Charlotte Brontë
Shirley
A Tale
Chapter I
Levitical
Of late years an abundant shower of curates has fallen upon the north of
England they lie very thick on the hills every parish has one or more of them
they are young enough to be very active and ought to be doing a great deal of
good But not of late years are we about to speak we are going back to the
beginning of this century late years present years are dusty sunburnt hot
arid we will evade the noon forget it in siesta pass the midday in slumber
and dream of dawn
If you think from this prelude that anything like a romance is preparing
for you reader you never were more mistaken Do you anticipate sentiment and
poetry and reverie Do you expect passion and stimulus and melodrama Calm
your expectations reduce them to a lowly standard Something real cool and
solid lies before you something unromantic as Monday morning when all who
have work wake with the consciousness that they must rise and betake themselves
thereto It is not positively affirmed that you shall not have a taste of the
exciting perhaps towards the middle and close of the meal but it is resolved
that the first dish set upon the table shall be one that a Catholic ay even
an AngloCatholic might eat on GoodFriday in Passion Week it shall be cold
lentils and vinegar without oil it shall be unleavened bread with bitter herbs
and no roast lamb
Of late years I say an abundant shower of curates has fallen upon the
north of England but in eighteenhundredeleventwelve that affluent rain had
not descended curates were scarce then there was no Pastoral Aid no
Additional Curates Society to stretch a helping hand to wornout old rectors
and incumbents and give them the wherewithal to pay a vigorous young colleague
from Oxford or Cambridge The present successors of the apostles disciples of
Dr Pusey and tools of the Propaganda were at that time being hatched under
cradleblankets or undergoing regeneration by nurserybaptism in
washhandbasins You could not have guessed by looking at any one of them that
the Italianironed double frills of its net cap surrounded the brows of a
preordained speciallysanctified successor of St Paul St Peter or St John
nor could you have foreseen in the folds of its long nightgown the white
surplice in which it was hereafter cruelly to exercise the souls of its
parishioners and strangely to nonplus its oldfashioned vicar by flourishing
aloft in a pulpit the shirtlike raiment which had never before waved higher
than the readingdesk
Yet even in those days of scarcity there were curates the precious plant
was rare but it might be found A certain favoured district in the West Riding
of Yorkshire could boast three rods of Aaron blossoming within a circuit of
twenty miles You shall see them reader Step into this neat gardenhouse on
the skirts of Whinbury walk forward into the little parlour there they are at
dinner Allow me to introduce them to you Mr Donne curate of Whinbury Mr
Malone curate of Briarfield Mr Sweeting curate of Nunnely These are Mr
Donnes lodgings being the habitation of one John Gale a small clothier Mr
Donne has kindly invited his brethren to regale with him You and I will join
the party see what is to be seen and hear what is to be heard At present
however they are only eating and while they eat we will talk aside
These gentlemen are in the bloom of youth they possess all the activity of
that interesting age an activity which their moping old vicars would fain turn
into the channel of their pastoral duties often expressing a wish to see it
expended in a diligent superintendence of the schools and in frequent visits to
the sick of their respective parishes But the youthful Levites feel this to be
dull work they prefer lavishing their energies on a course of proceeding which
though to other eyes it appear more heavy with ennui more cursed with monotony
than the toil of the weaver at his loom seems to yield them an unfailing supply
of enjoyment and occupation
I allude to a rushing backwards and forwards amongst themselves to and
from their respective lodgings not a round but a triangle of visits which
they keep up all the year through in winter spring summer and autumn Season
and weather make no difference with unintelligible zeal they dare snow and
hail wind and rain mire and dust to go and dine or drink tea or sup with
each other What attracts them it would be difficult to say It is not
friendship for whenever they meet they quarrel It is not religion the thing
is never named amongst them theology they may discuss occasionally but piety
never It is not the love of eating and drinking each might have as good a
joint and pudding tea as potent and toast as succulent at his own lodgings
as is served to him at his brothers Mrs Gale Mrs Hogg and Mrs Whipp
their respective landladies affirm that »it is just for nought else but to
give folk trouble« By folk the good ladies of course mean themselves for
indeed they are kept in a continual fry by this system of mutual invasion
Mr Donne and his guests as I have said are at dinner Mrs Gale waits on
them but a spark of the hot kitchen fire is in her eye She considers that the
privilege of inviting a friend to a meal occasionally without additional charge
a privilege included in the terms on which she lets her lodgings has been
quite sufficiently exercised of late The present week is yet but at Thursday
and on Monday Mr Malone the curate of Briarfield came to breakfast and
stayed dinner on Tuesday Mr Malone and Mr Sweeting of Nunnely came to tea
remained to supper occupied the spare bed and favoured her with their company
to breakfast on Wednesday morning now on Thursday they are both here at
dinner and she is almost certain they will stay all night »Cen est trop« she
would say if she could speak French
Mr Sweeting is mincing the slice of roast beef on his plate and
complaining that it is very tough Mr Donne says the beer is flat Ay that is
the worst of it if they would only be civil Mrs Gale wouldnt mind it so
much if they would only seem satisfied with what they get she wouldnt care
but »these young parsons is so high and so scornful they set everybody beneath
their fit they treat her with less than civility just because she doesnt keep
a servant but does the work of the house herself as her mother did afore her
then they are always speaking against Yorkshire ways and Yorkshire folk« and by
that very token Mrs Gale does not believe one of them to be a real gentleman
or come of gentle kin »The old parsons is worth the whole lump of college lads
they know what belangs good manners and is kind to high and low«
»More bread« cries Mr Malone in a tone which though prolonged but to
utter two syllables proclaims him at once a native of the land of shamrocks and
potatoes Mrs Gale hates Mr Malone more than either of the other two but she
fears him also for he is a tall stronglybuilt personage with real Irish legs
and arms and a face as genuinely national not the Milesian face not Daniel
OConnells style but the highfeatured NorthAmericanIndian sort of visage
which belongs to a certain class of the Irish gentry and has a petrified and
proud look better suited to the owner of an estate of slaves than to the
landlord of a free peasantry Mr Malones father termed himself a gentleman he
was poor and in debt and besottedly arrogant and his son was like him
Mrs Gale offered the loaf
»Cut it woman« said her guest and the woman cut it accordingly Had she
followed her inclinations she would have cut the parson also her Yorkshire
soul revolted absolutely from his manner of command
The curates had good appetites and though the beef was tough they ate a
great deal of it They swallowed too a tolerable allowance of the flat beer
while a dish of Yorkshire pudding and two tureens of vegetables disappeared
like leaves before locusts The cheese too received distinguished marks of
their attention and a spicecake which followed by way of dessert vanished
like a vision and was no more found Its elegy was chanted in the kitchen by
Abraham Mrs Gales son and heir a youth of six summers he had reckoned upon
the reversion thereof and when his mother brought down the empty platter he
lifted up his voice and wept sore
The curates meantime sat and sipped their wine a liquor of unpretending
vintage moderately enjoyed Mr Malone indeed would much rather have had
whisky but Mr Donne being an Englishman did not keep the beverage While
they sipped they argued not on politics nor on philosophy nor on literature
these topics were now as ever totally without interest for them not even on
theology practical or doctrinal but on minute points of ecclesiastical
discipline frivolities which seemed empty as bubbles to all save themselves
Mr Malone who contrived to secure two glasses of wine when his brethren
contented themselves with one waxed by degrees hilarious after his fashion
that is he grew a little insolent said rude things in a hectoring tone and
laughed clamorously at his own brilliancy
Each of his companions became in turn his butt Malone had a stock of jokes
at their service which he was accustomed to serve out regularly on convivial
occasions like the present seldom varying his wit for which indeed there was
no necessity as he never appeared to consider himself monotonous and did not
at all care what others thought Mr Donne he favoured with hints about his
extreme meagreness allusions to his turnedup nose cutting sarcasms on a
certain threadbare chocolate surtout which that gentleman was accustomed to
sport whenever it rained or seemed likely to rain and criticisms on a choice
set of cockney phrases and modes of pronunciation Mr Donnes own property
and certainly deserving of remark for the elegance and finish they communicated
to his style
Mr Sweeting was bantered about his stature he was a little man a mere
boy in height and breadth compared with the athletic Malone rallied on his
musical accomplishments he played the flute and sang hymns like a seraph some
young ladies of his parish thought sneered at as the ladys pet teased about
his mamma and sisters for whom poor Mr Sweeting had some lingering regard and
of whom he was foolish enough now and then to speak in the presence of the
priestly Paddy from whose anatomy the bowels of natural affection had somehow
been omitted
The victims met these attacks each in his own way Mr Donne with a stilted
selfcomplacency and halfsullen phlegm the sole props of his otherwise
somewhat rickety dignity Mr Sweeting with the indifference of a light easy
disposition which never professed to have any dignity to maintain
When Malones raillery became rather too offensive which it soon did they
joined in an attempt to turn the tables on him by asking him how many boys had
shouted »Irish Peter« after him as he came along the road that day Malones
name was Peter the Rev Peter Augustus Malone requesting to be informed
whether it was the mode in Ireland for clergymen to carry loaded pistols in
their pockets and a shillelagh in their hands when they made pastoral visits
inquiring the signification of such words as vele firrum hellum storrum so
Mr Malone invariably pronounced veil firm helm storm and employing such
other methods of retaliation as the innate refinement of their minds suggested
This of course would not do Malone being neither goodnatured nor
phlegmatic was presently in a towering passion He vociferated gesticulated
Donne and Sweeting laughed He reviled them as Saxons and snobs at the very top
pitch of his high Celtic voice they taunted him with being the native of a
conquered land He menaced rebellion in the name of his counthry vented bitter
hatred against English rule they spoke of rags beggary and pestilence The
little parlour was in an uproar you would have thought a duel must follow such
virulent abuse it seemed a wonder that Mr and Mrs Gale did not take alarm at
the noise and send for a constable to keep the peace But they were accustomed
to such demonstrations they well knew that the curates never dined or took tea
together without a little exercise of the sort and were quite easy as to
consequences knowing that these clerical quarrels were as harmless as they were
noisy that they resulted in nothing and that on whatever terms the curates
might part tonight they would be sure to meet the best friends in the world
tomorrow morning
As the worthy pair were sitting by their kitchen fire listening to the
repeated and sonorous contact of Malones fist with the mahogany plane of the
parlour table and to the consequent start and jingle of decanters and glasses
following each assault to the mocking laughter of the allied English
disputants and the stuttering declamation of the isolated Hibernian as they
thus sat a foot was heard on the outer doorstep and the knocker quivered to a
sharp appeal
Mr Gale went and opened
»Whom have you upstairs in the parlour« asked a voice a rather remarkable
voice nasal in tone abrupt in utterance
»Oh Mr Helstone is it you sir I could hardly see you for the darkness
it is so soon dark now Will you walk in sir«
»I want to know first whether it is worth my while walking in Whom have you
upstairs«
»The curates sir«
»What all of them«
»Yes sir«
»Been dining here«
»Yes sir«
»That will do«
With these words a person entered a middleaged man in black He walked
straight across the kitchen to an inner door opened it inclined his head
forward and stood listening There was something to listen to for the noise
above was just then louder than ever
»Hey« he ejaculated to himself then turning to Mr Gale »Have you
often this sort of work«
Mr Gale had been a churchwarden and was indulgent to the clergy
»Theyre young you know sir theyre young« said he deprecatingly
»Young They want caning Bad boys bad boys and if you were a Dissenter
John Gale instead of being a good Churchman theyd do the like theyd
expose themselves but Ill «
By way of finish to this sentence he passed through the inner door drew it
after him and mounted the stair Again he listened a few minutes when he
arrived at the upper room Making entrance without warning he stood before the
curates
And they were silent they were transfixed and so was the invader He a
personage short of stature but straight of port and bearing on broad shoulders
a hawks head beak and eye the whole surmounted by a Rehoboam or shovelhat
which he did not seem to think it necessary to lift or remove before the
presence in which he then stood he folded his arms on his chest and surveyed
his young friends if friends they were much at his leisure
»What« he began delivering his words in a voice no longer nasal but deep
more than deep a voice made purposely hollow and cavernous »What has the
miracle of Pentecost been renewed Have the cloven tongues come down again
Where are they The sound filled the whole house just now I heard the seventeen
languages in full action Parthians and Medes and Elamites the dwellers in
Mesopotamia and in Judæa and Cappadocia in Pontus and Asia Phrygia and
Pamphylia in Egypt and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene strangers of Rome
Jews and proselytes Cretes and Arabians every one of these must have had its
representative in this room two minutes since«
»I beg your pardon Mr Helstone« began Mr Donne »take a seat pray sir
Have a glass of wine«
His civilities received no answer the falcon in the black coat proceeded
»What do I talk about the gift of tongues Gift indeed I mistook the
chapter and book and testament Gospel for law Acts for Genesis the city
of Jerusalem for the plain of Shinar It was no gift but the confusion of
tongues which has gabbled me deaf as a post You apostles What you three
Certainly not three presumptuous Babylonish masons neither more nor less«
»I assure you sir we were only having a little chat together over a glass
of wine after a friendly dinner settling the Dissenters«
»Oh settling the Dissenters were you Was Malone settling the Dissenters
It sounded to me much more like settling his coapostles You were quarrelling
together making almost as much noise you three alone as Moses Barraclough
the preaching tailor and all his hearers are making in the methodist chapel
down yonder where they are in the thick of a revival I know whose fault it is
it is yours Malone«
»Mine sir«
»Yours sir Donne and Sweeting were quiet before you came and would be
quiet if you were gone I wish when you crossed the Channel you had left your
Irish habits behind you Dublin student ways wont do here the proceedings
which might pass unnoticed in a wild bog and mountain district in Connaught
will in a decent English parish bring disgrace on those who indulge in them
and what is far worse on the sacred institution of which they are merely the
humble appendages«
There was a certain dignity in the little elderly gentlemans manner of
rebuking these youths though it was not perhaps quite the dignity most
appropriate to the occasion Mr Helstone standing straight as a ramrod
looking keen as a kite presented despite his clerical hat black coat and
gaiters more the air of a veteran officer chiding his subalterns than of a
venerable priest exhorting his sons in the faith Gospel mildness apostolic
benignity never seemed to have breathed their influence over that keen brown
visage but firmness had fixed the features and sagacity had carved her own
lines about them
»I met Supplehough« he continued »plodding through the mud this wet night
going to preach at Milldean opposition shop As I told you I heard Barraclough
bellowing in the midst of a conventicle like a possessed bull and I find you
gentlemen tarrying over your half pint of muddy portwine and scolding like
angry old women No wonder Supplehough should have dipped sixteen adult converts
in a day which he did a fortnight since no wonder Barraclough scamp and
hypocrite as he is should attract all the weavergirls in their flowers and
ribbons to witness how much harder are his knuckles than the wooden brim of his
tub as little wonder that you when you are left to yourselves without your
rectors myself and Hall and Boultby to back you should too often perform
the holy service of our church to bare walls and read your bit of a dry
discourse to the clerk and the organist and the beadle But enough of the
subject I came to see Malone I have an errand unto thee O captain«
»What is it« inquired Malone discontentedly »there can be no funeral to
take at this time of day«
»Have you any arms about you«
»Arms sir yes and legs« and he advanced the mighty members
»Bah weapons I mean«
»I have the pistols you gave me yourself I never part with them I lay them
ready cocked on a chair by my bedside at night I have my blackthorn«
»Very good Will you go to Hollowsmill«
»What is stirring at Hollowsmill«
»Nothing as yet nor perhaps will be but Moore is alone there He has sent
all the workmen he can trust to Stilbro there are only two women left about
the place It would be a nice opportunity for any of his wellwishers to pay him
a visit if they knew how straight the path was made before them«
»I am none of his wellwishers sir I dont care for him«
»Soh Malone you are afraid«
»You know me better than that If I really thought there was a chance of a
row I would go but Moore is a strange shy man whom I never pretend to
understand and for the sake of his sweet company only I would not stir a
step«
»But there is a chance of a row if a positive riot does not take place of
which indeed I see no signs yet it is unlikely this night will pass quite
tranquilly You know Moore has resolved to have the new machinery and he
expects two waggon loads of frames and shears from Stilbro this evening Scott
the overlooker and a few picked men are gone to fetch them«
»They will bring them in safely and quietly enough sir«
»Moore says so and affirms he wants nobody some one however he must
have if it were only to bear evidence in case anything should happen I call
him very careless He sits in the countinghouse with the shutters unclosed he
goes out here and there after dark wanders right up the hollow down
Fieldheadlane among the plantations just as if he were the darling of the
neighbourhood or being as he is its detestation bore a charmed life as
they say in talebooks He takes no warning from the fate of Pearson nor from
that of Armitage shot one in his own house and the other on the moor«
»But he should take warning sir and use precautions too« interposed Mr
Sweeting »and I think he would if he heard what I heard the other day«
»What did you hear Davy«
»You know Mike Hartley sir«
»The Antinomian weaver Yes«
»When Mike has been drinking for a few weeks together he generally winds up
by a visit to Nunnely vicarage to tell Mr Hall a piece of his mind about his
sermons to denounce the horrible tendency of his doctrine of works and warn
him that he and all his hearers are sitting in outer darkness«
»Well that has nothing to do with Moore«
»Besides being an Antinomian he is a violent Jacobin and leveller sir«
»I know When he is very drunk his mind is always running on regicide Mike
is not unacquainted with history and it is rich to hear him going over the list
of tyrants of whom as he says the revenger of blood has obtained satisfaction
The fellow exults strangely in murder done on crowned heads or on any head for
political reasons I have already heard it hinted that he seems to have a queer
hankering after Moore is that what you allude to Sweeting«
»You use the proper term sir Mr Hall thinks Mike has no personal hatred
of Moore Mike says he even likes to talk to him and run after him but he has
a hankering that he should be made an example of he was extolling him to Mr
Hall the other day as the millowner with the most brains in Yorkshire and for
that reason he affirms he should be chosen as a sacrifice an oblation of a
sweet savour Is Mike Hartley in his right mind do you think sir« inquired
Sweeting simply
»Cant tell Davy he may be crazed or he may be only crafty or perhaps
a little of both«
»He talks of seeing visions sir«
»Ay He is a very Ezekiel or Daniel for visions He came just when I was
going to bed last Friday night to describe one that had been revealed to him
in Nunnely Park that very afternoon«
»Tell it sir what was it« urged Sweeting
»Davy thou hast an enormous organ of Wonder in thy cranium Malone you
see has none neither murders nor visions interest him see what a big vacant
Saph he looks at this moment«
»Saph Who was Saph sir«
»I thought you would not know you may find it out it is biblical I know
nothing more of him than his name and race but from a boy upwards I have
always attached a personality to Saph Depend on it he was honest heavy and
luckless he met his end at Gob by the hand of Sibbechai«
»But the vision sir«
»Davy thou shalt hear Donne is biting his nails and Malone yawning so I
will tell it but to thee Mike is out of work like many others unfortunately
Mr Grame Sir Philip Nunnelys steward gave him a job about the priory
according to his account he was busy hedging rather late in the afternoon but
before dark when he heard what he thought was a band at a distance bugles
fifes and the sound of a trumpet it came from the forest and he wondered that
there should be music there He looked up all amongst the trees he saw moving
objects red like poppies or white like Mayblossom the wood was full of
them they poured out and filled the park He then perceived they were soldiers
thousands and tens of thousands but they made no more noise than a swarm of
midges on a summer evening They formed in order he affirmed and marched
regiment after regiment across the park he followed them to Nunnely Common
the music still played soft and distant On the common he watched them go
through a number of evolutions a man clothed in scarlet stood in the centre and
directed them they extended he declared over fifty acres they were in sight
half an hour then they marched away quite silently the whole time he heard
neither voice nor tread nothing but the faint music playing a solemn march«
»Where did they go sir«
»Towards Briarfield Mike followed them they seemed passing Fieldhead when
a column of smoke such as might be vomited by a park of artillery spread
noiseless over the fields the road the common and rolled he said blue and
dim to his very feet As it cleared away he looked again for the soldiers but
they were vanished he saw them no more Mike like a wise Daniel as he is not
only rehearsed the vision but gave the interpretation thereof it signifies he
intimated bloodshed and civil conflict«
»Do you credit it sir« asked Sweeting
»Do you Davy But come Malone why are you not off«
»I am rather surprised sir you did not stay with Moore yourself you like
this kind of thing«
»So I should have done had I not unfortunately happened to engage Boultby
to sup with me on his way home from the Bible Society meeting at Nunnely I
promised to send you as my substitute for which bytheby he did not thank
me he would much rather have had me than you Peter Should there be any real
need of help I shall join you the millbell will give warning Meantime go
unless turning suddenly to Messrs Sweeting and Donne unless Davy Sweeting
or Joseph Donne prefers going What do you say gentlemen The commission is an
honourable one not without the seasoning of a little real peril for the
country is in a queer state as you all know and Moore and his mill and his
machinery are held in sufficient odium There are chivalric sentiments there
is highbeating courage under those waistcoats of yours I doubt not Perhaps I
am too partial to my favourite Peter little David shall be the champion or
spotless Joseph Malone you are but a great floundering Saul after all good
only to lend your armour out with your firearms fetch your shillelagh it is
there in the corner«
With a significant grin Malone produced his pistols offering one to each
of his brethren they were not readily seized on With graceful modesty each
gentleman retired a step from the presented weapon
»I never touch them I never did touch anything of the kind« said Mr
Donne
»I am almost a stranger to Mr Moore« murmured Sweeting
»If you never touched a pistol try the feel of it now great satrap of
Egypt As to the little minstrel he probably prefers encountering the
Philistines with no other weapon than his flute Get their hats Peter theyll
both of em go«
»No sir no Mr Helstone my mother wouldnt like it« pleaded Sweeting
»And I make it a rule never to get mixed up in affairs of the kind«
observed Donne
Helstone smiled sardonically Malone laughed a horselaugh He then replaced
his arms took his hat and cudgel and saying that »he never felt more in tune
for a shindy in his life and that he wished a score of greasy clothdressers
might beat up Moores quarters that night« he made his exit clearing the
stairs at a stride or two and making the house shake with the bang of the
frontdoor behind him
Chapter II
The Waggons
The evening was pitchdark star and moon were quenched in gray rainclouds
gray they would have been by day by night they looked sable Malone was not a
man given to close observation of Nature her changes passed for the most part
unnoticed by him he could walk miles on the most varying April day and never
see the beautiful dallying of earth and heaven never mark when a sunbeam kissed
the hilltops making them smile clear in green light or when a shower wept
over them hiding their crests with the lowhanging dishevelled tresses of a
cloud He did not therefore care to contrast the sky as it now appeared a
muffled streaming vault all black save where towards the east the furnaces
of Stilbro ironworks threw a tremulous lurid shimmer on the horizon with the
same sky on an unclouded frosty night He did not trouble himself to ask where
the constellations and the planets were gone or to regret the blackblue
serenity of the airocean which those white islets stud and which another
ocean of heavier and denser element now rolled below and concealed He just
doggedly pursued his way leaning a little forward as he walked and wearing his
hat on the back of his head as his Irish manner was »Tramp tramp« he went
along the causeway where the road boasted the privilege of such an
accommodation »splash splash« through the mirefilled cartruts where the
flags were exchanged for soft mud He looked but for certain landmarks the
spire of Briarfield church further on the lights of Redhouse This was an inn
and when he reached it the glow of a fire through a halfcurtained window a
vision of glasses on a round table and of revellers on an oaken settle had
nearly drawn aside the curate from his course He thought longingly of a tumbler
of whiskyandwater in a strange place he would instantly have realized the
dream but the company assembled in that kitchen were Mr Helstones own
parishioners they all knew him He sighed and passed on
The high road was now to be quitted as the remaining distance to
Hollowsmill might be considerably reduced by a short cut across fields These
fields were level and monotonous Malone took a direct course through them
jumping hedge and wall He passed but one building here and that seemed large
and halllike though irregular you could see a high gable then a long front
then a low gable then a thick lofty stack of chimneys there were some trees
behind it It was dark not a candle shone from any window it was absolutely
still the rain running from the eaves and the rather wild but very low
whistle of the wind round the chimneys and through the boughs were the sole
sounds in its neighbourhood
This building passed the fields hitherto flat declined in a rapid
descent evidently a vale lay below through which you could hear the water run
One light glimmered in the depth for that beacon Malone steered
He came to a little white house you could see it was white even through
this dense darkness and knocked at the door A freshfaced servant opened it
by the candle she held was revealed a narrow passage terminating in a narrow
stair Two doors covered with crimson baize a strip of crimson carpet down the
steps contrasted with lightcoloured walls and white floor made the little
interior look clean and fresh
»Mr Moore is at home I suppose«
»Yes sir but he is not in«
»Not in Where is he then«
»At the mill in the countinghouse«
Here one of the crimson doors opened
»Are the waggons come Sarah« asked a female voice and a female head at
the same time was apparent It might not be the head of a goddess indeed a
screw of curlpaper on each side the temples quite forbade that supposition
but neither was it the head of a Gorgon yet Malone seemed to take it in the
latter light Big as he was he shrank bashfully back into the rain at the view
thereof and saying »Ill go to him« hurried in seeming trepidation down a
short lane across an obscure yard towards a huge black mill
The workhours were over the hands were gone the machinery was at rest
the mill shut up Malone walked round it somewhere in its great sooty flank he
found another chink of light he knocked at another door using for the purpose
the thick end of his shillelagh with which he beat a rousing tattoo A key
turned the door unclosed
»Is it Joe Scott What news of the waggons Joe«
»No its myself Mr Helstone would send me«
»Oh Mr Malone« The voice in uttering this name had the slightest possible
cadence of disappointment After a moments pause it continued politely but a
little formally
»I beg you will come in Mr Malone I regret extremely Mr Helstone should
have thought it necessary to trouble you so far there was no necessity I
told him so and on such a night but walk forwards«
Through a dark apartment of aspect undistinguishable Malone followed the
speaker into a light and bright room within very light and bright indeed it
seemed to eyes which for the last hour had been striving to penetrate the double
darkness of night and fog but except for its excellent fire and for a lamp of
elegant design and vivid lustre burning on a table it was a very plain place
The boarded floor was carpetless the three or four stiffbacked greenpainted
chairs seemed once to have furnished the kitchen of some farmhouse a desk of
strong solid formation the table aforesaid and some framed sheets on the
stonecoloured walls bearing plans for building for gardening designs of
machinery etc completed the furniture of the place
Plain as it was it seemed to satisfy Malone who when he had removed and
hung up his wet surtout and hat drew one of the rheumaticlooking chairs to the
hearth and set his knees almost within the bars of the red grate
»Comfortable quarters you have here Mr Moore and all snug to yourself«
»Yes but my sister would be glad to see you if you would prefer stepping
into the house«
»Oh no the ladies are best alone I never was a ladys man You dont
mistake me for my friend Sweeting do you Mr Moore«
»Sweeting which of them is that The gentleman in the chocolate
overcoat or the little gentleman«
»The little one he of Nunnely the cavalier of the Misses Sykes with
the whole six of whom he is in love ha ha«
»Better be generally in love with all than specially with one I should
think in that quarter«
»But he is specially in love with one besides for when I and Donne urged
him to make a choice amongst the fair bevy he named which do you think«
With a queer quiet smile Mr Moore replied »Dora of course or Harriet«
»Ha ha youve an excellent guess but what made you hit on those two«
»Because they are the tallest the handsomest and Dora at least is the
stoutest and as your friend Mr Sweeting is but a little slight figure I
concluded that according to a frequent rule in such cases he preferred his
contrast«
»You are right Dora it is but he has no chance has he Moore«
»What has Mr Sweeting besides his curacy«
This question seemed to tickle Malone amazingly he laughed for full three
minutes before he answered it
»What has Sweeting Why David has his harp or flute which comes to the
same thing He has a sort of pinchbeck watch ditto ring ditto eyeglass
thats what he has«
»How would he propose to keep Miss Sykes in gowns only«
»Ha ha Excellent Ill ask him that next time I see him Ill roast him
for his presumption but no doubt he expects old Christopher Sykes would do
something handsome He is rich is he not They live in a large house«
»Sykes carries on an extensive concern«
»Therefore he must be wealthy eh«
»Therefore he must have plenty to do with his wealth and in these times
would be about as likely to think of drawing money from the business to give
dowries to his daughters as I should be to dream of pulling down the cottage
there and constructing on its ruins a house as large as Fieldhead«
»Do you know what I heard Moore the other day«
»No perhaps that I was about to effect some such change Your Briarfield
gossips are capable of saying that or sillier things«
»That you were going to take Fieldhead on a lease I thought it looked a
dismal place bytheby tonight as I passed it and that it was your
intention to settle a Miss Sykes there as mistress to be married in short ha
ha Now which is it Dora I am sure you said she was the handsomest«
»I wonder how often it has been settled that I was to be married since I
came to Briarfield They have assigned me every marriageable single woman by
turns in the district Now it was the two Misses Wynns first the dark then
the light one Now the redhaired Miss Armitage then the mature Ann Pearson at
present you throw on my shoulders all the tribe of the Misses Sykes On what
grounds this gossip rests God knows I visit nowhere I seek female society
about as assiduously as you do Mr Malone If ever I go to Whinbury it is only
to give Sykes or Pearson a call in their countinghouse where our discussions
run on other topics than matrimony and our thoughts are occupied with other
things than courtships establishments dowries the cloth we cant sell the
hands we cant employ the mills we cant run the perverse course of events
generally which we cannot alter fill our hearts I take it pretty well at
present to the tolerably complete exclusion of such figments as lovemaking
etc«
»I go along with you completely Moore If there is one notion I hate more
than another it is that of marriage I mean marriage in the vulgar weak sense
as a mere matter of sentiment two beggarly fools agreeing to unite their
indigence by some fantastic tie of feeling humbug But an advantageous
connexion such as can be formed in consonance with dignity of views and
permanency of solid interests is not so bad eh«
»No« responded Moore in an absent manner the subject seemed to have no
interest for him he did not pursue it After sitting for some time gazing at
the fire with a preoccupied air he suddenly turned his head
»Hark« said he »did you hear wheels«
Rising he went to the window opened it and listened He soon closed it
»It is only the sound of the wind rising« he remarked »and the rivulet a
little swollen rushing down the hollow I expected those waggons at six it is
near nine now«
»Seriously do you suppose that the putting up of this new machinery will
bring you into danger« inquired Malone »Helstone seems to think it will«
»I only wish the machines the frames were safe here and lodged within the
walls of this mill Once put up I defy the framebreakers let them only pay me
a visit and take the consequences my mill is my castle«
»One despises such low scoundrels« observed Malone in a profound vein of
reflection »I almost wish a party would call upon you tonight but the road
seemed extremely quiet as I came along I saw nothing astir«
»You came by the Redhouse«
»Yes«
»There would be nothing on that road it is in the direction of Stilbro the
risk lies«
»And you think there is risk«
»What these fellows have done to others they may do to me There is only
this difference most of the manufacturers seem paralyzed when they are
attacked Sykes for instance when his dressingshop was set on fire and burned
to the ground when the cloth was torn from his tenters and left in shreds in
the field took no steps to discover or punish the miscreants he gave up as
tamely as a rabbit under the jaws of a ferret Now I if I know myself should
stand by my trade my mill and my machinery«
»Helstone says these three are your gods that the Orders in Council are
with you another name for the seven deadly sins that Castlereagh is your
Antichrist and the warparty his legions«
»Yes I abhor all these things because they ruin me they stand in my way I
cannot get on I cannot execute my plans because of them I see myself baffled
at every turn by their untoward effects«
»But you are rich and thriving Moore«
»I am very rich in cloth I cannot sell you should step into my warehouse
yonder and observe how it is piled to the roof with pieces Roakes and Pearson
are in the same condition America used to be their market but the Orders in
Council have cut that off«
Malone did not seem prepared to carry on briskly a conversation of this
sort he began to knock the heels of his boots together and to yawn
»And then to think« continued Mr Moore who seemed too much taken up with
the current of his own thoughts to note the symptoms of his guests ennui »to
think that these ridiculous gossips of Whinbury and Briarfield will keep
pestering one about being married As if there was nothing to be done in life
but to pay attention as they say to some young lady and then to go to church
with her and then to start on a bridal tour and then to run through a round of
visits and then I suppose to be having a family Oh que le diable
emporte« He broke off the aspiration into which he was launching with a
certain energy and added more calmly »I believe women talk and think only of
these things and they naturally fancy mens minds similarly occupied«
»Of course of course« assented Malone »but never mind them« And he
whistled looked impatiently round and seemed to feel a great want of
something This time Moore caught and it appeared comprehended his
demonstrations
»Mr Malone« said he »you must require refreshment after your wet walk I
forget hospitality«
»Not at all« rejoined Malone but he looked as if the right nail was at
last hit on the head nevertheless Moore rose and opened a cupboard
»It is my fancy« said he »to have every convenience within myself and not
to be dependent on the feminity in the cottage yonder for every mouthful I eat
or every drop I drink I often spend the evening and sup here alone and sleep
with Joe Scott in the mill Sometimes I am my own watchman I require little
sleep and it pleases me on a fine night to wander for an hour or two with my
musket about the hollow Mr Malone can you cook a mutton chop«
»Try me Ive done it hundreds of times at college«
»Theres a dishful then and theres the gridiron Turn them quickly you
know the secret of keeping the juices in«
»Never fear me you shall see Hand a knife and fork please«
The curate turned up his coatcuffs and applied himself to the cookery with
vigour The manufacturer placed on the table plates a loaf of bread a black
bottle and two tumblers He then produced a small copper kettle still from
the same wellstored recess his cupboard filled it with water from a large
stone jar in a corner set it on the fire beside the hissing gridiron got
lemons sugar and a small china punchbowl but while he was brewing the punch
a tap at the door called him away
»Is it you Sarah«
»Yes sir Will you come to supper please sir«
»No I shall not be in tonight I shall sleep in the mill So lock the
doors and tell your mistress to go to bed« He returned
»You have your household in proper order« observed Malone approvingly as
with his fine face ruddy as the embers over which he bent he assiduously turned
the muttonchops »You are not under petticoatgovernment like poor Sweeting a
man whew how the fat spits it has burnt my hand destined to be ruled
by women Now you and I Moore theres a fine brown one for you and full of
gravy you and I will have no grey mares in our stables when we marry«
»I dont know I never think about it if the grey mare is handsome and
tractable why not«
»The chops are done is the punch brewed«
»There is a glassful taste it When Joe Scott and his minions return they
shall have a share of this provided they bring home the frames intact«
Malone waxed very exultant over the supper he laughed aloud at trifles
made bad jokes and applauded them himself and in short grew unmeaningly
noisy His host on the contrary remained quiet as before It is time reader
that you should have some idea of the appearance of this same host I must
endeavour to sketch him as he sits at table
He is what you would probably call at first view rather a strangelooking
man for he is thin dark sallow very foreign of aspect with shadowy hair
carelessly streaking his forehead it appears that he spends but little time at
his toilette or he would arrange it with more taste He seems unconscious that
his features are fine that they have a southern symmetry clearness regularity
in their chiseling nor does a spectator become aware of this advantage till he
has examined him well for an anxious countenance and a hollow somewhat
haggard outline of face disturb the idea of beauty with one of care His eyes
are large and grave and gray their expression is intent and meditative
rather searching than soft rather thoughtful than genial When he parts his
lips in a smile his physiognomy is agreeable not that it is frank or cheerful
even then but you feel the influence of a certain sedate charm suggestive
whether truly or delusively of a considerate perhaps a kind nature of
feelings that may wear well at home patient forbearing possibly faithful
feelings He is still young not more than thirty his stature is tall his
figure slender His manner of speaking displeases he has an outlandish accent
which notwithstanding a studied carelessness of pronunciation and diction
grates on a British and especially on a Yorkshire ear
Mr Moore indeed was but half a Briton and scarcely that He came of a
foreign ancestry by the mothers side and was himself born and partly reared
on a foreign soil A hybrid in nature it is probable he had a hybrids feeling
on many points patriotism for one it is likely that he was unapt to attach
himself to parties to sects even to climes and customs it is not impossible
that he had a tendency to isolate his individual person from any community
amidst which his lot might temporarily happen to be thrown and that he felt it
to be his best wisdom to push the interests of Robert Gérard Moore to the
exclusion of philanthropic consideration for general interests with which he
regarded the said Gérard Moore as in a great measure disconnected Trade was Mr
Moores hereditary calling the Gérards of Antwerp had been merchants for two
centuries back Once they had been wealthy merchants but the uncertainties the
involvements of business had come upon them disastrous speculations had
loosened by degrees the foundations of their credit the house had stood on a
tottering base for a dozen years and at last in the shock of the French
Revolution it had rushed down a total ruin In its fall was involved the
English and Yorkshire firm of Moore closely connected with the Antwerp house
and of which one of the partners resident in Antwerp Robert Moore had married
Hortense Gérard with the prospect of his bride inheriting her father
Constantine Gérards share in the business She inherited as we have seen but
his share in the liabilities of the firm and these liabilities though duly set
aside by a composition with creditors some said her son Robert accepted in his
turn as a legacy and that he aspired one day to discharge them and to rebuild
the fallen house of Gérard and Moore on a scale at least equal to its former
greatness It was even supposed that he took bypast circumstances much to
heart and if a childhood passed at the side of a saturnine mother under
foreboding of coming evil and a manhood drenched and blighted by the pitiless
descent of the storm could painfully impress the mind his probably was
impressed in no golden characters
If however he had a great end of restoration in view it was not in his
power to employ great means for its attainment he was obliged to be content
with the day of small things When he came to Yorkshire he whose ancestors
had owned warehouses in this seaport and factories in that inland town had
possessed their townhouse and their countryseat saw no way open to him but
to rent a clothmill in an outoftheway nook of an outoftheway district
to take a cottage adjoining it for his residence and to add to his possessions
as pasture for his horse and space for his clothtenters a few acres of the
steep rugged land that lined the hollow through which his millstream brawled
All this he held at a somewhat high rent for these war times were hard and
everything was dear of the trustees of the Fieldhead estate then the property
of a minor
At the time this history commences Robert Moore had lived but two years in
the district during which period he had at least proved himself possessed of
the quality of activity The dingy cottage was converted into a neat tasteful
residence Of part of the rough land he had made gardenground which he
cultivated with singular even with Flemish exactness and care As to the mill
which was an old structure and fitted up with old machinery now become
inefficient and out of date he had from the first evinced the strongest
contempt for all its arrangements and appointments his aim had been to effect a
radical reform which he had executed as fast as his very limited capital would
allow and the narrowness of that capital and consequent check on his progress
was a restraint which galled his spirit sorely Moore ever wanted to push on
Forward was the device stamped upon his soul but poverty curbed him sometimes
figuratively he foamed at the mouth when the reins were drawn very tight
In this state of feeling it is not to be expected that he would deliberate
much as to whether his advance was or was not prejudicial to others Not being a
native nor for any length of time a resident of the neighbourhood he did not
sufficiently care when the new inventions threw the old workpeople out of
employ he never asked himself where those to whom he no longer paid weekly
wages found daily bread and in this negligence he only resembled thousands
besides on whom the starving poor of Yorkshire seemed to have a closer claim
The period of which I write was an overshadowed one in British history and
especially in the history of the northern provinces War was then at its height
Europe was all involved therein England if not weary was worn with long
resistance yes and half her people were weary too and cried out for peace on
any terms National honour was become a mere empty name of no value in the eyes
of many because their sight was dim with famine and for a morsel of meat they
would have sold their birthright
The »Orders in Council« provoked by Napoleons Milan and Berlin decrees
and forbidding neutral powers to trade with France had by offending America
cut off the principal market of the Yorkshire woollen trade and brought it
consequently to the verge of ruin Minor foreign markets were glutted and would
receive no more the Brazils Portugal Sicily were all overstocked by nearly
two years consumption At this crisis certain inventions in machinery were
introduced into the staple manufactures of the north which greatly reducing
the number of hands necessary to be employed threw thousands out of work and
left them without legitimate means of sustaining life A bad harvest supervened
Distress reached its climax Endurance overgoaded stretched the hand of
fraternity to sedition The throes of a sort of moral earthquake were felt
heaving under the hills of the northern counties But as is usual in such
cases nobody took much notice When a foodriot broke out in a manufacturing
town when a gigmill was burnt to the ground or a manufacturers house was
attacked the furniture thrown into the streets and the family forced to flee
for their lives some local measures were or were not taken by the local
magistracy a ringleader was detected or more frequently suffered to elude
detection newspaper paragraphs were written on the subject and there the thing
stopped As to the sufferers whose sole inheritance was labour and who had
lost that inheritance who could not get work and consequently could not get
wages and consequently could not get bread they were left to suffer on
perhaps inevitably left it would not do to stop the progress of invention to
damage science by discouraging its improvements the war could not be
terminated efficient relief could not be raised there was no help then so the
unemployed underwent their destiny ate the bread and drank the waters of
affliction
Misery generates hate these sufferers hated the machines which they
believed took their bread from them they hated the buildings which contained
those machines they hated the manufacturers who owned those buildings In the
parish of Briarfield with which we have at present to do Hollowsmill was the
place held most abominable Gérard Moore in his double character of
semiforeigner and thoroughgoing progressist the man most abominated And it
perhaps rather agreed with Moores temperament than otherwise to be generally
hated especially when he believed the thing for which he was hated a right and
an expedient thing and it was with a sense of warlike excitement he on this
night sat in his countinghouse waiting the arrival of his frameladen waggons
Malones coming and company were it may be most unwelcome to him he would
have preferred sitting alone for he liked a silent sombre unsafe solitude
his watchmans musket would have been company enough for him the fullflowing
beck in the den would have delivered continuously the discourse most genial to
his ear
With the queerest look in the world had the manufacturer for some ten minutes
been watching the Irish curate as the latter made free with the punch when
suddenly that steady gray eye changed as if another vision came between it and
Malone He raised his hand
»Chut« he said in his French fashion as Malone made a noise with his
glass He listened a moment then rose put his hat on and went out at the
countinghouse door
The night was still dark and stagnant the water yet rushed on full and
fast its flow almost seemed a flood in the utter silence Moores ear however
caught another sound very distant but yet dissimilar broken and rugged in
short a sound of heavy wheels crunching a stony road He returned to the
countinghouse and lit a lantern with which he walked down the millyard and
proceeded to open the gates The big waggons were coming on the drayhorses
huge hoofs were heard splashing in the mud and water Moore hailed them
»Hey Joe Scott Is all right«
Probably Joe Scott was yet at too great a distance to hear the inquiry he
did not answer it
»Is all right I say« again asked Moore when the elephantlike leaders
nose almost touched his
Some one jumped out from the foremost waggon into the road a voice cried
aloud »Ay ay divil alls raight Weve smashed em«
And there was a run The waggons stood still they were now deserted
»Joe Scott« No Joe Scott answered »Murgatroyd Pighills Sykes« No reply
Mr Moore lifted his lantern and looked into the vehicles there was neither
man nor machinery they were empty and abandoned
Now Mr Moore loved his machinery he had risked the last of his capital on
the purchase of these frames and shears which tonight had been expected
speculations most important to his interests depended on the results to be
wrought by them where were they
The words »weve smashed em« rung in his ears How did the catastrophe
affect him By the light of the lantern he held were his features visible
relaxing to a singular smile the smile the man of determined spirit wears when
he reaches a juncture in his life where this determined spirit is to feel a
demand on its strength when the strain is to be made and the faculty must bear
or break Yet he remained silent and even motionless for at the instant he
neither knew what to say nor what to do He placed the lantern on the ground
and stood with his arms folded gazing down and reflecting
An impatient trampling of one of the horses made him presently look up his
eye in the moment caught the gleam of something white attached to a part of
the harness Examined by the light of the lantern this proved to be a folded
paper a billet It bore no address without within was the superscription
»To the Divil of Hollowsmiln«
We will not copy the rest of the orthography which was very peculiar but
translate it into legible English It ran thus
»Your hellish machinery is shivered to smash on Stilbro Moor and your men
are lying bound hand and foot in a ditch by the roadside Take this as a warning
from men that are starving and have starving wives and children to go home to
when they have done this deed If you get new machines or if you otherwise go
on as you have done you shall hear from us again Beware«
»Hear from you again Yes Ill hear from you again and you shall hear from
me Ill speak to you directly on Stilbro Moor you shall hear from me in a
moment«
Having led the waggons within the gates he hastened towards the cottage
Opening the door he spoke a few words quickly but quietly to two females who
ran to meet him in the passage He calmed the seeming alarm of one by a brief
palliative account of what had taken place to the other he said »Go into the
mill Sarah there is the key and ring the millbell as loud as you can
afterwards you will get another lantern and help me to light up the front«
Returning to his horses he unharnessed fed and stabled them with equal
speed and care pausing occasionally while so occupied as if to listen for the
millbell It clanged out presently with irregular but loud and alarming din
the hurried agitated peal seemed more urgent than if the summons had been
steadily given by a practised hand On that still night at that unusual hour
it was heard a long way round the guests in the kitchen of the Redhouse were
startled by the clangour and declaring that »there must be summat more nor
common to do at Hollowsmiln« they called for lanterns and hurried to the
spot in a body And scarcely had they thronged into the yard with their gleaming
lights when the tramp of horses was heard and a little man in a shovel hat
sitting erect on the back of a shaggy pony rode lightly in followed by an
aidedecamp mounted on a larger steed
Mr Moore meantime after stabling his drayhorses had saddled his
hackney and with the aid of Sarah the servant lit up his mill whose wide and
long front now glared one great illumination throwing a sufficient light on the
yard to obviate all fear of confusion arising from obscurity Already a deep hum
of voices became audible Mr Malone had at length issued from the
countinghouse previously taking the precaution to dip his head and face in the
stone waterjar and this precaution together with the sudden alarm had nearly
restored to him the possession of those senses which the punch had partially
scattered He stood with his hat on the back of his head and his shillelagh
grasped in his dexter fist answering much at random the questions of the
newlyarrived party from the Redhouse Mr Moore now appeared and was
immediately confronted by the shovel hat and the shaggy pony
»Well Moore what is your business with us I thought you would want us
tonight me and the hetman here patting his ponys neck and Tom and his
charger When I heard your millbell I could sit still no longer so I left
Boultby to finish his supper alone but where is the enemy I do not see a mask
or a smutted face present and there is not a pane of glass broken in your
windows Have you had an attack or do you expect one«
»Oh not at all I have neither had one nor expect one« answered Moore
coolly »I only ordered the bell to be rung because I want two or three
neighbours to stay here in the Hollow while I and a couple or so more go over
to Stilbro Moor«
»To Stilbro Moor What to do To meet the waggons«
»The waggons are come home an hour ago«
»Then alls right What more would you have«
»They came home empty and Joe Scott and Company are left on the moor and
so are the frames Read that scrawl«
Mr Helstone received and perused the document of which the contents have
before been given
»Hum Theyve only served you as they serve others But however the poor
fellows in the ditch will be expecting help with some impatience this is a wet
night for such a berth I and Tom will go with you Malone may stay behind and
take care of the mill what is the matter with him His eyes seem starting out
of his head«
»He has been eating a muttonchop«
»Indeed Peter Augustus be on your guard Eat no more muttonchops
tonight You are left here in command of these premises an honourable post«
»Is anybody to stay with me«
»As many of the present assemblage as choose My lads how many of you will
remain here and how many will go a little way with me and Mr Moore on the
Stilbroroad to meet some men who have been waylaid and assaulted by
framebreakers«
The small number of three volunteered to go the rest preferred staying
behind As Mr Moore mounted his horse the rector asked him in a low voice
whether he had locked up the muttonchops so that Peter Augustus could not get
at them The manufacturer nodded an affirmative and the rescueparty set out
Chapter III
Mr Yorke
Cheerfulness it would appear is a matter which depends fully as much on the
state of things within as on the state of things without and around us I make
this trite remark because I happen to know that Messrs Helstone and Moore
trotted forth from the millyard gates at the head of their very small company
in the best possible spirits When a ray from a lantern the three pedestrians
of the party carried each one fell on Mr Moores face you could see an
unusual because a lively spark dancing in his eyes and a newfound vivacity
mantling on his dark physiognomy and when the rectors visage was illuminated
his hard features were revealed all agrin and ashine with glee Yet a drizzling
night a somewhat perilous expedition you would think were not circumstances
calculated to enliven those exposed to the wet and engaged in the adventure If
any member or members of the crew who had been at work on Stilbro Moor had
caught a view of this party they would have had great pleasure in shooting
either of the leaders from behind a wall and the leaders knew this and the
fact is being both men of steelly nerves and steadybeating hearts were elate
with the knowledge
I am aware reader and you need not remind me that it is a dreadful thing
for a parson to be warlike I am aware that he should be a man of peace I have
some faint outline of an idea of what a clergymans mission is amongst mankind
and I remember distinctly whose servant he is whose message he delivers whose
example he should follow yet with all this if you are a parsonhater you
need not expect me to go along with you every step of your dismal
downwardtending unchristian road you need not expect me to join in your deep
anathemas at once so narrow and so sweeping in your poisonous rancour so
intense and so absurd against the cloth to lift up my eyes and hands with a
Supplehough or to inflate my lungs with a Barraclough in horror and
denunciation of the diabolical rector of Briarfield
He was not diabolical at all The evil simply was he had missed his
vocation he should have been a soldier and circumstances had made him a
priest For the rest he was a conscientious hardheaded hardhanded brave
stern implacable faithful little man a man almost without sympathy ungentle
prejudiced and rigid but a man true to principle honourable sagacious and
sincere It seems to me reader that you cannot always cut out men to fit their
profession and that you ought not to curse them because that profession
sometimes hangs on them ungracefully nor will I curse Helstone clerical
Cossack as he was Yet he was cursed and by many of his own parishioners as by
others he was adored which is the frequent fate of men who show partiality in
friendship and bitterness in enmity who are equally attached to principles and
adherent to prejudices
Helstone and Moore being both in excellent spirits and united for the
present in one cause you would expect that as they rode side by side they
would converse amicably Oh no These two men of hard bilious natures both
rarely came into contact but they chafed each others moods Their frequent bone
of contention was the war Helstone was a high Tory there were Tories in those
days and Moore was a bitter Whig a Whig at least as far as opposition to
the war party was concerned that being the question which affected his own
interest and only on that question did he profess any British politics at all
He liked to infuriate Helstone by declaring his belief in the invincibility of
Bonaparte by taunting England and Europe with the impotence of their efforts to
withstand him and by coolly advancing the opinion that it was as well to yield
to him soon as late since he must in the end crush every antagonist and reign
supreme
Helstone could not bear these sentiments it was only on the consideration
of Moore being a sort of outcast and alien and having but half measure of
British blood to temper the foreign gall which corroded his veins that he
brought himself to listen to them without indulging the wish he felt to cane the
speaker Another thing too somewhat allayed his disgust namely a
fellowfeeling for the dogged tone with which these opinions were asserted and
a respect for the consistency of Moores crabbed contumacy
As the party turned into the Stilbro road they met what little wind there
was the rain dashed in their faces Moore had been fretting his companion
previously and now braced up by the raw breeze and perhaps irritated by the
sharp drizzle he began to goad him
»Does your Peninsular news please you still« he asked
»What do you mean« was the surly demand of the Rector
»I mean have you still faith in that Baal of a Lord Wellington«
»And what do you mean now«
»Do you still believe that this woodenfaced and pebblehearted idol of
England has power to send fire down from heaven to consume the French holocaust
you want to offer up«
»I believe Wellington will flog Bonapartes marshals into the sea the day
it pleases him to lift his arm«
»But my dear sir you cant be serious in what you say Bonapartes
marshals are great men who act under the guidance of an omnipotent
masterspirit your Wellington is the most humdrum of commonplace martinets
whose slow mechanical movements are further cramped by an ignorant
homegovernment«
»Wellington is the soul of England Wellington is the right champion of a
good cause the fit representative of a powerful a resolute a sensible and an
honest nation«
»Your good cause as far as I understand it is simply the restoration of
that filthy feeble Ferdinand to a throne which he disgraced your fit
representative of an honest people is a dullwitted drover acting for a
dullerwitted farmer and against these are arrayed victorious supremacy and
invincible genius«
»Against legitimacy is arrayed usurpation against modest singleminded
righteous and brave resistance to encroachment is arrayed boastful
doubletongued selfish and treacherous ambition to possess God defend the
right«
»God often defends the powerful«
»What I suppose the handful of Israelites standing dryshod on the Asiatic
side of the Red Sea was more powerful than the host of the Egyptians drawn up
on the African side Were they more numerous Were they better appointed Were
they more mighty in a word eh Dont speak or youll tell a lie Moore you
know you will They were a poor overwrought band of bondsmen Tyrants had
oppressed them through four hundred years a feeble mixture of women and
children diluted their thin ranks their masters who roared to follow them
through the divided flood were a set of pampered Ethiops about as strong and
brutal as the lions of Libya They were armed horsed and charioted the poor
Hebrew wanderers were afoot few of them it is likely had better weapons than
their shepherds crooks or their masons buildingtools their meek and mighty
leader himself had only his rod But bethink you Robert Moore right was with
them the God of battles was on their side Crime and the lost archangel
generalled the ranks of Pharaoh and which triumphed We know that well The
Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians and Israel saw the
Egyptians dead upon the seashore yea the depths covered them they sank to the
bottom as a stone The right hand of the Lord became glorious in power the
right hand of the Lord dashed in pieces the enemy«
»You are all right only you forget the true parallel France is Israel and
Napoleon is Moses Europe with her old overgorged empires and rotten
dynasties is corrupt Egypt gallant France is the Twelve Tribes and her fresh
and vigorous Usurper the Shepherd of Horeb«
»I scorn to answer you«
Moore accordingly answered himself at least he subjoined to what he had
just said an additional observation in a lower voice
»Oh in Italy he was as great as any Moses He was the right thing there
fit to head and organize measures for the regeneration of nations It puzzles me
to this day how the conqueror of Lodi should have condescended to become an
emperor a vulgar a stupid humbug and still more how a people who had once
called themselves republicans should have sunk again to the grade of mere
slaves I despise France If England had gone as far on the march of
civilization as France did she would hardly have retreated so shamelessly«
»You dont mean to say that besotted imperial France is any worse than
bloody republican France« demanded Helstone fiercely
»I mean to say nothing but I can think what I please you know Mr
Helstone both about France and England and about revolutions and regicides
and restorations in general and about the divine right of kings which you
often stickle for in your sermons and the duty of nonresistance and the
sanity of war and «
Mr Moores sentence was here cut short by the rapid rolling up of a gig
and its sudden stoppage in the middle of the road both he and the Rector had
been too much occupied with their discourse to notice its approach till it was
close upon them
»Nah maister did th waggons hit home« demanded a voice from the vehicle
»Can that be Joe Scott«
»Ay ay« returned another voice for the gig contained two persons as was
seen by the glimmer of its lamp the men with the lanterns had now fallen into
the rear or rather the equestrians of the rescueparty had outridden the
pedestrians »Ay Mr Moore its Joe Scott Im bringing him back to you in a
bonny pickle I fand him on the top of the moor yonder him and three others
What will you give me for restoring him to you«
»Why my thanks I believe for I could better have afforded to lose a
better man That is you I suppose Mr Yorke by your voice«
»Ay lad its me I was coming home from Stilbro market and just as I got
to the middle of the moor and was whipping on as swift as the wind for these
they say are not safe times thanks to a bad government I heard a groan I
pulled up some would have whipt on faster but Ive naught to fear that I know
of I dont believe theres a lad in these parts would harm me at least Id
give them as good as I got if they offered to do it I said Is there aught
wrong anywhere Deed is there somebody says speaking out of the ground
like Whats to do be sharp and tell me I ordered Nobbut four on us
ligging in a ditch says Joe as quiet as could be I telld em more shame to
em and bid them get up and move on or Id lend them a lick of the gigwhip
for my notion was they were all fresh Wed ha done that an hour sin but
were teed wi a bit o band says Joe So in a while I got down and loosed em
wi my penknife and Scott would ride wi me to tell me all how it happened
and tothers are coming on as fast as their feet will bring them«
»Well I am greatly obliged to you Mr Yorke«
»Are you my lad you know youre not However here are the rest
approaching And here by the Lord is another set with lights in their
pitchers like the army of Gideon and as weve th parson wi us
goodevening Mr Helstone wese do«
Mr Helstone returned the salutation of the individual in the gig very
stiffly indeed That individual proceeded
»Were eleven strong men and theres both horses and chariots amang us If
we could only fall in wi some of these starved ragamuffins of framebreakers
we could win a grand victory we could ivry one be a Wellington that would
please ye Mr Helstone and sich paragraphs as we could contrive for t papers
Briarfield suld be famous but wese hev a column and a half i th Stilbro
Courier ower this job as it is I daresay Ise expect no less«
»And Ill promise you no less Mr Yorke for Ill write the article
myself« returned the Rector
»To be sure sartainly And mind ye recommend weel that them at brake t
bits o frames and teed Joe Scotts legs wi band suld be hung without benefit
o clergy Its a hanging matter or suld be no doubt o that«
»If I judged them Id give them short shrift« cried Moore »but I mean to
let them quite alone this bout to give them rope enough certain that in the
end they will hang themselves«
»Let them alone will ye Moore Do you promise that«
»Promise No All I mean to say is I shall give myself no particular
trouble to catch them but if one falls in my way «
»Youll snap him up of course only you would rather they would do
something worse than merely stop a waggon before you reckon with them Well
well say no more on the subject at present Here we are at my door gentlemen
and I hope you and the men will step in you will none of you be the worse of a
little refreshment«
Moore and Helstone opposed this proposition as unnecessary it was however
pressed on them so courteously and the night besides was so inclement and
the gleam from the muslincurtained windows of the house before which they had
halted looked so inviting that at length they yielded Mr Yorke after having
alighted from his gig which he left in charge of a man who issued from an
outbuilding on his arrival led the way in
It will have been remarked that Mr Yorke varied a little in his
phraseology now he spoke broad Yorkshire and anon he expressed himself in very
pure English His manner seemed liable to equal alternations he could be polite
and affable and he could be blunt and rough His station then you could not
easily determine by his speech or demeanour perhaps the appearance of his
residence may decide it
The men he recommended to take the kitchen way saying that he would »see
them served wi summat to taste presently« The gentlemen were ushered in at the
front entrance They found themselves in a matted hall lined almost to the
ceiling with pictures through this they were conducted to a large parlour with
a magnificent fire in the grate the most cheerful of rooms it appeared as a
whole and when you came to examine details the enlivening effect was not
diminished There was no splendour but there was taste everywhere unusual
taste the taste you would have said of a travelled man a scholar and a
gentleman A series of Italian views decked the walls each of these was a
specimen of true art a connoisseur had selected them they were genuine and
valuable Even by candlelight the bright clear skies the soft distances with
blue air quivering between the eye and the hills the fresh tints and well
massed lights and shadows charmed the view The subjects were all pastoral the
scenes were all sunny There was a guitar and some music on a sofa there were
cameos beautiful miniatures a set of Grecianlooking vases on the mantelpiece
there were books well arranged in two elegant bookcases
Mr Yorke bade his guests be seated he then rang for wine to the servant
who brought it he gave hospitable orders for the refreshment of the men in the
kitchen The Rector remained standing he seemed not to like his quarters he
would not touch the wine his host offered him
»Een as you will« remarked Mr Yorke »I reckon youre thinking of Eastern
customs Mr Helstone and youll not eat nor drink under my roof feared we
suld be forced to be friends but Im not so particular or superstitious You
might sup the contents of that decanter and you might give me a bottle of the
best in your own cellar and Id hold myself free to oppose you at every turn
still in every vestrymeeting and justicemeeting where we encountered one
another«
»It is just what I should expect of you Mr Yorke«
»Does it agree wi ye now Mr Helstone to be riding out after rioters of
a wet night at your age«
»It always agrees with me to be doing my duty and in this case my duty is a
thorough pleasure To hunt down vermin is a noble occupation fit for an
Archbishop«
»Fit for ye at ony rate but wheres t curate Hes happen gone to visit
some poor body in a sick gird or hes happen hunting down vermin in another
direction«
»He is doing garrison duty at Hollowsmill«
»You left him a sup o wine I hope Bob turning to Mr Moore to keep his
courage up«
He did not pause for an answer but continued quickly still addressing
Moore who had thrown himself into an oldfashioned chair by the fireside
»Move it Robert Get up my lad That place is mine Take the sofa or three
other chairs if you will but not this it belangs to me and nobdy else«
»Why are you so particular to that chair Mr Yorke« asked Moore lazily
vacating the place in obedience to orders
»My father war afore me and thats all t answer I sall gie thee and its
as good a reason as Mr Helstone can give for the main feck o his notions«
»Moore are you ready to go« inquired the Rector
»Nay Roberts not ready or rather Im not ready to part wi him hes an
ill lad and wants correcting«
»Why sir What have I done«
»Made thyself enemies on every hand«
»What do I care for that What difference does it make to me whether your
Yorkshire louts hate me or like me«
»Ay there it is The lad is a mak of an alien amang us his father would
never have talked i that way Go back to Antwerp where you were born and bred
mauvaise tête«
»Mauvaise tête vousmême je ne fais que mon devoir quant à vos lourdauds
de paysans je men moque«
»En revanche mon garçon nos lourdauds de paysans se moqueront de toi sois
en certain« replied Yorke speaking with nearly as pure a French accent as
Gérard Moore
»Cest bon cest bon Et puisque cela mest égal que mes amis ne sen
inquiètent pas«
»Tes amis Ou sontils tes amis«
»Je fais écho où sontils et je suis fort aise que lécho seul y répond
Au diable les amis Je me souviens encore du moment où mon père et mes oncles
Gérard appellèrent autour deux leurs amis et Dieu sait si les amis se sont
empressés daccourir à leur secours Tenez M Yorke ce mot ami mirrite
trop ne men parlez plus«
»Comme tu voudras«
And here Mr Yorke held his peace and while he sits leaning back in his
threecornered carved oak chair I will snatch my opportunity to sketch the
portrait of this Frenchspeaking Yorkshire gentleman
Chapter IV
Mr Yorke Continued
A Yorkshire gentleman he was par excellence in every point About fiftyfive
years old but looking at first sight still older for his hair was silver
white His forehead was broad not high his face fresh and hale the harshness
of the north was seen in his features as it was heard in his voice every trait
was thoroughly English not a Norman line anywhere it was an inelegant
unclassic unaristocratic mould of visage Fine people would perhaps have called
it vulgar sensible people would have termed it characteristic shrewd people
would have delighted in it for the pith sagacity intelligence the rude yet
real originality marked in every lineament latent in every furrow But it was
an indocile a scornful and a sarcastic face the face of a man difficult to
lead and impossible to drive His stature was rather tall and he was wellmade
and wiry and had a stately integrity of port there was not a suspicion of the
clown about him anywhere
I did not find it easy to sketch Mr Yorkes person but it is more
difficult to indicate his mind If you expect to be treated to a Perfection
reader or even to a benevolent philanthropic old gentleman in him you are
mistaken He has spoken with some sense and with some good feeling to Mr
Moore but you are not thence to conclude that he always spoke and thought
justly and kindly
Mr Yorke in the first place was without the organ of Veneration a great
want and which throws a man wrong on every point where veneration is required
Secondly he was without the organ of Comparison a deficiency which strips a
man of sympathy and thirdly he had too little of the organs of Benevolence
and Ideality which took the glory and softness from his nature and for him
diminished those divine qualities throughout the universe
The want of veneration made him intolerant to those above him kings and
nobles and priests dynasties and parliaments and establishments with all their
doings most of their enactments their forms their rights their claims were
to him an abomination all rubbish he found no use or pleasure in them and
believed it would be clear gain and no damage to the world if its high places
were razed and their occupants crushed in the fall The want of veneration
too made him dead at heart to the electric delight of admiring what is
admirable it dried up a thousand pure sources of enjoyment it withered a
thousand vivid pleasures He was not irreligious though a member of no sect
but his religion could not be that of one who knows how to venerate He believed
in God and heaven but his God and heaven were those of a man in whom awe
imagination and tenderness lack
The weakness of his powers of comparison made him inconsistent while he
professed some excellent general doctrines of mutual toleration and forbearance
he cherished towards certain classes a bigoted antipathy he spoke of parsons
and all who belonged to parsons of lords and the appendages of lords with a
harshness sometimes an insolence as unjust as it was insufferable He could
not place himself in the position of those he vituperated he could not compare
their errors with their temptations their defects with their disadvantages he
could not realize the effect of such and such circumstances on himself similarly
situated and he would often express the most ferocious and tyrannical wishes
regarding those who had acted as he thought ferociously and tyrannically To
judge by his threats he would have employed arbitrary even cruel means to
advance the cause of freedom and equality Equality yes Mr Yorke talked
about equality but at heart he was a proud man very friendly to his
workpeople very good to all who were beneath him and submitted quietly to be
beneath him but haughty as Beelzebub to whomsoever the world deemed for he
deemed no man his superior Revolt was in his blood he could not bear control
his father his grandfather before him could not bear it and his children
after him never could
The want of general benevolence made him very impatient of imbecility and
of all faults which grated on his strong shrewd nature it left no check to his
cutting sarcasm As he was not merciful he would sometimes wound and wound
again without noticing how much he hurt or caring how deep he thrust
As to the paucity of ideality in his mind that can scarcely be called a
fault a fine ear for music a correct eye for colour and form left him the
quality of taste and who cares for imagination Who does not think it a rather
dangerous senseless attribute akin to weakness perhaps partaking of frenzy
a disease rather than a gift of the mind?
Probably all think it so but those who possess or fancy they possess
it To hear them speak you would believe that their hearts would be cold if
that elixir did not flow about them that their eyes would be dim if that flame
did not refine their vision that they would be lonely if this strange companion
abandoned them You would suppose that it imparted some glad hope to spring
some fine charm to summer some tranquil joy to autumn some consolation to
winter which you do not feel All illusion of course but the fanatics cling
to their dream and would not give it for gold
As Mr Yorke did not possess poetic imagination himself he considered it a
most superfluous quality in others Painters and musicians he could tolerate
and even encourage because he could relish the results of their art he could
see the charm of a fine picture and feel the pleasure of good music but a
quiet poet whatever force struggled whatever fire glowed in his breast if
he could not have played the man in the countinghouse or the tradesman in the
Piece Hall might have lived despised and died scorned under the eyes of Hiram
Yorke
And as there are many Hiram Yorkes in the world it is well that the true
poet quiet externally though he may be has often a truculent spirit under his
placidity and is full of shrewdness in his meekness and can measure the whole
stature of those who look down on him and correctly ascertain the weight and
value of the pursuits they disdain him for not having followed It is happy that
he can have his own bliss his own society with his great friend and goddess
Nature quite independent of those who find little pleasure in him and in whom
he finds no pleasure at all It is just that while the world and circumstances
often turn a dark cold side to him and properly too because he first turns
a dark cold careless side to them he should be able to maintain a festal
brightness and cherishing glow in his bosom which makes all bright and genial
for him while strangers perhaps deem his existence a Polar winter never
gladdened by a sun The true poet is not one whit to be pitied and he is apt to
laugh in his sleeve when any misguided sympathizer whines over his wrongs Even
when utilitarians sit in judgment on him and pronounce him and his art useless
he hears the sentence with such a hard derision such a broad deep
comprehensive and merciless contempt of the unhappy Pharisees who pronounce it
that he is rather to be chidden than condoled with These however are not Mr
Yorkes reflections and it is with Mr Yorke we have at present to do
I have told you some of his faults reader as to his good points he was
one of the most honourable and capable men in Yorkshire even those who disliked
him were forced to respect him He was much beloved by the poor because he was
thoroughly kind and very fatherly to them To his workmen he was considerate and
cordial when he dismissed them from an occupation he would try to set them on
to something else or if that was impossible help them to remove with their
families to a district where work might possibly be had It must also be
remarked that if as sometimes chanced any individual amongst his hands showed
signs of insubordination Yorke who like many who abhor being controlled
knew how to control with vigour had the secret of crushing rebellion in the
germ of eradicating it like a bad weed so that it never spread or developed
within the sphere of his authority Such being the happy state of his own
affairs he felt himself at liberty to speak with the utmost severity of those
who were differently situated to ascribe whatever was unpleasant in their
position entirely to their own fault to sever himself from the masters and
advocate freely the cause of the operatives
Mr Yorkes family was the first and oldest in the district and he though
not the wealthiest was one of the most influential men His education had been
good in his youth before the French Revolution he had travelled on the
continent he was an adept in the French and Italian languages During a two
years sojourn in Italy he had collected many good paintings and tasteful
rarities with which his residence was now adorned His manners when he liked
were those of a finished gentleman of the old school his conversation when he
was disposed to please was singularly interesting and original and if he
usually expressed himself in the Yorkshire dialect it was because he chose to
do so preferring his native Doric to a more refined vocabulary »A Yorkshire
burr« he affirmed »was as much better than a Cockneys lisp as a bulls
bellow than a rattons squeak«
Mr Yorke knew every one and was known by every one for miles round yet
his intimate acquaintance were very few Himself thoroughly original he had no
taste for what was ordinary a racy rough character high or low ever found
acceptance with him a refined insipid personage however exalted in station
was his aversion He would spend an hour any time in talking freely with a
shrewd workman of his own or with some queer sagacious old woman amongst his
cottagers when he would have grudged a moment to a commonplace fine gentleman
or to the most fashionable and elegant if frivolous lady His preferences on
these points he carried to an extreme forgetting that there may be amiable and
even admirable characters amongst those who cannot be original Yet he made
exceptions to his own rule there was a certain order of mind plain ingenuous
neglecting refinement almost devoid of intellectuality and quite incapable of
appreciating what was intellectual in him but which at the same time never
felt disgust at his rudeness was not easily wounded by his sarcasm did not
closely analyze his sayings doings or opinions with which he was peculiarly
at ease and consequently which he peculiarly preferred He was lord amongst
such characters They while submitting implicitly to his influence never
acknowledged because they never reflected on his superiority they were quite
tractable therefore without running the smallest danger of being servile and
their unthinking easy artless insensibility was as acceptable because as
convenient to Mr Yorke as that of the chair he sat on or of the floor he
trod
It will have been observed that he was not quite uncordial with Mr Moore
he had two or three reasons for entertaining a faint partiality to that
gentleman It may sound odd but the first of these was that Moore spoke English
with a foreign and French with a perfectly pure accent and that his dark thin
face with its fine though rather wasted lines had a most antiBritish and
antiYorkshire look These points seem frivolous unlikely to influence a
character like Yorkes but the fact is they recalled old perhaps pleasurable
associations they brought back his travelling his youthful days He had seen
amidst Italian cities and scenes faces like Moores he had heard in Parisian
cafés and theatres voices like his he was young then and when he looked at
and listened to the alien he seemed young again
Secondly he had known Moores father and had had dealings with him that
was a more substantial though by no means a more agreeable tie for as his
firm had been connected with Moores in business it had also in some measure
been implicated in its losses
Thirdly he had found Robert himself a sharp man of business He saw reason
to anticipate that he would in the end by one means or another make money and
he respected both his resolution and acuteness perhaps also his hardness A
fourth circumstance which drew them together was that of Mr Yorke being one of
the guardians of the minor on whose estate Hollowsmill was situated
consequently Moore in the course of his alterations and improvements had
frequent occasion to consult him
As to the other guest now present in Mr Yorkes parlour Mr Helstone
between him and his host there existed a double antipathy the antipathy of
nature and that of circumstances The freethinker hated the formalist the
lover of liberty detested the disciplinarian besides it was said that in
former years they had been rival suitors of the same lady
Mr Yorke as a general rule was when young noted for his preference of
sprightly and dashing women a showy shape and air a lively wit a ready
tongue chiefly seemed to attract him He never however proposed to any of
these brilliant belles whose society he sought and all at once he seriously
fell in love with and eagerly wooed a girl who presented a complete contrast to
those he had hitherto noticed a girl with the face of a Madonna a girl of
living marble stillness personified No matter that when he spoke to her she
only answered him in monosyllables no matter that his sighs seemed unheard
that his glances were unreturned that she never responded to his opinions
rarely smiled at his jests paid him no respect and no attention no matter that
she seemed the opposite of everything feminine he had ever in his whole life
been known to admire for him Mary Cave was perfect because somehow for some
reason no doubt he had a reason he loved her
Mr Helstone at that time curate of Briarfield loved Mary too or at any
rate he fancied her Several others admired her for she was beautiful as a
monumental angel but the clergyman was preferred for his offices sake that
office probably investing him with some of the illusion necessary to allure to
the commission of matrimony and which Miss Cave did not find in any of the
young woolstaplers her other adorers Mr Helstone neither had nor professed
to have Mr Yorkes absorbing passion for her he had none of the humble
reverence which seemed to subdue most of her suitors he saw her more as she
really was than the rest did he was consequently more master of her and
himself She accepted him at the first offer and they were married
Nature never intended Mr Helstone to make a very good husband especially
to a quiet wife He thought so long as a woman was silent nothing ailed her
and she wanted nothing If she did not complain of solitude solitude however
continued could not be irksome to her If she did not talk and put herself
forward express a partiality for this an aversion to that she had no
partialities or aversions and it was useless to consult her tastes He made no
pretence of comprehending women or comparing them with men they were a
different probably a very inferior order of existence a wife could not be her
husbands companion much less his confidant much less his stay His wife
after a year or two was of no great importance to him in any shape and when
she one day as he thought suddenly for he had scarcely noticed her decline
but as others thought gradually took her leave of him and of life and there
was only a still beautifulfeatured mould of clay left cold and white in the
conjugal couch he felt his bereavement who shall say how little Yet
perhaps more than he seemed to feel it for he was not a man from whom grief
easily wrung tears
His dryeyed and sober mourning scandalized an old housekeeper and likewise
a female attendant who had waited upon Mrs Helstone in her sickness and who
perhaps had had opportunities of learning more of the deceased ladys nature
of her capacity for feeling and loving than her husband knew they gossiped
together over the corpse related anecdotes with embellishments of her
lingering decline and its real or supposed cause in short they worked each
other up to some indignation against the austere little man who sat examining
papers in an adjoining room unconscious of what opprobrium he was the object
Mrs Helstone was hardly under the sod when rumours began to be rife in the
neighbourhood that she had died of a broken heart these magnified quickly into
reports of hard usage and finally details of harsh treatment on the part of
her husband reports grossly untrue but not the less eagerly received on that
account Mr Yorke heard them partly believed them Already of course he had
no friendly feeling to his successful rival though himself a married man now
and united to a woman who seemed a complete contrast to Mary Cave in all
respects he could not forget the great disappointment of his life and when he
heard that what would have been so precious to him had been neglected perhaps
abused by another he conceived for that other a rooted and bitter animosity
Of the nature and strength of this animosity Mr Helstone was but half
aware he neither knew how much Yorke had loved Mary Cave what he had felt on
losing her nor was he conscious of the calumnies concerning his treatment of
her familiar to every ear in the neighbourhood but his own He believed
political and religious differences alone separated him and Mr Yorke had he
known how the case really stood he would hardly have been induced by any
persuasion to cross his former rivals threshold
Mr Yorke did not resume his lecture of Robert Moore the conversation ere long
recommenced in a more general form though still in a somewhat disputative tone
The unquiet state of the country the various depredations lately committed on
millproperty in the district supplied abundant matter for disagreement
especially as each of the three gentlemen present differed more or less in his
views on these subjects Mr Helstone thought the masters aggrieved the
workpeople unreasonable he condemned sweepingly the widespread spirit of
disaffection against constituted authorities the growing indisposition to bear
with patience evils he regarded as inevitable the cures he prescribed were
vigorous government interference strict magisterial vigilance when necessary
prompt military coercion
Mr Yorke wished to know whether this interference vigilance and coercion
would feed those who were hungry give work to those who wanted work and whom no
man would hire He scouted the idea of inevitable evils he said public patience
was a camel on whose back the last atom that could be borne had already been
laid and that resistance was now a duty the widespread spirit of disaffection
against constituted authorities he regarded as the most promising sign of the
times the masters he allowed were truly aggrieved but their main grievances
had been heaped on them by a »corrupt base and bloody« government these were
Mr Yorkes epithets Madmen like Pitt demons like Castlereagh mischievous
idiots like Perceval were the tyrants the curses of the country the
destroyers of her trade It was their infatuated perseverance in an
unjustifiable a hopeless a ruinous war which had brought the nation to its
present pass It was their monstrously oppressive taxation it was the infamous
»Orders in Council« the originators of which deserved impeachment and the
scaffold if ever public men did that hung a millstone about Englands neck
»But where was the use of talking« he demanded »What chance was there of
reason being heard in a land that was kingridden priestridden peerridden
where a lunatic was the nominal monarch an unprincipled debauchee the real
ruler where such an insult to common sense as hereditary legislators was
tolerated where such a humbug as a bench of bishops such an arrogant abuse
as a pampered persecuting established Church was endured and venerated where
a standing army was maintained and a host of lazy parsons and their pauper
families were kept on the fat of the land«
Mr Helstone rising up and putting on his shovelhat observed in reply
»That in the course of his life he had met with two or three instances where
sentiments of this sort had been very bravely maintained so long as health
strength and worldly prosperity had been the allies of him who professed them
but there came a time« he said »to all men when the keepers of the house
should tremble when they should be afraid of that which is high and fear
should be in the way and that time was the test of the advocate of anarchy and
rebellion the enemy of religion and order Ere now« he affirmed he had been
called upon to read »those prayers our Church has provided for the sick by the
miserable dyingbed of one of her most rancorous foes he had seen such a one
stricken with remorse solicitous to discover a place for repentance and unable
to find any though he sought it carefully with tears He must forewarn Mr
Yorke that blasphemy against God and the king was a deadly sin and that there
was such a thing as judgment to come«
Mr Yorke »believed fully that there was such a thing as judgment to come
If it were otherwise it would be difficult to imagine how all the scoundrels
who seemed triumphant in this world who broke innocent hearts with impunity
abused unmerited privileges were a scandal to honourable callings took the
bread out of the mouths of the poor browbeat the humble and truckled meanly
to the rich and proud were to be properly paid off in such coin as they had
earned But« he added »whenever he got lowspirited about such like goingson
and their seeming success in this mucky lump of a planet he just reached down
t owd book pointing to a great Bible in the bookcase opened it like at a
chance and he was sure to light of a verse blazing wi a blue brimstone low
that set all straight He knew« he said »where some folk war bound for just
as weel as if an angel wi great white wings had come in ower t doorstone
and told him«
»Sir« said Mr Helstone collecting all his dignity »Sir the great
knowledge of man is to know himself and the bourne whither his own steps tend«
»Ay ay youll recollect Mr Helstone that Ignorance was carried away
from the very gates of heaven borne through the air and thrust in at a door in
the side of the hill which led down to hell«
»Nor have I forgotten Mr Yorke that VainConfidence not seeing the way
before him fell into a deep pit which was on purpose there made by the prince
of the grounds to catch vainglorious fools withal and was dashed to pieces
with his fall«
»Now« interposed Mr Moore who had hitherto sat a silent but amused
spectator of this wordy combat and whose indifference to the party politics of
the day as well as to the gossip of the neighbourhood made him an impartial
if apathetic judge of the merits of such an encounter »you have both
sufficiently blackballed each other and proved how cordially you detest each
other and how wicked you think each other For my part my hate is still
running in such a strong current against the fellows who have broken my frames
that I have none to spare for my private acquaintance and still less for such a
vague thing as a sect or a government but really gentlemen you both seem very
bad by your own shewing worse than ever I suspected you to be I dare not stay
all night with a rebel and blasphemer like you Yorke and I hardly dare ride
home with a cruel and tyrannical ecclesiastic like Mr Helstone«
»I am going however Mr Moore« said the Rector sternly »come with me or
not as you please«
»Nay he shall not have the choice he shall go with you« responded Yorke
»Its midnight and past and Ill have nobdy staying up i my house any
longer Ye mun all go«
He rang the bell
»Deb« said he to the servant who answered it »clear them folk out o t
kitchen and lock t doors and be off to bed Here is your way gentlemen« he
continued to his guests and lighting them through the passage he fairly put
them out at his frontdoor
They met their party hurrying out pellmell by the back way their horses
stood at the gate they mounted and rode off Moore laughing at their abrupt
dismissal Helstone deeply indignant thereat
Chapter V
Hollows Cottage
Moores good spirits were still with him when he rose next morning He and Joe
Scott had both spent the night in the mill availing themselves of certain
sleeping accommodations producible from recesses in the front and back
countinghouses the master always an early riser was up somewhat sooner even
than usual he awoke his man by singing a French song as he made his toilet
»Yere not custen dahm then maister« cried Joe
»Not a stiver mon garçon which means my lad get up and well take a
turn through the mill before the hands come in and Ill explain my future
plans Well have the machinery yet Joseph you never heard of Bruce perhaps«
»And th arrand spider Yes but I hev Ive read th history o Scotland
and happen knaw as mich ont as ye and I understand ye to mean to say yell
persevere«
»I do«
»Is there mony o your mak i your country« inquired Joe as he folded up
his temporary bed and put it away
»In my country Which is my country«
»Why France isnt it«
»Not it indeed The circumstance of the French having seized Antwerp where
I was born does not make me a Frenchman«
»Holland then«
»I am not a Dutchman now you are confounding Antwerp with Amsterdam«
»Flanders«
»I scorn the insinuation Joe I a Flamand Have I a Flemish face the
clumsy nose standing out the mean forehead falling back the pale blue eyes à
fleur de tête Am I all body and no legs like a Flamand But you dont know
what they are like those Netherlanders Joe Im an Anversois my mother was
an Anversoise though she came of French lineage which is the reason I speak
French«
»But your father war Yorkshire which maks ye a bit Yorkshire too and
onybody may see yere akin to us yere so keen o making brass and getting
forrards«
»Joe youre an impudent dog but Ive always been accustomed to a boorish
sort of insolence from my youth up the classe ouvrière that is the working
people in Belgium bear themselves brutally towards their employers and by
brutally Joe I mean brutalement which perhaps when properly translated
should be roughly«
»We allus speak our minds i this country and them young parsons and grand
folk fro London is shocked at wer incivility and we like weel enow to gie em
summat to be shocked at cause its sport to us to watch em turn up the whites
o their een and spreed out their bits o hands like as theyre flayed wi
bogards and then to hear em say nipping off their words short like Dear
dear Whet seveges How very corse«
»You are savages Joe you dont suppose youre civilized do you«
»Middling middling maister I reckon at us manufacturing lads i th
north is a deal more intelligent and knaws a deal more nor th farming folk i
th south Trade sharpens wer wits and them thats mechanics like me is
forced to think Ye know what wi looking after machinery and sich like Ive
getten into that way that when I see an effect I look straight out for a cause
and I oft lig hold ont to purpose and then I like reading and Im curious to
knaw what them that reckons to govern us aims to do for us and wi us and
theres many cuter nor me theres many a one amang them greasy chaps at
smells o oil and amang them dyers wi blue and black skins that has a long
head and that can tell what a fooil of a law is as well as ye or old Yorke
and a deal better nor soft uns like Christopher Sykes o Whinbury and greet
hectoring nowts like yond Irish Peter Helstones curate«
»You think yourself a clever fellow I know Scott«
»Ay Im fairish I can tell cheese fro chalk and Im varry weel aware
that Ive improved sich opportunities as I have had a deal better nor some at
reckons to be aboon me but theres thousands i Yorkshire thats as good as me
and a twothree thats better«
»Youre a great man youre a sublime fellow but youre a prig a
conceited noodle with it all Joe You need not to think that because youve
picked up a little knowledge of practical mathematics and because you have
found some scantling of the elements of chemistry at the bottom of a dyeing vat
that therefore youre a neglected man of science and you need not to suppose
that because the course of trade does not always run smooth and you and such
as you are sometimes short of work and of bread that therefore your class are
martyrs and that the whole form of government under which you live is wrong
And moreover you need not for a moment to insinuate that the virtues have
taken refuge in cottages and wholly abandoned slated houses Let me tell you I
particularly abominate that sort of trash because I know so well that human
nature is human nature everywhere whether under tile or thatch and that in
every specimen of human nature that breathes vice and virtue are ever found
blended in smaller or greater proportions and that the proportion is not
determined by station I have seen villains who were rich and I have seen
villains who were poor and I have seen villains who were neither rich nor poor
but who had realized Agars wish and lived in fair and modest competency The
clock is going to strike six away with you Joe and ring the mill bell«
It was now the middle of the month of February by six oclock therefore
dawn was just beginning to steal on night to penetrate with a pale ray its
brown obscurity and give a demitranslucence to its opaque shadows Pale enough
that ray was on this particular morning no colour tinged the east no flush
warmed it To see what a heavy lid day slowly lifted what a wan glance she
flung along the hills you would have thought the suns fire quenched in last
nights floods The breath of this morning was chill as its aspect a raw wind
stirred the mass of nightcloud and shewed as it slowly rose leaving a
colourless silvergleaming ring all round the horizon not blue sky but a
stratum of paler vapour beyond It had ceased to rain but the earth was sodden
and the pools and rivulets were full
The millwindows were alight the bell still rung loud and now the little
children came running in in too great a hurry let us hope to feel very much
nipped by the inclement air and indeed by contrast perhaps the morning
appeared rather favourable to them than otherwise for they had often come to
their work that winter through snowstorms through heavy rain through hard
frost
Mr Moore stood at the entrance to watch them pass he counted them as they
went by to those who came rather late he said a word of reprimand which was a
little more sharply repeated by Joe Scott when the lingerers reached the
workrooms Neither master nor overlooker spoke savagely they were not savage
men either of them though it appeared both were rigid for they fined a
delinquent who came considerably too late Mr Moore made him pay his penny down
ere he entered and informed him that the next repetition of the fault would
cost him two pence
Rules no doubt are necessary in such cases and coarse and cruel masters
will make coarse and cruel rules which at the time we treat of at least they
used sometimes to enforce tyrannically but though I describe imperfect
characters every character in this book will be found to be more or less
imperfect my pen refusing to draw anything in the model line I have not
undertaken to handle degraded or utterly infamous ones Childtorturers slave
masters and drivers I consign to the hands of jailers the novelist may be
excused from sullying his page with the record of their deeds
Instead then of harrowing up my readers soul and delighting his organ of
Wonder with effective descriptions of stripes and scourgings I am happy to be
able to inform him that neither Mr Moore nor his overlooker ever struck a child
in their mill Joe had indeed once very severely flogged a son of his own for
telling a lie and persisting in it but like his employer he was too
phlegmatic too calm as well as too reasonable a man to make corporeal
chastisement other than the exception to his treatment of the young
Mr Moore haunted his mill his millyard his dyehouse and his warehouse
till the sickly dawn strengthened into day The sun even rose at least a
white disk clear tintless and almost chilllooking as ice peeped over the
dark crest of a hill changed to silver the livid edge of the cloud above it
and looked solemnly down the whole length of the den or narrow dale to whose
strait bounds we are at present limited It was eight oclock the mill lights
were all extinguished the signal was given for breakfast the children
released for half an hour from toil betook themselves to the little tin cans
which held their coffee and to the small baskets which contained their
allowance of bread Let us hope they have enough to eat it would be a pity were
it otherwise
And now at last Mr Moore quitted the millyard and bent his steps to his
dwellinghouse It was only a short distance from the factory but the hedge and
high bank on each side of the lane which conducted to it seemed to give it
something of the appearance and feeling of seclusion It was a small
whitewashed place with a green porch over the door scanty brown stalks showed
in the garden soil near this porch and likewise beneath the windows stalks
budless and flowerless now but giving dim prediction of trained and blooming
creepers for summer days A grass plat and borders fronted the cottage the
borders presented only black mould yet except where in sheltered nooks the
first shoots of snowdrop or crocus peeped green as emerald from the earth The
spring was late it had been a severe and prolonged winter the last deep snow
had but just disappeared before yesterdays rains on the hills indeed white
remnants of it yet gleamed flecking the hollows and crowning the peaks the
lawn was not verdant but bleached as was the grass on the bank and under the
hedge in the lane Three trees gracefully grouped rose beside the cottage
they were not lofty but having no rivals near they looked well and imposing
where they grew Such was Mr Moores home a snug nest for content and
contemplation but one within which the wings of action and ambition could not
long lie folded
Its air of modest comfort seemed to possess no particular attraction for its
owner instead of entering the house at once he fetched a spade from a little
shed and began to work in the garden For about a quarter of an hour he dug on
uninterrupted at length however a window opened and a female voice called to
him
»Eh bien Tu ne déjeûnes pas ce matin«
The answer and the rest of the conversation was in French but as this is an
English book I shall translate it into English
»Is breakfast ready Hortense«
»Certainly it has been ready half an hour«
»Then I am ready too I have a canine hunger«
He threw down his spade and entered the house the narrow passage conducted
him to a small parlour where a breakfast of coffee and bread amp butter with
the somewhat unEnglish accompaniment of stewed pears was spread on the table
Over these viands presided the lady who had spoken from the window I must
describe her before I go any further
She seemed a little older than Mr Moore perhaps she was thirtyfive tall
and proportionately stout she had very black hair for the present twisted up
in curlpapers a high colour in her cheeks a small nose a pair of little
black eyes The lower part of her face was large in proportion to the upper her
forehead was small and rather corrugated she had a fretful though not an
illnatured expression of countenance there was something in her whole
appearance one felt inclined to be half provoked with and half amused at The
strangest point was her dress a stuff petticoat and a striped cotton camisole
The petticoat was short displaying well a pair of feet and ankles which left
much to be desired in the article of symmetry
You will think I have depicted a remarkable slattern reader not at all
Hortense Moore she was Mr Moores sister was a very orderly economical
person the petticoat camisole and curlpapers were her morning costume in
which of forenoons she had always been accustomed to »go her household ways«
in her own country She did not choose to adopt English fashions because she was
obliged to live in England she adhered to her old Belgian modes quite
satisfied that there was a merit in so doing
Mademoiselle had an excellent opinion of herself an opinion not wholly
undeserved for she possessed some good and sterling qualities but she rather
overestimated the kind and degree of these qualities and quite left out of the
account sundry little defects which accompanied them You could never have
persuaded her that she was a prejudiced and narrowminded person that she was
too susceptible on the subject of her own dignity and importance and too apt to
take offence about trifles yet all this was true However where her claims to
distinction were not opposed and where her prejudices were not offended she
could be kind and friendly enough To her two brothers for there was another
Gérard Moore besides Robert she was very much attached As the sole remaining
representatives of their decayed family the persons of both were almost sacred
in her eyes of Louis however she knew less than of Robert he had been sent
to England when a mere boy and had received his education at an English school
His education not being such as to adapt him for trade perhaps too his
natural bent not inclining him to mercantile pursuits he had when the blight
of hereditary prospects renderedit necessary for him to push his own fortune
adopted the very arduous and very modest career of a teacher he had been usher
in a school and was said now to be tutor in a private family Hortense when
she mentioned Louis described him as having what she called »des moyens« but
as being too backward and quiet her praise of Robert was in a different strain
less qualified she was very proud of him she regarded him as the greatest man
in Europe all he said and did was remarkable in her eyes and she expected
others to behold him from the same point of view nothing could be more
irrational monstrous and infamous than opposition from any quarter to Robert
unless it were opposition to herself
Accordingly as soon as the said Robert was seated at the breakfast table
and she had helped him to a portion of stewed pears and cut him a goodsized
Belgian tartine she began to pour out a flood of amazement and horror at the
transaction of last night the destruction of the frames
»Quelle idée to destroy them Quelle action honteuse On voyait bien que
les ouvriers de ce pays étaient à la fois bêtes et méchants Cétait absolument
comme les domestiques Anglais les servantes surtout rien dinsupportable comme
cette Sara par exemple«
»She looks clean and industrious« Mr Moore remarked
»Looks I dont know how she looks and I do not say that she is altogether
dirty or idle mais elle est dune insolence She disputed with me a quarter of
an hour yesterday about the cooking of the beef she said I boiled it to rags
that English people would never be able to eat such a dish as our bouilli that
the bouillon was no better than greasy warm water and as to the choucroute she
affirms she cannot touch it That barrel we have in the cellar delightfully
prepared by my own hands she termed a tub of hogwash which means food for
pigs I am harassed with the girl and yet I cannot part with her lest I should
get a worse You are in the same position with your workmen pauvre cher
frère«
»I am afraid you are not very happy in England Hortense«
»It is my duty to be happy where you are brother but otherwise there are
certainly a thousand things which make me regret our native town All the world
here appears to me illbred malélevé I find my habits considered ridiculous
if a girl out of your mill chances to come into the kitchen and find me in my
jupon and camisole preparing dinner for you know I cannot trust Sarah to cook a
single dish she sneers If I accept an invitation out to tea which I have
done once or twice I perceive I am put quite into the background I have not
that attention paid me which decidedly is my due Of what an excellent family
are the Gérards as we know and the Moores also They have a right to claim a
certain respect and to feel wounded when it is withheld from them In Antwerp
I was always treated with distinction here one would think that when I open my
lips in company I speak English with a ridiculous accent whereas I am quite
assured that I pronounce it perfectly«
»Hortense in Antwerp we were known rich in England we were never known but
poor«
»Precisely and thus mercenary are mankind Again dear brother last
Sunday if you recollect was very wet accordingly I went to church in my neat
black sabots objects one would not indeed wear in a fashionable city but which
in the country I have ever been accustomed to use for walking in dirty roads
Believe me as I paced up the aisle composed and tranquil as I am always four
ladies and as many gentlemen laughed and hid their faces behind their
prayerbooks«
»Well well dont put on the sabots again I told you before I thought they
were not quite the thing for this country«
»But brother they are not common sabots such as the peasantry wear I
tell you they are sabots noirs très propres très convenables At Mons and
Leuze cities not very far removed from the elegant capital of Brussels it is
very seldom that the respectable people wear anything else for walking in
winter Let any one try to wade the mud of the Flemish chaussées in a pair of
Paris brodequins on men dirait des nouvelles«
»Never mind Mons and Leuze and the Flemish chaussées do at Rome as the
Romans do and as to the camisole and jupon I am not quite sure about them
either I never see an English lady dressed in such garments Ask Caroline
Helstone«
»Caroline I ask Caroline I consult her about my dress It is she who on
all points should consult me she is a child«
»She is eighteen or at the least seventeen old enough to know all about
gowns petticoats and chaussures«
»Do not spoil Caroline I entreat you brother do not make her of more
consequence than she ought to be At present she is modest and unassuming let
us keep her so«
»With all my heart Is she coming this morning«
»She will come at ten as usual to take her French lesson«
»You dont find that she sneers at you do you«
»She does not she appreciates me better than any one else here but then
she has more intimate opportunities of knowing me she sees that I have
education intelligence manner principles all in short which belongs to a
person well born and well bred«
»Are you at all fond of her«
»For fond I cannot say I am not one who is prone to take violent fancies
and consequently my friendship is the more to be depended on I have a regard
for her as my relative her position also inspires interest and her conduct as
my pupil has hitherto been such as rather to enhance than diminish the
attachment that springs from other causes«
»She behaves pretty well at lessons«
»To me she behaves very well but you are conscious brother that I have a
manner calculated to repel overfamiliarity to win esteem and to command
respect Yet possessed of penetration I perceive clearly that Caroline is not
perfect that there is much to be desired in her«
»Give me a last cup of coffee and while I am drinking it amuse me with an
account of her faults«
»Dear brother I am happy to see you eat your breakfast with relish after
the fatiguing night you have passed Caroline then is defective but with my
forming hand and almost motherly care she may improve There is about her an
occasional something a reserve I think which I do not quite like because
it is not sufficiently girlish and submissive and there are glimpses of an
unsettled hurry in her nature which put me out Yet she is usually most
tranquil too dejected and thoughtful indeed sometimes In time I doubt not I
shall make her uniformly sedate and decorous without being unaccountably
pensive I ever disapprove what is not intelligible«
»I dont understand your account in the least what do you mean by unsettled
hurries for instance«
»An example will perhaps be the most satisfactory explanation I
sometimes you are aware make her read French poetry by way of practice in
pronunciation She has in the course of her lessons gone through much of
Corneille and Racine in a very steady sober spirit such as I approve
Occasionally she showed indeed a degree of languor in the perusal of those
esteemed authors partaking rather of apathy than sobriety and apathy is what I
cannot tolerate in those who have the benefit of my instructions besides one
should not be apathetic in studying standard works The other day I put into her
hands a volume of short fugitive pieces I sent her to the window to learn one
by heart and when I looked up I saw her turning the leaves over impatiently
and curling her lip absolutely with scorn as she surveyed the little poems
cursorily I chid her Ma cousine said she tout cela mennuie à la mort I
told her this was improper languageDieu she exclaimed Ill ny a donc pas
deux lignes de poësie dans toute la littérature française I inquired what she
meant She begged my pardon with proper submission Erelong she was still I saw
her smiling to herself over the book she began to learn assiduously In half an
hour she came and stood before me presented the volume folded her hands as I
always require her to do and commenced the repetition of that short thing by
Chénier La Jeune Captive If you had heard the manner in which she went through
this and in which she uttered a few incoherent comments when she had done you
would have known what I meant by the phrase unsettled hurry One would have
thought Chénier was more moving than all Racine and all Corneille You brother
who have so much sagacity will discern that this disproportionate preference
argues an illregulated mind but she is fortunate in a preceptress I will give
her a system a method of thought a set of opinions I will give her the
perfect control and guidance of her feelings«
»Be sure you do Hortense here she comes That was her shadow passed the
window I believe«
»Ah truly She is too early half an hour before her time My child
what brings you here before I have breakfasted«
This question was addressed to an individual who now entered the room a
young girl wrapped in a winter mantle the folds of which were gathered with
some grace round an apparently slender figure
»I came in haste to see how you were Hortense and how Robert was too I
was sure you would be both grieved by what happened last night I did not hear
till this morning my uncle told me at breakfast«
»Ah it is unspeakable You sympathize with us Your uncle sympathizes with
us«
»My uncle is very angry but he was with Robert I believe was he not Did
he not go with you to Stilbro Moor«
»Yes we set out in very martial style Caroline but the prisoners we went
to rescue met us halfway«
»Of course nobody was hurt«
»Why no only Joe Scotts wrists were a little galled with being pinioned
too tightly behind his back«
»You were not there You were not with the waggons when they were attacked«
»No one seldom has the fortune to be present at occurrences at which one
would particularly wish to assist«
»Where are you going this morning I saw Murgatroyd saddling your horse in
the yard«
»To Whinbury it is marketday«
»Mr Yorke is going too I met him in his gig Come home with him«
»Why«
»Two are better than one and nobody dislikes Mr Yorke at least poor
people do not dislike him«
»Therefore he would be a protection to me who am hated«
»Who are misunderstood that probably is the word Shall you be late
Will he be late cousin Hortense«
»It is too probable he has often much business to transact at Whinbury
Have you brought your exercisebook child«
»Yes What time will you return Robert«
»I generally return at seven Do you wish me to be at home earlier«
»Try rather to be back by six It is not absolutely dark at six now but by
seven daylight is quite gone«
»And what danger is to be apprehended Caroline when daylight is gone What
peril do you conceive comes as the companion of darkness for me«
»I am not sure that I can define my fears but we all have a certain anxiety
at present about our friends My uncle calls these times dangerous he says
too that millowners are unpopular«
»And I one of the most unpopular Is not that the fact You are reluctant to
speak out plainly but at heart you think me liable to Pearsons fate who was
shot at not indeed from behind a hedge but in his own house through his
staircasewindow as he was going to bed«
»Anne Pearson showed me the bullet in the chamberdoor« remarked Caroline
gravely as she folded her mantle and arranged it and her muff on a sidetable
»You know« she continued »there is a hedge all the way along the road from
here to Whinbury and there are the Fieldhead plantations to pass but you will
be back by six or before«
»Certainly he will« affirmed Hortense »And now my child prepare your
lessons for repetition while I put the pease to soak for the purée at dinner«
With this direction she left the room
»You suspect I have many enemies then Caroline« said Mr Moore »and
doubtless you know me to be destitute of friends«
»Not destitute Robert There is your sister your brother Louis whom I
have never seen there is Mr Yorke and there is my uncle besides of course
many more«
Robert smiled »You would be puzzled to name your many more« said he »But
show me your exercisebook What extreme pains you take with the writing My
sister I suppose exacts this care she wants to form you in all things after
the model of a Flemish schoolgirl What life are you destined for Caroline
What will you do with your French drawing and other accomplishments when they
are acquired«
»You may well say when they are acquired for as you are aware till
Hortense began to teach me I knew precious little As to the life I am destined
for I cannot tell I suppose to keep my uncles house till « she hesitated
»Till what Till he dies«
»No How harsh to say that I never think of his dying he is only
fiftyfive But till in short till events offer other occupations for me«
»A remarkably vague prospect Are you content with it«
»I used to be formerly Children you know have little reflection or
rather their reflections run on ideal themes There are moments now when I am
not quite satisfied«
»Why«
»I am making no money earning nothing«
»You come to the point Lina you too then wish to make money«
»I do I should like an occupation and if I were a boy it would not be so
difficult to find one I see such an easy pleasant way of learning a business
and making my way in life«
»Go on let us hear what way«
»I could be apprenticed to your trade the clothtrade I could learn it of
you as we are distant relations I would do the countinghouse work keep the
books and write the letters while you went to market I know you greatly
desire to be rich in order to pay your fathers debts perhaps I could help you
to get rich«
»Help me You should think of yourself«
»I do think of myself but must one for ever think only of oneself«
»Of whom else do I think Of whom else dare I think The poor ought to have
no large sympathies it is their duty to be narrow«
»No Robert «
»Yes Caroline Poverty is necessarily selfish contracted grovelling
anxious Now and then a poor mans heart when certain beams and dews visit it
may swell like the budding vegetation in yonder garden on this springday may
feel ripe to evolve in foliage perhaps blossom but he must not encourage the
pleasant impulse he must invoke Prudence to check it with that frosty breath
of hers which is as nipping as any north wind«
»No cottage would be happy then«
»When I speak of poverty I do not so much mean the natural habitual
poverty of the workingman as the embarrassed penury of the man in debt my
grubworm is always a straitened struggling careworn tradesman«
»Cherish hope not anxiety Certain ideas have become too fixed in your
mind It may be presumptuous to say it but I have the impression that there is
something wrong in your notions of the best means of attaining happiness as
there is in « Second hesitation
»I am all ear Caroline«
»In courage let me speak the truth in your manner mind I say only
manner to these Yorkshire workpeople«
»You have often wanted to tell me that have you not«
»Yes often very often«
»The faults of my manner are I think only negative I am not proud what
has a man in my position to be proud of I am only taciturn phlegmatic and
joyless«
»As if your living clothdressers were all machines like your frames and
shears in your own house you seem different«
»To those of my own house I am no alien which I am to these English clowns
I might act the benevolent with them but acting is not my forte I find them
irrational perverse they hinder me when I long to hurry forward In treating
them justly I fulfil my whole duty towards them«
»You dont expect them to love you of course«
»Nor wish it«
»Ah« said the monitress shaking her head and heaving a deep sigh With
this ejaculation indicative that she perceived a screw to be loose somewhere
but that it was out of her reach to set it right she bent over her grammar and
sought the rule and exercise for the day
»I suppose I am not an affectionate man Caroline the attachment of a very
few suffices me«
»If you please Robert will you mend me a pen or two before you go«
»First let me rule your book for you always contrive to draw the lines
aslant There now And now for the pens you like a fine one I think«
»Such as you generally make for me and Hortense not your own broad points«
»If I were of Louiss calling I might stay at home and dedicate this
morning to you and your studies whereas I must spend it in Sykes
woolwarehouse«
»You will be making money«
»More likely losing it«
As he finished mending the pens a horse saddled and bridled was brought
up to the gardengate
»There Fred is ready for me I must go Ill take one look to see what the
spring has done in the south border too first«
He quitted the room and went out into the gardenground behind the mill A
sweet fringe of young verdure and opening flowers snowdrop crocus even
primrose bloomed in the sunshine under the hot wall of the factory Moore
plucked here and there a blossom and leaf till he had collected a little
bouquet he returned to the parlour pilfered a thread of silk from his sisters
workbasket tied the flowers and laid them on Carolines desk
»Now goodmorning«
»Thank you Robert it is pretty it looks as it lies there like sparkles
of sunshine and blue sky goodmorning«
He went to the door stopped opened his lips as if to speak said
nothing and moved on He passed through the wicket and mounted his horse in a
second he had flung himself from the saddle again transferred the reins to
Murgatroyd and reentered the cottage
»I forgot my gloves« he said appearing to take something from the
sidetable then as an impromptu thought he remarked »You have no binding
engagement at home perhaps Caroline«
»I never have some childrens socks which Mrs Ramsden has ordered to
knit for the Jews basket but they will keep«
»Jews basket be sold Never was utensil better named Anything more
Jewish than it its contents and their prices cannot be conceived but I see
something a very tiny curl at the corners of your lip which tells me that you
know its merits as well as I do Forget the Jews basket then and spend the
day here as a change Your uncle wont break his heart at your absence«
She smiled »No«
»The old Cossack I daresay not« muttered Moore »Then stay and dine with
Hortense she will be glad of your company I shall return in good time We will
have a little reading in the evening the moon rises at halfpast eight and I
will walk up to the rectory with you at nine Do you agree«
She nodded her head and her eyes lit up
Moore lingered yet two minutes he bent over Carolines desk and glanced at
her grammar he fingered her pen he lifted her bouquet and played with it his
horse stamped impatient Fred Murgatroyd hemmed and coughed at the gate as if
he wondered what in the world his master was doing »Goodmorning« again said
Moore and finally vanished
Hortense coming in ten minutes after found to her surprise that Caroline
had not yet commenced her exercise
Chapter VI
Coriolanus
Mademoiselle Moore had that morning a somewhat absentminded pupil Caroline
forgot again and again the explanations which were given to her however she
still bore with unclouded mood the chidings her inattention brought upon her
Sitting in the sunshine near the window she seemed to receive with its warmth
a kind influence which made her both happy and good Thus disposed she looked
her best and her best was a pleasing vision
To her had not been denied the gift of beauty it was not absolutely
necessary to know her in order to like her she was fair enough to please even
at the first view Her shape suited her age it was girlish light and pliant
every curve was neat every limb proportionate her face was expressive and
gentle her eyes were handsome and gifted at times with a winning beam that
stole into the heart with a language that spoke softly to the affections Her
mouth was very pretty she had a delicate skin and a fine flow of brown hair
which she knew how to arrange with taste curls became her and she possessed
them in picturesque profusion Her style of dress announced taste in the wearer
very unobtrusive in fashion far from costly in material but suitable in colour
to the fair complexion with which it contrasted and in make to the slight form
which it draped Her present winter garb was of merino the same soft shade of
brown as her hair the little collar round her neck lay over a pink ribbon and
was fastened with a pink knot she wore no other decoration
So much for Caroline Helstones appearance as to her character or
intellect if she had any they must speak for themselves in due time
Her connexions are soon explained She was the child of parents separated
soon after her birth in consequence of disagreement of disposition Her mother
was the halfsister of Mr Moores father thus though there was no mixture of
blood she was in a distant sense the cousin of Robert Louis and Hortense
Her father was the brother of Mr Helstone a man of the character friends
desire not to recall after death has once settled all earthly accounts He had
rendered his wife unhappy the reports which were known to be true concerning
him had given an air of probability to those which were falsely circulated
respecting his betterprincipled brother Caroline had never known her mother
as she was taken from her in infancy and had not since seen her her father
died comparatively young and her uncle the Rector had for some years been her
sole guardian He was not as we are aware much adapted either by nature or
habits to have the charge of a young girl he had taken little trouble about
her education probably he would have taken none if she finding herself
neglected had not grown anxious on her own account and asked every now and
then for a little attention and for the means of acquiring such amount of
knowledge as could not be dispensed with Still she had a depressing feeling
that she was inferior that her attainments were fewer than were usually
possessed by girls of her age and station and very glad was she to avail
herself of the kind offer made by her cousin Hortense soon after the arrival of
the latter at Hollows mill to teach her French and fine needlework Mdlle
Moore for her part delighted in the task because it gave her importance she
liked to lord it a little over a docile yet quick pupil She took Caroline
precisely at her own estimate as an irregularly taught even ignorant girl and
when she found that she made rapid and eager progress it was to no talent no
application in the scholar she ascribed the improvement but entirely to her
own superior method of teaching when she found that Caroline unskilled in
routine had a knowledge of her own desultory but varied the discovery caused
her no surprise for she still imagined that from her conversation had the girl
unawares gleaned these treasures she thought it even when forced to feel that
her pupil knew much on subjects whereof she knew little the idea was not
logical but Hortense had perfect faith in it
Mademoiselle who prided herself on possessing »un esprit positif« and on
entertaining a decided preference for dry studies kept her young cousin to the
same as closely as she could She worked her unrelentingly at the grammar of the
French language assigning her as the most improving exercise she could devise
interminable »analyses logiques« These analyses were by no means a source of
particular pleasure to Caroline she thought she could have learned French just
as well without them and grudged excessively the time spent in pondering over
»propositions principales et incidentes« in deciding the »incidente
determinative« and the »incidente applicative« in examining whether the
proposition was »pleine« »elliptique« or »implicite« Sometimes she lost
herself in the maze and when so lost she would now and then while Hortense
was rummaging her drawers upstairs an unaccountable occupation in which she
spent a large portion of each day arranging disarranging rearranging and
counterarranging carry her book to Robert in the countinghouse and get the
rough place made smooth by his aid Mr Moore possessed a clear tranquil brain
of his own almost as soon as he looked at Carolines little difficulties they
seemed to dissolve beneath his eye in two minutes he would explain all in two
words give the key to the puzzle She thought if Hortense could only teach like
him how much faster she might learn Repaying him by an admiring and grateful
smile rather shed at his feet than lifted to his face she would leave the mill
reluctantly to go back to the cottage and then while she completed the
exercise or worked out the sum for Mdlle Moore taught her arithmetic too
she would wish nature had made her a boy instead of a girl that she might ask
Robert to let her be his clerk and sit with him in the countinghouse instead
of sitting with Hortense in the parlour
Occasionally but this happened very rarely she spent the evening at
Hollows cottage Sometimes during these visits Moore was away attending a
market sometimes he was gone to Mr Yorkes often he was engaged with a male
visitor in another room but sometimes too he was at home disengaged free to
talk with Caroline When this was the case the evening hours passed on wings of
light they were gone before they were counted There was no room in England so
pleasant as that small parlour when the three cousins occupied it Hortense
when she was not teaching or scolding or cooking was far from ill it was her
custom to relax towards evening and to be kind to her young English kinswoman
There was a means too of rendering her delightful by inducing her to take her
guitar and sing and play she then became quite goodnatured and as she played
with skill and had a welltoned voice it was not disagreeable to listen to
her it would have been absolutely agreeable except that her formal and
selfimportant character modulated her strains as it impressed her manners and
moulded her countenance
Mr Moore released from the businessyoke was if not lively himself a
willing spectator of Carolines liveliness a complacent listener to her talk a
ready respondent to her questions He was something agreeable to sit near to
hover round to address and look at Sometimes he was better than this almost
animated quite gentle and friendly
The drawback was that by the next morning he was sure to be frozen up
again and however much he seemed in his quiet way to enjoy these social
evenings he rarely contrived their recurrence This circumstance puzzled the
inexperienced head of his cousin »If I had a means of happiness at my command«
she thought »I would employ that means often I would keep it bright with use
and not let it lie for weeks aside till it gets rusty«
Yet she was careful not to put in practice her own theory Much as she liked
an evening visit to the cottage she never paid one unasked Often indeed when
pressed by Hortense to come she would refuse because Robert did not second or
but slightly seconded the request This morning was the first time he had ever
of his own unprompted will given her an invitation and then he had spoken so
kindly that in hearing him she had received a sense of happiness sufficient to
keep her glad for the whole day
The morning passed as usual Mademoiselle ever breathlessly busy spent it
in bustling from kitchen to parlour now scolding Sarah now looking over
Carolines exercise or hearing her repetitionlesson However faultlessly these
tasks were achieved she never commended it was a maxim with her that praise is
inconsistent with a teachers dignity and that blame in more or less
unqualified measure is indispensable to it She thought incessant reprimand
severe or slight quite necessary to the maintenance of her authority and if no
possible error was to be found in the lesson it was the pupils carriage or
air or dress or mien which required correction
The usual affray took place about the dinner which meal when Sarah at last
brought it into the room she almost flung upon the table with a look that
expressed quite plainly »I never dished such stuff i my life afore its not
fit for dogs« Notwithstanding Sarahs scorn it was a savoury repast enough
The soup was a sort of purée of dried pease which Mademoiselle had prepared
amidst bitter lamentations that in this desolate country of England no haricot
beans were to be had Then came a dish of meat nature unknown but supposed to
be miscellaneous singularly chopped up with crumbs of bread seasoned uniquely
though not unpleasantly and baked in a mould a queer but by no means
unpalatable dish Greens oddly bruised formed the accompanying vegetable and
a pâté of fruit conserved after a receipt devised by Madame Gérard Moores
grand mère and from the taste of which it appeared probable that mélasse had
been substituted for sugar completed the dinner
Caroline had no objection to this Belgian cookery indeed she rather liked
it for a change and it was well she did so for had she evinced any disrelish
thereof such manifestation would have injured her in Mademoiselles good graces
for ever a positive crime might have been more easily pardoned than a symptom
of distaste for the foreign comestibles
Soon after dinner Caroline coaxed her governesscousin upstairs to dress
this manoeuvre required management To have hinted that the jupon camisole and
curlpapers were odious objects or indeed other than quite meritorious points
would have been a felony Any premature attempt to urge their disappearance was
therefore unwise and would be likely to issue in the persevering wear of them
during the whole day Carefully avoiding rocks and quicksands however the
pupil on pretence of requiring a change of scene contrived to get the teacher
aloft and once in the bedroom she persuaded her that it was not worth while
returning thither and that she might as well make her toilette now and while
Mademoiselle delivered a solemn homily on her own surpassing merit in
disregarding all frivolities of fashion Caroline denuded her of the camisole
invested her with a decent gown arranged her collar hair etc and made her
quite presentable But Hortense would put the finishing touches herself and
these finishing touches consisted in a thick handkerchief tied round the throat
and a large servantlike black apron which spoiled everything On no account
would Mademoiselle have appeared in her own house without the thick handkerchief
