William Makepeace Thackeray
The Newcomes
Memoirs of a most respectable Family
Edited by Arthur Pendennis
Chapter I
The Overture After Which the Curtain Rises upon a Drinking Chorus
A crow who had flown away with a cheese from a dairy window sate perched on a
tree looking down at a great big frog in a pool underneath him The frogs
hideous large eyes were goggling out of his head in a manner which appeared
quite ridiculous to the old blackamoor who watched the splayfooted slimy
wretch with that peculiar grim humour belonging to crows Not far from the frog
a fat ox was browsing whilst a few lambs frisked about the meadow or nibbled
the grass and buttercups there
Who should come into the farther end of the field but a wolf He was so
cunningly dressed up in sheeps clothing that the very lambs did not know
master wolf nay one of them whose dam the wolf had just eaten after which he
had thrown her skin over his shoulders ran up innocently towards the devouring
monster mistaking him for her mamma
»He he« says a fox sneaking round the hedgepaling over which the tree
grew whereupon the crow was perched looking down on the frog who was staring
with his goggle eyes fit to burst with envy and croaking abuse at the ox »How
absurd those lambs are Yonder silly little knockkneed baahling does not know
the old wolf dressed in the sheeps fleece He is the same old rogue who gobbled
up little Red Riding Hoods grandmother for lunch and swallowed little Red
Riding Hood for supper Tirez la bobinette et la chévillette cherra He he«
An owl that was hidden in the hollow of the tree woke up »Oh ho master
fox« says she »I cannot see you but I smell you If some folks like lambs
other folks like geese« says the owl
»And your ladyship is fond of mice« says the fox
»The Chinese eat them« says the owl »and I have read that they are very
fond of dogs« continued the old lady
»I wish they would exterminate every cur of them off the face of the earth«
said the fox
»And I have also read in works of travel that the French eat frogs«
continued the owl »Aha my friend Crapaud are you there That was a very
pretty concert we sang together last night«
»If the French devour my brethren the English eat beef« croaked out the
frog »great big brutal bellowing oxen«
»Ho whoo« says the owl »I have heard that the English are toadeaters
too«
»But who ever heard of them eating an owl or a fox madam« says Reynard
»or their sitting down and taking a crow to pick« adds the polite rogue with a
bow to the old crow who was perched above them with the cheese in his mouth »We
are privileged animals all of us at least we never furnish dishes for the
odious orgies of man«
»I am the bird of wisdom« says the owl »I was the companion of Pallas
Minerva I am frequently represented on the Egyptian monuments«
»I have seen you over the British barndoors« said the fox with a grin
»You have a deal of scholarship Mrs Owl I know a thing or two myself but am
I confess it no scholar a mere man of the world a fellow that lives by his
wits a mere country gentleman«
»You sneer at scholarship« continues the owl with a sneer on her venerable
face »I read a good deal of a night«
»When I am engaged deciphering the cocks and hens at roost« says the fox
»Its a pity for all that you cant read that board nailed over my head
would give you some information«
»What does it say« says the fox
»I cant spell in the daylight« answered the owl and giving a yawn went
back to sleep till evening in the hollow of her tree
»A fig for her hieroglyphics« said the fox looking up at the crow in the
tree »What airs our slow neighbour gives herself She pretends to all the
wisdom whereas your reverences the crows are endowed with gifts far superior
to those benighted old bigwigs of owls who blink in the darkness and call
their hooting singing How noble it is to hear a chorus of crows There are
twentyfour brethren of the Order of St Corvinus who have builded themselves a
convent near a wood which I frequent what a droning and a chanting they keep
up I protest their reverences singing is nothing to yours You sing so
deliciously in parts do for the love of harmony favour me with a solo«
While this conversation was going on the ox was chumping the grass the
frog was eyeing him in such a rage at his superior proportions that he would
have spurted venom at him if he could and that he would have burst only that
is impossible from sheer envy the little lambkin was lying unsuspiciously at
the side of the wolf in fleecy hosiery who did not as yet molest her being
replenished with the mutton her mamma But now the wolfs eyes began to glare
and his sharp white teeth to show and he rose up with a growl and began to
think he should like lamb for supper
»What large eyes you have got« bleated out the lamb with rather a timid
look
»The better to see you with my dear«
»What large teeth you have got«
»The better to «
At this moment such a terrific yell filled the field that all its
inhabitants started with terror It was from a donkey who had somehow got a
lions skin and now came in at the hedge pursued by some men and boys with
sticks and guns
When the wolf in sheeps clothing heard the bellow of the ass in the lions
skin fancying that the monarch of the forest was near he ran away as fast as
his disguise would let him When the ox heard the noise he dashed round the
meadowditch and with one trample of his hoof squashed the frog who had been
abusing him When the crow saw the people with guns coming he instantly dropped
the cheese out of his mouth and took to wing When the fox saw the cheese drop
he immediately made a jump at it for he knew the donkeys voice and that his
asinine bray was not a bit like his royal masters roar and making for the
cheese fell into a steel trap which snapped off his tail without which he was
obliged to go into the world pretending forsooth that it was the fashion not
to wear tails any more and that the foxparty were better without em
Meanwhile a boy with a stick came up and belaboured master donkey until
he roared louder than ever The wolf with the sheeps clothing draggling about
his legs could not run fast and was detected and shot by one of the men The
blind old owl whirring out of the hollow tree quite amazed at the disturbance
flounced into the face of a ploughboy who knocked her down with a pitchfork
The butcher came and quietly led off the ox and the lamb and the farmer
finding the foxs brush in the trap hung it up over his mantelpiece and always
bragged that he had been in at his death
»What a farrago of old fables is this What a dressing up in old clothes«
says the critic I think I see such a one a Solomon that sits in judgment
over us authors and chops up our children »As sure as I am just and wise
modest learned and religious so surely I have read something very like this
stuff and nonsense about jackasses and foxes before That wolf in sheeps
clothing do I not know him That fox discoursing with the crow have I not
previously heard of him Yes in Lafontaines fables let us get the Dictionary
and the Fable and the Biographie Universelle article Lafontaine and confound
the impostor«
»Then in what a contemptuous way« may Solomon go on to remark »does this
author speak of human nature There is scarce one of these characters he
represents but is a villain The fox is a flatterer the frog is an emblem of
impotence and envy the wolf in sheeps clothing a bloodthirsty hypocrite
wearing the garb of innocence the ass in the lions skin a quack trying to
terrify by assuming the appearance of a forest monarch does the writer
writhing under merited castigation mean to sneer at critics in this character
We laugh at the impertinent comparison the ox a stupid commonplace the only
innocent being in the writers stolen apologue is a fool the idiotic lamb
who does not know his own mother« And then the critic if in a virtuous mood
may indulge in some fine writing regarding the holy beauteousness of maternal
affection
Why not If authors sneer it is the critics business to sneer at them for
sneering He must pretend to be their superior or who would care about his
opinion And his livelihood is to find fault Besides he is right sometimes
and the stories he reads and the characters drawn in them are old sure enough
What stories are new All types of all characters march through all fables
tremblers and boasters victims and bullies dupes and knaves longeared
Neddies giving themselves leonine airs Tartuffes wearing virtuous clothing
lovers and their trials their blindness their folly and constancy With the
very first page of the human story do not love and lies too begin So the tales
were told ages before Æsop and asses under lions manes roared in Hebrew and
sly foxes flattered in Etruscan and wolves in sheeps clothing gnashed their
teeth in Sanscrit no doubt The sun shines today as he did when he first began
shining and the birds in the tree overhead while I am writing sing very much
the same note they have sung ever since there were finches Nay since last he
besought goodnatured friends to listen once a month to his talking a friend of
the writer has seen the New World and found the featherless birds there
exceedingly like their brethren of Europe There may be nothing new under and
including the sun but it looks fresh every morning and we rise with it to
toil hope scheme laugh struggle love suffer until the night comes and
quiet And then will wake Morrow and the eyes that look on it and so da capo
This then is to be a story may it please you in which jackdaws will wear
peacocks feathers and awaken the just ridicule of the peacocks in which
while every justice is done to the peacocks themselves the splendour of their
plumage the gorgeousness of their dazzling necks and the magnificence of their
tails exception will yet be taken to the absurdity of their rickety strut and
the foolish discord of their pert squeaking in which lions in love will have
their claws pared by sly virgins in which rogues will sometimes triumph and
honest folks let us hope come by their own in which there will be black crape
and white favours in which there will be tears under orangeflower wreaths and
jokes in mourningcoaches in which there will be dinners of herbs with
contentment and without and banquets of stalled oxen where there is care and
hatred ay and kindness and friendship too along with the feast It does not
follow that all men are honest because they are poor and I have known some who
were friendly and generous although they had plenty of money There are some
great landlords who do not grind down their tenants there are actually bishops
who are not hypocrites there are liberal men even among the Whigs and the
Radicals themselves are not all Aristocrats at heart But who ever heard of
giving the Moral before the Fable Children are only led to accept the one after
their delectation over the other let us take care lest our readers skip both
and so let us bring them on quickly our wolves and lambs our foxes and lions
our roaring donkeys our billing ringdoves our motherly partlets and crowing
chanticleers
There was once a time when the sun used to shine brighter than it appears to do
in this latter half of the nineteenth century when the zest of life was
certainly keener when tavern wines seemed to be delicious and tavern dinners
the perfection of cookery when the perusal of novels was productive of immense
delight and the monthly advent of magazine day was hailed as an exciting
holiday when to know Thompson who had written a magazine article was an
honour and a privilege and to see Brown the author of the last romance in the
flesh and actually walking in the Park with his umbrella and Mrs Brown was an
event remarkable and to the end of life to be perfectly well remembered when
the women of this world were a thousand times more beautiful than those of the
present time and the houris of the theatres especially so ravishing and
angelic that to see them was to set the heart in motion and to see them again
was to struggle for half an hour previously at the door of the pit when tailors
called at a mans lodgings to dazzle him with cards of fancy waistcoats when it
seemed necessary to purchase a grand silver dressingcase so as to be ready for
the beard which was not yet born as yearling brides provide lace caps and work
rich clothes for the expected darling when to ride in the Park on a
tenshilling hack seemed to be the height of fashionable enjoyment and to
splash your college tutor as you were driving down Regent Street in a hired cab
the triumph of satire when the acme of pleasure seemed to be to meet Jones of
Trinity at the Bedford and to make an arrangement with him and with King of
Corpus who was staying at the Colonnade and Martin of Trinity Hall who was
with his family in Bloomsbury Square to dine at the Piazza go to the play and
see Braham in »Fra Diavolo« and end the frolic evening by partaking of supper
and a song at the Cave of Harmony It was in the days of my own youth then
that I met one or two of the characters who are to figure in this history and
whom I must ask leave to accompany for a short while and until familiarized
with the public they can make their own way As I recall them the roses bloom
again and the nightingales sing by the calm Bendemeer
Going to the play then and to the pit as was the fashion in those merry
days with some young fellows of my own age having listened delighted to the
most cheerful and brilliant of operas and laughed enthusiastically at the
farce we became naturally hungry at twelve oclock at night and a desire for
welshrabbits and good old gleesinging led us to the Cave of Harmony then kept
by the celebrated Hoskins among whose friends we were proud to count
We enjoyed such intimacy with Mr Hoskins that he never failed to greet us
with a kind nod and John the waiter made room for us near the President of the
convivial meeting We knew the three admirable gleesingers and many a time
they partook of brandyandwater at our expense One of us gave his call dinner
at Hoskinss and a merry time we had of it Where are you O Hoskins bird of
the night Do you warble your songs by Acheron or troll your choruses by the
banks of black Avernus
The goes of stout the Chough and Crow the welshrabbit the RedCross
Knight the hot brandyandwater the brown the strong the Bloom is on the
Rye the bloom isnt on the Rye any more the song and the cup in a word
passed round merrily and I dare say the songs and bumpers were encored It
happened that there was a very small attendance at the Cave that night and we
were all more sociable and friendly because the company was select The songs
were chiefly of the sentimental class such ditties were much in vogue at the
time of which I speak
There came into the Cave a gentleman with a lean brown face and long black
mustachios dressed in very loose clothes and evidently a stranger to the
place At least he had not visited it for a long time He was pointing out
changes to a lad who was in his company and calling for sherryandwater he
listened to the music and twirled his mustachios with great enthusiasm
At the very first glimpse of me the boy jumped up from the table bounded
across the room ran to me with his hands out and blushing said »Dont you
know me«
It was little Newcome my schoolfellow whom I had not seen for six years
grown a fine tall young stripling now with the same bright blue eyes which I
remembered when he was quite a little boy
»What the deuce brings you here« said I
He laughed and looked roguish »My father thats my father would come
Hes just come back from India He says all the wits used to come here Mr
Sheridan Captain Morris Colonel Hanger Professor Porson I told him your
name and that you used to be very kind to me when I first went to Smithfield
Ive left now Im to have a private tutor I say Ive got such a jolly pony
Its better fun than old Smiffle«
Here the whiskered gentleman Newcomes father pointing to a waiter to
follow him with his glass of sherryandwater strode across the room twirling
his mustachios and came up to the table where we sate making a salutation with
his hat in a very stately and polite manner so that Hoskins himself was as it
were obliged to bow the gleesingers murmured among themselves their eyes
rolling over their glasses towards one another as they sucked brandyandwater
and that mischievous wag little Nadab the Improvisatore who had just come in
began to mimic him feeling his imaginary whiskers after the manner of the
stranger and flapping about his pockethandkerchief in the most ludicrous
manner Hoskins checked this ribaldry by sternly looking towards Nadab and at
the same time called upon the gents to give their orders the waiter being in
the room and Mr Bellew about to sing a song
Newcomes father came up and held out his hand to me I dare say I blushed
for I had been comparing him to the admirable Harley in the Critic and had
christened him Don Ferolo Whiskerandos
He spoke in a voice exceedingly soft and pleasant and with a cordiality so
simple and sincere that my laughter shrank away ashamed and gave place to a
feeling much more respectful and friendly In youth you see one is touched by
kindness A man of the world may of course be grateful or not as he chooses
»I have heard of your kindness sir« says he »to my boy And whoever is
kind to him is kind to me Will you allow me to sit down by you and may I beg
you to try my cheroots« We were friends in a minute young Newcome snuggling
by my side his father opposite to whom after a minute or two of conversation
I presented my three college friends
»You have come here gentlemen to see the wits« says the Colonel »Are
there any celebrated persons in the room I have been fiveandthirty years from
home and want to see all that is to be seen«
King of Corpus who was an incorrigible wag was on the point of pulling
some dreadful long bow and pointing out a halfdozen of people in the room as
R and H and L etc the most celebrated wits of that day but I cut Kings
shins under the table and got the fellow to hold his tongue
»Maxima debetur pueris« says Jones a fellow of very kind feeling who has
gone into the Church since and writing on his card to Hoskins hinted to him
that a boy was in the room and a gentleman who was quite a greenhorn hence
that the songs had better be carefully selected
And so they were A ladys school might have come in and but for the smell
of the cigars and brandyandwater have taken no harm by what happened Why
should it not always be so If there are any Caves of Harmony now I warrant
Messieurs the landlords their interests would be better consulted by keeping
their singers within bounds The very greatest scamps like pretty songs and are
melted by them so are honest people It was worth a guinea to see the simple
Colonel and his delight at the music He forgot all about the distinguished
wits whom he had expected to see in his ravishment over the glees
»I say Clive this is delightful This is better than your aunts concert
with all the Squallinis hey I shall come here often Landlord may I venture
to ask those gentlemen if they will take any refreshment What are their names
to one of his neighbours I was scarcely allowed to hear any singing before I
went out except an oratorio where I fell asleep but this by George is as
fine as Incledon« He became quite excited over his sherryandwater »Im
sorry to see you gentlemen drinking brandypawnee« says he »It plays the
deuce with our young men in India« He joined in all the choruses with an
exceedingly sweet voice He laughed at the Derby Ram so that it did you good to
hear him and when Hoskins sang as he did admirably the Old English Gentleman
and described in measured cadence the death of that venerable aristocrat tears
trickled down the warriors cheek while he held out his hand to Hoskins and
said »Thank you sir for that song it is an honour to human nature« On which
Hoskins began to cry too
And now young Nadab having been cautioned commenced one of those
surprising feats of improvisation with which he used to charm audiences He took
us all off and had rhymes pat about all the principal persons in the room
Kings pins which he wore very splendid Martins red waistcoat etc The
Colonel was charmed with each feat and joined delighted with the chorus
Ritolderolritolderol ritolderolderay bis And when coming to the Colonel
himself he burst out
»A military gent I see and while his face I scan
I think youll all agree with me He came from Hindostan
And by his side sits laughing free A youth with curly head
I think youll all agree with me that he was best in bed Ritolderol« etc
The Colonel laughed immensely at this sally and clapped his son young Clive
on the shoulder »Hear what he says of you sir Clive best be off to bed my
boy ho ho No no We know a trick worth two of that We wont go home till
morning till daylight does appear Why should we Why shouldnt my boy have
innocent pleasure I was allowed none when I was a young chap and the severity
was nearly the ruin of me I must go and speak with that young man the most
astonishing thing I ever heard in my life Whats his name Mr Nadab Mr
Nadab sir you have delighted me May I make so free as to ask you to come and
dine with me tomorrow at six Colonel Newcome if you please Nerots Hotel
Clifford Street I am always proud to make the acquaintance of men of genius
and you are one or my name is not Newcome«
»Sir you do me Hhonour« says Mr Nadab pulling up his shirtcollars »and
perhaps the day will come when the world will do me justice may I put down
your hhonoured name for my book of poems«
»Of course my dear sir« says the enthusiastic Colonel »Ill send them all
over India Put me down for six copies and do me the favour to bring them
tomorrow when you come to dinner«
And now Mr Hoskins asking if any gentleman would volunteer a song what was
our amazement when the simple Colonel offered to sing himself at which the room
applauded vociferously whilst methought poor Clive Newcome hung down his head
and blushed as red as a peony I felt for the young lad and thought what my own
sensations would have been if in that place my own uncle Major Pendennis had
suddenly proposed to exert his lyrical powers
The Colonel selected the ditty of »Wapping Old Stairs« a ballad so sweet
and touching that surely any English poet might be proud to be the father of
it and he sang this quaint and charming old song in an exceedingly pleasant
voice with flourishes and roulades in the old Incledon manner which has pretty
nearly passed away The singer gave his heart and soul to the simple ballad and
delivered Mollys gentle appeal so pathetically that even the professional
gentlemen hummed and buzzed a sincere applause and some wags who were inclined
to jeer at the beginning of the performance clinked their glasses and rapped
their sticks with quite a respectful enthusiasm When the song was over Clive
held up his head too after the shock of the first verse looked round with
surprise and pleasure in his eyes and we I need not say backed our friend
delighted to see him come out of his queer scrape so triumphantly The Colonel
bowed and smiled with very pleasant good nature at our plaudits It was like Dr
Primrose preaching his sermon in the prison There was something touching in the
naïveté and kindness of the placid and simple gentleman
Great Hoskins placed on high amidst the tuneful choir was pleased to
signify his approbation and gave his guests health in his usual dignified
manner »I am much obliged to you sir« says Mr Hoskins »the room ought to be
much obliged to you I drink your ealth and song sir« and he bowed to the
Colonel politely over his glass of brandyandwater of which he absorbed a
little in his customers honour »I have not heard that song« he was kind
enough to say »better performed since Mr Incledon sung it He was a great
singer sir and I may say in the words of our immortal Shakespeare that take
him for all in all we shall not look upon his like again«
The Colonel blushed in his turn and turning round to his boy with an arch
smile said »I learnt it from Incledon I used to slip out from Grey Friars to
hear him Heaven bless me forty years ago and I used to be flogged afterwards
and serve me right too Lord Lord how the time passes« He drank off his
sherryandwater and fell back in his chair we could see he was thinking about
his youth the golden time the happy the bright the unforgotten I was
myself nearly twoandtwenty years of age at that period and felt as old as
ay older than the Colonel
Whilst he was singing his ballad there had walked or rather reeled into
the room a gentleman in a military frockcoat and duck trousers of dubious hue
with whose name and person some of my readers are perhaps already acquainted In
fact it was my friend Captain Costigan in his usual condition at this hour of
the night
Holding on by various tables the Captain had sidled up without accident to
himself or any of the jugs and glasses round about him to the table where we
sat and had taken his place near the writer his old acquaintance He warbled
the refrain of the Colonels song not inharmoniously and saluted its pathetic
conclusion with a subdued hiccup and a plentiful effusion of tears »Bedad it
is a beautiful song« says he »and many a time I heard poor Harry Incledon sing
it«
»Hes a great character« whispered that unlucky King of Corpus to his
neighbour the Colonel »was a Captain in the army We call him the General
Captain Costigan will you take something to drink«
»Bedad I will« says the Captain »and Ill sing ye a song tu«
And having procured a glass of whiskyandwater from the passing waiter the
poor old man settling his face into a horrid grin and leering as he was wont
when he gave what he called one of his prime songs began his music
The unlucky wretch who scarcely knew what he was doing or saying selected
one of the most outrageous performances of his répertoire fired off a tipsy
howl by way of overture and away he went At the end of the second verse the
Colonel started up clapping on his hat seizing his stick and looking as
ferocious as though he had been going to do battle with a Pindaree »Silence«
he roared out
»Hear hear« cried certain wags at a farther table »Go on Costigan« said
others
»Go on« cries the Colonel in his high voice trembling with anger »Does
any gentleman say Go on Does any man who has a wife and sisters or children at
home say Go on to such disgusting ribaldry as this Do you dare sir to call
yourself a gentleman and to say that you hold the kings commission and to sit
down amongst Christians and men of honour and defile the ears of young boys
with this wicked balderdash«
»Why do you bring young boys here old boy« cries a voice of the
malcontents
»Why Because I thought I was coming to a society of gentlemen« cried out
the indignant Colonel »Because I never could have believed that Englishmen
could meet together and allow a man and an old man so to disgrace himself For
shame you old wretch Go home to your bed you hoary old sinner And for my
part Im not sorry that my son should see for once in his life to what shame
and degradation and dishonour drunkenness and whisky may bring a man Never mind
the change sir Curse the change« says the Colonel facing the amazed waiter
»Keep it till you see me in this place again which will be never by George
never« And shouldering his stick and scowling round at the company of scared
bacchanalians the indignant gentleman stalked away his boy after him
Clive seemed rather shamefaced but I fear the rest of the company looked
still more foolish
»Aussi que diable venaitil faire dans cette galère« says King of Corpus to
Jones of Trinity and Jones gave a shrug of his shoulders which were smarting
perhaps for that uplifted cane of the Colonels had somehow fallen on the back
of every man in the room
Chapter II
Colonel Newcomes Wild Oats
As the young gentleman who has just gone to bed is to be the hero of the
following pages we had best begin our account of him with his family history
which luckily is not very long
When pigtails still grew on the backs of the British gentry and their
wives wore cushions on their heads over which they tied their own hair and
disguised it with powder and pomatum when ministers went in their stars and
orders to the House of Commons and the orators of the Opposition attacked
nightly the noble lord in the blue ribbon when Mr Washington was heading the
American rebels with a courage it must be confessed worthy of a better cause
there came up to London out of a Northern county Mr Thomas Newcome afterwards
Thomas Newcome Esq and sheriff of London afterwards Mr Alderman Newcome
the founder of the family whose name has given the title to this history It was
but in the reign of George the Third that Mr Newcome first made his appearance
in Cheapside having made his entry into London on a wagon which landed him and
some bales of cloth all his fortune in Bishopsgate Street though if it could
be proved that the Normans wore pigtails under William the Conqueror and Mr
Washington fought against the English under King Richard in Palestine I am sure
some of the present Newcomes would pay the Heralds office handsomely living
as they do amongst the noblest of the land and giving entertainments to none
but the very highest nobility and élite of the fashionable and diplomatic world
as you may read any day in the newspapers For though these Newcomes have got a
pedigree from the College which is printed in Budges »Landed Aristocracy of
Great Britain« and which proves that the Newcome of Cromwells army the
Newcome who was among the last six who were hanged by Queen Mary for
Protestantism were ancestors of this house of which a member distinguished
himself at Bosworth Field and the founder slain by King Harolds side at
Hastings had been surgeonbarber to King Edward the Confessor yet between
ourselves I think that Sir Brian Newcome of Newcome could not believe a word
of the story any more than the rest of the world does although a number of his
children bear names out of the Saxon Calendar
Was Thomas Newcome a foundling a workhouse child out of that village
which has now become a great manufacturing town and which bears his name Such
was the report set about at the last election when Sir Brian in the
Conservative interest contested the borough and Mr Yapp the outandout
Liberal candidate had a picture of the old workhouse placarded over the town as
the birthplace of the Newcomes with placards ironically exciting freemen to
vote for Newcome and union Newcome and the parish interests etc Who cares
for these local scandals It matters very little to those who have the good
fortune to be invited to Lady Ann Newcomes parties whether her beautiful
daughters can trace their pedigrees no higher than to the alderman their
grandfather or whether through the mythic ancestral barbersurgeon they hang
on to the chin of Edward Confessor and King
Thomas Newcome who had been a weaver in his native village brought the
very best character for honesty thrift and ingenuity with him to London where
he was taken into the house of Hobson Brothers clothfactors afterwards Hobson
amp Newcome This fact may suffice to indicate Thomas Newcomes story Like
Whittington and many other London apprentices he began poor and ended by
marrying his masters daughter and becoming sheriff and alderman of the City of
London
But it was only en secondes noces that he espoused the wealthy and
religious and eminent such was the word applied to certain professing
Christians in those days Sophia Alethea Hobson a woman who considerably
older than Mr Newcome had the advantage of surviving him many years Her
mansion at Clapham was long the resort of the most favoured amongst the
religious world The most eloquent expounders the most gifted missionaries the
most interesting converts from foreign islands were to be found at her
sumptuous table spread with the produce of her magnificent gardens Heaven
indeed blessed those gardens with plenty as many reverend gentlemen remarked
there were no finer grapes peaches or pineapples in all England Mr
Whitfield himself christened her and it was said generally in the City and by
her friends that Miss Hobsons two Christian names Sophia and Alethea were
two Greek words which being interpreted meant wisdom and truth She her
villa and gardens are now no more but Sophia Terrace Upper and Lower Alethea
Road and Hobsons Buildings Square etc show every quarterday that the
ground sacred to her and freehold still bears plenteous fruit for the
descendants of this eminent woman
We are however advancing matters When Thomas Newcome had been some time
in London he quitted the house of Hobson finding an opening though in a much
smaller way for himself And no sooner did his business prosper than he went
down into the north like a man to a pretty girl whom he had left there and
whom he had promised to marry What seemed an imprudent match for his wife had
nothing but a pale face that had grown older and paler with long waiting
turned out a very lucky one for Newcome The whole countryside was pleased to
think of the prosperous London tradesman returning to keep his promise to the
penniless girl whom he had loved in the days of his own poverty the great
country clothiers who knew his prudence and honesty gave him much of their
business when he went back to London Susan Newcome would have lived to be a
rich woman had not fate ended her career within a year after her marriage when
she died giving birth to a son
Newcome had a nurse for the child and a cottage at Clapham hard by Mr
Hobsons house where he had often walked in the garden of a Sunday and been
invited to sit down to take a glass of wine Since he had left their service
the house had added a banking business which was greatly helped by the Quakers
and their religious connexion and Newcome keeping his account there and
gradually increasing his business was held in a very good esteem by his former
employers and invited sometimes to tea at the Hermitage for which
entertainments he did not in truth much care at first being a City man a good
deal tired with his business during the day and apt to go to sleep over the
sermons expoundings and hymns with which the gifted preachers missionaries
etc who were always at the Hermitage used to wind up the evening before
supper Nor was he a supping man in which case he would have found the parties
pleasanter for in Egypt itself there were not more savoury fleshpots than at
Clapham he was very moderate in his meals of a bilious temperament and
besides obliged to be in town early in the morning always setting off to walk
an hour before the first coach
But when his poor Susan died Miss Hobson by her fathers demise having
now become a partner in the house as well as heiress to the pious and childless
Zachariah Hobson her uncle Mr Newcome with his little boy in his hand met
Miss Hobson as she was coming out of meeting one Sunday and the child looked so
pretty Mr N was a very personable freshcoloured man himself he wore powder
to the end and topboots and brass buttons in his later days after he had
been sheriff indeed one of the finest specimens of the old London merchant
Miss Hobson I say invited him and little Tommy into the grounds of the
Hermitage did not quarrel with the innocent child for frisking about in the hay
on the lawn which lay basking in the Sabbath sunshine and at the end of the
visit gave him a large piece of poundcake a quantity of the finest hothouse
grapes and a tract in one syllable Tommy was ill the next day but on the next
Sunday his father was at meeting
He became very soon after this an awakened man and the tittling and
tattling and the sneering and gossiping all over Clapham and the talk on
Change and the pokes in the waistcoat administered by the wags to Newcome
»Newcome give you joy my boy« »Newcome new partner in Hobsons« »Newcome
just take in this paper to Hobsons theyll do it I warrant« etc etc and
the groans of the Rev Gideon Bawls of the Rev Athanasius OGrady that
eminent convert from Popery who quarrelling with each other yea striving one
against another had yet two sentiments in common their love for Miss Hobson
their dread their hatred of the worldly Newcome all these squabbles and
jokes and pribbles and prabbles look you may be omitted As gallantly as he
had married a woman without a penny as gallantly as he had conquered his
poverty and achieved his own independence so bravely he went in and won the
great City prize with a fortune of a quarter of a million And every one of his
old friends and every honesthearted fellow who likes to see shrewdness and
honesty and courage succeed was glad of his good fortune and said »Newcome
my boy« or »Newcome my buck« if they were old City cronies and very
familiar »I give you joy«
Of course Mr Newcome might have gone into Parliament of course before the
close of his life he might have been made a Baronet but he eschewed honours
senatorial or blood red hands »It wouldnt do« with his good sense he said
»the Quaker connexion wouldnt like it« His wife never cared about being called
Lady Newcome To manage the great house of Hobson Brothers amp Newcome to
attend to the interests of the enslaved negro to awaken the benighted Hottentot
to a sense of the truth to convert Jews Turks Infidels and Papists to
arouse the indifferent and often blasphemous mariner to guide the washerwoman
in the right way to head all the public charities of her sect and do a
thousand of secret kindnesses that none knew of to answer myriads of letters
pension endless ministers and supply their teeming wives with continuous
babylinen to hear preachers daily bawling for hours and listen untired on her
knees after a long days labour while florid rhapsodists belaboured cushions
above her with wearisome benedictions all these things had this woman to do
and for near fourscore years she fought her fight womanfully imperious but
deserving to rule hard but doing her duty severe but charitable and untiring
in generosity as in labour unforgiving in one instance in that of her
husbands eldest son Thomas Newcome the little boy who had played on the hay
and whom at first she had loved very sternly and fondly
Mr Thomas Newcome the father of his wifes twin boys the junior partner
of the house of Hobson Brothers amp Co lived several years after winning the
great prize about which all his friends so congratulated him But he was after
all only the junior partner of the house His wife was manager in Threadneedle
Street and at home When the clerical gentlemen prayed they importuned Heaven
for that sainted woman a long time before they thought of asking any favour for
her husband The gardeners touched their hats the clerks at the bank brought
him the books but they took their orders from her not from him I think he
grew weary of the prayermeetings he yawned over the sufferings of the negroes
and wished the converted Jews at Jericho About the time the French Emperor was
meeting with his Russian reverses Mr Newcome died his mausoleum is in Clapham
Churchyard near the modest grave where his first wife reposes
When his father married Mr Thomas Newcome jun and Sarah his nurse were
transported from the cottage where they had lived in great comfort to the
palace hard by surrounded by lawns and gardens pineries graperies aviaries
luxuries of all kinds This paradise five miles from the standard at Cornhill
was separated from the outer world by a thick hedge of tall trees and an
ivycovered porters gate through which they who travelled to London on the top
of the Clapham coach could only get a glimpse of the bliss within It was a
serious paradise As you entered at the gate gravity fell on you and decorum
wrapped you in a garment of starch The butcherboy who galloped his horse and
cart madly about the adjoining lanes and common whistled wild melodies caught
up in abominable playhouse galleries and joked with a hundred cookmaids on
passing that lodge fell into an undertakers pace and delivered his joints and
sweetbreads silently at the servants entrance The rooks in the elms cawed
sermons at morning and evening the peacocks walked demurely on the terraces
the guineafowls looked more Quakerlike than those savoury birds usually do
The lodgekeeper was serious and a clerk at a neighbouring chapel The pastors
who entered at that gate and greeted his comely wife and children fed the
little lambkins with tracts The headgardener was a Scotch Calvinist after the
strictest order only occupying himself with the melons and pines provisionally
and until the end of the world which event he could prove by infallible
calculations was to come off in two or three years at farthest Wherefore he
asked should the butler brew strong ale to be drunken three years hence or the
housekeeper a follower of Joanna Southcote make provisions of fine linen and
lay up stores of jams On a Sunday which good old Saxon word was scarcely known
at the Hermitage the household marched away in separate couples or groups to
at least half a dozen of religious edifices each to sit under his or her
favourite minister the only man who went to church being Thomas Newcome
accompanied by Tommy his little son and Sarah his nurse who was I believe
also his aunt or at least his mothers first cousin Tommy was taught hymns
very soon after he could speak appropriate to his tender age pointing out to
him the inevitable fate of wicked children and giving him the earliest possible
warning and description of the punishment of little sinners He repeated these
poems to his stepmother after dinner before a great shining mahogany table
covered with grapes pineapples plumcake port wine and Madeira and
surrounded by stout men in black with baggy white neckcloths who took the
little man between their knees and questioned him as to his right understanding
of the place whither naughty boys were bound They patted his head with their
fat hands if he said well or rebuked him if he was bold as he often was
Nurse Sarah or Aunt Sarah would have died had she remained many years in
that stifling garden of Eden She could not bear to part from the child whom her
mistress and kinswoman had confided to her the women had worked in the same
room at Newcomes and loved each other always when Susan became a merchants
lady and Sarah her servant She was nobody in the pompous new household but
Master Tommys nurse The honest soul never mentioned her relationship to the
boys mother nor indeed did Mr Newcome acquaint his new family with that
circumstance The housekeeper called her an Erastian Mrs Newcomes own serious
maid informed against her for telling Tommy stories of Lancashire witches and
believing in the same The black footman Madams maid and the butler were of
course privately united persecuted her with his addresses and was even
encouraged by his mistress who thought of sending him as a missionary to the
Niger No little love and fidelity and constancy did honest Sarah show and use
during the years she passed at the Hermitage and until Tommy went to school
Her master with many private prayers and entreaties in which he passionately
recalled his former wifes memory and affection implored his friend to stay
with him and Tommys fondness for her and artless caresses and the scrapes he
got into and the howls he uttered over the hymns and catechisms which he was
bidden to learn by Rev T Clack of Highbury College his daily tutor who was
commissioned to spare not the rod neither to spoil the child all these
causes induced Sarah to remain with her young master until such time as he was
sent to school
Meanwhile an event of prodigious importance a wonderment a blessing and a
delight had happened at the Hermitage About two years after Mrs Newcomes
marriage the lady being then fortythree years of age no less than two little
cherubs appeared in the Clapham Paradise the twins Hobson Newcome and Brian
Newcome called after their uncle and late grandfather whose name and rank they
were destined to perpetuate And now there was no reason why young Newcome
should not go to school Old Mr Hobson and his brother had been educated at
that school of Grey Friars of which mention has been made in former works and
to Grey Friars Thomas Newcome was accordingly sent exchanging O ye gods with
what delight the splendour of Clapham for the rough plentiful fare of the
place blacking his masters shoes with perfect readiness till he rose in the
school and the time came when he should have a fag of his own tibbing out and
receiving the penalty therefor bartering a black eye per bearer against a
bloody nose drawn at sight with a schoolfellow and shaking hands the next day
playing at cricket hockey prisoners base and football according to the
season and gorging himself and friends with tarts when he had money and of
this he had plenty to spend I have seen his name carved upon the Gown Boys
arch but he was at school long before my time his son showed me the name when
we were boys together in some year when George the Fourth was king
The pleasures of this schoollife were such to Tommy Newcome that he did
not care to go home for a holiday and indeed by insubordination and
boisterousness by playing tricks and breaking windows by marauding upon the
gardeners peaches and the housekeepers jam by upsetting his two little
brothers in a gocart of which wanton and careless injury the Baronets nose
bore marks to his dying day by going to sleep during the sermons and treating
reverend gentlemen with levity he drew down on himself the merited wrath of
his stepmother and many punishments in this present life besides those of a
future and much more durable kind which the good lady did not fail to point out
that he must undoubtedly inherit His father at Mrs Newcomes instigation
certainly whipped Tommy for upsetting his little brothers in the gocart but
upon being pressed to repeat the whipping for some other peccadillo performed
soon after Mr Newcome refused at once using a wicked worldly expression
which well might shock any serious lady saying in fact that he would be deed
if he beat the boy any more and that he got flogging enough at school in which
opinion Master Tommy fully coincided
The undaunted woman his stepmother was not to be made to forego her plans
for the boys reform by any such vulgar ribaldries and Mr Newcome being absent
in the City on his business and Tommy refractory as usual she summoned the
serious butler and the black footman for the lashings of whose brethren she
felt an unaffected pity to operate together in the chastisement of this young
criminal But he dashed so furiously against the butlers shins as to draw blood
from his comely limbs and to cause that serious and overfed menial to limp and
suffer for many days after and seizing the decanter he swore he would demolish
blackeys ugly face with it nay he threatened to discharge it at Mrs
Newcomes own head before he would submit to the coercion which she desired her
agents to administer
High words took place between Mr and Mrs Newcome that night on the
gentlemans return home from the City and on his learning the events of the
morning It is to be feared he made use of further oaths which hasty
ejaculations need not be set down in this place at any rate he behaved with
spirit and manliness as master of the house vowed that if any servant laid a
hand on the child he would thrash him first and then discharge him and I dare
say expressed himself with bitterness and regret that he had married a wife who
would not be obedient to her husband and had entered a house of which he was
not suffered to be the master Friends were called in the interference the
supplications of the Clapham clergy some of whom dined constantly at the
Hermitage prevailed to allay this domestic quarrel and no doubt the good sense
of Mrs Newcome who though imperious was yet not unkind and who excellent
as she was yet could be brought to own that she was sometimes in fault induced
her to make at least a temporary submission to the man whom she had placed at
the head of her house and whom it must be confessed she had vowed to love and
honour When Tommy fell ill of the scarlet fever which afflicting event
occurred presently after the above dispute his own nurse Sarah could not have
been more tender watchful and affectionate than his stepmother showed herself
to be She nursed him through his illness allowed his food and medicine to be
administered by no other hand sat up with the boy through a night of his fever
and uttered not one single reproach to her husband who watched with her when
the twins took the disease from which we need not say they happily recovered
and though young Tommy in his temporary delirium mistaking her for nurse
Sarah addressed her as his dear Fat Sally whereas no whippingpost to which
she ever would have tied him could have been leaner than Mrs Newcome and
under this feverish delusion actually abused her to her face calling her an old
cat an old Methodist and jumping up in his little bed forgetful of his
previous fancy vowing that he would put on his clothes and run away to Sally
Sally was at her northern home by this time with a liberal pension which Mr
Newcome gave her and which his son and his sons son after him through all
their difficulties and distresses always found means to pay
What the boy threatened in his delirium he had thought of no doubt more than
once in his solitary and unhappy holidays A year after he actually ran away
not from school but from home and appeared one morning gaunt and hungry at
Sarahs cottage two hundred miles away from Clapham who housed the poor
prodigal and killed her calf for him washed him with many tears and kisses
and put him to bed and to sleep from which slumber he was aroused by the
appearance of his father whose sure instinct backed by Mrs Newcomes own
quick intelligence had made him at once aware whither the young runaway had
fled The poor father came horsewhip in hand he knew of no other law or means
to maintain his authority many and many a time had his own father the old
weaver whose memory he loved and honoured strapped and beaten him Seeing this
instrument in the parents hand as Mr Newcome thrust out the weeping
trembling Sarah and closed the door upon her Tommy scared out of a sweet sleep
and a delightful dream of cricket knew his fate and getting up out of bed
received his punishment without a word Very likely the father suffered more
than the child for when the punishment was over the little man yet trembling
and quivering with the pain held out his little bleeding hand and said »I can
I can take it from you sir« saying which his face flushed and his eyes
filled for the first time whereupon the father burst into a passion of tears
and embraced the boy and kissed him besought and prayed him to be rebellious no
more flung the whip away from him and swore come what would he would never
strike him again The quarrel was the means of a great and happy reconciliation
The three dined together in Sarahs cottage Perhaps the father would have liked
to walk that evening in the lanes and fields where he had wandered as a young
fellow where he had first courted and first kissed the young girl he loved
poor child who had waited for him so faithfully and fondly who had passed so
many a day of patient want and meek expectance to be repaid by such a scant
holiday and brief fruition
Mrs Newcome never made the slightest allusion to Toms absence after his
return but was quite gentle and affectionate with him and that night read the
parable of the Prodigal in a very low and quiet voice
This however was only a temporary truce War very soon broke out again
between the impetuous lad and his rigid domineering stepmother It was not
that he was very bad or she perhaps more stern than other ladies but the two
could not agree The boy sulked and was miserable at home He fell to drinking
with the grooms in the stables I think he went to Epsom races and was
discovered after that act of rebellion Driving from a most interesting
breakfast at Roehampton where a delightful Hebrew convert had spoken oh so
graciously Mrs Newcome in her state carriage with her bay horses met
Tom her stepson in a taxcart excited by drink and accompanied by all sorts
of friends male and female John the black man was bidden to descend from the
carriage and bring him to Mrs Newcome He came his voice was thick with drink
He laughed wildly he described a fight at which he had been present it was not
possible that such a castaway as this should continue in a house where her two
little cherubs were growing up in innocence and grace
The boy had a great fancy for India and Ormes History containing the
exploits of Clive and Lawrence was his favourite book of all in his fathers
library Being offered a writership he scouted the idea of a civil appointment
and would be contented with nothing but a uniform A cavalry cadetship was
procured for Thomas Newcome and the young mans future career being thus
determined and his stepmothers unwilling consent procured Mr Newcome
thought fit to send his son to a tutor for military instruction and removed him
from the London school where in truth he had made but very little progress in
the humaner letters The lad was placed with a professor who prepared young men
for the army and received rather a better professional education than fell to
the lot of most young soldiers of his day He cultivated the mathematics and
fortification with more assiduity than he had ever bestowed on Greek and Latin
and especially made such a progress in the French tongue as was very uncommon
among the British youth his contemporaries
In the study of this agreeable language over which young Newcome spent a
great deal of his time he unluckily had some instructors who were destined to
bring the poor lad into yet further trouble at home His tutor an easy
gentleman lived at Blackheath and not far from thence on the road to
Woolwich dwelt the little Chevalier de Blois at whose house the young man much
preferred to take his French lessons rather than to receive them under his
tutors own roof
For the fact was that the little Chevalier de Blois had two pretty young
daughters with whom he had fled from his country along with thousands of French
gentlemen at the period of revolution and emigration He was a cadet of a very
ancient family and his brother the Marquis de Blois was a fugitive like
himself but with the army of the princes on the Rhine or with his exiled
sovereign at Mittau The chevalier had seen the wars of the great Frederic what
man could be found better to teach young Newcome the French language and the art
military It was surprising with what assiduity he pursued his studies
Mademoiselle Léonore the chevaliers daughter would carry on her little
industry very undisturbedly in the same parlour with her father and his pupil
She painted cardracks laboured at embroidery was ready to employ her quick
little brain or fingers in any way by which she could find means to add a few
shillings to the scanty store on which this exiled family supported themselves
in their day of misfortune I suppose the chevalier was not in the least unquiet
about her because she was promised in marriage to the Comte de Florac also of
the emigration a distinguished officer like the chevalier than whom he was a
year older and at the time of which we speak engaged in London in giving
private lessons on the fiddle Sometimes on a Sunday he would walk to Blackheath
with that instrument in his hand and pay his court to his young fiancée and
talk over happier days with his old companion in arms Tom Newcome took no
French lessons on a Sunday He passed that day at Clapham generally where
strange to say he never said a word about Mademoiselle de Blois
What happens when two young folks of eighteen handsome and ardent generous
and impetuous alone in the world or without strong affections to bind them
elsewhere what happens when they meet daily over French dictionaries
embroidery frames or indeed upon any business whatever No doubt Mademoiselle
Léonore was a young lady perfectly bien élevée and ready as every well
elevated young Frenchwoman should be to accept a husband of her parents
choosing but while the elderly M de Florac was fiddling in London there was
that handsome young Tom Newcome ever present at Blackheath To make a long
matter short Tom declared his passion and was for marrying Léonore offhand if
she would but come with him to the little Catholic chapel at Woolwich Why
should they not go out to India together and be happy ever after
The innocent little amour may have been several months in transaction and
was discovered by Mrs Newcome whose keen spectacles nothing could escape It
chanced that she drove to Blackheath to Toms tutors Tom was absent taking his
French and drawing lesson of M de Blois Thither Toms stepmother followed
him and found the young man sure enough with his instructor over his books and
plans of fortification Mademoiselle and her cardscreens were in the room but
behind those screens she could not hide her blushes and confusion from Mrs
Newcomes sharp glances In one moment the bankers wife saw the whole affair
the whole mystery which had been passing for months under poor M de Blois
nose without his having the least notion of the truth
Mrs Newcome said she wanted her son to return home with her upon private
affairs and before they had reached the Hermitage a fine battle had ensued
between them His mother had charged him with being a wretch and a monster and
he had replied fiercely denying the accusation with scorn and announcing his
wish instantly to marry the most virtuous the most beautiful of her sex To
marry a Papist This was all that was wanted to make poor Toms cup of
bitterness run over Mr Newcome was called in and the two elders passed a
great part of the night in an assault upon the lad He was grown too tall for
the cane but Mrs Newcome thonged him with the lash of her indignation for many
an hour that evening
He was forbidden to enter M de Blois house a prohibition at which the
spirited young fellow snapped his fingers and laughed in scorn Nothing he
swore but death should part him from the young lady On the next day his father
came to him alone and plied him with entreaties but he was as obdurate as
before He would have her nothing should prevent him He cocked his hat and
walked out of the lodgegate as his father quite beaten by the young mans
obstinacy with haggard face and tearful eyes went his own way into town He
was not very angry himself in the course of their talk overnight the boy had
spoken bravely and honestly and Newcome could remember how in his own early
life he too had courted and loved a young lass It was Mrs Newcome the father
was afraid of Who shall depict her wrath at the idea that a child of her house
was about to marry a Popish girl
So young Newcome went his way to Blackheath bent upon falling straightway
down upon his knees before Léonore and having the chevaliers blessing That
old fiddler in London scarcely seemed to him to be an obstacle it seemed
monstrous that a young creature should be given away to a man older than her own
father He did not know the law of honour as it obtained amongst French
gentlemen of those days or how religiously their daughters were bound by it
But Mrs Newcome had been beforehand with him and had visited the Chevalier
de Blois almost at cockcrow She charged him insolently with being privy to the
attachment between the young people pursued him with vulgar rebukes about
beggary Popery and French adventurers Her husband had to make a very contrite
apology afterwards for the language which his wife had thought fit to employ »
You forbid me« said the Chevalier »you forbid Mademoiselle de Blois to marry
your son Mr Thomas No madam she comes of a race which is not accustomed to
ally itself with persons of your class and is promised to a gentleman whose
ancestors were dukes and peers when Mr Newcomes were blacking shoes« Instead
of finding his pretty blushing girl on arriving at Woolwich poor Tom only found
his French master livid with rage and quivering under his ailes de pigeon We
pass over the scenes that followed the young mans passionate entreaties and
fury and despair In his own defence and to prove his honour to the world M
de Blois determined that his daughter should instantly marry the Count The poor
girl yielded without a word as became her and it was with this marriage
effected almost before his eyes and frantic with wrath and despair that young
Newcome embarked for India and quitted the parents whom he was never more to
see
Toms name was no more mentioned at Clapham His letters to his father were
written to the City very pleasant they were and comforting to the fathers
heart He sent Tom liberal private remittances to India until the boy wrote to
say that he wanted no more Mr Newcome would have liked to leave Tom all his
private fortune for the twins were only too well cared for but he dared not on
account of his terror of Sophia Alethea his wife and he died and poor Tom was
only secretly forgiven
Chapter III
Colonel Newcomes LetterBox
I
»With the most heartfelt joy my dear Major I take up my pen to announce to you
the happy arrival of the Ramchunder and the dearest and handsomest little boy
who I am sure ever came from India Little Clive is in perfect health He
speaks English wonderfully well He cried when he parted from Mr Sneid the
supercargo who most kindly brought him from Southampton in a postchaise but
these tears in childhood are of very brief duration The voyage Mr Sneid
states was most favourable occupying only four months and eleven days How
different from that more lengthened and dangerous passage of eight months and
almost perpetual seasickness in which my poor dear sister Emma went to Bengal
to become the wife of the best of husbands and the mother of the dearest of
little boys and to enjoy these inestimable blessings for so brief an interval
She has quitted this wicked and wretched world for one where all is peace The
misery and illtreatment which she endured from Captain Casey her first odious
husband were I am sure amply repaid my dear Colonel by your subsequent
affection If the most sumptuous dresses which London even Paris could supply
jewellery the most costly and elegant lace and everything lovely and
fashionable could content a woman these I am sure during the last four years
of her life the poor girl had Of what avail are they when this scene of vanity
is closed
Mr Sneid announces that the passage was most favourable They stayed a week
at the Cape and three days at St Helena where they visited Bonapartes tomb
another instance of the vanity of all things and their voyage was enlivened
off Ascension by the taking of some delicious turtle
You may be sure that the most liberal sum which you have placed to my credit
with the Messrs Hobson amp Co shall be faithfully expended on my dear little
charge Mrs Newcome can scarcely be called his grandmamma I suppose and I
dare say her Methodistical ladyship will not care to see the daughters and
grandson of a clergyman of the Church of England My brother Charles took leave
to wait upon her when he presented your last most generous bill at the bank She
received him most rudely and said a fool and his money are soon parted and
when Charles said Madam I am the brother of the late Mrs Major Newcome Sir
says she I judge nobody but from all accounts you are the brother of a very
vain idle thoughtless extravagant woman and Thomas Newcome was as foolish
about his wife as about his money Of course unless Mrs N writes to invite
dear Clive I shall not think of sending him to Clapham
It is such hot weather that I cannot wear the beautiful shawl you have sent
me and shall keep it in lavender till next winter My brother who thanks you
for your continuous bounty will write next month and report progress as to his
dear pupil Clive will add a postscript of his own and I am my dear Major
with a thousand thanks for your kindness to me your grateful and affectionate
MARTHA HONEYMAN«
In a round hand and on lines ruled with pencil
»Dearest Papa i am very well i hope you are Very Well Mr Sneed brought me in a
postchaise i like Mr Sneed very much i like Aunt Martha i like Hannah There
are no ships here i am your affectionate son Clive Newcome«
II
»Rue St Dominique St Germain Paris
Nov 15 1820
Long separated from the country which was the home of my youth I carried from
her tender recollections and bear her always a lively gratitude The Heaven has
placed me in a position very different from that in which I knew you I have
been the mother of many children My husband has recovered a portion of the
property which the Revolution tore from us and France in returning to its
legitimate sovereign received once more the nobility which accompanied his
august house into exile We however preceded his Majesty more happy than many
of our companions Believing further resistance to be useless dazzled perhaps
by the brilliancy of that genius which restored order submitted Europe and
governed France M de Florac in the first days was reconciled to the
Conqueror of Marengo and Austerlitz and held a position in his Imperial Court
This submission at first attributed to infidelity has subsequently been
pardoned to my husband his sufferings during the Hundred Days made to pardon
his adhesion to him who was Emperor My husband is now an old man He was of the
disastrous campaign of Moscow as one of the chamberlains of Napoleon Withdrawn
from the world he gives his time to his feeble health to his family to
Heaven
I have not forgotten a time before those days when according to promises
given by my father I became the wife of M de Florac Sometimes I have heard of
your career One of my parents M de F who took service in the English India
has entertained me of you He informed me how yet a young man you won laurels at
Argom and Bhartpour how you escaped to death at Laswari I have followed them
sir on the map I have taken part in your victories and your glory Ah I am
not so cold but my heart has trembled for your dangers not so aged but I
remember the young man who learned from the pupil of Frederic the first
rudiments of war Your great heart your love of truth your courage were your
own None had to teach you those qualities of which a good God had endowed you
My good father is dead since many years He too was permitted to see France
before to die
I have read in the English journals not only that you are married but that
you have a son Permit me to send to your wife to your child these
accompanying tokens of an old friendship I have seen that Mistress Newcome was
widow and am not sorry of it My friend I hope there was not that difference
of age between your wife and you that I have known in other unions I pray the
good God to bless yours I hold you always in my memory As I write the past
comes back to me I see a noble young man who has a soft voice and brown eyes
I see the Thames and the smiling plains of Blackheath I listen and pray at my
chamberdoor as my father talks to you in our little cabinet of studies I look
from my window and see you depart
My sons are men one follows the profession of arms one has embraced the
ecclesiastical state my daughter is herself a mother I remember this was your
birthday I have made myself a little fête in celebrating it after how many
years of absence of silence
COMTESSE DE FLORAC
Née L de Blois«
III
»My dear Thomas Mr Sneid supercargo of the Ramchunder East Indiaman
handed over to us yesterday your letter and today I have purchased three
thousand three hundred and twentythree pounds 6 and 8d three per cent
Consols in our joint names H and B. Newcome held for your little boy Mr
S gives a very favourable account of the little man and left him in perfect
health two days since at the house of his aunt Miss Honeyman We have placed
£200 to that ladys credit at your desire
Lady Ann is charmed with the present which she received yesterday and says
the white shawl is a great deal too handsome My mother is also greatly pleased
with hers and has forwarded by the coach to Brighton today a packet of
books tracts etc suited for his tender age for your little boy She heard
of you lately from the Rev T Sweatenham on his return from India He spoke of
your kindness and of the hospitable manner in which you had received him at
your house and alluded to you in a very handsome way in the course of the
thanksgiving that evening I dare say my mother will ask your little boy to the
Hermitage and when we have a house of our own I am sure Ann and I will be very
happy to see him Yours affectionately
B Newcome
MAJOR NEWCOME«
IV
»My dear Colonel Did I not know the generosity of your heart and the
bountiful means which Heaven has put at your disposal in order to gratify that
noble disposition were I not certain that the small sum I required will
permanently place me beyond the reach of the difficulties of life and will
infallibly be repaid before six months are over believe me I never would have
ventured upon that bold step which our friendship carried on epistolarily as it
has been our relationship and your admirable disposition have induced me to
venture to take
That elegant and commodious chapel known as Lady Whittleseas Denmark
Street May Fair being for sale I have determined on venturing my all in its
acquisition and in laying as I hope the foundation of a competence for myself
and excellent sister What is a lodginghouse at Brighton but an uncertain
maintenance The mariner on the sea before those cliffs is no more sure of wind
and wave or of fish to his laborious net than the Brighton houseowner bred
in affluence she may have been and used to unremitting plenty to the support
of the casual travellers who visit the city On one day they come in shoals it
is true but where are they on the next For many months my poor sisters first
floor was a desert until occupied by your noble little boy my nephew and
pupil Clive is everything that a fathers an uncles who loves him as a
father a pastors a teachers affections could desire He is not one of those
premature geniuses whose much vaunted infantine talents disappear along with
adolescence he is not I frankly own more advanced in his classical and
mathematical studies than some children even younger than himself but he has
acquired the rudiments of health he has laid in a store of honesty and
goodhumour which are not less likely to advance him in life than mere science
and language than the as in præsenti or the pons asinorum
But I forget in thinking of my dear little friend and pupil the subject of
this letter namely the acquisition of the proprietary chapel to which I have
alluded and the hopes nay certainty of a fortune if aught below is certain
which that acquisition holds out What is a curacy but a synonym for starvation
If we accuse the Eremites of old of wasting their lives in unprofitable
wildernesses what shall we say to many a hermit of Protestant and socalled
civilized times who hides his head in a solitude in Yorkshire and buries his
probably fine talents in a Lincolnshire fen Have I genius Am I blessed with
gifts of eloquence to thrill and soothe to arouse the sluggish to terrify the
sinful to cheer and convince the timid to lead the blind groping in darkness
and to trample the audacious sceptic in the dust My own conscience besides a
hundred testimonials from places of popular most popular worship from revered
prelates from distinguished clergy tell me I have these gifts A voice within
me cries Go forth Charles Honeyman fight the good fight wipe the tears of
the repentant sinner sing of hope to the agonized criminal whisper courage
brother courage at the ghastly deathbed and strike down the infidel with the
lance of evidence and the shield of reason! In a pecuniary point of view I am
confident nay the calculations may be established as irresistibly as an
algebraic equation that I can realize as incumbent of Lady Whittleseas
chapel the sum of not less than one thousand pounds per annum Such a sum with
economy and without it what sum were sufficient will enable me to provide
amply for my wants to discharge my obligations to you to my sister and some
other creditors very very unlike you and to place Miss Honeyman in a home
more worthy of her than that which she now occupies only to vacate it at the
beck of every passing stranger
My sister does not disapprove of my plan into which enter some
modifications which I have not as yet submitted to her being anxious at first
that they should be sanctioned by you From the income of the Whittlesea chapel
I propose to allow Miss Honeyman the sum of two hundred pounds per annum paid
quarterly This with her private property which she has kept more thriftily
than her unfortunate and confiding brother guarded his for whenever I had a
guinea a tale of distress would melt it into half a sovereign will enable Miss
Honeyman to live in a way becoming my fathers daughter
Comforted with this provision as my sister will be I would suggest that our
dearest young Clive should be transferred from her petticoat government and
given up to the care of his affectionate uncle and tutor His present allowance
will most liberally suffice for his expenses board lodging and education
while under my roof and I shall be able to exert a paternal a pastoral
influence over his studies his conduct and his highest welfare which I cannot
so conveniently exercise at Brighton where I am but Miss Honeymans
stipendiary and where I often have to submit in cases where I know for dearest
Clives own welfare it is I and not my sister should be paramount
I have given then to a friend the Rev Marcus Flather a draft for two
hundred and fifty pounds sterling drawn upon you at your agents in Calcutta
which sum will go in liquidation of dear Clives first years board with me or
upon my word of honour as a gentleman and clergyman shall be paid back at three
months after sight if you will draw upon me As I never no were it my last
penny in the world would dishonour your draft I implore you my dear Colonel
not to refuse mine My credit in this city where credit is everything and the
awful future so little thought of my engagements to Mr Flather my own
prospects in life and the comfort of my dear sisters declining years all
all depend upon this bold this eventful measure My ruin or my earthly
happiness lies entirely in your hands Can I doubt which way your kind heart
will lead you and that you will come to the aid of your affectionate
brotherinlaw
CHARLES HONEYMAN«
»Our little Clive has been to London on a visit to his uncles and to the
Hermitage Clapham to pay his duty to his stepgrandmother the wealthy Mrs
Newcome I pass over words disparaging of myself which the child in his artless
prattle subsequently narrated She was very gracious to him and presented him
with a fivepound note a copy of Kirk Whites Poems and a work called Little
Henry and his Bearer relating to India and the excellent Catechism of our
Church Clive is full of humour and I enclose you a rude scrap representing the
bishopess of Clapham as she is called the other figure is a rude though
entertaining sketch of some other droll personage
LIEUTENANTCOLONEL NEWCOME etc«
V
»My dear Colonel The Rev Marcus Flather has just written me a letter at
which I am greatly shocked and perplexed informing me that my brother Charles
has given him a draft upon you for two hundred and fifty pounds when goodness
knows it is not you but we who are many many hundred pounds debtors to you
Charles has explained that he drew the bill at your desire that you wrote to
say you would be glad to serve him in any way and that the money is wanted to
make his fortune Yet I dont know poor Charles is always going to make his
fortune and has never done it That school which he bought and for which you
and me between us paid the purchasemoney turned out no good and the only
pupils left at the end of the first halfyear were two woollyheaded poor little
mulattoes whose father was in jail at St Kitts and whom I kept actually in my
own second floor backroom whilst the lawyers were settling things and Charles
was away in France and until my dearest little Clive came to live with me
Then as he was too small for a great school I thought Clive could not do
better than stay with his old aunt and have his uncle Charles for a tutor who
is one of the finest scholars in the world I wish you could hear him in the
pulpit His delivery is grander and more impressive than any divine now in
England His sermons you have subscribed for and likewise his book of elegant
poems which are pronounced to be very fine
When he returned from Calais and those horrid lawyers had left off
worritting him I thought as his frame was much shattered and he was too weak
to take a curacy that he could not do better than become Clives tutor and
agreed to pay him out of your handsome donation of £250 for Clive a sum of one
hundred pounds per year so that when the board of the two and Clives clothing
are taken into consideration I think you will see that no great profit is left
to Miss Martha Honeyman
Charles talks to me of his new church in London and of making me some grand
allowance The poor boy is very affectionate and always building castles in the
air and of having Clive to live with him in London Now this mustnt be and I
wont hear of it Charles is too kind to be a schoolmaster and Master Clive
laughs at him It was only the other day after his return from his
grandmammas regarding which I wrote you per Burrampooter the 23rd ult that
I found a picture of Mrs Newcome and Charles too and of both their spectacles
quite like I put it away but some rogue I suppose has stolen it He has done
me and Hannah too Mr Speck the artist laughed and took it home and says he
is a wonder at drawing
Instead then of allowing Clive to go with Charles to London next month
where my brother is bent on going I shall send Clivey to Dr Timpanys school
Marine Parade of which I hear the best account but I hope you will think of
soon sending him to a great school My father always said it was the best place
for boys and I have a brother to whom my poor mother spared the rod and who I
fear has turned out but a spoilt child I am dear Colonel your most
faithful servant
MARTHA HONEYMAN
LIEUTENANTCOLONEL NEWCOME CB«
VI
»My dear Brother I hasten to inform you of a calamity which though it might
be looked for in the course of nature, has occasioned deep grief not only in
our family but in this city This morning at halfpast four oclock our
beloved and respected mother Sophia Alethea Newcome expired at the advanced
age of eightythree years On the night of TuesdayWednesday the 1213th
having been engaged reading and writing in her library until a late hour and
having dismissed the servants who she never would allow to sit up for her as
well as my brother and his wife who always are in the habit of retiring early
Mrs Newcome extinguished the lamps took a bedchamber candle to return to her
room and must have fallen on the landing where she was discovered by the
maids sitting with her head reclining against the balustrades and endeavouring
to stanch a wound in her forehead which was bleeding profusely having struck
in a fall against the stone step of the stair
When Mrs Newcome was found she was speechless but still sensible and
medical aid being sent for she was carried to bed Mr Newcome and Lady Ann
both hurried to her apartment and she knew them and took the hands of each
but paralysis had probably ensued in consequence of the shock of the fall nor
was her voice ever heard except in inarticulate moanings since the hour on the
previous evening when she gave them her blessing and bade them goodnight Thus
perished this good and excellent woman the truest Christian the most
charitable friend to the poor and needful the head of this great house of
business the best and most affectionate of mothers
The contents of her will have long been known to us and that document was
dated one month after our lamented fathers death Mr Thomas Newcomes property
being divided equally amongst his three sons the property of his second wife
naturally devolves upon her own issue my brother Brian and myself There are
very heavy legacies to servants and to charitable and religious institutions of
which in life she was the munificent patroness and I regret my dear brother
that no memorial to you should have been left by my mother because she often
spoke of you latterly in terms of affection and on the very day on which she
died commenced a letter to your little boy which was left unfinished on the
library table My brother said that on that same day at breakfast she pointed
to a volume of Ormes Hindostan the book she said which set poor dear Tom
wild to go to India I know you will be pleased to hear of these proofs of
returning goodwill and affection in one who often spoke latterly of her early
regard for you I have no more time under the weight of business which this
present affliction entails than to say that I am yours dear brother very
sincerely
H NEWCOME
LIEUTENANTCOLONEL NEWCOME etc«
Chapter IV
In Which the Author and the Hero Resume Their Acquaintance
If we are to narrate the youthful history not only of the hero of this tale
but of the heros father we shall never have done with nursery biography A
gentlemans grandmother may delight in fond recapitulation of her darlings
boyish frolics and early genius but shall we weary our kind readers by this
infantile prattle and set down the revered British public for an old woman
Only to two or three persons in all the world are the reminiscences of a mans
early youth interesting to the parent who nursed him to the fond wife or
child mayhap afterwards who loves him to himself always and supremely
whatever may be his actual prosperity or ill fortune his present age illness
difficulties renown or disappointments the dawn of his life still shines
brightly for him the early griefs and delights and attachments remain with him
ever faithful and dear I shall ask leave to say regarding the juvenile
biography of Mr Clive Newcome of whose history I am the Chronicler only so
much as is sufficient to account for some peculiarities of his character and
for his subsequent career in the world
Although we were schoolfellows my acquaintance with young Newcome at the
seat of learning where we first met was very brief and casual He had the
advantage of being six years the junior of his present biographer and such a
difference of age between lads at a public school puts intimacy out of the
question a junior ensign being no more familiar with the commanderinchief at
the Horse Guards or a barrister on his first circuit with my Lord Chief Justice
on the bench than the newlybreeched infant in the Petties with a senior boy in
a tailed coat As we knew each other at home as our school phrase was and our
families being somewhat acquainted Newcomes maternal uncle the Rev Charles
Honeyman the highlygifted preacher and incumbent of Lady Whittleseas Chapel
Denmark Street May Fair when he brought the child after the Christmas
vacation of 182 to the Grey Friars school recommended him in a neat
complimentary speech to my superintendence and protection My uncle Major
Pendennis had for a while a seat in the chapel of this sweet and popular
preacher and professed as a great number of persons of fashion did a great
admiration for him an admiration which I shared in my early youth but which
has been modified by maturer judgment
Mr Honeyman told me with an air of deep respect that his young nephews
father Colonel Thomas Newcome CB was a most gallant and distinguished
officer in the Bengal establishment of the Honourable East India Company and
that his uncles the Colonels halfbrothers were the eminent bankers heads of
the firm of Hobson Brothers amp Newcome Hobson Newcome Esquire Byranston
Square and Marble Head Sussex and Sir Brian Newcome of Newcome and Park
Lane »whom to name« says Mr Honeyman with the fluent eloquence with which he
decorated the commonest circumstances of life »is to designate two of the
merchant princes of the wealthiest city the world has ever known and one if
not two of the leaders of that aristocracy which rallies round the throne of
the most elegant and refined of European sovereigns« I promised Mr Honeyman to
do what I could for the boy and he proceeded to take leave of his little nephew
in my presence in terms equally eloquent pulling out a long and very slender
green purse from which he extracted the sum of two and sixpence which he
presented to the child who received the money with rather a queer twinkle in
his blue eyes
After that days school I met my little protégé in the neighbourhood of the
pastrycooks regaling himself with raspberry tarts »You must not spend all
that money sir which your uncle gave you« said I having perhaps even at that
early age a slightly satirical turn »in tarts and gingerbeer«
The urchin rubbed the raspberry jam off his mouth and said »It dont
matter sir for Ive got lots more«
»How much« says the Grand Inquisitor for the formula of interrogation used
to be when a new boy came to the school »Whats your name whos your father
and how much money have you got«
The little fellow pulled such a handful of sovereigns out of his pocket as
might have made the tallest scholar feel a pang of envy »Uncle Hobson« says
he »gave me two Aunt Hobson gave me one no Aunt Hobson gave me thirty
shillings Uncle Newcome gave me three pound and Aunt Ann gave me one pound
five and Aunt Honeyman sent me ten shillings in a letter And Ethel wanted to
give me a pound only I wouldnt have it you know because Ethels younger than
me and I have plenty«
»And who is Ethel« asks the senior boy smiling at the artless youths
confessions
»Ethel is my cousin« replies little Newcome »Aunt Anns daughter Theres
Ethel and Alice and Aunt Ann wanted the baby to be called Boadicea only uncle
wouldnt and theres Barnes and Egbert and little Alfred only he dont count
hes quite a baby you know Egbert and me was at school at Timpanys hes
going to Eton next half Hes older than me but I can lick him«
»And how old is Egbert« asks the smiling senior
»Egberts ten and Im nine and Ethels seven« replies the little
chubbyfaced hero digging his hands deep into his trousers pockets and
jingling all the sovereigns there I advised him to let me be his banker and
keeping one out of his many gold pieces he handed over the others on which he
drew with great liberality till his whole stock was expended The schoolhours
of the upper and under boys were different at that time the little fellows
coming out of their hall half an hour before the Fifth and Sixth Forms and many
a time I used to find my little bluejacket in waiting with his honest square
face and white hair and bright blue eyes and I knew that he was come to draw
on his bank Ere long one of the pretty blue eyes was shut up and a fine black
one substituted in its place He had been engaged it appeared in a pugilistic
encounter with a giant of his own Form whom he had worsted in the combat
»Didnt I pitch into him thats all« says he in the elation of victory and
when I asked whence the quarrel arose he stoutly informed me that »Wolf Minor
his opponent had been bullying a little boy and that he the gigantic Newcome
wouldnt stand it«
So being called away from the school I said farewell and God bless you to
the brave little man who remained awhile at the Grey Friars where his career
and troubles had only just begun Nor did we meet again until I was myself a
young man occupying chambers in the Temple where our rencontre took place in
the manner already described
Poor Costigans outrageous behaviour had caused my meeting with my
schoolfellow of early days to terminate so abruptly and unpleasantly that I
scarce expected to see Clive again or at any rate to renew my acquaintance with
the indignant East Indian warrior who had quitted our company in such a huff
Breakfast however was scarcely over in my chambers the next morning when
there came a knock at the outer door and my clerk introduced »Colonel Newcome
and Mr Newcome«
Perhaps the joint occupant of the chambers in Lamb Court Temple felt a
little pang of shame at hearing the name of the visitors for if the truth must
be told I was engaged pretty much as I had been occupied on the night previous
and was smoking a cigar over the Times newspaper How many young men in the
Temple smoke a cigar after breakfast as they read the Times My friend and
companion of those days and all days Mr George Warrington was employed with
his short pipe and was not in the least disconcerted at the appearance of the
visitors as he would not have been had the Archbishop of Canterbury stepped in
Little Clive looked curiously about our queer premises while the Colonel
shook me cordially by the hand No traces of yesterdays wrath were visible on
his face but a friendly smile lighted his honest bronzed countenance as he too
looked round the old room with its dingy curtains and prints and bookcases its
litter of proofsheets blotted manuscripts and books for review empty
sodawater bottles cigar boxes and what not
»I went off in a flame of fire last night« says the Colonel »and being
cooled this morning thought it but my duty to call on Mr Pendennis and
apologize for my abrupt behaviour The conduct of that tipsy old captain what
is his name was so abominable that I could not bear that Clive should be any
longer in the same room with him and I went off without saying a word of thanks
or goodnight to my sons old friend I owe you a shake of the hand for last
night Mr Pendennis« And so saying he was kind enough to give me his hand a
second time
»And this is the abode of the Muses is it sir« our guest went on »I know
your writings very well Clive here used to send me the Pall Mall Gazette every
month«
»We took it at Smiffle regular« says Clive »Always patronize Grey Friars
men« »Smiffle« it must be explained is a fond abbreviation for Smithfield
near to which great mart of mutton and oxen our school is situated and old
Cistercians often playfully designate their place of education by the name of
the neighbouring market
»Clive sent me the Gazette every month and I read your romance of Walter
Lorraine in my boat as I was coming down the river to Calcutta«
»Have Pens immortal productions made their appearance on board Bengalee
budgerows and are their leaves floating on the yellow banks of Jumna« asks
Warrington that sceptic who respects no work of modern genius
»I gave your book to Mrs Timmins at Calcutta« says the Colonel simply
»I dare say you have heard of her She is one of the most dashing women in all
India She was delighted with your work and I can tell you it is not with every
mans writing that Mrs Timmins is pleased« he added with a knowing air
»Its capital« broke in Clive »I say that part you know where Walter runs
away with Neæra and the General cant pursue them though he has got the
postchaise at the door because Tim OToole has hidden his wooden leg By Jove
its capital all the funny part I dont like the sentimental stuff and
suicide and that and as for poetry I hate poetry«
»Pens is not first chop« says Warrington »I am obliged to take the young
man down from time to time Colonel Newcome Otherwise he would grow so
conceited there would be no bearing him«
»I say« says Clive
»What were you about to remark« asks Mr Warrington with an air of great
interest
»I say Pendennis« continued the artless youth »I thought you were a great
swell When we used to read about the grand parties in the Pall Mall Gazette
the fellows used to say you were at every one of them and you see I thought
you must have chambers in the Albany and lots of horses to ride and a valet
and a groom and a cab at the very least«
»Sir« says the Colonel »I hope it is not your practice to measure and
estimate gentlemen by such paltry standards as those A man of letters follows
the noblest calling which any man can pursue I would rather be the author of a
work of genius than be GovernorGeneral of India I admire genius I salute it
wherever I meet it I like my own profession better than any in the world but
then it is because I am suited to it I couldnt write four lines in verse no
not to save me from being shot A man cannot have all the advantages of life
Who would not be poor if he could be sure of possessing genius and winning fame
and immortality sir Think of Dr Johnson what a genius he had and where did
he live In apartments that I dare say were no better than these which I am
sure gentlemen are most cheerful and pleasant« says the Colonel thinking he
had offended us »One of the great pleasures and delights which I had proposed
to myself on coming home was to be allowed to have the honour of meeting with
men of learning and genius with wits poets and historians if I may be so
fortunate and of benefiting by their conversation I left England too young to
have that privilege In my fathers house money was thought of I fear rather
than intellect neither he nor I had the opportunities which I wish you to
have and I am surprised you should think of reflecting upon Mr Pendenniss
poverty or of feeling any sentiment but respect and admiration when you enter
the apartments of the poet and the literary man I have never been in the rooms
of a literary man before« the Colonel said turning away from his son to us
»excuse me is that that paper really a proofsheet« We handed over to him
that curiosity smiling at the enthusiasm of the honest gentleman who could
admire what to us was as unpalatable as a tart to a pastrycook
Being with men of letters he thought proper to make his conversation
entirely literary and in the course of my subsequent more intimate acquaintance
with him though I knew he had distinguished himself in twenty actions he never
could be brought to talk of his military feats or experience, but passed them
by as if they were subjects utterly unworthy of notice
I found he believed Dr Johnson to be the greatest of men the doctors
words were constantly in his mouth and he never travelled without Boswells
Life Besides these he read Cæsar and Tacitus »with translations sir with
translations Im thankful that I kept some of my Latin from Grey Friars« and
he quoted sentences from the Latin Grammar apropos of a hundred events of
common life and with perfect simplicity and satisfaction to himself Besides
the abovenamed books the Spectator »Don Quixote« and »Sir Charles Grandison«
formed a part of his travelling library »I read these sir« he used to say
»because I like to be in the company of gentlemen and Sir Roger de Coverley
and Sir Charles Grandison and Don Quixote are the finest gentlemen in the
world« And when we asked him his opinion of Fielding
»Tom Jones sir Joseph Andrews sir« he cried twirling his mustachios »I
read them when I was a boy when I kept other bad company and did other low and
disgraceful things of which Im ashamed now Sir in my fathers library I
happened to fall in with those books and I read them in secret just as I used
to go in private and drink beer and fight cocks and smoke pipes with Jack and
Tom the grooms in the stables Mrs Newcome found me I recollect with one of
those books and thinking it might be by Mrs Hannah More or some of that sort
for it was a gravelooking volume and though I wouldnt lie about that or
anything else never did sir never before Heaven have I told more than
three lies in my life I kept my own counsel I say she took it herself to
read one evening and read on gravely for she had no more idea of a joke than
I have of Hebrew until she came to the part about Lady B and Joseph Andrews
And then she shut the book sir and you should have seen the look she gave me
I own I burst out alaughing for I was a wild young rebel sir But she was in
the right sir and I was in the wrong A book sir that tells the story of a
parcel of servants of a pack of footmen and ladiesmaids fuddling in
alehouses Do you suppose I want to know what my kitmutgars and cousomahs are
doing I am as little proud as any man in the world but there must be
distinction sir and as it is my lot and Clives lot to be a gentleman I wont
sit in the kitchen and booze in the servants hall As for that Tom Jones that
fellow that sells himself sir by heavens my blood boils when I think of him
I wouldnt sit down in that same room with such a fellow sir If he came in at
that door I would say How dare you you hireling ruffian to sully with your
presence an apartment where my young friend and I are conversing together where
two gentlemen I say are taking their wine after dinner How dare you you
degraded villain I dont mean you sir I I I beg your pardon«
The Colonel was striding about the room in his white garments puffing his
cigar fiercely anon and then waving his yellow bandanna and it was by the
arrival of Larkins my clerk that his apostrophe to Tom Jones was interrupted
he Larkins taking care not to show his amazement having been schooled not to
show or feel surprise at anything he might see or hear in our chambers
»What is it Larkins« said I Larkinss other master had taken his leave
some time before having business which called him away and leaving me with the
honest Colonel quite happy with his talk and cigar
»Its Brettss man« says Larkins
I confounded Brettss man and told the boy to bid him call again Young
Larkins came grinning back in a moment and said
»Please sir he says his orders is not to go away without the money«
»Confound him again« I cried »Tell him I have no money in the house He
must come tomorrow«
As I spoke Clive was looking in wonder and the Colonels countenance
assumed an appearance of the most dolorous sympathy Nevertheless as with a
great effort he fell to talking about Tom Jones again and continued
»No sir I have no words to express my indignation against such a fellow as
Tom Jones But I forgot that I need not speak The great and good Dr Johnson
has settled that question You remember what he said to Mr Boswell about
Fielding«
»And yet Gibbon praises him Colonel« said the Colonels interlocutor »and
that is no small praise He says that Mr Fielding was of the family that drew
its origin from the Counts of Hapsburg but « »Gibbon Gibbon was an infidel
and I would not give the end of this cigar for such a mans opinion If Mr
Fielding was a gentleman by birth he ought to have known better and so much
the worse for him that he did not But what am I talking of wasting your
valuable time No more smoke thank you I must away into the City but would
not pass the Temple without calling on you and thanking my boys old protector
You will have the kindness to come and dine with us tomorrow the next day
your own day Your friend is going out of town I hope on his return to have
the pleasure of making his further acquaintance Come Clive«
Clive who had been deep in a volume of Hogarths engravings during the
above discussion or rather oration of his fathers started up and took leave
beseeching me at the same time to come soon and see his pony and so with
renewed greetings we parted
I was scarcely returned to my newspaper again when the knocker of our door
was again agitated and the Colonel ran back looking very much agitated and
confused
»I beg pardon« says he »I think I left my my « Larkins had quitted the
room by this time and then he began more unreservedly »My dear young friend«
says he »a thousand pardons for what I am going to say but as Clives friend
I know I may take that liberty I have left the boy in the court I know the
fate of men of letters and genius when we were here just now there came a
single knock a demand that that you did not seem to be momentarily able to
meet Now do do pardon the liberty and let me be your banker You said you
were engaged in a new work it will be a masterpiece I am sure if its like
the last Put me down for twenty copies and allow me to settle with you in
advance I may be off you know Im a bird of passage a restless old
soldier«
»My dear Colonel« said I quite touched and pleased by this extreme
kindness »my dun was but the washerwomans boy and Mrs Brett is in my debt
if I am not mistaken Besides I already have a banker in your family«
»In my family my dear sir«
»Messrs Newcome in Threadneedle Street are good enough to keep my money
for me when I have any and I am happy to say they have some of mine in hand
now I am almost sorry that I am not in want in order that I might have the
pleasure of receiving a kindness from you« And we shook hands for the fourth
time that morning and the kind gentleman left me to rejoin his son
Chapter V
Clives Uncles
The dinner so hospitably offered by the Colonel was gladly accepted and
followed by many more entertainments at the cost of that goodnatured friend He
and an Indian chum of his lived at this time at Nerots Hotel in Clifford
Street where Mr Clive too found the good cheer a great deal more to his
taste than the homely though plentiful fare at Grey Friars at which of
course when boys we all turned up our noses though many a poor fellow in the
struggles of afterlife has looked back with regret very likely to that
wellspread youthful table Thus my intimacy with the father and the son grew to
be considerable and a great deal more to my liking than my relations with
Clives City uncles which have been mentioned in the last chapter and which
were in truth exceedingly distant and awful
If all the private accounts kept by those worthy bankers were like mine
where would have been Newcome Hall and Park Lane Marble Head and Bryanston
Square I used by strong efforts of self-denial to maintain a balance of two
or three guineas untouched at the bank so that my account might still remain
open and fancied the clerks and cashiers grinned when I went to draw for money
Rather than face that awful counter I would send Larkins the clerk or Mrs
Flanagan the laundress As for entering the private parlour at the back
wherein behind the glazed partition I could see the bald heads of Newcome
Brothers engaged with other capitalists or peering over the newspaper I would
as soon have thought of walking into the Doctors own library at Grey Friars or
of volunteering to take an armchair in a dentists studio and have a tooth
out as of entering into that awful precinct My good uncle on the other hand
the late Major Pendennis who kept naturally but a very small account with
Hobsons would walk into the parlour and salute the two magnates who governed
there with the ease and gravity of a Rothschild »My good fellow« the kind old
gentleman would say to his nephew and pupil »il faut se faire valoir I tell
you sir your bankers like to keep every gentlemans account And its a
mistake to suppose they are only civil to their great moneyed clients Look at
me I go into them and talk to them whenever I am in the City I hear the news
of Change and carry it to our end of the town It looks well sir to be well
with your banker and at our end of London perhaps I can do a good turn for
the Newcomes«
It is certain that in his own kingdom of May Fair and St Jamess my revered
uncle was at least the bankers equal On my coming to London he was kind
enough to procure me invitations to some of Lady Ann Newcomes evening parties
in Park Lane as likewise to Mrs Newcomes entertainments in Bryanston Square
though I confess of these latter after a while I was a lax and negligent
attendant »Between ourselves my good fellow« the shrewd old Mentor of those
days would say »Mrs Newcomes parties are not altogether select nor is she a
lady of the very highest breeding but it gives a man a good air to be seen at
his bankers house I recommend you to go for a few minutes whenever you are
asked« And go I accordingly did sometimes though I always fancied rightly or
wrongly from Mrs Newcomes manner to me that she knew I had but thirty
shillings left at the bank Once and again in two or three years Mr Hobson
Newcome would meet me and ask me to fill a vacant place that day or the next
evening at his table which invitation I might accept or otherwise But one does
not eat a mans salt as it were at these dinners There is nothing sacred in
this kind of London hospitality Your white waistcoat fills a gap in a mans
table and retires filled for its service of the evening Gad the dear old
Major used to say »if we were not to talk freely of those we dine with how mum
London would be Some of the most pleasant evenings I have ever spent have been
when we have sate after a great dinner en petit comité and abused the people
who are gone You have your turn mon cher but why not Do you suppose I fancy
my friends havent found out my little faults and peculiarities and as I cant
help it I let myself be executed and offer up my oddities de bonne grace
Entre nous Brother Hobson Newcome is a good fellow but a vulgar fellow and
his wife his wife exactly suits him«
Once a year Lady Ann Newcome about whom my Mentor was much more
circumspect for I somehow used to remark that as the rank of persons grew
higher Major Pendennis spoke of them with more caution and respect once or
twice in a year Lady Ann Newcome opened her saloons for a concert and a ball at
both of which the whole street was crowded with carriages and all the great
world and some of the small were present Mrs Newcome had her ball too and
her concert of English music in opposition to the Italian singers of her
sisterinlaw The music of her country Mrs N said was good enough for her
The truth must be told that there was no love lost between the two ladies
Bryanston Square could not forget the superiority of Park Lanes rank and the
catalogue of grandees at dear Anns parties filled dear Marias heart with envy
There are people upon whom rank and worldly goods make such an impression that
they naturally fall down on their knees and worship the owners there are others
to whom the sight of prosperity is offensive and who never see Divess chariot
but to growl and hoot at it Mrs Newcome as far as my humble experience would
lead me to suppose is not only envious but proud of her envy She mistakes it
for honesty and public spirit She will not bow down to kiss the hand of a
haughty aristocracy She is a merchants wife and an attorneys daughter There
is no pride about her Her brotherinlaw poor dear Brian considering
everybody knows everything in London was there ever such a delusion as his
was welcome after bankinghours to forsake his own friends for his wifes fine
relations and to dangle after lords and ladies in May Fair She had no such
absurd vanity not she She imparted these opinions pretty liberally to all her
acquaintances in almost all her conversations It was clear that the two ladies
were best apart There are some folks who will see insolence in persons of rank
as there are others who will insist that all clergymen are hypocrites all
reformers villains all placemen plunderers and so forth and Mrs Newcome
never I am sure imagined that she had a prejudice or that she was other than
an honest independent highspirited woman Both of the ladies had command over
their husbands who were of soft natures easily led by woman as in truth are
all the males of this family Accordingly when Sir Brian Newcome voted for the
Tory candidate in the City Mr Hobson Newcome plumped for the Reformer While
Brian in the House of Commons sat among the mild Conservatives Hobson
unmasked traitors and thundered at aristocratic corruption so as to make the
Marylebone Vestry thrill with enthusiasm When Lady Ann her husband and her
flock of children fasted in Lent and declared for the High Church doctrines
Mrs Hobson had paroxysms of alarm regarding the progress of Popery and
shuddered out of the chapel where she had a pew because the clergyman there
for a very brief season appeared to preach in a surplice
Poor bewildered Honeyman it was a sad day for you when you appeared in your
neat pulpit with your fragrant pockethandkerchief and your sermon likewise all
millefleurs in a trim prim freshlymangled surplice which you thought
became you How did you look aghast and pass your jewelled hand through your
curls as you saw Mrs Newcome who had been as good as fiveandtwenty pounds a
year to you look up from her pew seize hold of Mr Newcome fling open the
pewdoor drive out with her parasol her little flock of children bewildered
but not illpleased to get away from the sermon and summon John from the back
seats to bring away the bag of prayerbooks Many a good dinner did Charles
Honeyman lose by assuming that unlucky ephod Why did the highpriest of his
diocese order him to put it on It was delightful to view him afterwards and
the airs of martyrdom which he assumed Had they been going to tear him to
pieces with wild beasts next day he could scarcely have looked more meek or
resigned himself more pathetically to the persecutors But I am advancing
matters At this early time of which I write a period not twenty years since
surplices were not even thought of in conjunction with sermons clerical
gentlemen have appeared in them and under the heavy hand of persecution have
sunk down in their pulpits again as Jack pops back into his box Charles
Honeymans elegant discourses were at this time preached in a rich silk Master
of Arts gown presented to him along with a teapot full of sovereigns by his
affectionate congregation at Leatherhead
But that I may not be accused of prejudice in describing Mrs Newcome and
her family and lest the reader should suppose that some slight offered to the
writer by this wealthy and virtuous bankers lady was the secret reason for this
unfavourable sketch of her character let me be allowed to report as accurately
as I can remember them the words of a kinsman of her own Giles Esquire whom
I had the honour of meeting at her table and who as we walked away from
Bryanston Square was kind enough to discourse very freely about the relatives
whom he had just left
»That was a good dinner sir« said Mr Giles puffing the cigar which I
offered to him and disposed to be very social and communicative »Hobson
Newcomes table is about as good a one as any I ever put my legs under You
didnt have twice of turtle sir I remarked that I always do at that house
especially for I know where Newcome gets it We belong to the same livery in
the City Hobson and I the Oystermongers Company sir and we like our turtle
good I can tell you good and a great deal of it you say hay hay not so
bad
I suppose youre a young barrister sucking lawyer or that sort of thing
because you was put at the end of the table and nobody took notice of you
Thats my place too Im a relative and Newcome asks me if he has got a place
to spare He met me in the City today and says Tom says he theres some
dinner in the square at halfpast seven I wish you would go and fetch Louisa
whom we havent seen this ever so long Louisa is my wife sir Marias sister
Newcome married that gal from my house No no says I Hobson Louisas
engaged nursing number eight thats our number sir the truth is between you
and me sir my missis wont come any more at no price She cant stand it Mrs
Newcomes dam patronizing airs is enough to choke off anybody Well Hobson my
boy says I a good dinners a good dinner and Ill come though Louisa wont
that is cant«
While Mr Giles who was considerably enlivened by claret was discoursing
thus candidly his companion was thinking how he Mr Arthur Pendennis had been
met that very afternoon on the steps of the Megatherium Club by Mr Newcome and
had accepted that dinner which Mrs Giles with more spirit had declined
Giles continued talking »Im an old stager I am I dont mind the rows between
the women I believe Mrs Newcome and Lady Newcomes just as bad too I know
Maria is always driving at her one way or the other and calling her proud and
aristocratic and that and yet my wife says Maria who pretends to be such a
radical never asks us to meet the Baronet and his lady And why should she
Loo my dear says I I dont want to meet Lady Newcome nor Lord Kew nor any
of em Lord Kew aint it an odd name Tearing young swell that Lord Kew
tremendous wild fellow
I was a clerk in that house sir as a young man I was there in the old
womans time and Mr Newcomes the father of these young men as good a man
as ever stood on Change« And then Mr Giles warming with his subject enters
at large into the history of the house »You see sir« says he »the banking
house of Hobson Brothers or Newcome Brothers as the partners of the firm
really are is not one of the leading banking firms of the City of London but a
most respectable house of many years standing and doing a most respectable
business especially in the Dissenting connection« After the business came into
the hands of the Newcome Brothers Hobson Newcome Esq and Sir Brian Newcome
Bart MP Mr Giles shows how a considerable Westend connection was likewise
established chiefly through the aristocratic friends and connections of the
abovenamed Bart
But the best man of business according to Mr Giles whom the firm of
Hobson Brothers ever knew better than her father and uncle better than her
husband Mr T Newcome better than her sons and successors abovementioned
was the famous Sophia Alethea Hobson afterwards Newcome of whom might be said
what Frederick the Great said of his sister that she was sexu fæmina vir
ingenio in sex a woman and in mind a man Nor was she my informant told me
without even manly personal characteristics She had a very deep and gruff
voice and in her old age a beard which many a young man might envy and as she
came in to the bank out of her carriage from Clapham in her dark green pelisse
with fur trimmings in her grey beaver hat beaver gloves and great gold
spectacles not a clerk in that house did not tremble before her and it was
said she only wanted a pipe in her mouth considerably to resemble the late Field
Marshal Prince Blucher
Her funeral was one of the most imposing sights ever witnessed in Clapham
There was such a crowd you might have thought it was a Derby day The carriages
of some of the greatest City firms and the wealthiest Dissenting houses several
coaches full of ministers of all denominations including the Established
Church the carriage of the Right Honourable the Earl of Kew and that of his
daughter Lady Ann Newcome attended that revered ladys remains to their final
restingplace No less than nine sermons were preached at various places of
public worship regarding her end She fell upstairs at a very advanced age
going from the library to the bedroom after all the household was gone to rest
and was found by the maids in the morning inarticulate but still alive her
head being cut frightfully with the bedroom candle with which she was retiring
to her apartment »And« said Mr Giles with great energy »besides the empty
carriages at that funeral and the parson in black and the mutes and feathers
and that there were hundreds and hundreds of people who wore no black and who
werent present and who wept for their benefactress I can tell you She had
her faults and many of em but the amount of that womans charities are
unheard of sir unheard of and they are put to the credit side of her
account up yonder
»The old lady had a will of her own« my companion continued »She would try
and know about everybodys business out of business hours got to know from the
young clerks what chapels they went to and from the clergyman whether they
attended regular kept her sons years after they were grown men as if they
were boys at school and what was the consequence They had a quarrel with
Thomas Newcomes own son a harumscarum lad who ran away and then was sent to
India and between ourselves Mr Hobson and Mr Brian both the present
baronet though at home they were as mum as Quakers at a meeting used to go out
on the sly sir and be off to the play sir and sowed their wild oats like any
other young men sir like any other young men Law bless me once as I was
going away from the Haymarket if I didnt see Mr Hobson coming out of the
Opera in tights and an Opera hat sir like Froggy would awooing go of a
Saturday night too when his ma thought him safe in bed in the City I warrant
he hadnt his Opera hat on when he went to chapel with her ladyship the next
morning that very morning as sure as my names John Giles
When the old lady was gone Mr Hobson had no need of any more humbugging
but took his pleasure freely fighting tandems fourinhand anything He and
his brother his elder brother by a quarter of an hour were always very good
friends but after Mr Brian married and there was only court cards at his
table Mr Hobson couldnt stand it They werent of his suit he said and for
some time he said he wasnt a marrying man quite the contrary But we all come
to our fate you know and his time came as mine did You know we married
sisters It was thought a fine match for Polly Smith when she married the great
Mr Newcome but I doubt whether my old woman at home hasnt had the best of it
after all and if ever you come Bernard Street way on a Sunday about six
oclock and would like a slice of beef and a glass of port I hope youll come
and see«
Do not let us be too angry with Colonel Newcomes two most respectable
brothers if for some years they neglected their Indian relative or held him in
slight esteem Their mother never pardoned him or at least by any actual words
admitted his restoration to favour For many years as far as they knew poor
Tom was an unrepentant prodigal wallowing in bad company and cut off from all
respectable sympathy Their father had never had the courage to acquaint them
with his more true and kind and charitable version of Toms story So he
passed at home for no better than a black sheep His marriage with a penniless
young lady did not tend to raise him in the esteem of his relatives at Clapham
It was not until he was a widower until he had been mentioned several times in
the Gazette for distinguished military service until they began to speak very
well of him in Leadenhall Street where the representatives of Hobson Brothers
were of course East India proprietors and until he remitted considerable sums
of money to England that the bankers his brethren began to be reconciled to
him
I say do not let us be hard upon them No people are so ready to give a man
a bad name as his own kinsfolk and having made him that present they are ever
most unwilling to take it back again If they give him nothing else in the days
of his difficulty he may be sure of their pity and that he is held up as an
example to his young cousins to avoid If he loses his money they call him poor
fellow and point morals out of him If he falls among thieves the respectable
Pharisees of his race turn their heads aside and leave him penniless and
bleeding They clap him on the back kindly enough when he returns after
shipwreck with money in his pocket How naturally Josephs brothers made
salaams to him and admired him and did him honour when they found the poor
outcast a prime minister and worth ever so much money Surely human nature is
not much altered since the days of those primeval Jews We would not thrust
brother Joseph down a well and sell him bodily but but if he has scrambled
out of a well of his own digging and got out of his early bondage into renown
and credit at least we applaud him and respect him and are proud of Joseph as
a member of the family
Little Clive was the innocent and lucky object upon whom the increasing
affection of the Newcomes for their Indian brother was exhibited When he was
first brought home a sickly child consigned to his maternal aunt the kind old
maiden lady at Brighton Hobson Brothers scarce took any notice of the little
man but left him to the entire superintendence of his own family Then there
came a large remittance from his father and the child was asked by Uncle
Newcome at Christmas Then his fathers name was mentioned in general orders
and Uncle Hobson asked little Clive at midsummer Then Lord H a late
governorgeneral coming home and meeting the brothers at a grand dinner at the
Albion given by the Court of Directors to his late Excellency spoke to the
bankers about that most distinguished officer their relative and Mrs Hobson
drove over to see his aunt where the boy was gave him a sovereign out of her
purse and advised strongly that he should be sent to Timpanys along with her
own boy Then Clive went from one uncles house to another and was liked at
both and much preferred ponies to ride going out after rabbits with the
keeper money in his pocket charged to the debit of LieutCol J Newcome
and clothes from the London tailor to the homely quarters and conversation of
poor kind old Aunt Honeyman at Brighton Clives uncles were not unkind they
liked each other Their wives who hated each other united in liking Clive when
they knew him and petting the wayward handsome boy they were only pursuing
the way of the world which huzzays all prosperity and turns away from
misfortune as from some contagious disease Indeed how can we see a mans
brilliant qualities if he is what we call in the shade
The gentlemen Clives uncles who had their affairs to mind during the day
society and the family to occupy them of evenings and holidays treated their
young kinsman the Indian Colonels son as other wealthy British uncles treat
other young kinsmen They received him in his vacations kindly enough They
tipped him when he went to school When he had the whoopingcough a
confidential young clerk went round by way of Grey Friars Square to ask after
him The sea being recommended to him Mrs Newcome gave him change of air in
Sussex and transferred him to his maternal aunt at Brighton Then it was
bonjour As the lodgegates closed upon him Mrs Newcomes heart shut up too
and confined itself within the firs laurels and palings which bound the home
precincts Had not she her own children and affairs her brood of fowls her
Sunday school her melonbeds her rosegarden her quarrel with the parson
etc to attend to Mr Newcome arriving on a Saturday night hears he is gone
says »Oh« and begins to ask about the new gravelwalk along the cliff and
whether it is completed and if the China pig fattens kindly upon the new feed
Clive in the avuncular gig is driven over the downs to Brighton to his
maternal aunt there and there he is a king He has the best bedroom Uncle
Honeyman turning out for him sweetbreads for dinner no end of jam for
breakfast excuses from church on the plea of delicate health his aunts maid
to see him to bed his aunt to come smiling in when he rings his bell of a
morning He is made much of and coaxed and dandled and fondled as if he were
a young duke So he is to Miss Honeyman He is the son of Colonel Newcome CB
who sends her shawls ivory chessmen scented sandalwood workboxes and kincob
scarfs who as she tells Martha the maid has fifty servants in India at
which Martha constantly exclaims »Lor mum what can he do with em mum« who
when in consequence of her misfortunes she resolved on taking a house at
Brighton and letting part of the same furnished sent her an order for a
hundred pounds towards the expenses thereof who gave Mr Honeyman her brother
a much larger sum of money at the period of his calamity Is it gratitude for
past favours is it desire for more is it vanity of relationship is it love
for the dead sister or tender regard for her offspring which makes Miss Martha
Honeyman so fond of her nephew I never could count how many causes went to
produce any given effect or action in a persons life and have been for my own
part many a time quite misled in my own case fancying some grand some
magnanimous some virtuous reason for an act of which I was proud when lo
some pert little satirical monitor springs up inwardly upsetting the fond
humbug which I was cherishing the peacocks tail wherein my absurd vanity had
clad itself and says »Away with this boasting I am the cause of your virtue
my lad You are pleased that yesterday at dinner you refrained from the dry
champagne my name is Worldly Prudence not Selfdenial and I caused you to
refrain You are pleased because you gave a guinea to Diddler I am Laziness
not Generosity which inspired you You hug yourself because you resisted other
temptation Coward it was because you dared not run the risk of the wrong Out
with your peacocks plumage walk off in the feathers which Nature gave you and
thank Heaven they are not altogether black« In a word Aunt Honeyman was a kind
soul and such was the splendour of Clives father of his gifts his
generosity his military services and Companionship of the Bath that the lad
did really appear a young duke to her And Mrs Newcome was not unkind and if
Clive had been really a young duke I am sure he would have had the best bedroom
at Marble Head and not one of the faroff little rooms in the boys wing I am
sure he would have had jellies and Charlottes Russes instead of mere broth
chicken and batter pudding as fell to his lot and when he was gone in the
carriage mind you not in the gig driven by a groom I am sure Mrs Newcome
would have written a letter that night to Her Grace the Duchess Dowager his
mamma full of praise of the dear child his graciousness his beauty and his
wit and declaring that she must love him henceforth and for ever after as a son
of her own You toss down the page with scorn and say »It is not true Human
nature is not so bad as this cynic would have it to be You would make no
difference between the rich and the poor« Be it so You would not But own that
your nextdoor neighbour would Nor is this dear madam addressed to you no
no we are not so rude as to talk about you to your face but if we may not
speak of the lady who has just left the room what is to become of conversation
and society
We forbear to describe the meeting between the Colonel and his son the pretty
boy from whom he had parted more than seven years before with such pangs of
heart and of whom he had thought ever since with such a constant longing
affection Half an hour after the father left the boy and in his grief and
loneliness was rowing back to shore Clive was at play with a dozen of other
children on the sunny deck of the ship When two bells rang for their dinner
they were all hurrying to the cuddytable and busy over their meal What a sad
repast their parents had that day How their hearts followed the careless young
ones home across the great ocean Mothers prayers go with them Strong men
alone on their knees with streaming eyes and broken accents implore Heaven for
those little ones who were prattling at their sides but a few hours since Long
after they are gone careless and happy recollections of the sweet past rise up
and smite those who remain the flowers they had planted in their little
gardens the toys they played with the little vacant cribs they slept in as
fathers eyes looked blessings down on them Most of us who have passed a couple
of score of years in the world have had such sights as these to move us And
those who have will think none the worse of my worthy Colonel for his tender and
faithful heart
With that fidelity which was an instinct of his nature this brave man
thought ever of his absent child and longed after him He never forsook the
native servants and nurses who had had charge of the child but endowed them
with money sufficient and indeed little was wanted by people of that frugal
race to make all their future lives comfortable No friends went to Europe nor
ship departed but Newcome sent presents and remembrances to the boy and costly
tokens of his love and thanks to all who were kind to his son What a strange
pathos seems to me to accompany all our Indian story Besides that official
history which fills Gazettes and embroiders banners with names of victory which
gives moralists and enemies cause to cry out at English rapine and enables
patriots to boast of invincible British valour besides the splendour and
conquest the wealth and glory the crowned ambition the conquered danger the
vast prize and the blood freely shed in winning it should not one remember
the tears too Besides the lives of myriads of British men conquering on a
hundred fields from Plassey to Meeanee and bathing them cruore nostro think
of the women and the tribute which they perforce must pay to those victorious
achievements Scarce a soldier goes to yonder shores but leaves a home and grief
in it behind him The lords of the subject province find wives there but their
children cannot live on the soil The parents bring their children to the shore
and part from them The family must be broken up keep the flowers of your home
beyond a certain time and the sickening buds wither and die In America it is
from the breast of a poor slave that the child is taken in India it is from the
wife and from under the palace of a splendid proconsul
The experience of this grief made Newcomes naturally kind heart only the
more tender and hence he had a weakness for children which made him the
laughingstock of old maids old bachelors and sensible persons but the
darling of all nurseries to whose little inhabitants he was uniformly kind
were they the Collectors progeny in their palanquins or the Sergeants
children tumbling about the cantonment or the dusky little heathens in the huts
of his servants round his gate
It is known that there is no part of the world where ladies are more
fascinating than in British India Perhaps the warmth of the sun kindles flames
in the hearts of both sexes which would probably beat quite coolly in their
native air else why should Miss Brown be engaged ten days after her landing at
Calcutta or why should Miss Smith have half a dozen proposals before she has
been a week at the Station And it is not only bachelors on whom the young
ladies confer their affections they will take widowers without any difficulty
and a man so generally liked as Major Newcome with such a good character with
a private fortune of his own so chivalrous generous goodlooking eligible in
a word you may be sure would have found a wife easily enough had he any mind
for replacing the late Mrs Casey
The Colonel as has been stated had an Indian chum or companion with whom
he shared his lodgings and from many jocular remarks of this latter gentleman
who loved good jokes and uttered not a few I could gather that the honest
widower Colonel Newcome had been often tempted to alter his condition and that
the Indian ladies had tried numberless attacks upon his bereaved heart and
devised endless schemes of carrying it by assault treason or other mode of
capture Mrs Casey his defunct wife had overcome it by sheer pity and
helplessness He had found her so friendless that he took her in to the vacant
place and installed her there as he would have received a traveller into his
bungalow He divided his meal with her and made her welcome to his best »I
believe Tom Newcome married her« sly Mr Binnie used to say »in order that he
might have permission to pay her milliners bills« and in this way he was amply
gratified until the day of her death A feeble miniature of the lady with
yellow ringlets and a guitar hung over the mantelpiece of the Colonels
bedchamber where I have often seen that work of art and subsequently when he
and Mr Binnie took a house there was hung up in the spare bedroom a companion
portrait to the miniature that of the Colonels predecessor Jack Casey who
in life used to fling plates at his Emmas head and who perished from a fatal
attachment to the bottle I am inclined to think that Colonel Newcome was not
much cast down by the loss of his wife and that they lived but indifferently
together Clive used to say in his artless way that his father scarcely ever
mentioned his mothers name and no doubt the union was not happy although
Newcome continued piously to acknowledge it long after death had brought it to
a termination by constant benefactions and remembrances to the departed ladys
kindred
Those widows or virgins who endeavoured to fill Emmas place found the door
of Newcomes heart fast and barred and assailed it in vain Miss Billing sat
down before it with her piano and as the Colonel was a practitioner on the
flute hoped to make all life one harmonious duet with him but she played her
most brilliant sonatas and variations in vain and as everybody knows
subsequently carried her grand piano to Lieutenant and Adjutant Hodgkins house
whose name she now bears The lovely widow Wilkins with two darling little
children stopped at Newcomes hospitable house on her way to Calcutta and it
was thought she might never leave it but her kind host as was his wont
crammed her children with presents and good things consoled and entertained the
fair widow and one morning after she had remained three months at the station
the Colonels palanquins and bearers made their appearance and Elvira Wilkins
went away weeping as a widow should Why did she abuse Newcome ever after at
Calcutta Bath Cheltenham and wherever she went calling him selfish pompous
Quixotic and a Bahawder I could mention half a dozen other names of ladies of
most respectable families connected with Leadenhall Street who according to
Colonel Newcomes chum that wicked Mr Binnie had all conspired more or less
to give Clive Newcome a stepmother
But he had had an unlucky experience in his own case and thought within
himself »No I wont give Clive a stepmother As Heaven has taken his own
mother from him why I must try to be father and mother too to the lad« He
kept the child as long as ever the climate would allow of his remaining and
then sent him home Then his aim was to save money for the youngster He was of
a nature so uncontrollably generous that to be sure he spent five rupees where
another would save them and make a fine show besides but it is not a mans
gifts or hospitalities that generally injure his fortune It is on themselves
that prodigals spend most And as Newcome had no personal extravagances and the
smallest selfish wants could live almost as frugally as a Hindoo kept his
horses not to race but to ride wore his old clothes and uniforms until they
were the laughter of his regiment did not care for show and had no longer an
extravagant wife he managed to lay by considerably out of his liberal
allowances and to find himself and Clive growing richer every year
»When Clive has had five or six years at school« that was his scheme »he
will be a fine scholar and have at least as much classical learning as a
gentleman in the world need possess Then I will go to England and we will pass
three or four years together in which he will learn to be intimate with me
and I hope to like me I shall be his pupil for Latin and Greek and try and
make up for lost time I know there is nothing like a knowledge of the classics
to give a man good breeding Ingenuas didicisse fideliter artes emollunt mores
nec sinuisse feros I shall be able to help him with my knowledge of the world
and to keep him out of the way of sharpers and a pack of rogues who commonly
infest young men I will make myself his companion and pretend to no
superiority for indeed isnt he my superior Of course he is with his
advantages He hasnt been an idle young scamp as I was And we will travel
together first through England Scotland and Ireland for every man should
know his own country and then we will make the grand tour Then by the time he
is eighteen he will be able to choose his profession He can go into the army
and emulate the glorious man after whom I named him or if he prefers the
church or the law they are open to him and when he goes to the university by
which time I shall be in all probability a majorgeneral I can come back to
India for a few years and return by the time he has a wife and a home for his
old father or if I die I shall have done the best for him and my boy will be
left with the best education a tolerable small fortune and the blessing of his
old father«
Such were the plans of our kind schemer How fondly he dwelt on them how
affectionately he wrote of them to his boy How he read books of travels and
looked over the maps of Europe and said »Rome sir glorious Rome it wont be
very long major before my boy and I see the Colosseum and kiss the Popes
toe We shall go up the Rhine to Switzerland and over the Simplon the work of
the great Napoleon By Jove sir think of the Turks before Vienna and Sobieski
clearing eighty thousand of em off the face of the earth How my boy will
rejoice in the picture galleries there and in Prince Eugenes prints You know
I suppose that Prince Eugene one of the greatest generals in the world was
also one of the greatest lovers of the fine arts Ingenuas didicisse hey
Doctor you know the rest emollunt mores nec«
»Emollunt mores Colonel« says Dr MTaggart who perhaps was too canny to
correct the commanding officers Latin »Dont ye noo that Prence Eugene was
about as savage a Turrk as iver was Have ye niver rad the mimores of the Prants
de Leen«
»Well he was a great cavalry officer« answers the Colonel »and he left a
great collection of prints that you know How Clive will delight in them The
boys talent for drawing is wonderful sir wonderful He sent me a picture of
our old school the very actual thing sir the cloisters the school the
headgown boy going in with the rods and the doctor himself It would make you
die of laughing«
He regaled the ladies of the regiment with Clives letters and those of
Miss Honeyman which contained an account of the boy He even bored some of his
bearers with this prattle and sporting young men would give or take odds that
the Colonel would mention Clives name once before five minutes three times in
ten minutes twentyfive times in the course of dinner and so on But they who
laughed at the Colonel laughed very kindly and everybody who knew him loved
him everybody that is who loved modesty and generosity and honour
At last the happy time came for which the kind father had been longing more
passionately than any prisoner for liberty or schoolboy for holiday Colonel
Newcome has taken leave of his regiment leaving Major Tomkinson nothing loth
in command He has travelled to Calcutta and the CommanderinChief in general
orders has announced that in giving to LieutenantColonel Thomas Newcome CB
of the Bengal Cavalry leave for the first time after no less than thirtyfour
years absence from home »he Sir George Husler cannot refrain from expressing
his sense of the great and meritorious services of this most distinguished
officer who has left his regiment in a state of the highest discipline and
efficiency« And now the ship has sailed the voyage is over and once more
after so many long years the honest soldiers foot is on his native shore
Chapter VI
Newcome Brothers
Besides his own boy whom he worshipped this kind Colonel had a score at
least of adopted children to whom he chose to stand in the light of a father
He was for ever whirling away in postchaises to this school and that to see
Jack Browns boys of the Cavalry or Mrs Smiths girls of the Civil Service
or poor Tom Hickss orphan who had nobody to look after him now that the
cholera had carried off Tom and his wife too On board the ship in which he
returned from Calcutta were a dozen of little children of both sexes some of
whom he actually escorted to their friends before he visited his own and though
his heart was longing for his boy at Grey Friars The children at the schools
seen and largely rewarded out of his bounty his loose white trousers had great
pockets always heavy with gold and silver which he jingled when he was not
pulling his mustachios to see the way in which he tipped children made one
almost long to be a boy again and when he had visited Miss Pinkertons
establishment or Dr Ramshorns adjoining academy at Chiswick and seen little
Tom Davis or little Fanny Holmes the honest fellow would come home and write
off straightway a long letter to Toms or Fannys parents far away in the
Indian country whose hearts he made happy by his accounts of their children as
he had delighted the children themselves by his affection and bounty All the
apple and orange women especially such as had babies as well as lollipops at
their stalls all the streetsweepers on the road between Nerots and the
Oriental knew him and were his pensioners His brothers in Threadneedle Street
cast up their eyes at the cheques which he drew
One of the little people of whom the kind Newcome had taken charge luckily
dwelt near Portsmouth and when the faithful Colonel consigned Miss Fipps to her
grandmother Mrs Admiral Fipps at Southampton Miss Fipps clung to her
guardian and with tears and howls was torn away from him Not until her maiden
aunts had consoled her with strawberries which she never before had tasted was
the little Indian comforted for the departure of her dear Colonel Master Cox
Tom Coxs boy of the Native Infantry had to be carried asleep from the George
to the mail that night Master Cox woke up at the dawn wondering as the coach
passed through the pleasant green roads of Bromley The good gentleman consigned
the little chap to his uncle Dr Cox Bloomsbury Square before he went to his
own quarters and then on the errand on which his fond heart was bent
He had written to his brothers from Portsmouth announcing his arrival and
three words to Clive conveying the same intelligence The letter was served to
the boy along with one bowl of tea and one buttered roll of eighty such which
were distributed to fourscore other boys boarders of the same house with our
young friend How the lads face must have flushed and his eyes brightened
when he read the news When the master of the house the Rev Mr Popkinson
came into the longroom with a goodnatured face and said »Newcome youre
wanted« he knows who is come He does not heed that notorious bruiser old
Hodge who roars out »Confound you Newcome Ill give it you for upsetting
your tea over my new trousers« He runs to the room where the stranger is
waiting for him We will shut the door if you please upon that scene
If Clive had not been as fine and handsome a young lad as any in that school
or country no doubt his fond father would have been just as well pleased and
endowed him with a hundred fanciful graces but in truth in looks and manners
he was everything which his parent could desire and I hope the artist who
illustrates this work will take care to do justice to his portrait Mr Clive
himself let that painter be assured will not be too well pleased if his
countenance and figure do not receive proper attention He is not yet endowed
with those splendid mustachios and whiskers which he has himself subsequently
depicted but he is the picture of health strength activity and goodhumour
He has a good forehead shaded with a quantity of waving light hair a
complexion which ladies might envy a mouth which seems accustomed to laughing
and a pair of blue eyes that sparkle with intelligence and frank kindness No
wonder the pleased father cannot refrain from looking at him He is in a word
just such a youth as has a right to be the hero of a novel
The bell rings for second school and Mr Popkinson arrayed in cap and
gown comes in to shake Colonel Newcome by the hand and to say he supposes its
to be a holiday for Newcome that day He does not say a word about Clives
scrape of the day before and that awful row in the bedrooms where the lad and
three others were discovered making a supper off a pork pie and two bottles of
prime old port from the Red Cow publichouse in Grey Friars Lane When the bell
has done ringing and all these busy little bees have swarmed into their hive
there is a solitude in the place The Colonel and his son walk the playground
together that gravelly flat as destitute of herbage as the Arabian desert
but nevertheless in the language of the place called the green They walk the
green and they pace the cloisters and Clive shows his father his own name of
Thomas Newcome carved upon one of the arches forty years ago As they talk the
boy gives sidelong glances at his new friend and wonders at the Colonels loose
trousers long mustachios and yellow face He looks very odd Clive thinks
very odd and very kind and he looks like a gentleman every inch of him not
like Martins father who came to see his son lately in highlows and a shocking
bad hat and actually flung coppers amongst the boys for a scramble He bursts
out alaughing at the exquisitely ludicrous idea of a gentleman of his fashion
scrambling for coppers
And now enjoining the boy to be ready against his return and you may be
sure Master Clive was on the lookout long before his sire appeared the
Colonel whirled away in his cab to the City to shake hands with his brothers
whom he had not seen since they were demure little men in blue jackets under
charge of a serious tutor
He rushed through the clerks and the banking house he broke into the
parlour where the lords of the establishment were seated He astonished those
trim quiet gentlemen by the warmth of his greeting by the vigour of his
handshake and the loud high tones of his voice which penetrated the glass
walls of the parlour and might actually be heard by the busy clerks in the hall
without He knew Brian from Hobson at once that unlucky little accident in the
gocart having left its mark for ever on the nose of Sir Brian Newcome the
elder of the twins Sir Brian had a bald head and light hair a short whisker
cut to his cheek a buff waistcoat very neat boots and hands He looked like
the Portrait of a Gentleman at the Exhibition as the worthy is represented
dignified in attitude bland smiling and statesmanlike sitting at a table
unsealing letters with a dispatchbox and a silver inkstand before him a
column and a scarlet curtain behind and a park in the distance with a great
thunderstorm lowering in the sky Such a portrait in fact hangs over the great
sideboard at Newcome to this day and above the three great silver waiters
which the gratitude of as many Companies has presented to their respected
director and chairman
In face Hobson Newcome Esq was like his elder brother but was more
portly in person He allowed his red whiskers to grow wherever nature had
planted them on his cheeks and under his chin He wore thick shoes with nails
in them or natty roundtoed boots with tight trousers and a single strap He
affected the country gentleman in his appearance His hat had a broad brim and
the ample pockets of his cutaway coat were never destitute of agricultural
produce samples of beans or corn which he used to bite and chew even on
Change or a whiplash or balls for horses in fine he was a good old
country gentleman If it was fine in Threadneedle Street he would say it was
good weather for the hay if it rained the country wanted rain if it was
frosty »No hunting today Tomkins my boy« and so forth As he rode from
Bryanston Square to the City you would take him and he was pleased to be so
taken for a jolly country squire He was a better man of business than his
more solemn and stately brother at whom he laughed in his jocular way and he
said rightly that a gentleman must get up very early in the morning who wanted
to take him in
The Colonel breaks into the sanctum of these worthy gentlemen and each
receives him in a manner consonant with his peculiar nature Sir Brian regretted
that Lady Ann was away from London being at Brighton with the children who
were all ill of the measles Hobson said »Maria cant treat you to such good
company as my Lady could give you but when will you take a day and come and
dine with us Lets see todays Wednesday tomorrow weve a party No were
engaged« He meant that his table was full and that he did not care to crowd
it but there was no use in imparting this circumstance to the Colonel »Friday
we dine at Judge Budges queer name Judge Budge aint it Saturday Im
going down to Marble Head to look after the hay Come on Monday Tom and Ill
introduce you to the missus and the young uns«
»I will bring Clive« says Colonel Newcome rather disturbed at this
reception »After his illness my sisterinlaw was very kind to him«
»No hang it dont bring boys theres no good in boys they stop the talk
downstairs and the ladies dont want em in the drawingroom Send him to dine
with the children on Sunday if you like and come along down with me to Marble
Head and Ill show you such a crop of hay as will make your eyes open Are you
fond of farming«
»I have not seen my boy for years« says the Colonel »I had rather pass
Saturday and Sunday with him if you please and some day we will go to Marble
Head together«
»Well an offers an offer I dont know any pleasanter thing than getting
out of this confounded City and smelling the hedges and looking at the crops
coming up and passing the Sunday in quiet« And his own tastes being thus
agricultural the honest gentleman thought that everybody else must delight in
the same recreation
»In the winter I hope we shall see you at Newcome« says the elder brother
blandly smiling »I cant give you any tigershooting but Ill promise you that
you shall find plenty of pheasants in our jungle« and he laughed very gently at
this mild sally
The Colonel gave him a queer look »I shall be at Newcome before the winter
I shall be there please God before many days are over«
»Indeed« says the Baronet with an air of great surprise »You are going
down to look at the cradle of our race I believe the Newcomes were there before
the Conqueror It was but a village in our grandfathers time and it is an
immense flourishing town now for which I hope to get I expect to get a
charter«
»Do you« says the Colonel »I am going down there to see a relation«
»A relation What relatives have we there« cries the Baronet »My children
with the exception of Barnes Barnes this is your uncle Colonel Thomas
Newcome I have great pleasure brother in introducing you to my eldest son«
A fairhaired young gentleman languid and pale and arrayed in the very
height of fashion made his appearance at this juncture in the parlour and
returned Colonel Newcomes greeting with a smiling acknowledgment of his own
»Very happy to see you Im sure« said the young man »You find London very
much changed since you were here Very good time to come the very full of the
season«
Poor Thomas Newcome was quite abashed by this strange reception Here was a
man hungry for affection and one relation asked him to dinner next Monday and
another invited him to shoot pheasants at Christmas Here was a beardless young
sprig who patronized him and vouchsafed to ask him whether he found London was
changed
»I dont know whether its changed« says the Colonel biting his nails »I
know its not what I expected to find it«
»Today its really as hot as I should think it must be in India« says
young Mr Barnes Newcome
»Hot« says the Colonel with a grin »It seems to me you are all cool
enough here«
»Just what Sir Thomas de Boots said sir« says Barnes turning round to his
father »Dont you remember when he came home from Bombay I recollect his
saying at Lady Featherstones one doosid hot night as it seemed to us I
recklect his saying that he felt quite cold Did you know him in India Colonel
Newcome Hes liked at the Horse Guards but hes hated in his regiment«
Colonel Newcome here growled a wish regarding the ultimate fate of Sir
Thomas de Boots which we trust may never be realized by that distinguished
cavalry officer
»My brother says hes going to Newcome Barnes next week« said the
Baronet wishing to make the conversation more interesting to the newlyarrived
Colonel »He was saying so just when you came in and I was asking him what took
him there«
»Did you ever hear of Sarah Mason« says the Colonel
»Really I never did« the Baronet answered
»Sarah Mason No upon my word I dont think I ever did« said the young
man
»Well thats a pity too« the Colonel said with a sneer »Mrs Mason is a
relation of yours at least by marriage She is my aunt or cousin I used to
call her aunt and she and my father and mother all worked in the same mill at
Newcome together«
»I remember God bless my soul I remember now« cries the Baronet »We
pay her forty pound a year on your account dont you know brother Look to
Colonel Newcomes account I recollect the name quite well But I thought she
had been your nurse and and an old servant of my fathers«
»So she was my nurse and an old servant of my fathers« answered the
Colonel »But she was my mothers cousin too and very lucky was my mother to
have such a servant or to have a servant at all There is not in the whole
world a more faithful creature or a better woman«
Mr Hobson rather enjoyed his brothers perplexity and to see when the
Baronet rode the high horse how he came down sometimes »I am sure it does you
very great credit« gasped the courtly head of the firm »to remember a a
humble friend and connection of our fathers so well«
»I think brother you might have recollected her too« the Colonel growled
out His face was blushing he was quite angry and hurt at what seemed to him
Sir Brians hardness of heart
»Pardon me if I dont see the necessity« said Sir Brian »I have no
relationship with Mrs Mason and do not remember ever having seen her Can I do
anything for you brother Can I be useful to you in any way Pray command me
and Barnes here who after City hours will be delighted if he can be serviceable
to you I am nailed to this counter all the morning and to the House of
Commons all night I will be with you in one moment Mr Quilter Goodbye my
dear Colonel How well India has agreed with you how young you look the hot
winds are nothing to what we endure in Parliament Hobson« in a low voice »you
saw about that hm that power of attorney and hm and hm will call here at
12 about that hm I am sorry I must say goodbye it seems so hard after not
meeting for so many years«
»Very« says the Colonel
»Mind and send for me whenever you want me now«
»Oh of course« said the elder brother and thought when will that ever be
»Lady Ann will be too delighted at hearing of your arrival Give my love to
Clive a remarkably fine boy Clive goodmorning« and the Baronet was gone
and his bald head might presently be seen alongside of Mr Quitters
confidential grey poll both of their faces turned into an immense ledger
Mr Hobson accompanied the Colonel to the door and shook him cordially by
the hand as he got into his cab The man asked whither he should drive and poor
Newcome hardly knew where he was or whither he should go »Drive a oh ah
damme drive me anywhere away from this place« was all he could say and very
likely the cabman thought he was a disappointed debtor who had asked in vain to
renew a bill In fact Thomas Newcome had overdrawn his little account There
was no such balance of affection in that bank of his brothers as the simple
creature had expected to find there
When he was gone Sir Brian went back to his parlour where sate young
Barnes perusing the paper »My revered uncle seems to have brought back a
quantity of cayenne pepper from India sir« he said to his father
»He seems a very kindhearted simple man« the Baronet said »eccentric
but he has been more than thirty years away from home Of course you will call
upon him tomorrow morning Do everything you can to make him comfortable Whom
would he like to meet at dinner I will ask some of the Direction Ask him
Barnes for next Wednesday or Saturday no Saturday I dine with the Speaker
But see that every attention is paid him«
»Does he intend to have our relation up to town sir I should like to meet
Mrs Mason of all things A venerable washerwoman I dare say or perhaps keeps
a publichouse« simpered out young Barnes
»Silence Barnes you jest at everything you young men do you do Colonel
Newcomes affection for his old nurse does him the greatest honour« said the
Baronet who really meant what he said
»And I hope my mother will have her to stay a good deal at Newcome Im sure
she must have been a washerwoman and mangled my uncle in early life His
costume struck me with respectful astonishment He disdains the use of straps to
his trousers and is seemingly unacquainted with gloves If he had died in
India would my late aunt have had to perish on a funeral pile« Here Mr
Quilter entering with a heap of bills put an end to these sarcastic remarks
and young Newcome applying himself to his business of which he was a perfect
master forgot about his uncle till after City hours when he entertained some
young gentlemen of Bayss Club with an account of his newlyarrived relative
Towards the City whither he wended his way whatever had been the ball or
the dissipation of the night before young Barnes Newcome might be seen walking
every morning resolutely and swiftly with his neat umbrella As he passed
Charing Cross on his way westwards hits little boots trailed slowly over the
pavement his head hung languid bending lower still and smiling with faded
sweetness as he doffed his hat and saluted a passing carriage his umbrella
trailed after him Not a dandy on all the Pall Mall pavement seemed to have less
to do than he
Heavyside a large young officer of the Household troops old Sir Thomas de
Boots and Horace Fogey whom every one knows are in the window of Bayss
yawning as widely as that window itself Horses under the charge of men in red
jackets are pacing up and down St Jamess Street Cabmen on the stand are
regaling with beer Gentlemen with grooms behind them pass towards the park
Great dowager barouches roll along emblazoned with coronets and driven by
coachmen in silvery wigs Wistful provincials gaze in at the clubs Foreigners
chatter and show their teeth and look at the ladies in the carriages and smoke
and spit refreshingly round about Policeman X slouches along the pavement It
is 5 oclock the noon in Pall Mall
»Heres little Newcome coming« says Mr Horace Fogey »He and the
muffinman generally make their appearance in public together«
»Dashed little prig« says Sir Thomas de Boots »why the dash did they ever
let him in here If I hadnt been in India by dash he should have been
blackballed twenty times over by dash« Only Sir Thomas used words far more
terrific than dash for this distinguished cavalry officer swore very freely
»He amuses me hes such a mischievous little devil« says goodnatured
Charley Heavyside
»It takes very little to amuse you« remarks Fogey
»You dont Fogey« answers Charley »I know every one of your demd old
stories that are as old as my grandmother Howdydo Barney Enter Barnes
Newcome How are the Three per Cents you little beggar I wish youd do me a
bit of stiff and just tell your father if I may overdraw my account Ill vote
with him hanged if I dont«
Barnes orders absintheandwater and drinks Heavyside resuming his elegant
raillery »I say Barney your names Barney and youre a banker You must be a
little Jew hey Vell how mosh vill you do my little pill for«
»Do heehaw in the House of Commons Heavyside« says the young man with a
languid air »Thats your place youre returned for it« Captain the
Honourable Charles Heavyside is a member of the Legislature and eminent in the
House for asinine imitations which delight his own and confuse the other party
»Dont bray here I hate the shop out of shop hours«
»Dash the little puppy« growls Sir de Boots swelling in his waistband
»What do they say about the Russians in the City« says Horace Fogey who
has been in the diplomatic service »Has the fleet left Cronstadt or has it
not«
»How should I know« asks Barney »Aint it all in the evening paper«
»That is very uncomfortable news from India General« resumes Fogey
»theres Lady Doddingtons carriage how well she looks that movement of
Runjeet Singh on Peshawur that fleet on the Irrawaddy It looks doosid queer
let me tell you and Penguin is not the man to be GovernorGeneral of India in a
time of difficulty«
»And Hustlers not the man to be CommanderinChief dashder old fool never
lived a dashed old psalmsinging blundering old woman« says Sir Thomas who
wanted the command himself
»You aint in the psalmsinging line Sir Thomas« says Mr Barnes »quite
the contrary« In fact Sir de Boots in his youth used to sing with the Duke of
York and even against Captain Costigan but was beaten by that superior
bacchanalian artist
Sir Thomas looks as if to ask what the dash is that to you But wanting
still to go to India again and knowing how strong the Newcomes are in
Leadenhall Street he thinks it necessary to be civil to the young cub and
swallows his wrath once more into his waistband
»Ive got an uncle come home from India upon my word I have« says Barnes
Newcome »That is why I am so exhausted I am going to buy him a pair of gloves
number fourteen and I want a tailor for him not a young mans tailor
Fogeys tailor rather Id take my fathers but he has all his things made in
the country all in the borough you know hes a public man«
»Is Colonel Newcome of the Bengal Cavalry your uncle« asks Sir Thomas de
Boots
»Yes Will you come and meet him at dinner next Wednesday week Sir Thomas
and Fogey you come you know you like a good dinner You dont know anything
against my uncle do you Sir Thomas Have I any Brahminical cousins Need we be
ashamed of him«
»I tell you what young man if you were more like him it wouldnt hurt you
Hes an odd man they call him Don Quixote in India I suppose youve read Don
Quixote«
»Never heard of it upon my word and why do you wish I should be more like
him I dont wish to be like him at all thank you«
»Why because hes one of the bravest officers that ever lived« roared out
the old soldier »because hes one of the kindest fellows because he gives
himself no dashed airs although he has reason to be proud if he chose Thats
why Mr Newcome«
»A topper for you Barney my boy« remarks Charles Heavyside as the
indignant General walks away gobbling and red Barney calmly drinks the remains
of his absinthe
»I dont know what that old muff means« he says innocently when he has
finished his bitter draught »Hes always flying out at me the old turkeycock
He quarrels with my play at whist the old idiot and can no more play than an
old baby He pretends to teach me billiards and Ill give him fifteen in twenty
and beat his old head off Why do they let such fellows into clubs Lets have a
game at piquet till dinner Heavyside Hallo Thats my uncle that tall man
with the mustachios and the short trousers walking with that boy of his I dare
say they are going to dine in Covent Garden and going to the play Howdydo
Nunky« and so the worthy pair went up to the cardroom where they sat at
piquet until the hour of sunset and dinner arrived
Chapter VII
In Which Mr Clives SchoolDays Are Over
Our good Colonel had luckily to look forward to a more pleasant meeting with his
son than that unfortunate interview with his other near relatives
He dismissed his cab at Ludgate Hill and walked thence by the dismal
precincts of Newgate and across the muddy pavement of Smithfield on his way
back to the old school where his son was a way which he had trodden many a time
in his own early days There was Cistercian Street and the Red Cow of his
youth there was the quaint old Grey Friars Square with its blackened trees and
garden surrounded by ancient houses of the build of the last century now
slumbering like pensioners in the sunshine
Under the great archway of the hospital he could look at the old Gothic
building and a blackgowned pensioner or two crawling over the quiet square or
passing from one dark arch to another The boardinghouses of the school were
situated in the square hard by the more ancient buildings of the hospital A
great noise of shouting crying clapping forms and cupboards treble voices
bass voices poured out of the schoolboys windows Their life bustle and
gaiety contrasted strangely with the quiet of those old men creeping along in
their black gowns under the ancient arches yonder whose struggle of life was
over whose hope and noise and bustle had sunk into that grey calm There was
Thomas Newcome arrived at the middle of life standing between the shouting
boys and the tottering seniors and in a situation to moralize upon both had
not his son Clive who has espied him from within Mr Hopkinsons or let us say
at once Hopkeys house come jumping down the steps to greet his sire Clive was
dressed in his very best not one of those four hundred young gentlemen had a
better figure a better tailor or a neater boot Schoolfellows grinning
through the bars envied him as he walked away senior boys made remarks on
Colonel Newcomes loose clothes and long mustachios his brown hands and
unbrushed hat The Colonel was smoking a cheroot as he walked and the gigantic
Smith the cock of the school who happened to be looking majestically out of
window was pleased to say that he thought Newcomes governor was a fine
manlylooking fellow
»Tell me about your uncles Clive« said the Colonel as they walked on arm
in arm
»What about them sir« asks the boy »I dont think I know much«
»You have been to stay with them You wrote about them Were they kind to
you«
»Oh yes I suppose they are very kind They always tipped me only you
know when I go there I scarcely ever see them Mr Newcome asks me the oftenest
two or three times a quarter when hes in town and gives me a sovereign
regular«
»Well he must see you to give you the sovereign« says Clives father
laughing
The boy blushed rather
»Yes When its time to go back to Smithfield on a Sunday night I go into
the diningroom to shake hands and he gives it me But he dont speak to me
much you know and I dont care about going to Bryanston Square except for the
tip of course thats important because I am made to dine with the children
and they are quite little ones and a great cross French governess who is
always crying and shrieking after them and finding fault with them My uncle
generally has his dinnerparties on Saturday or goes out and aunt gives me ten
shillings and sends me to the play thats better fun than a dinnerparty«
Here the lad blushed again »I used« says he »when I was younger to stand on
the stairs and prig things out of the dishes when they came out from dinner but
Im past that now Maria thats my cousin used to take the sweet things and
give em to the governess Fancy she used to put lumps of sugar into her pocket
and eat them in the schoolroom Uncle Hobson dont live in such good society as
Uncle Newcome You see Aunt Hobson shes very kind you know and all that
but I dont think shes what you call comme il faut«
»Why how are you to judge« asks the father amused at the lads candid
prattle »and where does the difference lie«
»I cant tell you what it is or how it is« the boy answered »only one
cant help seeing the difference It isnt rank and that only somehow there are
some men gentlemen and some not and some women ladies and some not Theres
Jones now the Fifth Form master every man sees hes a gentleman though he
wears ever so old clothes and theres Mr Brown who oils his hair and wears
rings and white chokers my eyes such white chokers and yet we call him
the handsome snob And so about Aunt Maria shes very handsome and shes very
finely dressed only somehow shes not shes not the ticket you see«
»Oh shes not the ticket« says the Colonel much amused
»Well what I mean is but never mind« says the boy »I cant tell you
what I mean I dont like to make fun of her you know for after all she is
very kind to me but Aunt Ann is different and it seems as if what she says is
more natural and though she has funny ways of her own too yet somehow she
looks grander« and here the lad laughed again »And do you know I often
think that as good a lady as Aunt Ann herself is old Aunt Honeyman at Brighton
that is in all essentials you know For she is not proud and she is not vain
and she never says an unkind word behind anybodys back and she does a deal of
kindness to the poor without appearing to crow over them you know and she is
not a bit ashamed of letting lodgings or being poor herself as sometimes I
think some of our family «
»I thought we were going to speak no ill of them« says the Colonel
smiling
»Well it only slipped out unawares« says Clive laughing »but at Newcome
when they go on about the Newcomes and that great ass Barnes Newcome gives
himself his airs it makes me die of laughing That time I went down to Newcome
I went to see old Aunt Sarah and she told me everything and showed me the room
where my grandfather you know and do you know I was a little hurt at first
for I thought we were swells till then And when I came back to school where
perhaps I had been giving myself airs and bragging about Newcome why you know
I thought it was right to tell the fellows«
»Thats a man« said the Colonel with delight though had he said »Thats
a boy« he had spoken more correctly Indeed how many men do we know in the
world without caring to know who their fathers were and how many more who
wisely do not care to tell us »Thats a man« cries the Colonel »never be
ashamed of your father Clive«
»Ashamed of my father« says Clive looking up to him and walking on as
proud as a peacock »I say« the lad resumed after a pause
»Say what you say« said the father
»Is that all true whats in the Peerage in the Baronetage about Uncle
Newcome and Newcome about the Newcome who was burned at Smithfield about the
one that was at the battle of Bosworth and the old old Newcome who was bar
that is who was surgeon to Edward the Confessor and was killed at Hastings I
am afraid it isnt and yet I should like it to be true«
»I think every man would like to come of an ancient and honourable race«
said the Colonel in his honest way »As you like your father to be an
honourable man why not your grandfather and his ancestors before him But if
we cant inherit a good name at least we can do our best to leave one my boy
and that is an ambition which please God you and I will both hold by«
With this simple talk the old and young gentlemen beguiled their way until
they came into the western quarter of the town where the junior member of the
firm of Newcome Brothers had his house a handsome and roomy mansion in
Bryanston Square Colonel Newcome was bent on paying a visit to his
sisterinlaw and as he knocked at the door where the pair were kept waiting
some little time he could remark through the open windows of the diningroom
that a great table was laid and every preparation made for a feast
»My brother said he was engaged to dinner today« said the Colonel »Does
Mrs Newcome give parties when he is away«
»She invites all the company« answered Clive »My uncle never asks any one
without aunts leave«
The Colonels countenance fell »He has a great dinner and does not ask his
own brother« Newcome thought »Why if he had come to me in India with all his
family he might have stayed for a year and I should have been offended if he
had gone elsewhere«
A hot menial in a red waistcoat came and opened the door and without
waiting for preparatory queries said »Not at home«
»Its my father John« said Clive »my aunt will see Colonel Newcome«
»Missis not at home« said the man »Missis is gone in carriage Not at this
door Take them things down the area steps young man« bawls out the
domestic This latter speech was addressed to a pastrycooks boy with a large
sugar temple and many conical papers containing delicacies for dessert »Mind
the hice is here in time or therell be a blow up with your governor« and
John struggled back closing the door on the astonished Colonel
»Upon my life they actually shut the door in our faces« said the poor
gentleman
»The man is very busy sir theres a great dinner Im sure my aunt would
not refuse you« Clive interposed »she is very kind I suppose its different
here to what it is in India There are the children in the square those are
the girls in blue thats the French governess the one with the mustachios
and the yellow parasol How dye do Mary How dye do Fanny This is my
father this is your uncle«
»Mesdemoiselles je vous défends de parler à qui que ce soit hors du Squar«
screams out the lady of the mustachios and she strode forward to call back her
young charges
The Colonel addressed her in very good French »I hope you will permit me to
make acquaintance with my nieces« he said »and with their instructress of
whom my son has given me such a favourable account«
»Hem« said Mademoiselle Lebrun remembering the last fight she and Clive
had had together and a portrait of herself with enormous whiskers which the
young scapegrace had drawn »Monsieur is very good But one cannot too early
inculcate retenue and decorum to young ladies in a country where demoiselles
seem for ever to forget that they are young ladies of condition I am forced to
keep the eyes of lynx upon these young persons otherwise Heaven knows what
would come to them Only yesterday my back is turned for a moment I cast my
eyes on a book having but little time for literature monsieur for
literature which I adore when a cry makes itself to hear I turn myself and
what do I see Mesdemoiselles your nieces playing at criquette with the
Messieurs Smees sons of Doctor Smees young galopins monsieur« All this was
shrieked with immense volubility and many actions of the hand and parasol across
the squarerailings to the amused Colonel at whom the little girls peered
through the bars
»Well my dears I should like to have a game at cricket with you too«
says the kind gentlemen reaching them each a brown hand
»You monsieur cest différent a man of your age Salute monsieur your
uncle mesdemoiselles You conceive monsieur that I also must be cautious when
I speak to a man so distinguished in a public squar« And she cast down her
great eyes and hid those radiant orbs from the Colonel
Meanwhile Colonel Newcome indifferent to the direction which Miss Lebruns
eyes took whether towards his hat or his boots was surveying his little nieces
with that kind expression which his face always wore when it was turned towards
children »Have you heard of your uncle in India« he asked them
»No« says Maria
»Yes« says Fanny »You know Mademoiselle said« Mademoiselle at this moment
was twittering her fingers and as it were kissing them in the direction of a
grand barouche that was advancing along the square »you know Mademoiselle
said that if we were méchantes we should be sent to our uncle in India I think
I should like to go with you«
»O you silly child« cries Maria
»Yes I should if Clive went too« says little Fanny
»Behold Madam who arrives from her promenade« Miss Lebrun exclaimed and
turning round Colonel Newcome had the satisfaction of beholding for the first
time his sisterinlaw
A stout lady with fair hair and a fine bonnet and pelisse who knows what
were the fine bonnets and pelisses of the year 183 was reclining in the
barouche the scarletplush integuments of her domestics blazing before and
behind her A pretty little foot was on the cushion opposite to her feathers
waved in her bonnet a book was in her lap an oval portrait of a gentleman
reposed on her voluminous bosom She wore another picture of two darling heads
with pink cheeks and golden hair on one of her wrists with many more chains
bracelets bangles and knicknacks A pair of dirty gloves marred the splendour
of this appearance a heap of books from the library strewed the back seat of
the carriage and showed that her habits were literary Springing down from his
station behind his mistress the youth clad in the nether garments of red sammit
discharged thunderclaps on the door of Mrs Newcomes house announcing to the
whole square that his mistress had returned to her abode Since the fort saluted
the governorgeneral at Colonel Newcome had never heard such a cannonading
Clive with a queer twinkle of his eyes ran towards his aunt She bent over
the carriage languidly towards him She liked him »What you Clive« she said
»How come you away from school of a Thursday sir«
»It is a holiday« says he »My father is come and he is come to see you«
She bowed her head with an expression of affable surprise and majestic
satisfaction »Indeed Clive« she was good enough to exclaim and with an air
which seemed to say »Let him come up and be presented to me« The honest
gentleman stepped forward and took off his hat and bowed and stood bareheaded
She surveyed him blandly and with infinite grace put forward one of the pudgy
little hands in one of the dirty gloves Can you fancy a twopennyhalfpenny
baroness of King Franciss time patronizing Bayard Can you imagine Queen
Guineveres ladysmaids ladysmaid being affable to Sir Lancelot I protest
there is nothing like the virtue of English women
»You have only arrived today and you came to see me That was very kind
Nestce pas que cétoit bong de Mouseer le Collonel Mademoiselle Madamaselle
Lebrun le Collonel Newcome mong frère In a whisper »My childrens governess
and my friend a most superior woman« »Was it not kind of Colonel Newcome to
come to see me Have you had a pleasant voyage Did you come by St Helena Oh
how I envy you seeing the tomb of that great man Nous parlong de Napolleong
Mademoiselle dong voter père a été le Général favvory«
»O Dieu que naije pu le voir« interjaculates Mademoiselle »Lui dont
parle lunivers dont mon père ma si souvent parlé« but this remark passes
quite unnoticed by Mademoiselles friend who continues
»Clive donnezmoi voter bras These are two of my girls My boys are at
school I shall be so glad to introduce them to their uncle This naughty boy
might never have seen you but that we took him home to Marble Head after the
scarlet fever and made him well didnt we Clive And we are all very fond of
him and you must not be jealous of his love for his aunt We feel that we quite
know you through him and we know that you know us and we hope you will like
us Do you think your papa will like us Clive Or perhaps you will like Lady
Ann best Yes you have been to her first of course Not been Oh because she
is not in town« Leaning fondly on the arm of Clive Mademoiselle standing
grouped with the children hard by while John with his hat off stood at the
open door Mrs Newcome slowly uttered the above remarkable remarks to the
Colonel on the threshold of her house which she never asked him to pass
»If you will come in to us at about ten this evening« she then said »you
will find some men not undistinguished who honour me of an evening Perhaps
they will be interesting to you Colonel Newcome as you are newly arrived in
Europe Not men of worldly rank necessarily although some of them are amongst
the noblest of Europe But my maxim is that genius is an illustration and
merit is better than any pedigree You have heard of Professor Bodgers Count
Poski Doctor MGuffog who is called in his native country the Ezekiel of
Clackmannan Mr Shaloony the great Irish patriot our papers have told you of
him These and some more have been good enough to promise me a visit tonight A
stranger coming to London could scarcely have a better opportunity of seeing
some of our great illustrations of science and literature And you will meet our
own family not Sir Brians who who have other society and amusements but
mine I hope Mr Newcome and myself will never forget them We have a few
friends at dinner and now I must go in and consult with Mrs Hubbard my
housekeeper Goodbye for the present Mind not later than ten as Mr Newcome
must be up betimes in the morning and our parties break up early When Clive is
a little older I dare say we shall see him too Goodbye« And again the
Colonel was favoured with a shake of the glove and the lady and her suite
sailed up the stair and passed in at the door
She had not the faintest idea but that the hospitality which she was
offering to her kinsman was of the most cordial and pleasant kind She fancied
everything she did was perfectly right and graceful She invited her husbands
clerks to come through the rain at ten oclock from Kentish Town she asked
artists to bring their sketchbooks from Kensington or luckless pianists to
trudge with their music from Brompton She rewarded them with a smile and a cup
of tea and thought they were made happy by her condescension If after two or
three of these delightful evenings they ceased to attend her receptions she
shook her little flaxen head and sadly intimated that Mr A was getting into
bad courses or feared that Mr B found merely intellectual parties too quiet
for him Else what young man in his senses could refuse such entertainment and
instruction
Chapter VIII
Mrs Newcome at Home A Small Early Party
To push on in the crowd every male or female struggler must use his or her
shoulders If a better place than yours presents itself just beyond your
neighbour elbow him and take it Look how a steadilypurposed man or woman at
court at a ball or exhibition wherever there is a competition and a squeeze
gets the best place the nearest the sovereign if bent on kissing the royal
hand the closest to the grand stand if minded to go to Ascot the best view
and hearing of the Rev Mr Thumpington when all the town is rushing to hear
that exciting divine the largest quantity of ice champagne and seltzer cold
pâté or other his or her favourite fleshpot if gluttonously minded at a
supper whence hundreds of people come empty away A woman of the world will
marry her daughter and have done with her get her carriage and be at home and
asleep in bed whilst a timid mamma has still her girl in the nursery or is
beseeching the servants in the cloakroom to look for her shawls with which
some one else has whisked away an hour ago What a man has to do in society is
to assert himself Is there a good place at table Take it At the Treasury or
the Home Office Ask for it Do you want to go to a party to which you are not
invited Ask to be asked Ask A ask B ask Mrs C ask everybody you know
you will be thought a bore but you will have your way What matters if you are
considered obtrusive provided that you obtrude By pushing steadily nine
hundred and ninetynine people in a thousand will yield to you Only command
persons and you may be pretty sure that a good number will obey How well your
shilling will have been laid out O gentle reader who purchase this and
taking the maxim to heart follow it through life You may be sure of success
If your neighbours foot obstructs you stamp on it and do you suppose he wont
take it away
The proofs of the correctness of the above remarks I show in various members
of the Newcome family Here was a vulgar little woman not clever nor pretty
especially Meeting Mr Newcome casually she ordered him to marry her and he
obeyed as he obeyed her in everything else which she chose to order through
life Meeting Colonel Newcome on the steps of her house she orders him to come
to her evening party and though he has not been to an evening party for
fiveandthirty years though he has not been to bed the night before though
he has no mufticoat except one sent him out by Messrs Stultz to India in the
year 1821 he never once thinks of disobeying Mrs Newcomes order but is
actually at her door at five minutes past ten having arrayed himself to the
wonderment of Clive and left the boy to talk with his friend and
fellowpassenger Mr Binnie who has just arrived from Portsmouth who has
dined with him and who by previous arrangement has taken up his quarters at
the same hotel
This Stultz coat a blue swallowtail with yellow buttons now wearing a
tinge of their native copper a very high velvet collar on a level with the
tips of the Captains ears with a high waist indicated by two lapelles and a
pair of buttons high up in the wearers back a white waistcoat and scarlet
underwaistcoat and a pair of the neverfailing duck trousers complete Thomas
Newcomes costume along with the white hat in which we have seen him in the
morning and which was one of two dozen purchased by him some years since at
public outcry Burrumtollah We have called him Captain purposely while
speaking of his coat for he held that rank when the garment came out to him
and having been in the habit of considering it a splendid coat for twelve years
past he has not the least idea of changing his opinion
Doctor MGuffog Professor Bodger Count Poski and all the lions present at
Mrs Newcomes réunion that evening were completely eclipsed by Colonel
Newcome The worthy soul who cared not the least about adorning himself had a
handsome diamond brooch of the year 1801 given him by poor Jack Cutler who
was knocked over by his side at Argaum and wore this ornament in his desk for a
thousand days and nights at a time in his shirtfrill on such parade
evenings as he considered Mrs Newcomes to be The splendour of this jewel
and of his flashing buttons caused all eyes to turn to him There were many
pairs of mustachios present those of Professor Schnurr a very corpulent
martyr just escaped from Spandau and of Maximilien Tranchard French exile and
apostle of liberty were the only whiskers in the room capable of vying in
interest with Colonel Newcomes Polish chieftains were at this time so common
in London that nobody except one noble member for Marylebone and once a year
the Lord Mayor took any interest in them The general opinion was that the
stranger was the Wallachian Boyar whose arrival at Mivarts the Morning Post
had just announced Mrs Miles whose delicious every other Wednesdays in
Montague Square are supposed by some to be rival entertainments to Mrs
Newcomes alternate Thursdays in Bryanston Square pinched her daughter Mira
engaged in a polyglot conversation with Herr Schnurr Signor Carabossi the
guitarist and Monsieur Pivier the celebrated French chess to point out the
Boyar Mira Miles wished she knew a little Moldavian not so much that she might
speak it but that she might be heard to speak it Mrs Miles who had not had
the educational advantages of her daughter simpered up with »Madame Newcome pas
ici votre excellence nouvellement arrivé avezvous fait ung bong voyage Je
reçois chez moi Mercredi prochaing lonnure de vous voir Madamasel Miles ma
fille« and Mira now reinforcing her mamma poured in a glib little oration in
French somewhat to the astonishment of the Colonel who began to think
however that perhaps French was the language of the polite world into which he
was now making his very first entrée
Mrs Newcome had left her place at the door of her drawingroom to walk
through her rooms with Rummun Loll the celebrated Indian merchant otherwise
His Excellency Rummun Loll otherwise His Highness Rummun Loll the chief
proprietor of the diamond mines in Golconda with a claim of three millions and
a half upon the East India Company who smoked his hookah after dinner when the
ladies were gone and in whose honour for his servants always brought a couple
or more of hookahs with them many English gentlemen made themselves sick while
trying to emulate the same practice Mr Newcome had been obliged to go to bed
himself in consequence of the uncontrollable nausea produced by the chillum and
Doctor MGuffog in hopes of converting his Highness had puffed his till he was
as black in the face as the interesting Indian and now having hung on his arm
always in the dirty gloves flirting a fan whilst his Excellency consumed
betel out of a silver box and having promenaded him and his turban and his
shawls and his kincob pelisse and his lacquered moustache and keen brown face
and opal eyeballs through her rooms the hostess came back to her station at
the drawingroom door
As soon as his Excellency saw the Colonel whom he perfectly well knew his
Highnesss princely air was exchanged for one of the deepest humility He bowed
his head and put his two hands before his eyes and came creeping towards him
submissively to the wonderment of Mrs Miles who was yet more astonished when
the Moldavian magnate exclaimed in perfectly good English »What Rummun you
here«
The Rummun still bending and holding his hands before him uttered a number
of rapid sentences in the Hindustani language which Colonel Newcome received
twirling his mustachios with much hauteur He turned on his heel rather
abruptly and began to speak to Mrs Newcome who smiled and thanked him for
coming on his first night after his return
The Colonel said »To whose house should he first come but to his
brothers« How Mrs Newcome wished she could have had room for him at dinner
And there was room after all for Mr Shaloony was detained at the House The
most interesting conversation The Indian Prince was so intelligent
»The Indian what« asks Colonel Newcome The heathen gentleman had gone off
and was seated by one of the handsomest young women in the room whose fair face
was turned towards him whose blond ringlets touched his shoulder and who was
listening to him as eagerly as Desdemona listened to Othello
The Colonels rage was excited as he saw the Indians behaviour He curled
his mustachios up to his eyes in his wrath »You dont mean that that man calls
himself a Prince That a fellow who wouldnt sit down in an officers presence
is «
»How do you do Mr Honeyman Eh bong soir Monsieur You are very
late Mr Pressly What Barnes is it possible that you do me the honour to
come all the way from May Fair to Marylebone I thought you young men of fashion
never crossed Oxford Street Colonel Newcome this is your nephew«
»How do you do sir« says Barnes surveying the Colonels costume with
inward wonder but without the least outward manifestation of surprise »I
supposed you dined here to meet the black Prince I came to ask him and my uncle
to meet you at dinner on Wednesday Wheres my uncle maam«
»Your uncle is gone to bed ill He smoked one of those hookahs which the
Prince brings and it has made him very unwell indeed Barnes How is Lady Ann
Is Lord Kew in London Is your sister better for Brighton air I see your cousin
is appointed Secretary of Legation Have you good accounts of your aunt Lady
Fanny«
»Lady Fanny is as well as can be expected and the baby is going on
perfectly well thank you« Barnes said dryly and his aunt obstinately
gracious with him turned away to some other new comet
»Its interesting isnt it sir« says Barnes turning to the Colonel »to
see such union in families Whenever I come here my aunt trots out all my
relations and I send a man round in the mornin to ask how they all are So
Uncle Hobson is gone to bed sick with a hookah I know there was a deuce of a
row made when I smoked at Marble Head You are promised to us for Wednesday
please Is there anybody you would like to meet Not our friend the Rummun How
the girls crowd round him By Gad a fellow whos rich in London may have the
pick of any gal not here not in this sort of thing I mean in society you
know« says Barnes confidentially »Ive seen the old dowagers crowdin round
that fellow and the girls snugglin up to his indiarubber face Hes known to
have two wives already in India but by Gad for a settlement I believe some
of em here would marry I mean of the girls in society«
»But isnt this society« asked the Colonel
»Oh of course Its very good society and that sort of thing but its
not you know you understand I give you my honour there are not three people
in the room one meets anywhere except the Rummun What is he at home sir I
know he aint a Prince you know any more than I am«
»I believe he is a rich man now« said the Colonel »He began from very low
beginnings and odd stories are told about the origin of his fortune«
»That may be« says the young man »of course as business men thats not
our affair But has he got the fortune He keeps a large account with us and I
think wants to have larger dealings with us still As one of the family we may
ask you to stand by us and tell us anything you know My father has asked him
down to Newcome and weve taken him up wisely or not I cant say I think
otherwise but Im quite young in the house and of course the elders have the
chief superintendence« The young man of business had dropped his drawl or his
languor and was speaking quite unaffectedly goodnaturedly and selfishly Had
you talked to him for a week you could not have made him understand the scorn
and loathing with which the Colonel regarded him Here was a young fellow as
keen as the oldest curmudgeon a lad with scarce a beard to his chin that would
pursue his bond as rigidly as Shylock »If he is like this at twenty what will
he be at fifty« groaned the Colonel »Id rather Clive were dead than have him
such a heartless worldling as this« And yet the young man was not ungenerous
not untruthtelling not unserviceable He thought his life was good enough It
was as good as that of other folks he lived with You dont suppose he had any
misgivings provided he was in the City early enough in the morning or slept
badly unless he indulged too freely overnight or twinges of conscience that
his life was misspent He thought his life a most lucky and reputable one He
had a share in a good business and felt that he could increase it Some day he
would marry a good match with a good fortune meanwhile he could take his
pleasure decorously and sow his wild oats as some of the young Londoners sow
them not broadcast after the fashion of careless scatterbrained youth but
trimly and neatly in quiet places where the crop can come up unobserved and
be taken in without bustle or scandal Barnes Newcome never missed going to
church or dressing for dinner He never kept a tradesman waiting for his money
He never drank too much except when other fellows did and in good company He
never was late for business or huddled over his toilet however brief had been
his sleep or severe his headache In a word he was as scrupulously whited as
any sepulchre in the whole bills of mortality
Whilst young Barnes and his uncle were thus holding parley a slim gentleman
of bland aspect with a roomy forehead or what his female admirers called a
noble brow and a neat white neckcloth tied with clerical skill was surveying
Colonel Newcome through his shining spectacles and waiting for an opportunity
to address him The Colonel remarked the eagerness with which the gentleman in
black regarded him and asked Mr Barnes who was the padre Mr Barnes turned
his eyeglass towards the spectacles and said »he didnt know any more than the
dead he didnt know two people in the room« The spectacles nevertheless made
the eyeglass a bow of which the latter took no sort of cognizance The
spectacles advanced Mr Newcome fell back with a peevish exclamation of
»Confound the fellow what is he coming to speak to me for« He did not choose
to be addressed by all sorts of persons in all houses
But he of the spectacles with an expression of delight in his pale blue
eyes and smiles dimpling his countenance pressed onwards with outstretched
hands and it was towards the Colonel he turned these smiles and friendly
salutations »Did I hear aright sir from Mrs Miles« he said »and have I the
honour of speaking to Colonel Newcome«
»The same sir« says the Colonel at which the other tearing off a glove
of lavendercoloured kid uttered the words »Charles Honeyman« and seized the
hand of his brotherinlaw »My poor sisters husband« he continued »my own
benefactor Clives father How strange are these meetings in the mighty world
How I rejoice to see you and know you«
»You are Charles are you« cries the other »I am very glad indeed to
shake you by the hand Honeyman Clive and I should have beat up your quarters
today but we were busy until dinnertime You put me in mind of poor Emma
Charles« he added sadly Emma had not been a good wife to him a flighty silly
little woman who had caused him when alive many a night of pain and day of
anxiety
»Poor poor Emma« exclaimed the ecclesiastic casting his eye towards the
chandelier and passing a white cambric pockethandkerchief gracefully before
them No man in London understood the ring business or the pockethandkerchief
business better or smothered his emotion more beautifully »In the gayest
moments in the giddiest throng of fashion the thoughts of the past will rise
the departed will be among us still But this is not the strain wherewith to
greet the friend newly arrived on our shores How it rejoices me to behold you
in old England How you must have joyed to see Clive«
»D the humbug« muttered Barnes who knew him perfectly well »The fellow
is always in the pulpit«
The incumbent of Lady Whittleseas chapel smiled and bowed to him »You do
not recognize me sir I have had the honour of seeing you in your public
capacity in the City when I have called at the Bank the bearer of my
brotherinlaws generous «
»Never mind that Honeyman« cried the Colonel
»But I do mind my dear Colonel« answers Mr Honeyman »I should be a very
bad man and a very ungrateful brother if I ever forgot your kindness«
»For Gods sake leave my kindness alone«
»Hell never leave it alone as long as he can use it« muttered Mr Barnes
in his teeth and turning to his uncle »May I take you home sir My cab is at
the door and I shall be glad to drive you« But the Colonel said he must talk
to his brotherinlaw for a while and Mr Barnes bowing very respectfully to
him slipped under a dowagers arm in the doorway and retreated silently
downstairs
Newcome was now thrown entirely upon the clergyman and the latter described
the personages present to the stranger who was curious to know how the party
was composed Mrs Newcome herself would have been pleased had she heard
Honeymans discourse regarding her guests and herself Charles Honeyman so spoke
of most persons that you might fancy they were listening over his shoulder Such
an assemblage of learning genius and virtue might well delight and astonish a
stranger »That lady in the red turban with the handsome daughters is Lady
Budge wife of the eminent judge of that name everybody was astonished that he
was not made Chief Justice and elevated to the Peerage the only objection as
I have heard confidentially was on the part of a late sovereign who said he
never could consent to have a peer of the name of Budge Her ladyship was of
humble I have heard even menial station originally but becomes her present
rank dispenses the most elegant hospitality at her mansion in Connaught
Terrace and is a pattern as a wife and a mother The young man talking to her
daughter is a young barrister already becoming celebrated as a contributor to
some of our principal reviews«
»Who is that cavalry officer in a white waistcoat talking to the Jew with
the beard« asks the Colonel
»He he That cavalry officer is another literary man of celebrity and by
profession an attorney But he has quitted the law for the Muses and it would
appear that the Nine are never wooed except by gentlemen with mustachios«
»Never wrote a verse in my life« says the Colonel laughing and stroking
his own
»For I remark so many literary gentlemen with that decoration The Jew with
the beard as you call him is Herr von Lungen the eminent hautboyplayer The
three next gentlemen are Mr Smee of the Royal Academy who is shaved as you
perceive and Mr Moyes and Mr Cropper who are both very hairy about the
chin At the piano singing accompanied by Mademoiselle Lebrun is Signor
Mezzocaldo the great baritone from Rome Professor Quartz and Baron
Hammerstein celebrated geologists from Germany are talking with their
illustrious confrère Sir Robert Craxton in the door Do you see yonder that
stout gentleman with snuff on his shirt the eloquent Dr MGuffog of
Edinburgh talking to Dr Ettore who lately escaped from the Inquisition at
Rome in the disguise of a washerwoman after undergoing the question several
times the rack and the thumbscrew They say that he was to have been burned in
the Grand Square the next morning but between ourselves my dear Colonel I
mistrust these stories of converts and martyrs Did you ever see a more
jollylooking man than Professor Schnurr who was locked up in Spielberg and
got out up a chimney and through a window Had he waited a few months there are
very few windows he could have passed through That splendid man in the red fez
is Kurbash Pasha another renegade I deeply lament to say a hairdresser from
Marseilles by name Monsieur Ferchaud who passed into Egypt and laid aside the
tongs for the turban He is talking with Mr Palmer one of our most delightful
young poets and with Desmond OTara son of the late revered Bishop of
Ballinafad who has lately quitted ours for the errors of the Church of Rome
Let me whisper to you that your kinswoman is rather a searcher after what we
call here notabilities I heard talk of one I knew in better days of one who
was the comrade of my youth and the delight of Oxford poor Pidge of
Brasenose who got the Newdigate in my third year and who under his present
name of Father Bartolo was to have been here in his Capuchin dress with a beard
and bare feet but I presume he could not get permission from his Superior That
is Mr Huff the political economist talking with Mr Macduff the member for
Glenlivat That is the Coroner for Middlesex conversing with the great surgeon
Sir Cutler Sharp and that pretty little laughing girl talking with them is no
other than the celebrated Miss Pinnifer whose novel of Ralph the
Resurrectionist created such a sensation after it was abused in the Trimestrial
Review It was a little bold certainly I just looked at it at my club after
hours devoted to parish duty a clergyman is sometimes allowed you know
desipere in loco there are descriptions in it certainly startling ideas
about marriage not exactly orthodox but the poor child wrote the book actually
in the nursery and all England was ringing with it before Dr Pinnifer her
father knew who was the author That is the Doctor asleep in the corner by Miss
Rudge the American authoress who I dare say is explaining to him the
difference between the two Governments My dear Mrs Newcome I am giving my
brotherinlaw a little sketch of some of the celebrities who are crowding your
salon tonight What a delightful evening you have given us«
»I try to do my best Colonel Newcome« said the lady of the house »I hope
many a night we may see you here and as I said this morning Clive when he is
of an age to appreciate this kind of entertainment Fashion I do not worship
You may meet that amongst other branches of our family but genius and talent I
do reverence And if I can be the means the humble means to bring men of
genius together mind to associate with mind men of all nations to mingle in
friendly unison I shall not have lived altogether in vain They call us women
of the world frivolous Colonel Newcome So some may be I do not say there are
not in our own family persons who worship mere worldly rank and think but of
fashion and gaiety but such I trust will never be the objects in life of me
and my children We are but merchants we seek to be no more If I can look
around me and see as I do« she waves her fan round and points to the
illustrations scintillating round the room »and see as I do now a Poski
whose name is ever connected with Polish history an Ettore who has exchanged
a tonsure and a rack for our own free country a Hammerstein and a Quartz a
Miss Rudge our Transatlantic sister who I trust will not mention this modest
salon in her forthcoming work on Europe and Miss Pinnifer whose genius I
acknowledge though I deplore her opinions if I can gather together travellers
poets and painters princes and distinguished soldiers from the East and
clergymen remarkable for their eloquence my humble aim is attained and Maria
Newcome is not altogether useless in her generation Will you take a little
refreshment Allow your sister to go down to the diningroom supported by your
gallant arm« She looked round to the admiring congregation whereof Honeyman
as it were acted as clerk and flirting her fan and flinging up her little
head Consummate Virtue walked down on the arm of the Colonel
The refreshment was rather meagre The foreign artists generally dashed
downstairs and absorbed all the ices creams etc To those coming late there
were chicken bones tablecloths puddled with melted ice glasses hazy with
sherry and broken bits of bread The Colonel said he never supped and he and
Honeyman walked away together the former to bed the latter I am sorry to say
to his club for he was a dainty feeder and loved lobster and talk late at
night and a comfortable little glass of something wherewith to conclude the
day
He agreed to come to breakfast with the Colonel who named eight or nine for
the meal Nine Mr Honeyman agreed to with a sigh The incumbent of Lady
Whittleseas chapel seldom rose before eleven For to tell the truth no French
abbé of Louis XV was more lazy and luxurious and effeminate than our polite
bachelor preacher
One of Colonel Newcomes fellowpassengers from India was Mr James Binnie
of the Civil Service a jolly young bachelor of two or three and forty who
having spent half of his past life in Bengal was bent upon enjoying the
remainder in Britain or in Europe if a residence at home should prove agreeable
to him The nabob of books and tradition is a personage no longer to be found
among us He is neither as wealthy nor as wicked as the jaundiced monster of
romances and comedies who purchases the estates of broken English gentlemen
with rupees tortured out of bleeding rajahs who smokes a hookah in public and
in private carries about a guilty conscience diamonds of untold value and a
diseased liver who has a vulgar wife with a retinue of black servants whom she
maltreats and a gentle son and daughter with good impulses and an imperfect
education desirous to amend their own and their parents lives and thoroughly
ashamed of the follies of the old people If you go to the house of an Indian
gentleman now he does not say »Bring more curricles« like the famous Nabob of
Stanstead Park He goes to Leadenhall Street in an omnibus and walks back from
the City for exercise I have known some who have had maidservants to wait on
them at dinner I have met scores who look as florid and rosy as any British
squire who has never left his paternal beef and acres They do not wear nankeen
jackets in summer Their livers are not out of order any more and as for
hookahs I dare swear there are not two now kept alight within the bills of
mortality and that retired Indians would as soon think of smoking them as their
wives would of burning themselves on their husbands bodies at the cemetery
Kensal Green near to the Tyburnian quarter of the city which the Indian world
at present inhabits It used to be Baker Street and Harley Street it used to be
Portland Place and in more early days Bedford Square where the Indian magnates
flourished districts which have fallen from their pristine state of splendour
now even as Agra and Benares and Lucknow and Tippoo Sultans city are
fallen
After twoandtwenty years absence from London Mr Binnie returned to it
on the top of the Gosport coach with a hatbox and a little portmanteau a pink
freshshaven face a perfect appetite a suit of clothes like everybody elses
and not the shadow of a black servant He called a cab at the White Horse
Cellar and drove to Nerots Hotel Clifford Street and he gave the cabman
eightpence making the fellow who grumbled understand that Clifford Street was
not two hundred yards from Bond Street and that he was paid at the rate of five
shillings and fourpence per mile calculating the mile at only sixteen hundred
yards He asked the waiter at what time Colonel Newcome had ordered dinner and
finding there was an hour on his hands before the meal walked out to examine
the neighbourhood for a lodging where he could live more quietly than in a
hotel He called it a hotal Mr Binnie was a North Briton his father having
been a Writer to the Signet in Edinburgh who had procured his son a writership
in return for electioneering services done to an East Indian Director Binnie
had his retiring pension and besides had saved half his allowances ever since
he had been in India He was a man of great reading no small ability
considerable accomplishment excellent good sense and goodhumour The
ostentatious said he was a screw but he gave away more money than far more
extravagant people He was a disciple of David Hume whom he admired more than
any other mortal and the serious denounced him as a man of dangerous
principles though there were among the serious men much more dangerous than
James Binnie
On returning to his hotel Colonel Newcome found this worthy gentleman
installed in his room in the best armchair sleeping cosily the evening paper
laid decently over his plump waistcoat and his little legs placed on an
opposite chair Mr Binnie woke up briskly when the Colonel entered »It is you
you gadabout is it« cried the civilian »How has the beau monde of London
treated the Indian Adonis Have you made a sensation Newcome Gad Tom I
remember you a buck of bucks when that coat first came out to Calcutta just a
Barrackpore Brummell in Lord Mintos reign was it or when Lord Hastings was
satrap over us«
»A man must have one good coat« says the Colonel »I dont profess to be a
dandy but get a coat from a good tailor and then have done with it« He still
thought his garment was as handsome as need be
»Done with it yere never done with it« cries the civilian
»An old coat is an old friend old Binnie I dont want to be rid of one or
the other How long did you and my boy sit up together isnt he a fine lad
Binnie I expect you are going to put him down for something handsome in your
will«
»See what it is to have a real friend now Colonel I sate up for ye or let
us say more correctly I waited for you because I knew you would want to talk
about that scapegrace of yours And if I had gone to bed I should have had you
walking up to No 26 and waking me out of my first rosy slumber Well now
confess avoid not Havent ye fallen in love with some young beauty on the very
first night of your arrival in your sisters salong and selected a
motherinlaw for young scapegrace«
»Isnt he a fine fellow James« says the Colonel lighting a cheroot as he
sits on the table Was it joy or the bedroom candle with which he lighted his
cigar which illuminated his honest features so and made them so to shine
»I have been occupied sir in taking the lads moral measurement and have
pumped him as successfully as ever I crossexamined a rogue in my court I place
his qualities thus Love of approbation sixteen Benevolence fourteen
Combativeness fourteen Adhesiveness two Amativeness is not yet of course
fully developed but I expect will be prodeegiously strong The imaginative and
reflective organs are very large those of calculation weak He may make a poet
or a painter or you may make a sojer of him though worse men than hims good
enough for that but a bad merchant a lazy lawyer and a miserable
mathematician He has wit and consciousness so ye mustnt think of making a
clergyman of him«
»Binnie« says the Colonel gravely »you are always sneering at the cloth«
»When I think that but for my appointment to India I should have been a
luminary of the faith and a pillar of the church grappling with the ghostly
enemy in the pulpit and giving out the psawm Eh sir what a loss Scottish
Divinity has had in James Binnie« cries the little civilian with his most
comical face »But that is not the question My opinion Colonel is that young
scapegrace will give you a deal of trouble or would only you are so absurdly
proud of him that you think everything he does is perfaction Hell spend your
money for you hell do as little work as need be Hell get into scrapes with
the sax Hes almost as simple as his father and that is to say that any rogue
will cheat him and he seems to me to have got your obstinate habit of telling
the truth Colonel which may prevent his getting on in the world but on the
other hand will keep him from going very wrong So that though there is every
fear for him theres some hope and some consolation«
»What do you think of his Latin and Greek« asks the Colonel Before going
out to his party Newcome had laid a deep scheme with Binnie and it had been
agreed that the latter should examine the young fellow in his humanities
»Wall« cries the Scot »I find that the lad knows as much about Greek and
Latin as I knew myself when I was eighteen years of age«
»My dear Binnie is it possible You the best scholar in all India«
»And which amounted to exactly nothing He has acquired in five years and
by the admirable seestem purshood at your public schools just about as much
knowledge of the ancient languages as he could get by three months application
at home Mind ye I dont say he would apply it is most probable he would do no
such thing But at the cost of how much two hundred pounds annually for
five years he has acquired about fiveandtwenty guineas worth of classical
leeterature enough I dare say to enable him to quote Horace respectably
through life and what more do ye want from a young man of his expectations I
think I should send him into the army thats the best place for him theres
the least to do and the handsomest clothes to wear Acce segnum« says the
little wag daintily taking up the tail of his friends coat
»Theres never any knowing whether you are in jest or in earnest Binnie«
the puzzled Colonel said
»How should you know when I dont know myself« answered the Scotchman »In
earnest now Tom Newcome I think your boy is as fine a lad as I ever set eyes
on He seems to have intelligence and good temper He carries his letter of
recommendation in his countenance and with the honesty and the rupees mind
ye which he inherits from his father the deuce is in it if he cant make his
way What times the breakfast Eh but it was a comfort this morning not to
hear the holystoning on the deck We ought to go into lodgings and not fling
our money out of the window of this hotel We must make the young chap take us
about and show us the town in the morning Tom I had but three days of it
fiveandtwenty years ago and I propose to reshoome my observations tomorrow
after breakfast Well just go on deck and see hows her head before we turn in
eh Colonel« and with this the jolly gentleman nodded over his candle to his
friend and trotted off to bed
The Colonel and his friend were light sleepers and early risers like most
men that come from the country where they had both been so long sojourning and
were awake and dressed long before the London waiters had thought of quitting
their beds The housemaid was the only being stirring in the morning when little
Mr Binnie blundered over her pail as she was washing the deck Early as he was
his fellowtraveller had preceded him Binnie found the Colonel in his
sittingroom arrayed in what are called in Scotland his stockingfeet already
puffing the cigar which in truth was seldom out of his mouth at any hour of
the day
He had a couple of bedrooms adjacent to this sittingroom and when Binnie
as brisk and rosy about the gills as chanticleer broke out in a morning
salutation »Hush« says the Colonel putting a long finger up to his mouth and
advancing towards him as noiselessly as a ghost
»Whats in the wind now« asks the little Scot »and what for have ye not
got your shoes on«
»Clives asleep« says the Colonel with a countenance full of extreme
anxiety
»The darling boy slumbers does he« said the wag »maynt I just step in
and look at his beautiful countenance whilst hes asleep Colonel«
»You may if you take off those confounded creaking shoes« the other
answered quite gravely and Binnie turned away to hide his jolly round face
which was screwed up with laughter
»Have ye been breathing a prayer over your rosy infants slumbers Tom«
asks Mr Binnie
»And if I have James Binnie« the Colonel said gravely and his sallow face
blushing somewhat »if I have I hope Ive done no harm The last time I saw
him asleep was nine years ago a sickly little palefaced boy in his little cot
and now sir that I see him again strong and handsome and all that a fond
father can wish to see a boy I should be an ungrateful villain James if I
didnt if I didnt do what you said just now and thank God Almighty for
restoring him to me«
Binnie did not laugh any more »By George Tom Newcome« said he »youre
just one of the saints of the earth If all men were like you thered be an end
of both our trades there would be no fighting and no soldiering no rogues and
no magistrates to catch them« The Colonel wondered at his friends enthusiasm
who was not used to be complimentary indeed what so usual with him as that
simple act of gratitude and devotion about which his comrade spoke to him To
ask a blessing for his boy was as natural to him as to wake with the sunrise or
to go to rest when the day was over His first and his last thought was always
the child
The two gentlemen were home in time enough to find Clive dressed and his
uncle arrived for breakfast The Colonel said a grace over that meal the life
was begun which he had longed and prayed for and the son smiling before his
eyes who had been in his thoughts for so many fond years
Chapter IX
Miss Honeymans
In Steyne Gardens Brighton the lodginghouses are among the most frequented in
that city of lodginghouses These mansions have bowwindows in front bulging
out with gentle prominences and ornamented with neat verandas from which you
can behold the tide of humankind as it flows up and down the Steyne and that
blue ocean over which Britannia is said to rule stretching brightly away
eastward and westward The chainpier as everybody knows runs intrepidly into
the sea which sometimes in fine weather bathes its feet with laughing
wavelets and anon on stormy days dashes over its sides with roaring foam
Here for the sum of twopence you can go out to sea and pace this vast deck
without need of a steward with a basin You can watch the sun setting in
splendour over Worthing or illuminating with its rising glories the ups and
downs of Rottingdean You see the citizen with his family inveigled into the
shallops of the mercenary native mariner and fancy that the motion cannot be
pleasant and how the hirer of the boat otium et oppidi laudans rura sui haply
sighs for ease and prefers Richmond or Hampstead You behold a hundred
bathingmachines put to sea and your naughty fancy depicts the beauties
splashing under their white awnings Along the rippled sands stay are they
rippled sands or shingly beach the prawnboy seeks the delicious material of
your breakfast Breakfast meal in London almost unknown greedily devoured in
Brighton In yon vessels now nearing the shore the sleepless mariner has
ventured forth to seize the delicate whiting the greedy and foolish mackerel
and the homely sole Hark to the twanging horn it is the early coach going out
to London Your eye follows it and rests on the pinnacles built by the beloved
GEORGE See the wornout London roué pacing the pier inhaling the sea air and
casting furtive glances under the bonnets of the pretty girls who trot here
before lessons Mark the bilious lawyer escaped for a day from Pump Court and
sniffing the fresh breezes before he goes back to breakfast and a bag full of
briefs at the Albion See that pretty string of prattling schoolgirls from the
chubbycheeked flaxenheaded little maiden just toddling by the side of the
second teacher to the arch damsel of fifteen giggling and conscious of her
beauty whom Miss Griffin the stern headgoverness awfully reproves See
Tomkins with a telescope and marine jacket young Nathan and young Abrams
already bedizened in jewellery and rivalling the sun in oriental splendour
yonder poor invalid crawling along in her chair yonder jolly fat lady examining
the Brighton pebbles I actually once saw a lady buy one and her children
wondering at the stickingplaster portraits with gold hair and gold stocks and
prodigious highheeled boots miracles of art and cheap at seven and sixpence
It is the fashion to run down George the Fourth but what myriads of Londoners
ought to thank him for inventing Brighton One of the best of physicians our
city has ever known is kind cheerful merry Doctor Brighton Hail thou
purveyor of shrimps and honest prescriber of South Down mutton There is no
mutton so good as Brighton mutton no flys so pleasant as Brighton flys nor any
cliff so pleasant to ride on no shops so beautiful to look at as the Brighton
gimcrack shops and the fruit shops and the market I fancy myself in Mrs
Honeymans lodgings in Steyne Gardens and in enjoyment of all these things
If the gracious reader has had losses in life losses not so bad as to cause
absolute want or inflict upon him or her the bodily injury of starvation let
him confess that the evils of this poverty are by no means so great as his
timorous fancy depicted Say your money has been invested in West Diddlesex
bonds or other luckless speculations the news of the smash comes you pay your
outlying bills with the balance at the bankers you assemble your family and
make them a fine speech the wife of your bosom goes round and embraces the sons
and daughters seriatim nestling in your own waistcoat finally in possession of
which she says with tender tears and fond quotations from Holy Writ God bless
her and of the darlings round about lies all her worldly treasure the
weeping servants are dismissed their wages paid in full and with a present of
prayer and hymn books from their mistress your elegant house in Harley Street
is to let and you subside into lodgings in Pentonville or Kensington or
Brompton How unlike the mansion where you paid taxes and distributed elegant
hospitality for so many years
You subside into lodgings I say and you find yourself very tolerably
comfortable I am not sure that in her heart your wife is not happier than in
what she calls her happy days She will be somebody hereafter she was nobody in
Harley Street that is everybody else in her visiting book take the names all
round was as good as she They had the very same entreés plated ware men to
wait etc at all the houses where you visited in the street Your candlesticks
might be handsomer and indeed they had a very fine effect upon the
dinnertable but then Mr Joness silver or electroplated dishes were much
finer You had more carriages at your door on the evening of your delightful
soirées than Mrs Brown there is no phrase more elegant and to my taste than
that in which people are described as seeing a great deal of carriage company
but yet Mrs Brown from the circumstance of her being a baronets niece took
precedence of your dear wife at most tables Hence the latter charming womans
scorn at the British baronetcy and her many jokes at the order In a word and
in the height of your social prosperity there was always a lurking
dissatisfaction and a something bitter in the midst of the fountain of
delights at which you were permitted to drink
There is no good unless your taste is that way in living in a society
where you are merely the equal of everybody else Many people give themselves
extreme pains to frequent company where all around them are their superiors and
where do what you will you must be subject to continual mortification as for
instance when Marchioness X forgets you and you cant help thinking that she
cuts you on purpose when Duchess Z passes by in her diamonds etc The true
pleasure of life is to live with your inferiors Be the cock of your village
the queen of your coterie and besides very great persons the people whom Fate
has specially endowed with this kindly consolation are those who have seen what
are called better days those who have had losses I am like Cæsar and of a
noble mind if I cannot be first in Piccadilly let me try Hatton Garden and
see whether I cannot lead the ton there If I cannot take the lead at Whites or
the Travellers let me be president of the Jolly Sandboys at the Bag of Nails
and blackball everybody who does not pay me honour If my darling Bessy cannot
go out of a drawingroom until a baronets niece ha ha a baronets niece
forsooth has walked before her let us frequent company where we shall be the
first and how can we be the first unless we select our inferiors for our
associates This kind of pleasure is to be had by almost everybody and at
scarce any cost With a shillings worth of tea and muffins you can get as much
adulation and respect as many people cannot purchase with a thousand pounds
worth of plate and profusion hired footmen turning their houses topsyturvy
and suppers from Gunters Adulation why the people who come to you give as
good parties as you do Respect the very menials who wait behind your
suppertable waited at a dukes yesterday and actually patronize you O you
silly spendthrift you can buy flattery for twopence and you spend ever so much
money in entertaining your equals and betters and nobody admires you
Now Aunt Honeyman was a woman of a thousand virtues cheerful frugal
honest laborious charitable goodhumoured truthtelling devoted to her
family capable of any sacrifice for those she loved and when she came to have
losses of money Fortune straightway compensated her by many kindnesses which no
income can supply The good old lady admired the word gentlewoman of all others
in the English vocabulary and made all around her feel that such was her rank
Her mothers father was a naval captain Her father had taken pupils got a
living sent his son to college dined with the squire published his volume of
sermons was liked in his parish where Miss Honeyman kept house for him was
respected for his kindness and famous for his port wine and so died leaving
about two hundred pounds a year to his two children nothing to Clive Newcomes
mother who had displeased him by her first marriage an elopement with Ensign
Casey and subsequent light courses Charles Honeyman spent his money elegantly
in wine parties at Oxford and afterwards in foreign travel spent his money
and as much of Miss Honeymans as that worthy soul would give him She was a
woman of spirit and resolution She brought her furniture to Brighton believing
that the whole place still fondly remembered her grandfather Captain Nokes who
had resided there and his gallantry in Lord Rodneys action with the Count de
Grasse took a house and let the upper floors to lodgers
The little brisk old lady brought a maidservant out of the country with
her who was daughter to her fathers clerk and had learned her letters and
