan! Such were the terrific consequences of a
-diplomatist turning blackleg! The secret history of the late distress is
-a lesson to all modern statesmen. Rest assured that in politics, however
-tremendous the effects, the causes are often as trifling.
-
-Vivian found his reception by the Trevor party, the morning after the
-memorable night, a sufficient reward for all his anxiety and exertion.
-St. George, a generous, open-hearted young man, full of gratitude to
-Vivian, and regretting his previous want of cordiality towards him, now
-delighted in doing full justice to his coolness, courage, and ability.
-Lady Madeleine said a great deal in the most graceful and impressive
-manner; but Miss Fane scarcely spoke. Vivian, however, read in her eyes
-her approbation and her gratitude.
-
-"And now, how came you to discover the whole plot, Mr. Grey?" asked Lady
-Madeleine, "for we have not yet heard. Was it at the table?"
-
-"They would hardly have had recourse to such clumsy instruments as would
-have given us the chance of detecting the conspiracy by casual
-observation. No, no; we owe our preservation and our gratitude to one
-whom we must hereafter count among our friends. I was prepared, as I
-told you, for everything; and though I had seen similar cards to those
-with which they played only a few hours before, it was with difficulty
-that I satisfied myself at the table that the cards we lost by were
-prepared, so wonderful is the contrivance!"
-
-"But who is the unknown friend?" said Miss Fane, with great eagerness.
-
-"I must have the pleasure of keeping you all in suspense," said Vivian:
-"cannot any of you guess?"
-
-"None, none, none!"
-
-"What say you, then, to--Essper George?"
-
-"Is it possible?"
-
-"It is the fact that he, and he alone, is our preserver. Soon after my
-arrival at this place this singular being was seized with the
-unaccountable fancy of becoming my servant. You all remember his
-unexpected appearance one day in the saloon. In the evening of the same
-day, I found him sleeping at the door of my room; and, thinking it high
-time that he should be taught more discretion, I spoke to him very
-seriously the next morning respecting his troublesome and eccentric
-conduct. It was then that I learnt his wish. I objected, of course, to
-engaging a servant of whose previous character I was ignorant, and of
-which I could not be informed, and one whose peculiar habits would
-render both himself and his master notorious. While I declined his
-services, I also advised him most warmly to give up all idea of
-deserting his present mode of life, for which I thought him extremely
-well suited. The consequence of my lecture was, what you all perceived
-with surprise, a great change in Essper's character. He became serious,
-reserved, and retiring, and commenced his career as a respectable
-character by throwing off his quaint costume. In a short time, by dint
-of making a few bad bargains, he ingratiated himself with Ernstorff, Von
-Konigstein's pompous chasseur. His object in forming this connection was
-to gain an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the duties of a
-gentleman's servant, and in this he has succeeded. About a week since,
-he purchased from Ernstorff a large quantity of cast-off apparel of the
-Baron's, and other perquisites of a great man's valet; among these were
-some playing cards which had been borrowed one evening in great haste
-from the servant of that rascal De Boeffleurs, and never returned. On
-accidentally examining these cards, Essper detected they were marked.
-The system on which the marks are formed and understood is so simple and
-novel, that it was long before I could bring myself to believe that his
-suspicions were founded even on a probability. At length, however, he
-convinced me. It is at Vienna, he tells me, that he has met with these
-cards before. The marks are all on the rim of the cards; and an
-experienced dealer, that is to say, a blackleg, can with these marks
-produce any results and combinations which may suit his purpose. Essper
-tells me that De Boeffleurs is even more skilled in sleight-of-hand than
-himself. From Ernstorff, Essper learnt on the day of the fete that Mr.
-St. George was to dine with the Chevalier at the Baron's apartments on
-the morrow, and that there was a chance that I should join them. He
-suspected that villany was in the wind, and when I retired to my room at
-a late hour on the night of the fete, I there met him, and it was then
-that he revealed to me everything which I have told you. Am I not right,
-then, in calling him our preserver?"
-
-"What can be done for him?" said Lady Madeleine.
-
-"His only wish is already granted; he is my servant. That he will serve
-me diligently and faithfully I have no doubt. I only wish that he would
-accept or could appreciate a more worthy reward."
-
-"Can man be more amply rewarded," said Miss Fane, "than by choosing his
-own remuneration? I think he has shown in his request his accustomed
-talent. I must go and see him this moment."
-
-"Say nothing of what has passed; he is prepared for silence from all
-parties."
-
-A week, a happy week, passed over, and few minutes of the day found
-Vivian absent from the side of Violet Fane; and now he thought again of
-England, of his return to that country under very different
-circumstances to what he had ever contemplated. Soon, very soon, he
-trusted to write to his father, to announce to him the revolution in his
-wishes, the consummation of his hopes. Soon, very soon, he trusted that
-he should hail his native cliffs, a reclaimed wanderer, with a matured
-mind and a contented spirit, his sorrows forgotten, his misanthropy
-laid aside.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XV
-
-
-It was about a week after the departure of the Baron that two young
-Englishmen, who had been college friends of Mr. St. George, arrived at
-the Baths. These were Mr. Anthony St. Leger and Mr. Adolphus St. John.
-In the academic shades of Christchurch these three gentlemen had been
-known as "All Saints." Among their youthful companions they bore the
-more martial style of "The Three Champions," St. George, St. John, and
-St. Anthony.
-
-St. John and St. Anthony had just completed the grand tour, and, after
-passing the Easter at Rome, had returned through the Tyrol from Italy.
-Since then they had travelled over most parts of Germany; and now, in
-the beginning of July, found themselves at the Baths of Ems. Two years'
-travel had not produced any very beneficial effect on either of these
-sainted personages. They had gained, by visiting the capitals of all
-Europe, only a due acquaintance with the follies of each; and the only
-difference that could be observed in their conduct on their return was,
-that their affectation was rather more fantastical, and therefore
-more amusing.
-
-"Corpo di Bacco, my champion! who ever thought of meeting thee thou holy
-saint! By the eyebrow of Venus, my spirit rejoiceth!" exclaimed St.
-Anthony, whose peculiar affectation was an adoption in English of the
-Italian oaths.
-
-"This is the sweetest spot, St. Anthony, that we have found since we
-left Paradiso; that is, St. George, in the vulgar, since we quitted
-Italia. 'Italia! O Italia!' I forget the rest; probably you remember it.
-Certainly, a most sweet spot this, quite a Gaspar!"
-
-Art was the peculiar affectation of St. John; he was, indeed, quite a
-patron of the Belle Arti, had scattered his orders through the studios
-of most of the celebrated sculptors of Italy, and spoke on all subjects
-and all things only with a view to their capability of forming material
-for the painter. According to the school of which Mr. St. John was a
-disciple, the only use of the human passions is, that they produce
-situations for the historical painter; and nature, according to these
-votaries of the [Greek: to kalon], is only to be valued as affording
-hints for the more perfect conceptions of a Claude or a Salvator.
-
-"By the girdle of Venus, a devilish fine woman!" exclaimed St. Anthony.
-
-"A splendid bit!" ejaculated St. John; "touched in with freedom, a grand
-tournure, great gout in the swell of the neck. What a study for Retsch!"
-
-"In the name of the Graces, who is it, mio Santo?"
-
-"Ay! name la bellissima Signora."
-
-"The 'fine bit,' St. John, is my sister."
-
-"The devil!"
-
-"Diavolo!"
-
-"Will you introduce us, most holy man?"
-
-This request from both, simultaneously arranging their mustachios.
-
-The two saints were accordingly, in due time, introduced; but finding
-the attention of Miss Fane always engrossed, and receiving some not very
-encouraging responses from Lady Madeleine, they voted her ladyship
-cursedly satirical; and passing a general censure on the annoying
-coldness of Englishwomen, they were in four-and-twenty hours attached to
-the suite of the Miss Fitzlooms, to whom they were introduced by St.
-George as his particular friends, and were received with the most
-flattering consideration.
-
-"By the aspect of Diana! fine girls," swore St. Anthony.
-
-"Truly most gorgeous colouring! quite Venetian! Aurelia is a perfect
-Giorgione!" said St. John.
-
-"Madeleine," said St. George, one morning, to his sister, "have you any
-objection to make up a party with the Fitzlooms to pass a day at Nassau?
-You know we have often talked of it; and as Violet is so well now, and
-the weather so delightful, there surely can be no objection. The
-Fitzlooms are very agreeable people; and though you do not admire the
-Santi, still, upon my word, when you know them a little more, you will
-find them very pleasant fellows, and they are extremely good-natured;
-and just the fellows for such a party. Do not refuse me. I have set my
-mind upon your joining the party. Pray nod assent; thank you. Now I must
-go and arrange everything. Let us see: there are seven Fitzlooms; for we
-cannot count on less than two boys; yourself, Grey, Violet, and myself,
-four; the Santi; quite enough, a most delightful party. Half a dozen
-servants and as many donkeys will manage the provisions. Then three
-light carriages will take us all. 'By the wand of Mercury!' as St.
-Anthony would vow, admirably planned!"
-
-"By the breath of Zephyr! a most lovely day, Miss Fane," said St.
-Anthony, on the morning of the intended excursion.
-
-"Quite a Claude!" said St. John.
-
-"Almost as beautiful as an Italian winter day, Mr. St. Leger?" asked
-Miss Fane.
-
-"Hardly!" said St. Anthony, with a serious air; for he imagined the
-question to be quite genuine.
-
-The carriages are at the door; into the first ascended Mrs. Fitzloom,
-two daughters, and the travelling saints. The second bore Lady
-Madeleine, Mr. Fitzloom, and his two sons; the third division was formed
-of Mr. St. George and Aurelia Fitzloom, Miss Fane and Vivian.
-
-Away, away, rolled the carriages; the day was beautiful, the sky was
-without a cloud, and a mild breeze prevented the heat of the sun from
-being overpowering. All were in high spirits; for St. George had made a
-capital master of the ceremonies, and had arranged the company in the
-carriages to their mutual satisfaction. St. Anthony swore, by the soul
-of Psyche! that Augusta Fitzloom was an angel; and St. John was in equal
-raptures with Araminta, who had an expression about the eyes which
-reminded him, of Titian's Flora. Mrs. Fitzloom's natural silence did not
-disturb the uninterrupted jargon of the Santi, whose foppery elicited
-loud and continued approbation from the fair sisters. The mother sat
-admiring these sprigs of noble trees. The young Fitzlooms, in crimson
-cravats, conversed with Lady Madeleine with a delightful military air;
-and their happy parent, as he gazed upon them with satisfied affection,
-internally promised them both a commission in a crack regiment.
-
-The road from Ems to Nassau winds along the banks of the Lahn, through
-two leagues of delightful scenery; at the end of which, springing up
-from the peak of a bold and richly-wooded mountain, the lofty tower of
-the ancient castle of Nassau meets your view. Winding walks round the
-sides of the mountain lead through all the varieties of sylvan scenery,
-and command in all points magnificent views of the surrounding country.
-These finally bring you to the old castle, whose spacious chambers,
-though now choked up with masses of grey ruin or covered with underwood,
-still bear witness to the might of their former lord! the powerful Baron
-whose sword gained for his posterity a throne.
-
-All seemed happy; none happier than Violet Fane. Never did she look so
-beautiful as to-day, never was she so animated, never had she boasted
-that her pulse beat more melodious music, or her lively blood danced a
-more healthful measure. After examining all the antique chambers of the
-castle, and discovering, as they flattered themselves, secret passages,
-and dark dungeons, and hidden doors, they left this interesting relic of
-the middle ages; and soon, by a gradual descent through delightful
-shrubberies, they again found themselves at the bottom of the valley.
-Here they visited the modern chateau of Baron von Stein, one of the most
-enlightened and able politicians that Germany has ever produced. As
-Minister of Prussia, he commenced those reforms which the illustrious
-Hardenberg perfected. For upwards of five centuries the family of Stein
-have retained their territorial possessions in the valley of the Lahn.
-Their family castle, at present a ruin, and formerly a fief of the House
-of Nassau, is now only a picturesque object in the pleasure-grounds of
-the present lord.
-
-The noon had passed some hours before the delighted wanderers complained
-of fatigue, and by that time they found themselves in a pleasant green
-glade on the skirts of the forest of Nassau. It was nearly environed by
-mountains, covered with hanging woods, which shaded the beautiful
-valley, and gave it the appearance of a sylvan amphitheatre. From a
-rocky cleft in these green mountains a torrent, dashing down with
-impetuous force, and whose fall was almost concealed by the cloud of
-spray which it excited, gave birth to a small and gentle river, whose
-banks were fringed with beautiful trees, which prevented the sun's darts
-from piercing its coldness, by bowing their fair heads over its waters.
-From their extending branches Nature's choristers sent forth many a
-lovely lay
-
-     Of God's high praise, and of their loves' sweet teen.
-
-Near the banks of this river, the servants, under the active direction
-of Essper George, had prepared a banquet for the party. The cloth had
-been laid on a raised work of wood and turf, and rustic seats of the
-same material surrounded the picturesque table. It glowed with
-materials, and with colours to which Veronese alone could have done
-justice: pasties, and birds, and venison, and groups of fish, gleamy
-with prismatic hues, while amid pyramids of fruit rose goblets of
-fantastic glass, worthy of the famous wines they were to receive.
-
-"Well!" said Miss Fane, "I never will be a member of an adventurous
-party like the present, of which Albert is not manager."
-
-"I must not take the whole credit upon myself, Violet; St. John is
-butler, and St. Leger my vice-chamberlain."
-
-"Well, I cannot praise Mr. St. John till I have tasted the malvoisie
-which he has promised; but as for the other part of the entertainment,
-Mr. St. Leger, I am sure this is a temptation which it would be a sin,
-even in St. Anthony, to withstand.'
-
-"By the body of Bacchus, very good!" swore Mr. St. Leger.
-
-"These mountains," said Mr. St. John, "remind me of one of Gaspar's cool
-valleys. The party, indeed, give it a different character, quite
-a Watteau!"
-
-"Now, Mrs. Fitzloom," said St. George, who was in his element, "let me
-recommend a little of this pike! Lady Madeleine, I have sent you some
-lamb. Miss Fitzloom, I hope St. Anthony is taking care of you.
-Wrightson, plates to Mr. St. Leger. Holy man, and much beloved! send
-Araminta some chicken. Grey has helped you, Violet? Aurelia, this is for
-you. William Pitt Fitzloom, I leave you to yourself. George Canning
-Fitzloom, take care of the ladies near you. Essper George! Where is
-Essper? St. John, who is your deputy in the wine department? Wrightson!
-bring those long green bottles out of the river, and put the champagne
-underneath the willow. Will your Ladyship take some light claret? Mrs.
-Fitzloom, you must use your tumbler; nothing but tumblers allowed, by
-Miss Fane's particular request!"
-
-"St. George, thou holy man!" said Miss Fane, "methinks you are very
-impertinent. You shall not be my patron saint if you say such words."
-
-For the next hour there was nothing heard save the calling of servants,
-the rattling of knives and forks, the drawing of corks, and continued
-bursts of laughter, which were not occasioned by any brilliant
-observations, either of the Saints, or any other persons, but merely the
-result of an exuberance of spirits on the part of every one present.
-
-"Well, Aurelia," said Lady Madeleine, "do you prefer our present mode of
-life to feasting in an old hall, covered with banners and battered
-shields, and surrounded by mysterious corridors and dark dungeons?"
-Aurelia was so flattered by the notice of Lady Madeleine, that she made
-her no answer; probably because she was intent on a plover's egg.
-
-"I think we might all retire to this valley," said Miss Fane, "and
-revive the feudal times with great success. Albert might take us to
-Nassau Castle, and you, Mr. Fitzloom, might re-fortify the old tower of
-Stein. With two sons, however, who are about to enter the Guards, I am
-afraid we must be your vassals. Then what should we do? We could not
-have wood parties every day; I suppose we should get tired of each
-other. No! that does seem impossible; do not you all think so?"
-
-Omnes, "Impossible!"
-
-"We must, however, have some regular pursuit, some cause of constant
-excitement, some perpetual source of new emotions. New ideas, of course,
-we must give up; there would be no going to London for the season, for
-new opinions to astound country cousins on our return. Some pursuit must
-be invented; we all must have something to do. I have it! Albert shall
-be a tyrant."
-
-"I am very much obliged to you, Violet."
-
-"Yes! a cruel, unprincipled, vindictive, remorseless tyrant, with a long
-black beard, I cannot tell how long, about twenty thousand times longer
-than Mr. St. Leger's mustachios."
-
-"By the beard of Jove!" swore St. Anthony, as he almost started from his
-seat, and arranged with his thumb and forefinger the delicate Albanian
-tuft of his upper lip, "by the beard of Jove, Miss Fane, I am obliged
-to you."
-
-"Well, then," continued Violet, "Albert being a tyrant, Lady Madeleine
-must be an unhappy, ill-used, persecuted woman, living on black bread
-and green water, in an unknown dungeon. My part shall be to discover her
-imprisonment. Sounds of strange music attract my attention to a part of
-the castle which I have not before frequented. There I shall distinctly
-hear a female voice chaunting the 'Bridesmaids' Chorus,' with Erard's
-double pedal accompaniment. By the aid of the confessors of the two
-families, two drinking, rattling, impertinent, most corrupt, and most
-amusing friars, to wit, our sainted friends--"
-
-Here both Mr. St. Leger and Mr. St. John bowed low to Miss Fane.
-
-"A most lively personage is Miss Fane," whispered St. Anthony to his
-neighbour, Miss Fitzloom, "great style!"
-
-"Most amusing, delightful girl, great style! rather a display today, I
-think."
-
-"Oh, decidedly! and devilish personal too; some people wouldn't like it.
-I have no doubt she will say something about you next."
-
-"Oh, I shall be very surprised, indeed, if she does! It may be very well
-to you, but Miss Fane must be aware--"
-
-Before this pompous sentence could be finished an incident occurred
-which prevented Miss Fane from proceeding with her allotment of
-characters, and rendered unnecessary the threatened indignation of
-Miss Fitzloom.
-
-Miss Fane, as we mentioned, suddenly ceased speaking; the eyes of all
-were turned in the direction in which she was gazing as if she had
-seen a ghost.
-
-"What are you looking up at, Violet?" asked St. George.
-
-"Did not you see anything? did not any of you see anything?"
-
-"None, none!"
-
-"Mr. Grey, surely you must have seen it!"
-
-"I saw nothing."
-
-"It could not be fancy; impossible. I saw it distinctly. I cannot be in
-a dream. See there! again, on that topmost branch. It moves!"
-
-Some odd shrill sounds, uttered in the voice of a Pulcinello, attracted
-the notice of them all; and lo! high in the air, behind a lofty chestnut
-tree, the figure of a Pulcinello did appear, hopping and vaulting in the
-unsubstantial air. Now it sent forth another shrill, piercing sound, and
-now, with both its hands, it patted and complacently stroked its ample
-paunch; dancing all the time with unremitting activity, and wagging its
-queer head at the astounded guests.
-
-"Who, what can it be?" cried all. The Misses Fitzloom shrieked, and the
-Santi seemed quite puzzled.
-
-"Who, what can it be?"
-
-Ere time could be given for any one to hazard a conjecture, the figure
-had advanced from behind the trees, and had spanned in an instant the
-festal board, with two enormous stilts, on which they now perceived it
-was mounted. The Misses Fitzloom shrieked again. The figure imitated
-their cries in his queer voice, and gradually raising one enormous stilt
-up into the air, stood only on one support, which was planted behind the
-lovely Araminta.
-
-"O! inimitable Essper George!" exclaimed Violet Fane.
-
-Here Signor Punch commenced a song, which he executed in the tone
-peculiar to his character, and in a style which drew applauses from all;
-and then, with a hop, step, and a jump, he was again behind the
-chestnut-tree. In a moment he advanced without his stilts towards the
-table. Here, on the turf, he again commenced his antics; kicking his
-nose with his right foot, and his hump with his left one; executing
-splendid somersets, and cutting every species of caper, and never
-ceasing for a moment from performing all his movements to the inspiring
-music of his own melodious voice. At last, jumping up very high in the
-air, he fell as if all his joints were loosened, and the Misses
-Fitzloom, imagining that his bones were really broken, shrieked again.
-But now Essper began the wonderful performance of a dead body possessed
-by a devil, and in a minute his shattered corpse, apparently without the
-assistance of any of its members, began to jump and move about the
-ground with miraculous rapidity. At length it disappeared behind the
-chestnut-tree.
-
-"I really think," said Mr. St. George, "it is the most agreeable day I
-ever passed in all my life."
-
-"Decidedly!" said St. Anthony. "St. John, you remember our party to
-Paestum with Lady Calabria M'Crater and the Marquis of Agrigentum. It
-was nothing to this! Nothing! Do you know I thought that rather dull."
-
-"Yes, too elaborate; too highly finished; nothing of the pittore
-improvisatore. A party of this kind should be more sketchy in its style;
-the outline more free, and less detail."
-
-"Essper is coming out to-day," said Vivian to Miss Fane, "after a long,
-and, I venture to say, painful forbearance. However, I hope you will
-excuse him. It seems to amuse us."
-
-"I think it is delightful. See! here he comes again."
-
-He now appeared in his original costume; the one in which Vivian first
-met him at the fair. Bowing, he threw his hand carelessly over his
-mandolin, and having tried the melody of its strings, sang with great
-taste, and a sweet voice; sweeter from its contrast with its previous
-shrill tones; a very pretty romance. All applauded him very warmly, and
-no one more so than Miss Fane.
-
-"Ah! inimitable Essper George, how can we sufficiently thank you! How
-well he plays! and his voice is quite beautiful. Oh! could not we dance?
-would not it be delightful? and he could play on his guitar. Think of
-the delicious turf!"
-
-Omnes, "Delightful! delightful!" They rose from the table.
-
-"Violet, my dear," asked Lady Madeleine, "what are you going to do?"
-
-"By the toe of Terpsichore!" as Mr. St. Leger would say, "I am going to
-dance."
-
-"But remember, to-day you have done so much! let us be moderate; though
-you feel so much better, still think what a change to-day has been from
-your usual habits!"
-
-"But, dearest Lady Madeleine, think of dancing on the turf, and I feel
-so well!"
-
-"By the Graces! I am for the waltz," said St. Anthony.
-
-"It has certainly a very free touch to recommend it," said St. John.
-
-"No, no," said Violet; "let us all join in a country dance." But the
-Misses Fitzloom preferred a quadrille.
-
-The quadrille was soon formed: Violet made up for not dancing with
-Vivian at the Grand Duke's. She was most animated, and kept up a
-successful rivalry with Mr. St. Leger, who evidently prided himself, as
-Mr. Fitzloom observed, "on his light fantastic toe." Now he pirouetted
-like Paul, and now he attitudinised like Albert; and now Miss Fane
-eclipsed all his exertions by her inimitable imitations of Ronzi
-Vestris' rushing and arrowy manner. St. Anthony, in despair, but quite
-delighted, revealed a secret which had been taught him by a Spanish
-dancer at Milan; but then Miss Fane vanquished him for ever with the pas
-de Zephyr of the exquisite Fanny Bias.
-
-The day was fast declining when the carriages arrived; the young people
-were in no humour to return; and as, when they had once entered the
-carriage, the day seemed finished for ever, they proposed walking part
-of the way home. Lady Madeleine made little objection to Violet joining
-the party, as after the exertion that Miss Fane had been making, a drive
-in an open carriage might be dangerous: and yet the walk was too long,
-but all agreed that it would be impossible to shorten it; and, as Violet
-declared that she was not in the least fatigued, the lesser evil was
-therefore chosen. The carriages rolled off; at about halfway from Ems,
-the two empty ones were to wait for the walking party. Lady Madeleine
-smiled with fond affection, as she waved her hand to Violet the moment
-before she was out of sight.
-
-"And now," said St. George, "good people all, instead of returning by
-the same road, it strikes me, that there must be a way through this
-little wood; you see there is an excellent path. Before the sun is set
-we shall have got through it, and it will bring us out, I have no doubt,
-by the old cottage which you observed, Grey, when we came along. I saw a
-gate and path there; just where we first got sight of Nassau Castle;
-there can be no doubt about it. You see it is a regular right-angle, and
-besides varying the walk, we shall at least gain a quarter of an hour,
-which, after all, as we have to walk nearly three miles, is an object.
-It is quite clear, if I have a head for anything, it is for finding
-my way."
-
-"I think you have a head for everything," said Aurelia Fitzloom, in a
-soft sentimental whisper; "I am sure we owe all our happiness to-day
-to you!"
-
-"If I have a head for everything, I have a heart only for one person!"
-
-As every one wished to be convinced, no one offered any argument in
-opposition to Mr. St. George's view of the case; and some were already
-in the wood.
-
-"Albert," said Miss Fane, "I do not like walking in the wood so late;
-pray come back."
-
-"Oh, nonsense, Violet! come. If you do not like to come, you can walk by
-the road; you will meet us round by the gate, it is only five minutes'
-walk." Ere he had finished speaking, the rest were in the wood, and some
-had advanced. Vivian strongly recommended Violet not to join them; he
-was sure that Lady Madeleine would not approve of it; he was sure that
-it was very dangerous, extremely; and, by-the-bye, while he was talking,
-which way had they gone? he did not see them. He halloed; all answered,
-and a thousand echoes besides. "We certainly had better go by the road,
-we shall lose our way if we try to follow them; nothing is so puzzling
-as walking in woods; we had much better keep to the road." So by the
-road they went.
-
-The sun had already sunk behind the mountains, whose undulating forms
-were thrown into dark shadow against the crimson sky. The thin crescent
-of the new moon floated over the eastern hills, whose deep woods glowed
-with the rosy glories of twilight. Over the peak of a purple mountain
-glittered the solitary star of evening. As the sun dropped, universal
-silence seemed to pervade the whole face of nature. The voice of the
-birds was still; the breeze, which had refreshed them during the day,
-died away, as if its office were now completed; and none of the dark
-sounds and sights of hideous Night yet dared to triumph over the death
-of Day. Unseen were the circling wings of the bat; unheard the
-screech of the waking owl; silent the drowsy hum of the shade-born
-beetle! What heart has not acknowledged the influence of this hour, the
-sweet and soothing hour of twilight! the hour of love, the hour of
-adoration, the hour of rest! when we think of those we love, only to
-regret that we have not loved more dearly; when we remember our enemies
-only to forgive them!
-
-And Vivian and his beautiful companion owned the magic of this hour, as
-all must do, by silence. No word was spoken, yet is silence sometimes a
-language. They gazed, and gazed again, and their full spirits held due
-communion with the starlit sky, and the mountains and the woods, and the
-soft shadows of the increasing moon. Oh! who can describe what the
-o'ercharged spirit feels at this sacred hour, when we almost lose the
-consciousness of existence, and our souls seem to struggle to pierce
-futurity! In the forest of the mysterious Odenwald, in the solitudes of
-the Bergstrasse, had Vivian at this hour often found consolation for a
-bruised spirit, often in adoring nature had forgotten man. But now, when
-he had never felt nature's influence more powerful; when he had never
-forgotten man and man's world more thoroughly; when he was experiencing
-emotions, which, though undefinable, he felt to be new; he started when
-he remembered that all this was in the presence of a human being! Was it
-Hesperus he gazed upon, or something else that glanced brighter than an
-Evening star? Even as he thought that his gaze was fixed on the
-countenance of nature, he found that his eyes rested on the face of
-nature's loveliest daughter!
-
-"Violet! dearest Violet!"
-
-As in some delicious dream the sleeper is awakened from his bliss by the
-sound of his own rapturous voice, so was Vivian roused by these words
-from his reverie, and called back to the world which he had forgotten.
-But ere a moment had passed, he was pouring forth in a rapid voice, and
-incoherent manner, such words as men speak only once. He spoke of his
-early follies, his misfortunes, his misery; of his matured views, his
-settled principles, his plans, his prospects, his hopes, his happiness,
-his bliss; and when he had ceased, he listened, in his turn, to some
-small still words, which made him the happiest of human beings. He bent
-down, he kissed the soft silken cheek which now he could call his own.
-Her hand was in his; her head sank upon his breast. Suddenly she clung
-to him with a strong grasp. "Violet! my own, my dearest; you are
-overcome. I have been rash, I have been imprudent. Speak, speak, my
-beloved! say, you are not ill!"
-
-She spoke not, but clung to him with a fearful strength, her head still
-upon his breast, her full eyes closed. Alarmed, he raised her off the
-ground, and bore her to the river-side. Water might revive her. But when
-he tried to lay her a moment on the bank, she clung to him gasping, as a
-sinking person clings to a stout swimmer. He leant over her; he did not
-attempt to disengage her arms; and, by degrees, by very slow degrees,
-her grasp loosened. At last her arms gave way and fell by his side, and
-her eyes partly opened.
-
-"Thank God! Violet, my own, my beloved, say you are better!"
-
-She answered not, evidently she did not know him, evidently she did not
-see him. A film was on her sight, and her eye was glassy. He rushed to
-the water-side, and in a moment he had sprinkled her temples, now
-covered with a cold dew. Her pulse beat not, her circulation seemed
-suspended. He rubbed the palms of her hands, he covered her delicate
-feet with his coat; and then rushing up the bank into the road, he
-shouted with frantic cries on all sides. No one came, no one was near.
-Again, with a cry of fearful anguish, he shouted as if an hyaena were
-feeding on his vitals. No sound; no answer. The nearest cottage was
-above a mile off. He dared not leave her. Again he rushed down to the
-water-side. Her eyes were still open, still fixed. Her mouth also was no
-longer closed. Her hand was stiff, her heart had ceased to beat. He
-tried with the warmth of his own body to revive her. He shouted, he
-wept, he prayed. All, all in vain. Again he was in the road, again
-shouting like an insane being. There was a sound. Hark! It was but the
-screech of an owl!
-
-Once more at the river-side, once more bending over her with starting
-eyes, once more the attentive ear listening for the soundless breath. No
-sound! not even a sigh! Oh! what would he have given for her shriek of
-anguish! No change had occurred in her position, but the lower part of
-her face had fallen; and there was a general appearance which struck him
-with awe. Her body was quite cold, her limbs stiffened. He gazed, and
-gazed, and gazed. He bent over her with stupor rather than grief stamped
-on his features. It was very slowly that the dark thought came over his
-mind, very slowly that the horrible truth seized upon his soul. He gave
-a loud shriek, and fell on the lifeless body of VIOLET FANE!
-
-[Illustration: dark thought]
-
-
-
-
-BOOK VI
-
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-
-The green and bowery summer had passed away. It was midnight when two
-horsemen pulled up their steeds beneath a wide oak; which, with other
-lofty trees, skirted the side of a winding road in an extensive forest
-in the south of Germany.
-
-"By heavens!" said one, who apparently was the master, "we must even lay
-our cloaks, I think, under this oak; for the road winds again, and
-assuredly cannot lead now to our village."
-
-"A starlit sky in autumn can scarcely be the fittest curtain for one so
-weak as you, sir; I should recommend travelling on, if we keep on our
-horses' backs till dawn."
-
-"But if we are travelling in a directly contrary way to our voiturier,
-honest as we may suppose him to be, if he find in the morning no
-paymaster for his job, he may with justice make free with our baggage.
-And I shall be unusually mistaken if the road we are now pursuing does
-not lead back to the city."
-
-"City, town, or village, you must sleep under no forest tree, sir. Let
-us ride on. It will be hard if we do not find some huntsman's or
-ranger's cottage; and for aught we know a neat snug village, or some
-comfortable old manor-house, which has been in the family for two
-centuries; and where, with God's blessing, they may chance to have wine
-as old as the bricks. I know not how you may feel, sir, but a ten hours'
-ride when I was only prepared for half the time, and that, too, in an
-autumn night, makes me somewhat desirous of renewing my acquaintance
-with the kitchen-fire."
-
-"I could join you in a glass of hock and a slice of venison, I confess,
-my good fellow; but in a nocturnal ride I am no longer your match.
-However, if you think it best, we will prick on our steeds for another
-hour. If it be only for them, I am sure we must soon stop."
-
-"Ay! do, sir; and put your cloak well round you; all is for the best.
-You are not, I guess, a Sabbath-born child?"
-
-"That am I not, but how would that make our plight worse than it is?
-Should we be farther off supper?"
-
-"Nearer, perhaps, than you imagine; for we should then have a chance of
-sharing the spoils of the Spirit Hunter."
-
-"Ah! Essper, is it so?"
-
-"Truly yes, sir; and were either of us a Sabbath-born child, by holy
-cross! I would not give much for our chance of a down bed this night."
-
-Here a great horned owl flew across the road.
-
-"Were I in the north," said Essper, "I would sing an Ave Mary against
-the STUT OZEL."
-
-"What call you that?" asked Vivian.
-
-"Tis the great bird, sir; the great horned owl, that always flies before
-the Wild Hunter. And truly, sir, I have passed through many forests in
-my time, but never yet saw I one where I should sooner expect to hear a
-midnight bugle. If you will allow me, sir, I will ride by your side.
-Thank God, at least, it is not the Walpurgis night!"
-
-"I wish to Heaven it were!" said Vivian, "and that we were on the
-Brocken. It must be highly amusing!"
-
-"Hush! hush! it is lucky we are not in the Hartz; but we know not where
-we are, nor who at this moment may be behind us."
-
-And here Essper began pouring forth a liturgy of his own, half Catholic
-and half Calvinistic, quite in character with the creed of the country
-through which they were travelling.
-
-"My horse has stumbled," continued Essper, "and yours, sir, is he not
-shying? There is a confounded cloud over the moon, but I have no sight
-in the dark if that mass before you be not a devil's-stone. The Lord
-have mercy upon our sinful souls!"
-
-"Peace! Essper," said Vivian, who was surprised to find him really
-alarmed; "I see nothing but a block of granite, no uncommon sight in a
-German forest."
-
-"It is a devil-stone, I tell you, sir; there has been some church here,
-which he has knocked down in the night. Look! is it the moss-people that
-I see! As sure as I am a hungry sinner, the Wild One is out a-hunting
-to-night."
-
-"More luck for us, if we meet him. His dogs, as you say, may gain us a
-supper. I think our wisest course will be to join the cry."
-
-"Hush! hush! you would not talk so if you knew what your share of the
-spoils might be. Ay! if you did, sir, your cheek would be paler, and
-your very teeth would chatter. I knew one man who was travelling in the
-forest, just as we are now; it was about this time; and he believed in
-the Wild Huntsman about as much as you, that is, he liked to talk of the
-Spirit, merely to have the opportunity of denying that he believed in
-him; which showed, as I used to say, that his mind was often thinking of
-it. He was a merry knave, and as firm a hand for a boar-spear as ever I
-met with, and I have met many. We used to call him, before the accident,
-Left-handed Hans, but they call him now, sir, the Child-Hunter. Oh! it
-is a very awful tale, and I would sooner tell it in blazing hall than in
-free forest. You did not hear any sound to the left, did you?"
-
-"Nothing but the wind, Essper; on with your tale, my man."
-
-"It is a very awful tale, sir, but I will make short work of it. You
-see, sir, it was a night just like this; the moon was generally hid, but
-the stars prevented it from ever being pitch dark. And so, sir, he was
-travelling alone; he had been up to the castle of the baron, his master;
-you see, sir, he was head-ranger to his lordship, and he always returned
-home through the forest. What he was thinking of, I cannot say, but most
-likely of no good; when all on a sudden he heard the baying of hounds in
-the distance. Now directly he heard it; I have heard him tell the story
-a thousand times; directly he heard it, it struck him that it must be
-the Spirit Huntsman; and though there were many ways to account for the
-hounds, still he never for a moment doubted that they were the
-hell-dogs. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Now I tell you this,
-because if ever, which the Holy Virgin forbid! if ever you meet the Wild
-Huntsman, you will know how to act: conduct yourself always with
-propriety, make no noise, but behave like a gentleman, and don't put the
-dogs off the scent; stand aside, and let him pass. Don't talk; he has no
-time to lose; for if he hunt after daybreak, a night's sport is
-forfeited for every star left in the morning sky. So, sir, you see
-nothing puts him in a greater passion than to lose his time in answering
-impertinent questions. Well, sir, Left-handed Hans stood by the
-road-side. The baying of the dogs was so distinct, that he felt that in
-a moment the Wild One would be up: his horse shivered like a sallow in a
-storm. He heard the tramp of the Spirit-steed: they came in sight. As
-the tall figure of the Huntsman passed; I cannot tell you what it was;
-it might have been; Lord, forgive me for thinking what it might have
-been! but a voice from behind Hans, a voice so like his own, that for a
-moment he fancied that he had himself spoken, although he was conscious
-that his lips had been firmly closed the whole time; a voice from the
-road-side, just behind poor Hans, mind, said, 'Good sport, Sir Huntsman,
-'tis an odd light to track a stag!' The poor man, sir, was all of an
-ague; but how much greater was his horror when the tall huntsman
-stopped! He thought that he was going to be eaten up on the spot, at
-least: not at all. 'My friend!' said the Wild One, in the kindest voice
-imaginable; 'my friend, would you like to give your horse a breathing
-with us?' Poor Hans was so alarmed that it never entered into his head
-for a single moment to refuse the invitation, and instantly he was
-galloping by the side of the Wild Huntsman. Away they flew! away! away!
-away! over bog, and over mere; over ditch, and over hedge; away! away!
-away! and the Ranger's horse never failed, but kept by the side of the
-Wild Spirit without the least distress; and yet it is very singular that
-Hans was about to sell this very beast only a day before, for a matter
-of five crowns: you see, he only kept it just to pick his way at night
-from the castle to his own cottage. Well, it is very odd, but Hans soon
-lost all fear, for the sport was so fine and he had such a keen relish
-for the work, that, far from being alarmed, he thought himself one of
-the luckiest knaves alive. But the oddest thing all this time was, that
-Hans never caught sight for one moment of either buck or boar, although
-he saw by the dogs' noses that there was something keen in the wind, and
-although he felt that if the hunted beast were like any that he had
-himself ever followed before, it must have been run down with such dogs,
-quicker than a priest could say a paternoster. At last, for he had grown
-quite bold, says Hans to the Wild Huntsman, 'The beasts run quick o'
-nights, sir, I think; it has been a long time, I ween, ere I scampered
-so far, and saw so little!' Do you know that the old gentleman was not
-the least affronted, but said, in the pleasantest voice imaginable, 'A
-true huntsman should be patient, Hans; you will see the game quick
-enough; look forward, man! what see you?' And sure enough, your
-Highness, he did look forward. It was near the skirts of the forest,
-there was a green glade before them, and very few trees, and therefore
-he could see far a-head. The moon was shining very bright, and sure
-enough, what did he see? Running as fleet over the turf as a rabbit, was
-a child. The little figure was quite black in the moonlight, and Hans
-could not catch its face: in a moment the hell-dogs were on it. Hans
-quivered like a windy reed, and the Wild One laughed till the very woods
-echoed. 'How like you hunting moss-men?' asked the Spirit. Now when Hans
-found it was only a moss-man, he took heart again, and said in a shaking
-voice, that 'It is rare good sport in good company;' and then the Spirit
-jumped off his horse, and said, 'Now, Hans, you must watch me well, for
-I am little used to bag game.' He said this with a proudish air, as much
-as to hint, that had he not expected Hans he would not have rode out
-this evening without his groom. So the Wild One jumped on his horse
-again, and put the bag before him. It was nearly morning when Hans found
-himself at the door of his own cottage; and, bowing very respectfully to
-the Spirit Hunter, he thanked him for the sport, and begged his share of
-the night's spoil. This was all in joke, but Hans had heard that 'talk
-to the devil, and fear the last word;' and so he was determined, now
-that they were about to part, not to appear to tremble, but to carry it
-off with a jest. 'Truly, Hans,' said the Huntsman, 'thou art a bold lad,
-and to encourage thee to speak to wild huntsmen again, I have a mind to
-give thee for thy pains the whole spoil. Take the bag, knave, a moss-man
-is good eating; had I time I would give thee a receipt for sauce;' and,
-so saying, the Spirit rode off, laughing very heartily. Well, sir, Hans
-was so anxious to examine the contents of the bag, and see what kind of
-thing a moss-man really was, for he had only caught a glimpse of him in
-the chase, that instead of going to bed immediately, and saying his
-prayers, as he should have done, he lighted a lamp and undid the string;
-and what think you he took out of the bag? As sure as I am a born
-sinner, his own child!"
-
-"'Tis a wonderful tale," said Vivian; "and did the unfortunate man tell
-you this himself?"
-
-"Often and often. I knew Left-handed Hans well. He was ranger, as I
-said, to a great lord; and was quite a favourite, you see. For some
-reason or other he got out of favour. Some said that the Baron had found
-him out a-poaching; and that he used to ride his master's horses
-a-night. Whether this be true or not, who can say? But, howsoever, Hans
-went to ruin; and instead of being a flourishing active lad, he was
-turned out, and went a-begging all through Saxony; and he always told
-this story as the real history of his misfortunes. Some say he is not as
-strong in his head as he used to be. However, why should we say it is
-not a true tale? What is that?" almost shrieked Essper.
-
-Vivian listened, and heard distinctly the distant baying of hounds.
-
-"'Tis he!" said Essper; "now don't speak, sir, don't speak! and if the
-devil make me join him, as may be the case, for I am but a cock-brained
-thing, particularly at midnight, don't be running after me from any
-foolish feeling, but take care of yourself, and don't be chattering. To
-think you should come to this, my precious young master!"
-
-"Cease your blubbering! Do you think that I am to be frightened by the
-idiot tales of a parcel of old women, and the lies of a gang of detected
-poachers? Come, sir, ride on. We are, most probably, near some
-huntsman's cottage. That distant baying is the sweetest music I have
-heard a long while."
-
-"Don't be rash, sir; don't be rash. If you were to give me fifty crowns
-now, I could not remember a single line of a single prayer. Ave Maria!
-it always is so when I most want it. Paternoster! and whenever I have
-need to remember a song, sure enough I am always thinking of a prayer.
-'Unser vater, der du bist im himmel, sanctificado se el tu nombra; il
-tuo regno venga.'" Here Essper George was proceeding with a scrap of
-modern Greek, when the horsemen suddenly came upon one of those broad
-green vistas which we often see in forests, and which are generally cut,
-either for the convenience of hunting, or carting wood. It opened on the
-left side of the road; and at the bottom of it, though apparently at a
-great distance, a light was visible.
-
-"So much for your Wild Huntsman, friend Essper! I shall be much
-disappointed if here are not quarters for the night. And see! the moon
-comes out, a good omen!"
-
-After ten minutes' canter over the noiseless turf, the travellers found
-themselves before a large and many-windowed mansion. The building formed
-the farthest side of a quadrangle, which you entered through an ancient
-and massy gate; on each side of which was a small building, of course
-the lodges. Essper soon found that the gate was closely fastened; and
-though he knocked often and loudly, it was with no effect. That the
-inhabitants of the mansion had not yet retired was certain, for lights
-were moving in the great house; and one of the lodges was not only very
-brilliantly illuminated, but full, as Vivian was soon convinced, of
-clamorous if not jovial guests.
-
-"Now, by the soul of my unknown father!" said the enraged Essper, "I
-will make these saucy porters learn their duty--What ho! there; what ho!
-within; within!" But the only answer he received was the loud
-reiteration of a rude and roaring chorus, which, as it was now more
-distinctly and audibly enunciated, evidently for the purpose of enraging
-the travellers, they detected to be something to the following effect:--
-
-     Then a prayer to St. Peter, a prayer to St. Paul!
-     A prayer to St. Jerome, a prayer to them all!
-     A prayer to each one of the saintly stock,
-     But devotion alone, devotion to Hock!
-
-"A right good burden'" said Essper. The very words had made him recover
-his temper, and ten thousand times more desirous of gaining admittance.
-He was off his horse in a moment, and scrambling up the wall with the
-aid of the iron stanchions, he clambered up to the window. The sudden
-appearance of his figure startled the inmates of the lodge, and one of
-them soon staggered to the gate.
-
-"What want you, ye noisy and disturbing varlets? what want you, ye most
-unhallowed rogues, at such a place, and at such an hour? If you be
-thieves, look at our bars (here a hiccup). If you be poachers, our
-master is engaged, and ye may slay all the game in the forest (another
-hiccup); but if ye be good men and true--"
-
-"We are!" halloed Essper, eagerly.
-
-"You are!" said the porter, in a tone of great surprise; "then you ought
-to be ashamed of yourselves for disturbing holy men at their devotions!"
-
-"Is this the way," said Essper, "to behave, ye shameless rascals, to a
-noble and mighty Prince, who happens to have lost his way in your
-abominable forest, but who, though he has parted with his suite, has
-still in his pocket a purse full of ducats? Would ye have him robbed by
-any others but yourselves? Is this the way you behave to a Prince of the
-Holy Roman Empire, a Knight of the Golden Fleece, and a most particular
-friend of your own master? Is this the way to behave to his secretary,
-who is one of the merriest fellows living, can sing a jolly song with
-any of you, and so bedevil a bottle of Geisenheim with lemons and
-brandy that for the soul of ye you wouldn't know it from the greenest
-Tokay? Out, out on ye! you know not what you have lost!"
-
-Ere Essper had finished more than one stout bolt had been drawn, and the
-great key had already entered the stouter lock.
-
-"Most honourable sirs!" hiccuped the porter, "in our Lady's name enter.
-I had forgot myself, for in these autumn nights it is necessary to
-anticipate the cold with a glass of cheering liquor; and, God forgive
-me! if I did not mistake your most mighty Highnesses for a couple of
-forest rovers, or small poachers at least. Thin entertainment here, kind
-sir (here the last bolt was withdrawn); a glass of indifferent liquor
-and a prayer-book. I pass the time chiefly these cold nights with a few
-holy-minded friends at our devotions. You heard us at our prayers,
-honourable lords!
-
-     "A prayer to St. Peter, a prayer to St. Paul!
-     A prayer to St. Jerome, a prayer to them all!"
-
-Here the devout porter most reverently crossed himself.
-
-     "A prayer to each one of the saintly stock,
-     But devotion alone, devotion to Hock!"
-
-added Essper George; "you forget the best part of the burden, my honest
-friend."
-
-"Oh!" said the porter, with an arch smile, as he opened the lodge door;
-"I am glad to find that your honourable Excellencies have a taste
-for hymns!"
-
-The porter led them into a room, at a round table in which about
-half-a-dozen individuals were busily engaged in discussing the merits of
-various agreeable liquors. There was an attempt to get up a show of
-polite hospitality to Vivian as he entered, but the man who offered him
-his chair fell to the ground in an unsuccessful struggle to be
-courteous; and another one, who had filled a large glass for the guest
-on his entrance, offered him, after a preliminary speech of incoherent
-compliments, the empty bottle by mistake. The porter and his friends,
-although they were all drunk, had sense enough to feel that the presence
-of a Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, a Chevalier of the Golden Fleece,
-and the particular friend of their master, was not exactly a fit
-companion for themselves, and was rather a check on the gay freedom of
-equal companionship; and so, although the exertion was not a little
-troublesome, the guardian of the gate reeled out of the room to inform
-his honoured lord of the sudden arrival of a stranger of distinction,
-Essper George immediately took his place, and ere the master of the
-lodge had returned the noble secretary had not only given a choice
-toast, sung a choice song, and been hailed by the grateful plaudits of
-all present, but had proceeded in his attempt to fulfil the pledge which
-he had given at the gate to the very letter by calling out lustily for a
-bottle of Geisenheim, lemons, brandy, and a bowl.
-
-"Fairly and softly, my little son of Bacchus," said the porter as he
-re-entered, "fairly and softly, and then thou shalt want nothing; but
-remember I have to perform my duties unto the noble Lord my master, and
-also to the noble Prince your master. If thou wilt follow me," continued
-the porter, reeling as he bowed with the greatest consideration to
-Vivian; "if thou wilt follow me, most high and mighty sir, my master
-will be right glad to have the honour of drinking your health. And as
-for you, my friends, fairly and softly say I again. We will talk of the
-Geisenheim anon. Am I to be absent from the first brewing? No, no!
-fairly and softly; you can drink my health when I am absent in cold
-liquor, and say those things which you could not well say before my
-face. But mind, my most righteous and well-beloved, I will have no
-flattery. Flattery is the destruction of all good fellowship; it is like
-a qualmish liqueur in the midst of a bottle of wine. Speak your minds,
-say any little thing that comes first, as thus, 'Well, for Hunsdrich,
-the porter, I must declare that I never heard evil word against him;' or
-thus, 'A very good leg has Hunsdrich the porter, and a tight-made lad
-altogether; no enemy with the girls, I warrant me;' or thus, 'Well, for
-a good-hearted, good-looking, stout-drinking, virtuous, honourable,
-handsome, generous, sharp-witted knave, commend me to Hunsdrich the
-porter;' but not a word more, my friends, not a word more, no
-flattery--Now, sir, I beg your pardon."
-
-The porter led the way through a cloistered walk, until they arrived at
-the door of the great mansion, to which they ascended by a lofty flight
-of steps; it opened into a large octagonal hail, the sides of which were
-covered with fowling-pieces, stags' heads, couteaux de chasse,
-boar-spears, and huge fishing-nets. Passing through this hall, they
-ascended a noble stair-case, on the first landing-place of which was a
-door, which Vivian's conductor opened, and ushering him into a large and
-well-lighted chamber, withdrew. From the centre of this room descended a
-magnificently cut chandelier, which threw a graceful light upon a
-sumptuous banquet table, at which were seated eight very
-singular-looking personages. All of them wore hunting-dresses of various
-shades of straw-coloured cloth, with the exception of one, who sat on
-the left hand of the master of the feast, and the colour of whose
-costume was a rich crimson purple. From the top to the bottom of the
-table extended a double file of wine-glasses and goblets, of all sizes
-and all colours. There you might see brilliant relics of that ancient
-ruby-glass the vivid tints of which seem lost to us for ever. Next to
-these were marshalled goblets of Venetian manufacture, of a cloudy,
-creamy white; then came the huge hock glass of some ancient Primate of
-Mentz, nearly a yard high, towering above its companions, as the church,
-its former master, predominated over the simple laymen of the middle
-ages. Why should we forget a set of most curious and antique
-drinking-cups of painted glass, on whose rare surfaces were emblazoned
-the Kaiser and ten electors of the old Empire?
-
-Vivian bowed to the party and stood in silence, while they stared a
-scrutinising examination. At length the master of the feast spoke. He
-was a very stout man, with a prodigious paunch, which his tightened
-dress set off to great advantage. His face, and particularly his
-forehead, were of great breadth. His eyes were set far apart. His long
-ears hung down almost to his shoulders; yet singular as he was, not only
-in these, but in many other respects, everything was forgotten when your
-eyes lighted on his nose. It was the most prodigious nose that Vivian
-ever remembered not only seeing, but hearing or even reading of. It
-fact, it was too monstrous for a dream. This mighty nose seemed to hang
-almost to its owner's chest.
-
-"Be seated," said this personage, in no unpleasing voice, and he pointed
-to the chair opposite to him. Vivian took the vacated seat of the
-Vice-President, who moved himself to the right. "Be seated, and whoever
-you may be, welcome! If our words be few, think not that our welcome is
-scant. We are not much given to speech, holding it for a principle that
-if a man's mouth be open, it should be for the purpose of receiving that
-which cheers a man's spirit; not of giving vent to idle words, which, so
-far as we have observed, produce no other effect save filling the world
-with crude and unprofitable fantasies, and distracting our attention
-when we are on the point of catching those flavours which alone make the
-world endurable. Therefore, briefly, but heartily, welcome! Welcome, Sir
-Stranger, from us, and from all: and first from us, the Grand Duke of
-Johannisberger." Here his Highness rose, and pulled out a large ruby
-tumbler from the file. Each of those present did the same, without,
-however, rising, and the late Vice-President, who sat next to Vivian,
-invited him to follow their example.
-
-The Grand Duke of Johannisberger brought forward, from beneath the
-table, an ancient and exquisite bottle of that choice liquor from which
-he took his exhilarating title. The cork was drawn, and the bottle
-circulated with rapidity; and in three minutes the ruby glasses were
-filled and emptied, and the Grand Duke's health quaffed by all present.
-
-"Again, Sir Stranger," continued the Grand Duke, "briefly, but heartily,
-welcome! welcome from us and welcome from all; and first from us, and
-now from the Archduke of Hockheimer!"
-
-The Archduke of Hockheimer was a thin, sinewy man, with long, carroty
-hair, eyelashes of the same colour, but of a remarkable length; and
-mustachios, which, though very thin, were so long that they met under
-his chin. Vivian could not refrain from noticing the extreme length,
-whiteness, and apparent sharpness of his teeth. The Archduke did not
-speak, but, leaning under the table, soon produced a bottle of
-Hockheimer. He then took from the file one of the Venetian glasses of
-clouded white. All followed his example; the bottle was sent round, his
-health was pledged, and the Grand Duke of Johannisberger again spoke:
-
-"Again, Sir Stranger, briefly, but heartily, welcome! Welcome from us,
-and welcome from all; and first from us, and now from the Elector of
-Steinberg!"
-
-The Elector of Steinberg was a short, but very broad-backed,
-strong-built man. Though his head was large, his features were small,
-and appeared smaller from the immense quantity of coarse, shaggy, brown
-hair which grew over almost every part of his face and fell down upon
-his shoulders. The Elector was as silent as his predecessor, and quickly
-produced a bottle of Steinberg. The curious drinking cups of painted
-glass were immediately withdrawn from the file, the bottle was sent
-round, the Elector's health was pledged, and the Grand Duke of
-Johannisberger again spoke:
-
-"Again, Sir Stranger, briefly, but heartily, welcome! Welcome from us,
-and welcome from all; and first from us, and now from the Margrave of
-Rudesheimer!"
-
-The Margrave of Rudesheimer was a slender man of elegant appearance. As
-Vivian watched the glance of his speaking eye, and the half-satirical
-and half-jovial smile which played upon his features, he hardly expected
-that he would be as silent as his predecessors. But the Margrave spoke
-no word. He gave a kind of shout of savage exultation as he smacked his
-lips after dashing off his glass of Rudesheimer; and scarcely noticing
-the salutations of those who drank his health, he threw himself back in
-his chair, and listened seemingly with a smile of derision, while the
-Grand Duke of Johannisberger again spoke:
-
-"Again, Sir Stranger, briefly, but heartily, welcome! Welcome from us,
-and welcome from all; and first from us, and now from the Landgrave of
-Grafenberg."
-
-The Landgrave of Grafenberg was a rude, awkward-looking person, who,
-when he rose from his seat, stared like an idiot, and seemed utterly
-ignorant of what he ought to do. But his quick companion, the Margrave
-of Rudesheimer, soon thrust a bottle of Grafenberg into the Landgrave's
-hand, and with some trouble and bustle the Landgrave extracted the cork;
-and then helping himself sat down, forgetting either to salute, or to
-return the salutations of those present.
-
-"Again, Sir Stranger, briefly, but heartily, welcome! Welcome from us,
-and welcome from all; and first from us, and now from the Palsgrave of
-Geisenheim!"
-
-The Palsgrave of Geisenheim was a dwarf in spectacles. He drew the cork
-from his bottle like lightning, and mouthed at his companions even while
-he bowed to them.
-
-"Again, Sir Stranger, briefly, but heartily, welcome! Welcome from us,
-and welcome from all; and first from us, and now from the Count of
-Markbrunnen!"
-
-The Count of Markbrunnen was a sullen-looking personage, with lips
-protruding nearly three inches beyond his nose. From each side of his
-upper jaw projected a large tooth.
-
-"Thanks to Heaven!" said Vivian, as the Grand Duke again spoke; "thanks
-to Heaven, here is our last man!"
-
-"Again, Sir Stranger, briefly, but heartily, welcome! Welcome from us,
-and welcome from all; and first from us, and now from the Baron of
-Asmanshausen!"
-
-The Baron of Asmanshausen sat on the left hand of the Grand Duke of
-Johannisberger, and was dressed, as we have before said, in an unique
-costume of crimson purple. The Baron stood, without his boots, about six
-feet eight. He was a sleek man, with a head not bigger than a child's,
-and a pair of small, black, beady eyes, of singular brilliancy. The
-Baron introduced a bottle of the only red wine that the Rhine boasts;
-but which, for its fragrant and fruity flavour and its brilliant tint,
-is perhaps not inferior to the sunset glow of Burgundy.
-
-"And now," continued the Grand Duke, "having introduced you to all
-present, sir, we will begin drinking."
-
-Vivian had submitted to the introductory ceremonies with the good grace
-which becomes a man of the world; but the coolness of this last
-observation recalled our hero's wandering senses; and, at the same time,
-alarmed at discovering that eight bottles of wine had been discussed by
-the party merely as preliminary, and emboldened by the contents of one
-bottle which had fallen to his own share, he had the courage to confront
-the Grand Duke of Johannisberger in his own castle.
-
-"Your wine, most noble Lord, stands in no need of my commendation; but
-as I must mention it, let it not be said that I ever mentioned it
-without praise. After a ten hours' ride, its flavour is as grateful to
-the palate as its strength is refreshing to the heart; but though old
-Hock, in homely phrase, is styled meat and drink, I confess to you that,
-at this moment, I stand in need of even more solid sustenance than the
-juice of the sunny hill."
-
-"A traitor!" shrieked all present, each with his right arm stretched
-out, glass in hand; "a traitor!"
-
-"No traitor," answered Vivian, "noble and right thirsty lords, but one
-of the most hungry mortals that ever yet famished."
-
-The only answer that he received for some time was a loud and ill-boding
-murmur. The long whisker of the Archduke of Hockheimer curled with
-renewed rage; audible, though suppressed, was the growl of the hairy
-Elector of Steinberg; fearful the corporeal involutions of the tall
-Baron of Asmanshausen; and savagely sounded the wild laugh of the
-bright-eyed Margrave of Rudesheimer.
-
-"Silence, my Lords!" said the Grand Duke. "Forget we that ignorance is
-the stranger's portion, and that no treason can exist among those who
-are not our sworn subjects? Pity we rather the degeneracy of this
-bold-spoken youth, and in the plenitude of our mercy let us pardon his
-demand! Know ye, unknown knight, that you are in the presence of an
-august society who are here met at one of their accustomed convocations,
-whereof the purport is the frequent quaffing of those most glorious
-liquors of which the sacred Rhine is the great father. We profess to
-find a perfect commentary on the Pindaric laud of the strongest element
-in the circumstance of the banks of a river being the locality where the
-juice of the grape is most delicious, and holding, therefore, that water
-is strongest because, in a manner, it giveth birth to wine, we also hold
-it as a sacred element, and consequently most religiously refrain from
-refreshing our bodies with that sanctified and most undrinkable fluid.
-Know ye that we are the children of the Rhine, the conservators of his
-flavours, profound in the learning of his exquisite aroma, and deep
-students in the mysteries of his inexplicable naere. Professing not to be
-immortal, we find in the exercise of the chase a noble means to preserve
-that health which is necessary for the performance of the ceremonies to
-which we are pledged. At to-morrow's dawn our bugle sounds, and thou,
-stranger, may engage the wild boar at our side; at to-morrow's noon the
-castle bell will toll, and thou, stranger, may eat of the beast which
-thou hast conquered; but to feed after midnight, to destroy the power of
-catching the delicate flavour, to annihilate the faculty of detecting
-the undefinable naere, is heresy, most rank and damnable heresy!
-Therefore at this hour soundeth no plate or platter, jingleth no knife
-or culinary instrument, in the PALACE or THE WINES. Yet, in
-consideration of thy youth, and that on the whole thou hast tasted thy
-liquor like a proper man, from which we augur the best expectations of
-the manner in which thou wilt drink it, we feel confident that our
-brothers of the goblet will permit us to grant thee the substantial
-solace of a single shoeing horn."