and the voluminous apron the first was a positive matter of morality it was
quite improper not to wear a fichu the second was the ensign of a good
housewife she appeared to think that by means of it she somehow effected a
large saving in her brothers income She had with her own hands made and
presented to Caroline similar equipments and the only serious quarrel they had
ever had and which still left a soreness in the elder cousins soul had arisen
from the refusal of the younger one to accept of and profit by these elegant
presents
»I wear a high dress and a collar« said Caroline »and I should feel
suffocated with a handkerchief in addition and my short aprons do quite as well
as that very long one I would rather make no change«
Yet Hortense by dint of perseverance would probably have compelled her to
make a change had not Mr Moore chanced to overhear a dispute on the subject
and decided that Carolines little aprons would suffice and that in his
opinion as she was still but a child she might for the present dispense with
the fichu especially as her curls were long and almost touched her shoulders
There was no appeal against Roberts opinion therefore his sister was
compelled to yield but she disapproved entirely of the piquant neatness of
Carolines costume and the ladylike grace of her appearance something more
solid and homely she would have considered »beaucoup plus convenable«
The afternoon was devoted to sewing Mademoiselle like most Belgian ladies
was specially skilful with her needle She by no means thought it waste of time
to devote unnumbered hours to fine embroidery sightdestroying lacework
marvellous netting and knitting and above all to most elaborate
stockingmending She would give a day to the mending of two holes in a stocking
any time and think her mission nobly fulfilled when she had accomplished it It
was another of Carolines troubles to be condemned to learn this foreign style
of darning which was done stitch by stitch so as exactly to imitate the fabric
of the stocking itself a wearifu process but considered by Hortense Gérard
and by her ancestresses before her for long generations back as one of the
first duties of woman She herself had had a needle cotton and a fearfully
torn stocking put into her hand while she yet wore a childs coif on her little
black head her hauts faits in the darning line had been exhibited to company
ere she was six years old and when she first discovered that Caroline was
profoundly ignorant of this most essential of attainments she could have wept
with pity over her miserably neglected youth
No time did she lose in seeking up a hopeless pair of hose of which the
heels were entirely gone and in setting the ignorant English girl to repair the
deficiency this task had been commenced two years ago and Caroline had the
stockings in her workbag yet She did a few rows every day by way of penance
for the expiation of her sins they were a grievous burden to her she would
much have liked to put them in the fire and once Mr Moore who had observed
her sitting and sighing over them had proposed a private incremation in the
countinghouse but to this proposal Caroline knew it would have been impolitic
to accede the result could only be a fresh pair of hose probably in worse
condition she adhered therefore to the ills she knew
All the afternoon the two ladies sat and sewed till the eyes and fingers
and even the spirits of one of them were weary The sky since dinner had
darkened it had begun to rain again to pour fast secret fears began to steal
on Caroline that Robert would be persuaded by Mr Sykes or Mr Yorke to remain
at Whinbury till it cleared and of that there appeared no present chance Five
oclock struck and time stole on still the clouds streamed a sighing wind
whispered in the rooftrees of the cottage day seemed already closing the
parlour fire shed on the clear hearth a glow ruddy as at twilight
»It will not be fair till the moon rises« pronounced Mademoiselle Moore
»consequently I feel assured that my brother will not return till then indeed
I should be sorry if he did We will have coffee it would be vain to wait for
him«
»I am tired may I leave my work now cousin«
»You may since it grows too dark to see to do it well Fold it up put it
carefully in your bag then step into the kitchen and desire Sarah to bring in
the goûter or tea as you call it«
»But it has not yet struck six he may still come«
»He will not I tell you I can calculate his movements I understand my
brother«
Suspense is irksome disappointment bitter All the world has some time or
other felt that Caroline obedient to orders passed into the kitchen Sarah
was making a dress for herself at the table
»You are to bring in coffee« said the young lady in a spiritless tone and
then she leaned her arm and head against the kitchen mantelpiece and hung
listlessly over the fire
»How low you seem Miss But its all because your cousin keeps you so close
to work Its a shame«
»Nothing of the kind Sarah« was the brief reply
»Oh but I know it is Youre fit to cry just this minute for nothing else
but because youve sat still the whole day It would make a kitten dull to be
mewed up so«
»Sarah does your master often come home early from market when it is wet«
»Never hardly but just today for some reason he has made a difference«
»What do you mean«
»He is come I am certain I saw Murgatroyd lead his horse into the yard by
the backway when I went to get some water at the pump five minutes since He
was in the countinghouse with Joe Scott I believe«
»You are mistaken«
»What should I be mistaken for I know his horse surely«
»But you did not see him himself«
»I heard him speak though He was saying something to Joe Scott about
having settled all concerning ways and means and that there would be a new set
of frames in the mill before another week passed and that this time he would
get four soldiers from Stilbro barracks to guard the waggon«
»Sarah are you making a gown«
»Yes is it a handsome one«
»Beautiful Get the coffee ready Ill finish cutting out that sleeve for
you and Ill give you some trimming for it I have some narrow satin ribbon of
a colour that will just match it«
»Youre very kind Miss«
»Be quick theres a good girl but first put your masters shoes on the
hearth he will take his boots off when he comes in I hear him he is coming«
»Miss youre cutting the stuff wrong«
»So I am but it is only a snip there is no harm done«
The kitchendoor opened Mr Moore entered very wet and cold Caroline half
turned from her dressmaking occupation but renewed it for a moment as if to
gain a minutes time for some purpose Bent over the dress her face was hidden
there was an attempt to settle her features and veil their expression which
failed when she at last met Mr Moore her countenance beamed
»We had ceased to expect you they asserted you would not come« she said
»But I promised to return soon you expected me I suppose«
»No Robert I dared not when it rained so fast And you are wet and chilled
change everything if you took cold I should we should blame ourselves in
some measure«
»I am not wet through my ridingcoat is waterproof Dry shoes are all I
require There the fire is pleasant after facing the cold wind and rain
for a few miles«
He stood on the kitchenhearth Caroline stood beside him Mr Moore while
enjoying the genial glow kept his eyes directed towards the glittering brasses
on the shelf above Chancing for an instant to look down his glance rested on
an uplifted face flushed smiling happy shaded with silky curls lit with
fine eyes Sarah was gone into the parlour with the tray a lecture from her
mistress detained her there Moore placed his hand a moment on his young
cousins shoulder stooped and left a kiss on her forehead
»Oh« said she as if the action had unsealed her lips »I was miserable
when I thought you would not come I am almost too happy now Are you happy
Robert Do you like to come home«
»I think I do tonight at least«
»Are you certain you are not fretting about your frames and your business
and the war«
»Not just now«
»Are you positive you dont feel Hollows cottage too small for you and
narrow and dismal«
»At this moment no«
»Can you affirm that you are not bitter at heart because rich and great
people forget you«
»No more questions You are mistaken if you think I am anxious to curry
favour with rich and great people I only want means a position a career«
»Which your own talent and goodness shall win you You were made to be great
you shall be great«
»I wonder now if you spoke honestly out of your heart what receipt you
would give me for acquiring this same greatness but I know it better than you
know it yourself Would it be efficacious would it work Yes poverty misery
bankruptcy Oh life is not what you think it Lina«
»But you are what I think you«
»I am not«
»You are better then«
»Far worse«
»No far better I know you are good«
»How do you know it«
»You look so and I feel you are so«
»Where do you feel it«
»In my heart«
»Ah you judge me with your heart Lina you should judge me with your
head«
»I do and then I am quite proud of you Robert you cannot tell all my
thoughts about you«
Mr Moores dark face mustered colour his lips smiled and yet were
compressed his eyes laughed and yet he resolutely knit his brow
»Think meanly of me Lina« said he »Men in general are a sort of scum
very different to anything of which you have an idea I make no pretension to be
better than my fellows«
»If you did I should not esteem you so much it is because you are modest
that I have such confidence in your merit«
»Are you flattering me« he demanded turning sharply upon her and
searching her face with an eye of acute penetration
»No« she said softly laughing at his sudden quickness She seemed to
think it unnecessary to proffer any eager disavowal of the charge
»You dont care whether I think you flatter me or not«
»No«
»You are so secure of your own intentions«
»I suppose so«
»What are they Caroline«
»Only to ease my mind by expressing for once part of what I think and then
to make you better satisfied with yourself«
»By assuring me that my kinswoman is my sincere friend«
»Just so I am your sincere friend Robert«
»And I am what chance and change shall make me Lina«
»Not my enemy however«
The answer was cut short by Sarah and her mistress entering the kitchen
together in some commotion They had been improving the time which Mr Moore and
Miss Helstone had spent in dialogue by a short dispute on the subject of »café
au lait« which Sarah said was the queerest mess she ever saw and a waste of
Gods good gifts as it was »the nature of coffee to be boiled in water« and
which Mademoiselle affirmed to be »un breuvage royal« a thousand times too good
for the mean person who objected to it
The former occupants of the kitchen now withdrew into the parlour Before
Hortense followed them thither Caroline had only time again to question »Not
my enemy Robert« And Moore quakerlike had replied with another query
»Could I be« and then seating himself at the table had settled Caroline at
his side
Caroline scarcely heard Mademoiselles explosion of wrath when she rejoined
them the long declamation about the »conduite indigne de cette méchante
créature« sounded in her ear as confusedly as the agitated rattling of the
china Robert laughed a little at it in very subdued sort and then politely
and calmly entreating his sister to be tranquil assured her that if it would
yield her any satisfaction she should have her choice of an attendant amongst
all the girls in his mill only he feared they would scarcely suit her as they
were most of them he was informed completely ignorant of household work and
pert and selfwilled as Sarah was she was perhaps no worse than the majority of
the women of her class
Mademoiselle admitted the truth of this conjecture according to her »ces
paysannes Anglaises étaient toutes insupportables« What would she not give for
some »bonne cuisinière Anversoise« with the high cap short petticoat and
decent sabots proper to her class something better indeed than an insolent
coquette in a flounced gown and absolutely without cap for Sarah it appears
did not partake the opinion of St Paul that »it is a shame for a woman to go
with her head uncovered« but holding rather a contrary doctrine resolutely
refused to imprison in linen or muslin the plentiful tresses of her yellow hair
which it was her wont to fasten up smartly with a comb behind and on Sundays to
wear curled in front
»Shall I try and get you an Antwerp girl« asked Mr Moore who stern in
public was on the whole very kind in private
»Merci du cadeau« was the answer »An Antwerp girl would not stay here ten
days sneered at as she would be by all the young coquines in your factory«
then softening »You are very good dear brother excuse my petulance but
truly my domestic trials are severe yet they are probably my destiny for I
recollect that our revered mother experienced similar sufferings though she had
the choice of all the best servants in Antwerp domestics are in all countries a
spoiled and unruly set«
Mr Moore had also certain reminiscences about the trials of his revered
mother A good mother she had been to him and he honoured her memory but he
recollected that she kept a hot kitchen of it in Antwerp just as his faithful
sister did here in England Thus therefore he let the subject drop and when
the coffeeservice was removed proceeded to console Hortense by fetching her
musicbook and guitar and having arranged the ribbon of the instrument round
her neck with a quiet fraternal kindness he knew to be allpowerful in soothing
her most ruffled moods he asked her to give him some of their mothers
favourite songs
Nothing refines like affection Family jarring vulgarizes family union
elevates Hortense pleased with her brother and grateful to him looked as
she touched her guitar almost graceful almost handsome her everyday fretful
look was gone for a moment and was replaced by a »sourire plein de bonté« She
sang the songs he asked for with feeling they reminded her of a parent to whom
she had been truly attached they reminded her of her young days She observed
too that Caroline listened with naïve interest this augmented her goodhumour
and the exclamation at the close of the song »I wish I could sing and play like
Hortense« achieved the business and rendered her charming for the evening
It is true a little lecture to Caroline followed on the vanity of wishing
and the duty of trying »As Rome« it was suggested »had not been built in a
day so neither had Mademoiselle Gérard Moores education been completed in a
week or by merely wishing to be clever It was effort that had accomplished
that great work she was ever remarkable for her perseverance for her industry
her masters had remarked that it was as delightful as it was uncommon to find so
much talent united with so much solidity and so on« Once on the theme of her
own merits Mademoiselle was fluent
Cradled at last in blissful selfcomplacency she took her knitting and sat
down tranquil Drawn curtains a clear fire a softly shining lamp gave now to
the little parlour its best its evening charm It is probable that the three
there present felt this charm they all looked happy
»What shall we do now Caroline« asked Mr Moore returning to his seat
beside his cousin
»What shall we do Robert« repeated she playfully »You decide«
»Not play at chess«
»No«
»Nor draughts nor backgammon«
»No no we both hate silent games that only keep ones hands employed
dont we«
»I believe we do then shall we talk scandal«
»About whom Are we sufficiently interested in anybody to take a pleasure in
pulling their character to pieces«
»A question that comes to the point For my part unamiable as it sounds
I must say no«
»And I too But it is strange though we want no third fourth I mean
she hastily and with contrition glanced at Hortense living person among us
so selfish we are in our happiness though we dont want to think of the
present existing world it would be pleasant to go back to the past to hear
people that have slept for generations in graves that are perhaps no longer
graves now but gardens and fields speak to us and tell us their thoughts and
impart their ideas«
»Who shall be the speaker What language shall he utter French«
»Your French forefathers dont speak so sweetly nor so solemnly nor so
impressively as your English ancestors Robert Tonight you shall be entirely
English you shall read an English book«
»An old English book«
»Yes an old English book one that you like and I will choose a part of it
that is toned quite in harmony with something in you It shall waken your
nature fill your mind with music it shall pass like a skilful hand over your
heart and make its strings sound Your heart is a lyre Robert but the lot of
your life has not been a minstrel to sweep it and it is often silent Let
glorious William come near and touch it you will see how he will draw the
English power and melody out of its chords«
»I must read Shakspeare«
»You must have his spirit before you you must hear his voice with your
minds ear you must take some of his soul into yours«
»With a view to making me better is it to operate like a sermon«
»It is to stir you to give you new sensations It is to make you feel your
life strongly not only your virtues but your vicious perverse points«
»Dieu que ditelle« cried Hortense who hitherto had been counting
stitches in her knitting and had not much attended to what was said but whose
ear these two strong words caught with a tweak
»Never mind her sister let her talk now just let her say anything she
pleases tonight She likes to come down hard upon your brother sometimes it
amuses me so let her alone«
Caroline who mounted on a chair had been rummaging the bookcase
returned with a book
»Heres Shakspeare« she said »and theres Coriolanus Now read and
discover by the feelings the reading will give you at once how low and how high
you are«
»Come then sit near me and correct when I mispronounce«
»I am to be the teacher then and you my pupil«
»Ainsi soitil«
»And Shakspeare is our science since we are going to study«
»It appears so«
»And you are not going to be French and sceptical and sneering You are
not going to think it a sign of wisdom to refuse to admire«
»I dont know«
»If you do Robert Ill take Shakspeare away and Ill shrivel up within
myself and put on my bonnet and go home«
»Sit down here I begin«
»One minute if you please brother« interrupted Mademoiselle »when the
gentleman of a family reads the ladies should always sew Caroline dear child
take your embroidery you may get three sprigs done tonight«
Caroline looked dismayed »I cant see by lamplight my eyes are tired and
I cant do two things well at once If I sew I cannot listen if I listen I
cannot sew«
»Fi donc Quel enfantillage« began Hortense Mr Moore as usual suavely
interposed
»Permit her to neglect the embroidery for this evening I wish her whole
attention to be fixed on my accent and to ensure this she must follow the
reading with her eyes she must look at the book«
He placed it between them reposed his arm on the back of Carolines chair
and thus began to read
The very first scene in »Coriolanus« came with smart relish to his
intellectual palate and still as he read he warmed He delivered the haughty
speech of Caius Marcius to the starving citizens with unction he did not say he
thought his irrational pride right but he seemed to feel it so Caroline looked
up at him with a singular smile
»Theres a vicious point hit already« she said »you sympathize with that
proud patrician who does not sympathize with his famished fellowmen and
insults them there go on« He proceeded The warlike portions did not rouse
him much he said all that was out of date or should be the spirit displayed
was barbarous yet the encounter singlehanded between Marcius and Tullus
Aufidius he delighted in As he advanced he forgot to criticise it was
evident he appreciated the power the truth of each portion and stepping out
of the narrow line of private prejudices began to revel in the large picture of
human nature to feel the reality stamped upon the characters who were speaking
from that page before him
He did not read the comic scenes well and Caroline taking the book out of
his hand read these parts for him From her he seemed to enjoy them and indeed
she gave them with a spirit no one could have expected of her with a pithy
expression with which she seemed gifted on the spot and for that brief moment
only It may be remarked in passing that the general character of her
conversation that evening whether serious or sprightly grave or gay was as of
something untaught unstudied intuitive fitful when once gone no more to be
reproduced as it had been than the glancing ray of the meteor than the tints
of the dewgem than the colour or form of the sunset cloud than the fleeting
and glittering ripple varying the flow of a rivulet
Coriolanus in glory Coriolanus in disaster Coriolanus banished followed
like giantshades one after the other Before the vision of the banished man
Moores spirit seemed to pause He stood on the hearth of Aufidiuss hall
facing the image of greatness fallen but greater than ever in that low estate
He saw »the grim appearance« the dark face »bearing command in it« »the noble
vessel with its tackle torn« With the revenge of Caius Marcius Moore perfectly
sympathized he was not scandalized by it and again Caroline whispered »There
I see another glimpse of brotherhood in error«
The march on Rome the mothers supplication the long resistance the final
yielding of bad passions to good which ever must be the case in a nature worthy
the epithet of noble the rage of Aufidius at what he considered his allys
weakness the death of Coriolanus the final sorrow of his great enemy all
scenes made of condensed truth amp strength came on in succession and
carried with them in their deep fast flow the heart and mind of reader and
listener
»Now have you felt Shakspeare« asked Caroline some ten minutes after her
cousin had closed the book
»I think so«
»And have you felt anything in Coriolanus like you«
»Perhaps I have«
»Was he not faulty as well as great«
Moore nodded »And what was his fault What made him hated by the citizens
What caused him to be banished by his countrymen«
»What do you think it was«
»I ask again
Whether was it pride
Which out of daily fortune ever taints
The happy man whether defect of judgment
To fail in the disposing of those chances
Which he was lord of or whether nature
Not to be other than one thing not moving
From the casque to the cushion but commanding peace
Even with the same austerity and garb
As he controlled the war«
»Well answer yourself Sphynx«
»It was a spice of all and you must not be proud to your workpeople you
must not neglect chances of soothing them and you must not be of an inflexible
nature uttering a request as austerely as if it were a command«
»That is the moral you tack to the play What puts such notions into your
head«
»A wish for your good a care for your safety dear Robert and a fear
caused by many things which I have heard lately that you will come to harm«
»Who tells you these things«
»I hear my uncle talk about you he praises your hard spirit your
determined cast of mind your scorn of low enemies your resolution not to
truckle to the mob as he says«
»And would you have me truckle to them«
»No not for the world I never wish you to lower yourself but somehow I
cannot help thinking it unjust to include all poor working people under the
general and insulting name of the mob and continually to think of them and
treat them haughtily«
»You are a little democrat Caroline if your uncle knew what would he
say«
»I rarely talk to my uncle as you know and never about such things he
thinks everything but sewing and cooking above womens comprehension and out of
their line«
»And do you fancy you comprehend the subjects on which you advise me«
»As far as they concern you I comprehend them I know it would be better
for you to be loved by your workpeople than to be hated by them and I am sure
that kindness is more likely to win their regard than pride If you were proud
and cold to me and Hortense should we love you When you are cold to me as you
are sometimes can I venture to be affectionate in return«
»Now Lina Ive had my lesson both in languages and ethics with a touch on
politics it is your turn Hortense tells me you were much taken by a little
piece of poetry you learned the other day a piece by poor André Chénier La
Jeune Captive do you remember it still«
»I think so«
»Repeat it then Take your time and mind your accent especially let us
have no English us«
Caroline beginning in a low rather tremulous voice but gaining courage as
she proceeded repeated the sweet verses of Chénier the last three stanzas she
rehearsed well
»Mon beau voyage encore est si loin de sa fin
Je pars et des ormeaux qui bordent le chemin
Jai passé les premiers à peine
Au banquet de la vie à peine commencé
Un instant seulement mes lèvres ont pressé
La coupe en mes mains encore pleine
Je ne suis quau printemps je veux voir la moisson
Et comme le soleil de saison en saison
Je veux achever mon année
Brillante sur ma tige et lhonneur du jardin
Je nai vu luire encore que les feux du matin
Je veux achever ma journée«
Moore listened at first with his eyes cast down but soon he furtively raised
them leaning back in his chair he could watch Caroline without her perceiving
where his gaze was fixed Her cheek had a colour her eyes a light her
countenance an expression this evening which would have made even plain
features striking but there was not the grievous defect of plainness to pardon
in her case The sunshine was not shed on rough barrenness it fell on soft
bloom Each lineament was turned with grace the whole aspect was pleasing At
the present moment animated interested touched she might be called
beautiful Such a face was calculated to awaken not only the calm sentiment of
esteem the distant one of admiration but some feeling more tender genial
intimate friendship perhaps affection interest When she had finished she
turned to Moore and met his eye
»Is that pretty well repeated« she inquired smiling like any happy docile
child
»I really dont know«
»Why dont you know Have you not listened«
»Yes and looked You are fond of poetry Lina«
»When I meet with real poetry I cannot rest till I have learned it by
heart and so made it partly mine«
Mr Moore now sat silent for several minutes It struck nine oclock Sarah
entered and said that Mr Helstones servant was come for Miss Caroline
»Then the evening is gone already« she observed »and it will be long I
suppose before I pass another here«
Hortense had been for some time nodding over her knitting fallen into a
doze now she made no response to the remark
»You would have no objection to come here oftener of an evening« inquired
Robert as he took her folded mantle from the sidetable where it still lay
and carefully wrapped it round her
»I like to come here but I have no desire to be intrusive I am not hinting
to be asked you must understand that«
»Oh I understand thee child You sometimes lecture me for wishing to be
rich Lina but if I were rich you should live here always at any rate you
should live with me wherever my habitation might be«
»That would be pleasant and if you were poor ever so poor it would
still be pleasant Goodnight Robert«
»I promised to walk with you up to the Rectory«
»I know you did but I thought you had forgotten and I hardly knew how to
remind you though I wished to do it But would you like to go It is a cold
night and as Fanny is come there is no necessity «
»Here is your muff dont wake Hortense come«
The halfmile to the Rectory was soon traversed They parted in the garden
without kiss scarcely with a pressure of hands yet Robert sent his cousin in
excited and joyously troubled He had been singularly kind to her that day not
in phrase compliment profession but in manner in look and in soft and
friendly tones
For himself he came home grave almost morose As he stood leaning on his
own yardgate musing in the watery moonlight all alone the hushed dark mill
before him the hillenvironed hollow round he exclaimed abruptly
»This wont do Theres weakness theres downright ruin in all this
However« he added dropping his voice »the frenzy is quite temporary I know
it very well I have had it before It will be gone tomorrow«
Chapter VII
The Curates at Tea
Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old and at eighteen the true
narrative of life is yet to be commenced Before that time we sit listening to
a tale a marvellous fiction delightful sometimes and sad sometimes almost
always unreal Before that time our world is heroic its inhabitants
halfdivine or semidemon its scenes are dreamscenes darker woods and
stranger hills brighter skies more dangerous waters sweeter flowers more
tempting fruits wider plains drearier deserts sunnier fields than are found
in nature overspread our enchanted globe What a moon we gaze on before that
time How the trembling of our hearts at her aspect bears witness to its
unutterable beauty As to our sun it is a burning heaven the world of gods
At that time at eighteen drawing near the confines of illusive void
dreams Elfland lies behind us the shores of Reality rise in front These
shores are yet distant they look so blue soft gentle we long to reach them
In sunshine we see a greenness beneath the azure as of spring meadows we catch
glimpses of silver lines and imagine the roll of living waters Could we but
reach this land we think to hunger and thirst no more whereas many a
wilderness and often the flood of Death or some stream of sorrow as cold and
almost as black as Death is to be crossed ere true bliss can be tasted Every
joy that life gives must be earned ere it is secured and how hardly earned
those only know who have wrestled for great prizes The hearts blood must gem
with red beads the brow of the combatant before the wreath of victory rustles
over it
At eighteen we are not aware of this Hope when she smiles on us and
promises happiness tomorrow is implicitly believed Love when he comes
wandering like a lost angel to our door is at once admitted welcomed
embraced his quiver is not seen if his arrows penetrate their wound is like a
thrill of new life there are no fears of poison none of the barb which no
leechs hand can extract that perilous passion an agony ever in some of its
phases with many an agony throughout is believed to be an unqualified good
in short at eighteen the school of Experience is to be entered and her
humbling crushing grinding but yet purifying and invigorating lessons are yet
to be learnt
Alas Experience No other mentor has so wasted and frozen a face as yours
none wears a robe so black none bears a rod so heavy none with hand so
inexorable draws the novice so sternly to his task and forces him with
authority so resistless to its acquirement It is by your instructions alone
that man or woman can ever find a safe track through lifes wilds without it
how they stumble how they stray On what forbidden grounds do they intrude
down what dread declivities are they hurled
Caroline having been convoyed home by Robert had no wish to pass what
remained of the evening with her uncle the room in which he sat was very sacred
ground to her she seldom intruded on it and tonight she kept aloof till the
bell rung for prayers Part of the evening church service was the form of
worship observed in Mr Helstones household he read it in his usual nasal
voice clear loud and monotonous The rite over his niece according to her
wont stepped up to him
»Goodnight uncle«
»Hey Youve been gadding abroad all day visiting dining out and what
not«
»Only at the cottage«
»And have you learnt your lessons«
»Yes«
»And made a shirt«
»Only part of one«
»Well that will do stick to the needle learn shirtmaking and
gownmaking and piecrustmaking and youll be a clever woman some day Go to
bed now Im busy with a pamphlet here«
Presently the niece was enclosed in her small bedroom the door bolted her
white dressinggown assumed her long hair loosened and falling thick soft and
wavy to her waist and as resting from the task of combing it out she leaned
her cheek on her hand and fixed her eyes on the carpet before her rose and
close around her drew the visions we see at eighteen years
Her thoughts were speaking with her speaking pleasantly as it seemed for
she smiled as she listened She looked pretty meditating thus but a brighter
thing than she was in that apartment the spirit of youthful Hope According to
this flattering prophet she was to know disappointment to feel chill no more
she had entered on the dawn of a summer day no false dawn but the true spring
of morning and her sun would quickly rise Impossible for her now to suspect
that she was the sport of delusion her expectations seemed warranted the
foundation on which they rested appeared solid
»When people love the next step is they marry« was her argument »Now I
love Robert and I feel sure that Robert loves me I have thought so many a time
before today I felt it When I looked up at him after repeating Chéniers
poem his eyes what handsome eyes he has sent the truth through my heart
Sometimes I am afraid to speak to him lest I should be too frank lest I should
seem forward for I have more than once regretted bitterly overflowing
superfluous words and feared I had said more than he expected me to say and
that he would disapprove what he might deem my indiscretion now tonight I
could have ventured to express any thought he was so indulgent How kind he
was as we walked up the lane He does not flatter or say foolish things his
lovemaking friendship I mean of course I dont yet account him my lover but
I hope he will be so some day is not like what we read of in books it is far
better original quiet manly sincere I do like him I would be an excellent
wife to him if he did marry me I would tell him of his faults for he has a few
faults but I would study his comfort and cherish him and do my best to make
him happy Now I am sure he will not be cold tomorrow I feel almost certain
that tomorrow evening he will either come here or ask me to go there«
She recommenced combing her hair long as a mermaids turning her head as
she arranged it she saw her own face and form in the glass Such reflections
are soberizing to plain people their own eyes are not enchanted with the image
they are confident then that the eyes of others can see in it no fascination
but the fair must naturally draw other conclusions the picture is charming and
must charm Caroline saw a shape a head that daguerreotyped in that attitude
and with that expression would have been lovely she could not choose but
derive from the spectacle confirmation to her hopes it was then in undiminished
gladness she sought her couch
And in undiminished gladness she rose the next day as she entered her
uncles breakfastroom and with soft cheerfulness wished him goodmorning even
that little man of bronze himself thought for an instant his niece was growing
»a fine girl« Generally she was quiet and timid with him very docile but not
communicative this morning however she found many things to say Slight
topics alone might be discussed between them for with a woman a girl Mr
Helstone would touch on no other She had taken an early walk in the garden and
she told him what flowers were beginning to spring there she inquired when the
gardener was to come and trim the borders she informed him that certain
starlings were beginning to build their nests in the churchtower Briarfield
church was close to Briarfield rectory she wondered the tolling of the bells
in the belfry did not scare them
Mr Helstone opined that »they were like other fools who had just paired
insensible to inconvenience just for the moment« Caroline made perhaps a
little too courageous by her temporary good spirits here hazarded a remark of a
kind she had never before ventured to make on observations dropped by her
revered relative
»Uncle« said she »whenever you speak of marriage you speak of it
scornfully do you think people shouldnt marry«
»It is decidedly the wisest plan to remain single especially for women«
»Are all marriages unhappy«
»Millions of marriages are unhappy if everybody confessed the truth
perhaps all are more or less so«
»You are always vexed when you are asked to come and marry a couple why«
»Because one does not like to act as accessory to the commission of a piece
of pure folly«
Mr Helstone spoke so readily he seemed rather glad of the opportunity to
give his niece a piece of his mind on this point Emboldened by the impunity
which had hitherto attended her questions she went a little further
»But why« said she »should it be pure folly If two people like each
other why shouldnt they consent to live together«
»They tire of each other they tire of each other in a month A yokefellow
is not a companion he or she is a fellowsufferer«
It was by no means naïve simplicity which inspired Carolines next remark
it was a sense of antipathy to such opinions and of displeasure at him who held
them
»One would think you had never been married uncle one would think you were
an old bachelor«
»Practically I am so«
»But you have been married Why were you so inconsistent as to marry«
»Every man is mad once or twice in his life«
»So you tired of my aunt and my aunt of you and you were miserable
together«
Mr Helstone pushed out his cynical lip wrinkled his brown forehead and
gave an inarticulate grunt
»Did she not suit you Was she not goodtempered Did you not get used to
her Were you not sorry when she died«
»Caroline« said Mr Helstone bringing his hand slowly down to within an
inch or two of the table and then smiting it suddenly on the mahogany
»understand this it is vulgar and puerile to confound generals with
particulars in every case there is the rule and there are the exceptions
Your questions are stupid and babyish Ring the bell if you have done
breakfast«
The breakfast was taken away and that meal over it was the general custom
of uncle and niece to separate and not to meet again till dinner but today
the niece instead of quitting the room went to the windowseat and sat down
there Mr Helstone looked round uneasily once or twice as if he wished her
away but she was gazing from the window and did not seem to mind him so he
continued the perusal of his morning paper a particularly interesting one it
chanced to be as new movements had just taken place in the Peninsula and
certain columns of the journal were rich in long despatches from General Lord
Wellington He little knew meantime what thoughts were busy in his nieces
mind thoughts the conversation of the past halfhour had revived but not
generated tumultuous were they now as disturbed bees in a hive but it was
years since they had first made their cells in her brain
She was reviewing his character his disposition repeating his sentiments
on marriage Many a time had she reviewed them before and sounded the gulf
between her own mind and his and then on the other side of the wide and deep
chasm she had seen and she now saw another figure standing beside her uncles
a strange shape dim sinister scarcely earthly the halfremembered image of
her own father James Helstone Matthewson Helstones brother
Rumours had reached her ear of what that fathers character was old
servants had dropped hints she knew too that he was not a good man and that
he was never kind to her She recollected a dark recollection it was some
weeks that she had spent with him in a great town somewhere when she had had no
maid to dress her or take care of her when she had been shut up day and night
in a high garretroom without a carpet with a bare uncurtained bed and
scarcely any other furniture when he went out early every morning and often
forgot to return and give her her dinner during the day and at night when he
came back was like a madman furious terrible or still more painful like
an idiot imbecile senseless She knew she had fallen ill in this place and
that one night when she was very sick he had come raving into the room and
said he would kill her for she was a burden to him her screams had brought
aid and from the moment she was then rescued from him she had never seen him
except as a dead man in his coffin
That was her father also she had a mother though Mr Helstone never spoke
to her of that mother though she could not remember having seen her but that
she was alive she knew This mother was then the drunkards wife what had their
marriage been Caroline turning from the lattice whence she had been watching
the starlings though without seeing them in a low voice and with a sad
bitter tone thus broke the silence of the room
»You term marriage miserable I suppose from what you saw of my fathers
and mothers If my mother suffered what I suffered when I was with papa she
must have had a dreadful life«
Mr Helstone thus addressed wheeled about in his chair and looked over
his spectacles at his niece he was taken aback
Her father and mother What had put it into her head to mention her father
and mother of whom he had never during the twelve years she had lived with
him spoken to her That the thoughts were selfmatured that she had any
recollections or speculations about her parents he could not fancy
»Your father and mother Who has been talking to you about them«
»Nobody but I remember something of what papa was and I pity mamma Where
is she«
This »Where is she« had been on Carolines lips hundreds of times before
but till now she had never uttered it
»I hardly know« returned Mr Helstone »I was little acquainted with her I
have not heard from her for years but wherever she is she thinks nothing of
you she never inquires about you I have reason to believe she does not wish to
see you Come it is schooltime you go to your cousin at ten dont you The
clock has struck«
Perhaps Caroline would have said more but Fanny coming in informed her
master that the churchwardens wanted to speak to him in the vestry He hastened
to join them and his niece presently set out for the cottage
The road from the Rectory to Hollows mill inclined downwards she ran
therefore almost all the way Exercise the fresh air the thought of seeing
Robert at least of being on his premises in his vicinage revived her somewhat
depressed spirits quickly Arriving in sight of the white house and within
hearing of the thundering mill and its rushing watercourse the first thing she
saw was Moore at his gardengate There he stood in his belted Holland blouse
a light cap covering his head which undress costume suited him he was looking
down the lane not in the direction of his cousins approach She stopped
withdrawing a little behind a willow and studied his appearance
»He has not his peer« she thought »he is as handsome as he is intelligent
What a keen eye he has What clearly cut spirited features thin and serious
but graceful I do like his face I do like his aspect I do like him so much
Better than any of those shuffling curates for instance better than anybody
bonnie Robert«
She sought bonnie Roberts presence speedily For his part when she
challenged his sight I believe he would have passed from before her eyes like a
phantom if he could but being a tall fact and no fiction he was obliged to
stand the greeting He made it brief it was cousinlike brotherlike
friendlike anything but loverlike The nameless charm of last night had left
his manner he was no longer the same man or at any rate the same heart did
not beat in his breast Rude disappointment sharp cross At first the eager
girl would not believe in the change though she saw and felt it It was
difficult to withdraw her hand from his till he had bestowed at least something
like a kind pressure it was difficult to turn her eyes from his eyes till his
looks had expressed something more and fonder than that cool welcome
A lover masculine so disappointed can speak and urge explanation a lover
feminine can say nothing if she did the result would be shame and anguish
inward remorse for selftreachery Nature would brand such demonstration as a
rebellion against her instincts and would vindictively repay it afterwards by
the thunderbolt of selfcontempt smiting suddenly in secret Take the matter as
you find it ask no questions utter no remonstrances it is your best wisdom
You expected bread and you have got a stone break your teeth on it and dont
shriek because the nerves are martyrized do not doubt that your mental stomach
if you have such a thing is strong as an ostrichs the stone will digest
You held out your hand for an egg and fate put into it a scorpion Show no
consternation close your fingers firmly upon the gift let it sting through
your palm Never mind in time after your hand and arm have swelled and
quivered long with torture the squeezed scorpion will die and you will have
learned the great lesson how to endure without a sob For the whole remnant of
your life if you survive the test some it is said die under it you will
be stronger wiser less sensitive This you are not aware of perhaps at the
time and so cannot borrow courage of that hope Nature however as has been
intimated is an excellent friend in such cases sealing the lips interdicting
utterance commanding a placid dissimulation a dissimulation often wearing an
easy and gay mien at first settling down to sorrow and paleness in time then
passing away and leaving a convenient stoicism not the less fortifying because
it is halfbitter
Halfbitter Is that wrong No it should be bitter bitterness is strength
it is a tonic Sweet mild force following acute suffering you find nowhere
to talk of it is delusion There may be apathetic exhaustion after the rack if
energy remains it will be rather a dangerous energy deadly when confronted
with injustice
Who has read the ballad of »Puir Mary Lee« that old Scotch ballad
written I know not in what generation nor by what hand Mary had been illused
probably in being made to believe that truth which was falsehood she is not
complaining but she is sitting alone in the snowstorm and you hear her
thoughts They are not the thoughts of a modelheroine under her circumstances
but they are those of a deeplyfeeling stronglyresentful peasantgirl Anguish
has driven her from the inglenook of home to the whiteshrouded and icy hills
crouched under the »cauld drift« she recalls every image of horror »the
yellowwymed ask« »the hairy adder« »the auld moonbowing tyke« »the ghaist
at een« »the sour bullister« »the milk on the taeds back« she hates these
but »waur she hates RobinaRee«
»Oh ance I lived happily by yon bonny burn
The warld was in love wi me
But now I maun sit neath the cauld drift and mourn
And curse black RobinaRee
Then whudder awa thou bitter biting blast
And sough through the scrunty tree
And smoor me up in the snaw fu fast
And neer let the sun me see
Oh never melt awa thou wreath o snaw
Thats sae kind in graving me
But hide me frae the scorn and guffaw
O villains like RobinaRee«
But what has been said in the last page or two is not germane to Caroline
Helstones feelings or to the state of things between her and Robert Moore
Robert had done her no wrong he had told her no lie it was she that was to
blame if any one was what bitterness her mind distilled should and would be
poured on her own head She had loved without being asked to love a natural
sometimes an inevitable chance but big with misery
Robert indeed had sometimes seemed to be fond of her but why Because
she had made herself so pleasing to him he could not in spite of all his
efforts help testifying a state of feeling his judgment did not approve nor
his will sanction He was about to withdraw decidedly from intimate
communication with her because he did not choose to have his affections
inextricably entangled nor to be drawn despite his reason into a marriage he
believed imprudent Now what was she to do to give way to her feelings or
to vanquish them To pursue him or to turn upon herself If she is weak she
will try the first expedient will lose his esteem and win his aversion if
she has sense she will be her own governor and resolve to subdue and bring
under guidance the disturbed realm of her emotions She will determine to look
on life steadily as it is to begin to learn its severe truths seriously and
to study its knotty problems closely conscientiously
It appeared she had a little sense for she quitted Robert quietly without
complaint or question without the alteration of a muscle or the shedding of a
tear betook herself to her studies under Hortense as usual and at dinnertime
went home without lingering
When she had dined and found herself in the Rectory drawingroom alone
having left her uncle over his temperate glass of port wine the difficulty that
occurred to and embarrassed her was »How am I to get through this day«
Last night she had hoped it would be spent as yesterday was that the
evening would be again passed with Happiness and Robert she had learned her
mistake this morning and yet she could not settle down convinced that no
chance would occur to recall her to Hollows cottage or to bring Moore again
into her society
He had walked up after tea more than once to pass an hour with her uncle
the doorbell had rung his voice had been heard in the passage just at
twilight when she little expected such a pleasure and this had happened twice
after he had treated her with peculiar reserve and though he rarely talked to
her in her uncles presence he had looked at her relentingly as he sat
opposite her worktable during his stay the few words he had spoken to her were
comforting his manner on bidding her goodnight was genial Now he might come
this evening said False Hope she almost knew it was False Hope which breathed
the whisper and yet she listened
She tried to read her thoughts wandered she tried to sew every stitch
she put in was an ennui the occupation was insufferably tedious she opened her
desk and attempted to write a French composition she wrote nothing but
mistakes
Suddenly the doorbell sharply rang her heart leaped she sprang to the
drawingroom door opened it softly peeped through the aperture Fanny was
admitting a visiter a gentleman a tall man just the height of Robert For
one second she thought it was Robert for one second she exulted but the voice
asking for Mr Helstone undeceived her that voice was an Irish voice
consequently not Moores but the curates Malones He was ushered into the
diningroom where doubtless he speedily helped his Rector to empty the
decanters
It was a fact to be noted that at whatever house in Briarfield Whinbury
or Nunnely one curate dropped in to a meal dinner or tea as the case might
be another presently followed often two more Not that they gave each other
the rendezvous but they were usually all on the run at the same time and when
Donne for instance sought Malone at his lodgings and found him not he
inquired whither he had posted and having learned of the landlady his
destination hastened with all speed after him the same causes operated in the
same way with Sweeting Thus it chanced on that afternoon that Carolines ears
were three times tortured with the ringing of the bell and the advent of
undesired guests for Donne followed Malone and Sweeting followed Donne and
more wine was ordered up from the cellar into the diningroom for though old
Helstone chid the inferior priesthood when he found them »carousing« as he
called it in their own tents yet at his hierarchical table he ever liked to
treat them to a glass of his best and through the closed doors Caroline heard
their boyish laughter and the vacant cackle of their voices Her fear was lest
they should stay to tea for she had no pleasure in making tea for that
particular trio What distinctions people draw These three were men young men
educated men like Moore yet for her how great the difference Their
society was a bore his a delight
Not only was she destined to be favoured with their clerical company but
Fortune was at this moment bringing her four other guests ladyguests all
packed in a ponyphaeton now rolling somewhat heavily along the road from
Whinbury an elderly lady and three of her buxom daughters were coming to see
her »in a friendly way« as the custom of that neighbourhood was Yes a fourth
time the bell clanged Fanny brought the present announcement to the
drawingroom
»Mrs Sykes and the three Misses Sykes«
When Caroline was going to receive company her habit was to wring her hands
very nervously to flush a little and come forward hurriedly yet hesitatingly
wishing herself meantime at Jericho She was at such crises sadly deficient in
finished manner though she had once been at school a year Accordingly on this
occasion her small white hands sadly maltreated each other while she stood up
waiting the entrance of Mrs Sykes
In stalked that lady a tall bilious gentlewoman who made an ample and not
altogether insincere profession of piety and was greatly given to hospitality
towards the clergy in sailed her three daughters a showy trio being all three
well grown and more or less handsome
In English country ladies there is this point to be remarked Whether young
or old pretty or plain dull or sprightly they all or almost all have a
certain expression stamped on their features which seems to say »I know I do
not boast of it but I know that I am the standard of what is proper let every
one therefore whom I approach or who approaches me keep a sharp lookout for
wherein they differ from me be the same in dress manner opinion principle
or practice therein they are wrong«
Mrs and Misses Sykes far from being exceptions to this observation were
pointed illustrations of its truth Miss Mary a welllooked wellmeant and
on the whole welldispositioned girl wore her complacency with some state
though without harshness Miss Harriet a beauty carried it more
overbearingly she looked high and cold Miss Hannah who was conceited
dashing pushing flourished hers consciously and openly the mother evinced it
with the gravity proper to her age and religious fame
The reception was got through somehow Caroline »was glad to see them« an
unmitigated fib hoped they were well hoped Mrs Sykess cough was better
Mrs Sykes had had a cough for the last twenty years hoped the Misses Sykes
had left their sisters at home well to which inquiry the Misses Sykes sitting
on three chairs opposite the musicstool whereon Caroline had undesignedly come
to anchor after wavering for some seconds between it and a large armchair
into which she at length recollected she ought to induct Mrs Sykes and indeed
that lady saved her the trouble by depositing herself therein the Misses Sykes
replied to Caroline by one simultaneous bow very majestic and mighty awful A
pause followed this bow was of a character to ensure silence for the next five
minutes and it did Mrs Sykes then inquired after Mr Helstone and whether he
had had any return of rheumatism and whether preaching twice on a Sunday
fatigued him and if he was capable of taking a full service now and on being
assured he was she and all her daughters combining in chorus expressed their
opinion that he was »a wonderful man of his years«
Pause second
Miss Mary getting up the steam in her turn asked whether Caroline had
attended the Bible Society Meeting which had been held at Nunnely last Thursday
night the negative answer which truth compelled Caroline to utter for last
Thursday evening she had been sitting at home reading a novel which Robert had
lent her elicited a simultaneous expression of surprise from the lips of the
four ladies
»We were all there« said Miss Mary »mamma and all of us we even persuaded
papa to go Hannah would insist upon it but he fell asleep while Mr
Langweilig the German Moravian minister was speaking I felt quite ashamed he
nodded so«
»And there was Dr Broadbent« cried Hannah »such a beautiful speaker You
couldnt expect it of him for he is almost a vulgarlooking man«
»But such a dear man« interrupted Mary
»And such a good man such a useful man« added her mother
»Only like a butcher in appearance« interposed the fair proud Harriet »I
couldnt bear to look at him I listened with my eyes shut«
Miss Helstone felt her ignorance and incompetency not having seen Dr
Broadbent she could not give her opinion Pause third came on During its
continuance Caroline was feeling at her hearts core what a dreaming fool she
was what an unpractical life she led how little fitness there was in her for
ordinary intercourse with the ordinary world She was feeling how exclusively
she had attached herself to the white cottage in the Hollow how in the
existence of one inmate of that cottage she had pent all her universe she was
sensible that this would not do and that some day she would be forced to make
an alteration it could not be said that she exactly wished to resemble the
ladies before her but she wished to become superior to her present self so as
to feel less scared by their dignity
The sole means she found of reviving the flagging discourse was by asking
them if they would all stay to tea and a cruel struggle it cost her to perform
this piece of civility Mrs Sykes had begun »We are much obliged to you but
« when in came Fanny once more
»The gentlemen will stay the evening maam« was the message she brought
from Mr Helstone
»What gentlemen have you« now inquired Mrs Sykes Their names were
specified she and her daughters interchanged glances the curates were not to
them what they were to Caroline Mr Sweeting was quite a favourite with them
even Mr Malone rather so because he was a clergyman »Really since you have
company already I think we will stay« remarked Mrs Sykes »We shall be quite
a pleasant little party I always like to meet the clergy«
And now Caroline had to usher them upstairs to help them to unshawl
smooth their hair and make themselves smart to reconduct them to the
drawingroom to distribute amongst them books of engravings or odd things
purchased from the Jewbasket she was obliged to be a purchaser though she was
but a slack contributor and if she had possessed plenty of money she would
rather when it was brought to the Rectory an awful incubus have purchased
the whole stock than contributed a single pincushion
It ought perhaps to be explained in passing for the benefit of those who
are not »au fait« to the mysteries of the »Jewbasket« and »Missionarybasket«
that these »meubles« are willowrepositories of the capacity of a goodsized
family clothesbasket dedicated to the purpose of conveying from house to house
a monster collection of pincushions needlebooks cardracks workbags
articles of infantwear etc etc etc made by the willing or reluctant hands
of the Christian ladies of a parish and sold per force to the heathenish
gentlemen thereof at prices unblushingly exorbitant The proceeds of such
compulsory sale are applied to the conversion of the Jews the seeking up of the
ten missing tribes or to the regeneration of the interesting coloured
population of the globe Each ladycontributor takes it in her turn to keep the
basket a month to sew for it and to foist off its contents on a shrinking male
public An exciting time it is when that turn comes round some activeminded
women with a good trading spirit like it and enjoy exceedingly the fun of
making hardhanded worstedspinners cash up to the tune of four or five hundred
per cent above cost price for articles quite useless to them other feebler
souls object to it and would rather see the prince of darkness himself at their
door any morning than that phantombasket brought with »Mrs Rouses
compliments and please maam she says its your turn now«
Miss Helstones duties of hostess performed more anxiously than cheerily
she betook herself to the kitchen to hold a brief privy council with Fanny and
Eliza about the tea
»What a lot on em« cried Eliza who was cook »And I put off the baking
today because I thought there would be bread plenty to fit while morning we
shall never have enow«
»Are there any teacakes« asked the young mistress
»Only three and a loaf I wish these fine folk would stay at home till
theyre asked and I want to finish trimming my hat« bonnet she meant
»Then« suggested Caroline to whom the importance of the emergency gave a
certain energy »Fanny must run down to Briarfield and buy some muffins and
crumpets and some biscuits and dont be cross Eliza we cant help it now«
»And which teathings are we to have«
»Oh the best I suppose Ill get out the silver service« and she ran
upstairs to the platecloset and presently brought down teapot creamewer
and sugarbasin
»And mun we have th urn«
»Yes and now get it ready as quickly as you can for the sooner we have tea
over the sooner they will go at least I hope so Heigho I wish they were
gone« she sighed as she returned to the drawingroom »Still« she thought as
she paused at the door ere opening it »if Robert would but come even now how
bright all would be How comparatively easy the task of amusing these people if
he were present There would be an interest in hearing him talk though he never
says much in company and in talking in his presence there can be no interest
in hearing any of them or in speaking to them How they will gabble when the
curates come in and how weary I shall grow with listening to them But I
suppose I am a selfish fool these are very respectable gentlefolks I ought no
doubt to be proud of their countenance I dont say they are not as good as I am
far from it but they are different from me«
She went in
Yorkshire people in those days took their tea round the table sitting
well into it with their knees duly introduced under the mahogany It was
essential to have a multitude of plates of bread and butter varied in sorts and
plentiful in quantity it was thought proper too that on the centreplate
should stand a glass dish of marmalade among the viands was expected to be
found a small assortment of cheesecakes amp tarts if there was also a plate
of thin slices of pink ham garnished with green parsley so much the better
Eliza the Rectors cook fortunately knew her business as provider she had
been put out of humour a little at first when the invaders came so unexpectedly
in such strength but it appeared that she regained her cheerfulness with
action for in due time the tea was spread forth in handsome style and neither
ham tarts nor marmalade were wanting among its accompaniments
The curates summoned to this bounteous repast entered joyous but at once
on seeing the ladies of whose presence they had not been forewarned they came
to a stand in the doorway Malone headed the party he stopped short and fell
back almost capsizing Donne who was behind him Donne staggering three paces
in retreat sent little Sweeting into the arms of old Helstone who brought up
the rear There was some expostulation some tittering Malone was desired to
mind what he was about and urged to push forward which at last he did though
colouring to the top of his peaked forehead a bluish purple Helstone
advancing set the shy curates aside welcomed all his fair guests shook hands
and passed a jest with each and seated himself snugly between the lovely
Harriet and the dashing Hannah Miss Mary he requested to move to the seat
opposite to him that he might see her if he couldnt be near her Perfectly
easy and gallant in his way were his manners always to young ladies and most
popular was he amongst them yet at heart he neither respected nor liked the
sex and such of them as circumstances had brought into intimate relation with
him had ever feared rather than loved him
The curates were left to shift for themselves Sweeting who was the least
embarrassed of the three took refuge beside Mrs Sykes who he knew was
almost as fond of him as if he had been her son Donne after making his general
bow with a grace all his own and saying in a high pragmatical voice »How dye
do Miss Helstone« dropped into a seat at Carolines elbow to her unmitigated
annoyance for she had a peculiar antipathy to Donne on account of his
stultified and unmovable selfconceit and his incurable narrowness of mind
Malone grinning most unmeaningly inducted himself into the corresponding seat
on the other side she was thus blessed in a pair of supporters neither of
whom she knew would be of any mortal use whether for keeping up the
conversation handing cups circulating the muffins or even lifting the plate
from the slopbasin Little Sweeting small and boyish as he was would have
been worth twenty of them
Malone though a ceaseless talker when there were only men present was
usually tonguetied in the presence of ladies three phrases however he had
ready cut and dried which he never failed to produce
1stly »Have you had a walk today Miss Helstone«
2ndly »Have you seen your cousin Moore lately«
3rdly »Does your class at the Sundayschool keep up its number«
These three questions being put and responded to between Caroline and
Malone reigned silence
With Donne it was otherwise he was troublesome exasperating He had a
stock of smalltalk on hand at once the most trite and perverse that can well
be imagined abuse of the people of Briarfield of the natives of Yorkshire
generally complaints of the want of high society of the backward state of
civilization in these districts murmurings against the disrespectful conduct of
the lower orders in the north toward their betters silly ridicule of the manner
of living in these parts the want of style the absence of elegance as if
he Donne had been accustomed to very great doings indeed an insinuation which
his somewhat underbred manner and aspect failed to bear out These strictures he
seemed to think must raise him in the estimation of Miss Helstone or of any
other lady who heard him whereas with her at least they brought him to a
level below contempt though sometimes indeed they incensed her for a
Yorkshire girl herself she hated to hear Yorkshire abused by such a pitiful
prater amp when wrought up to a certain pitch she would turn and say
something of which neither the matter nor the manner recommended her to Mr
Donnes goodwill She would tell him it was no proof of refinement to be ever
scolding others for vulgarity and no sign of a good pastor to be eternally
censuring his flock She would ask him what he had entered the church for since
he complained there were only cottages to visit and poor people to preach to
whether he had been ordained to the ministry merely to wear soft clothing and
sit in kings houses These questions were considered by all the curates as to
the last degree audacious and impious
Tea was a long time in progress all the guests gabbled as their hostess had
expected they would Mr Helstone being in excellent spirits when indeed
was he ever otherwise in society attractive female society it being only
with the one lady of his own family that he maintained a grim taciturnity
kept up a brilliant flow of easy prattle with his righthand and lefthand
neighbours and even with his visavis Miss Mary though as Mary was the most
sensible the least coquettish of the three to her the elderly widower was the
least attentive At heart he could not abide sense in women he liked to see
them as silly as lightheaded as vain as open to ridicule as possible
because they were then in reality what he held them to be and wished them to
be inferior toys to play with to amuse a vacant hour and to be thrown away
Hannah was his favourite Harriet though beautiful egotistical and
selfsatisfied was not quite weak enough for him she had some genuine
selfrespect amidst much false pride and if she did not talk like an oracle
neither would she babble like one crazy she would not permit herself to be
treated quite as a doll a child a plaything she expected to be bent to like a
queen
Hannah on the contrary demanded no respect only flattery if her admirers
only told her that she was an angel she would let them treat her like an idiot
So very credulous and frivolous was she so very silly did she become when
besieged with attention flattered and admired to the proper degree that there
were moments when Helstone actually felt tempted to commit matrimony a second
time and to try the experiment of taking her for his second helpmeet but
fortunately the salutary recollection of the ennuis of his first marriage the
impression still left on him of the weight of the millstone he had once worn
round his neck the fixity of his feelings respecting the insufferable evils of
conjugal existence operated as a check to his tenderness suppressed the sigh
heaving his old iron lungs and restrained him from whispering to Hannah
proposals it would have been high fun and great satisfaction to her to hear
It is probable she would have married him if he had asked her her parents
would have quite approved the match to them his fiftyfive years his
bendleather heart could have presented no obstacles and as he was a rector
held an excellent living occupied a good house and was supposed even to have
private property though in that the world was mistaken every penny of the £
5000 inherited by him from his father had been devoted to the building and
endowing of a new church at his native village in Lancashire for he could show
a lordly munificence when he pleased and if the end was to his liking never
hesitated about making a grand sacrifice to attain it her parents I say
would have delivered Hannah over to his loving kindness and his tender mercies
without one scruple and the second Mrs Helstone inversing the natural order
of insect existence would have fluttered through the honeymoon a bright
admired butterfly and crawled the rest of her days a sordid trampled worm
Little Mr Sweeting seated between Mrs Sykes and Miss Mary both of whom
were very kind to him and having a dish of tarts before him and marmalade and
crumpet upon his plate looked and felt more content than any monarch He was
fond of all the Misses Sykes they were all fond of him he thought them
magnificent girls quite proper to mate with one of his inches If he had a
cause of regret at this blissful moment it was that Miss Dora happened to be
absent Dora being the one whom he secretly hoped one day to call Mrs David
Sweeting with whom he dreamt of taking stately walks leading her like an
empress through the village of Nunnely and an empress she would have been if
size could make an empress She was vast ponderous seen from behind she had
the air of a very stout lady of forty but withal she possessed a good face and
no unkindly character
The meal at last drew to a close it would have been over long ago if Mr
Donne had not persisted in sitting with his cup half full of cold tea before
him long after the rest had finished and after he himself had discussed such
allowance of viands as he felt competent to swallow long indeed after signs
of impatience had been manifested all round the board till chairs were pushed
back till the talk flagged till silence fell Vainly did Caroline inquire
repeatedly if he would have another cup if he would take a little hot tea as
that must be cold etc he would neither drink it nor leave it He seemed to
think that this isolated position of his gave him somehow a certain importance
that it was dignified and stately to be the last that it was grand to keep all
the others waiting So long did he linger that the very urn died it ceased to
hiss At length however the old Rector himself who had hitherto been too
pleasantly engaged with Hannah to care for the delay got impatient
»For whom are we waiting« he asked
»For me I believe« returned Donne complacently appearing to think it
much to his credit that a party should thus be kept dependent on his movements
»Tut« cried Helstone then standing up »Let us return thanks« said he
which he did forthwith and all quitted the table Donne nothing abashed still
sat ten minutes quite alone whereupon Mr Helstone rang the bell for the things
to be removed the curate at length saw himself forced to empty his cup and to
relinquish the rôle which he thought had given him such a felicitous
distinction drawn upon him such flattering general notice
And now in the natural course of events Caroline knowing how it would be
had opened the piano and produced musicbooks in readiness music was asked
for This was Mr Sweetings chance for showing off he was eager to commence
he undertook therefore the arduous task of persuading the young ladies to
favour the company with an air a song Con amore he went through the whole
business of begging praying resisting excuses explaining away difficulties
and at last succeeded in persuading Miss Harriet to allow herself to be led to
the instrument Then out came the pieces of his flute he always carried them in
his pocket as unfailingly as he carried his handkerchief They were screwed
and arranged Malone and Donne meantime herding together and sneering at him
which the little man glancing over his shoulder saw but did not heed at all
he was persuaded their sarcasm all arose from envy they could not accompany the
ladies as he could he was about to enjoy a triumph over them
The triumph began Malone much chagrined at hearing him pipe up in most
superior style determined to earn distinction too if possible and all at
once assuming the character of a swain which character he had endeavoured to
enact once or twice before but in which he had not hitherto met with the
success he doubtless opined his merits deserved approached a sofa on which
Miss Helstone was seated and depositing his great Irish frame near her tried
his hand or rather tongue at a fine speech or two accompanied by grins the
most extraordinary and incomprehensible In the course of his efforts to render
himself agreeable he contrived to possess himself of the two long sofa cushions
and a square one with which after rolling them about for some time with
strange gestures he managed to erect a sort of barrier between himself and the
object of his attentions Caroline quite willing that they should be sundered
soon devised an excuse for stepping over to the opposite side of the room and
taking up a position beside Mrs Sykes of which good lady she entreated some
instruction in a new stitch in ornamental knitting a favour readily granted
and thus Peter Augustus was thrown out
Very sullenly did his countenance lower when he saw himself abandoned
left entirely to his own resources on a large sofa with the charge of three
small cushions on his hands The fact was he felt disposed seriously to
cultivate acquaintance with Miss Helstone because he thought in common with
others that her uncle possessed money and concluded that since he had no
children he would probably leave it to his niece Gérard Moore was better
instructed on this point he had seen the neat church that owed its origin to
the Rectors zeal and cash and more than once in his inmost soul had cursed
an expensive caprice which crossed his wishes
The evening seemed long to one person in that room Caroline at intervals
dropped her knitting on her lap and gave herself up to a sort of brainlethargy
closing her eyes and depressing her head caused by what seemed to her the
unmeaning hum round her the inharmonious tasteless rattle of the piano keys
the squeaking and gasping notes of the flute the laughter and mirth of her
uncle and Hannah and Mary she could not tell whence originating for she heard
nothing comic or gleeful in their discourse and more than all by the
interminable gossip of Mrs Sykes murmured close at her ear gossip which rang
the changes on four subjects her own health and that of the various members of
her family the Missionary and Jew baskets and their contents the late meeting
at Nunnely and one which was expected to come off next week at Whinbury
Tired at length to exhaustion she embraced the opportunity of Mr Sweeting
coming up to speak to Mrs Sykes to slip quietly out of the apartment and seek
a moments respite in solitude She repaired to the diningroom where the clear
but now low remnant of a fire still burnt in the grate The place was empty and
quiet glasses and decanters were cleared from the table the chairs were put
back in their places all was orderly Caroline sank into her uncles large easy
chair half shut her eyes and rested herself rested at least her limbs her
senses her hearing her vision weary with listening to nothing and gazing on
vacancy As to her mind that flew directly to the Hollow it stood on the
threshold of the parlour there then it passed to the countinghouse and
wondered which spot was blessed by the presence of Robert It so happened that
neither locality had that honour for Robert was half a mile away from both and
much nearer to Caroline than her deadened spirit suspected he was at this
moment crossing the churchyard approaching the Rectory gardengate not
however coming to see his cousin but intent solely on communicating a brief
piece of intelligence to the Rector
Yes Caroline you hear the wire of the bell vibrate it rings again for the
fifth time this afternoon you start and you are certain now that this must be
him of whom you dream Why you are so certain you cannot explain to yourself
but you know it You lean forward listening eagerly as Fanny opens the door
right that is the voice low with the slight foreign accent but so sweet
as you fancy you half rise »Fanny will tell him Mr Helstone is with company
and then he will go away« Oh she cannot let him go in spite of herself in
spite of her reason she walks half across the room she stands ready to dart out
in case the step should retreat but he enters the passage »Since your master
is engaged« he says »just show me into the diningroom bring me pen and ink
I will write a short note and leave it for him«
Now having caught these words and hearing him advance Caroline if there
was a door within the diningroom would glide through it and disappear She
feels caught hemmed in she dreads her unexpected presence may annoy him A
second since she would have flown to him that second passed she would flee
from him She cannot there is no way of escape the diningroom has but one
door through which now enters her cousin The look of troubled surprise she
expected to see in his face has appeared there has shocked her and is gone
She has stammered a sort of apology
»I only left the drawingroom a minute for a little quiet«
There was something so diffident and downcast in the air and tone with which
she said this any one might perceive that some saddening change had lately
passed over her prospects and that the faculty of cheerful selfpossession had
left her Mr Moore probably remembered how she had formerly been accustomed
to meet him with gentle ardour and hopeful confidence he must have seen how the
check of this morning had operated here was an opportunity for carrying out his
new system with effect if he chose to improve it Perhaps he found it easier to
practise that system in broad daylight in his millyard amidst busy
occupations than in a quiet parlour disengaged at the hour of eventide Fanny
lit the candles which before had stood unlit on the table brought writing
materials and left the room Caroline was about to follow her Moore to act
consistently should have let her go whereas he stood in the doorway and
holding out his hand gently kept her back he did not ask her to stay but he
would not let her go
»Shall I tell my uncle you are here« asked she still in the same subdued
voice
»No I can say to you all I had to say to him You will be my messenger«
»Yes Robert«
»Then you may just inform him that I have got a clue to the identity of one
at least of the men who broke my frames that he belongs to the same gang who
attacked Sykes and Pearsons dressingshop and that I hope to have him in
custody tomorrow You can remember that«
»Oh yes« These two monosyllables were uttered in a sadder tone than ever
and as she said them she shook her head slightly and sighed »Will you
prosecute him«
»Doubtless«
»No Robert«
»And why no Caroline«
»Because it will set all the neighbourhood against you more than ever«
»That is no reason why I should not do my duty and defend my property This
fellow is a great scoundrel and ought to be incapacitated from perpetrating
further mischief«
»But his accomplices will take revenge on you You do not know how the
people of this country bear malice it is the boast of some of them that they
can keep a stone in their pocket seven years turn it at the end of that time
keep it seven years longer and hurl it and hit their mark at last«
Moore laughed
»A most pithy vaunt« said he »one that redounds vastly to the credit of
your dear Yorkshire friends But dont fear for me Lina I am on my guard
against these lamblike compatriots of yours dont make yourself uneasy about
me«
»How can I help it You are my cousin If anything happened « she stopped
»Nothing will happen Lina To speak in your own language there is a
Providence above all is there not«
»Yes dear Robert May He guard you«
»And if prayers have efficacy yours will benefit me you pray for me
sometimes«
»Not sometimes Robert you and Louis and Hortense are always remembered«
»So I have often imagined it has occurred to me when weary and vexed I
have myself gone to bed like a heathen that another had asked forgiveness for
my day and safety for my night I dont suppose such vicarial piety will avail
much but the petitions come out of a sincere breast from innocent lips they
should be acceptable as Abels offering and doubtless would be if the object
deserved them«
»Annihilate that doubt it is groundless«
»When a man has been brought up only to make money and lives to make it
and for nothing else and scarcely breathes any other air than that of mills and
markets it seems odd to utter his name in a prayer or to mix his idea with
anything divine and very strange it seems that a good pure heart should take
him in and harbour him as if he had any claim to that sort of nest If I could
guide that benignant heart I believe I should counsel it to exclude one who
does not profess to have any higher aim in life than that of patching up his
broken fortune and wiping clean from his bourgeois scutcheon the foul stain of
bankruptcy«
The hint though conveyed thus tenderly and modestly as Caroline thought
was felt keenly and comprehended clearly
»Indeed I only think or I will only think of you as my cousin« was the
quick answer »I am beginning to understand things better than I did Robert
when you first came to England better than I did a week a day ago I know it
is your duty to try to get on and that it wont do for you to be romantic but
in future you must not misunderstand me if I seem friendly You misunderstood
me this morning did you not«
»What made you think so«
»Your look your manner«
»But look at me now «
»Oh you are different now at present I dare speak to you«
»Yet I am the same except that I have left the tradesman behind me in the
Hollow your kinsman alone stands before you«
»My cousin Robert not Mr Moore«
»Not a bit of Mr Moore Caroline «
Here the company was heard rising in the other room the door was opened
the ponycarriage was ordered shawls and bonnets were demanded Mr Helstone
called for his niece
»I must go Robert«
»Yes you must go or they will come in and find us here and I rather
than meet all that host in the passage will take my departure through the
window luckily it opens like a door One minute only put down the candle an
instant goodnight I kiss you because we are cousins and being cousins
one two three kisses are allowable Caroline goodnight«
Chapter VIII
Noah and Moses
The next day Moore had risen before the sun and had taken a ride to Whinbury
and back ere his sister had made the café au lait or cut the tartines for his
breakfast What business he transacted there he kept to himself Hortense asked
no questions it was not her wont to comment on his movements nor his to render
an account of them The secrets of business complicated and often dismal
mysteries were buried in his breast and never came out of their sepulchre
save now and then to scare Joe Scott or give a start to some foreign
correspondent indeed a general habit of reserve on whatever was important
seemed bred in his mercantile blood
Breakfast over he went to his countinghouse Henry Joe Scotts boy
brought in the letters and the daily papers Moore seated himself at his desk
broke the seals of the documents and glanced them over They were all short
but not it seemed sweet probably rather sour on the contrary for as Moore
laid down the last his nostrils emitted a derisive and defiant snuff and
though he burst into no soliloquy there was a glance in his eye which seemed to
invoke the devil and lay charges on him to sweep the whole concern to Gehenna
However having chosen a pen and stripped away the feathered top in a brief
spasm of fingerfury only fingerfury his face was placid he dashed off a
batch of answers sealed them and then went out and walked through the mill on
coming back he sat down to read his newspaper
The contents seemed not absorbingly interesting he more than once laid it
across his knee folded his arms and gazed into the fire he occasionally
turned his head towards the window he looked at intervals at his watch in
short his mind appeared preoccupied Perhaps he was thinking of the beauty of
the weather for it was a fine and mild morning for the season and wishing to
be out in the fields enjoying it The door of his countinghouse stood wide
open the breeze and sunshine entered freely but the first visitant brought no
spring perfume on its wings only an occasional sulphurpuff from the sootthick
column of smoke rushing sable from the gaunt millchimney
A dark blue apparition that of Joe Scott fresh from a dyeing vat appeared
momentarily at the open door uttered the words »Hes comed sir« and vanished
Mr Moore raised not his eyes from the paper A large man broadshouldered
and massivelimbed clad in fustian garments and greyworsted stockings
entered who was received with a nod and desired to take a seat which he did
making the remark as he removed his hat a very bad one stowed it away under
his chair and wiped his forehead with a spotted cotton handkerchief extracted
from the hatcrown that it was »raight dahn warm for Febewerry« Mr Moore
assented at least he uttered some slight sound which though inarticulate
might pass for an assent The visitor now carefully deposited in the corner
beside him an officiallooking staff which he bore in his hand this done he
whistled probably by way of appearing at his ease
»You have what is necessary I suppose« said Mr Moore
»Ay ay alls raight«
He renewed his whistling Mr Moore his reading the paper apparently had
become more interesting Presently however he turned to his cupboard which
was within reach of his long arm opened it without rising took out a black
bottle the same he had produced for Malones benefit a tumbler and a jug
placed them on the table and said to his guest
»Help yourself theres water in that jar in the corner«
»I dunnut knaw that theres mich need for all a body is dry thirsty in a
morning« said the fustian gentleman rising and doing as requested
»Will you tak naught yourseln Mr Moore« he inquired as with skilled
hands he mixed a portion and having tested it by a deep draught sank back
satisfied and bland in his seat Moore chary of words replied by a negative
movement and murmur
»Yahd as good« continued his visitor »it uld set ye up wald a sup o
this stuff Uncommon good Hollands ye get it fro furrin parts Ise think«
»Ay«
»Tak my advice and try a glass ont them lads ats coming ll keep ye
talking nobdy knows how long yell need propping«
»Have you seen Mr Sykes this morning« inquired Moore
»I seed him a hauf an hour nay happen a quarter of an hour sin just
afore I set off he said he aimed to come here and I sudnt wonder but yell
have old Helstone too I seed em saddling his little nag as I passed at back o
t Rectory«
The speaker was a true prophet for the trot of a little nags hoofs were
five minutes after heard in the yard it stopped and a wellknown nasal voice
cried aloud »Boy probably addressing Harry Scott who usually hung about the
premises from nine AM to five PM take my horse and lead him into the
stable«
Helstone came in marching nimbly and erect looking browner keener and
livelier than usual
»Beautiful morning Moore how do my boy Ha Whom have we here turning to
the personage with the staff Sugden What youre going to work directly On
my word you lose no time but I come to ask explanations your message was
delivered to me are you sure you are on the right scent How do you mean to set
about the business Have you got a warrant«
»Sugden has«
»Then you are going to seek him now Ill accompany you«
»You will be spared that trouble sir he is coming to seek me Im just now
sitting in state waiting his arrival«
»And who is it One of my parishioners«
Joe Scott had entered unobserved he now stood a most sinister phantom
half his person being dyed of the deepest tint of indigo leaning on the desk
His masters answer to the Rectors question was a smile Joe took the word
putting on a quiet but pawky look he said
»Its a friend of yours Mr Helstone a gentleman you often spoke of«
»Indeed His name Joe You look well this morning«
»Only the Rev Moses Barraclough t tub orator you call him sometimes I
think«
»Ah« said the Rector taking out his snuffbox and administering to
himself a very long pinch »Ah couldnt have supposed it Why the pious man
never was a workman of yours Moore Hes a tailor by trade«
»And so much the worse grudge I owe him for interfering and setting my
discarded men against me«
»And Moses was actually present at the battle of Stilbro Moor He went
there wooden leg and all«
»Ay sir« said Joe »he went there on horseback that his leg mightnt be
noticed he was the captain and wore a mask the rest only had their faces
blacked«
»And how was he found out«
»Ill tell you sir« said Joe »t maisters not so fond of talking Ive
no objections He courted Sarah Mr Moores sarvant lass and so it seems she
would have nothing to say to him she either didnt like his wooden leg or
shed some notion about his being a hypocrite Happen for women is queer hands
we may say that amang werseln when theres none of em nigh shed have
encouraged him in spite of his leg and his deceit just to pass time like
Ive known some on em do as mich and some o t bonniest and mimmestlooking
too ay Ive seen clean trim young things that looked as denty and pure as
daisies and wi time a body fun em out to be nowt but stinging venomed
nettles«
»Joes a sensible fellow« interjected Helstone
»Howsiver Sarah had another string to her bow Fred Murgatroyd one of our
lads is for her and as women judge men by their faces and Fred has a
middling face while Moses is none so handsome as we all knaw the lass took
on wi Fred A twothree months sin Murgatroyd and Moses chanced to meet one
Sunday night theyd both come lurking about these premises wi the notion of
counselling Sarah to tak a bit of a walk wi them they fell out had a tussel
and Fred was worsted for hes young and small and Barraclough for all he has
only one leg is almost as strong as Sugden there indeed anybody that hears
him roaring at a revival or a lovefeast may be sure hes no weakling«
»Joe youre insupportable« here broke in Mr Moore »You spin out your
explanation as Moses spins out his sermons The long and short of it is
Murgatroyd was jealous of Barraclough and last night as he and a friend took
shelter in a barn from a shower they heard and saw Moses conferring with some
associates within From their discourse it was plain he had been the leader
not only at Stilbro Moor but in the attack on Sykess property moreover they
planned a deputation to wait on me this morning which the tailor is to head
and which in the most religious and peaceful spirit is to entreat me to put
the accursed thing out of my tent I rode over to Whinbury this morning got a
constable and a warrant and I am now waiting to give my friend the reception he
deserves here meantime comes Sykes Mr Helstone you must spirit him up he
feels timid at the thoughts of prosecuting«
A gig was heard to roll into the yard Mr Sykes entered a tall stout man
of about fifty comely of feature but feeble of physiognomy he looked anxious
»Have they been Are they gone Have you got him Is it over« he asked
»Not yet« returned Moore with phlegm »We are waiting for them«
»Theyll not come its near noon better give it up it will excite bad
feeling make a stir cause perhaps fatal consequences«
»You need not appear« said Moore »I shall meet them in the yard when they
come you can stay here«
»But my name must be seen in the law proceedings wife and family Mr Moore
a wife and family make a man cautious«
Moore looked disgusted »Give way if you please« said he »leave me to
myself I have no objection to act alone only be assured you will not find
safety in submission your partner Pearson gave way and conceded and forbore
well that did not prevent them from attempting to shoot him in his own
house«
»My dear sir take a little wine and water« recommended Mr Helstone The
wine and water was Hollands and water as Mr Sykes discovered when he had
compounded and swallowed a brimming tumbler thereof it transfigured him in two
minutes brought the colour back to his face and made him at least word
valiant He now announced that he hoped he was above being trampled on by the
common people he was determined to endure the insolence of the workingclasses
no longer he had considered of it and made up his mind to go all lengths if
money and spirit could put down these rioters they should be put down Mr
Moore might do as he liked but he Christie Sykes would spend his last penny
in law before he would be beaten hed settle them or hed see
»Take another glass« urged Moore
Mr Sykes didnt mind if he did this was a cold morning Sugden had found
it a warm one it was necessary to be careful at this season of the year it
was proper to take something to keep the damp out he had a little cough already
here he coughed in attestation of the fact something of this sort lifting
the black bottle was excellent taken medicinally he poured the physic into his
tumbler he didnt make a practice of drinking spirits in a morning but
occasionally it really was prudent to take precautions
»Quite prudent and take them by all means« urged the host
Mr Sykes now addressed Mr Helstone who stood on the hearth his
shovelhat on his head watching him significantly with his little keen eyes
»You sir as a clergyman« said he »may feel it disagreeable to be present
amidst scenes of hurry and flurry and I may say peril I dare say your nerves
wont stand it youre a man of peace sir but we manufacturers living in the
world and always in turmoil get quite belligerent Really theres an ardour
excited by the thoughts of danger that makes my heart pant When Mrs Sykes is
afraid of the house being attacked and broke open as she is every night I
get quite excited I couldnt describe to you sir my feelings really if
anybody was to come thieves or anything I believe I should enjoy it such is
my spirit«
The hardest of laughs though brief and low and by no means insulting was
the response of the Rector Moore would have pressed upon the heroic millowner
a third tumbler but the clergyman who never transgressed nor would suffer
others in his presence to transgress the bounds of decorum checked him
»Enough is as good as a feast is it not Mr Sykes« he said and Mr Sykes
assented and then sat and watched Joe Scott remove the bottle at a sign from
Helstone with a selfsatisfied simper on his lips and a regretful glisten in
his eye Moore looked as if he should have liked to fool him to the top of his
bent What would a certain young kinswoman of his have said could he have seen
her dear good great Robert her Coriolanus just now Would she have
acknowledged in that mischievous sardonic visage the same face to which she had
looked up with such love which had bent over her with such gentleness last
night Was that the man who had spent so quiet an evening with his sister and
his cousin so suave to one so tender to the other reading Shakspeare and
listening to Chénier
Yes it was the same man only seen on a different side a side Caroline had
not yet fairly beheld though perhaps she had enough sagacity faintly to suspect
its existence Well Caroline had doubtless her defective side too she was
human she must then have been very imperfect and had she seen Moore on his
very worst side she would probably have said this to herself and excused him
Love can excuse anything except Meanness but Meanness kills Love cripples even
Natural Affection without Esteem True Love cannot exist Moore with all his
faults might be esteemed for he had no moral scrofula in his mind no hopeless
polluting taint such for instance as that of falsehood neither was he the
slave of his appetites the active life to which he had been born and bred had
given him something else to do than to join the futile chase of the
pleasurehunter he was a man undegraded the disciple of Reason not the votary
of Sense The same might be said of old Helstone neither of these two would
look think or speak a lie for neither of them had the wretched black bottle
which had just been put away any charms both might boast a valid claim to the
proud title of »lord of the creation« for no animal vice was lord of them they
looked and were superior beings to poor Sykes
A sort of gathering and trampling sound was heard in the yard and then a
pause Moore walked to the window Helstone followed both stood on one side
the tall junior behind the undersized senior looking forth carefully so that
they might not be visible from without their sole comment on what they saw was
a cynical smile flashed into each others stern eyes
A flourishing oratorical cough was now heard followed by the interjection
»Whisht« designed as it seemed to still the hum of several voices Moore
opened his casement an inch or two to admit sound more freely
»Joseph Scott« began a snuffling voice Scott was standing sentinel at the
countinghouse door »might we inquire if your master be within and is to be
spoken to«
»Hes within ay« said Joe nonchalantly
»Would you then if you please emphasis on you have the goodness to tell
him that twelve gentlemen wants to see him«
»Hed happen ax what for« suggested Joe »I mught as weel tell him that at
tsame time«
»For a purpose« was the answer Joe entered
»Please sir theres twelve gentlemen wants to see ye for a purpose«
»Good Joe Im their man Sugden come when I whistle«
Moore went out chuckling drily He advanced into the yard one hand in his
pocket the other in his waistcoat his cap brim over his eyes shading in some
measure their deep dancing ray of scorn Twelve men waited in the yard some in
their shirtsleeves some in blue aprons two figured conspicuously in the van
of the party One a little dapper strutting man with a turnedup nose the
other a broadshouldered fellow distinguished no less by his demure face and
catlike trustless eyes than by a wooden leg and stout crutch there was a
kind of leer about his lips he seemed laughing in his sleeve at some person or
thing his whole air was anything but that of a true man
»Goodmorning Mr Barraclough« said Moore debonnairly for him
»Peace be unto you« was the answer Mr Barraclough entirely closing his
naturally halfshut eyes as he delivered it
»Im obliged to you peace is an excellent thing theres nothing I more
wish for myself but that is not all you have to say to me I suppose I imagine
peace is not your purpose«
»As to our purpose« began Barraclough »its one that may sound strange
and perhaps foolish to ears like yours for the childer of this world is wiser
in their generation than the childer of light«
»To the point if you please and let me hear what it is«
»Yese hear sir if I cannot get it off theres eleven behint can help
me It is a grand purpose and changing his voice from a halfsneer to a whine
its the Looards own purpose and thats better«
»Do you want a subscription to a new Ranters chapel Mr Barraclough
Unless your errand be something of that sort I cannot see what you have to do
with it«
»I hadnt that duty on my mind sir but as Providence has led ye to mention
the subject Ill make it i my way to tak ony trifle ye may have to spare the
smallest contribution will be acceptable«
With that he doffed his hat and held it out as a beggingbox a brazen grin
at the same time crossing his countenance
»If I gave you sixpence you would drink it«
Barraclough uplifted the palms of his hands and the whites of his eyes
evincing in the gesture a mere burlesque of hypocrisy
»You seem a fine fellow« said Moore quite coolly and drily »you dont
care for showing me that you are a doubledyed hypocrite that your trade is
fraud you expect indeed to make me laugh at the cleverness with which you play
your coarsely farcical part while at the same time you think you are deceiving
the men behind you«
Moses countenance lowered he saw he had gone too far he was going to
answer when the second leader impatient of being hitherto kept in the
background stepped forward This man did not look like a traitor though he had
an exceedingly selfconfident and conceited air
»Mr Moore« commenced he speaking also in his throat and nose and
enunciating each word very slowly as if with a view to giving his audience time
to appreciate fully the uncommon elegance of the phraseology »it might
perhaps justly be said that reason rather than peace is our purpose We come
in the first place to request you to hear reason and should you refuse it is
my duty to warn you in very decided terms that measures will be had resort to
he meant recourse which will probably terminate in in bringing you to a
sense of the unwisdom of the the foolishness which seems to guide and guard
your perceedings as a tradesman in this this manufacturing part of the
country Hem sir I would beg to allude that as a furriner coming from a
distant coast another quarter and hemisphere of this globe thrown as I may
say a perfect outcast on these shores the cliffs of Albion you have not
that understanding of huz and wer ways which might conduce to the benefit of the
workingclasses If to come at once to particlars youd consider to give up
this here miln and go without further protractions straight home to where you
belong it ud happen be as well I can see naught ageean such a plan What hev
ye to say tullt lads« turning round to the other members of the deputation
who responded unanimously »Hear hear«
»Brayvo Noah o Tims« murmured Joe Scott who stood behind Mr Moore
»Mosesll niver beat that Cliffs o Albion and tother hemisphere my certy
Did ye come fro th Antarctic Zone maister Moses is dished«
Moses however refused to be dished he thought he would try again Casting
a somewhat ireful glance at »Noah o Tims« he launched out in his turn and
now he spoke in a serious tone relinquishing the sarcasm which he found had not
answered
»Or iver you set up the pole o your tent amang us Mr Moore we lived i
peace and quietness yea I may say in all lovingkindness I am not myself an
aged person as yet but I can remember as far back as maybe some twenty year
when handlabour were encouraged and respected and no mischiefmaker had
ventured to introduce these here machines which is so pernicious Now Im not
a clothdresser myself but by trade a tailor howsiver my heart is of a
softish natur Im a very feeling man and when I see my brethren oppressed
like my great namesake of old I stand up for em for which intent I this day
speak with you face to face and advises you to part wi your infernal
machinery and tak on more hands«
»What if I dont follow your advice Mr Barraclough«
»The Looard pardon you The Looard soften your heart sir«
»Are you in connexion with the Wesleyans now Mr Barraclough«
»Praise God Bless His Name Im a joined Methody«
»Which in no respect prevents you from being at the same time a drunkard and
a swindler I saw you one night a week ago laid deaddrunk by the roadside as I
returned from Stilbro market and while you preach peace you make it the
business of your life to stir up dissension You no more sympathize with the
poor who are in distress than you sympathize with me you incite them to
outrage for bad purposes of your own so does the individual called Noah o
Tims You two are restless meddling impudent scoundrels whose chief
motiveprinciple is a selfish ambition as dangerous as it is puerile The
persons behind you are some of them honest though misguided men but you two I
count altogether bad«
Barraclough was going to speak
»Silence You have had your say and now I will have mine As to being
dictated to by you or any Jack Jem or Jonathan on earth I shall not suffer
it for a moment You desire me to quit the country you request me to part with
my machinery in case I refuse you threaten me I do refuse pointblank Here
I stay and by this mill I stand and into it will I convey the best machinery
inventors can furnish What will you do The utmost you can do and this you
will never dare to do is to burn down my mill destroy its contents and shoot
me What then Suppose that building was a ruin and I was a corpse what then
you lads behind these two scamps would that stop invention or exhaust science
Not for the fraction of a second of time Another and better gigmill would
rise on the ruins of this and perhaps a more enterprising owner come in my
place Hear me Ill make my cloth as I please and according to the best
lights I have In its manufacture I will employ what means I choose Whoever
after hearing this shall dare to interfere with me may just take the
consequences An example shall prove Im in earnest«
He whistled shrill and loud Sugden his staff and warrant came on to the
scene
Moore turned sharply to Barraclough »You were at Stilbro« said he »I
have proof of that You were on the moor you wore a mask you knocked down
one of my men with your own hand you a preacher of the Gospel Sugden
arrest him«
Moses was captured There was a cry and a rush to rescue but the right hand
which all this while had lain hidden in Moores breast reappearing held out a
pistol
»Both barrels are loaded« said he »Im quite determined keep off«
Stepping backwards facing the foe as he went he guarded his prey to the
countinghouse He ordered Joe Scott to pass in with Sugden and the prisoner
and to bolt the door inside For himself he walked backwards and forwards along
the front of the mill looking meditatively on the ground his hand hanging
carelessly by his side but still holding the pistol The eleven remaining
deputies watched him some time talking under their breath to each other at
length one of them approached This man looked very different from either of the
two who had previously spoken he was hardfavoured but modest and
manlylooking
»Ive not much faith i Moses Barraclough« said he »and I would speak a
word to you myseln Mr Moore Its out o no illwill that Im here for my
part its just to mak a effort to get things straightened for theyre sorely
a crooked Ye see were ill off varry ill off wer families is poor and
pined Were thrown out o work wi these frames we can get nought to do we
can earn nought What is to be done Mun we say wisht and lig us down and dee
Nay Ive no grand words at my tongues end Mr Moore but I feel that it would
be a low principle for a reasonable man to starve to death like a dumb cratur
I will nt dot Im not for shedding blood Id neither kill a man nor hurt a
man and Im not for pulling down mills and breaking machines for as ye say
that way o going onll niver stop invention but Ill talk Ill mak as big
a din as ever I can Invention may be all right but I know it is nt right for
poor folks to starve Them that governs mun find a way to help us they mun mak
fresh orderations Yell say thats hard to do so mich louder mun we shout
out then for so much slacker will t Parliamentmen be to set on to a tough
job«
»Worry the Parliamentmen as much as you please« said Moore »but to worry
the millowners is absurd and I for one wont stand it«
»Yere a raight hard un« returned the workman »Will nt ye gie us a bit
o time Will nt ye consent to mak your changes rather more slowly«
»Am I the whole body of clothiers in Yorkshire Answer me that«
»Yere yourseln«
»And only myself and if I stopped by the way an instant while others are
rushing on I should be trodden down If I did as you wish me to do I should be
bankrupt in a month and would my bankruptcy put bread into your hungry
childrens mouths William Farren neither to your dictation nor to that of any
other will I submit Talk to me no more about machinery I will have my own
way I shall get new frames in tomorrow If you broke these I would still
get more Ill never give in«
Here the millbell rang twelve oclock it was the dinner hour Moore
abruptly turned from the deputation and reentered his countinghouse
His last words had left a bad harsh impression he at least had »failed
in the disposing of a chance he was lord of« By speaking kindly to William
Farren who was a very honest man without envy or hatred of those more
happily circumstanced than himself thinking it no hardship and no injustice to
be forced to live by labour disposed to be honourably content if he could but
get work to do Moore might have made a friend It seemed wonderful how he
could turn from such a man without a conciliatory or a sympathizing expression
The poor fellows face looked haggard with want he had the aspect of a man who
had not known what it was to live in comfort and plenty for weeks perhaps
months past and yet there was no ferocity no malignity in his countenance it
was worn dejected austere but still patient How could Moore leave him thus
with the words »Ill never give in« and not a whisper of goodwill or hope or
aid
Farren as he went home to his cottage once in better times a decent
clean pleasant place but now though still clean very dreary because so poor
asked himself this question He concluded that the foreign millowner was a
selfish an unfeeling and he thought too a foolish man It appeared to him
that emigration had he only the means to emigrate would be preferable to
service under such a master He felt much cast down almost hopeless
On his entrance his wife served out in orderly sort such dinner as she
had to give him and the bairns it was only porridge and too little of that
Some of the younger children asked for more when they had done their portion
an application which disturbed William much while his wife quieted them as well
as she could he left his seat and went to the door He whistled a cheery
stave which did not however prevent a broad drop or two much more like the
first of a thundershower than those which oozed from the wound of the
gladiator from gathering on the lids of his grey eyes and plashing thence to
the threshold He cleared his vision with his sleeve and the melting mood over
a very stern one followed
He still stood brooding in silence when a gentleman in black came up a
clergyman it might be seen at once but neither Helstone nor Malone nor
Donne nor Sweeting He might be forty years old he was plainlooking
darkcomplexioned and already rather greyhaired He stooped a little in
walking His countenance as he came on wore an abstracted and somewhat doleful
air but in approaching Farren he looked up and then a hearty expression
illuminated the preoccupied serious face
»Is it you William How are you« he asked
»Middling Mr Hall how are ye Will ye step in and rest ye«
Mr Hall whose name the reader has seen mentioned before and who indeed
was vicar of Nunnely of which parish Farren was a native and from whence he
had removed but three years ago to reside in Briarfield for the convenience of
being near Hollows mill where he had obtained work entered the cottage and
having greeted the goodwife and the children sat down He proceeded to talk
very cheerfully about the length of time that had elapsed since the family
quitted his parish the changes which had occurred since he answered questions
touching his sister Margaret who was inquired after with much interest he
asked questions in his turn and at last glancing hastily and anxiously round
through his spectacles he wore spectacles for he was shortsighted at the
bare room and at the meagre and wan faces of the circle about him for the
children had come round his knee and the father and mother stood before him
he said abruptly
»And how are you all How do you get on«
Mr Hall be it remarked though an accomplished scholar not only spoke
with a strong northern accent but on occasion used freely northcountry
expressions
»We get on poorly« said William »were all out of work Ive selled most
o t household stuff as ye may see and what were to do next God knows«
»Has Mr Moore turned you off«
»He has turned us off and Ive sich an opinion of him now that I think if
hed tak me on again tomorrow I wouldnt work for him«
»It is not like you to say so William«
»I know it is nt but Im getting different to mysel I feel I am
changing I wad nt heed if t bairns and t wife had enough to live on but
theyre pinched theyre pined «
»Well my lad and so are you I see you are These are grievous times I
see suffering wherever I turn William sit down Grace sit down let us talk
it over«
And in order the better to talk it over Mr Hall lifted the least of the
children on to his knee and placed his hand on the head of the next least but
when the small things began to chatter to him he bid them »Whisht« and fixing
his eyes on the grate he regarded the handful of embers which burnt there very
gravely
»Sad times« he said »and they last long It is the will of God His will
be done but He tries us to the utmost«
Again he reflected
»Youve no money William and youve nothing you could sell to raise a
small sum«
»No Ive selled t chest o drawers and t clock and t bit of a mahogany
stand and t wifes bonny teatray and set o cheeney at she brought for a
portion when we were wed«
»And if somebody lent you a pound or two could you make any good use of it
Could you get into a new way of doing something«
Farren did not answer but his wife said quickly »Ay Im sure he could
sir hes a very contriving chap is our William If hed two or three pounds
he could begin selling stuff«
»Could you William«
»Please God« returned William deliberately »I could buy groceries and
bits o tapes and thread and what I thought would sell and I could begin
hawking at first«
»And you know sir« interposed Grace »youre sure William would neither
drink nor idle nor waste in any way Hes my husband and I should nt praise
him but I will say theres not a soberer honester man i England nor he is«
»Well Ill speak to one or two friends and I think I can promise to let
him have £ 5 in a day or two as a loan ye mind not a gift he must pay it
back«
»I understand sir Im quite agreeable to that«
»Meantime theres a few shillings for you Grace just to keep the pot
boiling till custom comes Now bairns stand up in a row and say your
catechism while your mother goes and buys some dinner for youve not had much
today Ill be bound You begin Ben What is your name«
Mr Hall stayed till Grace came back then he hastily took his leave
shaking hands with both Farren and his wife just at the door he said to them a
few brief but very earnest words of religious consolation and exhortation with
a mutual »God bless you sir« »God bless you my friends« they separated
Chapter IX
Briarmains
Messrs Helstone and Sykes began to be extremely jocose etcongratulatory with Mr
Moore when he returned to them after dismissing the deputation he was so quiet
however under their compliments upon his firmness etc and wore a countenance
so like a still dark day equally beamless and breezeless that the Rector
after glancing shrewdly into his eyes buttoned up his felicitations with his
coat and said to Sykes whose senses were not acute enough to enable him to
discover unassisted where his presence and conversation were a nuisance
»Come sir your road and mine lie partly together had we not better bear
each other company Well bid Moore goodmorning and leave him to the happy
fancies he seems disposed to indulge«
»And where is Sugden« demanded Moore looking up
»Ah ha« cried Helstone »Ive not been quite idle while you were busy
Ive been helping you a little I flatter myself not injudiciously I thought
it better not to lose time so while you were parleying with that downlooking
gentleman Farren I think his name is I opened this back window shouted to
Murgatroyd who was in the stable to bring Mr Sykess gig round then I
smuggled Sugden and brother Moses wooden leg and all through the aperture
and saw them mount the gig always with our good friend Sykess permission of
course Sugden took the reins he drives like Jehu and in another quarter of
an hour Barraclough will be safe in Stilbro jail«
»Very good thank you« said Moore »and goodmorning gentlemen« he added
and so politely conducted them to the door and saw them clear of his premises
He was a taciturn serious man the rest of the day he did not even bandy a
repartee with Joe Scott who for his part said to his master only just what
was absolutely necessary to the progress of business but looked at him a good
deal out of the corners of his eyes frequently came to poke the countinghouse
fire for him and once as he was locking up for the day the mill was then
working short time owing to the slackness of trade observed that it was a
grand evening and he »could wish Mr Moore to tak a bit of a walk up th
Hollow it would do him good«
At this recommendation Mr Moore burst into a short laugh and after
demanding of Joe what all this solicitude meant and whether he took him for a
woman or a child seized the keys from his hand and shoved him by the shoulders
out of his presence He called him back however ere he had reached the
yardgate
»Joe do you know those Farrens They are not well off I suppose«
»They cannot be well off sir when theyve not had work as a three month
Yed see yoursel at Williams sorely changed fair pared theyve selled
most o t stuff out o th house«
»He was not a bad workman«
»Ye never had a better sir sin ye began trade«
»And decent people the whole family«
»Niver dacenter th wifes a raight cant body and as clean ye mught eat
your porridge of th house floor theyre sorely comed down I wish William
could get a job as gardener or summat i that way he understands gardening
weel He once lived wi a Scotchman that tached him the mysteries o that craft
as they say«
»Now then you can go Joe you need not stand there staring at me«
»Yeve no orders to give sir«
»None but for you to take yourself off«
Which Joe did accordingly
Spring evenings are often cold and raw and though this had been a fine day
warm even in the morning and meridian sunshine the air chilled at sunset the
ground crisped and ere dusk a hoar frost was insidiously stealing over growing
grass and unfolding bud It whitened the pavement in front of Briarmains Mr
Yorkes residence and made silent havoc among the tender plants in his garden
and on the mossy level of his lawn As to that great tree strongtrunked and
broadarmed which guarded the gable nearest the road it seemed to defy a
springnight frost to harm its still bare boughs and so did the leafless grove
of walnuttrees rising tall behind the house
In the dusk of the moonless if starry night lights from windows shone
vividly this was no dark or lonely scene nor even a silent one Briarmains
stood near the highway it was rather an old place and had been built ere that
highway was cut and when a lane winding up through fields was the only path
conducting to it Briarfield lay scarce a mile off its hum was heard its glare
distinctly seen Briarchapel a large new raw Wesleyan place of worship
rose but a hundred yards distant and as there was even now a prayermeeting
being held within its walls the illumination of its windows cast a bright
reflection on the road while a hymn of a most extraordinary description such
as a very Quaker might feel himself moved by the spirit to dance to roused
cheerily all the echoes of the vicinage The words were distinctly audible by
snatches here is a quotation or two from different strains for the singers
passed jauntily from hymn to hymn and from tune to tune with an ease and
buoyancy all their own
»Oh who can explain
This struggle for life
This travail and pain
This trembling and strife
Plague earthquake and famine
And tumult and war
The wonderful coming
Of Jesus declare
For every fight
Is dreadful and loud
The warriors delight
Is slaughter and blood
His foes overturning
Till all shall expire
And this is with burning
And fuel and fire«
Here followed an interval of clamorous prayer accompanied by fearful groans A
shout of »Ive found liberty« »Doad o Bills has fun liberty« rung from the
chapel and out all the assembly broke again
»What a mercy is this
What a heaven of bliss
How unspeakably happy am I
Gatherd into the fold
With thy people enrolld
With thy people to live and to die
Oh the goodness of God
In employing a clod
His tribute of glory to raise
His standard to bear
And with triumph declare
His unspeakable riches of grace
Oh the fathomless love
That has deignd to approve
And prosper the work of my hands
With my pastoral crook
I went over the brook
And behold I am spread into bands
Who I ask in amaze
Hath begotten me these
And inquire from what quarter they came
My full heart it replies
They are born from the skies
And gives glory to God and the Lamb«
The stanza which followed this after another and longer interregnum of shouts
yells ejaculations frantic cries agonized groans seemed to cap the climax of
noise and zeal
»Sleeping on the brink of sin
Tophet gaped to take us in
Mercy to our rescue flew
Broke the snare and brought us through
Here as in a lions den
Undevourd we still remain
Pass secure the watery flood
Hanging on the arm of God
Here«
Terrible most distracting to the ear was the strained shout in which the last
stanza was given
»Here we raise our voices higher
Shout in the refiners fire
Clap our hands amidst the flame
Glory give to Jesus name«
The roof of the chapel did not fly off which speaks volumes in praise of its
solid slating
But if Briarchapel seemed alive so also did Briarmains though certainly
the mansion appeared to enjoy a quieter phase of existence than the temple some
of its windows too were aglow the lower casements opened upon the lawn
curtains concealed the interior and partly obscured the ray of the candles
which lit it but they did not entirely muffle the sound of voice and laughter
We are privileged to enter that frontdoor and to penetrate to the domestic
sanctum
It is not the presence of company which makes Mr Yorkes habitation lively
for there is none within it save his own family and they are assembled in that
farthest room to the right the backparlour
This is the usual sittingroom of an evening Those windows would be seen by
daylight to be of brilliantlystained glass purple and amber the predominant
hues glittering round a gravelytinted medallion in the centre of each
representing the suave head of William Shakspeare and the serene one of John
Milton Some Canadian views hang on the walls green forest and blue
waterscenery and in the midst of them blazes a nighteruption of Vesuvius
very ardently it glows contrasted with the cool foam and azure of cataracts
and the dusky depths of woods
The fire illuminating this room reader is such as if you be a southern
you do not often see burning on the hearth of a private apartment it is a
clear hot coal fire heaped high in the ample chimney Mr Yorke will have
such fires even in warm summer weather he sits beside it with a book in his
hand a little round stand at his elbow supporting a candle but he is not
reading he is watching his children Opposite to him sits his lady a
personage whom I might describe minutely but I feel no vocation to the task I
see her though very plainly before me a large woman of the gravest aspect
care on her front and on her shoulders but not overwhelming inevitable care
rather the sort of voluntary exemplary cloud and burden people ever carry who
deem it their duty to be gloomy Ah welladay Mrs Yorke had that notion and
grave as Saturn she was morning noon and night and hard things she thought
of any unhappy wight especially of the female sex who dared in her presence
to show the light of a gay heart on a sunny countenance In her estimation to
be mirthful was to be profane to be cheerful was to be frivolous she drew no
distinctions Yet she was a very good wife a very careful mother looked after
her children unceasingly was sincerely attached to her husband only the worst
of it was if she could have had her will she would not have permitted him to
have any friend in the world beside herself all his relations were
insupportable to her and she kept them at arms length
Mr Yorke and she agreed perfectly well yet he was naturally a social
hospitable man an advocate for family unity and in his youth as has been
said he liked none but lively cheerful women Why he chose her how they
contrived to suit each other is a problem puzzling enough but which might soon
be solved if one had time to go into the analysis of the case Suffice it here
to say that Yorke had a shadowy as well as a sunny side to his character and
that his shadowy side found sympathy and affinity in the whole of his wifes
uniformly overcast nature For the rest she was a strongminded woman never
said a weak or a trite thing took stern democratic views of society and
rather cynical ones of human nature considered herself perfect and safe and
the rest of the world all wrong Her main fault was a brooding eternal
immitigable suspicion of all men things creeds and parties this suspicion
was a mist before her eyes a false guide in her path wherever she looked
wherever she turned
It may be supposed that the children of such a pair were not likely to turn
out quite ordinary commonplace beings and they were not You see six of them
reader the youngest is a baby on the mothers knee it is all her own yet and
that one she has not yet begun to doubt suspect condemn it derives its
sustenance from her it hangs on her it clings to her it loves her above
everything else in the world she is sure of that because as it lives by her
it cannot be otherwise therefore she loves it
The two next are girls Rose and Jessy they are both now at their fathers
knee they seldom go near their mother except when obliged to do so Rose the
elder is twelve years old she is like her father the most like him of the
whole group but it is a granite head copied in ivory all is softened in
colour and line Yorke himself has a harsh face his daughters is not harsh
neither is it quite pretty it is simple childlike in feature the round
cheeks bloom as to the grey eyes they are otherwise than childlike a
serious soul lights them a young soul yet but it will mature if the body
lives and neither father nor mother have a spirit to compare with it Partaking
of the essence of each it will one day be better than either stronger much
purer more aspiring Rose is a still sometimes a stubborn girl now her mother
wants to make of her such a woman as she is herself a woman of dark and
dreary duties and Rose has a mind fullset thicksown with the germs of
ideas her mother never knew It is agony to her often to have these ideas
trampled on and repressed She has never rebelled yet but if hard driven she
will rebel one day and then it will be once for all Rose loves her father her
father does not rule her with a rod of iron he is good to her He sometimes
fears she will not live so bright are the sparks of intelligence which at
moments flash from her glance and gleam in her language This idea makes him
often sadly tender to her
He has no idea that little Jessy will die young she is so gay and
chattering arch original even now passionate when provoked but most
affectionate if caressed by turns gentle and rattling exacting yet generous
fearless of her mother for instance whose irrationally hard and strict rule
she has often defied yet reliant on any who will help her Jessy with her
little piquant face engaging prattle and winning ways is made to be a pet
and her fathers pet she accordingly is It is odd that the doll should resemble
her mother feature by feature as Rose resembles her father and yet the
physiognomy how different
Mr Yorke if a magic mirror were now held before you and if therein were
shown you your two daughters as they will be twenty years from this night what
would you think The magic mirror is here you shall learn their destinies and
first that of your little life Jessy
Do you know this place No you never saw it but you recognize the nature
of these trees this foliage the cypress the willow the yew Stone crosses
like these are not unfamiliar to you nor are these dim garlands of everlasting
flowers Here is the place green sod and a grey marble headstone Jessy
sleeps below She lived through an April day much loved was she much loving
She often in her brief life shed tears she had frequent sorrows she smiled
between gladdening whatever saw her Her death was tranquil and happy in Roses
guardian arms for Rose had been her stay and defence through many trials the
dying and the watching English girls were at that hour alone in a foreign
country and the soil of that country gave Jessy a grave
Now behold Rose two years later The crosses and garlands looked strange
but the hills and woods of this landscape look still stranger This indeed is
far from England remote must be the shores which wear that wild luxuriant
aspect This is some virgin solitude unknown birds flutter round the skirts of
that forest no European river this on whose banks Rose sits thinking The
little quiet Yorkshire girl is a lonely emigrant in some region of the southern
hemisphere Will she ever come back
The three eldest of the family are all boys Matthew Mark and Martin They
are seated together in that corner engaged in some game Observe their three
heads much alike at a first glance at a second different at a third
contrasted Darkhaired darkeyed redcheeked are the whole trio small
English features they all possess all own a blended resemblance to sire and
mother and yet a distinctive physiognomy mark of a separate character belongs
to each
I shall not say much about Matthew the firstborn of the house though it
is impossible to avoid gazing at him long and conjecturing what qualities that
visage hides or indicates He is no plainlooking boy that jetblack hair
white brow highcoloured cheek those quick dark eyes are good points in
their way How is it that look as long as you will there is but one object in
the room and that the most sinister to which Matthews face seems to bear an
affinity and of which ever and anon it reminds you strangely the eruption
of Vesuvius Flame and shadow seem the component parts of that lads soul no
daylight in it and no sunshine and no pure cool moonbeam ever shone there He
has an English frame but apparently not an English mind you would say an
Italian stiletto in a sheath of British workmanship He is crossed in the game
look at his scowl Mr Yorke sees it and what does he say In a low voice he
pleads »Mark and Martin dont anger your brother« And this is ever the tone
adopted by both parents Theoretically they decry partiality no rights of
primogeniture are to be allowed in that house but Matthew is never to be vexed
never to be opposed they avert provocation from him as assiduously as they
would avert fire from a barrel of gunpowder »Concede conciliate« is their
motto wherever he is concerned The republicans are fast making a tyrant of
their own flesh and blood This the younger scions know and feel and at heart
they all rebel against the injustice they cannot read their parents motives
they only see the difference of treatment The dragons teeth are already sown
amongst Mr Yorkes young olivebranches discord will one day be the harvest
Mark is a bonnielooking boy the most regularfeatured of the family he is
exceedingly calm his smile is shrewd he can say the driest most cutting
things in the quietest of tones Despite his tranquillity a somewhat heavy brow
speaks temper and reminds you that the smoothest waters are not always the
safest Besides he is too still unmoved phlegmatic to be happy Life will
never have much joy in it for Mark by the time he is fiveandtwenty he will
wonder why people ever laugh and think all fools who seem merry Poetry will
not exist for Mark either in literature or in life its best effusions will
sound to him mere rant and jargon enthusiasm will be his aversion and contempt
Mark will have no youth while he looks juvenile and blooming he will be
already middleaged in mind His body is now fourteen years of age but his soul
is already thirty
Martin the youngest of the three owns another nature Life may or may
not be brief for him but it will certainly be brilliant he will pass through
all its illusions half believe in them wholly enjoy them then outlive them
That boy is not handsome not so handsome as either of his brothers he is
plain there is a husk upon him a dry shell and he will wear it till he is
near twenty then he will put it off about that period he will make himself
handsome He will wear uncouth manners till that age perhaps homely garments
but the chrysalis will retain the power of transfiguring itself into the
butterfly and such transfiguration will in due season take place For a
space he will be vain probably a downright puppy eager for pleasure and
desirous of admiration athirst too for knowledge He will want all that the
world can give him both of enjoyment and lore he will perhaps take deep
draughts at each fount That thirst satisfied what next I know not Martin
might be a remarkable man whether he will or not the seer is powerless to
predict on that subject there has been no open vision
Take Mr Yorkes family in the aggregate there is as much mental power in
those six young heads as much originality as much activity and vigour of
brain as divided amongst half a dozen commonplace broods would give to
each rather more than an average amount of sense and capacity Mr Yorke knows
this and is proud of his race Yorkshire has such families here and there
amongst her hills and wolds peculiar racy vigorous of good blood and strong
brain turbulent somewhat in the pride of their strength and intractable in the
force of their native powers wanting polish wanting consideration wanting
docility but sound spirited and truebred as the eagle on the cliff or the
steed in the steppe
A low tap is heard at the parlour door the boys have been making such a
noise over their game and little Jessy besides has been singing so sweet a
Scotch song to her father who delights in Scotch and Italian songs and has
taught his musical little daughter some of the best that the ring at the outer
door was not observed
»Come in« says Mrs Yorke in that conscientiously constrained and
solemnized voice of hers which ever modulates itself to a funereal dreariness
of tone though the subject it is exercised upon be but to give orders for the
making of a pudding in the kitchen to bid the boys hang up their caps in the
hall or to call the girls to their sewing »Come in« And in came Robert Moore
Moores habitual gravity as well as his abstemiousness for the case of
spiritdecanters is never ordered up when he pays an evening visit has so far
recommended him to Mrs Yorke that she has not yet made him the subject of
private animadversions with her husband she has not yet found out that he is
hampered by a secret intrigue which prevents him from marrying or that he is a
wolf in sheeps clothing discoveries which she made at an early date after
marriage concerning most of her husbands bachelor friends and excluded them
from her board accordingly which part of her conduct indeed might be said to
have its just and sensible as well as its harsh side
»Well is it you« she says to Mr Moore as he comes up to her and gives
his hand »What are you roving about at this time of night for You should be at
home«
»Can a single man be said to have a home madam« he asks
»Pooh« says Mrs Yorke who despises conventional smoothness quite as much
as her husband does and practises it as little and whose plain speaking on
all occasions is carried to a point calculated sometimes to awaken
admiration but oftener alarm »Pooh you need not talk nonsense to me a
single man can have a home if he likes Pray does not your sister make a home
for you«
»Not she« joined in Mr Yorke »Hortense is an honest lass but when I was
Roberts age I had five or six sisters all as decent and proper as she is but
you see Hesther for all that it did not hinder me from looking out for a
wife«
»And sorely he has repented marrying me« added Mrs Yorke who liked
occasionally to crack a dry jest against matrimony even though it should be at
her own expense »He has repented it in sackcloth and ashes Robert Moore as
you may well believe when you see his punishment here she pointed to her
children Who would burden themselves with such a set of great rough lads as
those if they could help it It is not only bringing them into the world
though that is bad enough but they are all to feed to clothe to rear to
settle in life Young sir when you feel tempted to marry think of our four
sons and two daughters and look twice before you leap«
»I am not tempted now at any rate I think these are not times for marrying
or giving in marriage«
A lugubrious sentiment of this sort was sure to obtain Mrs Yorkes
approbation she nodded and groaned acquiescence but in a minute she said
»I make little account of the wisdom of a Solomon of your age it will be
upset by the first fancy that crosses you Meantime sit down sir you can
talk I suppose as well sitting as standing«
This was her way of inviting her guest to take a chair he had no sooner
obeyed her than little Jessy jumped from her fathers knee and ran into Mr
Moores arms which were very promptly held out to receive her
»You talk of marrying him« said she to her mother quite indignantly as
she was lifted lightly to his knee »and he is married now or as good he
promised that I should be his wife last summer the first time he saw me in my
new white frock and blue sash Didnt he father« These children were not
accustomed to say papa and mamma their mother would allow no such nambypamby
»Ay my little lassie he promised Ill bear witness But make him say it
over again now Jessy such as he are only false loons«
»He is not false he is too bonnie to be false« said Jessy looking up to
her tall sweetheart with the fullest confidence in his faith
»Bonnie« cried Mr Yorke »thats the reason that he should be and proof
that he is a scoundrel«
»But he looks too sorrowful to be false« here interposed a quiet voice from
behind the fathers chair »If he were always laughing I should think he forgot
promises soon but Mr Moore never laughs«
»Your sentimental buck is the greatest cheat of all Rose« remarked Mr
Yorke
»Hes not sentimental« said Rose
Mr Moore turned to her with a little surprise smiling at the same time
»How do you know I am not sentimental Rose«
»Because I heard a lady say you were not«
»Voilà qui devient intéressant« exclaimed Mr Yorke hitching his chair
nearer the fire »A lady That has quite a romantic twang we must guess who it
is Rosy whisper the name low to your father dont let him hear«
»Rose dont be too forward to talk« here interrupted Mrs Yorke in her
usual killjoy fashion »nor Jessy either it becomes all children especially
girls to be silent in the presence of their elders«
»Why have we tongues then« asked Jessy pertly while Rose only looked at
her mother with an expression that seemed to say she should take that maxim in
and think it over at her leisure After two minutes grave deliberation she
asked
»And why especially girls mother«
»Firstly because I say so and secondly because discretion and reserve is
a girls best wisdom«
»My dear madam« observed Moore »what you say is excellent it reminds me
indeed of my dear sisters observations but really it is not applicable to
these little ones Let Rose and Jessy talk to me freely or my chief pleasure in
coming here is gone I like their prattle it does me good«
»Does it not« asked Jessy »More good than if the rough lads came round
you you call them rough mother yourself«
»Yes mignonne a thousand times more good I have rough lads enough about
me all day long poulet«
»There are plenty of people« continued she »who take notice of the boys
all my uncles and aunts seem to think their nephews better than their nieces
and when gentlemen come here to dine it is always Matthew and Mark and
Martin that are talked to and never Rose and me Mr Moore is our friend and
well keep him but mind Rose hes not so much your friend as he is mine he
is my particular acquaintance remember that« And she held up her small hand
with an admonitory gesture
Rose was quite accustomed to be admonished by that small hand her will
daily bent itself to that of the impetuous little Jessy she was guided
overruled by Jessy in a thousand things On all occasions of show and pleasure
Jessy took the lead and Rose fell quietly into the background whereas when
the disagreeables of life its work and privations were in question Rose
instinctively took upon her in addition to her own share what she could of her
sisters Jessy had already settled it in her mind that she when she was old
enough was to be married Rose she decided must be an old maid to live with
her look after her children keep her house This state of things is not
uncommon between two sisters where one is plain and the other pretty but in
this case if there was a difference in external appearance Rose had the
advantage her face was more regularfeatured than that of the piquant little
Jessy Jessy however was destined to possess along with sprightly
intelligence and vivacious feeling the gift of fascination the power to charm
when where and whom she would Rose was to have a fine generous soul a noble
intellect profoundly cultivated a heart as true as steel but the manner to
attract was not to be hers
»Now Rose tell me the name of this lady who denied that I was
sentimental« urged Mr Moore
Rose had no idea of tantalization or she would have held him a while in
doubt she answered briefly
»I cant I dont know her name«
»Describe her to me what was she like Where did you see her«
»When Jessy and I went to spend the day at Whinbury with Kate and Susan
Pearson who were just come home from school there was a party at Mrs
Pearsons and some grownup ladies were sitting in a corner of the drawingroom
talking about you«
»Did you know none of them«
»Hannah and Harriet and Dora and Mary Sykes«
»Good Were they abusing me Rosy«
»Some of them were they called you a misanthrope I remember the word I
looked for it in the dictionary when I came home it means a manhater«
»What besides«
»Hannah Sykes said you were a solemn puppy«
»Better« cried Mr Yorke laughing »Oh excellent Hannah thats the one
with the red hair a fine girl but halfwitted«
»She has wit enough for me it appears« said Moore »A solemn puppy
indeed Well Rose go on«
»Miss Pearson said she believed there was a good deal of affectation about
you and that with your dark hair and pale face you looked to her like some
sort of a sentimental noodle«
Again Mr Yorke laughed Mrs Yorke even joined in this time »You see in
what esteem you are held behind your back« said she »yet I believe that Miss
Pearson would like to catch you she set her cap at you when you first came into
the country old as she is«
»And who contradicted her Rosy« inquired Moore
»A lady whom I dont know because she never visits here though I see her
every Sunday at church she sits in the pew near the pulpit I generally look at
her instead of looking at my prayerbook for she is like a picture in our
diningroom that woman with the dove in her hand at least she has eyes like
it and a nose too a straight nose that makes all her face look somehow what
I call clear«
»And you dont know her« exclaimed Jessy in a tone of exceeding surprise
»Thats so like Rose Mr Moore I often wonder in what sort of a world my
sister lives I am sure she does not live all her time in this one is
continually finding out that she is quite ignorant of some little matter which