worked her first sampler under Miss Honeymans own eye whom she adored all
through her life No Indian begum rolling in wealth no countess mistress of
castles and townhouses ever had such a faithful toady as Hannah Hicks was to
her mistress Under Hannah was a young lady from the workhouse who called
Hannah »Mrs Hicks mum« and who bowed in awe as much before that domestic as
Hannah did before Miss Honeyman At five oclock in summer at seven in winter
for Mrs Honeyman a good economist was chary of candlelight Hannah woke up
little Sally and these three women rose I leave you to imagine what a row
there was in the establishment if Sally appeared with flowers under her bonnet
gave signs of levity or insubordination prolonged her absence when sent forth
for the beer or was discovered in flirtation with the bakers boy or the
grocers young man Sally was frequently renewed Miss Honeyman called all her
young persons Sally and a great number of Sallies were consumed in her house
The qualities of the Sally for the time being formed a constant and delightful
subject of conversation between Hannah and her mistress The few friends who
visited Miss Honeyman in her back parlour had their Sallies in discussing whose
peculiarities of disposition these good ladies passed the hours agreeably over
their tea
Many persons who let lodgings in Brighton have been servants themselves
are retired housekeepers tradesfolk and the like With these surrounding
individuals Hannah treated on a footing of equality bringing to her mistress
accounts of their various goings on »how No 6 was let how No 9 had not paid
his rent again how the first floor at 27 had game almost every day and
madedishes from Muttons how the family who had taken Mrs Bugsbys had left
as usual after the very first night the poor little infant blistered all over
with bites on its dear little face how the Miss Learys was going on shameful
with the two young men actially in their settingroom mum where one of them
offered Miss Laura Leary a cigar how Mrs Cribb still went cuttin pounds and
pounds of meat off the lodgers jints emptying their teacaddies actially
reading their letters Sally had been told so by Polly the Cribbs maid who was
kep how that poor child was kep hearing language perfectly hawful« These
tales and anecdotes not altogether redounding to their neighbours credit
Hannah copiously collected and brought to her mistresss teatable or served at
her frugal little supper when Miss Honeyman the labours of the day over
partook of that cheerful meal I need not say that such horrors as occurred at
Mrs Bugsbys never befell in Mrs Honeymans establishment Every room was
fiercely swept and sprinkled and watched by cunning eyes which nothing could
escape curtains were taken down mattresses explored every bone in bed
dislocated and washed as soon as a lodger took his departure And as for
cribbing meat or sugar Sally might occasionally abstract a lump or two or pop
a veal cutlet into her mouth while bringing the dishes downstairs Sallies
would giddy creatures bred in workhouses but Hannah might be entrusted with
untold gold and uncorked brandy and Miss Honeyman would as soon think of
cutting a slice off Hannahs nose and devouring it as of poaching on her
lodgers mutton The best muttonbroth the best vealcutlets the best necks of
mutton and French beans the best fried fish and plumpest partridges in all
Brighton were to be had at Miss Honeymans and for her favourites the best
Indian curry and rice coming from a distinguished relative at present an
officer in Bengal But very few were admitted to this mark of Miss Honeymans
confidence If a family did not go to church they were not in favour if they
went to a Dissenting meeting she had no opinion of them at all Once there came
to her house a quiet Staffordshire family who ate no meat on Fridays and whom
Miss Honeyman pitied as belonging to the Romish superstition but when they were
visited by two corpulent gentlemen in black one of whom wore a purple
underwaistcoat before whom the Staffordshire lady absolutely sank down on her
knees as he went into the drawingroom Mrs Honeyman sternly gave warning to
these idolaters She would have no Jesuits in her premises She showed Hannah
the picture in Howells Medulla of the martyrs burning at Smithfield who said
»Lord bless you mum« and hoped it was a long time ago She called on the
curate and many and many a time for years after pointed out to her friends
and sometimes to her lodgers the spot on the carpet where the poor benighted
creature had knelt down So she went on respected by all her friends by all her
tradesmen by herself not a little talking of her previous misfortunes with
amusing equanimity as if her fathers parsonage house had been a palace of
splendour and the onehorse chaise with the lamps for evenings from which she
had descended a noble equipage »But I know it is for the best Clive« she
would say to her nephew in describing those grandeurs »and thank Heaven can
be resigned in that station in life to which it has pleased God to call me«
The good lady was called the Duchess by her fellowtradesfolk in the square
in which she lived I dont know what would have come to her had she been told
she was a tradeswoman Her butchers bakers and marketpeople paid her as much
respect as though she had been a grandees housekeeper out of Kemp Town Knowing
her station she yet was kind to those inferior beings She held affable
conversations with them She patronized Mr Rogers who was said to be worth a
hundred thousand two hundred thousand pounds or lbs was it and who said
»Law bless the old Duchess she do make as much of a pound of vealcutlet as
some would of a score of bullocks but you see shes a lady born and a lady
bred shed die before shed owe a farden and shes seen better days you know«
She went to see the grocers wife on an interesting occasion and won the heart
of the family by tasting their caudle Her fishmonger it was fine to hear her
talk of my fishmonger would sell her a whiting as respectfully as if she had
called for a dozen turbots and lobsters It was believed by those good folks
that her father had been a bishop at the very least and the better days which
she had known were supposed to signify some almost unearthly prosperity »I have
always found Hannah« the simple soul would say »that people know their place
or can be very easily made to find it if they lose it and if a gentlewoman does
not forget herself her inferiors will not forget that she is a gentlewoman«
»No indeed mum and Im sure they would do no such thing mum« says Hannah
who carries away the teapot for her own breakfast to be transmitted to Sally
for her subsequent refection whilst her mistress washes her cup and saucer as
her mother had washed her own china many scores of years ago
If some of the surrounding lodginghouse keepers as I have no doubt they
did disliked the little Duchess for the airs which she gave herself as they
averred they must have envied her too her superior prosperity for there was
scarcely ever a card in her window whilst those ensigns in her neighbours
houses would remain exposed to the flies and the weather and disregarded by
passersby for months together She had many regular customers or what should
be rather called constant friends Deaf old Mr Cricklade came every winter for
fourteen years and stopped until the hunting was over an invaluable man
giving little trouble passing all day on horseback and all night over his
rubber at the club The Misses Barkham Barkhambury Tunbridge Wells whose
father had been at college with Mr Honeyman came regularly in June for sea
air letting Barkhambury for the summer season Then for many years she had
her nephew as we have seen and kind recommendations from the clergymen of
Brighton and a constant friend in the celebrated Dr Goodenough of London who
had been her fathers private pupil and of his college afterwards who sent his
patients from time to time down to her and his fellowphysician Dr H who
on his part would never take any fee from Miss Honeyman except a packet of
Indian currypowder a ham cured as she only knew how to cure them and once a
year or so a dish of her tea
»Was there ever such luck as that confounded old Duchesss« says Mr
Gawler coalmerchant and lodginghouse keeper next door but two whose
apartments were more odious in some respects than Mrs Bugsbys own »Was there
ever such devils own luck Mrs G Its only a fortnight ago as I read in the
Sussex Advertiser the death of Miss Barkham of Barkhambury Tunbridge Wells
and thinks I theres a spoke in your wheel you stuckup little old Duchess
with your cussed airs and impudence And she aint put her card up three days
and look yere yeres two carriages two maids three children one of them
wrapped up in a Hinjar shawl man hout a livery looks like a foring cove I
think lady in satin pelisse and of course they go to the Duchess be hanged
to her Of course its our luck nothing ever was like our luck Im blowed if I
dont put a pistol to my ead and end it Mrs G There they go in three
four six seven on em and the man Thats the precious childs physic I
suppose hes acarryin in the basket Just look at the luggage I say Theres
a bloody hand on the first carriage Its a baronet is it I ope your
ladyships very well and I ope Sir John will soon be down yere to join his
family« Mr Gawler makes sarcastic bows over the card in his bowwindow whilst
making this speech The little Gawlers rush on to the drawingroom veranda
themselves to examine the new arrivals
»This is Miss Honeymans« asks the gentleman designated by Mr Gawler as
the foring cove and hands in a card on which the words »Miss Honeyman 110
Steyne Gardens J Goodenough« are written in that celebrated physicians
handwriting »We want fife betrooms six bets two or dree sittingrooms Have
you got dese«
»Will you speak to my mistress« says Hannah And if it is a fact that Miss
Honeyman does happen to be in the front parlour looking at the carriages what
harm is there in the circumstance pray Is not Gawler looking and the people
next door Are not half a dozen little boys already gathered in the street as
if they started up out of the trapdoors for the coals and the nurserymaids in
the stunted little garden are they not looking through the bars of the square
»Please to speak to mistress« says Hannah opening the parlourdoor and with a
curtsy »A gentleman about the apartments mum«
»Fife betrooms« says the man entering »Six bets two or dree
sittingrooms We gome from Dr Goodenough«
»Are the apartments for you sir« says the little Duchess looking up at
the large gentleman
»For my Lady« answers the man
»Had you not better take off your hat« asks the Duchess pointing out of
one of her little mittens to the foring coves beaver which he has neglected to
remove
The man grins and takes off the hat »I beck your bardon maam« says he
»Have you fife betrooms« etc The Doctor has cured the German of an illness
as well as his employers and especially recommended Miss Honeyman to Mr Kuhn
»I have such a number of apartments My servant will show them to you« And
she walks back with great state to her chair by the window and resumes her
station and work there
Mr Kuhn reports to his mistress who descends to inspect the apartments
accompanied through them by Hannah The rooms are pronounced to be exceedingly
neat and pleasant and exactly what are wanted for the family The baggage is
forthwith ordered to be brought from the carriages The little invalid wrapped
in his shawl is brought upstairs by the affectionate Mr Kuhn who carries him
as gently as if he had been bred all his life to nurse babies The smiling Sally
the Sally for the time being happens to be a very fresh pinkcheeked pretty
little Sally emerges from the kitchen and introduces the young ladies the
governess the maids to their apartments The eldest a slim blackhaired young
lass of thirteen frisks about the rooms looks at all the pictures runs in and
out of the veranda tries the piano and bursts out laughing at its wheezy jingle
it had been poor Emmas piano bought for her on her seventeenth birthday
three weeks before she ran away with the ensign her music is still in the stand
by it the Rev Charles Honeyman has warbled sacred melodies over it and Miss
Honeyman considers it a delightful instrument kisses her languid little
brother laid on the sofa and performs a hundred gay and agile motions suited to
her age
»Oh what a piano Why it is as cracked as Miss Quigleys voice«
»My dear« says mamma The little languid boy bursts out into a jolly laugh
»What funny pictures mamma Action with Count de Grasse the death of
General Wolfe a portrait of an officer an old officer in blue like grandpapa
Brazen Nose College Oxford what a funny name«
At the idea of Brazen Nose College another laugh comes from the invalid »I
suppose theyve all got brass noses there« he says and explodes at this joke
The poor little laugh ends in a cough and mammas travelling basket which
contains everything produces a bottle of syrup labelled »Master A Newcome A
teaspoonful to be taken when the cough is troublesome«
»Oh the delightful sea the blue the fresh the ever free« sings the young
lady with a shake I suppose the maritime song from which she quoted was just
written at this time »How much better this is than going home and seeing those
horrid factories and chimneys I love Dr Goodenough for sending us here What a
sweet house it is Everybody is happy in it even Miss Quigley is happy mamma
What nice rooms What pretty chintz What a oh what a comfortable sofa« and
she falls down on the sofa which truth to say was the Rev Charles Honeymans
luxurious sofa from Oxford presented to him by young Cibber Wright of
Christchurch when that gentlemancommoner was eliminated from the University
»The person of the house« mamma says »hardly comes up to Dr Goodenoughs
description of her He says he remembers her a pretty little woman when her
father was his private tutor«
»She has grown very much since« says the girl And an explosion takes place
from the sofa where the little man is always ready to laugh at any joke or
anything like a joke uttered by himself or by any of his family or friends As
for Doctor Goodenough he says laughing has saved that boys life
»She looks quite like a maid« continues the lady »She has hard hands and
she called me mum always I was quite disappointed in her« And she subsides
into a novel with many of which kind of works and with other volumes and with
workboxes and with wonderful inkstands portfolios portable days of the
month scentbottles scissorcases gilt miniature easels displaying portraits
and countless gimcracks of travel the rapid Kuhn has covered the tables in the
twinkling of an eye
The person supposed to be the landlady enters the room at this juncture and
the lady rises to receive her The little wag on the sofa puts his arm round his
sisters neck and whispers »I say Eth isnt she a pretty girl I shall write
to Dr Goodenough and tell him how much she has grown« Convulsions follow this
sally to the surprise of Hannah who says »Pooty little dear what time will
he have his dinner mum«
»Thank you Miss Honeyman at two oclock« says the lady with a bow of her
head »There is a clergyman of your name in London is he a relation« The lady
in her turn is astonished for the tall person breaks out into a grin and says
»Law mum youre speakin of Master Charles Hes in London«
»Indeed of Master Charles«
»And you take me for missis mum I beg your pardon mum« cries Hannah The
invalid hits his sister in the side with a weak little fist If laughter can
cure salva est res Doctor Goodenoughs patient is safe »Master Charles is
mississ brother mum Ive got no brother mum never had no brother Only one
son whos in the Police mum thank you And Law bless me I was going to
forget If you please mum missis says if you are quite rested she will pay
her duty to you mum«
»Oh indeed« says the lady rather stiffly and taking this for an
acceptance of her mistresss visit Hannah retires
»This Miss Honeyman seems to be a great personage« says the lady »If
people let lodgings why do they give themselves such airs«
»We never saw Monsieur de Boigne at Boulogne mamma« interposes the girl
»Monsieur de Boigne my dear Ethel Monsieur de Boigne is very well But «
Here the door opens and in a large cap bristling with ribbons with her best
chestnut front and her best black silk gown on which her gold watch shines
very splendidly little Miss Honeyman makes her appearance with a dignified
curtsy to her lodger
That lady vouchsafes a very slight inclination of the head indeed which she
repeats when Miss Honeyman says »I am glad to hear your ladyship is pleased
with the apartments«
»Yes they will do very well thank you« answers the latter person gravely
»And they have such a beautiful view of the sea« cries Ethel
»As if all the houses hadnt a view of the sea Ethel The price has been
arranged I think My servants will require a comfortable room to dine in by
themselves maam if you please My governess and the younger children will
dine together My daughter dines with me and my little boys dinner will be
ready at two oclock precisely if you please It is now near one«
»Am I to understand « interposed Miss Honeyman
»Oh I have no doubt we shall understand each other maam« cried Lady Ann
Newcome whose noble presence the acute reader has no doubt ere this divined and
saluted »Doctor Goodenough has given me a most satisfactory account of you
more satisfactory perhaps than than you are aware of« Perhaps Lady Anns
sentence was not going to end in a very satisfactory way for Miss Honeyman but
awed by a peculiar look of resolution in the little lady her lodger of an hour
paused in whatever offensive remark she might have been about to make »It is as
well that I at last have the pleasure of seeing you that I may state what I
want and that we may as you say understand each other Breakfast and tea if
you please will be served in the same manner as dinner And you will have the
kindness to order fresh milk every morning for my little boy asss milk
Doctor Goodenough has ordered asss milk Anything further I want I will
communicate through the person who spoke to you Kuhn Mr Kuhn and that will
do«
A heavy shower of rain was descending at this moment and little Miss
Honeyman looking at her lodger who had sate down and taken up her book said
»Have your ladyships servants unpacked your trunks«
»What on earth madam have you has that to do with the question«
»They will be put to the trouble of packing again I fear I cannot provide
three times five are fifteen fifteen separate meals for seven persons
besides those of my own family If your servants cannot eat with mine or in my
kitchen they and their mistress must go elsewhere And the sooner the better
madam the sooner the better« says Miss Honeyman trembling with indignation
and sitting down in a chair spreading her silks
»Do you know who I am« asks Lady Ann rising
»Perfectly well madam« says the other »And had I known you should never
have come into my house thats more«
»Madam« cries the lady on which the poor little invalid scared and
nervous and hungry for his dinner began to cry from the sofa
»It will be a pity that the dear little boy should be disturbed Dear little
child I have often heard of him and of you miss« says the little
householder rising »I will get you some dinner my dear for Clives sake And
meanwhile your ladyship will have the kindness to seek for some other
apartments for not a bit shall my fire cook for any one else of your company«
And with this the indignant little landlady sailed out of the room
»Gracious goodness who is the woman« cries Lady Ann »I never was so
insulted in my life«
»O mamma it was you began« says downright Ethel »That is Hush Alfred
dear hush my darling«
»Oh it was mamma began Im so hungry Im so hungry« howled the little
man on the sofa or off it rather for he was now down on the ground kicking
away the shawls which enveloped him
»What is it my boy What is it my blessed darling You shall have your
dinner Give her all Ethel There are the keys of my desk theres my watch
there are my rings Let her take my all The monster the child must live It
cant go away in such a storm as this Give me a cloak a parasol anything
Ill go forth and get a lodging Ill beg my bread from house to house if this
fiend refuses me Eat the biscuits dear A little of the syrup Alfred
darling its very nice love and come to your old mother your poor old
mother«
Alfred roared out »No its not nice its naaasty I wont have
syrup I will have dinner« The mother whose embraces the child repelled with
infantine kicks plunged madly at the bells rang them all four vehemently and
ran downstairs towards the parlour whence Miss Honeyman was issuing
The good lady had not at first known the names of her lodgers but had taken
them in willingly enough on Dr Goodenoughs recommendation And it was not
until one of the nurses entrusted with the care of Master Alfreds dinner
informed Miss Honeyman of the name of her guest that she knew she was
entertaining Lady Ann Newcome and that the pretty girl was the fair Miss Ethel
the little sick boy the little Alfred of whom his cousin spoke and of whom
Clive had made a hundred little drawings in his rude way as he drew everybody
Then bidding Sally run off to St Jamess Street for a chicken she saw it put
on the spit and prepared a bread sauce and composed a batterpudding as she
only knew how to make batterpuddings Then she went to array herself in her
best clothes as we have seen as we have heard rather Goodness forbid that
we should see Miss Honeyman arraying herself or penetrate that chaste mystery
her toilette then she came to wait upon Lady Ann not a little flurried as to
the result of that queer interview then she whisked out of the drawingroom as
before has been shown and finding the chicken roasted to a turn the napkin
and tray ready spread by Hannah the neathanded she was bearing them up to the
little patient when the frantic parent met her on the stair
»Is it is it for my child« cried Lady Ann reeling against the banister
»Yes its for the child« says Miss Honeyman tossing up her head »But
nobody else has anything in the house«
»God bless you God bless you A mothers bllessings go with you«
gurgled the lady who was not it must be confessed a woman of strong moral
character
It was good to see the little man eating the fowl Ethel who had never cut
anything in her young existence except her fingers now and then with her
brothers and her governesss penknives bethought her of asking Miss Honeyman
to carve the chicken Lady Ann with clasped hands and streaming eyes sate
looking on at the ravishing scene
»Why did you not let us know you were Clives aunt« Ethel asked putting
out her hand The old lady took hers very kindly and said »Because you didnt
give me time And do you love Clive my dear«
The reconciliation between Miss Honeyman and her lodger was perfect Lady
Ann wrote a quire of notepaper off to Sir Brian for that days post only she
was too late as she always was Mr Kuhn perfectly delighted Miss Honeyman that
evening by his droll sayings jokes and pronunciation and by his praises of
Master Glife as he called him He lived out of the house did everything for
everybody was never out of the way when wanted and never in the way when not
wanted Ere long Miss Honeyman got out a bottle of the famous Madeira which her
Colonel sent her and treated him to a glass in her own room Kuhn smacked his
lips and held out the glass again The honest rogue knew good wine
Chapter X
Ethel and Her Relations
For fourandtwenty successive hours Lady Ann Newcome was perfectly in raptures
with her new lodgings and every person and thing which they contained The
drawingrooms were fitted with the greatest taste the dinner was exquisite
Were there ever such delicious vealcutlets such verdant French beans »Why do
we have those odious French cooks my dear with their shocking principles the
principles of all Frenchmen are shocking and the dreadful bills they bring us
in and their consequential airs and graces I am determined to part with
Brignol I have written to your father this evening to give Brignol warning
When did he ever give us vealcutlets What can be nicer«
»Indeed they were very good« said Miss Ethel who had mutton five times a
week at one oclock »I am so glad you like the house and Clive and Miss
Honeyman«
»Like her the dear little old woman I feel as if she had been my friend
all my life I feel quite drawn towards her What a wonderful coincidence that
Dr Goodenough should direct us to this very house I have written to your
father about it And to think that I should have written to Clive at this very
house and quite forgotten Miss Honeymans name and such an odd name too I
forget everything everything You know I forgot your Aunt Louisas husbands
name and when I was godmother to her baby and the clergyman said What is the
infants name I said Really I forget And so I did He was a London
clergyman but I forget at what church Suppose it should be this very Mr
Honeyman It may have been you know and then the coincidence would be still
more droll That tall old nicelooking respectable person with a mark on her
nose the housekeeper what is her name seems a most invaluable person I
think I shall ask her to come to us I am sure she would save me I dont know
how much money every week and I am certain Mrs Trotter is making a fortune by
us I shall write to your papa and ask him permission to ask this person«
Ethels mother was constantly falling in love with her new acquaintances their
manservants and their maidservants their horses and ponies and the visitor
within their gates She would ask strangers to Newcome hug and embrace them on
Sunday not speak to them on Monday and on Tuesday behave so rudely to them
that they were gone before Wednesday Her daughter had had so many governesses
all darlings during the first week and monsters afterwards that the poor
child possessed none of the accomplishments of her age She could not play on
the piano she could not speak French well she could not tell you when
gunpowder was invented she had not the faintest idea of the date of the Norman
Conquest or whether the earth went round the sun or vice versâ She did not
know the number of counties in England Scotland and Wales let alone Ireland
she did not know the difference between latitude and longitude She had had so
many governesses their accounts differed poor Ethel was bewildered by a
multiplicity of teachers and thought herself a monster of ignorance They gave
her a book at a Sunday school and little girls of eight years old answered
questions of which she knew nothing The place swam before her She could not
see the sun shining on their fair flaxen heads and pretty faces The rosy little
children holding up their eager hands and crying the answer to this question
and that seemed mocking her She seemed to read in the book »O Ethel you
dunce dunce dunce« She went home silent in the carriage and burst into
bitter tears on her bed Naturally a haughty girl of the highest spirit
resolute and imperious this little visit to the parish school taught Ethel
lessons more valuable than ever so much arithmetic and geography Clive has told
me a story of her in her youth which perhaps may apply to some others of the
youthful female aristocracy She used to walk with other select young ladies
and gentlemen their nurses and governesses in a certain reserved plot of
ground railed off from Hyde Park whereof some of the lucky dwellers in the
neighbourhood of Apsley House have a key In this garden at the age of nine or
thereabouts she had contracted an intimate friendship with the Lord Hercules
ORyan as every one of my gentle readers knows one of the sons of the Marquis
of Ballyshannon The Lord Hercules was a year younger than Miss Ethel Newcome
which may account for the passion which grew up between these young persons it
being a provision in nature that a boy always falls in love with a girl older
than himself or rather perhaps that a girl bestows her affections on a
little boy who submits to receive them
One day Sir Brian Newcome announced his intention to go to Newcome that very
morning taking his family and of course Ethel with him She was
inconsolable »What will Lord Hercules do when he finds I am gone« she asked of
her nurse The nurse endeavouring to soothe her said »Perhaps his Lordship
would know nothing about the circumstance« »He will« said Miss Ethel »hell
read it in the newspaper« My Lord Hercules it is to be hoped strangled this
infant passion in the cradle having long since married Isabella only daughter
of Grains Esq of Drayton Windsor a partner in the great brewery of Foker
amp Co
When Ethel was thirteen years old she had grown to be such a tall girl that
she overtopped her companions by a head or more and morally perhaps also felt
herself too tall for their society »Fancy myself« she thought »dressing a
doll like Lily Putland or wearing a pinafore like Lucy Tucker« She did not
care for their sports She could not walk with them it seemed as if every one
stared nor dance with them at the academy nor attend the Cours de Littérature
Universelle et de Science Comprehénsive of the professor then the mode the
smallest girls took her up in the class. She was bewildered by the multitude of
things they bade her learn At the youthful little assemblies of her sex when
under the guide of their respected governesses the girls came to tea at six
oclock dancing charades and so forth Ethel herded not with the children of
her own age nor yet with the teachers who sit apart at these assemblies
imparting to each other their little wrongs but Ethel romped with the little
children the rosy little trots and took them on her knees and told them a
thousand stories By these she was adored and loved like a mother almost for
as such the hearty kindly girl showed herself to them but at home she was
alone farouche and intractable and did battle with the governesses and
overcame them one after another I break the promise of a former page and am
obliged to describe the youthful days of more than one person who is to take a
share in this story Not always doth the writer know whither the divine Muse
leadeth him But of this be sure she is as inexorable as Truth We must tell
our tale as she imparts it to us and go on or turn aside at her bidding
Here she ordains that we should speak of other members of this family whose
history we chronicle and it behoves us to say a word regarding the Earl of Kew
the head of the noble house into which Sir Brian Newcome had married
When we read in the fairy stories that the King and Queen who lived once
upon a time build a castle of steel defended by moats and sentinels
innumerable in which they place their darling only child the Prince or
Princess whose birth has blessed them after so many years of marriage and
whose christening feast has been interrupted by the cantankerous humour of that
notorious old fairy who always persists in coming although she has not received
any invitation to the baptismal ceremony when Prince Prettyman is locked up in
the steel tower provided only with the most wholesome food the most edifying
educational works and the most venerable old tutor to instruct and to bore him
we know as a matter of course that the steel bolts and brazen bars will one
day be of no avail the old tutor will go off in a doze and the moats and
drawbridges will either be passed by his Royal Highnesss implacable enemies or
crossed by the young scapegrace himself who is determined to outwit his
guardians and see the wicked world The old King and Queen always come in and
find the chambers empty the saucy heirapparent flown the porters and
sentinels drunk the ancient tutor asleep they tear their venerable wigs in
anguish they kick the majordomo downstairs they turn the duenna out of doors
the toothless old dragon There is no resisting fate The Princess will slip
out of window by the ropeladder the Prince will be off to pursue his
pleasures and sow his wild oats at the appointed season How many of our
English princes have been coddled at home by their fond papas and mammas walled
up in inaccessible castles with a tutor and a library guarded by cordons of
sentinels sermoners old aunts old women from the world without and have
nevertheless escaped from all these guardians and astonished the world by their
extravagance and their frolics What a wild rogue was that Prince Harry son of
the austere sovereign who robbed Richard the Second of his crown the youth who
took purses on Gadshill frequented Eastcheap taverns with Colonel Falstaff and
worse company and boxed Chief Justice Gascoignes ears What must have been the
venerable Queen Charlottes state of mind when she heard of the courses of her
beautiful young Prince of his punting at gamblingtables of his dealings with
horse jockeys of his awful doings with Perdita Besides instances taken from
our Royal Family could we not draw examples from our respected nobility There
was that young Lord Warwick Mr Addisons stepson We know that his mother was
severe and his stepfather a most eloquent moralist yet the young gentlemans
career was shocking positively shocking He boxed the watch he fuddled
himself at taverns he was no better than a Mohock The chronicles of that day
contain accounts of many a mad prank which he played as we have legends of a
still earlier date of the lawless freaks of the wild Prince and Poins Our
people have never looked very unkindly on these frolics A young nobleman full
of life and spirits generous of his money jovial in his humour ready with his
sword frank handsome prodigal courageous always finds favour Young
Scapegrace rides a steeplechase or beats a bargeman and the crowd applauds him
Sages and seniors shake their heads and look at him not unkindly even stern
old female moralists are disarmed at the sight of youth and gallantry and
beauty I know very well that Charles Surface is a sad dog and Tom Jones no
better than he should be but in spite of such critics as Dr Johnson and
Colonel Newcome most of us have a sneaking regard for honest Tom and hope
Sophia will be happy and Tom will end well at last
Fiveandtwenty years ago the young Earl of Kew came upon the town which
speedily rang with the feats of his Lordship He began life time enough to enjoy
certain pleasures from which our young aristocracy of the present day seem
alas to be cut off So much more peaceable and polished do we grow so much
does the spirit of the age appear to equalize all ranks so strongly has the
good sense of society to which in the end gentlemen of the very highest fashion
must bow put its veto upon practices and amusements with which our fathers were
familiar At that time the Sunday newspapers contained many and many exciting
reports of boxing matches Bruising was considered a fine manly old English
custom Boys at public schools fondly perused histories of the noble science
from the redoubtable days of Broughton and Slack to the heroic times of Dutch
Sam and the Game Chicken Young gentlemen went eagerly to Moulsey to see the
Slasher punch the Pets head or the Negro beat the Jews nose to a jelly The
island rang as yet with the tooting horns and rattling teams of mailcoaches a
gay sight was the road in merry England in those days before steamengines
arose and flung its hostelry and chivalry over To travel in coaches to drive
coaches to know coachmen and guards to be familiar with inns along the road
to laugh with the jolly hostess in the bar to chuck the pretty chambermaid
under the chin were the delight of men who were young not very long ago Who
ever thought of writing to the Times then Biffin I warrant did not grudge his
money and »A Thirsty Soul« paid cheerfully for his drink The road was an
institution the ring was an institution Men rallied round them and not
without a kind conservatism expatiated upon the benefits with which they
endowed the country and the evils which would occur when they should be no more
decay of English spirit decay of manly pluck ruin of the breed of horses
and so forth and so forth To give and take a black eye was not unusual nor
derogatory in a gentleman to drive a stagecoach the enjoyment the emulation
of generous youth Is there any young fellow of the present time who aspires to
take the place of a stoker You see occasionally in Hyde Park one dismal old
drag with a lonely driver Where are you charioteers Where are you O rattling
Quicksilver O swift Defiance You are passed by racers stronger and swifter
than you Your lamps are out and the music of your horns has died away
Just at the ending of that old time Lord Kews life began That kindly
middleaged gentleman whom his county knows that good landlord and friend of
all his tenantry round about that builder of churches and indefatigable
visitor of schools that writer of letters to the farmers of his shire so full
of sense and benevolence who wins prizes at agricultural shows and even
lectures at county town institutes in his modest pleasant way was the wild
young Lord Kew of a quarter of a century back who kept racehorses patronized
boxers fought a duel thrashed a Life Guardsman gambled furiously at
Crockfords and did who knows what besides
His mother a devout lady nursed her son and his property carefully during
the young gentlemans minority keeping him and his younger brother away from
all mischief under the eyes of the most careful pastors and masters She learnt
Latin with the boys she taught them to play on the piano she enraged old Lady
Kew the childrens grandmother who prophesied that her daughterinlaw would
make milksops of her sons to whom the old lady was never reconciled until after
my Lords entry at Christchurch where he began to distinguish himself very soon
after his first term He drove tandems kept hunters gave dinners scandalized
the Dean screwed up the tutors door and agonized his mother at home by his
lawless proceedings He quitted the University after a very brief sojourn at
that seat of learning It may be the Oxford authorities requested his Lordship
to retire let bygones be bygones His youthful son the present Lord Walham is
now at Christchurch reading with the greatest assiduity Let us not be too
particular in narrating his fathers unedifying frolics of a quarter of a
century ago
Old Lady Kew who in conjunction with Mrs Newcome had made the marriage
between Mr Brian Newcome and her daughter always despised her soninlaw and
being a frank open person uttering her mind always took little pains to
conceal her opinion regarding him or any other individual »Sir Brian Newcome«
she would say »is one of the most stupid and respectable of men Ann is clever
but has not a grain of commonsense They make a very wellassorted couple Her
flightiness would have driven any man crazy who had an opinion of his own She
would have ruined any poor man of her own rank As it is I have given her a
husband exactly suited for her He pays the bills does not see how absurd she
is keeps order in the establishment and checks her follies She wanted to
marry her cousin Tom Poyntz when they were both very young and proposed to
die of a broken heart when I arranged her match with Mr Newcome A broken
fiddlestick she would have ruined Tom Poyntz in a year and has no more idea of
the cost of a leg of mutton than I have of algebra«
The Countess of Kew loved Brighton and preferred living there even at the
season when Londoners find such especial charms in their own city »London after
Easter« the old lady said »was intolerable Pleasure becomes a business then
so oppressive that all good company is destroyed by it Half the men are sick
with the feasts which they eat day after day The women are thinking of the
halfdozen parties they have to go to in the course of the night The young
girls are thinking of their partners and their toilettes Intimacy becomes
impossible and quiet enjoyment of life On the other hand the crowd of
bourgeois has not invaded Brighton The drive is not blocked up by flys full of
stockbrokers wives and children and you can take the air in your chair upon
the chainpier without being stifled by the cigars of the odious shopboys from
London« So Lady Kews name was usually amongst the earliest which the Brighton
newspapers recorded amongst the arrivals
Her only unmarried daughter Lady Julia lived with her Ladyship Poor Lady
Julia had suffered early from a spine disease which had kept her for many years
to her couch Being always at home and under her mothers eyes she was the old
ladys victim her pincushion into which Lady Kew plunged a hundred little
points of sarcasm daily As children are sometimes brought before magistrates
and their poor little backs and shoulders laid bare covered with bruises and
lashes which brutal parents have inflicted so I dare say if there had been any
tribunal or judge before whom this poor patient ladys heart could have been
exposed it would have been found scarred all over with numberless ancient
wounds and bleeding from yesterdays castigation Old Lady Kews tongue was a
dreadful thong which made numbers of people wince She was not altogether cruel
but she knew the dexterity with which she wielded her lash and liked to
exercise it Poor Lady Julia was always at hand when her mother was minded to
try her powers
Lady Kew had just made herself comfortable at Brighton when her little
grandsons illness brought Lady Ann Newcome and her family down to the sea Lady
Kew was almost scared back to London again or blown over the water to Dieppe
She had never had the measles »Why did not Ann carry the child to some other
place Julia you will on no account go and see that little pestiferous swarm of
Newcomes unless you want to send me out of the world which I dare say you do
for I am a dreadful plague to you I know and my death would be a release to
you«
»You see Dr H who visits the child every day« cries poor Pincushion
»you are not afraid when he comes«
»Dr H Dr H comes to cure me or to tell me the news or to flatter me
or to feel my pulse and to pretend to prescribe or to take his guinea Of
course Dr H must go to see all sorts of people in all sorts of diseases You
would not have me be such a brute as to order him not to attend my own grandson
I forbid you to go to Anns house You will send one of the men every day to
inquire Let the groom go yes Charles he will not go into the house He
will ring the bell and wait outside He had better ring the bell at the area I
suppose there is an area and speak to the servants through the bars and bring
us word how Alfred is« Poor Pincushion felt fresh compunctions she had met the
children and kissed the baby and held kind Ethels hand in hers that day as
she was out in her chair There was no use however to make this confession Is
she the only good woman or man of whom domestic tyranny has made a hypocrite
Charles the groom brings back perfectly favourable reports of Master
Alfreds health that day which Dr H in the course of his visit confirms
The child is getting well rapidly eating like a little ogre His cousin Lord
Kew has been to see him He is the kindest of men Lord Kew he brought the
little man Tom and Jerry with the pictures The boy is delighted with the
pictures
»Why has not Kew come to see me When did he come Write him a note and
send for him instantly Julia Did you know he was here«
Julia says that she had but that moment read in the Brighton papers the
arrival of the Earl of Kew and the Honourable J Belsize at the Albion
»I am sure they are here for some mischief« cries the old lady delighted
»Whenever George and John Belsize are together I know there is some wickedness
planning What do you know Doctor I see by your face you know something Do
tell it me that I may write it to his odious psalmsinging mother«
Dr Hs face does indeed wear a knowing look He simpers and says »I did
see Lord Kew driving this morning first with the Honourable Mr Belsize and
afterwards« here he glances towards Lady Julia as if to say »Before an
unmarried lady I do not like to tell your Ladyship with whom I saw Lord Kew
driving after he had left the Honourable Mr Belsize who went to play a match
with Captain Huxtable at tennis«
»Are you afraid to speak before Julia« cries the elder lady »Why bless my
soul she is forty years old and has heard everything that can be heard Tell
me about Kew this instant Doctor H«
The Doctor blandly acknowledges that Lord Kew had been driving Madame
Pozzoprofondo the famous contralto of the Italian Opera in his phaeton for
two hours in the face of all Brighton
»Yes Doctor« interposes Lady Julia blushing »but Signor Pozzoprofondo
was in the carriage too a a sitting behind with the groom He was indeed
mamma«
»Julia vous nêtes quune ganache« says Lady Kew shrugging her shoulders
and looking at her daughter from under her bushy black eyebrows Her ladyship a
sister of the late lamented Marquis of Steyne possessed no small share of the
wit and intelligence and a considerable resemblance to the features of that
distinguished nobleman
Lady Kew bids her daughter take a pen and write »Monsieur le Mauvais
Sujet Gentlemen who wish to take the sea air in private or to avoid their
relations had best go to other places than Brighton where their names are
printed in the newspapers If you are not drowned in a pozzo «
»Mamma« interposes the secretary
» in a pozzoprofondo you will please come to dine with two old women at
halfpast seven You may bring Mr Belsize and must tell us a hundred stories
Yours etc
L KEW«
Julia wrote all the letter as her mother dictated it save only one sentence
and the note was sealed and dispatched to my Lord Kew who came to dinner with
Jack Belsize Jack Belsize liked to dine with Lady Kew He said »she was an old
dear and the wickedest old woman in all England« and he liked to dine with
Lady Julia who was »a poor suffering dear and the best woman in all England«
Jack Belsize liked every one and every one liked him
Two evenings afterwards the young men repeated their visit to Lady Kew and
this time Lord Kew was loud in praises of his cousins of the house of Newcome
»Not of the eldest Barnes surely my dear« cries Lady Kew
»No confound him not Barnes«
»No d it not Barnes I beg your pardon Lady Julia« broke in Jack
Belsize »I can get on with most men but that little Barney is too odious a
little snob«
»A little what Mr Belsize«
»A little snob maam I have no other word though he is your grandson I
never heard him say a good word of any mortal soul or do a kind action«
»Thank you Mr Belsize« says the lady
»But the others are capital There is that little chap who has just had the
measles hes a dear little brick And as for Miss Ethel «
»Ethel is a trump maam« says Lord Kew slapping his hand on his knee
»Ethel is a brick and Alfred is a trump I think you say« remarks Lady
Kew nodding approval »and Barnes is a snob This is very satisfactory to
know«
»We met the children out today« cries the enthusiastic Kew »as I was
driving Jack in the drag and I got out and talked to em«
»Governess an uncommonly nice woman oldish but I beg your pardon Lady
Julia« cries the inopportune Jack Belsize »Im always putting my foot in it«
»Putting your foot into what Go on Kew«
»Well we met the whole posse of children and the little fellow wanted a
drive and I said I would drive him and Ethel too if she would come Upon my
word she is as pretty a girl as you can see on a summers day And the governess
said No of course Governesses always do But I said I was her uncle and Jack
paid her such a fine compliment that the young woman was mollified and the
children took their seats beside me and Jack went behind«
»Where Monsieur Pozzoprofondo sits bon«
»We drove on to the Downs and we were nearly coming to grief My horses are
young and when they get on the grass they are as if they were mad It was very
wrong I know it was«
»Dd rash« interposes Jack »He had nearly broken all our necks«
»And my brother Frank would have been Lord Kew« continued the young Earl
with a quiet smile »What an escape for him The horses ran away ever so far
and I thought the carriage must upset The poor little boy who has lost his
pluck in the fever began to cry but that young girl though she was as white
as a sheet never gave up for a moment and sate in her place like a man We met
nothing luckily and I pulled the horses in after a mile or two and I drove
em into Brighton as quiet as if I had been driving a hearse And that little
trump of an Ethel what do you think she said She said I was not frightened
but you must not tell mamma My aunt it appears was in a dreadful commotion
I ought to have thought of that«
»Lady Ann is a ridiculous old dear I beg your pardon Lady Kew« here
breaks in Jack the apologizer
»There is a brother of Sir Brian Newcomes staying with them« Lord Kew
proceeds »an East India Colonel a very finelooking old boy«
»Smokes awfully row about it in the hotel Go on Kew beg your «
»This gentleman was on the lookout for us it appears for when we came in
sight he dispatched a boy who was with him running like a lamplighter back to
my aunt to say all was well And he took little Alfred out of the carriage and
then helped out Ethel and said My dear you are too pretty to scold but you
have given us all a belle peur And then he made me and Jack a low bow and
stalked into the lodgings«
»I think you do deserve to be whipped both of you« cries Lady Kew
»We went up and made our peace with my aunt and were presented in form to
the Colonel and his youthful cub«
»As fine a fellow as ever I saw and as fine a boy as ever I saw« cries
Jack Belsize »The young chap is a great hand at drawing upon my life the best
drawings I ever saw And he was making a picture for little
Whatdyoucallem And Miss Newcome was looking over them And Lady Ann
pointed out the group to me and said how pretty it was She is uncommonly
sentimental you know Lady Ann«
»My daughter Ann is the greatest fool in the three kingdoms« cried Lady
Kew looking fiercely over her spectacles And Julia was instructed to write
that night to her sister and desire that Ethel should be sent to see her
grandmother Ethel who rebelled against her grandmother and always fought on
her aunt Julias side when the weaker was oppressed by the older and stronger
lady
Chapter XI
At Mrs Ridleys
Saint Pedro of Alcantara as I have read in a life of St Theresa informed that
devout lady that he had passed forty years of his life sleeping only an hour and
a half each day His cell was but four feet and a half long so that he never
lay down his pillow was a wooden log in the stone wall He ate but once in
three days He was for three years in a convent of his order without knowing any
one of his brethren except by the sound of their voices for he never during
this period took his eyes off the ground He always walked barefoot and was but
skin and bone when he died The eating only once in three days so he told his
sister Saint was by no means impossible if you began the regimen in your
youth To conquer sleep was the hardest of all austerities which he practised I
fancy the pious individual so employed day after day night after night on his
knees or standing up in devout meditation in the cupboard his dwellingplace
bareheaded and barefooted walking over rocks briers mud sharp stones
picking out the very worst places let us trust with his downcast eyes under
the bitter snow or the drifting rain or the scorching sunshine I fancy Saint
Pedro of Alcantara and contrast him with such a personage as the incumbent of
Lady Whittleseas chapel May Fair
His hermitage is situated in Walpole Street let us say on the second floor
of a quiet mansion let out to hermits by a noblemans butler whose wife takes
care of the lodgings His cells consist of a refectory a dormitory and an
adjacent oratory where he keeps his showerbath and boots the pretty boots
trimly stretched on boottrees and blacked to a nicety not varnished by the
boy who waits on him The barefooted business may suit superstitious ages and
gentlemen of Alcantara but does not become May Fair and the nineteenth century
If Saint Pedro walked the earth now with his eyes to the ground he would know
fashionable divines by the way in which they were shod Charles Honeymans is a
sweet foot I have no doubt as delicate and plump and rosy as the white hand
with its two rings which he passes in impassioned moments through his slender
flaxen hair
A sweet odour pervades his sleeping apartment not that peculiar and
delicious fragrance with which the Saints of the Roman Church are said to
gratify the neighbourhood where they repose but oils redolent of the richest
perfumes of Macassar essences from Truefitts or Delcroixs into which a
thousand flowers have expressed their sweetest breath await his meek head on
rising and infuse the pockethandkerchief with which he dries and draws so many
tears For he cries a good deal in his sermons to which the ladies about him
contribute showers of sympathy
By his bedside are slippers lined with blue silk and worked of an
ecclesiastical pattern by some of the faithful who sit at his feet They come
to him in anonymous parcels they come to him in silver paper boys in buttons
pages who minister to female grace leave them at the door for the Rev C
Honeyman and slip away without a word Purses are sent to him penwipers a
portfolio with the Honeyman arms yea braces have been known to reach him by
the post in his days of popularity and flowers and grapes and jelly when he
was ill and throat comforters and lozenges for his dear bronchitis In one of
his drawers is the rich silk cassock presented to him by his congregation at
Leatherhead when the young curate quitted that parish for London duty and on
his breakfasttable the silver teapot once filled with sovereigns and
presented by the same devotees The devoteapot he has but the sovereigns where
are they
What a different life this is from our honest friend of Alcantara who eats
once in three days At one time if Honeyman could have drunk tea three times in
an evening he might have had it The glass on his chimneypiece is crowded with
invitations not merely cards of ceremony of which there are plenty but dear
little confidential notes from sweet friends of his congregation »O dear Mr
Honeyman« writes Blanche »what a sermon that was I cannot go to bed tonight
without thanking you for it« »Do do dear Mr Honeyman« writes Beatrice
»lend me that delightful sermon And can you come and drink tea with me and
Selina and my aunt Papa and mamma dine out but you know I am always your
faithful Chesterfield Street« And so on He has all the domestic
accomplishments he plays on the violoncello he sings a delicious second not
only in sacred but in secular music He has a thousand anecdotes laughable
riddles droll stories of the utmost correctness you understand with which
he entertains females of all ages suiting his conversation to stately matrons
deaf old dowagers who can hear his clear voice better than the loudest roar of
their stupid sonsinlaw mature spinsters young beauties dancing through the
season even rosy little slips out of the nursery who cluster round his beloved
feet Societies fight for him to preach their charity sermon You read in the
papers »The Wapping Hospital for Woodenlegged Seamen On Sunday the 23rd
Sermons will be preached in behalf of this charity by the Lord BISHOP OF TOBAGO
in the morning in the afternoon by the Rev C HONEYMAN AM Incumbent of
etc« »Clergymens Grandmothers Fund Sermons in aid of this admirable
institution will be preached on Sunday 4th May by the Very Rev the DEAN OF
PIMLICO and the Rev C HONEYMAN AM« When the Dean of Pimlico has his
illness many people think Honeyman will have the Deanery that he ought to have
it a hundred female voices vow and declare though it is said that a right
reverend head at headquarters shakes dubiously when his name is mentioned for
preferment His name is spread wide and not only women but men come to hear
him Members of Parliament even Cabinet Ministers sit under him Lord Dozeley
of course is seen in a front pew where was a public meeting without Lord
Dozeley The men come away from his sermons and say »Its very pleasant but I
dont know what the deuce makes all you women crowd so to hear the man« »O
Charles if you would but go oftener« sighs Lady Anna Maria »Cant you speak
to the Home Secretary Cant you do something for him« »We can ask him to
dinner next Wednesday if you like« says Charles »They say hes a pleasant
fellow out of the wood Besides there is no use in doing anything for him«
Charles goes on »He cant make less than a thousand a year out of his chapel
and that is better than anything any one can give him A thousand a year
besides the rent of the winevaults below the chapel«
»Dont Charles« says his wife with a solemn look »dont ridicule things
in that way«
»Confound it there are winevaults under the chapel« answers downright
Charles »I saw the name Sherrick amp Co offices a green door and a brass
plate Its better to sit over vaults with wine in them than coffins I wonder
if its the Sherrick with whom Kew and Jack Belsize had that ugly row«
»What ugly row dont say ugly row It is not a nice word to hear the
children use Go on my darlings What was the dispute of Lord Kew and Mr
Belsize and this Mr Sherrick«
»It was all about pictures and about horses and about money and about one
other subject which enters into every row that I ever heard of«
»And what is that dear« asks the innocent lady hanging on her husbands
arm and quite pleased to have led him to church and brought him thence »And
what is it that enters into every row as you call it Charles«
»A woman my love« answers the gentleman behind whom we have been in
imagination walking out from Charles Honeymans church on a Sunday in June as
the whole pavement blooms with artificial flowers and fresh bonnets as there is
a buzz and cackle all around regarding the sermon as carriages drive off as
ladydowagers walk home as prayer books and footmens sticks gleam in the sun
as little boys with baked mutton and potatoes pass from the courts as children
issue from the publichouses with pots of beer as the Reverend Charles
Honeyman who has been drawing tears in the sermon and has seen not without
complacent throbs a Secretary of State in the pew beneath him divests himself
of his rich silk cassock in the vestry before he walks away to his neighbouring
hermitage where have we placed it in Walpole Street I wish Saint Pedro of
Alcantara could have some of that shoulder of mutton with the baked potatoes
and a drink of that frothing beer See yonder trots little Lord Dozeley who
has been asleep for an hour with his head against the wood like Saint Pedro of
Alcantara
An East Indian gentleman and his son wait until the whole chapel is clear
and survey Lady Whittleseas monument at their leisure and other hideous slabs
erected in memory of defunct frequenters of the chapel Whose was that face
which Colonel Newcome thought he recognized that of a stout man who came down
from the organgallery Could it be Broff the bass singer who delivered the
RedCross Knight with such applause at the Cave of Harmony and who has been
singing in this place There are some chapels in London where the function
over one almost expects to see the sextons put brown hollands over the pews and
galleries as they do at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden
The writer of these veracious pages was once walking through a splendid
English palace standing amidst parks and gardens than which none more
magnificent has been seen since the days of Aladdin in company with a
melancholy friend who viewed all things darkly through his gloomy eyes The
housekeeper pattering on before us from chamber to chamber was expatiating
upon the magnificence of this picture the beauty of that statue the marvellous
richness of these hangings and carpets the admirable likeness of the late
Marquis by Sir Thomas of his father the fifth Earl by Sir Joshua and so on
when in the very richest room of the whole castle Hicks such was my
melancholy companions name stopped the cicerone in her prattle saying in a
hollow voice »And now madam will you show us the closet where the skeleton
is« The scared functionary paused in the midst of her harangue that article
was not inserted in the catalogue which she daily utters to visitors for their
halfcrown Hickss question brought a darkness down upon the hall where we were
standing We did not see the room And yet I have no doubt there is such a one
and ever after when I have thought of the splendid castle towering in the midst
of shady trees under which the dappled deer are browsing of the terraces
gleaming with statues and bright with a hundred thousand flowers of the bridges
and shining fountains and rivers wherein the castle windows reflect their
festive gleams when the halls are filled with happy feasters and over the
darkling woods comes the sound of music always I say when I think of Castle
Bluebeard it is to think of that dark little closet which I know is there and
which the lordly owner opens shuddering after midnight when he is sleepless
and must go unlock it when the palace is hushed when beauties are sleeping
around him unconscious and revellers are at rest O Mrs Housekeeper all the
other keys hast thou but that key thou hast not
Have we not all such closets my jolly friend as well as the noble Marquis
of Carabas At night when all the house is asleep but you dont you get up and
peep into yours When you in your turn are slumbering up gets Mrs Brown from
your side steals downstairs like Amina to her ghoul clicks open the secret
door and looks into her dark depository Did she tell you of that little affair
with Smith long before she knew you Psha who knows any one save himself alone
Who in showing his house to the closest and dearest doesnt keep back the key
of a closet or two I think of a lovely reader laying down the page and looking
over at her unconscious husband asleep perhaps after dinner Yes madam a
closet he hath and you who pry into everything shall never have the key of
it I think of some honest Othello pausing over this very sentence in a railroad
carriage and stealthily gazing at Desdemona opposite to him innocently
administering sandwiches to their little boy I am trying to turn off the
sentence with a joke you see I feel it is growing too dreadful too serious
And to what pray do these serious these disagreeable these almost
personal observations tend To this simply that Charles Honeyman the beloved
and popular preacher the elegant divine to whom Miss Blanche writes sonnets
and whom Miss Beatrice invites to tea who comes with smiles on his lip gentle
sympathy in his tones innocent gaiety in his accent who melts rouses
terrifies in the pulpit who charms over the teaurn and the bland
breadandbutter Charles Honeyman has one or two skeleton closets in his
lodgings Walpole Street May Fair and many a wakeful night whilst Mrs
Ridley his landlady and her tired husband the noblemans majordomo whilst
the lodger on the first floor whilst the cook and housemaid and weary little
bootboy are at rest mind you they have all got their closets which they open
with their skeleton keys he wakes up and looks at the ghastly occupant of
that receptacle One of the Reverend Charles Honeymans grizzly nighthaunters
is but stop let us give a little account of the lodgings and of some of the
people frequenting the same
First floor Mr Bagshot member for a Norfolk borough Stout jolly
gentleman dines at the Carlton Club greatly addicted to Greenwich and
Richmond in the season bets in a moderate way does not go into society
except now and again to the chiefs of his party when they give great
entertainments and once or twice to the houses of great country dons who dwell
near him in the country is not of very good family was in fact an
apothecary married a woman with money much older than himself who does not
like London and stops at home at Hummingham not much to the displeasure of
Bagshot gives every now and then nice little quiet dinners which Mrs Ridley
cooks admirably to exceedingly stupid jolly old Parliamentary fogeys who
absorb with much silence and cheerfulness a vast quantity of wine they have
just begun to drink 24 claret now that of 15 being scarce and almost drunk
up writes daily and hears every morning from Mrs Bagshot does not read her
letters always does not rise till long past eleven oclock of a Sunday and has
John Bull and Bells Life in bed frequents the Blue Posts sometimes rides a
stout cob out of his county and pays like the Bank of England
The house is a Norfolk house Mrs Ridley was housekeeper to the great
Squire Bayham who had the estate before the Conqueror and who came to such a
dreadful crash in the year 1825 the year of the panic Bayhams still belongs to
the family but in what a state as those can say who recollect it in its palmy
days Fifteen hundred acres of the best land in England were sold off all the
timber cut down as level as a billiardboard Mr Bayham now lives up in one
corner of the house which used to be filled with the finest company in Europe
Law bless you the Bayhams have seen almost all the nobility of England come in
and go out and were gentlefolks when many a fine lords father of the present
day was sweeping a countinghouse
The house will hold genteelly no more than these two inmates but in the
season it manages to accommodate Miss Cann who too was from Bayhams having
been a governess there to the young lady who is dead and who now makes such a
livelihood as she can best raise by going out as a daily teacher Miss Cann
dines with Mrs Ridley in the adjoining little back parlour Ridley but seldom
can be spared to partake of the family dinner his duties in the house and about
the person of my Lord Todmorden keeping him constantly near that nobleman How
little Miss Cann can go on and keep alive on the crumb she eats for breakfast
and the scrap she picks at dinner du astonish Mrs Ridley that it du She
declares that the two canary birds encaged in her window whence is a cheerful
prospect of the back of Lady Whittleseas chapel eat more than Miss Cann The
two birds set up a tremendous singing and chorusing when Miss Cann spying the
occasion of the firstfloor lodgers absence begins practising her music
pieces Such trills roulades and flourishes go on from the birds and the
lodger it is a wonder how any fingers can move over the jingling ivory so
quickly as Miss Canns Excellent a woman as she is admirably virtuous frugal
brisk honest and cheerful I would not like to live in lodgings where there
was a lady so addicted to playing variations No more does Honeyman On a
Saturday when he is composing his valuable sermons the rogue you may be sure
leaves his work to the last day and there are I am given to understand among
the clergy many better men than Honeyman who are as dilatory as he he begs
he entreats with tears in his eyes that Miss Canns music may cease I would
back little Cann to write a sermon against him for all his reputation as a
popular preacher
Old and weazened as that piano is feeble and cracked her voice it is
wonderful what a pleasant concert she can give in that parlour of a Saturday
evening to Mrs Ridley who generally dozes a good deal and to a lad who
listens with all his soul with tears sometimes in his great eyes with crowding
fancies filling his brain and throbbing at his heart as the artist plies her
humble instrument She plays old music of Handel and Haydn and the little
chamber anon swells into a cathedral and he who listens beholds altars lighted
priests ministering fair children swinging censers great oriel windows
gleaming in sunset and seen through arched columns and avenues of twilight
marble The young fellow who hears her has been often and often to the Opera and
the theatres As she plays Don Juan Zerlina comes tripping over the meadows
and Masetto after her with a crowd of peasants and maidens and they sing the
sweetest of all music and the heart beats with happiness and kindness and
pleasure Piano pianissimo the city is hushed The towers of the great
cathedral rise in the distance its spires lighted by the broad moon The
statues in the moonlit place cast long shadows athwart the pavement but the
fountain in the midst is dressed out like Cinderella for the night and sings
and wears a crest of diamonds That great sombre street all in shade can it be
the famous Toledo or is it the Corso or is it the great street in Madrid the
one which leads to the Escurial where the Rubens and Velasquez are It is Fancy
Street Poetry Street Imagination Street the street where lovely ladies
look from balconies where cavaliers strike mandolins and draw swords and
engage where long processions pass and venerable hermits with long beards
bless the kneeling people where the rude soldiery swaggering through the place
with flags and halberts and fife and dance seize the slim waists of the
daughters of the people and bid the pifferari play to their dancing Blow
bagpipes a storm of harmony become trumpets trombones ophicleides fiddles
and bassoons Fire guns Sound tocsins Shout people Louder shriller and
sweeter than all sing thou ravishing heroine And see on his creamcoloured
charger Massaniello prances in and Fra Diavolo leaps down the balcony carabine
in hand and Sir Huon of Bordeaux sails up to the quay with the Sultans
daughter of Babylon All these delights and sights and joys and glories these
thrills of sympathy movements of unknown longing and visions of beauty a
young sickly lad of eighteen enjoys in a little dark room where there is a bed
disguised in the shape of a wardrobe and a little old woman is playing under a
gaslamp on the jingling keys of an old piano
For a long time Mr Samuel Ridley butler and confidential valet to the
Right Honourable John James Baron Todmorden was in a state of the greatest
despair and gloom about his only son the little John James a sickly and
almost deformed child »of whom there was no making nothink« as Mr Ridley
said His figure precluded him from following his fathers profession and
waiting upon the British nobility who naturally require large and handsome men
to skip up behind their rolling carriages and hand their plates at dinner When
John James was six years old his father remarked with tears in his eyes he
wasnt higher than a platebasket The boys jeered at him in the streets some
whopped him spite of his diminutive size At school he made but little
progress He was always sickly and dirty and timid and crying whimpering in
the kitchen away from his mother who though she loved him took Mr Ridleys
view of his character and thought him little better than an idiot until such
time as little Miss Cann took him in hand when at length there was some hope of
him
»Halfwitted you great stupid big man« says Miss Cann who had a fine
spirit of her own »That boy halfwitted He has got more wit in his little
finger than you have in all your great person You are a very good man Ridley
very goodnatured Im sure and bear with the teasing of a waspish old woman
but you are not the wisest of mankind Tut tut dont tell me You know you
spell out the words when you read the newspaper still and what would your bills
look like if I did not write them in my nice little hand I tell you that boy is
a genius I tell you that one day the world will hear of him His heart is made
of pure gold You think that all the wit belongs to the big people Look at me
you great tall man Am I not a hundred times cleverer than you are Yes and
John James is worth a thousand such insignificant little chits as I am and he
is as tall as me too sir Do you hear that One day I am determined he shall
dine at Lord Todmordens table and he shall get the prize at the Royal Academy
and be famous sir famous«
»Well Miss C I wish he may get it thats all I say« answers Mr Ridley
»The poor fellow does no harm that I acknowledge but I never see the good he
was up to yet I wish hed begin it I du wish he would now« And the honest
gentleman relapses into the study of his paper
All those beautiful sounds and thoughts which Miss Cann conveys to him out
of her charmed piano the young artist straightway translates into forms and
knights in armour with plume and shield and battleaxe and splendid young
noblemen with flowing ringlets and bounteous plumes of feathers and rapiers
and russet boots and fierce banditti with crimson tights doublets profusely
illustrated with large brass buttons and the dumpy baskethilted claymores
known to be the favourite weapon with which these whiskered ruffians do battle
waspwaisted peasant girls and young countesses with oh such large eyes and
cherry lips all these splendid forms of war and beauty crowd to the young
draughtsmans pencil and cover letterbacks copybooks without end If his
hand strikes off some face peculiarly lovely and to his taste some fair vision
that has shone on his imagination some houri of a dancer some bright young
lady of fashion in an operabox whom he has seen or fancied he has seen for
the youth is shortsighted though he hardly as yet knows his misfortune if he
has made some effort extraordinarily successful our young Pygmalion hides away
the masterpiece and he paints the beauty with all his skill the lips a bright
carmine the eyes a deep deep cobalt the cheeks a dazzling vermilion the
ringlets of a golden hue and he worships this sweet creature of his in secret
fancies a history for her a castle to storm a tyrant usurper who keeps her
imprisoned and a prince in black ringlets and a spangled cloak who scales the
tower who slays the tyrant and then kneels gracefully at the princesss feet
and says »Lady wilt thou be mine«
There is a kind lady in the neighbourhood who takes in dressmaking for the
neighbouring maidservants and has a small establishment of lollipops
theatrical characters and gingerbeer for the boys in Little Craggs Buildings
hard by the Running Footman publichouse where father and other gentlemens
gentlemen have their club this good soul also sells Sunday newspapers to the
footmen of the neighbouring gentry and besides has a stock of novels for the
ladies of the upper servants table Next to Miss Cann Miss Flinders is John
Jamess greatest friend and benefactor She has remarked him when he was quite a
little man and used to bring his fathers beer of a Sunday Out of her novels
he has taught himself to read dull boy at the dayschool though he was and
always the last in his class there Hours happy hours has he spent cowering
behind her counter or hugging her books under his pinafore when he had leave to
carry them home The whole library has passed through his hands his long lean
tremulous hands and under his eager eyes He has made illustrations to every
one of those books and been frightened at his own pictures of Manfroni or the
Onehanded Monk Abellino the Terrific Bravo of Venice and Rinaldo Rinaldini
Captain of Robbers How he has blistered Thaddeus of Warsaw with his tears and
drawn him in his Polish cap and tights and Hessians William Wallace the Hero
of Scotland how nobly he has depicted him With what whiskers and bushy ostrich
plumes in a tight kilt and with what magnificent calves to his legs laying
about him with his battleaxe and bestriding the bodies of King Edwards
prostrate cavaliers At this time Mr Honeyman comes to lodge in Walpole Street
and brings a set of Scotts novels for which he subscribed when at Oxford and
young John James who at first waits upon him and does little odd jobs for the
reverend gentleman lights upon the volumes and reads them with such a delight
and passion of pleasure as all the delights of future days will scarce equal A
fool is he an idle feller out of whom no good will ever come as his father
says There was a time when in despair of any better chance for him his
parents thought of apprenticing him to a tailor and John James was waked up
from a dream of Rebecca and informed of the cruelty meditated against him I
forbear to describe the tears and terror and frantic desperation in which the
poor boy was plunged Little Miss Cann rescued him from that awful board and
Honeyman likewise interceded for him and Mr Bagshot promised that as soon as
his party came in he would ask the minister for a tidewaitership for him for
everybody liked the solemn softhearted willing little lad and no one knew
him less than his pompous and stupid and respectable father
Miss Cann painted flowers and cardscreens elegantly and finished
pencildrawings most elaborately for her pupils She could copy prints so that
at a little distance you would scarcely know that the copy in stumped chalk was
not a bad mezzotinto engraving She even had a little old paintbox and showed
you one or two ivory miniatures out of the drawer She gave John James what
little knowledge of drawing she had and handed him over her invaluable recipes
for mixing watercolours for trees in foregrounds burnt sienna and indigo
for very dark foliage ivory black and gamboge for fleshcolour etc etc
John James went through her poor little course but not so brilliantly as she
expected She was forced to own that several of her pupils pieces were executed
much more dexterously than Johnny Ridleys Honeyman looked at the boys
drawings from time to time and said »Hm ha very clever a great deal of
fancy really« But Honeyman knew no more of the subject than a deaf and dumb
man knows of music He could talk the Artcant very glibly and had a set of
Morghens and Madonnas as became a clergyman and a man of taste but he saw not
with eyes such as those wherewith Heaven had endowed the humble little butlers
boy to whom splendours of Nature were revealed to vulgar sights invisible and
beauties manifest in forms colours shadows of common objects where most of
the world saw only what was dull and gross and familiar One reads in the
magic storybooks of a charm or a flower which the wizard gives and which
enables the bearer to see the fairies O enchanting boon of Nature, which
reveals to the possessor the hidden spirits of beauty round about him spirits
which the strongest and most gifted masters compel into painting or song To
others it is granted but to have fleeting glimpses of that fair Art world and
tempted by ambition or barred by faintheartedness or driven by necessity to
turn away thence to the vulgar lifetrack and the light of common day
The reader who has passed through Walpole Street scores of times knows the
discomfortable architecture of all save the great houses built in Queen Annes
and George the Firsts time and while some of the neighbouring streets to
wit Great Craggs Street Bolingbroke Street and others contain mansions
fairly coped with stone with little obelisks before the doors and great
extinguishers wherein the torches of the nobilitys running footmen were put out
a hundred and thirty or forty years ago houses which still remain abodes of
the quality and where you shall see a hundred carriages gather of a public
night Walpole Street has quite faded away into lodgings private hotels
doctors houses and the like nor is No 23 Ridleys by any means the best
house in the street The parlour furnished and tenanted by Miss Cann as has
been described the first floor Bagshot Esq MP the second floor
Honeyman what remains but the garrets and the ample staircase and the
kitchens and the family being all put to bed how can you imagine there is room
for any more inhabitants
And yet there is one lodger more and one who like almost all the other
personages mentioned up to the present time and some of whom you have no idea
yet will play a definite part in the ensuing history At night when Honeyman
comes in he finds on the hall table three wax bedroom candles his own
Bagshots and another As for Miss Cann she is locked into the parlour in bed
long ago her stout little walkingshoes being on the mat at the door At 12
oclock at noon sometimes at 1 nay at 2 and 3 long after Bagshot has gone to
his committees and little Cann to her pupils a voice issues from the very
topmost floor from a room where there is no bell a voice of thunder calling
out »Slavey Julia Julia my love Mrs Ridley« And this summons not being
obeyed it will not unfrequently happen that a pair of trousers enclosing a pair
of boots with iron heels and known by the name of the celebrated Prussian
General who came up to help the other christener of boots at Waterloo will be
flung down from the topmost story even to the marble floor of the resounding
hall Then the boy Thomas otherwise called Slavey may say »There he goes
again« or Mrs Ridleys own back parlour bell rings vehemently and Julia the
cook will exclaim »Lor its Mr Frederick«
If the breeches and boots are not understood the owner himself appears in
great wrath dancing on the upper story dancing down to the lower floor and
loosely enveloped in a ragged and flowing robe de chambre In this costume and
condition he will dance into Honeymans apartment where that meek divine may be
sitting with a headache or over a novel or a newspaper dance up to the fire
flapping his robetails poke it and warm himself there dance up to the
cupboard where his reverence keeps his sherry and help himself to a glass
»Salve spes fidei lumen ecclesice« he will say »heres towards you my
buck I knows the tap Sherricks Marsala bottled three months after date at
two hundred and fortysix shillings the dozen«
»Indeed indeed its not« and now we are coming to an idea of the skeleton
in poor Honeymans closet not that this huge handsome jolly Fred Bayham is
the skeleton far from it Mr Frederick weighs fourteen stone »Indeed indeed
it isnt Fred Im sure« sighs the other »You exaggerate indeed you do The
wine is not dear not by any means so expensive as you say«
»How much a glass think you« says Fred filling another bumper »A
halfcrown think ye a halfcrown Honeyman By cock and pye it is not worth
a bender« He says this in the manner of the most celebrated tragedian of the
day He can imitate any actor tragic or comic any known Parliamentary orator
or clergyman any saw cock cloop of a cork wrenched from a bottle and guggling
of wine into the decanter afterwards bee buzzing little boy up a chimney etc
He imitates people being ill on board a steampacket so well that he makes you
die of laughing his uncle the Bishop could not resist this comic exhibition
and gave Fred a cheque for a comfortable sum of money and Fred getting cash
for the cheque at the Cave of Harmony imitated his uncle the Bishop and his
Chaplain winding up with his Lordship and Chaplain being unwell at sea the
Chaplain and Bishop quite natural and distinct
»How much does a glass of this sack cost thee Charley« resumes Fred after
this parenthesis »You say it is not dear Charles Honeyman you had even from
your youth up a villanous habit And I perfectly well remember sir in
boyhoods breezy hour when I was the delight of his school that you used to
tell lies to your venerable father You did Charles Excuse the frankness of an
early friend its my belief youd rather lie than not Hm« he looks at the
cards in the chimneyglass »invitations to dinners proffers of muffins Do
lend me your sermon O you old impostor you hoary old Ananias I say Charley
why havent you picked out some nice girl for yours truly One with lands and
beeves with rents and consols mark you I have no money tis true but then I
dont owe as much as you I am a handsomer man than you are Look at this chest«
he slaps it »these limbs they are manly sir manly«
»For Heavens sake Bayham« cries Mr Honeyman white with terror »if
anybody were to come «
»What did I say anon sir that I was manly ay manly Let any ruffian
save a bailiff come and meet the doughty arm of Frederick Bayham«
»O Lord Lord heres somebody coming into the room« cries Charles sinking
back on the sofa as the door opens
»Ha dost thou come with murderous intent« and he now advances in an
approved offensive attitude »Caitiff come on come on« and he walks off with
a tragic laugh crying »Ha ha ha tis but the slavey«
The slavey has Mr Fredericks hot water and a bottle of sodawater on the
same tray He has been instructed to bring soda whenever he hears the word
slavey pronounced from above The bottle explodes and Frederick drinks and
hisses after his drink as though he had been all hot within
»Whats oclock now slavey halfpast three Let me see I breakfasted
exactly ten hours ago in the rosy morning off a modest cup of coffee in Covent
Garden Market Coffee a penny bread a simple halfpenny What has Mrs Ridley
for dinner«
»Please sir roast pork«
»Get me some Bring it into my room unless Honeyman you insist upon my
having it here kind fellow«
At the moment a smart knock comes to the door and Fred says »Well
Charles it may be a friend or a lady come to confess and Im off I knew
youd be sorry I was going Tom bring up my things brush em gently you
scoundrel and dont take the nap off Bring up the roast pork and plenty of
applesauce tell Mrs Ridley with my love and one of Mr Honeymans shirts
and one of his razors Adieu Charles Amend Remember me« And he vanishes into
the upper chambers
Chapter XII
In Which Everybody Is Asked to Dinner
John James had opened the door hastening to welcome a friend and patron the
sight of whom always gladdened the youths eyes no other than Clive Newcome
in young Ridleys opinion the most splendid fortunate beautiful highborn
and gifted youth this island contained What generous boy in his time has not
worshipped somebody Before the female enslaver makes her appearance every lad
has a friend of friends a crony of cronies to whom he writes immense letters
in vacation whom he cherishes in his heart of hearts whose sister he proposes
to marry in afterlife whose purse he shares for whom he will take a thrashing
if need be who is his hero Clive was John Jamess youthful divinity When he
wanted to draw Thaddeus of Warsaw a Prince Ivanhoe or some one splendid and
egregious it was Clive he took for a model His heart leapt when he saw the
young fellow He would walk cheerfully to Grey Friars with a letter or message
for Clive on the chance of seeing him and getting a kind word from him or a
shake of the hand An exbutler of Lord Todmorden was a pensioner in the Grey
Friars Hospital it has been said that at that ancient establishment is a
college for old men as well as for boys and this old man would come sometimes
to his successors Sunday dinner and grumble from the hour of that meal until
nine oclock when he was forced to depart so as to be within Grey Friars gates
before ten grumble about his dinner grumble about his beer grumble about
the number of chapels he had to attend about the gown he wore about the
Masters treatment of him about the want of plums in the pudding as old men
and schoolboys grumble It was wonderful what a liking John James took to this
odious querulous graceless stupid and snuffy old man and how he would find
pretexts for visiting him at his lodging in the old hospital He actually took
that journey that he might have a chance of seeing Clive He sent Clive notes
and packets of drawings thanked him for books lent asked advice about future
readinganything so that he might have a sight of his pride his patron his
paragon
I am afraid Clive Newcome employed him to smuggle rumshrub and cigars into
the premises giving him appointments in the school precincts where young Clive
would come and stealthily receive the forbidden goods The poor lad was known by
the boys and called Newcomes Punch He was all but hunchbacked long and lean
in the arm sallow with a great forehead and waving black hair and large
melancholy eyes
»What is it you JJ« cries Clive gaily when his humble friend appears
at the door »Father this is my friend Ridley This is the fellow what can
draw«
»I know whom I will back against any young man of his size at that« says
the Colonel looking at Clive fondly He considered there was not such a genius
in the world and had already thought of having some of Clives drawings
published by MLean of the Haymarket
»This is my father just come from India and Mr Pendennis an old Grey
Friars man Is my uncle at home«
Both these gentlemen bestow rather patronizing nods of the head on the lad
introduced to them as JJ His exterior is but meanlooking Colonel Newcome
one of the humblestminded men alive has yet his oldfashioned military
notions and speaks to a butlers son as to a private soldier kindly but not
familiarly
»Mr Honeyman is at home gentlemen« the young lad says humbly »Shall I
show you up to his room« And we walk up the stairs after our guide We find Mr
Honeyman deep in study on his sofa with »Pearson on the Creed« before him The
novel has been whipped under the pillow Clive found it there some short time
afterwards during his uncles temporary absence in his dressingroom He has
agreed to suspend his theological studies and go out with his brotherinlaw to
dine
As Clive and his friends were at Honeymans door and just as we were
entering to see the divine seated in state before his folio Clive whispers
»JJ come along old fellow and show us some drawings What are you doing«
»I was doing some Arabian Nights« says JJ »up in my room and hearing a
knock which I thought was yours I came down«
»Show us the pictures Lets go up into your room« cries Clive
»What will you« says the other »It is but a very small place«
»Never mind come along« says Clive and the two lads disappear together
leaving the three grown gentlemen to discourse together or rather two of us
to listen to Honeyman who expatiates upon the beauty of the weather the
difficulties of the clerical calling the honour Colonel Newcome does him by a
visit etc with his usual eloquence
After a while Clive comes down without JJ from the upper regions He is
greatly excited »Oh sir« he says to his father »you talk about my drawings
you should see JJs By Jove that fellow is a genius They are beautiful
sir You seem actually to read the Arabian Nights you know only in pictures
There is Scheherazade telling the stories and what do you call her
Dinarzade and the Sultan sitting in bed and listening Such a grim old cove You
see he has cut off ever so many of his wives heads I cant think where that
chap gets his ideas from I can beat him in drawing horses I know and dogs
but I can only draw what I see Somehow he seems to see things we dont dont
you know Oh father Im determined Id rather be a painter than anything« And
he falls to drawing horses and dogs at his uncles table round which the elders
are seated
»Ive settled it upstairs with JJ« says Clive working away with his pen
»We shall take a studio together perhaps we will go abroad together Wont that
be fun father«
»My dear Clive« remarks Mr Honeyman with bland dignity »there are
degrees in society which we must respect You surely cannot think of being a
professional artist Such a profession is very well for your young protégé but
for you «
»What for me« cries Clive »We are no such great folks that I know of and
if we were I say a painter is as good as a lawyer or a doctor or even a
soldier In Dr Johnsons Life which my father is always reading I like to
read about Sir Joshua Reynolds best I think he is the best gentleman of all in
the book My wouldnt I like to paint a picture like Lord Heathfield in the
National Gallery Wouldnt I just I think I would sooner have done that than
have fought at Gibraltar And those Three Graces oh arent they graceful And
that Cardinal Beaufort at Dulwich it frightens me so I darent look at it
Wasnt Reynolds a clipper thats all and wasnt Rubens a brick He was an
ambassador and Knight of the Bath so was Vandyck And Titian and Raphael and
Velasquez Ill just trouble you to show me better gentlemen than them Uncle
Charles«
»Far be it from me to say that the pictorial calling is not honourable«
says Uncle Charles »but as the world goes there are other professions in
greater repute and I should have thought Colonel Newcomes son «
»He shall follow his own bent« said the Colonel »As long as his calling is
honest it becomes a gentleman and if he were to take a fancy to play on the
fiddle actually on the fiddle I shouldnt object«
»Such a rum chap there was upstairs« Clive resumes looking up from his
scribbling »He was walking up and down on the landing in a dressinggown with
scarcely any other clothes on holding a plate in one hand and a pork chop he
was munching with the other Like this« and Clive draws a figure »What do you
think sir He was in the Cave of Harmony he says that night you flared up
about Captain Costigan He knew me at once and he says Sir your father acted
like a gentleman a Christian and a man of honour Maxima debetur puero
reverentia Give him my compliments I dont know his highly respectable name
His highly respectable name« says Clive cracking with laughter »those were
his very words And inform him that I am an orphan myself in needy
circumstances he said he was in needy circumstances and I heartily wish hed
adopt me«
The lad puffed out his face made his voice as loud and as deep as he could
and from his imitation and the picture he had drawn I knew at once that Fred
Bayham was the man he mimicked
»And does the Red Rover live here« cried Mr Pendennis »and have we
earthed him at last«
»He sometimes comes here« Mr Honeyman said with a careless manner »My
landlord and landlady were butler and housekeeper to his father Bayham of
Bayham one of the oldest families in Europe and Mr Frederick Bayham the
exceedingly eccentric person of whom you speak was a private pupil of my own
dear father in our happy days at Borehambury«
He had scarcely spoken when a knock was heard at the door and before the
occupant of the lodgings could say »Come in« Mr Frederick Bayham made his
appearance arrayed in that peculiar costume which he affected In those days we
wore very tall stocks only a very few poetic and eccentric persons venturing on
the Byron collar but Fred Bayham confined his neck by a simple ribbon which
allowed his great red whiskers to curl freely round his capacious jowl He wore
a black frock and a large broadbrimmed hat and looked somewhat like a
Dissenting preacher At other periods you would see him in a green coat and a
blue neckcloth as if the turf or the driving of coaches was his occupation
»I have heard from the young man of the house who you were Colonel
Newcome« he said with the greatest gravity »and happened to be present sir
the other night for I was aweary having been toiling all the day in literary
labour and needed some refreshment I happened to be present sir at a scene
which did you the greatest honour and of which I spoke not knowing you with
something like levity to your son He is an ingenui vultus puer ingenuique
pudoris Pendennis how are you And I thought sir I would come down and
tender an apology if I had said any words that might savour of offence to a
gentleman who was in the right as I told the room when you quitted it as Mr
Pendennis I am sure will remember«
Mr Pendennis looked surprise and perhaps negation
»You forget Pendennis Those who quit that room sir often forget on the
morrow what occurred during the revelry of the night You did right in refusing
to return to that scene We public men are obliged often to seek our refreshment
at hours when luckier individuals are lapt in slumber«
»And what may be your occupation Mr Bayham« asks the Colonel rather
gloomily for he had an idea that Bayham was adopting a strain of persiflage
which the Indian gentleman by no means relished Never saying aught but a kind
word to any one he was on fire at the notion that any should take a liberty
with him
»A barrister sir but without business a literary man who can but seldom
find an opportunity to sell the works of his brains a gentleman sir who has
met with neglect perhaps merited perhaps undeserved from his family I get my
bread as best I may On that evening I had been lecturing on the genius of some
of our comic writers at the Parthenopæon Hackney My audience was scanty
perhaps equal to my deserts I came home on foot to an egg and a glass of beer
after midnight and witnessed the scene which did you so much honour What is
this I fancy a ludicrous picture of myself« he had taken up the sketch which
Clive had been drawing »I like fun even at my own expense and can afford to
laugh at a joke which is meant in goodhumour«
This speech quite reconciled the honest Colonel »I am sure the author of
that Mr Bayham means you or any man no harm Why the rascal sir has drawn
me his own father and I have sent the drawing to Major Tomkinson who is in
command of my regiment Chinnery himself sir couldnt hit off a likeness
better He has drawn me on horseback and he has drawn me on foot and he has
drawn my friend Mr Binnie who lives with me We have scores of his drawings
at my lodgings and if you will favour us by dining with us today and these
gentlemen you shall see that you are not the only person caricatured by Clive
here«
»I just took some little dinner upstairs sir I am a moderate man and can
live if need be like a Spartan but to join such good company I will gladly
use the knife and fork again You will excuse the travellers dress I keep a
room here which I use only occasionally and am at present lodging in the
country«
When Honeyman was ready the Colonel who had the greatest respect for the
Church would not hear of going out of the room before the clergyman and took
his arm to walk Bayham then fell to Mr Pendenniss lot and they went
together Through Hill Street and Berkeley Square their course was straight
enough but at Hay Hill Mr Bayham made an abrupt tack larboard engaging in a
labyrinth of stables and walking a long way round from Clifford Street whither
we were bound He hinted at a cab but Pendennis refused to ride being in
truth anxious to see which way his eccentric companion would steer »There are
reasons« growled Bayham »which need not be explained to one of your
experience why Bond Street must be avoided by some men peculiarly situated The
smell of Truefitts pomatum makes me ill Tell me Pendennis is this Indian
warrior a rajah of large wealth Could he do you think recommend me to a
situation in the East India Company I would gladly take any honest post in
which fidelity might be useful genius might be appreciated and courage
rewarded Here we are The hotel seems comfortable I never was in it before«
When we entered the Colonels sittingroom at Nerots we found the waiter
engaged in extending the table »We are a larger party than I expected« our
host said »I met my brother Brian on horseback leaving cards at that great
house in Street«
»The Russian Embassy« says Mr Honeyman who knew the town quite well
»And he said he was disengaged and would dine with us« continues the
Colonel
»Am I to understand Colonel Newcome« says Mr Frederick Bayham »that you
are related to the eminent banker Sir Brian Newcome who gives such uncommonly
swell parties in Park Lane«
»What is a swell party« asks the Colonel laughing »I dined with my
brother last Wednesday and it was a very grand dinner certainly The
GovernorGeneral himself could not give a more splendid entertainment But do
you know I scarcely had enough to eat I dont eat side dishes and as for the
roast beef of old England why the meat was put on the table and whisked away
like Sanchos inauguration feast at Barataria We did not dine till nine
oclock I like a few glasses of claret and a cosy talk after dinner but
well well« no doubt the worthy gentleman was accusing himself of telling
tales out of school and had come to a timely repentance »Our dinner I hope
will be different Jack Binnie will take care of that That fellow is full of
anecdote and fun You will meet one or two more of our service Sir Thomas de
Boots who is not a bad chap over a glass of wine Mr Pendenniss chum Mr
Warrington and my nephew Barnes Newcome a dry fellow at first but I dare say
he has good about him when you know him almost every man has« said the
goodnatured philosopher »Clive you rogue mind and be moderate with the
champagne sir«
»Champagnes for women« says Clive »I stick to claret«
»I say Pendennis« here Bayham remarked »it is my deliberate opinion that
FB has got into a good thing«
Mr Pendennis seeing there was a great party was for going home to his
chambers to dress »Hm« says Mr Bayham »dont see the necessity What
rightminded man looks at the exterior of his neighbour He looks here sir and
examines there« and Bayham tapped his forehead which was expansive and then
his heart which he considered to be in the right place
»What is this I hear about dressing« asks our host »Dine in your frock my
good friend and welcome if your dress coat is in the country«
»It is at present at an uncles« Mr Bayham said with great gravity »and
I take your hospitality as you offer it Colonel Newcome cordially and
frankly«
Honest Mr Binnie made his appearance a short time before the appointed hour
for receiving the guests arrayed in a tight little pair of trousers and white
silk stockings and pumps his bald head shining like a billiard ball his jolly
gills rosy with goodhumour He was bent on pleasure »Hey lads« says he »but
well make a night of it We havent had a night since the farewell dinner off
Plymouth«
»And a jolly night it was James« ejaculates the Colonel
»Egad what a song that Tom Norris sings«
»And your Jock o Hazeldean is as good as a play Jack«
»And I think you beat iny one I iver hard in Tom Bowling yourself Tom«
cries the Colonels delighted chum Mr Pendennis opened the eyes of
astonishment at the idea of the possibility of renewing these festivities but
he kept the lips of prudence closed And now the carriages began to drive up
and the guests of Colonel Newcome to arrive
Chapter XIII
In Which Thomas Newcome Sings His Last Song
The earliest comers were the first mate and the medical officer of the ship in
which the two gentlemen had come to England The mate was a Scotchman the
doctor was a Scotchman of the gentlemen from the Oriental Club three were
Scotchmen
The Southerons with one exception were the last to arrive and for a while
we stood looking out of the windows awaiting their coming The first mate pulled
out a penknife and arranged his nails The doctor and Mr Binnie talked of the
progress of medicine Binnie had walked the hospitals of Edinburgh before
getting his civil appointment to India The three gentlemen from Hanover Square
and the Colonel had plenty to say about Tom Smith of the Cavalry and Harry Hall
of the Engineers how Topham was going to marry poor little Bob Walliss widow
how many lakhs Barber had brought home and the like The tall greyheaded
Englishman who had been in the East too in the Kings service joined for a
while in this conversation but presently left it and came and talked with
Clive »I knew your father in India« said the gentleman to the lad »there is
not a more gallant or respected officer in that service I have a boy too a
stepson who has just gone into the army He is older than you he was born at
the end of the Waterloo year and so was a great friend of his and mine who was
at your school Sir Rawdon Crawley«
»He was in Gown Boys I know« says the boy »succeeded his uncle Pitt
fourth Baronet I dont know how his mother her who wrote the hymns you know
and goes to Mr Honeymans chapel comes to be Rebecca Lady Crawley His
father Colonel Rawdon Crawley died at Coventry Island in August 182 and his
uncle Sir Pitt not till September here I remember we used to talk about it at
Grey Friars when I was quite a little chap and there were bets whether
Crawley I mean the young one was a Baronet or not«
»When I sailed to Rigy Cornel« the first mate was speaking nor can any
spelling nor combination of letters of which I am master reproduce this
gentlemans accent when he was talking his best »I racklackt they used always
to sairve us a drem before denner And as your frinds are kipping the denner
and as Ive no watch tonight Ill jist do as we used to do at Rigy James my
fine fellow jist look alive and breng me a small glass of brandy will ye Did
ye iver try a brandy cocktail Cornel Whin I sailed on the New York line we
used jest to make bits before denner and thank ye James« and he tossed off
a glass of brandy
Here a waiter announces in a loud voice »Sir Thomas de Boots« and the
General enters scowling round the room according to his fashion very red in
the face very tight in the girth splendidly attired with a choking white
neckcloth a voluminous waistcoat and his orders on
»Stars and garters by jingo« cries Mr Frederic Bayham »I say Pendennis
have you any idea, is the Duke coming I wouldnt have come in these bluchers if
I had known it Confound it no Hoby himself my own bootmaker wouldnt have
allowed poor FB to appear in bluchers if he had known that I was going to
meet the Duke My linens all right anyhow« and FB breathed a thankful
prayer for that Indeed who but the very curious could tell that not FBs
but CHs Charles Honeymans was the mark upon that decorous linen
Colonel Newcome introduced Sir Thomas to every one in the room as he had
introduced us all to each other previously and as Sir Thomas looked at one
after another his face was kind enough to assume an expression which seemed to
ask »And who the devil are you sir« as clearly as though the General himself
had given utterance to the words With the gentleman in the window talking to
Clive he seemed to have some acquaintance and said not unkindly »How dyou
do Dobbin«
The carriage of Sir Brian Newcome now drove up from which the Baronet
descended in state leaning upon the arm of the Apollo in plush and powder who
closed the shutters of the great coach and mounted by the side of the coachman
laced and periwigged The Bench of Bishops has given up its wigs cannot the
box too be made to resign that insane decoration Is it necessary for our
comfort that the men who do our work in stable or household should be dressed
like merryandrews Enter Sir Brian Newcome smiling blandly He greets his
brother affectionately Sir Thomas gaily he nods and smiles to Clive and
graciously permits Mr Pendennis to take hold of two fingers of his extended
right hand That gentleman is charmed of course with the condescension What
man could be otherwise than happy to be allowed a momentary embrace of two such
precious fingers When a gentleman so favours me I always ask mentally why he
has taken the trouble at all and regret that I have not had the presence of
mind to poke one finger against his two If I were worth ten thousand a year I
cannot help inwardly reflecting and kept a large account in Threadneedle
Street I cannot help thinking he would have favoured me with the whole palm
The arrival of these two grandees has somehow cast a solemnity over the
company The weather is talked about brilliant in itself, it does not occasion
very brilliant remarks among Colonel Newcomes guests Sir Brian really thinks
it must be as hot as it is in India Sir Thomas de Boots swelling in his white
waistcoat in the armholes of which his thumbs are engaged smiles scornfully
and wishes Sir Brian had ever felt a good sweltering day in the hot winds in
India Sir Brian withdraws the untenable proposition that London is as hot as
Calcutta Mr Binnie looks at his watch and at the Colonel »We have only your
nephew Tom to wait for« he says »I think we may make so bold as to order the
dinner« a proposal heartily seconded by Mr Frederick Bayham
The dinner appears steaming borne by steaming waiters The grandees take
their places one on each side of the Colonel He begs Mr Honeyman to say
grace and stands reverentially during that brief ceremony while De Boots looks
queerly at him from over his napkin All the young men take their places at the
farther end of the table round about Mr Binnie and at the end of the second
course Mr Barnes Newcome makes his appearance
Mr Barnes does not show the slightest degree of disturbance although he
disturbs all the company Soup and fish are brought for him and meat which he
leisurely eats while twelve other gentlemen are kept waiting We mark Mr
Binnies twinkling eyes as they watch the young man »Eh« he seems to say »but
thats just about as free and easy a young chap as ever I set eyes on« And so
Mr Barnes was a cool young chap That dish is so good he must really have some
more He discusses the second supply leisurely and turning round simpering to
his neighbour says »I really hope Im not keeping everybody waiting«
»Hem« grunts the neighbour Mr Bayham »it doesnt much matter for we had
all pretty well done dinner« Barnes takes a note of Mr Bayhams dress his
long frockcoat the ribbon round his neck and surveys him with an admirable
impudence »Who are these people« thinks he »my uncle has got together« He
bows graciously to the honest Colonel who asks him to take wine He is so
insufferably affable that every man near him would like to give him a beating
All the time of the dinner the host was challenging everybody to drink wine
in his honest oldfashioned way and Mr Binnie seconding the chief entertainer
Such was the way in England and Scotland when they were young men And when
Binnie asking Sir Brian receives for reply from the Baronet »Thank you No
my dear sir I have exceeded already positively exceeded« the poor discomfited
gentleman hardly knows whither to apply but luckily Tom Norris the first
mate comes to his rescue and cries out »Mr Binnie Ive not had enough and
Ill drink a glass of anything ye like with ye« The fact is that Mr Norris
has had enough He has drunk bumpers to the health of every member of the
company his glass has been filled scores of times by watchful waiters So has
Mr Bayham absorbed great quantities of drink but without any visible effect on
that veteran toper So has young Clive taken more than is good for him His
cheeks are flushed and burning he is chattering and laughing loudly at his end
of the table Mr Warrington eyes the lad with some curiosity and then regards
Mr Barnes with a look of scorn which does not scorch that affable young
person
I am obliged to confess that the mate of the Indiaman at an early period of
the dessert and when nobody had asked him for any such public expression of his
opinion insisted on rising and proposing the health of Colonel Newcome whose
virtues he lauded outrageously and whom he pronounced to be one of the best of
mortal men Sir Brian looked very much alarmed at the commencement of this
speech which the mate delivered with immense shrieks and gesticulation but the
Baronet recovered during the course of the rambling oration and at its
conclusion gracefully tapped the table with one of those patronizing fingers
and lifting up a glass containing at least a thimbleful of claret said »My
dear brother I drink your health with all my heart Im suah« The youthful
Barnes had uttered many »Hear hears« during the discourse with an irony
which with every fresh glass of wine he drank he cared less to conceal And
though Barnes had come late he had drunk largely making up for lost time
Those ironical cheers and all his cousins behaviour during dinner had
struck young Clive who was growing very angry He growled out remarks
uncomplimentary to Barnes His eyes as he looked towards his kinsman flashed
out challenges of which we who were watching him could see the warlike purport
Warrington looked at Bayham and Pendennis with glances of apprehension We saw
that danger was brooding unless the one young man could be restrained from his
impertinence and the other from his wine
Colonel Newcome said a very few words in reply to his honest friend the
chief mate and there the matter might have ended But I am sorry to say Mr
Binnie now thought it necessary to rise and deliver himself of some remarks
regarding the Kings service coupled with the name of MajorGeneral Sir Thomas
de Boots KCB etc the receipt of which that gallant officer was obliged to
acknowledge in a confusion amounting almost to apoplexy The glasses went whack
whack upon the hospitable board the evening set in for public speaking
Encouraged by his last effort Mr Binnie now proposed Sir Brian Newcomes
health and that Baronet rose and uttered an exceedingly lengthy speech
delivered with his wineglass on his bosom
Then that sad rogue Bayham must get up and call earnestly and respectfully
for silence and the chairmans hearty sympathy for the few observations which
he had to propose »Our armies had been drunk with proper enthusiasm such men
as he beheld around him deserved the applause of all honest hearts and merited
the cheers with which their names had been received Hear hear from Barnes
Newcome sarcastically Hear hear HEAR fiercely from Clive But whilst we
applauded our army should we forget a profession still more exalted Yes still
more exalted I say in the face of the gallant General opposite and that
profession I need not say is the Church Applause Gentlemen we have among
us one who while partaking largely of the dainties on this festive board
drinking freely of the sparkling winecup which our gallant friends hospitality
administers to us sanctifies by his presence the feast of which he partakes
inaugurates with appropriate benedictions and graces it I may say both before
and after meat Gentlemen Charles Honeyman was the friend of my childhood his
father the instructor of my early days If Frederick Bayhams latter life has
been chequered by misfortune it may be that I have forgotten the precepts which
the venerable parent of Charles Honeyman poured into an inattentive ear He
too as a child was not exempt from faults as a young man I am told not
quite free from youthful indiscretions But in this present Anno Domini we hail
Charles Honeyman as a precept and an example as a decus fidei and a lumen
ecclesiæ as I told him in the confidence of the private circle this morning
and ere I ever thought to publish my opinion in this distinguished company
Colonel Newcome and Mr Binnie I drink to the health of the Reverend Charles
Honeyman AM May we listen to many more of his sermons as well as to that
admirable discourse with which I am sure he is about to electrify us now May we
profit by his eloquence and cherish in our memories the truths which come
mended from his tongue« He ceased Poor Honeyman had to rise on his legs and
gasp out a few incoherent remarks in reply Without a book before him the
Incumbent of Lady Whittleseas Chapel was no prophet and the truth is he made
poor work of his oration
At the end of it he Sir Brian Colonel Dobbin and one of the Indian
gentlemen quitted the room in spite of the loud outcries of our generous host
who insisted that the party should not break up »Close up gentlemen« called
out honest Newcome »we are not going to part just yet Let me fill your glass
General You used to have no objection to a glass of wine« And he poured out a
bumper for his friend which the old campaigner sucked in with fitting gusto
»Who will give us a song Binnie give us the Laird of Cockpen Its capital my
dear General capital« the Colonel whispered to his neighbour
Mr Binnie struck up the Laird of Cockpen without I am bound to say the
least reluctance He bobbed to one man and he winked to another and he tossed
his glass and gave all the points of his song in a manner which did credit to
his simplicity and his humour You haughty Southerners little know how a jolly
Scotch gentleman can desipere in loco and how he chirrups over his honest cups
I do not say whether it was with the song or with Mr Binnie that we were most
amused It was a good commonty as Christopher Sly says nor were we sorry when
it was done
Him the first mate succeeded after which came a song from the redoubted F
Bayham which he sang with a bass voice which Lablache might envy and of which
the chorus was frantically sung by the whole company The cry was then for the
Colonel on which Barnes Newcome who had been drinking much started up with
something like an oath crying »Oh I cant stand this«
»Then leave it confound you« said young Clive with fury in his face »If
our company is not good enough for you why do you come into it«
»Whas that« asks Barnes who was evidently affected by wine Bayham roared
»Silence« and Barnes Newcome looking round with a tipsy toss of the head
finally sate down
The Colonel sang as we have said with a very high voice using freely the
falsetto after the manner of the tenorsingers of his day He chose one of his
maritime songs and got through the first verse very well Barnes wagging his
head at the chorus with a Bravo so offensive that Fred Bayham his neighbour
gripped the young mans arm and told him to hold his confounded tongue
The Colonel began his second verse and here as will often happen to
amateur singers his falsetto broke down He was not in the least annoyed for I
saw him smile very goodnaturedly and he was going to try the verse again when
that unlucky Barnes first gave a sort of crowing imitation of the song and then
burst into a yell of laughter Clive dashed a glass of wine in his face at the
next minute glass and all and no one who had watched the young mans behaviour
was sorry for the insult
I never saw a kind face express more terror than Colonel Newcomes He
started back as if he had himself received the blow from his son »Gracious
God« he cried out »my boy insult a gentleman at my table«
»Id like to do it again« says Clive whose whole body was trembling with
anger
»Are you drunk sir« shouted his father
»The boy served the young fellow right sir« growled Fred Bayham in his
deepest voice »Come along young man Stand up straight and keep a civil
tongue in your head next time mind you when you dine with gentlemen Its easy
to see« says Fred looking round with a knowing air »that this young man
hasnt got the usages of society hes not been accustomed to it« and he led
the dandy out
Others had meanwhile explained the state of the case to the Colonel
including Sir Thomas de Boots who was highly energetic and delighted with
Clives spirit and some were for having the song to continue but the Colonel
puffing his cigar said »No My pipe is out I will never sing again« So this
history will record no more of Thomas Newcomes musical performances
Chapter XIV
Park Lane
Clive woke up the next morning to be aware of a racking headache and by the
dim light of his throbbing eyes to behold his father with solemn face at his
bedfoot a reproving conscience to greet his waking
»You drank too much wine last night and disgraced yourself sir« the old
soldier said »You must get up and eat humble pie this morning my boy«
»Humble what father« asked the lad hardly aware of his words or the
scene before him »Oh Ive got such a headache«
»Serve you right sir Many a young fellow has had to go on parade in the
morning with a headache earned overnight Drink this water Now jump up Now
dash the water well over your head There you come Make your toilette quickly
and let us be off and find Cousin Barnes before he has left home«
Clive obeyed the paternal orders dressed himself quickly and descending
found his father smoking his morning cigar in the apartment where they had dined
the night before and where the tables still were covered with the relics of
yesterdays feast the emptied bottles the blank lamps the scattered ashes
and fruits the wretched heeltaps that have been lying exposed all night to the
air Who does not know the aspect of an expired feast
»The field of action strewed with the dead my boy« says Clives father
»See heres the glass on the floor yet and a great stain of claret on the
carpet«
»O father« says Clive hanging his head down »I know I shouldnt have done
it But Barnes Newcome would provoke the patience of Job and I couldnt bear to
have my father insulted«
»I am big enough to fight my own battles my boy« the Colonel said
goodnaturedly putting his hand on the lads damp head »How your head throbs
If Barnes laughed at my singing depend upon it sir there was something
ridiculous in it and he laughed because he could not help it If he behaved
ill we should not and to a man who is eating our salt too and is of our
blood«
»He is ashamed of our blood father« cries Clive still indignant
»We ought to be ashamed of doing wrong We must go and ask his pardon Once
when I was a young man in India« the father continued very gravely »some hot
words passed at mess not such an insult as that of last night I dont think I
could have quite borne that and people found fault with me for forgiving the
youngster who had uttered the offensive expressions over his wine Some of my
acquaintance sneered at my courage and that is a hard imputation for a young
fellow of spirit to bear But providentially you see it was wartime and very
soon after I had the good luck to show that I was not a poule mouillée as the
French call it and the man who insulted me and whom I forgave became my
fastest friend and died by my side it was poor Jack Cutler at Argaum We
must go and ask Barnes Newcomes pardon sir and forgive other peoples
trespasses my boy if we hope forgiveness of our own« His voice sank down as
he spoke and he bowed his honest head reverently I have heard his son tell the
simple story years afterwards with tears in his eyes
Piccadilly was hardly yet awake the next morning and the sparkling dews and
the poor homeless vagabonds still had possession of the grass of Hyde Park as
the pair walked up to Sir Brian Newcomes house where the shutters were just
opening to let in the day The housemaid who was scrubbing the steps of the
house and washing its trim feet in a manner which became such a polite
mansions morning toilet knew Master Clive and smiled at him from under her
blousy curlpapers admitting the two gentlemen into Sir Brians diningroom
where they proposed to wait until Mr Barnes should appear There they sate for
an hour looking at Lawrences picture of Lady Ann leaning over a harp attired
in white muslin at Harlowes portrait of Mrs Newcome with her two sons
simpering at her knees painted at a time when the Newcome brothers were not the
baldheaded redwhiskered British merchants with whom the reader has made
acquaintance but chubby children with hair flowing down their backs and quaint
little swallowtailed jackets and nankeen trousers A splendid portrait of the
late Earl of Kew in his peers robes hangsopposite his daughter and her harp
We are writing of George the Fourths reign I dare say there hung in the room a
fine framed print of that great sovereign The chandelier is in a canvas bag
the vast sideboard whereon are erected open frames for the support of Sir Brian
Newcomes grand silver trays which on dinner days gleam on that festive board
now groans under the weight of Sir Brians Bluebooks An immense receptacle for
wine shaped like a Roman sarcophagus lurks under the sideboard Two people
sitting at that large diningtable must talk very loud so as to make themselves
heard across those great slabs of mahogany covered with damask The butler and
servants who attend at the table take a long time walking round it I picture to
myself two persons of ordinary size sitting in that great room at that great
table far apart in neat evening costume sipping a little sherry silent
genteel and glum and think the great and wealthy are not always to be envied
and that there may be more comfort and happiness in a snug parlour where you
are served by a brisk little maid than in a great dark dreary dininghall
where a funereal majordomo and a couple of stealthy footmen minister to you
your mutton chops They come and lay the cloth presently wide as the mainsheet
of some tall ammiral A pile of newspapers and letters for the master of the
house the Newcome Sentinel old county paper moderate Conservative in which
our worthy townsman and member is praised his benefactions are recorded and
his speeches given at full length the Newcome Independent in which our
precious member is weekly described as a ninny and informed almost every
Thursday morning that he is a bloated aristocrat as he munches his dry toast
Heaps of letters county papers Times and Morning Herald for Sir Brian
Newcome little heaps of letters dinner and soirée cards most of these and
Morning Post for Mr Barnes Punctually as eight oclock strikes that young
gentleman comes to breakfast his father will lie yet for another hour the
Baronets prodigious labours in the House of Commons keeping him frequently out
of bed till sunrise
As his cousin entered the room Clive turned very red and perhaps a faint
blush might appear on Barness pallid countenance He came in a handkerchief in
one hand a pamphlet in the other and both hands being thus engaged he could
offer neither to his kinsmen
»You are come to breakfast I hope« he said calling it breakfast and
pronouncing the words with a most languid drawl »or perhaps you want to see
my father He is never out of his room till halfpast nine Harper did Sir
Brian come in last night before or after me« Harper the butler thinks Sir
Brian came in after Mr Barnes
When that functionary had quitted the room Barnes turned round to his uncle
in a candid smiling way and said »The fact is sir I dont know when I came
home myself very distinctly and cant of course tell about my father
Generally you know there are two candles left in the hall you know and if
there are two you know I know of course that my father is still at the House
But last night after that capital song you sang hang me if I know what
happened to me I beg your pardon sir Im shocked at having been so
overtaken Such a confounded thing doesnt happen to me once in ten years I do
trust I didnt do anything rude to anybody for I thought some of your friends
the pleasantest fellows I ever met in my life and as for the claret gad as
if I hadnt had enough after dinner I brought a quantity of it away with me on
my shirtfront and waistcoat«
»I beg your pardon Barnes« Clive said blushing deeply »and Im very
sorry indeed for what passed I threw it«
The Colonel who had been listening with a queer expression of wonder and
doubt on his face here interrupted Mr Barnes »It was Clive that that
spilled the wine over you last night« Thomas Newcome said »the young rascal
had drunk a great deal too much wine and had neither the use of his head nor
his hands And this morning I have given him a lecture and he has come to ask
your pardon for his clumsiness and if you have forgotten your share in the
nights transaction I hope you have forgotten his and will accept his hand and
his apology«
»Apology Theres no apology« cries Barnes holding out a couple of fingers
of his hand but looking towards the Colonel »I dont know what happened any
more than the dead Did we have a row Were there any glasses broken The best
way in such cases is to sweep em up We cant mend them«
The Colonel said gravely »that he was thankful to find that the disturbance
of the night before had no worse result« He pulled the tail of Clives coat
when that unlucky young blunderer was about to trouble his cousin with
indiscreet questions or explanations and checked his talk »The other night you
saw an old man in drink my boy« he said »and to what shame and degradation
the old wretch had brought himself Wine has given you a warning too which I
hope you will remember all your life No one has seen me the worse for drink
these forty years and I hope both you young gentlemen will take counsel by an
old soldier who fully practises what he preaches and beseeches you to beware
of the bottle«
After quitting their kinsman the kind Colonel further improved the occasion
with his son and told him out of his own experience many stories of quarrels
and duels and wine how the wine had occasioned the brawls and the foolish
speech overnight the bloody meeting at morning how he had known widows and
orphans made by hot words uttered in idle orgies how the truest honour was the
manly confession of wrong and the best courage the courage to avoid temptation
The humbleminded speaker whose advice contained the best of all wisdom that
which comes from a gentle and reverent spirit and a pure and generous heart
never for once thought of the effect which he might be producing but uttered
his simple say according to the truth within him Indeed he spoke out his mind
pretty resolutely on all subjects which moved or interested him and Clive his
son and his honest chum Mr Binnie who had a great deal more reading and much
keener intelligence than the Colonel were amused often at his naive opinion
about men or books or morals Mr Clive had a very fine natural sense of
humour which played perpetually round his fathers simple philosophy with kind
and smiling comments Between this pair of friends the superiority of wit lay
almost from the very first on the younger mans side but on the other hand
Clive felt a tender admiration for his fathers goodness a loving delight in
contemplating his elders character which he has never lost and which in the
trials of their future life inexpressibly cheered and consoled both of them
Beati illi O man of the world whose wearied eyes may glance over this page
may those who come after you so regard you O generous boy who read in it may
you have such a friend to trust and cherish in youth and in future days fondly
and proudly to remember
Some four or five weeks after the quasireconciliation between Clive and his
kinsman the chief part of Sir Brian Newcomes family were assembled at the
breakfasttable together where the meal was taken in common and at the early
hour of eight unless the senator was kept too late in the House of Commons
overnight and Lady Ann and her nursery were now returned to London again
little Alfred being perfectly set up by a month of Brighton air It was a
Thursday morning on which day of the week it has been said the Newcome
Independent and the Newcome Sentinel both made their appearance upon the
Baronets table The household from above and from below the maids and footmen
from the basement the nurses children and governesses from the attics all
poured into the room at the sound of a certain bell
I do not sneer at the purpose for which at that chiming eight oclock bell
the household is called together The urns are hissing the plate is shining
The father of the house standing up reads from a gilt book for three or four
minutes in a measured cadence The members of the family are around the table in
an attitude of decent reverence the younger children whisper responses at their
mothers knees the governess worships a little apart the maids and the large
footmen are in a cluster before their chairs the upper servants performing
their devotion on the other side of the sideboard the nurse whisks about the
unconscious lastborn and tosses it up and down during the ceremony I do not
sneer at that at the act at which all these people are assembled it is at the
rest of the day I marvel at the rest of the day and what it brings At the
very instant when the voice has ceased speaking and the gilded book is shut
the world begins again and for the next twentythree hours and fiftyseven
minutes all that household is given up to it The servile squad rises up and
marches away to its basement whence should it happen to be a gala day those
tall gentlemen at present attired in Oxford mixture will issue forth with flour
plastered on their heads yellow coats pink breeches skyblue waistcoats
silver lace buckles in their shoes black silk bags on their backs and I dont
know what insane emblems of servility and absurd bedizenments of folly Their
very manner of speaking to what we call their masters and mistresses will be a
like monstrous masquerade You know no more of that race which inhabits the
basement floor than of the men and brethren of Timbuctoo to whom some among us
send missionaries If you met some of your servants in the streets I
respectfully suppose for a moment that the reader is a person of high fashion
and a great establishment you would not know their faces You might sleep
under the same roof for half a century and know nothing about them If they
were ill you would not visit them though you would send them an apothecary
and of course order that they lacked for nothing You are not unkind you are
not worse than your neighbours Nay perhaps if you did go into the kitchen or
take tea in the servants hall you would do little good and only bore the
folks assembled there But so it is With those fellowChristians who have just
been saying Amen to your prayers you have scarcely the community of Charity
They come you dont know whence they think and talk you dont know what they
die and you dont care or vice versâ They answer the bell for prayers as they
answer the bell for coals For exactly three minutes in the day you all kneel
together on one carpet and the desires and petitions of the servants and
masters over the rite called family worship is ended
Exeunt servants save those two who warm the newspaper administer the
muffins and serve out the tea Sir Brian reads his letters and chumps his dry
toast Ethel whispers to her mother she thinks Eliza is looking very ill Lady
Ann asks which is Eliza It is the woman that was ill before they left town If
she is ill Mrs Trotter had better send her away Mrs Trotter is only a great
deal too goodnatured She is always keeping people who are ill Then her
Ladyship begins to read the Morning Post and glances over the names of the
persons who were present at Baroness Boscos ball and Mrs Toddle Tompkynss
soirée dansante in Belgrave Square
»Everybody was there« says Barnes looking over from his paper
»But who is Mrs Toddle Tompkyns« asks Mamma »Who ever heard of a Mrs
Toddle Tompkyns What do people mean by going to such a person«
»Lady Popinjay asked the people« Barnes says gravely »The thing was really
doosid well done The woman looked frightened but shes pretty and I am told
the daughter will have a great lot of money«
»Is she pretty and did you dance with her« asks Ethel
»Me dance« says Mr Barnes We are speaking of a time before casinos were
and when the British youth were by no means so active in dancing practice as at
this present period Barnes resumed the reading of his county paper but
presently laid it down with an execration so brisk and loud that his mother
gave a little outcry and even his father looked up from his letters to ask the
meaning of an oath so unexpected and ungenteel
»My uncle the Colonel of Sepoys and his amiable son have been paying a
visit to Newcome thats the news which I have the pleasure to announce to
you« says Mr Barnes
»You are always sneering about our uncle« breaks in Ethel with impetuous
voice »and saying unkind things about Clive Our uncle is a dear good kind
man and I love him He came to Brighton to see us and went out every day for
hours and hours with Alfred and Clive too drew pictures for him And he is
good and kind and generous and honest as his father And Barnes is always
speaking ill of him behind his back«
»And his aunt lets very nice lodgings and is altogether a most desirable
acquaintance« says Mr Barnes »What a shame it is that we have not cultivated
that branch of the family«
»My dear fellow« cries Sir Brian »I have no doubt Miss Honeyman is a most
respectable person Nothing is so ungenerous as to rebuke a gentleman or a lady
on account of their poverty and I coincide with Ethel in thinking that you
speak of your uncle and his son in terms which to say the least are
disrespectful«
»Miss Honeyman is a dear little old woman« breaks in Ethel »Was not she
kind to Alfred mamma and did not she make him nice jelly And a Doctor of
Divinity you know Clives grandfather was a Doctor of Divinity mamma theres
a picture of him in a wig is just as good as a banker you know he is«
»Did you bring some of Miss Honeymans lodginghouse cards with you Ethel«
says her brother »and had we not better hang up one or two in Lombard Street
hers and our other relations Mrs Mason«
»My darling love who is Mrs Mason« asks Lady Ann
»Another member of the family maam She was cousin «
»She was no such thing sir« roars Sir Brian
»She was relative and housemaid of my grandfather during his first marriage
She acted I believe as dry nurse to the distinguished Colonel of Sepoys my
uncle She has retired into private life in her native town of Newcome and
occupies her latter days by the management of a mangle The Colonel and young
pothouse have gone down to spend a few days with their elderly relative Its
all here in the paper by Jove« Mr Barnes clenched his fist and stamped upon
the newspaper with much energy
»And so they should go down and see her and so the Colonel should love his
nurse and not forget his relations if they are old and poor« cries Ethel with
a flush on her face and tears starting into her eyes
»Hear what the Newcome papers say about it« shrieks out Mr Barnes his
voice quivering his little eyes flashing out scorn »Its in both the papers I
dare say It will be in the Times tomorrow By its delightful Our paper
only mentions the gratifying circumstance here is the paragraph
LieutenantColonel Newcome CB., a distinguished Indian officer and elder
brother of our respected townsman and representative Sir Brian Newcome Bart
has been staying for the last week at the Kings Arms in our city He has been
visited by the principal inhabitants and leading gentlemen of Newcome and has
come among us as we understand in order to pass a few days with an elderly
relative who has been living for many years past in great retirement in this
place«
»Well I see no great harm in that paragraph« says Sir Brian »I wish my
brother had gone to the Roebuck and not to the Kings Arms as the Roebuck is
our house but he could not be expected to know much about the Newcome Inns as
he is a new comer himself And I think it was very right of the people to call
on him«
»Now hear what the Independent says and see if you like that sir« cries
Barnes grinning fiercely and he began to read as follows
»Mr Independent I was born and bred a Screwcomite and am naturally proud
of everybody and everything which bears the revered name of Screwcome I am a
Briton and a man though I have not the honour of a vote for my native borough
if I had you may be sure I would give it to our admired and talented
representative Don Pomposo Lickspittle Grindpauper Poor House Agincourt
Screwcome whose ancestors fought with Julius Cæsar against William the
Conqueror and whose father certainly wielded a clothyard shaft in London not
fifty years ago
Don Pomposo as you know seldom favours the town of Screwcome with a visit
Our gentry are not of ancient birth enough to be welcome to a Lady Screwcome
Our manufacturers make their money by trade Oh fie how can it be supposed that
such vulgarians should be received among the aristocratic society of Screwcome
House Two balls in the season and ten dozen of gooseberry are enough for
them«
»Its that scoundrel Parrot« burst out Sir Brian »because I wouldnt have
any more wine of him No its Vidler the apothecary By heavens Lady Ann I
told you it would be so Why didnt you ask the Miss Vidlers to your ball«
»They were on the list« cries Lady Ann »three of them I did everything I
could I consulted Mr Vidler for poor Alfred and he actually stopped and saw
the dear child take the physic Why were they not asked to the ball« cries her
Ladyship bewildered »I declare to gracious goodness I dont know«
»Barnes scratched their names« cries Ethel »out of the list mamma You
know you did Barnes you said you had gallipots enough«
»I dont think it is like Vidlers writing« said Mr Barnes perhaps
willing to turn the conversation »I think it must be that villain Duff the
baker who made the song about us at the last election but hear the rest of the
paragraph« and he continued to read
»The Screwcomites are at this moment favoured with a visit from a
gentleman of the Screwcome family who having passed all his life
abroad is somewhat different from his relatives whom we all so love
and honour This distinguished gentleman this gallant soldier has come
among us not merely to see our manufactures in which Screwcome can
vie with any city in the North but an old servant and relation of his
family whom he is not above recognizing who nursed him in his early
days who has been living in her native place for many years supported
by the generous bounty of Colonel N The gallant officer accompanied
by his son a fine youth has taken repeated drives round our
beautiful environs in one of friend Taplows of the Kings Arms open
drags and accompanied by Mrs M now an aged lady who speaks with
tears in her eyes of the goodness and gratitude of her gallant soldier
One day last week they drove to Screwcome House Will it be believed
that though the house is only four miles distant from our city though
Don Pomposos family have inhabited it these twelve years for four or
five months every year Mrs M saw her cousins house for the first
time has never set her eyes upon those grandees except in public
places since the day when they honoured the county by purchasing the
estate which they own
I have as I repeat no vote for the borough but if I had oh
wouldnt I show my respectful gratitude at the next election and plump
for Pomposo I shall keep my eye upon him and am Mr Independent
Your constant Reader
PEEPING TOM«
»The spirit of radicalism abroad in this country« said Sir Brian Newcome
crushing his eggshell desperately »is dreadful really dreadful We are on the
edge of a positive volcano« Down went the eggspoon into its crater »The worst
sentiments are everywhere publicly advocated the licentiousness of the press
has reached a pinnacle which menaces us with ruin there is no law which these
shameless newspapers respect no rank which is safe from their attacks no
ancient landmark which the lava flood of democracy does not threaten to
overwhelm and destroy«
»When I was at Spielberg« Barnes Newcome remarked kindly »I saw three
longbearded puttyfaced blaguards pacin up and down a little courtyard and
Count Keppenheimer told me they were three damned editors of Milanese
newspapers who had had seven years of imprisonment already And last year when
Keppenheimer came to shoot at Newcome I showed him that old thief old Batters
the proprietor of the Independent and Potts his infernal ally driving in a
dogcart and I said to him Keppenheimer I wish we had a place where we could
lock up some of our infernal radicals of the press or that you could take off
those two villains to Spielberg and as we were passin that infernal Potts
burst out laughin in my face and cut one of my pointers over the head with his
whip We must do something with that Independent sir«
»We must« says the father solemnly »we must put it down Barnes we must
put it down«
»I think« says Barnes »we had best give the railway advertisements to
Batters«
»But that makes the man of the Sentinel so angry« says the elder persecutor
of the press
»Then let us give Tom Potts some shootin at any rate the ruffian is always
poaching about our covers as it is Speers should be written to sir to keep a
lookout upon Batters and that villain his accomplice and to be civil to them
and that sort of thing and damn it to be down upon them whenever he sees the
opportunity«
During the above conspiracy for bribing or crushing the independence of a
great organ of British opinion Miss Ethel Newcome held her tongue but when her
papa closed the conversation by announcing solemnly that he would communicate
with Speers Ethel turning to her mother said »Mamma is it true that grandpapa
has a relation living at Newcome who is old and poor«
»My darling child how on earth should I know« says Lady Ann »I dare say
Mr Newcome had plenty of poor relations«
»I am sure some on your side Ann have been good enough to visit me at the
bank« says Sir Brian who thought his wifes ejaculation was a reflection upon
his family whereas it was the statement of a simple fact in Natural History
»This person was no relation of my fathers at all She was remotely connected
with his first wife I believe She acted as servant to him and has been most
handsomely pensioned by the Colonel«
»Who went to her like a kind dear good brave uncle as he is« cried
Ethel »The very day I go to Newcome Ill go to see her« She caught a look of
negation in her fathers eye »I will go that is if papa will give me leave«
says Miss Ethel
»By Gad sir« says Barnes »I think it is the very best thing she could do
and the best way of doing it Ethel can go with one of the boys and take Mrs
Whatdyoucallem a gown or a tract or that sort of thing and stop that
infernal Independents mouth«
»If we had gone sooner« said Miss Ethel simply »there would not have been
all this abuse of us in the paper« To which statement her worldly father and
brother perforce agreeing we may congratulate good old Mrs Mason upon the new
and polite acquaintances she is about to make
Chapter XV
The Old Ladies
The above letter and conversation will show what our active Colonels movements
and history had been since the last chapter in which they were recorded He and
Clive took the Liverpool Mail and travelled from Liverpool to Newcome with a
postchaise and a pair of horses which landed them at the Kings Arms The
Colonel delighted in postchaising the rapid transit through the country
amused him and cheered his spirits Besides had he not Dr Johnsons word for
it that a swift journey in a postchaise was one of the greatest enjoyments in
life and a sojourn in a comfortable inn one of its chief pleasures In
travelling he was as happy and noisy as a boy He talked to the waiters and
made friends with the landlord got all the information which he could gather
regarding the towns into which he came and drove about from one sight or
curiosity to another with indefatigable goodhumour and interest It was good
for Clive to see men and cities to visit mills manufactories country seats
cathedrals He asked a hundred questions regarding all things round about him
and any one caring to know who Thomas Newcome was and what his rank and
business found no difficulty in having his questions answered by the simple and
kindly traveller
Mine host of the Kings Arms Mr Taplow aforesaid knew in five minutes who
his guest was and the errand on which he came Was not Colonel Newcomes name
painted on all his trunks and boxes Was not his servant ready to answer all
questions regarding the Colonel and his son Newcome pretty generally introduced
Clive to my landlord when the latter brought his guest his bottle of wine With
oldfashioned cordiality the Colonel would bid the landlord drink a glass of
his own liquor and seldom failed to say to him »This is my son sir We are
travelling together to see the country Every English gentleman should see his
own country first before he goes abroad as we intend to do afterwards to
make the Grand Tour And I will thank you to tell me what there is remarkable in
your town and what we ought to see antiquities manufactures and seats in
the neighbourhood We wish to see everything sir everything« Elaborate
diaries of these home tours are still extant in Clives boyish manuscript and
the Colonels dashing handwriting quaint records of places visited and
alarming accounts of inn bills paid
So Mr Taplow knew in five minutes that his guest was a brother of Sir
Brian their member and saw the note dispatched by an hostler to »Mrs Sarah
Mason Jubilee Row« announcing that the Colonel had arrived and would be with
her after his dinner Mr Taplow did not think fit to tell his guest that the
house Sir Brian used the »Blue House« was the Roebuck not the Kings Arms
Might not the gentlemen be of different politics Mr Taplows wine knew none
Some of the jolliest fellows in all Newcome use the Boscawen Room at the
Kings Arms as their club and pass numberless merry evenings and crack
countless jokes there
Duff the baker old Mr Vidler when he can get away from his medical
labours and his hand shakes it must be owned very much now and his nose is
very red Parrot the auctioneer and that amusing dog Tom Potts the talented
reporter of the Independent were pretty constant attendants at the Kings
Arms and Colonel Newcomes dinner was not over before some of these gentlemen
knew what dishes he had had how he had called for a bottle of sherry and a
bottle of claret like a gentleman how he had paid the postboys and travelled
with a servant like a topsawyer that he was come to shake hands with an old
nurse and relative of his family Every one of those jolly Britons thought well
of the Colonel for his affectionateness and liberality and contrasted it with
the behaviour of the Tory Baronet their representative
His arrival made a sensation in the place The Blue Club at the Roebuck
discussed it as well as the uncompromising Liberals at the Kings Arms Mr
Speers Sir Brians agent did not know how to act and advised Sir Brian by the
next nights mail The Reverend Dr Bulders the rector left his card
Meanwhile it was not gain or business but only love and gratitude which
brought Thomas Newcome to his fathers native town Their dinner over away went
the Colonel and Clive guided by the hostler their previous messenger to the
humble little tenement which Thomas Newcomes earliest friend inhabited The
good old woman put her spectacles into her Bible and flung herself into her
boys arms her boy who was more than fifty years old She embraced Clive still
more eagerly and frequently than she kissed his father She did not know her
Colonel with them whiskers Clive was the very picture of the dear boy as he had
left her almost twoscore years ago And as fondly as she hung on the boy her
memory had ever clung round that early time when they were together The good
soul told endless tales of her darlings childhood his frolics and beauty
Today was uncertain to her but the past was still bright and clear As they
sat prattling together over the bright teatable attended by the trim little
maid whose services the Colonels bounty secured for his old nurse the kind
old creature insisted on having Clive by her side Again and again she would
think he was actually her own boy forgetting in that sweet and pious
hallucination that the bronzed face and thinned hair and melancholy eyes of
the veteran before her were those of her nursling of old days So for near half
the space of mans allotted life he had been absent from her and day and night
wherever he was in sickness or health in sorrow or danger her innocent love
and prayers had attended the absent darling Not in vain not in vain does he
live whose course is so befriended Let us be thankful for our race as we think
of the love that blesses some of us Surely it has something of Heaven in it
and angels celestial may rejoice in it and admire it
Having nothing whatever to do our Colonels movements are of course
exceedingly rapid and he has the very shortest time to spend in any single
place that evening Saturday and the next day Sunday when he will
faithfully accompany his dear old nurse to church And what a festival is that
day for her when she has her Colonel and that beautiful brilliant boy of his by
her side and Mr Hicks the curate looking at him and the venerable Dr
Bulders himself eyeing him from the pulpit and all the neighbours fluttering
and whispering to be sure who can be that fine military gentleman and that
splendid young man sitting by old Mrs Mason and leading her so affectionately
out of church That Saturday and Sunday the Colonel will pass with good old
Mason but on Monday he must be off On Tuesday he must be in London he has
important business in London in fact Tom Hamilton of his regiment comes up
for election at the Oriental on that day and on such an occasion could Thomas
Newcome be absent He drives away from the Kings Arms through a row of smirking
chambermaids smiling waiters and thankful hostlers accompanied to the
postchaise of which the obsequious Taplow shuts the door and the Boscawen
Room pronounces him that night to be a trump and the whole of the busy town
ere the next day is over has heard of his coming and departure praised his
kindliness and generosity and no doubt contrasted it with the different
behaviour of the baronet his brother who has gone for some time by the
ignominious sobriquet of Screwcome in the neighbourhood of his ancestral hall
Dear old nurse Mason will have a score of visits to make and to receive at
all of which you may be sure that triumphal advent of the Colonels will be
discussed and admired Mrs Mason will show her beautiful new Indian shawl and
her splendid Bible with the large print and the affectionate inscription from
Thomas Newcome to his dearest old friend her little maid will exhibit her new
gown the curate will see the Bible and Mrs Bulders will admire the shawl and
the old friends and humble companions of the good old lady as they take their
Sunday walks by the pompous lodgegates of Newcome Park which stand with the
baronets newfangled arms over them gilded and filigreed and barred will
tell their stories too about the kind Colonel and his hard brother When did Sir
Brian ever visit a poor old womans cottage or his bailiff exempt from the
rent What good action except a few thin blankets and beggarly coal and soup
tickets did Newcome Park ever do for the poor And as for the Colonels wealth
Lord bless you hes been in India these fiveandthirty years the Baronets
money is a drop in the sea to his The Colonel is the kindest the best the
richest of men These facts and opinions doubtless inspired the eloquent pen
of »Peeping Tom« when he indited the sarcastic epistle to the Newcome
Independent which we perused over Sir Brian Newcomes shoulder in the last
chapter
And you may be sure Thomas Newcome had not been many weeks in England before
good little Miss Honeyman at Brighton was favoured with a visit from her dear
Colonel The envious Gawler scowling out of his bowwindow where the flyblown
card still proclaimed that his lodgings were unoccupied had the mortification
to behold a yellow postchaise drive up to Miss Honeymans door and having
discharged two gentlemen from within trot away with servant and baggage to some
house of entertainment other than Gawlers Whilst this wretch was cursing his
own ill fate and execrating yet more deeply Miss Honeymans better fortune the
worthy little lady was treating her Colonel to a sisterly embrace and a solemn
reception Hannah the faithful housekeeper was presented and had a shake of
the hand The Colonel knew all about Hannah ere he had been in England a week
a basket containing pots of jam of her confection and a tongue of Hannahs
curing had arrived for the Colonel That very night when his servant had
lodged Colonel Newcomes effects at the neighbouring hotel Hannah was in
possession of one of the Colonels shirts she and her mistress having
previously conspired to make a dozen of those garments for the family
benefactor
All the presents which Newcome had ever transmitted to his sisterinlaw
from India had been taken out of the cotton and lavender in which the faithful
creature kept them It was a fine hot day in June but I promise you Miss
Honeyman wore her blazing scarlet Cashmere shawl her great brooch representing
the Taj of Agra was in her collar and her bracelets she used to say »I am
given to understand they are called bangles my dear by the natives«
decorated the sleeves round her lean old hands which trembled with pleasure as
they received the kind grasp of the Colonel of colonels How busy those hands
had been that morning What custards they had whipped what a triumph of
piecrusts they had achieved Before Colonel Newcome had been ten minutes in the
house the celebrated vealcutlets made their appearance Was not the whole
house adorned in expectation of his coming Had not Mr Kuhn the affable
foreign gentleman of the firstfloor lodgers prepared a French dish Was not
Betty on the lookout and instructed to put the cutlets on the fire at the very
moment when the Colonels carriage drove up to her mistresss door The good
womans eyes twinkled the kind old hand and voice shook as holding up a bright
glass of Madeira Miss Honeyman drank the Colonels health »I promise you my
dear Colonel« says she nodding her head adorned with a bristling
superstructure of lace and ribbons »I promise you that I can drink your health
in good wine« The wine was of his own sending and so were the China
firescreens and the sandalwood workbox and the ivory cardcase and those
magnificent pink and white chessmen carved like little Sepoys and Mandarins
with the castles on elephants backs George the Third and his queen in pink
ivory against the Emperor of China and lady in white the delight of Clives
childhood the chief ornament of the old spinsters sittingroom
Miss Honeymans little feast was pronounced to be the perfection of cookery
and when the meal was over came a noise of little feet at the parlour door
which being opened there appeared first a tall nurse with a dancing baby
second and third two little girls with little frocks little trousers long
ringlets blue eyes and blue ribbons to match fourth Master Alfred now quite
recovered from his illness and holding by the hand fifth Miss Ethel Newcome
blushing like a rose
Hannah grinning acted as mistress of the ceremonies calling out the names
of »Miss Newcomes Master Newcomes to see the Colonel if you please maam«
bobbing a curtsy and giving a knowing nod to Master Clive as she smoothed her
new silk apron Hannah too was in new attire all crisp and rustling in the
Colonels honour Miss Ethel did not cease blushing as she advanced towards her
uncle and the honest campaigner started up blushing too Mr Clive rose also
as little Alfred of whom he was a great friend ran towards him Clive rose
laughed nodded at Ethel and ate gingerbread nuts all at the same time As for
Colonel Thomas Newcome and his niece they fell in love with each other
instantaneously like Prince Camaralzaman and the Princess of China
I have turned away one artist the poor creature was utterly incompetent to
depict the sublime graceful and pathetic personages and events with which this
history will most assuredly abound and I doubt whether even the designer
engaged in his place can make such a portrait of Miss Ethel Newcome as shall
satisfy her friends and her own sense of justice That blush which we have
indicated he cannot render How are you to copy it with a steel point and a
ball of printers ink That kindness which lights up the Colonels eyes gives
an expression to the very wrinkles round about them shines as a halo round his
face what artist can paint it The painters of old when they portrayed
sainted personages were fain to have recourse to compasses and goldleaf as
if celestial splendour could be represented by Dutch metal As our artist cannot
come up to this task the reader will be pleased to let his fancy paint for
itself the look of courtesy for a woman admiration for a young beauty
protection for an innocent child all of which are expressed upon the Colonels
kind face as his eyes are set upon Ethel Newcome
»Mamma has sent us to bid you welcome to England uncle« says Miss Ethel
advancing and never thinking for a moment of laying aside that fine blush which
she brought into the room and which is her pretty symbol of youth and modesty
and beauty
He took a little slim white hand and laid it down on his brown palm where
it looked all the whiter he cleared the grizzled mustachio from his mouth and
stooping down he kissed the little white hand with a great deal of grace and
dignity There was no point of resemblance and yet a something in the girls
look voice and movements which caused his heart to thrill and an image out of
the past to rise up and salute him The eyes which had brightened his youth and
which he saw in his dreams and thoughts for faithful years afterwards as though
they looked at him out of heaven seemed to shine upon him after fiveandthirty
years He remembered such a fair bending neck and clustering hair such a light
foot and airy figure such a slim hand lying in his own and now parted from it
with a gap of ten thousand long days between It is an old saying that we
forget nothing as people in fever begin suddenly to talk the language of their
infancy we are stricken by memory sometimes and old affections rush back on us
as vivid as in the time when they were our daily talk when their presence
gladdened our eyes when their accents thrilled in our ears when with
passionate tears and grief we flung ourselves upon their hopeless corpses
Parting is death at least as far as life is concerned A passion comes to an
end it is carried off in a coffin or weeping in a postchaise it drops out
of life one way or other and the earthclods close over it and we see it no
more But it has been part of our souls and it is eternal Does a mother not
love her dead infant a man his lost mistress with the fond wife nestling at
his side yes with twenty children smiling round her knee No doubt as the
old soldier held the girls hand in his the little talisman led him back to
Hades and he saw Leonora
»How do you do uncle« say girls Nos 2 and 3 in a pretty little infantile
chorus He drops the talisman he is back in common life again the dancing
baby in the arms of the bobbing nurse babbles a welcome Alfred looks up for a
while at his uncle in the white trousers and then instantly proposes that Clive
should make him some drawings and is on his knees at the next moment He is
always climbing on somebody or something or winding over chairs curling
through banisters standing on somebodys head or his own head as his
convalescence advances his breakages are fearful Miss Honeyman and Hannah will
talk about his dilapidations for years after the little chap has left them When
he is a jolly young officer in the Guards and comes to see them at Brighton
they will show him the bluedragon chayny jar on which he would sit and which
he cried so fearfully upon breaking
When this little party has gone out smiling to take its walk on the
seashore the Colonel sits down and resumes the interrupted dessert Miss
Honeyman talks of the children and their mother and the merits of Mr Kuhn and
the beauty of Miss Ethel glancing significantly towards Clive who has had
enough of gingerbreadnuts and dessert and wine and whose youthful nose is by
this time at the window What kindhearted woman young or old does not love
matchmaking
The Colonel without lifting his eyes from the table says »she reminds him
of of somebody he knew once«
»Indeed« cries Miss Honeyman and thinks Emma must have altered very much
after going to India for she had fair hair and white eyelashes and not a
pretty foot certainly but my dear good lady the Colonel is not thinking of
the late Mrs Casey
He has taken a fitting quantity of the Madeira the artless greeting of the
people here young and old has warmed his heart and he goes upstairs to pay a
visit to his sisterinlaw to whom he makes his most courteous bow as becomes a
lady of her rank Ethel takes her place quite naturally beside him during his
visit Where did he learn those fine manners which all of us who knew him
admired in him He had a natural simplicity a habitual practice of kind and
generous thoughts a pure mind and therefore above hypocrisy and affectation
Perhaps those French people with whom he had been intimate in early life had
imparted to him some of the traditional graces of their vieille cour certainly
his halfbrothers had inherited none such »What is this that Barnes has written
about his uncle that the Colonel is ridiculous« Lady Ann said to her daughter
that night »Your uncle is adorable I have never seen a more perfect grand
Seigneur He puts me in mind of my grandfather though grandpapas grand manner
was more artificial and his voice spoiled by snuff See the Colonel He smokes
round the garden but with what perfect grace This is the man Uncle Hobson and
your poor dear papa have represented to us as a species of bear Mr Newcome
who has himself the ton of a waiter The Colonel is perfect What can Barnes
mean by ridiculing him I wish Barnes had such a distinguished air but he is
like his poor dear papa Que voulezvous my love The Newcomes are honourable
the Newcomes are wealthy but distinguished no I never deluded myself with
that notion when I married your poor dear papa At once I pronounce Colonel
Newcome a person to be in every way distinguished by us On our return to London
I shall present him to all our family poor good man let him see that his
family have some presentable relations besides those whom he will meet at Mrs
Newcomes in Bryanston Square You must go to Bryanston Square immediately we
return to London You must ask your cousins and their governess and we will
give them a little party Mrs Newcome is insupportable but we must never
forsake our relatives Ethel When you come out you will have to dine there
and to go to her ball Every young lady in your position in the world has
sacrifices to make and duties to her family to perform Look at me Why did I
marry your poor dear papa From duty Has your Aunt Fanny who ran away with
Captain Canonbury been happy They have eleven children and are starving at
Boulogne Think of three of Fannys boys in yellow stockings at the Bluecoat
School Your papa got them appointed I am sure my papa would have gone mad if
he had seen that day She came with one of the poor wretches to Park Lane but I
could not see them My feelings would not allow me When my maid I had a
French maid then Louise you remember her conduct was abominable so was
Prévilles when she came and said that my Lady Fanny was below with a young
gentleman qui portait des bas jaunes I could not see the child I begged her
to come up in my room and absolutely that I might not offend her I went to
bed That wretch Louise met her at Boulogne and told her afterwards Goodnight
we must not stand chattering here any more Heaven bless you my darling Those
are the Colonels windows Look he is smoking on his balcony that must be
Clives room Clive is a good kind boy It was very kind of him to draw so many
pictures for Alfred Put the drawings away Ethel Mr Smee saw some in Park
Lane and said they showed remarkable genius What a genius your Aunt Emily had
for drawing but it was flowers I had no genius in particular so mamma used to
say and Doctor Belper said My dear Lady Walham it was before my grandpapas
death has Miss Ann a genius for sewing buttons and making puddens puddens
he pronounced it Goodnight my own love Blessings blessings on my Ethel«
The Colonel from his balcony saw the slim figure of the retreating girl and
looked fondly after her and as the smoke of his cigar floated in the air he
formed a fine castle in it whereof Clive was lord and that pretty Ethel lady
»What a frank generous bright young creature is yonder« thought he »How
cheery and gay she is how good to Miss Honeyman to whom she behaved with just
the respect that was the old ladys due how affectionate with her brothers and
sisters What a sweet voice she has What a pretty little white hand it is When
she gave it me it looked like a little white bird lying in mine I must wear
gloves by Jove I must and my coat is oldfashioned as Binnie says What a
fine match might be made between that child and Clive She reminds me of a pair
of eyes I havent seen these forty years I would like to have Clive married to
her to see him out of the scrapes and dangers that young fellows encounter and
safe with such a sweet girl as that If God had so willed it I might have been
happy myself and could have made a woman happy But the Fates were against me
I should like to see Clive happy and then say Nunc dimittis I shant want
anything more tonight Irons and you can go to bed«
»Thank you Colonel« says Irons who enters having prepared his masters
bedchamber and is retiring when the Colonel calls after him
»I say Irons is that blue coat of mine very old«
»Uncommon white about the seams Colonel« says the man
»Is it older than other peoples coats« Irons is obliged gravely to confess
that the Colonels coat is very queer
»Get me another coat then see that I dont do anything or wear anything
unusual I have been so long out of Europe that I dont know the customs here
and am not above learning«
Irons retires vowing that his master is an old trump which opinion he had
already expressed to Mr Kuhn Lady Hanns man over a long potation which those
two gentlemen had taken together And as all of us in one way or another are
subject to this domestic criticism from which not the most exalted can escape
I say lucky is the man whose servants speak well of him
Chapter XVI
In Which Mr Sherrick Lets His House in Fitzroy Square
In spite of the sneers of the Newcome Independent and the Colonels unlucky
visit to his nurses native place he still remained in high favour in Park
Lane where the worthy gentleman paid almost daily visits and was received with
welcome and almost affection at least by the ladies and the children of the
house Who was it that took the children to Astleys but Uncle Newcome I saw
him there in the midst of a cluster of these little people all children
together He laughed delighted at Mr Merrymans jokes in the ring He beheld
the battle of Waterloo with breathless interest and was amazed amazed by
Jove sir at the prodigious likeness of the principal actor to the Emperor
Napoleon whose tomb he had visited on his return from India as it pleased him
to tell his little audience who sat clustering round him the little girls Sir
Brians daughters holding each by a finger of his honest hands young Masters
Alfred and Edward clapping and hurrahing by his side while Mr Clive and Miss
Ethel sat in the back of the box enjoying the scene but with that decorum which
belonged to their superior age and gravity As for Clive he was in these
matters much older than the grizzled old warrior his father It did one good to
hear the Colonels honest laughs at Clowns jokes and to see the tenderness and
simplicity with which he watched over this happy brood of young ones How
lavishly did he supply them with sweetmeats between the acts There he sat in
the midst of them and ate an orange himself with perfect satisfaction I wonder
what sum of money Mr Barnes Newcome would have taken to sit for five hours with
his young brothers and sisters in a public box at the theatre and eat an orange
in the face of the audience When little Alfred went to Harrow you may be sure
Colonel Newcome and Clive galloped over to see the little man and tipped him
royally What money is better bestowed than that of a schoolboys tip How the
kindness is recalled by the recipient in after days It blesses him that gives
and him that takes Remember how happy such benefactions made you in your own
early time and go off on the very first fine day and tip your nephew at school
The Colonels organ of benevolence was so large that he would have liked to
administer bounties to the young folks his nephews and nieces in Bryanston
Square as well as to their cousins in Park Lane but Mrs Newcome was a great
deal too virtuous to admit of such spoiling of children She took the poor
gentleman to task for an attempt upon her boys when those lads came home for
their holidays and caused them ruefully to give back the shining gold sovereign
with which their uncle had thought to give them a treat
»I do not quarrel with other families« says she »I do not allude to other
families« meaning of course that she did not allude to Park Lane »There may
be children who are allowed to receive money from their fathers grownup
friends There may be children who hold out their hands for presents and thus
become mercenary in early life I make no reflections with regard to other
households I only look and think and pray for the welfare of my own beloved
ones They want for nothing Heaven has bounteously furnished us with every
comfort with every elegance with every luxury Why need we be bounden to
others who have been ourselves so amply provided I should consider it
ingratitude Colonel Newcome want of proper spirit to allow my boys to accept
money Mind I make no allusions When they go to school they receive a
sovereign apiece from their father and a shilling a week which is ample
pocketmoney When they are at home I desire that they may have rational
amusements I send them to the Polytechnic with Professor Hickson who kindly
explains to them some of the marvels of science and the wonders of machinery I
send them to the picture galleries and the British Museum I go with them myself
to the delightful lectures at the institution in Albemarle Street I do not
desire that they should attend theatrical exhibitions I do not quarrel with
those who go to plays far from it Who am I that I should venture to judge the
conduct of others When you wrote from India expressing a wish that your boy
should be made acquainted with the works of Shakespeare I gave up my own
opinion at once Should I interpose between a child and his father I encouraged
the boy to go to the play and sent him to the pit with one of our footmen«
»And you tipped him very handsomely my dear Maria too« said the
goodnatured Colonel breaking in upon her sermon but Virtue was not to be put
off in that way
»And why Colonel Newcome« Virtue exclaimed laying a pudgy little hand on
its heart »why did I treat Clive so Because I stood towards him in loco
parentis because he was as a child to me and I to him as a mother I indulged
him more than my own I loved him with a true maternal tenderness Then he was
happy to come to our house then perhaps Park Lane was not so often open to him
as Bryanston Square but I make no allusions Then he did not go six times to
another house for once that he came to mine He was a simple confiding
generous boy He was not dazzled by worldly rank or titles of splendour He
could not find these in Bryanston Square A merchants wife a country lawyers
daughter I could not be expected to have my humble board surrounded by titled
aristocracy I would not if I could I love my own family too well I am too
honest too simple let me own it at once Colonel Newcome too proud And now
now his father has come to England and I have resigned him and he meets with
no titled aristocrats at my house and he does not come here any more«
Tears rolled out of her little eyes as she spoke and she covered her round
face with her pockethandkerchief
Had Colonel Newcome read the paper that morning he might have seen amongst
what are called the fashionable announcements the cause perhaps why his
sisterinlaw had exhibited so much anger and virtue The Morning Post stated
that yesterday Sir Brian and Lady Newcome entertained at dinner His Excellency
the Persian Ambassador and Bucksheesh Bey the Right Honourable Cannon Rowe
President of the Board of Control and Lady Louisa Rowe the Earl of H the
Countess of Kew the Earl of Kew Sir Curry Baughton MajorGeneral and Mrs
Hooker Colonel Newcome and Mr Horace Fogey Afterwards Her Ladyship had an
assembly which was attended by etc etc
This catalogue of illustrious names had been read by Mrs Newcome to her
spouse at breakfast with such comments as she was in the habit of making
»The President of the Board of Control the Chairman of the Court of
Directors and ExGovernorGeneral of India and a whole regiment of Kews By
Jove Maria the Colonel is in good company« cries Mr Newcome with a laugh
»Thats the sort of dinner you should have given him some people to talk about
India When he dined with us he was put between old Lady Wormely and Professor
Roots I dont wonder at his going to sleep after dinner I was off myself once
or twice during that confounded long argument between Professor Roots and Dr
Windus That Windus is the deuce to talk«
»Dr Windus is a man of science, and his name is of European celebrity«
says Maria solemnly »Any intellectual person would prefer such company to the
titled nobodies into whose family your brother has married«
»There you go Polly you are always having a shy at Lady Ann and her
relations« says Mr Newcome goodnaturedly
»A shy how can you use such vulgar words Mr Newcome What have I to do
with Sir Brians titled relations I do not value nobility I prefer people of
science people of intellect to all the rank in the world«
»So you do« says Hobson her spouse »You have your party Lady Ann has her
party You take your line Lady Ann takes her line You are a superior woman my
dear Polly every one knows that I am a plain country farmer I am As long as
you are happy I am happy too The people you get to dine here may talk Greek or
algebra for what I care By Jove my dear I think you can hold your own with
the best of them«
»I have endeavoured by assiduity to make up for time lost and an early
imperfect education« says Mrs Newcome »You married a poor country lawyers
daughter You did not seek a partner in the peerage Mr Newcome«
»No no not such a confounded flat as that« cries Mr Newcome surveying
his plump partner behind her silver teapot with eyes of admiration
»I had an imperfect education but I knew its blessings and have I trust
endeavoured to cultivate the humble talents which Heaven has given me Mr
Newcome«
»Humble by Jove« exclaims the husband »No gammon of that sort Polly You
know well enough that you are a superior woman I aint a superior man I know
that one is enough in a family I leave the reading to you my dear Here comes
my horses I say I wish youd call on Lady Ann today Do go and see her now
thats a good girl I know she is flighty and that and Brians back is up a
little But he aint a bad fellow and I wish I could see you and his wife
better friends«
On his way to the City Mr Newcome rode to look at the new house No 120
Fitzroy Square which his brother the Colonel had taken in conjunction with
that Indian friend of his Mr Binnie Shrewd old cock Mr Binnie has brought
home a good bit of money from India is looking out for safe investments has
been introduced to Newcome Brothers Mr Newcome thinks very well of the
Colonels friend
The house is vast but it must be owned melancholy Not long since it was
a ladies school in an unprosperous condition The scar left by Madame Latours
brass plate may still be seen on the tall black door cheerfully ornamented in
the style of the end of the last century with a funereal urn in the centre of
the entry and garlands and the skulls of rams at each corner Madame Latour
who at one time actually kept a large yellow coach and drove her parlour young
ladies in the Regents Park was an exile from her native country Islington was
her birthplace and Grigson her paternal name and an outlaw at the suit of
Samuel Sherrick that Mr Sherrick whose wine vaults undermine Lady
Whittleseas Chapel where the eloquent Honeyman preaches
The house is Mr Sherricks house Some say his name is Shadrach and
pretend to have known him as an orangeboy afterwards as a chorus singer in the
theatres afterwards as secretary to a great tragedian I know nothing of these
stories He may or he may not be a partner of Mr Campion of Shepherds Inn He
has a handsome villa Abbey Road St Johns Wood entertains good company
rather loud of the sporting sort rides and drives very showy horses has boxes
at the Opera whenever he likes and free access behind the scenes is handsome
dark brighteyed with a quantity of jewellery and a tuft to his chin sings
sweetly sentimental songs after dinner Who cares a fig what was the religion of
Mr Sherricks ancestry or what the occupation of his youth Mr Honeyman a
most respectable man surely introduced Sherrick to the Colonel and Binnie
Mr Sherrick stocked their cellar with some of the wine over which Honeyman
preached such lovely sermons It was not dear it was not bad when you dealt
with Mr Sherrick for wine alone Going into his market with ready money in your
hand as our simple friends did you were pretty fairly treated by Mr Sherrick
The house being taken we may be certain there was fine amusement for Clive
Mr Binnie and the Colonel in frequenting the sales in the inspection of
upholsterers shops and the purchase of furniture for the new mansion It was
like nobody elses house There were three masters with four or five servants
under them Irons for the Colonel and his son a smart boy with boots for Mr
Binnie Mrs Irons to cook and keep house with a couple of maids under her The
Colonel himself was great at making hash mutton hotpot curry and pillau
What cosy pipes did we not smoke in the diningroom in the drawingroom or
where we would What pleasant evenings did we not have with Mr Binnies books
and Schiedam Then there were the solemn state dinners at most of which the
writer of this biography had a corner
Clive had a tutor Grindley of Corpus whom we recommended to him and
with whom the young gentleman did not fatigue his brains very much but his
great forte decidedly lay in drawing He sketched the horses he sketched the
dogs all the servants from the bleareyed bootboy to the rosycheeked lass
Mrs Ironss niece whom that virtuous housekeeper was always calling to come
downstairs He drew his father in all postures asleep on foot on horseback
and jolly little Mr Binnie with his plump legs on a chair or jumping briskly
on the back of the cob which he rode He should have drawn the pictures for this
book but that he no longer condescends to make sketches Young Ridley was his
daily friend now and after Grindleys classics and mathematics in the morning
this pair of young men would constantly attend Gandishs Drawing Academy where
to be sure Ridley passed many hours at work on his art before his young friend
and patron could be spared from his books to his pencil
»Oh« says Clive if you talk to him now about those early days »it was a
jolly time I do not believe there was any young fellow in London so happy« And
there hangs up in his paintingroom now a head painted at on sitting of a man
rather bald with hair touched with grey with a large moustache and a sweet
mouth half smiling beneath it and melancholy eyes and Clive shows that
portrait of their grandfather to his children and tells them that the whole
world never saw a nobler gentleman
Chapter XVII
A School of Art
British art either finds her peculiar nourishment in melancholy and loves to
fix her abode in desert places or it may be her purse is but slenderly
furnished and she is forced to put up with accommodations rejected by more
prosperous callings Some of the most dismal quarters of the town are colonized
by her disciples and professors In walking through streets which may have been
gay and polite when ladies chairmen jostled each other on the pavement and
linkboys with their torches lighted the beaus over the mud who has not
remarked the artists invasion of those regions once devoted to fashion and
gaiety Centre windows of drawingrooms are enlarged so as to reach up into
bedrooms bedrooms where Lady Betty has had her hair powdered and where the
painters north light now takes possession of the place which her toilettable
occupied a hundred years ago There are degrees in decadence after the Fashion
chooses to emigrate and retreats from Soho or Bloomsbury let us say to
Cavendish Square physicians come and occupy the vacant houses which still have
a respectable look the windows being cleaned and the knockers and plates kept
bright and the doctors carriage rolling round the square almost as fine as
the countesss which has whisked away her ladyship to other regions A
boardinghouse mayhap succeeds the physician who has followed after his sick
folks into the new country and then Dick Tinto comes with his dingy brass
plate and breaks in his north window and sets up his sitters throne I love
his honest moustache and jaunty velvet jacket his queer figure his queer
vanities and his kind heart Why should he not suffer his ruddy ringlets to
fall over his shirt collar Why should he deny himself his velvet it is but a
kind of fustian which costs him eighteenpence a yard He is naturally what he
is and breaks out into costume as spontaneously as a bird sings or a bulb bears
a tulip And as Dick under yonder terrific appearance of waving cloak
bristling beard and shadowy sombrero is a good kindly simple creature got
up at a very cheap rate so his life is consistent with his dress he gives his
genius a darkling swagger and a romantic envelope which being removed you
find not a bravo but a kind chirping soul not a moody poet avoiding mankind
for the better company of his own great thoughts but a jolly little chap who
has an aptitude for painting brocade gowns bits of armour with figures inside
them or trees and cattle or gondolas and buildings or what not an instinct
for the picturesque which exhibits itself in his works and outwardly on his
person beyond this a gentle creature loving his friends his cups feasts
merrymakings and all good things The kindest folks alive I have found among
those scowling whiskerandoes They open oysters with their yataghans toast
muffins on their rapiers and fill their Venice glasses with halfandhalf If
they have money in their lean purses be sure they have a friend to share it
What innocent gaiety what jovial suppers on threadbare cloths and wonderful
songs after what pathos merriment humour does not a man enjoy who frequents
their company Mr Clive Newcome who has long since shaved his beard who has
become a family man and has seen the world in a thousand different phases
avers that his life as an art student at home and abroad was the pleasantest
part of his whole existence It may not be more amusing in the telling than the
chronicle of a feast or the accurate report of two lovers conversation but
the biographer having brought his hero to this period of his life is bound to
relate it before passing to other occurrences which are to be narrated in their
turn
We may be sure the boy had many conversations with his affectionate guardian
as to the profession which he should follow As regarded mathematical and
classical learning the elder Newcome was forced to admit that out of every
hundred boys there were fifty as clever as his own and at least fifty more
industrious the army in time of peace Colonel Newcome thought a bad trade for a
young fellow so fond of ease and pleasure as his son his delight in the pencil
was manifest to all Were not his schoolbooks full of caricatures of the
masters Whilst his tutor Grindley was lecturing him did he not draw Grindley
instinctively under his very nose A painter Clive was determined to be and
nothing else and Clive being then some sixteen years of age began to study
the art en règle under the eminent Mr Gandish of Soho
It was that wellknown portraitpainter Alfred Smee Esq RA who
recommended Gandish to Colonel Newcome one day when the two gentlemen met at
dinner at Lady Ann Newcomes table Mr Smee happened to examine some of Clives
drawings which the young fellow had executed for his cousins Clive found no
better amusement than in making pictures for them and would cheerfully pass
evening after evening in that diversion He had made a thousand sketches of
Ethel before a year was over a year every day of which seemed to increase the
attractions of the fair young creature develop her nymphlike form and give
her figure fresh graces Also of course Clive drew Alfred and the nursery in
general Aunt Ann and the Blenheim spaniels and Mr Kuhn and his earrings the
majestic John bringing in the coalscuttle and all persons or objects in that
establishment with which he was familiar »What a genius the lad has« the
complimentary Mr Smee averred »what a force and individuality there is in all
his drawings Look at his horses capital by Jove capital and Alfred on his
pony and Miss Ethel in her Spanish hat with her hair flowing in the wind I
must take this sketch I positively must now and show it to Landseer« And the
courtly artist daintily enveloped the drawing in a sheet of paper put it away
in his hat and vowed subsequently that the great painter had been delighted
with the young mans performance Smee was not only charmed with Clives skill
as an artist but thought his head would be an admirable one to paint Such a
rich complexion such fine turns in his hair such eyes to see real blue eyes
was so rare nowadays And the Colonel too if the Colonel would but give him a
few sittings the grey uniform of the Bengal cavalry the silver lace the
little bit of red ribbon just to warm up the picture it was seldom Mr Smee
declared that an artist could get such an opportunity for colour With our
hideous vermilion uniforms there was no chance of doing anything Rubens himself
could scarcely manage scarlet Look at the horseman in Cuyps famous picture at
the Louvre the red was a positive blot upon the whole picture There was
nothing like French grey and silver All which did not prevent Mr Smee from
painting Sir Brian in a flaring deputylieutenants uniform and entreating all
military men whom he met to sit to him in scarlet Cive Newcome the Academician
succeeded in painting of course for mere friendships sake and because he
liked the subject though he could not refuse the cheque which Colonel Newcome
sent him for the frame and picture but no cajoleries could induce the old
campaigner to sit to any artist save one He said he should be ashamed to pay
fifty guineas for the likeness of his homely face He jocularly proposed to
James Binnie to have his head put on the canvas and Mr Smee enthusiastically
caught at the idea But honest James winked his droll eyes saying his was a
beauty that did not want any paint and when Mr Smee took his leave after
dinner in Fitzroy Square where this conversation was held James Binnie hinted
that the Academician was no better than an old humbug in which surmise he was
probably not altogether incorrect Certain young men who frequented the kind
Colonels house were also somewhat of this opinion and made endless jokes at
the painters expense Smee plastered his sitters with adulation as methodically
as he covered his canvas He waylaid gentlemen at dinner he inveigled
unsuspecting folks into his studio and had their heads off their shoulders
before they were aware One day on our way from the Temple through Howland
Street to the Colonels house we beheld MajorGeneral Sir Thomas de Boots in
full uniform rushing from Smees door to his brougham The coachman was absent
refreshing himself at a neighbouring tap The little street boys cheered and
hurrayed Sir Thomas as arrayed in gold and scarlet he sate in his chariot He
blushed purple when he beheld us No artist would have dared to imitate those
purple tones he was one of the numerous victims of Mr Smee
One day then day to be noted with a white stone Colonel Newcome with his
son and Mr Smee RA walked from the Colonels house to Gandishs which was
not far removed thence and young Clive who was a perfect mimic described to
his friends and illustrated as was his wont by diagrams the interview which
he had with that Professor »By Jove you must see Gandish Pen« cries Clive
»Gandish is worth the whole world Come and be an art student Youll find such
jolly fellows there Gandish calls it hartstudent and says Hars est celare
Hartem by Jove he does He treated us to a little Latin as he brought out a
cake and a bottle of wine you know
The governor was splendid sir He wore gloves you know he only puts them
on on parade days and turned out for the occasion spick and span He ought to
be a general officer He looks like a fieldmarshal dont he You should have
seen him bowing to Mrs Gandish and the Miss Gandishes dressed all in their
best round the caketray He takes his glass of wine and sweeps them all round
with a bow I hope young ladies says he you dont often go to the students
room Im afraid the young gentlemen would leave off looking at the statues if
you came in And so they would for you newer saw such Guys but the dear old
boy fancies every woman is a beauty
Mr Smee you are looking at my picture of Boadishia says Gandish Wouldnt
he have caught it for his quantities at Grey Friars thats all
Yes ah yes says Mr Smee putting his hand over his eyes and standing
before it looking steady you know as if he was going to see whereabouts he
should hit Boadishia
It was painted when you were a young man four years before you were an
associate Smee Had some success in its time and theres good pints about that
pictur Gandish goes on But I never could get my price for it and here it
hangs in my own room Igh art wont do in this country Colonel its a
melancholy fact
High art I should think it is high art whispers old Smee fourteen feet
high at least and then out loud he says The picture has very fine points in
it Gandish as you say Foreshortening of that arm capital That red drapery
carried off into the right of the picture very skilfully managed
Its not like poartraitpainting Smee igh art says Gandish The models
of the hancient Britons in that pictur alone cost me thirty pound when I was
a struggling man and had just married my Betsy here You reckonise Boadishia
Colonel with the Roman elmet cuirass and javeling of the period all
studied from the hantique sir the glorious hantique
All but Boadicea says father She remains always young And he began to
speak the lines out of Cowper he did waving his stick like an old trump and
famous they are« cries the lad
»When the British warrior queen
Bleeding from the Roman rods
Jolly verses Havent I translated them into Alcaics« says Clive with a merry
laugh and resumes his history
Oh I must have those verses in my album cries one of the young ladies Did
you compose them Colonel Newcome But Gandish you see is never thinking
about any works but his own and goes on Study of my eldest daughter exhibited
1816
No pa not 16 cries Miss Gandish She dont look like a chicken I can
tell you
Admired Gandish goes on never heeding her I can show you what the papers
said of it at the time Morning Chronicle and Examiner spoke most ighly of it
My son as an infant Ercules stranglin the serpent over the piano Fust
conception of my picture of Non Hangli said Hangeli
For which I can guess who were the angels that sat says father Upon my
word that old governor he is a little too strong But Mr Gandish listened no
more to him than to Mr Smee and went on buttering himself all over as I have
read the Hottentots do Myself at thirtythree years of age says he pointing
to a portrait of a gentleman in leather breeches and mahogany boots I could
have been a portraitpainter Mr Smee
Indeed it was lucky for some of us you devoted yourself to high art
Gandish Mr Smee says and sips the wine and puts it down again making a face
It was not firstrate tipple you see
Two girls continues that indomitable Mr Gandish Hidea for Babes in the
Wood View of Pæstum taken on the spot by myself when travelling with the late
lamented Earl of Kew Beauty Valour Commerce and Liberty condoling with
Britannia on the death of Admiral Viscount Nelson allegorical piece drawn at a
very early age after Trafalgar Mr Fuseli saw that piece sir when I was a
student of the Academy and said to me Young man stick to the antique theres
nothing like it Those were is very words If you do me the favour to walk into
the Hatrium youll remark my great pictures also from English istry An
English istorical painter sir should be employed chiefly in English istry
Thats what I would have done Why aint there temples for us where the people
might read their istry at a glance and without knowing how to read Why is my
Alfred anging up in this all Because there is no patronage for a man who
devotes himself to igh art You know the anecdote Colonel King Alfred flying
from the Danes took refuge in a neaterds ut The rustics wife told him to
bake a cake and the fugitive sovering set down to his ignoble task and
forgetting it in the cares of state let the cake burn on which the woman
struck him The moment chose is when she is lifting her and to deliver the
blow The king receives it with majesty mingled with meekness In the background
the door of the ut is open letting in the royal officers to announce the Danes
are defeated The daylight breaks in at the aperture signifying the dawning of
Ope That story sir which I found in my researches in istry has since
become so popular sir that hundreds of artists have painted it hundreds I
who discovered the legend have my picture here
Now Colonel says the showman let me let me lead you through the statue
gallery Apollo you see The Venus Hanadyomene the glorious Venus of the
Louvre which I saw in 1814 Colonel in its glory the Laocoon my friend
Gibsons Nymph you see is the only figure I admit among the antiques Now up
this stair to the students room where I trust my young friend Mr Newcome
will labour assidiously Ars longa est Mr Newcome Vita
I trembled« Clive said »lest my father should introduce a certain
favourite quotation beginning Ingenuas didicisse but he refrained and we went
into the room where a score of students were assembled who all looked away
from their drawingboards as we entered
Here will be your place Mr Newcome says the Professor and here that of
your young friend what did you say was his name I told him Ridley for my
dear old governor has promised to pay for JJ too you know Mr Chivers is the
senior pupil and custos of the room in the absence of my son Mr Chivers Mr
Newcome Gentlemen Mr Newcome a new pupil My son Charles Gandish Mr
Newcome Assiduity gentlemen assiduity Ars longa Vita brevis et linea
recta brevissima est This way Colonel down these steps across the
courtyard to my own studio There gentlemen and pulling aside a curtain
Gandish says There«
»And what was the masterpiece behind it« we ask of Clive after we have
done laughing at his imitation
»Hand round the hat JJ« cries Clive »Now ladies and gentlemen pay
your money Now walk in for the performance is just agoing to begin« Nor
would the rogue ever tell us what Gandishs curtained picture was
Not a successful painter Mr Gandish was an excellent master and regarding
all artists save one perhaps a good critic Clive and his friend JJ came soon
after and commenced their studies under him The one took his humble seat at
the drawingboard a poor meanlooking lad with worn clothes downcast
features and a figure almost deformed the other adorned by good health good
looks and the best of tailors ushered into the studio with his father and Mr
Smee as his aidesdecamp on his entry and previously announced there with all
the eloquence of honest Gandish »I bet hes ad cake and wine« says one
youthful student of an epicurean and satirical turn »I bet he might have it
every day if he liked« In fact Gandish was always handing him sweetmeats of
compliments and cordials of approbation He had coat sleeves with silk linings
he had studs in his shirt How different was the texture and colour of that
garment to the sleeves Bob Grimes displayed when he took his coat off to put on
his working jacket Horses used actually to come for him to Gandishs door
which was situated in a certain lofty street in Soho The Miss Gs would
smile at him from the parlour window as he mounted and rode splendidly off and
those opposition beauties the Miss Levisons daughters of the professor of
dancing over the way seldom failed to greet the young gentleman with an
admiring ogle from their great black eyes Master Clive was pronounced an
outandouter a swell and no mistake and complimented with scarce one
dissentient voice by the simple academy at Gandishs Besides he drew very
well there could be no doubt about that Caricatures of the students of
course were passing constantly among them and in revenge for one which a huge
redhaired Scotch student Mr Sandy MCollop had made of John James Clive
perpetrated a picture of Sandy which set the whole room in a roar and when the
Caledonian giant uttered satirical remarks against the assembled company
averring that they were a parcel of sneaks a set of lickspittles and using
epithets still more vulgar Clive slipped off his fine silksleeved coat in an
instant invited Mr MCollop into the backyard instructed him in a science
which the lad himself had acquired at Grey Friars and administered two black
eyes to Sandy which prevented the young artist from seeing for some days after
the head of the Laocoon which he was copying The Scotchmans superior weight
and age might have given the combat a different conclusion had in endured long
after Clives brilliant opening attack with his right and left but Professor
Gandish came out of his paintingroom at the sound of battle and could scarcely
credit his own eyes when he saw those of poor MCollop so darkened To do the
Scotchman justice he bore Clive no rancour They became friends there and
afterwards at Rome whither they subsequently went to pursue their studies The
fame of Mr MCollop as an artist has long since been established His pictures
of Lord Lovat in Prison and Hogarth painting him of the Blowingup of the Kirk
of Field painted for MCollop of MCollop of the Torture of the Covenanters
the Murder of the Regent the Murder of Rizzio and other historical pieces all
of course from Scotch history have established his reputation in South as well
as in North Britain No one would suppose from the gloomy character of his works
that Sandy MCollop is one of the most jovial souls alive Within six months
after their little difference Clive and he were the greatest of friends and it
was by the former's suggestion that Mr James Binnie gave Sandy his first
commission who selected the cheerful subject of the young Duke of Rothesay
starving in prison
During this period Mr Clive assumed the toga virilis and beheld with
inexpressible satisfaction the first growth of those mustachios which have since
given him such a marked appearance Being at Gandishs and so near the dancing
academy what must he do but take lessons in the Terpsichorean art too
making himself as popular with the dancing folks as with the drawing folks and
the jolly king of his company everywhere He gave entertainments to his
fellowstudents in the Upper Chambers in Fitzroy Square which were devoted to
his use inviting his father and Mr Binnie to those parties now and then And
songs were sung and pipes were smoked and many a pleasant supper eaten There
was no stint but no excess No young man was ever seen to quit those apartments
the worse as it is called for liquor Fred Bayhams uncle the bishop could
not be more decorous than FB as he left the Colonels house for the Colonel
made that one of the conditions of his sons hospitality that nothing like
intoxication should ensue from it The good gentleman did not frequent the
parties of the juniors He saw that his presence rather silenced the young men
and left them to themselves confiding in Clives parole and went away to play
his honest rubber of whist at the Club And many a time he heard the young
fellows steps tramping by his bedchamber door as he lay wakeful within happy
to think his son was happy
Chapter XVIII
New Companions
Clive used to give droll accounts of the young disciples at Gandishs who were
of various ages and conditions and in whose company the young fellow took his
place with that good temper and gaiety which have seldom deserted him in life
and have put him at ease wherever his fate has led him He is in truth as much
at home in a fine drawingroom as in a publichouse parlour and can talk as
pleasantly to the polite mistress of the mansion as to the jolly landlady
dispensing her drinks from her bar Not one of the Gandishites but was after a
while well inclined to the young fellow from Mr Chivers the senior pupil
down to the little imp Harry Hooker who knew as much mischief at twelve years
old and could draw as cleverly as many a student of fiveandtwenty and Bob
Trotter the diminutive fag of the studio who ran on all the young mens
errands and fetched them in apples oranges and walnuts Clive opened his eyes
with wonder when he first beheld these simple feasts and the pleasure with
which some of the young men partook of them They were addicted to polonies
they did not disguise their love for Banbury cakes they made bets in
gingerbeer and gave and took the odds in that frothing liquor There was a
young Hebrew amongst the pupils upon whom his brother students used playfully
to press ham sandwiches pork sausages and the like This young man who has
risen to great wealth subsequently and was bankrupt only three months since
actually bought cocoanuts and sold them at a profit amongst the lads His
pockets were never without pencilcases French chalk garnet brooches for
which he was willing to bargain He behaved very rudely to Gandish who seemed
to be afraid before him It was whispered that the Professor was not altogether
easy in his circumstances and that the elder Moss had some mysterious hold over
him Honeyman and Bayham who once came to see Clive at the studio seemed each
disturbed at beholding young Moss seated there making a copy of the Marsyas
»Pa knows both those gents« he informed Clive afterwards with a wicked twinkle
of his Oriental eyes »Step in Mr Newcome any day you are passing down
Wardour Street and see if you dont want anything in our way« He pronounced
the words in his own way saying »Step id Bister Doocob ady day idto Vordor
Street« etc This young gentleman could get tickets for almost all the
theatres which he gave or sold and gave splendid accounts at Gandishs of the
brilliant masquerades Clive was greatly diverted at beholding Mr Moss at one
of these entertainments dressed in a scarlet coat and top boots and calling
out »Yoicks Hark forward« fitfully to another Orientalist his younger
brother attired like a midshipman Once Clive bought a halfdozen of theatre
tickets from Mr Moss which he distributed to the young fellows of the studio
But when this nice young man tried further to tempt him on the next day »Mr
Moss« Clive said to him with much dignity »I am very much obliged to you for
your offer but when I go to the play I prefer paying at the doors«
Mr Chivers used to sit in one corner of the room occupied over a
lithographic stone He was an uncouth and peevish young man for ever finding
fault with the younger pupils whose butt he was Next in rank and age was
MCollop before named and these two were at first more than usually harsh and
captious with Clive whose prosperity offended them and whose dandified
manners freeandeasy ways and evident influence over the younger scholars
gave umbrage to these elderly apprentices Clive at first returned Mr Chivers
war for war controlment for controlment but when he found Chivers was the son
of a helpless widow that he maintained her by his lithographic vignettes for
the musicsellers and by the scanty remuneration of some lessons which he gave
at a school at Highgate when Clive saw or fancied he saw the lonely senior
eyeing with hungry eyes the luncheons of cheese and bread and sweetstuff which
the young lads of the studio enjoyed I promise you Mr Clives wrath against
Chivers was speedily turned into compassion and kindness and he sought and no
doubt found means of feeding Chivers without offending his testy independence
Nigh to Gandishs was and perhaps is another establishment for teaching
the art of design Barkers which had the additional dignity of a life academy
and costume frequented by a class of students more advanced than those of
Gandishs Between these and the Barkerites there was a constant rivalry and
emulation in and out of doors Gandish sent more pupils to the Royal Academy
Gandish had brought up three medallists and the last RA student sent to Rome
was a Gandishite Barker on the contrary scorned and loathed Trafalgar Square
and laughed at its art Barker exhibited in Pall Mall and Suffolk Street he
laughed at old Gandish and his pictures made mincemeat of his »Angli sed
Angeli« and tore »King Alfred« and his muffins to pieces The young men of the
respective schools used to meet at Lundys coffeehouse and billiardroom and
smoke there and do battle Before Clive and his friend JJ came to Gandishs
the Barkerites were having the best of that constant match which the two
academies were playing Fred Bayham who knew every coffeehouse in town and
whose initials were scored on a thousand tavern doors was for a while a
constant visitor at Lundys played pool with the young men and did not disdain
to dip his beard into their porterpots when invited to partake of their drink
treated them handsomely when he was in cash himself and was an honorary member
of Barkers Academy Nay when the guardsman was not forthcoming who was
standing for one of Barkers heroic pictures Bayham bared his immense arms and
brawny shoulders and stood as Prince Edward with Eleanor sucking the poisoned
wound He would take his friends up to the picture in the Exhibition and
proudly point to it »Look at that biceps sir and now look at this thats
Barkers masterpiece sir and thats the muscle of FB sir« In no company
was FB greater than in the society of the artists in whose smoky haunts and
airy parlours he might often be found It was from FB that Clive heard of Mr
Chiverss struggles and honest industry A great deal of shrewd advice could
FB give on occasion and many a kind action and gentle office of charity was
this jolly outlaw known to do and cause to be done His advice to Clive was most
edifying at this time of our young gentlemans life and he owns that he was
kept from much mischief by this queer counsellor
A few months after Clive and JJ had entered at Gandishs that academy
began to hold its own against its rival The silent young disciple was
pronounced to be a genius His copies were beautiful in delicacy and finish his
designs were exquisite for grace and richness of fancy Mr Gandish took to
himself the credit for JJs genius Clive ever and fondly acknowledged the
benefit he got from his friends taste and bright enthusiasm and sure skill As
for Clive if he was successful in the academy he was doubly victorious out of
it His person was handsome his courage high his gaiety and frankness
delightful and winning His money was plenty and he spent it like a young king
He could speedily beat all the club at Lundys at billiards and give points to
the redoubted FB himself He sang a famous song at their jolly supper parties
and JJ himself had no greater delight than to listen to his fresh voice and
watch the young conqueror at the billiardtable where the balls seemed to obey
him
Clive was not the most docile of Mr Gandishs pupils If he had not come to
the studio on horseback several of the young students averred Gandish would
not always have been praising him and quoting him as that professor certainly
did It must be confessed that the young ladies read the history of Clives
uncle in the Book of Baronets and that Gandish jun probably with an eye to
business made a design of a picture in which according to that veracious
volume one of the Newcomes was represented as going cheerfully to the stake at
Smithfield surrounded by some very illfavoured Dominicans whose arguments did
not appear to make the least impression upon the martyr of the Newcome family
Sandy MCollop devised a counter picture wherein the barbersurgeon of King
Edward the Confessor was drawn operating upon the beard of that monarch To
which piece of satire Clive gallantly replied by a design representing Sawney
Bean MCollop chief of the clan of that name descending from his mountains
into Edinburgh and his astonishment at beholding a pair of breeches for the
first time These playful jokes passed constantly amongst the young men of
Gandishs studio There was no one there who was not caricatured in one way or
another He whose eyes looked not very straight was depicted with a most awful
squint The youth whom nature had endowed with somewhat lengthy nose was drawn
by the caricaturists with a prodigious proboscis Little Bobby Moss the young
Hebrew artist from Wardour Street was delineated with three hats and an
oldclothes bag Nor were poor JJs round shoulders spared until Clive
indignantly remonstrated at the hideous hunchback pictures which the boys made
of his friend and vowed it was a shame to make jokes at such a deformity
Our friend if the truth must be told regarding him though one of the most
frank generous and kindhearted persons is of a nature somewhat haughty and
imperious and very likely the course of life which he now led and the society
which he was compelled to keept served to increase some original defects in his
character and to fortify a certain disposition to think well of himself with
which his enemies not unjustly reproach him He has been known very pathetically
to lament that he was withdrawn from school too early where a couple of years
further course of thrashings from his tyrant Old Hodge he avers would have
done him good He laments that he was not sent to college where if a young man
receives no other discipline at least he acquires that of meeting with his
equals in society and of assuredly finding his betters whereas in poor Mr
Gandishs studio of art our young gentleman scarcely found a comrade that was
not in one way of other his flatterer his inferior his honest or dishonest
admirer The influence of his familys rank and wealth acted more or less on all
those simple folks who would run on his errands and vied with each other in
winning the young nabobs favour His very goodness of heart rendered him a more
easy prey to their flattery and his kind and jovial disposition led him into
company from which he had been much better away I am afraid that artful young
Moss whose parents dealt in pictures furniture gimcracks and jewellery
victimized Clive sadly with rings and chains shirtstuds and flaming
shirtpins and such vanities which the poor young rogue locked up in his desk
generally only venturing to wear them when he was out of his fathers sight or
of Mr Binnies whose shrewd eyes watched him very keenly
Mr Clive used to leave home every day shortly after noon when he was
supposed to betake himself to Gandishs studio But was the young gentleman
always at the drawingboard copying from the antique when his father supposed
him to be so devotedly engaged I fear his place was sometimes vacant His
friend JJ worked every day and all day Many a time the steady little student
remarked his patrons absence and no doubt gently remonstrated with him But
when Clive did come to his work he executed it with remarkable skill and
rapidity and Ridley was too fond of him to say a word at home regarding the
shortcomings of the youthful scapegrace Candid readers may sometimes have heard
their friend Joness mother lament that her darling was working too hard at
college or Harrys sisters express their anxiety lest his too rigorous
attendance in chambers after which he will persist in sitting up all night
reading those dreary law books which cost such an immense sum of money should
undermine dear Henrys health and to such acute persons a word is sufficient to
indicate young Mr Clive Newcomes proceedings Meanwhile his father who knew
no more of the world than Harrys simple sisters or Joness fond mother never
doubted that all Clives doings were right and that his boy was the best of
boys
»If that young man goes on as charmingly as he has begun« Clives cousin
Barnes Newcome said of his kinsman »he will be a paragon I saw him last night
at Vauxhall in company with young Moss whose father does bills and keeps the
bricabrac shop in Wardour Street Two or three other gentlemen probably young
oldclothesmen who had concluded for the day the labours of the bag joined
Mr Newcome and his friend and they partook of rackpunch in an arbour He is a
delightful youth Cousin Clive and I feel sure he is about to be an honour to
our family«
Chapter XIX
The Colonel at Home
Our good Colonels house had received a coat of paint which like Madame
Latours rouge in her latter days only served to make her careworn face look
more ghastly The kitchens were gloomy The stables were gloomy Great black
passages cracked conservatory dilapidated bathroom with melancholy waters
moaning and fizzing from the cistern the great large blank stone staircase
were all so many melancholy features in the general countenance of the house
but the Colonel thought in perfectly cheerful and pleasant and furnished it in
his roughandready way One day a cartload of chairs the next a wagon full of
fenders fireirons and glass and crockerya quantity of supplies in a word
he poured into the place There were a yellow curtain in the back drawingroom
and green curtains in the front The carpet was an immense bargain bought dirt
cheap sir at a sale in Euston Square He was against the purchase of a carpet
for the stairs What was the good of it What did men want with staircarpets
His own apartment contained a wonderful assortment of lumber shelves which he
nailed himself old Indian garments camphor trunks What did he want with
gewgaws anything was good enough for an old soldier But the spare bedroom was
endowed with all sorts of splendour a bed as big as a generals tent a cheval
glass whereas the Colonel shaved in a little cracked mirror which cost him no
more than King Stephens breeches and a handsome new carpet while the boards
of the Colonels bedchamber were as bare as bare as old Miss Scraggss
shoulders which would be so much more comfortable were they covered up Mr
Binnies bedchamber was neat snug and appropriate And Clive had a study and
bedroom at the top of the house which he was allowed to furnish entirely
according to his own taste How he and Ridley revelled in Wardour Street What
delightful coloured prints of hunting racing and beautiful ladies did they not
purchase mount with their own hands cut out for screens frame and glaze and
hang up on the walls When the rooms were ready they gave a party inviting the
Colonel and Mr Binnie by note of hand two gentlemen from Lamb Court Temple
Mr Honeyman and Fred Bayham We must have Fred Bayham Fred Bayham frankly
asked »Is Mr Sherrick with whom you have become rather intimate lately and
mind you I say nothing but I recommend strangers in London to be cautious about
their friends is Mr Sherrick coming to you young un because if he is FB
must respectfully decline«
Mr Sherrick was not invited and accordingly FB came But Sherrick was
invited on other days and a very queer society did our honest Colonel gather
together in that queer house so dreary so dingy so comfortless so pleasant
He who was one of the most hospitable men alive loved to have his friends
around him and it must be confessed that the evening parties now occasionally
given in Fitzroy Square were of the oddest assemblage of people the correct
East India gentlemen from Hanover Square the artists Clives friends
gentlemen of all ages with all sorts of beards in every variety of costume
now and again a stray schoolfellow from Grey Friars who stared as well he
might at the company in which he found himself Sometimes a few ladies were
brought to these entertainments The immense politeness of the good host
compensated some of them for the strangeness of his company They had never seen
such oddlooking hairy men as those young artists nor such wonderful women as
Colonel Newcome assembled together He was good to all old maids and poor
widows Retired captains with large families of daughters found in him their
best friend He sent carriages to fetch them and bring them back from the
suburbs where they dwelt Gandish Mrs Gandish and the four Miss Gandishes in
scarlet robes were constant attendants at the Colonels soirées »I delight
sir in the ospitality of my distinguished military friend« Mr Gandish would
say »The harmy has always been my passion I served in the Soho Volunteers
three years myself till the conclusion of the war sir till the conclusion of
the war«
It was a great sight to see Mr Frederick Bayham engaged in the waltz or the
quadrille with some of the elderly houris at the Colonels parties FB like a
goodnatured FB as he was always chose the plainest women as partners and
entertained them with profound compliments and sumptuous conversation The
Colonel likewise danced quadrilles with the utmost gravity Waltzing had been
invented long since his time but he practised quadrilles when they first came
in about 1817 in Calcutta To see him leading up a little old maid and bowing
to her when the dance was ended and performing cavalier seul with stately
simplicity was a sight indeed to remember If Clive Newcome had not had such a
fine sense of humour he would have blushed for his fathers simplicity As it
was the elders guileless goodness and childlike trustfulness endeared him
immensely to his son »Look at the old boy Pendennis« he would say »look at
him leading up that old Miss Tidswell to the piano Doesnt he do it like an old
duke I lay a wager she thinks she is going to be my motherinlaw all the
women are in love with him young and old Should he upbraid There she goes
Ill own that hell prevail and sing as sweetly as a nightingale O you old
warbler Look at fathers old head bobbing up and down Wouldnt he do for Sir
Roger de Coverley How do you do Uncle Charles I say MCollop how gets
on the Duke of Whatdyecallem starving in the castle Gandish says its very
good« The lad retires to a group of artists Mr Honeyman comes up with a faint
smile playing on his features like moonlight on the facade of Lady Whittleseas
chapel
»These parties are the most singular I have ever seen« whispers Honeyman
»In entering one of these assemblies one is struck with the immensity of
London and with the sense of ones own insignificance Without I trust
departing from my clerical character nay from my very avocation as Incumbent
of a London Chapel I have seen a good deal of the world and here is an
assemblage no doubt of most respectable persons on scarce one of whom I ever
set eyes till this evening Where does my good brother find such characters«
»That« says Mr Honeymans interlocutor »is the celebrated though
neglected artist Professor Gandish whom nothing but jealousy has kept out of
the Royal Academy Surely you have heard of the great Gandish«
»Indeed I am ashamed to confess my ignorance but a clergyman busy with his
duties knows little perhaps too little of the fine arts«
»Gandish sir is one of the greatest geniuses on whom our ungrateful
country ever trampled He exhibited his first celebrated picture of Alfred in
the Neatherds Hut he says he is the first who ever touched that subject in
180 but Lord Nelsons death and victory of Trafalgar occupied the public
attention at that time and Gandishs work went unnoticed In the year 1816 he
painted his great work of Boadicea You see her before you that lady in
yellow with a light front and a turban Boadicea became Mrs Gandish in that
year So late as 27 he brought before the world his Non Angli sed Angeli Two
of the angels are yonder in seagreen dresses the Misses Gandish The youth in
Berlin gloves was the little male angelus of that piece«
»How came you to know all this you strange man« says Mr Honeyman
»Simply because Gandish has told me twenty times He tells the story to
everybody every time he sees them He told it today at dinner Boadicea and the
angels came afterwards«
»Satire satire Mr Pendennis« says the divine holding up a reproving
finger of lavender kid »beware of a wicked wit But when a man has that
tendency I know how difficult it is to restrain My dear Colonel
goodevening You have a great reception tonight That gentlemans bass voice
is very fine Mr Pendennis and I were admiring it The Wolf is a song admirably
adapted to show its capabilities«
Mr Gandishs autobiography had occupied the whole time after the retirement
of the ladies from Colonel Newcomes dinnertable Mr Hobson Newcome had been
asleep during the performance Sir Curry Baughton and one or two of the
Colonels professional and military guests silent and puzzled honest Mr
Binnie with his shrewd goodhumoured face sipping his claret as usual and
delivering a sly joke now and again to the gentlemen at his end of the table
Mrs Newcome had sat by him in sulky dignity was it that Lady Baughtons
diamonds offended her her ladyship and her daughters being attired in great
splendour for a court ball which they were to attend that evening Was she hurt
because SHE was not invited to that Royal Entertainment As these festivities
were to take place at an early hour the ladies bidden were obliged to quit the
Colonels house before the evening party commenced from which Lady Ann declared
she was quite vexed to be obliged to run away
Lady Ann Newcome had been as gracious on this occasion as her sisterinlaw
had been out of humour Everything pleased her in the house She had no idea
that there were such fine houses in that quarter of the town She thought the
dinner so very nice that Mr Binnie such a goodhumouredlooking gentleman
that stout gentleman with his collars turned down like Lord Byron so
exceedingly clever and full of information A celebrated artist was he courtly
Mr Smee had his own opinion upon that point but did not utter it All those
artists are so eccentric and amusing and clever Before dinner she insisted upon
seeing Clives den with its pictures and casts and pipes »You horrid young
wicked creature have you begun to smoke already« she asks as she admires his
room She admired everything Nothing could exceed her satisfaction
The sistersinlaw kissed on meeting with that cordiality so delightful to
witness in sisters who dwell together in unity It was »My dear Maria what an
age since I have seen you« »My dear Ann our occupations are so engrossing our
circles are so different« in a languid response from the other »Sir Brian is
not coming I suppose« »Now Colonel« She turns in a frisky manner towards
him and taps her fan »Did I not tell you Sir Brian would not come«
»He is kept at the House of Commons my dear Those dreadful committees He
was quite vexed at not being able to come«