-
-"Let it be a Dutch herring, then," said Vivian, "and as you have souls
-to be saved grant me one slice of bread."
-
-"It cannot be," said the Grand Duke; "but as we are willing to be
-indulgent to bold hearts, verily, we will wink at the profanation of a
-single toast; but you must order an anchovy one, and give secret
-instructions to the waiting-man to forget the fish. It must be counted
-as a second shoeing horn, and you will forfeit for the last a bottle of
-Markbrunnen."
-
-"And now, illustrious brothers," continued the Grand Duke, "let us drink
-1726."
-
-All present gave a single cheer, in which Vivian was obliged to join,
-and they honoured with a glass of the very year the memory of a
-celebrated vintage.
-
-"1748!" said the Grand Duke.
-
-Two cheers and the same ceremony.
-
-1766 and 1779 were honoured in the same manner, but when the next toast
-was drank, Vivian almost observed in the countenances of the Grand Duke
-and his friends the signs of incipient insanity.
-
-"1783!" hallooed the Grand Duke in a tone of the most triumphant
-exultation, and his mighty proboscis, as it snuffed the air, almost
-caused a whirlwind round the room. Hockheimer gave a roar, Steinberg a
-growl, Rudesheimer a wild laugh, Markbrunnen, a loud grunt, Grafenberg a
-bray, Asmanshausen's long body moved to and fro with wonderful
-agitation, and little Geisenheim's bright eyes glistened through their
-glasses as if they were on fire. How ludicrous is the incipient
-inebriety of a man who wears spectacles!
-
-Thanks to an excellent constitution, which recent misery, however, had
-somewhat shattered, Vivian bore up against all these attacks; and when
-they had got down to 1802, from the excellency of his digestion and the
-inimitable skill with which he emptied many of the latter glasses under
-the table, he was, perhaps, in better condition than any one in
-the room.
-
-And now rose the idiot Grafenberg; Rudesheimer all the time, with a
-malicious smile, faintly pulling him down by the skirt of his coat, as
-if he were desirous of preventing an exposure which his own advice had
-brought about. He had been persuading Grafenberg the whole evening to
-make a speech.
-
-"My Lord Duke," brayed the jackass; and then he stopped dead, and looked
-round the room with an unmeaning stare.
-
-"Hear, hear, hear!" was the general cry; but Grafenberg seemed astounded
-at any one being desirous of hearing his voice, or for a moment
-seriously entertaining the idea that he could have anything to say; and
-so he stared again, and again, and again, till at last Rudesheimer, by
-dint of kicking his shins under the table, the Margrave the whole time
-seeming perfectly motionless, at length extracted a sentence from the
-asinine Landgrave.
-
-"My Lord Duke!" again commenced Grafenberg, and again he stopped.
-
-"Go on!" shouted all.
-
-"My Lord Duke! Rudesheimer is treading on my toes!"
-
-Here little Geisenheim gave a loud laugh of derision, in which all
-joined except surly Markbrunnen, whose lips protruded an extra inch
-beyond their usual length when he found that all were laughing at his
-friend. The Grand Duke at last procured silence.
-
-"Shame! shame! mighty Princes! Shame! shame! noble Lords! Is it with
-this irreverent glee, these scurvy flouts, and indecorous mockery, that
-you would have this stranger believe that we celebrate the ceremonies of
-our Father Rhine? Shame, I say; and silence! It is time that we should
-prove to him that we are not merely a boisterous and unruly party of
-swilling varlets, who leave their brains in their cups. It is time that
-we should do something to prove that we are capable of better and
-worthier things. What ho! my Lord of Geisenheim! shall I speak twice to
-the guardian of the horn of the Fairy King?"
-
-The little dwarf instantly jumped from his seat and proceeded to the end
-of the room, where, after having bowed three times with great reverence
-before a small black cabinet made of vine wood, he opened it with a
-golden key, and then with great pomp and ceremony bore its contents to
-the Grand Duke. That chieftain took from the little dwarf the horn of a
-gigantic and antediluvian elk. The cunning hand of an ancient German
-artificer had formed this curious relic into a drinking-cup. It was
-exquisitely polished, and cased in the interior with silver. On the
-outside the only ornaments were three richly-chased silver rings, which
-were placed nearly at equal distances. When the Grand Duke had carefully
-examined this most precious horn, he held it up with great reverence to
-all present, and a party of devout Catholics could not have paid greater
-homage to the elevated Host than did the various guests to the horn of
-the Fairy King. Even the satanic smile on Rudesheimer's countenance was
-for a moment subdued, and all bowed. The Grand Duke then delivered the
-mighty cup to his neighbour, the Archduke of Hockheimer, who held it
-with both hands until his Royal Highness had emptied into it, with great
-care, three bottles of Johannisberger. All rose: the Grand Duke took
-the goblet in one hand, and with the other he dexterously put aside his
-most inconvenient and enormous nose. Dead silence prevailed, save the
-roar of the liquor as it rushed down the Grand Duke's throat, and
-resounded through the chamber like the distant dash of a waterfall. In
-three minutes the Chairman had completed his task, the horn had quitted
-his mouth, his nose had again resumed its usual situation, and as he
-handed the cup to the Archduke, Vivian thought that a material change
-had taken place in his countenance since he had quaffed his last
-draught. His eyes seemed more apart; his ears seemed broader and longer;
-and his nose visibly lengthened. The Archduke, before he commenced his
-draught, ascertained with great scrupulosity that his predecessor had
-taken his fair share by draining the horn as far as the first ring; and
-then he poured off with great rapidity his own portion. But though, in
-performing the same task, he was quicker than the master of the party,
-the draught not only apparently, but audibly, produced upon him a much
-more decided effect than it had on the Grand Duke; for when the second
-ring was drained the Archduke gave a loud roar of exultation, and stood
-up for some time from his seat, with his hands resting on the table,
-over which he leant, as if he were about to spring upon his opposite
-neighbour. The cup was now handed across the table to the Baron of
-Asmanshausen. His Lordship performed his task with ease; but as he
-withdrew the horn from his mouth, all present, except Vivian, gave a
-loud cry of "Supernaculum!" The Baron smiled with great contempt, as he
-tossed, with a careless hand, the great horn upside downwards, and was
-unable to shed upon his nail even the one excusable pearl. He handed the
-refilled horn to the Elector of Steinberg, who drank his portion with a
-growl; but afterwards seemed so pleased with the facility of his
-execution that, instead of delivering it to the next bibber, the
-Palsgrave of Markbrunnen, he commenced some clumsy attempts at a dance
-of triumph, in which he certainly would have proceeded, had not the loud
-grunts of the surly and thick-lipped Markbrunnen occasioned the
-interference of the President. Supernaculum now fell to the Margrave of
-Rudesheimer, who gave a loud and long-continued laugh as the dwarf of
-Geisenheim filled the horn for the third time.
-
-While this ceremony was going on, a thousand plans had occurred to
-Vivian for his escape; but all, on second thoughts, proved
-impracticable. With agony he had observed that supernaculum was his
-miserable lot. Could he but have foisted it on the idiot Grafenberg, he
-might, by his own impudence and the other's stupidity, have escaped. But
-he could not flatter himself that he should be successful in bringing
-about this end, for he observed with dismay that the malicious
-Rudesheimer had not for a moment ceased watching him with a keen and
-exulting glance. Geisenheim performed his task; and ere Vivian could ask
-for the goblet, Rudesheimer, with a fell laugh, had handed it to
-Grafenberg. The greedy ass drank his portion with ease, and indeed drank
-far beyond his limit. The cup was in Vivian's hand, Rudesheimer was
-roaring supernaculum louder than all; Vivian saw that the covetous
-Grafenberg had providentially rendered his task comparatively light; but
-even as it was, he trembled at the idea of drinking at a single draught
-more than a pint of most vigorous and powerful wine.
-
-"My Lord Duke," said Vivian, "you and your companions forget that I am
-little used to these ceremonies; that I am yet uninitiated in the
-mysteries of the naere. I have endeavoured to prove myself no
-chicken-hearted water-drinking craven, and I have more wine within me at
-this moment than any man yet bore without dinner. I think, therefore,
-that I have some grounds for requesting indulgence, and I have no doubt
-that the good sense of yourself and your friends--"
-
-Ere Vivian could finish, he almost fancied that a well-stocked menagerie
-had been suddenly emptied in the room. Such roaring, and such growling,
-and such hissing, could only have been exceeded on some grand feast day
-in the recesses of a Brazilian forest. Asmanshausen looked as fierce as
-a boa constrictor before dinner. The proboscis of the Grand Duke heaved
-to and fro like the trunk of an enraged elephant. Hockheimer glared like
-a Bengal tiger about to spring upon its prey. Steinberg growled like a
-Baltic bear. In Markbrunnen Vivian recognised the wild boar he had
-himself often hunted. Grafenberg brayed like a jackass, and Geisenheim
-chattered like an ape. But all was forgotten and unnoticed when Vivian
-heard the fell and frantic shouts of the laughing hyaena, the Margrave
-of Rudesheimer! Vivian, in despair, dashed the horn of Oberon to his
-mouth. One pull, a gasp, another desperate draught; it was done! and
-followed by a supernaculum almost superior to the exulting
-Asmanshausen's.
-
-A loud shout hailed the exploit, and when the shout had subsided into
-silence the voice of the Grand Duke of Johannisberger was again heard:
-
-"Noble Lords and Princes! I congratulate you on the acquisition of a
-congenial co-mate, and the accession to our society of one who, I now
-venture to say, will never disgrace the glorious foundation; but who, on
-the contrary, with heaven's blessing and the aid of his own good palate,
-will, it is hoped, add to our present knowledge of flavours by the
-detection of new ones, and by illustrations drawn from frequent study
-and constant observation of the mysterious naere. In consideration of his
-long journey and his noble achievement, I do propose that we drink but
-very lightly to-night, and meet by two hours after to-morrow's dawn,
-under the moss-man's oak. Nevertheless, before we part, for the
-refreshment of our own good bodies, and by way of reward and act of
-courtesy unto this noble and accomplished stranger, let us pledge him in
-some foreign grape of fame, to which he may perhaps be more accustomed
-than unto the ever-preferable juices of our Father Rhine." Here the
-Grand Duke nodded to little Geisenheim, who in a moment was at
-his elbow.
-
-It was in vain that Vivian remonstrated, excused himself from joining,
-or assured them that their conduct had already been so peculiarly
-courteous, that any further attention was at present unnecessary. A
-curiously cut glass, which on a moderate calculation Vivian reckoned
-would hold at least three pints, was placed before each guest; and a
-basket, containing nine bottles of sparkling champagne, premiere
-qualite, was set before his Highness.
-
-"We are no bigots, noble stranger," said the Grand Duke, as he took one
-of the bottles, and scrutinised the cork with a very keen eye; "we are
-no bigots, and there are moments when we drink Champagne, nor is
-Burgundy forgotten, nor the soft Bourdeaux, nor the glowing grape of the
-sunny Rhone!" His Highness held the bottle at an oblique angle with the
-chandelier. The wire is loosened, whirr! The exploded cork whizzed
-through the air, extinguished one of the burners of the chandelier, and
-brought the cut drop which was suspended under it rattling down among
-the glasses on the table. The President poured the foaming fluid into
-his great goblet, and bowing to all around, fastened on its contents
-with as much eagerness as Arabs hasten to a fountain.
-
-The same operation was performed as regularly and as skilfully by all
-except Vivian. Eight burners were extinguished; eight diamond drops had
-fallen clattering on the table; eight human beings had finished a
-miraculous carouse, by each drinking off a bottle of sparkling
-champagne. It was Vivian's turn. All eyes were fixed on him with the
-most perfect attention. He was now, indeed, quite desperate; for had he
-been able to execute a trick which long practice alone could have
-enabled any man to perform, he felt conscious that it was quite out of
-his power to taste a single drop of the contents of his bottle. However,
-he loosened his wire and held the bottle at an angle with the
-chandelier; but the cork flew quite wild, and struck with great force
-the mighty nose of Johannisberger.
-
-"A forfeit!" cried all.
-
-"Treason, and a forfeit!" cried the Margrave of Rudesheimer.
-
-"A forfeit is sufficient punishment," said the President; who, however,
-still felt the smarting effect of the assault on his proboscis. "You
-must drink Oberon's horn full of champagne," he continued.
-
-"Never!" said Vivian. "Enough of this. I have already conformed in a
-degree which may injuriously affect my health with your barbarous
-humours; but there is moderation even in excess. And so, if you please,
-my Lord, your servant may show me to my apartment, or I shall again
-mount my horse."
-
-"You shall not leave this room," said the President, with great
-firmness.
-
-"Who shall prevent me?" asked Vivian.
-
-"I will, all will!"
-
-"Now, by heavens! a more insolent and inhospitable old ruffian did I
-never meet. By the wine you worship, if one of you dare touch me, you
-shall rue it all your born days; and as for you, sir, if you advance one
-step towards me, I will take that sausage of a nose of yours and hurl
-you half round your own castle!"
-
-"Treason!" shouted all, and looked to the chair.
-
-"Treason!" said enraged majesty. The allusion to the nose had done away
-with all the constitutional doubts which had been sported so moderately
-at the commencement of the evening.
-
-"Treason!" howled the President: "instant punishment!"
-
-"What punishment?" asked Asmanshausen.
-
-"Drown him in the new butt of Moselle," recommended Rudesheimer. The
-suggestion was immediately adopted. Every one rose: the little
-Geisenheim already had hold of Vivian's shoulder; and Grafenberg,
-instigated by the cowardly but malicious Rudesheimer, was about to
-seize him by the neck. Vivian took the dwarf and hurled him at the
-chandelier, in whose brazen chains the little being got entangled, and
-there remained. An unexpected cross-buttocker floored the incautious and
-unscientific Grafenberg; and following up these advantages, Vivian laid
-open the skull of his prime enemy, the retreating Margrave of
-Rudesheimer, with the assistance of the horn of Oberon; which flew from
-his hand to the other end of the room, from the force with which it
-rebounded from the cranium of the enemy. All the rest were now on the
-advance; but giving a vigorous and unexpected push to the table, the
-Johannisberger and Asmanshausen were thrown over, and the nose of the
-former got entangled with the awkward windings of the Fairy King's horn.
-Taking advantage of this move, Vivian rushed to the door. He escaped,
-but had not time to secure the lock against the enemy, for the stout
-Elector of Steinberg was too quick for him. He dashed down the stairs
-with extraordinary agility; but just as he had gained the large
-octagonal hall, the whole of his late boon companions, with the
-exception of the dwarf of Geisenheim, who was left in the chandelier,
-were visible in full chase. Escape was impossible, and so Vivian,
-followed by the seven nobles, headed by their President, described with
-all possible rapidity a circle round the hall. He gave himself up for
-lost; but, luckily, for him, it never occurred to one of his pursuers to
-do anything but follow their leader; and as, therefore, they never
-dodged Vivian, and as, also, he was a much fleeter runner than the fat
-President, whose pace, of course, regulated the progress of his
-followers, the party might have gone on at this rate until all of them
-had dropped from fatigue, had not the occurrence of a ludicrous incident
-prevented this consummation.
-
-The hall door was suddenly dashed open, and Essper George rushed in,
-followed in full chase by Hunsdrich and the guests of the lodge, who
-were the servants of Vivian's pursuers. Essper darted in between
-Rudesheimer and Markbrunnen, and Hunsdrich and his friends following the
-same tactics as their lords and masters, without making any attempt to
-surround and hem in the object of their pursuit, merely followed him in
-order, describing, but in a contrary direction, a lesser circle within
-the eternal round of the first party. It was only proper for the
-servants to give their masters the wall. In spite of their very
-disagreeable and dangerous situation, it was with difficulty that Vivian
-refrained from laughter, as he met Essper regularly every half minute
-at the foot of the great staircase. Suddenly, as Essper passed, he took
-Vivian by the waist, and with a single jerk placed him on the stairs;
-and then, with a dexterous dodge, he brought Hunsdrich the porter and
-the Grand Duke in full contact.
-
-"I have got you at last," said Hunsdrich, seizing hold of his Grace of
-Johannisberger by the ears, and mistaking him for Essper.
-
-"I have got you at last," said his master, grappling, as he supposed,
-with Vivian. Both struggled; their followers pushed on with impetuous
-force, the battle was general, the overthrow universal. In a moment all
-were on the ground; and if any less inebriated or more active individual
-attempted to rise, Essper immediately brought him down with a
-boar-spear.
-
-"Give me that large fishing-net," said Essper to Vivian; "quick, quick."
-
-Vivian pulled down a large coarse net, which covered nearly five sides
-of the room. It was immediately unfolded, and spread over the fallen
-crew. To fasten it down with half a dozen boar-spears, which they drove
-into the floor, was the work of a moment. Essper had one pull at the
-proboscis of the Grand Duke of Johannisberger before he hurried Vivian
-away; and in ten minutes they were again on their horses' backs and
-galloping through the star-lit wood.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-
-It is the hour before the labouring bee has left his golden hive; not
-yet the blooming day buds in the blushing East; not yet has the
-victorious Lucifer chased from the early sky the fainting splendour of
-the stars of night. All is silent, save the light breath of morn waking
-the slumbering leaves. Even now a golden streak breaks over the grey
-mountains. Hark to shrill chanticleer! As the cock crows the owl ceases.
-Hark to shrill chanticleer's feathered rival! The mountain lark springs
-from the sullen earth, and welcomes with his hymn the coming day. The
-golden streak has expanded into a crimson crescent, and rays of living
-fire flame over the rose-enamelled East. Man rises sooner than the sun,
-and already sound the whistle of the ploughman, the song of the mower,
-and the forge of the smith; and hark to the bugle of the hunter, and the
-baying of his deep-mouthed hound. The sun is up, the generating sun! and
-temple, and tower, and tree, the massy wood, and the broad field, and
-the distant hill, burst into sudden light; quickly upcurled is the dusky
-mist from the shining river; quickly is the cold dew drunk from the
-raised heads of the drooping flowers!
-
-A canter by a somewhat clearer light than the one which had so
-unfortunately guided himself and his companion to the Palace of the
-Wines soon carried them again to the skirts of the forest, and at this
-minute they are emerging on the plain from yonder dark wood.
-
-"By heavens! Essper, I cannot reach the town this morning. Was ever
-anything more unfortunate. A curse on those drunken fools. What with no
-rest and no solid refreshment, and the rivers of hock that are flowing
-within me, and the infernal exertion of running round that vile hall, I
-feel fairly exhausted, and could at this moment fall from my saddle. See
-you no habitation, my good fellow, where there might be a chance of a
-breakfast and a few hours' rest? We are now well out of the forest. Oh!
-surely there is smoke from behind those pines; some good wife, I trust,
-is by her chimney corner."
-
-"If my sense be not destroyed by the fumes of that mulled Geisenheim,
-which still haunts me, I could swear that the smoke is the soul of a
-burning weed."
-
-"A truce to your jokes, good Essper; I really am very ill. A year ago I
-could have laughed at our misfortunes, but now it is very different;
-and, by heavens, I must have breakfast! so stir, exert yourself, and,
-although I die for it, let us canter up to the smoke."
-
-"No, dear master, I will ride on before. Do you follow gently, and if
-there be a pigeon in the pot in all Germany. I swear by the patron saint
-of every village for fifty miles round, provided they be not heretics,
-that you shall taste of its breast-bone this morning."
-
-The smoke did issue from a chimney, but the door of the cottage was
-shut.
-
-"Hilloa, within!" shouted Essper; "who shuts the sun out on a September
-morning?"
-
-The door was at length slowly opened, and a most ill-favoured and
-inhospitable-looking dame demanded, in a sullen voice, "What's
-your will?"
-
-"You pretty creature!" said Essper, who was still a little tipsy.
-
-The door would have been shut in his face had not he darted into the
-house before the woman was aware.
-
-"Truly, a neat and pleasant dwelling! and you would have no objection, I
-guess, to give a handsome young gentleman some little sop of something
-just to remind him, you know, that it isn't dinner-time."
-
-"We give no sops here: what do you take us for? and so, my handsome
-young gentleman, be off, or I shall call the good man."
-
-"Why, I am not the handsome young gentleman; that is my master! who, if
-he were not half-starved to death, would fall in love with you at
-first sight."
-
-"Your master; is he in the carriage?"
-
-"Carriage! no; on horseback."
-
-"Travellers?"
-
-"To be sure, dear dame; travellers true."
-
-"Travellers true, without luggage, and at this time of morn! Methinks,
-by your looks, queer fellows, that you are travellers whom it may be
-wise for an honest woman not to meet."
-
-"What! some people have an objection, then, to a forty kreuezer piece on
-a sunny morning?"
-
-So saying, Essper, in a careless manner, tossed a broad piece in the
-air, and made it ring on a fellow coin, as he caught it in the palm of
-his hand when it descended.
-
-"Is that your master?" asked the woman.
-
-"Ay, is it! and the prettiest piece of flesh I have seen this month,
-except yourself."
-
-"Well! if the gentleman likes bread he can sit down here," said the
-woman, pointing to a bench, and throwing a sour black loaf upon
-the table.
-
-"Now, sir!" said Essper, wiping the bench with great care, "lie you here
-and rest yourself. I have known a marshal sleep upon a harder sofa.
-Breakfast will be ready immediately."
-
-"If you cannot eat what you have, you may ride where you can find better
-cheer."
-
-"What is bread for a traveller's breakfast? But I daresay my lord will
-be contented; young men are so easily pleased when there is a pretty
-girl in the case; you know that, you wench I you do, you little hussy;
-you are taking advantage of it."
-
-Something like a smile lit up the face of the sullen woman when she
-said. "There may be an egg in the house, but I don't know."
-
-"But you will soon, you dear creature! What a pretty foot!" bawled
-Essper after her, as she left the room. "Now confound this hag; if there
-be not meat about this house may I keep my mouth shut at our next
-dinner. What's that in the corner? a boar's tusk! Ay, ay! a huntsman's
-cottage; and when lived a huntsman on black bread before! Oh! bless your
-bright eyes for these eggs, and this basin of new milk."
-
-So saying, Essper took them out of her hand and placed them before
-Vivian.
-
-"I was saying to myself, my pretty girl, when you were out of the room,
-'Essper George, good cheer, say thy prayers, and never despair; come
-what may, you will fall among friends at last, and how do you know that
-your dream mayn't come true after all? Didn't you dream that you
-breakfasted in the month of September with a genteel young woman with
-gold ear-rings? and is not she standing before you now? and did not she
-do everything in the world to make you comfortable? Did not she give you
-milk and eggs, and when you complained that you and meat had been but
-slack friends of late, did not she open her own closet, and give you as
-fine a piece of hunting beef as was ever set before a Jagd Junker?'"
-
-"I think you will turn me into an innkeeper's wife at last," said the
-dame, her stern features relaxing into a smile; and while she spoke she
-advanced to the great closet, Essper George following her, walking on
-his toes, lolling out his enormous tongue, and stroking his mock paunch.
-As she opened it he jumped upon a chair and had examined every shelf in
-less time than a pistol could flush. "White bread! fit for a countess;
-salt! worthy of Poland; boar's head!! no better at Troyes; and hunting
-beef!!! my dream is true!" and he bore in triumph to Vivian, who was
-nearly asleep, the ample round of salt and pickled beef well stuffed
-with all kinds of savoury herbs.
-
-It was nearly an hour before noon ere the travellers had remounted.
-Their road again entered the forest which they had been skirting for the
-last two days. The huntsmen were abroad; and the fine weather, his good
-meal and seasonable rest, and the inspiriting sounds of the bugle made
-Vivian feel recovered from his late fatigues.
-
-"That must be a true-hearted huntsman, Essper, by the sound of his
-bugle. I never heard one played with more spirit. Hark! how fine it dies
-away hi the wood; fainter and fainter, yet how clear! It must be now
-half a mile distant."
-
-"I hear nothing so wonderful," said Essper, putting the two middle
-fingers of his right hand before his mouth and sounding a note so clear
-and beautiful, so exactly imitative of the fall which Vivian had noticed
-and admired, that for a moment he imagined that the huntsman was at
-his elbow.
-
-"Thou art a cunning knave! do it again." This time Essper made the very
-wood echo. In a few minutes a horseman galloped up; he was as spruce a
-cavalier as ever pricked gay steed on the pliant grass. He was dressed
-in a green military uniform, and a gilt bugle hung by his side; his
-spear told them that he was hunting the wild boar. When he saw Vivian
-and Essper he suddenly pulled up his horse and seemed astonished.
-
-"I thought that his Highness had been here," said the huntsman.
-
-"No one has passed us, sir," said Vivian.
-
-"I could have sworn that his bugle sounded from this very spot," said
-the huntsman. "My ear seldom deceives me."
-
-"We heard a bugle to the right, sir," said Essper.
-
-"Thanks, my friend," and the huntsman was about to gallop off.
-
-"May I ask the name of his Highness?" said Vivian. "We are strangers in
-this country."
-
-"That may certainly account for your ignorance," said the huntsman; "but
-no one who lives in this land can be unacquainted with his Serene
-Highness the Prince of Little Lilliput, my illustrious master. I have
-the honour," continued the huntsman, "of being Jagd Junker, or
-Gentilhomme de la Chasse to his Serene Highness."
-
-"'Tis an office of great dignity," said Vivian, "and one that I have no
-doubt you admirably perform; I will not stop you, sir, to admire
-your horse."
-
-The huntsman bowed courteously and galloped off.
-
-"You see, sir," said Essper George, "that my bugle has deceived even the
-Jagd Junker, or Gentilhomme de la Chasse of his Serene Highness the
-Prince of Little Lilliput himself;" so saying, Essper again sounded his
-instrument.
-
-"A joke may be carried too far, my good fellow," said Vivian. "A true
-huntsman like myself must not spoil a brother's sport, so silence
-your bugle."
-
-Now again galloped up the Jagd Junker, or Gentilhomme de la Chasse of
-his Serene Highness the Prince of Little Lilliput. He pulled up his
-horse again apparently as much astounded as ever.
-
-"I thought that his Highness had been here." said the huntsman.
-
-"No one has passed us," said Vivian.
-
-"We heard a bugle to the right," said Essper George.
-
-"I am afraid his Serene Highness must be in distress. The whole suite
-are off the scent. It must have been his bugle, for the regulations of
-this forest are so strict that no one dare sound a blast but his Serene
-Highness." Away galloped the huntsman.
-
-"Next time I must give you up, Essper," said Vivian.
-
-"One more blast, good master!" begged Essper, in a supplicating voice.
-"This time to the left; the confusion will be then complete."
-
-"I command you not," and so they rode on in silence. But it was one of
-those days when Essper could neither be silent nor subdued. Greatly
-annoyed at not being permitted to play his bugle, he amused himself
-imitating the peculiar sound of every animal that he met; a young fawn
-and various birds already followed him, and even a squirrel had perched
-on his horse's neck. And now they came to a small farmhouse, which was
-situated in the forest: the yard here offered great amusement to Essper.
-He neighed, and half a dozen horses' heads immediately appeared over the
-hedge; another neigh, and they were following him in the road. A dog
-rushed out to seize the dangerous stranger and recover his charge, but
-Essper gave an amicable bark, and in a second the dog was jumping by his
-side and engaged in earnest and friendly conversation. A loud and
-continued grunt soon brought out the pigs, and meeting three or four
-cows returning home, a few lowing sounds soon seduced them from keeping
-their appointment with the dairymaid. A stupid jackass, who stared with
-astonishment at the procession, was saluted with a lusty bray, which
-immediately induced him to swell the ranks; and, as Essper passed the
-poultry-yard, he so deceitfully informed its inhabitants that they were
-about to be fed, that broods of ducks and chickens were immediately
-after him. The careful hens were terribly alarmed at the danger which
-their offspring incurred from the heels and hoofs of the quadrupeds; but
-while they were in doubt and despair a whole flock of stately geese
-issued in solemn pomp from another gate of the farmyard, and commenced a
-cackling conversation with the delighted Essper. So contagious is the
-force of example, and so great was the confidence which the hens placed
-in these pompous geese, who were not the first fools whose solemn air
-has deceived a few old females, that as soon as they perceived them in
-the train of the horseman they also trotted up to pay their respects at
-his levee.
-
-But it was not a moment for mirth; for rushing down the road with awful
-strides appeared two sturdy and enraged husbandmen, one armed with a
-pike and the other with a pitchfork, and accompanied by a frantic
-female, who never for a moment ceased hallooing "Murder, rape, and
-fire!" everything but "theft."
-
-"Now, Essper, here's a pretty scrape!"
-
-"Stop, you rascals!" hallooed Adolph, the herdsman.
-
-"Stop, you gang of thieves!" hallooed Wilhelm, the ploughman.
-
-"Stop, you bloody murderers!" shrieked Phillippa, the indignant mistress
-of the dairy and the poultry-yard.
-
-"Stop, you villains!" hallooed all three. The villains certainly made no
-attempt to escape, and in half a second the enraged household of the
-forest farmer would have seized on Essper George; but just at this
-crisis he uttered loud sounds in the respective language of every bird
-and beast about him, and suddenly they all turned round and
-counter-marched. Away rushed the terrified Adolph, the herdsman, while
-one of his own cows was on his back. Still quicker scampered off the
-scared Wilhelm, the ploughman, while one of his own steeds kicked him in
-his rear. Quicker than all these, shouting, screaming, shrieking, dashed
-back the unhappy mistress of the hen-roost, with all her subjects
-crowding about her; some on her elbow, some on her head, her lace cap
-destroyed, her whole dress disordered. The movements of the crowd were
-so quick that they were soon out of sight.
-
-"A trophy!" called out Essper, as he jumped off his horse and picked up
-the pike of Adolph, the herdsman.
-
-"A boar-spear, or I am no huntsman," said Vivian: "give it me a moment!"
-He threw it up into the air, caught it with ease, poised it with the
-practiced skill of one well used to handle the weapon, and with the same
-delight imprinted on his countenance as greets the sight of an
-old friend.
-
-"This forest, Essper, and this spear, make me remember days when I was
-vain enough to think that I had been sufficiently visited with sorrow.
-Ah! little did I then know of human misery, although I imagined I had
-suffered so much!"
-
-As he spoke, the sounds of a man in distress were heard from the right
-side of the road.
-
-"Who calls?" cried Essper. A shout was the only answer. There was no
-path, but the underwood was low, and Vivian took his horse, an old
-forester, across it with ease. Essper's jibbed; Vivian found himself in
-a small green glade of about thirty feet square. It was thickly
-surrounded with lofty trees, save at the point where he had entered; and
-at the farthest corner of it, near some grey rocks, a huntsman was
-engaged in a desperate contest with a wild boar.
-
-The huntsman was on his right knee, and held his spear with both hands
-at the furious beast. It was an animal of extraordinary size and power.
-Its eyes glittered like fire. On the turf to its right a small grey
-mastiff, of powerful make, lay on its back, bleeding profusely, with its
-body ripped open. Another dog, a fawn-coloured bitch, had seized on the
-left ear of the beast; but the under tusk of the boar, which was nearly
-a foot long, had penetrated the courageous dog, and the poor creature
-writhed in agony, even while it attempted to wreak its revenge upon its
-enemy. The huntsman was nearly exhausted. Had it not been for the
-courage of the fawn-coloured dog, which, clinging to the boar, prevented
-it making a full dash at the man, he must have been gored. Vivian was
-off his horse in a minute, which, frightened at the sight of the wild
-boar, dashed again over the hedge.
-
-"Keep firm, sir!" said he; "do not move. I will amuse him behind, and
-make him turn."
-
-A graze of Vivian's spear on its back, though it did not materially
-injure the beast, for there the boar is nearly in vulnerable, annoyed
-it; and dashing off the fawn-coloured dog with great force, it turned on
-its new assailant. Now there are only two places in which the wild boar
-can be assailed with any effect; and these are just between the eyes and
-between the shoulders. Great caution, however, is necessary in aiming
-these blows, for the boar is very adroit in transfixing the weapon on
-his snout or his tusks; and if once you miss, particularly if you are
-not assisted by dogs, which Vivian was not, 'tis all over with you; for
-the enraged animal rushes in like lightning, and gored you must be.
-
-But Vivian was fresh and cool. The animal suddenly stood still and eyed
-its new enemy. Vivian was quiet, for he had no objection to give the
-beast an opportunity of retreating to its den. But retreat was not its
-object; it suddenly darted at the huntsman, who, however, was not off
-his guard, though unable, from a slight wound in his knee, to rise.
-Vivian again annoyed the boar at the rear, and the animal soon returned
-to him. He made a feint, as if he were about to strike his pike between
-its eyes. The boar, not feeling a wound which had not been inflicted,
-and very irritated, rushed at him, and he buried his spear a foot deep
-between its shoulders. The beast made one fearful struggle, and then
-fell down quite dead. The fawn-coloured bitch, though terribly wounded,
-gave a loud bark; and even the other dog, which Vivian thought had been
-long dead, testified its triumphant joy by an almost inarticulate groan.
-As soon as he was convinced that the boar was really dead, Vivian
-hastened to the huntsman, and expressed his hope that he was not
-seriously hurt.
-
-"A trifle, which our surgeon, who is used to these affairs, will quickly
-cure. Sir! we owe you our life!" said the huntsman, with great dignity,
-as Vivian assisted him in rising from the ground. He was a tall man, of
-distinguished appearance; but his dress, which was the usual hunting
-costume of a German nobleman, did not indicate his quality.
-
-"Sir, we owe you our life!" repeated the stranger; "five minutes more,
-and our son must have reigned in Little Lilliput."
-
-"I have the honour, then, of addressing your Serene Highness. Far from
-being indebted to me, I feel that I ought to apologise for having so
-unceremoniously joined your sport."
-
-"Nonsense, man! We have killed in our time too many of these gentry to
-be ashamed of owning that, had it not been for you, one of them would at
-last have revenged the species. But many as are the boars that we have
-killed or eaten, we never saw a more furious or powerful animal than the
-present. Why, sir, you must be one of the best hands at the spear in all
-Christendom!"
-
-"Indifferently good, your Highness: your Highness forgets that the
-animal was already exhausted by your assault."
-
-"Why, there is something in that; but it was neatly done, man; it was
-neatly done. You are fond of the sport, we think?"
-
-"I have had some practice, but illness has so weakened me that I have
-given up the forest."
-
-"Pity! and on a second examination we observe that you are no hunter.
-This coat is not for the free forest; but how came you by the pike?"
-
-"I am travelling to the next post town, to which I have sent on my
-luggage. I am getting fast to the south; and as for this pike, my
-servant got it this morning from some peasant in a brawl, and was
-showing it to me when I heard your Highness call. I really think now
-that Providence must have sent it. I certainly could not have done you
-much service with my riding whip. Hilloa! Essper, where are you?"
-
-"Here, noble sir! here, here. Why, what have you got there? The horses
-have jibbed, and will not stir. I can stay no longer: they may go to the
-devil!" So saying, Vivian's valet dashed over the underwood, and leaped
-al the foot of the Prince.
-
-"In God's name, is this thy servant?" asked his Highness.
-
-"In good faith am I," said Essper; "his valet, his cook, and his
-secretary, all in one; and also his Jagd Junker, or Gentilhomme de la
-Chasse, as a puppy with a bugle horn told me this morning."
-
-"A merry knave!" said the Prince; "and talking of a puppy with a bugle
-horn reminds us how unaccountably we have been deserted to-day by a
-suite that never yet were wanting. We are indeed astonished. Our bugle,
-we fear, has turned traitor." So saying, the Prince executed a blast
-with great skill, which Vivian immediately recognised as the one which
-Essper George had imitated.
-
-"And now, my good friend," said the Prince, "we cannot hear of your
-passing through our land without visiting our good castle. We would that
-we could better testify the obligation that we feel under to you in any
-other way than by the offer of an hospitality which all gentlemen, by
-right, can command. But your presence would, indeed, give us sincere
-pleasure. You must not refuse us. Your looks, as well as your prowess,
-prove your blood; and we are quite sure no cloth-merchant's order will
-suffer by your not hurrying to your proposed point of destination. We
-are not wrong, we think, though your accent is good, in supposing that
-we are conversing with an English gentleman. But here they come."
-
-As he spoke, three or four horsemen, at the head of whom was the young
-huntsman whom the travellers had met in the morning, sprang into
-the glade.
-
-"Why, Arnelm!" said the Prince, "when before was the Jagd Junker's ear
-so bad that he could not discover his master's bugle, even though the
-wind were against him?"
-
-"In truth, your Highness, we have heard bugles enough this morning. Who
-is violating the forests laws we know not; but that another bugle is
-sounding, and played; St. Hubert forgive me for saying so; with as great
-skill as your Highness', is certain. Myself, Von Neuwied, and Lintz have
-been galloping over the whole forest. The rest, I doubt not, will be up
-directly." The Jagd Junker blew his own bugle.
-
-In the course of five minutes, about twenty other horsemen, all dressed
-in the same uniform, had arrived; all complaining of their wild chases
-after the Prince in every other part of the forest.
-
-"It must be the Wild Huntsman himself!" swore an old hand. This solution
-of the mystery satisfied all.
-
-"Well, well!" said the Prince; "whoever it may be, had it not been for
-the timely presence of this gentleman, you must have changed your green
-jackets for mourning coats, and our bugle would have sounded no more in
-the forest of our fathers. Here, Arnelm! cut up the beast, and remember
-that the left shoulder is the quarter of honour, and belongs to this
-stranger, not less honoured because unknown."
-
-All present took off their caps and bowed to Vivian, who took this
-opportunity of informing the Prince who he was.
-
-"And now," continued his Highness, "Mr. Grey will accompany us to our
-castle; nay, sir, we can take no refusal. We will send on to the town
-for your luggage. Arnelm, do you look to this! And, honest friend," said
-the Prince, turning to Essper George, "we commend you to the special
-care of our friend Von Neuwied; and so, gentlemen, with stout hearts and
-spurs to your steeds, to the castle."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-
-The cavalcade proceeded for some time at a brisk but irregular pace,
-until they arrived at a less wild and wooded part of the forest. The
-Prince of Little Lilliput reined in his steed as he entered a broad
-avenue of purple beeches, at the end of which, though at a considerable
-distance, Vivian perceived the towers and turrets of a Gothic edifice
-glittering in the sunshine.
-
-"Welcome to Turriparva!" said his Highness.
-
-"I assure your Highness," said Vivian, "that I view with no unpleasant
-feeling the prospect of a reception in any civilised mansion; for to say
-the truth, for the last eight-and-forty hours Fortune has not favoured
-me either in my researches after a bed, or that which some think still
-more important than repose."
-
-"Is it so?" said the Prince. "Why, we should have thought by your home
-thrust this morning that you were as fresh as the early lark. In good
-faith, it was a pretty stroke! And whence come you, then, good sir?"
-
-"Know you a most insane and drunken idiot who styles himself the Grand
-Duke of Johannisberger?"
-
-"No, no!" said the Prince, staring in Vivian's face earnestly, and then
-laughing. "And you have actually fallen among that mad crew. A most
-excellent adventure! Arnelm! why, man, where art thou? Ride up! Behold
-in the person of this gentleman a new victim to the overwhelming
-hospitality of our Uncle of the Wines. And did they confer a title on
-you on the spot? Say, art thou Elector, or Palsgrave, or Baron; or,
-failing in thy devoirs, as once did our good cousin Arnelm, confess that
-thou wert ordained with becoming reverence the Archprimate of
-Puddledrink. Eh! Arnelm, is not that the style thou bearest at the
-Palace of the Wines?"
-
-"So it would seem, your Highness. I think the title was conferred on me
-the same night that your Highness mistook the Grand Duke's proboscis for
-Oberon's horn, and committed treason not yet pardoned."
-
-"Good! good! thou hast us there. Truly a good memory is often as ready a
-friend as a sharp wit. Wit is not thy strong point, friend Arnelm; and
-yet it is strange that in the sharp encounter of ready tongues and idle
-logomachies thou hast sometimes the advantage. But, nevertheless, rest
-assured, good cousin Arnelm, that wit is not thy strong point."
-
-"It is well for me that all are not of the same opinion as your Serene
-Highness," said the young Jagd Junker, somewhat nettled; for he prided
-himself on his repartees.
-
-The Prince was much diverted with Vivian's account of his last night's
-adventure; and our hero learnt from his Highness that his late host was
-no less a personage than the cousin of the Prince of Little Lilliput,
-an old German Baron, who passed his time, with some neighbours of
-congenial temperament, in hunting the wild boar in the morning, and
-speculating on the flavours of the fine Rhenish wines during the rest of
-the day. "He and his companions," continued the Prince, "will enable you
-to form some idea of the German nobility half a century ago. The debauch
-of last night was the usual carouse which crowned the exploits of each
-day when we were a boy. The revolution has rendered all these customs
-obsolete. Would that it had not sent some other things equally out
-of fashion!"
-
-At this moment the Prince sounded his bugle, and the gates of the
-castle, which were not more than twenty yards distant, were immediately
-thrown open. The whole cavalcade set spurs to their steeds, and dashed
-at full gallop over the hollow-sounding drawbridge into the courtyard of
-the castle. A crowd of serving-men, in green liveries, instantly
-appeared, and Arnelm and Von Neuwied, jumping from their saddles,
-respectively held the stirrup and the bridle of the Prince as he
-dismounted.
-
-"Where is Master Rodolph?" asked his Highness, with a loud voice.
-
-"So please your Serene Highness, I am here!" answered a very thin
-treble; and, bustling through the surrounding crowd, came forward the
-owner of the voice. Master Rodolph was not much above five feet high,
-but he was nearly as broad as he was long. Though more than middle-aged,
-an almost infantile smile played upon his broad fair face, to which his
-small turn-up nose, large green goggle-eyes, and unmeaning mouth gave no
-expression. His long hair hung over his shoulders, the flaxen locks in
-some places maturing into grey. In compliance with the taste of his
-master, this most unsportsman-like-looking steward was clad in a green
-jerkin, on the right arm of which was embroidered a giant's head, the
-crest of the Little Lilliputs.
-
-"Truly, Rodolph, we have received some scratch in the chase to-day, and
-need your assistance. The best of surgeons, we assure you, Mr. Grey, if
-you require one: and look you that the blue chamber be prepared for this
-gentleman; and we shall have need of our cabinet this evening. See that
-all this be done, and inform Prince Maximilian that we would speak with
-him. And look you, Master Rodolph, there is one in this company; what
-call you your servant's name, sir? Essper George! 'tis well: look you,
-Rodolph, see that our friend Essper George be well provided for. We know
-that we can trust him to your good care. And now, gentlemen, at sunset
-we meet in the Giants' Hall." So saying, his Highness bowed to the
-party; and taking Vivian by the arm, and followed by Arnelm and Von
-Neuwied, he ascended a stair case which opened into the court, and then
-mounted into a covered gallery which ran round the whole building. The
-interior wall of the gallery was alternately ornamented with stags'
-heads or other trophies of the chase, and coats of arms blazoned in
-stucco. The Prince did the honours of the castle to Vivian with great
-courtesy. The armoury and the hall, the knights chamber, and even the
-donjon-keep, were all examined; and when Vivian had sufficiently admired
-the antiquity of the structure and the beauty of the situation, the
-Prince, having proceeded down a long corridor, opened the door into a
-small chamber, which he introduced to Vivian as his cabinet. The
-furniture of this room was rather quaint, and not unpleasing. The
-wainscot and ceiling were painted alike, of a light green colour, and
-were richly carved and gilt. The walls were hung with green velvet, of
-which material were also the chairs, and a sofa, which was placed under
-a large and curiously-cut looking glass. The lower panes of the windows
-of this room were of stained glass, of vivid tints; but the upper panes
-were untinged, in order that the light should not be disturbed which
-fell through them upon two magnificent pictures; one a hunting-piece, by
-Schneiders, and the other a portrait of an armed chieftain on horseback,
-by Lucas Cranach.
-
-And now the door opened, and Master Rodolph entered, carrying in his
-hand a white wand, and bowing very reverently as he ushered in servants
-bearing a cold collation. As he entered, it was with difficulty that he
-could settle his countenance into the due and requisite degree of
-gravity; and so often was the fat steward on the point of bursting into
-laughter, as he arranged the setting out of the refreshments on the
-table, that the Prince, with whom he was at the same time both a
-favourite and a butt, at last noticed his unusual and unmanageable
-risibility.
-
-"Why, Rodolph, what ails thee? Hast thou just discovered the point of
-some good saying of yesterday?"
-
-The steward could now contain his laughter no longer, and he gave vent
-to his emotion in a most treble "He! he! he!"
-
-"Speak, man, in the name of St. Hubert, and on the word of as stout a
-huntsman as ever yet crossed horse. Speak, we say; what ails thee?"
-
-"He! he! he! in truth, a most comical knave! I beg your Serene Highness
-ten thousand most humble pardons, but, in truth, a more comical knave
-did I never see. How call you him? Essper George, I think; he! he! he!
-In truth, your Highness was right when you styled him a merry knave; in
-truth, a most comical knave; he! he! a very funny knave! He says, your
-Highness, that I am like a snake in a consumption! he! he! he! In truth,
-a most comical knave!"
-
-"Well, Rodolph, so long as you do not quarrel with his jokes, they shall
-pass as true wit. But why comes not our son? Have you bidden the Prince
-Maximilian to our presence?"
-
-"In truth have I, your Highness; but he was engaged at the moment with
-Mr. Sievers, and therefore he could not immediately attend my bidding.
-Nevertheless, he bade me deliver to your Serene Highness his dutiful
-affection, saying that he would soon have the honour of bending his knee
-unto your Serene Highness."
-
-"He never said any such nonsense. At least, if he did, he must be
-changed since last we hunted."
-
-"In truth, your Highness, I cannot aver, upon my conscience as a
-faithful steward, that such were the precise words and exact phraseology
-of his Highness the Prince Maximilian. But in the time of the good
-Prince, your father, whose memory be ever blessed, such were the words
-and style of message which I was schooled and instructed by Mr. von
-Lexicon, your Serene Highness' most honoured tutor, to bear unto the
-good Prince your father, whose memory be ever blessed, when I had the
-great fortune of being your Serene Highness' most particular page, and
-it fell to my lot to have the pleasant duty of informing the good Prince
-your father, whose memory be ever blessed--"
-
-"Enough! but Sievers is not Von Lexicon, and Maximilian, we trust,
-is--"
-
-"Papa! papa! dearest papa!" shouted a young lad, as he dashed open the
-door, and, rushing into the room, threw his arms round the
-Prince's neck.
-
-"My darling!" said the father, forgetting at this moment of genuine
-feeling the pompous plural in which he had hitherto spoken of himself.
-The Prince fondly kissed his child. The boy was about ten years of age,
-exquisitely handsome. Courage, not audacity, was imprinted on his
-noble features.
-
-"Papa! may I hunt with you to-morrow?"
-
-"What says Mr. Sievers?"
-
-"Oh! Mr. Sievers says I am excellent; I assure you, upon my honour, he
-does, I heard you come home; but though I was dying to see you, I would
-not run out till I had finished my Roman History. I say, papa! what a
-grand fellow Brutus was; what a grand thing it is to be a patriot! I
-intend to be a patriot myself, and to kill the Grand Duke of Reisenburg.
-Who is that?"
-
-"My friend, Max, Mr. Grey. Speak to him."
-
-"I am happy to see you at Turriparva, sir," said the boy, bowing to
-Vivian with dignity. "Have you been hunting with his Highness
-this morning?"
-
-"I can hardly say I have."
-
-"Max, I have received a slight wound to-day. Do not look alarmed; it is
-slight. I only mention it because, had it not been for this gentleman,
-it is very probable you would never have seen your father again. He has
-saved my life!"
-
-"Saved your life! saved my papa's life!" said the young Prince, seizing
-Vivian's hand. "Oh! sir, what can I do for you? Mr. Sievers!" said the
-boy, with eagerness, to a gentleman who entered the room; "Mr. Sievers!
-here is a young lord who has saved papa's life!"
-
-Mr. Sievers was a tall, thin man, about forty, with a clear sallow
-complexion, a high forehead, on which a few wrinkles were visible,
-bright keen eyes, and a quantity of grey curling hair, which was combed
-back off his forehead, and fell down over his shoulders. He was
-introduced to Vivian as the Prince's particular friend; and then he
-listened, apparently with interest, to his Highness' narrative of the
-morning's adventure, his danger, and his rescue. Young Maximilian never
-took his large, dark-blue eyes off his father while he was speaking, and
-when he had finished the boy rushed to Vivian and threw his arms round
-his neck. Vivian was delighted with the affection of the child, who
-whispered to him in a low voice, "I know what you are!"
-
-"What, my young friend?"
-
-"Ah! I know."
-
-"But tell me!"
-
-"You thought I should not find out: you are a patriot!"
-
-"I hope I am," said Vivian; "but travelling in a foreign country is
-hardly a proof of it. Perhaps you do not know that I am an Englishman."
-
-"An Englishman!" said the child, with an air of great disappointment. "I
-thought you were a patriot! I am one. Do you know I will tell you a
-secret. You must promise not to tell, though. Promise, upon your word!
-Well, then," said the urchin, whispering with great energy in Vivian's
-ear through his hollow fist, "I hate the Grand Duke of Reisenburg, and I
-mean to stab him to the heart." So saying, the little Prince grated his
-teeth with an expression of bitter detestation.
-
-"What the deuce is the matter with the child!" thought Vivian; but at
-this moment his conversation with him was interrupted.
-
-"Am I to believe this young gentleman, my dear Sievers," asked the
-Prince, "when he tells me that his conduct has met your approbation?"
-
-"Your son, Prince," answered Mr. Sievers, "can only speak truth. His
-excellence is proved by my praising him to his face."
-
-The young Maximilian, when Mr. Sievers had ceased speaking, stood
-blushing, with his eyes fixed on the ground; and the delighted parent,
-catching his child up in his arms, embraced him with unaffected
-fondness.
-
-"And now, all this time Master Rodolph is waiting for his patient. By
-St. Hubert, you can none of you think me very ill! Your pardon, Mr.
-Grey, for leaving you. My friend Sievers will, I am sure, be delighted
-to make you feel at ease at Turriparva. Max, come with me!"
-
-Vivian found in Mr. Sievers an interesting companion; nothing of the
-pedant and much of the philosopher. Their conversation was of course
-chiefly on topics of local interest, anecdotes of the castle and the
-country, of Vivian's friends, the drunken Johannisberger and his crew,
-and such matters; but there was a keenness of satire in some of Mr.
-Sievers' observations which was highly amusing, and enough passed to
-make Vivian desire opportunities of conversing with him at greater
-length, and on subjects of greater interest. They were at present
-disturbed by Essper George entering the room to inform Vivian that his
-luggage had arrived from the village, and that the blue chamber was now
-prepared for his presence.
-
-"We shall meet, I suppose, in the hall, Mr. Sievers?"
-
-"No; I shall not dine there. If you remain at Turriparva, which I
-trust you will. I shall be happy to see you in my room. If it have no
-other inducement to gain it the honour of your visit, it has here, at
-least, the recommendation of singularity; there is, at any rate, no
-other chamber like it in this good castle."
-
-The business of the toilet is sooner performed for a hunting party in a
-German forest than for a state dinner at Chateau Desir, and Vivian was
-ready before he was summoned.
-
-"His Serene Highness has commenced his progress towards the hall."
-announced Essper George to Vivian in a treble voice, and bowing with
-ceremony as he offered to lead the way with a white wand waving in his
-right hand.
-
-"I shall attend his Highness," said his master; "but before I do, if
-that white wand be not immediately laid aside it will be broken about
-your back."
-
-"Broken about my back! what, the wand of office, sir, of your steward!
-Master Rodolph says that, in truth, a steward is but half himself who
-hath not his wand: methinks when his rod of office is wanting, his
-Highness of Lilliput's steward is but unequally divided. In truth, he is
-stout enough to be Aaron's wand that swallowed up all the rest. But has
-your nobleness any serious objection to my carrying a wand? It gives
-such an air!"
-
-The Giants' Hall was a Gothic chamber of imposing appearance; the oaken
-rafters of the curiously-carved roof rested on the grim heads of
-gigantic figures of the same material. These statues extended the length
-of the hall on each side; they were elaborately sculptured and highly
-polished, and each one held in its outstretched arm a blazing and
-aromatic torch. Above them, small windows of painted glass admitted a
-light which was no longer necessary at the banquet to which we are now
-about to introduce the reader. Over the great entrance doors was a
-gallery, from which a band of trumpeters, arrayed in ample robes of
-flowing scarlet, sent forth many a festive and martial strain. More than
-fifty individuals, all wearing hunting dresses of green cloth on which
-the giant's head was carefully emblazoned, were already seated in the
-hall when Vivian entered: he was conducted to the upper part of the
-chamber, and a seat was allotted him on the left hand of the Prince. His
-Highness had not arrived, but a chair of state, placed under a crimson
-canopy, denoted the style of its absent owner; and a stool, covered with
-velvet of the same regal colour, and glistening with gold lace,
-announced that the presence of Prince Maximilian was expected. While
-Vivian was musing in astonishment at the evident affectation of royal
-pomp which pervaded the whole establishment of the Prince of Little
-Lilliput, the trumpeters in the gallery suddenly commenced a triumphant
-flourish. All rose as the princely procession entered the hall: first
-came Master Rodolph twirling his white wand with the practised pride of
-a drum-major, and looking as pompous as a turkey-cock in a storm; six
-footmen in splendid liveries, two by two, immediately followed him. A
-page heralded the Prince Maximilian, and then came the Serene father;
-the Jagd Junker, and four or five other gentlemen of the court, formed
-the suite.
-
-His Highness ascended the throne, Prince Maximilian was on his right,
-and Vivian had the high honour of the left hand; the Jagd Junker seated
-himself next to our hero. The table was profusely covered, chiefly with
-the sports of the forest, and the celebrated wild boar was not
-forgotten. Few minutes had elapsed ere Vivian perceived that his
-Highness was always served on bended knee; surprised at this custom,
-which even the mightiest and most despotic monarchs seldom exact, and
-still more surprised at the contrast which all this state afforded to
-the natural ease and affable amiability of the Prince, Vivian ventured
-to ask his neighbour Arnelm whether the banquet of to-day was in
-celebration of any particular event of general or individual interest.
-
-"By no means," said the Jagd Junker, "this is the usual style of the
-Prince's daily meal, except that to-day there is, perhaps, rather less
-state and fewer guests than usual, in consequence of many of our
-fellow-subjects having left us with the purpose of attending a great
-hunting party, which is now holding in the dominions of his Highness'
-cousin, the Duke of Micromegas."
-
-When the more necessary but, as most hold, the less delightful part of
-banqueting was over, and the numerous serving-men had removed the more
-numerous dishes of wild boar, red deer, roebuck, and winged game, a
-stiff Calvinistic-looking personage rose and delivered a long and most
-grateful grace, to which the sturdy huntsmen listened with a due mixture
-of piety and impatience. When his starch reverence, who in his black
-coat looked among the huntsmen very like (as Essper George observed) a
-blackbird among a set of moulting canaries, had finished, an old man,
-with long snow-white hair--and a beard of the same colour--rose from his
-seat, and, with a glass in his hand, bowing first to his Highness with
-great respect and then to his companions, with an air of condescension,
-gave in a stout voice, "The Prince!" A loud shout was immediately
-raised, and all quaffed with rapture the health of a ruler whom
-evidently they adored. Master Rodolph now brought forward an immense
-silver goblet full of some crafty compound, from its odour doubtless
-delicious. The Prince held the goblet by its two massy handles, and then
-said in a loud voice:
-
-"My friends, the Giant's head! and he who sneers at its frown may he rue
-its bristles!"
-
-The toast was welcomed with a cry of triumph. When the noise had
-subsided the Jagd Junker rose, and prefacing the intended pledge by a
-few observations as remarkable for the delicacy of their sentiments as
-the elegance of their expression, he gave, pointing to Vivian, "The
-Guest! and may the Prince never want a stout arm at a strong push!" The
-sentiment was again echoed by the lusty voices of all present, and
-particularly by his Highness. As Vivian shortly returned thanks and
-modestly apologised for the German of a foreigner, he could not refrain
-from remembering the last time when he was placed in the same situation;
-it was when the treacherous Lord Courtown had drank success to Mr.
-Vivian Grey's maiden speech in a bumper of claret at the political
-orgies of Chateau Desir. Could he really be the same individual as the
-daring youth who then organised the crazy councils of those ambitious,
-imbecile grey-beards? What was he then? What had happened since? What
-was he now? He turned from the comparison with feelings of sickening
-disgust, and it was with difficulty that his countenance could assume
-the due degree of hilarity which befitted the present occasion.
-
-"Truly, Mr. Grey," said the Prince, "your German would pass current at
-Weimar. Arnelm, good cousin Arnelm, we must trouble thy affectionate
-duty to marshal and regulate the drinking devoirs of our kind subjects
-to-night; for by the advice of our trusty surgeon, Master Rodolph, of
-much fame, we shall refrain this night from our accustomed potations,
-and betake ourselves to the solitude of our cabinet; a solitude in good
-sooth, unless we can persuade you to accompany us, kind sir," said the
-Prince, turning to Mr. Grey. "Methinks eight-and-forty hours without
-rest, and a good part spent in the mad walls of our cousin of
-Johannisberger, are hardly the best preparatives for a drinking bout;
-unless, after Oberon's horn, ye may fairly be considered to be in
-practice. Nevertheless, I advise the cabinet and a cup of Rodolph's
-coffee. What sayest thou?" Vivian acceded to the Prince's proposition
-with eagerness; and accompanied by Prince Maximilian, and preceded by
-the little steward, who, surrounded by his serving-men, very much
-resembled a planet eclipsed by his satellites, they left the hall.
-
-"'Tis almost a pity to shut out the moon on such a night," said the
-Prince, as he drew a large green velvet curtain from the windows of
-the cabinet.
-
-"'Tis a magnificent night!" said Vivian; "how fine the effect of the
-light is upon the picture of the warrior. The horse seems quite living,
-and its fierce rider actually frowns upon us."
-
-"He may well frown," said the Prince of Little Lilliput, in a voice of
-deep melancholy; and he hastily redrew the curtain. In a moment he
-started from the chair on which he had just seated himself, and again
-admitted the moonlight. "Am I really afraid of an old picture? No, no;
-it has not yet come to that."
-
-This was uttered in a distinct voice, and of course excited the
-astonishment of Vivian, who, however, had too much discretion to evince
-his surprise, or to take any measure by which his curiosity might be
-satisfied.
-
-His companion seemed instantly conscious of the seeming singularity of
-his expression.
-
-"You are surprised at my words, good sir," said his Highness, as he
-paced very rapidly up and down the small chamber; "you are surprised at
-my words; but, sir, my ancestor's brow was guarded by a diadem!"
-
-"Which was then well won, Prince, and is now worthily worn."
-
-"By whom? where? how?" asked the Prince, in a rapid voice. "Maximilian,"
-continued his Highness, in a more subdued tone; "Maximilian, my own
-love, leave us; go to Mr. Sievers. God bless you, my only boy.
-Good night!"
-
-"Good night, dearest papa, and down with the Grand Duke of Reisenburg!"
-
-"He echoes the foolish zeal of my fond followers," said the Prince, as
-his son left the room. "The idle parade to which their illegal loyalty
-still clings; my own manners, the relics of former days; habits will not
-change like stations; all these have deceived you, sir. You have
-mistaken me for a monarch; I should be one. A curse light on me the
-hour I can mention it without a burning blush. Oh, shame! shame on the
-blood of my father's son! Can my mouth own that I once was one? Yes,
-sir! you see before you the most injured, the least enviable of human
-beings. I am a mediatised Prince!"