everybody else knows To think of her going solemnly to church every Sunday and
looking all servicetime at one particular person and never so much as asking
that persons name She means Caroline Helstone the Rectors niece I remember
all about it Miss Helstone was quite angry with Anne Pearson she said Robert
Moore is neither affected nor sentimental you mistake his character utterly or
rather not one of you here knows anything about it Now shall I tell you what
she is like I can tell what people are like and how they are dressed better
than Rose can«
»Let us hear«
»She is nice she is fair she has a pretty white slender throat she has
long curls not stiff ones they hang loose and soft their colour is brown but
not dark she speaks quietly with a clear tone she never makes a bustle in
moving she often wears a grey silk dress she is neat all over her gowns and
her shoes and her gloves always fit her She is what I call a lady and when I
am as tall as she is I mean to be like her Shall I suit you if I am Will you
really marry me«
Moore stroked Jessys hair for a minute he seemed as if he would draw her
nearer to him but instead he put her a little farther off
»Oh you wont have me You push me away«
»Why Jessy you care nothing about me you never come to see me now at the
Hollow«
»Because you dont ask me«
Hereupon Mr Moore gave both the little girls an invitation to pay him a
visit next day promising that as he was going to Stilbro in the morning he
would buy them each a present of what nature he would not then declare but
they must come and see Jessy was about to reply when one of the boys
unexpectedly broke in
»I know that Miss Helstone you have all been palavering about shes an ugly
girl I hate her I hate all womenites I wonder what they were made for«
»Martin« said his father for Martin it was the lad only answered by
turning his cynical young face halfarch halftruculent towards the paternal
chair »Martin my lad thourt a swaggering whelp now thou wilt some day be
an outrageous puppy but stick to those sentiments of thine See Ill write
down the words now i my pocketbook The senior took out a moroccocovered
book and deliberately wrote therein Ten years hence Martin if thou and I be
both alive at that day Ill remind thee of that speech«
»Ill say the same then I mean always to hate women theyre such dolls
they do nothing but dress themselves finely and go swimming about to be
admired Ill never marry Ill be a bachelor«
»Stick to it stick to it Hesther addressing his wife I was like him when
I was his age a regular misogamist and behold by the time I was
threeandtwenty being then a tourist in France and Italy and the Lord knows
where I curled my hair every night before I went to bed and wore a ring i
my ear and would have worn one i my nose if it had been the fashion and all
that I might make mysel pleasing and charming to the ladies Martin will do the
like«
»Will I Never Ive more sense What a Guy you were father As to
dressing I make this vow Ill never dress more finely than as you see me at
present Mr Moore Im clad in blue cloth from top to toe and they laugh at
me and call me sailor at the grammar I laugh louder at them and say they are
all magpies and parrots with their coats one colour and their waistcoats
another and their trousers a third Ill always wear blue cloth and nothing
but blue cloth it is beneath a human beings dignity to dress himself in
particoloured garments«
»Ten years hence Martin no tailors shop will have choice of colours
varied enough for thy exacting taste no perfumers stores essences exquisite
enough for thy fastidious senses«
Martin looked disdain but vouchsafed no further reply Meantime Mark who
for some minutes had been rummaging amongst a pile of books on a sidetable
took the word He spoke in a peculiarly slow quiet voice and with an
expression of still irony in his face not easy to describe
»Mr Moore« said he »you think perhaps it was a compliment on Miss
Caroline Helstones part to say you were not sentimental I thought you appeared
confused when my sisters told you the words as if you felt flattered you
turned red just like a certain vain little lad at our school who always thinks
proper to blush when he gets a rise in the class For your benefit Mr Moore
Ive been looking up the word sentimental in the dictionary and I find it to
mean tinctured with sentiment On examining further sentiment is explained to
be thought idea notion A sentimental man then is one who has thoughts
ideas notions an unsentimental man is one destitute of thought idea or
notion«
And Mark stopped he did not smile he did not look round for admiration he
had said his say and was silent
»Ma foi mon ami« observed Mr Moore to Yorke »ce sont vraiment des
enfants terribles que les vôtres«
Rose who had been listening attentively to Marks speech replied to him
»There are different kinds of thoughts ideas and notions« said she »good
and bad sentimental must refer to the bad or Miss Helstone must have taken it
in that sense for she was not blaming Mr Moore she was defending him«
»Thats my kind little advocate« said Moore taking Roses hand
»She was defending him« repeated Rose »as I should have done had I been in
her place for the other ladies seemed to speak spitefully«
»Ladies always do speak spitefully« observed Martin »it is the nature of
womenites to be spiteful«
Matthew now for the first time opened his lips
»What a fool Martin is to be always gabbling about what he does not
understand«
»It is my privilege as a freeman to gabble on whatever subject I like«
responded Martin
»You use it or rather abuse it to such an extent« rejoined the elder
brother »that you prove you ought to have been a slave«
»A slave a slave That to a Yorke and from a Yorke This fellow« he
added standing up at the table and pointing across it to Matthew »this
fellow forgets what every cottier in Briarfield knows that all born of our
house have that arched instep under which water can flow proof that there has
not been a slave of the blood for three hundred years«
»Mountebank« said Matthew
»Lads be silent« exclaimed Mr Yorke »Martin you are a mischiefmaker
there would have been no disturbance but for you«
»Indeed Is that correct Did I begin or did Matthew Had I spoken to him
when he accused me of gabbling like a fool«
»A presumptuous fool« repeated Matthew
Here Mrs Yorke commenced rocking herself rather a portentous movement
with her as it was occasionally followed especially when Matthew was worsted
in a conflict by a fit of hysterics
»I dont see why I should bear insolence from Matthew Yorke or what right
he has to use bad language to me« observed Martin
»He has no right my lad but forgive your brother until seventy and seven
times« said Mr Yorke soothingly
»Always alike and theory and practice always adverse« murmured Martin as
he turned to leave the room
»Where art thou going my son« asked the father
»Somewhere where I shall be safe from insult if in this house I can find
any such place«
Matthew laughed very insolently Martin threw a strange look at him and
trembled through all his slight lads frame but he restrained himself
»I suppose there is no objection to my withdrawing« he inquired
»No go my lad but remember not to bear malice«
Martin went and Matthew sent another insolent laugh after him Rose
lifting her fair head from Moores shoulder against which for a moment it had
been resting said as she directed a steady gaze to Matthew »Martin is
grieved and you are glad but I would rather be Martin than you I dislike your
nature«
Here Mr Moore by way of averting or at least escaping a scene which a
sob from Mrs Yorke warned him was likely to come on rose and putting Jessy
off his knee he kissed her and Rose reminding them at the same time to be
sure and come to the Hollow in good time tomorrow afternoon then having taken
leave of his hostess he said to Mr Yorke »May I speak a word with you« and
was followed by him from the room Their brief conference took place in the
hall
»Have you employment for a good workman« asked Moore
»A nonsense question in these times when you know that every master has
many good workmen to whom he cannot give full employment«
»You must oblige me by taking on this man if possible«
»My lad I can take on no more hands to oblige all England«
»It does not signify I must find him a place somewhere«
»Who is he«
»William Farren«
»I know William a rightdown honest man is William«
»He has been out of work three months he has a large family we are sure
they cannot live without wages he was one of a deputation of clothdressers who
came to me this morning to complain and threaten William did not threaten he
only asked me to give them rather more time to make my changes more slowly
You know I cannot do that straitened on all sides as I am I have nothing for
it but to push on I thought it would be idle to palaver long with them I sent
them away after arresting a rascal amongst them whom I hope to transport a
fellow who preaches at the chapel yonder sometimes«
»Not Moses Barraclough«
»Yes«
»Ah youve arrested him Good Then out of a scoundrel youre going to make
a martyr youve done a wise thing«
»Ive done a right thing Well the short and the long of it is Im
determined to get Farren a place and I reckon on you to give him one«
»This is cool however« exclaimed Mr Yorke »What right have you to reckon
on me to provide for your dismissed workmen What do I know about your Farrens
and your Williams Ive heard hes an honest man but am I to support all the
honest men in Yorkshire You may say that would be no great charge to undertake
but great or little Ill none of it«
»Come Mr Yorke what can you find for him to do«
»I find Youll make me use language Im not accustomed to use I wish you
would go home here is the door set off«
Moore sat down on one of the hall chairs
»You cant give him work in your mill good but you have land find him
some occupation on your land Mr Yorke«
»Bob I thought you cared nothing about our lourdauds de paysans I dont
understand this change«
»I do the fellow spoke to me nothing but truth and sense I answered him
just as roughly as I did the rest who jabbered mere gibberish I couldnt make
distinctions there and then his appearance told what he had gone through lately
clearer than his words but where is the use of explaining Let him have work«
»Let him have it yourself If you are so very much in earnest strain a
point«
»If there was a point left in my affairs to strain I would strain it till
it cracked again but I received letters this morning which show me pretty
nearly where I stand and it is not far off the end of the plank My foreign
market at any rate is gorged If there is no change if there dawns no
prospect of peace if the Orders in Council are not at least suspended so as
to open our way in the West I do not know where I am to turn I see no more
light than if I were sealed in a rock so that for me to pretend to offer a man
a livelihood would be to do a dishonest thing«
»Come let us take a turn on the front it is a starlight night« said Mr
Yorke
They passed out closing the frontdoor after them and side by side paced
the frostwhite pavement to and fro
»Settle about Farren at once« urged Mr Moore »You have large
fruitgardens at Yorke Mills he is a good gardener give him work there«
»Well so be it Ill send for him tomorrow and well see And now my
lad youre concerned about the condition of your affairs«
»Yes a second failure which I may delay but which at this moment I see
no way finally to avert would blight the name of Moore completely and you are
aware I had fine intentions of paying off every debt and reestablishing the
old firm on its former basis«
»You want capital thats all you want«
»Yes but you might as well say that breath is all a dead man wants to
live«
»I know I know capital is not to be had for the asking and if you were a
married man and had a family like me I should think your case pretty nigh
desperate but the young and unencumbered have chances peculiar to themselves I
hear gossip now and then about your being on the eve of marriage with this miss
and that but I suppose it is none of it true«
»You may well suppose that I think I am not in a position to be dreaming of
marriage Marriage I cannot bear the word it sounds so silly and utopian I
have settled it decidedly that marriage and love are superfluities intended
only for the rich who live at ease and have no need to take thought for the
morrow or desperations the last and reckless joy of the deeply wretched who
never hope to rise out of the slough of their utter poverty«
»I should not think so if I were circumstanced as you are I should think I
could very likely get a wife with a few thousands who would suit both me and my
affairs«
»I wonder where«
»Would you try if you had a chance«
»I dont know it depends on in short it depends on many things«
»Would you take an old woman«
»Id rather break stones on the road«
»So would I Would you take an ugly one«
»Bah I hate ugliness and delight in beauty my eyes and heart Yorke take
pleasure in a sweet young fair face as they are repelled by a grim rugged
meagre one soft delicate lines and hues please harsh ones prejudice me I
wont have an ugly wife«
»Not if she were rich«
»Not if she were dressed in gems I could not love I could not fancy I
could not endure her My taste must have satisfaction or disgust would break
out in despotism or worse freeze to utter iciness«
»What Bob if you married an honest goodnatured and wealthy lass though
a little hardfavoured couldnt you put up with the high cheekbones the
rather wide mouth and reddish hair«
»Ill never try I tell you Grace at least I will have and youth and
symmetry yes and what I call beauty«
»And poverty and a nursery full of bairns you can neither clothe nor feed
and very soon an anxious faded mother and then bankruptcy discredit a
lifelong struggle«
»Let me alone Yorke«
»If you are romantic Robert and especially if you are already in love it
is of no use talking«
»I am not romantic I am stript of romance as bare as the white tenters in
that field are of cloth«
»Always use such figures of speech lad I can understand them and there is
no loveaffair to disturb your judgment«
»I thought I had said enough on that subject before Love for me Stuff«
»Well then if you are sound both in heart and head there is no reason why
you should not profit by a good chance if it offers therefore wait and see«
»You are quite oracular Yorke«
»I think I am a bit i that line I promise ye naught and I advise ye
naught but I bid ye keep your heart up and be guided by circumstances«
»My namesake the physicians almanack could not speak more guardedly«
»In the mean time I care naught about ye Robert Moore ye are nothing akin
to me or mine and whether ye lose or find a fortune it maks no difference to
me Go home now it has stricken ten Miss Hortense will be wondering where ye
are«
Chapter X
Old Maids
Time wore on and spring matured The surface of England began to look pleasant
her fields grew green her hills fresh her gardens blooming but at heart she
was no better still her poor were wretched still their employers were
harassed commerce in some of its branches seemed threatened with paralysis
for the war continued Englands blood was shed and her wealth lavished all it
seemed to attain most inadequate ends Some tidings there were indeed
occasionally of successes in the Peninsula but these came in slowly long
intervals occurred between in which no note was heard but the insolent
selffelicitations of Bonaparte on his continued triumphs Those who suffered
from the results of the war felt this tedious and as they thought hopeless
struggle against what their fears or their interests taught them to regard as an
invincible power most insufferable they demanded peace on any terms men like
Yorke and Moore and there were thousands whom the war placed where it placed
them shuddering on the verge of bankruptcy insisted on peace with the energy
of desperation
They held meetings they made speeches they got up petitions to extort this
boon on what terms it was made they cared not
All men taken singly are more or less selfish and taken in bodies they
are intensely so The British merchant is no exception to this rule the
mercantile classes illustrate it strikingly These classes certainly think too
exclusively of making money they are too oblivious of every national
consideration but that of extending Englands ie their own commerce
Chivalrous feeling disinterestedness pride in honour is too dead in their
hearts A land ruled by them alone would too often make ignominious submission
not at all from the motives Christ teaches but rather from those Mammon
instils During the late war the tradesmen of England would have endured
buffets from the French on the right cheek and on the left their cloak they
would have given to Napoleon and then have politely offered him their coat
also nor would they have withheld their waistcoat if urged they would have
prayed permission only to retain their one other garment for the sake of the
purse in its pocket Not one spark of spirit not one symptom of resistance
would they have shown till the hand of the Corsican bandit had grasped that
beloved purse then perhaps transfigured at once into British bulldogs they
would have sprung at the robbers throat and there they would have fastened
and there hung inveterate insatiable till the treasure had been restored
Tradesmen when they speak against war always profess to hate it because it is
a bloody and barbarous proceeding you would think to hear them talk that they
are peculiarly civilized especially gentle and kindly of disposition to their
fellowmen This is not the case Many of them are extremely narrow and
coldhearted have no good feeling for any class but their own are distant
even hostile to all others call them useless seem to question their right to
exist seem to grudge them the very air they breathe and to think the
circumstance of their eating drinking and living in decent houses quite
unjustifiable They do not know what others do in the way of helping pleasing
or teaching their race they will not trouble themselves to inquire whoever is
not in trade is accused of eating the bread of idleness of passing a useless
existence Long may it be ere England really becomes a nation of shopkeepers
We have already said that Moore was no selfsacrificing patriot and we have
also explained what circumstances rendered him specially prone to confine his
attention and efforts to the furtherance of his individual interest
accordingly when he felt himself urged a second time to the brink of ruin none
struggled harder than he against the influences which would have thrust him
over What he could do towards stirring agitation in the north against the war
he did and he instigated others whose money and connexions gave them more power
than he possessed Sometimes by flashes he felt there was little reason in the
demands his party made on Government when he heard of all Europe threatened by
Bonaparte and of all Europe arming to resist him when he saw Russia menaced
and beheld Russia rising incensed and stern to defend her frozen soil her
wild provinces of serfs her dark native despotism from the tread the yoke
the tyranny of a foreign victor he knew that England a free realm could not
then depute her sons to make concessions and propose terms to the unjust
grasping French leader When news came from time to time of the movements of
that MAN then representing England in the Peninsula of his advance from success
to success that advance so deliberate but so unswerving so circumspect but so
certain so »unhasting« but so »unresting« when he read Lord Wellingtons own
despatches in the columns of the newspapers documents written by Modesty to the
dictation of Truth Moore confessed at heart that a power was with the troops
of Britain of that vigilant enduring genuine unostentatious sort which must
win victory to the side it led in the end In the end but that end he
thought was yet far off and meantime he Moore as an individual would be
crushed his hopes ground to dust it was himself he had to care for his hopes
he had to pursue and he would fulfil his destiny
He fulfilled it so vigorously that erelong he came to a decisive rupture
with his old Tory friend the Rector They quarrelled at a public meeting and
afterwards exchanged some pungent letters in the newspapers Mr Helstone
denounced Moore as a Jacobin ceased to see him would not even speak to him
when they met he intimated also to his niece very distinctly that her
communications with Hollows cottage must for the present cease she must give
up taking French lessons The language he observed was a bad and frivolous one
at the best and most of the works it boasted were bad and frivolous highly
injurious in their tendency to weak female minds He wondered he remarked
parenthetically what noodle first made it the fashion to teach women French
nothing was more improper for them it was like feeding a rickety child on chalk
and watergruel Caroline must give it up and give up her cousins too they
were dangerous people
Mr Helstone quite expected opposition to this order he expected tears
Seldom did he trouble himself about Carolines movements but a vague idea
possessed him that she was fond of going to Hollows cottage also he suspected
that she liked Robert Moores occasional presence at the Rectory The Cossack
had perceived that whereas if Malone stepped in of an evening to make himself
sociable and charming by pinching the ears of an aged black cat which usually
shared with Miss Helstones feet the accommodation of her footstool or by
borrowing a fowlingpiece and banging away at a toolshed door in the garden
while enough of daylight remained to show that conspicuous mark keeping the
passage and sittingroom doors meantime uncomfortably open for the convenience
of running in and out to announce his failures and successes with noisy
brusquerie he had observed that under such entertaining circumstances
Caroline had a trick of disappearing tripping noiselessly upstairs and
remaining invisible till called down to supper On the other hand when Robert
Moore was the guest though he elicited no vivacities from the cat did nothing
to it indeed beyond occasionally coaxing it from the stool to his knee and
there letting it purr climb to his shoulder and rub its head against his cheek
though there was no earsplitting cracking off of firearms no diffusion of
sulphurous gunpowder perfume no noise no boasting during his stay that still
Caroline sat in the room and seemed to find wondrous content in the stitching
of Jewbasket pincushions and the knitting of Missionarybasket socks
She was very quiet and Robert paid her little attention scarcely ever
addressing his discourse to her but Mr Helstone not being one of those
elderly gentlemen who are easily blinded on the contrary finding himself on
all occasions extremely wideawake had watched them when they bade each other
goodnight he had just seen their eyes meet once only once Some natures
would have taken pleasure in the glance then surprised because there was no
harm and some delight in it It was by no means a glance of mutual intelligence
for mutual lovesecrets existed not between them there was nothing then of
craft and concealment to offend only Mr Moores eyes looking into Carolines
felt they were clear and gentle and Carolines eyes encountering Mr Moores
confessed they were manly and searching each acknowledged the charm in his or
her own way Moore smiled slightly and Caroline coloured as slightly Mr
Helstone could on the spot have rated them both they annoyed him why
impossible to say If you had asked him what Moore merited at that moment he
would have said »a horsewhip« if you had inquired into Carolines deserts he
would have adjudged her a box on the ear if you had further demanded the reason
of such chastisements he would have stormed against flirtation and lovemaking
and vowed he would have no such folly going on under his roof
These private considerations combined with political reasons fixed his
resolution of separating the cousins He announced his will to Caroline one
evening as she was sitting at work near the drawingroom window her face was
turned towards him and the light fell full upon it It had struck him a few
minutes before that she was looking paler and quieter than she used to look it
had not escaped him either that Robert Moores name had never for some three
weeks past dropped from her lips nor during the same space of time had that
personage made his appearance at the Rectory Some suspicion of clandestine
meetings haunted his mind having but an indifferent opinion of women he always
suspected them he thought they needed constant watching It was in a tone drily
significant he desired her to cease her daily visits to the Hollow he expected
a start a look of deprecation the start he saw but it was a very slight one
no look whatever was directed to him
»Do you hear me« he asked
»Yes uncle«
»Of course you mean to attend to what I say«
»Yes certainly«
»And there must be no letterscribbling to your cousin Hortense no
intercourse whatever I do not approve of the principles of the family they are
Jacobinical«
»Very well« said Caroline quietly She acquiesced then there was no vexed
flushing of the face no gathering tears the shadowy thoughtfulness which had
covered her features ere Mr Helstone spoke remained undisturbed she was
obedient
Yes perfectly because the mandate coincided with her own previous
judgment because it was now become pain to her to go to Hollows cottage
nothing met her there but disappointment hope and love had quitted that little
tenement for Robert seemed to have deserted its precincts Whenever she asked
after him which she very seldom did since the mere utterance of his name made
her face grow hot the answer was he was from home or he was quite taken up
with business Hortense feared he was killing himself by application he
scarcely ever took a meal in the house he lived in the countinghouse
At church only Caroline had the chance of seeing him and there she rarely
looked at him it was both too much pain and too much pleasure to look it
excited too much emotion and that it was all wasted emotion she had learned
well to comprehend
Once on a dark wet Sunday when there were few people at church and when
especially certain ladies were absent of whose observant faculties and tomahawk
tongues Caroline stood in awe she had allowed her eye to seek Roberts pew and
to rest a while on its occupant He was there alone Hortense had been kept at
home by prudent considerations relative to the rain and a new spring chapeau
During the sermon he sat with folded arms and eyes cast down looking very sad
and abstracted When depressed the very hue of his face seemed more dusk than
when he smiled and today cheek and forehead wore their most tintless and sober
olive By instinct Caroline knew as she examined that clouded countenance that
his thoughts were running in no familiar or kindly channel that they were far
away not merely from her but from all which she could comprehend or in which
she could sympathize Nothing that they had ever talked of together was now in
his mind he was wrapt from her by interests and responsibilities in which it
was deemed such as she could have no part
Caroline meditated in her own way on the subject speculated on his
feelings on his life on his fears on his fate mused over the mystery of
business tried to comprehend more about it than had ever been told her to
understand its perplexities liabilities duties exactions endeavoured to
realize the state of mind of a man of business to enter into it feel what he
would feel aspire to what he would aspire Her earnest wish was to see things
as they were and not to be romantic By dint of effort she contrived to get a
glimpse of the light of truth here and there and hoped that scant ray might
suffice to guide her
»Different indeed« she concluded »is Roberts mental condition to mine I
think only of him he has no room no leisure to think of me The feeling called
love is and has been for two years the predominant emotion of my heart always
there always awake always astir quite other feelings absorb his reflections
and govern his faculties He is rising now going to leave the church for
service is over Will he turn his head towards this pew no not once he
has not one look for me that is hard a kind glance would have made me happy
till tomorrow I have not got it he would not give it he is gone Strange
that grief should now almost choke me because another human beings eye has
failed to greet mine«
That Sunday evening Mr Malone coming as usual to pass it with his
Rector Caroline withdrew after tea to her chamber Fanny knowing her habits
had lit her a cheerful little fire as the weather was so gusty and chill
Closeted there silent and solitary what could she do but think She
noiselessly paced to and fro the carpeted floor her head drooped her hands
folded it was irksome to sit the current of reflection ran rapidly through her
mind tonight she was mutely excited
Mute was the room mute the house The doubledoor of the study muffled
the voices of the gentlemen the servants were quiet in the kitchen engaged
with books their young mistress had lent them books which she had told them
were »fit for Sunday reading« And she herself had another of the same sort open
on the table but she could not read it its theology was incomprehensible to
her and her own mind was too busy teeming wandering to listen to the
language of another mind
Then too her imagination was full of pictures images of Moore scenes
where he and she had been together winter fireside sketches a glowing
landscape of a hot summer afternoon passed with him in the bosom of Nunnely
wood divine vignettes of mild spring or mellow autumn moments when she had sat
at his side in Hollows copse listening to the call of the May cuckoo or
sharing the September treasure of nuts and ripe blackberries a wild dessert
which it was her mornings pleasure to collect in a little basket and cover
with green leaves and fresh blossoms and her afternoons delight to administer
to Moore berry by berry and nut by nut like a bird feeding its fledgling
Roberts features and form were with her the sound of his voice was quite
distinct in her ear his few caresses seemed renewed But these joys being
hollow were erelong crushed in the pictures faded the voice failed the
visionary clasp melted chill from her hand and where the warm seal of lips had
made impress on her forehead it felt now as if a sleety raindrop had fallen
She returned from an enchanted region to the real world for Nunnely wood in
June she saw her narrow chamber for the songs of birds in alleys she heard
the rain on her casement for the sigh of the south wind came the sob of the
mournful east and for Moores manly companionship she had the thin illusion of
her own dim shadow on the wall Turning from the pale phantom which reflected
herself in its outline and her reverie in the drooped attitude of its dim head
and colourless tresses she sat down inaction would suit the frame of mind
into which she was now declining she said to herself
»I have to live perhaps till seventy years As far as I know I have good
health half a century of existence may lie before me How am I to occupy it
What am I to do to fill the interval of time which spreads between me and the
grave«
She reflected
»I shall not be married it appears« she continued »I suppose as Robert
does not care for me I shall never have a husband to love nor little children
to take care of Till lately I had reckoned securely on the duties and
affections of wife and mother to occupy my existence I considered somehow as
a matter of course that I was growing up to the ordinary destiny and never
troubled myself to seek any other but now I perceive plainly I may have been
mistaken Probably I shall be an old maid I shall live to see Robert married to
some one else some rich lady I shall never marry What was I created for I
wonder Where is my place in the world«
She mused again
»Ah I see« she pursued presently »that is the question which most old
maids are puzzled to solve other people solve it for them by saying Your place
is to do good to others to be helpful whenever help is wanted That is right in
some measure and a very convenient doctrine for the people who hold it but I
perceive that certain sets of human beings are very apt to maintain that other
sets should give up their lives to them and their service and then they requite
them by praise they call them devoted and virtuous Is this enough Is it to
live Is there not a terrible hollowness mockery want craving in that
existence which is given away to others for want of something of your own to
bestow it on I suspect there is Does virtue lie in abnegation of self I do
not believe it Undue humility makes tyranny weak concession creates
selfishness The Romish religion especially teaches renunciation of self
submission to others and nowhere are found so many grasping tyrants as in the
ranks of the Romish priesthood Each human being has his share of rights I
suspect it would conduce to the happiness and welfare of all if each knew his
allotment and held to it as tenaciously as the martyr to his creed Queer
thoughts these that surge in my mind are they right thoughts I am not
certain
Well life is short at the best seventy years they say pass like a
vapour like a dream when one awaketh and every path trod by human feet
terminates in one bourne the grave the little chink in the surface of this
great globe the furrow where the mighty husbandman with the scythe deposits
the seed he has shaken from the ripe stem and there it falls decays and
thence it springs again when the world has rolled round a few times more So
much for the body the soul meantime wings its long flight upward folds its
wings on the brink of the sea of fire and glass and gazing down through the
burning clearness finds there mirrored the vision of the Christians triple
Godhead the Sovereign Father the Mediating Son the Creator Spirit Such
words at least have been chosen to express what is inexpressible to describe
what baffles description The souls real hereafter who shall guess«
Her fire was decayed to its last cinder Malone had departed and now the
studybell rang for prayers
The next day Caroline had to spend altogether alone her uncle being gone to
dine with his friend Dr Boultby vicar of Whinbury The whole time she was
talking inwardly in the same strain looking forwards asking what she was to do
with life Fanny as she passed in and out of the room occasionally intent on
housemaid errands perceived that her young mistress sat very still She was
always in the same place always bent industriously over a piece of work she
did not lift her head to speak to Fanny as her custom was and when the latter
remarked that the day was fine and she ought to take a walk she only said
»It is cold«
»You are very diligent at that sewing Miss Caroline« continued the girl
approaching her little table
»I am tired of it Fanny«
»Then why do you go on with it Put it down read or do something to amuse
you«
»It is solitary in this house Fanny dont you think so«
»I dont find it so Miss Me and Eliza are company for one another but you
are quite too still you should visit more Now be persuaded go upstairs and
dress yourself smart and go and take tea in a friendly way with Miss Mann or
Miss Ainley I am certain either of those ladies would be delighted to see you«
»But their houses are dismal they are both old maids I am certain old
maids are a very unhappy race«
»Not they Miss they cant be unhappy they take such care of themselves
They are all selfish«
»Miss Ainley is not selfish Fanny she is always doing good How devotedly
kind she was to her stepmother as long as the old lady lived and now when she
is quite alone in the world without brother or sister or any one to care for
her how charitable she is to the poor as far as her means permit Still nobody
thinks much of her or has pleasure in going to see her and how gentlemen
always sneer at her«
»They shouldnt Miss I believe she is a good woman but gentlemen think
only of ladies looks«
»Ill go and see her« exclaimed Caroline starting up »and if she asks me
to stay to tea Ill stay How wrong it is to neglect people because they are
not pretty and young and merry And I will certainly call to see Miss Mann
too she may not be amiable but what has made her unamiable What has life been
to her«
Fanny helped Miss Helstone to put away her work and afterwards assisted her
to dress
»Youll not be an old maid Miss Caroline« she said as she tied the sash
of her brownsilk frock having previously smoothed her soft full and shining
curls »there are no signs of an old maid about you«
Caroline looked at the little mirror before her and she thought there were
some signs She could see that she was altered within the last month that the
hues of her complexion were paler her eyes changed a wan shade seemed to
circle them her countenance was dejected she was not in short so pretty or
so fresh as she used to be She distantly hinted this to Fanny from whom she
got no direct answer only a remark that people did vary in their looks but
that at her age a little falling away signified nothing she would soon come
round again and be plumper and rosier than ever Having given this assurance
Fanny showed singular zeal in wrapping her up in warm shawls and handkerchiefs
till Caroline nearly smothered with the weight was fain to resist further
additions
She paid her visits first to Miss Mann for this was the most difficult
point Miss Mann was certainly not quite a lovable person Till now Caroline
had always unhesitatingly declared she disliked her and more than once she had
joined her cousin Robert in laughing at some of her peculiarities Moore was not
habitually given to sarcasm especially on anything humbler or weaker than
himself but he had once or twice happened to be in the room when Miss Mann had
made a call on his sister and after listening to her conversation and viewing
her features for a time he had gone out into the garden where his little cousin
was tending some of his favourite flowers and while standing near and watching
her he had amused himself with comparing fair youth delicate and attractive
with shrivelled eld livid and loveless and in jestingly repeating to a smiling
girl the vinegar discourse of a cankered old maid Once on such an occasion
Caroline had said to him looking up from the luxuriant creeper she was binding
to its frame
»Ah Robert you do not like old maids I too should come under the lash
of your sarcasm if I were an old maid«
»You an old maid« he had replied »A piquant notion suggested by lips of
that tint and form I can fancy you though at forty quietly dressed pale and
sunk but still with that straight nose white forehead and those soft eyes I
suppose too you will keep your voice which has another timbre than that hard
deep organ of Miss Manns Courage Cary even at fifty you will not be
repulsive«
»Miss Mann did not make herself or tune her voice Robert«
»Nature made her in the mood in which she makes her briars and thorns
whereas for the creation of some women she reserves the May morning hours when
with light and dew she woos the primrose from the turf and the lily from the
woodmoss«
Ushered into Miss Manns little parlour Caroline found her as she always found
her surrounded by perfect neatness cleanliness and comfort after all is it
not a virtue in old maids that solitude rarely makes them negligent or
disorderly no dust on her polished furniture none on her carpet fresh
flowers in the vase on her table a bright fire in the grate She herself sat
primly and somewhat grimlytidy in a cushioned rockingchair her hands busied
with some knitting this was her favourite work as it required the least
exertion She scarcely rose as Caroline entered to avoid excitement was one of
Miss Manns aims in life she had been composing herself ever since she came
down in the morning and had just attained a certain lethargic state of
tranquillity when the visiters knock at the door startled her and undid her
days work She was scarcely pleased therefore to see Miss Helstone she
received her with reserve bade her be seated with austerity and when she had
got her placed opposite she fixed her with her eye
This was no ordinary doom to be fixed with Miss Manns eye Robert Moore
had undergone it once and had never forgotten the circumstance
He considered it quite equal to anything Medusa could do he professed to
doubt whether since that infliction his flesh had been quite what it was
before whether there was not something stony in its texture The gaze had had
such an effect on him as to drive him promptly from the apartment and house it
had even sent him straightway up to the Rectory where he had appeared in
Carolines presence with a very queer face and amazed her by demanding a
cousinly salute on the spot to rectify a damage that had been done him
Certainly Miss Mann had a formidable eye for one of the softer sex it was
prominent and showed a great deal of the white and looked as steadily as
unwinkingly at you as if it were a steel ball soldered in her head and when
while looking she began to talk in an indescribably dry monotonous tone a
tone without vibration or inflection you felt as if a graven image of some bad
spirit were addressing you But it was all a figment of fancy a matter of
surface Miss Manns goblingrimness scarcely went deeper than the
angelsweetness of hundreds of beauties She was a perfectly honest
conscientious woman who had performed duties in her day from whose severe
anguish many a human Peri gazelleeyed silkentressed and silvertongued
would have shrunk appalled she had passed alone through protracted scenes of
suffering exercised rigid selfdenial made large sacrifices of time money
health for those who had repaid her only by ingratitude and now her main
almost her sole fault was that she was censorious
Censorious she certainly was Caroline had not sat five minutes ere her
hostess still keeping her under the spell of that dread and Gorgon gaze began
flaying alive certain of the families in the neighbourhood She went to work at
this business in a singularly cool deliberate manner like some surgeon
practising with his scalpel on a lifeless subject she made few distinctions
she allowed scarcely any one to be good she dissected impartially almost all
her acquaintance If her auditress ventured now and then to put in a palliative
word she set it aside with a certain disdain Still though thus pitiless in
moral anatomy she was no scandalmonger she never disseminated really
malignant or dangerous reports it was not her heart so much as her temper that
was wrong
Caroline made this discovery for the first time today and moved thereby
to regret divers unjust judgments she had more than once passed on the crabbed
old maid she began to talk to her softly not in sympathizing words but with a
sympathizing voice The loneliness of her condition struck her visiter in a new
light as did also the character of her ugliness a bloodless pallor of
complexion and deeply worn lines of feature The girl pitied the solitary and
afflicted woman her looks told what she felt a sweet countenance is never so
sweet as when the moved heart animates it with compassionate tenderness Miss
Mann seeing such a countenance raised to her was touched in her turn she
acknowledged her sense of the interest thus unexpectedly shown in her who
usually met with only coldness and ridicule by replying to her candidly
Communicative on her own affairs she usually was not because no one cared to
listen to her but today she became so and her confidant shed tears as she
heard her speak for she told of cruel slowwasting obstinate sufferings Well
might she be corpselike well might she look grim and never smile well might
she wish to avoid excitement to gain and retain composure Caroline when she
knew all acknowledged that Miss Mann was rather to be admired for fortitude
than blamed for moroseness Reader when you behold an aspect for whose constant
gloom and frown you cannot account whose unvarying cloud exasperates you by its
apparent causelessness be sure that there is a canker somewhere and a canker
not the less deeply corroding because concealed
Miss Mann felt that she was understood partly and wished to be understood
further for however old plain humble desolate afflicted we may be so long
as our hearts preserve the feeblest spark of life they preserve also shivering
near that pale ember a starved ghostly longing for appreciation and affection
To this extenuated spectre perhaps a crumb is not thrown once ayear but when
ahungered and athirst to famine when all humanity has forgotten the dying
tenant of a decaying house Divine Mercy remembers the mourner and a shower of
manna falls for lips that earthly nutriment is to pass no more Biblical
promises heard first in health but then unheeded come whispering to the couch
of sickness it is felt that a pitying God watches what all mankind have
forsaken the tender compassion of Jesus is recalled and relied on the faded
eye gazing beyond Time sees a Home a Friend a Refuge in Eternity
Miss Mann drawn on by the still attention of her listener proceeded to
allude to circumstances in her past life She spoke like one who tells the truth
simply and with a certain reserve she did not boast nor did she exaggerate
Caroline found that the old maid had been a most devoted daughter and sister an
unwearied watcher by lingering deathbeds that to prolonged and unrelaxing
attendance on the sick the malady that now poisoned her own life owed its
origin that to one wretched relative she had been a support and succour in the
depths of selfearned degradation and that it was still her hand which kept him
from utter destitution Miss Helstone stayed the whole evening omitting to pay
her other intended visit and when she left Miss Mann it was with the
determination to try in future to excuse her faults never again to make light
of her peculiarities or to laugh at her plainness and above all things not to
neglect her but to come once aweek and to offer her from one human heart at
least the homage of affection and respect she felt she could now sincerely
give her a small tribute of each feeling
Caroline on her return told Fanny she was very glad she had gone out as
she felt much better for the visit The next day she failed not to seek Miss
Ainley This lady was in narrower circumstances than Miss Mann and her dwelling
was more humble it was however if possible yet more exquisitely clean
though the decayed gentlewoman could not afford to keep a servant but waited on
herself and had only the occasional assistance of a little girl who lived in a
cottage near
Not only was Miss Ainley poorer but she was even plainer than the other old
maid In her first youth she must have been ugly now at the age of fifty she
was very ugly At first sight all but peculiarly welldisciplined minds were
apt to turn from her with annoyance to conceive against her a prejudice simply
on the ground of her unattractive look Then she was prim in dress and manner
she looked spoke and moved the complete old maid
Her welcome to Caroline was formal even in its kindness for it was kind
but Miss Helstone excused this She knew something of the benevolence of the
heart which beat under that starched kerchief all the neighbourhood at least
all the female neighbourhood knew something of it no one spoke against Miss
Ainley except lively young gentlemen and inconsiderate old ones who declared
her hideous
Caroline was soon at home in that tiny parlour a kind hand took from her
her shawl and bonnet and installed her in the most comfortable seat near the
fire The young and the antiquated woman were presently deep in kindly
conversation and soon Caroline became aware of the power a most serene
unselfish and benignant mind could exercise over those to whom it was
developed She talked never of herself always of others Their faults she
passed over her theme was their wants which she sought to supply their
sufferings which she longed to alleviate She was religious a professor of
religion what some would call »a saint« and she referred to religion often in
sanctioned phrase in phrase which those who possess a perception of the
ridiculous without owning the power of exactly testing and truly judging
character would certainly have esteemed a proper subject for satire a matter
for mimicry and laughter They would have been hugely mistaken for their pains
Sincerity is never ludicrous it is always respectable Whether truth be it
religious or moral truth speak eloquently and in wellchosen language or not
its voice should be heard with reverence Let those who cannot nicely and with
certainty discern the difference between the tones of hypocrisy and those of
sincerity never presume to laugh at all lest they should have the miserable
misfortune to laugh in the wrong place and commit impiety when they think they
are achieving wit
Not from Miss Ainleys own lips did Caroline hear of her good works but she
knew much of them nevertheless her beneficence was the familiar topic of the
poor in Briarfield They were not works of almsgiving the old maid was too poor
to give much though she straitened herself to privation that she might
contribute her mite when needful they were the works of a Sister of Charity
far more difficult to perform than those of a Lady Bountiful She would watch by
any sickbed she seemed to fear no disease she would nurse the poorest whom
none else would nurse she was serene humble kind and equable through
everything
For this goodness she got but little reward in this life Many of the poor
became so accustomed to her services that they hardly thanked her for them the
rich heard them mentioned with wonder but were silent from a sense of shame at
the difference between her sacrifices and their own Many ladies however
respected her deeply they could not help it one gentleman one only gave
her his friendship and perfect confidence this was Mr Hall the vicar of
Nunnely He said and said truly that her life came nearer the life of Christ
than that of any other human being he had ever met with You must not think
reader that in sketching Miss Ainleys character I depict a figment of
imagination no we seek the originals of such portraits in real life only
Miss Helstone studied well the mind and heart now revealed to her She found
no high intellect to admire the old maid was merely sensible but she
discovered so much goodness so much usefulness so much mildness patience
truth that she bent her own mind before Miss Ainleys in reverence What was
her love of nature what was her sense of beauty what were her more varied and
fervent emotions what was her deeper power of thought what her wider capacity
to comprehend compared to the practical excellence of this good woman
Momently they seemed only beautiful forms of selfish delight mentally she
trod them under foot
It is true she still felt with pain that the life which made Miss Ainley
happy could not make her happy pure and active as it was in her heart she
deemed it deeply dreary because it was so loveless to her ideas so forlorn
Yet doubtless she reflected it needed only habit to make it practicable and
agreeable to any one it was despicable she felt to pine sentimentally to
cherish secret griefs vain memories to be inert to waste youth in aching
languor to grow old doing nothing
»I will bestir myself« was her resolution »and try to be wise if I cannot
be good«
She proceeded to make inquiry of Miss Ainley if she could help her in
anything Miss Ainley glad of an assistant told her that she could and
indicated some poor families in Briarfield that it was desirable she should
visit giving her likewise at her further request some work to do for certain
poor women who had many children and who were unskilled in using the needle for
themselves
Caroline went home laid her plans and took a resolve not to swerve from
them She allotted a certain portion of her time for her various studies and a
certain portion for doing anything Miss Ainley might direct her to do the
remainder was to be spent in exercise not a moment was to be left for the
indulgence of such fevered thoughts as had poisoned last Sunday evening
To do her justice she executed her plans conscientiously perseveringly It
was very hard work at first it was even hard work to the end but it helped
her to stem and keep down anguish it forced her to be employed it forbade her
to brood and gleams of satisfaction chequered her grey life here and there when
she found she had done good imparted pleasure or allayed suffering
Yet I must speak truth these efforts brought her neither health of body nor
continued peace of mind with them all she wasted grew more joyless and more
wan with them all her memory kept harping on the name of Robert Moore an
elegy over the past still rung constantly in her ear a funereal inward cry
haunted and harassed her the heaviness of a broken spirit and of pining and
palsying faculties settled slow on her buoyant youth Winter seemed conquering
her spring the minds soil and its treasures were freezing gradually to barren
stagnation
Chapter XI
Fieldhead
Yet Caroline refused tamely to succumb she had native strength in her girls
heart and she used it Men and women never struggle so hard as when they
struggle alone without witness counsellor or confidant unencouraged
unadvised and unpitied
Miss Helstone was in this position Her sufferings were her only spur and
being very real and sharp they roused her spirit keenly Bent on victory over a
mortal pain she did her best to quell it Never had she been seen so busy so
studious and above all so active She took walks in all weathers long walks
in solitary directions Day by day she came back in the evening pale and
weariedlooking yet seemingly not fatigued for still as soon as she had
thrown off her bonnet and shawl she would instead of resting begin to pace
her apartment sometimes she would not sit down till she was literally faint
She said she did this to tire herself well that she might sleep soundly at
night But if that was her aim it was unattained for at night when others
slumbered she was tossing on her pillow or sitting at the foot of her couch in
the darkness forgetful apparently of the necessity of seeking repose Often
unhappy girl she was crying crying in a sort of intolerable despair which
when it rushed over her smote down her strength and reduced her to childlike
helplessness
When thus prostrate temptations besieged her weak suggestions whispered in
her weary heart to write to Robert and say that she was unhappy because she was
forbidden to see him and Hortense and that she feared he would withdraw his
friendship not love from her and forget her entirely and begging him to
remember her and sometimes to write to her One or two such letters she
actually indited but she never sent them shame and good sense forbade
At last the life she led reached the point when it seemed she could bear it
no longer that she must seek and find a change somehow or her heart and head
would fail under the pressure which strained them She longed to leave
Briarfield to go to some very distant place She longed for something else the
deep secret anxious yearning to discover and know her mother strengthened
daily but with the desire was coupled a doubt a dread if she knew her could
she love her There was cause for hesitation for apprehension on this point
never in her life had she heard that mother praised whoever mentioned her
mentioned her coolly Her uncle seemed to regard his sisterinlaw with a sort
of tacit antipathy an old servant who had lived with Mrs James Helstone for a
short time after her marriage whenever she referred to her former mistress
spoke with chilling reserve sometimes she called her »queer« sometimes she
said she did not understand her These expressions were ice to the daughters
heart they suggested the conclusion that it was perhaps better never to know
her parent than to know her and not like her
But one project could she frame whose execution seemed likely to bring her a
hope of relief it was to take a situation to be a governess she could do
nothing else A little incident brought her to the point when she found courage
to break her design to her uncle
Her long and late walks lay always as has been said on lonely roads but
in whatever direction she had rambled whether along the drear skirts of
Stilbro Moor or over the sunny stretch of Nunnely Common her homeward path
was still so contrived as to lead her near the Hollow She rarely descended the
den but she visited its brink at twilight almost as regularly as the stars rose
over the hillcrests Her restingplace was at a certain stile under a certain
old thorn thence she could look down on the cottage the mill the dewy
gardenground the still deep dam thence was visible the wellknown
countinghouse window from whose panes at a fixed hour shot suddenly bright
the ray of the wellknown lamp Her errand was to watch for this ray her reward
to catch it sometimes sparkling bright in clear air sometimes shimmering dim
through mist and anon flashing broken between slant lines of rain for she
came in all weathers
There were nights when it failed to appear she knew then that Robert was
from home and went away doubly sad whereas its kindling rendered her elate as
though she saw in it the promise of some indefinite hope If while she gazed a
shadow bent between the light and lattice her heart leaped that eclipse was
Robert she had seen him She would return home comforted carrying in her mind
a clearer vision of his aspect a distincter recollection of his voice his
smile his bearing and blent with these impressions was often a sweet
persuasion that if she could get near him his heart might welcome her presence
yet that at this moment he might be willing to extend his hand and draw her to
him and shelter her at his side as he used to do That night though she might
weep as usual she would fancy her tears less scalding the pillow they watered
seemed a little softer the temples pressed to that pillow ached less
The shortest path from the Hollow to the Rectory wound near a certain
mansion the same under whose lone walls Malone passed on that nightjourney
mentioned in an early chapter of this work the old and tenantless dwelling
yclept Fieldhead Tenantless by the proprietor it had been for ten years but it
was no ruin Mr Yorke had seen it kept in good repair and an old gardener and
his wife had lived in it cultivated the grounds and maintained the house in
habitable condition
If Fieldhead had few other merits as a building it might at least be termed
picturesque its irregular architecture and the grey and mossy colouring
communicated by time gave it a just claim to this epithet The old latticed
windows the stone porch the walls the roof the chimneystacks were rich in
crayon touches and sepia lights and shades The trees behind were fine bold
and spreading the cedar on the lawn in front was grand and the granite urns on
the garden wall the fretted arch of the gateway were for an artist as the
very desire of the eye
One mild May evening Caroline passing near about moonrise and feeling
though weary unwilling yet to go home where there was only the bed of thorns
and the night of grief to anticipate sat down on the mossy ground near the
gate and gazed through towards cedar and mansion It was a still night calm
dewy cloudless the gables turned to the west reflected the clear amber of
the horizon they faced the oaks behind were black the cedar was blacker under
its dense raven boughs a glimpse of sky opened gravely blue it was full of the
moon which looked solemnly and mildly down on Caroline from beneath that sombre
canopy
She felt this night and prospect mournfully lovely She wished she could be
happy she wished she could know inward peace she wondered Providence had no
pity on her and would not help or console her Recollections of happy trysts of
lovers commemorated in old ballads returned on her mind she thought such
tryst in such scene would be blissful Where now was Robert she asked not at
the Hollow she had watched for his lamp long and had not seen it She
questioned within herself whether she and Moore were ever destined to meet and
speak again Suddenly the door within the stone porch of the Hall opened and
two men came out one elderly and whiteheaded the other young darkhaired
and tall They passed across the lawn out through a portal in the garden wall
Caroline saw them cross the road pass the stile descend the fields she saw
them disappear Robert Moore had passed before her with his friend Mr Yorke
neither had seen her
The apparition had been transient scarce seen ere gone but its electric
passage left her veins kindled her soul insurgent It found her despairing it
left her desperate two different states
»Oh had he but been alone Had he but seen me« was her cry »he would have
said something he would have given me his hand He does he must love me a
little he would have shown some token of affection in his eye on his lips I
should have read comfort but the chance is lost The wind the clouds shadow
does not pass more silently more emptily than he I have been mocked and
Heaven is cruel«
Thus in the utter sickness of longing and disappointment she went home
The next morning at breakfast where she appeared whitecheeked and
miserablelooking as one who had seen a ghost she inquired of Mr Helstone
»Have you any objection uncle to my inquiring for a situation in a
family«
Her uncle ignorant as the table supporting his coffeecup of all his niece
had undergone and was undergoing scarcely believed his ears
»What whim now« he asked »Are you bewitched What can you mean«
»I am not well and need a change« she said
He examined her He discovered she had experienced a change at any rate
Without his being aware of it the rose had dwindled and faded to a mere
snowdrop bloom had vanished flesh wasted she sat before him drooping
colourless and thin But for the soft expression of her brown eyes the
delicate lines of her features and the flowing abundance of her hair she would
no longer have possessed a claim to the epithet pretty
»What on earth is the matter with you« he asked »What is wrong How are
you ailing«
No answer only the brown eyes filled the faintlytinted lips trembled
»Look out for a situation indeed For what situation are you fit What have
you been doing with yourself You are not well«
»I should be well if I went from home«
»These women are incomprehensible They have the strangest knack of
startling you with unpleasant surprises Today you see them bouncing buxom
red as cherries and round as apples tomorrow they exhibit themselves effete
as dead weeds blanched and broken down And the reason of it all thats the
puzzle She has her meals her liberty a good house to live in and good
clothes to wear as usual a while since that sufficed to keep her handsome and
cheery and there she sits now a poor little pale puling chit enough
Provoking Then comes the question what is to be done I suppose I must send
for advice Will you have a doctor child«
»No uncle I dont want one a doctor could do me no good I merely want
change of air and scene«
»Well if that be the caprice it shall be gratified You shall go to a
wateringplace I dont mind the expense Fanny shall accompany you«
»But uncle some day I must do something for myself I have no fortune I
had better begin now«
»While I live you shall not turn out as a governess Caroline I will not
have it said that my niece is a governess«
»But the later in life one makes a change of that sort uncle the more
difficult and painful it is I should wish to get accustomed to the yoke before
any habits of ease and independence are formed«
»I beg you will not harass me Caroline I mean to provide for you I have
always meant to provide for you I will purchase an annuity Bless me I am but
fiftyfive my health and constitution are excellent there is plenty of time to
save and take measures Dont make yourself anxious respecting the future is
that what frets you«
»No uncle but I long for a change«
He laughed »There speaks the woman« cried he »the very woman A change a
change Always fantastical and whimsical Well its in her sex«
»But it is not fantasy and whim uncle«
»What is it then«
»Necessity I think I feel weaker than formerly I believe I should have
more to do«
»Admirable She feels weak and therefore she should be set to hard labour
clair comme le jour as Moore confound Moore You shall go to Cliffbridge
and there are two guineas to buy a new frock Come Cary never fear well find
balm in Gilead«
»Uncle I wish you were less generous and more «
»More what«
Sympathizing was the word on Carolines lips but it was not uttered she
checked herself in time her uncle would indeed have laughed if that nambypamby
word had escaped her Finding her silent he said
»The fact is you dont know precisely what you want«
»Only to be a governess«
»Pooh mere nonsense Ill not hear of governessing Dont mention it again
It is rather too feminine a fancy I have finished breakfast ring the bell put
all crotchets out of your head and run away and amuse yourself«
»What with My doll« asked Caroline to herself as she quitted the room
A week or two passed her bodily and mental health neither grew worse nor
better She was now precisely in that state when if her constitution had
contained the seeds of consumption decline or slow fever those diseases would
have been rapidly developed and would soon have carried her quietly from the
world People never die of love or grief alone though some die of inherent
maladies which the tortures of those passions prematurely force into
destructive action The sound by nature undergo these tortures and are racked
shaken shattered their beauty and bloom perish but life remains untouched
They are brought to a certain point of dilapidation they are reduced to pallor
debility and emaciation People think as they see them gliding languidly
about that they will soon withdraw to sickbeds perish there and cease from
among the healthy and happy This does not happen they live on and though they
cannot regain youth and gaiety they may regain strength and serenity The
blossom which the March wind nips but fails to sweep away may survive to hang
a withered apple on the tree late into autumn having braved the last frosts of
spring it may also brave the first of winter
Every one noticed the change in Miss Helstones appearance and most people
said she was going to die She never thought so herself she felt in no dying
case she had neither pain nor sickness Her appetite was diminished she knew
the reason it was because she wept so much at night Her strength was lessened
she could account for it sleep was coy and hard to be won dreams were
distressing and baleful In the far future she still seemed to anticipate a time
when this passage of misery should be got over and when she should once more be
calm though perhaps never again happy
Meanwhile her uncle urged her to visit to comply with the frequent
invitations of their acquaintance this she evaded doing she could not be
cheerful in company she felt she was observed there with more curiosity than
sympathy Old ladies were always offering her their advice recommending this or
that nostrum young ladies looked at her in a way she understood and from which
she shrank Their eyes said they knew she had been »disappointed« as custom
phrases it by whom they were not certain
Commonplace young ladies can be quite as hard as commonplace young
gentlemen quite as worldly and selfish Those who suffer should always avoid
them grief and calamity they despise they seem to regard them as the judgments
of God on the lowly With them to love is merely to contrive a scheme for
achieving a good match to be disappointed is to have their scheme seen through
and frustrated They think the feelings and projects of others on the subject of
love similar to their own and judge them accordingly
All this Caroline knew partly by instinct partly by observation she
regulated her conduct by her knowledge keeping her pale face and wasted figure
as much out of sight as she could Living thus in complete seclusion she ceased
to receive intelligence of the little transactions of the neighbourhood
One morning her uncle came into the parlour where she sat endeavouring to
find some pleasure in painting a little group of wild flowers gathered under a
hedge at the top of the Hollow fields and said to her in his abrupt manner
»Come child you are always stooping over palette or book or sampler
leave that tinting work Bytheby do you put your pencil to your lips when you
paint«
»Sometimes uncle when I forget«
»Then it is that which is poisoning you The paints are deleterious child
there is white lead and red lead and verdigris and gamboge and twenty other
poisons in those colour cakes Lock them up lock them up Get your bonnet on I
want you to make a call with me«
»With you uncle«
This question was asked in a tone of surprise She was not accustomed to
make calls with her uncle she never rode or walked out with him on any
occasion
»Quick quick I am always busy you know I have no time to lose«
She hurriedly gathered up her materials asking meantime where they were
going
»To Fieldhead«
»Fieldhead What to see old James Booth the gardener Is he ill«
»We are going to see Miss Shirley Keeldar«
»Miss Keeldar Is she come to Yorkshire Is she at Fieldhead«
»She is She has been there a week I met her at a party last night that
party to which you would not go I was pleased with her I choose that you shall
make her acquaintance it will do you good«
»She is now come of age I suppose«
»She is come of age and will reside for a time on her property I lectured
her on the subject I showed her her duty she is not intractable she is rather
a fine girl she will teach you what it is to have a sprightly spirit nothing
lackadaisical about her«
»I dont think she will want to see me or to have me introduced to her
What good can I do her How can I amuse her«
»Pshaw Put your bonnet on«
»Is she proud uncle«
»Dont know You hardly imagine she would show her pride to me I suppose A
chit like that would scarcely presume to give herself airs with the Rector of
her parish however rich she might be«
»No but how did she behave to other people«
»Didnt observe She holds her head high and probably can be saucy enough
where she dare she would nt be a woman otherwise There away now for your
bonnet at once«
Not naturally very confident a failure of physical strength and a
depression of spirits had not tended to increase Carolines presence of mind and
ease of manner or to give her additional courage to face strangers and she
quailed in spite of selfremonstrance as she and her uncle walked up the
broad paved approach leading from the gateway of Fieldhead to its porch She
followed Mr Helstone reluctantly through that porch into the sombre old
vestibule beyond
Very sombre it was long vast and dark one latticed window lit it but
dimly the wide old chimney contained now no fire for the present warm weather
needed it not it was filled instead with willowboughs The gallery on high
opposite the entrance was seen but in outline so shadowy became this hall
towards its ceiling carved stags heads with real antlers looked down
grotesquely from the walls This was neither a grand nor a comfortable house
within as without it was antique rambling and incommodious A property of a
thousand ayear belonged to it which property had descended for lack of male
heirs on a female There were mercantile families in the district boasting
twice the income but the Keeldars by virtue of their antiquity and their
distinction of lords of the manor took the precedence of all
Mr and Miss Helstone were ushered into a parlour of course as was to be
expected in such a gothic old barrack this parlour was lined with oak fine
dark glossy panels compassed the walls gloomily and grandly Very handsome
reader these shining brown panels are very mellow in colouring and tasteful
in effect but if you know what a Springclean is very execrable and
inhuman Whoever having the bowels of humanity has seen servants scrubbing at
these polished wooden walls with beeswaxed cloths on a warm May day must allow
that they are »tolerable and not to be endured« and I cannot but secretly
applaud the benevolent barbarian who had painted another and larger apartment of
Fieldhead the drawingroom towit formerly also an oakroom of a delicate
pinky white thereby earning for himself the character of a Hun but mightily
enhancing the cheerfulness of that portion of his abode and saving future
housemaids a world of toil
The brownpanelled parlour was furnished all in old style and with real old
furniture On each side of the high mantelpiece stood two antique chairs of oak
solid as sylvan thrones and in one of these sat a lady But if this were Miss
Keeldar she must have come of age at least some twenty years ago she was of
matronly form and though she wore no cap and possessed hair of quite an
undimmed auburn shading small and naturally younglooking features she had no
youthful aspect nor apparently the wish to assume it You could have wished her
attire of a newer fashion in a wellcut wellmade gown hers would have been
no uncomely presence It puzzled you to guess why a garment of handsome
materials should be arranged in such scanty folds and devised after such an
obsolete mode you felt disposed to set down the wearer as somewhat eccentric at
once
This lady received the visiters with a mixture of ceremony and diffidence
quite English no middleaged matron who was not an Englishwoman could evince
precisely the same manner a manner so uncertain of herself of her own merits
of her power to please and yet so anxious to be proper and if possible
rather agreeable than otherwise In the present instance however more
embarrassment was shown than is usual even with diffident Englishwomen Miss
Helstone felt this sympathized with the stranger and knowing by experience
what was good for the timid took a seat quietly near her and began to talk to
her with a gentle ease communicated for the moment by the presence of one less
self than herself
She and this lady would if alone have at once got on extremely well
together The lady had the clearest voice imaginable infinitely softer and more
tuneful than could have been reasonably expected from forty years and a form
decidedly inclined to embonpoint This voice Caroline liked it atoned for the
formal if correct accent and language the lady would soon have discovered she
liked it and her and in ten minutes they would have been friends But Mr
Helstone stood on the rug looking at them both looking especially at the
strange lady with his sarcastic keen eye that clearly expressed impatience of
her chilly ceremony and annoyance at her want of aplomb His hard gaze and
rasping voice discomfited the lady more and more she tried however to get up
little speeches about the weather the aspect of the country etc but the
impracticable Mr Helstone presently found himself somewhat deaf whatever she
said he affected not to hear distinctly and she was obliged to go over each
elaborately constructed nothing twice The effort soon became too much for her
she was just rising in a perplexed flutter nervously murmuring that she knew
not what detained Miss Keeldar that she would go and look for her when Miss
Keeldar saved her the trouble by appearing it was to be presumed at least that
she who now came in through a glassdoor from the garden owned that name
There is real grace in ease of manner and so old Helstone felt when an
erect slight girl walked up to him retaining with her left hand her little
silk apron full of flowers and giving him her right hand said pleasantly
»I knew you would come to see me though you do think Mr Yorke has made me
a Jacobin Goodmorning«
»But well not have you a Jacobin« returned he »No Miss Shirley they
shall not steal the flower of my parish from me now that you are amongst us
you shall be my pupil in politics and religion Ill teach you sound doctrine on
both points«
»Mrs Pryor has anticipated you« she replied turning to the elder lady
»Mrs Pryor you know was my governess and is still my friend and of all the
high and rigid Tories she is queen of all the stanch churchwomen she is
chief I have been well drilled both in theology and history I assure you Mr
Helstone«
The Rector immediately bowed very low to Mrs Pryor and expressed himself
obliged to her
The exgoverness disclaimed skill either in political or religious
controversy explained that she thought such matters little adapted for female
minds but avowed herself in general terms the advocate of order and loyalty
and of course truly attached to the Establishment She added she was ever
averse to change under any circumstances and something scarcely audible about
the extreme danger of being too ready to take up new ideas closed her sentence
»Miss Keeldar thinks as you think I hope madam«
»Difference of age and difference of temperament occasion difference of
sentiment« was the reply »It can scarcely be expected that the eager and young
should hold the opinions of the cool and middleaged«
»Oh oh we are independent we think for ourselves« cried Mr Helstone
»We are a little Jacobin for anything I know a little freethinker in good
earnest Let us have a confession of faith on the spot«
And he took the heiresss two hands causing her to let fall her whole
cargo of flowers and seated her by him on the sofa
»Say your creed« he ordered
»The Apostles Creed«
»Yes«
She said it like a child
»Now for St Athanasiuss thats the test«
»Let me gather up my flowers here is Tartar coming he will tread upon
them«
Tartar was a rather large strong and fiercelooking dog very ugly being
of a breed between mastiff and bulldog who at this moment entered through the
glass door and posting directly to the rug snuffed the fresh flowers scattered
there He seemed to scorn them as food but probably thinking their velvety
petals might be convenient as litter he was turning round preparatory to
depositing his tawny bulk upon them when Miss Helstone and Miss Keeldar
simultaneously stooped to the rescue
»Thank you« said the heiress as she again held out her little apron for
Caroline to heap the blossoms into it »Is this your daughter Mr Helstone«
she asked
»My niece Caroline«
Miss Keeldar shook hands with her and then looked at her Caroline also
looked at her hostess
Shirley Keeldar she had no Christian name but Shirley her parents who had
wished to have a son finding that after eight years of marriage Providence
had granted them only a daughter bestowed on her the same masculine family
cognomen they would have bestowed on a boy if with a boy they had been blessed
Shirley Keeldar was no ugly heiress she was agreeable to the eye Her height
and shape were not unlike Miss Helstones perhaps in stature she might have the
advantage by an inch or two she was gracefully made and her face too
possessed a charm as well described by the word grace as any other It was pale
naturally but intelligent and of varied expression She was not a blonde like
Caroline clear and dark were the characteristics of her aspect as to colour
her face and brow were clear her eyes of the darkest grey no green lights in
them transparent pure neutral grey and her hair of the darkest brown Her
features were distinguished by which I do not mean that they were high bony
and Roman being indeed rather small and slightly marked than otherwise but
only that they were to use a few French words »fins gracieux spirituels«
mobile they were and speaking but their changes were not to be understood nor
their language interpreted all at once She examined Caroline seriously
inclining her head a little to one side with a thoughtful air
»You see she is only a feeble chick« observed Mr Helstone
»She looks young younger than I How old are you« she inquired in a
manner that would have been patronizing if it had not been extremely solemn and
simple
»Eighteen years and six months«
»And I am twentyone«
She said no more she had now placed her flowers on the table and was
busied in arranging them
»And St Athanasiuss creed« urged the Rector »you believe it all dont
you«
»I cant remember it quite all I will give you a nosegay Mr Helstone
when I have given your niece one«
She had selected a little bouquet of one brilliant and two or three delicate
flowers relieved by a spray of dark verdure she tied it with silk from her
workbox and placed it on Carolines lap and then she put her hands behind her
and stood bending slightly towards her guest still regarding her in the
attitude and with something of the aspect of a grave but gallant little
cavalier This temporary expression of face was aided by the style in which she
wore her hair parted on one temple and brushed in a glossy sweep above the
forehead whence it fell in curls that looked natural so free were their wavy
undulations
»Are you tired with your walk« she inquired
»No not in the least it is but a short distance but a mile«
»You look pale Is she always so pale« she asked turning to the Rector
»She used to be as rosy as the reddest of your flowers«
»Why is she altered What has made her pale Has she been ill«
»She tells me she wants a change«
»She ought to have one you ought to give her one you should send her to
the seacoast«
»I will ere summer is over Meantime I intend her to make acquaintance
with you if you have no objection«
»I am sure Miss Keeldar will have no objection« here observed Mrs Pryor
»I think I may take it upon me to say that Miss Helstones frequent presence at
Fieldhead will be esteemed a favour«
»You speak my sentiments precisely maam« said Shirley »and I thank you
for anticipating me Let me tell you« she continued turning again to Caroline
»that you also ought to thank my governess it is not every one she would
welcome as she has welcomed you you are distinguished more than you think This
morning as soon as you are gone I shall ask Mrs Pryors opinion of you I am
apt to rely on her judgment of character for hitherto I have found it wondrous
accurate Already I foresee a favourable answer to my inquiries do I not guess
rightly Mrs Pryor«
»My dear you said but now you would ask my opinion when Miss Helstone was
gone I am scarcely likely to give it in her presence«
»No and perhaps it will be long enough before I obtain it I am sometimes
sadly tantalized Mr Helstone by Mrs Pryors extreme caution her judgments
ought to be correct when they come for they are often as tardy of delivery as a
lordchancellors on some peoples characters I cannot get her to pronounce
sentence entreat as I may«
Mrs Pryor here smiled
»Yes« said her pupil »I know what that smile means you are thinking of my
gentlemantenant Do you know Mr Moore of the Hollow« she asked Mr Helstone
»Ay ay your tenant so he is you have seen a good deal of him no doubt
since you came«
»I have been obliged to see him there was business to transact Business
Really the word makes me conscious I am indeed no longer a girl but quite a
woman and something more I am an esquire Shirley Keeldar Esquire ought to be
my style and title They gave me a mans name I hold a mans position it is
enough to inspire me with a touch of manhood and when I see such people as that
stately AngloBelgian that Gérard Moore before me gravely talking to me of
business really I feel quite gentlemanlike You must choose me for your
churchwarden Mr Helstone the next time you elect new ones they ought to make
me a magistrate and a captain of yeomanry Tony Lumpkins mother was a colonel
and his aunt a justice of the peace why should nt I be«
»With all my heart If you choose to get up a requisition on the subject I
promise to head the list of signatures with my name But you were speaking of
Moore«
»Ah yes I find it a little difficult to understand Mr Moore to know
what to think of him whether to like him or not He seems a tenant of whom any
proprietor might be proud and proud of him I am in that sense but as a
neighbour what is he Again and again I have entreated Mrs Pryor to say what
she thinks of him but she still evades returning a direct answer I hope you
will be less oracular Mr Helstone and pronounce at once do you like him«
»Not at all just now his name is entirely blotted from my good books«
»What is the matter What has he done«
»My uncle and he disagree on politics« interposed the low voice of
Caroline She had better not have spoken just then having scarcely joined in
the conversation before it was not apropos to do it now she felt this with
nervous acuteness as soon as she had spoken and coloured to the eyes
»What are Moores politics« inquired Shirley
»Those of a tradesman« returned the Rector »narrow selfish and
unpatriotic The man is eternally writing and speaking against the continuance
of the war I have no patience with him«
»The war hurts his trade I remember he remarked that only yesterday But
what other objection have you to him«
»That is enough«
»He looks the gentleman in my sense of the term« pursued Shirley »and it
pleases me to think he is such«
Caroline rent the Tyrian petals of the one brilliant flower in her bouquet
and answered in distinct tones »Decidedly he is« Shirley hearing this
courageous affirmation flashed an arch searching glance at the speaker from
her deep expressive eyes
»You are his friend at any rate« she said »you defend him in his
absence«
»I am both his friend and his relative« was the prompt reply »Robert Moore
is my cousin«
»Oh then you can tell me all about him Just give me a sketch of his
character«
Insuperable embarrassment seized Caroline when this demand was made she
could not and did not attempt to comply with it Her silence was immediately
covered by Mrs Pryor who proceeded to address sundry questions to Mr Helstone
regarding a family or two in the neighbourhood with whose connexions in the
south she said she was acquainted Shirley soon withdrew her gaze from Miss
Helstones face She did not renew her interrogations but returning to her
flowers proceeded to choose a nosegay for the Rector She presented it to him
as he took leave and received the homage of a salute on the hand in return
»Be sure you wear it for my sake« said she
»Next my heart of course« responded Helstone »Mrs Pryor take care of
this future magistrate this churchwarden in perspective this captain of
yeomanry this young squire of Briarfield in a word dont let him exert
himself too much dont let him break his neck in hunting especially let him
mind how he rides down that dangerous hill near the Hollow«
»I like a descent« said Shirley »I like to clear it rapidly and
especially I like that romantic Hollow with all my heart«
»Romantic with a mill in it«
»Romantic with a mill in it The old mill and the white cottage are each
admirable in its way«
»And the countinghouse Mr Keeldar«
»The countinghouse is better than my bloomcoloured drawingroom I adore
the countinghouse«
»And the trade The cloth the greasy wool the polluting dyeingvats«
»The trade is to be thoroughly respected«
»And the tradesman is a hero Good«
»I am glad to hear you say so I thought the tradesman looked heroic«
Mischief spirit and glee sparkled all over her face as she thus bandied
words with the old Cossack who almost equally enjoyed the tilt
»Captain Keeldar you have no mercantile blood in your veins why are you so
fond of trade«
»Because I am a millowner of course Half my income comes from the works
in that Hollow«
»Dont enter into partnership thats all«
»Youve put it into my head youve put it into my head« she exclaimed
with a joyous laugh »It will never get out thank you« And waving her hand
white as a lily and fine as a fairys she vanished within the porch while the
Rector and his niece passed out through the arched gateway
Chapter XII
Shirley and Caroline
Shirley showed she had been sincere in saying she should be glad of Carolines
society by frequently seeking it and indeed if she had not sought it she
would not have had it for Miss Helstone was slow to make fresh acquaintance
She was always held back by the idea that people could not want her that she
could not amuse them and a brilliant happy youthful creature like the
heiress of Fieldhead seemed to her too completely independent of society so
uninteresting as hers ever to find it really welcome
Shirley might be brilliant and probably happy likewise but no one is
independent of genial society and though in about a month she had made the
acquaintance of most of the families round and was on quite free and easy terms
with the Misses Sykes and all the Misses Pearson and the two superlative
Misses Wynne of Walden Hall yet it appeared she found none amongst them very
genial she fraternized with none of them to use her own words If she had had
the bliss to be really Shirley Keeldar Esq Lord of the Manor of Briarfield
there was not a single fair one in this and the two neighbouring parishes whom
she should have felt disposed to request to become Mrs Keeldar lady of the
manor This declaration she made to Mrs Pryor who received it very quietly as
she did most of her pupils offhand speeches responding
»My dear do not allow that habit of alluding to yourself as a gentleman to
be confirmed it is a strange one Those who do not know you hearing you speak
thus would think you affected masculine manners«
Shirley never laughed at her former governess even the little formalities
and harmless peculiarities of that lady were respectable in her eyes had it
been otherwise she would have proved herself a weak character at once for it
is only the weak who make a butt of quiet worth therefore she took her
remonstrance in silence She stood quietly near the window looking at the grand
cedar on her lawn watching a bird on one of its lower boughs Presently she
began to chirrup to the bird soon her chirrup grew clearer erelong she was
whistling the whistle struck into a tune and very sweetly and deftly it was
executed
»My dear« expostulated Mrs Pryor
»Was I whistling« said Shirley »I forgot I beg your pardon maam I had
resolved to take care not to whistle before you«
»But Miss Keeldar where did you learn to whistle You must have got the
habit since you came down into Yorkshire I never knew you guilty of it before«
»Oh I learned to whistle a long while ago«
»Who taught you«
»No one I took it up by listening and I had laid it down again but lately
yesterday evening as I was coming up our lane I heard a gentleman whistling
that very tune in the field on the other side of the hedge and that reminded
me«
»What gentleman was it«
»We have only one gentleman in this region maam and that is Mr Moore at
least he is the only gentleman who is not greyhaired my two venerable
favourites Mr Helstone and Mr Yorke it is true are fine old beaux
infinitely better than any of the stupid young ones«
Mrs Pryor was silent
»You do not like Mr Helstone maam«
»My dear Mr Helstones office secures him from criticism«
»You generally contrive to leave the room when he is announced«
»Do you walk out this morning my dear«
»Yes I shall go to the Rectory and seek and find Caroline Helstone and
make her take some exercise she shall have a breezy walk over Nunnely Common«
»If you go in that direction my dear have the goodness to remind Miss
Helstone to wrap up well as there is a fresh wind and she appears to me to
require care«
»You shall be minutely obeyed Mrs Pryor meantime will you not accompany
us yourself«
»No my love I should be a restraint upon you I am stout and cannot walk
so quickly as you would wish to do«
Shirley easily persuaded Caroline to go with her and when they were fairly
out on the quiet road traversing the extensive and solitary sweep of Nunnely
Common she as easily drew her into conversation The first feelings of
diffidence overcome Caroline soon felt glad to talk with Miss Keeldar The very
first interchange of slight observations sufficed to give each an idea of what
the other was Shirley said she liked the green sweep of the common turf and
better still the heath on its ridges for the heath reminded her of moors she
had seen moors when she was travelling on the borders near Scotland She
remembered particularly a district traversed one long afternoon on a sultry but
sunless day in summer they journeyed from noon till sunset over what seemed a
boundless waste of deep heath and nothing had they seen but wild sheep nothing
heard but the cries of wild birds
»I know how the heath would look on such a day« said Caroline
»purpleblack a deeper shade of the skytint and that would be livid«
»Yes quite livid with brassy edges to the clouds and here and there a
white gleam more ghastly than the lurid tinge which as you looked at it you
momentarily expected would kindle into blinding lightning«
»Did it thunder«
»It muttered distant peals but the storm did not break till evening after
we had reached our inn that inn being an isolated house at the foot of a range
of mountains«
»Did you watch the clouds come down over the mountains«
»I did I stood at the window an hour watching them The hills seemed rolled
in a sullen mist and when the rain fell in whitening sheets suddenly they were
blotted from the prospect they were washed from the world«
»I have seen such storms in hilly districts in Yorkshire and at their
riotous climax while the sky was all cataract the earth all flood I have
remembered the Deluge«
»It is singularly reviving after such hurricanes to feel calm return and
from the opening clouds to receive a consolatory gleam softly testifying that
the sun is not quenched«
»Miss Keeldar just stand still now and look down at Nunnely dale and
wood«
They both halted on the green brow of the Common they looked down on the
deep valley robed in May raiment on varied meads some pearled with daisies
and some golden with kingcups today all this young verdure smiled clear in
sunlight transparent emerald and amber gleams played over it On Nunnwood the
sole remnant of antique British forest in a region whose lowlands were once all
sylvan chase as its highlands were breastdeep heather slept the shadow of a
cloud the distant hills were dappled the horizon was shaded and tinted like
motherofpearl silvery blues soft purples evanescent greens and roseshades
all melting into fleeces of white cloud pure as azury snow allured the eye as
with a remote glimpse of heavens foundations The air blowing on the brow was
fresh and sweet and bracing
»Our England is a bonnie island« said Shirley »and Yorkshire is one of her
bonniest nooks«
»You are a Yorkshire girl too«
»I am Yorkshire in blood and birth Five generations of my race sleep
under the aisles of Briarfield Church I drew my first breath in the old black
hall behind us«
Hereupon Caroline presented her hand which was accordingly taken and
shaken »We are compatriots« said she
»Yes« agreed Shirley with a grave nod
»And that« asked Miss Keeldar pointing to the forest »that is
Nunnwood«
»It is«
»Were you ever there«
»Many a time«
»In the heart of it«
»Yes«
»What is it like«
»It is like an encampment of forest sons of Anak The trees are huge and
old When you stand at their roots the summits seem in another region the
trunks remain still and firm as pillars while the boughs sway to every breeze
In the deepest calm their leaves are never quite hushed and in high wind a
flood rushes a sea thunders above you«
»Was it not one of Robin Hoods haunts«
»Yes and there are mementos of him still existing To penetrate into
Nunnwood Miss Keeldar is to go far back into the dim days of eld Can you see
a break in the forest about the centre«
»Yes distinctly«
»That break is a dell a deep hollow cup lined with turf as green and
short as the sod of this Common the very oldest of the trees gnarled mighty
oaks crowd about the brink of this dell in the bottom lie the ruins of a
nunnery«
»We will go you and I alone Caroline to that wood early some fine
summer morning and spend a long day there We can take pencils and
sketchbooks and any interesting readingbook we like and of course we shall
take something to eat I have two little baskets in which Mrs Gill my
housekeeper might pack our provisions and we could each carry our own It
would not tire you too much to walk so far«
»Oh no especially if we rested the whole day in the wood and I know all
the pleasantest spots I know where we could get nuts in nutting time I know
where wild strawberries abound I know certain lonely quite untrodden glades
carpeted with strange mosses some yellow as if gilded some a sober grey some
gemgreen I know groups of trees that ravish the eye with their perfect
picturelike effects rude oak delicate birch glossy beech clustered in
contrast and ash trees stately as Saul standing isolated and superannuated
woodgiants clad in bright shrouds of ivy Miss Keeldar I could guide you«
»You would be dull with me alone«
»I should not I think we should suit and what third person is there whose
presence would not spoil our pleasure«
»Indeed I know of none about our own ages no lady at least and as to
gentlemen «
»An excursion becomes quite a different thing when there are gentlemen of
the party« interrupted Caroline
»I agree with you quite a different thing to what we were proposing«
»We were going simply to see the old trees the old ruins to pass a day in
old times surrounded by olden silence and above all by quietude«
»You are right and the presence of gentlemen dispels the last charm I
think If they are of the wrong sort like your Malones and your young Sykes
and Wynnes irritation takes the place of serenity If they are of the right
sort there is still a change I can hardly tell what change one easy to feel
difficult to describe«
»We forget Nature imprimis«
»And then Nature forgets us covers her vast calm brow with a dim veil
conceals her face and withdraws the peaceful joy with which if we had been
content to worship her only she would have filled our hearts«
»What does she give us instead«
»More elation and more anxiety an excitement that steals the hours away
fast and a trouble that ruffles their course«
»Our power of being happy lies a good deal in ourselves I believe«
remarked Caroline sagely »I have gone to Nunnwood with a large party all the
curates and some other gentry of these parts together with sundry ladies and I
found the affair insufferably tedious and absurd and I have gone quite alone
or accompanied but by Fanny who sat in the woodmans hut and sewed or talked
to the goodwife while I roamed about and made sketches or read and I have
enjoyed much happiness of a quiet kind all day long But that was when I was
young two years ago«
»Did you ever go with your cousin Robert Moore«
»Yes once«
»What sort of a companion is he on these occasions«
»A cousin you know is different to a stranger«
»I am aware of that but cousins if they are stupid are still more
insupportable than strangers because you cannot so easily keep them at a
distance But your cousin is not stupid«
»No but «
»Well«
»If the company of fools irritates as you say the society of clever men
leaves its own peculiar pain also Where the goodness or talent of your friend
is beyond and above all doubt your own worthiness to be his associate often
becomes a matter of question«
»Oh there I cannot follow you that crotchet is not one I should choose to
entertain for an instant I consider myself not unworthy to be the associate of
the best of them of gentlemen I mean though that is saying a great deal
Where they are good they are very good I believe Your uncle bytheby is
not a bad specimen of the elderly gentleman I am always glad to see his brown
keen sensible old face either in my own house or any other Are you fond of
him Is he kind to you Now speak the truth«
»He has brought me up from childhood I doubt not precisely as he would
have brought up his own daughter if he had had one and that is kindness but I
am not fond of him I would rather be out of his presence than in it«
»Strange when he has the art of making himself so agreeable«
»Yes in company but he is stern and silent at home As he puts away his
cane and shovelhat in the Rectoryhall so he locks his liveliness in his
bookcase and studydesk the knitted brow and brief word for the fireside the
smile the jest the witty sally for society«
»Is he tyrannical«
»Not in the least he is neither tyrannical nor hypocritical he is simply a
man who is rather liberal than goodnatured rather brilliant than genial rather
scrupulously equitable than truly just if you can understand such superfine
distinctions«
»Oh yes goodnature implies indulgence which he has not geniality
warmth of heart which he does not own and genuine justice is the offspring of
sympathy and considerateness of which I can well conceive my bronzed old
friend is quite innocent«
»I often wonder Shirley whether most men resemble my uncle in their
domestic relations whether it is necessary to be new and unfamiliar to them in
order to seem agreeable or estimable in their eyes and whether it is impossible
to their natures to retain a constant interest and affection for those they see
every day«
»I dont know I cant clear up your doubts I ponder over similar ones
myself sometimes But to tell you a secret if I were convinced that they are
necessarily and universally different from us fickle soon petrifying
unsympathizing I would never marry I should not like to find out that what I
loved did not love me that it was weary of me and that whatever effort I might
make to please would hereafter be worse than useless since it was inevitably in
its nature to change and become indifferent That discovery once made what
should I long for To go away to remove from a presence where my society gave
no pleasure«
»But you could not if you were married«
»No I could not there it is I could never be my own mistress more A
terrible thought it suffocates me Nothing irks me like the idea of being a
burden and a bore an inevitable burden a ceaseless bore Now when I feel
my company superfluous I can comfortably fold my independence round me like a
mantle and drop my pride like a veil and withdraw to solitude If married
that could not be«
»I wonder we dont all make up our minds to remain single« said Caroline
»we should if we listened to the wisdom of experience My uncle always speaks of
marriage as a burden and I believe whenever he hears of a man being married he
invariably regards him as a fool or at any rate as doing a foolish thing«
»But Caroline men are not all like your uncle surely not I hope not«
She paused and mused
»I suppose we each find an exception in the one we love till we are
married« suggested Caroline
»I suppose so and this exception we believe to be of sterling materials we
fancy it like ourselves we imagine a sense of harmony We think his voice gives
the softest truest promise of a heart that will never harden against us we
read in his eyes that faithful feeling affection I dont think we should
trust to what they call passion at all Caroline I believe it is a mere fire of
dry sticks blazing up and vanishing but we watch him and see him kind to
animals to little children to poor people He is kind to us likewise good
considerate he does not flatter women but he is patient with them and he
seems to be easy in their presence and to find their company genial He likes
them not only for vain and selfish reasons but as we like him because we like
him Then we observe that he is just that he always speaks the truth that he
is conscientious We feel joy and peace when he comes into a room we feel
sadness and trouble when he leaves it We know that this man has been a kind
son that he is a kind brother will any one dare to tell me that he will not be
a kind husband«
»My uncle would affirm it unhesitatingly He will be sick of you in a month
he would say«
»Mrs Pryor would seriously intimate the same«
»Mrs Yorke and Miss Mann would darkly suggest ditto«
»If they are true oracles it is good never to fall in love«
»Very good if you can avoid it«
»I choose to doubt their truth«
»I am afraid that proves you are already caught«
»Not I but if I were do you know what soothsayers I would consult«
»Let me hear«
»Neither man nor woman elderly nor young the little Irish beggar that
comes barefoot to my door the mouse that steals out of the cranny in the
wainscot the bird that in frost and snow pecks at my window for a crumb the
dog that licks my hand and sits beside my knee«
»Did you ever see any one who was kind to such things«
»Did you ever see any one whom such things seemed instinctively to follow
like rely on«
»We have a black cat and an old dog at the Rectory I know somebody to whose
knee that black cat loves to climb against whose shoulder and cheek it likes to
purr The old dog always comes out of his kennel and wags his tail and whines
affectionately when somebody passes«
»And what does that somebody do«
»He quietly strokes the cat and lets her sit while he conveniently can and
when he must disturb her by rising he puts her softly down and never flings
her from him roughly he always whistles to the dog and gives him a caress«
»Does he It is not Robert«
»But it is Robert«
»Handsome fellow« said Shirley with enthusiasm her eyes sparkled
»Is he not handsome Has he not fine eyes and wellcut features and a
clear princely forehead«
»He has all that Caroline Bless him he is both graceful and good«
»I was sure you would see that he was when I first looked at your face I
knew you would«
»I was well inclined to him before I saw him I liked him when I did see
him I admire him now There is charm in beauty for itself Caroline when it is
blent with goodness there is a powerful charm«
»When mind is added Shirley«
»Who can resist it«
»Remember my uncle Mesdames Pryor Yorke and Mann«
»Remember the croaking of the frogs of Egypt He is a noble being I tell
you when they are good they are the lords of the creation they are the sons
of God Moulded in their Makers image the minutest spark of His spirit lifts
them almost above mortality Indisputably a great good handsome man is the
first of created things«
»Above us«
»I would scorn to contend for empire with him I would scorn it Shall my
left hand dispute for precedence with my right shall my heart quarrel with my
pulse shall my veins be jealous of the blood which fills them«
»Men and women husbands and wives quarrel horribly Shirley«
»Poor things poor fallen degenerate things God made them for another
lot for other feelings«
»But are we mens equals or are we not«
»Nothing ever charms me more than when I meet my superior one who makes me
sincerely feel that he is my superior«
»Did you ever meet him«
»I should be glad to see him any day the higher above me so much the
better it degrades to stoop it is glorious to look up What frets me is that
when I try to esteem I am baffled when religiously inclined there are but
false gods to adore I disdain to be a Pagan«
»Miss Keeldar will you come in We are here at the Rectory gates«
»Not today but tomorrow I shall fetch you to spend the evening with me
Caroline Helstone if you really are what at present to me you seem you and I
will suit I have never in my whole life been able to talk to a young lady as I
have talked to you this morning Kiss me and goodbye«
Mrs Pryor seemed as welldisposed to cultivate Carolines acquaintance as
Shirley She who went nowhere else called on an early day at the Rectory She
came in the afternoon when the Rector happened to be out It was rather a close
day the heat of the weather had flushed her and she seemed fluttered too by
the circumstance of entering a strange house for it appeared her habits were
most retiring and secluded When Miss Helstone went to her in the diningroom
she found her seated on the sofa trembling fanning herself with her
handkerchief and seeming to contend with a nervous discomposure that threatened
to become hysterical
Caroline marvelled somewhat at this unusual want of selfcommand in a lady
of her years and also at the lack of real strength in one who appeared almost
robust for Mrs Pryor hastened to allege the fatigue of her walk the heat of
the sun etc as reasons for her temporary indisposition and still as with
more hurry than coherence she again and again enumerated these causes of
exhaustion Caroline gently sought to relieve her by opening her shawl and
removing her bonnet Attentions of this sort Mrs Pryor would not have accepted
from every one in general she recoiled from touch or close approach with a
mixture of embarrassment and coldness far from flattering to those who offered
her aid to Miss Helstones little light hand however she yielded tractably
and seemed soothed by its contact In a few minutes she ceased to tremble and
grew quiet and tranquil
Her usual manner being resumed she proceeded to talk of ordinary topics In
a miscellaneous company Mrs Pryor rarely opened her lips or if obliged to
speak she spoke under restraint and consequently not well in dialogue she
was a good converser her language always a little formal was well chosen her
sentiments were just her information was varied and correct Caroline felt it
pleasant to listen to her more pleasant than she could have anticipated
On the wall opposite the sofa where they sat hung three pictures the
centre one above the mantelpiece that of a lady the two others male
portraits
»That is a beautiful face« said Mrs Pryor interrupting a brief pause
which had followed half an hours animated conversation »the features may be
termed perfect no statuarys chisel could improve them it is a portrait from
the life I presume«
»It is a portrait of Mrs Helstone«
»Of Mrs Matthewson Helstone Of your uncles wife«
»It is and is said to be a good likeness before her marriage she was
accounted the beauty of the district«
»I should say she merited the distinction what accuracy in all the
lineaments It is however a passive face the original could not have been
what is generally termed a woman of spirit«
»I believe she was a remarkably still silent person«
»One would scarcely have expected my dear that your uncles choice should
have fallen on a partner of that description Is he not fond of being amused by
lively chat«
»In company he is but he always says he could never do with a talking wife
he must have quiet at home You go out to gossip he affirms you come home to
read and reflect«
»Mrs Matthewson lived but a few years after her marriage I think I have
heard«
»About five years«
»Well my dear« pursued Mrs Pryor rising to go »I trust it is understood
that you will frequently come to Fieldhead I hope you will You must feel
lonely here having no female relative in the house you must necessarily pass
much of your time in solitude«
»I am inured to it I have grown up by myself May I arrange your shawl for
you«
Mrs Pryor submitted to be assisted
»Should you chance to require help in your studies« she said »you may
command me«
Caroline expressed her sense of such kindness
»I hope to have frequent conversations with you I should wish to be of use
to you«
Again Miss Helstone returned thanks She thought what a kind heart was
hidden under her visiters seeming chilliness Observing that Mrs Pryor again
glanced with an air of interest towards the portraits as she walked down the
room Caroline casually explained
»The likeness that hangs near the window you will see is my uncle taken
twenty years ago the other to the left of the mantelpiece is his brother
James my father«
»They resemble each other in some measure« said Mrs Pryor »yet a
difference of character may be traced in the different mould of the brow and
mouth«
»What difference« inquired Caroline accompanying her to the door »James
Helstone that is my father is generally considered the bestlooking of the
two strangers I remark always exclaim What a handsome man Do you think his
picture handsome Mrs Pryor«
»It is much softer or finer featured than that of your uncle«
»But where or what is the difference of character to which you alluded Tell
me I wish to see if you guess right«
»My dear your uncle is a man of principle his forehead and his lips are
firm and his eye is steady«
»Well and the other Do not be afraid of offending me I always like the
truth«
»Do you like the truth It is well for you adhere to that preference
never swerve thence The other my dear if he had been living now would
probably have furnished little support to his daughter It is however a
graceful head taken in youth I should think My dear turning abruptly you
acknowledge an inestimate value in principle«
»I am sure no character can have true worth without it«
»You feel what you say You have considered the subject«
»Often Circumstances early forced it upon my attention«
»The lesson was not lost then though it came so prematurely I suppose the
soil is not light nor stony otherwise seed falling in that season never would
have borne fruit My dear do not stand in the air of the door you will take
cold goodafternoon«
Miss Helstones new acquaintance soon became of value to her their society
was acknowledged a privilege She found she would have been in error indeed to
have let slip this chance of relief to have neglected to avail herself of this
happy change a turn was thereby given to her thoughts a new channel was opened
for them which diverting a few of them at least from the one direction in
which all had hitherto tended abated the impetuosity of their rush and
lessened the force of their pressure on one worndown point
Soon she was content to spend whole days at Fieldhead doing by turns
whatever Shirley or Mrs Pryor wished her to do and now one would claim her
now the other Nothing could be less demonstrative than the friendship of the
elder lady but also nothing could be more vigilant assiduous untiring I have
intimated that she was a peculiar personage and in nothing was her peculiarity
more shown than in the nature of the interest she evinced for Caroline She
watched all her movements she seemed as if she would have guarded all her
steps it gave her pleasure to be applied to by Miss Helstone for advice and
assistance she yielded her aid when asked with such quiet yet obvious
enjoyment that Caroline erelong took delight in depending on her
Shirley Keeldars complete docility with Mrs Pryor had at first surprised
Miss Helstone and not less the fact of the reserved exgoverness being so much
at home and at ease in the residence of her young pupil where she filled with
such quiet independency a very dependent post but she soon found that it needed
but to know both ladies to comprehend fully the enigma Every one it seemed to
her must like must love must prize Mrs Pryor when they knew her No matter
that she perseveringly wore oldfashioned gowns that her speech was formal and
her manner cool that she had twenty little ways such as nobody else had she
was still such a stay such a counsellor so truthful so kind in her way that
in Carolines idea none once accustomed to her presence could easily afford to
dispense with it
As to dependency or humiliation Caroline did not feel it in her intercourse
with Shirley and why should Mrs Pryor The heiress was rich very rich
compared with her new friend one possessed a clear thousand ayear the other
not a penny and yet there was a safe sense of equality experienced in her
society never known in that of the ordinary Briarfield and Whinbury gentry
The reason was Shirleys head ran on other things than money and position
She was glad to be independent as to property by fits she was even elated at
the notion of being lady of the manor and having tenants and an estate she was
especially tickled with an agreeable complacency when reminded of »all that
property« down in the Hollow »comprising an excellent clothmill dyehouse
warehouse together with the messuage gardens and outbuildings termed
Hollows cottage« but her exultation being quite undisguised was singularly
inoffensive and for her serious thoughts they tended elsewhere To admire the
great reverence the good and be joyous with the genial was very much the bent
of Shirleys soul she mused therefore on the means of following this bent far
oftener than she pondered on her social superiority
In Caroline Miss Keeldar had first taken an interest because she was quiet
retiring looked delicate and seemed as if she needed some one to take care of
her Her predilection increased greatly when she discovered that her own way of
thinking and talking was understood and responded to by this new acquaintance
She had hardly expected it Miss Helstone she fancied had too pretty a face
manners and voice too soft to be anything out of the common way in mind and
attainments and she very much wondered to see the gentle features light up
archly to the reveillé of a dry sally or two risked by herself and more did she
wonder to discover the selfwon knowledge treasured and the untaught
speculations working in that girlish curlveiled head Carolines instinct of
taste too was like her own such books as Miss Keeldar had read with the most
pleasure were Miss Helstones delight also They held many aversions too in
common and could have the comfort of laughing together over works of false
sentimentality and pompous pretension
Few Shirley conceived men or women have the right taste in poetry the
right sense for discriminating between what is real and what is false She had
again and again heard very clever people pronounce this or that passage in this
or that versifier altogether admirable which when she read her soul refused
to acknowledge as anything but cant flourish and tinsel or at the best
elaborate wordiness curious clever learned perhaps haply even tinged with
the fascinating hues of fancy but God knows as different from real poetry as
the gorgeous and massy vase of mosaic is from the little cup of pure metal or
to give the reader a choice of similes as the milliners artificial wreath is
from the freshgathered lily of the field
Caroline she found felt the value of the true ore and knew the deception
of the flashy dross The minds of the two girls being toned in harmony often
chimed very sweetly together
One evening they chanced to be alone in the oakparlour They had passed a
long wet day together without ennui it was now on the edge of dark candles
were not yet brought in both as twilight deepened grew meditative and silent
A western wind roared high round the hall driving wild clouds and stormy rain
up from the farremote ocean all was tempest outside the antique lattices all
deep peace within Shirley sat at the window watching the rack in heaven the
mist on earth listening to certain notes of the gale that plained like restless
spirits notes which had she not been so young gay and healthy would have
swept her trembling nerves like some omen some anticipatory dirge in this her
prime of existence and bloom of beauty they but subdued vivacity to
pensiveness Snatches of sweet ballads haunted her ear now and then she sang a
stanza her accents obeyed the fitful impulse of the wind they swelled as its
gusts rushed on and died as they wandered away Caroline withdrawn to the
farthest and darkest end of the room her figure just discernible by the ruby
shine of the flameless fire was pacing to and fro murmuring to herself
fragments of wellremembered poetry She spoke very low but Shirley heard her
and while singing softly she listened This was the strain
»Obscurest night involved the sky
The Atlantic billows roard
When such a destined wretch as I
Washed headlong from on board
Of friends of hope of all bereft
His floating home for ever left«
Here the fragment stopped because Shirleys song erewhile somewhat full and
thrilling had become delicately faint
»Go on« said she
»Then you go on too I was only repeating The Castaway«
»I know if you can remember it all say it all«
And as it was nearly dark and after all Miss Keeldar was no formidable
auditor Caroline went through it She went through it as she should have gone
through it The wild sea the drowning mariner the reluctant ship swept on in
the storm you heard were realized by her and more vividly was realized the
heart of the poet who did not weep for the »The Castaway« but who in an hour
of tearless anguish traced a semblance to his own Godabandoned misery in the
fate of that manforsaken sailor and cried from the depths where he struggled
»No voice divine the storm allayed
No light propitious shone
When snatchd from all effectual aid
We perishd each alone
But I beneath a rougher sea
And whelmd in deeper gulfs than he«
»I hope William Cowper is safe and calm in heaven now« said Caroline
»Do you pity what he suffered on earth« asked Miss Keeldar
»Pity him Shirley What can I do else He was nearly brokenhearted when he
wrote that poem and it almost breaks ones heart to read it But he found
relief in writing it I know he did and that gift of poetry the most divine
bestowed on man was I believe granted to allay emotions when their strength
threatens harm It seems to me Shirley that nobody should write poetry to
exhibit intellect or attainment Who cares for that sort of poetry Who cares
for learning who cares for fine words in poetry And who does not care for
feeling real feeling however simply even rudely expressed«
»It seems you care for it at all events and certainly in hearing that
poem one discovers that Cowper was under an impulse strong as that of the wind
which drove the ship an impulse which while it would not suffer him to stop
to add ornament to a single stanza filled him with force to achieve the whole
with consummate perfection You managed to recite it with a steady voice
Caroline I wonder thereat«
»Cowpers hand did not tremble in writing the lines why should my voice
falter in repeating them Depend on it Shirley no tear blistered the
manuscript of The Castaway I hear in it no sob of sorrow only the cry of
despair but that cry uttered I believe the deadly spasm passed from his
heart that he wept abundantly and was comforted«
Shirley resumed her ballad minstrelsy Stopping short she remarked erelong
»One could have loved Cowper if it were only for the sake of having the
privilege of comforting him«
»You never would have loved Cowper« rejoined Caroline promptly »he was not
made to be loved by woman«
»What do you mean«
»What I say I know there is a kind of natures in the world and very
noble elevated natures too whom love never comes near You might have sought
Cowper with the intention of loving him and you would have looked at him
pitied him and left him forced away by a sense of the impossible the
incongruous as the crew were borne from their drowning comrade by the furious
blast«
»You may be right Who told you this«
»And what I say of Cowper I should say of Rousseau Was Rousseau ever
loved He loved passionately but was his passion ever returned I am certain
never And if there were any female Cowpers and Rousseaus I should assert the
same of them«
»Who told you this I ask Did Moore«
»Why should anybody have told me Have I not an instinct Can I not divine
by analogy Moore never talked to me either about Cowper or Rousseau or love
The voice we hear in solitude told me all I know on these subjects«
»Do you like characters of the Rousseau order Caroline«
»Not at all as a whole I sympathize intensely with certain qualities they
possess certain divine sparks in their nature dazzle my eyes and make my soul
glow Then again I scorn them They are made of clay and gold The refuse and
the ore make a mass of weakness taken altogether I feel them unnatural
unhealthy repulsive«
»I dare say I should be more tolerant of a Rousseau than you would Cary
submissive and contemplative yourself you like the stern and the practical
Bytheway you must miss that Cousin Robert of yours very much now that you
and he never meet«
»I do«
»And he must miss you«
»That he does not«
»I cannot imagine« pursued Shirley who had lately got a habit of
introducing Moores name into the conversation even when it seemed to have no
business there »I cannot imagine but that he was fond of you since he took
so much notice of you talked to you and taught you so much«
»He never was fond of me he never professed to be fond of me He took pains
to prove that he only just tolerated me«
Caroline determined not to err on the flattering side in estimating her
cousins regard for her always now habitually thought of it and mentioned it in
the most scanty measure She had her own reasons for being less sanguine than
ever in hopeful views of the future less indulgent to pleasurable
retrospections of the past
»Of course then« observed Miss Keeldar »you only just tolerated him in
return«
»Shirley men and women are so different they are in such a different
position Women have so few things to think about men so many you may have a
friendship for a man while he is almost indifferent to you Much of what cheers
your life may be dependent on him while not a feeling or interest of moment in
his eyes may have reference to you Robert used to be in the habit of going to
London sometimes for a week or a fortnight together well while he was away I
found his absence a void there was something wanting Briarfield was duller Of
course I had my usual occupations still I missed him As I sat by myself in
the evenings I used to feel a strange certainty of conviction I cannot
describe that if a magician or a genius had at that moment offered me Prince
Alis tube you remember it in the Arabian Nights and if with its aid I had
been enabled to take a view of Robert to see where he was how occupied I
should have learned in a startling manner the width of the chasm which gaped
between such as he and such as I I knew that however my thoughts might adhere
to him his were effectually sundered from me«
»Caroline« demanded Miss Keeldar abruptly »dont you wish you had a
profession a trade«
»I wish it fifty times aday As it is I often wonder what I came into the
world for I long to have something absorbing and compulsory to fill my head and
hands and to occupy my thoughts«
»Can labour alone make a human being happy«
»No but it can give varieties of pain and prevent us from breaking our
hearts with a single tyrant mastertorture Besides successful labour has its
recompense a vacant weary lonely hopeless life has none«
»But hard labour and learned professions they say make women masculine
coarse unwomanly«
»And what does it signify whether unmarried and nevertobemarried women
are unattractive and inelegant or not provided only they are decent
decorous and neat it is enough The utmost which ought to be required of old
maids in the way of appearance is that they should not absolutely offend mens
eyes as they pass them in the street for the rest they should be allowed
without too much scorn to be as absorbed grave plainlooking and
plaindressed as they please«
»You might be an old maid yourself Caroline you speak so earnestly«
»I shall be one it is my destiny I will never marry a Malone or a Sykes
and no one else will ever marry me«
Here fell a long pause Shirley broke it Again the name by which she seemed
bewitched was almost the first on her lips
»Lina did not Moore call you Lina sometimes«
»Yes it is sometimes used as the abbreviation of Caroline in his native
country«
»Well Lina do you remember my one day noticing an inequality in your hair
a curl wanting on that right side and your telling me that it was Roberts
fault as he had once cut therefrom a long lock«
»Yes«
»If he is and always was as indifferent to you as you say why did he
steal your hair«
»I dont know yes I do it was my doing not his Everything of that sort
always was my doing He was going from home to London as usual and the night
before he went I had found in his sisters workbox a lock of black hair a
short round curl Hortense told me it was her brothers and a keepsake He was
sitting near the table I looked at his head he has plenty of hair on the
temples were many such round curls I thought he could spare me one I knew I
should like to have it and I asked for it He said on condition that he might
have his choice of a tress from my head so he got one of my long locks of hair
and I got one of his short ones I keep his but I dare say he has lost mine
It was my doing and one of those silly deeds it distresses the heart and sets
the face on fire to think of one of those small but sharp recollections that
return lacerating your selfrespect like tiny penknives and forcing from your
lips as you sit alone sudden insanesounding interjections«
»Caroline«
»I do think myself a fool Shirley in some respects I do despise myself
But I said I would not make you my confessor for you cannot reciprocate foible
for foible you are not weak How steadily you watch me now turn aside your
clear strong sheeagle eye it is an insult to fix it on me thus«
»What a study of character you are Weak certainly but not in the sense
you think Come in«
This was said in answer to a tap at the door Miss Keeldar happened to be
near it at the moment Caroline at the other end of the room she saw a note put
into Shirleys hands and heard the words
»From Mr Moore maam«
»Bring candles« said Miss Keeldar
Caroline sat expectant
»A communication on business« said the heiress but when candles were
brought she neither opened nor read it The Rectors Fanny was presently
announced and the Rectors niece went home
Chapter XIII
Further Communications on Business
In Shirleys nature prevailed at times an easy indolence there were periods
when she took delight in perfect vacancy of hand and eye moments when her
thoughts her simple existence the fact of the world being around and heaven
above her seemed to yield her such fulness of happiness that she did not need
to lift a finger to increase the joy Often after an active morning she would
spend a sunny afternoon in lying stirless on the turf at the foot of some tree
of friendly umbrage no society did she need but that of Caroline and it
sufficed if she were within call no spectacle did she ask but that of the deep
blue sky and such cloudlets as sailed afar and aloft across its span no sound
but that of the bees hum the leafs whisper Her sole book in such hours was
the dim chronicle of memory or the sibyl page of anticipation from her young
eyes fell on each volume a glorious light to read by round her lips at moments
played a smile which revealed glimpses of the tale or prophecy it was not sad
not dark Fate had been benign to the blissful dreamer and promised to favour
her yet again In her past were sweet passages in her future rosy hopes
Yet one day when Caroline drew near to rouse her thinking she had lain long
enough behold as she looked down Shirleys cheek was wet as if with dew
those fine eyes of hers shone humid and brimming
»Shirley why do you cry« asked Caroline involuntarily laying stress on
you
Miss Keeldar smiled and turned her picturesque head towards the questioner
»Because it pleases me mightily to cry« she said »my heart is both sad and
glad but why you good patient child why do you not bear me company I only
weep tears delightful and soon wiped away you might weep gall if you choose«
»Why should I weep gall«
»Mateless solitary bird« was the only answer
»And are not you too mateless Shirley«
»At heart no«
»Oh who nestles there Shirley«
But Shirley only laughed gaily at this question and alertly started up
»I have dreamed« she said »a mere daydream certainly bright probably
baseless«
Miss Helstone was by this time free enough from illusions she took a
sufficiently grave view of the future and fancied she knew pretty well how her
own destiny and that of some others were tending Yet old associations retained
their influence over her and it was these and the power of habit which still
frequently drew her of an evening to the fieldstile and the old thorn
overlooking the Hollow
One night the night after the incident of the note she had been at her
usual post watching for her beacon watching vainly that evening no lamp was
lit She waited till the rising of certain constellations warned her of
lateness and signed her away In passing Fieldhead on her return its
moonlight beauty attracted her glance and stayed her step an instant Tree and
hall rose peaceful under the night sky and clear full orb pearly paleness
gilded the building mellow brown gloom bosomed it round shadows of deep green
brooded above its oakwreathed roof The broad pavement in front shone pale
also it gleamed as if some spell had transformed the dark granite to glistering
Parian on the silvery space slept two sable shadows thrown sharply defined
from two human figures These figures when first seen were motionless and mute
presently they moved in harmonious step and spoke low in harmonious key
Earnest was the gaze that scrutinized them as they emerged from behind the trunk
of the cedar »Is it Mrs Pryor and Shirley«
Certainly it is Shirley Who else has a shape so lithe and proud and
graceful And her face too is visible her countenance careless and pensive
and musing and mirthful and mocking and tender Not fearing the dew she has
not covered her head her curls are free they veil her neck and caress her
shoulder with their tendril rings An ornament of gold gleams through the
halfclosed folds of the scarf she has wrapped across her bust and a large
bright gem glitters on the white hand which confines it Yes that is Shirley
Her companion then is of course Mrs Pryor
Yes if Mrs Pryor owns six feet of stature and if she has changed her
decent widows weeds for masculine disguise The figure walking at Miss
Keeldars side is a man a tall young stately man it is her tenant Robert
Moore
The pair speak softly their words are not distinguishable to remain a
moment to gaze is not to be an eavesdropper and as the moon shines so clearly
and their countenances are so distinctly apparent who can resist the attraction
of such interest Caroline it seems cannot for she lingers
There was a time when on summer nights Moore had been wont to walk with
his cousin as he was now walking with the heiress Often had she gone up the
Hollow with him after sunset to scent the freshness of the earth where a
growth of fragrant herbage carpeted a certain narrow terrace edging a deep
ravine from whose rifted gloom was heard a sound like the spirit of the lonely
watercourse moaning amongst its wet stones and between its weedy banks and
under its dark bower of alders
»But I used to be closer to him« thought Caroline »he felt no obligation
to treat me with homage I needed only kindness He used to hold my hand he
does not touch hers And yet Shirley is not proud where she loves There is no
haughtiness in her aspect now only a little in her port what is natural to and
inseparable from her what she retains in her most careless as in her most
guarded moments Robert must think as I think that he is at this instant
looking down on a fine face and he must think it with a mans brain not with
mine She has such generous yet soft fire in her eyes She smiles what makes
her smile so sweet I saw that Robert felt its beauty and he must have felt it
with his mans heart not with my dim womans perceptions They look to me like
two great happy spirits yonder silvered pavement reminds me of that white shore
we believe to be beyond the deathflood they have reached it they walk there
united And what am I standing here in shadow shrinking into concealment my
mind darker than my hidingplace I am one of this world no spirit a poor
doomed mortal who asks in ignorance and hopelessness wherefore she was born
to what end she lives whose mind for ever runs on the question how she shall
at last encounter and by whom be sustained through death
This is the worst passage I have come to yet still I was quite prepared for
it I gave Robert up and gave him up to Shirley the first day I heard she was
come the first moment I saw her rich youthful and lovely She has him now
he is her lover she is his darling she will be far more his darling yet when
they are married the more Robert knows of Shirley the more his soul will
cleave to her They will both be happy and I do not grudge them their bliss
but I groan under my own misery some of my suffering is very acute Truly I
ought not to have been born they should have smothered me at the first cry«
Here Shirley stepping aside to gather a dewy flower she and her companion
turned into a path that lay nearer the gate some of their conversation became
audible Caroline would not stay to listen she passed away noiselessly and the
moonlight kissed the wall which her shadow had dimmed The reader is privileged
to remain and try what he can make of the discourse
»I cannot conceive why Nature did not give you a bulldogs head for you
have all a bulldogs tenacity« said Shirley
»Not a flattering idea am I so ignoble«
»And something also you have of the same animals silent ways of going about
its work you give no warning you come noiselessly behind seize fast and hold
on«
»This is guesswork you have witnessed no such feat on my part in your
presence I have been no bulldog«
»Your very silence indicates your race How little you talk in general yet
how deeply you scheme You are farseeing you are calculating«
»I know the ways of these people I have gathered information of their
intentions My note last night informed you that Barracloughs trial had ended
in his conviction and sentence to transportation his associates will plot
vengeance I shall lay my plans so as to counteract or at least be prepared
for theirs that is all Having now given you as clear an explanation as I can
am I to understand that for what I propose doing I have your approbation«
»I shall stand by you so long as you remain on the defensive Yes«
»Good Without any aid even opposed or disapproved by you I believe I
should have acted precisely as I now intend to act but in another spirit I now
feel satisfied On the whole I relish the position«
»I dare say you do that is evident you relish the work which lies before
you still better than you would relish the execution of a government order for
armycloth«
»I certainly feel it congenial«
»So would old Helstone It is true there is a shade of difference in your
motives many shades perhaps Shall I speak to Mr Helstone I will if you
like«
»Act as you please your judgment Miss Keeldar will guide you accurately
I could rely on it myself in a more difficult crisis but I should inform you
Mr Helstone is somewhat prejudiced against me at present«
»I am aware I have heard all about your differences depend upon it they
will melt away he cannot resist the temptation of an alliance under present
circumstances«
»I should be glad to have him he is of true metal«
»I think so also«
»An old blade and rusted somewhat but the edge and temper still
excellent«
»Well you shall have him Mr Moore that is if I can win him«
»Whom can you not win«
»Perhaps not the Rector but I will make the effort«
»Effort He will yield for a word a smile«
»By no means It will cost me several cups of tea some toast and cake and
an ample measure of remonstrances expostulations and persuasions It grows
rather chill«
»I perceive you shiver Am I acting wrongly to detain you here Yet it is so
calm I even feel it warm and society such as yours is a pleasure to me so
rare If you were wrapped in a thicker shawl «
»I might stay longer and forget how late it is which would chagrin Mrs
Pryor We keep early and regular hours at Fieldhead Mr Moore and so I am
sure does your sister at the cottage«
»Yes but Hortense and I have an understanding the most convenient in the
world that we shall each do as we please«
»How do you please to do«
»Three nights in the week I sleep in the mill but I require little rest
and when it is moonlight and mild I often haunt the Hollow till daybreak«
»When I was a very little girl Mr Moore my nurse used to tell me tales of
fairies being seen in that Hollow That was before my father built the mill
when it was a perfectly solitary ravine you will be falling under enchantment«
»I fear it is done« said Moore in a low voice
»But there are worse things than fairies to be guarded against« pursued
Miss Keeldar
»Things more perilous« he subjoined
»Far more so For instance how would you like to meet Michael Hartley that
mad Calvinist and Jacobin weaver They say he is addicted to poaching and often
goes abroad at night with his gun«
»I have already had the luck to meet him We held a long argument together
one night A strange little incident it was I liked it«
»Liked it I admire your taste Michael is not sane Where did you meet
him«
»In the deepest shadiest spot in the glen where the water runs low under
brushwood We sat down near that plank bridge It was moonlight but clouded
and very windy We had a talk«
»On politics«
»And religion I think the moon was at the full and Michael was as near
crazed as possible he uttered strange blasphemy in his Antinomian fashion«
»Excuse me but I think you must have been nearly as mad as he to sit
listening to him«
»There is a wild interest in his ravings The man would be half a poet if
he were not wholly a maniac and perhaps a prophet if he were not a profligate
He solemnly informed me that hell was foreordained my inevitable portion that
he read the mark of the beast on my brow that I had been an outcast from the
beginning Gods vengeance he said was preparing for me and affirmed that in
a vision of the night he had beheld the manner and the instrument of my doom I
wanted to know further but he left me with these words The end is not yet«
»Have you ever seen him since«
»About a month afterwards in returning from market I encountered him and
Moses Barraclough both in an advanced stage of inebriation they were praying in
frantic sort at the roadside They accosted me as Satan bid me avaunt and
clamoured to be delivered from temptation Again but a few days ago Michael
took the trouble of appearing at the countinghouse door hatless in his
shirtsleeves his coat and castor having been detained at the publichouse in
pledge he delivered himself of the comfortable message that he could wish Mr
Moore to set his house in order as his soul was likely shortly to be required
of him«
»Do you make light of these things«
»The poor man had been drinking for weeks and was in a state bordering on
delirium tremens«
»What then He is the more likely to attempt the fulfilment of his own
prophecies«
»It would not do to permit incidents of this sort to affect ones nerves«
»Mr Moore go home«
»So soon«
»Pass straight down the fields not round by the lane and plantations«
»It is early yet«
»It is late for my part I am going in Will you promise me not to wander
in the Hollow tonight«
»If you wish it«
»I do wish it May I ask whether you consider life valueless«
»By no means on the contrary of late I regard my life as invaluable«
»Of late«
»Existence is neither aimless nor hopeless to me now and it was both three
months ago I was then drowning and rather wished the operation over All at
once a hand was stretched to me such a delicate hand I scarcely dared trust
it its strength however has rescued me from ruin«
»Are you really rescued«
»For the time your assistance has given me another chance«
»Live to make the best of it Dont offer yourself as a target to Michael
Hartley and goodnight«
Miss Helstone was under a promise to spend the evening of the next day at
Fieldhead she kept her promise Some gloomy hours had she spent in the
interval Most of the time had been passed shut up in her own apartment only
issuing from it indeed to join her uncle at meals and anticipating inquiries
from Fanny by telling her that she was busy altering a dress and preferred
sewing upstairs to avoid interruption
She did sew she plied her needle continuously ceaselessly but her brain
worked faster than her fingers Again and more intensely than ever she desired
a fixed occupation no matter how onerous how irksome Her uncle must be once
more entreated but first she would consult Mrs Pryor Her head laboured to
frame projects as diligently as her hands to plait and stitch the thin texture
of the muslin summer dress spread on the little white couch at the foot of which