»I know I know dear Ann there are always excuses to gentlemen in
Parliament I have received many such Mr Shaloony and Mr MSheny the leaders
of our party often and often disappoint me I knew Brian would not come My
husband came down from Marble Head on purpose this morning Nothing would have
induced us to give up our brothers party«
»I believe you I did come down from Marble Head this morning and I was
four hours in the hayfield before I came away and in the city till five and
Ive been to look at a horse afterwards at Tattersalls and Im as hungry as a
hunter and as tired as a hodman« says Mr Newcome with his hands in his
pockets »How do you do Mr Pendennis Maria you remember Mr Pendennis
dont you«
»Perfectly« replies the languid Maria Mrs Gandish Colonel Topham Major
MCracken are announced and then in diamonds feathers and splendour Lady
Baughton and Miss Baughton who are going to the Queens ball and Sir Curry
Baughton not quite in his deputylieutenants uniform as yet looking very shy
in a pair of blue trousers with a glittering stripe of silver down the seams
Clive looks with wonder and delight at these ravishing ladies rustling in fresh
brocades with feathers diamonds and every magnificence Aunt Ann has not her
courtdress on as yet and Aunt Maria blushes as she beholds the newcomers
having thought fit to attire herself in a high dress with a Quakerlike
simplicity and a pair of gloves more than ordinarily dingy The pretty little
foot she has it is true and sticks it out from habit but what is Mrs
Newcomes foot compared with that sweet little chaussure which Miss Baughton
exhibits and withdraws The shiny white satin slipper the pink stocking which
ever and anon peeps from the rustling folds of her robe and timidly retires
into its covert that foot light as it is crushes Mrs Newcome
No wonder she winces and is angry there are some mischievous persons who
rather like to witness that discomfiture All Mr Smees flatteries that day
failed to soothe her She was in the state in which his canvases sometimes are
when he cannot paint on them
What happened to her alone in the drawingroom when the ladies invited to
the dinner had departed and those convoked to the soirée began to arrive what
happened to her or to them I do not like to think The Gandishes arrived first
Boadicea and the angels We judged from the fact that young Mr Gandish came
blushing into the dessert Name after name was announced of persons of whom Mrs
Newcome knew nothing The young and the old the pretty and homely they were
all in their best dresses and no doubt stared at Mrs Newcome so obstinately
plain in her attire When we came upstairs from dinner we found her seated
entirely by herself tapping her fan at the fireplace Timid groups of persons
were round about waiting for the irruption of the gentlemen until the pleasure
should begin Mr Newcome who came upstairs yawning was heard to say to his
wife »O dam lets cut« And they went downstairs and waited until their
carriage had arrived when they quitted Fitzroy Square
Mr Barnes Newcome presently arrived looking particularly smart and lively
with a large flower in his buttonhole and leaning on the arm of a friend »How
do you do Pendennis« he says with a peculiarly dandified air »Did you dine
here You look as if you dined here« and Barnes certainly as if he had dined
elsewhere »I was only asked to the cold soiree Who did you have for dinner
You had my mamma and the Baughtons and my uncle and aunt I know for they are
down below in the library waiting for the carriage he is asleep and she is as
sulky as a bear«
»Why did Mrs Newcome say I should find nobody I knew up here« asks
Barness companion »On the contrary there are lots of fellows I know Theres
Fred Bayham dancing like a harlequin Theres old Gandish who used to be my
drawingmaster and my Brighton friends your uncle and cousin Barnes What
relations are they to me must be some relations Fine fellow your cousin«
»Hm« growls Barnes »Very fine boy not spirited at all not fond of
flattery not surrounded by toadies not fond of drink delightful boy See
yonder the young fellow is in conversation with his most intimate friend a
little crooked fellow with long hair Do you know who he is he is the son of
old Todmordens butler Upon my life its true«
»And suppose it is what the deuce do I care« cries Lord Kew »Who can be
more respectable than a butler A man must be somebodys son When I am a
middleaged man I hope humbly I shall look like a butler myself Suppose you
were to put ten of Gunters men into the House of Lords do you mean to say that
they would not look as well as any average ten peers in the House Look at Lord
Westcot he is exactly like a butler thats why the country has such confidence
in him I never dine with him but I fancy he ought to be at the sideboard Here
comes that insufferable little old Smee How do you do Mr Smee«
Mr Smee smiles his sweetest smile With his rings diamond shirtstuds and
red velvet waistcoat there are few more elaborate middleaged bucks than Alfred
Smee »How do you do my dear lord« cries the bland one »Who would ever have
thought of seeing your lordship here«
»Why the deuce not Mr Smee« asks Lord Kew abruptly »Is it wrong to come
here I have been in the house only five minutes and three people have said the
same thing to me Mrs Newcome who is sitting downstairs in a rage waiting for
her carriage the condescending Barnes and yourself Why do you come here
Smee How are you Mr Gandish How do the fine arts go«
»Your lordships kindness in asking for them will cheer them if anything
will« says Mr Gandish »Your noble family has always patronized them I am
proud to be reckonized by your lordship in this house where the distinguished
father of one of my pupils entertains us this evening A most promising young
man is young Mr Clive talents for a hamateur really most remarkable«
»Excellent upon my word excellent« cries Mr Smee »Im not an
animalpainter myself and perhaps dont think much of that branch of the
profession but it seems to me the young fellow draws horses with the most
wonderful spirit I hope Lady Walham is very well and that she was satisfied
with her sons portrait Stockholm I think your brother is appointed to I wish
I might be allowed to paint the elder as well as the younger brother my lord«
»I am a historical painter but whenever Lord Kew is painted I hope his
lordship will think of the old servant of his lordships family Charles
Gandish« cries the professor
»I am like Susannah between the two Elders« says Lord Kew »Let my
innocence alone Smee Mr Gandish dont persecute my modesty with your
addresses I wont be painted I am not a fit subject for a historical painter
Mr Gandish«
»Halcibiades sat to Praxiteles and Pericles to Phridjas« remarks Gandish
»The cases are not quite similar« says Lord Kew languidly »You are no
doubt fully equal to Praxiteles but I dont see my resemblance to the other
party I should not look well as a hero and Smee could not paint me handsome
enough«
»I would try my dear lord« cries Mr Smee
»I know you would my dear fellow« Lord Kew answered looking at the
painter with a lazy scorn in his eyes »Where is Colonel Newcome Mr
Gandish« Mr Gandish replied that our gallant host was dancing a quadrille in
the next room and the young gentleman walked on towards that apartment to pay
his respects to the giver of the evenings entertainment
Newcomes behaviour to the young peer was ceremonious but not in the least
servile He saluted the others superior rank not his person as he turned the
guard out for a general officer He never could be brought to be otherwise than
cold and grave in his behaviour to John James nor was it without difficulty
when young Ridley and his son became pupils at Gandishs he could be induced to
invite the former to his parties »An artist is any mans equal« he said »I
have no prejudice of that sort and think that Sir Joshua Reynolds and Doctor
Johnson were fit company for any person of whatever rank But a young man whose
father may have had to wait behind me at dinner should not be brought into my
company« Clive compromises the dispute with a laugh »First« says he »I will
wait till I am asked and then I promise I will not go to dine with Lord
Todmorden«
Chapter XX
Contains More Particulars of The Colonel and His Brethren
If Clives amusements studies or occupations such as they were filled his
day pretty completely and caused the young gentlemans time to pass rapidly and
pleasantly his father it must be owned had no such resources and the good
Colonels idleness hung heavily upon him He submitted very kindly to this
infliction however as he would have done to any other for Clives sake and
though he may have wished himself back with his regiment again and engaged in
the pursuits in which his life had been spent he chose to consider these
desires as very selfish and blamable on his part and sacrificed them resolutely
for his sons welfare The young fellow I dare say gave his parent no more
credit for his long selfdenial than many other children award to theirs We
take such lifeofferings as our due commonly The old French satirist avers that
in a love affair there is usually one person who loves and the other qui se
laisse aimer it is only in later days perhaps when the treasures of love are
spent and the kind hand cold which ministered them that we remember how tender
it was how soft to soothe how eager to shield how ready to support and
caress The ears may no longer hear which would have received our words of
thanks so delightedly Let us hope those fruits of love though tardy are yet
not all too late and though we bring our tribute of reverence and gratitude it
may be to a gravestone there is an acceptance even there for the stricken
hearts oblation of fond remorse contrite memories and pious tears I am
thinking of the love of Clive Newcomes father for him and perhaps young
reader that of yours and mine for ourselves how the old man lay awake and
devised kindnesses and gave his all for the love of his son and the young man
took and spent and slept and made merry Did we not say at our tales
commencement that all stories were old Careless prodigals and anxious elders
have been from the beginning and so may love and repentance and forgiveness
endure even till the end
The stifling fogs the slippery mud the dun dreary November mornings when
the Regents Park where the Colonel took his early walk was wrapped in yellow
mist must have been a melancholy exchange for the splendour of Eastern sunrise
and the invigorating gallop at dawn to which for so many years of his life
Thomas Newcome had accustomed himself His obstinate habit of early waking
accompanied him to England and occasioned the despair of his London domestics
who if master wasnt so awful early would have found no fault with him for a
gentleman as gives less trouble to his servants as scarcely ever rings the bell
for hisself as will brush his own clothes as will even boil his own
shavingwater in the little hetna which he keeps up in his dressingroom as
pays so regular and never looks twice at the accounts such a man deserved to
be loved by his household and I dare say comparisons were made between him and
his son who do ring the bells and scold if his boots aint nice and horder
about like a young lord But Clive though imperious was very liberal and
goodhumoured and not the worse served because he insisted upon exerting his
youthful authority As for friend Binnie he had a hundred pursuits of his own
which made his time pass very comfortably He had all the Lectures at the
British Institution he had the Geographical Society the Asiatic Society and
the Political Economy Club and though he talked year after year of going to
visit his relations in Scotland the months and seasons passed away and his
feet still beat the London pavement
In spite of the cold reception his brothers gave him duty was duty and
Colonel Newcome still proposed or hoped to be well with the female members of
the Newcome family and having as we have said plenty of time on his hands
and living at no very great distance from either of his brothers town houses
when their wives were in London the elder Newcome was for paying them pretty
constant visits But after the good gentleman had called twice or thrice upon
his sisterinlaw in Bryanston Square bringing as was his wont a present for
this little niece or a book for that Mrs Newcome with her usual virtue gave
him to understand that the occupation of an English matron who besides her
multifarious family duties had her own intellectual culture to mind would not
allow her to pass the mornings in idle gossips and of course took great
credit to herself for having so rebuked him »I am not above instruction of any
age« says she thanking Heaven or complimenting it rather for having created a
being so virtuous and humbleminded »When Professor Schroff comes I sit with
my children and take lessons in German and I say my verbs with Maria and Tommy
in the same class« Yes with curtsies and fine speeches she actually bowed her
brother out of doors and the honest gentleman meekly left her though with
bewilderment as he thought of the different hospitality to which he had been
accustomed in the East where no friends house was ever closed to him where no
neighbour was so busy but he had time to make Thomas Newcome welcome
When Hobson Newcomes boys came home for the holidays their kind uncle was
for treating them to the sights of the town but here Virtue again interposed
and laid its interdict upon pleasure »Thank you very much my dear Colonel«
says Virtue »there never was surely such a kind affectionate unselfish
creature as you are and so indulgent for children but my boys and yours are
brought up on a very different plan Excuse me for saying that I do not think it
is advisable that they should even see too much of each other Clives company
is not good for them«
»Great heavens Maria« cries the Colonel starting up »do you mean that my
boys society is not good enough for any boy alive«
Maria turned very red she had said not more than she meant but more than
she meant to say »My dear Colonel how hot we are how angry you Indian
gentlemen become with us poor women Your boy is much older than mine He lives
with artists with all sorts of eccentric people Our children are bred on quite
a different plan Hobson will succeed his father in the bank and dear Samuel I
trust will go into the church I told you before the views I had regarding the
boys but it was most kind of you to think of them most generous and kind«
»That nabob of ours is a queer fish« Hobson Newcome remarked to his nephew
Barnes »He is as proud as Lucifer he is always taking huff about one thing or
the other He went off in a fume the other night because your aunt objected to
his taking the boys to the play She dont like their going to the play My
mother didnt either Your aunt is a woman who is uncommon wideawake I can
tell you«
»I always knew sir that my aunt was perfectly aware of the time of the
day« says Barnes with a bow
»And then the Colonel flies out about his boy and says that my wife
insulted him I used to like that boy Before his father came he was a good lad
enough a jolly brave little fellow«
»I confess I did not know Mr Clive at that interesting period of his
existence« remarked Barnes
»But since he has taken this madcap freak of turning painter« the uncle
continues »there is no understanding the chap Did you ever see such a set of
fellows as the Colonel had got together at his party the other night dirty
chaps in velvet coats and beards They looked like a set of mountebanks And
this young Clive is going to turn painter«
»Very advantageous thing for the family Hell do our pictures for nothing
I always said he was a darling boy« simpered Barnes
»Darling jackass« growled out the senior »Confound it why doesnt my
brother set him up in some respectable business I aint proud I have not
married an earls daughter No offence to you Barnes«
»Not at all sir I cant help it if my grandfather is a gentleman« says
Barnes with a fascinating smile
The uncle laughs »I mean I dont care what a fellow is if he is a good
fellow But a painter hang it a painters no trade at all I dont fancy
seeing one of our family sticking up pictures for sale I dont like it
Barnes«
»Hush here comes his distinguished friend Mr Pendennis« whispers Barnes
and the uncle growling out »Damn all literary fellows all artists the whole
lot of them« turns away Barnes waves three languid fingers of recognition
towards Pendennis and when the uncle and nephew have moved out of the club
newspaper room little Tom Eaves comes up and tells the present reporter every
word of their conversation
Very soon Mrs Newcome announced that their Indian brother found the society
of Bryanston Square very little to his taste as indeed how should he being a
man of a good harmless disposition certainly but of small intellectual
culture It could not be helped She had done her utmost to make him welcome
and grieved that their pursuits were not more congenial She heard that he was
much more intimate in Park Lane Possibly the superior rank of Lady Anns family
might present charms to Colonel Newcome who fell asleep at her assemblies His
boy she was afraid was leading the most irregular life He was growing a pair
of mustachios and going about with all sorts of wild associates She found no
fault who was she to find fault with any one But she had been compelled to
hint that her children must not be too intimate with him And so between one
brother who meant no unkindness and another who was all affection and goodwill
this undoubting woman created difference distrust dislike which might one day
possibly lead to open rupture The wicked are wicked no doubt and they go
astray and they fall and they come by their deserts but who can tell the
mischief which the very virtuous do
To her sisterinlaw Lady Ann the Colonels society was more welcome The
affectionate gentleman never tired of doing kindnesses to his brothers many
children and as Mr Clives pursuits now separated him a good deal from his
father the Colonel not perhaps without a sigh that fate should so separate him
from the society which he loved best in the world consoled himself as best he
might with his nephews and nieces especially with Ethel for whom his belle
passion conceived at first sight never diminished If Uncle Newcome had a
hundred children Ethel said who was rather jealous of disposition he would
spoil them all He found a fine occupation in breaking a pretty little horse for
her of which he made her a present and there was no horse in the Park that was
so handsome and surely no girl who looked more beautiful than Ethel Newcome
with her broad hat and red ribbon with her thick black locks waving round her
bright face galloping along the ride on Bhurtpore Occasionally Clive was at
their riding parties when the Colonel would fall back and fondly survey the
young people cantering side by side over the grass but by a tacit convention it
was arranged that the cousins should be but seldom together the Colonel might
be his nieces companion and no one could receive him with a more joyous
welcome but when Mr Clive made his appearance with his father at the Park Lane
door a certain gêne was visible in Miss Ethel who would never mount except
with Colonel Newcomes assistance and who especially after Mr Clives famous
mustachios made their appearance rallied him and remonstrated with him
regarding those ornaments and treated him with much distance and dignity She
asked him if he was going into the army she could not understand how any but
military men could wear mustachios and then she looked fondly and archly at her
uncle and said she liked none that were not grey
Clive set her down as a very haughty spoiled aristocratic young creature
If he had been in love with her no doubt he would have sacrificed even those
beloved newborn whiskers for the charmer Had he not already bought on credit
the necessary implements in a fine dressingcase from young Moss But he was
not in love with her otherwise he would have found a thousand opportunities of
riding with her walking with her meeting her in spite of all prohibitions
tacit or expressed all governesses guardians mammas punctilios and kind
hints from friends For a while Mr Clive thought himself in love with his
cousin than whom no more beautiful young girl could be seen in any park ball
or drawingroom and he drew a hundred pictures of her and discoursed about her
beauties to JJ who fell in love with her on hearsay But at this time
Mademoiselle Saltarelli was dancing at Drury Lane Theatre and it certainly may
be said that Clives first love was bestowed upon that beauty whose picture of
course he drew in most of her favourite characters and for whom his passion
lasted until the end of the season when her night was announced tickets to be
had at the theatre or of Mademoiselle Saltarelli Buckingham Street Strand
Then it was that with a throbbing heart and a fivepound note to engage places
for the houris benefit Clive beheld Madame Rogomme Mademoiselle Saltarellis
mother who entertained him in the French language in a dark parlour smelling of
onions And oh issuing from the adjoining diningroom where was a dingy vision
of a feast and pewter pots upon a darkling tablecloth could that lean
scraggy old beetlebrowed yellow face who cried »Où est tu donc maman«
with such a shrill nasal voice could that elderly vixen be that blooming and
divine Saltarelli Clive drew her picture as she was and a likeness of Madame
Rogomme her mamma A Mosaic youth profusely jewelled and scented at once with
tobacco and eaudeCologne occupied Clives stall on Mademoiselle Saltarellis
night it was young Mr Moss of Gandishs to whom Newcome ceded his place and
who laughed as he always did at Clives jokes when the latter told the story
of his interview with the dancer »Paid five pound to see that woman I could
have took you behind the scenes« or »beide the seeds« Mr Moss said »and
showed her to you for dothing« Did he take Clive behind the scenes Over this
part of the young gentlemans life without implying the least harm to him for
have not others been behind the scenes and can there be any more dreary object
than those whitened and raddled old women who shudder at the slips over this
stage of Clive Newcomes life we may surely drop the curtain
It is pleasanter to contemplate that kind old face of Clives father that
sweet young blushing lady by his side as the two ride homewards at sunset the
grooms behind in quiet conversation about horses as men never tire of talking
about horses Ethel wants to know about battles about lovers lamps which she
has read of in »Lalla Rookh« »Have you ever seen them uncle floating down the
Ganges of a night« About Indian widows »Did you actually see one burning and
hear her scream as you rode up« She wonders whether he will tell her anything
about Clives mother how she must have loved Uncle Newcome Ethel cant bear
somehow to think that her name was Mrs Casey Perhaps he was very fond of her
though he scarcely ever mentions her name She was nothing like that good old
funny Miss Honeyman at Brighton Who could the person be a person that her
uncle knew ever so long ago a French lady whom her uncle says Ethel often
resembles That is why he speaks French so well He can recite whole pages out
of Racine Perhaps it was the French lady who taught him And he was not very
happy at the Hermitage though grandpapa was a very kind good man and he
upset papa in a little carriage and was wild and got into disgrace and was
sent to India He could not have been very bad Ethel thinks looking at him
with her honest eyes Last week he went to the Drawingroom and papa presented
him His uniform of grey and silver was quite old yet he looked much grander
than Sir Brian in his new deputylieutenants dress »Next year when I am
presented you must come too sir« says Ethel »I insist upon it you must come
too«
»I will order a new uniform Ethel« says her uncle
The girl laughs »When little Egbert took hold of your sword uncle and
asked you how many people you had killed do you know I had the same question in
my mind and I thought when you went to the Drawingroom perhaps the King will
knight him But instead he knighted mammas apothecary Sir Danby Jilks that
horrid little man and I wont have you knighted any more«
»I hope Egbert wont ask Sir Danby Jilks how many people HE has killed«
says the Colonel laughing but thinking the joke too severe upon Sir Danby and
the profession he forthwith apologizes by narrating many anecdotes he knows to
the credit of surgeons how when the fever broke out on board the ship going to
India their surgeon devoted himself to the safety of the crew and died
himself leaving directions for the treatment of the patients when he was gone
what heroism the doctors showed during the cholera in India and what courage he
had seen some of them exhibit in action attending the wounded men under the
hottest fire and exposing themselves as readily as the bravest troops Ethel
declares that her uncle always will talk of other peoples courage and never
say a word about his own and the only reason she says which made me like that
odious Sir Thomas de Boots who laughs so and looks so red and pays such
horrid compliments to all ladies was that he praised you uncle at Newcome
last year when Barnes and he came to us at Christmas Why did you not come
Mamma and I went to see your old nurse and we found her such a nice old lady
So the pair talk kindly on riding homewards through the pleasant summer
twilight Mamma had gone out to dinner and there were cards for three parties
afterwards »Oh how I wish it was next year« says Miss Ethel
Many a splendid assembly and many a brilliant next year will the ardent
and hopeful young creature enjoy but in the midst of her splendour and
triumphs buzzing flatterers conquered rivals prostrate admirers no doubt she
will think sometimes of that quiet season before the world began for her and
that dear old friend on whose arm she leaned while she was yet a young girl
The Colonel comes to Park Street early in the forenoon when the mistress of
the house surrounded by her little ones is administering dinner to them He
behaves with splendid courtesy to Miss Quigley the governess and makes a point
of taking wine with her and of making a most profound bow during that ceremony
Miss Quigley cannot help thinking Colonel Newcomes bow very fine She has an
idea that his late Majesty must have bowed in that way She flutteringly imparts
this opinion to Lady Anns maid who tells her mistress who tells Miss Ethel
who watches the Colonel the next time he takes wine with Miss Quigley and they
laugh and then Ethel tells him so that the gentleman and the governess have to
blush ever after when they drink wine together When she is walking with her
little charges in the Park or in that beforementioned Paradise nigh to Apsley
House faint signals of welcome appear on her wan cheeks She knows the dear
Colonel amongst a thousand horsemen If Ethel makes for her uncle purses
guardchains antimacassars and the like beautiful and useful articles I
believe it is in reality Miss Quigley who does fourfifths of the work as she
sits alone in the schoolroom high high up in that lone house when the little
ones are long since asleep before her dismal little teatray and her little
desk containing her mothers letters and her mementos of home
There are of course numberless fine parties in Park Lane where the
Colonel knows he would be very welcome But if there be grand assemblies he
does not care to come »I like to go to the club best« he says to Lady Ann »We
talk there as you do here about persons and about Jack marrying and Tom dying
and so forth But we have known Jack and Tom all our lives and so are
interested in talking about them just as you are in speaking of your own
friends and habitual society They are people whose names I have sometimes read
in the newspaper but whom I never thought of meeting until I came to your
house What has an old fellow like me to say to your young dandies or old
dowagers«
»Mamma is very odd and sometimes very captious my dear Colonel« said Lady
Ann with a blush »she suffers so frightfully from tic that we are all bound to
pardon her«
Truth to tell old Lady Kew had been particularly rude to Colonel Newcome
and Clive Ethels birthday befell in the spring on which occasion she was wont
to have a juvenile assembly chiefly of girls of her own age and condition who
came accompanied by a few governesses and they played and sang their little
duets and choruses together and enjoyed a gentle refection of spongecakes
jellies tea and the like The Colonel who was invited to this little party
sent a fine present to his favourite Ethel and Clive and his friend JJ made a
funny series of drawings representing the life of a young lady as they imagined
it and drawing her progress from her cradle upwards now engaged with her
doll then with her dancing now marching in her backboard now crying over her
German lessons and dressed for her first ball finally and bestowing her hand
upon a dandy of preternatural ugliness who was kneeling at her feet as the
happy man This picture was the delight of the laughing happy girls except
perhaps the little cousins from Bryanston Square who were invited to Ethels
party but were so overpowered by the prodigious new dresses in which their
mamma had attired them that they could admire nothing but their rustling pink
frocks their enormous sashes their lovely new silk stockings
Lady Kew coming to London attended on the party and presented her
granddaughter with a sixpenny pincushion The Colonel had sent Ethel a
beautiful little gold watch and chain Her aunt had complimented her with that
refreshing work Alisons »History of Europe« richly bound Lady Kews
pincushion made rather a poor figure among the gifts whence probably arose her
ladyships illhumour
Ethels grandmother became exceedingly testy when the Colonel arriving
Ethel ran up to him and thanked him for the beautiful watch in return for which
she gave him a kiss which I dare say amply repaid Colonel Newcome and
shortly after him Mr Clive arrived looking uncommonly handsome with that
smart little beard and mustachio with which nature had recently gifted him As
he entered all the girls who had been admiring his pictures began to clap their
hands Mr Clive Newcome blushed and looked none the worse for that indication
of modesty
Lady Kew had met Colonel Newcome a halfdozen times at her daughters house
but on this occasion she had quite forgotten him for when the Colonel made her
a bow her ladyship regarded him steadily and beckoning her daughter to her
asked who the gentleman was who had just kissed Ethel Trembling as she always
did before her mother Lady Ann explained Lady Kew said »Oh« and left Colonel
Newcome blushing and rather embarrassé de sa personne before her
With the clapping of hands that greeted Clives arrival the Countess was by
no means more goodhumoured Not aware of her wrath the young fellow who had
also previously been presented to her came forward presently to make her his
compliments »Pray who are you« she said looking at him very earnestly in the
face He told her his name
»Hm« said Lady Kew »I have heard of you and I have heard very little
good of you«
»Will your ladyship please to give me your informant« cried out Colonel
Newcome
Barnes Newcome who had condescended to attend his sisters little fête and
had been languidly watching the frolics of the young people looked very much
alarmed
Chapter XXI
Is Sentimental but Short
Without wishing to disparage the youth of other nations I think a wellbred
English lad has this advantage over them that his bearing is commonly more
modest than theirs He does not assume the tailcoat and the manners of manhood
too early he holds his tongue and listens to his elders his mind blushes as
well as his cheeks he does not know how to make bows and pay compliments like
the young Frenchman nor to contradict his seniors as I am informed American
striplings do Boys who learn nothing else at our public schools learn at
least good manners or what we consider to be such and with regard to the
person at present under consideration it is certain that all his acquaintances
excepting perhaps his dear cousin Barnes Newcome agreed in considering him as a
very frank manly modest and agreeable young fellow My friend Warrington
found a grim pleasure in his company and his bright face droll humour and
kindly laughter were always welcome in our chambers Honest Fred Bayham was
charmed to be in his society and used pathetically to aver that he himself
might have been such a youth had he been blest with a kind father to watch and
good friends to guide his early career In fact Fred was by far the most
didactic of Clives bachelor acquaintances pursued the young man with endless
advice and sermons and held himself up as a warning to Clive and a touching
example of the evil consequences of early idleness and dissipation Gentlemen of
much higher rank in the world took a fancy to the lad Captain Jack Belsize
introduced him to his own mess as also to the Guard dinner at St Jamess and
my Lord Kew invited him to Kewbury his Lordships house in Oxfordshire where
Clive enjoyed hunting shooting and plenty of good company Mrs Newcome
groaned in spirit when she heard of these proceedings and feared feared very
much that that unfortunate young man was going to ruin and Barnes Newcome
amiably disseminated reports amongst his family that the lad was plunged in all
sorts of debaucheries that he was tipsy every night that he was engaged in
his sober moments with dice the turf or worse amusements and that his head
was so turned by living with Kew and Belsize that the little rascals pride and
arrogance were perfectly insufferable Ethel would indignantly deny these
charges then perhaps credit a few of them and she looked at Clive with
melancholy eyes when he came to visit his aunt and I hope prayed that Heaven
might mend his wicked ways The truth is the young fellow enjoyed life as one
of his age and spirit might be expected to do but he did very little harm and
meant less and was quite unconscious of the reputation which his kind friends
were making for him
There had been a longstanding promise that Clive and his father were to go
to Newcome at Christmas and I dare say Ethel proposed to reform the young
prodigal if prodigal he was for she busied herself delightedly in preparing
the apartments which they were to inhabit during their stay speculated upon it
in a hundred pleasant ways putting off her visit to this pleasant neighbour or
that pretty scene in the vicinage until her uncle should come and they should
be enabled to enjoy the excursion together And before the arrival of her
relatives Ethel with one of her young brothers went to see Mrs Mason and
introduced herself as Colonel Newcomes niece and came back charmed with the
old lady and eager once more in defence of Clive when that young gentlemans
character happened to be called in question by her brother Barnes for had she
not seen the kindest letter which Clive had written to old Mrs Mason and the
beautiful drawing of his father on horseback and in regimentals waving his
sword in front of the gallant th Bengal Cavalry which the lad had sent down
to the good old woman He could not be very bad Ethel thought who was so kind
and thoughtful for the poor His fathers son could not be altogether a
reprobate When Mrs Mason seeing how good and beautiful Ethel was and
thinking in her heart nothing could be too good or beautiful for Clive nodded
her kind old head at Miss Ethel and said she should like to find a husband for
her Miss Ethel blushed and looked handsomer than ever and at home when she
was describing the interview never mentioned this part of her talk with Mrs
Mason
But the enfant terrible young Alfred did announcing to all the company at
dessert that Ethel was in love with Clive that Clive was coming to marry her
that Mrs Mason the old woman at Newcome had told him so
»I dare say she has told the tale all over Newcome« shrieked out Mr
Barnes »I dare say it will be in the Independent next week By Jove its a
pretty connection and nice acquaintances this uncle of ours brings us« A fine
battle ensued upon the receipt and discussion of this intelligence Barnes was
more than usually bitter and sarcastic Ethel haughtily recriminated losing her
temper and then her firmness until fairly bursting into tears she taxed
Barnes with meanness and malignity in for ever uttering stories to his cousins
disadvantage and pursuing with constant slander and cruelty one of the very
best of men She rose and left the table in great tribulation she went to her
room and wrote a letter to her uncle blistered with tears in which she
besought him not to come to Newcome Perhaps she went and looked at the
apartments which she had adorned and prepared for his reception It was for him
and for his company that she was eager She had met no one so generous and
gentle so honest and unselfish until she had seen him
Lady Ann knew the ways of women very well and when Ethel that night still
in great indignation and scorn against Barnes announced that she had written a
letter to her uncle begging the Colonel not to come at Christmas Ethels
mother soothed the wounded girl and treated her with peculiar gentleness and
affection and she wisely gave Mr Barnes to understand that if he wished to
bring about that very attachment the idea of which made him so angry he could
use no better means than those which he chose to employ at present of
constantly abusing and insulting poor Clive and awakening Ethels sympathies by
mere opposition And Ethels sad little letter was extracted from the postbag
and her mother brought it to her sealed in her own room where the young lady
burned it being easily brought by Lady Anns quiet remonstrances to perceive
that it was best no allusion should take place to the silly dispute which had
occurred that evening and that Clive and his father should come for the
Christmas holidays if they were so minded But when they came there was no
Ethel at Newcome She was gone on a visit to her sick aunt Lady Julia Colonel
Newcome passed the holidays sadly without his young favourite and Clive
consoled himself by knocking down pheasants with Sir Brians keepers and
increased his cousins attachment for him by breaking the knees of Barness
favourite mare out hunting It was a dreary entertainment father and son were
glad enough to get away from it and to return to their own humbler quarters in
London
Thomas Newcome had now been for three years in the possession of that
felicity which his soul longed after and had any friend of his asked him if he
was happy he would have answered in the affirmative no doubt and protested
that he was in the enjoyment of everything a reasonable man could desire And
yet in spite of his happiness his honest face grew more melancholy his loose
clothes hung only the looser on his lean limbs he ate his meals without
appetite his nights were restless and he would sit for hours silent in the
midst of his family so that Mr Binnie first began jocularly to surmise that
Tom was crossed in love then seriously to think that his health was suffering
and that a doctor should be called to see him and at last to agree that
idleness was not good for the Colonel and that he missed the military
occupation to which he had been for so many years accustomed
The Colonel insisted that he was perfectly happy and contented What could
he want more than he had the society of his son for the present and a
prospect of quiet for his declining days Binnie vowed that his friends days
had no business to decline as yet that a sober man of fifty ought to be at his
best and that Newcome had grown older in three years in Europe than in a
quarter of a century in the East all which statements were true though the
Colonel persisted in denying them
He was very restless He was always finding business in distant quarters of
England He must go visit Tom Barker who was settled in Devonshire or Harry
Johnson who had retired and was living in Wales He surprised Mrs Honeyman by
the frequency of his visits to Brighton and always came away much improved in
health by the sea air and by constant riding with the harriers there He
appeared at Bath and at Cheltenham where as we know there are many old
Indians Mr Binnie was not indisposed to accompany him on some of these jaunts
»provided« the Civilian said »you dont take young Hopeful who is much
better without us and let us two old fogeys enjoy ourselves together«
Clive was not sorry to be left alone The father knew that only too well
The young man had occupations ideas associates in whom the elder could take
no interest Sitting below in his blank cheerless bedroom Newcome could hear
the lad and his friends talking singing and making merry overhead Something
would be said in Clives wellknown tones and a roar of laughter would proceed
from the youthful company They had all sorts of tricks bywords waggeries of
which the father could not understand the jest nor the secret He longed to
share in it but the party would be hushed if he went in to join it and he
would come away sad at heart to think that his presence should be a signal for
silence among them and that his son could not be merry in his company
We must not quarrel with Clive and Clives friends because they could not
joke and be free in the presence of the worthy gentleman If they hushed when he
came in Thomas Newcomes sad face would seem to look round appealing to one
after another of them and asking »Why dont you go on laughing« A company of
old comrades shall be merry and laughing together and the entrance of a single
youngster will stop the conversation and if men of middle age feel this
restraint with our juniors the young ones surely have a right to be silent
before their elders The boys are always mum under the eyes of the usher There
is scarce any parent however friendly or tender with his children but must
feel sometimes that they have thoughts which are not his or hers and wishes and
secrets quite beyond the parental control and as people are vain long after
they are fathers ay or grandfathers and not seldom fancy that mere personal
desire of domination is overweening anxiety and love for their family no doubt
that common outcry against thankless children might often be shown to prove not
that the son is disobedient but the father too exacting When a mother as fond
mothers often will vows that she knows every thought in her daughters heart I
think she pretends to know a great deal too much nor can there be a wholesomer
task for the elders as our young subjects grow up naturally demanding liberty
and citizens rights than for us gracefully to abdicate our sovereign
pretensions and claims of absolute control Theres many a family chief who
governs wisely and gently who is loth to give the power up when he should Ah
be sure it is not youth alone that has need to learn humility By their very
virtues and the purity of their lives many good parents create flatterers for
themselves and so live in the midst of a filial court of parasites and seldom
without a pang of unwillingness and often not at all will they consent to
forego their autocracy and exchange the tribute they have been wont to exact of
love and obedience for the willing offering of love and freedom
Our good Colonel was not of the tyrannous but of the loving order of
fathers and having fixed his whole heart upon this darling youth his son was
punished as I suppose such worldly and selfish love ought to be punished so
Mr Honeyman says at least in his pulpit by a hundred little mortifications
disappointments and secret wounds which stung not the less severely though
never mentioned by their victim
Sometimes he would have a company of such gentlemen as Messrs Warrington
Honeyman and Pendennis when haply a literary conversation would ensue after
dinner and the merits of our present poets and writers would be discussed with
the claret Honeyman was well enough read in profane literature especially of
the lighter sort and I dare say could have passed a satisfactory examination
in Balzac Dumas and Paul de Kock himself of all whose works our good host was
entirely ignorant as indeed he was of graver books and of earlier books and
of books in general except those few which we have said formed his travelling
library He heard opinions that amazed and bewildered him He heard that Byron
was no great poet though a very clever man He heard that there had been a
wicked persecution against Mr Popes memory and fame and that it was time to
reinstate him that his favourite Dr Johnson talked admirably but did not
write English that young Keats was a genius to be estimated in future days with
young Raphael and that a young gentleman of Cambridge who had lately published
two volumes of verses might take rank with the greatest poets of all Dr
Johnson not write English Lord Byron not one of the greatest poets of the
world Sir Walter a poet of the second order Mr Pope attacked for inferiority
and want of imagination Mr Keats and this young Mr Tennyson of Cambridge the
chief of modern poetic literature What were these new dicta which Mr
Warrington delivered with a puff of tobacco smoke to which Mr Honeyman
blandly assented and Clive listened with pleasure Such opinions were not of
the Colonels time He tried in vain to construe OEnone and to make sense of
Lamia Ulysses he could understand but what were these prodigious laudations
bestowed on it And that reverence for Mr Wordsworth what did it mean Had he
not written Peter Bell and been turned into deserved ridicule by all the
reviews Was that dreary Excursion to be compared to Goldsmiths Traveller or
Dr Johnsons Imitation of the Tenth Satire of Juvenal If the young men told
the truth where had been the truth in his own young days and in what ignorance
had our forefathers been brought up Mr Addison was only an elegant essayist
and shallow trifler All these opinions were openly uttered over the Colonels
claret as he and Mr Binnie sate wondering at the speakers who were knocking
the gods of their youth about their ears To Binnie the shock was not so great
the hardheaded Scotchman had read Hume in his college days and sneered at some
of the gods even at that early time But with Newcome the admiration for the
literature of the last century was an article of belief, and the incredulity of
the young men seemed rank blasphemy »You will be sneering at Shakespeare next«
he said and was silenced though not better pleased when his youthful guests
told him that Dr Goldsmith sneered at him too that Dr Johnson did not
understand him and that Congreve in his own day and afterwards was considered
to be in some points Shakespeares superior »What do you think a mans
criticism is worth sir« cries Mr Warrington »who says those lines of Mr
Congreve about a church
How reverend is the face of yon tall pile
Whose ancient pillars rear their marble heads
To bear aloft its vast and ponderous roof
By its own weight made stedfast and immovable
Looking tranquillity It strikes an awe
And terror on my aching sight et cætera
what do you think of a critic who says those lines are finer than anything
Shakespeare ever wrote« A dim consciousness of danger for Clive a terror that
his son had got into the society of heretics and unbelievers came over the
Colonel and then presently as was the wont with his modest soul a gentle
sense of humility He was in the wrong perhaps and these younger men were
right Who was he to set up his judgment against men of letters educated at
college It was better that Clive should follow them than him who had had but a
brief schooling and that neglected and who had not the original genius of his
sons brilliant companions We particularize these talks and the little
incidental mortifications which one of the best of men endured not because the
conversations are worth the remembering or recording but because they presently
very materially influenced his own and his sons future history
In the midst of the artists and their talk the poor Colonel was equally in
the dark They assaulted this academician and that laughed at Mr Haydon or
sneered at Mr Eastlake or the contrary deified Mr Turner on one side of the
table and on the other scorned him as a madman Nor could Newcome comprehend a
word of their jargon Some sense there must be in their conversation Clive
joined eagerly in it and took one side or another But what was all this
rapture about a snuffy brown picture called Titian this delight in three flabby
nymphs by Rubens and so forth As for the vaunted Antique and the Elgin marbles
it might be that that battered torso was a miracle and that brokennosed bust
a perfect beauty He tried and tried to see that they were He went away privily
and worked at the National Gallery with a catalogue and passed hours in the
Museum before the ancient statues desperately praying to comprehend them and
puzzled before them as he remembered he was puzzled before the Greek rudiments
as a child when he cried overo kai alhths kai to alhtes Whereas when Clive
came to look at these same things his eyes would lighten up with pleasure and
his cheeks flush with enthusiasm He seemed to drink in colour as he would a
feast of wine Before the statues he would wave his finger following the line
of grace and burst into ejaculations of delight and admiration »Why cant I
love the things which he loves« thought Newcome »why am I blind to the
beauties which he admires so much and am I unable to comprehend what he
evidently understands at his young age«
So as he thought what vain egotistical hopes he used to form about the boy
when he was away in India how in his plans for the happy future Clive was to
be always at his side how they were to read work play think be merry
together a sickening and humiliating sense of the reality came over him and
he sadly contrasted it with the former fond anticipations Together they were
yet he was alone still His thoughts were not the boys and his affections
rewarded but with a part of the young mans heart Very likely other lovers have
suffered equally Many a man and woman has been incensed and worshipped and has
shown no more feeling than is to be expected from idols There is yonder statue
in St Peters of which the toe is worn away with kisses and which sits and
will sit eternally prim and cold As the young man grew it seemed to the
father as if each day separated them more and more He himself became more
melancholy and silent His friend the Civilian marked the ennui and commented
on it in his laughing way Sometimes he announced to the club that Tom Newcome
was in love then he thought it was not Toms heart but his liver that was
affected and recommended blue pill O thou fond fool who art thou to know any
mans heart save thine alone Wherefore were wings made and do feathers grow
but that birds should fly The instinct that bids you love your nest leads the
young ones to seek a tree and a mate of their own As if Thomas Newcome by
poring over poems or pictures ever so much could read them with Clives eyes
as if by sitting mum over his wine but watching till the lad came home with his
latchkey when the Colonel crept back to his own room in his stockings by
prodigal bounties by stealthy affection by any schemes or prayers he could
hope to remain first in his sons heart
One day going into Clives study where the lad was so deeply engaged that
he did not hear the fathers steps advancing Thomas Newcome found his son
pencil in hand poring over a paper which blushing he thrust hastily into his
breastpocket as soon as he saw his visitor The father was deeply smitten and
mortified »I I am sorry you have any secrets from me Clive« he gasped out
at length
The boys face lighted up with humour »Here it is father if you would
like to see« and he pulled out a paper which contained neither more nor less
than a copy of very flowery verses about a certain young lady who had
succeeded after I know not how many predecessors to the place of prima donna
assoluta in Clives heart And be pleased madam not to be too eager with your
censure and fancy that Mr Clive or his Chronicler would insinuate anything
wrong I dare say you felt a flame or two before you were married yourself and
that the Captain or the Curate and the interesting young foreigner with whom
you danced caused your heart to beat before you bestowed that treasure on Mr
Candour Clive was doing no more than your own son will do when he is eighteen
or nineteen years old himself if he is a lad of any spirit and a worthy son
of so charming a lady as yourself
Chapter XXII
Describes a Visit to Paris with Accidents and Incidents in London
Mr Clive as we have said had now begun to make acquaintances of his own and
the chimneyglass in his study was decorated with such a number of cards of
invitation as made his exfellow student of Gandishs young Moss when
admitted into that sanctum stare with respectful astonishment »Lady Bary Rowe
at obe« the young Hebrew read out »Lady Baughton at obe dadsig By eyes what
a tiptop swell youre a gettid to be Newcome I guess this is a different sort
of business to the hops at old Levisons where you first learned the polka and
where we had to pay a shilling a glass for negus«
»We had to pay You never paid anything Moss« cries Clive laughing and
indeed the negus imbibed by Mr Moss did not cost that prudent young fellow a
penny
»Well well I suppose at these swell parties you ave as buch champade as
ever you like« continues Moss »Lady Kicklebury at obe small early party
Why I declare you know the whole peerage I say if any of these swells want a
little tiptop lace a real bargain or diamonds you know you might put in a
word for us and do us a good turn«
»Give me some of your cards« says Clive »I can distribute them about at
the balls I go to But you must treat my friends better than you serve me Those
cigars which you sent me were abominable Moss the groom in the stable wont
smoke them«
»What a regular swell that Newcome has become« says Mr Moss to an old
companion another of Clives fellowstudents »I saw him riding in the Park
with the Earl of Kew and Captain Belsize and a whole lot of em I know em
all and hed hardly nod to me Ill have a horse next Sunday and then Ill
see whether hell cut me or not Confound his airs For all hes such a count I
know hes got an aunt who lets lodgings at Brighton and an uncle wholl be
preaching in the Bench if he dont keep a precious good lookout«
»Newcome is not a bit of a count« answers Mosss companion indignantly »He
dont care a straw whether a fellows poor or rich and he comes up to my room
just as willingly as he would go to a dukes He is always trying to do a friend
a good turn He draws the figure capitally he looks proud but he isnt and is
the bestnatured fellow I ever saw«
»He aint been in our place this eighteen months« says Mr Moss »I know
that«
»Because when he came you were always screwing him with some bargain or
other« cried the intrepid Hicks Mr Mosss companion for the moment »He said
he couldnt afford to know you you never let him out of your house without a
pin or a box of eaudeCologne or a bundle of cigars And when you cut the
arts for the shop how were you and Newcome to go on together I should like to
know«
»I know a relative of his who comes to our ouse every three months to renew
a little bill« says Mr Moss with a grin »and I know this if I go to the
Earl of Kew in the Albany or the Honourable Captain Belsize Knightsbridge
Barracks they let me in soon enough Im told his father aint got much money«
»How the deuce should I know or what do I care« cries the young artist
stamping the heel of his blucher on the pavement »When I was sick in that
confounded Clipstone Street I know the Colonel came to see me and Newcome too
day after day and night after night And when I was getting well they sent me
wine and jelly and all sorts of jolly things I should like to know how often
you came to see me Moss and what you did for a fellow«
»Well I kep away because I thought you wouldnt like to be reminded of
that two pound three you owe me Hicks thats why I kep away« says Mr Moss
who I dare say was goodnatured too And when young Moss appeared at the
billiardroom that night it was evident that Hicks had told the story for the
Wardour Street youth was saluted with a roar of queries »How about that two
pound three that Hicks owes you«
The artless conversation of the two youths will enable us to understand how
our heros life was speeding Connected in one way or another with persons of
all ranks it never entered his head to be ashamed of the profession which he
had chosen People in the great world did not in the least trouble themselves
regarding him or care to know whether Mr Clive Newcome followed painting or
any other pursuit and though Clive saw many of his schoolfellows in the world
these entering into the army others talking with delight of college and its
pleasures or studies yet having made up his mind that art was his calling he
refused to quit her for any other mistress and plied his easel very stoutly He
passed through the course of study prescribed by Mr Gandish and drew every
cast and statue in that gentlemans studio Grindley his tutor getting a
curacy Clive did not replace him but he took a course of modern languages
which he learned with considerable aptitude and rapidity And now being strong
enough to paint without a master it was found that there was no good light in
the house in Fitzroy Square and Mr Clive must needs have an atelier hard by
where he could pursue his own devices independently
If his kind father felt any pang even at this temporary parting he was
greatly soothed and pleased by a little mark of attention on the young mans
part of which his present biographer happened to be a witness for having
walked over with Colonel Newcome to see the new studio with its tall centre
window and its curtains and carved wardrobes china jars pieces of armour
and other artistical properties the lad with a very sweet smile of kindness
and affection lighting up his honest face took one of two Bramahs housekeys
with which he was provided and gave it to his father »Thats your key sir«
he said to the Colonel »And you must be my first sitter please father for
though Im a historical painter I shall condescend to do a few portraits you
know« The Colonel took his sons hand and grasped it as Clive fondly put the
other hand on his fathers shoulder Then Colonel Newcome walked away into the
next room for a minute or two and came back wiping his moustache with his
handkerchief and still holding the key in the other hand He spoke about some
trivial subject when he returned but his voice quite trembled and I thought
his face seemed to glow with love and pleasure Clive has never painted anything
better than that head which he executed in a couple of sittings and wisely
left without subjecting it to the chances of further labour
It is certain the young man worked much better after he had been inducted
into this apartment of his own And the meals at home were gayer and the rides
with his father more frequent and agreeable The Colonel used his key once or
twice and found Clive and his friend Ridley engaged in depicting a
Lifeguardsman or a muscular negro or a Malay from a neighbouring crossing
who would appear as Othello conversing with a Clipstone Street nymph who was
ready to represent Desdemona Diana Queen Eleanor sucking poison from the arm
of the Plantagenet of the Blues or any other model of virgin or maiden
excellence
Of course our young man commenced as a historical painter deeming that the
highest branch of art and declining except for preparatory studies to operate
on any but the largest canvases He painted a prodigious battlepiece of Assaye
with General Wellesley at the head of the 19th Dragoons charging the Mahratta
Artillery and sabring them at their guns A piece of ordnance was dragged into
the backyard and the Colonels stud put into requisition to supply studies for
this enormous picture Fred Bayham a stunning likeness appeared as the
principal figure in the foreground terrifically wounded but still of undaunted
courage slashing about amidst a group of writhing Malays and bestriding the
body of a dead cabhorse which Clive painted until the landlady and rest of
the lodgers cried out and for sanitary reasons the knackers removed the
slaughtered charger So large was this picture that it could only be got out of
the great window by means of artifice and coaxing and its transport caused a
shout of triumph among the little boys in Charlotte Street Will it be believed
that the Royal Academicians rejected the Battle of Assaye The masterpiece was
so big that Fitzroy Square could not hold it and the Colonel had thoughts of
presenting it to the Oriental Club but Clive who had taken a trip to Paris
with his father as a délassement after the fatigues incident on his great
work when he saw it after a months interval declared the thing was rubbish
and massacred Britons Malays Dragoons Artillery and all
»Hôtel de la Terrasse Rue de Rivoli
April 27 May I 183
My Dear Pendennis You said I might write you a line from Paris and
if you find in my correspondence any valuable hints for the Pall Mall
Gazette you are welcome to use them gratis Now I am here I wonder I
have never been here before and that I have seen the Dieppe packet a
thousand times at Brighton pier without thinking of going on board her
We had a rough little passage to Boulogne We went into action as we
cleared Dover pier when the first gun was fired and a stout old lady
was carried off by a steward to the cabin half a dozen more dropped
immediately and the crew bustled about bringing basins for the
wounded The Colonel smiled as he saw them fall Im an old sailor says
he to a gentleman on board As I was coming home sir and we had plenty
of rough weather on the voyage I never thought of being unwell My boy
here who made the voyage twelve years ago last May may have lost his
sealegs but for me sir Here a great wave dashed over the three of
us and would you believe it in five minutes after the dear old
Governor was as ill as all the rest of the passengers When we arrived
we went through a line of ropes to the custom house with a crowd of
snobs jeering at us on each side and then were carried off by a bawling
commissioner to a hotel where the Colonel who speaks French
beautifully you know told the waiter to get us a petit dèjeûner
soignè on which the fellow grinning said A nice fried sole sir
nice muttonchop sir in regular Temple Bar English and brought us
Harvey sauce with the chops and the last Bells Life to amuse us after
our luncheon I wondered if all the Frenchmen read Bells Life and if
all the inns smell so of brandyandwater
We walked out to see the town which I dare say you know and
therefore shant describe We saw some good studies of fishwomen with
bare legs and remarked that the soldiers were very dumpy and small We
were glad when the time came to set off by the diligence and having the
coupè to ourselves made a very comfortable journey to Paris It was
jolly to hear the postilions crying to their horses and the bells of
the team and to feel ourselves really in France We took in provender
at Abbeville and Amiens and were comfortably landed here after about
sixandtwenty hours of coaching Didnt I get up the next morning and
have a good walk in the Tuileries The chestnuts were out and the
statues all shining and all the windows of the palace in a blaze It
looks big enough for the king of the giants to live in How grand it is
I like the barbarous splendour of the architecture and the ornaments
profuse and enormous with which it is overladen Think of Louis XVI
with a thousand gentlemen at his back and a mob of yelling ruffians in
front of him giving up his crown without a fight for it leaving his
friends to be butchered and himself sneaking into prison No end of
little children were skipping and playing in the sunshiny walks with
dresses as bright and cheeks as red as the flowers and roses in the
parterres I couldnt help thinking of Barbaroux and his bloody pikemen
swarming in the gardens and fancied the Swiss in the windows yonder
where they were to be slaughtered when the King had turned his back
What a great man that Carlyle is I have read the battle in his History
so often that I knew it before I had seen it Our windows look out on
the obelisk where the guillotine stood The Colonel doesnt admire
Carlyle He says Mrs Grahams Letters from Paris are excellent and we
bought Scotts Visit to Paris and Paris Revisited and read them in
the diligence They are famous good reading but the Palais Royal is
very much altered since Scotts time no end of handsome shops I went
there directly the same night we arrived when the Colonel went to
bed But there is none of the fun going on which Scott describes The
laquaisdeplace says Charles X put an end to it all
Next morning the governor had letters to deliver after breakfast
and left me at the Louvre door I shall come and live here I think I
feel as if I never want to go away I had not been ten minutes in the
place before I fell in love with the most beautiful creature the world
has ever seen She was standing silent and majestic in the centre of one
of the rooms of the statue gallery and the very first glimpse of her
struck one breathless with the sense of her beauty I could not see the
colour of her eyes and hair exactly but the latter is light and the
eyes I should think are grey Her complexion is of a beautiful warm
marble tinge She is not a clever woman evidently I do not think she
laughs or talks much she seems too lazy to do more than smile She is
only beautiful This divine creature has lost an arm which has been cut
off at the shoulder but she looks none the less lovely for the
accident She may be some twoandthirty years old and she was born
about two thousand years ago Her name is the Venus of Milo O Victrix
O lucky Paris I dont mean this present Lutetia but Priams son How
could he give the apple to any else but this enslaver this joy of gods
and men at whose benign presence the flowers spring up and the smiling
ocean sparkles and the soft skies beam with serene light I wish we
might sacrifice I would bring a spotless kid snowycoated and a pair
of doves and a jar of honey yea honey from Morels in Piccadilly
thymeflavoured Narbonian and we would acknowledge the Sovereign
Loveliness and adjure the Divine Aphrodite Did you ever see my pretty
young cousin Miss Newcome Sir Brians daughter She has a great look
of the huntress Diana It is sometimes too proud and too cold for me
The blare of those horns is too shrill and the rapid pursuit through
bush and bramble too daring O thou generous Venus O thou beautiful
bountiful calm At thy soft feet let me kneel on cushions of Tyrian
purple Dont show this to Warrington please I never thought when I
began that Pegasus was going to run away with me
I wish I had read Greek a little more at school Its too late at my
age I shall be nineteen soon and have got my own business but when
we return I think I shall try and read it with Cribs What have I been
doing spending six months over a picture of Sepoys and Dragoons cutting
each others throats Art ought not to be a fever It ought to be a
calm not a screaming bullfight or a battle of gladiators but a temple
for placid contemplation rapt worship stately rhythmic ceremony and
music solemn and tender I shall take down my Snyders and Rubens when I
get home and turn quietist To think I have spent weeks in depicting
bony Lifeguardsmen delivering cut one or Saint George and painting
black beggars off a crossing
What a grand thing it is to think of half a mile of pictures at the
Louvre Not but that there are a score under the old pepperboxes in
Trafalgar Square as fine as the best here I dont care for any Raphael
here as much as our own St Catharine There is nothing more grand
Could the Pyramids of Egypt or the Colossus of Rhodes be greater than
our Sebastian and for our Bacchus and Ariadne you cannot beat the best
you know But if we have fine jewels here there are whole sets of them
there are kings and all their splendid courts round about them JJ and
I must come and live here Oh such portraits of Titian Oh such swells
by Vandyck Im sure he must have been as fine a gentleman as any he
painted Its a shame they havent got a Sir Joshua or two At a feast
of painters he has a right to a place and at the high table too Do you
remember Tom Rogers of Gandishs He used to come to my rooms my
other rooms in the Square Tom is here with a fine carroty beard and a
velvet jacket cut open at the sleeves to show that Tom has a shirt I
dare say it was clean last Sunday He has not learned French yet but
pretends to have forgotten English and promises to introduce me to a
set of the French artists his camarades There seems to be a scarcity of
soap among these young fellows and I think I shall cut off my
mustachios only Warrington will have nothing to laugh at when I come
home
The Colonel and I went to dine at the Cafe de Paris and afterwards
to the opera Ask for huîtres de Marenne when you dine here We dined
with a tremendous French swell the Vicomte de Florac officier
dordonnance to one of the princes and son of some old friends of my
fathers They are of very high birth but very poor He will be a duke
when his cousin the Duc dIvry dies His father is quite old The
vicomte was born in England He pointed out to us no end of famous
people at the opera a few of the Faubourg St Germain and ever so
many of the present people M Thiers and Count Mole and George Sand
and Victor Hugo and Jules Janin I forget half their names And
yesterday we went to see his mother Madame de Florac I suppose she was
an old flame of the Colonels for their meeting was uncommonly
ceremonious and tender It was like an elderly Sir Charles Grandison
saluting a middleaged Miss Byron And only fancy the Colonel has been
here once before since his return to England It must have been last
year when he was away for ten days whilst I was painting that rubbishy
picture of the Black Prince waiting on King John Madame de F is a very
grand lady and must have been a great beauty in her time There are two
pictures by Gerard in her salon of her and M de Florac M de Florac
old swell powder thick eyebrows hooked nose no end of stars
ribbons and embroidery Madame also in the dress of the Empire
pensive beautiful black velvet and a look something like my cousins
She wore a little oldfashioned brooch yesterday and said Voilà la
reconnoissezvous Last year when you were here it was in the country
And she smiled at him and the dear old boy gave a sort of groan and
dropped his head in his hand I know what it is Ive gone through it
myself I kept for six months an absurd ribbon of that infernal little
flirt Fanny Freeman Dont you remember how angry I was when you abused
her
Your father and I knew each other when we were children my friend
the Countess said to me in the sweetest French accent He was looking
into the garden of the house where they live in the Rue Saint
Dominique You must come and see me often always You remind me of him
and she added with a very sweet kind smile Do you like best to think
that he was betterlooking than you or that you excel him I said I
should like to be like him But who is There are cleverer fellows I
dare say but where is there such a good one I wonder whether he was
very fond of Madame de Florac The old Count doesnt show He is quite
old and wears a pigtail We saw it bobbing over his garden chair He
lets the upper part of his house Major General the Honourable Zeno F
Pokey of Cincinnati US lives in it We saw Mrs Pokeys carriage in
the court and her footmen smoking cigars there a tottering old man
with feeble legs as old as old Count de Florac seemed to be the only
domestic who waited on the family below
Madame de Florac and my father talked about my profession The
Countess said it was a belle carrière The Colonel said it was better
than the army Ah oui Monsieur says she very sadly And then he said
that presently I should very likely come to study at Paris when he knew
there would be a kind friend to watch over son garçon
But you will be here to watch over him yourself mon ami« says the
French lady
»Father shook his head I shall very probably have to go back to
India he said My furlough is expired I am now taking my extra leave
If I can get my promotion I need not return Without that I cannot
afford to live in Europe But my absence in all probability will be but
very short he said And Clive is old enough now to go on without me
Is this the reason why father has been so gloomy for some months
past I thought it might have been some of my follies which made him
uncomfortable and you know I have been trying my best to amend I have
not half such a tailors bill this year as last I owe scarcely
anything I have paid off Moss every halfpenny for his confounded rings
and gimcracks I asked father about this melancholy news as we walked
away from Madame de Florac
He is not near so rich as we thought Since he has been at home he
says he has spent greatly more than his income and is quite angry at
his own extravagance At first he thought he might have retired from the
army altogether but after three years at home he finds he cannot live
upon his income When he gets his promotion as full Colonel he will be
entitled to a thousand a year that and what he has invested in India
and a little in this country will be plenty for both of us He never
seems to think of my making money by my profession Why suppose I sell
the Battle of Assaye for £ 500 that will be enough to carry me on ever
so long without dipping into the purse of the dear old father
The Viscount de Florac called to dine with us The Colonel said he
did not care about going out and so the Viscount and I went together
Trois Frères Provençaux he ordered the dinner and of course I paid
Then we went to a little theatre and he took me behind the scenes
such a queer place We went to the loge of Mademoiselle Finette who
acted the part of Le petit Tambour in which she sings a famous song
with a drum He asked her and several literary fellows to supper at the
Café Anglais And I came home ever so late and lost twenty napoleons at
a game called bouillote It was all the change out of a twenty pound
note which dear old Binnie gave me before we set out with a quotation
out of Horace you know about Neque tu choreas sperne puer Oh me how
guilty I felt as I walked home at ever so much oclock to the Hotel de
la Terrasse and sneaked into our apartment But the Colonel was sound
asleep His dear old boots stood sentries at his bedroom door and I
slunk into mine as silently as I could
PS Wednesday Theres just one scrap of paper left I have got
JJs letter He has been to the private view of the Academy so that
his own picture is in and the Battle of Assaye is refused Smee told
him it was too big I dare say its very bad Im glad Im away and the
fellows are not condoling with me
Please go and see Mr Binnie He has come to grief He rode the
Colonels horse came down on the pavement and wrenched his leg and
Im afraid the greys Please look at his legs we cant understand
Johns report of them He I mean Mr B was going to Scotland to see
his relations when the accident happened You know he has always been
going to Scotland to see his relations He makes light of the business
and says the Colonel is not to think of coming to him and I dont want
to go back just yet to see all the fellows from Gandishs and the Life
Academy and have them grinning at my misfortune
The governor would send his regards I dare say but he is out and I
am always yours affectionately
CLIVE NEWCOME
PS He tipped me himself this morning Isnt he a kind dear old
fellow«
Arthur Pendennis Esq to Clive Newcome Esq
»Pall Mall Gazette Journal of Politics
literature and Fashion
225 Catherine Street Strand
Dear Clive I regret very much for Fred Bayhams sake who has lately
taken the responsible office of Fine Arts Critic for the PMG that
your extensive picture of the Battle of Assay has not found a place in
the Royal Academy Exhibition FB. is at least fifteen shillings out of
pocket by its rejection as he had prepared a flaming eulogium of your
work which of course is so much waste paper in consequence of this
calamity Never mind Courage my son The Duke of Wellington you know
was beat back at Seringapatam before he succeeded at Assaye I hope you
will fight other battles and that fortune in future years will be more
favourable to you The town does not talk very much of your
discomfiture You see the Parliamentary debates are very interesting
just now and somehow the Battle of Assaye does not seem to excite the
public mind
I have been to Fitzroy Square both to the stables and the house
The Houyhnhnms legs are very well the horse slipped on his side and
not on his knees and has received no sort of injury Not so Mr Binnie
his ankle is much wrenched and inflamed He must keep his sofa for many
days perhaps weeks But you know he is a very cheerful philosopher and
endures the evils of life with much equanimity His sister has come to
him I dont know whether that may be considered as a consolation of his
evil or an aggravation of it You know he uses the sarcastic method in
his talk and it was difficult to understand from him whether he was
pleased or bored by the embraces of his relative She was an infant when
he last beheld her on his departure to India She is now to speak with
respect a very brisk plump pretty little widow having seemingly
recovered from her grief at the death of her husband Captain Mackenzie
in the West Indies Mr Binnie was just on the point of visiting his
relatives who reside at Musselburgh near Edinburgh when he met with
the fatal accident which prevented his visit to his native shores His
account of his misfortune and his lonely condition was so pathetic that
Mrs Mackenzie and her daughter put themselves into the Edinburgh
steamer and rushed to console his sofa They occupy your bedroom and
sitting room which latter Mrs Mackenzie says no longer smells of
tobacco smoke as it did when she took possession of your den If you
have left any papers about any bills any billetsdoux I make no doubt
the ladies have read every single one of them according to the amiable
habits of their sex The daughter is a bright little blue eyed
fairhaired lass with a very sweet voice in which she sings unaided
by instrumental music and seated on a chair in the middle of the room
the artless ballads of her native country I had the pleasure of hearing
the Bonnets of Bonnie Dundee and Jack o Hazeldean from her ruby lips
two evenings since not indeed for the first time in my life but never
from such a pretty little singer Though both ladies speak our language
with something of the tone usually employed by the inhabitants of the
northern part of Britain their accent is exceedingly pleasant and
indeed by no means so strong as Mr Binnies own for Captain Mackenzie
was an Englishman for whose sake his lady modified her native
Musselburgh pronunciation She tells many interesting anecdotes of him
of the West Indies and of the distinguished regiment of infantry to
which the captain belonged Miss Rosa is a great favourite with her
uncle and I have had the good fortune to make their stay in the
metropolis more pleasant by sending them orders from the Pall Mall
Gazette for the theatres panoramas and the principal sights in town
For pictures they do not seem to care much They thought the National
Gallery a dreary exhibition and in the Royal Academy could be got to
admire nothing but the picture of MCollop of MCollop by our friend of
the like name but they think Madame Tussauds interesting exhibition of
Waxwork the most delightful in London and there I had the happiness of
introducing them to our friend Mr Frederick Bayham who subsequently
on coming to this office with his valuable contributions on the Fine
Arts made particular inquiries as to their pecuniary means and
expressed himself instantly ready to bestow his hand upon the mother or
daughter provided old Mr Binnie would make a satisfactory settlement
I got the ladies a box at the opera whither they were attended by
Captain Goby of their regiment godfather to Miss and where I had the
honour of paying them a visit I saw your fair young cousin Miss Newcome
in the lobby with her grandmamma Lady Kew Mr Bayham with great
eloquence pointed out to the Scotch ladies the various distinguished
characters in the house The opera delighted them but they were
astounded at the ballet from which mother and daughter retreated in the
midst of a fire of pleasantries of Captain Goby I can fancy that
officer at mess and how brilliant his anecdotes must be when the
company of ladies does not restrain his genial flow of humour
Here comes Mr Baker with the proofs In case you dont see the
PMG at Galignanis I send you an extract from Bayhams article on
the Royal Academy where you will have the benefit of his opinion on the
works of some of your friends
617 »Moses Bringing Home the Gross of Green Spectacles« Smith
RA Perhaps poor Goldsmiths exquisite little work has never been so
great a favourite as in the present age We have here in a work by one
of our most eminent artists a homage to the genius of him »who touched
nothing which he did not adorn« and the charming subject is handled in
the most delicious manner by Mr Smith The chiaroscuro is admirable
the impasto is perfect Perhaps a very captious critic might object to
the foreshortening of Moses left leg but where there is so much to
praise justly the Pall Mall Gazette does not care to condemn
420 Our and the publics favourite Brown RA treats us to a
subject from the best of all stories the tale »which laughed Spains
chivalry away« the ever new »Don Quixote« The incident which Brown has
selected is the »Dons Attack on the Flock of Sheep« The sheep are in
his best manner painted with all his wellknown facility and brio Mr
Browns friendly rival Hopkins has selected »Gil Blas« for an
illustration this year and the »Robbers Cavern« is one of the most
masterly of Hopkinss productions
Great Rooms 33 »Portrait of Cardinal Cospetto« OGogstay ARA.;
and »Neighbourhood of Corpodibacco Evening a Contadina and a
Trasteverino dancing at the door of a Locanda to the music of a
Pifferaro« Since his visit to Italy Mr OGogstay seems to have given
up the scenes of Irish humour with which he used to delight us and the
romance the poetry the religion of »Italia la bella« form the subjects
of his pencil The scene near Corpodibacco we know the spot well and
have spent many a happy month in its romantic mountains is most
characteristic Cardinal Cospetto we must say is a most truculent
prelate and not certainly an ornament to his church
49 210 311 Smee RA Portraits which a Reynolds might be proud
of a Vandyck or Claude might not disown »Sir Brian Newcome in the
Costume of a DeputyLieutenant« »MajorGeneral Sir Thomas de Boots
KCB« painted for the 50th Dragoons are triumphs indeed of this
noble painter Why have we no picture of the sovereign and her august
consort from Smees brush When Charles II picked up Titians
mahlstick he observed to a courtier »A king you can always have a
genius comes but rarely« While we have a Smee among us and a monarch
whom we admire may the one be employed to transmit to posterity the
beloved features of the other We know our lucubrations are read in high
places and respectfully insinuate verbum sapienti
1906 »The MCollop of MCollop« A MCollop is a noble work of
a young artist who in depicting the gallant chief of a hardy Scottish
clan has also represented a romantic Highland landscape in the midst
of which his foot upon his native heath stands a man of splendid
symmetrical figure and great facial advantages We shall keep our eye on
Mr MCollop
1367 »Oberon and Titania« Ridley This sweet and fanciful little
picture draws crowds round about it and is one of the most charming and
delightful works of the present exhibition We echo the universal
opinion in declaring that it shows not only the greatest promise but
the most delicate and beautiful performance The Earl of Kew we
understand bought the picture at the private view and we congratulate
the young painter heartily upon his successful début He is we
understand a pupil of Mr Gandish Where is that admirable painter We
miss his bold canvases and grand historic outline
I shall alter a few inaccuracies in the composition of our friend
FB who has as he says drawn it uncommonly mild in the above
criticism In fact two days since he brought in an article of quite a
different tendency of which he retains only the two last paragraphs
but he has with great magnanimity recalled his previous observations
and indeed he knows as much about pictures as some critics I could
name
Goodbye my dear Clive I send my kindest regards to your father
and think you had best see as little as possible of your
bouilloteplaying French friend and his friends This advice I know you
will follow as young men always follow the advice of their seniors and
well wishers I dine in Fitzroy Square today with the pretty widow and
her daughter and am yours always dear Clive
AP«
Chapter XXIII
In Which We Hear a Soprano and a Contralto
The most hospitable and polite of Colonels would not hear of Mrs Mackenzie and
her daughter quitting his house when he returned to it after six weeks
pleasant sojourn in Paris nor indeed did his fair guest show the least
anxiety or intention to go away Mrs Mackenzie had a fine merry humour of her
own She was an old soldiers wife she said and knew when her quarters were
good and I suppose since her honeymoon when the Captain took her to Harrogate
and Cheltenham stopping at the first hotels and travelling in a chaise and
pair the whole way she had never been so well off as in that roomy mansion near
Tottenham Court Road Of her mothers house at Musselburgh she gave a ludicrous
but dismal account »Eh James« she said »I think if you had come to mamma as
you threatened you would not have stayed very long Its a wearisome place Dr
MCraw boards with her and its sermons and psalmsinging from morning till
night My little Josey takes kindly to the life there and I left her behind
poor little darling It was not fair to bring three of us to take possession of
your house dear James but my poor little Rosey was just withering away there
Its good for the dear child to see the world a little and a kind uncle who is
not afraid of us now he sees us is he« Kind Uncle James was not at all afraid
of little Rosey whose pretty face and modest manners and sweet songs and
blue eyes cheered and soothed the old bachelor Nor was Roseys mother less
agreeable and pleasant She had married the captain it was a lovematch
against the will of her parents who had destined her to be the third wife of
old Dr MMull when very young Many sorrows she had had including poverty
the captains imprisonment for debt and his demise but she was of a gay and
lightsome spirit She was but threeandthirty years old and looked
fiveandtwenty She was active brisk jovial and alert and so goodlooking
that it was a wonder she had not taken a successor to Captain Mackenzie James
Binnie cautioned his friend the Colonel against the attractions of the buxom
siren and laughingly would ask Clive how he would like Mrs Mackenzie for a
mamaw
Colonel Newcome felt himself very much at ease regarding his future
prospects He was very glad that his friend James was reconciled to his family
and hinted to Clive that the late Captain Mackenzies extravagance had been the
cause of the rupture between him and his brotherinlaw who had helped that
prodigal captain repeatedly during his life and in spite of family quarrels had
never ceased to act generously to his widowed sister and her family »But I
think Mr Clive« said he »that as Miss Rosa is very pretty and you have a
spare room at your studio you had best take up your quarters in Charlotte
Street as long as the ladies are living with us« Clive was nothing loth to be
independent but he showed himself to be a very good homeloving youth He
walked home to breakfast every morning dined often and spent the evenings with
the family Indeed the house was a great deal more cheerful for the presence of
the two pleasant ladies Nothing could be prettier than to see the two ladies
tripping downstairs together mammas pretty arm round Roseys pretty waist
Mammas talk was perpetually of Rosey That child was always gay always good
always happy That darling girl woke with a smile on her face it was sweet to
see her Uncle James in his dry way said he dared to say it was very pretty
»Go away you droll dear old kind Uncle James« Roseys mamma would cry out
»You old bachelors are wicked old things« Uncle James used to kiss Rosey very
kindly and pleasantly She was as modest as gentle as eager to please Colonel
Newcome as any little girl could be It was pretty to see her tripping across
the room with his coffeecup or peeling walnuts for him after dinner with her
white plump little fingers
Mrs Irons the housekeeper naturally detested Mrs Mackenzie and was
jealous of her though the latter did everything to soothe and coax the
governess of the two gentlemens establishment She praised her dinners
delighted in her puddings must beg Mrs Irons to allow her to see one of those
delicious puddings made and to write the receipt for her that Mrs Mackenzie
might use it when she was away It was Mrs Ironss belief that Mrs Mackenzie
never intended to go away She had no ideer of ladies as were ladies coming into
her kitchen The maids vowed that they heard Miss Rosa crying and mamma
scolding in her bedroom for all she was so softspoken How was that jug broke
and that chair smashed in the bedroom that day there was such a awful row up
there
Mrs Mackenzie played admirably in the oldfashioned way dances reels
and Scotch and Irish tunes the former of which filled James Binnies soul with
delectation The good mother naturally desired that her darling should have a
few good lessons of the piano while she was in London Rosey was eternally
strumming upon an instrument which had been taken upstairs for her special
practice and the Colonel who was always seeking to do harmless jobs of
kindness for his friends bethought him of little Miss Cann the governess at
Ridleys whom he recommended as an instructress »Anybody whom you recommend
Im sure dear Colonel we shall like« said Mrs Mackenzie who looked as black
as thunder and had probably intended to have Monsieur Quatremains or Signor
Twankeydillo and the little governess came to her pupil Mrs Mackenzie treated
her very gruffly and haughtily at first but as soon as she heard Miss Cann
play the widow was pacified nay charmed Monsieur Quatremains charged a
guinea for threequarters of an hour while Miss Cann thankfully took five
shillings for an hour and a half and the difference of twenty lessons for
which dear Uncle James paid went into Mrs Mackenzies pocket and thence
probably on to her pretty shoulders and head in the shape of a fine silk dress
and a beautiful French bonnet in which Captain Goby said upon his life she
didnt look twenty
The little governess trotting home after her lesson would often look in to
Clives studio in Charlotte Street where her two boys as she called Clive and
JJ were at work each at his easel Clive used to laugh and tell us who
joked him about the widow and her daughter what Miss Cann said about them Mrs
Mack was not all honey it appeared If Rosey played incorrectly mamma flew at
her with prodigious vehemence of language and sometimes with a slap on poor
Roseys back She must make Rosey wear tight boots and stamp on her little feet
if they refused to enter into the slipper I blush for the indiscretion of Miss
Cann but she actually told JJ that mamma insisted upon lacing her so tight as
nearly to choke the poor little lass Rosey did not fight Rosey always
yielded and the scolding over and the tears dried would come simpering
downstairs with mammas arm round her waist and her pretty artless happy
smile for the gentlemen below Besides the Scottish songs without music she
sang ballads at the piano very sweetly Mamma used to cry at these ditties
»That childs voice brings tears into my eyes Mr Newcome« she would say »She
has never known a moments sorrow yet Heaven grant Heaven grant she may be
happy But what shall I be when I lose her«
»Why my dear when ye lose Rosey yell console yourself with Josey« says
droll Mr Binnie from the sofa who perhaps saw the manoeuvre of the widow
The widow laughs heartily and really She places a handkerchief over her
mouth She glances at her brother with a pair of eyes full of knowing mischief
»Ah dear James« she says »you dont know what it is to have a mothers
feelings«
»I can partly understand them« says James »Rosey sing me that pretty
little French song« Mrs Mackenzies attention to Clive was really quite
affecting If any of his friends came to the house she took them aside and
praised Clive to them The Colonel she adored She had never met with such a man
or seen such a manner The manners of the Bishop of Tobago were beautiful and
he certainly had one of the softest and finest hands in the world but not finer
than Colonel Newcomes »Look at his foot« and she put out her own which was
uncommonly pretty and suddenly withdrew it with an arch glance meant to
represent a blush »my shoe would fit it When we were at Coventry Island Sir
Peregrine Blandy who succeeded poor dear Sir Rawdon Crawley I saw his dear
boy was gazetted to a lieutenantcolonelcy in the Guards last week Sir
Peregrine who was one of the Prince of Waless most intimate friends was
always said to have the finest manner and presence of any man of his day and
very grand and noble he was but I dont think he was equal to Colonel Newcome
I really dont think so Do you think so Mr Honeyman What a charming
discourse that was last Sunday I know there were two pair of eyes not dry in
the church I could not see the other people just for crying myself Oh but I
wish we could have you at Musselburgh I was bred a Presbyterian of course but
in much travelling through the world with my dear husband I came to love his
church At home we sit under Dr MCraw of course but he is so awfully long
four hours every Sunday at least morning and afternoon It nearly kills poor
Rosey Did you hear her voice at your church The dear girl is delighted with
the chants Rosey were you not delighted with the chants«
If she is delighted with the chants Honeyman is delighted with the
chantress and her mamma He dashes the fair hair from his brow he sits down to
the piano and plays one or two of them warbling a faint vocal accompaniment
and looking as if he would be lifted off the screw musicstool and flutter up to
the ceiling
»Oh its just seraphic« says the widow »Its just the breath of incense
and the pealing of the organ at the Cathedral at Montreal Rosey doesnt
remember Montreal She was a wee wee child She was born on the voyage out and
christened at sea You remember Goby«
»Gad I promised and vowed to teach her her catechism but gad I
havent« says Captain Goby »We were between Montreal and Quebec for three
years with the Hundredth the Hundred and Twentieth Highlanders and the
Thirtythird Dragoon Guards a part of the time Fipley commanded them and a
very jolly time we had much better than the West Indies where a fellows
liver goes to the deuce with hot pickles and sangaree Mackenzie was a devlish
wild fellow« whispers Captain Goby to his neighbour the present biographer
indeed »and Mrs Mack was was as pretty a little woman as ever you set eyes
on« Captain Goby winks and looks peculiarly sly as he makes this statement
»Our regiment wasnt on your side of India Colonel«
And in the interchange of such delightful remarks and with music and song
the evening passes away »Since the house had been adorned by the fair presence
of Mrs Mackenzie and her daughter« Honeyman said always gallant in behaviour
and flowery in expression »it seemed as if spring had visited it Its
hospitality was invested with a new grace its ever welcome little réunions were
doubly charming But why did these ladies come if they were to go away again
How how would Mr Binnie console himself not to mention others if they left
him in solitude«
»We have no wish to leave my brother James in solitude« cries Mrs
Mackenzie frankly laughing »We like London a great deal better than
Musselburgh«
»Oh that we do« ejaculates the blushing Rosey
»And we will stay as long as ever my brother will keep us« continues the
widow
»Uncle James is so kind and dear« says Rosey »I hope he wont send me and
mamma away«
»He were a brute a savage if he did« cries Binnie with glances of
rapture towards the two pretty faces Everybody liked them Binnie received
their caresses very goodhumouredly The Colonel liked every woman under the
sun Clive laughed and joked and waltzed alternately with Rosey and her mamma
The latter was the brisker partner of the two The unsuspicious widow poor dear
innocent would leave her girl at the paintingroom and go shopping herself
but little JJ also worked there being occupied with his second picture and
he was almost the only one of Clives friends whom the widow did not like She
pronounced the quiet little painter a pert little obtrusive underbred creature
In a word Mrs Mackenzie was as the phrase is setting her cap so openly
at Clive that none of us could avoid seeing her play and Clive laughed at her
simple manoeuvres as merrily as the rest She was a merry little woman We gave
her and her pretty daughter a luncheon in Lamb Court Temple in Sibwrights
chambers luncheon from Dicks Coffee House ices and dessert from
Partingtons in the Strand Miss Rosey Mr Sibwright our neighbour in Lamb
Court and the Reverend Charles Honeyman sang very delightfully after lunch
There was quite a crowd of porters laundresses and boys to listen in the
Court Mr Paley was disgusted with the noise we made in fact the party was
perfectly successful We all liked the widow and if she did set her pretty
ribbons at Clive why should not she We all liked the pretty fresh modest
Rosey Why even the grave old benchers in the Temple Church when the ladies
visited it on Sunday winked their reverend eyes with pleasure as they looked at
those two uncommonly smart pretty welldressed fashionable women Ladies go
to the Temple Church You will see more young men and receive more respectful
attention there than in any place except perhaps at Oxford or Cambridge Go to
the Temple Church not of course for the admiration which you will excite and
which you cannot help but because the sermon is excellent the choral services
beautifully performed and the church so interesting as a monument of the
thirteenth century and as it contains the tombs of those dear Knights Templars
Mrs Mackenzie could be grave or gay according to her company nor could
any woman be of more edifying behaviour when an occasional Scottish friend
bringing a letter from darling Josey or a recommendatory letter from Joseys
grandmother paid a visit in Fitzroy Square Little Miss Cann used to laugh and
wink knowingly saying »You will never get back your bedroom Mr Clive You
may be sure that Miss Josey will come in a few months and perhaps old Mrs
Binnie only no doubt she and her daughter do not agree But the widow has taken
possession of Uncle James and she will carry off somebody else if I am not
mistaken Should you like a stepmother Mr Clive or should you prefer a
wife«
Whether the fair lady tried her wiles upon Colonel Newcome the present
writer has no certain means of ascertaining but I think another image occupied
his heart and this Circe tempted him no more than a score of other
enchantresses who had tried their spells upon him If she tried she failed She
was a very shrewd woman quite frank in her talk when such frankness suited her
She said to me »Colonel Newcome has had some great passion once upon a time I
am sure of that and has no more heart to give away The woman who had his must
have been a very lucky woman though I dare say she did not value what she had
or did not live to enjoy it or or something or other You see tragedies in
some peoples faces I recollect when we were in Coventry Island there was a
chaplain there a very good man a Mr Bell and married to a pretty little
woman who died The first day I saw him I said I know that man has had a great
grief in life I am sure that he left his heart in England You gentlemen who
write books Mr Pendennis and stop at the third volume know very well that the
real story often begins afterwards My third volume ended when I was sixteen
and was married to my poor husband Do you think all our adventures ended then
and that we lived happy ever after I live for my darling girls now All I want
is to see them comfortable in life Nothing can be more generous than my dear
brother James has been I am only his halfsister you know and was an infant
in arms when he went away He had differences with Captain Mackenzie who was
headstrong and imprudent and I own my poor dear husband was in the wrong James
could not live with my poor mother Neither could by possibility suit the other
I have often I own longed to come and keep house for him His home the
society he sees of men of talents like Mr Warrington and and I wont mention
names or pay compliments to a man who knows human nature so well as the author
of Walter Lorraine this house is pleasanter a thousand times than Musselburgh
pleasanter for me and my dearest Rosey whose delicate nature shrunk and
withered up in poor mammas society She was never happy except in my room the
dear child Shes all gentleness and affection She doesnt seem to show it but
she has the most wonderful appreciation of wit of genius and talent of all
kinds She always hides her feelings except from her fond old mother I went up
into our room yesterday and found her in tears I cant bear to see her eyes
red or to think of her suffering I asked her what ailed her and kissed her
She is a tender plant Mr Pendennis Heaven knows with what care I have
nurtured her She looked up smiling on my shoulder She looked so pretty O
mamma the darling child said I couldnt help it I have been crying over
Walter Lorraine Enter Rosey Rosey darling I have been telling Mr
Pendennis what a naughty naughty child you were yesterday and how you read a
book which I told you you shouldnt read for it is a very wicked book and
though it contains some sad sad truths it is a great deal too misanthropic is
that the right word Im a poor soldiers wife and no scholar you know and a
great deal too bitter and though the reviews praise it and the clever people
we are poor simple country people we wont praise it Sing dearest that
little song« profuse kisses to Rosey »that pretty thing that Mr Pendennis
likes«
»I am sure that I will sing anything that Mr Pendennis likes« says Rosey
with her candid bright eyes and she goes to the piano and warbles Batti Batti
with her sweet fresh artless voice
More caresses follow Mamma is in a rapture How pretty they look the
mother and daughter two lilies twining together The necessity of an
entertainment at the Temple lunch from Dicks as before mentioned dessert
from Partingtons Sibwrights spoons his boy to aid ours nay Sib himself
and his rooms which are so much more elegant than ours and where there is a
piano and guitar all these thoughts pass in rapid and brilliant combination in
the pleasant Mr Pendenniss mind How delighted the ladies are with the
proposal Mrs Mackenzie claps her pretty hands and kisses Rosey again If
osculation is a mark of love surely Mrs Mack is the best of mothers I may
say without false modesty that our little entertainment was most successful
The champagne was iced to a nicety The ladies did not perceive that our
laundress Mrs Flanagan was intoxicated very early in the afternoon Percy
Sibwright sang admirably and with the greatest spirit ditties in many
languages I am sure Miss Rosey thought him as indeed he is one of the most
fascinating young fellows about town To her mothers excellent accompaniment
Rosey sang her favourite songs by the way her stock was very small five I
think was the number Then the table was moved into a corner where the
quivering moulds of jelly seemed to keep time to the music and whilst Percy
played two couple of waltzers actually whirled round the little room No wonder
that the court below was thronged with admirers that Paley the readingman was
in a rage and Mrs Flanagan in a state of excitement Ah pleasant days happy
old dingy chambers illuminated by youthful sunshine merry songs and kind faces
it is pleasant to recall you Some of those bright eyes shine no more some of
those smiling lips do not speak Some are not less kind but sadder than in
those days of which the memories revisit us for a moment and sink back into the
grey past The dear old Colonel beat time with great delight to the songs the
widow lit his cigar with her own fair fingers That was the only smoke permitted
during the entertainment George Warrington himself not being allowed to use
his cuttypipe though the gay little widow said that she had been used to
smoking in the West Indies and I dare say spoke the truth Our entertainment
lasted actually until after dark and a particularly neat cab being called from
St Clements by Mr Binnies boy you may be sure we all conducted the ladies
to their vehicle and many a fellow returning from his lonely club that evening
into chambers must have envied us the pleasure of having received two such
beauties
The clerical bachelor was not to be outdone by the gentlemen of the bar and
the entertainment at the Temple was followed by one at Honeymans lodgings
which I must own greatly exceeded ours in splendour for Honeyman had his
luncheon from Gunters and if he had been Miss Roseys mother giving a
breakfast to the dear girl on her marriage the affair could not have been more
elegant and handsome We had but two bouquets at our entertainment at
Honeymans there were four upon the breakfasttable besides a great pineapple
which must have cost the rogue three or four guineas and which Percy Sibwright
delicately cut up Rosey thought the pineapple delicious »The dear thing does
not remember the pineapples in the West Indies« cries Mrs Mackenzie and she
gave us many exciting narratives of entertainments at which she had been present
at various colonial governors tables After luncheon our host hoped we should
have a little music Dancing of course could not be allowed »That« said
Honeyman with his softbleating sigh »were scarcely clerical You know
besides you are in a hermitage and« with a glance round the table »must put
up with Cenobites fare« The fare was as I have said excellent The wine was
bad as George and I and Sib agreed and in so far we flattered ourselves that
our feast altogether excelled the parsons The champagne especially was such
stuff that Warrington remarked on it to his neighbour a dark gentleman with a
tuft to his chin and splendid rings and chains
The dark gentlemans wife and daughter were the other two ladies invited by
our host The elder was splendidly dressed Poor Mrs Mackenzies simple
gimcracks though she displayed them to the most advantage and could make an
ormolu bracelet go as far as another womans emerald clasps were as nothing
compared to the other ladys gorgeous jewellery Her fingers glittered with
rings innumerable The head of her smellingbottle was as big as her husbands
gold snuffbox and of the same splendid material Our ladies it must be
confessed came in a modest cab from Fitzroy Square these arrived in a splendid
little open carriage with white ponies and harness all over brass which the
lady of the rings drove with a whip that was a parasol Mrs Mackenzie standing
at Honeymans window with her arm round Roseys waist viewed this arrival
perhaps with envy »My dear Mr Honeyman whose are those beautiful horses«
cries Rosey with enthusiasm
The divine says with a faint blush »It is ah it is Mrs Sherrick and
Miss Sherrick who have done me the favour to come to luncheon«
»Wine merchant Oh« thinks Mrs Mackenzie who has seen Sherricks brass
plate on the cellar door of Lady Whittleseas chapel and hence, perhaps she
was a trifle more magniloquent than usual and entertained us with stories of
colonial governors and their ladies mentioning no persons but those who had
handles to their names as the phrase is
Although Sherrick had actually supplied the champagne which Warrington
abused to him in confidence the wine merchant was not wounded on the contrary
he roared with laughter at the remark and some of us smiled who understood the
humour of the joke As for George Warrington he scarce knew more about the town
than the ladies opposite to him who yet more innocent than George thought the
champagne very good Mrs Sherrick was silent during the meal looked constantly
up at her husband as if alarmed and always in the habit of appealing to that
gentleman who gave her as I thought knowing glances and savage winks which
made me augur that he bullied her at home Miss Sherrick was exceedingly
handsome She kept the fringed curtains of her eyes constantly down but when
she lifted them up towards Clive who was very attentive to her the rogue never
sees a handsome woman but to this day he continues the same practice when she
looked up and smiled she was indeed a beautiful young creature to behold with
her pale forehead her thick arched eyebrows her rounded cheeks and her full
lips slightly shaded how shall I mention the word slightly pencilled after
the manner of the lips of the French governess Mademoiselle Lenoir
Percy Sibwright engaged Miss Mackenzie with his usual grace and affability
Mrs Mackenzie did her very utmost to be gracious but it was evident the party
was not altogether to her liking Poor Percy about whose means and expectations
she had in the most natural way in the world asked information from me was not
perhaps a very eligible admirer for darling Rosey She knew not that Percy can
no more help gallantry than the sun can help shining As soon as Rosey had done
eating up her pineapple artlessly confessing to Percy Sibwrights inquiries
that she preferred it to the rasps and hinnyblobs in her grandmammas garden
»Now dearest Rosey« cries Mrs Mack »now a little song You promised Mr
Pendennis a little song« Honeyman whisks open the piano in a moment The widow
takes off her cleaned gloves Mrs Sherricks were new and of the best Paris
make and little Rosey sings No 1 followed by No 2 with very great
applause Mother and daughter entwine as they quit the piano »Brava brava«
says Percy Sibwright Does Mr Clive Newcome say nothing His back is turned to
the piano and he is looking with all his might into the eyes of Miss Sherrick
Percy sings a Spanish seguidilla or a German lied or a French romance or
a Neapolitan canzonet which I am bound to say excites very little attention
Mrs Ridley is sending in coffee at this juncture of which Mrs Sherrick
partakes with lots of sugar as she has partaken of numberless things before
chickens plovers eggs prawns aspics jellies creams grapes and what not
Mr Honeyman advances and with deep respect asks if Mrs Sherrick and Miss
Sherrick will not be persuaded to sing She rises and bows and again takes off
the French gloves and shows the large white hands glittering with rings and
summoning Emily her daughter they go to the piano
»Can she sing« whispers Mrs Mackenzie »can she sing after eating so
much« Can she sing indeed Oh you poor ignorant Mrs Mackenzie Why when you
were in the West Indies if you ever read the English newspapers you must have
read of the fame of Miss Folthorpe Mrs Sherrick is no other than the famous
artiste who after three years of brilliant triumphs at the Scala the Pergola
the San Carlo the opera in England forsook her profession rejected a hundred
suitors and married Sherrick who was Mr Coxs lawyer who failed as
everybody knows as manager of Drury Lane Sherrick like a man of spirit would
not allow his wife to sing in public after his marriage but in private society
of course she is welcome to perform And now with her daughter who possesses a
noble contralto voice she takes her place royally at the piano and the two
sing so magnificently that everybody in the room with one single exception is
charmed and delighted and that little Miss Cann herself creeps up the stairs
and stands with Mrs Ridley at the door to listen to the music
Miss Sherrick looks doubly handsome as she sings Clive Newcome is in a
rapture so is goodnatured Miss Rosey whose little heart beats with pleasure
and who says quite unaffectedly to Miss Sherrick with delight and gratitude
beaming from her blue eyes »Why did you ask me to sing when you sing so
wonderfully so beautifully yourself Do not leave the piano please do sing
again« And she puts out a kind little hand towards the superior artiste and
blushing leads her back to the instrument »Im sure me and Emily will sing for
you as much as you like dear« says Mrs Sherrick nodding to Rosey
goodnaturedly Mrs Mackenzie who has been biting her lips and drumming the
time on a sidetable forgets at last the pain of being vanquished in admiration
of the conquerors »It was cruel of you not to tell us Mr Honeyman« she says
»of the of the treat you had in store for us I had no idea we were going to
meet professional people Mrs Sherricks singing is indeed beautiful«
»If you come up to our place in the Regents Park Mr Newcome« Mr
Sherrick says »Mrs S and Emily will give you as many songs as you like How
do you like the house in Fitzroy Square Anything wanting doing there Im a
good landlord to a good tenant Dont care what I spend on my houses Lose by
em sometimes Name a day when youll come to us and Ill ask some good fellows
to meet you Your father and Mr Binnie came once That was when you were a
young chap They didnt have a bad evening I believe You just come and try us
I can give you as good a glass of wine as most I think« and he smiles perhaps
thinking of the champagne which Mr Warrington had slighted »Ive ad the close
carriage for my wife this evening« he continues looking out of window at a
very handsome brougham which has just drawn up there »That little pair of
horses steps prettily together dont they Fond of horses I know you are See
you in the Park and going by our house sometimes The Colonel sits a horse
uncommonly well so do you Mr Newcome Ive often said Why dont they get off
their horses and say Sherrick were come for a bit of lunch and a glass of
sherry Name a day sir Mr P will you be in it«
Clive Newcome named a day and told his father of the circumstance in the
evening The Colonel looked grave »There was something which I did not quite
like about Mr Sherrick« said that acute observer of human nature »It was easy
to see that the man is not quite a gentleman I dont care what a mans trade
is Clive Indeed who are we to give ourselves airs upon that subject But
when I am gone my boy and there is nobody near you who knows the world as I
do you may fall into designing hands and rogues may lead you into mischief
keep a sharp lookout Clive Mr Pendennis here knows that there are designing
fellows abroad« and the dear old gentleman gives a very knowing nod as he
speaks »When I am gone keep the lad from harms way Pendennis Meanwhile
Mr Sherrick has been a very good and obliging landlord and a man who sells
wine may certainly give a friend a bottle I am glad you had a pleasant
evening boys Ladies I hope you have had a pleasant afternoon Miss Rosey
you are come back to make tea for the old gentlemen James begins to get about
briskly now He walked to Hanover Square Mrs Mackenzie without hurting his
ankle in the least«
»I am almost sorry that he is getting well« says Mrs Mackenzie sincerely
»He wont want us when he is quite cured«
»Indeed my dear creature« cries the Colonel taking her pretty hand and
kissing it »He will want you and he shall want you James no more knows the
world than Miss Rosey here and if I had not been with him would have been
perfectly unable to take care of himself When I am gone to India somebody must
stay with him and and my boy must have a home to go to« says the kind
soldier his voice dropping »I had been in hopes that his own relatives would
have received him more but never mind about that« he cried more cheerfully
»Why I may not be absent a year perhaps need not go at all I am second for
promotion A couple of our old generals may drop any day and when I get my
regiment I come back to stay to live at home Meantime whilst I am gone my
dear lady you will take care of James and you will be kind to my boy«
»That I will« said the widow radiant with pleasure and she took one of
Clives hands and pressed it for an instant and from Clives fathers kind face
there beamed out that benediction which always made his countenance appear to me
among the most beautiful of human faces
Chapter XXIV
In Which the Newcome Brothers Once More Meet Together in Unity
This narrative as the judicious reader no doubt is aware is written maturely
and at ease long after the voyage is over whereof it recounts the adventures
and perils the winds adverse and favourable the storms shoals shipwrecks
islands and so forth which Clive Newcome met in his early journey in life In
such a history events follow each other without necessarily having a connection
with one another. One ship crosses another ship and after a visit from one
captain to his comrade they sail away each on his course The Clive Newcome
meets a vessel which makes signals that she is short of bread and water and
after supplying her our captain leaves her to see her no more One or two of
the vessels with which we commenced the voyage together part company in a gale
and founder miserably others after being woefully battered in the tempest
make port or are cast upon surprising islands where all sorts of unlookedfor
prosperity await the lucky crew Also no doubt the writer of the book into
whose hands Clive Newcomes logs have been put and who is charged with the duty
of making two octavo volumes out of his friends story dresses up the narrative
in his own way utters his own remarks in plaice of Newcomes makes fanciful
descriptions of individuals and incidents with which he never could have been
personally acquainted and commits blunders which the critics will discover A
great number of the descriptions in »Cooks Voyages« for instance were
notoriously invented by Dr Hawkesworth who did the book so in the present
volumes where dialogues are written down which the reporter could by no
possibility have heard and where motives are detected which the persons
actuated by them certainly never confided to the writer the public must once
for all be warned that the authors individual fancy very likely supplies much
of the narrative and that he forms it as best he may out of stray papers
conversations reported to him and his knowledge right or wrong of the
characters of the persons engaged And as is the case with the most orthodox
histories the writers own guesses or conjectures are printed in exactly the
same type as the most ascertained patent facts I fancy for my part that the
speeches attributed to Clive the Colonel and the rest are as authentic as the
orations in Sallust or Livy and only implore the truthloving public to believe
that incidents here told and which passed very probably without witnesses were
either confided to me subsequently as compiler of this biography or are of such
a nature that they must have happened from what we know happened after For
example, when you read such words as QVE ROMANVS on a battered Roman stone your
profound antiquarian knowledge enables you to assert that SENATVS POPVLVS was
also inscribed there at some time or other You take a mutilated statue of Mars
Bacchus Apollo or Virorum and you pop on him a wanting hand an absent foot
or a nose which time or barbarians have defaced You tell your tales as you
can and state the facts as you think they must have been In this manner Mr
James historiographer to Her Majesty Titus Livius Professor Alison Robinson
Crusoe and all historians proceeded Blunders there must be in the best of
these narratives and more asserted than they can possibly know or vouch for
To recur to our own affairs and the subject at present in hand I am
obliged here to supply from conjecture a few points of the history which I could
not know from actual experience or hearsay Clive let us say is Romanus and
we must add Senatus Populusque to his inscription After Mrs Mackenzie and her
pretty daughter had been for a few months in London which they did not think of
quitting although Mr Binnies wounded little leg was now as well and as brisk
as ever it had been a redintegration of love began to take place between the
Colonel and his relatives in Park Lane How should we know that there had ever
been a quarrel or at any rate a coolness Thomas Newcome was not a man to talk
at length of any such matter though a word or two occasionally dropped in
conversation by the simple gentleman might lead persons who chose to interest
themselves about his family affairs to form their own opinions concerning them
After that visit of the Colonel and his son to Newcome Ethel was constantly
away with her grandmother The Colonel went to see his pretty little favourite
at Brighton and once twice thrice Lady Kews door was denied to him The
knocker of that door could not be more fierce than the old ladys countenance
when Newcome met her in her chariot driving on the cliff Once forming the
loveliest of a charming Amazonian squadron led by Mr Whiskin the
ridingmaster when the Colonel encountered his pretty Ethel she greeted him
affectionately it is true there was still the sweet look of candour and love
in her eyes but when he rode up to her she looked so constrained when he
talked about Clive so reserved when he left her so sad that he could not but
feel pain and commiseration Back he went to London having in a week only
caught this single glance of his darling
This event occurred while Clive was painting his picture of the Battle of
Assaye before mentioned during the struggles incident on which composition he
was not thinking much about Miss Ethel or his papa or any other subject but
his great work Whilst Assaye was still in progress Thomas Newcome must have
had an explanation with his sisterinlaw Lady Ann to whom he frankly owned
the hopes which he had entertained for Clive and who must as frankly have told
the Colonel that Ethels family had very different views for that young lady to
those which the simple Colonel had formed A generous early attachment the
Colonel thought is the safeguard of a young man to love a noble girl to wait
awhile and struggle and haply do some little achievement in order to win her
the best task to which his boy could set himself If two young people so loving
each other were to marry on rather narrow means what then A happy home was
better than the finest house in May Fair a generous young fellow such as
please God his son was loyal upright and a gentleman might pretend surely
to his kinswomans hand without derogation and the affection he bore Ethel
himself was so great and the sweet regard with which she returned it that the
simple father thought his kindly project was favoured by Heaven and prayed for
its fulfilment and pleased himself to think when his campaigns were over and
his sword hung on the wall what a beloved daughter he might have to soothe and
cheer his old age With such a wife for his son and child for himself he
thought the happiness of his last years might repay him for friendless boyhood
lonely manhood and cheerless exile And he imparted his simple scheme to
Ethels mother who no doubt was touched as he told his story for she always
professed regard and respect for him and in the differences which afterwards
occurred in the family and the quarrels which divided the brothers still
remained faithful to the good Colonel
But Barnes Newcome Esquire was the head of the house and the governor of
his father and all Sir Brians affairs and Barnes Newcome Esquire hated his
cousin Clive and spoke of him as a beggarly painter an impudent snob an
infernal young puppy and so forth and Barnes with his usual freedom of
language imparted his opinions to his Uncle Hobson at the bank and Uncle
Hobson carried them home to Mrs Newcome in Bryanston Square and Mrs Newcome
took an early opportunity of telling the Colonel her opinion on the subject and
of bewailing that love for aristocracy which she saw actuated some folks and
the Colonel was brought to see that Barnes was his boys enemy and words very
likely passed between them for Thomas Newcome took a new banker at this time
and as Clive informed me was in very great dudgeon because Hobson Brothers
wrote to him to say that he had overdrawn his account »I am sure there is some
screw loose« the sagacious youth remarked to me »and the Colonel and the
people in Park Lane are at variance because he goes there very little now and
he promised to go to Court when Ethel was presented and he didnt go«
Some months after the arrival of Mr Binnies niece and sister in Fitzroy
Square the fraternal quarrel between the Newcomes must have come to an end
for that time at least and was followed by a rather ostentatious
reconciliation And pretty little Rosey Mackenzie was the innocent and
unconscious cause of this amiable change in the minds of the three brethren as
I gathered from a little conversation with Mrs Newcome who did me the honour
to invite me to her table As she had not vouchsafed this hospitality to me for
a couple of years previously and perfectly stifled me with affability when we
met as her invitation came quite at the end of the season when almost
everybody was out of town and a dinner to a man is no compliment I was at
first for declining this invitation and spoke of it with great scorn when Mr
Newcome orally delivered it to me at Bayss Club
»What« said I turning round to an old man of the world who happened to be
in the room at the time »what do these people mean by asking a fellow to
dinner in August and taking me up after dropping me for two years«
»My good fellow« says my friend it was my kind old uncle Major Pendennis
indeed »I have lived long enough about town never to ask myself questions of
that sort In the world people drop you and take you up every day You know Lady
Cheddar by sight I have known her husband for forty years I have stayed with
them in the country for weeks at a time She knows me as well as she knows King
Charles at Charing Cross and a doosid deal better and yet for a whole season
she will drop me pass me by as if there was no such person in the world
Well sir what do I do I never see her I give you my word I am never
conscious of her existence; and if I meet her at dinner Im no more aware of
her than the fellows in the play are of Banquo Whats the end of it She comes
round only last Toosday she came round and said Lord Cheddar wanted me to go
down to Wiltshire I asked after the family you know Henry Churningham is
engaged to Miss Rennet a doosid good match for the Cheddars We shook hands
and are as good friends as ever I dont suppose shell cry when I die you know
said the worthy old gentleman with a grin nor shall I go into very deep
mourning if anything happens to her You were quite right to say to Newcome that
you did not know whether you were free or not and would look at your
engagements when you got home and give him an answer A fellow of that rank has
no right to give himself airs But they will sir Some of those bankers are as
high and mighty as the oldest families They marry noblemens daughters by
Jove and think nothing is too good for em But I should go if I were you
Arthur I dined there a couple of months ago and the bankeress said something
about you that you and her nephew were much together that you were sad wild
dogs I think something of that sort Gad maam says I boys will be boys
And they grow to be men says she nodding her head Queer little woman
devilish pompous Dinner confoundedly long stoopid scientific«
The old gentleman was on this day inclined to be talkative and confidential
and I set down some more remarks which he made concerning my friends »Your
Indian Colonel« says he »seems a worthy man« The Major quite forgot having
been in India himself unless he was in company with some very great personage
»He dont seem to know much of the world and we are not very intimate Fitzroy
Square is a devlish long way off for a fellow to go for a dinner and entre
nous the dinner is rather queer and the company still more so Its right for
you who are a literary man to see all sorts of people but Im different you
know so Newcome and I are not very thick together They say he wanted to marry
your friend to Lady Anns daughter an exceedingly fine girl one of the
prettiest girls come out this season I hear the young men say so And that
shows how monstrous ignorant of the world Colonel Newcome is His son could no
more get that girl than he could marry one of the royal princesses Mark my
words they intend Miss Newcome for Lord Kew Those banker fellows are wild
after grand marriages Kew will sow his wild oats and theyll marry her to him
or if not to him to some man of high rank His father Walham was a weak young
man but his grandmother old Lady Kew is a monstrous clever old woman too
severe with her children one of whom ran away and married a poor devil without
a shilling Nothing could show a more deplorable ignorance of the world than
poor Newcome supposing his son could make such a match as that with his cousin
Is it true that he is going to make his son an artist I dont know what the
dooce the world is coming to An artist By gad in my time a fellow would as
soon have thought of making his son a hairdresser or a pastrycook by gad« And
the worthy Major gives his nephew two fingers and trots off to the next club in
St Jamess Street of which he is a member
The virtuous hostess of Bryanston Square was quite civil and goodhumoured
when Mr Pendennis appeared at her house and my surprise was not inconsiderable
when I found the whole party from Saint Pancras there assembled Mr Binnie
the Colonel and his son Mrs Mackenzie looking uncommonly handsome and
perfectly well dressed and Miss Rosey in pink crape with pearly shoulders and
blushing cheeks and beautiful fair ringlets as fresh and comely a sight as it
was possible to witness Scarcely had we made our bows and shaken our hands
and imparted our observations about the fineness of the weather when behold
as we look from the drawingroom windows into the cheerful square of Bryanston
a great family coach arrives driven by a family coachman in a family wig and
we recognize Lady Ann Newcomes carriage and see her ladyship her mother her
daughter and her husband Sir Brian descend from the vehicle »It is quite a
family party« whispers the happy Mrs Newcome to the happy writer conversing
with her in the niche of the window »Knowing your intimacy with our brother
Colonel Newcome we thought it would please him to meet you here Will you be so
kind as to take Miss Newcome to dinner«
Everybody was bent upon being happy and gracious It was »my dear brother
how do you do« from Sir Brian »My dear Colonel how glad we are to see you
how well you look« from Lady Ann Miss Newcome ran up to him with both hands
out and put her beautiful face so close to his that I thought upon my
conscience she was going to kiss him And Lady Kew advancing in the frankest
manner with a smile I must own rather awful playing round her many wrinkles
round her ladyships hooked nose and displaying her ladyships teeth a new and
exceedingly handsome set held out her hand to Colonel Newcome and said
briskly »Colonel it is an age since we met« She turns to Clive with equal
graciousness and goodhumour and says »Mr Clive let me shake hands with you
I have heard all sorts of good of you that you have been painting the most
beautiful things that you are going to be quite famous« Nothing can exceed the
grace and kindness of Lady Ann Newcome towards Mrs Mackenzie the pretty widow
blushes with pleasure at this greeting and now Lady Ann must be introduced to
Mrs Mackenzies charming daughter and whispers in the delighted mothers ear
»She is lovely« Rosey comes up looking rosy indeed and executes a pretty
curtsy with a great deal of blushing grace
Ethel has been so happy to see her dear uncle that as yet she has had no
eyes for any one else until Clive advancing those bright eyes become brighter
still with surprise and pleasure as she beholds him For being absent with his
family in Italy now and not likely to see this biography for many many months
I may say that he is a much handsomer fellow than our designer has represented
and if that wayward artist should take this very scene for the purpose of
illustration he is requested to bear in mind that the hero of this story will
wish to have justice done to his person There exists in Mr Newcomes
possession a charming little pencil drawing of Clive at this age and which
Colonel Newcome took with him when he went whither he is about to go in a very
few pages and brought back with him to this country A florid apparel becomes
some men as simple raiment suits others and Clive in his youth was of the
ornamental class of mankind a customer to tailors a wearer of handsome rings
shirtstuds mustachios long hair and the like nor could he help in his
costume or his nature being picturesque and generous and splendid He was
always greatly delighted with that Scotch manatarms in »Quentin Durward« who
twists off an inch or two of his gold chain to treat a friend and pay for a
bottle He would give a comrade a ring or a finejewelled pin if he had no
money Silver dressingcases and brocade morninggowns were in him a sort of
propriety at this season of his youth It was a pleasure to persons of colder
temperament to sun themselves in the warmth of his bright looks and generous
humour His laughter cheered one like wine I do not know that he was very
witty but he was pleasant He was prone to blush the history of a generous
trait moistened his eyes instantly He was instinctively fond of children and
of the other sex from one year old to eighty Coming from the Derby once a
merry party and stopped on the road from Epsom in a lock of carriages during
which the people in the carriage ahead saluted us with many vituperative
epithets and seized the heads of our leaders Clive in a twinkling jumped off
the box and the next minute we saw him engaged with a halfdozen of the enemy
his hat gone his fair hair flying off his face his blue eyes flashing fire
his lips and nostrils quivering with wrath his right and left hand hitting out
que cétait un plaisir à voir His father sat back in the carriage looking with
delight and wonder indeed it was a great sight Policeman X separated the
warriors Clive ascended the box again with a dreadful wound in the coat which
was gashed from the waist to the shoulder I hardly ever saw the elder Newcome
in such a state of triumph The postboys quite stared at the gratuity he gave
them and wished they might drive his lordship to the Oaks
All the time we have been making this sketch Ethel is standing looking at
Clive and the blushing youth casts down his eyes before hers Her face assumes
a look of arch humour She passes a slim hand over the prettiest lips and a
chin with the most lovely of dimples thereby indicating her admiration of Mr
Clives mustachios and imperial They are of a warm yellowishchestnut colour
and have not yet known the razor He wears a low cravat a shirt front of the
finest lawn with ruby buttons His hair of a lighter colour waves almost to
his manly shoulders broad »Upon my word my dear Colonel« says Lady Kew after
looking at him and nodding her head shrewdly »I think we were right«
»No doubt right in everything your ladyship does but in what particularly«
asks the Colonel
»Right to keep him out of the way Ethel has been disposed of these ten
years Did not Ann tell you How foolish of her But all mothers like to have
young men dying for their daughters Your son is really the handsomest boy in
London Who is that conceitedlooking young man in the window Mr Pen what
Has your son really been very wicked I was told he was a sad scapegrace«
»I never knew him do and I dont believe he ever thought anything that was
untrue or unkind or ungenerous« says the Colonel »If any one has belied my
boy to you and I think I know who his enemy has been «
»The young lady is very pretty« remarks Lady Kew stopping the Colonels
further outbreak »How very young her mother looks Ethel my dear Colonel
Newcome must present us to Mrs Mackenzie and Miss Mackenzie« And Ethel giving
a nod to Clive with whom she has talked for a minute or two again puts her
hand in her uncles and walks towards Mrs Mackenzie and her daughter
And now let the artist if he has succeeded in drawing Clive to his liking
cut a fresh pencil and give us a likeness of Ethel She is seventeen years old
rather taller than the majority of women of a countenance somewhat grave and
haughty but on occasion brightening with humour or beaming with kindliness and
affection Too quick to detect affectation or insincerity in others too
impatient of dullness or pomposity she is more sarcastic now than she became
when afteryears of suffering had softened her nature Truth looks out of her
bright eyes and rises up armed and flashes scorn or denial perhaps too readily
when she encounters flattery or meanness or imposture After her first
appearance in the world if the truth must be told this young lady was
popular neither with many men nor with most women The innocent dancing youth
who pressed round her attracted by her beauty were rather afraid after a
while of engaging her This one felt dimly that she despised him another that
his simpering commonplaces delights of how many wellbred maidens only
occasioned Miss Newcomes laughter Young Lord Croesus whom all maidens and
matrons were eager to secure was astounded to find that he was utterly
indifferent to her and that she would refuse him twice or thrice in an evening
and dance as many times with poor Tom Spring who was his fathers ninth son
and only at home till he could get a ship and go to sea again The young women
were frightened at her sarcasm She seemed to know what fadaises they whispered
to their partners as they paused in the waltzes and Fanny who was luring Lord
Croesus towards her with her blue eyes dropped them guiltily to the floor when
Ethels turned towards her and Cecilia sang more out of time than usual and
Clara who was holding Freddy and Charley and Tommy round her enchanted by her
bright conversation and witty mischief became dumb and disturbed when Ethel
passed her with her cold face and old Lady Hookham who was playing off her
little Minnie now at young Jack Gorget of the Guards now at the eager and
simple Bob Bateson of the Coldstreams would slink off when Ethel made her
appearance on the ground whose presence seemed to frighten away the fish and
the angler No wonder that the other May Fair nymphs were afraid of this severe
Diana whose looks were so cold and whose arrows were so keen
But those who had no cause to heed Dianas shot or coldness might admire her
beauty nor could the famous Parisian marble which Clive said she resembled be
more perfect in form than this young lady Her hair and eyebrows were jet black
these latter may have been too thick according to some physiognomists giving
rather a stern expression to the eyes and hence causing those guilty ones to
tremble who came under her lash but her complexion was as dazzlingly fair and
her cheeks as red as Miss Roseys own who had a right to those beauties being
a blonde by nature In Miss Ethels black hair there was a slight natural
ripple as when a fresh breeze blows over the melan hudor a ripple such as
Roman ladies nineteen hundred years ago and our own beauties a short time
since endeavoured to imitate by art paper and I believe crumplingirons Her
eyes were grey her mouth rather large her teeth as regular and bright as Lady
Kews own her voice low and sweet and her smile when it lighted up her face
and eyes as beautiful as spring sunshine also they could lighten and flash
often and sometimes though rarely rain As for her figure but as this tall
slender form is concealed in a simple white muslin robe of the sort which I
believe is called demi in which her fair arms are enveloped and which is
confined at her slim waist by an azure ribbon and descends to her feet let us
make a respectful bow to that fair image of Youth Health and Modesty and
fancy it as pretty as we will Miss Ethel made a very stately curtsy to Mrs
Mackenzie surveying that widow calmly so that the elder lady looked up and
fluttered but towards Rosey she held out her hand and smiled with the utmost
kindness and the smile was returned by the other and the blushes with which
Miss Mackenzie was always ready at this time became her very much As for Mrs
Mackenzie the very largest curve that shall not be a caricature and actually
disfigure the widows countenance a smile so wide and steady so exceedingly
rident indeed as almost to be ridiculous may be drawn upon her buxom face
if the artist chooses to attempt it as it appeared during the whole of this
summer evening before dinner came when people ordinarily look very grave
when she was introduced to the company when she was made known to our friends
Julia and Maria the darling child lovely little dears how like their papa and
mamma when Sir Brian Newcome gave her his arm downstairs to the diningroom
when anybody spoke to her when John offered her meat or the gentleman in the
white waistcoat wine when she accepted or when she refused these refreshments
when Mr Newcome told her a dreadfully stupid story when the Colonel called
cheerily from his end of the table »My dear Mrs Mackenzie you dont take any
wine today may I not have the honour of drinking a glass of champagne with
you« when the new boy from the country upset some sauce upon her shoulder when
Mrs Newcome made the signal for departure and I have no doubt in the
drawingroom when the ladies retired thither »Mrs Mack is perfectly awful«
Clive told me afterwards »since that dinner in Bryanston Square Lady Kew and
Lady Ann are never out of her mouth she has had white muslin dresses made just
like Ethels for herself and her daughter She has bought a peerage and knows
the pedigree of the whole Kew family She wont go out in a cab now without the
boy on the box and in the plate for the cards which she has established in the
drawingroom you know Lady Kews pasteboard always will come up to the top
though I poke it down whenever I go into the room As for poor Lady Trotter
the Governess of St Kitts you know and the Bishop of Tobago they are quite
bowled out Mrs Mack has not mentioned them for a week«
During the dinner it seemed to me that the lovely young lady by whom I sate
cast many glances towards Mrs Mackenzie which did not betoken particular
pleasure Miss Ethel asked me several questions regarding Clive and also
respecting Miss Mackenzie perhaps her questions were rather downright and
imperious and she patronized me in a manner that would not have given all
gentlemen pleasure I was Clives friend his schoolfellow had seen him a great
deal know him very well very well indeed »Was it true that he had been very
thoughtless very wild« »Who told her so« »That was not her question« with a
blush »It was not true and I ought to know He was not spoiled He was very
goodnatured generous told the truth He loved his profession very much and
had great talent« »Indeed she was very glad Why do they sneer at his
profession It seemed to her quite as good as her fathers and brothers Were
artists not very dissipated« »Not more so nor often so much as other young
men« »Was Mr Binnie rich and was he going to leave all his money to his
niece How long have you known them Is Miss Mackenzie as goodnatured as she
looks Not very clever I suppose Mrs Mackenzie looks very No thank you no
more Grandmamma she is very deaf and cannot hear scolded me for reading the
book you wrote and took the book away I got it afterwards and read it all I
dont think there was any harm in it Why do you give such bad characters of
women Dont you know any good ones« »Yes two as good as any in the world
They are unselfish they are pious they are always doing good they live in the
country« »Why dont you put them into a book Why dont you put my uncle into a
book He is so good that nobody could make him good enough Before I came out I
heard a young lady Lady Claverings daughter Miss Amory sing a song of yours
I have never spoken to an author before I saw Mr Lyon at Lady Popinjoys and
heard him speak He said it was very hot and he looked so I am sure Who is
the greatest author now alive You will tell me when you come upstairs after
dinner« and the young lady sails away following the matrons who rise and
ascend to the drawingroom Miss Newcome has been watching the behaviour of the
author by whom she sate curious to know what such a persons habits are
whether he speaks and acts like other people and in what respects authors are
different from persons in society
When we had sufficiently enjoyed claret and politics below stairs the
gentlemen went to the drawingroom to partake of coffee and the ladies
delightful conversation We had heard previously the tinkling of the piano
above and the wellknown sound of a couple of Miss Roseys five songs The two
young ladies were engaged over an album at a side table when the males of the
party arrived The book contained a number of Clives drawings made in the time
of his very early youth for the amusement of his little cousins Miss Ethel
seemed to be very much pleased with these performances which Miss Mackenzie
likewise examined with great goodnature and satisfaction So she did the views
of Rome Naples Marble Head in the county of Sussex etc in the same
collection so she did the Berlin cockatoo and spaniel which Mrs Newcome was
working in idle moments so she did the Books of Beauty Flowers of Loveliness
and so forth She thought the prints very sweet and pretty she thought the
poetry very pretty and sweet Which did she like best Mr Niminys »Lines to a
Bunch of Violets« or Miss Piminys »Stanzas to a Wreath of Roses« Miss
Mackenzie was quite puzzled to say which of these masterpieces she preferred
she found them alike so pretty She appealed as in most cases to mamma »How
my darling love can I pretend to know« mamma says »I have been a soldiers
wife battling about the world I have not had your advantages I had no
drawingmasters nor musicmasters as you have You dearest child must instruct
me in these things« This poses Rosey who prefers to have her opinions dealt
out to her like her frocks bonnets handkerchiefs her shoes and gloves and
the order thereof the lumps of sugar for her tea the proper quantity of
raspberry jam for breakfast who trusts for all supplies corporeal and spiritual
to her mother For her own part Rosey is pleased with everything in nature.
Does she love music Oh yes Bellini and Donizetti Oh yes Dancing They had no
dancing at grandmammas but she adores dancing and Mr Clive dances very well
indeed A smile from Miss Ethel at this admission Does she like the country
Oh she is so happy in the country London London is delightful and so is the
seaside She does not know really which she likes best London or the country
for mamma is not near her to decide being engaged listening to Sir Brian who
is laying down the law to her and smiling with all her might In fact Mr
Newcome says to Mr Pendennis in his droll humorous way »That woman grins
like a Cheshire cat« Who was the naturalist who first discovered that
peculiarity of the cats in Cheshire
In regard to Miss Mackenzies opinions then it is not easy to discover
that they are decided or profound or original but it seems pretty clear that
she has a good temper and a happy contented disposition And the smile which
her pretty countenance wears shows off to great advantage the two dimples on her
pink cheeks Her teeth are even and white her hair of a beautiful colour and
no snow can be whiter than her fair round neck and polished shoulders She talks
very kindly and goodnaturedly with Julia and Maria Mrs Hobsons precious
ones until she is bewildered by the statements which those young ladies make
regarding astronomy botany and chemistry all of which they are studying »My
dears I dont know a single word about any of these abstruse subjects I wish I
did« she says And Ethel Newcome laughs She too is ignorant upon all these
subjects »I am glad there is some one else« says Rosey with naïveté »who is
as ignorant as I am« And the younger children with a solemn air say they will
ask mamma leave to teach her So everybody somehow great or small seems to
protect her and the humble simple gentle little thing wins a certain degree
of goodwill from the world which is touched by her humility and her pretty
sweet looks The servants in Fitzroy Square waited upon her much more kindly
than upon her smiling bustling mother Uncle James is especially fond of his
little Rosey Her presence in his study never discomposes him whereas his
sister fatigues him with the exceeding activity of her gratitude and her energy
in pleasing As I was going away I thought I heard Sir Brian Newcome say »It«
but what it was of course I cannot conjecture »it will do very well The
mother seems a superior woman«
Chapter XXV
Is Passed in a PublicHouse
I had no more conversation with Miss Newcome that night who had forgotten her
curiosity about the habits of authors When she had ended her talk with Miss
Mackenzie she devoted the rest of the evening to her uncle Colonel Newcome and
concluded by saying »And now you will come and ride with me tomorrow uncle
wont you« which the Colonel faithfully promised to do And she shook hands
with Clive very kindly and with Rosey very frankly but as I thought with
rather a patronizing air and she made a very stately bow to Mrs Mackenzie and
so departed with her father and mother Lady Kew had gone away earlier Mrs
Mackenzie informed us afterwards that the Countess had gone to sleep after her
dinner If it was at Mrs Macks story about the Governors ball at Tobago and
the quarrel for precedence between the Lord Bishops lady Mrs Rotchet and the
ChiefJustices wife Lady Barwise I should not be at all surprised
A handsome fly carried off the ladies to Fitzroy Square and the two worthy
Indian gentlemen in their company Clive and I walking with the usual Havanna
to light us home And Clive remarked that he supposed there had been some
difference between his father and the bankers for they had not met for ever so
many months before and the Colonel always had looked very gloomy when his
brothers were mentioned »And I cant help thinking« says the astute youth
»that they fancied I was in love with Ethel I know the Colonel would have liked
me to make up to her and that may have occasioned the row Now I suppose they
think I am engaged to Rosey What the deuce are they in such a hurry to marry me
for«
Clives companion remarked »that marriage was a laudable institution and an
honest attachment an excellent conservator of youthful morals« On which Clive
replied »Why dont you marry yourself«
This it was justly suggested was no argument but a merely personal
allusion foreign to the question which was that marriage was laudable etc
Mr Clive laughed »Rosey is as good a little creature as can be« he said
»She is never out of temper though I fancy Mrs Mackenzie tries her I dont
think she is very wise but she is uncommonly pretty and her beauty grows on
you As for Ethel anything so high and mighty I have never seen since I saw the
French giantess Going to court and about to parties every night where a parcel
of young fools flatter her has perfectly spoiled her By Jove how handsome she
is How she turns with her long neck and looks at you from under those black
eyebrows If I painted her hair I think I should paint it almost blue and then
glaze over with lake It is blue And how finely her head is joined on to her
shoulders« And he waves in the air an imaginary line with his cigar »She would
do for Judith wouldnt she Or how grand she would look as Herodiass daughter
sweeping down a stair in a great dress of cloth of gold like Paul Veronese
holding a charger before her with white arms you know with the muscles
accented like that glorious Diana at Paris a savage smile on her face and a
ghastly solemn gory head on the dish I see the picture sir I see the
picture« and he fell to curling his mustachios just like his brave old father
I could not help laughing at the resemblance and mentioning it to my friend
He broke as was his wont into a fond eulogium of his sire wished he could be
like him worked himself up into another state of excitement in which he
averred »that if his father wanted him to marry he would marry that instant
And why not Rosey She is a dear little thing Or why not that splendid Miss
Sherrick What a head a regular Titian I was looking at the difference of
their colour at Uncle Honeymans that day of the déjeûner The shadows in
Roseys face sir are all pearly tinted You ought to paint her in milk sir«
cries the enthusiast »Have you ever remarked the grey round her eyes and the
sort of purple bloom on her cheek Rubens could have done the colour but I
dont somehow like to think of a young lady and that sensuous old Peter Paul in
company I look at her like a little wild flower in a field like a little
child at play sir Pretty little tender nursling If I see her passing in the
street I feel as if I would like some fellow to be rude to her that I might
have the pleasure of knocking him down She is like a little songbird sir a
tremulous fluttering little linnet that you would take into your hand pavidam
quærentem matrem and smooth its little plumes and let it perch on your finger
and sing The Sherrick creates quite a different sentiment the Sherrick is
splendid stately sleepy «
»Stupid« hints Clives companion
»Stupid why not Some women ought to be stupid What you call dullness I
call repose Give me a calm woman a slow woman a lazy majestic woman Show
me a gracious virgin bearing a lily not a leering giggler frisking a rattle A
lively woman would be the death of me Look at Mrs Mack perpetually nodding
winking grinning throwing out signals which you are to be at the trouble to
answer I thought her delightful for three days I declare I was in love with
her that is as much as I can be after but never mind that I feel I shall
never be really in love again Why shouldnt the Sherrick be stupid I say
About great beauty there should always reign a silence As you look at the great
stars the great ocean any great scene of nature, you hush sir You laugh at a
pantomime but you are still in a temple When I saw the great Venus of the
Louvre I thought Wert thou alive O goddess thou shouldst never open those
lovely lips but to speak lowly slowly thou shouldst never descend from that
pedestal but to walk stately to some near couch and assume another attitude of
beautiful calm To be beautiful is enough If a woman can do that well who
shall demand more from her You dont want a rose to sing And I think wit is
out of place where theres great beauty as I wouldnt have a Queen to cut jokes
on her throne I say Pendennis« here broke off the enthusiastic youth »have
you got another cigar Shall we go in to Finchs and have a game at billiards
Just one its quite early yet Or shall we go into the Haunt Its Wednesday
night you know when all the boys go« We tap at a door in an old old street
in Soho an old maid with a kind comical face opens the door and nods
friendly and says »How do sir aint seen you this ever so long How do Mr
Noocom« »Whos here« »Most everybodys here« We pass by a little snug bar
in which a trim elderly lady is seated by a great fire on which boils an
enormous kettle while two gentlemen are attacking a cold saddle of mutton and
West India pickles hard by Mrs Nokes the landladys elbow with mutual bows
we recognize Hickson the sculptor and Morgan intrepid Irish chieftain chief
of the reporters of the Morning Press newspaper We pass through a passage into
a back room and are received with a roar of welcome from a crowd of men almost
invisible in the smoke
»I am right glad to see thee boy« cries a cheery voice that will never
troll a chorus more »We spake anon of thy misfortune gentle youth and that
thy warriors of Assaye have charged the Academy in vain Mayhap thou
frightenedst the courtly school with barbarous visages of grisly war
Pendennis thou dost wear a thirsty look Resplendent swell untwine thy choker
white and I will either stand a glass of grog or thou shalt pay the like for
me my lad and tell us of the fashionable world« Thus spake the brave old Tom
Sarjent also one of the Press one of the old boys a good old scholar with a
good old library of books who had taken his seat any time these forty years by
the chimney fire in this old Haunt where painters sculptors men of letters
actors used to congregate passing pleasant hours in rough kindly communion
and many a day seeing the sunrise lighting the rosy street ere they parted and
Betsy put the useless lamp out and closed the hospitable gates of the Haunt
The time is not very long since though today is so changed As we think of
it the kind familiar faces rise up and we hear the pleasant voices and
singing There are they met the honest hearty companions In the days when the
Haunt was a haunt stagecoaches were not yet quite over Casinos were not
invented clubs were rather rare luxuries there were sanded floors triangular
sawdustboxes pipes and tavernparlours Young Smith and Brown from the
Temple did not go from chambers to dine at the Polyanthus or the Megatherium
off potage à la Bisque turbot au gratin cotelettes à la Whatdyoucallem
and a pint of St Emilion but ordered their beefsteak and pint of port from
the plump headwaiter at the Cock did not disdain the pit of the theatre and
for a supper a homely refection at the tavern How delightful are the suppers in
Charles Lamb to read of even now the cards the punch the candles to be
snuffed the social oysters the modest cheer Who ever snuffs a candle now
What man has a domestic supper whose dinnerhour is eight oclock Those little
meetings in the memory of many of us yet are gone quite away into the past
Fiveandtwenty years ago is a hundred years off so much has our social life
changed in those five lustres James Boswell himself were he to revisit London
would scarce venture to enter a tavern He would find scarce a respectable
companion to enter its doors with him It is an institution as extinct as a
hackneycoach Many a grown man who peruses this historic page has never seen
such a vehicle and only heard of rumpunch as a drink which his ancestors used
to tipple
Cheery old Tom Sarjent is surrounded at the Haunt by a dozen of kind boon
companions They toil all day at their avocations of art or letters or law
and here meet for a harmless nights recreation and converse They talk of
literature or politics or pictures or plays socially banter one another over
their cheap cups sing brave old songs sometimes when they are especially jolly
kindly ballads in praise of love and wine famous maritime ditties in honour
of old England I fancy I hear Jack Brents noble voice rolling out the sad
generous refrain of »The Deserter« »Then for that reason and for a season we
will be merry before we go« or Michael Percys clear tenor carolling the Irish
chorus of »Whats that to any one whether or no« or Mark Wilder shouting his
bottle song of »Garryowen na gloria« These songs were regarded with affection
by the brave old frequenters of the Haunt A gentlemans property in a song was
considered sacred It was respectfully asked for it was heard with the more
pleasure for being old Honest Tom Sarjent how the times have changed since we
saw thee I believe the present chief of the reporters of the newspaper
which responsible office Tom filled goes to Parliament in his brougham and
dines with the ministers of the crown
Around Tom are seated grave Royal Academicians rising gay Associates
writers of other Journals besides the Pall Mall Gazette a barrister maybe whose
name will be famous some day a hewer of marble perhaps a surgeon whose
patients have not come yet and one or two men about town who like this queer
assembly better than haunts much more splendid Captain Shandon has been here
and his jokes are preserved in the tradition of the place Owlet the philosopher
came once and tried as his wont is to lecture but his metaphysics were beaten
down by a storm of banter Slatter who gave himself such airs because he wrote
in the Review tried to air himself at the Haunt but was choked by the
smoke and silenced by the unanimous poohpoohing of the assembly Dick Walker
who rebelled secretly at Sarjents authority once thought to give himself
consequence by bringing a young lord from the Blue Posts but he was so
unmercifully chaffed by Tom that even the young lord laughed at him His
lordship has been heard to say he had been taken to »a monsus queeah place
queeah set of folks« in a tap somewhere though he went away quite delighted
with Toms affability but he never came again He could not find the place
probably You might pass the Haunt in the daytime and not know it in the least
»I believe« said Charley Ormond ARA he was then »I believe in the day
theres no such place at all and when Betsy turns the gas off at the doorlamp
as we go away the whole thing vanishes the door the house the bar the
Haunt Betsy the beerboy Mrs Nokes and all« It has vanished it is to be
found no more neither by night nor by day unless the ghosts of good fellows
still haunt it
As the genial talk and glass go round and after Clive and his friend have
modestly answered the various queries put to them by good old Tom Sarjent the
acknowledged Præses of the assembly and Sachem of this venerable wigwam the
door opens and another wellknown figure is recognized with shouts as it
emerges through the smoke »Bayham all hail« says Tom »Frederick I am right
glad to see thee«
Bayham says he is disturbed in spirit and calls for a pint of beer to
console him
»Hast thou flown far thou restless bird of night« asks Father Tom who
loves speaking in blank verses
»I have come from Cursitor Street« says Bayham in a low groan »I have
just been to see a poor devil in quod there Is that you Pendennis You know
the man Charles Honeyman«
»What« cries Clive starting up
»O my prophetic soul my uncle« growls Bayham »I did not see the young
one but tis true«
The reader is aware that more than the three years have elapsed of which
time the preceding pages contain the harmless chronicle and while Thomas
Newcomes leave has been running out and Clives mustachios growing the fate of
other persons connected with our story has also had its development and their
fortune has experienced its natural progress its increase or decay Our tale
such as it has hitherto been arranged has passed in leisurely scenes wherein
the present tense is perforce adopted the writer acting as chorus to the
drama and occasionally explaining by hints or more open statements what has
occurred during the intervals of the acts and how it happens that the
performers are in such or such a posture In the modern theatre as the
playgoing critic knows the explanatory personage is usually of quite a
thirdrate order He is the two walking gentlemen friends of Sir Harry Courtly
who welcome the young baronet to London and discourse about the niggardliness
of Harrys old uncle the Nabob and the depth of Courtlys passion for Lady
Annabel the première amoureuse He is the confidant in white linen to the
heroine in white satin He is »Tom you rascal« the valet or tiger more or
less impudent and acute that wellknown menial in topboots and a livery frock
with red cuffs and collar whom Sir Harry always retains in his service
addresses with scurrilous familiarity and pays so irregularly or he is
Lucetta Lady Annabels waitingmaid who carries the billetsdoux and peeps
into them knows all about the family affairs pops the lover under the sofa
and sings a comic song between the scenes Our business now is to enter into
Charles Honeymans privacy to peer into the secrets of that reverend gentleman
and to tell what has happened to him during the past months in which he has
made fitful though graceful appearances on our scene
While his nephews whiskers have been budding and his brotherinlaw has
been spending his money and leave Mr Honeymans hopes have been withering his
sermons growing stale his once blooming popularity drooping and running to
seed Many causes have contributed to bring him to his present melancholy
strait When you go to Lady Whittleseas chapel now it is by no means crowded
Gaps are in the pews there is not the least difficulty in getting a snug place
near the pulpit whence the preacher can look over his pocket handkerchief and
see Lord Dozeley no more his lordship has long gone to sleep elsewhere and a
host of the fashionable faithful have migrated too The incumbent can no more
cast his fine eyes upon the French bonnets of the female aristocracy and see
some of the loveliest faces in May Fair regarding his with expressions of
admiration Actual dowdy tradesmen of the neighbourhood are seated with their
families in the aisles Ridley and his wife and son have one of the very best
seats To be sure Ridley looks like a nobleman with his large waistcoat bald
head and gilt book JJ has a fine head but Mrs Ridley cook and housekeeper
is written on her round face The music is by no means of its former good
quality That rebellious and illconditioned basso Bellew has seceded and
seduced the four best singing boys who now perform glees at the Cave of
Harmony Honeyman has a right to speak of persecution and to compare himself to
a hermit in so far that he preaches in a desert Once like another hermit St
Hierome he used to be visited by lions None such come to him now Such lions
as frequent the clergy are gone off to lick the feet of other ecclesiastics
They are weary of poor Honeymans old sermons
Rivals have sprung up in the course of these three years have sprung up
round about Honeyman and carried his flock into their folds We know how such
simple animals will leap one after another and that it is the sheepish way
Perhaps a new pastor has come to the church of St Jacobs hard by bold
resolute bright clear a scholar and no pedant his manly voice is thrilling
in their ears he speaks of life and conduct of practice as well as faith and
crowds of the most polite and most intelligent and bestinformed and
bestdressed and most selfish people in the world come and hear him twice at
least There are so many wellinformed and welldressed etc etc people in the
world that the succession of them keeps St Jacobs full for a year or more
Then it may be a bawling quack who has neither knowledge nor scholarship nor
charity but who frightens the public with denunciations and rouses them with
the energy of his wrath succeeds in bringing them together for a while till
they tire of his din and curses Meanwhile the good quiet old churches round
about ring their accustomed bell open their sabbath gates receive their
tranquil congregations and sober priest who has been busy all the week at
schools and sickbeds with watchful teaching gentle counsel and silent alms
Though we saw Honeyman but seldom for his company was not altogether
amusing and his affectation when one became acquainted with it very tiresome to
witness Fred Bayham from his garret at Mrs Ridleys kept constant watch
over the curate and told us of his proceedings from time to time When we heard
the melancholy news first announced of course the intelligence damped the
gaiety of Clive and his companion and FB who conducted all the affairs of
life with great gravity telling Tom Sarjent that he had news of importance for
our private ear Tom with still more gravity than FBs said »Go my
children you had best discuss this topic in a separate room apart from the din
and fun of a convivial assembly« and ringing the bell he bade Betsy bring him
another glass of rum and water and one for Mr Desborough to be charged to him
We adjourned to another parlour then where gas was lighted up and FB
over a pint of beer narrated poor Honeymans mishap »Saving your presence
Clive« said Bayham »and with every regard for the youthful bloom of your young
hearts affections your uncle Charles Honeyman sir is a bad lot I have known
him these twenty years when I was at his fathers as a private tutor Old Miss
Honeyman is one of those cards which we call trumps so was old Honeyman a
trump but Charles and his sister «
I stamped on FBs foot under the table He seemed to have forgotten that
he was about to speak of Clives mother
»Hem of your poor mother I hem I may say vidi tantum I scarcely knew
her She married very young as I was when she left Borhambury But Charles
exhibited his character at a very early age and it was not a charming one no
by no means a model of virtue He always had a genius for running into debt He
borrowed from every one of the pupils I dont know how he spent it except in
hardbake and elecampane and even from old Noseys groom pardon me we used
to call your grandfather by that playful epithet boys will be boys you know
even from the doctors groom he took money and I recollect thrashing Charles
Honeyman for that disgraceful action
At college without any particular show he was always in debt and
difficulties Take warning by him dear youth by him and by me if you like
See me me F Bayham descended from the ancient kings that long the Tuscan
sceptre swayed dodge down a street to get out of sight of a bootshop and my
colossal frame tremble if a chap puts his hand on my shoulder as you did
Pendennis the other day in the Strand when I thought a straw might have
knocked me down I have had my errors Clive I know em Ill take another pint
of beer if you please Betsy has Mrs Nokes any cold meat in the bar and an
accustomed pickle Ha give her my compliments and say FB. is hungry I resume
my tale Faults FB has and knows it Humbug he may have been sometimes but
Im not such a complete humbug as Honeyman«
Clive did not know how to look at this character of his relative but
Clives companion burst into a fit of laughter at which FB nodded gravely
and resumed his narrative »I dont know how much money he has had from your
governor but this I can say the half of it would make FB. a happy man I
dont know out of how much the reverend party has nobbled his poor old sister at
Brighton He has mortgaged his chapel to Sherrick I suppose you know who is
master of it and could turn him out any day I dont think Sherrick is a bad
fellow I think hes a good fellow I have known him do many a good turn to a
chap in misfortune He wants to get into society what more natural That was
why you were asked to meet him the other day and why he asked you to dinner I
hope you had a good one I wish hed ask me
Then Moss has got his bills and Mosss brotherinlaw in Cursitor Street
has taken possession of his revered person Hes very welcome One Jew has the
chapel another Hebrew has the clergyman Its singular aint it Sherrick
might turn Lady Whittlesea into a synagogue and have the Chief Rabbi into the
pulpit where my uncle the Bishop has given out the text
The shares of that concern aint at a premium I have had immense fun with
Sherrick about it I like the Hebrew sir He maddens with rage when FB goes
and asks him whether any more pews are let overhead Honeyman begged and
borrowed in order to buy out the last man I remember when the speculation was
famous when all the boxes I mean the pews were taken for the season and you
couldnt get a place come ever so early Then Honeyman was spoiled and gave
his sermons over and over again People got sick of seeing the old humbug cry
the old crocodile Then we tried the musical dodge FB came forward sir
there That was a coup I did it sir Bellew wouldnt have sung for any man but
me and for twoandtwenty months I kept him as sober as Father Matthew Then
Honeyman didnt pay him there was a row in the sacred building and Bellew
retired Then Sherrick must meddle in it And having heard a chap out Hampstead
way who Sherrick thought would do Honeyman was forced to engage him regardless
of expense You recollect the fellow sir The Reverend Simeon Rawkins the
lowest of the Low Church sir a redhaired dumpy man who gasped at his hs and
spoke with a Lancashire twang hed no more do for May Fair than Grimaldi for
Macbeth He and Honeyman used to fight like cat and dog in the vestry and he
drove away a third part of the congregation He was an honest man and an able
man too though not a sound churchman FB said this with a very edifying
gravity I told Sherrick this the very day I heard him And if he had spoken to
me on the subject I might have saved him a pretty penny a precious deal more
than the paltry sum which he and I had a quarrel about at that time a matter
of business sir a pecuniary difference about a small three months thing
which caused a temporary estrangement between us As for Honeyman he used to
cry about it Your uncle is great in the lachrymatory line Clive Newcome He
used to go with tears in his eyes to Sherrick and implore him not to have
Rawkins but he would And I must say for poor Charles that the failure of Lady
Whittleseas has not been altogether Charless fault and that Sherrick has
kicked down that property
Well then sir poor Charles thought to make it all right by marrying Mrs
Brumby and she was very fond of him and the thing was all but done in spite
of her sons who were in a rage as you may fancy But Charley sir has such a
propensity for humbug that he will tell lies when there is no earthly good in
lying He represented his chapel at twelve hundred a year his private means as
so and so and when he came to book up with Briggs the lawyer Mrs Brumbys
brother it was found that he lied and prevaricated so that the widow in actual
disgust would have nothing more to do with him She was a good woman of
business and managed the hatshop for nine years whilst poor Brumby was at
Doctor Tokelys A firstrate shop it was too I introduced Charles to it My
uncle the bishop had his shovels there and they used for a considerable
period to cover this humble roof with tiles« said FB tapping his capacious
forehead »I am sure he might have had Brumby« he added in his melancholy
tones »but for those unlucky lies She didnt want money she had plenty She
longed to get into society and was bent on marrying a gentleman
But what I cant pardon in Honeyman is the way in which he has done poor old
Ridley and his wife I took him there you know thinking they would send their
bills in once a month that he was doing a good business in fact that I had
put em into a good thing And the fellow has told me a score of times that he
and the Ridleys were all right But he has not only not paid his lodgings but
he has had money of them he has given dinners he has made Ridley pay for wine
He has kept paying lodgers out of the house and he tells me all this with a
burst of tears when he sent for me to Lazaruss tonight and I went to him
sir because he was in distress went into the lions den sir« says FB
looking round nobly »I dont know how much he owes them because of course you
know the sum he mentions aint the right one He never does tell the truth does
Charles But think of the pluck of those good Ridleys never saying a single word
to FB about the debt We are poor but we have saved some money and can lie
out of it And we think Mr Honeyman will pay us says Mrs Ridley to me this
very evening And she thrilled my heartstrings sir and I took her in my arms
and kissed the old woman« says Bayham »and I rather astonished little Miss
Cann and young JJ who came in with a picture under his arm But she said she
had kissed Master Frederick long before JJ was born and so she had that
good and faithful servant and my emotion in embracing her was manly sir
manly«
Here old Betsy came in to say that the supper was awaitin for Mr Bayham
and it was agettin very late and we left FB to his meal and bidding adieu
to Mrs Nokes Clive and I went each to our habitation
Chapter XXVI
In Which Colonel Newcomes Horses Are Sold
At an early hour the next morning I was not surprised to see Colonel Newcome at
my chambers to whom Clive had communicated Bayhams important news of the night
before The Colonels object as any one who knew him need scarcely be told was
to rescue his brotherinlaw and being ignorant of lawyers sheriffs officers
and their proceedings he bethought him that he would apply to Lamb Court for
information and in so far showed some prudence for at least I knew more of the
world and its ways than my simple client and was enabled to make better terms
for the unfortunate prisoner or rather for Colonel Newcome who was the real
sufferer than Honeymans creditors might otherwise have been disposed to give
I thought it would be more prudent that our good Samaritan should not see
the victim of rogues whom he was about to succour and left him to entertain
himself with Mr VVarrington in Lamb Court while I sped to the lockup house
where the May Fair pet was confined A sickly smile played over his countenance
as he beheld me when I was ushered into his private room The reverend gentleman
was not shaved he had partaken of breakfast I saw a glass which had once
contained brandy on the dirty tray whereon his meal was placed a greasy novel
from a Chancery Lane library lay on the table but he was at present occupied in
writing one or more of those great long letters those laborious ornate
eloquent statements those documents so profusely underlined in which the
machinations of villains are laid bare with italic fervour the coldness to use
no harsher phrase of friends on whom reliance might have been placed the
outrageous conduct of Solomons the astonishing failure of Smith to pay a sum of
money on which he had counted as on the Bank of England finally the infallible
certainty of repaying with what heartfelt thanks need not be said the loan of
so many pounds next Saturday week at farthest All this which some readers in
the course of their experience have read no doubt in many handwritings was duly
set forth by poor Honeyman There was a wafer in a wineglass on the table and
the bearer no doubt below to carry the missive They always send these letters
by a messenger who is introduced in the postscript he is always sitting in the
hall when you get the letter and is »a young man waiting for an answer
please«
No one can suppose that Honeyman laid a complete statement of his affairs
before the negotiator who was charged to look into them No debtor does confess
all his debts but breaks them gradually to his man of business factor or
benefactor leading him on from surprise to surprise and when he is in
possession of the tailors little account introducing him to the bootmaker
Honeymans schedule I felt perfectly certain was not correct The detainers
against him were trifling »Moss of Wardour Street one hundred and twenty I
believe I have paid him thousands in this very transaction« ejaculates
Honeyman »A heartless West End tradesman hearing of my misfortune these
people are all linked together my dear Pendennis and rush like vultures upon
their prey Waddilove the tailor has another writ out for ninetyeight pounds
a man whom I have made by my recommendations Tobbins the bootmaker his
neighbour in Jermyn Street fortyone pounds more and that is all I give you
my word all In a few months when my pewrents will be coming in I should
have settled with those cormorants otherwise my total and irretrievable ruin
and the disgrace and humiliation of a prison attend me I know it I can bear
it I have been wretchedly weak Pendennis I can say mea culpa mea maxima
culpa and I can bear my penalty« In his finest moments he was never more
pathetic He turned his head away and concealed it in a handkerchief not so
white as those which veiled his emotions at Lady Whittleseas
How by degrees this slippery penitent was induced to make other confessions
how we got an idea of Mrs Ridleys account from him of his dealings with Mr
Sherrick need not be mentioned here The conclusion to which Colonel Newcomes
ambassador came was that to help such a man would be quite useless and that
the Fleet Prison would be a most wholesome retreat for this most reckless
divine Ere the day was out Messrs Waddilove and Tobbins had conferred with
their neighbour in St Jamess Mr Brace and there came a detainer from that
haberdasher for gloves cravats and pockethandkerchiefs that might have done
credit to the most dandified young Guardsman Mr Warrington was on Mr
Pendenniss side and urged that the law should take its course »Why help a
man« said he »who will not help himself Let the law sponge out the fellows
debts set him going again with twenty pounds when he quits the prison and get
him a chaplaincy in the Isle of Man«
I saw by the Colonels grave kind face that these hard opinions did not suit
him »At all events sir promise us« we said »that you will pay nothing
yourself that you wont see Honeymans creditors and let people who know the
world better deal with him« »Know the world young man« cries Newcome »I
should think if I dont know the world at my age I never shall« And if he had
lived to be as old as Maleleel a boy could still have cheated him
»I do not scruple to tell you« he said after a pause during which a
plenty of smoke was delivered from the council of three »that I have a fund
which I had set aside for mere purposes of pleasure I give you my word and a
part of which I shall think it my duty to devote to poor Honeymans distresses
The fund is not large The money was intended in fact however there it is If
Pendennis will go round to these tradesmen and make some composition with them
as their prices have been no doubt enormously exaggerated I see no harm
Besides the tradesfolk there is good Mrs Ridley and Mr Sherrick we must
see them and if we can set this luckless Charles again on his legs We have
read of other prodigals who were kindly treated and we may have debts of our
own to forgive boys«
Into Mr Sherricks account we had no need to enter That gentleman had
acted with perfect fairness by Honeyman He laughingly said to us »You dont
imagine I would lend that chap a shilling without security I will give him
fifty or a hundred Heres one of his notes with Whatdoyoucallems that
rum fellow Bayhams name as drawer A nice pair aint they Pooh I shall
never touch em I lent some money on the shop overhead« says Sherrick
pointing to the ceiling we were in his countinghouse in the cellar of Lady
Whittleseas chapel »because I thought it was a good speculation And so it
was at first The people liked Honeyman All the nobs came to hear him Now the
speculation aint so good Hes used up A chap cant be expected to last for
ever When I first engaged Mademoiselle Bravura at my theatre you couldnt get
a place for three weeks together The next year she didnt draw twenty pounds a
week So it was with Pottle and the regular drama humbug At first it was all
very well Good business good houses our immortal bard and that sort of game
They engaged the tigers and the French riding people over the way and there was
Pottle bellowing away in my place to the orchestra and the orders Its all a
speculation Ive speculated in about pretty much everything thats going in
theatres in jointstock jobs in building ground in bills in gas and
insurance companies and in this chapel Poor old Honeyman I wont hurt him
About that other chap I put in to do the first business that redhaired chap
Rawkins I think I was wrong I think he injured the property But I dont know
everything you know I wasnt bred to know about parsons quite the reverse I
thought when I heard Rawkins at Hampstead he was just the thing I used to go
about sir just as I did to the provinces when I had the theatre Camberwell
Islington Kennington Clapton all about and hear the young chaps Have a
glass of sherry and heres better luck to Honeyman As for that Colonel hes a
trump sir I never see such a man I have to deal with such a precious lot of
rogues in the City and out of it among the swells and all you know that to
see such a fellow refreshes me and Id do anything for him Youve made a good
thing of that Pall Mall Gazette I tried papers too but mine didnt do I dont
know why I tried a Tory one moderate Liberal and outandout uncompromising
Radical I say what dye think of a religious paper the Catechism or some
such name Would Honeyman do as editor Im afraid its all up with the poor
cove at the chapel« And I parted with Mr Sherrick not a little edified by his
talk and greatly relieved as to Honeymans fate The tradesmen of Honeymans
body were appeased and as for Mr Moss when he found that the curate had no
effects and must go before the Insolvent Court unless Moss chose to take the
composition which we were empowered to offer him he too was brought to hear
reason and parted with the stamped paper on which was poor Honeymans
signature Our negotiations had like to have come to an end by Clives untimely
indignation who offered at one stage of the proceedings to pitch young Moss out
of window but nothing came of this most ungentlebadlike beayviour on Noocobs
part further than remonstrance and delay in the proceedings and Honeyman
preached a lovely sermon at Lady Whittleseas the very next Sunday He had made
himself much liked in the sponginghouse and Mr Lazarus said »If he hadnt
got out time enough Id a let him out for Sunday and sent one of my men with
him to show him the way ome you know for when a gentleman behaves as a
gentleman to me I behave as a gentleman to him«
Mrs Ridleys account and it was a long one was paid without a single
question or the deduction of a farthing but the Colonel rather sickened of
Honeymans expressions of rapturous gratitude and received his professions of
mingled contrition and delight very coolly »My boy« says the father to Clive
»you see to what straits debt brings a man to tamper with truth to have to
cheat the poor Think of flying before a washerwoman or humbling yourself to a
tailor or eating a poor mans childrens bread« Clive blushed I thought and
looked rather confused
»O father« says he »I Im afraid I owe some money too not much but
about forty pounds fiveandtwenty for cigars and fifteen I borrowed of
Pendennis and and Ive been devilish annoyed about it all this time«
»You stupid boy« says the father »I knew about the cigars bill and paid
it last week Anything I have is yours you know As long as there is a guinea
there is half for you See that every shilling we owe is paid before before a
week is over And go down and ask Binnie if I can see him in his study I want
to have some conversation with him« When Clive was gone away he said to me in
a very sweet voice »In Gods name keep my boy out of debt when I am gone
Arthur I shall return to India very soon«
»Very soon sir You have another years leave« said I
»Yes but no allowances you know and this affair of Honeymans has pretty
nearly emptied the little purse I had set aside for European expenses They have
been very much heavier than I expected As it is I overdrew my account at my
brothers and have been obliged to draw money from my agents in Calcutta A
year sooner or later unless two of our senior officers had died when I should
have got my promotion and full colonels pay with it and proposed to remain in
this country a year sooner or later what does it matter Clive will go away
and work at his art and see the great schools of painting while I am absent I
thought at one time how pleasant it would be to accompany him But lhomme
propose Pendennis I fancy now a lad is not the better for being always tied to
his parents apronstring You young fellows are too clever for me I havent
learned your ideas or read your books I feel myself very often an old damper in
your company I will go back sir where I have some friends and where I am
somebody still I know an honest face or two white and brown that will lighten
up in the old regiment when they see Tom Newcome again God bless you Arthur
You young fellows in this country have such cold ways that we old ones hardly
know how to like you at first James Binnie and I when we first came home used
to talk you over and think you laughed at us But you didnt I know God
Almighty bless you and send you a good wife and make a good man of you I have
bought a watch which I would like you to wear in remembrance of me and my boy
to whom you were so kind when you were boys together in the old Grey Friars« I
took his hand and uttered some incoherent words of affection and respect Did
not Thomas Newcome merit both from all who knew him
His resolution being taken our good Colonel began to make silent but
effectual preparations for his coming departure He was pleased during these
last days of his stay to give me even more of his confidence than I had
previously enjoyed and was kind enough to say that he regarded me almost as a
son of his own and hoped I would act as elder brother and guardian to Clive
Ah who is to guard the guardian The younger brother had many nobler qualities
than belonged to the elder The world had not hardened Clive nor even succeeded
in spoiling him I perceive I am diverging from his history into that of another
person and will return to the subject proper of the book
Colonel Newcome expressed himself as being particularly touched and pleased
with his friend Binnies conduct now that the Colonels departure was
determined »James is one of the most generous of men Pendennis and I am proud
to be put under an obligation to him and to tell it too I hired this house as
you are aware of our speculative friend Mr Sherrick and am answerable for the
payment of the rent till the expiry of the lease James has taken the matter off
my hands entirely The place is greatly too large for him but he says that he
likes it and intends to stay and that his sister and niece shall be his
housekeepers Clive here perhaps the speakers voice drops a little Clive
will be the son of the house still honest James says and God bless him James
is richer than I thought by near a lakh of rupees and here is a hint for you
Master Arthur Mr Binnie has declared to me in confidence that if his niece
Miss Rosey shall marry a person of whom he approves he will leave her a
considerable part of his fortune«
The Colonels confidant here said that his own arrangements were made in
another quarter to which statement the Colonel replied knowingly »I thought
so« A little bird has whispered to me the name of a certain Miss A I knew her
grandfather an accommodating old gentleman and I borrowed some money from him
when I was a subaltern at Calcutta I tell you in strict confidence my dear
young friend that I hope and trust a certain young gentleman of your
acquaintance may be induced to think how good and pretty and sweettempered a
girl Miss Mackenzie is and that she may be brought to like him If you young
men would marry in good time good and virtuous women as I am sure ahem
Miss Amory is half the temptations of your youth would be avoided You would
neither be dissolute as many of you seem to me nor cold and selfish which are
worse vices still And my prayer is that my Clive may cast anchor early out of
the reach of temptation and mate with some such kind girl as Binnies niece
When I first came home I formed other plans for him which could not be brought
to a successful issue and knowing his ardent disposition and having kept an
eye on the young rogues conduct I tremble lest some mischance with a woman
should befall him and long to have him out of danger
So the kind scheme of the two elders was that their young ones should marry
and be happy ever after like the Prince and Princess of the Fairy Tale and
dear Mrs Mackenzie have I said that at the commencement of her visit to her
brother she made almost open love to the Colonel dear Mrs Mack was content
to forego her own chances so that her darling Rosey might be happy We used to
laugh and say that as soon as Clives father was gone Josey would be sent for
to join Rosey But little Josey being under her grandmothers sole influence
took a most gratifying and serious turn wrote letters in which she questioned
the morality of operas Towers of London and waxworks and before a year was
out married Elder Bogie of Dr MCraws church
Presently was to be read in the Morning Post an advertisement of the sale of
three horses the description and pedigree following »the property of an
officer returning to India Apply to the groom at the stables 150 Fitzroy
Square«
The Court of Directors invited LieutenantColonel Newcome to an
entertainment given to MajorGeneral Sir Ralph Spurrier KCB appointed
Commanderinchief at Madras Clive was asked to this dinner too »and the
governors health was drunk sir« Clive said »after dinner and the dear old
fellow made such a good speech in returning thanks«
He Clive and I made a pilgrimage to Grey Friars and had the Green to
ourselves it being the Bartlemytide vacation and the boys all away One of the
good old Poor Brothers whom we both recollected accompanied us round the
place and we sate for a while in Captain Scarsdales little room he had been a
Peninsular officer who had sold out and was fain in his old age to retire into
this calm retreat And we talked as old schoolmates and lovers talk about
subjects interesting to schoolmates and lovers only
One by one the Colonel took leave of his friends young and old ran down to
Newcome and gave Mrs Mason a parting benediction slept a night at Tom
Smiths and passed a day with Jack Brown went to all the boys and girls
schools where his little protégés were so as to be able to take the very last
and most authentic account of the young folks to their parents in India spent a
week at Marble Head and shot partridges there but for which entertainment
Clive said the place would have been intolerable and thence proceeded to
Brighton to pass a little time with good Miss Honeyman As for Sir Brians
family when Parliament broke up of course they did not stay in town Barnes of
course had part of a moor in Scotland whither his uncle and cousin did not
follow him The rest went abroad Sir Brian wanted the waters of
AixlaChapelle The brothers parted very good friends Lady Ann and all the
young people heartily wished him farewell I believe Sir Brian even accompanied
the Colonel downstairs from the drawingroom in Park Lane and actually came
out and saw his brother into his cab just as he would accompany old Lady Bagges
when she came to look at her account at the bank from the parlour to her
carriage But as for Ethel she was not going to be put off with this sort of
parting and the next morning a cab dashed up to Fitzroy Square and a veiled
lady came out thence and was closeted with Colonel Newcome for five minutes
and when he led her back to the carriage there were tears in his eyes
Mrs Mackenzie joked about the transaction having watched it from the
diningroom windows and asked the Colonel who his sweetheart was Newcome
replied very sternly that he hoped no one would ever speak lightly of that
young lady whom he loved as his own daughter and I thought Rosey looked vexed
at the praises thus bestowed This was the day before we all went down to
Brighton Miss Honeymans lodgings were taken for Mr Binnie and his ladies
Clive and her dearest Colonel had apartments next door Charles Honeyman came
down and preached one of his very best sermons Fred Bayham was there and
looked particularly grand and noble on the pier and the cliff I am inclined to
think he had had some explanation with Thomas Newcome which had placed FB in
a state of at least temporary prosperity Whom did he not benefit whom he knew
and what eye that saw him did not bless him FB was greatly affected at
Charless sermon of which our party of course could see the allusions Tears
actually rolled down his brown cheeks for Fred was a man very easily moved
and as it were a softened sinner Little Rosey and her mother sobbed audibly
greatly to the surprise of stout old Miss Honeyman who had no idea of such
watery exhibitions and to the discomfiture of poor Newcome who was annoyed to
have his praises even hinted in that sacred edifice Good Mr James Binnie came
for once to church and however variously their feelings might be exhibited or
repressed I think there was not one of the little circle there assembled who
did not bring to the place a humble prayer and a gentle heart It was the last
Sabbathbell our dear friend was to hear for many a day on his native shore The
great sea washed the beach as we came out blue with the reflection of the
skies and its innumerable waves crested with sunshine I see the good man and
his boy yet clinging to him as they pace together by the shore
The Colonel was very much pleased by a visit from Mr Ridley and the
communication which he made My Lord Todmorden has a mansion and park in Sussex
whence Mr Ridley came to pay his duty to Colonel Newcome He said he »never
could forget the kindness with which the Colonel have atreated him His
lordship have taken a young man which Mr Ridley had brought him up under his
own eye and can answer for him Mr R says with impunity and which he is to
be his lordships own man for the future And his lordship have appointed me his
steward and having as he always hev been been most liberal in point of
sellary And me and Mrs Ridley was thinking sir most respectfully with
regard to our son Mr John James Ridley as good and honest a young man which
I am proud to say it that if Mr Clive goes abroad we should be most proud and
happy if John James went with him And the money which you have paid us so
handsome Colonel he shall have it which it was the excellent ideer of Miss
Cann and my lord have ordered a pictur of John James in the most libral
manner and have asked my son to dinner sir at his lordships own table which
I have faithfully served him fiveandthirty years« Ridleys voice fairly broke
down at this part of his speech which evidently was a studied composition and
he uttered no more of it for the Colonel cordially shook him by the hand and
Clive jumped up clapping his and saying that it was the greatest wish of his
heart that JJ and he should be companions in France and Italy »But I did not
like to ask my dear old father« he said »who has had so many calls on his
purse and besides I knew that JJ was too independent to come as my
follower«
The Colonels berth has been duly secured ere now This time he makes the
overland journey and his passage is to Alexandria taken in one of the noble
ships of the Peninsular and Oriental Company His kit is as simple as a
subalterns I believe but for Clives friendly compulsion he would have
carried back no other than the old uniform which has served him for so many
years Clive and his father travelled to Southampton together by themselves
FB and I took the Southampton coach we had asked leave to see the last of
him and say a »God bless you« to our dear old friend So the day came when the
vessel was to sail We saw his cabin and witnessed all the bustle and stir on
board the good ship on the day of departure Our thoughts, however were fixed
but on one person the case no doubt with hundreds more on such a day There
was many a group of friends closing wistfully together on the sunny deck and
saying the last words of blessing and farewell The bustle of the ship passes
dimly round about them the hurrying noise of crew and officers running on their
duty the tramp and song of the men at the capstan bars the bells ringing as
the hour for departure comes nearer and nearer as mother and son father and
daughter husband and wife hold hands yet for a little while We saw Clive and
his father talking together by the wheel Then they went below and a passenger
her husband asked me to give my arm to an almost fainting lady and to lead her
off the ship Bayham followed us carrying their two children in his arms as
the husband turned away and walked aft The last bell was ringing and they were
crying »Now for the shore« The whole ship had begun to throb ere this and its
great wheels to beat the water and the chimneys had flung out their black
signals for sailing We were as yet close on the dock and we saw Clive coming
up from below looking very pale the plank was drawn after him as he stepped on
land
Then with three great cheers from the dock and from the crew in the bows
and from the passengers on the quarterdeck the noble ship strikes the first
stroke of her destined race and swims away towards the ocean »There he is
there he is« shouts Fred Bayham waving his hat »God bless him God bless
him« I scarce perceived at the ships side beckoning an adieu our dear old
friend when the lady whose husband had bidden me to lead her away from the
ship fainted in my arms Poor soul Her too has fate stricken Ah pangs of
hearts torn asunder passionate regrets cruel cruel partings shall you not
end one day ere many years when the tears shall be wiped from all eyes and
there shall be neither sorrow nor pain
Chapter XXVII
Youth and Sunshine
Although Thomas Newcome was gone back to India in search of more money finding
that he could not live upon his income at home he was nevertheless rather a
wealthy man and at the moment of his departure from Europe had two lakhs of
rupees invested in various Indian securities »A thousand a year« he thought
»more added to the interest accruing from my two lakhs will enable us to live
very comfortably at home I can give Clive ten thousand pounds when he marries
and five hundred a year out of my allowances If he gets a wife with some money
they may have every enjoyment of life and as for his pictures he can paint
just as few or as many of those as he pleases« Newcome did not seem seriously
to believe that his son would live by painting pictures but considered Clive as
a young prince who chose to amuse himself with painting The Muse of Painting is
a lady whose social station is not altogether recognized with us as yet The
polite world permits a gentleman to amuse himself with her but to take her for
better or for worse forsake all other chances and cleave unto her to assume
her name Many a respectable person would be as much shocked at the notion, as
if his son had married an operadancer
Newcome left a hundred a year in England of which the principal sum was to
be transferred to his boy as soon as he came of age He endowed Clive further
with a considerable annual sum which his London bankers would pay »And if
these are not enough« says he kindly »you must draw upon my agents Messrs
Franks and Merryweather at Calcutta who will receive your signature just as if
it was mine« Before going away he introduced Clive to F and Ms
corresponding London house Jolly and Baines Fog Court leading out of
Leadenhall Mr Jolly a myth as regarded the firm now married to Lady Julia
Jolly a park in Kent evangelical interest great at Exeter Hall meetings
knew Clives grandmother that is Mrs Newcome a most admirable woman Baines
represents a house in the Regents Park with an emigrative tendency towards
Belgravia musical daughters Herr Moscheles Benedict Ella Osborne
constantly at dinner sonatas in P flat op 936 composed and dedicated to
Miss Euphemia Baines by her most obliged most obedient servant Ferdinando
Blitz Baines hopes that his young friend will come constantly to York Terrace
where the girls will be most happy to see him and mentions at home a singular
whim of Colonel Newcomes who can give his son twelve or fifteen hundred a
year and makes an artist of him Euphemia and Flora adore artists they feel
quite interested about this young man »He was scribbling caricatures all the
time I was talking with his father in my parlour« says Mr Baines and produces
a sketch of an orangewoman near the Bank who had struck Clives eyes and been
transferred to the blottingpaper in Fog Court »He neednt do anything« said
goodnatured Mr Baines »I guess all the pictures hell paint wont sell for
much«
»Is he fond of music papa« asks Miss »What a pity he had not come to our
last evening and now the season is over«
»And Mr Newcome is going out of town He came to me today for circular
notes says hes going through Switzerland and into Italy lives in Charlotte
Street Fitzroy Square Queer place aint it Put his name down in your book
and ask him to dinner next season«
Before Clive went away he had an apparatus of easels sketchingstools
umbrellas and paintingboxes the most elaborate and beautiful that Messrs
Soap and Isaac could supply It made JJs eyes glisten to see those lovely
gimcracks of art those smooth millboards those slabtinted sketchingblocks
and glistening rows of colourtubes lying in their boxes which seemed to cry
»Come squeeze me« If paintingboxes made painters if sketchingstools would
but enable one to sketch surely I would hasten this very instant to Messrs
Soap and Isaac but alas these pretty toys no more make artists than cowls
make monks
As a proof that Clive did intend to practise his profession and to live by
it too at this time he took four sporting sketches to a printseller in the
Haymarket and disposed of them at the rate of seven shillings and sixpence per
sketch His exultation at receiving a sovereign and half a sovereign from Mr
Jones was boundless »I can do half a dozen of these things easily in a
morning« says he »Two guineas a day is twelve guineas say ten guineas a
week for I wont work on Sundays and may take a holiday in the week besides
Ten guineas a week is five hundred a year That is pretty nearly as much money
as I shall want and I need not draw the dear old governors allowance at all«
He wrote an ardent letter full of happiness and affection to the kind father
which he shall find a month after he has arrived in India and read to his
friends in Calcutta and Barrackpore Clive invited many of his artist friends to
a grand feast in honour of the thirty shillings The Kings Arms Kensington
was the hotel selected tavern beloved of artists for many score years
Gandish was there and the Gandishites and some chosen spirits from the Life
Academy Clipstone Street and JJ was vicepresident with Fred Bayham by his
side to make the speeches and carve the mutton and I promise you many a merry
song was sung and many a health drunk in flowing bumpers and as jolly a party
was assembled as any London contained that day The beau monde had quitted it
the Park was empty as we crossed it and the leaves of Kensington Gardens had
begun to fall dying after the fatigues of a London season We sang all the way
home through Knightsbridge and by the Park railings and the Covent Garden
carters halting at the Halfway House were astonished at our choruses There is
no halfway house now no merry chorus at midnight
Then Clive and JJ took the steamboat to Antwerp and those who love
pictures may imagine how the two young men rejoiced in one of the most
picturesque cities of the world where they went back straightway into the
sixteenth century where the inn at which they stayed delightful old Grand
Laboureur thine ancient walls are levelled thy comfortable hospitalities exist
no more seemed such a hostelry as that where Quentin Durward first saw his
sweetheart where knights of Velasquez or burgomasters of Rubens seemed to look
from the windows of the tall gabled houses and the quaint porches where the
Bourse still stood the Bourse of three hundred years ago and you had but to
supply figures with beards and ruffs and rapiers and trunkhose to make the
picture complete where to be awakened by the carillon of the bells was to waken
to the most delightful sense of life and happiness where nuns actual nuns
walked the streets and every figure in the Place de Meir and every devotee at
church kneeling and draped in black or entering the confessional actually the
confessional was a delightful subject for the new sketchbook Had Clive
drawn as much everywhere as at Antwerp Messrs Soap and Isaac might have made a
little income by supplying him with materials
After Antwerp Clives correspondent gets a letter dated from the Hôtel de
Suède at Brussels which contains an elaborate eulogy of the cookery and comfort
of that hotel where the wines according to the writers opinion are unmatched
almost in Europe And this is followed by a description of Waterloo and a
sketch of Hougoumont in which JJ is represented running away in the character
of a French Grenadier Clive pursuing him in the Lifeguards habit and mounted
on a thundering charger
Next follows a letter from Bonn verses about Drachenfels of a not very
superior style of versification account of Crichton an old Grey Friars man
who has become a student at the university of a commerz a drunken bout and a
students duel at Bonn »And whom should I find here« says Mr Clive »but Aunt
Ann Ethel Miss Quigley and the little ones the whole detachment under the
command of Kuhn Uncle Brian is staying at Aix He is recovered from his attack
And upon my conscience I think my pretty cousin looks prettier every day
When they are not in London« Clive goes on to write »or I sometimes think
when Barnes or old Lady Kew are not looking over them they are quite different
You know how cold they have latterly seemed to us and how their conduct annoyed
my dear old father Nothing can be kinder than their behaviour since we have
met It was on the little hill at Godesberg JJ and I were mounting to the
ruin followed by the beggars who waylay you and have taken the place of the
other robbers who used to live there when there came a procession of donkeys
down the steep and I heard a little voice cry Hallo its Clive hooray
Clive and an ass came pattering down the declivity with a little pair of white
trousers at an immensely wide angle over the donkeys back and behold there was
little Alfred grinning with all his might
He turned his beast and was for galloping up the hill again I suppose to
inform his relations but the donkey refused with many kicks one of which sent
Alfred plunging amongst the stones and we were rubbing him down just as the
rest of the party came upon us Miss Quigley looked very grim on an old white
pony my aunt was on a black horse that might have turned grey he is so old
Then came two donkeysful of children with Kuhn as supercargo then Ethel on
donkeyback too with a bunch of wild flowers in her hand a great straw hat
with a crimson ribbon a white muslin jacket you know bound at the waist with
a ribbon of the first and a dark skirt with a shawl round her feet which Kuhn
had arranged As she stopped the donkey fell to cropping greens in the hedge
the trees there chequered her white dress and face with shadow Her eyes hair
and forehead were in shadow too but the light was all upon her right cheek
upon her shoulder down to her arm which was of a warmer white and on the bunch
of flowers which she held blue yellow and red poppies and so forth
J J says I think the birds began to sing louder when she came We have
both agreed that she is the handsomest woman in England Its not her form
merely which is certainly as yet too thin and a little angular it is her
colour I do not care for woman or picture without colour O ye carnations O ye
lilia mista rosis O such black hair and solemn eyebrows It seems to me the
roses and carnations have bloomed again since we saw them last in London when
they were drooping from the exposure to night air candlelight and heated
ballrooms
Here I was in the midst of a regiment of donkeys bearing a crowd of
relations JJ standing modestly in the background beggars completing the
group and Kuhn ruling over them with voice and gesture oaths and whip Throw
in the Rhine in the distance flashing by the Seven Mountains but mind and
make Ethel the principal figure if you make her like she certainly will be
and other lights will be only minor fires You may paint her form but you cant
paint her colour that is what beats us in nature. A line must come right you
can force that into its place but you cant compel the circumambient air There
is no yellow I know of will make sunshine and no blue that is a bit like sky
And so with pictures I think you only get signs of colour and formulas to
stand for it That brickdust which we agree to receive as representing a blush
look at it can you say it is in the least like the blush which flickers and
varies as it sweeps over the down of the cheek as you see sunshine playing
over a meadow Look into it and see what a variety of delicate blooms there
are a multitude of flowerets twining into one tint We may break our
colourpots and strive after the line alone that is palpable and we can grasp
it the other is impossible and beyond us« Which sentiment I here set down
not on account of its worth and I think it is contradicted as well as
asserted in more than one of the letters I subsequently had from Mr Clive
but it may serve to show the ardent and impulsive disposition of this youth by
whom all beauties of art and nature animate or inanimate the former
especially were welcomed with a gusto and delight whereof colder temperaments
are incapable The view of a fine landscape a fine picture a handsome woman
would make this harmless young sensualist tipsy with pleasure He seemed to
derive an actual hilarity and intoxication as his eye drank in these sights and
though it was his maxim that all dinners were good and he could eat bread and
cheese and drink small beer with perfect goodhumour I believe that he found a
certain pleasure in a bottle of claret which most mens systems were incapable
of feeling
This springtime of youth is the season of letterwriting A lad in high
health and spirits the blood running briskly in his young veins and the world
and life and nature bright and welcome to him looks out perforce for some
companion to whom he may impart his sense of the pleasure which he enjoys and
which were not complete unless a friend were by to share it I was the person
most convenient for the young fellows purpose He was pleased to confer upon me
the title of friend en titre and confidant in particular to endow the
confidant in question with a number of virtues and excellences which existed
very likely only in the lads imagination to lament that the confidant had no
sister whom he Clive might marry out of hand and to make me a thousand simple
protests of affection and admiration which are noted here as signs of the young
mans character by no means as proofs of the goodness of mine The books given
to the present biographer by his affectionate friend Clive Newcome still bear
on the titlepages the marks of that boyish hand and youthful fervour He had a
copy of »Walter Lorraine« bound and gilt with such splendour as made the author
blush for his performance which has since been seen at the bookstalls at a
price suited to the very humblest purses He fired up and fought a newspaper
critic whom Clive met at the Haunt one night who had dared to write an article
in which that work was slighted and if in the course of nature, his
friendship has outlived that rapturous period the kindness of the two old
friends I hope is not the less because it is no longer romantic and the days
of white vellum and gilt edges have passed away From the abundance of the
letters which the affectionate young fellow now wrote the ensuing portion of
his youthful history is compiled It may serve to recall passages of their early
days to such of his seniors as occasionally turn over the leaves of a novel and
in the story of his faults indiscretions passions and actions young readers
may be reminded of their own
Now that the old Countess and perhaps Barnes were away the barrier
between Clive and his family seemed to be withdrawn The young folks who loved
him were free to see him as often as he would come They were going to Baden
would he come too Baden was on the road to Switzerland he might journey to
Strasbourg Basle and so on Clive was glad enough to go with his cousins and
travel in the orbit of such a lovely girl as Ethel Newcome JJ performed the
second part always when Clive was present and so they all travelled to
Coblentz Mayence and Frankfort together making the journey which everybody
knows and sketching the mountains and castles we all of us have sketched
Ethels beauty made all the passengers on all the steamers look round and
admire Clive was proud of being in the suite of such a lovely person The
family travelled with a pair of those carriages which used to thunder along the
Continental roads a dozen years since and from interior box and rumble
discharge a dozen English people at hotel gates
The journey is all sunshine and pleasure and novelty The circular notes
with which Mr Baines of Fog Court has supplied Clive Newcome Esquire enabled
that young gentleman to travel with great ease and comfort He has not yet
ventured upon engaging a valetdechambre it being agreed between him and JJ
that two travelling artists have no right to such an aristocratic appendage but
he has bought a snug little britzska at Frankfort the youth has very polite
tastes is already a connoisseur in wine and has no scruple in ordering the
best at the hotels and the britzska travels in company with Lady Anns
caravan either in its wake so as to be out of reach of the dust or more
frequently ahead of that enormous vehicle and its tender in which come the
children and the governess of Lady Ann Newcome guarded by a huge and melancholy
London footman who beholds Rhine and Neckar valley and mountain village and
ruin with a like dismal composure Little Alfred and little Egbert are by no
means sorry to escape from Miss Quigley and the tender and ride for a stage or
two in Clives britzska The little girls cry sometimes to be admitted to that
privilege I dare say Ethel would like very well to quit her place in the
caravan where she sits circumvented by mammas dogs and books bags
dressingboxes and gimcrack cases without which apparatus some English ladies
of condition cannot travel but Miss Ethel is grown up she is out and has been
presented at Court and is a person of too great dignity now to sit anywhere but
in the place of state in the chariot corner I like to think for my part of
the gallant young fellow taking his pleasure and enjoying his holiday and few
sights are more pleasant than to watch a happy manly English youth freehanded
and generoushearted content and goodhumour shining in his honest face
pleased and pleasing eager active and thankful for services and exercising
bravely his noble youthful privilege to be happy and to enjoy Sing cheery
spirit whilst the spring lasts bloom whilst the sun shines kindly flowers of
youth You shall be none the worse tomorrow for having been happy today if
the day brings no action to shame it As for JJ he too had his share of
enjoyment the charming scenes around him did not escape his bright eye he
absorbed pleasure in his silent way he was up with the sunrise always and at
work with his eyes and his heart if not with his hands A beautiful object
too is such a one to contemplate a pure virgin soul a creature gentle pious
and full of love endowed with sweet gifts humble and timid but for truths
and justice sake inflexible thankful to God and man fond patient and
faithful Clive was still his hero as ever his patron his splendid young
prince and chieftain Who was so brave who was so handsome generous witty as
Clive To hear Clive sing as the lad would whilst they were seated at their
work or driving along on this happy journey through fair landscapes in the
sunshine gave JJ the keenest pleasure His wit was a little slow but he
would laugh with his eyes at Clives sallies or ponder over them and explode
with laughter presently giving a new source of amusement to these merry
travellers and little Alfred would laugh at JJs laughing and so with a
hundred harmless jokes to enliven and the ever changing ever charming smiles
of nature to cheer and accompany it the happy days journey would come to an
end
So they travelled by the accustomed route to the prettiest town of all
places where Pleasure has set up her tents and where the gay the melancholy
the idle or occupied grave or naughty come for amusement or business or
relaxation where London beauties having danced and flirted all the season may
dance and flirt a little more where welldressed rogues from all quarters of
the world assemble where I have seen severe London lawyers forgetting their
wigs and the Temple trying their luck against fortune and M Bénazet where
wistful schemers conspire and prick cards down and deeply meditate the
infallible coup and try it and lose it and borrow a hundred francs to go
home where even virtuous British ladies venture their little stakes and draw
up their winnings with trembling rakes by the side of ladies who are not
virtuous at all no not even by name where young prodigals break the bank
sometimes and carry plunder out of a place which Hercules himself could
scarcely compel where you meet wonderful countesses and princesses whose
husbands are almost always absent on their vast estates in Italy Spain
Piedmont who knows where their lordships possessions are while trains of
suitors surround those wandering Penelopes their noble wives Russian Boyars
Spanish Grandees of the Order of the Fleece Counts of France and princes
Polish and Italian innumerable who perfume the gilded halls with their tobacco
smoke and swear in all languages against the black and the red The famous
English monosyllable by which things persons luck even eyes are devoted to
the infernal gods we may be sure is not wanting in that Babel Where does one
not hear it »D the luck« says Lord Kew as the croupier sweeps off his
lordships rouleaux »D the luck« says Brown the bagman who has been backing
his lordship with fivefranc pieces »Ah body of Bacchus« says Count Felice
whom we all remember a courier »Ah sacré coup« cries M le Vicomte de Florac
as his last louis parts company from him each cursing in his native tongue O
sweet chorus
That Lord Kew should be at Baden is no wonder If you heard of him at the
Finish or at Buckingham Palace ball or in a watchhouse or at the Third
Cataract or at a Newmarket meeting you would not be surprised He goes
everywhere does everything with all his might knows everybody Last week he
won who knows how many thousand louis from the bank it appears Brown has chosen
one of the unlucky days to back his lordship He will eat his supper as gaily
after a great victory as after a signal defeat and we know that to win with
magnanimity requires much more constancy than to lose His sleep will not be
disturbed by one event or the other He will play skittles all the morning with
perfect contentment romp with children in the forenoon he is the friend of
half the children in the place or he will cheerfully leave the green table and
all the risk and excitement there to take a hand at sixpenny whist with General
Fogey or to give the six Miss Fogeys a turn each in the ballroom From HRH
the Prince Royal of who is the greatest guest at Baden down to Brown the
bagman who does not consider himself the smallest Lord Kew is hailfellow with
everybody and has a kind word from and for all
Chapter XXVIII
In Which Clive Begins to See the World
In the company assembled at Baden Clive found one or two old acquaintances
among them his friend of Paris M de Florac not in quite so brilliant a
condition as when Newcome had last met him on the Boulevard Florac owned that
Fortune had been very unkind to him at Baden and indeed she had not only
emptied his purse but his portmanteaus jewelbox and linencloset the
contents of all of which had ranged themselves on the red and black against
Monsieur Bénazets crown pieces whatever side they took was however the
unlucky one »This campaign has been my Moscow mon cher« Florac owned to
Clive »I am conquered by Bénazet I have lost in almost every combat I have
lost my treasure my baggage my ammunition of war everything but my honour
which au reste Mons Bénazet will not accept as a stake if he would there
are plenty here believe me who would set it on the trente et quarante
Sometimes I have had a mind to go home my mother who is an angel all
forgiveness would receive her prodigal and kill the fatted veal for me But
what will you He annoys me the domestic veal Besides my brother the Abbé
though the best of Christians is a Jew upon certain matters a Bénazet who
will not troquer absolution except against repentance and I have not a sou of
repentance in my pocket I have been sorry yes but it was because odd came up
in place of even or the reverse The accursed après has chased me like a
remorse and when black has come up I have wished myself converted to red
Otherwise I have no repentance I am joueur nature has made me so as she made
my brother dévot The Archbishop of Strasbourg is of our parents I saw his
grandeur when I went lately to Strasbourg on my last pilgrimage to the Mont de
Piété I owned to him that I would pawn his cross and ring to go play the good
prelate laughed and said his chaplain should keep an eye on them Will you dine