-
-Vivian had resided too long in Germany to be ignorant of the meaning of
-this title, with which, perhaps, few of our readers may be acquainted. A
-mediatised Prince is an unhappy victim of those Congresses which, among
-other good and evil, purged with great effect the ancient German
-political system. By the regulations then determined on, that country
-was freed at one fell swoop from the vexatious and harassing dominion of
-the various petty Princes who exercised absolute sovereignties over
-little nations of fifty thousand souls. These independent sovereigns
-became subjects; and either swelled, by their mediatisation, the
-territories of some already powerful potentate, or transmuted into a
-state of importance some more fortunate petty ruler than themselves,
-whose independence, through the exertions of political intrigue or
-family influence, had been preserved inviolate. In most instances, the
-concurrence of these little rulers in their worldly degradation was
-obtained by a lavish grant of official emoluments or increase of
-territorial possessions; and the mediatised Prince, instead of being an
-impoverished and uninfluential sovereign, became a wealthy and powerful
-subject. But so dominant in the heart of man is the love of independent
-dominion, that even with these temptations few of the petty princes
-could have been induced to have parted with their cherished sceptres,
-had they not been conscious that, in case of contumacy, the resolutions
-of a Diet would have been enforced by the armies of an emperor. As it
-is, few of them have yet given up the outward and visible signs of regal
-sway. The throne is still preserved and the tiara still revered. They
-seldom frequent the courts of their sovereigns, and scarcely condescend
-to notice the attentions of their fellow nobility. Most of them expend
-their increased revenues in maintaining the splendour of their little
-courts at their ancient capitals, or in swelling the ranks of their
-retainers at their solitary forest castles.
-
-The Prince of Little Lilliput was the first mediatised sovereign that
-Vivian had ever met. At another time, and under other circumstances, he
-might have smiled at the idle parade and useless pomp which he had this
-day witnessed, or moralised on that weakness of human nature which
-seemed to consider the inconvenient appendages of a throne as the great
-end for which power was to be coveted; but at the present moment he only
-saw a kind and, as he believed, estimable individual disquieted and
-distressed. It was painful to witness the agitation of the Prince, and
-Vivian felt it necessary to make some observations, which, from his
-manner, expressed more than they meant.
-
-"Sir," said his Highness, "your sympathy consoles me. Do not imagine
-that I can misunderstand it; it does you honour. You add by this to the
-many favours you have already conferred on me by saving my life and
-accepting my hospitality. I sincerely hope that your departure hence
-will be postponed to the last possible moment. Your conversation and
-your company have made me pass a more cheerful day than I am accustomed
-to. All here love me; but, with the exception of Sievers, I have no
-companion; and although I esteem his principles and his talents, there
-is no congeniality in our tastes, or in our tempers. As for the rest, a
-more devoted band cannot be conceived; but they think only of one thing,
-the lost dignity of their ruler; and although this concentration of
-their thoughts on one subject may gratify my pride, it does not elevate
-my spirit. But this is a subject on which in future we will not
-converse. One of the curses of my unhappy lot is, that a thousand
-circumstances daily occur which prevent me forgetting it."
-
-The Prince rose from the table, and pressing with his right hand on part
-of the wall, the door of a small closet sprung open; the interior was
-lined with crimson velvet. He took out of it a cushion of the same regal
-material, on which reposed, in solitary magnificence, a golden coronet
-of antique workmanship.
-
-"The crown of my fathers," said his Highness, as he placed the treasure
-with great reverence on the table, "won by fifty battles and lost
-without a blow! Yet in my youth I was deemed no dastard; and I have shed
-more blood for my country in one day than he who claims to be my
-suzerain in the whole of his long career of undeserved prosperity. Ay,
-this is the curse; the ancestor of my present sovereign was that
-warrior's serf!" The Prince pointed to the grim chieftain, whose stout
-helmet Vivian now perceived was encircled by a crown similar to the one
-which was now lying before him. "Had I been the subject, had I been
-obliged to acknowledge the sway of a Caesar, I might have endured it
-with resignation. Had I been forced to yield to the legions of an
-Emperor, a noble resistance might have consoled me for the clanking of
-my chains. But to sink without a struggle, the victim of political
-intrigue; to become the bondsman of one who was my father's slave; for
-such was Reisenburg, even in my own remembrance, our unsuccessful rival;
-this was too had. It rankles in my heart, and unless I can be revenged I
-shall sink under it. To have lost my dominions would have been nothing.
-But revenge I will have! It is yet in my power to gain for an enslaved
-people the liberty I have myself lost. Yes! the enlightened spirit of
-the age shall yet shake the quavering councils of the Reisenburg cabal.
-I will, in truth I have already seconded the just, the unanswerable
-demands of an oppressed and insulted people, and, ere six months are
-over, I trust to see the convocation of a free and representative
-council in the capital of the petty monarch to whom I have been
-betrayed. The chief of Reisenburg has, in his eagerness to gain his
-grand ducal crown, somewhat overstepped the mark.
-
-"Besides myself, there are no less than three other powerful princes
-whose dominions have been devoted to the formation of his servile duchy.
-We are all animated by the same spirit, all intent upon the same end. We
-have all used, and are using, our influence as powerful nobles to gain
-for our fellow-subjects their withheld rights; rights which belong to
-them as men, not merely as Germans. Within this week I have forwarded to
-the Residence a memorial subscribed by myself, my relatives, the other
-princes, and a powerful body of discontented nobles, requesting the
-immediate grant of a constitution similar to those of Wirtemburg and
-Bavaria. My companions in misfortune are inspirited by my joining them.
-Had I been wise I should have joined them sooner; but until this moment
-I have been the dupe of the artful conduct of an unprincipled Minister.
-My eyes, however, are now open. The Grand Duke and his crafty
-counsellor, whose name shall not profane my lips, already tremble. Part
-of the people, emboldened by our representations, have already refused
-to answer an unconstitutional taxation. I have no doubt that he must
-yield. Whatever may be the inclination of the Courts of Vienna or St.
-Petersburg, rest assured that the liberty of Germany will meet with no
-opponent except political intrigue; and that Metternich is too well
-acquainted with the spirit which is now only slumbering in the bosom of
-the German nation to run the slightest risk of exciting it by the
-presence of foreign legions. No, no! that mode of treatment may do very
-well for Naples, or Poland, or Spain; but the moment that a Croat or a
-Cossack shall encamp upon the Rhine or the Elbe, for the purpose of
-supporting the unadulterated tyranny of their new-fangled Grand Dukes,
-that moment Germany becomes a great and united nation. The greatest
-enemy of the prosperity of Germany is the natural disposition of her
-sons; but that disposition, while it does now, and may for ever, hinder
-us from being a great people, will at the same time infallibly prevent
-us from ever becoming a degraded one."
-
-At this moment, this moment of pleasing anticipation of public virtue
-and private revenge, Master Rodolph entered, and prevented Vivian from
-gaining any details of the history of his host. The little round steward
-informed his master that a horseman had just arrived, bearing for his
-Highness a despatch of importance, which he insisted upon delivering
-into the Prince's own hands.
-
-"Whence comes he?" asked his Highness.
-
-"In truth, your Serene Highness, that were hard to say, inasmuch as the
-messenger refuses to inform us."
-
-"Admit him."
-
-A man whose jaded looks proved that he had travelled far that day was
-soon ushered into the room, and, bowing to the Prince, delivered to him
-in silence a letter.
-
-"From whom comes this?" asked the Prince.
-
-"It will itself inform your Highness," was the only answer.
-
-"My friend, you are a trusty messenger, and have been well trained.
-Rodolph, look that this gentleman be well lodged and attended."
-
-"I thank your Highness," said the messenger, "but I do not tarry here. I
-wait no answer, and my only purpose in seeing you was to perform my
-commission to the letter, by delivering this paper into your own hands."
-
-"As you please, sir; you must be the best judge of your own time; but we
-like not strangers to leave our gates while our drawbridge is yet
-echoing with their entrance steps."
-
-The Prince and Vivian were again alone. Astonishment and agitation were
-visible on his Highness' countenance as he threw his eye over the
-letter. At length he folded it up, put it into his breast-pocket and
-tried to resume conversation; but the effort was both evident and
-unsuccessful. In another moment the letter was again taken out, and
-again read with not less emotion than accompanied its first perusal.
-
-"I fear I have wearied you, Mr. Grey," said his Highness; "it was
-inconsiderate in me not to remember that you require repose."
-
-Vivian was not sorry to have an opportunity of retiring, so he quickly
-took the hint, and wished his Highness agreeable dreams.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-
-No one but an adventurous traveller can know the luxury of sleep. There
-is not a greater fallacy in the world than the common creed that sweet
-sleep is labour's guerdon. Mere regular, corporeal labour may certainly
-procure us a good, sound, refreshing slumber, disturbed often by the
-consciousness of the monotonous duties of the morrow; but how sleep the
-other great labourers of this laborious world? Where is the sweet sleep
-of the politician? After hours of fatigue in his office and hours of
-exhaustion in the House, he gains his pillow; and a brief, feverish
-night, disturbed by the triumph of a cheer and the horrors of a reply.
-Where is the sweet sleep of the poet? We all know how harassing are the
-common dreams which are made up of incoherent images of our daily life,
-in which the actors are individuals that we know, and whose conduct
-generally appears to be regulated by principles which we can comprehend.
-How much more enervating and destroying must be the slumber of that man
-who dreams of an imaginary world! waking, with a heated and excited
-spirit, to mourn over some impressive incident of the night, which is
-nevertheless forgotten, or to collect some inexplicable plot which has
-been revealed in sleep, and has fled from the memory as the eyelids have
-opened. Where is the sweet sleep of the artist? of the lawyer? Where,
-indeed, of any human being to whom to-morrow brings its necessary
-duties? Sleep is the enemy of Care, and Care is the constant companion
-of regular labour, mental or bodily.
-
-But your traveller, your adventurous traveller, careless of the future,
-reckless of the past, with a mind interested by the world, from the
-immense and various character which that world presents to him, and not
-by his own stake in any petty or particular contingency; wearied by
-delightful fatigue, daily occasioned by varying means and from varying
-causes; with the consciousness that no prudence can regulate the
-fortunes of the morrow, and with no curiosity to discover what those
-fortunes may be, from a conviction that it is utterly impossible to
-ascertain them; perfectly easy whether he lie in a mountain-hut, or a
-royal palace; and reckless alike of the terrors and chances of storm and
-bandits, seeing that he has a fair chance of meeting both with security
-and enjoyment; this is the fellow who, throwing himself upon a down
-couch or his mule's pack-saddle, with equal eagerness and equal
-sangfroid, sinks into a repose, in which he is never reminded by the
-remembrance of an appointment or an engagement for the next day, a duel,
-a marriage, or a dinner, the three perils of man, that he has the
-misfortune of being mortal; and wakes not to combat care, but only to
-feel that he is fresher and more vigorous than he was the night before;
-and that, come what come may, he is, at any rate, sure this day of
-seeing different faces, and of improvising his unpremeditated part upon
-a different scene.
-
-We have now both philosophically accounted and politely apologised for
-the loud and unfashionable snore which sounded in the blue chamber about
-five minutes after Vivian Grey had entered that most comfortable
-apartment. In about twelve hours' time he was scolding Essper George for
-having presumed to wake him so early, quite unconscious that he had
-enjoyed anything more than a twenty minutes' doze.
-
-"I should not have come in, sir, only they are all out. They were off by
-six o'clock this morning, sir; most part at least. The Prince has gone;
-I do not know whether he went with them, but Master Rodolph has given
-me--I breakfasted with Master Rodolph. Holy Virgin! what quarters we
-have got into!"
-
-"To the point; what of the Prince?"
-
-"His Highness has left the castle, and desired Master Rodolph; if your
-Grace had only seen Master Rodolph tipsy last night; he rolled about
-like a turbot in a tornado."
-
-"What of the Prince?"
-
-"The Prince desired this letter to be given to you, sir."
-
-Vivian read the note, which supposed that, of course, he would not wish
-to join the chase this morning, and regretted that the writer was
-obliged to ride out for a few hours to visit a neighbouring nobleman,
-but requested the pleasure of his guest's company at a private dinner in
-the cabinet on his return.
-
-After breakfast Vivian called on Mr. Sievers. He found that gentleman
-busied in his library.
-
-"You never hunt, I suppose, Mr. Sievers?"
-
-"Never. His Highness, I apprehend, is out this morning; the beautiful
-weather continues; surely we never had such a season. As for myself, I
-almost have given up my indoor pursuits. The sun is not the light of
-study. Let us take our caps and have a stroll."
-
-The gentlemen accordingly left the library, and proceeding through a
-different gate to that by which Vivian had entered the castle, they came
-upon a part of the forest in which the timber and brushwood had been in
-a great measure cleared away; large clumps of trees being left standing
-on an artificial lawn, and newly-made roads winding about in pleasing
-irregularity until they were all finally lost in the encircling woods.
-
-"I think you told me," said Mr. Sievers, "that you had been long in
-Germany. What course do you think of taking from here?"
-
-"Straight to Vienna."
-
-"Ah! a delightful place. If, as I suppose to be the case, you are fond
-of dissipation and luxury, Vienna is to be preferred to any city with
-which I am acquainted. And intellectual companions are not wanting
-there, as some have said. There are one or two houses in which the
-literary soirees will yield to few in Europe; and I prefer them to most,
-because there is less pretension and more ease. The Archduke John is a
-man of considerable talents, and of more considerable acquirements. An
-excellent geologist! Are you fond of geology?"
-
-"I am not in the least acquainted with the science."
-
-"Naturally so; at your age, if, in fact, we study at all, we are fond of
-fancying ourselves moral philosophers, and our study is mankind. Trust
-me, my dear sir, it is a branch of research soon exhausted; and in a few
-years you will be very glad, for want of something else to do, to
-meditate upon stones. See now," said Mr. Sievers, picking up a stone,
-"to what associations does this little piece of quartz give rise! I am
-already an antediluvian, and instead of a stag bounding by that wood I
-witness the moving mass of a mammoth. I live in other worlds, which, at
-the same time, I have the advantage of comparing with the present.
-Geology is indeed a magnificent study! What excites more the
-imagination? What exercises more the reason? Can you conceive anything
-sublimer than the gigantic shadows and the grim wreck of an antediluvian
-world? Can you devise any plan which will more brace our powers, and
-develop our mental energies, than the formation of a perfect chain of
-inductive reasoning to account for these phenomena? What is the boasted
-communion which the vain poet holds with nature compared with
-conversation which the geologist perpetually carries on with the
-elemental world? Gazing on the strata of the earth, he reads the fate of
-his species. In the undulations of the mountains is revealed to him the
-history of the past; and in the strength of rivers and the powers of the
-air he discovers the fortunes of the future. To him, indeed, that
-future, as well as the past and the present, are alike matter for
-meditation: for the geologist is the most satisfactory of antiquarians,
-the most interesting of philosophers, and the most inspired of prophets;
-demonstrating that which has past by discovery, that which is occurring
-by observation, and that which is to come by induction. When you go to
-Vienna I will give you a letter to Frederic Schlegel; we were
-fellow-students, and are friends, though for various reasons we do not
-at present meet; nevertheless a letter from me will command respect. I
-will recommend you, however, before you go on to Vienna, to visit
-Reisenburg."
-
-"Indeed! from the Prince's account, I should have thought that there was
-little to interest me there."
-
-"His Highness is not an impartial judge. You are probably acquainted
-with the disagreeable manner in which he is connected with that Court.
-Far from his opinion being correct, I should say there are few places in
-Germany more worthy of a visit than the little Court near us; and above
-all things my advice is that you should not pass it over."
-
-"I am inclined to follow it. You are right in supposing that I am not
-ignorant that His Highness has the misfortune of being a mediatised
-Prince; but what is the exact story about him? I have heard some odd
-rumours, some--"
-
-It is a curious story, but I am afraid you will find it rather long.
-Nevertheless, if you really visit Reisenburg, it may be of use to you to
-know something of the singular characters you will meet there. In the
-first place, you say you know that Little Lilliput is a mediatised
-Prince, and, of course, are precisely aware what that title means.
-About fifty years ago, the rival of the illustrious family in whose
-chief castle we are both of us now residing was the Margrave of
-Reisenburg, another petty Prince with territories not so extensive as
-those of our friend, and with a population more limited: perhaps fifty
-thousand souls, half of whom were drunken cousins. The old Margrave of
-Reisenburg, who then reigned, was a perfect specimen of the
-old-fashioned German Prince: he did nothing but hunt and drink and think
-of the quarterings of his immaculate shield, all duly acquired from some
-Vandal ancestor as barbarous as himself. His little Margraviate was
-misgoverned enough for a great empire. Half of his nation, who were his
-real people, were always starving, and were unable to find crown pieces
-to maintain the extravagant expenditure of the other moiety, the
-cousins; who, out of gratitude to their fellow-subjects for their
-generous support, harassed them with every species of excess. Complaints
-were of course made to the Margrave, and loud cries for justice
-resounded at the palace gates. This Prince was an impartial chief
-magistrate; he prided himself upon his "invariable" principles of
-justice, and he allowed nothing to influence his decisions. His plan for
-arranging all differences had the merit of being brief; and if brevity
-be the soul of wit, it certainly was most unreasonable in his subjects
-to consider his judgments no joke. He always counted the quarterings in
-the shields of the respective parties, and decided accordingly. Imagine
-the speedy redress gained by a muddy-veined peasant against one of the
-cousins; who, of course, had as many quarterings as the Margrave
-himself. The defendant was regularly acquitted. At length, a man's house
-having been burnt down out of mere joke in the night, the owner had the
-temerity in the morning to accuse one of the privileged, and to produce,
-at the same tune, a shield, with exactly one more quartering than the
-reigning shield itself contained. The Margrave was astounded, the people
-in raptures, and the cousins in despair. The complainant's shield was
-examined and counted, and not a flaw discovered. What a dilemma! The
-chief magistrate consulted with the numerous branches of his family, and
-the next morning the complainant's head was struck off for high treason,
-for daring to have one more quartering than his monarch!
-
-"In this way they passed their time about fifty years since in
-Reisenburg; occasionally, for the sake of variety, declaring war against
-the inhabitants of Little Lilliput, who, to say the truth, in their
-habits and pursuits did not materially differ from their neighbours. The
-Margrave had one son, the present Grand Duke. A due reverence of the
-great family shield, and a full acquaintance with the invariable
-principles of justice, were early instilled into him; and the royal
-stripling made such rapid progress, under the tuition of his amiable
-parent, that he soon became highly popular with all his relations. At
-length his popularity became troublesome to his father; and so the old
-Margrave sent for his son one morning and informed him that he had
-dreamed the preceding night that the air of Reisenburg was peculiarly
-unwholesome for young persons, and therefore he begged him to get out of
-his dominions as soon as possible. The young Prince had no objection to
-see something of the world. He flew to a relative whom he had never
-before visited. This nobleman was one of those individuals who
-anticipate their age, which, by-the-bye, Mr. Grey, none but noblemen
-should do; for he who anticipates his century is generally persecuted
-when living, and is always pilfered when dead. Howbeit, this relation
-was a philosopher; all about him thought him mad; he, in return, thought
-all about him fools. He sent the Prince to an University, and gave him
-for a tutor a young man about ten years older than his pupil. This
-person's name was Beckendorff. You will hear more of him.
-
-"About three years after the sudden departure of the young Prince, the
-old Margrave his father and the then reigning Prince of Little Lilliput
-shot each other through the head in a drunken brawl, after a dinner
-given in honour of a proclamation of peace between the two countries.
-The cousins were not much grieved, as they anticipated a fit successor
-in their former favourite. Splendid preparations were made for the
-reception of the inheritor of the family shield, and all Reisenburg was
-poured out to witness the triumphant entrance of their future monarch.
-At last two horsemen in plain dresses, and on indifferent steeds, rode
-up to the palace gates, dismounted, and without making any enquiry
-ordered the attendance of some of the chief nobility in the presence
-chamber. One of them, a young man, without any preparatory explanation,
-introduced the Reisenburg chieftains to his companion as his Prime
-Minister, and commanded them immediately to deliver up their
-portefeuilles and golden keys to Mr. Beckendorff. The nobles were in
-dismay, and so astounded that they made no resistance, though the next
-morning they started in their beds when they remembered that they had
-delivered their insignia of office to a man without a von before his
-name. They were soon, however, roused from their sorrow and their
-stupor, by receiving a peremptory order to quit the palace: and as they
-retired from the walls which they had long considered as their own,
-they had the mortification of meeting crowds of the common people, their
-slaves and their victims, hurrying with joyful countenances and
-triumphant looks to the palace of their Prince, in consequence of an
-energetic proclamation for the redress of grievances, and an earnest
-promise to decide cases in future without examining the quarterings of
-the parties, in a week's time the cousins were all adrift. At length
-they conspired, but the conspiracy was tardy, they found their former
-servants armed, and they joined in an unequal struggle; for their
-opponents were alike animated with hopes of the future and with revenge
-for the past. The cousins got well beat, and this was not the worst; for
-Beckendorff took advantage of this unsuccessful treason, which he had
-himself fomented, and forfeited all their estates; destroying in one
-hour the system which had palsied, for so many years, the energies of
-his master's subjects. In time many of the chief nobility were restored
-to their honours and estates; but the power with which they were again
-invested was greatly modified, and the privileges of the Commons greatly
-increased. At this moment the French Revolution broke out. The French
-crossed the Rhine and carried all before them; and the Prince of Little
-Lilliput, among other true Germans, made a bold but fruitless
-resistance. The Margrave of Reisenburg, on the contrary, received the
-enemy with open arms; he raised a larger body of troops than his due
-contingent, and exerted himself in every manner to second the views of
-the Great Nation. In return for his services he was presented with the
-conquered principality of Little Lilliput and some other adjoining
-lands; and the Margraviate of Reisenburg, with an increased territory
-and population, and governed with consummate wisdom, began to be
-considered the most flourishing of the petty states in the quarter of
-the empire to which it belonged. On the contrary, our princely and
-patriotic friend, mortified by the degenerate condition of his country
-and the prosperity of his rival house, quitted Little Lilliput, and
-became one of those emigrant princes who abounded during the first years
-of the Revolution in the northern courts of Europe. Napoleon soon
-appeared upon the stage; and vanquished Austria, with the French
-dictating at the gates of her capital, was no longer in a condition to
-support the dignity of the Empire. The policy of the Margrave of
-Reisenburg was as little patriotic and quite as consistent as before.
-Beckendorff became the constant and favoured counsellor of the French
-Emperor. It was chiefly by his exertions that the celebrated
-Confederation of the Rhine was carried into effect. The institution of
-this body excited among many Germans, at the time, loud expressions of
-indignation; but I believe few impartial and judicious men now look upon
-that league as any other than one in the formation of which consummate
-statesmanship was exhibited. In fact, it prevented the subjugation of
-Germany to France, and by flattering the pride of Napoleon saved the
-decomposition of our Empire. But how this might be it is not at present
-necessary for us to enquire. Certain it was, that the pupil of
-Beckendorff was amply repaid for the advice and exertions of his master
-and his Minister; and when Napoleon fell the brows of the former
-Margrave were encircled with a grand ducal crown, and his duchy, while
-it contained upwards of a million and a half of inhabitants, numbered in
-its limits some of the most celebrated cities in Germany and many of
-Germany's most flourishing provinces. But Napoleon fell. The Prince of
-Little Lilliput and his companions in patriotism and misfortune returned
-from their exile panting with hope and vengeance. A Congress was held to
-settle the affairs of agitated Germany. Where was the Grand Duke of
-Reisenburg? His hard-earned crown tottered on his head. Where was his
-crafty Minister, the supporter of revolutionary France, the friend of
-its Imperial enslaver, the constant enemy of the House of Austria? At
-the very Congress which, according to the expectations of the exiled
-Princes, was to restore them to their own dominions, and to reward their
-patriotic loyalty with the territories of their revolutionary brethren;
-yes! at this very Congress was Beckendorff; not as a suppliant, not as a
-victim, but seated at the right hand of Metternich, and watching, with
-parental affection, the first interesting and infantile movements of
-that most prosperous of political bantlings, the Holy Alliance. You may
-well imagine that the Military Grand Duke had a much better chance in
-political negotiation than the emigrant Prince. In addition to this, the
-Grand Duke of Reisenburg had married, during the war, a Princess of a
-powerful House; and the allied Sovereigns were eager to gain the future
-aid and constant co-operation of a mind like Beckendorff's. The Prince
-of Little Lilliput, the patriot, was rewarded for his conduct by being
-restored to his forfeited possessions: and the next day he became the
-subject of his former enemy, the Grand Duke of Reisenburg, the traitor.
-What think you of Monsieur Beckendorff?"
-
-"One of the most interesting characters I have long heard of. But his
-pupil appears to be a man of mind."
-
-"You shall hear. I should, however, first mention that while Beckendorff
-has not scrupled to resort to any measures or adopt any opinions in
-order to further the interests of his monarch and his country, he has in
-every manner shown that personal aggrandisement has never been his
-object. He lives in retirement, scarcely with an attendant, and his
-moderate official stipend amply supports his more moderate expenditure.
-The subjects of the Grand Duke may well be grateful that they have a
-Minister without relations and without favourites. The Grand Duke is,
-unquestionably, a man of talents; but at the same time, perhaps, one of
-the most weak-minded men that ever breathed. He was fortunate in meeting
-with Beckendorff early in life; and as the influence of the Minister has
-not for a moment ceased over the mind of the monarch, to the world the
-Grand Duke of Reisenburg has always appeared to be an individual of a
-strong mind and consistent conduct. But when you have lived as much and
-as intimately in his Court as I have done, you will find how easily the
-world may be deceived. Since the close connection which now exists
-between Reisenburg and Austria took place, Beckendorff has, in a great
-degree, revived the ancient privileges of blood and birth. A Minister
-who has sprung from the people will always conciliate the aristocracy.
-Having no family influence of his own, he endeavours to gain the
-influence of others: and it often happens that merit is never less
-considered than when merit has made the Minister. A curious instance of
-this occurs in a neighbouring state. There the Premier, decidedly a man
-of great talents, is of as humble an origin as Beckendorff. With no
-family to uphold him, he supports himself by a lavish division of all
-the places and patronage of the State among the nobles. If the younger
-son or brother of a peer dare to sully his oratorical virginity by a
-chance observation in the Lower Chamber, the Minister, himself a real
-orator, immediately rises to congratulate, in pompous phrase, the House
-and the country on the splendid display which has made this night
-memorable, and on the decided advantages which must accrue both to their
-own resolutions and the national interests from the future participation
-of his noble friend in their deliberations. All about him are young
-nobles, quite unfit for the discharge of their respective duties. His
-private secretary is unable to coin a sentence, almost to direct a
-letter; but he is noble! The secondary officials cannot be trusted even
-in the least critical conjunctures; but they are noble! And the Prime
-Minister of a powerful empire is forced to rise early and be up late;
-not to meditate on the present fortunes or future destinies of his
-country, but by his personal exertions to compensate for the
-inefficiency and expiate the blunders of his underlings, whom his
-unfortunate want of blood has forced him to overwhelm with praises which
-they do not deserve, and duties which they cannot discharge. I do not
-wish you to infer that the policy of Beckendorff has been actuated by
-the feelings which influence the Minister whom I have noticed, from
-whose conduct in this very respect his own materially differs. On the
-contrary, his connection with Austria is, in all probability, the
-primary great cause. However this may be, certain it is that all offices
-about the Court and connected with the army (and I need not remind you
-that at a small German Court these situations are often the most
-important in the State) can only be filled by the nobility; nor can any
-person who has the misfortune of not inheriting the magical monosyllable
-_von_ before his name, the shibboleth of nobility and the symbol of
-territorial pride, violate by their unhallowed presence the sanctity of
-Court dinners, or the as sacred ceremonies of a noble fete. But while a
-monopoly of those offices which for their due performance require only a
-showy exterior or a schooled address is granted to the nobles, all those
-State charges which require the exercise of intellect are now chiefly
-filled by the bourgeoisie. At the same time, however, that both our
-Secretaries of State, many of our Privy Councillors, war Councillors,
-forest Councillors, and finance Councillors, are to be reckoned among
-the second class, still not one of these exalted individuals, who from
-their situations are necessarily in constant personal communication with
-the Sovereign, ever see that Sovereign except in his Cabinet and his
-Council-Chamber. Beckendorff himself, the Premier, is the son of a
-peasant; and of course not noble. Nobility, which has been proffered
-him, not only by his own monarch, but by most of the sovereigns of
-Europe, he has invariably refused; and consequently never appears at
-Court. The truth is, that, from disposition, he is little inclined to
-mix with men; and he has taken advantage of his want of an escutcheon
-completely to exempt himself from all those duties of etiquette which
-his exalted situation would otherwise have imposed upon him. None can
-complain of the haughtiness of the nobles when, ostensibly, the Minister
-himself is not exempted from their exclusive regulations. If you go to
-Reisenburg, you will not therefore see Beckendorff, who lives, as I have
-mentioned, in solitude, about thirty miles from the capital;
-communicating only with his Royal master, the foreign Ministers, and one
-or two official characters of his own country. I was myself an inmate of
-the Court for upwards of two years. During that time I never saw the
-Minister; and, with the exception of some members of the royal family
-and the characters I have mentioned, I never knew one person who had
-even caught a glimpse of the individual who may indeed be said to be
-regulating their destinies.
-
-"It is at the Court, then," continued Mr. Sievers, "when he is no longer
-under the control of Beckendorff, and in those minor points which are
-not subjected to the management or influenced by the mind of the
-Minister, that the true character of the Grand Duke is to be detected.
-Indeed it may really be said, that the weakness of his mind has been the
-origin of his fortune. In his early youth his pliant temper adapted
-itself without a struggle to the barbarous customs and the brutal
-conduct of his father's Court; that same pliancy of temper prevented him
-opposing with bigoted obstinacy the exertions of his relation to educate
-and civilise him; that same pliancy of temper allowed him to become the
-ready and the enthusiastic disciple of Beckendorff. Had the pupil, when
-he ascended the throne, left his master behind him, it is very probable
-that his natural feelings would have led him to oppose the French; and
-at this moment, instead of being the first of the second rate powers of
-Germany, the Grand Duke of Reisenburg might himself have been an
-mediatised Prince. As it was, the same pliancy of temper which I have
-noticed enabled him to receive Napoleon, when an Emperor, with
-outstretched arms; and at this moment does not prevent him from
-receiving, with equal rapture, the Imperial Archduchess, who will soon
-be on her road from Vienna to espouse his son; for, to crown his
-career, Beckendorff has successfully negotiated a marriage between a
-daughter of the House of Austria and the Crown Prince of Reisenburg. It
-is generally believed that the next step of the Diet will be to
-transmute the father's Grand Ducal coronet into a Regal crown; and
-perhaps, my good sir, before you reach Vienna, you may have the supreme
-honour of being presented to his Majesty the King of Reisenburg."
-
-"But when you talk only of the pupil's pliancy of temper, am I to
-suppose that in mentioning his talents you were speaking ironically?"
-
-"By no means! The Grand Duke is a scholar; a man of refined taste, a
-patron of the fine arts, a lover of literature, a promoter of science,
-and what the world would call a philosopher. His judgment is sound, and
-generally correct, his powers of discrimination acute, and his knowledge
-of mankind greater than that of most sovereigns; but with all these
-advantages he is cursed with such a wavering and indecisive temper, that
-when, which is usually the case, he has come to a right conclusion, he
-can never prevail upon himself to carry his theory into practice; and
-with all his acuteness, his discernment, and his knowledge of the world,
-his mind is always ready to receive any impression from the person who
-last addresses him, though he himself be fully aware of the inferiority
-of his adviser's intellect to his own, or the imperfection of that
-adviser's knowledge. Never for a moment out of the sight of Beckendorff,
-the royal pupil has made an admirable political puppet, since his
-talents have always enabled him to understand the part which the
-Minister had forced him to perform. Thus the world has given the Grand
-Duke credit, not only for the possession of great talents, but almost
-for as much firmness of mind and decision of character as his Minister.
-But since his long-agitated career has become calm and tranquil, and
-Beckendorff, like a guardian spirit, has ceased to be ever at his elbow,
-the character of the Grand Duke of Reisenburg begins to be understood.
-His Court has been, and still is, frequented by all the men of genius
-in Germany, who are admitted without scruple, even if they be not noble.
-But the astonishing thing is, that the Grand Duke is always surrounded
-by every species of political and philosophical quack that you can
-imagine. Discussions on a free press, on the reformation of the criminal
-code, on the abolition of commercial duties, and such like interminable
-topics, are perpetually resounding within the palace of this arbitrary
-Prince; and the people, fired by the representations of the literary and
-political journals with which Reisenburg abounds, and whose bold
-speculations on all subjects elude the vigilance of the censor, by being
-skilfully amalgamated with a lavish praise of the royal character, are
-perpetually flattered with the speedy hope of becoming freemen.
-Suddenly, when all are expecting the grant of a charter or the
-institution of Chambers, Mr. Beckendorff rides up from his retreat to
-the Residence, and the next day the whole crowd of philosophers are
-swept from the royal presence, and the censorship of the press becomes
-so severe, that for a moment you would fancy that Reisenburg, instead of
-being, as it boasts itself, the modern Athens, had more right to the
-title of the modern Boeotia. The people, who enjoy an impartial
-administration of equal laws, who have flourished, and are flourishing,
-under the wise and moderate rule of their new monarch, have in fact no
-inclination to exert themselves for the attainment of constitutional
-liberty in any other way than by their voices. Their barbarous apathy
-astounds the philosophers; who, in despair, when the people tell them
-that they are happy and contented, artfully remind them that their
-happiness depends on the will of a single man; and that, though the
-present character of the monarch may guarantee present felicity, still
-they should think of their children, and not less exert themselves for
-the insurance of the future. These representations, as constantly
-reiterated as the present system will allow, have at length produced an
-effect; and political causes of a peculiar nature, combining their
-influence with these philosophical exertions, have of late frequently
-frightened the Grand Duke, who, in despair, would perhaps grant a
-constitution if Beckendorff would allow him. But the Minister is
-conscious that the people would not be happier, and do not in fact
-require one: he looks with a jealous and an evil eye on the charlatanism
-of all kinds which is now so prevalent at Court: he knows, from the
-characters of many of these philosophers and patriots, that their
-private interest is generally the secret spring of their public virtue;
-that if the Grand Duke, moved by their entreaties, or seduced by their
-flattery, were to yield a little, he would soon be obliged to grant all
-to their demands and their threats; and finally, Beckendorff has, of
-late years, so completely interwoven the policy of Reisenburg with that
-of Austria, that he feels that the rock on which he has determined to
-found the greatness of his country must be quitted for ever if he yield
-one jot to the caprice or the weakness of his monarch."
-
-"But Beckendorff," said Vivian; "why can he not crush in the bud the
-noxious plant which he so much dreads? Why does the press speak in the
-least to the people? Why is the Grand Duke surrounded by any others
-except pompous Grand Marshals and empty-headed Lord Chamberlains? I am
-surprised at this indifference, this want of energy!"
-
-"My dear sir, there are reasons for all things. Rest assured that
-Beckendorff is not a man to act incautiously or weakly. The Grand
-Duchess, the mother of the Crown Prince, has been long dead.
-Beckendorff, who, as a man, has the greatest contempt for women; as a
-statesman, looks to them as the most precious of political instruments;
-it was his wish to have married the Grand Duke to the young Princess who
-is now destined for his son, but for once in his life he failed in
-influencing his pupil. The truth was, and it is to this cause that we
-must trace the present disorganised state of the Court, and indeed of
-the Duchy, that the Grand Duke had secretly married a lady to whom he
-had long been attached. This lady was a Countess, and his subject; and,
-as it was impossible by the laws of the kingdom that any one but a
-member of the reigning family could be allowed to share the throne, his
-Royal Highness had recourse to a plan which is not uncommon in this
-country, and espoused the lady with his left hand. The ceremony, which
-we call here a morganatic marriage, you have, probably, heard of before.
-The favoured female is, to all intents and purposes, the wife of the
-monarch, and shares everything except his throne. She presides at Court,
-but neither she nor her children assume the style of majesty, although
-in some instances the latter have been created princes, and acknowledged
-as heirs apparent when there has been a default in the lineal royal
-issue. The lady of whom we are speaking, according to the usual custom,
-has assumed a name derivative from that of her royal husband; and as the
-Grand Duke's name is Charles, she is styled Madame Carolina."
-
-"And what kind of lady is Madame Carolina?" asked Vivian.
-
-Philosophical! piquant! Parisian! a genius, according to her friends;
-who, as in fact she is a Queen, are of course the whole world. Though a
-German by family, she is a Frenchwoman by birth. Educated in the
-spiritual saloons of the French metropolis, she has early imbibed superb
-ideas of the perfectibility of man, and of the "science" of
-conversation, on both which subjects you will not be long at Court ere
-you hear her descant; demonstrating by the brilliancy of her ideas the
-possibility of the one, and by the fluency of her language her
-acquaintance with the other. She is much younger than her husband, and,
-though not exactly a model for Phidias, a fascinating woman. Variety is
-the talisman by which she commands all hearts and gained her monarch's.
-She is only consistent in being delightful; but, though changeable, she
-is not capricious. Each day displays a new accomplishment as regularly
-as it does a new costume; but as the acquirement seems only valued by
-its possessor as it may delight others, so the dress seems worn, not so
-much to gratify her own vanity as to please her friends' tastes. Genius
-is her idol; and with her genius is found in everything. She speaks in
-equal ruptures of an opera dancer and an epic poet. Her ambition is to
-converse on all subjects; and by a judicious management of a great mass
-of miscellaneous reading, and by indefatigable exertions to render
-herself mistress of the prominent points of the topics of the day, she
-appears to converse on all subjects with ability. She takes the
-liveliest interest in the progress of mind, in all quarters of the
-globe; and imagines that she should, at the same time, immortalise
-herself and benefit her species, could she only establish a Quarterly
-Review in Ashantee and a scientific Gazette at Timbuctoo.
-Notwithstanding her sudden elevation, no one has ever accused her of
-arrogance, or pride, or ostentation. Her liberal principles and her
-enlightened views are acknowledged by all. She advocates equality in her
-circle of privileged nobles, and is enthusiastic on the rights of man in
-a country where justice is a favour. Her boast is to be surrounded by
-men of genius, and her delight to correspond with the most celebrated
-persons of all countries. She is herself a literary character of no mean
-celebrity. Few months have elapsed since enraptured Reisenburg hailed
-from her glowing pen two neat octavos, bearing the title of 'Memoirs of
-the Court of Charlemagne,' which give an interesting and accurate
-picture of the age, and delight the modern public with vivid descriptions
-of the cookery, costume, and conversation of the eighth century. You
-smile, my friend, at Madame Carolina's production. Do not you agree with
-me that it requires no mean talent to convey a picture of the bustle of
-a levee during the middle ages? Conceive Sir Oliver looking in at his
-club! and fancy the small talk of Roland during a morning visit! Yet
-even the fame of this work is to be eclipsed by Madame's forthcoming
-quarto of 'Haroun al Raschid and his Times.' This, it is whispered, is
-to be a chef-d'oeuvre, enriched by a chronological arrangement, by a
-celebrated oriental scholar, of all the anecdotes in the Arabian Nights
-relating to the Caliph. It is, of course, the sun of Madame's patronage
-that has hatched into noxious life the swarm of sciolists who now infest
-the Court, and who are sapping the husband's political power while they
-are establishing the wife's literary reputation. So much for Madame
-Carolina! I need hardly add that during your short stay at Court you
-will be delighted with her. If ever you know her as well as I do, you
-will find her vain, superficial, heartless; her sentiment a system, her
-enthusiasm exaggeration, and her genius merely a clever adoption of the
-profundity of others.
-
-"And Beckendorff and the lady are not friendly?" asked Vivian, who was
-delighted with his communicative companion.
-
-"Beckendorff's is a mind that such a woman cannot comprehend. He treats
-her with contempt, and, if possible, views her with hatred, for he
-considers that she has degraded the character of his pupil; while she,
-on the contrary, wonders by what magic spell he exercises such influence
-over the conduct of her husband. At first Beckendorff treated her and
-her circle of illuminati with contemptuous silence; but in politics
-nothing is contemptible. The Minister, knowing that the people were
-prosperous and happy, cared little for projected constitutions, and less
-for metaphysical abstractions; but some circumstances have lately
-occurred which, I imagine, have convinced him that for once he has
-miscalculated. After the arrangement of the German States, when the
-Princes were first mediatised, an attempt was made, by means of a
-threatening league, to obtain for these political victims a very ample
-share of the power and patronage of the new State of Reisenburg. This
-plan failed from the lukewarmness and indecision of our good friend of
-Little Lilliput, who, between ourselves, was prevented from joining the
-alliance by the intrigues of Beckendorff. Beckendorff secretly took
-measures that the Prince should be promised that, in case of his keeping
-backward, he should obtain more than would fall to his lot by leading
-the van. The Prince of Little Lilliput and his peculiar friends
-accordingly were quiet, and the attempt of the other chieftains failed.
-It was then that his Highness found that he had been duped. Beckendorff
-would not acknowledge the authority, and, of course, did not redeem the
-pledge, of his agent. The effect that this affair produced upon the
-Prince's mind you can conceive. Since then he has never frequented
-Reisenburg, but constantly resided either at his former capital, now a
-provincial town of the Grand Duchy, or at this castle; viewed, you may
-suppose, with no very cordial feeling by his companions in misfortune.
-But the thirst of revenge will inscribe the bitterest enemies in the
-same muster-roll; and the Princes, incited by the bold carriage of
-Madame Carolina's philosophical proteges, and induced to believe that
-Beckendorff's power is on the wane, have again made overtures to our
-friend, without whose powerful assistance they feel that they have but
-little chance of success. Observe how much more men's conduct is
-influenced by circumstances than principles! When these persons leagued
-together before it was with the avowed intention of obtaining a share of
-the power and patronage of the State: the great body of the people, of
-course, did not sympathise in that which, after all, to them was a party
-quarrel, and by the joint exertions of open force and secret intrigue
-the Court triumphed. But now these same individuals come forward, not as
-indignant Princes demanding a share of the envied tyranny, but as ardent
-patriots advocating a people's rights. The public, though I believe that
-in fact they will make no bodily exertion to acquire a constitutional
-freedom the absence of which they can only abstractedly feel, have no
-objection to attain that which they are assured will not injure their
-situation, provided it be by the risk and exertions of others. So far,
-therefore, as clamour can support the Princes, they have the people on
-their side; and as upwards of three hundred thousand of the Grand Ducal
-subjects are still living on their estates, and still consider
-themselves as their serfs, they trust that some excesses from this great
-body may incite the rest of the people to similar outrages. The natural
-disposition of mankind to imitation, particularly when the act to be
-imitated is popular, deserves attention. The Court is divided; for the
-exertions of Madame and the bewitching influence of Fashion have turned
-the heads even of greybeards: and to give you only one instance, his
-Excellency the Grand Marshal, protege of the House of Austria, and a
-favourite of Metternich, the very person to whose interests, and as a
-reward for whose services, our princely friend was sacrificed by the
-Minister, has now himself become a pupil in the school of modern
-philosophy, and drivels out, with equal ignorance and fervour,
-enlightened notions on the most obscure subjects. In the midst of all
-this confusion, the Grand Duke is timorous, dubious, and uncertain.
-Beckendorff has a difficult game to play; he may fall at last. Such, my
-dear sir, are the tremendous consequences of a weak Prince marrying a
-blue-stocking!"
-
-"And the Crown Prince, Mr. Sievers, how does he conduct himself at this
-interesting moment? or is his mind so completely engrossed by the
-anticipation of his Imperial alliance that he has no thought for
-anything but his approaching bride."
-
-"The Crown Prince, my dear sir, is neither thinking of his bride nor of
-anything else: he is a hunch-backed idiot. Of his deformity I have
-myself been a witness; and though it is difficult to give an opinion of
-the intellect of a being with whom you have never interchanged a
-syllable, nevertheless his countenance does not contradict the common
-creed. I say the common creed, Mr. Grey, for there are moments when the
-Crown Prince of Reisenburg is spoken of by his future subjects in a very
-different manner. Whenever any unpopular act is committed, or any
-unpopular plan suggested by the Court or the Grand Duke, then whispers
-are immediately afloat that a future Brutus must be looked for in their
-Prince; then it is generally understood that his idiocy is only assumed;
-and what woman does not detect, in the glimmerings of his lack-lustre
-eye, the vivid sparks of suppressed genius! In a short time the cloud
-blows over the Court, dissatisfaction disappears, and the moment that
-the monarch is again popular the unfortunate Crown Prince again becomes
-the uninfluential object of pity or derision. All immediately forget
-that his idiocy is only assumed; and what woman ever ceases from
-deploring the unhappy lot of the future wife of their impuissant Prince!
-Such, my dear sir, is the way of mankind! At the first glance it would
-appear, that in this world, monarchs, on the whole, have it pretty well
-their own way; but reflection will soon enable us not to envy their
-situations; and speaking as a father, which unfortunately I am not,
-should I not view with disgust that lot in life which necessarily makes
-my son my enemy? The Crown Prince of all countries is only a puppet in
-the hands of the people, to be played against his own father."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-
-The Prince returned home at a late hour, and immediately enquired for
-Vivian. During dinner, which he hastily despatched, it did not escape
-our hero's attention that his Highness was unusually silent, and,
-indeed, agitated.
-
-"When we have finished our meal, my good friend," at length said the
-Prince, "I very much wish to consult with you on a most important
-business." Since the explanation of last night, the Prince, in private
-conversation, had dropped his regal plural.
-
-"I am ready at once," said Vivian.
-
-"You will think it strange, Mr. Grey, when you become acquainted with
-the nature of my communication; you will justly consider it most
-strange, most singular, that I should choose for a confidant and a
-counsellor in an important business a gentleman with whom I have been
-acquainted so short a time as yourself. But, sir, I have well weighed,
-at least I have endeavoured well to weigh, all the circumstances and
-contingencies which such a confidence would involve; and the result of
-my reflection is, that I will look to you as a friend and adviser,
-feeling assured that, both from your situation and your disposition, no
-temptation exists which can induce you to betray or to deceive me."
-Though the Prince said this with an appearance of perfect sincerity, he
-stopped and looked earnest in his guest's face, as if he would read his
-secret thoughts, or were desirous of now giving him an opportunity of
-answering.
-
-"So far as the certainty of your confidence being respected," answered
-Vivian, "I trust your Highness may communicate to me with the most
-assured spirit. But while my ignorance of men and affairs in this
-country will ensure you from any treachery on my part, I very much fear
-that it will also preclude me from affording you any advantageous advice
-or assistance."
-
-"On that head," replied the Prince, "I am, of course, the best judge.
-The friend whom I need is a man not ignorant of the world, with a cool
-head and an impartial mind. Though young, you have said and told me
-enough to prove that you are not unacquainted with mankind. Of your
-courage I have already had a convincing proof. In the business in which
-I require your assistance freedom from national prejudices will
-materially increase the value of your advice; and, therefore, I am far
-from being unwilling to consult a person ignorant, according to your own
-phrase, of men and affairs in this country. Moreover, your education as
-an Englishman has early led you to exercise your mind on political
-subjects; and it is in a political business that I require your aid."
-
-"Am I fated always to be the dry nurse of an embryo faction!" thought
-Vivian; and he watched earnestly the countenance of the Prince. In a
-moment he expected to be invited to become a counsellor of the leagued
-Princes. Either the lamp was burning dim, or the blazing wood fire had
-suddenly died away, or a mist was over Vivian's eyes; but for a moment
-he almost imagined that he was sitting opposite his old friend the
-Marquis of Carabas. The Prince's phrase had given rise to a thousand
-agonising associations: in an instant Vivian had worked up his mind to a
-pitch of nervous excitement.
-
-"Political business?" said Vivian, in an agitated voice. "You could not
-address a more unfortunate person. I have seen, Prince, too much of
-politics ever to wish to meddle with them again."
-
-"You are too quick, my good friend," continued his Highness. "I may wish
-to consult you on political business, and yet have no intention of
-engaging you in politics, which, indeed, is quite a ridiculous idea. But
-I see that I was right in supposing that these subjects have engaged
-your attention."
-
-"I have seen, in a short time, something of the political world,"
-answered Vivian, who was almost ashamed of his previous emotion; "and I
-thank Heaven daily that I have no chance of again having any
-connection with it."
-
-"Well, well! that as it may be. Nevertheless, your experience is only
-another inducement to me to request your assistance. Do not fear that I
-wish to embroil you in politics; but I hope you will not refuse,
-although almost a stranger, to add to the great obligations which I am
-already under to you, and give me the benefit of your opinion."
-
-"Your Highness may speak with perfect unreserve, and reckon upon my
-delivering my genuine sentiments."
-
-"You have not forgotten, I venture to believe," said the Prince, "our
-short conversation of last night!"
-
-"It was of too interesting a nature easily to escape my memory."
-
-"Before I can consult you on the subject which at present interests me,
-it is necessary that I should make you a little acquainted with the
-present state of public affairs here, and the characters of the
-principal individuals who control them."
-
-"So far as an account of the present state of political parties, the
-history of the Grand Duke's career, and that of his Minister, Mr.
-Beckendorff, and their reputed characters, will form part of your
-Highness's narrative, by so much may its length be curtailed and your
-trouble lessened; for I have at different times picked up, in casual
-conversation, a great deal of information on these topics. Indeed, you
-may address me, in this respect, as you would any German gentleman who,
-not being himself personally interested in public life, is, of course,
-not acquainted with its most secret details."
-
-"I did not reckon on this," said the Prince, in a cheerful voice. "This
-is a great advantage, and another reason that I should no longer
-hesitate to develop to you a certain affair which now occupies my mind.
-To be short," continued the Prince, "it is of the letter which I so
-mysteriously received last night, and which, as you must have remarked,
-very much agitated me; it is on this letter that I wish to consult you.
-Bearing in mind the exact position, the avowed and public position, in
-which I stand, as connected with the Court, and having a due
-acquaintance, which you state you have, with the character of Mr.
-Beckendorff, what think you of this letter?"
-
-So saying, the Prince leant over the table, and handed to Vivian the
-following epistle:
-
-"TO HIS HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF LITTLE LILLIPUT.
-
-"I am commanded by his Royal Highness to inform your Highness that his
-Royal Highness has considered the request which was signed by your
-Highness and other noblemen, and presented by you to his Royal Highness
-in a private interview. His Royal Highness commands me to state that
-that request will receive his most attentive consideration. At the same
-time, his Royal Highness also commands me to observe that, in bringing
-about the completion of a result desired by all parties, it is difficult
-to carry on the necessary communications merely by written documents;
-and his Royal Highness has therefore commanded me to submit to your
-Highness the advisability of taking some steps in order to further the
-possibility of the occurrence of an oral interchange of the sentiments
-of the respective parties. Being aware, from the position which your
-Highness has thought proper at present to maintain, and from other
-causes which are of too delicate a nature to be noticed in any other way
-except by allusion, that your Highness may feel difficulty in personally
-communicating with his Royal Highness without consulting the wishes and
-opinions of the other Princes; a process to which, it must be evident to
-your Highness, his Royal Highness feels it impossible to submit; and, at
-the same time, desirous of forwarding the progress of those views which
-his Royal Highness and your Highness may conjunctively consider
-calculated to advance the well-being of the State, I have to submit to
-your Highness the propriety of considering the propositions contained in
-the enclosed paper; which, if your Highness keep unconnected with this
-communication, the purport of this letter will be confined to
-your Highness.
-
-PROPOSITIONS.
-
-'1st. That an interview shall take place between your Highness and
-myself, the object of which shall be the consideration of measures by
-which, when adopted, the various interests now in agitation shall
-respectively be regarded.
-
-'2nd. That this interview shall be secret; your Highness be incognito.'
-
-"If your Highness be disposed to accede to the first proposition, I beg
-to submit to you that, from the nature of my residence, its situation,
-and other causes, there will be no fear that any suspicion of the fact
-of Mr. von Philipson acceding to the two propositions will gain
-notoriety. This letter will be delivered into your own hands. If Mr. von
-Philipson determine on acceding to these propositions, he is most
-probably aware of the general locality in which my residence is
-situated; and proper measures will be taken that, if Mr. von Philipson
-honour me with a visit, he shall not be under the necessity of
-attracting attention by inquiring the way to my house. It is wished that
-the fact of the second proposition being acceded to should only be known
-to Mr. von Philipson and myself, but if to be perfectly unattended be
-considered as an insuperable objection, I consent to his being
-accompanied by a single friend. I shall be alone.
-
-"BECKENDORFF."
-
-"Well!" said the Prince, as Vivian finished the letter.
-
-"The best person," said Vivian, "to decide upon your Highness consenting
-to this interview is yourself."
-
-"That is not the point on which I wish to have the benefit of your
-opinion; for I have already consented. I rode over this morning to my
-cousin, the Duke of Micromegas, and despatched from his residence a
-trusty messenger to Beckendorff. I have agreed to meet him, and
-to-morrow; but on the express terms that I should not be unattended. Now
-then," continued the Prince, with great energy; "now then, will you be
-my companion?"
-
-"I!" said Vivian.
-
-"Yes; you, my good friend! you. I should consider myself as safe if I
-were sleeping in a burning house as I should be were I with Beckendorff
-alone. Although this is not the first time that we have communicated, I
-have never yet seen him; and I am fully aware that, if the approaching
-interview were known to my friends, they would consider it high time
-that my son reigned in my stead. But I am resolved to be firm, to be
-inflexible. My course is plain. I am not to be again duped by him,
-which," continued the Prince, much confused, "I will not conceal that I
-have been once."
-
-"But I!" said Vivian; "I; what good can I possibly do? It appears to me
-that, if Beckendorff is to be dreaded as you describe, the presence or
-the attendance of no friend can possibly save you from his crafty plans.
-But surely, if any one attend you, why not be accompanied by a person
-whom you have known long, and who knows you well; on whom you can
-confidently rely, and who may be aware, from a thousand signs and
-circumstances which will never attract my attention, at what particular
-and pressing moments you may require prompt and energetic assistance.
-Such is the companion you want; and surely such an one you may find in
-Arnelm, Von Neuwied--"
-
-"Arnelm! Von Neuwied!" said the Prince; "the best hands at sounding a
-bugle or spearing a boar in all Reisenburg! Excellent men, forsooth! to
-guard their master from the diplomatic deceits of the wily Beckendorff!
-Moreover, were they to have even the slightest suspicion of my intended
-movement, they would commit rank treason out of pure loyalty, and lock
-me up in my own cabinet! No, no! they will never do: I want a companion
-of experience and knowledge of the world, with whom I may converse with
-some prospect of finding my wavering firmness strengthened, or my misled
-judgment rightly guided, or my puzzled brain cleared; modes of
-assistance to which the worthy Jagd Junker is but little accustomed,
-however quickly he might hasten to my side in a combat or the chase."
-
-"If these, then, will not do, surely there is one man in this castle
-who, although he may not be a match for Beckendorff, can be foiled by
-few others. Mr. Sievers?" said Vivian, with an inquiring eye.
-
-"Sievers!" exclaimed the Prince, with great eagerness; "the very man!
-firm, experienced, and sharp-witted; well schooled in political
-learning, in case I required his assistance in arranging the terms of
-the intended Charter or the plan of the intended Chambers; for these, of
-course, are the points on which Beckendorff wishes to consult. But one
-thing I am determined on: I positively pledge myself to nothing while
-under Beckendorff's roof. He doubtless anticipates, by my visit, to
-grant the liberties of the people on his own terms: perhaps Mr.
-Beckendorff, for once in his life, may be mistaken. I am not to be
-deceived twice; and I am determined not to yield the point of the
-Treasury being under the control of the Senate. That is the part of the
-harness which galls; and to preserve themselves from this rather
-inconvenient regulation, without question, my good friend Beckendorff
-has hit upon this plan."
-
-"Then Mr. Sievers will accompany you?" asked Vivian, calling the
-Prince's attention to the point of consultation.
-
-"The very man for it, my dear friend! but although Beckendorff, most
-probably respecting my presence, and taking into consideration the
-circumstances under which we meet, would refrain from consigning Sievers
-to a dungeon; still, although the Minister invites this interview, and
-although I have no single inducement to conciliate him, yet it would
-scarcely be correct, scarcely dignified on my part, to prove, by the
-presence of my companion, that I had for a length of time harboured an
-individual who, by Beckendorff's own exertions, was banished from the
-Grand Duchy. It would look too much like a bravado."
-
-"Oh!" said Vivian; "is it so? And pray of what was Mr. Sievers guilty?"
-
-"Of high treason against one who was not his sovereign."
-
-"How is that?"
-
-"Sievers, who is a man of considerable talents, was for a long time a
-professor in one of our great Universities. The publication of many able
-works procured him a reputation which induced Madame Carolina to use
-every exertion to gain his attendance at Court; and a courtier in time
-the professor became. At Reisenburg Mr. Sievers was the great authority
-on all subjects: philosophical, literary, and political. In fact, he was
-the fashion; and, at the head of the great literary journal which is
-there published, he terrified admiring Germany with his profound and
-piquant critiques. Unfortunately, like some men as good, he was unaware
-that Reisenburg was not an independent state; and so, on the occasion of
-Austria attacking Naples, Mr. Sievers took the opportunity of attacking
-Austria. His article, eloquent, luminous, profound, revealed the dark
-colours of the Austrian policy, as an artist's lamp brings out the murky
-tints of a Spagnoletto. Every one admired Sievers' bitter sarcasms,
-enlightened views, and indignant eloquence. Madame Carolina crowned him
-with laurel in the midst of her coterie, and it is said that the Grand
-Duke sent him a snuff-box. In a short time the article reached Vienna,
-and in a still shorter time Mr. Beckendorff reached the Residence, and
-insisted on the author being immediately given up to the Austrian
-Government. Madame Carolina was in despair, the Grand Duke in doubt, and
-Beckendorff threatened to resign if the order were not signed. A kind
-friend, perhaps his Royal Highness himself, gave Sievers timely notice,
-and by rapid flight he reached my castle, and demanded my hospitality.
-He has lived here ever since, and has done me a thousand services, not
-the least of which is the education which he has given my son, my
-glorious Maximilian."
-
-"And Beckendorff," asked Vivian; "has he always been aware that Sievers
-was concealed here?"
-
-"That I cannot answer: had he been, it is not improbable that he would
-have winked at it; since it never has been his policy unnecessarily to
-annoy a mediatised Prince, or without great occasion to let us feel that
-our independence is gone; I will not, with such a son as I have, say,
-for ever."
-
-"Mr. Sievers of course, then, cannot visit Beckendorff," said Vivian.
-
-"That is clear," said the Prince; "and I therefore trust that now you
-will no longer refuse my first request."
-
-It was impossible for Vivian to deny the Prince any longer; and indeed
-he had no objection (as his Highness could not be better attended) to
-seize the singular and unexpected opportunity which now offered itself
-of becoming acquainted with an individual respecting whom his curiosity
-was much excited. It was a late hour ere the Prince and his friend
-retired, having arranged everything for the morrow's journey, and
-conversed on the probable subjects of the approaching interview at
-great length.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-
-On the following morning, before sunrise, the Prince's valet roused
-Vivian from his slumbers. According to the appointment of the preceding
-evening, Vivian repaired in due time to a certain spot in the park. The
-Prince reached it at the same moment. A mounted groom, leading two
-English horses of showy appearance, and each having a travelling case
-strapped on the back of its saddle, awaited them. His Highness mounted
-one of the steeds with skilful celerity, although Arnelm and Von Neuwied
-were not there to do honour to his bridle and his stirrup.
-
-"You must give me an impartial opinion of your courser, my dear friend,"
-said the Prince to Vivian; "for if you deem it worthy of being
-bestridden by you, my son requests that you will do him the honour of
-accepting it. If so, call it Max; and provided it be as thoroughbred as
-the donor, you need not change it for Bucephalus."