she sat Now and then while thus doubly occupied a tear would fill her eyes
and fall on her busy hands but this sign of emotion was rare and quickly
effaced the sharp pang passed the dimness cleared from her vision she would
rethread her needle rearrange tuck and trimming and work on
Late in the afternoon she dressed herself she reached Fieldhead and
appeared in the oak parlour just as tea was brought in Shirley asked her why
she came so late
»Because I have been making my dress« said she »These fine sunny days
began to make me ashamed of my winter merino so I have furbished up a lighter
garment«
»In which you look as I like to see you« said Shirley »You are a ladylike
little person Caroline is she not Mrs Pryor«
Mrs Pryor never paid compliments and seldom indulged in remarks
favourable or otherwise on personal appearance On the present occasion she
only swept Carolines curls from her cheek as she took a seat near her caressed
the oval outline and observed
»You get somewhat thin my love and somewhat pale Do you sleep well Your
eyes have a languid look« and she gazed at her anxiously
»I sometimes dream melancholy dreams« answered Caroline »and if I lie
awake for an hour or two in the night I am continually thinking of the Rectory
as a dreary old place You know it is very near the churchyard the back part of
the house is extremely ancient and it is said that the outkitchens there were
once enclosed in the churchyard and that there are graves under them I rather
long to leave the Rectory«
»My dear You are surely not superstitious«
»No Mrs Pryor but I think I grow what is called nervous I see things
under a darker aspect than I used to do I have fears I never used to have not
of ghosts but of omens and disastrous events and I have an inexpressible
weight on my mind which I would give the world to shake off and I cannot do
it«
»Strange« cried Shirley »I never feel so« Mrs Pryor said nothing
»Fine weather pleasant days pleasant scenes are powerless to give me
pleasure« continued Caroline »Calm evenings are not calm to me moonlight
which I used to think mild now only looks mournful Is this weakness of mind
Mrs Pryor or what is it I cannot help it I often struggle against it I
reason but reason and effort make no difference«
»You should take more exercise« said Mrs Pryor
»Exercise I exercise sufficiently I exercise till I am ready to drop«
»My dear you should go from home«
»Mrs Pryor I should like to go from home but not on any purposeless
excursion or visit I wish to be a governess as you have been It would oblige
me greatly if you would speak to my uncle on the subject«
»Nonsense« broke in Shirley »What an idea Be a governess Better be a
slave at once Where is the necessity of it Why should you dream of such a
painful step«
»My dear« said Mrs Pryor »you are very young to be a governess and not
sufficiently robust the duties a governess undertakes are often severe«
»And I believe I want severe duties to occupy me«
»Occupy you« cried Shirley »When are you idle I never saw a more
industrious girl than you you are always at work Come« she continued »come
and sit by my side and take some tea to refresh you You dont care much for my
friendship then that you wish to leave me«
»Indeed I do Shirley and I dont wish to leave you I shall never find
another friend so dear«
At which words Miss Keeldar put her hand into Carolines with an impulsively
affectionate movement which was well seconded by the expression of her face
»If you think so you had better make much of me« she said »and not run
away from me I hate to part with those to whom I am become attached Mrs Pryor
there sometimes talks of leaving me and says I might make a more advantageous
connexion than herself I should as soon think of exchanging an oldfashioned
mother for something modish and stylish As for you why I began to flatter
myself we were thoroughly friends that you liked Shirley almost as well as
Shirley likes you and she does not stint her regard«
»I do like Shirley I like her more and more every day but that does not
make me strong or happy«
»And would it make you strong or happy to go and live as a dependant amongst
utter strangers It would not and the experiment must not be tried I tell you
it would fail it is not in your nature to bear the desolate life governesses
generally lead you would fall ill I wont hear of it«
And Miss Keeldar paused having uttered this prohibition very decidedly
Soon she recommenced still looking somewhat courroucée
»Why it is my daily pleasure now to look out for the little cottage bonnet
and the silk scarf glancing through the trees in the lane and to know that my
quiet shrewd thoughtful companion and monitress is coming back to me that I
shall have her sitting in the room to look at to talk to or to let alone as
she and I please This may be a selfish sort of language I know it is but it
is the language which naturally rises to my lips therefore I utter it«
»I would write to you Shirley«
»And what are letters Only a sort of pisaller Drink some tea Caroline
eat something you eat nothing laugh and be cheerful and stay at home«
Miss Helstone shook her head and sighed She felt what difficulty she would
have to persuade any one to assist or sanction her in making that change in her
life which she believed desirable Might she only follow her own judgment she
thought she should be able to find perhaps a harsh but an effectual cure for
her sufferings But this judgment founded on circumstances she could fully
explain to none least of all to Shirley seemed in all eyes but her own
incomprehensible and fantastic and was opposed accordingly
There really was no present pecuniary need for her to leave a comfortable
home and take a situation and there was every probability that her uncle might
in some way permanently provide for her So her friends thought and as far as
their lights enabled them to see they reasoned correctly but of Carolines
strange sufferings which she desired so eagerly to overcome or escape they had
no idea of her racked nights and dismal days no suspicion It was at once
impossible and hopeless to explain to wait and endure was her only plan Many
that want food and clothing have cheerier lives and brighter prospects than she
had many harassed by poverty are in a strait less afflictive
»Now is your mind quieted« inquired Shirley »Will you consent to stay at
home«
»I shall not leave it against the approbation of my friends« was the reply
»but I think in time they will be obliged to think as I do«
During this conversation Mrs Pryor looked far from easy Her extreme
habitual reserve would rarely permit her to talk freely or to interrogate
others closely She could think a multitude of questions she never ventured to
put give advice in her mind which her tongue never delivered Had she been
alone with Caroline she might possibly have said something to the point Miss
Keeldars presence accustomed as she was to it sealed her lips Now as on a
thousand other occasions inexplicable nervous scruples kept her back from
interfering She merely showed her concern for Miss Helstone in an indirect way
by asking her if the fire made her too warm placing a screen between her chair
and the hearth closing a window whence she imagined a draught proceeded and
often and restlessly glancing at her Shirley resumed
»Having destroyed your plan« she said »which I hope I have done I shall
construct a new one of my own Every summer I make an excursion This season I
propose spending two months either at the Scotch lochs or the English lakes
that is I shall go there provided you consent to accompany me if you refuse
I shall not stir a foot«
»You are very good Shirley«
»I would be very good if you would let me I have every disposition to be
good It is my misfortune and habit I know to think of myself paramount to
anybody else but who is not like me in that respect However when Captain
Keeldar is made comfortable accommodated with all he wants including a
sensible genial comrade it gives him a thorough pleasure to devote his spare
efforts to making that comrade happy And should we not be happy Caroline in
the Highlands We will go to the Highlands We will if you can bear a
seavoyage go to the Isles the Hebrides the Shetland the Orkney Islands
Would you not like that I see you would Mrs Pryor I call you to witness her
face is all sunshine at the bare mention of it«
»I should like it much« returned Caroline to whom indeed the notion of
such a tour was not only pleasant but gloriously reviving Shirley rubbed her
hands
»Come I can bestow a benefit« she exclaimed »I can do a good deed with my
cash My thousand ayear is not merely a matter of dirty banknotes and
jaundiced guineas let me speak respectfully of both though for I adore them
but it may be health to the drooping strength to the weak consolation to the
sad I was determined to make something of it better than a fine old house to
live in than satin gowns to wear better than deference from acquaintance and
homage from the poor Here is to begin This summer Caroline Mrs Pryor and
I go out into the North Atlantic beyond the Shetland perhaps to the Faroe
Isles We will see seals in Suderoe and doubtless mermaids in Stromoe
Caroline is laughing Mrs Pryor I made her laugh I have done her good«
»I shall like to go Shirley« again said Miss Helstone »I long to hear the
sound of waves oceanwaves and to see them as I have imagined them in dreams
like tossing banks of green light strewed with vanishing and reappearing
wreaths of foam whiter than lilies I shall delight to pass the shores of those
lone rockislets where the seabirds live and breed unmolested We shall be on
the track of the old Scandinavians of the Norsemen we shall almost see the
shores of Norway This is a very vague delight that I feel communicated by your
proposal but it is a delight«
»Will you think of FitfulHead now when you lie awake at night of gulls
shrieking round it and waves tumbling in upon it rather than of the graves
under the Rectory backkitchen«
»I will try and instead of musing about remnants of shrouds and fragments
of coffins and human bones and mould I will fancy seals lying in the sunshine
on solitary shores where neither fisherman nor hunter ever come of
rockcrevices full of pearly eggs bedded in seaweed of unscared birds covering
white sands in happy flocks«
»And what will become of that inexpressible weight you said you had on your
mind«
»I will try to forget it in speculation on the sway of the whole Great Deep
above a herd of whales rushing through the livid and liquid thunder down from
the frozen zone a hundred of them perhaps wallowing flashing rolling in the
wake of a patriarch bull huge enough to have been spawned before the flood
such a creature as poor Smart had in his mind when he said
Strong against tides the enormous whale
Emerges as he goes«
»I hope our bark will meet with no such shoal or herd as you term it
Caroline I suppose you fancy the seamammoths pasturing about the bases of the
everlasting hills devouring strange provender in the vast valleys through and
above which seabillows roll I should not like to be capsized by the patriarch
bull«
»I suppose you expect to see mermaids Shirley«
»One of them at any rate I do not bargain for less and she is to appear in
some such fashion as this I am to be walking by myself on deck rather late of
an August evening watching and being watched by a full harvestmoon something
is to rise white on the surface of the sea over which that moon mounts silent
and hangs glorious the object glitters and sinks It rises again I think I
hear it cry with an articulate voice I call you up from the cabin I show you
an image fair as alabaster emerging from the dim wave We both see the long
hair the lifted and foamwhite arm the oval mirror brilliant as a star It
glides nearer a human face is plainly visible a face in the style of yours
whose straight pure excuse the word it is appropriate whose straight
pure lineaments paleness does not disfigure It looks at us but not with your
eyes I see a preternatural lure in its wily glance it beckons Were we men we
should spring at the sign the cold billow would be dared for the sake of the
colder enchantress being women we stand safe though not dreadless She
comprehends our unmoved gaze she feels herself powerless anger crosses her
front she cannot charm but she will appal us she rises high and glides all
revealed on the dark waveridge Temptressterror monstrous likeness of
ourselves Are you not glad Caroline when at last and with a wild shriek she
dives«
»But Shirley she is not like us we are neither temptresses nor terrors
nor monsters«
»Some of our kind it is said are all three There are men who ascribe to
woman in general such attributes«
»My dears« here interrupted Mrs Pryor »does it not strike you that your
conversation for the last ten minutes has been rather fanciful«
»But there is no harm in our fancies is there maam«
»We are aware that mermaids do not exist why speak of them as if they did
How can you find interest in speaking of a nonentity«
»I dont know« said Shirley
»My dear I think there is an arrival I heard a step in the lane while you
were talking and is not that the gardengate which creaks«
Shirley stepped to the window
»Yes there is some one« said she turning quietly away and as she
resumed her seat a sensitive flush animated her face while a trembling ray at
once kindled and softened her eye She raised her hand to her chin cast her
gaze down and seemed to think as she waited
The servant announced Mr Moore and Shirley turned round when Mr Moore
appeared at the door His figure seemed very tall as he entered and stood in
contrast with the three ladies none of whom could boast a stature much beyond
the average He was looking well better than he had been known to look for the
past twelve months a sort of renewed youth glowed in his eye and colour and an
invigorated hope and settled purpose sustained his bearing firmness his
countenance still indicated but not austerity it looked as cheerful as it was
earnest
»I am just returned from Stilbro« he said to Miss Keeldar as he greeted
her »and I thought I would call to impart to you the result of my mission«
»You did right not to keep me in suspense« she said »and your visit is
welltimed Sit down we have not finished tea Are you English enough to relish
tea or do you faithfully adhere to coffee«
Moore accepted tea
»I am learning to be a naturalized Englishman« said he »my foreign habits
are leaving me one by one«
And now he paid his respects to Mrs Pryor and paid them well with a grave
modesty that became his age compared with hers Then he looked at Caroline
not however for the first time his glance had fallen upon her before he
bent towards her as she sat gave her his hand and asked her how she was The
light from the window did not fall upon Miss Helstone her back was turned
towards it a quiet though rather low reply a still demeanour and the friendly
protection of early twilight kept out of view each traitorous symptom None
could affirm that she had trembled or blushed that her heart had quaked or her
nerves thrilled none could prove emotion a greeting showing less effusion was
never interchanged Moore took the empty chair near her opposite Miss Keeldar
He had placed himself well his neighbour screened by the very closeness of his
vicinage from his scrutiny and sheltered further by the dusk which deepened
each moment soon regained not merely seeming but real mastery of the feelings
which had started into insurrection at the first announcement of his name
He addressed his conversation to Miss Keeldar
»I went to the barracks« he said »and had an interview with Colonel Ryde
he approved my plans and promised the aid I wanted indeed he offered a more
numerous force than I require half a dozen will suffice I dont intend to be
swamped by redcoats they are needed for appearance rather than anything else
my main reliance is on my own civilians«
»And on their captain« interposed Shirley
»What Captain Keeldar« inquired Moore slightly smiling and not lifting
his eyes the tone of raillery in which he said this was very respectful and
suppressed
»No« returned Shirley answering the smile »Captain Gérard Moore who
trusts much to the prowess of his own right arm I believe«
»Furnished with his countinghouse ruler« added Moore Resuming his usual
gravity he went on »I received by this evenings post a note from the
HomeSecretary in answer to mine it appears they are uneasy at the state of
matters here in the north they especially condemn the supineness and
pusillanimity of the millowners they say as I have always said that
inaction under present circumstances is criminal and that cowardice is
cruelty since both can only encourage disorder and lead finally to sanguinary
outbreaks There is the note I brought it for your perusal and there is a
batch of newspapers containing further accounts of proceedings in Nottingham
Manchester and elsewhere«
He produced letters and journals and laid them before Miss Keeldar While
she perused them he took his tea quietly but though his tongue was still his
observant faculties seemed by no means off duty Mrs Pryor sitting in the
background did not come within the range of his glance but the two younger
ladies had the full benefit thereof
Miss Keeldar placed directly opposite was seen without effort she was the
object his eyes when lifted naturally met first and as what remained of
daylight the gilding of the west was upon her her shape rose in relief from
the dark panelling behind Shirleys clear cheek was tinted yet with the colour
which had risen into it a few minutes since the dark lashes of her eyes looking
down as she read the dusk yet delicate line of her eyebrows the almost sable
gloss of her curls made her heightened complexion look fine as the bloom of a
red wildflower by contrast There was natural grace in her attitude and there
was artistic effect in the ample and shining folds of her silk dress an attire
simply fashioned but almost splendid from the shifting brightness of its dye
warp and woof being of tints deep and changing as the hue on a pheasants neck
A glancing bracelet on her arm produced the contrast of gold and ivory there
was something brilliant in the whole picture It is to be supposed that Moore
thought so as his eye dwelt long on it but he seldom permitted his feelings or
his opinions to exhibit themselves in his face his temperament boasted a
certain amount of phlegm and he preferred an undemonstrative not ungentle but
serious aspect to any other
He could not by looking straight before him see Caroline as she was close
at his side it was necessary therefore to manoeuvre a little to get her well
within the range of his observation he leaned back in his chair and looked
down on her In Miss Helstone neither he nor any one else could discover
brilliancy Sitting in the shade without flowers or ornaments her attire the
modest muslin dress colourless but for its narrow stripe of pale azure her
complexion unflushed unexcited the very brownness of her hair and eyes
invisible by this faint light she was compared with the heiress as a graceful
pencil compared with a vivid painting Since Robert had seen her last a great
change had been wrought in her whether he perceived it might not be
ascertained he said nothing to that effect
»How is Hortense« asked Caroline softly
»Very well but she complains of being unemployed she misses you«
»Tell her that I miss her and that I write and read a portion of French
every day«
»She will ask if you sent your love she is always particular on that point
You know she likes attention«
»My best love my very best and say to her that whenever she has time to
write me a little note I shall be glad to hear from her«
»What if I forget I am not the surest messenger of compliments«
»No dont forget Robert it is no compliment it is in good earnest«
»And must therefore be delivered punctually«
»If you please«
»Hortense will be ready to shed tears She is tenderhearted on the subject
of her pupil yet she reproaches you sometimes for obeying your uncles
injunctions too literally Affection like love will be unjust now and then«
And Caroline made no answer to this observation for indeed her heart was
troubled and to her eyes she would have raised her handkerchief if she had
dared If she had dared too she would have declared how the very flowers in
the garden of Hollows cottage were dear to her how the little parlour of that
house was her earthly paradise how she longed to return to it as much almost
as the First Woman in her exile must have longed to revisit Eden Not daring
however to say these things she held her peace she sat quiet at Roberts
side waiting for him to say something more It was long since this proximity
had been hers long since his voice had addressed her could she with any show
of probability even of possibility have imagined that the meeting gave him
pleasure to her it would have given deep bliss Yet even in doubt that it
pleased in dread that it might annoy him she received the boon of the
meeting as an imprisoned bird would the admission of sunshine to its cage it
was of no use arguing contending against the sense of present happiness to be
near Robert was to be revived
Miss Keeldar laid down the papers
»And are you glad or sad for all these menacing tidings« she inquired other
tenant
»Not precisely either but I certainly am instructed I see that our only
plan is to be firm I see that efficient preparation and a resolute attitude are
the best means of averting bloodshed«
He then inquired if she had observed some particular paragraph to which she
replied in the negative and he rose to show it to her he continued the
conversation standing before her From the tenor of what he said it appeared
evident that they both apprehended disturbances in the neighbourhood of
Briarfield though in what form they expected them to break out was not
specified Neither Caroline nor Mrs Pryor asked questions the subject did not
appear to be regarded as one ripe for free discussion therefore the lady and
her tenant were suffered to keep details to themselves unimportuned by the
curiosity of their listeners
Miss Keeldar in speaking to Mr Moore took a tone at once animated and
dignified confidential and selfrespecting When however the candles were
brought in and the fire was stirred up and the fulness of light thus produced
rendered the expression of her countenance legible you could see that she was
all interest life and earnestness there was nothing coquettish in her
demeanour whatever she felt for Moore she felt it seriously And serious too
were his feelings and settled were his views apparently for he made no petty
effort to attract dazzle or impress He contrived notwithstanding to command
a little because the deeper voice however mildly modulated the somewhat
harder mind now and then though involuntarily and unintentionally bore down
by some peremptory phrase or tone the mellow accents and susceptible if high
nature of Shirley Miss Keeldar looked happy in conversing with him and her joy
seemed twofold a joy of the past and present of memory and of hope
What I have just said are Carolines ideas of the pair she felt what has
just been described In thus feeling she tried not to suffer but suffered
sharply nevertheless She suffered indeed miserably a few minutes before
her famished heart had tasted a drop and crumb of nourishment that if freely
given would have brought back abundance of life where life was failing but the
generous feast was snatched from her spread before another and she remained
but a bystander at the banquet
The clock struck nine it was Carolines time for going home she gathered
up her work put the embroidery the scissors the thimble into her bag she
bade Mrs Pryor a quiet goodnight receiving from that lady a warmer pressure
of the hand than usual she stepped up to Miss Keeldar
»Goodnight Shirley«
Shirley started up »What so soon Are you going already«
»It is past nine«
»I never heard the clock You will come again tomorrow and you will be
happy tonight will you not Remember our plans«
»Yes« said Caroline »I have not forgotten«
Her mind misgave her that neither those plans nor any other could
permanently restore her mental tranquillity She turned to Robert who stood
close behind her as he looked up the light of the candles on the mantelpiece
fell full on her face all its paleness all its change all its forlorn meaning
were clearly revealed Robert had good eyes and might have seen it if he
would whether he did see it nothing indicated
»Goodnight« she said shaking like a leaf offering her thin hand hastily
anxious to part from him quickly
»You are going home« he asked not touching her hand
»Yes«
»Is Fanny come for you«
»Yes«
»I may as well accompany you a step of the way not up to the Rectory
though lest my old friend Helstone should shoot me from the window«
He laughed and took his hat Caroline spoke of unnecessary trouble he told
her to put on her bonnet and shawl She was quickly ready and they were soon
both in the open air Moore drew her hand under his arm just in his old manner
that manner which she ever felt to be so kind
»You may run on Fanny« he said to the housemaid »we shall overtake you«
and when the girl had got a little in advance he enclosed Carolines hand in
his and said he was glad to find she was a familiar guest at Fieldhead he
hoped her intimacy with Miss Keeldar would continue such society would be both
pleasant and improving
Caroline replied that she liked Shirley
»And there is no doubt the liking is mutual« said Moore »if she professes
friendship be certain she is sincere she cannot feign she scorns hypocrisy
And Caroline are we never to see you at Hollows cottage again«
»I suppose not unless my uncle should change his mind«
»Are you much alone now«
»Yes a good deal I have little pleasure in any society but Miss
Keeldars«
»Have you been quite well lately«
»Quite«
»You must take care of yourself Be sure not to neglect exercise Do you
know I fancied you somewhat altered a little fallen away and pale Is your
uncle kind to you«
»Yes he is just as he always is«
»Not too tender that is to say not too protective and attentive And what
ails you then tell me Lina«
»Nothing Robert« but her voice faltered
»That is to say nothing that you will tell me I am not to be taken into
confidence Separation is then quite to estrange us is it«
»I do not know sometimes I almost fear it is«
»But it ought not to have that effect Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days o lang syne«
»Robert I dont forget«
»It is two months I should think Caroline since you were at the cottage«
»Since I was within it yes«
»Have you ever passed that way in your walk«
»I have come to the top of the fields sometimes of an evening and looked
down Once I saw Hortense in the garden watering her flowers and I know at what
time you light your lamp in the countinghouse I have waited for it to shine
out now and then and I have seen you bend between it and the window I knew it
was you I could almost trace the outline of your form«
»I wonder I never encountered you I occasionally walk to the top of the
Hollows fields after sunset«
»I know you do I had almost spoken to you one night you passed so near
me«
»Did I I passed near you and did not see you Was I alone«
»I saw you twice and neither time were you alone«
»Who was my companion Probably nothing but Joe Scott or my own shadow by
moonlight«
»No neither Joe Scott nor your shadow Robert The first time you were with
Mr Yorke and the second time what you call your shadow was a shape with a
white forehead and dark curls and a sparkling necklace round its neck but I
only just got a glimpse of you and that fairy shadow I did not wait to hear you
converse«
»It appears you walk invisible I noticed a ring on your hand this evening
can it be the ring of Gyges Henceforth when sitting in the countinghouse by
myself perhaps at dead of night I shall permit myself to imagine that Caroline
may be leaning over my shoulder reading with me from the same book or sitting
at my side engaged in her own particular task and now and then raising her
unseen eyes to my face to read there my thoughts«
»You need fear no such infliction I do not come near you I only stand afar
off watching what may become of you«
»When I walk out along the hedgerows in the evening after the mill is shut
or at night when I take the watchmans place I shall fancy the flutter of
every little bird over its nest the rustle of every leaf a movement made by
you treeshadows will take your shape in the white sprays of hawthorn I shall
imagine glimpses of you Lina you will haunt me«
»I will never be where you would not wish me to be nor see nor hear what
you would wish unseen and unheard«
»I shall see you in my very mill in broad daylight indeed I have seen you
there once But a week ago I was standing at the top of one of my long rooms
girls were working at the other end and amongst half a dozen of them moving to
and fro I seemed to see a figure resembling yours It was some effect of
doubtful light or shade or of dazzling sunbeam I walked up to this group what
I sought had glided away I found myself between two buxom lasses in pinafores«
»I shall not follow you into your mill Robert unless you call me there«
»Nor is that the only occasion on which imagination has played me a trick
One night when I came home late from market I walked into the cottage parlour
thinking to find Hortense but instead of her I thought I found you There was
no candle in the room my sister had taken the light upstairs with her the
windowblind was not drawn and broad moonbeams poured through the panes there
you were Lina at the casement shrinking a little to one side in an attitude
not unusual with you You were dressed in white as I have seen you dressed at
an evening party For half a second your fresh living face seemed turned
towards me looking at me for half a second my idea was to go and take your
hand to chide you for your long absence and welcome your present visit Two
steps forward broke the spell the drapery of the dress changed outline the
tints of the complexion dissolved and were formless positively as I reached
the spot there was nothing left but the sweep of a white muslin curtain and a
balsam plant in a flowerpot covered with a flush of bloom sic transit et
cetera«
»It was not my wraith then I almost thought it was«
»No only gauze crockery and pink blossom a sample of earthly illusions«
»I wonder you have time for such illusions occupied as your mind must be«
»So do I But I find in myself Lina two natures one for the world and
business and one for home and leisure Gérard Moore is a hard dog brought up
to mill and market the person you call your cousin Robert is sometimes a
dreamer who lives elsewhere than in Clothhall and countinghouse«
»Your two natures agree with you I think you are looking in good spirits
and health you have quite lost that harassed air which it often pained one to
see in your face a few months ago«
»Do you observe that Certainly I am disentangled of some difficulties I
have got clear of some shoals and have more searoom«
»And with a fair wind you may now hope to make a prosperous voyage«
»I may hope it yes but hope is deceptive there is no controlling wind
or wave gusts and swells perpetually trouble the mariners course he dare not
dismiss from his mind the expectation of tempest«
»But you are ready for a breeze you are a good seaman an able commander
you are a skilful pilot Robert you will weather the storm«
»My kinswoman always thinks the best of me but I will take her words for a
propitious omen I will consider that in meeting her tonight I have met with
one of those birds whose appearance is to the sailor the harbinger of
goodluck«
»A poor harbinger of goodluck is she who can do nothing who has no power
I feel my incapacity it is of no use saying I have the will to serve you when
I cannot prove it yet I have that will I wish you success I wish you high
fortune and true happiness«
»When did you ever wish me anything else What is Fanny waiting for I told
her to walk on Oh we have reached the churchyard then we are to part here I
suppose we might have sat a few minutes in the churchporch if the girl had
not been with us It is so fine a night so summermild and still I have no
particular wish to return yet to the Hollow«
»But we cannot sit in the porch now Robert«
Caroline said this because Moore was turning her round towards it
»Perhaps not but tell Fanny to go in say we are coming a few minutes will
make no difference«
The churchclock struck ten
»My uncle will be coming out to take his usual sentinel round and he always
surveys the church and churchyard«
»And if he does If it were not for Fanny who knows we are here I should
find pleasure in dodging and eluding him We could be under the east window when
he is at the porch as he came round to the north side we could wheel off to
the south we might at a pinch hide behind some of the monuments that tall
erection of the Wynnes would screen us completely«
»Robert what good spirits you have Go go« added Caroline hastily »I
hear the front door «
»I dont want to go on the contrary I want to stay«
»You know my uncle will be terribly angry he forbade me to see you because
you are a Jacobin«
»A queer Jacobin«
»Go Robert he is coming I hear him cough«
»Diable It is strange what a pertinacious wish I feel to stay«
»You remember what he did to Fannys « began Caroline and stopped
abruptly short Sweetheart was the word that ought to have followed but she
could not utter it it seemed calculated to suggest ideas she had no intention
to suggest ideas delusive and disturbing Moore was less scrupulous »Fannys
sweetheart« he said at once »He gave him a showerbath under the pump did he
not Hed do as much for me I daresay with pleasure I should like to provoke
the old Turk not however against you but he would make a distinction between
a cousin and a lover would he not«
»Oh he would not think of you in that way of course not his quarrel with
you is entirely political yet I should not like the breach to be widened and
he is so testy Here he is at the gardengate for your own sake and mine
Robert go«
The beseeching words were aided by a beseeching gesture and a more
beseeching look Moore covered her clasped hands an instant with his answered
her upward by a downward gaze said »Goodnight« and went
Caroline was in a moment at the kitchendoor behind Fanny the shadow of the
shovelhat at that very instant fell on a moonlit tomb the Rector emerged
erect as a cane from his garden and proceeded in slow march his hands behind
him down the cemetery Moore was almost caught he had to dodge after all to
coast round the church and finally to bend his tall form behind the Wynnes
ambitious monument There he was forced to hide full ten minutes kneeling with
one knee on the turf his hat off his curls bare to the dew his dark eye
shining and his lips parted with inward laughter at his position for the
Rector meantime stood coolly stargazing and taking snuff within three feet of
him
It happened however that Mr Helstone had no suspicion whatever on his
mind for being usually but vaguely informed of his nieces movements not
thinking it worth while to follow them closely he was not aware that she had
been out at all that day and imagined her then occupied with book or work in
her chamber where indeed she was by this time though not absorbed in the
tranquil employment he ascribed to her but standing at her window with
fastthrobbing heart peeping anxiously from behind the blind watching for her
uncle to reenter and her cousin to escape and at last she was gratified she
heard Mr Helstone come in she saw Robert stride the tombs and vault the wall
she then went down to prayers When she returned to her chamber it was to meet
the memory of Robert Slumbers visitation was long averted long she sat at her
lattice long gazed down on the old garden and older church on the tombs laid
out all grey and calm and clear in moonlight She followed the steps of the
night on its pathway of stars far into the »wee sma hours ayont the twal«
she was with Moore in spirit the whole time she was at his side she heard
his voice she gave her hand into his hand it rested warm in his fingers When
the churchclock struck when any other sound stirred when a little mouse
familiar to her chamber an intruder for which she would never permit Fanny to
lay a trap came rattling amongst the links of her locketchain her one ring
and another trinket or two on the toilettetable to nibble a bit of biscuit
laid ready for it she looked up recalled momentarily to the real Then she
said half aloud as if deprecating the accusation of some unseen and unheard
monitor
»I am not cherishing lovedreams I am only thinking because I cannot sleep
of course I know he will marry Shirley«
With returning silence with the lull of the chime and the retreat of her
small untamed and unknown protégé she still resumed the dream nestling to the
visions side listening to conversing with it It paled at last as dawn
approached the setting stars and breaking day dimmed the creation of Fancy the
wakened song of birds hushed her whispers The tale full of fire quick with
interest borne away by the morning wind became a vague murmur The shape that
seen in a moonbeam lived had a pulse had movement wore healths glow and
youths freshness turned cold and ghostly grey confronted with the red of
sunrise It wasted She was left solitary at last she crept to her couch chill
and dejected
Chapter XIV
Shirley Seeks to be Saved by Works
»Of course I know he will marry Shirley« were her first words when she rose in
the morning »And he ought to marry her she can help him« she added firmly
»But I shall be forgotten when they are married« was the cruel succeeding
thought »Oh I shall be wholly forgotten And what what shall I do when
Robert is taken quite from me Where shall I turn My Robert I wish I could
justly call him mine but I am poverty and incapacity Shirley is wealth and
power and she is beauty too and love I cannot deny it This is no sordid
suit she loves him not with inferior feelings she loves or will love as he
must feel proud to be loved Not a valid objection can be made Let them be
married then but afterwards I shall be nothing to him As for being his sister
and all that stuff I despise it I will either be all or nothing to a man like
Robert no feeble shuffling or false cant is endurable Once let that pair be
united and I will certainly leave them As for lingering about playing the
hypocrite and pretending to calm sentiments of friendship when my soul will be
wrung with other feelings I shall not descend to such degradation As little
could I fill the place of their mutual friend as that of their deadly foe as
little could I stand between them as trample over them Robert is a firstrate
man in my eyes I have loved do love and must love him I would be his wife
if I could as I cannot I must go where I shall never see him There is but one
alternative to cleave to him as if I were a part of him or to be sundered
from him wide as the two poles of a sphere Sunder me then Providence Part us
speedily«
Some such aspirations as these were again working in her mind late in the
afternoon when the apparition of one of the personages haunting her thoughts
passed the parlour window Miss Keeldar sauntered slowly by her gait her
countenance wearing that mixture of wistfulness and carelessness which when
quiescent was the wonted cast of her look and character of her bearing When
animated the carelessness quite vanished the wistfulness became blent with a
genial gaiety seasoning the laugh the smile the glance with an unique
flavour of sentiment so that mirth from her never resembled the crackling of
thorns under a pot
»What do you mean by not coming to see me this afternoon as you promised«
was her address to Caroline as she entered the room
»I was not in the humour« replied Miss Helstone very truly
Shirley had already fixed on her a penetrating eye
»No« she said »I see you are not in the humour for loving me you are in
one of your sunless inclement moods when one feels a fellowcreatures
presence is not welcome to you You have such moods are you aware of it«
»Do you mean to stay long Shirley«
»Yes I am come to have my tea and must have it before I go I shall take
the liberty then of removing my bonnet without being asked«
And this she did and then stood on the rug with her hands behind her
»A pretty expression you have in your countenance« she went on still
gazing keenly though not inimically rather indeed pityingly at Caroline
»Wonderfully selfsupported you look you solitudeseeking wounded deer Are
you afraid Shirley will worry you if she discovers that you are hurt and that
you bleed«
»I never do fear Shirley«
»But sometimes you dislike her often you avoid her Shirley can feel when
she is slighted and shunned If you had not walked home in the company you did
last night you would have been a different girl today What time did you reach
the Rectory«
»By ten«
»Humph You took threequarters of an hour to walk a mile Was it you or
Moore who lingered so«
»Shirley you talk nonsense«
»He talked nonsense that I doubt not or he looked it which is a thousand
times worse I see the reflection of his eyes on your forehead at this moment I
feel disposed to call him out if I could only get a trustworthy second I feel
desperately irritated I felt so last night and have felt it all day
You dont ask me why« she proceeded after a pause »you little silent
overmodest thing and you dont deserve that I should pour out my secrets into
your lap without an invitation Upon my word I could have found it in my heart
to have dogged Moore yesterday evening with dire intent I have pistols and can
use them«
»Stuff Shirley Which would you have shot me or Robert«
»Neither perhaps perhaps myself more likely a bat or a treebough He
is a puppy your cousin a quiet serious sensible judicious ambitious
puppy I see him standing before me talking his halfstern halfgentle talk
bearing me down as I am very conscious he does with his fixity of purpose
etc and then I have no patience with him«
Miss Keeldar started off on a rapid walk through the room repeating
energetically that she had no patience with men in general and with her tenant
in particular
»You are mistaken« urged Caroline in some anxiety »Robert is no puppy or
male flirt I can vouch for that«
»You vouch for it Do you think Ill take your word on the subject There is
no ones testimony I would not credit sooner than yours To advance Moores
fortune you would cut off your right hand«
»But not tell lies and if I speak the truth I must assure you that he was
just civil to me last night that was all«
»I never asked what he was I can guess I saw him from the window take
your hand in his long fingers just as he went out at my gate«
»That is nothing I am not a stranger you know I am an old acquaintance
and his cousin«
»I feel indignant and that is the long and short of the matter« responded
Miss Keeldar »All my comfort« she added presently »is broken up by his
manoeuvres He keeps intruding between you and me without him we should be good
friends but that six feet of puppyhood makes a perpetually recurring eclipse of
our friendship Again and again he crosses and obscures the disk I want always
to see clear ever and anon he renders me to you a mere bore and nuisance«
»No Shirley no«
»He does You did not want my society this afternoon and I feel it hard
you are naturally somewhat reserved but I am a social personage who cannot
live alone If we were but left unmolested I have that regard for you that I
could bear you in my presence for ever and not for the fraction of a second do
I ever wish to be rid of you You cannot say as much respecting me«
»Shirley I can say anything you wish Shirley I like you«
»You will wish me at Jericho tomorrow Lina«
»I shall not I am every day growing more accustomed to fonder of you You
know I am too English to get up a vehement friendship all at once but you are
so much better than common you are so different to everyday young ladies I
esteem you I value you you are never a burden to me never Do you believe
what I say«
»Partly« replied Miss Keeldar smiling rather incredulously »but you are a
peculiar personage quiet as you look there is both a force and a depth
somewhere within not easily reached or appreciated then you certainly are not
happy«
»And unhappy people are rarely good is that what you mean«
»Not at all I mean rather that unhappy people are often preoccupied and
not in the mood for discoursing with companions of my nature Moreover there is
a sort of unhappiness which not only depresses but corrodes and that I fear
is your portion Will pity do you any good Lina If it will take some from
Shirley she offers largely and warrants the article genuine«
»Shirley I never had a sister you never had a sister but it flashes on
me at this moment how sisters feel towards each other Affection twined with
their life which no shocks of feeling can uproot which little quarrels only
trample an instant that it may spring more freshly when the pressure is removed
affection that no passion can ultimately outrival with which even love itself
cannot do more than compete in force and truth Love hurts us so Shirley it is
so tormenting so racking and it burns away our strength with its flame in
affection is no pain and no fire only sustenance and balm I am supported and
soothed when you that is you only are near Shirley Do you believe me
now«
»I am always easy of belief when the creed pleases me We really are friends
then Lina in spite of the black eclipse«
»We really are« returned the other drawing Shirley towards her and making
her sit down »chance what may«
»Come then we will talk of something else than the Troubler« But at this
moment the Rector came in and the »something else« of which Miss Keeldar was
about to talk was not again alluded to till the moment of her departure she
then delayed a few minutes in the passage to say
»Caroline I wish to tell you that I have a great weight on my mind my
conscience is quite uneasy as if I had committed or was going to commit a
crime It is not my private conscience you must understand but my
landedproprietor and lordofthemanor conscience I have got into the clutch
of an eagle with iron talons I have fallen under a stern influence which I
scarcely approve but cannot resist Something will be done erelong I fear
which it by no means pleases me to think of To ease my mind and to prevent
harm as far as I can I mean to enter on a series of good works Dont be
surprised therefore if you see me all at once turn outrageously charitable I
have no idea how to begin but you must give me some advice we will talk more
on the subject tomorrow and just ask that excellent person Miss Ainley to
step up to Fieldhead I have some notion of putting myself under her tuition
wont she have a precious pupil Drop a hint to her Lina that though a
wellmeaning I am rather a neglected character and then she will feel less
scandalized at my ignorance about clothing societies and such things«
On the morrow Caroline found Shirley sitting gravely at her desk with an
accountbook a bundle of banknotes and a wellfilled purse before her She
was looking mighty serious but a little puzzled She said she had been »casting
an eye« over the weekly expenditure in housekeeping at the Hall trying to find
out where she could retrench that she had also just given audience to Mrs
Gill the cook and had sent that person away with a notion that her Shirleys
brain was certainly crazed »I have lectured her on the duty of being careful«
said she »in a way quite new to her So eloquent was I on the text of economy
that I surprised myself for you see it is altogether a fresh idea I never
thought much less spoke on the subject till lately But it is all theory for
when I came to the practical part I could retrench nothing I had not firmness
to take off a single pound of butter or to prosecute to any clear result an
inquest into the destiny of either dripping lard bread cold meat or other
kitchen perquisite whatever I know we never get up illuminations at Fieldhead
but I could not ask the meaning of sundry quite unaccountable pounds of candles
we do not wash for the parish yet I viewed in silence items of soap and
bleaching powder calculated to satisfy the solicitude of the most anxious
inquirer after our position in reference to those articles carnivorous I am
not nor is Mrs Pryor nor is Mrs Gill herself yet I only hemmed and opened
my eyes a little wide when I saw butchers bills whose figure seemed to prove
that fact falsehood I mean Caroline you may laugh at me but you cant
change me I am a poltroon on certain points I feel it There is a base alloy
of moral cowardice in my composition I blushed and hung my head before Mrs
Gill when she ought to have been faltering confessions to me I found it
impossible to get up the spirit even to hint much less to prove to her that
she was a cheat I have no calm dignity no true courage about me«
»Shirley what fit of selfinjustice is this My uncle who is not given to
speak well of women says there are not ten thousand men in England as genuinely
fearless as you«
»I am fearless physically I am never nervous about danger I was not
startled from selfpossession when Mr Wynnes great red bull rose with a bellow
before my face as I was crossing the cowsliplea alone stooped his begrimed
sullen head and made a run at me but I was afraid of seeing Mrs Gill brought
to shame and confusion of face You have twice ten times my strength of mind
on certain subjects Caroline you whom no persuasions can induce to pass a
bull however quiet he looks would have firmly shown my housekeeper she had
done wrong then you would have gently and wisely admonished her and at last I
daresay provided she had seemed penitent you would have very sweetly forgiven
her Of this conduct I am incapable However in spite of exaggerated
imposition I still find we live within our means I have money in hand and I
really must do some good with it The Briarfield poor are badly off they must
be helped What ought I to do think you Lina Had I not better distribute the
cash at once«
»No indeed Shirley you will not manage properly I have often noticed
that your only notion of charity is to give shillings and halfcrowns in a
careless freehanded sort of way which is liable to continual abuse You must
have a prime minister or you will get yourself into a series of scrapes You
suggested Miss Ainley yourself to Miss Ainley I will apply and meantime
promise to keep quiet and not begin throwing away your money What a great deal
you have Shirley you must feel very rich with all that«
»Yes I feel of consequence It is not an immense sum but I feel
responsible for its disposal and really this responsibility weighs on my mind
more heavily than I could have expected They say that there are some families
almost starving to death in Briarfield some of my own cottagers are in wretched
circumstances I must and will help them«
»Some people say we should nt give alms to the poor Shirley«
»They are great fools for their pains For those who are not hungry it is
easy to palaver about the degradation of charity and so on but they forget the
brevity of life as well as its bitterness We have none of us long to live let
us help each other through seasons of want and woe as well as we can without
heeding in the least the scruples of vain philosophy«
»But you do help others Shirley you give a great deal as it is«
»Not enough I must give more or I tell you my brothers blood will some
day be crying to Heaven against me For after all if political incendiaries
come here to kindle conflagration in the neighbourhood and my property is
attacked I shall defend it like a tigress I know I shall Let me listen to
Mercy as long as she is near me her voice once drowned by the shout of ruffian
defiance and I shall be full of impulses to resist and quell If once the poor
gather and rise in the form of the mob I shall turn against them as aristocrat
if they bully me I must defy if they attack I must resist and I will«
»You talk like Robert«
»I feel like Robert only more fierily Let them meddle with Robert or
Roberts mill or Roberts interests and I shall hate them At present I am no
patrician nor do I regard the poor round me as plebeians but if once they
violently wrong me or mine and then presume to dictate to us I shall quite
forget pity for their wretchedness and respect for their poverty in scorn of
their ignorance and wrath at their insolence«
»Shirley how your eyes flash«
»Because my soul burns Would you any more than me let Robert be borne
down by numbers«
»If I had your power to aid Robert I would use it as you mean to use it If
I could be such a friend to him as you can be I would stand by him as you mean
to stand by him till death«
»And now Lina though your eyes dont flash they glow You drop your lids
but I saw a kindled spark However it is not yet come to fighting What I want
to do is to prevent mischief I cannot forget either day or night that these
imbittered feelings of the poor against the rich have been generated in
suffering they would neither hate nor envy us if they did not deem us so much
happier than themselves To allay this suffering and thereby lessen this hate
let me out of my abundance give abundantly and that the donation may go
farther let it be made wisely To that intent we must introduce some clear
calm practical sense into our councils so go and fetch Miss Ainley«
Without another word Caroline put on her bonnet and departed It may
perhaps appear strange that neither she nor Shirley thought of consulting Mrs
Pryor on their scheme but they were wise in abstaining To have consulted her
and this they knew by instinct would only have been to involve her in painful
embarrassment She was far better informed better read a deeper thinker than
Miss Ainley but of administrative energy of executive activity she had none
She would subscribe her own modest mite to a charitable object willingly
secret almsgiving suited her but in public plans on a large scale she could
take no part as to originating them that was out of the question This Shirley
knew and therefore she did not trouble Mrs Pryor by unavailing conferences
which could only remind her of her own deficiencies and do no good
It was a bright day for Miss Ainley when she was summoned to Fieldhead to
deliberate on projects so congenial to her when she was seated with all honour
and deference at a table with paper pen ink and what was best of all cash
before her and requested to draw up a regular plan for administering relief to
the destitute poor of Briarfield She who knew them all had studied their
wants had again and again felt in what way they might best be succoured could
the means of succour only be found was fully competent to the undertaking and
a meek exultation gladdened her kind heart as she felt herself able to answer
clearly and promptly the eager questions put by the two young girls as she
showed them in her answers how much and what serviceable knowledge she had
acquired of the condition of her fellowcreatures round her
Shirley placed at her disposal £ 300 and at sight of the money Miss
Ainleys eyes filled with joyful tears for she already saw the hungry fed the
naked clothed the sick comforted thereby She quickly drew up a simple
sensible plan for its expenditure and she assured them brighter times would now
come round for she doubted not the lady of Fieldheads example would be
followed by others she should try to get additional subscriptions and to form
a fund but first she must consult the clergy yes on that point she was
peremptory Mr Helstone Dr Boultby Mr Hall must be consulted for not
only must Briarfield be relieved but Whinbury and Nunnely it would she
averred be presumption in her to take a single step unauthorized by them
The clergy were sacred beings in Miss Ainleys eyes no matter what might be
the insignificance of the individual, his station made him holy The very
curates who in their trivial arrogance were hardly worthy to tie her
pattenstrings or carry her cotton umbrella or check woollenshawl she in
her pure sincere enthusiasm looked upon as sucking saints No matter how
clearly their little vices and enormous absurdities were pointed out to her she
could not see them she was blind to ecclesiastical defects the white surplice
covered a multitude of sins
Shirley knowing this harmless infatuation on the part of her recently
chosen prime minister stipulated expressly that the curates were to have no
voice in the disposal of the money that their meddling fingers were not to be
inserted into the pie The rectors of course must be paramount and they might
be trusted they had some experience some sagacity and Mr Hall at least had
sympathy and lovingkindness for his fellowmen but as for the youth under
them they must be set aside kept down and taught that subordination and
silence best became their years and capacity
It was with some horror Miss Ainley heard this language Caroline however
interposing with a mild word or two in praise of Mr Sweeting calmed her again
Sweeting was indeed her own favourite she endeavoured to respect Messrs
Malone and Donne but the slices of spungecake and glasses of cowslip or
primrose wine she had at different times administered to Sweeting when he came
to see her in her little cottage were ever offered with sentiments of truly
motherly regard The same innocuous collation she had once presented to Malone
but that personage evinced such open scorn of the offering she had never
ventured to renew it To Donne she always served the treat and was happy to see
his approbation of it proved beyond a doubt by the fact of his usually eating
two pieces of cake and putting a third in his pocket
Indefatigable in her exertions where good was to be done Miss Ainley would
immediately have set out on a walk of ten miles round to the three rectors in
order to show her plan and humbly solicit their approval but Miss Keeldar
interdicted this and proposed as an amendment to collect the clergy in a small
select reunion that evening at Fieldhead Miss Ainley was to meet them and the
plan was to be discussed in full privy council
Shirley managed to get the senior priesthood together accordingly and
before the old maids arrival she had further talked all the gentlemen into
the most charming mood imaginable She herself had taken in hand Dr Boultby and
Mr Helstone The first was a stubborn old Welshman hot opinionated and
obstinate but withal a man who did a great deal of good though not without
making some noise about it the latter we know She had rather a friendly
feeling for both especially for old Helstone and it cost her no trouble to be
quite delightful to them She took them round the garden she gathered them
flowers she was like a kind daughter to them Mr Hall she left to Caroline
or rather it was to Carolines care Mr Hall consigned himself
He generally sought Caroline in every party where she and he happened to be
He was not in general a ladys man though all ladies liked him something of a
bookworm he was nearsighted spectacled now and then abstracted To old
ladies he was kind as a son To men of every occupation and grade he was
acceptable the truth simplicity frankness of his manners the nobleness of
his integrity the reality and elevation of his piety won him friends in every
grade his poor clerk and sexton delighted in him the noble patron of his
living esteemed him highly It was only with young handsome fashionable and
stylish ladies he felt a little shy being himself a plain man plain in
aspect plain in manners plain in speech he seemed to fear their dash
elegance and airs But Miss Helstone had neither dash nor airs and her native
elegance was of a very quiet order quiet as the beauty of a groundloving
hedgeflower He was a fluent cheerful agreeable talker Caroline could talk
too in a têteàtête she liked Mr Hall to come and take the seat next her in
a party and thus secure her from Peter Augustus Malone Joseph Donne or John
Sykes and Mr Hall never failed to avail himself of this privilege when he
possibly could Such preference shown by a single gentleman to a single lady
would certainly in ordinary cases have set in motion the tongues of the
gossips but Cyril Hall was fortyfive years old slightly bald and slightly
grey and nobody ever said or thought he was likely to be married to Miss
Helstone Nor did he think so himself he was wedded already to his books and
his parish his kind sister Margaret spectacled and learned like himself made
him happy in his single state he considered it too late to change Besides he
had known Caroline as a pretty little girl she had sat on his knee many a time
he had bought her toys and given her books he felt that her friendship for him
was mixed with a sort of filial respect he could not have brought himself to
attempt to give another colour to her sentiments and his serene mind could
glass a fair image without feeling its depths troubled by the reflection
When Miss Ainley arrived she was made kindly welcome by every one Mrs
Pryor and Margaret Hall made room for her on the sofa between them and when the
three were seated they formed a trio which the gay and thoughtless would have
scorned indeed as quite worthless and unattractive a middleaged widow and
two plain spectacled old maids yet which had its own quiet value as many a
suffering and friendless human being knew
Shirley opened the business and showed the plan
»I know the hand which drew up that« said Mr Hall glancing at Miss
Ainley and smiling benignantly his approbation was won at once Boultby heard
and deliberated with bent brow and protruded under lip his consent he
considered too weighty to be given in a hurry Helstone glanced sharply round
with an alert suspicious expression as if he apprehended that female craft was
at work and that something in petticoats was somehow trying underhand to
acquire too much influence and make itself of too much importance Shirley
caught and comprehended the expression
»This scheme is nothing« said she carelessly »it is only an outline a
mere suggestion you gentlemen are requested to draw up rules of your own«
And she directly fetched her writingcase smiling queerly to herself as she
bent over the table where it stood she produced a sheet of paper a new pen
drew an armchair to the table and presenting her hand to old Helstone begged
permission to instal him in it For a minute he was a little stiff and stood
wrinkling his coppercoloured forehead strangely At last he muttered
»Well you are neither my wife nor my daughter so Ill be led for once
but mind I know I am led your little female manoeuvres dont blind me«
»Oh« said Shirley dipping the pen in the ink and putting it into his
hand »you must regard me as Captain Keeldar today This is quite a gentlemans
affair yours and mine entirely Doctor so she had dubbed the Rector The
ladies there are only to be our aidesdecamp and at their peril they speak
till we have settled the whole business«
He smiled a little grimly and began to write He soon interrupted himself
to ask questions and consult his brethren disdainfully lifting his glance over
the curly heads of the two girls and the demure caps of the elder ladies to
meet the winking glasses and grey pates of the priests In the discussion which
ensued all three gentlemen to their infinite credit showed a thorough
acquaintance with the poor of their parishes an even minute knowledge of
their separate wants Each rector knew where clothing was needed where food
would be most acceptable where money could be bestowed with a probability of it
being judiciously laid out Wherever their memories fell short Miss Ainley or
Miss Hall if applied to could help them out but both ladies took care not to
speak unless spoken to Neither of them wanted to be foremost but each
sincerely desired to be useful and useful the clergy consented to make them
with which boon they were content
Shirley stood behind the rectors leaning over their shoulders now and then
to glance at the rules drawn up and the list of cases making out listening to
all they said and still at intervals smiling her queer smile a smile not
illnatured but significant too significant to be generally thought amiable
Men rarely like such of their fellows as read their inward nature too clearly
and truly It is good for women especially to be endowed with a soft
blindness to have mild dim eyes that never penetrate below the surface of
things that take all for what it seems thousands knowing this keep their
eyelids drooped on system but the most downcast glance has its loophole
through which it can on occasion take its sentinelsurvey of life I remember
once seeing a pair of blue eyes that were usually thought sleepy secretly on
the alert and I knew by their expression an expression which chilled my
blood it was in that quarter so wondrously unexpected that for years they had
been accustomed to silent soulreading The world called the owner of these blue
eyes »bonne petite femme« she was not an Englishwoman I learned her nature
afterwards got it off by heart studied it in its farthest most hidden
recesses she was the finest deepest subtlest schemer in Europe
When all was at length settled to Miss Keeldars mind and the clergy had
entered so fully into the spirit of her plans as to head the subscriptionlist
with their signatures for £ 50 each she ordered supper to be served having
previously directed Mrs Gill to exercise her utmost skill in the preparation of
this repast Mr Hall was no bonvivant he was naturally an abstemious man
indifferent to luxury but Boultby and Helstone both liked good cookery the
recherché supper consequently put them into excellent humour they did justice
to it though in a gentlemanly way not in the mode Mr Donne would have done
had he been present A glass of fine wine was likewise tasted with discerning
though most decorous relish Captain Keeldar was complimented on his taste the
compliment charmed him it had been his aim to gratify and satisfy his priestly
guests he had succeeded and was radiant with glee
Chapter XV
Mr Donnes Exodus
The next day Shirley expressed to Caroline how delighted she felt that the
little party had gone off so well
»I rather like to entertain a circle of gentlemen« said she »it is amusing
to observe how they enjoy a judiciously concocted repast For ourselves you
see these choice wines and these scientific dishes are of no importance to us
but gentlemen seem to retain something of the naïveté of children about food
and one likes to please them that is when they show the becoming decent
selfgovernment of our admirable rectors I watch Moore sometimes to try and
discover how he can be pleased but he has not that childs simplicity about
him Did you ever find out his accessible point Caroline You have seen more of
him than I«
»It is not at any rate that of my uncle and Dr Boultby« returned
Caroline smiling She always felt a sort of shy pleasure in following Miss
Keeldars lead respecting the discussion of her cousins character left to
herself she would never have touched on the subject but when invited the
temptation of talking about him of whom she was ever thinking was irresistible
»But« she added »I really dont know what it is for I never watched Robert in
my life but my scrutiny was presently baffled by finding he was watching me«
»There it is« exclaimed Shirley »you cant fix your eyes on him but his
presently flash on you He is never off his guard he wont give you an
advantage even when he does not look at you his thoughts seem to be busy
amongst your own thoughts tracing your words and actions to their source
contemplating your motives at his ease Oh I know that sort of character or
something in the same style it is one that piques me singularly how does it
affect you«
This question was a specimen of one of Shirleys sharp sudden turns
Caroline used to be fluttered by them at first but she had now got into the way
of parrying these homethrusts like a little quakeress
»Pique you In what way does it pique you« she said
»Here he comes« suddenly exclaimed Shirley breaking off starting up and
running to the window »Here comes a diversion I never told you of a superb
conquest I have made lately made at those parties to which I can never
persuade you to accompany me and the thing has been done without effort or
intention on my part that I aver There is the bell and by all thats
delicious there are two of them Do they never hunt then except in couples
You may have one Lina and you may take your choice I hope I am generous
enough Listen to Tartar«
The blackmuzzled tawny dog a glimpse of which was seen in the chapter
which first introduced its mistress to the reader here gave tongue in the hall
amidst whose hollow space the deep bark resounded formidably A growl more
terrible than the bark menacing as muttered thunder succeeded
»Listen« again cried Shirley laughing »You would think that the prelude
to a bloody onslaught they will be frightened they dont know old Tartar as I
do they are not aware his uproars are all sound and fury signifying nothing«
Some bustle was heard »Down sir down« exclaimed a hightoned
imperious voice and then came a crack of a cane or whip Immediately there was
a yell a scutter a run a positive tumult
»Oh Malone Malone«
»Down down down« cried the high voice
»He really is worrying them« exclaimed Shirley »They have struck him a
blow is what he is not used to and will not take«
Out she ran a gentleman was fleeing up the oak staircase making for refuge
in the gallery or chambers in hot haste another was backing fast to the stair
wildly flourishing a knotty stick at the same time reiterating »Down down
down« while the tawny dog bayed bellowed howled at him and a group of
servants came bundling from the kitchen The dog made a spring the second
gentleman turned tail and rushed after his comrade the first was already safe
in a bedroom he held the door against his fellow nothing so merciless as
terror but the other fugitive struggled hard the door was about to yield to
his strength
»Gentlemen« was uttered in Miss Keeldars silvery but vibrating tones
»spare my locks if you please Calm yourselves come down Look at Tartar
he wont harm a cat«
She was caressing the said Tartar he lay crouched at her feet his
forepaws stretched out his tail still in threatening agitation his nostrils
snorting his bulldog eyes conscious of a dull fire He was an honest
phlegmatic stupid but stubborn canine character he loved his mistress and
John the man who fed him but was mostly indifferent to the rest of the
world quiet enough he was unless struck or threatened with a stick and that
put a demon into him at once
»Mr Malone how do you do« continued Shirley lifting up her mirthlit
face to the gallery »That is not the way to the oakparlour that is Mrs
Pryors apartment Request your friend Mr Donne to evacuate I shall have the
greatest pleasure in receiving him in a lower room«
»Ha ha« cried Malone in hollow laughter quitting the door and leaning
over the massive balustrade »Really that animal alarmed Donne He is a little
timid« he proceeded stiffening himself and walking trimly to the stairhead
»I thought it better to follow in order to reassure him«
»It appears you did well come down if you please John« turning to her
manservant »go upstairs and liberate Mr Donne Take care Mr Malone the
stairs are slippery«
In truth they were being of polished oak The caution came a little late
for Malone he had slipped already in his stately descent and was only saved
from falling by a clutch at the banisters which made the whole structure creak
again
Tartar seemed to think the visiters descent effected with unwarranted
éclat and accordingly he growled once more Malone however was no coward the
spring of the dog had taken him by surprise but he passed him now in suppressed
fury rather than fear if a look could have strangled Tartar he would have
breathed no more Forgetting politeness in his sullen rage Malone pushed into
the parlour before Miss Keeldar He glanced at Miss Helstone he could scarcely
bring himself to bend to her He glared on both the ladies he looked as if had
either of them been his wife he would have made a glorious husband at the
moment in each hand he seemed as if he would have liked to clutch one and gripe
her to death
However Shirley took pity she ceased to laugh and Caroline was too true a
lady to smile even at any one under mortification Tartar was dismissed Peter
Augustus was soothed for Shirley had looks and tones that might soothe a very
bull he had sense to feel that since he could not challenge the owner of the
dog he had better be civil and civil he tried to be and his attempts being
well received he grew presently very civil and quite himself again He had
come indeed for the express purpose of making himself charming and
fascinating rough portents had met him on his first admission to Fieldhead but
that passage got over charming and fascinating he resolved to be Like March
having come in like a lion he purposed to go out like a lamb
For the sake of air as it appeared or perhaps for that of ready exit in
case of some new emergency arising he took his seat not on the sofa where
Miss Keeldar offered him enthronization nor yet near the fireside to which
Caroline by a friendly sign gently invited him but on a chair close to the
door Being no longer sullen or furious he grew after his fashion constrained
and embarrassed He talked to the ladies by fits and starts choosing for topics
whatever was most intensely commonplace he sighed deeply significantly at the
close of every sentence he sighed in each pause he sighed ere he opened his
mouth At last finding it desirable to add ease to his other charms he drew
forth to aid him an ample silk pockethandkerchief This was to be the graceful
toy with which his unoccupied hands were to trifle He went to work with a
certain energy he folded the red and yellow square cornerwise he whipped it
open with a waft again he folded it in narrower compass he made of it a
handsome band To what purpose would he proceed to apply the ligature Would he
wrap it about his throat his head Should it be a comforter or a turban
Neither Peter Augustus had an inventive an original genius he was about to
show the ladies graces of action possessing at least the charm of novelty He
sat on the chair with his athletic Irish legs crossed and these legs in that
attitude he circled with the bandana and bound firmly together It was evident
he felt this device to be worth an encore he repeated it more than once The
second performance sent Shirley to the window to laugh her silent but
irrepressible laugh unseen it turned Carolines head aside that her long curls
might screen the smile mantling on her features Miss Helstone indeed was
amused by more than one point in Peters demeanour she was edified at the
complete though abrupt diversion of his homage from herself to the heiress the
£ 5000 he supposed her likely one day to inherit were not to be weighed in the
balance against Miss Keeldars estate and hall He took no pains to conceal his
calculations and tactics he pretended to no gradual change of views he wheeled
about at once the pursuit of the lesser fortune was openly relinquished for
that of the greater On what grounds he expected to succeed in his chase
himself best knew certainly not by skilful management
From the length of time that elapsed it appeared that John had some
difficulty in persuading Mr Donne to descend At length however that
gentleman appeared nor as he presented himself at the oakparlour door did he
seem in the slightest degree ashamed or confused not a whit Donne indeed
was of that coldly phlegmatic immovably complacent densely selfsatisfied
nature which is insensible to shame He had never blushed in his life no
humiliation could abash him his nerves were not capable of sensation enough to
stir his life and make colour mount to his cheek he had no fire in his blood
and no modesty in his soul he was a frontless arrogant decorous slip of the
commonplace conceited inane insipid and this gentleman had a notion of
wooing Miss Keeldar He knew no more however how to set about the business
than if he had been an image carved in wood he had no idea of a taste to be
pleased a heart to be reached in courtship his notion was when he should have
formally visited her a few times to write a letter proposing marriage then he
calculated she would accept him for love of his office then they would be
married then he should be master of Fieldhead and he should live very
comfortably have servants at his command eat and drink of the best and be a
great man You would not have suspected his intentions when he addressed his
intended bride in an impertinent injured tone
»A very dangerous dog that Miss Keeldar I wonder you should keep such an
animal«
»Do you Mr Donne Perhaps you will wonder more when I tell you I am very
fond of him«
»I should say you are not serious in the assertion Cant fancy a lady fond
of that brute t is so ugly a mere carters dog pray hang him«
»Hang what I am fond of«
»And purchase in his stead some sweetly pooty pug or poodle something
appropriate to the fair sex ladies generally like lapdogs«
»Perhaps I am an exception«
»Oh you cant be you know All ladies are alike in those matters that is
universally allowed«
»Tartar frightened you terribly Mr Donne I hope you wont take any harm«
»That I shall no doubt He gave me a turn I shall not soon forget When I
sor him such was Mr Donnes pronunciation about to spring I thought I should
have fainted«
»Perhaps you did faint in the bedroom you were a long time there«
»No I bore up that I might hold the door fast I was determined not to let
any one enter I thought I would keep a barrier between me and the enemy«
»But what if your friend Mr Malone had been worried«
»Malone must take care of himself Your man persuaded me to come out at last
by saying the dog was chained up in his kennel if I had not been assured of
this I would have remained all day in the chamber But what is that I declare
the man has told a falsehood The dog is there«
And indeed Tartar walked past the glassdoor opening to the garden stiff
tawny and blackmuzzled as ever He still seemed in bad humour he was growling
again and whistling a halfstrangled whistle being an inheritance from the
bulldog side of his ancestry
»There are other visiters coming« observed Shirley with that provoking
coolness which the owners of formidablelooking dogs are apt to show while their
animals are all bristle and bay Tartar sprang down the pavement towards the
gate bellowing avec explosion His mistress quietly opened the glassdoor and
stepped out chirruping to him His bellow was already silenced and he was
lifting up his huge blunt stupid head to the new callers to be patted
»What Tartar Tartar« said a cheery rather boyish voice »dont you know
us Goodmorning old boy«
And little Mr Sweeting whose conscious goodnature made him comparatively
fearless of man woman child or brute came through the gate caressing the
guardian His Vicar Mr Hall followed he had no fear of Tartar either and
Tartar had no illwill to him he snuffed both the gentlemen round and then as
if concluding that they were harmless and might be allowed to pass he withdrew
to the sunny front of the hall leaving the archway free Mr Sweeting followed
and would have played with him but Tartar took no notice of his caresses it
was only his mistresss hand whose touch gave him pleasure to all others he
showed himself obstinately insensible
Shirley advanced to meet Messrs Hall and Sweeting shaking hands with them
cordially they were come to tell her of certain successes they had achieved
that morning in applications for subscriptions to the fund Mr Halls eyes
beamed benignantly through his spectacles his plain face looked positively
handsome with goodness and when Caroline seeing who was come ran out to meet
him and put both her hands into his he gazed down on her with a gentle
serene affectionate expression that gave him the aspect of a smiling
Melancthon
Instead of reentering the house they strayed through the garden the
ladies walking one on each side of Mr Hall It was a breezy sunny day the air
freshened the girls cheeks and gracefully dishevelled their ringlets both of
them looked pretty one gay Mr Hall spoke oftenest to his brilliant
companion looked most frequently at the quiet one Miss Keeldar gathered
handfuls of the profusely blooming flowers whose perfume filled the enclosure
she gave some to Caroline telling her to choose a nosegay for Mr Hall and
with her lap filled with delicate and splendid blossoms Caroline sat down on
the steps of a summerhouse the Vicar stood near her leaning on his cane
Shirley who could not be inhospitable now called out the neglected pair in
the oakparlour she convoyed Donne past his dread enemy Tartar who with his
nose on his forepaws lay snoring under the meridian sun Donne was not
grateful he never was grateful for kindness and attention but he was glad of
the safeguard Miss Keeldar desirous of being impartial offered the curates
flowers they accepted them with native awkwardness Malone seemed specially at
a loss when a bouquet filled one hand while his shillelagh occupied the other
Donnes »Thank you« was rich to hear it was the most fatuous and arrogant of
sounds implying that he considered this offering an homage to his merits and
an attempt on the part of the heiress to ingratiate herself into his priceless
affections Sweeting alone received the posy like a smart sensible little man
as he was putting it gallantly and nattily into his buttonhole
As a reward for his good manners Miss Keeldar beckoning him apart gave him
some commission which made his eyes sparkle with glee Away he flew round by
the courtyard to the kitchen no need to give him directions he was always at
home everywhere Erelong he reappeared carrying a round table which he placed
under the cedar then he collected six gardenchairs from various nooks and
bowers in the grounds and placed them in a circle The parlourmaid Miss
Keeldar kept no footman came out bearing a napkincovered tray Sweetings
nimble fingers aided in disposing glasses plates knives and forks he
assisted her too in setting forth a neat luncheon consisting of cold chicken
ham and tarts
This sort of impromptu regale it was Shirleys delight to offer any chance
guests and nothing pleased her better than to have an alert obliging little
friend like Sweeting to run about her hand cheerily receive and briskly
execute her hospitable hints David and she were on the best terms in the world
and his devotion to the heiress was quite disinterested since it prejudiced in
nothing his faithful allegiance to the magnificent Dora Sykes
The repast turned out a very merry one Donne and Malone indeed
contributed but little to its vivacity the chief part they played in it being
what concerned the knife fork and wineglass but where four such natures as
Mr Hall David Sweeting Shirley and Caroline were assembled in health and
amity on a green lawn under a sunny sky amidst a wilderness of flowers there
could not be ungenial dulness
In the course of conversation Mr Hall reminded the ladies that Whitsuntide
was approaching when the grand United SundaySchool teadrinking and procession
of the three parishes of Briarfield Whinbury and Nunnely were to take place
Caroline he knew would be at her post as teacher he said and he hoped Miss
Keeldar would not be wanting he hoped she would make her first public
appearance amongst them at that time Shirley was not the person to miss an
occasion of this sort she liked festive excitement a gathering of happiness a
concentration and combination of pleasant details a throng of glad faces a
muster of elated hearts she told Mr Hall they might count on her with
security she did not know what she would have to do but they might dispose of
her as they pleased
»And« said Caroline »you will promise to come to my table and to sit near
me Mr Hall«
»I shall not fail Deo volente« said he »I have occupied the place on her
right hand at these monster teadrinkings for the last six years« he proceeded
turning to Miss Keeldar »They made her a Sundayschool teacher when she was a
little girl of twelve she is not particularly selfconfident by nature as you
may have observed and the first time she had to take a tray as the phrase is
and make tea in public there was some piteous trembling and flushing I
observed the speechless panic the cups shaking in the little hand and the
overflowing teapot filled too full from the urn I came to her aid took a seat
near her managed the urn and the slopbasin and in fact made the tea for her
like any old woman«
»I was very grateful to you« interposed Caroline
»You were you told me so with an earnest sincerity that repaid me well
inasmuch as it was not like the majority of little ladies of twelve whom you
may help and caress for ever without their evincing any quicker sense of the
kindness done and meant than if they were made of wax and wood instead of flesh
and nerves She kept close to me Miss Keeldar the rest of the evening walking
with me over the grounds where the children were playing she followed me into
the vestry when all were summoned into church she would I believe have
mounted with me to the pulpit had I not taken the previous precaution of
conducting her to the Rectorypew«
»And he has been my friend ever since« said Caroline
»And always sat at her table near her tray and handed the cups that is
the extent of my services The next thing I do for her will be to marry her some
day to some curate or millowner but mind Caroline I shall inquire about the
bridegrooms character and if he is not a gentleman likely to render happy the
little girl who walked with me hand in hand over Nunnely Common I will not
officiate so take care«
»The caution is useless I am not going to be married I shall live single
like your sister Margaret Mr Hall«
»Very well you might do worse Margaret is not unhappy she has her books
for a pleasure and her brother for a care and is content If ever you want a
home if the day should come when Briarfield Rectory is yours no longer come to
Nunnely Vicarage Should the old maid and bachelor be still living they will
make you tenderly welcome«
»There are your flowers Now« said Caroline who had kept the nosegay she
had selected for him till this moment »you dont care for a bouquet but you
must give it to Margaret only to be sentimental for once keep that little
forgetmenot which is a wildflower I gathered from the grass and to be
still more sentimental let me take two or three of the blue blossoms and put
them in my souvenir«
And she took out a small book with enamelled cover and silver clasp
wherein having opened it she inserted the flowers writing round them in
pencil »To be kept for the sake of the Rev Cyril Hall my friend May 18«
The Rev Cyril Hall on his part also placed a sprig in safety between the
leaves of a pocket Testament he only wrote on the margin Caroline
»Now« said he smiling »I trust we are romantic enough Miss Keeldar« he
continued the curates bytheby during this conversation were too much
occupied with their own jokes to notice what passed at the other end of the
table »I hope you are laughing at this trait of exaltation in the old
greyheaded Vicar but the fact is I am so used to comply with the requests of
this young friend of yours I dont know how to refuse her when she tells me to
do anything You would say it is not much in my way to traffic with flowers and
forgetmenots but you see when requested to be sentimental I am obedient«
»He is naturally rather sentimental« remarked Caroline »Margaret told me
so and I know what pleases him«
»That you should be good and happy Yes that is one of my greatest
pleasures May God long preserve to you the blessings of peace and innocence By
which phrase I mean comparative innocence for in His sight I am well aware
none are pure What to our human perceptions looks spotless as we fancy
angels is to Him but frailty needing the blood of His Son to cleanse and the
strength of His Spirit to sustain Let us each and all cherish humility I as
you my young friends and we may well do it when we look into our own hearts
and see there temptations inconsistencies propensities even we blush to
recognize And it is not youth nor good looks nor grace nor any gentle
outside charm which makes either beauty or goodness in Gods eyes Young ladies
when your mirror or mens tongues flatter you remember that in the sight of
her Maker Mary Ann Ainley a woman whom neither glass nor lips have ever
panegyrized is fairer and better than either of you She is indeed« he
added after a pause »she is indeed You young things wrapt up in
yourselves and in earthly hopes scarcely live as Christ lived perhaps you
cannot do it yet while existence is so sweet and earth so smiling to you it
would be too much to expect she with meek heart and due reverence treads
close in her Redeemers steps«
Here the harsh voice of Donne broke in on the mild tones of Mr Hall
»Ahem« he began clearing his throat evidently for a speech of some
importance »Ahem Miss Keeldar your attention an instant if you please«
»Well« said Shirley nonchalantly »What is it I listen all of me is ear
that is not eye«
»I hope part of you is hand also« returned Donne in his vulgarly
presumptuous and familiar style »and part purse it is to the hand and purse I
propose to appeal I came here this morning with a view to beg of you «
»You should have gone to Mrs Gill she is my almoner«
»To beg of you a subscription to a school I and Dr Boultby intend to erect
one in the hamlet of Ecclefigg which is under our vicarage of Whinbury The
Baptists have got possession of it they have a chapel there and we want to
dispute the ground«
»But I have nothing to do with Ecclefigg I possess no property there«
»What does that signify Youre a Churchwoman aint you«
»Admirable creature« muttered Shirley under her breath »exquisite
address fine style What raptures he excites in me« then aloud »I am a
Churchwoman certainly«
»Then you cant refuse to contribute in this case The population of
Ecclefigg are a parcel of brutes we want to civilize them«
»Who is to be the missionary«
»Myself probably«
»You wont fail through lack of sympathy with your flock«
»I hope not I expect success but we must have money There is the paper
pray give a handsome sum«
When asked for money Shirley rarely held back She put down her name for £
5 after the £ 300 she had lately given and the many smaller sums she was
giving constantly it was as much as she could at present afford Donne looked
at it declared the subscription »shabby« and clamorously demanded more Miss
Keeldar flushed up with some indignation and more astonishment
»At present I shall give no more« said she
»Not give more Why I expected you to head the list with a cool hundred
With your property you should never put down a signature for less«
She was silent
»In the south« went on Donne »a lady with a thousand ayear would be
ashamed to give five pounds for a public object«
Shirley so rarely haughty looked so now Her slight frame became nerved
her distinguished face quickened with scorn
»Strange remarks« said she »most inconsiderate Reproach in return for
bounty is misplaced«
»Bounty Do you call five pounds bounty«
»I do and bounty which had I not given it to Dr Boultbys intended school
of the erection of which I approve and in no sort to his curate who seems
illadvised in his manner of applying for or rather extorting subscriptions
bounty I repeat which but for this consideration I should instantly
reclaim«
Donne was thickskinned he did not feel all or half that the tone air
glance of the speaker expressed he knew not on what ground he stood
»Wretched place this Yorkshire« he went on »I could never have formed an
idear of the country had I not seen it and the people rich and poor what a
set How corse and uncultivated They would be scouted in the south«
Shirley leaned forwards on the table her nostrils dilating a little her
taper fingers interlaced and compressing each other hard
»The rich« pursued the infatuated and unconscious Donne »are a parcel of
misers never living as persons with their incomes ought to live you scarsley
you must excuse Mr Donnes pronunciation reader it was very choice he
considered it genteel and prided himself on his southern accent northern ears
received with singular sensations his utterance of certain words you scarsley
ever see a famly where a propa carriage or a regla butla is kep and as to the
poor just look at them when they come crowding about the churchdoors on the
occasion of a marriage or a funeral clattering in clogs the men in their
shirtsleeves and woolcombers aprons the women in mobcaps and bedgowns
They postively deserve that one should turn a mad cow in amongst them to rout
their rabbleranks he he What fun it would be«
»There you have reached the climax« said Shirley quietly »You have
reached the climax« she repeated turning her glowing glance towards him »You
cannot go beyond it and« she added with emphasis »you shall not in my
house«
Up she rose nobody could control her now for she was exasperated straight
she walked to her gardengates wide she flung them open
»Walk through« she said austerely »and pretty quickly and set foot on
this pavement no more«
Donne was astounded He had thought all the time he was showing himself off
to high advantage as a loftysouled person of the first ton he imagined he was
producing a crushing impression Had he not expressed disdain of everything in
Yorkshire What more conclusive proof could be given that he was better than
anything there And yet here was he about to be turned like a dog out of a
Yorkshire garden Where under such circumstances was the concatenation
accordingly
»Rid me of you instantly instantly« reiterated Shirley as he lingered
»Madam a clergyman Turn out a clergyman«
»Off Were you an archbishop you have proved yourself no gentleman and
must go Quick«
She was quite resolved there was no trifling with her besides Tartar was
again rising he perceived symptoms of a commotion he manifested a disposition
to join in there was evidently nothing for it but to go and Donne made his
Exodus the heiress sweeping him a deep curtsy as she closed the gates on him
»How dare the pompous priest abuse his flock How dare the lisping cockney
revile Yorkshire« was her sole observation on the circumstance as she returned
to the table
Erelong the little party broke up Miss Keeldars ruffled and darkened
brow curled lip and incensed eye gave no invitation to further social
enjoyment
Chapter XVI
Whitsuntide
The fund prospered By dint of Miss Keeldars example the three rectors
vigorous exertions and the efficient though quiet aid of their spinster and
spectacled lieutenants Mary Ann Ainley and Margaret Hall a handsome sum was
raised and this being judiciously managed served for the present greatly to
alleviate the distress of the unemployed poor The neighbourhood seemed to grow
calmer for a fortnight past no cloth had been destroyed no outrage on mill or
mansion had been committed in the three parishes Shirley was sanguine that the
evil she wished to avert was almost escaped that the threatened storm was
passing over with the approach of summer she felt certain that trade would
improve it always did and then this weary war could not last for ever peace
must return one day with peace what an impulse would be given to commerce
Such was the usual tenor of her observations to her tenant Gérard Moore
whenever she met him where they could converse and Moore would listen very
quietly too quietly to satisfy her She would then by her impatient glance
demand something more from him some explanation or at least some additional
remark Smiling in his way with that expression which gave a remarkable cast of
sweetness to his mouth while his brow remained grave he would answer to the
effect that himself too trusted in the finite nature of the war that it was
indeed on that ground the anchor of his hopes was fixed thereon his
speculations depended »For you are aware« he would continue »that I now work
Hollows mill entirely on speculation I sell nothing there is no market for my
goods I manufacture for a future day I make myself ready to take advantage of
the first opening that shall occur Three months ago this was impossible to me
I had exhausted both credit and capital you well know who came to my rescue
from what hand I received the loan which saved me It is on the strength of that
loan I am enabled to continue the bold game which a while since I feared I
should never play more Total ruin I know will follow loss and I am aware that
gain is doubtful but I am quite cheerful so long as I can be active so long
as I can strive so long in short as my hands are not tied it is impossible
for me to be depressed One year nay but six months of the reign of the olive
and I am safe for as you say peace will give an impulse to commerce In this
you are right but as to the restored tranquillity of the neighbourhood as to
the permanent good effect of your charitable fund I doubt Eleemosynary relief
never yet tranquillized the workingclasses it never made them grateful it is
not in human nature that it should I suppose were all things ordered aright
they ought not to be in a position to need that humiliating relief and this
they feel we should feel it were we so placed Besides to whom should they be
grateful To you to the clergy perhaps but not to us millowners They hate
us worse than ever Then the disaffected here are in correspondence with the
disaffected elsewhere Nottingham is one of their headquarters Manchester
another Birmingham a third The subalterns receive orders from their chiefs
they are in a good state of discipline no blow is struck without mature
deliberation In sultry weather you have seen the sky threaten thunder day by
day and yet night after night the clouds have cleared and the sun has set
quietly but the danger was not gone it was only delayed the longthreatening
storm is sure to break at last There is analogy between the moral and physical
atmosphere«
»Well Mr Moore« so these conferences always ended »take care of
yourself If you think that I have ever done you any good reward me by
promising to take care of yourself«
»I do I will take close and watchful care I wish to live not to die the
future opens like Eden before me and still when I look deep into the shades of
my paradise I see a vision that I like better than seraph or cherub glide
across remote vistas«
»Do you Pray what vision«
»I see «
The maid came bustling in with the teathings
The early part of that May as we have seen was fine the middle was wet
but in the last week at change of moon it cleared again A fresh wind swept
off the silverwhite deeppiled rainclouds bearing them mass on mass to the
eastern horizon on whose verge they dwindled and behind whose rim they
disappeared leaving the vault behind all pure blue space ready for the reign
of the summer sun That sun rose broad on Whitsuntide the gathering of the
schools was signalized by splendid weather
WhitTuesday was the great day in preparation for which the two large
schoolrooms of Briarfield built by the present rector chiefly at his own
expense were cleaned out whitewashed repainted and decorated with flowers
and evergreens some from the Rectorygarden two cartloads from Fieldhead and
a wheelbarrowful from the more stingy domain of De Walden the residence of Mr
Wynne In these schoolrooms twenty tables each calculated to accommodate twenty
guests were laid out surrounded with benches and covered with white cloths
above them were suspended at least some twenty cages containing as many
canaries according to a fancy of the district specially cherished by Mr
Helstones clerk who delighted in the piercing song of these birds and knew
that amidst confusion of tongues they always caroled loudest These tables be
it understood were not spread for the twelve hundred scholars to be assembled
from the three parishes but only for the patrons and teachers of the schools
the childrens feast was to be spread in the open air At one oclock the troops
were to come in at two they were to be marshalled till four they were to
parade the parish then came the feast and afterwards the meeting with music
and speechifying in the church
Why Briarfield was chosen for the point of rendezvous the scene of the
fête should be explained It was not because it was the largest or most
populous parish Whinbury far outdid it in that respect nor because it was the
oldest antique as were the hoary Church and Rectory Nunnelys lowroofed
Temple and mossy Parsonage buried both in coëval oaks outstanding sentinels of
Nunwood were older still it was simply because Mr Helstone willed it so and
Mr Helstones will was stronger than that of Boultby or Hall the former could
not the latter would not dispute a point of precedence with their resolute and
imperious brother they let him lead and rule
This notable anniversary had always hitherto been a trying day to Caroline
Helstone because it dragged her perforce into public compelling her to face
all that was wealthy respectable influential in the neighbourhood in whose
presence but for the kind countenance of Mr Hall she would have appeared
unsupported Obliged to be conspicuous obliged to walk at the head of her
regiment as the Rectors niece and first teacher of the first class obliged
to make tea at the first table for a mixed multitude of ladies and gentlemen
and to do all this without the countenance of mother aunt or other chaperon
she meantime being a nervous person who mortally feared publicity it will
be comprehended that under these circumstances she trembled at the approach of
Whitsuntide
But this year Shirley was to be with her and that changed the aspect of the
trial singularly it changed it utterly it was a trial no longer it was
almost an enjoyment Miss Keeldar was better in her single self than a host of
ordinary friends Quite selfpossessed and always spirited and easy conscious
of her social importance yet never presuming upon it it would be enough to
give one courage only to look at her The only fear was lest the heiress should
not be punctual to tryst she often had a careless way of lingering behind time
and Caroline knew her uncle would not wait a second for any one at the moment
of the churchclock tolling two the bells would clash out and the march begin
She must look after Shirley then in this matter or her expected companion
would fail her
WhitTuesday saw her rise almost with the sun She Fanny and Eliza were
busy the whole morning arranging the Rectoryparlours in firstrate company
order and setting out a collation of cooling refreshments wine fruit cakes
on the diningroom sideboard Then she had to dress in her freshest and
fairest attire of white muslin the perfect fineness of the day and the
solemnity of the occasion warranted and even exacted such costume Her new
sash a birthdaypresent from Margaret Hall which she had reason to believe
Cyril himself had bought and in return for which she had indeed given him a set
of cambricbands in a handsome case was tied by the dexterous fingers of
Fanny who took no little pleasure in arraying her fair young mistress for the
occasion her simple bonnet had been trimmed to correspond with her sash her
pretty but inexpensive scarf of white crape suited her dress When ready she
formed a picture not bright enough to dazzle but fair enough to interest not
brilliantly striking but very delicately pleasing a picture in which sweetness
of tint purity of air and grace of mien atoned for the absence of rich
colouring and magnificent contour What her brown eye and clear forehead showed
of her mind was in keeping with her dress and face modest gentle and
though pensive harmonious It appeared that neither lamb nor dove need fear
her but would welcome rather in her look of simplicity and softness a
sympathy with their own natures or with the natures we ascribe to them
After all she was an imperfect faulty human being fair enough of form
hue and array but as Cyril Hall said neither so good nor so great as the
withered Miss Ainley now putting on her best black gown and Quakerdrab shawl
and bonnet in her own narrow cottagechamber
Away Caroline went across some very sequestered fields and through some
quite hidden lanes to Fieldhead She glided quickly under the green hedges and
across the greener leas There was no dust no moisture to soil the hem of
her stainless garment or to damp her slender sandal after the late rains all
was clean and under the present glowing sun all was dry she walked fearlessly
then on daisy and turf and through thick plantations she reached Fieldhead
and penetrated to Miss Keeldars dressingroom
It was well she had come or Shirley would have been too late Instead of
making ready with all speed she lay stretched on a couch absorbed in reading
Mrs Pryor stood near vainly urging her to rise and dress Caroline wasted no
words she immediately took the book from her and with her own hands
commenced the business of disrobing and rerobing her Shirley indolent with
the heat and gay with her youth and pleasurable nature wanted to talk laugh
and linger but Caroline intent on being in time persevered in dressing her as
fast as fingers could fasten strings or insert pins At length as she united a
final row of hooks and eyes she found leisure to chide her saying she was
very naughty to be so unpunctual that she looked even now the picture of
incorrigible carelessness and so Shirley did but a very lovely picture of
that tiresome quality
She presented quite a contrast to Caroline there was style in every fold of
her dress and every line of her figure the rich silk suited her better than a
simple costume the deepembroidered scarf became her she wore it negligently
but gracefully the wreath on her bonnet crowned her well the attention to
fashion the tasteful appliance of ornament in each portion of her dress were
quite in place with her all this suited her like the frank light in her eyes
the rallying smile about her lips like her shaftstraight carriage and
lightsome step Caroline took her hand when she was dressed hurried her
downstairs out of doors and thus they sped through the fields laughing as
they went and looking very much like a snowwhite dove and gemtinted
birdofparadise joined in social flight
Thanks to Miss Helstones promptitude they arrived in good time While yet
trees hid the church they heard the bell tolling a measured but urgent summons
for all to assemble the trooping in of numbers the trampling of many steps
and murmuring of many voices were likewise audible From a risingground they
presently saw on the Whinburyroad the Whinburyschool approaching it
numbered five hundred souls The Rector and Curate Boultby and Donne headed
it the former looming large in full canonicals walking as became a beneficed
priest under the canopy of a shovelhat with the dignity of an ample
corporation the embellishment of the squarest and vastest of black coats and
the support of the stoutest of goldheaded canes As the Doctor walked he now
and then slightly flourished his cane and inclined his shovelhat with a
dogmatical wag towards his aidedecamp That aidedecamp Donne to wit
narrow as the line of his shape was compared to the broad bulk of his principal
contrived notwithstanding to look every inch a curate all about him was
pragmatical and selfcomplacent from his turnedup nose and elevated chin to
his clerical black gaiters his somewhat short strapless trousers and his
squaredtoed shoes
Walk on Mr Donne You have undergone scrutiny You think you look well
whether the white and purple figures watching you from yonder hill think so is
another question
These figures come running down when the regiment has marched by the
churchyard is full of children and teachers all in their very best holiday
attire and distressed as is the district bad as are the times it is
wonderful to see how respectably how handsomely even they have contrived to
clothe themselves That British love of decency will work miracles the poverty
which reduces an Irish girl to rags is impotent to rob the English girl of the
neat wardrobe she knows necessary to her selfrespect Besides the lady of the
manor that Shirley now gazing with pleasure on this welldressed and
happylooking crowd has really done them good her seasonable bounty consoled
many a poor family against the coming holiday and supplied many a child with a
new frock or bonnet for the occasion she knows it and is elate with the
consciousness glad that her money example and influence have really
substantially benefited those around her She cannot be charitable like Miss
Ainley it is not in her nature it relieves her to feel that there is another
way of being charitable practicable for other characters and under other
circumstances
Caroline too is pleased for she also has done good in her small way
robbed herself of more than one dress ribbon or collar she could ill spare to
aid in fitting out the scholars of her class and as she could not give money
she has followed Miss Ainleys example in giving her time and her industry to
sew for the children
Not only is the churchyard full but the Rectorygarden is also thronged
pairs and parties of ladies and gentlemen are seen walking amongst the waving
lilacs and laburnums The house also is occupied at the wideopen
parlourwindows gay groups are standing These are the patrons and teachers
who are to swell the procession In the parsons croft behind the Rectory are
the musicians of the three parish bands with their instruments Fanny and
Eliza in the smartest of caps and gowns and the whitest of aprons move
amongst them serving out quarts of ale whereof a stock was brewed very sound
and strong some weeks since by the Rectors orders and under his special
superintendence Whatever he had a hand in must be managed handsomely »shabby
doings« of any description were not endured under his sanction from the
erection of a public building a church school or courthouse to the cooking
of a dinner he still advocated the lordly liberal and effective Miss Keeldar
was like him in this respect and they mutually approved each others
arrangements
Caroline and Shirley were soon in the midst of the company the former met
them very easily for her instead of sitting down in a retired corner or
stealing away to her own room till the procession should be marshalled
according to her wont she moved through the three parlours conversed and
smiled absolutely spoke once or twice ere she was spoken to and in short
seemed a new creature It was Shirleys presence which thus transformed her the
view of Miss Keeldars air and manner did her a world of good Shirley had no
fear of her kind no tendency to shrink from to avoid it All human beings
men women or children whom low breeding or coarse presumption did not render
positively offensive were welcome enough to her some much more so than others
of course but generally speaking till a man had indisputably proved himself
bad and a nuisance Shirley was willing to think him good and an acquisition
and to treat him accordingly This disposition made her a general favourite for
it robbed her very raillery of its sting and gave her serious or smiling
conversation a happy charm nor did it diminish the value of her intimate
friendship which was a distinct thing from this social benevolence depending
indeed on quite a different part of her character Miss Helstone was the choice
of her affection and intellect the Misses Pearson Sykes Wynne etc etc
only the profiters by her goodnature and vivacity
Donne happened to come into the drawingroom while Shirley sitting on the
sofa formed the centre of a tolerably wide circle She had already forgotten
her exasperation against him and she bowed and smiled goodhumouredly The
disposition of the man was then seen He knew neither how to decline the advance
with dignity as one whose just pride has been wounded nor how to meet it with
frankness as one who is glad to forget and forgive his punishment had
impressed him with no sense of shame and he did not experience that feeling on
encountering his chastiser he was not vigorous enough in evil to be actively
malignant he merely passed by sheepishly with a rated scowling look Nothing
could ever again reconcile him to his enemy while no passion of resentment for
even sharper and more ignominious inflictions could his lymphatic nature know
»He was not worth a scene« said Shirley to Caroline »What a fool I was To
revenge on poor Donne his silly spite at Yorkshire is something like crushing a
gnat for attacking the hide of a rhinoceros Had I been a gentleman I believe I
should have helped him off the premises by dint of physical force I am glad now
I only employed the moral weapon But he must come near me no more I dont like
him he irritates me there is not even amusement to be had out of him Malone
is better sport«
It seemed as if Malone wished to justify the preference for the words were
scarcely out of the speakers mouth when Peter Augustus came up all in grande
tenue gloved and scented with his hair oiled and brushed to perfection and
bearing in one hand a huge bunch of cabbageroses five or six in full blow
these he presented to the heiress with a grace to which the most cunning pencil
could do but defective justice And who after this could dare to say that
Peter was not a ladys man He had gathered and he had given flowers he had
offered a sentimental a poetic tribute at the shrine of Love or Mammon
Hercules holding the distaff was but a faint type of Peter bearing the roses He
must have thought this himself for he seemed amazed at what he had done he
backed without a word he was going away with a husky chuckle of
selffelicitation then he bethought himself to stop and turn to ascertain by
ocular testimony that he really had presented a bouquet yes there were the
six red cabbages on the purple satin lap a very white hand with some gold
rings on the fingers slightly holding them together and streaming ringlets
half hiding a laughing face drooped over them only halfhiding Peter saw the
laugh it was unmistakable he was made a joke of his gallantry his
chivalry were the subject of a jest for a petticoat for two petticoats Miss
Helstone too was smiling Moreover he felt he was seen through and Peter grew
black as a thundercloud When Shirley looked up a fell eye was fastened on
her Malone at least had energy enough to hate she saw it in his glance
»Peter is worth a scene and shall have it if he likes one day« she
whispered to her friend
And now solemn and sombre as to their colour though bland enough as to
their faces appeared at the diningroom door the three rectors they had
hitherto been busy in the church and were now coming to take some little
refreshment for the body ere the march commenced The large moroccocovered
easy chair had been left vacant for Dr Boultby he was put into it and
Caroline obeying the instigations of Shirley who told her now was the time to
play the hostess hastened to hand to her uncles vast revered and on the
whole worthy friend a glass of wine and a plate of macaroons Boultbys
churchwardens patrons of the Sundayschool both as he insisted on their being
were already beside him Mrs Sykes and the other ladies of his congregation
were on his right hand and on his left expressing their hopes that he was not
fatigued their fears that the day would be too warm for him Mrs Boultby who
held an opinion that when her lord dropped asleep after a good dinner his face
became as the face of an angel was bending over him tenderly wiping some
perspiration real or imaginary from his brow Boultby in short was in his
glory and in a round sound »voix de poitrine« he rumbled out thanks for
attentions and assurances of his tolerable health Of Caroline he took no
manner of notice as she came near save to accept what she offered he did not
see her he never did see her he hardly knew that such a person existed He saw
the macaroons however and being fond of sweets possessed himself of a small
handful thereof The wine Mrs Boultby insisted on mingling with hot water and
qualifying with sugar and nutmeg
Mr Hall stood near an open window breathing the fresh air and scent of
flowers and talking like a brother to Miss Ainley To him Caroline turned her
attention with pleasure »What should she bring him He must not help himself
he must be served by her« and she provided herself with a little salver that
she might offer him variety Margaret Hall joined them so did Miss Keeldar the
four ladies stood round their favourite pastor they also had an idea that they
looked on the face of an earthly angel Cyril Hall was their pope infallible to
them as Dr Thomas Boultby to his admirers A throng too enclosed the Rector of
Briarfield twenty or more pressed round him and no parson was ever more potent
in a circle than old Helstone The curates herding together after their manner
made a constellation of three lesser planets divers young ladies watched them
afar off but ventured not nigh
Mr Helstone produced his watch »Ten minutes to two« he announced aloud
»Time for all to fall into line Come« He seized his shovelhat and marched
away all rose and followed en masse
The twelve hundred children were drawn up in three bodies of four hundred
souls each in the rear of each regiment was stationed a band between every
twenty there was an interval wherein Helstone posted the teachers in pairs to
the van of the armies he summoned
»Grace Boultby and Mary Sykes lead out Whinbury«
»Margaret Hall and Mary Ann Ainley conduct Nunnely«
»Caroline Helstone and Shirley Keeldar head Briarfield«
Then again he gave command
»Mr Donne to Whinbury Mr Sweeting to Nunnely Mr Malone to Briarfield«
And these gentlemen stepped up before the ladygenerals
The rectors passed to the full front the parish clerks fell to the extreme
rear Helstone lifted his shovelhat in an instant out clashed the eight bells
in the tower loud swelled the sounding bands flute spoke and clarion answered
deep rolled the drums and away they marched
The broad white road unrolled before the long procession the sun and sky
surveyed it cloudless the wind tossed the treeboughs above it and the twelve
hundred children and one hundred and forty adults of which it was composed
trod on in time and tune with gay faces and glad hearts It was a joyous scene
and a scene to do good it was a day of happiness for rich and poor the work
first of God and then of the clergy Let Englands priests have their due they
are a faulty set in some respects being only of common flesh and blood like us
all but the land would be badly off without them Britain would miss her
church if that church fell God save it God also reform it
Chapter XVII
The SchoolFeast
Not on combat bent nor of foemen in search was this priestled and
womanofficered company yet their music played martial tunes and to judge by
the eyes and carriage of some Miss Keeldar for instance these sounds awoke
if not a martial yet a longing spirit Old Helstone turning by chance looked
into her face and he laughed and she laughed at him
»There is no battle in prospect« he said »our country does not want us to
fight for it no foe or tyrant is questioning or threatening our liberty there
is nothing to be done we are only taking a walk Keep your hand on the reins
captain and slack the fire of that spirit it is not wanted the mores the
pity«
»Take your own advice Doctor« was Shirleys response To Caroline she
murmured »Ill borrow of imagination what reality will not give me We are not
soldiers bloodshed is not my desire or if we are we are soldiers of the
Cross Time has rolled back some hundreds of years and we are bound on a
pilgrimage to Palestine But no that is too visionary I need a sterner
dream we are Lowlanders of Scotland following a covenanting captain up into
the hills to hold a meeting out of the reach of persecuting troopers We know
that battle may follow prayer and as we believe that in the worst issue of
battle heaven must be our reward we are ready and willing to redden the
peatmoss with our blood That music stirs my soul it wakens all my life it
makes my heart beat not with its temperate daily pulse but with a new
thrilling vigour I almost long for danger for a faith a land or at least
a lover to defend«
»Look Shirley« interrupted Caroline »What is that red speck above
Stilbro Brow You have keener sight than I just turn your eagle eye to it«
Miss Keeldar looked »I see« she said then added presently »there is a
line of red They are soldiers cavalry soldiers« she subjoined quickly »they
ride fast there are six of them they will pass us no they have turned off
to the right they saw our procession and avoid it by making a circuit Where
are they going«
»Perhaps they are only exercising their horses«
»Perhaps so We see them no more now«
Mr Helstone here spoke
»We shall pass through Roydlane to reach Nunnely Common by a short cut«
said he
And into the straits of Roydlane they accordingly defiled It was very
narrow so narrow that only two could walk abreast without falling into the
ditch which ran along each side They had gained the middle of it when
excitement became obvious in the clerical commanders Boultbys spectacles and
Helstones Rehoboam were agitated the curates nudged each other Mr Hall
turned to the ladies and smiled
»What is the matter« was the demand
He pointed with his staff to the end of the lane before them Lo and behold
another an opposition procession was there entering headed also by men in
black and followed also as they could now hear by music
»Is it our double« asked Shirley »our manifold wraith Here is a card
turned up«
»If you wanted a battle you are likely to get one at least of looks«
whispered Caroline laughing
»They shall not pass us« cried the curates unanimously »well not give
way«
»Give way« retorted Helstone sternly turning round »who talks of giving
way You boys mind what you are about the ladies I know will be firm I can
trust them There is not a churchwoman here but will stand her ground against
these folks for the honour of the Establishment What does Miss Keeldar say«
»She asks what is it«
»The Dissenting and Methodist schools the Baptists Independents and
Wesleyans joined in unholy alliance and turning purposely into this lane with
the intention of obstructing our march and driving us back«
»Bad manners« said Shirley »and I hate bad manners Of course they must
have a lesson«
»A lesson in politeness« suggested Mr Hall who was ever for peace »not
an example of rudeness«
Old Helstone moved on Quickening his step he marched some yards in advance
of his company He had nearly reached the other sable leaders when he who
appeared to act as the hostile commanderinchief a large greasy man with
black hair combed flat on his forehead called a halt The procession paused
he drew forth a hymnbook gave out a verse set a tune and they all struck up
the most dolorous of canticles
Helstone signed to his bands they clashed out with all the power of brass
He desired them to play »Rule Britannia« and ordered the children to join in
vocally which they did with enthusiastic spirit The enemy was sung and stormed
down his psalm quelled as far as noise went he was conquered
»Now follow me« exclaimed Helstone »not at a run but at a firm smart
pace Be steady every child and woman of you keep together hold on by
each others skirts if necessary«
And he strode on with such a determined and deliberate gait and was
besides so well seconded by his scholars and teachers who did exactly as he
told them neither running nor faltering but marching with cool solid impetus
the curates too being compelled to do the same as they were between two
fires Helstone and Miss Keeldar both of whom watched any deviation with
lynxeyed vigilance and were ready the one with his cane the other with her
parasol to rebuke the slightest breach of orders the least independent or
irregular demonstration that the body of Dissenters were first amazed then
alarmed then borne down and pressed back and at last forced to turn tail and
leave the outlet from Roydlane free Boultby suffered in the onslaught but
Helstone and Malone between them held him up and brought him through the
business whole in limb though sorely tried in wind
The fat Dissenter who had given out the hymn was left sitting in the ditch
He was a spiritmerchant by trade a leader of the Nonconformists and it was
said drank more water in that one afternoon than he had swallowed for a
twelvemonth before Mr Hall had taken care of Caroline and Caroline of him he
and Miss Ainley made their own quiet comments to each other afterwards on the
incident Miss Keeldar and Mr Helstone shook hands heartily when they had
fairly got the whole party through the lane The curates began to exult but Mr
Helstone presently put the curb on their innocent spirits he remarked that they
never had sense to know what to say and had better hold their tongues and he
reminded them that the business was none of their managing
About halfpast three the procession turned back and at four once more
regained the startingplace Long lines of benches were arranged in the
closeshorn fields round the school there the children were seated and huge
baskets covered up with white cloths and great smoking tin vessels were
brought out Ere the distribution of good things commenced a brief grace was
pronounced by Mr Hall and sung by the children their young voices sounded
melodious even touching in the open air Large currant buns and hot
wellsweetened tea were then administered in the proper spirit of liberality
no stinting was permitted on this day at least the rule for each childs
allowance being that it was to have about twice as much as it could possibly
eat thus leaving a reserve to be carried home for such as age sickness or
other impediment prevented from coming to the feast Buns and beer circulated
meantime amongst the musicians and churchsingers afterwards the benches were
removed and they were left to unbend their spirits in licensed play
A bell summoned the teachers patrons and patronesses to the schoolroom
Miss Keeldar Miss Helstone and many other ladies were already there glancing
over the arrangement of their separate trays and tables Most of the female
servants of the neighbourhood together with the clerks the singers and the
musicians wives had been pressed into the service of the day as waiters each
vied with the other in smartness and daintiness of dress and many handsome
forms were seen amongst the younger ones About half a score were cutting bread
and butter another halfscore supplying hot water brought from the coppers of
the Rectors kitchen The profusion of flowers and evergreens decorating the
white walls the show of silver teapots and bright porcelain on the tables the
active figures blithe faces gay dresses flitting about everywhere formed
altogether a refreshing and lively spectacle Everybody talked not very loudly
but merrily and the canary birds sang shrill in their highhung cages
Caroline as the Rectors niece took her place at one of the three first
tables Mrs Boultby and Margaret Hall officiated at the others At these tables
the élite of the company were to be entertained strict rules of equality not
being more in fashion at Briarfield than elsewhere Miss Helstone removed her
bonnet and scarf that she might be less oppressed with the heat her long
curls falling on her neck served almost in place of a veil and for the rest
her muslin dress was fashioned modestly as a nuns robe enabling her thus to
dispense with the encumbrance of a shawl
The room was filling Mr Hall had taken his post beside Caroline who now
as she rearranged the cups and spoons before her whispered to him in a low
voice remarks on the events of the day He looked a little grave about what had
taken place in Roydlane and she tried to smile him out of his seriousness
Miss Keeldar sat near for a wonder neither laughing nor talking on the
contrary very still and gazing round her vigilantly she seemed afraid lest
some intruder should take a seat she apparently wished to reserve next her own
ever and anon she spread her satin dress over an undue portion of the bench or
laid her gloves or her embroidered handkerchief upon it Caroline noticed this
manège at last and asked her what friend she expected Shirley bent towards
her almost touched her ear with her rosy lips and whispered with a musical
softness that often characterized her tones when what she said tended even
remotely to stir some sweet secret source of feeling in her heart
»I expect Mr Moore I saw him last night and I made him promise to come
with his sister and to sit at our table he wont fail me I feel certain but
I apprehend his coming too late and being separated from us Here is a fresh
batch arriving every place will be taken provoking«
In fact Mr Wynne the magistrate his wife his son and his two daughters
now entered in high state They were Briarfield gentry of course their place
was at the first table and being conducted thither they filled up the whole
remaining space For Miss Keeldars comfort Mr Sam Wynne inducted himself into
the very vacancy she had kept for Moore planting himself solidly on her gown
her gloves and her handkerchief Mr Sam was one of the objects of her
aversion and the more so because he showed serious symptoms of an aim at her
hand The old gentleman too had publicly declared that the Fieldhead estate
and the De Walden estate were delightfully contagious a malapropism which
rumour had not failed to repeat to Shirley
Carolines ears yet rung with that thrilling whisper »I expect Mr Moore«
her heart yet beat and her cheek yet glowed with it when a note from the organ
pealed above the confused hum of the place Dr Boultby Mr Helstone and Mr
Hall rose so did all present and grace was sung to the accompaniment of the
music and then tea began She was kept too busy with her office for a while to
have leisure for looking round but the last cup being filled she threw a
restless glance over the room There were some ladies and several gentlemen
standing about yet unaccommodated with seats amidst a group she recognized her
spinster friend Miss Mann whom the fine weather had tempted or some urgent
friend had persuaded to leave her drear solitude for one hour of social
enjoyment Miss Mann looked tired of standing a lady in a yellow bonnet brought
her a chair Caroline knew well that chapeau en satin jaune she knew the black
hair and the kindly though rather opinionated and frowardlooking face under
it she knew that robe de soie noire she knew even that schal gris de lin she
knew in short Hortense Moore and she wanted to jump up and run to her and
kiss her to give her one embrace for her own sake and two for her brothers
She half rose indeed with a smothered exclamation and perhaps for the
impulse was very strong she would have run across the room and actually
saluted her but a hand replaced her in her seat and a voice behind her
whispered
»Wait till after tea Lina and then Ill bring her to you«
And when she could look up she did and there was Robert himself close
behind smiling at her eagerness looking better than she had ever seen him look
looking indeed to her partial eyes so very handsome that she dared not
trust herself to hazard a second glance for his image struck on her vision with
painful brightness and pictured itself on her memory as vividly as if there
daguerreotyped by a pencil of keen lightning
He moved on and spoke to Miss Keeldar Shirley irritated by some unwelcome
attentions from Sam Wynne and by the fact of that gentleman being still seated
on her gloves and handkerchief and probably also by Moores want of
punctuality was by no means in good humour She first shrugged her shoulder at
him and then she said a bitter word or two about his »insupportable tardiness«
Moore neither apologized nor retorted he stood near her quietly as if waiting
to see whether she would recover her temper which she did in little more than
three minutes indicating the change by offering him her hand Moore took it
with a smile halfcorrective halfgrateful the slightest possible shake of
the head delicately marked the former quality it is probable a gentle pressure
indicated the latter
»You may sit where you can now Mr Moore« said Shirley also smiling »you
see there is not an inch of room for you here but I discern plenty of space at
Mrs Boultbys table between Miss Armitage and Miss Birtwhistle go John Sykes
will be your visàvis and you will sit with your back towards us«
Moore however preferred lingering about where he was he now and then took
a turn down the long room pausing in his walk to interchange greetings with
other gentlemen in his own placeless predicament but still he came back to the
magnet Shirley bringing with him each time he returned observations it was
necessary to whisper in her ear
Meantime poor Sam Wynne looked far from comfortable his fair neighbour
judging from her movements appeared in a mood the most unquiet and
unaccommodating she would not sit still two seconds she was hot she fanned
herself complained of want of air and space She remarked that in her
opinion when people had finished their tea they ought to leave the tables and
announced distinctly that she expected to faint if the present state of things
continued Mr Sam offered to accompany her into the open air just the way to
give her her death of cold she alleged in short his post became untenable
and having swallowed his quantum of tea he judged it expedient to evacuate
Moore should have been at hand whereas he was quite at the other extremity
of the room deep in conference with Christopher Sykes A large cornfactor
Timothy Ramsden Esq happened to be nearer and feeling himself tired of
standing he advanced to fill the vacant seat Shirleys expedients did not fail
her a sweep of her scarf upset her teacup its contents were shared between the
bench and her own satin dress Of course it became necessary to call a waiter
to remedy the mischief Mr Ramsden a stout puffy gentleman as large in
person as he was in property held aloof from the consequent commotion Shirley
usually almost culpably indifferent to slight accidents affecting dress etc
now made a commotion that might have become the most delicate and nervous of her
sex Mr Ramsden opened his mouth withdrew slowly and as Miss Keeldar again
intimated her intention to »give way« and swoon on the spot he turned on his
heel and beat a heavy retreat
Moore at last returned calmly surveying the bustle and somewhat
quizzically scanning Shirleys enigmaticallooking countenance he remarked
that in truth this was the hottest end of the room that he found a climate
there calculated to agree with none but cool temperaments like his own and
putting the waiters the napkins the satin robe the whole turmoil in short
to one side he installed himself where destiny evidently decreed he should sit
Shirley subsided her features altered their lines the raised knit brow and
inexplicable curve of the mouth became straight again wilfulness and roguery
gave place to other expressions and all the angular movements with which she
had vexed the soul of Sam Wynne were conjured to rest as by a charm Still no
gracious glance was cast on Moore on the contrary he was accused of giving her
a world of trouble and roundly charged with being the cause of depriving her of
the esteem of Mr Ramsden and the invaluable friendship of Mr Samuel Wynne
»Would nt have offended either gentleman for the world« she averred »I
have always been accustomed to treat both with the most respectful
consideration and there owing to you how they have been used I shall not be
happy till I have made it up I never am happy till I am friends with my
neighbours so tomorrow I must make a pilgrimage to Royd cornmill soothe the
miller and praise the grain and next day I must call at De Walden where I
hate to go and carry in my reticule half an oatcake to give to Mr Sams
favourite pointers«
»You know the surest path to the heart of each swain I doubt not« said
Moore quietly He looked very content to have at last secured his present
place but he made no fine speech expressive of gratification and offered no
apology for the trouble he had given His phlegm became him wonderfully it made
him look handsomer he was so composed it made his vicinage pleasant it was so
peacerestoring You would not have thought to look at him that he was a poor
struggling man seated beside a rich woman the calm of equality stilled his
aspect perhaps that calm too reigned in his soul Now and then from the way
in which he looked down on Miss Keeldar as he addressed her you would have
fancied his station towered above hers as much as his stature did Almost stern
lights sometimes crossed his brow and gleamed in his eyes their conversation
had become animated though it was confined to a low key she was urging him
with questions evidently he refused to her curiosity all the gratification it
demanded She sought his eye once with hers you read in its soft yet eager
expression that it solicited clearer replies Moore smiled pleasantly but his
lips continued sealed Then she was piqued and turned away but he recalled her
attention in two minutes he seemed making promises which he soothed her into
accepting in lieu of information
It appeared that the heat of the room did not suit Miss Helstone she grew
paler and paler as the process of teamaking was protracted The moment thanks
were returned she quitted the table and hastened to follow her cousin
Hortense who with Miss Mann had already sought the open air Robert Moore had
risen when she did perhaps he meant to speak to her but there was yet a
parting word to exchange with Miss Keeldar and while it was being uttered
Caroline had vanished
Hortense received her former pupil with a demeanour of more dignity than
warmth she had been seriously offended by Mr Helstones proceedings and had
all along considered Caroline to blame in obeying her uncle too literally
»You are a very great stranger« she said austerely as her pupil held and
pressed her hand The pupil knew her too well to remonstrate or complain of
coldness she let the punctilious whim pass sure that her natural bonté I use
this French word because it expresses just what I mean neither goodness nor
good nature but something between the two would presently get the upperhand
It did Hortense had no sooner examined her face well and observed the change
its somewhat wasted features betrayed than her mien softened Kissing her on
both cheeks she asked anxiously after her health Caroline answered gaily It
would however have been her lot to undergo a long crossexamination followed
by an endless lecture on this head had not Miss Mann called off the attention
of the questioner by requesting to be conducted home The poor invalid was
already fatigued her weariness made her cross too cross almost to speak to
Caroline and besides that young persons white dress and lively look were
displeasing in the eyes of Miss Mann the everyday garb of brown stuff or grey
gingham and the everyday air of melancholy suited the solitary spinster
better she would hardly know her young friend tonight and quitted her with a
cool nod Hortense having promised to accompany her home they departed
together
Caroline now looked round for Shirley She saw the rainbow scarf and purple
dress in the centre of a throng of ladies all well known to herself but all of
the order whom she systematically avoided whenever avoidance was possible Shyer
at some moments than at others she felt just now no courage at all to join this
company she could not however stand alone where all others went in pairs or
parties so she approached a group of her own scholars great girls or rather
young women who were standing watching some hundreds of the younger children
playing at blindmansbuff
Miss Helstone knew these girls liked her yet she was shy even with them out
of school they were not more in awe of her than she of them she drew near them
now rather to find protection in their company than to patronize them with her
presence By some instinct they knew her weakness and with natural politeness
they respected it Her knowledge commanded their esteem when she taught them
her gentleness attracted their regard and because she was what they considered
wise and good when on duty they kindly overlooked her evident timidity when
off they did not take advantage of it Peasant girls as they were they had too
much of her own English sensibility to be guilty of the coarse error they stood
round her still civil friendly receiving her slight smiles and rather
hurried efforts to converse with a good feeling and good breeding the last
quality being the result of the first which soon set her at her ease
Mr Sam Wynne coming up with great haste to insist on the elder girls
joining in the game as well as the younger ones Caroline was again left alone
She was meditating a quiet retreat to the house when Shirley perceiving from
afar her isolation hastened to her side
»Let us go to the top of the fields« she said »I know you dont like
crowds Caroline«
»But it will be depriving you of a pleasure Shirley to take you from all
these fine people who court your society so assiduously and to whom you can
without art or effort make yourself so pleasant«
»Not quite without effort I am already tired of the exertion it is but
insipid barren work talking and laughing with the good gentlefolks of
Briarfield I have been looking out for your white dress for the last ten
minutes I like to watch those I love in a crowd and to compare them with
others I have thus compared you You resemble none of the rest Lina there are
some prettier faces than yours here you are not a modelbeauty like Harriet
Sykes for instance beside her your person appears almost insignificant but
you look agreeable you look reflective you look what I call interesting«
»Hush Shirley You flatter me«
»I dont wonder that your scholars like you«
»Nonsense Shirley talk of something else«
»We will talk of Moore then and we will watch him I see him even now«
»Where« And as Caroline asked the question she looked not over the fields
but into Miss Keeldars eyes as was her wont whenever Shirley mentioned any
object she descried afar Her friend had quicker vision than herself and
Caroline seemed to think that the secret of her eagle acuteness might be read in
her dark grey irids or rather perhaps she only sought guidance by the
direction of those discriminating and brilliant spheres
»There is Moore« said Shirley pointing right across the wide field where a
thousand children were playing and now nearly a thousand adult spectators
walking about »There can you miss the tall stature and straight port He
looks amidst the set that surround him like Eliab amongst humbler shepherds
like Saul in a warcouncil and a warcouncil it is if I am not mistaken«
»Why so Shirley« asked Caroline whose eye had at last caught the object
it sought »Robert is just now speaking to my uncle and they are shaking hands
they are then reconciled«
»Reconciled not without good reason depend on it making common cause
against some common foe And why think you are Messrs Wynne and Sykes and
Armitage and Ramsden gathered in such a close circle round them And why is
Malone beckoned to join them Where he is summoned be sure a strong arm is
needed«
Shirley as she watched grew restless her eyes flashed
»They wont trust me« she said »that is always the way when it comes to
the point«
»What about«
»Cannot you feel There is some mystery afloat some event is expected some
preparation is to be made I am certain I saw it all in Mr Moores manner this
evening he was excited yet hard«
»Hard to you Shirley«
»Yes to me He often is hard to me We seldom converse têteàtête but I