with me The landlord of my hotel was the intendant of our cousin the Duc
dIvry and will give me credit to the day of judgment I do not abuse his noble
confidence My dear there are covers of silver put upon my table every day with
which I could retrieve my fortune did I listen to the suggestions of Satanas
but I say to him Vade retro Come and dine with me Dulucs kitchen is very
good«
These easy confessions were uttered by a gentleman who was nearly forty
years of age and who had indeed played the part of a young man in Paris and the
great European world so long that he knew or chose to perform no other He did
not want for abilities had the best temper in the world was well bred and
gentlemanlike always and was gay even after Moscow His courage was known and
his character for bravery and another kind of gallantry probably exaggerated by
his bad reputation Had his mother not been alive perhaps he would have
believed in the virtue of no woman But this one he worshipped and spoke with
tenderness and enthusiasm of her constant love and patience and goodness »See
her miniature« he said »I never separate myself from it oh never It saved
my life in an affair about about a woman who was not worth the powder which
poor Jules and I burned for her His ball struck me here upon the waistcoat
bruising my rib and sending me to my bed which I never should have left alive
but for this picture Oh she is an angel my mother I am sure that Heaven has
nothing to deny that saint and that her tears wash out my sins«
Clive smiled »I think Madame de Florac must weep a good deal« he said
»Enormément my friend My faith I do not deny it I give her cause night
and evening I am possessed by demons This little Affenthaler wine of this
country has a little smack which is most agreeable The passions tear me my
young friend Play is fatal but play is not so fatal as woman Pass me the
écrevisses they are most succulent Take warning by me and avoid both I saw
you rôder round the green tables and marked your eyes as they glistened over
the heaps of gold and looked at some of our beauties of Baden Beware of such
sirens young man and take me for your Mentor avoiding what I have done that
understands itself You have not played as yet Do not do so above all avoid a
martingale if you do Play ought not to be an affair of calculation but of
inspiration I have calculated infallibly and what has been the effect Gousset
empty tiroirs empty nécessaire parted for Strasbourg Where is my fur
pelisse Frédéric«
»Parbleu vous le savez bien Monsieur le Vicomte« says Frédéric the
domestic who was waiting on Clive and his friend
»A pelisse lined with true sable and worth three thousand francs that I
won of a little Russian at billiards That pelisse is at Strasbourg where the
infamous worms of the Mount of Piety are actually gnawing her Two hundred
francs and this reconnaissance which Frédéric received are all that now
represents the pelisse How many chemises have I Frédéric«
»Eh parbleu Monsieur le Vicomte sait bien que nous avons toujours
vingtquatre chemises« says Frédéric grumbling
Monsieur le Comte springs up shrieking from the dinnertable »Twentyfour
shirts« says he »and I have been a week without a louis in my pocket Bélître
Nigaud« He flings open one drawer after another but there are no signs of that
superfluity of linen of which the domestic spoke whose countenance now changes
from a grim frown to a grim smile
»Ah my faithful Frédéric I pardon thee Mr Newcome will understand my
harmless supercherie Frédéric was in my company of the Guard and remains with
me since He is Caleb Balderstone and I am Ravenswood Yes I am Edgar Let us
have coffee and a cigar Balderstone«
»Plaitil Monsieur le Vicomte« says the French Caleb
»Thou comprehendest not English Thou readest not Valtare Scott thou«
cries the master »I was recounting to Monsieur Newcome thy history and my
misfortunes Go seek coffee for us Nigaud« And as the two gentlemen partake of
that exhilarating liquor the elder confides gaily to his guest the reason why
he prefers taking coffee at the hotel to the coffee at the great Café of the
Redoute with a duris urgéns in rébus égestass pronounced in the true French
manner
Clive was greatly amused by the gaiety of the Vicomte after his misfortunes
and his Moscow and thought that one of Mr Bainess circular notes might not be
ill laid out in succouring this hero It may have been to this end that Floracs
confessions tended though to do him justice the incorrigible young fellow
would confide his adventures to any one who would listen and the exact state of
his wardrobe and the story of his pawned pelisse dressingcase rings and
watches were known to all Baden
»You tell me to marry and range myself« said Clive to whom the Viscount
was expatiating upon the charms of the superbe young Anglaise with whom he had
seen Clive walking on the promenade »Why do you not marry and range yourself
too«
»Eh my dear I am married already You do not know it I am married since
the Revolution of July Yes We were poor in those days as poor we remain My
cousins the Duc dIvrys sons and his grandson were still alive Seeing no other
resource and pursued by the Arabs I espoused the Vicomtesse de Florac I gave
her my name you comprehend in exchange for her own odious one She was Miss
Higg Do you know the family Higg of Manchesterre in the comté of Lancastre She
was then a person of a ripe age The Vicomtesse is now ah it is fifteen years
since and she dies not Our union was not happy my friend Madame Paul de
Florac is of the reformed religion not of the Anglican Church you understand
but a dissident I know not of what sort We inhabited the Hôtel de Florac for a
while after our union which was all of convenience you understand She filled
her salon with ministers to make you die She assaulted my poor father in his
gardenchair whence he could not escape her She told my sainted mother that
she was an idolatress she who only idolatrizes her children She called us
other poor Catholics who follow the rites of our fathers des Romishes and Rome
Babylon and the Holy Father a scarlet eh a scarlet abomination She
outraged my mother that angel essayed to convert the antechamber and the
office put little books in the Abbés bedroom Eh my friend what a good king
was Charles IX and his mother what a wise sovereign I lament that Madame de
Florac should have escaped the St Barthélemi when no doubt she was spared on
account of her tender age We have been separated for many years her income was
greatly exaggerated Beyond the payment of my debts I owe her nothing I wish I
could say as much of all the rest of the world Shall we take a turn of
promenade Mauvais sujet I see you are longing to be at the green table«
Clive was not longing to be at the green table but his companion was never
easy at it or away from it Next to winning losing M de Florac said was the
best sport next to losing looking on So he and Clive went down to the
Redoute where Lord Kew was playing with a crowd of awestruck amateurs and
breathless punters admiring his valour and fortune and Clive saying that he
knew nothing about the game took out five napoleons from his purse and
besought Florac to invest them in the most profitable manner at roulette The
other made some faint attempts at a scruple but the money was speedily laid on
the table where it increased and multiplied amazingly too so that in a quarter
of an hour Florac brought quite a handful of gold pieces to his principal Then
Clive I dare say blushing as he made the proposal offered half the handful of
napoleons to M de Florac to be repaid when he thought fit And fortune must
have been very favourable to the husband of Miss Higg that night for in the
course of an hour he insisted on paying back Clives loan and two days
afterwards appeared with his shirtstuds of course with his shirts also
released from captivity his watch rings and chains on the parade and was
observed to wear his celebrated fur pelisse as he drove back in a britzska from
Strasbourg »As for myself« wrote Clive »I put back into my purse the five
napoleons with which I had begun and laid down the whole mass of winnings on
the table where it was doubled and then quadrupled and then swept up by the
croupiers greatly to my ease of mind And then Lord Kew asked me to supper and
we had a merry night«
This was Mr Clives first and last appearance as a gambler JJ looked
very grave when he heard of these transactions Clives French friend did not
please his English companion at all nor the friends of Clives French friend
the Russians the Spaniards the Italians of sounding titles and glittering
decorations and the ladies who belonged to their society He saw by chance
Ethel escorted by her cousin Lord Kew passing through a crowd of this company
one day There was not one woman there who was not the heroine of some
discreditable story It was the Comtesse Calypso who had been jilted by the Duc
Ulysse It was the Marquise Ariane to whom the Prince Thésée had behaved so
shamefully and who had taken to Bacchus as a consolation It was Madame Médée
who had absolutely killed her old father by her conduct regarding Jason She had
done everything for Jason she had got him the toison dor from the Queen
Mother and now had to meet him every day with his little blond bride on his
arm JJ compared Ethel moving in the midst of these folks to the Lady amidst
the rout of Comus There they were the Fauns and Satyrs there they were the
merry Pagans drinking and dancing dicing and sporting laughing out jests that
never should be spoken whispering rendezvous to be written in midnight
calendars jeering at honest people who passed under their palace windows
jolly rebels and repealers of the law Ah if Mrs Brown whose children are
gone to bed at the Hotel knew but the history of that calm dignifiedlooking
gentleman who sits under her and over whose patient back she frantically
advances and withdraws her twofranc piece whilst his own columns of louis dor
are offering battle to fortune how she would shrink away from the shoulder
which she pushes That man so calm and wellbred with a string of orders on his
breast so well dressed with such white hands has stabbed trusting hearts
severed family ties written lying vows signed false oaths torn up pitilessly
tender appeals for redress and tossed away into the fire supplications blistered
with tears packed cards and cogged dice or used pistol or sword as calmly and
dexterously as he now ranges his battalions of gold pieces
Ridley shrank away from such lawless people with the delicacy belonging to
his timid and retiring nature but it must be owned that Mr Clive was by no
means so squeamish He did not know in the first place the mystery of their
iniquities and his sunny kindly spirit undimmed by any of the cares which
clouded it subsequently was disposed to shine upon all people alike The world
was welcome to him the day a pleasure all nature a gay feast scarce any
dispositions discordant with his own for pretension only made him laugh and
hypocrisy he will never be able to understand if he lives to be a hundred years
old the night brought him a long sleep and the morning a glad waking To
those privileges of youth what enjoyments of age are comparable what
achievements of ambition what rewards of money and fame Clives happy
friendly nature shone out of his face and almost all who beheld it felt kindly
towards him As those guileless virgins of romance and ballad who walk smiling
through dark forests charming off dragons and confronting lions the young man
as yet went through the world harmless no giant waylaid him as yet no robbing
ogre fed on him and greatest danger of all for one of his ardent nature no
winning enchantress or artful siren coaxed him to her cave or lured him into
her waters haunts into which we know so many young simpletons are drawn where
their silly bones are picked and their tender flesh devoured
The time was short which Clive spent at Baden for it has been said the
winter was approaching and the destination of our young artists was Rome but
he may have passed some score of days here to which he and another person in
that pretty wateringplace possibly looked back afterwards as not the unhappiest
periods of their lives Among Colonel Newcomes papers to which the family
biographer has had subsequent access there are a couple of letters from Clive
dated Baden at this time and full of happiness gaiety and affection Letter
No 1 says »Ethel is the prettiest girl here At the assemblies all the
princes counts dukes Parthians Medes and Elamites are dying to dance with
her She sends her dearest love to her uncle« By the side of the words
prettiest girl was written in a frank female hand the monosyllable Stuff and
as a note to the expression dearest love with a star to mark the text and the
note are squeezed in the same feminine characters at the bottom of Clives
page the words »That I do EN«
In letter No 2 the first two pages are closely written in Clives
handwriting describing his pursuits and studies and giving amusing details of
the life at Baden and the company whom he met there narrating his rencontre
with their Paris friend M de Florac and the arrival of the Duchesse dIvry
Floracs cousin whose titles the Vicomte will probably inherit Not a word
about Floracs gambling propensities is mentioned in the letter but Clive
honestly confesses that he has staked five napoleons doubled them quadrupled
them won ever so much lost it all back again and come away from the table
with his original five pounds in his pocket proposing never to play any more
»Ethel« he concludes »is looking over my shoulder She thinks me such a
delightful creature that she is never easy without me She bids me to say that I
am the best of sons and cousins and am in a word a darling du « The rest
of this important word is not given but goose is added in the female hand In
the faded ink on the yellow paper that may have crossed and recrossed oceans
that has lain locked in chests for years and buried under piles of family
archives while your friends have been dying and your head has grown white who
has not disinterred mementos like these from which the past smiles at you so
sadly shimmering out of Hades an instant but to sink back again into the cold
shades perhaps with a faint faint sound as of a remembered tone a ghostly
echo of a once familiar laughter I was looking of late at a wall in the Naples
museum whereon a boy of Herculaneum eighteen hundred years ago had scratched
with a nail the figure of a soldier I could fancy the child turning round and
smiling on me after having done his etching Which of us that is thirty years
old has not had his Pompeii Deep under ashes lies the Life of Youth the
careless Sport the Pleasure and Passion the darling Joy You open an old
letterbox and look at your own childish scrawls or your mothers letters to
you when you were at school and excavate your heart Oh me for the day when the
whole city shall be bare and the chambers unroofed and every cranny visible to
the Light above from the Forum to the Lupanar
Ethel takes up the pen »My dear uncle« she says »while Clive is sketching
out of window let me write you a line or two on his paper though I know you
like to hear no one speak but him I wish I could draw him for you as he stands
yonder looking the picture of good health good spirits and goodhumour
Everybody likes him He is quite unaffected always gay always pleased He
draws more and more beautifully every day and his affection for young Mr
Ridley who is really a most excellent and astonishing young man and actually a
better artist than Clive himself is most romantic and does your son the
greatest credit You will order Clive not to sell his pictures wont you I
know it is not wrong but your son might look higher than to be an artist It is
a rise for Mr Ridley but a fall for him An artist an organist a pianist
all these are very good people but you know not de notre monde and Clive ought
to belong to it
We met him at Bonn on our way to a great family gathering here where I
must tell you we are assembled for what I call the Congress of Baden The chief
of the house of Kew is here and what time he does not devote to sktittles to
smoking cigars to the jeu in the evening to Madame dIvry to Madame de
Cruchecassée and the foreign people of whom there are a host here of the worst
kind as usual he graciously bestows on me Lord and Lady Dorking are here
with their meek little daughter Clara Pulleyn and Barnes is coming Uncle
Hobson has returned to Lombard Street to relieve guard I think you will hear
before very long of Lady Clara Newcome Grandmamma who was to have presided at
the Congress of Baden and still you know reigns over the house of Kew has
been stopped at Kissingen with an attack of rheumatism I pity poor Aunt Julia
who can never leave her Here are all our news I declare I have filled the
whole page men write closer than we do I wear the dear brooch you gave me
often and often I think of you always dear kind uncle as your affectionate
Ethel«
Besides roulette and trente et quarante a number of amusing games are played at
Baden which are not performed so to speak sur table These little diversions
and jeux de société can go on anywhere in an alley in the park in a picnic to
this old schloss or that pretty huntinglodge at a teatable in a lodginghouse
or hotel in a ball at the Redoute in the playrooms behind the backs of the
gamblers whose eyes are only cast upon rakes and rouleaux and red and black
or on the broad walk in front of the Conversation Rooms where thousands of
people are drinking and chattering lounging and smoking whilst the Austrian
brass band in the little music pavilion plays the most delightful mazurkas and
waltzes Here the widow plays her black suit and sets her bright eyes against
the rich bachelor elderly or young as may be Here the artful practitioner who
has dealt in a thousand such games engages the young simpleton with more money
than wit and knowing his weakness and her skill we may safely take the odds
and back rouge et couleur to win Here mamma not having money perhaps but
metal more attractive stakes her virgin daughter against Count Fettackers
forests and meadows or Lord Lackland plays his coronet of which the jewels
have long since been in pawn against Miss Bagss three per cents And so two or
three funny little games were going on at Baden amongst our immediate
acquaintance besides that vulgar sport round the green table at which the mob
with whom we have little to do was elbowing each other A hint of these
domestic prolusions has been given to the reader in the foregoing extract from
Miss Ethel Newcomes letter likewise some passions have been in play of which
a modest young English maiden could not be aware Do not however let us be too
prematurely proud of our virtue That tariff of British virtue is wonderfully
organized Heaven help the society which made its laws Gnats are shut out of
its ports or not admitted without scrutiny and repugnance whilst herds of
camels are let in The law professes to exclude some goods or bads shall we
call them well some articles of baggage which are yet smuggled openly
under the eyes of winking officers and worn every day without shame Shame
what is shame Virtue is very often shameful according to the English social
constitution and shame honourable Truth if yours happens to differ from your
neighbours provokes your friends coldness your mothers tears the worlds
persecution Love is not to be dealt in save under restrictions which kill its
sweet healthy free commerce Sin in man is so light that scarce the fine of a
penny is imposed while for woman it is so heavy that no repentance can wash it
out Ah yes all stories are old You proud matrons in your May Fair markets
have you never seen a virgin sold or sold one Have you never heard of a poor
wayfarer fallen among robbers and not a Pharisee to help him of a poor woman
fallen more sadly yet abject in repentance and tears and a crowd to stone her
I pace this broad Baden walk as the sunset is gilding the hills round about as
the orchestra blows its merry tunes as the happy children laugh and sport in
the alleys as the lamps of the gambling palace are lighted up as the throngs
of pleasurehunters stroll and smoke and flirt and hum and wonder sometimes
is it the sinners who are the most sinful Is it poor Prodigal yonder amongst
the bad company calling black and red and tossing the champagne or Brother
Straitlace that grudges his repentance Is it downcast Hagar that slinks away
with poor little Ishmael in her hand or bitter old virtuous Sarah who scowls
at her from my demure Lord Abrahams arm
One day of the previous May when of course everybody went to visit the
Watercolour Exhibitions Ethel Newcome was taken to see the pictures by her
grandmother that rigorous old Lady Kew who still proposed to reign over all
her family The girl had high spirit and very likely hot words had passed
between the elder and the younger lady such as I am given to understand will
be uttered in the most polite families They came to a piece by Mr Hunt
representing one of those figures which he knows how to paint with such
consummate truth and pathos a friendless young girl cowering in a doorway
evidently without home or shelter The exquisite fidelity of the details and
the plaintive beauty of the expression of the child attracted old Lady Kews
admiration who was an excellent judge of works of art and she stood for some
time looking at the drawing with Ethel by her side Nothing in truth could be
more simple or pathetic Ethel laughed and her grandmother looking up from her
stick on which she hobbled about saw a very sarcastic expression in the girls
eyes
»You have no taste for pictures only for painters I suppose« said Lady
Kew
»I was not looking at the picture« said Ethel still with a smile »but at
the little green ticket in the corner«
»Sold« said Lady Kew »Of course it is sold all Mr Hunts pictures are
sold There is not one of them here on which you wont see the green ticket He
is a most admirable artist I dont know whether his comedy or tragedy are the
most excellent«
»I think grandmamma« Ethel said »we young ladies in the world when we
are exhibiting ought to have little green tickets pinned on our backs with
Sold written on them it would prevent trouble and any future haggling you
know Then at the end of the season the owner would come to carry us home«
Grandmamma only said »Ethel you are a fool« and hobbled on to Mr
Cattermoles picture hard by »What splendid colour what a romantic gloom what
a flowing pencil and dexterous hand« Lady Kew could delight in pictures
applaud good poetry and squeeze out a tear over a good novel too That
afternoon young Dawkins the rising watercolour artist who used to come daily
to the gallery and stand delighted before his own piece was aghast to perceive
that there was no green ticket in the corner of his frame and he pointed out
the deficiency to the keeper of the pictures His landscape however was sold
and paid for so no great mischief occurred On that same evening when the
Newcome family assembled at dinner in Park Lane Ethel appeared with a bright
green ticket pinned in the front of her white muslin frock and when asked what
this queer fancy meant she made Lady Kew a curtsy looking her full in the
face and turning round to her father said »I am a tableauvivant papa I am
Number 46 in the Exhibition of the Gallery of Painters in Watercolours«
»My love what do you mean« says mamma and Lady Kew jumping up on her
crooked stick with immense agility tore the card out of Ethels bosom and very
likely would have boxed her ears but that her parents were present and Lord Kew
was announced
Ethel talked about pictures the whole evening and would talk of nothing
else Grandmamma went away furious »She told Barnes and when everybody was
gone there was a pretty row in the building« said Madam Ethel with an arch
look when she narrated the story »Barnes was ready to kill me and eat me but
I never was afraid of Barnes« And the biographer gathers from this little
anecdote narrated to him never mind by whom at a long subsequent period
that there had been great disputes in Sir Brian Newcomes establishment fierce
drawingroom battles whereof certain pictures of a certain painter might have
furnished the cause and in which Miss Newcome had the whole of the family
forces against her That such battles take place in other domestic
establishments who shall say or shall not say Who when he goes out to dinner
and is received by a bland host with a gay shake of the hand and a pretty
hostess with a gracious smile of welcome dares to think that Mr Johnson
upstairs half an hour before was swearing out of his dressingroom at Mrs
Johnson for having ordered a turbot instead of a salmon or that Mrs Johnson
now talking to Lady Jones so nicely about their mutual darling children was
crying her eyes out as her maid was fastening her gown as the carriages were
actually driving up The servants know these things but not we in the
diningroom Hark with what a respectful tone Johnson begs the clergyman present
to say grace
Whatever these family quarrels may have been let bygones be bygones and
let us be perfectly sure that to whatever purpose Miss Ethel Newcome for good
or for evil might make up her mind she had quite spirit enough to hold her
own She chose to be Countess of Kew because she chose to be Countess of Kew
had she set her heart on marrying Mr Kuhn she would have had her way and made
the family adopt it and called him dear Fritz as by his godfathers and
godmothers in his baptism Mr Kuhn was called Clive was but a fancy if he
had even been so much as that not a passion and she fancied a pretty
fourpronged coronet still more
So that the diatribe wherein we lately indulged about the selling of virgins
by no means applies to Lady Ann Newcome who signed the address to Mrs Stowe
the other day along with thousands more virtuous British matrons but should
the reader haply say »Is thy fable O Poet narrated concerning Tancred
Pulleyn Earl of Dorking and Sigismunda his wife« the reluctant moralist is
obliged to own that the cap does fit those noble personages of whose lofty
society you will however see but little
For though I would like to go into an Indian Brahmins house and see the
punkahs and the purdahs and tatties and the pretty brown maidens with great
eyes and great noserings and painted foreheads and slim waists cased in
Cashmir shawls kincob scarfs curly slippers gilt trousers precious anklets
and bangles and have the mystery of Eastern existence revealed to me as who
would not who has read the Arabian Nights in his youth yet I would not choose
the moment when the Brahmin of the house was dead his women howling his
priests doctoring his child of a widow now frightening her with sermons now
drugging her with bhang so as to push her on his funeral pile at last and into
the arms of that carcass stupefied but obedient and decorous And though I
like to walk even in fancy in an earls house splendid wellordered where
there are feasts and fine pictures and fair ladies and endless books and good
company yet there are times when the visit is not pleasant and when the
parents in that fine house are getting ready their daughter for sale and
frightening away her tears with threats and stupefying her grief with
narcotics praying her and imploring her and dramming her and coaxing her and
blessing her and cursing her perhaps till they have brought her into such a
state as shall fit the poor young thing for that deadly couch upon which they
are about to thrust her When my lord and lady are so engaged I prefer not to
call at their mansion number 1000 in Grosvenor Square but to partake of a
dinner of herbs rather than of that stalled ox which their cook is roasting
whole There are some people who are not so squeamish The family comes of
course the most reverend the Lord ArchBrahmin of Benares will attend the
ceremony there will be flowers and lights and white favours and quite a string
of carriages up to the pagoda and such a breakfast afterwards and music in the
street and little pariah boys hurrahing and no end of speeches within and
tears shed no doubt and His Grace the ArchBrahmin will make a highly
appropriate speech just with a faint scent of incense about it as such a speech
ought to have and the young person will slip away unperceived and take off her
veils wreaths orange flowers bangles and finery and will put on a plain
dress more suited for the occasion and the housedoor will open and there
comes the SUTTEE in company of the body yonder the pile is waiting on four
wheels with four horses the crowd hurrahs and the deed is done
This ceremony amongst us is so stale and common that to be sure there is no
need to describe its rites and as women sell themselves for what you call an
establishment every day to the applause of themselves their parents and the
world why on earth should a man ape at originality and pretend to pity them
Never mind about the lies at the altar the blasphemy against the godlike name
of love the sordid surrender the smiling dishonour What the deuce does a
mariage de convenance mean but all this and are not such sober Hymeneal torches
more satisfactory often than the most brilliant love matches that ever flamed
and burnt out Of course Let us not weep when everybody else is laughing Let
us pity the agonized duchess when her daughter Lady Atalanta runs away with
the doctor of course thats respectable let us pity Lady Iphigenias father
when that venerable chief is obliged to offer up his darling child but it is
over her part of the business that a decorous painter would throw the veil now
Her ladyships sacrifice is performed and the less said about it the better
Such was the case regarding an affair which appeared in due subsequence in
the newspapers not long afterwards under the fascinating title of »Marriage in
High Life« and which was in truth the occasion of the little family Congress of
Baden which we are now chronicling We all know everybody at least who has the
slightest acquaintance with the army list that at the commencement of their
life my Lord Kew my Lord Viscount Rooster the Earl of Dorkings eldest son
and the Honourable Charles Belsize familiarly called Jack Belsize were
subaltern officers in one of His Majestys regiments of Cuirassier Guards They
heard the chimes at midnight like other young men they enjoyed their fun and
frolics as gentlemen of spirit will do sowing their wild oats plentifully and
scattering them with boyish profusion Lord Kews luck had blessed him with more
sacks of oats than fell to the lot of his noble young companions Lord Dorkings
house is known to have been long impoverished an excellent informant Major
Pendennis has entertained me with many edifying accounts of the exploits of
Lord Roosters grandfather with the wild Prince and Poins of his feats in the
huntingfield over the bottle over the dicebox He played two nights and two
days at a sitting with Charles Fox when they both lost sums awful to reckon He
played often with Lord Steyne and came away as all men did dreadful sufferers
from those midnight encounters His descendants incurred the penalties of the
progenitors imprudence and Chanticlere though one of the finest castles in
England is splendid but for a month in the year The estate is mortgaged up to
the very castle windows »Dorking cannot cut a stick or kill a buck in his own
park« the good old Major used to tell with tragic accents »he lives by his
cabbages grapes and pineapples and the fees which people give for seeing the
place and gardens which are still the show of the county and among the most
splendid in the island When Dorking is at Chanticlere Ballard who married his
sister lends him the plate and sends three men with it Four cooks inside and
four maids and six footmen on the roof with a butler driving come down from
London in a trap and wait the month And as the last carriage of the company
drives away the servants coach is packed and they all bowl back to town
again Its pitiable sir pitiable«
In Lord Kews youth the names of himself and his two noble friends appeared
on innumerable slips of stamped paper conveying pecuniary assurances of a
promissory nature all of which promises my Lord Kew singly and most honourably
discharged Neither of his two companions in arms had the means of meeting these
engagements Ballard Roosters uncle was said to make his lordship some
allowance As for Jack Belsize how he lived how he laughed how he dressed
himself so well and looked so fat and handsome how he got a shilling to pay for
a cab or a cigar what ravens fed him was a wonder to all The young men
claimed kinsmanship with one another, which those who are learned in the peerage
may unravel
When Lord Dorkings eldest daughter married the Honourable and Venerable
Dennis Gallowglass Archdeacon of Bullintubber and at present Viscount
Gallowglass and Killbrogue and Lord Bishop of Ballyshannon great festivities
took place at Chanticlere whither the relatives of the high contracting parties
were invited Among them came poor Jack Belsize and hence the tears which are
dropping at Baden at this present period of our history Clara Pulleyn was then
a pretty little maiden of sixteen and Jack a handsome Guardsman of six or seven
and twenty As she had been especially warned against Jack as a wicked young
rogue whose antécédents were woefully against him as she was never allowed to
sit near him at dinner or to walk with him or to play at billiards with him
or to waltz with him as she was scolded if he spoke a word to her or if he
picked up her glove or touched her hand in a round game or caught him when
they were playing at blindmansbuff as they neither of them had a penny in
the world and were both very goodlooking of course Clara was always catching
Jack at blindmansbuff constantly lighting upon him in the shrubberies or
corridors etc etc etc She fell in love she was not the first with Jacks
broad chest and thin waist she thought his whiskers as indeed they were the
handsomest pair in all His Majestys Brigade of Cuirassiers
We know not what tears were shed in the vast and silent halls of Chanticlere
when the company were gone and the four cooks and four maids six footmen and
temporary butler had driven back in their private trap to the metropolis which
is not forty miles distant from that splendid castle How can we tell The
guests departed the lodgegates shut all is mystery darkness with one pair
of wax candles blinking dismally in a solitary chamber all the rest dreary
vistas of brown hollands rolled turkey carpets gaunt ancestors on the walls
scowling out of the twilight blank The imagination is at liberty to depict his
lordship with one candle over his dreadful endless tapes and papers her
ladyship with the other and an old old novel wherein perhaps Mrs Radcliffe
describes a castle as dreary as her own and poor little Clara sighing and
crying in the midst of these funereal splendours as lonely and heartsick as
Oriana in her moated grange poor little Clara
Lord Kews drag took the young men to London his lordship driving and the
servants sitting inside Jack sat behind with the two grooms and tooted on a
cornetàpiston in the most melancholy manner He partook of no refreshment on
the road His silence at his clubs was remarked smoking billiards military
duties and this and that roused him a little and presently Jack was alive
again But then came the season Lady Clara Pulleyns first season in London
and Jack was more alive than ever There was no ball he did not go to no opera
that is to say no opera of certain operas which he did not frequent It was
easy to see by his face two minutes after entering a room whether the person
he sought was there or absent not difficult for those who were in the secret to
watch in another pair of eyes the bright kindling signals which answered Jacks
fiery glances Ah how beautiful he looked on his charger on the birthday all
in a blaze of scarlet and bullion and steel O Jack tear her out of yon
carriage from the side of yonder livid feathered painted bony dowager place
her behind you on the black charger cut down the policeman and away with you
The carriage rolls in through St Jamess Park Jack sits alone with his sword
dropped to the ground or only atra cura on the crupper behind him and Snip the
tailor in the crowd thinks it is for fear of him Jacks head droops Lady
Clara Pulleyn is presented by her mother the Countess of Dorking and Jack is
arrested that night as he is going out of Whites to meet her at the Opera
Jacks little exploits are known in the Insolvent Court where he made his
appearances as Charles Belsize commonly called the Honourable Charles Belsize
whose dealings were smartly chronicled by the indignant moralists of the press
of those days The Scourge flogged him heartily The Whip of which the
accomplished editor was himself in Whitecross Street prison was especially
virtuous regarding him and the Penny Voice of Freedom gave him an awful
dressing I am not here to scourge sinners I am true to my party it is the
other side this humble pen attacks let us keep to the virtuous and respectable
for as for poor sinners they get the whippingpost every day One person was
faithful to poor Jack through all his blunders and follies and extravagance and
misfortunes and that was the pretty young girl of Chanticlere round whose
young affections his luxuriant whiskers had curled And the world may cry out at
Lord Kew for sending his brougham to the Queens Bench prison and giving a
great feast at Grignons to Jack on the day of his liberation but I for one
will not quarrel with his lordship He and many other sinners had a jolly night
They said Kew made a fine speech in hearing and acknowledging which Jack
Belsize wept copiously Barnes Newcome was in a rage at Jacks manumission and
sincerely hoped Mr Commissioner would give him a couple of years longer and
cursed and swore with a great liberality on hearing of his liberty
That this poor prodigal should marry Clara Pulleyn and by way of a dowry
lay his schedule at her feet was out of the question His noble father Lord
Highgate was furious against him his eldest brother would not see him he had
given up all hopes of winning his darling prize long ago and one day there came
to him a great packet bearing the seal of Chanticlere containing a wretched
little letter signed CP and a dozen sheets of Jacks own clumsy writing
delivered who knows how in what crush rooms quadrilles bouquets balls and
in which were scrawled Jacks love and passion and ardour How many a time had
he looked into the dictionary at Whites to see whether eternal was spelt with
an e and adore with one a or two There they were the incoherent utterances of
his brave longing heart and those two wretched wretched lines signed C
begging that Cs little letters might too be returned or destroyed To do him
justice he burnt them loyally every one along with his own waste paper He kept
not one single little token which she had given him or let him take The rose
the glove the little handkerchief which she had dropped to him how he cried
over them The ringlet of golden hair he burnt them all all in his own fire
in the prison save a little little bit of the hair which might be any ones
which was the colour of his sisters Kew saw the deed done perhaps he hurried
away when Jack came to the very last part of the sacrifice and flung the hair
into the fire where he would have liked to fling his heart and his life too
So Clara was free and the year when Jack came out of prison and went abroad
she passed the season in London dancing about night after night and everybody
said she was well out of that silly affair with Jack Belsize It was then that
Barnes Newcome Esq a partner of the wealthy banking firm of Hobson Brothers
amp Newcome son and heir of Sir Brian Newcome of Newcome Bart and MP
descended in right line from Bryan de Newcomyn slain at Hastings and
barbersurgeon to Edward the Confessor etc etc cast the eyes of regard on
the Lady Clara Pulleyn who was a little pale and languid certainly but had
blue eyes a delicate skin and a pretty person and knowing her previous
history as well as you who have just perused it deigned to entertain
matrimonial intentions towards her ladyship
Not one of the members of these most respectable families excepting poor
little Clara perhaps poor little fish as if she had any call but to do her
duty or to ask à quelle sauce elle serait mangée protested against this
little affair of traffic Lady Dorking had a brood of little chickens to succeed
Clara There was little Hennie who was sixteen and Biddy who was fourteen
and Adelaide and who knows how many more How could she refuse a young man not
very agreeable it is true nor particularly amiable nor of good birth at
least on his fathers side but otherwise eligible and heir to so many
thousands a year The Newcomes on their side think it a desirable match
Barnes it must be confessed is growing rather selfish and has some bachelor
ways which a wife will reform Lady Kew is strongly for the match With her own
family interest Lord Steyne and Lord Kew her nephews and Barness own
fatherinlaw Lord Dorking in the Peers why shall not the Newcomes sit there
too and resume the old seat which all the world knows they had in the time of
Richard III Barnes and his father had got up quite a belief about a Newcome
killed at Bosworth along with King Richard and hated Henry VII as an enemy of
their noble race So all the parties were pretty well agreed Lady Ann wrote
rather a pretty little poem about welcoming the white Fawn to the Newcome
bowers and Clara was made to rhyme with fairer and »timid does and antlered
deer to dot the glades of Chanticlere« quite in a picturesque way Lady Kew
pronounced that the poem was very pretty indeed
The year after Jack Belsize made his foreign tour he returned to London for
the season Lady Clara did not happen to be there her health was a little
delicate and her kind parents took her abroad so all things went on very
smoothly and comfortably indeed
Yes but when things were so quiet and comfortable when the ladies of the
two families had met at the Congress of Baden and liked each other so much
when Barnes and his papa the Baronet recovered from his illness were actually
on their journey from AixlaChapelle and Lady Kew in motion from Kissingen to
the Congress of Baden why on earth should Jack Belsize haggard wild having
been winning great sums it was said at Hombourg forsake his luck there and
run over frantically to Baden He wore a great thick beard a great slouched
hat he looked like nothing more or less than a painter or an Italian brigand
Unsuspecting Clive remembering the jolly dinner which Jack had procured for him
at the Guards mess in St Jamess whither Jack himself came from the Horse
Guards simple Clive seeing Jack enter the town hailed him cordially and
invited him to dinner and Jack accepted and Clive told him all the news he had
of the place how Kew was there and Lady Ann Newcome and Ethel and Barnes
was coming »I am not very fond of him either« says Clive smiling when
Belsize mentioned his name So Barnes was coming to marry that pretty little
Lady Clara Pulleyn The knowing youth I dare say he was rather pleased with his
knowledge of the fashionable world and the idea that Jack Belsize would think
he too was somebody
Jack drank an immense quantity of champagne and the dinner over as they
could hear the band playing from Clives open windows in the snug clean little
Hôtel de France Jack proposed they should go on the promenade M de Florac was
of the party He had been exceedingly jocular when Lord Kews name was
mentioned and said »Ce petit Kiou M le Duc dIvry mon oncle lhonore dune
amitié toute particulière« These three gentlemen walked out The promenade was
crowded the band was playing »Home Sweet Home« very sweetly and the very
first persons they met on the walk were the Lords of Kew and Dorking on the arm
of which latter venerable peer his daughter Lady Clara was hanging
Jack Belsize in a velvet coat with a sombrero slouched over his face with
a beard reaching to his waist was no doubt not recognized at first by the noble
Lord of Dorking for he was greeting the other two gentlemen with his usual
politeness and affability when of a sudden Lady Clara looking up gave a
little shriek and fell down lifeless on the gravelwalk Then the old earl
recognized Mr Belsize and Clive heard him say »You villain how dare you come
here«
Belsize had flung himself down to lift up Clara calling her frantically by
her name when old Dorking sprang to seize him
»Hands off my lord« said the other shaking the old man from his back
»Confound you Jack hold your tongue« roars out Kew Clive runs for a chair
and a dozen were forthcoming Florac skips back with a glass of water Belsize
runs towards the awakening girl and the father for an instant losing all
patience and selfcommand trembling in every limb lifts his stick and says
again »Leave her you ruffian« »Lady Clara has fainted again sir« says
Captain Belsize »I am staying at the Hôtel de France If you touch me old man«
this in a very low voice »by Heaven I shall kill you I wish you
goodmorning« and taking a last long look at the lifeless girl he lifts his
hat and walks away Lord Dorking mechanically takes his hat off and stands
stupidly gazing after him He beckoned Clive to follow him and a crowd of the
frequenters of the place are by this time closed round the fainting young lady
Here was a pretty incident in the Congress of Baden
Chapter XXIX
In Which Barnes Comes AWooing
Ethel had all along known that her holiday was to be a short one and that her
papa and Barnes arrived there was to be no more laughing and fun and sketching
and walking with Clive so she took the sunshine while it lasted determined to
bear with a stout heart the bad weather
Sir Brian Newcome and his eldest born arrived at Baden on the very night of
Jack Belsizes performance upon the promenade of course it was necessary to
inform the young bridegroom of the facts His acquaintances of the public who
by this time know his temper and are acquainted with his language can imagine
the explosions of the one and the vehemence of the other it was a perfect feu
dartifice of oaths which he sent up Mr Newcome only fired off these volleys
of curses when he was in a passion but then he was in a passion very
frequently
As for Lady Claras little accident he was disposed to treat that very
lightly »Poor dear Clara of course of course« he said »shes been accustomed
to fainting fits no wonder she was agitated on the sight of that villain after
his infernal treatment of her If I had been there« a volley of oaths comes
here along the whole line »I should have strangled the scoundrel I should
have murdered him«
»Mercy Barnes« cries Lady Ann
»It was a mercy Barnes was not there« says Ethel gravely »a fight between
him and Captain Belsize would have been awful indeed«
»I am afraid of no man Ethel« says Barnes fiercely with another oath
»Hit one of your own size Barnes« says Miss Ethel who had a number of
school phrases from her little brothers and used them on occasions skilfully
»hit Captain Belsize he has got no friends«
As Jack Belsize from his height and strength was fitted to be not only an
officer but actually a private in his former gallant regiment and brother
Barnes was but a puny young gentleman the idea of a personal conflict between
them was rather ridiculous Some notion of this sort may have passed through Sir
Brians mind for the Baronet said with his usual solemnity »It is the cause
Ethel it is the cause my dear which gives strength in such a cause as
Barness with a beautiful young creature to protect from a villain any man
would be strong any man would be strong« »Since his last attack« Barnes used
to say »my poor old governor is exceedingly shaky very groggy about the head«
which was the fact Barnes was already master at Newcome and the bank and
awaiting with perfect composure the event which was to place the bloodred hand
of the Newcome baronetcy on his own brougham
Casting his eyes about the room a heap of drawings the work of a
wellknown hand which he hated met his eye There were a halfdozen sketches of
Baden Ethel on horseback again the children and the dogs just in the old way
»D him is he here« screams out Barnes »is that young pothouse villain
here and hasnt Kew knocked his head off Clive Newcome is here sir« he cries
out to his father »the Colonels son I have no doubt they met by «
»By what Barnes« says Ethel
»Clive is here is he« says the Baronet »making caricatures hey You
did not mention him in your letters Lady Ann«
Sir Brian was evidently very much touched by his last attack
Ethel blushed it was a curious fact but there had been no mention of Clive
in the ladies letters to Sir Brian
»My dear we met him by the merest chance at Bonn travelling with a friend
of his and he speaks a little German and was very useful to us and took one
of the boys in his britzska the whole way«
»Boys always crowd in a carriage« says Sir Brian »kick your shins always
in the way I remember when we used to come in the carriage from Clapham when
we were boys I used to kick my brother Toms shins Poor Tom he was a devilish
wild fellow in those days You dont recollect Tom my Lady Ann«
Further anecdotes from Sir Brian are interrupted by Lord Kews arrival »How
dydo Kew« cries Barnes »Hows Clara« and Lord Kew walking up with great
respect to shake hands with Sir Brian says »I am glad to see you looking so
well sir« and scarcely takes any notice of Barnes That Mr Barnes Newcome was
an individual not universally beloved is a point of history of which there can
be no doubt
»You have not told me how Clara is my good fellow« continues Barnes »I
have heard all about her meeting with that villain Jack Belsize«
»Dont call names my good fellow« says Lord Kew »It strikes me you dont
know Belsize well enough to call him by nicknames or by other names Lady Clara
Pulleyn I believe is very unwell indeed«
»Confound the fellow How dared he to come here« cried Barnes backing from
this little rebuff
»Dare is another ugly word I would advise you not to use it to the fellow
himself«
»What do you mean« says Barnes looking very serious in an instant
»Easy my good friend not so very loud It appears Ethel that poor
Jack I know him pretty well you see Barnes and may call him by what names I
like had been dining today with Cousin Clive he and M de Florac and that
they went with Jack to the promenade not in the least aware of Mr Jack
Belsizes private affairs or of the shindy that was going to happen«
»By Jove he shall answer for it« cries out Barnes in a loud voice
»I dare say he will if you ask him« says the other dryly »but not before
ladies Hed be afraid of frightening them Poor Jack was always as gentle as a
lamb before women I had some talk with the Frenchman just now« continued Lord
Kew gaily as if wishing to pass over this side of the subject »Mi Lord Kiou
says he we have made your friend Jack to hear reason He is a little fou your
friend Jack He drank champagne at dinner like an ogre How is the charmante
Miss Clara Florac you see calls her Miss Clara Barnes the world calls her
Lady Clara You call her Clara You happy dog you«
»I dont see why that infernal young cub of a Clive is always meddling in
our affairs« cries out Barnes whose rage was perpetually being whipped into
new outcries »Why has he been about this house Why is he here«
»It is very well for you that he was Barnes« Lord Kew said »The young
fellow showed great temper and spirit There has been a famous row but dont be
alarmed it is all over It is all over everybody may go to bed and sleep
comfortably Barnes need not get up in the morning to punch Jack Belsizes head
Im sorry for your disappointment you Fenchurch Street fireeater Come away
it will be but proper you know for a bridegroomelect to go and ask news of la
charmante Miss Clara«
»As we went out of the house« Lord Kew told Clive »I said to Barnes that
every word I had uttered upstairs with regard to the reconciliation was a lie
that Jack Belsize was determined to have his blood and was walking under the
lime trees by which we had to pass with a thundering big stick You should have
seen the state the fellow was in sir The sweet youth started back and turned
as yellow as a cream cheese Then he made a pretext to go into his room and
said it was for his pocket handkerchief but I know it was for a pistol for he
dropped his hand from my arm into his pocket every time I said Heres Jack as
we walked down the avenue to Lord Dorkings apartment«
A great deal of animated business had been transacted during the two hours
subsequent to poor Lady Claras mishap Clive and Belsize had returned to the
former's quarters while gentle JJ was utilizing the last rays of the sun to
tint a sketch which he had made during the morning He fled to his own apartment
on the arrival of the fiercelooking stranger whose glaring eyes pallid looks
shaggy beard clutched hands and incessant gasps and mutterings as he strode up
and down might well scare a peaceable person Very terrible must Jack have
looked as he trampled those boards in the growing twilight anon stopping to
drink another tumbler of champagne then groaning expressions of inarticulate
wrath and again sinking down on Clives bed with a drooping head and breaking
voice crying »Poor little thing poor little devil«
»If the old man sends me a message you will stand by me wont you
Newcome He was a fierce old fellow in his time and I have seen him shoot
straight enough at Chanticlere I suppose you know what the affair is about«
»I never heard of it before but I think I understand« says Clive gravely
»I cant ask Kew he is one of the family he is going to marry Miss
Newcome It is no use asking him«
All Clives blood tingled at the idea that any man was going to marry Miss
Newcome He knew it before a fortnight since and it was nothing to him to hear
it He was glad that the growing darkness prevented his face from being seen »I
am of the family too« said Clive »and Barnes Newcome and I had the same
grandfather«
»Oh yes old boy old banker the weaver what was he I forgot« says poor
Jack kicking on Clives bed »in that family the Newcomes dont count I beg
your pardon« groans poor Jack
They lapse into silence during which Jacks cigar glimmers from the
twilight corner where Clives bed is whilst Clive wafts his fragrance out of
the window where he sits and whence he has a view of Lady Ann Newcomes windows
to the right over the bridge across the little rushing river at the Hôtel de
Hollande hard by The lights twinkle in the booths under the pretty lime
avenues The hum of distant voices is heard the gambling palace is all in a
blaze It is an assembly night and from the doors of the conversation rooms as
they open and close escape gusts of harmony Behind on the little hill the
darkling woods lie calm the edges of the fir trees cut sharp against the sky
which is clear with a crescent moon and the lambent lights of the starry hosts
of heaven Clive does not see pinerobed hills and shining stars nor think of
pleasure in its palace yonder nor of pain writhing on his own bed within a few
feet of him where poor Belsize was groaning His eyes are fixed upon a window
whence comes the red light of a lamp across which shadows float now and again
So every light in every booth yonder has a scheme of its own; every star above
shines by itself; and each individual heart of ours goes on brightening with its
own hopes burning with its own desires and quivering with its own pain
The reverie is interrupted by the waiter who announces M le Vicomte de
Florac and a third cigar is added to the other two smoky lights Belsize is
glad to see Florac whom he has known in a thousand haunts He will do my
business for me He has been out half a dozen times thinks Jack It would
relieve the poor fellows boiling blood that some one would let a little out He
lays his affair before Florac he expects a message from Lord Dorking
»Comment donc« cries Florac »il y avait donc quelque chose Cette pauvre
petite Miss Vous voulez tuer le père après avoir délaissé la fille Cherchez
dautres témoins Monsieur Le Vicomte de Florac ne se fait pas complice de
telles lâchetés«
»By Heaven« says Jack sitting up on the bed with his eyes glaring »I
have a great mind Florac to wring your infernal little neck and to fling you
out of the window Is all the world going to turn against me I am half mad as
it is If any man dares to think anything wrong regarding that little angel or
to fancy that she is not as pure and as good and as gentle and as innocent
by Heaven as any angel there if any man thinks Id be the villain to hurt
her I should just like to see him« says Jack »By the Lord sir just bring
him to me Just tell the waiter to send him upstairs Hurt her I hurt her Oh
Im a fool a fool a dd fool Whos that«
»Its Kew« says a voice out of the darkness from behind cigar No 4 and
Clive now having a party assembled scrapes a match and lights his candles
»I heard your last words Jack« Lord Kew says bluntly »and you never spoke
more truth in your life Why did you come here What right had you to stab that
poor little heart over again and frighten Lady Clara with your confounded hairy
face You promised me you would never see her You gave your word of honour you
wouldnt when I gave you the money to go abroad Hang the money I dont mind
that it was on your promise that you would prowl about her no more The
Dorkings left London before you came there they gave you your innings They
have behaved kindly and fairly enough to that poor girl Hown was she to marry
such a bankrupt beggar as you are What you have done is a shame Charley
Belsize I tell you it is unmanly and cowardly«
»Pst« says Florac »numero deux voilà le mot lâche«
»Dont bite your thumb at me« Kew went on »I know you could thrash me if
thats what you mean by shaking your fist so could most men I tell you again
you have done a bad deed you have broken your word of honour and you knocked
down Clara Pulleyn today as cruelly as if you had done it with your hand«
With this rush upon him and fiery assault of Kew Belsize was quite
bewildered The huge man flung up his great arms and let them drop at his side
as a gladiator that surrenders and asks for pity He sank down once more on the
iron bed
»I dont know« says he rolling and rolling round in one of his great
hands one of the brass knobs of the bed by which he was seated »I dont know
Frank« says he »what the world is coming to or me either here is twice in
one night I have been called a coward by you and by that little
Whatdyoucallm I beg your pardon Florac I dont know whether it is very
brave in you to hit a chap when he is down hit again I have no friends I
have acted like a blackguard I own that I did break my promise you had that
safe enough Frank my boy but I did not think it would hurt her to see me«
says he with a dreadful sob in his voice »By I would have given ten years
of my life to look at her I was going mad without her I tried every place
everything went to Ems to Wiesbaden to Hombourg and played like hell It
used to excite me once and now I dont care for it I won no end of money no
end for a poor beggar like me that is but I couldnt keep away I couldnt
and if she had been at the North Pole by heavens I would have followed her«
»And so just to look at her just to give your confounded stupid eyes two
minutes pleasure you must bring about all this pain you great baby« cries
Kew who was very softhearted and in truth quite torn himself by the sight of
poor Jacks agony
»Get me to see her for five minutes Kew« cries the other griping his
comrades hand in his »but for five minutes«
»For shame« cries Lord Kew shaking away his hand »be a man Jack and
have no more of this puling Its not a baby that must have its toy and cries
because it cant get it Spare the poor girl this pain for her own sake and
balk yourself of the pleasure of bullying and making her unhappy«
Belsize started up with looks that were by no means pleasant »Theres
enough of this chaff I have been called names and blackguarded quite
sufficiently for one sitting I shall act as I please I choose to take my own
way and if any gentleman stops me he has full warning« And he fell to tugging
his mustachios which were of a dark tawny hue and looked as warlike as he had
ever done on any fieldday
»I take the warning« said Lord Kew »and if I know the way you are going
as I think I do I will do my best to stop you madman as you are You can
hardly propose to follow her to her own doorway and pose yourself before your
mistress as the murderer of her father like Rodrigue in the French play If
Rooster were here it would be his business to defend his sister in his absence
I will take the duty on myself and I say to you Charles Belsize in the
presence of these gentlemen that any man who insults this young lady who
persecutes her with his presence knowing it can but pain her who persists in
following her when he has given his word of honour to avoid her that such a man
is «
»What my Lord Kew« cries Belsize whose chest began to heave
»You know what« answers the other »You know what a man is who insults a
poor woman and breaks his word of honour Consider the word said and act upon
it as you think fit«
»I owe you four thousand pounds Kew« says Belsize »and I have got four
thousand on the bills besides four hundred when I came out of that place«
»You insult me the more« cries Kew flashing out »by alluding to the
money If you will leave this place tomorrow well and good if not you will
please to give me a meeting Mr Newcome will you be so kind as to act as my
friend We are connections you know and this gentleman chooses to insult a
lady who is about to become one of our family«
»Cest bien milord Ma foi cest dagir en vrai gentilhomme« says
Florac delighted »Touchezlà mon petit Kiou Tu as du coeur Godam you are a
brave a brave fellow« and the Viscount reached out his hand cordially to Lord
Kew
His purpose was evidently pacific From Kew he turned to the great
Guardsman and taking him by the coat began to apostrophize him »And you mon
gros« says he »is there no way of calming this hot blood without a saignée
Have you a penny to the world Can you hope to carry off your Chimène O
Rodrigue and live by robbing afterwards on the great way Suppose you kill ze
Fazér you kill Kiou you kill Roostere your Chimène will have a pretty moon of
honey«
»What the devil do you mean about your Chimène and your Rodrigue What do
you mean Viscount« says Belsize Jack Belsize once more and he dashed his
hand across his eyes »Kew has riled me and he drove me half wild I aint much
of a Frenchman but I know enough of what you said to say its true by Jove
and that Frank Kews a trump Thats what you mean Give us your hand Frank
God bless you old boy Dont be too hard upon me you know Im dd miserable
that I am Hallo whats this« Jacks pathetic speech was interrupted at this
instant for the Vicomte de Florac in his enthusiasm rushed into his arms and
jumped up towards his face and proceeded to kiss Jack A roar of immense
laughter as he shook the little Viscount off cleared the air and ended his
quarrel
Everybody joined in this chorus the Frenchman with the rest who said »He
loved to laugh même when he did not know why« And now came the moment of the
evening when Clive according to Lord Kews saying behaved so well and
prevented Barnes from incurring a great danger In truth what Mr Clive did or
said amounted exactly to nothing What moments can we not all remember in our
lives when it would have been so much wittier and wiser to say and do nothing
Florac a very sober drinker like most of his nation was blessed with a
very fine appetite which as he said renewed itself thrice a day at least He
now proposed supper and poor Jack was for supper too and especially more drink
champagne and seltzer water »Bring champagne and seltzer water there is
nothing like it« Clive could not object to this entertainment which was
ordered forthwith and the four young men sat down to share it
Whilst Florac was partaking of his favourite écrevisses giving not only his
palate but his hands his beard his mustachios and cheeks a full enjoyment of
the sauce which he found so delicious he chose to revert now and again to the
occurrences which had just passed and which had better perhaps have been
forgotten and gaily rallied Belsize upon his warlike humour »If ze petit
prétendu was here what would you have done wiz him Jac You would croquer im
like zis écrevisse hein You would mache his bones hein«
Jack who had forgotten to put the seltzer water into his champagne writhed
at the idea of having Barnes Newcome before him and swore could he but see
Barnes he would take the little villains life
And but for Clive Jack might actually have beheld his enemy Young Clive
after the meal went to the window with his eternal cigar and of course began to
look at That Other Window Here as he looked a carriage had at the moment
driven up He saw two servants descend then two gentlemen and then he heard a
wellknown voice swearing at the couriers To his credit be it said he checked
the exclamation which was on his lips and when he came back to the table did
not announce to Kew or his righthand neighbour Belsize that his uncle and
Barnes had arrived Belsize by this time had had quite too much wine when the
Viscount went away poor Jacks head was nodding He had been awake all the
night before sleepless for how many nights previous He scarce took any notice
of the Frenchmans departure
Lord Kew remained He was for taking Jack to walk and for reasoning with
him further and for entering more at large than perhaps he chose to do before
the two others upon this family dispute Clive took a moment to whisper to Lord
Kew »My uncle and Barnes are arrived Dont let Belsize go out for goodness
sake let us get him to bed«
And lest the poor fellow should take a fancy to visit his mistress by
moonlight when he was safe in his room Lord Kew softly turned the key in Mr
Jacks door
Chapter XXX
A Retreat
As Clive lay awake revolving the strange incidents of the day and speculating
upon the tragedy in which he had been suddenly called to take a certain part a
sure presentiment told him that his own happy holiday was come to an end and
that the clouds and storm which he had always somehow foreboded were about to
break and obscure this brief pleasant period of sunshine He rose at a very
early hour flung his windows open looked out no doubt towards those other
windows in the neighbouring hotel where he may have fancied he saw a curtain
stirring drawn by a hand that every hour now he longed more to press He turned
back into his chamber with a sort of groan and surveyed some of the relics of
the last nights little feast which still remained on the table There were the
champagne flasks which poor Jack Belsize had emptied the tall seltzerwater
bottle from which the gases had issued and mingled with the hot air of the
previous nights talk glasses with dregs of liquor ashes of cigars or their
black stumps strewing the cloth the dead men the burst guns of yesterdays
battle Early as it was his neighbour JJ had been up before him Clive could
hear him singing as was his wont when the pencil went well and the colours
arranged themselves to his satisfaction over his peaceful and happy work
He pulled his own drawingtable to the window set out his board and
colourbox filled a great glass from the seltzerwater bottle drank some of
the vapid liquor and plunged his brushes in the rest with which he began to
paint The work all went wrong There was no song for him over his labour he
dashed brush and board aside after a while opened his drawers pulled out his
portmanteau from under the bed and fell to packing mechanically JJ heard the
noise from the next room and came in smiling with a great paintingbrush in
his mouth
»Have the bills in JJ« says Clive »Leave your cards on your friends
old boy say goodbye to that pretty little strawberry girl whose picture you
have been doing polish it off today and dry the little things tears I read
PPC in the stars last night and my familiar spirit came to me in a vision
and said Clive son of Thomas put thy travelling boots on«
Lest any premature moralist should prepare to cry fie against the good
pureminded little JJ I hereby state that his strawberry girl was a little
village maiden of seven years old whose sweet little picture a bishop purchased
at the next years Exhibition
»Are you going already« cries JJ removing the bit out of his mouth »I
thought you had arranged parties for a week to come and that the princesses and
the duchesses had positively forbidden the departure of your lordship«
»We have dallied at Capua long enough« says Clive »and the legions have
the route for Rome So wills Hannibal the son of Hasdrubal«
»The son of Hasdrubal is quite right« his companion answered »the sooner
we march the better I have always said it I will get all the accounts in
Hannibal has been living like a voluptuous Carthaginian prince One two three
champagne bottles There will be a deuce of a bill to pay«
»Ah there will be a deuce of a bill to pay« says Clive with a groan
whereof JJ knew the portent for the young men had the confidence of youth one
in another Clive was accustomed to pour out his full heart to any crony who was
near him and indeed had he spoken never a word his growing attachment to his
cousin was not hard to see A hundred times and with the glowing language and
feelings of youth with the fire of his twenty years with the ardour of a
painter he had spoken of her and described her Her magnanimous simplicity her
courage and lofty scorn her kindness towards her little family her form her
glorious colour of rich carnation and dazzling white her queenly grace when
quiescent and in motion had constantly formed the subjects of this young
gentlemans ardent eulogies As he looked at a great picture or statue as the
Venus of Milo calm and deep unfathomably beautiful as the sea from which she
sprung as he looked at the rushing Aurora of the Rospigliosi or the Assumption
of Titian more bright and glorious than sunshine or that divine Madonna and
divine Infant of Dresden whose sweet faces must have shone upon Raphael out of
heaven his heart sang hymns as it were before these gracious altars and
somewhat as he worshipped these masterpieces of his art he admired the beauty
of Ethel
JJ felt these things exquisitely after his manner and enjoyed honest
Clives mode of celebration and rapturous fioriture of song but Ridleys
natural note was much gentler and he sang his hymns in plaintive minors Ethel
was all that was bright and beautiful but but she was engaged to Lord Kew
The shrewd kind confidant used gently to hint the sad fact to the impetuous
hero of this piece The impetuous hero knew this quite well As he was sitting
over his paintingboard he would break forth frequently after his manner in
which laughter and sentiment were mingled and roar out with all the force of
his healthy young lungs
»But her heart it is anothers she never can be mine«
and then hero and confidant would laugh each at his drawingtable Miss Ethel
went between the two gentlemen by the name of Alice Grey
Very likely Night the Grey Mentor had given Clive Newcome the benefit of
his sad counsel Poor Belsizes agony and the wretchedness of the young lady
who shared in the desperate passion may have set our young man athinking and
Lord Kews frankness and courage and honour whereof Clive had been a witness
during the night touched his heart with a generous admiration and manned him
for a trial which he felt was indeed severe He thought of the dear old father
ploughing the seas on the way to his duty and was determined, by Heavens help
to do his own Only three weeks since when strolling careless about Bonn he had
lighted upon Ethel and the laughing group of little cousins he was a boy as
they were thinking but of the enjoyment of the day and the sunshine as
careless as those children And now the thoughts and passions which had sprung
up in a week or two had given him an experience such as years do not always
furnish and our friend was to show not only that he could feel love in his
heart but that he could give proof of courage and selfdenial and honour
»Do you remember JJ« says he as boots and breeches went plunging into
the portmanteau and with immense energy he pommels down one upon the other
»do you remember a dig into the snowy bosom of a dress cambric shirt my dear
old fathers only campaign story of his running away a frightful blow into the
ribs of a waistcoat running away at AsseerGhur«
»AsseerWhat« says JJ wondering
»The siege of AsseerGhur« says Clive »fought in the eventful year 1803
Lieutenant Newcome who has very neat legs let me tell you which also he has
imparted to his descendants had put on a new pair of leather breeches for he
likes to go handsomely dressed into action His horse was shot the enemy were
upon him and the governor had to choose between death and retreat I have heard
his brother officers say that my dear old father was the bravest man they ever
knew the coolest hand sir What do you think it was Lieutenant Newcomes duty
to do under these circumstances To remain alone as he was his troop having
turned about and to be cut down by the Mahratta horsemen to perish or to run
sir«
»I know which I should have done« says Ridley
»Exactly Lieutenant Newcome adopted that course His brandnew leather
breeches were exceedingly tight and greatly incommoded the rapidity of his
retreating movement but he ran away sir and afterwards begot your obedient
servant That is the history of the battle of AsseerGhur«
»And now for the moral« says JJ not a little amused
»JJ old boy this is my battle of AsseerGhur I am off Dip into the
moneybag pay the people be generous JJ but not too prodigal The
chambermaid is ugly yet let her not want for a crown to console her at our
departure The waiters have been brisk and servile reward the slaves for their
labours Forget not the humble boots so shall he bless us when we depart For
artists are gentlemen though Ethel does not think so De No God bless her
God bless her« groans out Clive cramming his two fists into his eyes If
Ridley admired him before he thought none the worse of him now And if any
generous young fellow in life reads the Fable which may possibly concern him
let him take a seniors counsel and remember that there are perils in our
battle God help us from which the bravest had best run away
Early as the morning yet was Clive had a visitor and the door opened to
let in Lord Kews honest face Ridley retreated before it into his own den the
appearance of earls scared the modest painter though he was proud and pleased
that his Clive should have their company Lord Kew indeed lived in more splendid
apartments on the first floor of the hotel Clive and his friend occupying a
couple of spacious chambers on the second story »You are an early bird« says
Kew »I got up myself in a panic before daylight almost Jack was making a deuce
of a row in his room and fit to blow the door out I have been coaxing him for
this hour I wish we had thought of giving him a dose of laudanum last night if
it finished him poor old boy it would do him no harm« And then laughing he
gave Clive an account of his interview with Barnes on the previous night »You
seem to be packing up to go too« says Lord Kew with a momentary glance of
humour darting from his keen eyes »The weather is breaking up here and if you
are going to cross the St Gothard as the Newcomes told me the sooner the
better Its bitter cold over the mountains in October«
»Very cold« says Clive biting his nails
»Post or Vett« asks my Lord
»I bought a carriage at Frankfort« says Clive in an offhand manner
»Hallo« cries the other who was perfectly kind and entirely frank and
pleasant and showed no difference in his conversation with men of any degree
except perhaps that to his inferiors in station he was a little more polite than
to his equals but who would as soon have thought of a young artist leaving
Baden in a carriage of his own as of his riding away on a dragon
»I only gave twenty pounds for the carriage its a little light thing We
are two a couple of horses carry us and our traps you know and we can stop
where we like I dont depend upon my profession« Clive added with a blush »I
made three guineas once and that is the only money I ever gained in my life«
»Of course my dear fellow have I not been to your fathers house at
that pretty ball and seen no end of fine people there We are young swells I
know that very well We only paint for pleasure«
»We are artists and we intend to paint for money my lord« says Clive
»Will your lordship give me an order«
»My lordship serves me right« the other said »I think Newcome as you are
going I think you might do some folks here a good turn though the service is
rather a disagreeable one Jack Belsize is not fit to be left alone I cant go
away from here just now for reasons of state Do be a good fellow and take him
with you Put the Alps between him and this confounded business and if I can
serve you in any way I shall be delighted if you will furnish me with the
occasion Jack does not know yet that our amiable Barnes is here I know how
fond you are of him I have heard the story glass of claret and all We all
love Barnes How that poor Lady Clara can have accepted him the Lord knows We
are fearfully and wonderfully made especially women«
»Good heavens« Clive broke out »can it be possible that a young creature
can have been brought to like such a selfish insolent coxcomb as that such a
cocktail as Barnes Newcome You know very well Lord Kew what his life is
There was a poor girl whom he brought out of a Newcome factory when he was a boy
himself and might have had a heart one would have thought whom he
illtreated whom he deserted and flung out of doors without a penny upon some
pretence of her infidelity towards him who came and actually sat down on the
steps of Park Lane with a child on each side of her and not their cries and
their hunger but the fear of his own shame and a dread of a police court
forced him to give her a maintenance I never see the fellow but I loathe him
and long to kick him out of window And this man is to marry a noble young lady
because forsooth he is a partner in a bank and heir to seven or eight thousand
a year Oh it is a shame it is a shame It makes me sick when I think of the
lot which the poor thing is to endure«
»It is not a nice story« said Lord Kew rolling a cigarette »Barnes is not
a nice man I give you that in You have not heard it talked about in the
family have you«
»Good heavens you dont suppose that I would speak to Ethel to Miss
Newcome about such a foul subject as that« cries Clive »I never mentioned it
to my own father He would have turned Barnes out of his doors if he had known
it«
»It was the talk about town I know« Kew said dryly »Everything is told in
those confounded clubs I told you I give up Barnes I like him no more than you
do He may have treated the woman ill I suspect he has not an angelical temper
but in this matter he has not been so bad so very bad as it would seem The
first step is wrong of course those factory towns that sort of thing you
know well well the commencement of the business is a bad one But he is not
the only sinner in London He has declared on his honour to me when the matter
was talked about and he was coming on for election at Bayss and was as nearly
pilled as any man I ever knew in my life he declared on his word that he only
parted from Mrs Delacy Mrs Delacy the poor devil used to call herself
because he found that she had served him as such women will serve men He
offered to send his children to school in Yorkshire rather a cheap school
but she would not part with them She made a scandal in order to get good terms
and she succeeded He was anxious to break the connection he owned it had hung
like a millstone round his neck and caused him a great deal of remorse
annoyance you may call it He was immensely cut up about it I remember when
that fellow was hanged for murdering a woman Barnes said he did not wonder at
his having done it Young men make those connections in their early lives and
rue them all their days after He was heartily sorry that we may take for
granted He wished to lead a proper life My grandmother managed this business
with the Dorkings Lady Kew still pulls strokeoar in our boat you know and
the old woman will not give up her place They know everything the elders do
He is a clever fellow He is witty in his way When he likes he can make
himself quite agreeable to some people There has been no sort of force You
dont suppose young ladies are confined in dungeons and subject to tortures do
you But there is a brood of Pulleyns at Chanticlere and old Dorking has
nothing to give them His daughter accepted Barnes of her own free will he
knowing perfectly well of that previous affair with Jack The poor devil bursts
into the place yesterday and the girl drops down in a faint She will see
Belsize this very day if he likes I took a note from Lady Dorking to him at
five oclock this morning If he fancies that there is any constraint put upon
Lady Claras actions she will tell him with her own lips that she has acted of
her own free will She will marry the husband she has chosen and do her duty by
him You are quite a young un who boil and froth up with indignation at the idea
that a girl hardly off with an old love should take on with a new «
»I am not indignant with her« says Clive »for breaking with Belsize but
for marrying Barnes«
»You hate him and you know he is your enemy and indeed young fellow he
does not compliment you in talking about you A pretty young scapegrace he has
made you out to be and very likely thinks you to be It depends on the colours
in which a fellow is painted Our friends and our enemies draw us and I often
think both pictures are like« continued the easy worldphilosophes »You hate
Barnes and cannot see any good in him He sees none in you There have been
tremendous shindies in Park Lane apropos of your worship and of a subject which
I dont care to mention« said Lord Kew with some dignity »and what is the
upshot of all this malevolence I like you I like your father I think he is a
noble old boy there are those who represented him as a sordid schemer Give Mr
Barnes the benefit of common charity at any rate and let others like him if
you do not
And as for this romance of love« the young nobleman went on kindling as he
spoke and forgetting the slang and colloquialisms with which we garnish all our
conversation »this fine picture of Jenny and Jessamy falling in love at first
sight billing and cooing in an arbour and retiring to a cottage afterwards to
go on cooing and billing pshaw what folly is this It is good for romances
and for Misses to sigh about but any man who walks through the world with his
eyes open knows how senseless is all this rubbish I dont say that a young man
and woman are not to meet and to fall in love that instant and to marry that
day year and love each other till they are a hundred that is the supreme lot
but that is the lot which the gods only grant to Baucis and Philemon and a
very very few besides As for the rest they must compromise make themselves
as comfortable as they can and take the good and the bad together And as for
Jenny and Jessamy by Jove look round among your friends count up the
lovematches and see what has been the end of most of them Love in a cottage
Who is to pay the landlord for the cottage Who is to pay for Jennys tea and
cream and Jessamys muttonchops If he has cold mutton he will quarrel with
her If there is nothing in the cupboard a pretty meal they make No you cry
out against people in our world making money marriages Why kings and queens
marry on the same understanding My butcher has saved a stockingful of money
and marries his daughter to a young salesman Mr and Mrs Salesman prosper in
life and get an aldermans daughter for their son My attorney looks out
amongst his clients for an eligible husband for Miss Deeds sends his son to the
bar into Parliament where he cuts a figure and becomes attorneygeneral makes
a fortune has a house in Belgrave Square and marries Miss Deeds of the second
generation to a peer Do not accuse us of being more sordid than our neighbours
We do but as the world does and a girl in our society accepts the best party
which offers itself just as Miss Chummey when entreated by two young gentlemen
of the order of costermongers inclines to the one who rides from market on a
moke rather than to the gentleman who sells his greens from a handbasket«
This tirade which his lordship delivered with considerable spirit was
intended no doubt to carry a moral for Clives private hearing and which to do
him justice the youth was not slow to comprehend The point was »Young man if
certain persons of rank choose to receive you very kindly who have but a comely
face good manners and three or four hundred pounds a year do not presume upon
their good nature or indulge in certain ambitious hopes which your vanity may
induce you to form Sail down the stream with the brasspots Master
Earthenpot but beware of coming too near You are a nice young man but there
are some prizes which are too good for you and are meant for your betters And
you might as well ask the prime minister for the next vacant garter as expect to
wear on your breast such a star as Ethel Newcome«
Before Clive made his accustomed visit to his friends at the hotel opposite
the last great potentiary had arrived who was to take part in the family
congress of Baden In place of Ethels flushing cheeks and bright eyes Clive
found on entering Lady Ann Newcomes sittingroom the parchmentcovered features
and the wellknown hooked beak of the old Countess of Kew To support the
glances from beneath the bushy black eyebrows on each side of that promontory
was no pleasant matter The whole family cowered under Lady Kews eyes and nose
and she ruled by force of them It was only Ethel whom these awful features did
not utterly subdue and dismay
Besides Lady Kew Clive had the pleasure of finding his lordship her
grandson Lady Ann and children of various sizes and Mr Barnes not one of
whom was the person whom Clive desired to behold
The queer glance in Kews eye directed towards Clive who was himself not by
any means deficient in perception informed him that there had just been a
conversation in which his own name had figured Having been abusing Clive
extravagantly as he did whenever he mentioned his cousins name Barnes must
needs hang his head when the young fellow came in His hand was yet on the
chamber door and Barnes was calling him miscreant and scoundrel within so no
wonder Barnes had a hangdog look But as for Lady Kew that veteran diplomatist
allowed no signs of discomfiture or any other emotion to display themselves on
her ancient countenance Her bushy eyebrows were groves of mystery her
unfathomable eyes were wells of gloom
She gratified Clive by a momentary loan of two knuckly old fingers which he
was at liberty to hold or to drop and then he went on to enjoy the felicity of
shaking hands with Mr Barnes who observing and enjoying his confusion over
Lady Kews reception determined to try Clive in the same way and he gave Clive
at the same time a supercilious How de dah which the other would have liked to
drive down his throat A constant desire to throttle Mr Barnes to beat him on
the nose to send him flying out of window was a sentiment with which this
singular young man inspired many persons whom he accosted A biographer ought to
be impartial yet I own in a modified degree to have partaken of this
sentiment He looked very much younger than his actual time of life and was not
of commanding stature but patronized his equals nay let us say his betters
so insufferably that a common wish for his suppression existed amongst many
persons in society
Clive told me of this little circumstance and I am sorry to say of his
own subsequent illbehaviour »We were standing apart from the ladies« so Clive
narrated »when Barnes and I had our little passage of arms He had tried the
finger business upon me before and I had before told him either to shake hands
or to leave it alone You know the way in which the impudent little beggar
stands astride and sticks his little feet out I brought my heel well down on
his confounded little varnished toe and gave it a scrunch which made Mr Barnes
shriek out one of his loudest oaths«
»D clumsy « screamed out Barnes
Clive said in a low voice »I thought you only swore at women Barnes«
»It is you that say things before women Clive« cries his cousin looking
very furious
Mr Clive lost all patience »In what company Barnes would you like me to
say that I think you are a snob Will you have it on the Parade Come out and I
will speak to you«
»Barnes cant go out on the Parade« cries Lord Kew bursting out laughing
»theres another gentleman there wanting him« And two of the three young men
enjoyed this joke exceedingly I doubt whether Barnes Newcome Esq of Newcome
was one of the persons amused
»What wickedness are you three boys laughing at« cries Lady Ann perfectly
innocent and goodnatured »no good I will be bound Come here Clive« Our
young friend it must be premised had no sooner received the thrust of Lady
Kews two fingers on entering than it had been intimated to him that his
interview with that gracious lady was at an end For she had instantly called
her daughter to her with whom her ladyship fell awhispering and then it was
that Clive retreated from Lady Kews hand to fall into Barness
»Clive trod on Barness toe« cries out cheery Lord Kew »and has hurt
Barness favourite corn so that he cannot go out and is actually obliged to
keep the room Thats what we were laughing at«
»Hem« growled Lady Kew She knew to what her grandson alluded Lord Kew had
represented Jack Belsize and his thundering big stick in the most terrific
colours to the family council The joke was too good a one not to serve twice
Lady Ann in her whispered conversation with the old Countess had possibly
deprecated her mothers anger towards poor Clive for when he came up to the two
ladies the younger took his hand with great kindness and said »My dear Clive
we are very sorry you are going You were of the greatest use to us in the
journey I am sure you have been uncommonly goodnatured and obliging and we
shall all miss you very much« Her gentleness smote the generous young fellow
and an emotion of gratitude towards her for being so compassionate to him in his
misery caused his cheeks to flush and his eyes perhaps to moisten »Thank you
dear aunt« says he »you have been very good and kind to me It is I that shall
feel lonely but but it is quite time that I should go to my work«
»Quite time« said the severe possessor of the eagle beak »Baden is a bad
place for young men They make acquaintances here of which very little good can
come They frequent the gamblingtables and live with the most disreputable
French Viscounts We have heard of your goingson sir It is a great pity that
Colonel Newcome did not take you with him to India«
»My dear mamma« cries Lady Ann »I am sure Clive has been a very good boy
indeed« The old ladys morality put a stop to Clives pathetic mood and he
replied with a great deal of spirit »Dear Lady Ann you have been always very
good and kindness is nothing surprising from you but Lady Kews advice which
I should not have ventured to ask is an unexpected favour My father knows the
extent of the gambling transactions to which your ladyship was pleased to
allude and introduced me to the gentleman whose acquaintance you dont seem to
think eligible«
»My good young man I think it is time you were off« Lady Kew said this
time with great goodhumour She liked Clives spirit and as long as he
interfered with none of her plans was quite disposed to be friendly with him
»Go to Rome go to Florence go wherever you like and study very hard and make
very good pictures and come back again and we shall all be very glad to see
you You have very great talents these sketches are really capital«
»Is not he very clever mamma« said kind Lady Ann eagerly Clive felt the
pathetic mood coming on again and an immense desire to hug Lady Ann in his
arms and to kiss her How grateful are we how touched a frank and generous
heart is for a kind word extended to us in our pain The pressure of a tender
hand nerves a man for an operation and cheers him for the dreadful interview
with the surgeon
That cool old operator who had taken Mr Clives case in hand now produced
her shining knife and executed the first cut with perfect neatness and
precision »We are come here as I suppose you know Mr Newcome upon family
matters and I frankly tell you that I think for your own sake you would be
much better away I wrote my daughter a great scolding when I heard that you
were in this place«
»But it was by the merest chance mamma indeed it was« cries Lady Ann
»Of course by the merest chance and by the merest chance I heard of it
too A little bird came and told me at Kissingen You have no more sense Ann
than a goose I have told you so a hundred times Lady Ann requested you to
stay and I my good young friend request you to go away«
»I needed no request« said Clive »My going Lady Kew is my own act I was
going without requiring any guide to show me to the door«
»No doubt you were and my arrival is the signal for Mr Newcomes bon jour
I am Bogey and I frighten everybody away By the scene which you witnessed
yesterday my good young friend and all that painful esclandre on the
promenade you must see how absurd and dangerous and wicked yes wicked it
is for parents to allow intimacies to spring up between young people which can
only lead to disgrace and unhappiness Lady Dorking was another goodnatured
goose I had not arrived yesterday ten minutes when my maid came running in to
tell me of what had occurred on the promenade and tired as I was I went that
instant to Jane Dorking and passed the evening with her and that poor little
creature to whom Captain Belsize behaved so cruelly She does not care a fig for
him not one fig Her childish inclination is passed away these two years
whilst Mr Jack was performing his feats in prison and if the wretch flatters
himself that it was on his account she was agitated yesterday he is perfectly
mistaken and you may tell him Lady Kew said so She is subject to fainting
fits Dr Finck has been attending her ever since she has been here She fainted
only last Tuesday at the sight of a rat walking about their lodgings they have
dreadful lodgings the Dorkings and no wonder she was frightened at the sight
of that great coarse tipsy wretch She is engaged as you know to your
connection my grandson Barnes in all respects a most eligible union The rank
of life of the parties suits them to one another. She is a good young woman and
Barnes has experienced from persons of another sort such horrors that he will
know the blessing of domestic virtue It was high time he should I say all this
in perfect frankness to you
Go back again and play in the garden little brats« this to the innocents
who came frisking in from the lawn in front of the windows »You have been And
Barnes sent you in here Go up to Miss Quigley No stop Go and tell Ethel to
come down bring her down with you Do you understand«
The unconscious infants toddle upstairs to their sister and Lady Kew
blandly says »Ethels engagement to my grandson Lord Kew has long been
settled in our family though these things are best not talked about until they
are quite determined you know my dear Mr Newcome When we saw you and your
father in London we heard that you too that you too were engaged to a young
lady in your own rank of life a Miss what was her name Miss MacPherson
Miss Mackenzie Your aunt Mrs Hobson Newcome who I must say is a most
blundering silly person had set about this story It appears there is no truth
in it Do not look surprised that I know about your affairs I am an old witch
and know numbers of things«
And indeed how Lady Kew came to know this fact whether her maid
corresponded with Lady Anns maid what her ladyships means of information
were avowed or occult this biographer has never been able to ascertain Very
likely Ethel who in these last three weeks had been made aware of that
interesting circumstance had announced it to Lady Kew in the course of a
crossexamination and there may have been a battle between the granddaughter
and the grandmother of which the family chronicler of the Newcomes has had no
precise knowledge That there were many such I know skirmishes sieges and
general engagements When we hear the guns and see the wounded we know there
has been a fight Who knows had there been a battle royal and was Miss Newcome
having her wounds dressed upstairs
»You will like to say goodbye to your cousin I know« Lady Kew continued
with imperturbable placidity »Ethel my dear here is Mr Clive Newcome who
has come to bid us all goodbye« The little girls came trotting down at this
moment each holding a skirt of their elder sister She looked rather pale but
her expression was haughty almost fierce
Clive rose up as she entered from the sofa by the old Countesss side
which place she had pointed him to take during the amputation He rose up and
put his hair back off his face and said very calmly »Yes I am come to say
goodbye My holidays are over and Ridley and I are off to Rome Goodbye and
God bless you Ethel«
She gave him her hand and said »Goodbye Clive« but her hand did not
return his pressure and dropped to her side when he let it go
Hearing the words goodbye little Alice burst into a howl and little
Maude who was an impetuous little thing stamped her little red shoes and said
»It sant be goodbye Tlive sant go« Alice roaring clung hold of Clives
trousers He took them up gaily each on an arm as he had done a hundred times
and tossed the children on to his shoulders where they used to like to pull his
yellow mustachios He kissed the little hands and faces and a moment after was
gone
»Quas tu« says M de Florac meeting him going over the bridge to his own
hotel »quas tu mon petit Claive Estce quon vient de tarracher une dent«
»Cest ça« says Clive and walked into the Hôtel de France »Hallo JJ
Ridley« he sang out »Order the trap out and lets be off« »I thought we were
not to march till tomorrow« says JJ divining perhaps that some catastrophe
had occurred Indeed Mr Clive was going a day sooner than he had intended He
woke at Fribourg the next morning It was the grand old cathedral he looked at
not Baden of the pineclad hills of the pretty walks and the limetree avenues
not Baden the prettiest booth of all Vanity Fair The crowds and the music the
gamblingtables and the cadaverous croupiers and chinking gold were far out of
sight and hearing There was one window in the Hôtel de Hollande that he thought
of how a fair arm used to open it in the early morning how the muslin curtain
in the morning air swayed to and fro He would have given how much to see it
once more Walking about at Fribourg in the night away from his companions he
had thought of ordering horses galloping back to Baden and once again under
that window calling Ethel Ethel But he came back to his room and the quiet
JJ and to poor Jack Belsize who had had his tooth taken out too
We had almost forgotten Jack who took a back seat in Clives carriage as
befits a secondary personage in this history and Clive in truth had almost
forgotten him too But Jack having his own cares and business and having rammed
his own carpetbag brought it down without a word and Clive found him
environed in smoke when he came down to take his place in the little britzska I
wonder whether the window at the Hôtel de Hollande saw him go There are some
curtains behind which no historian however prying is allowed to peep
»Tiens le petit part« says Florac of the cigar who was always sauntering
»Yes we go« says Clive »There is a fourth place Viscount will you come
too«
»I would love it well« replies Florac »but I am here in faction My cousin
and Seigneur M le Duc dIvry is coming all the way from Bagnères de Bigorre He
says he counts on me affaires détat mon cher affaires détat«
»How pleased the duchess will be Easy with that bag« shouts Clive
»How pleased the princess will be« In truth he hardly knew what he was saying
»Vous croyez vous croyez« says M de Florac »As you have a fourth place
I know who had best take it«
»And who is that« asked the young traveller
Lord Kew and Barnes Esq of Newcome came out of the Hôtel de Hollande at
this moment Barnes slunk back seeing Jack Belsizes hairy face Kew ran over
the bridge »Goodbye Clive Goodbye Jack« »Goodbye Kew« It was a great
handshaking Away goes the postilion blowing his horn and young Hannibal has
left Capua behind him
Chapter XXXI
Madame la Duchesse
In one of Clive Newcomes letters from Baden the young man described to me
with considerable humour and numerous illustrations as his wont was a great
lady to whom he was presented at that wateringplace by his friend Lord Kew
Lord Kew had travelled in the East with Monsieur le Duc and Madame la Duchesse
dIvry the prince being an old friend of his lordships family He is the Q of
Madame dIvrys book of travels »Footprints of the Gazelles by a Daughter of
the Crusaders« in which she prays so fervently for Lord Kews conversion He is
the Q who rescued the princess from the Arabs and performed many a feat which
lives in her glowing pages He persists in saying that he never rescued Madame
la Princesse from any Arabs at all except from one beggar who was bawling out
for bucksheesh and whom Kew drove away with a stick They made pilgrimages to
all the holy places and a piteous sight it was said Lord Kew to see the old
prince in the Jerusalem processions at Easter pacing with bare feet and a
candle Here Lord Kew separated from the princes party His name does not occur
in the last part of the Footprints which in truth are filled full of strange
rhapsodies adventures which nobody ever saw but the princess and mystic
disquisitions She hesitates at nothing like other poets of her nation Not
profoundly learned she invents where she has not acquired mingles together
religion and the opera and performs Parisian pasdeballet before the gates of
monasteries and the cells of anchorites She describes as if she had herself
witnessed the catastrophe the passage of the Red Sea and as if there were no
doubt of the transaction an unhappy love affair between Pharaohs eldest son
and Moses daughter At Cairo apropos of Josephs granaries she enters into a
furious tirade against Potiphar whom she paints as an old savage suspicious
and a tyrant They generally have a copy of the »Footprints of the Gazelles« at
the Circulating Library at Baden as Madame dIvry constantly visits that
wateringplace M le Duc was not pleased with the book which was published
entirely without his concurrence and which he described as one of the ten
thousand follies of Madame la Duchesse
This nobleman was fiveandforty years older than his duchess France is the
country where that sweet Christian institution of mariages de convenance which
so many folks of the family about which this story treats are engaged in
arranging is most in vogue There the newspapers daily announce that M de Foy
has a bureau de confiance where families may arrange marriages for their sons
and daughters in perfect comfort and security It is but a question of money on
one side and the other Mademoiselle has so many francs of dot Monsieur has
such and such rentes or lands in possession or reversion an étude davoué a
shop with a certain clientèle bringing him such and such an income which may be
doubled by the judicious addition of so much capital and the pretty little
matrimonial arrangement is concluded the agent touching his percentage or
broken off and nobody unhappy and the world none the wiser The consequences
of the system I do not pretend personally to know but if the light literature
of a country is a reflex of its manners and French novels are a picture of
French life a pretty society must that be into the midst of which the London
reader may walk in twelve hours from this time of perusal and from which only
twenty miles of sea separate us
When the old Duke dIvry of the ancient ancient nobility of France an
emigrant with Artois a warrior with Condé an exile during the reign of the
Corsican usurper a grand prince a great nobleman afterwards though shorn of
nineteentwentieths of his wealth by the Revolution when the Duke dIvry lost
his two sons and his sons son likewise died as if fate had determined to end
the direct line of that noble house which had furnished queens to Europe and
renowned chiefs to the Crusaders being of an intrepid spirit the Duke was
illdisposed to yield to his redoubtable enemy in spite of the cruel blows
which the latter had inflicted upon him and when he was more than sixty years
of age three months before the July Revolution broke out a young lady of a
sufficient nobility a virgin of sixteen was brought out of the convent of the
Sacré Coeur at Paris and married with immense splendour and ceremony to this
princely widower The most august names signed the book of the civil marriage
Madame la Dauphine and Madame la Duchesse de Berri complimented the young bride
with royal favours Her portrait by Dubufe was in the Exhibition next year a
charming young duchess indeed with black eyes and black ringlets pearls on
her neck and diamonds in her hair as beautiful as a princess of a fairy tale
M dIvry whose early life may have been rather oragious was yet a gentleman
perfectly well conserved Resolute against fate his enemy one would fancy fate
was of an aristocratic turn and took especial delight in combats with princely
houses the Atridæ the Borbonidæ the Ivrys the Browns and Joneses being of
no account the prince seemed to be determined, not only to secure a progeny
but to defy age At sixty he was still young or seemed to be so His hair was
as black as the princesss own his teeth as white If you saw him on the
Boulevard de Gand sunning among the youthful exquisites there or riding au
Bois with a grace worthy of old Franconi himself you would take him for one of
the young men of whom indeed up to his marriage he retained a number of the
graceful follies and amusements though his manners had a dignity acquired in
the old days of Versailles and the Trianon which the moderns cannot hope to
imitate He was as assiduous behind the scenes of the Opera as any journalist
or any young dandy of twenty years He ranged himself as the French phrase is
shortly before his marriage just like any other young bachelor took leave of
Phryne and Aspasie in the coulisses and proposed to devote himself henceforth
to his charming young wife
The affreux catastrophe of July arrived The ancient Bourbons were once more
on the road to exile save one wily old remnant of the race who rode grinning
over the Barricades and distributing poignées de main to the stout fists that
had pummelled his family out of France M le Duc dIvry who lost his place at
court his appointments which helped his income very much and his peerage
would no more acknowledge the usurper of Neuilly than him of Elba The expeer
retired to his terres He barricaded his house in Paris against all supporters
of the citizen king his nearest kinsman M de Florac among the rest who for
his part cheerfully took his oath of fidelity and his seat in Louis Philippes
house of peers having indeed been accustomed to swear to all dynasties for some
years past
In due time Madame la Duchesse dIvry gave birth to a child a daughter
whom her noble father received with but small pleasure What the Duke desired
was an heir to his name a Prince de Montcontour to fill the place of the sons
and grandsons gone before him to join their ancestors in the tomb No more
children however blessed the old dukes union Madame dIvry went the round of
all the wateringplaces pilgrimages were tried vows and gifts to all saints
supposed to be favourable to the DIvry family or to families in general but
the saints turned a deaf ear they were inexorable since the true religion and
the elder Bourbons were banished from France
Living by themselves in their ancient castle or their dreary mansion of the
Faubourg St Germain I suppose the Duke and Duchess grew tired of one another,
as persons who enter into a mariage de convenance sometimes nay as those who
light a flaming lovematch and run away with one another, will be found to do
A lady of oneandtwenty and a gentleman of sixtysix alone in a great castle
have not unfrequently a third guest at their table who comes without a card
and whom they cannot shut out though they keep their doors closed ever so His
name is Ennui and many a long hour and weary weary night must such folks pass
in the unbidden society of this Old Man of the Sea this daily guest at the
board this watchful attendant at the fireside this assiduous companion who
will walk out with you this sleepless restless bedfellow
At first M dIvry that wellconserved nobleman who never would allow that
he was not young exhibited no sign of doubt regarding his own youth except an
extreme jealousy and avoidance of all other young fellows Very likely Madame la
Duchesse may have thought men in general dyed their hair wore stays and had
the rheumatism Coming out of the convent of the Sacré Coeur how was the
innocent young lady to know better You see in these mariages de convenance
though a coronet may be convenient to a beautiful young creature and a
beautiful young creature may be convenient to an old gentleman there are
articles which the marriagemonger cannot make to convene at all tempers over
which M de Foy and his like have no control and tastes which cannot be put
into the marriage settlements So this couple were unhappy and the Duke and
Duchess quarrelled with one another like the most vulgar pair who ever fought
across a table
In this unhappy state of home affairs Madame took to literature Monsieur
to politics She discovered that she was a great unappreciated soul and when a
woman finds that treasure in her bosom of course she sets her own price on the
article Did you ever see the first poems of Madame la Duchesse dIvry »Les
Cris de lAme« She used to read them to her very intimate friends in white
with her hair a good deal down her back They had some success Dubufe having
painted her as a Duchess Scheffer depicted her as a Muse That was in the third
year of her marriage when she rebelled against the Duke her husband insisted
on opening her salons to art and literature and a fervent devotee still
proposed to unite genius and religion Poets had interviews with her Musicians
came and twanged guitars to her Her husband entering her room would fall over
the sabre and spurs of Count Almaviva from the boulevard or Don Basilio with
his great sombrero and shoebuckles The old gentleman was breathless and
bewildered in following her through all her vagaries He was of old France she
of new What did he know of the Ecole Romantique and these jeunes gens with
their Marie Tudors and Tours de Nesle and sanguineous histories of queens who
sewed their lovers into sacks emperors who had interviews with robber captains
in Charlemagnes tomb Buridans and Hernanis and stuff Monsieur le Vicomte de
Chateaubriand was a man of genius as a writer certainly immortal and M de
Lamartine was a young man extremely bien pensant but ma foi give him
Crébillon fils or a bonne farce of M Vadé to make laugh for the great
sentiments for the beautiful style give him M de Lormian although
Bonapartist or the Abbé de Lille And for the new school bah these little
Dumas and Hugos and Mussets what is all that »M de Lormian shall be
immortal Monsieur« he would say »when all these freluquets are forgotten«
After his marriage he frequented the coulisses of the Opera no more but he was
a pretty constant attendant at the Théâtre Français where you might hear him
snoring over the chefsdoeuvre of French tragedy
For some little time after 1830 the Duchess was as great a Carlist as her
husband could wish and they conspired together very comfortably at first Of an
adventurous turn eager for excitement of all kinds nothing would have better
pleased the Duchess than to follow MADAME in her adventurous courses in La
Vendée disguised as a boy above all She was persuaded to stay at home
however and aid the good cause at Paris while Monsieur le Duc went off to
Brittany to offer his old sword to the mother of his king But MADAME was
discovered up the chimney at Rennes and all sorts of things were discovered
afterwards The world said that our silly little Duchess of Paris was partly the
cause of the discovery Spies were put upon her and to some people she would
tell anything M le Duc on paying his annual visit to august exiles at Goritz
was very badly received Madame la Dauphine gave him a sermon He had an awful
quarrel with Madame la Duchesse on returning to Paris He provoked Monsieur le
Comte Tiercelin le beau Tiercelin an officer of ordonnance of the Duke of
Orleans into a duel apropos of a cup of coffee in a salon he actually wounded
the beau Tiercelin he sixtyfive years of age His nephew M de Florac was
loud in praise of his kinsmans bravery
That pretty figure and complexion which still appear so captivating in M de
Dubufes portrait of Madame la Duchesse dIvry have long existed it must be
owned only in paint »Je la préfère à lhuile« the Vicomte de Florac said of
his cousin »She should get her blushes from Monsieur Dubufe those of her
present furnishers are not near so natural« Sometimes the Duchess appeared with
those postiches roses sometimes of a mortal paleness Sometimes she looked
plump on other occasions woefully thin »When she goes into the world« said
the same chronicler »ma cousine surrounds herself with jupons cest pour
défendre sa vertu when she is in a devotional mood she gives up rouge roast
meat and crinoline and fait maigre absolument« To spite the Duke her husband
she took up with the Vicomte de Florac and to please herself she cast him
away She took his brother the Abbé de Florac for a director and presently
parted from him »Mon frère ce saint homme ne parle jamais de Madame la
Duchesse maintenant« said the Vicomte »She must have confessed to him des
choses affreuses oh oui affreuses ma parole dhonneur«
The Duke dIvry being archiroyaliste Madame la Duchesse must make herself
ultraPhilippiste »Oh oui tout ce quil y a de plus Madame Adelaïde au
monde« cried Florac »She raffoles of M le Régent She used to keep a fast of
the day of the supplice of Philippe Egalité Saint and Martyr I say used for
to make to enrage her husband and to recall the Abbé my brother did she not
advise herself to consult M le Pasteur Grigou and to attend the preach at his
Temple When this sheep had brought her shepherd back she dismissed the Pasteur
Grigou Then she tired of M lAbbé again and my brother is come out from her
shaking his good head Ah she must have put things into it which astonished the
good Abbé You know he has since taken the Dominican robe My word of honour I
believe it was terror of her that drove him into a convent You shall see him at
Rome Clive Give him news of his elder and tell him this gross prodigal is
repenting amongst the swine My word of honour I desire but the death of Madame
la Vicomtesse de Florac to marry and range myself
After being Royalist Philippist Catholic Huguenot Madame dIvry must
take to Pantheism to bearded philosophers who believe in nothing not even in
clean linen eclecticism republicanism what know I All her changes have been
chronicled by books of her composition Les Démons poem Catholic Charles IX
is the hero and the demons are shot for the most part at the catastrophe of St
Bartholomew My good mother all good Catholic as she is was startled by the
boldness of this doctrine Then there came Une Dragonnade par Mme la Duchesse
dIvry which is all on your side That was of the time of the Pastor Grigou
that one The last was Les Dieux déchus poème en 20 chants par Mme la D
dI Guard yourself well from this Muse If she takes a fancy to you she will
never leave you alone If you see her often she will fancy you are in love with
her and tell her husband She always tells my uncle afterwards after she
has quarrelled with you and grown tired of you Eh being in London once she
had the idea to make herself a Quakre wore the costume consulted a minister of
that culte and quarrelled with him as of rule It appears the Quakers do not
beat themselves otherwise my poor uncle must have paid of his person
The turn of the philosophers then came the chemists the natural
historians what know I She made a laboratory in her hotel and rehearsed
poisons like Madame de Brinvilliers she spent hours in the Jardin des Plantes
Since she has grown affreusement maigre and wears mourning robes she has taken
more than ever to the idea that she resembles Mary Queen of Scots She wears a
little frill and a little cap Every man she loves she says has come to
misfortune She calls her lodgings Lochleven Eh I pity the landlord of
Lochleven She calls ce gros Blackball vous savez that pillar of estaminets
that prince of mauvaiston her Bothwell little Mijaud the poor little
pianist she named her Rizzio young Lord Greenhorn who was here with his
Governor a Monsieur of Oxfort she christened her Darnley and the Minister
Anglican her John Knox The poor man was quite enchanted Beware of this
haggard Siren my little Clive mistrust her dangerous song Her cave is
jonchée with the bones of her victims Be you not one«
Far from causing Clive to avoid Madame la Duchesse these cautions very
likely would have made him only the more eager to make her acquaintance but
that a much nobler attraction drew him elsewhere At first being introduced to
Madame dIvrys salon he was pleased and flattered and behaved himself there
merrily and agreeably enough He had not studied Horace Vernet for nothing He
drew a fine picture of Kew rescuing her from the Arabs with a plenty of sabres
pistols burnouses and dromedaries He made a pretty sketch of her little girl
Antoinette and a wonderful likeness of Miss OGrady the little girls
governess the mothers dame de compagnie Miss OGrady with the richest
Milesian brogue who had been engaged to give Antoinette the pure English
accent But the French ladys great eyes and painted smiles would not bear
comparison with Ethels natural brightness and beauty Clive who had been
appointed painter in ordinary to the Queen of Scots neglected his business and
went over to the English faction so did one or two more of the Princesss
followers leaving Her Majesty by no means well pleased at their desertion
There had been many quarrels between M dIvry and his next of kin Political
differences private differences a long story The Duke who had been wild
himself could not pardon the Vicomte de Florac for being wild Efforts at
reconciliation had been made which ended unsuccessfully The Vicomte de Florac
had been allowed for a brief space to be intimate with the chief of his family
and then had been dismissed for being too intimate Right or wrong the Duke was
jealous of all young men who approached the Duchesse »He is suspicious« Madame
de Florac indignantly said »because he remembers and he thinks other men are
like himself« The Vicomte discreetly said »My cousin has paid me the
compliment to be jealous of me« and acquiesced in his banishment with a shrug
During the emigration the old Lord Kew had been very kind to exiles M
dIvry amongst the number and that nobleman was anxious to return to all Lord
Kews family when they came to France the hospitality which he had received
himself in England He still remembered or professed to remember Lady Kews
beauty How many women are there awful of aspect at present of whom the same
pleasing legend is not narrated It must be true for do not they themselves
confess it I know of few things more remarkable or suggestive of philosophic
contemplation than those physical changes
When the old Duke and the old Countess met together and talked
confidentially their conversation bloomed into a jargon wonderful to hear Old
scandals woke up old naughtinesses rose out of their graves and danced and
smirked and gibbered again like those wicked nuns whom Bertram and Robert le
Diable evoke from their sepulchres whilst the bassoon performs a diabolical
incantation The Brighton Pavilion was tenanted Ranelagh and the Pantheon
swarmed with dancers and masks Perdita was found again and walked a minuet
with the Prince of Wales Mrs Clarke and the Duke of York danced together a
pretty dance The old Duke wore a jabot and ailesdepigeon the old Countess a
hoop and a cushion on her head If haply the young folks came in the elders
modified their recollections and Lady Kew brought honest old King George and
good old ugly Queen Charlotte to the rescue Her ladyship was sister of the
Marquis of Steyne and in some respects resembled that lamented nobleman Their
family had relations in France Lady Kew had always a piedàterre at Paris a
bitter little scandalshop where les bienpensants assembled and retailed the
most awful stories against the reigning dynasty It was she who handed over le
petit Kiou when quite a boy to Monsieur and Madame dIvry to be lancé into
Parisian society He was treated as a son of the family by the Duke one of
whose many Christian names his lordship Francis George Xavier Earl of Kew and
Viscount Walham bears If Lady Kew hated any one and she could hate very
considerably she hated her daughterinlaw Walhams widow and the Methodists
who surrounded her Kew remain among a pack of psalmsinging old women and
parsons with his mother Fi donc Frank was Lady Kews boy she would form him
marry him leave him her money if he married to her liking and show him life
And so she showed it to him
Have you taken your children to the National Gallery in London and shown
them the Marriage à la Mode Was the artist exceeding the privilege of his
calling in painting the catastrophe in which those guilty people all suffer If
this fable were not true if many and many of your young men of pleasure had not
acted it and rued the moral I would tear the page You know that in our
Nursery Tales there is commonly a good fairy to counsel and a bad one to
mislead the young prince You perhaps feel that in your own life there is a Good
Principle imploring you to come into its kind bosom and a Bad Passion which
tempts you into its arms Be of easy minds goodnatured people Let us disdain
surprises and coupsdethéâtre for once and tell those good souls who are
interested about him that there is a Good Spirit coming to the rescue of our
young Lord Kew
Surrounded by her court and royal attendants La Reine Marie used graciously
to attend the playtable where luck occasionally declared itself for and
against her majesty Her appearance used to create not a little excitement in
the Saloon of Roulette the game which she patronized it being more fertile of
emotions than the slower trente et quarante She dreamed of numbers had
favourite incantations by which to conjure them noted the figures made by peels
of peaches and so forth the numbers of houses on hackney coaches was
superstitious comme toutes les âmes poétiques She commonly brought a beautiful
agate bonbonnière full of gold pieces when she played It was wonderful to see
her grimaces to watch her behaviour her appeals to heaven her delight and
despair Madame la Baronne de la Cruchecassée played on one side of her Madame
la Comtesse de Schlangenbad on the other When she had lost all her money her
majesty would condescend to borrow not from those ladies Knowing the royal
peculiarity they never had any money they always lost they swiftly pocketed
their winnings and never left a mass on the table or quitted it as courtiers
will when they saw luck was going against their sovereign The officers of her
household were Count Punter a Hanoverian the Cavaliere Spada Captain
Blackball of a mysterious English regiment which might be any one of the
hundred and twenty in the Army List and other noblemen and gentlemen Greeks
Russians and Spaniards Mr and Mrs Jones of England who had made the
princesss acquaintance at Bagnères where her lord still remained in the gout
and perseveringly followed her all the way to Baden were dazzled by the
splendour of the company in which they found themselves Miss Jones wrote such
letters to her dearest friend Miss Thompson Cambridge Square London as caused
that young person to crever with envy Bob Jones who had grown a pair of
mustachios since he left home began to think slightingly of poor little Fanny
Thompson now he had got into the best Continental society Might not he quarter
a countesss coat on his brougham along with the Joness arms or more slapup
still have the two shields painted on the panels with the coronet over »Do you
know the Princess calls herself the Queen of Scots and she calls me Julian
Avenel« says Jones delighted to Clive who wrote me about the
transmogrification of our schoolfellow an attorneys son whom I recollected a
snivelling little boy at Grey Friars »I say Newcome the Princess is going to
establish an order« cried Bob in ecstasy Every one of her aidesdecamp had a
bunch of orders at his button excepting of course poor Jones
Like all persons who beheld her when Miss Newcome and her party made their
appearance at Baden Monsieur de Florac was enraptured with her beauty »I speak
of it constantly before the Duchesses I know it pleases her« so the Vicomte
said »You should have seen her looks when your friend M Jones praised Miss
Newcome She ground her teeth with fury Tiens ce petit sournois de Kiou He
always spoke of her as a mere sac dargent that he was about to marry an ingot
of the cité une fille de Lord Maire Have all English bankers such pearls of
daughters If the Vicomtesse de Florac had but quitted the earth dont elle fait
lornement I would present myself to the charmante Meess and ride a
steeplechase with Kiou« That he should win it the Viscount never doubted
When Lady Ann Newcome first appeared in the ballroom at Baden Madame la
Duchesse dIvry begged the Earl of Kew notre filleul she called him to present
her to his aunt Miladi and her charming daughter »My filleul had not prepared
me for so much grace« she said turning a look towards Lord Kew which caused
his lordship some embarrassment Her kindness and graciousness were extreme Her
caresses and compliments never ceased all the evening She told the mother and
the daughter too that she had never seen any one so lovely as Ethel Whenever
she saw Lady Anns children in the walks she ran to them so that Captain
Blackball and Count Punter ADC were amazed at her tenderness she étouffé
d them with kisses What lilies and roses What lovely little creatures What
companions for her own Antoinette »This is your governess Miss Quigli
Mademoiselle you must let me present you to Miss OGrédi your compatriot and
I hope your children will be always together« The Irish Protestant governess
scowled at the Irish Catholic there was a Boyne Water between them
Little Antoinette a lonely little girl was glad to find any companions
»Mamma kisses me on the promenade« she told them in her artless way »She never
kisses me at home« One day when Lord Kew with Florac and Clive were playing
with the children Antoinette said »Pourquoi ne venezvous plus chez nous M
de Kew And why does mamma say you are a lâche She said so yesterday to ces
messieurs And why does mamma say thou art only a vaurien mon cousin Thou art
always very good for me I love thee better than all those messieurs Ma tante
Florac a été bonne pour moi à Paris aussi Ah quelle a été bonne«
»Cest que les anges aiment bien les petits chérubins and my mother is an
angel seest thou« cries Florac kissing her
»Thy mother is not dead« said little Antoinette »then why dost thou cry
my cousin« And the three spectators were touched by this little scene and
speech
Lady Ann Newcome received the caresses and compliments of Madame la Duchesse
with marked coldness on the part of one commonly so very goodnatured Ethels
instinct told her that there was something wrong in this woman and she shrank
from her with haughty reserve The girls conduct was not likely to please the
French lady but she never relaxed in her smiles and her compliments her
caresses and her professions of admiration She was present when Clara Pulleyn
fell and prodigal of câlineries and consolation and shawls and scent bottles
to the unhappy young lady she would accompany her home She inquired
perpetually after the health of cette pauvre petite Miss Clara Oh how she
railed against ces Anglaises and their prudery Can you fancy her and her
circle the teatable set in the twilight that evening the court assembled
Madame de la Cruchecassée and Madame de Schlangenbad and their whiskered humble
servants Baron Punter and Count Spada and Marquis Iago and Prince Iachimo
and worthy Captain Blackball Can you fancy a moonlight conclave and ghouls
feasting on the fresh corpse of a reputation the jibes and sarcasms the
laughter and the gnashing of teeth How they tear the dainty limbs and relish
the tender morsels
»The air of this place is not good for you believe me my little Kew it is
dangerous Have pressing affairs in England let your château burn down or your
intendant run away and pursue him Partez mon petit Kiou partez or evil will
come of it« Such was the advice which a friend of Lord Kew gave the young
nobleman
Chapter XXXII
Barness Courtship
Ethel had made various attempts to become intimate with her future sisterinlaw
had walked and ridden and talked with Lady Clara before Barness arrival
She had come away not very much impressed with respect for Lady Claras mental
powers Indeed we have said that Miss Ethel was rather more prone to attack
women than to admire them and was a little hard upon the fashionable young
persons of her acquaintance and sex In afterlife care and thought subdued her
pride and she learned to look at society more goodnaturedly but at this time
and for some years after she was impatient of commonplace people and did not
choose to conceal her scorn Lady Clara was very much afraid of her Those timid
little thoughts which would come out and frisk and gambol with pretty
graceful antics and advance confidingly at the sound of Jack Belsizes jolly
voice and nibble crumbs out of his hand shrank away before Ethel severe
nymph with the bright eyes and hid themselves under the thickets and in the
shade Who has not overheard a simple couple of girls or of lovers possibly
pouring out their little hearts laughing at their own little jokes prattling
and prattling away unceasingly until mamma appears with her awful didactic
countenance or the governess with her dry moralities and the colloquy
straightway ceases the laughter stops the chirp of the harmless little birds
is hushed Lady Clara being of a timid nature stood in as much awe of Ethel as
of her father and mother whereas her next sister a brisk young creature of
seventeen who was of the order of romps or tomboys was by no means afraid of
Miss Newcome and indeed a much greater favourite with her than her placid elder
sister
Young ladies may have been crossed in love and have had their sufferings
their frantic moments of grief and tears their wakeful nights and so forth
but it is only in very sentimental novels that people occupy themselves
perpetually with that passion and I believe what are called broken hearts are
very rare articles indeed Tom is jilted is for a while in a dreadful state
bores all his male acquaintance with his groans and his frenzy rallies from
the complaint eats his dinner very kindly takes an interest in the next turf
event and is found at Newmarket as usual bawling out the odds which he will
give or take Miss has her paroxysm and recovery Madame Crinolines new
importations from Paris interest the young creature she deigns to consider
whether pink or blue will become her most she conspires with her maid to make
the spring morning dresses answer for the autumn she resumes her books piano
and music giving up certain songs perhaps that she used to sing she waltzes
with the Captain gets a colour waltzes longer better and ten times quicker
than Lucy who is dancing with the Major replies in an animated manner to the
Captains delightful remarks takes a little supper and looks quite kindly at
him before she pulls up the carriage windows
Clive may not like his cousin Barnes Newcome and many other men share in
that antipathy but all ladies do not It is a fact that Barnes when he likes
can make himself a very pleasant fellow He is dreadfully satirical that is
certain but many persons are amused by those dreadful satirical young men and
to hear fun made of our neighbours even of some of our friends does not make
us very angry Barnes is one of the very best waltzers in all society that is
the truth whereas it must be confessed Some One Else was very heavy and slow
his great foot always crushing you and he always begging your pardon Barnes
whirls a partner round a room ages after she is ready to faint What wicked fun
he makes of other people when he stops He is not handsome but in his face
there is something oddlooking and distinguished It is certain he has beautiful
small feet and hands
He comes every day from the City drops in in his quiet unobtrusive way
and drinks tea at five oclock always brings a budget of the funniest stories
with him makes mamma laugh Clara laugh Henrietta who is in the schoolroom
still die of laughing Papa has the highest opinion of Mr Newcome as a man of
business if he had had such a friend in early life his affairs would not be
where they now are poor dear kind papa Do they want to go anywhere is not
Mr Newcome always ready Did he not procure that delightful room for them to
witness the Lord Mayors show and make Clara die of laughing at those odd city
people at the Mansion House ball He is at every party and never tired though
he gets up so early he waltzes with nobody else he is always there to put Lady
Clara in the carriage At the drawingroom he looked quite handsome in his
uniform of the Newcome Hussars bottlegreen and silver lace He speaks
politics so exceedingly well with papa and gentlemen after dinner he is a sound
Conservative full of practical good sense and information with no dangerous
newfangled ideas such as young men have When poor dear Sir Brian Newcomes
health gives way quite Mr Newcome will go into Parliament and then he will
resume the old barony which has been in abeyance in the family since the reign
of Richard the Third They had fallen quite quite low Mr Newcomes
grandfather came to London with a satchel on his back like Whittington Isnt
it romantic
This process has been going on for months It is not in one day that poor
Lady Clara has been made to forget the past and to lay aside her mourning Day
after day very likely the undeniable faults and many peccadilloes of of that
other person have been exposed to her People around the young lady may desire
to spare her feelings but can have no interest in screening poor Jack from
condign reprobation A wild prodigal a disgrace to his order a son of old
Highgates leading such a life and making such a scandal Lord Dorking believes
Mr Belsize to be an abandoned monster and fiend in human shape gathers and
relates all the stories that ever have been told to the young mans disadvantage
and of these be sure there are enough and speaks of him with transports of
indignation At the end of months of unwearied courtship Mr Barnes Newcome is
honestly accepted and Lady Clara is waiting for him at Baden not unhappy to
receive him when walking on the promenade with her father the ghost of her
dead love suddenly rises before her and the young lady faints to the ground
When Barnes Newcome thinks fit he can be perfectly placable in his
demeanour and delicate in his conduct What he said upon this painful subject
was delivered with the greatest propriety He did not for one moment consider
that Lady Claras agitation arose from any present feeling in Mr Belsizes
favour but that she was naturally moved by the remembrance of the past and the
sudden appearance which recalled it »And but that a ladys name should never be
made the subject of dispute between men« Newcome said to Lord Dorking with
great dignity »and that Captain Belsize has opportunely quitted the place I
should certainly have chastised him He and another adventurer against whom I
have had to warn my own family have quitted Baden this afternoon I am glad
that both are gone Captain Belsize especially for my temper my lord is hot
and I do not think I should have commanded it«
Lord Kew when the elder lord informed him of this admirable speech of
Barnes Newcomes upon whose character prudence and dignity the Earl of
Dorking pronounced a fervent eulogium shook his head gravely and said »Yes
Barnes was a dead shot and a most determined fellow« and did not burst out
laughing until he and Lord Dorking had parted Then to be sure he took his
fill of laughter He told the story to Ethel he complimented Barnes on his
heroic selfdenial the joke of the thundering big stick was nothing to it
Barnes Newcome laughed too he had plenty of humour Barnes »I think you might
have whopped Jack when he came out from his interview with the Dorkings« Kew
said »the poor devil was so bewildered and weak that Alfred might have
thrashed him At other times you would find it more difficult Barnes my man«
Mr B Newcome resumed his dignity said a joke was a joke and there was quite
enough of this one which assertion we may be sure he conscientiously made
That meeting and parting between the old lovers passed with a great deal of
calm and propriety on both sides Misss parents of course were present when
Jack at their summons waited upon them and their daughter and made his hangdog
bow My Lord Dorking said poor Jack in the anguish of his heart had poured
out the story to Clive Newcome afterwards »Mr Belsize I have to apologize
for words which I used in my heat yesterday and which I recall and regret as I
am sure you do that there should have been any occasion for them«
Mr Belsize looking at the carpet said he was very sorry Lady Dorking
here remarked that as Captain Belsize was now at Baden he might wish to hear
from Lady Clara Pulleyns own lips that the engagement into which she had
entered was formed by herself certainly with the consent and advice of her
family »Is it not so my dear«
Lady Clara said »Yes mamma« with a low curtsy
»We have now to wish you goodbye Charles Belsize« said my lord with some
feeling »As your relative and your fathers old friend I wish you well I
hope your future course in life may not be so unfortunate as the past year I
request that we may part friends Goodbye Charles Clara shake hands with
Captain Belsize My Lady Dorking you will please to give Charles your hand You
have known him since he was a child and and we are sorry to be obliged to
part in this way« In this wise Mr Jack Belsizes tooth was finally extracted
and for the moment we wish him and his brother patient a good journey
Little lynxeyed Dr Von Finck who attends most of the polite company at
Baden drove ceaselessly about the place that day with the real version of the
faintingfit story about which we may be sure the wicked and malicious and the
uninitiated had a hundred absurd details Lady Clara ever engaged to Captain
Belsize Fiddlededee Everybody knew the Captains affairs and that he could
no more think of marrying than flying Lady Clara faint at seeing him She
fainted before he came up she was always fainting and had done so thrice in
the last week to his knowledge Lord Dorking had a nervous affection of his
right arm and was always shaking his stick He did not say Villain he said
William Captain Belsizes name is William It is not so in the peerage Is he
called Jack in the peerage Those peerages are always wrong These candid
explanations of course had their effect Wicked tongues were of course
instantaneously silent People were entirely satisfied they always are The
next night being Assembly night Lady Clara appeared at the rooms and danced
with Lord Kew and Mr Barnes Newcome All the society was as gracious and
goodhumoured as possible and there was no more question of fainting than of
burning down the Conversation house But Madame de Cruchecassée and Madame de
Schlangenbad and those horrid people whom the men speak to but whom the women
salute with silent curtsies persisted in declaring that there was no prude like
an English prude and to Dr Frocks oaths assertions explanations only
replied with a shrug of their bold shoulders »Taisezvous Docteur vous
nêtes quune vieille bête«
Lady Kew was at the rooms uncommonly gracious Miss Ethel took a few turns
of the waltz with Lord Kew but this nymph looked more farouche than upon
ordinary days Bob Jones who admired her hugely asked leave to waltz with her
and entertained her with recollections of Clive Newcome at school He remembered
a fight in which Clive had been engaged and recounted that action to Miss
Newcome who seemed to be interested He was pleased to deplore Clives fancy
for turning artist and that Miss Newcome recommended him to have his likeness
taken for she said his appearance was exceedingly picturesque He was going on
with further prattle but she suddenly cut Mr Jones short making him a bow
and going to sit down by Lady Kew »And the next day sir« said Bob with whom
the present writer had the happiness of dining at a mess dinner at the Upper
Temple »when I met her on the walk sir she cut me as dead as a stone The
airs those swells give themselves is enough to make any man turn republican«
Miss Ethel indeed was haughty very haughty and of a difficult temper She
spared none of her party except her kind mother to whom Ethel always was kind
and her father whom since his illnesses she tended with much benevolence and
care But she did battle with Lady Kew repeatedly coming to her Aunt Julias
rescue on whom her mother as usual exercised her powers of torturing She made
Barnes quail before her by the shafts of contempt which she flashed at him and
she did not spare Lord Kew whose goodnature was no shield against her scorn
The old queen mother was fairly afraid of her she even left off beating Lady
Julia when Ethel came in of course taking her revenge in the young girls
absence but trying in her presence to soothe and please her Against Lord Kew
the young girls anger was most unjust and the more cruel because the kindly
young nobleman never spoke a hard word of any one mortal soul and carrying no
arms should have been assaulted by none But his very goodnature seemed to
make his young opponent only the more wrathful she shot because his honest
breast was bare it bled at the wounds which she inflicted Her relatives looked
at her surprised at her cruelty and the young man himself was shocked in his
dignity and best feelings by his cousins wanton illhumour
Lady Kew fancied she understood the cause of this peevishness and
remonstrated with Miss Ethel »Shall we write a letter to Lucerne and order
Dick Tinto back again« said her ladyship »Are you such a fool Ethel as to be
hankering after that young scapegrace and his yellow beard His drawings are
very pretty Why I think he might earn a couple of hundred a year as a teacher
and nothing would be easier than to break your engagement with Kew and whistle
the drawingmaster back again«
Ethel took up the whole heap of Clives drawings lighted a taper carried
the drawings to the fireplace and set them in a blaze »A very pretty piece of
work« says Lady Kew »and which proves satisfactorily that you dont care for
the young Clive at all Have we arranged a correspondence We are cousins you
know we may write pretty cousinly letters to one another.« A month before the
old lady would have attacked her with other arms than sarcasm but she was
scared now and dared to use no coarser weapons »Oh« cried Ethel in a
transport »what a life ours is and how you buy and sell and haggle over your
children It is not Clive I care about poor boy Our ways of life are separate
I cannot break from my own family and I know very well how you would receive
him in it Had he money it would be different You would receive him and
welcome him and hold out your hands to him But he is only a poor painter and
we forsooth are bankers in the City and he comes among us on sufferance like
those concertsingers whom mamma treats with so much politeness and who go down
and have supper by themselves Why should they not be as good as we are«
»M de C my dear is of a noble family« interposed Lady Kew »when he
has given up singing and made his fortune no doubt he can go back into the
world again«
»Made his fortune yes« Ethel continued »that is the cry There never
were since the world began people so unblushingly sordid We own it and are
proud of it We barter rank against money and money against rank day after
day Why did you marry my father to my mother Was it for his wit You know he
might have been an angel and you would have scorned him Your daughter was
bought with papas money as surely as ever Newcome was Will there be no day
when this mammon worship will cease among us«
»Not in my time or yours Ethel« the elder said not unkindly perhaps she
thought of a day long ago before she was old herself
»We are sold« the young girl went on »we are as much sold as Turkish
women the only difference being that our masters may have but one Circassian at
a time No there is no freedom for us I wear my green ticket and wait till my
master comes But every day as I think of our slavery I revolt against it
more That poor wretch that poor girl whom my brother is to marry why did she
not revolt and fly I would if I loved a man sufficiently loved him better
than the world than wealth than rank than fine houses and titles and I feel
I love these best I would give up all to follow him But what can I be with my
name and my parents I belong to the world like all the rest of my family It
is you who have bred us up you who are answerable for us Why are there no
convents to which we can fly You make a fine marriage for me you provide me
with a good husband a kind soul not very wise but very kind you make me what
you call happy and I would rather be at the plough like the women here«
»No you wouldnt Ethel« replies the grandmother dryly »These are the
fine speeches of schoolgirls The showers of rain would spoil your complexion
you would be perfectly tired in an hour and come back to luncheon You belong
to your belongings my dear and are not better than the rest of the world
very goodlooking as you know perfectly well and not very goodtempered It is
lucky that Kew is Calm your temper at least before marriage such a prize does
not fall to a pretty girls lot every day Why you sent him away quite scared
by your cruelty and if he is not playing at roulette or at billiards I dare
say he is thinking what a little termagant you are and that he had best pause
while it is yet time Before I was married your poor grandfather never knew I
had a temper Of afterdays I say nothing but trials are good for all of us
and he bore his like an angel«
Lady Kew too on this occasion at least was admirably goodhumoured She
also when it was necessary could put a restraint on her temper and having this
match very much at heart chose to coax and to soothe her granddaughter rather
than to endeavour to scold and frighten her
»Why do you desire this marriage so much grandmamma« the girl asked »My
cousin is not very much in love at least I should fancy not« she added
blushing »I am bound to own Lord Kew is not in the least eager and I think if
you were to tell him to wait for five years he would be quite willing Why
should you be so very anxious«
»Why my dear Because I think young ladies who want to go and work in the
fields should make hay while the sun shines because I think it is high time
that Kew should ranger himself because I am sure he will make the best husband
and Ethel the prettiest Countess in England« And the old lady seldom
exhibiting any signs of affection looked at her granddaughter very fondly
From her Ethel looked up into the glass which very likely repeated on its
shining face the truth her elder had just uttered Shall we quarrel with the
girl for that dazzling reflection for owning that charming truth and
submitting to the conscious triumph Give her her part of vanity of youth of
desire to rule and be admired Meanwhile Mr Clives drawings have been
crackling in the fireplace at her feet and the last spark of that combustion is
twinkling out unheeded
Chapter XXXIII
Lady Kew at the Congress
When Lady Kew heard that Madame dIvry was at Baden and was informed at once of
the French ladys graciousness towards the Newcome family and of her fury
against Lord Kew the old Countess gave a loose to that energetic temper with
which nature had gifted her a temper which she tied up sometimes and kept
from barking and biting but which when unmuzzled was an animal of whom all her
ladyships family had a just apprehension Not one of them but in his or her
time had been wounded lacerated tumbled over otherwise frightened or injured
by this unruly brute The cowards brought it sops and patted it the prudent
gave it a clear berth and walked round so as not to meet it but woe be to
those of the family who had to bring the meal and prepare the litter and to
speak respectfully share the kennel with Lady Kews »Black Dog« Surely a fine
furious temper if accompanied with a certain magnanimity and bravery which
often go together with it is one of the most precious and fortunate gifts with
which a gentleman or lady can be endowed A person always ready to fight is
certain of the greatest consideration amongst his or her family circle The lazy
grow tired of contending with him the timid coax and flatter him and as almost
every one is timid or lazy a badtempered man is sure to have his own way It
is he who commands and all the others obey If he is a gourmand he has what he
likes for dinner and the tastes of all the rest are subservient to him She we
playfully transfer the gender as a bad temper is of both sexes has the place
which she likes best in the drawingroom nor do her parents nor her brothers
and sisters venture to take her favourite chair If she wants to go to a party
mamma will dress herself in spite of her headache and papa who hates those
dreadful soirées will go upstairs after dinner and put on his poor old white
neckcloth though he has been toiling at chambers all day and must be there
early in the morning he will go out with her we say, and stay for the
cotillon If the family are taking their tour in the summer it is she who
ordains whither they shall go and when they shall stop If he comes home late
the dinner is kept for him and not one dares to say a word though ever so
hungry If he is in a good humour how every one frisks about and is happy How
the servants jump up at his bell and run to wait upon him How they sit up
patiently and how eagerly they rush out to fetch cabs in the rain Whereas for
you and me who have the tempers of angels and never were known to be angry or
to complain nobody cares whether we are pleased or not Our wives go to the
milliners and send us the bill and we pay it our John finishes reading the
newspaper before he answers our bell and brings it to us our sons loll in the
armchair which we should like fill the house with their young men and smoke
in the diningroom our tailors fit us badly our butchers give us the youngest
mutton our tradesmen dun us much more quickly than other peoples because they
know we are goodnatured and our servants go out whenever they like and openly
have their friends to supper in the kitchen When Lady Kew said Sic volo sic
jubeo I promise you few persons of her ladyships belongings stopped before
they did her biddings to ask her reasons
If which very seldom happens there are two such imperious and domineering
spirits in a family unpleasantries of course will arise from their
contentions or if out of doors the family Bajazet meets with some other violent
Turk dreadful battles ensue all the allies on either side are brought in and
the surrounding neighbours perforce engaged in the quarrel This was unluckily
the case in the present instance Lady Kew unaccustomed to have her will
questioned at home liked to impose it abroad She judged the persons around her
with great freedom of speech Her opinions were quoted as peoples sayings will
be and if she made bitter speeches depend on it they lost nothing in the
carrying She was furious against Madame la Duchesse dIvry and exploded in
various companies whenever that ladys name was mentioned »Why was she not with
her husband Why was the poor old duke left to his gout and this woman trailing
through the country with her vagabond court of billiardmarkers at her heels
She to call herself Mary Queen of Scots forsooth well she merited the title
in some respects though she had not murdered her husband as yet Ah I should
like to be Queen Elizabeth if the Duchess is Queen of Scots« said the old lady
shaking her old fist And these sentiments being uttered in public upon the
Promenade to mutual friends of course the Duchess had the benefit of Lady
Kews remarks a few minutes after they were uttered and her Grace and the
distinguished princes counts and noblemen in her court designated as
billiardmarkers by the old Countess returned the latters compliments with
pretty speeches of their own Scandals were dug up respecting her ladyship so
old that one would have thought them forgotten these forty years so old that
they happened before most of the Newcomes now extant were born and surely
therefore out of the province of this contemporary biography Lady Kew was
indignant with her daughter there were some moments when any conduct of her
friends did not meet her ladyships approbation even for the scant civility
with which Lady Ann had received the Duchesss advances »Leave a card upon her
yes send a card by one of your footmen but go in to see her because she was at
the window and saw you drive up Are you mad Ann That was the very reason you
should not have come out of your carriage But you are so weak and goodnatured
that if a highwayman stopped you you would say Thank you sir as you gave him
your purse yes and if Mrs Macheath called on you afterwards you would return
the visit«
Even had these speeches been made about the Duchess and some of them not
addressed to her things might have gone on pretty well If we quarrelled with
all the people who abuse us behind our backs and began to tear their eyes out
as soon as we set ours on them what a life it would be and when should we have
any quiet Backbiting is all fair in society Abuse me and I will abuse you
but let us be friends when we meet Have not we all entered a dozen rooms and
been sure from the countenances of the amiable persons present that they had
been discussing our little peculiarities perhaps as we were on the stairs Was
our visit therefore the less agreeable Did we quarrel and say hard words to
one another's faces No we wait until some of our dear friends take their
leave and then comes our turn My back is at my neighbours service as soon as
that is turned let him make what faces he thinks proper but when we meet we
grin and shake hands like wellbred folk to whom clean linen is not more
necessary than a clean sweetlooking countenance and a nicely gotup smile
for company
Here was Lady Kews mistake She wanted for some reason to drive Madame
dIvry out of Baden and thought there were no better means of effecting this
object than by using the high hand and practising those frowns upon the Duchess
which had scared away so many other persons But the Queen of Scots was resolute
too and her band of courtiers fought stoutly round about her Some of them
could not pay their bills and could not retreat others had courage and did
not choose to fly Instead of coaxing and soothing Madame dIvry Madame de Kew
thought by a brisk attack to rout and dislodge her She began on almost the very
first occasion when the ladies met »I was so sorry to hear that Monsieur le Duc
was ill at Bagnères Madame la Duchesse« the old lady began on their very first
meeting after the usual salutations had taken place
»Madame la Comtesse is very kind to interest herself in Monsieur dIvrys
health Monsieur le Duc at his age is not disposed to travel You dear miladi
are more happy in being always able to retain the goût des voyages«
»I come to my family my dear Duchess«
»How charmed they must be to possess you Miladi Ann you must be
inexpressibly consoled by the presence of a mother so tender Permit me to
present Madame la Comtesse de la Cruchecassée to Madame la Comtesse de Kew
Miladi is sister to that amiable Marquis of Steyne whom you have known
Ambrosine Madame la Baronne de Schlangenbad Miladi Kew Do you not see the
resemblance to milor These ladies have enjoyed the hospitalities the
splendours of Gaunt House They were of those famous routs of which the charming
Mistress Crawley la sémillante Becki made part How sad the Hotel de Gaunt
must be under the present circumstances Have you heard miladi of the charming
Mistress Becki Monsieur le Duc describes her as the most spirituelle
Englishwoman he ever met« The Queen of Scots turns and whispers her lady of
honour and shrugs and taps her forehead Lady Kew knows that Madame dIvry
speaks of her nephew the present Lord Steyne who is not in his right mind The
Duchess looks round and sees a friend in the distance whom she beckons
»Comtesse you know already Monsieur the Captain Blackball He makes the delight
of our society« A dreadful man with a large cigar a florid waistcoat and
billiards written on his countenance swaggers forward at the Duchesss summons
The Countess of Kew has not gained much by her attack She has been presented to
Cruchecassée and Schlangenbad She sees herself on the eve of becoming the
acquaintance of Captain Blackball
»Permit me Duchess to choose my English friends at least for myself« says
Lady Kew drumming her foot
»But madam assuredly You do not love this good Monsieur de Blackball Eh
the English manners are droll pardon me for saying so It is wonderful how
proud you are as a nation and how ashamed you are of your compatriots«
»There are some persons who are ashamed of nothing Madame la Duchesse«
cries Lady Kew losing her temper
»Is that gracieuseté for me How much goodness This good Monsieur de
Blackball is not very well bred but for an Englishman he is not too bad I have
met with people who are more illbred than Englishmen in my travels«
»And they are« said Lady Ann who had been in vain endeavouring to put an
end to this colloquy
»English women madam I speak not for you You are kind you you are too
soft dear Lady Ann for a persecutor«
The counsels of the worldly woman who governed and directed that branch of
the Newcome family of whom it is our business to speak now for a little while
bore other results than those which the elderly lady desired and foresaw Who
can foresee everything and always Not the wisest among us When His Majesty
Louis XIV jockeyed his grandson on to the throne of Spain founding thereby the
present revered dynasty of that country did he expect to peril his own and
bring all Europe about his royal ears Could a late king of France eager for
the advantageous establishment of one of his darling sons and anxious to
procure a beautiful Spanish princess with a crown and kingdom in reversion for
the simple and obedient youth ever suppose that the welfare of his whole august
race and reign would be upset by that smart speculation We take only the most
noble examples to illustrate the conduct of such a noble old personage as her
ladyship of Kew who brought a prodigious deal of trouble upon some of the
innocent members of her family whom no doubt she thought to better in life by
her experienced guidance and undoubted worldly wisdom We may be as deep as
Jesuits know the world ever so well lay the bestordered plans and the
profoundest combinations and by a certain not unnatural turn of fate we and our
plans and combinations are sent flying before the wind We may be as wise as
LouisPhilippe that manycounselled Ulysses whom the respectable world admired
so and after years of patient scheming and prodigies of skill after coaxing
wheedling doubling bullying wisdom behold yet stronger powers interpose and
schemes and skill and violence are nought
Frank and Ethel Lady Kews grandchildren were both the obedient subjects
of this ancient despot this imperious old Louis XIV in a black front and a
cap and ribbon this scheming old LouisPhilippe in tabinet but their blood was
good and their tempers high and for all her bitting and driving and the
training of her manége the generous young colts were hard to break Ethel at
this time was especially stubborn in training rebellious to the whip and wild
under harness and the way in which Lady Kew managed her won the admiration of
her family for it was a maxim among these folks that no one could manage Ethel
but Lady Kew Barnes said no one could manage his sister but his grandmother He
couldnt that was certain Mamma never tried and indeed was so goodnatured
that rather than ride the filly she would put the saddle on her own back and
let the filly ride her No there was no one but her ladyship capable of
managing that girl Barnes owned who held Lady Kew in much respect and awe »If
the tightest hand were not kept on her theres no knowing what she mightnt
do« said her brother »Ethel Newcome by Jove is capable of running away with
the writingmaster«
After poor Jack Belsizes mishap and departure Barness own bride showed no
spirit at all save one of placid contentment She came at call and instantly
and went through whatever paces her owner demanded of her She laughed whenever
need was simpered and smiled when spoken to danced whenever she was asked
drove out at Barness side in Kews phaeton and received him certainly not with
warmth but with politeness and welcome It is difficult to describe the scorn
with which her sisterinlaw regarded her The sight of the patient timid
little thing chafed Ethel who was always more haughty and flighty and bold when
in Claras presence than at any other time Her ladyships brother Captain Lord
Viscount Rooster before mentioned joined the family party at this interesting
juncture My lord Rooster found himself surprised delighted subjugated by Miss
Newcome her wit and spirit »By Jove she is a plucky one« his lordship
exclaimed »To dance with her is the best fun in life How she pulls all the
other girls to pieces by Jove and how splendidly she chaffs everybody But«
he added with the shrewdness and sense of humour which distinguished the young
officer »Id rather dance with her than marry her by a doosid long score I
dont envy you that part of the business Kew my boy« Lord Kew did not set
himself up as a person to be envied He thought his cousin beautiful and with
his grandmother that she would make a very handsome countess and he thought
the money which Lady Kew would give or leave to the young couple a very welcome
addition to his means
On the next night when there was a ball at the room Miss Ethel chose to
appear in a toilette the very grandest and finest which she had ever assumed
who was ordinarily exceedingly simple in her attire and dressed below the mark
of the rest of the world Her clustering ringlets her shining white shoulders
her splendid raiment I believe indeed it was her courtdress which the young
lady assumed astonished all beholders She écraséd all other beauties by her
appearance so much so that Madame dIvrys court could not but look the men
in admiration the women in dislike at this dazzling young creature None of
the countesses duchesses princesses Russ Spanish Italian were so fine or
so handsome There were some New York ladies at Baden as there are everywhere
else in Europe now Not even these were more magnificent than Miss Ethel
General Jeremiah J Bungs lady owned that Miss Newcome was fit to appear in any
party in Fourth Avenue She was the only welldressed English girl Mrs Bung had
seen in Europe A young German Durchlaucht deigned to explain to his
aidedecamp how very handsome he thought Miss Newcome All our acquaintances
were of one mind Mr Jones of England pronounced her stunning the admirable
Captain Blackball examined her points with the skill of an amateur and
described them with agreeable frankness Lord Rooster was charmed as he surveyed
her and complimented his late companion in arms on the possession of such a
paragon Only Lord Kew was not delighted nor did Miss Ethel mean that he should
be She looked as splendid as Cinderella in the princes palace But what need
for all this splendour this wonderful toilette this dazzling neck and
shoulders whereof the brightness and beauty blinded the eyes of lookerson She
was dressed as gaudily as an actress of the Variétés going to a supper at the
Trois Frères »It was Mademoiselle Mabille en habit de cour« Madame dIvry
remarked to Madame Schlangenbad Barnes who with his brideelect for a partner
made a visàvis for his sister and the admiring Lord Rooster was puzzled
likewise by Ethels countenance and appearance Little Lady Clara looked like a
little schoolgirl dancing before her
One two three of the attendants of her Majesty the Queen of Scots were
carried off in the course of the evening by the victorious young beauty whose
triumph had the effect which the headstrong girl perhaps herself anticipated
of mortifying the Duchesse dIvry of exasperating old Lady Kew and of annoying
the young nobleman to whom Miss Ethel was engaged The girl seemed to take a
pleasure in defying all three a something embittered her alike against her
friends and her enemies The old dowager chafed and vented her wrath upon Lady
Ann and Barnes Ethel kept the ball alive by herself almost She refused to go
home declining hints and commands alike She was engaged for ever so many
dances more Not dance with Count Punter It would be rude to leave him after
promising him Not waltz with Captain Blackball He was not a proper partner for
her Why then did Kew know him Lord Kew walked and talked with Captain
Blackball every day Was she to be so proud as not to know Lord Kews friends
She greeted the Captain with a most fascinating smile as he came up whilst the
controversy was pending and ended it by whirling round the room in his arms
Madame dIvry viewed with such pleasure as might be expected the defection
of her adherents and the triumph of her youthful rival who seemed to grow more
beautiful with each waltz so that the other dancers paused to look at her the
men breaking out in enthusiasm the reluctant women being forced to join in the
applause Angry as she was and knowing how Ethels conduct angered her
grandson old Lady Kew could not help admiring the rebellious beauty whose
girlish spirit was more than a match for the imperious dowagers tough old
resolution As for Mr Barness displeasure the girl tossed her saucy head
shrugged her fair shoulders and passed on with a scornful laugh In a word
Miss Ethel conducted herself as a most reckless and intrepid young flirt using
her eyes with the most consummate effect chattering with astounding gaiety
prodigal of smiles gracious thanks and killing glances What wicked spirit
moved her Perhaps had she known the mischief she was doing she would have
continued it still
The sight of this wilfulness and levity smote poor Lord Kews honest heart
with cruel pangs of mortification The easy young nobleman had passed many a
year of his life in all sorts of wild company The chaumière knew him and the
balls of Parisian actresses the coulisses of the opera at home and abroad
Those pretty heads of ladies whom nobody knows used to nod their shining
ringlets at Kew from private boxes at theatres or dubious Park broughams He
had run the career of young men of pleasure and laughed and feasted with jolly
prodigals and their company He was tired of it perhaps he remembered an
earlier and purer life and was sighing to return to it Living as he had done
amongst the outcasts his ideal of domestic virtue was high and pure He chose
to believe that good women were entirely good Duplicity he could not
understand illtemper shocked him wilfulness he seemed to fancy belonged only
to the profane and wicked not to good girls with good mothers in honest
homes Their nature was to love their families to obey their parents to tend
their poor to honour their husbands to cherish their children Ethels laugh
woke him up from one of these simple reveries very likely and then she swept
round the ballroom rapidly to the brazen notes of the orchestra He never
offered to dance with her more than once in the evening went away to play and
returned to find her still whirling to the music Madame dIvry remarked his
tribulation and gloomy face though she took no pleasure at his discomfiture
knowing that Ethels behaviour caused it
In plays and novels and I dare say in real life too sometimes when the
wanton heroine chooses to exert her powers of fascination and to flirt with Sir
Harry or the Captain the hero in a pique goes off and makes love to somebody
else both acknowledge their folly after a while shake hands and are
reconciled and the curtain drops or the volume ends But there are some people
too noble and simple for these amorous scenes and smirking artifices When Kew
was pleased he laughed when he was grieved he was silent He did not deign to
hide his grief or pleasure under disguises His error perhaps was in
forgetting that Ethel was very young that her conduct was not design so much as
girlish mischief and high spirits and that if young men have their frolics sow
their wild oats and enjoy their pleasure young women may be permitted
sometimes their more harmless vagaries of gaiety and sportive outbreaks of
wilful humour
When she consented to go home at length Lord Kew brought Miss Newcomes
little white cloak for her under the hood of which her glossy curls her
blushing cheeks and bright eyes looked provokingly handsome and encased her
in this pretty garment without uttering one single word She made him a saucy
curtsy in return for this act of politeness which salutation he received with a
grave bow and then he proceeded to cover up old Lady Kew and to conduct her
ladyship to her chariot Miss Ethel chose to be displeased at her cousins
displeasure What were balls made for but that people should dance She a flirt
she displease Lord Kew If she chose to dance she would dance she had no idea
of his giving himself airs besides it was such fun taking away the gentlemen
of Mary Queen of Scots court from her such capital fun So she went to bed
singing and performing wonderful roulades as she lighted her candle and retired
to her room She had had such a jolly evening such famous fun and I dare say
but how shall a novelist penetrate these mysteries when her chamber door was
closed she scolded her maid and was as cross as two sticks You see there come
moments of sorrow after the most brilliant victories and you conquer and rout
the enemy utterly and then you regret that you fought
Chapter XXXIV
The End of the Congress of Baden
Mention has been made of an elderly young person from Ireland engaged by Madame
la Duchesse dIvry as companion and teacher of English for her little daughter
When Miss OGrady as she did some time afterwards quitted Madame dIvrys
family she spoke with great freedom regarding the behaviour of that duchess
and recounted horrors which she the latter had committed A number of the most
terrific anecdotes issued from the lips of the indignant Miss whose volubility
Lord Kew was obliged to check not choosing that his countess with whom he was
paying a bridal visit to Paris should hear such dreadful legends It was there
that Miss OGrady finding herself in misfortune and reading of Lord Kews
arrival at the Hôtel Bristol waited upon his lordship and the Countess of Kew
begging them to take tickets in a raffle for an invaluable ivory writingdesk
sole relic of her former prosperity which she proposed to give her friends the
chance of acquiring in fact Miss OGrady lived for some years on the produce
of repeated raffles for this beautiful desk many religious ladies of the
Faubourg St Germain taking an interest in her misfortunes and alleviating them
by the simple lottery system Protestants as well as Catholics were permitted to
take shares in Miss OGradys raffles and Lord Kew goodnatured then as
always purchased so many tickets that the contrite OGrady informed him of a
transaction which had nearly affected his happiness and in which she took a not
very creditable share »Had I known your lordships real character« Miss OG
was pleased to say »no tortures would have induced me to do an act for which I
have undergone penance It was that blackhearted woman my lord who maligned
your lordship to me that woman whom I called friend once but who is the most
false depraved and dangerous of her sex« In this way do ladies companions
sometimes speak of ladies when quarrels separate them when confidential
attendants are dismissed bearing away family secrets in their minds and revenge
in their hearts
The day after Miss Ethels feats at the assembly old Lady Kew went over to
advise her granddaughter and to give her a little timely warning about the
impropriety of flirtations above all with such men as are to be found at
wateringplaces persons who are never seen elsewhere in society »Remark the
peculiarities of Kews temper who never flies into a passion like you and me
my dear« said the old lady being determined to be particularly gracious and
cautious »when once angry he remains so and is so obstinate that it is almost
impossible to coax him into goodhumour It is much better my love to be like
us« continued the old lady »to fly out in a rage and have it over But que
voulesvous such is Franks temper and we must manage him« So she went on
backing her advice by a crowd of examples drawn from the family history
showing how Kew was like his grandfather her own poor husband still more like
his late father Lord Walham between whom and his mother there had been
differences chiefly brought on by my Lady Walham of course which had ended in
the almost total estrangement of mother and son Lady Kew then administered her
advice and told her stories with Ethel alone for a listener and in a most
edifying manner she besought Miss Newcome to ménager Lord Kews
susceptibilities as she valued her own future comfort in life as well as the
happiness of a most amiable man of whom if properly managed Ethel might make
what she pleased We have said Lady Kew managed everybody and that most of the
members of her family allowed themselves to be managed by her ladyship
Ethel who had permitted her grandmother to continue her sententious advice
while she herself sat tapping her feet on the floor and performing the most
rapid variations of that air which is called the Devils Tattoo burst out at
length to the elder ladys surprise with an outbreak of indignation a
flushing face and a voice quivering with anger
»This most amiable man« she cried out »that you design for me I know
everything about this most amiable man and thank you and my family for the
present you make me For the past year what have you been doing Every one of
you my father my brother and you yourself have been filling my ears with
cruel reports against a poor boy whom you choose to depict as everything that
was dissolute and wicked when there was nothing against him nothing but that
he was poor Yes you yourself grandmamma have told me many and many a time
that Clive Newcome was not a fit companion for us warned me against his bad
courses and painted him as extravagant unprincipled I dont know how bad How
bad I know how good he is how upright generous and truthtelling though
there was not a day until lately that Barnes did not make some wicked story
against him Barnes who I believe is bad himself like like other young men
Yes I am sure there was something about Barnes in that newspaper which my
father took away from me And you come and you lift up your hands and shake
your head because I dance with one gentleman or another You tell me I am
wrong mamma has told me so this morning Barnes of course has told me so and
you bring me Frank as a pattern and tell me to love and honour and obey him
Look here« and she drew out a paper and put it into Lady Kews hands »Here is
Kews history and I believe it is true yes I am sure it is true«
The old dowager lifted her eyeglass to her black eyebrow and read a paper
written in English and bearing no signature in which many circumstances of
Lord Kews life were narrated for poor Ethels benefit It was not a worse life
than that of a thousand young men of pleasure but there were Kews many
misdeeds set down in order such a catalogue as we laugh at when Leporello
trolls it and sings his masters victories in France Italy and Spain Madame
dIvrys name was not mentioned in this list and Lady Kew felt sure that the
outrage came from her
With real ardour Lady Kew sought to defend her grandson from some of the
attacks here made against him and showed Ethel that the person who could use
such means of calumniating him would not scruple to resort to falsehood in order
to effect her purpose
»Her purpose« cries Ethel »How do you know it is a woman« Lady Kew lapsed
into generalities She thought the handwriting was a womans at least it was
not likely that a man should think of addressing an anonymous letter to a young
lady and so wreaking his hatred upon Lord Kew »Besides Frank has had no
rivals except except one young gentleman who has carried his paintboxes to
Italy« says Lady Kew »You dont think your dear Colonels son would leave such
a piece of mischief behind him You must act my dear« continued her ladyship
»as if this letter had never been written at all the person who wrote it no
doubt will watch you Of course we are too proud to allow him to see that we are
wounded and pray pray do not think of letting poor Frank know a word about
this horrid transaction«
»Then the letter is true« burst out Ethel »You know it is true
grandmamma and that is why you would have me keep it a secret from my cousin
Besides« she added with a little hesitation »your caution comes too late
Lord Kew has seen the letter«
»You fool« screamed the old lady »you were not so mad as to show it to
him«
»I am sure the letter is true« Ethel said rising up very haughtily »It is
not by calling me bad names that your ladyship will disprove it Keep them if
you please for my aunt Julia she is sick and weak and cant defend herself I
do not choose to bear abuse from you or lectures from Lord Kew He happened to
be here a short while since when the letter arrived He had been good enough to
come to preach me a sermon on his own account He to find fault with my
actions« cried Miss Ethel quivering with wrath and clenching the luckless
paper in her hand »he to accuse me of levity and to warn me against making
improper acquaintances He began his lectures too soon I am not a lawful slave
yet and prefer to remain unmolested at least as long as I am free«
»And you told Frank all this Miss Newcome and you showed him that letter«
said the old lady
»The letter was actually brought to me whilst his lordship was in the midst
of his sermon« Ethel replied »I read it as he was making his speech« she
continued gathering anger and scorn as she recalled the circumstances of the
interview »He was perfectly polite in his language He did not call me a fool
or use a single other bad name He was good enough to advise me and to make
such virtuous pretty speeches that if he had been a bishop he could not have
spoken better and as I thought the letter was a nice commentary on his
lordships sermon I gave it to him I gave it to him« cried the young woman
»and much good may it do him I dont think my Lord Kew will preach to me again
for some time«
»I dont think he will indeed« said Lady Kew in a hard dry voice »You
dont know what you may have done Will you be pleased to ring the bell and
order my carriage I congratulate you on having performed a most charming
mornings work«
Ethel made her grandmother a very stately curtsy I pity Lady Julias
condition when her mother reached home
All who know Lord Kew may be pretty sure that in that unlucky interview with
Ethel to which the young lady has just alluded he said no single word to her
that was not kind and just and gentle Considering the relation between them
he thought himself justified in remonstrating with her as to the conduct which
she chose to pursue and in warning her against acquaintances of whom his own
experience had taught him the dangerous character He knew Madame dIvry and her
friends so well that he would not have his wifeelect a member of their circle
He could not tell Ethel what he knew of those women and their history She chose
not to understand his hints did not very likely comprehend them She was
quite young and the stories of such lives as theirs had never been told before
her She was indignant at the surveillance which Lord Kew exerted over her and
the authority which he began to assume At another moment and in a better frame
of mind she would have been thankful for his care and very soon and ever after
she did justice to his many admirable qualities his frankness honesty and
sweet temper Only her high spirit was in perpetual revolt at this time against
the bondage in which her family strove to keep her The very worldly advantages
of the position which they offered her served but to chafe her the more Had her
proposed husband been a young prince with a crown to lay at her feet she had
been yet more indignant very likely and more rebellious Had Kews younger
brother been her suitor or Kew in his place she had been not unwilling to
follow her parents wishes Hence the revolt in which she was engaged the
wayward freaks and outbreaks her haughty temper indulged in No doubt she saw
the justice of Lord Kews reproofs That selfconsciousness was not likely to
add to her goodhumour No doubt she was sorry for having shown Lord Kew the
letter the moment after she had done that act of which the poor young lady
could not calculate the consequences that were now to ensue
Lord Kew on glancing over the letter at once divined the quarter whence it
came The portrait drawn of him was not unlike as our characters described by
those who hate us are not unlike He had passed a reckless youth indeed he was
sad and ashamed of that past life longed like the poor prodigal to return to
better courses and had embraced eagerly the chance afforded him of a union with
a woman young virtuous and beautiful against whom and against Heaven he hoped
to sin no more If we have told or hinted at more of his story than will please
the ear of modern conventionalism I beseech the reader to believe that the
writers purpose at least is not dishonest nor unkindly The young gentleman
hung his head with sorrow over that sad detail of his life and its follies What
would he have given to be able to say to Ethel »This is not true«
His reproaches to Miss Newcome of course were at once stopped by this
terrible assault on himself The letter had been put in the Baden postbox and
so had come to its destination It was in a disguised handwriting Lord Kew
could form no idea even of the sex of the scribe He put the envelope in his
pocket when Ethels back was turned He examined the paper when he left her He
could make little of the superscription or of the wafer which had served to
close the note He did not choose to caution Ethel as to whether she should burn
the letter or divulge it to her friends He took his share of the pain as a boy
at school takes his flogging stoutly and in silence
When he saw Ethel again which he did in an hours time the generous young
gentleman held his hand out to her »My dear« he said »if you had loved me
you never would have shown me that letter« It was his only reproof After that
he never again reproved or advised her
Ethel blushed »You are very brave and generous Frank« she said bending
her head »and I am captious and wicked« He felt the hot tear blotting on his
hand from his cousins downcast eyes
He kissed her little hand Lady Ann who was in the room with her children
when these few words passed between the two in a very low tone thought it was a
reconciliation Ethel knew it was a renunciation on Kews part she never liked
him so much as at that moment The young man was too modest and simple to guess
himself what the girls feelings were Could he have told them his fate and
hers might have been changed
»You must not allow our kind letterwriting friend« Lord Kew continued »to
fancy we are hurt We must walk out this afternoon and we must appear very good
friends«
»Yes always Kew« said Ethel holding out her hand again The next minute
her cousin was at the table carving roast fowls and distributing the portions
to the hungry children
The assembly of the previous evening had been one of those which the fermier
des jeux at Baden beneficently provides for the frequenters of the place and
now was to come off a much more brilliant entertainment in which poor Clive
who is far into Switzerland by this time was to have taken a share The
Bachelors had agreed to give a ball one of the last entertainments of the
season a dozen or more of them had subscribed the funds and we may be sure
Lord Kews name was at the head of the list as it was of any list of any
scheme whether of charity or fun The English were invited and the Russians
were invited the Spaniards and Italians Poles Prussians and Hebrews all
the motley frequenters of the place and the warriors in the Duke of Badens
army Unlimited supper was set in the restaurant The dancing room glittered
with extra lights and a profusion of cutpaper flowers decorated the festive
scene Everybody was present those crowds with whom our story has nothing to
do and those two or three groups of persons who enact minor or greater parts in
it Madame dIvry came in a dress of stupendous splendour even more brilliant
than that in which Miss Ethel had figured at the last assembly If the duchess
intended to écraser Miss Newcome by the superior magnificence of her toilet she
was disappointed Miss Newcome wore a plain white frock on the occasion and
resumed Madame dIvry said her rôle of ingénue for that night
During the brief season in which gentlemen enjoyed the favour of Mary Queen
of Scots that wandering sovereign led them through all the paces and vagaries
of a regular passion As in a fair where time is short and pleasures numerous
the master of the theatrical booth shows you a tragedy a farce and a
pantomime all in a quarter of an hour having a dozen new audiences to witness
his entertainments in the course of the forenoon so this lady with her platonic
lovers went through the complete dramatic course tragedies of jealousy
pantomimes of rapture and farces of parting There were billets on one side and
the other hints of a fatal destiny and a ruthless lynxeyed tyrant who held a
demoniac grasp over the Duchesse by means of certain secrets which he knew
there were regrets that we had not known each other sooner why were we brought
out of our convent and sacrificed to Monsieur le Duc There were frolic
interchanges of fancy and poesy pretty bouderies sweet reconciliations yawns
finally and separation Adolphe went out and Alphonse came in It was the new
audience for which the bell rang the band played and the curtain rose and
the tragedy comedy and farce were repeated
Those Greenwich performers who appear in the theatrical pieces above
mentioned make a great deal more noise than your stationary tragedians and if
they have to denounce a villain to declare a passion or to threaten an enemy
they roar stamp shake their fists and brandish their sabres so that every
man who sees the play has surely a full pennyworth for his penny Thus Madame la
Duchesse dIvry perhaps a little exaggerated her heroines parts liking to
strike her audiences quickly and also to change them often Like good
performers she flung herself heart and soul into the business of the stage and
was what she acted She was Phèdre and if in the first part of the play she was
uncommonly tender to Hippolyte in the second she hated him furiously She was
Medea and if Jason was volage woe to Creusa Perhaps our poor Lord Kew had
taken the first character in a performance with Madame dIvry for his behaviour
in which part it was difficult enough to forgive him but when he appeared at
Baden the affianced husband of one of the most beautiful young creatures in
Europe when his relatives scorned Madame dIvry no wonder she was maddened
and enraged and would have recourse to revenge steel poison
There was in the Duchesses Court a young fellow from the south of France
whose friends had sent him to faire son droit at Paris where he had gone
through the usual course of pleasures and studies of the young inhabitants of
the Latin Quarter He had at one time exalted republican opinions and had fired
his shot with distinction at St Méri He was a poet of some little note a
book of his lyrics »Les Râles dun Asphyxié« having made a sensation at the
time of their appearance He drank great quantities of absinthe of a morning
smoked incessantly played roulette whenever he could get a few pieces
contributed to a small journal and was especially great in his hatred of
linfâme Angleterre Delenda est Carthago was tattooed beneath his shirtsleeve
Fifine and Clarisse young milliners of the Students district had punctured
this terrible motto on his manly right arm Le léopard emblem of England was
his aversion he shook his fist at the caged monster in the Garden of Plants He
desired to have »Here lies an enemy of England« engraved upon his early tomb He
was skilled at billiards and dominoes adroit in the use of arms of
unquestionable courage and fierceness Mr Jones of England was afraid of M de
Castillonnes and cowered before his scowls and sarcasms Captain Blackball the
other English aidedecamp of the Duchesse dIvry a warrior of undoubted
courage who had been on the ground more than once gave him a wide berth and
wondered what the little beggar meant when he used to say »Since the days of
the Prince Noir Monsieur my family has been at feud with lAngleterre« His
family were grocers at Bordeaux and his fathers name was M Cabasse Cabasse
had married a noble in the revolutionary times and the son at Paris called
himself Victor Cabasse de Castillonnes then Victor C de Castillonnes then M
de Castillonnes One of the followers of the Black Prince had insulted a lady of
the house of Castillonnes when the English were lords of Guienne hence our
friends wrath against the Leopard He had written and afterwards dramatized a
terrific legend describing the circumstance and the punishment of the Briton by
a knight of the Castillonnes family A more awful coward never existed in a
melodrama than that felon English knight His blanche fille of course died of
hopeless love for the conquering Frenchman her fathers murderer The paper in
which the feuilleton appeared died at the sixth number of the story The theatre
of the Boulevard refused the drama so the authors rage against linfame Albion
was yet unappeased On beholding Miss Newcome Victor had fancied a resemblance
between her and Agnes de Calverley the Blanche Miss of his novel and drama and
cast an eye of favour upon the young creature He even composed verses in her
honour for I presume that the »Miss Betti« and the Princess Crimhilde of the
poems which he subsequently published were no other than Miss Newcome and the
Duchesse her rival He had been one of the lucky gentlemen who had danced with
Ethel on the previous evening On the occasion of the ball he came to her with a
highflown compliment and a request to be once more allowed to waltz with her
a request to which he expected a favourable answer thinking no doubt that his
wit his powers of conversation and the amour qui flambait dans son regard had
had their effect upon the charming Meess Perhaps he had a copy of the very
verses in his breast pocket with which he intended to complete his work of
fascination For her sake alone he had been heard to say that he would enter
into a truce with England and forget the hereditary wrongs of his race
But the Blanche Miss on this evening declined to waltz with him His
compliments were not of the least avail He retired with them and his unuttered
verses in his crumpled bosom Miss Newcome only danced in one quadrille with
Lord Kew and left the party quite early to the despair of many of the
bachelors who lost the fairest ornament of their ball
Lord Kew however had been seen walking with her in public and
particularly attentive to her during her brief appearance in the ballroom and
the old Dowager who regularly attended all places of amusement and was at
twenty parties and six dinners the week before she died thought fit to be
particularly gracious to Madame dIvry upon this evening and far from shunning
the Duchesses presence or being rude to her as on former occasions was
entirely smiling and goodhumoured Lady Kew too thought there had been a
reconciliation between Ethel and her cousin Lady Ann had given her mother some
account of the handshaking Kews walk with Ethel the quadrille which she had
danced with him alone induced the elder lady to believe that matters had been
made up between the young people
So by way of showing the Duchesse that her little shot of the morning had
failed in its effect as Frank left the room with his cousin Lady Kew gaily
hinted »that the young earl was aux petits soins with Miss Ethel that she was
sure her old friend the Duc dIvry would be glad to hear that his godson was
about to range himself He would settle down on his estates He would attend to
his duties as an English peer and a country gentleman We shall go home« says
the benevolent Countess »and kill the veau grasse and you shall see our dear
prodigal will become a very quiet gentleman«
The Duchesse said »my Lady Kews plan was most edifying She was charmed to
hear that Lord Kew loved veal there were some who thought that meat rather
insipid« A waltzer came to claim her hand at this moment and as she twirled
round the room upon that gentlemans arm wafting odours as she moved her pink
silks pink feathers pink ribbons making a mighty rustling the Countess of Kew
had the satisfaction of thinking that she had planted an arrow in that
shrivelled little waist which Count Punters arms embraced and had returned the
stab which Madame dIvry had delivered in the morning
Mr Barnes and his elect bride had also appeared danced and disappeared
Lady Kew soon followed her young ones and the ball went on very gaily in spite
of the absence of these respectable personages
Being one of the managers of the entertainment Lord Kew returned to it
after conducting Lady Ann and her daughter to their carriage and now danced
with great vigour and with his usual kindness selecting those ladies whom other
waltzers rejected because they were too old or too plain or too stout or what
not But he did not ask Madame dIvry to dance He could condescend to dissemble
so far as to hide the pain which he felt but did not care to engage in that
more advanced hypocrisy of friendship which for her part his old grandmother
had not shown the least scruple in assuming
Amongst other partners my lord selected that intrepid waltzer the Gräfin
von Gumpelheim who in spite of her age size and large family never lost a
chance of enjoying her favourite recreation »Look with what a camel my lord
waltzes« said M Victor to Madame dIvry whose slim waist he had the honour of
embracing to the same music »What man but an Englishman would ever select such
a dromedary«
»Avant de se marier« said Madame dIvry »il faut avouer que my lord se
permet dénormes distractions«
»My lord marries himself And when and whom« cries the Duchesses partner
»Miss Newcome Do not you approve of his choice I thought the eyes of
Stenio« the Duchesse called M Victor Stenio »looked with some favour upon
that little person She is handsome even very handsome Is it not so often in
life Stenio Are not youth and innocence I give Miss Ethel the compliment of
her innocence now surtout that the little painter is dismissed are we not
cast into the arms of jaded roués Tender young flowers are we not torn from
our convent gardens and flung into a world of which the air poisons our pure
life and withers the sainted buds of hope and love and faith Faith the
mocking world tramples on it nestcepas Love the brutal world strangles the
heavenborn infant at its birth Hope it smiled at me in my little convent
chamber played among the flowers which I cherished warbled with the birds that
I loved But it quitted me at the door of the world Stenio It folded its white
wings and veiled its radiant face In return for my young love they gave me
sixty years the dregs of a selfish heart egotism cowering over its fire and
cold for all its mantle of ermine In place of the sweet flowers of my young
years they gave me these Stenio« and she pointed to her feathers and her
artificial roses »Oh I should like to crush them under my feet« and she put
out the neatest little slipper The Duchesse was great upon her wrongs and
paraded her blighted innocence to every one who would feel interested by that
piteous spectacle The music here burst out more swiftly and melodiously than
before the pretty little feet forgot their desire to trample upon the world
She shrugged the lean little shoulders »Eh« said the Queen of Scots »dansons
et oublions« and Stenios arm once more surrounded her fairy waist she called
herself a fairy other ladies called her a skeleton and they whirled away in
the waltz again and presently she and Stenio came bumping up against the
stalwart Lord Kew and the ponderous Madame de Gumpelheim as a wherry dashes
against the oaken ribs of a steamer
The little couple did not fall they were struck on to a neighbouring
bench luckily but there was a laugh at the expense of Stenio and the Queen of
Scots and Lord Kew settling his panting partner on to a seat came up to make
excuses for his awkwardness to the lady who had been its victim At the laugh
produced by the catastrophe the Duchesses eyes gleamed with anger
»M de Castillonnes« she said to her partner »have you had any quarrel
with that Englishman«
»With ce Milor But no« said Stenio
»He did it on purpose There has been no day but his family has insulted
me« hissed out the Duchesse and at this moment Lord Kew came up to make his
apologies He asked a thousand pardons of Madame la Duchesse for being so
maladroit
»Maladroit et très maladroit Monsieur« says Stenio curling his
moustache »Cest bien le mot Monsieur«
»Also I make my excuses to Madame la Duchesse which I hope she will
receive« said Lord Kew The Duchesse shrugged her shoulders and sunk her head
»When one does not know how to dance one ought not to dance« continued the
Duchesses knight
»Monsieur is very good to give me lessons in dancing« said Lord Kew
»Any lessons which you please Milor« cries Stenio »and everywhere where
you will them«
Lord Kew looked at the little man with surprise He could not understand so
much anger for so trifling an accident which happens a dozen times in every
crowded ball He again bowed to the Duchesse and walked away
»This is your Englishman your Kew whom you vaunt everywhere« said Stenio
to M de Florac who was standing by and witnessed the scene »Is he simply
bête or is he poltron as well I believe him to be both«
»Silence Victor« cried Florac seizing his arm and drawing him away »You
know me and that I am neither one nor the other Believe my word that my Lord
Kew wants neither courage nor wit«
»Will you be my witness Florac« continues the other
»To take him your excuses yes It is you who have insulted «
»Yes parbleu I have insulted« says the Gascon
»A man who never willingly offended soul alive a man full of heart the
most frank the most loyal I have seen him put to the proof and believe me he
is all I say«
»Eh so much the better for me« cried the Southern »I shall have the
honour of meeting a gallant man and there will be two on the field«
»They are making a tool of you my poor Gascon« said M de Florac who saw
Madame dIvrys eyes watching the couple She presently took the arm of the
noble Count de Punter and went for fresh air into the adjoining apartment
where play was going on as usual and Lord Kew and his friend Lord Rooster were
pacing the room apart from the gamblers
My Lord Rooster at something which Kew said looked puzzled and said
»Pooh stuff damned little Frenchman Confounded nonsense«
»I was searching you Milor« said Madame dIvry in a most winning tone
tripping behind him with her noiseless little feet »Allow me a little word
Your arm you used to give it me once mon filleul I hope you think nothing of
the rudeness of M de Castillonnes He is a foolish Gascon he must have been
too often to the buffet this evening«
Lord Kew said No indeed he thought nothing of M de Castillonnes
rudeness
»I am so glad These heroes of the salle darmes have not the commonest
manners These Gascons are always flamberge au vent What would the charming
Miss Ethel say if she heard of the dispute«
»Indeed there is no reason why she should hear of it« said Lord Kew
»unless some obliging friend should communicate it to her«
»Communicate it to her the poor dear who would be so cruel as to give her
pain« asked the innocent Duchesse »Why do you look at me so Frank«
»Because I admire you« said her interlocutor with a bow »I have never
seen Madame la Duchesse to such advantage as today«
»You speak in enigmas Come back with me to the ballroom Come and dance
with me once more you used to dance with me Let us have one waltz more Kew
And then and then in a day or two I shall go back to Monsieur le Duc and tell
him that his filleul is going to marry the fairest of all Englishwomen and to
turn hermit in the country and orator in the Chamber of Peers You have wit ah
si you have wit« And she led back Lord Kew rather amazed himself at what he
was doing into the ballroom so that the goodnatured people who were there
and who beheld them dancing could not refrain from clapping their hands at the
sight of this couple
The Duchesse danced as if she was bitten by that Neapolitan spider which
according to the legend is such a wonderful danceincentor She would have the
music quicker and quicker She sank on Kews arm and clung on his support She
poured out all the light of her languishing eyes into his face Their glances
rather confused than charmed him But the bystanders were pleased they thought
it so goodhearted of the Duchesse after the little quarrel to make a public
avowal of reconciliation
Lord Rooster looking on at the entrance of the dancingroom over Monsieur
de Floracs shoulder said »Its all right Shes a clipper to dance the
little Duchesse«
»The viper« said Florac »how she writhes«
»I suppose that business with the Frenchman is all over« says Lord Rooster
»Confounded piece of nonsense«
»You believe it finished We shall see« said Florac who perhaps knew his
fair cousin better When the waltz was over Kew led his partner to a seat and
bowed to her but though she made room for him at her side pointing to it and
gathering up her rustling robes so that he might sit down he moved away his
face full of gloom He never wished to be near her again There was something
more odious to him in her friendship than her hatred He knew hers was the hand
that had dealt that stab at him and Ethel in the morning He went back and
talked with his two friends in the doorway »Couch yourself my little Kiou«
said Florac »You are all pale You were best in bed mon garçon«
»She has made me promise to take her in to supper« Kew said with a sigh
»She will poison you« said the other »Why have they abolished the roue
chez nous My word of honour they should reestablish it for this woman«
»There is one in the next room« said Kew with a laugh »Come Vicomte let
us try our fortune« and he walked back into the playroom
That was the last night on which Lord Kew ever played a gambling game He
won constantly The double zero seemed to obey him so that the croupiers
wondered at his fortune Florac backed it saying with the superstition of a
gambler »I am sure something goes to arrive to this boy« From time to time M
de Florac went back to the dancingroom leaving his mise under Kews charge He
always found his heaps increased indeed the worthy Vicomte wanted a turn of
luck in his favour On one occasion he returned with a grave face saying to
Lord Rooster »She has the other one in hand We are going to see« »Trentesix
encor et rouge gagne« cried the croupier with his nasal tone Monsieur de
Floracs pockets overflowed with double napoleons and he stopped his play
luckily for Kew putting down his winnings once twice thrice lost them all
When Lord Kew had left the dancingroom Madame dIvry saw Stenio following
him with fierce looks and called back that bearded bard »You were going to
pursue M de Kew« she said »I knew you were Sit down here sir« and she
patted him down on a seat with her fan
»Do you wish that I should call him back Madame« said the poet with the
deepest tragic accents
»I can bring him when I want him Victor« said the lady
»Let us hope others will be equally fortunate« the Gascon said with one
hand in his breast the other stroking his moustache
»Fi Monsieur que vous sentez le tabac je vous le défends entendezvous
Monsieur«
»Pourtant I have seen the day when Madame la Duchesse did not disdain a
cigar« said Victor »If the odour incommodes permit that I retire«
»And you also would quit me Stenio Do you think I did not mark your eyes
towards Miss Newcome your anger when she refused you to dance Ah we see all
A woman does not deceive herself do you see You send me beautiful verses
Poet You can write as well of a statue or a picture of a rose or a sunset as
of the heart of a woman You were angry just now because I danced with M de
Kew Do you think in a womans eyes jealousy is unpardonable«
»You know how to provoke it Madame« continued the tragedian
»Monsieur« replied the lady with dignity »am I to render you an account
of all my actions and ask your permission for a walk«
»In fact I am but the slave Madame« groaned the Gascon »I am not the
master«
»You are a very rebellious slave Monsieur« continues the lady with a
pretty moue and a glance of the large eyes artfully brightened by her rouge
»Suppose suppose I danced with M de Kew not for his sake Heaven knows to
dance with him is not a pleasure but for yours Suppose I do not want a
foolish quarrel to proceed Suppose I know that he is ni sot ni poltron as you
pretend I overheard you sir talking with one of the basest of men my good
cousin M de Florac but it is not of him I speak Suppose I know the Comte de
Kew to be a man cold and insolent illbred and grossier as the men of his
nation are but one who lacks no courage one who is terrible when roused might
I have no occasion to fear not for him but «
»But for me Ah Marie ah Madame Believe you that a man of my blood will
yield a foot to any Englishman Do you know the story of my race do you know
that since my childhood I have vowed hatred to that nation Tenez Madame this
M Jones who frequents your salon it was but respect for you that has enabled
me to keep my patience with this stupid islander This Captain Blackball whom
you distinguish who certainly shoots well who mounts well to horse I have
always thought his manners were those of the marker of a billiard But I respect
him because he has made war with Don Carlos against the English But this young
M de Kew his laugh crisps me the nerves his insolent air makes me bound in
beholding him I said to myself I hate you Think whether I love him better
after having seen him as I did but now Madame« Also but this Victor did not
say he thought Kew had laughed at him at the beginning of the evening when the
Blanche Miss had refused to dance with him
»Ah Victor it is not him but you that I would save« said the Duchesse
And the people round about and the Duchesse herself afterwards said yes
certainly she had a good heart She entreated Lord Kew she implored M Victor
she did everything in her power to appease the quarrel between him and the
Frenchman
After the ball came the supper which was laid at separate little tables
where parties of half a dozen enjoyed themselves Lord Kew was of the Duchesses
party where our Gascon friend had not a seat But being one of the managers of
the entertainment his lordship went about from table to table seeing that the
guests at each lacked nothing He supposed too that the dispute with the Gascon
had possibly come to an end at any rate disagreeable as the others speech had
been he had resolved to put up with it not having the least inclination to
drink the Frenchmans blood or to part with his own on so absurd a quarrel He
asked people in his goodnatured way to drink wine with him and catching M
Victors eye scowling at him from a distant table he sent a waiter with a
champagne bottle to his late opponent and lifted his glass as a friendly
challenge The waiter carried the message to M Victor who when he heard it
turned up his glass and folded his arms in a stately manner »M de
Castillonnes dit quil refuse Milor« said the waiter rather scared »He
charged me to bring that message to Milor« Florac ran across to the angry
Gascon It was not while at Madame dIvrys table that Lord Kew sent his
challenge and received his reply his duties as steward had carried him away
from that pretty early
Meanwhile the glimmering dawn peered into the windows of the
refreshmentroom and behold the sun broke in and scared all the revellers The
ladies scurried away like so many ghosts at cockcrow some of them not caring
to face that detective luminary Cigars had been lighted ere this the men
remained smoking them with those sleepless German waiters still bringing fresh
supplies of drink Lord Kew gave the Duchesse dIvry his arm and was leading
her out M de Castillonnes stood scowling directly in their way upon which
with rather an abrupt turn of the shoulder and a »Pardon Monsieur« Lord Kew
pushed by and conducted the Duchesse to her carriage She did not in the least
see what had happened between the two gentlemen in the passage she ogled and
nodded and kissed her hands quite affectionately to Kew as the fly drove away
Florac in the meanwhile had seized his compatriot who had drunk champagne
copiously with others if not with Kew and was in vain endeavouring to make him
hear reason The Gascon was furious he vowed that Lord Kew had struck him »By
the tomb of my mother« he bellowed »I swear I will have his blood« Lord
Rooster was bawling out »D him carry him to bed and shut him up« Which
remarks Victor did not understand or two victims would doubtless have been
sacrificed on his mammas mausoleum
When Kew came back as he was only too sure to do the little Gascon rushed
forward with a glove in his hand and having an audience of smokers round about
him made a furious speech about England leopards cowardice insolent
islanders and Napoleon at St Helena and demanded reason for Kews conduct
during the night As he spoke he advanced towards Lord Kew glove in hand and
lifted it as if he was actually going to strike
»There is no need for further words« said Lord Kew taking his cigar out of
his mouth »If you dont drop that glove upon my word I will pitch you out of
the window Ha Pick the man up somebody Youll bear witness
gentlemen I couldnt help myself If he wants me in the morning he knows where
to find me«
»I declare that my Lord Kew has acted with great forbearance and under the
most brutal provocation the most brutal provocation entendezvous M
Cabasse« cried out M de Florac rushing forward to the Gascon who had now
risen »Monsieurs conduct has been unworthy of a Frenchman and a galant homme«
»D it he has had it on his nob though« said Lord Viscount Rooster
laconically
»Ah Roosterre ceci nest pas pour rire« Florac cried sadly as they both
walked away with Lord Kew »I wish that first blood was all that was to be shed
in this quarrel«
»Gaw how he did go down« cried Rooster convulsed with laughter
»I am very sorry for it« said Kew quite seriously »I couldnt help it
God forgive me« And he hung down his head He thought of the past and its
levities and punishment coming after him pede claudo It was with all his heart
the contrite young man said »God forgive me« He would take what was to follow
as the penalty of what had gone before
»Pallas te hoc vulnere Pallas immolat mon pauvre Kiou« said his French
friend And Lord Rooster whose classical education had been much neglected
turned round and said »Hallo mate what ships that«
Viscount Rooster had not been two hours in bed when the Count de Punter
formerly of the Black Jägers waited upon him upon the part of M de
Castillonnes and the Earl of Kew who had referred him to the Viscount to
arrange matters for a meeting between them As the meeting must take place out
of the Baden territory and they ought to move before the police prevented them
the Count proposed that they should at once make for France where as it was an
affair of honour they would assuredly be let to enter without passports
Lady Ann and Lady Kew heard that the gentlemen after the ball had all gone
out on a huntingparty and were not alarmed for fourandtwenty hours at least
On the next day none of them returned and on the day after the family heard
that Lord Kew had met with rather a dangerous accident but all the town knew he
had been shot by M de Castillonnes on one of the islands on the Rhine opposite
Kehl where he was now lying
Chapter XXXV
Across the Alps
Our discursive muse must now take her place in the little britzska in which
Clive Newcome and his companions are travelling and cross the Alps in that
vehicle beholding the snows on St Gothard and the beautiful region through
which the Ticino rushes on its way to the Lombard lakes and the great
corncovered plains of the Milanese and that royal city with the cathedral for
its glittering crown only less magnificent than the imperial dome of Rome I
have some long letters from Mr Clive written during this youthful tour every
step of which from the departure at Baden to the gate of Milan he describes as
beautiful and doubtless the delightful scenes through which the young man went
had their effect in soothing any private annoyances with which his journey
commenced The aspect of nature, in that fortunate route which he took is so
noble and cheering that our private affairs and troubles shrink away abashed
before that serene splendour O sweet peaceful scene of azure lake and
snowcrowned mountain so wonderfully lovely is your aspect that it seems like
heaven almost and as if grief and care could not enter it What young Clives
private cares were I knew not as yet in those days and he kept them out of his
letters it was only in the intimacy of future life that some of these pains
were revealed to me
Some three months after taking leave of Miss Ethel our young gentleman
found himself at Rome with his friend Ridley still for a companion Many of us
young or middleaged have felt that delightful shock which the first sight of
the great city inspires There is one other place of which the view strikes one
with an emotion even greater than that with which we look at Rome where
Augustus was reigning when He saw the day whose birthplace is separated but by
a hill or two from the awful gates of Jerusalem Who that has beheld both can
forget that first aspect of either At the end of years the emotion occasioned
by the sight still thrills in your memory and it smites you as at the moment
when you first viewed it
The business of the present novel however lies neither with priest nor
pagan but with Mr Clive Newcome and his affairs and his companions at this
period of his life Nor if the gracious reader expects to hear of cardinals in
scarlet and noble Roman princes and princesses will he find such in this
history The only noble Roman into whose mansion our friend got admission was
the Prince Polonia whose footmen wear the liveries of the English Royal family
who gives gentlemen and even painters cash upon good letters of credit and
once or twice in a season opens his Transtiberine palace and treats his
customers to a ball Our friend Clive used jocularly to say he believed there
were no Romans There were priests in portentous hats there were friars with
shaven crowns there were the sham peasantry who dressed themselves out in
masquerade costumes with bagpipe and goatskin with crossed leggings and
scarlet petticoats who let themselves out to artists at so many pauls per
sitting but he never passed a Romans door except to buy a cigar or to purchase
a handkerchief Thither as elsewhere we carry our insular habits with us We
have a little England at Paris a little England at Munich Dresden everywhere
Our friend is an Englishman and did at Rome as the English do
There was the polite English society the society that flocks to see the
Colosseum lighted up with blue fire that flocks to the Vatican to behold the
statues by torchlight that hustles into the churches on public festivals in
black veils and deputylieutenants uniforms and stares and talks and uses
operaglasses while the pontiffs of the Roman Church are performing its ancient
rites and the crowds of faithful are kneeling round the altars the society
which gives its balls and dinners has its scandal and bickerings its
aristocrats parvenus toadies imported from Belgravia has its club its hunt
and its Hyde Park on the Pincio and there is the other little English world
the broadhatted longbearded velvetjacketed jovial colony of the artists
who have their own feasts haunts and amusements by the side of their
aristocratic compatriots with whom but few of them have the honour to mingle
JJ and Clive engaged pleasant lofty apartments in the Via Gregoriana
Generations of painters had occupied these chambers and gone their way The
windows of their paintingroom looked into a quaint old garden where there were
ancient statues of the Imperial time a babbling fountain and noble
orangetrees with broad clustering leaves and golden balls of fruit glorious to
look upon Their walks abroad were endlessly pleasant and delightful In every
street there were scores of pictures of the graceful characteristic Italian
life which our painters seem one and all to reject preferring to depict their
quack brigands Contadini Pifferari and the like because Thompson painted
them before Jones and Jones before Thompson and so on backwards into time
There were the children at play the women huddled round the steps of the open
doorways in the kindly Roman winter grim portentous old hags such as Michael
Angelo painted draped in majestic raggery mothers and swarming bambins
slouching countrymen dark of beard and noble of countenance posed in superb
attitudes lazy tattered and majestic There came the red troops the black
troops the blue troops of the army of priests the snuffy regiments of
Capuchins grave and grotesque the trim French abbés my lord the bishop with
his footman those wonderful footmen my lord the cardinal in his ramshackle
coach and his two nay three footmen behind him flunkeys that look as if they
had been dressed by the costumier of a British pantomime coach with prodigious
emblazonments of hats and coatsofarms that seems as if it came out of the
pantomime too and was about to turn into something else So it is that what is
grand to some persons eyes appears grotesque to others and for certain
sceptical persons that step which we have heard of between the sublime and
the ridiculous is not visible
»I wish it were not so« writes Clive in one of the letters wherein he
used to pour his full heart out in those days »I see these people at
their devotions and envy them their rapture A friend who belongs to
the old religion took me last week into a church where the Virgin
lately appeared in person to a Jewish gentleman flashed down upon him
from heaven in light and splendour celestial and of course
straightway converted him My friend bade me look at the picture and
kneeling down beside me I know prayed with all his honest heart that
the truth might shine down upon me too But I saw no glimpse of heaven
at all I saw but a poor picture an altar with blinking candles a
church hung with tawdry strips of red and white calico The good kind
W went away humbly saying that such might have happened again if
Heaven so willed it I could not but feel a kindness and admiration for
the good man I know his works are made to square with his faith that
he dines on a crust lives as chastely as a hermit and gives his all to
the poor
Our friend JJ very different to myself in so many respects so
superior in all is immensely touched by these ceremonies They seem to
answer to some spiritual want of his nature and he comes away satisfied
as from a feast where I have only found vacancy Of course our first
pilgrimage was to St Peters What a walk Under what noble shadows
does one pass how great and liberal the houses are with generous
casements and courts and great grey portals which giants might get
through and keep their turbans on Why the houses are twice as tall as
Lamb Court itself; and over them hangs a noble dinge a venerable mouldy
splendour Over the solemn portals are ancient mystic escutcheons vast
shields of princes and cardinals such as Ariostos knights might take
down and every figure about them is a picture by himself At every turn
there is a temple in every court a brawling fountain Besides the
people of the streets and houses and the army of priests black and
brown theres a great silent population of marble There are battered
gods tumbled out of Olympus and broken in the fall and set up under
niches and over fountains there are senators namelessly noselessly
noiselessly seated under archways or lurking in courts and gardens And
then besides these defunct ones of whom these old figures may be said
to be the corpses there is the reigning family a countless carved
hierarchy of angels saints confessors of the latter dynasty which has
conquered the court of Jove I say Pen I wish Warrington would write
the history of the Last of the Pagans Did you never have a sympathy for
them as the monks came rushing into their temples kicking down their
poor altars smashing the fair calm faces of their gods and sending
their vestals aflying They are always preaching here about the
persecution of the Christians Are not the churches full of martyrs with
choppers in their meek heads virgins on gridirons riddled St
Sebastians and the like But have they never persecuted in their turn
Oh me You and I know better who were bred up near to the pens of
Smithfield where Protestants and Catholics have taken their turn to be
roasted
You pass through an avenue of angels and saints on the bridge across
Tiber all in action Their great wings seem clanking their marble
garments clapping St Michael descending upon the Fiend has been
caught and bronzified just as he lighted on the Castle of St Angelo
his enemy doubtless fell crushing through the roof and so downwards He
is as natural as blank verse that bronze angel set rhythmic
grandiose Youll see some day or other hes a great sonnet sir Im
sure of that Milton wrote in bronze I am sure Virgil polished off his
Georgics in marble sweet calm shapes exquisite harmonies of line As
for the Æneid that sir I consider to be so many basreliefs mural
ornaments which affect me not much
I think I have lost sight of St Peters havent I Yet it is big
enough How it makes your heart beat when you first see it Ours did as
we came in at night from Civita Vecchia and saw a great ghostly
darkling dome rising solemnly up into the grey night and keeping us
company ever so long as we drove as if it had been an orb fallen out of
heaven with its light put out As you look at it from the Pincio and
the sun sets behind it surely that aspect of earth and sky is one of
the grandest in the world I dont like to say that the façade of the
church is ugly and obtrusive As long as the dome overawes that façade
is supportable You advance towards it through oh such a noble
court with fountains flashing up to meet the sunbeams and right and
left of you two sweeping halfcrescents of great columns but you pass
by the courtiers and up to the steps of the throne and the dome seems
to disappear behind it It is as if the throne was upset and the king
had toppled over
There must be moments in Rome especially when every man of
friendly heart who writes himself English and Protestant must feel a
pang at thinking that he and his countrymen are insulated from European
Christendom An ocean separates us From one shore or the other one can
see the neighbour cliffs on clear days one must wish sometimes that
there were no stormy gulf between us and from Canterbury to Rome a
pilgrim could pass and not drown beyond Dover Of the beautiful parts
of the great Mother Church I believe among us many people have no idea.