-
-"Not unworthy of the son of Ammon!" said Vivian, as he touched the
-spirited animal with the spur, and proved its fiery action on the
-springing turf.
-
-A man never feels so proud or so sanguine as when he is bounding on the
-back of a fine horse. Cares fly with the first curvet, and the very
-sight of a spur is enough to prevent one committing suicide.
-
-When Vivian and his companion had proceeded about five miles, the Prince
-pulled up, and giving a sealed letter to the groom, he desired him to
-leave them. The Prince and Vivian amused themselves by endeavouring to
-form some conception of the person, manners, and habits of the
-remarkable man to whom they were on the point of paying so interesting
-a visit.
-
-"I expect," said Vivian, "to be received with folded arms, and a brow
-lowering with the overwhelming weight of a brain meditating for the
-control of millions. His letter has prepared us for the mysterious, but
-not very amusing, style of his conversation. He will be perpetually on
-his guard not to commit himself; and although public business, and the
-receipt of papers, by calling him away, will occasionally give us an
-opportunity of being alone, still I regret that I did not put up in my
-case some interesting volume, which would have allowed me to feel less
-tedious those hours during which you will necessarily be employed with
-him in private consultation."
-
-After a ride of five hours, the horsemen arrived at a small village.
-
-"Thus far I think I have well piloted you," said the Prince: "but I
-confess my knowledge here ceases; and though I shall disobey the
-diplomatic instructions of the great man, I must even ask some old woman
-the way to Mr. Beckendorff's."
-
-While they were hesitating as to whom they should address, an
-equestrian, who had already passed them on the road, though at some
-distance, came up, and inquired, in a voice which Vivian recognised as
-that of the messenger who had brought Beckendorff's letter to
-Turriparva, whether he had the honour of addressing Mr. von Philipson.
-Neither of the gentlemen answered, for Vivian of course expected the
-Prince to reply; and his Highness was, as yet, so unused to his
-incognito, that he had actually forgotten his own name. But it was
-evident that the demandant had questioned rather from system than by way
-of security, and he waited patiently until the Prince had collected his
-senses and assumed sufficient gravity of countenance to inform the
-horseman that he was the person in question. "What, sir, is your
-pleasure?"
-
-"I am instructed to ride on before you, sir, that you may not mistake
-your way;" and without waiting for an answer the laconic messenger
-turned his steed's head and trotted off.
-
-The travellers soon left the high road and turned up a wild turf path,
-not only inaccessible to carriages, but even requiring great attention
-from horsemen. After much winding and some floundering, they arrived at
-a light gate, which apparently opened into a shrubbery.
-
-"I will take your horses here, gentlemen," said the guide; and getting
-off his horse, he opened the gate. "Follow this path, and you can meet
-with no difficulty." The Prince and Vivian accordingly dismounted, and
-the guide immediately gave a loud shrill whistle.
-
-The path ran, for a short way, through the shrubbery, which evidently
-was a belt encircling the grounds. From this the Prince and Vivian
-emerged upon a lawn, which formed on the farthest side a terrace, by
-gradually sloping down to the margin of the river. It was enclosed on
-the other side, and white pheasants were feeding in its centre.
-Following the path which skirted the lawn, they arrived at a second
-gate, which opened into a garden, in which no signs of the taste at
-present existing in Germany for the English system of picturesque
-pleasure-grounds were at all visible. The walk was bounded on both sides
-by tall borders, or rather hedges, of box, cut into the shape of
-battlements; the sameness of these turrets being occasionally varied by
-the immovable form of some trusty warder, carved out of yew or laurel.
-Raised terraces and arched walks, aloes and orange trees mounted on
-sculptured pedestals, columns of cypress and pyramids of bay, whose dark
-foliage strikingly contrasted with the marble statues, and the white
-vases shining in the sun, rose in all directions in methodical
-confusion. The sound of a fountain was not wanting, and large beds of
-beautiful flowers abounded. Proceeding through a lofty berceau,
-occasional openings in whose curving walks allowed effective glimpses of
-a bust or a statue, the companions at length came in sight of the house.
-It was a long, uneven, low building, evidently of ancient architecture.
-Numerous stacks of tall and fantastically-shaped chimneys rose over
-three thick and heavy gables, which reached down farther than the middle
-of the elevation, forming three compartments, one of them including a
-large and modern bow window, over which clustered in profusion the sweet
-and glowing blossoms of the clematis and the pomegranate. Indeed, the
-whole front of the house was so completely covered with a rich
-scarlet-creeper, that it was difficult to ascertain of what materials it
-was built. As Vivian was admiring a white peacock, which, attracted by
-their approach, had taken the opportunity of unfurling its wheeling
-train, a man came forward from the bow window.
-
-In height he was about five feet eight, and of a spare but
-well-proportioned figure. He had little hair, which was powdered, and
-dressed in a manner to render more remarkable the elevation of his
-conical and polished forehead. His long piercing black eyes were almost
-closed, from the fullness of their upper lids. His cheek was sallow, his
-nose aquiline, his mouth compressed. His ears, which were uncovered,
-were so small that it would be wrong to pass them over unnoticed; as,
-indeed, were his hands and feet, in form quite feminine. He was dressed
-in a coat and waistcoat of black velvet, the latter part of his costume
-reaching to his thighs; and in a button-hole of his coat was a large
-bunch of tube-rose. The broad collar of his exquisitely plaited shirt,
-though tied round with a wide black ribbon, did not conceal a neck which
-agreed well with his beardless chin, and would not have misbecome a
-woman. In England we should have called his breeches buckskin. They were
-of a pale yellow leather, and suited his large and spur-armed cavalry
-boots, which fitted closely to the legs they covered, reaching over the
-knees of the wearer. A ribbon round his neck, tucked into his waistcoat
-pocket, was attached to a small French watch. He swung in his right hand
-the bow of a violin; and in the other, the little finger of which was
-nearly hid by a large antique ring, he held a white handkerchief
-strongly perfumed with violets. Notwithstanding the many feminine
-characteristics which I have noticed, either from the expression of the
-eyes or the formation of the mouth, the countenance of this individual
-generally conveyed an impression of firmness and energy. This
-description will not be considered ridiculously minute by those who have
-never had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the person of so
-celebrated a gentleman as MR. BECKENDORFF.
-
-He advanced to the Prince with an air which seemed to proclaim that, as
-his person could not be mistaken, the ceremony of introduction was
-unnecessary. Bowing in a ceremonious and courtly manner to his Highness,
-Mr. Beckendorff, in a weak but not unpleasing voice, said that he was
-"honoured by the presence of Mr. von Philipson." The Prince answered his
-salutation in a manner equally ceremonious and equally courtly; for
-having no mean opinion of his own diplomatic abilities, his Highness
-determined that neither by an excess of coldness nor cordiality on his
-part should the Minister gather the slightest indication of the temper
-in which he had attended the interview. You see that even the bow of a
-diplomatist is a serious business!
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff," said his Highness, "my letter doubtless informed you
-that I should avail myself of your permission to be accompanied. Let me
-have the honour of presenting to you my friend Mr. Grey, an English
-gentleman."
-
-As the Prince spoke, Beckendorff stood with his arms crossed behind
-him, and his chin resting upon his chest, but his eyes at the same time
-so raised as to look his Highness full in the face. Vivian was so struck
-by his posture and the expression of his countenance, that he nearly
-omitted to bow when he was presented. As his name was mentioned, the
-Minister gave him a sharp, sidelong glance, and moving his head
-slightly, invited his guests to enter the house. The gentlemen
-accordingly complied with his request. Passing through the bow window,
-they found themselves in a well-sized room, the sides of which were
-covered with shelves filled with richly-bound books. There was nothing
-in the room which gave the slightest indication that the master of the
-library was any other than a private gentleman. Not a book, not a chair
-was out of its place. A purple inkstand of Sevre, and a highly-tooled
-morocco portfolio of the same colour, reposed on a marqueterie table,
-and that was all. No papers, no despatches, no red tape, and no red
-boxes. Over an ancient chimney, lined with china tiles, on which were
-represented grotesque figures, cows playing the harp, monkeys acting
-monarchs, and tall figures all legs, flying with rapidity from pursuers
-who were all head; over this chimney were suspended some curious pieces
-of antique armour, among which an Italian dagger, with a chased and
-jewelled hilt, was the most remarkable and the most precious.
-
-"This," said Mr. Beckendorff, "is my library."
-
-"What a splendid poignard!" said the Prince, who had no taste for books;
-and he immediately walked up to the chimney-piece. Beckendorff followed
-him, and taking down the admired weapon from its resting-place,
-proceeded to lecture on its virtues, its antiquity, and its beauty.
-Vivian seized this opportunity of taking a rapid glance at the contents
-of the library. He anticipated interleaved copies of Machiavel, Vattel,
-and Montesquieu; and the lightest works that he expected to meet with
-were the lying memoirs of some intriguing cardinal or the deluding
-apology of an exiled minister. To his surprise, he found that, without
-an exception, the collection consisted of poetry and romance. Somewhat
-surprised, Vivian looked with a curious eye on the unlettered backs of a
-row of mighty folios on a corner shelf. "These," he thought, "at least
-must be royal ordinances, and collected state papers." The sense of
-propriety struggled for a moment with the passion of curiosity; but
-nothing is more difficult for the man who loves books than to refrain
-from examining a volume which he fancies may be unknown to him. From
-the jewelled dagger Beckendorff had now got to an enamelled
-breast-plate. Two to one he should not be observed; and so, with a
-desperate pull, Vivian extracted a volume; it was a herbal! He tried
-another; it was a collection of dried insects!
-
-"And now," said Mr. Beckendorff, "I will show you my drawing-room."
-
-He opened a door at the farther end of the library, and introduced them
-to a room of a different character. The sun, which was shining brightly,
-lent additional brilliancy to the rainbow-tinted birds of paradise, the
-crimson maccaws, and the green parroquets that glistened on the Indian
-paper, which covered not only the walls, but also the ceiling of the
-room. Over the fireplace a black frame, projecting from the wall, and
-mournfully contrasting with the general brilliant appearance of the
-apartment, inclosed a picture of a beautiful female; and bending over
-its frame, and indeed partly shadowing the countenance, was the withered
-branch of a tree. A harpsichord and several cases of musical instruments
-were placed in different parts of the room; and suspended by broad black
-ribbons from the wall, on each side of the picture, were a guitar and a
-tambourine. On a sofa of unusual size lay a Cremona; and as Mr.
-Beckendorff passed the instrument he threw by its side the bow, which he
-had hitherto carried in his hand.
-
-"We may as well now take something," said Mr. Beckendorff, when his
-guests had sufficiently admired the room; "my pictures are in my
-dining-room; let us go there."
-
-So saying, and armed this time not only with his bow but also with his
-violin, he retraced his steps through the library, and crossing a small
-passage which divided the house into two compartments, he opened the
-door into his dining-room. The moment they entered the room their ears
-were saluted, and indeed their senses ravished, by what appeared to be a
-concert of a thousand birds; yet none of the winged choristers were to
-be seen, and not even a single cage was visible. The room, which was
-simply furnished, appeared at first rather gloomy; for, though lighted
-by three windows, the silk blinds were all drawn.
-
-"And now," said Mr. Beckendorff, raising the first blind, "you shall see
-my pictures. At what do you estimate this Breughel?"
-
-The window, which was of stained green glass, gave to the landscape an
-effect similar to that generally produced by the artist mentioned. The
-Prince, who was already puzzled by finding one who at the same time was
-both his host and his enemy so different a character from what he had
-conceived, and who, being by temper superstitious, considered that this
-preliminary false opinion of his was rather a bad omen, did not express
-any great admiration of the gallery of Mr. Beckendorff; but Vivian, who
-had no ambitious hopes or fears to affect his temper, and who was amused
-by the character with whom he had become so unexpectedly acquainted,
-good-naturedly humoured the fantasies of the Minister, and said that he
-preferred his picture to any Breughel he had ever seen.
-
-"I see you have a fine taste," said Mr. Beckendorff, with a serious air,
-but in a courteous tone; "you shall see my Claude!"
-
-The rich yellow tint of the second window gave to the fanciful garden
-all that was requisite to make it look Italian.
-
-"Have you ever been in Italy, sir?" asked Beckendorff.
-
-"I have not."
-
-"You have, Mr. von Philipson?"
-
-"Never south of Germany," answered the Prince, who was hungry, and eyed
-with a rapacious glance the capital luncheon which he saw prepared
-for him.
-
-"Well, then, when either of you go, you will, of course, not miss the
-Lago Maggiore. Gaze on Isola Bella at sunset, and you will not view so
-fair a scene as this! And now, Mr. von Philipson," said Beckendorff, "do
-me the favour of giving me your opinion of this Honthorst?"
-
-His Highness would rather have given his opinion of the dish of game
-which still smoked upon the table, but which he was mournfully convinced
-would not smoke long. "But," thought he, "this is the last!" and so he
-admired the effect produced by the flaming panes, to which Beckendorff
-swore that no piece ever painted by Gerard Honthorst, for brilliancy of
-colouring and boldness of outline, could be compared. "Besides,"
-continued Beckendorff, "mine are all animated pictures. See that
-cypress, waving from the breeze which is now stirring, and look! look at
-this crimson peacock! look! Mr. von Philipson."
-
-"I am looking, Mr. von--I beg pardon, Mr. Beckendorff," said the Prince,
-with great dignity, making this slight mistake in the name, either from
-being unused to converse with such low people as had not the nominal
-mark of nobility, or to vent his spleen at being so unnecessarily kept
-from the refreshment which he so much required.
-
-"Mr. von Philipson," said Beckendorff, suddenly turning round, "all my
-fruits and all my vegetables are from my own garden. Let us sit down and
-help ourselves."
-
-The only substantial food at table was a great dish of game. The
-vegetables and the fruits were numerous and superb; and there really
-appeared to be a fair prospect of the Prince of Little Lilliput making
-as good a luncheon as if the whole had been conducted under the auspices
-of Master Rodolph himself, had it not been for the melody of the unseen
-vocalists, which, probably excited by the sounds of the knives and
-plates, too evidently increased every moment. But this inconvenience was
-soon removed by Mr. Beckendorff rising and giving three loud knocks on
-the door opposite to the one by which they had entered. Immediate
-silence ensued.
-
-"Clara will change your plate, Mr. von Philipson," said Beckendorff.
-
-Vivian eagerly looked up, not with the slightest idea that the entrance
-of Clara would prove that the mysterious picture in the drawing-room was
-a portrait, but, it must be confessed, with a little curiosity to view
-the first specimen of the sex who lived under the roof of Mr.
-Beckendorff. Clara was a hale old woman, with rather an acid expression
-of countenance, prim in her appearance, and evidently precise in her
-manners. She placed a bottle and two wine-glasses with long, thin stems
-on the table; and having removed the game and changed the plates, she
-disappeared.
-
-"Pray what wine is this, Mr. Beckendorff?" eagerly asked the Prince.
-
-"I really don't know. I never drink wine."
-
-"Not know! I never tasted such Tokay in my life!"
-
-"Probably," said Mr. Beckendorff; "I think it was a present from the
-Emperor. I have never tasted it."
-
-"My dear sir, take a glass!" said the Prince, his naturally jovial
-temper having made him completely forget whom he was addressing, and the
-business he had come upon.
-
-"I never drink wine; I am glad you like it; I have no doubt Clara has
-more."
-
-"No, no, no! we must be moderate," said the Prince, who, though a great
-admirer of a good luncheon, had also a due respect for a good dinner,
-and consequently had no idea, at this awkward hour in the day, of
-preventing himself from properly appreciating the future banquet.
-Moreover, his Highness, taking into consideration the manner in which
-the game had been dressed, and the marks of refinement and good taste
-which seemed to pervade every part of the establishment of Mr.
-Beckendorff, did not imagine that he was much presuming when he
-conjectured that there was a fair chance of his dinner being
-something superior.
-
-The sudden arrival and appearance of some new and unexpected guests
-through the mysterious portal on which Mr. Beckendorff by his three
-knocks had previously produced such a tranquillising effect, and which
-he had now himself opened, explained the character of the apartment,
-which, from its unceasing melody, had so much excited the curiosity of
-his guests. These new visitors were a crowd of piping bullfinches,
-Virginia nightingales, trained canaries, Java sparrows, and Indian
-lorys; which, freed from their cages of golden wire by their fond
-master, had fled, as was their custom, from his superb aviary to pay
-their respects and compliments at his daily levee.
-
-"I am glad to see that you like birds, sir," said Beckendorff to Vivian;
-for our hero, good-naturedly humouring the tastes of his host, was
-impartially dividing the luxuries of a peach among a crowd of gaudy and
-greedy little sparrows. "You shall see my favourites," continued
-Beckendorff; and tapping rather loudly on the table, he held out the
-forefinger of each hand. Two bullfinches recognised the signal, and
-immediately hastened to their perch.
-
-"My dear!" trilled out one little songster, and it raised its speaking
-eyes to its delighted master.
-
-"My love!" warbled the other, marking its affection by looks equally
-personal.
-
-As these monosyllables were repeated, Beckendorff, with sparkling eyes,
-triumphantly looked round at Vivian, as if the frequent reiteration were
-a proof of the sincerity of the affection of these singular friends.
-
-At length, to the Prince's relief, Mr. Beckendorff's feathered friends,
-having finished their dessert, were sent back to their cages, with a
-strict injunction not to trouble their master at present with their
-voices, an injunction which was obeyed to the letter; and when the door
-was closed few persons could have been persuaded that the next room was
-an aviary.
-
-"I am proud of my peaches, Mr. von Philipson," said Beckendorff,
-recommending the fruit to his guest's attention, then rising from the
-table, he threw himself on the sofa, and began humming a tune in a low
-voice. Presently he took up his Cremona, and, using the violin as a
-guitar, accompanied himself in a beautiful air, but not in a more
-audible tone. While Mr. Beckendorff was singing he seemed unconscious
-that any person was in the room; and the Prince, who was not very fond
-of music, certainly gave him no hint, either by his approbation or his
-attention, that he was listened to. Vivian, however, like most unhappy
-men, loved music; and actuated by this feeling, and the interest which
-he began to take in the character of Mr. Beckendorff, he could not, when
-that gentleman had finished his air, refrain from very sincerely
-saying "encore!"
-
-Beckendorff started and looked round, as if he were for the first moment
-aware that any being had heard him.
-
-"Encore!" said he, with a kind sneer: "who ever could sing or play the
-same thing twice! Are you fond of music, sir?"
-
-"Very much so, indeed. I fancied I recognised that air. You are an
-admirer I imagine, of Mozart?"
-
-"I never heard of him; I know nothing of those gentry. But if you really
-like music, I will play you something worth listening to."
-
-Mr. Beckendorff began a beautiful air very adagio, gradually increasing
-the time in a kind of variation, till at last his execution became so
-rapid that Vivian, surprised at the mere mechanical action, rose from
-his chair in order better to examine the player's management and motion
-of his bow. Exquisite as were the tones, enchanting as were the
-originality of his variations and the perfect harmony of his
-composition, it was nevertheless extremely difficult to resist smiling
-at the contortions of his face and figure. Now, his body bending to the
-strain, he was at one moment with his violin raised in the air, and the
-next instant with the lower nut almost resting upon his foot. At length,
-by well-proportioned degrees, the air died away into the original soft
-cadence; and the player, becoming completely entranced in his own
-performance, finished by sinking back on the sofa, with his bow and
-violin raised over his head. Vivian would not disturb him by his
-applause. An instant after, Mr. Beckendorff, throwing down the
-instrument, rushed through an open window into the garden.
-
-As soon as Beckendorff was out of sight, Vivian looked at the Prince;
-and his Highness, elevating his eyebrows, screwing up his mouth, and
-shrugging his shoulders, altogether presented a comical picture of a
-puzzled man.
-
-"Well, my dear friend," said he, "this is rather different from what we
-expected."
-
-"Very different; but much more amusing."
-
-"Humph!" said the Prince, slowly; "I do not think it exactly requires a
-ghost to tell us that Mr. Beckendorff is not in the habit of going to
-court. I do not know how he is accustomed to conduct himself when he is
-honoured by a visit from the Grand Duke; but I am quite sure that, as
-regards his treatment of myself, to say the least, the incognito is well
-observed."
-
-"Mr. von Philipson," said the gentleman of whom they were speaking,
-putting his head in at the window, "you shall see my blue
-passion-flower. We will take a walk round the garden."
-
-The Prince gave Vivian a look which seemed to suppose they must go, and
-accordingly they stepped into the garden.
-
-"You do not see my garden in its glory," said Mr. Beckendorff, stopping
-before the bow window of the library. "This spot is my strong point; had
-you been here earlier in the year, you might have admired with me my
-invaluable crescents of tulips; such colours! such brilliancy! so
-defined! And last year I had three king-tulips; their elegantly-formed,
-creamy cups I have never seen equalled. And then my double variegated
-ranunculuses; my hyacinths of fifty bells, in every tint, single and
-double; and my favourite stands of auriculas, so large and powdered that
-the colour of the velvet leaves was scarcely discoverable! The blue
-passion-flower is, however, now beautiful. You see that summer-house,
-sir," continued he, turning to Vivian; "the top is my observatory. You
-will sleep in that pavilion to-night, so you had better take notice how
-the walk winds."
-
-The passion-flower was trained against the summer-house in question.
-
-"There," said Mr. Beckendorff; and he stood admiring with outstretched
-arms; "the latter days of its beauty, for the autumn frosts will soon
-stop its flower. Pray, Mr. von Philipson, are you a botanist?"
-
-"Why," said the Prince, "I am a great admirer of flowers, but I cannot
-exactly say that--"
-
-"Ah! no botanist. The flower of this beautiful plant continues only one
-day, but there is a constant succession from July to the end of the
-autumn; and if this fine weather continue--Pray, sir, how is the wind?"
-
-"I really cannot say," said the Prince; "but I think the wind is
-either--"
-
-"Do you know, sir?" continued Beckendorff to Vivian.
-
-"I think, sir, that it is--"
-
-"Westerly. Well! If this weather continue, the succession may still last
-another month. You will be interested to know, Mr. von Philipson, that
-the flower comes out at the same joint with the leaf, on a peduncle
-nearly three inches long; round the centre of it are two radiating
-crowns; look, look, sir! the inner inclining towards the centre column;
-now examine this well, and I will be with you in a moment." So saying,
-Mr. Beckendorff, running down the walk, jumped over the railing, and in
-a moment was coursing across the lawn, towards the river, in a chase
-after a dragon-fly.
-
-Mr. Beckendorff was soon out of sight, and after lingering half-an-hour
-in the vicinity of the blue passion-flower, the Prince proposed to
-Vivian that they should quit the spot. "So far as I can observe,"
-continued his Highness, "we might as well quit the house. No wonder that
-Beckendorff's power is on the wane, for he appears to me to be growing
-childish. Surely he could not always have been this frivolous creature!"
-
-"I am really so astonished," said Vivian, "that it is quite out of my
-power to assist your Highness in any supposition. But I should recommend
-you not to be too hasty in your movements. Take care that staying here
-does not affect the position which you have taken up, or retard the
-progress of any measures on which you have determined, and you are safe.
-What will it injure you if, with the chance of achieving the great and
-patriotic purpose to which you have devoted your powers and energies,
-you are subjected for a few hours to the caprices, or even rudeness, of
-any man whatever? If Beckendorff be the character which the world gives
-him credit to be, I do not think he can imagine that you are to be
-deceived twice; and if he do imagine so, we are convinced that he will
-be disappointed. If, as you have supposed, not only his power is on the
-wane, but his intellect also, four-and-twenty hours will convince us of
-the fact; for in less than that time your Highness will necessarily have
-conversation of a more important nature with him. I recommend,
-therefore, that we continue here to-day, although," added Vivian,
-smiling, "I have to sleep in his observatory."
-
-After walking in the gardens about an hour, the Prince and Vivian again
-went into the house, imagining that Beckendorff might have returned by
-another entrance; but he was not there. The Prince was much annoyed; and
-Vivian, to amuse himself, had recourse to the library. After
-re-examining the armour, looking at the garden through the painted
-windows, conjecturing who might be the original of the mysterious
-picture and what could be the meaning of the withered branch, the Prince
-was fairly worn out. The precise dinner hour he did not know; and
-notwithstanding repeated exertions, he had hitherto been unable to find
-the blooming Clara. He could not flatter himself, however, that there
-were less than two hours to kill before the great event took place; and
-so, heartily wishing himself back again at Turriparva, he prevailed upon
-Vivian to throw aside his book and take another walk.
-
-This time they extended their distance, stretched out as far as the
-river, and explored the adjoining woods; but of Mr. Beckendorff they saw
-and heard nothing. At length they again returned: it was getting dusk.
-They found the bow window of the library closed. They again entered the
-dining-room, and, to their surprise, found no preparations for dinner.
-This time the Prince was more fortunate in his exertions to procure an
-interview with Madam Clara, for that lady almost immediately entered
-the room.
-
-"Pray, my good madam," inquired the Prince, "has your master returned?"
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff is in the library, sir," said the old lady, pompously.
-
-"Indeed! we do not dine in this room, then?"
-
-"Dine, sir!" said the good dame, forgetting her pomposity in her
-astonishment.
-
-"Yes, dine," said the Prince.
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff never takes anything after his noon meal."
-
-"Am I to understand, then, that we are to have no dinner?" asked his
-Highness, angry and agitated.
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff never takes anything after his noon meal, sir; but I am
-sure that if you and your friend are hungry, sir, I hope there is never
-a want in this house."
-
-"My good lady, I am hungry, very hungry, indeed; and if your master, I
-mean Mr. von, that is Mr. Beckendorff, has such a bad appetite that he
-can satisfy himself with picking, once a day, the breast of a pheasant;
-why, if he expect his friends to be willing or even able to live on such
-fare, the least that I can say is, that he is much mistaken; and so,
-therefore, my good friend Grey, I think we had better order our horses
-and be off."
-
-"No occasion for that, I hope," said Mrs. Clara, rather alarmed at the
-Prince's passion; "no want, I trust, ever here, sir; and I make no doubt
-you will have dinner as soon as possible; and so, sir, I hope you will
-not be hasty."
-
-"Hasty! I have no wish to be hasty; but as for disarranging the whole
-economy of the house, and getting up an extemporaneous meal for me, I
-cannot think of it. Mr. Beckendorff may live as he likes, and if I stay
-here I am contented to live as he does. I do not wish him to change his
-habits for me, and I shall take care that, after today, there will be no
-necessity for his doing so. However, absolute hunger can make no
-compliments; and therefore I will thank you, my good madam, to let me
-and my friend have the remains of that cold game, if they be still in
-existence, on which we lunched, or, as you term it, took our noon meal,
-this morning; and which, if it were your own cooking, Mrs. Clara, I
-assure you, as I observed to my friend at the time, did you
-infinite credit."
-
-The Prince, although his gentlemanlike feelings had, in spite of his
-hunger, dictated a deprecation of Mrs. Clara's making a dinner merely
-for himself, still thought that a seasonable and deserved compliment to
-the lady might assist in bringing about a result which, notwithstanding
-his politeness, he much desired; and that was the production of another
-specimen of her culinary accomplishments. Having behaved, as he
-considered, with moderation and dignified civility, he was, it must be
-confessed, rather astounded when Mrs. Clara, duly acknowledging his
-compliment by her curtsey, was sorry to inform him that she dared give
-no refreshment in this house without Mr. Beckendorff's special order.
-
-"Special order! Why! surely your master will not grudge me the cold leg
-of a pheasant?"
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff is not in the habit of grudging anything," answered the
-housekeeper, with offended majesty.
-
-"Then why should he object?" asked the Prince.
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff is the best judge, sir, of the propriety of his own
-regulations."
-
-"Well, well!" said Vivian, more interested for his friend than himself,
-"there is no difficulty in asking Mr. Beckendorff?"
-
-"None in the least, sir," answered the housekeeper, "when he is awake."
-
-"Awake!" said the Prince, "why! is he asleep now?"
-
-"Yes, sir, in the library."
-
-"And how long will he be asleep?" asked the Prince, with eagerness.
-
-"It is uncertain; he may be asleep for hours, he may wake in five
-minutes; all I can do is to watch."
-
-"But, surely in a case like the present, you can wake your master?"
-
-"I could not wake Mr. Beckendorff, sir, if the house were on fire. No
-one can enter the room when he is asleep."
-
-"Then how can you possibly know when he is awake?"
-
-"I shall hear his violin immediately, sir."
-
-"Well, well! I suppose it must be so. I wish we were in Turriparva; that
-is all I know. Men of my station have no business to be paying visits to
-the sons of the Lord knows who! peasants, shopkeepers, and pedagogues!"
-
-As a fire was blazing in the dining-room, which Mrs. Clara informed them
-Mr. Beckendorff never omitted having every night in the year, the Prince
-and his friend imagined that they were to remain there, and they
-consequently did not attempt to disturb the slumbers of their host.
-Resting his feet on the hobs, his Highness, for the fiftieth time,
-declared that he wished he had never left Turriparva; and just when
-Vivian was on the point of giving up in despair the hope of consoling
-him, Mrs. Clara entered and proceeded to lay the cloth.
-
-"Your master is awake, then?" asked the Prince, very quickly.
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff has been long awake, sir! and dinner will be ready
-immediately."
-
-His Highness' countenance brightened; and in a short time the supper
-appearing, the Prince, again fascinated by Mrs. Clara's cookery and Mr.
-Beckendorff's wine, forgot his chagrin, and regained his temper.
-
-In about a couple of hours Mr. Beckendorff entered.
-
-"I hope that Clara has given you wine you like, Mr. von Philipson?"
-
-"The same bin, I will answer for that."
-
-Mr. Beckendorff had his violin in his hand, but his dress was much
-changed. His great boots being pulled off, exhibited the white silk
-stockings which he invariably wore. His coat had given place to the
-easier covering of a brocade dressing-gown. He drew a chair round the
-fire, between the Prince and Vivian. It was a late hour, and the room
-was only lighted by the glimmering coals, for the flames had long died
-away. Mr. Beckendorff sat for some time without speaking, gazing
-earnestly on the decaying embers. Indeed, before many minutes had
-elapsed, complete silence prevailed; for both the endeavours of the
-Prince and of Vivian to promote conversation had been unsuccessful. At
-length the master of the house turned round to the Prince, and pointing
-to a particular mass of coal, said, "I think, Mr. von Philipson, that is
-the completest elephant I ever saw. We will ring the bell for some
-coals, and then have a game of whist."
-
-The Prince was so surprised by Mr. Beckendorff's remark that he was not
-sufficiently struck by the strangeness of his proposition, and it was
-only when he heard Vivian professing his ignorance of the game that it
-occurred to him that to play at whist was hardly the object for which he
-had travelled from Turriparva.
-
-"An Englishman not know whist!" said Mr. Beckendorff:
-
-"Ridiculous! You do know it. Let us play! Mr. von Philipson, I know, has
-no objection."
-
-"But, my good sir," said the Prince, "although previous to conversation
-I may have no objection to join in a little amusement, still it appears
-to me that it has escaped your memory that whist is a game which
-requires the co-operation of four persons."
-
-"Not at all! I take dummy! I am not sure it is not the finest way of
-playing the game."
-
-The table was arranged, the lights brought, the cards produced, and the
-Prince of Little Lilliput, greatly to his surprise, found himself
-playing whist with Mr. Beckendorff. Nothing could be more dull. The
-Minister would neither bet nor stake, and the immense interest which he
-took in every card that was played ludicrously contrasted with the
-rather sullen looks of the Prince and the very sleepy ones of Vivian.
-Whenever Mr. Beckendorff played for dummy he always looked with the most
-searching eye into the next adversary's face, as if he would read his
-cards in his features. The first rubber lasted an hour and a half, three
-long games, which Mr. Beckendorff, to his triumph, hardly won. In the
-first game of the second rubber Vivian blundered; in the second he
-revoked; and in the third, having neglected to play, and being loudly
-called upon, and rated both by his partner and Mr. Beckendorff, he was
-found to be asleep. Beckendorff threw down his hand with a loud dash,
-which roused Vivian from his slumber. He apologised for his drowsiness;
-but said that he was so sleepy that he must retire. The Prince, who
-longed to be with Beckendorff alone, winked approbation of his
-intention.
-
-"Well!" said Beckendorff, "you spoiled the rubber. I shall ring for
-Clara. Why you all are so fond of going to bed I cannot understand. I
-have not been to bed these thirty years."
-
-Vivian made his escape; and Beckendorff, pitying his degeneracy,
-proposed to the Prince, in a tone which seemed to anticipate that the
-offer would meet with instantaneous acceptation, double dummy. This,
-however, was too much.
-
-"No more cards, sir, I thank you," said the Prince; "if, however, you
-have a mind for an hour's conversation, I am quite at your service."
-
-"I am obliged to you; I never talk. Good night, Mr. von Philipson."
-
-Mr. Beckendorff left the room. His Highness could contain himself no
-longer. He rang the bell.
-
-"Pray, Mrs. Clara," said he, "where are my horses?"
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff will have no quadrupeds within a mile of the house,
-except Owlface."
-
-"How do you mean? Let me see the man-servant."
-
-"The household consists only of myself, sir."
-
-"Why! where is my luggage, then?"
-
-"That has been brought up, sir; it is in your room."
-
-"I tell you I must have my horses."
-
-"It is quite impossible to-night, sir. I think, sir, you had better
-retire. Mr. Beckendorff may not be home again these six hours."
-
-"What! is your master gone out?"
-
-"Yes, sir, he is just gone out to take his ride."
-
-"Why! where is his horse kept, then?"
-
-"It is Owlface, sir."
-
-"Owlface, indeed! What! is your master in the habit of riding out at
-night?"
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff rides out, sir, just when it happens to suit him."
-
-"It is very odd I cannot ride out when it happens to suit me! However,
-I will be off to-morrow; and so, if you please, show me my bed-room
-at once."
-
-"Your room is the library, sir."
-
-"The library! Why, there is no bed in the library."
-
-"We have no beds, sir; but the sofa is made up."
-
-"No beds! Well! it is only for one night. You are all mad, and I am as
-mad as you for coming here."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII
-
-
-The morning sun peeping through the window of the little summer-house
-roused its inmate at an early hour; and finding no signs of Mr.
-Beckendorff and his guest having yet risen from their slumbers, Vivian
-took the opportunity of strolling about the gardens and the grounds.
-Directing his way along the margin of the river, he soon left the lawn
-and entered some beautiful meadows, whose dewy verdure glistened in the
-brightening beams of the early sun. Crossing these, and passing through
-a gate, he found himself in a rural road, whose lofty hedge-rows, rich
-with all the varieties of wild fruit and flower, and animated with the
-cheering presence of the busy birds chirping from every bough and spray,
-altogether presented a scene which reminded him of the soft beauties of
-his own country. With some men, to remember is to be sad; and
-unfortunately for Vivian Grey, there were few objects which with him did
-not give rise to associations of a painful nature. The strange
-occurrences of the last few days had recalled, if not revived, the
-feelings of his boyhood. His early career flitted across his mind. He
-would have stifled the remembrance with a sigh, but man Is the slave of
-Memory. For a moment he mused over Power; but then he, shuddering,
-shrank from the wearing anxiety, the consuming care, the eternal
-vigilance, the constant contrivance, the agonising suspense, the
-distracting vicissitudes of his past career. Alas! it is our nature to
-sicken, from our birth, after some object of unattainable felicity, to
-struggle through the freshest years of our life in an insane pursuit
-after some indefinite good, which does not even exist! But sure and
-quick is the dark hour which cools our doting frenzy in the frigid waves
-of the ocean of oblivion! We dream of immortality until we die.
-Ambition! at thy proud and fatal altar we whisper the secrets of our
-mighty thoughts, and breathe the aspirations of our inexpressible
-desires. A clouded flame licks up the offering of our ruined souls, and
-the sacrifice vanishes in the sable smoke of Death.
-
-But where are his thoughts wandering? Had he forgotten that day of
-darkest despair? There had that happened to him which had happened to no
-other man. He was roused from his reverie by the sound of a trotting
-horse. He looked up, but the winding road prevented him at first from
-seeing the steed which evidently was approaching. The sound came nearer
-and nearer; and at length, turning a corner, Mr. Beckendorff came in
-sight. He was mounted on a strong-built, rough, and ugly pony, with an
-obstinate mane, which, defying the exertion's of the groom, fell in
-equal divisions on both sides of its bottle neck, and a large white
-face, which, combined with its blinking vision, had earned for it the
-euphonious title of Owlface. Both master and steed must have travelled
-hard and far, for both were covered with dust and mud from top to toe,
-from mane to hoof. Mr. Beckendorff seemed surprised at meeting Vivian,
-and pulled up his pony as he reached him.
-
-"An early riser, I see, sir. Where is Mr. von Philipson?"
-
-"I have not yet seen him, and imagined that both he and yourself had not
-yet risen."
-
-"Hum! how many hours is it to noon?" asked Mr. Beckendorff, who always
-spoke astronomically.
-
-"More than four, I imagine."
-
-"Pray do you prefer the country about here to Turriparva?"
-
-"Both, I think, are beautiful."
-
-"You live at Turriparva?" asked Mr. Beckendorff.
-
-"As a guest," answered Vivian.
-
-"Has it been a fine summer at Turriparva?"
-
-"I believe everywhere."
-
-"I am afraid Mr. von Philipson finds it rather dull here?"
-
-"I am not aware of it."
-
-"He seems a ve-ry--?" said Beckendorff, looking keenly in his
-companion's face. But Vivian did not supply the desired phrase; and so
-the Minister was forced to finish the sentence himself, "a very
-gentlemanlike sort of man?" A low bow was the only response.
-
-"I trust, sir, I may indulge the hope," continued Mr. Beckendorff, "that
-you will honour me with your company another day."
-
-"You are exceedingly obliging!"
-
-"Mr. von Philipson is fond, I think, of a country life?" said
-Beckendorff.
-
-"Most men are."
-
-"I suppose he has no innate objection to live occasionally in a city?"
-
-"Few have."
-
-"You probably have known him long?"
-
-"Not long enough to wish our acquaintance at an end."
-
-"Hum!"
-
-They proceeded in silence for some moments, and then Beckendorff again
-turned round, and this time with a direct question.
-
-"I wonder if Mr. Von Philipson can make it convenient to honour me with
-his company another day. Can you tell me?"
-
-"I think the best person to inform you of that would be his Highness
-himself," said Vivian, using his friend's title purposely to show Mr.
-Beckendorff how ridiculous he considered his present use of the
-incognito.
-
-"You think so, sir, do you?" answered Beckendorff, sarcastically.
-
-They had now arrived at the gate by which Vivian had reached the road.
-
-"Your course, sir," said Mr. Beckendorff, "lies that way. I see, like
-myself, you are no great talker. We shall meet at breakfast." So saying,
-the Minister set spurs to his pony, and was soon out of sight.
-
-When Vivian reached the house, he found the bow window of the library
-thrown open, and as he approached he saw Mr. Beckendorff enter the room
-and bow to the prince. His Highness had passed a good night in spite of
-not sleeping in a bed, and he was at this moment commencing a delicious
-breakfast. His ill-humour had consequently vanished. He had made up his
-mind that Beckendorff was mad; and although he had given up all the
-secret and flattering hopes which he had dared to entertain when the
-interview was first arranged, he nevertheless did not regret his visit,
-which on the whole had been amusing, and had made him acquainted with
-the person and habits, and, as he believed, the intellectual powers of a
-man with whom, most probably, he should soon be engaged in open
-hostility. Vivian took his seat at the breakfast, table, and Beckendorff
-stood conversing with them with his back to the fireplace, and
-occasionally, during the pauses of conversation, pulling the strings of
-his violin with his fingers. It did not escape Vivian's observation that
-the Minister was particularly courteous and even attentive to the
-Prince; and that he endeavoured by his quick and more communicative
-answers, and occasionally by a stray observation, to encourage the good
-humour visible on the cheerful countenance of his guest.
-
-"Have you been long up, Mr. Beckendorff?" asked the Prince; for his host
-had resumed his dressing-gown and slippers.
-
-"I generally see the sun rise."
-
-"And yet you retire late! out riding last night, I understand?"
-
-"I never go to bed."
-
-"Indeed!" said the Prince. "Well, for my part, without my regular rest I
-am nothing. Have you breakfasted, Mr. Beckendorff?"
-
-"Clara will bring my breakfast immediately."
-
-The dame accordingly soon appeared, bearing a tray with a basin of
-boiling water and one large thick biscuit. This Mr. Beckendorff, having
-well soaked in the hot fluid, eagerly devoured; and then taking up his
-violin, amused himself until his guests had finished their breakfast.
-
-When Vivian had ended his meal he left the Prince and Beckendorff alone,
-determined that his presence should not be the occasion of the Minister
-any longer retarding the commencement of business. The Prince, who by a
-private glance had been prepared for his departure, immediately took the
-opportunity of asking Mr. Beckendorff, in a decisive tone, whether he
-might flatter himself that he could command his present attention to a
-subject of importance. Mr. Beckendorff said that he was always at Mr.
-von Philipson's service; and drawing a chair opposite him, the Prince
-and Mr. Beckendorff now sat on each side of the fireplace.
-
-"Hem!" said the Prince, clearing his throat; and he looked at Mr.
-Beckendorff, who sat with his heels close together, his toes out square,
-his hands resting on his knees, which, as well as his elbows, were
-turned out, his shoulders bent, his head reclined, and his
-eyes glancing.
-
-"Hem!" said the Prince of Little Lilliput. "In compliance, Mr.
-Beckendorff, with your wish, developed in the communication received by
-me on the--inst., I assented in my answer to the arrangement then
-proposed; the object of which was, to use your own words, to facilitate
-the occurrence of an oral interchange of the sentiments of various
-parties interested in certain proceedings, by which interchange it was
-anticipated that the mutual interests might be respectively considered
-and finally arranged. Prior, Mr. Beckendorff, to either of us going into
-any detail upon those points of probable discussion, which will, in all
-likelihood, form the fundamental features of this interview, I wish to
-recall your attention to the paper which I had the honour of presenting
-to his Royal Highness, and which is alluded to in your communication of
-the--last. The principal heads of that document I have brought with me,
-abridged in this paper."
-
-Here the Prince handed to Mr. Beckendorff a MS. pamphlet, consisting of
-several sheets closely written. The Minister bowed very graciously as he
-took it from his Highness' hand, and then, without even looking at it,
-laid it on the table.
-
-"You, sir, I perceive," continued the Prince, "are acquainted with its
-contents; and it will therefore be unnecessary for me at present to
-expatiate upon their individual expediency, or to argue for their
-particular adoption. And, sir, when we observe the progress of the human
-mind, when we take into consideration the quick march of intellect, and
-the wide expansion of enlightened views and liberal principles; when we
-take a bird's-eye view of the history of man from the earliest ages to
-the present moment, I feel that it would be folly in me to conceive for
-an instant that the measures developed and recommended in that paper
-will not finally receive the approbation of his Royal Highness. As to
-the exact origin of slavery, Mr. Beckendorff, I confess that I am not,
-at this moment, prepared distinctly to speak. That the Divine Author of
-our religion was its decided enemy, I am informed, is clear. That the
-slavery of ancient times was the origin of the feudal service of a more
-modern period, is a point on which men of learning have not precisely
-made up their minds. With regard to the exact state of the ancient
-German people, Tacitus affords us a great deal of most interesting
-information. Whether or not, certain passages which I have brought with
-me marked in the Germania are incontestable evidences that our ancestors
-enjoyed or understood the practice of a wise and well-regulated
-representative system, is a point on which I shall be happy to receive
-the opinion of so distinguished a statesman as Mr. Beckendorff. In
-stepping forward, as I have felt it my duty to do, as the advocate of
-popular rights and national privileges, I am desirous to prove that I
-have not become the votary of innovation and the professor of
-revolutionary doctrines. The passages of the Roman author in question,
-and an ancient charter of the Emperor Charlemagne, are, I consider,
-decisive and sufficient precedents for the measures which I have thought
-proper to sanction by my approval, and to support by my influence. A
-minister, Mr. Beckendorff, must take care that in the great race of
-politics the minds of his countrymen do not leave his own behind them.
-We must never forget the powers and capabilities of man. On this very
-spot, perhaps, some centuries ago, savages clothed in skins were
-committing cannibalism in a forest. We must not forget, I repeat, that
-it is the business to those to whom Providence has allotted the
-responsible possession of power and influence (that it is their duty,
-our duty, Mr. Beckendorff), to become guardians of our weaker
-fellow-creatures; that all power is a trust; that we are accountable for
-its exercise; that from the people, and for the people, all springs, and
-all must exist; and that, unless we conduct ourselves with the requisite
-wisdom, prudence, and propriety, the whole system of society will be
-disorganised; and this country, in particular, will fall a victim to
-that system of corruption and misgovernment which has already occasioned
-the destruction of the great kingdoms mentioned in the Bible, and many
-other states besides, Greece, Rome, Carthage, &c."
-
-Thus ended the peroration of an harangue consisting of an incoherent
-arrangement of imperfectly-remembered facts and misunderstood
-principles; all gleaned by his Highness from the enlightening articles
-of the Reisenburg journals. Like Brutus, the Prince of Little Lilliput
-paused for a reply.
-
-"Mr. von Philipson," said his companion, when his Highness had finished,
-"you speak like a man of sense." Having given this answer, Mr.
-Beckendorff rose from his seat and walked straight out of the room.
-
-The Prince at first took the answer for a compliment; but Mr.
-Beckendorff not returning, he began to have a faint idea that he was
-neglected. In this uncertainty he rang the bell for his friend Clara.
-
-"Mrs. Clara! where is your master?"
-
-"Just gone out, sir."
-
-"How do you mean?"
-
-"He has gone out with his gun, sir."
-
-"You are quite sure he has--gone out?"
-
-"Quite sure, sir. I took him his coat and boots myself."
-
-"I am to understand, then, that your master has gone out?"
-
-"Yes, sir; Mr. Beckendorff has gone out. He will be home for his noon
-meal."
-
-"That is enough! Grey!' called out the indignant Prince, darting into
-the garden.
-
-"Well, my dear Prince," said Vivian, "what can possibly be the matter?"
-
-"The matter! Insanity can be the only excuse; insanity can alone account
-for his preposterous conduct. We have seen enough of him. The repetition
-of absurdity is only wearisome. Pray assist me in getting our horses
-immediately."
-
-"Certainly, if you wish it; but remember you brought me here as your
-friend and counsellor. As I have accepted the trust, I cannot help being
-sensible of the responsibility. Before, therefore, you finally resolve
-upon departure, pray let me be fully acquainted with the circumstances
-which have impelled you to this sudden resolution."
-
-"Willingly, my good friend, could I only command my temper; and yet to
-fall into a passion with a madman is almost a mark of madness. But his
-manner and his conduct are so provoking and so puzzling, that I cannot
-altogether repress my irritability. And that ridiculous incognito! Why I
-sometimes begin to think that I really am Mr. von Philipson! An
-incognito forsooth! for what? to deceive whom? His household apparently
-only consists of two persons, one of whom has visited me in my own
-castle; and the other is a cross old hag, who would not be able to
-comprehend my rank if she were aware of it. But to the point! When you
-left the room I was determined to be trifled with no longer, and I asked
-him, in a firm voice and very marked manner, whether I might command his
-immediate attention to important business. He professed to be at my
-service. I opened the affair by taking a cursory, yet definite, review
-of the principles in which my political conduct had originated, and on
-which it was founded. I flattered myself that I had produced an
-impression. Sometimes we are in a better cue for these expositions than
-at others, and to-day I was really unusually felicitous. My memory never
-deserted. I was at the same time luminous and profound; and while I was
-guided by the philosophical spirit of the present day, I showed, by my
-various reading, that I respected the experience of antiquity. In
-short, I was satisfied with myself; and with the exception of one single
-point about the origin of slavery, which unfortunately got entangled
-with the feudal system, I could not have got on better had Sievers
-himself been at my side. Nor did I spare Mr. Beckendorff; but, on the
-contrary, I said a few things which, had he been in his senses, must, I
-imagine, have gone home. Do you know I finished by drawing his own
-character, and showing the inevitable effects of his ruinous policy: and
-what do you think he did?"
-
-"Left you in a passion?"
-
-"Not at all. He seemed much struck by what I had said, and apparently
-understood it. I have heard that in some species of insanity the patient
-is perfectly able to comprehend everything addressed to him, though at
-that point his sanity ceases, and he is unable to answer or to act. This
-must be Beckendorff's case; for no sooner had I finished than he rose up
-immediately, and, saying that I spoke like a man of sense, abruptly
-quitted the room. The housekeeper says he will not be at home again till
-that infernal ceremony takes place called the noon meal. Now, do you not
-advise me to be off as soon as possible?"
-
-"It will require some deliberation. Pray did you not speak to him last
-night?"
-
-"Ah! I forgot that I had not been able to speak to you since then. Well!
-last night, what do you think he did? When you were gone, he had the
-insolence to congratulate me on the opportunity then afforded of playing
-double dummy; and when I declined his proposition, but said that if he
-wished to have an hour's conversation I was at his service, he coolly
-told me that he never talked, and bade me good night! Did you ever know
-such a madman? He never goes to bed. I only had a sofa. How the deuce
-did you sleep?"
-
-"Well and safely, considering that I was in a summer-house without lock
-or bolt."
-
-"Well! I need not ask you now as to your opinion of our immediately
-getting off. We shall have, however, some trouble about our horses, for
-he will not allow a quadruped near the house, except some monster of an
-animal that he rides himself; and, by St. Hubert! I cannot find out
-where our steeds are. What shall we do?" But Vivian did not answer.
-"What are you thinking of?" continued his Highness. "Why don't
-you answer?"
-
-"Your Highness must not go," said Vivian, shaking his head.
-
-"Not go! Why so?"
-
-"Depend upon it you are wrong about Beckendorff. That he is a humorist
-there is no doubt; but it appears to me to be equally clear that his
-queer habits and singular mode of life are not of late adoption. What
-he is now he must have been these ten, perhaps these twenty years,
-perhaps more; of this there are a thousand proofs about us. As to the
-overpowering cause which has made him the character he appears at
-present, it is needless for us to inquire; probably some incident in his
-private life in all likelihood connected with the mysterious picture.
-Let us be satisfied with the effect. If the case be as I state it in his
-private life and habits, Beckendorff must have been equally
-incomprehensible and equally singular at the very time that, in his
-public capacity, he was producing such brilliant results as at the
-present moment. Now then, can we believe him to be insane? I anticipate
-your objections. I know you will enlarge upon the evident absurdity of
-his inviting his political opponent to his house for a grave
-consultation on the most important affairs, and then treating him as he
-has done you, when it must be clear to him that you cannot be again
-duped, and when he must feel that, were he to amuse you for as many
-weeks as he has days, your plans and your position would not be
-injuriously affected. Be it so; probably a humorist like Beckendorff
-cannot, even in the most critical moment, altogether restrain the bent
-of his capricious inclinations. However, my dear Prince, I will lay no
-stress upon this point. My opinion, indeed my conviction, is that
-Beckendorff acts from design. I have considered his conduct well, and I
-have observed all that you have seen, and more than you have seen, and
-keenly; depend upon it that since you assented to the interview
-Beckendorff has been obliged to shift his intended position for
-negotiation; some of the machinery has gone wrong. Fearful, if he had
-postponed your visit, you should imagine that he was only again amusing
-you, and consequently would listen to no future overtures, he has
-allowed you to attend a conference for which he is not prepared. That he
-is making desperate exertions to bring the business to a point is my
-firm opinion; and you would perhaps agree with me were you as convinced
-as I am that, since we parted last night, our host has been to
-Reisenburg and back again."
-
-"To Reisenburg and back again!"
-
-"Ay! I rose this morning at an early hour, and imagining that both you
-and Beckendorff had not yet made your appearance, I escaped from the
-grounds, intending to explore part of the surrounding country. In my
-stroll I came to a narrow winding road, which I am convinced lies in the
-direction towards Reisenburg; there, for some reason or other, I
-loitered more than an hour, and very probably should have been too late
-for breakfast had not I been recalled to myself by the approach of a
-horseman. It was Beckendorff, covered with dust and mud; his horse had
-been evidently hard ridden. I did not think much of it at the time,
-because I supposed he might have been out for three or four hours and
-hard worked, but I nevertheless was struck by his appearance; and when
-you mentioned that he went out riding at a late hour last night, it
-immediately occurred to me that had he come home at one or two o'clock
-it was not very probable that he would have gone out again at four or
-five. I have no doubt that my conjecture is correct; Beckendorff has
-been to Reisenburg."
-
-"You have placed this business in a new and important light," said the
-Prince, his expiring hopes reviving; "what then do you advise me to do?"
-
-"To be quiet. If your own view of the case be right, you can act as well
-to-morrow or the next day as this moment; on the contrary, if mine be
-the correct one, a moment may enable Beckendorff himself to bring
-affairs to a crisis. In either case I should recommend you to be silent,
-and in no manner to allude any more to the object of your visit. If you
-speak you only give opportunities to Beckendorff of ascertaining your
-opinions and your inclinations; and your silence, after such frequent
-attempts on your side to promote discussion upon business, will soon be
-discovered by him to be systematic. This will not decrease his opinion
-of your sagacity and firmness. The first principle of negotiation is to
-make your adversary respect you."
-
-After long consultation the Prince determined to follow Vivian's advice;
-and so firmly did he adhere to his purpose that when he met Mr.
-Beckendorff at the noon meal, he asked him, with a very unembarrassed
-voice and manner, "what sport he had had in the morning."
-
-The noon meal again consisted of a single dish, as exquisitely dressed,
-however, as the preceding one. It was a haunch of venison.
-
-"This is my dinner, gentlemen," said Beckendorff; "let it be your
-luncheon. I have ordered your dinner at sunset."
-
-After having eaten a slice of the haunch, Mr. Beckendorff rose from the
-table and said, "We will have our wine in the drawing-room, Mr. von
-Philipson, and then you will not be disturbed by my birds."
-
-He left the room.
-
-To the drawing-room, therefore, his two guests soon adjourned; they
-found him busily employed with his pencil. The Prince thought it must be
-a chart, or a fortification at least, and was rather surprised when Mr.
-Beckendorff asked him the magnitude of Mirac in Booetes; and the Prince
-confessing his utter ignorance of the subject, the Minister threw aside
-his unfinished planisphere and drew his chair to them at the table. It
-was with satisfaction that his Highness perceived a bottle of his
-favourite Tokay; and with no little astonishment he observed that to-day
-there were three wine glasses placed before them. They were of peculiar
-beauty, and almost worthy, for their elegant shapes and great antiquity,
-of being included in the collection of the Grand Duke of Johannisberger.
-
-After exhausting their bottle, in which they were assisted to the extent
-of one glass by their host, who drank Mr. von Philipson's health with
-cordiality, they assented to Mr. Beckendorff's proposition of visiting
-his fruitery.
-
-To the Prince's great relief, dinner-time soon arrived; and having
-employed a couple of hours on that meal very satisfactorily, he and
-Vivian adjourned to the drawing-room, having previously pledged their
-honour to each other that nothing should again induce them to play dummy
-whist. Their resolutions and their promises were needless. Mr.
-Beckendorff, who was sitting opposite the fire when they came into the
-room, neither by word nor motion acknowledged that he was aware of their
-entrance. Vivian found refuge in a book; and the Prince, after having
-examined and re-examined the brilliant birds that figured on the
-drawing-room paper, fell asleep upon the sofa. Mr. Beckendorff took down
-the guitar, and accompanied himself in a low voice for some time; then
-he suddenly ceased, and stretching out his legs, and supporting his
-thumbs in the armholes of his waistcoat, he leant back in his chair and
-remained motionless, with his eyes fixed upon the picture. Vivian, in
-turn, gazed upon this singular being and the fair pictured form which
-he seemed to idolise. Was he, too, unhappy? Had he, too, been bereft in
-the hour of his proud and perfect joy? Had he, too, lost a virgin bride?
-His agony overcame him, the book fell from his hand, and he sighed
-aloud! Mr. Beckendorff started, and the Prince awoke. Vivian,
-confounded, and unable to overpower his emotions, uttered some hasty
-words, explanatory, apologetical, and contradictory, and retired. In his
-walk to the summer-house a man passed him. In spite of a great cloak,
-Vivian recognised him as their messenger and guide; and his ample mantle
-did not conceal his riding boots and the spurs which glistened in the
-moonlight.
-
-It was an hour past midnight when the door of the summer-house softly
-opened and Mr. Beckendorff entered. He started when he found Vivian
-still undressed, and pacing up and down the little chamber. The young
-man made an effort, when he witnessed an intruder, to compose a
-countenance whose agitation could not be concealed.
-
-"What, are you up again?" said Mr. Beckendorff. "Are you ill?"
-
-"Would I were as well in mind as in body! I have not yet been to rest.
-We cannot command our feelings at all moments, sir; and at this,
-especially, I felt that I had a right to count upon being alone."
-
-"I exceedingly regret that I have disturbed you," said Mr. Beckendorff,
-in a kind voice, and in a manner which responded to the sympathy of his
-tone. "I thought that you had been long asleep. There is a star which I
-cannot exactly make out. I fancy it must be a comet, and so I ran to the
-observatory; but let me not disturb you;" and Mr. Beckendorff
-was retiring.
-
-"You do not disturb me, sir. I cannot sleep: pray ascend."
-
-"Never mind the star. But if you really have no inclination to sleep,
-let us sit down and have a little conversation; or perhaps we had better
-take a stroll. It is a warm night." As he spoke, Mr. Beckendorff gently
-put his arm within Vivian's, and led him down the steps.
-
-"Are you an astronomer, sir?" asked Beckendorff.
-
-"I can tell the Great Bear from the Little Dog; but I confess that I
-look upon the stars rather in a poetical than a scientific spirit."
-
-"Hum! I confess I do not."
-
-"There are moments," continued Vivian, "when I cannot refrain from
-believing that these mysterious luminaries have more influence over our
-fortunes than modern times are disposed to believe. I feel that I am
-getting less sceptical, perhaps I should say more credulous, every day;
-but sorrow makes us superstitious."
-
-"I discard all such fantasies," said Mr. Beckendorff; "they only tend to
-enervate our mental energies and paralyse all human exertion. It is the
-belief in these, and a thousand other deceits I could mention, which
-teach man that he is not the master of his own mind, but the ordained
-victim or the chance sport of circumstances, that makes millions pass
-through life unimpressive as shadows, and has gained for this existence
-the stigma of a vanity which it does not deserve."
-
-"I wish that I could think as you do," said Vivian; "but the experience
-of my life forbids me. Within only these last two years my career has,
-in so many instances, indicated that I am not the master of my own
-conduct; that no longer able to resist the conviction which is hourly
-impressed on me, I recognise in every contingency the preordination
-of my fate."
-
-"A delusion of the brain!" said Beckendorff, quickly. "Fate, Destiny,
-Chance, particular and special Providence; idle words! Dismiss them all,
-sir! A man's fate is his own temper; and according to that will be his
-opinion as to the particular manner in which the course of events is
-regulated. A consistent man believes in Destiny, a capricious man
-in Chance."
-
-"But, sir, what is a man's temper? It may be changed every hour. I
-started in life with very different feelings from those which I profess
-at this moment. With great deference to you, I imagine that you mistake
-the effect for the cause; for surely temper is not the origin, but the
-result of those circumstances of which we are all the creatures."
-
-"Sir, I deny it. Man is not the creature of circumstances. Circumstances
-are the creatures of men. We are free agents, and man is more powerful
-than matter. I recognise no intervening influence between that of the
-established course of nature and my own mind. Truth may be distorted,
-may be stifled, be suppressed. The invention of cunning deceits may, and
-in most instances does, prevent man from exercising his own powers. They
-have made him responsible to a realm of shadows, and a suitor in a court
-of shades. He is ever dreading authority which does not exist, and
-fearing the occurrence of penalties which there are none to enforce.