am made to feel that the basis of his character is not of eider down«
»Yet he seemed to talk to you softly«
»Did he not Very gentle tones and quiet manner yet the man is peremptory
and secret his secrecy vexes me«
»Yes Robert is secret«
»Which he has scarcely a right to be with me especially as he commenced by
giving me his confidence Having done nothing to forfeit that confidence it
ought not to be withdrawn but I suppose I am not considered ironsouled enough
to be trusted in a crisis«
»He fears probably to occasion you uneasiness«
»An unnecessary precaution I am of elastic materials not soon crushed he
ought to know that but the man is proud he has his faults say what you will
Lina Observe how engaged that group appear they do not know we are watching
them«
»If we keep on the alert Shirley we shall perhaps find the clue to their
secret«
»There will be some unusual movements erelong perhaps tomorrow possibly
tonight But my eyes and ears are wide open Mr Moore you shall be under
surveillance Be you vigilant also Lina«
»I will Robert is going I saw him turn I believe he noticed us they
are shaking hands«
»Shaking hands with emphasis« added Shirley »as if they were ratifying
some solemn league and covenant«
They saw Robert quit the group pass through a gate and disappear
»And he has not bid us goodbye« murmured Caroline
Scarcely had the words escaped her lips when she tried by a smile to deny
the confession of disappointment they seemed to imply An unbidden suffusion for
one moment both softened and brightened her eyes
»Oh that is soon remedied« exclaimed Shirley »Well make him bid us
goodbye«
»Make him That is not the same thing« was the answer
»It shall be the same thing«
»But he is gone you cant overtake him«
»I know a shorter way than that he has taken we will intercept him«
»But Shirley I would rather not go«
Caroline said this as Miss Keeldar seized her arm and hurried her down the
fields It was vain to contend nothing was so wilful as Shirley when she took
a whim into her head Caroline found herself out of sight of the crowd almost
before she was aware and ushered into a narrow shady spot embowered above with
hawthorns and enamelled under foot with daisies She took no notice of the
evening sun chequering the turf nor was she sensible of the pure incense
exhaling at this hour from tree and plant she only heard the wicket opening at
one end and knew Robert was approaching The long sprays of the hawthorns
shooting out before them served as a screen they saw him before he observed
them At a glance Caroline perceived that his social hilarity was gone he had
left it behind him in the joyechoing fields round the school what remained now
was his dark quiet business countenance As Shirley had said a certain
hardness characterized his air while his eye was excited but austere So much
the worsetimed was the present freak of Shirleys if he had looked disposed
for holiday mirth it would not have mattered much but now
»I told you not to come« said Caroline somewhat bitterly to her friend
She seemed truly perturbed to be intruded on Robert thus against her will and
his expectation and when he evidently would rather not be delayed keenly
annoyed her It did not annoy Miss Keeldar in the least she stepped forward and
faced her tenant barring his way
»You omitted to bid us goodbye« she said
»Omitted to bid you goodbye Where did you come from Are you fairies I
left two like you one in purple and one in white standing at the top of a
bank four fields off but a minute ago«
»You left us there and find us here We have been watching you and shall
watch you still you must be questioned one day but not now at present all
you have to do is to say goodnight and then pass«
Moore glanced from one to the other without unbending his aspect »Days of
fête have their privileges and so have days of hazard« observed he gravely
»Come dont moralize say goodnight and pass« urged Shirley
»Must I say goodnight to you Miss Keeldar«
»Yes and to Caroline likewise It is nothing new I hope you have bid us
both goodnight before«
He took her hand held it in one of his and covered it with the other he
looked down at her gravely kindly yet commandingly The heiress could not make
this man her subject in his gaze on her bright face there was no servility
hardly homage but there was interest and affection heightened by another
feeling something in his tone when he spoke as well as in his words marked
that last sentiment to be gratitude
»Your debtor bids you goodnight May you rest safely and serenely till
morning«
»And you Mr Moore what are you going to do What have you been saying
to Mr Helstone with whom I saw you shake hands Why did all those gentlemen
gather round you Put away reserve for once be frank with me«
»Who can resist you I will be frank tomorrow if there is anything to
relate you shall hear it«
»Just now« pleaded Shirley »dont procrastinate«
»But I could only tell half a tale and my time is limited I have not a
moment to spare hereafter I will make amends for delay by candour«
»But are you going home«
»Yes«
»Not to leave it any more tonight«
»Certainly not At present farewell to both of you«
He would have taken Carolines hand and joined it in the same clasp in which
he held Shirleys but somehow it was not ready for him she had withdrawn a few
steps apart her answer to Moores adieu was only a slight bend of the head and
a gentle serious smile He sought no more cordial token again he said
»Farewell« and quitted them both
»There it is over« said Shirley when he was gone »We have made him bid
us goodnight and yet not lost ground in his esteem I think Cary«
»I hope not« was the brief reply
»I consider you very timid and undemonstrative« remarked Miss Keeldar »Why
did you not give Moore your hand when he offered you his He is your cousin you
like him Are you ashamed to let him perceive your affection«
»He perceives all of it that interests him no need to make a display of
feeling«
»You are laconic you would be stoical if you could Is love in your eyes
a crime Caroline«
»Love a crime No Shirley love is a divine virtue but why drag that
word into the conversation it is singularly irrelevant«
»Good« pronounced Shirley
The two girls paced the green lane in silence Caroline first resumed
»Obtrusiveness is a crime forwardness is a crime and both disgust but
love no purest angel need blush to love And when I see or hear either man or
woman couple shame with love I know their minds are coarse their associations
debased Many who think themselves refined ladies and gentlemen and on whose
lips the word vulgarity is for ever hovering cannot mention love without
betraying their own innate and imbecile degradation it is a low feeling in
their estimation connected only with low ideas for them«
»You describe threefourths of the world Caroline«
»They are cold they are cowardly they are stupid on the subject
Shirley They never loved they never were loved«
»Thou art right Lina And in their dense ignorance they blaspheme living
fire seraphbrought from a divine altar«
»They confound it with sparks mounting from Tophet«
The sudden and joyous clash of bells here stopped the dialogue by summoning
all to the church
Chapter XVIII
Which the Genteel Reader Is Recommended to Skip Low Persons Being Here
Introduced
The evening was still and warm close and sultry it even promised to become
Round the descending sun the clouds glowed purple summer tints rather Indian
than English suffused the horizon and cast rosy reflections on hillside
housefront treebole on winding road and undulating pastureground The two
girls came down from the fields slowly by the time they reached the churchyard
the bells were hushed the multitudes were gathered into the church the whole
scene was solitary
»How pleasant and calm it is« said Caroline
»And how hot it will be in the church« responded Shirley »and what a
dreary long speech Dr Boultby will make and how the curates will hammer over
their prepared orations For my part I would rather not enter«
»But my uncle will be angry if he observes our absence«
»I will bear the brunt of his wrath he will not devour me I shall be sorry
to miss his pungent speech I know it will be all sense for the Church and all
causticity for Schism hell not forget the battle of Roydlane I shall be
sorry also to deprive you of Mr Halls sincere friendly homily with all its
racy Yorkshireisms but here I must stay The grey church and greyer tombs look
divine with this crimson gleam on them Nature is now at her evening prayers
she is kneeling before those red hills I see her prostrate on the great steps
of her altar praying for a fair night for mariners at sea for travellers in
deserts for lambs on moors and unfledged birds in woods Caroline I see her
and I will tell you what she is like she is like what Eve was when she and Adam
stood alone on earth«
»And that is not Miltons Eve Shirley«
»Miltons Eve Miltons Eve I repeat No by the pure Mother of God she is
not Cary we are alone we may speak what we think Milton was great but was
he good His brain was right how was his heart He saw heaven he looked down
on hell He saw Satan and Sin his daughter and Death their horrible offspring
Angels serried before him their battalions the long lines of adamantine shields
flashed back on his blind eyeballs the unutterable splendour of heaven Devils
gathered their legions in his sight their dim discrowned and tarnished armies
passed rank and file before him Milton tried to see the first woman but Cary
he saw her not«
»You are bold to say so Shirley«
»Not more bold than faithful It was his cook that he saw or it was Mrs
Gill as I have seen her making custards in the heat of summer in the cool
dairy with rosetrees and nasturtiums about the latticed window preparing a
cold collation for the rectors preserves and dulcet creams puzzled what
choice to choose for delicacy best what order so contrived as not to mix
tastes not welljoined inelegant but bring taste after taste upheld with
kindliest change«
»All very well too Shirley«
»I would beg to remind him that the first men of the earth were Titans and
that Eve was their mother from her sprang Saturn Hyperion Oceanus she bore
Prometheus «
»Pagan that you are what does that signify«
»I say there were giants on the earth in those days giants that strove to
scale heaven The first womans breast that heaved with life on this world
yielded the daring which could contend with Omnipotence the strength which
could bear a thousand years of bondage the vitality which could feed that
vulture death through uncounted ages the unexhausted life and uncorrupted
excellence sisters to immortality which after millenniums of crimes
struggles and woes could conceive and bring forth a Messiah The first woman
was heavenborn vast was the heart whence gushed the wellspring of the blood
of nations and grand the undegenerate head where rested the consortcrown of
creation«
»She coveted an apple and was cheated by a snake but you have got such a
hash of Scripture and mythology into your head that there is no making any sense
of you You have not yet told me what you saw kneeling on those hills«
»I saw I now see a womanTitan her robe of blue air spreads to the
outskirts of the heath where yonder flock is grazing a veil white as an
avalanche sweeps from her head to her feet and arabesques of lightning flame on
its borders Under her breast I see her zone purple like that horizon through
its blush shines the star of evening Her steady eyes I cannot picture they are
clear they are deep as lakes they are lifted and full of worship they
tremble with the softness of love and the lustre of prayer Her forehead has the
expanse of a cloud and is paler than the early moon risen long before dark
gathers she reclines her bosom on the ridge of Stilbro Moor her mighty hands
are joined beneath it So kneeling face to face she speaks with God That Eve
is Jehovahs daughter as Adam was his son«
»She is very vague and visionary Come Shirley we ought to go into
church«
»Caroline I will not I will stay out here with my mother Eve in these
days called Nature I love her undying mighty being Heaven may have faded
from her brow when she fell in paradise but all that is glorious on earth
shines there still She is taking me to her bosom and showing me her heart
Hush Caroline you will see her and feel as I do if we are both silent«
»I will humour your whim but you will begin talking again ere ten minutes
are over«
Miss Keeldar on whom the soft excitement of the warm summer evening seemed
working with unwonted power leaned against an upright headstone she fixed her
eyes on the deepburning west and sank into a pleasurable trance Caroline
going a little apart paced to and fro beneath the Rectory gardenwall
dreaming too in her way Shirley had mentioned the word »mother« that word
suggested to Carolines imagination not the mighty and mystical parent of
Shirleys visions but a gentle human form the form she ascribed to her own
mother unknown unloved but not unlongedfor
»Oh that the day would come when she would remember her child Oh that I
might know her and knowing love her«
Such was her aspiration
The longing of her childhood filled her soul again The desire which many a
night had kept her awake in her crib and which fear of its fallacy had of late
years almost extinguished relit suddenly and glowed warm in her heart that
her mother might come some happy day and send for her to her presence look
upon her fondly with loving eyes and say to her tenderly in a sweet voice
»Caroline my child I have a home for you you shall live with me All the
love you have needed and not tasted from infancy I have saved for you
carefully Come it shall cherish you now«
A noise on the road roused Caroline from her filial hopes and Shirley from
her Titan visions They listened and heard the tramp of horses they looked
and saw a glitter through the trees they caught through the foliage glimpses of
martial scarlet helm shone plume waved Silent and orderly six soldiers rode
softly by
»The same we saw this afternoon« whispered Shirley »they have been halting
somewhere till now They wish to be as little noticed as possible and are
seeking their rendezvous at this quiet hour while the people are at church Did
I not say we should see unusual things erelong«
Scarcely were sight and sound of the soldiers lost when another and
somewhat different disturbance broke the nighthush a childs impatient
scream They looked a man issued from the church carrying in his arms an
infant a robust ruddy little boy of some two years old roaring with all
the power of his lungs he had probably just awaked from a churchsleep two
little girls of nine and ten followed The influence of the fresh air and the
attraction of some flowers gathered from a grave soon quieted the child the
man sat down with him dandling him on his knee as tenderly as any woman the
two little girls took their places one on each side
»Goodevening William« said Shirley after due scrutiny of the man He had
seen her before and apparently was waiting to be recognized he now took off
his hat and grinned a smile of pleasure He was a roughheaded hardfeatured
personage not old but very weatherbeaten his attire was decent and clean
that of his children singularly neat it was our old friend Farren The young
ladies approached him
»You are not going into the church« he inquired gazing at them
complacently yet with a mixture of bashfulness in his look a sentiment not by
any means the result of awe of their station but only of appreciation of their
elegance and youth Before gentlemen such as Moore or Helstone for instance
William was often a little dogged with proud or insolent ladies too he was
quite unmanageable sometimes very resentful but he was most sensible of most
tractable to goodhumour and civility His nature a stubborn one was
repelled by inflexibility in other natures for which reason he had never been
able to like his former master Moore and unconscious of that gentlemans good
opinion of himself and of the service he had secretly rendered him in
recommending him as gardener to Mr Yorke and by this means to other families
in the neighbourhood he continued to harbour a grudge against his austerity
Latterly he had often worked at Fieldhead Miss Keeldars frank hospitable
manners were perfectly charming to him Caroline he had known from her
childhood unconsciously she was his ideal of a lady Her gentle mien step
gestures her grace of person and attire moved some artistfibres about his
peasant heart he had a pleasure in looking at her as he had in examining rare
flowers or in seeing pleasant landscapes Both the ladies liked William it was
their delight to lend him books to give him plants and they preferred his
conversation far before that of many coarse hard pretentious people
immeasurably higher in station
»Who was speaking William when you came out« asked Shirley
»A gentleman ye set a deal of store on Miss Shirley Mr Donne«
»You look knowing William How did you find out my regard for Mr Donne«
»Ay Miss Shirley theres a gleg light i your een sometimes which betrays
you You look raight down scornful sometimes when Mr Donne is by«
»Do you like him yourself William«
»Me Im stalled o t curates and so is t wife theyve no manners they
talk to poor folk fair as if they thought they were beneath them Theyre allus
magnifying their office it is a pity but their office could magnify them but
it does nought o t soart I fair hate pride«
»But you are proud in your own way yourself« interposed Caroline »you are
what you call houseproud you like to have everything handsome about you
sometimes you look as if you were almost too proud to take your wages When you
were out of work you were too proud to get anything on credit but for your
children I believe you would rather have starved than gone to the shops without
money and when I wanted to give you something what a difficulty I had in
making you take it«
»It is partly true Miss Caroline ony day Id rather give than take
especially from sich as ye Look at t difference between us yere a little
young slender lass and Im a great strong man Im rather more nor twice your
age It is not my part then I think to tak fro ye to be under obligations
as they say to ye and that day ye came to our house and called me to t
door and offered me five shillings which I doubt ye could ill spare for
yeve no fortin I know that day I war fair a rebel a radical an
insurrectionist and ye made me so I thought it shameful that willing and able
as I was to work I suld be i such a condition that a young cratur about the
age o my own eldest lass suld think it needful to come and offer me her bit o
brass«
»I suppose you were angry with me William«
»I almost was in a way but I forgave ye varry soon ye meant well Ay I
am proud and so are ye but your pride and mine is t raight mak what we
call i Yorkshire clean pride such as Mr Malone and Mr Donne knows nought
about theirs is mucky pride Now I shall teach my lasses to be as proud as
Miss Shirley there and my lads to be as proud as myseln but I dare ony o em
to be like t curates Id lick little Michael if I seed him show any signs o
that feeling«
»What is the difference William«
»Ye know t difference weel enew but ye want me to get a gate o talking
Mr Malone and Mr Donne is almost too proud to do aught for theirseln we are
almost too proud to let anybody do aught for us T curates can hardly bide to
speak a civil word to them they think beneath them we can hardly bide to tak
an uncivil word fro them that thinks themseln aboon us«
»Now William be humble enough to tell me truly how you are getting on in
the world Are you well off«
»Miss Shirley I am varry well off Since I got into t gardening line wi
Mr Yorkes help and since Mr Hall another o t raight sort helped my wife
to set up a bit of a shop Ive nought to complain of My family has plenty to
eat and plenty to wear my pride makes me find means to save an odd pound now
and then against rainy days for I think Id die afore Id come to t parish
and me and mine is content but th neighbours is poor yet I see a great deal
of distress«
»And consequently there is still discontent I suppose« inquired Miss
Keeldar
»Consequently ye say right consequently In course starving folk cannot
be satisfied or settled folk The countrys not in a safe condition Ill say
so mich«
»But what can be done What more can I do for instance«
»Do ye can do naught mich poor young lass Yeve gien your brass yeve
done well If ye could transport your tenant Mr Moore to Botany Bay yed
happen do better Folks hate him«
»William for shame« exclaimed Caroline warmly »If folks do hate him it
is to their disgrace not his Mr Moore himself hates nobody he only wants to
do his duty and maintain his rights you are wrong to talk so«
»I talk as I think He has a cold unfeeling heart yond Moore«
»But« interposed Shirley »supposing Moore was driven from the country and
his mill razed to the ground would people have more work«
»Theyd have less I know that and they know that and there is many an
honest lad driven desperate by the certainty that whichever way he turns he
cannot better himself and there is dishonest men plenty to guide them to the
devil scoundrels that reckons to be the peoples friends and that knows naught
about the people and is as insincere as Lucifer Ive lived aboon forty year in
the world and I believe that the people will never have any true friends but
theirseln and them two or three good folk i different stations that is
friends to all the world Human natur taking it i th lump is naught but
selfishness It is but excessive few it is but just an exception here and
there now and then sich as ye two young uns and me that being in a different
sphere can understand t one t other and be friends wiout slavishness o
one hand or pride o t other Them that reckons to be friends to a lower class
than their own fro political motives is never to be trusted they always try to
make their inferiors tools For my own part I will neither be patronized nor
misled for no mans pleasure Ive had overtures made to me lately that I saw
were treacherous and I flung em back i the faces o them that offered em«
»You wont tell us what overtures«
»I will not it would do no good it would mak no difference them they
concerned can look after theirseln«
»Ay wese look after werseln« said another voice Joe Scott had sauntered
forth from the church to get a breath of fresh air and there he stood
»Ill warrant ye Joe« observed William smiling
»And Ill warrant my maister« was the answer »Young ladies« continued
Joe assuming a lordly air »yed better go into th house«
»I wonder what for« inquired Shirley to whom the overlookers somewhat
pragmatical manners were familiar and who was often at war with him for Joe
holding supercilious theories about women in general resented greatly in his
secret soul the fact of his master and his masters mill being in a manner
under petticoat government and had felt as wormwood and gall certain
businessvisits of the heiress to the Hollows countinghouse
»Because there is naught agate that fits women to be consarned in«
»Indeed There is prayer and preaching agate in that church are we not
concerned in that«
»Ye have been present neither at the prayer nor preaching maam if I have
observed aright What I alluded to was politics William Farren here was
touching on that subject if Im not mistaen«
»Well what then Politics are our habitual study Joe Do you know I see a
newspaper every day and two of a Sunday«
»I should think youll read the marriages probably Miss and the murders
and the accidents and sich like«
»I read the leading articles Joe and the foreign intelligence and I look
over the market prices in short I read just what gentlemen read«
Joe looked as if he thought this talk was like the chattering of a pie He
replied to it by a disdainful silence
»Joe« continued Miss Keeldar »I never yet could ascertain properly
whether you are a Whig or a Tory pray which party has the honour of your
alliance«
»It is rayther difficult to explain where you are sure not to be
understood« was Joes haughty response »but as to being a Tory Id as soon
be an old woman or a young one which is a more flimsier article still It is
the Tories that carries on the war and ruins trade and if I be of any party
though political parties is all nonsense Im of that which is most favourable
to peace and by consequence to the mercantile interests of this here land«
»So am I Joe« replied Shirley who had rather a pleasure in teazing the
overlooker by persisting in talking on subjects with which he opined she as a
woman had no right to meddle »partly at least I have rather a leaning to
the agricultural interest too as good reason is seeing that I dont desire
England to be under the feet of France and that if a share of my income comes
from Hollows mill a larger share comes from the landed estate around it It
would not do to take any measures injurious to the farmers Joe I think«
»The dews at this hour is unwholesome for females« observed Joe
»If you make that remark out of interest in me I have merely to assure you
that I am impervious to cold I should not mind taking my turn to watch the mill
one of these summer nights armed with your musket Joe«
Joe Scotts chin was always rather prominent he poked it out at this
speech some inches further than usual
»But to go back to my sheep« she proceeded »clothier and millowner as
I am besides farmer I cannot get out of my head a certain idea that we
manufacturers and persons of business are sometimes a little a very little
selfish and shortsighted in our views and rather too regardless of human
suffering rather heartless in our pursuit of gain dont you agree with me
Joe«
»I cannot argue where I cannot be comprehended« was again the answer
»Man of mystery Your master will argue with me sometimes Joe he is not so
stiff as you are«
»May be not weve all our own ways«
»Joe do you seriously think all the wisdom in the world is lodged in male
skulls«
»I think that women are a kittle and a froward generation and Ive a great
respect for the doctrines delivered in the second chapter of St Pauls first
Epistle to Timothy«
»What doctrines Joe«
»Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection I suffer not a woman
to teach nor to usurp authority over the man but to be in silence For Adam
was first formed then Eve«
»What has that to do with the business« interjected Shirley »that smacks
of rights of primogeniture Ill bring it up to Mr Yorke the first time he
inveighs against those rights«
»And« continued Joe Scott »Adam was not deceived but the woman being
deceived was in the transgression«
»More shame to Adam to sin with his eyes open« cried Miss Keeldar »To
confess the honest truth Joe I never was easy in my mind concerning that
chapter it puzzles me«
»It is very plain Miss he that runs may read«
»He may read it in his own fashion« remarked Caroline now joining in the
dialogue for the first time »You allow the right of private judgment I
suppose Joe«
»My certy that I do I allow and claim it for every line of the holy Book«
»Women may exercise it as well as men«
»Nay women is to take their husbands opinion both in politics and
religion its wholesomest for them«
»Oh oh« exclaimed both Shirley and Caroline
»To be sure no doubt ont« persisted the stubborn overlooker
»Consider yourself groaned down and cried shame over for such a stupid
observation« said Miss Keeldar »You might as well say men are to take the
opinions of their priests without examination Of what value would a religion so
adopted be It would be mere blind besotted superstition«
»And what is your reading Miss Helstone o these words o St Pauls«
»Hem I I account for them in this way he wrote that chapter for a
particular congregation of Christians under peculiar circumstances and
besides I dare say if I could read the original Greek I should find that many
of the words have been wrongly translated perhaps misapprehended altogether It
would be possible I doubt not with a little ingenuity to give the passage
quite a contrary turn to make it say Let the woman speak out whenever she sees
fit to make an objection it is permitted to a woman to teach and to exercise
authority as much as may be Man meantime cannot do better than hold his
peace and so on«
»That will nt wash Miss«
»I dare say it will My notions are dyed in faster colours than yours Joe
Mr Scott you are a thoroughly dogmatical person and always were I like
William better than you«
»Joe is well enough in his own house« said Shirley »I have seen him as
quiet as a lamb at home There is not a better nor a kinder husband in
Briarfield He does not dogmatize to his wife«
»My wife is a hardworking plain woman time and trouble has taen all the
conceit out of her but that is not the case with you young Misses And then
you reckon to have so much knowledge and i my thoughts its only superficial
sort o vanities youre acquainted with I can tell happen a year sin one
day Miss Caroline coming into our countinghouse when I war packing up summut
behind t great desk and she didnt see me and she brought a slate wi a sum
on it to t maister it war only a bit of a sum in practice that our Harry
would have settled i two minutes She could nt do it Mr Moore had to show
her how and when he did show her she couldnt understand him«
»Nonsense Joe«
»Nay its no nonsense and Miss Shirley there reckons to hearken to t
maister when hes talking ower trade so attentive like as if she followed him
word for word and all war as clear as a ladys lookingglass to her een and
all t while shes peeping and peeping out o t window to see if t mare stands
quiet and then looking at a bit of a splash on her ridingskirt and then
glancing glegly round at wer countinghouse cobwebs and dust and thinking what
mucky folk we are and what a grand ride shell have just i now ower
Nunnelycommon She hears no more o Mr Moores talk nor if he spake Hebrew«
»Joe you are a real slanderer I would give you your answer only the
people are coming out of church we must leave you Man of prejudice goodbye
William goodbye Children come up to Fieldhead tomorrow and you shall
choose what you like best out of Mrs Gills storeroom«
Chapter XIX
A Summer Night
The hour was now that of dusk A clear air favoured the kindling of the stars
»There will be just light enough to show me the way home« said Miss
Keeldar as she prepared to take leave of Caroline at the Rectory gardendoor
»You must not go alone Shirley Fanny shall accompany you«
»That she shall not Of what need I be afraid in my own parish I would walk
from Fieldhead to the church any fine midsummer night three hours later than
this for the mere pleasure of seeing the stars and the chance of meeting a
fairy«
»But just wait till the crowd is cleared away«
»Agreed There are the five Misses Armitage streaming by Here comes Mrs
Sykess phaeton Mr Wynnes close carriage Mrs Birtwhistles car I dont
wish to go through the ceremony of bidding them all goodbye so we will step
into the garden and take shelter amongst the laburnums for an instant«
The rectors their curates and their churchwardens now issued from the
churchporch There was a great confabulation shaking of hands congratulation
on speeches recommendation to be careful of the night air etc By degrees the
throng dispersed the carriages drove off Miss Keeldar was just emerging from
her flowery refuge when Mr Helstone entered the garden and met her
»Oh I want you« he said »I was afraid you were already gone Caroline
come here«
Caroline came expecting as Shirley did a lecture on not having been
visible at church Other subjects however occupied the Rectors mind
»I shall not sleep at home tonight« he continued »I have just met with an
old friend and promised to accompany him I shall return probably about noon
tomorrow Thomas the clerk is engaged and I cannot get him to sleep in the
house as I usually do when I am absent for a night now «
»Now« interrupted Shirley »you want me as a gentleman the first
gentleman in Briarfield in short to supply your place be master of the
Rectory and guardian of your niece and maids while you are away«
»Exactly captain I thought the post would suit you Will you favour
Caroline so far as to be her guest for one night Will you stay here instead of
going back to Fieldhead«
»And what will Mrs Pryor do She expects me home«
»I will send her word Come make up your mind to stay It grows late the
dew falls heavily you and Caroline will enjoy each others society I doubt
not«
»I promise you then to stay with Caroline« replied Shirley »As you say we
shall enjoy each others society we will not be separated tonight Now rejoin
your old friend and fear nothing for us«
»If there should chance to be any disturbance in the night captain if you
should hear the picking of a lock the cutting out of a pane of glass a
stealthy tread of steps about the house and I need not fear to tell you who
bear a welltempered mettlesome heart under your girls ribbonsash that such
little incidents are very possible in the present time what would you do«
»Dont know faint perhaps fall down and have to be picked up again
But doctor if you assign me the post of honour you must give me arms What
weapons are there in your stronghold«
»You could not wield a sword«
»No I could manage the carvingknife better«
»You will find a good one in the diningroom sideboard a ladys knife
light to handle and as sharppointed as a poniard«
»It will suit Caroline but you must give me a brace of pistols I know you
have pistols«
»I have two pairs one pair I can place at your disposal You will find them
suspended over the mantelpiece of my study in cloth cases«
»Loaded«
»Yes but not on the cock Cock them before you go to bed It is paying you
a great compliment captain to lend you these were you one of the awkward
squad you should not have them«
»I will take care You need delay no longer Mr Helstone you may go now
He is gracious to me to lend me his pistols« she remarked as the Rector passed
out at the gardengate »But come Lina« she continued »let us go in and have
some supper I was too much vexed at tea with the vicinage of Mr Sam Wynne to
be able to eat and now I am really hungry«
Entering the house they repaired to the darkened diningroom through the
open windows of which apartment stole the evening air bearing the perfume of
flowers from the garden the very distant sound of farretreating steps from the
road and a soft vague murmur whose origin Caroline explained by the remark
uttered as she stood listening at the casement
»Shirley I hear the beck in the Hollow«
Then she rung the bell asked for a candle and some bread and milk Miss
Keeldars usual supper and her own Fanny when she brought in the tray would
have closed the windows and the shutters but was requested to desist for the
present the twilight was too calm its breath too balmy to be yet excluded
They took their meal in silence Caroline rose once to remove to the
windowsill a glass of flowers which stood on the sideboard the exhalation
from the blossoms being somewhat too powerful for the sultry room in returning
she half opened a drawer and took from it something that glittered clear and
keen in her hand
»You assigned this to me then Shirley did you It is bright keenedged
finelytapered it is dangerouslooking I never yet felt the impulse which
could move me to direct this against a fellowcreature It is difficult to fancy
what circumstances could nerve my arm to strike home with this long knife«
»I should hate to do it« replied Shirley »but I think I could do it if
goaded by certain exigencies which I can imagine« And Miss Keeldar quietly
sipped her glass of new milk looking somewhat thoughtful and a little pale
though indeed when did she not look pale She was never florid
The milk sipped and the bread eaten Fanny was again summoned she and Eliza
were recommended to go to bed which they were quite willing to do being weary
of the days exertions of much cutting of currantbuns and filling of urns and
teapots and running backwards and forwards with trays Erelong the maids
chamberdoor was heard to close Caroline took a candle and went quietly all
over the house seeing that every window was fast and every door barred She did
not even evade the haunted backkitchen nor the vaultlike cellars These
visited she returned
»There is neither spirit nor flesh in the house at present« she said
»which should not be there It is now near eleven oclock fully bedtime yet I
would rather sit up a little longer if you do not object Shirley Here« she
continued »I have brought the brace of pistols from my uncles study you may
examine them at your leisure«
She placed them on the table before her friend
»Why would you rather sit up longer« asked Miss Keeldar taking up the
firearms examining them and again laying them down
»Because I have a strange excited feeling in my heart«
»So have I«
»Is this state of steeplessness and restlessness caused by something
electrical in the air I wonder«
»No the sky is clear the stars numberless it is a fine night«
»But very still I hear the water fret over its stony bed in Hollows Copse
as distinctly as if it ran below the churchyardwall«
»I am glad it is so still a night a moaning wind or rushing rain would vex
me to fever just now«
»Why Shirley«
»Because it would baffle my efforts to listen«
»Do you listen towards the Hollow«
»Yes it is the only quarter whence we can hear a sound just now«
»The only one Shirley«
They both sat near the window and both leaned their arms on the sill and
both inclined their heads towards the open lattice They saw each others young
faces by the starlight and that dim June twilight which does not wholly fade
from the west till dawn begins to break in the east
»Mr Helstone thinks we have no idea which way he is gone« murmured Miss
Keeldar »nor on what errand nor with what expectations nor how prepared but
I guess much do not you«
»I guess something«
»All those gentlemen your cousin Moore included think that you and I are
now asleep in our beds unconscious«
»Caring nothing about them hoping and fearing nothing for them« added
Caroline
Both kept silence for full half an hour The night was silent too only the
churchclock measured its course by quarters Some words were interchanged about
the chill of the air they wrapped their scarves closer round them resumed
their bonnets which they had removed and again watched
Towards midnight the teasing monotonous bark of the housedog disturbed
the quietude of their vigil Caroline rose and made her way noiselessly through
the dark passages to the kitchen intending to appease him with a piece of
bread she succeeded On returning to the diningroom she found it all dark
Miss Keeldar having extinguished the candle the outline of her shape was
visible near the still open window leaning out Miss Helstone asked no
questions she stole to her side The dog recommenced barking furiously
suddenly he stopped and seemed to listen The occupants of the diningroom
listened too and not merely now to the flow of the millstream there was a
nearer though a muffled sound on the road below the churchyard a measured
beating approaching sound a dull tramp of marching feet
It drew near Those who listened by degrees comprehended its extent It was
not the tread of two nor of a dozen nor of a score of men it was the tread of
hundreds They could see nothing the high shrubs of the garden formed a leafy
screen between them and the road To hear however was not enough and this
they felt as the troop trod forwards and seemed actually passing the Rectory
They felt it more when a human voice though that voice spoke but one word
broke the hush of the night
»Halt«
A halt followed the march was arrested Then came a low conference of
which no word was distinguishable from the diningroom
»We must hear this« said Shirley
She turned took her pistols from the table silently passed out through the
middle window of the diningroom which was in fact a glass door stole down
the walk to the gardenwall and stood listening under the lilacs Caroline
would not have quitted the house had she been alone but where Shirley went she
would go She glanced at the weapon on the sideboard but left it behind her
and presently stood at her friends side They dared not look over the wall for
fear of being seen they were obliged to crouch behind it they heard these
words
»It looks a rambling old building Who lives in it besides the damned
parson«
»Only three women his niece and two servants«
»Do you know where they sleep«
»The lasses behind the niece in a front room«
»And Helstone«
»Yonder is his chamber He uses burning a light but I see none now«
»Where would you get in«
»If I were ordered to do his job and he desarves it Id try yond long
window it opens to the diningroom I could grope my way upstairs and I know
his chamber«
»How would you manage about the women folk«
»Let em alone except they shrieked and then Id soon quieten em I could
wish to find the old chap asleep if he waked hed be dangerous«
»Has he arms«
»Firearms allus and allus loadened«
»Then youre a fool to stop us here a shot would give the alarm Moore
would be on us before we could turn round We should miss our main object«
»You might go on I tell you Id engage Helstone alone«
A pause One of the party dropped some weapon which rang on the stone
causeway at this sound the Rectory dog barked again furiously fiercely
»That spoils all« said the voice »hell awake a noise like that might
rouse the dead You did not say there was a dog Damn you Forward«
Forward they went tramp tramp with mustering manifold slowfiling
tread They were gone
Shirley stood erect looked over the wall along the road
»Not a soul remains« she said
She stood and mused »Thank God« was the next observation
Caroline repeated the ejaculation not in so steady a tone she was
trembling much her heart was beating fast and thick her face was cold her
forehead damp
»Thank God for us« she reiterated »but what will happen elsewhere They
have passed us by that they may make sure of others«
»They have done well« returned Shirley with composure »the others will
defend themselves they can do it they are prepared for them with us it is
otherwise My finger was on the trigger of this pistol I was quite ready to
give that man if he had entered such a greeting as he little calculated on
but behind him followed three hundred I had neither three hundred hands nor
three hundred weapons I could not have effectually protected either you
myself or the two poor women asleep under that roof therefore I again
earnestly thank God for insult and peril escaped«
After a second pause she continued »What is it my duty and wisdom to do
next Not to stay here inactive I am glad to say but of course to walk over to
the Hollow«
»To the Hollow Shirley«
»To the Hollow Will you go with me«
»Where those men are gone«
»They have taken the highway we should not encounter them the road over
the fields is as safe silent and solitary as a path through the air would be
Will you go«
»Yes« was the answer given mechanically not because the speaker wished
or was prepared to go or indeed was otherwise than scared at the prospect of
going but because she felt she could not abandon Shirley
»Then we must fasten up these windows and leave all as secure as we can
behind us Do you know what we are going for Cary«
»Yes no because you wish it«
»Is that all And are you so obedient to a mere caprice of mine What a
docile wife you would make to a stern husband The moons face is not whiter
than yours at this moment and the aspen at the gate does not tremble more than
your busy fingers and so tractable and terrorstruck and dismayed and devoted
you would follow me into the thick of real danger Cary let me give your
fidelity a motive we are going for Moores sake to see if we can be of use to
him to make an effort to warn him of what is coming«
»To be sure I am a blind weak fool and you are acute and sensible
Shirley I will go with you I will gladly go with you«
»I do not doubt it You would die blindly and meekly for me but you would
intelligently and gladly die for Moore but in truth there is no question of
death tonight we run no risk at all«
Caroline rapidly closed shutter and lattice »Do not fear that I shall not
have breath to run as fast as you can possibly run Shirley Take my hand let
us go straight across the fields«
»But you cannot climb walls«
»Tonight I can«
»You are afraid of hedges and the beck which we shall be forced to cross«
»I can cross it«
They started they ran Many a wall checked but did not baffle them Shirley
was surefooted and agile she could spring like a deer when she chose Caroline
more timid and less dexterous fell once or twice and bruised herself but she
rose again directly saying she was not hurt A quickset hedge bounded the last
field they lost time in seeking a gap in it the aperture when found was
narrow but they worked their way through the long hair the tender skin the
silks and the muslins suffered but what was chiefly regretted was the
impediment this difficulty had caused to speed On the other side they met the
beck flowing deep in a rough bed at this point a narrow plank formed the only
bridge across it Shirley had trodden the plank successfully and fearlessly many
a time before Caroline had never yet dared to risk the transit
»I will carry you across« said Miss Keeldar »you are light and I am not
weak let me try«
»If I fall in you may fish me out« was the answer as a grateful squeeze
compressed her hand Caroline without pausing trod forward on the trembling
plank as if it were a continuation of the firm turf Shirley who followed did
not cross it more resolutely or safely In their present humour on their
present errand a strong and foaming channel would have been a barrier to
neither At the moment they were above the control either of fire or water all
Stilbro Moor alight and alow with bonfires would not have stopped them nor
would Calder or Aire thundering in flood Yet one sound made them pause Scarce
had they set foot on the solid opposite bank when a shot split the air from the
north One second lapsed Further off burst a like note in the south Within
the space of three minutes similar signals boomed in the east and west
»I thought we were dead at the first explosion« observed Shirley drawing a
long breath »I felt myself hit in the temples and I concluded your heart was
pierced but the reiterated voice was an explanation those are signals it is
their way the attack must be near We should have had wings our feet have not
borne us swiftly enough«
A portion of the copse was now to clear when they emerged from it the mill
lay just below them they could look down upon the buildings the yard they
could see the road beyond And the first glance in that direction told Shirley
she was right in her conjecture they were already too late to give warning it
had taken more time than they calculated on to overcome the various obstacles
which embarrassed the short cut across the fields
The road which should have been white was dark with a moving mass the
rioters were assembled in front of the closed yard gates and a single figure
stood within apparently addressing them the mill itself was perfectly black
and still there was neither life light nor motion around it
»Surely he is prepared surely that is not Moore meeting them alone«
whispered Shirley
»It is we must go to him I will go to him«
»That you will not«
»Why did I come then I came only for him I shall join him«
»Fortunately it is out of your power there is no entrance to the yard«
»There is a small entrance at the back besides the gates in front it opens
by a secret method which I know I will try it«
»Not with my leave«
Miss Keeldar clasped her round the waist with both arms and held her back
»Not one step shall you stir« she went on authoritatively »At this moment
Moore would be both shocked and embarrassed if he saw either you or me Men
never want women near them in time of real danger«
»I would not trouble I would help him« was the reply
»How By inspiring him with heroism Pooh These are not the days of
chivalry it is not a tilt at a tournament we are going to behold but a
struggle about money and food and life«
»It is natural that I should be at his side«
»As queen of his heart His mill is his ladylove Cary Backed by his
factory and his frames he has all the encouragement he wants or can know It is
not for love or beauty but for ledger and broadcloth he is going to break a
spear Dont be sentimental Robert is not so«
»I could help him I will seek him«
»Off then I let you go seek Moore youll not find him«
She loosened her hold Caroline sped like levelled shaft from bent bow
after her rang a jesting gibing laugh »Look well there is no mistake« was the
warning given
But there was a mistake Miss Helstone paused hesitated gazed The figure
had suddenly retreated from the gate and was running back hastily to the mill
»Make haste Lina« cried Shirley »meet him before he enters«
Caroline slowly returned »It is not Robert« she said »it has neither his
height form nor bearing«
»I saw it was not Robert when I let you go How could you imagine it It is
a shabby little figure of a private soldier they had posted him as sentinel He
is safe in the mill now I saw the door open and admit him My mind grows
easier Robert is prepared our warning would have been superfluous and now I
am thankful we came too late to give it it has saved us the trouble of a scene
How fine to have entered the countinghouse toute éperdue and to have found
oneself in presence of Messrs Armitage and Ramsden smoking Malone swaggering
your uncle sneering Mr Sykes sipping a cordial and Moore himself in his cold
manofbusiness vein I am glad we missed it all«
»I wonder if there are many in the mill Shirley«
»Plenty to defend it The soldiers we have twice seen today were going
there no doubt and the group we noticed surrounding your cousin in the fields
will be with him«
»What are they doing now Shirley What is that noise«
»Hatchets and crowbars against the yardgates they are forcing them Are
you afraid«
»No but my heart throbs fast I have a difficulty in standing I will sit
down Do you feel unmoved«
»Hardly that but I am glad I came we shall see what transpires with our
own eyes we are here on the spot and none know it Instead of amazing the
curate the clothier and the corndealer with a romantic rush on the stage we
stand alone with the friendly night its mute stars and these whispering trees
whose report our friends will not come to gather«
»Shirley Shirley the gates are down That crash was like the felling of
great trees Now they are pouring through They will break down the milldoors
as they have broken the gate what can Robert do against so many Would to God I
were a little nearer him could hear him speak could speak to him With my
will my longing to serve him I could not be a useless burden in his way I
could be turned to some account«
»They come on« cried Shirley »How steadily they march in There is
discipline in their ranks I will not say there is courage hundreds against
tens are no proof of that quality but« she dropped her voice »there is
suffering and desperation enough amongst them these goads will urge them
forwards«
»Forwards against Robert and they hate him Shirley is there much danger
they will win the day«
»We shall see Moore and Helstone are of earths first blood no bunglers
no cravens «
A crash smash shiver stopped their whispers A simultaneously hurled
volley of stones had saluted the broad front of the mill with all its windows
and now every pane of every lattice lay in shattered and pounded fragments A
yell followed this demonstration a rioters yell a NorthofEngland a
Yorkshire a WestRiding a WestRiding clothingdistrictofYorkshire
rioters yell You never heard that sound perhaps reader So much the better
for your ears perhaps for your heart since if it rends the air in hate to
yourself or to the men or principles you approve the interests to which you
wish well Wrath wakens to the cry of Hate the Lion shakes his main and rises
to the howl of the Hyena Caste stands up ireful against Caste and the
indignant wronged spirit of the Middle Rank bears down in zeal and scorn on the
famished and furious mass of the Operative Class It is difficult to be tolerant
difficult to be just in such moments
Caroline rose Shirley put her arm round her they stood together as still
as the straight stems of two trees That yell was a long one and when it
ceased the night was yet full of the swaying and murmuring of a crowd
»What next« was the question of the listeners Nothing came yet The mill
remained mute as a mausoleum
»He cannot be alone« whispered Caroline
»I would stake all I have that he is as little alone as he is alarmed«
responded Shirley
Shots were discharged by the rioters Had the defenders waited for this
signal It seemed so The hitherto inert and passive mill woke fire flashed
from its empty windowframes a volley of musketry pealed sharp through the
Hollow
»Moore speaks at last« said Shirley »and he seems to have the gift of
tongues that was not a single voice«
»He has been forbearing no one can accuse him of rashness« alleged
Caroline »their discharge preceded his they broke his gates and his windows
they fired at his garrison before he repelled them«
What was going on now It seemed difficult in the darkness to distinguish
but something terrible a stillrenewing tumult was obvious fierce attacks
desperate repulses the millyard the mill itself was full of battlemovement
there was scarcely any cessation now of the discharge of firearms and there was
struggling rushing trampling and shouting between The aim of the assailants
seemed to be to enter the mill that of the defendants to beat them off They
heard the rebel leader cry »To the back lads« They heard a voice retort
»Come round we will meet you«
»To the countinghouse« was the order again
»Welcome We shall have you there« was the response And accordingly the
fiercest blaze that had yet glowed the loudest rattle that had yet been heard
burst from the countinghouse front when the mass of rioters rushed up to it
The voice that had spoken was Moores own voice They could tell by its
tones that his soul was now warm with the conflict they could guess that the
fighting animal was roused in every one of those men there struggling together
and was for the time quite paramount above the rational human being Both the
girls felt their faces glow and their pulses throb both knew they would do no
good by rushing down into the mêlée they desired neither to deal nor to receive
blows but they could not have run away Caroline no more than Shirley they
could not have fainted they could not have taken their eyes from the dim
terrible scene from the mass of cloud of smoke the musketlightning for
the world
»How and when would it end« was the demand throbbing in their throbbing
pulses »Would a juncture arise in which they could be useful« was what they
waited to see for though Shirley put off their toolate arrival with a jest
and was ever ready to satirize her own or any other persons enthusiasm she
would have given a farm of her best land for a chance of rendering good service
The chance was not vouchsafed her the lookedfor juncture never came it
was not likely Moore had expected this attack for days perhaps weeks he was
prepared for it at every point He had fortified and garrisoned his mill which
in itself was a strong building he was a cool brave man he stood to the
defence with unflinching firmness those who were with him caught his spirit
and copied his demeanour The rioters had never been so met before At other
mills they had attacked they had found no resistance an organized resolute
defence was what they never dreamed of encountering When their leaders saw the
steady fire kept up from the mill witnessed the composure and determination of
its owner heard themselves coolly defied and invited on to death and beheld
their men falling wounded round them they felt that nothing was to be done
here In haste they mustered their forces drew them away from the building a
roll was called over in which the men answered to figures instead of names
they dispersed wide over the fields leaving silence and ruin behind them The
attack from its commencement to its termination had not occupied an hour
Day was by this time approaching the west was dim the east beginning to
gleam It would have seemed that the girls who had watched this conflict would
now wish to hasten to the victors on whose side all their interest had been
enlisted but they only very cautiously approached the now battered mill and
when suddenly a number of soldiers and gentlemen appeared at the great door
opening into the yard they quickly stepped aside into a shed the deposit of
old iron and timber whence they could see without being seen
It was no cheering spectacle these premises were now a mere blot of
desolation on the fresh front of the summerdawn All the copse up the Hollow
was shady and dewy the hill at its head was green but just here in the centre
of the sweet glen Discord broken loose in the night from control had beaten
the ground with his stamping hoofs and left it waste and pulverized The mill
yawned all ruinous with unglazed frames the yard was thickly bestrewn with
stones and brickbats and close under the mill with the glittering fragments
of the shattered windows muskets and other weapons lay here and there more
than one deep crimson stain was visible on the gravel a human body lay quiet on
its face near the gates and five or six wounded men writhed and moaned in the
bloody dust
Miss Keeldars countenance changed at this view it was the aftertaste of
the battle death and pain replacing excitement and exertion it was the
blackness the bright fire leaves when its blaze is sunk its warmth failed and
its glow faded
»This is what I wished to prevent« she said in a voice whose cadence
betrayed the altered impulse of her heart
»But you could not prevent it you did your best it was in vain« said
Caroline comfortingly »Dont grieve Shirley«
»I am sorry for those poor fellows« was the answer while the spark in her
glance dissolved to dew »Are any within the mill hurt I wonder Is that your
uncle«
»It is and there is Mr Malone and oh Shirley There is Robert«
»Well« resuming her former tone »dont squeeze your fingers quite into
my hand I see there is nothing wonderful in that We knew he at least was
here whoever might be absent«
»He is coming here toward us Shirley«
»Towards the pump that is to say for the purpose of washing his hands and
his forehead which has got a scratch I perceive«
»He bleeds Shirley dont hold me I must go«
»Not a step«
»He is hurt Shirley«
»Fiddlestick«
»But I must go to him I wish to go so much I cannot bear to be
restrained«
»What for«
»To speak to him to ask how he is and what I can do for him«
»To teaze and annoy him to make a spectacle of yourself and him before
those soldiers Mr Malone your uncle et cetera Would he like it think you
Would you like to remember it a week hence«
»Am I always to be curbed and kept down« demanded Caroline a little
passionately
»For his sake yes And still more for your own I tell you if you showed
yourself now you would repent it an hour hence and so would Robert«
»You think he would not like it Shirley«
»Far less than he would like our stopping him to say goodnight which you
were so sore about«
»But that was all play there was no danger«
»And this is serious work he must be unmolested«
»I only wish to go to him because he is my cousin you understand«
»I quite understand But now watch him He has bathed his forehead and the
blood has ceased trickling his hurt is really a mere graze I can see it from
hence he is going to look after the wounded men«
Accordingly Mr Moore and Mr Helstone went round the yard examining each
prostrate form They then gave directions to have the wounded taken up and
carried into the mill This duty being performed Joe Scott was ordered to
saddle his masters horse and Mr Helstones pony and the two gentlemen rode
away full gallop to seek surgical aid in different directions
Caroline was not yet pacified
»Shirley Shirley I should have liked to speak one word to him before he
went« she murmured while the tears gathered glittering in her eyes
»Why do you cry Lina« asked Miss Keeldar a little sternly »You ought to
be glad instead of sorry Robert has escaped any serious harm he is victorious
he has been cool and brave in combat he is now considerate in triumph is this
a time are these causes for weeping«
»You do not know what I have in my heart« pleaded the other »what pain
what distraction nor whence it arises I can understand that you should exult
in Roberts greatness and goodness so do I in one sense but in another I
feel so miserable I am too far removed from him I used to be nearer Let me
alone Shirley do let me cry a few minutes it relieves me«
Miss Keeldar feeling her tremble in every limb ceased to expostulate with
her she went out of the shed and left her to weep in peace It was the best
plan in a few minutes Caroline rejoined her much calmer she said with her
natural docile gentle manner
»Come Shirley we will go home now I promise not to try to see Robert
again till he asks for me I never will try to push myself on him I thank you
for restraining me just now«
»I did it with a good intention« returned Miss Keeldar
»Now dear Lina« she continued »let us turn our faces to the cool morning
breeze and walk very quietly back to the Rectory We will steal in as we stole
out none shall know where we have been or what we have seen tonight neither
taunt nor misconstruction can consequently molest us Tomorrow we will see
Robert and be of good cheer but I will say no more lest I should begin to cry
too I seem hard towards you but I am not so«
Chapter XX
Tomorrow
The two girls met no living soul on their way back to the Rectory they let
themselves in noiselessly they stole upstairs unheard the breaking morning
gave them what light they needed Shirley sought her couch immediately and
though the room was strange for she had never slept at the Rectory before
and though the recent scene was one unparalleled for excitement and terror by
any it had hitherto been her lot to witness yet scarce was her head laid on
the pillow ere a deep refreshing sleep closed her eyes and calmed her senses
Perfect health was Shirleys enviable portion though warmhearted and
sympathetic she was not nervous powerful emotions could rouse and sway
without exhausting her spirit the tempest troubled and shook her while it
lasted but it left her elasticity unbent and her freshness quite unblighted
As every day brought her stimulating emotion so every night yielded her
recreating rest Caroline now watched her sleeping and read the serenity of her
mind in the beauty of her happy countenance
For herself being of a different temperament she could not sleep The
commonplace excitement of the teadrinking and schoolgathering would alone
have sufficed to make her restless all night the effect of the terrible drama
which had just been enacted before her eyes was not likely to quit her for days
It was vain even to try to retain a recumbent posture she sat up by Shirleys
side counting the slow minutes and watching the June sun mount the heavens
Life wastes fast in such vigils as Caroline had of late but too often kept
vigils during which the mind having no pleasant food to nourish it no manna
of hope no hivedhoney of joyous memories tries to live on the meagre diet
of wishes and failing to derive thence either delight or support and feeling
itself ready to perish with craving want turns to philosophy to resolution to
resignation calls on all these gods for aid calls vainly is unheard
unhelped and languishes
Caroline was a Christian therefore in trouble she framed many a prayer
after the Christian creed preferred it with deep earnestness begged for
patience strength relief This world however we all know is the scene of
trial and probation and for any favourable result her petitions had yet
wrought it seemed to her that they were unheard and unaccepted She believed
sometimes that God had turned his face from her At moments she was a
Calvinist and sinking into the gulf of religious despair she saw darkening
over her the doom of reprobation
Most people have had a period or periods in their lives when they have felt
thus forsaken when having long hoped against hope and still seen the day of
fruition deferred their hearts have truly sickened within them This is a
terrible hour but it is often that darkest point which precedes the rise of
day that turn of the year when the icy January wind carries over the waste at
once the dirge of departing winter and the prophecy of coming spring The
perishing birds however cannot thus understand the blast before which they
shiver and as little can the suffering soul recognize in the climax of its
affliction the dawn of its deliverance Yet let whoever grieves still cling
fast to love and faith in God God will never deceive never finally desert him
»Whom He loveth He chasteneth« These words are true and should not be
forgotten
The household was astir at last the servants were up the shutters were
opened below Caroline as she quitted the couch which had been but a thorny
one to her felt that revival of spirits which the return of day of action
gives to all but the wholly despairing or actually dying she dressed herself
as usual carefully trying so to arrange her hair and attire that nothing of
the forlornness she felt at heart should be visible externally she looked as
fresh as Shirley when both were dressed only that Miss Keeldars eyes were
lively and Miss Helstones languid
»Today I shall have much to say to Moore« were Shirleys first words and
you could see in her face that life was full of interest expectation and
occupation for her »He will have to undergo crossexamination« she added »I
daresay he thinks he has outwitted me cleverly And this is the way men deal
with women still concealing danger from them thinking I suppose to spare
them pain They imagined we little knew where they were tonight we know they
little conjectured where we were Men I believe fancy womens minds something
like those of children Now that is a mistake«
This was said as she stood at the glass training her naturally waved hair
into curls by twining it round her fingers She took up the theme again five
minutes after as Caroline fastened her dress and clasped her girdle
»If men could see us as we really are they would be a little amazed but
the cleverest the acutest men are often under an illusion about women they do
not read them in a true light they misapprehend them both for good and evil
their good woman is a queer thing half doll half angel their bad woman almost
always a fiend Then to hear them fall into ecstasies with each others
creations worshipping the heroine of such a poem novel drama thinking it
fine divine Fine and divine it may be but often quite artificial false as
the rose in my best bonnet there If I spoke all I think on this point if I
gave my real opinion of some firstrate female characters in firstrate works
where should I be Dead under a cairn of avenging stones in half an hour«
»Shirley you chatter so I cant fasten you be still And after all
authors heroines are almost as good as authoresss heroes«
»Not at all women read men more truly than men read women Ill prove that
in a magazine paper some day when Ive time only it will never be inserted it
will be declined with thanks and left for me at the publishers«
»To be sure you could not write cleverly enough you dont know enough you
are not learned Shirley«
»God knows I cant contradict you Cary Im as ignorant as a stone
Theres one comfort however you are not much better«
They descended to breakfast
»I wonder how Mrs Pryor and Hortense Moore have passed the night« said
Caroline as she made the coffee »Selfish being that I am I never thought of
either of them till just now they will have heard all the tumult Fieldhead and
the Cottage are so near and Hortense is timid in such matters so no doubt is
Mrs Pryor«
»Take my word for it Lina Moore will have contrived to get his sister out
of the way she went home with Miss Mann he will have quartered her there for
the night As to Mrs Pryor I own I am uneasy about her but in another
halfhour we will be with her«
By this time the news of what had happened at the Hollow was spread all over
the neighbourhood Fanny who had been to Fieldhead to fetch the milk returned
in panting haste with tidings that there had been a battle in the night at Mr
Moores mill and that some said twenty men were killed Eliza during Fannys
absence had been apprized by the butchers boy that the Mill was burnt to the
ground Both women rushed into the parlour to announce these terrible facts to
the ladies terminating their clear and accurate narrative by the assertion that
they were sure master must have been in it all he and Thomas the clerk they
were confident must have gone last night to join Mr Moore and the soldiers
Mr Malone too had not been heard of at his lodgings since yesterday
afternoon and Joe Scotts wife and family were in the greatest distress
wondering what had become of their head
Scarcely was this information imparted when a knock at the kitchendoor
announced the Fieldhead errandboy arrived in hot haste bearing a billet from
Mrs Pryor It was hurriedly written and urged Miss Keeldar to return directly
as the neighbourhood and the house seemed likely to be all in confusion and
orders would have to be given which the mistress of the hall alone could
regulate In a postscript it was entreated that Miss Helstone might not be left
alone at the Rectory she had better it was suggested accompany Miss Keeldar
»There are not two opinions on that head« said Shirley as she tied on her
own bonnet and then ran to fetch Carolines
»But what will Fanny and Eliza do And if my uncle returns«
»Your uncle will not return yet he has other fish to fry he will be
galloping backwards and forwards from Briarfield to Stilbro all day rousing
the magistrates in the courthouse and the officers at the barracks and Fanny
and Eliza can have in Joe Scotts and the clerks wives to bear them company
Besides of course there is no real danger to be apprehended now weeks will
elapse before the rioters can again rally or plan any other attempt and I am
much mistaken if Moore and Mr Helstone will not take advantage of last nights
outbreak to quell them altogether they will frighten the authorities of
Stilbro into energetic measures I only hope they will not be too severe not
pursue the discomfited too relentlessly«
»Robert will not be cruel we saw that last night« said Caroline
»But he will be hard« retorted Shirley »and so will your uncle«
As they hurried along the meadow and plantationpath to Fieldhead they saw
the distant highway already alive with an unwonted flow of equestrians and
pedestrians tending in the direction of the usually solitary Hollow On
reaching the hall they found the backyard gates open and the court and
kitchen seemed crowded with excited milkfetchers men women and children
whom Mrs Gill the housekeeper appeared vainly persuading to take their
milkcans and depart It is or was bytheby the custom in the north of
England for the cottagers on a country squires estate to receive their supplies
of milk and butter from the dairy of the ManorHouse on whose pastures a herd
of milch kine was usually fed for the convenience of the neighbourhood Miss
Keeldar owned such a herd all deepdewlapped Craven cows reared on the sweet
herbage and clear waters of bonnie Airedale and very proud she was of their
sleek aspect and high condition Seeing now the state of matters and that it
was desirable to effect a clearance of the premises Shirley stepped in amongst
the gossipping groups She bade them goodmorning with a certain frank tranquil
ease the natural characteristic of her manner when she addressed numbers
especially if those numbers belonged to the workingclass she was cooler
amongst her equals and rather proud to those above her She then asked them if
they had all got their milk measured out and understanding that they had she
further observed that she »wondered what they were waiting for then«
»Were just talking a bit over this battle there has been at your mill
Mistress« replied a man
»Talking a bit Just like you« said Shirley »It is a queer thing all the
world is so fond of talking over events you talk if anybody dies suddenly you
talk if a fire breaks out you talk if a millowner fails you talk if hes
murdered What good does your talking do«
There is nothing the lower orders like better than a little downright
goodhumoured rating Flattery they scorn very much honest abuse they enjoy
They call it speaking plainly and take a sincere delight in being the objects
thereof The homely harshness of Miss Keeldars salutation won her the ear of
the whole throng in a second
»Were no war nor someat is aboon us are we« asked a man smiling
»Nor a whit better you that should be models of industry are just as
gossiploving as the idle Fine rich people that have nothing to do may be
partly excused for trifling their time away you who have to earn your bread
with the sweat of your brow are quite inexcusable«
»Thats queer Mistress suld we never have a holiday because we work hard«
»Never« was the prompt answer »unless« added the mistress with a smile
that halfbelied the severity of her speech »unless you knew how to make a
better use of it than to get together over rum and tea if you are women or
over beer and pipes if you are men and talk scandal at your neighbours
expense Come friends« she added changing at once from bluntness to courtesy
»oblige me by taking your cans and going home I expect several persons to call
today and it will be inconvenient to have the avenues to the house crowded«
Yorkshire people are as yielding to persuasion as they are stubborn against
compulsion the yard was clear in five minutes
»Thank you and goodbye to you friends« said Shirley as she closed the
gates on a quiet court
Now let me hear the most refined of Cockneys presume to find fault with
Yorkshire manners Taken as they ought to be the majority of the lads and
lasses of the WestRiding are gentlemen and ladies every inch of them it is
only against the weak affectation and futile pomposity of a wouldbe aristocrat
they turn mutinous
Entering by the backway the young ladies passed through the kitchen or
house as the inner kitchen is called to the hall Mrs Pryor came running down
the oak staircase to meet them She was all unnerved her naturally sanguine
complexion was pale her usually placid though timid blue eye was wandering
unsettled alarmed She did not however break out into any exclamations or
hurried narrative of what had happened Her predominant feeling had been in the
course of the night and was now this morning a sense of dissatisfaction with
herself that she could not feel firmer cooler more equal to the demands of the
occasion
»You are aware« she began with a trembling voice and yet the most
conscientious anxiety to avoid exaggeration in what she was about to say
»that a body of rioters has attacked Mr Moores mill tonight we heard the
firing and confusion very plainly here we none of us slept it was a sad night
the house has been in great bustle all the morning with people coming and going
the servants have applied to me for orders and directions which I really did
not feel warranted in giving Mr Moore has I believe sent up for refreshments
for the soldiers and others engaged in the defence for some conveniences also
for the wounded I could not undertake the responsibility of giving orders or
taking measures I fear delay may have been injurious in some instances but
this is not my house you were absent my dear Miss Keeldar what could I do«
»Were no refreshments sent« asked Shirley while her countenance hitherto
so clear propitious and quiet even while she was rating the milkfetchers
suddenly turned dark and warm
»I think not my dear«
»And nothing for the wounded no linen no wine no bedding«
»I think not I cannot tell what Mrs Gill did but it seemed impossible to
me at the moment to venture to dispose of your property by sending supplies to
soldiers provisions for a company of soldiers sounds formidable how many
there are I did not ask but I could not think of allowing them to pillage the
house as it were I intended to do what was right yet I did not see the case
quite clearly I own«
»It lies in a nutshell notwithstanding These soldiers have risked their
lives in defence of my property I suppose they have a right to my gratitude
the wounded are our fellowcreatures I suppose we should aid them Mrs Gill«
She turned and called in a voice more clear than soft It rung through the
thick oak of the hall and kitchen doors more effectually than a bells summons
Mrs Gill who was deep in breadmaking came with hands and apron in culinary
case not having dared to stop to rub the dough from the one or to shake the
flour from the other Her mistress had never called a servant in that voice
save once before and that was when she had seen from the window Tartar in full
tug with two carriers dogs each of them a match for him in size if not in
courage and their masters standing by encouraging their animals while hers
was unbefriended then indeed she had summoned John as if the Day of Judgment
were at hand nor had she waited for the said Johns coming but had walked out
into the lane bonnetless and after informing the carriers that she held them
far less of men than the three brutes whirling and worrying in the dust before
them had put her hands round the thick neck of the largest of the curs and
given her whole strength to the essay of choking it from Tartars torn and
bleeding eye just above and below which organ the vengeful fangs were inserted
Five or six men were presently on the spot to help her but she never thanked
one of them »They might have come before if their will had been good« she
said She had not a word for anybody during the rest of the day but sat near
the hall fire till evening watching and tending Tartar who lay all gory stiff
and swelled on a mat at her feet She wept furtively over him sometimes and
murmured the softest words of pity and endearment in tones whose music the old
scarred canine warrior acknowledged by licking her hand or her sandal
alternately with his own red wounds As to John his lady turned a cold shoulder
on him for a week afterwards
Mrs Gill remembering this little episode came »all of a tremble« as she
said herself In a firm brief voice Miss Keeldar proceeded to put questions
and give orders That at such a time Fieldhead should have evinced the
inhospitality of a misers hovel stung her haughty spirit to the quick and the
revolt of its pride was seen in the heaving of her heart stirred stormily under
the lace and silk which veiled it
»How long is it since that message came from the mill«
»Not an hour yet maam« answered the housekeeper soothingly
»Not an hour You might almost as well have said not a day They will have
applied elsewhere by this time Send a man instantly down to tell them that
everything this house contains is at Mr Moores Mr Helstones and the
soldiers service Do that first«
While the order was being executed Shirley moved away from her friends and
stood at the hallwindow silent unapproachable When Mrs Gill came back she
turned the purple flush which painful excitement kindles on a pale cheek
glowed on hers the spark which displeasure lights in a dark eye fired her
glance
»Let the contents of the larder and the winecellar be brought up put into
the haycarts and driven down to the Hollow If there does not happen to be
much bread or much meat in the house go to the butcher and baker and desire
them to send what they have but I will see for myself«
She moved off
»All will be right soon she will get over it in an hour« whispered
Caroline to Mrs Pryor »Go upstairs dear madam« she added affectionately
»and try to be as calm and easy as you can The truth is Shirley will blame
herself more than you before the day is over«
By dint of a few more gentle assurances and persuasions Miss Helstone
contrived to soothe the agitated lady Having accompanied her to her apartment
and promised to rejoin her there when things were settled Caroline left her to
see as she said »if she could be useful« She presently found that she could
be very useful for the retinue of servants at Fieldhead was by no means
numerous and just now their mistress found plenty of occupation for all the
hands at her command and for her own also The delicate goodnature and
dexterous activity which Caroline brought to the aid of the housekeeper and
maids all somewhat scared by their ladys unwonted mood did a world of good
at once it helped the assistants and appeased the directress A chance glance
and smile from Caroline moved Shirley to an answering smile directly The former
was carrying a heavy basket up the cellarstairs
»This is a shame« cried Shirley running to her »It will strain your arm«
She took it from her and herself bore it out into the yard The cloud of
temper was dispelled when she came back the flash in her eye was melted the
shade on her forehead vanished she resumed her usual cheerful and cordial
manner to those about her tempering her revived spirits with a little of the
softness of shame at her previous unjust anger
She was still superintending the lading of the cart when a gentleman
entered the yard and approached her ere she was aware of his presence
»I hope I see Miss Keeldar well this morning« he said examining with
rather significant scrutiny her still flushed face
She gave him a look and then again bent to her employment without reply A
pleasant enough smile played on her lips but she hid it The gentleman repeated
his salutation stooping that it might reach her ear with more facility
»Well enough if she be good enough« was the answer »and so is Mr Moore
too I dare say To speak truth I am not anxious about him some slight
mischance would be only his just due his conduct has been we will say
strange just now till we have time to characterize it by a more exact epithet
Meantime may I ask what brings him here«
»Mr Helstone and I have just received your message that everything at
Fieldhead was at our service We judged by the unlimited wording of the
gracious intimation that you would be giving yourself too much trouble I
perceive our conjecture was correct We are not a regiment remember only
about half a dozen soldiers and as many civilians Allow me to retrench
something from these too abundant supplies«
Miss Keeldar blushed while she laughed at her own overeager generosity
and most disproportionate calculations Moore laughed too very quietly
though and as quietly he ordered basket after basket to be taken from the
cart and remanded vessel after vessel to the cellar
»The Rector must hear of this« he said »he will make a good story of it
What an excellent army contractor Miss Keeldar would have been« again he
laughed adding »It is precisely as I conjectured«
»You ought to be thankful« said Shirley »and not mock me What could I do
How could I gauge your appetites or number your band For aught I knew there
might have been fifty of you at least to victual You told me nothing and then
an application to provision soldiers naturally suggests large ideas«
»It appears so« remarked Moore levelling another of his keen quiet
glances at the discomfited Shirley »Now« he continued addressing the carter
»I think you may take what remains to the Hollow Your load will be somewhat
lighter than the one Miss Keeldar destined you to carry«
As the vehicle rumbled out of the yard Shirley rallying her spirits
demanded what had become of the wounded
»There was not a single man hurt on our side« was the answer
»You were hurt yourself on the temples« interposed a quick low voice
that of Caroline who having withdrawn within the shade of the door and behind
the large person of Mrs Gill had till now escaped Moores notice when she
spoke his eye searched the obscurity of her retreat
»Are you much hurt« she inquired
»As you might scratch your finger with a needle in sewing«
»Lift your hair and let us see«
He took his hat off and did as he was bid disclosing only a narrow slip of
courtplaster Caroline indicated by a slight movement of the head that she
was satisfied and disappeared within the clear obscure of the interior
»How did she know I was hurt« asked Moore
»By rumour no doubt But it is too good in her to trouble herself about
you For my part it was of your victims I was thinking when I inquired after
the wounded what damage have your opponents sustained«
»One of the rioters or victims as you call them was killed and six were
hurt«
»What have you done with them«
»What you will perfectly approve Medical aid was procured immediately and
as soon as we can get a couple of covered waggons and some clean straw they
will be removed to Stilbro«
»Straw you must have beds and bedding I will send my waggon directly
properly furnished and Mr Yorke I am sure will send his«
»You guess correctly he has volunteered already and Mrs Yorke who like
you seems disposed to regard the rioters as martyrs and me and especially Mr
Helstone as murderers is at this moment I believe most assiduously engaged
in fitting it up with featherbeds pillows bolsters blankets etc The
victims lack no attention I promise you Mr Hall your favourite parson
has been with them ever since six oclock exhorting them praying with them
and even waiting on them like any nurse and Carolines good friend Miss
Ainley that very plain old maid sent in a stock of lint and linen something
in the proportion of another ladys allowance of beef and wine«
»That will do Where is your sister«
»Well cared for I had her securely domiciled with Miss Mann This very
morning the two set out for Wormwood Wells a noted wateringplace and will
stay there some weeks«
»So Mr Helstone domiciled me at the Rectory Mighty clever you gentlemen
think you are I make you heartily welcome to the idea and hope its savour as
you chew the cud of reflection upon it gives you pleasure Acute and astute
why are you not also omniscient How is it that events transpire under your
very noses of which you have no suspicion It should be so otherwise the
exquisite gratification of outmanoeuvring you would be unknown Ah friend you
may search my countenance but you cannot read it«
Moore indeed looked as if he could not
»You think me a dangerous specimen of my sex Dont you now«
»A peculiar one at least«
»But Caroline is she peculiar«
»In her way yes«
»Her way What is her way«
»You know her as well as I do«
»And knowing her I assert that she is neither eccentric nor difficult of
control is she«
»That depends «
»However there is nothing masculine about her«
»Why lay such emphasis on her Do you consider her a contrast in that
respect to yourself«
»You do no doubt but that does not signify Caroline is neither masculine
nor of what they call the spirited order of women«
»I have seen her flash out«
»So have I but not with manly fire it was a short vivid trembling glow
that shot up shone vanished «
»And left her scared at her own daring You describe others besides
Caroline«
»The point I wish to establish is that Miss Helstone though gentle
tractable and candid enough is still perfectly capable of defying even Mr
Moores penetration«
»What have you and she been doing« asked Moore suddenly
»Have you had any breakfast«
»What is your mutual mystery«
»If you are hungry Mrs Gill will give you something to eat here Step into
the oakparlour and ring the bell you will be served as if at an inn or if
you like better go back to the Hollow«
»The alternative is not open to me I must go back Goodmorning the first
leisure I have I will see you again«
Chapter XXI
Mrs Pryor
While Shirley was talking with Moore Caroline rejoined Mrs Pryor upstairs
She found that lady deeply depressed She would not say that Miss Keeldars
hastiness had hurt her feelings but it was evident an inward wound galled her
To any but a congenial nature she would have seemed insensible to the quiet
tender attentions by which Miss Helstone sought to impart solace but Caroline
knew that unmoved or slightly moved as she looked she felt valued and was
healed by them
»I am deficient in selfconfidence and decision« she said at last »I
always have been deficient in those qualities yet I think Miss Keeldar should
have known my character well enough by this time to be aware that I always feel
an even painful solicitude to do right to act for the best The unusual nature
of the demand on my judgment puzzled me especially following the alarms of the
night I could not venture to act promptly for another but I trust no serious
harm will result from my lapse of firmness«
A gentle knock was here heard at the door it was halfopened
»Caroline come here« said a low voice
Miss Helstone went out there stood Shirley in the gallery looking
contrite ashamed sorry as any repentant child
»How is Mrs Pryor« she asked
»Rather out of spirits« said Caroline
»I have behaved very shamefully very ungenerously very ungratefully to
her« said Shirley »How insolent in me to turn on her thus for what after all
was no fault only an excess of conscientiousness on her part But I regret my
error most sincerely tell her so and ask if she will forgive me«
Caroline discharged the errand with heartfelt pleasure Mrs Pryor rose
came to the door she did not like scenes she dreaded them as all timid people
do she said falteringly
»Come in my dear«
Shirley did come in with some impetuosity she threw her arms round her
governess and while she kissed her heartily she said
»You know you must forgive me Mrs Pryor I could not get on at all if
there was a misunderstanding between you and me«
»I have nothing to forgive« was the reply »We will pass it over now if you
please The final result of the incident is that it proves more plainly than
ever how unequal I am to certain crises«
And that was the painful feeling which would remain on Mrs Pryors mind no
effort of Shirleys or Carolines could efface it thence she could forgive her
offending pupil not her innocent self
Miss Keeldar doomed to be in constant request during the morning was
presently summoned downstairs again The Rector called first a lively welcome
and livelier reprimand were at his service he expected both and being in high
spirits took them in equally good part
In the course of his brief visit he quite forgot to ask after his niece
the riot the rioters the mill the magistrates the heiress absorbed all his
thoughts to the exclusion of family ties He alluded to the part himself and
curate had taken in the defence of the Hollow
»The vials of pharisaical wrath will be emptied on our heads for our share
in this business« he said »but I defy every calumniator I was there only to
support the law to play my part as a man and a Briton which characters I deem
quite compatible with those of the priest and Levite in their highest sense
Your tenant Moore« he went on »has won my approbation A cooler commander I
would not wish to see nor a more determined Besides the man has shown sound
judgment and good sense first in being thoroughly prepared for the event which
has taken place and subsequently when his wellconcerted plans had secured him
success in knowing how to use without abusing his victory Some of the
magistrates are now well frightened and like all cowards show a tendency to
be cruel Moore restrains them with admirable prudence He has hitherto been
very unpopular in the neighbourhood but mark my words the tide of opinion
will now take a turn in his favour people will find out that they have not
appreciated him and will hasten to remedy their error and he when he
perceives the public disposed to acknowledge his merits will show a more
gracious mien than that with which he has hitherto favoured us«
Mr Helstone was about to add to this speech some halfjesting halfserious
warnings to Miss Keeldar on the subject of her rumoured partiality for her
talented tenant when a ring at the door announcing another caller checked his
raillery and as that other caller appeared in the form of a whitehaired
elderly gentleman with a rather truculent countenance and disdainful eye in
short our old acquaintance and the Rectors old enemy Mr Yorke the priest
and Levite seized his hat and with the briefest of adieux to Miss Keeldar and
the sternest of nods to her guest took an abrupt leave
Mr Yorke was in no mild mood and in no measured terms did he express his
opinion on the transaction of the night Moore the magistrates the soldiers
the mobleaders each and all came in for a share of his invectives but he
reserved his strongest epithets and real racy Yorkshire Doric adjectives they
were for the benefit of the fighting parsons the »sanguinary demoniac«
rector and curate According to him the cup of ecclesiastical guilt was now
full indeed
»The Church« he said »was in a bonnie pickle now it was time it came down
when parsons took to swaggering amang soldiers blazing away wi bullet and
gunpowder taking the lives of far honester men than themselves«
»What would Moore have done if nobody had helped him« asked Shirley
»Drunk as hed brewed eaten as he d baked«
»Which means you would have left him by himself to face that mob Good He
has plenty of courage but the greatest amount of gallantry that ever garrisoned
one human breast could scarce avail against two hundred«
»He had the soldiers those poor slaves who hire out their own blood and
spill other folks for money«
»You abuse soldiers almost as much as you abuse clergymen All who wear red
coats are national refuse in your eyes and all who wear black are national
swindlers Mr Moore according to you did wrong to get military aid and he
did still worse to accept of any other aid Your way of talking amounts to this
he should have abandoned his mill and his life to the rage of a set of
misguided madmen and Mr Helstone and every other gentleman in the parish
should have looked on and seen the building razed and its owner slaughtered
and never stirred a finger to save either«
»If Moore had behaved to his men from the beginning as a master ought to
behave they never would have entertained their present feelings towards him«
»Easy for you to talk« exclaimed Miss Keeldar who was beginning to wax
warm in her tenants cause »you whose family have lived at Briarmains for six
generations to whose person the people have been accustomed for fifty years
who know all their ways prejudices and preferences Easy indeed for you to
act so as to avoid offending them but Mr Moore came a stranger into the
district he came here poor and friendless with nothing but his own energies to
back him nothing but his honour his talent and his industry to make his way
for him A monstrous crime indeed that under such circumstances he could not
popularize his naturally grave quiet manners all at once could not be
jocular and free and cordial with a strange peasantry as you are with your
fellowtownsmen An unpardonable transgression that when he introduced
improvements he did not go about the business in quite the most politic way did
not graduate his changes as delicately as a rich capitalist might have done For
errors of this sort is he to be the victim of moboutrage Is he to be denied
even the privilege of defending himself Are those who have the hearts of men in
their breasts and Mr Helstone say what you will of him has such a heart
to be reviled like malefactors because they stand by him because they venture
to espouse the cause of one against two hundred«
»Come come now be cool« said Mr Yorke smiling at the earnestness with
which Shirley multiplied her rapid questions
»Cool Must I listen coolly to downright nonsense to dangerous nonsense
No I like you very well Mr Yorke as you know but I thoroughly dislike some
of your principles All that cant excuse me but I repeat the word all that
cant about soldiers and parsons is most offensive in my ears All ridiculous
irrational crying up of one class whether the same be aristocrat or democrat
all howling down of another class whether clerical or military all exacting
injustice to individuals whether monarch or mendicant is really sickening to
me all arraying of ranks against ranks all party hatreds all tyrannies
disguised as liberties I reject and wash my hands of You think you are a
philanthropist you think you are an advocate of liberty but I will tell you
this Mr Hall the parson of Nunnely is a better friend both of man and
freedom than Hiram Yorke the Reformer of Briarfield«
From a man Mr Yorke would not have borne this language very patiently nor
would he have endured it from some women but he accounted Shirley both honest
and pretty and her plainspoken ire amused him besides he took a secret
pleasure in hearing her defend her tenant for we have already intimated he had
Robert Moores interest very much at heart moreover if he wished to avenge
himself for her severity he knew the means lay in his power a word he
believed would suffice to tame and silence her to cover her frank forehead
with the rosy shadow of shame and veil the glow of her eye under downdrooped
lid and lash
»What more hast thou to say« he inquired as she paused rather it appeared
to take breath than because her subject or her zeal was exhausted
»Say Mr Yorke« was the answer the speaker meantime walking fast from
wall to wall of the oakparlour »Say I have a great deal to say if I could
get it out in lucid order which I never can do I have to say that your views
and those of most extreme politicians are such as none but men in an
irresponsible position can advocate that they are purely opposition views
meant only to be talked about and never intended to be acted on Make you prime
minister of England tomorrow and you would have to abandon them You abuse
Moore for defending his mill had you been in Moores place you could not with
honour or sense have acted otherwise than he acted You abuse Mr Helstone for
everything he does Mr Helstone has his faults he sometimes does wrong but
oftener right Were you ordained vicar of Briarfield you would find it no easy
task to sustain all the active schemes for the benefit of the parish planned and
persevered in by your predecessor I wonder people cannot judge more fairly of
each other and themselves When I hear Messrs Malone and Donne chatter about the
authority of the Church the dignity and claims of the priesthood the deference
due to them as clergymen when I hear the outbreaks of their small spite against
Dissenters when I witness their silly narrow jealousies and assumptions when
their palaver about forms and traditions and superstitions is sounding in my
ear when I behold their insolent carriage to the poor their often base
servility to the rich I think the Establishment is indeed in a poor way and
both she and her sons appear in the utmost need of reformation Turning away
distressed from minstertower and villagespire ay as distressed as a
churchwarden who feels the exigence of whitewash and has not wherewithal to
purchase lime I recall your senseless sarcasms on the fat bishops the pampered
parsons old mother church etc I remember your strictures on all who differ
from you your sweeping condemnation of classes and individuals without the
slightest allowance made for circumstances or temptations and then Mr Yorke
doubt clutches my inmost heart as to whether men exist clement reasonable and
just enough to be intrusted with the task of reform I dont believe you are of
the number«
»You have an ill opinion of me Miss Shirley you never told me so much of
your mind before«
»I never had an opening but I have sat on Jessys stool by your chair in
the backparlour at Briarmains for evenings together listening excitedly to
your talk halfadmiring what you said and halfrebelling against it I think
you a fine old Yorkshireman sir I am proud to have been born in the same
county and parish as yourself truthful upright independent you are as a
rock based below seas but also you are harsh rude narrow and merciless«
»Not to the poor lass nor to the meek of the earth only to the proud
and highminded«
»And what right have you sir to make such distinctions A prouder a
higherminded man than yourself does not exist You find it easy to speak
comfortably to your inferiors you are too haughty too ambitious too jealous
to be civil to those above you But you are all alike Helstone also is proud
and prejudiced Moore though juster and more considerate than either you or the
Rector is still haughty stern and in a public sense selfish It is well
there are such men as Mr Hall to be found occasionally men of large and kind
hearts who can love their whole race who can forgive others for being richer
more prosperous or more powerful than they are Such men may have less
originality less force of character than you but they are better friends to
mankind«
»And when is it to be« said Mr Yorke now rising
»When is what to be«
»The wedding«
»Whose wedding«
»Only that of Robert Gérard Moore Esq of Hollows Cottage with Miss
Keeldar daughter and heiress of the late Charles Cave Keeldar of Fieldhead
Hall«
Shirley gazed at the questioner with rising colour but the light in her eye
was not faltering it shone steadily yes it burned deeply
»That is your revenge« she said slowly then added »Would it be a bad
match unworthy of the late Charles Cave Keeldars representative«
»My lass Moore is a gentleman his blood is pure and ancient as mine or
thine«
»And we two set store by ancient blood We have family pride though one of
us at least is a Republican«
Yorke bowed as he stood before her His lips were mute but his eye
confessed the impeachment Yes he had family pride you saw it in his whole
bearing
»Moore is a gentleman« echoed Shirley lifting her head with glad grace
She checked herself words seemed crowding to her tongue she would not give
them utterance but her look spoke much at the moment what Yorke tried to
read but could not the language was there visible but untranslatable a
poem a fervid lyric in an unknown tongue It was not a plain story however
no simple gush of feeling no ordinary loveconfession that was obvious it
was something other deeper more intricate than he guessed at he felt his
revenge had not struck home he felt that Shirley triumphed she held him at
fault baffled puzzled she enjoyed the moment not he
»And if Moore is a gentleman you can be only a lady therefore «
»Therefore there would be no inequality in our union«
»None«
»Thank you for your approbation Will you give me away when I relinquish the
name of Keeldar for that of Moore«
Mr Yorke instead of replying gazed at her much puzzled He could not
divine what her look signified whether she spoke in earnest or in jest there
was purpose and feeling banter and scoff playing mingled on her mobile
lineaments
»I dont understand thee« he said turning away
She laughed »Take courage sir you are not singular in your ignorance but
I suppose if Moore understands me that will do will it not«
»Moore may settle his own matters henceforward for me Ill neither meddle
nor make with them further«
A new thought crossed her her countenance changed magically with a sudden
darkening of the eye and austere fixing of the features she demanded
»Have you been asked to interfere Are you questioning me as anothers
proxy«
»The Lord save us Whoever weds thee must look about him Keep all your
questions for Robert Ill answer no more on em Goodday lassie«
The day being fine or at least fair for soft clouds curtained the sun and a
dim but not chill or waterish haze slept blue on the hills Caroline while
Shirley was engaged with her callers had persuaded Mrs Pryor to assume her
bonnet and summer shawl and to take a walk with her up towards the narrow end
of the Hollow
Here the opposing sides of the glen approaching each other and becoming
clothed with brushwood and stunted oaks formed a wooded ravine at the bottom
of which ran the millstream in broken unquiet course struggling with many
stones chafing against rugged banks fretting with gnarled treeroots foaming
gurgling battling as it went Here when you had wandered half a mile from the
mill you found a sense of deep solitude found it in the shade of unmolested
trees received it in the singing of many birds for which that shade made a
home This was no trodden way the freshness of the woodflowers attested that
foot of man seldom pressed them the abounding wildroses looked as if they
budded bloomed and faded under the watch of solitude as in a sultans harem
Here you saw the sweet azure of bluebells and recognised in pearlwhite
blossoms spangling the grass an humble type of some starlit spot in space
Mrs Pryor liked a quiet walk she ever shunned highroads and sought byways
and lonely lanes one companion she preferred to total solitude for in solitude
she was nervous a vague fear of annoying encounters broke the enjoyment of
quite lonely rambles but she feared nothing with Caroline when once she got
away from human habitations and entered the still demesne of Nature
accompanied by this one youthful friend a propitious change seemed to steal
over her mind and beam in her countenance When with Caroline and Caroline
only her heart you would have said shook off a burden her brow put aside a
veil her spirits too escaped from a restraint with her she was cheerful with
her at times she was tender to her she would impart her knowledge reveal
glimpses of her experience give her opportunities for guessing what life she
had lived what cultivation her mind had received of what calibre was her
intelligence how and where her feelings were vulnerable
Today for instance as they walked along Mrs Pryor talked to her
companion about the various birds singing in the trees discriminated their
species and said something about their habits and peculiarities English
natural history seemed familiar to her All the wild flowers round their path
were recognised by her tiny plants springing near stones and peeping out of
chinks in old walls plants such as Caroline had scarcely noticed before
received a name and an intimation of their properties it appeared that she had
minutely studied the botany of English fields and woods Having reached the head
of the ravine they sat down together on a ledge of grey and mossy rock jutting
from the base of a steep green hill which towered above them she looked round
her and spoke of the neighbourhood as she had once before seen it long ago She
alluded to its changes and compared its aspect with that of other parts of
England revealing in quiet unconscious touches of description a sense of the
picturesque an appreciation of the beautiful or commonplace a power of
comparing the wild with the cultured the grand with the tame that gave to her
discourse a graphic charm as pleasant as it was unpretending
The sort of reverent pleasure with which Caroline listened so sincere so
quiet yet so evident stirred the elder ladys faculties to gentle animation
Rarely probably had she with her chill repellent outside her diffident
mien and incommunicative habits known what it was to excite in one whom she
herself could love feelings of earnest affection and admiring esteem
Delightful doubtless was the consciousness that a young girl towards whom it
seemed judging by the moved expression of her eyes and features her heart
turned with almost a fond impulse looked up to her as an instructor and clung
to her as a friend With a somewhat more marked accent of interest than she
often permitted herself to use she said as she bent towards her youthful
companion and put aside from her forehead a pale brown curl which had strayed
from the confining comb
»I do hope this sweet air blowing from the hill will do you good my dear
Caroline I wish I could see something more of colour in these cheeks but
perhaps you were never florid«
»I had red cheeks once« returned Miss Helstone smiling »I remember a year
two years ago when I used to look in the glass I saw a different face there
to what I see now rounder and rosier But when we are young« added the girl
of eighteen »our minds are careless and our lives easy«
»Do you« continued Mrs Pryor mastering by an effort that tyrant timidity
which made it difficult for her even under present circumstances to attempt
the scrutiny of anothers heart »Do you at your age fret yourself with
cares for the future Believe me you had better not let the morrow take
thought for the things of itself«
»True dear madam it is not over the future I pine The evil of the day is
sometimes oppressive too oppressive and I long to escape it«
»That is the evil of the day that is your uncle perhaps is not you
find it difficult to understand he does not appreciate «
Mrs Pryor could not complete her broken sentences she could not manage to
put the question whether Mr Helstone was too harsh with his niece but Caroline
comprehended
»Oh that is nothing« she replied »my uncle and I get on very well we
never quarrel I dont call him harsh he never scolds me Sometimes I wish
somebody in the world loved me but I cannot say that I particularly wish him to
have more affection for me than he has As a child I should perhaps have felt
the want of attention only the servants were very kind to me but when people
are long indifferent to us we grow indifferent to their indifference It is my
uncles way not to care for women and girls unless they be ladies that he
meets in company he could not alter and I have no wish that he should alter
as far as I am concerned I believe it would merely annoy and frighten me were
he to be affectionate towards me now But you know Mrs Pryor it is scarcely
living to measure time as I do at the Rectory The hours pass and I get them
over somehow but I do not live I endure existence but I rarely enjoy it
Since Miss Keeldar and you came I have been I was going to say happier but
that would be untrue« She paused
»How untrue You are fond of Miss Keeldar are you not my dear«
»Very fond of Shirley I both like and admire her but I am painfully
circumstanced for a reason I cannot explain I want to go away from this place
and to forget it«
»You told me before you wished to be a governess but my dear if you
remember I did not encourage the idea I have been a governess myself great
part of my life In Miss Keeldars acquaintance I esteem myself most fortunate
her talents and her really sweet disposition have rendered my office easy to me
but when I was young before I married my trials were severe poignant I
should not like a I should not like you to endure similar ones It was my lot
to enter a family of considerable pretensions to good birth and mental
superiority and the members of which also believed that on them was perceptible
an unusual endowment of the Christian graces that all their hearts were
regenerate and their spirits in a peculiar state of discipline I was early
given to understand that as I was not their equal so I could not expect to
have their sympathy It was in no sort concealed from me that I was held a
burden and a restraint in society The gentlemen I found regarded me as a
tabooed woman to whom they were interdicted from granting the usual privileges
of the sex and yet who annoyed them by frequently crossing their path The
ladies too made it plain that they thought me a bore The servants it was
signified detested me why I could never clearly comprehend My pupils I was
told however much they might love me and how deep soever the interest I might
take in them could not be my friends It was intimated that I must live alone
and never transgress the invisible but rigid line which established the
difference between me and my employers My life in this house was sedentary
solitary constrained joyless toilsome The dreadful crushing of the animal
spirits the ever prevailing sense of friendlessness and homelessness consequent
on this state of things began erelong to produce mortal effects on my
constitution I sickened The lady of the house told me coolly I was the victim
of wounded vanity She hinted that if I did not make an effort to quell my
ungodly discontent to cease murmuring against Gods appointment and to
cultivate the profound humility befitting my station my mind would very likely
go to pieces on the rock that wrecked most of my sisterhood morbid
selfesteem and that I should die an inmate of a lunatic asylum
I said nothing to Mrs Hardman it would have been useless but to her
eldest daughter I one day dropped a few observations which were answered thus
There were hardships she allowed in the position of a governess doubtless
they had their trials but she averred with a manner it makes me smile now to
recall but it must be so She Miss H had neither view hope nor wish to
see these things remedied for in the inherent constitution of English habits
feelings and prejudices there was no possibility that they should be
Governesses she observed must ever be kept in a sort of isolation it is the
only means of maintaining that distance which the reserve of English manners and
the decorum of English families exact
I remember I sighed as Miss Hardman quitted my bedside she caught the
sound and turning said severely
I fear Miss Grey you have inherited in fullest measure the worst sin of
our fallen nature the sin of pride You are proud and therefore you are
ungrateful too Mamma pays you a handsome salary and if you had average sense
you would thankfully put up with much that is fatiguing to do and irksome to
bear since it is so well made worth your while
Miss Hardman my love was a very strongminded young lady of most
distinguished talents the aristocracy are decidedly a very superior class you
know both physically and morally and mentally as a high Tory I acknowledge
that I could not describe the dignity of her voice and mien as she addressed
me thus still I fear she was selfish my dear I would never wish to speak
ill of my superiors in rank but I think she was a little selfish
I remember« continued Mrs Pryor after a pause »another of Miss Hs
observations which she would utter with quite a grand air WE she would say
WE need the imprudences extravagances mistakes and crimes of a certain number
of fathers to sow the seed from which WE reap the harvest of governesses The
daughters of tradespeople however well educated must necessarily be
underbred and as such unfit to be inmates of OUR dwellings or guardians of
OUR childrens minds and persons WE shall ever prefer to place those about OUR
offspring who have been born and bred with somewhat of the same refinement as
OURSELVES«
»Miss Hardman must have thought herself something better than her
fellowcreatures maam since she held that their calamities and even crimes
were necessary to minister to her convenience You say she was religious her
religion must have been that of the Pharisee who thanked God that he was not as
other men are nor even as that publican«
»My dear we will not discuss the point I should be the last person to wish
to instil into your mind any feeling of dissatisfaction with your lot in life
or any sentiment of envy or insubordination towards your superiors Implicit
submission to authorities scrupulous deference to our betters under which term
I of course include the higher classes of society are in my opinion
indispensable to the wellbeing of every community All I mean to say my dear
is that you had better not attempt to be a governess as the duties of the
position would be too severe for your constitution Not one word of disrespect
would I breathe towards either Mrs or Miss Hardman only recalling my own
experience I cannot but feel that were you to fall under auspices such as
theirs you would contend a while courageously with your doom then you would
pine and grow too weak for your work you would come home if you still had a
home broken down Those languishing years would follow of which none but the
invalid and her immediate friends feel the heartsickness and know the burden
consumption or decline would close the chapter Such is the history of many a
life I would not have it yours My dear we will now walk about a little if
you please«
They both rose and slowly paced a green natural terrace bordering the chasm
»My dear« erelong again began Mrs Pryor a sort of timid embarrassed
abruptness marking her manner as she spoke »the young especially those to whom
nature has been favourable often frequently anticipate look forward to
to marriage as the end the goal of their hopes«
And she stopped Caroline came to her relief with promptitude showing a
great deal more selfpossession and courage than herself on the formidable topic
now broached
»They do and naturally« she replied with a calm emphasis that startled
Mrs Pryor »They look forward to marriage with some one they love as the
brightest the only bright destiny that can await them Are they wrong«
»Oh my dear« exclaimed Mrs Pryor clasping her hands and again she
paused Caroline turned a searching an eager eye on the face of her friend
that face was much agitated »My dear« she murmured »life is an illusion«
»But not love Love is real the most real the most lasting the sweetest
and yet the bitterest thing we know«
»My dear it is very bitter It is said to be strong strong as death
Most of the cheats of existence are strong As to their sweetness nothing is
so transitory its date is a moment the twinkling of an eye the sting
remains for ever it may perish with the dawn of eternity but it tortures
through time into its deepest night«
»Yes it tortures through time« agreed Caroline »except when it is mutual
love«
»Mutual love My dear romances are pernicious You do not read them I
hope«
»Sometimes whenever I can get them indeed but romancewriters might know
nothing of love judging by the way in which they treat of it«
»Nothing whatever my dear« assented Mrs Pryor eagerly »nor of marriage
and the false pictures they give of those subjects cannot be too strongly
condemned They are not like reality they show you only the green tempting
surface of the marsh and give not one faithful or truthful hint of the slough
underneath«
»But it is not always slough« objected Caroline »there are happy
marriages Where affection is reciprocal and sincere and minds are harmonious
marriage must be happy«
»It is never wholly happy Two people can never literally be as one there
is perhaps a possibility of content under peculiar circumstances such as are
seldom combined but it is as well not to run the risk you may make fatal
mistakes Be satisfied my dear let all the single be satisfied with their
freedom«
»You echo my uncles words« exclaimed Caroline in a tone of dismay »you
speak like Mrs Yorke in her most gloomy moments like Miss Mann when she is
most sourly and hypochondriacally disposed This is terrible«
»No it is only true Oh child you have only lived the pleasant morning
time of life the hot weary noon the sad evening the sunless night are yet
to come for you Mr Helstone you say talks as I talk and I wonder how Mrs
Matthewson Helstone would have talked had she been living She died she died«
»And alas my own mother and father « exclaimed Caroline struck by a
sombre recollection
»What of them«
»Did I never tell you that they were separated«
»I have heard it«
»They must then have been very miserable«
»You see all facts go to prove what I say«
»In this case there ought to be no such thing as marriage«
»There ought my dear were it only to prove that this life is a mere state
of probation wherein neither rest nor recompense is to be vouchsafed«
»But your own marriage Mrs Pryor«
Mrs Pryor shrunk and shuddered as if a rude finger had pressed a naked
nerve Caroline felt she had touched what would not bear the slightest contact
»My marriage was unhappy« said the lady summoning courage at last »but
yet « she hesitated
»But yet« suggested Caroline »not immitigably wretched«
»Not in its results at least No« she added in a softer tone »God
mingles something of the balm of mercy even in vials of the most corrosive woe
He can so turn events that from the very same blind rash act whence sprang the
curse of half our life may flow the blessing of the remainder Then I am of a
peculiar disposition I own that far from facile without address in some
points eccentric I ought never to have married mine is not the nature easily
to find a duplicate or likely to assimilate with a contrast I was quite aware
of my own ineligibility and if I had not been so miserable as a governess I
never should have married and then «
Carolines eyes asked her to proceed they entreated her to break the thick
cloud of despair which her previous words had seemed to spread over life
»And then my dear Mr that is the gentleman I married was perhaps
rather an exceptional than an average character I hope at least the
experience of few has been such as mine was or that few have felt their
sufferings as I felt mine They nearly shook my mind relief was so hopeless
redress so unattainable but my dear I do not wish to dishearten I only wish
to warn you and to prove that the single should not be too anxious to change
their state as they may change for the worse«
»Thank you my dear madam I quite understand your kind intentions but
there is no fear of my falling into the error to which you allude I at least
have no thoughts of marriage and for that reason I want to make myself a
position by some other means«
»My dear listen to me On what I am going to say I have carefully
deliberated having indeed revolved the subject in my thoughts ever since you
first mentioned your wish to obtain a situation You know I at present reside
with Miss Keeldar in the capacity of companion should she marry and that she
will marry erelong many circumstances induce me to conclude I shall cease to
be necessary to her in that capacity I must tell you that I possess a small
independency arising partly from my own savings and partly from a legacy left
me some years since whenever I leave Fieldhead I shall take a house of my own
I could not endure to live in solitude I have no relations whom I care to
invite to close intimacy for as you must have observed and as I have already
avowed my habits and tastes have their peculiarities to you my dear I need
not say I am attached with you I am happier than I have ever been with any
living thing« this was said with marked emphasis »Your society I should
esteem a very dear privilege an inestimable privilege a comfort a blessing
You shall come to me then Caroline do you refuse me I hope you can love me«
And with these two abrupt questions she stopped
»Indeed I do love you« was the reply »I should like to live with you but
you are too kind«
»All I have« went on Mrs Pryor »I would leave to you you should be
provided for but never again say I am too kind You pierce my heart child«
»But my dear madam this generosity I have no claim «
»Hush you must not talk about it there are some things we cannot bear to
hear Oh it is late to begin but I may yet live a few years I can never wipe
out the past but perhaps a brief space in the future may yet be mine«
Mrs Pryor seemed deeply agitated large tears trembled in her eyes and
rolled down her cheeks Caroline kissed her in her gentle caressing way saying
softly
»I love you dearly Dont cry«
But the ladys whole frame seemed shaken she sat down bent her head to her
knee and wept aloud Nothing could console her till the inward storm had had
its way At last the agony subsided of itself
»Poor thing« she murmured returning Carolines kiss »poor lonely lamb
But come« she added abruptly »come we must go home«
For a short distance Mrs Pryor walked very fast by degrees however she
calmed down to her wonted manner fell into her usual characteristic pace a
peculiar one like all her movements and by the time they reached Fieldhead
she had reentered into herself the outside was as usual still and shy
Chapter XXII
Two Lives
Only half of Moores activity and resolution had been seen in his defence of the
mill he showed the other half and a terrible half it was in the
indefatigable the relentless assiduity with which he pursued the leaders of the
riot The mob the mere followers he let alone perhaps an innate sense of
justice told him that men misled by false counsel goaded by privations are not
fit objects of vengeance and that he who would visit an even violent act on the
bent head of suffering is a tyrant not a judge At all events though he knew
many of the number having recognised them during the latter part of the attack
when day began to dawn he let them daily pass him on street and road without
notice or threat
The leaders he did not know They were strangers emissaries from the large
towns Most of these were not members of the operative class they were chiefly
downdraughts bankrupts men always in debt and often in drink men who had
nothing to lose and much in the way of character cash and cleanliness to
gain These persons Moore hunted like any sleuthhound and well he liked the
occupation its excitement was of a kind pleasant to his nature he liked it
better than making cloth
His horse must have hated these times for it was ridden both hard and
often he almost lived on the road and the fresh air was as welcome to his
lungs as the policemans quest to his mood he preferred it to the steam of
dyehouses The magistrates of the district must have dreaded him they were
slow timid men he liked both to frighten and to rouse them He liked to force
them to betray a certain fear which made them alike falter in resolve and
recoil in action the fear simply of assassination This indeed was the
dread which had hitherto hampered every manufacturer and almost every public man
in the district Helstone alone had ever repelled it The old Cossack knew well
he might be shot he knew there was risk but such death had for his nerves no
terrors it would have been his chosen might he have had a choice
Moore likewise knew his danger the result was an unquenchable scorn of the
quarter whence such danger was to be apprehended The consciousness that he
hunted assassins was the spur in his highmettled tempers flank As for fear
he was too proud too hardnurtured if you will too phlegmatic a man to
fear Many a time he rode belated over moors moonlit or moonless as the case
might be with feelings far more elate faculties far better refreshed than
when safety and stagnation environed him in the countinghouse Four was the
number of the leaders to be accounted for two in the course of a fortnight
were brought to bay near Stilbro the remaining two it was necessary to seek
further off their haunts were supposed to lie near Birmingham
Meantime the clothier did not neglect his battered mill its reparation was
esteemed a light task carpenters and glaziers work alone being needed The
rioters not having succeeded in effecting an entrance his grim metal darlings
the machines had escaped damage
Whether during this busy life whether while stern justice and exacting
business claimed his energies and harassed his thoughts he now and then gave
one moment dedicated one effort to keep alive gentler fires than those which
smoulder in the fane of Nemesis it was not easy to discover He seldom went
near Fieldhead if he did his visits were brief if he called at the Rectory
it was only to hold conferences with the Rector in his study He maintained his
rigid course very steadily Meantime the history of the year continued
troubled there was no lull in the tempest of war her long hurricane still
swept the Continent There was not the faintest sign of serene weather no
opening amid the clouds of battledust and smoke no fall of pure dews genial to
the olive no cessation of the red rain which nourishes the baleful and glorious
laurel Meantime Ruin had her sappers and miners at work under Moores feet
and whether he rode or walked whether he only crossed his countinghouse
hearth or galloped over sullen Rushedge he was aware of a hollow echo and
felt the ground shake to his tread
While the summer thus passed with Moore how did it lapse with Shirley and
Caroline Let us first visit the heiress How does she look Like a lovelorn
maiden pale and pining for a neglectful swain Does she sit the day long bent
over some sedentary task Has she for ever a book in her hand or sewing on her
knee and eyes only for that and words for nothing and thoughts unspoken
By no means Shirley is all right If her wistful cast of physiognomy is not
gone no more is her careless smile She keeps her dark old manorhouse light
and bright with her cheery presence the gallery and the lowceiled chambers
that open into it have learned lively echoes from her voice the dim
entrancehall with its one window has grown pleasantly accustomed to the
frequent rustle of a silk dress as its wearer sweeps across from room to room
now carrying flowers to the barbarous peachbloom salon now entering the
diningroom to open its casements and let in the scent of mignonette and
sweetbriar anon bringing plants from the staircasewindow to place in the sun
at the open porchdoor
She takes her sewing occasionally but by some fatality she is doomed
never to sit steadily at it for above five minutes at a time her thimble is
scarcely fitted on her needle scarce threaded when a sudden thought calls her
upstairs perhaps she goes to seek some justthenremembered old ivorybacked
needlebook or older chinatopped workbox quite unneeded but which seems at
the moment indispensable perhaps to arrange her hair or a drawer which she
recollects to have seen that morning in a state of curious confusion perhaps
only to take a peep from a particular window at a particular view whence
Briarfield Church and Rectory are visible pleasantly bowered in trees She has
scarcely returned and again taken up the slip of cambric or square of
halfwrought canvass when Tartars bold scrape and strangled whistle are heard
at the porchdoor and she must run to open it for him it is a hot day he
comes in panting she must convoy him to the kitchen and see with her own eyes
that his waterbowl is replenished Through the open kitchendoor the court is
visible all sunny and gay and peopled with turkeys and their poults peahens
and their chicks pearlflecked Guinea fowls and a bright variety of pure
white and purplenecked and blue and cinnamonplumed pigeons Irresistible
spectacle to Shirley She runs to the pantry for a roll and she stands on the
doorstep scattering crumbs around her throng her eager plump happy
feathered vassals John is about the stables and John must be talked to and
her mare looked at She is still petting and patting it when the cows come in
to be milked this is important Shirley must stay and take a review of them
all There are perhaps some little calves some little newyeaned lambs it may
be twins whose mothers have rejected them Miss Keeldar must be introduced to
them by John must permit herself the treat of feeding them with her own hand
under the direction of her careful foreman Meantime John moots doubtful
questions about the farming of certain crofts and ings and holms and his
mistress is necessitated to fetch her gardenhat a gipsystraw and accompany
him over stile and along hedgerow to hear the conclusion of the whole
agricultural matter on the spot and with the said crofts ings and holms under
her eye Bright afternoon thus wears into soft evening and she comes home to a
late tea and after tea she never sews
After tea Shirley reads and she is just about as tenacious of her book as
she is lax of her needle Her study is the rug her seat a footstool or
perhaps only the carpet at Mrs Pryors feet there she always learned her
lessons when a child and old habits have a strong power over her The tawny and
lionlike bulk of Tartar is ever stretched beside her his negro muzzle laid on
his fore paws straight strong and shapely as the limbs of an Alpine wolf One
hand of the mistress generally reposes on the loving serfs rude head because
if she takes it away he groans and is discontented Shirleys mind is given to
her book she lifts not her eyes she neither stirs nor speaks unless indeed
it be to return a brief respectful answer to Mrs Pryor who addresses
deprecatory phrases to her now and then
»My dear you had better not have that great dog so near you he is crushing
the border of your dress«
»Oh it is only muslin I can put a clean one on tomorrow«
»My dear I wish you could acquire the habit of sitting to a table when you
read«
»I will try maam some time but it is so comfortable to do as one has
always been accustomed to do«
»My dear let me beg of you to put that book down you are trying your eyes
by the doubtful firelight«
»No maam not at all my eyes are never tired«
At last however a pale light falls on the page from the window she looks
the moon is up she closes the volume rises and walks through the room Her
book has perhaps been a good one it has refreshed refilled rewarmed her
heart it has set her brain astir furnished her mind with pictures The still
parlour the clean hearth the window opening on the twilight sky and showing
its sweet regent new throned and glorious suffice to make earth an Eden like
a poem for Shirley A still deep inborn delight glows in her young veins
unmingled untroubled not to be reached or ravished by human agency because
by no human agency bestowed the pure gift of God to His creature the free
dower of Nature to her child This joy gives her experience of a geniilife
Buoyant by green steps by glad hills all verdure and light she reaches a
station scarcely lower than that whence angels looked down on the dreamer of
Bethel and her eye seeks and her soul possesses the vision of life as she
wishes it No not as she wishes it she has not time to wish the swift glory
spreads out sweeping and kindling and multiplies its splendours faster than
Thought can effect his combinations faster than Aspiration can utter her
longings Shirley says nothing while the trance is upon her she is quite mute
but if Mrs Pryor speaks to her now she goes out quietly and continues her
walk upstairs in the dim gallery
If Shirley were not an indolent a reckless an ignorant being she would
take a pen at such moments or at least while the recollection of such moments
was yet fresh on her spirit she would seize she would fix the apparition tell
the vision revealed Had she a little more of the organ of Acquisitiveness in
her head a little more of the love of property in her nature she would take a
goodsized sheet of paper and write plainly out in her own queer but clear and
legible hand the story that has been narrated the song that has been sung to
her and thus possess what she was enabled to create But indolent she is
reckless she is and most ignorant for she does not know her dreams are rare
her feelings peculiar she does not know has never known and will die without
knowing the full value of that spring whose bright fresh bubbling in her heart
keeps it green
Shirley takes life easily is not that fact written in her eye In her
goodtempered moments is it not as full of lazy softness as in her brief fits
of anger it is fulgent with quickflashing fire Her nature is in her eye so
long as she is calm indolence indulgence humour and tenderness possess that
large grey sphere incense her a red ray pierces the dew it quickens
instantly to flame
Ere the month of July was passed Miss Keeldar would probably have started
with Caroline on that northern tour they had planned but just at that epoch an
invasion befell Fieldhead a genteel foraging party besieged Shirley in her
castle and compelled her to surrender at discretion An uncle an aunt and two
cousins from the south a Mr Mrs and two Misses Sympson of Sympson Grove
shire came down upon her in state The laws of hospitality obliged her to
give in which she did with a facility which somewhat surprised Caroline who
knew her to be prompt in action and fertile in expedient where a victory was to
be gained for her will Miss Helstone even asked her how it was she submitted so
readily she answered old feelings had their power she had passed two years
of her early youth at Sympson Grove
»How did she like her relatives«
She had nothing in common with them she replied little Harry Sympson
indeed the sole son of the family was very unlike his sisters and of him she
had formerly been fond but he was not coming to Yorkshire at least not yet
The next Sunday the Fieldhead pew in Briarfield church appeared peopled with
a prim trim fidgety elderly gentleman who shifted his spectacles and changed
his position every three minutes a patient placidlooking elderly lady in
brown satin and two pattern young ladies in pattern attire with pattern
deportment Shirley had the air of a black swan or a white crow in the midst
of this party and very forlorn was her aspect Having brought her into
respectable society we will leave her there a while and look after Miss
Helstone
Separated from Miss Keeldar for the present as she could not seek her in
the midst of her fine relatives scared away from Fieldhead by the visiting
commotion which the new arrivals occasioned in the neighbourhood Caroline was
limited once more to the grey Rectory the solitary morning walk in remote
bypaths the long lonely afternoon sitting in a quiet parlour which the sun
forsook at noon or in the garden alcove where it shone bright yet sad on the
ripening red currants trained over the trellis and on the fair monthly roses
entwined between and through them fell chequered on Caroline sitting in her
white summer dress still as a garden statue There she read old books taken
from her uncles library the Greek and Latin were of no use to her and its
collection of light literature was chiefly contained on a shelf which had
belonged to her aunt Mary some venerable Ladys Magazines that had once
performed a seavoyage with their owner and undergone a storm and whose pages
were stained with salt water some mad Methodist Magazines full of miracles and
apparitions of preternatural warnings ominous dreams and frenzied fanaticism
the equally mad Letters of Mrs Elizabeth Rowe from the Dead to the Living a
few old English Classics from these faded flowers Caroline had in her
childhood extracted the honey they were tasteless to her now By way of
change and also of doing good she would sew make garments for the poor
according to good Miss Ainleys direction Sometimes as she felt and saw her
tears fall slowly on her work she would wonder how the excellent woman who had
cut it out and arranged it for her managed to be so equably serene in her
solitude
»I never find Miss Ainley oppressed with despondency or lost in grief« she
thought »yet her cottage is a still dim little place and she is without a
bright hope or near friend in the world I remember though she told me once
she had tutored her thoughts to tend upwards to Heaven She allowed there was
and ever had been little enjoyment in this world for her and she looks I
suppose to the bliss of the world to come So do nuns with their close cell
their iron lamp their robe strait as a shroud their bed narrow as a coffin
She says often she has no fear of death no dread of the grave no more
doubtless had St Simeon Stylites lifted up terrible on his wild column in the
wilderness no more has the Hindoo votary stretched on his couch of iron spikes
Both these having violated nature their natural likings and antipathies are
reversed they grow altogether morbid I do fear death as yet but I believe it
is because I am young poor Miss Ainley would cling closer to life if life had
more charms for her God surely did not create us and cause us to live with
the sole end of wishing always to die I believe in my heart we were intended
to prize life and enjoy it so long as we retain it Existence never was
originally meant to be that useless blank pale slowtrailing thing it often
becomes to many and is becoming to me among the rest
Nobody« she went on »nobody in particular is to blame that I can see
for the state in which things are and I cannot tell however much I puzzle over
it how they are to be altered for the better but I feel there is something
wrong somewhere I believe single women should have more to do better chances
of interesting and profitable occupation than they possess now And when I speak
thus I have no impression that I displease God by my words that I am either
impious or impatient irreligious or sacrilegious My consolation is indeed
that God hears many a groan and compassionates much grief which man stops his
ears against or frowns on with impotent contempt I say impotent for I observe
that to such grievances as society cannot readily cure it usually forbids
utterance on pain of its scorn this scorn being only a sort of tinselled cloak
to its deformed weakness People hate to be reminded of ills they are unable or
unwilling to remedy such reminder in forcing on them a sense of their own
incapacity or a more painful sense of an obligation to make some unpleasant
effort troubles their ease and shakes their selfcomplacency Old maids like
the houseless and unemployed poor should not ask for a place and an occupation
in the world the demand disturbs the happy and rich it disturbs parents Look
at the numerous families of girls in this neighbourhood the Armitages the
Birtwhistles the Sykes The brothers of these girls are every one in business
or in professions they have something to do their sisters have no earthly
employment but household work and sewing no earthly pleasure but an
unprofitable visiting and no hope in all their life to come of anything
better This stagnant state of things makes them decline in health they are
never well and their minds and views shrink to wondrous narrowness The great
wish the sole aim of every one of them is to be married but the majority will
never marry they will die as they now live They scheme they plot they dress
to ensnare husbands The gentlemen turn them into ridicule they dont want
them they hold them very cheap they say I have heard them say it with
sneering laughs many a time the matrimonial market is overstocked Fathers say
so likewise and are angry with their daughters when they observe their
manoeuvres they order them to stay at home What do they expect them to do at
home If you ask they would answer sew and cook They expect them to do
this and this only contentedly regularly uncomplainingly all their lives
long as if they had no germs of faculties for anything else a doctrine as
reasonable to hold as it would be that the fathers have no faculties but for
eating what their daughters cook or for wearing what they sew Could men live
so themselves Would they not be very weary And when there came no relief to
their weariness but only reproaches at its slightest manifestation would not
their weariness ferment in time to frenzy Lucretia spinning at midnight in the
midst of her maidens and Solomons virtuous woman are often quoted as patterns
of what the sex as they say ought to be I dont know Lucretia I daresay
was a most worthy sort of person much like my cousin Hortense Moore but she
kept her servants up very late I should not have liked to be amongst the number
of the maidens Hortense would just work me and Sarah in that fashion if she
could and neither of us would bear it The virtuous woman again had her
household up in the very middle of the night she got breakfast over as Mrs
Sykes says before one oclock A M but she had something more to do than spin
and give out portions she was a manufacturer she made fine linen and sold it
she was an agriculturist she bought estates and planted vineyards That woman
was a manager she was what the matrons hereabouts call a clever woman On the
whole I like her a good deal better than Lucretia but I dont believe either
Mr Armitage or Mr Sykes could have got the advantage of her in a bargain yet
I like her Strength and honour were her clothing the heart of her husband
safely trusted in her She opened her mouth with wisdom in her tongue was the
law of kindness her children rose up and called her blessed her husband also
praised her King of Israel your model of a woman is a worthy model But are