We think of lazy friars of pining cloistered virgins of ignorant
peasants worshipping wood and stones bought and sold indulgences
absolutions and the like commonplaces of Protestant satire Lo yonder
inscription which blazes round the dome of the temple so great and
glorious it looks like heaven almost and as if the words were written
in stars it proclaims to all the world that this is Peter and on this
rock the Church shall be built against which Hell shall not prevail
Under the bronze canopy his throne is lit with lights that have been
burning before it for ages Round this stupendous chamber are ranged the
grandees of his court Faith seems to be realized in their marble
figures Some of them were alive but yesterday others to be as blessed
as they walk the world even now doubtless and the commissioners of
Heaven here holding their court a hundred years hence shall
authoritatively announce their beatification The signs of their power
shall not be wanting They heal the sick open the eyes of the blind
cause the lame to walk today as they did eighteen centuries ago Are
there not crowds ready to bear witness to their wonders Isnt there a
tribunal appointed to try their claims advocates to plead for and
against prelates and clergy and multitudes of faithful to back and
believe them Thus you shall kiss the hand of a priest today who has
given his to a friar whose bones are already beginning to work miracles
who has been the disciple of another whom the Church has just proclaimed
a saint hand in hand they hold by one another till the line is lost up
in heaven Come friend let us acknowledge this and go and kiss the
toe of St Peter Alas theres the Channel always between us and we no
more believe in the miracles of St Thomas of Canterbury than that the
bones of His Grace John Bird who sits in St Thomass chair presently
will work wondrous cures in the year 2000 that his statue will speak
or his portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence will wink
So you see at those grand ceremonies which the Roman Church
exhibits at Christmas I looked on as a Protestant Holy Father on his
throne or in his palanquin cardinals with their tails and their
trainbearers mitred bishops and abbots regiments of friars and
clergy relics exposed for adoration columns draped altars
illuminated incense smoking organs pealing and boxes of piping
soprani Swiss Guards with slashed breeches and fringed halberts
between us and all this splendour of oldworld ceremony theres an ocean
flowing and yonder old statue of Peter might have been Jupiter again
surrounded by a procession of flamens and augurs and Augustus as
Pontifex Maximum to inspect the sacrifices and my feelings at the
spectacle had been doubtless pretty much the same
Shall I utter any more heresies I am an unbeliever in Raphaels
Transfiguration the scream of that devilpossessed boy in the lower
part of the figure of eight a stolen boy too jars the whole music of
the composition On Michael Angelos great wall the grotesque and
terrible are not out of place What an awful achievement Fancy the
state of mind of the man who worked it as alone day after day he
devised and drew those dreadful figures Suppose in the days of the
Olympian dynasty the subdued Titan rebels had been set to ornament a
place for Jove they would have brought in some such tremendous work or
suppose that Michael descended to the Shades and brought up this
picture out of the halls of Limbo I like a thousand and a thousand
times better to think of Raphaels loving spirit As he looked at women
and children his beautiful face must have shone like sunshine his kind
hand must have caressed the sweet figures as he formed them If I
protest against the Transfiguration and refuse to worship at that altar
before which so many generations have knelt there are hundreads of
others which I salute thankfully It is not so much in the set harangues
to take another metaphor as in the daily tones and talk that his voice
is so delicious Sweet poetry and music and tender hymns drop from
him he lifts his pencil and something gracious falls from it on the
paper How noble his mind must have been it seems but to receive and
his eye seems only to rest on what is great and generous and lovely
You walk through crowded galleries where are pictures ever so large and
pretentious and come upon a grey paper or a little fresco bearing his
mark and over all the brawl and the throng you recognize his sweet
presence I would like to have been Giulio Romano JJ says who does
not care for Giulios pictures because then I would have been
Raphaels favourite pupil We agreed that we would rather have seen him
and William Shakespeare than all the men we ever read of Fancy
poisoning a fellow out of envy as Spagnoletto did There are some men
whose admiration takes that bilious shape Theres a fellow in our mess
at the Lepre a clever enough fellow too and not a bad fellow to the
poor He was a Gandishite He is a genre and portrait painter by the
name of Haggard He hates JJ because Lord Fareham who is here has
given JJ an order and he hates me because I wear a clean shirt and
ride a cockhorse
I wish you could come to our mess at the Lepre Its such a dinner
such a tablecloth such a waiter such a company Every man has a beard
and a sombrero and you would fancy we were a band of brigands We are
regaled with woodcocks snipes wild swans ducks robins and owls and
oionoisi te pasi for dinner and with three pauls worth of wines and
victuals the hungriest has enough even Claypole the sculptor Did you
ever know him He used to come to the Haunt He looks like the Saracens
head with his beard now There is a French table still more hairy than
ours a German table an American table After dinner we go and have
coffee and mezzocaldo at the Caffè Greco over the way Mezzocaldo is
not a bad drink a little rum a slice of fresh citron lots of pounded
sugar and boiling water for the rest Here in various parts of the
cavern it is a vaulted low place the various nations have their
assigned quarters and we drink our coffee and strong waters and abuse
Guido or Rubens or Bernini selon les goûts and blow such a cloud of
smoke as would make Warringtons lungs dilate with pleasure We get very
good cigars for a bajocco and half that is very good for us cheap
tobaccanalians and capital when you have got no others MCollop is
here he made a great figure at a cardinals reception in the tartan of
the MCollop He is splendid at the tomb of the Stuarts and wanted to
cleave Haggard down to the chine with his claymore for saying that
Charles Edward was often drunk
Some of us have our breakfasts at the Caffè Greco at dawn The birds
are very early birds here and youll see the great sculptors the old
Dons you know who look down on us young fellows at their coffee here
when it is yet twilight As I am a swell and have a servant JJ and I
breakfast at our lodgings I wish you could see Terribile our attendant
and Ottavia our old woman You will see both of them on the canvas one
day When he hasnt blacked our boots and has got our breakfast
Terribile the valetde chambre becomes Terribile the model He has
figured on a hundred canvases ere this and almost ever since he was
born All his family were models His mother having been a Venus is
now a Witch of Endor His father is in the patriarchal line He has
himself done the cherubs the shepherdboys and now is a grown man and
ready as a warrior a pifferaro a capuchin or what you will
After the coffee and the Caffè Greco we all go to the Life Academy
After the Life Academy those who belong to the world dress and go out
to teaparties just as if we were in London Those who are not in
society have plenty of fun of their own and better fun than the
teaparty fun too Jack Screwby has a night once a week sardines and
ham for supper and a cask of Marsala in the corner Your humble servant
entertains on Thursdays which is Lady Fitchs night too and I flatter
myself some of the London dandies who are passing the winter here prefer
the cigars and humble liquors which we dispense to tea and Miss Fitchs
performance on the pianoforte
What is that I read in Galignani about Lord K and an affair of
honour at Baden Is it my dear kind jolly Kew with whom some one has
quarrelled I know those who will be even more grieved than I am should
anything happen to the best of good fellows A great friend of Lord
Kews Jack Belsize commonly called came with us from Baden through
Switzerland and we left him at Milan I see by the paper that his elder
brother is dead and so poor Jack will be a great man some day I wish
the chance had happened sooner if it was to befall at all So my
amiable cousin Barnes Newcome Newcome Esq has married my lady Clara
Pulleyn I wish her joy of her bridegroom All I have heard of that
family is from the newspaper If you meet them tell me anything about
them We had a very pleasant time altogether at Baden I suppose the
accident to Kew will put off his marriage with Miss Newcome They have
been engaged you know ever so long And do do write to me and tell
me something about London Its best I should stay here and work this
winter and the next JJ has done a famous picture and if I send a
couple home youll give them a notice in the Pall Mall Gazette wont
you for the sake of old times and yours affectionately
CLIVE NEWCOME«
Chapter XXXVI
In Which M de Florac Is Promoted
However much Madame la Duchesse dIvry was disposed to admire and praise her own
conduct in the affair which ended so unfortunately for poor Lord Kew between
whom and the Gascon her grace vowed that she had done everything in her power to
prevent a battle the old Duke her lord was it appeared by no means
delighted with his wifes behaviour nay visited her with his very sternest
displeasure Miss OGrady the Duchesses companion and her little girls
instructress at this time resigned her functions in the Ivry family It is
possible that in the recriminations consequent upon the governesss dismissal
the Miss Irlandaise in whom the family had put so much confidence divulged
stories unfavourable to her patroness and caused the indignation of the Duke
her husband Between Florac and the Duchesse there was also open war and
rupture He had been one of Kews seconds in the latters affair with the
Vicomtes countryman He had even cried out for fresh pistols and proposed to
engage Castillonnes when his gallant principal fell and though a second duel
was luckily averted as murderous and needless M de Florac never hesitated
afterwards and in all companies to denounce with the utmost virulence the
instigator and the champion of the odious original quarrel He vowed that the
Duchesse had shot le petit Kiou as effectually as if she had herself fired the
pistol at his breast Murderer poisoner Brinvilliers a hundred more such
epithets he used against his kinswoman regretting that the good old times were
past that there was no Chambre Ardente to try her and no rack and wheel to
give her her due
The biographer of the Newcomes has no need although he possesses the
fullest information to touch upon the Duchesses doings further than as they
relate to that most respectable English family When the Duke took his wife into
the country Florac never hesitated to say that to live with her was dangerous
for the old man and to cry out to his friends of the Boulevards or the Jockey
Club »Ma parole dhonneur cette femme le tuera«
Do you know O gentle and unsuspicious readers or have you ever reckoned as
you have made your calculation of society how many most respectable husbands
help to kill their wives how many respectable wives aid in sending their
husbands to Hades The wife of a chimneysweep or a journeyman butcher comes
shuddering before a police magistrate her head bound up her body scarred and
bleeding with wounds which the drunken ruffian her lord has administered a
poor shopkeeper or mechanic is driven out of his home by the furious illtemper
of the shrill virago his wife takes to the publichouse to evil courses to
neglecting his business to the ginbottle to delirium tremens to perdition
Bow Street and policemen and the newspaper reporters have cognizance and a
certain jurisdiction over these vulgar matrimonial crimes but in politer
company how many murderous assaults are there by husband or wife where the
woman is not felled by the actual fist though she staggers and sinks under
blows quite as cruel and effectual where with old wound yet unhealed which
she strives to hide under a smiling face from the world she has to bear up and
to be stricken down and to rise to her feet again under fresh daily strokes of
torture where the husband fond and faithful has to suffer slights coldness
insult desertion his children sneered away from their love for him his
friends driven from his door by jealousy his happiness strangled his whole
life embittered poisoned destroyed If you were acquainted with the history of
every family in your street dont you know that in two or three of the houses
there such tragedies have been playing Is not the young mistress of number 20
already pining at her husbands desertion the kind master of number 30 racking
his fevered brains and toiling through sleepless nights to pay for the jewels on
his wifes neck and the carriage out of which she ogles Lothario in the park
The fate under which man or woman falls blow of brutal tyranny heartless
desertion weight of domestic care too heavy to bear are not blows such as
these constantly striking people down In this long parenthesis we are wandering
ever so far away from M le Duc and Madame la Duchesse dIvry and from the
vivacious Floracs statement regarding his kinsman that that woman will kill
him
There is this at least to be said that if the Duc dIvry did die he was a
very old gentleman and had been a great viveur for at least threescore years
of his life As Prince de Montcontour in his fathers time before the
Revolution during the Emigration even after the Restoration M le Duc had
vécu with an extraordinary vitality He had gone through good and bad fortune
extreme poverty display and splendour affairs of love affairs of honour and
of one disease or another a man must die at the end After the Baden business
and he had dragged off his wife to Champagne the Duke became greatly broken He
brought his little daughter to a convent at Paris putting the child under the
special guardianship of Madame de Florac with whom and with whose family in
these latter days the old chief of the house effected a complete reconciliation
The Duke was now for ever coming to Madame de Florac he poured all his wrongs
and griefs into her ear with garrulous senile eagerness »That little Duchesse
is a Médée a monstre a femme dEugène Sue« the Vicomte used to say »the poor
old Duke he cry ma parole dhonneur he cry and I cry too when he comes to
recount to my poor mother whose sainted heart is the asile of all griefs a
real Hôtel Dieu my word the most sacred with beds for all the afflicted with
sweet words like Sisters of Charity to minister to them I cry mon bon
Pendennis when this vieillard tells his stories about his wife and tears his
white hairs to the feet of my mother«
When the little Antoinette was separated by her father from her mother the
Duchesse dIvry it might have been expected that that poetess would have dashed
off a few more cris de lâme shrieking according to her wont and baring and
beating that shrivelled maternal bosom of hers from which her child had been
just torn The child skipped and laughed to go away to the convent It was only
when she left Madame de Florac that she used to cry and when urged by that good
lady to exhibit a little decorous sentiment in writing to her mamma Antoinette
would ask in her artless way »Pourquoi Mamma used never to speak to me except
sometimes before the world before ladies that understands itself When her
gentleman came she put me to the door she gave me tapes oh oui she gave me
tapes I cry no more she has so much made to cry M le Duc that it is quite
enough of one in a family« So Madame la Duchesse dIvry did not weep even in
print for the loss of her pretty little Antoinette Besides she was engaged
at that time by other sentimental occupations A young grazier of their
neighbouring town of an aspiring mind and remarkable poetic talents engrossed
the Duchesses platonic affections at this juncture When he had sold his beasts
at market he would ride over and read Rousseau and Schiller with Madame la
Duchesse who formed him His pretty young wife was rendered miserable by all
these readings but what could the poor little ignorant countrywoman know of
Platonism Faugh there is more than one woman we see in society smiling about
from house to house pleasant and sentimental and formosa supernè enough but I
fancy a fishs tail is flapping under her fine flounces and a forked fin at the
end of it
Finer flounces finer bonnets more lovely wreaths more beautiful lace smarter
carriages bigger white bows larger footmen were not seen during all the
season of 18 than appeared round about St Georges Hanover Square in the
beautiful month of June succeeding that September when so many of our friends
the Newcomes were assembled at Baden Those flaunting carriages powdered and
favoured footmen were in attendance upon members of the Newcome family and
their connections who were celebrating what is called a marriage in high life
in the temple within Shall we set down a catalogue of the dukes marquises
earls who were present cousins of the lovely bride Are they not already in the
Morning Herald and Court Journal as well as in the Newcome Sentinel and
Independent and the Dorking Intelligencer and Chanticlere Weekly Gazette There
they are all printed at full length sure enough the name of the bride Lady
Clara Pulleyn the lovely and accomplished daughter of the Earl and Countess of
Dorking of the beautiful bridesmaids the Ladies Henrietta Belinda Adelaide
Pulleyn Miss Newcome Miss Alice Newcome Miss Maude Newcome Miss Anna Maria
Hobson Newcome and all the other persons engaged in the ceremony It was
performed by the Right Honourable Viscount Gallowglass Bishop of Ballyshannon
brotherinlaw to the bride assisted by the Honourable and Reverend Hercules
OGrady His Lordships Chaplain and the Reverend John Bulders Rector of St
Marys Newcome Then follow the names of all the nobility who were present and
of the noble and distinguished personages who signed the book Then comes an
account of the principal dresses chefsdoeuvre of Madame Crinoline of the
brides coronal of brilliants supplied by Messrs Morr and Stortimer of the
veil of priceless Chantilly lace the gift of the Dowager Countess of Kew Then
there is a description of the wedding breakfast at the house of the brides
noble parents and of the cake decorated by Messrs Gunter with the most
delicious taste and the sweetest hymeneal allusions
No mention was made by the fashionable chronicler of a slight disturbance
which occurred at St Georges and which indeed was out of the province of such
a genteel purveyor of news Before the marriage service began a woman of vulgar
appearance and disorderly aspect accompanied by two scared children who took
no part in the disorder occasioned by their mothers proceeding except by their
tears and outcries to augment the disquiet made her appearance in one of the
pews of the church was noted there by persons in the vestry was requested to
retire by the beadle and was finally induced to quit the sacred precincts of
the building by the very strongest persuasion of a couple of policemen X and Y
laughed at one another, and nodded their heads knowingly as the poor wretch
with her whimpering boys was led away They understood very well who the
personage was who had come to disturb the matrimonial ceremony it did not
commence until Mrs Delacy as this lady chose to be called had quitted this
temple of Hymen She slunk through the throng of emblazoned carriages and the
press of footmen arrayed as splendidly as Solomon in his glory John jeered at
Thomas William turned his powdered head and signalled Jeames who answered with
a corresponding grin as the woman with sobs and wild imprecations and
frantic appeals made her way through the splendid crowd escorted by her
aidesdecamp in blue I dare say her little history was discussed at many a
dinnertable that day in the basement story of several fashionable houses I
know that at clubs in St Jamess the facetious little anecdote was narrated A
young fellow came to Bayss after the marriage breakfast and mentioned the
circumstance with funny comments although the Morning Post in describing this
affair in high life naturally omitted all mention of such low people as Mrs
Delacy and her children
Those people who knew the noble families whose union had been celebrated by
such a profusion of grandees fine equipages and footmen brass bands brilliant
toilettes and wedding favours asked how it was that Lord Kew did not assist at
Barnes Newcomes marriage Other persons in society inquired waggishly why Jack
Belsize was not present to give Lady Clara away
As for Jack Belsize his clubs had not been ornamented by his presence for a
year past It was said he had broken the bank at Hombourg last autumn had been
heard of during the winter at Milan Venice and Vienna and when a few months
after the marriage of Barnes Newcome and Lady Clara Jacks elder brother died
and he himself became the next in succession to the title and estates of
Highgate many folks said it was a pity little Barneys marriage had taken place
so soon Lord Kew was not present because Kew was still abroad he had had a
gambling duel with a Frenchman and a narrow squeak for his life He had turned
Roman Catholic some men said others vowed that he had joined the Methodist
persuasion At all events Kew had given up his wild courses broken with the
turf and sold his stud off He was delicate yet and his mother was taking care
of him between whom and the old Dowager of Kew who had made up Barneys
marriage as everybody knew there was no love lost
Then who was the Prince de Montcontour who with his princess figured at
this noble marriage There was a Montcontour the Duc dIvrys son but he died
at Paris before the revolution of 30 one or two of the oldsters at Bayss
Major Pendennis General Tufto old Cackleby the old fogeys in a word
remembered the Duke of Ivry when he was here during the Emigration and when he
was called Prince de Montcontour the title of the eldest son of the family
Ivry was dead having buried his son before him and having left only a daughter
by that young woman whom he married and who led him such a life Who was this
present Montcontour
He was a gentleman to whom the reader has already been presented though
when we lately saw him at Baden he did not enjoy so magnificent a title Early
in the year of Barnes Newcomes marriage there came to England and to our
modest apartment in the Temple a gentleman bringing a letter of recommendation
from our dear young Clive who said that the bearer the Vicomte de Florac was
a great friend of his and of the Colonels who had known his family from
boyhood A friend of our Clive and our Colonel was sure of a welcome in Lamb
Court We gave him the hand of hospitality the best cigar in the box the
easychair with only one broken leg the dinner in chambers and at the club the
banquet at Greenwich where ma foi the little whites baites elicited his
profound satisfaction in a word did our best to honour that bill which our
young Clive had drawn upon us We considered the young one in the light of a
nephew of our own we took a pride in him and were fond of him and as for the
Colonel did we not love and honour him would we not do our utmost in behalf of
any stranger who came recommended to us by Thomas Newcomes good word So Florac
was straightway admitted to our companionship We showed him the town and some
of the modest pleasures thereof we introduced him to the Haunt and astonished
him by the company which he met there Between Brents »Deserter« and Mark
Wilders »Garryowen« Florac sang
»Tiens voici ma pipe voilà mon bri quet
Et quand la Tulipe fait le noir tra jet
Que tu sois la seule dans le régi ment
Avec la brûlegueule de ton cher za mant«
to the delight of Tom Sarjent who though he only partially comprehended the
words of the song pronounced the singer to be a rare gentleman full of most
excellent differences We took our Florac to the Derby we presented him in
Fitzroy Square whither we still occasionally went for Clives and our dear
Colonels sake
The Vicomte pronounced himself strongly in favour of the blanche misse
little Rosey Mackenzie of whom we have lost sight for some few chapters Mrs
Mack he considered my faith to be a woman superb He used to kiss the tips of
his own fingers in token of his admiration for the lovely widow he pronounced
her again more pretty than her daughter and paid her a thousand compliments
which she received with exceeding goodhumour If the Vicomte gave us to
understand presently that Rosey and her mother were both in love with him but
that for all the world he would not meddle with the happiness of his dear little
Clive nothing unfavourable to the character or constancy of the
beforementioned ladies must be inferred from M de Floracs speech his firm
conviction being that no woman could pass many hours in his society without
danger to her subsequent peace of mind
For some little time we had no reason to suspect that our French friend was
not particularly well furnished with the current coin of the realm Without
making any show of wealth he would at first cheerfully engage in our little
parties his lodgings in the neighbourhood of Leicester Square though dingy
were such as many noble foreign exiles have inhabited It was not until he
refused to join some pleasure trip which we of Lamb Court proposed honestly
confessing his poverty that we were made aware of the Vicomtes little
temporary calamity and as we became more intimate with him he acquainted us
with great openness with the history of all his fortunes He described
energetically that splendid run of luck which had set in at Baden with Clives
loan His winnings at that fortunate period had carried him through the winter
with considerable brilliancy but bouillote and Mademoiselle Atala of the
Variétés une ogresse mon cher who devours thirty of our young men every year
in her cavern in the Rue de Bréda had declared against him and the poor
Vicomtes pockets were almost empty when he came to London
He was amiably communicative regarding himself and told us his virtues and
his faults if indeed a passion for play and for women could be considered as
faults in a gay young fellow of two or three and forty with a like engaging
frankness He would weep in describing his angel mother he would fly off again
into tirades respecting the wickedness the wit the extravagance the charms of
the young lady of the Variétés He would then in conversation introduce us to
Madame de Florac née Higg of Manchesterre His prattle was incessant and to
my friend Mr Warrington especially he was an object of endless delight and
amusement and wonder He would roll and smoke countless paper cigars talking
unrestrainedly when we were not busy silent when we were engaged He would only
rarely partake of our meals and altogether refused all offers of pecuniary aid
He disappeared at dinnertime into the mysterious purlieus of Leicester Square
and dark ordinaries only frequented by Frenchmen As we walked with him in the
Regent Street precincts he would exchange marks of recognition with many dusky
personages smoking bravos and whiskered refugees of his nation »That
gentleman« he would say »who has done me the honour to salute me is a
coiffeur of the most celebrated he forms the délices of our tabledhôte Bon
jour mon cher Monsieur We are friends though not of the same opinion
Monsieur is a republican of the most distinguished conspirator of profession
and at this time engaged in constructing an infernal machine to the address of
His Majesty Louis Philippe King of the French« »Who is my friend with the
scarlet beard and the white paletot« »My good Warrington you do not move in
the world you make yourself a hermit my dear Not know Monsieur Monsieur is
secretary to Mademoiselle Caracoline the lovely rider at the circus of Astley
I shall be charmed to introduce you to this amiable society some day at our
tabledhôte«
Warrington vowed that the company of Floracs friends would be infinitely
more amusing than the noblest society ever chronicled in the Morning Post but
we were neither sufficiently familiar with the French language to make
conversation in that tongue as pleasant to us as talking in our own and so were
content with Floracs description of his compatriots which the Vicomte
delivered in that charming FrenchEnglish of which he was a master
However threadbare in his garments poor in purse and eccentric in morals
our friend was his manners were always perfectly gentlemanlike and he draped
himself in his poverty with the grace of a Spanish grandee It must be confessed
that the grandee loved the estaminet where he could play billiards with the
first comer that he had a passion for the gamblinghouse that he was a loose
and disorderly nobleman but in whatever company he found himself a certain
kindness simplicity and politeness distinguished him always He bowed to the
damsel who sold him a penny cigar as graciously as to a duchess he crushed a
manants impertinence or familiarity as haughtily as his noble ancestors ever
did at the Louvre at Marli or Versailles He declined to obtempérer to his
landladys request to pay his rent but he refused with a dignity which struck
the woman with awe and King Alfred over the celebrated muffin on which
Gandish and other painters have exercised their genius could not have looked
more noble than Florac in a robedechambre once gorgeous but shady now as
became its owners clouded fortunes toasting his bit of bacon at his lodgings
when the fare even of his tabledhôte had grown too dear for him
As we know from Gandishs work that better times were in store for the
wandering monarch and that the officers came acquainting him that his people
demanded his presence à grands cris when of course King Alfred laid down the
toastingfork and resumed the sceptre so in the case of Florac two humble
gentlemen inhabitants of Lamb Court and members of the Upper Temple had the
good luck to be the heralds as it were nay indeed the occasion of the rising
fortunes of the Prince de Montcontour Florac had informed us of the death of
his cousin the Duc dIvry by whose demise the Vicomtes father the old Count
de Florac became the representative of the house of Ivry and possessor
through his relatives bequest of an old château still more gloomy and spacious
than the Counts own house in the Faubourg St Germain a château of which the
woods domains and appurtenances had been lopped off by the Revolution
»Monsieur le Comte« Florac says »has not wished to change his name at his age
He has shrugged his old shoulder and said it was not the trouble to make to
engrave a new card and for me« the philosophical Vicomte added »of what good
shall be a title of prince in the position where I find myself« It is wonderful
for us who inhabit a country where rank is worshipped with so admirable a
reverance to think that there are many gentlemen in France who actually have
authentic titles and do not choose to beat them
Mr George Warrington was hugely amused with this notion of Floracs ranks
and dignities The idea of the Prince purchasing penny cigars of the Prince
mildly expostulating with his landlady regarding the rent of his punting for
halfcrowns at a neighbouring hall in Air Street whither the poor gentleman
desperately ran when he had money in his pocket tickled Georges sense of
humour It was Warrington who gravely saluted the Vicomte and compared him to
King Alfred on that afternoon when we happened to call upon him and found him
engaged in cooking his modest dinner
We were bent upon an excursion to Greenwich and on having our friends
company on that voyage and we induced the Vicomte to forego his bacon and be
our guest for once George Warrington chose to indulge in a great deal of
ironical pleasantry in the course of the afternoons excursion As we went down
the river he pointed out to Florac the very window in the tower where the
captive Duke of Orleans used to sit when he was an inhabitant of that fortress
At Greenwich which palace Florac informed us was built by Queen Elizabeth
George showed the very spot where Raleigh laid his cloak down to enable Her
Majesty to step over a puddle In a word he mystified M de Florac such was Mr
Warringtons reprehensible spirit
It happened that Mr Barnes Newcome came to dine at Greenwich on the same
day when our little party took place He had come down to meet Rooster and one
or two other noble friends whose names he took care to give us cursing them at
the same time for having thrown him over Having missed his own company Mr
Barnes condescended to join ours Warrington gravely thanking him for the great
honour which he conferred upon us by volunteering to take a place at our table
Barnes drank freely and was good enough to resume his acquaintance with
Monsieur de Florac whom he perfectly well recollected at Baden but had thought
proper to forget on the one or two occasions when they had met in public since
the Vicomtes arrival in this country There are few men who can drop and resume
an acquaintance with such admirable selfpossession as Barnes Newcome When
over our dessert by which time all tongues were unloosed and each man talked
gaily George Warrington freely thanked Barnes in a little mock speech for his
great kindness in noticing us presenting him at the same time to Florac as the
ornament of the City the greatest banker of his age the beloved kinsman of
their friend Clive who was always writing about him Barnes said with one of
his accustomed curses he did not know whether Mr Warrington was chaffing him
or not and indeed could never make him out Warrington replied that he never
could make himself out and if ever Mr Barnes could George would thank him for
information on that subject
Florac like most Frenchmen very sober in his potations left us for a
while over ours which were conducted after the more liberal English manner and
retired to smoke his cigar on the terrace Barnes then freely uttered his
sentiments regarding him which were not more favourable than those which the
young gentleman generally emitted respecting gentlemen whose backs were turned
He had known a little of Florac the year before at Baden he had been mixed up
with Kew in that confounded row in which Kew was hit he was an adventurer a
pauper a blackleg a regular Greek He had heard Florac was of old family that
was true but what of that He was only one of those d French counts
everybody was a count in France confound em The claret was beastly not fit
for a gentleman to drink He swigged off a great bumper as he was making the
remark for Barnes Newcome abuses the men and things which he uses and perhaps
is better served than more grateful persons
»Count« cries Warrington »what do you mean by talking about beggarly
counts Floracs family is one of the noblest and most ancient in Europe It is
more ancient than your illustrious friend the barbersurgeon it was
illustrious before the house ay or the pagoda of Kew was in existence« And he
went on to describe how Florac by the demise of his kinsman was now actually
Prince de Montcontour though he did not choose to assume that title Very
likely the noble Gascon drink in which George had been indulging imparted a
certain warmth and eloquence to his descriptions of Floracs good qualities
high birth and considerable patrimony Barnes looked quite amazed and scared at
these announcements then laughed and declared once more that Warrington was
chaffing him
»As sure as the Black Prince was Lord of Aquitaine as sure as the English
were masters of Bordeaux and why did we ever lose the country« cries George
filling himself a bumper »every word I have said about Florac is true« And
Florac coming in at this juncture having just finished his cigar George turned
round and made him a fine speech in the French language in which he lauded his
constancy and goodhumour under evil fortune paid him two or three more cordial
compliments and finished by drinking another great bumper to his good health
Florac took a little wine replied with effusion to the toast which his
excellent his noble friend had just carried We rapped our glasses at the end
of the speech The landlord himself seemed deeply touched by it as he stood by
with a fresh bottle »It is good wine it is honest wine it is capital wine«
says George »and honi soit qui mal y pense What business have you you little
beggar to abuse it My ancestor drank the wine and wore the motto round his leg
long before a Newcome ever showed his pale face in Lombard Street« George
Warrington never bragged about his pedigree except under certain influences I
am inclined to think that on this occasion he really did find the claret very
good
»You dont mean to say« says Barnes addressing Florac in French on which
he piqued himself »que vous avez un tel manche à votre nom et que vous ne
lusez pas«
Florac shrugged his shoulders he at first did not understand that familiar
figure of English speech or what was meant by »having a handle to your name«
»Montcontour cannot dine better than Florac« he said »Florac has two louis in
his pocket and Montcontour exactly forty shillings Floracs proprietor will
ask Montcontour tomorrow for five weeks rent and as for Floracs friends my
dear they will burst out laughing to Montcontours nose« »How droll you
English are« this acute French observer afterwards said laughing and
recalling the incident »Did you not see how that little Barnes as soon as he
knew my title of Prince changed his manner and became all respect towards me«
This indeed Monsieur de Floracs two friends remarked with no little
amusement Barnes began quite well to remember their pleasant days at Baden and
talked of their acquaintance there Barnes offered the Prince the vacant seat in
his brougham and was ready to set him down anywhere that he wished in town
»Bah« says Florac »we came by the steamer and I prefer the péniboat« But
the hospitable Barnes nevertheless called upon Florac the next day And now
having partially explained how the Prince de Montcontour was present at Mr
Barnes Newcomes wedding let us show how it was that Barness first cousin the
Earl of Kew did not attend that ceremony
Chapter XXXVII
Returns to Lord Kew
We do not propose to describe at length or with precision the circumstances of
the duel which ended so unfortunately for young Lord Kew The meeting was
inevitable After the public acts and insult of the morning the maddened
Frenchman went to it convinced that his antagonist had wilfully outraged him
eager to show his bravery upon the body of an Englishman and as proud as if he
had been going into actual war That commandment the sixth in our decalogue
which forbids the doing of murder and the injunction which directly follows on
the same table have been repealed by a very great number of Frenchmen for many
years past and to take the neighbours wife and his life subsequently has not
been an uncommon practice with the politest people in the world Castillonnes
had no idea but that he was going to the field of honour stood with an
undaunted scowl before his enemys pistol and discharged his own and brought
down his opponent with a grim satisfaction and a comfortable conviction
afterwards that he had acted en galant homme »It was well for this Milor that
he fell at the first shot my dear« the exemplary young Frenchman remarked »a
second might have been yet more fatal to him Ordinarily I am sure of my coup
and you conceive that in an affair so grave it was absolutely necessary that one
or other should remain on the ground« Nay should M de Kew recover from his
wound it was M de Castillonnes intention to propose a second encounter
between himself and that nobleman It had been Lord Kews determination never to
fire upon his opponent a confession which he made not to his second poor
scared Lord Rooster who bore the young Earl to Kehl but to some of his nearest
relatives who happened fortunately to be not far from him when he received his
wound and who came with all the eagerness of love to watch by his bedside
We have said that Lord Kews mother Lady Walham and her second son were
staying at Hombourg when the Earls disaster occurred They had proposed to come
to Baden to see Kews new bride and to welcome her but the presence of her
motherinlaw deterred Lady Walham who gave up her hearts wish in bitterness
of spirit knowing very well that a meeting between the old Countess and herself
could only produce the wrath pain and humiliation which their coming together
always occasioned It was Lord Kew who bade Rooster send for his mother and not
for Lady Kew and as soon as she received those sad tidings you may be sure the
poor lady hastened to the bed where her wounded boy lay
The fever had declared itself, and the young man had been delirious more
than once His wan face lighted up with joy when he saw his mother he put his
little feverish hand out of the bed to her »I knew you would come dear« he
said »and you know I never would have fired upon the poor Frenchman« The fond
mother allowed no sign of terror or grief to appear upon her face so as to
disturb her firstborn and darling but no doubt she prayed by his side as such
loving hearts know how to pray for the forgiveness of his trespass who had
forgiven those who sinned against him »I knew I should be hit George« said
Kew to his brother when they were alone »I always expected some such end as
this My life has been very wild and reckless and you George have always been
faithful to our mother You will make a better Lord Kew than I have been
George God bless you« George flung himself down with sobs by his brothers
bedside and swore Frank had always been the best fellow the best brother the
kindest heart the warmest friend in the world Love prayer repentance thus
met over the young mans bed Anxious and humble hearts his own the least
anxious and the most humble awaited the dread award of life or death and the
world and its ambition and vanities were shut out from the darkened chamber
where the awful issue was being tried
Our history has had little to do with characters resembling this lady It is
of the world and things pertaining to it Things beyond it as the writer
imagines scarcely belong to the novelists province Who is he that he should
assume the divines office or turn his desk into a preachers pulpit In that
career of pleasure of idleness of crime we might call it but that the
chronicler of worldly matters had best be chary of applying hard names to acts
which young men are doing in the world every day the gentle widowed lady
mother of Lord Kew could but keep aloof deploring the course upon which her
dear young prodigal had entered and praying with that saintly love those pure
supplications with which good mothers follow their children for her boys
repentance and return Very likely her mind was narrow very likely the
precautions which she had used in the lads early days the tutors and directors
she had set about him the religious studies and practices to which she would
have subjected him had served only to vex and weary the young pupil and to
drive his high spirit into revolt It is hard to convince a woman perfectly pure
in her life and intentions ready to die if need were for her own faith having
absolute confidence in the instruction of her teachers that she and they with
all their sermons may be doing harm When the young catechist yawns over his
reverences discourse who knows but it is the doctors vanity which is enraged
and not Heaven which is offended It may have been in the differences which
took place between her son and her the good Lady Walham never could comprehend
the lads side of the argument or how his protestantism against her doctrines
should exhibit itself on the turf the gamingtable or the stage of the
operahouse and thus but for the misfortune under which poor Kew now lay
bleeding these two loving hearts might have remained through life asunder But
by the boys bedside in the paroxysms of his fever in the wild talk of his
delirium in the sweet patience and kindness with which he received his dear
nurses attentions the gratefulness with which he thanked the servants who
waited on him the fortitude with which he suffered the surgeons dealings with
his wound the widowed woman had an opportunity to admire with an exquisite
thankfulness the generous goodness of her son and in those hours those sacred
hours passed in her own chamber of prayers fears hopes recollections and
passionate maternal love wrestling with fate for her darlings life no doubt
the humbled creature came to acknowledge that her own course regarding him had
been wrong and even more for herself than for him implored forgiveness
For some time George Barnes had to send but doubtful and melancholy
bulletins to Lady Kew and the Newcome family at Baden who were all greatly
moved and affected by the accident which had befallen poor Kew Lady Kew broke
out in wrath and indignation We may be sure the Duchesse dIvry offered to
condole with her upon Kews mishap the day after the news arrived at Baden and
indeed came to visit her The old lady had just received other disquieting
intelligence She was just going out but she bade her servant to inform the
Duchesse that she was never more at home to the Duchesse dIvry The message was
not delivered properly or the person for whom it was intended did not choose to
understand it for presently as the Countess was hobbling across the walk on
her way to her daughters residence she met the Duchesse dIvry who saluted
her with a demure curtsy and a commonplace expression of condolence The Queen
of Scots was surrounded by the chief part of her court saving of course MM
Castillonnes and Punter absent on service »We were speaking of this deplorable
affair« said Madame dIvry which indeed was the truth although she said it
»How we pity you Madame« Blackball and Loder Cruchecassée and Schlangenbad
assumed sympathetic countenances
Trembling on her cane the old Countess glared out upon Madame dIvry »I
pray you Madame« she said in French »never again to address me the word If I
had like you assassins in my pay I would have you killed do you hear me«
and she hobbled on her way The household to which she went was in terrible
agitation the kind Lady Ann frightened beyond measure poor Ethel full of
dread and feeling guilty almost as if she had been the cause as indeed she
was the occasion of Kews misfortune And the family had further cause of alarm
from the shock which the news had given to Sir Brian It has been said that he
had had illnesses of late which caused his friends much anxiety He had passed
two months at AixlaChapelle his physicians dreading a paralytic attack and
Madame dIvrys party still sauntering on the walk the men smoking their
cigars the women breathing their scandal now beheld Doctor Finck issuing from
Lady Anns apartments and wearing such a face of anxiety that the Duchesse
asked with some emotion »Had there been a fresh bulletin from Kehl«
»No there had been no fresh bulletin from Kehl but two hours since Sir
Brian Newcome had had a paralytic seizure«
»Is he very bad«
»No« says Dr Finck »he is not very bad«
»How inconsolable M Barnes will be« said the Duchesse shrugging her
haggard shoulders Whereas the fact was that Mr Barnes retained perfect
presence of mind under both of the misfortunes which had befallen his family
Two days afterwards the Duchesses husband arrived himself when we may presume
that exemplary woman was too much engaged with her own affairs to be able to be
interested about the doings of other people With the Dukes arrival the court
of Mary Queen of Scots was broken up Her Majesty was conducted to Lochleven
where her tyrant soon dismissed her very last ladyinwaiting the confidential
Irish secretary whose performance had produced such a fine effect amongst the
Newcomes
Had poor Sir Brian Newcomes seizure occurred at an earlier period of the
autumn his illness no doubt would have kept him for some months confined at
Baden but as he was pretty nearly the last of Dr Von Fincks bath patients
and that eminent physician longed to be off to the Residenz he was pronounced
in a fit condition for easy travelling in rather a brief period after his
attack and it was determined to transport him to Mannheim and thence by water
to London and Newcome
During all this period of their fathers misfortune no sister of charity
could have been more tender active cheerful and watchful than Miss Ethel She
had to wear a kind face and exhibit no anxiety when occasionally the feeble
invalid made inquiries regarding poor Kew at Baden to catch the phrases as they
came from him to acquiesce or not to deny when Sir Brian talked of the
marriages both marriages taking place at Christmas Sir Brian was especially
eager for his daughters and repeatedly with his broken words and smiles and
caresses which were now quite senile declared that his Ethel would make the
prettiest countess in England There came a letter or two from Clive no
doubt to the young nurse in her sickroom Manly and generous full of
tenderness and affection as those letters surely were they could give but
little pleasure to the young lady indeed only add to her doubts and pain
She had told none of her friends as yet of those last words of Kews which
she interpreted as a farewell on the young noblemans part Had she told them
they very likely would not have understood Kews meaning as she did and
persisted in thinking that the two were reconciled At any rate whilst he and
her father were still lying stricken by the blows which had prostrated them
both all questions of love and marriage had been put aside Did she love him
She felt such a kind pity for his misfortune such an admiration for his
generous gallantry such a remorse for her own wayward conduct and cruel
behaviour towards this most honest and kindly and affectionate gentleman that
the sum of regard which she could bestow upon him might surely be said to amount
to love For such a union as that contemplated between them perhaps for any
marriage no greater degree of attachment was necessary as the common cement
Warm friendship and thorough esteem and confidence I do not say that our young
lady calculated in this matterof-fact way are safe properties invested in the
prudent marriage stock multiplying and bearing an increasing value with every
year Many a young couple of spendthrifts get through their capital of passion
in the first twelve months and have no love left for the daily demands of
afterlife Oh me for the day when the bank account is closed and the cupboard
is empty and the firm of Damon and Phyllis insolvent
Miss Newcome we say, without doubt did not make her calculations in this
debtor and creditor fashion it was only the gentlemen of that family who went
to Lombard Street But suppose she thought that regard and esteem and
affection being sufficient she could joyfully and with almost all her heart
bring such a portion to Lord Kew that her harshness towards him as contrasted
with his own generosity and above all with his present pain infinitely touched
her and suppose she fancied that there was another person in the world to whom
did fates permit she could offer not esteem affection pity only but
something ten thousand times more precious We are not in the young ladys
secrets but if she has some as she sits by her fathers chair and bed who day
or night will have no other attendant and as she busies herself to interpret
his wants silently moves on his errands administers his potions and watches
his sleep thinks of Clive absent and unhappy of Kew wounded and in danger she
must have subject enough of thought and pain Little wonder that her cheeks are
pale and her eyes look red she has her cares to endure now in the world and
her burden to bear in it and somehow she feels she is alone since that day
when poor Clives carriage drove away
In a mood of more than ordinary depression and weakness Lady Kew must have
found her granddaughter upon one of the few occasions after the double mishap
when Ethel and her elder were together Sir Brians illness as it may be
imagined affected a lady very slightly who was of an age when these calamities
occasion but small disquiet and who having survived her own father her
husband her son and witnessed their lordships respective demises with perfect
composure could not reasonably be called upon to feel any particular dismay at
the probable departure from this life of a Lombard Street banker who happened
to be her daughters husband In fact not Barnes Newcome himself could await
that event more philosophically So finding Ethel in this melancholy mood Lady
Kew thought a drive in the fresh air would be of service to her and Sir Brian
happening to be asleep carried the young girl away in her barouche
They talked about Lord Kew of whom the accounts were encouraging and who
is mending in spite of his silly mother and her medicines »and as soon as he is
able to move we must go and fetch him my dear« Lady Kew graciously said
»before that foolish woman has made a Methodist of him He is always led by the
woman who is nearest to him and I know one who will make of him just the best
little husband in England« Before they had come to this delicate point the lady
and her grandchild had talked Kews character over the girl you may be sure
having spoken feelingly and eloquently about his kindness and courage and many
admirable qualities She kindled when she heard the report of his behaviour at
the commencement of the fracas with M de Castillonnes his great forbearance
and goodnature and his resolution and magnanimity when the moment of collision
came
But when Lady Kew arrived at that period of her discourse in which she
stated that Kew would make the best little husband in England poor Ethels eyes
filled with tears we must remember that her high spirit was worn down by
watching and much varied anxiety and then she confessed that there had been no
reconciliation as all the family fancied between Frank and herself on the
contrary a parting which she understood to be final and she owned that her
conduct towards her cousin had been most captious and cruel and that she could
not expect they should ever again come together Lady Kew who hated sickbeds
and surgeons except for herself who hated her daughterinlaw above all was
greatly annoyed at the news which Ethel gave her made light of it however and
was quite confident that a very few words from her would place matters on their
old footing and determined on forthwith setting out for Kehl She would have
carried Ethel with her but that the poor Baronet with cries and moans insisted
on retaining his nurse and Ethels grandmother was left to undertake this
mission by herself the girl remaining behind acquiescent not unwilling owning
openly a great regard and esteem for Kew and the wrong which she had done him
feeling secretly a sentiment which she had best smother She had received a
letter from that other person and answered it with her mothers cognizance but
about this little affair neither Lady Ann nor her daughter happened to say a
word to the manager of the whole family
Chapter XXXVIII
In which Lady Kew Leaves His Lordship Quite Convalescent
Immediately after Lord Kews wound and as it was necessary to apprise the
Newcome family of the accident which had occurred the goodnatured young Kew
had himself written a brief note to acquaint his relatives with his mishap and
had even taken the precaution to antedate a couple of billets to be dispatched
on future days kindly forgeries which told the Newcome family and the
Countess of Kew that Lord Kew was progressing very favourably and that his hurt
was trifling The fever had set in and the young patient was lying in great
danger as most of the laggards at Baden knew when his friends there were set
at ease by this fallacious bulletin On the third day after the accident Lady
Walham arrived with her younger son to find Lord Kew in the fever which ensued
after the wound As the terrible anxiety during the illness had been Lady
Walhams so was hers the delight of the recovery The commanderinchief of the
family the old lady at Baden showed her sympathy by sending couriers and
repeatedly issuing orders to have news of Kew Sickbeds scared her away
invariably When illness befell a member of her family she hastily retreated
from before the sufferer showing her agitation of mind however by excessive
illhumour to all the others within her reach
A fortnight passed a ball had been found and extracted the fever was over
the wound was progressing favourably the patient advancing towards
convalescence and the mother with her child once more under her wing happier
than she had been for seven years past during which her young prodigal had been
running the thoughtless career of which he himself was weary and which had
occasioned the fond lady such anguish Those doubts which perplex many a
thinking man and when formed and uttered give many a fond and faithful woman
pain so exquisite had most fortunately never crossed Kews mind His early
impressions were such as his mother had left them and he came back to her as
she would have him as a little child owning his faults with a hearty humble
repentance and with a thousand simple confessions lamenting the errors of his
past days We have seen him tired and ashamed of the pleasures which he was
pursuing of the companions who surrounded him of the brawls and dissipations
which amused him no more In those hours of danger and doubt when he had lain
with death perhaps before him making up his account of the vain life which
probably he would be called upon to surrender no wonder this simple kindly
modest and courageous soul thought seriously of the past and of the future and
prayed and resolved if a future were awarded to him it should make amends for
the days gone by and surely as the mother and son read together the beloved
assurance of the divine forgiveness and of that joy which angels feel in heaven
for a sinner repentant we may fancy in the happy mothers breast a feeling
somewhat akin to that angelic felicity a gratitude and joy of all others the
loftiest the purest the keenest Lady Walham might shrink with terror at the
Frenchmans name but her son could forgive him with all his heart and kiss his
mothers hand and thank him as the best friend of his life
During all the days of his illness Kew had never once mentioned Ethels
name and once or twice as his recovery progressed when with doubt and tremor
his mother alluded to it he turned from the subject as one that was
disagreeable and painful Had she thought seriously on certain things Lady
Walham asked Kew thought not »but those who are bred up as you would have
them mother are often none the better« the humble young fellow said »I
believe she is a very good girl She is very clever she is exceedingly
handsome she is very good to her parents and her brothers and sisters but «
He did not finish the sentence Perhaps he thought as he told Ethel afterwards
that she would have agreed with Lady Walham even worse than with her imperious
old grandmother
Lady Walham then fell to deplore Sir Brians condition accounts of whose
seizure of course had been dispatched to the Kehl party and to lament that a
worldly man as he was should have such an affliction so near the grave and so
little prepared for it Here honest Kew however held out »Every man for
himself mother« says he »Sir Brian was bred up very strictly perhaps too
strictly as a young man Dont you know that that good Colonel his elder
brother who seems to me about the most honest and good old gentleman I ever met
in my life was driven into rebellion and all sorts of wild courses by old Mrs
Newcomes tyranny over him As for Sir Brian he goes to church every Sunday
has prayers in the family every day Im sure has led a hundred times better
life than I have poor old Sir Brian I often have thought mother that though
our side was wrong yours could not be altogether right because I remember how
my tutor and Mr Bonner and Dr Laud when they used to come down to us at
Kewbury used to make themselves so unhappy about other people« So the widow
withdrew her unhappiness about Sir Brian she was quite glad to hope for the
best regarding that invalid
With some fears yet regarding her son for many of the books with which the
good lady travelled could not be got to interest him at some he would laugh
outright with fear mixed with the maternal joy that he was returned to her
and had quitted his old ways with keen feminine triumph perhaps that she had
won him back and happiness at his daily mending health all Lady Walhams hours
were passed in thankful and delighted occupation George Barnes kept the
Newcomes acquainted with the state of his brothers health The skilful surgeon
from Strasbourg reported daily better and better of him and the little family
were living in great peace and contentment with one subject of dread however
hanging over the mother of the two young men the arrival of Lady Kew as she
was foreboding the fierce old motherinlaw who had worsted Lady Walham in many
a previous battle
It was what they call the summer of St Martin and the weather was luckily
very fine Kew could presently be wheeled into the garden of the hotel whence
he could see the broad turbid current of the swollen Rhine the French bank
fringed with alders the vast yellow fields behind them the great avenue of
poplars stretching away to the Alsatian city and its purple minster yonder Good
Lady Walham was for improving the shining hour by reading amusing extracts from
her favourite volumes gentle anecdotes of Chinese and Hottentot converts and
incidents from missionary travel George Barnes a wily young diplomatist
insinuated Galignani and hinted that Kew might like a novel and a profane work
called »Oliver Twist« having appeared about this time which George read out to
his family with admirable emphasis it is a fact that Lady Walham became so
interested in the parish boys progress that she took his history into her
bedroom where it was discovered under Blatherwicks »Voice from Mesopotamia«
by her ladyships maid and that Kew laughed so immensely at Mr Bumble the
Beadle as to endanger the reopening of his wound
While one day they were so harmlessly and pleasantly occupied a great
whacking of whips blowing of horns and whirring of wheels was heard in the
street without The wheels stopped at their hotel gate Lady Walham started up
ran through the garden door closing it behind her and divined justly who had
arrived The landlord was bowing the courier pushing about waiters in
attendance one of them coming up to palefaced Lady Walham said »Her
Excellency the Frau Gräfin von Kew is even now absteiging«
»Will you be good enough to walk into our salon Lady Kew« said the
daughterinlaw stepping forward and opening the door of that apartment The
Countess leaning on her staff entered that darkened chamber She ran up
towards an easychair where she supposed Lord Kew was »My dear Frank« cries
the old lady »my dear boy what a pretty fright you have given us all They
dont keep you in this horrid noisy room facing the Ho what is this« cries
the countess closing her sentence abruptly
»It is not Frank it is only a bolster Lady Kew and I dont keep him in a
noisy room towards the street« said Lady Walham
»Ho how do you do This is the way to him I suppose« and she went to
another door it was a cupboard full of the relics of Franks illness from
which Lady Walhams motherinlaw shrunk back aghast »Will you please to see
that I have a comfortable room Maria and one for my maid next me I will thank
you to see yourself« the Empress of Kew said pointing with her stick before
which many a time the younger lady had trembled
This time Lady Walham only rang the bell »I dont speak German and have
never been on any floor of the house but this Your servant had better see to
your room Lady Kew That next is mine and I keep the door which you are
trying locked on the other side«
»And I suppose Frank is locked up there« cried the old lady »with a basin
of gruel and a book of Wattss hymns« A servant entered at this moment
answering Lady Walhams summons »Peacock the Countess of Kew says that she
proposes to stay here this evening Please to ask the landlord to show her
ladyship rooms« said Lady Walham and by this time she had thought of a reply
to Lady Kews last kind speech
»If my son were locked up in my room madam his mother is surely the best
nurse for him Why did you not come to him three weeks sooner when there was
nobody with him«
Lady Kew said nothing but glared and showed her teeth those pearls set in
gold
»And my company may not amuse Lord Kew «
»He e e« grinned the elder savagely
»But at least it is better than some to which you introduced my son«
continued Lady Kews daughterinlaw gathering force and wrath as she spoke
»Your ladyship may think lightly of me but you can hardly think so ill of me as
of the Duchesse dIvry I should suppose to whom you sent my boy to form him
you said about whom when I remonstrated for though I live out of the world I
hear of it sometimes you were pleased to tell me that I was a prude and a
fool It is you I thank for separating my child from me yes you for so many
years of my life and for bringing me to him when he was bleeding and almost a
corpse but that God preserved him to the widows prayers and you you were
by and never came near him«
»I I did not come to see you or or for this kind of scene Lady
Walham« muttered the other Lady Kew was accustomed to triumph by attacking in
masses like Napoleon Those who faced her routed her
»No you did not come for me I know very well« the daughter went on »You
loved me no better than you loved your son whose life as long as you meddled
with it you made wretched You came here for my boy Havent you done him evil
enough And now God has mercifully preserved him you want to lead him back
again into ruin and crime It shall not be so wicked woman bad mother cruel
heartless parent George« Here her younger son entered the room and she ran
towards him with fluttering robes and seized his hands »Here is your
grandmother here is the Countess of Kew come from Baden at last and she wants
she wants to take Frank from us my dear and to give him back to the
Frenchwoman again No no Oh my God Never never« And she flung herself into
George Barness arms fainting with an hysteric burst of tears
»You had best get a straitwaistcoat for your mother George Barnes« Lady
Kew said scorn and hatred in her face If she had been Iagos daughter with a
strong likeness to her sire Lord Steynes sister could not have looked more
diabolical »Have you had advice for her Has nursing poor Kew turned her head
I came to see him Why have I been left alone for half an hour with this mad
woman You ought not to trust her to give Frank medicine It is positively «
»Excuse me« said George with a bow »I dont think the complaint has as
yet exhibited itself in my mothers branch of the family She always hated me«
thought George »but if she had by chance left me a legacy there it goes You
would like maam to see the rooms upstairs Here is the landlord to conduct
your ladyship Frank will be quite ready to receive you when you come down I am
sure I need not beg of your kindness that nothing may be said to agitate him It
is barely three weeks since M de Castillonness ball was extracted and the
doctors wish he should be kept as quiet as possible«
Be sure that the landlord the courier and the persons engaged in showing
the Countess of Kew the apartments above spent an agreeable time with her
Excellency the Frau Gräfin von Kew She must have had better luck in her
encounter with these than in her previous passages with her grandson and his
mother for when she issued from her apartment in a new dress and fresh cap
Lady Kews face wore an expression of perfect serenity Her attendant may have
shook her fist behind her and her mans eyes and face looked Blitz and
Donnerwetter but their mistresss features wore that pleased look which they
assumed when she had been satisfactorily punishing somebody Lord Kew had by
this time got back from the garden to his own room where he awaited grandmamma
If the mother and her two sons had in the interval of Lady Kews toilette tried
to resume the history of Bumble the Beadle I fear they could not have found it
very comical
»Bless me my dear child how well you look Many a girl would give the
world to have such a complexion There is nothing like a mother for a nurse Ah
no Maria you deserve to be the Mother Superior of a House of Sisters of
Charity you do The landlord has given me a delightful apartment thank you He
is an extortionate wretch but I have no doubt I shall be very comfortable The
Dodsburys stopped here I see by the travellers book quite right instead of
sleeping at that odious buggy Strasbourg We have had a sad sad time my dears
at Baden Between anxiety about poor Sir Brian and about you you naughty boy I
am sure I wonder how I have got through it all Dr Finck would not let me come
away today but I would come«
»I am sure it was uncommonly kind maam« says poor Kew with a rueful
face
»That horrible woman against whom I always warned you but young men will
not take the advice of old grandmammas has gone away these ten days Monsieur
le Duc fetched her and if he locked her up at Montcontour and kept her on
bread and water for the rest of her life I am sure he would serve her right
When a woman once forgets religious principles Kew she is sure to go wrong
The Conversation room is shut up The Dorkings go on Tuesday Clara is really a
dear little artless creature one that you will like Maria and as for Ethel
I really think she is an angel To see her nursing her poor father is the most
beautiful sight night after night she has sate up with him I know where she
would like to be the dear child And if Frank falls ill again Maria he wont
need a mother or useless old grandmother to nurse him I have got some pretty
messages to deliver from her but they are for your private ears my lord not
even mammas and brothers may hear them«
»Do not go mothers Pray stay George« cried the sick man and again
Lord Steynes sister looked uncommonly like that lamented marquis »My cousin
is a noble young creature« he went on »She has admirable good qualities which
I appreciate with all my heart and her beauty you know how I admire it I have
thought of her a great deal as I was lying on the bed yonder« the family look
was not so visible in Lady Kews face »and and I wrote to her this very
morning she will have the letter by this time probably«
»Bien Frank« Lady Kew smiled in her supernatural way almost as much as
her portrait by Harlowe as you may see it at Kewbury to this very day She is
represented seated before an easel painting a miniature of her son Lord
Walham
»I wrote to her on the subject of the last conversation we had together«
Frank resumed in rather a timid voice »the day before my accident Perhaps she
did not tell you maam of what passed between us We had had a quarrel one of
many Some cowardly hand which we both of us can guess at had written to her
an account of my past life and she showed me the letter Then I told her that
if she loved me she never would have showed it me without any other words of
reproof I bade her farewell It was not much the showing that letter but it was
enough In twenty differences we have had together she had been unjust and
captious cruel towards me and too eager as I thought for other peoples
admiration Had she loved me it seemed to me Ethel would have shown less vanity
and better temper What was I to expect in life afterwards from a girl who
before her marriage used me so Neither she nor I could be happy She could be
gentle enough and kind and anxious to please any man whom she loves God bless
her As for me I suppose Im not worthy of so much talent and beauty so we
both understood that that was a friendly farewell and as I have been lying on
my bed yonder thinking perhaps I never might leave it or if I did that I
should like to lead a different sort of life to that which ended in sending me
there my resolve of last month was only confirmed God forbid that she and I
should lead the lives of some folks we know that Ethel should marry without
love perhaps to fall into it afterwards and that I after this awful warning I
have had should be tempted back into that dreary life I was leading It was
wicked maam I knew it was many and many a day I used to say so to myself
and longed to get rid of it I am a poor weak devil I know I am only too
easily led into temptation and I should only make matters worse if I married a
woman who cares for the world more than for me and would not make me happy at
home«
»Ethel care for the world« gasped out Lady Kew »a most artless simple
affectionate creature my dear Frank she «
He interrupted her as a blush came rushing over his pale face »Ah« said
he »if I had been the painter and young Clive had been Lord Kew which of us
do you think she would have chosen And she was right He is a brave handsome
honest young fellow and is a thousand times cleverer and better than I am«
»Not better dear thank God« cried his mother coming round to the other
side of his sofa and seizing her sons hand
»No I dont think he is better Frank« said the diplomatist walking away
to the window And as for grandmamma at the end of this little speech and scene
her ladyships likeness to her brother the late revered Lord Steyne was more
frightful than ever
After a minutes pause she rose up on her crooked stick and said »I really
feel I am unworthy to keep company with so much exquisite virtue It will be
enhanced my lord by the thought of the pecuniary sacrifice which you are
making for I suppose you know that I have been hoarding yes and saving and
pinching denying myself the necessities of life in order that my grandson
might one day have enough to support his rank Go and live and starve in your
dreary old house and marry a parsons daughter and sing psalms with your
precious mother and I have no doubt you and she she who has thwarted me all
through life and whom I hated yes I hated from the moment she took my son
from me and brought misery into my family will be all the happier when she
thinks that she has made a poor fond lonely old woman more lonely and
miserable If you please George Barnes be good enough to tell my people that
I shall go back to Baden« and waving her children away from her the old woman
tottered out of the room on her crutch
So the wicked Fairy drove away disappointed in her chariot with the very dragons
which had brought her away in the morning and just had time to get their feed
of black bread I wonder whether they were the horses Clive and JJ and Jack
Belsize had used when they passed on their road to Switzerland Black Care sits
behind all sorts of horses and gives a trinkgeld to postilions all over the
map A thrill of triumph may be permitted to Lady Walham after her victory over
her motherinlaw What Christian woman does not like to conquer another and if
that other were a motherinlaw would the victory be less sweet Husbands and
wives both will be pleased that Lady Walham has had the better of this bout and
you young boys and virgins when your turn comes to be married you will
understand the hidden meaning of this passage George Barnes got »Oliver Twist«
out and began to read therein Miss Nancy and Fanny again were summoned before
this little company to frighten and delight them I dare say even Fagin and Miss
Nancy failed with the widow so absorbed was she with the thoughts of the
victory which she had just won For the evening service in which her sons
rejoiced her fond heart by joining she lighted on a psalm which was as a te
deum after the battle the battle of Kehl by Rhine where Kews soul as his
mother thought was the object of contention between the enemies I have said
this book is all about the world and a respectable family dwelling in it It is
not a sermon except where it cannot help itself, and the speaker pursuing the
destiny of his narrative finds such a homily before him O friend in your life
and mine dont we light upon such sermons daily dont we see at home as well
as amongst our neighbours that battle betwixt Evil and Good Here on one side is
Self and Ambition and Advancement and Right and Love on the other Which shall
we let to triumph for ourselves which for our children
The young men were sitting smoking the vesper cigar Frank would do it and
his mother actually lighted his cigar for him now enjoining him straightway
after to go to bed Kew smoked and looked at a star shining above in the
heaven Which is that star he asked and the accomplished young diplomatist
answered it was Jupiter
»What a lot of things you know George« cries the senior delighted »You
ought to have been the elder you ought by Jupiter But you have lost your
chance this time«
»Yes thank God« says George
»And I am going to be all right and to turn over a new leaf old boy and
paste down the old ones eh I wrote to Martins this morning to have all my
horses sold and Ill never bet again so help me so help me Jupiter I made
a vow a promise to myself you see that I wouldnt if I recovered And I
wrote to cousin Ethel this morning As I thought over the matter yonder I
felt quite certain I was right and that we could never never pull together
Now the Countess is gone I wonder whether I was right to give up sixty
thousand pounds and the prettiest girl in London«
»Shall I take horses and go after her My mothers gone to bed she wont
know« asked George »Sixty thousand is a lot of money to lose«
Kew laughed »If you were to go and tell our grandmother that I could not
live the night through and that you would be Lord Kew in the morning and your
son Viscount Walham I think the Countess would make up a match between you and
the sixty thousand pounds and the prettiest girl in England she would by by
Jupiter I intend only to swear by the heathen gods now George No I am not
sorry I wrote to Ethel What a fine girl she is I dont mean her beauty merely
but such a noble bred one And to think that there she is in the market to be
knocked down to I say I was going to call that threeyearold Ethelinda We
must christen her over again for Tattersalls Georgy«
A knock is heard through an adjoining door and a maternal voice cries »It
is time to go to bed« So the brothers part and let us hope sleep soundly
The Countess of Kew meanwhile has returned to Baden where though it is
midnight when she arrives and the old lady has had two long bootless journeys
you will be grieved to hear that she does not sleep a single wink In the
morning she hobbles over to the Newcome quarters and Ethel comes down to her
pale and calm How is her father He has had a good night he is a little
better speaks more clearly has a little more the use of his limbs
»I wish I had had a good night« groans out the Countess
»I thought you were going to Lord Kew at Kehl« remarked her
granddaughter
»I did go and returned with wretches who would not bring me more than five
miles an hour I dismissed that brutal grinning courier and I have given
warning to that fiend of a maid«
»And Frank is pretty well grandmamma«
»Well he looks as pink as a girl in her first season I found him and his
brother George and their mamma I think Maria was hearing them their
catechism« cries the old lady
»N and M together Very pretty« says Ethel gravely »George has always
been a good boy and it is quite time for my Lord Kew to begin«
The elder lady looked at her descendant but Miss Ethels glance was
impenetrable »I suppose you can fancy my dear why I came back« said Lady
Kew
»Because you quarrelled with Lady Walham grandmamma I think I have heard
that there used to be differences between you« Miss Newcome was armed for
defence and attack in which cases we have said Lady Kew did not care to assault
her »My grandson told me that he had written to you« the Countess said
»Yes and had you waited but half an hour yesterday you might have spared
me the humiliation of that journey«
»You the humiliation Ethel«
»Yes me« Ethel flashed out »Do you suppose it is none to have me bandied
about from bidder to bidder and offered for sale to a gentleman who will not
buy me Why have you and all my family been so eager to get rid of me Why
should you suppose or desire that Lord Kew should like me Hasnt he the Opera
and such friends as Madame la Duchesse dIvry to whom your ladyship introduced
him in early life He told me so and she was good enough to inform me of the
rest What attractions have I in comparison with such women And to this man
from whom I am parted by good fortune to this man who writes to remind me that
we are separated your ladyship must absolutely go and entreat him to give me
another trial It is too much grandmamma Do please to let me stay where I am
and worry me with no more schemes for my establishment in life Be contented
with the happiness which you have secured for Clara Pulleyn and Barnes and
leave me to take care of my poor father Here I know I am doing right Here at
least there is no such sorrow and doubt and shame for me as my friends have
tried to make me endure There is my fathers bell He likes me to be with him
at breakfast and to read his paper to him«
»Stay a little Ethel« cried the Countess with a trembling voice »I am
older than your father and you owe me a little obedience that is if children
do owe any obedience to their parents nowadays I dont know I am an old woman
the world perhaps has changed since my time and it is you who ought to command
I dare say and we to follow Perhaps I have been wrong all through life and in
trying to teach my children to do as I was made to do God knows I have had very
little comfort from them whether they did or whether they didnt You and Frank
I had set my heart on I loved you out of all my grandchildren was it very
unnatural that I should wish to see you together For that boy I have been
saving money these years past He flies back to the arms of his mother who has
been pleased to hate me as only such virtuous people can who took away my own
son from me and now his son towards whom the only fault I ever committed was
to spoil him and be too fond of him Dont leave me too my child let me have
something that I can like at my years And I like your pride Ethel and your
beauty my dear and I am not angry with your hard words and if I wish to see
you in the place in life which becomes you do I do wrong No Silly girl
There give me the little hand How hot it is Mine is as cold as a stone and
shakes doesnt it Eh it was a pretty hand once What did Ann what did your
mother say to Franks letter«
»I did not show it to her« Ethel answered
»Let me see it my dear« whispered Lady Kew in a coaxing way
»There it is« said Ethel pointing to the fireplace where there lay some
torn fragments and ashes of paper It was the same fireplace at which Clives
sketches had been burned
Chapter XXXIX
Amongst the Painters
When Clive Newcome comes to be old no doubt he will remember his Roman days as
amongst the happiest which fate ever awarded him The simplicity of the
students life there the greatness and friendly splendour of the scenes
surrounding him the delightful nature of the occupation in which he is engaged
the pleasant company of comrades inspired by a like pleasure over a similar
calling the labour the meditation the holiday and the kindly feast
afterwards should make the Art students the happiest of youth did they but
know their good fortune Their work is for the most part delightfully easy It
does not exercise the brain too much but gently occupies it and with a subject
most agreeable to the scholar The mere poetic flame or jet of invention needs
to be lighted up but very seldom namely when the young painter is devising
his subject or settling the composition thereof The posing of figures and
drapery the dexterous copying of the line the artful processes of
crosshatching of stumping of laying on lights and what not the arrangement
of colour and the pleasing operations of glazing and the like are labours for
the most part merely manual These with the smoking of a proper number of
pipes carry the student through his days work If you pass his door you will
very probably hear him singing at his easel I should like to know what young
lawyer mathematician or divinity scholar can sing over his volumes and at the
same time advance with his labour In every city where Art is practised there
are old gentlemen who never touched a pencil in their lives but find the
occupation and company of artists so agreeable that they are never out of the
studios follow one generation of painters after another sit by with perfect
contentment while Jack is drawing his pifferaro or Tom designing his cartoon
and years afterwards when Jack is established in Newman Street and Tom a Royal
Academician shall still be found in their rooms occupied now by fresh painters
and pictures telling the youngsters their successors what glorious fellows Jack
and Tom were A poet must retire to privy places and meditate his rhymes in
secret a painter can practise his trade in the company of friends Your
splendid chef d ecole a Rubens or a Horace Vernet may sit with a secretary
reading to him a troop of admiring scholars watching the masters hand or a
company of court ladies and gentlemen to whom he addresses a few kind words now
and again looking on admiringly whilst the humblest painter be he ever so
poor may have a friend watching at his easel or a gentle wife sitting by with
her work in her lap and with fond smiles or talk or silence cheering his
labour
Amongst all ranks and degrees of painters assembled at Rome Mr Clive found
companions and friends The cleverest man was not the best artist very often
the ablest artist not the best critic nor the best companion Many a man could
give no account of the faculty within him but achieved success because he could
not help it and did in an hour and without effort that which another could
not effect with half a lifes labour There were young sculptors who had never
read a line of Homer who took on themselves nevertheless to interpret and
continue the heroic Greek art There were young painters with the strongest
natural taste for low humour comic singing and CiderCellar jollifications
who would imitate nothing under Michael Angelo and whose canvases teemed with
tremendous allegories of fates furies genii of death and battle There were
longhaired lads who fancied the sublime lay in the Peruginesque manner and
depicted saintly personages with crisp draperies crude colours and halos of
goldleaf Our friend marked all these practitioners of Art with their various
oddities and tastes and was welcomed in the ateliers of all of them from the
grave dons and seniors the senators of the French and English Academy down to
the jovial students who railed at the elders over their cheap cups at the Lepre
What a gallant starving generous kindly life many of them led What fun in
their grotesque airs what friendship and gentleness in their poverty How
splendidly Carlo talked of the marquis his cousin and the duke his intimate
friend How great Federigo was on the subject of his wrongs from the Academy at
home a pack of tradesmen who could not understand high art and who had never
seen a good picture With what haughtiness Augusto swaggered about at Sir Johns
soirées though he was known to have borrowed Fernandos coat and Luigis
dressboots If one or the other was ill how nobly and generously his
companions flocked to comfort him took turns to nurse the sick man through
nights of fever contributed out of their slender means to help him through his
difficulty Max who loves fine dresses and the carnival so gave up a costume
and a carriage so as to help Paul Paul when he sold his picture through the
agency of Pietro with whom he had quarrelled and who recommended him to a
patron gave a third of the money back to Max and took another third portion
to Lozaro with his poor wife and children who had not got a single order all
that winter and so the story went on I have heard Clive tell of two noble
young Americans who came to Europe to study their art of whom the one fell
sick whilst the other supported his penniless comrade and out of sixpence a
day absolutely kept but a penny for himself giving the rest to his sick
companion »I should like to have known that good Samaritan sir« our Colonel
said twirling his mustachios when we saw him again and his son told him that
story
JJ in his steady silent way worked on every day and for many hours
every day When Clive entered their studio of a morning he found JJ there
and there he left him When the Life Academy was over at night and Clive went
out to his soirées JJ lighted his lamp and continued his happy labour He
did not care for the brawling supperparties of his comrades liked better to
stay at home than to go into the world and was seldom abroad of a night except
during the illness of Luigi before mentioned when JJ spent constant evenings
at the others bedside JJ was fortunate as well as skilful people in the
world took a liking to the modest young man and he had more than one order for
pictures The Artists Club at the Lepre set him down as close with his money
but a year after he left Rome Lazaro and his wife who still remained there
told a different tale Clive Newcome when he heard of their distress gave them
something as much as he could spare but JJ gave more and Clive was as
eager in acknowledging and admiring his friends generosity as he was in
speaking of his genius His was a fortunate organization indeed Study was his
chief amusement Selfdenial came easily to him Pleasure or what is generally
called so had little charm for him His ordinary companions were pure and sweet
thoughts his outdoor enjoyment the contemplation of natural beauty for
recreation the hundred pleasant dexterities and manipulations of his craft were
ceaselessly interesting to him he would draw every knot in an oak panel or
every leaf in an orangetree smiling and take a gay delight over the simple
feats of skill whenever you found him he seemed watchful and serene his
modest virginlamp always lighted and trim No gusts of passion extinguished it
no hopeless wandering in the darkness afterwards led him astray Wayfarers
through the world we meet now and again with such purity and salute it and
hush whilst it passes on
We have it under Clive Newcomes own signature that he intended to pass a
couple of years in Italy devoting himself exclusively to the study of his
profession Other besides professional reasons were working secretly in the
young mans mind causing him to think that absence from England was the best
cure for a malady under which he secretly laboured But change of air may cure
some sick people more speedily than the sufferers ever hoped and also it is on
record that young men with the very best intentions respecting study do not
fulfil them and are led away from their scheme by accident or pleasure or
necessity or some good cause Young Clive worked sedulously two or three months
at his vocation at Rome secretly devouring no doubt the pangs of sentimental
disappointment under which he laboured and he drew from his models and he
sketched round about everything that suited his pencil on both sides of Tiber
and he laboured at the Life Academy of nights a model himself to other young
students The symptoms of his sentimental malady began to abate He took an
interest in the affairs of Jack and Tom and Harry round about him Art
exercised its great healing influence on his wounded spirit which to be sure
had never given in The meeting of the painters at the Caffè Greco and at their
private houses was very jovial pleasant and lively Clive smoked his pipe
drank his glass of Marsala sang his song and took part in the general chorus
as gaily as the jolliest of the boys He was the cock of the whole painting
school the favourite of all and to be liked by the people you may be pretty
sure that we for our parts must like them
Then besides the painters he had as he has informed us the other society
of Rome Every winter there is a gay and pleasant English colony in that
capital of course more or less remarkable for rank fashion and agreeability
with every varying year In Clives year some very pleasant folks set up their
winter quarters in the usual foreigners resort round about the Piazza di
Spagna I was amused to find lately on looking over the travels of the
respectable M de Pöllnitz that a hundred and twenty years ago the same
quarter the same streets and palaces scarce changed from those days were even
then polite foreigners resort Of one or two of the gentlemen Clive had made
the acquaintance in the huntingfield others he had met during his brief
appearance in the London world Being a youth of great personal agility fitted
thereby to the graceful performance of polkas etc having good manners and
good looks and good credit with Prince Polonia or some other banker Mr
Newcome was thus made very welcome to the AngloRoman society and as kindly
received in genteel houses where they drank tea and danced the galop as in
those dusky taverns and retired lodgings where his bearded comrades the
painters held their meetings
Thrown together every day and night after night flocking to the same
picturegalleries statuegalleries Pincian drives and church functions the
English colonists at Rome perforce become intimate and in many cases friendly
They have an English library where the various meets for the week are
placarded on such a day the Vatican galleries are open the next is the feast
of Saint Soandso on Wednesday there will be music and vespers at the Sistine
chapel on Thursday the Pope will bless the animals sheep horses and what
not and flocks of English accordingly rush to witness the benediction of
droves of donkeys In a word the ancient city of the Cæsars the august fanes
of the Popes with their splendour and ceremony are all mapped out and arranged
for English diversion and we run in a crowd to high mass at St Peters or to
the illumination on Easterday as we run when the bell rings to the Bosjesmen
at Cremorne or the fireworks at Vauxhall
Running to see fireworks alone rushing off to examine Bosjesmen by ones
self, is a dreary work I should think very few men would have the courage to do
it unattended and personally would not prefer a pipe in their own rooms Hence
if Clive went to see all these sights as he did it is to be concluded that he
went in company and if he went in company and sought it we may suppose that
little affair which annoyed him at Baden no longer tended to hurt his peace of
mind very seriously The truth is our countrymen are pleasanter abroad than at
home most hospitable kindly and eager to be pleased and to please You see a
family half a dozen times in a week in the little Roman circle whom you shall
not meet twice in a season afterwards in the enormous London round When Easter
is over and everybody is going away at Rome you and your neighbour shake hands
sincerely sorry to part in London we are obliged to dilute our kindness so that
there is hardly any smack of the original milk As one by one the pleasant
families dropped off with whom Clive had spent his happy winter as Admiral
Freemans carriage drove away whose pretty girls he had caught at St Peters
kissing St Peters toe as Dick Denbys family ark appeared with all Denbys
sweet young children kissing farewells to him out of window as those three
charming Miss Baliols with whom he had that glorious day in the Catacombs as
friend after friend quitted the great city with kind greetings warm pressures
of the hand and hopes of meeting in a yet greater city on the banks of the
Thames young Clive felt a depression of spirit Rome was Rome but it was
pleasanter to see it in company Our painters are smoking still at the Caffè
Greco but a society all smoke and all painters did not suit him If Mr Clive
is not a Michael Angelo or a Beethoven if his genius is not gloomy solitary
gigantic shining alone like a lighthouse a storm round about him and
breakers dashing at his feet I cannot help myself he is as Heaven made him
brave honest gay and friendly and persons of a gloomy turn must not look to
him as a hero
So Clive and his companion worked away with all their hearts from November
until far into April when Easter came and the glorious gala with which the
Roman Church celebrates that holy season By this time Clives books were full
of sketches Ruins imperial and mediæval peasants and bagpipemen Passionists
with shaven polls Capuchins and the equally hairy frequenters of the Caffè
Greco painters of all nations who resort there Cardinals and their queer
equipages and attendants the Holy Father himself it was Gregory sixteenth of
the name the dandified English on the Pincio and the wonderful Roman members
of the hunt were not all these designed by the young man and admired by his
friends in afterdays JJs sketches were few but he had painted two
beautiful little pictures and sold them for so good a price that Prince
Polonias people were quite civil to him He had orders for yet more pictures
and having worked very hard thought himself authorized to accompany Mr Clive
upon a pleasure trip to Naples which the latter deemed necessary after his own
tremendous labours He for his part had painted no pictures though he had
commenced a dozen and turned them to the wall but he had sketched and dined
and smoked and danced as we have seen So the little britzska was put behind
horses again and our two friends set out on their tour having quite a crowd of
brother artists to cheer them who had assembled and had a breakfast for the
purpose at that comfortable osteria near the Lateran Gate How the fellows flung
their hats up and shouted »Lebewohl« and »Adieu« and »God bless you old
boy« in many languages Clive was the young swell of the artists of that year
and adored by the whole of the jolly company His sketches were pronounced on
all hands to be admirable it was agreed that if he chose he might do anything
So with promises of a speedy return they left behind them the noble city
which all love who once have seen it and of which we think afterwards ever with
the kindness and the regard of home They dashed across the Campagna and over
the beautiful hills of Albano and sped through the solemn Pontine Marshes and
stopped to roost at Terracina which was not at all like Fra Diavolos Terracina
at Covent Garden as JJ was distressed to remark and so galloping onward
through a hundred ancient cities that crumble on the shores of the beautiful
Mediterranean behold on the second day as they ascended a hill about noon
Vesuvius came in view its great shape shimmering blue in the distant haze its
banner of smoke in the cloudless sky And about five oclock in the evening as
everybody will who starts from Terracina early and pays the postboy well the
travellers came to an ancient city walled and fortified with drawbridges over
the shining moats
»Here is CAPUA« says JJ and Clive burst out laughing thinking of his
Capua which he had left how many months years it seemed ago From Capua to
Naples is a fine straight road and our travellers were landed at the latter
place at suppertime where if they had quarters at the Vittoria Hotel they
were as comfortable as any gentlemen painters need wish to be in this world
The aspect of the place was so charming and delightful to Clive the
beautiful sea stretched before his eyes when waking Capri a fairy island in the
distance in the amethyst rocks of which Sirens might be playing that fair line
of cities skirting the shore glittering white along the purple water over the
whole brilliant scene Vesuvius rising with cloudlets playing round its summit
and the country bursting out into that glorious vegetation with which sumptuous
nature decorates every spring this city and scene of Naples were so much to
Clives liking that I have a letter from him dated a couple of days after the
young mans arrival in which he announces his intention of staying there for
ever and gives me an invitation to some fine lodgings in a certain palazzo on
which he has cast his eye He is so enraptured with the place that he says to
die and be buried there even would be quite a treat so charming is the cemetery
where the Neapolitan dead repose
The Fates did not however ordain that Clive Newcome should pass all his
life at Naples His Roman banker presently forwarded a few letters to his
address some which had arrived after his departure others which had been
lying at the Poste Restante with his name written in perfectly legible
characters but which the authorities of the post according to their custom
would not see when Clive sent for them
It was one of these letters which Clive clutched the most eagerly It had
been lying since October actually at the Roman post though Clive had asked for
letters there a hundred times It was that little letter from Ethel in reply to
his own whereof we have made mention in a previous chapter There was not much
in the little letter nothing of course that Virtue or Grandmamma might not
read over the young writers shoulder It was affectionate simple rather
melancholy described in a few words Sir Brians seizure and present condition
spoke of Lord Kew who was mending rapidly as if Clive of course was aware
of his accident of the children of Clives father and ended with a hearty
»God bless you« to Clive from his sincere Ethel
»You boast of its being over You see it is not over« says Clives monitor
and companion »else why should you have dashed at that letter before all the
others Clive« JJ had been watching not without interest Clives blank face
as he read the young ladys note
»How do you know who wrote the letter« asks Clive
»I can read the signature in your face« says the other »and I could almost
tell the contents of the note Why have you such a telltale face Clive«
»It is over but when a man has once you know gone through an affair like
that« says Clive looking very grave »he hes anxious to hear of Alice Gray
and how shes getting on you see my good friend« And he began to shout out as
of old
»Her heart it is anothers she never can be mine«
and to laugh at the end of the song »Well well« says he »it is a very kind
note a very proper little note the expressions is elegant JJ the
sentiments is most correct All the little ts is most properly crossed and all
the little is have dots over their little heads Its a sort of a prize note
dont you see and one such as in the old spellingbook story the good boy
received a plumcake for writing Perhaps you werent educated on the old
spellingbook JJ My good old father taught me to read out of his I say I
think it was a shame to keep the old boy waiting whilst I have been giving an
audience to this young lady Dear old father« and he apostrophized the letter
»I beg your pardon sir Miss Newcome requested five minutes conversation and
I was obliged from politeness you know to receive Theres nothing between
us nothing but whats most correct upon my honour and conscience« And he
kissed his fathers letter and calling out again »Dear old father« proceeded
to read as follows
»Your letters my dearest Clive have been the greatest comfort to me I
seem to hear you as I read them I cant but think that this the modern
and natural style is a great progress upon the oldfashioned manner of
my day when we used to begin to our fathers »Honoured Father« or even
»Honoured Sir« some precisians used to write still from Mr Lords
Academy at Tooting where I went before Grey Friars though I suspect
parents were no more honoured in those days than nowadays I know one
who had rather be trusted than honoured and you may call me what you
please so as you do that
It is not only to me your letters give pleasure Last week I took
yours from BadenBaden No 3 September 15 into Calcutta and could
not help showing it at Government House where I dined Your sketch of
the old Russian Princess and her little boy gambling was capital
Colonel Buckmaster Lord Bagwigs private secretary knew her and says
it is to a T And I read out to some of my young fellows what you said
about play and how you had given it over I very much fear some of the
young rogues are at dice and brandypawnee before tiffin What you say
of young Ridley I take cum grano His sketches I thought very agreeable
but to compare them to a certain gentlemans Never mind I shall not
try to make him think too well of himself I kissed dear Ethels hand in
your letter I write her a long letter by this mail
If Paul de Florac in any way resembles his mother between you and
him there ought to be a very warm regard I knew her when I was a boy
long before you were born or thought of and in wandering forty years
through the world since I have seen no woman in my eyes so good or so
beautiful Your cousin Ethel reminded me of her as handsome but not
so lovely Yes it was that pale lady you saw at Paris with eyes full
of care and hair streaked with grey So it will be the turn of you young
folks come eight more lustres and your heads will be bald like mine or
grey like Madame de Floracs and bending over the ground where we are
lying in quiet I understand from you that young Paul is not in very
flourishing circumstances If he still is in need mind and be his
banker and I will be yours Any child of hers must never want when I
have a spare guinea I do not mind telling you sir that I cared for
her more than millions of guineas once and half broke my heart about
her when I went to India as a young chap So if any such misfortunes
happen to you consider my boy you are not the only one
Binnie writes me word that he has been ailing I hope you are a good
correspondent with him What made me turn to him just after speaking of
unlucky love affairs Could I be thinking about little Rosey Mackenzie
She is a sweet little lass and James will leave her a pretty piece of
money Verbum sap I should like you to marry but God forbid you should
marry for a million of gold mohurs
And gold mohurs bring me to another subject Do you know I narrowly
missed losing half a lakh of rupees which I had at an agents here And
who do you think warned me about him Our friend Rummun Loll who has
lately been in England and with whom I made the voyage from
Southampton He is a man of wonderful tact and observation I used to
think meanly of the honesty of natives and treat them haughtily as I
recollect doing this very gentleman at your uncle Newcomes in Bryanston
Square He heaped coals of fire on my head by saving my money for me
and I have placed it at interest in his house If I would but listen to
him my capital might be trebled in a year he says and the interest
immensely increased He enjoys the greatest esteem among the moneyed men
here keeps a splendid establishment and house here in Barrackpore is
princely in his benefactions He talks to me about the establishment of
a bank of which the profits are so enormous and the scheme so
seemingly clear that I dont know whether I maynt be tempted to take
a few shares Nous verrons Several of my friends are longing to have a
finger in it but be sure of this I shall do nothing rashly and without
the very best advice
I have not been frightened yet by your draughts upon me Draw as
many of these as you please You know I dont half like the other kind
of drawing except as a délassement but if you chose to be a weaver
like my grandfather I should not say you nay Dont stint yourself of
money or of honest pleasure Of what good is money unless we can make
those we love happy with it There would be no need for me to save if
you were to save too So and as you know as well as I what our means
are in every honest way use them I should like you not to pass the
whole of next year in Italy but to come home and pay a visit to honest
James Binnie I wonder how the old barrack in Fitzroy Square looks
without me Try and go round by Paris on your way home and pay your
visit and carry your fathers fond remembrances to Madame la Comtesse
de Florac I dont say remember me to my brother as I write Brian by
this mail Adieu mon fils je tembrasse and am always my Clives
affectionate father
TN«
»Isnt he a noble old trump« That point had been settled by the young men any
time these three years And now Mr JJ remarked that when Clive had read his
fathers letter once then he read Ethels over again and put it in his
breastpocket and was very disturbed in mind that day pishing and pshawing at
the statue gallery which they went to see at the Museo
»After all« says Clive »what rubbish these secondrate statues are what a
great hulking abortion is this brute of a Farnese Hercules Theres only one bit
in the whole gallery that is worth a twopenny piece«
It was the beautiful fragment called Psyche JJ smiled as his comrade
spoke in admiration of this statue In the slim shape in the delicate formation
of the neck in the haughty virginal expression the Psyche is not unlike the
Diana of the Louvre and the Diana of the Louvre we have said was like a certain
young lady
»After all« continues Clive looking up at the great knotted legs of that
clumsy caricatured porter which Glykon the Athenian sculptured in bad times of
art surely »she could not write otherwise than she did dont you see Her
letter is quite kind and affectionate You see she says she shall always hear of
me with pleasure hopes Ill come back soon and bring some good pictures with
me since pictures I will do She thinks small beer of painters JJ well we
dont think small beer of ourselves my noble friend I I suppose it must be
over by this time and I may write to her as the Countess of Kew« The custode
of the apartment had seen admiration and wonder expressed by hundreds of
visitors to his marble Giant but he had never known Hercules occasion emotion
before as in the case of the young stranger who after staring a while at the
statue dashed his hand across his forehead with a groan and walked away from
before the graven image of the huge Strongman who had himself been made such a
fool by women
»My father wants me to go and see James and Madame de Florac« says Clive
as they stride down the street to the Toledo
JJ puts his arm through his companions which is deep in the pocket of
his velvet paletot »You must not go home till you hear it is over Clive«
whispers JJ
»Of course not old boy« says the other blowing tobacco out of his shaking
head
Not very long after their arrival we may be sure they went to Pompeii of
which place as this is not an Italian tour but a history of Clive Newcome
Esquire and his most respectable family we shall offer to give no description
The young man had read Sir Bulwer Lyttons delightful story which has become
the history of Pompeii before they came thither and Plinys description apud
the Guide Book Admiring the wonderful ingenuity with which the English writer
had illustrated the place by his text as if the houses were so many pictures to
which he had appended a story Clive the wag who was always indulging his vein
for caricature was proposing that they should take the same place names
people and make a burlesque story »What would be a better figure« says he
»than Plinys mother whom the historian describes as exceedingly corpulent and
walking away from the catastrophe with slaves holding cushions behind her to
shield her plump person from the cinders Yes old Mrs Pliny shall be my
heroine« says Clive A picture of her on a darkgrey paper and touched up with
red at the extremities exists in Clives album to the present day
As they were laughing rattling wondering mimicking the cicerone
attending them with his nasal twaddle anon pausing and silent yielding to the
melancholy pity and wonder which the aspect of that strange sad smiling
lonely place inspires behold they come upon another party of English two
young men accompanying a lady
»What Clive« cries one
»My dear dear Lord Kew« shouts the other and as each young man rushes up
and grasps the two hands of the other they both begin to blush
Lord Kew and his family resided in a neighbouring hotel on the Chiafa at Naples
and that very evening on returning from the Pompeian excursion the two
painters were invited to take tea by those friendly persons JJ excused
himself and sate at home drawing all night Clive went and passed a pleasant
evening in which all sorts of future tours and pleasureparties were projected
by the young men They were to visit Pæstum Capri Sicily why not Malta and
the East asked Lord Kew
Lady Walham was alarmed Had not Kew been in the East already Clive was
surprised and agitated too Could Kew think of going to the East and making long
journeys when he had he had other engagements that would necessitate his
return home No he must not go to the East Lord Kews mother avowed Kew had
promised to stay with her during the summer at Castellamare and Mr Newcome
must come and paint their portraits there all their portraits She would like
to have an entire picturegallery of Kews if her son would remain at home
during the sittings
At an early hour Lady Walham retired to rest exacting Clives promise to
come to Castellamare and George Barnes disappeared to array himself in an
evening costume and to pay his round of visits as became a young diplomatist
This part of diplomatic duty does not commence until after the opera at Naples
and society begins when the rest of the world has gone to bed
Kew and Clive sate till one oclock in the morning when the latter returned
to his hotel Not one of those fine parties at Pæstum Sicily etc was carried
out Clive did not go to the East at all and it was JJ who painted Lord Kews
portrait that summer at Castellamare The next day Clive went for his passport
to the embassy and a steamer departing direct for Marseilles on that very
afternoon behold Mr Newcome was on board of her Lord Kew and his brother and
JJ waving their hats to him as the vessel left the shore
Away went the ship cleaving swiftly through the azure waters but not
swiftly enough for Clive JJ went back with a sigh to his sketchbook and
easels I suppose the other young disciple of Art had heard something which
caused him to forsake his sublime mistress for one who was much more capricious
and earthly
Chapter XL
Returns From Rome to Pall Mall
One morning in the month of July when there was actually sunshine in Lamb
Court and the two gentlemen who occupied the thirdfloor chambers there in
partnership were engaged as their custom was over their pipes their
manuscripts and their Times newspaper behold a fresh sunshine burst into their
room in the person of young Clive with a bronzed face and a yellow beard and
mustachios and those bright cheerful eyes the sight of which was always so
welcome to both of us »What Clive What the young one What Benjamin« shout
Pendennis and Warrington Clive had obtained a very high place indeed in the
latters affections so much so that if I could have found it in my heart to be
jealous of such a generous brave fellow I might have grudged him his share of
Warringtons regard He blushed up with pleasure to see us again Pidgeon our
boy introduced him with a jubilant countenance and Flanagan the laundress
came smirking out of the bedroom eager to get a nod of recognition from him
and bestow a smile of welcome upon everybodys favourite Clive
In two minutes an armchair full of magazines slips of copy and books for
review was emptied over the neighbouring coalscuttle and Clive was in the
seat a cigar in his mouth as comfortable as if he had never been away When
did he come Last night He was back in Charlotte Street at his old lodgings
he had been to breakfast in Fitzroy Square that morning James Binnie chirped
for joy at seeing him His father had written to him desiring him to come back
and see James Binnie Pretty Miss Rosey was very well thank you And Mrs Mack
wasnt Mrs Mackenzie delighted to behold him »Come sir on your honour and
conscience didnt the widow give you a kiss on your return« Clive sends an
uncut number of the Pall Mall Gazette flying across the room at the head of the
inquirer but blushes so sweetly that I have very little doubt some such pretty
meeting had taken place
What a pity it is he had not been here a short while since for a marriage in
high life to give away his dear Barnes and sign the book along with the other
dignitaries We described that ceremony to him and announced the promotion of
his friend Florac now our friend also Director of the Great AngloGallic
Railway the Prince de Montcontour Then Clive told us of his deeds during the
winter of the good fun he had had at Rome and the jolly fellows he had met
there Was he going to astonish the world by some grand pictures He was not
The more he worked the more discontented he was with his performances somehow
But JJ was coming out very strong JJ was going to be a stunner We turned
with pride and satisfaction to that very number of the Pall Mall Gazette which
the youth had flung at us and showed him a fine article by F Bayham Esq in
which the picture sent home by JJ was enthusiastically lauded by the great
critic
So he was back amongst us and it seemed but yesterday he had quitted us To
Londoners everything seems to have happened but yesterday nobody has time to
miss his neighbour who goes away People go to the Cape or on a campaign or on
a tour round the world or to India and return with a wife and two or three
children and we fancy it was only the other day they left us so engaged is
every man in his individual speculations studies struggles so selfish does
our life make us selfish but not illnatured We are glad to see an old
friend though we do not weep when he leaves us We humbly acknowledge if fate
calls us away likewise that we are no more missed than any other atom
After talking for a while Mr Clive must needs go into the city whither I
accompanied him His interview with Messrs Jolly and Baines at the house in
Fog Court must have been very satisfactory Clive came out of the parlour with
a radiant countenance »Do you want any money old boy« says he »the dear old
governor has placed a jolly sum to my account and Mr Baines has told me how
delighted Mrs Baines and the girls will be to see me at dinner He says my
father has made a lucky escape out of one house in India and a famous
investment in another Nothing could be more civil how uncommonly kind and
friendly everybody is in London everybody« Then bestowing ourselves in a
Hansom cab which had probably just deposited some other capitalist in the City
we made for the West End of the town where Mr Clive had some important
business to transact with his tailors He discharged his outstanding little
account with easy liberality blushing as he pulled out of his pocket a new
chequebook page 1 of which he bestowed on the delighted artist From Mr Bs
shop to Mr Truefitts is but a step Our young friend was induced to enter the
hairdressers and leave behind him a great portion of the flowing locks and the
yellow beard which he had brought with him from Rome With his mustachios he
could not be induced to part painters and cavalry officers having a right to
those decorations And why should not this young fellow wear smart clothes and
a smart moustache and look handsome and take his pleasure and bask in his sun
when it shone Time enough for flannel and a fire when the winter comes and for
grey hair and corksoled boots in the natural decline of years
Then we went to pay a visit at a hotel in Jermyn Street to our friend
Florac who was now magnificently lodged there A powdered giant lolling in the
hall his buttons emblazoned with prodigious coronets took our cards up to the
Prince As the door of an apartment on the first floor opened we heard a cry as
of joy and that nobleman in a magnificent Persian dressinggown rushing from
the room plunged down the stairs and began kissing Clive to the respectful
astonishment of the Titan in livery
»Come that I present you my friends« our good little Frenchman exclaimed
»to Madame la to my wife« We entered the drawingroom A demure little lady
of near sixty years of age was seated there and we were presented in form to
Madame la Princesse de Montcontour née Higg of Manchester She made us a stiff
little curtsy but looked not illnatured indeed few women could look at Clive
Newcomes gallant figure and brave smiling countenance and keep a frown on
their own very long
»I have eard of you from somebodys else besides the Prince« said the lady
with rather a blush »Your uncle has spoke to me hoften about you Mr Clive
and about your good father«
»Cest son Directeur« whispers Florac to me I wondered which of the firm
of Newcome had taken that office upon him
»Now you are come to England« the lady continued whose Lancashire
pronunciation being once indicated we shall henceforth out of respect to the
Princesss rank generally pretermit »now you are come to England we hope to
see you often Not here in this noisy hotel which I cant bear but in the
country Our house is only three miles from Newcome not such a grand place as
your uncles but I hope we shall see you there a great deal and your friend
Mr Pendennis if he is passing that way« The invitation to Mr Pendennis I am
bound to say was given in terms by no means so warm as those in which the
Princesss hospitality to Clive were professed
»Shall we meet you at your Huncle Obsons« the lady continued to Clive
»his wife is a most charming wellinformed woman has been most kind and civil
and we dine there today Barnes and his wife is gone to spend the honeymoon at
Newcome Lady Clara is a sweet dear thing and her pa and ma most affable I am
sure What a pity Sir Brian couldnt attend the marriage There was everybody
there in London amost Sir Harvey Diggs says he is mending very slowly In
life we are in death Mr Newcome Isnt it sad to think of him in the midst of
all his splendour and prosperity and he so infirm and unable to enjoy them But
let us hope for the best and that his health will soon come round«
With these and similar remarks in which poor Florac took but a very small
share for he seemed dumb and melancholy in the company of the Princess his
elderly spouse the visit sped on Mr Pendennis to whom very little was
said having leisure to make his silent observations upon the person to whom he
had been just presented
As there lay on the table two neat little packages addressed »The Princess
de Montcontour« an envelope to the same address with »The Prescription No
9396« further inscribed on the paper and a sheet of notepaper bearing
cabalistic characters and the signature of that most fashionable physician Sir
Harvey Diggs I was led to believe that the lady of Montcontour was or fancied
herself in a delicate state of health By the side of the physic for the body
was medicine for the soul a number of pretty little books in Middle Age
bindings in antique type many of them adorned with pictures of the German
School representing demure ecclesiastics with their heads on one side
children in long starched nightgowns virgins bearing lilies and so forth from
which it was to be concluded that the owner of the volumes was not so hostile to
Rome as she had been at an earlier period of her religious life and that she
had migrated in spirit from Clapham to Knightsbridge as so many wealthy
mercantile families have likewise done in the body A long strip of embroidery
of the Gothic pattern furthermore betrayed her present inclinations and the
person observing these things whilst nobody was taking any notice of him was
amused when the accuracy of his conjectures was confirmed by the reappearance of
the gigantic footman calling out »Mr Oneyman« in a loud voice and preceding
that divine into the room
»Cest le Directeur Venez fumer dans ma chambre Pen« growled Florac as
Honeyman came sliding over the carpet his elegant smile changing to a blush
when he beheld Clive his nephew seated by the Princesss side This then was
the uncle who had spoken about Clive and his father to Madame de Florac Charles
seemed in the best condition He held out two brandnew lavendercoloured kid
gloves to shake hands with his dear Clive Florac and Mr Pendennis vanished out
of the room as he appeared so that no precise account can be given of this
affecting interview
When I quitted the hotel a brown brougham with a pair of beautiful horses
the harness and panels emblazoned with the neatest little ducal coronets you
ever saw and a cipher under each crown as easy to read as the arrowheaded
inscriptions on one of Mr Layards Assyrian chariots was in waiting and I
presumed that Madame la Princesse was about to take an airing
Clive had passed the avuncular bankinghouse in the city without caring to
face his relatives there Mr Newcome was now in sole command Mr Barnes being
absent at Newcome the Baronet little likely ever to enter bank parlour again
But his bounden duty was to wait on the ladies and of course only from dutys
sake he went the very first day and called in Park Lane
»The family was habsent ever since the marriage simminery last week« the
footman who had accompanied the party to Baden informed Clive when he opened
the door and recognized that gentleman »Sir Brian pretty well thank you sir
The family was at Brighting That is Miss Newcome is in London staying with
her grandmammar in Queen Street May Fear sir« The varnished doors closed upon
Jeames within the brazen knockers grinned their familiar grin at Clive and he
went down the blank steps discomfited Must it be owned that he went to a club
and looked in the directory for the number of Lady Kews house in Queen Street
Her ladyship had a furnished house for the season No such noble name was to be
found among the inhabitants of Queen Street
Mr Hobson was from home that is Thomas had orders not to admit strangers
on certain days or before certain hours so that Aunt Hobson saw Clive without
being seen by the young man I cannot say how much he regretted that mischance
His visits of propriety were thus all paid and he went off to dine dutifully
with James Binnie after which meal he came to a certain rendezvous given to him
by some bachelor friends for the evening
James Binnies eyes lightened up with pleasure on beholding his young Clive
The youth obedient to his fathers injunction had hastened to Fitzroy Square
immediately after taking possession of his old lodgings his during the time of
his absence The old properties and carved cabinets the picture of his father
looking melancholy out of the canvas greeted Clive strangely on the afternoon
of his arrival No wonder he was glad to get away from a solitude peopled with a
number of dismal recollections to the near hospitality of Fitzroy Square and his
guardian and friend there
James had not improved in health during Clives ten months absence He had
never been able to walk well or take his accustomed exercise after his fall
He was no more used to riding than the late Mr Gibbon whose person Jamess
somewhat resembled and of whose philosophy our Scottish friend was an admiring
scholar The Colonel gone James would have arguments with Mr Honeyman over
their claret bring down the famous fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of the
»Decline and Fall« upon him and quite get the better of the clergyman James
like many other sceptics was very obstinate and for his part believed that
almost all parsons had as much belief as the Roman augurs in their ceremonies
Certainly poor Honeyman in their controversies gave up one article after
another flying from Jamess assault but the battle over Charles Honeyman
would pick up these accoutrements which he had flung away in his retreat wipe
them dry and put them on again
Lamed by his fall and obliged to remain much within doors where certain
society did not always amuse him James Binnie sought excitement in the
pleasures of the table partaking of them the more freely now that his health
could afford them the less Clive the sly rogue observed a great improvement
in the commissariat since his good fathers time ate his dinner with
thankfulness and made no remarks Nor did he confide to us for a while his
opinion that Mrs Mack bored the good gentleman most severely that he pined
away under her kindnesses sneaked off to his studychair and his nap was only
too glad when some of the widows friends came or she went out seeming to
breathe more freely when she was gone and drink his wine more cheerily when rid
of the intolerable weight of her presence
I protest the great ills of life are nothing the loss of your fortune is a
mere fleabite the loss of your wife how many men have supported it and
married comfortably afterwards It is not what you lose but what you have daily
to bear that is hard I can fancy nothing more cruel after a long easy life
of bachelorhood than to have to sit day after day with a dull handsome woman
opposite to have to answer her speeches about the weather housekeeping and
what not to smile appropriately when she is disposed to be lively that
laughing at the jokes is the hardest part and to model your conversation so as
to suit her intelligence knowing that a word used out of its downright
signification will not be understood by your fair breakfastmaker Women go
through this simpering and smiling life and bear it quite easily Theirs is a
life of hypocrisy What good woman does not laugh at her husbands or fathers
jokes and stories time after time and would not laugh at breakfast lunch and
dinner if he told them Flattery is their nature to coax flatter and sweetly
befool some one is every womans business She is none if she declines this
office But men are not provided with such powers of humbug or endurance they
perish and pine away miserably when bored or they shrink off to the club or
publichouse for comfort I want to say as delicately as I can and never liking
to use rough terms regarding a handsome woman that Mrs Mackenzie herself
being in the highest spirits and the best humour extinguished her halfbrother
James Binnie Esq that she was as a malaria to him poisoning his atmosphere
numbing his limbs destroying his sleep that day after day as he sate down at
breakfast and she levelled commonplaces at her dearest James her dearest James
became more wretched under her And no one could see what his complaint was He
called in the old physicians at the club He dosed himself with poppy and
mandragora and blue pill lower and lower went poor Jamess mercury If he
wanted to move to Brighton or Cheltenham well and good Whatever were her
engagements or whatever pleasures darling Rosey might have in store dear
thing at her age my dear Mrs Newcome would not one do all to make a young
creature happy under no circumstances could I think of leaving my poor
brother
Mrs Mackenzie thought herself a most highly principled woman Mrs Newcome
had also a great opinion of her These two ladies had formed a considerable
friendship in the past months the captains widow having an unaffected
reverence for the bankers lady and thinking her one of the bestinformed and
most superior women in the world When she had a high opinion of a person Mrs
Mack always wisely told it Mrs Newcome in her turn thought Mrs Mackenzie a
very clever agreeable ladylike woman not accomplished but one could not
have everything »No no my dear« says simple Hobson »never would do to have
every woman as clever as you are Maria women would have it all their own way
then«
Maria as her custom was thanked God for being so virtuous and clever and
graciously admitted Mrs and Miss Mackenzie into the circle of adorers of that
supreme virtue and talent Mr Newcome took little Rosey and her mother to some
parties When any took place in Bryanston Square they were generally allowed to
come to tea
When on the second day of his arrival the dutiful Clive went to dine with
Mr James the ladies in spite of their raptures at his return and delight at
seeing him were going in the evening to his aunt Their talk was about the
Princess all dinnertime The Prince and Princess were to dine in Bryanston
Square The Princess had ordered such and such things at the jewellers the
Princess would take rank over an English earls daughter over Lady Ann
Newcome for instance »Oh dear I wish the Prince and Princess were smothered
in the Tower« growled James Binnie »since you have got acquainted with em I
have never heard of anything else«
Clive like a wise man kept his counsel about the Prince and Princess with
whom we have seen that he had had the honour of an interview that very day But
after dinner Rosey came round and whispered to her mamma and after Roseys
whisper mamma flung her arms round Roseys neck and kissed her and called her a
thoughtful darling »What do you think this creature says Clive« says Mrs
Mack still holding her darlings little hand »I wonder I had not thought of it
myself«
»What is it Mrs Mackenzie« asks Clive laughing
»She says why should not you come to your aunts with us We are sure Mrs
Newcome would be most happy to see you«
Rosey with a little hand put to mammas mouth said »Why did you tell you
naughty mamma Isnt she a naughty mamma Uncle James« More kisses follow
after this sally of which Uncle James receives one with perfect complacency
mamma crying out as Rosey retires to dress »That darling child is always
thinking of others always«
Clive says »he will sit and smoke a cheroot with Mr Binnie if they
please« Jamess countenance falls »We have left off that sort of thing here
my dear Clive a long time« cries Mrs Mackenzie departing from the
diningroom
»But we have improved the claret Clive my boy« whispers Uncle James »Let
us have another bottle and we will drink to the dear Colonels good health and
speedy return God bless him I say Clive Tom seems to have had a most
fortunate escape out of Winters house thanks to our friend Rummun Loll and
to have got into a capital good thing with this Bundelcund bank They speak
famously of it at Hanover Square and I see the Hurkara quotes the shares at a
premium already«
Clive did not know anything about the Bundelcund bank except a few words in
a letter from his father which he had found in the City this morning »And an
uncommonly liberal remittance the governor has sent me home sir« Upon which
they fill another bumper to the Colonels health
Mamma and Rosey come and show their pretty pink dresses before going to Mrs
Newcomes and Clive lights a cigar in the hall and isnt there a jubilation at
the Haunt when the young fellows face appears above the smokeclouds there
Chapter XLI
An Old Story
Many of Clives Roman friends were by this time come to London and the young
man renewed his acquaintance with them and had speedily a considerable circle
of his own He thought fit to allow himself a good horse or two and appeared in
the Park among other young dandies He and Monsieur de Montcontour were sworn
allies Lord Fareham who had purchased JJs picture was Clives very good
friend Major Pendennis himself pronounced him to be a young fellow of agreeable
manners and very favourably vu as the Major happened to know in some very
good quarters
Ere many days Clive had been to Brighton to see Lady Ann and Sir Brian and
good Aunt Honeyman in whose house the Baronet was lodged and I suppose he
found out by some means or other where Lady Kew lived in May Fair
But her Ladyship was not at home nor was she at home on the second day nor
did there come any note from Ethel to her cousin She did not ride in the Park
as of old Clive bien vu as he was did not belong to that great world as yet
in which he would be pretty sure to meet her every night at one of those parties
where everybody goes He read her name in the paper morning after morning as
having been present at Lady Thiss entertainment and Lady Thats ministerial
réunion At first he was too shy to tell what the state of the case was and
took nobody into his confidence regarding his little tendre
There he was riding through Queen Street May Fair attired in splendid
raiment never missing the Park actually going to places of worship in the
neighbourhood and frequenting the opera a waste of time which one would never
have expected in a youth of his nurture At length a certain observer of human
nature remarking his state rightly conjectured that he must be in love and
taxed him with the soft impeachment on which the young man no doubt anxious to
open his heart to some one poured out all that story which has before been
narrated and told how he thought his passion cured and how it was cured but
when he heard from Kew at Naples that the engagement was over between him and
Miss Newcome Clive found his own flame kindle again with new ardour He was
wild to see her He dashed off from Naples instantly on receiving the news that
she was free He had been ten days in London without getting a glimpse of her
»That Mrs Mackenzie bothers me so I hardly know where to turn« said poor
Clive »and poor little Rosey is made to write me a note about something twice a
day Shes a good dear little thing little Rosey and I really had thought
once of of oh never mind that O Pen Im up another tree now and a poor
miserable young beggar I am« In fact Mr Pendennis was installed as confidant
vice JJ absent on leave
This is a part which especially for a few days the present biographer has
always liked well enough For a while at least I think almost every man or
woman is interesting when in love If you know of two or three such affairs
going on in any soireé to which you may be invited is not the party straightway
amusing Yonder goes Augustus Tomkins working his way through the rooms to that
far corner where demure Miss Hopkins is seated to whom the stupid grinning
Bumpkins thinks he is making himself agreeable Yonder sits Miss Fanny
distraite and yet trying to smile as the captain is talking his folly the
parson his glib compliments And see her face lights up all of a sudden her
eyes beam with delight at the captains stories and at that delightful young
clergyman likewise It is because Augustus has appeared Their eyes only meet
for one semisecond but that is enough for Miss Fanny Go on captain with
your twaddle Proceed my reverend friend with your smirking commonplaces In
the last two minutes the world has changed for Miss Fanny That moment has come
for which she has been fidgeting and lodging and scheming all day How different
an interest I say has a meeting of people for a philosopher who knows of a few
such little secrets to that which your vulgar lookeron feels who comes but to
eat the ices and stare at the ladies dresses and beauty There are two frames
of mind under which London society is bearable to a man to be an actor in one
of those sentimental performances above hinted at or to be a spectator and
watch it But as for the mere dessus de cartes would not an armchair and the
dullest of books be better than that dull game
So I not only became Clives confidant in this affair but took a pleasure
in extracting the young fellows secrets from him or rather in encouraging him
to poor them forth Thus was the great part of the previous tale repealed to me
thus Jack Belsizes misadventures of the first part of which we had only heard
in London and whither he returned presently to be reconciled to his father
after his elder brothers death Thus my Lord Kews secret history came into my
possession let us hope for the publics future delectation and the
chroniclers private advantage And many a night until daylight did appear has
poor Clive stamped his chamber or my own pouring his story out to me his
griefs and raptures recalling in his wild young way recollections of Ethels
sayings and doings uttering descriptions of her beauty and raging against the
cruelty which she exhibited towards him
As soon as the new confidant heard the name of the young lovers charmer to
do Mr Pendennis justice he endeavoured to fling as much cold water upon
Clives flame as a small private engine could be brought to pour on such a
conflagration »Miss Newcome my dear Clive« says the confidant »do you know
to what you are aspiring« For the last three months Miss Newcome has been the
greatest lioness in London the reigning beauty the winning horse the first
favourite out of the whole Belgravian harem No young woman of this year has
come near her those of past seasons she has distanced and utterly put to
shame Miss Blackcap Lady Blanche Blackcaps daughter was as perhaps you are
not aware considered by her mamma the great beauty of last season and it was
considered rather shabby of the young Marquis of Farintosh to leave town without
offering to change Miss Blackcaps name Heaven bless you this year Farintosh
will not look at Miss Blackcap He finds people at home when ha I see you
wince my suffering innocent when he calls in Queen Street yes and Lady
Kew who is one of the cleverest women in England will listen for hours to Lord
Farintoshs conversation than whom the Rotten Row of Hyde Park cannot show a
greater booby Miss Blackcap may retire like Jephthahs daughter for all
Farintosh will relieve her Then my dear fellow there were as possibly you do
not know Lady Hermengilde and Lady Yseult Lady Rackstraws lovely twins whose
appearance created such a sensation at Lady Hautbois first was it her first
or was it her second yes it was her second breakfast Whom werent they
going to marry Crackthorpe was mad they said about both Bustington Sir John
Fobsby the young baronet with the immense Northern property the Bishop of
Windsor was actually said to be smitten with one of them but did not like to
offer as her present My like Qun Elzbth of gracious memory is said to
object to bishops as bishops marrying Where is Bustington Where is
Crackthorpe Where is Fobsby the young Baronet of the North My dear fellow
when those two girls come into a room now they make no more sensation than you
or I Miss Newcome has carried their admirers away from them Fobsby has
actually it is said proposed for her and the real reason of that affair
between Lord Bustington and Captain Crackthorpe of the Royal Horse Guards Green
was a speech of Bustingtons hinting that Miss Newcome had not behaved well in
throwing Lord Kew over Dont you know what old Lady Kew will do with this girl
Clive She will marry Miss Newcome to the best man If a richer and better parti
than Lord Farintosh presents himself then it will be Farintoshs turn to find
that Lady Kew is not at home Is there any young man in the Peerage unmarried
and richer than Farintosh I forget Why does not some one publish a list of the
young male nobility and baronetage their names weights and probable fortunes
I dont mean for the matrons of May Fair they have the list by heart and study
it in secret but for young men in the world so that they may know what their
chances are and who naturally has the pull over them Let me see there is
young Lord Gaunt who will have a great fortune and is desirable because you
know his father is locked up but he is only ten years old no they can
scarcely bring him forward as Farintoshs rival
»You look astonished my poor boy You think it is wicked in me to talk in
this brutal way about bargain and sale and say that your hearts darling is at
this minute being paced up and down the May Fair market to be taken away by the
best bidder Can you count purses with Sultan Farintosh Can you compete even
with Sir John Fobsby of the North What I say is wicked and worldly is it So
it is but it is true as true as Tattersalls as true as Circassia or
Virginia Dont you know that the Circassian girls are proud of their bringing
up and take rank according to the prices which they fetch And you go and buy
yourself some new clothes and a fiftypound horse and put a penny rose in your
buttonhole and ride past her window and think to win this prize O you idiot
A penny rosebud Put money in your purse A fiftypound hack when a butcher
rides as good a one Put money in your purse A brave young heart all courage
and love and honour Put money in thy purse tother coin dont pass in the
market at least where old Lady Kew has the stall«
By these remonstrances playful though serious Clives adviser sought to
teach him wisdom about his love affair and the advice was received as advice
upon those occasions usually is
After calling thrice and writing to Miss Newcome there came a little note
from that young lady saying »Dear Clive We were so sorry we were out when
you called We shall be at home tomorrow at lunch when Lady Kew hopes you
will come and see yours ever EN«
Clive went poor Clive He had the satisfaction of shaking Ethels hand
and a finger of Lady Kew of eating a muttonchop in Ethels presence of
conversing about the state of art at Rome with Lady Kew and describing the last
works of Gibson and Macdonald The visit lasted but for half an hour Not for
one minute was Clive allowed to see Ethel alone At three oclock Lady Kews
carriage was announced and our young gentleman rose to take his leave and had
the pleasure of seeing the most noble Peer Marquis of Farintosh and Earl of
Rossmont descend from his lordships brougham and enter at Lady Kews door
followed by a domestic bearing a small stack of flowers from Covent Garden
It befell that the goodnatured Lady Fareham had a ball in these days and
meeting Clive in the Park her lord invited him to the entertainment Mr
Pendennis had also the honour of a card Accordingly Clive took me up at Bayss
and we proceeded to the ball together
The lady of the house smiling upon all her guests welcomed with particular
kindness her young friend from Rome »Are you related to the Miss Newcome Lady
Ann Newcomes daughter Her cousin She will be here tonight« Very likely Lady
Fareham did not see Clive wince and blush at this announcement her ladyship
having to occupy herself with a thousand other people Clive found a dozen of
his Roman friends in the room ladies young and middleaged plain and handsome
all glad to see his kind face The house was splendid the ladies magnificently
dressed the ball beautiful though it appeared a little dull until that event
took place whereof we treated two pages back in the allegory of Mr Tomkins and
Miss Hopkins and Lady Kew and her granddaughter made their appearance
That old woman who began to look more and more like the wicked fairy of the
stories who is not invited to the Princesss Christening Feast had this
advantage over her likeness that she was invited everywhere though how she at
her age could fly about to so many parties unless she was a fairy no one
could say Behind the fairy up the marble stairs came the most noble
Farintosh with that vacuous leer which distinguishes his lordship Ethel seemed
to be carrying the stack of flowers which the marquis had sent to her The noble
Bustington Viscount Bustington I need scarcely tell the reader is the heir of
the house of Podbury the Baronet of the North the gallant Crackthorpe the
first men in town in a word gathered round the young beauty forming her
court and little Dick Hitchin who goes everywhere you may be sure was near
her with a compliment and a smile Ere this arrival the twins had been giving
themselves great airs in the room the poor twins when Ethel appeared they
sank into shuddering insignificance and had to put up with the conversation and
attentions of secondrate men belonging to secondrate clubs in heavy dragoon
regiments One of them actually waltzed with a dancing barrister but he was
related to a duke and it was expected the Lord Chancellor would give him
something very good
Before he saw Ethel Clive vowed he was aware of her Indeed had not Lady
Fareham told him Miss Newcome was coming Ethel on the contrary not expecting
him or not having the prescience of love exhibited signs of surprise when she
beheld him her eyebrows arching her eyes darting looks of pleasure When
grandmamma happened to be in another room she beckoned Clive to her dismissing
Crackthorpe and Fobsby Farintosh and Bustington the amorous youth who around
her bowed and summoning Mr Clive up to an audience with the air of a young
princess
And so she was a princess and this the region of her special dominion The
wittiest and handsomest she deserved to reign in such a place by right of
merit and by general election Clive felt her superiority and his own
shortcomings he came up to her as to a superior person Perhaps she was not
sorry to let him see how she ordered away grandees and splendid Bustingtons
informing them with a superb manner that she wished to speak to her cousin
that handsome young man with the light mustachio yonder
»Do you know many people This is your first appearance in society Shall I
introduce you to some nice girls to dance with What very pretty buttons«
»Is that what you wanted to say« asked Clive rather bewildered
»What does one say at a ball One talks conversation suited to the place If
I were to say to Captain Crackthorpe What pretty buttons he would be
delighted But you you have a soul above buttons I suppose«
»Being as you say a stranger in this sort of society you see I am not
accustomed to to the exceeding brilliancy of its conversation« said Clive
»What you want to go away and we havent seen each other for near a year«
cries Ethel in quite a natural voice »Sir John Fobsby Im very sorry but do
let me off this dance I have just met my cousin whom I have not seen for a
whole year and I want to talk to him«
»It was not my fault that you did not see me sooner I wrote to you that I
only got your letter a month ago You never answered the second I wrote you from
Rome Your letter lay there at the post ever so long and was forwarded to me at
Naples«
»Where« asked Ethel
»I saw Lord Kew there« Ethel was smiling with all her might and kissing
her hand to the twins who passed at this moment with their mamma »Oh indeed
you saw how do you do Lord Kew«
»And having seen him I came over to England« said Clive
Ethel looked at him gravely »What am I to understand by that Clive You
came over because it was very hot at Naples and because you wanted to see your
friends here nestce pas How glad mamma was to see you You know she loves
you as if you were her own son«
»What as much as that angel Barnes« cried Clive bitterly »impossible«
Ethel looked once more Her present mood and desire was to treat Clive as a
chit as a young fellow without consequence a thirteenth younger brother But
in his looks and behaviour there was that which seemed to say not too many
liberties were to be taken with him
»Why werent you here a month sooner and you might have seen the marriage
It was a very pretty thing Everybody was there Clara and so did Barnes
really looked quite handsome«
»It must have been beautiful« continued Clive »quite a touching sight I
am sure Poor Charles Belsize could not be present because his brother was dead
and «
»And what else pray Mr Newcome« cries Miss in great wrath her pink
nostrils beginning to quiver »I did not think really that when we met after
so many months I was to be insulted yes insulted by the mention of that
name«
»I most humbly ask pardon« said Clive with a grave bow »Heaven forbid
that I should wound your sensibility Ethel It is as you say my first
appearance in society I talk about things or persons that I should not mention
I should talk about buttons should I which you were good enough to tell me was
the proper subject of conversation Maynt I even speak of connections of the
family Mr Belsize through this marriage has the honour of being connected
with you and even I in a remote degree may boast of a sort of an
eversodistant cousinship with him What an honour for me«
»Pray what is the meaning of all this« cries Miss Ethel surprised and
perhaps alarmed Indeed Clive scarcely knew He had been chafing all the while
he talked with her smothering anger as he saw the young men round about her
revolting against himself for the very humility of his obedience and angry at
the eagerness and delight with which he had come at her call
»The meaning is Ethel« he broke out seizing the opportunity »that when a
man comes a thousand miles to see you and shake your hand you should give it
him a little more cordially than you choose to do to me that when a kinsman
knocks at your door time after time you should try and admit him and that
when you meet him you should treat him like an old friend not as you treated
me when my Lady Kew vouchsafed to give me admittance not as you treat these
fools that are fribbling round about you« cries Mr Clive in a great rage
folding his arms and glaring round on a number of the most innocent young
swells and he continued looking as if he would like to knock a dozen of their
heads together »Am I keeping Miss Newcomes admirers from her«
»That is not for me to say« she said quite gently He was but to see him
angry did not displease Miss Newcome
»That young man who came for you just now« Clive went on »that Sir John
«
»Are you angry with me because I sent him away« said Ethel putting out a
hand »Hark there is the music Take me in and waltz with me Dont you know it
is not my door at which you knocked« she said looking up into his face as
simply and kindly as of old She whirled round the dancing room with him in
triumph the other beauties dwindling before her she looked more and more
beautiful with each rapid move of the waltz her colour heightening and her eyes
seeming to brighten Not till the music stopped did she sink down on a seat
panting and smiling radiant as many many hundred years ago I remember to
have seen Taglioni after a conquering pas seul She nodded a thank you to Clive
It seemed that there was a perfect reconciliation Lady Kew came in just at the
end of the dance scowling when she beheld Ethels partner but in reply to her
remonstrances Ethel shrugged her fair shoulders with a look which seemed to say
je le veux gave an arm to her grandmother and walked off saucily protecting
her
Clives friend had been looking on observingly and curiously as the scene
between them had taken place and at the dance with which the reconciliation had
been celebrated I must tell you that this arch young creature had formed the
object of my observation for some months past and that I watched her as I have
watched a beautiful panther at the Zoological Gardens so bright of eye so
sleek of coat so slim in form so swift and agile in her spring
A more brilliant young coquette than Miss Newcome in her second season
these eyes never looked upon that is the truth In her first year being
engaged to Lord Kew she was perhaps a little more reserved and quiet Besides
her mother went out with her that first season to whom Miss Newcome except for
a little occasional flightiness was invariably obedient and ready to come to
call But when Lady Kew appeared as her Duenna the girls delight seemed to be
to plague the old lady and she would dance with the very youngest sons merely
to put grandmamma in a passion In this way poor young Cubley who has two
hundred a year of allowance besides eighty and an annual rise of five in the
Treasury actually thought that Ethel was in love with him and consulted with
the young men in his room in Downing Street whether two hundred and eighty a
year with five pound more next year would be enough for them to keep house on
Young Tandy of the Temple Lord Skibbereens younger son who sat in the House
for some time on the Irish Catholic side was also deeply smitten and many a
night in our walks home from the parties at the other end of the town would
entertain me with his admiration and passion for her
»If you have such a passion for her why not propose« it was asked of Mr
Tandy
»Propose propose to a Russian Archduchess« cries young Tandy »Shes
beautiful shes delightful shes witty I have never seen anything like her
eyes they send me wild wild« says Tandy slapping his waistcoat under
Temple Bar »but a more audacious little flirt never existed since the days of
Cleopatra«
With this opinion likewise in my mind I had been looking on during Clives
proceedings with Miss Ethel not I say without admiration of the young lady
who was leading him such a dance The waltz over I congratulated him on his own
performance His Continental practice had greatly improved him »And as for your
partner it is delightful to see her« I went on »I always like to be by when
Miss Newcome dances I had sooner see her than anybody since Taglioni Look at
her now with her neck up and her little foot out just as she is preparing to
start Happy Lord Bustington«
»You are angry with her because she cut you« growls Clive »You know you
said she cut you or forgot you and your vanitys wounded that is why you are
so satirical«
»How can Miss Newcome remember all the men who are presented to her« says
the other »Last year she talked to me because she wanted to know about you
This year she doesnt talk because I suppose she does not want to know about
you any more«
»Hang it Doont Pen« cries Clive as a schoolboy cries out to another
not to hit him
»She does not pretend to observe and is in full conversation with the
amiable Bustington Delicious interchange of noble thoughts But she is
observing us talking and knows that we are talking about her If ever you marry
her Clive which is absurd I shall lose you for a friend You will infallibly
tell her what I think of her and she will order you to give me up« Clive had
gone off in a brown study as his interlocutor continued »Yes she is a flirt
She cant help her nature She tries to vanquish every one who comes near her
She is a little out of breath from waltzing and so she pretends to be listening
to poor Bustington who is out of breath too but puffs out his best in order to
make himself agreeable With what a pretty air she appears to listen Her eyes
actually seem to brighten«
»What« says Clive with a start
I could not comprehend the meaning of the start nor did I care much to
know supposing that the young man was waking up from some lovers reverie and
the evening sped away Clive not quitting the ball until Miss Newcome and the
Countess of Kew had departed No further communication appeared to take place
between the cousins that evening I think it was Captain Crackthorpe who gave
the young lady an arm into her carriage Sir John Fobsby having the happiness to
conduct the old Countess and carrying the pink bag for the shawls wrappers
etc on which Her Ladyships coronet and initials are emblazoned Clive may
have made a movement as if to step forward but a single finger from Miss
Newcome warned him back
Clive and his two friends in Lamb Court had made an engagement for the next
Saturday to dine at Greenwich but on the morning of that day there came a note
from him to say that he thought of going down to see his aunt Miss Honeyman
and begged to recall his promise to us Saturday is a holiday with gentlemen of
our profession We had invited F Bayham Esquire and promised ourselves a
merry evening and were unwilling to balk ourselves of the pleasure on account
of the absence of our young Roman So we three went to London Bridge Station at
an early hour proposing to breathe the fresh air of Greenwich Park before
dinner And at London Bridge by the most singular coincidence Lady Kews
carriage drove up to the Brighton entrance and Miss Ethel and her maid stepped
out of the brougham
When Miss Newcome and her maid entered the Brighton station did Mr Clive by
another singular coincidence happen also to be there What more natural and
dutiful than that he should go and see his aunt Miss Honeyman What more proper
than that Miss Ethel should pass the Saturday and Sunday with her sick father
and take a couple of wholesome nights rest after those five weary past
evenings for each of which we may reckon a couple of soirées and a ball And
that relations should travel together the young lady being protected by her
femmedechambre that surely as every one must allow was perfectly right and
proper
That a biographer should profess to know everything which passes even in a
confidential talk in a firstclass carriage between two lovers seems perfectly
absurd not that grave historians do not pretend to the same wonderful degree of
knowledge reporting meetings the most occult of conspirators private
interviews between monarchs and their ministers even the secret thoughts and
motives of those personages which possibly the persons themselves did not know
All for which the present writer will pledge his known character for veracity
is that on a certain day certain parties had a conversation of which the
upshot was so and so He guesses of course at a great deal of what took place
knowing the characters and being informed at some time of their meeting You do
not suppose that I bribed the femmedechambre or that those two City gents
who sate in the same carriage with our young friends and could not hear a word
they said reported their talk to me If Clive and Ethel had had a coupé to
themselves I would yet boldly tell what took place but the coupé was taken by
other three young City gents who smoked the whole way
»Well then« the bonnet begins close up to the hat »tell me sir is it
true that you were so very much épris of the Miss Freemans at Rome and that
afterwards you were so wonderfully attentive to the third Miss Baliol Did you
draw her portrait You know you drew her portrait You painters always pretend
to admire girls with auburn hair because Titian and Raphael painted it Has the
Fornarina red hair Why we are at Croydon I declare«
»The Fornarina« the hat replies to the bonnet »if that picture at the
Borghese Palace be an original or a likeness of her is not a handsome woman
with vulgar eyes and mouth and altogether a most mahoganycoloured person She
is so plain in fact I think that very likely it is the real woman for it is
with their own fancies that men fall in love or rather every woman is handsome
to the lover You know how old Helen must have been«
»I dont know any such thing or anything about her Who was Helen« asks
the bonnet and indeed she did not know
»Its a long story and such an old scandal now that there is no use in
repeating it« says Clive
»You only talk about Helen because you wish to turn away the conversation
from Miss Freeman« cries the young lady »from Miss Baliol I mean«
»We will talk about whichever you please Which shall we begin to pull to
pieces« says Clive You see to be in this carriage to be actually with her
to be looking into those wonderful lucid eyes to see her sweet mouth dimpling
and hear her sweet voice ringing with its delicious laughter to have that hour
and a half his own in spite of all the worlddragons grandmothers
convenances the future made the young fellow so happy filled his whole frame
and spirit with a delight so keen that no wonder he was gay and brisk and
lively
»And so you knew of my goingson« he asked Oh me they were at Reigate by
this time there was Gatton Park flying before them on the wings of the wind
»I know of a number of things« says the bonnet nodding with ambrosial
curls
»And you would not answer the second letter I wrote to you«
»We were in great perplexity One cannot be always answering young
gentlemens letters I had considerable doubt about answering a note I got from
Charlotte Street Fitzroy Square« says the ladys chapeau »No Clive we must
not write to one another,« she continued more gravely »or only very very
seldom Nay my meeting you here today is by the merest chance I am sure for
when I mentioned at Lady Farehams the other evening that I was going to see
papa at Brighton today I never for one moment thought of seeing you in the
train But as you are here it cant be helped and I may as well tell you that
there are obstacles«
»What other obstacles« Clive gasped out
»Nonsense you silly boy No other obstacles but those which always have
existed and must When we parted that is when you left us at Baden you
knew it was for the best You had your profession to follow and could not go on
idling about about a family of sick people and children Every man has his
profession and you yours as you would have it We are so nearly allied that we
may we may like each other like brother and sister almost I dont know what
Barnes would say if he heard me Wherever you and your father are how can I
ever think of you but but you know how I always shall always There are
certain feelings we have which I hope never can change though if you please
about them I intend never to speak any more Neither you nor I can alter our
conditions but must make the best of them You shall be a fine clever painter
and I who knows what will happen to me I know what is going to happen today
I am going to see papa and mamma and be as happy as I can till Monday morning«
»I know what I wish would happen now« said Clive they were going
screaming through a tunnel
»What« said the bonnet in the darkness and the engine was roaring so
loudly that he was obliged to put his head quite close to say
»I wish the tunnel would fall in and close upon us or that we might travel
on for ever and ever«
Here there was a great jar of the carriage and the ladysmaid and I think
Miss Ethel gave a shriek The lamp above was so dim that the carriage was
almost totally dark No wonder the ladysmaid was frightened but the daylight
came streaming in and all poor Clives wishes of rolling and rolling on for
ever were put an end to by the implacable sun in a minute
Ah why was it the quick train Suppose it had been the parliamentary train
even that too would have come to an end They came and said »Tickets
please« and Clive held out the three of their party his and Ethels and her
maids I think for such a ride as that he was right to give up Greenwich Mr
Kuhn was in waiting with a carriage for Miss Ethel She shook hands with Clive
returning his pressure
»I may come and see you« he said
»You may come and see mamma yes«
»And where are you staying«
»Bless my soul they were staying at Miss Honeymans« Clive burst into a
laugh Why he was going there too Of course Aunt Honeyman had no room for him
her house being quite full with the other Newcomes
It was a most curious coincidence their meeting but altogether Lady Ann
thought it was best to say nothing about the circumstance to grandmamma I
myself am puzzled to say which would have been the better course to pursue under
the circumstances there were so many courses open As they had gone so far
should they go on further together Suppose they were going to the same house at
Brighton oughtnt they to have gone in the same carriage with Kuhn and the
maid of course Suppose they met by chance at the station ought they to have
travelled in separate carriages I ask any gentleman and father of a family
when he was immensely smitten with his present wife Mrs Brown if he had met
her travelling with her maid in the mail when there was a vacant place what
would he himself have done
Chapter XLII
Injured Innocence
From Clive Newcome Esq
to LieutCol Newcome CB
»Brighton June 12 18
My dearest father As the weather was growing very hot at Naples and
you wished I should come to England to see Mr Binnie I came
accordingly and have been here three weeks and write to you from Aunt
Honeymans parlour at Brighton where you ate your last dinner before
embarking for India I found your splendid remittance on calling in Fog
Court and have invested a part of the sum in a good horse to ride upon
which I take my diversion with other young dandies in the park Florac
is in England but he has no need of your kindness Only think he is
Prince de Montcontour now the second title of the Duc dIvrys family
and M le Comte de Florac is Duc dIvry in consequence of the demise of
tother old gentleman I believe the late dukes wife shortened his
life Oh what a woman She caused a duel between Lord Kew and a
Frenchman which has in its turn occasioned all sorts of evil and
division in families as you shall hear
In the first place in consequence of the duel and of
incompatibility of temper the match between Kew and EN has been
broken off I met Lord Kew at Naples with his mother and brother nice
quiet people as you would like them Kews wound and subsequent illness
have altered him a good deal He has become much more serious than he
used to be not ludicrously so at all but he says he thinks his past
life has been useless and even criminal and he wishes to change it He
has sold his horses and sown his wild oats He has turned quite a
sober quiet gentleman
At our meeting he told me of what had happened between him and
Ethel of whom he spoke most kindly and generously but avowing his
opinion that they never could have been happy in married life And now I
think my dear old father will see that there may be another reason
besides my desire to see Mr Binnie which has brought me tumbling back
to England again If need be to speak I never shall have I hope any
secrets from you I have not said much about one which has given me the
deuces disquiet for ten months past because there was no good in
talking about it or vexing you needlessly with reports of my griefs and
woes
Well when we were at Baden in September last and E and I wrote
those letters in common to you I dare say you can fancy what my
feelings might have been towards such a beautiful young creature who
has a hundred faults for which I love her just as much as for the good
that is in her I became dreadfully smitten indeed and knowing that she
was engaged to Lord Kew I did as you told me you did once when the
enemy was too strong for you I ran away I had a bad time of it for
two or three months At Rome however I began to take matters more
easily my naturally fine appetite returned and at the end of the
season I found myself uncommonly happy in the society of the Miss
Baliols and the Miss Freemans but when Kew told me at Naples of what
had happened there was straightway a fresh eruption in my heart and I
was fool enough to come almost without sleep to London in order to catch
a glimpse of the bright eyes of EN
She is now in this very house upstairs with one aunt whilst the
other lets lodgings to her I have seen her but very seldom indeed since
I came to London where Sir Brian and Lady Ann do not pass the season
and Ethel goes about to a dozen parties every week with old Lady Kew
who neither loves you nor me Hearing E say she was coming down to her
parents at Brighton I made so bold as to waylay her at the train
though I didnt tell her that I passed three hours in the
waitingroom and we made the journey together and she was very kind
and beautiful and though I suppose I might just as well ask the Royal
Princess to have me I cant help hoping and longing and hankering after
her And Aunt Honeyman must have found out that I am fond of her for
the old lady has received me with a scolding Uncle Charles seems to be
in very good condition again I saw him in full clerical feather at
Madame de Montcontours a good natured body who drops her hs though
Florac is not aware of their absence Pendennis and Warrington I know
would send you their best regards Pen is conceited but much kinder in
reality than he has the air of being Fred Bayham is doing well and
prospering in his mysterious way
Mr Binnie is not looking at all well and Mrs Mack well as I
know you never attack a lady behind her lovely back I wont say a word
of Mrs Mack but she has taken possession of Uncle James and seems to
me to weigh upon him somehow Rosey is as pretty and good natured as
ever and has learned two new songs but you see with my sentiments in
another quarter I feel as it were guilty and awkward in company of
Rosey and her mamma They have become the very greatest friends with
Bryanston Square and Mrs Mack is always citing Aunt Hobson as the most
superior of women in which opinion I dare say Aunt Hobson concurs
Goodbye my dearest father my sheet is full I wish I could put my
arm in yours and pace up and down the pier with you and tell you more
and more But you know enough now and that I am your affectionate son
always
CN«
In fact when Mr Clive appeared at Steyne Gardens stepping out of the fly and
handing Miss Ethel thence Miss Honeyman of course was very glad to see her
nephew and saluted him with a little embrace to show her sense of pleasure at
his visit But the next day being Sunday when Clive with a most engaging smile
on his countenance walked over to breakfast from his hotel Miss Honeyman would
scarcely speak to him during the meal looked out at him very haughtily from
under her Sunday cap and received his stories about Italy with »Oh ah
indeed« in a very unkind manner And when breakfast was over and she had done
washing her china she fluttered up to Clive with such an agitation of plumage
redness of craw and anger of manner as a maternal hen shows if she has reason
to think you menace her chickens She fluttered up to Clive I say and cried
out »Not in this house Clive not in this house I beg you to understand that
«
Clive looking amazed said »Certainly not maam I never did do it in the
house as I know you dont like it I was going into the Square« the young man
meaning that he was about to smoke and conjecturing that his aunts anger
applied to that practice
»You know very well what I mean sir Dont try to turn me off in that
hightytighty way My dinner today is at halfpast one You can dine or not as
you like« and the old lady flounced out of the room
Poor Clive stood rolling his cigar in sad perplexity of spirit until Mrs
Honeymans servant Hannah entered who for her part grinned and looked
particularly sly »In the name of goodness Hannah what is the row about«
cries Mr Clive »What is my aunt scolding at What are you grinning at you old
Cheshire cat«
»Git long Master Clive« says Hannah patting the cloth
»Get along why get along and where am I to get along to«
»Didee do ut really now Master Clive« cries Mrs Honeymans attendant
grinning with the utmost goodhumour »Well she be as pretty a young lady as
ever I saw and as I told my Missis Miss Martha says I theres a pair on em
Though Missis was mortal angry to be sure She never could bear it«
»Bear what you old goose« cries Clive who by these playful names had been
wont to designate Hannah these twenty years past
»A young gentleman and a young lady akissing of each other in the railway
coach« says Hannah jerking up with her finger to the ceiling as much as to
say »There she is Lar she be a pretty young creature that she be and so I
told Miss Martha« Thus differently had the news which had come to them on the
previous night affected the old lady and her maid
The news was that Miss Newcomes maid a giddy thing from the country who
had not even learned as yet to hold her tongue had announced with giggling
delight to Lady Anns maid who was taking tea with Mrs Hicks that Mr Clive
had given Miss Ethel a kiss in the tunnel and she supposed it was a match This
intelligence Hannah Hicks took to her mistress of whose angry behaviour to
Clive the next morning you may now understand the cause
Clive did not know whether to laugh or to be in a rage He swore that he was
as innocent of all intention of kissing Miss Ethel as of embracing Queen
Elizabeth He was shocked to think of his cousin walking above fancy free in
maiden meditation whilst this conversation regarding her was carried on below
How could he face her or her mother or even her maid now he had cognizance of
this naughty calumny »Of course Hannah had contradicted it« »Of course I have
a done no such a thing indeed« replied Master Clives old friend »of course I
have set em down a bit for when little Trimmer said it and she supposed it
was all settled between you seeing how it had been agoing on in foreign parts
last year Mrs Pincott says Hold your silly tongue Trimmer she says Miss
Ethel marry a painter indeed Trimmer says she while she has refused to be a
Countess she says and can be a Marchioness any day and will be a Marchioness
Marry a painter indeed Mrs Pincott says Trimmer Im surprised at your
impidence So my dear I got angry at that« Clives champion continued »and
says I if my young Master aint good enough for any young lady in this world
says I Id like you to show her to me and if his dear father the Colonel
says I aint as good as your old gentleman upstairs says I who has gruel and
dines upon doctors stuff then Mrs Pincott says I my name isnt what it is
says I Those were my very words Master Clive my dear and then Mrs Pincott
says Mrs Hicks she says you dont understand society she says you dont
understand society he he« and the country lady with considerable humour
gave an imitation of the town ladys manner
At this juncture Miss Honeyman reentered the parlour arrayed in her Sunday
bonnet her stiff and spotless collar her Cashmere shawl and Agra brooch and
carrying her Bible and Prayerbook each stitched in its neat cover of brown
silk »Dont stay chattering here you idle woman« she cried to her attendant
with extreme asperity »And you sir if you wish to smoke your cigars you
had best walk down to the cliff where the Cockneys are« she added glowering at
Clive
»Now I understand it all« Clive said trying to deprecate her anger »My
dear good aunt its a most absurd mistake upon my honour Miss Ethel is as
innocent as you are«
»Innocent or not this house is not intended for assignations Clive As
long as Sir Brian Newcome lodges here you will be pleased to keep away from it
sir and though I dont approve of Sunday travelling I think the very best
thing you can do is to put yourself in the train and go back to London«
And now young people who read my moral pages you will see how highly
imprudent it is to sit with your cousins in railwaycarriages and how though
you may not mean the slightest harm in the world a great deal may be attributed
to you and how when you think you are managing your little absurd love affairs
ever so quietly Jeames and Betsy in the servants hall are very likely talking
about them and you are putting yourself in the power of those menials If the
perusal of these lines has rendered one single young couple uncomfortable
surely my amiable end is answered and I have written not altogether in vain
Clive was going away innocent though he was yet quivering under his aunts
reproof and so put out of countenance that he had not even thought of lighting
the great cigar which he stuck into his foolish mouth when a shout of »Clive
Clive« from half a dozen little voices roused him and presently as many little
Newcomes came toddling down the stairs and this one clung round his knees and
that at the skirts of his coat and another took his hand and said he must come
and walk with them on the beach
So away went Clive to walk with his cousins and then to see his old friend
Miss Cann with whom and the elder children he walked to church and issuing
thence greeted Lady Ann and Ethel who had also attended the service in the
most natural way in the world
While engaged in talking with these Miss Honeyman came out of the sacred
edifice crisp and stately in the famous Agra brooch and Cashmere shawl The
goodnatured Lady Ann had a smile and a kind word for her as for everybody
Clive went up to his maternal aunt to offer his arm »You must give him up to us
for dinner Miss Honeyman if you please to be so very kind He was so
goodnatured in escorting Ethel down« Lady Ann said
»Hm my lady« says Miss Honeyman perking her head up in her collar Clive
did not know whether to laugh or not but a fine blush illuminated his
countenance As for Ethel she was and looked perfectly unconscious So rustling
in her stiff black silk Martha Honeyman walked with her nephew silent by the
shore of the muchsounding sea The idea of courtship of osculatory processes
of marrying and giving in marriage made this elderly virgin chafe and fume she
never having at any period of her life indulged in any such ideas or
practices and being angry against them as childless wives will sometimes be
angry and testy against matrons with their prattle about their nurseries Now
Miss Cann was a different sort of spinster and loved a bit of sentiment with
all her heart from which I am led to conclude but pray is this the history
of Miss Cann or of the Newcomes
All these Newcomes then entered into Miss Honeymans house where a number
of little knives and forks were laid for them Ethel was cold and thoughtful
Lady Ann was perfectly goodnatured as her wont was Sir Brian came in on the
arm of his valet presently wearing that look of extra neatness which invalids
have who have just been shaved and combed and made ready by their attendants to
receive company He was voluble though there was a perceptible change in his
voice he talked chiefly of matters which had occurred forty years ago and
especially of Clives own father when he was a boy in a manner which
interested the young man and Ethel »He threw me down in a chaise sad chap
always reading Ormes History of India wanted marry Frenchwoman He wondered
Mrs Newcome didnt leave Tom anything pon my word quite sprise« The
events of today the House of Commons the City had little interest for him
All the children went up and shook him by the hand with awe in their looks and
he patted their yellow heads vacantly and kindly He asked Clive several times
where he had been and said he himself had had a slight tack vay slight was
getting well evy day strong as a horse go back to Parliament drectly And
then he became a little peevish with Parker his man about his broth The man
retired and came back presently with profound bows and gravity to tell Sir
Brian dinner was ready and he went away quite briskly at this news giving a
couple of fingers to Clive before he disappeared into the upper apartments
Goodnatured Lady Ann was as easy about this as about the other events of this
world In later days with what a strange feeling we remember that last sight we
have of the old friend that nod of farewell and shake of the hand that last
look of the face and figure as the door closes on him or the coach drives away
So the roast mutton was ready and all the children dined very heartily
The infantile meal had not been long concluded when servants announced »the
Marquis of Farintosh« and that nobleman made his appearance to pay his respects
to Miss Newcome and Lady Ann He brought the very last news of the very last
party in London where »Really upon my honour now it was quite a stupid
party because Miss Newcome wasnt there It was now really«
Miss Newcome remarked »If he said so upon his honour of course she was
satisfied«
»As you werent there« the young nobleman continued »the Miss Rackstraws
came out quite strong really they did now upon my honour It was quite a quiet
thing Lady Merriborough hadnt even got a new gown on Lady Ann you shirk
London society this year and we miss you we expected you to give us two or
three things this season we did now really I said to Tufthunt only
yesterday why has not Lady Ann Newcome given anything You know Tufthunt They
say hes a clever fellow and that but hes a low little beast and I hate
him«
Lady Ann said »Sir Brians bad state of health prevented her from going out
this season or receiving at home«
»It dont prevent your mother from going out though« continued my Lord
»Upon my honour I think unless she got two or three things every night I think
shed die Lady Kews like one of those horses you know that unless they go
they drop«
»Thank you for my mother« said Lady Ann
»She is upon my honour Last night I know she was at ever so many places
She dined at the Bloxams for I was there Then she said she was going to sit
with old Mrs Crackthorpe who has broke her collar bone that Crackthorpe in
the Life Guards her grandson is a brute and I hope she wont leave him a
shillin and then she came on to Lady Hawkstones where I heard her say she
had been at the at the Flowerdales too People begin to go to those
Flowerdales Hanged if I know where they wont go next Cottonspinner wasnt
he«
»So were we my lord« says Miss Newcome
»Oh yes I forgot But youre of an old family very old family«
»We cant help it« said Miss Ethel archly »Indeed she thought she was«
»Do you believe in the BarberSurgeon« asked Clive And my lord looked at
him with a noble curiosity as much as to say »Who the deuce was the
BarberSurgeon and who the devil are you«
»Why should we disown our family« Miss Ethel said simply »In those early
days I suppose people did did all sorts of things and it was not considered
at all out of the way to be Surgeon to William the Conqueror«
»Edward the Confessor« interposed Clive »And it must be true because I
have seen a picture of the BarberSurgeon a friend of mine MCollop did the
picture and I dare say it is for sale still«
Lady Ann said »she should be delighted to see it« Lord Farintosh remembered
that the MCollop had the moor next to his in Argyleshire but did not choose to
commit himself with the stranger and preferred looking at his own handsome face
and admiring it in the glass until the last speaker had concluded his remarks
As Clive did not offer any further conversation but went back to a table
where he began to draw the BarberSurgeon Lord Farintosh resumed the delightful
talk »What infernal bad glasses these are in these Brighton lodginghouses
They make a man look quite green really they do and theres nothing green in
me is there Lady Ann«
»But you look very unwell Lord Farintosh indeed you do« Miss Newcome said
gravely »I think late hours and smoking and going to that horrid Platts
where I dare say you go «
»Go dont I But dont call it horrid really now dont call it horrid«
cried the noble Marquis
»Well something has made you look far from well You know how very well
Lord Farintosh used to look mamma and to see him now in only his second
season oh it is melancholy«
»God bless my soul Miss Newcome what do you mean I think I look pretty
well« and the noble youth passed his hand through his hair »It is a hard life
I know that tearin about night after night and sittin up till ever so much
oclock and then all these races you know comin one after another its
enough to knock up any fellow Ill tell you what Ill do Miss Newcome Ill go
down to Codlington to my mother I will upon my honour and lie quiet all
July and then Ill go to Scotland and you shall see whether I dont look
better next season«
»Do Lord Farintosh« said Ethel greatly amused as much perhaps at the
young Marquis as at her cousin Clive who sat whilst the other was speaking
fuming with rage at his table »What are you doing Clive« she asks
»I was trying to draw Lord knows who Lord Newcome who was killed at the
Battle of Bosworth« said the artist and the girl ran to look at the picture
»Why you have made him like Punch« cries the young lady
»Its a shame caricaturing ones own flesh and blood isnt it« asked Clive
gravely
»What a droll funny picture« exclaims Lady Ann »Isnt it capital Lord
Farintosh«
»I dare say I confess I dont understand that sort of thing« says his
lordship »dont upon my honour Theres Odo Carton always making those
caricatures I dont understand em Youll come up to town tomorrow wont
you And youre goin to Lady Hms and to Hm and Hms aint you The names of
these aristocratic places of resort were quite inaudible« You mustnt let Miss
Blackcap have it all her own way you know that you mustnt«
»She wont have it all her own way« says Miss Ethel »Lord Farintosh will
you do me a favour Lady Innishowan is your aunt«
»Of course she is my aunt«
»Will you be so very good as to get a card for her party on Tuesday for my
cousin Mr Clive Newcome Clive please be introduced to the Marquis of
Farintosh«
The young Marquis perfectly well recollected those mustachios and their
wearer on a former night though he had not thought fit to make any sign of
recognition »Anything you wish Miss Newcome« he said »delighted Im sure«
and turning to Clive »In the army I suppose«
»I am an artist« says Clive turning very red
»Oh really I didnt know« cries the nobleman and my lord bursting out
laughing presently as he was engaged in conversation with Miss Ethel on the
balcony Clive thought very likely with justice »He is making fun of my
mustachios Confound him I should like to pitch him over into the street« But
this was only a kind wish on Mr Newcomes part not followed out by any
immediate fulfilment
As the Marquis of Farintosh seemed inclined to prolong his visit and his
company was exceedingly disagreeable to Clive the latter took his departare for
an afternoon walk consoled to think that he should have Ethel to himself at the
evenings dinner when Lady Ann would be occupied about Sir Brian and would be
sure to be putting the children to bed and in a word would give him a quarter
of an hour of delightful têteàtête with the beautiful Ethel
Clives disgust was considerable when he came to dinner at length and found
Lord Farintosh likewise invited and sprawling in the drawingroom His hopes
of a têteàtête were over Ethel and Lady Ann and my lord talked as all people
will about their mutual acquaintance what parties were coming off who was
going to marry whom and so forth And as the persons about whom they conversed
were in their own station of life and belonged to the fashionable world of
which Clive had but a slight knowledge he chose to fancy that his cousin was
giving herself airs and to feel sulky and uneasy during their dialogue
Miss Newcome had faults of her own and was worldly enough as perhaps the
reader has begun to perceive but in this instance no harm sure was to be
attributed to her If two gossips in Aunt Honeymans parlour had talked over the
affairs of Mr Jones and Mr Brown Clive would not have been angry but a young
man of spirit not infrequently mistakes his vanity for independence and it is
certain that nothing is more offensive to us of the middle class than to hear
the names of great folks constantly introduced into conversation
So Clive was silent and ate no dinner to the alarm of Martha who had put
him to bed many a time and always had a maternal eye over him When he actually
refused currant and raspberry tart and custard chef of Mrs Honeyman for
which she had seen him absolutely cry in his childhood the good Martha was
alarmed
»Law Master Clive« she said »doee eat some Missis made it you know she
did« and she insisted on bringing back the tart to him
Lady Ann and Ethel laughed at this eagerness on the worthy old womans part
»Doee eat some Clive« says Ethel imitating honest Mrs Hicks who had left
the room
»Its doosid good« remarked Lord Farintosh
»Then doee eat some more« said Miss Newcome on which the young nobleman
holding out his plate observed with much affability that the cook of the
lodgings was really a stunner for tarts
»The cook dear me its not the cook« cries Miss Ethel »Dont you
remember the princess in the Arabian Nights who was such a stunner for tarts
Lord Farintosh«
Lord Farintosh couldnt say that he did
»Well I thought not but there was a princess in Arabia or China or
somewhere who made such delicious tarts and custards that nobodys could
compare with them and there is an old lady in Brighton who has the same
wonderful talent She is the mistress of this house«
»And she is my aunt at your lordships service« said Mr Clive with great
dignity
»Upon my honour did you make em Lady Ann« asked my lord
»The Queen of Hearts made tarts« cried out Miss Newcome rather eagerly
and blushing somewhat
»My good old aunt Miss Honeyman made this one« Clive would go on to say
»Mr Honeymans sister the preacher you know where we go on Sunday« Miss
Ethel interposed
»The Honeyman pedigree is not a matter of very great importance« Lady Ann
remarked gently »Kuhn will you have the goodness to take away these things
When did you hear of Colonel Newcome Clive«
An air of deep bewilderment and perplexity had spread over Lord Farintoshs
fine countenance whilst this talk about pastry had been going on The Arabian
Princess the Queen of Hearts making tarts Miss Honeyman Who the deuce were
all these Such may have been his lordships doubts and queries Whatever his
cogitations were he did not give utterance to them but remained in silence for
some time as did the rest of the little party Clive tried to think he had
asserted his independence by showing that he was not ashamed of his old aunt
but the doubt may be whether there was any necessity for presenting her in this
company and whether Mr Clive had not much better have left the tart question
alone
Ethel evidently thought so for she talked and rattled in the most lively
manner with Lord Farintosh for the rest of the evening and scarcely chose to
say a word to her cousin Lady Ann was absent with Sir Brian and her children
for the most part of the time and thus Clive had the pleasure of listening to
Miss Newcome uttering all sorts of odd little paradoxes firing the while sly
shots at Mr Clive and indeed making fun of his friends exhibiting herself in
not the most agreeable light Her talk only served the more to bewilder Lord
Farintosh who did not understand a tithe of her allusions for Heaven which
had endowed the young marquis with personal charms a large estate an ancient
title and the pride belonging to it had not supplied his lordship with a great
quantity of brains or a very feeling heart
Lady Ann came back from the upper regions presently with rather a grave
face and saying that Sir Brian was not so well this evening upon which the
young men rose to depart My lord said he had »a most delightful dinner and a
most delightful tart pon his honour« and was the only one of the little
company who laughed at his own remark Miss Ethels eyes flashed scorn at Mr
Clive when that unfortunate subject was introduced again
My lord was going back to London tomorrow was Miss Newcome going back
Wouldnt he like to go back in the train with her another unlucky
observation Lady Ann said »it would depend on the state of Sir Brians health
the next morning whether Ethel would return and both of you gentlemen are too
young to be her escort« added the kind lady Then she shook hands with Clive as
thinking she had said something too severe for him
Farintosh in the meantime was taking leave of Miss Newcome »Pray pray«
said his lordship »dont throw me over at Lady Innishowans You know I hate
balls and never go to em except when you go I hate dancing I do pon my
honour«
»Thank you« said Miss Newcome with a curtsy
»Except with one person only one person upon my honour Ill remember and
get the invitation for your friend And if you would but try that mare I give
you my honour I bred her at Codlington Shes a beauty to look at and as quiet
as a lamb«
»I dont want a horse like a lamb« replied the young lady
»Well shell go like blazes now and over timber shes splendid now she
is upon my honour«
»When I come to London perhaps you may trot her out« said Miss Ethel
giving him her hand and a fine smile
Clive came up biting his lips »I suppose you dont condescend to ride
Bhurtpore any more now« he said
»Poor old Bhurtpore the children ride him now« said Miss Ethel giving
Clive at the same time a dangerous look of her eyes as though to see if her
shot had hit Then she added »No he has not been brought up to town this year
he is at Newcome and I like him very much« Perhaps she thought the shot had
struck too deep
But if Clive was hurt he did not show his wound »You have had him these
four years yes its four years since my father broke him for you And you
still continue to like him What a miracle of constancy You use him sometimes
in the country when you have no better horse what a compliment to Bhurtpore«
»Nonsense« Miss Ethel here made Clive a sign in her most imperious manner
to stay a moment when Lord Farintosh had departed
But he did not choose to obey this order »Goodnight« he said »Before I
go I must shake hands with my aunt downstairs« And he was gone following close
upon Lord Farintosh who I dare say thought »Why the deuce cant he shake hands
with his aunt up here« And when Clive entered Miss Honeymans back parlour
making a bow to the young nobleman my lord went away more perplexed than ever
and the next day told friends at Whites what uncommonly queer people those
Newcomes were »I give you my honour there was a fellow at Lady Anns whom they
call Clive who is a painter by trade his uncle is a preacher his father is a
horsedealer and his aunt lets lodgings and cooks the dinner«
Chapter XLIII
Returns to Some Old Friends
The haggard youth burst into my chambers in the Temple on the very next
morning and confided to me the story which has been just here narrated When he
had concluded it with many ejaculations regarding the heroine of the tale »I
saw her sir« he added »walking with the children and Miss Cann as I drove
round in the fly to the station and didnt even bow to her«
»Why did you go round by the cliff« asked Clives friend »That is not the
way from the Steyne Arms to the railroad«
»Hang it« says Clive turning very red »I wanted to pass just under her
windows and if I saw her not to see her and thats what I did«
»Why did she walk on the cliff« mused Clives friend »at that early hour
Not to meet Lord Farintosh I should think He never gets up before twelve It
must have been to see you Didnt you tell her you were going away in the
morning«
»I tell you what she does with me« continues Mr Clive »Sometimes she
seems to like me and then she leaves me Sometimes she is quite kind kind she
always is I mean you know Pen you know what I mean and then up comes the
old Countess or a young Marquis or some fellow with a handle to his name and
she whistles me off till the next convenient opportunity«
»Women are like that my ingenuous youth« says Clives counsellor
»I wont stand it I wont be made a fool of« he continues »She seems to
expect everybody to bow to her and moves through the world with her imperious
airs Oh how confoundedly handsome she is with them I tell you what I feel
inclined to tumble down and feel one of her pretty little feet on my neck and
say There Trample my life out Make a slave of me Let me get a silver collar
and mark Ethel on it and go through the world with my badge«
»And a blue ribbon for a footman to hold you by and a muzzle to wear in the
dogdays Bow wow« says Mr Pendennis
At this noise Mr Warrington puts his head in from the neighbouring
bedchamber and shows a beard just lathered for shaving »We are talking
sentiment Go back till you are wanted« says Mr Pendennis Exit he of the
soapsuds
»Dont make fun of a fellow« Clive continues laughing ruefully »You see I
must talk about it to somebody I shall die if I dont Sometimes sir I rise
up in my might and I defy her lightning The sarcastic dodge is the best I have
borrowed that from you Pen old boy That puzzles her that would beat her if
I could but go on with it But there comes a tone of her sweet voice a look out
of those killing grey eyes and all my frame is in a thrill and a tremble When
she was engaged to Lord Kew I did battle with the confounded passion and I
ran away from it like an honest man and the gods rewarded me with ease of mind
after a while But now the thing rages worse than ever Last night I give you
my honour I heard every one of the confounded hours toll except the last when
I was dreaming of my father and the chambermaid woke me with a hotwater jug«
»Did she scald you What a cruel chambermaid I see you have shaven the
mustachios off«
»Farintosh asked me whether I was going into the army« said Clive »and she
laughed I thought I had best dock them Oh I would like to cut my head off as
well as my hair«
»Have you ever asked her to marry you« asked Clives friend
»I have seen her but five times since my return from abroad« the lad went
on »there has been always somebody by Who am I a painter with five hundred a
year for an allowance Isnt she used to walk upon velvet and dine upon silver
and hasnt she got marquises and barons and all sorts of swells in her train
I darent ask her «
Here his friend hummed Montroses lines »He either fears his fate too
much or his desert is small who dares not put it to the touch and win or lose
it all«
»I own I dare not ask her If she were to refuse me I know I should never
ask again This isnt the moment when all Swelldom is at her feet for me to
come forward and say Maiden I have watched thee daily and I think thou lovest
me well I read that ballad to her at Baden sir I drew a picture of the Lord
of Burleigh wooing the maiden and asked what she would have done«
»Oh you did I thought when we were at Baden we were so modest that we
did not even whisper our condition«
»A fellow cant help letting it be seen and hinting it« says Clive with
another blush »They can read it in our looks fast enough and what is going on
in our minds, hang them I recollect she said in her grave cool way that
after all the Lord and Lady of Burleigh did not seem have made a very good
marriage and that the lady would have been much happier in marrying one of her
own degree«
»That was a very prudent saying for a young lady of eighteen« remarks
Clives friend
»Yes but it was not an unkind one Say Ethel thought thought what was the
case and being engaged herself and knowing how friends of mine had provided a
very pretty little partner for me she is a dear good little girl little
Rosey and twice as good Pen when her mother is away knowing this and that
I say suppose Ethel wanted to give me a hint to keep quiet was she not right
in the counsel she gave me She is not fit to be a poor mans wife Fancy Ethel
Newcome going into the kitchen and making pies like Aunt Honeyman«
»The Circassian beauties dont sell under so many thousand purses« remarked
Mr Pendennis »If theres a beauty in a wellregulated Georgian family they
fatten her they feed her with the best Racahout des Arabes They give her silk
robes and perfumed baths have her taught to play on the dulcimer and dance and
sing and when she is quite perfect send her down to Constantinople for the
Sultans inspection The rest of the family never think of grumbling but eat
coarse meat bathe in the river wear old clothes and praise Allah for their
sisters elevation Bah Do you suppose the Turkish system doesnt obtain all
the world over My poor Clive this article in the May Fair Market is beyond
your worships price Some things in this world are made for our betters young
man Let Dives say grace for his dinner and the dogs and Lazarus be thankful
for the crumbs Here comes Warrington shaven and smart as if he was going out
acourting«
Thus it will be seen that in his communication with certain friends who
approached nearer to his own time of life Clive was much more eloquent and
rhapsodical than in the letter which he wrote to his father regarding his
passion for Miss Ethel He celebrated her with pencil and pen He was for ever
drawing the outline of her head the solemn eyebrow the nose that wondrous
little nose descending from the straight forehead the short upper lip and
chin sweeping in a full curve to the neck etc etc etc A frequenter of his
studio might see a whole gallery of Ethels there represented When Mrs
Mackenzie visited that place and remarked one face and figure repeated on a
hundred canvases and papers grey white and brown I believe she was told that
the original was a famous Roman model from whom Clive had studied a great deal
during his residence in Italy on which Mrs Mack gave it as her opinion that
Clive was a sad wicked young fellow The widow thought rather the better of him
for being a sad wicked young fellow and as for Miss Rosey she of course was of
mammas way of thinking Rosey went through the world constantly smiling at
whatever occurred She was goodhumoured through the dreariest long evenings at
the most stupid parties sate goodhumouredly for hours at Shoolbreds whilst
mamma was making purchases heard goodhumouredly those old stories of her
mothers day after day bore an hours joking or an hours scolding with equal
goodhumour and whatever had been the occurrences of her simple day whether
there was sunshine or cloudy weather or flashes of lightning and bursts of
rain I fancy Miss Mackenzie slept after them quite undisturbedly and was sure
to greet the morrows dawn with a smile
Had Clive become more knowing in his travels had Love or Experience opened
his eyes that they looked so differently now upon objects which before used
well enough to please them It is a fact that until he went abroad he thought
widow Mackenzie a dashing lively agreeable woman He used to receive her
stories about Cheltenham the Colonies the balls at Government House the
observations which the bishop made and the peculiar attention of the
ChiefJustice to Mrs Major MShane with the Majors uneasy behaviour all
these to hear at one time did Clive not ungraciously incline »Our friend Mrs
Mack« the good old Colonel used to say »is a clever woman of the world and
has seen a great deal of company« That story of Sir Thomas Sadman dropping a
pockethandkerchief in his court at Colombo which the Queens Advocate
OGoggarty picked up and on which Laura Mac S was embroidered whilst the
Major was absolutely in the witness box giving evidence against a native servant
who had stolen one of his cocked hats that story always made good Thomas
Newcome laugh and Clive used to enjoy it too and the widows mischievous fun
in narrating it and now behold one day when Mrs Mackenzie recounted the
anecdote in her best manner to Messrs Pendennis and Warrington and Frederick
Bayham who had been invited to meet Mr Clive in Fitzroy Square when Mr
Binnie chuckled when Rosey as in duty bound looked discomposed and said
»Law mamma« not one sign of goodhumour not one ghost of a smile made its
apparition on Clives dreary face He painted imaginary portraits with a
strawberry stalk he looked into his waterglass as though he would plunge and
drown there and Bayham had to remind him that the claretjug was anxious to
have another embrace from its constant friend FB When Mrs Mack went away
distributing smiles Clive groaned out »Good heavens how that story does bore
me« and lapsed into his former moodiness not giving so much as a glance to
Rosey whose sweet face looked at him kindly for a moment as she followed in
the wake of her mamma
»The mothers the woman for my money« I heard FB whisper to Warrington
»Splendid figurehead sir magnificent build sir from bows to stern I like
em of that sort Thank you Mr Binnie I will take a backhander as Clive
dont seem to drink The youth sir has grown melancholy with his travels Im
inclined to think some noble Roman has stolen the young mans heart Why did you
not send us over a picture of the charmer Clive Young Ridley Mr Binnie you
will be happy to hear is bidding fair to take a distinguished place in the
world of arts His picture has been greatly admired and my good friend Mrs
Ridley tells me that Lord Todmorden has sent him over an order to paint him a
couple of pictures at a hundred guineas apiece«
»I should think so JJs pictures will be worth five times a hundred
guineas ere five years are over« says Clive
»In that case it wouldnt be a bad speculation for our friend Sherrick«
remarked FB »to purchase a few of the young mans works I would only I
havent the capital to spare Mine has been vested in an Odessa venture sir
in a large amount of wild oats which up to the present moment make me no
return But it will always be a consolation to me to think that I have been the
means the humble means of furthering that deserving young mans prospects in
life«
»You FB and how« we asked
»By certain humble contributions of mine to the press« answered Bayham
majestically »Mr Warrington the claret happens to stand with you and
exercise does it good sir Yes the articles trifling as they may appear have
attracted notice« continued FB sipping his wine with great gusto »They are
noticed Pendennis give me leave to say by parties who dont value so much the
literary or even the political part of the Pall Mall Gazette though both I am
told by those who read them are conducted with considerable consummate
ability John Ridley sent a hundred pounds over to his father the other day who
funded it in his sons name And Ridley told the story to Lord Todmorden when
the venerable nobleman congratulated him on having such a child I wish FB had
one of the same sort sir« In which sweet prayer we all of us joined with a
laugh
One of us had told Mrs Mackenzie let the criminal blush to own that
quizzing his fellowcreatures used at one time to form part of his youthful
amusement that FB was the son of a gentleman of most ancient family and vast
landed possessions and as Bayham was particularly attentive to the widow and
grandiloquent in his remarks she was greatly pleased by his politeness and
pronounced him a most distingué man reminding her indeed of General Hopkirk
who commanded in Canada And she bade Rosey sing for Mr Bayham who was in a
rapture at the young ladys performances and said no wonder such an
accomplished daughter came from such a mother though how such a mother could
have a daughter of such an age he FB was at a loss to understand O sir
Mrs Mackenzie was charmed and overcome at this novel compliment Meanwhile the
little artless Rosey warbled on her pretty ditties
»It is a wonder« growled out Mr Warrington »that that sweet girl can
belong to such a woman I dont understand much about women but that one
appears to me to be hum«
»What George« asked Warringtons friend
»Well an ogling leering scheming artful old campaigner« grumbled the
misogynist »As for the little girl I should like to have her to sing to me all
night long Depend upon it she would make a much better wife for Clive than that
fashionable cousin of his he is hankering after I heard him bellowing about her
the other day in chambers as I was dressing What the deuce does the boy want
with a wife at all« And Roseys song being by this time finished Warrington
went up with a blushing face and absolutely paid a compliment to Miss Mackenzie
an almost unheardof effort on Georges part
»I wonder whether it is every young fellows lot« quoth George as we
trudged home together »to pawn his heart away to some girl thats not worth the
winning Psha its all mad rubbish this sentiment The women ought not to be
allowed to interfere with us married if a man must be a suitable wife should
be portioned out to him and there an end of it Why doesnt the young man marry
this girl and get back to his business and paint his pictures Because his
father wishes it and the old Nabob yonder who seems a kindlydisposed
easygoing old heathen philosopher Heres a pretty little girl money I
suppose in sufficiency everything satisfactory except I grant you the
campaigner The lad might daub his canvases christen a child a year and be as
happy as any young donkey that browses on this common of ours but he must go
and heehaw after a zebra forsooth a lusus naturæ is she I never spoke to a
woman of fashion thank my stars I dont know the nature of the beast and
since I went to our race balls as a boy scarcely ever saw one as I dont
frequent operas and parties in London like you young flunkeys of the
aristocracy I heard you talking about this one I couldnt help it as my door
was open and the young one was shouting like a madman What does he choose to
hang on on sufferance and hope to be taken provided Miss can get no better Do
you mean to say that is the genteel custom and that women in your confounded
society do such things every day Rather than have such a creature I would take
a savage woman who should nurse my dusky brood and rather than have a daughter
brought up to the trade I would bring her down from the woods and sell her in
Virginia« With which burst of indignation our friends anger ended for that
night
Though Mr Clive had the felicity to meet his cousin Ethel at a party or two
in the ensuing weeks of the season every time he perused the features of Lady
Kews brass knocker in Queen Street no result came of the visit At one of their
meetings in the world Ethel fairly told him that her grandmother would not
receive him »You know Clive I cant help myself nor would it be proper to
make you signs out of the window But you must call for all that grandmamma may
become more goodhumoured or if you dont come she may suspect I told you not
to come and to battle with her day after day is no pleasure sir I assure you
Here is Lord Farintosh coming to take me to dance You must not speak to me all
the evening mind that sir« and away goes the young lady in a waltz with the
Marquis
On the same evening as he was biting his nails or cursing his fate or
wishing to invite Lord Farintosh into the neighbouring garden of Berkeley
Square whence the policeman might carry to the stationhouse the corpse of the
survivor Lady Kew would bow to him with perfect graciousness On other nights
her ladyship would pass and no more recognize him than the servant who opened
the door
If she was not to see him at her grandmothers house and was not
particularly unhappy at his exclusion why did Miss Newcome encourage Mr Clive
so that he should try and see her If Clive could not get into the little house
in Queen Street why was Lord Farintoshs enormous cabhorse looking daily into
the firstfloor windows of that street Why were little quiet dinners made for
him before the opera before going to the play upon a halfdozen occasions
when some of the old old Kew port was brought out of the cellar where cobwebs
had gathered round it ere Farintosh was born The diningroom was so tiny that
not more than five people could sit at the little round table that is not
more than Lady Kew and her granddaughter Miss Crochet the late vicars
daughter at Kewbury one of the Miss Toadins and Captain Walleye or Tommy
Henchman Farintoshs kinsman and admirer who were of no consequence or old
Fred Tiddler whose wife was an invalid and who was always ready at a moments
notice Crackthorpe once went to one of these dinners but that young soldier
being a frank and highspirited youth abused the entertainment and declined
more of them »I tell you what I was wanted for« the Captain told his mess and
Clive at the Regents Park Barracks afterwards »I was expected to go as
Farintoshs Groom of the Stole dont you know to stand or if I could sit in
the back seat of the box whilst His Royal Highness made talk with the Beauty
to go out and fetch the carriage and walk downstairs with that dd crooked old
dowager that looks as if she usually rode on a broomstick by Jove or else
with that bony old painted sheepfaced companion whos raddled like an old
bellwether I think Newcome you seem to be rather hit by the Belle Cousine
So was I last season so were ever so many of the fellows By Jove sir theres
nothing I know more comfortable or inspiritin than a younger sons position
when a Marquis cuts in with fifteen thousand a year We fancy weve been making
running and suddenly we find ourselves nowhere Miss Mary or Miss Lucy or
Miss Ethel saving your presence will no more look at us than my dog will look
at a piece of bread when I offer her this cutlet Will you old woman No you
old slut that you wont« to Mag an Isle of Skye terrier who in fact
prefers the cutlet having snuffed disdainfully at the bread »that you wont
no more than any of your sex Why do you suppose if Jacks eldest brother had
been dead Barebones Belsize they used to call him I dont believe he was a
bad fellow though he was fond of psalmsinging do you suppose that Lady
Clara would have looked at that cocktail Barney Newcome Beg your pardon if
hes your cousin but a more odious little snob I never saw«
»I give you up Barnes« said Clive laughing »anybody may shy at him and I
shant interfere«
»I understand but at nobody else of the family Well what I mean is that
that old woman is enough to spoil any young girl she takes in hand She dries
em up and poisons em sir and I was never more glad than when I heard that
Kew had got out of her old clutches Frank is a fellow that will always be led
by some woman or another and Im only glad it should be a good one They say
his mothers serious and that but why shouldnt she be« continues honest
Crackthorpe puffing his cigar with great energy »They say the old dowager
doesnt believe in God nor devil but that shes in such a funk to be left in
the dark that she howls and raises the dooses own delight if her candle goes
out Toppleton slept next room to her at Groningham and heard her didnt you
Top«
»Heard her howling like an old cat on the tiles« says Toppleton »thought
she was at first My man told me that she used to fling all sorts of things
bootjacks and things give you my honour at her maid and that the woman was
all over black and blue«
»Capital head that is Newcome has done of Jack Belsize« says Crackthorpe
from out of his cigar
»And Kews too famous likeness I say Newcome if you have em printed
the whole brigadell subscribe Make your fortune see if you wont« cries
Toppleton
»Hes such a heavy swell he dont want to make his fortune« ejaculates
Butts
»Butts old boy hell paint you for nothing and send you to the
Exhibition where some widow will fall in love with you and you shall be put as
frontispiece for the Book of Beauty by Jove« cries another military satirist
to whom Butts
»You hold your tongue you old Saracens Head theyre going to have you
done on the bearsgrease pots I say I suppose Jacks all right now When did
he write to you last Cracky«
»He wrote from Palermo a most jolly letter from him and Kew He hasnt
touched a card for nine months is going to give up play So is Frank too
grown quite a good boy So will you too Butts you old miscreant repent of
your sins pay your debts and do something handsome for that poor deluded
milliner in Albany Street Jack says Kews mother has written over to Lord
Highgate a beautiful letter and the old boys relenting and theyll come
together again Jacks eldest son now you know Bore for Lady Susan only having
girls«
»Not a bore for Jack though« cries another And what a good fellow Jack
was and what a trump Kew is and how famously he stuck by him went to see
him in prison and paid him out and what good fellows we all are in general
became the subject of the conversation the latter part of which took place in
the smokingroom of the Regents Park Barracks then occupied by that regiment
of Life Guards of which Lord Kew and Mr Belsize had been members Both were
still fondly remembered by their companions and it was because Belsize had
spoken very warmly of Clives friendliness to him that Jacks friend the
gallant Crackthorpe had been interested in our hero and found an opportunity
of making his acquaintance
With these frank and pleasant young men Clive soon formed a considerable
intimacy and if any of his older and peaceful friends chanced to take their
afternoon airing in the Park and survey the horsemen there we might have the
pleasure of beholding Mr Newcome in Rotten Row riding side by side with other
dandies who had mustachios blond or jet who wore flowers in their buttons
themselves being flowers of spring who rode magnificent thoroughbred horses
scarcely touching their stirrups with the tips of their varnished boots and who
kissed the most beautiful primrosecoloured kid gloves to lovely ladies passing
them in the Ride Clive drew portraits of half the officers of the Life Guards
Green and was appointed painter in ordinary to that distinguished corps His
likeness of the Colonel would make you die with laughing his picture of the
Surgeon was voted a masterpiece He drew the men in the saddle in the stable
in their flannel dresses sweeping their flashing swords about receiving
lancers repelling infantry nay cutting a sheep in two as some of the
warriors are known to be able to do at one stroke Detachments of Life Guardsmen
made their appearance in Charlotte Street which was not very distant from their
barracks the most splendid cabs were seen prancing before his door and
curlywhiskered youths of aristocratic appearance smoking cigars out of his
paintingroom window How many times did Clives nextdoor neighbour little Mr
Finch the miniature painter run to peep through his parlour blinds hoping
that a sitter was coming and a carriage party driving up What wrath Mr
Scowler ARA was in because a young hopomythumb dandy who wore gold
chains and his collars turned down should spoil the trade and draw portraits
for nothing Why did none of the young men come to Scowler Scowler was obliged
to own that Mr Newcome had considerable talent and a good knack at catching a
likeness He could not paint a bit to be sure but his heads in black and white
were really tolerable his sketches of horses very vigorous and lifelike Mr
Gandish said if Clive would come for three or four years into his academy he
could make something of him Mr Smee shook his head and said he was afraid
that kind of loose desultory study that keeping of aristocratic company was
anything but favourable to a young artist Smee who would walk five miles to
attend an evening party of ever so little a great man
Chapter XLIV
In Which Mr Charles Honeyman Appears in an Amiable Light
Mr Frederick Bayham waited at Fitzroy Square while Clive was yet talking with
his friends there and favoured that gentleman with his company home to the
usual smoky refreshment Clive always rejoiced in FBs society whether he was
in a sportive mood or as now in a solemn and didactic vein FB had been
more than ordinarily majestic all the evening »I dare say you find me a good
deal altered Clive« he remarked »I am a good deal altered Since that good
Samaritan your kind father had compassion on a poor fellow fallen among
thieves though I dont say mind you he was much better than his company
FB has mended some of his ways I am trying a course of industry sir Powers
perhaps naturally great have been neglected over the winecup and the die I am
beginning to feel my way and my chiefs yonder who have just walked home with
their cigars in their mouths and without as much as saying FB my boy shall
we go to the Haunt and have a cool lobster and a glass of tablebeer which
they certainly do not consider themselves to be I say sir the Politician
and the Literary Critic« there was a most sarcastic emphasis laid on these
phrases characterizing Messrs Warrington and Pendennis »may find that there
is a humble contributor to the Pall Mall Gazette whose name may be the
amateur shall one day reckon even higher than their own Mr Warrington I do not
say so much he is an able man sir an able man but there is that about your
exceedingly selfsatisfied friend Mr Arthur Pendennis which well well
let time show You did not get the hem paper at Rome and Naples I
suppose«
»Forbidden by the Inquisition« says Clive delighted »and at Naples the
king furious against it«
»I dont wonder they dont like it at Rome sir Theres serious matter in
it which may set the prelates of a certain church rather in a tremor You
havent read the ahem the Pulpit Pencillings in the PMG Slight
sketches mental and corporeal of our chief divines now in London and signed
Laud Latimer«
»I dont do much in that way« said Clive
»So much the worse for you my young friend Not that I mean to judge any
other fellow harshly I mean any other fellow sinner harshly or that I mean
that those Pulpit Pencillings would be likely to do you any great good But
such as they are they have been productive of benefit Thank you Mary my
dear the tap is uncommonly good and I drink to your future husbands good
health A glass of good sound beer refreshes after all that claret Well sir
to return to the Pencillings pardon my vanity in saying that though Mr
Pendennis laughs at them they have been of essential service to the paper They
give it a character they rally round it the respectable classes They create
correspondence I have received many interesting letters chiefly from females
about the Pencillings Some complain that their favourite preachers are
slighted others applaud because the clergymen they sit under are supported by
FB I am Laud Latimer sir though I have heard the letters attributed to the
Rev Mr Bunker and to a Member of Parliament eminent in the religious world«
»So you are the famous Laud Latimer« cries Clive who had in fact seen
letters signed by those right reverend names in our paper
»Famous is hardly the word One who scoffs at everything I need not say I
allude to Mr Arthur Pendennis would have had the letters signed the Beadle
of the Parish He calls me the Venerable Beadle sometimes it being I grieve
to say his way to deride grave subjects You wouldnt suppose now my young
Clive that the same hand which pens the Art criticisms occasionally when his
Highness Pendennis is lazy takes a minor theatre or turns the sportive epigram
or the ephemeral paragraph should adopt a grave theme on a Sunday and
chronicle the sermons of British divines For eighteen consecutive Sunday
evenings Clive in Mrs Ridleys front parlour which I now occupy vice Miss
Cann promoted I have written the Pencillings scarcely allowing a drop of
refreshment except under extreme exhaustion to pass my lips Pendennis laughs
at the Pencillings He wants to stop them and says they bore the public I
dont want to think a man is jealous who was himself the cause of my engagement
at the PMG perhaps my powers were not developed then«
»Pen thinks he writes better now than when he began« remarked Clive »I
have heard him say so«
»His opinion of his own writings is high whatever their date Mine sir
are only just coming into notice They begin to know FB sir in the sacred
edifices of his metropolitan city I saw the Bishop of London looking at me last
Sunday week and am sure his Chaplain whispered him Its Mr Bayham my lord
nephew of your lordships right reverend brother the Lord Bishop of
Bullocksmithy And last Sunday being at church at Saint Mungo the Martyrs
Rev S Sawders by Wednesday I got in a female hand Mrs Sawderss no doubt
the biography of the Incumbent of St Mungo an account of his early virtues
a copy of his poems and a hint that he was the gentleman destined for the
vacant Deanery
Ridley is not the only man I have helped in this world« FB continued
»Perhaps I should blush to own it I do blush but I feel the ties of early
acquaintance and I own that I have puffed your uncle Charles Honeyman most
tremendously It was partly for the sake of the Ridleys and the tick he owes
em partly for old times sake Sir are you aware that things are greatly
changed with Charles Honeyman and that the poor FB has very likely made his
fortune«
»I am delighted to hear it« cried Clive »and how FB have you wrought
this miracle«
»By commonsense and enterprise lad by a knowledge of the world and a
benevolent disposition Youll see Lady Whittleseas chapel bears a very
different aspect now That miscreant Sherrick owns that he owes me a turn and
has sent me a few dozen of wine without any stamped paper on my part in return
as an acknowledgment of my service It chanced sir soon after your departure
for Italy that going to his private residence respecting a little bill to which
a heedless friend had put his hand Sherrick invited me to partake of tea in the
bosom of his family I was thirsty having walked in from Jack Straws Castle
at Hampstead where poor Kitely and I had been taking a chop and accepted the
proffered entertainment The ladies of the family gave us music after the
domestic muffin and then sir a great idea occurred to me You know how
magnificently Miss Sherrick and the mother sing They sang Mozart sir Why I
asked of Sherrick should those ladies who sing Mozart to a piano not sing
Handel to an organ
Dash it you dont mean a hurdygurdy
Sherrick says I you are no better than a heathen ignoramus I mean why
shouldnt they sing Handels Church music and Church music in general in Lady
Whittleseas chapel Behind the screen up in the organloft whats to prevent
em by Jingo Your singing boys have gone to the Cave of Harmony you and your
choir have split why should not these ladies lead it He caught at the idea
You never heard the chants more finely given and they would be better still if
the congregation would but hold their confounded tongues It was an excellent
though a harmless dodge sir and drew immensely to speak profanely They dress
the part sir to admiration a sort of nunlike costume they come in Mrs
Sherrick has the soul of an artist still by Jove sir when they have once
smelt the lamps the love of the trade never leaves em The ladies actually
practised by moonlight in the chapel and came over to Honeymans to an oyster
afterwards The thing took sir People began to take box seats I mean again
and Charles Honeyman easy in his mind through your noble fathers generosity
perhaps inspirited by returning good fortune has been preaching more eloquently
than ever He took some lessons of Husler of the Haymarket sir His sermons
are old I believe but so to speak he has got them up with new scenery
dresses and effects sir They have flowers sir about the buildin pious
ladies are supposed to provide em but entre nous Sherrick contracts for them
with Nathan or some one in Covent Garden And dont tell this now upon your
honour«
»Tell what FB« asks Clive
»I got up a persecution against your uncle for Popish practices summoned a
meetin at the Running Footman in Bolingbroke Street Billings the butterman
Sharwood the turner and blackingmaker and the Honourable Phelim OCurragh
Lord Scullabogues son made speeches Two or three respectable families your
aunt Mrs Whatdyoucallem Newcome amongst the number quitted the chapel
in disgust I wrote an article of controversial biography in the PMG set the
business going in the daily press and the thing was done sir That property is
a paying one to the Incumbent and to Sherrick over him Charless affairs are
getting all right sir He never had the pluck to owe much and if it be a sin
to have wiped his slate clean satisfied his creditors and made Charles easy
upon my conscience I must confess that FB has done it I hope I may never do
anything worse in this life Clive It aint bad to see him doing the martyr
sir Sebastian riddled with paper pellets Bartholomew on a cold gridiron Here
comes the lobster Upon my word Mary a finer fish Ive seldom seen«
Now surely this account of his uncles affairs and prosperity was enough to
send Clive to Lady Whittleseas chapel and it was not because Miss Ethel had
said that she and Lady Kew went there that Clive was induced to go there too He
attended punctually on the next Sunday and in the Incumbents pew whither the
pew woman conducted him sate Mr Sherrick in great gravity with large gold
pins who handed him at the anthem a large new gilt hymnbook
An odour of millefleurs rustled by them as Charles Honeyman accompanied by
his ecclesiastical valet passed the pew from the vestry and took his place at
the desk Formerly he used to wear a flaunting scarf over his surplice which
was very wide and full and Clive remembered when as a boy he entered the
sacred robingroom how his uncle used to pat and puff out the scarf and the
sleeves of his vestment arrange the natty curl on his forehead and take his
place a fine example of florid church decoration Now the scarf was trimmed
down to be as narrow as your neckcloth and hung loose and straight over the
back the ephod was cut straight and as close and short as might be I believe
there was a little trimming of lace to the narrow sleeves and a slight
arabesque of tape or other substance round the edge of the surplice As for
the curl on the forehead it was no more visible than the Maypole in the Strand
or the Cross at Charing Honeymans hair was parted down the middle short in
front and curling delicately round his ears and the back of his head He read
the service in a swift manner and with a gentle twang When the music began he
stood with head on one side and two slim fingers on the book as composed as a
statue in a mediæval niche It was fine to hear Sherrick who had an uncommonly
good voice join in the musical parts of the service The produce of the
marketgardener decorated the church here and there and the impresario of the
establishment having picked up a Flemish painted window from old Moss in
Wardour Street had placed it in his chapel Labels of faint green and gold
with long Gothic letters painted thereon meandered over the organloft and
galleries and strove to give as mediæval a look to Lady Whittleseas as the
place was capable of assuming
In the sermon Charles dropped the twang with the surplice and the priest
gave way to the preacher He preached short stirring discourses on the subjects
of the day It happened that a noble young Prince the hope of a nation and
heir of a royal house had just then died by a sudden accident Absalom the son
of David furnished Honeyman with a parallel He drew a picture of the two
deaths of the grief of kings of the fate that is superior to them It was
indeed a stirring discourse and caused thrills through the crowd to whom
Charles imparted it »Famous aint it« says Sherrick giving Clive a hand when
the rite was over »How hes come out hasnt he Didnt think he had it in
him« Sherrick seemed to have become of late impressed with the splendour of
Charless talents and spoke of him was it not disrespectful as a manager
would of a successful tragedian Let us pardon Sherrick he had been in the
theatrical way »That Irishman was no go at all« he whispered to Mr Newcome
»got rid of him lets see at Michaelmas«
On account of Clives tender years and natural levity a little inattention
may be allowed to the youth who certainly looked about him very eagerly during
the service The house was filled by the ornamental classes the bonnets of the
newest Parisian fashion Away in a darkling corner under the organ sate a
squad of footmen Surely that powdered one in livery wore Lady Kews colours So
Clive looked under all the bonnets and presently spied old Lady Kews face as
grim and yellow as her brass knocker and by it Ethels beauteous countenance
He dashed out of church when the congregation rose to depart »Stop and see
Honeyman wont you« asked Sherrick surprised
»Yes yes come back again« said Clive and was gone
He kept his word and returned presently The young Marquis and an elderly
lady were in Lady Kews company Clive had passed close under Lady Kews
venerable Roman nose without causing that organ to bow in ever so slight a
degree towards the ground Ethel had recognized him with a smile and a nod My
lord was whispering one of his noble pleasantries in her ear She laughed at the
speech or the speaker The steps of a fine belozenged carriage were let down
with a bang The Yellow One had jumped up behind it by the side of his brother
Giant Canary Lady Kews equipage had disappeared and Mrs Cantertons was
stopping the way
Clive returned to the chapel by the little door near to the Vestiarium All
the congregation had poured out by this time Only two ladies were standing near
the pulpit and Sherrick with his hands rattling his money in his pockets was
pacing up and down the aisle
»Capital house Mr Newcome wasnt it I counted no less than fourteen
nobs The Princess of Montcontour and her husband I suppose that chap with the
beard who yawns so during the sermon Im blest if I didnt think hed have
yawned his head off Countess of Kew and her daughter Countess of Canterton
and the Honourable Miss Fetlock no Lady Fetlock A Countesss daughter is a
lady Im dashed if she aint Lady Glenlivat and her sons the most noble the
Marquis of Farintosh and Lord Enry Roy that makes seven no nine with the
Prince and Princess Julia my dear you came out like a good un today
Never heard you in finer voice Remember Mr Clive Newcome«
Mr Clive made bows to the ladies who acknowledged him by graceful
curtsies Miss Sherrick was always looking to the vestrydoor
»Hows the old Colonel The best feller excuse my calling him a feller
but he is and a good one too I went to see Mr Binnie my other tenant He
looks a little yellow about the gills Mr Binnie Very proud woman that is who
lives with him uncommon haughty When will you come down and take your mutton
in the Regents Park Mr Clive Theres some tolerable good wine down there
Our reverend gent drops in and takes a glass dont he missis«
»We shall be most appy to see Mr Newcome Im sure« says the handsome and
goodnatured Mrs Sherrick »Wont we Julia«
»Oh certainly« says Julia who seems rather absent And behold at this
moment the reverend gent enters from the vestry Both the ladies run towards
him holding forth their hands
»Oh Mr Honeyman what a sermon Me and Julia cried so up in the
organloft we thought you would have heard us Didnt we Julia«
»Oh yes« says Julia whose hand the pastor is now pressing
»When you described the young man I thought of my poor boy didnt I
Julia« cries the mother with tears streaming down her face
»We had a loss more than ten years ago« whipers Sherrick to Clive gravely
»And shes always thinking of it Women are so«
Clive was touched and pleased by this exhibition of kind feeling
»You know his mother was an Absalom« the good wife continues pointing to
her husband »Most respectable diamond merchants in «
»Hold your tongue Betsy and leave my poor old mother alone do now« says
Mr Sherrick darkly Clive is in his uncles fond embrace by this time who
rebukes him for not having called in Walpole Street
»Now when will you two gents come up to my shop to ave a family dinner«
asks Sherrick
»Ah Mr Newcome do come« says Julia in her deep rich voice looking up to
him with her great black eyes And if Clive had been a vain fellow like some
folks who knows but he might have thought he had made an impression on the
handsome Julia
»Thursday now make it Thursday if Mr H is disengaged Come along girls
for the flies bites the ponies when theyre astanding still and makes em mad
this weather Anything you like for dinner Cut of salmon and cucumber No
pickled salmons best this weather«
»Whatever you give me you know Im thankful« says Honeyman in a sweet sad
voice to the two ladies who were standing looking at him the mothers hand
clasped in the daughters
»Should you like that Mendelssohn for the Sunday after next Julia sings it
splendid«
»No I dont ma«
»You do dear Shes a good good dear Mr H thats what she is«
»You must not call a him in that way Dont say Mr H ma« says
Julia
»Call me what you please« says Charles with the most heartrending
simplicity and Mrs Sherrick straightway kisses her daughter
Sherrick meanwhile has been pointing out the improvement of the chapel to
Clive which now has indeed a look of the Gothic Hall at Rosherville and has
confided to him the sum for which he screwed the painted window out of old Moss
»When he come to see it up in this place sir the old man was mad I give you
my word His son aint no good says he knows you Hes such a screw that chap
that hell overreach himself mark my words At least hell never die rich Did
you ever hear of me screwing No I spend my money like a man How those girls
are agoin on about their music with Honeyman I dont let em sing in the
evening or him do duty more than once a day and you can calclate how the
music draws because in the evenin there aint half the number of people here
Rev Mr Journyman does the duty now quiet Hoxford man ill I suppose this
morning H sits in his pew where we was and coughs thats to say I told
him to cough The women like a consumptive parson sir Come gals«
Clive went to his uncles lodgings and was received by Mr and Mrs Ridley
with great glee and kindness Both of those good people had made it a point to
pay their duty to Mr Clive immediately on his return to England and thank him
over and over again for his kindness to John James Never never would they
forget his goodness and the Colonels they were sure A cake a heap of
biscuits a pyramid of jams six frizzling hot muttonchops and four kinds of
wine came bustling up to Mr Honeymans room twenty minutes after Clive had
entered it as a token of the Ridleys affection for him
Clive remarked with a smile the Pall Mall Gazette upon a sidetable and
in the chimneyglass almost as many cards as in the time of Honeymans early
prosperity That he and his uncle should be very intimate together was
impossible from the nature of the two men Clive being frank clearsighted
and imperious Charles timid vain and doublefaced conscious that he was a
humbug and that most people found him out so that he would quiver and turn
away and be more afraid of young Clive and his direct straightforward way than
of many older men Then there was the sense of the money transactions between
him and the Colonel which made Charles Honeyman doubly uneasy In fine they
did not like each other but as he is a connection of the most respectable
Newcome family surely he is entitled to a page or two in these their memoirs
Thursday came and with it Mr Sherricks entertainment to which also Mr
Binnie and his party had been invited to meet Colonel Newcomes son Uncle James
and Rosey brought Clive in their carriage Mrs Mackenzie sent a headache as an
apology She chose to treat Uncle Jamess landlord with a great deal of hauteur
and to be angry with her brother for visiting such a person »In fact you see
how fond I must be of dear little Rosey Clive that I put up with all mammas
tantrums for her sake« remarks Mr Binnie
»O uncle« says little Rosey and the old gentleman stopped her
remonstrances with a kiss
»Yes« says he »your mother does have tantrums miss and though you never
complain theres no reason why I shouldnt You will not tell on me« it was »O
uncle« again »and Clive wont I am sure This little thing sir« James went
on holding Roseys pretty little hand and looking fondly in her pretty little
face »is her old uncles only comfort in life I wish I had had her out to
India to me and never come back to this great dreary town of yours But I was
tempted home by Tom Newcome and Im too old to go back sir Where the stick
falls let it lie Rosey would have been whisked out of my house in India in a
month after I had her there Some young fellow would have taken her away from
me and now she has promised never to leave her old Uncle James hasnt she«
»No never uncle« said Rosey
»We dont want to fall in love do we child We dont want to be breaking
our hearts like some young folks and dancing attendance at balls night after
night and capering about in the Park to see if we can get a glimpse of the
beloved object eh Rosey«
Rosey blushed It was evident that she and Uncle James both knew of Clives
love affair In fact the front seat and back seat of the carriage both blushed
And as for the secret why Mrs Mackenzie and Mrs Hobson had talked it over a
hundred times
»This little Rosey sir has promised to take care of me on this side of
Styx« continued Uncle James »and if she could but be left alone and to do it
without mamma there I wont say a word more against her we should get on
none the worse«
»Uncle James I must make a picture of you for Rosey« said Clive
goodhumouredly And Rosey said »Oh thank you Clive« and held out that
pretty little hand and looked so sweet and kind and happy that Clive could not
but be charmed at the sight of so much innocence and candour
»Quasty peecoly Rosiny« says James in a fine Scotch Italian »e la piu
bella la piu cara ragazza ma la mawdry e il diav «
»Dont uncle« cried Rosey again and Clive laughed at Uncle Jamess
wonderful outbreak in a foreign tongue
»Eh I thought ye didnt know a word of the sweet language Rosey Its just
the Lenguy Toscawny in Bocky Romawny that I thought to try in compliment to this
young monkey who has seen the world« And by this time St Johns Wood was
reached and Mr Sherricks handsome villa at the door of which the three
beheld the Reverend Charles Honeyman stepping out of a neat brougham
The drawingroom contained several pictures of Mrs Sherrick when she was in
the theatrical line Smees portrait of her which was never half handsome
enough for my Betsy Sherrick said indignantly the print of her in Artaxerxes
with her signature as Elizabeth Folthorpe not in truth a fine specimen of
caligraphy the testimonial presented to her on the conclusion of the triumphal
season of 18 at Drury Lane by her ever grateful friend Adolphus Smacker
Lessee who of course went to law with her next year and other Thespian
emblems But Clive remarked with not a little amusement that the drawingroom
tables were now covered with a number of those books which he had seen at Madame
de Montcontours and many French and German ecclesiastical gimcracks such as
are familiar to numberless readers of mine There were the Lives of St Botibol
of Islington and St Willibald of Bareacres with pictures of those confessors
Then there was the Legend of Margery Dawe Virgin and Martyr with a sweet
doublefrontispiece representing 1 the sainted woman selling her featherbed
for the benefit of the poor and 2 reclining upon straw the leanest of
invalids There was Old Daddy Longlegs and how he was brought to say his
Prayers a Tale for Children by a Lady with a preface dated St Chads Eve
and signed CH The Rev Charles Honeymans Sermons delivered at Lady
Whittleseas Chapel Poems of Early Days by Charles Honeyman AM The Life of
Good Dame Whittlesea by do do Yes Charles had come out in the literary line
And there in a basket was a strip of Berlin work of the very same Gothic
pattern which Madame de Montcontour was weaving and which you afterwards saw
round the pulpit of Charless chapel Rosey was welcomed most kindly by the kind
ladies and as the gentlemen sat over their wine after dinner in the summer
evening Clive beheld Rosey and Julia pacing up and down the lawn Miss Julias
arm round her little friends waist he thought they would make a pretty little
picture
»My girl aint a bad one to took at is she« said the pleased father »A
fellow might look far enough and see not prettier than them two«
Charles sighed out that there was a German print the Two Leonoras which
put him in mind of their various styles of beauty
»I wish I could paint them« said Clive
»And why not sir« asks his host »Let me give you your first commission
now Mr Clive I wouldnt mind paying a good bit for a picture of my Julia I
forget how much Old Smee got for Betsys the old humbug«
Clive said it was not the will but the power that was deficient He
succeeded with men but the ladies were too much for him as yet
»Those youve done up at Albany Street Barracks are famous Ive seem em«
said Mr Sherrick and remarking that his guest looked rather surprised at the
idea of his being in such company Sherrick said »What you think they are too
great swells for me Law bless you I often go there Ive business with several
of em had with Captain Belsize with the Earl of Kew whos every inch the
gentleman one of nature's aristocracy and paid up like a man The Earl and me
has had many dealings together«
Honeyman smiled faintly and nobody complying with Mr Sherricks boisterous
entreaties to drink more the gentlemen quitted the dinnertable which had been
served in a style of prodigious splendour and went to the drawingroom for a
little music
This was all of the gravest and best kind so grave indeed that James
Binnie might be heard in a corner giving an accompaniment of little snores to
the singers and the piano But Rosey was delighted with the performance and
Sherrick remarked to Clive »Thats a good gal that is I like that gal she
aint jealous of Julia cutting her out in the music but listens as pleased as
any one Shes a sweet little pipe of her own too Miss Mackenzie if ever you
like to go to the opera send a word either to my West End or my City office
Ive boxes every week and youre welcome to anything I can give you«
So all agreed that the evening had been a very pleasant one and they of
Fitzroy Square returned home talking in a most comfortable friendly way that
is two of them for Uncle James fell asleep again taking possession of the
back seat and Clive and Rosey prattled together He had offered to try and take
all the young ladies likenesses »You know what a failure the last was Rosey«
he had very nearly said »dear Rosey«
»Yes but Miss Sherrick is so handsome that you will succeed better with her
than with my round face Mr Newcome«
»Mr What« cries Clive
»Well Clive then« says Rosey in a little voice
He sought for a little hand which was not very far away »You know we are
like brother and sister dear Rosey« he said this time
»Yes« said she and gave a little pressure of the hand And then Uncle
James woke up and it seemed as if the whole drive didnt occupy a minute and
they shook hands very very kindly at the door of Fitzroy Square
Clive made a famous likeness of Miss Sherrick with which Mr Sherrick was
delighted and so was Mr Honeyman who happened to call upon his nephew once or
twice when the ladies happened to be sitting Then Clive proposed to the Rev
Charles Honeyman to take his head off and made an excellent likeness in chalk
of his uncle that one in fact from which the print was taken which you may
see any day at Hogarths in the Haymarket along with a whole regiment of
British divines Charles became so friendly that he was constantly coming to
Charlotte Street once or twice a week
Mr and Mrs Sherrick came to look at the drawing and were charmed with it
and when Rosey was sitting they came to see her portrait which again was not
quite so successful One Monday the Sherricks and Honeyman too happened to call
to see the picture of Rosey who trotted over with her uncle to Clives studio
and they all had a great laugh at a paragraph in the Pall Mall Gazette
evidently from FBs hand to the following effect
»Conversion in High Life A foreign nobleman of princely rank who has
married an English lady and has resided among us for some time is
likely we hear and trust to join the English Church The Prince de
Mntcntr has been a constant attendant at Lady Whittleseas chapel of
which the Rev C Honeyman is the eloquent incumbent and it is said
this sound and talented divine has been the means of awakening the
Prince to a sense of the erroneous doctrines in which he has been bred
His ancestors were Protestant and fought by the side of Henry IV at
Ivry In Louis the Fourteenths time they adopted the religion of that
persecuting monarch We sincerely trust that the present heir of the
house of Ivry will see fit to return to the creed which his forefathers
so unfortunately abjured«
The ladies received this news with perfect gravity and Charles uttered a meek
wish that it might prove true As they went away they offered more
hospitalities to Clive and Mr Binnie and his niece They liked the music
would they not come and hear it again
When they had departed with Mr Honeyman Clive could not help saying to
Uncle James »Why are those people always coming here praising me and asking
me to dinner Do you know I cant help thinking that they rather want me as a
pretender for Miss Sherrick«
Binnie burst into a loud guffaw and cried out »O vanitas vanitawtum«
Rosey laughed too
»I dont think it any joke at all« said Clive
»Why you stupid lad dont you see it is Charles Honeyman the girls in
love with« cried Uncle James »Rosey saw it in the very first instant we
entered their drawingroom three weeks ago«
»Indeed and how« asked Clive
»By by the way she looked at him« said little Rosey
Chapter XLV
A Stag of Ten
The London season was very nearly come to an end and Lord Farintosh had danced
I dont know how many times with Miss Newcome had drunk several bottles of the
old Kew port had been seen at numerous breakfasts operas races and public
places by the young ladys side and had not as yet made any such proposal as
Lady Kew expected for her granddaughter Clive going to see his military
friends in the Regents Park once and finish Captain Buttss portrait in
barracks heard two or three young men talking and one say to another »I bet
you three to two Farintosh dont marry her and I bet you even that he dont ask
her« Then as he entered Mr Buttss room where these gentlemen were
conversing there was a silence and an awkwardness The young fellows were
making an event out of Ethels marriage and sporting their money freely on it
To have an old countess hunting a young marquis so resolutely that all the
world should be able to look on and speculate whether her game would be run down
by that stanch toothless old pursuer that is an amusing sport isnt it and
affords plenty of fun and satisfaction to those who follow the hunt But for a
heroine of a story be she ever so clever handsome and sarcastic I dont
think for my part at this present stage of the tale Miss Ethel Newcome
occupies a very dignified position To break her heart in silence for Tomkins
who is in love with another to suffer no end of poverty starvation capture by
ruffians illtreatment by a bullying husband loss of beauty by the smallpox
death even at the end of the volume all these mishaps a young heroine may
endure and has endured in romances over and over again without losing the
least dignity or suffering any diminution of the sentimental readers esteem
But a girl of great beauty high temper and strong natural intellect who
submits to be dragged hither and thither in an old grandmothers leash and in
pursuit of a husband who will run away from the couple such a person I say
is in a very awkward position as a heroine and I declare if I had another
ready to my hand and unless there were extenuating circumstances Ethel should
be deposed at this very sentence
But a novelist must go on with his heroine as a man with his wife for
better or worse and to the end For how many years have the Spaniards borne
with their gracious queen not because she was faultless but because she was
there So Chambers and Grandees cried God save her alabardéros turned out
drums beat cannons fired and people saluted Isabella Segunda who was no
better than the humblest washerwoman of her subjects Are we much better than
our neighbours Do we never yield to our peculiar temptation our pride or our
avarice or our vanity or what not Ethel is very wrong certainly But
recollect she is very young She is in other peoples hands She has been bred
up and governed by a very worldly family and taught their traditions We would
hardly for instance the stanchest Protestant in England would hardly be angry
with poor little Isabella Segunda for being a Catholic So if Ethel worships at
a certain image which a great number of good folks in England bow to let us not
be too angry with her idolatry and bear with our queen a little longer before
we make our pronunciamento
No Miss Newcome yours is not a dignified position in life however you may
argue that hundreds of people in the world are doing like you Oh me what a
confession it is in the very outset of life and blushing brightness of youths
morning to own that the aim with which a young girl sets out and the object of
her existence, is to marry a rich man that she was endowed with beauty so that
she might buy wealth and a title with it that as sure as she has a soul to be
saved her business here on earth is to try and get a rich husband That is the
career for which many a woman is bred and trained A young man begins the world
with some aspirations at least He will try to be good and follow the truth he
will strive to win honours for himself and never do a base action he will pass
nights over his books and forego ease and pleasure so that he may achieve a
name Many a poor wretch who is worn out now and old and bankrupt of fame and
money too has commenced life at any rate with noble views and generous schemes
from which weakness idleness passion or overpowering hostile fortune has
turned him away But a girl of the world bon Dieu the doctrine with which she
begins is that she is to have a wealthy husband the article of faith in her
catechism is »I believe in elder sons and a house in town and a house in the
country« They are mercenary as they step fresh and blooming into the world out
of the nursery They have been schooled there to keep their bright eyes to look
only on the prince and the duke Croesus and Dives By long cramping and careful
process their little natural hearts have been squeezed up like the feet of
their fashionable little sisters in China As you see a paupers child with an
awful premature knowledge of the pawnshop able to haggle at market with her
wretched halfpence and battle bargains at hucksters stalls you shall find a
young beauty who was a child in the schoolroom a year since as wise and
knowing as the old practitioners on that exchange as economical of her smiles
as dexterous in keeping back or producing her beautiful wares as skilful in
setting one bidder against another as keen as the smartest merchant in Vanity
Fair
If the young gentlemen of the Life Guards Green who were talking about Miss
Newcome and her suitors were silent when Clive appeared amongst them it was
because they were aware not only of his relationship to the young lady but his
unhappy condition regarding her Certain men there are who never tell their
love but let concealment like a worm in the bud feed on their damask cheeks
others again must be not always thinking but talking about the darling object
So it was not very long before Captain Crackthorpe was taken into Clives
confidence and through Crackthorpe very likely the whole mess became acquainted
with his passion These young fellows who had been early introduced into the
world gave Clive small hopes of success putting to him in their downright
phraseology the point of which he was already aware that Miss Newcome was
intended for his superiors and that he had best not make his mind uneasy by
sighing for those beautiful grapes which were beyond his reach
But the goodnatured Crackthorpe who had a pity for the young painters
conditions helped him so far and gained Clives warmest thanks for his good
offices by asking admission for Clive to certain evening parties of the beau
monde where he had the gratification of meeting his charmer Ethel was
surprised and pleased and Lady Kew surprised and angry at meeting Clive
Newcome at these fashionable houses the girl herself was touched very likely at
his pertinacity in following her As there was no actual feud between them she
could not refuse now and again to dance with her cousin and thus he picked up
such small crumbs of consolation as a youth in his state can get lived upon
six words vouchsafed to him in a quadrille or brought home a glance of the eyes
which she had presented to him in a waltz or the remembrance of a squeeze of
the hand on parting or meeting How eager he was to get a card to this party or
that how attentive to the givers of such entertainments Some friends of his
accused him of being a tufthunter and flatterer of the aristocracy on account
of his politeness to certain people the truth was he wanted to go wherever
Miss Ethel was and the ball was blank to him which she did not attend
This business occupied not only one season but two By the time of the
second season Mr Newcome had made so many acquaintances that he needed few
more introductions into society He was very well known as a goodnatured
handsome young man and a very good waltzer the only son of an Indian officer
of large wealth who chose to devote himself to painting and who was supposed
to entertain an unhappy fondness for his cousin the beautiful Miss Newcome
Kind folks who heard of this little tendre and were sufficiently interested in
Mr Clive asked him to their houses in consequence I dare say those people who
were good to him may have been themselves at one time unlucky in their own love
affairs
When the first season ended without a declaration from my lord Lady Kew
carried off her young lady to Scotland where it also so happened that Lord
Farintosh was going to shoot and people made what surmises they chose upon this
coincidence Surmises why not You who know the world know very well that if
you see Mrs Soandsos name in the list of people at an entertainment on
looking down the list you will presently be sure to come on Mr
Whatdyoucallems If Lord and Lady Blank of Suchandsuch Castle received
a distinguished circle including Lady Dash for Christmas or Easter without
reading further the names of the guests you may venture on any wager that
Captain Asterisk is one of the company These coincidences happen every day and
some people are so anxious to meet other people and so irresistible is the
magnetic sympathy I suppose that they will travel hundreds of miles in the
worst of weather to see their friends and break your door open almost provided
the friend is inside it
I am obliged to own the fact that for many months Lady Kew hunted after Lord
Farintosh This rheumatic old woman went to Scotland where as he was pursuing
the deer she stalked his lordship from Scotland she went to Paris where he
was taking lessons in dancing at the Chaumière from Paris to an English country
house for Christmas where he was expected but didnt come not being his
professor said quite complete in the polka and so on If Ethel were privy to
these manoeuvres or anything more than an unwittingly consenting parity I say
we would depose her from her place of heroine at once But she was acting under
her grandmothers orders a most imperious irresistible managing old woman
who exacted everybodys obedience and managed everybodys business in her
family Lady Ann Newcome being in attendance on her sick husband Ethel was
consigned to the Countess of Kew her grandmother who hinted that she should
leave Ethel her property when dead and whilst alive expected the girl should go
about with her She had and wrote as many letters as a Secretary of State
almost She was accustomed to set off without taking anybodys advice or
announcing her departure until within an hour or two of the event In her train
moved Ethel against her own will which would have led her to stay at home with
her father but at the special wish and order of her parents Was such a sum as
that of which Lady Kew had the disposal Hobson Brothers knew the amount of it
quite well to be left out of the family Forbid it all ye powers Barnes who
would have liked the money himself arid said truly that he would live with his
grandmother anywhere she liked if he could get it Barnes joined most
energetically with Sir Brian and Lady Ann in ordering Ethels obedience to Lady
Kew You know how difficult it is for one young woman not to acquiesce when the
family council strongly orders In fine I hope there was a good excuse for the
queen of this history and that it was her wicked domineering old prime
minister who led her wrong Otherwise I say we would have another dynasty Oh
to think of a generous nature and the world and nothing but the world to
occupy it of a brave intellect and the milliners bandboxes and the scandal
of the coteries and the fiddlefaddle etiquette of the court for its sole
exercise of the rush and hurry from entertainment to entertainment of the
constant smiles and cares of representation; of the prayerless rest at night and
the awakening to a godless morrow This was the course of life to which Fate
and not her own fault altogether had for a while handed over Ethel Newcome Let
those pity her who can feel their own weakness and misgoing let those punish
her who are without fault themselves
Clive did not offer to follow her to Scotland He knew quite well that the
encouragement he had had was only of the smallest that as a relation she
received him frankly and kindly enough but checked him when he would have
adopted another character But it chanced that they met in Paris whither he
went in the Easter of the ensuing year having worked to some good purpose
through the winter and dispatched as on a former occasion his three or four
pictures to take their chance at the Exhibition
Of these it is our pleasing duty to be able to corroborate to some extent
Mr F Bayhams favourable report Fancy sketches and historical pieces our
young man had eschewed having convinced himself either that he had not an epic
genius or that to draw portraits of his friends was a much easier task than
that which he had set himself formerly Whilst all the world was crowding round
a pair of JJs little pictures a couple of chalk heads were admitted into the
Exhibition his great picture of Captain Crackthorpe on horseback in full
uniform I must own was ignominiously rejected and the friends of the parties
had the pleasure of recognizing in the miniature room No 1246 Portrait of an
Officer namely Augustus Butts Esq of the Life Guards Green and Portrait
of the Rev Charles Honeyman No 1272 Miss Sherrick the hangers refused Mr
Binnie Clive had spoiled as usual in the painting the chalk heads however
before named were voted to be faithful likenesses and executed in a very
agreeable and spirited manner F Bayhams criticism on these performances it
need not be said was tremendous Since the days of Michael Angelo you would
have thought there never had been such drawings In fact FB as some other
critics do clapped his friends so boisterously on the back and trumpeted their
merits with such prodigious energy as to make his friends themselves sometimes
uneasy
Mr Clive whose good father was writing home more and more wonderful
accounts of the Bundelcund Bank in which he had engaged and who was always
pressing his son to draw for more money treated himself to comfortable rooms
at Paris in the very same hotel where the young Marquis of Farintosh occupied
lodgings much more splendid and where he lived no doubt so as to be near the
professor who was still teaching his lordship the polka Indeed it must be said
that Lord Farintosh made great progress under this artist and that he danced
very much better in his third season than in the first and second years after he
had come upon the town From the same instructor the Marquis learned the latest
novelties in French conversation the choicest oaths and phrases for which she
was famous so that although his French grammar was naturally defective he
was enabled to order a dinner at Philippes and to bully a waiter or curse a
hackney coachman with extreme volubility A young nobleman of his rank was
received with the distinction which was his due by the French sovereign of that
period and at the Tuileries and the houses of the French nobility which he
visited Monsieur le Marquis de Farintosh excited considerable remark by the use
of some of the phrases which his young professor had taught to him People even
went so far as to say that the Marquis was an awkward and dull young man of the
very worst manners
Whereas the young Clive Newcome and it comforted the poor fellows heart
somewhat and be sure pleased Ethel who was looking on at his triumphs was
voted the most charming young Englishman who had been seen for a long time in
our salons Madame de Florac who loved him as a son of her own actually went
once or twice into the world in order to see his début Madame de Montcontour
inhabited a part of the Hôtel de Florac and received society there The French
people did not understand what bad English she talked though they comprehended
Lord Farintoshs French blunders »Monsieur Newcome is an artist What a noble
career« cries a great French lady the wife of a Marshal to the astonished
Miss Newcome »This young man is the cousin of the charming Mees You must be
proud to possess such a nephew Madame« says another French lady to the
Countess of Kew who you may be sure is delighted to have such a relative
And the French lady invites Clive to her receptions expressly in order to make
herself agreeable to the old Comtesse Before the cousins have been three
minutes together in Madame de Floracs salon she sees that Clive is in love
with Ethel Newcome She takes the boys hand and says »Jai votre secret mon
ami« and her eyes regard him for a moment as fondly as tenderly as ever they
looked at his father Oh what tears have they shed gentle eyes oh what faith
has it kept tender heart If love lives through all life and survives through
all sorrow and remains steadfast with us through all changes and in all
darkness of spirit burns brightly and if we die deplores us for ever and loves
still equally and exists with the very last gasp and throb of the faithful
bosom whence it passes with the pure soul beyond death surely it shall be
immortal Though we who remain are separated from it is it not ours in heaven
If we love still those we lose can we altogether lose those we love Forty
years have passed away Youth and dearest memories revisit her and Hope almost
wakes up again out of its grave as the constant lady holds the young mans hand
and looks at the son of Thomas Newcome
Chapter XLVI
The Hôtel de Florac
Since the death of the Duc dIvry the husband of Mary Queen of Scots the Comte
de Florac who is now the legitimate owner of the ducal title does not choose
to bear it but continues to be known in the world by his old name The old
Counts world is very small His doctor and his director who comes daily to
play his game of piquet his daughters children who amuse him by their
laughter and play round his chair in the garden of his hotel his faithful
wife and one or two friends as old as himself form his society His son the
Abbé is with them but seldom The austerity of his manners frightens his old
father who can little comprehend the religionism of the new school After going
to hear his son preach through Lent at Notre Dame where the Abbé de Florac
gathered a great congregation the old Count came away quite puzzled at his
sons declamations »I do not understand your new priests« he says »I knew my
son had become a Cordelier I went to hear him and found he was a Jacobin Let
me make my salut in quiet my good Léonore My director answers for me and
plays a game at trictrac into the bargain with me« Our history has but little
to do with this venerable nobleman He has his chamber looking out into the
garden of his hotel his faithful old domestic to wait upon him his House of
Peers to attend when he is well enough his few acquaintances to help him to
pass the evening The rest of the hotel he gives up to his son the Vicomte de
Florac and Madame la Princesse de Montcontour his daughterinlaw
When Florac has told his friends of the Club why it is he has assumed a new
title as a means of reconciliation a reconciliation all philosophical my
friends with his wife née Higg of Manchester who adores titles like all
Anglaises and has recently made a great succession everybody allows that the
measure was dictated by prudence and there is no more laughter at his change of
name The Princess takes the first floor of the hotel at the price paid for it
by the American General who has returned to his original pigs at Cincinnati
Had not Cincinnatus himself pigs on his farm and was he not a general and
member of Congress too The honest Princess has a bedchamber which to her
terror she is obliged to open of receptionevenings when gentlemen and ladies
play cards there It is fitted up in the style of Louis XVI In her bed is an
immense lookingglass surmounted by stucco cupids It is an alcove which some
powdered Venus before the Revolution might have reposed in Opposite that
lookingglass between the tall windows at some forty feet distance is another
huge mirror so that when the poor Princess is in bed in her prim old
curlpapers she sees a vista of elderly princesses dwindling away into the dark
perspective and is so frightened that she and Betsy her Lancashire maid pin
up the jonquil silk curtains over the bedmirror after the first night though
the Princess never can get it out of her head that her image is still there
behind the jonquil hangings turning as she turns waking as she wakes etc The
chamber is so vast and lonely that she has a bed made for Betsy in the room It
is of course whisked away into a closet on receptionevenings A boudoir
rosetendre with more cupids and nymphs by Boucher sporting over the
doorpanels nymphs who may well shock old Betsy and her old mistress is the
Princesss morningroom »Ah mum what would Mr Humper at Manchester Mr
Jowls of Newcome« the minister whom in early days Miss Higg used to sit under
»say if they was browt into this room« But there is no question of Mr Jowls
and Mr Humper excellent dissenting divines who preached to Miss Higg being
brought into the Princesse de Montcontours boudoir
That paragraph respecting a conversion in high life which FB in his
enthusiasm inserted in the Pall Mall Gazette caused no small excitement in the
Florac family The Florac family read the Pall Mall Gazette knowing that
Clives friends were engaged in that periodical When Madame de Florac who did
not often read newspapers happened to cast her eye upon that poetic paragraph
of FBs you may fancy with what a panic it filled the good and pious lady
Her son become a Protestant After all the grief and trouble his wildness had
occasioned to her Paul forsake his religion But that her husband was so ill
and aged as not to be able to bear her absence she would have hastened to
London to rescue her son out of that perdition She sent for her younger son
who undertook the embassy and the Prince and Princesse de Montcontour in their
hotel at London were one day surprised by the visit of the Abbé de Florac
As Paul was quite innocent of any intention of abandoning his religion the
mothers kind heart was very speedily set at rest by her envoy Far from Pauls
conversion to Protestantism the Abbé wrote home the most encouraging accounts
of his sisterinlaws precious dispositions He had communications with Madame
de Montcontours Anglican director a man of not powerful mind wrote M lAbbé
though of considerable repute for eloquence in his sect The good dispositions
of his sisterinlaw were improved by the French clergyman who could be most
captivating and agreeable when a work of conversion was in hand The visit
reconciled the family to their English relative in whom goodnature and many
other good qualities were to be seen now that there were hopes of reclaiming
her It was agreed that Madame de Montcontour should come and inhabit the Hôtel
de Florac at Paris perhaps the Abbé tempted the worthy lady by pictures of the
many pleasures and advantages she would enjoy in that capital She was presented
at her own court by the French ambassadress of that day and was received at the
Tuileries with a cordiality which flattered and pleased her
Having been presented herself Madame la Princesse in turn presented to her
august sovereign Mrs T Higg and Miss Higg of Manchester Mrs Samuel Higg of
Newcome the husbands of those ladies the Princesss brothers also sporting a
court dress for the first time Sam Higgs neighbour the member for Newcome
Sir Brian Newcome Bart was too ill to act as Higgs sponsor before majesty
but Barnes Newcome was uncommonly civil to the two Lancashire gentlemen though
their politics were different to his and Sam had voted against Sir Brian at his
last election Barnes took them to dine at a club recommended his tailor sent
Lady Clara Pulleyn to call on Mrs Higg who pronounced her to be »a pretty
young woman and most haffable« The Countess of Dorking would have been
delighted to present these ladies had the Princess not luckily been in London to
do that office The Hobson Newcomes were very civil to the Lancashire party and
entertained them splendidly at dinner I believe Mrs and Mr Hobson themselves
went to court this year the latter in a deputylieutenants uniform
If Barnes Newcome was so very civil to the Higg family we may suppose he
had good reason The Higgs were very strong in Newcome and it was advisable to
conciliate them They were very rich and their account would not be
disagreeable at the bank Madame de Montcontours a large easy private
account would be more pleasant still And Hobson Brothers having entered
largely into the AngloContinental Railway whereof mention has been made it
was a bright thought of Barnes to place the Prince of Montcontour etc etc
on the French direction of the railway and to take the princely prodigal down
to Newcome with his new title and reconcile him to his wife and the Higg
family Barnes we may say invented the principality rescued the Vicomte de
Florac out of his dirty lodgings in Leicester Square and sent the Prince of
Montcontour back to his worthy middleaged wife again The disagreeable
dissenting days were over A brilliant young curate of Dr Bulders who also
wore long hair straight waistcoats and no shirt collars had already
reconciled the Vicomtesse de Florac to the persuasion whereof the ministers are
clad in that queer uniform The landlord of their hotel in St Jamess got his
wine from Sherrick and sent his families to Lady Whittleseas Chapel The Rev
Charles Honeymans eloquence and amiability were appreciated by his new
disciple Thus the historian has traced here step by step how all these people
became acquainted
Sam Higg whose name was very good on Change in Manchester and London
joined the direction of the AngloContinental A brother had died lately
leaving his money amongst them and his wealth had added considerably to Madame
de Floracs means his sister invested a portion of her capital in the railway
in her husbands name The shares were at a premium and gave a good dividend
The Prince de Montcontour took his place with great gravity at the Paris board
whither Barnes made frequent flying visits The sense of capitalism sobered and
dignified Paul de Florac at the age of fiveandforty he was actually giving up
being a young man and was not illpleased at having to enlarge his waistcoats
and to show a little grey in his moustache His errors were forgotten he was
bien vu by the government He might have had the Embassy Extraordinary to Queen
Pomaré but the health of Madame la Princesse was delicate He paid his wife
visits every morning appeared at her parties and her opera box and was seen
constantly with her in public He gave quiet little dinners still at which
Clive was present sometimes and had a private door and key to his apartments
which were separated by all the dreary length of the receptionrooms from the
mirrored chamber and jonquil couch where the Princess and Betsy reposed When
some of his London friends visited Paris he showed us these rooms and
introduced us duly to Madame la Princesse He was as simple and as much at home
in the midst of these splendours as in the dirty little lodgings in Leicester
Square where he painted his own boots and cooked his herring over the tongs
As for Clive he was the infant of the house Madame la Princesse could not
resist his kind face and Paul was as fond of him in his way as Pauls mother in
hers Would he live at the Hôtel de Florac There was an excellent atelier in
the pavilion with a chamber for his servant No you will be most at ease in
apartments of your own You will have here but the society of women I do not
rise till late and my affairs my board call me away for the greater part of
the day Thou wilt but be ennuyé to play trictrac with my old father My mother
waits on him My sister au second is given up entirely to her children who
always have the pituite Madame la Princesse is not amusing for a young man
Come and go when thou wilt Clive my garçon my son thy cover is laid Wilt
thou take the portraits of all the family Hast thou want of money I had at thy
age and almost ever since mon ami but now we swim in gold and when there is a
louis in my purse there are ten francs for thee To show his mother that he did
not think of the Reformed religion Paul did not miss going to mass with her on
Sunday Sometimes Madame Paul went too between whom and her motherinlaw there
could not be any liking but there was now great civility They saw each other
once a day Madame Paul always paid her visit to the Comte de Florac and Betsy
her maid made the old gentleman laugh by her briskness and talk She brought
back to her mistress the most wonderful stories which the old man told her about
his doings during the emigration before he married Madame la Comtesse when
he gave lessons in dancing parbleu There was his fiddle still a trophy of
those old times He chirped and coughed and sang in his cracked old voice as
he talked about them »Lor bless you mum« says Betsy »he must have been a
terrible old man« He remembered the times well enough but the stories he
sometimes told over twice or thrice in an hour I am afraid he had not repented
sufficiently of those wicked old times else why did he laugh and giggle so when
he recalled them He would laugh and giggle till he was choked with his old
cough and old St Jean his man came and beat M le Comte on the back and
made M le Comte take a spoonful of his syrup
Between two such women as Madame de Florac and Lady Kew of course there
could be little liking or sympathy Religion love duty the family were the
French ladys constant occupation duty and the family perhaps Lady Kews aim
too only the notions of duty were different in either person Lady Kews idea
of duty to her relatives being to push them on in the world Madame de Floracs
to soothe to pray to attend them with constant watchfulness to strive to mend
them with pious counsel I dont know that one lady was happier than the other
Madame de Floracs eldest son was a kindly prodigal her second had given his
whole heart to the church her daughter had centred hers on her own children
and was jealous if their grandmother laid a finger on them So Léonore de Florac
was quite alone It seemed as if Heaven had turned away all her childrens
hearts from her Her daily business in life was to nurse a selfish old man into
whose service she had been forced in early youth by a paternal decree which she
never questioned giving him obedience striving to give him respect
everything but her heart which had gone out of her keeping Many a good womans
life is no more cheerful a spring of beauty a little warmth and sunshine of
love a bitter disappointment followed by pangs and frantic tears then a long
monotonous story of submission »Not here my daughter is to be your
happiness« says the priest »whom Heaven loves it afflicts« And he points out
to her the agonies of suffering saints of her sex assures her of their present
beatitudes and glories exhorts her to bear her pains with a faith like theirs
and is empowered to promise her a like reward
The other matron is not less alone Her husband and son are dead without a
tear for either to weep was not in Lady Kews nature Her grandson whom she
had loved perhaps more than any human being, is rebellious and estranged from
her her children separated from her save one whose sickness and bodily
infirmity the mother resents as disgraces to herself Her darling schemes fail
somehow She moves from town to town and ball to ball and hall to castle for
ever uneasy and always alone She sees people scared at her coming is received
by sufferance and fear rather than by welcome likes perhaps the terror which
she inspires and to enter over the breach rather than through the hospitable
gate She will try and command wherever she goes and trample over dependants
and society with a grim consciousness that it dislikes her a rage at its
cowardice and an unbending will to domineer To be old proud lonely and not
have a friend in the world that is her lot in it As the French lady may be
said to resemble the bird which the fables say feeds her young with her blood
this one if she has a little natural liking for her brood goes hunting hither
and thither and robs meat for them And so I suppose to make the simile good
we must compare the Marquis of Farintosh to a lamb for the nonce and Miss Ethel