-But the mind that dares to extricate itself from these vulgar
-prejudices, that proves its loyalty to its Creator by devoting all its
-adoration to His glory; such a spirit as this becomes a master-mind, and
-that master-mind will invariably find that circumstances are
-its slaves."
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff, yours is a bold philosophy, of which I myself was once
-a votary. How successful in my service you may judge by finding me a
-wanderer."
-
-"Sir! your present age is the age of error: your whole system is founded
-on a fallacy: you believe that a man's temper can change. I deny it. If
-you have ever seriously entertained the views which I profess; if, as
-you lead me to suppose, you have dared to act upon them, and failed;
-sooner or later, whatever may be your present conviction and your
-present feelings, you will recur to your original wishes and your
-original pursuits. With a mind experienced and matured, you may in all
-probability be successful; and then I suppose, stretching your legs in
-your easy-chair, you will at the same moment be convinced of your own
-genius, and recognise your own Destiny!"
-
-"With regard to myself, Mr. Beckendorff, I am convinced of the
-erroneousness of your views. It is my opinion that no one who has dared
-to think can look upon this world in any other than a mournful spirit.
-Young as I am, nearly two years have elapsed since, disgusted with the
-world of politics, I retired to a foreign solitude. At length, with
-passions subdued, and, as I flatter myself, with a mind matured,
-convinced of the vanity of all human affairs, I felt emboldened once
-more partially to mingle with my species. Bitter as my lot had been, I
-had discovered the origin of my misery in my own unbridled passions;
-and, tranquil and subdued, I now trusted to pass through life as certain
-of no fresh sorrows as I was of no fresh joys. And yet, sir, I am at
-this moment sinking under the infliction of unparalleled misery; misery
-which I feel I have a right to believe was undeserved. But why expatiate
-to a stranger on sorrow which must be secret? I deliver myself up to my
-remorseless Fate."
-
-"What is grief?" said Mr. Beckendorff; "if it be excited by the fear of
-some contingency, instead of grieving, a man should exert his energies
-and prevent its occurrence. If, on the contrary, it be caused by an
-event, that which has been occasioned by anything human, by the
-co-operation of human circumstances, can be, and invariably is, removed
-by the same means. Grief is the agony of an instant; the indulgence of
-Grief the blunder of a life. Mix in the world, and in a month's time you
-will speak to me very differently. A young man, you meet with
-disappointment; in spite of all your exalted notions of your own powers,
-you immediately sink under it. If your belief of your powers were
-sincere, you should have proved it by the manner in which you have
-struggled against adversity, not merely by the mode in which you
-laboured for advancement. The latter is but a very inferior merit. If,
-in fact, you wish to succeed, success, I repeat, is at your command. You
-talk to me of your experience; and do you think that my sentiments are
-the crude opinions of an unpractised man? Sir! I am not fond of
-conversing with any person, and therefore far from being inclined to
-maintain an argument in a spirit of insincerity merely for the sake of a
-victory of words. Mark what I say: it is truth. No Minister ever yet
-fell but from his own inefficiency. If his downfall be occasioned, as it
-generally is, by the intrigues of one of his own creatures, his downfall
-is merited for having been the dupe of a tool which in all probability
-he should never have employed. If he fall through the open attacks of
-his political opponents, his downfall is equally deserved for having
-occasioned by his impolicy the formation of a party, for having allowed
-it to be formed, or for not having crushed it when formed. No conjecture
-can possibly occur, however fearful, however tremendous it may appear,
-from which a man, by his own energy, may not extricate himself, as a
-mariner by the rattling of his cannon can dissipate the impending
-water-spout!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII
-
-
-It was on the third day of the visit to Mr. Beckendorff, just as that
-gentleman was composing his mind after his noon meal with his favourite
-Cremona, and in a moment of rapture raising his instrument high in the
-air, that the door was suddenly dashed open, and Essper George rushed
-into the room. The intruder, the moment that his eye caught Vivian, flew
-to his master, and, seizing him by the arm, commenced and continued a
-loud shout of exultation, accompanying his scream the whole time by a
-kind of quick dance, which, though not quite as clamorous as the
-Pyrrhic, nevertheless completely drowned the scientific harmony of Mr.
-Beckendorff.
-
-So astounded were the three gentlemen by this unexpected entrance, that
-some moments elapsed ere either of them found words at his command. At
-length the master of the house spoke.
-
-"Mr. von Philipson, I beg the favour of being informed who this person
-is?"
-
-The Prince did not answer, but looked at Vivian in great distress; and
-just as our hero was about to give Mr. Beckendorff the requisite
-information, Essper George, taking up the parable himself, seized the
-opportunity of explaining the mystery.
-
-"Who am I? who are you? I am an honest man, and no traitor; and if all
-were the same, why, then, there would be no rogues in Reisenburg. Who am
-I? A man. There's an arm! there's a leg! Can you see through a wood by
-twilight? If so, yours is a better eye than mine. Can you eat an
-unskinned hare, or dine on the haunch of a bounding stag? If so, your
-teeth are sharper than mine. Can you hear a robber's footstep when he's
-kneeling before murder? or can you listen to the snow falling on
-Midsummer's day? If so, your ears are finer than mine. Can you run with
-a chamois? can you wrestle with a bear? can you swim with an otter? If
-so, I'm your match. How many cities have you seen? how many knaves have
-you gulled? Which is dearest, bread or justice? Why do men pay more for
-the protection of life than life itself? Is cheatery a staple at
-Constantinople, as it is at Vienna? and what's the difference between a
-Baltic merchant and a Greek pirate? Tell me all this, and I will tell
-you who went in mourning in the moon at the death of the last comet. Who
-am I, indeed!"
-
-The embarrassment of the Prince and Vivian while Essper George addressed
-to Mr. Beckendorff these choice queries was indescribable. Once Vivian
-tried to check him, but in vain. He did not repeat his attempt, for he
-was sufficiently employed in restraining his own agitation and keeping
-his own countenance; for in spite of the mortification and anger that
-Essper's appearance had excited in him, still an unfortunate but innate
-taste for the ludicrous did not allow him to be perfectly insensible to
-the humour of the scene. Mr. Beckendorff listened quietly till Essper
-had finished; he then rose.
-
-"Mr. von Philipson," said he, "as a personal favour to yourself, and to
-my own great inconvenience, I consented that in this interview you
-should be attended by a friend. I did not reckon upon your servant, and
-it is impossible that I can tolerate his presence for a moment. You know
-how I live, and that my sole attendant is a female. I allow no male
-servants within this house. Even when his Royal Highness honours me with
-his presence he is unattended. I desire that I am immediately released
-from the presence of this buffoon."
-
-So saying, Mr. Beckendorff left the room.
-
-"Who are you?" said Essper, following him, with his back bent, his head
-on his chest, and his eyes glancing. The imitation was perfect.
-
-"Essper," said Vivian, "your conduct is inexcusable, the mischief that
-you have done irreparable, and your punishment shall be severe."
-
-"Severe! Why, what day did my master sell his gratitude for a silver
-groschen! Is this the return for finding you out, and saving you from a
-thousand times more desperate gang than that Baron at Ems! Severe indeed
-will be your lot when you are in a dungeon in Reisenburg Castle, with
-black bread for roast venison and sour water for Rhenish!"
-
-"Why, what are you talking about?"
-
-"Talking about! About treason, and arch traitors, and an old scoundrel
-who lives in a lone lane, and dares not look you straight in the face.
-Why, his very blink is enough to hang him without trial!"
-
-"Essper, cease immediately this rhodomontade, and then in distinct terms
-inform his Highness and myself of the causes of this unparalleled
-intrusion."
-
-The impressiveness of Vivian's manner produced a proper effect; and
-except that he spoke somewhat affectedly slow and ridiculously precise,
-Essper George delivered himself with great clearness.
-
-"You see, sir, you never let me know that you were going to leave, and
-so when I found that you did not come back, I made bold to speak to Mr.
-Arnelm when he came home from hunting; but I could not get enough breath
-out of him to stop a ladybird on a rose-leaf. I did not much like it,
-your honour, for I was among strangers, and so were you, you know. Well,
-then, I went to Master Rodolph: he was very kind to me, and seeing me in
-low spirits, and thinking me, I suppose, in love, or in debt, or that I
-had done some piece of mischief, or had something or other preying on
-my mind, he comes to me, and says, 'Essper,' said he; you remember
-Master Rodolph's voice, sir?"
-
-"To the point. Never let me hear Master Rodolph's name again."
-
-"Yes, sir! Well, well! he said to me, 'Come and dine with me in my
-room;' says I, 'I will.' A good offer should never be refused, unless we
-have a better one at the same time. Whereupon, after dinner, Master
-Rodolph said to me, 'We will have a bottle of Burgundy for a treat.' You
-see, sir, we were rather sick of the Rhenish. Well, sir, we were free
-with the wine; and Master Rodolph, who is never easy except when he
-knows everything, must be trying, you see, to get out of me what it was
-that made me so down in the mouth. I, seeing this, thought I would put
-off the secret to another bottle; which being produced, I did not
-conceal from him any longer what was making me so low. 'Rodolph,' said
-I, 'I do not like my young master going out in this odd way: he is of a
-temper to get into scrapes, and I should like very much to know what he
-and the Prince (saving your Highness' presence) are after. They have
-been shut up in that cabinet these two nights, and though I walked by
-the door pretty often, devil a bit of a word ever came through the
-key-hole; and so you see, Rodolph,' said I, 'it requires a bottle or two
-of Burgundy to keep my spirits up.' Well, your Highness, strange to say,
-no sooner had I spoken than Master Rodolph put his head across the
-little table; we dined at the little table on the right hand of the room
-as you enter--"
-
-"Go on."
-
-"I am going on. Well! he put his head across the little table, and said
-to me in a low whisper, cocking his odd-looking eye at the same time, 'I
-tell you what, Essper, you are a deuced sharp fellow!' and so, giving a
-shake of his head and another wink of his eye, he was quiet. I smelt a
-rat, but I did not begin to pump directly; but after the third bottle,
-'Rodolph,' said I, 'with regard to your last observation (for we had not
-spoken lately, Burgundy being too fat a wine for talking), we are both
-of us sharp fellows. I dare say, now, you and I are thinking of the same
-thing.' 'No doubt of it,' said Rodolph. And so, sir, he agreed to tell
-me what he was thinking of, on condition that I should be equally frank
-afterwards. Well, then, he told me that there were sad goings on at
-Turriparva."
-
-"The deuce!" said the Prince.
-
-"Let him tell his story," said Vivian.
-
-"Sad goings on at Turriparva! He wished that his Highness would hunt
-more and attend less to politics; and then he told me, quite
-confidentially, that his Highness the Prince, and Heaven knows how many
-other Princes besides, had leagued together, and were going to dethrone
-the Grand Duke, and that his master was to be made King, and he, Master
-Rodolph, Prime Minister. Hearing all this, and duly allowing for a tale
-over a bottle, I made no doubt, as I find to be the case, that you, good
-master, were about to be led into some mischief; and as I know that
-conspiracies are always unsuccessful, I have done my best to save my
-master; and I beseech you, upon my knees, to get out of the scrape as
-soon as you possibly can." Here Essper George threw himself at Vivian's
-feet, and entreated him to quit the house immediately.
-
-"Was ever anything so absurd and so mischievous!" ejaculated the Prince;
-and then he conversed with Vivian for some time in a whisper. "Essper,"
-at length Vivian said, "you have committed one of the most perfect and
-most injurious blunders that you could possibly perpetrate. The mischief
-which may result from your imprudent conduct is incalculable. How long
-is it since you have thought proper to regulate your conduct on the
-absurd falsehoods of a drunken steward? His Highness and myself wish to
-consult in private; but on no account leave the house. Now mind me; if
-you leave this house without my permission, you forfeit the little
-chance which remains of being retained in my service."
-
-"Where am I to go, sir?"
-
-"Stay in the passage."
-
-"Suppose" (here he imitated Beckendorff) "comes to me."
-
-"Then open the door and come into this room."
-
-"Well," said the Prince, when the door was at length shut, "one thing is
-quite clear. He does not know who Beckendorff is."
-
-"So far satisfactory; but I feel the force of your Highness'
-observations. It is a most puzzling case. To send him back to Turriparva
-would be madness: the whole affair would be immediately revealed over
-another bottle of Burgundy with Master Rodolph; in fact, your Highness'
-visit would be a secret to no one in the country, your host would be
-soon discovered, and the evil consequences are incalculable. I know no
-one to send him to at Reisenburg; and if I did, it appears to me that
-the same objections equally apply to his proceeding to that city as to
-his returning to Turriparva. What is to be done? Surely some demon must
-have inspired him. We cannot now request Beckendorff to allow him to
-stay here; and if we did, I am convinced, from his tone and manner, that
-nothing could induce him to comply with our wish. The only course to be
-pursued is certainly an annoying one; but, so far as I can judge, it is
-the only mode by which very serious mischief can be prevented. Let me
-proceed forthwith to Reisenburg with Essper. Placed immediately under my
-eye, and solemnly adjured by me to silence, I think I can answer,
-particularly when I give him a gentle hint of the station of
-Beckendorff, for his preserving the confidence with which it will now be
-our policy partially to entrust him. It is, to say the least, awkward
-and distressing to leave you alone; but what is to be done? It does not
-appear that I can now be of any material service to you. I have assisted
-you as much as, and more than, we could reasonably have supposed it
-would have been in my power to have done, by throwing some light upon
-the character and situation of Beckendorff. With the clue to his conduct
-which my chance meeting with him yesterday morning has afforded us, the
-only point for your Highness to determine is as to the length of time
-you will resolve to wait for his communication. As to your final
-agreement together, with your Highness' settled views and decided
-purpose, all the difficulty of negotiation will be on his side.
-Whatever, my dear Prince," continued Vivian, with a significant voice
-and marked emphasis, "whatever, my dear Prince, may be your secret
-wishes, be assured that to attain them in your present negotiation you
-have only to be firm. Let nothing divert you from your purpose, and the
-termination of this interview must be gratifying to you."
-
-The Prince of Little Lilliput was very disinclined to part with his
-shrewd counsellor, who had already done him considerable service, and he
-strongly opposed Vivian's proposition. His opposition, however, like
-that of most other persons, was unaccompanied by any suggestion of his
-own. And as both agreed that something must be done, it of course ended
-in the Prince being of opinion that Vivian's advice must be followed.
-The Prince was really much affected by this sudden and unexpected
-parting with one for whom, though he had known him so short a time, he
-began to entertain a sincere regard. "I owe you my life," said the
-Prince, "and perhaps more than my life; and here we are about suddenly
-to part, never to meet again. I wish I could get you to make Turriparva
-your home. You should have your own suite of rooms, your own horses,
-your own servants, and never feel for an instant that you were not
-master of all around you. In truth," continued the Prince, with great
-earnestness, "I wish, my dear friend, you would really think seriously
-of this. You know you could visit Vienna, and even Italy, and yet return
-to me. Max would be delighted to see you: he loves you already; and
-Sievers and his library would be at your command. Agree to my
-proposition, dear friend."
-
-"I cannot express to your Highness how sensible I am of your kindness.
-Your friendship I sincerely value and shall never forget; but I am too
-unhappy and unlucky a being to burden any one with my constant presence.
-Adieu! or will you go with me to Beckendorff?"
-
-"Oh, go with you by all means! But," said the Prince, taking a ruby ring
-of great antiquity off his finger, "I should feel happy if you would
-wear this for my sake."
-
-The Prince was so much affected at the thoughts of parting with Vivian
-that he could scarcely speak. Vivian accepted the ring with a cordiality
-which the kind-hearted donor deserved; and yet our hero unfortunately
-had had rather too much experience of the world not to be aware that,
-most probably, in less than another week, his affectionate friend would
-not be able to recall his name under an hour's recollection. Such are
-friends! The moment that we are not at their side we are neglected, and
-the moment that we die we are forgotten!
-
-They found Mr. Beckendorff in his library. In apprising Mr. Beckendorff
-of his intention of immediately quitting his roof, Vivian did not omit
-to state the cause of his sudden departure. These not only accounted for
-the abruptness of his movement, but also gave Beckendorff an opportunity
-of preventing its necessity, by allowing Essper to remain. But the
-opportunity was not seized by Mr. Beckendorff. The truth was, that
-gentleman had a particular wish to see Vivian out of his house. In
-allowing the Prince of Little Lilliput to be attended during the
-interview by a friend, Beckendorff had prepared himself for the
-reception of some brawny Jagd Junker, or some thick-headed chamberlain,
-who he reckoned would act rather as an incumbrance than an aid to his
-opponent. It was with great mortification therefore, that he found him
-accompanied by a shrewd, experienced, wary, and educated Englishman. A
-man like Beckendorff soon discovered that Vivian Grey's was no common
-mind. His conversation with him of the last night had given him some
-notion of his powers, and the moment that Beckendorff saw Essper George
-enter the house he determined that he should be the cause of Vivian
-leaving it. There was also another and weighty reason for Mr.
-Beckendorff desiring that the Prince of Little Lilliput should at this
-moment be left to himself.
-
-"Mr. Grey will ride on to Reisenburg immediately," said the Prince,
-"and, my dear friend, you may depend upon having your luggage by the day
-after to-morrow. I shall be at Turriparva early to-morrow, and it will
-be my first care."
-
-This was said in a loud voice, and both gentlemen watched Mr.
-Beckendorff's countenance as the information was given; but no emotion
-was visible.
-
-"Well, sir, good morning to you," said Mr. Beckendorff; "I am sorry you
-are going. Had I known it sooner I would have given you a letter. Mr.
-von Philipson," said Beckendorff, "do me the favour of looking over that
-paper." So saying, Mr. Beckendorff put some official report into the
-Prince's hand; and while his Highness' attention was attracted by this
-sudden request, Mr. Beckendorff laid his finger on Vivian's arm, and
-said in a lower tone, "I shall take care that you find a powerful friend
-at Reisenburg!"
-
-
-
-
-BOOK VII
-
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-
-As Vivian left the room Mr. Beckendorff was seized with an unusual
-desire to converse with the Prince of Little Lilliput, and his Highness
-was consequently debarred the consolation of walking with his friend as
-far as the horses. At the little gate Vivian and Essper encountered the
-only male attendant who was allowed to approach the house of Mr.
-Beckendorff. As Vivian quietly walked his horse up the rough turf road,
-he could not refrain from recurring to his conversation of the previous
-night; and when he called to mind the adventures of the last six days,
-he had new cause to wonder at, and perhaps to lament over, his singular
-fate. In that short time he had saved the life of a powerful Prince, and
-being immediately signalled out, without any exertion on his part, as
-the object of that Prince's friendship, the moment he arrives at his
-castle, by a wonderful contingency, he becomes the depositary of state
-secrets, and assists in a consultation of importance with one of the
-most powerful Ministers in Europe. And now the object of so much
-friendship, confidence, and honour, he is suddenly on the road to the
-capital of the State of which his late host is the Prime Minister and
-his friend the chief subject, without even the convenience of a common
-letter of introduction; and with little prospect of viewing, with even
-the usual advantages of a common traveller, one of the most interesting
-of European Courts.
-
-When he had proceeded about halfway up the turf lane he found a private
-road to his right, which, with that spirit of adventure for which
-Englishmen are celebrated, he immediately resolved must not only lead to
-Reisenburg, but also carry him to that city much sooner than the regular
-high road. He had not advanced far up this road before he came to the
-gate at which he had parted with Beckendorff on the morning that
-gentleman had roused him so unexpectedly from, his reverie in a green
-lane. He was surprised to find a horseman dismounting at the gate.
-Struck by this singular circumstance, the appearance of the stranger was
-not unnoticed. He was a tall and well proportioned man, and as the
-traveller passed he stared Vivian so fully in the face that our hero did
-not fail to remark his handsome countenance, the expression of which,
-however, was rather vacant and unpleasing. He was dressed in a
-riding-coat exactly similar to the one always worn by Beckendorff's
-messenger, and had Vivian not seen him so distinctly he would have
-mistaken him for that person. The stranger was rather indifferently
-mounted, and carried his cloak and a small portmanteau at the back of
-his saddle.
-
-"I suppose it is the butler," said Essper George, who now spoke for the
-first time since his dismissal from the room. Vivian did not answer him;
-not because he entertained any angry feeling on account of his
-exceedingly unpleasant visit. By no means: it was impossible for a man
-like Vivian Grey to cherish an irritated feeling for a second. But he
-did not exchange a syllable with Essper George, merely because he was
-not in the humour to speak. He could not refrain from musing on the
-singular events of the last few days; and, above all, the character of
-Beckendorff particularly engrossed his meditation. Their conversation of
-the preceding night excited in his mind new feelings of wonder, and
-revived emotions which he thought were dead or everlastingly dormant.
-Apparently, the philosophy on which Beckendorff had regulated his
-career, and by which he had arrived at his pitch of greatness, was
-exactly the same with which he himself, Vivian Grey, had started in
-life; which he had found so fatal in its consequences; which he believed
-to be so vain in its principles. How was this? What radical error had he
-committed? It required little consideration. Thirty, and more than
-thirty, years had passed over the head of Beckendorff ere the world felt
-his power, or indeed was conscious of his existence. A deep student, not
-only of man in detail, but of man in groups; not only of individuals,
-but of nations; Beckendorff had hived up his ample knowledge of all
-subjects which could interest his fellow-creatures, and when that
-opportunity which in this world occurs to all men occurred to
-Beckendorff he was prepared. With acquirements equal to his genius,
-Beckendorff depended only upon himself, and succeeded. Vivian Grey, with
-a mind inferior to no man's, dashed on the stage, in years a boy, though
-in feelings a man. Brilliant as might have been his genius, his
-acquirements necessarily were insufficient. He could not depend only
-upon himself; a consequent necessity arose to have recourse to the
-assistance of others; to inspire them with feelings which they could not
-share; and humour and manage the petty weaknesses which he himself could
-not experience. His colleagues were, at the same time, to work for the
-gratification of their own private interests, the most palpable of all
-abstract things; and to carry into execution a great purpose, which
-their feeble minds, interested only by the first point, cared not to
-comprehend. The unnatural combination failed, and its originator fell.
-To believe that he could recur again to the hopes, the feelings, the
-pursuits of his boyhood, he felt to be the vainest of delusions. It was
-the expectation of a man like Beckendorff, whose career, though
-difficult, though hazardous, had been uniformly successful; of a man who
-mistook cares for grief, and anxiety for sorrow.
-
-The travellers entered the city at sunset. Proceeding through an ancient
-and unseemly town, full of long, narrow, and ill-paved streets, and
-black unevenly built houses, they ascended the hill, on the top of which
-was situated the new and Residence town of Reisenburg. The proud
-palace, the white squares, the architectural streets, the new churches,
-the elegant opera house, the splendid hotels, and the gay public
-gardens, full of busts, vases, and statues, and surrounded by an iron
-railing cast out of the cannon taken from both sides during the war by
-the Reisenburg troops, and now formed into pikes and fasces, glittering
-with gilded heads: all these, shining in the setting sun, produced an
-effect which, at any time and in any place, would have been beautiful
-and striking; but on the present occasion were still more so, from the
-remarkable contrast they afforded to the ancient, gloomy, and filthy
-town through which Vivian had just passed, and where, from the lowness
-of its situation, the sun had already set. There was as much difference
-between the old and new town of Reisenburg as between the old barbarous
-Margrave and the new and noble Grand Duke.
-
-On the second day after his arrival at Reisenburg, Vivian received the
-following letter from the Prince of Little Lilliput. His luggage did not
-accompany the epistle.
-
-"My Dear Friend,
-
-"By the time you have received this I shall have returned to Turriparva.
-My visit to a certain gentleman was prolonged for one day. I never can
-convey to you by words the sense I entertain of the value of your
-friendship and of your services; I trust that time will afford me
-opportunities of testifying it by my actions. I return home by the same
-road by which we came; you remember how excellent the road was, as
-indeed are all the roads in Reisenburg; that must be confessed by all. I
-fear that the most partial admirers of the old regime cannot say as much
-for the convenience of travelling in the time of our fathers. Good roads
-are most excellent things, and one of the first marks of civilisation
-and prosperity. The Emperor Napoleon, who, it must be confessed, had,
-after all, no common mind, was celebrated for his roads. You have
-doubtless admired the Route Napoleon on the Rhine, and if you travel
-into Italy I am informed that you will be equally, and even more, struck
-by the passage over the Simplon and the other Italian roads. Reisenburg
-has certainly kept pace with the spirit of the time; nobody can deny
-that; and I confess to you that the more I consider the subject it
-appears to me that the happiness, prosperity, and content of a state are
-the best evidences of the wisdom and beneficent rule of a government.
-Many things are very excellent in theory, which are quite the reverse
-in practice, and even ludicrous. And while we should do our most to
-promote the cause and uphold the interests of rational liberty, still,
-at the same time, we should ever be on our guard against the crude ideas
-and revolutionary systems of those who are quite inexperienced in that
-sort of particular knowledge which is necessary for all statesmen.
-Nothing is so easy as to make things look fine on paper; we should never
-forget that there is a great difference between high-sounding
-generalities and laborious details. Is it reasonable to expect that men
-who have passed their lives dreaming in colleges and old musty studies
-should be at all calculated to take the head of affairs, or know what
-measures those at the head of affairs ought to adopt? I think not. A
-certain personage, who by-the-bye is one of the most clear-headed and
-most perfect men of business that I ever had the pleasure of being
-acquainted with; a real practical man, in short; he tells me that
-Professor Skyrocket, whom you will most likely see at Reisenburg, wrote
-an article in the Military Quarterly Review, which is published there,
-on the probable expenses of a war between Austria and Prussia, and
-forgot the commissariat altogether. Did you ever know anything so
-ridiculous? What business have such fellows to meddle with affairs of
-state? They should certainly be put down: that, I think, none can deny.
-A liberal spirit in government is certainly a most excellent thing; but
-we must always remember that liberty may degenerate into licentiousness.
-Liberty is certainly an excellent thing, that all admit; but, as a
-certain person very well observed, so is physic, and yet it is not to be
-given at all times, but only when the frame is in a state to require it.
-People may be as unprepared for a wise and discreet use of liberty, as a
-vulgar person may be for the management of a great estate unexpectedly
-inherited: there is a great deal in this, and, in my opinion, there are
-cases in which to force liberty down a people's throat is presenting
-them, not with a blessing, but a curse. I shall send your luggage on
-immediately; it is very probable that I may be in town at the end of the
-week, for a short time. I wish much to see and to consult you, and
-therefore hope that you will not leave Reisenburg before you see
-
-"Your faithful and obliged friend,
-
-"LITTLE LILLIPUT."
-
-Two days after the receipt of this letter Essper George ran into the
-room with a much less solemn physiognomy than he had thought proper to
-assume since his master's arrival at Reisenburg.
-
-"Lord, sir; whom do you think I have just met?"
-
-"Whom?" asked Vivian, with eagerness, for, as is always the case when
-such questions are asked us, he was thinking of every person in the
-world except the right one. "It might be--"
-
-"To think that I should see him!" continued Essper.
-
-"It is a man, then," thought Vivian; "who is it at once, Essper?"
-
-"I thought you would not guess, sir! It will quite cure you to hear it;
-Master Rodolph!"
-
-"Master Rodolph!"
-
-"Ay! and there's great news in the wind."
-
-"Which of course you have confidentially extracted from him. Pray let us
-have it."
-
-"The Prince of Little Lilliput is coming to Reisenburg," said Essper.
-
-"Well! I had some idea of that before," said Vivian.
-
-"Oh! then, you know it all, sir, I suppose," said Essper, with a look of
-great disappointment.
-
-"I know nothing more than I have mentioned," said his master.
-
-"What! do you not know, sir, that the Prince has come over; that he is
-going to live at Court; and be, Heaven knows what! That he is to carry a
-staff every day before the Grand Duke at dinner; does not my master
-know that?"
-
-"I know nothing of all this; and so tell me in plain German what the
-case is."
-
-"Well, then," continued Essper, "I suppose you do not know that his
-Highness the Prince is to be his Excellency the Grand Marshal, that
-unfortunate but principal officer of state having received his dismissal
-yesterday. They are coming up immediately. Not a moment is to be lost,
-which seems to me very odd. Master Rodolph is arranging everything; and
-he has this morning purchased from his master's predecessor his palace,
-furniture, wines, and pictures; in short, his whole establishment: the
-late Grand Marshal consoling himself for his loss of office, and
-revenging himself on his successor, by selling him his property at a
-hundred per cent. profit. However, Master Rodolph seems quite contented
-with his bargain; and your luggage is come, sir. His Highness, the
-Prince, will be in town at the end of the week; and all the men are to
-be put in new livery. Mr. Arnelm is to be his Highness' chamberlain, and
-Von Neuwied master of the horse. So you see, sir, you were right; and
-that old puss in boots was no traitor, after all. Upon my soul, I did
-not much believe you, sir, until I heard all this good news."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-
-About a week after his arrival at Reisenburg, as Vivian was at
-breakfast, the door opened, and Mr. Sievers entered.
-
-"I did not think that our next meeting would be in this city," said Mr.
-Sievers, smiling.
-
-"His Highness, of course, informed me of your arrival," said Vivian, as
-he greeted him cordially.
-
-"You, I understand, are the diplomatist whom I am to thank for finding
-myself again at Reisenburg. Let me, at the same time, express my
-gratitude for your kind offices to me, and congratulate you on the
-brilliancy of your talents for negotiation. Little did I think, when I
-was giving you, the other day, an account of Mr. Beckendorff, that the
-information would have been of such service to you.
-
-"I am afraid you have nothing to thank me for; though, certainly, had
-the office of arranging the terms between the parties devolved on me, my
-first thoughts would have been for a gentleman for whom I have so much
-regard and respect as Mr. Sievers."
-
-"Sir! I feel honoured: you already speak like a finished courtier. Pray,
-what is to be your office?"
-
-"I fear Mr. Beckendorff will not resign in my favour; and my ambition is
-so exalted that I cannot condescend to take anything under the
-Premiership."
-
-"You are not to be tempted by a Grand Marshalship!" said Mr. Sievers.
-"You hardly expected, when you were at Turriparva, to witness such a
-rapid termination of the patriotism of our good friend. I think you said
-you have seen him since your arrival: the interview must have
-been piquant!"
-
-"Not at all. I immediately congratulated him on the judicious
-arrangements which had been concluded; and, to relieve his awkwardness,
-took some credit to myself for having partially assisted in bringing
-about the result. The subject was not again mentioned, and I dare say
-never will be."
-
-"It is a curious business," said Sievers. "The Prince is a man who,
-rather than have given me up to the Grand Duke; me, with whom he was not
-connected, and who, of my own accord, sought his hospitality; sooner, I
-repeat, than have delivered me up, he would have had his castle razed to
-the ground and fifty swords through his heart; and yet, without the
-slightest compunction, has this same man deserted, with the greatest
-coolness, the party of which, ten days ago, he was the zealous leader.
-How can you account for this, except it be, as I have long suspected,
-that in politics there positively is no feeling of honour? Every one is
-conscious that not only himself, but his colleagues and his rivals, are
-working for their own private purpose; and that however a party may
-apparently be assisting in bringing about a result of common benefit,
-that nevertheless, and in fact, each is conscious that he is the tool of
-another. With such an understanding, treason is an expected affair; and
-the only point to consider is, who shall be so unfortunate as to be the
-deserted, instead of the deserter. It is only fair to his Highness to
-state that Beckendorff gave him incontestable evidence that he had had a
-private interview with every one of the mediatised Princes. They were
-the dupes of the wily Minister. In these negotiations he became
-acquainted with their plans and characters, and could estimate the
-probability of their success. The golden bribe, which was in turn
-dandled before the eyes of all, had been always reserved for the most
-powerful, our friend. His secession and the consequent desertion of his
-relatives destroy the party for ever; while, at the same time, that
-party have not even the consolation of a good conscience to uphold them
-in their adversity; but feel that in case of their clamour, or of any
-attempt to stir up the people by their hollow patriotism, it is in the
-power of the Minister to expose and crush them for ever."
-
-"All this," said Vivian, "makes me the more rejoice that our friend has
-got out of their clutches; he will make an excellent Grand Marshal; and
-you must not forget, my dear sir, that he did not forget you. To tell
-you the truth, although I did not flatter myself that I should benefit
-during my stay at Reisenburg by his influence, I am not the least
-surprised at the termination of our visit to Mr. Beckendorff. I have
-seen too many of these affairs not to have been quite aware, the whole
-time, that it would require very little trouble, and very few sacrifices
-on the part of Mr. Beckendorff, to quash the whole cabal. By-the-bye,
-our visit to him was highly amusing; he is a singular man."
-
-"He has had, nevertheless," said Sievers, "a difficult part to play. Had
-it not been for you, the Prince would have perhaps imagined that he was
-only trifling with him again, and terminated the interview abruptly and
-in disgust. Having brought the Grand Duke to terms, and having arranged
-the interview, Beckendorff of course imagined that all was finished. The
-very day that you arrived at his house he had received despatches from
-his Royal Highness, recalling his promise, and revoking Beckendorff's
-authority to use his unlimited discretion in this business. The
-difficulty then was to avoid discussion with the Prince, with whom he
-was not prepared to negotiate; and, at the same time, without letting
-his Highness out of his sight, to induce the Grand Duke to resume his
-old view of the case. The first night that you were there Beckendorff
-rode up to Reisenburg, saw the Grand Duke, was refused, through the
-intrigues of Madame Carolina, the requested authority, and resigned his
-power. When he was a mile on his return, he was summoned back to the
-palace; and his Royal Highness asked, as a favour from his tutor,
-four-and-twenty hours' consideration. This Beckendorff granted, on the
-condition that, in case the Grand Duke assented to the terms proposed,
-his Royal Highness should himself be the bearer of the proposition; and
-that there should be no more written promises to recall, and no more
-written authorities to revoke. The terms were hard, but Beckendorff was
-inflexible. On the second night of your visit a messenger arrived with a
-despatch, advising Beckendorff of the intended arrival of his Royal
-Highness on the next morning. The ludicrous intrusion of your amusing
-servant prevented you from being present at the great interview, in
-which I understand Beckendorff for the moment laid aside all his
-caprices. Our friend acted with great firmness and energy. He would not
-be satisfied even with the personal pledge and written promise of the
-Grand Duke, but demanded that he should receive the seals of office
-within a week; so that, had the Court not been sincere, his situation
-with his former party would not have been injured. It is astonishing how
-very acute even a dull man is when his own interests are at stake. Had
-his Highness been the agent of another person, he would probably have
-committed many blunders, have made disadvantageous terms, or perhaps
-have been thoroughly duped. Self-interest is the finest eye-water."
-
-"And what says Madame Carolina to all this?"
-
-"Oh! according to custom, she has changed already, and thinks the whole
-business admirably arranged. His Highness is her grand favourite, and my
-little pupil Max her pet. I think, however, on the whole, the boy is
-fondest of the Grand Duke, whom, if you remember, he was always
-informing you in confidence that he intended to assassinate. And as for
-your obedient servant," said Sievers, bowing, "here am I once more the
-Aristarchus of her coterie. Her friends, by-the-bye, view the accession
-of the Prince with no pleased eyes; and, anticipating that his juncture
-with the Minister is only a prelude to their final dispersion, they are
-compensating for the approaching termination of their career by unusual
-violence and fresh fervour, stinging like mosquitoes before a storm,
-conscious of their impending destruction from the clearance of the
-atmosphere. As for myself, I have nothing more to do with them. Liberty
-and philosophy are fine words; but until I find men are prepared to
-cultivate them both in a wiser spirit I shall remain quiet. I have no
-idea of being banished and imprisoned because a parcel of knaves are
-making a vile use of the truths which I disseminate. In my opinion,
-philosophers have said enough; now let men act. But all this time I have
-forgotten to ask you how you like Reisenburg."
-
-"I can hardly say; with the exception of yesterday, when I rode Max
-round the ramparts, I have not been once out of the hotel. But to-day I
-feel so well that, if you are disposed for a lounge, I should like it
-above all things."
-
-"I am quite at your service; but I must not forget that I am the bearer
-of a missive to you from his Excellency the Grand Marshal. You are
-invited to join the court dinner to-day, and be presented--"
-
-"Really, my dear sir, an invalid--"
-
-"Well! if you do not like it, you must make your excuses to him; but it
-really is the pleasantest way of commencing your acquaintance at Court,
-and only allowed to distingues; among which, as you are the friend of
-the new Grand Marshal, you are of course considered. No one is petted so
-much as a political apostate, except, perhaps, a religious one; so at
-present we are all in high feather. You had better dine at the palace
-to-day. Everything quite easy; and, by an agreeable relaxation of state,
-neither swords, bags, nor trains are necessary. Have you seen the
-palace? I suppose not. We will look at it, and then call on the Prince."
-
-The gentlemen accordingly left the hotel; and proceeding down the
-principal street of the New Town, they came into a large square, or
-Place d'Armes. A couple of regiments of infantry were exercising in it.
-
-"A specimen of our standing army," said Sievers. "In the war time, this
-little State brought thirty thousand highly-disciplined and
-well-appointed troops into the field. This efficient contingent was, at
-the same time, the origin of our national prosperity and our national
-debt. For we have a national debt, sir! I assure you we are proud of it,
-and consider it the most decided sign of being a great people. Our force
-in times of peace is, of course, much reduced. We have, however, still
-eight thousand men, who are perfectly unnecessary. The most curious
-thing is, that, to keep up the patronage of the Court and please the
-nobility, though we have cut down our army two-thirds, we have never
-reduced the number of our generals; and so, at this moment, among our
-eight thousand men, we count about forty general officers, being one to
-every two hundred privates. We have, however, which perhaps you would
-not suspect, one military genius among our multitude of heroes. The
-Count von Sohnspeer is worthy of being one of Napoleon's marshals. Who
-he is no one exactly knows; some say an illegitimate son of Beckendorff.
-Certain it is that he owes his nobility to his sword; and as certain it
-is that he is to be counted among the very few who share the Minister's
-confidence. Von Sohnspeer has certainly performed a thousand brilliant
-exploits; yet, in my opinion, the not least splendid day of his life was
-that of the battle of Leipsic. He was on the side of the French, and
-fought against the Allies with desperate fury. When he saw that all was
-over, and the Allies triumphant, calling out 'Germany for ever!' he
-dashed against his former friends, and captured from the flying Gauls a
-hundred pieces of cannon. He hastened to the tent of the Emperors with
-his blood-red sword in his hand, and at the same time congratulated them
-on the triumph of their cause, and presented them with his hard-earned
-trophies. The manoeuvre was perfectly successful; and the troops of
-Reisenburg, complimented as true Germans, were pitied for their former
-unhappy fate in being forced to fight against their fatherland, and were
-immediately enrolled in the allied army; as such, they received a due
-share of all the plunder. He is a grand genius, young Master von
-Sohnspeer?"
-
-"Decidedly! Worthy of being a companion of the fighting bastards of the
-middle ages. This is a fine square."
-
-"Very grand indeed! Precedents for some of the architectural
-combinations could hardly be found at Athens or Rome; nevertheless the
-general effect is magnificent. Do you admire this plan of making every
-elevation of an order consonant with the purpose of the building? See,
-for instance, on the opposite side of the square is the palace. The
-Corinthian order, which is evident in all its details, suits well the
-character of the structure. It accords with royal pomp and elegance,
-with fetes and banquets, and interior magnificence. On the other hand,
-what a happy contrast is afforded to this gorgeous structure by the
-severe simplicity of this Tuscan Palace of Justice. The School of Arts,
-in the farthest corner of the square, is properly entered through an
-Ionic portico. Let us go into the palace. Here not only does our monarch
-reside, but (an arrangement which I much admire) here are deposited, in
-a gallery worthy of the treasures it contains, our superb collection of
-pictures. They are the private property of his Royal Highness; but, as
-is usually the case under despotic Princes, the people, equally his
-property, are flattered by the collection being styled the 'Public
-Gallery.'"
-
-The hour of the court dinner at Reisenburg was two o'clock, about which
-time, in England, a man first remembers the fatal necessity of shaving;
-though, by-the-bye, this allusion is not a very happy one, for in this
-country shaving is a ceremony at present somewhat obsolete. At two
-o'clock, however, our hero, accompanying the Grand Marshal and Mr.
-Sievers, reached the palace. In the saloon were assembled various
-guests, chiefly attached to the Court. Immediately after the arrival of
-our party, the Grand Duke and Madame Carolina, followed by their
-chamberlains and ladies in waiting, entered. The little Prince
-Maximilian strutted in between his Royal Highness and his fair Consort,
-having hold of a hand of each. The urchin was much changed in appearance
-since Vivian first saw him; he was dressed in the complete uniform of a
-captain of the Royal Guards, having been presented with a commission on
-the day of his arrival at Court. A brilliant star glittered on his
-scarlet coat, and paled the splendour of his golden epaulettes. The
-duties, however, of the princely captain were at present confined to the
-pleasing exertion of carrying the bon-bon box of Madame Carolina, the
-contents of which were chiefly reserved for his own gratification. In
-the Grand Duke Vivian was not surprised to recognise the horseman whom
-he had met in the private road on the morning of his departure from Mr.
-Beckendorff's; his conversation with Sievers had prepared him for this.
-Madame Carolina was in appearance Parisian of the highest order: that is
-to say, an exquisite figure and an indescribable tournure, an invisible
-foot, a countenance full of esprit and intelligence, without a single
-regular feature, and large and very bright black eyes. Madame's hair was
-of the same colour, and arranged in the most effective manner. Her
-cashmere would have graced the Feast of Roses, and so engrossed your
-attention that it was long before you observed the rest of her costume,
-in which, however, traces of a creative genius were immediately visible;
-in short, Madame Carolina was not fashionable, but fashion herself. In a
-subsequent chapter, at a ball which we have in preparation, we will make
-up for this brief notice of her costume by publishing her court dress.
-For the sake of our fair readers, however, we will not pass over the
-ornament in her hair. The comb which supported her elaborate curls was
-invisible, except at each end, whence it threw out a large Psyche's wing
-of golden web, the eyes of which were formed of rubies encircled with
-turquoises.
-
-The Royal party made a progress round the circle. Madame Carolina first
-presented her delicate and faintly-rouged cheek to the hump-backed Crown
-Prince, who scarcely raised his eyes from the ground as he performed the
-accustomed courtesy. One or two Royal relatives, who were on a visit at
-the palace, were honoured by the same compliment. The Grand Duke bowed
-graciously and gracefully to every individual; and his lady accompanied
-the bow by a speech, which was at the same time personal and piquant.
-The first great duty of a monarch is to know how to bow skilfully!
-nothing is more difficult, and nothing more important. A Royal bow may
-often quell a rebellion, and sometimes crush a conspiracy. It should at
-the same time be both general and individual; equally addressed to the
-company assembled, and to every single person in the assembly. Our own
-sovereign bows to perfection. His bow is eloquent, and will always
-render an oration on his part unnecessary; which is a great point, for
-harangues are not regal. Nothing is more undignified than to make a
-speech. It is from the first an acknowledgment that you are under the
-necessity of explaining, or conciliating, or convincing, or confuting;
-in short, that you are not omnipotent, but opposed.
-
-The bow of the Grand Duke of Reisenburg was a first-rate bow, and always
-produced a great sensation with the people, particularly if it were
-followed up by a proclamation for a public fete or fireworks; then his
-Royal Highness' popularity was at its height. But Madame Carolina, after
-having by a few magic sentences persuaded the whole room that she took a
-peculiar interest in the happiness of every individual present, has
-reached Vivian, who stood next to his friend the Grand Marshal. He was
-presented by that great officer, and received most graciously. For a
-moment the room thought that his Royal Highness was about to speak; but
-he only smiled. Madame Carolina, however, said a great deal; and stood
-not less than sixty seconds complimenting the English nation, and
-particularly the specimen of that celebrated people who now had the
-honour of being presented to her. No one spoke more in a given time than
-Madame Carolina; and as, while the eloquent words fell from her deep red
-lips, her bright eyes were invariably fixed on those of the person she
-addressed, what she did say, as invariably, was very effective. Vivian
-had only time to give a nod of recognition to his friend Max, for the
-company, arm-in-arm, now formed into a procession to the dining saloon.
-Vivian was parted from the Grand Marshal, who, as the highest officer of
-state present, followed immediately after the Grand Duke. Our hero's
-companion was Mr. Sievers. Although it was not a state dinner, the
-party, from being swelled by the suites of the royal visitors, was
-numerous; and as the Court occupied the centre of the table, Vivian was
-too distant to listen to the conversation of Madame, who, however, he
-well perceived, from the animation of her countenance, was delighted and
-delighting. The Grand Duke spoke little, but listened, like a lover of
-three days, to the accents of his accomplished consort. The arrangement
-of a German dinner promotes conversation. The numerous dishes are at
-once placed upon the table; and when the curious eye has well examined
-their contents, the whole dinner, untouched, disappears. Although this
-circumstance is rather alarming to a novice, his terror soon gives
-place to self-congratulation when he finds the banquet re-appear, each
-dish completely carved and cut up.
-
-"Not being Sunday," said Mr. Sievers, "there is no opera to-night. We
-are to meet again, I believe, at the palace, in a few hours, at Madame
-Carolina's soiree. In the meantime, you had better accompany his
-Excellency to the public gardens; that is the fashionable drive. I shall
-go home and smoke a pipe."
-
-The circle of the public gardens of Reisenburg exhibited exactly,
-although upon a smaller scale, the same fashions and the same
-frivolities, the same characters and the same affectations, as the Hyde
-Park of London, or the Champs Elysees of Paris, the Prater of Vienna,
-the Corso of Rome or Milan, or the Cascine of Florence. There was the
-female leader of ton, hated by her own sex and adored by the other, and
-ruling both; ruling both by the same principle of action, and by the
-influence of the same quality which creates the arbitress of fashion in
-all countries, by courage to break through the conventional customs of
-an artificial class, and by talents to ridicule all those who dare
-follow her innovating example; attracting universal notice by her own
-singularity, and at the same time conciliating the support of those from
-whom she dares to differ, by employing her influence in preventing
-others from violating their laws. The arbitress of fashion is one who is
-allowed to be singular, in order that she may suppress singularity; she
-is exempted from all laws; but, by receiving the dictatorship, she
-ensures the despotism. Then there was that mysterious being whose
-influence is perhaps even more surprising than the dominion of the
-female despot of manners, for she wields a power which can be analysed
-and comprehended; I mean the male authority in coats, cravats, and
-chargers; who, without fortune and without rank, and sometimes merely
-through the bold obtrusion of a fantastic taste, becomes the glass of
-fashion in which even royal dukes and the most aristocratic nobles
-hasten to adjust themselves, and the mould by which the ingenious youth
-of a whole nation is enthusiastically formed. There is a Brummell in
-every country.
-
-Vivian, who, after a round or two with the Grand Marshal, had mounted
-Max, was presented by the young Count von Bernstorff, the son of the
-Grand Chamberlain, to whose care he had been specially commended by the
-Prince, to the lovely Countess von S----. The examination of this high
-authority was rigid and her report satisfactory. When Vivian quitted
-the side of her britzska half a dozen dandies immediately rode up to
-learn the result, and, on being informed, they simultaneously cantered
-up to young von Bernstorff, and requested to have the honour of being
-introduced to his highly-interesting friend. All these exquisites wore
-white hats lined with crimson, in consequence of the head of the
-all-influential Emilius von Aslingen having, on the preceding day, been
-kept sacred from the profaning air by that most tasteful covering. The
-young lords were loud in their commendations of this latest evidence of
-von Aslingen's happy genius, and rallied with unmerciful spirit the
-unfortunate von Bernstorff for not having yet mounted the all-perfect
-chapeau. Like all von Aslingen's introductions, it was as remarkable for
-good taste as for striking singularity; they had no doubt it would have
-a great run, exactly the style of thing for a hot autumn, and it suited
-so admirably with the claret-coloured riding coat which Madame
-considered von Aslingen's chef-d'oeuvre. Inimitable von Aslingen! As
-they were in these raptures, to Vivian's delight and to their dismay,
-the object of their admiration appeared. Our hero was, of course,
-anxious to see so interesting a character; but he could scarcely believe
-that he, in fact, beheld the ingenious introducer of white and crimson
-hats, and the still happier inventor of those chef-d'oeuvres,
-claret-coloured riding coats, when his attention was directed to a
-horseman who wore a peculiarly high heavy black hat and a frogged and
-furred frock, buttoned up, although it was a most sultry day, to his
-very nose. How singular is the slavery of fashion! Notwithstanding their
-mortification, the unexpected costume of von Aslingen appeared only to
-increase the young lords' admiration of his character and
-accomplishments; and instead of feeling that he was an insolent
-pretender, whose fame originated in his insulting their tastes, and
-existed only by their sufferance, all cantered away with the
-determination of wearing on the next day, even if it were to cost them
-each a calenture, furs enough to keep a man warm during a winter party
-at St. Petersburg, not that winter parties ever take place there; on the
-contrary, before the winter sets in, the Court moves on to Moscow,
-which, from its situation and its climate, will always, in fact,
-continue the real capital of Russia.
-
-The royal carriage, drawn by six horses and backed by three men
-servants, who would not have disgraced the fairy equipage of Cinderella,
-has now left the gardens.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-
-Madame Carolina held her soiree in her own private apartments, the Grand
-Duke himself appearing in the capacity of a visitor. The company was
-numerous and brilliant. His Royal Highness, surrounded by a select
-circle, dignified one corner of the saloon; Madame Carolina at the other
-end of the room, in the midst of poets, philosophers, and politicians,
-in turn decided upon the most interesting and important topics of
-poetry, philosophy, and politics. Boston, and Zwicken, and whist
-interested some, and puzzles and other ingenious games others. A few
-were above conversing, or gambling, or guessing; superior intelligences,
-who would neither be interested nor amused, among these Emilius von
-Aslingen was most prominent. He leant against a door in full uniform,
-with his vacant eyes fixed on no object. The others were only awkward
-copies of an easy original; and among these, stiff or stretching,
-lounging on a chaise-lounge, or posted against the wall, Vivian's quick
-eye recognised more than one of the unhappy votaries of white hats lined
-with crimson.
-
-When Vivian made his bow to the Grand Duke he was surprised by his Royal
-Highness coming forward a few steps from the surrounding circle and
-extending to him his hand. His Royal Highness continued conversing with
-him for upwards of a quarter of an hour; expressed the great pleasure he
-felt at seeing at his Court a gentleman of whose abilities he had the
-highest opinion; and, after a variety of agreeable compliments
-(compliments are doubly agreeable from crowned heads), the Grand Duke
-retired to a game of Boston with his royal visitors. Vivian's reception
-made a sensation through the room. Various rumours were
-immediately afloat.
-
-"Who can he be?"
-
-"Don't you know? Oh! most curious story. Killed a boar as big as a
-bonasus, which was ravaging half Reisenburg, and saved the lives of his
-Excellency the Grand Marshal and his whole suite."
-
-"What is that about the Grand Marshal and a boar as big as a bonasus?
-Quite wrong; natural son of Beckendorff; know it for a fact. Don't you
-see he is being introduced to von Sohnspeer! brothers, you know, managed
-the whole business about the leagued Princes; not a son of Beckendorff,
-only a particular friend; the son of the late General--, I forget his
-name exactly. Killed at Leipsic, you know; that famous general; what was
-his name? that very famous general; don't you remember? Never mind;
-well! he is his son; father particular friend of Beckendorff; college
-friend; brought up the orphan; very handsome of him! They say he does
-handsome things sometimes."
-
-"Ah! well, I've heard so too; and so this young man is to be the new
-under-secretary! very much approved by the Countess von S----."
-
-"No, it can't be! your story is quite wrong. He is an Englishman."
-
-"An Englishman! no!"
-
-"Yes he is. I had it from Madame; high rank incog.; going to Vienna;
-secret mission."
-
-"Something to do with Greece, of course; independence recognised?"
-
-"Oh! certainly; pay a tribute to the Porte, and governed by a hospodar.
-Admirable arrangement! have to support their own government and a
-foreign one besides!"
-
-It was with pleasure that Vivian at length observed Mr. Sievers enter
-the room, and extricating himself from the enlightened and enthusiastic
-crowd who were disserting round the tribunal of Madame, he hastened to
-his amusing friend.
-
-"Ah! my dear sir, how glad I am to see you! I have, since we met last,
-been introduced to your fashionable ruler, and some of her most
-fashionable slaves. I have been honoured by a long conversation with his
-Royal Highness, and have listened to some of the most eloquent of the
-Carolina coterie. What a Babel! there all are, at the same time, talkers
-and listeners. To what a pitch of perfection may the 'science' of
-conversation be carried! My mind teems with original ideas, to which I
-can annex no definite meaning. What a variety of contradictory theories,
-which are all apparently sound! I begin to suspect that there is a great
-difference between reasoning and reason!"
-
-"Your suspicion is well founded, my dear sir," said Mr. Sievers; "and I
-know no circumstance which would sooner prove it than listening for a
-few minutes to this little man in a snuff-coloured coat near me. But I
-will save you from so terrible a demonstration. He has been endeavouring
-to catch my eye these last ten minutes, and I have as studiously avoided
-seeing him. Let us move."
-
-"Willingly; who may this fear-inspiring monster be?"
-
-"A philosopher," said Mr. Sievers, "as most of us call ourselves here;
-that is to say, his profession is to observe the course of Nature; and
-if by chance he can discover any slight deviation of the good dame from
-the path which our ignorance has marked out as her only track, he claps
-his hands, cries [Greek: euraeka]! and is dubbed 'illustrious' on the
-spot. Such is the world's reward for a great discovery, which generally,
-in a twelvemonth's time, is found out to be a blunder of the
-philosopher, and not an eccentricity of Nature. I am not underrating
-those great men who, by deep study, or rather by some mysterious
-inspiration, have produced combinations and effected results which have
-materially assisted the progress of civilisation and the security of our
-happiness. No, no! to them be due adoration. Would that the reverence of
-posterity could be some consolation to these great spirits for neglect
-and persecution when they lived! I have invariably observed of great
-natural philosophers, that if they lived in former ages they were
-persecuted as magicians, and in periods which profess to be more
-enlightened they have always been ridiculed as quacks. The succeeding
-century the real quack arises. He adopts and develops the suppressed,
-and despised, and forgotten discovery of his unfortunate predecessor!
-and Fame trumpets this resurrection-man of science with as loud a blast
-of rapture as if, instead of being merely the accidental animator of the
-corpse, he were the cunning artist himself who had devised and executed
-the miraculous machinery which the other had only wound up."
-
-"But in this country," said Vivian, "surely you have no reason to
-complain of the want of moral philosophers, or of the respect paid to
-them. The country of Kant--, of ----"
-
-"Yes, yes! we have plenty of metaphysicians, if you mean them. Watch
-that lively-looking gentleman, who is stuffing kalte schale so
-voraciously in the corner. The leader of the Idealists, a pupil of the
-celebrated Fichte! To gain an idea of his character, know that he
-out-Herods his master; and Fichte is to Kant what Kant is to the
-unenlightened vulgar. You can now form a slight conception of the
-spiritual nature of our friend who is stuffing kalte schale. The first
-principle of his school is to reject all expressions which incline in
-the slightest degree to substantiality. Existence is, in his opinion, a
-word too absolute. Being, principle, essence, are terms scarcely
-sufficiently ethereal even to indicate the subtile shadowings of his
-opinions. Some say that he dreads the contact of all real things, and
-that he makes it the study of his life to avoid them. Matter is his
-great enemy. When you converse with him you lose all consciousness of
-this world. My dear sir," continued Mr. Sievers, "observe how
-exquisitely Nature revenges herself upon these capricious and fantastic
-children. Believe me, Nature is the most brilliant of wits; and that no
-repartees that were ever inspired by hate, or wine, or beauty, ever
-equalled the calm effects of her indomitable power upon those who are
-rejecting her authority. You understand me? Methinks that the best
-answer to the idealism of M. Fichte is to see his pupil devouring
-kalte schale!"
-
-"And this is really one of your great lights?"
-
-"Verily! His works are the most famous and the most unreadable in all
-Germany. Surely you have heard of his 'Treatise on Man?' A treatise on a
-subject in which everyone is interested, written in a style which no one
-can understand."
-
-"You think, then," said Vivian, "that posterity may rank the German
-metaphysicians with the later Platonists?"
-
-"I hardly know; they are a body of men not less acute, but I doubt
-whether they will be as celebrated. In this age of print, notoriety is
-more attainable than in the age of manuscript; but lasting fame
-certainly is not. That tall thin man in black that just bowed to me is
-the editor of one of our great Reisenburg reviews. The journal he edits
-is one of the most successful periodical publications ever set afloat.
-Among its contributors, may assuredly be classed many men of eminent
-talents; yet to their abilities the surprising success and influence of
-this work is scarcely to be ascribed. It is the result rather of the
-consistent spirit which has always inspired its masterly critiques. One
-principle has ever regulated its management; it is a simple rule, but an
-effective one: every author is reviewed by his personal enemy. You may
-imagine the point of the critique; but you would hardly credit, if I
-were to inform you, the circulation of the review. You will tell me that
-you are not surprised, and talk of the natural appetite of our species
-for malice and slander. Be not too quick. The rival of this review, both
-in influence and in sale, is conducted on as simple a principle, but not
-a similar one. In this journal every author is reviewed by his personal
-friend; of course, perfect panegyric. Each number is flattering as a
-lover's tale; every article an eloge. What say you to this? These are
-the influential literary and political journals of Reisenburg. There
-was yet another; it was edited by an eloquent scholar; all its
-contributors were, at the same time, brilliant and profound. It numbered
-among its writers some of the most celebrated names in Germany; its
-critiques and articles were as impartial as they were able, as sincere
-as they were sound; it never paid the expense of the first number. As
-philanthropists and admirers of our species, my dear sir, these are
-gratifying results; they satisfactorily demonstrate that mankind have no
-innate desire for scandal, calumny, and backbiting; it only proves that
-they have an innate desire to be gulled and deceived."
-
-"And who is that?" said Vivian.
-
-"That is von Chronicle, our great historical novelist. When I first came
-to Reisenburg, now eight years ago, the popular writer of fiction was a
-man, the most probable of whose numerous romances was one in which the
-hero sold his shadow to a demon over the dice-box; then married an
-unknown woman in a churchyard; afterwards wedded a river nymph; and,
-having committed bigamy, finally stabbed himself, to enable his first
-wife to marry his own father. He and his works are quite obsolete; and
-the star of his genius, with those of many others, has paled before the
-superior brilliancy of that literary comet, Mr. von Chronicle. According
-to von Chronicle, we have all, for a long time, been under a mistake. We
-have ever considered that the first point to be studied in novel writing
-is character: miserable error! It is costume. Variety of incident,
-novelty, and nice discrimination of character; interest of story, and
-all those points which we have hitherto looked upon as necessary
-qualities of a fine novel, vanish before the superior attractions of
-variety of dresses, exquisite descriptions of the cloak of a signer, or
-the trunk-hose of a serving man.
-
-"Amuse yourself while you are at Reisenburg by turning over some volumes
-which every one is reading; von Chronicle's last great historical novel.
-The subject is a magnificent one, Rienzi; yet it is strange that the
-hero only appears in the first and the last scenes. You look astonished.
-Ah! I see you are not a great historical novelist. You forget the effect
-which is produced by the contrast of the costume of Master Nicholas, the
-notary in the quarter of the Jews, and that of Rienzi, the tribune, in
-his robe of purple, at his coronation in the Capitol. Conceive the
-effect, the contrast. With that coronation von Chronicle's novel
-terminates; for, as he well observes, after that, what is there in the
-career of Rienzi which would afford matter for the novelist? Nothing!