we in these days brought up to be like her Men of Yorkshire do your
daughters reach this royal standard Can they reach it Can you help them to
reach it Can you give them a field in which their faculties may be exercised
and grow Men of England look at your poor girls many of them fading around
you dropping off in consumption or decline or what is worse degenerating to
sour old maids envious backbiting wretched because life is a desert to
them or what is worst of all reduced to strive by scarce modest coquetry and
debasing artifice to gain that position and consideration by marriage which to
celibacy is denied Fathers cannot you alter these things Perhaps not all at
once but consider the matter well when it is brought before you receive it as
a theme worthy of thought do not dismiss it with an idle jest or an unmanly
insult You would wish to be proud of your daughters and not to blush for them
then seek for them an interest and an occupation which shall raise them above
the flirt the manoeuvrer the mischiefmaking talebearer Keep your girls
minds narrow and fettered they will still be a plague and a care sometimes a
disgrace to you cultivate them give them scope and work they will be your
gayest companions in health your tenderest nurses in sickness your most
faithful prop in age«
Chapter XXIII
An Evening Out
One fine summer day that Caroline had spent entirely alone her uncle being at
Whinbury and whose long bright noiseless breezeless cloudless hours how
many they seemed since sunrise had been to her as desolate as if they had gone
over her head in the shadowless and trackless wastes of Zahara instead of in
the blooming garden of an English home she was sitting in the alcove her
task of work on her knee her fingers assiduously plying the needle her eyes
following and regulating their movements her brain working restlessly when
Fanny came to the door looked round over the lawn and borders and not seeing
her whom she sought called out »Miss Caroline«
A low voice answered »Fanny« It issued from the alcove and thither Fanny
hastened a note in her hand which she delivered to fingers that hardly seemed
to have nerve to hold it Miss Helstone did not ask whence it came and she did
not look at it she let it drop amongst the folds of her work
»Joe Scotts son Harry brought it« said Fanny
The girl was no enchantress and knew no magic yet what she said took
almost magical effect on her young mistress she lifted her head with the quick
motion of revived sensation she shot not a languid but a lifelike
questioning glance at Fanny
»Harry Scott Who sent him«
»He came from the Hollow«
The dropped note was snatched up eagerly the seal was broken it was read
in two seconds An affectionate billet from Hortense informing her young cousin
that she was returned from Wormwood Wells that she was alone today as Robert
was gone to Whinbury market that nothing would give her greater pleasure than
to have Carolines company to tea and the good lady added she was sure such
a change would be most acceptable and beneficial to Caroline who must be sadly
at a loss both for safe guidance and improving society since the
misunderstanding between Robert and Mr Helstone had occasioned a separation
from her »meilleure amie Hortense Gérard Moore« In a postscript she was urged
to put on her bonnet and run down directly
Caroline did not need the injunction glad was she to lay by the childs
brown holland slip she was trimming with braid for the Jews basket to hasten
upstairs cover her curls with her straw bonnet and throw round her shoulders
the black silk scarf whose simple drapery suited as well her shape as its dark
hue set off the purity of her dress and the fairness of her face glad was she
to escape for a few hours the solitude the sadness the nightmare of her life
glad to run down the green lane sloping to the Hollow to scent the fragrance of
hedgeflowers sweeter than the perfume of mossrose or lily True she knew
Robert was not at the cottage but it was delight to go where he had lately
been so long so totally separated from him merely to see his home to enter
the room where he had that morning sat felt like a reunion As such it revived
her and then Illusion was again following her in Perimask the soft agitation
of wings caressed her cheek and the air breathing from the blue summer sky
bore a voice which whispered »Robert may come home while you are in his house
and then at least you may look in his face at least you may give him your
hand perhaps for a minute you may sit beside him«
»Silence« was her austere response but she loved the comforter and the
consolation
Miss Moore probably caught from the window the gleam and flutter of
Carolines white attire through the branchy gardenshrubs for she advanced from
the cottageporch to meet her Straight unbending phlegmatic as usual she
came on no haste or ecstacy was ever permitted to disorder the dignity of her
movements but she smiled well pleased to mark the delight of her pupil to
feel her kiss and the gentle genial strain of her embrace She led her
tenderly in halfdeceived and wholly flattered Half deceived had it not been
so she would in all probability have put her to the wicket and shut her out
Had she known clearly to whose account the chief share of this childlike joy
was to be placed Hortense would most likely have felt both shocked and
incensed Sisters do not like young ladies to fall in love with their brothers
it seems if not presumptuous silly weak a delusion an absurd mistake They
do not love these gentlemen whatever sisterly affection they may cherish
towards them and that others should repels them with a sense of crude
romance The first movement in short excited by such discovery as with many
parents on finding their children to be in love is one of mixed impatience and
contempt Reason if they be rational people corrects the false feeling in
time but if they be irrational it is never corrected and the daughter or
sisterinlaw is disliked to the end
»You would expect to find me alone from what I said in my note« observed
Miss Moore as she conducted Caroline towards the parlour »but it was written
this morning since dinner company has come in«
And opening the door she made visible an ample spread of crimson skirts
overflowing the elbowchair at the fireside and above them presiding with
dignity a cap more awful than a crown That cap had never come to the cottage
under a bonnet no it had been brought in a vast bag or rather a middlesized
balloon of black silk held wide with whalebone The screed or frill of the
cap stood a quarter of a yard broad round the face of the wearer the ribbon
flourishing in puffs and bows about the head was of the sort called
loveribbon there was a good deal of it I may say a very great deal Mrs
Yorke wore the cap it became her she wore the gown also it suited her no
less
That great lady was come in a friendly way to take tea with Miss Moore It
was almost as great and as rare a favour as if the Queen were to go uninvited to
share potluck with one of her subjects a higher mark of distinction she could
not show she who in general scorned visiting and teadrinking and held
cheap and stigmatized as gossips every maid and matron of the vicinage
There was no mistake however Miss Moore was a favourite with her she had
evinced the fact more than once evinced it by stopping to speak to her in the
churchyard on Sundays by inviting her almost hospitably to come to
Briarmains evinced it today by the grand condescension of a personal visit
Her reasons for the preference as assigned by herself were that Miss Moore
was a woman of steady deportment without the least levity of conversation or
carriage also that being a foreigner she must feel the want of a friend to
countenance her She might have added that her plain aspect homely precise
dress and phlegmatic unattractive manner were to her so many additional
recommendations It is certain at least that ladies remarkable for the
opposite qualities of beauty lively bearing and elegant taste in attire were
not often favoured with her approbation Whatever gentlemen are apt to admire in
women Mrs Yorke condemned and what they overlook or despise she patronized
Caroline advanced to the mighty matron with some sense of diffidence she
knew little of Mrs Yorke and as a parsons niece was doubtful what sort of a
reception she might get She got a very cool one and was glad to hide her
discomfiture by turning away to take off her bonnet Nor upon sitting down was
she displeased to be immediately accosted by a little personage in a blue frock
and sash who started up like some fairy from the side of the great dames
chair where she had been sitting on a footstool screened from view by the
folds of the wide red gown and running to Miss Helstone unceremoniously threw
her arms round her neck and demanded a kiss
»My mother is not civil to you« said the petitioner as she received and
repaid a smiling salute »and Rose there takes no notice of you it is their
way If instead of you a white angel with a crown of stars had come into the
room mother would nod stiffly and Rose never lift her head at all but I will
be your friend I have always liked you«
»Jessie curb that tongue of yours and repress your forwardness« said Mrs
Yorke
»But mother you are so frozen« expostulated Jessie »Miss Helstone has
never done you any harm why cant you be kind to her You sit so stiff and
look so cold and speak so dry what for Thats just the fashion in which you
treat Miss Shirley Keeldar and every other young lady who comes to our house
And Rose there is such an aut aut I have forgotten the word but it means
a machine in the shape of a human being However between you you will drive
every soul away from Briarmains Martin often says so«
»I am an automaton Good Let me alone then« said Rose speaking from a
corner where she was sitting on the carpet at the foot of a bookcase with a
volume spread open on her knee »Miss Helstone how do you do« she added
directing a brief glance to the person addressed and then again casting down
her grey remarkable eyes on the book and returning to the study of its pages
Caroline stole a quiet gaze towards her dwelling on her young absorbed
countenance and observing a certain unconscious movement of the mouth as she
read a movement full of character Caroline had tact and she had fine
instinct she felt that Rose Yorke was a peculiar child one of the unique
she knew how to treat her Approaching quietly she knelt on the carpet at her
side and looked over her little shoulder at her book It was a romance of Mrs
Radcliffes »The Italian«
Caroline read on with her making no remark presently Rose showed her the
attention of asking ere she turned a leaf
»Are you ready«
Caroline only nodded
»Do you like it« inquired Rose erelong
»Long since when I read it as a child I was wonderfully taken with it«
»Why«
»It seemed to open with such promise such foreboding of a most strange
tale to be unfolded«
»And in reading it you feel as if you were far away from England really
in Italy under another sort of sky that blue sky of the south which
travellers describe«
»You are sensible of that Rose«
»It makes me long to travel Miss Helstone«
»When you are a woman perhaps you may be able to gratify your wish«
»I mean to make a way to do so if one is not made for me I cannot live
always in Briarfield The whole world is not very large compared with creation
I must see the outside of our own round planet at least«
»How much of its outside«
»First this hemisphere where we live then the other I am resolved that my
life shall be a life not a black trance like the toads buried in marble nor
a long slow death like yours in Briarfield Rectory«
»Like mine What can you mean child«
»Might you not as well be tediously dying as for ever shut up in that
glebehouse a place that when I pass it always reminds me of a windowed
grave I never see any movement about the door I never hear a sound from the
wall I believe smoke never issues from the chimneys What do you do there«
»I sew I read I learn lessons«
»Are you happy«
»Should I be happier wandering alone in strange countries as you wish to
do«
»Much happier even if you did nothing but wander Remember however that I
shall have an object in view but if you only went on and on like some
enchanted lady in a fairy tale you might be happier than now In a days
wandering you would pass many a hill wood and watercourse each perpetually
altering in aspect as the sun shone out or was overcast as the weather was wet
or fair dark or bright Nothing changes in Briarfield Rectory the plaster of
the parlourceilings the paper on the walls the curtains carpets chairs are
still the same«
»Is change necessary to happiness«
»Yes«
»Is it synonymous with it«
»I dont know but I feel monotony and death to be almost the same«
Here Jessie spoke
»Is nt she mad« she asked
»But Rose« pursued Caroline »I fear a wanderers life for me at least
would end like that tale you are reading in disappointment vanity and
vexation of spirit«
»Does the Italian so end«
»I thought so when I read it«
»Better to try all things and find all empty than to try nothing and leave
your life a blank To do this is to commit the sin of him who buried his talent
in a napkin despicable sluggard«
»Rose« observed Mrs Yorke »solid satisfaction is only to be realized by
doing ones duty«
»Right mother And if my Master has given me ten talents my duty is to
trade with them and make them ten talents more Not in the dust of household
drawers shall the coin be interred I will not deposit it in a brokenspouted
teapot and shut it up in a chinacloset among teathings I will not commit it
to your worktable to be smothered in piles of woollen hose I will not prison
it in the linenpress to find shrouds among the sheets and least of all mother
she got up from the floor least of all will I hide it in a tureen of cold
potatoes to be ranged with bread butter pastry and ham on the shelves of the
larder«
She stopped then went on
»Mother the Lord who gave each of us our talents will come home some day
and will demand from all an account The teapot the old stockingfoot the
linen rag the willowpattern tureen will yield up their barren deposit in many
a house suffer your daughters at least to put their money to the exchangers
that they may be enabled at the Masters coming to pay him his own with usury«
»Rose did you bring your sampler with you as I told you«
»Yes mother«
»Sit down and do a line of marking«
Rose sat down promptly and wrought according to orders After a busy pause
of ten minutes her mother asked
»Do you think yourself oppressed now A victim«
»No mother«
»Yet as far as I understood your tirade it was a protest against all
womanly and domestic employment«
»You misunderstood it mother I should be sorry not to learn to sew you do
right to teach me and to make me work«
»Even to the mending of your brothers stockings and the making of sheets«
»Yes«
»Where is the use of ranting and spouting about it then«
»Am I to do nothing but that I will do that and then I will do more Now
mother I have said my say I am twelve years old at present and not till I am
sixteen will I speak again about talents for four years I bind myself an
industrious apprentice to all you can teach me«
»You see what my daughters are Miss Helstone« observed Mrs Yorke »how
precociously wise in their own conceits I would rather this I prefer that
such is Jessies cuckoosong while Rose utters the bolder cry I will and I
will not«
»I render a reason mother besides if my cry is bold it is only heard
once in a twelvemonth About each birthday the spirit moves me to deliver one
oracle respecting my own instruction and management I utter it and leave it it
is for you mother to listen or not«
»I would advise all young ladies« pursued Mrs Yorke »to study the
characters of such children as they chance to meet with before they marry and
have any of their own to consider well how they would like the responsibility
of guiding the careless the labour of persuading the stubborn the constant
burden and task of training the best«
»But with love it need not be so very difficult« interposed Caroline
»Mothers love their children most dearly almost better than they love
themselves«
»Fine talk Very sentimental There is the rough practical part of life yet
to come for you young Miss«
»But Mrs Yorke if I take a little baby into my arms any poor womans
infant for instance I feel that I love that helpless thing quite peculiarly
though I am not its mother I could do almost anything for it willingly if it
were delivered over entirely to my care if it were quite dependent on me«
»You feel Yes yes I daresay now you are led a great deal by your
feelings and you think yourself a very sensitive refined personage no doubt
Are you aware that with all these romantic ideas you have managed to train
your features into an habitually lackadaisical expression better suited to a
novelheroine than to a woman who is to make her way in the real world by dint
of common sense«
»No I am not at all aware of that Mrs Yorke«
»Look in the glass just behind you Compare the face you see there with that
of any earlyrising hardworking milkmaid«
»My face is a pale one but it is not sentimental and most milkmaids
however red and robust they may be are more stupid and less practically fitted
to make their way in the world than I am I think more and more correctly than
milkmaids in general do consequently where they would often for want of
reflection act weakly I by dint of reflection should act judiciously«
»Oh no you would be influenced by your feelings You would be guided by
impulse«
»Of course I should often be influenced by my feelings they were given me
to that end Whom my feelings teach me to love I must and shall love and I
hope if ever I have a husband and children my feelings will induce me to love
them I hope in that case all my impulses will be strong in compelling me to
love«
Caroline had a pleasure in saying this with emphasis she had a pleasure in
daring to say it in Mrs Yorkes presence She did not care what unjust sarcasm
might be hurled at her in reply she flushed not with anger but excitement
when the ungenial matron answered coolly
»Do nt waste your dramatic effects That was well said it was quite
fine but it is lost on two women an old wife and an old maid there should
have been a disengaged gentleman present Is Mr Robert nowhere hid behind the
curtains do you think Miss Moore«
Hortense who during the chief part of the conversation had been in the
kitchen superintending the preparations for tea did not yet quite comprehend
the drift of the discourse She answered with a puzzled air that Robert was at
Whinbury Mrs Yorke laughed her own peculiar short laugh
»Straightforward Miss Moore« said she patronizingly »It is like you to
understand my question so literally and answer it so simply Your mind
comprehends nothing of intrigue Strange things might go on around you without
your being the wiser you are not of the class the world calls sharpwitted«
These equivocal compliments did not seem to please Hortense She drew
herself up puckered her black eyebrows but still looked puzzled
»I have ever been noted for sagacity and discernment from childhood« she
returned for indeed on the possession of these qualities she peculiarly
piqued herself
»You never plotted to win a husband Ill be bound« pursued Mrs Yorke
»and you have not the benefit of previous experience to aid you in discovering
when others plot«
Caroline felt this kind language where the benevolent speaker intended she
should feel it in her very heart She could not even parry the shafts she was
defenceless for the present to answer would have been to avow that the cap
fitted Mrs Yorke looking at her as she sat with troubled downcast eyes and
cheek burning painfully and figure expressing in its bent attitude and
unconscious tremor all the humiliation and chagrin she experienced felt the
sufferer was fair game The strange woman had a natural antipathy to a
shrinking sensitive character a nervous temperament nor was a pretty
delicate and youthful face a passport to her affections It was seldom she met
with all these obnoxious qualities combined in one individual still more seldom
she found that individual at her mercy under circumstances in which she could
crush her well She happened this afternoon to be specially bilious and
morose as much disposed to gore as any vicious mother of the herd lowering her
large head she made a new charge
»Your cousin Hortense is an excellent sister Miss Helstone such ladies as
come to try their lifes luck here at Hollows cottage may by a very little
clever female artifice cajole the mistress of the house and have the game all
in their own hands You are fond of your cousins society I dare say Miss«
»Of which cousins«
»Oh of the ladys of course«
»Hortense is and always has been most kind to me«
»Every sister with an eligible single brother is considered most kind by
her spinster friends«
»Mrs Yorke« said Caroline lifting her eyes slowly their blue orbs at the
same time clearing from trouble and shining steady and full while the glow of
shame left her cheek and its hue turned pale and settled »Mrs Yorke may I
ask what you mean«
»To give you a lesson on the cultivation of rectitude to disgust you with
craft and false sentiment«
»Do I need this lesson«
»Most young ladies of the present day need it You are quite a modern young
lady morbid delicate professing to like retirement which implies I
suppose that you find little worthy of your sympathies in the ordinary world
The ordinary world everyday honest folks are better than you think them
much better than any bookish romancing chit of a girl can be who hardly ever
puts her nose over her uncle the parsons gardenwall«
»Consequently of whom you know nothing Excuse me indeed it does not
matter whether you excuse me or not you have attacked me without provocation
I shall defend myself without apology Of my relations with my two cousins you
are ignorant in a fit of illhumour you have attempted to poison them by
gratuitous insinuations which are far more crafty and false than anything with
which you can justly charge me That I happen to be pale and sometimes to look
diffident is no business of yours That I am fond of books and indisposed for
common gossip is still less your business That I am a romancing chit of a girl
is a mere conjecture on your part I never romanced to you nor to anybody you
know That I am the parsons niece is not a crime though you may be
narrowminded enough to think it so You dislike me you have no just reason for
disliking me therefore keep the expression of your aversion to yourself If at
any time in future you evince it annoyingly I shall answer even less
scrupulously than I have done now«
She ceased and sat in white and still excitement She had spoken in the
clearest of tones neither fast nor loud but her silver accents thrilled the
ear The speed of the current in her veins was just then as swift as it was
viewless
Mrs Yorke was not irritated at the reproof worded with a severity so
simple dictated by a pride so quiet Turning coolly to Miss Moore she said
nodding her cap approvingly
»She has spirit in her after all Always speak as honestly as you have done
just now« she continued »and youll do«
»I repel a recommendation so offensive« was the answer delivered in the
same pure key with the same clear look »I reject counsel poisoned by
insinuation It is my right to speak as I think proper nothing binds me to
converse as you dictate So far from always speaking as I have done just now I
shall never address any one in a tone so stern or in language so harsh unless
in answer to unprovoked insult«
»Mother you have found your match« pronounced little Jessie whom the
scene appeared greatly to edify Rose had heard the whole with an unmoved face
She now said
»No Miss Helstone is not my mothers match for she allows herself to be
vexed my mother would wear her out in a few weeks Shirley Keeldar manages
better Mother you have never hurt Miss Keeldars feelings yet She wears
armour under her silk dress that you cannot penetrate«
Mrs Yorke often complained that her children were mutinous It was strange
that with all her strictness with all her strongmindedness she could gain no
command over them a look from their father had more influence with them than a
lecture from her
Miss Moore to whom the position of witness to an altercation in which she
took no part was highly displeasing as being an unimportant secondary post
now rallying her dignity prepared to utter a discourse which was to prove both
parties in the wrong and to make it clear to each disputant that she had reason
to be ashamed of herself and ought to submit humbly to the superior sense of
the individual then addressing her Fortunately for her audience she had not
harangued above ten minutes when Sarahs entrance with the teatray called her
attention first to the fact of that damsel having a gilt comb in her hair and
a red necklace round her throat and secondly and subsequently to a pointed
remonstrance to the duty of making tea After the meal Rose restored her to
good humour by bringing her guitar and asking for a song and afterwards
engaging her in an intelligent and sharp crossexamination about guitarplaying
and music in general
Jessie meantime directed her assiduities to Caroline Sitting on a stool
at her feet she talked to her first about religion and then about politics
Jessie was accustomed at home to drink in a great deal of what her father said
on these subjects and afterwards in company to retail with more wit and
fluency than consistency or discretion his opinions antipathies and
preferences She rated Caroline soundly for being a member of the Established
Church and for having an uncle a clergyman She informed her that she lived on
the country and ought to work for her living honestly instead of passing a
useless life and eating the bread of idleness in the shape of tithes Thence
Jessie passed to a review of the Ministry at that time in office and a
consideration of its deserts She made familiar mention of the names of Lord
Castlereagh and Mr Perceval Each of these personages she adorned with a
character that might have separately suited Moloch and Belial She denounced the
war as wholesale murder and Lord Wellington as a hired butcher
Her auditress listened with exceeding edification Jessie had something of
the genius of humour in her nature it was inexpressibly comic to hear her
repeating her sires denunciations in his nervous northern Doric as hearty a
little Jacobin as ever pent a free mutinous spirit in a muslin frock and sash
Not malignant by nature her language was not so bitter as it was racy and the
expressive little face gave a piquancy to every phrase which held a beholders
interest captive
Caroline chid her when she abused Lord Wellington but she listened
delighted to a subsequent tirade against the Prince Regent Jessie quickly read
in the sparkle of her hearers eye and the laughter hovering round her lips
that at last she had hit on a topic that pleased Many a time had she heard the
fat Adonis of fifty discussed at her fathers breakfasttable and she now gave
Mr Yorkes comments on the theme genuine as uttered by his Yorkshire lips
But Jessie I will write about you no more This is an autumn evening wet
and wild There is only one cloud in the sky but it curtains it from pole to
pole The wind cannot rest it hurries sobbing over hills of sullen outline
colourless with twilight and mist Rain has beat all day on that churchtower
it rises dark from the stony enclosure of its graveyard the nettles the long
grass and the tombs all drip with wet This evening reminds me too forcibly of
another evening some years ago a howling rainy autumn evening too when
certain who had that day performed a pilgrimage to a grave newmade in a heretic
cemetery sat near a woodfire on the hearth of a foreign dwelling They were
merry and social but they each knew that a gap never to be filled had been
made in their circle They knew they had lost something whose absence could
never be quite atoned for so long as they lived and they knew that heavy
falling rain was soaking into the wet earth which covered their lost darling
and that the sad sighing gale was mourning above her buried head The fire
warmed them Life and Friendship yet blessed them but Jessie lay cold
coffined solitary only the sod screening her from the storm
Mrs Yorke folded up her knitting cut short the musiclesson and the lecture on
politics and concluded her visit to the cottage at an hour early enough to
ensure her return to Briarmains before the blush of sunset should quite have
faded in heaven or the path up the fields have become thoroughly moist with
evening dew
The lady and her daughters being gone Caroline felt that she also ought to
resume her scarf kiss her cousins cheek and trip away homeward If she
lingered much later dusk would draw on and Fanny would be put to the trouble
of coming to fetch her it was both baking and ironing day at the Rectory she
remembered Fanny would be busy Still she could not quit her seat at the
little parlourwindow From no point of view could the West look so lovely as
from that lattice with the garland of jessamine round it whose white stars and
green leaves seemed now but grey pencil outlines graceful in form but
colourless in tint against the gold incarnadined of a summer evening against
the firetinged blue of an August sky at eight oclock PM
Caroline looked at the wicketgate beside which hollyoaks spired up tall
she looked at the close hedge of privet and laurel fencing in the garden her
eyes longed to see something more than the shrubs before they turned from that
limited prospect they longed to see a human figure of a certain mould and
height pass the hedge and enter the gate A human figure she at last saw nay
two Frederick Murgatroyd went by carrying a pail of water Joe Scott followed
dangling on his forefinger the keys of the mill They were going to lock up mill
and stables for the night and then betake themselves home
»So must I« thought Caroline as she half rose and sighed
»This is all folly heartbreaking folly« she added »In the first place
though I should stay till dark there will be no arrival because I feel in my
heart Fate has written it down in todays page of her eternal book that I am
not to have the pleasure I long for In the second place if he stepped in this
moment my presence here would be a chagrin to him and the consciousness that
it must be so would turn half my blood to ice His hand would perhaps be loose
and chill if I put mine into it his eye would be clouded if I sought its beam
I should look up for that kindling something I have seen in past days when my
face or my language or my disposition had at some happy moment pleased him I
should discover only darkness I had better go home«
She took her bonnet from the table where it lay and was just fastening the
ribbon when Hortense directing her attention to a splendid bouquet of flowers
in a glass on the same table mentioned that Miss Keeldar had sent them that
morning from Fieldhead and went on to comment on the guests that lady was at
present entertaining on the bustling life she had lately been leading adding
divers conjectures that she did not very well like it and much wonderment that
a person who was so fond of her own way as the heiress did not find some means
of sooner getting rid of this cortège of relatives
»But they say she actually will not let Mr Sympson and his family go« she
added »they wanted much to return to the south last week to be ready for the
reception of the only son who is expected home from a tour She insists that
her cousin Henry shall come and join his friends here in Yorkshire I daresay
she partly does it to oblige Robert and myself«
»How to oblige Robert and you« inquired Caroline
»Why my child you are dull Dont you know you must often have heard «
»Please maam« said Sarah opening the door »the preserves that you told
me to boil in treacle the congfiters as you call them is all burnt to the
pan«
»Les confitures Elles sont brûlées Ah quelle négligence coupable Coquine
de cuisinère fille insupportable«
And Mademoiselle hastily taking from a drawer a large linen apron and
tying it over her black apron rushed éperdue into the kitchen whence to
speak truth exhaled an odour of calcined sweets rather strong than savoury
The mistress and maid had been in full feud the whole day on the subject of
preserving certain black cherries hard as marbles sour as sloes Sarah held
that sugar was the only orthodox condiment to be used in that process
Mademoiselle maintained and proved it by the practice and experience of her
mother grandmother and greatgrandmother that treacle mélasse was
infinitely preferable She had committed an imprudence in leaving Sarah in
charge of the preservingpan for her want of sympathy in the nature of its
contents had induced a degree of carelessness in watching their confection
whereof the result was dark and cindery ruin Hubbub followed high
upbraiding and sobs rather loud than deep or real
Caroline once more turning to the little mirror was shading her ringlets
from her cheek to smooth them under her cottage bonnet certain that it would
not only be useless but unpleasant to stay longer when on the sudden opening
of the backdoor there fell an abrupt calm in the kitchen the tongues were
checked pulled up as with bit and bridle »Was it was it Robert« He often
almost always entered by the kitchenway on his return from market No it
was only Joe Scott who having hemmed significantly thrice every hem being
meant as a lofty rebuke to the squabbling womankind said
»Now I thowt I heerd a crack«
None answered
»And« he continued pragmatically »as t maisters comed and as hell
enter through this hoyle I considered it desirable to step in and let ye know
A houseful o women is nivver fit to be comed on wiout warning Here he is
walk forrard sir They war playing up queerly but I think Ive quietened em«
Another person it was now audible entered Joe Scott proceeded with his
rebukes
»What dye mean by being all i darkness Sarah thou quean canst t not
light a candle It was sundown an hour syne Hell brak his shins agean some o
yer pots and tables and stuff Tak tent o this bakingbowl sir theyve set
it i yer way fair as if they did it i malice«
To Joes observations succeeded a confused sort of pause which Caroline
though she was listening with both her ears could not understand It was very
brief a cry broke it a sound of surprise followed by the sound of a kiss
ejaculations but half articulate succeeded
»Mon Dieu mon Dieu Estce que je my attendais« were the words chiefly to
be distinguished
»Et tu te portes toujours bien bonne soeur« inquired another voice
Roberts certainly
Caroline was puzzled Obeying an impulse the wisdom of which she had not
time to question she escaped from the little parlour by way of leaving the
coast clear and running upstairs took up a position at the head of the
banisters whence she could make further observations ere presenting herself It
was considerably past sunset now dusk filled the passage yet not such deep
dusk but that she could presently see Robert and Hortense traverse it
»Caroline Caroline« called Hortense a moment afterwards »venez voir mon
frère«
»Strange« commented Miss Helstone »passing strange What does this
unwonted excitement about such an everyday occurrence as a return from market
portend She has not lost her senses has she Surely the burnt treacle has not
crazed her«
She descended in a subdued flutter yet more was she fluttered when Hortense
seized her hand at the parlourdoor and leading her to Robert who stood in
bodily presence tall and dark against the one window presented her with a
mixture of agitation and formality as though they had been utter strangers and
this was their first mutual introduction
Increasing puzzle He bowed rather awkwardly and turning from her with a
strangers embarrassment he met the doubtful light from the window it fell on
his face and the enigma of the dream a dream it seemed was at its height she
saw a visage like and unlike Robert and no Robert
»What is the matter« said Caroline »Is my sight wrong Is it my cousin«
»Certainly it is your cousin« asserted Hortense
Then who was this now coming through the passage now entering the room
Caroline looking round met a new Robert the real Robert as she felt at
once
»Well« said he smiling at her questioning astonished face »which is
which«
»Ah this is you« was the answer
He laughed »I believe it is me and do you know who he is You never saw
him before but you have heard of him«
She had gathered her senses now
»It can be only one person your brother since it is so like you my other
cousin Louis«
»Clever little OEdipus you would have baffled the Sphynx but now see
us together Change places Change again to confuse her Louis Which is the
old love now Lina«
»As if it were possible to make a mistake when you speak You should have
told Hortense to ask But you are not so much alike it is only your height
your figure and complexion that are so similar«
»And I am Robert am I not« asked the new comer making a first effort to
overcome what seemed his natural shyness
Caroline shook her head gently A soft expressive ray from her eye beamed
on the real Robert it said much
She was not permitted to quit her cousins soon Robert himself was
peremptory in obliging her to remain Glad simple and affable in her demeanour
glad for this night at least in light bright spirits for the time she was
too pleasant an addition to the cottage circle to be willingly parted with by
any of them Louis seemed naturally rather a grave still retiring man but the
Caroline of this evening which was not as you know reader the Caroline of
every day thawed his reserve and cheered his gravity soon He sat near her
and talked to her She already knew his vocation was that of tuition she
learned now he had for some years been the tutor of Mr Sympsons son that he
had been travelling with him and had accompanied him to the north She inquired
if he liked his post but got a look in reply which did not invite or license
further question The look woke Carolines ready sympathy she thought it a very
sad expression to pass over so sensible a face as Louiss for he had a sensible
face though not handsome she considered when seen near Roberts She turned
to make the comparison Robert was leaning against the wall a little behind
her turning over the leaves of a book of engravings and probably listening at
the same time to the dialogue between her and Louis
»How could I think them alike« she asked herself »I see now it is
Hortense Louis resembles not Robert«
And this was in part true he had the shorter nose and longer upperlip of
his sister rather than the fine traits of his brother he had her mould of
mouth and chin all less decisive accurate and clear than those of the young
millowner His air though deliberate and reflective could scarcely be called
prompt and acute You felt in sitting near and looking up at him that a slower
and probably a more benignant nature than that of the elder Moore shed calm on
your impressions
Robert perhaps aware that Carolines glance had wandered towards and dwelt
upon him though he had neither met nor answered it put down the book of
engravings and approaching took a seat at her side She resumed her
conversation with Louis but while she talked to him her thoughts were
elsewhere her heart beat on the side from which her face was halfaverted She
acknowledged a steady manly kindly air in Louis but she bent before the
secret power of Robert To be so near him though he was silent though he did
not touch so much as her scarffringe or the white hem of her dress affected
her like a spell Had she been obliged to speak to him only it would have
quelled but at liberty to address another it excited her Her discourse
flowed freely it was gay playful eloquent The indulgent look and placid
manner of her auditor encouraged her to ease the sober pleasure expressed by
his smile drew out all that was brilliant in her nature She felt that this
evening she appeared to advantage and as Robert was a spectator the
consciousness contented her had he been called away collapse would at once
have succeeded stimulus
But her enjoyment was not long to shine fullorbed a cloud soon crossed it
Hortense who for some time had been on the move ordering supper and was
now clearing the little table of some books etc to make room for the tray
called Roberts attention to the glass of flowers the carmine and snow and gold
of whose petals looked radiant indeed by candlelight
»They came from Fieldhead« she said »intended as a gift to you no doubt
we know who is the favourite there not I Im sure«
It was a wonder to hear Hortense jest a sign that her spirits were at
highwater mark indeed
»We are to understand then that Robert is the favourite« observed Louis
»Mon cher« replied Hortense »Robert cest tout ce quil y a de plus
précieux au monde à côté de lui le reste du genre humain nest que du rebut
Naije pas raison mon enfant« she added appealing to Caroline
Caroline was obliged to reply »Yes« and her beacon was quenched her star
withdrew as she spoke
»Et toi Robert« inquired Louis
»When you shall have an opportunity ask herself« was the quiet answer
Whether he reddened or paled Caroline did not examine she discovered it was
late and she must go home Home she would go not even Robert could detain her
now
Chapter XXIV
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
The future sometimes seems to sob a low warning of the events it is bringing us
like some gathering though yet remote storm which in tones of the wind in
flushings of the firmament in clouds strangely torn announces a blast strong
to strew the sea with wrecks or commissioned to bring in fog the yellow taint
of pestilence covering white Western isles with the poisoned exhalations of the
East dimming the lattices of English homes with the breath of Indian plague At
other times this Future bursts suddenly as if a rock had rent and in it a
grave had opened whence issues the body of one that slept Ere you are aware
you stand face to face with a shrouded and unthoughtof Calamity a new
Lazarus
Caroline Helstone went home from Hollows cottage in good health as she
imagined On waking the next morning she felt oppressed with unwonted languor
at breakfast at each meal of the following day she missed all sense of
appetite palatable food was as ashes and sawdust to her
»Am I ill« she asked and looked at herself in the glass Her eyes were
bright their pupils dilated her cheeks seemed rosier and fuller than usual »I
look well why can I not eat«
She felt a pulse beat fast in her temples she felt too her brain in
strange activity her spirits were raised hundreds of busy and broken but
brilliant thoughts engaged her mind a glow rested on them such as tinged her
complexion
Now followed a hot parched thirsty restless night Towards morning one
terrible dream seized her like a tiger when she woke she felt and knew she was
ill
How she had caught the fever fever it was she could not tell Probably in
her late walk home some sweet poisoned breeze redolent of honeydew and
miasma had passed into her lungs and veins and finding there already a fever
of mental excitement and a languor of long conflict and habitual sadness had
fanned the spark to flame and left a welllit fire behind it
It seemed however but a gentle fire after two hot days and worried
nights there was no violence in the symptoms and neither her uncle nor Fanny
nor the doctor nor Miss Keeldar when she called had any fear for her a few
days would restore her every one believed
The few days passed and though it was still thought it could not long
delay the revival had not begun Mrs Pryor who had visited her daily
being present in her chamber one morning when she had been ill a fortnight
watched her very narrowly for some minutes she took her hand and placed her
finger on her wrist then quietly leaving the chamber she went to Mr
Helstones study With him she remained closeted a long time half the morning
On returning to her sick young friend she laid aside shawl and bonnet she
stood a while at the bedside one hand placed in the other gently rocking
herself to and fro in an attitude and with a movement habitual to her At last
she said
»I have sent Fanny to Fieldhead to fetch a few things for me such as I
shall want during a short stay here it is my wish to remain with you till you
are better Your uncle kindly permits my attendance will it to yourself be
acceptable Caroline«
»I am sorry you should take such needless trouble I do not feel very ill
but I cannot refuse resolutely it will be such comfort to know you are in the
house to see you sometimes in the room but dont confine yourself on my
account dear Mrs Pryor Fanny nurses me very well«
Mrs Pryor bending over the pale little sufferer was now smoothing the
hair under her cap and gently raising her pillow As she performed these
offices Caroline smiling lifted her face to kiss her
»Are you free from pain Are you tolerably at ease« was inquired in a low
earnest voice as the selfelected nurse yielded to the caress
»I think I am almost happy«
»You wish to drink Your lips are parched«
She held a glass filled with some cooling beverage to her mouth
»Have you eaten anything today Caroline«
»I cannot eat«
»But soon your appetite will return it must return that is I pray God it
may«
In laying her again on the couch she encircled her in her arms and while
so doing by a movement which seemed scarcely voluntary she drew her to her
heart and held her close gathered an instant
»I shall hardly wish to get well that I may keep you always« said
Caroline
Mrs Pryor did not smile at this speech over her features ran a tremor
which for some minutes she was absorbed in repressing
»You are more used to Fanny than to me« she remarked erelong »I should
think my attendance must seem strange officious«
»No quite natural and very soothing You must have been accustomed to wait
on sick people maam You move about the room so softly and you speak so
quietly and touch me so gently«
»I am dexterous in nothing my dear You will often find me awkward but
never negligent«
Negligent indeed she was not From that hour Fanny and Eliza became
cyphers in the sickroom Mrs Pryor made it her domain she performed all its
duties she lived in it day and night The patient remonstrated faintly
however from the first and not at all erelong loneliness and gloom were now
banished from her bedside protection and solace sat there instead She and her
nurse coalesced in wondrous union Caroline was usually pained to require or
receive much attendance Mrs Pryor under ordinary circumstances had neither
the habit nor the art of performing little offices of service but all now
passed with such ease so naturally that the patient was as willing to be
cherished as the nurse was bent on cherishing no sign of weariness in the
latter ever reminded the former that she ought to be anxious There was in
fact no very hard duty to perform but a hireling might have found it hard
With all this care it seemed strange the sick girl did not get well yet
such was the case she wasted like any snowwreath in thaw she faded like any
flower in drought Miss Keeldar on whose thoughts danger or death seldom
intruded had at first entertained no fears at all for her friend but seeing
her change and sink from time to time when she paid her visits alarm clutched
her heart She went to Mr Helstone and expressed herself with so much energy
that that gentleman was at last obliged however unwillingly to admit the idea
that his niece was ill of something more than a migraine and when Mrs Pryor
came and quietly demanded a physician he said she might send for two if she
liked One came but that one was an oracle he delivered a dark saying of which
the future was to solve the mystery wrote some prescriptions gave some
directions the whole with an air of crushing authority pocketed his fee and
went Probably he knew well enough he could do no good but did nt like to say
so
Still no rumour of serious illness got wind in the neighbourhood At
Hollowscottage it was thought that Caroline had only a severe cold she having
written a note to Hortense to that effect and Mademoiselle contented herself
with sending two pots of currant jam a receipt for a tisane and a note of
advice
Mrs Yorke being told that a physician had been summoned sneered at the
hypochondriac fancies of the rich and idle who she said having nothing but
themselves to think about must needs send for a doctor if only so much as their
little finger ached
The rich and idle represented in the person of Caroline were meantime
falling fast into a condition of prostration whose quickly consummated debility
puzzled all who witnessed it except one for that one alone reflected how
liable is the undermined structure to sink in sudden ruin
Sick people often have fancies inscrutable to ordinary attendants and
Caroline had one which even her tender nurse could not at first explain On a
certain day in the week at a certain hour she would whether worse or better
entreat to be taken up and dressed and suffered to sit in her chair near the
window This station she would retain till noon was past whatever degree of
exhaustion or debility her wan aspect betrayed she still softly put off all
persuasion to seek repose until the churchclock had duly tolled midday the
twelve strokes sounded she grew docile and would meekly lie down Returned to
the couch she usually buried her face deep in the pillow and drew the
coverlets close round her as if to shut out the world and sun of which she was
tired more than once as she thus lay a slight convulsion shook the sickbed
and a faint sob broke the silence round it These things were not unnoted by
Mrs Pryor
One Tuesday morning as usual she had asked leave to rise and now she sat
wrapped in her white dressinggown leaning forward in the easychair gazing
steadily and patiently from the lattice Mrs Pryor was seated a little behind
knitting as it seemed but in truth watching her A change crossed her pale
mournful brow animating its languor a light shot into her faded eyes reviving
their lustre she half rose and looked earnestly out Mrs Pryor drawing softly
near glanced over her shoulder From this window was visible the churchyard
beyond it the road and there riding sharply by appeared a horseman The
figure was not yet too remote for recognition Mrs Pryor had long sight she
knew Mr Moore Just as an intercepting rising ground concealed him from view
the clock struck twelve
»May I lie down again« asked Caroline
Her nurse assisted her to bed having laid her down and drawn the curtain
she stood listening near The little couch trembled the suppressed sob stirred
the air A contraction as of anguish altered Mrs Pryors features she wrung
her hands half a groan escaped her lips She now remembered that Tuesday was
Whinbury marketday Mr Moore must always pass the Rectory on his way thither
just ere noon of that day
Caroline wore continually round her neck a slender braid of silk attached
to which was some trinket Mrs Pryor had seen the bit of gold glisten but had
not yet obtained a fair view of it Her patient never parted with it when
dressed it was hidden in her bosom as she lay in bed she always held it in her
hand That Tuesday afternoon the transient doze more like lethargy than sleep
which sometimes abridged the long days had stolen over her the weather was
hot while turning in febrile restlessness she had pushed the coverlets a
little aside Mrs Pryor bent to replace them the small wasted hand lying
nerveless on the sick girls breast clasped as usual her jealouslyguarded
treasure those fingers whose attenuation it gave pain to see were now relaxed
in sleep Mrs Pryor gently disengaged the braid drawing out a tiny locket a
slight thing it was such as it suited her small purse to purchase under its
crystal face appeared a curl of black hair too short and crisp to have been
severed from a female head
Some agitated movement occasioned a twitch of the silken chain the sleeper
started and woke Her thoughts were usually now somewhat scattered on waking
her look generally wandering Halfrising as if in terror she exclaimed
»Dont take it from me Robert Dont It is my last comfort let me keep
it I never tell any one whose hair it is I never show it«
Mrs Pryor had already disappeared behind the curtain reclining far back in
a deep armchair by the bedside she was withdrawn from view Caroline looked
abroad into the chamber she thought it empty As her stray ideas returned
slowly each folding its weak wings on the minds sad shore like birds
exhausted beholding void and perceiving silence round her she believed
herself alone Collected she was not yet perhaps healthy selfpossession and
selfcontrol were to be hers no more perhaps that world the strong and
prosperous live in had already rolled from beneath her feet for ever so at
least it often seemed to herself In health she had never been accustomed to
think aloud but now words escaped her lips unawares
»Oh I should see him once more before all is over Heaven might favour me
thus far« she cried »God grant me a little comfort before I die« was her
humble petition
»But he will not know I am ill till I am gone and he will come when they
have laid me out and I am senseless cold and stiff
What can my departed soul feel then Can it see or know what happens to the
clay Can spirits through any medium communicate with living flesh Can the
dead at all revisit those they leave Can they come in the elements Will wind
water fire lend me a path to Moore
Is it for nothing the wind sounds almost articulately sometimes sings as I
have lately heard it sing at night or passes the casement sobbing as if for
sorrow to come Does nothing then haunt it nothing inspire it
Why it suggested to me words one night it poured a strain which I could
have written down only I was appalled and dared not rise to seek pencil and
paper by the dim watchlight
What is that electricity they speak of whose changes make us well or ill
whose lack or excess blasts whose even balance revives What are all those
influences that are about us in the atmosphere that keep playing over our
nerves like fingers on stringed instruments and call forth now a sweet note
and now a wail now an exultant swell and anon the saddest cadence
Where is the other world In what will another life consist Why do I ask
Have I not cause to think that the hour is hasting but too fast when the veil
must be rent for me Do I not know the Grand Mystery is likely to burst
prematurely on me Great Spirit in whose goodness I confide whom as my
Father I have petitioned night and morning from early infancy help the weak
creation of thy hands Sustain me through the ordeal I dread and must undergo
Give me strength Give me patience Give me oh give me FAITH«
She fell back on her pillow Mrs Pryor found means to steal quietly from
the room she reentered it soon after apparently as composed as if she had
really not overheard this strange soliloquy
The next day several callers came It had become known that Miss Helstone
was worse Mr Hall and his sister Margaret arrived both after they had been
in the sickroom quitted it in tears they had found the patient more altered
than they expected Hortense Moore came Caroline seemed stimulated by her
presence she assured her smiling she was not dangerously ill she talked to
her in a low voice but cheerfully during her stay excitement kept up the
flush of her complexion she looked better
»How is Mr Robert« asked Mrs Pryor as Hortense was preparing to take
leave
»He was very well when he left«
»Left Is he gone from home«
It was then explained that some police intelligence about the rioters of
whom he was in pursuit had that morning called him away to Birmingham and
probably a fortnight might elapse ere he returned
»He is not aware that Miss Helstone is very ill«
»Oh no He thought like me that she had only a bad cold«
After this visit Mrs Pryor took care not to approach Carolines couch for
above an hour she heard her weep and dared not look on her tears
As evening closed in she brought her some tea Caroline opening her eyes
from a moments slumber viewed her nurse with an unrecognising glance
»I smelt the honeysuckles in the glen this summermorning« she said »as I
stood at the countinghouse window«
Strange words like these from pallid lips pierce a loving listeners heart
more poignantly than steel They sound romantic perhaps in books in real
life they are harrowing
»My darling do you know me« said Mrs Pryor
»I went in to call Robert to breakfast I have been with him in the garden
he asked me to go a heavy dew has refreshed the flowers the peaches are
ripening«
»My darling my darling« again and again repeated the nurse
»I thought it was daylight long after sunrise it looks dark is the moon
not set«
That moon lately risen was gazing full and mild upon her floating in deep
blue space it watched her unclouded
»Then it is not morning I am not at the cottage Who is this I see a
shape at my bedside«
»It is myself it is your friend your nurse your Lean your head on
my shoulder collect yourself« In a lower tone »Oh God take pity Give her
life and me strength Send me courage teach me words«
Some minutes passed in silence The patient lay mute and passive in the
trembling arms on the throbbing bosom of the nurse
»I am better now« whispered Caroline at last »much better I feel where
I am this is Mrs Pryor near me I was dreaming I talk when I wake up from
dreams people often do in illness How fast your heart beats maam Do not be
afraid«
»It is not fear child only a little anxiety which will pass I have
brought you some tea Cary your uncle made it himself You know he says he can
make a better cup of tea than any housewife can Taste it He is concerned to
hear that you eat so little he would be glad if you had a better appetite«
»I am thirsty let me drink«
She drank eagerly
»What oclock is it maam« she asked
»Past nine«
»Not later Oh I have yet a long night before me but the tea has made me
strong I will sit up«
Mrs Pryor raised her and arranged her pillows
»Thank Heaven I am not always equally miserable and ill and hopeless The
afternoon has been bad since Hortense went perhaps the evening may be better
It is a fine night I think The moon shines clear«
»Very fine a perfect summer night The old churchtower gleams white almost
as silver«
»And does the churchyard look peaceful«
»Yes and the garden also dew glistens on the foliage«
»Can you see many long weeds and nettles amongst the graves or do they look
turfy and flowery«
»I see closed daisyheads gleaming like pearls on some mounds Thomas has
mown down the dockleaves and rank grass and cleared all away«
»I always like that to be done it soothes ones mind to see the place in
order and I dare say within the church just now that moonlight shines as
softly as in my room It will fall through the east window full on the Helstone
monument When I close my eyes I seem to see poor papas epitaph in black
letters on the white marble There is plenty of room for other inscriptions
underneath«
»William Farren came to look after your flowers this morning he was afraid
now you cannot tend them yourself they would be neglected He has taken two of
your favourite plants home to nurse for you«
»If I were to make a will I would leave William all my plants Shirley my
trinkets except one which must not be taken off my neck and you maam my
books« After a pause »Mrs Pryor I feel a longing wish for something«
»For what Caroline«
»You know I always delight to hear you sing sing me a hymn just now sing
that hymn which begins
Our God our help in ages past
Our hope for years to come
Our shelter from the stormy blast
Our refuge haven home«
Mrs Pryor at once complied
No wonder Caroline liked to hear her sing her voice even in speaking was
sweet and silverclear in song it was almost divine neither flute nor
dulcimer has tones so pure But the tone was secondary compared to the
expression which trembled through a tender vibration from a feeling heart
The servants in the kitchen hearing the strain stole to the stairfoot to
listen even old Helstone as he walked in the garden pondering over the
unaccountable and feeble nature of women stood still amongst his borders to
catch the mournful melody more distinctly Why it reminded him of his forgotten
dead wife he could not tell nor why it made him more concerned than he had
hitherto been for Carolines fading girlhood He was glad to recollect that he
had promised to pay Wynne the magistrate a visit that evening Low spirits and
gloomy thoughts were very much his aversion when they attacked him he usually
found means to make them march in doublequick time The hymn followed him
faintly as he crossed the fields he hastened his customary sharp pace that he
might get beyond its reach
»Thy word commands our flesh to dust
Return ye sons of men
All nations rose from earth at first
And turn to earth again
A thousand ages in thy sight
Are like an evening gone
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun
Time like an everrolling stream
Bears all its sons away
They fly forgotten as a dream
Dies at the opening day
Like flowery fields the nations stand
Fresh in the morning light
The flowers beneath the mowers hand
Lie withering eret is night
Our God our help in ages past
Our hope for years to come
Be thou our guard while troubles last
O Father be our home«
»Now sing a song a Scottish song« suggested Caroline when the hymn was over
»Ye banks and braes o bonny Doon«
Again Mrs Pryor obeyed or essayed to obey At the close of the first
stanza she stopped she could get no further her full heart flowed over
»You are weeping at the pathos of the air come here and I will comfort
you« said Caroline in a pitying accent Mrs Pryor came she sat down on the
edge of her patients bed and allowed the wasted arms to encircle her
»You often soothe me let me soothe you« murmured the young girl kissing
her cheek »I hope« she added »it is not for me you weep«
No answer followed
»Do you think I shall not get better I do not feel very ill only weak«
»But your mind Caroline your mind is crushed your heart is almost broken
you have been so neglected so repulsed left so desolate«
»I belief grief is and always has been my worst ailment I sometimes
think if an abundant gush of happiness came on me I could revive yet«
»Do you wish to live«
»I have no object in life«
»You love me Caroline«
»Very much very truly inexpressibly sometimes just now I feel as if
I could almost grow to your heart«
»I will return directly dear« remarked Mrs Pryor as she laid Caroline
down
Quitting her she glided to the door softly turned the key in the lock
ascertained that it was fast and came back She bent over her She threw back
the curtain to admit the moonlight more freely She gazed intently on her face
»Then if you love me« said she speaking quickly with an altered voice
»if you feel as if to use your own words you could grow to my heart it will
be neither shock nor pain for you to know that that heart is the source whence
yours was filled that from my veins issued the tide which flows in yours that
you are mine my daughter my own child«
»Mrs Pryor «
»My own child«
»That is that means you have adopted me«
»It means that if I have given you nothing else I at least gave you life
that I bore you nursed you that I am your true mother no other woman can
claim the title it is mine«
»But Mrs James Helstone but my fathers wife whom I do not remember ever
to have seen she is my mother«
»She is your mother James Helstone was my husband I say you are mine I
have proved it I thought perhaps you were all his which would have been a
cruel dispensation for me I find it is not so God permitted me to be the
parent of my childs mind it belongs to me it is my property my right These
features are Jamess own He had a fine face when he was young and not altered
by error Papa my darling gave you your blue eyes and soft brown hair he gave
you the oval of your face and the regularity of your lineaments the outside he
conferred but the heart and the brain are mine the germs are from me and they
are improved they are developed to excellence I esteem and approve my child as
highly as I do most fondly love her«
»Is what I hear true Is it no dream«
»I wish it were as true that the substance and colour of health were
restored to your cheek«
»My own mother is she one I can be so fond of as I can of you People
generally did not like her so I have been given to understand«
»They told you that Well your mother now tells you that not having the
gift to please people generally for their approbation she does not care her
thoughts are centred in her child does that child welcome or reject her«
»But if you are my mother the world is all changed to me Surely I can live
I should like to recover «
»You must recover You drew life and strength from my breast when you were a
tiny fair infant over whose blue eyes I used to weep fearing I beheld in your
very beauty the sign of qualities that had entered my heart like iron and
pierced through my soul like a sword Daughter we have been long parted I
return now to cherish you again«
She held her to her bosom she cradled her in her arms she rocked her
softly as if lulling a young child to sleep
»My mother My own mother«
The offspring nestled to the parent that parent feeling the endearment and
hearing the appeal gathered her closer still She covered her with noiseless
kisses she murmured love over her like a cushat fostering its young
There was silence in the room for a long while
»Does my uncle know«
»Your uncle knows I told him when I first came to stay with you here«
»Did you recognise me when we first met at Fieldhead«
»How could it be otherwise Mr and Miss Helstone being announced I was
prepared to see my child«
»It was that then which moved you I saw you disturbed«
»You saw nothing Caroline I can cover my feelings You can never tell what
an age of strange sensation I lived during the two minutes that elapsed between
the report of your name and your entrance You can never tell how your look
mien carriage shook me«
»Why Were you disappointed«
»What will she be like I had asked myself and when I saw what you were
like I could have dropped«
»Mamma why«
»I trembled in your presence I said I will never own her she shall never
know me«
»But I said and did nothing remarkable I felt a little diffident at the
thought of an introduction to strangers that was all«
»I soon saw you were diffident that was the first thing which reassured me
had you been rustic clownish awkward I should have been content«
»You puzzle me«
»I had reason to dread a fair outside to mistrust a popular bearing to
shudder before distinction grace and courtesy Beauty and affability had come
in my way when I was recluse desolate young and ignorant a toilworn
governess perishing of uncheered labour breaking down before her time These
Caroline when they smiled on me I mistook for angels I followed them home
and when into their hands I had given without reserve my whole chance of future
happiness it was my lot to witness a transfiguration on the domestic hearth to
see the white mask lifted the bright disguise put away and opposite me sat
down oh God I have suffered«
She sank on the pillow
»I have suffered None saw none knew there was no sympathy no
redemption no redress«
»Take comfort mother it is over now«
»It is over and not fruitlessly I tried to keep the word of His patience
He kept me in the days of my anguish I was afraid with terror I was troubled
through great tribulation He brought me through to a salvation revealed in this
last time My fear had torment He has cast it out He has given me in its
stead perfect love But Caroline «
Thus she invoked her daughter after a pause
»Mother«
»I charge you when you next look on your fathers monument to respect the
name chiselled there To you he did only good On you he conferred his whole
treasure of beauties nor added to them one dark defect All you derived from
him is excellent You owe him gratitude Leave between him and me the
settlement of our mutual account meddle not God is the arbiter This worlds
laws never came near us never They were powerless as a rotten bulrush to
protect me impotent as idiot babblings to restrain him As you said it is
all over now the grave lies between us There he sleeps in that church To
his dust I say this night what I have never said before James slumber
peacefully See your terrible debt is cancelled Look I wipe out the long
black account with my own hand James your child atones this living likeness
of you this thing with your perfect features this one good gift you gave me
has nestled affectionately to my heart and tenderly called me »mother«
Husband rest forgiven«
»Dearest mother that is right Can papas spirit hear us Is he comforted
to know that we still love him«
»I said nothing of love I spoke of forgiveness Mind the truth child I
said nothing of love On the threshold of eternity should he be there to see me
enter will I maintain that«
»Oh mother you must have suffered«
»Oh child the human heart can suffer It can hold more tears than the
ocean holds waters We never know how deep how wide it is till misery begins
to unbind her clouds and fill it with rushing blackness«
»Mother forget«
»Forget« she said with the strangest spectre of a laugh »The north pole
will rush to the south and the headlands of Europe be locked into the bays of
Australia ere I forget«
»Hush mother rest be at peace«
And the child lulled the parent as the parent had erst lulled the child At
last Mrs Pryor wept she then grew calmer She resumed those tender cares
agitation had for a moment suspended Replacing her daughter on the couch she
smoothed the pillow and spread the sheet The soft hair whose locks were
loosened she rearranged the damp brow she refreshed with a cool fragrant
essence
»Mamma let them bring a candle that I may see you and tell my uncle to
come into this room byandby I want to hear him say that I am your daughter
and mamma take your supper here dont leave me for one minute tonight«
»Oh Caroline it is well you are gentle You will say to me go and I shall
go come and I shall come do this and I shall do it You inherit a certain
manner as well as certain features It will be always mamma prefacing a mandate
softly spoken though from you thank God Well« she added under her breath
»he spoke softly too once like a flute breathing tenderness and then when
the world was not by to listen discords that split the nerves and curdled the
blood sounds to inspire insanity«
»It seems so natural mamma to ask you for this and that I shall want
nobody but you to be near me or to do anything for me but do not let me be
troublesome check me if I encroach«
»You must not depend on me to check you you must keep guard over yourself
I have little moral courage the want of it is my bane It is that which has
made me an unnatural parent which has kept me apart from my child during the
ten years which have elapsed since my husbands death left me at liberty to
claim her it was that which first unnerved my arms and permitted the infant I
might have retained a while longer to be snatched prematurely from their
embrace«
»How mamma«
»I let you go as a babe because you were pretty and I feared your
loveliness deeming it the stamp of perversity They sent me your portrait
taken at eight years old that portrait confirmed my fears Had it shown me a
sunburnt little rustic a heavy bluntfeatured commonplace child I should
have hastened to claim you but there under the silver paper I saw blooming
the delicacy of an aristocratic flower little lady was written on every trait
I had too recently crawled from under the yoke of the fine gentleman escaped
galled crushed paralyzed dying to dare to encounter his still finer and
most fairylike representative My sweet little lady overwhelmed me with dismay
her air of native elegance froze my very marrow In my experience I had not met
with truth modesty good principle as the concomitants of beauty A form so
straight and fine I argued must conceal a mind warped and cruel I had little
faith in the power of education to rectify such a mind or rather I entirely
misdoubted my own ability to influence it Caroline I dared not undertake to
rear you I resolved to leave you in your uncles hands Matthewson Helstone I
knew if an austere was an upright man He and all the world thought hardly of
me for my strange unmotherly resolve and I deserved to be misjudged«
»Mamma why did you call yourself Mrs Pryor«
»It was a name in my mothers family I adopted it that I might live
unmolested My married name recalled too vividly my married life I could not
bear it Besides threats were uttered of forcing me to return to bondage it
could not be rather a bier for a bed the grave for a home My new name
sheltered me I resumed under its screen my old occupation of teaching At
first it scarcely procured me the means of sustaining life but how savoury was
hunger when I fasted in peace How safe seemed the darkness and chill of an
unkindled hearth when no lurid reflection from terror crimsoned its desolation
How serene was solitude when I feared not the irruption of violence and vice«
»But mamma you have been in this neighbourhood before How did it happen
that when you reappeared here with Miss Keeldar you were not recognised«
»I only paid a short visit as a bride twenty years ago and then I was
very different to what I am now slender almost as slender as my daughter is
at this day my complexion my very features are changed my hair my style of
dress everything is altered You cannot fancy me a slim young person attired
in scanty drapery of white muslin with bare arms bracelets and necklace of
beads and hair disposed in round Grecian curls above my forehead«
»You must indeed have been different Mamma I heard the front door open
if it is my uncle coming in just ask him to step upstairs and let me hear his
assurance that I am truly awake and collected and not dreaming or delirious«
The Rector of his own accord was mounting the stairs and Mrs Pryor
summoned him to his nieces apartment
»Shes not worse I hope« he inquired hastily
»I think her better she is disposed to converse she seems stronger«
»Good« said he brushing quickly into the room »Ha Cary how do Did you
drink my cup of tea I made it for you just as I like it myself«
»I drank it every drop uncle it did me good it has made me quite alive
I have a wish for company so I begged Mrs Pryor to call you in«
The respected ecclesiastic looked pleased and yet embarrassed He was
willing enough to bestow his company on his sick niece for ten minutes since it
was her whim to wish it but what means to employ for her entertainment he knew
not he hemmed he fidgeted
»Youll be up in a trice« he observed by way of saying something »The
little weakness will soon pass off and then you must drink portwine a pipe
if you can and eat game and oysters Ill get them for you if they are to be
had anywhere Bless me well make you as strong as Samson before weve done
with you«
»Who is that lady uncle standing beside you at the bedfoot«
»Good God« he ejaculated »Shes not wandering is she maam«
Mrs Pryor smiled
»I am wandering in a pleasant world« said Caroline in a soft happy voice
»and I want you to tell me whether it is real or visionary What lady is that
Give her a name uncle«
»We must have Dr Rile again maam or better still MacTurk hes less of
a humbug Thomas must saddle the pony and go for him«
»No I dont want a doctor mamma shall be my only physician Now do you
understand uncle«
Mr Helstone pushed up his spectacles from his nose to his forehead handled
his snuffbox and administered to himself a portion of the contents Thus
fortified he answered briefly
»I see daylight Youve told her then maam«
»And is it true« demanded Caroline rising on her pillow »Is she really my
mother«
»You wont cry or make any scene or turn hysterical if I answer Yes«
»Cry Id cry if you said No It would be terrible to be disappointed now
But give her a name how do you call her«
»I call this stout lady in a quaint black dress who looks young enough to
wear much smarter raiment if she would I call her Agnes Helstone she married
my brother James and is his widow«
»And my mother«
»What a little sceptic it is Look at her small face Mrs Pryor scarcely
larger than the palm of my hand alive with acuteness and eagerness« To
Caroline »She had the trouble of bringing you into the world at any rate
mind you show your duty to her by quickly getting well and repairing the waste
of these cheeks Heigho she used to be plump what she has done with it all I
cant for the life of me divine«
»If wishing to get well will help me I shall not be long sick This
morning I had no reason and no strength to wish it«
Fanny here tapped at the door and said that supper was ready
»Uncle if you please you may send me a little bit of supper anything you
like from your own plate That is wiser than going into hysterics is it
not«
»It is spoken like a sage Cary see if I dont cater for you judiciously
When women are sensible and above all intelligible I can get on with them
It is only the vague superfine sensations and extremely wiredrawn notions
that put me about Let a woman ask me to give her an edible or a wearable be
the same a rocs egg or the breastplate of Aaron a share of St Johns locusts
and honey or the leathern girdle about his loins I can at least understand
the demand but when they pine for they know not what sympathy sentiment
some of these indefinite abstractions I cant do it I dont know it I have
nt got it Madam accept my arm«
Mrs Pryor signified that she should stay with her daughter that evening
Helstone accordingly left them together He soon returned bringing a plate in
his own consecrated hand
»This is chicken« he said »but well have partridge tomorrow Lift her
up and put a shawl over her On my word I understand nursing Now here is the
very same little silver fork you used when you first came to the Rectory that
strikes me as being what you may call a happy thought a delicate attention
Take it Cary and munch away cleverly«
Caroline did her best Her uncle frowned to see that her powers were so
limited he prophesied however great things for the future and as she praised
the morsel he had brought and smiled gratefully in his face he stooped over
her pillow kissed her and said with a broken rugged accent
»Goodnight bairnie God bless thee«
Caroline enjoyed such peaceful rest that night circled by her mothers
arms and pillowed on her breast that she forgot to wish for any other stay
and though more than one feverish dream came to her in slumber yet when she
woke up panting so happy and contented a feeling returned with returning
consciousness that her agitation was soothed almost as soon as felt
As to the mother she spent the night like Jacob at Peniel Till break of
day she wrestled with God in earnest prayer
Chapter XXV
The West Wind Blows
Not always do those who dare such divine conflict prevail Night after night the
sweat of agony may burst dark on the forehead the supplicant may cry for mercy
with that soundless voice the soul utters when its appeal is to the Invisible
»Spare my beloved« it may implore »Heal my lifes life Rend not from me what
long affection entwines with my whole nature God of heaven bend hear be
clement« And after this cry and strife the sun may rise and see him worsted
That opening morn which used to salute him with the whisper of zephyrs the
carol of skylarks may breathe as its first accents from the dear lips which
colour and heat have quitted
»Oh I have had a suffering night This morning I am worse I have tried to
rise I cannot Dreams I am unused to have troubled me«
Then the watcher approaches the patients pillow and sees a new and strange
moulding of the familiar features feels at once that the insufferable moment
draws nigh knows that it is Gods will his idol shall be broken and bends his
head and subdues his soul to the sentence he cannot avert and scarce can bear
Happy Mrs Pryor She was still praying unconscious that the summer sun
hung above the hills when her child softly woke in her arms No piteous
unconscious moaning sound which so wastes our strength that even if we have
sworn to be firm a rush of unconquerable tears sweeps away the oath preceded
her waking No space of deaf apathy followed The first words spoken were not
those of one becoming estranged from this world and already permitted to stray
at times into realms foreign to the living Caroline evidently remembered with
clearness what had happened
»Mamma I have slept so well I only dreamed and woke twice«
Mrs Pryor rose with a start that her daughter might not see the joyful
tears called into her eyes by that affectionate word mamma and the welcome
assurance that followed it
For many days the mother dared rejoice only with trembling That first
revival seemed like the flicker of a dying lamp if the flame streamed up bright
one moment the next it sank dim in the socket Exhaustion followed close on
excitement
There was always a touching endeavour to appear better but too often
ability refused to second will too often the attempt to bear up failed the
effort to eat to talk to look cheerful was unsuccessful Many an hour passed
during which Mrs Pryor feared that the chords of life could never more be
strengthened though the time of their breaking might be deferred
During this space the mother and daughter seemed left almost alone in the
neighbourhood It was the close of August the weather was fine that is to
say it was very dry and very dusty for an arid wind had been blowing from the
east this month past very cloudless too though a pale haze stationary in the
atmosphere seemed to rob of all depth of tone the blue of heaven of all
freshness the verdure of earth and of all glow the light of day Almost every
family in Briarfield was absent on an excursion Miss Keeldar and her friends
were at the seaside so were Mrs Yorkes household Mr Hall and Louis Moore
between whom a spontaneous intimacy seemed to have arisen the result probably
of harmony of views and temperament were gone up north on a pedestrian
excursion to the Lakes Even Hortense who would fain have staid at home and
aided Mrs Pryor in nursing Caroline had been so earnestly entreated by Miss
Mann to accompany her once more to Wormwood Wells in the hope of alleviating
sufferings greatly aggravated by the insalubrious weather that she felt obliged
to comply indeed it was not in her nature to refuse a request that at once
appealed to her goodness of heart and by a confession of dependency
flattered her amourpropre As for Robert from Birmingham he had gone on to
London where he still sojourned
So long as the breath of Asiatic deserts parched Carolines lips and fevered
her veins her physical convalescence could not keep pace with her returning
mental tranquillity but there came a day when the wind ceased to sob at the
eastern gable of the Rectory and at the oriel window of the church A little
cloud like a mans hand arose in the west gusts from the same quarter drove it
on and spread it wide wet and tempest prevailed a while When that was over the
sun broke out genially heaven regained its azure and earth its green the
livid choleratint had vanished from the face of nature the hills rose clear
round the horizon absolved from that pale malariahaze
Carolines youth could now be of some avail to her and so could her
mothers nurture both crowned by Gods blessing sent in the pure west wind
blowing soft as fresh through the everopen chamber lattice rekindled her
longlanguishing energies At last Mrs Pryor saw that it was permitted to hope
a genuine material convalescence had commenced It was not merely Carolines
smile which was brighter or her spirits which were cheered but a certain look
had passed from her face and eye a look dread and indescribable but which
will easily be recalled by those who have watched the couch of dangerous
disease Long before the emaciated outlines of her aspect began to fill or its
departed colour to return a more subtle change took place all grew softer and
warmer Instead of a marble mask and glassy eye Mrs Pryor saw laid on the
pillow a face pale and wasted enough perhaps more haggard than the other
appearance but less awful for it was a sick living girl not a mere white
mould or rigid piece of statuary
Now too she was not always petitioning to drink The words »I am so
thirsty« ceased to be her plaint Sometimes when she had swallowed a morsel
she would say it had revived her all descriptions of food were no longer
equally distasteful she could be induced sometimes to indicate a preference
With what trembling pleasure and anxious care did not her nurse prepare what was
selected How she watched her as she partook of it
Nourishment brought strength She could sit up Then she longed to breathe
the fresh air to revisit her flowers to see how the fruit had ripened Her
uncle always liberal had bought a gardenchair for her express use he carried
her down in his own arms and placed her in it himself and William Farren was
there to wheel her round the walks to show her what he had done amongst her
plants to take her directions for further work
William and she found plenty to talk about they had a dozen topics in
common interesting to them unimportant to the rest of the world They took a
similar interest in animals birds insects and plants they held similar
doctrines about humanity to the lower creation and had a similar turn for
minute observation on points of natural history The nest and proceedings of
some groundbees who had burrowed in the turf under an old cherrytree was one
subject of interest the haunts of certain hedgesparrows and the welfare of
certain pearly eggs and callow fledglings another
Had »Chambers Journal« existed in those days it would certainly have
formed Miss Helstones and Farrens favourite periodical She would have
subscribed for it and to him each number would duly have been lent both would
have put implicit faith and found great savour in its marvellous anecdotes of
animal sagacity
This is a digression but it suffices to explain why Caroline would have no
other hand than Williams to guide her chair and why his society and
conversation sufficed to give interest to her gardenairings
Mrs Pryor walking near wondered how her daughter could be so much at ease
with a »man of the people« She found it impossible to speak to him otherwise
than stiffly She felt as if a great gulf lay between her caste and his and
that to cross it or meet him halfway would be to degrade herself She gently
asked Caroline
»Are you not afraid my dear to converse with that person so unreservedly
He may presume and become troublesomely garrulous«
»William presume mamma You dont know him He never presumes he is
altogether too proud and sensitive to do so William has very fine feelings«
And Mrs Pryor smiled sceptically at the naïve notion of that roughhanded
roughheaded fustianclad clown having fine feelings
Farren for his part showed Mrs Pryor only a very sulky brow He knew when
he was misjudged and was apt to turn unmanageable to such as failed to give him
his due
The evening restored Caroline entirely to her mother and Mrs Pryor liked
the evening for then alone with her daughter no human shadow came between her
and what she loved During the day she would have her stiff demeanour and cool
moments as was her wont Between her and Mr Helstone a very respectful but
most rigidly ceremonious intercourse was kept up anything like familiarity
would have bred contempt at once in one or both these personages but by dint of
strict civility and wellmaintained distance they got on very smoothly
Towards the servants Mrs Pryors bearing was not uncourteous but shy
freezing ungenial Perhaps it was diffidence rather than pride which made her
appear so haughty but as was to be expected Fanny and Eliza failed to make
the distinction and she was unpopular with them accordingly She felt the
effect produced it rendered her at times dissatisfied with herself for faults
she could not help and with all else dejected chill and taciturn
This mood changed to Carolines influence and to that influence alone The
dependent fondness of her nursling the natural affection of her child came
over her suavely her frost fell away her rigidity unbent she grew smiling and
pliant Not that Caroline made any wordy profession of love that would ill
have suited Mrs Pryor she would have read therein the proof of insincerity
but she hung on her with easy dependence she confided in her with fearless
reliance these things contented the mothers heart
She liked to hear her daughter say »Mamma do this« »Please mamma fetch
me that« »Mamma read to me« »Sing a little mamma«
Nobody else not one living thing had ever so claimed her services so
looked for help at her hand Other people were always more or less reserved and
stiff with her as she was reserved and stiff with them other people betrayed
consciousness of and annoyance at her weak points Caroline no more showed such
wounding sagacity or reproachful sensitiveness now than she had done when a
suckling of three months old
Yet Caroline could find fault Blind to the constitutional defects that were
incurable she had her eyes wide open to the acquired habits that were
susceptible of remedy On certain points she would quite artlessly lecture her
parent and that parent instead of being hurt felt a sensation of pleasure in
discovering that the girl dared lecture her that she was so much at home with
her
»Mamma I am determined you shall not wear that old gown any more its
fashion is not becoming it is too strait in the skirt You shall put on your
black silk every afternoon in that you look nice it suits you and you shall
have a black satin dress for Sundays a real satin not a satinet or any of
the shams And mamma when you get the new one mind you must wear it«
»My dear I thought of the black silk serving me as a best dress for many
years yet and I wished to buy you several things«
»Nonsense mamma my uncle gives me cash to get what I want you know he is
generous enough and I have set my heart on seeing you in a black satin Get it
soon and let it be made by a dressmaker of my recommending let me choose the
pattern You always want to disguise yourself like a grandmother you would
persuade one that you are old and ugly not at all On the contrary when well
dressed and cheerful you are very comely indeed Your smile is so pleasant
your teeth are so white your hair is still such a pretty light colour And then
you speak like a young lady with such a clear fine tone and you sing better
than any young lady I ever heard Why do you wear such dresses and bonnets
mamma such as nobody else ever wears«
»Does it annoy you Caroline«
»Very much it vexes me even People say you are miserly and yet you are
not for you give liberally to the poor and to religious societies though your
gifts are conveyed so secretly and quietly that they are known to few except
the receivers But I will be your maid myself when I get a little stronger I
will set to work and you must be good mamma and do as I bid you«
And Caroline sitting near her mother rearranged her muslin handkerchief
and resmoothed her hair
»My own mamma« then she went on as if pleasing herself with the thought of
their relationship »who belongs to me and to whom I belong I am a rich girl
now I have something I can love well and not be afraid of loving Mamma who
gave you this little brooch Let me unpin it and look at it«
Mrs Pryor who usually shrank from meddling fingers and near approach
allowed the license complacently
»Did papa give you this mamma«
»My sister gave it me my only sister Cary Would that your aunt Caroline
had lived to see her niece«
»Have you nothing of papas no trinket no gift of his«
»I have one thing«
»That you prize«
»That I prize«
»Valuable and pretty«
»Invaluable and sweet to me«
»Show it mamma Is it here or at Fieldhead«
»It is talking to me now leaning on me its arms are round me«
»Ah mamma you mean your teasing daughter who will never let you alone
who when you go into your room cannot help running to seek for you who
follows you upstairs and down like a dog«
»Whose features still give me such a strange thrill sometimes I half fear
your fair looks yet child«
»You dont you cant Mamma I am sorry papa was not good I do so wish he
had been Wickedness spoils and poisons all pleasant things it kills love If
you and I thought each other wicked we could not love each other could we«
»And if we could not trust each other Cary«
»How miserable we should be Mother before I knew you I had an
apprehension that you were not good that I could not esteem you that dread
damped my wish to see you and now my heart is elate because I find you perfect
almost kind clever nice Your sole fault is that you are oldfashioned and
of that I shall cure you Mamma put your work down read to me I like your
southern accent it is so pure so soft It has no rugged burr no nasal twang
such as almost every ones voice here in the north has My uncle and Mr Hall
say that you are a fine reader mamma Mr Hall said he never heard any lady
read with such propriety of expression or purity of accent«
»I wish I could reciprocate the compliment Cary but really the first time
I heard your truly excellent friend read and preach I could not understand his
broad northern tongue«
»Could you understand me mamma Did I seem to speak roughly«
»No I almost wished you had as I wished you had looked unpolished Your
father Caroline naturally spoke well quite otherwise than your worthy uncle
correctly gently smoothly You inherit the gift«
»Poor papa When he was so agreeable why was he not good«
»Why he was as he was and happily of that you child can form no
conception I cannot tell it is a deep mystery The key is in the hands of his
Maker there I leave it«
»Mamma you will keep stitching stitching away put down the sewing I am
an enemy to it It cumbers your lap and I want it for my head it engages your
eyes and I want them for a book Here is your favourite Cowper«
These importunities were the mothers pleasure If ever she delayed
compliance it was only to hear them repeated and to enjoy her childs soft
halfplayful halfpetulant urgency And then when she yielded Caroline would
say archly
»You will spoil me mamma I always thought I should like to be spoiled and
I find it very sweet«
So did Mrs Pryor
Chapter XXVI
Old CopyBooks
By the time the Fieldhead party returned to Briarfield Caroline was nearly
well Miss Keeldar who had received news by post of her friends convalescence
hardly suffered an hour to elapse between her arrival at home and her first call
at the Rectory
A shower of rain was falling gently yet fast on the late flowers and
russet autumn shrubs when the gardenwicket was heard to swing open and
Shirleys wellknown form passed the window On her entrance her feelings were
evinced in her own peculiar fashion When deeply moved by serious fears or
joys she was not garrulous The strong emotion was rarely suffered to influence
her tongue and even her eye refused it more than a furtive and fitful conquest
She took Caroline in her arms gave her one look one kiss then said
»You are better«
And a minute after »I see you are safe now but take care God grant your
health may be called on to sustain no more shocks«
She proceeded to talk fluently about the journey In the midst of vivacious
discourse her eye still wandered to Caroline there spoke in its light a deep
solicitude some trouble and some amaze
»She may be better« it said »but how weak she still is What peril she has
come through«
Suddenly her glance reverted to Mrs Pryor it pierced her through
»When will my governess return to me« she asked
»May I tell her all« demanded Caroline of her mother Leave being signified
by a gesture Shirley was presently enlightened on what had happened in her
absence
»Very good« was the cool comment »Very good But it is no news to me«
»What Did you know«
»I guessed long since the whole business I have heard somewhat of Mrs
Pryors history not from herself but from others With every detail of Mr
James Helstones career and character I was acquainted an afternoons sitting
and conversation with Miss Mann had rendered me familiar therewith also he is
one of Mrs Yorkes warningexamples one of the bloodred lights she hangs out
to scare young ladies from matrimony I believe I should have been sceptical
about the truth of the portrait traced by such fingers both these ladies take
a dark pleasure in offering to view the dark side of life but I questioned Mr
Yorke on the subject and he said Shirley my woman if you want to know
aught about yond James Helstone I can only say he was a mantiger He was
handsome dissolute soft treacherous courteous cruel Dont cry Cary
well say no more about it«
»I am not crying Shirley or if I am it is nothing go on you are no
friend if you withhold from me the truth I hate that false plan of disguising
mutilating the truth«
»Fortunately I have said pretty nearly all that I have to say except that
your uncle himself confirmed Mr Yorkes words for he too scorns a lie and
deals in none of those conventional subterfuges that are shabbier than lies«
»But papa is dead they should let him alone now«
»They should and we will let him alone Cry away Cary it will do you
good it is wrong to check natural tears besides I choose to please myself by
sharing an idea that at this moment beams in your mothers eye while she looks
at you every drop blots out a sin Weep your tears have the virtue which the
rivers of Damascus lacked like Jordan they can cleanse a leprous memory«
»Madam« she continued addressing Mrs Pryor »did you think I could be
daily in the habit of seeing you and your daughter together marking your
marvellous similarity in many points observing pardon me your irrepressible
emotions in the presence and still more in the absence of your child and not
form my own conjectures I formed them and they are literally correct I shall
begin to think myself shrewd«
»And you said nothing« observed Caroline who soon regained the quiet
control of her feelings
»Nothing I had no warrant to breathe a word on the subject My business it
was not I abstained from making it such«
»You guessed so deep a secret and did not hint that you guessed it«
»Is that so difficult«
»It is not like you«
»How do you know«
»You are not reserved You are frankly communicative«
»I may be communicative yet know where to stop In showing my treasure I
may withhold a gem or two a curious unbought graven stone an amulet of
whose mystic glitter I rarely permit even myself a glimpse Goodday«
Caroline thus seemed to get a view of Shirleys character under a novel
aspect Erelong the prospect was renewed it opened upon her
No sooner had she regained sufficient strength to bear a change of scene
the excitement of a little society than Miss Keeldar sued daily for her
presence at Fieldhead Whether Shirley had become wearied of her honoured
relatives is not known she did not say she was but she claimed and retained
Caroline with an eagerness which proved that an addition to that worshipful
company was not unwelcome
The Sympsons were Church people of course the Rectors niece was received
by them with courtesy Mr Sympson proved to be a man of spotless
respectability worrying temper pious principles and worldly views his lady
was a very good woman patient kind wellbred She had been brought up on a
narrow system of views starved on a few prejudices a mere handful of bitter
herbs a few preferences soaked till their natural flavour was extracted and
with no seasoning added in the cooking some excellent principles made up in a
stiff raisedcrust of bigotry difficult to digest far too submissive was she
to complain of this diet or to ask for a crumb beyond it
The daughters were an example to their sex They were tall with a Roman
nose apiece They had been educated faultlessly All they did was well done
History and the most solid books had cultivated their minds Principles and
opinions they possessed which could not be mended More exactlyregulated lives
feelings manners habits it would have been difficult to find anywhere They
knew by heart a certain youngladiesschoolroom code of laws on language
demeanour etc themselves never deviated from its curious little pragmatical
provisions and they regarded with secret whispered horror all deviations in
others The Abomination of Desolation was no mystery to them they had
discovered that unutterable Thing in the characteristic others call Originality
Quick were they to recognise the signs of this evil and wherever they saw its
trace whether in look word or deed whether they read it in the fresh
vigorous style of a book or listened to it in interesting unhackneyed pure
expressive language they shuddered they recoiled danger was above their
heads peril about their steps What was this strange Thing Being
unintelligible it must be bad Let it be denounced and chained up
Henry Sympson the only son and youngest child of the family was a boy
of fifteen He generally kept with his tutor when he left him he sought his
cousin Shirley This boy differed from his sisters he was little lame and
pale his large eyes shone somewhat languidly in a wan orbit they were indeed
usually rather dim but they were capable of illumination at times they could
not only shine but blaze inward emotion could likewise give colour to his
cheek and decision to his crippled movements Henrys mother loved him she
thought his peculiarities were a mark of election he was not like other
children she allowed she believed him regenerate a new Samuel called of
God from his birth he was to be a clergyman Mr and the Misses Sympson not
understanding the youth let him much alone Shirley made him her pet and he
made Shirley his playmate
In the midst of this familycircle or rather outside it moved the tutor
the satellite
Yes Louis Moore was a satellite of the house of Sympson connected yet
apart ever attendant ever distant Each member of that correct family treated
him with proper dignity The father was austerely civil sometimes irritable
the mother being a kind woman was attentive but formal the daughters saw in
him an abstraction not a man It seemed by their manner that their brothers
tutor did not live for them They were learned so was he but not for them
They were accomplished he had talents too imperceptible to their senses The
most spirited sketch from his fingers was a blank to their eyes the most
original observation from his lips fell unheard on their ears Nothing could
exceed the propriety of their behaviour
I should have said nothing could have equalled it but I remembered a fact
which strangely astonished Caroline Helstone It was to discover that her
cousin had absolutely no sympathizing friend at Fieldhead that to Miss Keeldar
he was as much a mere teacher as little a gentleman as little a man as to the
estimable Misses Sympson
What had befallen the kindhearted Shirley that she should be so indifferent
to the dreary position of a fellowcreature thus isolated under her roof She
was not perhaps haughty to him but she never noticed him she let him alone
He came and went spoke or was silent and she rarely recognised his existence
As to Louis Moore himself he had the air of a man used to this life and
who had made up his mind to bear it for a time His faculties seemed walled up
in him and were unmurmuring in their captivity He never laughed he seldom
smiled he was uncomplaining He fulfilled the round of his duties scrupulously
His pupil loved him he asked nothing more than civility from the rest of the
world It even appeared that he would accept nothing more in that abode at
least for when his cousin Caroline made gentle overtures of friendship he did
not encourage them he rather avoided than sought her One living thing alone
besides his pale crippled scholar he fondled in the house and that was the
ruffianly Tartar who sullen and impracticable to others acquired a singular
partiality for him a partiality so marked that sometimes when Moore summoned
to a meal entered the room and sat down unwelcomed Tartar would rise from his
lair at Shirleys feet and betake himself to the taciturn tutor Once but
once she noticed the desertion and holding out her white hand and speaking
softly tried to coax him back Tartar looked slavered and sighed as his
manner was but yet disregarded the invitation and coolly settled himself on
his haunches at Louis Moores side That gentleman drew the dogs big
blackmuzzled head on to his knee patted him and smiled one little smile to
himself
An acute observer might have remarked in the course of the same evening
that after Tartar had resumed his allegiance to Shirley and was once more
couched near her footstool the audacious tutor by one word and gesture
fascinated him again He pricked up his ears at the word he started erect at
the gesture and came with head lovingly depressed to receive the expected
caress as it was given the significant smile again rippled across Moores
quiet face
»Shirley« said Caroline one day as they two were sitting alone in the
summerhouse »did you know that my cousin Louis was tutor in your uncles
family before the Sympsons came down here«
Shirleys reply was not so prompt as her responses usually were but at last
she answered
»Yes of course I knew it well«
»I thought you must have been aware of the circumstance«
»Well what then«
»It puzzles me to guess how it chanced that you never mentioned it to me«
»Why should it puzzle you«
»It seems odd I cannot account for it You talk a great deal you talk
freely How was that circumstance never touched on«
»Because it never was« and Shirley laughed
»You are a singular being« observed her friend »I thought I knew you quite
well I begin to find myself mistaken You were silent as the grave about Mrs
Pryor and now again here is another secret But why you made it a secret is
the mystery to me«
»I never made it a secret I had no reason for so doing If you had asked me
who Henrys tutor was I would have told you besides I thought you knew«
»I am puzzled about more things than one in this matter you dont like poor
Louis why Are you impatient at what you perhaps consider his servile
position Do you wish that Roberts brother were more highly placed«
»Roberts brother indeed« was the exclamation uttered in a tone like the
accents of scorn and with a movement of proud impatience Shirley snatched a
rose from a branch peeping through the open lattice
»Yes« repeated Caroline with mild firmness »Roberts brother He is thus
closely related to Gérard Moore of the Hollow though nature has not given him
features so handsome or an air so noble as his kinsman but his blood is as
good and he is as much a gentleman were he free«
»Wise humble pious Caroline« exclaimed Shirley ironically »Men and
angels hear her We should not despise plain features nor a laborious yet
honest occupation should we Look at the subject of your panegyric he is
there in the garden« she continued pointing through an aperture in the
clustering creepers and by that aperture Louis Moore was visible coming slowly
down the walk
»He is not ugly Shirley« pleaded Caroline »he is not ignoble he is sad
silence seals his mind but I believe him to be intelligent and be certain if
he had not something very commendable in his disposition Mr Hall would never
seek his society as he does«
Shirley laughed she laughed again each time with a slightly sarcastic
sound »Well well« was her comment »On the plea of the man being Cyril Halls
friend and Robert Moores brother well just tolerate his existence wont we
Cary You believe him to be intelligent do you Not quite an idiot eh
Something commendable in his disposition id est not an absolute ruffian Good
Your representations have weight with me and to prove that they have should he
come this way I will speak to him«
He approached the summerhouse unconscious that it was tenanted he sat
down on the step Tartar now his customary companion had followed him and he
couched across his feet
»Old boy« said Louis pulling his tawny ear or rather the mutilated
remains of that organ torn and chewed in a hundred battles »the autumn sun
shines as pleasantly on us as on the fairest and richest This garden is none of
ours but we enjoy its greenness and perfume do nt we«
He sat silent still caressing Tartar who slobbered with exceeding
affection A faint twittering commenced among the trees round something
fluttered down as light as leaves they were little birds which lighting on the
sward at shy distance hopped as if expectant
»The small brown elves actually remember that I fed them the other day«
again soliloquized Louis »They want some more biscuit today I forgot to save
a fragment Eager little sprites I have not a crumb for you«
He put his hand in his pocket and drew it out empty
»A want easily supplied« whispered the listening Miss Keeldar
She took from her reticule a morsel of sweetcake for that repository was
never destitute of something available to throw to the chickens young ducks or
sparrows she crumbled it and bending over his shoulder put the crumbs into
his hand
»There« said she »there is a Providence for the improvident«
»This September afternoon is pleasant« observed Louis Moore as not at
all discomposed he calmly cast the crumbs on to the grass
»Even for you«
»As pleasant for me as for any monarch«
»You take a sort of harsh solitary triumph in drawing pleasure out of the
elements and the inanimate and lower animate creation«
»Solitary but not harsh With animals I feel I am Adams son the heir of
him to whom dominion was given over every living thing that moveth upon the
earth Your dog likes and follows me when I go into that yard the pigeons from
your dovecot flutter at my feet your mare in the stable knows me as well as it
knows you and obeys me better«
»And my roses smell sweet to you and my trees give you shade«
»And« continued Louis »no caprice can withdraw these pleasures from me
they are mine«
He walked off Tartar followed him as if in duty and affection bound and
Shirley remained standing on the summerhouse step Caroline saw her face as she
looked after the rude tutor it was pale as if her pride bled inwardly
»You see« remarked Caroline apologetically »his feelings are so often
hurt it makes him morose«
»You see« retorted Shirley with ire »he is a topic on which you and I
shall quarrel if we discuss it often so drop it henceforward and for ever«
»I suppose he has more than once behaved in this way« thought Caroline to
herself »and that renders Shirley so distant to him yet I wonder she cannot
make allowance for character and circumstances I wonder the general modesty
manliness sincerity of his nature do not plead with her in his behalf She is
not often so inconsiderate so irritable«
The verbal testimony of two friends of Carolines to her cousins character
augmented her favourable opinion of him William Farren whose cottage he had
visited in company with Mr Hall pronounced him a »real gentleman« there was
not such another in Briarfield he William »could do aught for that man And
then to see how t bairns liked him and how t wife took to him first minute
she saw him he never went into a house but t childer wor about him directly
them little things wor like as if theyd a keener sense nor grownup folks i
finding out folks natures«
Mr Hall in answer to a question of Miss Helstones as to what he thought
of Louis Moore replied promptly that he was the best fellow he had met with
since he left Cambridge
»But he is so grave« objected Caroline
»Grave The finest company in the world Full of odd quiet outoftheway
humour Never enjoyed an excursion so much in my life as the one I took with him
to the Lakes His understanding and tastes are so superior it does a man good
to be within their influence and as to his temper and nature I call them
fine«
»At Fieldhead he looks gloomy and I believe has the character of being
misanthropical«
»Oh I fancy he is rather out of place there in a false position The
Sympsons are most estimable people but not the folks to comprehend him they
think a great deal about form and ceremony which are quite out of Louiss way«
»I dont think Miss Keeldar likes him«
»She doesnt know him she doesnt know him otherwise she has sense
enough to do justice to his merits«
»Well I suppose she does nt know him« mused Caroline to herself and by
this hypothesis she endeavoured to account for what seemed else unaccountable
But such simple solution of the difficulty was not left her long she was
obliged to refuse Miss Keeldar even this negative excuse for her prejudice
One day she chanced to be in the schoolroom with Henry Sympson whose
amiable and affectionate disposition had quickly recommended him to her regard
The boy was busied about some mechanical contrivance his lameness made him fond
of sedentary occupation he began to ransack his tutors desk for a piece of
wax or twine necessary to his work Moore happened to be absent Mr Hall
indeed had called for him to take a long walk Henry could not immediately find
the object of his search he rummaged compartment after compartment and at
last opening an inner drawer he came upon not a ball of cord or a lump of
beeswax but a little bundle of small marblecoloured cahiers tied with tape
Henry looked at them
»What rubbish Mr Moore stores up in his desk« he said »I hope he wont
keep my old exercises so carefully«
»What is it«
»Old copybooks«
He threw the bundle to Caroline The packet looked so neat externally her
curiosity was excited to see its contents
»If they are only copybooks I suppose I may open them«
»Oh yes quite freely Mr Moores desk is half mine for he lets me keep
all sorts of things in it and I give you leave«
On scrutiny they proved to be French compositions written in a hand
peculiar but compact and exquisitely clean and clear The writing was
recognisable she scarcely needed the further evidence of the name signed at the
close of each theme to tell her whose they were Yet that name astonished her
»Shirley Keeldar Sympson Grove shire« a southern county and a date four
years back
She tied up the packet and held it in her hand meditating over it She
half felt as if in opening it she had violated a confidence
»They are Shirleys you see« said Henry carelessly
»Did you give them to Mr Moore She wrote them with Mrs Pryor I suppose«
»She wrote them in my schoolroom at Sympson Grove when she lived with us
there Mr Moore taught her French it is his native language«
»I know Was she a good pupil Henry«
»She was a wild laughing thing but pleasant to have in the room she made
lessontime charming She learned fast you could hardly tell when or how
French was nothing to her she spoke it quick quick as quick as Mr Moore
himself«
»Was she obedient Did she give trouble«
»She gave plenty of trouble in a way she was giddy but I liked her Im
desperately fond of Shirley«
»Desperately fond you small simpleton You do nt know what you say«
»I am desperately fond of her she is the light of my eyes I said so to Mr
Moore last night«
»He would reprove you for speaking with exaggeration«
»He did nt He never reproves and reproves as girls governesses do He
was reading and he only smiled into his book and said that if Miss Keeldar was
no more than that she was less than he took her to be for I was but a
dimeyed shortsighted little chap Im afraid I am a poor unfortunate Miss
Caroline Helstone I am a cripple you know«
»Never mind Henry you are a very nice little fellow and if God has not
given you health and strength he has given you a good disposition and an
excellent heart and brain«
»I shall be despised I sometimes think both Shirley and you despise me«
»Listen Henry Generally I dont like schoolboys I have a great horror
of them They seem to me little ruffians who take an unnatural delight in
killing and tormenting birds and insects and kittens and whatever is weaker
than themselves but you are so different I am quite fond of you You have
almost as much sense as a man far more God wot« she muttered to herself
»than many men you are fond of reading and you can talk sensibly about what
you read«
»I am fond of reading I know I have sense and I know I have feeling«
Miss Keeldar here entered
»Henry« she said »I have brought your lunch here I shall prepare it for
you myself«
She placed on the table a glass of new milk a plate of something which
looked not unlike leather and a utensil which resembled a toastingfork
»What are you two about« she continued »ransacking Mr Moores desk«
»Looking at your old copybooks« returned Caroline
»My old copybooks«
»French exercisebooks Look here They must be held precious they are kept
carefully«
She showed the bundle Shirley snatched it up
»Did not know one was in existence« she said »I thought the whole lot had
long since lit the kitchenfire or curled the maids hair at Sympson Grove
What made you keep them Henry«
»It is not my doing I should not have thought of it it never entered my
head to suppose copybooks of value Mr Moore put them by in the inner drawer
of his desk perhaps he forgot them«
»Cest cela he forgot them no doubt« echoed Shirley »They are extremely
well written« she observed complacently
»What a giddy girl you were Shirley in those days I remember you so well
a slim light creature whom though you were so tall I could lift off the
floor I see you with your long countless curls on your shoulders and your
streaming sash You used to make Mr Moore lively that is at first I believe
you grieved him after a while«
Shirley turned the closelywritten pages and said nothing Presently she
observed »That was written one winter afternoon It was a description of a
snowscene«
»I remember« said Henry »Mr Moore when he read it cried Voilà le
Français gagné He said it was well done Afterwards you made him draw in
sepia the landscape you described«
»You have not forgotten then Hal«
»Not at all We were all scolded that day for not coming down to tea when
called I can remember my tutor sitting at his easel and you standing behind
him holding the candle and watching him draw the snowy cliff the pine the
deer couched under it and the halfmoon hung above«
»Where are his drawings Harry Caroline should see them«
»In his portfolio but it is padlocked he has the key«
»Ask him for it when he comes in«
»You should ask him Shirley you are shy of him now you are grown a proud
lady to him I notice that«
»Shirley you are a real enigma« whispered Caroline in her ear »What queer
discoveries I make day by day now I who thought I had your confidence
Inexplicable creature even this boy reproves you«
»I have forgotten Auld Langsyne you see Harry« said Miss Keeldar
answering young Sympson and not heeding Caroline
»Which you never should have done You do nt deserve to be a mans morning
star if you have so short a memory«
»A mans morning star indeed and by a man is meant your worshipful self I
suppose Come drink your new milk while it is warm«
The young cripple rose and limped towards the fire he had left his crutch
near the mantelpiece
»My poor lame darling« murmured Shirley in her softest voice aiding him
»Whether do you like me or Mr Sam Wynne best Shirley« inquired the boy
as she settled him in an arm chair
»Oh Harry Sam Wynne is my aversion you are my pet«
»Me or Mr Malone«
»You again a thousand times«
»Yet they are great whiskered fellows six feet high each«
»Whereas as long as you live Harry you will never be anything more than a
little pale lameter«
»Yes I know«
»You need not be sorrowful Have I not often told you who was almost as
little as pale as suffering as you and yet potent as a giant and brave as a
lion«
»Admiral Horatio«
»Admiral Horatio Viscount Nelson and Duke of Bronti great at heart as a
Titan gallant and heroic as all the world and age of chivalry leader of the
might of England commander of her strength on the deep hurler of her thunder
over the flood«
»A great man but I am not warlike Shirley and yet my mind is so restless
I burn day and night for what I can hardly tell to be to do to suffer
I think«
»Harry it is your mind which is stronger and older than your frame that
troubles you It is a captive It lies in physical bondage But it will work its
own redemption yet Study carefully not only books but the world You love
nature love her without fear Be patient wait the course of time You will
not be a soldier or a sailor Henry but if you live you will be listen to
my prophecy you will be an author perhaps a poet«
»An author It is a flash a flash of light to me I will I will Ill
write a book that I may dedicate it to you«
»You will write it that you may give your soul its natural release Bless
me what am I saying more than I understand I believe or can make good Here
Hal here is your toasted oatcake eat and live«
»Willingly« Here cried a voice outside the open window »I know that
fragrance of meal bread Miss Keeldar may I come in and partake«
»Mr Hall« it was Mr Hall and with him was Louis Moore returned from
their walk »there is a proper luncheon laid out in the diningroom and there
are proper people seated round it you may join that society and share that fare
if you please but if your illregulated tastes lead you to prefer illregulated
proceedings step in here and do as we do«
»I approve the perfume and therefore shall suffer myself to be led by the
nose« returned Mr Hall who presently entered accompanied by Louis Moore
That gentlemans eye fell on his desk pillaged
»Burglars« said he »Henry you merit the ferule«
»Give it to Shirley and Caroline they did it« was alleged with more
attention to effect than truth
»Traitor and false witness« cried both the girls »We never laid hands on a
thing except in the spirit of laudable inquiry«
»Exactly so« said Moore with his rare smile »And what have you ferreted
out in your spirit of laudable inquiry«
He perceived the inner drawer open
»This is empty« said he »Who has taken «
»Here here« Caroline hastened to say and she restored the little packet
to its place He shut it up he locked it in with a small key attached to his
watchguard he restored the other papers to order closed the repository and
sat down without further remark
»I thought you would have scolded much more sir« said Henry »The girls
deserve reprimand«
»I leave them to their own consciences«
»It accuses them of crimes intended as well as perpetrated sir If I had
not been here they would have treated your portfolio as they have done your
desk but I told them it was padlocked«
»And will you have lunch with us« here interposed Shirley addressing
Moore and desirous as it seemed to turn the conversation
»Certainly if I may«
»You will be restricted to new milk and Yorkshire oatcake«
»Va pour le lait frais« said Louis »But for your oatcake « and he
made a grimace
»He cannot eat it« said Henry »he thinks it is like bran raised with sour
yeast«
»Come then by special dispensation we will allow him a few cracknels but
nothing less homely«
The hostess rang the bell and gave her frugal orders which were presently
executed She herself measured out the milk and distributed the bread round the
cozy circle now enclosing the bright little schoolroom fire She then took the
post of toastergeneral and kneeling on the rug fork in hand fulfilled her
office with dexterity Mr Hall who relished any homely innovation on ordinary
usages and to whom the husky oatcake was from custom suave as manna seemed
in his best spirits He talked and laughed gleefully now with Caroline whom
he had fixed by his side now with Shirley and again with Louis Moore And
Louis met him in congenial spirit he did not laugh much but he uttered in the
quietest tone the wittiest things Gravely spoken sentences marked by
unexpected turns and a quite fresh flavour and poignancy fell easily from his
lips He proved himself to be what Mr Hall had said he was excellent
company Caroline marvelled at his humour but still more at his entire
selfpossession Nobody there present seemed to impose on him a sensation of
unpleasant restraint nobody seemed a bore a check a chill to him and yet
there was the cool and lofty Miss Keeldar kneeling before the fire almost at
his feet
But Shirley was cool and lofty no longer at least not at this moment She
appeared unconscious of the humility of her present position or if conscious
it was only to taste a charm in its lowliness It did not revolt her pride that
the group to whom she voluntarily officiated as handmaid should include her
cousins tutor it did not scare her that while she handed the bread and milk to
the rest she had to offer it to him also and Moore took his portion from her
hand as calmly as if he had been her equal
»You are overheated now« he said when she had retained the fork for some
time »let me relieve you«
And he took it from her with a sort of quiet authority to which she
submitted passively neither resisting him nor thanking him
»I should like to see your pictures Louis« said Caroline when the
sumptuous luncheon was discussed »Would not you Mr Hall«
»To please you I should but for my own part I have cut him as an artist
I had enough of him in that capacity in Cumberland and Westmoreland Many a
wetting we got amongst the mountains because he would persist in sitting on a
campstool catching effects of rainclouds gathering mists fitful sunbeams
and what not«
»Here is the portfolio« said Henry bringing it in one hand and leaning on
his crutch with the other
Louis took it but he still sat as if he wanted another to speak It seemed
as if he would not open it unless the proud Shirley deigned to show herself
interested in the exhibition
»He makes us wait to whet our curiosity« she said
»You understand opening it« observed Louis giving her the key »You
spoiled the lock for me once try now«
He held it she opened it and monopolizing the contents had the first
view of every sketch herself She enjoyed the treat if treat it were in
silence without a single comment Moore stood behind her chair and looked over
her shoulder and when she had done and the others were still gazing he left
his post and paced through the room
A carriage was heard in the lane the gatebell rang Shirley started
»There are callers« she said »and I shall be summoned to the room A
pretty figure as they say I am to receive company I and Henry have been in
the garden gathering fruit half the morning Oh for rest under my own vine and
my own figtree Happy is the slavewife of the Indian chief in that she has no
drawingroom duty to perform but can sit at ease weaving mats and stringing
beads and peacefully flattening her picaninnys head in an unmolested corner of
her wigwam Ill emigrate to the western woods«
Louis Moore laughed
»To marry a White Cloud or a Big Buffalo and after wedlock to devote
yourself to the tender task of digging your lords maizefield while he smokes
his pipe or drinks firewater«
Shirley seemed about to reply but here the schoolroom door unclosed
admitting Mr Sympson That personage stood aghast when he saw the group around
the fire
»I thought you alone Miss Keeldar« he said »I find quite a party«
And evidently from his shocked scandalized air had he not recognised in
one of the party a clergyman he would have delivered an extempore philippic on
the extraordinary habits of his niece respect for the cloth arrested him
»I merely wished to announce« he proceeded coldly »that the family from
De Walden Hall Mr Mrs the Misses and Mr Sam Wynne are in the
drawingroom« And he bowed and withdrew
»The family from De Walden Hall Couldnt be a worse set« murmured Shirley
She sat still looking a little contumacious and very much indisposed to
stir She was flushed with the fire her dark hair had been more than once
dishevelled by the morning wind that day her attire was a light neatly
fitting but amply flowing dress of muslin the shawl she had worn in the garden
was still draped in a careless fold round her Indolent wilful picturesque
and singularly pretty was her aspect prettier than usual as if some soft
inward emotion stirred who knows how had given new bloom and expression to
her features
»Shirley Shirley you ought to go« whispered Caroline
»I wonder why«
She lifted her eyes and saw in the glass over the fireplace both Mr Hall
and Louis Moore gazing at her gravely
»If« she said with a yielding smile »if a majority of the present
company maintain that the De Walden Hall people have claims on my civility I
will subdue my inclinations to my duty Let those who think I ought to go hold
up their hands«
Again consulting the mirror it reflected an unanimous vote against her
»You must go« said Mr Hall »and behave courteously too You owe many
duties to society It is not permitted you to please only yourself«
Louis Moore assented with a low »Hear hear«
Caroline approaching her smoothed her wavy curls gave to her attire a
less artistic and more domestic grace and Shirley was put out of the room
protesting still by a pouting lip against her dismissal
»There is a curious charm about her« observed Mr Hall when she was gone
»And now« he added »I must away for Sweeting is off to see his mother and
there are two funerals«
»Henry get your books it is lessontime« said Moore sitting down to his
desk
»A curious charm« repeated the pupil when he and his master were left
alone »True Is she not a kind of white witch« he asked
»Of whom are you speaking sir«
»Of my cousin Shirley«
»No irrelevant questions Study in silence«
Mr Moore looked and spoke sternly sourly Henry knew this mood it was a
rare one with his tutor but when it came he had an awe of it he obeyed
Chapter XXVII
The First BlueStocking
Miss Keeldar and her uncle had characters that would not harmonize that never
had harmonized He was irritable and she was spirited he was despotic and she
liked freedom he was worldly and she perhaps romantic
Not without purpose had he come down to Yorkshire his mission was clear
and he intended to discharge it conscientiously he anxiously desired to have
his niece married to make for her a suitable match give her in charge to a
proper husband and wash his hands of her for ever
The misfortune was from infancy upwards Shirley and he had disagreed on
the meaning of the words suitable and proper She never yet had accepted his
definition and it was doubtful whether in the most important step of her life
she would consent to accept it
The trial soon came
Mr Wynne proposed in form for his son Samuel Fawthrop Wynne
»Decidedly suitable Most proper« pronounced Mr Sympson »A fine
unencumbered estate real substance good connexions It must be done«
He sent for his niece to the oakparlour he shut himself up there with her
alone he communicated the offer he gave his opinion he claimed her consent
It was withheld
»No I shall not marry Samuel Fawthrop Wynne«
»I ask why I must have a reason In all respects he is more than worthy of
you«
She stood on the hearth she was pale as the white marble slab and cornice
behind her her eyes flashed large dilated unsmiling
»And I ask in what sense that young man is worthy of me«
»He has twice your money twice your common sense equal connexions
equal respectability«
»Had he my money counted five score times I would take no vow to love him«
»Please to state your objections«
»He has run a course of despicable commonplace profligacy Accept that as
the first reason why I spurn him«
»Miss Keeldar you shock me«
»That conduct alone sinks him in a gulf of immeasurable inferiority His
intellect reaches no standard I can esteem there is a second stumblingblock
His views are narrow his feelings are blunt his tastes are coarse his manners
vulgar«
»The man is a respectable wealthy man To refuse him is presumption on your
part«
»I refuse pointblank Cease to annoy me with the subject I forbid it«
»Is it your intention ever to marry or do you prefer celibacy«
»I deny your right to claim an answer to that question«
»May I ask if you expect some man of title some peer of the realm to
demand your hand«
»I doubt if the peer breathes on whom I would confer it«
»Were there insanity in the family I should believe you mad Your
eccentricity and conceit touch the verge of frenzy«
»Perhaps ere I have finished you will see me overleap it«
»I anticipate no less Frantic and impracticable girl Take warning I
dare you to sully our name by a mésalliance«
»Our name Am I called Sympson«
»God be thanked that you are not But be on your guard I will not be
trifled with«
»What in the name of common law and common sense would you or could you
do if my pleasure led me to a choice you disapproved«
»Take care take care« warning her with voice and hand that trembled
alike
»Why What shadow of power have you over me Why should I fear you«
»Take care madam«
»Scrupulous care I will take Mr Sympson Before I marry I am resolved to
esteem to admire to love«
»Preposterous stuff indecorous unwomanly«
»To love with my whole heart I know I speak in an unknown tongue but I
feel indifferent whether I am comprehended or not«
»And if this love of yours should fall on a beggar«
»On a beggar it will never fall Mendicancy is not estimable«
»On a low clerk a playactor a playwriter or or «
»Take courage Mr Sympson Or what«
»Any literary scrub or shabby whining artist«
»For the scrubby shabby whining I have no taste for literature and the
arts I have And there I wonder how your Fawthrop Wynne would suit me He
cannot write a note without orthographical errors he reads only a sporting
paper he was the booby of Stilbro grammar school«
»Unladylike language Great God to what will she come« He lifted hands
and eyes
»Never to the altar of Hymen with Sam Wynne«
»To what will she come Why are not the laws more stringent that I might
compel her to hear reason«
»Console yourself uncle Were Britain a serfdom and you the Czar you
could not compel me to this step I will write to Mr Wynne Give yourself no
further trouble on the subject«
Fortune is proverbially called changeful yet her caprice often takes the form
of repeating again and again a similar stroke of luck in the same quarter It
appeared that Miss Keeldar or her fortune had by this time made a sensation
in the district and produced an impression in quarters by her unthought of No
less than three offers followed Mr Wynnes all more or less eligible All
were in succession pressed on her by her uncle and all in succession she
refused Yet amongst them was more than one gentleman of unexceptionable
character as well as ample wealth Many besides her uncle asked what she meant
and whom she expected to entrap that she was so insolently fastidious
At last the gossips thought they had found the key to her conduct and her
uncle was sure of it and what is more the discovery showed his niece to him
in quite a new light and he changed his whole deportment to her accordingly
Fieldhead had of late been fast growing too hot to hold them both the
suave aunt could not reconcile them the daughters froze at the view of their
quarrels Gertrude and Isabella whispered by the hour together in their
dressingroom and became chilled with decorous dread if they chanced to be left
alone with their audacious cousin But as I have said a change supervened Mr
Sympson was appeased and his family tranquillized
The village of Nunnely has been alluded to its old church its forest its
monastic ruins It had also its Hall called the Priory an older a larger a
more lordly abode than any Briarfield or Whinbury owned and what is more it
had its man of title its baronet which neither Briarfield nor Whinbury could
boast This possession its proudest and most prized had for years been
nominal only the present baronet a young man hitherto resident in a distant
province was unknown on his Yorkshire estate
During Miss Keeldars stay at the fashionable wateringplace of Cliffbridge
she and her friends had met with and been introduced to Sir Philip Nunnely They
encountered him again and again on the sands the cliffs in the various walks
sometimes at the public balls of the place He seemed solitary his manner was
very unpretending too simple to be termed affable rather timid than proud he
did not condescend to their society he seemed glad of it
With any unaffected individual Shirley could easily and quickly cement an
acquaintance She walked and talked with Sir Philip she her aunt and cousins
sometimes took a sail in his yacht She liked him because she found him kind and
modest and was charmed to feel she had the power to amuse him
One slight drawback there was where is the friendship without it Sir
Philip had a literary turn he wrote poetry sonnets stanzas ballads Perhaps
Miss Keeldar thought him a little too fond of reading and reciting these
compositions perhaps she wished the rhyme had possessed more accuracy the
measure more music the tropes more freshness the inspiration more fire at
any rate she always winced when he recurred to the subject of his poems and
usually did her best to divert the conversation into another channel
He would beguile her to take moonlight walks with him on the bridge for the
sole purpose as it seemed of pouring into her ear the longest of his ballads
he would lead her away to sequestered rustic seats whence the rush of the surf
to the sands was heard soft and soothing and when he had her all to himself
and the sea lay before them and the scented shade of gardens spread round and
the tall shelter of cliffs rose behind them he would pull out his last batch of
sonnets and read them in a voice tremulous with emotion He did not seem to
know that though they might be rhyme they were not poetry It appeared by
Shirleys downcast eye and disturbed face that she knew it and felt heartily
mortified by the single foible of this good and amiable gentleman
Often she tried as gently as might be to wean him from this fanatic
worship of the Muses it was his monomania on all ordinary subjects he was
sensible enough and fain was she to engage him in ordinary topics He
questioned her sometimes about his place at Nunnely she was but too happy to
answer his interrogatories at length she never wearied of describing the
antique Priory the wild sylvan park the hoary church and hamlet nor did she
fail to counsel him to come down and gather his tenantry about him in his
ancestral halls
Somewhat to her surprise Sir Philip followed her advice to the letter and
actually towards the close of September arrived at the Priory
He soon made a call at Fieldhead and his first visit was not his last he
said when he had achieved the round of the neighbourhood that under no roof
had he found such pleasant shelter as beneath the massive oakbeams of the grey
manorhouse of Briarfield a cramped modest dwelling enough compared with his
own but he liked it
Presently it did not suffice to sit with Shirley in her panelled parlour
where others came and went and where he could rarely find a quiet moment to
show her the latest production of his fertile muse he must have her out amongst
the pleasant pastures and lead her by the still waters Têteàtête ramblings
she shunned so he made parties for her to his own grounds his glorious forest
to remoter scenes woods severed by the Wharfe vales watered by the Aire
Such assiduity covered Miss Keeldar with distinction Her uncles prophetic
soul anticipated a splendid future he already scented the time afar off when
with nonchalant air and left foot nursed on his right knee he should be able
to make dashinglyfamiliar allusion to his nephew the baronet Now his niece
dawned upon him no longer a mad girl but a most sensible woman He termed her
in confidential dialogues with Mrs Sympson »a truly superior person peculiar
but very clever« He treated her with exceeding deference rose reverently to
open and shut doors for her reddened his face and gave himself headaches with
stooping to pick up gloves handkerchiefs and other loose property whereof
Shirley usually held but insecure tenure He would cut mysterious jokes about
the superiority of womans wit over mans wisdom commence obscure apologies for
the blundering mistake he had committed respecting the generalship the tactics
of »a personage not a hundred miles from Fieldhead« in short he seemed elate
as any »middencock on pattens«
His niece viewed his manoeuvres and received his innuendoes with phlegm
apparently she did not above half comprehend to what aim they tended When
plainly charged with being the preferred of the baronet she said she believed
he did like her and for her part she liked him she had never thought a man of
rank the only son of a proud fond mother the only brother of doting sisters
could have so much goodness and on the whole so much sense
Time proved indeed that Sir Philip liked her Perhaps he had found in her
that »curious charm« noticed by Mr Hall He sought her presence more and more
and at last with a frequency that attested it had become to him an
indispensable stimulus About this time strange feelings hovered round
Fieldhead restless hopes and haggard anxieties haunted some of its rooms There
was an unquiet wandering of some of the inmates among the still fields round the
mansion there was a sense of expectancy that kept the nerves strained
One thing seemed clear Sir Philip was not a man to be despised he was
amiable if not highly intellectual he was intelligent Miss Keeldar could not
affirm of him what she had so bitterly affirmed of Sam Wynne that his
feelings were blunt his tastes coarse and his manners vulgar There was
sensibility in his nature there was a very real if not a very discriminating
love of the arts there was the English gentleman in all his deportment as to
his lineage and wealth both were of course far beyond her claims
His appearance had at first elicited some laughing though not illnatured
remarks from the merry Shirley It was boyish his features were plain and
slight his hair sandy his stature insignificant But she soon checked her
sarcasm on this point she would even fire up if any one else made
uncomplimentary allusion thereto He had »a pleasing countenance« she affirmed
»and there was that in his heart which was better than three Roman noses than
the locks of Absalom or the proportions of Saul« A spare and rare shaft she
still reserved for his unfortunate poetic propensity but even here she would
tolerate no irony save her own
In short matters had reached a point which seemed fully to warrant an
observation made about this time by Mr Yorke to the tutor Louis
»Yond brother Robert of yours seems to me to be either a fool or a madman
Two months ago I could have sworn he had the game all in his own hands and
there he runs the country and quarters himself up in London for weeks together
and by the time he comes back hell find himself checkmated Louis There is a
tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads on to fortune but
once let slip never returns again Id write to Robert if I were you and
remind him of that«
»Robert had views on Miss Keeldar« inquired Louis as if the idea were new
to him
»Views I suggested to him myself and views he might have realized for she
liked him«
»As a neighbour«
»As more than that I have seen her change countenance and colour at the
mere mention of his name Write to the lad I say and tell him to come home He
is a finer gentleman than this bit of a baronet after all«
»Does it not strike you Mr Yorke that for a mere penniless adventurer to
aspire to a rich womans hand is presumptuous contemptible«
»Oh if you are for high notions and doublerefined sentiment Ive naught
to say Im a plain practical man myself and if Robert is willing to give up
that royal prize to a ladrival a puling slip of aristocracy I am quite
agreeable At his age in his place with his inducements I would have acted
differently Neither baronet nor duke nor prince should have snatched my
sweetheart from me without a struggle But you tutors are such solemn chaps it
is almost like speaking to a parson to consult with you«
Flattered and fawned upon as Shirley was just now it appeared she was not
absolutely spoiled that her better nature did not quite leave her Universal