Newcome to a young eaglet Is it not a rare provision of nature or fiction of
poets who have their own natural history that the strongwinged bird can soar
to the sun and gaze at it and then come down from heaven and pounce on a piece
of carrion
After she became acquainted with certain circumstances Madame de Florac was
very interested about Ethel Newcome and strove in her modest way to become
intimate with her Miss Newcome and Lady Kew attended Madame de Montcontours
Wednesday evenings »It is as well my dear for the interests of the family
that we should be particularly civil to these people« Lady Kew said and
accordingly she came to the Hôtel de Florac and was perfectly insolent to
Madame la Princesse every Thursday evening Towards Madame de Florac even Lady
Kew could not be rude She was so gentle as to give no excuse for assault Lady
Kew vouchsafed to pronounce that Madame de Florac was très grandedame »of the
sort which is almost impossible to find nowadays« Lady Kew said who thought
she possessed this dignity in her own person When Madame de Florac blushing
asked Ethel to come and see her Ethels grandmother consented with the utmost
willingness »She is very dévote I have heard and will try and convert you Of
course you will hold your own about that sort of thing and have the good sense
to keep off theology There is no Roman Catholic parti in England or Scotland
that is to be thought of for a moment You will see they will marry young Lord
Derwentwater to an Italian princess but he is only seventeen and his directors
never lose sight of him Sir Bartholomew Fawkes will have a fine property when
Lord Campion dies unless Lord Campion leaves the money to the convent where his
daughter is and of the other families who is there I made every inquiry
purposely that is of course one is anxious to know about the Catholics as
about ones own people and little Mr Rood who was one of my poor brother
Steynes lawyers told me there is not one young man of that party at this
moment who can be called a desirable person Be very civil to Madame de Florac
she sees some of the old Legitimists and you know I am brouillée with that
party of late years«
»There is the Marquis de Montluc who has a large fortune for France« said
Ethel gravely »he has a humpback but he is very spiritual Monsieur de
Cadillan paid me some compliments the other night and even asked George Barnes
what my dot was He is a widower and has a wig and two daughters Which do you
think would be the greatest encumbrance grandmamma a humpback or a wig and
two daughters I like Madame de Florac for the sake of the borough I must try
and like poor Madame de Montcontour and I will go and see them whenever you
please«
So Ethel went to see Madame de Florac She was very kind to Madame de
Prévilles children Madame de Floracs grandchildren she was gay and gracious
with Madame de Montcontour She went again and again to the Hôtel de Florac not
caring for Lady Kews own circle of statesmen and diplomatists Russian and
Spanish and French whose talk about the courts of Europe who was in favour
at St Petersburg and who was in disgrace at Schönbrunn naturally did not
amuse the lively young person The goodness of Madame de Floracs life the
tranquil grace and melancholy kindness with which the French lady received her
soothed and pleased Miss Ethel She came and reposed in Madame de Floracs quiet
chamber or sate in the shade in the sober old garden of her hotel away from
all the trouble and chatter of the salons the gossip of the embassies the
fluttering ceremonial of the Parisian ladies visits in their fine toilettes
the fadaises of the dancing dandies and the pompous mysteries of the old
statesmen who frequented her grandmothers apartment The world began for her at
night when she went in the train of the old Countess from hotel to hotel and
danced waltz after waltz with Prussian and Neapolitan secretaries with princes
officers of ordonnance with personages even more lofty very likely for the
court of the Citizen King was then in its splendour and there must surely have
been a number of nimble young royal highnesses who would like to dance with such
a beauty as Miss Newcome The Marquis of Farintosh had a share in these polite
amusements His English conversation was not brilliant as yet although his
French was eccentric but at the court balls whether he appeared in his uniform
of the Scotch Archers or in his native Glenlivet tartan there certainly was
not in his own or the public estimation a handsomer young nobleman in Paris that
season It has been said that he was greatly improved in dancing and for a
young man of his age his whiskers were really extraordinarily large and curly
Miss Newcome out of consideration for her grandmothers strange antipathy
to him did not inform Lady Kew that a young gentleman by the name of Clive
occasionally came to visit the Hôtel de Florac At first with her French
education Madame de Florac never would have thought of allowing the cousins to
meet in her house but with the English it was different Paul assured her that
in the English chateaus les Mees walked for entire hours with the young men
made parties of the fish mounted to horse with them the whole with the
permission of the mothers »When I was at Newcome Miss Ethel rode with me
several times« Paul said »à preuve that we went to visit an old relation of
the family who adores Clive and his father« When Madame de Florac questioned
her son about the young Marquis to whom it was said Ethel was engaged Florac
flouted the idea »Engaged this young Marquis is engaged to the Théâtre des
Variétés my mother He laughs at the notion of an engagement When one charged
him with it of late at the club and asked how Mademoiselle Louqsor she is so
tall that they call her the Louqsor she is an Odalisque Obélisque ma mère
when one asked how the Louqsor would pardon his pursuit of Miss Newcome my
Écossais permitted himself to say in full club that it was Miss Newcome pursued
him that nymph that Diane that charming and peerless young creature On
which as the others laughed and his friend Monsieur Walleye applauded I dared
to say in my turn Monsieur le Marquis as a young man not familiar with our
language you have said what is not true Milor and therefore luckily not
mischievous I have the honour to count of my friends the parents of the young
lady of whom you have spoken You never could have intended to say that a young
Miss who lives under the guardianship of her parents and is obedient to them
whom you meet in society all the nights and at whose door your carriage is to
be seen every day is capable of that with which you charge her so gaily These
things say themselves Monsieur in the coulisses of the theatre of women from
whom you learn our language not of young persons pure and chaste Monsieur de
Farintosh Learn to respect your compatriots to honour youth and innocence
everywhere Monsieur and when you forget yourself permit one who might be your
father to point where you are wrong«
»And what did he answer« asked the Countess
»I attended myself to a soufflet« replied Florac »but his reply was much
more agreeable The young insulary with many blushes and a gros juron as his
polite way is said he had not wished to say a word against that person Of whom
the name cried I ought never to be spoken in these places Herewith our little
dispute ended«
So occasionally Mr Clive had the good luck to meet with his cousin at the
Hôtel de Florac where I dare say all the inhabitants wished he should have his
desire regarding this young lady The Colonel had talked early to Madame de
Florac about this wish of his life impossible then to gratify because Ethel
was engaged to Lord Kew Clive in the fullness of his heart imparted his
passion to Florac and in answer to Pauls offer to himself had shown the
Frenchman that kind letter in which his father bade him carry aid to »Léonore de
Floracs son« in case he should need it The case was all clear to the lively
Paul »Between my mother and your good Colonel there must have been an affair of
the heart in the early days during the emigration« Clive owned his father had
told him as much at least that he himself had been attached to Mademoiselle de
Blois »It is for that that her heart yearns towards thee that I have felt
myself entrained toward thee since I saw thee« Clive momentarily expected to be
kissed again »Tell thy father that I feel am touched by his goodness with an
eternal gratitude and love every one that loves my mother« As far as wishes
went these two were eager promoters of Clives little love affair and Madame
la Princesse became equally not less willing Clives good looks and good nature
had had their effects upon that goodnatured woman and he was as great a
favourite with her as with her husband And thus it happened that when Miss
Ethel came to pay her visit and sat with Madame de Florac and her grandchildren
in the garden Mr Newcome would sometimes walk up the avenue there and salute
the ladies
If Ethel had not wanted to see him would she have come Yes she used to
say she was going to Madame de Prévilles not to Madame de Floracs and would
insist I have no doubt that it was Madame de Préville whom she went to see
whose husband was a member of the Chamber of Deputies a Conseiller dÉtat or
other French bigwig and that she had no idea of going to meet Clive or that
he was more than a casual acquaintance at the Hôtel de Florac There was no part
of her conduct in all her life which this lady when it was impugned would
defend more strongly than this intimacy at the Hôtel de Florac It is not with
this I quarrel especially My fair young readers who have seen a halfdozen of
seasons can you call to mind the time when you had such a friendship for Emma
Tomkins that you were always at the Tomkinss and notes were constantly passing
between your house and hers When her brother Paget Tomkins returned to India
did not your intimacy with Emma fall off If your younger sister is not in the
room I know you will own as much to me I think you are always deceiving
yourselves and other people I think the motive you put forward is very often
not the real one though you will confess neither to yourself nor to any human
being what the real motive is I think that what you desire you pursue and are
as selfish in your way as your bearded fellowcreatures are And as for the
truth being in you of all the women in a great acquaintance I protest there are
but never mind A perfectly honest woman a woman who never flatters who
never manages who never cajoles who never conceals who never uses her eyes
who never speculates on the effect which she produces who never is conscious of
unspoken admiration what a monster I say would such a female be Miss
Hopkins you have been a coquette since you were a year old you worked on your
papas friends in the nurses arms by the fascination of your lace frock and
pretty new sash and shoes when you could just toddle you practised your arts
upon other children in the square poor little lambkins sporting among the
daisies and nunc in ovilia mox in reluctantes dracones proceeding from the
lambs to reluctant dragoons you tried your arts upon Captain Paget Tomkins who
behaved so ill and went to India without without making those proposals which
of course you never expected Your intimacy was with Emma It has cooled Your
sets are different The Tomkinses are not quite etc etc You believe Captain
Tomkins married a Miss OGrady etc etc Ah my pretty my sprightly Miss
Hopkins be gentle in your judgment of your neighbours
Chapter XLVII
Contains Two or Three Acts of a Little Comedy
All this story is told by one who if he was not actually present at the
circumstances here narrated yet had information concerning them and could
supply such a narrative of facts and conversations as is indeed not less
authentic than the details we have of other histories How can I tell the
feelings in a young ladys mind the thoughts in a young gentlemans bosom As
Professor Owen or Professor Agassiz takes a fragment of a bone and builds an
enormous forgotten monster out of it wallowing in primeval quagmires tearing
down leaves and branches of plants that flourished thousands of years ago and
perhaps may be coal by this time so the novelist puts this and that together
from the footprint finds the foot from the foot the brute who trod on it from
the brute the plant he browsed on the marsh in which he swam And thus in his
humble way a physiologist too depicts the habits size appearance of the
beings whereof he has to treat traces this slimy reptile through the mud and
describes his habits filthy and rapacious prods down this butterfly with a pin
and depicts his beautiful coat and embroidered waistcoat points out the
singular structure of yonder more important animal the megatherium of his
history
Suppose then in the quaint old garden of the Hôtel de Florac two young
people are walking up and down in an avenue of lime trees which are still
permitted to grow in that ancient place In the centre of that avenue is a
fountain surmounted by a Triton so grey and mosseaten that though he holds his
conch to his swelling lips curling his tail in the arid basin his instrument
has had a sinecure for at least fifty years and did not think fit even to play
when the Bourbons in whose time he was erected came back from their exile At
the end of the limetree avenue is a brokennosed damp Faun with a marble
panpipe who pipes to the spirit ditties which I believe never had any tune The
perron of the hotel is at the other end of the avenue a couple of Cæsars on
either side of the doorwindow from which the inhabitants of the hotel issue
into the garden Caracalla frowning over his mouldy shoulder at Nerva on to
whose clipped hair the roofs of the grey château have been dribbling for ever so
many long years There are more statues gracing this noble place There is
Cupid who has been at the point of kissing Psyche this halfcentury at least
though the delicious event has never come off through all those blazing summers
and dreary winters there is Venus and her Boy under the damp little dome of a
cracked old temple Through the alley of this old garden in which their
ancestors have disported in hoops and powder Monsieur de Floracs chair is
wheeled by St Jean his attendant Madame de Prévilles children trot about
and skip and play at cachecache The RP de Florac when at home paces up
and down and meditates his sermons Madame de Florac sadly walks sometimes to
look at her roses and Clive and Ethel Newcome are marching up and down the
children and their bonne of course being there jumping to and fro and Madame
de Florac having just been called away to Monsieur le Comte whose physician
has come to see him
Ethel says »How charming and odd this solitude is and how pleasant to hear
the voices of the children playing in the neighbouring Conventgarden« of which
they can see the new Chapel rising over the trees
Clive remarks that »the neighbouring hotel has curiously changed its
destination One of the members of the Directory had it and no doubt in the
groves of its garden Madame Tallien and Madame Récamier and Madame Beauharnais
have danced under the lamps Then a Marshal of the Empire inhabited it Then it
was restored to its legitimate owner Monsieur le Marquis de Bricquabracque
whose descendants having a law-suit about the Bricquabracque succession sold
the hotel to the Convent«
After some talk about nuns Ethel says »There were convents in England She
often thinks she would like to retire to one« and she sighs as if her heart
were in that scheme
Clive with a laugh says »Yes If you could retire after the season when
you were very weary of the balls a convent would be very nice At Rome he had
seen San Pietro in Montorio and Sant Onofrio that delightful old place where
Tasso died people go and make a retreat there In the ladies convents the
ladies do the same thing and he doubts whether they are much more or less
wicked after their retreat than gentlemen and ladies in England or France«
Ethel Why do you sneer at all faith Why should not a retreat do people
good Do you suppose the world is so satisfactory that those who are in it never
wish for a while to leave it She heaves a sigh and looks down towards a
beautiful new dress of many flounces which Madame de Flouncival the great
milliner has sent her home that very day
Clive I do not know what the world is except from afar off I am like the
Peri who looks into Paradise and sees angels within it I live in Charlotte
Street Fitzroy Square which is not within the gates of Paradise I take the
gate to be somewhere in Davies Street leading out of Oxford Street into
Grosvenor Square Theres another gate in Hay Hill and another in Bruton
Street Bond
Ethel Dont be a goose
Clive Why not It is as good to be a goose as to be a lady no a
gentleman of fashion Suppose I were a Viscount an Earl a Marquis a Duke
would you say Goose No you would say Swan
Ethel Unkind and unjust ungenerous to make taunts which common people
make and to repeat to me those silly sarcasms which your low Radical literary
friends are always putting in their books Have I ever made any difference to
you Would I not sooner see you than the fine people Would I talk with you or
with the young dandies most willingly Are we not of the same blood Clive and
of all the grandees I see about can there be a grander gentleman than your dear
old father You need not squeeze my hand so Those little imps are look
that has nothing to do with the question Viens Léonore Tu connais bien
Monsieur nestce pas qui te fait de si jolis desseins
Léonore Ah oui Vous men ferez toujours nestce pas Monsieur Clive
des chevaux et puis des petites filles avec leurs gouvernantes et puis des
maisons et puis et puis des maisons encore où est bonne Maman
Exit little Leonore down an alley
Ethel Do you remember when we were children and you used to make drawings
for us I have some now that you did in my geography book which I used to
read and read with Miss Quigley
Clive I remember all about your youth Ethel
Ethel Tell me what you remember
Clive I remember one of the days when I first saw you I had been reading
the »Arabian Nights« at school and you came in in a bright dress of shot silk
amber and blue and I thought you were like that fairy princess who came out of
the crystal box because
Ethel Because why
Clive Because I always thought that fairy somehow must be the most
beautiful creature in all the world that is why and because Do not make me
May Fair curtsies You know whether you are goodlooking or not and how long I
have thought you so I remember when I thought I would like to be Ethels
knight and that if there was anything she would have me do I would try and
achieve it in order to please her I remember when I was so ignorant I did not
know there was any difference in rank between us
Ethel Ah Clive
Clive Now it is altered Now I know the difference between a poor painter
and a young lady of the world Why havent I a title and a great fortune Why
did I ever see you Ethel or knowing the distance which it seems fate has
placed between us why have I seen you again
Ethel innocently Have I ever made any difference between us Whenever I
may see you am I not too glad Dont I see you sometimes when I should not
no I do not say when I should not but when others whom I am bound to obey
forbid me What harm is there in my remembering old days Why should I be
ashamed of our relationship no not ashamed why should I forget it Dont do
that sir we have shaken hands twice already Léonore Xavier
Clive At one moment you like me and at the next you seem to repent it One
day you seem happy when I come and another day you are ashamed of me Last
Tuesday when you came with those fine ladies to the Louvre you seemed to blush
when you saw me copying at my picture and that stupid young lord looked quite
alarmed because you spoke to me My lot in life is not very brilliant but I
would not change it against that young mans no not with all his chances
Ethel What do you mean with all his chances
Clive You know very well I mean I would not be as selfish or as dull or
as illeducated I wont say worse of him not to be as handsome or as
wealthy or as noble as he is I swear I would not now change my place against
his or give up being Clive Newcome to be my lord Marquis of Farintosh with all
his acres and titles of nobility
Ethel Why are you for ever harping about Lord Farintosh and his titles I
thought it was only women who were jealous you gentlemen say so Hurriedly
I am going tonight with grandmamma to the Minister of the Interior and then to
the Russian ball and tomorrow to the Tuileries We dine at the Embassy first
and on Sunday I suppose we shall go to the Rue dAguesseau I can hardly come
here before Mon Madame de Florac Little Léonore is very like you
resembles you very much My cousin says he longs to make a drawing of her
Madame de Florac My husband always likes that I should be present at his
dinner Pardon me young people that I have been away from you for a moment
Exeunt Clive Ethel and Madame De F into the house
Conversation II Scene I
Miss Newcome arrives in Lady Kews carriage which enters the court of the Hôtel
de Florac
Saint Jean Mademoiselle Madame la Comtesse is gone out but Madame has charged
me to say that she will be at home to the dinner of M le Comte as to the
ordinary
Miss Newcome Madame de Préville is at home
Saint Jean Pardon me Madame is gone out with M le Baron and M Xavier
and Mademoiselle de Préville They are gone Miss I believe to visit the
parents of Monsieur le Baron of whom it is probably today the fête for
Mademoiselle Léonore carried a bouquet no doubt for her grandpapa Will it
please Mademoiselle to enter I think Monsieur the Count sounds me Bell
rings
Miss Newcome Madame la Prince Madame la Vicomtesse is at home Monsieur
St Jean
Saint Jean I go to call the people of Madame la Vicomtesse
Exit old Saint Jean to the carriage a Lackey comes presently in a gorgeous
livery with buttons like little cheeseplates
The Lackey The Princess is at home Miss and will be most appy to see
you Miss Miss trips up the great stair a gentleman out of livery has come
forth to the landing and introduces her to the apartments of Madame la
Princesse
The Lackey to the Servants on the box Goodmorning Thomas How dy do
old Backystopper
Backystopper How de do Jim I say you couldnt give a feller a drink of
beer could yer Muncontour It was precious wet last night I can tell you Ad
to stop for three hours at the Napolitum Embassy where we was adancing Me and
some chaps went into Bob Parsoms and had a drain Old Cat came out and
couldnt find her carriage not by no means could she Tommy Blest if I didnt
nearly drive her into a wegetable cart I was so uncommon scruey Whos this
ahentering at your potcoshare Billy my fine feller
Clive Newcome by the most singular coincidence Madame la Princesse
Lackey We Munseer He rings a bell the gentleman in black appears as
before on the landingplace up the stair
Exit Clive
Backystopper I say Bill is that young chap often acoming about here
Theyd run pretty in a curricle wouldnt they Miss N and Master N Quiet
old woman Jest look to that mares ead will you Billy Hes a fine young
feller that is He gave me a sovering the other night Whenever I sor him in
the Park he was always riding an ansum hanimal What is he They said in our
all he was a hartis I can ardly think that Why there used to be a hartis
come to our club and painted two or three of my osses and my old woman too
Lackey Theres hartises and hartises Backystopper Why theres some on
em comes here with more stars on their coats than Dukes has got Have you never
eard of Mossyer Verny or Mossyer Gudang
Backystopper They say this young gent is sweet on Miss N which I guess
I wish he may git it
Tommy He he he
Backystopper Brayvo Tommy Tom aint much of a man for conversation but
hes a precious one to drink Do you think the young gent is sweet on her
Tommy I sor him often prowling about our ouse in Queen Street when we was in
London
Tommy I guess he wasnt let in in Queen Street I guess hour little Buttons
was very near turned away for saying we was at home to him I guess a footmans
place is to keep his mouth hopen no his heyes hopen and his mouth shut He
lapses into silence
Lackey I think Thomis is in love Thomis is Who was that young woman I
saw you adancing of at the Showmier Thomis How the young Marquis was a of it
about there The pleace was obliged to come up and stop him dancing His man
told old Buzfuz upstairs that the Marquiss goings on is hawful Up till four or
five every morning blind hookey shampaign the dooces own delight That
party have had I dont know how much in diamonds and they quarrel and swear at
each other and fling plates its tremendous
Tommy Why doesnt the Marquis man mind his own affairs Hes a
supersellious beast and will no more speak to a man except hes outalivery
than he would to a chimblyswip He cuss him Id fight im for alf a crown
Lackey And wed back you Tommy Buzfuz upstairs aint supersellious nor
is the Princes walet nether That old Sangjangs a rum old guvnor He was in
England with the Count fifty years ago in the hemigration in Queen Hanns
time you know He used to support the old Count He says he remembers a young
Musseer Newcome then that used to take lessons from the Shevallier the
Countess father Theres my bell
Exit Lackey
Backystopper Not a bad chap that sports his money very free sings an
uncommon good song
Thomas Pretty voice but no cultiwation
Lackey who reenters Be here at two oclock for Miss N Take anything
Come round the corner theres a capital shop round the corner
Exeunt Servants
Scene II
Ethel I cant think where Madame de Montcontour has gone How very odd it was
that you should come here that we should both come here today How surprised
I was to see you at the Ministers Grandmamma was so angry »That boy pursues
us wherever we go« she said I am sure I dont know why we shouldnt meet
Clive It seems to be wrong even my seeing you by chance here Do you know sir
what a scolding I had about about going to Brighton with you My grandmother
did not hear of it till we were in Scotland when that foolish maid of mine
talked of it to her maid and there was oh such a tempest If there were a
Bastile here she would like to lock you into it She says that you are always
upon our way I dont know how I am sure She says but for you I should have
been you know what I should have been but I am thankful that I wasnt and
Kew has got a much nicer wife in Henrietta Pulleyn than I could ever have been
to him She will be happier than Clara Clive Kew is one of the kindest
creatures in the world not very wise not very strong but he is just such a
kind easy generous little man as will make a girl like Henrietta quite happy
Clive But not you Ethel
Ethel No nor I him My temper is difficult Clive and I fear few men
would bear with me I feel somehow always very lonely How old am I Twenty I
feel sometimes as if I was a hundred and in the midst of all these admirations
and fêtes and flatteries so tired oh so tired And yet if I dont have them I
miss them How I wish I was religious like Madame de Florac there is no day
that she does not go to church She is for ever busy with charities clergymen
conversions I think the Princess will be brought over ere long That dear old
Madame de Florac And yet she is no happier than the rest of us Hortense is an
empty little thing who thinks of her prosy fat Camille with spectacles and of
her two children and of nothing else in the world besides Who is happy Clive
Clive You say Barness wife is not
Ethel We are like brother and sister so I may talk to you Barnes is very
cruel to her At Newcome last winter poor Clara used to come into my room with
tears in her eyes morning after morning He calls her a fool and seems to take
a pride in humiliating her before company My poor father has luckily taken a
great liking to her and before him for he has grown very very hottempered
since his illness Barnes leaves poor Clara alone We were in hopes that the
baby might make matters better but as it is a little girl Barnes chooses to be
very much disappointed He wants papa to give up his seat in Parliament but he
clings to that more than anything Oh dear me who is happy in the world What a
pity Lord Highgates father had not died sooner He and Barnes have been
reconciled I wonder my brothers spirit did not revolt against it The old lord
used to keep a great sum of money at the bank I believe and the present one
does so still he has paid all his debts off and Barnes is actually friends
with him He is always abusing the Dorkings who want to borrow money from the
bank he says This eagerness for money is horrible If I had been Barnes I
would never have been reconciled with Mr Belsize never never And yet they
say he was quite right and grandmamma is even pleased that Lord Highgate should
be asked to dine in Park Lane Poor papa is there come to attend his
parliamentary duties as he thinks He went to a division the other night and
was actually lifted out of his carriage and wheeled into the lobby in a chair
The ministers thanked him for coming I believe he thinks he will have his
peerage yet Oh what a life of vanity ours is
Enter Madame de Montcontour What are you young folks atalkin about
Balls and Operas When first I was took to the Opera I did not like it and
fell asleep But now oh its eavenly to hear Grisi sing
The Clock Ting Ting
Ethel Two oclock already I must run back to grandmamma Goodbye
Madame de Montcontour I am so sorry I have not been able to see dear Madame de
Florac I will try and come to her on Thursday please tell her Shall we meet
you at the American ministers tonight or at Madame de Bries tomorrow
Friday is your own night I hope grandmamma will bring me How charming your
last music was Goodbye mon cousin You shall not come downstairs with me
I insist upon it sir and had much best remain here and finish your drawing
of Madame de Montcontour
Princess Ive put on the velvet you see Clive though its very ot in
May Goodbye my dear
Exit Ethel
As far as we can judge from the above conversation which we need not
prolong as the talk between Madame de Montcontour and Monsieur Clive after a
few complimentary remarks about Ethel had nothing to do with the history of the
Newcomes as far as we can judge the above little colloquy took place on
Monday and about Wednesday Madame la Comtesse de Florac received a little note
from Clive in which he said that one day when she came to the Louvre where he
was copying she had admired a picture of a Virgin and Child by Sassoferrato
since when he had been occupied in making a watercolour drawing after the
picture and hoped she would be pleased to accept the copy from her affectionate
and grateful servant Clive Newcome The drawing would be done the next day
when he would call with it in his hand Of course Madame de Florac received this
announcement very kindly and sent back by Clives servant a note of thanks to
that young gentleman
Now on Thursday morning about one oclock by one of those singular
coincidences which etc etc who should come to the Hôtel de Florac but Miss
Ethel Newcome Madame la Comtesse was at home waiting to receive Clive and his
picture but Miss Ethels appearance frightened the good lady so much so that
she felt quite guilty at seeing the girl whose parents might think I dont
know what they might not think that Madame de Florac was trying to make a
match between the young people Hence arose the words uttered by the Countess
after a while in
Conversation III
Madame de Florac at work And so you like to quit the world and to come to
our triste old hotel After today you will find it still more melancholy my
poor child
Ethel And why
Madame de F Some one who has been here to égayer our little meetings will
come no more
Ethel Is the Abbé de Florac going to quit Paris Madame
Madame de F It is not of him that I speak thou knowest it very well my
daughter Thou hast seen my poor Clive twice here He will come once again and
then no more My conscience reproaches me that I have admitted him at all But
he is like a son to me and was so confided to me by his father Five years ago
when we met after an absence of how many years Colonel Newcome told me
what hopes he had cherished for his boy You know well my daughter with whom
those hopes were connected Then he wrote me that family arrangements rendered
his plans impossible that the hand of Miss Newcome was promised elsewhere
When I heard from my son Paul how these negotiations were broken my heart
rejoiced Ethel for my friends sake I am an old woman now who have seen the
world and all sorts of men Men more brilliant no doubt I have known but such a
heart as his such a faith as his such a generosity and simplicity as Thomas
Newcomes never
Ethel smiling Indeed dear lady I think with you
Madame de F I understand thy smile my daughter I can say to thee that
when we were children almost I knew thy good uncle My poor father took the
pride of his family into exile with him Our poverty only made his pride the
greater Even before the emigration a contract had been passed between our
family and the Count de Florac I could not be wanting to the word given by my
father For how many long years have I kept it But when I see a young girl who
may be made the victim the subject of a marriage of convenience as I was my
heart pities her And if I love her as I love you I tell her my thoughts
Better poverty Ethel better a cell in a convent than a union without love Is
it written eternally that men are to make slaves of us Here in France above
all our fathers sell us every day And what a society ours is Thou wilt know
this when thou art married There are some laws so cruel that nature revolts
against them and breaks them or we die in keeping them You smile I have
been nearly fifty years dying nestce pas and am here an old woman
complaining to a young girl It is because our recollections of youth are always
young and because I have suffered so that I would spare those I love a like
grief Do you know that the children of those who do not love in marriage seem
to bear a hereditary coldness and do not love their parents as other children
do They witness our differences and our indifferences hear our recriminations
take one side or the other in our disputes and are partisans for father or
mother We force ourselves to be hypocrites and hide our wrongs from them we
speak of a bad father with false praises we wear feigned smiles over our tears
and deceive our children deceive them do we Even from the exercise of that
pious deceit there is no woman but suffers in the estimation of her sons They
may shield her as champions against their fathers selfishness or cruelty In
this case what a war What a home where the son sees a tyrant in the father and
in the mother but a trembling victim I speak not for myself whatever may have
been the course of our long wedded life I have not to complain of these ignoble
storms But when the family chief neglects his wife or prefers another to her
the children too courtiers as we are will desert her You look incredulous
about domestic love Tenez my child if I may so surmise I think you cannot
have seen it
Ethel blushing and thinking perhaps how she esteems her father how her
mother and how much they esteem each other My father and mother have been
most kind to all their children madam and no one can say that their marriage
has been otherwise than happy My mother is the kindest and most affectionate
mother and Here a vision of Sir Brian alone in his room and nobody really
caring for him so much as his valet who loves him to the extent of fifty pounds
a year and perquisites or perhaps Miss Cann who reads to him and plays a good
deal of evenings much to Sir Brians liking here this vision we say, comes
and stops Miss Ethels sentence
Madame de F Your father in his infirmity and yet he is five years
younger than Colonel Newcome is happy to have such a wife and such children
They comfort his age they cheer his sickness they confide their griefs and
pleasures to him is it not so His closing days are soothed by their
affection
Ethel Oh no no And yet it is not his fault or ours that he is a stranger
to us He used to be all day at the bank or at night in the House of Commons
or he and mamma went to parties and we young ones remained with the governess
Mamma is very kind I have never almost known her angry never with us about
us sometimes with the servants As children we used to see papa and mamma at
breakfast and then when she was dressing to go out Since he has been ill she
has given up all parties I wanted to do so too I feel ashamed in the world
sometimes when I think of my poor father at home alone I wanted to stay but
my mother and my grandmother forbade me Grandmamma has a fortune which she
says I am to have since then they have insisted on my being with her She is
very clever you know she is kind too in her way but she cannot live out of
society And I who pretend to revolt I like it too and I who rail and scorn
flatterers oh I like admiration I am pleased when the women hate me and the
young men leave them for me Though I despise many of these yet I cant help
drawing them towards me One or two of them I have seen unhappy about me and I
like it and if they are indifferent I am angry and never tire till they come
back I love beautiful dresses I love fine jewels I love a great name and a
fine house oh I despise myself when I think of these things When I lie in
bed and say I have been heartless and a coquette I cry with humiliation and
then rebel and say Why not And tonight yes tonight after leaving you I
shall be wicked I know I shall
Madame de F sadly One will pray for thee my child
Ethel sadly I thought I might be good once I used to say my own prayers
then Now I speak them but by rote and feel ashamed yes ashamed to speak
them Is it not horrid to say them and next morning to be no better than you
were last night Often I revolt at these as at other things and am dumb The
Vicar comes to see us at Newcome and eats so much dinner and pays us such
court and »Sir Brians« papa and »Your ladyships« mamma With grandmamma I go
to hear a fashionable preacher Clives uncle whose sister lets lodgings at
Brighton such a queer blushing pompous honest old lady Do you know that
Clives aunt lets lodgings at Brighton
Madame de F My father was an usher in a school Monsieur de Florac gave
lessons in the emigration do you know in what
Ethel Oh the old nobility that is different you know That Mr Honeyman
is so affected that I have no patience with him
Madame de F with a sigh I wish you could attend the services of a better
church And when was it you thought you might be good Ethel
Ethel When I was a girl before I came out when I used to take long
rides with my dear Uncle Newcome and he used to talk to me in his sweet simple
way and he said I reminded him of some one he once knew
Madame de F Who who was that Ethel
Ethel looking up at Gerards picture of the Countess de Florac What odd
dresses you wore in the time of the Empire Madame de Florac How could you ever
have such high waists and such wonderful fraises Madame de Florac kisses
Ethel Tableau
Enter Saint Jean preceding a gentleman with a drawingboard under his arm
Saint Jean Monsieur Claive
Exit Saint Jean
Clive How do you do Madame la Comtesse Mademoiselle jai lhonneur de
vous souhaiter le bon jour
Madame de F Do you come from the Louvre Have you finished that beautiful
copy mon ami
Clive I have brought it for you It is not very good There are always so
many petites demoiselles copying that Sassoferrato and they chatter about it
so and hop from one easel to another and the young artists are always coming
to give them advice so that there is no getting a good look at the picture But
I have brought you the sketch and am so pleased that you asked for it
Madame de F surveying the sketch It is charming charming What shall
we give to our painter for his chefdoeuvre
Clive kisses her hand There is my pay And you will be glad to hear that
two of my portraits have been received at the Exhibition my uncle the
clergyman and Mr Butts of the Life Guards
Ethel Mr Butts quel nom Je ne connais aucun M Butts
Clive He has a famous head to draw They refused Crackthorpe and and one
or two other heads I sent in
Ethel tossing up hers Miss Mackenzies I suppose
Clive Yes Miss Mackenzies It is a sweet little face too delicate for my
hand though
Ethel So is a wax dolls a pretty face pink cheeks chinablue eyes and
hair the colour of old Madame Hempenfelds not her last hair her last but
one She goes to a window that looks into the court
Clive to the Countess Miss Mackenzie speaks more respectfully of other
peoples eyes and hair She thinks there is nobody in the world to compare to
Miss Newcome
Madame de F aside And you mon ami This is the last time
entendezvous You must never come here again If M le Comte knew it he never
would pardon me Encore He kisses her ladyships hand again
Clive A good action gains to be repeated Miss Newcome does the view of
the courtyard please you The old trees and the garden are better That dear
old Faun without a nose I must have a sketch of him the creepers round the
base are beautiful
Miss N I was looking to see if the carriage had come for me It is time
that I return home
Clive That is my brougham may I carry you anywhere I hire him by the
hour and I will carry you to the end of the world
Miss N Where are you going Madame de Florac to show that sketch to M
le Comte Dear me I dont fancy that M de Florac can care for such things I
am sure I have seen many as pretty on the quays for twentyfive sous I wonder
the carriage is not come for me
Clive You can take mine without my company as that seems not to please
you
Miss N Your company is sometimes very pleasant when you please
Sometimes as last night for instance you are not particularly lively
Clive Last night after moving heaven and earth to get an invitation to
Madame de Brie I say heaven and earth that is a French phrase I arrive
there I find Miss Newcome engaged for almost every dance waltzing with M de
Klingenspohr galloping with Count de Capri galloping and waltzing with the
most noble the Marquis of Farintosh She will scarce speak to me during the
evening and when I wait till midnight her grandmamma whisks her home and I am
left alone for my pains Lady Kew is in one of her high moods and the only
words she condescends to say to me are »Oh I thought you had returned to
London« with which she turns her venerable back upon me
Miss N A fortnight ago you said you were going to London You said the
copies you were about here would not take you another week and that was three
weeks since
Clive It were best I had gone
Miss N If you think so I cannot but think so
Clive Why do I stay and hover about you and follow you you know I follow
you Can I live on a smile vouchsafed twice a week and no brighter than you
give to all the world What do I get but to hear your beauty praised and to see
you night after night happy and smiling and triumphant the partner of other
men Does it add zest to your triumph to think that I behold it I believe you
would like a crowd of us to pursue you
Miss N To pursue me and if they find me alone by chance to compliment me
with such speeches as you make That would be pleasure indeed Answer me here in
return Clive Have I ever disguised from any of my friends the regard I have
for you Why should I Have not I taken your part when you were maligned In
former days when when Lord Kew asked me as he had a right to do then I said
it was as a brother I held you and always would If I have been wrong it has
been for two or three times in seeing you at all or seeing you thus in
letting you speak to me as you do injure me as you do Do you think I have not
had hard enough words said to me about you but that you must attack me too in
turn Last night only because you were at the ball it was very very wrong of
me to tell you I was going there as we went home Lady Kew Go sir I never
thought you would have seen in me this humiliation
Clive Is it possible that I should have made Ethel Newcome shed tears Oh
dry them dry them Forgive me Ethel forgive me I have no right to jealousy
or to reproach you I know that If others admire you surely I ought to know
that they they do but as I do I should be proud not angry that they admire
my Ethel my sister if you can be no more
Ethel I will be that always whatever harsh things you think or say of me
There sir I am not going to be so foolish as to cry again Have you been
studying very hard Are your pictures good at the Exhibition I like you with
your mustachios best and order you not to cut them off again The young men
here wear them I hardly knew Charles Beardmore when he arrived from Berlin the
other day like a sapper and miner His little sisters cried out and were quite
frightened by his apparition Why are you not in diplomacy That day at Brighton
when Lord Farintosh asked whether you were in the army I thought to myself why
is he not
Clive A man in the army may pretend to anything nestce pas He wears a
lovely uniform He may be a General a KCB., a Viscount an Earl He may be
valiant in arms and wanting a leg like the lover in the song It is peace
time you say so much the worse career for a soldier My father would not have
me he said for ever dangling in barracks or smoking in country billiardrooms
I have no taste for law and as for diplomacy I have no relations in the
Cabinet and no uncles in the House of Peers Could my uncle who is in
Parliament help me much do you think or would he if he could or Barnes his
noble son and heir after him
Ethel musing Barnes would not perhaps but papa might even still and
you have friends who are fond of you
Clive No no one can help me and my art Ethel is not only my choice and
my love but my honour too I shall never distinguish myself in it I may take
smart likenesses but that is all I am not fit to grind my friend Ridleys
colours for him Nor would my father who loves his own profession so make a
good general probably He always says so I thought better of myself when I
began as a boy and was a conceited youngster expecting to carry it all before
me But as I walked the Vatican and looked at Raphael and at the great Michael
I knew I was but a poor little creature and in contemplating his genius shrunk
up till I felt myself as small as a man looks under the dome of St Peters Why
should I wish to have a great genius Yes there is one reason why I should like
to have it
Ethel And that is
Clive To give it you if it pleased you Ethel But I might wish for the
rocs egg there is no way of robbing the bird I must take a humble place and
you want a brilliant one A brilliant one O Ethel what a standard we folks
measure fame by To have your name in the Morning Post and to go to three balls
every night To have your dress described at the Drawing Room and your arrival
from a round of visits in the country at your town house and the entertainment
of the Marchioness of Farin
Ethel Sir if you please no calling names
Clive I wonder at it For you are in the world and you love the world
whatever you may say And I wonder that one of your strength of mind should so
care for it I think my simple old father is much finer than all your grandees
his singlemindedness more lofty than all their bowing and haughtiness and
scheming What are you thinking of as you stand in that pretty attitude like
Mnemosyne with your finger on your chin
Ethel Mnemosyne who was she I think I like you best when you are quiet
and gentle and not when you are flaming out and sarcastic sir And so you
think you will never be a famous painter They are quite in society here I was
so pleased because two of them dined at the Tuileries when grandmamma was there
and she mistook one who was covered all over with crosses for an ambassador I
believe till the Queen called him Monsieur Delaroche She says there is no
knowing people in this country And do you think you will never be able to paint
as well as M Delaroche
Clive No never
Ethel And and you will never give up painting
Clive No never That would be like leaving your friend who was poor or
deserting your mistress because you were disappointed about her money They do
those things in the great world Ethel
Ethel with a sigh Yes
Clive If it is so false and base and hollow this great world if its
aims are so mean its successes so paltry the sacrifices it asks of you so
degrading the pleasures it gives you so wearisome shameful even why does
Ethel Newcome cling to it Will you be fairer dear with any other name than
your own Will you be happier after a month at bearing a great title with a
man whom you cant esteem tied for ever to you to be the father of Ethels
children and the lord and master of her life and actions The proudest woman in
the world consents to bend herself to this ignominy and own that a coronet is a
bribe sufficient for her honour What is the end of a Christian life Ethel a
girls pure nurture it cant be this Last week as we walked in the garden
here and heard the nuns singing in their chapel you said how hard it was that
poor women should be imprisoned so and were thankful that in England we had
abolished that slavery Then you cast your eyes to the ground and mused as you
paced the walk and thought I know that perhaps their lot was better than some
others
Ethel Yes I did I was thinking that almost all women are made slaves one
way or other and that these poor nuns perhaps were better off than we are
Clive I never will quarrel with nun or matron for following her vocation
But for our women who are free why should they rebel against Nature shut
their hearts up sell their lives for rank and money and forego the most
precious right of their liberty Look Ethel dear I love you so that if I
thought another had your heart an honest man a loyal gentleman like like
him of last year even I think I could go back with a God bless you and take to
my pictures again and work on in my own humble way You seem like a queen to me
somehow and I am but a poor humble fellow who might be happy I think if you
were In those balls where I have seen you surrounded by those brilliant young
men noble and wealthy admirers like me I have often thought »How could I
aspire to such a creature and ask her to forego a palace to share the crust of
a poor painter«
Ethel You spoke quite scornfully of palaces just now Clive I wont say a
word about the the regard which you express for me I think you have it
indeed I do But it were best not said Clive best for me perhaps not to own
that I know it In your speeches my poor boy and you will please not to make
any more or I never can see you or speak to you again never you forgot one
part of a girls duty obedience to her parents They would never agree to my
marrying any one below any one whose union would not be advantageous in a
worldly point of view I never would give such pain to the poor father or to
the kind soul who never said a harsh word to me since I was born My grandmamma
is kind too in her way I came to her of my own free will When she said she
would leave me her fortune do you think it was for myself alone that I was
glad My fathers passion is to make an estate and all my brothers and sisters
will be but slenderly portioned Lady Kew said she would help them if I came to
her and it is the welfare of those little people that depends upon me Clive
Now do you see brother why you must speak to me so no more There is the
carriage God bless you dear Clive
Clive sees the carriage drive away after Miss Newcome has entered it
without once looking up to the window where he stands When it is gone he goes
to the opposite windows of the salon which are open towards the garden The
chapel music begins to play from the convent next door As he hears it he sinks
down his head in his hands
Enter Madame de Florac she goes to him with anxious looks What hast thou
my child Hast thou spoken
Clive very steadily Yes
Madame de F And she loves thee I know she loves thee
Clive You hear the organ of the convent
Madame de F Quas tu
Clive I might as well hope to marry one of the sisters of yonder convent
dear lady He sinks down again and she kisses him
Clive I never had a mother but you seem like one
Madame de F Mon fils O mon fils
Chapter XLVIII
In which Benedick is a Married Man
We have all heard of the dying French duchess who viewed her coming dissolution
and subsequent fate so easily because she said she was sure that Heaven must
deal politely with a person of her quality I suppose Lady Kew had some such
notions regarding people of rank Her longsuffering towards them was extreme
in fact there were vices which the old lady thought pardonable and even
natural in a young nobleman of high station which she never would have excused
in persons of vulgar condition
Her ladyships little knot of associates and scandalbearers elderly roués
and ladies of the world whose business it was to know all sorts of noble
intrigues and exalted tittletattle what was happening among the devotees of
the exiled court at Frohsdorf what among the citizen princes of the Tuileries
who was the reigning favourite of the Queen Mother at Aranjuez who was smitten
with whom at Vienna or Naples and the last particulars of the chroniques
scandaleuses of Paris and London Lady Kew I say must have been perfectly
aware of my Lord Farintoshs amusements associates and manner of life and yet
she never for one moment exhibited any anger or dislike towards that nobleman
Her amiable heart was so full of kindness and forgiveness towards the young
prodigal that even without any repentance on his part she was ready to take
him to her old arms and give him her venerable benediction Pathetic sweetness
of nature! Charming tenderness of disposition With all his faults and
wickedness his follies and his selfishness there was no moment when Lady Kew
would not have received the young lord and endowed him with the hand of her
darling Ethel
But the hopes which this fond forgiving creature had nurtured for one
season and carried on so resolutely to the next were destined to be
disappointed yet a second time by a most provoking event which occurred in the
Newcome family Ethel was called away suddenly from Paris by her fathers third
and last paralytic seizure When she reached her home Sir Brian could not
recognize her A few hours after her arrival all the vanities of the world were
over for him and Sir Barnes Newcome Baronet reigned in his stead The day
after Sir Brian was laid in his vault at Newcome a letter appeared in the local
papers addressed to the Independent Electors of that Borough in which his
orphaned son feelingly alluding to the virtue the services and the political
principles of the deceased offered himself as a candidate for the seat in
Parliament now vacant Sir Barnes announced that he should speedily pay his
respects in person to the friends and supporters of his lamented father That he
was a stanch friend of our admirable constitution need not be said That he was
a firm but conscientious upholder of our Protestant religion all who knew
Barnes Newcome must be aware That he would do his utmost to advance the
interests of this great agricultural this great manufacturing county and
borough we may be sure he avowed as that he would be if returned to represent
Newcome in Parliament the advocate of every rational reform the unhesitating
opponent of every reckless innovation In fine Barnes Newcomes manifesto to
the Electors of Newcome was as authentic a document and gave him credit for as
many public virtues as that slab over poor Sir Brians bones in the chancel of
Newcome church which commemorated the good qualities of the defunct and the
grief of his heir
In spite of the virtues personal and inherited of Barnes his seat for
Newcome was not got without a contest The Dissenting interest and the
respectable Liberals of the borough wished to set up Samuel Higg Esq against
Sir Barnes Newcome and now it was that Barness civilities of the previous
year aided by Madame de Montcontours influence over her brother bore their
fruit Mr Higg declined to stand against Sir Barnes Newcome although Higgs
political principles were by no means those of the honourable Baronet and the
candidate from London whom the Newcome extreme Radicals set up against Barnes
was nowhere on the poll when the day of election came So Barnes had the desire
of his heart and within two months after his fathers demise he sat in
Parliament as Member for Newcome
The bulk of the late Baronets property descended of course to his eldest
son who grumbled nevertheless at the provision made for his brothers and
sisters and that the townhouse should have been left to Lady Ann who was too
poor to inhabit it But Park Lane is the best situation in London and Lady
Anns means were greatly improved by the annual produce of the house in Park
Lane which as we all know was occupied by a foreign minister for several
subsequent seasons Strange mutations of fortune old places new faces what
Londoner does not see and speculate upon them every day Coelias boudoir who
is dead with the daisies over her at Kensal Green is now the chamber where
Delia is consulting Dr Locock or Julias children are romping Florios
diningtables have now Pollios wine upon them Calista being a widow and to
the surprise of everybody who knew Trimalchio and enjoyed his famous dinners
left but very poorly off lets the house and the rich chaste and appropriate
planned furniture by Dowbiggin and the proceeds go to keep her little boys at
Eton The next year as Mr Clive Newcome rode by the once familiar mansion
whence the hatchment had been removed announcing that there was in Coelo quies
for the late Sir Brian Newcome Bart alien faces looked from over the flowers
in the balconies He got a card for an entertainment from the occupant of the
mansion HE the Bulgarian minister and there was the same crowd in the
receptionroom and on the stairs the same grave men from Gunters distributing
the refreshments in the diningroom the same old Smee RA always in the room
where the edibles were cringing and flattering to the new occupants and the
same effigy of poor Sir Brian in his deputylieutenants uniform looking
blankly down from over the sideboard at the feast which his successors were
giving A dreamy old ghost of a picture Have you ever looked at those round
George the Fourths banquetinghall at Windsor Their frames still hold them
but they smile ghostly smiles and swagger in robes and velvets which are quite
faint and faded their crimson coats have a twilight tinge the lustre of their
stars has twinkled out they look as if they were about to flicker off the wall
and retire to rejoin their originals in limbo
Nearly three years had elapsed since the good Colonels departure for India and
during this time certain changes had occurred in the lives of the principal
actors and the writer of this history As regards the latter it must be stated
that the dear old firm of Lamb Court had been dissolved the junior member
having contracted another partnership The chronicler of these memoirs was a
bachelor no longer My wife and I had spent the winter at Rome favourite resort
of young married couples and had heard from the artists there Clives name
affectionately repeated and many accounts of his sayings and doings his merry
supperparties and the talents of young Ridley his friend When we came to
London in the spring almost our first visit was to Clives apartments in
Charlotte Street whither my wife delightedly went to give her hand to the young
painter
But Clive no longer inhabited that quiet region On driving to the house we
found a bright brass plate with the name of Mr JJ Ridley on the door and it
was JJs hand which I shook his other being engaged with a great palette and
a sheaf of paintingbrushes when we entered the wellknown quarters Clives
picture hung over the mantelpiece where his fathers head used to hang in our
time a careful and beautifullyexecuted portrait of the lad in a velvet coat
and a Roman hat with that golden beard which was sacrificed to the exigencies
of London fashion I showed Laura the likeness until she could become acquainted
with the original On her expressing her delight at the picture the painter was
pleased to say in his modest blushing way that he would be glad to execute my
wifes portrait too nor as I think could any artist find a subject more
pleasing
After admiring others of Mr Ridleys works our talk naturally reverted to
his predecessor Clive had migrated to much more splendid quarters Had we not
heard he had become a rich man a man of fashion »I fear he is very lazy about
the arts« JJ said with regret on his countenance »though I begged and
prayed him to be faithful to his profession He would have done very well in it
in portraitpainting especially Look here and here and here« said Ridley
producing fine vigorous sketches of Clives »He had the art of seizing the
likeness and of making all his people look like gentlemen too He was improving
every day when this abominable bank came in the way and stopped him«
What bank I did not know the new Indian bank of which the Colonel was a
director Then of course I was aware that the mercantile affair in question was
the Bundelcund Bank about which the Colonel had written to me from India more
than a year since announcing that fortunes were to be made by it and that he
had reserved shares for me in the company Laura admired all Clives sketches
which his affectionate brother artist showed to her with the exception of one
representing the readers humble servant which Mrs Pendennis considered by
no means did justice to the original
Bidding adieu to the kind JJ and leaving him to pursue his art in that
silent serious way in which he daily laboured at it we drove to Fitzroy Square
hard by where I was not displeased to show the good old hospitable James Binnie
the young lady who bore my name But here too we were disappointed Placards
wafered in the windows announced that the old house was to let The woman who
kept it brought a card in Mrs Mackenzies frank handwriting announcing Mr
James Binnies address was »Posterestante Pau in the Pyrenees« and that his
London agents were Messrs Soandso The woman said she believed the gentleman
had been unwell The house too looked very pale dismal and disordered We
drove away from the door grieving to think that illhealth or any other
misfortunes had befallen good old James
Mrs Pendennis drove back to our lodgings Brixhams in Jermyn Street
while I sped to the City having business in that quarter It has been said that
I kept a small account with Hobson Brothers to whose bank I went and entered
the parlour with that trepidation which most poor men feel on presenting
themselves before City magnates and capitalists Mr Hobson Newcome shook hands
most jovially and goodnaturedly congratulated me on my marriage and so forth
and presently Sir Barnes Newcome made his appearance still wearing his mourning
for his deceased father
Nothing could be more kind pleasant and cordial than Sir Barness manner
He seemed to know well about my affairs complimented me on every kind of good
fortune had heard that I had canvassed the borough in which I lived hoped
sincerely to see me in Parliament and on the right side was most anxious to
become acquainted with Mrs Pendennis of whom Lady Rockminster said all sorts
of kind things and asked for our address in order that Lady Clara Newcome
might have the pleasure of calling on my wife This ceremony was performed soon
afterwards and an invitation to dinner from Sir Barnes and Lady Clara Newcome
speedily followed it
Sir Barnes Newcome Bart MP I need not say no longer inhabited the
small house which he had occupied immediately after his marriage but dwelt in a
much more spacious mansion in Belgravia where he entertained his friends Now
that he had come into his kingdom I must say that Barnes was by no means so
insufferable as in the days of his bachelorhood He had sown his wild oats and
spoke with regret and reserve of that season of his moral culture He was grave
sarcastic statesmanlike did not try to conceal his baldness as he used before
his fathers death by bringing lean wisps of hair over his forehead from the
back of his head talked a great deal about the House was assiduous in his
attendance there and in the City and conciliating with all the world It seemed
as if we were all his constituents and though his efforts to make himself
agreeable were rather apparent the effect succeeded pretty well We met Mr and
Mrs Hobson Newcome and Clive and Miss Ethel looking beautiful in her black
robes It was a family party Sir Barnes said giving us to understand with a
decorous solemnity in face and voice that no large parties as yet could be
received in that house of mourning
To this party was added rather to my surprise my Lord Highgate who under
the sobriquet of Jack Belsize has been presented to the reader of this history
Lord Highgate gave Lady Clara his arm to dinner but went and took a place next
Miss Newcome on the other side of her that immediately by Lady Clara being
reserved for a guest who had not as yet made his appearance
Lord Highgates attentions to his neighbour his laughing and talking were
incessant so much so that Clive from his end of the table scowled in wrath at
Jack Belsizes assiduities it was evident that the youth though hopeless was
still jealous and in love with his charming cousin
Barnes Newcome was most kind to all his guests from Aunt Hobson to your
humble servant there was not one but the master of the house had an agreeable
word for him Even for his cousin Samuel Newcome a gawky youth with an
eruptive countenance Barnes had appropriate words of conversation and talked
about Kings College of which the lad was an ornament with the utmost
affability He complimented that institution and young Samuel and by that shot
knocked over not only Sam but his mamma too He talked to Uncle Hobson about his
crops to Clive about his pictures to me about the great effect which a certain
article in the Pall Mall Gazette had produced in the House where the Chancellor
of the Exchequer was perfectly livid with fury and Lord John burst out laughing
at the attack in fact nothing could be more amiable than our host on this day
Lady Clara was very pretty grown a little stouter since her marriage the
change only became her She was a little silent but then she had Uncle Hobson
on her lefthand side between whom and her ladyship there could not be much in
common and the place at the right hand was still vacant The person with whom
she talked most freely was Clive who had made a beautiful drawing of her and
her little girl for which the mother and the father too as it appeared were
very grateful
What had caused this change in Barness behaviour our particular merits or
his own private reform In the two years over which this narrative has had to
run in the course of as many chapters the writer had inherited a property so
small that it could not occasion a bankers civility and I put down Sir Barnes
Newcomes politeness to a sheer desire to be well with me But with Lord
Highgate and Clive the case was different as you must now hear
Lord Highgate having succeeded to his fathers title and fortune had paid
every shilling of his debts and had sowed his wild oats to the very last corn
His lordships account at Hobson Brothers was very large Painful events of
three years date let us hope were forgotten gentlemen cannot go on being in
love and despairing and quarrelling for ever When he came into his funds
Highgate behaved with uncommon kindness to Rooster who was always straitened
for money and when the late Lord Dorking died and Rooster succeeded to him
there was a meeting at Chanticlere between Highgate and Barnes Newcome and his
wife which went off very comfortably At Chanticlere the Dowager Lady Kew and
Miss Newcome were also staying when Lord Highgate announced his prodigious
admiration for the young lady and it was said corrected Farintosh as a
lowminded foultongued young cub for daring to speak disrespectfully of her
Nevertheless vous concevez when a man of the Marquiss rank was supposed to
look with the eyes of admiration upon a young lady Lord Highgate would not
think of spoiling sport and he left Chanticlere declaring that he was always
destined to be unlucky in love When old Lady Kew was obliged to go to Vichy for
her lumbago Highgate said to Barnes »Do ask your charming sister to come to
you in London she will bore herself to death with the old woman at Vichy or
with her mother at Rugby« whither Lady Ann had gone to get her boys educated
and accordingly Miss Newcome came on a visit to her brother and sister at whose
house we have just had the honour of seeing her
When Rooster took his seat in the House of Lords he was introduced by
Highgate and Kew as Highgate had been introduced by Kew previously Thus these
three gentlemen all rode in gold coaches had all got coronets on their heads
as you will my respected young friend if you are the eldest son of a peer who
dies before you And now they were rich they were all going to be very good
boys let us hope Kew we know married one of the Dorking family that second
Lady Henrietta Pulleyn whom we described as frisking about at Baden and not in
the least afraid of him How little the reader knew to whom we introduced the
girl in that chatty offhand way that one day the young creature would be a
countess But we knew it all the while and when she was walking about with the
governess or romping with her sisters and when she had dinner at one oclock
and when she wore a pinafore very likely we secretly respected her as the
future Countess of Kew and mother of the Viscount Walham
Lord Kew was very happy with his bride and very good to her He took Lady
Kew to Paris for a marriage trip but they lived almost altogether at Kewbury
afterwards where his lordship sowed tame oats now after his wild ones and
became one of the most active farmers of his county He and the Newcomes were
not very intimate friends for Lord Kew was heard to say that he disliked Barnes
more after his marriage than before And the two sisters Lady Clara and Lady
Kew had a quarrel on one occasion when the latter visited London just before
the dinner at which we have just assisted nay at which we are just assisting
took place a quarrel about Highgates attentions to Ethel very likely Kew was
dragged into it and hot words passed between him and Jack Belsize and Jack did
not go down to Kewbury afterwards though Kews little boy was christened after
him All these interesting details about people of the very highest rank we
are supposed to whisper in the readers ear as we are sitting at a Belgravian
dinnertable My dear Barmecide friend isnt it pleasant to be in such fine
company
And now we must tell how it is that Clive Newcome Esq whose eyes are
flashing fire across the flowers of the table at Lord Highgate who is making
himself so agreeable to Miss Ethel now we must tell how it is that Clive and
his cousin Barnes are grown to be friends again
The Bundelcund Bank which had been established for four years had now
grown to be one of the most flourishing commercial institutions in Bengal
Founded as the prospectus announced at a time when all private credit was
shaken by the failure of the great Agency Houses of which the downfall had
carried dismay and ruin throughout the presidency the BB had been established
on the only sound principle of commercial prosperity that of association The
native capitalists headed by the great firm of Rummun Loll amp Co of
Calcutta had largely embarked in the BB and the officers of the two services
and the European mercantile body of Calcutta had been invited to take shares in
an institution which to merchants native and English civilians and military
men was alike advantageous and indispensable How many young men of the latter
services had been crippled for life by the ruinous cost of agencies of which
the profits to the agents themselves were so enormous The shareholders of the
BB were their own agents and the greatest capitalist in India as well as the
youngest ensign in the service might invest at the largest and safest premium
and borrow at the smallest interest by becoming according to his means a
shareholder in the BB Their correspondents were established in each presidency
and in every chief city of India as well as at Sydney Singapore Canton and
of course London With China they did an immense opium trade of which the
profits were so great that it was only in private sittings of the BB managing
committee that the details and accounts of these operations could be brought
forward Otherwise the books of the bank were open to every shareholder and the
ensign or the young civil servant was at liberty at any time to inspect his own
private account as well as the common ledger With New South Wales they carried
on a vast trade in wool supplying that great colony with goods which their
London agents enabled them to purchase in such a way as to give them the command
of the market As if to add to their prosperity coppermines were discovered on
lands in the occupation of the B Banking Company which gave the most
astonishing returns And throughout the vast territories of British India
through the great native firm of Rummun Loll amp Co the Bundelcund Banking
Company had possession of the native markets The order from Birmingham for
idols alone made with their copper and paid in their wool was enough to make
the Low Church party in England cry out and a debate upon this subject actually
took place in the House of Commons of which the effect was to send up the
shares of the Bundelcund Banking Company very considerably upon the London
Exchange
The fifth halfyearly dividend was announced at twelve and a quarter per
cent of the paidup capital the accounts from the coppermine sent the
dividend up to a still greater height and carried the shares to an
extraordinary premium In the third year of the concern the house of Hobson
Brothers of London became the agents of the Bundelcund Banking Company of
India and amongst our friends James Binnie who had prudently held out for
some time and Clive Newcome Esq became shareholders Clives good father
having paid the first instalments of the lads shares up in Calcutta and
invested every rupee he could himself command in this enterprise When Hobson
Brothers joined it no wonder James Binnie was convinced Clives friend the
Frenchman and through that connection the house of Higg of Newcome and
Manchester entered into the affair and amongst the minor contributors in
England we may mention Miss Cann who took a little fiftypound note share and
dear old Miss Honeyman and JJ and his father Ridley who brought a small bag
of savings all knowing that their Colonel who was eager that his friends
should participate in his good fortune would never lead them wrong To Clives
surprise Mrs Mackenzie between whom and himself there was a considerable
coolness came to his chambers and with a solemn injunction that the matter
between them should be quite private requested him to purchase £1500 worth of
Bundelcund shares for her and her darling girls which he did astonished to
find the thrifty widow in possession of so much money Had Mr Pendenniss mind
not been bent at this moment on quite other subjects he might have increased
his own fortune by the Bundelcund Bank speculation but in these two years I was
engaged in matrimonial affairs having Clive Newcome Esq as my groomsman on
a certain interesting occasion When we returned from our tour abroad the
India Bank shares were so very high that I did not care to purchase though I
found an affectionate letter from our good Colonel enjoining me to make my
fortune awaiting me at the agents and my wife received a pair of beautiful
Cashmere shawls from the same kind friend
Chapter XLIX
Contains at Least Six More Courses and Two Desserts
The bankers dinnerparty over we returned to our apartments having dropped
Major Pendennis at his lodgings and there as the custom is amongst most
friendly married couples talked over the company and the dinner I thought my
wife would naturally have liked Sir Barnes Newcome who was very attentive to
her took her to dinner as the bride and talked ceaselessly to her during the
whole entertainment
Laura said No she did not know why could there be any better reason
There was a tone about Sir Barnes Newcome she did not like especially in his
manner to women
I remarked that he spoke sharply and in a sneering manner to his wife and
treated one or two remarks which she made as if she was an idiot
Mr Pendennis flung up her head as much as to say »And so she is«
Mr Pendennis What the wife too my dear Laura I should have thought such
a pretty simple innocent young woman with just enough good looks to make her
pass muster who is very well bred and not brilliant at all I should have
thought such a one might have secured a sisters approbation
Mrs Pendennis You fancy we are all jealous of one another. No protests of
ours can take that notion out of your heads My dear Pen I do not intend to
try We are not jealous of mediocrity we are not patient of it I dare say we
are angry because we see men admire it so You gentlemen who pretend to be our
betters give yourselves such airs of protection and profess such a lofty
superiority over us prove it by quitting the cleverest woman in the room for
the first pair of bright eyes and dimpled cheeks that enter It was those charms
which attracted you in Lady Clara sir
Pendennis I think she is very pretty and very innocent and artless
Mrs P Not very pretty and perhaps not so very artless
Pendennis How can you tell you wicked woman Are you such a profound
deceiver yourself that you can instantly detect artifice in others O Laura
Mrs P We can detect all sorts of things The inferior animals have
instincts you know I must say my wife is always very satirical upon this
point of the relative rank of the sexes One thing I am sure of is that she is
not happy and oh Pen that she does not care much for her little girl
Pendennis How do you know that my dear
Mrs P We went upstairs to see the child after dinner It was at my wish
The mother did not offer to go The child was awake and crying Lady Clara did
not offer to take it Ethel Miss Newcome took it rather to my surprise for
she seems very haughty and the nurse who I suppose was at supper came running
up at the noise and then the poor little thing was quiet
Pendennis I remember we heard the music as the diningroom door was open
and Newcome said »That is what you will have to expect Pendennis«
Mrs P Hush sir If my baby cries I think you must expect me to run out
of the room I liked Miss Newcome after seeing her with the poor little thing
She looked so handsome as she walked with it I longed to have it myself
Pendennis Tout vient à fin à qui sait
Mrs P Dont be silly What a dreadful dreadful place this great world of
yours is Arthur where husbands do not seem to care for their wives where
mothers do not love their children where children love their nurses best where
men talk what they call gallantry
Pendennis What
Mrs P Yes such as that dreary languid pale bald cadaverous leering
man whispered to me Oh how I dislike him I am sure he is unkind to his wife
I am sure he has a bad temper and if there is any excuse for
Pendennis For what
Mrs P For nothing But you heard yourself that he had a bad temper and
spoke sneeringly to his wife What could make her marry him
Pendennis Money and the desire of papa and mamma For the same reason
Clives flame poor Miss Newcome was brought out today that vacant seat at
her side was for Lord Farintosh who did not come And the Marquis not being
present the Baron took his innings Did you not see how tender he was to her
and how fierce poor Clive looked
Mrs P Lord Highgate was very attentive to Miss Newcome was he
Pendennis And some years ago Lord Highgate was breaking his heart about
whom do you think about Lady Clara Pulleyn our hostess of last night He was
Jack Belsize then a younger son plunged over head and ears in debt and of
course there could be no marriage Clive was present at Baden when a terrible
scene took place and carried off poor Jack to Switzerland and Italy where he
remained till his father died and he came into the title in which he rejoices
And now he is off with the old love Laura and on with the new Why do you look
at me so Are you thinking that other people have been in love two or three
times too
Mrs P I am thinking that I should not like to live in London Arthur
And this was all that Mrs Laura could be brought to say When this young
woman chooses to be silent there is no power that can extract a word from her
It is true that she is gen erally in the right but that is only the more
aggravating Indeed what can be more provoking after a dispute with your wife
than to find it is you and not she who has been in the wrong
Sir Barnes Newcome politely caused us to understand that the entertainment of
which we had just partaken was given in honour of the bride Clive must needs
not be outdone in hospitality and invited us and others to a fine feast at the
Star and Garter at Richmond where Mrs Pendennis was placed at his right hand
I smile as I think how much dining has been already commemorated in these
veracious pages but the story is an everyday record and does not dining form a
certain part of the pleasure and business of every day It is at that pleasant
hour that our sex has the privilege of meeting the other The morning man and
woman alike devote to business or pass mainly in the company of their own kind
John has his office Jane her household her nursery her milliner her
daughters and their masters In the country he has his hunting his fishing his
farming his letters she her schools her poor her garden or what not Parted
through the shining hours and improving them let us trust we come together
towards sunset only we make merry and amuse ourselves We chat with our pretty
neighbour or survey the young ones sporting we make love and are jealous we
dance or obsequiously turn over the leaves of Cecilias musicbook we play
whist or go to sleep in the armchair according to our ages and conditions
Snooze gently in thy armchair thou easy baldhead play your whist or read
your novel or talk scandal over your work ye worthy dowagers and fogeys
Meanwhile the young ones frisk about or dance or sing or laugh or whisper
behind curtains in moonlit windows or shirk away into the garden and come back
smelling of cigars nature having made them so to do
Nature at this time irresistibly impelled Clive Newcome towards lovemaking
It was pairingseason with him Mr Clive was now some threeandtwenty years
old Enough has been said about his good looks which were in truth sufficient
to make him a match for the young lady on whom he had set his heart and from
whom during this entertainment which he gave to my wife he could never keep
his eyes away for three minutes Lauras did not need to be so keen as they were
in order to see what poor Clives condition was She did not in the least grudge
the young fellows inattention to herself or feel hurt that he did not seem to
listen when she spoke She conversed with JJ her neighbour who was very
modest and agreeable while her husband not so well pleased had Mrs Hobson
Newcome for his partner during the chief part of the entertainment Mrs Hobson
and Lady Clara were the matrons who gave the sanction of their presence to this
bachelor party Neither of their husbands could come to Clives little fête had
they not the City and the House of Commons to attend My uncle Major Pendennis
was another of the guests who for his part found the party was what you young
fellows call very slow Dreading Mrs Hobson and her powers of conversation the
old gentleman nimbly skipped out of her neighbourhood and fell by the side of
Lord Highgate to whom the Major was inclined to make himself very pleasant But
Lord Highgates broad back was turned upon his neighbour who was forced to tell
stories to Captain Crackthorpe which had amused dukes and marquises in former
days and were surely quite good enough for any baron in this realm »Lord
Highgate sweet upon la belle Newcome is he« said the testy Major afterwards
»He seemed to me to talk to Lady Clara the whole time When I awoke in the
garden after dinner as Mrs Hobson was telling one of her confounded long
stories I found her audience was diminished to one Crackthorpe Lord Highgate
and Lady Clara we had all been sitting there when the bankeress cut in in the
midst of a very good story I was telling them which entertained them very
much and never ceased talking till I fell off into a doze When I roused
myself begad she was still going on Crackthorpe was off smoking a cigar on
the terrace my Lord and Lady Clara were nowhere and you four with the little
painter were chatting cosily in another arbour Behaved himself very well the
little painter Doosid good dinner Ellis gave us But as for Highgate being aux
soins with la belle Banquière trust me my boy he is upon my word my
dear it seemed to me his thoughts went quite another way To be sure Lady
Clara is a belle Banquière too now He he he How could he say he had no
carriage to go home in He came down in Crackthorpes cab who passed us just
now driving back young Whatdyecall the painter«
Thus did the Major discourse as we returned towards the City I could see
in the open carriage which followed us Lady Clara Newcomes Lord Highgates
white hat by Clives on the back seat
Laura looked at her husband The same thought may have crossed their minds
though neither uttered it but although Sir Barnes and Lady Clara Newcome
offered us other civilities during our stay in London no inducements could
induce Laura to accept the proffered friendship of that lady When Lady Clara
called my wife was not at home when she invited us Laura pleaded engagements
At first she bestowed on Miss Newcome too a share of this haughty dislike and
rejected the advances which that young lady who professed to like my wife very
much made towards an intimacy When I appealed to her for Newcomes house was
after all a very pleasant one and you met the best people there my wife
looked at me with an expression of something like scorn and said »Why dont I
like Miss Newcome Of course because I am jealous of her all women you know
Arthur are jealous of such beauties« I could get for a long while no better
explanation than these sneers for my wifes antipathy towards this branch of the
Newcome family but an event came presently which silenced my remonstrances and
showed to me that Laura had judged Barnes and his wife only too well
Poor Mrs Hobson Newcome had reason to be sulky at the neglect which all the
Richmond party showed her for nobody not even Major Pendennis as we have
seen would listen to her intellectual conversation nobody not even Lord
Highgate would drive back to town in her carriage though the vehicle was large
and empty and Lady Claras barouche in which his Lordship chose to take a
place had already three occupants within it But in spite of these rebuffs and
disappointments the virtuous lady of Bryanston Square was bent upon being
goodnatured and hospitable and I have to record in the present chapter yet
one more feast of which Mr and Mrs Pendennis partook at the expense of the
most respectable Newcome family
Although Mrs Laura here also appeared and had the place of honour in her
character of bride I am bound to own my opinion that Mrs Hobson only made us
the pretext of her party and that in reality it was given to persons of a much
more exalted rank We were the first to arrive our good old Major the most
punctual of men bearing us company Our hostess was arrayed in unusual state
and splendour Her fat neck was ornamented with jewels rich bracelets decorated
her arms and this Bryanston Square Cornelia had likewise her family jewels
distributed round her priceless male and female Newcome gems from the Kings
College youth with whom we have made a brief acquaintance and his elder sister
now entering into the world down to the last little ornament of the nursery in
a prodigious new sash with ringlets hot and crisp from the tongs of a
Marylebone hairdresser We had seen the cherub faces of some of these darlings
pressed against the drawingroom windows as our carriage drove up to the door
When after a few minutes conversation another vehicle arrived away they
dashed to the windows again the innocent little dears crying out »Heres the
Marquis« and in sadder tones »No it isnt the Marquis« by which artless
expressions they showed how eager they were to behold an expected guest of a
rank only inferior to Dukes in this great empire
Putting two and two together as the saying is it was not difficult for me
to guess who the expected Marquis was and indeed the Kings College youth set
that question at once to rest by wagging his head at me and winking his eye
and saying »We expect Farintosh«
»Why my dearest children« Matronly Virtue exclaimed »this anxiety to
behold the young Marquis of Farintosh whom we expect at our modest table
Mrs Pendennis today Twice you have been at the window in your eagerness to
look for him Louisa you silly child do you imagine that his lordship will
appear in his robes and coronet Rodolf you absurd boy do you think that a
Marquis is other than a man I have never admired aught but intellect Mrs
Pendennis that let us be thankful is the only true title to distinction in
our country nowadays«
»Begad sir« whispers the old Major to me »intellect may be a doosid fine
thing but in my opinion a Marquisate and eighteen or twenty thousand a year
I should say the Farintosh property with the Glenlivet estate and the Roy
property in England must be worth nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest
figure and I remember when this young mans father was only Tom Roy of the
42nd with no hope of succeeding to the title and doosidly out at elbows too
I say what does the bankeress mean by chattering about intellect Hang me
a Marquis is a Marquis and Mrs Newcome knows it as well as I do« My good
Major was growing old and was not unnaturally a little testy at the manner in
which his hostess received him Truth to tell she hardly took any notice of
him and cut down a couple of the old gentlemans stories before he had been
five minutes in the room
To our party presently comes the host in a flurried countenance with a
white waistcoat holding in his hand an open letter towards which his wife
looks with some alarm »How dy doo Lady Clara how dy doo Ethel« he says
saluting those ladies whom the second carriage had brought to us »Sir Barnes
is not coming thats one place vacant that Lady Clara you wont mind you
see him at home but heres a disappointment for you Miss Newcome Lord
Farintosh cant come«
At this two of the children cry out »Oh oh« with such a melancholy accent
that Miss Newcome and Lady Clara burst out laughing
»Got a dreadful toothache« said Mr Hobson »heres his letter«
»Hang it what a bore« cries artless young Kings College
»Why a bore Samuel A bore as you call it for Lord Farintosh I grant
but do you suppose that the high in station are exempt from the ills of
mortality I know nothing more painful than a toothache« exclaims a virtuous
matron using the words of philosophy but showing the countenance of anger
»Hang it why didnt he have it out« says Samuel
Miss Ethel laughed »Lord Farintosh would not have that tooth out for the
world Samuel« she cried gaily »He keeps it in on purpose and it always aches
when he does not want to go out to dinner«
»I know one humble family who will never ask him again« Mrs Hobson
exclaims rustling in all her silks and tapping her fan and her foot The
eclipse however passes off her countenance and light is restored when at
this moment a cab having driven up during the period of darkness the door is
flung open and Lord Highgate is announced by a loudvoiced butler
My wife being still the bride on this occasion had the honour of being led
to the dinnertable by our banker and host Lord Highgate was reserved for Mrs
Hobson who in an engaging manner requested poor Clive to conduct his cousin
Maria to dinner handing over Miss Ethel to another guest Our Major gave his
arm to Lady Clara and I perceived that my wife looked very grave as he passed
the place where she sate and seated Lady Clara in the next chair to that which
Lord Highgate chanced to occupy Feeling himself en veine and the company being
otherwise rather mum and silent my uncle told a number of delightful anecdotes
about the beau monde of his time about the Peninsular war the Regent
Brummell Lord Steyne Pea Green Payne and so forth He said the evening was
very pleasant though some others of the party as it appeared to me scarcely
seemed to think so Clive had not a word for his cousin Maria but looked across
the table at Ethel all dinnertime What could Ethel have to say to her partner
old Colonel Sir Donald MCraw who gobbled and drank as his wont is and if he
had a remark to make imparted it to Mrs Hobson at whose right hand he was
sitting and to whom during the whole course or courses of the dinner my
Lord Highgate scarcely uttered one single word
His Lordship was whispering all the while into the ringlets of Lady Clara
they were talking a jargon which their hostess scarcely understood of people
only known to her by her study of the peerage When we joined the ladies after
dinner Lord Highgate again made way towards Lady Clara and at an order from
her as I thought left her ladyship and strove hard to engage in a
conversation with Mrs Newcome I hope he succeeded in smoothing the frowns in
that round little face Mrs Laura I own was as grave as a judge all the
evening very grave even and reserved with my uncle when the hour for parting
came and we took him home
»He he« said the old man coughing and nodding his old head and laughing
in his senile manner when I saw him on the next day »that was a pleasant
evening we had yesterday doosid pleasant and I think my two neighbours seemed
to be uncommonly pleased with each other Not an amusing fellow that young
painter of yours though he is goodlooking enough but theres no conversation
in him Do you think of giving a little dinner Arthur in return for these
hospitalities Greenwich hey or something of that sort Ill go you halves
sir and well ask the young banker and bankeress not yesterdays Amphitryon
nor his wife no no hang it but Barnes Newcome is a devilish clever rising
man and moves in about as good society as any in London Well ask him and Lady
Clara and Highgate and one or two more and have a pleasant party«
But to this proposal when the old man communicated it to her in a very
quiet simple artful way Laura with a flushing face said »No« quite
abruptly and quitted the room rustling in her silks and showing at once
dignity and indignation
Not many more feasts was Arthur Pendennis senior to have in this world not
many more great men was he to flatter nor schemes to wink at nor earthly
pleasures to enjoy His long days were wellnigh ended On his last couch which
Laura tended so affectionately with his last breath almost he faltered out to
me »I had other views for you my boy and once hoped to see you in a higher
position in life but I begin to think now Arthur that I was wrong and as for
that girl sir I am sure she is an angel«
May I not inscribe the words with a grateful heart Blessed he blessed
though maybe undeserving who has the love of a good woman
Chapter L
Clive in New Quarters
My wife was much better pleased with Clive than with some of his relatives to
whom I had presented her His face carried a recommendation with it that few
honest people could resist He was always a welcome friend in our lodgings and
even our uncle the Major signified his approval of the lad as a young fellow of
very good manners and feelings who if he chose to throw himself away and be a
painter ma foi was rich enough no doubt to follow his own caprices Clive
executed a capital head of Major Pendennis which now hangs in our drawingroom
at Fairoaks and reminds me of that friend of my youth Clive occupied ancient
lofty chambers in Hanover Square now He had furnished them in an antique
manner with hangings cabinets carved work Venice glasses fine prints and
watercolour sketches of good pictures by his own and other hands He had horses
to ride and a liberal purse full of paternal money Many fine equipages drew up
opposite to his chambers Few artists had such luck as young Mr Clive And
above his own chambers were other three which the young gentleman had hired
and where says he »I hope ere very long my dear old father will be lodging
with me In another year he says he thinks he will be able to come home when
the affairs of the Bank are quite settled You shake your head Why The shares
are worth four times what we gave for them We are men of fortune Pen I give
you my word You should see how much they make of me at Baines amp Jollys
and how civil they are to me at Hobson Brothers I go into the City now and
then and see our manager Mr Blackmore He tells me such stories about indigo
and wool and copper and sicca rupees and Companys rupees I dont know
anything about the business but my father likes me to go and see Mr Blackmore
Dear Cousin Barnes is for ever asking me to dinner I might call Lady Clara if I
liked as Sam Newcome does in Bryanston Square You cant think how kind they
are to me there My aunt reproaches me tenderly for not going there oftener
its not very good fun dining in Bryanston Square is it And she praises my
cousin Maria to me you should hear my aunt praise her I have to take Maria
down to dinner to sit by the piano and listen to her songs in all languages Do
you know Maria can sing Hungarian and Polish besides your common German
Spanish and Italian Those I have at our other agents Baines and Jollys
Bainess that is in the Regents Park where the girls are prettier and just
as civil to me as at Aunt Hobsons« And here Clive would amuse us by the
accounts which he gave us of the snares which the Misses Baines those young
sirens of Regents Park set for him of the songs which they sang to enchant
him the albums in which they besought him to draw the thousand winning ways
which they employed to bring him into their cave in York Terrace But neither
Circes smiles nor Calypsos blandishments had any effect on him his ears were
stopped to their music and his eyes rendered dull to their charms by those of
the flighty young enchantress with whom my wife had of late made acquaintance
Capitalist though he was our young fellow was still very affable He forgot
no old friends in his prosperity and the lofty antique chambers would not
unfrequently be lighted up at nights to receive FB and some of the old cronies
of the Haunt and some of the Gandishites who if Clive had been of a nature
that was to be spoiled by flattery had certainly done mischief to the young
man Gandish himself when Clive paid a visit to that illustrious artists
Academy received his former pupil as if the young fellow had been a sovereign
prince almost accompanied him to his horse and would have held his stirrup as
he mounted whilst the beautiful daughters of the house waved adieus to him from
the parlour window To the young men assembled in his studio Gandish was never
tired of talking about Clive The Professor would take occasion to inform them
that he had been to visit his distinguished young friend Mr Newcome son of
Colonel Newcome that last evening he had been present at an elegant
entertainment at Mr Newcomes new apartments Clives drawings were hung up in
Gandishs gallery and pointed out to visitors by the worthy Professor On one
or two occasions I was allowed to become a bachelor again and participate in
these jovial meetings How guilty my coat was on my return home how haughty the
looks of the mistress of my house as she bade Martha carry away the obnoxious
garment How grand FB used to be as president of Clives smokingparty where
he laid down the law talked the most talk sang the jolliest song and consumed
the most drink of all the jolly talkers and drinkers Clives popularity rose
prodigiously not only youngsters but old practitioners of the fine arts
lauded his talents What a shame that his pictures were all refused this year at
the Academy Alfred Smee Esq RA was indignant at their rejection but JJ
confessed with a sigh and Clive owned goodnaturedly that he had been
neglecting his business and that his pictures were not so good as those of two
years before I am afraid Mr Clive went to too many balls and parties to clubs
and jovial entertainments besides losing yet more time in that other pursuit we
wot of Meanwhile JJ went steadily on with his work No day passed without a
line and Fame was not very far off though this he heeded but little and Art
his sole mistress rewarded him for his steady and fond pursuit of her
»Look at him« Clive would say with a sigh »Isnt he the mortal of all
others the most to be envied He is so fond of his art that in all the world
there is no attraction like it for him He runs to his easel at sunrise and
sits before it caressing his picture all day till nightfall He takes leave of
it sadly when dark comes spends the night in a Life Academy and begins next
morning da capo Of all the pieces of good fortune which can befall a man is
not this the greatest to have your desire and then never tire of it I have
been in such a rage with my own shortcomings that I have dashed my foot through
the canvases and vowed I would smash my palette and easel Sometimes I succeed
a little better in my work and then it will happen for half an hour that I am
pleased but pleased at what pleased at drawing Mr Mugginss head rather like
Mr Muggins Why a thousand fellows can do better and when one day I reach my
very best thousands will be able to do better still Ours is a trade for which
nowadays there is no excuse unless one can be great in it and I feel I have not
the stuff for that No 666 Portrait of Joseph Muggins Esq Newcome Great
George Street No 979 Portrait of Mrs Muggins on her grey pony Newcome
No 579 Portrait of Joseph Muggins Esqs dog Toby Newcome This is what Im
fit for These are the victories I have set myself on achieving O Mrs
Pendennis isnt it humiliating Why isnt there a war Why cant I go and
distinguish myself somewhere and be a general Why havent I a genius I say
Pen sir why havent I a genius There is a painter who lives hard by and who
sends sometimes to beg me to come and look at his work He is in the Muggins
line too He gets his canvases with a good light upon them excludes the
contemplation of all other objects stands beside his pictures in an attitude
himself and thinks that he and they are masterpieces Masterpieces Oh me what
drivelling wretches we are Fame except that of just the one or two whats
the use of it I say Pen would you feel particularly proud now if you had
written Hayleys poems And as for a second place in painting who would care to
be Caravaggio or Caracci I wouldnt give a straw to be Caracci or Caravaggio I
would just as soon be yonder artist who is painting up Fokers Entire over the
publichouse at the corner He will have his payment afterwards five shillings
a day and a pot of beer Your head a little more to the light Mrs Pendennis
if you please I am tiring you I dare say but then oh I am doing it so
badly«
I for my part thought Clive was making a very pretty drawing of my wife
and having affairs of my own to attend to would often leave her at his chambers
as a sitter or find him at our lodgings visiting her They became the very
greatest friends I knew the young fellow could have no better friend than
Laura and not being ignorant of the malady under which he was labouring
concluded naturally and justly that Clive grew so fond of my wife not for her
sake entirely but for his own because he could pour his heart out to her and
her sweet kindness and compassion would soothe him in his unhappy condition
Miss Ethel I have said also professed a great fondness for Mrs Pendennis
and there was that charm in the young ladys manner which speedily could
overcome even female jealousy Perhaps Laura determined magnanimously to conquer
it perhaps she hid it so as to vex me and prove the injustice of my suspicions
perhaps honestly she was conquered by the young beauty and gave her a regard
and admiration which the other knew she could inspire whenever she had the will
My wife was fairly captivated by her at length The untamable young creature was
docile and gentle in Lauras presence modest natural amiable full of
laughter and spirits delightful to see and to hear her presence cheered our
quiet little household her charm fascinated my wife as it had subjugated poor
Clive Even the reluctant Farintosh was compelled to own her power and
confidentially told his male friends that hang it she was so handsome and so
clever and so confoundedly pleasant and fascinating and that that he had
been on the point of popping the fatal question ever so many times by Jove
»And hang it you know« his lordship would say »I dont want to marry until I
have had my fling you know« As for Clive Ethel treated him like a boy like a
big brother She was jocular kind pert pleasant with him ordered him on her
errands accepted his bouquets and compliments admired his drawings liked to
hear him praised and took his part in all companies laughed at his sighs and
frankly owned to Laura her liking for him and her pleasure in seeing him »Why«
said she »should not I be happy as long as the sunshine lasts Tomorrow I
know will be glum and dreary enough When grandmamma comes back I shall
scarcely be able to come and see you When I am settled in life eh I shall be
settled in life Do not grudge me my holiday Laura Oh if you knew how stupid
it is to be in the world and how much pleasanter to come and talk and laugh
and sing and be happy with you than to sit in that dreary Eaton Place with
poor Clara«
»Why do you stay in Eaton Place« asks Laura
»Why because I must go out with somebody What an unsophisticated little
country creature you are Grandmamma is away and I cannot go about to parties
by myself«
»But why should you go to parties and why not go back to your mother« says
Mrs Pendennis gently
»To the nursery and my little sisters and Miss Cann I like being in
London best thank you You look grave You think a girl should like to be with
her mother and sisters best My dear mamma wishes me to be here and I stay
with Barnes and Clara by grandmammas orders Dont you know that I have been
made over to Lady Kew who has adopted me Do you think a young lady of my
pretensions can stop at home in a damp house in Warwickshire and cut
breadandbutter for little boys at school Dont look so very grave and shake
your head so Mrs Pendennis If you had been bred as I have you would be as I
am I know what you are thinking madam«
»I am thinking« said Laura blushing and bowing her head »I am thinking
if it pleases God to give me children I should like to live at home at
Fairoaks« My wifes thoughts though she did not utter them and a certain
modesty and habitual awe kept her silent upon subjects so very sacred went
deeper yet She had been bred to measure her actions by a standard which the
world may nominally admit but which it leaves for the most part unheeded
Worship love duty as taught her by the devout study of the Sacred Law which
interprets and defines it if these formed the outward practice of her life
they were also its constant and secret endeavours and occupation She spoke but
very seldom of her religion though it filled her heart and influenced all her
behaviour Whenever she came to that sacred subject her demeanour appeared to
her husband so awful that he scarcely dared to approach it in her company and
stood without as this pure creature entered into the Holy of Holies What must
the world appear to such a person Its ambitious rewards disappointments
pleasures worth how much Compared to the possession of that priceless treasure
and happiness unspeakable a perfect faith what has life to offer I see before
me now her sweet grave face as she looks out from the balcony of the little
Richmond villa we occupied during the first happy year after our marriage
following Ethel Newcome who rides away with a staid groom behind her to her
brothers summer residence not far distant Clive had been with us in the
morning and had brought us stirring news The good Colonel was by this time on
his way home »If Clive could tear himself away from London« the good man wrote
and we thus saw he was acquainted with the state of the young mans mind »why
should not Clive go and meet his father at Malta« He was feverish and eager to
go and his two friends strongly counselled him to take the journey In the
midst of our talk Miss Ethel came among us She arrived flushed and in high
spirits she rallied Clive upon his gloomy looks she turned rather pale as it
seemed to us when she heard the news Then she coldly told him she thought the
voyage must be a pleasant one and would do him good it was pleasanter than
that journey she was going to take herself with her grandmother to those dreary
German springs which the old Countess frequented year after year Mr Pendennis
having business retired to his study whither presently Mrs Laura followed
having to look for her scissors or a book she wanted or upon some pretext or
other She sate down in the conjugal study Not one word did either of us say
for a while about the young people left alone in the drawingroom yonder Laura
talked about our own home at Fairoaks which our tenants were about to vacate
She vowed and declared that we must live at Fairoaks that Clavering with all
its tittletattle and stupid inhabitants was better than this wicked London
Besides there were some new and very pleasant families settled in the
neighbourhood Clavering Park was taken by some delightful people »and you
know Pen you were always very fond of flyfishing and may fish the Brawl as
you used in old days when « The lips of the pretty satirist who alluded to
these unpleasant bygones were silenced as they deserved to be by Mr
Pendennis »Do you think sir I did not know« says the sweetest voice in the
world »when you went out on your fishing excursions with Miss Amory« Again the
flow of words is checked by the styptic previously applied
»I wonder« says Mr Pendennis archly bending over his wifes fair hand
»I wonder whether this kind of thing is taking place in the drawingroom«
»Nonsense Arthur It is time to go back to them Why I declare I have been
threequarters of an hour away«
»I dont think they will much miss you my dear« says the gentleman
»She is certainly very fond of him She is always coming here I am sure it
is not to hear you read Shakespeare Arthur or your new novel though it is
very pretty I wish Lady Kew and her sixty thousand pounds were at the bottom of
the sea«
»But she says she is going to portion her younger brothers with a part of
it she told Clive so« remarks Mr Pendennis
»For shame Why does not Barnes Newcome portion his younger brothers I have
no patience with that Why Goodness There is Clive going away actually
Clive Mr Newcome« But though my wife ran to the studywindow and beckoned our
friend he only shook his head jumped on his horse and rode away gloomily
»Ethel had been crying when I went into the room« Laura afterwards told me »I
knew she had but she looked up from some flowers over which she was bending
began to laugh and rattle would talk about nothing but Lady Hautbois great
breakfast the day before and the most insufferable May Fair jargon and then
declared it was time to go home and dress for Mrs Booths déjeûner which was
to take place that afternoon«
And so Miss Newcome rode away back amongst the roses and the rouges back
amongst the fiddling flirting flattery falseness and Lauras sweet serene
face looked after her departing Mrs Booths was a very grand déjeûner We read
in the newspapers a list of the greatest names there a Royal Duke and Duchess
a German Highness a Hindoo Nabob etc and amongst the Marquises Farintosh
and amongst the Lords Highgate and Lady Clara Newcome and Miss Newcome who
looked killing our acquaintance Captain Crackthorpe informs us and who was in
perfectly stunning spirits »His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke of Farintosh
is wild about her« the Captain said »and our poor young friend Clive may just
go and hang himself Dine with us at the Gar and Starter Jolly party Oh I
forgot married man now« So saying the Captain entered the hostelry near which
I met him leaving this present chronicler to return to his own home
Chapter LI
An Old Friend
I might open the present chapter as a contemporary writer of Romance is
occasionally in the habit of commencing his tales of Chivalry by a description
of a November afternoon with falling leaves tawny forests gathering storms
and other autumnal phenomena; and two horsemen winding up the romantic road
which leads from from Richmond Bridge to the Star and Garter The one rider is
youthful and has a blond moustache the cheek of the other has been browned by
foreign suns it is easy to see by the manner in which he bestrides his powerful
charger that he has followed the profession of arms He looks as if he had faced
his countrys enemies on many a field of Eastern battle The cavaliers alight
before the gate of a cottage on Richmond Hill where a gentleman receives them
with eager welcome Their steeds are accommodated at a neighbouring hostelry I
pause in the midst of the description for the reader has made the acquaintance
of our two horsemen long since It is Clive returned from Malta from Gibraltar
from Seville from Cadiz and with him our dear old friend the Colonel His
campaigns are over his sword is hung up he leaves Eastern suns and battles to
warm younger blood Welcome back to England dear Colonel and kind friend How
quickly the years have passed since he has been gone There is a streak or two
more silver in his hair The wrinkles about his honest eyes are somewhat deeper
but their look is as steadfast and kind as in the early almost boyish days when
first we knew them
We talk awhile about the Colonels voyage home the pleasures of the Spanish
journey the handsome new quarters in which Clive has installed his father and
himself my own altered condition in life and what not During the conversation
a little querulous voice makes itself audible above stairs at which noise Mr
Clive begins to laugh and the Colonel to smile It is for the first time in his
life Mr Clive listens to the little voice indeed it is only since about six
weeks that that small organ has been heard in the world at all Laura Pendennis
believes its tunes to be the sweetest the most interesting the most
mirthinspiring the most pitiful and pathetic that ever baby uttered which
opinions of course are backed by Mrs Hokey the confidential nurse Lauras
husband is not so rapturous but let us trust behaves in a way becoming a man
and a father We forego the description of his feelings as not pertaining to the
history at present under consideration A little while before the dinner is
served the lady of the cottage comes down to greet her husbands old friends
And here I am sorely tempted to a third description which has nothing to do
with the story to be sure but which if properly hit off might fill half a
page very prettily For is not a young mother one of the sweetest sights which
life shows us If she has been beautiful before does not her present pure joy
give a character of refinement and sacredness almost to her beauty touch her
sweet cheeks with fairer blushes and impart I know not what serene brightness
to her eyes I give warning to the artist who designs the pictures for this
veracious story to make no attempt at this subject I never would be satisfied
with it were his drawing ever so good
When Sir Charles Grandison stepped up and made his very beautifullest bow to
Miss Byron I am sure his gracious dignity never exceeded that of Colonel
Newcomes first greeting to Mrs Pendennis Of course from the very moment they
beheld one another they became friends Are not most of our likings thus
instantaneous Before she came down to see him Laura had put on one of the
Colonels shawls the crimson one with the red palm leaves and the border of
many colours As for the white one the priceless the gossamer the fairy web
which might pass through a ring that every lady must be aware was already
appropriated to cover the cradle or what I believe is called the bassinet of
Master Pendennis
So we all became the very best of friends and during the winter months
whilst we still resided at Richmond the Colonel was my wifes constant visitor
He often came without Clive He did not care for the world which the young
gentleman frequented and was more pleased and at home by my wifes fireside
than at more noisy and splendid entertainments And Laura being a sentimental
person interested in pathetic novels and all unhappy attachments of course she
and the Colonel talked a great deal about Mr Clives little affair over which
they would have such deep confabulations that even when the master of the house
appeared Paterfamilias the man whom in the presence of the Rev Dr Portman
Mrs Laura had sworn to love honour etc these two guilty ones would be
silent or change the subject of conversation not caring to admit such an
unsympathizing person as myself into their conspiracy
From many a talk which they have had together since the Colonel and his son
embraced at Malta Clives father had been led to see how strongly the passion
which our friend had once fought and mastered had now taken possession of the
young man The unsatisfied longing left him indifferent to all other objects of
previous desire or ambition The misfortune darkened the sunshine of his spirit
and clouded the world before his eyes He passed hours in his paintingroom
though he tore up what he did there He forsook his usual haunts or appeared
amongst his old comrades moody and silent From cigarsmoking which I own to be
a reprehensible practice he plunged into still deeper and darker dissipation
for I am sorry to say he took to pipes and the strongest tobacco for which
there is no excuse Our young man was changed During the last fifteen or twenty
months the malady had been increasing on him of which we have not chosen to
describe at length the stages knowing very well that the reader the male
reader at least does not care a fig about other peoples sentimental
perplexities and is not wrapped up heart and soul in Clives affairs like his
father whose rest was disturbed if the boy had a headache or who would have
stripped the coat off his back to keep his darlings feet warm
The object of this hopeless passion had meantime returned to the custody of
the dark old duenna from which she had been liberated for a while Lady Kew had
got her health again by means of the prescriptions of some doctors or by the
efficacy of some baths and was again on foot and in the world tramping about
in her grim pursuit of pleasure Lady Julia we are led to believe had retired
upon halfpay and into an inglorious exile at Brussels with her sister the
outlaws wife by whose bankrupt fireside she was perfectly happy Miss Newcome
was now her grandmothers companion and they had been on a tour of visits in
Scotland and were journeying from countryhouse to countryhouse about the time
when our good Colonel returned to his native shores
The Colonel loved his nephew Barnes no better than before perhaps though we
must say that since his return from India the young Baronets conduct had been
particularly friendly »No doubt marriage had improved him Lady Clara seemed a
goodnatured young woman enough besides« says the Colonel wagging his good
old head knowingly »Tom Newcome of the Bundelcund Bank is a personage to be
conciliated whereas Tom Newcome of the Bengal Cavalry was not worth Master
Barness attention He has been very good and kind on the whole so have his
friends been uncommonly civil There was Clives acquaintance Mr Belsize that
was Lord Highgate who is now entertained our whole family sumptuously last
week wants us and Barnes and his wife to go to his countryhouse at Christmas
is as hospitable my dear Mrs Pendennis as man can be He met you at
Barness and as soon as we are alone« says the Colonel turning round to
Lauras husband »I will tell you in what terms Lady Clara speaks of your wife
Yes she is a goodnatured kind little woman that Lady Clara« Here Lauras
face assumed that gravity and severeness which it always wore when Lady Claras
name was mentioned and the conversation took another turn
Returning home from London one afternoon I met the Colonel who hailed me
on the omnibus and rode on his way towards the City I knew of course that he
had been colloguing with my wife and taxed that young woman with these
continued flirtations »Two or three times a week Mrs Laura you dare to
receive a Colonel of Dragoons You sit for hours closeted with the young fellow
of sixty you change the conversation when your own injured husband enters the
room and pretend to talk about the weather or the baby You little arch
hypocrite you know you do Dont try to humbug me miss What will Richmond
what will society what will Mrs Grundy in general say to such atrocious
behaviour«
»O Pen« says my wife closing my mouth in a way which I do not choose
further to particularize »that man is the best the dearest the kindest
creature I never knew such a good man you ought to put him into a book Do you
know sir that I felt the very greatest desire to give him a kiss when he went
away and that one which you had just now was intended for him«
»Take back thy gift false girl« says Mr Pendennis and then finally we
come to the particular circumstance which had occasioned so much enthusiasm on
Mrs Lauras part
Colonel Newcome had summoned heart of grace and in Clives behalf had
regularly proposed him to Barnes as a suitor to Ethel taking an artful
advantage of his nephew Barnes Newcome and inviting that Baronet to a private
meeting where they were to talk about the affairs of the Bundelcund Banking
Company
Now this Bundelcund Banking Company in the Colonels eyes was in reality
his son Clive But for Clive there might have been a hundred banking companies
established yielding a hundred per cent in as many districts of India and
Thomas Newcome who had plenty of money for his own wants would never have
thought of speculation His desire was to see his boy endowed with all the
possible gifts of fortune Had he built a palace for Clive and been informed
that a rocs egg was required to complete the decoration of the edifice Tom
Newcome would have travelled to the worlds end in search of the wanting
article To see Prince Clive ride in a gold coach with a princess beside him was
the kind old Colonels ambition that done he would be content to retire to a
garret in the princes castle and smoke his cheroot there in peace So the
world is made The strong and eager covet honour and enjoyment for themselves
the gentle and disappointed once they may have been strong and eager too
desire these gifts for their children I think Clives father never liked or
understood the lads choice of a profession He acquiesced in it as he would in
any of his sons wishes but not being a poet himself he could not see the
nobility of that calling and felt secretly that his son was demeaning himself
by pursuing the art of painting »Had he been a soldier now« thought Thomas
Newcome »though I prevented that had he been richer than he is he might
have married Ethel instead of being unhappy as he now is God help him I
remember my own time of grief well enough and what years it took before my
wound was scarred over«
So with these things occupying his brain Thomas Newcome artfully invited
Barnes his nephew to dinner under pretence of talking of the affairs of the
great BB.C. With the first glass of wine at dessert and according to the
Colonels good oldfashioned custom of proposing toasts they drank the health
of the BB.C. Barnes drank the toast with all his generous heart The BB.C.
sent to Hobson Brothers and Newcome a great deal of business was in a most
prosperous condition kept a great balance at the bank a balance that would
not be overdrawn as Sir Barnes Newcome very well knew Barnes was for having
more of these bills provided there were remittances to meet the same Barnes
was ready to do any amount of business with the Indian bank or with any bank
or with any individual Christian or heathen white or black who could do good
to the firm of Hobson Brothers and Newcome He spoke upon this subject with
great archness and candour of course as a City man he would be glad to do a
profitable business anywhere and the BB.C.'s business was profitable But the
interested motive which he admitted frankly as a man of the world did not
prevent other sentiments more agreeable »My dear Colonel« says Barnes »I am
happy most happy to think that our house and our name should have been useful
as I know they have been in the establishment of a concern in which one of our
family is interested one whom we all so sincerely respect and regard« And he
touched his glass with his lips and blushed a little as he bowed towards his
uncle He found himself making a little speech indeed and to do so before one
single person seems rather odd Had there been a large company present Barnes
would not have blushed at all but have tossed off his glass struck his
waistcoat possibly and looked straight in the face of his uncle as the
chairman Well he did very likely believe that he respected and regarded the
Colonel
The Colonel said »Thank you Barnes with all my heart It is always good
for men to be friends much more for bloodrelations as we are«
»A relationship which honours me Im sure« says Barnes with a tone of
infinite affability You see he believed that Heaven had made him the Colonels
superior
»And I am very glad« the elder went on »that you and my boy are good
friends«
»Friends of course It would be unnatural if such near relatives were
otherwise than good friends«
»You have been hospitable to him and Lady Clara very kind and he wrote to
me telling me of your kindness Ahem this is tolerable claret I wonder where
Clive gets it«
»You were speaking about that indigo Colonel« here Barnes interposes »Our
house has done very little in that way to be sure but I suppose that our
credit is about as good as Baines and Jollys and if « but the Colonel is in
a brown study
»Clive will have a good bit of money when I die« resumes Clives father
»Why you are a hale man upon my word quite a young man and may marry
again Colonel« replies the nephew fascinatingly
»I shall never do that« replies the other »Ere many years are gone I shall
be seventy years old Barnes«
»Nothing in this country my dear sir positively nothing Why there was
Titus my neighbour in the country when will you come down to Newcome who
married a devilish pretty girl of very good family too Miss Burgeon one of
the Devonshire Burgeons He looks I am sure twenty years older than you do
Why should not you do likewise«
»Because I like to remain single and want to leave Clive a rich man Look
here Barnes you know the value of our bank shares now«
»Indeed I do rather speculative but of course I know what some sold for
last week« says Barnes
»Suppose I realize now I think I am worth six lakhs I had nearly two from
my poor father I saved some before and since I invested in this affair and
could sell out tomorrow with sixty thousand pounds«
»A very pretty sum of money Colonel« says Barnes
»I have a pension of a thousand a year«
»My dear Colonel you are a capitalist we know it very well« remarks Sir
Barnes
»And two hundred a year is as much as I want for myself« continues the
capitalist looking into the fire and jingling his money in his pockets »A
hundred a year for a horse a hundred a year for pocketmoney for I calculate
you know that Clive will give me a bedroom and my dinner«
»He he If your son wont your nephew will my dear Colonel« says the
affable Barnes smiling sweetly
»I can give the boy a handsome allowance you see« resumes Thomas Newcome
»You can make him a handsome allowance now and leave him a good fortune
when you die« says the nephew in a noble and courageous manner and as if he
said Twelve times twelve are a hundred and fortyfour and you have Sir Barnes
Newcomes authority Sir Barnes Newcomes mind you to say so
»Not when I die Barnes« the uncle goes on »I will give him every shilling
I am worth tomorrow morning if he marries as I wish him«
»Tant mieux pour lui« cries the nephew and thought to himself »Lady Clara
must ask Clive to dinner instantly Confound the fellow I hate him always
have but what luck he has«
»A man with that property may pretend to a good wife as the French say
hey Barnes« asks the Colonel rather eagerly looking up in his nephews face
That countenance was lighted up with a generous enthusiasm »To any woman
in any rank to a noblemans daughter my dear sir« exclaims Sir Barnes
»I want your sister I want my dear Ethel for him Barnes« cries Thomas
Newcome with a trembling voice and a twinkle in his eyes »That was the hope I
always had till my talk with your poor father stopped it Your sister was
engaged to my Lord Kew then and my wishes of course were impossible The poor
boy is very much cut up and his whole heart is bent upon possessing her She is
not she cant be indifferent to him I am sure she would not be if her family
in the least encouraged him Can either of these young folks have a better
chance of happiness again offered to them in life Theres youth theres mutual
liking theres wealth for them almost only saddled with the encumbrance of an
old dragoon who wont be much in their way Give us your good word Barnes and
let them come together and upon my word the rest of my days will be made happy
if I can eat my meal at their table«
Whilst the poor Colonel was making his appeal Barnes had time to collect
his answer which since in our character of historians we take leave to explain
gentlemens motives as well as record their speeches and actions we may thus
interpret »Confound the young beggar« thinks Barnes then »He will have three
or four thousand a year will he Hang him but its a good sum of money What a
fool his father is to give it away Is he joking No he was always half crazy
the Colonel Highgate seemed uncommonly sweet on her and was always hanging
about our house Farintosh has not been brought to book yet and perhaps neither
of them will propose for her My grandmother I should think wont hear of her
making a low marriage as this certainly is but its a pity to throw away four
thousand a year aint it« All these natural calculations passed briskly
through Barnes Newcomes mind as his uncle from the opposite side of the
fireplace implored him in the above little speech
»My dear Colonel« said Barnes »my dear kind Colonel I neednt tell you
that your proposal flatters us as much as your extraordinary generosity
surprises me I never heard anything like it never Could I consult my own
wishes I would at once I would permit me to say from sheer admiration of
your noble character say yes with all my heart to your proposal But alas I
havent that power«
»Is is she engaged« asks the Colonel looking as blank and sad as Clive
himself when Ethel had conversed with him
»No I cannot say engaged though a person of the very highest rank has paid
her the most marked attention But my sister has in a way gone from our
family and from my influence as the head of it an influence which I I am
sure had most gladly exercised in your favour My grandmother Lady Kew has
adopted her purposes I believe to leave Ethel the greater part of her
fortune upon certain conditions and of course expects the the obedience
and so forth which is customary in such cases By the way Colonel is our
young soupirant aware that papa is pleading his cause for him«
The Colonel said no and Barnes lauded the caution which his uncle had
displayed It was quite as well for the young mans interests which Sir Barnes
had most tenderly at heart that Clive Newcome should not himself move in the
affair or present himself to Lady Kew Barnes would take the matter in hand at
the proper season the Colonel might be sure it would be most eagerly most
ardently pressed Clive came home at this juncture whom Barnes saluted
affectionately He and the Colonel had talked over their money business their
conversation had been most satisfactory thank you »Has it not Colonel« The
three parted the very best of friends
As Barnes Newcome professed that extreme interest for his cousin and uncle
it is odd he did not tell them that Lady Kew and Miss Ethel Newcome were at that
moment within a mile of them at her ladyships house in Queen Street May Fair
In the hearing of Clives servant Barnes did not order his brougham to drive to
Queen Street but waited until he was in Bond Street before he gave the order
And of course when he entered Lady Kews house he straightway asked for
his sister and communicated to her the generous offer which the good Colonel
had made
You see Lady Kew was in town and not in town Her ladyship was but passing
through on her way from a tour of visits in the north to another tour of visits
somewhere else The newspapers were not even off the blinds The proprietor of
the house cowered over a bedcandle and a furtive teapot in the back
drawingroom Lady Kews gens were not here The tall canary ones with white
polls only showed their plumage and sang in spring The solitary wretch who
takes charge of London houses and the two servants specially affected to Lady
Kews person were the only people in attendance In fact her ladyship was not
in town And that is why no doubt Barnes Newcome said nothing about her being
there
Chapter LII
Family Secrets
The figure cowering over the furtive teapot glowered grimly at Barnes as he
entered and an old voice said »Ho its you«
»I have brought you the notes maam« says Barnes taking a packet of those
documents from his pocketbook »I could not come sooner I have been engaged
upon bank business until now«
»I dare say You smell of smoke like a courier«
»A foreign capitalist he would smoke They will maam I didnt smoke
upon my word«
»I dont see why you shouldnt if you like it You will never get anything
out of me whether you do or dont How is Clara Is she gone to the country with
the children Newcome is the best place for her«
»Doctor Bambury thinks she can move in a fortnight The boy has had a little
«
»A little fiddlestick I tell you it is she who likes to stay and makes
that fool Bambury advise her not going away I tell you to send her to Newcome
the air is good for her«
»By that confounded smoky town my dear Lady Kew«
»And invite your mother and little brothers and sisters to stay Christmas
there The way in which you neglect them is shameful it is Barnes«
»Upon my word maam I propose to manage my own affairs without your
ladyships assistance« cries Barnes starting up »and did not come at this
time of night to hear this kind of «
»Of good advice I sent for you to give it you When I wrote to you to bring
me the money I wanted it was but a pretext Barkins might have fetched it from
the city in the morning I want you to send Clara and the children to Newcome
They ought to go sir That is why I sent for you to tell you that Have you
been quarrelling as much as usual«
»Pretty much as usual« says Barnes drumming on his hat
»Dont beat that devils tattoo you agacez my poor old nerves When Clara
was given to you she was as well broke a girl as any in London«
Sir Barnes responded by a groan
»She was as gentle and amenable to reason as goodnatured a girl as could
be a little vacant and silly but you men like dolls for your wives and now
in three years you have utterly spoiled her She is restive she is artful she
flies into rages she fights you and beats you He he and that comes of your
beating her«
»I didnt come to hear this maam« says Barnes livid with rage
»You struck her you know you did Sir Barnes Newcome She rushed over to me
last year on the night you did it you know she did«
»Great God maam You know the provocation« screams Barnes
»Provocation or not I dont say But from that moment she has beat you You
fool to write her a letter and ask her pardon If I had been a man I would
rather have strangled my wife than have humiliated myself so before her She
will never forgive that blow«
»I was mad when I did it and she drove me mad« says Barnes »She has the
temper of a fiend and the ingenuity of the devil In two years an entire change
has come over her If I had used a knife to her I should not have been
surprised But it is not with you to reproach me about Clara Your ladyship
found her for me«
»And you spoiled her after she was found sir She told me part of her story
that night she came to me I know it is true Barnes You have treated her
dreadfully sir«
»I know that she makes my life miserable and there is no help for it« says
Barnes grinding a curse between his teeth »Well well no more about this How
is Ethel Gone to sleep after her journey What do you think maam I have
brought for her A proposal«
»Bon Dieu You dont mean to say Charles Belsize was in earnest« cries the
dowager »I always thought it was a «
»It is not from Lord Highgate maam« Sir Barnes said gloomily »It is some
time since I have known that he was not in earnest and he knows that I am now«
»Gracious goodness come to blows with him too You have not That would be
the very thing to make the world talk« says the dowager with some anxiety
»No« answers Barnes »He knows well enough that there can be no open
rupture We had some words the other day at a dinner he gave at his own house
Colonel Newcome and that young beggar Clive and that fool Mr Hobson were
there Lord Highgate was confoundedly insolent He told me that I did not dare
to quarrel with him because of the account he kept at our house I should like
to have massacred him She has told him that I struck her The insolent brute
he says he will tell it at my clubs and threatens personal violence to me there
if I do it again Lady Kew Im not safe from that man and that woman« cries
poor Barnes in an agony of terror
»Fighting is Jack Belsizes business Barnes Newcome banking is yours
luckily« said the dowager »As old Lord Highgate was to die and his eldest son
too it is a pity certainly they had not died a year or two earlier and left
poor Clara and Charles to come together You should have married some woman in
the serious way my daughter Walham could have found you one Frank I am told
and his wife go on very sweetly together her motherinlaw governs the whole
family They have turned the theatre back into a chapel again they have six
little ploughboys dressed in surplices to sing the service and Frank and the
Vicar of Kewbury play at cricket with them on holidays Stay why should not
Clara go to Kewbury«
»She and her sister have quarrelled about this very affair with Lord
Highgate Some time ago it appears they had words about it and when I told Kew
that bygones had best be bygones that Highgate was very sweet upon Ethel now
and that I did not choose to lose such a good account as his Kew was very
insolent to me his conduct was blackguardly maam quite blackguardly and you
may be sure but for our relationship I would have called him to «
Here the talk between Barnes and his ancestress was interrupted by the
appearance of Miss Ethel Newcome taper in hand who descended from the upper
regions enveloped in a shawl
»How do you do Barnes How is Clara I long to see my little nephew Is he
like his pretty papa« cries the young lady giving her fair cheek to her
brother
»Scotland has agreed with our Newcome rose« says Barnes gallantly »My dear
Ethel I never saw you in greater beauty«
»By the light of one bedroom candle What should I be if the whole room were
lighted You would see my face then was covered all over with wrinkles and
quite pale and woebegone with the dreariness of the Scotch journey Oh what a
time we have spent havent we grandmamma I never wish to go to a great
castle again above all I never wish to go to a little shootingbox Scotland
may be very well for men but for women allow me to go to Paris when next
there is talk of a Scotch expedition I had rather be in a boardingschool in
the Champs Elysées than in the finest castle in the Highlands If it had not
been for a blessed quarrel with Fanny Follington I think I should have died at
Glen Shorthorn Have you seen my dear dear uncle the Colonel When did he
arrive«
»Is he come Why is he come« asks Lady Kew
»Is he come Look here grandmamma did you ever see such a darling shawl I
found it in a packet in my room«
»Well it is beautiful« cries the dowager bending her ancient nose over
the web »Your Colonel is a galant homme that must be said of him and in
this does not quite take after the rest of the family Hum hum Is he going
away again soon«
»He has made a fortune a very considerable fortune for a man in that rank
in life« says Sir Barnes »He cannot have less than sixty thousand pounds«
»Is that much« asks Ethel
»Not in England at our rate of interest but his money is in India where
he gets a great percentage His income must be five or six thousand pounds
maam« says Barnes turning to Lady Kew
»A few of the Indians were in society in my time my dear« says Lady Kew
musingly »My father has often talked to me about Barwell of Stanstead and his
house in St Jamess Square the man who ordered more curricles when there were
not carriages enough for his guests I was taken to Mr Hastingss trial It was
very stupid and long The young man the painter I suppose will leave his
paintpots now and set up as a gentleman I suppose they were very poor or his
father would not have put him to such a profession Barnes why did you not make
him a clerk in the bank and save him from the humiliation«
»Humiliation why he is proud of it My uncle is as proud as a Plantagenet
though he is as humble as as what Give me a simile Barnes Do you know what
my quarrel with Fanny Follington was about She said we were not descended from
the barbersurgeon and laughed at the Battle of Bosworth She says our
greatgrandfather was a weaver Was he a weaver«
»How should I know and what on earth does it matter my child Except the
Gaunts the Howards and one or two more there is scarcely any good blood in
England You are lucky in sharing some of mine My poor Lord Kews grandfather
was an apothecary at Hampton Court and founded the family by giving a dose of
rhubarb to Queen Caroline As a rule nobody is of a good family Didnt that
young man that son of the Colonels go about last year How did he get in
society Where did we meet him Oh at Baden yes when Barnes was courting and
my grandson yes my grandson acted so wickedly« Here she began to cough and
to tremble so that her old stick shook under her hand »Ring the bell for Ross
Ross I will go to bed Go you too Ethel you have been travelling enough
today«
»Her memory seems to fail her a little« Ethel whispered to her brother »or
she will only remember what she wishes Dont you see that she has grown very
much older«
»I will be with her in the morning I have business with her« said Barnes
»Goodnight Give my love to Clara and kiss the little ones for me Have
you done what you promised me Barnes«
»What«
»To be to be kind to Clara Dont say cruel things to her She has a high
spirit and she feels them though she says nothing«
»Doesnt she« said Barnes grimly
»Ah Barnes be gentle with her Seldom as I saw you together when I lived
with you in the spring I could see that you were harsh though she affected to
laugh when she spoke of your conduct to her Be kind I am sure it is the best
Barnes better than all the wit in the world Look at grandmamma how witty she
was and is what a reputation she had how people were afraid of her and see
her now quite alone«
»Ill see her in the morning quite alone my dear« says Barnes waving a
little gloved hand »Byebye« and his brougham drove away While Ethel Newcome
had been under her brothers roof where I and friend Clive and scores of others
had been smartly entertained there had been quarrels and recriminations misery
and heartburning cruel words and shameful struggles the wretched combatants
in which appeared before the world with smiling faces resuming their battle
when the feast was concluded and the company gone
On the next morning when Barnes came to visit his grandmother Miss Newcome
was gone away to see her sisterinlaw Lady Kew said with whom she was going
to pass the morning so Barnes and Lady Kew had an uninterrupted têteàtête in
which the former acquainted the old lady with the proposal which Colonel Newcome
had made to him on the previous night
Lady Kew wondered what the impudence of the world would come to An artist
propose for Ethel One of her footmen might propose next and she supposed
Barnes would bring the message »The father came and proposed for this young
painter and you didnt order him out of the room«
Barnes laughed »The Colonel is one of my constituents I cant afford to
order the Bundelcund Banking Company out of its own room«
»You did not tell Ethel this pretty news I suppose«
»Of course I didnt tell Ethel Nor did I tell the Colonel that Ethel was in
London He fancies her in Scotland with your ladyship at this moment«
»I wish the Colonel were at Calcutta and his son with him I wish he was in
the Ganges I wish he was under Juggernauts car« cried the old lady »How much
money has the wretch really got If he is of importance to the bank of course
you must keep well with him Five thousand a year and he says he will settle it
all on his son He must be crazy There is nothing some of these people will not
do no sacrifice they will not make to ally themselves with good families
Certainly you must remain on good terms with him and his bank And we must say
nothing of the business to Ethel and trot out of town as quickly as we can Let
me see We go to Drummington on Saturday This is Tuesday Barkins you will
keep the front drawingroom shutters shut and remember we are not in town
unless Lady Glenlivet or Lord Farintosh should call«
»Do you think Farintosh will will call maam« asks Sir Barnes demurely
»He will be going through to Newmarket He has been where we have been at
two or three places in Scotland« replies the lady with equal gravity »His
poor mother wishes him to give up his bachelors life as well she may for you
young men are terribly dissipated Rossmont is quite a regal place his Norfolk
house is not inferior A young man of that station ought to marry and live at
his places and be an example to his people instead of frittering away his time
at Paris and Vienna amongst the most odious company«
»Is he going to Drummington« asks the grandson
»I believe he has been invited We shall go to Paris for November he
probably will be there« answered the Dowager casually »and tired of the
dissipated life he has been leading let us hope he will mend his ways and find
a virtuous wellbred young woman to keep him right« With this her ladyships
apothecary is announced and her banker and grandson takes his leave
Sir Barnes walked into the City with his umbrella read his letters
conferred with his partners and confidential clerks was for a while not the
exasperated husband or the affectionate brother or the amiable grandson but
the shrewd brisk banker engaged entirely with his business Presently he had
occasion to go on Change or elsewhere to confer with brother capitalists and
in Cornhill behold he meets his uncle Colonel Newcome riding towards the India
House a groom behind him
The Colonel springs off his horse and Barnes greets him in the blandest
manner »Have you any news for me Barnes« cries the officer
»The accounts from Calcutta are remarkably good That cotton is of admirable
quality really Mr Briggs of our house who knows cotton as well as any man in
England says «
»Its not the cotton my dear Sir Barnes« cries the other
»The bills are perfectly good theres no sort of difficulty about them Our
house will take half a million of em if «
»You are talking of bills and I am thinking of poor Clive« the Colonel
interposes »I wish you could give me good news for him Barnes«
»I wish I could I heartily trust that I may some day My good wishes you
know are enlisted in your sons behalf« cries Barnes gallantly »Droll place
to talk sentiment in Cornhill isnt it But Ethel as I told you is in the
hands of higher powers and we must conciliate Lady Kew if we can She has
always spoken very highly of Clive very«
»Had I not best go to her« asks the Colonel
»Into the north my good sir She is ah she is travelling about I think
you had best depend upon me Goodmorning In the City we have no hearts you
know Colonel Be sure you shall hear from me as soon as Lady Kew and Ethel come
to town«
And the banker hurried away shaking his fingertips to his uncle and
leaving the good Colonel utterly surprised at his statements For the fact is
the Colonel knew that Lady Kew was in London having been apprised of the
circumstance in the simplest manner in the world namely by a note from Miss
Ethel which billet he had in his pocket whilst he was talking with the head of
the house of Hobson Brothers
»My dear uncle« the note said »how glad I shall be to see you How
shall I thank you for the beautiful shawl and the kind kind
remembrance of me I found your present yesterday evening on our
arrival from the north We are only here en passant and see nobody in
Queen Street but Barnes who has just been about business and he does
not count you know I shall go and see Clara tomorrow and make her
take me to see your pretty friend Mrs Pendennis How glad I should be
if you happened to pay Mrs P a visit about two Goodnight I thank
you a thousand times and am always your affectionate
E
Queen Street Tuesday night Twelve oclock«
This note came to Colonel Newcomes breakfasttable and he smothered the
exclamation of wonder which was rising to his lips not choosing to provoke the
questions of Clive who sate opposite to him Clives father was in a woeful
perplexity all that forenoon »Tuesday night twelve oclock« thought he »Why
Barnes must have gone to his grandmother from my dinnertable and he told me
she was out of town and said so again just now when we met in the city The
Colonel was riding towards Richmond at this time What cause had the young man
to tell me these lies Lady Kew may not wish to be at home for me but need
Barnes Newcome say what is untrue to mislead me The fellow actually went away
simpering and kissing his hand to me with a falsehood on his lips What a pretty
villain A fellow would deserve and has got a horsewhipping for less And to
think of a Newcome doing this to his own flesh and blood a young Judas« Very
sad and bewildered the Colonel rode towards Richmond where he was to happen to
call on Mrs Pendennis
It was not much of a fib that Barnes had told Lady Kew announcing that she
was out of town her grandson no doubt thought himself justified in saying so
as any other of her servants would have done But if he had recollected how
Ethel came down with the Colonels shawl on her shoulders how it was possible
she might have written to thank her uncle surely Barnes Newcome would not have
pulled that unlucky longbow The Banker had other things to think of than Ethel
and her shawl
When Thomas Newcome dismounted at the door of Honeymoon Cottage Richmond
the temporary residence of A Pendennis Esq one of the handsomest young women
in England ran into the passage with outstretched arms called him her dear old
uncle and gave him two kisses that I dare say brought blushes on his lean
sunburnt cheeks Ethel clung always to his affection She wanted that man
rather than any other in the whole world to think well of her When she was
with him she was the amiable and simple the loving impetuous creature of old
times She chose to think of no other Worldliness heartlessness eager
scheming cold flirtations marquishunting and the like disappeared for a
while and were not as she sate at that honest mans side Oh me that we
should have to record such charges against Ethel Newcome
»He was come home for good now He would never leave that boy he spoiled so
who was a good boy too she wished she could see him oftener At Paris at
Madame de Floracs I found out all about Madame de Florac sir« says Miss
Ethel with a laugh »we used often to meet there and here sometimes in
London But in London it was different You know what peculiar notions some
people have and as I live with grandmamma who is most kind to me and my
brothers of course I must obey her and see her friends rather than my own She
likes going out into the world and I am bound in duty to go with her« etc
etc Thus the young lady went on talking defending herself whom nobody
attacked protesting her dislike to gaiety and dissipation you would have
fancied her an artless young country lass only longing to trip back to her
village milk her cows at sunrise and sit spinning of winter evenings by the
fire
»Why do you come and spoil my têteàtête with my uncle Mr Pendennis«
cries the young lady to the master of the house who happens to enter »Of all
the men in the world the one I like best to talk to Does he not look younger
than when he went to India When Clive marries that pretty little Miss
Mackenzie you will marry again uncle and I will be jealous of your wife«
»Did Barnes tell you that we had met last night my dear« asks the Colonel
»Not one word Your shawl and your dear kind note told me you were come Why
did not Barnes tell us Why do you look so grave«
»He has not told her that I was here and would have me believe her absent«
thought Newcome as his countenance fell »Shall I give her my own message and
plead my poor boys cause with her« I know not whether he was about to lay his
suit before her he said himself subsequently that his mind was not made up
but at this juncture a procession of nurses and babies made their appearance
followed by the two mothers who had been comparing their mutual prodigies each
lady having her own private opinion Lady Clara and my wife the latter for
once gracious to Lady Clara Newcome in consideration of the infantine company
with which she came to visit Mrs Pendennis
Luncheon was served presently The carriage of the Newcomes drove away my
wife smilingly pardoning Ethel for the assignation which the young person had
made at our house And when those ladies were gone our good Colonel held a
council of war with us his two friends and told us what had happened between
him and Barnes on that morning and the previous night His offer to sacrifice
every shilling of his fortune to young Clive seemed to him to be perfectly
simple though the recital of the circumstance brought tears into my wifes
eyes he mentioned it by the way and as a matter that was scarcely to call for
comment much less praise
Barness extraordinary statements respecting Lady Kews absence puzzled the
elder Newcome and he spoke of his nephews conduct with much indignation In
vain I urged that her ladyship desiring to be considered absent from London her
grandson was bound to keep her secret »Keep her secret yes tell me lies no«
cries out the Colonel Sir Barness conduct was in fact indefensible though
not altogether unusual the worst deduction to be drawn from it in my opinion
was that Clives chance with the young lady was but a poor one and that Sir
Barnes Newcome inclined to keep his uncle in goodhumour would therefore give
him no disagreeable refusal
Now this gentleman could no more pardon a lie than he could utter one He
would believe all and everything a man told him until deceived once after which
he never forgave And wrath being once roused in his simple mind and distrust
firmly fixed there his anger and prejudices gathered daily He could see no
single good quality in his opponent and hated him with a daily increasing
bitterness
As ill luck would have it that very same evening at his return to town
Thomas Newcome entered Bayss club of which at our request he had become a
member during his last visit to England and there was Sir Barnes as usual on
his way homewards from the city Barnes was writing at a table and sealing and
closing a letter as he saw the Colonel enter He thought he had been a little
inattentive and curt with his uncle in the morning had remarked perhaps the
expression of disapproval on the Colonels countenance He simpered up to his
uncle as the latter entered the clubroom and apologized for his haste when
they met in the City in the morning all City men were so busy »And I have
been writing about that little affair just as you came in« he said »quite a
moving letter to Lady Kew I assure you and I do hope and trust we shall have a
favourable answer in a day or two«
»You said her ladyship was in the north I think« said the Colonel dryly
»Oh yes in the north at at Lord Wallsends great coalproprietor you
know«
»And your sister is with her«
»Ethel is always with her«
»I hope you will send her my very best remembrances« said the Colonel
»Ill open the letter and addem in a postscript said« Barnes
»Confounded liar« cried the Colonel mentioning the circumstance to me
afterwards »why does not somebody pitch him out of the bowwindow«
If we were in the secret of Sir Barnes Newcomes correspondence and could
but peep into that particular letter to his grandmother I dare say we should
read that he had seen the Colonel who was very anxious about his darling
youths suit but pursuant to Lady Kews desire Barnes had stoutly maintained
that her ladyship was still in the north enjoying the genial hospitality of
Lord Wallsend that of course he should say nothing to Ethel except with Lady
Kews full permission that he wished her a pleasant trip to and was etc
etc
Then if we could follow him we might see him reach his Belgravian mansion
and fling an angry word to his wife as she sits alone in the darkling
drawingroom poring over the embers He will ask her probably with an oath
why the she is not dressed and if she always intends to keep her company
waiting An hour hence each with a smirk and the lady in smart raiment with
flowers in her hair will be greeting their guests as they arrive Then will
come dinner and such conversation as it brings Then at night Sir Barnes will
issue forth cigar in mouth to return to his own chamber at his own hour to
breakfast by himself to go Citywards moneygetting He will see his children
once a fortnight and exchange a dozen sharp words with his wife twice in that
time
More and more sad does the Lady Clara become from day to day liking more to
sit lonely over the fire careless about the sarcasms of her husband the
prattle of her children She cries sometimes over the cradle of the young heir
She is aweary aweary You understand the man to whom her parents sold her does
not make her happy though she has been bought with diamonds two carriages
several large footmen a fine country house with delightful gardens and
conservatories and with all this she is miserable Is it possible
Chapter LIII
In Which Kinsmen Fall Out
Not the least difficult part of Thomas Newcomes present business was to keep
from his son all knowledge of the negotiation in which he was engaged on Clives
behalf If my gentle reader has had sentimental disappointments he or she is
aware that the friends who have given him most sympathy under these calamities
have been persons who have had dismal histories of their own at some time of
their lives and I conclude Colonel Newcome in his early days must have suffered
very cruelly in that affair of which we have a slight cognizance or he would
not have felt so very much anxiety about Clives condition
A few chapters back and we described the first attack and Clives manful
cure Then we had to indicate the young gentlemans relapse and the noisy
exclamations of the youth under this second outbreak of fever Calling him back
after she had dismissed him and finding pretext after pretext to see him why
did the girl encourage him as she certainly did I allow with Mrs Grundy and
most moralists that Miss Newcomes conduct in this matter was highly
reprehensible that if she did not intend to marry Clive she should have broken
with him altogether that a virtuous young woman of high principle etc etc
having once determined to reject a suitor should separate from him utterly then
and there never give him again the least chance of a hope or reillume the
extinguished fire in the wretchs bosom
But coquetry but kindness but family affection and a strong very strong
partiality for the rejected lover are these not to be taken in account and to
plead as excuses for her behaviour to her cousin The least unworthy part of her
conduct some critics will say was that desire to see Clive and be well with
him As she felt the greatest regard for him the showing it was not blamable
and every flutter which she made to escape out of the meshes which the world had
cast about her was but the natural effort at liberty It was her prudence which
was wrong and her submission wherein she was most culpable In the early church
story do we not read how young martyrs constantly had to disobey worldly papas
and mammas who would have had them silent and not utter their dangerous
opinions how their parents locked them up kept them on bread and water
whipped and tortured them in order to enforce obedience Nevertheless they
would declare the truth they would defy the gods by law established and
deliver themselves up to the lions or the tormentors Are not there Heathen
Idols enshrined among us still Does not the world worship them and persecute
those who refuse to kneel Do not many timid souls sacrifice to them and other
bolder spirits rebel and with rage at their hearts bend down their stubborn
knees at their altars See I began by siding with Mrs Grundy and the world
and at the next turn of the seesaw have lighted down on Ethels side and am
disposed to think that the very best part of her conduct has been those
escapades which which rightminded persons most justly condemn At least that
a young beauty should torture a man with alternate liking and indifference
allure dismiss and call him back out of banishment practise artstoplease
upon him and ignore them when rebuked for her coquetry these are surely
occurrences so common in young womens history as to call for no special
censure and if on these charges Miss Newcome is guilty is she of all her sex
alone in her criminality
So Ethel and her duenna went away upon their tour of visits to mansions so
splendid and among hosts and guests so polite that the present modest
historian does not dare to follow them Suffice it to say that Duke This and
Earl That were according to their hospitable custom entertaining a brilliant
circle of friends at their respective castles all whose names the Morning Post
gave and among them those of the Dowager Countess of Kew and Miss Newcome
During her absence Thomas Newcome grimly awaited the result of his
application to Barnes That Baronet showed his uncle a letter or rather a
postscript from Lady Kew which had probably been dictated by Barnes himself
in which the Dowager said she was greatly touched by Colonel Newcomes noble
offer that though she owned she had very different views for her
granddaughter Miss Newcomes choice of course lay with herself Meanwhile
Lady K and Ethel were engaged in a round of visits to the country and there
would be plenty of time to resume this subject when they came to London for the
season And lest dear Ethels feelings should be needlessly agitated by a
discussion of the subject and the Colonel should take a fancy to write to her
privately Lady Kew gave orders that all letters from London should be
dispatched under cover to her ladyship and carefully examined the contents of
the packet before Ethel received her share of the correspondence
To write to her personally on the subject of the marriage Thomas Newcome
had determined was not a proper course for him to pursue »They consider
themselves« says he »above us forsooth in their rank of life oh mercy
what pigmies we are and dont angels weep at the brief authority in which we
dress ourselves up and of course the approaches on our side must be made in
regular form and the parents of the young people must act for them Clive is
too honourable a man to wish to conduct the affair in any other way He might
try the influence of his beaux yeux and run off to Gretna with a girl who had
nothing but the young lady being wealthy and his relation sir we must be on
the point of honour and all the Kews in Christendom shant have more pride than
we in this matter«
All this time we are keeping Mr Clive purposely in the background His face
is so woebegone that we do not care to bring it forward in the family picture
His case is so common that surely its lugubrious symptoms need not be described
at length He works away fiercely at his pictures and in spite of himself
improves in his art He sent a »Combat of Cavalry« and a picture of »Sir Brian
the Templar carrying off Rebecca« to the British Institution this year both of
which pieces were praised in other journals besides the Pall Mall Gazette He
did not care for the newspaper praises He was rather surprised when a dealer
purchased his »Sir Brian the Templar« He came and went from our house a
melancholy swain He was thankful for Lauras kindness and pity JJs studio
was his principal resort and I dare say as he set up his own easel there and
worked by his friends side he bemoaned his lot to his sympathizing friend
Sir Barnes Newcomes family was absent from London during the winter His
mother and his brothers and sisters his wife and his two children were gone
to Newcome for Christmas Some six weeks after seeing him Ethel wrote her uncle
a kind merry letter They had been performing private theatricals at the
country house where she and Lady Kew were staying »Captain Crackthorpe made an
admirable Jeremy Diddler in Raising the Wind Lord Farintosh broke down
lamentably as Fusbos in Bombastes Furioso« Miss Ethel had distinguished herself
in both of these facetious little comedies »I should like Clive to paint me as
Miss Plainways« she wrote »I wore a powdered front painted my face all over
wrinkles imitated old Lady Griffin as well as I could and looked sixty at
least«
Thomas Newcome wrote an answer to his fair nieces pleasant letter »Clive«
he said »would be happy to bargain to paint her and nobody else but her all
the days of his life and« the Colonel was sure »would admire her at sixty as
much as he did now when she was forty years younger« But determined on
maintaining his appointed line of conduct respecting Miss Newcome he carried
his letter to Sir Barnes and desired him to forward it to his sister Sir
Barnes took the note and promised to dispatch it The communications between
him and his uncle had been very brief and cold since the telling of those little
fibs concerning old Lady Kews visits to London which the Baronet dismissed
from his mind as soon as they were spoken and which the good Colonel never
could forgive Barnes asked his uncle to dinner once or twice but the Colonel
was engaged How was Barnes to know the reason of the elders refusal A London
man a banker and a member of Parliament has a thousand things to think of and
no time to wonder that friends refuse his invitations to dinner Barnes
continued to grin and smile most affectionately when he met the Colonel to
press his hand to congratulate him on the last accounts from India unconscious
of the scorn and distrust with which his senior mentally regarded him »Old boy
is doubtful about the young cubs love affair« the Baronet may have thought
»Well ease his old mind on that point some time hence« No doubt Barnes thought
he was conducting the business very smartly and diplomatically
I heard myself news at this period from the gallant Crackthorpe which
being interested in my young friends happiness filled me with some dismay
»Our friend the painter and glazier has been hankering about our barracks at
Knightsbridge« the noble Life Guards Green had now pitched their tents in that
suburb »and pumping me about la belle cousine I dont like to break it to him
I dont really now But its all up with his chance I think Those private
theatricals at Fallowfield have done Farintoshs business He used to rave about
the Newcome to me as we were riding home from hunting He gave Bob Henchman the
lie who told a story which Bob got from his man who had it from Miss Newcomes
ladysmaid about about some journey to Brighton which the cousins took«
Here Mr Crackthorpe grinned most facetiously »Farintosh swore hed knock
Henchman down and vows he will be the death of will murder our friend Clive
when he comes to town As for Henchman he was in a desperate way He lives on
the Marquis you know and Farintoshs anger or his marriage will be the loss of
free quarters and ever so many good dinners a year to him« I did not deem it
necessary to impart Crackthorpes story to Clive or explain to him the reason
why Lord Farintosh scowled most fiercely upon the young painter and passed him
without any other sign of recognition one day as Clive and I were walking
together in Pall Mall If my lord wanted a quarrel young Clive was not a man to
balk him and would have been a very fierce customer to deal with in his actual
state of mind
A pauper child in London at seven years old knows how to go to market to
fetch the beer to pawn fathers coat to choose the largest fried fish or the
nicest hambone to nurse Mary Jane of three to conduct a hundred operations
of trade or housekeeping which a little Belgravian does not perhaps acquire in
all the days of her life Poverty and necessity force this precociousness on the
poor little brat There are children who are accomplished shoplifters and liars
almost as soon as they can toddle and speak I dare say little Princes know the
laws of etiquette as regards themselves and the respect due to their rank at a
very early period of their royal existence Every one of us according to his
degree can point to the Princekins of private life who are flattered and
worshipped and whose little shoes grown men kiss as soon almost as they walk
upon ground
It is a wonder what human nature will support and that considering the
amount of flattery some people are crammed with from their cradles they do not
grow worse and more selfish than they are Our poor little pauper just mentioned
is dosed with Daffys Elixir and somehow survives the drug Princekin or
Lordkin from his earliest days has nurses dependants governesses little
friends schoolfellows schoolmasters fellowcollegians college tutors
stewards and valets ledcaptains of his suite and women innumerable
flattering him and doing him honour The tradesmans manner which to you and me
is decently respectful becomes straightway frantically servile before
Princekin Honest folks at railway stations whisper to their families »Thats
the Marquis of Farintosh« and look hard at him as he passes Landlords cry
»This way my lord this room for your lordship« They say at public schools
Princekin is taught the beauties of equality and thrashed into some kind of
subordination Psha Toadeaters in pinafores surround Princekin Do not
respectable people send their children so as to be at the same school with him
dont they follow him to college and eat his toads through life
And as for women O my dear friends and brethren in this vale of tears
did you ever see anything so curious monstrous and amazing as the way in which
women court Princekin when he is marriageable and pursue him with their
daughters Who was the British nobleman in old old days who brought his three
daughters to the king of Mercia that his Majesty might choose one after
inspection Mercia was but a petty province and its king in fact a Princekin
Ever since those extremely ancient and venerable times the custom exists not
only in Mercia but in all the rest of the provinces inhabited by the Angles
and before Princekins the daughters of our nobles are trotted out
There was no day of his life which our young acquaintance the Marquis of
Farintosh could remember on which he had not been flattered and no society
which did not pay him court At a private school he could recollect the masters
wife stroking his pretty curls and treating him furtively to goodies At college
he had the tutor simpering and bowing as he swaggered over the grassplat old
men at clubs would make way for him and fawn on him not your mere
piqueassiettes and penniless parasites but most respectable toadeaters
fathers of honest families gentlemen themselves of good station who respected
this young gentleman as one of the institutions of their country and admired
the wisdom of the nation that set him to legislate over us When Lord Farintosh
walked the streets at night he felt himself like Haroun Alraschid that is he
would have felt so had he ever heard of the Arabian potentate a monarch in
disguise affably observing and promenading the city And let us be sure there
was a Mesrour in his train to knock at the doors for him and run the errands of
this young caliph Of course he met with scores of men in life who neither
flattered him nor would suffer his airs But he did not like the company of
such or for the sake of truth to undergo the ordeal of being laughed at he
preferred toadies generally speaking »I like« says he »you know those
fellows who are always saying pleasant things you know and who would run from
here to Hammersmith if I asked em much better than those fellows who are
always making fun of me you know« A man of his station who likes flatterers
need not shut himself up he can get plenty of society
As for women it was his lordships opinion that every daughter of Eve was
bent on marrying him A Scotch marquis an English earl of the best blood in
the empire with a handsome person and a fortune of fifteen thousand a year
how could the poor creatures do otherwise than long for him He blandly received
their caresses took their coaxing and cajolery as matters of course and
surveyed the beauties of his time as the caliph the moonfaces of his harem My
lord intended to marry certainly He did not care for money nor for rank he
expected consummate beauty and talent and some day would fling his handkerchief
to the possessor of these and place her by his side upon the Farintosh throne
At this time there were but two or three young ladies in society endowed
with the necessary qualifications or who found favour in his eyes His lordship
hesitated in his selection from these beauties He was not in a hurry he was
not angry at the notion that Lady Kew and Miss Newcome with her hunted him
What else should they do but pursue an object so charming Everybody hunted him
The other young ladies whom we need not mention languished after him still
more longingly He had little notes from these presents of purses worked by
them and cigarcases embroidered with his coronet They sang to him in cosy
boudoirs mamma went out of the room and sister Ann forgot something in the
drawingroom They ogled him as they sang Trembling they gave him a little
foot to mount them that they might ride on horseback with him They tripped
along by his side from the Hall to the pretty country church on Sundays They
warbled hymns sweetly looking at him the while mamma whispered confidentially
to him »What an angel Cecilia is« And so forth and so forth with which
chaff our noble bird was by no means to be caught When he had made up his great
mind that the time was come and the woman he was ready to give a Marchioness
of Farintosh to the English nation
Miss Newcome has been compared ere this to the statue of Huntress Diana at
the Louvre whose haughty figure and beauty the young lady indeed somewhat
resembled I was not present when Diana and Dianas grandmother hunted the noble
Scottish stag of whom we have just been writing nor care to know how many times
Lord Farintosh escaped and how at last he was brought to bay and taken by his
resolute pursuers Paris it appears was the scene of his fall and capture The
news was no doubt well known amongst Lord Farintoshs brother dandies among
exasperated matrons and virgins in May Fair and in polite society generally
before it came to simple Tom Newcome and his son Not a word on the subject had
Sir Barnes mentioned to the Colonel perhaps not choosing to speak till the
intelligence was authenticated perhaps not wishing to be the bearer of tidings
so painful
Though the Colonel may have read in his Pall Mall Gazette a paragraph which
announced an approaching MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE »between a noble young marquis
and an accomplished and beautiful young lady daughter and sister of a northern
baronet« he did not know who were the fashionable persons about to be made
happy nor until he received a letter from an old friend who lived at Paris
was the fact conveyed to him Here is the letter preserved by him along with
all that he ever received from the same hand
»Rue St Dominique St Germain Paris 10 Fev
So behold you of return my friend you quit for ever the sword and
those arid plains where you have passed so many years of your life
separated from those to whom at the commencement you held very nearly
Did it not seem once as if two hands never could unlock so closely were
they enlaced together Ah mine are old and feeble now forty years have
passed since the time when you used to say they were young and fair How
well I remember me of every one of those days though there is a death
between me and them and it is as across a grave I review them Yet
another parting and tears and regrets are finished Tenez I do not
believe them when they say there is no meeting for us afterwards there
above To what good to have seen you friend if we are to part here
and in Heaven too I have not altogether forgotten your language is it
not so I remember it because it was yours and that of my happy days I
radote like an old woman as I am M de Florac has known my history
from the commencement May I not say that after so many of years I have
been faithful to him and to all my promises When the end comes with
its great absolution I shall not be sorry One supports the combats of
life but they are long and one comes from them very wounded ah when
shall they be over
You return and I salute you with wishes for parting How much
egotism I have another project which I please myself to arrange You
know how I am arrived to love Clive as my own child I very quick
surprised his secret the poor boy when he was here it is twenty
months He looked so like you as I repeal me of you in the old time He
told me he had no hope of his beautiful cousin I have heard of the fine
marriage that one makes her Paul my son has been at the English
Ambassade last night and has made his congratulations to M de
Farintosh Paul says him handsome young not too spiritual rich and
haughty like all noble Montagnards
But it is not of M de Farintosh I write whose marriage without
doubt has been announced to you I have a little project very foolish
perhaps You know Mr the Duke of Ivry has left me guardian of his
little daughter Antoinette whose affreuse mother no one sees more
Antoinette is pretty and good and soft and with an affectionate heart
I love her already as my infant I wish to bring her up and that Clive
should marry her They say you are returned very rich What follies are
these I write In the long evenings of winter the children escaped it
is a long time from the maternal nest a silent old man my only company
I live but of the past and play with its souvenirs as the detained
caress little birds little flowers in their prisons I was born for
the happiness my God I have learned it in knowing you In losing you I
have lost it It is not against the will of Heaven I oppose myself It
is man who makes himself so much of this evil and misery this slavery
these tears these crimes perhaps
This marriage of the young Scotch marquis and the fair Ethel I love
her in spite of all and shall see her soon and congratulate her for
do you see I might have stopped this fine marriage and did my best and
more than my duty for our poor Clive shall make itself in London next
spring I hear You shall assist scarcely at the ceremony he poor boy
shall not care to be there Bring him to Paris to make the court to my
little Antoinette bring him to Paris to his good friend COMTESSE DE
FLORAC
I read marvels of his works in an English journal which one sends
me«
Clive was not by when this letter reached his father Clive was in his
paintingroom and lest he should meet his son and in order to devise the best
means of breaking the news to the lad Thomas Newcome retreated out of doors
and from the Oriental he crossed Oxford Street and from Oxford Street he
stalked over the roomy pavements of Gloucester Place and there he bethought him
how he had neglected Mrs Hobson Newcome of late and the interesting family of
Bryanston Square So he went to leave his card at Marias door her daughters
as we have said are quite grown girls If they have been lectured and
learning and backboarded and practising and using the globes and laying in
a store of ologies ever since what a deal they must know Colonel Newcome was
admitted to see his nieces and Consummate Virtue their parent Maria was
charmed to see her brotherinlaw she greeted him with reproachful tenderness
»Why why« her fine eyes seemed to say »have you so long neglected us Do you
think because I am wise and gifted and good and you are it must be
confessed a poor creature with no education I am not also affable Come let
the prodigal be welcomed by his virtuous relatives come and lunch with us
Colonel« He sate down accordingly to the family tiffin
When the meal was over the mother who had matter of importance to impart
to him besought him to go to the drawingroom and there poured out such a
eulogy upon her childrens qualities as fond mothers know how to utter They
knew this and they knew that They were instructed by the most eminent
professors »that wretched Frenchwoman whom you may remember here Mademoiselle
Lenoir« Maria remarked parenthetically »turned out oh frightfully She
taught the girls the worst accent it appears Her father was not a colonel he
was oh never mind It is a mercy I got rid of that fiendish woman and before
my precious ones knew what she was« And then followed details of the
perfections of the two girls with occasional sideshots at Lady Anns family
just as in the old time »Why dont you bring your boy whom I have always loved
as a son and who avoids me Why does not Clive know his cousins They are very
different from others of his kinswomen who think best of the heartless world«
»I fear Maria there is too much truth in what you say« sighs the Colonel
drumming on a book on the drawingroom table and looking down sees it is a
great large square gilt Peerage open at FARINTOSH MARQUIS OF Fergus Angus
Malcolm Mungo Roy Marquis of Farintosh Earl of Glenlivet in the peerage of
Scotland also Earl of Rossmont in that of the United Kingdom Son of Angus
Fergus Malcolm Earl of Glenlivet and grandson and heir of Malcolm Mungo Angus
first Marquis of Farintosh and twentyfifth Earl etc etc
»You have heard the news regarding Ethel« remarks Mrs Hobson
»I have just heard« says the poor Colonel
»I have a letter from Ann this morning« Maria continues »They are of
course delighted with the match Lord Farintosh is wealthy handsome has been a
little wild I hear is not such a husband as I would choose for my darlings
but poor Brians family have been educated to love the world and Ethel no doubt
is flattered by the prospects before her I have heard that some one else was a
little épris in that quarter How does Clive bear the news my dear Colonel«
»He has long expected it« says the Colonel rising »and I left him very
cheerful at breakfast this morning«
»Send him to see us the naughty boy« cries Maria »We dont change we
remember old times to us he will ever be welcome« And with this confirmation
of Madame de Floracs news Thomas Newcome walked sadly homewards
And now Thomas Newcome had to break the news to his son who received the
shot in such a way as caused his friends and confidants to admire his high
spirit He said he had long been expecting some such announcement it was many
months since Ethel had prepared him for it Under her peculiar circumstances he
did not see how she could act otherwise than she had done And he narrated to
the Colonel the substance of the conversation which the two young people had had
together several months before in Madame de Floracs garden
Clives father did not tell his son of his own bootless negotiation with
Barnes Newcome There was no need to recall that now but the Colonels wrath
against his nephew exploded in conversation with me who was the confidant of
father and son in this business Ever since that luckless day when Barnes
thought proper to to give a wrong address for Lady Kew Thomas Newcomes anger
had been growing He smothered it yet for a while sent a letter to Lady Ann
Newcome briefly congratulating her on the choice which he had heard Miss
Newcome had made and in acknowledgment of Madame de Floracs more sentimental
epistle he wrote a reply which has not been preserved but in which he bade her
rebuke Miss Newcome for not having answered him when he wrote to her and not
having acquainted her old uncle with her projected union
To this message Ethel wrote back a brief hurried reply It said
»I saw Madame de Florac last night at her daughters reception and she
gave me my dear uncles messages Yes the news is true which you have
heard from Madame de Florac and in Bryanston Square I did not like to
write it to you because I know one whom I regard as a brother and a
great great deal better and to whom I know it will give pain He
knows that I have done my duty and why I have acted as I have done God
bless him and his dear father
What is this about a letter which I never answered Grandmamma knows
nothing about a letter Mamma has enclosed to me that which you wrote to
her but there has been no letter from TN to his sincere and
affectionate
RUE DE RIVOLI Friday
EN«
This was too much and the cup of Thomas Newcomes wrath overflowed Barnes had
lied about Ethels visit to London Barnes had lied in saying that he delivered
the message with which his uncle charged him Barnes had lied about the letter
which he had received and never sent With these accusations firmly proven in
his mind against his nephew the Colonel went down to confront that sinner
Wherever he should find Barnes Thomas Newcome was determined to tell him
his mind Should they meet on the steps of a church on the flags of Change or
in the newspaperroom at Bayss at eveningpaper time when men most do
congregate Thomas the Colonel was determined upon exposing and chastising his
fathers grandson With Ethels letter in his pocket he took his way into the
city penetrated into the unsuspecting back parlour of Hobsons bank and was
disappointed at first at only finding his halfbrother Hobson there engaged over
his newspaper The Colonel signified his wish to see Sir Barnes Newcome »Sir
Barnes was not come in yet Youve heard about the marriage« says Hobson
»Great news for the Barness aint it The head of the house is as proud as a
peacock about it Said he was going out to Samuels the diamond merchants
going to make his sister some uncommon fine present Jolly to be uncle to a
marquis aint it Colonel Ill have nothing under a duke for my girls I say
I know whose nose is out of joint But young fellows get over these things and
Clive wont die this time I dare say«
While Hobson Newcome made these satiric and facetious remarks his
halfbrother paced up and down the glass parlour scowling over the panes into
the bank where the busy young clerks sate before their ledgers At last he gave
an »Ah« as of satisfaction Indeed he had seen Sir Barnes Newcome enter into
the bank
The Baronet stopped and spoke with a clerk and presently entered followed
by that young gentleman into his private parlour Barnes tried to grin when he
saw his uncle and held out his hand to greet the Colonel but the Colonel put
both his behind his back that which carried his faithful bamboo cane shook
nervously Barnes was aware that the Colonel had the news »I was going to to
write to you this morning with with some intelligence that I am veryvery
sorry to give«
»This young gentleman is one of your clerks« asked Thomas Newcome blandly
»Yes Mr Boltby who has your private account This is Colonel Newcome
Mr Boltby« says Sir Barnes in some wonder
»Mr Boltby brother Hobson you heard what Sir Barnes Newcome said just now
respecting certain intelligence which he grieved to give me«
At this the three other gentlemen respectively wore looks of amazement
»Allow me to say in your presence that I dont believe one single word Sir
Barnes Newcome says when he tells me that he is very sorry for some
intelligence he has to communicate He lies Mr Boltby he is very glad I made
up my mind that in whatsoever company I met him and on the very first day I
found him hold your tongue sir you shall speak afterwards and tell more
lies when I have done I made up my mind I say that on the very first
occasion I would tell Sir Barnes Newcome that he was a liar and a cheat He
takes charge of letters and keeps them back Did you break the seal sir There
was nothing to steal in my letter to Miss Newcome He tells me people are out of
town whom he goes to see in the next street after leaving my table and whom I
see myself half an hour before he lies to me about their absence«
»Dn you go out and dont stand staring there you booby« screams out Sir
Barnes to the clerk »Stop Boltby Colonel Newcome unless you leave this room
I shall I shall «
»You shall call a policeman Send for the gentleman and I will tell the
Lord Mayor what I think of Sir Barnes Newcome Baronet Mr Boltby shall we
have the constable in«
»Sir you are an old man and my fathers brother or you know very well I
would «
»You would what sir Upon my word Barnes Newcome« here the Colonels two
hands and the bamboo cane came from the rear and formed in front »but that you
are my fathers grandson after a menace like that I would take you out and
cane you in the presence of your clerks I repeat sir that I consider you
guilty of treachery falsehood and knavery And if ever I see you at Bayss
Club I will make the same statement to your acquaintance at the west end of the
town A man of your baseness ought to be known sir and it shall be my business
to make men of honour aware of your character Mr Boltby will you have the
kindness to make out my account Sir Barnes Newcome for fear of consequences
that I should deplore I recommend you to keep a wide berth of me sir« And the
Colonel twirled his mustachios and waved his cane in an ominous manner and
Barnes started back spontaneously out of its dangerous circle
What Mr Boltbys sentiments may have been regarding this extraordinary
scene in which his principal cut so sorry a figure whether he narrated the
conversation to other gentlemen connected with the establishment of Hobson
Brothers or prudently kept it to himself I cannot say having no means of
pursuing Mr Bs subsequent career He speedily quitted his desk at Hobson
Brothers and let us presume that Barnes thought Mr B had told all the other
clerks of the avuncular quarrel That conviction will make us imagine Barnes
still more comfortable Hobson Newcome no doubt was rejoiced at Barness
discomfiture He had been insolent and domineering beyond measure of late to his
vulgar goodnatured uncle whereas after the above interview with the Colonel
he became very humble and quiet in his demeanour and for a long long time
never said a rude word Nay I fear Hobson must have carried an account of the
transaction to Mrs Hobson and the circle in Bryanston Square for Sam Newcome
now entered at Cambridge called the Baronet »Barnes« quite familiarly asked
after Clara and Ethel and requested a small loan of Barnes
Of course the story did not get wind at Bayss of course Tom Eaves did not
know all about it and say that Sir Barnes had been beaten black and blue
Having been treated very ill by the committee in a complaint which he made about
the club cookery Sir Barnes Newcome never came to Bayss and at the end of the
year took off his name from the lists of the club
Sir Barnes though a little taken aback in the morning and not ready with
an impromptu reply to the Colonel and his cane could not allow the occurrence
to pass without a protest and indited a letter which Thomas Newcome kept along
with some others previously quoted by the compiler of the present memoirs It is
as follows
»Belgrave Street Feb 15 18
Colonel Newcome CB Private
Sir The incredible insolence and violence of your behaviour
today inspired by whatever causes or mistakes of your own cannot be
passed without some comment on my part I laid before a friend of your
own profession a statement of the words which you applied to me in the
presence of my partner and one of my clerks this morning and my adviser
is of opinion that considering the relationship unhappily subsisting
between us I can take no notice of insults for which you knew when you
uttered them I could not call you to account«
»There is some truth in that« said the Colonel »He couldnt fight
you know but then he was such a liar I could not help speaking my
mind«
»I gathered from the brutal language which you thought fit to
employ towards a disarmed man the ground of one of your monstrous
accusations against me that I deceived you in stating that my relative
Lady Kew was in the country when in fact she was at her house in
London
To this absurd charge I at once plead guilty The venerable lady in
question was passing through London where she desired to be free from
intrusion At her ladyships wish I stated that she was out of town and
would under the same circumstances unhesitatingly make the same
statement Your slight acquaintance with the person in question did not
warrant that you should force yourself on her privacy as you would
doubtless know were you more familiar with the customs of the society in
which she moves
I declare upon my honour as a gentleman that I gave her the
message which I promised to deliver from you and also that I
transmitted a letter with which you entrusted me and repel with scorn
and indignation the charges which you were pleased to bring against me
as I treat with contempt the language and the threats which you thought
fit to employ
Our books show the amount of x£ xs xd to your credit which you
will be good enough to withdraw at your earliest convenience as of
course all intercourse must cease henceforth between you and yours
etc
B NEWCOME NEWCOME«
»I think sir he doesnt make out a bad case« Mr Pendennis remarked to the
Colonel who showed him this majestic letter
»It would be a good case if I believed a single word of it Arthur«
replied my friend placidly twirling the old grey moustache »If you were to say
so and so and say that I had brought false charges against you I should cry
mea culpa and apologize with all my heart But as I have a perfect conviction
that every word this fellow says is a lie what is the use of arguing any more
about the matter I would not believe him if he brought twenty other liars as
witnesses and if he lied till he was black in the face Give me the walnuts I
wonder who Sir Barness military friend was«
Barness military friend was our gallant acquaintance General Sir George
Tufto KCB who a short while afterwards talked over the quarrel with the
Colonel and manfully told him that in Sir Georges opinion he was wrong »The
little beggar behaved very well I thought in the first business You bullied
him so and in the front of his regiment too that it was almost past bearing
and when he deplored with tears in his eyes almost the little humbug that
his relationship prevented him calling you out ecod I believed him It was in
the second affair that poor little Barney showed he was a cocktail«
»What second affair« asked Thomas Newcome
»Dont you know He he this is famous« cries Sir George »Why sir two
days after your business he comes to me with another letter and a face as long
as my mares by Jove And that letter Newcome was from your young un Stop
here it is« and from his padded bosom General Sir George Tufto drew a
pocketbook and from the pocketbook a copy of a letter inscribed Clive
Newcome Esq to Sir BN Newcome »Theres no mistake about your fellow
Colonel No him« and the man of war fired a volley of oaths as a salute to
Clive
And the Colonel on horseback riding by the other cavalry officers side
read as follows
»George Street Hanover Square
February 16
Sir Colonel Newcome this morning showed me a letter bearing your
signature in which you state 1 That Colonel Newcome has uttered
calumnious and insolent charges against you 2 That Colonel Newcome so
spoke knowing that you could take no notice of his charges of falsehood
and treachery on account of the relationship subsisting between you
Your statements would evidently imply that Colonel Newcome has been
guilty of ungentlemanlike conduct and of cowardice towards you
As there can be no reason why we should not meet in any manner that
you desire I here beg leave to state on my own part that I fully
coincide with Colonel Newcome in his opinion that you have been guilty
of falsehood and treachery and that the charge of cowardice which you
dare to make against a gentleman of his tried honour and courage is
another wilful and cowardly falsehood on your part
And I hope you will refer the bearer of this note my friend Mr
George Warrington of the Upper Temple to the military gentleman whom
you consulted in respect to the just charges of Colonel Newcome Waiting
a prompt reply believe me sir your obedient servant
CLIVE NEWCOME
SIR BARNES NEWCOME NEWCOME BART MP etc«
»What a blunderhead I am« cries the Colonel with delight on his countenance
spite of his professed repentance »It never once entered my head that the
youngster would take any part in the affair I showed him his cousins letter
casually just to amuse him I think for he has been deuced low lately about
about a young mans scrape that he has got into And he must have gone off and
dispatched his challenge straightway I recollect he appeared uncommonly brisk
at breakfast the next morning And so you say General the Baronet did not like
the poulet«
»By no means never saw a fellow show such a confounded white feather At
first I congratulated him thinking your boys offer must please him as it
would have pleased any fellow in our time to have a shot Dammy but I was
mistaken in my man He entered into some confounded longwinded story about a
marriage you wanted to make with that infernal pretty sister of his who is going
to marry young Farintosh and how you were in a rage because the scheme fell to
the ground and how a family duel might occasion unpleasantries to Miss Newcome
though I showed him how this could be most easily avoided and that the ladys
name need never appear in the transaction Confound it Sir Barnes says I I
recollect this boy when he was a youngster throwing a glass of wine in your
face Well put it upon that and say its an old feud between you He turned
quite pale and he said your fellow had apologized for the glass of wine«
»Yes« said the Colonel sadly »my boy apologized for the glass of wine It
is curious how we have disliked that Barnes ever since we set eyes on him«
»Well Newcome« Sir George resumed as his mettled charger suddenly jumped
and curvetted displaying the padded warriors cavalryseat to perfection
»Quiet old lady easy my dear Well sir when I found the little beggar
turning tail in this way I said to him Dash me sir if you dont want me why
the dash do you send for me dash me Yesterday you talked as if you would bite
the Colonels head off and today when his son offers you every accommodation
by dash sir youre afraid to meet him Its my belief you had better send for
a policeman A 22 is your man Sir Barnes Newcome And with that I turned on my
heel and left him And the fellow went off to Newcome that very night«
»A poor devil cant command courage General« said the Colonel quite
peaceably »any more than he can make himself six feet high«
»Then why the dash did the beggar send for me« called out General Sir
George Tufto in a loud and resolute voice and presently the two officers
parted company
When the Colonel reached home Mr Warrington and Mr Pendennis happened to be
on a visit to Clive and all three were in the young fellows paintingroom We
knew our lad was unhappy and did our little best to amuse and console him The
Colonel came in It was in the dark February days we had lighted gas in the
studio Clive had made a sketch from some favourite verses of mine and Georges
those charming lines of Scotts
»He turned his charger as he spake
Beside the river shore
He gave his bridlerein a shake
With adieu for evermore
My dear
Adieu for evermore«
Thomas Newcome held up a finger at Warrington and he came up to the picture and
looked at it and George and I trolled out
»Adieu for evermore
My dear
Adieu for evermore«
From the picture the brave old Colonel turned to the painter regarding his son
with a look of beautiful inexpressible affection And he laid his hand on his
sons shoulder and smiled and stroked Clives yellow moustache
»And and did Barnes send no answer to that letter you wrote him« he said
slowly
Clive broke out into a laugh that was almost a sob He took both his
fathers hands »My dear dear old father« says he »what a what an old
trump you are« My eyes were so dim I could hardly see the two men as they
embraced
Chapter LIV
Has a Tragical Ending
Clive presently answered the question which his father put to him in the last
chapter by producing from the ledge of his easel a crumpled paper full of
cavendish now but on which was written Sir Barnes Newcomes reply to his
cousins polite invitation
Sir Barnes Newcome wrote »that he thought a reference to a friend was quite
unnecessary in the most disagreeable and painful dispute in which Mr Clive
desired to interfere as a principal that the reasons which prevented Sir Barnes
from taking notice of Colonel Newcomes shameful and ungentlemanlike conduct
applied equally as Mr Clive Newcome very well knew to himself that if
further insult was offered or outrage attempted Sir Barnes should resort to the
police for protection that he was about to quit London and certainly should
not delay his departure on account of Mr Clive Newcomes monstrous proceedings
and that he desired to take leave of an odious subject as of an individual whom
he had striven to treat with kindness but from whom from youth upwards Sir
Barnes Newcome had received nothing but insolence enmity and illwill«
»He is an ill man to offend« remarked Mr Pendennis »I dont think he has
ever forgiven that claret Clive«
»Pooh the feud dates from long before that« said Clive »Barnes wanted to
lick me when I was a boy and I declined in fact I think he had rather the
worst of it but then I operated freely on his shins and that wasnt fair in
war you know«
»Heaven forgive me« cries the Colonel »I have always felt the fellow was
my enemy and my mind is relieved now war is declared It has been a kind of
hypocrisy with me to shake his hand and eat his dinner When I trusted him it
was against my better instinct and I have been struggling against it these ten
years thinking it was a wicked prejudice and ought to be overcome«
»Why should we overcome such instincts« asks Mr Warrington »Why shouldnt
we hate what is hateful in people and scorn what is mean From what friend Pen
has described to me and from some other accounts which have come to my ears
your respectable nephew is about as loathsome a little villain as crawls on the
earth Good seems to be out of his sphere and away from his contemplation He
illtreats every one he comes near or if gentle to them it is that they may
serve some base purpose Since my attention has been drawn to the creature I
have been contemplating his ways with wonder and curiosity How much superior
Natures rogues are Pen to the villains you novelists put into your books
This man goes about his life business with a natural propensity to darkness and
evil as a bug crawls and stings and stinks I dont suppose the fellow feels
any more remorse than a cat that runs away with a muttonchop I recognize the
Evil Spirit sir and do honour to Ahrimanes in taking off my hat to this young
man He seduced a poor girl in his fathers country town is it not natural
deserted her and her children dont you recognize the beast married for rank
could you expect otherwise from him invites my Lord Highgate to his house in
consideration of his balance at the bank sir unless somebodys heel shall
crunch him on the way there is no height to which this aspiring vermin maynt
crawl I look to see Sir Barnes Newcome prosper more and more I make no doubt
he will die an immense capitalist and an exalted Peer of this realm He will
have a marble monument and a pathetic funeral sermon There is a divine in your
family Clive that shall preach it I will weep respectful tears over the grave
of Baron Newcome Viscount Newcome Earl Newcome and the children whom he has
deserted and who in the course of time will be sent by a grateful nation to
New South Wales will proudly say to their brother convicts Yes the Earl was
our honoured father«
»I fear he is no better than he should be Mr Warrington« says the
Colonel shaking his head »I never heard the story about the deserted
children«
»How should you O you guileless man« cries Warrington »I am not in the
ways of scandalhearing myself much but this tale I had from Sir Barnes
Newcomes own country Mr Batters of the Newcowe Independent is my esteemed
client I write leading articles for his newspaper and when he was in town last
spring he favoured me with the anecdote and proposed to amuse the member for
Newcome by publishing it in his journal This kind of writing is not much in my
line and out of respect to you and your young one I believe I strove with Mr
Batters and entreated him and prevailed with him not to publish the story
That is how I came to know it«
I sate with the Colonel in the evening when he commented on Warringtons
story and Sir Barness adventures in his simple way He said his brother Hobson
had been with him the morning after the dispute reiterating Barness defence of
his conduct and professing on his own part nothing but good will towards his
brother »Between ourselves the young baronet carries matters with rather a
high hand sometimes and I am not sorry that you gave him a little dressing But
you were too hard upon him Colonel really you were« »Had I known that
childdeserting story I would have given it harder still sir« says Thomas
Newcome twirling his mustachios »but my brother had nothing to do with the
quarrel and very rightly did not wish to engage in it He has an eye to
business has Master Hobson too« my friend continued »for he brought me a
cheque for my private account which of course he said could not remain after my
quarrel with Barnes But the Indian bank account which is pretty large he
supposed need not be taken away and indeed why should it So that which is
little business of mine remains where it was and brother Hobson and I remain
perfectly good friends
I think Clive is much better since he has been quite put out of his
suspense He speaks with a great deal more kindness and goodnature about the
marriage than I am disposed to feel regarding it and depend on it has too high
a spirit to show that he is beaten But I know he is a good deal cut up though
he says nothing and he agreed willingly enough to take a little journey
Arthur and be out of the way when this business takes place. We shall go to
Paris I dont know where else besides These misfortunes do good in one way
hard as they are to bear they unite people who love each other It seems to me
my boy has been nearer to me and likes his old father better than he has done
of late« And very soon after this talk our friends departed
The Bulgarian minister having been recalled and Lady Ann Newcomes house in
Park Lane being vacant her ladyship and her family came to occupy the mansion
for this eventful season and sate once more in the dismal diningroom under the
picture of the defunct Sir Brian A little of the splendour and hospitality of
old days was revived in the house entertainments were given by Lady Ann and
amongst other festivities a fine ball took place where pretty Miss Alice Miss
Ethels youngest sister made her first appearance in the world to which she
was afterwards to be presented by the Marchioness of Farintosh All the little
sisters were charmed no doubt that the beautiful Ethel was to become a
beautiful Marchioness who as they came up to womanhood one after another
would introduce them severally to amiable young earls dukes and marquises
when they would be married off and wear coronets and diamonds of their own
right At Lady Anns ball I saw my acquaintance young Mumford who was going to
Oxford next October and about to leave Rugby where he was at the head of the
school looking very dismal as Miss Alice whirled round the room dancing in
Viscount Bustingtons arms Miss Alice with whose mamma he used to take tea at
Rugby and for whose pretty sake Mumford did Alfred Newcomes verses for him and
let him off his thrashings Poor Mumford he dismally went about under the
protection of young Alfred a fourthform boy Not one soul did he know in that
rattling London ballroom his young face was as white as the large white tie
donned two hours since at the Tavistock with such nervousness and beating of
heart
With these lads and decorated with a tie equally splendid moved about
young Sam Newcome who was shirking from his sister and his mamma Mrs Hobson
had actually assumed clean gloves for this festive occasion Sam stared at all
the Nobs and insisted upon being introduced to Farintosh and congratulated his
lordship with much graceful ease and then pushed about the rooms perseveringly
hanging on to Alfreds jacket »I say I wish you wouldnt call me Al« I heard
Master Alfred say to his cousin Seeing my face Mr Samuel ran up to claim
acquaintance He was good enough to say he thought Farintosh seemed devilish
haughty Even my wife could not help saying that Mr Sam was an odious little
creature
So it was for young Alfred and his brothers and sisters who would want help
and protection in the world that Ethel was about to give up her independence
her inclination perhaps and to bestow her life on yonder young nobleman
Looking at her as a girl devoting herself to her family her sacrifice gave her
a melancholy interest in our eyes My wife and I watched her grave and
beautiful moving through the rooms receiving and returning a hundred
greetings bending to compliments talking with this friend and that with my
lords lordly relations with himself to whom she listened deferentially
faintly smiling as he spoke now and again doing the honours of her mothers
house Lady after lady of his lordships clan and kinsfolk complimented the girl
and her pleased mother Old Lady Kew was radiant if one can call radiance the
glances of those darkling old eyes She sate in a little room apart and
thither people went to pay their court to her Unwillingly I came in on this
levee with my wife on my arm Lady Kew scowled at me over her crutch but
without a sign of recognition What an awful countenance that old woman has
Laura whispered as we retreated out of that gloomy presence
And Doubt as its wont is whispered too a question in my ear »Is it for
her brothers and sisters only that Miss Ethel is sacrificing herself Is it not
for the coronet and the triumph and the fine houses« When two motives may
actuate a friend we surely may try and believe in the good one says Laura But
but I am glad Clive does not marry her poor fellow he would not have been
happy with her She belongs to this great world she has spent all her life in
it Clive would have entered into it very likely in her train »and you know
sir it is not good that we should be our husbands superiors« adds Mrs Laura
with a curtsy
She presently pronounced that the air was very hot in the rooms and in fact
wanted to go home to see her child As we passed out we saw Sir Barnes Newcome
eagerly smiling smirking bowing and in the fondest conversation with his
sister and Lord Farintosh By Sir Barnes presently brushed LieutenantGeneral
Sir George Tufto KCB who when he saw on whose foot he had trodden grunted
out »Hm beg your pardon« and turning his back on Barnes forthwith began
complimenting Ethel and the Marquis »Served with your lordships father in
Spain glad to make your lordships acquaintance« says Sir George Ethel bows
to us as we pass out of the rooms and we hear no more of Sir Georges
conversation
In the cloakroom sits Lady Clara Newcome with a gentleman bending over
her just in such an attitude as the bride is in Hogarths »Marriage à la Mode«
as the counsellor talks to her Lady Clara starts up as a crowd of blushes come
into her wan face and tries to smile and rises to greet my wife and says
something about its being so dreadfully hot in the upper rooms and so very
tedious waiting for the carriages The gentleman advances towards me with a
military stride and says »How do you do Mr Pendennis Hows our young friend
the painter« I answer Lord Highgate civilly enough whereas my wife will scarce
speak a word in reply to Lady Clara Newcome
Lady Clara asked us to her ball which my wife declined altogether to
attend Sir Barnes published a series of quite splendid entertainments on the
happy occasion of his sisters betrothal We read the names of all the clan
Farintosh in the Morning Post as attending these banquets Mr and Mrs Hobson
Newcome in Bryanston Square gave also signs of rejoicing at their nieces
marriage They had a grand banquet followed by a tea to which latter amusement
the present biographer was invited Lady Ann and Lady Kew and her
granddaughter and the Baronet and his wife and my Lord Highgate and Sir
George Tufto attended the dinner but it was rather a damp entertainment
»Farintosh« whispers Sam Newcome »sent word just before dinner that he had a
sore throat and Barnes was as sulky as possible Sir George wouldnt speak to
him and the dowager wouldnt speak to Lord Highgate Scarcely anything was
drank« concluded Mr Sam with a slight hiccup »I say Pendennis how sold
Clive will be« And the amiable youth went off to commune with others of his
parents guests
Thus the Newcomes entertained the Farintoshes and the Farintoshes
entertained the Newcomes And the Dowager Countess of Kew went from assembly to
assembly every evening and to jewellers and upholsterers and dressmakers every
morning and Lord Farintoshs town house was splendidly redecorated in the
newest fashion and he seemed to grow more and more attentive as the happy day
approached and he gave away all his cigars to his brother Rob and his sisters
were delighted with Ethel and constantly in her company and his mother was
pleased with her and thought a girl of her spirit and resolution would make a
good wife for her son and select crowds flocked to see the service of plate at
Handymans and the diamonds which were being set for the lady and Smee RA
painted her portrait as a souvenir for mamma when Miss Newcome should be Miss
Newcome no more and Lady Kew made a will leaving all she could leave to her
beloved granddaughter Ethel daughter of the late Sir Brian Newcome Baronet
and Lord Kew wrote an affectionate letter to his cousin congratulating her and
wishing her happiness with all his heart and I was glancing over the Times
newspaper at breakfast one morning when I laid it down with an exclamation
which caused my wife to start with surprise
»What is it« cries Laura and I read as follows
»DEATH OF THE COUNTESS DOWAGER OF KEW We regret to have to announce the
awfully sudden death of this venerable lady Her ladyship who had been at
several parties of the nobility the night before last seemingly in perfect
health was seized with a fit as she was waiting for her carriage and about to
quit Lady Pallgraves assembly Immediate medical assistance was procured and
her ladyship was carried to her own house in Queen Street May Fair But she
never rallied or we believe spoke after the first fatal seizure and sank at
eleven oclock last evening The deceased Louisa Joanna Gaunt widow of
Frederic first Earl of Kew was daughter of Charles Earl of Gaunt and sister
of the late and aunt of the present Marquis of Steyne The present Earl of Kew
is her ladyships grandson his lordships father Lord Walham having died
before his own father the first earl Many noble families are placed in
mourning by this sad event Society has to deplore the death of a lady who has
been its ornament for more than half a century and who was known we may say
throughout Europe for her remarkable sense extraordinary memory and brilliant
wit«
Chapter LV
Barness Skeleton Closet
The demise of Lady Kew of course put a stop for a while to the matrimonial
projects so interesting to the house of Newcome Hymen blew his torch out put
it into the cupboard for use on a future day and exchanged his garish
saffroncoloured robe for decent temporary mourning Charles Honeyman improved
the occasion at Lady Whittleseas chapel hard by and »Death at the Festival«
was one of his most thrilling sermons reprinted at the request of some of the
congregation There were those of his flock especially a pair whose quarter of
the fold was the organloft who were always charmed with the piping of that
melodious pastor
Shall we too while the coffin yet rests on the outer earths surface enter
the chapel whither these void remains of our dear sister departed are borne by
the smug undertakers gentlemen and pronounce an elegy over that bedizened box
of corruption When the young are stricken down and their roses nipped in an
hour by the destroying blight even the stranger can sympathize who counts the
scant years on the gravestone or reads the notice in the newspaper corner The
contrast forces itself on you A fair young creature bright and blooming
yesterday distributing smiles levying homage inspiring desire conscious of
her power to charm and gay with the natural enjoyment of her conquests who in
his walk through the world has not looked on many such a one and at the notion
of her sudden call away from beauty triumph pleasure her helpless outcries
during her short pain her vain pleas for a little respite her sentence and its
execution has not felt a shock of pity When the days of a long life come to
its close and a white head sinks to rise no more we bow our own with respect
as the mourning train passes and salute the heraldry and devices of yonder pomp
as symbols of age wisdom deserved respect and merited honour long experience
of suffering and action The wealth he may have achieved is the harvest which he
sowed the titles on his hearse fruits of the field he bravely and laboriously
wrought in But to live to fourscore years and be found dancing among the idle
virgins to have had near a century of allotted time and then be called away
from the giddy notes of a May Fair fiddle To have to yield your roses too and
then drop out of the bony clutch of your old fingers a wreath that came from a
Parisian bandbox One fancies around some graves unseen troops of mourners
waiting many and many a poor pensioner trooping to the place many weeping
charities many kind actions many dear friends beloved and deplored rising up
at the toll of that bell to follow the honoured hearse dead parents waiting
above and calling »Come daughter« lost children Heavens foundlings
hovering round like cherubim and whispering »Welcome mother« Here is one who
reposes after a long feast where no love has been after girlhood without kindly
maternal nurture marriage without affection matronhood without its precious
griefs and joys after fourscore years of lonely vanity Let us take off our
hats to that procession too as it passes admiring the different lots awarded to
the children of men and the various usages to which Heaven puts its creatures
Leave we yonder velvetpalled box spangled with fantastic heraldry and
containing within the aged slough and envelope of a soul gone to render its
account Look rather at the living audience standing round the shell the deep
grief on Barnes Newcomes fine countenance the sadness depicted in the face of
the most noble the Marquis of Farintosh the sympathy of her ladyships medical
man who came in the third mourning carriage better than these the awe and
reverence and emotion exhibited in the kind face of one of the witnesses of this
scene as he listens to those words which the priest rehearses over our dead
What magnificent words what a burning faith what a glorious triumph what a
heroic life death hope they record They are read over all of us alike as the
sun shines on just and unjust We have all of us heard them and I have fancied
for my part that they fell and smote like the sods on the coffin
The ceremony over the undertakers gentlemen clamber on the roof of the
vacant hearse into which palls trestles trays of feathers are inserted and
the horses break out into a trot and the empty carriages expressing the deep
grief of the deceased ladys friends depart homeward It is remarked that Lord
Kew hardly has any communication with his cousin Sir Barnes Newcome His
lordship jumps into a cab and goes to the railroad Issuing from the cemetery
the Marquis of Farintosh hastily orders that thing to be taken off his hat and
returns to town in his brougham smoking a cigar Sir Barnes Newcome rides in
the brougham beside Lord Farintosh as far as Oxford Street where he gets a cab
and goes to the City For business is business and must be attended to though
grief be ever so severe
A very short time previous to her demise Mr Rood that was Mr Rood that
other little gentleman in black who shared the third mourning coach along with
her ladyships medical man had executed a will by which almost all the
Countesss property was devised to her granddaughter Ethel Newcome Lady Kews
decease of course delayed the marriage projects for a while The young heiress
returned to her mothers house in Park Lane I dare say the deep mourning
habiliments in which the domestics of that establishment appeared were purchased
out of the funds left in his hands which Ethels banker and brother had at her
disposal
Sir Barnes Newcome who was one of the trustees of his sisters property
grumbled no doubt because his grandmother had bequeathed to him but a paltry
recompense of five hundred pounds for his pains and trouble of trusteeship but
his manner to Ethel was extremely bland and respectful an heiress now and to
be marchioness in a few months Sir Barnes treated her with a very different
regard to that which he was accustomed to show to other members of his family
For while this worthy baronet would contradict his mother at every word she
uttered and take no pains to disguise his opinion that Lady Anns intellect was
of the very poorest order he would listen deferentially to Ethels smallest
observations exert himself to amuse her under her grief which he chose to take
for granted was very severe visit her constantly and show the most charming
solicitude for her general comfort and welfare
During this time my wife received constant notes from Ethel Newcome and the
intimacy between the two ladies much increased Laura was so unlike the women of
Ethels circle the young lady was pleased to say that to be with her was
Ethels greatest comfort Miss Newcome was now her own mistress had her
carriage and would drive day after day to our cottage at Richmond The frigid
society of Lord Farintoshs sisters the conversation of his mother did not
amuse Ethel and she escaped from both with her usual impatience of control She
was at home every day dutifully to receive my Lords visits but though she did
not open her mind to Laura as freely regarding the young gentleman as she did
when the character and disposition of her future mother and sistersinlaw was
the subject of their talk I could see from the grave look of commiseration
which my wifes face bore after her young friends visits that Mrs Pendennis
augured rather ill of the future happiness of this betrothed pair Once at Miss
Newcomes special request I took my wife to see her in Park Lane where the
Marquis of Farintosh found us His Lordship and I had already a half
acquaintance which was not however improved after my regular presentation to
him by Miss Newcome he scowled at me with a countenance indicative of anything
but welcome and did not seem in the least more pleased when Ethel entreated her
friend Laura not to take her bonnet not to think of going away so soon She
came to see us the very next day stayed much longer with us than usual and
returned to town quite late in the evening in spite of the entreaties of the
inhospitable Laura who would have had her leave us long before »I am sure«
says clearsighted Mrs Laura »she is come out of bravado and after we went
away yesterday that there were words between her and Lord Farintosh on our
account«
»Confound the young man« breaks out Mr Pendennis in a fume »what does he
mean by his insolent airs«
»He may think we are partisans de lautre« says Mrs Pendennis with a
smile first and a sigh afterwards as she said »Poor Clive«
»Do you ever talk about Clive« asks the husband
»Never Once twice perhaps in the most natural manner in the world we
mentioned where he is but nothing further passes The subject is a sealed one
between us She often looks at his drawings in my album Clive had drawn our
baby there and its mother in a great variety of attitudes and gazes at his
sketch of his dear old father but of him she never says a word«
»So it is best« says Mr Pendennis
»Yes best« echoes Laura with a sigh
»You think Laura« continues the husband »you think she «
»She what« What did Mr Pendennis mean Laura his wife certainly understood
him though upon my conscience the sentence went no further for she answered at
once
»Yes I think she certainly did poor boy But that of course is over now
and Ethel though she cannot help being a worldly woman has such firmness and
resolution of character that if she has once determined to conquer any
inclination of that sort I am sure she will master it and make Lord Farintosh
a very good wife«
»Since the Colonels quarrel with Sir Barnes« cries Mr Pendennis
adverting by a natural transition from Ethel to her amiable brother »our
banking friend does not invite us any more Lady Clara sends you no cards I
have a great mind to withdraw my account«
Laura who understands nothing about accounts did not perceive the fine
irony of this remark but her face straightway put on the severe expression
which it chose to assume whenever Sir Barness family was mentioned and she
said »My dear Arthur I am very glad indeed that Clara sends us no more of her
invitations You know very well why I disliked them«
»Why«
»I hear baby crying« says Laura O Laura Laura how could you tell your
husband such a fib and she quits the room without deigning to give any answer
to that »Why«
Let us pay a brief visit to Newcome in the north of England and there we
may get some answer to the question of which Mr Pendennis had just in vain
asked a reply from his wife My design does not include a description of that
great and flourishing town of Newcome and of the manufactures which caused its
prosperity but only admits of the introduction of those Newcomites who are
concerned in the affairs of the family which has given its respectable name to
these volumes
Thus in previous pages we have said nothing about the Mayor and Corporation
of Newcome the magnificent bankers and manufacturers who had their places of
business in the town and their splendid villas outside its smoky precincts
people who would give their thousand guineas for a picture or a statue and
write you off a cheque for ten times the amount any day people who if there
was talk of a statue to the Queen or the Duke would come down to the Town All
and subscribe their one two three undred apiece especially if in the
neighbouring city of SLOWCOME they were putting up a statue to the Duke or the
Queen Not of such men have I spoken the magnates of the place but of the
humble Sarah Mason in Jubilee Row of the Reverend Dr Bulders the Vicar Mr
Vidler the apothecary Mr Puff the baker of Tom Potts the jolly reporter of
the Newcome Independent and Batters Esq the proprietor of that journal
persons with whom our friends have had already or will be found presently to
have some connection And it is from these that we shall arrive at some
particulars regarding the Newcome family which will show us that they have a
skeleton or two in their closets as well as their neighbours
Now how will you have the story Worthy mammas of families if you do not
like to have your daughters told that bad husbands will make bad wives that
marriages begun in indifference make homes unhappy that men whom girls are
brought to swear to love and honour are sometimes false selfish and cruel and
that women forget the oaths which they have been made to swear if you will not
hear of this ladies close the book and send for some other Banish the
newspaper out of your houses and shut your eyes to the truth the awful truth
of life and sin Is the world made of Jennies and Jessamies and passion the
play of schoolboys and schoolgirls scribbling valentines and interchanging
lollipops Is life all over when Jenny and Jessamy are married and are there no
subsequent trials griefs wars bitter heartpangs dreadful temptations
defeats remorses sufferings to bear and dangers to overcome As you and I
friend kneel with our children round about us prostrate before the Father of
us all and asking mercy for miserable sinners are the young ones to suppose
the words are mere form and dont apply to us to some outcasts in the free
seats probably or those naughty boys playing in the churchyard Are they not
to know that we err too and pray with all our hearts to be rescued from
temptation If such a knowledge is wrong for them send them to church apart Go
you and worship in private or if not too proud kneel humbly in the midst of
them owning your wrong and praying Heaven to be merciful to you a sinner
When Barnes Newcome became the reigning Prince of the Newcome family and
after the first agonies of grief for his fathers death had subsided he made
strong attempts to conciliate the principal persons in the neighbourhood and to
render himself popular in the borough He gave handsome entertainments to the
townsfolk and to the country gentry he tried even to bring those two warring
classes together He endeavoured to be civil to the Newcome Independent the
Opposition paper as well as to the Newcome Sentinel that true old
uncompromising Blue He asked the Dissenting clergyman to dinner and the Low
Church clergyman as well as the orthodox Doctor Bulders and his curates He
gave a lecture at the Newcome Athenæum which everybody said was very amusing
and which Sentinel and Independent both agreed in praising Of course he
subscribed to that statue which the Newcomites were raising to the
philanthropic missions which the Reverend Low Church gentlemen were engaged in
to the races for the young Newcomite manufacturers are as sporting gents as any
in the North to the hospital the Peoples Library the restoration of the
rood screen and the great painted window in Newcome Old Church Rev J
Bulders and he had to pay in fine a most awful price for his privilege of
sitting in Parliament as representative of his native place as he called it in
his speeches »the cradle of his forefathers the home of his race« etc
though Barnes was in fact born at Clapham
Lady Clara could not in the least help this young statesman in his designs
upon Newcome and the Newcomites After she came into Barness hands a dreadful
weight fell upon her She would smile and simper and talk kindly and gaily
enough at first during Sir Brians life and among women when Barnes was not
present But as soon as he joined the company it was remarked that his wife
became silent and looked eagerly towards him whenever she ventured to speak
She blundered her eyes filled with tears the little wit she had left her in
her husbands presence He grew angry and tried to hide his anger with a sneer
or broke out with a gibe and an oath when he lost patience and Clara
whimpering would leave the room Everybody at Newcome knew that Barnes bullied
his wife
People had worse charges against Barnes than wifebullying Do you suppose
that little interruption which occurred at Barness marriage was not known in
Newcome His victim had been a Newcome girl the man to whom she was betrothed
was in a Newcome factory When Barnes was a young man and in his occasional
visits to Newcome lived along with those dashing young blades Sam Jollyman
Jollyman Brothers and Bowcher Bob Homer Cross Country Bill Al Rucker
for whom his father had to pay eighteen thousand pounds after the Leger the
year Toggery won it and that wild lot all sorts of stories were told of them
and of Barnes especially Most of them were settled and steady business men by
this time Al it was known had become very serious besides making his
fortune in cotton Bob Homer managed the Bank and as for S Jollyman Mrs SJ
took uncommon good care that he didnt break out of bounds any more why he was
not even allowed to play a game at billiards or to dine out without her I
could go on giving you interesting particulars of a hundred members of the
Newcome aristocracy were not our attention especially directed to one
respectable family
All Barness endeavours at popularity were vain partly from his own fault
and partly from the nature of mankind and of the Newcome folks especially whom
no single person could possibly conciliate Thus suppose he gave the
advertisements to the Independent the old Blue paper the Sentinel was very
angry suppose he asked Mr Hunch the Dissenting minister to bless the
tablecloth after dinner as he had begged Dr Bulders to utter a benediction on
the first course Hunch and Bulders were both angry He subscribed to the races
what heathenism to the missionaries what sanctimonious humbug And the
worst was that Barnes being young at that time and not able to keep his tongue
in order could not help saying not to but of such and such a man that he was
an infernal ass or a confounded old idiot and so forth peevish phrases
which undid in a moment the work of a dozen dinners countless compliments and
months of grinning goodhumour
Now he is wiser He is very proud of being Newcome of Newcome and quite
believes that the place is his hereditary principality But still he says his
father was a fool for ever representing the borough »Dammy sir« cries Sir
Barnes »never sit for a place that lies at your park gates and above all never
try to conciliate em Curse em Hate em well sir Take a line and flog the
fellows on the other side Since I have sate in Parliament for another place I
have saved myself I dont know how much a year I never go to High Church or
Low dont give a shillin to the confounded races or the infernal souptickets
or to the miserable missionaries and at last live in quiet«
So in spite of all his subscriptions and his coaxing of the various orders
of Newcomites Sir Barnes Newcome was not popular among them and while he had
enemies on all sides had sturdy friends not even on his own Scarce a man but
felt Barnes was laughing at him Bulders in his pulpit Holder who seconded
him in his election the Newcome society and the ladies even more than the
men were uneasy under his ominous familiarity and recovered their goodhumour
when he left them People felt as if it was a truce only and not an alliance
with him and always speculated on the possibility of war when he turned his
back on them in the market men felt relieved and as they passed his gate
looked with no friendly glances over his park wall
What happened within was perfectly familiar to many persons Our friend was
insolent to all his servants and of course very well served but very much
disliked in consequence The butler was familiar with Taplow the housekeeper
had a friend at Newcome Mrs Taplow in fact of the Kings Arms one of the
grooms at Newcome Park kept company with Mrs Bulderss maid the incomings and
outgoings the quarrels and tears the company from London and all the doings
of the folks at Newcome Park were thus known to the neighbourhood round about
The apothecary brought an awful story back from Newcome He had been called to
Lady Clara in strong hysterical fits He had found her ladyship with a bruise on
her face When Sir Barnes approached her he would not allow the medical man to
see her except in his presence she screamed and bade him not come near her
These things did Mr Vidler weakly impart to Mrs Vidler these under solemn
vows of secrecy Mrs Vidler told to one or two friends Sir Barnes and Lady
Clara were seen shopping together very graciously in Newcome a short time
afterwards persons who dined at the Park said the Baronet and his wife seemed
on very good terms but but that story of the bruised cheek remained in the
minds of certain people and lay by at compound interest as such stories will
Now say people quarrel and make it up or dont make it up but wear a
smirking face to society and call each other my dear and my love and smooth
over their countenances before John who enters with the coals as they are
barking and biting or who announces the dinner as they are tearing each others
eyes out suppose a woman is ever so miserable and yet smiles and doesnt show
her grief »Quite right« say her prudent friends and her husbands relations
above all »My dear you have too much propriety to exhibit your grief before
the world or above all before the darling children« So to lie is your duty to
lie to your friends to yourself if you can to your children
Does this discipline of hypocrisy improve any mortal woman Say she learns
to smile after a blow do you suppose in this matter alone she will be a
hypocrite Poor Lady Clara I fancy a better lot for you than that to which fate
handed you over I fancy there need have been no deceit in your fond simple
little heart could it but have been given into other keeping But you were
consigned to a master whose scorn and cruelty terrified you under whose
sardonic glances your scared eyes were afraid to look up and before whose
gloomy coldness you dared not be happy Suppose a little plant very frail and
delicate from the first but that might have bloomed sweetly and borne fair
flowers had it received warm shelter and kindly nurture suppose a young
creature taken out of her home and given over to a hard master whose caresses
are as insulting as his neglect consigned to cruel usage to weary loneliness
to bitter bitter recollections of the past suppose her schooled into hypocrisy
by tyranny and then quick let us hire an advocate to roar out to a British
jury the wrongs of her injured husband to paint the agonies of his bleeding
heart if Mr Advocate gets plaintiffs brief in time and before defendants
attorney has retained him and to show Society injured through him Let us
console that martyr I say with thumping damages and as for the woman the
guilty wretch let us lead her out and stone her
Chapter LVI
Rosa Quo Locorum Sera Moratur
Clive Newcome bore his defeat with such a courage and resolution as those who
knew the young fellows character were sure he would display It was whilst he
had a little lingering hope still that the poor lad was in the worst condition
as a gambler is restless and unhappy whilst his last few guineas remain with
him and he is venturing them against the overpowering chances of the bank His
last piece however gone our friend rises up from that unlucky table beaten
at the contest but not broken in spirit He goes back into the world again and
withdraws from that dangerous excitement sometimes when he is alone or wakeful
tossing in his bed at nights he may recall the fatal game and think how he
might have won it think what a fool he was ever to have played it at all but
these cogitations Clive kept for himself He was magnanimous enough not even to
blame Ethel much and to take her side against his father who it must be
confessed now exhibited a violent hostility against that young lady and her
belongings Slow to anger and utterly beyond deceit himself when Thomas
Newcome was once roused or at length believed that he was cheated woe to the
offender From that day forth Thomas believed no good of him Every thought or
action of his enemys life seemed treason to the worthy colonel If Barnes gave
a dinnerparty his uncle was ready to fancy that the banker wanted to poison
somebody if he made a little speech in the House of Commons Barnes did make
little speeches in the House of Commons the Colonel was sure some infernal
conspiracy lay under the villains words The whole of that branch of the
Newcomes fared little better at their kinsmans hands they were all deceitful
sordid heartless worldly Ethel herself no better now than the people who had
bred her up People hate as they love unreasonably Whether is it the more
mortifying to us to feel that we are disliked or liked undeservedly
Clive was not easy until he had the sea between him and his misfortune and
now Thomas Newcome had the chance of making that tour with his son which in
early days had been such a favourite project with the good man They travelled
Rhineland and Switzerland together they crossed into Italy went from Milan to
Venice where Clive saluted the greatest painting in the world the glorious
»Assumption« of Titian they went to Trieste and over the beautiful Styrian
Alps to Vienna they beheld the Danube and the plain where the Turk and
Sobieski fought They travelled at a prodigious fast pace They did not speak
much to one another. They were a pattern pair of English travellers I dare say
many persons whom they met smiled to observe them and shrugged their shoulders
at the aspect of ces Anglais They did not know the care in the young
travellers mind and the deep tenderness and solicitude of the elder Clive
wrote to say it was a very pleasant tour but I think I should not have liked to
join it Let us dismiss it in this single sentence Other gentlemen have taken
the same journey and with sorrow perhaps as their silent fellowtraveller
How you remember the places afterwards and the thoughts which pursued you If
in after days when your grief is dead and buried you revisit the scenes in
which it was your companion how its ghost rises and shows itself again Suppose
this part of Mr Clives life were to be described at length in several
chapters and not in a single brief sentence what dreary pages they would be
In two or three months our friends saw a number of men cities mountains
rivers and what not It was yet early autumn when they were back in France
again and September found them at Brussels where James Binnie Esq and his
family were established in comfortable quarters and where we may be sure Clive
and his father were very welcome
Dragged abroad at first sorely against his will James Binnie had found the
Continental life pretty much to his liking He had passed a winter at Pau a
summer at Vichy where the waters had done him good His ladies had made several
charming foreign acquaintances Mrs Mackenzie had quite a list of Counts and
Marchionesses among her friends The excellent Captain Goby wandered about the
country with them Was it to Rosey was it to her mother the Captain was most
attached Rosey received him as a godpapa Mrs Mackenzie as a wicked odious
goodfornothing dangerous delightful creature Is it humiliating is it
consolatory to remark with what small wit some of our friends are amused The
jovial sallies of Goby appeared exquisite to Roseys mother and to the girl
probably though that young Bahawder of a Clive Newcome chose to wear a grave
face confound his insolent airs at the very best of the Goby jokes
In Gobys train was his fervent admirer and inseparable young friend
Clarence Hoby Captain Hoby and Captain Goby travelled the world together
visited Hombourg and Baden Cheltenham and Leamington Paris and Brussels in
company belonged to the same club in London the centre of all pleasure
fashion and joy for the young officer and the older campaigner The jokes at
the Flag the dinners at the Flag the committee of the Flag were the theme of
their constant conversation Goby fifty years old unattached and with dyed
moustaches was the affable comrade of the youngest member of his club when
absent a friend wrote him the last riddle from the smokingroom when present
his knowledge of horses of cookery wines and cigars and military history
rendered him a most acceptable companion He knew the history and achievements
of every regiment in the army of every general and commanding officer He was
known to have been out more than once himself and had made up a hundred
quarrels He was certainly not a man of an ascetic life or a profound
intellectual culture but though poor he was known to be most honourable
though more than middleaged he was cheerful busy and kindly and though the
youngsters called him Old Goby he bore his years very gaily and handsomely and
I dare say numbers of ladies besides Mrs Mackenzie thought him delightful
Gobys talk and rattle perhaps somewhat bored James Binnie but Thomas Newcome
found the Captain excellent company and Goby did justice to the good qualities
of the Colonel
Clives father liked Brussels very well He and his son occupied very
handsome quarters near the spacious apartments in the Park which James Binnies
family inhabited Waterloo was not far off to which the Indian officer paid
several visits with Captain Goby for a guide and many of Marlboroughs
battlefields were near in which Goby certainly took but a minor interest but
on the other hand Clive beheld these with the greatest pleasure and painted
more than one dashing piece in which Churchill and Eugene Cutts and Cadogan
were the heroes whose flowing periwigs huge boots and thundering Flemish
chargers were he thought more novel and picturesque than the Dukes surtout
and the French Grenadiers hairy caps which so many English and French artists
have portrayed
Mr and Mrs Pendennis were invited by our kind Colonel to pass a month
six months if they chose at Brussels and were most splendidly entertained by
our friends in that city A suite of handsome rooms was set apart for us My
study communicated with Clives atelier Many an hour did we pass and many a
ride and walk did we take together I observed that Clive never mentioned Miss
Newcomes name and Laura and I agreed that it was as well not to recall it
Only once when we read the death of Lady Glenlivet Lord Farintoshs mother in
the newspaper I remember to have said »I suppose that marriage will be put off
again«
»Questce que cela me fait« says Mr Clive gloomily over his picture a
cheerful piece representing Count Egmont going to execution in which I have the
honour to figure as a halberdier Captain Hoby as the Count and Captain Goby as
the Duke of Alva looking out of window
Mrs Mackenzie was in a state of great happiness and glory during this
winter She had a carriage and worked that vehicle most indefatigably She knew
a great deal of good company at Brussels She had an evening for receiving She
herself went to countless evening parties and had the joy of being invited to a
couple of court balls at which I am bound to say her daughter and herself both
looked very handsome The Colonel brushed up his old uniform and attended these
entertainments M Newcome fils as I should judge was not the worstlooking
man in the room and as these young people waltzed together in which
accomplishment Clive was very much more skilful than Captain Goby I dare say
many people thought he and Rosey made a pretty couple
Most persons my wife included difficult as that lady is to please were
pleased with the pretty little Rosey She sang charmingly now and looked so
while singing If her mother would but have omitted that chorus which she
cackled perseveringly behind her daughters pretty back about Roseys angelic
temper about the compliments Signor Polonini paid her about Sir Horace Dash
our minister insisting upon her singing »Batti Batti« over again and the
Archduke clapping his hands and saying »Oh yes« about Count Vanderslaapens
attentions to her etc etc but for these constant remarks of Mrs Macks
I am sure no one would have been better pleased with Miss Roseys singing and
behaviour than myself As for Captain Hoby it was easy to see how he was
affected towards Miss Rosalinds music and person
And indeed few things could be pleasanter than to watch the behaviour of
this pretty little maid with her Uncle James and his old chum the Colonel The
latter was soon as fond of her as James Binnie himself whose face used to
lighten with pleasure whenever it turned towards hers She seemed to divine his
wants as she would trip across the room to fulfil them She skipped into the
carriage and covered his feet with a shawl James was lazy and chilly now when
he took his drive She sate opposite to him and smiled on him and if he dozed
quick another handkerchief was round his neck I do not know whether she
understood his jokes but she saluted them always with a sweet kind smile How
she kissed him and how delighted she was if he bought her a bouquet for her
ball that night One day upon occasion of one of these balls James and Thomas
those two old boys absolutely came into Mrs Mackenzies drawingroom with a
bouquet apiece for Miss Rosey and there was a fine laughing
»O you little Susanna« says James after taking his usual payment »now go
and pay tother elder« Rosey did not quite understand at first being you see
more ready to laugh at jokes than to comprehend them but when she did I
promise you she looked uncommonly pretty as she advanced to Colonel Newcome and
put that pretty fresh cheek of hers up to his grizzled moustache
»I protest I dont know which of you blushes the most« chuckles James
Binnie and the truth is the old man and the young girl had both hung out those
signals of amiable distress
On this day and as Miss Rosey was to be overpowered by flowers who should
come presently to dinner but Captain Hoby with another bouquet on which Uncle
James said Rosey should go to the ball like an American Indian with her scalps
at her belt
»Scalps« cries Mrs Mackenzie
»Scalps O Law uncle« exclaims Miss Rosey »what can you mean by anything
so horrid«
Goby recalls to Mrs Mack Hookeemagoosh the Indian chief whom she must
have seen when the Hundred and Fiftieth were at Quebec and who had his lodge
full of them and who used to lie about the barracks so drunk and who used to
beat his poor little European wife and presently Mr Clive Newcome joins this
company when the chirping tittering joking laughing cease somehow
Has Clive brought a bouquet too No he has never thought about a bouquet
He is dressed in black with long hair a long moustache and melancholy
imperial He looks very handsome but as glum as an undertaker And James Binnie
says »Egad Tom they used to call you the knight of the woeful countenance
and Clive has just inherited the paternal mug« Then James calls out in a cheery
voice »Dinner dinner« and trots off with Mrs Pendennis under his arm Rosey
nestles up against the Colonel Goby and Mrs Mack walk away arminarm very
contentedly and I dont know with which of her three nosegays pretty Rosey
appears at the ball
Our stay with our friends at Brussels could not be prolonged beyond a month for
at the end of that period we were under an engagement to other friends in
England who were good enough to desire the presence of Mrs Pendennis and her
suite of baby nurse and husband So we presently took leave of Rosey and the
Campaigner of the two stout elders and our melancholy young Clive who bore us
company to Antwerp and who won Lauras heart by the neat way in which he took
her child on board ship Poor fellow how sad he looked as he bowed to us and
took off his hat His eyes did not seem to be looking at us though they and
his thoughts were turned another way He moved off immediately with his head
down puffing his eternal cigar and lost in his own meditations our going or
our staying was of very little importance to the lugubrious youth
»I think it was a great pity they came to Brussels« says Laura as we sate
on the deck while her unconscious infant was cheerful and while the water of
the lazy Scheldt as yet was smooth
»Who the Colonel and Clive They are very handsomely lodged they have a
good maîtredhôtel their dinners I am sure are excellent and your child
madam is as healthy as it possibly can be«
»Blessed darling yes« Blessed darling crows moos jumps in his nurses
arms and holds out a little mottled hand for a biscuit of Savoy which mamma
supplies »I cant help thinking Arthur that Rosey would have been much
happier as Mrs Hoby than she will be as Mrs Newcome«
»Who thinks of her being Mrs Newcome«
»Her mother her uncle and Clives father Since the Colonel has been so
rich I think Mrs Mackenzie sees a great deal of merit in Clive Rosey will do
anything her mother bids her If Clive can be brought to the same obedience
Uncle James and the Colonel will be delighted Uncle James has set his heart on
this marriage He and his sister agree upon this point He told me last night
that he would sing Nunc Dimittis could he but see the two children happy and
that he should lie easier in purgatory if that could be brought about«
»And what did you say Laura«
»I laughed and told Uncle James I was of the Hoby faction He is very
goodnatured frank honest and gentlemanlike Mr Hoby But Uncle James said
he thought Mr Hoby was so well so stupid that his Rosey would be thrown away
upon the poor Captain So I did not tell Uncle James that before Clives arrival
Rosey had found Captain Hoby far from stupid He used to sing duets with her he
used to ride with her before Clive came Last winter when they were at Pau I
feel certain Miss Rosey thought Captain Hoby very pleasant indeed She thinks
she was attached to Clive formerly and now she admires him and is dreadfully
afraid of him He is taller and handsomer and richer and cleverer than Captain
Hoby certainly«
»I should think so indeed« breaks out Mr Pendennis »Why my dear Clive
is as fine a fellow as one can see on a summers day It does one good to look
at him What a pair of frank bright blue eyes he has or used to have till
this mishap overclouded them What a pleasant laugh he has What a wellbuilt
agile figure it is What pluck and spirit and honour there is about my young
chap I dont say he is a genius of the highest order but he is the stanchest
the bravest the cheeriest the most truthtelling the kindest heart Compare
him and Hoby Why Clive is an eagle and yonder little creature a mousing owl«
»I like to hear you speak so« cries Mrs Laura very tenderly »People say
that you are always sneering Arthur but I know my husband better We know
papa better dont we baby« Here my wife kisses the infant Pendennis with
great effusion who has come up dancing on his nurses arms »But« says she
coming back and snuggling by her husbands side again »but suppose your
favourite Clive is an eagle Arthur dont you think he had better have an eagle
for a mate If he were to marry little Rosey I dare say he would be very good
to her but I think neither he nor she would be very happy My dear she does
not care for his pursuits she does not understand him when he talks The two
Captains and Rosey and I and the Campaigner as you call her laugh and talk
and prattle and have the merriest little jokes with one another, and we all are
as quiet as mice when you and Clive come in«
»What am I an eagle too I have no aquiline pretensions at all Mrs
Pendennis«
»No Well we are not afraid of you We are not afraid of papa are we
darling« this young woman now calls out to the other member of her family who
if you will calculate has just had time to be walked twice up and down the deck
of the steamer whilst Laura has been making her speech about eagles And soon
the mother child and attendant descend into the lower cabins and then dinner
is announced and Captain Jackson treats us to champagne from his end of the
table and yet a short while and we are at sea and conversation becomes
impossible and morning sees us under the grey London sky and amid the million
of masts on the Thames
Chapter LVII
Rosebury and Newcome
The friends to whom we were engaged in England were Florac and his wife Madame
la Princesse de Montcontour who were determined to spend the Christmas holidays
at the Princesss countryseat It was for the first time since their
reconciliation that the Prince and Princess dispensed their hospitalities at the
latters château It is situated as the reader has already been informed at
some five miles from the town of Newcome away from the chimneys and smoky
atmosphere of that place in a sweet country of rural woodlands over which
quiet villages grey church spires and ancient gabled farmhouses are
scattered still wearing the peaceful aspect which belonged to them when Newcome
was as yet but an antiquated country town before mills were erected on its
river banks and dyes and cinders blackened its stream Twenty years since
Newcome Park was the only great house in that district now scores of fine
villas have sprung up in the suburb lying between the town and Park Newcome New
Town as everybody knows has grown round the Park gates and the New Town Hotel
where the railway station is is a splendid structure in the Tudor style more
ancient in appearance than the Park itself surrounded by little antique villas
with spiked gables stacks of crooked chimneys and plateglass windows looking
upon trim lawns with glistening hedges of evergreens spotless gravel walks
and Elizabethan gighouses Under the great railway viaduct of the New Town goes
the old tranquil winding London highroad once busy with a score of gay coaches
and ground by innumerable wheels but at a few miles from the New Town Station
the road has become so mouldy that the grass actually grows on it and Rosebury
Madame de Montcontours house stands at one end of a village green which is
even more quiet now than it was a hundred years ago
When first Madame de Florac bought the place it scarcely ranked amongst the
county houses and she the sister of manufacturers at Newcome and Manchester
did not of course visit the county families A homely little body married to
a Frenchman from whom she was separated may or may not have done a great deal
of good in her village have had pretty gardens and won prizes at the Newcome
flower and fruit shows but of course she was nobody in such an aristocratic
county as we all know shire is She had her friends and relatives from
Newcome Many of them were Quakers many were retail shopkeepers She even
frequented the little branch Ebenezer on Rosebury Green and it was only by her
charities and kindness at Christmas time that the Rev Dr Potter the rector at
Rosebury knew her The old clergy you see live with the county families Good
little Madame de Florac was pitied and patronized by the Doctor treated with no
little superciliousness by Mrs Potter and the young ladies who only kept the
first society Even when her rich brother died and she got her share of all
that money Mrs Potter said poor Madame de Florac did well in not trying to
move out of her natural sphere Mrs P was the daughter of a bankrupt hatter in
London and had herself been governess in a noble family out of which she
married Mr P who was private tutor Madame de Florac did well we say, not
to endeavour to leave her natural sphere and that The County never would
receive her Tom Potter the rectors son with whom I had the good fortune to
be a fellowstudent at Saint Boniface College Oxbridge a rattling forward
and it must be owned vulgar youth asked me whether Florac was not a
billiardmarker by profession and was even so kind as to caution his sisters
not to speak of billiards before the lady of Rosebury Tom was surprised to
learn that Monsieur Paul de Florac was a gentleman of lineage incomparably
better than that of any except two or three families in England including
your own my dear and respected reader of course if you hold to your pedigree
But the truth is heraldically speaking that union with the Higgs of Manchester
was the first misalliance which the Florac family had made for long long years
Not that I would wish for a moment to insinuate that any nobleman is equal to an
English nobleman nay that an English snob with a coatofarms bought
yesterday or stolen out of Edmonton or a pedigree purchased from a
peeragemaker has not a right to look down upon any of your paltry foreign
nobility
One day the carriageandfour came in state from Newcome Park with the
wellknown chaste liveries of the Newcomes and drove up Rosebury Green towards
the parsonage gate where Mrs and the Miss Potters happened to be standing
cheapening fish from a donkeyman with whom they were in the habit of dealing
The ladies were in their pokiest old headgear and most dingy gowns when they
perceived the carriage approaching and considering of course that the visit
of the Park people was intended for them dashed into the rectory to change
their clothes leaving Rowkins the costermonger in the very midst of the
negotiation about the three mackerel Mamma got that new bonnet out of the
bandbox Lizzy and Liddy skipped up to their bedroom and brought out those
dresses which they wore at the déjeûner at the Newcome Athenæum when Lord
Leveret came down to lecture into which they no sooner had hooked their lovely
shoulders than they reflected with terror that mamma had been altering one of
papas flannel waistcoats and had left it in the drawingroom when they were
called out by the song of Rowkins and the appearance of his donkeys ears over
the green gate of the rectory To think of the Park people coming and the
drawingroom in that dreadful state
But when they came downstairs the Park people were not in the room the
woollen garment was still on the table how they plunged it into the
chiffonier and the only visitor was Rowkins the costermonger grinning at
the open French windows with the three mackerel and crying »Make it sixpence
Miss dont say fippens Maam to a pore fellow that has a wife and family« So
that the young ladies had to cry »Impudence« »Get away you vulgar insolent
creature Go round sir to the back door« »How dare you« and the like
fearing lest Lady Ann Newcome and young Ethel and Barnes should enter in the
midst of this ignoble controversy
They never came at all those Park people How very odd They passed the
rectory gate they drove on to Madame de Floracs lodge They went in They
stayed for half an hour the horses driving round and round the gravelroad
before the house and Mrs Potter and the girls speedily going to the upper
chambers and looking out of the room where the maids slept saw Lady Ann
Ethel and Barnes walking with Madame de Florac going into the conservatories
issuing thence with MWhirter the gardener bearing huge bunches of grapes and
large fasces of flowers they saw Barnes talking in the most respectful manner
to Madame de Florac and when they went downstairs and had their work before
them Liddy her gilt musicbook Lizzy her embroidered altarcloth Mamma her
scarlet cloak for one of the old women they had the agony of seeing the
barouche over the railings whisk by with the Park people inside and Barnes
driving the four horses
It was on that day when Barnes had determined to take up Madame de Florac
when he was bent upon reconciling her to her husband In spite of all Mrs
Potters predictions the county families did come and visit the manufacturers
daughter and when Madame de Florac became Madame la Princesse de Montcontour
when it was announced that she was coming to stay at Rosebury for Christmas I
leave you to imagine whether the circumstance was or was not mentioned in the
Newcome Sentinel and the Newcome Independent and whether Rev G Potter DD
and Mrs Potter did or did not call on the Prince and Princess I leave you to
imagine whether the lady did or did not inspect all the alterations which
Vineers people from Newcome were making at Rosebury House the chaste yellow
satin and gold of the drawingroom the carved oak for the diningroom the
chintz for the bedrooms the Princesss apartment the Princes apartment
the guests apartments the smokingroom gracious goodness the stables
these were under Tom Potters superintendence »and Im dashed« says he one
day »if here doesnt come a billiardtable«
The house was most comfortably and snugly appointed from top to bottom and
thus it will be seen that Mr and Mrs Pendennis were likely to be in very good
quarters for their Christmas of 184
Tom Potter was so kind as to call on me two days after our arrival and to
greet me in the Princesss pew at church on the previous day Before desiring to
be introduced to my wife he requested me to present him to my friend the
Prince He called him »your Highness« His Highness who had behaved with
exemplary gravity save once when he shrieked an ah as Miss Liddy led off the
children in the organloft in a hymn and the whole pack went woefully out of
tune complimented Monsieur Tom on the sermon of Monsieur his father Tom walked
back with us to Rosebury Lodge gate »Will you not come in and make a party of
billiard with me« says his Highness »Ah pardon I forgot you do not play the
billiard the Sunday« »Any other day Prince I shall be delighted« says Tom
and squeezed his Highnesss hand tenderly at parting »Your comrade of college
was he« asks Florac »My dear what men are these comrades of college What men
are you English My word of honour there are some of them here if I were to
say to them wax my boots they would take them and wax them Didst thou see how
the Révérend eyed us during the sermon He regarded us over his book my word of
honour«
Madame de Florac said simply she wished the Prince would go and hear Mr
Jacob at the Ebenezer Mr Potter was not a good preacher certainly
»Savezvous quelle est furieusement belle la fille du Révérend« whispered
his Highness to me »I have made eyes at her during the sermon They will be of
pretty neighbours these Meess« and Paul looked unutterably roguish and
victorious as he spoke To my wife I am bound to say Monsieur de Montcontour
showed a courtesy a respect and kindness that could not be exceeded He
admired her He paid her compliments innumerable and gave me I am sure
sincere congratulations at possessing such a treasure I do not think he doubted
about his power of conquering her or any other of the daughters of women But I
was the friend of his misfortunes his guest and he spared me
I have seen nothing more amusing odd and pleasant than Florac at this time
of his prosperity We arrived as this veracious chronicle has already asserted
on a Saturday evening We were conducted to our most comfortable apartments
with crackling fires blazing on the hearths and every warmth of welcome Florac
expanded and beamed with goodnature He shook me many times by the hand he
patted me he called me his good his brave He cried to his maîtredhôtel
»Frédéric remember Monsieur is master here Run before his orders Prostrate
thyself to him He was good to me in the days of my misfortune Hearest thou
Frédéric See that everything be done for Monsieur Pendennis for Madame sa
charmante lady for her angelic infant and the bonne None of thy garrison
tricks with that young person Frédéric vieux scélérat Gardetoi de la
Frédéric si non je tenvoie à Botani Bay je te traduis devant le Lord Maire«
»En Angleterre je me fais Anglais vois tu mon ami« continued the Prince
»Demain cest Sunday et tu vas voir I hear the bell dress thyself for the
dinner my friend« Here there was another squeeze of both hands from the
goodnatured fellow »It do good to my art to ave you in my ouse Heuh« He
hugged his guest he had tears in his eyes as he performed this droll this kind
embrace Not less kind in her way though less expansive and embracive was
Madame de Montcontour to my wife as I found on comparing notes with that young
woman when the days hospitalities were ended The little Princess trotted from
bedchamber to nursery to see that everything was made comfortable for her
guests She sate and saw the child washed and put to bed She had never beheld
such a little angel She brought it a fine toy to play with She and her grim
old maid frightened the little creature at first but it was very speedily
reconciled to their countenances She was in the nursery almost as early as the
childs mother »Ah« sighed the poor little woman »how happy you must be to
have one« In fine my wife was quite overcome by her goodness and welcome
Sunday morning arrived in the course of time and then Florac appeared as a
most wonderful Briton indeed He wore topboots and buckskins and after
breakfast when we went to church a white greatcoat with a little cape in
which garment he felt that his similarity to an English gentleman was perfect
In conversation with his grooms and servants he swore freely not that he was
accustomed to employ oaths in his own private talk but he thought the
employment of these expletives necessary as an English country gentleman He
never dined without a roast beef and insisted that the piece of meat should be
bleeding »as you love it you others« He got up boxingmatches and kept birds
for combats of cock He assumed the sporting language with admirable enthusiasm
drove over to cover with a steppère rode across countri like a good one was
splendid in the huntingfield in his velvet cap and Napoleon boots and made the
Hunt welcome at Rosebury where his goodnatured little wife was as kind to the
gentlemen in scarlet as she used to be of old to the stout Dissenting gentlemen
in black who sang hymns and spake sermons on her lawn These folks scared at
the change which had taken place in the little Princesss habits of life
lamented her falling away but in the county she and her husband got a great
popularity and in Newcome town itself they were not less liked for her
benefactions were unceasing and Pauls affability the theme of all praise The
Newcome Independent and the Newcome Sentinel both paid him compliments the
former journal contrasting his behaviour with that of Sir Barnes their member
Floracs pleasure was to drive his Princess with four horses into Newcome He
called his carriage his trappe his drague The street boys cheered and hurrayed
the Prince as he passed through the town One haberdasher had a yellow stock
called »The Montcontour« displayed in his windows another had a pink one marked
»The Princely« and as such recommended it to the young Newcome gents
The drague conveyed us once to the neighbouring house of Newcome whither my
wife accompanied Madame de Montcontour at that ladys own request to whom Laura
very properly did not think fit to confide her antipathy for Lady Clara Newcome
Coming away from a great house how often she and I egotistical philosophers
thanked our fates that our own home was a small one How long will great houses
last in this world Do not their owners now prefer a lodging at Brighton or a
little entresol on the Boulevard to the solitary ancestral palace in a park
barred round with snow We were as glad to get out of Newcome as out of a
prison My wife and our hostess skipped into the carriage and began to talk
freely as the lodge gates closed after us Would we be lords of such a place
under the penalty of living in it We agreed that the little angle of earth
called Fairoaks was dearer to us than the clumsy Newcome pile of Tudor masonry
The house had been fitted up in the time of George IV and the quasiGothic
revival We were made to pass through Gothic diningrooms where there was now no
hospitality Gothic drawingrooms shrouded in brown hollands to one little room
at the end of the dusky suite where Lady Clara sate alone or in the company of
the nurses and children The blank gloom of the place had fallen upon the poor
lady Even when my wife talked about children goodnatured Madame de
Montcontour vaunting ours as a prodigy Lady Clara did not brighten up Her pair
of young ones was exhibited and withdrawn A something weighed upon the woman
We talked about Ethels marriage She said it was fixed for the new year she
believed She did not know whether Glenlivet had been very handsomely fitted up
She had not seen Lord Farintoshs house in London Sir Barnes came down once
twice of a Saturday sometimes for three or four days to hunt to amuse
himself as all men do she supposed She did not know when he was coming again
She rang languidly when we rose to take leave and sank back on her sofa where
lay a heap of French novels »She has chosen some pretty books« says Paul as
we drove through the sombre avenues through the grey park mists lying about the
melancholy ornamental waters dingy herds of huddled sheep speckling the grass
here and there no smoke rising up from the great stacks of chimneys of the
building we were leaving behind us save one little feeble thread of white which
we knew came from the fire by which the lonely mistress of Newcome was seated »
Ouf« cries Florac playing his whip as the lodge gates closed on us and his
team of horses rattled merrily along the road »what a blessing it is to be out
of that vault of a place There is something fatal in this house in this
woman One smells misfortune there«
The hotel which our friend Florac patronized on occasion of his visits to
Newcome was the Kings Arms and it happened one day as we entered that place
of entertainment in company that a visitor of the house was issuing through the
hall to whom Florac seemed as if he would administer one of his customary
embraces and to whom the Prince called out »Jack« with great warmth and
kindness as he ran towards the stranger
Jack did not appear to be particularly well pleased on beholding us he
rather retreated from before the Frenchmans advances
»My dear Jack my good my brave Ighgate I am delighted to see you«
Florac continues regardless of the strangers reception or of the landlords
looks towards us who was bowing the Prince into his very best room
»How do you do Monsieur de Florac« growls the newcomer surlily and was
for moving on after this brief salutation but having a second thought
seemingly turned back and followed Florac into the apartment whither our host
conducted us À la bonne heure Florac renewed his cordial greetings to Lord
Highgate »I knew not mon bon what fly had stung you« says he to my lord The
landlord rubbing his hands smirking and bowing was anxious to know whether
the Prince would take anything after his drive As the Princes attendant and
friend the lustre of his reception partially illuminated me When the chief was
not by I was treated with great attention mingled with a certain degree of
familiarity by my landlord
Lord Highgate waited until Mr Taplow was out of the room and then said to
Florac »Dont call me by my name here please Florac I am here incog«
»Plaîtil« asks Florac »where is incog« He laughed when the word was
interpreted to him Lord Highgate had turned to me »There was no rudeness you
understand intended Mr Pendennis but I am down here on some business and
dont care to wear the handle to my name Fellows work it so dont you
understand never leave you at rest in a country town that sort of thing
Heard of our friend Clive lately«
»Whether you ave andle or no andle Jack you are always the bien venu to
me What is thy affair Old monster I wager «
»No no no such nonsense« says Jack rather eagerly »I give you my
honour I I want to to raise a sum of money that is to invest some in a
speculation down here deuced good the speculations down here and by the way
if the landlord asks you Im Mr Harris Im a civil engineer Im waiting
for the arrival of the Canada at Liverpool from America and very uneasy about
my brother who is on board«
»What does he recount to us there Keep these stories for the landlord
Jack to us tis not the pain to lie My good Mr Harris why have we not seen
you at Rosebury The Princess will scold me if you do not come and you must
bring your dear brother when he arrive too Do you hear« The last part of this
sentence was uttered for Mr Taplows benefit who had reentered the George
bearing a tray of wine and biscuit
The Master of Rosebury and Mr Harris went out presently to look at a horse
which was waiting the former's inspection in the stableyard of the hotel The
landlord took advantage of his business to hear a bell which never was rung and
to ask me questions about the guest who had been staying at his house for a week
past Did I know that party Mr Pendennis said »Yes he knew that party«
»Most respectable party I have no doubt« continues Boniface
»Do you suppose the Prince of Montcontour knows any but respectable
parties« asks Mr Pendennis a query of which the force was so great as to
discomfit and silence our landlord who retreated to ask questions concerning
Mr Harris of Floracs grooms
What was Highgates business here Was it mine to know I might have
suspicions but should I entertain them or communicate them and had I not best
keep them to myself I exchanged not a word on the subject of Highgate with
Florac as we drove home though from the way in which we looked at one another,
each saw that the other was acquainted with that unhappy gentlemans secret We
fell to talking about Madame la Duchesse dIvry as we trotted on and then of
English manners by way of contrast of intrigues elopements Gretna Grin etc
etc »You are a droll nation« says Florac »To make love well you must
absolutely have a chaisedeposte and a scandal afterwards If our affairs of
this kind made themselves on the grand route what armies of postilions we
should need«
I held my peace In that vision of Jack Belsize I saw misery guilt
children dishonoured homes deserted ruin for all the actors and victims of
the wretched conspiracy Laura marked my disturbance when we reached home She
even divined the cause of it and charged me with it at night when we sate
alone by our dressingroom fire and had taken leave of our kind entertainers
Then under her crossexamination I own that I told what I had seen Lord
Highgate under a feigned name staying at Newcome It might be nothing
Nothing Gracious heavens could not this crime and misery be stopped »It might
be too late« Lauras husband said sadly bending down his head into the fire
She was silent too for a while I could see she was engaged where pious
women ever will betake themselves in moments of doubt of grief of pain of
separation of joy even or whatsoever other trial They have but to will and
as it were an invisible temple rises round them their hearts can kneel down
there and they have an audience of the great the merciful untiring Counsellor
and Consoler She would not have been frightened at Death near at hand I have
known her to tend the poor round about us or to bear pain not her own merely
but even her childrens and mine with a surprising outward constancy and calm
But the idea of this crime being enacted close at hand and no help for it
quite overcame her I believe she lay awake all that night and rose quite
haggard and pale after the bitter thoughts which had deprived her of rest
She embraced her own child with extraordinary tenderness that morning and
even wept over it calling it by a thousand fond names of maternal endearment
»Would I leave you my darling could I ever ever ever quit you my blessing
and treasure« The unconscious little thing hugged to his mothers bosom and
scared at her tones and tragic face clung frightened and weeping round Lauras
neck Would you ask what the husbands feelings were as he looked at that sweet
love that sublime tenderness that pure Saint blessing the life of him
unworthy Of all the gifts of Heaven to us below that felicity is the sum and
the chief I tremble as I hold it lest I should lose it and be left alone in
the blank world without it again I feel humiliated to think that I possess it
as hastening home to a warm fireside and a plentiful table I feel ashamed
sometimes before the poor outcast beggar shivering in the street
Breakfast was scarcely over when Laura asked for a pony carriage and said
she was bent on a private visit She took her baby and nurse with her She
refused our company and would not even say whither she was bound until she had
passed the lodge gate I may have suspected what the object was of her journey
Florac and I did not talk of it We rode out to meet the hounds of a cheery
winter morning On another day I might have been amused with my host the
splendour of his raiment the neatness of his velvet cap the gloss of his
huntingboots the cheers shouts salutations to dog and man the oaths and
outcries of this Nimrod who shouted louder than the whole field and the whole
pack too but on this morning I was thinking of the tragedy yonder enacting
and came away early from the huntingfield and found my wife already returned
to Rosebury
Laura had been as I suspected to Lady Clara She did not know why indeed
She scarce knew what she should say when she arrived how she could say what
she had in her mind »I hoped Arthur that I should have something something
told me to say« whispered Laura with her head on my shoulder »and as I lay
awake last night thinking of her prayed that is hoped I might find a word
of consolation for that poor lady Do you know I think she has hardly ever heard
a kind word She said so she was very much affected after we had talked
together a little
At first she was very indifferent cold and haughty in her manner asked
what had caused the pleasure of this visit for I would go in though at the
lodge they told me her ladyship was unwell and they thought received no
company I said I wanted to show our boy to her that the children ought to be
acquainted I dont know what I said She seemed more and more surprised then
all of a sudden I dont know how I said Lady Clara I have had a dream
about you and your children and I was so frightened that I came over to you to
speak about it And I had the dream Pen it came to me absolutely as I was
speaking to her
She looked a little scared and I went on telling her the dream My dear I
said I dreamed that I saw you happy with those children
Happy says she the three were playing in the conservatory into which her
sittingroom opens
And that a bad spirit came and tore them from you and drove you out into
the darkness and I saw you wandering about quite lonely and wretched and
looking back into the garden where the children were playing And you asked and
implored to see them and the Keeper at the gate said »No never« And then
then I thought they passed by you and they did not know you
Ah said Lady Clara
And then I thought as we do in dreams you know that it was my child who
was separated from me and who would not know me and oh what a pang that was
Fancy that Let us pray God it was only a dream And worse than that when you
when I implored to come to the child and the man said No never I thought