-All that afterwards occurs is a mere contest of passions and a
-development of character; but where is a procession, a triumph, or
-a marriage?
-
-"One of von Chronicle's great characters in this novel is a Cardinal. It
-was only last night that I was fortunate enough to have the beauties of
-the work pointed out to me by the author himself. He entreated, and
-gained my permission to read to me what he himself considered 'the great
-scene.' I settled myself in my chair, took out my handkerchief, and
-prepared my mind for the worst. While I was anticipating the terrors of
-a heroine he introduced me to his Cardinal. Thirty pages were devoted to
-the description of the prelate's costume. Although clothed in purple,
-still, by a skilful adjustment of the drapery, von Chronicle managed to
-bring in six other petticoats. I thought this beginning would never
-finish, but to my surprise, when he had got to the seventh petticoat, he
-shut his book, and leaning over the table, asked me what I thought of
-his 'great scene.' 'My friend,' said I, 'you are not only the greatest
-historical novelist that ever lived, but that ever will live.'"
-
-"I shall certainly get Rienzi," said Vivian; "it seems to me to be an
-original work."
-
-"Von Chronicle tells me that he looks upon it as his masterpiece, and
-that it may be considered as the highest point of perfection to which
-his system of novel-writing can be carried. Not a single name is given
-in the work, down even to the rabble, for which he has not contemporary
-authority; but what he is particularly proud of are his oaths. Nothing,
-he tells me, has cost him more trouble than the management of the
-swearing: and the Romans, you know, are a most profane nation. The great
-difficulty to be avoided was using the ejaculations of two different
-ages. The 'sblood' of the sixteenth century must not be confounded with
-the 'zounds' of the seventeenth. Enough of von Chronicle! The most
-amusing thing," continued Mr. Sievers, "is to contrast this mode of
-writing works of fiction with the prevalent and fashionable method of
-writing works of history. Contrast the 'Rienzi' of von Chronicle with
-the 'Haroun Al Raschid' of Madame Carolina. Here we write novels like
-history, and history like novels: all our facts are fancy, and all our
-imagination reality." So saying, Mr. Sievers rose, and, wishing Vivian
-good night, quitted the room. He was one of those prudent geniuses who
-always leave off with a point.
-
-Mr. Sievers had not left Vivian more than a minute when the little
-Prince Maximilian came up and bowed to him in a condescending manner.
-Our hero, who had not yet had an opportunity of speaking with him,
-thanked him cordially for his handsome present, and asked him how he
-liked the Court.
-
-"Oh, delightful! I pass all my time with the Grand Duke and Madame:" and
-here the young apostate settled his military stock and arranged the
-girdle of his sword. "Madame Carolina," continued he, "has commanded me
-to inform you that she desires the pleasure of your attendance."
-
-The summons was immediately obeyed, and Vivian had the honour of a long
-conversation with the interesting Consort of the Grand Duke. He was, for
-a considerable time, complimented by her enthusiastic panegyric of
-England, her original ideas of the character and genius of Lord Byron,
-her veneration for Sir Humphry Davy, and her admiration of Sir Walter
-Scott. Not remiss was Vivian in paying, in his happiest manner, due
-compliments to the fair and royal authoress of the Court of Charlemagne.
-While she spoke his native tongue, he admired her accurate English; and
-while she professed to have derived her imperfect knowledge of his
-perfect language from a study of its best authors, she avowed her belief
-of the impossibility of ever speaking it correctly without the
-assistance of a native. Conversation became more interesting.
-
-When Vivian left the palace he was not unmindful of an engagement to
-return there the next day, to give a first lesson in English
-pronunciation to Madame Carolina.
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-
-Vivian duly kept his appointment with Madame Carolina. The chamberlain
-ushered him into a library, where Madame Carolina was seated at a large
-table covered with books and manuscripts. Her costume and her
-countenance were equally engaging. Fascination was alike in her smile,
-and her sash, her bow, and her buckle. What a delightful pupil to
-perfect in English pronunciation! Madame pointed, with a pride pleasing
-to Vivian's feelings as an Englishman, to her shelves, graced with the
-most eminent of English writers. Madame Carolina was not like one of
-those admirers of English literature whom you often meet on the
-Continent: people who think that Beattie's Minstrel is our most modern
-and fashionable poem; that the Night Thoughts is the masterpiece of our
-literature; and that Richardson is our only novelist. Oh, no! Madame
-Carolina would not have disgraced May Fair. She knew Childe Harold by
-rote, and had even peeped into Don Juan. Her admiration of the Edinburgh
-and Quarterly Reviews was great and similar. To a Continental liberal,
-indeed, even the Toryism of the Quarterly is philosophy; and not an
-Under-Secretary ever yet massacred a radical innovator without giving
-loose to some sentiments and sentences which are considered rank treason
-in the meridian of Vienna.
-
-After some conversation, in which Madame evinced eagerness to gain
-details about the persons and manners of our most eminent literary
-characters, she naturally began to speak of the literary productions of
-other countries; and in short, ere an hour was passed, Vivian Grey,
-instead of giving a lesson in English pronunciation to the Consort of
-the Grand Duke of Reisenburg, found himself listening, in an easy-chair,
-and with folded arms, to a long treatise by that lady de l'Esprit de
-Conversation. It was a most brilliant dissertation. Her kindness in
-reading it to him was most particular; nevertheless, for unexpected
-blessings we are not always sufficiently grateful.
-
-Another hour was consumed by the treatise. How she refined! what
-unexpected distinctions! what exquisite discrimination of national
-character! what skilful eulogium of her own! Nothing could be more
-splendid than her elaborate character of a repartee; it would have
-sufficed for an epic poem. At length Madame Carolina ceased de l'Esprit
-de Conversation, and Vivian was successful in concealing his weariness
-and in testifying his admiration. "The evil is over," thought he; "I may
-as well gain credit for my good taste." The lesson in English
-pronunciation, however, was not yet terminated. Madame was charmed with
-our hero's uncommon discrimination and extraordinary talents. He was the
-most skilful and the most agreeable critic with whom she had ever been
-acquainted. How invaluable must the opinion of such a person be to her
-on her great work! No one had yet seen a line of it; but there are
-moments when we are irresistibly impelled to seek a confidant; that
-confidant was before her. The morocco case was unlocked, and the
-manuscript of Haroun Al Raschid revealed to the enraptured eye of
-Vivian Grey.
-
-"I flatter myself," said Madame Carolina, "that this work will create a
-great sensation; not only in Germany. It abounds, I think, with
-interesting story, engaging incidents, and animated and effective
-descriptions. I have not, of course, been able to obtain any new matter
-respecting his Sublimity the Caliph. Between ourselves, I do not think
-this very important. So far as I have observed, we have matter enough in
-this world on every possible subject already. It is manner in which the
-literature of all nations is deficient. It appears to me that the great
-point for persons of genius now to direct their attention to is the
-expansion of matter. This I conceive to be the great secret; and this
-must be effected by the art of picturesque writing. For instance, my
-dear Mr. Grey, I will open the Arabian Nights' Entertainments, merely
-for an exemplification, at the one hundred and eighty-fifth night; good!
-Let us attend to the following passage:--
-
-"'In the reign of the Caliph Haroun Al Raschid, there was at Bagdad a
-druggist, called Alboussan Ebn Thaher, a very rich, handsome man. He had
-more wit and politeness than people of his profession ordinarily have.
-His integrity, sincerity, and jovial humour made him beloved and sought
-after by all sorts of people. The Caliph, who knew his merit, had entire
-confidence in him. He had so great an esteem for him that he entrusted
-him with the care to provide his favourite ladies with all the things
-they stood in need of. He chose for them their clothes, furniture, and
-jewels, with admirable taste. His good qualities and the favour of the
-Caliph made the sons of Emirs and other officers of the first rank be
-always about him. His house was the rendezvous of all the nobility of
-the Court.'
-
-"What capabilities lurk in this dry passage!" exclaimed Madame Carolina;
-"I touch it with my pen, and transform it into a chapter. It shall be
-one of those that I will read to you. The description of Alboussan alone
-demands ten pages. There is no doubt that his countenance was oriental.
-The tale says that he was handsome: I paint him with his eastern eye,
-his thin arched brow, his fragrant beard, his graceful mustachio. The
-tale says he was rich: I have authorities for the costume of men of his
-dignity in contemporary writers. In my history he appears in an upper
-garment of green velvet, and loose trousers of pink satin; a jewelled
-dagger lies in his golden girdle; his slippers are of the richest
-embroidery; and he never omits the bath of roses daily. On this system,
-which in my opinion elicits truth, for by it you are enabled to form a
-conception of the manners of the age; on this system I proceed
-throughout the paragraph. Conceive my account of his house being the
-'rendezvous of all the nobility of the Court.' What a brilliant scene!
-what variety of dress and character! what splendour! what luxury! what
-magnificence! Imagine the detail of the banquet; which, by the bye,
-gives me an opportunity of inserting, after the manner of your own
-Gibbon, 'a dissertation on sherbet.' What think you of the art of
-picturesque writing?"
-
-"Admirable!" said Vivian; "von Chronicle himself--"
-
-"How can you mention the name of that odious man!" almost shrieked
-Madame Carolina, forgetting the dignity of her semi-regal character in
-the jealous feelings of the author. "How can you mention him! A
-scribbler without a spark, not only of genius, but even of common
-invention. A miserable fellow, who seems to do nothing but clothe and
-amplify, in his own fantastic style, the details of a parcel of old
-chronicles!"
-
-Madame's indignation reminded Vivian of a true but rather vulgar proverb
-of his own country; and he extricated himself from his very awkward
-situation with a dexterity worthy of his former years.
-
-"Von Chronicle himself," said Vivian; "von Chronicle himself, as I was
-going to observe, will be the most mortified of all on the appearance of
-your work. He cannot be so blinded by self-conceit as to fail to observe
-that your history is a thousand times more interesting than his fiction.
-Ah! Madame, if you can thus spread enchantment over the hitherto weary
-page of history, what must be your work of imagination!"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V
-
-
-Vivian met Emilius von Aslingen in his ride through the gardens. As that
-distinguished personage at present patronised the English nation, and
-astounded the Reisenburg natives by driving an English mail, riding
-English horses, and ruling English grooms, he deigned to be exceedingly
-courteous to our hero, whom he had publicly declared at the soiree of
-the preceding night to be "very good style." Such a character from such
-a man raised Vivian even more in the estimation of the Reisenburg world
-than his flattering reception by the Grand Duke and his cordial greeting
-by Madame Carolina.
-
-"Shall you be at the Grand Marshal's to-night?" asked Vivian.
-
-"Ah! that is the new man, the man who was mediatised, is not it?"
-
-"The Prince of Little Lilliput."
-
-"Yes!" drawled out Mr. von Aslingen. "I shall go if I have courage
-enough; but they say his servants wear skins, and he has got a tail."
-
-The ball-room was splendidly illuminated. The whole of the Royal Family
-was present, and did honour to their new officer of state; his Royal
-Highness all smiles, and his Consort all diamonds. Stars and uniforms,
-ribbons and orders, abounded. The diplomatic body wore the dresses of
-their respective Courts. Emilius von Aslingen, having given out in the
-morning that he should appear as a captain in the Royal Guards, the
-young lords and fops of fashion were consequently ultra military. They
-were not a little annoyed when, late in the evening, their model lounged
-in, wearing the rich scarlet uniform of a Knight of Malta, of which
-newly-revived order von Aslingen, who had served half a campaign against
-the Turks, was a member.
-
-The Royal Family had arrived only a few minutes: dancing had not yet
-commenced. Vivian was at the top of the room, honoured by the notice of
-Madame Carolina, who complained of his yesterday's absence from the
-palace. Suddenly the universal hum and buzz which are always sounding in
-a crowded room were stilled; and all present, arrested in their
-conversation and pursuits, stood with their heads turned towards the
-great door. Thither also Vivian looked, and, wonderstruck, beheld--Mr.
-Beckendorff. His singular appearance, for, with the exception of his
-cavalry boots, he presented the same figure as when he first came
-forward to receive the Prince of Little Lilliput and Vivian on the lawn,
-immediately attracted universal attention; but in this crowded room
-there were few who, either from actual experience or accurate
-information, were not ignorant that this personage was the Prime
-Minister. The report spread like wildfire. Even the etiquette of a
-German ball-room, honoured as it was by the presence of the Court, was
-no restraint to the curiosity and wonder of all present. Yes! even
-Emilius von Aslingen raised his glass to his eye. But great as was
-Vivian's astonishment, it was not only occasioned by this unexpected
-appearance of his former host. Mr. Beckendorff was not alone: a woman
-was leaning on his left arm. A quick glance in a moment convinced Vivian
-that she was not the original of the mysterious picture. The companion
-of Beckendorff was very young. Her full voluptuous growth gave you, for
-a moment, the impression that she was somewhat low in stature; but it
-was only for a moment, for the lady was by no means short. Her beauty it
-is impossible to describe. It was of a kind that baffles all phrases,
-nor have I a single simile at command to make it more clearer more
-confused. Her luxurious form, her blonde complexion, her silken hair,
-would have all become the languishing Sultana; but then her eyes, they
-banished all idea of the Seraglio, and were the most decidedly European,
-though the most brilliant that ever glanced; eagles might have proved
-their young at them. To a countenance which otherwise would have been
-calm, and perhaps pensive, they gave an expression of extreme vivacity
-and unusual animation, and perhaps of restlessness and arrogance: it
-might have been courage. The lady was dressed in the costume of a
-Chanoinesse??? of a Couvent des dames nobles; an institution to which
-Protestant and Catholic ladles are alike admitted. The orange-coloured
-cordon of her canonry was slung gracefully over her plain black silk
-dress, and a diamond cross hung below her waist.
-
-Mr. Beckendorff and his fair companion were instantly welcomed by the
-Grand Marshal; and Arnelm and half-a-dozen Chamberlains, all in new
-uniforms, and extremely agitated, did their utmost, by their exertions
-in clearing the way, to prevent the Prime Minister of Reisenburg from
-paying his respects to his Sovereign. At length, however, Mr.
-Beckendorff reached the top of the room, and presented the young lady to
-his Royal Highness, and also to Madame Carolina. Vivian had retired on
-their approach, and now found himself among a set of young officers,
-idolators of von Aslingen, and of white hats lined with crimson. "Who
-can she be?" was the universal question. Though all by the query
-acknowledged their ignorance, yet it is singular that, at the same time,
-every one was prepared with a response to it. Such are the sources of
-accurate information!
-
-"And that is Beckendorff, is it?" exclaimed the young Count of
-Eberstein; "and his daughter, of course! Well; there is nothing like
-being a plebeian and a Prime Minister! I suppose Beckendorff will bring
-an anonymous friend to Court next."
-
-"She cannot be his daughter," said Bernstorff. "To be a Chanoinesse of
-that order, remember, she must be noble."
-
-"Then she must be his niece," answered the young Count of Eberstein. "I
-think I do remember some confused story about a sister of Beckendorff
-who ran away with some Wirtemberg Baron. What was that story,
-Gernsbach?"
-
-"No, it was not his sister," said the Baron of Gernsbach; "it was his
-aunt, I think."
-
-"Beckendorff's aunt; what an idea! As if he ever had an aunt! Men of his
-calibre make themselves out of mud. They have no relations. Well, never
-mind; there was some story, I am sure, about some woman or other. Depend
-upon it that this girl is the child of that woman, whether she be aunt,
-niece, or daughter. I shall go and tell every one that I know the whole
-business; this girl is the daughter of some woman or other." So saying,
-away walked the young Count of Eberstein, to disseminate in all
-directions the important conclusion to which his logical head had
-allowed him to arrive.
-
-"Von Weinbren," said the Baron of Gernsbach, "how can you account for
-this mysterious appearance of the Premier?"
-
-"Oh! when men are on the decline they do desperate things. I suppose it
-is to please the renegado."
-
-"Hush! there's the Englishman behind you."
-
-"On dit, another child of Beckendorff."
-
-"Oh no! secret mission."
-
-"Ah! indeed."
-
-"Here comes von Aslingen! Well, great Emilius! how solve you this
-mystery?"
-
-"What mystery? Is there one?"
-
-"I allude to this wonderful appearance of Beckendorff."
-
-"Beckendorff! what a name! Who is he?"
-
-"Nonsense! the Premier."
-
-"Well!"
-
-"You have seen him, of course; he is here. Have you just come in?"
-
-"Beckendorff here!" said von Aslingen, in a tone of affected horror; "I
-did not know that the fellow was to be visited. It is all over with
-Reisenburg. I shall go to Vienna to-morrow."
-
-But hark! the sprightly music calls to the dance; and first the stately
-Polonaise, in easy gradation between walking and dancing. To the
-surprise of the whole room and the indignation of main of the high
-nobles, the Crown Prince of Reisenburg led off the Polonaise with the
-unknown fair one. Such an attention to Beckendorff was a distressing
-proof of present power and favour. The Polonaise is a dignified
-promenade, with which German balls invariably commence. The cavaliers,
-with an air of studied grace, offer their right hands to their fair
-partners; and the whole party, in a long file, accurately follow the
-leading couple through all their scientific evolutions, as they wind
-through every part of the room. Waltzes in sets speedily followed the
-Polonaise; and the unknown, who was now an object of universal
-attention, danced with Count von Sohnspeer, another of Beckendorff's
-numerous progeny, if the reader remember. How scurvily are poor single
-gentlemen who live alone treated by the candid tongues of their
-fellow-creatures! The commander-in-chief of the Reisenburg troops was
-certainly a partner of a different complexion from the young lady's
-previous one. The crown Prince had undertaken his duty with reluctance,
-and had performed it without grace; not a single word had he exchanged
-with his partner during the promenade, and his genuine listlessness was
-even more offensive than affected apathy. Von Sohnspeer, on the
-contrary, danced in the true Vienna style, and whirled like a Dervish.
-All our good English prejudices against the soft, the swimming, the
-sentimental, melting, undulating, dangerous waltz would quickly
-disappear, if we only executed the dreaded manoeuvres in the true
-Austrian style. One might as soon expect our daughters to get
-sentimental in a swing.
-
-Vivian did not choose to presume upon his late acquaintance with Mr.
-Beckendorff, as it had not been sought by that gentleman, and he
-consequently did not pay his respects to the Minister. Mr. Beckendorff
-continued at the top of the room, standing between the State chairs of
-his Royal Highness and Madame Carolina, and occasionally addressing an
-observation to his Sovereign and answering one of the lady's. Had Mr.
-Beckendorff been in the habit of attending balls nightly he could not
-have exhibited more perfect nonchalance. There he stood, with his arms
-crossed behind him, his chin resting on his breast, and his raised
-eyes glancing!
-
-"My dear Prince," said Vivian to the Grand Marshal, "you are just the
-person I wanted to speak to. How came you to invite Beckendorff, and how
-came he to accept the invitation?"
-
-"My dear friend," said his Highness, shrugging his shoulders, "wonders
-will never cease. I never invited him; I should just as soon have
-thought of inviting old Johannisberger."
-
-"Were you not aware, then, of his intention?"
-
-"Not in the least! you should rather say attention; for, I assure you, I
-consider it a most particular one. It is quite astonishing, my dear
-friend, how I mistook that man's character. He really is one of the most
-gentlemanlike, polite, and excellent persons I know; no more mad than
-you are! And as for his power being on the decline, we know the
-nonsense of that!"
-
-"Better than most persons, I suspect. Sievers, of course, is not here?"
-
-"No! you have heard about him, I suppose?"
-
-"Heard! heard what?"
-
-"Not heard! well, he told me yesterday, and said he was going to call
-upon you directly to let you know."
-
-"Know what?"
-
-"He is a very sensible man, Sievers; and I am very glad at last that he
-is likely to succeed in the world. All men have their little
-imprudences, and he was a little too hot once. What of that? He has come
-to his senses, so have I; and I hope you will never lose yours."
-
-"But, pray, my dear Prince, tell me what has happened to Sievers."
-
-"He is going to Vienna immediately, and will be very useful there, I
-have no doubt. He has got a good place, and I am sure he will do his
-duty. They cannot have an abler man."
-
-"Vienna! that is the last city in the world in which I should expect to
-find Mr. Sievers. What place can he have? and what services can he
-perform there?"
-
-"Many! he is to be Editor of the Austrian Observer, and Censor of the
-Austrian Press. I thought he would do well at last. All men have their
-imprudent day. I had. I cannot stop now. I must go and speak to the
-Countess von S----."
-
-As Vivian was doubting whether he should most grieve or laugh at this
-singular termination of Mr. Sievers' career, his arm was suddenly
-touched, and on turning round he found it was by Mr. Beckendorff.
-
-"There is another strong argument, sir," said the Minister, without any
-of the usual phrases of recognition; "there is another strong argument
-against your doctrine of Destiny." And then Mr. Beckendorff, taking
-Vivian by the arm, began walking up and down part of the saloon with
-him; and in a few minutes, quite forgetting the scene of the discussion,
-he was involved in metaphysics. This incident created another great
-sensation, and whispers of "secret mission, Secretary of State,
-decidedly a son," &c. &c. &c. were in an instant afloat in all parts
-of the room.
-
-The approach of his Royal Highness extricated Vivian from an argument
-which was as profound as it was interminable; and as Mr. Beckendorff
-retired with the Grand Duke into a recess in the ball-room, Vivian was
-requested by von Neuwied to attend his Excellency the Grand Marshal.
-
-"My dear friend," said the Prince, "I saw you talking with a certain
-person, I did not say anything to you when I passed you before; but, to
-tell you the truth now, I was a little annoyed that he had not spoken to
-you. I knew you were as proud as Lucifer, and would not salute him
-yourself; and between ourselves I had no great wish you should, for, not
-to conceal it, he did not even mention your name. But the reason of this
-is now quite evident, and you must confess he is remarkably courteous.
-You know, if you remember, we thought that incognito was a little
-affected; rather annoying, if you recollect. I remember in the green
-lane you gave him a gentle cut about it. It was spirited, and I dare say
-did good. Well! what I was going to say about that is this; I dare say
-now, after all," continued his Excellency, with a knowing look, "a
-certain person had very good reasons for that; not that he ever told
-them to me, nor that I have the slightest idea of them; but when a
-person is really so exceedingly polite and attentive I always think he
-would never do anything disagreeable without a cause; and it was
-exceedingly disagreeable, if you remember, my dear friend. I never knew
-to whom he was speaking. Von Philipson indeed! Well! we did not think,
-the day we were floundering down that turf road, that it would end in
-this. Rather a more brilliant scene than the Giants' Hall at Turriparva,
-I think, eh? But all men have their imprudent days; the best way is to
-forget them. There was poor Sievers; who ever did more imprudent things
-than he? and now it is likely he will do very well in the world, eh?
-What I want of you, my dear friend, is this. There is that girl who
-came with Beckendorff; who the deuce she is, I don't know: let us hope
-the best! We must pay her every attention. I dare say she is his
-daughter. You have not forgotten the portrait. Well! we all were gay
-once. All men have their imprudent day; why should not Beckendorff?
-Speaks rather in his favour, I think. Well, this girl; his Royal
-Highness very kindly made the Crown Prince walk the Polonaise with her;
-very kind of him, and very proper. What attention can be too great for
-the daughter or friend of such a man! a man who, in two words, may be
-said to have made Reisenburg. For what was Reisenburg before
-Beckendorff? Ah! what? Perhaps we were happier then, after all; and then
-there was no Royal Highness to bow to; no person to be condescending,
-except ourselves. But never mind! we will forget. After all, this life
-has its charms. What a brilliant scene! but this girl, every attention
-should be paid her. The Crown Prince was so kind as to walk the
-Polonaise with her. And von Sohnspeer; he is a brute, to be sure; but
-then he is a Field Marshal. Now, I think, considering what has taken
-place between Beckendorff and yourself, and the very distinguished
-manner in which he recognised you; I think, that after all this, and
-considering everything, the etiquette is for you, particularly as you
-are a foreigner, and my personal friend; indeed, my most particular
-friend, for in fact I owe everything to you, my life, and more than my
-life; I think, I repeat, considering all this, that the least you can do
-is to ask her to dance with you; and I, as the host, will introduce you.
-I am sorry, my dear friend," continued his Excellency, with a look of
-great regret, "to introduce you to--; but we will not speak about it. We
-have no right to complain of Mr. Beckendorff. No person could possibly
-behave to us in a manner more gentlemanlike."
-
-After an introductory speech in his Excellency's happiest manner, and in
-which an eulogium of Vivian and a compliment to the fair unknown got
-almost as completely entangled as the origin of slavery and the history
-of the feudal system in his more celebrated harangue, Vivian found
-himself waltzing with the anonymous beauty. The Grand Marshal, during
-the process of introduction, had given the young lady every opportunity
-of declaring her name; but every opportunity was thrown away. "She must
-be incog.," whispered his Excellency; "Miss von Philipson, I suppose?"
-
-Vivian was not a little desirous of discovering the nature of the
-relationship or connection between Beckendorff and his partner. The
-rapid waltz allowed no pause for conversation; but after the dance
-Vivian seated himself at her side, with the determination of not quickly
-deserting it The lady did not even allow him the satisfaction of
-commencing the conversation; for no sooner was she seated than she
-begged to know who the person was with whom she had previously waltzed.
-The history of Count von Sohnspeer amused her; and no sooner had Vivian
-finished his anecdote than the lady said, "Ah!  so: you are an amusing
-person. Now tell me the history of everybody in the room."
-
-"Really," said Vivian, "I fear I shall forfeit my reputation of being
-amusing very speedily, for I am almost as great a stranger at this Court
-as you appear to be yourself. Count von Sohnspeer is too celebrated a
-personage at Reisenburg to have allowed even me to be long ignorant of
-his history; and as for the rest, as far as I can judge, they are most
-of them as obscure as myself, and not nearly as interesting as you are!"
-
-"Are you an Englishman?" asked the lady.
-
-"I am."
-
-"I supposed so, both from your travelling and your appearance: I think
-the English countenance very peculiar."
-
-"Indeed! we do not flatter ourselves so at home."
-
-"Yes! it is peculiar." said the lady, in a tone which seemed to imply
-that contradiction was unusual; "and I think that you are all handsome!
-I admire the English, which in this part of the world is singular: the
-South, you know, is generally francise."
-
-"I am aware of that," said Vivian. "There, for instance," pointing to a
-pompous-looking personage who at that moment strutted by; "there, for
-instance, is the most francise person in all Reisenburg! that is our
-Grand Chamberlain. He considers himself a felicitous copy of Louis the
-Fourteenth! He allows nothing in his opinions and phrases but what is
-orthodox. As it generally happens in such cases, his orthodoxy is rather
-obsolete."
-
-"Who is that Knight of Malta?" asked the lady.
-
-"The most powerful individual in the room," answered Vivian.
-
-"Who can he be?" asked the lady, with eagerness.
-
-"Behold him, and tremble!" rejoined Vivian: "for with him it rests to
-decide whether you are civilised or a savage; whether you are to be
-abhorred or admired: idolised or despised. Nay, do not be alarmed! there
-are a few heretics, even in Reisenburg, who, like myself, value from
-conviction, and not from fashion, and who will be ever ready, in spite
-of a von Aslingen anathema, to evince our admiration where it is due."
-
-The lady pleaded fatigue as an excuse for not again dancing; and Vivian
-did not quit her side. Her lively remarks, piquant observations, and
-singular questions highly amused him; and he was flattered by the
-evident gratification which his conversation afforded her. It was
-chiefly of the principal members of the Court that she spoke: she was
-delighted with Vivian's glowing character of Madame Carolina, whom she
-said she had this evening seen for the first time. Who this unknown
-could be was a question which often occurred to him; and the singularity
-of a man like Beckendorff suddenly breaking through his habits and
-outraging the whole system of his existence, to please a daughter, or
-niece, or female cousin, did not fail to strike him.
-
-"I have the honour of being acquainted with Mr. Beckendorff," said
-Vivian. This was the first time that the Minister's name had been
-mentioned.
-
-"I perceived you talking with him," was the answer.
-
-"You are staying, I suppose, at Mr. Beckendorff's?"
-
-"Not at present."
-
-"You have, of course, been at his retreat; delightful place!"
-
-"Yes!"
-
-"Are you an ornithologist?" asked Vivian, smiling.
-
-"Not at all scientific; but I, of course, can now tell a lory from a
-Java sparrow, and a bullfinch from a canary. The first day I was there,
-I never shall forget the surprise I experienced, when, after the noon
-meal being finished, the aviary door was opened. After that I always let
-the creatures out myself; and one day I opened all the cages at once. If
-you could but have witnessed the scene! I am sure you would have been
-quite delighted with it. As for poor Mr. Beckendorff, I thought even he
-would have gone out of his mind; and when I brought in the white peacock
-he actually left the room in despair. Pray how do you like Madame Clara
-and Owlface too? Which do you think the most beautiful? I am no great
-favourite with the old lady. Indeed, it was very kind of Mr. Beckendorff
-to bear with everything as he did: I am sure he is not much used to lady
-visitors."
-
-"I trust that your visit to him will not be very short?"
-
-"My stay at Reisenburg will not be very long," said the young lady,
-with rather a grave countenance, "Have you been here any time?"
-
-"About a fortnight; it was a mere chance my coming at all. I was going
-on straight to Vienna."
-
-"To Vienna, indeed! Well, I am glad you did not miss Reisenburg; you
-must not quit it now. You know that this is not the Vienna season?"
-
-"I am aware of it; but I am such a restless person that I never regulate
-my movements by those of other people."
-
-"But surely you find Reisenburg agreeable?"
-
-"Very much so; but I am a confirmed wanderer.'
-
-"Why are you?" asked the lady, with great naivete.
-
-Vivian looked grave; and the lady, as if she were sensible of having
-unintentionally occasioned him a painful recollection, again expressed
-her wish that he should not immediately quit the Court, and trusted that
-circumstances would not prevent him from acceding to her desire.
-
-"It does not even depend upon circumstances," said Vivian; "the whim of
-the moment is my only principle of action, and therefore I may be off
-to-night, or be here a month hence."
-
-"Oh! pray stay then," said his companion eagerly; "I expect you to stay
-now. If you could only have an idea what a relief conversing with you
-is, after having been dragged by the Crown Prince and whirled by that
-von Sohnspeer! Heigho! I could almost sigh at the very remembrance of
-that doleful Polonaise."
-
-The lady ended with a faint laugh a sentence which apparently had been
-commenced in no light vein. She did not cease speaking, but continued to
-request Vivian to remain at Reisenburg at least as long as herself. Her
-frequent requests were perfectly unnecessary, for the promise had been
-pledged at the first hint of her wish; but this was not the only time
-during the evening that Vivian had remarked that his interesting
-companion occasionally talked without apparently being sensible that she
-was conversing.
-
-The young Count of Eberstein, who, to use his own phrase, was "sadly
-involved," and consequently desirous of being appointed a forest
-Councillor, thought that he should secure his appointment by
-condescending to notice the person whom he delicately styled "the
-Minister's female relative." To his great mortification and surprise,
-the honour was declined; and "the female relative," being unwilling to
-dance again, but perhaps feeling it necessary to break off her
-conversation with her late partner, it having already lasted an unusual
-time, highly gratified his Excellency the Grand Marshal by declaring
-that she would dance with Prince Maximilian. "This, to say the least,
-was very attentive of Miss von Philipson."
-
-Little Max, who had just tact enough to discover that to be the partner
-of the fair incognita was the place of honour of the evening, now
-considered himself by much the most important personage in the room. In
-fact, he was only second to Emilius von Aslingen. The evident contest
-which was ever taking place between his natural feelings as a boy and
-his acquired habits as a courtier made him an amusing companion. He
-talked of the Gardens and the Opera in a style not unworthy of the young
-Count of Eberstein. He thought that Madame Carolina was as charming as
-usual to-night; but, on the contrary, that the Countess von S---- was
-looking rather ill, and this put him in mind of her ladyship's new
-equipage; and then, apropos to equipages, what did his companion think
-of the new fashion of the Hungarian harness? His lively and kind
-companion encouraged the boy's tattle; and, emboldened by her good
-nature, he soon forgot his artificial speeches, and was quickly rattling
-on about Turriparva, and his horses, and his dogs, and his park, and his
-guns, and his grooms. Soon after the waltz, the lady, taking the arm of
-the young Prince, walked up to Mr. Beckendorff. He received her with
-great attention, and led her to Madame Carolina, who rose, seated Mr.
-Beckendorff's "female relative" by her side, and evidently said
-something extremely agreeable.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI
-
-
-Vivian had promised Madame Carolina a second English lesson on the day
-after the Grand Marshal's fete. The progress which the lady had made,
-and the talent which the gentleman had evinced during the first, had
-rendered Madame the most enthusiastic of pupils, and Vivian, in her
-estimation, the ablest of instructors. Madame Carolina's passion was
-patronage: to discover concealed merit, to encourage neglected genius,
-to reveal the mysteries of the world to a novice in mankind, or, in
-short, to make herself very agreeable to any one whom she fancied to be
-very interesting, was the great business and the great delight of her
-existence. No sooner had her eyes lighted on Vivian Grey than she
-determined to patronise. His country, his appearance, the romantic
-manner in which he had become connected with the Court, all pleased her
-lively imagination. She was intuitively acquainted with his whole
-history, and in an instant he was the hero of a romance, of which the
-presence of the principal character compensated, we may suppose, for the
-somewhat indefinite details. His taste and literary acquirements
-completed the spell by which Madame Carolina was willingly enchanted. A
-low Dutch professor, whose luminous genius rendered unnecessary the
-ceremony of shaving; and a dumb dwarf, in whose interesting appearance
-was forgotten its perfect idiocy, prosy improvisatore, and a South
-American savage, were all superseded by the appearance of Vivian Grey.
-
-As Madame Carolina was, in fact, a charming woman, our hero had no
-objection to humour her harmless foibles; and not contented with making
-notes in an interleaved copy of her Charlemagne, he even promised to
-read Haroun Al Raschid in manuscript. The consequence of his courtesy
-and the reward of his taste was unbounded favour. Apartments in the
-palace were offered him, and declined; and when Madame Carolina had
-become acquainted with sufficient of his real history to know that, on
-his part, neither wish nor necessity existed to return immediately to
-his own country, she tempted him to remain at Reisenburg by an offer of
-a place at Court; and doubtless, had he been willing, Vivian might in
-time have become a Lord Chamberlain, or perhaps even a Field Marshal.
-
-On entering the room the morning in question he found Madame Carolina
-writing. At the end of the apartment a lady ceased, on his appearance,
-humming an air to which she was dancing, and at the same time imitating
-castanets. Madame received Vivian with expressions of delight, saying
-also, in a peculiar and confidential manner, that she was just sealing
-up a packet for him, the preface of Haroun; and then she presented him
-to "the Baroness!" The lady who was lately dancing came forward. It was
-his unknown partner of the preceding night. "The Baroness" extended her
-hand to Vivian, and unaffectedly expressed her great pleasure at seeing
-him again. Vivian trusted that she was not fatigued by the fete, and
-asked after Mr. Beckendorff. Madame Carolina was busily engaged at the
-moment in duly securing the precious preface. The Baroness said that Mr.
-Beckendorff had returned home, but that Madame Carolina had kindly
-insisted upon her staying at the palace. She was not the least wearied.
-Last night had been one of the most agreeable she had ever spent; at
-least she supposed she ought to say so: for if she had experienced a
-tedious or mournful feeling for a moment, it was hardly for what was
-then passing so much as for--"
-
-"Pray, Mr. Grey," said Madame Carolina, interrupting them, "have you
-heard about our new ballet?"
-
-"No."
-
-"I do not think you have ever been to our Opera. To-morrow is Opera
-night, and you must not be again away. We pride ourselves here very much
-upon our Opera."
-
-"We estimate it even in England," said Vivian, "as possessing perhaps
-the most perfect orchestra now organised."
-
-"The orchestra is perfect. His Royal Highness is such an excellent
-musician, and he has spared no trouble or expense in forming it: he has
-always superintended it himself. But I confess I admire our ballet
-department still more. I expect you to be delighted with it. You will
-perhaps be gratified to know that the subject of our new splendid
-ballet, which is to be produced to-morrow, is from a great work of your
-illustrious poet, my Lord Byron."
-
-"From which?"
-
-"The Corsair. Ah! what a sublime work! what passion! what energy! what
-knowledge of feminine feeling! what contrast of character! what
-sentiments! what situations! I wish this were Opera night; Gulnare! my
-favourite character; beautiful! How do you think they will dress her?"
-
-"Are you an admirer of our Byron?" asked Vivian, of the Baroness.
-
-"I think he is a very handsome man. I once saw him at the carnival at
-Venice."
-
-"But his works; his grand works! ma chere petite," said Madame Carolina,
-in her sweetest tone: "you have read his works?"
-
-"Not a line," answered the Baroness, with great naivete; "I never saw
-them."
-
-"Pauvre enfant!" said Madame Carolina; "I will employ you, then, while
-you are here."
-
-"I never read," said the Baroness; "I cannot bear it. I like poetry and
-romances, but I like somebody to read to me."
-
-"Very just," said Madame Carolina; "we can judge with greater accuracy
-of the merit of a composition when it reaches our mind merely through
-the medium of the human voice. The soul is an essence, invisible and
-indivisible. In this respect the voice of man resembles the principle of
-his existence; since few will deny, though there are some materialists
-who will deny everything, that the human voice is both impalpable and
-audible only in one place at the same time. Hence, I ask, is it
-illogical to infer its indivisibility? The soul and the voice, then, are
-similar in two great attributes: there is a secret harmony in their
-spiritual construction. In the early ages of mankind a beautiful
-tradition was afloat that the soul and the voice were one and the same.
-We may perhaps recognise in this fanciful belief the effect of the
-fascinating and imaginative philosophy of the East; that mysterious
-portion of the globe," continued Madame Carolina, "from which we should
-frankly confess that we derive everything; for the South is but the
-pupil of the East, through the mediation of Egypt. Of this opinion,"
-said Madame with fervour, "I have no doubt: of this opinion," continued
-the lady with enthusiasm, "I have boldly avowed myself a votary in a
-dissertation appended to the second volume of Haroun: for this opinion I
-would die at the stake! Oh, lovely East! why was I not oriental! Land
-where the voice of the nightingale is never mute! Land of the cedar and
-the citron, the turtle and the myrtle, of ever-blooming flowers and
-ever-shining skies! Illustrious East! Cradle of Philosophy! My dearest
-Baroness, why do not you feel as I do? From the East we obtain
-everything!"
-
-"Indeed!" said the Baroness, with simplicity; "I thought we only got
-shawls."
-
-This puzzling answer was only noticed by Vivian; for the truth is,
-Madame Carolina was one of those individuals who never attend to any
-person's answers. Always thinking of herself, she only asked questions
-that she herself might supply the responses. And now having made, as she
-flattered herself, a splendid display to her favourite critic, she began
-to consider what had given rise to her oration. Lord Byron and the
-ballet again occurred to her; and as the Baroness, at least, was not
-unwilling to listen, and as she herself had no manuscript of her own
-which she particularly wished to be perused, she proposed that Vivian
-should read to them part of the Corsair, and in the original tongue.
-Madame Carolina opened the volume at the first prison scene between
-Gulnare and Conrad. It was her favourite. Vivian read with care and
-feeling. Madame was in raptures, and the Baroness, although she did not
-understand a single syllable, seemed almost equally delighted. At length
-Vivian came to this passage:
-
-     My love stern Seyd's! Oh, no, no, not my love!
-     Yet much this heart, that strives no more, once strove
-     To meet his passion; but it would not be.
-     I felt, I feel, love dwells with, with the free.
-     I am a slave, a favour'd slave at best,
-     To share his splendour, and seem very blest!
-     Oft must my soul the question undergo,
-     Of, "Dost thou love?" and burn to answer, "No!"
-     Oh! hard it is that fondness to sustain,
-     And struggle not to feel averse in vain;
-     But harder still the heart's recoil to bear,
-     And hide from one, perhaps another there;
-     He takes the hand I give not nor withhold,
-     Its pulse nor checked nor quickened, calmly cold:
-     And when resign'd, it drops a lifeless weight
-     From one I never loved enough to hate.
-     No warmth these lips return by his imprest,
-     And chill'd remembrance shudders o'er the rest.
-     Yes, had I ever prov'd that passion's zeal,
-     The change to hatred were at least to feel:
-     But still, he goes unmourn'd, returns unsought,
-     And oft when present, absent from my thought.
-     Or when reflection comes, and come it must,
-     I fear that henceforth 'twill but bring disgust:
-     I am his slave; but, in despite of pride,
-     'Twere worse than bondage to become his bride.
-
-"Superb!" said Madame, in a voice of enthusiasm; "how true! what
-passion! what energy! what sentiments! what knowledge of feminine
-feeling! Read it again, I pray: it is my favourite passage."
-
-"What is this passage about?" asked the Baroness, with some anxiety;
-"tell me."
-
-"I have a French translation, ma mignonne," said Madame; "you shall have
-it afterwards."
-
-"No! I detest reading," said the young lady, with an imperious air;
-"translate it to me at once."
-
-"You are rather a self-willed beauty!" thought Vivian; "but your eyes
-are so brilliant that nothing must be refused you!" and so he
-translated it.
-
-On its conclusion Madame was again in raptures. The Baroness was not
-less affected, but she said nothing. She appeared agitated; she changed
-colour, raised her beautiful eyes with an expression of sorrow, looked
-at Vivian earnestly, and then walked to the other end of the room. In a
-few moments she returned to her seat.
-
-"I wish you would tell me the story," she said, with earnestness.
-
-"I have a French translation, ma belle!" said Madame Carolina; "at
-present I wish to trouble Mr. Grey with a few questions." Madame
-Carolina led Vivian into a recess.
-
-"I am sorry we are troubled with this sweet little savage; but I think
-she has talent, though evidently quite uneducated. We must do what we
-can for her. Her ignorance of all breeding is amusing, but then I think
-she has a natural elegance. We shall soon polish her. His Royal Highness
-is so anxious that every attention should be paid to her. Beckendorff,
-you know, is a man of the greatest genius." (Madame Carolina had lowered
-her tone about the Minister since the Prince of Little Lilliput's
-apostasy.) "The country is greatly indebted to him. This, between
-ourselves, is his daughter. At least I have no doubt of it. Beckendorff
-was once married, to a lady of great rank, died early, beautiful woman,
-very interesting! His Royal Highness had a great regard for her. The
-Premier, in his bereavement, turned humorist, and has brought up this
-lovely girl in the oddest possible manner; nobody knows where. Now that
-he finds it necessary to bring her forward, he, of course, is quite at a
-loss. His Royal Highness has applied to me. There was a little coldness
-before between the Minister and myself. It is now quite removed. I must
-do what I can for her I think she must marry von Sohnspeer, who is no
-more Beckendorff's son than you are: or young Eberstein, or young
-Bernstorff, or young Gernsbach. We must do something for her. I offered
-her last night to Emilius von Aslingen; but he said that, unfortunately,
-he was just importing a savage or two of his own from the Brazils, and
-consequently was not in want of her."
-
-A chamberlain now entered, to announce the speedy arrival of his Royal
-Highness. The Baroness, without ceremony, expressed her great regret
-that he was coming, as now she should not hear the wished-for story.
-Madame Carolina reproved her, and the reproof was endured rather than
-submitted to.
-
-His Royal Highness entered, and was accompanied by the Crown Prince. He
-greeted the young lady with great kindness; and even the Crown Prince,
-inspired by his father's unusual warmth, made a shuffling kind of bow
-and a stuttering kind of speech. Vivian was about to retire on the
-entrance of the Grand Duke, but Madame Carolina prevented him from
-going, and his Royal Highness, turning round, very graciously seconded
-her desire, and added that Mr. Grey was the very gentleman with whom he
-was desirous of meeting.
-
-"I am anxious," said he to Vivian, in rather a low tone, "to make
-Reisenburg agreeable to Mr. Beckendorff's fair friend. As you are one of
-the few who are honoured by his intimacy, and are familiar with some of
-our state secrets," added the Grand Duke with a smile, "I am sure it
-will give you pleasure to assist me in the execution of my wishes."
-
-His Royal Highness proposed that the ladies should ride; and he himself,
-with the Crown Prince and Mr. Grey, would attend them. Madame Carolina
-expressed her willingness; but the Baroness, like all forward girls
-unused to the world, suddenly grew at the same time both timid and
-disobliging. She looked sullen and discontented, and coolly said that
-she did not feel in the humour to ride for at least these two hours. To
-Vivian's surprise, even the Grand Duke humoured her fancy, and declared
-that he should then be happy to attend them after the Court dinner.
-Until that time Vivian was amused by Madame, and the Grand Duke
-exclusively devoted himself to the Baroness. His Royal Highness was in
-his happiest mood, and his winning manners and elegant conversation soon
-chased away the cloud which, for a moment, had settled on the young
-lady's fair brow.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII
-
-
-The Grand Duke of Reisenburg was an enthusiastic lover of music, and his
-people were consequently music mad. The whole city were fiddling day and
-night, or blowing trumpets, oboes, and bassoons. Sunday, however, was
-the most harmonious day in the week. The Opera amused the Court and the
-wealthiest citizens, and few private houses could not boast their family
-concert or small party of performers. In the tea-gardens, of which there
-were many in the suburbs of the city, bearing the euphonious, romantic,
-and fashionable titles of Tivoli, Arcadia, and Vauxhall, a strong and
-amateur orchestra was never wanting. Strolling through the city on a
-Sunday afternoon, many a pleasing picture of innocent domestic enjoyment
-might be observed. In the arbour of a garden a very stout man, with a
-fair, broad, good-natured, solid German face, may be seen perspiring
-under the scientific exertion of the French horn; himself wisely
-disembarrassed of the needless incumbrance of his pea-green coat and
-showy waistcoat, which lay neatly folded by his side; while his large
-and sleepy blue eyes actually gleam with enthusiasm. His daughter, a
-soft and delicate girl, touches the light guitar: catching the notes of
-the music from the opened opera, which is placed before the father on a
-massy music-stand. Her voice joins in melody with her mother, who, like
-all German mothers, seems only her daughter's self, subdued by an
-additional twenty years. The bow of one violin is handled with the air
-of a master by an elder brother; while a younger one, an university
-student, grows sentimental over the flute. The same instrument is also
-played by a tall and tender-looking young man in black, who stands
-behind the parents, next to the daughter, and occasionally looks off his
-music-book to gaze on his young mistress's eyes. He is a clerk in a
-public office; and on next Michaelmas day, if he succeed, as he hopes,
-in gaining a small addition to his salary, he will be still more
-entitled to join in the Sunday family concert. Such is one of the
-numerous groups, the sight of which must, assuredly, give pleasure to
-every man who delights in seeing his fellow-creatures refreshed after
-their weekly labours by such calm and rational enjoyment. We would
-gladly linger among such scenes; and, moreover, the humours of a
-guinguette are not unworthy of our attention: but we must introduce the
-reader to a more important party.
-
-The Court chapel and the Court dinner are over. We are in the
-Opera-house of Reisenburg; and, of course, rise as the Royal party
-enters. The house, which is of moderate size, was fitted up with
-splendour: we hardly know whether we should say with great taste; for,
-although not merely the scenery, but indeed every part of the house, was
-painted by eminent artists, the style of the ornaments was rather
-patriotic than tasteful. The house had been built immediately after the
-war, at a period when Reisenburg, flushed with the success of its thirty
-thousand men, imagined itself to be a great military nation. Trophies,
-standards, cannon, eagles, consequently appeared in every corner of the
-Opera-house; and quite superseded lyres, and timbrels, and tragic
-daggers, and comic masks. The royal box was constructed in the form of a
-tent, and held nearly fifty persons. It was exactly in the centre of the
-house, its floor over the back of the pit, and its roof reaching to the
-top of the second circle; its crimson hangings were restrained by ropes
-of gold, and the whole was surmounted by a large and radiant crown. The
-house was merely lighted by a chandelier from the centre.
-
-The Opera for the evening was Rossini's Otello. As soon as the Grand
-Duke entered the overture commenced, his Royal Highness coming forward
-to the front of the box and himself directing the musicians, keeping
-time earnestly with his right hand, in which was a long black
-opera-glass. This he occasionally used, but merely to look at the
-orchestra, not, assuredly, to detect a negligent or inefficient
-performer; for in the schooled orchestra of Reisenburg it would have
-been impossible even for the eagle eye of his Royal Highness, assisted
-as it was by his long black opera-glass, or for his fine ear, matured as
-it was by the most complete study, to discover there either inattention
-or feebleness. The house was perfectly silent; for when the Monarch
-directs the orchestra the world goes to the Opera to listen. Perfect
-silence at Reisenburg, then, was etiquette and the fashion. Between the
-acts of the Opera, however, the Ballet was performed; and then everybody
-might talk, and laugh, and remark as much as they chose.
-
-The Grand Duke prided himself as much upon the accuracy of his scenery
-and dresses and decorations as upon the exquisite skill of his
-performers. In truth, an Opera at Reisenburg was a spectacle which could
-not fail to be interesting to a man of taste. When the curtain drew up
-the first scene presented a view of old Brabantio's house. It was
-accurately copied from one of the sumptuous structures of Scamozzi, or
-Sansovino, or Palladio, which adorn the Grand Canal of Venice. In the
-distance rose the domes of St. Mark and the lofty Campanile. Vivian
-could not fail to be delighted with this beautiful work of art, for such
-indeed it should be styled. He was more surprised, however, but not less
-pleased, on the entrance of Othello himself. In England we are
-accustomed to deck this adventurous Moor in the costume of his native
-country; but is this correct? The Grand Duke of Reisenburg thought not.
-Othello was an adventurer; at an early age he entered, as many
-foreigners did, into the service of Venice. In that service be rose to
-the highest dignities, became General of her armies and of her fleets,
-and finally the Viceroy of her favourite kingdom. Is it natural to
-suppose that such a man should have retained, during his successful
-career, the manners and dress of his original country? Ought we not
-rather to admit that, had he done so his career would, in fact, not have
-been successful? In all probability, he imitated to affectation the
-manners of the country which he had adopted. It is not probable that in
-such or in any age the turbaned Moor would have been treated with great
-deference by the common Christian soldier of Venice; or, indeed, that
-the scandal of a heathen leading the armies of one of the most powerful
-of European States would have been tolerated for an instant by indignant
-Christendom. If Shylock even, the Jew merchant, confined to his quarter,
-and herding with his own sect, were bearded on the Rialto, in what
-spirit would the Venetians have witnessed their doge and nobles, whom
-they ranked above kings, holding equal converse, and loading with the
-most splendid honours of the Republic a follower of Mahound? Such were
-the sentiments of the Grand Duke of Reisenburg on this subject, a
-subject interesting to Englishmen; and I confess I think that they are
-worthy of attention. In accordance with his opinions, the actor who
-performed Othello appeared in the full dress of a Venetian magnifico of
-the middle ages; a fit companion for Cornaro, or Grimani, or Barberigo,
-or Foscari.
-
-The first act of the Opera was finished. The Baroness expressed to
-Vivian her great delight at its being over, as she was extremely
-desirous of learning the story of the ballet, which she had not yet been
-able to acquire. His translation of yesterday had greatly interested
-her. Vivian shortly gave her the outline of the story of Conrad. She
-listened with much attention, but made no remark.
-
-The ballet at Reisenburg was not merely a vehicle for the display of
-dancing. It professed by gesture and action, aided by music, to
-influence the minds of the spectators not less than the regular drama.
-Of this exhibition dancing was a casual ornament, as it is of life. It
-took place therefore only on fitting occasions, and grew out, in a
-natural manner, from some event in the history represented. For
-instance, suppose the story of Othello the subject of the ballet. The
-dancing, in all probability, would be introduced at a grand
-entertainment given in celebration of the Moor's arrival at Cyprus. All
-this would be in character. Our feelings would not be outraged by a
-husband chassezing forward to murder his wife, or by seeing the pillow
-pressed over the innocent Desdemona by the impulse of a pirouette. In
-most cases, therefore, the chief performers in this species of spectacle
-are not even dancers. This, however, may not always be the case. If
-Diana be the heroine, poetical probability will not be offended by the
-goddess joining in the chaste dance with her huntress nymphs; and were
-the Baiadere of Goethe made the subject of a ballet, the Indian dancing
-girl would naturally be the heroine both of the drama and the poem.
-There are few performances more affecting than the serious pantomime of
-a master. In some of the most interesting situations it is in fact even
-more natural than the oral drama, logically it is more perfect; for the
-soliloquy is actually thought before us, and the magic of the
-representation not destroyed by the sound of the human voice at a moment
-when we all know man never speaks.
-
-The curtain again rises. Sounds of revelry and triumph are heard from
-the Pirate Isle. They celebrate recent success. Various groups,
-accurately attired in the costume of the Greek islands, are seated on
-the rocky foreground. On the left rises Medora's tower, on a craggy
-steep; and on the right gleams the blue Aegean. A procession of women
-enters. It heralds the presence of Conrad and Medora; they honour the
-festivity of their rude subjects. The pirates and the women join in the
-national dance; and afterwards eight warriors, completely armed, move in
-a warlike measure, keeping time to the music with their bucklers and
-clattering sabres. Suddenly the dance ceases; a sail is in sight. The
-nearest pirates rush to the strand, and assist the disembarkation of
-their welcome comrades. The commander of the vessel comes forward with
-an agitated step and gloomy countenance. He kneels to Conrad and
-delivers him a scroll, which the chieftain reads with suppressed
-agitation. In a moment the faithful Juan is at his side, the contents of
-the scroll revealed, the dance broken up, and preparations made to sail
-in an hour's time to the city of the Pacha. The stage is cleared, and
-Conrad and Medora are alone. The mysterious leader is wrapt in the
-deepest abstraction. He stands with folded arms, and eyes fixed on the
-yellow sand. A gentle pressure on his arm calls him back to
-recollection; he starts, and turns to the intruder with a gloomy brow.
-He sees Medora, and his frown sinks into a sad smile. "And must we part
-again! this hour, this very hour; it cannot be!" She clings to him with
-agony, and kneels to him with adoration. No hope, no hope! a quick
-return promised with an air of foreboding fate. His stern arm encircles
-her waist. He chases the heavy tear from her fair cheek, and while he
-bids her be glad in his absence with her handmaids peals the sad thunder
-of the signal gun. She throws herself upon him. The frantic quickness of
-her motion strikingly contrasts with the former stupor of her
-appearance. She will not part. Her face is buried in his breast; her
-long fair hair floats over his shoulders. He is almost unnerved; but at
-this moment the ship sails on; the crew and their afflicted wives enter;
-the page brings to Lord Conrad his cloak, his carbine, and his bugle. He
-tears himself from her embrace, and without daring to look behind him
-bounds over the rocks, and is in the ship. The vessel moves, the wives
-of the pirates continue on the beach, waving their scarfs to their
-desolate husbands. In the foreground Medora, motionless, stands rooted
-to the strand, and might have inspired Phidias with a personification
-of Despair.
-
-In a hall of unparalleled splendour stern Seyd reclines on innumerable
-pillows, placed on a carpet of golden cloth. His bearded chiefs are
-ranged around. The chambers are brilliantly illuminated, and an opening
-at the farther end of the apartments exhibits a portion of the shining
-city and the glittering galleys. Gulnare, covered with a silver veil,
-which reaches even to her feet, is ushered into the presence of the
-Pacha. Even the haughty Seyd rises to honour his beautiful favourite. He
-draws the precious veil from her blushing features and places her on his
-right hand. The dancing girls now appear, and then are introduced the
-principal artists. Now takes place the scientific part of the ballet;
-and here might Bias, or Noblet, or Ronzi Vestris, or her graceful
-husband, or the classical Albert, or the bounding Paul, vault without
-stint, and attitudinise without restraint, and not in the least impair
-the effect of the tragic tale. The Dervise, of course, appears; the
-galleys, of course, are fired; and Seyd, of course, retreats. A change
-in the scenery gives us the blazing Harem, the rescue of its inmates,
-the deliverance of Gulnare, the capture of Conrad.
-
-It is the prison scene. On a mat, covered with irons, lies the forlorn
-Conrad. The flitting flame of a solitary lamp hardly reveals the heavy
-bars of the huge grate that forms the entrance to its cell. For some
-minutes nothing stirs. The mind of the spectator is allowed to become
-fully aware of the hopeless misery of the hero. His career is ended,
-secure is his dungeon, trusty his guards, overpowering his chains.
-To-morrow he wakes to be impaled. A gentle noise, so gentle that the
-spectator almost deems it unintentional, is now heard. A white figure
-appears behind the dusky gate; is it a guard or a torturer? The gate
-softly opens, and a female conies forward. Gulnare was represented by a
-girl with the body of a Peri and the soul of a poetess. The Harem Queen
-advances with an agitated step; she holds in her left hand a lamp, and
-in the girdle of her light dress is a dagger. She reaches with a
-soundless step the captive. He is asleep! Ay! he sleeps, while thousands
-are weeping over his ravage or his ruin; and she, in restlessness, is
-wandering here! A thousand thoughts are seen coursing over her flushed
-brow; she looks to the audience, and her dark eye asks why this Corsair
-is so dear to her. She turns again, and raises the lamp with her long
-white arm, that the light may fall on the captive's countenance. She
-gazes, without moving, on the sleeper, touches the dagger with a slow
-and tremulous hand, and starts from the contact with terror. She again
-touches it; it is drawn from her vest; it falls to the ground. He wakes;
-he stares with wonder; he sees a female not less fair than Medora.
-Confused, she tells him her station; she tells him that her pity is as
-certain as his doom. He avows his readiness to die; he appears
-undaunted, he thinks of Medora, he buries his face in his hands. She
-grows pale as he avows he loves--another. She cannot conceal her own
-passion. He, wondering, confesses that he supposed her love was his
-enemy's, was Seyd's. Gulnare shudders at the name; she draws herself up
-to her full stature, she smiles in bitterness:
-
-     My love stern Seyd's! Oh, no, no, not my love!
-
-The acting was perfect. The house burst into unusual shouts of
-admiration. Madame Carolina applauded with her little finger on her fan.
-The Grand Duke himself gave the signal for applause. Vivian never felt
-before that words were useless. His hand was suddenly pressed. He turned
-round; it was the Baroness. She was leaning back in her chair; and
-though she did her utmost to conceal her agitated countenance, a tear
-coursed down her cheek big as the miserable Medora's!
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII
-
-
-On the evening of the Opera arrived at Court part of the suite of the
-young Archduchess, the betrothed of the Crown Prince of Reisenburg.
-These consisted of an old grey-headed General, who had taught her
-Imperial Highness the manual exercise; and her tutor and confessor, an
-ancient and toothless Bishop. Their youthful mistress was to follow them
-in a few days; and this arrival of such a distinguished portion of her
-suite was the signal for the commencement of a long series of sumptuous
-festivities. After interchanging a number of compliments and a few
-snuff-boxes, the new guests were invited by his Royal Highness to attend
-a Review, which was to take place the next morning, of five thousand
-troops and fifty Generals.
-
-The Reisenburg army was the best appointed in Europe. Never were men
-seen with breasts more plumply padded, mustachios better trained, or
-such spotless gaiters. The Grand Duke himself was a military genius, and
-had invented a new cut for the collars of the Cavalry. His Royal
-Highness was particularly desirous of astonishing the old grey-headed
-governor of his future daughter by the skilful evolutions and imposing
-appearance of his legions. The affair was to be of the most refined
-nature, and the whole was to be concluded by a mock battle, in which the
-spectators were to be treated by a display of the most exquisite
-evolutions and complicated movements which human beings ever yet
-invented to destroy others or to escape destruction. Field Marshal Count
-von Sohnspeer, the Commander-in-Chief of all the Forces of his Royal
-Highness the Grand Duke of Reisenburg, condescended, at the particular
-request of his Sovereign, to conduct the whole affair himself.