report had indeed ceased to couple her name with that of Moore and this silence
seemed sanctioned by her own apparent oblivion of the absentee but that she had
not quite forgotten him that she still regarded him if not with love yet with
interest seemed proved by the increased attention which at this juncture of
affairs a sudden attack of illness induced her to show that tutorbrother of
Roberts to whom she habitually bore herself with strange alternations of cool
reserve and docile respect now sweeping past him in all the dignity of the
monied heiress and prospective Lady Nunnely and anon accosting him as abashed
schoolgirls are wont to accost their stern professors bridling her neck of
ivory and curling her lip of carmine if he encountered her glance one minute
and the next submitting to the grave rebuke of his eye with as much contrition
as if he had the power to inflict penalties in case of contumacy
Louis Moore had perhaps caught the fever which for a few days laid him low
in one of the poor cottages of the district which he his lame pupil and Mr
Hall were in the habit of visiting together At any rate he sickened and after
opposing to the malady a taciturn resistance for a day or two was obliged to
keep his chamber
He lay tossing on his thorny bed one evening Henry who would not quit him
watching faithfully beside him when a tap too light to be that of Mrs Gill
or the housemaid summoned young Sympson to the door
»How is Mr Moore tonight« asked a low voice from the dark gallery
»Come in and see him yourself«
»Is he asleep«
»I wish he could sleep Come and speak to him Shirley«
»He would not like it«
But the speaker stepped in and Henry seeing her hesitate on the threshold
took her hand and drew her to the couch
The shaded light showed Miss Keeldars form but imperfectly yet it revealed
her in elegant attire There was a party assembled below including Sir Philip
Nunnely the ladies were now in the drawingroom and their hostess had stolen
from them to visit Henrys tutor Her pure white dress her fair arms and neck
the trembling chainlet of gold circling her throat and quivering on her breast
glistened strangely amid the obscurity of the sickroom Her mien was chastened
and pensive she spoke gently
»Mr Moore how are you tonight«
»I have not been very ill and am now better«
»I heard that you complained of thirst I have brought you some grapes can
you taste one«
»No but I thank you for remembering me«
»Just one«
From the rich cluster that filled a small basket held in her hand she
severed a berry and offered it to his lips He shook his head and turned aside
his flushed face
»But what then can I bring you instead You have no wish for fruit yet I
see that your lips are parched What beverage do you prefer«
»Mrs Gill supplies me with toast and water I like it best«
Silence fell for some minutes
»Do you suffer Have you pain«
»Very little«
»What made you ill«
Silence
»I wonder what caused this fever To what do you attribute it«
»Miasma perhaps malaria This is autumn a season fertile in fevers«
»I hear you often visit the sick in Briarfield and Nunnely too with Mr
Hall you should be on your guard temerity is not wise«
»That reminds me Miss Keeldar that perhaps you had better not enter this
chamber or come near this couch I do not believe my illness is infectious I
scarcely fear with a sort of smile you will take it but why should you run
even the shadow of a risk Leave me«
»Patience I will go soon but I should like to do something for you before
I depart any little service «
»They will miss you below«
»No the gentlemen are still at table«
»They will not linger long Sir Philip Nunnely is no winebibber and I hear
him just now pass from the diningroom to the drawingroom«
»It is a servant«
»It is Sir Philip I know his step«
»Your hearing is acute«
»It is never dull and the sense seems sharpened at present Sir Philip was
here to tea last night I heard you sing to him some song which he had brought
you I heard him when he took his departure at eleven oclock call you out on
to the pavement to look at the evening star«
»You must be nervously sensitive«
»I heard him kiss your hand«
»Impossible«
»No my chamber is over the hall the window just above the front door the
sash was a little raised for I felt feverish you stood ten minutes with him on
the steps I heard your discourse every word and I heard the salute Henry
give me some water«
»Let me give it him«
But he half rose to take the glass from young Sympson and declined her
attendance
»And can I do nothing«
»Nothing for you cannot guarantee me a nights peaceful rest and it is all
I at present want«
»You do not sleep well«
»Sleep has left me«
»Yet you said you were not very ill«
»I am often sleepless when in high health«
»If I had power I would lap you in the most placid slumber quite deep and
hushed without a dream«
»Blank annihilation I do not ask that«
»With dreams of all you most desire«
»Monstrous delusions The sleep would be delirium the waking death«
»Your wishes are not so chimerical you are no visionary«
»Miss Keeldar I suppose you think so but my character is not perhaps
quite as legible to you as a page of the last new novel might be«
»That is possible But this sleep I should like to woo it to your pillow
to win for you its favour If I took a book and sat down and read some pages
I can well spare half an hour«
»Thank you but I will not detain you«
»I would read softly«
»It would not do I am too feverish and excitable to bear a soft cooing
vibrating voice close at my ear You had better leave me«
»Well I will go«
»And no goodnight«
»Yes sir yes Mr Moore goodnight« Exit Shirley
»Henry my boy go to bed now it is time you had some repose«
»Sir it would please me to watch at your bedside all night«
»Nothing less called for I am getting better there go«
»Give me your blessing sir«
»God bless you my best pupil«
»You never call me your dearest pupil«
»No nor ever shall«
Possibly Miss Keeldar resented her former teachers rejection of her courtesy
it is certain she did not repeat the offer of it Often as her light step
traversed the gallery in the course of a day it did not again pause at his
door nor did her »cooing vibrating voice« disturb a second time the hush of
the sickroom A sickroom indeed it soon ceased to be Mr Moores good
constitution quickly triumphed over his indisposition in a few days he shook it
off and resumed his duties as tutor
That »Auld Langsyne« had still its authority both with preceptor and
scholar was proved by the manner in which he sometimes promptly passed the
distance she usually maintained between them and put down her high reserve with
a firm quiet hand
One afternoon the Sympson family were gone out to take a carriage airing
Shirley never sorry to snatch a reprieve from their society had remained
behind detained by business as she said The business a little
letterwriting was soon despatched after the yardgates had closed on the
carriage Miss Keeldar betook herself to the garden
It was a peaceful autumn day The gilding of the Indian summer mellowed the
pastures far and wide The russet woods stood ripe to be stript but were yet
full of leaf The purple of heathbloom faded but not withered tinged the
hills The beck wandered down to the Hollow through a silent district no wind
followed its course or haunted its woody borders Fieldhead gardens bore the
seal of gentle decay On the walks swept that morning yellow leaves had
fluttered down again Its time of flowers and even of fruits was over but a
scantling of apples enriched the trees only a blossom here and there expanded
pale and delicate amidst a knot of faded leaves
These single flowers the last of their race Shirley culled as she
wandered thoughtfully amongst the beds She was fastening into her girdle a
hueless and scentless nosegay when Henry Sympson called to her as he came
limping from the house
»Shirley Mr Moore would be glad to see you in the schoolroom and to hear
you read a little French if you have no more urgent occupation«
The messenger delivered his commission very simply as if it were a mere
matter of course
»Did Mr Moore tell you to say that«
»Certainly why not And now do come and let us once more be as we were at
Sympsongrove We used to have pleasant schoolhours in those days«
Miss Keeldar perhaps thought that circumstances were changed since then
however she made no remark but after a little reflection quietly followed
Henry
Entering the schoolroom she inclined her head with a decent obeisance as
had been her wont in former times she removed her bonnet and hung it up beside
Henrys cap Louis Moore sat at his desk turning the leaves of a book open
before him and marking passages with his pencil he just moved in
acknowledgment of her curtsey but did not rise
»You proposed to read to me a few nights ago« said he »I could not hear
you then my attention is now at your service A little renewed practice in
French may not be unprofitable your accent I have observed begins to rust«
»What book shall I take«
»Here are the posthumous works of St Pièrre Read a few pages of the
Fragments de lAmazone«
She accepted the chair which he had placed in readiness near his own the
volume lay on his desk there was but one between them her sweeping curls
drooped so low as to hide the page from him
»Put back your hair« he said
For one moment Shirley looked not quite certain whether she would obey the
request or disregard it a flicker of her eye beamed furtive on the professors
face perhaps if he had been looking at her harshly or timidly or if one
undecided line had marked his countenance she would have rebelled and the
lesson had ended there and then but he was only awaiting her compliance as
calm as marble and as cool She threw the veil of tresses behind her ear It
was well her face owned an agreeable outline and that her cheek possessed the
polish and the roundness of early youth or thus robbed of a softening shade
the contours might have lost their grace But what mattered that in the present
society Neither Calypso nor Eucharis cared to fascinate Mentor
She began to read The language had become strange to her tongue it
faltered the lecture flowed unevenly impeded by hurried breath broken by
Anglicised tones She stopped
»I cant do it Read me a paragraph if you please Mr Moore«
What he read she repeated she caught his accent in three minutes
»Très bien« was the approving comment at the close of the piece
»Cest presque le Français rattrapé nestce pas«
»You could not write French as you once could I daresay «
»Oh no I should make strange work of my concords now«
»You could not compose the devoir of La Première Femme Savante«
»Do you still remember that rubbish«
»Every line«
»I doubt you«
»I will engage to repeat it word for word«
»You would stop short at the first line«
»Challenge me to the experiment«
»I challenge you«
He proceeded to recite the following he gave it in French but we must
translate on pain of being unintelligible to some readers
»And it came to pass when men began to multiply on the face of the
earth and daughters were born unto them that the sons of God saw the
daughters of men that they were fair and they took them wives of all
which they chose«
This was in the dawn of time before the morning stars were set and while they
yet sang together
The epoch is so remote the mists and dewy grey of matin twilight veil it
with so vague an obscurity that all distinct feature of custom all clear line
of locality evade perception and baffle research It must suffice to know that
the world then existed that men peopled it that mans nature with its
passions sympathies pains and pleasures informed the planet and gave it
soul
A certain tribe colonized a certain spot on the globe of what race this
tribe unknown in what region that spot untold We usually think of the East
when we refer to transactions of that date but who shall declare that there was
no life in the West the South the North What is to disprove that this tribe
instead of camping under palmgroves in Asia wandered beneath island oakwoods
rooted in our own seas of Europe
It is no sandy plain nor any circumscribed and scant oasis I seem to
realize A forest valley with rocky sides and brown profundity of shade formed
by tree crowding on tree descends deep before me Here indeed dwell human
beings but so few and in alleys so thick branched and overarched they are
neither heard nor seen Are they savage doubtless They live by the crook and
the bow half shepherds half hunters their flocks wander wild as their prey
Are they happy no not more happy than we are at this day Are they good
no not better than ourselves their nature is our nature human both There
is one in this tribe too often miserable a child bereaved of both parents
None cares for this child she is fed sometimes but oftener forgotten a hut
rarely receives her the hollow tree and chill cavern are her home Forsaken
lost and wandering she lives more with the wild beast and bird than with her
own kind Hunger and cold are her comrades sadness hovers over and solitude
besets her round Unheeded and unvalued she should die but she both lives and
grows the green wilderness nurses her and becomes to her a mother feeds her
on juicy berry on saccharine root and nut
There is something in the air of this clime which fosters life kindly there
must be something too in its dews which heals with sovereign balm Its gentle
seasons exaggerate no passion no sense its temperature tends to harmony its
breezes you would say bring down from heaven the germ of pure thought and
purer feeling Not grotesquely fantastic are the forms of cliff and foliage not
violently vivid the colouring of flower and bird in all the grandeur of these
forests there is repose in all their freshness there is tenderness
The gentle charm vouchsafed to flower and tree bestowed on deer and dove
has not been denied to the human nursling All solitary she has sprung up
straight and graceful Nature cast her features in a fine mould they have
matured in their pure accurate first lines unaltered by the shocks of disease
No fierce dry blast has dealt rudely with the surface of her frame no burning
sun has crisped or withered her tresses her form gleams ivorywhite through the
trees her hair flows plenteous long and glossy her eyes not dazzled by
vertical fires beam in the shade large and open and full and dewy above those
eyes when the breeze bares her forehead shines an expanse fair and ample a
clear candid page whereon knowledge should knowledge ever come might write a
golden record You see in the desolate young savage nothing vicious or vacant
she haunts the wood harmless and thoughtful though of what one so untaught can
think it is not easy to divine
On the evening of one summer day before the Flood being utterly alone
for she had lost all trace of her tribe who had wandered leagues away she knew
not where she went up from the vale to watch Day take leave and Night
arrive A crag overspread by a tree was her station the oakroots turfed and
mossed gave a seat the oakboughs thickleaved wove a canopy
Slow and grand the Day withdrew passing in purple fire and parting to the
farewell of a wild low chorus from the woodlands Then Night entered quiet as
death the wind fell the birds ceased singing Now every nest held happy mates
and hart and hind slumbered blissfully safe in their lair
The girl sat her body still her soul astir occupied however rather in
feeling than in thinking in wishing than hoping in imagining than
projecting She felt the world the sky the night boundlessly mighty Of all
things herself seemed to herself the centre a small forgotten atom of life
a spark of soul emitted inadvertent from the great creative source and now
burning unmarked to waste in the heart of a black hollow She asked was she
thus to burn out and perish her living light doing no good never seen never
needed a star in an else starless firmament which nor shepherd nor
wanderer nor sage nor priest tracked as a guide or read as a prophecy Could
this be she demanded when the flame of her intelligence burned so vivid when
her life beat so true and real and potent when something within her stirred
disquieted and restlessly asserted a Godgiven strength for which it insisted
she should find exercise
She gazed abroad on Heaven and Evening Heaven and Evening gazed back on
her She bent down searching bank hill river spread dim below All she
questioned responded by oracles she heard she was impressed but she could
not understand Above her head she raised her hands joined together
»Guidance help comfort come« was her cry
There was no voice nor any that answered
She waited kneeling steadfastly looking up Yonder sky was sealed the
solemn stars shone alien and remote
At last one overstretched chord of her agony slacked she thought
Something above relented she felt as if Something far round drew nigher she
heard as it Silence spoke There was no language no word only a tone
Again a fine full lofty tone a deep soft sound like a storm
whispering made twilight undulate
Once more profounder nearer clearer it rolled harmonious
Yet again a distinct voice passed between Heaven and Earth
»Eva«
If Eva were not this womans name she had none She rose
»Here am I«
»Eva«
»Oh Night it can be but Night that speaks I am here«
The voice descending reached Earth
»Eva«
»Lord« she cried »behold thine handmaid«
She had her religion all tribes held some creed
»I come a Comforter«
»Lord come quickly«
The Evening flushed full of hope the Air panted the Moon rising before
ascended large but her light showed no shape
»Lean towards me Eva Enter my arms repose thus«
»Thus I lean O Invisible but felt And what art thou«
»Eva I have brought a living draught from heaven Daughter of Man drink of
my cup«
»I drink it is as if sweetest dew visited my lips in a full current My
arid heart revives my affliction is lightened my strait and struggle are gone
And the night changes the wood the hill the moon the wide sky all change«
»All change and for ever I take from thy vision darkness I loosen from
thy faculties fetters I level in thy path obstacles I with my presence
fill vacancy I claim as mine the lost atom of life I take to myself the spark
of soul burning heretofore forgotten«
»Oh take me Oh claim me This is a god«
»This is a Son of God one who feels himself in the portion of life that
stirs you he is suffered to reclaim his own and so to foster and aid that it
shall not perish hopeless«
»A Son of God Am I indeed chosen«
»Thou only in this land I saw thee that thou wert fair I knew thee that
thou wert mine To me it is given to rescue to sustain to cherish mine own
Acknowledge in me that Seraph on earth named Genius«
»My glorious Bridegroom True Dayspring from on high All I would have at
last I possess I receive a revelation The dark hint the obscure whisper
which have haunted me from childhood are interpreted Thou art He I sought
Godborn take me thy bride«
»Unhumbled I can take what is mine Did I not give from the altar the very
flame which lit Evas being Come again into the heaven whence thou wert sent«
That Presence invisible but mighty gathered her in like a lamb to the
fold that voice soft but all pervading vibrated through her heart like
music Her eye received no image and yet a sense visited her vision and her
brain as of the serenity of stainless air the power of sovereign seas the
majesty of marching stars the energy of colliding elements the rooted
endurance of hills wide based and above all as of the lustre of heroic beauty
rushing victorious on the Night vanquishing its shadows like a diviner Sun
Such was the bridalhour of Genius and Humanity Who shall rehearse the tale
of their afterunion Who shall depict its bliss and bale Who shall tell how
He between whom and the Woman God put enmity forged deadly plots to break the
bond or defile its purity Who shall record the long strife between Serpent and
Seraph How still the Father of Lies insinuated evil into good pride into
wisdom grossness into glory pain into bliss poison into passion How the
dreadless Angel defied resisted and repelled How again and again he refined
the polluted cup exalted the debased emotion rectified the perverted impulse
detected the lurking venom baffled the frontless temptation purified
justified watched and withstood How by his patience by his strength by
that unutterable excellence he held from God his Origin this faithful Seraph
fought for Humanity a good fight through time and when Times course closed
and Death was encountered at the end barring with fleshless arm the portals of
Eternity how Genius still held close his dying bride sustained her through the
agony of the passage bore her triumphant into his own home Heaven restored
her redeemed to Jehovah her Maker and at last before Angel and Archangel
crowned her with the crown of Immortality
Who shall of these things write the chronicle
»I never could correct that composition« observed Shirley as Moore concluded
»Your censorpencil scored it with condemnatory lines whose signification I
strove vainly to fathom«
She had taken a crayon from the tutors desk and was drawing little leaves
fragments of pillars broken crosses on the margin of the book
»French may be halfforgotten but the habits of the French lesson are
retained I see« said Louis »my books would now as erst be unsafe with you
My newlybound St Pièrre would soon be like my Racine Miss Keeldar her mark
traced on every page«
Shirley dropped her crayon as if it burned her fingers
»Tell me what were the faults of that devoir« she asked »Were they
grammatical errors or did you object to the substance«
»I never said that the lines I drew were indications of faults at all You
would have it that such was the case and I refrained from contradiction«
»What else did they denote«
»No matter now«
»Mr Moore« cried Henry »make Shirley repeat some of the pieces she used
to say so well by heart«
»If I ask for any it will be Le Cheval Dompté« said Moore trimming with
his penknife the pencil Miss Keeldar had worn to a stump
She turned aside her head the neck the clear cheek forsaken by their
natural veil were seen to flush warm
»Ah she has not forgotten you see sir« said Henry exultant »She knows
how naughty she was«
A smile which Shirley would not permit to expand made her lip tremble she
bent her face and hid it half with her arms half in her curls which as she
stooped fell loose again
»Certainly I was a rebel« she answered
»A rebel« repeated Henry »Yes you and papa had quarrelled terribly and
you set both him and mamma and Mrs Pryor and everybody at defiance you said
he had insulted you «
»He had insulted me« interposed Shirley
»And you wanted to leave Sympson Grove directly You packed your things up
and papa threw them out of your trunk mamma cried Mrs Pryor cried they both
stood wringing their hands begging you to be patient and you knelt on the floor
with your things and your upturned box before you looking Shirley looking
why in one of your passions Your features in such passions are not
distorted they are fixed but quite beautiful you scarcely look angry only
resolute and in a certain haste yet one feels that at such times an obstacle
cast across your path would be split as with lightning Papa lost heart and
called Mr Moore«
»Enough Henry«
»No it is not enough I hardly know how Mr Moore managed except that I
recollect he suggested to papa that agitation would bring on his gout and that
he spoke quietly to the ladies and got them away and afterwards he said to
you Miss Shirley that it was of no use talking or lecturing now but that the
teathings were just brought into the schoolroom and he was very thirsty and
he would be glad if you would leave your packing for the present and come and
make a cup of tea for him and me You came you would not talk at first but
soon you softened and grew cheerful Mr Moore began to tell us about the
Continent the war and Buonaparte subjects we were both fond of listening to
After tea he said we should neither of us leave him that evening he would not
let us stray out of his sight lest we should again get into mischief We sat
one on each side of him we were so happy I never passed so pleasant an
evening The next day he gave you missy a lecture of an hour and wound it up
by marking you a piece to learn in Bossuet as a punishmentlesson Le Cheval
Dompté You learned it instead of packing up Shirley We heard no more of your
running away Mr Moore used to tease you on the subject for a year afterwards«
»She never said a lesson with greater spirit« subjoined Moore »She then
for the first time gave me the treat of hearing my native tongue spoken without
accent by an English girl«
»She was as sweet as summercherries for a month afterwards« struck in
Henry »a good hearty quarrel always left Shirleys temper better than it found
it«
»You talk of me as if I were not present« observed Miss Keeldar who had
not yet lifted her face
»Are you sure you are present« asked Moore »there have been moments since
my arrival here when I have been tempted to inquire of the lady of Fieldhead if
she knew what had become of my former pupil«
»She is here now«
»I see her and humble enough but I would neither advise Harry nor others
to believe too implicitly in the humility which one moment can hide its blushing
face like a modest little child and the next lift it pale and lofty as a marble
Juno«
»One man in times of old it is said imparted vitality to the statue he had
chiselled Others may have the contrary gift of turning life to stone«
Moore paused on this observation before he replied to it His look at once
struck and meditative said »A strange phrase what may it mean« He turned it
over in his mind with thought deep and slow as some German pondering
metaphysics
»You mean« he said at last »that some men inspire repugnance and so
chill the kind heart«
»Ingenious« responded Shirley »If the interpretation pleases you you are
welcome to hold it valid I do nt care«
And with that she raised her head lofty in look and statuelike in hue as
Louis had described it
»Behold the metamorphosis« he said »scarce imagined ere it is realized a
lowly nymph develops to an inaccessible goddess But Henry must not be
disappointed of his recitation and Olympia will deign to oblige him Let us
begin«
»I have forgotten the very first line«
»Which I have not My memory if a slow is a retentive one I acquire
deliberately both knowledge and liking the acquisition grows into my brain and
the sentiment into my breast and it is not as the rapid springing produce
which having no root in itself flourishes verdurous enough for a time but too
soon falls withered away Attention Henry Miss Keeldar consents to favour you
Voyez ce Cheval ardent et impétueux so it commences«
Miss Keeldar did consent to make the effort but she soon stopped
»Unless I heard the whole repeated I cannot continue it« she said
»Yet it was quickly learned soon gained soon gone« moralized the tutor
He recited the passage deliberately accurately with slow impressive emphasis
Shirley by degrees inclined her ear as he went on Her face before turned
from him returned towards him When he ceased she took the word up as if from
his lips she took his very tone she seized his very accent she delivered the
periods as he had delivered them she reproduced his manner his pronunciation
his expression
It was now her turn to petition
»Recall Le Songe dAthalie« sheen treated »and say it«
He said it for her she took it from him she found lively excitement in the
pleasure of making his language her own she asked for further indulgence all
the old schoolpieces were revived and with them Shirleys old schooldays
He had gone through some of the best passages of Racine and Corneille and
then had heard the echo of his own deep tones in the girls voice that
modulated itself faithfully on his »Le Chêne et le Roseau« that most
beautiful of La Fontaines fables had been recited well recited by the tutor
and the pupil had animatedly availed herself of the lesson Perhaps a
simultaneous feeling seized them now that their enthusiasm had kindled to a
glow which the slight fuel of French poetry no longer sufficed to feed perhaps
they longed for a trunk of English oak to be thrown as a Yule log to the
devouring flame Moore observed
»And these are our best pieces And we have nothing more dramatic nervous
natural«
And then he smiled and was silent His whole nature seemed serenely alight
he stood on the hearth leaning his elbow on the mantelpiece musing not
unblissfully
Twilight was closing on the diminished autumn day the schoolroom windows
darkened with creeping plants from which no high October winds had as yet swept
the sere foliage admitted scarce a gleam of sky but the fire gave light
enough to talk by
And now Louis Moore addressed his pupil in French and she answered at
first with laughing hesitation and in broken phrase Moore encouraged while he
corrected her Henry joined in the lesson the two scholars stood opposite the
master their arms round each others waists Tartar who long since had craved
and obtained admission sat sagely in the centre of the rug staring at the
blaze which burst fitful from morsels of coal among the red cinders the group
were happy enough but
»Pleasures are like poppies spread
You seize the flower its bloom is shed«
The dull rumbling sound of wheels was heard on the pavement in the yard
»It is the carriage returned« said Shirley »and dinner must be just ready
and I am not dressed«
A servant came in with Mr Moores candle and tea for the tutor and his
pupil usually dined at luncheon time
»Mr Sympson and the ladies are returned« she said »and Sir Philip Nunnely
is with them«
»How you did start and how your hand trembled Shirley« said Henry when
the maid had closed the shutter and was gone »But I know why dont you Mr
Moore I know what papa intends He is a little ugly man that Sir Philip I
wish he had not come I wish sisters and all of them had stayed at De Walden
Hall to dine Shirley should once more have made tea for you and me Mr Moore
and we would have had a happy evening of it«
Moore was locking up his desk and putting away his St Pièrre »That was
your plan was it my boy«
»Dont you approve it sir«
»I approve nothing Utopian Look Life in its iron face stare Reality out of
its brassy countenance Make the tea Henry I shall be back in a minute«
He left the room so did Shirley by another door
Chapter XXVIII
Phoebe
Shirley probably got on pleasantly with Sir Philip that evening for the next
morning she came down in one of her best moods
»Who will take a walk with me« she asked after breakfast »Isabella and
Gertrude will you«
So rare was such an invitation from Miss Keeldar to her female cousins that
they hesitated before they accepted it Their mamma however signifying
acquiescence in the project they fetched their bonnets and the trio set out
It did not suit these three young persons to be thrown much together Miss
Keeldar liked the society of few ladies indeed she had a cordial pleasure in
that of none except Mrs Pryor and Caroline Helstone She was civil kind
attentive even to her cousins but still she usually had little to say to them
In the sunny mood of this particular morning she contrived to entertain even
the Misses Sympson Without deviating from her wonted rule of discussing with
them only ordinary themes she imparted to these themes an extraordinary
interest the sparkle of her spirit glanced along her phrases
What made her so joyous All the cause must have been in herself The day
was not bright it was dim a pale waning autumn day the walks through the
dun woods were damp the atmosphere was heavy the sky overcast and yet it
seemed that in Shirleys heart lived all the light and azure of Italy as all
its fervour laughed in her grey English eye
Some directions necessary to be given to her foreman John delayed her
behind her cousins as they neared Fieldhead on their return perhaps an interval
of twenty minutes elapsed between her separation from them and her reentrance
into the house in the mean time she had spoken to John and then she had
lingered in the lane at the gate A summons to luncheon called her in she
excused herself from the meal and went upstairs
»Is not Shirley coming to luncheon« asked Isabella »she said she was not
hungry«
An hour after as she did not quit her chamber one of her cousins went to
seek her there She was found sitting at the foot of the bed her head resting
on her hand she looked quite pale very thoughtful almost sad
»You are not ill« was the question put
»A little sick« replied Miss Keeldar
Certainly she was not a little changed from what she had been two hours
before
This change accounted for only by those three words explained no
otherwise this change whence so ever springing effected in a brief ten
minutes passed like no light summer cloud She talked when she joined her
friends at dinner talked as usual she remained with them during the evening
when again questioned respecting her health she declared herself perfectly
recovered it had been a mere passing faintness a momentary sensation not
worth a thought yet it was felt there was a difference in Shirley
The next day the day the week the fortnight after this new and
peculiar shadow lingered on the countenance in the manner of Miss Keeldar A
strange quietude settled over her look her movements her very voice The
alteration was not so marked as to court or permit frequent questioning yet it
was there and it would not pass away it hung over her like a cloud which no
breeze could stir or disperse Soon it became evident that to notice this change
was to annoy her First she shrunk from remark and if persisted in she with
her own peculiar hauteur repelled it »Was she ill« The reply came with
decision
»I am not«
»Did anything weigh on her mind Had anything happened to affect her
spirits«
She scornfully ridiculed the idea »What did they mean by spirits She had
no spirits black or white blue or grey to affect«
»Something must be the matter she was so altered«
»She supposed she had a right to alter at her ease She knew she was
plainer if it suited her to grow ugly why need others fret themselves on the
subject«
»There must be a cause for the change what was it«
She peremptorily requested to be let alone
Then she would make every effort to appear quite gay and she seemed
indignant at herself that she could not perfectly succeed brief selfspurning
epithets burst from her lips when alone »Fool Coward« she would term herself
»Poltroon« she would say »if you must tremble tremble in secret Quail where
no eye sees you«
»How dare you« she would ask herself »how dare you show your weakness
and betray your imbecile anxieties Shake them off rise above them if you
cannot do this hide them«
And to hide them she did her best She once more became resolutely lively
in company When weary of effort and forced to relax she sought solitude not
the solitude of her chamber she refused to mope shut up between four walls
but that wilder solitude which lies out of doors and which she could chase
mounted on Zoë her mare She took long rides of half a day Her uncle
disapproved but he dared not remonstrate it was never pleasant to face
Shirleys anger even when she was healthy and gay but now that her face showed
thin and her large eye looked hollow there was something in the darkening of
that face and kindling of that eye which touched as well as alarmed
To all comparative strangers who unconscious of the alterations in her
spirits commented on the alteration in her looks she had one reply
»I am perfectly well I have not an ailment«
And health indeed she must have had to be able to bear the exposure to
the weather she now encountered Wet or fair calm or storm she took her daily
ride over Stilbro Moor Tartar keeping up at her side with his wolflike
gallop long and untiring
Twice three times the eyes of gossips those eyes which are everywhere
in the closet and on the hilltop noticed that instead of turning on Rushedge
the topridge of Stilbro Moor she rode forwards all the way to the town
Scouts were not wanting to mark her destination there it was ascertained that
she alighted at the door of one Mr Pearson Hall a solicitor related to the
Vicar of Nunnely this gentleman and his ancestors had been the agents of the
Keeldar family for generations back some people affirmed that Miss Keeldar was
become involved in business speculations connected with Hollows Mill that she
had lost money and was constrained to mortgage her land others conjectured
that she was going to be married and that the settlements were preparing
Mr Moore and Henry Sympson were together in the schoolroom the tutor was
waiting for a lesson which the pupil seemed busied in preparing
»Henry make haste the afternoon is getting on«
»Is it sir«
»Certainly Are you nearly ready with that lesson«
»No«
»Not nearly ready«
»I have not construed a line«
Mr Moore looked up the boys tone was rather peculiar
»The task presents no difficulties Henry or if it does bring them to me
we will work together«
»Mr Moore I can do no work«
»My boy you are ill«
»Sir I am not worse in bodily health than usual but my heart is full«
»Shut the book Come hither Harry Come to the fireside«
Harry limped forward his tutor placed him a chair his lips were quivering
his eyes brimming He laid his crutch on the floor bent down his head and
wept
»This distress is not occasioned by physical pain you say Harry You have
a grief tell it me«
»Sir I have such a grief as I never had before I wish it could be relieved
in some way I can hardly bear it«
»Who knows but if we talk it over we may relieve it What is the cause
Whom does it concern«
»The cause sir is Shirley it concerns Shirley«
»Does it You think her changed«
»All who know her think her changed you too Mr Moore«
»Not seriously no I see no alteration but such as a favourable turn
might repair in a few weeks besides her own word must go for something she
says she is well«
»There it is sir as long as she maintained she was well I believed her
When I was sad out of her sight I soon recovered spirits in her presence Now
«
»Well Harry now Has she said anything to you You and she were
together in the garden two hours this morning I saw her talking and you
listening Now my dear Harry if Miss Keeldar has said she is ill and enjoined
you to keep her secret do not obey her For her lifes sake avow everything
Speak my boy«
»She say she is ill I believe sir if she were dying she would smile and
aver Nothing ails me«
»What have you learned then What new circumstance «
»I have learned that she has just made her will«
»Made her will«
The tutor and the pupil were silent
»She told you that« asked Moore when some minutes had elapsed
»She told me quite cheerfully not as an ominous circumstance which I felt
it to be She said I was the only person besides her solicitor Pearson Hall
and Mr Helstone and Mr Yorke who knew anything about it and to me she
intimated she wished specially to explain its provisions«
»Go on Harry«
»Because she said looking down on me with her beautiful eyes oh they
are beautiful Mr Moore I love them I love her She is my star Heaven must
not claim her She is lovely in this world and fitted for this world Shirley
is not an angel she is a woman and she shall live with men Seraphs shall not
have her Mr Moore if one of the sons of God with wings wide and bright as
the sky blue and sounding as the sea having seen that she was fair descended
to claim her his claim should be withstood withstood by me boy and cripple
as I am«
»Henry Sympson go on when I tell you«
»Because she said if I made no will and died before you Harry all my
property would go to you and I do not intend that it should be so though your
father would like it But you she said will have his whole estate which is
large larger than Fieldhead your sisters will have nothing so I have left
them some money though I do not love them both together half so much as I
love one lock of your fair hair She said these words and she called me her
darling and let me kiss her She went on to tell me that she had left Caroline
Helstone some money too that this manorhouse with its furniture and books
she had bequeathed to me as she did not choose to take the old family place
from her own blood and that all the rest of her property amounting to about
twelve thousand pounds exclusive of the legacies to my sisters and Miss
Helstone she had willed not to me seeing I was already rich but to a good
man who would make the best use of it that any human being could do a man she
said that was both gentle and brave strong and merciful a man that might not
profess to be pious but she knew he had the secret of religion pure and
undefiled before God The spirit of love and peace was with him he visited the
fatherless and widows in their affliction and kept himself unspotted from the
world Then she asked Do you approve what I have done Harry I could not
answer my tears choked me as they do now«
Mr Moore allowed his pupil a moment to contend with and master his emotion
he then demanded
»What else did she say«
»When I had signified my full consent to the conditions of her will she
told me I was a generous boy and she was proud of me And now she added in
case anything should happen you will know what to say to Malice when she comes
whispering hard things in your ear insinuating that Shirley has wronged you
that she did not love you You will know that I did love you Harry that no
sister could have loved you better my own treasure Mr Moore sir when I
remember her voice and recall her look my heart beats as if it would break its
strings She may go to heaven before me if God commands it she must but the
rest of my life and my life will not be long I am glad of that now shall
be a straight quick thoughtful journey in the path her step has pressed I
thought to enter the vault of the Keeldars before her should it be otherwise
lay my coffin by Shirleys side«
Moore answered him with a weighty calm that offered a strange contrast to
the boys perturbed enthusiasm
»You are wrong both of you you harm each other If youth once falls under
the influence of a shadowy terror it imagines there will never be full sunlight
again its first calamity it fancies will last a lifetime What more did she
say Anything more«
»We settled one or two family points between ourselves«
»I should rather like to know what «
»But Mr Moore you smile I could not smile to see Shirley in such a
mood«
»My boy I am neither nervous nor poetic nor inexperienced I see things
as they are you dont as yet Tell me these family points«
»Only sir she asked me whether I considered myself most of a Keeldar or a
Sympson and I answered I was Keeldar to the core of the heart and to the
marrow of the bones She said she was glad of it for besides her I was the
only Keeldar left in England and then we agreed on some matters«
»Well«
»Well sir that if I lived to inherit my fathers estate and her house I
was to take the name of Keeldar and to make Fieldhead my residence Henry
Shirley Keeldar I said I would be called and I will Her name and her
manorhouse are ages old and Sympson and SympsonGrove are of yesterday«
»Come you are neither of you going to heaven yet I have the best hopes of
you both with your proud distinctions a pair of halffledged eaglets Now
what is your inference from all you have told me put it into words«
»That Shirley thinks she is going to die«
»She referred to her health«
»Not once but I assure you she is wasting her hands are growing quite
thin and so is her cheek«
»Does she ever complain to your mother or sisters«
»Never She laughs at them when they question her Mr Moore she is a
strange being so fair and girlish not a manlike woman at all not an
Amazon and yet lifting her head above both help and sympathy«
»Do you know where she is now Henry Is she in the house or riding out«
»Surely not out sir it rains fast«
»True which however is no guarantee that she is not at this moment
cantering over Rushedge Of late she has never permitted weather to be a
hinderance to her rides«
»You remember Mr Moore how wet and stormy it was last Wednesday so wild
indeed that she would not permit Zoë to be saddled yet the blast she thought
too tempestuous for her mare she herself faced on foot that afternoon she
walked nearly as far as Nunnely I asked her when she came in if she was not
afraid of taking cold Not I she said it would be too much good luck for me I
dont know Harry but the best thing that could happen to me would be to take a
good cold and fever and so pass off like other Christians She is reckless you
see sir«
»Reckless indeed Go and find out where she is and if you can get an
opportunity of speaking to her without attracting attention request her to
come here a minute«
»Yes sir«
He snatched his crutch and started up to go
»Harry«
He returned
»Do not deliver the message formally Word it as in former days you would
have worded an ordinary summons to the schoolroom«
»I see sir she will be more likely to obey«
»And Harry «
»Sir«
»I will call you when I want you till then you are dispensed from
lessons«
He departed Mr Moore left alone rose from his desk
»I can be very cool and very supercilious with Henry« he said »I can seem
to make light of his apprehensions and look down du haut de ma grandeur on his
youthful ardour To him I can speak as if in my eyes they were both children
Let me see if I can keep up the same rôle with her I have known the moment when
I seemed about to forget it when Confusion and Submission seemed about to crush
me with their soft tyranny when my tongue faltered and I have almost let the
mantle drop and stood in her presence not master no but something else I
trust I shall never so play the fool it is well for a Sir Philip Nunnely to
redden when he meets her eye he may permit himself the indulgence of submission
he may even without disgrace suffer his hand to tremble when it touches hers
but if one of her farmers were to show himself susceptible and sentimental he
would merely prove his need of a strait waistcoat So far I have always done
very well She has sat near me and I have not shaken more than my desk I
have encountered her looks and smiles like why like a tutor as I am Her
hand I never yet touched never underwent that test Her farmer or her footman
I am not no serf nor servant of hers have I ever been but I am poor and it
behoves me to look to my selfrespect not to compromise an inch of it What
did she mean by that allusion to the cold people who petrify flesh to marble It
pleased me I hardly know why I would not permit myself to inquire I never
do indulge in scrutiny either of her language or countenance for if I did I
should sometimes forget Common Sense and believe in Romance A strange secret
ecstasy steals through my veins at moments Ill not encourage Ill not
remember it I am resolved as long as may be to retain the right to say with
Paul I am not mad but speak forth the words of truth and soberness«
He paused listening
»Will she come or will she not come« he inquired »How will she take the
message naïvely or disdainfully like a child or like a queen Both characters
are in her nature
If she comes what shall I say to her How account firstly for the freedom
of the request Shall I apologize to her I could in all humility but would an
apology tend to place us in the positions we ought relatively to occupy in this
matter I must keep up the professor otherwise I hear a door « He waited
Many minutes passed
»She will refuse me Henry is entreating her to come she declines My
petition is presumption in her eyes let her only come I can teach her to the
contrary I would rather she were a little perverse it will steel me I prefer
her cuirassed in pride armed with a taunt Her scorn startles me from my
dreams I stand up myself A sarcasm from her eyes or lips puts strength into
every nerve and sinew I have Some step approaches and not Henrys «
The door unclosed Miss Keeldar came in The message it appeared had found
her at her needle she brought her work in her hand That day she had not been
riding out she had evidently passed it quietly She wore her neat indoor dress
and silk apron This was no Thalestris from the fields but a quiet domestic
character from the fireside Mr Moore had her at advantage he should have
addressed her at once in solemn accents and with rigid mien perhaps he would
had she looked saucy but her air never showed less of crânerie a soft kind of
youthful shyness depressed her eyelid and mantled on her cheek The tutor stood
silent
She made a full stop between the door and his desk
»Did you want me sir« she asked
»I ventured Miss Keeldar to send for you that is to ask an interview of
a few minutes«
She waited she plyed her needle
»Well sir not lifting her eyes what about«
»Be seated first The subject I would broach is one of some moment perhaps
I have hardly a right to approach it it is possible I ought to frame an
apology it is possible no apology can excuse me The liberty I have taken
arises from a conversation with Henry The boy is unhappy about your health all
your friends are unhappy on that subject It is of your health I would speak«
»I am quite well« she said briefly
»Yet changed«
»That matters to none but myself We all change«
»Will you sit down Formerly Miss Keeldar I had some influence with you
have I any now May I feel that what I am saying is not accounted positive
presumption«
»Let me read some French Mr Moore or I will even take a spell at the
Latin grammar and let us proclaim a truce to all sanitary discussions«
»No no it is time there were discussions«
»Discuss away then but do not choose me for your text I am a healthy
subject«
»Do you not think it wrong to affirm and reaffirm what is substantially
untrue«
»I say I am well I have neither cough pain nor fever«
»Is there no equivocation in that assertion Is it the direct truth«
»The direct truth«
Louis Moore looked at her earnestly
»I can myself« he said »trace no indications of actual disease but why
then are you altered«
»Am I altered«
»We will try we will seek a proof«
»How«
»I ask in the first place do you sleep as you used to«
»I do not but it is not because I am ill«
»Have you the appetite you once had«
»No but it is not because I am ill«
»You remember this little ring fastened to my watchchain It was my
mothers and is too small to pass the joint of my little finger You have many
a time sportively purloined it it fitted your forefinger Try now«
She permitted the test the ring dropped from the wasted little hand Louis
picked it up and reattached it to the chain An uneasy flush coloured his
brow Shirley again said
»It is not because I am ill«
»Not only have you lost sleep appetite and flesh« proceeded Moore »but
your spirits are always at ebb besides there is a nervous alarm in your eye
a nervous disquiet in your manner these peculiarities were not formerly yours«
»Mr Moore we will pause here You have exactly hit it I am nervous Now
talk of something else What wet weather we have Steady pouring rain«
»You nervous Yes and if Miss Keeldar is nervous it is not without a
cause Let me reach it Let me look nearer The ailment is not physical I have
suspected that It came in one moment I know the day I noticed the change
Your pain is mental«
»Not at all it is nothing so dignified merely nervous Oh dismiss the
topic«
»When it is exhausted not till then Nervous alarms should always be
communicated that they may be dissipated I wish I had the gift of persuasion
and could incline you to speak willingly I believe confession in your case
would be halfequivalent to cure«
»No« said Shirley abruptly »I wish that were at all probable but I am
afraid it is not«
She suspended her work a moment She was now seated Resting her elbow on
the table she leaned her head on her hand Mr Moore looked as if he felt he
had at last gained some footing in this difficult path She was serious and in
her wish was implied an important admission after that she could no longer
affirm that nothing ailed her
The tutor allowed her some minutes for repose and reflection ere he
returned to the charge once his lips moved to speak but he thought better of
it and prolonged the pause Shirley lifted her eye to his had he betrayed
injudicious emotion perhaps obstinate persistence in silence would have been
the result but he looked calm strong trustworthy
»I had better tell you than my aunt« she said »or than my cousins or my
uncle they would all make such a bustle and it is that very bustle I dread
the alarm the flurry the éclat in short I never liked to be the centre of a
small domestic whirlpool You can bear a little shock eh«
»A great one if necessary«
Not a muscle of the mans frame moved and yet his large heart beat fast in
his deep chest What was she going to tell him Was irremediable mischief done
»Had I thought it right to go to you I would never have made a secret of
the matter one moment« she continued »I would have told at once and asked
advice«
»Why was it not right to come to me«
»It might be right I do not mean that but I could not do it I seemed to
have no title to trouble you the mishap concerned me only I wanted to keep it
to myself and people will not let me I tell you I hate to be an object of
worrying attention or a theme for village gossip Besides it may pass away
without result God knows«
Moore though tortured with suspense did not demand a quick explanation he
suffered neither gesture glance nor word to betray impatience His
tranquillity tranquillized Shirley his confidence reassured her
»Great effects may spring from trivial causes« she remarked as she
loosened a bracelet from her wrist then unfastening her sleeve and partially
turning it up
»Look here Mr Moore«
She showed a mark in her white arm rather a deep though healed up
indentation something between a burn and a cut
»I would not show that to any one in Briarfield but you because you can
take it quietly«
»Certainly there is nothing in the little mark to shock its history will
explain«
»Small as it is it has taken my sleep away and made me nervous thin and
foolish because on account of that little mark I am obliged to look forward
to a possibility that has its terrors«
The sleeve was readjusted the bracelet replaced
»Do you know that you try me« he said smiling »I am a patient sort of man
but my pulse is quickening«
»Whatever happens you will befriend me Mr Moore You will give me the
benefit of your selfpossession and not leave me at the mercy of agitated
cowards«
»I make no promise now Tell me the tale and then exact what pledge you
will«
»It is a very short tale I took a walk with Isabella and Gertrude one day
about three weeks ago They reached home before me I stayed behind to speak to
John After leaving him I pleased myself with lingering in the lane where all
was very still and shady I was tired of chattering to the girls and in no
hurry to rejoin them As I stood leaning against the gatepillar thinking some
very happy thoughts about my future life for that morning I imagined that
events were beginning to turn as I had long wished them to turn «
»Ah Nunnely had been with her the evening before« thought Moore
parenthetically
»I heard a panting sound a dog came running up the lane I know most of the
dogs in this neighbourhood it was Phoebe one of Mr Sam Wynnes pointers The
poor creature ran with her head down her tongue hanging out she looked as if
bruised and beaten all over I called her I meant to coax her into the house
and give her some water and dinner I felt sure she had been illused Mr Sam
often flogs his pointers cruelly She was too flurried to know me and when I
attempted to pat her head she turned and snatched at my arm She bit it so as
to draw blood then ran panting on Directly after Mr Wynnes keeper came up
carrying a gun He asked if I had seen a dog I told him I had seen Phoebe
You had better chain up Tartar maam he said and tell your people to keep
within the house I am after Phoebe to shoot her and the groom is gone another
way She is raging mad«
Mr Moore leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest
Miss Keeldar resumed her square of silk canvass and continued the creation of a
wreath of Parmese violets
»And you told no one sought no help no cure you would not come to me«
»I got as far as the schoolroom door there my courage failed I preferred
to cushion the matter«
»Why What can I demand better in this world than to be of use to you«
»I had no claim«
»Monstrous And you did nothing«
»Yes I walked straight into the laundry where they are ironing most of the
week now that I have so many guests in the house While the maid was busy
crimping or starching I took an Italian iron from the fire and applied the
light scarlet glowing tip to my arm I bored it well in it cauterized the
little wound Then I went upstairs«
»I daresay you never once groaned«
»I am sure I dont know I was very miserable Not firm or tranquil at all
I think there was no calm in my mind«
»There was calm in your person I remember listening the whole time we sat
at luncheon to hear if you moved in the room above all was quiet«
»I was sitting at the foot of the bed wishing Phoebe had not bitten me«
»And alone You like solitude«
»Pardon me«
»You disdain sympathy«
»Do I Mr Moore«
»With your powerful mind you must feel independent of help of advice of
society«
»So be it since it pleases you«
She smiled She pursued her embroidery carefully and quickly but her
eyelash twinkled and then it glittered and then a drop fell
Mr Moore leaned forward on his desk moved his chair altered his attitude
»If it is not so« he asked with a peculiar mellow change in his voice
»how is it then«
»I dont know«
»You do know but you wont speak all must be locked up in yourself«
»Because it is not worth sharing«
»Because nobody can give the high price you require for your confidence
Nobody is rich enough to purchase it Nobody has the honour the intellect the
power you demand in your adviser There is not a shoulder in England on which
you would rest your hand for support far less a bosom which you would permit
to pillow your head Of course you must live alone«
»I can live alone if need be But the question is not how to live but how
to die alone That strikes me in a more grisly light«
»You apprehend the effects of the virus You anticipate an indefinitely
threatening dreadful doom «
She bowed
»You are very nervous and womanish«
»You complimented me two minutes since on my powerful mind«
»You are very womanish If the whole affair were coolly examined and
discussed I feel assured it would turn out that there is no danger of your
dying at all«
»Amen I am very willing to live if it please God I have felt life sweet«
»How can it be otherwise than sweet with your endowments and nature Do you
truly expect that you will be seized with hydrophobia and die raving mad«
»I expect it and have feared it Just now I fear nothing«
»Nor do I on your account I doubt whether the smallest particle of virus
mingled with your blood and if it did let me assure you that young healthy
faultlessly sound as you are no harm will ensue For the rest I shall inquire
whether the dog was really mad I hold she was not mad«
»Tell nobody that she bit me«
»Why should I when I believe the bite innocuous as a cut of this penknife
Make yourself easy I am easy though I value your life as much as I do my own
chance of happiness in eternity Look up«
»Why Mr Moore«
»I wish to see if you are cheered Put your work down raise your head«
»There «
»Look at me Thank you And is the cloud broken«
»I fear nothing«
»Is your mind restored to its own natural sunny clime«
»I am very content but I want your promise«
»Dictate«
»You know in case the worst I have feared should happen they will smother
me You need not smile they will they always do My uncle will be full of
horror weakness precipitation and that is the only expedient which will
suggest itself to him Nobody in the house will be selfpossessed but you now
promise to befriend me to keep Mr Sympson away from me not to let Henry
come near lest I should hurt him Mind mind that you take care of yourself
too but I shall not injure you I know I shall not Lock the chamberdoor
against the surgeons turn them out if they get in Let neither the young nor
the old MacTurk lay a finger on me nor Mr Graves their colleague and
lastly if I give trouble with your own hand administer to me a strong
narcotic such a sure dose of laudanum as shall leave no mistake Promise to do
this«
Moore left his desk and permitted himself the recreation of one or two
turns through the room Stopping behind Shirleys chair he bent over her and
said in a low emphatic voice
»I promise all you ask without comment without reservation«
»If female help is needed call in my housekeeper Mrs Gill let her lay me
out if I die She is attached to me She wronged me again and again and again
and again I forgave her She now loves me and would not defraud me of a pin
confidence has made her honest forbearance has made her kindhearted At this
day I can trust both her integrity her courage and her affection Call her
but keep my good aunt and my timid cousins away Once more promise«
»I promise«
»That is good in you« she said looking up at him as he bent above her and
smiling
»Is it good Does it comfort«
»Very much«
»I will be with you I and Mrs Gill only in any in every extremity
where calm and fidelity are needed No rash or coward hand shall meddle«
»Yet you think me childish«
»I do«
»Ah you despise me«
»Do we despise children«
»In fact I am neither so strong nor have I such pride in my strength as
people think Mr Moore nor am I so regardless of sympathy but when I have any
grief I fear to impart it to those I love lest it should pain them and to
those whom I view with indifference I cannot condescend to complain After all
you should not taunt me with being childish for if you were as unhappy as I
have been for the last three weeks you too would want some friend«
»We all want a friend do we not«
»All of us that have anything good in our natures«
»Well you have Caroline Helstone«
»Yes And you have Mr Hall«
»Yes Mrs Pryor is a wise good woman she can counsel you when you
need counsel«
»For your part you have your brother Robert«
»For any righthand defections there is the Rev Matthewson Helstone MA
to lean upon for any lefthand fallings off there is Hiram Yorke Esq Both
elders pay you homage«
»I never saw Mrs Yorke so motherly to any young man as she is to you I
dont know how you have won her heart but she is more tender to you than she is
to her own sons You have besides your sister Hortense«
»It appears we are both well provided«
»It appears so«
»How thankful we ought to be«
»Yes«
»How contented«
»Yes«
»For my part I am almost contented just now and very thankful Gratitude
is a divine emotion it fills the heart but not to bursting it warms it but
not to fever I like to taste leisurely of bliss devoured in haste I do not
know its flavour«
Still leaning on the back of Miss Keeldars chair Moore watched the rapid
motion of her fingers as the green and purple garland grew beneath them After
a prolonged pause he again asked
»Is the shadow quite gone«
»Wholly As I was two hours since and as I am now are two different states
of existence I believe Mr Moore griefs and fears nursed in silence grow like
Titan infants«
»You will cherish such feelings no more in silence«
»Not if I dare speak«
»In using the word dare to whom do you allude«
»To you«
»How is it applicable to me«
»On account of your austerity and shyness«
»Why am I austere and shy«
»Because you are proud«
»Why am I proud«
»I should like to know will you be good enough to tell me«
»Perhaps because I am poor for one reason poverty and pride often go
together«
»That is such a nice reason I should be charmed to discover another that
would pair with it Mate that turtle Mr Moore«
»Immediately What do you think of marrying to sober Poverty manytinted
Caprice«
»Are you capricious«
»You are«
»A libel I am steady as a rock fixed as the Polar Star«
»I look out at some early hour of the day and see a fine perfect rainbow
bright with promise gloriously spanning the beclouded welkin of life An hour
afterwards I look again half the arch is gone and the rest is faded Still
later the stern sky denies that it ever wore so benign a symbol of hope«
»Well Mr Moore you should contend against these changeful humours they
are your besetting sin One never knows where to have you«
»Miss Keeldar I had once for two years a pupil who grew very dear to
me Henry is dear but she was dearer Henry never gives me trouble she well
she did I think she vexed me twentythree hours out of the twentyfour «
»She was never with you above three hours or at the most six at a time«
»She sometimes spilled the draught from my cup and stole the food from my
plate and when she had kept me unfed for a day and that did not suit me for I
am a man accustomed to take my meals with reasonable relish and to ascribe due
importance to the rational enjoyment of creature comforts «
»I know you do I can tell what sort of dinners you like best perfectly
well I know precisely the dishes you prefer «
»She robbed these dishes of flavour and made a fool of me besides I like
to sleep well In my quiet days when I was my own man I never quarrelled with
the night for being long nor cursed my bed for its thorns She changed all
this«
»Mr Moore «
»And having taken from me peace of mind and ease of life she took from me
herself quite coolly just as if when she was gone the world would be all
the same to me I knew I should see her again at some time At the end of two
years it fell out that we encountered again under her own roof where she was
mistress How do you think she bore herself towards me Miss Keeldar«
»Like one who had profited well by lessons learned from yourself«
»She received me haughtily she meted out a wide space between us and kept
me aloof by the reserved gesture the rare and alienated glance the word calmly
civil«
»She was an excellent pupil Having seen you distant she at once learned to
withdraw Pray sir admire in her hauteur a careful improvement on your own
coolness«
»Conscience and honour and the most despotic necessity dragged me apart
from her and kept me sundered with ponderous fetters She was free she might
have been clement«
»Never free to compromise her selfrespect to seek where she had been
shunned«
»Then she was inconsistent she tantalized as before When I thought I had
made up my mind to seeing in her only a lofty stranger she would suddenly show
me such a glimpse of loving simplicity she would warm me with such a beam of
reviving sympathy she would gladden an hour with converse so gentle gay and
kindly that I could no more shut my heart on her image than I could close
that door against her presence Explain why she distressed me so«
»She could not bear to be quite outcast and then she would sometimes get a
notion into her head on a cold wet day that the schoolroom was no cheerful
place and feel it incumbent on her to go and see if you and Henry kept up a
good fire and once there she liked to stay«
»But she should not be changeful if she came at all she should come
oftener«
»There is such a thing as intrusion«
»Tomorrow you will not be as you are today«
»I dont know Will you«
»I am not mad most noble Berenice We may give one day to dreaming but the
next we must awake and I shall awake to purpose the morning you are married to
Sir Philip Nunnely The fire shines on you and me and shows us very clearly in
the glass Miss Keeldar and I have been gazing on the picture all the time I
have been talking Look up What a difference between your head and mine I
look old for thirty«
»You are so grave you have such a square brow and your face is sallow I
never regard you as a young man nor as Roberts junior«
»Dont you I thought not Imagine Roberts clearcut handsome face looking
over my shoulder Does not the apparition make vividly manifest the obtuse mould
of my heavy traits There« he started »I have been expecting that wire to
vibrate this last halfhour«
The dinnerbell rang and Shirley rose
»Mr Moore« she said as she gathered up her silks »have you heard from
your brother lately Do you know what he means by staying in town so long Does
he talk of returning«
»He talks of returning but what has caused his long absence I cannot tell
To speak the truth I thought none in Yorkshire knew better than yourself why he
was reluctant to come home«
A crimson shadow passed across Miss Keeldars cheek
»Write to him and urge him to come« she said »I know there has been no
impolicy in protracting his absence thus far it is good to let the mill stand
while trade is so bad but he must not abandon the county«
»I am aware« said Louis »that he had an interview with you the evening
before he left and I saw him quit Fieldhead afterwards I read his countenance
or tried to read it He turned from me I divined that he would be long away
Some fine slight fingers have a wondrous knack at pulverizing a mans brittle
pride I suppose Robert put too much trust in his manly beauty and native
gentlemanhood Those are better off who being destitute of advantage cannot
cherish delusion But I will write and say you advise his return«
»Do not say I advise his return but that his return is advisable«
The second bell rang and Miss Keeldar obeyed its call
Chapter XXIX
Louis Moore
Louis Moore was used to a quiet life being a quiet man he endured it better
than most men would having a large world of his own in his own head and heart
he tolerated confinement to a small still corner of the real world very
patiently
How hushed is Fieldhead this evening All but Moore Miss Keeldar the
whole family of the Sympsons even Henry are gone to Nunnely Sir Philip would
have them come he wished to make them acquainted with his mother and sisters
who are now at the Priory Kind gentleman as the Baronet is he asked the Tutor
too but the Tutor would much sooner have made an appointment with the ghost of
the Earl of Huntingdon to meet him and a shadowy ring of his merry men under
the canopy of the thickest blackest oldest oak in Nunnely Forest Yes he
would rather have appointed tryst with a phantom abbess or mistpale nun among
the wet and weedy relics of that ruined sanctuary of theirs mouldering in the
core of the wood Louis Moore longs to have something near him tonight but not
the boybaronet nor his benevolent but stern mother nor his patrician sisters
nor one soul of the Sympsons
This night is not calm the equinox still struggles in its storms The wild
rains of the day are abated the great single cloud disparts and rolls away from
heaven not passing and leaving a sea all sapphire but tossed buoyant before a
continued longsounding highrushing moonlight tempest The Moon reigns
glorious glad of the gale as glad as if she gave herself to his fierce caress
with love No Endymion will watch for his goddess tonight there are no flocks
out on the mountains and it is well for tonight she welcomes Æolus
Moore sitting in the schoolroom heard the storm roar round the other
gable and along the hallfront this end was sheltered He wanted no shelter
he desired no subdued sounds or screened position
»All the parlours are empty« said he »I am sick at heart of this cell«
He left it and went where the casements larger and freer than the
branchscreened lattice of his own apartment admitted unimpeded the darkblue
the silverfleeced the stirring and sweeping vision of the autumn nightsky He
carried no candle unneeded was lamp or fire the broad and clear though
cloudcrossed and fluctuating beam of the moon shone on every floor and wall
Moore wanders through all the rooms he seems following a phantom from
parlour to parlour In the oakroom he stops this is not chill and polished
and fireless like the salon the hearth is hot and ruddy the cinders tinkle in
the intense heat of their clear glow near the rug is a little worktable a
desk upon it a chair near it
Does the vision Moore has tracked occupy that chair You would think so
could you see him standing before it There is as much interest now in his eye
and as much significance in his face as if in this household solitude he had
found a living companion and was going to speak to it
He makes discoveries A bag a small satin bag hangs on the chairback The
desk is open the keys are in the lock a pretty seal a silver pen a crimson
berry or two of ripe fruit on a green leaf a small clean delicate glove
these trifles at once decorate and disarrange the stand they strew Order
forbids details in a picture she puts them tidily away but details give charm
Moore spoke
»Her mark« he said »here she has been careless attractive thing
called away in haste doubtless and forgetting to return and put all to rights
Why does she leave fascination in her footprints Whence did she acquire the
gift to be heedless and never offend There is always something to chide in
her and the reprimand never settles in displeasure on the heart but for her
lover or her husband when it had trickled a while in words would naturally
melt from his lips in a kiss Better pass half an hour in remonstrating with
her than a day in admiring or praising any other woman alive Am I muttering
soliloquizing Stop that«
He did stop it He stood thinking and then he made an arrangement for his
evenings comfort
He dropped the curtains over the broad window and regal moon he shut out
Sovereign and Court and Starry Armies he added fuel to the hot but fastwasting
fire he lit a candle of which there were a pair on the table he placed
another chair opposite that near the workstand and then he sat down His next
movement was to take from his pocket a small thick book of blank paper to
produce a pencil and to begin to write in a cramp compact hand Come near by
all means reader do not be shy stoop over his shoulder fearlessly and read
as he scribbles
»It is nine oclock the carriage will not return before eleven I am
certain Freedom is mine till then till then I may occupy her room sit
opposite her chair rest my elbow on her table have her little mementos about
me
I used rather to like Solitude to fancy her a somewhat quiet and serious
yet fair nymph an Oread descending to me from lone mountainpasses something
of the blue mist of hills in her array and of their chill breeze in her breath
but much also of their solemn beauty in her mien I once could court her
serenely and imagine my heart easier when I held her to it all mute but
majestic
Since that day I called S to me in the schoolroom and she came and sat so
near my side since she opened the trouble of her mind to me asked my
protection appealed to my strength since that hour I abhor Solitude Cold
abstraction fleshless skeleton daughter mother and mate of Death
It is pleasant to write about what is near and dear as the core of my heart
none can deprive me of this little book and through this pencil I can say to
it what I will say what I dare utter to nothing living say what I dare not
think aloud
We have scarcely encountered each other since that evening Once when I was
alone in the drawingroom seeking a book of Henrys she entered dressed for a
concert at Stilbro Shyness her shyness not mine drew a silver veil
between us Much cant have I heard and read about maiden modesty but properly
used and not hackneyed the words are good and appropriate words as she passed
to the window after tacitly but gracefully recognising me I could call her
nothing in my own mind save stainless virgin to my perception a delicate
splendour robed her and the modesty of girlhood was her halo I may be the most
fatuitous as I am one of the plainest of men but in truth that shyness of
hers touched me exquisitely it flattered my finest sensations I looked a
stupid block I dare say I was alive with a life of Paradise as she turned her
glance from my glance and softly averted her head to hide the suffusion of her
cheek
I know this is the talk of a dreamer of a rapt romantic lunatic I do
dream I will dream now and then and if she has inspired romance into my
prosaic composition how can I help it
What a child she is sometimes What an unsophisticated untaught thing I
see her now looking up into my face and entreating me to prevent them from
smothering her and to be sure and give her a strong narcotic I see her
confessing that she was not so selfsufficing so independent of sympathy as
people thought I see the secret tear drop quietly from her eyelash She said I
thought her childish and I did She imagined I despised her Despised her
it was unutterably sweet to feel myself at once near her and above her to be
conscious of a natural right and power to sustain her as a husband should
sustain his wife
I worship her perfections but it is her faults or at least her foibles
that bring her near to me that nestle her to my heart that fold her about
with my love and that for a most selfish but deeplynatural reason these
faults are the steps by which I mount to ascendancy over her If she rose a
trimmed artificial mound without inequality what vantage would she offer the
foot It is the natural hill with its mossy breaks and hollows whose slope
invites ascent whose summit it is pleasure to gain
To leave metaphor It delights my eye to look on her she suits me if I
were a king and she the housemaid that swept my palacestairs across all that
space between us my eye would recognise her qualities a true pulse would beat
for her in my heart though an unspanned gulf made acquaintance impossible If I
were a gentleman and she waited on me as a servant I could not help liking
that Shirley Take from her her education take her ornaments her sumptuous
dress all extrinsic advantages take all grace but such as the symmetry of
her form renders inevitable present her to me at a cottagedoor in a
stuffgown let her offer me there a draught of water with that smile with
that warm goodwill with which she now dispenses manorial hospitality I should
like her I should wish to stay an hour I should linger to talk with that
rustic I should not feel as I now do I should find in her nothing divine but
whenever I met the young peasant it would be with pleasure whenever I left
her it would be with regret
How culpably careless in her to leave her desk open where I know she has
money In the lock hang the keys of all her repositories of her very
jewelcasket There is a purse in that little satin bag I see the tassel of
silver beads hanging out That spectacle would provoke my brother Robert all
her little failings would I know be a source of irritation to him if they vex
me it is a most pleasurable vexation I delight to find her at fault and were
I always resident with her I am aware she would be no niggard in thus
ministering to my enjoyment She would just give me something to do to rectify
a theme for my tutorlectures I never lecture Henry never feel disposed to do
so if he does wrong and that is very seldom dear excellent lad a word
suffices often I do no more than shake my head but the moment her minois mutin
meets my eye expostulatory words crowd to my lips from a taciturn man I
believe she would transform me into a talker Whence comes the delight I take in
that talk It puzzles myself sometimes the more crâne malin taquin is her
mood consequently the clearer occasion she gives me for disapprobation the
more I seek her the better I like her She is never wilder than when equipped
in her habit and hat never less manageable than when she and Zoë come in fiery
from a race with the wind on the hills and I confess it to this mute page I
may confess it I have waited an hour in the court for the chance of
witnessing her return and for the dearer chance of receiving her in my arms
from the saddle I have noticed again it is to this page only I would make the
remark that she will never permit any man but myself to render her that
assistance I have seen her politely decline Sir Philip Nunnelys aid she is
always mighty gentle with her young baronet mighty tender of his feelings
forsooth and of his very thinskinned amourpropre I have marked her haughtily
reject Sam Wynnes Now I know my heart knows it for it has felt it that
she resigns herself to me unreluctantly is she conscious how my strength
rejoices to serve her I myself am not her slave I declare it but my
faculties gather to her beauty like the genii to the glisten of the Lamp All
my knowledge all my prudence all my calm and all my power stand in her
presence humbly waiting a task How glad they are when a mandate comes What joy
they take in the toil she assigns Does she know it
I have called her careless it is remarkable that her carelessness never
compromises her refinement indeed through this very loophole of character the
reality depth genuineness of that refinement may be ascertained a whole
garment sometimes covers meagreness and malformation through a rent sleeve a
fair round arm may be revealed I have seen and handled many of her possessions
because they are frequently astray I never saw anything that did not proclaim
the lady nothing sordid nothing soiled in one sense she is as scrupulous as
in another she is unthinking as a peasant girl she would go ever trim and
cleanly Look at the pure kid of this little glove at the fresh unsullied
satin of the bag
What a difference there is between S and that pearl C H Caroline I
fancy is the soul of conscientious punctuality and nice exactitude she would
precisely suit the domestic habits of a certain fastidious kinsman of mine so
delicate dexterous quaint quick quiet all done to a minute all arranged to
a straw breadth she would suit Robert but what could I do with anything so
nearly faultless She is my equal poor as myself she is certainly pretty a
little Raffaelle head hers Raffaelle in feature quite English in expression
all insular grace and purity but where is there anything to alter anything to
endure anything to reprimand to be anxious about There she is a lily of the
valley untinted needing no tint What change could improve her What pencil
dare to paint My sweetheart if I ever have one must bear nearer affinity to
the rose a sweet lively delight guarded with prickly peril My wife if I ever
marry must stir my great frame with a sting now and then she must furnish use
to her husbands vast mass of patience I was not made so enduring to be mated
with a lamb I should find more congenial responsibility in the charge of a
young lioness or leopardess I like few things sweet but what are likewise
pungent few things bright but what are likewise hot I like the summerday
whose sun makes fruit blush and corn blanch Beauty is never so beautiful as
when if I tease it it wreathes back on me with spirit Fascination is never so
imperial as when roused and halfireful she threatens transformation to
fierceness I fear I should tire of the mute monotonous innocence of the lamb
I should erelong feel as burdensome the nestling dove which never stirred in my
bosom but my patience would exult in stilling the flutterings and training the
energies of the restless merlin In managing the wild instincts of the scarce
manageable bête fauve my powers would revel
Oh my pupil Oh Peri too mutinous for heaven too innocent for hell
never shall I do more than see and worship and wish for thee Alas knowing I
could make thee happy will it be my doom to see thee possessed by those who
have not that power
However kindly the hand if it is feeble it cannot bend Shirley and she
must be bent it cannot curb her and she must be curbed
Beware Sir Philip Nunnely I never see you walking or sitting at her side
and observe her lips compressed or her brow knit in resolute endurance of some
trait of your character which she neither admires nor likes in determined
toleration of some weakness she believes atoned for by a virtue but which
annoys her despite that belief I never mark the grave glow of her face the
unsmiling sparkle of her eye the slight recoil of her whole frame when you draw
a little too near and gaze a little too expressively and whisper a little too
warmly I never witness these things but I think of the fable of Semele
reversed
It is not the daughter of Cadmus I see nor do I realize her fatal longing
to look on Jove in the majesty of his godhead It is a priest of Juno that
stands before me watching late and lone at a shrine in an Argive temple For
years of solitary ministry he has lived on dreams there is divine madness upon
him he loves the idol he serves and prays day and night that his frenzy may be
fed and that the Oxeyed may smile on her votary She has heard she will be
propitious All Argos slumbers The doors of the temple are shut the priest
waits at the altar
A shock of heaven and earth is felt not by the slumbering city only by
that lonely watcher brave and unshaken in his fanaticism In the midst of
silence with no preluding sound he is wrapt in sudden light Through the roof
through the rent wideyawning vast whiteblazing blue of heaven above
pours a wondrous descent dread as the downrushing of stars He has what he
asked withdraw forbear to look I am blinded I hear in that fane an
unspeakable sound would that I could not hear it I see an insufferable glory
burning terribly between the pillars Gods be merciful and quench it
A pious Argive enters to make an early offering in the cool dawn of morning
There was thunder in the night the bolt felt here The shrine is shivered the
marble pavement round split and blackened Saturnias statue rises chaste
grand untouched at her feet piled ashes lie pale No priest remains he who
watched will be seen no more
There is the carriage Let me lock up the desk and pocket the keys she will be
seeking them tomorrow she will have to come to me I hear her
Mr Moore have you seen my keys
So she will say in her clear voice speaking with reluctance looking
ashamed conscious that this is the twentieth time of asking I will tantalize
her keep her with me expecting doubting and when I do restore them it shall
not be without a lecture Here is the bag too and the purse the glove pen
seal She shall wring them all out of me slowly and separately only by
confession penitence entreaty I never can touch her hand or a ringlet of her
head or a ribbon of her dress but I will make privileges for myself every
feature of her face her bright eyes her lips shall go through each change
they know for my pleasure display each exquisite variety of glance and curve
to delight thrill perhaps more hopelessly to enchain me If I must be her
slave I will not lose my freedom for nothing«
He locked the desk pocketed all the property and went
Chapter XXX
Rushedge a Confessional
Everybody said it was high time for Mr Moore to return home all Briarfield
wondered at his strange absence and Whinbury and Nunnely brought each its
separate contribution of amazement
Was it known why he stayed away Yes it was known twenty forty times
over there being at least forty plausible reasons adduced to account for the
unaccountable circumstance Business it was not that the gossips agreed he
had achieved the business on which he departed long ago his four ringleaders he
had soon scented out and run down he had attended their trial heard their
conviction and sentence and seen them safely shipped prior to transportation
This was known at Briarfield the newspapers had reported it the »Stilbro
Courier« had given every particular with amplifications None applauded his
perseverance or hailed his success though the millowners were glad of it
trusting that the terrors of Law vindicated would henceforward paralyze the
sinister valour of disaffection Disaffection however was still heard
muttering to himself He swore ominous oaths over the drugged beer of alehouses
and drank strange toasts in fiery British gin
One report affirmed that Moore dared not come to Yorkshire he knew his life
was not worth an hours purchase if he did
»I ll tell him that« said Mr Yorke when his foreman mentioned the
rumour »and if that does not bring him home fullgallop nothing will«
Either that or some other motive prevailed at last to recall him He
announced to Joe Scott the day he should arrive at Stilbro desiring his
hackney to be sent to the »George« for his accommodation and Joe Scott having
informed Mr Yorke that gentleman made it in his way to meet him
It was marketday Moore arrived in time to take his usual place at the
marketdinner As something of a stranger and as a man of note and action
the assembled manufacturers received him with a certain distinction Some who
in public would scarcely have dared to acknowledge his acquaintance lest a
little of the hate and vengeance laid up in store for him should perchance have
fallen on them in private hailed him as in some sort their champion When the
wine had circulated their respect would have kindled to enthusiasm had not
Moores unshaken nonchalance held it in a damp low smouldering state
Mr Yorke the permanent president of these dinners witnessed his young
friends bearing with exceeding complacency If one thing could stir his temper
or excite his contempt more than another it was to see a man befooled by
flattery or elate with popularity If one thing smoothed soothed and charmed
him especially it was the spectacle of a public character incapable of
relishing his publicity incapable I say disdain would but have incensed it
was indifference that appeased his rough spirit
Robert leaning back in his chair quiet and almost surly while the
clothiers and blanketmakers vaunted his prowess and rehearsed his deeds many
of them interspersing their flatteries with coarse invectives against the
operative class was a delectable sight for Mr Yorke His heart tingled with
the pleasing conviction that these gross eulogiums shamed Moore deeply and made
him half scorn himself and his work On abuse on reproach on calumny it is
easy to smile but painful indeed is the panegyric of those we contemn Often
had Moore gazed with a brilliant countenance over howling crowds from a hostile
hustings he had breasted the storm of unpopularity with gallant bearing and
soul elate but he drooped his head under the halfbred tradesmens praise and
shrank chagrined before their congratulations
Yorke could not help asking him how he liked his supporters and whether he
did not think they did honour to his cause »But it is a pity lad« he added
»that you did not hang these four samples of the Unwashed If you had managed
that feat the gentry here would have riven the horses out of the coach yoked
to a score of asses and drawn you into Stilbro like a conquering general«
Moore soon forsook the wine broke from the party and took the road In
less than five minutes Mr Yorke followed him they rode out of Stilbro
together
It was early to go home but yet it was late in the day the last ray of the
sun had already faded from the cloudedges and the October night was casting
over the moorlands the shadow of her approach
Mr Yorke moderately exhilarated with his moderate libations and not
displeased to see young Moore again in Yorkshire and to have him for his
comrade during the long ride home took the discourse much to himself He
touched briefly but scoffingly on the trials and the conviction he passed
thence to the gossip of the neighbourhood and erelong he attacked Moore on
his own personal concerns
»Bob I believe you are worsted and you deserve it All was smooth Fortune
had fallen in love with you she had decreed you the first prize in her wheel
twenty thousand pounds she only required that you should hold your hand out and
take it And what did you do You called for a horse and rode ahunting to
Warwickshire Your sweetheart Fortune I mean was perfectly indulgent She
said Ill excuse him hes young She waited like Patience on a monument till
the chase was over and the verminprey run down She expected you would come
back then and be a good lad you might still have had her first prize
It capped her beyond expression and me too to find that instead of
thundering home in a breakneck gallop and laying your assizelaurels at her
feet you coolly took coach up to London What you have done there Satan knows
nothing in this world I believe but sat and sulked your face was never
lilyfair but it is olivegreen now You re not as bonnie as you were man«
»And who is to have this prize you talk so much about«
»Only a baronet that is all I have not a doubt in my own mind you ve lost
her she will be Lady Nunnely before Christmas«
»Hem Quite probable«
»But she need not to have been Fool of a lad I swear you might have had
her«
»By what token Mr Yorke«
»By every token By the light of her eyes the red of her cheeks red they
grew when your name was mentioned though of custom they are pale«
»My chance is quite over I suppose«
»It ought to be but try it is worth trying I call this Sir Philip milk
and water And then he writes verses they say tags rhymes You are above
that Bob at all events«
»Would you advise me to propose late as it is Mr Yorke at the eleventh
hour«
»You can but make the experiment Robert If she has a fancy for you and
on my conscience I believe she has or had she will forgive much But my
lad you are laughing is it at me You had better girn at your own
perverseness I see however you laugh at the wrong side of your mouth you
have as sour a look at this moment as one need wish to see«
»I have so quarrelled with myself Yorke I have so kicked against the
pricks and struggled in a strait waistcoat and dislocated my wrists with
wrenching them in handcuffs and battered my hard head by driving it against a
harder wall«
»Ha Im glad to hear that Sharp exercise yon I hope it has done you
good taen some of the self-conceit out of you«
»Selfconceit What is it Selfrespect selftolerance even what are
they Do you sell the articles Do you know anybody who does Give an
indication they would find in me a liberal chapman I would part with my last
guinea this minute to buy«
»Is it so with you Robert I find that spicy I like a man to speak his
mind What has gone wrong«
»The machinery of all my nature the whole enginery of this human mill the
boiler which I take to be the heart is fit to burst«
»That suld be putten i print its striking Its almost blank verse Ye
ll be jingling into poetry just e now If the afflatus comes give way
Robert never heed me Ill bear it this whet time«
»Hideous abhorrent base blunder You may commit in a moment what you will
rue for years what life cannot cancel«
»Lad go on I call it pie nuts sugarcandy I like the taste uncommonly
Go on it will do you good to talk the moor is before us now and there is no
life for many a mile round«
»I will talk I am not ashamed to tell There is a sort of wild cat in my
breast and I choose that you shall hear how it can yell«
»To me it is music What grand voices you and Louis have When Louis sings
tones off like a soft deep bell I ve felt myself tremble again The night is
still it listens it is just leaning down to you like a black priest to a
blacker penitent Confess lad smooth naught down be candid as a convicted
justified sanctified methody at an experiencemeeting Make yourself as wicked
as Beelzebub it will ease your mind«
»As mean as Mammon you would say Yorke if I got off horseback and laid
myself down across the road would you have the goodness to gallop over me
backwards and forwards about twenty times«
»Wi all the pleasure in life if there were no such thing as a coroners
inquest«
»Hiram Yorke I certainly believed she loved me I have seen her eyes
sparkle radiantly when she has found me out in a crowd she has flushed up
crimson when she has offered me her hand and said How do you do Mr Moore
My name had a magical influence over her when others uttered it she
changed countenance I know she did She pronounced it herself in the most
musical of her many musical tones She was cordial to me she took an interest
in me she was anxious about me she wished me well she sought she seized
every opportunity to benefit me I considered paused watched weighed
wondered I could come to but one conclusion this is love
I looked at her Yorke I saw in her youth and a species of beauty I saw
power in her Her wealth offered me the redemption of my honour and my standing
I owed her gratitude She had aided me substantially and effectually by a loan
of five thousand pounds Could I remember these things Could I believe she
loved me Could I hear wisdom urge me to marry her and disregard every dear
advantage disbelieve every flattering suggestion disdain every wellweighed
counsel turn and leave her Young graceful gracious my benefactress
attached to me enamoured of me I used to say so to myself dwell on the
word mouth it over and over again swell over it with a pleasant pompous
complacency with an admiration dedicated entirely to myself and unimpaired
even by esteem for her indeed I smiled in deep secrecy at her naïveté and
simplicity in being the first to love and to show it That whip of yours seems
to have a good heavy handle Yorke you can swing it about your head and knock
me out of the saddle if you choose I should rather relish a loundering whack«
»Tak patience Robert till the moon rises and I can see you Speak plain
out did you love her or not I could like to know I feel curious«
»Sir Sir I say she is very pretty in her own style and very
attractive She has a look at times of a thing made out of fire and air at
which I stand and marvel without a thought of clasping and kissing it I felt
in her a powerful magnet to my interest and vanity I never felt as if nature
meant her to be my other and better self When a question on that head rushed
upon me I flung it off saying brutally I should be rich with her and ruined
without her vowing I would be practical and not romantic«
»A very sensible resolve What mischief came of it Bob«
»With this sensible resolve I walked up to Fieldhead one night last August
it was the very eve of my departure for Birmingham for you see I wanted to
secure fortunes splendid prize I had previously despatched a note requesting
a private interview I found her at home and alone
She received me without embarrassment for she thought I came on business I
was embarrassed enough but determined I hardly know how I got the operation
over but I went to work in a hard firm fashion frightful enough I daresay
I sternly offered myself my fine person with my debts of course as a
settlement
It vexed me it kindled my ire to find that she neither blushed trembled
nor looked down She responded
I doubt whether I have understood you Mr Moore
And I had to go over the whole proposal twice and word it as plainly as A B
C, before she would fully take it in And then what did she do Instead of
faltering a sweet Yes or maintaining a soft confused silence which would have
been as good she started up walked twice fast through the room in the way
that she only does and no other woman and ejaculated
God bless me
Yorke I stood on the hearth backed by the mantelpiece against it I
leaned and prepared for anything everything I knew my doom and I knew
myself There was no misunderstanding her aspect and voice She stopped and
looked at me
God bless me she pitilessly repeated in that shocked indignant yet
saddened accent You have made a strange proposal strange from you and if you
knew how strangely you worded it and looked it you would be startled at
yourself You spoke like a brigand who demanded my purse rather than like a
lover who asked my heart
A queer sentence was it not Yorke and I knew as she uttered it it was
true as queer Her words were a mirror in which I saw myself
I looked at her dumb and wolfish she at once enraged and shamed me
Gérard Moore you know you dont love Shirley Keeldar I might have broken
out into false swearing vowed that I did love her but I could not lie in her
pure face I could not perjure myself in her truthful presence Besides such
hollow oaths would have been vain as void she would no more have believed me
than she would have believed the ghost of Judas had he broken from the night
and stood before her Her female heart had finer perceptions than to be cheated
into mistaking my halfcoarse halfcold admiration for truethrobbing manly
love
What next happened you will say Mr Yorke
Why she sat down in the windowseat and cried She cried passionately her
eyes not only rained but lightened They flashed open large dark haughty
upon me they said You have pained me you have outraged me you have deceived
me
She added words soon to looks
I did respect I did admire I did like you she said yes as much as if
you were my brother and you you want to make a speculation of me You would
immolate me to that mill your Moloch
I had the common sense to abstain from any word of excuse any attempt at
palliation I stood to be scorned
Sold to the devil for the time being I was certainly infatuated when I did
speak what do you think I said
Whatever my own feelings were I was persuaded you loved me Miss Keeldar
Beautiful was it not She sat quite confounded Is it Robert Moore that
speaks I heard her mutterIs it a man or something lower
Do you mean she asked aloud do you mean you thought I loved you as we
love those we wish to marry
It was my meaning and I said so
You conceived an idea obnoxious to a womans feelings was her answer you
have announced it in a fashion revolting to a womans soul You insinuate that
all the frank kindness I have shown you has been a complicated a bold and an
immodest manoeuvre to ensnare a husband you imply that at last you come here
out of pity to offer me your hand because I have courted you Let me say this
Your sight is jaundiced you have seen wrong Your mind is warped you have
judged wrong Your tongue betrays you you now speak wrong I never loved you
Be at rest there My heart is as pure of passion for you as yours is barren of
affection for me
I hope I was answered Yorke
I seem to be a blind besotted sort of person was my remark
Loved you she cried Why I have been as frank with you as a sister never
shunned you never feared you You cannot she affirmed triumphantly you
cannot make me tremble with your coming nor accelerate my pulse by your
influence
I alleged that often when she spoke to me she blushed and that the sound
of my name moved her
Not for your sake she declared briefly I urged explanation but could get
none
When I sat beside you at the schoolfeast did you think I loved you then
When I stopped you in Maythornlane did you think I loved you then When I
called on you in the countinghouse when I walked with you on the pavement
did you think I loved you then
So she questioned me and I said I did
By the Lord Yorke she rose she grew tall she expanded and refined
almost to flame there was a trembling all through her as in live coal when
its vivid vermilion is hottest
That is to say that you have the worst opinion of me that you deny me the
possession of all I value most That is to say that I am a traitor to all my
sisters that I have acted as no woman can act without degrading herself and
her sex that I have sought where the incorrupt of my kind naturally scorn and
abhor to seek She and I were silent for many a minute Lucifer Star of the
Morning she went on thou art fallen You once high in my esteem are hurled
down you once intimate in my friendship are cast out Go
I went not I had heard her voice tremble seen her lip quiver I knew
another storm of tears would fall and then I believed some calm and some
sunshine must come and I would wait for it
As fast but more quietly than before the warm rain streamed down there
was another sound in her weeping a softer more regretful sound While I
watched her eyes lifted to me a gaze more reproachful than haughty more
mournful than incensed
Oh Moore said she it was worse than Et tu Brute
I relieved myself by what should have been a sigh but it became a groan A
sense of Cainlike desolation made my breast ache
There has been error in what I have done I said and it has won me bitter
wages which I will go and spend far from her who gave them
I took my hat All the time I could not have borne to depart so and I
believed she would not let me Nor would she but for the mortal pang I had
given her pride that cowed her compassion and kept her silent
I was obliged to turn back of my own accord when I reached the door to
approach her and to sayForgive me
I could if there was not myself to forgive too was her replybut to
mislead a sagacious man so far I must have done wrong
I broke out suddenly with some declamation I do not remember I know that it
was sincere and that my wish and aim were to absolve her to herself in fact
in her case selfaccusation was a chimera
At last she extended her hand For the first time I wished to take her in
my arms and kiss her I did kiss her hand many times
Some day we shall be friends again she said when you have had time to read
my actions and motives in a true light and not so horribly to misinterpret
them Time may give you the right key to all then perhaps you will comprehend
me and then we shall be reconciled
Farewell drops rolled slow down her cheeks she wiped them away
I am sorry for what has happened deeply sorry she sobbed So was I God
knows Thus were we severed«
»A queer tale« commented Mr Yorke
»Ill do it no more« vowed his companion »never more will I mention
marriage to a woman unless I feel love Henceforth Credit and Commerce may
take care of themselves Bankruptcy may come when it lists I have done with
slavish fear of disaster I mean to work diligently wait patiently bear
steadily Let the worse come I will take an axe and an emigrants berth and
go out with Louis to the West he and I have settled it No woman shall ever
again look at me as Miss Keeldar looked ever again feel towards me as Miss
Keeldar felt in no womans presence will I ever again stand at once such a fool
and such a knave such a brute and such a puppy«
»Tut« said the imperturbable Yorke »you make too much of it but still I
say I am capped firstly that she did not love you and secondly that you
did not love her You are both young you are both handsome you are both well
enough for wit and even for temper take you on the right side what ailed
you that you could not agree«
»We never have been never could be at home with each other Yorke Admire
each other as we might at a distance still we jarred when we came very near I
have sat at one side of a room and observed her at the other perhaps in an
excited genial moment when she had some of her favourites round her her old
beaux for instance yourself and Helstone with whom she is so playful
pleasant and eloquent I have watched her when she was most natural most
lively and most lovely my judgment has pronounced her beautiful beautiful she
is at times when her mood and her array partake of the splendid I have drawn
a little nearer feeling that our terms of acquaintance gave me the right of
approach I have joined the circle round her seat caught her eye and mastered
her attention then we have conversed and others thinking me perhaps
peculiarly privileged have withdrawn by degrees and left us alone Were we
happy thus left For myself I must say No Always a feeling of constraint came
over me always I was disposed to be stern and strange We talked politics and
business no soft sense of domestic intimacy ever opened our hearts or thawed
our language and made it flow easy and limpid If we had confidences they were
confidences of the countinghouse not of the hearth Nothing in her cherished
affection in me made me better gentler she only stirred my brain and whetted
my acuteness she never crept into my heart or influenced its pulse and for
this good reason no doubt because I had not the secret of making her love me«
»Well lad it is a queer thing I might laugh at thee and reckon to
despise thy refinements but as it is dark night and we are by ourselves I
dont mind telling thee that thy talk brings back a glimpse of my own past life
Twentyfive years ago I tried to persuade a beautiful woman to love me and she
would not I had not the key to her nature she was a stone wall to me doorless
and windowless«
»But you loved her Yorke you worshipped Mary Cave your conduct after
all was that of a man never of a fortunehunter«
»Ay I did love her but then she was beautiful as the moon we do not see
tonight there is naught like her in these days Miss Helstone maybe has a
look of her but nobody else«
»Who has a look of her«
»That blackcoated tyrants niece that quiet delicate Miss Helstone Many
a time I have put on my spectacles to look at the lassie in church because she
has gentle blue een wi long lashes and when she sits in shadow and is very
still and very pale and is happen about to fall asleep wi the length of the
sermon and the heat of the biggin she is as like one of Canovas marbles as
aught else«
»Was Mary Cave in that style«
»Far grander Less lasslike and fleshlike You wondered why she hadnt
wings and a crown She was a stately peaceful angel was my Mary«
»And you could not persuade her to love you«
»Not with all I could do though I prayed Heaven many a time on my bended
knees to help me«
»Mary Cave was not what you think her Yorke I have seen her picture at
the Rectory She is no angel but a fair regularfeatured taciturnlooking
woman rather too white and lifeless for my taste But supposing she had been
something better than she was «
»Robert« interrupted Yorke »I could fell you off your horse at this
moment However Ill hold my hand Reason tells me you are right and I am
wrong I know well enough that the passion I still have is only the remnant of
an illusion If Miss Cave had possessed either feeling or sense she could not
have been so perfectly impassible to my regard as she showed herself she must
have preferred me to that copperfaced despot«
»Supposing Yorke she had been educated no women were educated in those
days supposing she had possessed a thoughtful original mind a love of
knowledge a wish for information which she took an artless delight in
receiving from your lips and having measured out to her by your hand supposing
her conversation when she sat at your side was fertile varied imbued with
a picturesque grace and genial interest quietflowing but clear and bounteous
supposing that when you stood near her by chance or when you sat near her by
design comfort at once became your atmosphere and content your element
supposing that whenever her face was under your gaze or her idea filled your
thoughts you gradually ceased to be hard and anxious and pure affection love
of home thirst for sweet discourse unselfish longing to protect and cherish
replaced the sordid cankering calculations of your trade supposing with all
this that many a time when you had been so happy as to possess your Marys
little hand you had felt it tremble as you held it just as a warm little bird
trembles when you take it from its nest supposing you had noticed her shrink
into the background on your entrance into a room yet if you sought her in her
retreat she welcomed you with the sweetest smile that ever lit a fair virgin
face and only turned her eyes from the encounter of your own lest their
clearness should reveal too much supposing in short your Mary had been not
cold but modest not vacant but reflective not obtuse but sensitive not
inane but innocent not prudish but pure would you have left her to court
another woman for her wealth«
Mr Yorke raised his hat wiped his forehead with his handkerchief
»The moon is up« was his first not quite relevant remark pointing with his
whip across the moor »There she is rising into the haze staring at us wi a
strange red glower She is no more silver than old Helstones brow is ivory
What does she mean by leaning her cheek on Rushedge i that way and looking at
us wi a scowl and a menace«
»Yorke if Mary had loved you silently yet faithfully chastely yet
fervently as you would wish your wife to love would you have left her«
»Robert« he lifted his arm he held it suspended and paused »Robert this
is a queer world and men are made of the queerest dregs that Chaos churned up
in her ferment I might swear sounding oaths oaths that would make the
poachers think there was a bittern booming in Bilberry Moss that in the case
you put Death only should have parted me from Mary But I have lived in the
world fiftyfive years I have been forced to study human nature and to speak
a dark truth the odds are if Mary had loved and not scorned me if I had been
secure of her affection certain of her constancy been irritated by no doubts
stung by no humiliations the odds are« he let his hand fall heavy on the
saddle »the odds are I should have left her«
They rode side by side in silence Ere either spoke again they were on the
other side of Rushedge Briarfield lights starred the purple skirt of the moor
Robert being the youngest and having less of the past to absorb him than his
comrade recommenced first
»I believe I daily find it proved that we can get nothing in this world
worth keeping not so much as a principle or a conviction except out of
purifying flame or through strengthening peril We err we fall we are humbled
then we walk more carefully We greedily eat and drink poison out of the
gilded cup of vice or from the beggars wallet of avarice we are sickened
degraded everything good in us rebels against us our souls rise bitterly
indignant against our bodies there is a period of civil war if the soul has
strength it conquers and rules thereafter«
»What art thou going to do now Robert What are thy plans«
»For my private plans Ill keep them to myself which is very easy as at
present I have none no private life is permitted a man in my position a man in
debt For my public plans my views are a little altered While I was in
Birmingham I looked a little into reality considered closely and at their
source the causes of the present troubles of this country I did the same in
London Unknown I could go where I pleased mix with whom I would I went where
there was want of food of fuel of clothing where there was no occupation and
no hope I saw some with naturally elevated tendencies and good feelings kept
down amongst sordid privations and harassing griefs I saw many originally low
and to whom lack of education left scarcely anything but animal wants
disappointed in those wants ahungered athirst and desperate as famished
animals I saw what taught my brain a new lesson and filled my breast with
fresh feelings I have no intention to profess more softness or sentiment than I
have hitherto professed mutiny and ambition I regard as I have always regarded
them I should resist a riotous mob just as heretofore I should open on the
scent of a runaway ringleader as eagerly as ever and run him down as
relentlessly and follow him up to condign punishment as rigorously but I
should do it now chiefly for the sake and the security of those he misled
Something there is to look to Yorke beyond a mans personal interest beyond
the advancement of welllaid schemes beyond even the discharge of dishonouring
debts To respect himself a man must believe he renders justice to his
fellowmen Unless I am more considerate to ignorance more forbearing to
suffering than I have hitherto been I shall scorn myself as grossly unjust
What now« he said addressing his horse which hearing the ripple of water
and feeling thirsty turned to a wayside trough where the moonbeam was playing
in a crystal eddy
»Yorke« pursued Moore »ride on I must let him drink«
Yorke accordingly rode slowly forwards occupying himself as he advanced
in discriminating amongst the many lights now spangling the distance those of
Briarmains Stilbro Moor was left behind plantations rose dusk on either
hand they were descending the hill below them lay the valley with its populous
parish they felt already at home
Surrounded no longer by heath it was not startling to Mr Yorke to see a
hat rise and to hear a voice speak behind the wall The words however were
peculiar
»When the wicked perisheth there is shouting« it said and added »As the
whirlwind passeth so is the wicked no more with a deeper growl terrors take
hold of him as waters hell is naked before him He shall die without
knowledge«
A fierce flash and sharp crack violated the calm of night Yorke ere he
turned knew the four convicts of Birmingham were avenged
Chapter XXXI
Uncle and Niece
The die was cast Sir Philip Nunnely knew it Shirley knew it Mr Sympson knew
it That evening when all the Fieldhead family dined at Nunnely Priory decided
the business
Two or three things conduced to bring the baronet to a point He had
observed that Miss Keeldar looked pensive and delicate This new phase in her
demeanour smote him on his weak or poetic side a spontaneous sonnet brewed in
his brain and while it was still working there one of his sisters persuaded
his ladyelove to sit down to the piano and sing a ballad one of Sir Philips
own ballads It was the least elaborate the least affected out of all
comparison the best of his numerous efforts
It chanced that Shirley the moment before had been gazing from a window
down on the park she had seen that stormy moonlight which le Professeur Louis
was perhaps at the same instant contemplating from her own oakparlour
lattice she had seen the isolated trees of the domain broad strong
spreading oaks and hightowering heroic beeches wrestling with the gale Her
ear had caught the full roar of the forest lower down the swift rushing of
clouds the moon to the eye hasting swifter still had crossed her vision she
turned from sight and sound touched if not rapt wakened if not inspired
She sang as requested There was much about love in the ballad faithful
love that refused to abandon its object love that disaster could not shake
love that in calamity waxed fonder in poverty clung closer The words were
set to a fine old air in themselves they were simple and sweet perhaps when
read they wanted force when well sung they wanted nothing Shirley sang them
well she breathed into the feeling softness she poured round the passion
force her voice was fine that evening its expression dramatic she impressed
all and charmed one
On leaving the instrument she went to the fire and sat down on a seat
semistool semicushion the ladies were round her none of them spoke The
Misses Sympson and the Misses Nunnely looked upon her as quiet poultry might
look on an egret an ibis or any other strange fowl What made her sing so
They never sang so Was it proper to sing with such expression with such
originality so unlike a schoolgirl Decidedly not it was strange it was
unusual What was strange must be wrong what was unusual must be improper
Shirley was judged
Moreover old Lady Nunnely eyed her stonily from her great chair by the
fireside her gaze said
»This woman is not of mine or my daughters kind I object to her as my
sons wife«
Her son catching the look read its meaning he grew alarmed what he so
wished to win there was danger he might lose He must make haste
The room they were in had once been a picturegallery Sir Philips father
Sir Monckton had converted it into a saloon but still it had a shadowy
longwithdrawing look A deep recess with a window a recess that held one
couch one table and a fairy cabinet formed a room within a room Two persons
standing there might interchange a dialogue and so it were neither long nor
loud none be the wiser
Sir Philip induced two of his sisters to perpetrate a duet he gave
occupation to the Misses Sympson the elder ladies were conversing together He
was pleased to remark that meantime Shirley rose to look at the pictures He
had a tale to tell about one ancestress whose dark beauty seemed as that of a
flower of the south he joined her and began to tell it
There were mementos of the same lady in the cabinet adorning the recess and
while Shirley was stooping to examine the missal and the rosary on the inlaid
shelf and while the Misses Nunnely indulged in a prolonged screech guiltless
of expression pure of originality perfectly conventional and absolutely
unmeaning Sir Philip stooped too and whispered a few hurried sentences At
first Miss Keeldar was struck so still you might have fancied that whisper a
charm which had changed her to a statue but she presently looked up and
answered They parted Miss Keeldar returned to the fire and resumed her seat
the baronet looked after her then went and stood behind his sisters Mr
Sympson Mr Sympson only had marked the pantomime
That gentleman drew his own conclusions Had he been as acute as he was
meddling as profound as he was prying he might have found that in Sir Philips
face whereby to correct his inference Ever shallow hasty and positive he
went home quite cockahoop
He was not a man that kept secrets well when elate on a subject he could
not avoid talking about it The next morning having occasion to employ his
sons tutor as his secretary he must needs announce to him in mouthing
accents and with much flimsy pomp of manner that he had better hold himself
prepared for a return to the south at an early day as the important business
which had detained him Mr Sympson so long in Yorkshire was now on the eve of
fortunate completion his anxious and laborious efforts were likely at last to
be crowned with the happiest success a truly eligible addition was about to be
made to the family connexions
»In Sir Philip Nunnely« Louis Moore conjectured
Whereupon Mr Sympson treated himself simultaneously to a pinch of snuff and
a chuckling laugh checked only by a sudden choke of dignity and an order to
the tutor to proceed with business
For a day or two Mr Sympson continued as bland as oil but also he seemed
to sit on pins and his gait when he walked emulated that of a hen treading a
hot girdle He was for ever looking out of the window and listening for
chariotwheels Bluebeards wife Siseras mother were nothing to him He
waited when the matter should be opened in form when himself should be
consulted when lawyers should be summoned when settlement discussions and all
the delicious worldly fuss should pompously begin
At last there came a letter he himself handed it to Miss Keeldar out of the
bag he knew the handwriting he knew the crest on the seal He did not see it
opened and read for Shirley took it to her own room nor did he see it
answered for she wrote her reply shut up and was very long about it the
best part of a day He questioned her whether it was answered she responded
»Yes«
Again he waited waited in silence absolutely not daring to speak kept
mute by something in Shirleys face a very awful something inscrutable to
him as the writing on the wall to Belshazzar He was moved more than once to
call Daniel in the person of Louis Moore and to ask an interpretation but his
dignity for bade the familiarity Daniel himself perhaps had his own private
difficulties connected with that baffling bit of translation he looked like a
student for whom grammars are blank and dictionaries dumb
Mr Sympson had been out to while away an anxious hour in the society of his
friends at De Walden Hall He returned a little sooner than was expected his
family and Miss Keeldar were assembled in the oakparlour addressing the
latter he requested her to step with him into another room he wished to have
with her a »strictly private interview«
She rose asking no questions and professing no surprise
»Very well sir« she said in the tone of a determined person who is
informed that the dentist is come to extract that large double tooth of his
from which he has suffered such a purgatory this month past She left her sewing
and her thimble in the windowseat and followed her uncle where he led
Shut into the drawingroom the pair took seats each in an armchair
placed opposite a few yards between them
»I have been to De Walden Hall« said Mr Sympson He paused Miss Keeldars
eyes were on the pretty white and green carpet That information required no
response she gave none
»I have learned« he went on slowly »I have learned a circumstance which
surprises me«
Resting her cheek on her forefinger she waited to be told what
circumstance
»It seems that Nunnely Priory is shut up that the family are gone back to
their place in shire It seems that the baronet that the baronet that Sir
Philip himself has accompanied his mother and sisters«
»Indeed« said Shirley
»May I ask if you share the amazement with which I received this news«
»No sir«
»Is it news to you«
»Yes sir«
»I mean I mean « pursued Mr Sympson now fidgeting in his chair
quitting his hitherto brief and tolerably clear phraseology and returning to
his customary wordy confused irritable style »I mean to have a thorough
explanation I will not be put off I I shall insist on being heard and on
on having my own way My questions must be answered I will have clear
satisfactory replies I am not to be trifled with Silence
It is a strange and an extraordinary thing a very singular a most odd
thing I thought all was right knew no other and there the family are gone«
»I suppose sir they had a right to go«
»Sir Philip is gone« with emphasis
Shirley raised her brows »Bon voyage« said she
»This will not do this must be altered maam«
He drew his chair forward he pushed it back he looked perfectly incensed
and perfectly helpless
»Come come now uncle« expostulated Shirley »do not begin to fret and
fume or we shall make no sense of the business Ask me what you want to know I
am as willing to come to an explanation as you I promise you truthful replies«
»I want I demand to know Miss Keeldar whether Sir Philip has made you an
offer«
»He has«
»You avow it«
»I avow it But now go on consider that point settled«
»He made you an offer that night we dined at the Priory«
»It is enough to say that he made it Go on«
»He proposed in the recess in the room that used to be a picturegallery
that Sir Monckton converted into a saloon«
No answer
»You were both examining a cabinet I saw it all my sagacity was not at
fault it never is Subsequently you received a letter from him On what
subject of what nature were the contents«
»No matter«
»Maam is that the way in which you speak to me«
Shirleys foot tapped quick on the carpet
»There you sit silent and sullen you who promised truthful replies«
»Sir I have answered you thus far proceed«
»I should like to see that letter«
»You cannot see it«
»I must and shall maam I am your guardian«
»Having ceased to be a ward I have no guardian«
»Ungrateful being Reared by me as my own daughter «
»Once more uncle have the kindness to keep to the point Let us both
remain cool For my part I do not wish to get into a passion but you know
once drive me beyond certain bounds I care little what I say I am not then
soon checked Listen You have asked me whether Sir Philip made me an offer
that question is answered What do you wish to know next«
»I desire to know whether you accepted or refused him and know it I will«
»Certainly you ought to know it I refused him«
»Refused him You you Shirley Keeldar refused Sir Philip Nunnely«
»I did«
The poor gentleman bounced from his chair and first rushed and then
trotted through the room
»There it is There it is There it is«
»Sincerely speaking I am sorry uncle you are so disappointed«
Concession contrition never do any good with some people Instead of
softening and conciliating they but embolden and harden them of that number
was Mr Sympson
»I disappointed What is it to me Have I an interest in it You would
insinuate perhaps that I have motives«
»Most people have motives of some sort for their actions«
»She accuses me to my face I that have been a parent to her she charges
with bad motives«
»Bad motives I did not say«
»And now you prevaricate You have no principles«
»Uncle you tire me I want to go away«
»Go you shall not I will be answered What are your intentions Miss
Keeldar«
»In what respect«
»In respect of matrimony«
»To be quiet and to do just as I please«
»Just as you please The words are to the last degree indecorous«
»Mr Sympson I advise you not to become insulting you know I will not bear
that«
»You read French Your mind is poisoned with French novels You have imbibed
French principles«
»The ground you are treading now returns a mighty hollow sound under your
feet Beware«
»It will end in infamy sooner or later I have foreseen it all along«
»Do you assert sir that something in which I am concerned will end in
infamy«
»That it will that it will You said just now you would act as you please
You acknowledge no rules no limitations«
»Silly stuff and vulgar as silly«
»Regardless of decorum you are prepared to fly in the face of propriety«
»You tire me uncle«
»What madam what could be your reasons for refusing Sir Philip«
»At last there is another sensible question I shall be glad to reply to
it Sir Philip is too young for me I regard him as a boy all his relations
his mother especially would be annoyed if he married me such a step would
embroil him with them I am not his equal in the worlds estimation«
»Is that all«
»Our dispositions are not compatible«
»Why a more amiable gentleman never breathed«
»He is very amiable very excellent truly estimable but not my master
not in one point I could not trust myself with his happiness I would not
undertake the keeping of it for thousands I will accept no hand which cannot
hold me in check«
»I thought you liked to do as you please you are vastly inconsistent«
»When I promise to obey it shall be under the conviction that I can keep
that promise I could not obey a youth like Sir Philip Besides he would never
command me he would expect me always to rule to guide and I have no taste
whatever for the office«
»You no taste for swaggering and subduing and ordering and ruling«
»Not my husband only my uncle«
»Where is the difference«
»There is a slight difference that is certain And I know full well any
man who wishes to live in decent comfort with me as a husband must be able to
control me«
»I wish you had a real tyrant«
»A tyrant would not hold me for a day not for an hour I would rebel
break from him defy him«
»Are you not enough to bewilder ones brain with your selfcontradiction«
»It is evident I bewilder your brain«
»You talk of Sir Philip being young he is twoandtwenty«
»My husband must be thirty with the sense of forty«
»You had better pick out some old man some whiteheaded or baldheaded
swain«
»No thank you«
»You could lead some doting fool you might pin him to your apron«
»I might do that with a boy but it is not my vocation Did I not say I
prefer a master One in whose presence I shall feel obliged and disposed to be
good One whose control my impatient temper must acknowledge A man whose
approbation can reward whose displeasure punish me A man I shall feel it
impossible not to love and very possible to fear«
»What is there to hinder you from doing all this with Sir Philip He is a
baronet a man of rank property connexions far above yours If you talk of
intellect he is a poet he writes verses which you I take it cannot do with
all your cleverness«
»Neither his title wealth pedigree nor poetry avail to invest him with
the power I describe These are featherweights they want ballast a measure of
sound solid practical sense would have stood him in better stead with me«
»You and Henry rave about poetry you used to catch fire like tinder on the
subject when you were a girl«
»Oh uncle there is nothing really valuable in this world there is nothing
glorious in the world to come that is not poetry«
»Marry a poet then in Gods name«
»Show him me and I will«
»Sir Philip«
»Not at all You are almost as good a poet as he«
»Madam you are wandering from the point«
»Indeed uncle I wanted to do so and I shall be glad to lead you away with
me Do not let us get out of temper with each other it is not worth while«
»Out of temper Miss Keeldar I should be glad to know who is out of
temper«
»I am not yet«
»If you mean to insinuate that I am I consider that you are guilty of
impertinence«
»You will be soon if you go on at that rate«
»There it is With your pert tongue you would try the patience of a Job«
»I know I should«
»No levity Miss This is not a laughing matter It is an affair I am
resolved to probe thoroughly convinced that there is mischief at the bottom
You described just now with far too much freedom for your years and sex the
sort of individual you would prefer as a husband Pray did you paint from the
life«
Shirley opened her lips but instead of speaking she only glowed rosered
»I shall have an answer to that question« affirmed Mr Sympson assuming
vast courage and consequence on the strength of this symptom of confusion
»It was an historical picture uncle from several originals«
»Several originals Bless my heart«
»I have been in love several times«
»This is cynical«
»With heroes of many nations«
»What next «
»And philosophers«
»She is mad «
»Do nt ring the bell uncle you will alarm my aunt«
»Your poor dear aunt what a niece has she«
»Once I loved Socrates«
»Pooh No trifling maam«
»I admired Themistocles Leonidas Epaminondas«
»Miss Keeldar «
»To pass over a few centuries Washington was a plain man but I liked him
but to speak of the actual present «
»Ah the actual present«
»To quit crude schoolgirl fancies and come to realities«
»Realities That is the test to which you shall be brought maam«
»To avow before what altar I now kneel to reveal the present idol of my
soul «
»You will make haste about it if you please it is near luncheon time and
confess you shall«
»Confess I must my heart is full of the secret it must be spoken I only
wish you were Mr Helstone instead of Mr Sympson you would sympathize with me
better«
»Madam it is a question of common sense and common prudence not of
sympathy and sentiment and so on Did you say it was Mr Helstone«
»Not precisely but as near as may be they are rather alike«
»I will know the name I will have particulars«
»They positively are rather alike their very faces are not dissimilar a
pair of human falcons and dry direct decided both But my hero is the
mightier of the two his mind has the clearness of the deep sea the patience of
its rocks the force of its billows«
»Rant and fustian«
»I daresay he can be harsh as a sawedge and gruff as a hungry raven«
»Miss Keeldar does the person reside in Briarfield answer me that«
»Uncle I am going to tell you his name is trembling on my tongue«
»Speak girl«
»That was well said uncle Speak girl it is quite tragic England has
howled savagely against this man uncle and she will one day roar exultingly
over him He has been unscared by the howl and he will be unelated by the
shout«
»I said she was mad she is«
»This country will change and change again in her demeanour to him he will
never change in his duty to her Come cease to chafe uncle Ill tell you his
name«
»You shall tell me or «
»Listen Arthur Wellesley Lord Wellington«
Mr Sympson rose up furious he bounced out of the room but immediately
bounced back again shut the door and resumed his seat
»Maam you shall tell me this will your principles permit you to marry a
man without money a man below you«
»Never a man below me«
In a high voice »Will you Miss Keeldar marry a poor man«
»What right have you Mr Sympson to ask me«
»I insist upon knowing«
»You do nt go the way to know«
»My family respectability shall not be compromised«
»A good resolution keep it«
»Madam it is you who shall keep it«
»Impossible sir since I form no part of your family«
»Do you disown us«
»I disdain your dictatorship«
»Whom will you marry Miss Keeldar«
»Not Mr Sam Wynne because I scorn him not Sir Philip Nunnely because I
only esteem him«
»Whom have you in your eye«
»Four rejected candidates«
»Such obstinacy could not be unless you were under improper influence«
»What do you mean There are certain phrases potent to make my blood boil
improper influence What old womans cackle is that«
»Are you a young lady«
»I am a thousand times better I am an honest woman and as such I will be
treated«
»Do you know leaning mysteriously forward and speaking with ghastly
solemnity do you know the whole neighbourhood teams with rumours respecting
you and a bankrupt tenant of yours the foreigner Moore«
»Does it«
»It does Your name is in every mouth«
»It honours the lips it crosses and I wish to the gods it may purify them«
»Is it that person who has power to influence you«
»Beyond any whose cause you have advocated«
»Is it he you will marry«
»He is handsome and manly and commanding«
»You declare it to my face The Flemish knave The low trader«
»He is talented and venturous and resolute Prince is on his brow and
ruler in his bearing«
»She glories in it She conceals nothing No shame no fear«
»When we speak the name of Moore shame should be forgotten and fear
discarded the Moores know only honour and courage«
»I say she is mad«
»You have taunted me till my blood is up You have worried me till I turn
again«
»That Moore is the brother of my sons tutor Would you let the Usher call
you Sister«
Bright and broad shone Shirleys eye as she fixed it on her questioner now
»No no Not for a province of possession not for a century of life«
»You cannot separate the husband from his family«
»What then«
»Mr Louis Moores sister you will be«
»Mr Sympson I am sick at heart with all this weak trash I will bear
no more Your thoughts are not my thoughts your aims are not my aims your gods
are not my gods We do not view things in the same light we do not measure them
by the same standard we hardly speak in the same tongue Let us part
It is not« she resumed much excited »It is not that I hate you you are
a good sort of man perhaps you mean well in your way but we cannot suit we
are ever at variance You annoy me with small meddling with petty tyranny you
exasperate my temper and make and keep me passionate As to your small maxims
your narrow rules your little prejudices aversions dogmas bundle them off
Mr Sympson go offer them a sacrifice to the deity you worship Ill none of
them I wash my hands of the lot I walk by another creed light faith and
hope than you«
»Another creed I believe she is an infidel«
»An infidel to your religion an atheist to your god«
»An atheist«
»Your god sir is the World In my eyes you too if not an infidel are an
idolater I conceive that you ignorantly worship in all things you appear to me
too superstitious Sir your god your great Bel your fishtailed Dagon rises
before me as a demon You and such as you have raised him to a throne put on
him a crown given him a sceptre Behold how hideously he governs See him
busied at the work he likes best making marriages He binds the young to the
old the strong to the imbecile He stretches out the arm of Mezentius and
fetters the dead to the living In his realm there is hatred secret hatred
there is disgust unspoken disgust there is treachery family treachery
there is vice deep deadly domestic vice In his dominions children grow
unloving between parents who have never loved infants are nursed on deception
from their very birth they are reared in an atmosphere corrupt with lies Your
god rules at the bridal of kings look at your royal dynasties your deity is
the deity of foreign aristocracies analyze the blue blood of Spain Your god
is the Hymen of France what is French domestic life All that surrounds him
hastens to decay all declines and degenerates under his sceptre Your god is a
masked Death«
»This language is terrible My daughters and you must associate no longer
Miss Keeldar there is danger in such companionship Had I known you a little
earlier but extraordinary as I thought you I could not have believed «
»Now sir do you begin to be aware that it is useless to scheme for me
That in doing so you but sow the wind to reap the whirlwind I sweep your
cobwebprojects from my path that I may pass on unsullied I am anchored on a
resolve you cannot shake My heart my conscience shall dispose of my hand
they only Know this at last«
Mr Sympson was becoming a little bewildered
»Never heard such language« he muttered again and again »Never was so
addressed in my life never was so used«
»You are quite confused sir You had better withdraw or I will«
He rose hastily
»We must leave this place they must pack up at once«
»Do not hurry my aunt and cousins give them time«
»No more intercourse shes not proper«
He made his way to the door he came back for his handkerchief he dropped
his snuffbox leaving the contents scattered on the carpet he stumbled out
Tartar lay outside across the mat Mr Sympson almost fell over him in the
climax of his exasperation he hurled an oath at the dog and a coarse epithet at
his mistress
»Poor Mr Sympson He is both feeble and vulgar« said Shirley to herself
»My head aches and I am tired« she added and leaning her head upon a cushion
she softly subsided from excitement to repose One entering the room a quarter
of an hour afterwards found her asleep When Shirley had been agitated she
generally took this natural refreshment it would come at her call
The intruder paused in her unconscious presence and said »Miss Keeldar«
Perhaps his voice harmonized with some dream into which she was passing it
did not startle it hardly roused her without opening her eyes she but turned
her head a little so that her cheek and profile before hidden by her arm
became visible she looked rosy happy halfsmiling but her eyelashes were
wet she had wept in slumber or perhaps before dropping asleep a few natural
tears had fallen after she had heard that epithet no man no woman is always
strong always able to bear up against the unjust opinion the vilifying word
calumny even from the mouth of a fool will sometimes cut into unguarded
feelings Shirley looked like a child that had been naughty and punished but
was now forgiven and at rest
»Miss Keeldar« again said the voice this time it woke her she looked up
and saw at her side Louis Moore not close at her side but standing with
arrested step two or three yards from her
»Oh Mr Moore« she said »I was afraid it was my uncle again he and I
have quarrelled«
»Mr Sympson should let you alone« was the reply »can he not see that you
are as yet far from strong«
»I assure you he did not find me weak I did not cry when he was here«
»He is about to evacuate Fieldhead so he says He is now giving orders to
his family he has been in the schoolroom issuing commands in a manner which I
suppose was a continuation of that with which he has harassed you«
»Are you and Henry to go«
»I believe as far as Henry is concerned that was the tenor of his
scarcelyintelligible directions but he may change all tomorrow he is just in
that mood when you cannot depend on his consistency for two consecutive hours I
doubt whether he will leave you for weeks yet To myself he addressed some words
which will require a little attention and comment byandby when I have time to
bestow on them At the moment he came in I was busied with a note I had got
from Mr Yorke so fully busied that I cut short the interview with him
somewhat abruptly I left him raving here is the note I wish you to see it
it refers to my brother Robert« And he looked at Shirley
»I shall be glad to hear news of him is he coming home«
»He is come he is in Yorkshire Mr Yorke went yesterday to Stilbro to
meet him«
»Mr Moore something is wrong «
»Did my voice tremble He is now at Briarmains and I am going to see him«
»What has occurred«
»If you turn so pale I shall be sorry I have spoken It might have been
worse Robert is not dead but much hurt«
»Oh sir it is you who are pale Sit down near me«
»Read the note let me open it«
Miss Keeldar read the note it briefly signified that last night Robert
Moore had been shot at from behind the wall of Milldean plantation at the foot
of the Brow that he was wounded severely but it was hoped not fatally of the
assassin or assassins nothing was known they had escaped »No doubt« Mr
Yorke observed »it was done in revenge it was a pity illwill had ever been
raised but that could not be helped now«
»He is my only brother« said Louis as Shirley returned the note »I cannot
hear unmoved that ruffians have laid in wait for him and shot him down like
some wild beast from behind a wall«
»Be comforted be hopeful He will get better I know he will«
Shirley solicitous to soothe held her hand over Mr Moores as it lay on
the arm of the chair she just touched it lightly scarce palpably
»Well give me your hand« he said »it will be for the first time it is in
a moment of calamity give it me«
Awaiting neither consent nor refusal he took what he asked