there came a spirit an angel that fetched the child to heaven and you said
Let me come too oh let me come too I am so miserable And the angel said No
never never
By this time Lady Clara was looking very pale What do you mean she asked
of me Laura continued
O dear lady for the sake of the little ones and Him who calls them to Him
go you with them Never never part from them Cling to His knees and take
shelter there I took her hands and I said more to her in this way Arthur
that I need not that I ought not to speak again But she was touched at length
when I kissed her and she said I was very kind to her and no one had ever been
so and that she was quite alone in the world and had no friend to fly to and
would I go and stay with her and I said Yes and we must go my dear And I
think you should see that person at Newcome see him and warn him« cried
Laura warming as she spoke »and pray God to enlighten and strengthen him and
to keep him from this temptation and implore him to leave this poor weak
frightened trembling creature If he has the heart of a gentleman and the
courage of a man he will I know he will«
»I think he would my dearest« I said »if he but heard the petitioner«
Lauras cheeks were blushing her eyes brightened her voice rang with a sweet
pathos of love that vibrates through my whole being sometimes It seems to me as
if evil must give way and bad thoughts retire before that purest creature
»Why has she not some of her family with her poor thing« my wife
continued »She perishes in that solitude Her husband prevents her I think
and oh I know enough of him to know what his life is I shudder Arthur to
see you take the hand of that wicked selfish man You must break with him do
you hear sir«
»Before or after going to stay at his house my love« asks Mr Pendennis
»Poor thing she lighted up at the idea of any one coming She ran and
showed me the rooms we were to have It will be very stupid and you dont like
that But you can write your book and still hunt and shoot with our friends
here And Lady Ann Newcome must be made to come back again Sir Barnes
quarrelled with his mother and drove her out of the house on her last visit
think of that The servants here know it Martha brought me the whole story from
the housekeepers room This Sir Barnes Newcome is a dreadful creature Arthur
I am so glad I loathed him from the very first moment I saw him«
»And into this ogres den you propose to put me and my family madam« says
the husband »Indeed where wont I go if you order me Oh who will pack my
portmanteau«
Florac and the Princess were both in desolation when at dinner we
announced our resolution to go away and to our neighbours at Newcome that was
more extraordinary »Que diable goest thou to do in this galley« asks our host
as we sate alone over our wine
But Lauras intended visit to Lady Clara was never to have a fulfilment for
on this same evening as we sate at our dessert comes a messenger from Newcome
with a note for my wife from the lady there
»Dearest kindest Mrs Pendennis« Lady Clara wrote with many italics
and evidently in much distress of mind »your visit is not to be I
spoke about it to Sir B who arrived this afternoon and who has
already begun to treat me in his usual way Oh I am so unhappy Pray
pray do not be angry at this rudeness though indeed it is only a
kindness to keep you from this wretched place I feel as if I cannot
bear this much longer But whatever happens I shall always remember
your goodness your beautiful goodness and kindness and shall worship
you as an angel deserves to be worshipped Oh why had I not such a
friend earlier But alas I have none only this odious family thrust
upon me for companions to the wretched lonely CN
PS He does not know of my writing Do not be surprised if you
get another note from me in the morning written in a ceremonious style
and regretting that we cannot have the pleasure of receiving Mr and
Mrs Pendennis for the present at Newcome
PS The hypocrite«
This letter was handed to my wife at dinnertime and she gave it to me as she
passed out of the room with the other ladies
I told Florac that the Newcomes could not receive us and that we would
remain if he willed it his guests for a little longer The kind fellow was
only too glad to keep us »My wife would die without Bébi« he said »She
becomes quite dangerous about Bébi« It was gratifying that the good old lady
was not to be parted as yet from the innocent object of her love
My host knew as well as I the terms upon which Sir Barnes and his wife were
living Their quarrels were the talk of the whole county One side brought
forward his treatment of her and his conduct elsewhere and said that he was so
bad that honest people should not know him The other party laid the blame upon
her and declared that Lady Clara was a languid silly weak frivolous
creature always crying out of season who had notoriously taken Sir Barnes for
his money and who as certainly had had an attachment elsewhere Yes the
accusations were true on both sides A bad selfish husband had married a woman
for her rank a weak thoughtless girl had been sold to a man for his money and
the union which might have ended in a comfortable indifference had taken an
ill turn and resulted in misery cruelty fierce mutual recriminations bitter
tears shed in private husbands curses and maledictions and open scenes of
wrath and violence for servants to witness and the world to sneer at We arrange
such matches every day we sell or buy beauty or rank or wealth we inaugurate
the bargain in churches with sacramental services in which the parties engaged
call upon Heaven to witness their wows we know them to be lies and we seal
them with Gods name »I Barnes promise to take you Clara to love and honour
till death do us part« »I Clara promise to take you Barnes« etc etc Who
has not heard the ancient words and how many of us have uttered them knowing
them to be untrue and is there a bishop on the bench that has not amend the
humbug in his lawn sleeves and called a blessing over the kneeling pair of
perjurers
»Does Mr Harris know of Newcomes return« Florac asked when I acquainted
him with this intelligence »Ce scélèrat de Highgate va«
»Does Newcome know that Lord Highgate is here« I thought within myself
admiring my wifes faithfulness and simplicity and trying to believe with that
pure and guileless creature that it was not yet too late to save the unhappy
Lady Clara
»Mr Harris had best be warned« I said to Florac »will you write him a
word and let us send a messenger to Newcome«
At first Florac said »Parbleu no« the affair was none of his he attended
himself always to this result of Lady Claras marriage He had even complimented
Jack upon it years before at Baden when scenes enough tragic enough comical
ma foi had taken place apropos of this affair Why should he meddle with it
now
»Children dishonoured« said I »honest families made miserable for
Heavens sake Florac let us stay this catastrophe if we can« I spoke with
much warmth eagerly desirous to avert this calamity if possible and very
strongly moved by the tale which I had heard only just before dinner from that
noble and innocent creature whose pure heart had already prompted her to plead
the cause of right and truth and to try and rescue an unhappy desperate sister
trembling on the verge of ruin
»If you will not write to him« said I in some heat »if your grooms dont
like to go out of a night« this was one of the objections which Florac had
raised »I will walk« We were talking over the affair rather late in the
evening the ladies having retreated to their sleeping apartments and some
guests having taken leave whom our hospitable host and hostess had entertained
that night and before whom I naturally did not care to speak upon a subject so
dangerous
»Parbleu what virtue my friend what a Joseph« cries Florac puffing his
cigar »One sees well that your wife had made you the sermon My poor Pendennis
you are henpecked my pauvre bon You become the husband model It is true my
mother writes that thy wife is an angel«
»I do not object to obey such a woman when she bids me do right« I said
and would indeed at that womans request have gone out upon the errand but that
we here found another messenger On days when dinnerparties were held at
Rosebury certain auxiliary waiters used to attend from Newcome whom the
landlord of the Kings Arms was accustomed to supply indeed it was to secure
these and make other necessary arrangements respecting fish game etc that
the Prince de Montcontour had ridden over to Newcome on the day when we met Lord
Highgate alias Mr Harris before the bar of the hotel Whilst we were engaged
in the above conversation a servant enters and says »My lord Jenkins and the
other man is going back to Newcome in their cart and is there anything wanted«
»It is the Heaven which sends him« says Florac turning round to me with a
laugh »Make Jenkins to wait five minutes Robert I have to write to a
gentleman at the Kings Arms« And so saying Florac wrote a line which he
showed me and having sealed the note directed it to Mr Harris at the Kings
Arms The cart the note and the assistant waiters depart on their way to
Newcome Florac bade me go to rest with a clear conscience In truth the
warning was better given in that way than any other and a word from Florac was
more likely to be effectual than an expostulation from me I had never thought
of making it perhaps except at the expressed desire of a lady whose counsel in
all the difficult circumstances of life I own I am disposed to take
Mr Jenkinss horse no doubt trotted at a very brisk pace as gentlemens
horses will of a frosty night after their masters have been regaled with
plentiful supplies of wine and ale I remember in my bachelor days that my
horses always trotted quicker after I had had a good dinner the champagne used
to communicate itself to them somehow and the claret get into their heels
Before midnight the letter for Mr Harris was in Mr Harriss hands in the
Kings Arms
It has been said that in the Boscawen Room at the Arms some of the jolly
fellows of Newcome had a club of which Parrot the auctioneer Tom Potts the
talented reporter now editor of the Independent Vidler the apothecary and
other gentlemen were members
When we first had occasion to mention that society it was at an early stage
of this history long before Clive Newcomes fine moustache had grown If Vidler
the apothecary was old and infirm then he is near ten years older now He has
had various assistants of course and one of them of late years had become his
partner though the firm continues to be known by Vidlers ancient and
respectable name A jovial fellow was this partner a capital convivial member
of the Jolly Britons where he used to sit very late so as to be in readiness
for any night work that might come in
So the Britons were all sitting smoking drinking and making merry in the
Boscawen Room when Jenkins enters with a note which he straightway delivers to
Mr Vidlers partner »From Rosebury The Princess ill again I suppose« says
the surgeon not sorry to let the company know that he attends her »I wish the
old girl would be ill in the day time Confound it« says he »whats this« And
he reads out »Sir Newcome est de retour Bon voyage mon ami F What does
this mean«
»I thought you knew French Jack Harris« says Tom Potts »youre always
bothering us with your French songs«
»Of course I know French« says the other »but whats the meaning of this«
»Screwcome came back by the five oclock train I was in it and his royal
highness would scarcely speak to me Took Browns fly from the station Brown
wont enrich his family much by the operation« says Mr Potts
»But what do I care« cries Jack Harris »we dont attend him and we dont
lose much by that Howell attends him ever since Vidler and he had that row«
»Hallo I say its a mistake« cries Mr Taplow smoking in his chair »This
letter is for the party in the Benbow the gent which the Prince spoke to him
and called him Jack the other day when he was here Heres a nice business and
the seal broke and all Is the Benbow party gone to bed John you must carry
him in this here note« John quite innocent of the note and its contents for
he that moment had entered the clubroom with Mr Pottss supper took the note
to the Benbow from which he presently returned to his master with a very scared
countenance He said the gent in the Benbow was a most harbitrary gent He had
almost choked John after reading the letter and John wouldnt stand it and
when John said he supposed that Mr Harris in the Boscawen that Mr Jack
Harris had opened the letter the other gent cursed and swore awful
»Potts« said Taplow who was only too communicative on some occasions after
he had imbibed too much of his own brandyandwater »its my belief that that
partys name is no more Harris than mine is I have sent his linen to the wash
and there was two white pockethandkerchiefs with H and a coronet«
On the next day we drove over to Newcome hoping perhaps to find that Lord
Highgate had taken the warning sent to him and quitted the place But we were
disappointed He was walking in front of the hotel where a thousand persons
might see him as well as ourselves
We entered into his private apartment with him and there expostulated upon
his appearance in the public street where Barnes Newcome or any passerby might
recognize him He then told us of the mishap which had befallen Floracs letter
on the previous night
»I cant go away now whatever might have happened previously by this time
that villain knows that I am here If I go he will say I was afraid of him and
ran away Oh how I wish he would come and find me« He broke out with a savage
laugh
»It is best to run away« one of us interposed sadly
»Pendennis« he said with a tone of great softness »your wife is a good
woman God bless her God bless her for all she has said and done would have
done if that villain had let her Do you know the poor thing hasnt a single
friend in the world not one one except me and that girl they are selling to
Farintosh and who does not count for much He has driven away all her friends
from her one and all turn upon her Her relations of course when did they ever
fail to hit a poor fellow or a poor girl when she was down The poor angel The
mother who sold her comes and preaches at her Kews wife turns up her little
cursed nose and scorns her Rooster forsooth must ride the high horse now he
is married and lives at Chanticlere and give her warning to avoid my company or
his Do you know the only friend she ever had was that old woman with the stick
old Kew the old witch whom they buried four months ago after nobbling her
money for the beauty of the family She used to protect her that old woman
Heaven bless her for it wherever she is now the old hag a good word wont do
her any harm Ha ha« his laughter was cruel to hear
»Why did I come down« he continued in reply to our sad queries »Why did I
come down do you ask Because she was wretched and sent for me Because if I
was at the end of the world and she was to say Jack come Id come«
»And if she bade you go« asked his friends
»I would go and I have gone If she told me to jump into the sea do you
think I would not do it But I go and when she is alone with him do you know
what he does He strikes her Strikes that poor little thing He has owned to
it She fled from him and sheltered with the old woman whos dead He may be
doing it now Why did I ever shake hands with him thats humiliation
sufficient isnt it But she wished it and Id black his boots curse him if
she told me And because he wanted to keep my money in his confounded bank and
because he knew he might rely upon my honour and hers poor dear child he
chooses to shake hands with me me whom he hates worse than a thousand devils
and quite right too Why isnt there a place where we can go and meet like
man to man and have it over If I had a ball through my brains I shouldnt
mind I tell you Ive a mind to do it for myself Pendennis You dont
understand me Viscount«
»Il est vrai« said Florac with a shrug »I comprehend neither the suicide
nor the chaisedeposte What will you I am not yet enough English my friend
We make marriages of convenance in our country que diable and what follows
follows but no scandal afterwards Do not adopt our institutions à demi my
friend Vous ne me comprenez pas non plus mon pauvre Jack«
»There is one way still I think« said the third of the speakers in this
scene »Let Lord Highgate come to Rosebury in his own name leaving that of Mr
Harris behind him If Sir Barnes Newcome wants you he can seek you there If
you will go as go you should and God speed you you can go and in your own
name too«
»Parbleu cest ça« cries Florac »he speaks like a book the Romancier«
I confess for my part I thought that a good woman might plead with him and
touch that manly not disloyal heart now trembling on the awful balance between
evil and good
»Allons let us make to come the drague« cries Florac »Jack thou
returnest with us my friend Madame Pendennis an angel my friend a quakre
the most charming shall roucoule to thee the sweetest sermons My wife shall
tend thee like a mother a grandmother Go make thy packet«
Lord Highgate was very much pleased and relieved seemingly He shook our
hands he said he should never forget our kindness never In truth the
didactic part of our conversation was carried on at much greater length than as
here noted down and he would come that evening but not with us thank you he
had a particular engagement some letters he must write Those done he would
not fail us and would be at Rosebury by dinnertime
Chapter LVIII
»One More Unfortunate«
The Fates did not ordain that the plan should succeed which Lord Highgates
friends had devised for Lady Claras rescue or respite He was bent upon one
more interview with the unfortunate lady and in that meeting the future destiny
of their luckless lives was decided On the morning of his return home Barnes
Newcome had information that Lord Highgate under a feigned name had been
staying in the neighbourhood of his house and had repeatedly been seen in the
company of Lady Clara She may have gone out to meet him but for one hour more
She had taken no leave of her children on the day when she left her home and
far from making preparations for her own departure had been engaged in getting
the house ready for the reception of members of the family whose arrival her
husband announced as speedily to follow his own Ethel and Lady Ann and some of
the children were coming Lord Farintoshs mother and sisters were to follow It
was to be a réunion previous to the marriage which was closer to unite the two
families Lady Clara said Yes to her husbands orders rose mechanically to obey
his wishes and arrange for the reception of the guests and spoke tremblingly to
the housekeeper as her husband gibed at her The little ones had been consigned
to bed early and before Sir Barness arrival He did not think fit to see them
in their sleep nor did their mother She did not know as the poor little
creatures left her room in charge of their nurses that she looked on them for
the last time Perhaps had she gone to their bedsides that evening had the
wretched panicstricken soul been allowed leisure to pause and to think and to
pray the fate of the morrow might have been otherwise and the trembling
balance of the scale have inclined to rights side But the pause was not
allowed her Her husband came and saluted her with his accustomed greetings of
scorn and sarcasm and brutal insult On a future day he never dared to call a
servant of his household to testify to his treatment of her though many were
ready to attend to prove his cruelty and her terror On that very last night
Lady Claras maid a country girl from her fathers house at Chanticlere told
Sir Barnes in the midst of a conjugal dispute that her lady might bear his
conduct but she could not and that she would no longer live under the roof of
such a brute The girls interference was not likely to benefit her mistress
much the wretched Lady Clara passed the last night under the roof of her
husband and children unattended save by this poor domestic who was about to
leave her in tears and hysterical outcries and then in moaning stupor Lady
Clara put to sleep with laudanum her maid carried down the story of her wrongs
to the servants quarters and half a dozen of them took in their resignation to
Sir Barnes as he sat over his breakfast the next morning in his ancestral hall
surrounded by the portraits of his august forefathers in his happy home
Their mutiny of course did not add to their masters goodhumour and his
letters brought him news which increased Barness fury A messenger arrived with
a letter from his man of business at Newcome upon the receipt of which he
started up with such an execration as frightened the servant waiting on him and
letter in hand he ran to Lady Claras sittingroom Her ladyship was up Sir
Barnes breakfasted rather late on the first morning after an arrival at Newcome
He had to look over the bailiffs books and to look about him round the park
and grounds to curse the gardeners to damn the stable and kennel grooms to
yell at the woodman for clearing not enough or too much to rail at the poor old
workpeople brooming away the fallen leaves etc So Lady Clara was up and
dressed when her husband went to her room which lay at the end of the house as
we have said the last of a suite of ancestral halls
The mutinous servant heard high voice and curses within then Lady Claras
screams then Sir Barnes Newcome burst out of the room locking the door and
taking the key with him and saluting with more curses James the mutineer over
whom his master ran
»Curse your wife and dont curse me Sir Barnes Newcome« said James the
mutineer and knocked down a hand which the infuriated Baronet raised against
him with an arm that was thrice as strong as Barness own This man and maid
followed their mistress in the sad journey upon which she was bent They treated
her with unalterable respect They never could be got to see that her conduct
was wrong When Barness counsel subsequently tried to impugn their testimony
they dared him and hurt the plaintiffs case very much For the balance had
weighed over and it was Barnes himself who caused what now ensued and what we
learned in a very few hours afterwards from Newcome where it was the talk of
the whole neighbourhood
Florac and I as yet ignorant of all that was occurring met Barnes near his
own lodgegate riding in the direction of Newcome as we were ourselves
returning to Rosebury The Prince de Montcontour who was driving affably
saluted the Baronet who gave us a scowling recognition and rode on his groom
behind him »The figure of this garçon« says Florac as our acquaintance
passed »is not agreeable Of pale he has become livid I hope these two men
will not meet or evil will come« Evil to Barnes there might be Floracs
companion thought who knew the previous little affairs between Barnes and his
uncle and cousin and that Lord Highgate was quite able to take care of himself
In half an hour after Florac spoke that meeting between Barnes and Highgate
actually had taken place in the open square of Newcome within four doors of
the Kings Arms Inn close to which lives Sir Barnes Newcomes man of business
and before which Mr Harris as he was called was walking and waiting till a
carriage which he had ordered came round from the inn yard As Sir Barnes
Newcome rode into the place many people touched their hats to him however
little they loved him He was bowing ad smirking to one of these when he
suddenly saw Belsize
He started back causing his horse to back with him on to the pavement and
it may have been rage and fury or accident and nervousness merely but at this
instant Barnes Newcome looking towards Lord Highgate shook his whip
»You cowardly villain« said the other springing forward »I was going to
your house«
»How dare you sir« cries Sir Barnes still holding up that unlucky cane
»how dare you to to «
»Dare you scoundrel« said Belsize »Is that the cane you strike your wife
with you ruffian« Belsize seized and tore him out of the saddle flinging him
screaming down on the pavement The horse rearing and making way for himself
galloped down the clattering street A hundred people were round Sir Barnes in a
moment
The carriage which Belsize had ordered came round at this very juncture
Amidst the crowd shrinking bustling expostulating threatening who pressed
about him he shouldered his way Mr Taplow aghast was one of the hundred
spectators of the scene
»I am Lord Highgate« said Barness adversary »If Sir Barnes Newcome wants
me tell him I will send him word where he may hear of me« And getting into the
carriage he told the driver to go to the usual place
Imagine the hubbub in the town the conclaves at the inns the talks in the
countinghouses the commotion amongst the factory people the paragraphs in the
Newcome papers the bustle of surgeons and lawyers after this event Crowds
gathered at the Kings Arms and waited round Mr Speers the lawyers house
into which Sir Barnes was carried In vain policemen told them to move on fresh
groups gathered after the seceders On the next day when Barnes Newcome who
was not much hurt had a fly to go home a factory man shook his fist in at the
carriage window and with a curse said »Serve you right you villain« It was
the man whose sweetheart this Don Juan had seduced and deserted years before
whose wrongs were well known amongst his mates a leader in the chorus of
hatred which growled round Barnes Newcome
Barness mother and sister Ethel had reached Newcome shortly before the
return of the master of the house The people there were in disturbance Lady
Ann and Miss Newcome came out with pallid looks to greet him He laughed and
reassured them about his accident indeed his hurt had been trifling he had
been bled by the surgeon a little jarred by the fall from his horse but there
was no sort of danger Still their pale and doubtful looks continued What
caused them In the open day with a servant attending her Lady Clara Newcome
had left her husbands house and a letter was forwarded to him that same
evening from my Lord Highgate informing Sir Barnes Newcome that Lady Clara
Pulleyn could bear his tyranny no longer and had left his roof that Lord
Highgate proposed to leave England almost immediately but would remain long
enough to afford Sir Barnes Newcome the opportunity for an interview in case he
should be disposed to demand one and a friend of Lord Highgates late
regiment was named who would receive letters and act in any way necessary for
his lordship
The debates of the House of Lords must tell what followed afterwards in the
dreary history of Lady Clara Pulleyn The proceedings in the Newcome Divorce
Bill filled the usual number of columns in the papers especially the Sunday
papers The witnesses were examined by learned peers whose business nay
pleasure it seems to be to enter into such matters and for the ends of
justice and morality doubtless the whole story of Barnes Newcomes household
was told to the British public In the previous trial in the Court of Queens
Bench how grandly Serjeant Rowland stood up for the rights of British husbands
with what pathos he depicted the conjugal paradise the innocent children
prattling round their happy parents the serpent the destroyer entering into
that Belgravian Eden the wretched and deserted husband alone by his desecrated
hearth and calling for redress on his country Rowland wept freely during his
noble harangue At not a shilling under twenty thousand pounds would he estimate
the cost of his clients injuries The jury was very much affected The evening
papers gave Rowlands address in extenso with some pretty sharp raps at the
aristocracy in general The Day the principal morning journal of that period
came out with a leading article the next morning in which every party concerned
and every institution was knocked about The disgrace of the peerage the ruin
of the monarchy with a retrospective view of the wellknown case of Gyges and
Candaules the monstrosity of the crime and the absurdity of the tribunal and
the punishment were all set forth in the terrible leading article of the Day
But when on the next day Serjeant Rowland was requested to call witnesses
to prove that connubial happiness which he had depicted so pathetically he had
none at hand
Oliver QC now had his innings A man a husband and a father Mr
Oliver could not attempt to defend the conduct of his unfortunate client but if
there could be any excuse for such conduct that excuse he was free to confess
the plaintiff had afforded whose cruelty and neglect twenty witnesses in court
were ready to prove neglect so outrageous cruelty so systematic that he
wondered the plaintiff had not been better advised than to bring this trial
with all its degrading particulars to a public issue On the very day when the
illomened marriage took place another victim of cruelty had interposed as
vainly as vainly as Serjeant Rowland himself interposed in court to prevent
this case being made known and with piteous outcries in the name of outraged
neglected woman of castaway children pleading in vain for bread had besought
the bride to pause and the bridegroom to look upon the wretched beings who owed
him life Why had not Lady Clara Pulleyns friends listened to that appeal And
so on and so on between Rowland and Oliver the battle waged fiercely that day
Many witnesses were mauled and slain Out of that combat scarce anybody came
well except the two principal champions Rowland Serjeant and Oliver QC
The whole country looked on and heard the wretched story not only of Barness
fault and Highgates fault but of the private peccadilloes of their suborned
footmen and conspiring housemaids Mr Justice C Sawyer charged the jury at
great length Those men were respectable men and fathers of families themselves
of course they dealt full measure to Lord Highgate for his delinquencies
consoled the injured husband with immense damages and left him free to pursue
the further steps for releasing himself altogether from the tie which had been
bound with affecting Episcopal benediction at St Georges Hanover Square
So Lady Clara flies from the custody of her tyrant but to what a rescue
The very man who loves her and gives her asylum pities and deplores her She
scarce dares to look out of the windows of her new home upon the world lest it
should know and reproach her All the sisterhood of friendship is cut off from
her If she dares to go abroad she feels the sneer of the world as she goes
through it and knows that malice and scorn whisper behind her People as
criminal but undiscovered make room for her as if her touch were pollution
She knows she has darkened the lot and made wretched the home of the man whom
she loves best that his friends who see her treat her with but a doubtful
respect and the domestics who attend her with a suspicious obedience In the
country lanes or the streets of the county town neighbours look aside as the
carriage passes in which she sits splendid and lonely Rough hunting companions
of her husbands come to her table he is driven perforce to the company of
flatterers and men of inferior sort his equals at least in his own home will
not live with him She would be kind perhaps and charitable to the cottagers
round about her but she fears to visit them lest they too should scorn her
The clergyman who distributes her charities blushes and looks awkward on passing
her in the village if he should be walking with his wife or one of his
children Shall they go to the Continent and set up a grand house at Paris or
at Florence There they can get society but of what a sort Our acquaintances
of Baden Madame Schlangenbad and Madame de Cruchecassée and Madame dIvry
and Messrs Loder and Punter and Blackball and Deuceace will come and
dance and flirt and quarrel and gamble and feast round about her but what
in common with such wild people has this poor timid shrinking soul Even these
scorn her The leers and laughter on those painted faces are quite unlike her
own sad countenance She has no reply to their wit Their infernal gaiety scares
her more than the solitude at home No wonder that her husband does not like
home except for a short while in the hunting season No wonder that he is away
all day how can he like a home which she has made so wretched In the midst of
her sorrow and doubt and misery a child comes to her How she clings to it
How her whole being and hope and passion centres itself on this feeble infant
But she no more belongs to our story with the new name she has taken the
poor lady passes out of the history of the Newcomes
If Barnes Newcomes children meet yonder solitary lady do they know her If
her oncehusband thinks upon the unhappy young creature whom his cruelty drove
from him does his conscience affect his sleep at night Why should Sir Barnes
Newcomes conscience be more squeamish than his countrys which has put money
in his pocket for having trampled on the poor weak young thing and scorned her
and driven her to ruin When the whole of the accounts of that wretched
bankruptcy are brought up for final audit which of the unhappy partners shall
be shown to be most guilty Does the Right Reverend Prelate who did the
benedictory business for Barnes and Clara his wife repent in secret Do the
parents who pressed the marriage and the fine folks who signed the book and
ate the breakfast and applauded the bridegrooms speech feel a little ashamed
O Hymen Hymenæe The bishops beadles clergy pewopeners and other officers
of the temple dedicated to Heaven under the invocation of St George will
officiate in the same place at scores and scores more of such marriages and St
George of England may behold virgin after virgin offered up to the devouring
monster Mammon with many most respectable female dragons looking on may see
virgin after virgin given away just as in the Soldan of Babylons time but
with never a champion to come to the rescue
Chapter LIX
In Which Achilles Loses Briseis
Although the years of the Marquis of Farintosh were few he had spent most of
them in the habit of command and from his childhood upwards had been obeyed by
all persons round about him As an infant he had but to roar and his mother and
nurses were as much frightened as though he had been a Libyan lion What he
willed and ordered was law amongst his clan and family During the period of his
London and Parisian dissipations his poor mother did not venture to remonstrate
with her young prodigal but shut her eyes not daring to open them on his wild
courses As for the friends of his person and house many of whom were portly
elderly gentlemen their affection for the young Marquis was so extreme that
there was no company into which their fidelity would not lead them to follow
him and you might see him dancing at Mabille with veteran aidesdecamp looking
on or disporting with opera dancers at a TroisFrères banquet which some old
gentleman of his fathers age had taken the pains to order If his lordship
Count Almaviva wants a friend to carry the lanthorn or to hold the ladder do
you suppose there are not many most respectable men in society who will act
Figaro When Farintosh thought fit in the fullness of time and the blooming
pride of manhood to select a spouse and to elevate a marchioness to his
throne no one dared gainsay him When he called upon his mother and sisters
and their ladyships hangerson and attendants upon his own particular kinsmen
led captains and toadies to bow the knee and do homage to the woman whom he
delighted to honour those duteous subjects trembled and obeyed in fact he
thought that the position of a Marchioness of Farintosh was under heaven and
before men so splendid that had he elevated a beggarmaid to that sublime
rank the inferior world was bound to worship her
So my lords ladymother and my lords sisters and his captains and his
players of billiards and the toadies of his august person all performed
obeisance to his brideelect and never questioned the will of the young
chieftain What were the private comments of the ladies of the family we had no
means of knowing but it may naturally be supposed that his lordships
gentlemeninwaiting Captain Henchman Jack Todhunter and the rest had many
misgivings of their own respecting their patrons change in life and could not
view without anxiety the advent of a mistress who might reign over him and them
who might possibly not like their company and might exert her influence over
her husband to oust these honest fellows from places in which they were very
comfortable The jovial rogues had the run of my lords kitchen stables
cellars and cigarboxes A new marchioness might hate hunting smoking jolly
parties and toadeaters in general or might bring into the house favourites of
her own I am sure any kindhearted man of the world must feel for the position
of these faithful doubtful disconsolate vassals and have a sympathy for their
rueful looks and demeanour as they eye the splendid preparations for the ensuing
marriage the grand furniture sent to my lords castles and houses the
magnificent plate provided for his tables tables at which they may never have
a knife and fork castles and houses of which the poor rogues may never be
allowed to pass the doors
When then »the elopement in High Life« which has been described in the
previous pages burst upon the town in the morning papers I can fancy the
agitation which the news occasioned in the faithful bosoms of the generous
Todhunter and the attached Henchman My lord was not in his own house as yet He
and his friends still lingered on in the little house in May Fair the dear
little bachelors quarters where they had enjoyed such good dinners such good
suppers such rare doings such a jolly time I fancy Hench coming down to
breakfast and reading the Morning Post I imagine Tod dropping in from his
bedroom over the way and Hench handing the paper over to Tod and the
conversation which ensued between those worthy men »Elopement in high life
excitement in Ncome and flight of Lady Cl Ncome daughter of the late and
sister of the present Earl of Drking with Lord Hgate personal rencontre
between Lord Hgate and Sir Bnes Ncome Extraordinary disclosures« I say I
can fancy Hench and Tod over this awful piece of news
»Pretty news aint it Toddy« says Henchman looking up from a Périgord
pie which the faithful creature is discussing
»Always expected it« remarks the other »Anybody who saw them together last
season must have known it The chief himself spoke of it to me«
»Itll cut him up awfully when he reads it Is it in the Morning Post He
has the Post in his bedroom I know he has rung his bell I heard it Bowman
has his lordship read his paper yet«
Bowman the valet said »I believe you he have read his paper When he
read it he jumped out of bed and swore most awful I cut as soon as I could«
continued Mr Bowman who was on familiar nay contemptuous terms with the
other two gentlemen
»Enough to make any man swear« says Toddy to Henchman and both were
alarmed in their noble souls reflecting that their chieftain was now actually
getting up and dressing himself that he would speedily and in the course of
nature, come downstairs and then most probably would begin swearing at them
The most noble Mungo Malcolm Angus was in an awful state of mind when at
length he appeared in the breakfastroom »Why the dash do you make a taproom
of this« he cries The trembling Henchman who has begun to smoke as he has
done a hundred times before in this bachelors hall flings his cigar into the
fire
»There you go nothing like it Why dont you fling some more in You can
get em at Hudsons for five guineas a pound« bursts out the youthful peer
»I understand why you are out of sorts old boy« says Henchman stretching
out his manly hand A tear of compassion twinkled in his eyelid and coursed down
his mottled cheek »Cut away at old Bob Farintosh a fellow who has been
attached to you since before you could speak Its not when a fellows down and
cut up and riled naturally riled as you are I know you are Marquis its
not then that Im going to be angry with you Pitch into old Bob Henchman hit
away my young one« And Bob put himself into an attitude as of one prepared to
receive a pugilistic assault He bared his breast as it were and showed his
scars and said »Strike« Bob Henchman was a florid toady My uncle Major
Pendennis has often laughed with me about the fellows pompous flatteries and
ebullient fidelity
»You have read this confounded paragraph« says the Marquis
»We have read it and were deucedly cut up too« says Henchman »for your
sake my dear boy«
»I remembered what you said last year Marquis« cries Todhunter not
unadroitly »You yourself pointed out in this very room I recollect at this
very table that night Coralie and the little Spanish dancer and her mother
supped here and there was a talk about Highgate you yourself pointed out what
was likely to happen I doubted it for I have dined at the Newcomes and seen
Highgate and her together in society often But though you are a younger bird
you have better eyes than I have and you saw the thing at once at once dont
you remember and Coralie said how glad she was because Sir Barnes illtreated
her friend What was the name of Coralies friend Hench«
»How should I know her confounded name« Henchman briskly answers »What do
I care for Sir Barnes Newcome and his private affairs He is no friend of mine
I never said he was a friend of mine I never said I liked him Out of respect
for the Chief here I held my tongue about him and shall hold my tongue Have
some of this pâté Chief No Poor old boy I know you havent got an appetite
I know this news cuts you up I say nothing and make no pretence of condolence
though I feel for you and you know you can count on old Bob Henchman dont
you Malcolm« And again he turns away to conceal his gallant sensibility and
generous emotion
»What does it matter to me« bursts out the Marquis garnishing his
conversation with the usual expletives which adorned his eloquence when he was
strongly moved »What do I care for Barnes Newcome and his confounded affairs
and family I never want to see him again but in the light of a banker when I
go to the City where he keeps my account I say I have nothing to do with him
or all the Newcomes under the sun Why one of them is a painter and will paint
my dog Ratcatcher by Jove or my horse or my groom if I give him the order
Do you think I care for any one of the pack Its not the fault of the
Marchioness of Farintosh that her family is not equal to mine Besides two
others in England and Scotland I should like to know what family is I tell you
what Hench I bet you five to two that before an hour is over my mother will be
here and down on her knees to me begging me to break off this engagement«
»And what will you do Farintosh« asks Henchman slowly »Will you break it
off«
»No« shouts the Marquis »Why shall I break off with the finest girl in
England and the bestplucked one and the cleverest and wittiest and the most
beautiful creature by Jove that ever stepped for no fault of hers and
because her sisterinlaw leaves her brother who I know treated her infernally
We have talked this matter over at home before I wouldnt dine with the fellow
though he was always asking me nor meet except just out of civility any of
his confounded family Lady Ann is different She is a lady she is She is a
good woman and Kew is a most respectable man though he is only a peer of
George the Thirds creation and you should hear how he speaks of Miss Newcome
though she refused him I should like to know who is to prevent me marrying Lady
Ann Newcomes daughter«
»By Jove you are a goodplucked fellow Farintosh give me your hand old
boy« says Henchman
»Heh am I You would have said Give me your hand old boy whichever way I
determined Hench I tell you I aint intellectual and that sort of thing But
I know my rank and I know my place and when a man of my station gives his
word he sticks to it sir and my lady and my sisters may go on their knees all
round and by Jove I wont flinch«
The justice of Lord Farintoshs views was speedily proved by the appearance
of his lordships mother Lady Glenlivet whose arrival put a stop to a
conversation which Captain Robert Henchman has often subsequently narrated She
besought to see her son in terms so urgent that the young nobleman could not be
denied to his parent and no doubt a long and interesting interview took place
in which Lord Farintoshs mother passionately implored him to break off a match
upon which he was as resolutely bent
Was it a sense of honour a longing desire to possess this young beauty and
call her his own or a fierce and profound dislike to being balked in any object
of his wishes which actuated the young lord Certainly he had borne very
philosophically delay after delay which had taken place in the devised union
and being quite sure of his mistress had not cared to press on the marriage
but lingered over the dregs of his bachelor cup complacently still We all know
in what an affecting farewell he took leave of the associates of his vie de
garçon the speeches made in both languages the presents distributed the
tears and hysterics of some of the guests assembled the cigarboxes given over
to this friend the écrin of diamonds to that et cætera et cætera et cætera
Dont we know If we dont it is not Henchmans fault who has told the story
of Farintoshs betrothals a thousand and one times at his clubs at the houses
where he is asked to dine on account of his intimacy with the nobility among
the young men of fashion or no fashion whom this twobottle Mentor and burly
admirer of youth has since taken upon himself to form The farewell at Greenwich
was so affecting that all traversed the cart and took another farewell at
Richmond where there was crying too but it was Eucharis cried because fair
Calypso wanted to tear her eyes out and where not only Telemachus as was
natural to his age but Mentor likewise quaffed the winecup too freely You
are virtuous O reader but there are still cakes and ale Ask Henchman if there
be not You will find him in the Park any afternoon he will dine with you if no
better man ask him in the interval He will tell you story upon story regarding
young Lord Farintosh and his marriage and what happened before his marriage
and afterwards and he will sigh weep almost at some moments as he narrates
their subsequent quarrel and Farintoshs unworthy conduct and tells you how he
formed that young man My uncle and Captain Henchman disliked each other very
much I am sorry to say sorry to add that it was very amusing to hear either
one of them speak of the other
Lady Glenlivet according to the Captain then had no success in the
interview with her son who unmoved by the maternal tears commands and
entreaties swore he would marry Miss Newcome and that no power on earth should
prevent him »As if trying to thwart that man could ever prevent his having his
way« ejaculated his quondam friend
But on the next day after ten thousand men in clubs and coteries had talked
the news over after the evening had repeated and improved the delightful theme
of our morning contemporaries after Calypso and Eucharis driving together in
the Park and reconciled now had kissed their hands to Lord Farintosh and made
him their compliments after a night of natural doubt disturbance defiance
fury as men whispered to each other at the club where his lordship dined and
at the theatre where he took his recreation after an awful time at breakfast
in which Messrs Bowman valet and Todhunter and Henchman captains of the
Farintosh bodyguard all got their share of kicks and growling behold Lady
Glenlivet came back to the charge again and this time with such force that poor
Lord Farintosh was shaken indeed
Her ladyships ally was no other than Miss Newcome herself from whom Lord
Farintoshs mother received by that days post a letter which she was
commissioned to read to her son
»Dear Madam« wrote the young lady in her firmest handwriting »Mamma
is at this moment in a state of such grief and dismay at the cruel
misfortune and humiliation which has just befallen our family that she
is really not able to write to you as she ought and this task painful
as it is must be mine Dear Lady Glenlivet the kindness and confidence
which I have ever received from you and yours merit truth and most
grateful respect and regard from me And I feel after the late fatal
occurrence what I have often and often owned to myself though I did
not dare to acknowledge it that I ought to release Lord F at once and
for ever from an engagement which he could never think of maintaining
with a family so unfortunate as ours I thank him with all my heart for
his goodness in bearing with my humours so long if I have given him
pain as I know I have sometimes I beg his pardon and would do so on
my knees I hope and pray he may be happy as I feared he never could be
with me He has many good and noble qualities and in bidding him
farewell I trust I may retain his friendship and that he will believe
in the esteem and gratitude of your most sincere
ETHEL NEWCOME«
A copy of this farewell letter was seen by a lady who happened to be a neighbour
of Miss Newcomes when the family misfortune occurred and to whom in her
natural dismay and grief the young lady fled for comfort and consolation
»Dearest Mrs Pendennis« wrote Miss Ethel to my wife »I hear you are at
Rosebury do do come to your affectionate EN« The next day it was »Dearest
Laura if you can pray pray come to Newcome this morning I want very much to
speak to you about the poor children to consult you about something most
important« Madame de Montcontours ponycarriage was trotting constantly
between Rosebury and Newcome in these days of calamity
And my wife as in duty bound gave me full reports of all that happened in
that house of mourning On the very day of the flight Lady Ann her daughter
and some others of her family arrived at Newcome The deserted little girl
Barness eldest child ran with tears and cries of joy to her Aunt Ethel whom
she had always loved better than her mother and clung to her and embraced her
and in her artless little words told her that mamma had gone away and that
Ethel should be her mamma now Very strongly moved by the misfortune as by the
caresses and affection of the poor orphaned creature Ethel took the little girl
to her heart and promised to be a mother to her and that she would not leave
her in which pious resolve I scarcely need say Laura strengthened her when
at her young friends urgent summons my wife came to her
The household at Newcome was in a state of disorganization after the
catastrophe Two of Lady Claras servants it has been stated already went away
with her The luckless master of the house was lying wounded in the neighbouring
town Lady Ann Newcome his mother was terribly agitated by the news which was
abruptly broken to her of the flight of her daughterinlaw and her sons
danger Now she thought of flying to Newcome to nurse him and then feared lest
she should be ill received by the invalid indeed ordered by Sir Barnes to go
home and not to bother him So at home Lady Ann remained where the thoughts of
the sufferings she had already undergone in that house of Sir Barness cruel
behaviour to her at her last visit which he had abruptly requested her to
shorten of the happy days which she had passed as mistress of that house and
wife of the defunct Sir Brian the sight of that departed angels picture in the
diningroom and wheelchair in the gallery the recollection of little Barnes as
a cherub of a child in that very gallery and pulled out of the fire by a nurse
in the second year of his age when he was all that a fond mother could wish
these incidents and reminiscences so agitated Lady Ann Newcome that she for her
part went off in a series of hysterical fits and acted as one distraught her
second daughter screamed in sympathy with her and Miss Newcome had to take
command of the whole of this demented household hysterical mamma and sister
mutineering servants and shrieking abandoned nursery and bring young people
and old to peace and quiet
On the morrow after his little concussion Sir Barnes Newcome came home not
much hurt in body but woefully afflicted in temper and venting his wrath upon
everybody round about him in that strong language which he employed when
displeased and under which his valet his housekeeper his butler his farm
bailiff his lawyer his doctor his dishevelled mother herself who rose from
her couch and her salvolatile to fling herself round her dear boys knees all
had to suffer Ethel Newcome the Baronets sister was the only person in his
house to whom Sir Barnes did not utter oaths or proffer rude speeches He was
afraid of offending her or encountering that resolute spirit and lapsed into a
surly silence in her presence Indistinct maledictions growled about Sir
Barness chair when he beheld my wifes ponycarriage drive up and he asked
what brought her here But Ethel sternly told her brother that Mrs Pendennis
came at her particular request and asked him whether he supposed anybody could
come into that house for pleasure now or for any other motive but kindness
Upon which Sir Barnes fairly burst out into tears intermingled with execrations
against his enemies and his own fate and assertions that he was the most
miserable beggar alive He would not see his children but with more tears he
would implore Ethel never to leave them and anon would ask what he should do
when she married and he was left alone in that infernal house
T Potts Esq of the Newcome Independent used to say afterwards that the
Baronet was in the direst terror of another meeting with Lord Highgate and kept
a policeman at the lodgegate and a second in the kitchen to interpose in
event of a collision But Mr Potts made this statement in afterdays when the
quarrel between his party and paper and Sir Barnes Newcome was flagrant Five or
six days after the meeting of the two rivals in Newcome marketplace Sir Barnes
received a letter from the friend of Lord Highgate informing him that his
lordship having waited for him according to promise had now left England and
presumed that the differences between them were to be settled by their
respective lawyers infamous behaviour on a par with the rest of Lord
Highgates villany the Baronet said »When the scoundrel knew I could lift my
pistol arm« Barnes said »Lord Highgate fled the country« thus hinting that
death and not damages were what he intended to seek from his enemy
After that interview in which Ethel communicated to Laura her farewell letter to
Lord Farintosh my wife returned to Rosebury with an extraordinary brightness
and gaiety in her face and her demeanour She pressed Madame de Montcontours
hands with such warmth she blushed and looked so handsome she sang and talked
so gaily that our host was struck by her behaviour and paid her husband more
compliments regarding her beauty amiability and other good qualities than need
be set down here It may be that I like Paul de Florac so much in spite of
certain undeniable faults of character because of his admiration for my wife
She was in such a hurry to talk to me that night that Pauls game and nicotian
amusements were cut short by her visit to the billiardroom and when we were
alone by the cosy dressingroom fire she told me what had happened during the
day Why should Ethels refusal of Lord Farintosh have so much elated my wife
»Ah« cries Mrs Pendennis »she has a generous nature and the world has
not had time to spoil it Do you know there are many points that she never has
thought of I would say problems that she has to work out for herself only
you Pen do not like us poor ignorant women to use such a learned word as
problems Life and experience force things upon her mind which others learn from
their parents or those who educate them but for which she has never had any
teachers Nobody has ever told her Arthur that it was wrong to marry without
love or pronounce lightly those awful vows which we utter before God at the
altar I believe if she knew that her life was futile it is but of late she
has thought it could be otherwise and that she might mend it I have read
besides that poem of Goethe of which you are so fond in books of Indian
travels of Bayaderes dancinggirls brought up by troops round about the
temples whose calling is to dance and wear jewels and look beautiful I
believe they are quite respected in in Pagodaland They perform before the
priests in the pagodas and the Brahmins and the Indian princes marry them Can
we cry out against these poor creatures or against the custom of their country
It seems to me that young women in our world are bred up in a way not very
different What they do they scarcely know to be wrong They are educated for
the world and taught to display their mothers will give them to the richest
suitor as they themselves were given before How can these think seriously
Arthur of souls to be saved weak hearts to be kept out of temptation prayers
to be uttered and a better world to be held always in view when the vanities
of this one are all their thought and scheme Ethels simple talk made me smile
sometimes do you know and her strenuous way of imparting her discoveries I
thought of the shepherd boy who made a watch and found on taking it into the
town how very many watches there were and how much better than his But the
poor child has had to make hers for herself such as it is and indeed is
employed now in working on it She told me very artlessly her little history
Arthur It affected me to hear her simple talk and and I blessed God for our
mother my dear and that my early days had had a better guide
You know that for a long time it was settled that she was to marry her
cousin Lord Kew She was bred to that notion from her earliest youth about
which she spoke as we all can about our early days They were spent she said
in the nursery and schoolroom for the most part She was allowed to come to her
mothers dressingroom and sometimes to see more of her during the winter at
Newcome She describes her mother as always the kindest of the kind but from
very early times the daughter must have felt her own superiority I think
though she does not speak of it You should see her at home now in their
dreadful calamity She seems the only person of the house who keeps her head
She told very nicely and modestly how it was Lord Kew who parted from her
not she who had dismissed him as you know the Newcomes used to say I have
heard that oh that man Sir Barnes says so myself She says humbly that her
cousin Kew was a great deal too good for her and so is every one almost she
adds poor thing«
»Poor every one Did you ask about him Laura« said Mr Pendennis
»No I did not venture She looked at me out of her downright eyes and went
on with her little tale I was scarcely more than a child then she continued
and though I liked Kew very much who would not like such a generous honest
creature I felt somehow that I was taller than my cousin and as if I ought
not to marry him or should make him unhappy if I did When poor papa used to
talk we children remarked that mamma hardly listened to him and so we did not
respect him as we should and Barnes was especially scoffing and odious with
him Why when he was a boy he used to sneer at papa openly before us younger
ones Now Harriet admires everything that Kew says and that makes her a great
deal happier at being with him And then« added Mrs Pendennis »Ethel said I
hope you respect your husband Laura depend on it you will be happier if you
do Was not that a fine discovery of Ethels Mr Pen
Claras terror of Barnes frightened me when I stayed in the house Ethel
went on I am sure I would not tremble before any man in the world as she did I
saw early that she used to deceive him and tell him lies Laura I do not mean
lies of words alone but lies of looks and actions Oh I do not wonder at her
flying from him He was dreadful to be with cruel and selfish and cold He
was made worse by marrying a woman he did not love as she was by that
unfortunate union with him Suppose he had found a clever woman who could have
controlled him and amused him and whom he and his friends could have admired
instead of poor Clara who made his home wearisome and trembled when he entered
it suppose she could have married that unhappy man to whom she was attached
early I was frightened Laura to think how ill this worldly marriage had
prospered
My poor grandmother whenever I spoke upon such a subject would break out
into a thousand gibes and sarcasms and point to many of our friends who had
made lovematches and were quarrelling now as fiercely as though they had never
loved each other You remember that dreadful case in France of the Duc de
who murdered his duchess That was a lovematch and I can remember the sort of
screech with which Lady Kew used to speak about it and of the journal which the
poor duchess kept and in which she noted down all her husbands ill behaviour«
»Hush Laura do you remember where we are If the Princess were to put down
all Floracs culpabilities in an album what a ledger it would be as big as
Dr Portmans Chrysostom« But this was parenthetical and after a smile and a
little respite the young woman proceeded in her narration of her friends
history
»I was willing enough to listen Ethel said to grandmamma then for we are
glad of an excuse to do what we like and I liked admiration and rank and great
wealth Laura and Lord Farintosh offered me these I liked to surpass my
companions and I saw them so eager in pursuing him You cannot think Laura
what meannesses women in the world will commit mothers and daughters too in
the pursuit of a person of his great rank Those Miss Burrs you should have
seen them at the country houses where we visited together and how they followed
him how they would meet him in the parks and shrubberies how they liked
smoking though I knew it made them ill how they were always finding pretexts
for getting near him Oh it was odious«
I would not willingly interrupt the narrative but let the reporter be
allowed here to state that at this point of Miss Newcomes story which my wife
gave with a very pretty imitation of the girls manner we both burst out
laughing so loud that little Madame de Montcontour put her head into the
drawingroom and asked what we was alaughing at We did not tell our hostess
that poor Ethel and her grandmother had been accused of doing the very same
thing for which she found fault with the Misses Burr Miss Newcome thought
herself quite innocent or how should she have cried out at the naughty
behaviour of other people
»Wherever we went however resumed my wifes young penitent it was easy to
see I think I may say so without vanity who was the object of Lord
Farintoshs attention He followed us everywhere and we could not go upon any
visit in England or Scotland but he was in the same house Grandmammas whole
heart was bent upon that marriage and when he proposed for me I do not disown
that I was very pleased and vain
It is in these last months that I have heard about him more and learned to
know him better him and myself too Laura Some one some one you know and
whom I shall always love as a brother reproached me in former days for a
worldliness about which you talk too sometimes But it is not worldly to give
yourself up for your family is it One cannot help the rank in which one is
born and surely it is but natural and proper to marry in it Not that Lord
Farintosh thinks me or any one of his rank Here Miss Ethel laughed He is the
Sultan and we every unmarried girl in society is his humblest slave His
Majestys opinions upon this subject did not suit me I can assure you I have
no notion of such pride
But I do not disguise from you dear Laura that after accepting him as I
came to know him better and heard him and heard of him and talked with him
daily and understood Lord Farintoshs character I looked forward with more and
more doubt to the day when I was to become his wife I have not learned to
respect him in these months that I have known him and during which there has
been mourning in our families I will not talk to you about him I have no right
have I to hear him speak out his heart and tell it to any friend He said
he liked me because I did not flatter him Poor Malcolm they all do What was
my acceptance of him Laura but flattery yes flattery and servility to
rank and a desire to possess it Would I have accepted plain Malcolm Roy I
sent away a better than him Laura
These things have been brooding in my mind for some months past I must have
been but an ill companion for him and indeed he bore with my waywardness much
more kindly than I ever thought possible and when four days since we came to
this sad house where he was to have joined us and I found only dismay and
wretchedness and these poor children deprived of a mother whom I pity God
help her for she has been made so miserable and is now and must be to the end
of her days as I lay awake thinking of my own future life and that I was
going to marry as poor Clara had married but for an establishment and a
position in life I my own mistress and not obedient by nature or a slave to
others as that poor creature was I thought to myself why shall I do this Now
Clara has left us and is as it were dead to us who made her so unhappy let
me be the mother to her orphans I love the little girl and she has always
loved me and came crying to me that day when we arrived and put her dear
little arms round my neck and said »You wont go away will you Aunt Ethel«
in her sweet voice And I will stay with her and will try and learn myself that
I may teach her and learn to be good too better than I have been Will
praying help me Laura I did I am sure I was right and that it is my duty to
stay here«
Laura was greatly moved as she told her friends confession and when the
next day at church the clergyman read the opening words of the service I
thought a peculiar radiance and happiness beamed from her bright face
Some subsequent occurrences in the history of this branch of the Newcome family
I am enabled to report from the testimony of the same informant who has just
given us an account of her own feelings and life Miss Ethel and my wife were
now in daily communication and mydearesting each other with that female
fervour which cold men of the world as we are not only chary of warm
expressions of friendship but averse to entertaining warm feelings at all we
surely must admire in persons of the inferior sex whose loves grow up and reach
the skies in a night who kiss embrace console call each other by Christian
names in that sweet kindly sisterhood of Misfortune and Compassion who are
always entering into partnership here in life I say the world is full of Miss
Nightingales and we sick and wounded in our private Scutaris have countless
nursetenders I did not see my wife ministering to the afflicted family at
Newcome Park but I can fancy her there amongst the women and children her
prudent counsel her thousand gentle offices her apt pity and cheerfulness the
love and truth glowing in her face and inspiring her words movements
demeanour
Mrs Pendenniss husband for his part did not attempt to console Sir Barnes
Newcome Newcome Baronet I never professed to have a halfpennyworth of pity at
that gentlemans command Florac who owed Barnes his principality and his
present comforts in life did make some futile efforts at condolence but was
received by the Baronet with such fierceness and evident illhumour that he did
not care to repeat his visits and allowed him to vent his curses and
peevishness on his own immediate dependants We used to ask Laura on her return
to Rosebury from her charity visits to Newcome about the poor suffering master
of the house She faltered and stammered in describing him and what she heard of
him she smiled I grieve to say for this unfortunate lady cannot help having a
sense of humour and we could not help laughing outright sometimes at the idea
of that discomfited wretch that overbearing creature overborne in his turn
which laughter Mrs Laura used to chide as very naughty and unfeeling When we
went into Newcome the landlord of the Kings Arms looked knowing and quizzical
Tom Potts grinned at me and rubbed his hands »This business serves the paper
better than Mr Warringtons articles« says Mr Potts »We have sold no end of
Independents and if you polled the whole borough I bet that five to one would
say Sir Screwcome Screwcome was served right By the way whats up about the
Marquis of Farintosh Mr Pendennis He arrived at the Arms last night went
over to the Park this morning and is gone back to town by the afternoon train«
What had happened between the Marquis of Farintosh and Miss Newcome I am
enabled to know from the report of Miss Newcomes confidante On the receipt of
that letter of congé which has been mentioned in a former chapter his lordship
must have been very much excited for he left town straightway by that evenings
mail and on the next morning after a few hours of rest at his inn was at
Newcome lodgegate demanding to see the Baronet
On that morning it chanced that Sir Barnes had left home with Mr Speers
his legal adviser and hereupon the Marquis asked to see Miss Newcome nor could
the lodgekeeper venture to exclude so distinguished a person from the Park His
lordship drove up to the house and his name was taken to Miss Ethel She turned
very pale when she heard it and my wife divined at once who was her visitor
Lady Ann had not left her room as yet Laura Pendennis remained in command of
the little conclave of children with whom the two ladies were sitting when Lord
Farintosh arrived Little Clara wanted to go with her aunt as she rose to leave
the room the child could scarcely be got to part from her now
At the end of an hour the carriage was seen driving away and Ethel returned
looking as pale as before and red about the eyes Miss Claras muttonchop for
dinner coming in at the same time the child was not so presently eager for her
aunts company Aunt Ethel cut up the muttonchop very neatly and then having
seen the child comfortably seated at her meal went with her friend into a
neighbouring apartment of course with some pretext of showing Laura a picture
or a piece of china or a new childs frock or with some other hypocritical
pretence by which the ingenuous female attendants pretended to be utterly
blinded and there I have no doubt before beginning her story dearest Laura
embraced dearest Ethel and vice versâ
»He is gone« at length gasps dearest Ethel
»Pour toujours poor young man« sighs dearest Laura »Was he very unhappy
Ethel«
»He was more angry« Ethel answers »He had a right to be hurt but not to
speak as he did He lost his temper quite at last and broke out in the most
frantic reproaches He forgot all respect and even gentlemanlike behaviour Do
you know he used words words such as Barnes uses sometimes when he is angry
and dared this language to me I was sorry till then very sorry and very much
moved but I know more than ever now that I was right in refusing Lord
Farintosh«
Dearest Laura now pressed for an account of all that had happened which may
be briefly told as follows Feeling very deeply upon the subject which brought
him to Miss Newcome it was no wonder that Lord Farintosh spoke at first in a
way which moved her He said he thought her letter to his mother was very
rightly written under the circumstances and thanked her for her generosity in
offering to release him from his engagement But the affair the painful
circumstance of Highgate and that which had happened in the Newcome family
was no fault of Miss Newcomes and Lord Farintosh could not think of holding
her accountable His friends had long urged him to marry and it was by his
mothers own wish that the engagement was formed which he was determined to
maintain In his course through the world of which he was getting very tired
he had never seen a woman a lady who was so you understand Ethel whom he
admired so much who was likely to make so good a wife for him as you are »You
allude« he continued »to differences we have had and we have had them but
many of them I own have been from my fault I have been bred up in a way
different to most young men I cannot help it if I have had temptations to which
other men are not exposed and have been placed by by Providence in a high
rank of life I am sure if you share it with me you will adorn it and be in
every way worthy of it and make me much better than I have been If you knew
what a night of agony I passed after my mother read that letter to me I know
youd pity me Ethel I know you would The idea of losing you makes me wild
My mother was dreadfully alarmed when she saw the state I was in so was the
Doctor I assure you he was And I had no rest at all and no peace of mind
until I determined to come down to you and say that I adored you and you only
and that I would hold to my engagement in spite of everything and prove to you
that that no man in the world could love you more sincerely than I do« Here
the young gentleman was so overcome that he paused in his speech and gave way
to an emotion for which surely no man who has been in the same condition with
Lord Farintosh will blame him
Miss Newcome was also much touched by this exhibition of natural feeling
and I dare say it was at this time that her eyes showed the first symptoms of
that malady of which the traces were visible an hour after
»You are very generous and kind to me Lord Farintosh« she said »Your
constancy honours me very much and proves how good and loyal you are but but
do not think hardly of me for saying that the more I have thought of what has
happened here of the wretched consequences of interested marriages the long
union growing each day so miserable that at last it becomes intolerable and is
burst asunder as in poor Claras case the more I am resolved not to commit
that first fatal step of entering into a marriage without without the degree
of affection which people who take that vow ought to feel for one another.«
»Affection can you doubt it Gracious heavens I adore you Isnt my being
here a proof that I do« cries the young ladys lover
»But I« answered the girl »I have asked my own heart that question before
now I have thought to myself If he comes after all if his affection for me
survives this disgrace of our family as it has and every one of us should be
thankful to you ought I not to show at least gratitude for so much kindness
and honour and devote myself to one who makes such sacrifices for me But
before all things I owe you the truth Lord Farintosh I never could make you
happy I know I could not nor obey you as you are accustomed to be obeyed
nor give you such a devotion as you have a right to expect from your wife I
thought I might once I cant now I know that I took you because you were rich
and had a great name not because you were honest and attached to me as you
show yourself to be I ask your pardon for the deceit I practised on you Look
at Clara poor child and her misery My pride I know would never have let me
fall as far as she has done but oh I am humiliated to think that I could have
been made to say I would take the first step in that awful career«
»What career in Gods name« cries the astonished suitor »Humiliated
Ethel whos going to humiliate you I suppose there is no woman in England who
need be humiliated by becoming my wife I should like to see the one that I
cant pretend to or to royal blood if I like its not better than mine
Humiliated indeed That is news Ha ha You dont suppose that your pedigree
which I know all about and the Newcome family with your barbersurgeon to
Edward the Confessor are equal to «
»To yours no It is not very long that I have learned to disbelieve in that
story altogether I fancy it was an odd whim of my poor fathers and that our
family were quite poor people«
»I knew it« said Lord Farintosh »Do you suppose there was not plenty of
women to tell it me«
»It was not because we were poor that I am ashamed« Ethel went on »That
cannot be our fault though some of us seem to think it is as they hide the
truth so One of my uncles used to tell me that my grandfathers father was a
labourer in Newcome but I was a child then and liked to believe the prettiest
story best«
»As if it matters« cries Lord Farintosh
»As if it matters in your wife nestce pas I never thought that it would
I should have told you as it was my duty to tell you all It was not my
ancestors you cared for and it is you yourself that your wife must swear before
Heaven to love«
»Of course its me« answers the young man not quite understanding the
train of ideas in his companions mind »And Ive given up everything
everything and have broken off with my old habits and and things you know
and intend to lead a regular life and will never go to Tattersalls again nor
bet a shilling nor touch another cigar if you like that is if you dont
like for I love you so Ethel I do with all my heart I do«
»You are very generous and kind Lord Farintosh« Ethel said »It is myself
not you I doubt Oh I am humiliated to make such a confession«
»How humiliated« Ethel withdrew the hand which the young nobleman
endeavoured to seize
»If« she continued »if I found it was your birth and your name and your
wealth that I coveted and had nearly taken ought I not to feel humiliated and
ask pardon of you and of God Oh what perjuries poor Clara was made to speak
and see what has befallen her We stood by and heard her without being shocked
We applauded even And to what shame and misery we brought her Why did her
parents and mine consign her to such ruin She might have lived pure and happy
but for us With her example before me not her flight poor child I am not
afraid of that happening to me but her long solitude the misery of her wasted
years my brothers own wretchedness and faults aggravated a hundredfold by his
unhappy union with her I must pause while it is yet time and recall a promise
which I know I should make you unhappy if I fulfilled I ask your pardon that I
deceived you Lord Farintosh and feel ashamed for myself that I could have
consented to do so«
»Do you mean« cried the young Marquis »that after my conduct to you after
my loving you so that even this this disgrace in your family dont prevent my
going on after my mother has been down on her knees to me to break off and I
wouldnt no I wouldnt after all Whites sneering at me and laughing at me
and all my friends friends of my family who would go to go anywhere for me
advising me and saying Farintosh what a fool you are break off this match
and I wouldnt back out because I loved you so by Heaven and because as a man
and a gentleman when I give my word I keep it do you mean that you throw me
over Its a shame its a shame« And again there were tears of rage and
anguish in Farintoshs eyes
»What I did was a shame my lord« Ethel said humbly »and again I ask your
pardon for it What I do now is only to tell you the truth and to grieve with
all my soul for the falsehood yes the falsehood which I told you and which
has given your kind heart such cruel pain«
»Yes it was a falsehood« the poor lad cried out »You follow a fellow and
you make a fool of him and you make him frantic in love with you and then you
fling him over I wonder you can look me in the face after such an infernal
treason Youve done it to twenty fellows before I know you have Everybody
said so and warned me You draw them on and get them to be in love and then
you fling them away Am I to go back to London and be made the laughingstock
of the whole town I who might marry any woman in Europe and who am at the
head of the nobility of England«
»Upon my word if you will believe me after deceiving you once« Ethel
interposed still very humbly »I will never say that it was I who withdrew from
you and that it was not you who refused me What has happened here fully
authorizes you Let the rupture of the engagement come from you my lord
Indeed indeed I would spare you all the pain I can I have done you wrong
enough already Lord Farintosh«
And now the Marquis burst forth with tears and imprecations wild cries of
anger love and disappointment so fierce and incoherent that the lady to whom
they were addressed did not repeat them to her confidante Only she generously
charged Laura to remember if ever she heard the matter talked of in the world
that it was Lord Farintoshs family which broke off the marriage but that his
lordship had acted most kindly and generously throughout the whole affair
He went back to London in such a state of fury and raved so wildly amongst his
friends against the whole Newcome family that many men knew what the case
really was But all women averred that that intriguing worldly Ethel Newcome
the apt pupil of her wicked old grandmother had met with a deserved rebuff
that after doing everything in her power to catch the great parti Lord
Farintosh who had long been tired of her flung her over not liking the
connection and that she was living out of the world now at Newcome under the
pretence of taking care of that unfortunate Lady Claras children but really
because she was pining away for Lord Farintosh who as we all know married six
months afterwards
Chapter LX
In Which We Write to the Colonel
Deeming that her brother Barnes had cares enough of his own presently on hand
Ethel did not think fit to confide to him the particulars of her interview with
Lord Farintosh nor even was poor Lady Ann informed that she had lost a noble
soninlaw The news would come to both of them soon enough Ethel thought and
indeed before many hours were over it reached Sir Barnes Newcome in a very
abrupt and unpleasant way He had dismal occasion now to see his lawyers every
day and on the day after Lord Farintoshs abrupt visit and departure Sir
Barnes going into Newcome upon his own unfortunate affairs was told by his
attorney Mr Speers how the Marquis of Farintosh had slept for a few hours at
the Kings Arms and returned to town the same evening by the train We may add
that his lordship had occupied the very room in which Lord Highgate had
previously slept and Mr Taplow recommends the bed accordingly and shows it
with pride to this very day
Much disturbed by this intelligence Sir Barnes was making his way to his
cheerless home in the evening when near his own gate he overtook another
messenger This was the railway porter who daily brought telegraphic messages
from his uncle and the bank in London The message of that day was »Consols
soandso French Rentes so much Highgates and Farintoshs accounts
withdrawn« The wretched keeper of the lodge owned with trembling in reply to
the curses and queries of his employer that a gentleman calling himself the
Marquis of Farintosh had gone up to the house the day before and come away an
hour afterwards did not like to speak to Sir Barnes when he came home Sir
Barnes looked so bad like
Now of course there could be no concealment from her brother and Ethel
and Barnes had a conversation in which the latter expressed himself with that
freedom of language which characterized the head of the house of Newcome Madame
de Montcontours ponychaise was in waiting at the hall door when the owner of
the house entered it and my wife was just taking leave of Ethel and her little
people when Sir Barnes Newcome entered the ladys sittingroom
The livid scowl with which Barnes greeted my wife surprised that lady
though it did not induce her to prolong her visit to her friend As Laura took
leave she heard Sir Barnes screaming to the nurses to take those little beggars
away and she rightly conjectured that some more unpleasantries had occurred to
disturb this luckless gentlemans temper
On the morrow dearest Ethels usual courier one of the boys from the
lodge trotted over on his donkey to dearest Laura at Rosebury with one of
those missives which were daily passing between the ladies This letter said
»Barnes ma fait une scène terrible hier I was obliged to tell him
everything about Lord F and to use the plainest language At first he
forbade you the house He thinks that you have been the cause of Fs
dismissal and charged me most unjustly with a desire to bring back
poor CN I replied as became me and told him fairly I would leave the
house if odious insulting charges were made against me if my friends
were not received He stormed he cried he employed his usual language
he was in a dreadful state He relented and asked pardon He goes to
town tonight by the mailtrain Of course you come as usual dear dear
Laura I am miserable without you and you know I cannot leave poor
mamma Clarykin sends a thousand kisses to little Arty and I am his
mothers always affectionate
EN
Will the gentlemen like to shoot our pheasants Please ask the Prince to let
Warren know when I sent a brace to poor dear old Mrs Mason and had such a
nice letter from her«
»And who is poor dear Mrs Mason« asks Mr Pendennis as yet but
imperfectly acquainted with the history of the Newcomes
And Laura told me perhaps I had heard before and forgotten that Mrs
Mason was an old nurse and pensioner of the Colonels and how he had been to
see her for the sake of old times and how she was a great favourite with Ethel
And Laura kissed her little son and was exceedingly bright cheerful and
hilarious that evening in spite of the affliction under which her dear friends
at Newcome were labouring
People in country houses should be exceedingly careful about their
blottingpaper They should bring their own portfolios with them If any kind
readers will bear this simple little hint in mind how much mischief may they
save themselves nay enjoy possibly by looking at the pages of the next
portfolio in the next friends bedroom in which they sleep From such a book I
once cut out in Charles Slyboots wellknown and perfectly clear handwriting
the words »Miss Emily Hartington James Street Buckingham Gate London« and
produced as legibly on the blottingpaper as on the envelope which the postman
delivered After showing the paper round to the company I enclosed it in a note
and sent it to Mr Slyboots who married Miss Hartington three months
afterwards In such a book at the club I read as plainly as you may read this
page a holograph page of the Right Honourable the Earl of Bareacres which
informed the whole club of a painful and private circumstance and said »My
dear Green I am truly sorry that I shall not be able to take up the bill for
eight hundred and fiftysix pounds which becomes due next Tu « And upon such
a book going to write a note in Madame de Montcontours drawingroom at
Rosebury what should I find but proofs that my own wife was engaged in a
clandestine correspondence with a gentleman residing abroad
»Colonel Newcome CB Montagne de la Cour Brussels« I read in this
young womans handwriting and asked turning round upon Laura who entered the
room just as I discovered her guilt »What have you been writing to Colonel
Newcome about Miss«
»I wanted him to get me some lace« she said
»To lace some nightcaps for me didnt you my dear He is such a fine judge
of lace If I had known you had been writing I would have asked you to send him
a message I want something from Brussels Is the letter ahem gone« In
this artful way you see I just hinted that I should like to see the letter
»The letter is ahem gone« says Laura »What do you want from Brussels
Pen«
»I want some Brussels sprouts my love they are so fine in their native
country«
»Shall I write to him to send the letter back« palpitates poor little
Laura for she thought her husband was offended by using the ironic method
»No you dear little woman You need not send for the letter back and you
need not tell me what was in it And I will bet you a hundred yards of lace to a
cotton nightcap and you know whether I Madam am a man à bonnetdecoton I
will bet you that I know what you have been writing about under pretence of a
message about lace to our Colonel«
»He promised to send it me he really did Lady Rockminster gave me twenty
pounds « gasps Laura
»Under pretence of lace you have been sending over a love message You want
to see whether Clive is still of his old mind You think the coast is now clear
and that dearest Ethel may like him You think Mrs Mason is growing very old
and infirm and the sight of her dear boy would «
»Pen Pen did you open my letter« cries Laura and a laugh which could
afford to be goodhumoured followed by yet another expression of the lips
ended this colloquy No Mr Pendennis did not see the letter but he knew the
writer flattered himself that he knew women in general
»Where did you get your experience of them sir« asks Mrs Laura Question
answered in the same manner as the previous demand
»Well my dear and why should not the poor boy be made happy« Laura
continues standing very close up to her husband »It is evident to me that
Ethel is fond of him I would rather see her married to a good young man whom
she loves than the mistress of a thousand palaces and coronets Suppose
suppose you had married Miss Amory sir what a wretched worldly creature you
would have been by this time whereas now «
»Now that I am the humble slave of a good woman there is some chance for
me« cries this model of husbands »And all good women are matchmakers as we
know very well and you have had this match in your heart ever since you saw the
two young people together Now Madam since I did not see your letter to the
Colonel though I have guessed part of it tell me what have you said in it
Have you by any chance told the Colonel that the Farintosh alliance was broken
off«
Laura owned that she had hinted as much
»You have not ventured to say that Ethel is well inclined to Clive«
»Oh no oh dear no« But after much crossexamining and a little
blushing on Lauras part she is brought to confess that she has asked the
Colonel whether he will not come and see Mrs Mason who is pining to see him
and is growing very old And I find out that she has been to see this Mrs Mason
that she and Miss Newcome visited the old lady the day before yesterday and
Laura thought from the manner in which Ethel looked at Clives picture hanging
up in the parlour of his fathers old friend that she really was very much
etc etc So the letter being gone Mrs Pendennis is most eager about the
answer to it and day after day examines the bag and is provoked that it brings
no letter bearing the Brussels postmark
Madame de Montcontour seems perfectly well to know what Mrs Laura has been
doing and is hoping »What no letters again today Aint it provoking« she
cries She is in the conspiracy too and presently Florac is one of the
initiated »These women wish to bacler a marriage between the belle Miss and le
petit Claive« Florac announces to me He pays the highest compliments to Miss
Newcomes person as he speaks regarding the marriage »I continue to adore your
Anglaises« he is pleased to say »What of freshness what of beauty what
roses And then they are so adorably good Go Pendennis thou art a happy
coquin« Mr Pendennis does not say no He has won the twenty thousand pound
prize and we know there are worse than blanks in that lottery
Chapter LXI
In Which We Are Introduced to a New Newcome
No answer came to Mrs Pendenniss letter to Colonel Newcome at Brussels for
the Colonel was absent from that city and at the time when Laura wrote was
actually in London whither affairs of his own had called him A note from
George Warrington acquainted me with this circumstance He mentioned that he and
the Colonel had dined together at Bayss on the day previous and that the
Colonel seemed to be in the highest spirits High spirits about what This news
put Laura in a sad perplexity Should she write and tell him to get his letters
from Brussels She would in five minutes have found some other pretext for
writing to Colonel Newcome had not her husband sternly cautioned the young
woman to leave the matter alone
The more readily perhaps because he had quarrelled with his nephew Sir
Barnes Thomas Newcome went to visit his brother Hobson and his sisterinlaw
bent on showing that there was no division between him and this branch of his
family And you may suppose that the admirable woman just named had a fine
occasion for her virtuous conversational powers in discoursing upon the painful
event which had just happened to Sir Barnes When we fall how our friends cry
out for us Mrs Hobsons homilies must have been awful How that outraged
virtue must have groaned and lamented gathered its children about its knees
wept over them and washed them gone into sackcloth and ashes and tied up the
knocker confabulated with its spiritual adviser uttered commonplaces to its
husband and bored the whole house The punishment of worldliness and vanity
the evil of marrying out of ones station how these points must have been
explained and enlarged on Surely the »Peerage« was taken off the drawingroom
table and removed to papas study where it could not open as it used naturally
once to »Highgate Baron« or »Farintosh Marquis of« being shut behind wires
and closely jammed in on an upper shelf between Blackstones Commentaries and
the Farmers Magazine The breaking of the engagement with the Marquis of
Farintosh was known in Bryanston Square and you may be sure interpreted by Mrs
Hobson in the light the most disadvantageous to Ethel Newcome A young nobleman
with grief and pain Ethels aunt must own the fact a young man of
notoriously dissipated habits but of great wealth and rank had been pursued by
the unhappy Lady Kew Mrs Hobson would not say by her niece that were too
dreadful had been pursued and followed and hunted down in the most notorious
manner and finally made to propose »Let Ethels conduct and punishment be a
warning to my dearest girls and let them bless Heaven they have parents who are
not worldly« After all the trouble and pains Mrs Hobson did not say disgrace
the Marquis takes the very first pretext to break off the match and leaves the
unfortunate girl for ever
And now we have to tell of the hardest blow which fell upon poor Ethel and
this was that her good uncle Thomas Newcome believed the charges against her He
was willing enough to listen now to anything which was said against that branch
of the family With such a traitor doubledealer dastard as Barnes at its
head what could the rest of the race be When the Colonel offered to endow
Ethel and Clive with every shilling he had in the world had not Barnes the
archtraitor temporized and told him falsehoods and hesitated about throwing
him off until the Marquis had declared himself Yes The girl he and poor Clive
loved so was ruined by her artful relatives was unworthy of his affection and
his boys was to be banished like her worthless brother out of his regard for
ever And the man she had chosen in preference to his Clive a roué a
libertine whose extravagances and dissipations were the talk of every club who
had no wit nor talents not even constancy for had he not taken the first
opportunity to throw her off to recommend him only a great title and a
fortune wherewith to bribe her For shame for shame Her engagement to this man
was a blot upon her the rupture only a just punishment and humiliation Poor
unhappy girl let her take care of her wretched brothers abandoned children
give up the world and amend her life
This was the sentence Thomas Newcome delivered a righteous and
tenderhearted man as we know but judging in this case wrongly and bearing
much too hardly as we who know her better must think upon one who had her
faults certainly but whose errors were not all of her own making Who set her
on the path she walked in It was her parents hands which led her and her
parents voices which commanded her to accept the temptation set before her
What did she know of the character of the man selected to be her husband Those
who should have known better brought him to her and vouched for him Noble
unhappy young creature are you the first of your sisterhood who has been bidden
to traffic your beauty to crush and slay your honest natural affections to
sell your truth and your life for rank and title But the Judge who sees not
the outward acts merely but their causes, and views not the wrong alone but
the temptations struggles ignorance of erring creatures we know has a
different code to ours to ours who fall upon the fallen who fawn upon the
prosperous so who administer our praises and punishments so prematurely who
now strike so hard and anon spare so shamelessly
Our stay with our hospitable friends at Rosebury was perforce coming to a
close for indeed weeks after weeks had passed since we had been under their
pleasant roof and in spite of dearest Ethels remonstrances it was clear that
dearest Laura must take her farewell In these last days besides the visits
which daily took place between one and other the young messenger was put in
ceaseless requisition and his donkey must have been worn off his little legs
with trotting to and fro between the two houses Laura was quite anxious and
hurt at not hearing from the Colonel it was a shame that he did not have over
his letters from Belgium and answer that one which she had honoured him by
writing By some information received who knows how our host was aware of the
intrigue which Mrs Pendennis was carrying on and his little wife almost as
much interested in it as my own She whispered to me in her kind way that she
would give a guinea that she would to see a certain couple made happy
together that they were born for one another, that they were she was for
having me go off to fetch Clive But who was I to act as Hymens messenger or
to interpose in such delicate family affairs
All this while Sir Barnes Newcome Bart remained absent in London
attending to his banking duties there and pursuing the dismal inquiries which
ended in the ensuing Michaelmas term in the famous suit of Newcome v Lord
Highgate Ethel pursuing the plan which she had laid down for herself from the
first took entire charge of his children and house Lady Ann returned to her
own family never indeed having been of much use in her sons dismal household
My wife talked to me of course about her pursuits and amusements at Newcome
in the ancestral hall which we have mentioned The children played and ate
their dinner mine often partook of his infantine mutton in company with little
Clara and the poor young heir of Newcome in the room which had been called my
Ladys own and in which her husband had locked her forgetting that the
conservatories were open through which the hapless woman had fled Next to this
was the baronial library a side of which was fitted with the gloomy books from
Clapham which old Mrs Newcome had amassed rows of tracts and missionary
magazines and dingy quarto volumes of worldly travel and history which that
lady had admitted into her collection
Almost on the last day of our stay at Rosebury the two young ladies
bethought them of paying a visit to the neighbouring town of Newcome to that
old Mrs Mason who has been mentioned in a foregoing page in some yet earlier
chapter of our history She was very old now very faithful to the recollections
of her own early time and oblivious of yesterday Thanks to Colonel Newcomes
bounty she had lived in comfort for many a long year past and he was as much
her boy now as in those early days of which we have given but an outline There
were Clives pictures of himself and his father over her little mantelpiece
near which she sat in comfort and warmth by the winter fire which his bounty
supplied
Mrs Mason remembered Miss Newcome prompted thereto by the hints of her
little maid who was much younger and had a more faithful memory than her
mistress Why Sarah Mason would have forgotten the pheasants whose very tails
decorated the chimneyglass had not Keziah the maid reminded her that the
young lady was the donor Then she recollected her benefactor and asked after
her father the Baronet and wondered for her part why her boy the Colonel
was not made baronet and why his brother had the property Her father was a
very good man though Mrs Mason had heard he was not much liked in those parts
»Dead and gone was he poor man« This came in reply to a hint from Keziah
the attendant bawled in the old ladys ears who was very deaf »Well well
we must all go and if we were all good like the Colonel what was the use of
staying I hope his wife will be good I am sure such a good man deserves one«
added Mrs Mason
The ladies thought the old woman doting led thereto by the remark of
Keziah the maid that »Mrs Mason have a lost her memory« And she asked who
the other bonny lady was and Ethel told her that Mrs Pendennis was a friend of
the Colonels and Clives
»Oh Clives friend Well she was a pretty lady and he was a dear pretty
boy He drew those pictures and he took off me in my cap with my old cat and
all my poor old cat thats buried this ever so long ago«
»She has had a letter from the Colonel Miss« cries out Keziah »Havent
you had a letter from the Colonel mum It came only yesterday« And Keziah
takes out the letter and shows it to the ladies They read as follows
London Feb 12 184
»My dear old Mason I have just heard from a friend of mine who has
been staying in your neighbourhood that you are well and happy and
that you have been making inquiries after your young scapegrace Tom
Newcome who is well and happy too and who proposes to be happier still
before any very long time is over
The letter which was written to me about you was sent to me in
Belgium at Brussels where I have been living a town near the place
where the famous Battle of Waterloo was fought and as I had run away
from Waterloo it followed me to England
I cannot come to Newcome just now to shake my dear old friend and
nurse by the hand I have business in London and there are those of my
name living in Newcome who would not be very happy to see me and mine
But I promise you a visit before very long and Clive will come with
me and when we come I shall introduce a new friend to you a very
pretty little daughterinlaw whom you must promise to love very much
She is a Scotch lassie niece of my oldest friend James Binnie
Esquire of the Bengal Civil Service who will give her a pretty bit of
siller and her present name is Miss Rosey Mackenzie
We shall send you a wedding cake soon and a new gown for Keziah to
whom remember me and when I am gone my grandchildren after me will
hear what a dear friend you were to your affectionate
THOMAS NEWCOME«
Keziah must have thought that there was something between Clive and my wife for
when Laura had read the letter she laid it down on the table and sitting down
by it and hiding her face in her hands burst into tears
Ethel looked steadily at the two pictures of Clive and his father Then she
put her hand on her friends shoulder »Come my dear« she said »it is growing
late and I must go back to my children« And she saluted Mrs Mason and her
maid in a very stately manner and left them leading my wife away who was
still exceedingly overcome
We could not stay long at Rosebury after that When Madame de Montcontour
heard the news the good lady cried too Mrs Pendenniss emotion was renewed as
we passed the gates of Newcome Park on our way to the railroad
Chapter LXII
Mr and Mrs Clive Newcome
The friendship between Ethel and Laura which the last narrated sentimental
occurrences had so much increased subsists very little impaired up to the
present day A lady with many domestic interests and increasing family etc
etc cannot be supposed to cultivate female intimacies out of doors with that
ardour and eagerness which young spinsters exhibit in their intercourse but
Laura whose kind heart first led her to sympathize with her young friend in the
latters days of distress and misfortune has professed ever since a growing
esteem for Ethel Newcome and says that the trials and perhaps grief which the
young lady now had to undergo have brought out the noblest qualities of her
disposition She is a very different person from the giddy and worldly girl who
compelled our admiration of late in the days of her triumphant youthful beauty
of her wayward generous humour of her frivolities and her flirtations
Did Ethel shed tears in secret over the marriage which had caused Lauras
gentle eyes to overflow We might divine the girls grief but we respected it
The subject was never mentioned by the ladies between themselves and even in
her most intimate communications with her husband that gentleman is bound to say
his wife maintained a tender reserve upon the point nor cared to speculate upon
a subject which her friend held sacred I could not for my part but acquiesce in
this reticence and if Ethel felt regret and remorse admire the dignity of her
silence and the sweet composure of her now changed and saddened demeanour
The interchange of letters between the two friends was constant and in
these the younger lady described at length the duties occupations and
pleasures of her new life She had quite broken with the world and devoted
herself entirely to the nurture and education of her brothers orphan children
She educated herself in order to teach them Her letters contain droll yet
touching confessions of her own ignorance and her determination to overcome it
There was no lack of masters of all kinds in Newcome She set herself to work
like a schoolgirl The piano in the little room near the conservatory was
thumped by Aunt Ethel until it became quite obedient to her and yielded the
sweetest music under her fingers When she came to pay us a visit at Fairoaks
some two years afterwards she played for our dancing children our third is
named Ethel our second Helen after one still more dear and we were in
admiration of her skill There must have been the labour of many lonely nights
when her little charges were at rest and she and her sad thoughts sat up
together before she overcame the difficulties of the instrument so as to be
able to soothe herself and to charm and delight her children
When the divorce was pronounced which came in due form though we know that
Lady Highgate was not much happier than the luckless Lady Clara Newcome had
been Ethels dread was lest Sir Barnes should marry again and by introducing a
new mistress into his house should deprive her of the care of her children
Miss Newcome judged her brother rightly in that he would try to marry but a
noble young lady to whom he offered himself rejected him to his surprise and
indignation for a beggarly clergyman with a small living on which she elected
to starve and the wealthy daughter of a neighbouring manufacturer whom he next
proposed to honour with his gracious hand fled from him with horror to the arms
of her father wondering how such a man as that should ever dare to propose
marriage to an honest girl Sir Barnes Newcome was much surprised at this
outbreak of anger he thought himself a very illused and unfortunate man a
victim of most cruel persecutions which we may be sure did not improve his
temper or tend to the happiness of his circle at home Peevishness and selfish
rage quarrels with servants and governesses and other domestic disquiet Ethel
had of course to bear from her brother but not actual personal illusage The
fiery temper of former days was subdued in her but the haughty resolution
remained which was more than a match for her brothers cowardly tyranny
besides she was the mistress of sixty thousand pounds and by many wily hints
and piteous appeals to his sister Sir Barnes sought to secure this desirable sum
of money for his poor dear unfortunate children
He professed to think that she was ruining herself for her younger brothers
whose expenses the young lady was defraying this one at college that in the
army and whose maintenance he thought might be amply defrayed out of their own
little fortunes and his mothers jointure and by ingeniously proving that a
vast number of his household expenses were personal to Miss Newcome and would
never have been incurred but for her residence in his house he subtracted for
his own benefit no inconsiderable portion of her income Thus the
carriagehorses were hers for what need had he a miserable bachelor of
anything more than a ridinghorse and a brougham A certain number of the
domestics were hers and as he could get no scoundrel of his own to stay with
him he took Miss Newcomes servants He would have had her pay the coals which
burnt in his grate and the taxes due to our Sovereign Lady the Queen but in
truth at the end of the year with her domestic bounties and her charities
round about Newcome which daily increased as she became acquainted with her
indigent neighbours Miss Ethel the heiress was as poor as many poorer
persons
Her charities increased daily with her means of knowing the people round
about her She gave much time to them and thought visited from house to house
without ostentation was awestricken by that spectacle of the poverty which we
have with us always of which the sight rebukes our selfish griefs into silence
the thought compels us to charity humility and devotion The priests of our
various creeds who elsewhere are doing battle together continually lay down
their arms in its presence and kneel before it subjugated by that overpowering
master Death never dying out hunger always crying and children born to it day
after day our young London lady flying from the splendours and follies in
which her life had been passed found herself in the presence of these
threading darkling alleys which swarmed with wretched life sitting by naked
beds whither by Gods blessing she was sometimes enabled to carry a little
comfort and consolation or whence she came heartstricken by the overpowering
misery or touched by the patient resignation of the new friends to whom fate
had directed her And here she met the priest upon his shrift the homely
missionary bearing his words of consolation the quiet curate pacing his round
and was known to all these and enabled now and again to help their people in
trouble »Oh what good there is in this woman« my wife would say to me as she
laid one of Miss Ethels letters aside »Who would have thought this was the
girl of your glaring London ballroom If she has had grief to bear how it has
chastened and improved her«
And now I have to confess that all this time whilst Ethel Newcome had been
growing in grace with my wife poor Clive has been lapsing sadly out of favour
She has no patience with Clive She drubs her little foot when his name is
mentioned and turns the subject Whither are all the tears and pities fled now
Mrs Laura has transferred all her regard to Ethel and when that ladys
exsuitor writes to his old friend or other news is had of him Laura flies out
in her usual tirades against the world the horrid wicked selfish world which
spoils everybody who comes near it What has Clive done in vain his apologist
asks that an old friend should be so angry with him
She is not angry with him not she She only does not care about him She
wishes him no manner of harm not the least only she has lost all interest in
him And the Colonel too the poor good old Colonel was actually in Mrs
Pendenniss black books and when he sent her the Brussels veil which we have
heard of she did not think it was a bargain at all not particularly pretty
in fact rather dear at the money When we met Mr and Mrs Clive Newcome in
London whither they came a few months after their marriage and where Rosey
appeared as pretty happy goodhumoured a little blushing bride as eyes need
behold Mrs Pendenniss reception of her was quite a curiosity of decorum »I
not receive her well« cried Laura »How on earth would you have me receive her
I talked to her about everything and she only answered yes or no I showed her
the children and she did not seem to care Her only conversation was about
millinery and Brussels balls and about her dress at the drawingroom The
drawingroom What business has she with such follies«
The fact is that the drawingroom was Tom Newcomes affair not his sons
who was heartily ashamed of the figure he cut in that astounding costume which
English private gentlemen are made to sport when they bend the knee before their
Gracious Sovereign
Warrington roasted poor Clive upon the occasion and complimented him with
his usual gravity until the young fellow blushed and his father somewhat
testily signified to our friend that his irony was not agreeable »I suppose«
says the Colonel with great hauteur »that there is nothing ridiculous in an
English gentleman entertaining feelings of loyalty and testifying his respect to
his Queen and I presume that Her Majesty knows best and has a right to order
in what dress her subjects shall appear before her And I dont think its kind
of you George I say I dont think its kind of you to quiz my boy for doing
his duty to his Queen and to his father too sir for it was at my request that
Clive went and we went together sir to the levee and then to the
drawingroom afterwards with Rosey who was presented by the lady of my old
friend Sir George Tufto a lady of rank herself and the wife of as brave an
officer as ever drew a sword«
Warrington stammered an apology for his levity but no explanations were
satisfactory and it was clear George had wounded the feelings of our dear
simple old friend
After Clives marriage which was performed at Brussels Uncle James and the
lady his sister whom we have sometimes flippantly ventured to call the
Campaigner went off to perform that journey to Scotland which James had
meditated for ten years past and now little Rosey was made happy for life to
renew acquaintance with little Josey The Colonel and his son and
daughterinlaw came to London not to the bachelor quarters where we have seen
them but to a hotel which they occupied until their new house could be
provided for them a sumptuous mansion in the Tyburnian district and one which
became people of their station
We have been informed already what the Colonels income was and have the
gratification of knowing that it was very considerable The simple gentleman who
would dine off a crust and wear a coat for ten years desired that his children
should have the best of everything ordered about upholsterers painters
carriagemakers in his splendid Indian way presented pretty Rosey with
brilliant jewels for her introduction at Court and was made happy by the sight
of the blooming young creature decked in these magnificences and admired by all
his little circle The old boys the old generals the old colonels the old
quihis from the club came and paid her their homage the directors ladies
and the generals ladies called upon her and feasted her at vast banquets
served on sumptuous plate Newcome purchased plate and gave banquets in return
for these hospitalities Mrs Clive had a neat close carriage for evenings and
a splendid barouche to drive in the Park It was pleasant to see this equipage
at four oclock of an afternoon driving up to Bayss with Rosey most
gorgeously attired reclining within and to behold the stately grace of the old
gentleman as he stepped out to welcome his daughterinlaw and the bow he made
before he entered her carriage Then they would drive round the Park round and
round and round and the old generals and the old colonels and old fogeys and
their ladies and daughters would nod and smile out of their carriages as they
crossed each other upon this charming career of pleasure
I confess that a dinner at the Colonels now he appeared in all his
magnificence was awfully slow No peaches could look fresher than Roseys
cheeks no damask was fairer than her pretty little shoulders No one I am
sure could be happier than she but she did not impart her happiness to her
friends and replied chiefly by smiles to the conversation of the gentlemen at
her side It is true that these were for the most part elderly dignitaries
distinguished military officers with blueblack whiskers retired old Indian
judges and the like occupied with their victuals and generally careless to
please But that solemn happiness of the Colonel who shall depict it that
look of affection with which he greeted his daughter as she entered flounced to
the waist twinkling with innumerable jewels holding a dainty
pockethandkerchief with smiling eyes dimpled cheeks and golden ringlets He
would take her hand or follow her about from group to group exchanging
precious observations about the weather the Park the Exhibition nay the
Opera for the old man actually went to the Opera with his little girl and
solemnly snoozed by her side in a white waistcoat
Very likely this was the happiest period of Thomas Newcomes life No woman
save one perhaps fifty years ago had ever seemed so fond of him as that little
girl What pride he had in her and what care he took of her If she was a
little ailing what anxiety and hurrying for doctors What droll letters came
from James Binnie and how they laughed over them with what respectful
attention he acquainted Mrs Mack with everything that took place with what
enthusiasm that Campaigner replied Joseys husband called a special blessing
upon his head in the church at Musselburgh and little Jo herself sent a tinful
of Scotch bun to her darling sister with a request from her husband that he
might have a few shares in the famous Indian Company
The Company was in a highly flourishing condition as you may suppose when
one of its directors who at the same time was one of the honestest men alive
thought it was his duty to live in the splendour in which we now behold him
Many wealthy City men did homage to him His brother Hobson though the Colonel
had quarrelled with the chief of the firm yet remained on amicable terms with
Thomas Newcome and shared and returned his banquets for a while Charles
Honeyman we may be sure was present at many of them and smirked a blessing
over the plenteous meal The Colonels influence was such with Mr Sherrick that
he pleaded Charless cause with that gentleman and actually brought to a
successful termination that little love affair in which we have seen Miss
Sherrick and Charles engaged Mr Sherrick was not disposed to part with much
money during his lifetime indeed he proved to Colonel Newcome that he was not
so rich as the world supposed him But by the Colonels interest the chaplaincy
of Boggley Wollah was procured for the Rev C Honeyman who now forms the
delight of that flourishing station
All this while we have said little about Clive who in truth was somehow in
the background in this flourishing Newcome group To please the best father in
the world the kindest old friend who endowed his niece with the best part of
his savings to settle that question about marriage and have an end of it
Clive Newcome had taken a pretty and fond young girl who respected and admired
him beyond all men and who heartily desired to make him happy To do as much
would not his father have stripped his coat from his back have put his head
under Juggernauts chariot wheel have sacrificed any ease comfort or
pleasure for the youngsters benefit One great passion he had had and closed
the account of it a worldly ambitious girl how foolishly worshipped and
passionately beloved no matter had played with him for years had flung him
away when a dissolute suitor with a great fortune and title had offered himself
Was he to whine and despair because a jilt had fooled him He had too much pride
and courage for any such submission he would accept the lot in life which was
offered to him no undesirable one surely he would fulfil the wish of his
fathers heart and cheer his kind declining years In this way the marriage was
brought about It was but a whisper to Rosey in the drawingroom a start and a
blush from the little girl as he took the little willing hand a kiss for her
from her delighted old fatherinlaw a twinkle in good old Jamess eyes and
double embrace from the Campaigner as she stood over them in a benedictory
attitude expressing her surprise at an event for which she had been jockeying
ever since she set eyes on young Newcome and calling upon Heaven to bless her
children So as a good thing when it is to be done had best be done quickly
these worthy folks went off almost straightway to a clergyman and were married
out of hand to the astonishment of Captains Hoby and Goby when they came to
hear of the event Well my gallant young painter and friend of my boyhood if
my wife chooses to be angry at your marriage shall her husband not wish you
happy Suppose we had married our first loves others of us were we the happier
now Ask Mr Pendennis who sulked in his tent when his Costigan his Briseis
was ravished from him Ask poor George Warrington who had his own way Heaven
help him There was no need why Clive should turn monk because number one
refused him and that charmer removed why he should not take to his heart
number two I am bound to say that when I expressed these opinions to Mrs
Laura she was more angry and provoked than ever
It is in the nature of such a simple soul as Thomas Newcome to see but one
side of a question and having once fixed Ethels worldliness in his mind and
her brothers treason to allow no argument of advocates of the other side to
shake his displeasure Hence the one or two appeals which Laura ventured to make
on behalf of her friend were checked by the good Colonel with a stern negation
If Ethel was not guiltless she could not make him see at least that she was not
guilty He dashed away all excuses and palliations Exasperated as he was he
persisted in regarding the poor girls conduct in its most unfavourable light
»She was rejected and deservedly rejected by the Marquis of Farintosh« he
broke out to me once who was not indeed authorized to tell all I knew regarding
the story »the whole town knows it all the clubs ring with it I blush sir
to think that my brothers child should have brought such a stain upon our
name« In vain I told him that my wife who knew all the circumstances much
better judged Miss Newcome far more favourably and indeed greatly esteemed and
loved her »Pshaw sir« breaks out the indignant Colonel »your wife is an
innocent creature who does not know the world as we men of experience do as I
do sir« and would have no more of the discussion There is no doubt about it
there was a coolness between my old friends father and us
As for Barnes Newcome we gave up that worthy and the Colonel showed him no
mercy He recalled words used by Warrington which I have recorded in a former
page and vowed that he only watched for an opportunity to crush the miserable
reptile He hated Barnes as a loathsome traitor coward and criminal He made
no secret of his opinion and Clive with the remembrance of former injuries of
dreadful heartpangs the inheritor of his fathers blood his honesty of
nature, and his impetuous enmity against wrong shared to the full his sires
antipathy against his cousin and publicly expressed his scorn and contempt for
him About Ethel he would not speak »Perhaps what you say Pen is true« he
said »I hope it is Pray God it is« But his quivering lips and fierce
countenance when her name was mentioned or her defence attempted showed that
he too had come to think ill of her »As for her brother as for that
scoundrel« he would say clenching his fist »if ever I can punish him I will
I shouldnt have the soul of a dog if ever I forgot the wrongs that have been
done me by that vagabond Forgiveness Pshaw Are you dangling to sermons Pen
at your wifes leadingstrings Are you preaching that cant There are some
injuries that no honest man should forgive and I shall be a rogue on the day I
shake hands with that villain«
»Clive has adopted the Iroquois ethics« says George Warrington smoking his
pipe sententiously »rather than those which are at present received among us I
am not sure that something is not to be said as against the Eastern upon the
Western or Tomahawk or Ojibbeway side of the question I should not like« he
added »to be in a vendetta or feud and to have you Clive and the old Colonel
engaged against me«
»I would rather« I said »for my part have half a dozen such enemies as
Clive and the Colonel than one like Barnes You never know where or when that
villain may hit you« And before a very short period was over Sir Barnes
Newcome Bart hit his two hostile kinsmen such a blow as one might expect from
such a quarter
Chapter LXIII
Mrs Clive at Home
As Clive and his father did not think fit to conceal their opinions regarding
their kinsman Barnes Newcome and uttered them in many public places when Sir
Barness conduct was brought into question we may be sure that their talk came
to the Baronets ears and did not improve his already angry feeling towards
those gentlemen For a while they had the best of the attack The Colonel routed
Barnes out of his accustomed club at Bayss where also the gallant Sir George
Tufto expressed himself pretty openly with respect to the poor Baronets want of
courage the Colonel had bullied and browbeaten Barnes in the parlour of his own
bank and the story was naturally well known in the City where it certainly was
not pleasant for Sir Barnes as he walked to Change to meet sometimes the
scowls of the angry man of war his uncle striding down to the offices of the
Bundelcund Bank and armed with that terrible bamboo cane
But though his wife had undeniably run away after notorious illtreatment
from her husband though he had shown two white feathers in those unpleasant
little affairs with his uncle and cousin though Sir Barnes Newcome was
certainly neither amiable nor popular in the City of London his reputation as a
most intelligent man of business still stood the credit of his house was
deservedly high and people banked with him and traded with him in spite of
faithless wives and hostile colonels
When the outbreak between Colonel Newcome and his nephew took place it may
be remembered that Mr Hobson Newcome the other partner of the firm of Hobson
Brothers waited upon Colonel Newcome as one of the principal English directors
of the BB.C., and hoped that although private differences would of course
oblige Thomas Newcome to cease all personal dealings with the bank of Hobson
the affairs of the Company in which he was interested ought not to suffer on
this account and that the Indian firm should continue dealing with Hobsons on
the same footing as before Mr Hobson Newcome represented to the Colonel in
his jolly frank way that whatever happened between the latter and his nephew
Barnes Thomas Newcome had still one friend in the house that the transactions
between it and the Indian Company were mutually advantageous finally that the
manager of the Indian bank might continue to do business with Hobsons as before
So the BB.C. sent its consignments to Hobson Brothers and drew its bills
which were duly honoured by that firm
More than one of Colonel Newcomes City acquaintances among them his agent
Mr Jolly and his ingenuous friend Mr Sherrick especially hinted to Thomas
Newcome to be very cautious in his dealings with Hobson Brothers and keep a
special care lest that house should play him an evil turn They both told him
that Barnes Newcome had said more than once in answer to reports of the
Colonels own speeches against Barnes »I know that hotheaded blundering
Indian uncle of mine is furious against me on account of an absurd private
affair and misunderstanding which he is too obstinate to see in the proper
light What is my return for the abuse and rant which he lavishes against me I
cannot forget that he is my grandfathers son an old man utterly ignorant both
of society and business here and as he is interested in this Indian Banking
Company which must be preciously conducted when it appointed him as the
guardian and overseer of its affairs in England I do my very best to serve the
Company and I can tell you its blundering muddleheaded managers black and
white owe no little to the assistance which they have had from our house If
they dont like us why do they go on dealing with us We dont want them and
their bills We were a leading house fifty years before they were born and
shall continue to be so long after they come to an end« Such was Barness case
as stated by himself It was not a very bad one or very unfairly stated
considering the advocate I believe he has always persisted in thinking that he
never did his uncle any wrong
Mr Jolly and Mr Sherrick then both entreated Thomas Newcome to use his
best endeavours and bring the connection of the BB.C. and Hobson Brothers to a
speedy end But Jolly was an interested party he and his friends would have had
the agency of the BB.C. and the profits thereof which Hobsons had taken from
them Mr Sherrick was an outside practitioner a guerilla amongst regular
merchants The opinions of one and the other though submitted by Thomas Newcome
duly to his copartners the managers and London Board of Directors of the
Bundelcund Banking Company were overruled by that assembly
They had their establishment and apartments in the City they had their
clerks and messengers their managers room and boardroom their meetings
where no doubt great quantities of letters were read vast ledgers produced
where Tom Newcome was voted into the chair and voted out with thanks where
speeches were made and the affairs of the BB.C. properly discussed These
subjects are mysterious terrifying unknown to me I cannot pretend to describe
them Fred Bayham I remember used to be great in his knowledge of the affairs
of the Bundelcund Banking Company He talked of cotton wool copper opium
indigo Singapore Manilla China Calcutta Australia with prodigious
eloquence and fluency His conversation was about millions The most astounding
paragraphs used to appear in the Pall Mall Gazette regarding the annual dinner
at Blackwall which the directors gave and to which he and George and I as
friends of the court were invited What orations were uttered what flowing
bumpers emptied in the praise of this great Company what quantities of turtle
and punch did Fred devour at its expense Colonel Newcome was the kindly old
chairman at these banquets the Prince his son taking but a modest part in
these ceremonies and sitting with us his old cronies
All the gentlemen connected with the board all those with whom the BB.C.
traded in London paid Thomas Newcome extraordinary respect His character for
wealth was deservedly great and of course multiplied by the tongue of Rumour
FB knew to a few millions of rupees more or less what the Colonel possessed
and what Clive would inherit Thomas Newcomes distinguished military services
his high bearing lofty courtesy simple but touching garrulity for the honest
man talked much more now than he had been accustomed to do in former days and
was not insensible to the flattery which his wealth brought him his reputation
as a keen man of business who had made his own fortune by operations equally
prudent and spirited and who might make the fortunes of hundreds of other
people brought the worthy Colonel a number of friends and I promise you that
the loudest huzzahs greeted his health when it was proposed at the Blackwall
dinners At the second annual dinner after Clives marriage some friends
presented Mrs Clive Newcome with a fine testimonial There was a superb silver
cocoanut tree whereof the leaves were dexterously arranged for holding candles
and pickles under the cocoanut was an Indian prince on a camel giving his
hand to a cavalry officer on horseback a howitzer a plough a loom a bale of
cotton on which were the East India Companys arms a Brahmin Britannia and
Commerce with a cornucopia were grouped round the principal figures and if you
would see a noble account of this chaste and elegant specimen of British art
you are referred to the pages of the Pall Mall Gazette of that year as well as
to Fred Bayhams noble speech in the course of the evening when it was
exhibited The East and its wars and its heroes Assaye and Seringapatam and
Lord Lake and Laswaree too calls out the Colonel greatly elated
tigerhunting palanquins Juggernaut elephants the burning of widows all
passed before us in FBs splendid oration He spoke of the products of the
Indian forest the palm tree the cocoanut tree the banyan tree Palms the
Colonel had already brought back with him the palms of valour won in the
field of war cheers Cocoanut trees he had never seen though he had heard
wonders related regarding the milky contents of their fruit Here at any rate
was one tree of the kind under the branches of which he humbly trusted often to
repose and if he might be so bold as to carry on the Eastern metaphor he would
say knowing the excellence of the Colonels claret and the splendour of his
hospitality that he would prefer a cocoanut day at the Colonels to a banyan
day anywhere else Whilst FBs speech went on I remember JJ eyeing the
trophy and the queer expression of his shrewd face The health of British
Artists was drunk apropos of this splendid specimen of their skill and poor
JJ Ridley Esq ARA had scarce a word to say in return He and Clive sat
by one another, the latter very silent and gloomy When JJ and I met in the
world we talked about our friend and it was easy for both of us to see that
neither was satisfied with Clives condition
The fine house in Tyburnia was completed by this time as gorgeous as money
could make it How different it was from the old Fitzroy Square mansion with its
ramshackle furniture and spoils of brokers shops and Tottenham Court Road
odds and ends An Oxford Street upholsterer had been let loose in the yet virgin
chambers and that inventive genius had decorated them with all the wonders his
fancy could devise Roses and Cupids quivered on the ceilings up to which
golden arabesques crawled from the walls your face handsome or otherwise was
reflected by countless lookingglasses so multiplied and arranged as as it
were to carry you into the next street You trod on velvet pausing with
respect in the centre of the carpet where Roseys cipher was worked in the
sweet flowers which bear her name What delightful crooked legs the chairs had
What corner cupboards there were filled with Dresden gimcracks which it was a
part of this little womans business in life to purchase What étagères and
bonbonnières and chiffonnières What awfully bad pastels there were on the
walls What frightful Boucher and Lancret shepherds and shepherdesses leered
over the portières What velvetbound volumes motherofpearl albums inkstands
representing beasts of the field priedieux chairs and wonderful knickknacks I
can recollect There was the most magnificent piano though Rosey seldom sang
any of her six songs now and when she kept her couch at a certain most
interesting period the good Colonel ever anxious to procure amusement for his
darling asked whether she would not like a barrelorgan grinding fifty or sixty
favourite pieces which a bearer could turn And he mentioned how Windus of
their regiment who loved music exceedingly had a very fine instrument of this
kind out to Barrackpore in the year 1810 and relays of barrels by each ship
with all the new tunes from Europe The Testimonial took its place in the centre
of Mrs Clives table surrounded by satellites of plate The delectable parties
were constantly gathered together the grand barouche rolling in the Park or
stopping at the principal shops Little Rosey bloomed in millinery and was
still the smiling little pet of her fatherinlaw and poor Clive in the midst
of all these splendours was gaunt and sad and silent listless at most times
bitter and savage at others pleased only when he was out of the society which
bored him and in the company of George and JJ the simple friends of his
youth
His careworn look and altered appearance mollified my wife towards him who
had almost taken him again into favour But she did not care for Mrs Clive and
the Colonel somehow grew cool towards us and to look askance upon the little
band of Clives friends It seemed as if there were two parties in the house
There was Clives set JJ the shrewd silent little painter Warrington the
cynic and the author of the present biography who was I believe supposed to
give himself contemptuous airs and to have become very high and mighty since
his marriage Then there was the great numerous and eminently respectable set
whose names were all registered in little Roseys little visitingbook and to
whose houses she drove round duly delivering the cards of Mr and Mrs Clive
Newcome and Colonel Newcome the Generals and Colonels the Judges and the
Fogeys The only man who kept well with both sides of the house was F Bayham
Esq who having got into clover remained in the enjoyment of that welcome
pasture who really loved Clive and the Colonel too and had a hundred pleasant
things and funny stories the droll odd creature to tell to the little lady
for whom we others could scarcely find a word The old friends of the student
days were not forgotten but they did not seem to get on in the new house The
Miss Gandishes came to one of Mrs Clives balls still in blue crape still
with ringlets on their wizened old foreheads accompanying Papa with his shirt
collars turned down who gazed in mute wonder on the splendid scene Warrington
actually asked Miss Gandish to dance making woeful blunders however in the
quadrille while Clive with something like one of his old smiles on his face
took out Miss Zoe Gandish her sister We made Gandish overeat and overdrink
himself in the supperroom and Clive cheered him by ordering a full length of
Mrs Clive Newcome from his distinguished pencil Never was seen a grander
exhibition of white satin and jewels Smee RA was furious at the preference
shown to his rival
We had Sandy MCollop too at the party who had returned from Rome with
his red beard and his picture of the murder of the Red Comyn which made but a
dim effect in the Octagon Room of the Royal Academy where the bleeding agonies
of the dying warrior were veiled in an unkind twilight On Sandy and his
brethren little Rosey looked rather coldly She tossed up her little head in
conversation with me and gave me to understand that this party was only an
omnium gatherum not one of the select parties from which Heaven defend us »We
are Poins and Nym and Pistol« growled out George Warrington as he strode
away to finish the evening in Clives painting and smoking room »Now Prince Hal
is married and shares the paternal throne his Princess is ashamed of his
brigand associates of former days« She came and looked at us with a feeble
little smile as we sat smoking and let the daylight in on us from the open
door and hinted to Mr Clive that it was time to go to bed
So Clive Newcome lay in a bed of down and tossed and tumbled there He went
to fine dinners and sat silent over them rode fine horses and black Care
jumped up behind the moody horseman He was cut off in a great measure from the
friends of his youth or saw them by a kind of stealth and sufferance was a
very lonely poor fellow I am afraid now that people were testimonializing his
wife and many an old comrade growling at his haughtiness and prosperity
In former days when his good father recognized the difference which fate
and time and temper had set between him and his son we have seen with what a
gentle acquiescence the old man submitted to his inevitable fortune and how
humbly he bore that stroke of separation which afflicted the boy lightly enough
but caused the loving sire so much pain Then there was no bitterness between
them in spite of the fatal division but now it seemed as if there was anger on
Thomas Newcomes part because though come together again they were not
united though with every outward appliance of happiness Clive was not happy
What young man on earth could look for more a sweet young wife a handsome
home of which the only encumbrance was an old father who would give his last
drop of blood in his sons behalf And it was to bring about this end that
Thomas Newcome had toiled and had amassed a fortune Could not Clive with his
talents and education go down once or twice a week to the City and take a
decent part in the business by which his wealth was secured He appeared at the
various boardrooms and City conclaves yawned at the meetings and drew figures
on the blottingpaper of the Company had no interest in its transactions no
heart in its affairs went away and galloped his horse alone or returned to his
paintingroom put on his old velvet jacket and worked with his palettes and
brushes Palettes and brushes could he not give up these toys when he was
called to a much higher station in the world Could he not go talk with Rosey
drive with Rosey kind little soul whose whole desire was to make him happy
Such thoughts as these no doubt darkened the Colonels mind and deepened the
furrows round his old eyes So it is we judge men by our own standards judge
our nearest and dearest often wrong
Many and many a time did Clive try and talk with the little Rosey who
chirped and prattled so gaily to his father Many a time would she come and sit
by his easel and try her little powers to charm him bring him little tales
about their acquaintances stories about this ball and that concert practise
artless smiles upon him gentle little bouderies tears perhaps followed by
caresses and reconciliation At the end of which he would return to his cigar
and she with a sigh and a heavy heart to the good old man who had bidden her
to go and talk with him He used to feel that his father had sent her the
thought came across him in their conversations and straightway his heart would
shut up and his face grow gloomy They were not made to mate with one another
that was the truth the shoe was a very pretty little shoe but Clives foot was
too big for it
Just before the testimonial Mr Clive was in constant attendance at home
and very careful and kind and happy with his wife and the whole family party
went very agreeably Doctors were in constant attendance at Mrs Clive Newcomes
door prodigious care was taken by the good Colonel in wrapping her and putting
her little feet on sofas and in leading her to her carriage The Campaigner
came over in immense flurry from Edinburgh where Uncle James was now very
comfortably lodged in Picardy Place with the most agreeable society round about
him and all this circle was in a word very close and happy and intimate But
woe is me Thomas Newcomes fondest hopes were disappointed this time his
little grandson lived but to see the light and leave it and sadly sadly those
preparations were put away those poor little robes and caps those delicate
muslins and cambrics over which many a care had been forgotten many a fond
prayer thought if not uttered Poor little Rosey she felt the grief very
keenly but she rallied from it very soon In a very few months her cheeks were
blooming and dimpling with smiles again and she was telling us how her party
was an omnium gatherum
The Campaigner had ere this returned to the scene of her northern exploits
not I believe entirely of the worthy womans own free will Assuming the
command of the household whilst her daughter kept her sofa Mrs Mackenzie had
set that establishment into uproar and mutiny She had offended the butler
outraged the housekeeper wounded the sensibilities of the footmen in insulted
the doctor and trampled on the inmost corns of the nurse It was surprising
what a change appeared in the Campaigners conduct and how little in former
days Colonel Newcome had known her What the Emperor Napoleon the First said
respecting our Russian enemies might be applied to this lady Grattez la and
she appeared a Tartar Clive and his father had a little comfort and
conversation in conspiring against her The old man never dared to try but was
pleased with the youngers spirit and gallantry in the series of final actions
which commencing over poor little Roseys prostrate body in the dressingroom
were continued in the drawingroom resumed with terrible vigour on the enemys
part in the diningroom and ended to the triumph of the whole establishment
at the outside of the hall door
When the routed Tartar force had fled back to its native north Rosey made a
confession which Clive told me afterwards bursting with bitter laughter »You
and papa seem to be very much agitated« she said Rosey called the Colonel
papa in the absence of the Campaigner »I do not mind it a bit except just at
first when it made me a little nervous Mamma used always to be so she used to
scold and scold all day both me and Josey in Scotland till grandmamma sent
her away and then in Fitzroy Square and then in Brussels she used to box my
ears and go into such tantrums and I think« adds Rosey with one of her
sweetest smiles »she had quarrelled with Uncle James before she came to us«
»She used to box Roseys ears« roars out poor Clive »and go into such
tantrums in Fitzroy Square and Brussels afterwards and the pair would come
down with their arms round each others waists smirking and smiling as if they
had done nothing but kiss each other all their mortal lives This is what we
know about women this is what we get and find years afterwards when we think
we have married a smiling artless young creature Are you all such hypocrites
Mrs Pendennis« and he pulled his mustachios in his wrath
»Poor Clive« says Laura very kindly »You would not have her tell tales of
her mother would you«
»Oh of course not« breaks out Clive »that is what you all say and so you
are hypocrites out of sheer virtue«
It was the first time Laura had called him Clive for many a day She was
becoming reconciled to him We had our own opinion about the young fellows
marriage
And to sum up all upon a casual rencontre with the young gentleman in
question whom we saw descending from a hansom at the steps of the Flag Pall
Mall I opined that dark thoughts of Hoby had entered into Clive Newcomes mind
Othellolike he scowled after that unconscious Cassio as the other passed into
the club in his lacquered boots
Chapter LXIV
Absit Omen
At the first of the Blackwall festivals Hobson Newcome was present in spite of
the quarrel which had taken place between his elder brother and the chief of the
firm of Hobson Brothers and Newcome But it was the individual Barnes and the
individual Thomas who had had a difference together the Bundelcund Bank was not
at variance with its chief house of commission in London no man drank
prosperity to the BB.C., upon occasion of this festival with greater fervour
than Hobson Newcome and the manner in which he just slightly alluded in his
own little speech of thanks to the notorious differences between Colonel
Newcome and his nephew praying that these might cease some day and meanwhile
that the confidence between the great Indian establishment and its London agents
might never diminish was appreciated and admired by sixandthirty gentlemen
all brimful of claret and enthusiasm and in that happy state of mind in which
men appreciate and admire everything
At the second dinner when the testimonial was presented Hobson was not
present Nor did his name figure amongst those engraven on the trunk of Mr
Newcomes allegorical silver cocoanut tree As we travelled homewards in the
omnibus Fred Bayham noticed the circumstance to me »I have looked over the
list of names« says he »not merely that on the trunk sir but the printed
list it was rolled up and placed in one of the nests on the top of the tree
Why is Hobsons name not there Ha it mislikes me Pendennis«
FB who was now very great about City affairs discoursed about stocks and
companies with immense learning and gave me to understand that he had
transacted one or two little operations in Capel Court on his own account with
great present and still larger prospective advantages to himself It is a fact
that Mr Ridley was paid and that FBs costume though still eccentric was
comfortable cleanly and variegated He occupied the apartments once tenanted
by the amiable Honeyman He lived in ease and comfort there »You dont
suppose« says he »that the wretched stipend I draw from the Pall Mall Gazette
enables me to maintain this kind of thing FB sir has a station in the
world FB moves among moneyers and City nobs and eats cabobs with wealthy
nabobs He may marry sir and settle in life« We cordially wished every
worldly prosperity to the brave FB
Happening to descry him one day in the Park I remarked that his countenance
wore an ominous and tragic appearance which seemed to deepen as he neared me I
thought he had been toying affably with a nurserymaid the moment before who
stood with some of her little charges watching the yachts upon the Serpentine
Howbeit espying my approach FB strode away from the maiden and her innocent
companions and advanced to greet his old acquaintance enveloping his face with
shades of funereal gloom
»Yon were the children of my good friend Colonel Huckaback of the Bombay
Marines Alas unconscious of their doom the little infants play I was
watching them at their sports There is a pleasing young woman in attendance
upon the poor children They were sailing their little boats upon the
Serpentine racing and laughing and making merry and as I looked on Master
Hastings Huckabacks boat went down Absit omen Pendennis I was moved by the
circumstance FB hopes that the childs fathers argosy may not meet with
shipwreck«
»You mean the little yellowfaced man whom we met at Colonel Newcomes«
says Mr Pendennis
»I do sir« growled FB »You know that he is a brother director with our
Colonel in the Bundelcund Bank«
»Gracious heavens« I cried in sincere anxiety »nothing has happened I
hope to the Bundelcund Bank«
»No« answers the other »nothing has happened the good ship is safe sir
as yet But she has narrowly escaped a great danger Pendennis« cries FB
gripping my arm with great energy »There was a traitor in her crew she has
weathered the storm nobly who would have sent her on the rocks sir who would
have scuttled her at midnight«
»Pray drop your nautical metaphors and tell me what you mean« cries F
Bs companion and Bayham continued his narration
»Were you in the least conversant with City affairs« he said »or did you
deign to visit the spot where merchants mostly congregate you would have heard
the story which was over the whole City yesterday and spread dismay from
Threadneedle Street to Leadenhall The story is that the firm of Hobson
Brothers and Newcome yesterday refused acceptance of thirty thousand pounds
worth of bills of the Bundelcund Banking Company of India
The news came like a thunderclap upon the London Board of Directors who had
received no notice of the intentions of Hobson Brothers and caused a dreadful
panic amongst the shareholders of the concern The boardroom was besieged by
Colonels and Captains widows and orphans Within an hour after protest the
bills were taken up and you will see in the city article of the Globe this
very evening an announcement that henceforward the house of Baines and Jolly
of Job Court will meet engagements of the Bundelcund Banking Company of India
being provided with ample funds to do honour to every possible liability of that
Company But the shares fell sir in consequence of the panic I hope they will
rally I trust and believe they will rally for our good Colonels sake and
that of his friends for the sake of the innocent children sporting by the
Serpentine yonder
I had my suspicions when they gave that testimonial« said FB »In my
experience of life sir I always feel rather shy about testimonials and when a
party gets one somehow look out to hear of his smashing the next month Absit
omen I will say again I like not the going down of yonder little yacht«
The Globe sure enough contained a paragraph that evening announcing the
occurrence which Mr Bayham had described and the temporary panic which it had
occasioned and containing an advertisement stating that Messrs Baines and
Jolly would henceforth act as agents of the Indian Company Legal proceedings
were presently threatened by the Solicitors of the Company against the banking
firm which had caused so much mischief Mr Hobson Newcome was absent abroad
when the circumstance took place and it was known that the protest of the bills
was solely attributable to his nephew and partner But after the break between
the two firms there was a rupture between Hobsons family and Colonel Newcome
The exasperated Colonel vowed that his brother and his nephew were traitors
alike and would have no further dealings with one or the other Even poor
innocent Sam Newcome coming up to London from Oxford where he had been
plucked and offering a hand to Clive was frowned away by our Colonel who
spoke in terms of great displeasure to his son for taking the least notice of
the young traitor
Our Colonel was changed changed in his heart changed in his whole
demeanour towards the world and above all towards his son for whom he had made
so many kind sacrifices in his old days We have said how ever since Clives
marriage a tacit strife had been growing up between father and son The boys
evident unhappiness was like a reproach to his father His very silence angered
the old man His want of confidence daily chafed and annoyed him At the head of
a large fortune which he rightly persisted in spending he felt angry with
himself because he could not enjoy it angry with his son who should have
helped him in the administration of his new estate and who was but a listless
useless member of the little confederacy a living protest against all the
schemes of the good mans past life The catastrophe in the City again brought
father and son together somewhat and the vindictiveness of both was roused by
Barness treason Time was when the Colonel himself would have viewed his
kinsman more charitably but fate and circumstance had angered that originally
friendly and gentle disposition hate and suspicion had mastered him and if it
cannot be said that his new life had changed him at least it had brought out
faults for which there had hitherto been no occasion and qualities latent
before Do we know ourselves or what good or evil circumstance may bring from
us Did Cain know as he and his younger brother played round their mothers
knee that the little hand which caressed Abel should one day grow larger and
seize a brand to slay him Thrice fortunate he to whom circumstance is made
easy whom fate visits with gentle trial and kindly Heaven keeps out of
temptation
In the stage which the family feud now reached and which the biographer of
the Newcomes is bound to describe there is one gentle moralist who gives her
sentence decidedly against Clives father whilst on the other hand a rough
philosopher and friend of mine whose opinions used to have some weight with me
stoutly declares that they were right »War and Justice are good things« says
George Warrington rattling his clenched fist on the table »I maintain them
and the commonsense of the world maintains them against the preaching of all
the Honeymans that ever puled from the pulpit I have not the least objection in
life to a rogue being hung When a scoundrel is whipped I am pleased and say
serve him right If any gentleman will horsewhip Sir Barnes Newcome Baronet I
shall not be shocked but on the contrary go home and order an extra
muttonchop for dinner«
»Ah revenge is wrong Pen« pleads the other counsellor »let alone that
the wisest and best of all Judges has condemned it It blackens the hearts of
men It distorts their views of right It sets them to devise evil It causes
them to think unjustly of others It is not the noblest return for injury not
even the bravest way of meeting it The greatest courage is to bear persecution
not to answer when you are reviled and when a wrong has been done you to
forgive I am sorry for what you call the Colonels triumph and his enemys
humiliation Let Barnes be as odious as you will he ought never to have
humiliated Ethels brother but he is weak Other gentlemen as well are weak
Mr Pen although you are so much cleverer than women I have no patience with
the Colonel and I beg you to tell him whether he asks you or not that he has
lost my good graces and that I for one will not huzzah at what his friends
and flatterers call his triumphs and that I dont think in this instance he has
acted like the dear Colonel and the good Colonel and the good Christian that I
once thought him«
We must now tell what the Colonel and Clive had been doing and what caused
two such different opinions respecting their conduct from the two critics just
named The refusal of the London Banking House to accept the bills of the Great
Indian Company of course affected very much the credit of that Company in this
country Sedative announcements were issued by the Directors in London
brilliant accounts of the Companys affairs abroad were published proof
incontrovertible was given that the BB.C. was never in so flourishing a state
as at that time when Hobson Brothers had refused its drafts There could be no
question that the Company had received a severe wound and was deeply if not
vitally injured by the conduct of the London firm
The propensity to sell out became quite epidemic amongst the shareholders
Everybody was anxious to realize Why out of the thirty names inscribed on poor
Mrs Clives cocoanut tree no less than twenty deserters might be mentioned
or at least who would desert could they find an opportunity of doing so with
arms and baggage Wrathfully the good Colonel scratched the names of those
faithless ones out of his daughters visitingbook haughtily he met them in the
street To desert the BB.C. at the hour of peril was in his idea like
applying for leave of absence on the eve of an action He would not see that the
question was not one of sentiment at all but of chances and arithmetic he
would not hear with patience of men quitting the ship as he called it »They
may go sir« says he »but let them never more be officers of mine« With scorn
and indignation he paid off one or two timid friends who were anxious to fly
and purchased their shares out of his own pocket But his purse was not long
enough for this kind of amusement What money he had was invested in the Company
already and his name further pledged for meeting the engagements from which
their late London Bankers had withdrawn
Those gentlemen in the meanwhile spoke of their differences with the
Indian Bank as quite natural and laughed at the absurd charges of personal
hostility which poor Thomas Newcome publicly preferred »Here is a hotheaded
old Indian Dragoon« says Sir Barnes »who knows no more about business than I
do about cavalry tactics or Hindostanee who gets into a partnership along with
other dragoons and Indian wiseacres with some uncommonly wily old native
practitioners and they pay great dividends and they set up a bank Of course
we will do these peoples business as long as we are covered but I have always
told their manager that we would run no risks whatever and close the account
the very moment it did not suit us to keep it and so we parted company six
weeks ago since when there has been a panic in the Company a panic which has
been increased by Colonel Newcomes absurd swagger and folly He says I am his
enemy Enemy indeed So I am in private life but what has that to do with
business In business begad there are no friends and no enemies at all I
leave all my sentiment on the other side of Temple Bar«
So Thomas Newcome and Clive the son of Thomas had wrath in their hearts
against Barnes their kinsman and desired to be revenged upon him and were
eager after his undoing and longed for an opportunity when they might meet him
and overcome him and put him to shame
When men are in this frame of mind a certain personage is said always to be
at hand to help them and give them occasion for indulging in their pretty
little passion What is sheer hate seems to the individual entertaining the
sentiment so like indignant virtue that he often indulges in the propensity to
the full nay lauds himself for the exercise of it I am sure if Thomas
Newcome in his present desire for retaliation against Barnes had known the
real nature of his sentiments towards that worthy his conduct would have been
different and we should have heard of no such active hostilities as ensued
Chapter LXV
In which Mrs Clive Comes into her Fortune
In speaking of the affairs of the BB.C., Sir Barnes Newcome always took care to
maintain his candid surprise relating to the proceedings of that Company He set
about evil reports against it he endeavour to do it a wrong absurd If a
friend were to ask him and it was quite curious what a number did manage to ask
him whether he thought the Company was an advantageous investment of course he
would give an answer He could not say conscientiously he thought so never
once had said so in the time of their connection which had been formed solely
with a view of obliging his amiable uncle It was a quarrelsome Company a
dragoon Company a Company of gentlemen accustomed to gunpowder and fed on
mulligatawny He forsooth be hostile to it There were some Companies that
required no enemies at all and would be pretty sure to go to the deuce their
own way
Thus and with this amiable candour spake Barnes about a commercial
speculation the merits of which he had a right to canvass as well as any other
citizen As for Uncle Hobson his conduct was characterized by a timidity which
one would scarcely have expected from a gentleman of his florid jolly
countenance active habits and generally manly demeanour He kept away from the
cocoanut feast as we have seen he protested privily to the Colonel that his
private goodwill continued undiminished but he was deeply grieved at the BB.C.
affair which took place while he was on the Continent confound the Continent
my wife would go and which was entirely without his cognizance The Colonel
received his brothers excuses first with awful bows and ceremony and finally
with laughter »My good Hobson« said he with the most insufferable kindness
»of course you intended to be friendly of course the affair was done without
your knowledge We understand that sort of thing London bankers have no hearts
for these last fifty years past that I have known you and your brother and my
amiable nephew the present commanding officer has there been anything in your
conduct that has led me to suppose you had« and herewith Colonel Newcome burst
out into a laugh It was not a pleasant laugh to hear Worthy Hobson took his
hat and walked away brushing it round and round and looking very confused
The Colonel strode after him downstairs and made him an awful bow at the hall
door Never again did Hobson Newcome set foot in that Tyburnian mansion
During the whole of that season of the testimonial the cocoanut figured in
an extraordinary number of banquets The Colonels hospitalities were more
profuse than ever and Mrs Clives toilettes more brilliant Clive in his
confidential conversations with his friends was very dismal and gloomy When I
asked City news of our wellinformed friend FB I am sorry to say his
countenance became funereal The BB.C. shares which had been at an immense
premium twelve months since were now slowly falling falling
»I wish« said Mr Sherrick to me »the Colonel would realize even now like
that Mr Ratray who has just come out of the ship and brought a hundred
thousand pounds with him«
»Come out of the ship You little know the Colonel Mr Sherrick if you
think he will ever do that«
Mr Ratray though he had returned to Europe gave the most cheering
accounts of the BB.C. It was in the most flourishing state Shares sure to get
up again He had sold out entirely on account of his liver Must come home the
doctor said so
Some months afterwards another director Mr Hedges came home Both of
these gentlemen as we know entertained the fashionable world got seats in
Parliament purchased places in the country and were greatly respected Mr
Hedges came out but his wealthy partner Mr MGaspey entered into the BB.C.
The entry of Mr MGaspey into the affairs of the Company did not seem to
produce very great excitement in England The shares slowly fell However there
was a prodigious indigo crop The London manager was in perfect goodhumour In
spite of this and that of defections of unpleasantries of unfavourable
whispers and doubtful friends Thomas Newcome kept his head high and his face
was always kind and smiling except when certain family enemies were mentioned
and he frowned like Jove in anger
We have seen how very fond little Rosey was of her mamma of her uncle
James Binnie and now of her papa as she affectionately styled Thomas Newcome
This affection I am sure the two gentlemen returned with all their hearts and
but that they were much too generous and simpleminded to entertain such a
feeling it may be wondered that the two good old boys were not a little jealous
of one another. Howbeit it does not appear that they entertained such a feeling
at least it never interrupted the kindly friendship between them and Clive was
regarded in the light of a son by both of them and each contented himself with
his moiety of the smiling little girls affection
As long as they were with her the truth is little Mrs Clive was very fond
of people very docile obedient easily pleased brisk kind and
goodhumoured She charmed her two old friends with little songs little smiles
little kind offices little caresses and having administered Thomas Newcomes
cigar to him in the daintiest prettiest way she would trip off to drive with
James Binnie or sit at his dinner if he was indisposed and be as gay
neathanded watchful and attentive a child as any old gentleman could desire
She did not seem to be very sorry to part with Mamma a want of feeling
which that lady bitterly deplored in her subsequent conversation with her
friends about Mrs Clive Newcome Possibly there were reasons why Rosey should
not be very much vexed at quitting Mamma but surely she might have dropped a
little tear as she took leave of kind good old James Binnie Not she The
gentlemans voice faltered but hers did not in the least She kissed him on the
face all smiles blushes and happiness and tripped into the railway carriage
with her husband and fatherinlaw at Brussels leaving the poor old uncle very
sad Our women said I know not why that little Rosey had no heart at all
Women are accustomed to give such opinions respecting the wives of their
newlymarried friends I am bound to add and I do so during Mr Clive Newcomes
absence from England otherwise I should not like to venture upon the statement
that some men concur with the ladies opinion of Mrs Clive For instance
Captains Goby and Hoby declare that her treatment of the latter her
encouragement and desertion of him when Clive made his proposals were shameful
At this time Rosey was in a pupillary state A good obedient little girl
her duty was to obey the wishes of her dear mamma How show her sense of virtue
and obedience better than by promptly and cheerfully obeying mamma and at the
orders of that experienced Campaigner giving up Bobby Hoby and going to England
to a fine house to be presented at Court to have all sorts of pleasure with a
handsome young husband and a kind fatherinlaw by her side No wonder Rosey was
not in a very active state of grief at parting from Uncle James He strove to
console himself with these considerations when he had returned to the empty
house where she had danced and smiled and warbled and he looked at the chair
she sat in and at the great mirror which had so often reflected her fresh
pretty face the great callous mirror which now only framed upon its shining
sheet the turban and the ringlets and the plump person and the resolute smile
of the old Campaigner
After that parting with her uncle at the Brussels railway Rosey never again
beheld him He passed into the Campaigners keeping from which alone he was
rescued by the summons of pallid death He met that summons like a philosopher
rejected rather testily all the mortuary consolations which his nephewinlaw
Joseys husband thought proper to bring to his bedside and uttered opinions
which scandalized that divine But as he left Mrs MCraw only £500 thrice that
sum to his sister and the remainder of his property to his beloved niece Rosa
Mackenzie now Rosa Newcome let us trust that Mr MCraw hurt and angry at the
illfavour shown to his wife his third young wife his best beloved Josey at
the impatience with which the deceased had always received his Mr MCraws
own sermons let us hope I say that the reverend gentleman was mistaken in
his views respecting the present position of Mr James Binnies soul and that
heaven may have some regions yet accessible to James which Mr MCraws
intellect has not yet explored Look gentlemen Does a week pass without the
announcement of the discovery of a new comet in the sky a new star in the
heaven twinkling dimly out of a yet farther distance and only now becoming
visible to human ken though existent for ever and ever So let us hope divine
truths may be shining and regions of light and love extant which Geneva
glasses cannot yet perceive and are beyond the focus of Roman telescopes
I think Clive and the Colonel were more affected by the news of Jamess
death than Rosey concerning whose wonderful strength of mind good Thomas
Newcome discoursed to my Laura and me when fancying that my friends wife
needed comfort and consolation Mrs Pendennis went to visit her »Of course we
shall have no more parties this year« sighed Rosey She looked very pretty in
her black dress Clive in his hearty way said a hundred kind feeling things
about the departed friend Thomas Newcomes recollections of him and regret
were no less tender and sincere »See« says he »how that dear childs sense of
duty makes her hide her feelings Her grief is most deep but she wears a calm
countenance I see her looking sad in private but I no sooner speak than she
smiles« »I think« said Laura as we came away »that Colonel Newcome performs
all the courtship part of the marriage and Clive poor Clive though he spoke
very nobly and generously about Mr Binnie I am sure it is not his old friends
death merely which makes him so unhappy«
Poor Clive by right of his wife was now rich Clive the little lady
having inherited from her kind relative no inconsiderable sum of money In a
very early part of this story mention has been made of a small sum producing
one hundred pounds a year which Clives father had made over to the lad when he
sent him from India This little sum Mr Clive had settled upon his wife before
marriage being indeed all he had of his own for the famous bank shares which
his father presented to him were only made over formally when the young man came
to London after his marriage and at the paternal request and order appeared as
a most inefficient director of the BB.C. Now Mrs Newcome of her own
inheritance possessed not only BB.C. shares but moneys in bank and shares in
East India Stock so that Clive in the right of his wife had a seat in the
assembly of East India shareholders and a voice in the election of directors of
that famous Company I promise you Mrs Clive was a personage of no little
importance She carried her little head with an aplomb and gravity which amused
some of us FB bent his most respectfully down before her she sent him on
messages and deigned to ask him to dinner He once more wore a cheerful
countenance the clouds which gathered oer the sun of Newcome were in the bosom
of the ocean buried Bayham said by James Binnies brilliant behaviour to his
niece
Clive was a proprietor of East India Stock and had a vote in electing the
directors of that Company and who so fit to be a director of his affairs as
Thomas Newcome Esq Companion of the Bath and so long a distinguished officer
in its army To hold this position of director used up to very late days to be
the natural ambition of many East Indian gentlemen Colonel Newcome had often
thought of offering himself as a candidate and now openly placed himself on the
lists and publicly announced his intention His interest was rather powerful
through the Indian bank of which he was a director and many of the
shareholders of which were proprietors of the East India Company To have a
director of the BB.C. also a member of the parliament in Leadenhall Street
would naturally be beneficial to the former institution Thomas Newcomes
prospectuses were issued accordingly and his canvass received with tolerable
favour
Within a very short time another candidate appeared in the field a retired
Bombay lawyer of considerable repute and large means and at the head of this
gentlemans committee appeared the names of Hobson Brothers and Newcome very
formidable personages at the East India House with which the Bank of Hobson
Brothers have had dealings for half a century past and where the old lady who
founded or consolidated that family had had three stars before her own venerable
name which had descended upon her son Sir Brian and her grandson Sir Barnes
War was thus openly declared between Thomas Newcome and his nephew The
canvass on both sides was very hot and eager The number of promises was pretty
equal The election was not to come off yet for a while for aspirants to the
honourable office of director used to announce their wishes years before they
could be fulfilled and returned again and again to the contest before they
finally won it Howbeit the Colonels prospects were very fair and a prodigious
indigo crop came in to favour the BB.C. with the most brilliant report from the
board at Calcutta The shares still somewhat sluggish rose again the
Colonels hopes with them and the courage of gentlemen at home who had invested
their money in the transaction
We were sitting one day round the Colonels dinnertable It was not one of
the cocoanut tree days that emblem was locked up in the butlers pantry and
only beheld the lamps on occasions of state It was a snug family party in the
early part of the year when scarcely anybody was in town only George
Warrington and FB and Mr and Mrs Pendennis and the ladies having retired
we were having such a talk as we used to enjoy in quite old days before
marriages and cares and divisions had separated us
FB led the conversation The Colonel received his remarks with great
gravity and thought him an instructive personage Others considered him rather
as amusing than instructive and so his eloquence was generally welcome The
canvass for the directorship was talked over The improved affairs of a certain
great Banking Company which shall be nameless but one which FB would take
the liberty to state would in his opinion unite for ever the mother country
to our great Indian possessions the prosperity of this great Company was
enthusiastically drunk by Mr Bayham in some of the very best claret The
conduct of the enemies of that Company was characterized in terms of bitter but
not undeserved satire FB rather liked to air his oratory and neglected few
opportunities for making speeches after dinner
The Colonel admired his voice and sentiments not the less perhaps because
the latter were highly laudatory of the good man And not from interest at
least as far as he himself knew not from any mean or selfish motive did FB
speak He called Colonel Newcome his friend his benefactor kissed the hem of
his garment he wished fervently that he could have been the Colonels son he
expressed repeatedly a desire that some one would speak ill of the Colonel so
that he FB might have the opportunity of polishing that individual off in
about two seconds He revered the Colonel with all his heart nor is any
gentleman proof altogether against this constant regard and devotion from
another
The Colonel used to wag his head wisely and say Mr Bayhams suggestions
were often exceedingly valuable as indeed the fact was though his conduct was
no more of a piece with his opinions than those of some other folks occasionally
are
»What the Colonel ought to do sir to help him in the direction« says
FB »is to get into Parliament The House of Commons would aid him into the
Court of Directors and the Court of Directors would help him in the House of
Commons«
»Most wisely said« says Warrington
The Colonel declined »I have long had the House of Commons in my eye« he
said »but not for me I wanted my boy to go there It would be a proud day for
me if I could see him there«
»I cant speak« says Clive from his end of the table »I dont understand
about parties like FB here«
»I believe I do know a thing or two« Mr Bayham here politely interposes
»And politics do not interest me in the least« Clive sighs out drawing
pictures with his fork on his napkin and not heeding the others interruption
»I wish I knew what would interest him« his father whispers to me who
happened to be at his side »He never cares to be out of his paintingroom and
he doesnt seem to be very happy even in there I wish to God Pen I knew what
had come over the boy« I thought I knew but what was the use of telling now
there was no remedy
»A dissolution is expected every day« continued FB »the papers are full
of it Ministers cannot go on with this majority cannot possibly go on sir I
have it on the best authority and men who are anxious about their seats are
writing to their constituents or are subscribing at missionary meetings or are
gone down to lecturing at Athenæums and that sort of thing«
Here Warrington burst out into a laughter much louder than the occasion of
the speech of FB seemed to warrant and the Colonel turning round with some
dignity asked the cause of Georges amusement
»What do you think your darling Sir Barnes Newcome Newcome has been doing
during the recess« cries Warrington »I had a letter this morning from my
liberal and punctual employer Thomas Potts Esquire of the Newcome
Independent who states in language scarcely respectful that Sir Barnes
Newcome Newcome is trying to come the religious dodge as Mr Potts calls it He
professes to be stricken down by grief on account of late family circumstances
wears black and puts on the most piteous aspect and asks ministers of various
denominations to tea with him and the last announcement is the most stupendous
of all Stop I have it in my greatcoat« and ringing the bell George orders a
servant to bring him a newspaper from his greatcoat pocket »Here it is
actually in print« Warrington continues and reads to us »Newcome Athenæum
1 For the benefit of the Newcome Orphan Childrens Home and 2 for the benefit
of the Newcome Soup Association without distinction of denomination Sir Barnes
Newcome Newcome Bart proposes to give two lectures on Friday the 23rd and
Friday the 30th instant No 1 The Poetry of Childhood Doctor Watts Mrs
Barbauld Jane Taylor No 2 The Poetry of Womanhood and the Affections Mrs
Hemans LEL Threepence will be charged at the doors which will go to the use
of the above two admirable Societies Potts wants me to go down and hear him He
has an eye to business He has had a quarrel with Sir Barnes and wants me to go
down and hear him and smash him he kindly says Let us go down Clive You
shall draw your cousin as you have drawn his villanous little mug a hundred
times before and I will do the smashing part and we will have some fun out of
the transaction«
»Besides Florac will be in the country going to Rosebury is a journey
worth the taking I can tell you and we have old Mrs Mason to go and see who
sighs after you Colonel My wife went to see her« remarks Mr Pendennis »and
«
»And Miss Newcome I know« says the Colonel
»She is away at Brighton with her little charges for sea air My wife
heard from her today«
»Oh indeed Mrs Pendennis corresponds with her« says our host darkling
under his eyebrows and at this moment my neighbour FB., is kind enough to
scrunch my foot under the table with the weight of his heel as much as to warn
me by an appeal to my own corns to avoid treading on so delicate a subject in
that house »Yes« said I in spite perhaps in consequence of this
interruption »My wife does correspond with Miss Ethel who is a noble creature
and whom those who know her know how to love and admire She is very much
changed since you knew her Colonel Newcome since the misfortunes in Sir
Barness family and the differences between you and him very much changed and
very much improved Ask my wife about her who knows her most intimately and
hears from her constantly«
»Very likely very likely« cried the Colonel hurriedly »I hope she is
improved with all my heart I am sure there was room for it Gentlemen shall
we go up to the ladies and have some coffee« And herewith the colloquy ended
and the party ascended to the drawingroom
The party ascended to the drawingroom where no doubt both the ladies were
pleased by the invasion which ended their talk My wife and the Colonel talked
apart and I saw the latter looking gloomy and the former pleading very
eagerly and using a great deal of action as the little hands are wont to do
when the mistresss heart is very much moved I was sure she was pleading
Ethels cause with her uncle
So indeed she was And Mr George too knew what her thoughts were »Look
at her« he said to me »dont you see what she is doing She believes in that
girl whom you all said Clive took a fancy to before he married his present
little placid wife a nice little simple creature who is worth a dozen Ethels«
»Simple certainly« says Mr P with a shrug of the shoulder
»A simpleton of twenty is better than a roué of twenty It is better not to
have thought at all than to have thought such things as must go through a girls
mind whose life is passed in jilting and being jilted whose eyes as soon as
they are opened are turned to the main chance and are taught to leer at an
earl to languish at a marquis and to grow blind before a commoner I dont
know much about fashionable life Heaven help us you young Brummell I see the
reproach in your face Why sir it absolutely appears to me as if this little
hopomythumb of a creature has begun to give herself airs since her marriage
and her carriage Do you know I rather thought she patronized me Are all women
spoiled by their contact with the world and their bloom rubbed off in the
market I know one who seems to me to remain pure to be sure I only know her
and this little person and Mrs Flanagan our laundress and my sisters at
home who dont count But that Miss Newcome to whom once you introduced me Oh
the cockatrice only that poison dont affect your wife the other would kill
her I hope the Colonel will not believe a word which Laura says« And my wifes
têteàtête with our host coming to an end about this time Mr Warrington in
high spirits goes up to the ladies recapitulates the news of Barness lecture
recites »How doth the little busy bee« and gives a quasisatirical comment upon
that wellknown poem which bewilders Mrs Clive until set on by the laughter
of the rest of the audience she laughs very freely at that odd man and calls
him »you droll satirical creature you« and says »she never was so much amused
in her life Were you Mrs Pendennis«
Meanwhile Clive who has been sitting apart moodily biting his nails not
listening to FBs remarks has broken into a laugh once or twice and gone to
a writingbook on which whilst George is still disserting Clive is drawing
At the end of the others speech FB goes up to the draughtsman looks
over his shoulder makes one or two violent efforts as of inward convulsion and
finally explodes in an enormous guffaw »Its capital by Jove its capital
Sir Barnes would never dare to face his constituents with that picture of him
hung up in Newcome«
And FB holds up the drawing at which we all laugh except Laura As for
the Colonel he paces up and down the room holding the sketch close to his
eyes holding it away from him patting it clapping his son delightedly on the
shoulder »Capital capital Well have the picture printed by Jove sir show
vice its own image and shame the viper in his own nest sir Thats what we
will«
Mrs Pendennis came away with rather a heavy heart from this party She chose to
interest herself about the right or wrong of her friends and her mind was
disturbed by the Colonels vindictive spirit On the subsequent day we had
occasion to visit our friend JJ who was completing the sweetest little
picture No 263 in the Exhibition »Portrait of a Lady and Child« and we
found that Clive had been with the painter that morning likewise and that JJ
was acquainted with his scheme That he did not approve of it we could read in
the artists grave countenance »Nor does Clive approve of it either« cried
Ridley with greater eagerness than he usually displayed and more openness than
he was accustomed to exhibit in judging unfavourably of his friends
»Among them they have taken him away from his art« Ridley said »They dont
understand him when he talks about it they despise him for pursuing it Why
should I wonder at that my parents despised it too and my father was not a
grand gentleman like the Colonel Mrs Pendennis Ah why did the Colonel ever
grow rich Why had not Clive to work for his bread as I have He would have done
something that was worthy of him then now his time must be spent in dancing
attendance at balls and operas and yawning at City boardrooms They call that
business they think he is idling when he comes here poor fellow As if life
was long enough for our art and the best labour we can give good enough for it
He went away groaning this morning and quite saddened in spirits The Colonel
wants to set up himself for Parliament or to set Clive up but he says he
wont I hope he wont do not you Mrs Pendennis«
The painter turned as he spoke and the bright northern light which fell
upon the sitters head was intercepted and lighted up his own as he addressed
us Out of that bright light looked his pale thoughtful face and long locks
and eager brown eyes The palette on his arm was a great shield painted of many
colours he carried his maulstick and a sheaf of brushes along with it the
weapons of his glorious but harmless war With these he achieves conquests
wherein none are wounded save the envious with that he shelters him against how
much idleness ambition temptation Occupied over that consoling work idle
thoughts cannot gain the mastery over him selfish wishes or desires are kept at
bay Art is truth and truth is religion and its study and practice a daily
work of pious duty What are the worlds struggles brawls successes to that
calm recluse pursuing his calling See twinkling in the darkness round his
chamber numberless beautiful trophies of the graceful victories which he has
won sweet flowers of fancy reared by him kind shapes of beauty which he has
devised and moulded The world enters into the artists studio and scornfully
bids him a price for his genius or makes dull pretence to admire it What know
you of his art You cannot read the alphabet of that sacred book good old
Thomas Newcome What can you tell of its glories joys secrets consolations
Between his two best beloved mistresses poor Clives luckless father somehow
interposes and with sorrowful even angry protests In place of Art the Colonel
brings him a ledger and in lieu of first love shows him Rosey
No wonder that Clive hangs his head rebels sometimes desponds always he
has positively determined to refuse to stand for Newcome Ridley says Laura is
glad of his refusal and begins to think of him once more as of the Clive of old
days
Chapter LXVI
In which the Colonel and the Newcome Athenæum Are Both Lectured
At breakfast with his family on the morning after the little entertainment to
which we were bidden in the last chapter Colonel Newcome was full of the
projected invasion of Barness territories and delighted to think that there
was an opportunity of at last humiliating that rascal
»Clive does not think he is a rascal at all papa« cries Rosey from behind
her teaurn »that is you said you thought papa judged him too harshly you
know you did this morning« And from her husbands angry glances she flies to
his fathers for protection Those were even fiercer than Clives Revenge
flashed from beneath Thomas Newcomes grizzled eyebrows and glanced in the
direction where Clive sat Then the Colonels face flushed up and he cast his
eyes down towards his teacup which he lifted with a trembling hand The father
and son loved each other so that each was afraid of the other A war between
two such men is dreadful Pretty little pinkfaced Rosey in a sweet little
morning cap and ribbons her pretty little fingers twinkling with a score of
rings sat simpering before her silver teaurn which reflected her pretty
little pink baby face Little artless creature what did she know of the
dreadful wounds which her little words inflicted in the one generous breast and
the other
»My boys heart is gone from me« thinks poor Thomas Newcome »Our family is
insulted our enterprises ruined by that traitor and my son is not even angry
he does not care for the success of our plans for the honour of our name even
I make him a position of which any young man in England might be proud and
Clive scarcely deigns to accept it«
»My wife appeals to my father« thinks poor Clive »it is from him she asks
counsel and not from me Be it about the ribbon in her cap or any other
transaction in our lives she takes her colour from his opinion and goes to him
for advice and I have to wait till it is given, and conform myself to it If I
differ from the dear old father I wound him if I yield up my opinion as I do
always it is with a bad grace and I wound him still With the best intentions
in the world what a slaves life it is that he has made for me«
»How interested you are in your papers« resumes the sprightly Rosey »What
can you find in those horrid politics« Both gentlemen are looking at their
papers with all their might and no doubt cannot see one single word which those
brilliant and witty leading articles contain
»Clive is like you Rosey« says the Colonel laying his paper down »and
does not care for politics«
»He only cares for pictures papa« says Mrs Clive »He would not drive
with me yesterday in the Park but spent hours in his room while you were
toiling in the City poor papa spent hours painting a horrid beggarman
dressed up as a monk And this morning he got up quite early quite early and
has been out ever so long and only came in for breakfast just now just before
the bell rung«
»I like a ride before breakfast« says Clive
»A ride I know where you have been sir He goes away morning after morning
to that little Mr Ridleys his chum papa and he comes back with his hands
all over horrid paint He did this morning you know you did Clive«
»I did not keep any one waiting Rosey« says Clive »I like to have two or
three hours at my painting when I can spare them« Indeed the poor fellow used
so to run away of summer mornings for Ridleys instructions and gallop home
again so as to be in time for the family meal
»Yes« cries Rosey tossing up the cap and ribbons »he gets up so early in
the morning that at night he falls asleep after dinner very pleasant and
polite isnt he papa«
»I am up betimes too my dear« says the Colonel many and many a time he
must have heard Clive as he left the house »I have a great many letters to
write affairs of the greatest importance to examine and conduct Mr Betts from
the City is often with me for hours before I come down to your breakfasttable
A man who has the affairs of such a great bank as ours to look to must be up
with the lark We are all early risers in India«
»You dear kind papa« says little Rosey with unfeigned admiration and she
puts out one of the plump white little jewelled hands and pats the lean brown
paw of the Colonel which is nearest to her
»Is Ridleys picture getting on well Clive« asks the Colonel trying to
interest himself about Ridley and his picture
»Very well it is beautiful he has sold it for a great price They must
make him an academician next year« replies Clive
»A most industrious and meritorious young man he deserves every honour that
may happen to him« says the old soldier »Rosey my dear it is time that you
should ask Mr Ridley to dinner and Mr Smee and some of those gentlemen We
will drive this afternoon and see your portrait«
»Clive does not go to sleep after dinner when Mr Ridley comes here« cries
Rosey
»No I think it is my turn then« says the Colonel with a glance of
kindness The anger has disappeared from under his brows at that moment the
menaced battle is postponed
»And yet I know that it must come« says poor Clive telling me the story as
he hangs on my arm and we pace through the Park »The Colonel and I are walking
on a mine and that poor little wife of mine is perpetually flinging little
shells to fire it I sometimes wish it were blown up and I were done for Pen I
dont think my widow would break her heart about me No I have no right to say
that its a shame to say that she tries her very best to please me poor
little dear Its the fault of my temper perhaps that she cant but they
neither understand me dont you see The Colonel cant help thinking I am a
degraded being because I am fond of painting Still dear old boy he
patronizes Ridley a man of genius whom those sentries ought to salute by
Jove sir when he passes Ridley patronized by an old officer of Indian
dragoons a little bit of a Rosey and a fellow who is not fit to lay his
palette for him I want sometimes to ask JJs pardon after the Colonel has
been talking to him in his confounded condescending way uttering some awful
bosh about the fine arts Rosey follows him and trips round JJs studio and
pretends to admire and says How soft how sweet recalling some of
mammainlaws dreadful expressions which make me shudder when I hear them If
my poor old father had a confidant into whose arm he could hook his own and
whom he could pester with his family griefs as I do you the dear old boy would
have his dreary story to tell too I hate banks bankers Bundelcund indigo
cotton and the whole business I go to that confounded board and never hear
one syllable that the fellows are talking about I sit there because he wishes
me to sit there Dont you think he sees that my heart is out of the business
that I would rather be at home in my paintingroom We dont understand each
other but we feel each other as it were by instinct Each thinks in his own
way but knows what the other is thinking We fight mute battles dont you see
and our thoughts, though we dont express them are perceptible to one another,
and come out from our eyes or pass out from us somehow and meet and fight
and strike and wound«
Of course Clives confidant saw how sore and unhappy the poor fellow was
and commiserated his fatal but natural condition The little ills of life are
the hardest to bear as we all very well know What would the possession of a
hundred thousand a year or fame and the applause of ones countrymen or the
loveliest and bestbeloved woman of any glory and happiness or goodfortune
avail to a gentleman for instance who was allowed to enjoy them only with the
condition of wearing a shoe with a couple of nails or sharp pebbles inside it
All fame and happiness would disappear and plunge down that shoe All life
would rankle round those little nails I strove by such philosophic sedatives
as confidants are wont to apply on these occasions to soothe my poor friends
anger and pain and I dare say the little nails hurt the patient just as much as
before
Clive pursued his lugubrious talk through the Park and continued it as far
as the modestfurnished house which we then occupied in the Pimlico region It
so happened that the Colonel and Mrs Clive also called upon us that day and
found this culprit in Lauras drawingroom when they entered it descending out
of that splendid barouche in which we have already shown Mrs Clive to the
public
»He has not been here for months before nor have you Rosey nor have you
Colonel though we have smothered our indignation and been to dine with you
and to call ever so many times« cries Laura
The Colonel pleaded his business engagements Rosey that little woman of
the world had a thousand calls to make and who knows how much to do since she
came out She had been to fetch papa at Bayss and the porter had told the
Colonel that Mr Clive and Mr Pendennis had just left the club together
»Clive scarcely ever drives with me« says Rosey »papa almost always does«
»Roseys is such a swell carriage that I feel ashamed« says Clive
»I dont understand you young men I dont see why you need be ashamed to go
on the Course with your wife in her carriage Clive« remarks the Colonel
»The Course the Course is at Calcutta papa« cries Rosey »We drive in the
Park«
»We have a park at Barrackpore too my dear« says papa
»And he calls his grooms saices He said he was going to send away a saice
for being tipsy and I did not know in the least what he could mean Laura«
»Mr Newcome you must go and drive on the Course with Rosey now and the
Colonel must sit and talk with me whom he has not been to see for such a long
time« Clive presently went off in state by Roseys side and then Laura showed
Colonel Newcome his beautiful white Cashmere shawl round a successor of that
little person who had first been wrapped in that web now a stout young
gentleman whose noise could be clearly heard in the upper regions
»I wish you could come down with us Arthur upon our electioneering visit«
»That of which you were talking last night Are you bent upon it«
»Yes I am determined on it«
Laura heard a childs cry at this moment and left the room with a parting
glance at her husband who in fact had talked over the matter with Mrs
Pendennis and agreed with her in opinion
As the Colonel had opened the question I ventured to make a respectful
remonstrance against the scheme Vindictiveness on the part of a man so simple
and generous so fair and noble in all his dealings as Thomas Newcome appeared
in my mind unworthy of him Surely his kinsman had sorrow and humiliation enough
already at home Barness further punishment we thought might be left to time
to remorse to the Judge of right and wrong who better understands than we can
do our causes and temptations towards evil actions who reserves the sentence
for His own tribunal But when angered the best of us mistake our own motives
as we do those of the enemy who inflames us What may be private revenge we
take to be indignant virtue and just revolt against wrong The Colonel would not
hear of counsels of moderation such as I bore him from a sweet Christian
pleader »Remorse« he cried out with a laugh »that villain will never feel it
until he is tied up and whipped at the carts tail Time change that rogue
Unless he is wholesomely punished he will grow a greater scoundrel every year
I am inclined to think sir« says he his honest brows darkling as he looked
towards me »that you too are spoiled by this wicked world and these heartless
fashionable fine people You wish to live well with the enemy and with us too
Pendennis It cant be He who is not with us is against us I very much fear
sir that the women the women you understand have been talking you over Do
not let us speak any more about this subject for I dont wish that my son and
my sons old friend should have a quarrel« His face became red his voice
quivered with agitation and he looked with glances which I was pained to behold
in those kind old eyes not because his wrath and suspicion visited myself but
because an impartial witness nay a friend to Thomas Newcome in that family
quarrel I grieved to think that a generous heart was led astray and to see a
good man do wrong So with no more thanks for his interference than a man
usually gets who meddles in domestic strifes the present luckless advocate
ceased pleading
To be sure the Colonel and Clive had other advisers who did not take the
peaceful side George Warrington was one of these He was for war à loutrance
with Barnes Newcome for keeping no terms with such a villain He found a
pleasure in hunting him and whipping him »Barnes ought to be punished« George
said »for his poor wifes misfortune it was Barness infernal cruelty
wickedness selfishness which had driven her into misery and wrong« Mr
Warrington went down to Newcome and was present at that lecture whereof mention
has been made in a preceding chapter I am afraid his behaviour was very
indecorous he laughed at the pathetic allusions of the respected member for
Newcome he sneered at the sublime passages he wrote an awful critique in the
Newcome Independent two days after whereof the irony was so subtle that half
the readers of the paper mistook his grave scorn for respect and his gibes for
praise
Clive his father and Frederick Bayham their faithful aidedecamp were
at Newcome likewise when Sir Barness oration was delivered At first it was
given out at Newcome that the Colonel visited the place for the purpose of
seeing his dear old friend and pensioner Mrs Mason who was now not long to
enjoy his bounty and so old as scarcely to know her benefactor Only after her
sleep or when the sun warmed her and the old wine with which he supplied her
was the good old woman able to recognize her Colonel She mingled father and son
together in her mind A lady who now often came in to her thought she was
wandering in her talk when the poor old woman spoke of a visit she had had from
her boy and then the attendant told Miss Newcome that such a visit had actually
taken place and that but yesterday Clive and his father had been in that room
and occupied the chair where she sat »The young lady was taken quite ill and
seemed ready to faint almost« Mrs Masons servant and spokeswoman told Colonel
Newcome when that gentleman arrived shortly after Ethels departure to see his
old nurse »Indeed he was very sorry« The maid told many stories about Miss
Newcomes goodness and charity how she was constantly visiting the poor now
how she was for ever engaged in good works for the young the sick and the
aged She had had a dreadful misfortune in love she was going to be married to
a young marquis richer even than Prince de Montcontour down at Rosebury but it
was all broke off on account of that dreadful affair at the Hall
»Was she very good to the poor did she come often to see her grandfathers
old friend It was no more than she ought to do« Colonel Newcome said without
however thinking fit to tell his informant that he had himself met his niece
Ethel five minutes before he had entered Mrs Masons door
The poor thing was in discourse with Mr Harris the surgeon and talking as
best she might for no doubt the news which she had just heard had agitated
her talking about blankets and arrowroot wine and medicaments for her poor
when she saw her uncle coming towards her She tottered a step or two forwards
to meet him held both her hands out and called his name but he looked her
sternly in the face took off his hat and bowed and passed on He did not think
fit to mention the meeting even to his son Clive but we may be sure Mr
Harris the surgeon spoke of the circumstance that night after the lecture at
the club where a crowd of gentlemen were gathered together smoking their
cigars and enjoying themselves according to their custom and discussing Sir
Barnes Newcomes performance
According to established usage in such cases our esteemed representative
was received by the committee of the Newcome Athenæum assembled in their
committeeroom and thence marshalled by the chairman and vicechairman to his
rostrum in the lecture hall round about which the magnates of the institution
and the notabilities of the town were rallied on this public occasion The
Baronet came in some state from his own house arriving at Newcome in his
carriage with four horses accompanied by my lady his mother and Miss Ethel
his beautiful sister who was now mistress at the Hall His little girl was
brought five years old now she sate on her aunts knee and slept during a
greater part of the performance A fine bustle we may be sure was made on the
introduction of these personages to their reserved seats on the platform where
they sate encompassed by others of the great ladies of Newcome to whom they and
the lecturer were especially gracious at this season Was not Parliament about
to be dissolved and were not the folks at Newcome Park particularly civil at
that interesting period So Barnes Newcome mounts his pulpit bows round to the
crowded assembly in acknowledgment of their buzz of applause or recognition
passes his lilywhite pockethandkerchief across his thin lips and dashes off
into his lecture about Mrs Hemans and the poetry of the affections A public
man a commercial man as we well know yet his heart is in his home and his joy
in his affections The presence of this immense assembly here this evening of
the industrious capitalists of the intelligent middle class of the pride and
mainstay of England the operatives of Newcome these surrounded by their
wives and their children a graceful bow to the bonnets to the right of the
platform show that they too have hearts to feel and homes to cherish that
they too feel the love of women the innocence of children the love of song
Our lecturer then makes a distinction between mans poetry and womans poetry
charging considerably in favour of the latter We show that to appeal to the
affections is after all the true office of the bard to decorate the homely
threshold to wreathe flowers round the domestic hearth the delightful duty of
the Christian singer We glance at Mrs Hemanss biography and state where she
was born and under what circumstances she must have at first etc etc Is
this a correct account of Sir Barnes Newcomes lecture I was not present and
did not read the report Very likely the above may be a reminiscence of that
mock lecture which Warrington delivered in anticipation of the Baronets
oration
After he had read for about five minutes it was remarked the Baronet
suddenly stopped and became exceedingly confused over his manuscript betaking
himself to his auxiliary glass of water before he resumed his discourse which
for a long time was languid low and disturbed in tone This period of
disturbance no doubt must have occurred when Sir Barnes saw before him F
Bayham and Warrington seated in the amphitheatre and by the side of those
fierce scornful countenances Clive Newcomes pale face
Clive Newcome was not looking at Barnes His eyes were fixed upon the lady
seated not far from the lecturer upon Ethel with her arm round her little
nieces shoulder and her thick black ringlets drooping down over a face paler
than Clives own
Of course she knew that Clive was present She was aware of him as she
entered the hall saw him at the very first moment saw nothing but him I dare
say though her eyes were shut and her head was turned now towards her mother
and now bent down on the little nieces golden curls And the past and its dear
histories and youth and its hopes and passions and tones and looks for ever
echoing in the heart and present in the memory these no doubt poor Clive
saw and heard as he looked across the great gulf of time and parting and
grief and beheld the woman he had loved for many years There she sits the
same but changed as gone from him as if she were dead departed indeed into
another sphere and entered into a kind of death If there is no love more in
yonder heart it is but a corpse unburied Strew round it the flowers of youth
Wash it with tears of passion Wrap it and envelop it with fond devotion Break
heart and fling yourself on the bier and kiss her cold lips and press her
hand It falls back dead on the cold breast again The beautiful lips have never
a blush or a smile Cover them and lay them in the ground and so take thy
hatband off good friend and go to thy business Do you suppose you are the
only man who has had to attend such a funeral You will find some men smiling
and at work the day after Some come to the grave now and again out of the
world and say a brief prayer and a »God bless her« With some men she gone
and her viduous mansion your heart to let her successor the new occupant
poking in all the drawers and corners and cupboards of the tenement finds her
miniature and some of her dusty old letters hidden away somewhere and says
Was this the face he admired so Why allowing even for the painters flattery
it is quite ordinary and the eyes certainly do not look straight Are these the
letters you thought so charming Well upon my word I never read anything more
commonplace in my life See heres a line half blotted out Oh I suppose she
was crying then some of her tears idle tears Hark there is Barnes
Newcomes eloquence still plapping on like water from a cistern and our
thoughts, where have they wandered far away from the lecture as far away as
Clives almost And now the fountain ceases to trickle the mouth from which
issued that cool and limpid flux ceases to smile the figure is seen to bow and
retire a buzz a hum a whisper a scuffle a meeting of bonnets and wagging of
feathers and rustling of silks ensue »Thank you delightful I am sure« »I
really was quite overcome« »Excellent« »So much obliged« are rapid phrases
heard amongst the polite on the platform While down below »Yaw quite enough
of that« »Mary Jane cover your throat up and dont kitch cold and dont push
me please sir« »Arry coom along and av a pint a ale« etc are the
remarks heard or perhaps not heard by Clive Newcome as he watches at the
private entrance of the Athenæum where Sir Barness carriage is waiting with
its flaming lamps and domestics in state liveries One of them comes out of the
building bearing the little girl in his arms and lays her in the carriage Then
Sir Barnes and Lady Ann and the Mayor Then Ethel issues forth and as she
passes under the lamps beholds Clives face as pale and sad as her own
Shall we go visit the lodgegates of Newcome Park with the moon shining on
their carving Is there any pleasure in walking by miles of grey paling and
endless palisades of firs O you fool what do you hope to see behind that
curtain Absurd fugitive whither would you run Can you burst the tether of
fate and is not poor dear little Rosey Mackenzie sitting yonder waiting for you
by the stake Go home sir and dont catch cold So Mr Clive returns to the
Kings Arms and up to his bedroom and he hears Mr F Bayhams deep voice as
he passes by the Boscawen Room where the Jolly Britons are as usual assembled
Chapter LXVII
Newcome and Liberty
We have said that the Baronets lecture was discussed in the midnight senate
assembled at the Kings Arms where Mr Tom Potts showed the orator no mercy
The senate of the Kings Arms was hostile to Sir Barnes Newcome Many other
Newcomites besides were savage and inclined to revolt against the representative
of their borough As these patriots met over their cups and over the bumper of
friendship uttered the sentiments of freedom they had often asked of one
another, where should a man be found to rid Newcome of its dictator Generous
hearts writhed under the oppression patriotic eyes scowled when Barnes Newcome
went by with fine satire Tom Potts at Brown the hatters shop who made the
hats for Sir Barnes Newcomes domestics proposed to take one of the beavers a
goldlaced one with a cockade and a cord and set it up in the marketplace
and bid all Newcome come bow to it as to the hat of Gessler »Dont you think
Potts« says F Bayham who of course was admitted into the Kings Arms club
and ornamented that assembly by his presence and discourse »dont you think
the Colonel would make a good William Tell to combat against that Gessler« Ha
Proposal received with acclamation eagerly adopted by Charles Tucker Esq
AttorneyatLaw who would not have the slightest objection to conduct Colonel
Newcomes or any other gentlemans electioneering business in Newcome or
elsewhere
Like those three gentlemen in the plays and pictures of William Tell who
conspire under the moon calling upon liberty and resolving to elect Tell as
their especial champion like Arnold Melchthal and Werner Tom Potts F
Bayham and Charles Tucker Esqs conspired round a punchbowl and determined
that Thomas Newcome should be requested to free his country A deputation from
the electors of Newcome that is to say these very gentlemen waited on the
Colonel in his apartment the very next morning and set before him the state of
the borough Barnes Newcomes tyranny under which it groaned and the yearning
of all honest men to be free from that usurpation Thomas Newcome received the
deputation with great solemnity and politeness crossed his legs folded his
arms smoked his cheroot and listened most decorously as now Potts now
Tucker expounded to him Bayham giving the benefit of his emphatic hear hear
to their statements and explaining dubious phrases to the Colonel in the most
affable manner
Whatever the conspirators had to say against poor Barnes Colonel Newcome
was only too ready to believe He had made up his mind that that criminal ought
to be punished and exposed The lawyers covert innuendoes who was ready to
insinuate any amount of evil against Barnes which could safely be uttered were
by no means strong enough for Thomas Newcome »Sharp practice exceedingly alive
to his own interests reported violence of temper and tenacity of money say
swindling at once sir say falsehood and rapacity say cruelty and avarice«
cries the Colonel »I believe upon my honour and conscience that unfortunate
young man to be guilty of every one of those crimes«
Mr Bayham remarks to Mr Potts that our friend the Colonel when he does
utter an opinion takes care that there shall be no mistake about it
»And I took care there should be no mistake before I uttered it at all
Bayham« cries FBs patron »As long as I was in any doubt about this young
man I gave the criminal the benefit of it as a man who admires our glorious
constitution should do and kept my own counsel sir«
»At least« remarks Mr Tucker »enough is proven to show that Sir Barnes
Newcome Newcome Baronet is scarce a fit person to represent this great borough
in Parliament«
»Represent Newcome in Parliament It is a disgrace to that noble institution
the English House of Commons that Barnes Newcome should sit in it a man whose
word you cannot trust a man stained with every private crime What right has he
to sit in the assembly of the legislators of the land sir« cries the Colonel
waving his hand as if addressing a chamber of deputies
»You are for upholding the House of Commons« inquires the lawyer
»Of course sir of course«
»And for increasing the franchise Colonel Newcome I should hope«
continues Mr Tucker
»Every man who can read and write ought to have a vote sir that is my
opinion« cries the Colonel
»Hes a Liberal to the backbone« says Potts to Tucker
»To the backbone« responds Tucker to Potts »The Colonel will do for us
Potts«
»We want such a man Tucker the Independent has been crying out for such a
man for years past We ought to have a Liberal as second representative of this
great town not a sneaking halfandhalf ministerialist like Sir Barnes a
fellow with one leg in the Carlton and the other in Brookess Old Mr Bunce we
cant touch His place is safe he is a good man of business We cant meddle
with Mr Bunce I know that who know the feeling of the country pretty well«
»Pretty well better than any man in Newcome Potts« cries Mr Tucker
»But a good man like the Colonel a good Liberal like the Colonel a man
who goes in for household suffrage«
»Certainly gentlemen«
»And the general great Liberal principles we know of course such a man
would assuredly have a chance against Sir Barnes Newcome at the coming election
could we find such a man a real friend of the people I know a friend of the
people if ever there was one« F Bayham interposes
»A man of wealth station experience a man who has fought for his country
a man who is beloved in this place as you are Colonel Newcome for your
goodness is known sir You are not ashamed of your origin and there is not a
Newcomite old or young but knows how admirably good you have been to your old
friend Mrs Mrs Whatdyoucallem«
»Mrs Mason« from FB
»Mrs Mason If such a man as you sir would consent to put himself in
nomination at the next election every true Liberal in this place would rush to
support you and crush the oligarch who rides over the liberties of this
borough«
»Something of this sort gentlemen I own to you had crossed my mind«
Thomas Newcome remarked »When I saw that disgrace to my name and the name of my
fathers birthplace representing the borough in Parliament I thought for the
credit of the town and the family the member for Newcome at least might be an
honest man I am an old soldier have passed all my life in India and am little
conversant with affairs at home cries of You are you are I hoped that my
son Mr Clive Newcome might have been found qualified to contest this borough
against his unworthy cousin and possibly to sit as your representative in
Parliament The wealth I have had the good fortune to amass will descend to him
naturally and at no very distant period of time for I am nearly seventy years
of age gentlemen«
The gentlemen are astonished at this statement
»But« resumed the Colonel »my son Clive as friend Bayham knows and to my
own regret and mortification as I dont care to confess to you declares he has
no interest in politics or desire for public distinction prefers his own
pursuits and even these I fear do not absorb him declines the offer which I
made him to present himself in opposition to Sir Barnes Newcome It becomes men
in a certain station as I think to assert that station and though a few years
back I never should have thought of public life at all and proposed to end my
days in quiet as a retired dragoon officer since since it has pleased Heaven
to increase very greatly my pecuniary means to place me as a director and
manager of an important banking company in a station of great public
responsibility I and my brother directors have thought it but right that one of
us should sit in Parliament if possible and I am not a man to shirk from that
or from any other duty«
»Colonel will you attend a meeting of electors which we will call and say
as much to them and as well« cries Mr Potts »Shall I put an announcement in
my paper to the effect that you are ready to come forward«
»I am prepared to do so my good sir«
And presently this solemn palaver ended
Besides the critical article upon the Baronets lecture of which Mr
Warrington was the author there appeared in the leading columns of the ensuing
number of Mr Pottss Independent some remarks of a very smashing or hostile
nature against the member for Newcome »This gentleman has shown such talent in
the lecturing business« the Independent said »that it is a great pity he
should not withdraw himself from politics and cultivate what all Newcome knows
are the arts which he understands best namely poetry and the domestic
affections The performance of our talented representative last night was so
pathetic as to bring tears into the eyes of several of our fair friends We have
heard but never believed until now that Sir Barnes Newcome possessed such a
genius for making women cry Last week we had the talented Miss Noakes from
Slowcome reading Milton to us how far superior was the eloquence of Sir Barnes
Newcome Newcome Bart even to that of the celebrated actress Bets were freely
offered in the room last night that Sir Barnes would beat any woman bets which
were not taken as we scarcely need say so well do our citizens appreciate the
character of our excellent our admirable representative Let the Baronet stick
to his lectures and let Newcome relieve him of his political occupations He is
not fit for them he is too sentimental a man for us The men of Newcome want a
sound practical person the Liberals of Newcome have a desire to be
represented When we elected Sir Barnes he talked liberally enough and we
thought he would do but you see the honourable Baronet is so poetical we ought
to have known that and not to have believed him Let us have a straightforward
gentleman If not a man of words at least let us have a practical man If not a
man of eloquence one at any rate whose word we can trust and we cant trust
Sir Barnes Newcomes we have tried him and we cant really Last night when
the ladies were crying we could not for the souls of us help laughing We hope
we know how to conduct ourselves as gentlemen We trust we did not interrupt the
harmony of the evening but Sir Barnes Newcome prating about children and
virtue and affection and poetry this is really too strong
The Independent faithful to its name and ever actuated by principles of
honour has been as our thousands of readers know disposed to give Sir Barnes
Newcome Newcome Bart a fair trial When he came forward after his fathers
death we believed in his pledges and promises as a retrencher and reformer and
we stuck by him Is there any man in Newcome except perhaps our twaddling old
contemporary the Sentinel who believes in Sir BN any more We say no and we
now give the readers of the Independent and the electors of this borough fair
notice that when the dissolution of Parliament takes place, a good man a true
man a man of experience, no dangerous Radical or brawling tap orator Mr
Hickss friends well understand whom we mean but a gentleman of Liberal
principles wellwon wealth and deserved station and honour will ask the
electors of Newcome whether they are or are not discontented with their present
unworthy member The Independent for one says we know good men of your family
we know in it men who would do honour to any name but you Sir Barnes Newcome
Newcome Bart we trust no more«
In the electioneering matter which had occasioned my unlucky interference and
that subsequent little coolness upon the good Colonels part Clive Newcome had
himself shown that the scheme was not to his liking had then submitted as his
custom was and doing so with a bad grace as also was to be expected had got
little thanks for his obedience Thomas Newcome was hurt at his sons
faintheartedness and of course little Rosey was displeased at his hanging
back He set off in his fathers train a silent unwilling partisan Thomas
Newcome had the leisure to survey Clives glum face opposite to him during the
whole of their journey and to chew his mustachios and brood upon his wrath and
wrongs His life had been a sacrifice for that boy What darling schemes had he
not formed in his behalf and how superciliously did Clive meet his projects
The Colonel could not see the harm of which he had himself been the author Had
he not done everything in mortals power for his sons happiness and how many
young men in England were there with such advantages as this moody discontented
spoiled boy As Clive backed out of the contest of course his father urged it
only the more vehemently Clive slunk away from committees and canvassing and
lounged about the Newcome manufactories whilst his father with anger and
bitterness in his heart remained at the post of honour as he called it bent
upon overcoming his enemy and carrying his point against Barnes Newcome »If
Paris will not fight sir« the Colonel said with a sad look following his son
Priam must Good old Priam believed his cause to be a perfectly just one and
that duty and his honour called upon him to draw the sword So there was
difference between Thomas Newcome and Clive his son I protest it is with pain
and reluctance I have to write that the good old man was in error that there
was a wrongdoer and that Atticus was he
Atticus be it remembered thought himself compelled by the very best
motives Thomas Newcome the Indian banker was at war with Barnes the English
banker The latter had commenced the hostilities by a sudden and cowardly act of
treason There were private wrongs to envenom the contest but it was the
mercantile quarrel on which the Colonel chose to set his declaration of war
Barness first dastardly blow had occasioned it and his uncle was determined to
carry it through This I have said was also George Warringtons judgment who in
the ensuing struggle between Sir Barnes and his uncle acted as a very warm and
efficient partisan of the latter »Kinsmanship«
says George »what has old Tom Newcome ever had from his kinsman but
cowardice and treachery If Barnes had held up his finger the young one might
have been happy if he could have effected it the Colonel and his bank would
have been ruined I am for war and for seeing the old boy in Parliament He
knows no more about politics than I do about dancing the polka but there are
five hundred wiseacres in that assembly who know no more than he does and an
honest man taking his seat there in place of a confounded little rogue at
least makes a change for the better«
I dare say Thomas Newcome Esq would by no means have concurred in the
above estimate of his political knowledge and thought himself as well informed
as another He used to speak with the greatest gravity about our constitution as
the pride and envy of the world though he surprised you as much by the
latitudinarian reforms which he was eager to press forward as by the most
singular old Tory opinions which he advocated on other occasions He was for
having every man to vote every poor man to labour short time and get high
wages every poor curate to be paid double or treble every bishop to be docked
of his salary and dismissed from the House of Lords But he was a stanch
admirer of that assembly and a supporter of the rights of the crown He was for
sweeping off taxes from the poor and as money must be raised to carry on
government he opined that the rich should pay He uttered all these opinions
with the greatest gravity and emphasis before a large assembly of electors and
others convened in the Newcome Town Hall amid the roars of applause of the
nonelectors and the bewilderment and consternation of Mr Potts of the
Independent who had represented the Colonel in his paper as a safe and steady
reformer Of course the Sentinel showed him up as a most dangerous radical a
sepoy republican and so forth to the wrath and indignation of Colonel Newcome
He a republican he scorned the name He would die as he had bled many a time
for his sovereign He an enemy of our beloved church He esteemed and honoured
it as he hated and abhorred the superstitions of Rome Yells from the Irish
in the crowd He an enemy of the House of Lords He held it to be the safeguard
of the constitution and the legitimate prize of our most illustrious naval
military and and legal heroes Ironical cheers He repelled with scorn
the dastard attacks of the Journal which had assailed him he asked laying his
hands on his heart if as a gentleman an officer bearing her Majestys
commission he could be guilty of a desire to subvert her empire and to insult
the dignity of her crown
After this second speech at the Town Hall it was asserted by a considerable
party in Newcome that Old Tom as the mob familiarly called him was a Tory
while an equal number averred that he was a Radical Mr Potts tried to
reconcile his statements a work in which I should think the talented editor of
the Independent had no little difficulty »He knows nothing about it« poor
Clive said with a sigh »his politics are all sentiment and kindness he will
have the poor man paid double wages and does not remember that the employer
would be ruined You have heard him Pen talking in this way at his own table
but when he comes out armed capàpied and careers against windmills in public
dont you see that as Don Quixotes son I had rather the dear brave old
gentleman was at home«
So this fainéant took but little part in the electioneering doings holding
moodily aloof from the meetings and councils and publichouses where his
fathers partisans were assembled
Chapter LXVIII
A Letter and a Reconciliation
Miss Ethel Newcome to Mrs Pendennis
»Dearest Laura I have not written to you for many weeks past There
have been some things too trivial and some too sad to write about some
things I know I shall write of if I begin and yet that I know I had
best leave for of what good is looking to the past now Why vex you or
myself by reverting to it Does not every day bring its own duty and
task and are these not enough to occupy one What a fright you must
have had with my little goddaughter Thank Heaven she is well now and
restored to you You and your husband I know do not think it
essential but I do most essential and am very grateful that she was
taken to church before her illness
Is Mr Pendennis proceeding with his canvass I try and avoid a
certain subject but it will come You know who is canvassing against us
here My poor uncle has met with very considerable success amongst the
lower classes He makes them rambling speeches at which my brother and
his friends laugh but which the people applaud I saw him only
yesterday on the balcony of the Kings Arms speaking to a great mob
who were cheering vociferously below I had met him before He would not
even stop and give his Ethel of old days his hand I would have given
him I dont know what for one kiss for one kind word but he passed on
and would not answer me He thinks me what the world thinks me
worldly and heartless what I was But at least dear Laura you know
that I always truly loved him and do now although he is our enemy
though he believes and utters the most cruel things against Barnes
though he says that Barnes Newcome my fathers son my brother Laura
is not an honest man Hard selfish worldly I own my poor brother to
be and pray Heaven to amend him but dishonest and to be so maligned
by the person one loves best in the world this is a hard trial I pray
a proud heart may be bettered by it
And I have seen my cousin once at a lecture which poor Barnes
gave and who seemed very much disturbed on perceiving Clive once
afterwards at good old Mrs Masons whom I have always continued to
visit for uncles sake The poor old woman whose wits are very nearly
gone held both our hands and asked when we were going to be married
and laughed poor old thing I cried out to her that Mr Clive had a
wife at home a dear young wife I said He gave a dreadful sort of
laugh and turned away into the window He looks terribly ill pale and
oldened
I asked him a great deal about his wife whom I remember a very
pretty sweetlooking girl indeed at my aunt Hobsons but with a not
agreeable mother as I thought then He answered me by monosyllables
appeared as though he would speak and then became silent I am pained
and yet glad that I saw him I said not very distinctly I dare say
that I hoped the difference between Barnes and uncle would not
extinguish his regard for mamma and me who have always loved him When
I said loved him he gave one of his bitter laughs again and so he did
when I said I hoped his wife was well You never would tell me much
about Mrs Newcome and I fear she does not make my cousin happy And
yet this marriage was of my uncles making another of the unfortunate
marriages in our family I am glad that I paused in time before the
commission of that sin I strive my best and to amend my temper my
inexperience my shortcomings and try to be the mother of my poor
brothers children But Barnes has never forgiven me my refusal of Lord
Farintosh He is of the world still Laura Nor must we deal too harshly
with people of his nature who cannot perhaps comprehend a world beyond
I remember in old days when we were travelling on the Rhine in the
happiest days of my whole life I used to hear Clive and his friend Mr
Ridley talk of art and of nature in a way that I could not understand at
first but came to comprehend better as my cousin taught me and since
then I see pictures and landscapes and flowers with quite different
eyes and beautiful secrets as it were of which I had no idea before
The secret of all secrets the secret of the other life and the better
world beyond ours may not this be unrevealed to some I pray for them
all dearest Laura for those nearest and dearest to me that the truth
may lighten their darkness and Heavens great mercy defend them in the
perils and dangers of their night
My boy at Sandhurst has done very well indeed and Egbert I am
happy to say thinks of taking orders he has been very moderate at
College Not so Alfred But the Guards are a sadly dangerous school for
a young man I have promised to pay his debts and he is to exchange
into the line Mamma is coming to us at Christmas with Alice My sister
is very pretty indeed I think and I am rejoiced she is to marry young
Mr Mumford who has a tolerable living and who has been attached to
her ever since he was a boy at Rugby school
Little Barnes comes on bravely with his Latin and Mr Whitestock a
most excellent and valuable person in this place where there is so much
Romanism and Dissent speaks highly of him Little Clara is so like her
unhappy mother in a thousand ways and actions that I am shocked often
and see my brother starting back and turning his head away as if
suddenly wounded I have heard the most deplorable accounts of Lord and
Lady Highgate Oh dearest friend and sister save you I think I scarce
know any one that is happy in the world I trust you may continue so
you who impart your goodness and kindness to all who come near you you
in whose sweet serene happiness I am thankful to be allowed to repose
sometimes You are the island in the desert Laura and the birds sing
there and the fountain flows and we come and repose by you for a
little while and tomorrow the march begins again and the toil and
the struggle and the desert Goodbye fountain Whisper kisses to my
dearest little ones for their affectionate
Aunt Ethel«
»A friend of his a Mr Warrington has spoken against us several times
with extraordinary ability as Barnes owns Do you know Mr W He wrote
a dreadful article in the Independent about the last poor lecture
which was indeed sad sentimental commonplace and the critique is
terribly comical I could not help laughing remembering some passages
in it when Barnes mentioned it and my brother became so angry They
have put up a dreadful caricature of B in Newcome and my brother says
he did it but I hope not It is very droll though he used to make them
very funnily I am glad he has spirits for it Goodbye again EN«
»He says he did it« cries Mr Pendennis laying the letter down »Barnes
Newcome would scarcely caricature himself my dear«
»He often means means Clive I think« says Mrs Pendennis in an offhand
manner
»Oh he means Clive does he Laura«
»Yes and you mean goose Mr Pendennis« that saucy lady replies
It must have been about the very time when this letter was written that a
critical conversation occurred between Clive and his father of which the lad
did not inform me until much later days as was the case the reader has been
more than once begged to believe with many other portions of this biography
One night the Colonel having come home from a round of electioneering
visits not half satisfied with himself exceedingly annoyed much more than he
cared to own with the impudence of some rude fellows at the publichouses who
had interrupted his fine speeches with odious hiccups and familiar jeers was
seated brooding over his cheroot by his chimneyfire friend FB of whose
companionship his patron was occasionally tired finding much better amusement
with the Jolly Britons in the Boscawen Rooms below The Colonel as an
electioneering business had made his appearance in the Club But that ancient
Roman warrior had frightened those simple Britons His manners were too awful
for them so were Clives who visited them also under Mr Pottss introduction
but the two gentlemen each being full of care and personal annoyance at the
time acted like wet blankets upon the Britons whereas FB warmed them and
cheered them affably partook of their meals with them and graciously shared
their cups So the Colonel was alone listening to the faroff roar of the
Britons choruses by an expiring fire as he sate by a glass of cold negus and
the ashes of his cigar
I dare say he may have been thinking that his fire was wellnigh out his
cup at the dregs his pipe little more now than dust and ashes when Clive
candle in hand came into their sittingroom
As each saw the others face it was so very sad and worn and pale that the
young man started back and the elder with quite the tenderness of old days
cried »God bless me my boy how ill you look Come and warm yourself look
the fires out Have something Clivy«
For months past they had not had a really kind word The tender old voice
smote upon Clive and he burst into sudden tears They rained upon his fathers
trembling old brown hand as he stooped down and kissed it
»You look very ill too father« says Clive
»Ill not I« cries the father still keeping the boys hand under both his
own on the mantelpiece »Such a battered old fellow as I am has a right to look
the worse for wear but you boy why do you look so pale«
»I have seen a ghost father« Clive answered Thomas however looked
alarmed and inquisitive as though the boy was wandering in his mind
»The ghost of my youth father the ghost of my happiness and the best days
of my life« groaned out the young man »I saw Ethel today I went to see Sarah
Mason and she was there«
»I had seen her but I did not speak of her« said the father »I thought it
was best not to mention her to you my poor boy And are are you fond of her
still Clive«
»Still Once means always in these things father doesnt it Once means
today and yesterday and for ever and ever«
»Nay my boy you mustnt talk to me so or even to yourself so You have
the dearest little wife at home a dear little wife and child«
»You had a son and have been kind enough to him God knows You had a wife
but that does not prevent other other thoughts Do you know you never spoke
twice in your life about my mother You didnt care for her«
»I I did my duty by her I denied her nothing I scarcely ever had a word
with her and I did my best to make her happy« interposed the Colonel
»I know but your heart was with the other So is mine Its fatal it runs
in the family father«
The boy looked so ineffably wretched that the fathers heart melted still
more »I did my best Clive« the Colonel gasped out »I went to that villain
Barnes and offered him to settle every shilling I was worth on you I did you
didnt know that Id kill myself for your sake Clivy Whats an old fellow
worth living for I can live upon a crust and a cigar I dont care about a
carriage and only go in it to please Rosey I wanted to give up all for you
but he played me false that scoundrel cheated us both he did and so did
Ethel«
»No sir I may have thought so in my rage once but I know better now She
was the victim and not the agent Did Madame de Florac play you false when she
married her husband It was her fate and she underwent it We all bow to it we
are in the track and the car passes over us you know it does father« The
Colonel was a fatalist he had often advanced this Oriental creed in his simple
discourses with his son and Clives friends
»Besides« Clive went on »Ethel does not care for me She received me
today quite coldly and held her hand out as if we had only parted last year I
suppose she likes that marquis who jilted her God bless her How shall we know
what wins the hearts of women She has mine There was my Fate Praise be to
Allah it is over«
»But theres that villain who injured you His isnt over yet« cried the
Colonel clenching his trembling hand
»Ah father let us leave him to Allah too Suppose Madame de Florac had a
brother who insulted you You know you wouldnt have revenged yourself You
would have wounded her in striking him«
»You called out Barnes yourself boy« cried the father
»That was for another cause and not for my quarrel And how do you know I
intended to fire By Jove I was so miserable then that an ounce of lead would
have done me little harm«
The father saw the sons mind more clearly than he had ever done hitherto
They had scarcely ever talked upon that subject which the Colonel found was so
deeply fixed in Clives heart He thought of his own early days and how he had
suffered and beheld his son before him racked with the same cruel pangs of
enduring grief And he began to own that he had pressed him too hastily in his
marriage and to make an allowance for an unhappiness of which he had in part
been the cause
»Mashallah Clive my boy« said the old man »what is done is done«
»Let us break up our camp before this place and not go to war with Barnes
father« said Clive »Let us have peace and forgive him if we can«
»And retreat before this scoundrel Clive«
»What is a victory over such a fellow One gives a chimneysweep the wall
father«
»I say again what is done is done I have promised to meet him at the
hustings and I will I think it is best and you are right and you act like a
highminded gentleman and my dear dear old boy not to meddle in the quarrel
though I didnt think so and the difference gave me a great deal of pain
and so did what Pendennis said and Im wrong and thank God I am wrong and
God bless you my own boy« the Colonel cried out in a burst of emotion and
the two went to their bedrooms together and were happier as they shook hands at
the doors of their adjoining chambers than they had been for many a long day and
year
Chapter LXIX
The Election
Having thus given his challenge reconnoitred the enemy and pledged himself to
do battle at the ensuing election our Colonel took leave of the town of
Newcome and returned to his banking affairs in London His departure was as
that of a great public personage the gentlemen of the Committee followed him
obsequiously down to the train »Quick« bawls out Mr Potts to Mr Brown the
stationmaster »quick Mr Brown a carriage for Colonel Newcome« Half a dozen
hats are taken off as he enters into the carriage F Bayham and his servant
after him with portfolios umbrellas shawls dispatchboxes Clive was not
there to act as his fathers aidedecamp After their conversation together
the young man had returned to Mrs Clive and his other duties in life
It has been said that Mr Pendennis was in the country engaged in a pursuit
exactly similar to that which occupied Colonel Newcome The menaced dissolution
of Parliament did not take place so soon as we expected The ministry still hung
together and by consequence Sir Barnes Newcome kept the seat in the House of
Commons from which his elder kinsman was eager to oust him Away from London
and having but few correspondents save on affairs of business I heard little of
Clive and the Colonel save an occasional puff of one of Colonel Newcomes
entertainments in the Pall Mall Gazette to which journal F Bayham still
condescended to contribute and a satisfactory announcement in a certain part of
that paper that on such a day in Hyde Park Gardens Mrs Clive Newcome had
presented her husband with a son Clive wrote to me presently to inform me of
the circumstance stating at the same time with but moderate gratification on
his own part that the Campaigner Mrs Newcomes mamma had upon this second
occasion made a second lodgment in her daughters house and bedchamber and
showed herself affably disposed to forget the little unpleasantries which had
clouded over the sunshine of her former visit
Laura with a smile of some humour said she thought now would be the time
when if Clive could be spared from his bank he might pay us that visit at
Fairoaks which had been due so long and hinted that change of air and a
temporary absence from Mrs Mackenzie might be agreeable to my old friend
It was on the contrary Mr Pendenniss opinion that his wife artfully
chose that period of time when little Rosey was perforce kept at home and
occupied with her delightful maternal duties to invite Clive to see us Mrs
Laura frankly owned that she liked our Clive better without his wife than with
her and never ceased to regret that pretty Rosey had not bestowed her little
hand upon Captain Hoby as she had been very well disposed at one time to do
Against all marriages of interest this sentimental Laura never failed to utter
indignant protests and Clives had been a marriage of interest a marriage made
up by the old people a marriage to which the young man had only yielded out of
goodnature and obedience She would apostrophize her unconscious young ones
and inform those innocent babies that they should never be made to marry except
for love never an announcement which was received with perfect indifference
by little Arthur on his rockinghorse and little Helen smiling and crowing in
her mothers lap
So Clive came down to us careworn in appearance but very pleased and happy
he said to stay for a while with the friends of his youth We showed him our
modest rural lions we got him such sport and company as our quiet neighbourhood
afforded we gave him fishing in the Brawl and Laura in her ponychaise drove
him to Baymouth and to Clavering Park and town and to visit the famous
cathedral at Chatteris where she was pleased to recount certain incidents of
her husbands youth
Clive laughed at my wifes stories He pleased himself in our home he
played with our children with whom he became a great favourite He was happier
he told me with a sigh than he had been for many a day His gentle hostess
echoed the sigh of the poor young fellow She was sure that his pleasure was
only transitory and was convinced that many deep cares weighed upon his mind
Ere long my old schoolfellow made me sundry confessions which showed that
Lauras surmises were correct About his domestic affairs he did not treat much
the little boy was said to be a very fine little boy the ladies had taken
entire possession of him »I cant stand Mrs Mackenzie any longer I own« says
Clive »but how resist a wife at such a moment Rosey was sure she would die
unless her mother came to her and of course we invited Mrs Mack This time she
is all smiles and politeness with the Colonel the last quarrel is laid upon me
and in so far I am easy as the old folks get on pretty well together« To me
considering these things it was clear that Mr Clive Newcome was but a very
secondary personage indeed in his fathers new fine house which he inhabited
and in which the poor Colonel had hoped they were to live such a happy family
But it was about Clive Newcomes pecuniary affairs that I felt the most
disquiet when he came to explain these to me The Colonels capital and that
considerable sum which Mrs Clive had inherited from her good old uncle were
all involved in a common stock of which Colonel Newcome took the management
»The governor understands business so well you see« says Clive »is a most
remarkable head for accounts He must have inherited that from my grandfather
you know who made his own fortune All the Newcomes are good at accounts except
me a poor useless devil who knows nothing but to paint a picture and who cant
even do that« He cuts off the head of a thistle as he speaks bites his tawny
mustachios plunges his hands into his pockets and his soul into reverie
»You dont mean to say« asks Mr Pendennis »that your wifes fortune has
not been settled upon herself«
»Of course it has been settled upon herself that is it is entirely her
own You know the Colonel has managed all the business he understands it better
than we do«
»Do you say that your wifes money is not vested in the hands of trustees
and for her benefit«
»My father is one of the trustees I tell you he manages the whole thing
What is his property is mine and ever has been and I might draw upon him as
much as I liked and you know its five times as great as my wifes What is his
is ours and what is ours is his of course for instance the India Stock
which poor Uncle James left that now stands in the Colonels name He wants to
be a Director he will be at the next election he must have a certain quantity
of India Stock dont you see«
»My dear fellow is there then no settlement made upon your wife at all«
»You neednt look so frightened« says Clive »I made a settlement on her
with all my worldly goods I did her endow three thousand three hundred and
thirtythree pounds six and eightpence which my father sent over from India to
my uncle years ago when I came home«
I might well indeed be aghast at this news and had yet further intelligence
from Clive which by no means contributed to lessen my anxiety This worthy old
Colonel who fancied himself to be so clever a man of business chose to conduct
it in utter ignorance and defiance of law If anything happened to the
Bundelcund Bank it was clear that not only every shilling of his own property
but every farthing bequeathed to Rosa Mackenzie would be lost only his retiring
pension which was luckily considerable and the hundred pounds a year which
Clive had settled on his wife would be saved out of the ruin
And now Clive confided to me his own serious doubts and misgivings regarding
the prosperity of the Bank itself He did not know why but he could not help
fancying that things were going wrong Those partners who had come home having
sold out of the Bank and living in England so splendidly why had they quitted
it The Colonel said it was a proof of the prosperity of the company that so
many gentlemen were enriched who had taken shares in it »But when I asked my
father« Clive continued »why he did not himself withdraw the dear old boys
countenance fell he told me such things were not to be done every day and
ended as usual by saying that I do not understand anything about business No
more I do that is the truth I hate the whole concern Pen I hate that great
tawdry house in which we live and those fearfully stupid parties Oh how I
wish we were back in Fitzroy Square But who can recall bygones Arthur or
wrong steps in life We must make the best of today and tomorrow must take
care of itself. Poor little child I could not help thinking as I took it
crying in my arms the other day what has life in store for you my poor weeping
baby My motherinlaw cried out that I should drop the baby and that only the
Colonel knew how to hold it My wife called from her bed the nurse dashed up
and scolded me and they drove me out of the room amongst them By Jove Pen I
laugh when some of my friends congratulate me on my good fortune I am not quite
the father of my own child nor the husband of my own wife nor even the master
of my own easel I am managed for dont you see boarded lodged and done for
And here is the man they call happy Happy Oh why had I not your strength of
mind and why did I ever leave my art my mistress«
And herewith the poor lad fell to chopping thistles again and quitted
Fairoaks shortly leaving his friends there very much disquieted about his
prospects actual and future
The expected dissolution of Parliament came at length All the country
papers in England teemed with electioneering addresses and the country was in a
flutter with particoloured ribbons Colonel Thomas Newcome pursuant to his
promise offered himself to the independent electors of Newcome in the Liberal
journal of the family town while Sir Barnes Newcome Bart addressed himself
to his old and tried friends and called upon the friends of the constitution to
rally round him in the Conservative print The addresses of our friend were sent
to us at Fairoaks by the Colonels indefatigable aidedecamp Mr Frederick
Bayham During the period which had elapsed since the Colonels last canvassing
visit and the issuing of the writs now daily expected for the new Parliament
many things of great importance had occurred in Thomas Newcomes family events
which were kept secret from his biographer who was at this period also pretty
entirely occupied with his own affairs These however are not the present
subject of this history which has Newcome for its business and the parties
engaged in the family quarrel there
There were four candidates in the field for the representation of that
borough That old and tried member of Parliament Mr Bunce was considered to be
secure and the Baronets seat was thought to be pretty safe on account of his
influence in the place Nevertheless Thomas Newcomes supporters were confident
for their champion and that when the parties came to the poll the extreme
Liberals of the borough would divide their votes between him and the fourth
candidate the uncompromising Radical Mr Barker
In due time the Colonel and his staff arrived at Newcome and resumed the
active canvass which they had commenced some months previously Clive was not in
his fathers suite this time nor Mr Warrington whose engagements took him
elsewhere The lawyer the editor of the Independent and FB were the
Colonels chief men His headquarters which FB liked very well were at the
hotel where we last saw him and whence issuing with his aidedecamp at his
heels the Colonel went round to canvass personally according to his promise
every free and independent elector of the Borough Barnes too was canvassing
eagerly on his side and was most affable and active The two parties would
often meet nose to nose in the same street and their retainers exchange looks
of defiance With Mr Potts of the Independent a big man on his left with Mr
Frederick a still bigger man on his right his own trusty bamboo cane in his
hand before which poor Barnes had shrunk abashed ere now Colonel Newcome had
commonly the best of these street encounters and frowned his nephew Barnes
and Barness staff off the pavement With the nonelectors the Colonel was a
decided favourite the boys invariably hurrayed him whereas they jeered and
uttered ironical cries after poor Barnes asking »Who beat his wife Who drove
his children to the workhouse« and other unkind personal questions The man
upon whom the libertine Barnes had inflicted so cruel an injury in his early
days was now the Baronets bitterest enemy He assailed him with curses and
threats when they met and leagued his brother workmen against him The wretched
Sir Barnes owned with contrition that the sins of his youth pursued him His
enemy scoffed at the idea of Barness repentance he was not moved at the grief
the punishment in his own family the humiliation and remorse which the
repentant prodigal piteously pleaded No man was louder in his cries of mea
culpa than Barnes no man professed a more edifying repentance He was hat in
hand to every black coat established or dissenting Repentance was to his
interest to be sure but yet let us hope it was sincere There is some
hypocrisy of which one does not like even to entertain the thought especially
that awful falsehood which trades with divine truth and takes the name of Heaven
in vain
The Roebuck Inn at Newcome stands in the marketplace directly facing the
Kings Arms where as we know Colonel Newcome and uncompromising toleration
held their headquarters Immense banners of blue and yellow floated from every
window of the Kings Arms and decorated the balcony from which the Colonel and
his assistants were in the habit of addressing the multitude Fiddlers and
trumpeters arrayed in his colours paraded the town and enlivened it with their
melodious strains Other trumpeters and fiddlers bearing the true blue cockades
and colours of Sir Barnes Newcome Bart would encounter the Colonels
musicians on which occasions of meeting it is to be feared small harmony was
produced They banged each other with their brazen instruments The warlike
drummers thumped each others heads in lieu of the professional sheepskin The
town boys and street blackguards rejoiced in these combats and exhibited their
valour on one side or the other The Colonel had to pay a long bill for broken
brass when he settled the little accounts of the election
In after times FB was pleased to describe the circumstances of a contest
in which he bore a most distinguished part It was FBs opinion that his
private eloquence brought over many waverers to the Colonels side and
converted numbers of the benighted followers of Sir Barnes Newcome Bayhams
voice was indeed magnificent and could be heard from the Kings Arms balcony
above the shout and roar of the multitude the gongs and bugles of the
opposition bands He was untiring in his oratory undaunted in the presence of
the crowds below He was immensely popular FB Whether he laid his hand upon
his broad chest took off his hat and waved it or pressed his blue and yellow
ribbons to his bosom the crowd shouted »Hurrah silence bravo Bayham for
ever« »They would have carried me in triumph« said FB »if I had but the
necessary qualification I might be member for Newcome this day or any other I
chose«
I am afraid in this conduct of the Colonels election Mr Bayham resorted to
acts of which his principal certainly would disapprove and engaged auxiliaries
whose alliance was scarcely creditable Whose was the hand which flung the
potato which struck Sir Barnes Newcome Bart on the nose as he was haranguing
the people from the Roebuck How came it that whenever Sir Barnes and his
friends essayed to speak such an awful yelling and groaning took place in the
crowd below that the words of those feeble orators were inaudible Who smashed
all the front windows of the Roebuck Colonel Newcome had not words to express
his indignation at proceedings so unfair When Sir Barnes and his staff were
hustled in the marketplace and most outrageously shoved jeered and jolted
the Colonel from the Kings Arms organized a rapid sally which he himself
headed with his bamboo cane cut out Sir Barnes and his followers from the hands
of the mob and addressed those ruffians in a noble speech of which the bamboo
cane Englishman shame fair play were the most emphatic expressions The mob
cheered Old Tom as they called him they made way for Sir Barnes who shrunk
pale and shuddering back into his hotel again who always persisted in saying
that that old villain of a dragoon had planned both the assault and the rescue
»When the dregs of the people the scum of the rabble sir banded
together by the myrmidons of Sir Barnes Newcome attacked us at the Kings Arms
and smashed ninetysix pounds worth of glass at one volley besides knocking
off the gold unicorns head and the tail of the British lion it was fine sir«
FB said »to see how the Colonel came forward and the coolness of the old boy
in the midst of the action He stood there in front sir with his old hat off
never so much as once bobbing his old head and I think he spoke rather better
under fire than he did when there was no danger Between ourselves he aint
much of a speaker the old Colonel he hems and hahs and repeats himself a good
deal He hasnt the gift of natural eloquence which some men have Pendennis
You should have heard my speech sir on the Thursday in the Town Hall that was
something like a speech Potts was jealous of it and always reported me most
shamefully«
In spite of his respectful behaviour to the gentlemen in black coats his
soup tickets and his flannel tickets his own pathetic lectures and his sedulous
attendance at other folks sermons poor Barnes could not keep up his credit
with the serious interest at Newcome and the meetinghouses and their
respective pastors and frequenters turned their backs upon him The case against
him was too flagrant his enemy the factoryman worked it with an
extraordinary skill malice and pertinacity Not a single man woman or child
in Newcome but was made acquainted with Sir Barness early peccadillo Ribald
ballads were howled through the streets describing his sin and his deserved
punishment For very shame the reverend dissenting gentlemen were obliged to
refrain from voting for him such as ventured believing in the sincerity of his
repentance to give him their voices were yelled away from the pollingplaces A
very great number who would have been his friends were compelled to bow to
decency and public opinion and supported the Colonel
Hooted away from the hustings and the public places whence the rival
candidates addressed the free and independent electors this wretched and
persecuted Sir Barnes invited his friends and supporters to meet him at the
Athenæum Room scene of his previous eloquent performances But though this
apartment was defended by tickets the people burst into it and Nemesis in the
shape of the persevering factoryman appeared before the scared Sir Barnes and
his puzzled committee The man stood up and bearded the pale Baronet He had a
good cause and was in truth a far better master of debate than our banking
friend being a great speaker amongst his brother operatives by whom political
questions are discussed and the conduct of political men examined with a
ceaseless interest and with an ardour and eloquence which are often unknown in
what is called superior society This man and his friends round about him
fiercely silenced the clamour of Turn him out with which his first appearance
was assailed by Sir Barness hangerson He said in the name of justice he would
speak up if they were fathers of families and loved their wives and daughters
he dared them to refuse him a hearing Did they love their wives and their
children it was a shame that they should take such a man as that yonder for
their representative in Parliament But the greatest sensation he made was when
in the middle of his speech after inveighing against Barness cruelty and
parental ingratitude he asked »Where were Barness children« and actually
thrust forward two to the amazement of the committee and the ghastly
astonishment of the guilty Baronet himself
»Look at them« said the man »they are almost in rags they have to put up
with scanty and hard food Contrast them with his other children whom you see
lording in gilt carriages robed in purple and fine linen and scattering mud
from their wheels over us humble people as we walk the streets Ignorance and
starvation is good enough for these for those others nothing can be too fine or
too dear What can a factorygirl expect from such a fine highbred
whitehanded aristocratic gentleman as Sir Barnes Newcome Baronet but to be
cajoled and seduced and deserted and left to starve When she has served my
lords pleasure her natural fate is to be turned into the street let her go
and rot there and her children beg in the gutter«
»This is the most shameful imposture« gasps out Sir Barnes »these children
are not are not «
The man interrupted him with a bitter laugh »No« says he »they are not
his thats true enough friends Its Tom Martins girl and boy a precious
pair of lazy little scamps But at first he thought they were his children See
how much he knows about them He hasnt seen his children for years he would
have left them and their mother to starve and did but for shame and fear The
old man his father pensioned them and he hasnt the heart to stop their wages
now Men of Newcome will you have this man to represent you in Parliament« And
the crowd roared out no and Barnes and his shamefaced committee slunk out of
the place and no wonder the dissenting clerical gentlemen were shy of voting
for him
A brilliant and picturesque diversion in Colonel Newcomes favour was due to
the inventive genius of his faithful aidedecamp FB On the pollingday as
the carriages full of voters came up to the marketplace there appeared nigh to
the booths an open barouche covered all over with ribbon and containing
Frederick Bayham Esq profusely decorated with the Colonels colours and a
very old woman and her female attendant who were similarly ornamented It was
good old Mrs Mason who was pleased with the drive and the sunshine though she
scarcely understood the meaning of the turmoil with her maid by her side
delighted to wear such ribbons and sit in such a post of honour Rising up in
the carriage FB took off his hat bade his men of brass be silent who were
accustomed to bray »See the Conquering Hero comes« whenever the Colonel or Mr
Bayham his brilliant aidedecamp made their appearance Bidding we say, the
musicians and the universe to be silent FB rose and made the citizens of
Newcome a splendid speech Good old unconscious Mrs Mason was the theme of it
and the Colonels virtues and faithful gratitude in tending her She was his
fathers old friend She was Sir Barnes Newcomes grandfathers old friend She
had lived for more than forty years at Sir Barnes Newcomes door and how often
had he been to see her Did he go every week No Every month No Every year
No Never in the whole course of his life had he set his foot into her doors
Loud yells and cries of shame Never had he done her one single act of
kindness Whereas for years and years past when he was away in India
heroically fighting the battles of his country when he was distinguishing
himself at Assaye and and Mulligatawny and Seringapatam in the hottest of
the fight and the fiercest of the danger in the most terrible moment of the
conflict and the crowning glory of the victory the good the brave the kind
old Colonel why should he say Colonel why should he not say Old Tom at once
immense roars of applause always remembered his dear old nurse and friend
Look at that shawl boys which she has got on My belief is that Colonel
Newcome took that shawl in single combat and on horseback from the prime
minister of Tippoo Saib Immense cheers and cries of »Bravo Bayham« Look at
that brooch the dear old thing wears he kissed her hand whilst so
apostrophizing her Tom Newcome never brags about his military achievements he
is the most modest as well as the bravest man in the world What if I were to
tell you that he cut that brooch from the throat of an Indian rajah Hes man
enough to do it »He is he is« from all parts of the crowd What you want to
take the horses out do you to the crowd who were removing those quadrupeds
I aint agoing to prevent you I expected as much of you Men of Newcome I
expected as much of you for I know you Sit still old lady dont be
frightened maam they are only going to pull you to the Kings Arms and show
you to the Colonel
This indeed was the direction in which the mob whether inflamed by
spontaneous enthusiasm or excited by cunning agents placed amongst the populace
by FB I cannot say now took the barouche and its three occupants With a
myriad roar and shout the carriage was dragged up in front of the Kings Arms
from the balconies of which a most satisfactory account of the polling was
already placarded The extra noise and shouting brought out the Colonel who
looked at first with curiosity at the advancing procession and then as he
caught sight of Sarah Mason with a blush and a bow of his kind old head
»Look at him boys« cried the enraptured FB pointing up to the old man
»Look at him the dear old boy Isnt he an old trump Which will you have for
your member Barnes Newcome or Old Tom«
And as might be supposed an immense shout of »Old Tom« arose from the
multitude in the midst of which blushing and bowing still the Colonel went
back to his committee room and the bands played »See the Conquering Hero«
louder than ever and poor Barnes in the course of his duty having to come out
upon his balcony at the Roebuck opposite was saluted with a yell as vociferous
as the cheer for the Colonel had been and old Mrs Mason asked what the noise
was about and after making several vain efforts in dumb show to the crowd
Barnes slunk back into his hole again as pale as the turnip which was flung at
his head and the horses were brought and Mrs Mason driven home and the day
of election came to an end
Reasons of personal gratitude as we have stated already prevented his
Highness the Prince de Montcontour from taking a part in this family contest
His brethren of the House of Higg however very much to Floracs gratification
gave their second votes to Colonel Newcome carrying with them a very great
number of electors we know that in the present Parliament Mr Higg and Mr
Bunce sit for the Borough of Newcome Having had monetary transactions with Sir
Barnes Newcome and entered largely into railway speculations with him the
Messrs Higg had found reason to quarrel with the Baronet accuse him of sharp
practices to the present day and have long stories to tell which do not concern
us about Sir Barness stratagems grasping and extortion They and their
following deserting Sir Barnes whom they had supported in previous elections
voted for the Colonel although some of the opinions of that gentleman were
rather too extreme for such sober persons
Not exactly knowing what his politics were when he commenced the canvass I
cant say to what opinions the poor Colonel did not find himself committed by
the time when the election was over The worthy gentleman felt himself not a
little humiliated by what he had to say and to unsay by having to answer
questions to submit to familiarities to shake hands which to say truth he did
not care for grasping at all His habits were aristocratic his education had
been military the kindest and simplest soul alive he yet disliked all
familiarity and expected from common people the sort of deference which he had
received from his men in the regiment The contest saddened and mortified him
he felt that he was using wrong means to obtain an end that perhaps was not
right for so his secret conscience must have told him he was derogating from
his own honour in tampering with political opinions submitting to
familiarities condescending to stand by whilst his agents solicited vulgar
suffrages or uttered claptraps about retrenchment and reform »I felt I was
wrong« he said to me in after days »though I was too proud to own my error in
those times and you and your good wife and my boy were right in protesting
against that mad election« Indeed though we little knew what events were
speedily to happen Laura and I felt very little satisfaction when the result of
the Newcome election was made known to us and we found Sir Barnes Newcome third
and Col Thomas Newcome second upon the poll
Ethel was absent with her children at Brighton She was glad she wrote not
to have been at home during the election Mr and Mrs C were at Brighton too
Ethel had seen Mrs C and her child once or twice It was a very fine child
»My brother came down to us« she wrote »after all was over He is furious
against M de Montcontour who he says persuaded the Whigs to vote against
him and turned the election«
Chapter LXX
Chiltern Hundreds
We shall say no more regarding Thomas Newcomes political doings his speeches
against Barnes and the Baronets replies The nephew was beaten by his stout
old uncle
In due time the Gazette announced that Thomas Newcome Esq was returned as
one of the Members of Parliament for the borough of Newcome and after
triumphant dinners speeches and rejoicings the member came back to his family
in London and to his affairs in that city
The good Colonel appeared to be by no means elated by his victory He would
not allow that he was wrong in engaging in that family war of which we have
just seen the issue though it may be that his secret remorse on this account in
part occasioned his disquiet But there were other reasons which his family not
long afterwards came to understand for the gloom and low spirits which now
oppressed the head of their home
It was observed that is if simple little Rosey took the trouble to
observe that the entertainments at the Colonels mansion were more frequent and
splendid even than before the silver cocoanut tree was constantly in
requisition and around it were assembled many new guests who had not formerly
been used to sit under those branches Mr Sherrick and his wife appeared at
those parties at which the proprietor of Lady Whittleseas chapel made himself
perfectly familiar Sherrick cut jokes with the master of the house which the
latter received with a very grave acquiescence He ordered the servants about
addressing the butler as »Old Corkscrew« and bidding the footman whom he loved
to call by his Christian name to look alive He called the Colonel »Newcome«
sometimes and facetiously speculated upon the degree of relationship subsisting
between them now that his daughter was married to Clives uncle the Colonels
brotherinlaw Though I dare say Clive did not much relish receiving news of
his aunt Sherrick was sure to bring such intelligence when it reached him and
announced in due time the birth of a little cousin at Boggley Wollah whom the
fond parents designed to name »Thomas Newcome Honeyman«
A dreadful panic and ghastly terror seized poor Clive on an occasion which
he described to me afterwards Going out from home one day with his father he
beheld a wine merchants cart from which hampers were carried down the
areagate into the lower regions of Colonel Newcomes house »Sherrick amp
Co Wine Merchants Walpole Street« was painted upon the vehicle
»Good heavens sir do you get your wine from him«
Clive cried out to his father remembering Honeymans provisions in early
times The Colonel looking very gloomy and turning red said »Yes he bought
wine from Sherrick who had been very goodnatured and serviceable and who
and who you know is our connection now« When informed of the circumstance by
Clive I too as I confess thought the incident alarming
Then Clive with a laugh told me of a grand battle which had taken place in
consequence of Mrs Mackenzies behaviour to the wine merchants wife The
Campaigner had treated this very kind and harmless but vulgar woman with extreme
hauteur had talked loud during her singing the beauty of which to say truth
time had considerably impaired had made contemptuous observations regarding
her upon more than one occasion At length the Colonel broke out in great wrath
against Mrs Mackenzie bade her to respect that lady as one of his guests
and if she did not like the company which assembled at his house hinted to her
that there were many thousand other houses in London where she could find a
lodging For the sake of her child and her adored grandchild the Campaigner
took no notice of this hint and declined to remove from the quarters which she
had occupied ever since she had become a grandmamma
I myself dined once or twice with my old friends under the shadow of the
picklebearing cocoanut tree and could not but remark a change of personages
in the society assembled The manager of the City branch of the BB.C. was
always present an ominouslooking man whose whispers and compliments seemed
to make poor Clive at his end of the table very melancholy With the City
manager came the City managers friends whose jokes passed gaily round and who
kept the conversation to themselves Once I had the happiness to meet Mr
Ratray who had returned filled with rupees from the Indian bank who told us
many anecdotes of the splendour of Rummun Loll at Calcutta and who complimented
the Colonel on his fine house and grand dinners with sinister goodhumour Those
compliments did not seem to please our poor friend that familiarity choked him
A brisk little chattering attorney very intimate with Sherrick with a wife of
dubious gentility was another constant guest He enlivened the table by his
jokes and recounted choice stories about the aristocracy with certain members
of whom the little man seemed very familiar He knew to a shilling how much this
lord owed and how much the creditors allowed to that marquis He had been
concerned with such and such a nobleman who was now in the Queens Bench He
spoke of their lordships affably and without their titles calling upon
»Louisa my dear« his wife to testify to the day when Viscount Tagrag dined
with them and Earl Bareacres sent them the pheasants FB as sombre and
downcast as his hosts now seemed to be informed me demurely that the attorney
was a member of one of the most eminent firms in the City that he had been
engaged in procuring the Colonels parliamentary title for him and in various
important matters appertaining to the BB.C.; but my knowledge of the world and
the law was sufficient to make me aware that this gentleman belonged to a
wellknown firm of moneylending solicitors and I trembled to see such a person
in the home of our good Colonel Where were the generals and the judges Where
were the fogeys and their respectable ladies Stupid they were and dull their
company but better a stalled ox in their society than Mr Campions jokes over
Mr Sherricks wines
After the little rebuke administered by Colonel Newcome Mrs Mackenzie
abstained from overt hostilities against any guests of her daughters
fatherinlaw and contented herself by assuming grand and princesslike airs in
the company of the new ladies They flattered her and poor little Rosey
intensely The latter liked their company no doubt To a man of the world
looking on who has seen the men and morals of many cities it was curious
almost pathetic to watch that poor little innocent creature fresh and smiling
attired in bright colours and a thousand gewgaws simpering in the midst of
these darkling people practising her little arts and coquetries with such a
court round about her An unconscious little maid with rich and rare gems
sparkling on all her fingers and bright gold rings as many as belonged to the
late Old Woman of Banbury Cross still she smiled and prattled innocently
before these banditti I thought of Zerlina and the Brigands in »Fra Diavolo«
Walking away with FB from one of these parties of the Colonels and
seriously alarmed at what I had observed there I demanded of Bayham whether my
conjectures were not correct that some misfortune overhung our old friends
house At first Bayham denied stoutly or pretended ignorance but at length
having reached the Haunt together which I had not visited since I was a married
man we entered that place of entertainment and were greeted by its old
landlady and waitress and accommodated with a quiet parlour And here FB
after groaning after sighing after solacing himself with a prodigious
quantity of bitter beer fairly burst out and with tears in his eyes made a
full and sad confession respecting this unlucky Bundelcund Banking Company The
shares had been going lower and lower so that there was no sale now for them at
all To meet the liabilities the directors must have undergone the greatest
sacrifices He did not know he did not like to think what the Colonels
personal losses were The respectable solicitors of the Company had retired long
since after having secured payment of a most respectable bill and had given
place to the firm of dubious law agents of whom I had that evening seen a
partner How the retiring partners from India had been allowed to withdraw and
to bring fortunes along with them was a mystery to Mr Frederick Bayham The
great Indian millionaire was in his FBs eyes a confounded old
mahoganycoloured heathen humbug These fine parties which the Colonel was
giving and that fine carriage which was always flaunting about the Park with
poor Mrs Clive and the Campaigner and the nurse and the baby were in FBs
opinion all decoys and shams He did not mean to say that the meals were not
paid and that the Colonel had to plunder for his horses corn but he knew that
Sherrick and the attorney and the manager insisted upon the necessity of
giving these parties and keeping up this state and grandeur and opined that it
was at the special instance of these advisers that the Colonel had contested the
borough for which he was now returned »Do you know how much that contest cost«
asks FB »The sum sir was awful and we have ever so much of it to pay I
came up twice from Newcome myself to Campion and Sherrick about it I betray no
secrets FB sir would die a thousand deaths before he would tell the
secrets of his benefactor but Pendennis you understand a thing or two You
know what oclock it is and so does yours truly FB who drinks your health
I know the taste of Sherricks wine well enough FB sir fears the Greeks and
all the gifts they bring Confound his Amontillado I had rather drink this
honest malt and hops all my life than ever see a drop of his abominable golden
sherry Golden FB believes it is golden and a precious deal dearer than
gold too« and herewith ringing the bell my friend asked for a second pint of
the justnamed and cheaper fluid
I have of late had to recount portions of my dear old friends history which
must needs be told and over which the writer does not like to dwell If Thomas
Newcomes opulence was unpleasant to describe and to contrast with the bright
goodness and simplicity I remembered in former days how much more painful is
that part of his story to which we are now come perforce and which the acute
reader of novels has no doubt long foreseen Yes sir or madam you are quite
right in the opinion which you have held all along regarding that Bundelcund
Banking Company in which our Colonel has invested every rupee he possesses
solvuntur rupees etc I disdain for the most part the tricks and surprises of
the novelists art Knowing from the very beginning of our story what was the
issue of this Bundelcund Banking concern I have scarce had patience to keep my
counsel about it and whenever I have had occasion to mention the Company have
scarcely been able to refrain from breaking out into fierce diatribes against
that complicated enormous outrageous swindle It was one of many similar cheats
which have been successfully practised upon the simple folks civilian and
military who toil and struggle who fight with sun and enemy who pass years
of long exile and gallant endurance in the service of our empire in India
Agency houses after agency houses have been established and have flourished in
splendour and magnificence and have paid fabulous dividends and have
enormously enriched two or three wary speculators and then have burst in
bankruptcy involving widows orphans and countless simple people who trusted
their all to the keeping of these unworthy treasurers
The failure of the Bundelcund Bank which we now have to record was one only
of many similar schemes ending in ruin About the time when Thomas Newcome was
chaired as Member of Parliament for the borough of which he bore the name the
great Indian merchant who was at the head of the Bundelcund Banking Companys
affairs at Calcutta suddenly died of cholera at his palace at Barrackpore He
had been giving of late a series of the most splendid banquets with which Indian
prince ever entertained a Calcutta society The greatest and proudest personages
of that aristocratic city had attended his feasts The fairest Calcutta beauties
had danced in his halls Did not poor FB transfer from the columns of the
Bengal Hurkaru to the Pall Mall Gazette the most astounding descriptions of
those Asiatic Nights Entertainments of which the very grandest was to come off
on the night when cholera seized Rummun Loll in its grip There was to have been
a masquerade outvying all European masquerades in splendour The two rival
queens of the Calcutta society were to have appeared each with her court around
her Young civilians at the college and young ensigns fresh landed had gone
into awful expenses and borrowed money at fearful interest from the BB.C. and
other banking companies in order to appear with befitting splendour as knights
and noblemen of Henrietta Marias Court Henrietta Maria wife of Hastings
Hicks Esq Sudder Dewanee Adawlut or as princes and warriors surrounding the
palanquin of Lalla Rookh the lovely wife of Hon Cornwallis Bobus Member of
Council all these splendours were there As carriage after carriage drove up
from Calcutta they were met at Rummun Lolls gate by ghastly weeping servants
who announced their masters demise
On the next day the Bank at Calcutta was closed and the day after when
heavy bills were presented which must be paid although by this time Rummun Loll
was not only dead but buried and his widows howling over his grave it was
announced throughout Calcutta that but 800 rupees were left in the treasury of
the BB.C. to meet engagements to the amount of four lakhs then immediately due
and sixty days afterwards the shutters were closed at No 175 Lothbury the
London offices of the BB.C. of India and £35000 worth of their bills refused
by their agents Messrs Baines Jolly amp Co of Fog Court
When the accounts of that ghastly bankruptcy arrived from Calcutta it was
found of course that the merchant prince Rummun Loll owed the BB.C.