-
-At first it was rather difficult to distinguish between the army and the
-staff; for Darius, in the Straits of Issus, was not more sumptuously and
-numerously attended than Count von Sohnspeer. Wherever he moved he was
-followed by a train of waving plumes and radiant epaulettes, and foaming
-chargers and shining steel. In fact, he looked like a large military
-comet. Had the fate of Reisenburg depended on the result of the day, the
-Field Marshal, and his Generals, and Aides-de-camp, and Orderlies,
-could not have looked more agitated and more in earnest. Von Sohnspeer
-had not less than four horses in the field, on every one of which he
-seemed to appear in the space of five minutes. Now he was dashing along
-the line of the Lancers on a black charger, and now round the column of
-the Cuirassiers on a white one. He exhorted the Tirailleurs on a
-chestnut, and added fresh courage to the ardour of the Artillery on
-a bay.
-
-It was a splendid day. The bands of the respective regiments played
-triumphant tunes as each marched on the field. The gradual arrival of
-the troops was picturesque. Distant music was heard, and a corps of
-Infantry soon made its appearance. A light bugle sounded, and a body of
-Tirailleurs issued from the shade of a neighbouring wood. The
-kettle-drums and clarions heralded the presence of a troop of Cavalry;
-and an advanced guard of Light Horse told that the Artillery were about
-to follow. The arms and standards of the troops shone in the sun;
-military music sounded in all parts of the field; unceasing was the
-bellow of the martial drum and the blast of the blood-stirring trumpet.
-Clouds of dust ever and anon excited in the distance denoted the arrival
-of a regiment of Cavalry. Even now one approaches; it is the Red
-Lancers. How gracefully their Colonel, the young Count of Eberstein,
-bounds on his barb! Has Theseus turned Centaur? His spur and bridle seem
-rather the emblems of sovereignty than the instruments of government: he
-neither chastises nor directs. The rider moves without motion, and the
-horse judges without guidance. It would seem that the man had borrowed
-the beast's body, and the beast the man's mind. His regiment has formed
-upon the field, their stout lances erected like a young and leafless
-grove; but although now in line, it is with difficulty that they can
-subject the spirit of their warlike steeds. The trumpet has caught the
-ear of the horses; they stand with open nostrils, already breathing war
-ere they can see an enemy; and now dashing up one leg, and now the
-other, they seem to complain of Nature that she has made them of
-anything earthly.
-
-The troops have all arrived; there is an unusual bustle in the field.
-Von Sohnspeer is again changing his horse, giving directions while he is
-mounting to at least a dozen Aides-de-camp. Orderlies are scampering
-over every part of the field. Another flag, quite new, and of large
-size, is unfurled by the Field-Marshal's pavilion. A signal gun! the
-music in the whole field is hushed: a short silence of agitating
-suspense, another gun, and another! All the bands of all the regiments
-burst forth at the same moment into the national air: the Court dash
-into the field!
-
-Madame Carolina, the Baroness, the Countess von S----, and some other
-ladies, wore habits of the uniform of the Royal Guards. Both Madame and
-the Baroness were perfect horsewomen; and the excited spirits of Mr.
-Beckendorff's female relative, both during her ride and her dashing run
-over the field, amidst the firing of cannon and the crash of drums and
-trumpets, strikingly contrasted with her agitation and depression of the
-preceding night.
-
-"Your Excellency loves the tented field, I think!" said Vivian, who was
-at her side.
-
-"I love war! it is a diversion for kings!" was the answer. "How fine the
-breast-plates and helmets of those Cuirassiers glisten in the sun!"
-continued the lady. "Do you see von Sohnspeer? I wonder if the Crown
-Prince be with him!"
-
-"I think he is."
-
-"Indeed! Ah! can he interest himself in anything? He seemed Apathy
-itself at the Opera last night. I never saw him smile, or move, and have
-scarcely heard his voice! but if he love war, if he be a soldier, if he
-be thinking of other things than a pantomime and a ball, 'tis well! very
-well for his country! Perhaps he is a hero?"
-
-At this moment the Crown Prince, who was of von Sohnspeer's staff,
-slowly rode up to the Royal party.
-
-"Rudolph!" said the Grand Duke, "do you head your regiment to-day?"
-
-"No," was the muttered answer.
-
-The Grand Duke moved his horse to his son, and spoke to him in a low
-tone, evidently with earnestness. Apparently he was expostulating with
-him; but the effect of the royal exhortation was only to render the
-Prince's brow more gloomy, and the expression of his withered features
-more sullen and more sad. The Baroness watched the father and son as
-they were conversing with keen attention. When the Crown Prince, in
-violation of his father's wishes, fell into the party, and allowed his
-regiment to be headed by the Lieutenant-colonel, the young lady raised
-her lustrous eyes to heaven with that same expression of sorrow or
-resignation which had so much interested Vivian on the morning that he
-had translated to her the moving passage in the Corsair.
-
-But the field is nearly cleared, and the mimic war has commenced. On
-the right appears a large body of Cavalry, consisting of Cuirassiers and
-Dragoons. A vanguard of Light Cavalry and Lancers, under the command of
-the Count of Eberstein, is ordered out, from this body, to harass the
-enemy, a strong body of Infantry supposed to be advancing. Several
-squadrons of Light Horse immediately spring forward; they form
-themselves into line, they wheel into column, and endeavour, by
-well-directed manoeuvres, to outflank the strong wing of the advancing
-enemy. After succeeding in executing all that was committed to them, and
-after having skirmished in the van of their own army, so as to give time
-for all necessary dispositions of the line of battle, the vanguard
-suddenly retreats between the brigades of the Cavalry of the line; the
-prepared battery of cannon is unmasked; and a tremendous concentric fire
-opened on the line of the advancing foe. Taking advantage of the
-confusion created by this unexpected salute of his artillery, von
-Sohnspeer, who commands the Cavalry, gives the word to "Charge!"
-
-The whole body of Cavalry immediately charge in masses; the extended
-line of the enemy is as immediately broken. But the Infantry, who are
-commanded by one of the royal relatives and visitors, the Prince of Pike
-and Powdren, dexterously form into squares, and commence a masterly
-retreat in square battalions. At length they take up a more favourable
-position than the former one. They are again galled by the Artillery,
-who have proportionately advanced, and again charged by the Cavalry in
-their huge masses. And now the squares of Infantry partially give way.
-They admit the Cavalry, but the exulting Horse find, to their dismay,
-that the enemy are not routed, but that there are yet inner squares
-formed at salient angles. The Cavalry for a moment retire, but it is
-only to give opportunity to their Artillery to rake the obstinate foes.
-The execution of the battery is fearful. Headed by their Commander, the
-whole body of Cuirassiers and Dragoons again charge with renewed energy
-and concentrated force. The Infantry are thrown into the greatest
-confusion, and commence a rout, increased and rendered irremediable by
-the Lancers and Hussars, the former vanguard, who now, seizing on the
-favourable moment, again rush forward, increasing the effect of the
-charge of the whole army, overtaking the fugitives with their lances,
-and securing the prisoners.
-
-The victorious von Sohnspeer, followed by his staff, now galloped up to
-receive the congratulations of his Sovereign.
-
-"Where are your prisoners, Field Marshal?" asked his Royal Highness,
-with a flattering smile.
-
-"What is the ransom of our unfortunate guest?" asked Madame Carolina.
-
-"I hope we shall have another affair," said the Baroness, with a flushed
-face and glowing eyes.
-
-But the Commander-in-Chief must not tarry to bandy compliments. He is
-again wanted in the field. The whole troops have formed in line. Some
-most scientific evolutions are now executed. With them we will not weary
-the reader, nor dilate on the comparative advantages of forming en
-cremailliere and en echiquier; nor upon the duties of tirailleurs, nor
-upon concentric fires and eccentric movements, nor upon deploying, nor
-upon enfilading, nor upon oblique fronts, nor upon echellons. The day
-finished by the whole of the troops again forming in line and passing in
-order before the Commander-in-Chief, to give him an opportunity of
-observing their discipline and inspecting their equipments.
-
-The review being finished, Count von Sohnspeer and his staff joined the
-royal party; and after walking their horses round the field, they
-proceeded to his pavilion, where refreshments were prepared for them.
-The Field Marshal, flattered by the interest which the young Baroness
-had taken in the business of the day, and the acquaintance which she
-evidently possessed of the more obvious details of military tactics, was
-inclined to be particularly courteous to her; but the object of his
-admiration did not encourage attentions by which half the ladies of the
-Court would have thought themselves as highly honoured as by those of
-the Grand Duke himself; so powerful a person was the Field Marshal, and
-so little inclined by temper to cultivate the graces of the fair sex!
-
-"In the tent keep by my side," said the Baroness to Vivian. "Although I
-am fond of heroes, von Sohnspeer is not to my taste. I know not why I
-flatter you so by my notice, for I suppose, like all Englishmen, you are
-not a soldier? I thought so. Never mind! you ride well enough for a
-field marshal. I really think I could give you a commission without much
-stickling of my conscience. No, no! I should like you nearer me. I have
-a good mind to make you my master of the horse; that is to say, when I
-am entitled to have one."
-
-As Vivian acknowledged the young Baroness' compliment by becoming
-emotion, and vowed that an office near her person would be the
-consummation of all his wishes, his eye caught the lady's: she blushed
-deeply, looked down upon her horse's neck, and then turned away
-her head.
-
-Von Sohnspeer's pavilion excellently became the successful leader of the
-army of Reisenburg. Trophies taken from all sides decked its interior.
-The black eagle of Austria formed part of its roof, and the brazen
-eagle of Gaul supported part of the side. The grey-headed General looked
-rather grim when he saw a flag belonging to a troop which perhaps he had
-himself once commanded. He vented his indignation to the toothless
-Bishop, who crossed his breast with his fingers, covered with diamonds,
-and preached temperance and moderation in inarticulate sounds.
-
-During the collation the conversation was principally military. Madame
-Carolina, who was entirely ignorant of the subject of discourse,
-enchanted all the officers present by appearing to be the most
-interested person in the tent. Nothing could exceed the elegance of her
-eulogium of "petit guerre." The old grey General talked much about the
-"good old times," by which he meant the thirty years of plunder,
-bloodshed, and destruction, which were occasioned by the French
-Revolution. He gloated on the recollections of horror, which he feared
-would never occur again. The Archduke Charles and Prince Schwartzenburg
-were the gods of his idolatry, and Nadasti's hussars and Wurmser's
-dragoons the inferior divinities of his bloody heaven. One evolution of
-the morning, a discovery made by von Sohnspeer himself, in the deploying
-of cavalry, created a great sensation; and it was settled that it would
-have been of great use to Desaix and Clairfait in the Netherlands affair
-of some eight-and-twenty years ago, and was not equalled even by
-Seidlitz' cavalry in the affair with the Russians at Zorndorff. In
-short, every "affair" of any character during the late war was fought
-over again in the tent of Field Marshal von Sohnspeer. At length from
-the Archduke Charles and Prince Schwartzenburg, the old grey-headed
-General got to Polybius and Monsieur Folard; and the Grand Duke now
-thinking that the "affair" was taking too serious a turn, broke up the
-party. Madame Carolina and most of the ladies used their carriages on
-their return. They were nearly fifteen miles from the city; but the
-Baroness, in spite of the most earnest solicitations, would remount
-her charger.
-
-They cantered home, the Baroness in unusual spirits, Vivian thinking
-very much of his fair companion. Her character puzzled him. That she was
-not the lovely simpleton that Madame Carolina believed her to be, he had
-little doubt. Some people have great knowledge of society and little of
-mankind. Madame Carolina was one of these. She viewed her species
-through only one medium. That the Baroness was a woman of acute feeling,
-Vivian could not doubt. Her conduct at the Opera, which had escaped
-every one's attention, made this evident. That she had seen more of the
-world than her previous conversation had given him to believe, was
-equally clear by her conduct and conversation this morning. He
-determined to become more acquainted with her character. Her evident
-partiality to his company would not render the execution of his purpose
-very difficult. At any rate, if he discovered nothing, it was something
-to do: it would at least amuse him.
-
-In the evening he joined a large party at the palace. He looked
-immediately for the Baroness. She was surrounded by the dandies. Their
-attentions she treated with contempt, and ridiculed their compliments
-without mercy. Without obtruding himself on her notice, Vivian joined
-her circle, and witnessed her demolition of the young Count of Eberstein
-with great amusement. Emilius von Aslingen was not there; for having
-made the interesting savage the fashion, she was no longer worthy of his
-attention, and consequently deserted. The young lady soon observed
-Vivian; and saying, without the least embarrassment, that she was
-delighted to see him, she begged him to share her chaise-longue. Her
-envious levee witnessed the preference with dismay; and as the object of
-their attention did not now notice their remarks, even by her expressed
-contempt, one by one fell away. Vivian and the Baroness were left alone,
-and conversed much together. The lady displayed, on every subject,
-engaging ignorance, and requested information on obvious topics with
-artless naivete. Vivian was convinced that her ignorance was not
-affected, and equally sure that it could not arise from imbecility of
-intellect; for while she surprised him by her crude questions, and her
-want of acquaintance with all those topics which generally form the
-staple of conversation, she equally amused him with her poignant wit,
-and the imperious and energetic manner in which she instantly expected
-satisfactory information on every possible subject.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX
-
-
-On the day after the review a fancy-dress ball was to be given at Court.
-It was to be an entertainment of a peculiar nature. The lively genius of
-Madame Carolina, wearied of the commonplace effect generally produced by
-this species of amusement, in which usually a stray Turk and a wandering
-Pole looked sedate and singular among crowds of Spanish girls, Swiss
-peasants, and gentlemen in uniforms, had invented something novel. Her
-idea was ingenious. To use her own sublime phrase, she determined that
-the party should represent "an age!" Great difficulty was experienced in
-fixing upon the century which was to be honoured. At first a poetical
-idea was started of having something primeval, perhaps antediluvian; but
-Noah, or even Father Abraham, were thought characters hardly
-sufficiently romantic for a fancy-dress ball, and consequently the
-earliest postdiluvian ages were soon under consideration. Nimrod, or
-Sardanapalus, were distinguished personages, and might be well
-represented by the Master of the Staghounds, or the Master of the
-Revels; but then the want of an interesting lady-character was a great
-objection. Semiramis, though not without style in her own way, was not
-sufficiently Parisian for Madame Carolina. New ages were proposed and
-new objections started; and so the "Committee of Selection," which
-consisted of Madame herself, the Countess von S----, and a few other
-dames of fashion, gradually slided through the four great empires.
-Athens was not aristocratic enough, and then the women were nothing. In
-spite of her admiration of the character of Aspasia, Madame Carolina
-somewhat doubted the possibility of persuading the ladies of the Court
-of Reisenburg to appear in the characters of [Greek: hetairai]. Rome
-presented great capabilities, and greater difficulties. Finding
-themselves, after many days' sitting and study, still very far from
-coming to a decision, Madame called in the aid of the Grand Duke, who
-proposed "something national." The proposition was plausible; but,
-according to Madame Carolina, Germany, until her own time, had been
-only a land of barbarism and barbarians; and therefore in such a
-country, in a national point of view, what could there be interesting?
-The middle ages, as they are usually styled, in spite of the Emperor
-Charlemagne, "that oasis in the desert of barbarism," to use her own
-eloquent and original image, were her particular aversion. "The age of
-chivalry is past!" was as constant an exclamation of Madame Carolina as
-it was of Mr. Burke. "The age of chivalry is past; and very fortunate
-that it is. What resources could they have had in the age of chivalry?
-an age without either moral or experimental philosophy; an age in which
-they were equally ignorant of the doctrine of association of ideas, and
-of the doctrine of electricity; and when they were as devoid of a
-knowledge of the Incalculable powers of the human mind as of the
-incalculable powers of steam!" Had Madame Carolina been the consort of
-an Italian grand duke, selection would not be difficult; and, to inquire
-no farther, the court of the Medici alone would afford them everything
-they wanted. But Germany never had any character, and never produced nor
-had been the resort of illustrious men and interesting persons. What was
-to be done? The age of Frederick the Great was the only thing; and then
-that was so recent, and would offend the Austrians: it could not be
-thought of.
-
-At last, when the "Committee of Selection" was almost in despair, some
-one proposed a period which not only would be German, not only would
-compliment the House of Austria, but, what was of still greater
-importance, would allow of every contemporary character of interest of
-every nation, the age of Charles the Fifth! The suggestion was received
-with enthusiasm, and adopted on the spot. "The Committee of Selection"
-was immediately dissolved, and its members as immediately formed
-themselves into a "Committee of Arrangement." Lists of all the persons
-of any fame, distinction, or notoriety, who had lived either in the
-empire of Germany, the kingdoms of Spain, Portugal, France, or England,
-the Italian States, the Netherlands, the American, and, in short, in
-every country in the known world, were immediately formed. Von
-Chronicle, rewarded for his last historical novel by a ribbon and the
-title of Baron, was appointed secretary to the "Committee of Costume."
-All guests who received a card invitation were desired, on or before a
-certain day, to send in the title of their adopted character and a
-sketch of their intended dress, that their plans might receive the
-sanction of the ladies of the "Committee of Arrangement," and their
-dresses the approbation of the secretary of costume. By this method the
-chance and inconvenience of two persons selecting and appearing in the
-same character were destroyed and prevented. After exciting the usual
-jealousies, intrigues, dissatisfaction, and ill-blood, by the influence
-and imperturbable temper of Madame Carolina, everything was arranged;
-Emilius von Aslingen being the only person who set both the Committees
-of Arrangement and Costume at defiance, and treated the repeated
-applications of their respected secretary with contemptuous silence. The
-indignant Baron von Chronicle entreated the strong interference of the
-"Committee of Arrangement," but Emilius von Aslingen was too powerful an
-individual to be treated by others as he treated them. Had the
-fancy-dress ball of the Sovereign been attended by all his subjects,
-with the exception of this Captain in his Guards, the whole affair might
-have been a failure; would have been dark in spite of the glare of ten
-thousand lamps and the glories of all the jewels of his state; would
-have been dull, although each guest were wittier than Pasquin himself;
-and very vulgar, although attended by lords of as many quarterings as
-the ancient shield of his own antediluvian house! All, therefore, that
-the ladies of the "Committee of Arrangement" could do, was to enclose to
-the rebellious von Aslingen a list of the expected characters, and a
-resolution passed in consequence of his contumacy, that no person or
-persons was, or were, to appear as either or any of these characters,
-unless he, or they, could produce a ticket, or tickets, granted by a
-member of the "Committee of Arrangement," and countersigned by the
-secretary of the "Committee of Costume." At the same time that these
-vigorous measures were resolved on, no persons spoke of Emilius von
-Aslingen's rebellious conduct in terms of greater admiration than the
-ladies of the Committee themselves. If possible, he in consequence
-became even a more influential and popular personage than before, and
-his conduct procured him almost the adoration of persons who, had they
-dared to imitate him, would have been instantly crushed, and would have
-been banished society principally by the exertions of the very
-individual whom they had the presumption to mimic.
-
-In the gardens of the palace was a spacious amphitheatre, cut out in
-green seats, for the spectators of the plays which, during the summer
-months, were sometimes performed there by the Court. There was a stage
-in the same taste, with rows of trees for side-scenes, and a great
-number of arbours and summer-rooms, surrounded by lofty hedges of
-laurel, for the actors to retire and dress in. Connected with this
-"rural Theatre," for such was its title, were many labyrinths, and
-groves, and arched walks, in the same style. More than twelve large
-fountains were in the immediate vicinity of this theatre. At the end of
-one walk a sea-horse spouted its element through its nostrils; and in
-another, Neptune turned an Ocean out of a vase. Seated on a rock,
-Arcadia's half-goat god, the deity of silly sheep and silly poets, sent
-forth trickling streams through his rustic pipes; and in the centre of a
-green grove, an enamoured Salmacis, bathing in a pellucid basin, seemed
-watching for her Hermaphrodite.
-
-It was in this rural theatre and its fanciful confines that Madame
-Carolina and her councillors resolved that their magic should, for a
-night, not only stop the course of time, but recall past centuries. It
-was certainly rather late in the year for choosing such a spot for the
-scene of their enchantment; but the season, as we have often had
-occasion to remark in the course of these volumes, was singularly fine;
-and indeed at this moment the nights were as warm, and as clear from
-mist and dew, as they are during an Italian midsummer.
-
-But it is eight o'clock; we are already rather late. Is that a figure by
-Holbein, just started out of the canvas, that I am about to meet? Stand
-aside! It is a page of the Emperor Charles the Fifth! The Court is on
-its way to the theatre. The theatre and the gardens are brilliantly
-illuminated. The effect of the thousands of coloured lamps, in all parts
-of the foliage, is very beautiful. The moon is up, and a million stars!
-If it be not quite as light as day, it is just light enough for
-pleasure. You could not perhaps endorse a bill of exchange, or engross a
-parchment, by this light; but then it is just the light to read a
-love-letter by, and do a thousand other things besides.
-
-All hail to the Emperor! we would give his costume, were it not rather
-too much in the style of the von Chronicles. Reader! you have seen a
-portrait of Charles by Holbein: very well; what need is there of a
-description? No lack was there in this gay scene of massy chains and
-curious collars, nor of cloth of gold, nor of cloth of silver! No lack
-was there of trembling plumes and costly hose! No lack was there of
-crimson velvet, and russet velvet, and tawny velvet, and purple velvet,
-and plunket velvet, and of scarlet cloth, and green taffeta, and cloth
-of silk embroidered! No lack was there of garments of estate, and of
-quaint chemews, nor of short crimson cloaks, covered with pearls and
-precious stones! No lack was there of party-coloured splendour, of
-purple velvet embroidered with white, and white satin dresses
-embroidered with black! No lack was there of splendid koyfes of damask,
-or kerchiefs of fine Cyprus; nor of points of Venice silver of ducat
-fineness, nor of garlands of friars' knots, nor of coloured satins, nor
-of bleeding hearts embroidered on the bravery of dolorous lovers, nor of
-quaint sentences of wailing gallantry! But for the details, are they not
-to be found in those much-neglected and much-plundered persons, the old
-chroniclers? and will they not sufficiently appear in the most inventive
-portion of the next great historical novel?
-
-The Grand Duke looked the Emperor. Our friend the Grand Marshal was
-Francis the First; and Arnelm and von Neuwied figured as the Marshal of
-Montmorency and the Marshal Lautrec. The old toothless Bishop did
-justice to Clement the Seventh; and his companion, the ancient General,
-looked grim as Pompeo Colonna. A prince of the House of Nassau, one of
-the royal visitors, represented his adventurous ancestor the Prince of
-Orange. Von Sohnspeer was that haughty and accomplished rebel, the
-Constable of Bourbon. The young Baron Gernsbach was worthy of the
-seraglio, as he stalked along as Solyman the Magnificent, with all the
-family jewels belonging to his dowager mother shining in his superb
-turban. Our friend the Count of Eberstein personified chivalry, in the
-person of Bayard. The younger Bernstorff, the intimate friend of
-Gernsbach, attended his sumptuous sovereign as that Turkish Paul Jones,
-Barbarossa. An Italian Prince was Andrew Doria. The Grand Chamberlain,
-our francise acquaintance, and who affected a love of literature, was
-the Protestant Elector of Saxony. His train consisted of the principal
-litterateurs of Reisenburg. The Editor of the "Attack-all Review," who
-originally had been a Catholic, but who had been skilfully converted
-some years ago, when he thought Catholicism was on the decline, was
-Martin Luther, an individual whom, both in his apostasy and fierceness,
-he much and only resembled. On the contrary, the editor of the
-"Praise-all Review" appeared as the mild and meek Melanchthon. Mr.
-Sievers, not yet at Vienna, was Erasmus. Ariosto, Guicciardini, Ronsard,
-Rabelais, Machiavel, Pietro Aretino, Garcilasso de la Vega. Sannazaro,
-and Paracelsus, afforded names to many nameless critics. Two Generals,
-brothers, appeared as Cortes and Pizarro. The noble Director of the
-Gallery was Albert Durer, and his deputy Hans Holbein. The Court
-painter, a wretched mimic of the modern French School, did justice to
-the character of Correggio; and an indifferent sculptor looked sublime
-as Michel Angelo.
-
-Von Chronicle had persuaded the Prince of Pike and Powdren, one of his
-warmest admirers, to appear as Henry the Eighth of England. His Highness
-was one of those true North German patriots who think their own country
-a very garden of Eden, and verily believe that original sin is to be
-finally put an end to in a large sandy plain between Berlin and Hanover.
-The Prince of Pike and Powdren passed his whole life in patriotically
-sighing for the concentration of all Germany into one great nation, and
-in secretly trusting that, if ever the consummation took place, the
-North would be rewarded for their condescending union by a monopoly of
-all the privileges of the Empire. Such a character was of course
-extremely desirous of figuring to-night in a style peculiarly national.
-The persuasions of von Chronicle, however, prevailed, and induced his
-Highness of Pike and Powdren to dismiss his idea of appearing as the
-ancient Arminius, although it was with great regret that the Prince gave
-up his plan of personating his favourite hero, with hair down to his
-middle and skins up to his chin. Nothing would content von Chronicle but
-that his kind patron should represent a crowned head: anything else was
-beneath him. The patriotism of the Prince disappeared before the
-flattery of the novelist, like the bloom of a plum before the breath of
-a boy, when he polishes the powdered fruit ere he devours it. No sooner
-had his Highness agreed to be changed into bluff Harry than the secret
-purpose of his adviser was immediately detected. No Court confessor,
-seduced by the vision of a red hat, ever betrayed the secrets of his
-sovereign with greater fervour than did von Chronicle labour for the
-Cardinal's costume, which was the consequence of the Prince of Pike and
-Powdren undertaking the English monarch. To-night, proud as was the part
-of the Prince as regal Harry, his strut was a shamble compared with the
-imperious stalk of von Chronicle as the arrogant and ambitious Wolsey.
-The Cardinal in Rienzi was nothing to him; for to-night Wolsey had as
-many pages as the other had petticoats!
-
-But, most ungallant of scribblers! Place aux dames! Surely Madame
-Carolina, as the beautiful and accomplished Margaret of Navarre, might
-well command, even without a mandate, your homage and your admiration!
-The lovely Queen seemed the very goddess of smiles and repartee; young
-Max, as her page, carried at her side a painted volume of her own
-poetry. The arm of the favourite sister of Francis, who it will be
-remembered once fascinated even the Emperor, was linked in that of
-Caesar's natural daughter, her beautiful namesake, the bright-eyed
-Margaret of Austria. Conversing with these royal dames, and indeed
-apparently in attendance upon them, was a young gallant of courtly
-bearing, and attired in a fantastic dress. It is Clement Marot, "the
-Poet of Princes and the Prince of Poets," as he was styled by his own
-admiring age; he offers to the critical inspection of the nimble-witted
-Navarre a few lines in celebration of her beauty and the night's
-festivity; one of those short Marotique poems once so celebrated;
-perhaps a page culled from those gay and airy psalms which, with
-characteristic gallantry, he dedicated "to the Dames of France!" Observe
-well the fashionable bard! Marot was a true poet, and in his day not
-merely read by queens and honoured by courtiers: observe him well; for
-the character is supported by our Vivian Grey. It was with great
-difficulty that Madame Carolina had found a character for her favourite,
-for the lists were all filled before his arrival at Reisenburg. She at
-first wished him to appear as some celebrated Englishman of the time,
-but no character of sufficient importance could be discovered. All our
-countrymen in contact or connection with the Emperor Charles were
-churchmen and civilians; and Sir Nicholas Carew and the other fops of
-the reign of Henry the Eighth, who, after the visit to Paris, were even
-more ridiculously francise than the Grand Chamberlain of Reisenburg
-himself, were not, after mature deliberation, considered entitled to the
-honour of being ranked in Madame Carolina's age of Charles the Fifth.
-
-But who is this, surrounded by her ladies and her chamberlains and her
-secretaries? Four pages in dresses of cloth of gold, and each the son of
-a prince of the French blood, support her train; a crown encircles locks
-grey as much from thought as from time, but which require no show of
-loyalty to prove that they belong to a mother of princes; that ample
-forehead, aquiline nose, and the keen glance of her piercing eye denote
-the Queen as much as the regality of her gait and her numerous and
-splendid train. The young Queen of Navarre hastens to proffer her duty
-to the mother of Francis, the celebrated Louise of Savoy; and
-exquisitely did the young and lovely Countess of S---- personate the
-most celebrated of female diplomatists.
-
-We have forgotten one character; the repeated commands of his father and
-the constant entreaties of Madame Carolina had at length prevailed upon
-the Crown Prince to shuffle himself into a fancy dress. No sooner had he
-gratified them by his hard-wrung consent than Baron von Chronicle called
-upon him with drawings of the costume of the Prince of Asturias,
-afterwards Philip the Second of Spain. If we for a moment forgot so
-important a personage as the future Grand Duke, it must have been
-because he supported his character so ably that no one for an instant
-believed that it was an assumed one; standing near the side scenes of
-the amphitheatre, with his gloomy brow, sad eye, protruding under-lip,
-and arms hanging straight by his sides, he looked a bigot without hope,
-and a tyrant without purpose.
-
-The first hour is over, and the guests are all assembled. As yet they
-content themselves with promenading round the amphitheatre; for before
-they can think of dance or stroll, each of them must be duly acquainted
-with the other's dress. It was a most splendid scene. The Queen of
-Navarre has now been presented to the Emperor, and, leaning on his arm,
-they head the promenade. The Emperor had given the hand of Margaret of
-Austria to his legitimate son; but the Crown Prince, though he continued
-in silence by the side of the young Baroness, soon resigned a hand which
-did not struggle to retain his. Clement Marot was about to fall back
-into a less conspicuous part of the procession; but the Grand Duke,
-witnessing the regret of his loved Consort, condescendingly said, "We
-cannot afford to lose our poet;" and so Vivian found himself walking
-behind Madame Carolina, and on the left side of the young Baroness.
-Louise of Savoy followed with her son, the King of France; most of the
-ladies of the Court, and a crowd of officers, among them Montmorency and
-De Lautrec, after their Majesties. The King of England moves by; his
-state unnoticed in the superior magnificence of Wolsey. Pompeo Colonna
-apologises to Pope Clement for having besieged his holiness in the
-Castle of St. Angelo. The Elector of Saxony and the Prince of Orange
-follow. Solyman the Magnificent is attended by his Admiral; and
-Bayard's pure spirit almost quivers at the whispered treason of the
-Constable of Bourbon. Luther and Melanchthon, Erasmus and Rabelais,
-Cortez and Pizarro, Correggio and Michael Angelo, and a long train of
-dames and dons of all nations, succeed; so long that the amphitheatre
-cannot hold them, and the procession, that they may walk over the stage,
-makes a short progress through an adjoining summer-room.
-
-Just as the Emperor and the fair Queen are in the middle of the stage, a
-wounded warrior with a face pale as an eclipsed moon, a helmet on which
-is painted the sign of his sacred order, a black mantle thrown over his
-left shoulder, but not concealing his armour, a sword in his right hand
-and an outstretched crucifix in his left, rushes on the scene. The
-procession suddenly halts; all recognise Emilius von Aslingen! and
-Madame Carolina blushes through her rouge when she perceives that so
-celebrated, "so interesting a character" as Ignatius Loyola, the Founder
-of the Jesuits, has not been included in the all-comprehensive lists of
-her committee.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X
-
-
-Henry of England led the Polonaise with Louise of Savoy; Margaret of
-Austria would not join in it: waltzing quickly followed. The Emperor
-seldom left the side of the Queen of Navarre, and often conversed with
-her Majesty's poet. The Prince of Asturias hovered for a moment round
-his father's daughter, as if he were summoning resolution to ask her to
-waltz. Once, indeed, he opened his mouth; could it have been to speak?
-But the young Margaret gave no encouragement to this unusual exertion;
-and Philip of Asturias, looking, if possible, more sad and sombre than
-before, skulked away. The Crown Prince left the gardens, and now a smile
-lit up every face, except that of the young Baroness. The gracious Grand
-Duke, unwilling to see a gloomy countenance anywhere to-night, turned to
-Vivian, who was speaking to Madame Carolina, and said, "Gentle poet,
-would that thou hadst some chanson or courtly compliment to chase the
-cloud which hovers on the brow of our much-loved daughter of Austria!
-Your popularity, sir," continued the Grand Duke, dropping his mock
-heroic vein and speaking in a much lower tone, "your popularity, sir,
-among the ladies of the Court, cannot be increased by any panegyric of
-mine; nor am I insensible, believe me, to the assiduity and skill with
-which you have complied with my wishes in making our Court agreeable to
-the relative of a man to whom we owe so much as Mr. Beckendorff. I am
-informed, Mr. Grey," continued his Royal Highness, "that you have no
-intention of very speedily returning to your country; I wish that I
-could count you among my peculiar attendants. If you have an objection
-to live in the palace without performing your quota of duty to the
-State, we shall have no difficulty in finding you an office, and
-clothing you in our official costume. Think of this!" So saying, with a
-gracious smile, his Royal Highness, leading Madame Carolina, commenced a
-walk round the gardens.
-
-The young Baroness did not follow them. Solyman the Magnificent, and
-Bayard the irreproachable, and Barbarossa the pirate, and Bourbon the
-rebel, immediately surrounded her. Few persons were higher ton than the
-Turkish Emperor and his Admiral; few persons talked more agreeable
-nonsense than the Knight sans peur et sans reproche; no person was more
-important than the warlike Constable; but their attention, their
-amusement, and their homage were to-night thrown away on the object of
-their observance. The Baroness listened to them without interest, and
-answered them with brevity. She did not even condescend, as she had done
-before, to enter into a war of words, to mortify their vanity or
-exercise their wit. She treated them neither with contempt nor courtesy.
-If no smile welcomed their remarks, at least her silence was not
-scornful, and the most shallow-headed prater that fluttered around her
-felt that he was received with dignity and not with disdain. Awed by her
-conduct, not one of them dared to be flippant, and every one of them
-soon became dull. The ornaments of the Court of Reisenburg, the arbiters
-of ton and the lords of taste, stared with astonishment at each other
-when they found, to their mutual surprise, that at one moment, in such a
-select party, universal silence pervaded. In this state of affairs,
-every one felt that his dignity required his speedy disappearance from
-the lady's presence. The Orientals, taking advantage of Bourbon's
-returning once more to the charge with an often unanswered remark,
-coolly walked away: the Chevalier made an adroit and honourable retreat
-by joining a passing party; and the Constable was the only one who,
-being left in solitude and silence, was finally obliged to make a formal
-bow and retire discomforted from the side of the only woman with whom
-he had ever condescended to fall in love. Leaning against the trunk of a
-tree at some little distance, Vivian Grey watched the formation and
-dissolution of the young Baroness' levee with lively interest. His eyes
-met the lady's as she raised them from the ground on von Sohnspeer
-quitting her. She immediately beckoned to Vivian, but without her usual
-smile. He was directly at her side, but she did not speak. At last he
-said, "This is a most brilliant scene!"
-
-"You think so, do you?" answered the lady, in a tone and manner which
-almost made Vivian believe, for a moment, that his friend Mr.
-Beckendorff was at his side.
-
-"Decidedly his daughter!" thought he.
-
-"You are not gay to-night?" said Vivian.
-
-"Why should I be?" said the lady, in a manner which would have made
-Vivian imagine that his presence was as disagreeable to her as that of
-Count von Sohnspeer, had not the lady herself invited his company.
-
-"I suppose the scene is very brilliant," continued the Baroness, after a
-few moments' silence. "At least all here seem to think so, except
-two persons."
-
-"And who are they?" asked Vivian.
-
-"Myself and--the Crown Prince. I am almost sorry that I did not dance
-with him. There seems a wonderful similarity in our dispositions."
-
-"You are pleased to be severe to-night."
-
-"And who shall complain when the first person that I satirize is
-myself?"
-
-"It is most considerate in you," said Vivian, "to undertake such an
-office; for it is one which you yourself are alone capable of
-fulfilling. The only person that can ever satirize your Excellency is
-yourself; and I think even then that, in spite of your candour, your
-self-examination must please us with a self-panegyric."
-
-"Nay, a truce to compliments: at least let me hear better things from
-you. I cannot any longer endure the glare of these lamps and dresses!
-your arm! Let us walk for a few minutes in the more retired and cooler
-parts of the gardens."
-
-The Baroness and Vivian left the amphitheatre by a different path to
-that by which the Grand Duke and Madame Carolina had quitted it. They
-found the walks quite solitary; for the royal party, which was small,
-contained the only persons who had yet left the stage.
-
-Vivian and his companions strolled about for some time, conversing on
-subjects of casual interest. The Baroness, though no longer absent,
-either in her manner or her conversation, seemed depressed; and Vivian,
-while he flattered himself that he was more entertaining than usual,
-felt, to his mortification, that the lady was not entertained.
-
-"I am afraid you find it dull here," said he; "shall we return?"
-
-"Oh, no; do not let us return! We have so short a time to be together
-that we must not allow even one hour to be dull."
-
-As Vivian was about to reply, he heard the joyous voice of young
-Maximilian; it sounded very near. The royal party was approaching. The
-Baronet expressed her earnest desire to avoid it; and as to advance or
-to retreat, in these labyrinthine walks, was almost equally hazardous,
-they retired into one of those green recesses which we have before
-mentioned; indeed it was the very evergreen grove in the centre of which
-the Nymph of the Fountain watched for her loved Carian youth. A shower
-of moonlight fell on the marble statue, and showed the Nymph in an
-attitude of consummate skill: her modesty struggling with her desire,
-and herself crouching in her hitherto pure waters, while her anxious ear
-listens for the bounding step of the regardless huntsman.
-
-"The air is cooler here," said the Baroness, "or the sound of the
-falling water is peculiarly refreshing to my senses. They have passed. I
-rejoice that we did not return; I do not think that I could have
-remained among those lamps another moment. How singular, actually to
-view with aversion a scene which appears to enchant all!"
-
-"A scene which I should have thought would have been particularly
-charming to you," said Vivian; "you are dispirited tonight!"
-
-"Am I?" said the Baroness. "I ought not to be; not to be more dispirited
-than I ever am. To-night I expected pleasure; nothing has happened which
-I did not expect, and everything which I did. And yet I am sad! Do you
-think that happiness can ever be sad? I think it must be so. But whether
-I am sorrowful or happy I can hardly tell; for it is only within these
-few days that I have known either grief or joy."
-
-"It must be counted an eventful period in your existence which reckons
-in its brief hours a first acquaintance with such passions!" said
-Vivian, with a searching eye and an inquiring voice.
-
-"Yes; an eventful period, certainly an eventful period," answered the
-Baroness, with a thoughtful air and in measured words.
-
-"I cannot bear to see a cloud upon that brow!" said Vivian. "Have you
-forgotten how much was to be done to-night? How eagerly you looked
-forward to its arrival? How bitterly we were to regret the termination
-of the mimic empire?"
-
-"I have forgotten nothing; would that I had! I will not look grave. I
-will be gay; and yet, when I remember how soon other mockery besides
-this splendid pageant must be terminated, why should I look gay? Why may
-I not weep?"
-
-"Nay, if we are to moralise on worldly felicity, I fear that instead of
-inspiriting you, which is my wish, I shall prove but a too congenial
-companion. But such a theme is not for you."
-
-"And why should it be for one who, though he lecture me with such
-gravity and gracefulness, can scarcely be entitled to play the part of
-Mentor by the weight of years?" said the Baroness, with a smile: "for
-one who, I trust, who I should think, as little deserved, and was as
-little inured to, sorrow as myself!"
-
-"To find that you have cause to grieve," said Vivian, "and to learn from
-you, at the same time, your opinion of my own lot, prove what I have too
-often had the sad opportunity of observing, that the face of man is
-scarcely more genuine and less deceitful than these masquerade dresses
-which we now wear."
-
-"But you are not unhappy?" asked the Baroness with a quick voice.
-
-"Not now," said Vivian.
-
-His companion seated herself on the marble balustrade which surrounded
-the fountain: she did not immediately speak again, and Vivian was
-silent, for he was watching her motionless countenance as her large
-brilliant eyes gazed with earnestness on the falling water sparkling in
-the moonlight. Surely it was not the mysterious portrait at
-Beckendorff's that he beheld!
-
-She turned. She exclaimed in an agitated voice, "O friend! too lately
-found, why have we met to part?"
-
-"To part, dearest!" said he, in a low and rapid voice, and he gently
-took her hand; "to part! and why should we part? why--"
-
-"Ask not; your question is agony!" She tried to withdraw her hand, he
-pressed it with renewed energy, it remained in his, she turned away her
-head, and both were silent.
-
-"O! lady," said Vivian, as he knelt at her side, "why are we not happy?"
-
-His arm is round her waist, gently he bends his head, their speaking
-eyes meet, and their trembling lips cling into a kiss!
-
-A seal of love and purity and faith I and the chaste moon need not have
-blushed as she lit up the countenances of the lovers.
-
-"O! lady, why are we not happy?"
-
-"We are, we are: is not this happiness, is not this joy, is not this
-bliss? Bliss," she continued, in a low broken voice, "to which I have no
-right, no title. Oh! quit, quit my hand! Happiness is not for me!" She
-extricated herself from his arm, and sprang upon her feet. Alarm, rather
-than affection, was visible on her agitated features. It seemed to cost
-her a great effort to collect her scattered senses; the effort was made
-with pain, but with success.
-
-"Forgive me," she said, in a hurried and indistinct tone; "forgive me! I
-would speak, but cannot, not now at least; we have been long away, too
-long; our absence will be remarked to-night; to-night we must give up to
-the gratification of others, but I will speak. For yours, for my own
-sake, let us, let us go. You know that we are to be very gay to-night,
-and gay we will be. Who shall prevent us? At least the present hour is
-our own; and when the future ones must be so sad, why, why, trifle
-with this?"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI
-
-
-The reader is not to suppose that Vivian Grey thought of the young
-Baroness merely in the rapid scenes which we have sketched. There were
-few moments in the day in which her image did not occupy his thoughts,
-and which, indeed, he did not spend in her presence. From the first her
-character had interested him. His accidental but extraordinary
-acquaintance with Beckendorff made him view any individual connected
-with that singular man with a far more curious feeling than could
-influence the young nobles of the Court, who were ignorant of the
-Minister's personal character. There was an evident mystery about the
-character and situation of the Baroness, which well accorded with the
-eccentric and romantic career of the Prime Minister of Reisenburg. Of
-the precise nature of her connection with Beckendorff Vivian was wholly
-ignorant. The world spoke of her as his daughter, and the affirmation of
-Madame Carolina confirmed the world's report. Her name was still unknown
-to him; and although during the few moments that they had enjoyed an
-opportunity of conversing together alone, Vivian had made every exertion
-of which good breeding, impelled by curiosity, is capable, and had
-devised many little artifices with which a schooled address is well
-acquainted to obtain it, his exertions had hitherto been unsuccessful.
-If there was a mystery, the young lady was competent to preserve it; and
-with all her naivete, her interesting ignorance of the world, and her
-evidently uncontrollable spirit, no hasty word ever fell from her
-cautious lips which threw any light on the objects of his inquiry.
-Though impetuous, she was never indiscreet, and often displayed a
-caution which was little in accordance with her youth and temper. The
-last night had witnessed the only moment in which her passions seemed
-for a time to have struggled with, and to have overcome, her judgment;
-but it was only for a moment. That display of overpowering feeling had
-cost Vivian a sleepless night; and he is at this instant pacing up and
-down the chamber of his hotel, thinking of that which he had imagined
-could exercise his thoughts no more.
-
-She was beautiful; she loved him; she was unhappy! To be loved by any
-woman is flattering to the feelings of every man, no matter how deeply
-he may have quaffed the bitter goblet of worldly knowledge. The praise
-of a fool is incense to the wisest of us; and though we believe
-ourselves broken-hearted, it still delights us to find that we are
-loved. The memory of Violet Fane was still as fresh, as sweet, to the
-mind of Vivian Grey as when he pressed her blushing cheek for the first
-and only time. To love again, really to love as he had done, he once
-thought was impossible; he thought so still. The character of the
-Baroness had interested him from the first. Her ignorance of mankind,
-and her perfect acquaintance with the polished forms of society; her
-extreme beauty, her mysterious rank, her proud spirit and impetuous
-feelings; her occasional pensiveness, her extreme waywardness, had
-astonished, perplexed, and enchanted him. But he had never felt in love.
-It never for a moment had entered into his mind that his lonely bosom
-could again be a fit resting-place for one so lovely and so young.
-Scared at the misery which had always followed in his track, he would
-have shuddered ere he again asked a human being to share his sad and
-blighted fortunes. The partiality of the Baroness for his society,
-without flattering his vanity, or giving rise to thoughts more serious
-than how he could most completely enchant for her the passing hour, had
-certainly made the time passed in her presence the least gloomy which he
-had lately experienced. At the same moment that he left the saloon of
-the palace he had supposed that his image quitted her remembrance; and
-if she had again welcomed him with cheerfulness and cordiality, he had
-felt that his reception was owing to not being, perhaps, quite as
-frivolous as the Count of Eberstein, and rather more amusing than the
-Baron of Gernsbach.
-
-It was therefore with the greatest astonishment that, last night, he had
-found that he was loved, loved, too, by this beautiful and haughty girl,
-who had treated the advances of the most distinguished nobles with
-ill-concealed scorn, and who had so presumed upon her dubious
-relationship to the bourgeois Minister that nothing but her own
-surpassing loveliness and her parent's all-engrossing influence could
-have excused or authorised her conduct.
-
-Vivian had yielded to the magic of the moment, and had returned the
-feelings apparently no sooner expressed than withdrawn. Had he left the
-gardens of the palace the Baroness's plighted lover he might perhaps
-have deplored his rash engagement, and the sacred image of his first and
-hallowed love might have risen up in judgment against his violated
-affection; but how had he and the interesting stranger parted? He was
-rejected, even while his affection was returned; and while her
-flattering voice told him that he alone could make her happy, she had
-mournfully declared that happiness could not be hers. How was this?
-Could she be another's? Her agitation at the Opera, often the object of
-his thought, quickly occurred to him! It must be so. Ah! another's! and
-who this rival? this proud possessor of a heart which could not beat for
-him? Madame Carolina's declaration that the Baroness must be married off
-was at this moment remembered: her marked observation, that von
-Sohnspeer was no son of Beckendorff's, not forgotten. The Field Marshal,
-too, was the valued friend of the Minister; and it did not fail to occur
-to Vivian that it was not von Sohnspeer's fault that his attendance on
-the Baroness was not as constant as his own. Indeed, the unusual
-gallantry of the Commander-in-Chief had been the subject of many a joke
-among the young lords of the Court, and the reception of his addresses
-by their unmerciful object not unobserved or unspared. But as for poor
-von Sohnspeer, what could be expected, as Emilius von Aslingen observed,
-"from a man whose softest compliment was as long, loud, and obscure as a
-birthday salute!"
-
-No sooner was the affair clear to Vivian, no sooner was he convinced
-that a powerful obstacle existed to the love or union of himself and the
-Baroness, than he began to ask what right the interests of third persons
-had to interfere between the mutual affection of any individuals. He
-thought of her in the moonlight garden, struggling with her pure and
-natural passion. He thought of her exceeding beauty, her exceeding love.
-He beheld this rare and lovely creature in the embrace of von Sohnspeer.
-He turned from the picture in disgust and indignation. She was his.
-Nature had decreed it. She should be the bride of no other man. Sooner
-than yield her up he would beard Beckendorff himself in his own retreat,
-and run every hazard and meet every danger which the ardent imagination
-of a lover could conceive. Was he madly to reject the happiness which
-Providence, or Destiny, or Chance had at length offered him? If the
-romance of boyhood could never be realised, at least with this engaging
-being for his companion, he might pass through his remaining years in
-calmness and in peace. His trials were perhaps over. Alas! this is the
-last delusion of unhappy men!
-
-Vivian called at the Palace, but the fatigues of the preceding night
-prevented either of the ladies from being visible. In the evening he
-joined a small and select circle. The party, indeed, only consisted of
-the Grand Duke, Madame, their visitors, and the usual attendants,
-himself, and von Sohnspeer. The quiet of the little circle did not more
-strikingly contrast with the noise, and glare, and splendour of the last
-night than did Vivian's subdued reception by the Baroness with her
-agitated demeanour in the garden. She was cordial, but calm. He found it
-quite impossible to gain even one moment's private conversation with
-her. Madame Carolina monopolised his attention, as much to favour the
-views of the Field Marshal as to discuss the comparative merits of Pope
-as a moralist and a poet; and Vivian had the mortification of observing
-his odious rival, whom he now thoroughly detested, discharge without
-ceasing his royal salutes in the impatient ear of Beckendorff's
-lovely daughter.
-
-Towards the conclusion of the evening a chamberlain entered the room and
-whispered his mission to the Baroness. She immediately rose and quitted
-the apartment. As the party was breaking up she again entered. Her
-countenance was agitated. Madame Carolina was in the art of being
-overwhelmed with the compliments of the Grand Marshal, and Vivian seized
-the opportunity of reaching the Baroness. After a few hurried sentences
-she dropped her glove. Vivian gave it her. So many persons were round
-them that it was impossible to converse except on the most common
-topics. The glove was again dropped.
-
-"I see," said the Baroness, with a meaning look, "that you are but a
-recreant knight, or else you would not part with a lady's glove
-so easily."
-
-Vivian gave a rapid glance round the room. No one was observing him, and
-the glove was immediately concealed. He hurried home, rushed up the
-staircase of the hotel, ordered lights, locked the door, and with a
-sensation of indescribable anxiety tore the precious glove from his
-bosom, seized, opened, and read the enclosed and following note. It was
-written in pencil, in a hurried hand, and some of the words were
-repeated:--
-
-"I leave the Court to-night. He is here himself. No art can postpone my
-departure. Much, much, I wish to see you; to say, to say, to you. He is
-to have an interview with the Grand Duke to-morrow morning. Dare you
-come to his place in his absence? You know the private road. He goes by
-the high road, and calls in his way on a Forest Councillor: it is the
-white house by the barrier; you know it! Watch him to-morrow morning;
-about nine or ten I should think; here, here; and then for heaven's sake
-let me see you. Dare everything! Fail not! Mind, by the private road:
-beware the other! You know the ground. God bless you:
-
-"SYBILLA"
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII
-
-
-Vivian read the note over a thousand times. He could not retire to rest.
-He called Essper George, and gave him all necessary directions for the
-morning. About three o'clock Vivian lay down on a sofa, and slept for a
-few hours. He started often in his short and feverish slumber. His
-dreams were unceasing and inexplicable. At first von Sohnspeer was their
-natural hero; but soon the scene shifted. Vivian was at Ems, walking
-under the well-remembered lime-trees, and with the Baroness. Suddenly,
-although it was mid-day, the Sun became large, blood-red, and fell out
-of the heavens; his companion screamed, a man rushed forward with a
-drawn sword. It was the idiot Crown Prince of Reisenburg. Vivian tried
-to oppose him, but without success. The infuriated ruffian sheathed his
-weapon in the heart of the Baroness. Vivian shrieked, and fell upon her
-body, and, to his horror, found himself embracing the cold corpse of
-Violet Fane!
-
-Vivian and Essper mounted their horses about seven o'clock. At eight
-they had reached a small inn near the Forest Councillor's house, where
-Vivian was to remain until Essper had watched the entrance of the
-Minister. It was a few minutes past nine when Essper returned with the
-joyful intelligence that Owlface and his master had been seen to enter
-the Courtyard. Vivian immediately mounted Max, and telling Essper to
-keep a sharp watch, he set spurs to his horse.
-
-"Now, Max, my good steed, each minute is golden; serve thy master well!"
-He patted the horse's neck, the animal's erected ears proved how well it
-understood its master's wishes; and taking advantage of the loose
-bridle, which was confidently allowed it, the horse sprang rather than
-galloped to the Minister's residence. Nearly an hour, however, was lost
-in gaining the private road, for Vivian, after the caution in the
-Baroness's letter, did not dare the high road.
-
-He is galloping up the winding rural lane, where he met Beckendorff on
-the second morning of his visit. He has reached the little gate, and
-following the example of the Grand Duke, ties Max at the entrance. He
-dashes over the meadows; not following the path, but crossing straight
-through the long dewy grass, he leaps over the light iron railing; he is
-rushing up the walk; he takes a rapid glance, in passing, at the little
-summer-house; the blue passion-flower is still blooming, the house is in
-sight; a white handkerchief is waving from the drawing-room window! He
-sees it; fresh wings are added to its course; he dashes through a bed of
-flowers, frightens the white peacock, darts through the library window,
-and is in the drawing room.
-
-The Baroness was there: pale and agitated she stood beneath the
-mysterious picture, with one arm leaning on the old carved mantelpiece.
-Overcome by her emotions, she did not move forward to meet him as he
-entered; but Vivian observed neither her constraint nor her agitation.
-
-"Sybilla! dearest Sybilla! say you are mine!"
-
-He seized her hand. She struggled not to disengage herself; her head
-sank upon her arm, which rested upon his shoulder. Overpowered, she
-sobbed convulsively. He endeavoured to calm her, but her agitation
-increased; and minutes elapsed ere she seemed to be even sensible of his
-presence. At length she became more calm, and apparently making a
-struggle to compose herself, she raised her head and said, "This is very
-weak--let us walk for a moment about the room!"
-
-At this moment Vivian was seized by the throat with a strong grasp. He
-turned round; it was Mr. Beckendorff, with a face deadly white, his full
-eyes darting from their sockets like a hungry snake's, and the famous
-Italian dagger in his right hand.
-
-"Villain!" said he, in the low voice of fatal passion; "Villain, is this
-your Destiny?"
-
-Vivian's first thoughts were for the Baroness; and turning his head from
-Beckendorff, he looked with the eye of anxious love to his companion.
-But, instead of fainting, instead of being overwhelmed by this terrible
-interruption, she seemed, on the contrary, to have suddenly regained her
-natural spirit and self-possession. The blood had returned to her
-hitherto pale cheek, and the fire to an eye before dull with weeping.
-She extricated herself immediately from Vivian's encircling arm, and by
-so doing enabled him to have struggled, had it been necessary, more
-equally with the powerful grasp of his assailant.
-
-"Stand off, sir!" said the Baroness, with an air of inexpressible
-dignity, and a voice which even at this crisis seemed to anticipate
-that it would be obeyed. "Stand off, sir! stand off, I command you!"
-
-Beckendorff for one moment was motionless: he then gave her a look of
-piercing earnestness, threw Vivian, rather than released him, from his
-hold, and flung the dagger with a bitter smile, into the corner of the
-room. "Well, madam!" said he, in a choking voice, "you are obeyed!"
-
-"Mr. Grey," continued the Baroness, "I regret that this outrage should
-have been experienced by you because you have dared to serve me. My
-presence should have preserved you from this contumely; but what are we
-to expect from those who pride themselves upon being the sons of slaves!
-You shall hear further from me." So saying, the lady, bowing to Vivian,
-and sweeping by the Minister with a glance of indescribable disdain,
-quitted the apartment. As she was on the point of leaving the room,
-Vivian was standing against the wall, with a pale face and folded arms;
-Beckendorff, with his back to the window, his eyes fixed on the ground;
-and Vivian, to his astonishment, perceived, what escaped the Minister's
-notice, that while the lady bade him adieu with one hand she made rapid
-signs with the other to some unknown person in the garden.
-
-Mr. Beckendorff and Vivian were left alone, and the latter was the first
-to break silence.
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff," said he, in a calm voice, "considering the
-circumstances under which you have found me in your house this morning,
-I should have known how to excuse and to forget any irritable
-expressions which a moment of ungovernable passion might have inspired.
-I should have passed them over unnoticed. But your unjustifiable
-behaviour has exceeded that line of demarcation which sympathy with
-human feelings allows even men of honour to recognise. You have
-disgraced both me and yourself by giving me a blow. It is, as that lady
-well styled it, an outrage; an outrage which the blood of any other man
-but yourself could only obliterate from my memory; but while I am
-inclined to be indulgent to your exalted station and your peculiar
-character, I at the same time expect, and now wait for, an apology!"
-
-"An apology!" said Beckendorff, now beginning to stamp up and down the
-room; "an apology! Shall it be made to you, sir, or the Archduchess?"
-
-"The Archduchess;" said Vivian. "Good God! what can you mean! Did I
-hear you right?"
-
-"I said the Archduchess," answered Beckendorff, with firmness; "a
-Princess of the House of Austria, and the pledged wife of his Royal
-Highness the Crown Prince of Reisenburg. Perhaps you may now think that
-other persons have to apologise?"
-
-"Mr. Beckendorff," said Vivian, "I am overwhelmed; I declare, upon my
-honour--"
-
-"Stop, sir! you have said too much already--"
-
-"But, Mr. Beckendorff, surely you will allow me to explain--"
-
-"Sir! there is no need of explanation. I know everything; more than you
-do yourself. You can have nothing to explain to me! and I presume you
-are now fully aware of the impossibility of again speaking to her. It is
-at present within an hour of noon. Before sunset you must be twenty
-miles from the Court; so far you will be attended. Do not answer me; you
-know my power. A remonstrance only, and I write to Vienna: your progress
-shall be stopped throughout the South of Europe. For her sake this
-business will be hushed up. An important and secret mission will be the
-accredited reason of your leaving Reisenburg. This will be confirmed by
-your official attendant, who will be an Envoy's Courier. Farewell!"
-
-As Mr. Beckendorff quitted the room, his confidential servant, the
-messenger of Turriparva, entered, and with the most respectful bow
-informed Vivian that the horses were ready. In about three hours' time
-Vivian Grey, followed by the Government messenger, stopped at his hotel.
-The landlord and waiters bowed with increased obsequiousness on seeing
-him so attended, and in a few minutes Reisenburg was ringing with the
-news that his appointment to the Under-Secretaryship of State was now "a
-settled thing."
-
-
-
-
-BOOK VIII
-
-
-CHAPTER I
-
-
-The landlord of the Grand Hotel of the Four Nations at Reisenburg was
-somewhat consoled for the sudden departure of his distinguished guest by
-selling the plenipotentiary a travelling carriage lately taken for a
-doubtful bill from a gambling Russian General at a large profit. In this
-convenient vehicle, in the course of a couple of hours after his arrival
-in the city, was Mr. Vivian Grey borne through the gate of the Allies.
-Essper George, who had reached the hotel about half an hour after his
-master, followed behind the carriage on his hack, leading Max. The
-Courier cleared the road before, and expedited the arrival of the
-special Envoy of the Grand Duke of Reisenburg at the point of his
-destination by ordering the horses, clearing the barriers, and paying
-the postilions in advance. Vivian had never travelled before with such
-style and speed.
-
-Our hero covered himself up with his cloak and drew his travelling cap
-over his eyes, though it was one of the hottest days of this singularly
-hot autumn. Entranced in a reverie, the only figure that occurred to his
-mind was the young Archduchess, and the only sounds that dwelt on his
-ear were the words of Beckendorff: but neither to the person of the
-first nor to the voice of the second did he annex any definite idea.
-
-After some hours' travelling, which to Vivian seemed both an age and a
-minute, he was roused from his stupor by the door of his caleche being
-opened. He shook himself as a man does who has awakened from a benumbing
-and heavy sleep, although his eyes were the whole time wide open. The
-disturbing intruder was his courier, who, bowing, with his hat in hand,
-informed his Excellency that he was now on the frontier of Reisenburg;
-regretting that he was under the necessity of quitting his Excellency,
-he begged to present him with his passport. "It is made out for Vienna,"
-continued the messenger. "A private pass, sir, of the Prime Minister,
-and will entitle you to the greatest consideration."