twentyfive lakhs of rupees the value of which was scarcely even represented by
his respectable signature It was found that one of the auditors of the bank
the generally esteemed Charley Condor a capital fellow famous for his good
dinners and for playing low comedy characters at the Chowringhee Theatre was
indebted to the bank in £90000 and also it was discovered that the revered
Baptist Bellman Chief Registrar of the Calcutta Tape and Sealing Wax Office a
most valuable and powerful amateur preacher who had converted two natives and
whose serious soirees were thronged at Calcutta had helped himself to £73000
more for which he settled in the Bankruptcy Court before he resumed his duties
in his own In justice to Mr Bellman it must be said that he could have had no
idea of the catastrophe impending over the BB.C. For only three weeks before
that great bank closed its doors Mr Bellman as guardian of the children of
his widowed sister Mrs Colonel Green had sold the whole of the late Colonels
property out of Companys paper and invested it in the bank which gave a high
interest and with bills of which drawn upon their London correspondents he
had accommodated Mrs Colonel Green when she took her departure for Europe with
her numerous little family on board the Burrumpooter
And now you have the explanation of the title of this chapter and know
wherefore Thomas Newcome never sat in Parliament Where are our dear old friends
now Where are Roseys chariots and horses where her jewels and gewgaws Bills
are up in the fine new house Swarms of Hebrew gentlemen with their hats on are
walking about the drawingrooms peering into the bedrooms weighing and poising
the poor old silver cocoanut tree eyeing the plate and crystal thumbing the
damask of the curtains and inspecting ottomans mirrors and a hundred articles
of splendid trumpery There is Roseys boudoir which her fatherinlaw loved to
ornament there is Clives studio with a hundred sketches there is the
Colonels bare room at the top of the house with his little iron bedstead and
ships drawers and a camel trunk or two which have accompanied him on many an
Indian march and his old regulation sword and that one which the native
officers of his regiment gave him when he bade them farewell I can fancy the
brokers faces as they look over this camp wardrobe and that the uniforms will
not fetch much in Holywell Street There is the old one still and that new one
which he ordered and wore when poor little Rosey was presented at Court I had
not the heart to examine their plunder and go amongst those wreckers FB used
to attend the sale regularly and report its proceedings to us with eyes full of
tears »A fellow laughed at me« says FB »because when I came into the dear
old drawingroom I took my hat off I told him that if he dared say another word
I would knock him down« I think FB may be pardoned in this instance for
emulating the office of auctioneer Where are you pretty Rosey and poor little
helpless baby Where are you dear Clive gallant young friend of my youth Ah
it is a sad story a melancholy page to pen Let us pass it over quickly I
love not to think of my friend in pain
Chapter LXXI
In which Mrs Clive Newcomes Carriage is Ordered
All the friends of the Newcome family of course knew the disaster which had
befallen the good Colonel and I was aware for my own part that not only his
own but almost the whole of Rosa Newcomes property was involved in the common
ruin Some proposals of temporary relief were made to our friends from more
quarters than one but were thankfully rejected and we were led to hope that
the Colonel having still his pension secured to him which the law could not
touch might live comfortably enough in the retirement to which of course he
would betake himself when the melancholy proceedings consequent on the
bankruptcy were brought to an end It was shown that he had been egregiously
duped in the transaction that his credulity had cost him and his family a large
fortune that he had given up every penny which belonged to him that there
could not be any sort of stain upon his honest reputation The judge before whom
he appeared spoke with feeling and regard of the unhappy gentleman the lawyer
who examined him respected the grief and fall of that simple old man Thomas
Newcome took a little room near the court where his affairs and the affairs of
the company were adjudged lived with a frugality which never was difficult to
him and once when perchance I met him in the City avoided me with a bow and
courtesy that was quite humble though proud and somehow inexpressibly touching
to me Fred Bayham was the only person whom he admitted Fred always faithfully
insisted upon attending him in and out of court JJ came to me immediately
after he heard of the disaster eager to place all his savings at the service of
his friends Laura and I came to London and were urgent with similar offers
Our good friend declined to see any of us FB again with tears trickling on
his rough cheeks and a break in his voice told me he feared that affairs must
be very bad indeed for the Colonel absolutely denied himself a cheroot to
smoke Laura drove to his lodgings and took him a box which was held up to him
as he came to open the door to my wifes knock by our smiling little boy He
patted the child on his golden head and kissed him My wife wished he would have
done as much for her but he would not though she owned she kissed his hand He
drew it across his eyes and thanked her in a very calm and stately manner but
he did not invite her within the threshold of his door saying simply that such
a room was not a fit place to receive a lady »as you ought to know very well
Mrs Smith« he said to the landlady who had accompanied my wife up the stairs
»He will eat scarcely anything« the woman told us »his meals come down
untouched his candles are burning all night almost as he sits poring over his
papers« »He was bent he who used to walk so uprightly« Laura said He seemed
to have grown many years older and was indeed quite a decrepit old man
»I am glad they have left Clive out of the bankruptcy« the Colonel said to
Bayham it was almost the only time when his voice exhibited any emotion »It
was very kind of them to leave out Clive poor boy and I have thanked the
lawyers in court« Those gentlemen and the judge himself were very much moved
at this act of gratitude The judge made a very feeling speech to the Colonel
when he came up for his certificate He passed very different comments on the
conduct of the manager of the bank when that person appeared for examination
He wished that the law had power to deal with those gentlemen who had come home
with large fortunes from India realized but a few years before the bankruptcy
Those gentlemen had known how to take care of themselves very well and as for
the manager is not his wife giving elegant balls at her elegant house at
Cheltenham at this very day
What weighed most upon the Colonels mind FB imagined was the thought
that he had been the means of inducing many poor friends to embark their money
in this luckless speculation »Take JJs money after he had persuaded old
Ridley to place £200 in Indian shares Good God he and his family should rather
perish than he would touch a farthing of it« Many fierce words were uttered to
him by Mrs Mackenzie for instance by her angry soninlaw at Musselburgh
Joseys husband by Mr Smee RA.; and two or three Indian officers friends of
his own who had entered into the speculation on his recommendation These
rebukes Thomas Newcome bore with an affecting meekness as his faithful FB
described to me striving with many oaths and much loudness to carry off his own
emotion But what moved the Colonel most of all was a letter which came at this
time from Honeyman in India saying that he was doing well that of course he
knew of his benefactors misfortune and that he sent a remittance which D V
should be annual in payment of his debt to the Colonel and his good sister at
Brighton »On receipt of this letter« said FB »the old man was fairly beat
the letter with the bill in it dropped out of his hands He clasped them both
together shaking in every limb and his head dropped down on his breast as he
said I thank my God Almighty for this And he sent the cheque off to Mrs
Honeyman by the post that night sir every shilling of it and he passed his
old arm under mine and we went out to Toms Coffee House and he ate some
dinner for the first time for ever so long and drank a couple of glasses of
port wine and FB stood it sir and would stand his hearts blood for that
dear old boy«
It was on a Monday morning that those melancholy shutters were seen over the
offices of the Bundelcund Bank in Lothbury which were not to come down until
the rooms were handed over to some other and let us trust more fortunate
speculators The Indian bills had arrived and been protested in the City on the
previous Saturday The Campaigner and Mrs Rosey had arranged a little party to
the theatre that evening and the gallant Captain Goby had agreed to quit the
delights of the Flag Club in order to accompany the ladies Neither of them
knew what was happening in the City or could account otherwise than by the
common domestic causes for Clives gloomy despondency and his fathers sad
reserve Clive had not been in the City on this day He had spent it as usual
in his studio boudé by his wife and not disturbed by the messroom raillery of
the Campaigner They dined early in order to be in time for the theatre Goby
entertained them with the latest jokes from the smokingroom at the Flag and
was in his turn amused by the brilliant plans for the season which Rosey and her
mamma sketched out the entertainments which Mrs Clive proposed to give the
ball she was dying for a masked ball just such a one as that described in
the Pall Mall Gazette of last week out of that paper with the droll title the
Bengal Hurkaru which the merchant prince the head of the bank you know in
India had given at Calcutta »We must have a ball too« says Mrs Mackenzie
»society demands it of you« »Of course it does« echoes Captain Goby and he
bethought him of a brilliant circle of young fellows from the Flag whom he
would bring in splendid uniform to dance with the pretty Mrs Clive Newcome
After the dinner they little knew it was to be their last in that fine
house the ladies retired to give a parting kiss to baby a parting look to
the toilettes with which they proposed to fascinate the inhabitants of the pit
and public boxes at the Olympic Goby made vigorous play with the claret bottle
during the brief interval of potation allowed to him he too little deeming
that he should never drink bumper there again Clive looking on with the
melancholy and silent acquiescence which had of late been his part in the
household The carriage was announced the ladies came down pretty capotes on
the lovely Campaigner Goby vowed looking as young and as handsome as her
daughter by Jove and the hall door was opened to admit the two gentlemen and
ladies to their carriage when as they were about to step in a hansom cab
drove up rapidly in which was perceived Thomas Newcomes anxious face He got
out of the vehicle his own carriage making way for him the ladies still on
the steps »Oh the play I forgot« said the Colonel
»Of course we are going to the play papa« cries little Rosey with a gay
little tap of her hand
»I think you had best not« Colonel Newcome said gravely
»Indeed my darling child has set her heart upon it and I would not have
her disappointed for the world in her situation« cries the Campaigner tossing
up her head
The Colonel for reply bade his coachman drive to the stables and come for
further orders and turning to his daughters guest expressed to Captain Goby
his regret that the proposed party could not take place on that evening as he
had matter of very great importance to communicate to his family On hearing
these news and understanding that his further company was not desirable the
Captain a man of great presence of mind arrested the hansom cabman who was
about to take his departure and who blithely knowing the Club and its inmates
full well carried off the jolly Captain to finish his evening at the Flag
»Has it come father« said Clive with a sure prescience looking in his
fathers face
The father took and grasped the hand which his son held out »Let us go back
into the diningroom« he said They entered it and he filled himself a glass
of wine out of the bottle still standing amidst the dessert He bade the butler
retire who was lingering about the room and sideboard and only wanted to know
whether his master would have dinner that was all And this gentleman having
withdrawn Colonel Newcome finished his glass of sherry and broke a biscuit the
Campaigner assuming an attitude of surprise and indignation whilst Rosey had
leisure to remark that papa looked very ill and that something must have
happened
The Colonel took both her hands and drew her towards him and kissed her
whilst Roseys mamma flouncing down on a chair beat a tattoo upon the
tablecloth with her fan »Something has happened my love« the Colonel said
very sadly »you must show all your strength of mind for a great misfortune has
befallen us«
»Good heavens Colonel what is it dont frighten my beloved child« cries
the Campaigner rushing towards her darling and enveloping her in her robust
arms »What can have happened dont agitate this darling child sir« and she
looked indignantly towards the poor Colonel
»We have received the very worst news from Calcutta a confirmation of the
news by the last mail Clivy my boy«
»It is no news to me I have always been expecting it father« says Clive
holding down his head
»Expecting what What have you been keeping back from us In what have you
been deceiving us Colonel Newcome« shrieks the Campaigner and Rosey crying
out »O mamma mamma« begins to whimper
»The chief of the bank in India is dead« the Colonel went on »He has left
its affairs in worse than disorder We are I fear ruined Mrs Mackenzie« and
the Colonel went on to tell how the bank could not open on Monday morning and
its bills to a great amount had already been protested in the City that day
Rosey did not understand half these news or comprehend the calamity which
was to follow but Mrs Mackenzie rustling in great wrath made a speech of
which the anger gathered as she proceeded in which she vowed and protested that
her money which the Colonel she did not know from what motives had induced
her to subscribe should not be sacrificed and that have it she would the bank
shut or not the next Monday morning that her daughter had a fortune of her own
which her poor dear brother James should have divided and would have divided
much more fairly had he not been wrongly influenced she would not say by
whom and she commanded Colonel Newcome upon that instant if he was as he
always pretended to be an honourable man to give an account of her blessed
darlings property and to pay back her own every sixpence of it she would
not lend it for an hour longer And to see that that dear blessed child now
sleeping unconsciously upstairs and his dear brothers and sisters who might
follow for Rosey was a young woman a poor innocent creature too young to be
married and never would have been married had she listened to her mammas
advice she demanded that baby and all succeeding babies should have their
rights and should be looked to by their grandmother if their fathers father
was so unkind and so wicked and so unnatural as to give their money to
rogues and deprive them of their just bread
Rosey began to cry more loudly than ever during the utterance of mammas
sermon so loudly that Clive peevishly cried out »Hold your tongue« on which
the Campaigner clutching her daughter to her breast again turned on her
soninlaw and abused him as she had abused his father before him calling out
that they were both in a conspiracy to defraud her child and the little darling
upstairs of its bread and she would speak yes she would and no power
should prevent her and her money she would have on Monday as sure as her poor
dear husband Captain Mackenzie was dead and she never would have been
cheated so yes cheated if he had been alive
At the word cheated Clive broke out with an execration the poor Colonel
with a groan of despair the widows storm continued and above that howling
tempest of words rose Mrs Clives piping scream who went off into downright
hysterics at last in which she was encouraged by her mother and in which she
gasped out frantic ejaculations regarding baby dear darling ruined baby and
so forth
The sorrowstricken Colonel had to quell the womens tongues and shrill
anger and his sons wrathful replies who could not bear the weight of Mrs
Mackenzie upon him and it was not until these three were allayed that Thomas
Newcome was able to continue his sad story to explain what had happened and
what the actual state of the case was and to oblige the terrorstricken women
at length to hear something like reason
He then had to tell them to their dismay that he would inevitably be
declared a bankrupt in the ensuing week that the whole of his property in that
house as elsewhere would be seized and sold for the creditors benefit and
that his daughter had best immediately leave a home where she would be certainly
subject to humiliation and annoyance »I would have Clive my boy take you out
of the country and and return to me when I have need of him and shall send
for him« the father said fondly in reply to a rebellious look in his sons
face »I would have you quit this house as soon as possible Why not tonight
The law bloodhounds may be upon us ere an hour is over at this moment for what
I know«
At that moment the doorbell was heard to ring and the women gave a scream
apiece as if the bailiffs were actually coming to take possession Rosey went
off in quite a series of screams peevishly repressed by her husband and always
encouraged by mamma who called her soninlaw an unfeeling wretch It must be
confessed that Mrs Clive Newcome did not exhibit much strength of mind or
comfort her husband much at a moment when he needed consolation
From angry rebellion and fierce remonstrance this pair of women now passed
to an extreme terror and desire for instantaneous flight They would go that
moment they would wrap that blessed child up in its shawls and nurse should
take it anywhere anywhere poor neglected thing »My trunks« cries Mrs
Mackenzie »you know are ready packed I am sure it is not the treatment which I
have received it is nothing but my duty and my religion and the protection
which I owe to this blessed unprotected yes unprotected and robbed and
cheated darling child which have made me stay a single day in this house I
never thought I should have been robbed in it or my darlings with their fine
fortunes flung naked on the world If my Mack was here you never had dared to
have done this Colonel Newcome no never He had his faults Mackenzie had
but he would never have robbed his own children Come away Rosey my blessed
love come let us pack your things and let us go and hide our heads in sorrow
somewhere Ah didnt I tell you to beware of all painters and that Clarence
was a true gentleman and loved you with all his heart and would never have
cheated you out of your money for which I will have justice as sure as there is
justice in England«
During this outburst the Colonel sat utterly scared and silent supporting
his poor head between his hands When the harem had departed he turned sadly to
his son Clive did not believe that his father was a cheat and a rogue No
thank God The two men embraced with tender cordiality and almost happy emotion
on the one side and the other Never for one moment could Clive think his dear
old father meant wrong though the speculations were unfortunate in which he had
engaged though Clive had not liked them it was a relief to his mind that they
were now come to an end they should all be happier now thank God those clouds
of distrust being removed Clive felt not one moments doubt but that they
should be able to meet fortune with a brave face and that happier much happier
days were in store for him than ever they had known since the period of this
confounded prosperity
»Heres a good end to it« says Clive with flashing eyes and a flushed
face »and heres a good health till tomorrow father« and he filled into two
glasses the wine still remaining in the flask »Goodbye to our fortune and bad
luck go with her I puff the prostitute away Si celeres quatit pennas you
remember what we used to say at Grey Friars resigno quæ dedit et mea virtute
me involvo probamque pauperiem sine dote quæro« And he pledged his father who
drank his wine his hand shaking as he raised the glass to his lips and his
kind voice trembling as he uttered the wellknown old school words with an
emotion that was as sacred as a prayer Once more and with hearts full of love
the two men embraced Clives voice would tremble now if he told the story as
it did when he spoke it to me in happier times one calm summer evening when we
sat together and talked of dear old days
Thomas Newcome explained to his son the plan which to his mind as he came
away from the City after the days misfortunes he thought it was best to
pursue The women and the child were clearly best out of the way »And you too
my boy must be on duty with them until I send for you which I will do if your
presence can be of the least service to me or is called for by by our
honour« said the old man with a drop in his voice »You must obey me in this
dear Clive as you have done in everything and been a good and dear and
obedient son to me God pardon me for having trusted to my own simple old brains
too much and not to you who know so much better You will obey me this once
more my boy you will promise me this« and the old man as he spoke took
Clives hand in both his and fondly caressed it
Then with a shaking hand he took out of his pocket his old purse with the
steel rings which he had worn for many and many a long year Clive remembered
it and his fathers face how it would beam with delight when he used to take
that very purse out in Clives boyish days and tip him just after he left
school »Here are some notes and some gold« he said »It is Roseys honestly
Clive dear her halfyears dividend for which you will give an order please
to Sherrick He has been very kind and good Sherrick All the servants were
providentially paid last week there are only the outstanding weeks bills out
we shall manage to meet those I dare say And you will see that Rosey only
takes away such clothes for herself and her baby as are actually necessary
wont you dear the plain things you know none of the fineries they may be
packed in a petara or two and you will take them with you but the pomps and
vanities you know we will leave behind the pearls and bracelets and the
plate and all that rubbish and I will make an inventory of them tomorrow
when you are gone and give them up every rupees worth sir every ana by
Jove to the creditors«
The darkness had fallen by this time and the obsequious butler entered to
light the diningroom lamps »You have been a very good and kind servant to us
Martin« says the Colonel making him a low bow »I should like to shake you by
the hand We must part company now and I have no doubt you and your
fellowservants will find good places all of you as you merit Martin as you
merit Great losses have fallen upon our family we are ruined sir we are
ruined The great Bundelcund Banking Company has stopped payment in India and
our branch here must stop on Monday Thank my friends downstairs for their
kindness to me and my family« Martin bowed in silence with great respect He
and his comrades in the servants hall had been expecting this catastrophe quite
as long as the Colonel himself who thought he had kept his affairs so
profoundly secret
Clive went up into his womens apartments looking with but little regret I
dare say round those cheerless nuptial chambers with all their gaudy fittings
the fine lookingglasses in which poor Roseys little person had been
reflected the silken curtains under which he had lain by the poor childs side
wakeful and lonely Here he found his childs nurse and his wife and his
wifes mother busily engaged with a multiplicity of boxes with flounces
feathers fallals and finery which they were stowing away in this trunk and
that while the baby lay on its little pink pillow breathing softly a little
pearly fist placed close to its mouth The aspect of the tawdry vanities
scattered here and there chafed and annoyed the young man He kicked the robes
over with his foot When Mrs Mackenzie interposed with loud ejaculations he
sternly bade her to be silent and not wake the child His words were not to be
questioned when he spoke in that manner »You will take nothing with you Rosey
but what is strictly necessary only two or three of your plainest dresses and
what is required for the boy What is in this trunk« Mrs Mackenzie stepped
forward and declared and the nurse vowed upon her honour and the ladysmaid
asserted really now upon her honour too that there was nothing but what was
most strictly necessary in that trunk to which affidavits when Clive applied
to his wife she gave a rather timid assent
»Where are the keys of that trunk« Upon Mrs Mackenzies exclamation of
»What nonsense« Clive putting his foot upon the flimsy oilcovered box vowed
he would kick the lid off unless it was instantly opened Obeying this grim
summons the fluttering women produced the keys and the black box was opened
before him
The box was found to contain a number of objects which Clive pronounced to
be by no means necessary to his wifes and childs existence Trinket boxes and
favourite little gimcracks chains rings and pearl necklaces the tiara poor
Rosey had worn at Court the feathers and the gorgeous train which had
decorated the little person all these were found packed away in this one
receptacle and in another box I am sorry to say were silver forks and spoons
the butler wisely judging that the rich and splendid electrotype ware might as
well be left behind all the silver forks spoons and ladles and our poor
old friend the cocoanut tree which these female robbers would have carried out
of the premises
Mr Clive Newcome burst out into fierce laughter when he saw the cocoanut
tree he laughed so loud that baby woke and his motherinlaw called him a
brute and the nurse ran to give its accustomed quietus to the little screaming
infant Roseys eyes poured forth a torrent of little protests and she would
have cried yet more loudly than the other baby had not her husband again
fiercely checking her sworn with a dreadful oath that unless she told him the
whole truth »By heavens she should leave the house with nothing but what
covered her« Even the Campaigner could not make head against Clives stern
resolution and the incipient insurrection of the maids and the mistresses was
quelled by his spirit The ladysmaid a flighty creature received her wages
and took her leave but the nurse could not find it in her heart to quit her
little nursling so suddenly and accompanied Clives household in the journey
upon which those poor folks were bound What stolen goods were finally
discovered when the family reached foreign parts were found in Mrs Mackenzies
trunks not in her daughters a silver filigree basket a few teaspoons
babys gold coral and a costly crimson velvetbound copy of the Hon Miss
Grimstones Church Service to which articles having thus appropriated them
Mrs Mackenzie henceforward laid claim as her own
So when the packing was done a cab was called to receive the modest trunks
of this fugitive family the coachman was bidden to put his horses to again and
for the last time poor Rosey Newcome sate in her own carriage to which the
Colonel conducted her with his courtly old bow kissing the baby as it slept
once more unconscious in its nurses embrace and bestowing a very grave and
polite parting salute upon the Campaigner
Then Clive and his father entered a cab on which the trunks were borne and
they drove to the Tower Stairs where the ship lay which was to convey them out
of England And during that journey no doubt they talked over their altered
prospects and I am sure Clives father blessed his son fondly and committed
him and his family to a good Gods gracious keeping and thought of him with
sacred love when they had parted and Thomas Newcome had returned to his lonely
house to watch and to think of his ruined fortunes and to pray that he might
have courage under them that he might bear his own fate honourably and that a
gentle one might be dealt to those beloved beings for whom his life had been
sacrificed in vain
Chapter LXXII
Belisarius
When the sale of Colonel Newcomes effects took place a friend of the family
bought in for a few shillings those two swords which had hung as we have
said in the good mans chamber and for which no single broker present had the
heart to bid The head of Clives father painted by himself which had always
kept its place in the young mans studio together with a lot of his oil
sketchings easels and painting apparatus were purchased by the faithful JJ
who kept them until his friend should return to London and reclaim them and who
showed the most generous solicitude in Clives behalf JJ was elected of the
Royal Academy this year and Clive it was evident was working hard at the
profession which he had always loved for he sent over three pictures to the
Academy and I never knew man more mortified than the affectionate JJ when two
of these unlucky pieces were rejected by the committee for the year One pretty
little piece called »The Stranded Boat« got a fair place on the Exhibition
walls and you may be sure was loudly praised by a certain critic in the Pall
Mall Gazette The picture was sold on the first day of the Exhibition at the
price of twentyfive pounds which the artist demanded and when the kind JJ
wrote to inform his friend of this satisfactory circumstance and to say that he
held the money at Clives disposal the latter replied with many expressions of
sincere gratitude at the same time begging him directly to forward the money
with our old friend Thomas Newcomes love to Mrs Sarah Mason at Newcome But
JJ never informed his friend that he himself was the purchaser of the picture
nor was Clive made acquainted with the fact until some time afterwards when he
found it hanging in Ridleys studio
I have said that we none of us were aware at this time what was the real
state of Colonel Newcomes finances and hoped that after giving up every
shilling of his property which was confiscated to the creditors of the bank he
had still from his retiring pension and military allowances at least enough
reputably to maintain him On one occasion having business in the City I there
met Mr Sherrick Affairs had been going ill with that gentleman he had been
let in terribly he informed me by Lord Levants insolvency having had large
money transactions with his lordship »Theres none of them so good as old
Newcome« Mr Sherrick said with a sigh »that was a good one that was an
honest man if ever I saw one with no more guile and no more idea of business
than a baby Why didnt he take my advice poor old cove he might be
comfortable now Why did he sell away that annuity Mr Pendennis I got it done
for him when nobody else perhaps could have got it done for him for the
security aint worth twopence if Newcome wasnt an honest man but I know he is
and would rather starve and eat the nails off his fingers than not keep to his
word the old trump And when he came to me a good two months before the smash
of the bank which I knew it sir and saw that it must come when he came and
raised three thousand pounds to meet them d d electioneering bills having to
pay lawyers commission premium lifeinsurance you know the whole game Mr
P I as good as went down on my knees to him I did at the North and South
American Coffeehouse where he was to meet the party about the money and said
Colonel dont raise it I tell you let it stand over let it go in along with
the bankruptcy thats acoming But he wouldnt sir He went on like an old
Bengal tiger roaring about his honour he paid the bills every shilling
infernal long bills they were and its my belief that at this minute he aint
got fifty pounds a year of his own to spend I would send him back my commission
I would by Jove only times is so bad and that rascal Levant has let me in
It went to my heart to take the old cocks money but its gone that and ever
so much more and Lady Whittleseas chapel too Mr P Hang that young Levant«
Squeezing my hand after this speech Sherrick ran across the street after
some other capitalist who was entering the Diddlesex Insurance Office and left
me very much grieved and dismayed at finding that my worst fears in regard to
Thomas Newcome were confirmed Should we confer with his wealthy family
respecting the Colonels impoverished condition Was his brother Hobson Newcome
aware of it As for Sir Barnes the quarrel between him and his uncle had been
too fierce to admit of hopes of relief from that quarter Barnes had been put to
very heavy expenses in the first contested election had come forward again
immediately on his uncles resignation but again had been beaten by a more
liberal candidate his quondam former friend Mr Higg who formally declared
against Sir Barnes and who drove him finally out of the representation of
Newcome From this gentleman it was vain of course for Colonel Newcomes friends
to expect relief
How to aid him He was proud past work nearly seventy years old »Oh
why did those cruel academicians refuse Clives pictures« cries Laura »I have
no patience with them Had the pictures been exhibited I know who might have
bought them but that is vain now He would suspect at once and send her money
away O Pen why why didnt he come when I wrote that letter to Brussels«
From persons so poorly endowed with money as ourselves any help but of the
merest temporary nature was out of the question We knew our friends too well
not to know that they would disdain to receive it It was agreed between me and
Laura that at any rate I should go and see Clive Our friends indeed were at a
very short distance from us and having exiled themselves from England could
yet see its coasts from their windows upon any clear day Boulogne was their
present abiding place refuge of how many thousands of other unfortunate
Britons and to this friendly port I betook myself speedily having the address
of Colonel Newcome His quarters were in a quiet grassgrown old street of the
Old Town None of the family were at home when I called There was indeed no
servant to answer the bell but the goodnatured French domestic of a
neighbouring lodger told me that the young Monsieur went out every day to make
his designs and that I should probably find the elder gentleman upon the
rampart where he was in the custom of going every day I strolled along by
those pretty old walks and bastions under the pleasant trees which shadow them
and the grey old gabled houses from which you look down upon the gay new city
and the busy port and the piers stretching into the shining sea dotted with a
hundred white sails or black smoking steamers and bounded by the friendly lines
of the bright English shore There are few prospects more charming than the
familiar view from those old French walls few places where young children may
play and ruminating old age repose more pleasantly than on those peaceful
rampart gardens
I found our dear old friend seated on one of the benches a newspaper on his
knees and by his side a redcheeked little French lass upon whose lap Thomas
Newcome the younger lay sleeping The Colonels face flushed up when he saw me
As he advanced a step or two towards me I could see that he trembled in his
walk His hair had grown almost quite white He looked now to be more than his
age he whose carriage last year had been so erect whose figure had been so
straight and manly I was very much moved at meeting him and at seeing the sad
traces which pain and grief had left in the countenance of the dear old man
»So you are come to see me my good young friend« cried the Colonel with a
trembling voice »It is very very kind of you Is not this a pretty
drawingroom to receive our friends in we have not many of them now Boy and I
come and sit here for hours every day Hasnt he grown a fine boy He can say
several words now sir and can walk surprisingly well Soon he will be able to
walk with his grandfather and then Marie will not have the trouble to wait upon
either of us« He repeated this sentiment in his pretty old French and turning
with a bow to Marie The girl said Monsieur knew very well that she did not
desire better than to come out with baby that it was better than staying at
home pardieu and the clock striking at this moment she rose up with her
child crying out that it was time to return or Madame would scold
»Mrs Mackenzie has rather a short temper« the Colonel said with a gentle
smile »Poor thing she has had a great deal to bear in consequence Pen of my
imprudence I am glad you never took shares in our bank I should not be so glad
to see you as I am now if I had brought losses upon you as I have upon so many
of my friends« I for my part trembled to hear that the good old man was under
the domination of the Campaigner
»Bayham sends me the paper regularly he is a very kind faithful creature
How glad I am that he has got a snug berth in the City His company really
prospers I am happy to think unlike some companies you know of Pen I have
read your two speeches sir and Clive and I liked them very much The poor boy
works all day at his pictures You know he has sold one at the Exhibition which
has given us a great deal of heart and he has completed two or three more
and I am sitting to him now for what do you think sir for Belisarius Will
you give Belisarius and the Obolus kind word«
»My dear dear old friend« I said in great emotion »if you will do me the
kindness to take my obolus or to use my services in any way you will give me
more pleasure than ever I had from your generous bounties in old days Look
sir I wear the watch which you gave me when you went to India Did you not tell
me then to look over Clive and serve him if I could Cant I serve him now« and
I went on further in this strain asseverating with great warmth and truth that
my wifes affection and my own were most sincere for both of them and that our
pride would be to be able to help such dear friends
The Colonel said I had a good heart and my wife had though though He
did not finish this sentence but I could interpret it without need of its
completion My wife and the two ladies of Colonel Newcomes family never could
be friends however much my poor Laura tried to be intimate with these women
Her very efforts at intimacy caused a frigidity and hauteur which Laura could
not overcome Little Rosey and her mother set us down as two aristocratic
personages nor for our parts were we very much disturbed at this opinion of the
Campaigner and little Rosey
I talked with the Colonel for half an hour or more about his affairs which
indeed were very gloomy and Clives prospects of which he strove to present as
cheering a view as possible He was obliged to confirm the news which Sherrick
had given me and to own in fact that all his pension was swallowed up by a
payment of interest and life insurance for sums which he had been compelled to
borrow How could he do otherwise than meet his engagements Thank God he had
Clives full approval for what he had done had communicated the circumstance to
his son almost immediately after it took place and that was a comfort to him
an immense comfort »For the women are very angry« said the poor Colonel »You
see they do not understand the laws of honour at least as we understand them
and perhaps I was wrong in hiding the truth as I certainly did from Mrs
Mackenzie but I acted for the best I hoped against hope that some chance
might turn in our favour God knows I had a hard task enough in wearing a
cheerful face for months and in following my little Rosey about to her parties
and balls but poor Mrs Mackenzie has a right to be angry only I wish my
little girl did not side with her mother so entirely for the loss of her
affection gives me great pain«
So it was as I suspected The Campaigner ruled over this family and added
to all their distresses by her intolerable presence and tyranny »Why sir« I
ventured to ask »if as I gather from you and I remember« I added with a
laugh »certain battles royal which Clive described to me in old days if you
and the Campai Mrs Mackenzie do not agree why should she continue to live
with you when you would all be so much happier apart«
»She has a right to live in the house« says the Colonel »it is I who have
no right in it I am a poor old pensioner dont you see subsisting on Roseys
bounty We live on the hundred a year secured to her at her marriage and Mrs
Mackenzie has her forty pounds of pension which she adds to the common stock
It is I who have made away with every shilling of Roseys £17000 God help me
and with £1500 of her mothers They put their little means together and they
keep us me and Clive What can we do for a living Great God what can we do
Why I am so useless that even when my poor boy earned £25 for his picture I
felt we were bound to send it to Sarah Mason and you may fancy when this came
to Mrs Mackenzies ears what a life my boy and I led I have never spoken of
these things to any mortal soul I even dont speak of them with Clive but
seeing your kind honest face has made me talk you must pardon my garrulity I
am growing old Arthur This poverty and these quarrels have beaten my spirit
down there I shall talk on this subject no more I wish sir I could ask you
to dine with us but« and here he smiled »we must get the leave of the
higher powers«
I was determined in spite of prohibitions and Campaigners to see my old
friend Clive and insisted on walking back with the Colonel to his lodgings at
the door of which we met Mrs Mackenzie and her daughter Rosey blushed up a
little looked at her mamma and then greeted me with a hand and a curtsy The
Campaigner also saluted me in a majestic but amicable manner made no objection
even to my entering her apartments and seeing the condition to which they were
reduced this phrase was uttered with particular emphasis and a significant look
towards the Colonel who bowed his meek head and preceded me into the lodgings
which were in truth very homely pretty and comfortable The Campaigner was an
excellent manager restless bothering brushing perpetually Such fugitive
gimcracks as they had brought away with them decorated the little salon Mrs
Mackenzie who took the entire command even pressed me to dine and partake if
so fashionable a gentleman would condescend to partake of a humble exiles
fare No fare was perhaps very pleasant to me in company with that woman but I
wanted to see my dear old Clive and gladly accepted his voluble motherinlaws
not disinterested hospitality She beckoned the Colonel aside whispered to him
putting something into his hand on which he took his hat and went away Then
Rosey was dismissed upon some other pretext and I had the felicity to be left
alone with Mrs Captain Mackenzie
She instantly improved the occasion and with great eagerness and volubility
entered into her statement of the present affairs and position of this
unfortunate family She described darling Roseys delicate state poor thing
nursed with tenderness and in the lap of luxury brought up with every delicacy
and the fondest mother never knowing in the least how to take care of herself
and likely to fall down and perish unless the kind Campaigner were by to prop
and protect her She was in delicate health very delicate ordered codliver
oil by the doctor Heaven knows how he could be paid for those expensive
medicines out of the pittance which the imprudence the most culpable and
designing imprudence and extravagance and folly of Colonel Newcome had reduced
them Looking out from the window as she spoke I saw we both saw the dear
old gentleman sadly advancing towards the house a parcel in his hand Seeing
his near approach and that our interview was likely to come to an end Mrs
Mackenzie rapidly whispered to me that she knew I had a good heart that I had
been blest by Providence with a fine fortune which I knew how to keep better
than some folks and that if as no doubt was my intention for with what
other but a charitable view could I have come to see them »and most generous
and noble was it of you to come and I always thought it of you Mr Pendennis
whatever other people said to the contrary« if I proposed to give them
relief which was most needful and for which a mothers blessings would follow
me let it be to her the Campaigner that my loan should be confided for as
for the Colonel he is not fit to be trusted with a shilling and has already
flung away immense sums upon some old woman he keeps in the country leaving his
darling Rosey without the actual necessaries of life
The womans greed and rapacity the flattery with which she chose to
belabour me at dinner so choked and disgusted me that I could hardly swallow
the meal though my poor old friend had been sent out to purchase a paté from
the pastrycooks for my especial refection Clive was not at the dinner He
seldom returned till late at night on sketching days Neither his wife nor his
motherinlaw seemed much to miss him and seeing that the Campaigner engrossed
the entire share of the conversation and proposed not to leave me for five
minutes alone with the Colonel I took leave rather speedily of my entertainers
leaving a message for Clive and a prayer that he would come and see me at my
hotel
Chapter LXXIII
In Which Belisarius Returns From Exile
I was sitting in the dusk in my room at the Hôtel des Bains when the visitor
for whom I hoped made his appearance in the person of Clive with his broad
shoulders and broad hat and a shaggy beard which he had thought fit in his
quality of painter to assume Our greeting it need not be said was warm and
our talk which extended far into the night very friendly and confidential If
I make my readers confidants in Mr Clives private affairs I ask my friends
pardon for narrating his history in their behoof The world had gone very ill
with my poor Clive and I do not think that the pecuniary losses which had
visited him and his father afflicted him near so sorely as the state of his
home In a pique with the woman he loved and from that generous weakness which
formed part of his character and which led him to acquiesce in most wishes of
his good father the young man had gratified the darling desire of the Colonels
heart and taken the wife whom his two old friends brought to him Rosey who
was also as we have shown of a very obedient and ductile nature had
acquiesced gladly enough in her mammas opinion that she was in love with the
rich and handsome young Clive and accepted him for better or worse So
undoubtedly would this good child have accepted Captain Hoby her previous
adorer having smilingly promised fidelity to the Captain at church and have
made a very good happy and sufficient little wife for that officer had not
mamma commanded her to jilt him What wonder that these elders should wish to
see their two dear young ones united They began with suitable age money good
temper and parents blessings It is not the first time that with all these
excellent helps to prosperity and happiness a marriage has turned out
unfortunately a pretty tight ship gone to wreck that set forth on its voyage
with cheers from the shore and every prospect of fair wind and fine weather
We have before quoted poor Clives simile of the shoes with which his good
old father provided him as pretty a little pair of shoes as need be only they
did not fit the wearer If they pinched him at first how they blistered and
tortured him now If Clive was gloomy and discontented even when the honeymoon
had scarce waned and he and his family sate at home in state and splendour
under the boughs of the famous silver cocoanut tree what was the young mans
condition now in poverty when they had no love along with a scant dinner of
herbs when his motherinlaw grudged each morsel which his poor old father ate
when a vulgar coarseminded woman pursued with brutal sarcasm and deadly
rancour one of the tenderest and noblest gentlemen in the world when an ailing
wife always under some ones domination received him with helpless hysterical
cries and reproaches when a coarse female tyrant stupid obstinate utterly
unable to comprehend the sons kindly genius or the fathers gentle spirit
bullied over both using the intolerable undeniable advantage which her actual
wrongs gave her to tyrannize over these two wretched men He had never heard the
last of that money which they had sent to Mrs Mason Clive said When the
knowledge of the fact came to the Campaigners ears she raised such a storm as
almost killed the poor Colonel and drove his son half mad She seized the
howling infant vowing that its unnatural father and grandfather were bent upon
starving it she consoled and sent Rosey into hysterics she took the outlawed
parson to whose church they went and the choice society of bankrupt captains
captains ladies fugitive stockbrokers wives and dingy frequenters of
billiardrooms and refugees from the Bench into her counsels and in her daily
visits amongst these personages and her walks on the pier whither she trudged
with poor Rosey in her train Mrs Mackenzie made known her own wrongs and her
daughters showed how the Colonel having robbed and cheated them previously
was now living upon them insomuch that Mrs Bolter the levanting auctioneers
wife would not make the poor old man a bow when she met him that Mrs Captain
Kitely whose husband had lain for seven years past in Boulogne jail ordered
her son to cut Clive and when the child being sick the poor old Colonel went
for arrowroot to the chemists young Snooks the apothecarys assistant
refused to allow him to take the powder away without previously depositing the
money
He had no money Thomas Newcome He gave up every farthing After having
impoverished all around him he had no right he said to touch a sixpence of
the wretched pittance remaining to them He had even given up his cigar the
poor old man the companion and comforter of forty years He was not fit to be
trusted with money Mrs Mackenzie said and the good man owned as he ate his
scanty crust and bowed his noble old head in silence under that cowardly
persecution
And this at the end of threescore and seven or eight years was to be the
close of a life which had been spent in freedom and splendour and kindness and
honour this the reward of the noblest heart that ever beat the tomb and
prison of a gallant warrior who had ridden in twenty battles whose course
through life had been a bounty wherever it had passed whose name had been
followed by blessings and whose career was to end here here in a mean room
in a mean alley of a foreign town a low furious woman standing over him and
stabbing the kind defenceless heart with killing insult and daily outrage
As we sat together in the dark Clive told me this wretched story which was
wrung from him with a passionate emotion that I could not but keenly share He
wondered the old man lived Clive said Some of the womans taunts and jibes as
he could see struck his father so that he gasped and started back as if some
one had lashed him with a whip »He would make away with himself« said poor
Clive »but he deems this is his punishment and that he must bear it as long as
it pleases God He does not care for his own losses as far as they concern
himself but these reproaches of Mrs Mackenzie and some things which were said
to him in the Bankruptcy Court by one or two widows of old friends who were
induced through his representations to take shares in that infernal bank have
affected him dreadfully I hear him lying awake and groaning at night God bless
him Great God what can I do what can I do« burst out the young man in a
dreadful paroxysm of grief »I have tried to get lessons I went to London on
the deck of a steamer and took a lot of drawings with me tried
picturedealers pawnbrokers Jews Moss whom you may remember at Gandishs
and who gave me for fortytwo drawings £18 I brought the money back to
Boulogne It was enough to pay the doctor and bury our last poor little dead
baby Tenez Pen you must give me some supper I have had nothing all day but a
pain de deux sous I cant stand it at home My hearts almost broken you must
give me some money Pen old boy I know you will I thought of writing to you
but I wanted to support myself you see When I went to London with the
drawings I tried Georges chambers but he was in the country I saw
Crackthorpe on the street in Oxford Street but I could not face him and
bolted down Hanway Yard I tried and I could not ask him and I got the £18
from Moss that day and came home with it«
Give him money of course I would give him money my dear old friend And
as an alterative and a wholesome shock to check that burst of passion and grief
in which the poor fellow indulged I thought fit to break into a very fierce and
angry invective on my own part which served to disguise the extreme feeling of
pain and pity that I did not somehow choose to exhibit I rated Clive soundly
and taxed him with unfriendliness and ingratitude for not having sooner applied
to friends who would think shame of themselves whilst he was in need Whatever
he wanted was his as much as mine I could not understand how the necessity of
the family should in truth be so extreme as he described it for after all
many a poor family lived upon very much less but I uttered none of these
objections checking them with the thought that Clive on his first arrival at
Boulogne entirely ignorant of the practice of economy might have imprudently
engaged in expenses which had reduced him to this present destitution1
I took the liberty of asking about debts and of these Clive gave me to
understand there were none at least none of his or his fathers contracting
If we were too proud to borrow and I think we were wrong Pen my dear old
boy I think we were wrong now at least we were too proud to owe My colourman
takes his bill out in drawings and I think owes me a trifle He got me some
lessons at fifty sous a ticket a pound the ten from an economical swell who
has taken a château here and has two flunkies in livery He has four daughters
who take advantage of the lessons and screws ten per cent upon the poor
colourmans pencils and drawing paper Its pleasant work to give the lessons to
the children and to be patronized by the swell and not expensive to him is
it Pen But I dont mind that if I could but get lessons enough for you see
besides our expenses here we must have some more money and the dear old
governor would die outright if poor old Sarah Mason did not get her £50 a year
And now there arrived a plentiful supper and a bottle of good wine of
which the giver was not sorry to partake after the meagre dinner at three
oclock to which I had been invited by the Campaigner And it was midnight when
I walked back with my friend to his house in the upper town and all the stars
of heaven were shining cheerily and my dear Clives face wore an expression of
happiness such as I remembered in old days as we shook hands and parted with a
»God bless you«
To Clives friend revolving these things in his mind as he lay in one of
those most snug and comfortable beds at the excellent Hôtel des Bains it
appeared that this town of Boulogne was a very bad market for the artists
talents and that he had best bring them to London where a score of old friends
would assuredly be ready to help him And if the Colonel too could be got away
from the domination of the Campaigner I felt certain that the dear old
gentleman could but profit by his leave of absence My wife and I at this time
inhabited a spacious old house in Queens Square Westminster where there was
plenty of room for father and son I knew that Laura would be delighted to
welcome these guests may the wife of every worthy gentleman who reads these
pages be as ready to receive her husbands friends it was the state of
Roseys health and the Campaigners authority and permission about which I was
in doubt and whether this ladys two slaves would be allowed to go away
These cogitations kept the present biographer long awake and he did not
breakfast next day until an hour before noon I had the coffeeroom to myself by
chance and my meal was not yet ended when the waiter announced a lady to visit
Mr Pendennis and Mrs Mackenzie made her appearance No signs of care or
poverty were visible in the attire or countenance of the buxom widow A handsome
bonnet decorated within with a profusion of poppies bluebells and ears of
corn a jewel on her forehead not costly but splendid in appearance and
glittering artfully over that central spot from which her wavy chestnut hair
parted to cluster in ringlets round her ample cheeks a handsome India shawl
smart gloves a rich silk dress a neat parasol of blue with pale yellow lining
a multiplicity of glittering rings and a very splendid gold watch and chain
which I remembered in former days as hanging round poor Roseys white neck all
these adornments set off the widows person so that you might have thought her
a wealthy capitalists lady and never could have supposed that she was a poor
cheated ruined robbed unfortunate Campaigner
Nothing could be more gracious than the accueil of this lady She paid me
many handsome compliments about my literary works asked most affectionately for
dear Mrs Pendennis and the dear children and then as I expected coming to
business contrasted the happiness and genteel position of my wife and family
with the misery and wrongs of her own blessed child and grandson She never
could call that child by the odious name which he received at his baptism I
knew what bitter reasons she had to dislike the name of Thomas Newcome
She again rapidly enumerated the wrongs she had received at the hands of
that gentleman mentioned the vast sums of money out of which she and her souls
darling had been tricked by that poor muddleheaded creature to say no worse
of him and described finally their present pressing need The doctors the
burial Roseys delicate condition the cost of sweetbreads calfsfoot jelly
and codliver oil were again passed in a rapid calculation before me and she
ended her speech by expressing her gratification that I had attended to her
advice of the previous day and not given Clive Newcome a direct loan that the
family wanted it the Campaigner called upon Heaven to witness that Clive and
his absurd poor father would fling guineas out of the window was a fact equally
certain the rest of the argument was obvious namely that Mr Pendennis
should administer a donation to herself
I had brought but a small sum of money in my pocketbook though Mrs
Mackenzie intimate with bankers and having thank Heaven in spite of all her
misfortunes the utmost confidence of all her tradesmen hinted a perfect
willingness on her part to accept an order upon her friends Hobson Brothers of
London
This direct thrust I gently and smilingly parried by asking Mrs Mackenzie
whether she supposed a gentleman who had just paid an electioneering bill and
had at the best of times but a very small income might sometimes not be in a
condition to draw satisfactorily upon Messrs Hobson or any other bankers Her
countenance fell at this remark nor was her cheerfulness much improved by the
tender of one of the two banknotes which then happened to be in my possession
I said that I had a use for the remaining note and that it would not be more
than sufficient to pay my hotel bill and the expenses of my party back to
London
My party I had here to divulge with some little trepidation the plan
which I had been making overnight to explain how I thought that Clives great
talents were wasted at Boulogne and could only find a proper market in London
how I was pretty certain through my connection with booksellers to find some
advantageous employment for him and would have done so months ago had I known
the state of the case but I had believed until within a very few days since
that the Colonel in spite of his bankruptcy was still in the enjoyment of
considerable military pensions
This statement of course elicited from the widow a number of remarks not
complimentary to my dear old Colonel He might have kept his pensions had he not
been a fool he was a baby about money matters misled himself and everybody
was a log in the house etc etc etc
I suggested that his annuities might possibly be put into some more
satisfactory shape that I had trustworthy lawyers with whom I would put him in
communication that he had best come to London to see to these matters and that
my wife had a large house where she would most gladly entertain the two
gentlemen
This I said with some reasonable dread fearing in the first place her
refusal in the second her acceptance of the invitation with a proposal as our
house was large to come herself and inhabit it for a while Had I not seen
that Campaigner arrive for a month at poor James Binnies house in Fitzroy
Square and stay there for many years Was I not aware that when she once set
her foot in a gentlemans establishment terrific battles must ensue before she
could be dislodged Had she not once been routed by Clive and was she not now
in command and possession Do I not finally know something of the world and
have I not a weak easy temper I protest it was with terror that I awaited the
widows possible answer to my proposal
To my great relief she expressed the utmost approval of both my plans I
was uncommonly kind she was sure to interest myself about the two gentlemen
and for her blessed Roseys sake a fond mother thanked me It was most advisable
that Clive should earn some money by that horrid profession which he had chosen
to adopt trade she called it She was clearly anxious to get rid both of
father and son and agreed that the sooner they went the better
We walked back arminarm to the Colonels quarters in the old town Mrs
Mackenzie in the course of our walk doing me the honour to introduce me by
name to several dingy acquaintances whom we met sauntering up the street and
imparting to me as each moved away the pecuniary cause of his temporary
residence in Boulogne Spite of Roseys delicate state of health Mrs Mackenzie
did not hesitate to break the news to her of the gentlemens probable departure
abruptly and eagerly as if the intelligence was likely to please her and it
did rather than otherwise The young woman being in the habit of letting mamma
judge for her continued it in this instance and whether her husband stayed or
went seemed to be equally content or apathetic »And is it not most kind and
generous of dear Mr and Mrs Pendennis to propose to receive Mr Newcome and
the Colonel« This opportunity for gratitude being pointed out to Rosey she
acquiesced in it straightway it was very kind of me Rosey was sure »And dont
you ask after dear Mrs Pendennis and the dear children you poor dear
suffering darling child« Rosey who had neglected this inquiry immediately
hoped Mrs Pendennis and the children were well The overpowering mother had
taken utter possession of this poor little thing Roseys eyes followed the
Campaigner about and appealed to her at all moments She sat under Mrs
Mackenzie as a bird before a boa constrictor doomed fluttering fascinated
scared and fawning as a whipped spaniel before a keeper
The Colonel was on his accustomed bench on the rampart at this sunny hour I
repaired thither and found the old gentleman seated by his grandson who lay
as yesterday on the little bonnes lap one of his little purple hands closed
round the grandfathers finger »Hush« says the good man lifting up his other
finger to his moustache as I approached »Boys asleep Il est bien joli quand
il dort le Boy nestce pas Marie« The maid believed Monsieur well the boy
was a little angel »This maid is a most trustworthy valuable person
Pendennis« the Colonel said with much gravity
The boa constrictor had fascinated him too the lash of that woman at home
had cowed that helpless gentle noble spirit As I looked at the head so
upright and manly now so beautiful and resigned the year of his past life
seemed to pass before me somehow in a flash of thought I could fancy the
accursed tyranny the dumb acquiescence the brutal jeer the helpless remorse
the sleepless nights of pain and recollection the gentle heart lacerated with
deadly stabs and the impotent hope I own I burst into a sob at the sight and
thought of the noble suffering creature and hid my face and turned away
He sprang up releasing his hand from the childs and placing it the
kind shaking hand on my shoulder »What is it Arthur my dear boy« he said
looking wistfully in my face »No bad news from home my dear Laura and the
children well«
The emotion was mastered in a moment I put his arm under mine and as we
slowly sauntered up and down the sunny walk of the old rampart I told him how I
had come with special commands from Laura to bring him for a while to stay with
us and to settle his business which I was sure had been woefully mismanaged
and to see whether we could not find the means of getting some little out of the
wreck of the property for the boy yonder
At first Colonel Newcome would not hear of quitting Boulogne where Rosey would
miss him he was sure she would want him but before the ladies of his family
to whom we presently returned Thomas Newcomes resolution was quickly recalled
He agreed to go and Clive coming in at this time was put in possession of our
plan and gladly acquiesced in it On that very evening I came with a carriage
to conduct my two friends to the steamboat Their little packets were made and
ready There was no pretence of grief at parting on the womens side but Marie
the little maid with Boy in her arms cried sadly and Clive heartily embraced
the child and the Colonel going back to give it one more kiss drew out of his
neckcloth a little gold brooch which he wore and which trembling he put into
Maries hand bidding her take good care of Boy till his return
»She is a good girl a most faithful attached girl Arthur do you see«
the kind old gentleman said »and I had no money to give her no not one
single rupee«
Chapter LXXIV
In Which Clive Begins The World
We are ending our history and yet poor Clive is but beginning the world He has
to earn the bread which he eats henceforth and as I saw his labours his
trials and his disappointments I could not but compare his calling with my
own
The drawbacks and penalties attendant upon our profession are taken into
full account as we well know by literary men and their friends Our poverty
hardships and disappointments are set forth with great emphasis and often with
too great truth by those who speak of us but there are advantages belonging to
our trade which are passed over I think by some of those who exercise it and
describe it and for which in striking the balance of our accounts we are not
always duly thankful We have no patron so to speak we sit in antechambers no
more waiting the present of a few guineas from my lord in return for a fulsome
dedication We sell our wares to the book purveyor between whom and us there is
no greater obligation than between him and his papermaker or printer In the
great towns in our country immense stores of books are provided for us with
librarians to class them kind attendants to wait upon us and comfortable
appliances for study We require scarce any capital wherewith to exercise our
trade What other socalled learned profession is equally fortunate A doctor
for example, after carefully and expensively educating himself must invest in
house and furniture horses carriage and menservants before the public
patient will think of calling him in I am told that such gentlemen have to coax
and wheedle dowagers to humour hypochondriacs to practise a score of little
subsidiary arts in order to make that of healing profitable How many many
hundreds of pounds has a barrister to sink upon his stockintrade before his
returns are available There are the costly charges of university education
the costly chambers in the Inn of Court the clerk and his maintenance the
inevitable travels on circuit certain expenses all to be defrayed before the
possible client makes his appearance and the chance of fame or competency
arrives The prizes are great to be sure in the law but what a prodigious sum
the lottery ticket costs If a man of letters cannot win neither does he risk
so much Let us speak of our trade as we find it and not be too eager in
calling out for public compassion
The artists for the most part do not cry out their woes as loudly as some
gentlemen of the literary fraternity and yet I think the life of many of them
is harder their chances even more precarious and the conditions of their
profession less independent and agreeable than ours I have watched Smee
Esq RA flattering and fawning and at the same time boasting and
swaggering poor fellow in order to secure a sitter I have listened to a
Manchester magnate talking about fine arts before one of JJs pictures
assuming the airs of a painter and laying down the most absurd laws respecting
the art I have seen poor Tomkins bowing a rich amateur through a private view
and noted the eager smiles on Tomkinss face at the amateurs slightest joke
the sickly twinkle of hope in his eyes as Amateur stopped before his own
picture I have been ushered by Chipstones black servant through hall after
hall peopled with plaster gods and heroes into Chipstones own magnificent
studio where he sat longing vainly for an order and justly dreading his
landlords call for the rent And seeing how severely these gentlemen were taxed
in their profession I have been grateful for my own more fortunate one which
necessitates cringing to no patron which calls for no keeping up of
appearances and which requires no stock in trade save the workmans industry
his best ability and a dozen sheets of paper
Having to turn with all his might to his new profession Clive Newcome one
of the proudest men alive chose to revolt and to be restive at almost every
stage of his training He had a natural genius for his art and had acquired in
his desultory way a very considerable skill His drawing was better than his
painting an opinion which were my friend present he of course would utterly
contradict his designs and sketches were far superior to his finished
compositions His friends presuming to judge of this artists qualificatios
ventured to counsel him accordingly and were thanked for their pains in the
usual manner We had in the first place to bully and browbeat Clive most
fiercely before he would take fitting lodgings for the execution of those
designs which we had in view for him »Why should I take expensive lodgings«
says Clive slapping his fist on the table »I am a pauper and can scarcely
afford to live in a garret Why should you pay me for drawing your portrait and
Lauras and the children What the deuce does Warrington want with the effigy of
his grim old mug You dont want them a bit you only want to give me money It
would be much more honest of me to take the money at once and own that I am a
beggar and I tell you what Pen the only money which I feel I come honestly
by is that which is paid me by a little printseller in Long Acre who buys my
drawings one with another at fourteen shillings apiece and out of whom I can
earn pretty nearly two hundred a year I am doing Mail Coaches for him sir and
Charges of Cavalry the public like the Mail Coaches best on a dark paper
the horses and milestones picked out white yellow dust cobalt distance and
the guard and coachman of course in vermilion Thats what a gentleman can get
his bread by Portraits pooh its disguised beggary Crackthorpe and a
halfdozen men of his regiment came like good fellows as they are and sent me
five pounds apiece for their heads but I tell you I am ashamed to take the
money« Such used to be the tenor of Clive Newcomes conversation as he strode
up and down our room after dinner pulling his moustache and dashing his long
yellow hair off his gaunt face
When Clive was inducted into the new lodgings at which his friends
counselled him to hang up his ensign the dear old Colonel accompanied his son
parting with a sincere regret from our little ones at home to whom he became
greatly endeared during his visit to us and who always hailed him when he came
to see us with smiles and caresses and sweet infantile welcome On that day when
he went away Laura went up and kissed him with tears in her eyes »You know how
long I have been wanting to do it« this lady said to her husband Indeed I
cannot describe the behaviour of the old man during his stay with us his
gentle gratitude his sweet simplicity and kindness his thoughtful courtesy
There was not a servant in our little household but was eager to wait upon him
Lauras maid was as tenderhearted at his departure as her mistress He was
ailing for a short time when our cook performed prodigies of puddings and
jellies to suit his palate The youth who held the offices of butler and valet
in our establishment a lazy and greedy youth whom Martha scolded in vain
would jump up and leave his supper to carry a message to our Colonel My heart
is full as I remember the kind words which he said to me at parting and as I
think that we were the means of giving a little comfort to that stricken and
gentle soul
Whilst the Colonel and his son stayed with us letters of course passed
between Clive and his family at Boulogne but my wife remarked that the receipt
of those letters appeared to give our friend but little pleasure They were read
in a minute and he would toss them over to his father or thrust them into his
pocket with a gloomy face »Dont you see« groans out Clive to me one evening
»that Rosey scarcely writes the letters or if she does that her mother is
standing over her That woman is the Nemesis of our life Pen How can I pay her
off Great God how can I pay her off« And so having spoken his head fell
between his hands and as I watched him I saw a ghastly domestic picture before
me of helpless pain humiliating discord stupid tyranny
What I say again are the socalled great ills of life compared to these
small ones
The Colonel accompanied Clive to the lodgings which we had found for the
young artist in a quarter not far removed from the old house in Fitzroy Square
where some happy years of his youth had been spent When sitters came to Clive
as at first they did in some numbers many of his early friends being anxious to
do him a service the old gentleman was extraordinarily cheered and comforted
We could see by his face that affairs were going on well at the studio He
showed us the rooms which Rosey and the boy were to occupy He prattled to our
children and their mother who was never tired of hearing him about his
grandson He filled up the future nursery with a hundred little knicknacks of
his own contriving and with wonderful cheap bargains which he bought in his
walks about Tottenham Court Road He pasted a most elaborate book of prints and
sketches for Boy It was astonishing what notice Boy already took of pictures
He would have all the genius of his father Would he had had a better
grandfather than the foolish old man who had ruined all belonging to him
However much they like each other men in the London world see their friends
but seldom The place is so vast that even next door is distant the calls of
business society pleasure so multifarious that mere friendship can get or
give but an occasional shake of the hand in the hurried moments of passage Men
must live their lives and are perforce selfish but not unfriendly At a great
need you know where to look for your friend and he that he is secure of you So
I went very little to Howland Street where Clive now lived very seldom to Lamb
Court where my dear old friend Warrington still sate in his old chambers
though our meetings were none the less cordial when they occurred and our trust
in one another always the same Some folks say the world is heartless he who
says so either prates commonplaces the most likely and charitable suggestion
or is heartless himself or is most singular and unfortunate in having made no
friends Many such a reasonable mortal cannot have our nature I think not
sufficing for that sort of polygamy How many persons would you have to deplore
your death or whose death would you wish to deplore Could our hearts let in
such a harem of dear friendships the mere changes and recurrences of grief and
mourning would be intolerable and tax our lives beyond their value In a word
we carry our own burden in the world push and struggle along on our own
affairs are pinched by our own shoes though Heaven forbid we should not stop
and forget ourselves sometimes when a friend cries out in his distress or we
can help a poor stricken wanderer in his way As for good women these my
worthy reader are different from us the nature of these is to love and to do
kind offices and devise untiring charities so I would have you to know that
though Mr Pendennis was parcus suorum cultor et infrequens Mrs Laura found
plenty of time to go from Westminster to Bloomsbury and to pay visits to her
Colonel and her Clive both of whom she had got to love with all her heart
again now misfortune was on them and both of whom returned her kindness with
an affection blessing the bestower and the receiver and making the husband
proud and thankful whose wife had earned such a noble regard What is the
dearest praise of all to a man his own or that you should love those whom he
loves I see Laura Pendennis ever constant and tender and pure ever ministering
in her sacred office of kindness bestowing love and followed by blessings
Which would I have think you that priceless crown hymeneal or the glory of a
Tenth Edition
Clive and his father had found not only a model friend in the lady above
mentioned but a perfect prize landlady in their happy lodgings In her house
besides those apartments which Mr Newcome had originally engaged were rooms
just sufficient to accommodate his wife child and servant when they should
come to him with a very snug little upper chamber for the Colonel close by
Boys nursery where he liked best to be »And if there is not room for the
Campaigner as you call her« says Mrs Laura with a shrug of her shoulders
»why I am very sorry but Clive must try and bear her absence as well as
possible After all my dear Pen you know he is married to Rosa and not to her
mamma and so and so I think it will be quite best that they shall have their
ménage as before«
The cheapness of the lodgings which the prize landlady let the quantity of
neat new furniture which she put in the consultations which she had with my
wife regarding these supplies were quite singular to me »Have you pawned your
diamonds you reckless little person in order to supply all this upholstery«
»No sir I have not pawned my diamonds« Mrs Laura answers and I was left to
think if I thought on the matter at all that the landladys own benevolence
had provided these good things for Clive For the wife of Lauras husband was
perforce poor and she asked me for no more money at this time than at any
other
At first in spite of his grumbling Clives affairs looked so prosperous
and so many sitters came to him from amongst his old friends that I was half
inclined to believe with the Colonel and my wife that he was a prodigious
genius and that his good fortune would go on increasing Laura was for having
Rosey return to her husband Every wife ought to be with her husband JJ shook
his head about the prosperity »Let us see whether the Academy will have his
pictures this year and what a place they will give him« said Ridley To do him
justice Clive thought far more humbly of his compositions than Ridley did Not
a little touching was it to us who had known the young men in former days to
see them in their changed positions It was Ridley whose genius and industry
had put him in the rank of a patron Ridley the good industrious apprentice
who had won the prize of his art and not one of his many admirers saluted his
talent and success with such a hearty recognition as Clive whose generous soul
knew no envy and who always fired and kindled at the success of his friends
When Mr Clive used to go over to Boulogne from time to time to pay his
dutiful visits to his wife the Colonel did not accompany his son but during
the latters absence would dine with Mrs Pendennis
Though the preparations were complete in Howland Street and Clive dutifully
went over to Boulogne Mrs Pendennis remarked that he seemed still to hesitate
about bringing his wife to London
Upon this Mr Pendennis observed that some gentlemen were not particularly
anxious about the society of their wives and that this pair were perhaps better
apart Upon which Mrs Pendennis drubbing on the ground with a little foot
said »Nonsense for shame Arthur How can you speak so flippantly Did he not
swear before Heaven to love and cherish her never to leave her sir Is not his
duty his duty sir« a most emphatic stamp of the foot »Is she not his for
better or for worse«
»Including the Campaigner my dear« says Mr P
»Dont laugh sir She must come to him There is no room in Howland Street
for Mrs Mackenzie«
»You artful scheming creature We have some spare rooms Suppose we ask
Mrs Mackenzie to come and live with us my dear and we could then have the
benefit of the garrison anecdotes and mess jocularities of your favourite
Captain Goby«
»I could never bear the horrid man« cried Mrs Pendennis And how can I
tell why she disliked him
Everything being now ready for the reception of Clives little family we
counselled our friend to go over to Boulogne and bring back his wife and child
and then to make some final stipulation with the Campaigner He saw as well as
we that the presence and tyranny of that fatal woman destroyed his fathers
health and spirits that the old man knew no peace or comfort in her
neighbourhood and was actually hastening to his grave under that dreadful and
unremitting persecution Mrs Mackenzie made Clive scarcely less wretched than
his father she governed his household took away his weak wifes allegiance and
affection from him and caused the wretchedness of every single person round
about her They ought to live apart If she was too poor to subsist upon her
widows pension which in truth was but a very small pittance let Clive give
up to her say the half of his wifes income of £100 a year His prospects and
present means of earning money were such that he might afford to do without that
portion of his income at any rate he and his father would be cheaply ransomed
at that price from their imprisonment to this intolerable person »Go Clive«
said his counsellors »and bring back your wife and child and let us all be
happy together« For you see those advisers opined that if we had written over
to Mrs Clive Newcome Come she would have come with the Campaigner in her
suite
Vowing that he would behave like a man of courage and we know that Clive
had shown himself to be such in two or three previous battles Clive crossed
the water to bring back his little Rosey Our good Colonel agreed to dine at our
house during the days of his sons absence I have said how beloved he was by
young and old there and he was kind enough to say afterwards that no woman had
made him so happy as Laura We did not tell him I know not from what reticence
that we had advised Clive to offer a bribe of £50 a year to Mrs Mackenzie
until about a fortnight after Clives absence and a week after his return when
news came that poor old Mrs Mason was dead at Newcome whereupon we informed
the Colonel that he had another pensioner now in the Campaigner
Colonel Newcome was thankful that his dear old friend had gone out of the
world in comfort and without pain She had made a will long since leaving all
her goods and chattels to Thomas Newcome but having no money to give the
Colonel handed over these to the old ladys faithful attendant Keziah
Although many of the Colonels old friends had parted from him or quarrelled
with him in consequence of the ill success of the BB.C., there were two old
ladies who yet remained faithful to him Miss Cann namely and honest little
Miss Honeyman of Brighton who when she heard of the return to London of her
nephew and brotherinlaw made a railway journey to the Metropolis being the
first time she ever engaged in that kind of travelling rustled into Clives
apartments in Howland Street in her neatest silks and looking not a day older
than on that when we last beheld her and after briskly scolding the young man
for permitting his father to enter into money affairs of which the poor dear
Colonel was as ignorant as a baby she gave them both to understand that she
had a little sum at her bankers at their disposal and besought the Colonel to
remember that her house was his and that she should be proud and happy to
receive him as soon and as often and for as long a time as he would honour her
with his company »Is not my house full of your presents« cried the stout
little old lady »Have I not reason to be grateful to all the Newcomes yes to
all the Newcomes for Miss Ethel and her family have come to me every year for
months and I dont quarrel with them and I wont although you do sir Is not
this shawl are not these jewels that I wear« she continued pointing to those
wellknown ornaments »my dear Colonels gift Did you not relieve my brother
Charles in this country and procure for him his place in India Yes my dear
friend and though you have been imprudent in money matters my obligations
towards you and my gratitude and my affection are always the same« Thus Miss
Honeyman spoke with somewhat of a quivering voice at the end of her little
oration but with exceeding state and dignity for she believed that her
investment of two hundred pounds in that unlucky BB.C., which failed for half a
million was a sum of considerable importance and gave her a right to express
her opinion to the Managers
Clive came back from Boulogne in a week as we have said but he came back
without his wife much to our alarm and looked so exceedingly fierce and glum
when we demanded the reason of his return without his family that we saw wars
and battles had taken place and thought that in this last Continental campaign
the Campaigner had been too much for her friend
The Colonel to whom Clive communicated though with us the poor lad held
his tongue told my wife what had happened not all the battles which no doubt
raged at breakfast dinner supper during the week of Clives visit to
Boulogne but the upshot of these engagements Rosey not unwilling in her first
private talk with her husband to come to England with him and the boy showed
herself irresolute on the second day at breakfast when the fire was opened on
both sides cried at dinner when fierce assaults took place in which Clive had
the advantage slept soundly but besought him to be very firm and met the
enemy at breakfast with a quaking heart cried all that day during which
pretty well without cease the engagement lasted and when Clive might have
conquered and brought her off but the weather was windy and the sea was rough
and he was pronounced a brute to venture on it with a wife in Roseys situation
Behind that situation the widow shielded herself She clung to her adored
child and from that bulwark discharged abuse and satire at Clive and his
father He could not rout her out of her position Having had the advantage on
the first two or three days on the four last he was beaten and lost ground in
each action Rosey found that in her situation she could not part from her
darling mamma The Campaigner for her part averred that she might be reduced
to beggary that she might be robbed of her last farthing and swindled and
cheated that she might see her daughters fortune flung away by unprincipled
adventurers and her blessed child left without even the comforts of life but
desert her in such a situation she never would no never Was not dear Roseys
health already impaired by the various shocks which she had undergone Did she
not require every comfort every attendance Monster ask the doctor She would
stay with her darling child in spite of insult and rudeness and vulgarity
Roseys father was a kings officer not a companys officer thank God She
would stay as long at least as Roseys situation continued at Boulogne if not
in London but with her child They might refuse to send her money having
robbed her of all her own but she would pawn her gown off her back for her
child Whimpers from Rosey cries of »Mamma mamma compose yourself«
convulsive sobs clenched knuckles flashing eyes embraces rapidly clutched
laughs stamps snorts from the dishevelled Campaigner grinding teeth
livid fury and repeated breakages of the third commandment by Clive I can
fancy the whole scene He returned to London without his wife and when she came
she brought Mrs Mackenzie with her
Chapter LXXV
Founders Day At Grey Friars
Rosey came bringing discord and wretchedness with her to her husband and the
sentence of death or exile to his dear old father all of which we foresaw all
of which Clives friends would have longed to prevent all of which were
inevitable under the circumstances Clives domestic affairs were often talked
over by our little set Warrington and FB knew of his unhappiness We three
had strongly opined that the women being together at Boulogne should stay
there and live there Clive sending them over pecuniary aid as his means
permitted »They must hate each other pretty well by this time« growls George
Warrington »Why on earth should they not part« »What a woman that Mrs
Mackenzie is« cries FB »What an infernal tartar and catamaran She who was so
uncommonly smiling and softspoken and such a fine woman by jingo What
puzzles all women are« FB sighed and drowned further reflection in beer
On the other side and most strongly advocating Roseys return to Clive was
Mrs Laura Pendennis with certain arguments for which she had chapter and
verse and against which we of the separatist party had no appeal »Did he marry
her only for the days of her prosperity« asked Laura »Is it right is it
manly that he should leave her now she is unhappy poor little creature No
woman had ever more need of protection and who should be her natural guardian
save her husband Surely Arthur you forget have you forgotten them yourself
sir the solemn vows which Clive made at the altar Is he not bound to his
wife to keep only unto her so long as they both shall live to love her comfort
her honour her and keep her in sickness and health«
»To keep her yes but not to keep the Campaigner« cries Mr Pendennis
»It is a moral bigamy Laura which you advocate you wicked immoral young
woman«
But Laura though she smiled at this notion would not be put off from her
first proposition Turning to Clive who was with us talking over his doleful
family circumstances she took his hand and pleaded the cause of right and
religion with sweet artless fervour She agreed with us that it was a hard lot
for Clive to bear So much the nobler the task and the fulfilment of duty in
enduring it A few months too would put an end to his trials When his child was
born Mrs Mackenzie would take her departure It would even be Clives duty to
separate from her then as it now was to humour his wife in her delicate
condition and to soothe the poor soul who had had a great deal of illhealth
of misfortune and of domestic calamity to wear and shatter her Clive
acquiesced with a groan but with a touching and generous resignation as we
both thought »She is right Pen« he said »I think your wife is always right
I will try Laura and bear my part God help me I will do my duty and strive
my best to soothe and gratify my poor dear little woman They will be making
caps and things and will not interrupt me in my studio Of nights I can go to
Clipstone Street and work at the Life Theres nothing like the Life Pen So
you see I shant be much at home except at mealtimes when by nature I shall
have my mouth full and no opportunity of quarrelling with poor Mrs Mack« So
he went home followed and cheered by the love and pity of my dear wife and
determined stoutly to bear this heavy yoke which fate had put on him
To do Mrs Mackenzie justice that lady backed up with all her might the
statement which my wife had put forward with a view of soothing poor Clive
namely that the residence of his motherinlaw in his house was only to be
temporary »Temporary« cries Mrs Mack who was kind enough to make a call on
Mrs Pendennis and treat that lady to a piece of her mind »Do you suppose
madam that it could be otherwise Do you suppose that worlds would induce me to
stay in a house where I have received such treatment where after I and my
daughter had been robbed of every shilling of our fortune we are daily insulted
by Colonel Newcome and his son Do you suppose maam that I do not know that
Clives friends hate me and give themselves airs and look down upon my darling
child and try and make differences between my sweet Rosey and me Rosey who
might have been dead or might have been starving but that her dear mother came
to her rescue No I would never stay I loathe every day that I remain in the
house I would rather beg my bread I would rather sweep the streets and starve
though thank God I have my pension as the widow of an officer in Her
Majestys service and I can live upon that And of that Colonel Newcome cannot
rob me and when my darling love needs a mothers care no longer I will leave
her I will shake the dust off my feet and leave that house I will And Mr
Newcomes friends may then sneer at me and abuse me and blacken my darling
childs heart towards me if they choose And I thank you Mrs Pendennis for
all your kindness towards my daughters family and for the furniture which you
have sent into the house and for the trouble you have taken about our family
arrangements It was for this I took the liberty of calling upon you and I wish
you a very goodmorning« So speaking the Campaigner left my wife and Mrs
Pendennis enacted the pleasing scene with great spirit to her husband
afterwards concluding the whole with a splendid curtsy and toss of the head
such as Mrs Mackenzie performed as her parting salute
Our dear Colonel had fled before He had acquiesced humbly with the decree
of fate and lonely old and beaten marched honestly on the path of duty It
was a great blessing he wrote to us to him to think that in happier days and
during many years he had been enabled to benefit his kind and excellent
relative Miss Honeyman He could thankfully receive her hospitality now and
claim the kindness and shelter which this old friend gave him No one could be
more anxious to make him comfortable The air of Brighton did him the greatest
good he had found some old friends some old Bengalees there with whom he
enjoyed himself greatly etc How much did we who knew his noble spirit
believe of this story To us Heaven had awarded health happiness competence
loving children united hearts and modest prosperity To yonder good man whose
long life shone with benefactions and whose career was but kindness and honour
fate decreed poverty disappointment separation a lonely old age We bowed our
heads humiliated at the contrast of his lot and ours and prayed Heaven to
enable us to bear our present good fortune meekly and our evil days if they
should come with such a resignation as this good Christian showed
I forgot to say that our attempts to better Thomas Newcomes money affairs
were quite in vain the Colonel insisting upon paying over every shilling of his
military allowances and retiring pension to the parties from whom he had
borrowed money previous to his bankruptcy »Ah what a good man that is« says
Mr Sherrick with tears in his eyes »what a noble fellow sir He would die
rather than not pay every farthing over Hed starve sir that he would The
money aint mine sir or if it was do you think Id take it from the poor old
boy No sir by Jove I honour and reverence him more now he aint got a
shilling in his pocket than ever I did when we thought he was arolling in
money«
My wife made one or two efforts at Samaritan visits in Howland Street but
was received by Mrs Clive with such a faint welcome and by the Campaigner with
so grim a countenance so many sneers innuendoes insults almost that Lauras
charity was beaten back and she ceased to press good offices thus thanklessly
received If Clive came to visit us as he very rarely did after an official
question or two regarding the health of his wife and child no further mention
was made of his family affairs His painting he said was getting on tolerably
well he had work scantily paid it is true but work sufficient He was
reserved uncommunicative unlike the frank Clive of former times and oppressed
by his circumstances as it was easy to see I did not press the confidence
which he was unwilling to offer and thought best to respect his silence I had
a thousand affairs of my own who has not in London If you die tomorrow your
dearest friend will feel for you a hearty pang of sorrow and go to his business
as usual I could divine but would not care to describe the life which my poor
Clive was now leading the vulgar misery the sordid home the cheerless toil
and lack of friendly companionship which darkened his kind soul I was glad
Clives father was away The Colonel wrote to us twice or thrice could it be
three months ago bless me how time flies He was happy he wrote with Miss
Honeyman who took the best care of him
Mention has been made once or twice in the course of this history of the Grey
Friars School where the Colonel and Clive and I had been brought up an
ancient foundation of the time of James I still subsisting in the heart of
London city The deathday of the founder of the place is still kept solemnly by
Cistercians In their chapel where assemble the boys of the school and the
fourscore old men of the Hospital the founders tomb stands a huge edifice
emblazoned with heraldic decorations and clumsy carved allegories This is an
old Hall a beautiful specimen of the architecture of Jamess time An old Hall
many old halls old staircases old passages old chambers decorated with old
portraits walking in the midst of which we walk as it were in the early
seventeenth century To others than Cistercians Grey Friars is a dreary place
possibly Nevertheless the pupils educated there love to revisit it and the
oldest of us grow young again for an hour or two as we come back into those
scenes of childhood
The custom of the school is that on the 12th of December the Founders
Day the head gownboy shall recite a Latin oration in praise Fundatoris
Nostri and upon other subjects and a goodly company of old Cistercians is
generally brought together to attend this oration after which we go to chapel
and hear a sermon after which we adjourn to a great dinner where old
condisciples meet old toasts are given and speeches are made Before marching
from the orationhall to chapel the stewards of the days dinner according to
oldfashioned rite have wands put into their hands walk to church at the head
of the procession and sit there in places of honour The boys are already in
their seats with smug fresh faces and shining white collars the old
blackgowned pensioners are on their benches the chapel is lighted and
Founders Tomb with its grotesque carvings monsters heraldries darkles and
shines with the most wonderful shadows and lights There he lies Fundator
Noster in his ruff and gown awaiting the great Examination Day We oldsters
be we ever so old become boys again as we look at that familiar old tomb and
think how the seats are altered since we were here and how the doctor not the
present doctor the doctor of our time used to sit yonder and his awful eye
used to frighten us shuddering boys on whom it lighted and how the boy next us
would kick our shins during service time and how the monitor would cane us
afterwards because our shins were kicked Yonder sit forty cherrycheeked boys
thinking about home and holidays tomorrow Yonder sit some threescore old
gentlemen pensioners of the hospital listening to the prayers and the psalms
You hear them coughing feebly in the twilight the old reverend blackgowns Is
Codd Ajax alive you wonder the Cistercian lads called these old gentlemen
Codds I know not wherefore I know not wherefore but is old Codd Ajax alive
I wonder or Codd Soldier or kind old Codd Gentleman or has the grave closed
over them A plenty of candles light up this chapel and this scene of age and
youth and early memories and pompous death How solemn the wellremembered
prayers are here uttered again in the place where in childhood we used to hear
them How beautiful and decorous the rite how noble the ancient words of the
supplications which the priest utters and to which generations of fresh
children and troops of bygone seniors have cried Amen under those arches The
service for Founders Day is a special one one of the psalms selected being the
thirtyseventh and we hear
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth
in his way
24 Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord
upholdeth him with his hand
25 I have been young and now am old yet have I not seen the righteous
forsaken nor his seed begging bread
As we came to this verse I chanced to look up from my book towards the swarm of
blackcoated pensioners and amongst them amongst them sate Thomas Newcome
His dear old head was bent down over his prayerbook there was no mistaking
him He wore the black gown of the pensioners of the Hospital of Grey Friars
His order of the Bath was on his breast He stood there amongst the poor
brethren uttering the responses to the psalm The steps of this good man had
been ordered hither by Heavens decree to this Almshouse Here it was ordained
that a life all love and kindness and honour should end I heard no more of
prayers and psalms and sermon after that How dared I to be in a place of
mark and he he yonder among the poor O pardon you noble soul I ask
forgiveness of you for being of a world that has so treated you you my better
you the honest and gentle and good I thought the service would never end or
the organists voluntaries or the preachers homily
The organ played us out of chapel at length and I waited in the antechapel
until the pensioners took their turn to quit it My dear dear old friend I ran
to him with a warmth and eagerness of recognition which no doubt showed
themselves in my face and accents as my heart was moved at the sight of him His
own wan face flushed up when he saw me and his hand shook in mine »I have
found a home Arthur« said he »Dont you remember before I went to India
when we came to see the old Grey Friars and visited Captain Scarsdale in his
room a poor brother like me an old Peninsular man Scarsdale is gone now
sir and is where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest
and I thought then when we saw him here would be a place for an old fellow
when his career was over to hang his sword up to humble his soul and to wait
thankfully for the end Arthur My good friend Lord H who is a Cistercian
like ourselves and has just been appointed a governor gave me his first
nomination Dont be agitated Arthur my boy I am very happy I have good
quarters good food good light and fire and good friends blessed be God my
dear kind young friend my boys friend You have always been so sir and I
take it uncommonly kind of you and I thank God for you sir Why sir I am as
happy as the day is long« He uttered words to this effect as we walked through
the courts of the building towards his room which in truth I found neat and
comfortable with a brisk fire crackling on the hearth a little teatable laid
out a Bible and spectacles by the side of it and over the mantelpiece a
drawing of his grandson by Clive
»You may come and see me here sir whenever you like and so may your dear
wife and little ones tell Laura with my love but you must not stay now You
must go back to your dinner« In vain I pleaded that I had no stomach for it He
gave me a look which seemed to say he desired to be alone and I had to respect
that order and leave him
Of course I came to him on the very next day though not with my wife and
children who were in truth absent in the country at Rosebury where they were
to pass the Christmas holidays and where this schooldinner over I was to
join them On my second visit to Grey Friars my good friend entered more at
length into the reasons why he had assumed the Poor Brothers gown and I cannot
say but that I acquiesced in his reasons and admired that noble humility and
contentedness of which he gave me an example
»That which had caused him most grief and pain« he said »in the issue of
that unfortunate bank was the thought that poor friends of his had been induced
by his representations to invest their little capital in that speculation Good
Miss Honeyman for instance meaning no harm and in all respects a most honest
and kindlydisposed old lady had nevertheless alluded more than once to the
fact that her money had been thrown away and these allusions sir made her
hospitality somewhat hard to bear« said the Colonel »At home at poor
Clivys I mean it was even worse« he continued »Mrs Mackenzie for months
past by her complaints and and her conduct has made my son and me so
miserable that flight before her and into any refuge was the best course She
too does not mean ill Pen Do not waste any of your oaths upon that poor
woman« he added holding up his finger and smiling sadly »She thinks I
deceived her though Heaven knows it was myself I deceived She has great
influence over Rosey Very few persons can resist that violent and headstrong
woman sir I could not bear her reproaches or my poor sick daughter whom her
mother leads almost entirely now And it was with all this grief on my mind
that as I was walking one day upon Brighton cliff I met my schoolfellow my
Lord H who has ever been a good friend of mine and who told me how he had
just been appointed a governor of Grey Friars He asked me to dine with him on
the next day and would take no refusal He knew of my pecuniary misfortunes of
course and showed himself most noble and liberal in his offers of help I was
very much touched by his goodness Pen and made a clean breast of it to his
lordship who at first would not hear of my coming to this place and offered me
out of the purse of an old brother schoolfellow and an old brother soldier as
much as much as should last me my time Wasnt it noble of him Arthur God
bless him There are good men in the world sir there are true friends as I
have found in these later days Do you know sir« here the old mans eyes
twinkled »that Fred Bayham fixed up that bookcase yonder and brought me my
little boys picture to hang up Boy and Clive will come and see me soon«
»Do you mean they do not come« I cried
»They dont know I am here sir« said the Colonel with a sweet kind
smile »They think I am visiting his lordship in Scotland Ah they are good
people When we had had our talk downstairs over our bottle of claret where my
old commanderinchief would not hear of my plan we went upstairs to her
ladyship who saw that her husband was disturbed and asked the reason I dare
say it was the good claret that made me speak sir for I told her that I and
her husband had had a dispute and that I would take her ladyship for umpire
And then I told her the story over that I had paid away every rupee to the
creditors and mortgaged my pensions and retiring allowances for the same end
that I was a burden upon Clivy who had work enough poor boy to keep his own
family and his wifes mother whom my imprudence had impoverished that here was
an honourable asylum which my friend could procure for me and was not that
better than to drain his purse She was very much moved sir She is a very kind
lady though she passed for being very proud and haughty in India so wrongly
are people judged And Lord H said in his rough way that by Jove if Tom
Newcome took a thing into his obstinate old head no one could drive it out And
so« said the Colonel with his sad smile »I had my own way Lady H was good
enough to come and see me the very next day and do you know Pen she invited
me to go and live with them for the rest of my life made me the most generous
the most delicate offers But I knew I was right and held my own I am too old
to work Arthur and better here whilst I am to stay than elsewhere Look all
this furniture came from H House and that wardrobe is full of linen which she
sent me She has been twice to see me and every officer in this hospital is as
courteous to me as if I had my fine house«
I thought of the psalm we had heard on the previous evening and turned to
it in the opened Bible and pointed to the verse »Though he fall he shall not
be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him« Thomas Newcome seeing my
occupation laid a kind trembling hand on my shoulder and then putting on his
glasses with a smile bent over the volume And who that saw him then and knew
him and loved him as I did who would not have humbled his own heart and
breathed his inward prayer confessing and adoring the Divine Will which
ordains these trials these triumphs these humiliations these blessed griefs
this crowning Love
I had the happiness of bringing Clive and his little boy to Thomas Newcome
that evening and heard the childs cry of recognition and surprise and the old
man calling the boys name as I closed the door upon that meeting and by the
nights mail I went down to Newcome to the friends with whom my own family was
already staying
Of course my consciencekeeper at Rosebury was anxious to know about the
schooldinner and all the speeches made and the guests assembled there but
she soon ceased to inquire about these when I came to give her the news of the
discovery of our dear old friend in the habit of a Poor Brother of Grey Friars
She was very glad to hear that Clive and his little son had been reunited to the
Colonel and appeared to imagine at first that there was some wonderful merit
upon my part in bringing the three together
»Well no great merit Pen as you will put it« says the Confessor »but it
was kindly thought sir and I like my husband when he is kind best and dont
wonder at your having made a stupid speech at the dinner as you say you did
when you had this other subject to think of That is a beautiful psalm Pen and
those verses which you were reading when you saw him especially beautiful«
»But in the presence of eighty old gentlemen who have all come to decay
and have all had to beg their bread in a manner dont you think the clergyman
might choose some other psalm« asks Mr Pendennis
»They were not forsaken utterly Arthur« says Mrs Laura gravely but
rather declines to argue the point raised by me namely that the selection of
that especial thirtyseventh psalm was not complimentary to those decayed old
gentlemen
»All the psalms are good sir« she says »and this one of course is
included« and thus the discussion closed
I then fell to a description of Howland Street and poor Clive whom I had
found there over his work A dubious maid scanned my appearance rather eagerly
when I asked to see him I found a picturedealer chaffering with him over a
bundle of sketches and his little boy already pencil in hand lying in one
corner of the room the sun playing about his yellow hair The child looked
languid and pale the father worn and ill When the dealer at length took his
bargains away I gradually broke my errand to Clive and told him from whence I
had just come
He had thought his father in Scotland with Lord H and was immensely moved
with the news which I brought
»I havent written to him for a month Its not pleasant letters I have to
write Pen and I cant make them pleasant Up Tommykin and put on your cap«
Tommykin jumps up »Put on your cap and tell them to take off your pinafore
and tell grandmamma «
At that name Tommykin begins to cry
»Look at that« says Clive commencing to speak in the French language
which the child interrupts by calling out in that tongue »I speak also French
papa«
»Well my child You will like to come out with papa and Betsy can dress
you« He flings off his own paintstained shootingjacket as he talks takes a
frockcoat out of a carved wardrobe and a hat from a helmet on the shelf He is
no longer the handsome splendid boy of old times Can that be Clive with that
haggard face and slouched handkerchief »I am not the dandy I was Pen« he says
bitterly
A little voice is heard crying overhead and giving a kind of gasp the
wretched father stops in some indifferent speech he was trying to make »I cant
help myself« he groans out »my poor wife is so ill she cant attend to the
child Mrs Mackenzie manages the house for me and here Tommy Tommy
papas coming« Tommy has been crying again and flinging open the studio door
Clive calls out and dashes upstairs
I hear scuffling stamping loud voices poor Tommys scared little pipe
Clives fierce objurgations and the Campaigners voice barking out »Do sir
do with my child suffering in the next room Behave like a brute to me do He
shall not go out He shall not have the hat« »He shall« »Ah ah« A
scream is heard It is Clive tearing a childs hat out of the Campaigners
hands with which and a flushed face he presently rushes downstairs bearing
little Tommy on his shoulder
»You see what I am come to Pen« he says with a heartbroken voice trying
with hands all of a tremble to tie the hat on the boys head He laughs
bitterly at the illsuccess of his endeavours »Oh you silly papa« laughs
Tommy too
The door is flung open and the redfaced Campaigner appears Her face is
mottled with wrath her bandeaux of hair are disarranged upon her forehead the
ornaments of her cap cheap and dirty and numerous only give her a wilder
appearance She is in a large and dingy wrapper very different from the lady
who had presented herself a few months back to my wife how different from the
smiling Mrs Mackenzie of old days
»He shall not go out of a winter day sir« she breaks out »I have his
mothers orders whom you are killing Mr Pendennis« She starts perceiving me
for the first time and her breast heaves and she prepares for combat and
looks at me over her shoulder
»You and his father are the best judges upon this point maam« says Mr
Pendennis with a bow
»The child is delicate sir« cries Mrs Mackenzie »and this winter «
»Enough of this« says Clive with a stamp and passes through her guard
with Tommy and we descend the stairs and at length are in the free street Was
it not best not to describe at full length this portion of poor Clives history
Chapter LXXVI
Christmas At Rosebury
We have known our friend Florac under two aristocratic names and might now
salute him by a third to which he was entitled although neither he nor his
wife ever chose to assume it His father was lately dead and M Paul de Florac
might sign himself Duc dIvry if he chose but he was indifferent as to the
matter and his wifes friends indignant at the idea that their kinswoman after
having been a Princess should descend to the rank of a mere Duchess So Prince
and Princess these good folks remained being exceptions to that order inasmuch
as their friends could certainly put their trust in them
On his fathers death Florac went to Paris to settle the affairs of the
paternal succession and having been for some time absent in his native country
returned to Rosebury for the winter to resume that sport of which he was a
distinguished amateur He hunted in black during the ensuing season and
indeed henceforth laid aside his splendid attire and his allures as a young
man His waist expanded or was no longer confined by the cestus which had given
it a shape When he laid aside his black his whiskers too went into a sort of
halfmourning and appeared in grey »I make myself old my friend« he said
pathetically »I have no more neither twenty years nor forty« He went to
Rosebury Church no more but with great order and sobriety drove every Sunday
to the neighbouring Catholic chapel at C Castle We had an ecclesiastic or two
to dine with us at Rosebury one of whom I am inclined to think was Floracs
director
A reason perhaps for Pauls altered demeanour was the presence of his
mother at Rosebury No politeness or respect could be greater than Pauls
towards the Countess Had she been a sovereign princess Madame de Florac could
not have been treated with more profound courtesy than she now received from her
son I think the humbleminded lady could have dispensed with some of his
attentions but Paul was a personage who demonstrated all his sentiments and
performed his various parts in life with the greatest vigour As a man of
pleasure for instance what more active roué than he As a jeune homme who
could be younger and for a longer time As a country gentleman or an homme
daffaires he insisted upon dressing each character with the most rigid
accuracy and an exactitude that reminded one somewhat of Bouffé or Ferville
at the play I wonder whether when he is quite old he will think proper to
wear a pigtail like his old father At any rate that was a good part which the
kind fellow was now acting of reverence towards his widowed mother and
affectionate respect for her declining days He not only felt these amiable
sentiments but he imparted them to his friends freely as his wont was He used
to weep freely quite unrestrained by the presence of the domestics as English
sentiment would be and when Madame de Florac quitted the room after dinner
would squeeze my hand and tell me with streaming eyes that his mother was an
angel »Her life has been but a long trial my friend« he would say »Shall not
I who have caused her to shed so many tears endeavour to dry some« Of course
all the friends who liked him best encouraged him in an intention so pious
The reader has already been made acquainted with this lady by letters of
hers which came into my possession some time after the events which I am at
present narrating My wife through our kind friend Colonel Newcome had also
had the honour of an introduction to Madame de Florac at Paris and on coming
to Rosebury for the Christmas holidays I found Laura and the children greatly
in favour with the good Countess She treated her sons wife with a perfect
though distant courtesy She was thankful to Madame de Montcontour for the
latters great goodness to her son Familiar with but very few persons she
could scarcely be intimate with her homely daughterinlaw Madame de
Montcontour stood in the greatest awe of her and to do that good lady justice
admired and reverenced Pauls mother with all her simple heart In truth I
think almost every one had a certain awe of Madame de Florac except children
who came to her trustingly and as it were by instinct The habitual
melancholy of her eyes vanished as they lighted upon young faces and infantile
smiles A sweet love beamed out of her countenance an angelic smile shone over
her face as she bent towards them and caressed them Her demeanour then nay
her looks and ways at other times a certain gracious sadness a sympathy with
all grief and pity for all pain a gentle heart yearning towards all children
and for her own especially feeling a love that was almost an anguish in the
affairs of the common world only a dignified acquiescence as if her place was
not in it and her thoughts were in her Home elsewhere these qualities which
we had seen exemplified in another life Laura and her husband watched in Madame
de Florac and we loved her because she was like our mother I see in such women
the good and pure the patient and faithful the tried and meek the followers
of Him whose earthly life was divinely sad and tender
But good as she was to us and to all Ethel Newcome was the French ladys
greatest favourite A bond of extreme tenderness and affection united these two
The elder friend made constant visits to the younger at Newcome and when Miss
Newcome as she frequently did came to Rosebury we used to see that they
preferred to be alone divining and respecting the sympathy which brought those
two faithful hearts together I can imagine now the two tall forms slowly pacing
the garden walks or turning as they lighted on the young ones in their play
What was their talk I never asked it Perhaps Ethel never said what was in her
heart though be sure the other knew it Though the grief of those they love
is untold women hear it as they soothe it with unspoken consolations To see
the elder lady embrace her friend as they parted was something holy a sort of
saint like salutation
Consulting the person from whom I had no secrets we had thought best at first
not to mention to our friends the place and position in which we had found our
dear Colonel at least to wait for a fitting opportunity on which we might break
the news to those who held him in such affection I told how Clive was hard at
work and hoped the best for him Goodnatured Madame de Montcontour was easily
satisfied with my replies to her questions concerning our friend Ethel only
asked if he and her uncle were well and once or twice made inquiries respecting
Rosey and her child And now it was that my wife told me what I need no longer
keep secret of Ethels extreme anxiety to serve her distressed relatives and
how she Laura had already acted as Miss Newcomes almoner in furnishing and
hiring those apartments which Ethel believed were occupied by Clive and his
father and wife and child And my wife further informed me with what deep grief
Ethel had heard of her uncles misfortune and how but that she feared to
offend his pride she longed to give him assistance She had even ventured to
offer to send him pecuniary help but the Colonel who never mentioned the
circumstance to me or any other of his friends in a kind but very cold letter
had declined to be beholden to his niece for help
So I may have remained some days at Rosebury and the real position of the
two Newcomes was unknown to our friends there Christmas Eve was come and
according to a longstanding promise Ethel Newcome and her two children had
arrived from the Park which dreary mansion since his double defeat Sir Barnes
scarcely ever visited Christmas was come and Rosebury hall was decorated with
holly Florac did his best to welcome his friends and strove to make the
meeting gay though in truth it was rather melancholy The children however
were happy they had pleasure enough in the school festival in the distribution
of cloaks and blankets to the poor and in Madame de Montcontours gardens
delightful and beautiful though winter was there
It was only a family meeting Madame de Floracs widowhood not permitting
her presence in large companies Paul sate at his table between his mother and
Mrs Pendennis Mr Pendennis opposite to him with Ethel and Madame de
Montcontour on each side The four children were placed between those
personages on whom Madame de Florac looked with her tender glances and to
whose little wants the kindest of hosts ministered with uncommon goodnature and
affection He was very softhearted about children »Pourquoi nen avonsnous
pas Jeanne Hé pourquoi nen avonsnous pas« he said addressing his wife by
her Christian name The poor little lady looked kindly at her husband and then
gave a sigh and turned and heaped cake upon the plate of the child next to her
No mamma or Aunt Ethel could interpose It was a very light wholesome cake
Brown made it on purpose for the children »the little darlings« cries the
Princess
The children were very happy at being allowed to sit up so late to dinner
at all the kindly amusements of the day at the holly and mistletoe clustering
round the lamps the mistletoe under which the gallant Florac skilled in all
British usages vowed he would have his privilege But the mistletoe was
clustered round the lamp the lamp was over the centre of the great round table
the innocent gratification which he proposed to himself was denied to M Paul
In the greatest excitement and goodhumour our host at the dessert made us
des speech He carried a toast to the charming Ethel another to the charming
Mistriss Laura another to his good fren his brave fren his appy fren
Pendennis appy as possessor of such a wife appy as writer of works destined
to the immortality etc etc The little children round about clapped their
happy little hands and laughed and crowed in chorus And now the nursery and
its guardians were about to retreat when Florac said he had yet a speech yet a
toast and he bade the butler pour wine into every ones glass yet a toast
and he carried it to the health of our dear friends of Clive and his father
the good the brave Colonel »We who are happy« says he »shall we not think of
those who are good We who love each other shall we not remember those whom we
all love« He spoke with very great tenderness and feeling »Ma bonne mère thou
too shalt drink this toast« he said taking his mothers hand and kissing it
She returned his caress gently and tasted the wine with her pale lips Ethels
head bent in silence over her glass and as for Laura need I say what happened
to her When the ladies went away my heart was opened to my friend Florac and I
told him where and how I had left my dear Clives father
The Frenchmans emotion on hearing this tale was such that I have loved him
ever since Clive in want Why had he not sent to his friend Grands Dieux
Clive who had helped him in his greatest distress Clives father ce preux
chevalier ce parfait gentilhomme In a hundred rapid exclamations Florac
exhibited his sympathy asking of Fate why such men as he and I were sitting
surrounded by splendours before golden vases crowned with flowers with
valets to kiss our feet these were merely figures of speech in which Paul
expressed his prosperity whilst our friend the Colonel so much better than
we spent his last days in poverty and alone
I liked Florac none the less I own because that one of the conditions of
the Colonels present life which appeared the hardest to most people affected
Florac but little To be a Pensioner of an Ancient Institution Why not Might
not any officer retire without shame to the Invalides at the close of his
campaigns and had not Fortune conquered our old friend and age and disaster
overcome him It never once entered Thomas Newcomes head nor Clives nor
Floracs nor his mothers that the Colonel demeaned himself at all by
accepting that bounty and I recollect Warrington sharing our sentiment and
trolling out those noble lines of the old poet
»His golden locks Time hath to silver turned
O Time too swift O swiftness never ceasing
His youth gainst time and age hath ever spurned
But spurned in vain youth waneth by increasing
Beauty strength youth are flowers but fading seen
Duty faith love are roots and ever green
His helmet now shall make a hive for bees
And lovers songs be turned to holy psalms
A man at arms must now serve on his knees
And feed on prayers which are old ages alms«
These I say respected our friend whatever was the coat he wore whereas among
the Colonels own kinsfolk dire was the dismay and indignation even which
they expressed when they came to hear of this what they were pleased to call
degradation to their family Clives dear motherinlaw made outcries over the
good old man as over a pauper and inquired of Heaven what she had done that her
blessed child should have a mendicant for a father And Mrs Hobson in
subsequent confidential communication with the writer of these memoirs improved
the occasion religiously as her wont was referred the matter to Heaven too
and thought fit to assume that the celestial powers had decreed this
humiliation this dreadful trial for the Newcome family as a warning to them
all that they should not be too much puffed up with prosperity nor set their
affections too much upon things of this earth Had they not already received one
chastisement in Barness punishment and Lady Claras awful falling away They
had taught her a lesson which the Colonels lamentable errors had confirmed
the vanity of trusting in all earthly grandeurs Thus it was this worthy woman
plumed herself as it were on her relatives misfortunes and was pleased to
think the latter were designed for the special warning and advantage of her
private family But Mrs Hobsons philosophy is only mentioned by the way Our
story which is drawing to its close has to busy itself with other members of
the house of The Newcomes
My talk with Florac lasted for some time At its close when we went to join
the ladies in the drawingroom we found Ethel cloaked and shawled and prepared
for her departure with her young ones who were already asleep The little
festival was over and had ended in melancholy even in weeping Our hostess
sat in her accustomed seat by her lamp and her worktable but neglecting her
needle she was having perpetual recourse to her pockethandkerchief and
uttering ejaculations of pity between the intervals of her gushes of tears
Madame de Florac was in her usual place her head cast downwards and her hands
folded My wife was at her side a grave commiseration showing itself in Lauras
countenance whilst I read a yet deeper sadness in Ethels pale face Miss
Newcomes carriage had been announced the attendants had already carried the
young ones asleep to the vehicle and she was in the act of taking leave We
looked round at this disturbed party guessing very likely what the subject of
their talk had been to which however Miss Ethel did not allude but
announcing that she had intended to depart without disturbing the two gentlemen
she bade us farewell and goodnight »I wish I could say merry Christmas« she
added gravely »but none of us I fear can hope for that« It was evident that
Laura had told the last chapter of the Colonels story
Madame de Florac rose up and embraced Miss Newcome and that farewell over
she sank back on the sofa exhausted and with such an expression of affliction
in her countenance that my wife ran eagerly towards her »It is nothing my
dear« she said giving a cold hand to the younger lady and sate silent for a
few moments during which we heard Floracs voice without crying »Adieu« and
the wheels of Miss Newcomes carriage as it drove away
Our host entered a moment afterwards and remarking as Laura had done his
mothers pallor and look of anguish went up and spoke to her with the utmost
tenderness and anxiety
She gave her hand to her son and a faint blush rose up out of the past as
it were and trembled upon her wan cheek »He was the first friend I ever had in
the world Paul« she said »the first and the best He shall not want shall
he my son«
No signs of that emotion in which her daughterinlaw had been indulging
were as yet visible in Madame de Floracs eyes but as she spoke holding her
sons hand in hers the tears at length overflowed and with a sob her head
fell forwards The impetuous Frenchman flung himself on his knees before his
mother uttered a hundred words of love and respect for her and with tears and
sobs of his own called God to witness that their friend should never want And
so this mother and son embraced each other and clung together in a sacred union
of love before which we, who had been admitted as spectators of that scene
stood hushed and respectful
That night Laura told me how when the ladies left us their talk had been
entirely about the Colonel and Clive Madame de Florac had spoken especially
and much more freely than was her wont She had told many reminiscences of
Thomas Newcome and his early days how her father taught him mathematics when
they were quite poor and living in their dear little cottage at Blackheath how
handsome he was then with bright eyes and long black hair flowing over his
shoulders how military glory was his boyish passion and he was for ever
talking of India and the famous deeds of Clive and Lawrence His favourite book
was a History of India the History of Orme »He read it and I read it also
my daughter« the French lady said turning to Ethel »ah I may say so after so
many years«
Ethel remembered the book as belonging to her grandmother and now in the
library at Newcome Doubtless the same sympathy which caused me to speak about
Thomas Newcome that evening impelled my wife likewise She told her friends as
I had told Florac all the Colonels story and it was while these good women
were under the impression of the melancholy history that Florac and his guest
found them
Retired to our rooms Laura and I talked on the same subject until the clock
tolled Christmas and the neighbouring church bells rang out a jubilation And
looking out into the quiet night where the stars were keenly shining we
committed ourselves to rest with humbled hearts praying for all those we
loved a blessing of peace and goodwill
Chapter LXXVII
The Shortest and Happiest In The Whole History
On the ensuing Christmas morning I chanced to rise betimes and entering my
dressingroom opened the windows and looked out on the soft landscape over
which mists were still lying whilst the serene sky above and the lawns and
leafless woods in the foreground near were still pink with sunrise The grey
had not even left the west yet and I could see a star or two twinkling there
to vanish with that twilight
As I looked out I saw the not very distant lodgegate open after a brief
parley and a lady on horseback followed by a servant rode rapidly up to the
house
This early visitor was no other than Miss Ethel Newcome The young lady
espied me immediately »Come down come down to me this moment Mr Pendennis«
she cried out I hastened down to her supposing rightly that news of importance
had brought her to Rosebury so early
The news was of importance indeed »Look here« she said »read this« and
she took a paper from the pocket of her habit »When I went home last night
after Madame de Florac had been talking to us about Ormes India I took the
volumes from the bookcase and found this paper It is in my grandmothers
Mrs Newcomes handwriting I know it quite well it is dated on the very day
of her death She had been writing and reading in her study on that very night
I have often heard papa speak of the circumstance Look and read You are a
lawyer Mr Pendennis tell me about this paper«
I seized it eagerly and cast my eyes over it but having read it my
countenance fell
»My dear Miss Newcome it is not worth a penny« I was obliged to own
»Yes it is sir to honest people« she cried out »My brother and uncle
will respect it as Mrs Newcomes dying wish They must respect it«
The paper in question was a letter in ink that had grown yellow from time
and was addressed by the late Mrs Newcome to »my dear Mr Luce«
»That was her solicitor my solicitor still« interposes Miss Ethel
»The Hermitage March 14 182
My dear Mr Luce« the defunct lady wrote »My late husbands
grandson has been staying with me lately and is a most pleasing
handsome and engaging little boy He bears a strong likeness to his
grandfather I think and though he has no claims upon me and I know is
sufficiently provided for by his father LieutenantColonel Newcome
CB of the East India Companys Service I am sure my late dear
husband will be pleased that I should leave his grandson Clive Newcome
a token of peace and goodwill and I can do so with the more readiness
as it has pleased Heaven greatly to increase my means since my husband
was called away hence
I desire to bequeath a sum equal to that which Mr Newcome willed to
my eldest son Brian Newcome Esq to Mr Newcomes grandson Clive
Newcome and furthermore that a token of my esteem and affection a
ring or a piece of plate of the value of £100 be given to
LieutenantColonel Thomas Newcome my step son whose excellent conduct
for many years and whose repeated acts of gallantry in the service of
his sovereign have long obliterated the just feelings of displeasure
with which I could not but view his early disobedience and misbehaviour
before he quitted England against my will and entered the military
service
I beg you to prepare immediately a codicil to my will providing for
the above bequests and desire that the amount of these legacies should
be taken from the property bequeathed to my eldest son You will be so
good as to prepare the necessary document and bring it with you when
you come on Saturday to
Yours very truly
SOPHIA ALETHEA NEWCOME«
Tuesday night
I gave back the paper with a sigh to the finder »It is but a wish of Mrs
Newcome my dear Miss Ethel« I said »Pardon me if I say I think I know your
elder brother too well to suppose that he will fulfil it«
»He will fulfil it sir I am sure he will« Miss Newcome said in a haughty
manner »He would do as much without being asked I am certain he would did
he know the depth of my dear uncles misfortune Barnes is in London now and «
»And you will write to him I know what the answer will be«
»I will go to him this very day Mr Pendennis I will go to my dear dear
uncle I cannot bear to think of him in that place« cried the young lady the
tears starting into her honest eyes »It was the will of Heaven Oh God be
thanked for it Had we found my grandmammas letter earlier Barnes would have
paid the legacy immediately and the money would have gone in that dreadful
bankruptcy I will go to Barnes today Will you come with me Wont you come to
your old friends We may be at his at Clives house this evening and oh
praise be to God there need be no more want in his family«
»My dear friend I will go with you round the world on such an errand« I
said kissing her hand How beautiful she looked the generous colour rose in
her face her voice thrilled with happiness The music of Christmas church bells
leaped up at this moment with joyful gratulations the face of the old house
before which we stood talking shone out in the morning sun
»You will come thank you I must run and tell Madame de Florac« cried the
happy young lady and we entered the house together »How came you to be kissing
Ethels hand sir and what is the meaning of this early visit« asks Mrs
Laura as soon as I had returned to my own apartments
»Martha get me a carpet bag I am going to London in an hour« cries Mr
Pendennis If I had kissed Ethels hand just now delighted at the news which
she brought to me was not one a thousand times dearer to me as happy as her
friend I know who prayed with a thankful heart that day as we sped in the
almost solitary train towards London
Chapter LXXVIII
In Which The Author Goes On a Pleasant Errand
Before I parted with Miss Newcome at the station she made me promise to see her
on the morrow at an early hour at her brothers house and having bidden her
farewell and repaired to my own solitary residence which presented but a dreary
aspect on that festive day I thought I would pay Howland Street a visit and
if invited eat my Christmas dinner with Clive
I found my friend at home and at work still in spite of the day He had
promised a pair of pictures to a dealer for the morrow »He pays me pretty well
and I want all the money he will give me Pen« the painter said rubbing on at
his canvas »I am pretty easy in my mind since I have become acquainted with a
virtuous dealer I sell myself to him body and soul for some halfdozen pounds
a week I know I can get my money and he is regularly supplied with his
pictures But for Roseys illness we might carry on well enough«
Roseys illness I was sorry to hear of that and poor Clive entering into
particulars told me how he had spent upon doctors rather more than a fourth of
his years earnings »There is a solemn fellow to whom the women have taken a
fancy who lives but a few doors off in Gower Street and who for his last
sixteen visits has taken sixteen pounds sixteen shillings out of my pocket with
the most admirable gravity and as if guineas grew there He talks the fashions
to my motherinlaw My poor wife hangs on every word he says Look There is
his carriage coming up now and there is his fee confound him« says Clive
casting a rueful look towards a little packet lying upon the mantelpiece by the
side of that skinned figure in plaster of Paris which we have seen in most
studios
I looked out of window and saw a certain Fashionable Doctor tripping out of
his chariot that Ladies Delight who has subsequently migrated from Bloomsbury
to Belgravia and who has his polite foot now in a thousand nurseries and
boudoirs What Confessors were in old times Quackenboss and his like are in our
Protestant country What secrets they know into what mystic chambers do they
not enter I suppose the Campaigner made a special toilette to receive her
fashionable friend for that lady attired in considerable splendour and with
the precious jewel on her head which I remembered at Boulogne came into the
studio two minutes after the doctors visit was announced and made him a low
curtsy I cannot describe the overpowering civilities of that woman
Clive was very gracious and humble to her He adopted a lively air in
addressing her »Must work you know Christmas Day and all for the owner of
the pictures will call for them in the morning Bring me a good report about
Rosey Mrs Mackenzie please and if you will have the kindness to look by the
écorché there you will see that little packet which I have left for you« Mrs
Mack advancing took the money I thought that plaster of Paris figure was not
the only écorché in the room
»I want you to stay to dinner You must stay Pen please« cried Clive
»and be civil to her will you My dear old father is coming to dine here They
fancy that he has lodgings at the other end of the town and that his brothers
do something for him Not a word about Grey Friars It might agitate Rosey you
know Ah isnt he noble the dear old boy and isnt it fine to see him in that
place« Clive worked on as he talked using up the last remnant of the light of
Christmas Day and was cleaning his palette and brushes when Mrs Mackenzie
returned to us
Darling Rosey was very delicate but Dr Quackenboss was going to give her
the very same medicine which had done the charming young Duchess of
Clackmannanshire so much good and he was not in the least disquiet
On this I cut into the conversation with anecdotes concerning the family of
the Duchess of Clackmannanshire remembering early days when it used to be my
sport to entertain the Campaigner with anecdotes of the aristocracy about whose
proceedings she still maintained a laudable curiosity Indeed one of the few
books escaped out of the wreck of Tyburn Gardens was a Peerage now a wellworn
volume much read by Rosey and her mother
The anecdotes were very politely received perhaps it was the season which
made Mrs Mack and her soninlaw on more than ordinarily good terms When
turning to the Campaigner Clive said he wished that she could persuade me to
stay to dinner she acquiesced graciously and at once in that proposal and
vowed that her daughter would be delighted if I could condescend to eat their
humble fare »It is not such a dinner as you have seen at her house with six
side dishes two flanks that splendid epergne and the silver dishes top and
bottom but such as my Rosey has she offers with a willing heart« cries the
Campaigner
»And Tom may sit to dinner maynt he grandmamma« asks Clive in a humble
voice
»Oh if you wish it sir«
»His grandfather will like to sit by him« said Clive »I will go out and
meet him he comes through Guildford Street and Russell Square« says Clive
»Will you walk Pen«
»Oh pray dont let us detain you« says Mrs Mackenzie with a toss of her
head and when she retreated Clive whispered that she would not want me for
she looked to the roasting of the beef and the making of the pudding and the
mincepie
»I thought she might have a finger in it« I said and we set forth to meet
the dear old father who presently came walking very slowly along the line by
which we expected him His stick trembled as it fell on the pavement so did his
voice as he called out Clives name so did his hand as he stretched it to me
His body was bent and feeble Twenty years had not weakened him so much as the
last score of months I walked by the side of my two friends as they went
onwards linked lovingly together How I longed for the morrow and hoped they
might be united once more Thomas Newcomes voice once so grave went up to a
treble and became almost childish as he asked after Boy His white hair hung
over his collar I could see it by the gas under which we walked and Clives
great back and arm as his father leaned on it and his brave face turned
towards the old man O Barnes Newcome Barnes Newcome be an honest man for
once and help your kinsfolk thought I
The Christmas meal went off in a friendly manner enough The Campaigners
eyes were everywhere it was evident that the little maid who served the dinner
and had cooked a portion of it under their keen supervision cowered under them
as well as other folks Mrs Mack did not make more than ten allusions to former
splendours during the entertainment or half as many apologies to me for sitting
down to a table very different from that to which I was accustomed Good
faithful F Bayham was the only other guest He complimented the mincepies so
that Mrs Mackenzie owned she had made them The Colonel was very silent but he
tried to feed Boy and was only once or twice sternly corrected by the
Campaigner Boy in the best little words he could muster asked why grandpapa
wore a black cloak Clive nudged my foot under the table The secret of the Poor
Brothership was very nearly out The Colonel blushed and with great presence of
mind said he wore a cloak to keep him warm in winter
Rosey did not say much She had grown lean and languid the light of her
eyes had gone out all her pretty freshness had faded She ate scarce anything
though her mother pressed her eagerly and whispered loudly that a woman in her
situation ought to strengthen herself Poor Rosey was always in a situation
When the cloth was withdrawn the Colonel bending his head said »Thank
God for what we have received« so reverently and with an accent so touching
that Fred Bayhams big eyes as he turned towards the old man filled up with
tears When his mother and grandmother rose to go away poor little Boy cried to
stay longer and the Colonel would have meekly interposed but the domineering
Campaigner cried »Nonsense let him go to bed« and flounced him out of the
room and nobody appealed against that sentence Then we three remained and
strove to talk as cheerfully as we might speaking now of old times and
presently of new Without the slightest affectation Thomas Newcome told us that
his life was comfortable and that he was happy in it He wished that many
others of the old gentlemen he said were as contented as himself but some of
them grumbled sadly he owned and quarrelled with their bread and butter He
for his part had everything he could desire all the officers of the
establishment were most kind to him an excellent physician came to him when
wanted a most attentive woman waited on him »And if I wear a black gown« said
he »is not that uniform as good as another and if we have to go to church
every day at which some of the Poor Brothers grumble I think an old fellow
cant do better and I can say my prayers with a thankful heart Clivy my boy
and should be quite happy but for my for my past imprudence God forgive me
Think of Bayham here coming to our chapel today he often comes That was
very right sir very right«
Clive filling a glass of wine looked at FB with eyes that said God bless
you FB gulped down another bumper »It is almost a merry Christmas« said I
»and oh I hope it will be a happy New Year«
Shortly after nine oclock the Colonel rose to depart saying he must be in
barracks by ten and Clive and FB went a part of the way with him I would
have followed them but Clive whispered me to stay and talk to Mrs Mack for
Heavens sake and that he would be back ere long So I went and took tea with
the two ladies and as we drank it Mrs Mackenzie took occasion to tell me she
did not know what amount of income the Colonel had from his wealthy brother but
that they never received any benefit from it and again she computed to me all
the sums principal and interest which ought at that moment to belong to her
darling Rosey Rosey now and again made a feeble remark She did not seem
pleased or sorry when her husband came in and presently dropping me a little
curtsy went to bed under charge of the Campaigner So Bayham and I and Clive
retired to the studio where smoking was allowed and where we brought that
Christmas Day to an end
At the appointed time on the next forenoon I called upon Miss Newcome at her
brothers house Sir Barnes Newcome was quitting his own door as I entered it
and he eyed me with such a severe countenance as made me augur but ill of the
business upon which I came The expression of Ethels face was scarcely more
cheering she was standing at the window sternly looking at Sir Barnes who yet
lingered at his own threshold having some altercation with his cabboy ere he
mounted his vehicle to drive into the City
Miss Newcome was very pale when she advanced and gave me her hand I looked
with some alarm into her face and inquired what news
»It is as you expected Mr Pendennis« she said »not as I did My brother
is averse to making restitution He just now parted from me in some anger But
it does not matter the restitution must be made if not by Barnes by one of
our family must it not«
»God bless you for a noble creature my dear dear Miss Newcome« was all I
could say
»For doing what is right Ought I not to do it I am the eldest of our
family after Barnes I am the richest after him Our father left all his younger
children the very sum of money which Mrs Newcome here devises to Clive and you
know besides I have all my grandmothers Lady Kews property Why I dont
think I could sleep if this act of justice were not done Will you come with me
to my lawyers He and my brother Barnes are trustees of my property And I have
been thinking dear Mr Pendennis and you are very good to be so kind and to
express so kind an opinion of me and you and Laura have always always been the
best friends to me« she says this taking one of my hands and placing her other
hand over it »I have been thinking you know that this transfer had better
be made through Mr Luce you understand and as coming from the family and
then I need not appear in it at all you see and and my dear good uncles
pride need not be wounded« She fairly gave way to tears as she spoke and for
me I longed to kiss the hem of her robe or anything else she would let me
embrace I was so happy and so touched by the simple demeanour and affection of
the noble young lady
»Dear Ethel« I said »did I not say I would go to the end of the world with
you and wont I go to Lincolns Inn«
A cab was straightway sent for and in another halfhour we were in the
presence of the courtly little old Mr Luce in his chambers in Lincolns Inn
Fields
He knew the late Mrs Newcomes handwriting at once He remembered having
seen the little boy at the Hermitage had talked with Mr Newcome regarding his
son in India and had even encouraged Mrs Newcome in her idea of leaving some
token of goodwill to the latter »I was to have dined with your grandmamma on
the Saturday with my poor wife Why bless my soul I remember the circumstance
perfectly well my dear young lady There cant be a doubt about the letter but
of course the bequest is no bequest at all and Colonel Newcome has behaved so
ill to your brother that I suppose Sir Barnes will not go out of his way to
benefit the Colonel«
»What would you do Mr Luce« asks the young lady
»Hm And pray why should I tell you what I should do under the
circumstances« replied the little lawyer »Upon my word Miss Newcome I think
I should leave matters as they stand Sir Barnes and I you are aware are not
the very best of friends As your fathers your grandmothers old friend and
adviser and your own too my dear young lady I and Sir Barnes Newcome remain
on civil terms But neither is overmuch pleased with the other to say the
truth and at any rate I cannot be accused nor can any one else that I know
of of being a very warm partisan of your brothers But candidly were his
case mine had I a relation who had called me unpleasant names and threatened
me I dont know with what with sword and pistol who had put me to five or six
thousand pounds expense in contesting an election which I had lost I should
give him I think no more than the law obliged me to give him and that my
dear Miss Newcome is not one farthing«
»I am very glad you say so« said Miss Newcome rather to my astonishment
»Of course my dear young lady and so you need not be alarmed at showing
your brother this document Is not that the point about which you came to
consult me You wished that I should prepare him for the awful disclosure did
you not You know perhaps that he does not like to part with his money and
thought the appearance of this note to me might agitate him It has been a long
time coming to its address but nothing can be done dont you see and be sure
Sir Barnes Newcome will not be the least agitated when I tell him its contents«
»I mean I am very glad you think my brother is not called upon to obey Mrs
Newcomes wishes because I need not think so hardly of him as I was disposed to
do« Miss Newcome said »I showed him the paper this morning and he repelled it
with scorn and not kind words passed between us Mr Luce and unkind thoughts
remained in my mind But if he you think is justified it is I who have been
in the wrong for saying that he was self for upbraiding him as I own I did«
»You called him selfish you had words with him Such things have happened
before my dear Miss Newcome in the bestregulated families«
»But if he is not wrong sir holding his opinions surely I should be
wrong sir with mine not to do as my conscience tells me and having found
this paper only yesterday at Newcome in the library there in one of my
grandmothers books I consulted with this gentleman the husband of my dearest
friend Mrs Pendennis the most intimate friend of my uncle and cousin Clive
and I wish and I desire and insist that my share of what my poor father left
us girls should be given to my cousin Mr Clive Newcome in accordance with my
grandmothers dying wishes«
»My dear you gave away your portion to your brothers and sisters ever so
long ago« cried the lawyer
»I desire sir that six thousand pounds may be given to my cousin« Miss
Newcome said blushing deeply »My dear uncle the best man in the world whom I
love with all my heart sir is in the most dreadful poverty Do you know where
he is sir My dear kind generous uncle« And kindling as she spoke and with
eyes beaming a bright kindness and flushing cheeks and a voice that thrilled
to the heart of those two who heard her Miss Newcome went on to tell of her
uncles and cousins misfortunes and of her wish under God to relieve them I
see before me now the figure of the noble girl as she speaks the pleased little
old lawyer bobbing his white head looking up at her with his twinkling eyes
patting his knees patting his snuffbox as he sits before his tapes and his
deeds surrounded by a great background of tin boxes
»And I understand you want this money paid as coming from the family and
not from Miss Newcome« says Mr Luce
»Coming from the family exactly« answers Miss Newcome
Mr Luce rose up from his old chair his wornout old horsehair chair
where he had sat for half a century and listened to many a speaker very
different from this one »Mr Pendennis« he said »I envy you your journey
along with this young lady I envy you the good news you are going to carry to
your friends And Miss Newcome as I am an old old gentleman who have known
your family these sixty years and saw your father in his long clothes may I
tell you how heartily and sincerely I I love and respect you my dear When
should you wish Mr Clive Newcome to have his legacy«
»I think I should like Mr Pendennis to have it this instant Mr Luce
please« said the young lady and her veil dropped over her face as she bent her
head down and clasped her hands together for a moment as if she was praying
Mr Luce laughed at her impetuosity but said that if she was bent upon
having the money it was at her instant service and before we left the room
Mr Luce prepared a letter addressed to Clive Newcome Esquire in which he
stated that amongst the books of the late Mrs Newcome a paper had only just
been found of which a copy was enclosed and that the family of the late Sir
Brian Newcome desirous to do honour to the wishes of the late Mrs Newcome had
placed the sum of £6000 at the bank of Messrs H W at the disposal of Mr
Clive Newcome of whom Mr Luce had the honour to sign himself the most obedient
servant etc And the letter approved and copied Mr Luce said Mr Pendennis
might be the postman thereof if Miss Newcome so willed it and with this
document in my pocket I quitted the lawyers chambers with my good and
beautiful young companion
Our cab had been waiting several hours in Lincolns Inn Fields and I asked
Miss Ethel whither I now should conduct her
»Where is Grey Friars« she said »Maynt I go to see my uncle«
Chapter LXXIX
In Which Old Friends Come Together
We made the descent of Snowhill we passed by the miry pens of Smithfield we
travel through the street of St John and presently reach the ancient gateway
in Cistercian Square where lies the old Hospital of Grey Friars I passed
through the gate my fair young companion on my arm and made my way to the
rooms occupied by Brother Newcome
As we traversed the court the Poor Brothers were coming from dinner A
couple of score or more of old gentlemen in black gowns issued from the door of
their refectory and separated over the court betaking themselves to their
chambers Ethels arm trembled under mine as she looked at one and another
expecting to behold her dear uncles familiar features But he was not among the
brethren We went to his chamber of which the door was open A female attendant
was arranging the room She told us Colonel Newcome was out for the day and
thus our journey had been made in vain
Ethel went round the apartment and surveyed its simple decorations she
looked at the pictures of Clive and his boy the two sabres crossed over the
mantelpiece the Bible laid on the table by the old latticed window She walked
slowly up to the humble bed and sate down on a chair near it No doubt her
heart prayed for him who slept there She turned round where his black
Pensioners cloak was hanging on the wall and lifted up the homely garment and
kissed it The servant looked on admiring I should think her melancholy and
her gracious beauty I whispered to the woman that the young lady was the
Colonels niece »He has a son who comes here and is very handsome too« said
the attendant
The two women spoke together for a while »O miss« cried the elder and
humbler evidently astonished at some gratuity which Miss Newcome bestowed upon
her »I didnt want this to be good to him Everybody here loves him for
himself and I would sit up for him for weeks that I would«
My companion took a pencil from her bag and wrote »Ethel« on a piece of
paper and laid the paper on the Bible Darkness had again fallen by this time
feeble lights were twinkling in the chamber windows of the Poor Brethren as we
issued into the courts feeble lights illumining a dim grey melancholy old
scene Many a career once bright was flickering out here in the darkness many
a night was closing in We went away silently from that quiet place and in
another minute were in the flare and din and tumult of London
»The Colonel is most likely gone to Clives« I said Would not Miss Newcome
follow him thither We consulted whether she should go She took heart and said
yes »Drive cabman to Howland Street« The horse was no doubt tired for the
journey seemed extraordinarily long I think neither of us spoke a word on the
way
I ran upstairs to prepare our friends for the visit Clive his wife his
father and his motherinlaw were seated by a dim light in Mrs Clives
sittingroom Rosey on the sofa as usual the little boy on his grandfathers
knees
I hardly made a bow to the ladies so eager was I to communicate with
Colonel Newcome »I have just been to your quarters at Grey Friars sir« said
I »That is «
»You have been to the Hospital sir You need not be ashamed to mention it
as Colonel Newcome is not ashamed to go there« cried out the Campaigner
»Pray speak in your own language Clive unless there is something not fit for
ladies to hear« Clive was growling out to me in German that there had just been
a terrible scene his father having a quarter of an hour previously let slip
the secret about Grey Friars
»Say at once Clive« the Campaigner cried rising in her might and
extending a great strong arm over her helpless child »that Colonel Newcome owns
that he has gone to live as a pauper in a hospital He who has squandered his
own money he who has squandered my money he who has squandered the money of
that darling helpless child compose yourself Rosey my love has completed
the disgrace of the family by his present mean and unworthy yes I say mean
and unworthy and degraded conduct Oh my child my blessed child to think that
your husbands father should have come to a workhouse« Whilst this maternal
agony bursts over her Rosey on the sofa bleats and whimpers amongst the faded
chintz cushions
I took Clives hand which was cast up to his head striking his forehead
with mad impotent rage whilst this fiend of a woman lashed his good father The
veins of his great fist were swollen his whole body was throbbing and trembling
with the helpless pain under which he writhed »Colonel Newcomes friends
maam« I said »think very differently from you and that he is a better judge
than you or any one else of his own honour We all who loved him in his
prosperity love and respect him more than ever for the manner in which he bears
his misfortune Do you suppose that his noble friend the Earl of H would
have counselled him to a step unworthy of a gentleman that the Prince de
Montcontour would applaud his conduct as he does if he did not think it
admirable« I can hardly say with what scorn I used this argument or what depth
of contempt I felt for the woman whom I knew it would influence »And at this
minute« I added »I have come from visiting the Grey Friars with one of the
Colonels relatives whose love and respect for him is boundless who longs to
be reconciled to him and who is waiting below eager to shake his hand and
embrace Clives wife«
»Who is that« says the Colonel looking gently up as he pats Boys head
»Who is it Pen« says Clive I said in a low voice »Ethel« and starting
up and crying »Ethel Ethel« he ran from the room
Little Mrs Rosey started up too on her sofa clutching hold of the
tablecover with her lean hand and the two red spots on her cheeks burning more
fiercely than ever I could see what passion was beating in that poor little
heart Heaven help us what a restingplace had friends and parents prepared for
it
»Miss Newcome is it My darling Rosey get on your shawl« cried the
Campaigner a grim smile lighting her face
»It is Ethel Ethel is my niece I used to love her when she was quite a
little girl« says the Colonel patting Boy on the head »and she is a very
good beautiful little child a very good child« The torture had been too much
for that kind old heart there were times when Thomas Newcome passed beyond it
What still maddened Clive excited his father no more the pain yonder woman
inflicted only felled and stupefied him
As the door opened the little whiteheaded child trotted forward towards
the visitor and Ethel entered on Clives arm who was as haggard and pale as
death Little Boy looking up at the stately lady still followed beside her as
she approached her uncle who remained sitting his head bent to the ground His
thoughts were elsewhere Indeed he was following the child and about to caress
it again
»Here is a friend father« says Clive laying a hand on the old mans
shoulder »It is I Ethel uncle« the young lady said taking his hand and
kneeling down between his knees she flung her arms round him and kissed him
and wept on his shoulder His consciousness had quite returned ere an instant
was over He embraced her with the warmth of his old affection uttering many
brief words of love kindness and tenderness such as men speak when strongly
moved
The little boy had come wondering up to the chair whilst this embrace took
place and Clives tall figure bent over the three Roseys eyes were not good
to look at as she stared at the group with a ghastly smile Mrs Mackenzie
surveyed the scene in a haughty state from behind the sofa cushions She tried
to take one of Roseys lean hot hands The poor child tore it away leaving her
rings behind her lifted her hands to her face and cried cried as if her
little heart would break Ah me what a story was there what an outburst of
pentup feeling what a passion of pain The ring had fallen to the ground the
little boy crept towards it and picked it up and came towards his mother
fixing on her his large wondering eyes »Mamma crying Mammas ring« he said
holding up the circle of gold With more feeling than I had ever seen her
exhibit she clasped the boy in her wasted arms Great heaven what passion
jealousy grief despair were tearing and trying all these hearts that but for
fate might have been happy
Clive went round and with the utmost sweetness and tenderness hanging round
his child and wife soothed her with words of consolation that in truth I scarce
heard being ashamed almost of being present at this sudden scene No one
however took notice of the witnesses and even Mrs Mackenzies voice was
silent for the moment I dare say Clives words were incoherent But women have
more presence of mind and now Ethel with a noble grace which I cannot attempt
to describe going up to Rosey seated herself by her spoke of her long grief
at the differences between her dearest uncle and herself of her early days
when he had been as a father to her of her wish her hope that Rosey should
love her as a sister and of her belief that better days and happiness were in
store for them all And she spoke to the mother about her boy so beautiful and
intelligent and told her how she had brought up her brothers children and
hoped that this one too would call her Aunt Ethel She would not stay now might
she come again Would Rosey come to her with her little boy Would he kiss her
He did so with a very good grace but when Ethel at parting embraced the childs
mother Roseys face wore a smile ghastly to look at and the lips that touched
Ethels cheeks were quite white
»I shall come and see you again tomorrow uncle may I not I saw your room
today sir and your housekeeper such a nice old lady and your black gown
And you shall put it on tomorrow and walk with me and show me the beautiful
old buildings of the old hospital And I shall come and make tea for you the
housekeeper says I may Will you come down with me to my carriage No Mr
Pendennis must come« and she quitted the room beckoning me after her »You
will speak to Clive now wont you« she said »and come to me this evening and
tell me all before you go to bed« I went back anxious in truth to be the
messenger of good tidings to my dear old friends
Brief as my absence had been Mrs Mackenzie had taken advantage of that
moment again to outrage Clive and his father and to announce that Rosey might
go to see this Miss Newcome whom people respected because she was rich but
whom she would never visit no never »An insolent proud impertinent thing
Does she take me for a housemaid« Mrs Mackenzie had inquired »Am I dust to be
trampled beneath her feet Am I a dog that she cant throw me a word« Her arms
were stretched out and she was making this inquiry as to her own canine
qualities as I reentered the room and remembered that Ethel had never once
addressed a single word to Mrs Mackenzie in the course of her visit
I affected not to perceive the incident and presently said that I wanted to
speak to Clive in his studio Knowing that I had brought my friend one or two
commissions for drawings Mrs Mackenzie was civil to me and did not object to
our colloquies
»Will you come too and smoke a pipe father« says Clive
»Of course your father intends to stay to dinner« says the Campaigner with
a scornful toss of her head Clive groaned out as we were on the stair »hat he
could not bear this much longer by heavens he could not«
»Give the Colonel his pipe Clive« said I »Now sir down with you in
the sitters chair and smoke the sweetest cheroot you ever smoked in your life
My dear dear old Clive you need not bear with the Campaigner any longer you
may go to bed without this nightmare tonight if you like you may have your
father back under your roof again«
»My dear Arthur I must be back at ten sir back at ten military time
drum beats no bell tolls at ten and gates close« and he laughed and shook
his old head »Besides I am to see a young lady sir and she is coming to make
tea for me and I must speak to Mrs Jones to have all things ready all things
ready« and again the old man laughed as he spoke
His son looked at him and then at me with eyes full of sad meaning »How do
you mean Arthur« Clive said »that he can come and stay with me and that that
woman can go«
Then feeling in my pocket for Mr Luces letter I grasped my dear Clive by
the hand and bade him prepare for good news I told him how providentially two
days since Ethel in the library at Newcome looking into Ormes History of
India a book which old Mrs Newcome had been reading on the night of her death
had discovered a paper of which the accompanying letter enclosed a copy and I
gave my friend the letter
He opened it and read it through I cannot say that I saw any particular
expression of wonder in his countenance for somehow all the while Clive
perused this document I was looking at the Colonels sweet kind face »It it
is Ethels doing« said Clive in a hurried voice »There was no such letter«
»Upon my honour« I answered »there was We came up to London with it last
night a few hours after she had found it We showed it to Sir Barnes Newcome
who who could not disown it We took it to Mr Luce who recognized it at
once who was old Mrs Newcomes man of business and continues to be the family
lawyer and the family recognizes the legacy and has paid it and you may draw
for it tomorrow as you see What a piece of good luck it is that it did not
come before the BB.C. time That confounded Bundelcund Bank would have
swallowed up this like all the rest«
»Father father do you remember Ormes History of India« cries Clive
»Ormes History of course I do I could repeat whole pages of it when I was
a boy« says the old man and began forthwith »The two battalions advanced
against each other cannonading until the French coming to a hollow way
imagined that the English would not venture to pass it But Major Lawrence
ordered the sepoys and artillery the sepoys and artillery to halt and defend
the convoy against the Morattoes Morattoes Orme calls em Ho ho I could
repeat whole pages sir«
»It is the best book that ever was written« calls out Clive The Colonel
said he had not read it but he was informed Mr Mills was a very learned
history he intended to read it »Eh there is plenty of time now« said the
good Colonel »I have all day long at Grey Friars after chapel you know Do
you know sir when I was a boy I used what they call to tib out and run down to
a publichouse in Cistercian Lane the Red Cow sir and buy rum there I was
a terrible wild boy Clivy you werent so sir thank Heaven a terrible wild
boy and my poor father flogged me though I think it was very hard on me It
wasnt the pain you know it wasnt the pain but « Here tears came into his
eyes and he dropped his head on his hand and the cigar from it fell on to the
floor burnt almost out and scattering white ashes
Clive looked sadly at me »He was often so at Boulogne Arthur« he
whispered »After a scene with that that woman yonder his head would go He
never replied to her taunts he bore her infernal cruelty without an unkind
word Oh I can pay her back thank God I can pay her But who shall pay her«
he said trembling in every limb »for what she has made that good man suffer«
He turned to his father who still sate lost in his meditations »You need
never go back to Grey Friars father« he cried out
»Not go back Clivy Must go back boy to say Adsum when my name is called
Newcome Adsum Hey that is what we used to say we used to say«
»You need not go back except to pack your things and return and live with
me and Boy« Clive continued and he told Colonel Newcome rapidly the story of
the legacy The old man seemed hardly to comprehend it When he did the news
scarcely elated him when Clive said »they could now pay Mrs Mackenzie« the
Colonel replied »Quite right quite right« and added up the sum principal and
interest in which they were indebted to her he knew it well enough the good
old man »Of course we shall pay her Clivy when we can« But in spite of what
Clive had said he did not appear to understand the fact that the debt to Mrs
Mackenzie was now actually to be paid
As we were talking a knock came to the studio door and that summons was
followed by the entrance of the maid who said to Clive »If you please sir
Mrs Mackenzie says how long are you agoing to keep the dinner waiting«
»Come father come to dinner« cries Clive »And Pen you will come too
wont you« he added »it may be the last time you dine in such pleasant
company Come along« he whispered hurriedly »I should like you to be there it
will keep her tongue quiet« As we proceeded to the diningroom I gave the
Colonel my arm and the good man prattled to me something about Mrs Mackenzie
having taken shares in the Bundelcund Banking Company and about her not being a
woman of business and fancying we had spent her money »And I have always felt
a wish that Clivy should pay her and he will pay her I know he will« says
the Colonel »and then we shall lead a quiet life Arthur for between
ourselves some women are the deuce when they are angry sir« And again he
laughed as he told me this sly news and he bowed meekly his gentle old head as
we entered the diningroom
That apartment was occupied by little Boy already seated in his high chair
and by the Campaigner only who stood at the mantelpiece in a majestic attitude
On parting with her before we adjourned to Clives studio I had made my bow
and taken my leave in form not supposing that I was about to enjoy her
hospitality yet once again My return did not seem to please her »Does Mr
Pendennis favour us with his company to dinner again Clive« she said turning
to her soninlaw Clive curtly said Yes he had asked Mr Pendennis to stay
»You might at least have been so kind as to give me notice« says the
Campaigner still majestic but ironical »You will have but a poor meal Mr
Pendennis and one such as I am not accustomed to give my guests«
»Cold beef what the deuce does it matter« says Clive beginning to carve
the joint which hot had served our yesterdays Christmas table
»It does matter sir I am not accustomed to treat my guests in this way
Maria who has been cutting that beef Three pounds of that beef have been cut
away since one oclock today« and with flashing eyes and a finger twinkling
all over with rings she pointed towards the guilty joint
Whether Maria had been dispensing secret charities or kept company with an
occult policeman partial to roast beef I do not know but she looked very much
alarmed and said Indeed and indeed mum she had not touched a morsel of it
not she
»Confound the beef« says Clive carving on
»She has been cutting it« cries the Campaigner bringing her fist down with
a thump upon the table »Mr Pendennis you saw the beef yesterday eighteen
pounds it weighed and this is what comes up of it As if there was not already
ruin enough in the house«
»Dn the beef« cries out Clive
»No no thank God for our good dinner Benedicti benedicamus Clivy my
boy« says the Colonel in a tremulous voice
»Swear on sir let the child hear your oaths Let my blessed child who is
too ill to sit at table and picks her bit of sweetbread on her sofa which her
poor mother prepares for her Mr Pendennis which I cooked it and gave it to
her with these hands let her hear your curses and blasphemies Clive Newcome
they are loud enough«
»Do let us have a quiet life« groans out Clive and for me I confess I
kept my eyes steadily down upon my plate nor dared to lift them until my
portion of cold beef had vanished
No further outbreak took place until the appearance of the second course
which consisted as the ingenious reader may suppose of the plumpudding now
in a grilled state and the remanent mincepies from yesterdays meal Maria I
thought looked particularly guilty as these delicacies were placed on the
table she set them down hastily and was for operating an instant retreat
But the Campaigner shrieked after her »Who has eaten that pudding I insist
upon knowing who has eaten it I saw it at two oclock when I went down to the
kitchen and fried a bit for my darling child and theres pounds of it gone
since then There were five mincepies Mr Pendennis you saw yourself there
were five went away from table yesterday Wheres the other two Maria You
leave the house this night you thieving wicked wretch and Ill thank you to
come back to me afterwards for a character Thirteen servants have we had in
nine months Mr Pendennis and this girl is the worst of them all and the
greatest liar and the greatest thief«
At this charge the outraged Maria stood up in arms and as the phrase is
gave the Campaigner as good as she got Go wouldnt she go Pay her her wages
and let her go out of that ell upon hearth was Marias prayer »It isnt you
sir« she said turning to Clive »You are good enough and works hard enough to
get the guineas which you give out to pay that Doctor and she dont pay him
and I see five of them in her purse wrapped up in paper myself I did and she
abuses you to him and I heard her and Jane Black who was here before told
me she heard her Go wont I just go I despises your puddens and pies« and
with a laugh of scorn this rude Maria snapped her black fingers in the immediate
vicinity of the Campaigners nose
»I will pay her her wages and she shall go this instant« says Mrs
Mackenzie taking her purse out
»Pay me with them suvverings that you have got in it wrapped up in paper
See if she havent Mr Newcome« the refractory waitingwoman cried out and
again she raised a strident laugh
Mrs Mackenzie briskly shut her portemonnaie and rose up from table
quivering with indignant virtue »Go« she exclaimed »go and pack your trunks
this instant You quit the house this night and a policeman shall see to your
boxes before you leave it«
Whilst uttering this sentence against the guilty Maria the Campaigner had
intended no doubt to replace her purse in her pocket a handsome filigree
gimcrack of poor Roseys one of the relics of former splendours but agitated
by Marias insolence the trembling hand missed the mark and the purse fell to
the ground
Maria dashed at the purse in a moment with a scream of laughter shook its
contents upon the table and sure enough five little packets wrapped in paper
rolled out upon the cloth besides banknotes and silver and golden coin »Im
to go am I Im a thief am I« screamed the girl clapping her hands »I sor
em yesterday when I was alacing of her and thought of that pore young man
working night and day to get the money Me a thief indeed I despise you and
I give you warning«
»Do you wish to see me any longer insulted by this woman Clive Mr
Pendennis I am shocked that you should witness such horrible vulgarity« cries
the Campaigner turning to her guest »Does the wretched creature suppose that I
I who have given thousands I who have denied myself everything I who have
spent my all in support of this house and Colonel Newcome knows whether I have
given thousands or not and who has spent them and who has been robbed I say
and «
»Here you Maria go about your business« shouted out Clive Newcome
starting up »go and pack your trunks if you like and pack this womans trunks
too Mrs Mackenzie I can bear you no more Go in peace and if you wish to
see your daughter she shall come to you but I will never so help me God
sleep under the same roof with you or break the same crust with you or bear
your infernal cruelty or sit to hear my father insulted or listen to your
wicked pride and folly more There has not been a day since you thrust your
cursed foot into our wretched house but you have tortured one and all of us
Look here at the best gentleman and the kindest heart in all the world you
fiend and see to what a condition you have brought him Dearest father she
is going do you hear She leaves us and you will come back to me wont you
Great God woman« he gasped out »do you know what you have made me suffer
what you have done to this good man Pardon father pardon« and he sank down
by his fathers side sobbing with passionate emotion The old man even now did
not seem to comprehend the scene When he heard that womans voice in anger a
sort of stupor came over him
»I am a fiend am I« cries the lady »You hear Mr Pendennis this is
the language to which I am accustomed I am a widow and I trusted my child and
my all to that old man He robbed me and my darling of almost every farthing we
had and what has been my return for such baseness I have lived in this house
and toiled like a slave I have acted as servant to my blessed child night
after night I have sate with her and month after month when her husband has
been away I have nursed that poor innocent and the father having robbed me
the son turns me out of doors«
A sad thing it was to witness and a painful proof how frequent were these
battles that as this one raged the poor little boy sat almost careless whilst
his bewildered grandfather stroked his golden head »It is quite clear to me
madam« I said turning to Mrs Mackenzie »that you and your soninlaw are
better apart and I came to tell him today of a most fortunate legacy which has
just been left to him and which will enable him to pay you tomorrow morning
every shilling every shilling which he does NOT owe you«
»I will not leave this house until I am paid every shilling of which I have
been robbed« hissed out Mrs Mackenzie and she sate down folding her arms
across her chest
»I am sorry« groaned out Clive wiping the sweat off his brow »I used a
harsh word I will never sleep under the same roof with you Tomorrow I will
pay you what you claim and the best chance I have of forgiving you the evil
which you have done me is that we never should meet again Will you give me a
bed at your house Arthur Father will you come out and walk Goodnight
Mrs Mackenzie Pendennis will settle with you in the morning You will not be
here if you please when I return and so God forgive you and farewell«
Mrs Mackenzie in a tragic manner dashed aside the hand which poor Clive
held out to her and disappeared from the scene of this dismal dinner Boy
presently fell acrying in spite of all the battle and fury there was sleep in
his eyes
»Maria is too busy I suppose to put him to bed« said Clive with a sad
smile »shall we do it father Come Tommy my son« and he folded his arms
round the child and walked with him to the upper regions The old mans eyes
lighted up his scared thoughts returned to him he followed his two children up
the stairs and saw his grandson in his little bed and as we walked home with
him he told me how sweetly Boy said Our Father and prayed God bless all those
who loved him as they laid him to rest
So these three generations had joined in that supplication the strong man
humbled by trial and grief whose loyal heart was yet full of love the child
of the sweet age of those little ones whom the Blessed Speaker of the prayer
first bade to come unto Him and the old man whose heart was wellnigh as
tender and as innocent and whose day was approaching when he should be drawn to
the bosom of the Eternal Pity
Chapter LXXX
In Which The Colonel Says »Adsum« When His Name Is Called
The vow which Clive had uttered never to share bread with his motherinlaw or
sleep under the same roof with her was broken on the very next day A stronger
will than the young mans intervened and he had to confess the impotence of his
wrath before that superior power In the forenoon of the day following that
unlucky dinner I went with my friend to the bankinghouse whither Mr Luces
letter directed us and carried away with me the principal sum in which the
Campaigner said Colonel Newcome was indebted to her with the interest
accurately computed and reimbursed Clive went off with a pocket full of money
to the dear old Poor Brother of Grey Friars and he promised to return with his
father and dine with my wife in Queen Square I had received a letter from
Laura by the mornings post announcing her return by the expresstrain from
Newcome and desiring that a spare bedroom should be got ready for a friend who
accompanied her
On reaching Howland Street Clives door was opened rather to my surprise
by the rebellious maid who had received her dismissal on the previous night
and the doctors carriage drove up as she was still speaking to me The polite
practitioner sped upstairs to Mrs Newcomes apartment Mrs Mackenzie in a
robedechambre and cap very different from yesterdays came out eagerly to
meet the physician on the landing Ere they had been a quarter of an hour
together arrived a cab which discharged an elderly person with her bandbox
and bundles I had no difficulty in recognizing a professional nurse in the
newcomer She too disappeared into the sickroom and left me sitting in the
neighbouring chamber the scene of the last nights quarrel
Hither presently came to me Maria the maid She said she had not the heart
to go away now she was wanted that they had passed a sad night and that no one
had been to bed Master Tommy was below and the landlady taking care of him
the landlord had gone out for the nurse Mrs Clive had been taken bad after Mr
Clive went away the night before Mrs Mackenzie had gone to the poor young
thing and there she went on crying and screaming and stamping as she used
to do in her tantrums which was most cruel of her and made Mrs Clive so ill
And presently the young lady began my informant told me She came screaming
into the sittingroom her hair over her shoulders calling out she was
deserted deserted and would like to die She was like a mad woman for some
time She had fit after fit of hysterics and there was her mother kneeling
and crying and calling out to her darling child to calm herself which it was
all her own doing and she had much better have held her own tongue remarked
the resolute Maria I understood only too well from the girls account what had
happened and that Clive if resolved to part with his motherinlaw should not
have left her even for twelve hours in possession of his house The wretched
woman whose Self was always predominant and who though she loved her daughter
after her own fashion never forgot her own vanity or passion had improved the
occasion of Clives absence worked upon her childs weakness jealousy
illhealth and driven her no doubt into the fever which yonder physician was
called to quell
The doctor presently enters to write a prescription followed by Clives
motherinlaw who had cast Roseys fine Cashmere shawl over her shoulders to
hide her disarray »You here still Mr Pendennis« she exclaims She knew I was
there Had not she changed her dress in order to receive me
»I have to speak to you for two minutes on important business and then I
shall go« I replied gravely
»O sir to what a scene you have come To what a state has Clives conduct
last night driven my darling child«
As the odious woman spoke so the doctors keen eyes looking up from the
prescription caught mine »I declare before Heaven madam« I said hotly »I
believe you yourself are the cause of your daughters present illness as you
have been of the misery of my friends«
»Is this sir« she was breaking out »is this language to be used to «
»Madam will you be silent« I said »I am come to bid you farewell on the
part of those whom your temper has driven into infernal torture I am come to
pay you every halfpenny of the sum which my friends do not owe you but which
they restore Here is the account and here is the money to settle it And I
take this gentleman to witness to whom no doubt you have imparted what you
call your wrongs« the doctor smiled and shrugged his shoulders »that now you
are paid«
»A widow a poor lonely insulted widow« cries the Campaigner with
trembling hands taking possession of the notes
»And I wish to know« I continued »when my friends house will be free to
him and he can return in peace«
Here Roseys voice was heard from the inner apartment screaming »Mamma
mamma«
»I go to my child sir« she said »If Captain Mackenzie had been alive you
would not have dared to insult me so« And carrying off her money she left us
»Cannot she be got out of the house« I said to the doctor »My friend will
never return until she leaves it It is my belief she is the cause of her
daughters present illness«
»Not altogether my dear sir Mrs Newcome was in a very very delicate
state of health Her mother is a lady of impetuous temper who expresses herself
very strongly too strongly I own In consequence of unpleasant family
discussions which no physician can prevent Mrs Newcome has been wrought up to
a state of of agitation Her fever is in fact at present very high You know
her condition I am apprehensive of ulterior consequences I have recommended an
excellent and experienced nurse to her Mr Smith the medical man at the
corner is a most able practitioner I shall myself call again in a few hours
and I trust that after the event which I apprehend everything will go well«
»Cannot Mrs Mackenzie leave the house sir« I asked
»Her daughter cries out for her at every moment Mrs Mackenzie is certainly
not a judicious nurse but in Mrs Newcomes present state I cannot take upon
myself to separate them Mr Newcome may return and I do think and believe that
his presence may tend to impose silence and restore tranquillity«
I had to go back to Clive with these gloomy tidings The poor fellow must
put up a bed in his studio and there await the issue of his wifes illness I
saw Thomas Newcome could not sleep under his sons roof that night That dear
meeting which both so desired was delayed who could say for how long
»The Colonel may come to us« I thought »our old house is big enough« I
guessed who was the friend coming in my wifes company and pleased myself by
thinking that two friends so dear should meet in our home Bent upon these
plans I repaired to Grey Friars and to Thomas Newcomes chamber there
Bayham opened the door when I knocked and came towards me with a finger on
his lip and a sad sad countenance He closed the door gently behind him and
led me into the court »Clive is with him and Miss Newcome He is very ill He
does not know them« said Bayham with a sob »He calls out for both of them
they are sitting there and he does not know them«
In a brief narrative broken by more honest tears Fred Bayham as we paced
up and down the court told me what had happened The old man must have passed a
sleepless night for on going to his chamber in the morning his attendant found
him dressed in his chair and his bed undisturbed He must have sate all through
the bitter night without a fire but his hands were burning hot and he rambled
in his talk He spoke of some one coming to drink tea with him pointed to the
fire and asked why it was not made He would not go to bed though the nurse
pressed him The bell began to ring for morning chapel He got up and went
towards his gown groping towards it as though he could hardly see and put it
over his shoulders and would go out But he would have fallen in the court if
the good nurse had not given him her arm and the physician of the hospital
passing fortunately at this moment who had always been a great friend of
Colonel Newcomes insisted upon leading him back to his room again and got him
to bed »When the bell stopped he wanted to rise once more He fancied he was a
boy at school again« said the nurse »and that he was going in to Dr Raine
who was schoolmaster here ever so many years ago« So it was that when happier
days seemed to be dawning for the good man that reprieve came too late Grief
and years and humiliation and care and cruelty had been too strong for him
and Thomas Newcome was stricken down
Bayhams story told I entered the room over which the twilight was
falling and saw the figures of Clive and Ethel seated at each end of the bed
The poor old man within it was calling incoherent sentences I had to call Clive
from the present grief before him with intelligence of further sickness
awaiting him at home Our poor patient did not heed what I said to his son »You
must go home to Rosey« Ethel said »She will be sure to ask for her husband
and forgiveness is best dear Clive I will stay with uncle I will never leave
him Please God he will be better in the morning when you come back« So
Clives duty called him to his own sad home and the bearer of dismal tidings
I returned to mine The fires were lit there and the table spread and kind
hearts were waiting to welcome the friend who never more was to enter my door
It may be imagined that the intelligence which I brought alarmed and
afflicted my wife and Madame de Florac our guest Laura immediately went away
to Roseys house to offer her services if needed The accounts which she brought
thence were very bad Clive came to her for a minute or two but Mrs Mackenzie
could not see her Should she not bring the little boy home to her children
Laura asked and Clive thankfully accepted that offer The little man slept in
our nursery that night and was at play with our young ones on the morrow
happy and unconscious of the fate impending over his home
Yet two more days passed and I had to take two advertisements to the Times
newspaper on the part of poor Clive Among the announcements of Births was
printed »On the 28th in Howland Street Mrs Clive Newcome of a son
stillborn« And a little lower in the third division of the same column
appeared the words »On the 29th in Howland Street aged 26 Rosa wife of
Clive Newcome Esq« So one day shall the names of all of us be written there
to be deplored by how many to be remembered how long to occasion what tears
praises sympathy censure yet for a day or two while the busy world has time
to recollect us who have passed beyond it So this poor little flower had
bloomed for its little day and pined and withered and perished There was
only one friend by Clives side following the humble procession which laid poor
Rosey and her child out of sight of a world that had been but unkind to her Not
many tears were there to water her lonely little grave A grief that was akin to
shame and remorse humbled him as he knelt over her Poor little harmless lady
no more childish triumphs and vanities no more hidden griefs are you to enjoy
or suffer and earth closes over your simple pleasures and tears The snow was
falling and whitening the coffin as they lowered it into the ground It was at
the same cemetery in which Lady Kew was buried I dare say the same clergyman
read the same service over the two graves as he will read it for you or any of
us tomorrow and until his own turn comes Come away from the place poor
Clive Come sit with your orphan little boy and bear him on your knee and hug
him to your heart He seems yours now and all a fathers love may pour out upon
him Until this hour Fate uncontrollable and homely tyranny had separated him
from you
It was touching to see the eagerness and tenderness with which the great
strong man now assumed the guardianship of the child and endowed him with his
entire wealth of affection The little boy now ran to Clive whenever he came in
and sat for hours prattling to him He would take the boy out to walk and from
our windows we could see Clives black figure striding over the snow in St
Jamess Park the little man trotting beside him or perched on his fathers
shoulder My wife and I looked at them one morning as they were making their way
towards the City »He has inherited that loving heart from his father« Laura
said »and he is paying over the whole property to his son«
Clive and the boy sometimes with him used to go daily to Grey Friars where
the Colonel still lay ill After some days the fever which had attacked him
left him but left him so weak and enfeebled that he could only go from his bed
to the chair by his fireside The season was exceedingly bitter the chamber
which he inhabited was warm and spacious it was considered unadvisable to move
him until he had attained greater strength and till warmer weather The medical
men of the House hoped he might rally in spring My friend Dr Goodenough came
to him he hoped too but not with a hopeful face A chamber luckily vacant
hard by the Colonels was assigned to his friends where we sate when we were
too many for him Besides his customary attendant he had two dear and watchful
nurses who were almost always with him Ethel and Madame de Florac who had
passed many a faithful year by an old mans bedside who would have come as to
a work of religion to any sick couch much more to this one where he lay for
whose life she would once gladly have given her own
But our Colonel we all were obliged to acknowledge was no more our friend
of old days He knew us again and was good to every one round him as his wont
was Especially when Boy came his old eyes lighted up with simple happiness
and with eager trembling hands he would seek under his bedclothes or the
pockets of his dressinggown for toys or cakes which he had caused to be
purchased for his grandson There was a little laughing redcheeked
whiteheaded gownboy of the school to whom the old man had taken a great
fancy One of the symptoms of his returning consciousness and recovery as we
hoped was his calling for this child who pleased our friend by his archness
and merry ways and who to the old gentlemans unfailing delight used to call
him »Codd Colonel« »Tell little F that Codd Colonel wants to see him« and
the little gownboy was brought to him and the Colonel would listen to him for
hours and hear all about his lessons and his play and prattle almost as
childishly about Dr Raine and his own early schooldays The boys of the
school it must be said had heard the noble old gentlemans touching history
and had all got to know and love him They came every day to hear news of him
sent him in books and papers to amuse him and some benevolent young souls
Gods blessing on all honest boys say I painted theatrical characters and
sent them in to Codd Colonels grandson The little fellow was made free of
gownboys and once came thence to his grandfather in a little gown which
delighted the old man hugely Boy said he would like to be a little gownboy
and I make no doubt when he is old enough his father will get him that post
and put him under the tuition of my friend Dr Senior
So weeks passed away during which our dear old friend still remained with
us His mind was gone at intervals but would rally feebly and with his
consciousness returned his love his simplicity his sweetness He would talk
French with Madame de Florac at which time his memory appeared to awaken with
surprising vividness his cheek flushed and he was a youth again a youth all
love and hope a stricken old man with a beard as white as snow covering the
noble careworn face At such times he called her by her Christian name of
Léonore he addressed courtly old words of regard and kindness to the aged lady
anon he wandered in his talk and spoke to her as if they still were young Now
as in those early days his heart was pure no anger remained in it no guile
tainted it only peace and goodwill dwelt in it
Roseys death had seemed to shock him for a while when the unconscious
little boy spoke of it Before that circumstance Clive had even forborne to wear
mourning lest the news should agitate his father The Colonel remained silent
and was very much disturbed all that day but he never appeared to comprehend
the fact quite and once or twice afterwards asked why she did not come to see
him She was prevented he supposed she was prevented he said with a look of
terror he never once otherwise alluded to that unlucky tyrant of his household
who had made his last years so unhappy
The circumstance of Clives legacy he never understood but more than once
spoke of Barnes to Ethel and sent his compliments to him and said he should
like to shake him by the hand Barnes Newcome never once offered to touch that
honoured hand though his sister bore her uncles message to him They came
often from Bryanston Square Mrs Hobson even offered to sit with the Colonel
and read to him and brought him books for his improvement But her presence
disturbed him he cared not for her books The two nurses whom he loved
faithfully watched him and my wife and I were admitted to him sometimes both
of whom he honoured with regard and recognition As for FB in order to be
near his Colonel did not that good fellow take up his lodging in Cistercian
Lane at the Red Cow He is one whose errors let us hope shall be pardoned
quia multum amavit I am sure he felt ten times more joy at hearing of Clives
legacy than if thousands had been bequeathed to himself May good health and
good fortune speed him
The days went on and our hopes raised sometimes began to flicker and
fail One evening the Colonel left his chair for his bed in pretty good spirits
but passed a disturbed night and the next morning was too weak to rise Then he
remained in his bed and his friends visited him there One afternoon he asked
for his little gownboy and the child was brought to him and sate by the bed
with a very awestricken face and then gathered courage and tried to amuse him
by telling him how it was a halfholiday and they were having a cricket match
with the St Peters boys in the green and Grey Friars was in and winning The
Colonel quite understood about it he would like to see the game he had played
many a game on that green when he was a boy He grew excited Clive dismissed
his fathers little friend and put a sovereign into his hand and away he ran
to say that Codd Colonel had come into a fortune and to buy tarts and to see
the match out I curre little whitehaired gownboy Heaven speed you little
friend
After the child had gone Thomas Newcome began to wander more and more He
talked louder he gave the word of command spoke Hindustanee as if to his men
Then he spoke words in French rapidly seizing a hand that was near him and
crying »Toujours toujours« But it was Ethels hand which he took Ethel and
Clive and the nurse were in the room with him The latter came to us who were
sitting in the adjoining apartment Madame de Florac was there with my wife and
Bayham
At the look in the womans countenance Madame de Florac started up »He is
very bad he wanders a great deal« the nurse whispered The French lady fell
instantly on her knees and remained rigid in prayer
Some time afterwards Ethel came in with a scared face to our pale group »He
is calling for you again dear lady« she said going up to Madame de Florac
who was still kneeling »and just now he said he wanted Pendennis to take care
of his boy He will not know you« She hid her tears as she spoke
She went into the room where Clive was at the beds foot The old man
within it talked on rapidly for a while then again he would sigh and be still
Once more I heard him say hurriedly »Take care of him when Im in India« and
then with a heartrending voice he called out »Léonore Léonore« She was
kneeling by his side now The patients voice sank into faint murmurs only a
moan now and then announced that he was not asleep
At the usual evening hour the chapel bell began to toll and Thomas
Newcomes hands outside the bed feebly beat time And just as the last bell
struck a peculiar sweet smile shone over his face and he lifted up his head a
little and quickly said »Adsum« and fell back It was the word we used at
school when names were called and lo he whose heart was as that of a little
child had answered to his name and stood in the presence of The Master
Two years ago walking with my children in some pleasant fields near to Berne in
Switzerland I strayed from them into a little wood and coming out of it
presently told them how the story had been revealed to me somehow which for
threeandtwenty months the reader has been pleased to follow As I write the
last line with a rather sad heart Pendennis and Laura and Ethel and Clive
fade away into Fableland I hardly know whether they are not true whether they
do not live near us somewhere They were alive and I heard their voices but
five minutes since was touched by their grief And have we parted with them here
on a sudden and without so much as a shake of the hand Is yonder line
which I drew with my own pen a barrier between me and Hades as it were across
which I can see those figures retreating and only dimly glimmering Before
taking leave of Mr Arthur Pendennis might he not have told us whether Miss
Ethel married anybody finally It was provoking that he should retire to the
shades without answering that sentimental question
But though he has disappeared as irrevocably as Eurydice these minor
questions may settle the major one above mentioned How could Pendennis have got
all that information about Ethels goingson at Baden and with Lord Kew unless
she had told somebody her husband for instance who having made Pendennis an
early confidant in his amour gave him the whole story »Clive« Pendennis
writes expressly »is travelling abroad with his wife« Who is that wife By a
most monstrous blunder Mr Pendennis killed Lord Farintoshs mother at one
page and brought her to life again at another but Rosey who is so lately
consigned to Kensal Green it is not surely with her that Clive is travelling
for then Mrs Mackenzie would probably be with them to a live certainty and the
tour would be by no means pleasant How could Pendennis have got all those
private letters etc but that the Colonel kept them in a teak box which Clive
inherited and made over to his friend My belief then is that in Fableland
somewhere Ethel and Clive are living most comfortably together that she is
immensely fond of his little boy and a great deal happier now than they would
have been had they married at first when they took a liking to each other as
young people That picture of JJs of Mrs Clive Newcome in the Crystal
Palace Exhibition in Fableland is certainly not in the least like Rosey who we
read was fair but it represents a tall handsome dark lady who must be Mrs
Ethel
Again why did Pendennis introduce JJ with such a flourish giving us as
it were an overture and no piece to follow it JJs history let me
confidentially state has been revealed to me too and may be told some of these
fine summer months or Christmas evenings when the kind reader has leisure to
hear
What about Sir Barnes Newcome ultimately My impression is that he is
married again and it is my fervent hope that his present wife bullies him Mrs
Mackenzie cannot have the face to keep that money which Clive paid over to her
beyond her lifetime and will certainly leave it and her savings to little
Tommy I should not be surprised if Madame de Montcontour left a smart legacy to
the Pendennis children and Lord Kew stood godfather in case in case Mr and
Mrs Clive wanted such an article But have they any children I for my part
should like her best without and entirely devoted to little Tommy But for you
dear friend it is as you like You may settle your Fableland in your own
fashion Anything you like happens in Fableland Wicked folks die apropos for
instance that death of Lady Kew was most artful for if she had not died dont
you see that Ethel would have married Lord Farintosh the next week annoying
folks are got out of the way the poor are rewarded the upstarts are set down
in Fableland the frog bursts with wicked rage the fox is caught in his trap
the lamb is rescued from the wolf and so forth just in the nick of time And
the poet of Fableland rewards and punishes absolutely He splendidly deals out
bags of sovereigns which wont buy anything belabours wicked backs with awful
blows which do not hurt endows heroines with preternatural beauty and creates
heroes who if ugly sometimes yet possess a thousand good qualities and
usually end by being immensely rich makes the hero and heroine happy at last
and happy ever after Ah happy harmless Fableland where these things are
Friendly reader may you and the author meet there on some future day He hopes
so as he yet keeps a lingering hold of your hand and bids you farewell with a
kind heart
Paris June 28 1855
1 I did not know at the time that Mrs Mackenzie had taken entire
superintendence of the family treasury and that this exemplary woman was
putting away as she had done previously sundry little sums to meet rainy days