-
-The carriage was soon again advancing rapidly to the next post-house,
-when, after they had proceeded about half a mile, Essper George calling
-loudly from behind, the drivers suddenly stopped. Just as Vivian, to
-whose tortured mind the rapid movement of the carriage was some relief,
-for it produced an excitement which prevented thought, was about to
-inquire the cause of this stoppage. Essper George rode up to
-the caleche.
-
-"Kind sir!" said he, with a peculiar look, "I have a packet for you."
-
-"A packet! from whom? speak! give it me!"
-
-"Hush! softly, good master. Here am I about to commit rank treason for
-your sake, and a hasty word is the only reward of my rashness."
-
-"Nay, nay, good Essper, try me not now!"
-
-"I will not, kind sir! but the truth is, I could not give you the packet
-while that double-faced knave was with us, or even while he was in
-sight. 'In good truth,' as Master Rodolph was wont to say--!"
-
-"But of this packet?"
-
-"'Fairly and softly,' good sir! as Hunsdrich the porter said when I
-would have drunk the mulled wine, while he was on the cold staircase--"
-
-"Essper! do you mean to enrage me?"
-
-"'By St. Hubert!' as that worthy gentleman the Grand Marshal was in the
-habit of swearing, I--"
-
-"This is too much; what are the idle sayings of these people to me?"
-
-"Nay, nay, kind sir! they do but show that each of us has his own way of
-telling a story, and that he who would hear a tale must let the teller's
-breath come out of his own nostrils."
-
-"Well, Essper, speak on! Stranger things have happened to me than to be
-reproved by my own servant."
-
-"Nay, kind master! say not a bitter word to me because you have slipped
-out of a scrape with your head on your shoulders. The packet is from Mr.
-Beckendorff's daughter."
-
-"Ah! why did you not give it me before?"
-
-"Why do I give it you now? Because I am a fool; that is why. What! you
-wanted it when that double-faced scoundrel was watching every eyelash of
-yours as it moved from the breath of a fly? a fellow who can see as well
-at the back of his head as from his face. I should like to poke out his
-front eyes, to put him on an equality with the rest of mankind. He it
-was who let the old gentleman know of your visit this morning, and I
-suspect that he has been nearer your limbs of late than you have
-imagined. Every dog has his day, and the oldest pig must look for the
-knife! The Devil was once cheated on Sunday, and I have been too sharp
-for Puss in boots and his mouse-trap! Prowling about the Forest
-Councillor's house, I saw your new servant, sir, gallop in, and his old
-master soon gallop out. I was off as quick as they, but was obliged to
-leave my horse within two miles of the house, and then trust to my legs.
-I crept through the shrubs like a land tortoise; but, of course, too
-late to warn you. However, I was in for the death, and making signs to
-the young lady, who directly saw that I was a friend; bless her! she is
-as quick as a partridge; I left you to settle it with papa, and, after
-all, did that which I suppose you intended, sir, to do yourself; made my
-way into the young lady's bedchamber."
-
-"Hold your tongue, sir! and give me the packet."
-
-"There it is, and now we will go on; but we must stay an hour at the
-next post, if your honour pleases not to sleep there; for both Max and
-my own hack have had a sharp day's work."
-
-Vivian tore open the packet. It contained a long letter, written on the
-night of her return to Beckendorff's; she had stayed up the whole night
-writing. It was to have been forwarded to Vivian, in case of their not
-being able to meet. In the enclosure were a few hurried lines, written
-since the catastrophe. They were these: "May this safely reach you! Can
-you ever forgive me? The enclosed, you will see, was intended for you,
-in case of our not meeting. It anticipated sorrow; yet what were its
-anticipations to our reality!"
-
-The Archduchess' letter was evidently written under the influence of
-agitated feelings. We omit it; because, as the mystery of her character
-is now explained, a great portion of her communication would be
-irrelevant to our tale. She spoke of her exalted station as a woman,
-that station which so many women envy, in a spirit of agonising
-bitterness. A royal princess is only the most flattered of state
-victims. She is a political sacrifice, by which enraged Governments are
-appeased, wavering allies conciliated and ancient amities confirmed.
-Debarred by her rank and her education from looking forward to that
-exchange of equal affection which is the great end and charm of female
-existence, no individual finds more fatally and feels more keenly that
-pomp is not felicity, and splendour not content.
-
-Deprived of all those sources of happiness which seem inherent in woman,
-the wife of the Sovereign sometimes seeks in politics and in pleasure a
-means of excitement which may purchase oblivion. But the political queen
-is a rare character; she must possess an intellect of unusual power, and
-her lot must be considered as an exception in the fortunes of female
-royalty. Even the political queen generally closes an agitated career
-with a broken heart. And for the unhappy votary of pleasure, who owns
-her cold duty to a royal husband, we must not forget that even in the
-most dissipated courts the conduct of the queen is expected to be
-decorous, and that the instances are not rare where the wife of the
-monarch has died on the scaffold, or in a dungeon, or in exile, because
-she dared to be indiscreet where all were debauched. But for the great
-majority of royal wives, they exist without a passion; they have nothing
-to hope, nothing to fear, nothing to envy, nothing to want, nothing to
-confide, nothing to hate, and nothing to love. Even their duties, though
-multitudinous, are mechanical, and, while they require much attention,
-occasion no anxiety. Amusement is their moment of great emotion, and for
-them amusement is rare; for amusement is the result of equal
-companionship. Thus situated, they are doomed to become frivolous in
-their pursuits and formal in their manners, and the Court chaplain or
-the Court confessor is the only person who can prove they have a soul,
-by convincing them that it will be saved.
-
-The young Archduchess had assented to the proposition of marriage with
-the Crown Prince of Reisenburg without opposition, as she was convinced
-that requesting her assent was only a courteous form of requiring her
-compliance. There was nothing outrageous to her feelings in marrying a
-man whom she had never seen, because her education, from her tenderest
-years, had daily prepared her for such an event. Moreover, she was aware
-that, if she succeeded in escaping from the offers of the Crown Prince
-of Reisenburg, she would soon be under the necessity of assenting to
-those of some other suitor; and if proximity to her own country,
-accordance with its sentiments and manners, and previous connection with
-her own house, were taken into consideration, an union with the family
-of Reisenburg was even desirable. It was to be preferred, at least, to
-one which brought with it a foreign husband and a foreign clime, a
-strange language and strange customs. The Archduchess, a girl of ardent
-feelings and lively mind, had not, however, agreed to become that
-all-commanding slave, a Queen, without a stipulation. She required that
-she might be allowed, previous to her marriage, to visit her future
-Court incognita. This singular and unparalleled proposition was not
-easily acceded to: but the opposition with which it was received only
-tended to make the young Princess more determined to be gratified in her
-caprice. Her Imperial Highness did not pretend that any end was to be
-obtained by this unusual procedure, and indeed she had no definite
-purpose in requesting it to be permitted. It was originally the mere
-whim of the moment, and had it not been strongly opposed it would not
-have been strenuously insisted upon. As it was, the young Archduchess
-persisted, threatened, and grew obstinate; and the grey-headed
-negotiators of the marriage, desirous of its speedy completion, and not
-having a more tractable tool ready to supply her place, at length
-yielded to her bold importunity. Great difficulty, however, was
-experienced in carrying her wishes into execution. By what means and in
-what character she was to appear at Court, so as not to excite suspicion
-or occasion discovery, were often discussed, without being resolved
-upon. At length it became necessary to consult Mr. Beckendorff. The
-upper lip of the Prime Minister of Reisenburg curled as the Imperial
-Minister detailed the caprice and contumacy of the Princess, and
-treating with the greatest contempt this girlish whim, Mr. Beckendorff
-ridiculed those by whom it had been humoured with no suppressed
-derision. The consequence of his conduct was an interview with the
-future Grand Duchess, and the consequence of his interview an unexpected
-undertaking on his part to arrange the visit according to her
-Highness's desires.
-
-The Archduchess had not yet seen the Crown Prince; but six miniatures
-and a whole length portrait had prepared her for not meeting an Adonis
-or a Baron Trenck, and that was all; for never had the Correggio of the
-age of Charles the Fifth better substantiated his claims to the office
-of Court painter than by these accurate semblances of his Royal
-Highness, in which his hump was subdued into a Grecian bend, and his
-lack-lustre eyes seemed beaming with tenderness and admiration. His
-betrothed bride stipulated with Mr. Beckendorff that the fact of her
-visit should be known only to himself and the Grand Duke; and before
-she appeared at Court she had received the personal pledge both of
-himself and his Royal Highness that the affair should be kept a complete
-secret from the Crown Prince.
-
-Most probably, on her first introduction to her future husband, all the
-romantic plans of the young Archduchess to excite an involuntary
-interest in his heart vanished; but how this may be, it is needless for
-us to inquire, for that same night introduced another character into her
-romance for whom she was perfectly unprepared, and whose appearance
-totally disorganised its plot.
-
-Her inconsiderate, her unjustifiable conduct, in tampering with that
-individual's happiness and affection, was what the young and haughty
-Archduchess deplored in the most energetic, the most feeling, and the
-most humble spirit; and anticipating that after this painful disclosure
-they would never meet again, she declared that for his sake alone she
-regretted what had passed, and praying that he might be happier than
-herself, she supplicated to be forgiven and forgotten.
-
-Vivian read the Archduchess's letter over and over again, and then put
-it in his breast. At first he thought that he had lived to shed another
-tear; but he was mistaken. In a few minutes he found himself quite
-roused from his late overwhelming stupor. Remorse or regret for the
-past, care or caution for the future, seemed at the same moment to have
-fled from his mind. He looked up to Heaven with a wild smile, half of
-despair and half of defiance, it seemed to imply that Fate had now done
-her worst, and that he had at last the satisfaction of knowing himself
-to be the most unfortunate and unhappy being that ever existed. When a
-man at the same time believes in and sneers at his Destiny we may be
-sure that he considers his condition past redemption.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II
-
-
-They stopped for an hour at the next post, according to Essper's
-suggestion. Indeed, he proposed resting there for the night, for both
-men and beasts much required repose; but Vivian panted to reach Vienna,
-to which city two days' travelling would now carry him. His passions
-were so roused, and his powers of reflection so annihilated, that while
-he had determined to act desperately, he was unable to resolve upon
-anything desperate. Whether, on his arrival at the Austrian capital, he
-should plunge into dissipation or into the Danube was equally uncertain.
-He had some thought of joining the Greeks or Turks, no matter which,
-probably the latter, or perhaps of serving in the Americas. The idea of
-returning to England never once entered his mind: he expected to find
-letters from his father at Vienna, and he almost regretted it; for, in
-his excessive misery, it was painful to be conscious that a being still
-breathed who was his friend.
-
-It was a fine moonlight night, but the road was mountainous; and in
-spite of all the encouragement of Vivian, and all the consequent
-exertions of the postilion, they were upwards of two hours and a half
-going these eight miles. To get on any farther to-night was quite
-impossible. Essper's horse was fairly knocked up, and even Max visibly
-distressed. The post-house was fortunately an inn. It was not at a
-village, and, as far as the travellers could learn, not near one, and
-its appearance did not promise very pleasing accommodation. Essper, who
-had scarcely tasted food for nearly eighteen hours, was not highly
-delighted with the prospect before them. His anxiety, however, was not
-merely selfish: he was as desirous that his young master should be
-refreshed by a good night's rest as himself, and anticipating that he
-should have to exercise his skill in making a couch for Vivian in the
-carriage, he proceeded to cross-examine the postmaster on the
-possibility of his accommodating them. The host was a pious-looking
-personage, in a black velvet cap, with a singularly meek and charitable
-expression of countenance. His long black hair was exquisitely braided,
-and he wore round his neck a collar of pewter medals, all of which had
-been recently sprinkled with holy water and blessed under the petticoat
-of the saintly Virgin; for the postmaster had only just returned from a
-pilgrimage to the celebrated shrine of the Black Lady of Altoting.
-
-"Good friend!" said Essper, looking him cunningly in the face, "I fear
-that we must order horses on: you can hardly accommodate two?"
-
-"Good friend!" answered the innkeeper, and he crossed himself very
-reverently at the same time, "it is not for man to fear, but to hope."
-
-"If your beds were as good as your adages," said Essper George,
-laughing, "in good truth, as a friend of mine would say, I would sleep
-here to-night."
-
-"Prithee, friend," continued the innkeeper, kissing a medal of his
-collar very devoutly, "what accommodation dost thou lack?"
-
-"Why" said Essper, "in the way of accommodation, little, for two
-excellent beds will content us; but in the way of refreshment, by St.
-Hubert! as another friend of mine would swear, he would be a bold man
-who would engage to be as hungry before his dinner as I shall be after
-my supper."
-
-"Friend!" said the innkeeper, "Our Lady forbid that thou shouldst leave
-our walls to-night: for the accommodation, we have more than sufficient;
-and as for the refreshment, by Holy Mass! we had a priest tarry here
-last night, and he left his rosary behind. I will comfort my soul, by
-telling my beads over the kitchen-fire, and for every Paternoster my
-wife shall give thee a rasher of kid, and for every Ave a tumbler of
-Augsburg, which Our Lady forget me if I did not myself purchase but
-yesterday se'nnight from the pious fathers of the Convent of
-St. Florian!"
-
-"I take thee at thy word, honest sir," said Essper. "By the Creed! I
-liked thy appearance from the first; nor wilt thou find me unwilling,
-when my voice has taken its supper, to join thee in some pious hymn or
-holy canticle. And now for the beds!"
-
-"There is the green room, the best bedroom in my house," said the
-Innkeeper. "Holy Mary forget me if in that same bed have not stretched
-their legs more valorous generals, more holy prelates, and more
-distinguished councillors of our Lord the Emperor, than in any bed in
-all Austria."
-
-"That, then, for my master, and for myself--"
-
-"H-u-m!" said the host, looking very earnestly in Essper's face; "I
-should have thought that thou wert one more anxious after dish and
-flagon than curtain and eider-down!"
-
-"By my Mother! I love good cheer," said Essper, earnestly, "and want it
-more at this moment than any knave that ever yet starved: but if thou
-hast not a bed to let me stretch my legs on after four-and-twenty hours'
-hard riding, by holy Virgin! I will have horses on to Vienna."
-
-"Our Black Lady forbid!" said the innkeeper, with a quick voice, and
-with rather a dismayed look; "said I that thou shouldst not have a bed?
-St. Florian desert me if I and my wife would not sooner sleep in the
-chimney-corner than thou shouldst miss one wink of thy slumbers!"
-
-"In one word, have you a bed?"
-
-"Have I a bed? Where slept, I should like to know, the Vice-Principal
-of the Convent of Molk on the day before the last holy Ascension? The
-waters were out in the morning; and when will my wife forget what his
-reverence was pleased to say when he took his leave; 'Good woman!' said
-he, 'my duty calls me; but the weather is cold; and between ourselves, I
-am used to great feasts, and I should have no objection, if I were
-privileged, to stay and to eat again of thy red cabbage and cream!' What
-say you to that? Do you think we have got beds now? You shall sleep
-to-night, sir, like an Aulic Councillor!"
-
-This adroit introduction of the red cabbage and cream settled
-everything; when men are wearied and famished they have no inclination
-to be incredulous, and in a few moments Vivian was informed by his
-servant that the promised accommodation was satisfactory; and having
-locked up the carriage, and wheeled it into a small outhouse, he and
-Essper were ushered by their host into a room which, as is usual in
-small German inns in the South, served at the same time both for kitchen
-and saloon. The fire was lit in a platform of brick, raised in the
-centre of the floor: the sky was visible through the chimney, which,
-although of a great breadth below, gradually narrowed to the top. A
-family of wandering Bohemians, consisting of the father and mother and
-three children, were seated on the platform when Vivian entered; the man
-was playing on a coarse wooden harp, without which the Bohemians seldom
-travel. The music ceased as the new guests came into the room, and the
-Bohemian courteously offered his place at the fire to our hero, who,
-however, declined disturbing the family group. A small table and a
-couple of chairs were placed in a corner of the room by the innkeeper's
-wife, a bustling active dame, who apparently found no difficulty in
-laying the cloth, dusting the furniture, and cooking the supper at the
-same time. At this table Vivian and his servant seated themselves; nor,
-indeed, did the cookery discredit the panegyric of the Reverend
-Vice-Principal of the Convent of Molk.
-
-Alike wearied in mind and body, Vivian soon asked for his bed, which,
-though not exactly fitted for an Aulic Councillor, as the good host
-perpetually avowed it to be, nevertheless afforded decent accommodation.
-
-The Bohemian family retired to the hayloft, and Essper George would have
-followed his master's example, had not the kind mistress of the house
-tempted him to stay behind by the production of a new platter of
-rashers: indeed, he never remembered meeting with such hospitable people
-as the postmaster and his wife. They had evidently taken a fancy to him,
-and, though extremely wearied, the lively little Essper endeavoured,
-between his quick mouthfuls and long draughts, to reward and encourage
-their kindness by many a good story and sharp joke. With all these both
-mine host and his wife were exceedingly amused, seldom containing their
-laughter, and frequently protesting, by the sanctity of various saints,
-that this was the pleasantest night and Essper the pleasantest fellow
-that they had ever met with.
-
-"Eat, eat, my friend!" said his host; "by the Mass! thou hast travelled
-far; and fill thy glass, and pledge with me Our Black Lady of Altoting.
-By Holy Cross! I have hung up this week in her chapel a garland of silk
-roses, and have ordered to be burnt before her shrine three pounds of
-perfumed was tapers! Fill again, fill again! and thou too, good
-mistress; a hard day's work hast thou had; a glass of wine will do thee
-no harm! join me with our new friend! Pledge we together the Holy
-Fathers of St. Florian, my worldly patrons and my spiritual pastors: let
-us pray that his reverence the Sub-Prior may not have his Christmas
-attack of gout in the stomach, and a better health to poor Father Felix!
-Fill again, fill again! this Augsburg is somewhat acid; we will have a
-bottle of Hungary. Mistress, fetch us the bell-glasses, and here to the
-Reverend Vice-Principal of Molk! our good friend: when will my wife
-forget what he said to her on the morning of last holy Ascension! Fill
-again, fill again!"
-
-Inspired by the convivial spirit of the pious and jolly postmaster,
-Essper George soon forgot his threatened visit to his bedroom, and ate
-and drank, laughed and joked, as if he were again with his friend,
-Master Rodolph; but wearied Nature at length avenged herself for this
-unnatural exertion, and leaning back in his chair, he was, in the course
-of an hour, overcome by one of those dead and heavy slumbers the effect
-of the united influence of fatigue and intemperance; in short, it was
-like the midnight sleep of a fox-hunter.
-
-No sooner had our pious votary of the Black Lady of Altoting observed
-the effect of his Hungary wine than, making a well-understood sign to
-his wife, he took up the chair of Essper in his brawny arms, and,
-preceded by Mrs. Postmistress with a lantern, he left the room with his
-guest. Essper's hostess led and lighted the way to an outhouse, which
-occasionally served as a coach-house, a stable, and a lumber-room. It
-had no window, and the lantern afforded the only light which exhibited
-its present contents. In one corner was a donkey tied up, belonging to
-the Bohemian. Under a hayrack was a large child's cradle: it was of a
-remarkable size, having been made for twins. Near it was a low wooden
-sheep-tank, half filled with water, and which had been placed there for
-the refreshment of the dog and his feathered friends, who were roosting
-in the rack.
-
-The pious innkeeper very gently lowered to the ground the chair on which
-Essper was soundly sleeping; and then, having crossed himself, he took
-up our friend with great tenderness and solicitude, and dexterously
-fitted him in the huge cradle.
-
-About an hour past midnight Essper George awoke. He was lying on his
-back, and very unwell; and on trying to move, found that he was rocking.
-His late adventure was obliterated from his memory; and the strange
-movement, united with his peculiar indisposition, left him no doubt that
-he was on board ship! As is often the case when we are tipsy or nervous,
-Essper had been woke by the fright of falling from some immense height;
-and finding that his legs had no sensation, for they were quite
-benumbed, he concluded that he had fallen down the hatchway, that his
-legs were broken, and himself jammed in between some logs of wood in the
-hold, and so he began to cry lustily to those above to come down to
-his rescue.
-
-"O, Essper George!" thought he, "how came you to set foot on salt timber
-again! Had not you had enough of it in the Mediterranean and the Turkish
-seas, that you must be getting aboard this lubberly Dutch galliot! for I
-am sure she's Dutch by being so low in the water. Well, they may talk of
-a sea-life, but for my part, I never saw the use of the Sea. Many a sad
-heart it has caused, and many a sick stomach has it occasioned! The
-boldest sailor climbs on board with a heavy soul, and leaps on land with
-a light spirit. O! thou indifferent ape of Earth! thy houses are of wood
-and thy horses of canvas; thy roads have no landmarks and thy highways
-no inns; thy hills are green without grass and wet without showers! and
-as for food, what art thou, O, bully Ocean! but the stable of
-horse-fishes, the stall of cow-fishes, the sty of hog-fishes, and the
-kennel of dog-fishes! Commend me to a fresh-water dish for meagre days!
-Sea-weeds stewed with chalk may be savoury stuff for a merman; but, for
-my part, give me red cabbage and cream: and as for drink, a man may live
-in the midst of thee his whole life and die for thirst at the end of it!
-Besides, thou blasphemous salt lake, where is thy religion? Where are
-thy churches, thou heretic?" So saying Essper made a desperate effort to
-crawl up the hold. His exertion set the cradle rocking with renewed
-violence; and at lust dashing against the sheep-tank, that pastoral
-piece of furniture was overset, and part of its contents poured upon the
-inmate of the cradle.
-
-"Sprung a leak in the hold, by St. Nicholas!" bawled out Essper George.
-"Caulkers ahoy!"
-
-At this moment three or four fowls, roused by the fall of the tank and
-the consequent shouts of Essper, began fluttering about the rack, and at
-last perched upon the cradle. "The live stock got loose'" shouted
-Essper, "and the breeze getting stiffer every instant! Where is the
-captain? I will see him. I am not one of the crew: I belong to the
-Court! I must have cracked my skull when I fell like a lubber down that
-confounded hatchway! Egad! I feel as if I had been asleep, and been
-dreaming I was at Court."
-
-The sound of heavy footsteps was now over his head. These noises were at
-once an additional proof that he was in the hold, and an additional
-stimulus to his calls to those on deck. In fact, these sounds were
-occasioned by the Bohemians, who always rose before break of day; and
-consequently, in a few minutes, the door of the stable opened, and the
-Bohemian, with a lantern in his hand, entered.
-
-"What do you want?" cried Essper.
-
-"I want my donkey"
-
-"You do?" said Essper. "You're the Purser, I suppose, detected keeping a
-jackass among the poultry! eating all the food of our live stock, and we
-having kid every day. Though both my legs are off, I'll have a fling at
-you!" and so saying, Essper, aided by the light of the lantern,
-scrambled out of the cradle, and taking up the sheep-tank, sent it
-straight at the astonished Bohemian's head. The aim was good, and the
-man fell; more, however, from fright than injury. Seizing his lantern,
-which had fallen out of his hand, Essper escaped through the stable door
-and rushed into the house. He found himself in the kitchen. The noise of
-his entrance roused the landlord and his wife, who had been sleeping by
-the fire; since, not having a single bed beside their own, they had
-given that up to Vivian. The countenance of the innkeeper effectually
-dispelled the clouds which had been fast clearing off from Essper's
-intellect. Giving one wide stare, and then rubbing his eyes, the truth
-lighted upon him, and so he sent the Bohemian's lantern at his
-landlord's head. The postmaster seized the poker and the postmistress a
-faggot, and as the Bohemian, who had now recovered himself, had entered
-in the rear, Essper George stood a fair chance of receiving a thorough
-drubbing, had not his master, roused by the suspicious noises and angry
-sounds which had reached his room, entered the kitchen with his pistols.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III
-
-
-As it was now morning, Vivian did not again retire to rest, but took
-advantage of the disturbance in the inn to continue his route at an
-earlier hour than he had previously intended.
-
-Essper, when he found himself safely mounted, lagged behind a few
-minutes to vent his spleen against the innkeeper's wife.
-
-"May St. Florian confound me, madam!" said Essper, addressing himself to
-the lady in the window, "if ever I beheld so ugly a witch as yourself!
-Pious friend! thy chaplet of roses was ill bestowed, and thou needest
-not have travelled so far to light thy wax tapers at the shrine of the
-Black Lady at Altoting; for by the beauty of holiness! an image of ebony
-is mother of pearl to that soot-face whom thou callest thy wife. Fare
-thee well! thou couple of saintly sinners! and may the next traveller
-who tarries in the den of thieves qualify thee for canonisation by thy
-wife's admiring pastor, the cabbage-eating Vice-Principal of Molk."
-
-Before the end of an hour they had to ford a rivulet running between two
-high banks. The scenery just here was particularly lovely, and Vivian's
-attention was so engrossed by it that he did not observe the danger
-which he was about to incur.
-
-On the left of the road a high range of rocky mountains abruptly
-descended into an open but broken country, and the other side of the
-road was occasionally bounded by low undulating hills, partially covered
-with dwarf woods, not high enough to obstruct the view of the distant
-horizon. Rocky knolls jutted out near the base of the mountains; and on
-the top of one of them, overlooked by a gigantic grey peak, stood an
-ancient and still inhabited feudal castle. Round the base of this
-insulated rock a rustic village peeped above the encircling nutwoods,
-its rising smoke softening the hard features of the naked crag. On the
-side of the village nearest to Vivian a bold sheet of water discharged
-itself in three separate falls between the ravine of a wooded mountain,
-and flowing round the village as a fine broad river, expanded before it
-reached the foundation of the castled rock into a long and deep lake,
-which was also fed by numerous streams, the gulleys only of which were
-now visible down the steep sides of the mountains, their springs having
-been long dried up.
-
-Vivian's view was interrupted by his sudden descent into the bed of the
-rivulet, one of the numerous branches of the mountain torrent, and by a
-crash which as immediately ensued. The spring of his carriage was
-broken. The carriage fell over, but Vivian sustained no injury; and
-while Essper George rode forward to the village for assistance, his
-master helped the postilion to extricate the horses and secure them on
-the opposite bank. They had done all that was in their power some time
-before Essper returned; and Vivian, who had seated himself on some
-tangled beech-roots, was prevented growing impatient by contemplating
-the enchanting scenery. The postilion, on the contrary, who had
-travelled this road every day of his life, and who found no gratification
-in gazing upon rocks, woods, and waterfalls, lit his pipe, and
-occasionally talked to his horses. So essential an attribute of the
-beautiful is novelty! Essper at length made his appearance, attended by
-five or six peasants, dressed in holiday costume, with some fanciful
-decorations; their broad hats wreathed with wild flowers, their short
-brown jackets covered with buttons and fringe, and various coloured
-ribbons streaming from their knees.
-
-"Well, sir! the grandson is born the day the grandfather dies! a cloudy
-morning has often a bright sunset' and though we are now sticking in a
-ditch, by the aid of St. Florian we may be soon feasting in a castle!
-Come, my merry men, I did not bring you here to show your ribbons; the
-sooner you help us out of this scrape the sooner you will be again
-dancing with the pretty maidens on the green! Lend a hand!"
-
-The caleche appeared to be so much shattered that they only ventured to
-put in one horse; and Vivian, leaving his carriage in charge of Essper
-and the postilion, mounted Max, and rode to the village, attended by the
-peasants. He learnt from them on the way that they were celebrating the
-marriage of the daughter of their lord, who, having been informed of the
-accident, had commanded them to go immediately to the gentleman's
-assistance, and then conduct him to the castle.
-
-They crossed the river over a light stone bridge of three arches, the
-key-stone of the centre one being decorated with a splendidly
-sculptured shield.
-
-"This bridge appears to be very recently built?" said Vivian to one of
-his conductors.
-
-"It was opened, sir, for the first time yesterday, to admit the
-bridegroom of my young lady, and the foundation stone was laid on the
-day she was born."
-
-"I see that your good lord was determined that it should be a solid
-structure."
-
-"Why, sir, it was necessary that the foundation should be strong,
-because three succeeding winters it was washed away by the rush of that
-mountain torrent. Turn this way, if you please, sir, through
-the village."
-
-Vivian was much struck by the appearance of the little settlement as he
-rode through it. It did not consist of more than fifty houses, but they
-were all detached, and each beautifully embowered in trees. The end of
-the village came upon a large rising green, leading up to the only
-accessible side of the castle. It presented a most animated scene, being
-covered with various groups, all intent upon different rustic
-amusements. An immense pole, the stem of a gigantic fir-tree, was fixed
-nearly in the centre of the green, and crowned with a chaplet, the
-reward of the most active young man of the village, whose agility might
-enable him to display his gallantry by presenting it to his mistress,
-she being allowed to wear it during the remainder of the sports. The
-middle-aged men were proving their strength by raising weights; while
-the elders of the village joined in the calmer and more scientific
-diversion of skittles, which in Austria are played with bowls and pins
-of very great size. Others were dancing; others sitting under tents,
-chattering or taking refreshments. Some were walking in pairs,
-anticipating the speedy celebration of a wedding day happier to them, if
-less gay to others. Even the tenderest infants on this festive day
-seemed conscious of some unusual cause of excitement, and many an
-urchin, throwing himself forward in a vain attempt to catch an elder
-brother or a laughing sister, tried the strength of his leading-strings,
-and rolled over, crowing in the soft grass.
-
-At the end of the green a splendid tent was erected, with a large white
-bridal flag waving from its top, embroidered in gold, with a true
-lover's knot. From this pavilion came forth, to welcome the strangers,
-the lord of the village. He was a tall but thin bending figure, with a
-florid benevolent countenance, and a quantity of long white hair. This
-venerable person cordially offered his hand to Vivian, regretted his
-accident, but expressed much pleasure that he had come to partake of
-their happiness. "Yesterday," continued he, "was my daughter's wedding
-day, and both myself and our humble friends are endeavouring to forget,
-in this festive scene, our approaching loss and separation. If you had
-come yesterday you would have assisted at the opening of my new bridge.
-Pray what do you think of it? But I will show it to you myself, which I
-assure you will give me great pleasure; at present let me introduce you
-to my family, who will be quite happy to see you. It is a pity that you
-have missed the Regatta; my daughter is just going to reward the
-successful candidate. You see the boats upon the lake; the one with the
-white and purple streamer was the conqueror. You will have the pleasure,
-too, of seeing my son-in-law; I am sure you will like him; he quite
-enjoys our sports. We shall have a fete champetre to-morrow, and a dance
-on the green to-night."
-
-The old gentleman paused for want of breath, and having stood a moment
-to recover himself, he introduced his new guests to the inmates of the
-tent: first, his maiden sister, a softened facsimile of himself; behind
-her stood his beautiful and blushing daughter, the youthful bride,
-wearing on her head a coronal of white roses, and supported by three
-bridesmaids, the only relief to whose snowy dresses were large bouquets
-on their left side. The bridegroom was at first shaded by the curtain;
-but as he came forward Vivian started when he recognised his Heidelburg
-friend, Eugene von Konigstein!
-
-Their mutual delight and astonishment were so great that for an instant
-neither of them could speak; but when the old man learnt from his
-son-in-law that the stranger was his most valued and intimate friend,
-and one to whom he was under great personal obligations, he absolutely
-declared that he would have the wedding, to witness which appeared to
-him the height of human felicity, solemnised over again. The bride
-blushed, the bridesmaids tittered, the joy was universal.
-
-Vivian inquired after the Baron. He learnt from Eugene that he had
-quitted Europe about a month, having sailed as Minister to one of the
-New American States. "My uncle," continued the young man, "was neither
-well nor in spirits before his departure. I cannot understand why he
-plagues himself so about politics; however, I trust he will like his new
-appointment. You found him, I am sure, a delightful companion."
-
-"Come! you two young gentlemen," said the father-in-law, "put off your
-chat till the evening. The business of the day stops, for I see the
-procession coming forward to receive the Regatta prize. Now, my dear!
-where is the scarf? You know what to say? Remember, I particularly wish
-to do honour to the victor! The sight of all these happy faces makes me
-feel quite young again. I declare I think I shall live a hundred years!"
-
-The procession advanced. First came a band of young children strewing
-flowers, then followed four stout boys carrying a large purple and white
-banner. The victor, proudly preceding the other candidates, strutted
-forward, with his hat on one side, a light scull decorated with purple
-and white ribbons in his right hand, and his left arm round his wife's
-waist. The wife, a beautiful young woman, to whom were clinging two fat
-flaxen-headed children, was the most interesting figure in the
-procession. Her tight dark bodice set off her round full figure, and her
-short red petticoat displayed her springy foot and ankle. Her neatly
-braided and plaited hair was partly concealed by a silk cap, covered
-with gold spangled gauze, flattened rather at the top, and finished at
-the back of the head with a large bow. This costly head-gear, the
-highest fashion of her class, was presented to the wearer by the bride,
-and was destined to be kept for festivals. After the victor and his wife
-came six girls and six boys, at the side of whom walked a very bustling
-personage in black, who seemed extremely interested about the decorum of
-the procession. A long train of villagers succeeded.
-
-"Well!" said the old Lord to Vivian, "this must be a very gratifying
-sight to you! How fortunate that your carriage broke down just at my
-castle! I think my dear girl is acquitting herself admirably. Ah! Eugene
-is a happy fellow, and I have no doubt that she will be happy too. The
-young sailor receives his honours very properly: they are as nice a
-family as I know. Observe, they are moving off now to make way for the
-pretty girls and boys. That person in black is our Abbe, as benevolent,
-worthy a creature as ever lived! and very clever too: you will see in a
-minute. Now they are going to give us a little bridal chorus, after the
-old fashion, and it is all the Abbe's doing. I understand that there is
-an elegant allusion to my new bridge in it, which I think will please
-you. Who ever thought that bridge would be opened for my girl's wedding?
-Well! I am glad that it was not finished before. But we must be silent'
-You will notice that part about the bridge; it is in the fifth verse, I
-am told, beginning with something about Hymen, and ending with something
-about roses."
-
-By this time the procession had formed a semicircle before the tent, the
-Abbe standing In the middle, with a paper in his hand, and dividing the
-two hands of choristers. He gave a signal with his cane, and the girls
-commenced:--
-
-     _Chorus of Maidens_
-
-Hours fly! it is Morn; he has left the bed of love! She follows him with
-a strained eye when his figure is no longer seen; she leans her head
-upon her arm. She is faithful to him as the lake to the mountain!
-
-     _Chorus of Youths_
-
-Hours fly! it is Noon; fierce is the restless sun! While he labours he
-thinks of her! while he controls others he will obey her! A strong man
-subdued by love is like a vineyard silvered by the moon!
-
-     _Chorus of Youths and Maidens_
-
-Hours fly! it is Eve; the soft star lights him to his home; she meets
-him as his shadow falls on the threshold! she smiles, and their child,
-stretching forth its tender hands from its mother's bosom, struggles to
-lisp "Father!"
-
-     _Chorus of Maidens_
-
-Years glide! it is Youth; they sit within a secret bower. Purity is in
-her raptured eyes, Faith in his warm embrace. He must fly! He kisses his
-farewell: the fresh tears are on her cheek! He has gathered a lily with
-the dew upon its leaves!
-
-     _Chorus of Youths_
-
-Years glide! it is Manhood. He is in the fierce Camp: he is in the
-deceitful Court. He must mingle sometimes with others, that he may be
-always with her! In the false world, she is to him like a green olive
-among rocks!
-
-     _Chorus of Youths and Maidens_
-
-Years glide! it is Old Age. They sit beneath a branching elm. As the
-moon rises on the sunset green, their children dance before them! Her
-hand is in his; they look upon their children, and then upon each other!
-
-"The fellow has some fancy," said the old Lord, "but given, I think, to
-conceits. I did not exactly catch the passage about the bridge, but I
-have no doubt it was all right."
-
-Vivian was now invited to the pavilion, where refreshments were
-prepared. Here our hero was introduced to many other guests, relations
-of the family, who were on a visit at the castle, and who had been on
-the lake at the moment of his arrival.
-
-"This gentleman," said the old Lord, pointing to Vivian, "is my son's
-friend, and I am quite sure that you are all delighted to see him. He
-arrived here accidentally, his carriage having fortunately broken down
-in passing one of the streams. All those rivulets should have bridges
-built over them! I could look at my new bridge for ever. I often ask
-myself, 'Now, how can such a piece of masonry ever be destroyed?' It
-seems quite impossible, does not it? We all know that everything has an
-end; and yet, whenever I look at that bridge, I often think that it can
-only end when all things end."
-
-In the evening they all waltzed upon the green. The large yellow moon
-had risen, and a more agreeable sight than to witness two or three
-hundred persons so gaily occupied, and in such a scene, is not easy to
-imagine. How beautiful was the stern old castle, softened by the
-moonlight, the illumined lake, the richly-silvered foliage of the woods,
-and the white brilliant cataract!
-
-As the castle was quite full of visitors, its hospitable master had
-lodged Vivian for the night at the cottage of one of his favourite
-tenants. Nothing would give greater pleasure to Vivian than this
-circumstance, nor more annoyance to the worthy old gentleman.
-
-The cottage belonged to the victor in the Regatta, who himself conducted
-the visitor to his dwelling. Vivian did not press Essper's leaving the
-revellers, so great an acquisition did he seem to their sports! teaching
-them a thousand new games, and playing all manner of antics; but perhaps
-none of his powers surprised them more than the extraordinary facility
-and freedom with which he had acquired and used all their names. The
-cottager's pretty wife had gone home an hour before her husband, to put
-her two fair-haired children to bed and prepare her guest's
-accommodation for the night. Nothing could be more romantic and lovely
-than the situation of the cottage. It stood just on the gentle slope of
-the mountain's base, not a hundred yards from the lower waterfall. It
-was in the middle of a patch of highly-cultivated ground, which bore
-creditable evidence to the industry of its proprietor. Fruit trees,
-Turkey corn, vines, and flax flourished in luxuriance. The dwelling
-itself was covered with myrtle and arbutus, and the tall lemon-plant
-perfumed the window of the sitting-room. The casement of Vivian's
-chamber opened full on the foaming cataract. The distant murmur of the
-mighty waterfall, the gentle sighing of the trees, the soothing
-influence of the moonlight, and the faint sounds occasionally caught of
-dying revelry, the joyous exclamation of some successful candidate in
-the day's games, the song of some returning lover, the plash of an oar
-in the lake: all combined to produce that pensive mood in which we find
-ourselves involuntarily reviewing the history of our life.
-
-As Vivian was musing over the last harassing months of his burthensome
-existence he could not help feeling that there was only one person in
-the world on whom his memory could dwell with solace and satisfaction,
-and this person was Lady Madeleine Trevor!
-
-It was true that with her he had passed some agonising hours; but he
-could not forget the angelic resignation with which her own affliction
-had been borne, and the soothing converse by which his had been
-alleviated. This train of thought was pursued till his aching mind sunk
-into indefiniteness. He sat for some little time almost unconscious of
-existence, till the crying of a child, waked by its father's return,
-brought him back to the present scene. His thoughts naturally ran to his
-friend Eugene. Surely this youthful bridegroom might reckon upon
-happiness! Again Lady Madeleine recurred to him. Suddenly he observed a
-wonderful appearance in the sky. The moon was paled in the high heavens,
-and surrounded by luminous rings, almost as vividly tinted as the
-rainbow, spreading and growing fainter, till they covered nearly half
-the firmament. It was a glorious and almost unprecedented halo!
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV
-
-
-The sun rose red, the air was thick and hot. Anticipating that the day
-would be very oppressive, Vivian and Essper were on their horses' backs
-at an early hour. Already, however, many of the rustic revellers were
-about, and preparations were commencing for the fete champetre, which
-this day was to close the wedding festivities. Many and sad were the
-looks which Essper George cast behind him at the old castle on the lake.
-"No good luck can come of it!" said he to his horse; for Vivian did not
-encourage conversation. "O! master of mine, when wilt thou know the
-meaning of good quarters! To leave such a place, and at such a time!
-Why, Turriparva was nothing to it! The day before marriage and the hour
-before death is when a man thinks least of his purse and most of his
-neighbour. O! man, man, what art thou, that the eye of a girl can make
-thee so pass all discretion that thou wilt sacrifice for the whim of a
-moment good cheer enough to make thee last an age!"
-
-Vivian had intended to stop and breakfast after riding about ten miles;
-but he had not proceeded half that way when, from the extreme sultriness
-of the morning, he found it impossible to advance without refreshment.
-Max, also, to his rider's surprise, was much distressed; and, on turning
-round to his servant, Vivian found Essper's hack panting and puffing,
-and breaking out, as if, instead of commencing their day's work, they
-were near reaching their point of destination.
-
-"Why, how now, Essper? One would think that we had been riding all
-night. What ails the beast?"
-
-"In truth, sir, that which ails its rider; the poor dumb brute has more
-sense than some who have the gift of speech. Who ever heard of a horse
-leaving good quarters without much regretting the indiscretion?"
-
-"The closeness of the air is so oppressive that I do not wonder at even
-Max being distressed. Perhaps when the sun is higher, and has cleared
-away the vapours, it may be more endurable: as it is, I think we had
-better stop at once and breakfast here. This wood is as inviting as, I
-trust, are the contents of your basket!"
-
-"St. Florian devour them!" said Essper, in a very pious voice, "if I
-agree not with you, sir; and as for the basket, although we have left
-the land of milk and honey, by the blessing of our Black Lady! I have
-that within it which would put courage in the heart of a caught mouse.
-Although we may not breakfast on bridecake and beccaficos, yet is a
-neat's tongue better than a fox's tail; and I have ever held a bottle of
-Rhenish to be superior to rain-water, even though the element be
-filtered through a gutter. Nor, by All Saints! have I forgotten a bottle
-of Kerchen Wasser from the Black Forest, nor a keg of Dantzic brandy, a
-glass of which, when travelling at night, I am ever accustomed to take
-after my prayers; for I have always observed that, though devotion doth
-sufficiently warm up the soul, the body all the time is rather the
-colder for stopping under a tree to tell its beads."
-
-The travellers accordingly led their horses a few yards into the wood,
-and soon met, as they had expected, with a small green glade. It was
-surrounded, except at the slight opening by which they had entered it,
-with fine Spanish chestnut trees, which now, loaded with their large
-brown fruit, rich and ripe, clustered in the starry foliage, afforded a
-retreat as beautiful to the eye as its shade was grateful to their
-senses. Vivian dismounted, and, stretching out his legs, leant back
-against the trunk of a tree: and Essper, having fastened Max and his own
-horse to some branches, proceeded to display his stores. Vivian was
-silent, thoughtful, and scarcely tasted anything: Essper George, on the
-contrary, was in unusual and even troublesome spirits, and had not his
-appetite necessarily produced a few pauses in his almost perpetual
-rattle, the patience of his master would have been fairly worn out. At
-length Essper had devoured the whole supply; and as Vivian not only did
-not encourage his remarks, but even in a peremptory manner had desired
-his silence, he was fain to amuse himself by trying to catch in his
-mouth a large brilliant fly which every instant was dancing before him.
-Two individuals more singularly contrasting in their appearance than the
-master and the servant could scarcely be conceived; and Vivian, lying
-with his back against a tree, with his legs stretched out, his arms
-folded, and his eyes fixed on the ground; and Essper, though seated, in
-perpetual motion, and shifting his posture with feverish restlessness,
-now looking over his shoulder for the fly, then making an unsuccessful
-bite at it, and then, wearied with his frequent failures, amusing
-himself with acting Punch with his thumbs; altogether presenting two
-figures, which might have been considered as not inapt personifications
-of the rival systems of Ideality and Materialism.
-
-At length Essper became silent for the sake of variety, and imagining,
-from his master's example, that there must be some sweets in meditation
-hitherto undiscovered by him, he imitated Vivian's posture! So perverse
-is human nature, that the moment Vivian was aware that Essper was
-perfectly silent, he began to feel an inclination to converse with him.
-
-"Why, Essper!" said he, looking up and smiling, "this is the first time
-during our acquaintance that I have ever seen thought upon your brow.
-What can now be puzzling your wild brain?"
-
-"I was thinking, sir," said Essper, with a very solemn look, "that if
-there were a deceased field-mouse here I would moralise on death."
-
-"What! turned philosopher!"
-
-"Ay! sir, it appears to me," said he, taking up a husk which lay on the
-turf, "that there is not a nutshell in Christendom which may not become
-matter for very grave meditation!"
-
-"Can you expound that?"
-
-"Verily, sir, the whole philosophy of life seems to me to consist in
-discovering the kernel. When you see a courtier out of favour or a
-merchant out of credit, when you see a soldier without pillage, a sailor
-without prize money, and a lawyer without paper, a bachelor with
-nephews, and an old maid with nieces, be assured the nut is not worth
-the cracking, and send it to the winds, as I do this husk at present."
-
-"Why, Essper!" said Vivian, laughing, "Considering that you have taken
-your degree so lately, you wear the Doctor's cap with authority! Instead
-of being in your noviciate, one would think that you had been a
-philosopher long enough to have outlived your system."
-
-"Bless you, sir, for philosophy, I sucked it in with my mother's milk.
-Nature then gave me the hint, which I have ever since acted on, and I
-hold that the sum of all learning consists in milking another man's cow.
-So much for the recent acquisition of my philosophy! I gained it, you
-see, sir, with the first wink of my eye; and though I lost a great
-portion of it by sea-sickness in the Mediterranean, nevertheless, since
-I served your Lordship, I have resumed my old habits, and do opine that
-this vain globe is but a large football to be kicked and cuffed about by
-moody philosophers!"
-
-"You must have seen a great deal in your life, Essper," said Vivian.
-
-"Like all great travellers." said Essper, "I have seen more than I
-remember, and remember more than I have seen."
-
-"Have you any objection to go to the East again?" asked Vivian. "It
-would require but little persuasion to lead me there."
-
-"I would rather go to a place where the religion is easier; I wish, sir,
-you would take me to England!"
-
-"Nay, not there with me, if with others."
-
-"With you, or with none."
-
-"I cannot conceive, Essper, what can induce you to tie up your fortunes
-with those of such a sad-looking personage as myself."
-
-"In truth, sir, there is no accounting for tastes. My grandmother loved
-a brindled cat!"
-
-"Your grandmother, Essper! Nothing would amuse me more than to be
-introduced to your family."
-
-"My family, sir, are nothing more nor less than what all of us must be
-counted, worms of five feet long, mortal angels, the world's epitome,
-heaps of atoms which Nature has kneaded with blood into solid flesh,
-little worlds of living clay, sparks of heaven, inches of earth,
-Nature's quintessence, moving dust, the little all, smooth-faced
-cherubim, in whose souls the Ring of stars has drawn the image
-of Himself!"
-
-"And how many years has breathed the worm of five feet long that I am
-now speaking to?"
-
-"Good, my Lord, I was no head at calculating from a boy; but I do
-remember that I am two days older than one of the planets."
-
-"How is that?"
-
-"There was one born in the sky, sir, the day I was christened with a
-Turkish crescent."
-
-"Come, Essper," said Vivian, who was rather interested by the
-conversation; Essper, having, until this morning, skilfully avoided any
-discourse upon the subject of his birth or family, adroitly turning the
-conversation whenever it chanced to approach these subjects, and
-silencing inquiries, if commenced, by some ludicrous and evidently
-fictitious answer. "Come, Essper," said Vivian, "I feel by no means in
-the humour to quit this shady retreat. You and I have now known each
-other long, and gone through much together. It is but fair that I should
-become better acquainted with one who, to me, is not only a faithful
-servant, but what is more valuable, a faithful friend, I might now
-almost add, my only one. What say you to whiling away a passing hour by
-giving me some sketch of your curious and adventurous life? If there be
-anything that you wish to conceal, pass it over; but no invention,
-nothing but the truth, if you please; the whole truth, if you like."
-
-"Why, sweet sir, as for this odd knot of soul and body, which none but
-the hand of Heaven could have twined, it was first seen, I believe, near
-the very spot where we are now sitting; for my mother, when I saw her
-first and last, lived in Bohemia. She was an Egyptian, and came herself
-from the Levant. I lived a week, sir, in the Seraglio when I was at
-Constantinople, and I saw there the brightest women of all countries,
-Georgians, and Circassians, and Poles; in truth, sir, nature's
-masterpieces. And yet, by the Gods of all nations! there was not one of
-them half so lovely as the lady who gave me this tongue!" Here Essper
-exhibited at full length the enormous feature which had so much enraged
-the one-eyed sergeant at Frankfort.
-
-"When I first remember myself," he continued, "I was playing with some
-other gipsy-boys in the midst of a forest. Here was our settlement! It
-was large and powerful. My mother, probably from her beauty, possessed
-great influence, particularly among the men; and yet I found not among
-them all a father. On the contrary, every one of my companions had a man
-whom he reverenced as his parent, and who taught him to steal; but I
-was called by the whole tribe the mother-son, and was honest from my
-first year out of mere wilfulness; at least, if I stole anything, it was
-always from our own people. Many were the quarrels I occasioned, since,
-presuming on my mother's love and power, I never called mischief a
-scrape; but acting just as my fancy took me, I left those who suffered
-by my conduct to apologise for my ill-behaviour. Being thus an idle,
-unprofitable, impudent, and injurious member of this pure community,
-they determined one day to cast me out from their bosom; and in spite of
-my mother's exertions and entreaties, the ungrateful vipers succeeded in
-their purpose. As a compliment to my parent, they allowed me to tender
-my resignation, instead of receiving my expulsion. My dear mother gave
-me a donkey, a wallet, and a ducat, a great deal of advice about my
-future conduct, and, what was more interesting to me, much information
-about my birth.
-
-"'Sweet child of my womb!' said my mother, pressing me to her bosom; 'be
-proud of thy white hands and straight nose! Thou gottest them not from
-me, and thou shalt take them from whence they came. Thy father is a
-Hungarian Prince; and though I would not have parted with thee, had I
-thought that thou wouldst ever have prospered in our life, even if he
-had made thee his child of the law and lord of his castle, still, as
-thou canst not tarry with us, haste thou to him! Give him this ring and
-this lock of hair; tell him none have seen them but the father, the
-mother, and the child! He will look on them, and remember the days that
-are passed; and thou shalt be unto him as a hope for his lusty years and
-a prop for his old age.'
-
-"My mother gave me all necessary directions, which I well remembered,
-and much more advice, which I directly forgot.
-
-"Although tempted, now that I was a free man, to follow my own fancy, I
-still was too curious to sec what kind of a person was my unknown father
-to deviate either from my route or my maternal instructions, and in a
-fortnight's time I had reached my future Principality.
-
-"The Sun sank behind the proud castle of my princely father, as,
-trotting slowly along upon my humble beast, with my wallet slung at my
-side, I approached it through his park. A guard, consisting of twenty or
-thirty men in magnificent uniforms, were lounging at the portal. I--but
-sir, sir, what is the meaning of this darkness? I always made a vow to
-myself that I never would tell my history. Ah! what ails me?"
-
-A large eagle fell dead at their feet.
-
-"Protect me, master!" screamed Essper, seizing Vivian by the shoulder;
-"what is coming? I cannot stand; the earth seems to tremble! Is it the
-wind that roars and rages? or is it ten thousand cannon blowing this
-globe to atoms?"
-
-"It is, it must be the wind!" said Vivian, agitated. "We are not safe
-under these trees: look to the horses!"
-
-"I will," said Essper, "if I can stand. Out of the forest! Ah, look at
-Max!"
-
-Vivian turned, and beheld his spirited horse raised on his hind legs,
-and dashing his fore feet against the trunk of a tree to which they had
-tied him. The terrified and furious creature was struggling to disengage
-himself, and would probably have sustained or inflicted some terrible
-injury, had not the wind suddenly hushed. Covered with foam, he stood
-panting, while Vivian patted and encouraged him. Essper's less spirited
-beast had, from the first, crouched upon the earth, covered with sweat,
-his limbs quivering and his tongue hanging out.
-
-"Master!" said Essper, "what shall we do? Is there any chance of getting
-back to the castle? I am sure our very lives are in danger. See that
-tremendous cloud! It looks like eternal night! Whither shall we go; what
-shall we do?"
-
-"Make for the castle!" said Vivian, mounting.
-
-They had just got into the road when another terrific gust of wind
-nearly took them off their horses, and blinded them with the clouds of
-sand which it drove out of the crevices of the mountains.
-
-They looked round on every side, and Hope gave way before the scene of
-desolation. Immense branches were shivered from the largest trees; small
-ones were entirely stripped of their leaves; the long grass was bowed to
-the earth; the waters were whirled in eddies out of the little rivulets;
-birds deserting their nests to shelter in the crevices of the rocks,
-unable to stem the driving air, flapped their wings and fell upon the
-earth: the frightened animals in the plain, almost suffocated by the
-impetuosity of the wind, sought safety, and found destruction: some of
-the largest trees were torn up by the roots; the sluices of the
-mountains were filled, and innumerable torrents rushed down before empty
-gulleys. The heavens now open, and lightning and thunder contend with
-the horrors of the wind!
-
-In a moment all was again hushed. Dead silence succeeded the bellow of
-the thunder, the roar of the wind, the rush of the waters, the moaning
-of the beasts, the screaming of the birds! Nothing was heard save the
-splashing of the agitated lake as it beat up against the black rocks
-which girt it in.
-
-"Master!" again said Essper, "is this the day of doom?"
-
-"Keep by my side. Essper; keep close, make the best of this pause: let
-us but reach the village!"
-
-Scarcely had Vivian spoken when greater darkness enveloped the trembling
-earth. Again the heavens were rent with lightning, which nothing could
-have quenched but the descending deluge. Cataracts poured down from the
-lowering firmament. In an instant the horses dashed round; beast and
-rider, blinded and stifled by the gushing rain, and gasping for breath.
-Shelter was nowhere. The quivering beasts reared, and snorted, and sank
-upon their knees. The horsemen were dismounted. Vivian succeeded in
-hoodwinking Max, who was still furious: the other horse appeared nearly
-exhausted. Essper, beside himself with terror, could only hang over
-his neck.
-
-Another awful calm.
-
-"Courage, Essper!" said Vivian. "We are still safe: look up, man! the
-storm cannot last long thus; and see! I am sure the clouds are
-breaking."
-
-The heavy mass of vapour which had seemed to threaten the earth with
-instant destruction suddenly parted. The red and lurid Sun was visible,
-but his light and heat were quenched in the still impending waters.
-
-"Mount, Essper!" said Vivian, "this is our only chance: five minutes'
-good speed will take us to the village."
-
-Encouraged by his master's example, Essper once more got upon his horse,
-and the panting animals, relieved by the cessation of the hurricane,
-carried them at a fair pace towards the village, considering that their
-road was now impeded by the overflowing of the lake.
-
-"Master!" said Essper, "cannot we get out of these waters?"
-
-He had scarcely spoken before a terrific burst, a noise, they knew not
-what, a rush they could not understand, a vibration which shook them on
-their horses, made them start back and again dismount. Every terror
-sank before the appalling roar of the cataract. It seemed that the
-mighty mountain, unable to support its weight of waters, shook to the
-foundation. A lake had burst on its summit, and the cataract became a
-falling Ocean. The source of the great deep appeared to be discharging
-itself over the range of mountains; the great grey peak tottered on its
-foundations! It shook! it fell! and buried in its ruins the castle, the
-village, and the bridge!
-
-Vivian with starting eyes beheld the whole washed away; instinct gave
-him energy to throw himself on the back of his horse: a breath, and he
-had leaped up the nearest hill! Essper George, in a state of
-distraction, was madly laughing as he climbed to the top of a high tree:
-his horse was carried off in the drowning waters, which had now
-reached the road.
-
-"The desolation is complete!" thought Vivian. At this moment the wind
-again rose, the rain again descended, the heavens again opened, the
-lightning again flashed! An amethystine flame hung upon rocks and
-waters, and through the raging elements a yellow fork darted its fatal
-point at Essper's resting-place. The tree fell! Vivian's horse, with a
-maddened snort, dashed down the hill; his master, senseless, clung to
-his neck; the frantic animal was past all government; he stood upright
-in the air, flung his rider, and fell dead!
-
-Here leave we Vivian! It was my wish to have detailed, in the present
-portion of this work, the singular adventures which befell him in one of
-the most delightful of modern cities, light-hearted Vienna! But his
-history has expanded under my pen, and I fear that I have, even now, too
-much presumed upon an attention which I am not entitled to command. I
-am, as yet, but standing without the gate of the Garden of Romance. True
-it is, that as I gaze through the ivory bars of its Golden Portal, I
-would fain believe that, following my roving fancy, I might arrive at
-some green retreats hitherto unexplored, and loiter among some leafy
-bowers where none have lingered before me. But these expectations may be
-as vain as those dreams of Youth over which all have mourned. The
-Disappointment of Manhood succeeds to the delusion of Youth: let us hope
-that the heritage of Old Age is not Despair.
-
-
-THE END
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Vivian Grey, by
-Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
-
-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIVIAN GREY ***
-
-***** This file should be named 9840.txt or 9840.zip *****
-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
-        http://www.gutenberg.org/9/8/4/9840/
-
-Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Keren Vergon, Charlie
-Kirschner and PG Distributed Proofreaders
-
-
-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.  Special rules,
-set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
-copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
-protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
-Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
-charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
-do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
-rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
-such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
-research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
-practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
-subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
-redistribution.
-
-
-
-*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
-
-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
-
-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
-Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
-  www.gutenberg.org/license.
-
-
-Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works
-
-1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
-(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
-all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
-If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
-terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
-entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
-
-1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
-paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
-and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
-
-1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
-or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
-collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
-individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
-located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
-copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
-works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
-are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
-Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
-freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
-this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
-the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
-keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
-Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
-
-1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
-what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
-a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
-the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
-before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
-creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
-Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
-the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
-States.
-
-1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
-
-1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
-access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
-whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
-phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
-copied or distributed:
-
-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
-
-1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
-from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
-posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
-and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
-or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
-with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
-work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
-through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
-Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
-1.E.9.
-
-1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
-terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
-to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
-permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
-
-1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
-
-1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm License.
-
-1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
-word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
-distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
-"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
-posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
-you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
-copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
-request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
-form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
-
-1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
-
-1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
-that
-
-- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
-     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
-     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
-     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
-     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
-     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
-     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
-     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
-     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
-     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
-     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
-     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
-
-- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
-     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
-     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-     License.  You must require such a user to return or
-     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
-     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
-     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
-     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
-     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
-     of receipt of the work.
-
-- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
-     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
-forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
-both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
-Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
-Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
-
-1.F.
-
-1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
-public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
-collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
-"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
-corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
-property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
-computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
-your equipment.
-
-1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
-fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
-DAMAGE.
-
-1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
-written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
-your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
-the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
-refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
-providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
-receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
-is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
-opportunities to fix the problem.
-
-1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
-WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
-WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
-
-1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
-If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
-law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
-interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
-the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
-provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
-
-1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
-with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
-promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
-harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
-that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
-or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
-work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
-Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
-
-
-Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
-including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
-because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
-people in all walks of life.
-
-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
-assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
-remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
-To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
-and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
-and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
-Foundation
-
-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
-Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
-number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
-permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
-
-The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
-Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
-throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
-North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
-contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
-Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
-
-For additional contact information:
-     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
-     Chief Executive and Director
-     gbnewby@pglaf.org
-
-Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
-array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
-status with the IRS.
-
-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
-States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
-with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
-SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
-particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
-approach us with offers to donate.
-
-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
-outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
-
-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
-methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
-To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-
-Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works.
-
-Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
-concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
-with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
-Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
-editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
-unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
-keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
-
-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
-
-     www.gutenberg.org
-
-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
-