»I am going to Briarmains now« he went on »I want you to step over to the
Rectory and tell Caroline Helstone what has happened will you do this she
will hear it best from you«
»Immediately« said Shirley with docile promptitude »Ought I to say that
there is no danger«
»Say so«
»You will come back soon and let me know more«
»I will either come or write«
»Trust me for watching over Caroline I will communicate with your sister
too but doubtless she is already with Robert«
»Doubtless or will be soon Goodmorning now«
»You will bear up come what may«
»We shall see that«
Shirleys fingers were obliged to withdraw from the Tutors Louis was
obliged to relinquish that hand folded clasped hidden in his own
»I thought I should have had to support her« he said as he walked towards
Briarmains »and it is she who has made me strong That look of pity that
gentle touch No down was ever softer no elixir more potent It lay like a
snowflake it thrilled like lightning A thousand times I have longed to
possess that hand to have it in mine I have possessed it for five minutes I
held it Her fingers and mine can never be strangers more having met once
they must meet again«
Chapter XXXII
The Schoolboy and the WoodNymph
Briarmains being nearer than the Hollow Mr Yorke had conveyed his young
comrade there He had seen him laid in the best bed of the house as carefully
as if he had been one of his own sons The sight of his blood welling from the
treacherouslyinflicted wound made him indeed the son of the Yorkshire
gentlemans heart The spectacle of the sudden event of the tall straight
shape prostrated in its pride across the road of the fine southern head laid
low in the dust of that youth in prime flung at once before him pallid
lifeless helpless this was the very combination of circumstances to win for
the victim Mr Yorkes liveliest interest
No other hand was there to raise to aid no other voice to question
kindly no other brain to concert measures he had to do it all himself This
utter dependence of the speechless bleeding youth as a youth he regarded him
on his benevolence secured that benevolence most effectually Well did Mr
Yorke like to have power and to use it he had now between his hands power over
a fellowcreatures life it suited him
No less perfectly did it suit his saturnine betterhalf the incident was
quite in her way and to her taste Some women would have been terrorstruck to
see a gory man brought in over their threshold and laid down in their hall in
the howe of the night There you would suppose was subjectmatter for
hysterics No Mrs Yorke went into hysterics when Jessie would not leave the
garden to come to her knitting or when Martin proposed starting for Australia
with a view to realize freedom and escape the tyranny of Matthew but an
attempted murder near her door a halfmurdered man in her best bed set her
straight cheered her spirits gave her cap the dash of a turban
Mrs Yorke was just the woman who while rendering miserable the drudging
life of a simple maidservant would nurse like a heroine an hospital full of
plague patients She almost loved Moore her tough heart almost yearned towards
him when she found him committed to her charge left in her arms as
dependent on her as her youngestborn in the cradle Had she seen a domestic or
one of her daughters give him a draught of water or smooth his pillow she
would have boxed the intruders ears She chased Jessie and Rose from the upper
realm of the house she forbade the housemaids to set their foot in it
Now if the accident had happened at the Rectory gates and old Helstone had
taken in the martyr neither Yorke nor his wife would have pitied him they
would have adjudged him right served for his tyranny and meddling as it was he
became for the present the apple of their eye
Strange Louis Moore was permitted to come to sit down on the edge of the
bed and lean over the pillow to hold his brothers hand and press his pale
forehead with his fraternal lips and Mrs Yorke bore it well She suffered him
to stay half the day there she once suffered him to sit up all night in the
chamber she rose herself at five oclock of a wet November morning and with
her own hands lit the kitchen fire and made the brothers a breakfast and
served it to them herself Majestically arrayed in a boundless flannel wrapper
a shawl and her nightcap she sat and watched them eat as complacently as a
hen beholds her chickens feed Yet she gave the cook warning that day for
venturing to make and carry up to Mr Moore a basin of sagogruel and the
housemaid lost her favour because when Mr Louis was departing she brought him
his surtout aired from the kitchen and like a forward piece as she was
helped him on with it and accepted in return a smile a »thank you my girl«
and a shilling Two ladies called one day pale and anxious and begged
earnestly humbly to be allowed to see Mr Moore one instant Mrs Yorke
hardened her heart and sent them packing not without opprobrium
But how was it when Hortense Moore came Not so bad as might have been
expected the whole family of the Moores really seemed to suit Mrs Yorke so as
no other family had ever suited her Hortense and she possessed an exhaustless
mutual theme of conversation in the corrupt propensities of servants Their
views of this class were similar they watched them with the same suspicion and
judged them with the same severity Hortense too from the very first showed
no manner of jealousy of Mrs Yorkes attentions to Robert she let her keep the
post of nurse with little interference and for herself found ceaseless
occupation in fidgeting about the house holding the kitchen under surveillance
reporting what passed there and in short making herself generally useful
Visiters they both of them agreed in excluding sedulously from the sickroom
They held the young millowner captive and hardly let the air breathe or the sun
shine on him
Mr MacTurk the surgeon to whom Moores case had been committed pronounced
his wound of a dangerous but he trusted not of a hopeless character At
first he wished to place with him a nurse of his own selection but this
neither Mrs Yorke nor Hortense would hear of they promised faithful observance
of directions He was left therefore for the present in their hands
Doubtless they executed the trust to the best of their ability but
something got wrong the bandages were displaced or tampered with great loss
of blood followed MacTurk being summoned came with steed afoam He was one of
those surgeons whom it is dangerous to vex abrupt in his best moods in his
worst savage On seeing Moores state he relieved his feelings by a little
flowery language with which it is not necessary to strew the present page A
bouquet or two of the choicest blossoms fell on the unperturbed head of one Mr
Graves a stony young assistant he usually carried about with him with a
second nosegay he gifted another young gentleman in his train an interesting
facsimile of himself being indeed his own son but the full corbeille of
blushing bloom fell to the lot of meddling womankind en masse
For the best part of one winter night himself and satellites were busied
about Moore There at his bedside shut up alone with him in his chamber they
wrought and wrangled over his exhausted frame They three were on one side of
the bed and Death on the other The conflict was sharp it lasted till day
broke when the balance between the belligerents seemed so equal that both
parties might have claimed the victory
At dawn Graves and young MacTurk were left in charge of the patient while
the senior went himself in search of additional strength and secured it in the
person of Mrs Horsfall the best nurse on his staff To this woman he gave
Moore in charge with the sternest injunctions respecting the responsibility
laid on her shoulders She took this responsibility stolidly as she did also
the easy chair at the bedhead That moment she began her reign
Mrs Horsfall had one virtue orders received from MacTurk she obeyed to
the letter the Ten Commandments were less binding in her eyes than her
surgeons dictum In other respects she was no woman but a dragon Hortense
Moore fell effaced before her Mrs Yorke withdrew crushed yet both these
women were personages of some dignity in their own estimation and of some bulk
in the estimation of others Perfectly cowed by the breadth the height the
bone and the brawn of Mrs Horsfall they retreated to the backparlour She
for her part sat upstairs when she liked and downstairs when she preferred
it she took her dram three times aday and her pipe of tobacco four times
As to Moore no one now ventured to inquire about him Mrs Horsfall had him
at drynurse it was she who was to do for him and the general conjecture now
ran that she did for him accordingly
Morning and evening MacTurk came to see him his case thus complicated by a
new mischance was become one of interest in the surgeons eyes he regarded him
as a damaged piece of clockwork which it would be creditable to his skill to
set agoing again Graves and young MacTurk Moores sole other visiters
contemplated him in the light in which they were wont to contemplate the
occupant for the time being of the dissectingroom at Stilbro Infirmary
Robert Moore had a pleasant time of it in pain in danger too weak to
move almost too weak to speak a sort of giantess his keeper the three
surgeons his sole society Thus he lay through the diminishing days and
lengthening nights of the whole drear month of November
In the commencement of his captivity Moore used feebly to resist Mrs
Horsfall he hated the sight of her rough bulk and dreaded the contact of her
hard hands but she taught him docility in a trice She made no account whatever
of his six feet his manly thews and sinews she turned him in his bed as
another woman would have turned a babe in its cradle When he was good she
addressed him as »my dear« and »honey« and when he was bad she sometimes
shook him Did he attempt to speak when MacTurk was there she lifted her hand
and bade him »hush« like a nurse checking a forward child If she had not
smoked if she had not taken gin it would have been better he thought but
she did both Once in her absence he intimated to MacTurk that »that woman
was a dramdrinker«
»Pooh my dear sir they are all so« was the reply he got for his pains
»But Horsfall has this virtue« added the surgeon »drunk or sober she always
remembers to obey me«
At length the latter autumn passed its fogs its rains withdrew from England
their mourning and their tears its winds swept on to sigh over lands far away
Behind November came deep winter clearness stillness frost accompanying
A calm day had settled into a crystalline evening the world wore a North
Pole colouring all its lights and tints looked like the reflets1 of white or
violet or pale green gems The hills wore a lilacblue the setting sun had
purple in its red the sky was ice all silvered azure when the stars rose
they were of white crystal not gold gray or cerulean or faint emerald hues
cool pure and transparent tinged the mass of the landscape
What is this by itself in a wood no longer green no longer even russet a
wood neutral tint this dark blue moving object Why it is a schoolboy a
Briarfield grammarschoolboy who has left his companions now trudging home by
the high road and is seeking a certain tree with a certain mossy mound at its
root convenient as a seat Why is he lingering here the air is cold and
the time wears late He sits down what is he thinking about Does he feel the
chaste charm nature wears tonight A pearlwhite moon smiles through the grey
trees Does he care for her smile
Impossible to say for he is silent and his countenance does not speak as
yet it is no mirror to reflect sensation but rather a mask to conceal it This
boy is a stripling of fifteen slight and tall of his years in his face there
is as little of amenity as of servility his eye seems prepared to note any
incipient attempt to control or overreach him and the rest of his features
indicate faculties alert for resistance Wise ushers avoid unnecessary
interference with that lad To break him in by severity would be a useless
attempt to win him by flattery would be an effort worse than useless He is
best let alone Time will educate and experience train him
Professedly Martin Yorke it is a young Yorke of course tramples on the
name of poetry talk sentiment to him and you would be answered by sarcasm
Here he is wandering alone waiting duteously on Nature while she unfolds a
page of stern of silent and of solemn poetry beneath his attentive gaze
Being seated he takes from his satchel a book not the Latin grammar but
a contraband volume of Fairy tales there will be light enough yet for an hour
to serve his keen young vision besides the moon waits on him her beam dim
and vague as yet fills the glade where he sits
He reads he is led into a solitary mountain region all round him is rude
and desolate shapeless and almost colourless He hears bells tinkle on the
wind forthriding from the formless folds of the mist dawns on him the
brightest vision a greenrobed lady on a snowwhite palfrey he sees her
dress her gems and her steed she arrests him with some mysterious question
he is spellbound and must follow her into Fairyland
A second legend bears him to the seashore there tumbles in a strong tide
boiling at the base of dizzy cliffs it rains and blows A reef of rocks black
and rough stretches far into the sea all along and among and above these
crags dash and flash sweep and leap swells wreaths drifts of snowy spray
Some lone wanderer is out on these rocks treading with cautious step the wet
wild seaweed glancing down into hollows where the brine lies fathoms deep and
emeraldclear and seeing there wilder and stranger and huger vegetation than
is found on land with treasure of shells some green some purple some pearly
clustered in the curls of the snaky plants He hears a cry Looking up and
forward he sees at the bleak point of the reef a tall pale thing shaped
like man but made of spray transparent tremulous awful it stands not
alone they are all human figures that wanton in the rocks a crowd of
foamwomen a band of white evanescent Nereides
Hush shut the book hide it in the satchel Martin hears a tread He
listens No Yes Once more the dead leaves lightly crushed rustle on the
woodpath Martin watches the trees part and a woman issues forth
She is a lady dressed in dark silk a veil covering her face Martin never
met a lady in this wood before nor any female save now and then a
villagegirl come to gather nuts Tonight the apparition does not displease
him He observes as she approaches that she is neither old nor plain but on
the contrary very youthful and but that he now recognises her for one whom he
has often wilfully pronounced ugly he would deem that he discovered traits of
beauty behind the thin gauze of that veil
She passes him and says nothing He knew she would all women are proud
monkeys and he knows no more conceited doll than that Caroline Helstone The
thought is hardly hatched in his mind when the lady retraces those two steps
she had got beyond him and raising her veil reposes her glance on his face
while she softly asks
»Are you one of Mr Yorkes sons«
No human evidence would ever have been able to persuade Martin Yorke that he
blushed when thus addressed yet blush he did to the ears
»I am« he said bluntly and encouraged himself to wonder superciliously
what would come next
»You are Martin I think« was the observation that followed
It could not have been more felicitous it was a simple sentence very
artlessly a little timidly pronounced but it chimed in harmony to the youths
nature it stilled him like a note of music
Martin had a keen sense of his personality he felt it right and sensible
that the girl should discriminate him from his brothers Like his father he
hated ceremony it was acceptable to hear a lady address him as Martin and not
Mr Martin or Master Martin which form would have lost her his good graces for
ever Worse if possible than ceremony was the other extreme of slipshod
familiarity the slight tone of bashfulness the scarcelyperceptible
hesitation was considered perfectly in place
»I am Martin« he said
»Are your father and mother well« it was lucky she did not say papa and
mamma that would have undone all »and Rose and Jessie«
»I suppose so«
»My cousin Hortense is still at Briarmains«
»Oh yes«
Martin gave a comic halfsmile and demigroan the halfsmile was responded
to by the lady who could guess in what sort of odour Hortense was likely to be
held by the young Yorkes
»Does your mother like her«
»They suit so well about the servants they cant help liking each other«
»It is cold tonight«
»Why are you out so late«
»I lost my way in this wood«
Now indeed Martin allowed himself a refreshing laugh of scorn
»Lost your way in the mighty forest of Briarmains You deserve never more to
find it«
»I never was here before and I believe I am trespassing now you might
inform against me if you chose Martin and have me fined it is your fathers
wood«
»I should think I knew that but since you are so simple as to lose your
way I will guide you out«
»You need not I have got into the track now I shall be right Martin« a
little quickly »how is Mr Moore«
Martin had heard certain rumours it struck him that it might be amusing to
make an experiment
»Going to die Nothing can save him All hope flung overboard«
She put her veil aside She looked into his eyes and said
»To die«
»To die All along of the women my mother and the rest they did something
about his bandages that finished everything he would have got better but for
them I am sure they should be arrested cribbed tried and brought in for
Botany Bay at the very least«
The questioner perhaps did not hear this judgment she stood motionless
In two minutes without another word she moved forwards no goodnight no
further inquiry This was not amusing nor what Martin had calculated on he
expected something dramatic and demonstrative it was hardly worth while to
frighten the girl if she would not entertain him in return He called
»Miss Helstone«
She did not hear or turn He hastened after and overtook her
»Come Are you uneasy about what I said«
»You know nothing about death Martin you are too young for me to talk to
concerning such a thing«
»Did you believe me Its all flummery Moore eats like three men they are
always making sago or tapioca or something good for him I never go into the
kitchen but there is a saucepan on the fire cooking him some dainty I think I
will play the old soldier and be fed on the fat of the land like him«
»Martin Martin« here her voice trembled and she stopped
»It is exceedingly wrong of you Martin you have almost killed me«
Again she stopped she leaned against a tree trembling shuddering and as
pale as death
Martin contemplated her with inexpressible curiosity In one sense it was
as he would have expressed it nuts to him to see this it told him so much and
he was beginning to have a great relish for discovering secrets in another
sense it reminded him of what he had once felt when he had heard a blackbird
lamenting for her nestlings which Matthew had crushed with a stone and that
was not a pleasant feeling Unable to find anything very appropriate to say in
order to comfort her he began to cast about in his mind what he could do he
smiled the lads smile gave wondrous transparency to his physiognomy
»Eureka« he cried »Ill set all straight byandby You are better now
Miss Caroline walk forward« he urged
Not reflecting that it would be more difficult for Miss Helstone than for
himself to climb a wall or penetrate a hedge he piloted her by a short cut
which led to no gate The consequence was he had to help her over some
formidable obstacles and while he railed at her for helplessness he perfectly
liked to feel himself of use
»Martin before we separate assure me seriously and on your word of
honour that Mr Moore is better«
»How very much you think of that Moore«
»No but many of his friends may ask me and I wish to be able to give an
authentic answer«
»You may tell them he is well enough only idle you may tell them that he
takes muttonchops for dinner and the best of arrowroot for supper I
intercepted a basin myself one night on its way upstairs and ate half of it«
»And who waits on him Martin Who nurses him«
»Nurses him the great baby Why a woman as round and big as our largest
waterbutt a rough hardfavoured old girl I make no doubt she leads him a
rich life nobody else is let near him he is chiefly in the dark It is my
belief she knocks him about terribly in that chamber I listen at the wall
sometimes when I am in bed and I think I hear her thumping him You should see
her fist she could hold half a dozen hands like yours in her one palm After
all notwithstanding the chops and jellies he gets I would not be in his shoes
In fact it is my private opinion that she eats most of what goes up on the tray
to Mr Moore I wish she may not be starving him«
Profound silence and meditation on Carolines part and a sly watchfulness
on Martins
»You never see him I suppose Martin«
»I No I dont care to see him for my own part«
Silence again
»Did not you come to our house once with Mrs Pryor about five weeks since
to ask after him« again inquired Martin
»Yes«
»I dare say you wished to be shown upstairs«
»We did wish it we entreated it but your mother declined«
»Ay she declined I heard it all she treated you as it is her pleasure to
treat visiters now and then she behaved to you rudely and harshly«
»She was not kind for you know Martin we are relations and it is natural
we should take an interest in Mr Moore But here we must part we are at your
fathers gate«
»Very well what of that I shall walk home with you«
»They will miss you and wonder where you are«
»Let them I can take care of myself I suppose«
Martin knew that he had already incurred the penalty of a lecture and dry
bread for his tea No matter the evening had furnished him with an adventure
it was better than muffins and toast
He walked home with Caroline On the way he promised to see Mr Moore in
spite of the dragon who guarded his chamber and appointed an hour on the next
day when Caroline was to come to Briarmains Wood and get tidings of him he
would meet her at a certain tree The scheme led to nothing still he liked it
Having reached home the dry bread and the lecture were duly administered to
him and he was dismissed to bed at an early hour He accepted his punishment
with the toughest stoicism
Ere ascending to his chamber he paid a secret visit to the diningroom a
still cold stately apartment seldom used for the family customarily dined in
the back parlour He stood before the mantelpiece and lifted his candle to two
pictures hung above female heads one a type of serene beauty happy and
innocent the other more lovely but forlorn and desperate
»She looked like that« he said gazing on the latter sketch »when she
sobbed turned white and leaned against the tree«
»I suppose« he pursued when he was in his room and seated on the edge of
his palletbed »I suppose she is what they call in love yes in love with
that long thing in the next chamber Whisht is that Horsfall clattering him I
wonder he does not yell out It really sounds as if she had fallen on him tooth
and nail but I suppose she is making the bed I saw her at it once she hit
into the mattresses as if she was boxing It is queer Zillah they call her
Zillah Zillah Horsfall is a woman and Caroline Helstone is a woman they are
two individuals of the same species not much alike though Is she a pretty
girl that Caroline I suspect she is very nice to look at something so
clear in her face so soft in her eyes I approve of her looking at me it does
me good She has long eyelashes their shadow seems to rest where she gazes and
to instil peace and thought If she behaves well and continues to suit me as
she has suited me today I may do her a good turn I rather relish the notion
of circumventing my mother and that ogress old Horsfall Not that I like
humouring Moore but whatever I do Ill be paid for and in coin of my own
choosing I know what reward I will claim one displeasing to Moore and
agreeable to myself«
He turned into bed
Chapter XXXIII
Martins Tactics
It was necessary to the arrangement of Martins plan that he should stay at
home that day Accordingly he found no appetite for breakfast and just about
schooltime took a severe pain about his heart which rendered it advisable
that instead of setting out to the grammarschool with Mark he should succeed
to his fathers armchair by the fireside and also to his morningpaper This
point being satisfactorily settled and Mark being gone to Mr Sumners class
and Matthew and Mr Yorke withdrawn to the countinghouse three other exploits
nay four remained to be achieved
The first of these was to realize the breakfast he had not yet tasted and
with which his appetite of fifteen could ill afford to dispense the second
third fourth to get his mother Miss Moore and Mrs Horsfall successively
out of the way before four oclock that afternoon
The first was for the present the most pressing since the work before him
demanded an amount of energy which the present empty condition of his youthful
stomach did not seem likely to supply
Martin knew the way to the larder and knowing this way he took it The
servants were in the kitchen breakfasting solemnly with closed doors his
mother and Miss Moore were airing themselves on the lawn and discussing the
closed doors aforesaid Martin safe in the larder made fastidious selection
from its stores His breakfast had been delayed he was determined it should be
recherché it appeared to him that a variety on his usual somewhat insipid fare
of bread and milk was both desirable and advisable the savoury and the salutary
he thought might be combined There was store of rosy apples laid in straw upon
a shelf he picked out three There was pastry upon a dish he selected an
apricotpuff and a damson tart On the plain household bread his eye did not
dwell but he surveyed with favour some currant teacakes and condescended to
make choice of one Thanks to his claspknife he was able to appropriate a wing
of fowl and a slice of ham a cantlet of cold custardpudding he thought would
harmonize with these articles and having made this final addition to his booty
he at length sallied forth into the hall
He was already halfway across three steps more would have anchored him
in the harbour of the backparlour when the front door opened and there stood
Matthew Better far had it been the Old Gentleman in full equipage of horns
hoofs and tail
Matthew sceptic and scoffer had already failed to subscribe a prompt
belief in that pain about the heart he had muttered some words amongst which
the phrase »shamming Abraham« had been very distinctly audible and the
succession to the armchair and newspaper had appeared to affect him with mental
spasms the spectacle now before him the apples the tarts the teacake the
fowl ham and pudding offered evidence but too well calculated to inflate his
opinion of his own sagacity
Martin paused interdit one minute one instant the next he knew his ground
and pronounced all well With the true perspicacity des âmes élites he at once
saw how this at first sight untoward event might be turned to excellent
account he saw how it might be so handled as to secure the accomplishment of
his second task viz the disposal of his mother He knew that a collision
between him and Matthew always suggested to Mrs Yorke the propriety of a fit of
hysterics he further knew that on the principle of calm succeeding to storm
after a morning of hysterics his mother was sure to indulge in an afternoon of
bed This would accommodate him perfectly
The collision duly took place in the hall A dry laugh an insulting sneer
a contemptuous taunt met by a nonchalant but most cutting reply were the
signals They rushed at it Martin who usually made little noise on these
occasions made a great deal now In flew the servants Mrs Yorke Miss Moore
no female hand could separate them Mr Yorke was summoned
»Sons« said he »one of you must leave my roof if this occurs again I will
have no Cain and Abel strife here«
Martin now allowed himself to be taken off he had been hurt he was the
youngest and slightest he was quite cool in no passion he even smiled
content that the most difficult part of the labour he had set himself was over
Once he seemed to flag in the course of the morning
»It is not worth while to bother myself for that Caroline« he remarked
But a quarter of an hour afterwards he was again in the diningroom looking
at the head with dishevelled tresses and eyes turbid with despair
»Yes« he said »I made her sob shudder almost faint Ill see her smile
before Ive done with her besides I want to outwit all these womenites«
Directly after dinner Mrs Yorke fulfilled her sons calculation by
withdrawing to her chamber Now for Hortense
That lady was just comfortably settled to stocking in the backparlour
when Martin laying down a book which stretched on the sofa he was still
indisposed according to his own account he had been perusing in all the
voluptuous ease of a yet callow pacha lazily introduced some discourse about
Sarah the maid at the Hollow In the course of much verbal meandering he
insinuated information that this damsel was said to have three suitors Frederic
Murgatroyd Jeremiah Pighills and JohnofMallysofHannahsofDebs and
that Miss Mann had affirmed she knew for a fact that now the girl was left in
sole charge of the cottage she often had her swains to meals and entertained
them with the best the house afforded
It needed no more Hortense could not have lived another hour without
betaking herself to the scene of these nefarious transactions and inspecting
the state of matters in person Mrs Horsfall remained
Martin master of the field now extracted from his mothers workbasket a
bunch of keys with these he opened the sideboard cupboard produced thence a
black bottle and a small glass placed them on the table nimbly mounted the
stairs made for Mr Moores door tapped the nurse opened
»If you please maam you are invited to step into the backparlour and
take some refreshment you will not be disturbed the family are out«
He watched her down he watched her in himself shut the door he knew she
was safe
The hard work was done now for the pleasure He snatched his cap and away
for the wood
It was yet but halfpast three it had been a fine morning but the sky
looked dark now it was beginning to snow the wind blew cold the wood looked
dismal the old tree grim Yet Martin approved the shadow on his path he found
a charm in the spectral aspect of the doddered oak
He had to wait to and fro he walked while the flakes fell faster and the
wind which at first had but moaned pitifully howled
»She is long in coming« he muttered as he glanced along the narrow track
»I wonder« he subjoined »what I wish to see her so much for She is not coming
for me But I have power over her and I want her to come that I may use that
power«
He continued his walk
»Now« he resumed when a further period had elapsed »if she fails to come
I shall hate and scorn her«
It struck four he heard the churchclock far away A step so quick so
light that but for the rustling of leaves it would scarcely have sounded on
the woodwalk checked his impatience The wind blew fiercely now and the
thickened white storm waxed bewildering but on she came and not dismayed
»Well Martin« she said eagerly »how is he«
»It is queer how she thinks of him« reflected Martin »the blinding snow
and bitter cold are nothing to her I believe yet she is but a chittyfaced
creature as my mother would say I could find in my heart to wish I had a cloak
to wrap her in«
Thus meditating to himself he neglected to answer Miss Helstone
»You have seen him«
»No«
»Oh You promised you would«
»I mean to do better by you than that Did nt I say I dont care to see
him«
»But now it will be so long before I get to know anything certain about him
and I am sick of waiting Martin do see him and give him Caroline Helstones
regards and say she wished to know how he was and if anything could be done
for his comfort«
»I wont«
»You are changed you were so friendly last night«
»Come we must not stand in this wood it is too cold«
»But before I go promise me to come again tomorrow with news«
»No such thing I am much too delicate to make and keep such appointments in
the winter season if you knew what a pain I had in my chest this morning and
how I went without breakfast and was knocked down besides youd feel the
impropriety of bringing me here in the snow Come I say«
»Are you really delicate Martin«
»Dont I look so«
»You have rosy cheeks«
»Thats hectic Will you come or you wont«
»Where«
»With me I was a fool not to bring a cloak I would have made you cozy«
»You are going home my nearest road lies in the opposite direction«
»Put your arm through mine Ill take care of you«
»But the wall the hedge it is such hard work climbing and you are too
slender and young to help me without hurting yourself«
»You shall go through the gate«
»But «
»But but Will you trust me or not«
She looked into his face
»I think I will Anything rather than return as anxious as I came«
»I cant answer for that This however I promise you be ruled by me and
you shall see Moore yourself«
»See him myself«
»Yourself«
»But dear Martin does he know«
»Ah Im dear now No he does nt know«
»And your mother and the others«
»All is right«
Caroline fell into a long silent fit of musing but still she walked on with
her guide they came in sight of Briarmains
»Have you made up your mind« he asked
She was silent
»Decide We are just on the spot I wont see him that I tell you except
to announce your arrival«
»Martin you are a strange boy and this is a strange step but all I feel
is and has been for a long time strange I will see him«
»Having said that you will neither hesitate nor retract«
»No«
»Here we are then Do not be afraid of passing the parlourwindow no one
will see you My father and Matthew are at the mill Mark is at school the
servants are in the backkitchen Miss Moore is at the cottage my mother in her
bed and Mrs Horsfall in Paradise Observe I need not ring I open the door
the hall is empty the staircase quiet so is the gallery the whole house and
all its inhabitants are under a spell which I will not break till you are
gone«
»Martin I trust you«
»You never said a better word Let me take your shawl I will shake off the
snow and dry it for you You are cold and wet never mind there is a fire
upstairs Are you ready«
»Yes«
»Follow me«
He left his shoes on the mat mounted the stair unshod Caroline stole
after with noiseless step there was a gallery and there was a passage at the
end of that passage Martin paused before a door and tapped he had to tap twice
thrice a voice known to one listener at last said
»Come in«
The boy entered briskly
»Mr Moore a lady called to inquire after you none of the women were
about it is washingday and the maids are over the crown of the head in
soapsuds in the backkitchen so I asked her to step up«
»Up here sir«
»Up here sir but if you object she shall go down again«
»Is this a place or am I a person to bring a lady to you absurd lad«
»No so Ill take her off«
»Martin you will stay here Who is she«
»Your grandmother from that château on the Scheldt Miss Moore talks about«
»Martin« said the softest whisper at the door »dont be foolish«
»Is she there« inquired Moore hastily He had caught an imperfect sound
»She is there fit to faint she is standing on the mat shocked at your
want of filial affection«
»Martin you are an evil cross between an imp and a page What is she like«
»More like me than you for she is young and beautiful«
»You are to show her forward Do you hear«
»Come Miss Caroline«
»Miss Caroline« repeated Moore
And when Miss Caroline entered she was encountered in the middle of the
chamber by a tall thin wasted figure who took both her hands
»I give you a quarter of an hour« said Martin as he withdrew »no more
Say what you have to say in that time till it is past I will wait in the
gallery nothing shall approach Ill see you safe away Should you persist in
staying longer I leave you to your fate«
He shut the door In the gallery he was as elate as a king he had never
been engaged in an adventure he liked so well for no adventure had ever
invested him with so much importance or inspired him with so much interest
»You are come at last« said the meagre man gazing on his visitress with
hollow eyes
»Did you expect me before«
»For a month near two months we have been very near and I have been in
sad pain and danger and misery Cary«
»I could not come«
»Couldnt you But the Rectory and Briarmains are very near not two miles
apart«
There was pain there was pleasure in the girls face as she listened to
these implied reproaches it was sweet it was bitter to defend herself
»When I say I could not come I mean I could not see you for I came with
mamma the very day we heard what had happened Mr MacTurk then told us it was
impossible to admit any stranger«
»But afterwards every fine afternoon these many weeks past I have waited
and listened Something here Cary laying his hand on his breast told me it
was impossible but that you should think of me Not that I merit thought but we
are old acquaintance we are cousins«
»I came again Robert mamma and I came again«
»Did you Come that is worth hearing since you came again we will sit
down and talk about it«
They sat down Caroline drew her chair up to his The air was now dark with
snow an Iceland blast was driving it wildly This pair neither heard the long
wuthering rush nor saw the white burden it drifted each seemed conscious but
of one thing the presence of the other
»So mamma and you came again«
»And Mrs Yorke did treat us strangely We asked to see you No said she
not in my house I am at present responsible for his life it shall not be
forfeited for half an hours idle gossip But I must not tell you all she said
it was very disagreeable However we came yet again mamma Miss Keeldar and
I This time we thought we should conquer as we were three against one and
Shirley was on our side But Mrs Yorke opened such a battery«
Moore smiled »What did she say«
»Things that astonished us Shirley laughed at last I cried mamma was
seriously annoyed we were all three driven from the field Since that time I
have only walked once aday past the house just for the satisfaction of looking
up at your window which I could distinguish by the drawn curtains I really
dared not come in«
»I have wished for you Caroline«
»I did not know that I never dreamt one instant that you thought of me If
I had but most distantly imagined such a possibility «
»Mrs Yorke would still have beaten you«
»She would not Stratagem should have been tried if persuasion failed I
would have come to the kitchen door the servant should have let me in and I
would have walked straight upstairs In fact it was far more the fear of
intrusion the fear of yourself that baffled me than the fear of Mrs Yorke«
»Only last night I despaired of ever seeing you again Weakness has wrought
terrible depression in me terrible depression«
»And you sit alone«
»Worse than alone«
»But you must be getting better since you can leave your bed«
»I doubt whether I shall live I see nothing for it after such exhaustion
but decline«
»You you shall go home to the Hollow«
»Dreariness would accompany nothing cheerful come near me«
»I will alter this this shall be altered were there ten Mrs Yorkes to do
battle with«
»Cary you make me smile«
»Do smile smile again Shall I tell you what I should like«
»Tell me anything only keep talking I am Saul but for music I should
perish«
»I should like you to be brought to the Rectory and given to me and mamma«
»A precious gift I have not laughed since they shot me till now«
»Do you suffer pain Robert«
»Not so much pain now but I am hopelessly weak and the state of my mind is
inexpressible dark barren impotent Do you not read it all in my face I
look a mere ghost«
»Altered yet I should have known you anywhere but I understand your
feelings I experienced something like it Since we met I too have been very
ill«
»Very ill«
»I thought I should die The tale of my life seemed told Every night just
at midnight I used to wake from awful dreams and the book lay open before me
at the last page where was written Finis I had strange feelings«
»You speak my experience«
»I believed I should never see you again and I grew so thin as thin as
you are now I could do nothing for myself neither rise nor lie down and I
could not eat yet you see I am better«
»Comforter sad as sweet I am too feeble to say what I feel but while you
speak I do feel«
»Here I am at your side where I thought never more to be here I speak to
you I see you listen to me willingly look at me kindly Did I count on that
I despaired«
Moore sighed a sigh so deep it was nearly a groan he covered his eyes
with his hand
»May I be spared to make some atonement«
Such was his prayer
»And for what«
»We will not touch on it now Cary unmanned as I am I have not the power
to cope with such a topic Was Mrs Pryor with you during your illness«
»Yes« Caroline smiled brightly »you know she is mamma«
»I have heard Hortense told me but that tale too I will receive from
yourself Does she add to your happiness«
»What mamma She is dear to me how dear I cannot say I was altogether
weary and she held me up«
»I deserve to hear that in a moment when I can scarce lift my hand to my
head I deserve it«
»It is no reproach against you«
»It is a coal of fire heaped on my head and so is every word you address to
me and every look that lights your sweet face Come still nearer Lina and
give me your hand if my thin fingers do not scare you«
She took those thin fingers between her two little hands she bent her head
»et les effleura de ses lèvres« I put that in French because the word
effleurer is an exquisite word Moore was much moved a large tear or two
coursed down his hollow cheek
»Ill keep these things in my heart Cary that kiss I will put by and you
shall hear of it again one day«
»Come out« cried Martin opening the door »Come away you have had twenty
minutes instead of a quarter of an hour«
»She will not stir yet you hempseed«
»I dare not stay longer Robert«
»Can you promise to return«
»No she cant« responded Martin »The thing musnt become customary I
cant be troubled Its very well for once Ill not have it repeated«
»Youll not have it repeated«
»Hush dont vex him we could not have met today but for him but I will
come again if it is your wish that I should come«
»It is my wish my one wish almost the only wish I can feel«
»Come this minute my mother has coughed got up set her feet on the floor
Let her only catch you on the stairs Miss Caroline youre not to bid him
goodbye« stepping between her and Moore »you are to march«
»My shawl Martin«
»I have it Ill put it on for you when you are in the hall«
He made them part he would suffer no farewell but what could be expressed
in looks he half carried Caroline down the stairs In the hall he wrapped her
shawl round her and but that his mothers tread then creaked in the gallery
and but that a sentiment of diffidence the proper natural therefore the
noble impulse of his boys heart held him back he would have claimed his
reward he would have said »Now Miss Caroline for all this give me one
kiss« But ere the words had passed his lips she was across the snowy road
rather skimming than wading the drifts
»She is my debtor and I will be paid«
He flattered himself that it was opportunity not audacity which had failed
him he misjudged the quality of his own nature and held it for something lower
than it was
Chapter XXXIV
Case of Domestic Persecution Remarkable Instance of Pious Perseverance in the
Discharge of Religious Duties
Martin having known the taste of excitement wanted a second draught having
felt the dignity of power he loathed to relinquish it Miss Helstone that
girl he had always called ugly and whose face was now perpetually before his
eyes by day and by night in dark and in sunshine had once come within his
sphere it fretted him to think the visit might never be repeated
Though a schoolboy he was no ordinary schoolboy he was destined to grow up
an original At a few years later date he took great pains to pare and polish
himself down to the pattern of the rest of the world but he never succeeded an
unique stamp marked him always He now sat idle at his desk in the
grammarschool casting about in his mind for the means of adding another
chapter to his commenced romance he did not yet know how many commenced
liferomances are doomed never to get beyond the first or at most the second
chapter His Saturday halfholiday he spent in the wood with his book of fairy
legends and that other unwritten book of his imagination
Martin harboured an irreligious reluctance to see the approach of Sunday
His father and mother while disclaiming community with the Establishment
failed not duly once on the sacred day to fill their large pew in Briarfield
church with the whole of their blooming family Theoretically Mr Yorke placed
all sects and churches on a level Mrs Yorke awarded the palm to Moravians and
Quakers on account of that crown of humility by these worthies worn neither of
them were ever known however to set foot in a conventicle
Martin I say disliked Sunday because the morning service was long and
the sermon usually little to his taste this Saturday afternoon however his
woodland musings disclosed to him a newfound charm in the coming day
It proved a day of deep snow so deep that Mrs Yorke during breakfast
announced her conviction that the children both boys and girls would be better
at home and her decision that instead of going to church they should sit
silent for two hours in the backparlour while Rose and Martin alternately read
a succession of sermons John Wesleys Sermons John Wesley being a Reformer
and an Agitator had a place both in her own and her husbands favour
»Rose will do as she pleases« said Martin not looking up from the book
which according to his custom then and in afterlife he was studying over his
bread and milk
»Rose will do as she is told and Martin too« observed the mother
»I am going to church«
So her son replied with the ineffable quietude of a true Yorke who knows
his will and means to have it and who if pushed to the wall will let himself
be crushed to death provided no way of escape can be found but will never
capitulate
»It is not fit weather« said the father
No answer the youth read studiously he slowly broke his bread and sipped
his milk
»Martin hates to go to church but he hates still more to obey« said Mrs
Yorke
»I suppose I am influenced by pure perverseness«
»Yes you are«
»Mother I am not«
»By what then are you influenced«
»By a complication of motives the intricacies of which I should as soon
think of explaining to you as I should of turning myself inside out to exhibit
the internal machinery of my frame«
»Hear Martin Hear him« cried Mr Yorke »I must see and have this lad of
mine brought up to the Bar Nature meant him to live by his tongue Hesther
your third son must certainly be a lawyer he has the stock in trade brass
selfconceit and words words words«
»Some bread Rose if you please« requested Martin with intense gravity
serenity phlegm the boy had naturally a low plaintive voice which in his
dour moods rose scarcely above a ladys whisper the more inflexibly stubborn
the humour the softer the sadder the tone He rang the bell and gently asked
for his walkingshoes
»But Martin« urged his sire »there is drift all the way a man could
hardly wade through it However lad« he continued seeing that the boy rose as
the churchbell began to toll »this is a case wherein I would by no means balk
the obdurate chap of his will Go to church by all means There is a pitiless
wind and a sharp frozen sleet besides the depth underfoot Go out into it
since thou prefers it to a warm fireside«
Martin quietly assumed his cloak comforter and cap and deliberately went
out
»My father has more sense than my mother« he pronounced »How women miss
it They drive the nail into the flesh thinking they are hammering away at
insensate stone«
He reached church early
»Now if the weather frightens her and it is a real December tempest or
if that Mrs Pryor objects to her going out and I should miss her after all it
will vex me but tempest or tornado hail or ice she ought to come and if
she has a mind worthy of her eyes and features she will come she will be here
for the chance of seeing me as I am here for the chance of seeing her she will
want to get a word respecting her confounded sweetheart as I want to get
another flavour of what I think the essence of life a taste of existence with
the spirit preserved in it and not evaporated Adventure is to stagnation what
champagne is to flat porter«
He looked round The church was cold silent empty but for one old woman
As the chimes subsided and the single bell tolled slowly another and another
elderly parishioner came dropping in and took a humble station in the free
sittings It is always the frailest the oldest and the poorest that brave the
worst weather to prove and maintain their constancy to dear old mother Church
this wild morning not one affluent family attended not one carriage party
appeared all the lined and cushioned pews were empty only on the bare oaken
seats sat ranged the greyhaired elders and feeble paupers
»Ill scorn her if she does nt come« muttered Martin shortly and savagely
to himself The Rectors shovelhat had passed the porch Mr Helstone and his
clerk were in the vestry
The bells ceased the readingdesk was filled the doors were closed the
service commenced void stood the Rectorypew she was not there Martin
scorned her
»Worthless thing Vapid thing Commonplace humbug Like all other girls
weakly selfish shallow«
Such was Martins liturgy
»She is not like our picture her eyes are not large and expressive her
nose is not straight delicate Hellenic her mouth has not that charm I thought
it had which I imagined could beguile me of sullenness in my worst moods
What is she A threadpaper a doll a toy a girl in short«
So absorbed was the young cynic he forgot to rise from his knees at the
proper place and was still in an exemplary attitude of devotion when the
litany over the first hymn was given out To be so caught did not contribute
to soothe him he started up red for he was as sensitive to ridicule as any
girl To make the matter worse the churchdoor had reopened and the aisles
were filling patter patter patter a hundred little feet trotted in It was
the Sundayscholars According to Briarfield winter custom these children had
till now been kept where there was a warm stove and only led into church just
before the Communion and Sermon
The little ones were settled first and at last when the boys and the
younger girls were all arranged when the organ was swelling high and the
choir and congregation were rising to uplift a spiritual song a tall class of
young women came quietly in closing the procession Their teacher having seen
them seated passed into the Rectorypew The Frenchgrey cloak and small beaver
bonnet were known to Martin it was the very costume his eyes had ached to
catch Miss Helstone had not suffered the storm to prove an impediment after
all she was come to church Martin probably whispered his satisfaction to his
hymnbook at any rate he therewith hid his face two minutes
Satisfied or not he had time to get very angry with her again before the
sermon was over she had never once looked his way at least he had not been so
lucky as to encounter a glance
»If« he said »if she takes no notice of me if she shows I am not in her
thoughts I shall have a worse a meaner opinion of her than ever Most
despicable would it be to come for the sake of those sheepfaced
Sundayscholars and not for my sake or that long skeleton Moores«
The sermon found an end the benediction was pronounced the congregation
dispersed she had not been near him
Now indeed as Martin set his face homeward he felt that the sleet was
sharp and the east wind cold
His nearest way lay through some fields it was a dangerous because an
untrodden way he did not care he would take it Near the second stile rose a
clump of trees was that an umbrella waiting there Yes an umbrella held with
evident difficulty against the blast behind it fluttered a Frenchgrey cloak
Martin grinned as he toiled up the steep encumbered field difficult to the foot
as a slope in the upper realms of Etna There was an inimitable look in his face
when having gained the stile he seated himself coolly thereupon and thus
opened a conference which for his own part he was willing to prolong
indefinitely
»I think you had better strike a bargain exchange me for Mrs Pryor«
»I was not sure whether you would come this way Martin but I thought I
would run the chance there is no such thing as getting a quiet word spoken in
the church or churchyard«
»Will you agree Make over Mrs Pryor to my mother and put me in her
skirts«
»As if I could understand you What puts Mrs Pryor into your head«
»You call her mamma dont you«
»She is my mamma«
»Not possible or so inefficient so careless a mamma I should make a
five times better one You may laugh I have no objection to see you laugh your
teeth I hate ugly teeth but yours are as pretty as a pearl necklace and a
necklace of which the pearls are very fair even and well matched too«
»Martin what now I thought the Yorkes never paid compliments«
»They have not done till this generation but I feel as if it were my
vocation to turn out a new variety of the Yorke species I am rather tired of my
own ancestors we have traditions going back for four ages tales of Hiram
which was the son of Hiram which was the son of Samuel which was the son of
John which was the son of Zerubbabel Yorke All from Zerubbabel down to the
last Hiram were such as you see my father Before that there was a Godfrey we
have his picture it hangs in Moores bedroom it is like me Of his character
we know nothing but I am sure it was different to his descendants he has long
curling dark hair he is carefully and cavalierly dressed Having said that he
is like me I need not add that he is handsome«
»You are not handsome Martin«
»No but wait a while just let me take my time I mean to begin from this
day to cultivate to polish and we shall see«
»You are a very strange a very unaccountable boy Martin but dont
imagine you ever will be handsome you cannot«
»I mean to try But we were talking about Mrs Pryor she must be the most
unnatural mamma in existence coolly to let her daughter come out in this
weather Mine was in such a rage because I would go to church she was fit to
fling the kitchenbrush after me«
»Mamma was very much concerned about me but I am afraid I was obstinate I
would go«
»To see me«
»Exactly I thought of nothing else I greatly feared the snow would hinder
you from coming you dont know how pleased I was to see you all by yourself in
the pew«
»I came to fulfil my duty and set the parish a good example And so you
were obstinate were you I should like to see you obstinate I should Would
nt I have you in good discipline if I owned you Let me take the umbrella«
»I cant stay two minutes our dinner will be ready«
»And so will ours and we have always a hot dinner on Sundays Roast goose
today with applepie and ricepudding I always contrive to know the bill of
fare well I like these things uncommonly but Ill make the sacrifice if you
will«
»We have a cold dinner my uncle will allow no unnecessary cooking on the
Sabbath But I must return the house would be in commotion if I failed to
appear«
»So will Briarmains bless you I think I hear my father sending out the
overlooker and five of the dyers to look in six directions for the body of his
prodigal son in the snow and my mother repenting her of her many misdeeds
towards me now I am gone«
»Martin how is Mr Moore«
»That is what you came for just to say that word«
»Come tell me quickly«
»Hang him he is no worse but as illused as ever mewed up kept in
solitary confinement They mean to make either an idiot or a maniac of him and
take out a commission of lunacy Horsfall starves him you saw how thin he was«
»You were very good the other day Martin«
»What day I am always good a model«
»When will you be so good again«
»I see what you are after but youll not wheedle me I am no cats paw«
»But it must be done it is quite a right thing and a necessary thing«
»How you encroach Remember I managed the matter of my own free will
before«
»And you will again«
»I wont the business gave me far too much trouble I like my ease«
»Mr Moore wishes to see me Martin and I wish to see him«
»I daresay« coolly
»It is too bad of your mother to exclude his friends«
»Tell her so«
»His own relations«
»Come and blow her up«
»You know that would advance nothing Well I shall stick to my point See
him I will If you wont help me Ill manage without help«
»Do there is nothing like selfreliance selfdependence«
»I have no time to reason with you now but I consider you provoking
Goodmorning«
Away she went the umbrella shut for she could not carry it against the
wind
»She is not vapid she is not shallow« said Martin »I shall like to watch
and mark how she will work her way without help If the storm were not of snow
but of fire such as came refreshingly down on the cities of the plain she
would go through it to procure five minutes speech of that Moore Now I
consider I have had a pleasant morning the disappointments got time on the
fears and fits of anger only made that short discourse pleasanter when it came
at last She expected to coax me at once shell not manage that in one effort
she shall come again again and yet again It would please me to put her in a
passion to make her cry I want to discover how far she will go what she
will do and dare to get her will It seems strange and new to find one human
being thinking so much about another as she thinks about Moore But it is time
to go home my appetite tells me the hour wont I walk into that goose and
well try whether Matthew or I shall get the largest cut of the applepie
today«
Chapter XXXV
Wherein Matters Make Some Progress but Not Much
Martin had planned well he had laid out a dexterously concerted scheme for his
private amusement but older and wiser schemers than he are often doomed to see
their finestspun projects swept to annihilation by the sudden broom of Fate
that fell housewife whose red arm none can control In the present instance
this broom was manufactured out of the tough fibres of Moores own stubborn
purpose bound tight with his will He was now resuming his strength and making
strange head against Mrs Horsfall Each morning he amazed that matron with a
fresh astonishment First he discharged her from her valetduties he would
dress himself Then he refused the coffee she brought him he would breakfast
with the family Lastly he forbade her his chamber On the same day amidst the
outcries of all the women in the place he put his head out of doors The
morning after he followed Mr Yorke to his countinghouse and requested an
envoy to fetch a chaise from the RedHouse Inn He was resolved he said to
return home to the Hollow that very afternoon Mr Yorke instead of opposing
aided and abetted him the chaise was sent for though Mrs Yorke declared the
step would be his death It came Moore little disposed to speak made his
purse do duty for his tongue he expressed his gratitude to the servants and to
Mrs Horsfall by the chink of his coin The latter personage approved and
understood this language perfectly it made amends for all previous contumacy
she and her patient parted the best friends in the world
The kitchen visited and soothed Moore betook himself to the parlour he had
Mrs Yorke to appease not quite so easy a task as the pacification of her
housemaids There she sat plunged in sullen dudgeon the gloomiest speculations
on the depths of mans ingratitude absorbing her thoughts He drew near and bent
over her she was obliged to look up if it were only to bid him avaunt There
was beauty still in his pale wasted features there was earnestness and a sort
of sweetness for he was smiling in his hollow eyes
»Goodbye« he said and as he spoke the smile glittered and melted He had
no iron mastery of his sensations now a trifling emotion made itself apparent
in his present weak state
»And what are you going to leave us for« she asked »we will keep you and
do anything in the world for you if you will only stay till you are stronger«
»Goodbye« he again said and added »you have been a mother to me give
your wilful son one embrace«
Like a foreigner as he was he offered her first one cheek then the other
she kissed him
»What a trouble what a burden I have been to you« he muttered
»You are the worst trouble now headstrong youth« was the answer »I wonder
who is to nurse you at Hollows cottage your sister Hortense knows no more
about such matters than a child«
»Thank God for I have had nursing enough to last me my life«
Here the little girls came in Jessie crying Rose quiet but grave Moore
took them out into the hall to soothe pet and kiss them He knew it was not in
their mothers nature to bear to see any living thing caressed but herself she
would have felt annoyed had he fondled a kitten in her presence
The boys were standing about the chaise as Moore entered it but for them he
had no farewell To Mr Yorke he only said
»You have a good riddance of me that was an unlucky shot for you Yorke it
turned Briarmains into an hospital Come and see me at the cottage soon«
He drew up the glass the chaise rolled away In half an hour he alighted at
his own gardenwicket Having paid the driver and dismissed the vehicle he
leaned on that wicket an instant at once to rest and to muse
»Six months ago I passed out at this gate« said he »a proud angry
disappointed man I come back sadder and wiser weakly enough but not worried
A cold grey yet quiet world lies round a world where if I hope little I
fear nothing All slavish terrors of embarrassment have left me let the worst
come I can work as Joe Scott does for an honourable living in such doom I
yet see some hardship but no degradation Formerly pecuniary ruin was
equivalent in my eyes to personal dishonour It is not so now I know the
difference Ruin is an evil but one for which I am prepared the day of whose
coming I know for I have calculated I can yet put it off six months not an
hour longer if things by that time alter which is not probable if fetters
which now seem indissoluble should be loosened from our trade of all things
the most unlikely to happen I might conquer in this long struggle yet I
might Good God what might I not do But the thought is a brief madness let
me see things with sane eyes Ruin will come lay her axe to my fortunes roots
and hew them down I shall snatch a sapling I shall cross the sea and plant it
in American woods Louis will go with me Will none but Louis go I cannot tell
I have no right to ask«
He entered the house
It was afternoon twilight yet out of doors starless and moonless twilight
for though keenly freezing with a dry black frost heaven wore a mask of clouds
congealed and fastlocked The milldam too was frozen the Hollow was very
still indoors it was already dark Sarah had lit a good fire in the parlour
she was preparing tea in the kitchen
»Hortense« said Moore as his sister bustled up to help him off with his
cloak »I am pleased to come home«
Hortense did not feel the peculiar novelty of this expression coming from
her brother who had never before called the cottage his home and to whom its
narrow limits had always heretofore seemed rather restrictive than protective
still whatever contributed to his happiness pleased her and she expressed
herself to that effect
He sat down but soon rose again he went to the window he came back to the
fire
»Hortense«
»Mon frère«
»This little parlour looks very clean and pleasant unusually bright
somehow«
»It is true brother I have had the whole house thoroughly and scrupulously
cleaned in your absence«
»Sister I think on this first day of your return home you ought to have a
friend or so to tea if it were only to see how fresh and spruce you have made
the little place«
»True brother if it were not late I might send for Miss Mann«
»So you might but it really is too late to disturb that good lady and the
evening is much too cold for her to come out«
»How thoughtful in you dear Gérard We must put it off till another day«
»I want some one today dear sister some quiet guest who would tire
neither of us«
»Miss Ainley«
»An excellent person they say but she lives too far off Tell Harry Scott
to step up to the Rectory with a request from you that Caroline Helstone should
come and spend the evening with you«
»Would it not be better tomorrow dear brother«
»I should like her to see the place as it is just now its brilliant
cleanliness and perfect neatness are so much to your credit«
»It might benefit her in the way of example«
»It might and must she ought to come«
He went into the kitchen
»Sarah delay tea half an hour« He then commissioned her to despatch Harry
Scott to the Rectory giving her a twisted note hastily scribbled in pencil by
himself and addressed »Miss Helstone«
Scarcely had Sarah time to get impatient under the fear of damage to her
toast already prepared when the messenger returned and with him the invited
guest
She entered through the kitchen quietly tripped up Sarahs stairs to take
off her bonnet and furs and came down as quietly with her beautiful curls
nicely smoothed her graceful merino dress and delicate collar all trim and
spotless her gay little workbag in her hand She lingered to exchange a few
kindly words with Sarah and to look at the new tortoiseshell kitten basking on
the kitchen hearth and to speak to the canarybird which a sudden blaze from
the fire had startled on its perch and then she betook herself to the parlour
The gentle salutation the friendly welcome were interchanged in such
tranquil sort as befitted cousins meeting a sense of pleasure subtle and quiet
as a perfume diffused itself through the room the newly kindled lamp burned up
bright the tray and the singing urn were brought in
»I am pleased to come home« repeated Mr Moore
They assembled round the table Hortense chiefly talked She congratulated
Caroline on the evident improvement in her health her colour and her plump
cheeks were returning she remarked It was true there was an obvious change in
Miss Helstone all about her seemed elastic depression fear forlornness were
withdrawn no longer crushed and saddened and slow and drooping she looked
like one who had tasted the cordial of hearthsease and been lifted on the
wing of hope
After tea Hortense went upstairs she had not rummaged her drawers for a
month past and the impulse to perform that operation was now become resistless
During her absence the talk passed into Carolines hands she took it up with
ease she fell into her best tone of conversation A pleasing facility and
elegance of language gave fresh charm to familiar topics a new music in the
always soft voice gently surprised and pleasingly captivated the listener
unwonted shades and lights of expression elevated the young countenance with
character and kindled it with animation
»Caroline you look as if you had heard good tidings« said Moore after
earnestly gazing at her for some minutes
»Do I«
»I sent for you this evening that I might be cheered but you cheer me more
than I had calculated«
»I am glad of that And I really cheer you«
»You look brightly move buoyantly speak musically«
»It is pleasant to be here again«
»Truly it is pleasant I feel it so And to see health on your cheek and
hope in your eye is pleasant Cary but what is this hope and what is the
source of this sunshine I perceive about you«
»For one thing I am happy in mamma I love her so much and she loves me
Long and tenderly she nursed me now when her care has made me well I can
occupy myself for and with her all the day I say it is my turn to attend to
her and I do attend to her I am her waitingwoman as well as her child I
like you would laugh if you knew what pleasure I have in making dresses and
sewing for her She looks so nice now Robert I will not let her be
oldfashioned And then she is charming to talk to full of wisdom ripe in
judgment rich in information exhaustless in stores her observant faculties
have quietly amassed Every day that I live with her I like her better I
esteem her more highly I love her more tenderly«
»That for one thing then Cary you talk in such a way about mamma it is
enough to make one jealous of the old lady«
»She is not old Robert«
»Of the young lady then«
»She does not pretend to be young«
»Well of the matron But you said mammas affection was one thing that
made you happy now for the other thing«
»I am glad you are better«
»What besides«
»I am glad we are friends«
»You and I«
»Yes I once thought we never should be«
»Cary some day I mean to tell you a thing about myself that is not to my
credit and consequently will not please you«
»Ah dont I cannot bear to think ill of you«
»And I cannot bear that you should think better of me than I deserve«
»Well but I half know your thing indeed I believe I know all about it«
»You do not«
»I believe I do«
»Whom does it concern besides me«
She coloured she hesitated she was silent
»Speak Cary whom does it concern«
She tried to utter a name and could not
»Tell me there is none present but ourselves be frank«
»But if I guess wrong«
»I will forgive Whisper Cary«
He bent his ear to her lips still she would not or could not speak
clearly to the point Seeing that Moore waited and was resolved to hear
something she at last said
»Miss Keeldar spent a day at the Rectory about a week since The evening
came on very wintry and we persuaded her to stay all night«
»And you and she curled your hair together«
»How do you know that«
»And then you chatted and she told you «
»It was not at curlinghair time so you are not as wise as you think and
besides she did nt tell me«
»You slept together afterwards«
»We occupied the same room and bed We did not sleep much we talked the
whole night through«
»Ill be sworn you did and then it all came out tant pis I would rather
you had heard it from myself«
»You are quite wrong she did not tell me what you suspect she is not the
person to proclaim such things but yet I inferred something from parts of her
discourse I gathered more from rumour and I made out the rest by instinct«
»But if she did not tell you that I wanted to marry her for the sake of her
money and that she refused me indignantly and scornfully you need neither
start nor blush nor yet need you prick your trembling fingers with your needle
that is the plain truth whether you like it or not if such was not the
subject of her august confidences on what point did they turn You say you
talked the whole night through what about«
»About things we never thoroughly discussed before intimate friends as we
have been but you hardly expect I should tell you«
»Yes yes Cary you will tell me you said we were friends and friends
should always confide in each other«
»But you are sure you wont repeat it«
»Quite sure«
»Not to Louis«
»Not even to Louis What does Louis care for young ladies secrets«
»Robert Shirley is a curious magnanimous being«
»I daresay I can imagine there are both odd points and grand points about
her«
»I have found her chary in showing her feelings but when they rush out
riverlike and pass full and powerful before you almost without leave from
her you gaze wonder you admire and I think love her«
»You saw this spectacle«
»Yes at dead of night when all the house was silent and starlight and
the cold reflection from the snow glimmered in our chamber then I saw
Shirleys heart«
»Her hearts core Do you think she showed you that«
»Her hearts core«
»And how was it«
»Like a shrine for it was holy like snow for it was pure like flame
for it was warm like death for it was strong«
»Can she love Tell me that«
»What think you«
»She has loved none that have loved her yet«
»Who are those that have loved her«
He named a list of gentlemen closing with Sir Philip Nunnely
»She has loved none of these«
»Yet some of them were worthy of a womans affection«
»Of some womens but not of Shirleys«
»Is she better than others of her sex«
»She is peculiar and more dangerous to take as a wife rashly«
»I can imagine that«
»She spoke of you «
»Oh she did I thought you denied it«
»She did not speak in the way you fancy but I asked her and I would make
her tell me what she thought of you or rather how she felt towards you I
wanted to know I had long wanted to know«
»So had I but let us hear she thinks meanly she feels contemptuously
doubtless«
»She thinks of you almost as highly as a woman can think of a man You know
she can be eloquent I yet feel in fancy the glow of the language in which her
opinion was conveyed«
»But how does she feel«
»Till you shocked her she said you had shocked her but she would not tell
me how she felt as a sister feels towards a brother of whom she is at once
fond and proud«
»Ill shock her no more Cary for the shock rebounded on myself till I
staggered again but that comparison about sister and brother is all nonsense
she is too rich and proud to entertain fraternal sentiments for me«
»You dont know her Robert and somehow I fancy now I had other ideas
formerly that you cannot know her you and she are not so constructed as to be
able thoroughly to understand each other«
»It may be so I esteem her I admire her and yet my impressions concerning
her are harsh perhaps uncharitable I believe for instance that she is
incapable of love «
»Shirley incapable of love«
»That she will never marry I imagine her jealous of compromising her pride
of relinquishing her power of sharing her property«
»Shirley has hurt your amourpropre«
»She did hurt it though I had not an emotion of tenderness not a spark of
passion for her«
»Then Robert it was very wicked in you to want to marry her«
»And very mean my little pastor my pretty priestess I never wanted to
kiss Miss Keeldar in my life though she has fine lips scarlet and round as
ripe cherries or if I did wish it it was the mere desire of the eye«
»I doubt now whether you are speaking the truth the grapes or the
cherries are sour hung too high«
»She has a pretty figure a pretty face beautiful hair I acknowledge all
her charms and feel none of them or only feel them in a way she would disdain
I suppose I was truly tempted by the mere gilding of the bait Caroline what a
noble fellow your Robert is great good disinterested and then so pure«
»But not perfect he made a great blunder once and we will hear no more
about it«
»And shall we think no more about it Cary Shall we not despise him in our
heart gentle but just compassionate but upright«
»Never We will remember that with what measure we mete it shall be measured
unto us and so we will give no scorn only affection«
»Which wont satisfy I warn you of that Something besides affection
something far stronger sweeter warmer will be demanded one day is it there
to give«
Caroline was moved much moved
»Be calm Lina« said Moore soothingly »I have no intention because I
have no right to perturb your mind now nor for months to come dont look as
if you would leave me we will make no more agitating allusions we will resume
our gossip Do not tremble look me in the face see what a poor pale grim
phantom I am more pitiable than formidable«
She looked shyly »There is something formidable still pale as you are«
she said as her eye fell under his
»To return to Shirley« pursued Moore »is it your opinion that she is ever
likely to marry«
»She loves«
»Platonically theoretically all humbug«
»She loves what I call sincerely«
»Did she say so«
»I cannot affirm that she said so no such confession as I love this man or
that passed her lips«
»I thought not«
»But the feeling made its way in spite of her and I saw it She spoke of
one man in a strain not to be misunderstood her voice alone was sufficient
testimony Having wrung from her an opinion on your character I demanded a
second opinion of another person about whom I had my conjectures though they
were the most tangled and puzzled conjectures in the world I would make her
speak I shook her I chid her I pinched her fingers when she tried to put me
off with gibes and jests in her queer provoking way and at last out it came
the voice I say was enough hardly raised above a whisper and yet such a soft
vehemence in its tones There was no confession no confidence in the matter
to these things she cannot condescend but I am sure that mans happiness is
dear to her as her own life«
»Who is it«
»I charged her with the fact she did not deny she did not avow but looked
at me I saw her eyes by the snowgleam It was quite enough I triumphed over
her mercilessly«
»What right had you to triumph Do you mean to say you are fancyfree«
»Whatever I am Shirley is a bondswoman Lioness She has found her captor
Mistress she may be of all round her but her own mistress she is not«
»So you exulted at recognising a fellowslave in one so fair and imperial«
»I did Robert you say right in one so fair and imperial«
»You confess it a fellowslave«
»I confess nothing but I say that haughty Shirley is no more free than was
Hagar«
»And who pray is the Abraham the hero of a patriarch who has achieved
such a conquest«
»You still speak scornfully and cynically and sorely but I will make you
change your note before I have done with you«
»We will see that can she marry this Cupidon«
»Cupidon he is just about as much a Cupidon as you are a Cyclops«
»Can she marry him«
»You will see«
»I want to know his name Cary«
»Guess it«
»Is it any one in this neighbourhood«
»Yes in Briarfield parish«
»Then it is some person unworthy of her I dont know a soul in Briarfield
parish her equal«
»Guess«
»Impossible I suppose she is under a delusion and will plunge into some
absurdity after all«
Caroline smiled
»Do you approve the choice« asked Moore
»Quite quite«
»Then I am puzzled for the head which owns this bounteous fall of hazel
curls is an excellent little thinking machine most accurate in its working it
boasts a correct steady judgment inherited from mamma I suppose«
»And I quite approve and mamma was charmed«
»Mamma charmed Mrs Pryor It cant be romantic then«
»It is romantic but it is also right«
»Tell me Cary Tell me out of pity I am too weak to be tantalized«
»You shall be tantalized it will do you no harm you are not so weak as you
pretend«
»I have twice this evening had some thoughts of falling on the floor at your
feet«
»You had better not I shall decline to help you up«
»And worshipping you downright My mother was a Roman Catholic you look
like the loveliest of her pictures of the Virgin I think I will embrace her
faith and kneel and adore«
»Robert Robert sit still dont be absurd I will go to Hortense if you
commit extravagances«
»You have stolen my senses just now nothing will come into my mind but les
litanies de la sainte Vierge Rose céleste reine des Anges«
»Tour divoire maison dor is not that the jargon Well sit down quietly
and guess your riddle«
»But mamma charmed Theres the puzzle«
»Ill tell you what mamma said when I told her Depend upon it my dear
such a choice will make the happiness of Miss Keeldars life«
»Ill guess once and no more It is old Helstone She is going to be your
aunt«
»Ill tell my uncle Ill tell Shirley« cried Caroline laughing gleefully
»Guess again Robert your blunders are charming«
»It is the parson Hall«
»Indeed no he is mine if you please«
»Yours Ay the whole generation of women in Briarfield seemed to have made
an idol of that priest I wonder why he is bald sandblind greyhaired«
»Fanny will be here to fetch me before you have solved the riddle if you
dont make haste«
»Ill guess no more I am tired and then I dont care Miss Keeldar may
marry le grand Turc for me«
»Must I whisper«
»That you must and quickly here comes Hortense come near a little
nearer my own Lina I care for the whisper more than the words«
She whispered Robert gave a start a flash of the eye a brief laugh Miss
Moore entered and Sarah followed behind with information that Fanny was come
The hour of converse was over
Robert found a moment to exchange a few more whispered sentences he was
waiting at the foot of the staircase as Caroline descended after putting on her
shawl
»Must I call Shirley a noble creature now« he asked
»If you wish to speak the truth certainly«
»Must I forgive her«
»Forgive her Naughty Robert Was she in the wrong or were you«
»Must I at length love her downright Cary«
Caroline looked keenly up and made a movement towards him something
between the loving and the petulant
»Only give the word and Ill try to obey you«
»Indeed you must not love her the bare idea is perverse«
»But then she is handsome peculiarly handsome hers is a beauty that grows
on you you think her but graceful when you first see her you discover her to
be beautiful when you have known her for a year«
»It is not you who are to say these things Now Robert be good«
»Oh Cary I have no love to give Were the goddess of beauty to woo me I
could not meet her advances there is no heart which I can call mine in this
breast«
»So much the better you are a great deal safer without goodnight«
»Why must you always go Lina at the very instant when I most want you to
stay«
»Because you most wish to retain when you are most certain to lose«
»Listen one other word Take care of your own heart do you hear me«
»There is no danger«
»I am not convinced of that the Platonic parson for instance«
»Who Malone«
»Cyril Hall I owe more than one twinge of jealousy to that quarter«
»As to you you have been flirting with Miss Mann she showed me the other
day a plant you had given her Fanny I am ready«
Chapter XXXVI
Written in the Schoolroom
Louis Moores doubts respecting the immediate evacuation of Fieldhead by Mr
Sympson turned out to be perfectly well founded The very next day after the
grand quarrel about Sir Philip Nunnely a sort of reconciliation was patched up
between uncle and niece Shirley who could never find in her heart to be or to
seem inhospitable except in the single instance of Mr Donne begged the whole
party to stay a little longer she begged in such earnest it was evident she
wished it for some reason They took her at her word indeed the uncle could
not bring himself to leave her quite unwatched at full liberty to marry Robert
Moore as soon as that gentleman should be able Mr Sympson piously prayed this
might never be the case to reassert his supposed pretensions to her hand They
all stayed
In his first rage against all the house of Moore Mr Sympson had so
conducted himself towards Mr Louis that that gentleman patient of labour or
suffering but intolerant of coarse insolence had promptly resigned his post
and could now be induced to resume and retain it only till such time as the
family should quit Yorkshire Mrs Sympsons entreaties prevailed with him thus
far his own attachment to his pupil constituted an additional motive for
concession and probably he had a third motive stronger than either of the
other two probably he would have found it very hard indeed to leave Fieldhead
just now
Things went on for some time pretty smoothly Miss Keeldars health was
reestablished her spirits resumed their flow Moore had found means to relieve
her from every nervous apprehension and indeed from the moment of giving him
her confidence every fear seemed to have taken wing her heart became as
lightsome her manner as careless as those of a little child that thoughtless
of its own life or death trusts all responsibility to its parents He and
William Farren through whose medium he made inquiries concerning the state of
Phoebe agreed in asserting that the dog was not mad that it was only
illusage which had driven her from home for it was proved that her master was
in the frequent habit of chastising her violently Their assertion might or
might not be true the groom and gamekeeper affirmed to the contrary both
asserting that if hers was not a clear case of hydrophobia there was no such
disease But to this evidence Louis Moore turned an incredulous ear he reported
to Shirley only what was encouraging she believed him and right or wrong it
is certain that in her case the bite proved innocuous
November passed December came the Sympsons were now really departing it
was incumbent on them to be at home by Christmas their packages were preparing
they were to leave in a few days One winter evening during the last week of
their stay Louis Moore again took out his little blank book and discoursed
with it as follows
»She is lovelier than ever Since that little cloud was dispelled all the
temporary waste and wanness have vanished It was marvellous to see how soon the
magical energy of youth raised her elastic and revived her blooming
After breakfast this morning when I had seen her and listened to her and
so to speak felt her in every sentient atom of my frame I passed from her
sunny presence into the chill drawingroom Taking up a little gilt volume I
found it to contain a selection of lyrics I read a poem or two whether the
spell was in me or in the verse I know not but my heart filled genially my
pulse rose I glowed notwithstanding the frostair I too am young as yet
though she said she never considered me young I am barely thirty there are
moments when life for no other reason than my own youth beams with sweet
hues upon me
It was time to go to the schoolroom I went That same schoolroom is rather
pleasant in a morning the sun then shines through the low lattice the books
are in order there are no papers strewn about the fire is clear and clean no
cinders have fallen no ashes accumulated I found Henry there and he had
brought with him Miss Keeldar they were together
I said she was lovelier than ever she is A fine rose not deep but
delicate opens on her cheek her eye always dark clear and speaking utters
now a language I cannot render it is the utterance seen not heard through
which angels must have communed when there was silence in heaven Her hair was
always dusk as night and fine as silk her neck was always fair flexible
polished but both have now a new charm the tresses are soft as shadow the
shoulders they fall on wear a goddessgrace Once I only saw her beauty now I
feel it
Henry was repeating his lesson to her before bringing it to me one of her
hands was occupied with the book he held the other that boy gets more than his
share of privileges he dares caress and is caressed What indulgence and
compassion she shows him Too much if this went on Henry in a few years when
his soul was formed would offer it on her altar as I have offered mine
I saw her eyelid flitter when I came in but she did not look up now she
hardly ever gives me a glance She seems to grow silent too to me she rarely
speaks and when I am present she says little to others In my gloomy moments
I attribute this change to indifference aversion what not In my sunny
intervals I give it another meaning I say were I her equal I could find in
this shyness coyness and in that coyness love As it is dare I look for
it What could I do with it if found
This morning I dared at least contrive an hours communion for her and me
I dared not only wish but will an interview with her I dared summon solitude
to guard us Very decidedly I called Henry to the door without hesitation I
said Go where you will my boy but till I call you return not here
Henry I could see did not like his dismissal that boy is young but a
thinker his meditative eye shines on me strangely sometimes he half feels what
links me to Shirley he half guesses that there is a dearer delight in the
reserve with which I am treated than in all the endearments he is allowed The
young lame halfgrown lion would growl at me now and then because I have
tamed his lioness and am her keeper did not the habit of discipline and the
instinct of affection hold him subdued Go Henry you must learn to take your
share of the bitter of life with all of Adams race that have gone before or
will come after you your destiny can be no exception to the common lot be
grateful that your love is overlooked thus early before it can claim any
affinity to passion an hours fret a pang of envy suffice to express what you
feel Jealousy hot as the sun above the line Rage destructive as the tropic
storm the clime of your sensations ignores as yet
I took my usual seat at the desk quite in my usual way I am blessed in
that power to cover all inward ebullition with outward calm No one who looks at
my slow face can guess the vortex sometimes whirling in my heart and engulfing
thought and wrecking prudence Pleasant is it to have the gift to proceed
peacefully and powerfully in your course without alarming by one eccentric
movement It was not my present intention to utter one word of love to her or
to reveal one glimpse of the fire in which I wasted Presumptuous I never have
been presumptuous I never will be rather than even seem selfish and
interested I would resolutely rise gird my loins part and leave her and
seek on the other side of the globe a new life cold and barren as the rock
the salt tide daily washes My design this morning was to take of her a near
scrutiny to read a line in the page of her heart before I left I determined
to know what I was leaving
I had some quills to make into pens most mens hands would have trembled
when their hearts were so stirred mine went to work steadily and my voice
when I called it into exercise was firm
This dayweek you will be alone at Fieldhead Miss Keeldar
Yes I rather think my uncles intention to go is a settled one now
He leaves you dissatisfied
He is not pleased with me
He departs as he came no better for his journey this is mortifying
I trust the failure of his plans will take from him all inclination to lay
new ones
In his way Mr Sympson honestly wished you well All he has done or
intended to do he believed to be for the best
You are kind to undertake the defence of a man who has permitted himself to
treat you with so much insolence
I never feel shocked at or bear malice for what is spoken in character
and most perfectly in character was that vulgar and violent onset against me
when he had quitted you worsted
You cease now to be Henrys tutor
I shall be parted from Henry for a while if he and I live we shall meet
again somehow for we love each other and be ousted from the bosom of the
Sympson family for ever Happily this change does not leave me stranded it but
hurries into premature execution designs long formed
No change finds you off your guard I was sure in your calm way you would
be prepared for sudden mutation I always think you stand in the world like a
solitary but watchful thoughtful archer in a wood and the quiver on your
shoulder holds more arrows than one your bow is provided with a second string
Such too is your brothers wont You two might go forth homeless hunters to the
loneliest western wilds all would be well with you The hewn tree would make
you a hut the cleared forest yield you fields from its stripped bosom the
buffalo would feel your rifleshot and with lowered horns and hump pay homage
at your feet
And any Indian tribe of Blackfeet or Flatheads would afford us a bride
perhaps
No hesitating I think not The savage is sordid I think that is I
hope you would neither of you share your hearth with that to which you could
not give your heart
What suggested the wild West to your mind Miss Keeldar Have you been with
me in spirit when I did not see you Have you entered into my daydreams and
beheld my brain labouring at its scheme of a future
She had separated a slip of paper for lighting tapers a spill as it is
called into fragments she threw morsel by morsel into the fire and stood
pensively watching them consume She did not speak
How did you learn what you seem to know about my intentions
I know nothing I am only discovering them now I spoke at hazard
Your hazard sounds like divination A tutor I will never be again never
take a pupil after Henry and yourself not again will I sit habitually at
another mans table no more be the appendage of a family I am now a man of
thirty I have never been free since I was a boy of ten I have such a thirst
for freedom such a deep passion to know her and call her mine such a
daydesire and nightlonging to win her and possess her I will not refuse to
cross the Atlantic for her sake her I will follow deep into virgin woods Mine
it shall not be to accept a savage girl as a slave she could not be a wife I
know no white woman whom I love that would accompany me but I am certain
Liberty will await me sitting under a pine when I call her she will come to my
loghouse and she shall fill my arms
She could not hear me speak so unmoved and she was moved It was right I
meant to move her She could not answer me nor could she look at me I should
have been sorry if she could have done either Her cheek glowed as if a crimson
flower through whose petals the sun shone had cast its light upon it On the
white lid and dark lashes of her downcast eye trembled all that is graceful in
the sense of halfpainful halfpleasing shame
Soon she controlled her emotion and took all her feelings under command I
saw she had felt insurrection and was waking to empire she sat down There
was that in her face which I could read it said I see the line which is my
limit nothing shall make me pass it I feel I know how far I may reveal my
feelings and when I must clasp the volume I have advanced to a certain
distance as far as the true and sovereign and undegraded nature of my kind
permits now here I stand rooted My heart may break if it is baffled let it
break it shall never dishonour me it shall never dishonour my sisterhood in
me Suffering before degradation death before treachery
I for my part said If she were poor I would be at her feet If she were
lowly I would take her in my arms Her Gold and her Station are two griffins
that guard her on each side Love looks and longs and dares not Passion hovers
round and is kept at bay Truth and Devotion are scared There is nothing to
lose in winning her no sacrifice to make it is all clear gain and therefore
unimaginably difficult
Difficult or not something must be done something must be said I could
not and would not sit silent with all that beauty modestly mute in my
presence I spoke thus and still I spoke with calm quiet as my words were I
could hear they fell in a tone distinct round and deep
Still I know I shall be strangely placed with that mountain nymph Liberty
She is I suspect akin to that Solitude which I once wooed and from which I
now seek a divorce These Oreads are peculiar they come upon you with an
unearthly charm like some starlight evening they inspire a wild but not warm
delight their beauty is the beauty of spirits their grace is not the grace of
life but of seasons or scenes in Nature theirs is the dewy bloom of morning
the languid flush of evening the peace of the moon the changefulness of
clouds I want and will have something different This elfish splendour looks
chill to my vision and feels frozen to my touch I am not a poet I cannot live
with abstractions You Miss Keeldar have sometimes in your laughing satire
called me a material philosopher and implied that I live sufficiently for the
substantial Certainly I feel material from head to foot and glorious as Nature
is and deeply as I worship her with the solid powers of a solid heart I would
rather behold her through the soft human eyes of a loved and lovely wife than
through the wild orbs of the highest goddess of Olympus
Juno could not cook a buffalo steak as you like it said she
She could not but I will tell you who could some young penniless
friendless orphan girl I wish I could find such a one pretty enough for me to
love with something of the mind and heart suited to my taste not uneducated
honest and modest I care nothing for attainments but I would fain have the
germ of those sweet natural powers which nothing acquired can rival any temper
Fate wills I can manage the hottest To such a creature as this I should
like to be first tutor and then husband I would teach her my language my
habits and my principles and then I would reward her with my love
Reward her lord of the creation Reward her ejaculated she with a curled
lip
And be repaid a thousandfold
If she willed it Monseigneur
And she should will it
You have stipulated for any temper Fate wills Compulsion is flint and a
blow to the metal of some souls
And love the spark it elicits
Who cares for the love that is but a spark seen flown upward and gone
I must find my orphan girl Tell me how Miss Keeldar
Advertise and be sure you add when you describe the qualifications she
must be a good plain cook
I must find her and when I do find her I shall marry her
Not you and her voice took a sudden accent of peculiar scorn
I liked this I had roused her from the pensive mood in which I had first
found her I would stir her further
Why doubt it
You marry
Yes of course nothing more evident than that I can and shall
The contrary is evident Mr Moore
She charmed me in this mood waxing disdainful half insulting pride
temper derision blent in her large fine eye that had just now the look of a
merlins
Favour me with your reasons for such an opinion Miss Keeldar
How will you manage to marry I wonder
I shall manage it with ease and speed when I find the proper person
Accept celibacy and she made a gesture with her hand as if she gave me
something take it as your doom
No you cannot give what I already have Celibacy has been mine for thirty
years If you wish to offer me a gift a parting present a keepsake you must
change the boon
Take worse then
How What
I now felt and looked and spoke eagerly I was unwise to quit my
sheetanchor of calm even for an instant it deprived me of an advantage and
transferred it to her The little spark of temper dissolved in sarcasm and
eddied over her countenance in the ripples of a mocking smile
Take a wife that has paid you court to save your modesty and thrust herself
upon you to spare your scruples
Only show me where
Any stout widow that has had a few husbands already and can manage these
things
She must not be rich then Oh these riches
Never would you have gathered the produce of the goldbearing garden You
have not courage to confront the sleepless dragon you have not craft to borrow
the aid of Atlas
You look hot and haughty
And you far haughtier Yours is the monstrous pride which counterfeits
humility
I am a dependant I know my place
I am a woman I know mine
I am poor I must be proud
I have received ordinances and own obligations stringent as yours
We had reached a critical point now and we halted and looked at each other
She would not give in I felt Beyond this I neither felt nor saw A few
moments yet were mine the end was coming I heard its rush but not come I
would dally wait talk and when impulse urged I would act I am never in a
hurry I never was in a hurry in my whole life Hasty people drink the nectar of
existence scalding hot I taste it cool as dew I proceeded
Apparently Miss Keeldar you are as little likely to marry as myself I
know you have refused three nay four advantageous offers and I believe a
fifth Have you rejected Sir Philip Nunnely
I put this question suddenly and promptly
Did you think I should take him
I thought you might
On what grounds may I ask
Conformity of rank age pleasing contrast of temper for he is mild and
amiable harmony of intellectual tastes
A beautiful sentence Let us take it to pieces »Conformity of rank« He
is quite above me compare my grange with his palace if you please I am
disdained by his kith and kin »Suitability of age« We were born in the same
year consequently he is still a boy while I am a woman ten years his senior
to all intents and purposes »Contrast of temper« Mild and amiable is he I
what Tell me
Sister of the spotted bright quick fiery leopard
And you would mate me with a kid the Millennium being yet millions of
centuries from mankind being yet indeed an archangel high in the seventh
heaven uncommissioned to descend Unjust barbarian »Harmony of intellectual
tastes« He is fond of poetry and I hate it
Do you That is news
I absolutely shudder at the sight of metre or at the sound of rhyme
whenever I am at the Priory or Sir Philip at Fieldhead Harmony indeed When
did I whip up syllabub sonnets or string stanzas fragile as fragments of glass
and when did I betray a belief that those pennybeads were genuine brilliants
You might have the satisfaction of leading him to a higher standard of
improving his tastes
Leading and improving teaching and tutoring bearing and forbearing Pah
My husband is not to be my baby I am not to set him his daily lesson and see
that he learns it and give him a sugarplum if he is good and a patient
pensive pathetic lecture if he is bad But it is like a tutor to talk of the
»satisfaction of teaching« I suppose you think it the finest employment in the
world I dont I reject it Improving a husband No I shall insist upon my
husband improving me or else we part
God knows it is needed
What do you mean by that Mr Moore
What I say Improvement is imperatively needed
If you were a woman you would school Monsieur votre mari charmingly it
would just suit you schooling is your vocation
May I ask whether in your present just and gentle mood you mean to taunt
me with being a tutor
Yes bitterly and with anything else you please any defect of which you
are painfully conscious
With being poor for instance
Of course that will sting you you are sore about your poverty you brood
over that
With having nothing but a very plain person to offer the woman who may
master my heart
Exactly You have a habit of calling yourself plain You are sensitive about
the cut of your features because they are not quite on an Apollopattern You
abuse them more than is needful in the faint hope that others may say a word in
their behalf which wont happen Your face is nothing to boast of certainly
not a pretty line nor a pretty tint to be found therein
Compare it with your own
It looks like a god of Egypt a great sandburied stone head or rather I
will compare it to nothing so lofty it looks like Tartar you are my mastiffs
cousin I think you as much like him as a man can be like a dog
Tartar is your dear companion In summer when you rise early and run out
into the fields to wet your feet with the dew and freshen your cheek and uncurl
your hair with the breeze you always call him to follow you you call him
sometimes with a whistle that you learned from me In the solitude of your wood
when you think nobody but Tartar is listening you whistle the very tunes you
imitated from my lips or sing the very songs you have caught up by ear from my
voice I do not ask whence flows the feeling which you pour into these songs
for I know it flows out of your heart Miss Keeldar In the winter evenings
Tartar lies at your feet you suffer him to rest his head on your perfumed lap
you let him couch on the borders of your satin raiment his rough hide is
familiar with the contact of your hand I once saw you kiss him on that
snowwhite beautyspot which stars his broad forehead It is dangerous to say I
am like Tartar it suggests to me a claim to be treated like Tartar
Perhaps sir you can extort as much from your penniless and friendless
young orphangirl when you find her
Oh could I find her such as I image her Something to tame first and teach
afterwards to break in and then to fondle To lift the destitute proud thing
out of poverty to establish power over and then to be indulgent to the
capricious moods that never were influenced and never indulged before to see
her alternately irritated and subdued about twelve times in the twentyfour
hours and perhaps eventually when her training was accomplished to behold
her the exemplary and patient mother of about a dozen children only now and
then lending little Louis a cordial cuff by way of paying the interest of the
vast debt she owes his father Oh I went on my orphangirl would give me many
a kiss she would watch on the threshold for my coming home of an evening she
would run into my arms should keep my hearth as bright as she would make it
warm God bless the sweet idea Find her I must
Her eyes emitted an eager flash her lips opened but she reclosed them and
impetuously turned away
Tell me tell me where she is Miss Keeldar
Another movement all haughtiness and fire and impulse
I must know You can tell me You shall tell me
I never will
She turned to leave me Could I now let her part as she had always parted
from me No I had gone too far not to finish I had come too near the end not
to drive home to it All the encumbrance of doubt all the rubbish of indecision
must be removed at once and the plain truth must be ascertained She must take
her part and tell me what it was I must take mine and adhere to it
A minute madam I said keeping my hand on the doorhandle before I opened
it We have had a long conversation this morning but the last word has not been
spoken yet it is yours to speak it
May I pass
No I guard the door I would almost rather die than let you leave me just
now without speaking the word I demand
What dare you expect me to say
What I am dying and perishing to hear what I must and will hear what you
dare not now suppress
Mr Moore I hardly know what you mean you are not like yourself
I suppose I hardly was like my usual self for I scared her that I could
see it was right she must be scared to be won
You do know what I mean and for the first time I stand before you myself I
have flung off the tutor and beg to introduce you to the man and remember he
is a gentleman
She trembled She put her hand to mine as if to remove it from the lock she
might as well have tried to loosen by her soft touch metal welded to metal
She felt she was powerless and receded and again she trembled
What change I underwent I cannot explain but out of her emotion passed
into me a new spirit I neither was crushed nor elated by her lands and gold I
thought not of them cared not for them they were nothing dross that could not
dismay me I saw only herself her young beautiful form the grace the majesty
the modesty of her girlhood
My pupil I said
My master was the low answer
I have a thing to tell you
She waited with declined brow and ringlets drooped
I have to tell you that for four years you have been growing into your
tutors heart and that you are rooted there now I have to declare that you
have bewitched me in spite of sense and experience and difference of station
and estate you have so looked and spoken and moved so shown me your faults
and your virtues beauties rather they are hardly so stern as virtues that
I love you love you with my life and strength It is out now
She sought what to say but could not find a word she tried to rally but
vainly I passionately repeated that I loved her
Well Mr Moore what then was the answer I got uttered in a tone that
would have been petulant if it had not faltered
Have you nothing to say to me Have you no love for me
A little bit
I am not to be tortured I will not even play at present
I dont want to play I want to go
I wonder you dare speak of going at this moment You go What with my heart
in your hand to lay it on your toilet and pierce it with your pins From my
presence you do not stir out of my reach you do not stray till I receive a
hostage pledge for pledge your heart for mine
The thing you want is mislaid lost some time since let me go and seek it
Declare that it is where your keys often are in my possession
You ought to know And where are my keys Mr Moore indeed and truly I have
lost them again and Mrs Gill wants some money and I have none except this
sixpence
She took the coin out of her apronpocket and showed it in her palm I
could have trifled with her but it would not do life and death were at stake
Mastering at once the sixpence and the hand that held it I demanded
Am I to die without you or am I to live for you
Do as you please far be it from me to dictate your choice
You shall tell me with your own lips whether you doom me to exile or call
me to hope
Go I can bear to be left
Perhaps I too can bear to leave you but reply Shirley my pupil my
sovereign reply
Die without me if you will Live for me if you dare
I am not afraid of you my leopardess I dare live for and with you from
this hour till my death Now then I have you you are mine I will never let
you go Wherever my home be I have chosen my wife If I stay in England in
England you will stay if I cross the Atlantic you will cross it also our
lives are riveted our lots intertwined
And are we equal then sir Are we equal at last
You are younger frailer feebler more ignorant than I
Will you be good to me and never tyrannize
Will you let me breathe and not bewilder me You must not smile at present
The world swims and changes round me The sun is a dizzying scarlet blaze the
sky a violet vortex whirling over me
I am a strong man but I staggered as I spoke All creation was exaggerated
colour grew more vivid motion more rapid life itself more vital I hardly saw
her for a moment but I heard her voice pitilessly sweet She would not subdue
one of her charms in compassion perhaps she did not know what I felt
You name me leopardess remember the leopardess is tameless said she
Tame or fierce wild or subdued you are mine
I am glad I know my keeper and am used to him Only his voice will I
follow only his hand shall manage me only at his feet will I repose
I took her back to her seat and sat down by her side I wanted to hear her
speak again I could never have enough of her voice and her words
How much do you love me I asked
Ah you know I will not gratify you I will not flatter
I dont know half enough my heart craves to be fed If you knew how hungry
and ferocious it is you would hasten to stay it with a kind word or two
Poor Tartar said she touching and patting my hand poor fellow stalwart
friend Shirleys pet and favourite lie down
But I will not lie down till I am fed with one sweet word
And at last she gave it
Dear Louis be faithful to me never leave me I dont care for life unless
I may pass it at your side
Something more
She gave me a change it was not her way to offer the same dish twice
Sir she said starting up at your peril you ever again name such sordid
things as money or poverty or inequality It will be absolutely dangerous to
torment me with these maddening scruples I defy you to do it
My face grew hot I did once more wish I were not so poor or she were not
so rich She saw the transient misery and then indeed she caressed me Blent
with torment I experienced rapture
Mr Moore said she looking up with a sweet open earnest countenance
teach me and help me to be good I do not ask you to take off my shoulders all
the cares and duties of property but I ask you to share the burden and to show
me how to sustain my part well Your judgment is wellbalanced your heart is
kind your principles are sound I know you are wise I feel you are benevolent
I believe you are conscientious Be my companion through life be my guide where
I am ignorant be my master where I am faulty be my friend always
So help me God I will«
Yet again a passage from the blank book if you like reader if you dont like
it pass it over
»The Sympsons are gone but not before discovery and explanation My manner
must have betrayed something or my looks I was quiet but I forgot to be
guarded sometimes I stayed longer in the room than usual I could not bear to
be out of her presence I returned to it and basked in it like Tartar in the
sun If she left the oakparlour instinctively I rose and left it too She
chid me for this procedure more than once I did it with a vague blundering
idea of getting a word with her in the hall or elsewhere Yesterday towards
dusk I had her to myself for five minutes by the hallfire we stood side by
side she was railing at me and I was enjoying the sound of her voice the
young ladies passed and looked at us we did not separate erelong they
repassed and again looked Mrs Sympson came we did not move Mr Sympson
opened the diningroom door Shirley flashed him back full payment for his
spying gaze she curled her lip and tossed her tresses The glance she gave was
at once explanatory and defiant it said I like Mr Moores society and I
dare you to find fault with my taste
I asked Do you mean him to understand how matters are
I do said she but I leave the development to chance There will be a
scene I neither invite it nor fear it only you must be present for I am
inexpressibly tired of facing him solus I dont like to see him in a rage he
then puts off all his fine proprieties and conventional disguises and the real
human being below is what you would call »commun plat bas vilain et un peu
méchant« His ideas are not clean Mr Moore they want scouring with soft soap
and fullers earth I think if he could add his imagination to the contents of
Mrs Gills buckingbasket and let her boil it in her copper with rainwater
and bleachingpowder I hope you think me a tolerable laundress it would do
him incalculable good
This morning fancying I heard her descend somewhat early I was down
instantly I had not been deceived there she was busy at work in the
breakfastparlour of which the housemaid was completing the arrangement and
dusting She had risen betimes to finish some little keepsake she intended for
Henry I got only a cool reception which I accepted till the girl was gone
taking my book to the windowseat very quietly Even when we were alone I was
slow to disturb her to sit with her in sight was happiness and the proper
happiness for early morning serene incomplete but progressive Had I been
obtrusive I knew I should have encountered rebuff Not at home to suitors was
written on her brow therefore I read on stole now and then a look watched
her countenance soften and open as she felt I respected her mood and enjoyed
the gentle content of the moment
The distance between us shrank and the light hoarfrost thawed insensibly
ere an hour elapsed I was at her side watching her sew gathering her sweet
smiles and her merry words which fell for me abundantly We sat as we had a
right to sit side by side my arm rested on her chair I was near enough to
count the stitches of her work and to discern the eye of her needle The door
suddenly opened
I believe if I had just then started from her she would have despised me
thanks to the phlegm of my nature I rarely start When I am welloff bien
comfortable I am not soon stirred bien I was très bien consequently
immutable no muscle moved I hardly looked to the door
Goodmorning uncle said she addressing that personage who paused on the
threshold in a state of petrifaction
Have you been long downstairs Miss Keeldar and alone with Mr Moore
Yes a very long time we both came down early it was scarcely light
The proceeding is improper
It was at first I was rather cross and not civil but you will perceive
that we are now friends
I perceive more than you would wish me to perceive
Hardly sir said I we have no disguises Will you permit me to intimate
that any further observations you have to make may as well be addressed to me
Henceforward I stand between Miss Keeldar and all annoyance
You What have you to do with Miss Keeldar
To protect watch over serve her
You sir you the tutor
Not one word of insult sir interposed she not one syllable of disrespect
to Mr Moore in this house
Do you take his part
His part Oh yes
She turned to me with a sudden fond movement which I met by circling her
with my arm She and I both rose
Good Ged was the cry from the morninggown standing quivering at the door
Ged I think must be the cognomen of Mr Sympsons Lares when hardpressed he
always invokes this idol
Come forward uncle you shall hear all Tell him all Louis
I dare him to speak The beggar the knave the specious hypocrite the
vile insinuating infamous menial Stand apart from my niece sir let her go
She clung to me with energy I am near my future husband she said who
dares touch him or me
Her husband he raised and spread his hands he dropped into a seat
A while ago you wanted much to know whom I meant to marry my intention was
then formed but not mature for communication now it is ripe sunmellowed
perfect take the crimsonpeach take Louis Moore
But savagely you shall not have him he shall not have you
I would die before I would have another I would die if I might not have
him
He uttered words with which this page shall never be polluted
She turned white as death she shook all over she lost her strength I laid
her down on the sofa just looked to ascertain that she had not fainted of
which with a divine smile she assured me I kissed her and then if I were to
perish I cannot give a clear account of what happened in the course of the next
five minutes she has since through tears laughter and trembling told me
that I turned terrible and gave myself to the demon she says I left her made
one bound across the room that Mr Sympson vanished through the door as if
shot from a cannon I also vanished and she heard Mrs Gill scream
Mrs Gill was still screaming when I came to my senses I was then in
another apartment the oakparlour I think I held Sympson before me crushed
into a chair and my hand was on his cravat his eyes rolled in his head I was
strangling him I think the housekeeper stood wringing her hands entreating me
to desist I desisted that moment and felt at once as cool as stone But I told
Mrs Gill to fetch the RedHouse Inn chaise instantly and informed Mr Sympson
he must depart from Fieldhead the instant it came though halffrightened out of
his wits he declared he would not Repeating the former order I added a
commission to fetch a constable I said
You shall go by fair means or foul
He threatened prosecution I cared for nothing I had stood over him once
before not quite so fiercely as now but full as austerely It was one night
when burglars attempted the house at SympsonGrove and in his wretched
cowardice he would have given a vain alarm without daring to offer defence I
had then been obliged to protect his family and his abode by mastering himself
and I had succeeded I now remained with him till the chaise came I marshalled
him to it he scolding all the way He was terribly bewildered as well as
enraged he would have resisted me but knew not how he called for his wife and
daughters to come I said they should follow him as soon as they could prepare
the smoke the fume the fret of his demeanour was inexpressible but it was a
fury incapable of producing a deed that man properly handled must ever remain
impotent I know he will never touch me with the law I know his wife over whom
he tyrannizes in trifles guides him in matters of importance I have long since
earned her undying mothers gratitude by my devotion to her boy in some of
Henrys ailments I have nursed him better she said than any woman could
nurse she will never forget that She and her daughters quitted me today in
mute wrath and consternation but she respects me When Henry clung to my neck
as I lifted him into the carriage and placed him by her side when I arranged
her own wrapping to make her warm though she turned her head from me I saw the
tears start to her eyes She will but the more zealously advocate my cause
because she has left me in anger I am glad of this not for my own sake but
for that of my life and idol my Shirley«
Once again he writes a week after
»I am now at Stilbro I have taken up my temporary abode with a friend a
professional man in whose business I can be useful Every day I ride over to
Fieldhead How long will it be before I can call that place my home and its
mistress mine I am not easy not tranquil I am tantalized sometimes
tortured To see her now one would think she had never pressed her cheek to my
shoulder or clung to me with tenderness or trust I feel unsafe she renders me
miserable I am shunned when I visit her she withdraws from my reach Once
this day I lifted her face resolved to get a full look down her deep dark
eyes difficult to describe what I read there Pantheress beautiful
forestborn wily tameless peerless nature She gnaws her chain I see the
white teeth working at the steel She has dreams of her wild woods and pinings
after virgin freedom I wish Sympson would come again and oblige her again to
entwine her arms about me I wish there was danger she should lose me as there
is risk I shall lose her No final loss I do not fear but long delay
It is now night midnight I have spent the afternoon and evening at
Fieldhead Some hours ago she passed me coming down the oakstaircase to the
hall she did not know I was standing in the twilight near the
staircasewindow looking at the frostbright constellations How closely she
glided against the banisters How shyly shone her large eyes upon me How
evanescent fugitive fitful she looked slim and swift as a Northern
Streamer
I followed her into the drawingroom Mrs Pryor and Caroline Helstone were
both there she has summoned them to bear her company awhile In her white
evening dress with her long hair flowing full and wavy with her noiseless
step her pale cheek her eye full of night and lightning she looked I
thought spiritlike a thing made of an element the child of a breeze and
a flame the daughter of ray and raindrop a thing never to be overtaken
arrested fixed I wished I could avoid following her with my gaze as she moved
here and there but it was impossible I talked with the other ladies as well as
I could but still I looked at her She was very silent I think she never spoke
to me not even when she offered me tea It happened that she was called out a
minute by Mrs Gill I passed into the moonlit hall with the design of getting
a word as she returned nor in this did I fail
Miss Keeldar stay one instant said I meeting her
Why the hall is too cold
It is not cold for me at my side it should not be cold for you
But I shiver
With fear I believe What makes you fear me You are quiet and distant
why
I may well fear what looks like a great dark goblin meeting me in the
moonlight
Do not do not pass stay with me awhile let us exchange a few quiet
words It is three days since I spoke to you alone such changes are cruel
I have no wish to be cruel she responded softly enough indeed there was
softness in her whole deportment in her face in her voice but there was
also reserve and an air fleeting evanishing intangible
You certainly give me pain said I It is hardly a week since you called me
your future husband and treated me as such now I am once more the tutor for
you I am addressed as Mr Moore and Sir your lips have forgotten Louis
No Louis no it is an easy liquid name not soon forgotten
Be cordial to Louis then approach him let him approach
I am cordial said she hovering aloof like a white shadow
Your voice is very sweet and very low I answered quietly advancing you
seem subdued but still startled
No quite calm and afraid of nothing she assured me
Of nothing but your votary
I bent a knee to the flags at her feet
You see I am in a new world Mr Moore I dont know myself I dont know
you but rise when you do so I feel troubled and disturbed
I obeyed it would not have suited me to retain that attitude long I
courted serenity and confidence for her and not vainly she trusted and clung
to me again
Now Shirley I said you can conceive I am far from happy in my present
uncertain unsettled state
Oh yes you are happy she cried hastily you dont know how happy you
are any change will be for the worse
Happy or not I cannot bear to go on so much longer you are too generous to
require it
Be reasonable Louis be patient I like you because you are patient
Like me no longer then love me instead fix our marriageday Think of
it tonight and decide
She breathed a murmur inarticulate yet expressive darted or melted from
my arms and I lost her«
Chapter XXXVII
The WindingUp
Yes reader we must settle accounts now I have only briefly to narrate the
final fates of some of the personages whose acquaintance we have made in this
narrative and then you and I must shake hands and for the present separate
Let us turn to the Curates to the muchloved though longneglected Come
forward modest merit Malone I see promptly answers the invocation he knows
his own description when he hears it
No Peter Augustus we can have nothing to say to you it wont do
Impossible to trust ourselves with the touching tale of your deeds and
destinies Are you not aware Peter that a discriminating public has its
crotchets that the unvarnished truth does not answer that plain facts will not
digest Do you not know that the squeak of the real pig is no more relished now
than it was in days of yore Were I to give the catastrophe of your life and
conversation the public would sweep off in shrieking hysterics and there would
be a wild cry for salvolatile and burnt feathers »Impossible« would be
pronounced here »untrue« would be responded there »Inartistic« would be
solemnly decided Note well Whenever you present the actual simple truth it
is somehow always denounced as a lie they disown it cast it off throw it on
the parish whereas the product of your own imagination the mere figment the
sheer fiction is adopted petted termed pretty proper sweetly natural the
little spurious wretch gets all the comfits the honest lawful bantling all
the cuffs Such is the way of the world Peter and as you are the legitimate
urchin rude unwashed and naughty you must stand down
Make way for Mr Sweeting
Here he comes with his lady on his arm the most splendid and the
weightiest woman in Yorkshire Mrs Sweeting formerly Miss Dora Sykes They
were married under the happiest auspices Mr Sweeting having been just inducted
to a comfortable living and Mr Sykes being in circumstances to give Dora a
handsome portion They lived long and happily together beloved by their
parishioners and by a numerous circle of friends
There I think the varnish has been put on very nicely
Advance Mr Donne
This gentleman turned out admirably far better than either you or I could
possibly have expected reader He too married a most sensible quiet lady
little woman the match was the making of him he became an exemplary domestic
character and a truly active parishpriest as a pastor he to his dying day
conscientiously refused to act The outside of the cup and platter he burnished
up with the best polishingpowder the furniture of the altar and temple he
looked after with the zeal of an upholsterer the care of a cabinetmaker His
little school his little church his little parsonage all owed their erection
to him and they did him credit each was a model in its way if uniformity and
taste in architecture had been the same thing as consistency and earnestness in
religion what a shepherd of a Christian flock Mr Donne would have made There
was one art in the mastery of which nothing mortal ever surpassed Mr Donne it
was that of begging By his own unassisted efforts he begged all the money for
all his erections In this matter he had a grasp of plan a scope of action
quite unique he begged of high and low of the shoeless cottage brat and the
coronetted duke he sent out beggingletters far and wide to old Queen
Charlotte to the princesses her daughters to her sons the royal dukes to the
Prince Regent to Lord Castlereagh to every member of the ministry then in
office and what is more remarkable he screwed something out of every one of
these personages It is on record that he got five pounds from the closefisted
old lady Queen Charlotte and two guineas from the royal profligate her eldest
son When Mr Donne set out on begging expeditions he armed himself in a
complete suit of brazen mail that you had given a hundred pounds yesterday
was with him no reason why you should not give two hundred today he would
tell you so to your face and ten to one get the money out of you people gave
to get rid of him After all he did some good with the cash he was useful in
his day and generation
Perhaps I ought to remark that on the premature and sudden vanishing of Mr
Malone from the stage of Briarfield parish you cannot know how it happened
reader your curiosity must be robbed to pay your elegant love of the pretty and
pleasing there came as his successor another Irish curate Mr Macarthey I am
happy to be able to inform you with truth that this gentleman did as much
credit to his country as Malone had done it discredit he proved himself as
decent decorous and conscientious as Peter was rampant boisterous and
this last epithet I choose to suppress because it would let the cat out of the
bag He laboured faithfully in the parish the schools both Sunday and day
schools flourished under his sway like green baytrees Being human of course
he had his faults these however were proper steadygoing clerical faults
what many would call virtues the circumstance of finding himself invited to tea
with a Dissenter would unhinge him for a week the spectacle of a Quaker wearing
his hat in the church the thought of an unbaptized fellowcreature being
interred with Christian rites these things could make strange havoc in Mr
Macartheys physical and mental economy otherwise he was sane and rational
diligent and charitable
I doubt not a justiceloving public will have remarked ere this that I
have thus far shown a criminal remissness in pursuing catching and bringing to
condign punishment the wouldbe assassin of Mr Robert Moore here was a fine
opening to lead my willing readers a dance at once decorous and exciting a
dance of law and gospel of the dungeon the dock and the deadthraw You might
have liked it reader but I should not I and my subject would presently have
quarrelled and then I should have broken down I was happy to find that facts
perfectly exonerated me from the attempt The murderer was never punished for
the good reason that he was never caught the result of the further
circumstance that he was never pursued The magistrates made a shuffling as if
they were going to rise and do valiant things but since Moore himself instead
of urging and leading them as heretofore lay still on his little cottagecouch
laughing in his sleeve and sneering with every feature of his pale foreign
face they considered better of it and after fulfilling certain indispensable
forms prudently resolved to let the matter quietly drop which they did
Mr Moore knew who had shot him and all Briarfield knew it was no other
than Michael Hartley the halfcrazed weaver once before alluded to a frantic
Antinomian in religion and a mad leveller in politics the poor soul died of
delirium tremens a year after the attempt on Moore and Robert gave his wretched
widow a guinea to bury him
The winter is over and gone spring has followed with beamy and shadowy with
flowery and showery flight we are now in the heart of summer in midJune
the June of 1812
It is burning weather the air is deep azure and red gold it fits the time
it fits the age it fits the present spirit of the nations The nineteenth
century wantons in its giant adolescence the Titanboy uproots mountains in his
game and hurls rocks in his wild sport This summer Bonaparte is in the
saddle he and his host scour Russian deserts he has with him Frenchmen and
Poles Italians and children of the Rhine six hundred thousand strong He
marches on old Moscow under old Moscows walls the rude Cossack waits him
Barbarian stoic he waits without fear of the boundless ruin rolling on He puts
his trust in a snowcloud the Wilderness the Wind and the HailStorm are his
refuge his allies are the elements Air Fire Water And what are these
Three terrible archangels ever stationed before the throne of Jehovah They
stand clothed in white girdled with golden girdles they uplift vials brimming
with the wrath of God Their time is the day of vengeance their signal the
word of the Lord of Hosts »thundering with the voice of His excellency«
»Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow or hast thou seen the
treasures of the hail which I have reserved against the time of trouble
against the day of battle and war
Go your ways pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth«
It is done the earth is scorched with fire the sea becomes »as the blood
of a dead man« the islands flee away the mountains are not found
In this year Lord Wellington assumed the reins in Spain they made him
Generalissimo for their own salvations sake In this year he took Badajos he
fought the field of Vittoria he captured Pampeluna he stormed St Sebastian in
this year he won Salamanca
Men of Manchester I beg your pardon for this slight résumé of warlike
facts but it is of no consequence Lord Wellington is for you only a decayed
old gentleman now I rather think some of you have called him a »dotard« you
have taunted him with his age and the loss of his physical vigour What fine
heroes you are yourselves Men like you have a right to trample on what is
mortal in a demigod Scoff at your ease your scorn can never break his grand
old heart
But come friends whether Quakers or Cottonprinters let us hold a
PeaceCongress and let out our venom quietly We have been talking with
unseemly zeal about bloody battles and butchering generals we arrive now at a
triumph in your line On the 18th of June 1812 the Orders in Council were
repealed and the blockaded ports thrown open You know very well such of you
as are old enough to remember you made Yorkshire and Lancashire shake with
your shout on that occasion the ringers cracked a bell in Briarfield belfry it
is dissonant to this day The Association of Merchants and Manufacturers dined
together at Stilbro and one and all went home in such a plight as their wives
would never wish to witness more Liverpool started and snorted like a
riverhorse roused amongst his reeds by thunder Some of the American merchants
felt threatenings of apoplexy and had themselves bled all like wise men at
this first moment of prosperity prepared to rush into the bowels of
speculation and to delve new difficulties in whose depths they might lose
themselves at some future day Stocks which had been accumulating for years
now went off in a moment in the twinkling of an eye warehouses were lightened
ships were laden work abounded wages rose the good time seemed come These
prospects might be delusive but they were brilliant to some they were even
true At that epoch in that single month of June many a solid fortune was
realized
When a whole province rejoices the humblest of its inhabitants tastes a
festal feeling the sound of public bells rouses the most secluded abode as if
with a call to be gay And so Caroline Helstone thought when she dressed
herself more carefully than usual on the day of this trading triumph and went
attired in her neatest muslin to spend the afternoon at Fieldhead there to
superintend certain millinery preparations for a great event the last appeal in
these matters being reserved for her unimpeachable taste She decided on the
wreath the veil the dress to be worn at the altar she chose various robes and
fashions for more ordinary occasions without much reference to the brides
opinion that lady indeed being in a somewhat impracticable mood
Louis had presaged difficulties and he had found them in fact his
mistress had shown herself exquisitely provoking putting off her marriage day
by day week by week month by month At first coaxing him with soft pretences
of procrastination and in the end rousing his whole deliberate but determined
nature to revolt against her tyranny at once so sweet and so intolerable
It had needed a sort of tempestshock to bring her to the point but there
she was at last fettered to a fixed day there she lay conquered by love and
bound with a vow
Thus vanquished and restricted she pined like any other chained denizen of
deserts Her captor alone could cheer her his society only could make amends
for the lost privilege of liberty in his absence she sat or wandered alone
spoke little and ate less
She furthered no preparations for her nuptials Louis was himself obliged to
direct all arrangements he was virtually master of Fieldhead weeks before he
became so nominally the least presumptuous the kindest master that ever was
but with his lady absolute She abdicated without a word or a struggle »Go to
Mr Moore ask Mr Moore« was her answer when applied to for orders Never was
wooer of wealthy bride so thoroughly absolved from the subaltern part so
inevitably compelled to assume a paramount character
In all this Miss Keeldar partly yielded to her disposition but a remark
she made a year afterwards proved that she partly also acted on system »Louis«
she said »would never have learned to rule if she had not ceased to govern
the incapacity of the sovereign had developed the powers of the premier«
It had been intended that Miss Helstone should act as bridesmaid at the
approaching nuptials but Fortune had destined her another part
She came home in time to water her plants She had performed this little
task The last flower attended to was a rosetree which bloomed in a quiet
green nook at the back of the house This plant had received the refreshing
shower she was now resting a minute Near the wall stood a fragment of
sculptured stone a monkish relic once perhaps the base of a cross she
mounted it that she might better command the view She had still the
wateringpot in one hand with the other her pretty dress was held lightly
aside to avoid trickling drops she gazed over the wall along some lonely
fields beyond three dusk trees rising side by side against the sky beyond a
solitary thorn at the head of a solitary lane far off she surveyed the dusk
moors where bonfires were kindling the summer evening was warm the bellmusic
was joyous the blue smoke of the fires looked soft their red flame bright
above them in the sky whence the sun had vanished twinkled a silver point
the Star of Love
Caroline was not unhappy that evening far otherwise but as she gazed she
sighed and as she sighed a hand circled her and rested quietly on her waist
Caroline thought she knew who had drawn near she received the touch unstartled
»I am looking at Venus mamma see she is beautiful How white her lustre
is compared with the deep red of the bonfires«
The answer was a closer caress and Caroline turned and looked not into
Mrs Pryors matron face but up at a dark manly visage She dropped her
wateringpot and stepped down from the pedestal
»I have been sitting with mamma an hour« said the intruder »I have had a
long conversation with her Where meantime have you been«
»To Fieldhead Shirley is as naughty as ever Robert she will neither say
Yes nor No to any question put She sits alone I cannot tell whether she is
melancholy or nonchalant if you rouse her or scold her she gives you a look
half wistful half reckless which sends you away as queer and crazed as
herself What Louis will make of her I cannot tell for my part if I were a
gentleman I think I would not dare undertake her«
»Never mind them they were cut out for each other Louis strange to say
likes her all the better for these freaks he will manage her if any one can
She tries him however he has had a stormy courtship for such a calm character
but you see it all ends in victory for him Caroline I have sought you to ask
an audience Why are those bells ringing«
»For the repeal of your terrible law the Orders you hate so much You are
pleased are you not«
»Yesterday evening at this time I was packing some books for a seavoyage
they were the only possessions except some clothes seeds roots and tools
which I felt free to take with me to Canada I was going to leave you«
»To leave me To leave me«
Her little fingers fastened on his arm she spoke and looked affrighted
»Not now not now Examine my face yes look at me well is the despair of
parting legible thereon«
She looked into an illuminated countenance whose characters were all
beaming though the page itself was dusk this face potent in the majesty of
its traits shed down on her hope fondness delight
»Will the repeal do you good much good immediate good« she inquired
»The repeal of the Orders in Council saves me Now I shall not turn
bankrupt now I shall not give up business now I shall not leave England now I
shall be no longer poor now I can pay my debts now all the cloth I have in my
warehouses will be taken off my hands and commissions given me for much more
this day lays for my fortunes a broad firm foundation on which for the first
time in my life I can securely build«
Caroline devoured his words she held his hand in hers she drew a long
breath
»You are saved Your heavy difficulties are lifted«
»They are lifted I breathe I can act«
»At last Oh Providence is kind Thank Him Robert«
»I do thank Providence«
»And I also for your sake« She looked up devoutly
»Now I can take more workmen give better wages lay wiser and more liberal
plans do some good be less selfish now Caroline I can have a house a home
which I can truly call mine and now «
He paused for his deep voice was checked
»And now« he resumed »now I can think of marriage now I can seek a
wife«
This was no moment for her to speak she did not speak
»Will Caroline who meekly hopes to be forgiven as she forgives will she
pardon all I have made her suffer all that long pain I have wickedly caused
her all that sickness of body and mind she owed to me Will she forget what
she knows of my poor ambition my sordid schemes Will she let me expiate these
things Will she suffer me to prove that as I once deserted cruelly trifled
wantonly injured basely I can now love faithfully cherish fondly treasure
tenderly«
His hand was in Carolines still a gentle pressure answered him
»Is Caroline mine«
»Caroline is yours«
»I will prize her the sense of her value is here in my heart the
necessity for her society is blended with my life not more jealous shall I be
of the blood whose flow moves my pulses than of her happiness and wellbeing«
»I love you too Robert and will take faithful care of you«
»Will you take faithful care of me faithful care as if that rose should
promise to shelter from tempest this hard grey stone But she will care for me
in her way these hands will be the gentle ministrants of every comfort I can
taste I know the being I seek to entwine with my own will bring me a solace a
charity a purity to which of myself I am a stranger«
Suddenly Caroline was troubled her lip quivered
»What flutters my dove« asked Moore as she nestled to and then uneasily
shrank from him
»Poor mamma I am all mamma has must I leave her«
»Do you know I thought of that difficulty I and mamma have discussed it«
»Tell me what you wish what you would like and I will consider if it is
possible to consent but I cannot desert her even for you I cannot break her
heart even for your sake«
»She was faithful when I was false was she not I never came near your
sickbed and she watched it ceaselessly«
»What must I do Anything but leave her«
»At my wish you never shall leave her«
»She may live very near us«
»With us only she will have her own rooms and servant for this she
stipulates herself«
»You know she has an income that with her habits makes her quite
independent«
»She told me that with a gentle pride that reminded me of somebody else«
»She is not at all interfering and incapable of gossip«
»I know her Cary but if instead of being the personification of reserve
and discretion she were something quite opposite I should not fear her«
»Yet she will be your motherinlaw« The speaker gave an arch little nod
Moore smiled
»Louis and I are not of the order of men who fear their mothersinlaw
Cary our foes never have been nor will be those of our own household I doubt
not my motherinlaw will make much of me«
»That she will in her quiet way you know She is not demonstrative and
when you see her silent or even cool you must not fancy her displeased it is
only a manner she has Be sure to let me interpret for her whenever she puzzles
you always believe my account of the matter Robert«
»Oh implicitly Jesting apart I feel that she and I will suit on ne peut
mieux Hortense you know is exquisitely susceptible in our French sense of
the word and not perhaps always reasonable in her requirements yet dear
honest girl I never painfully wounded her feelings or had a serious quarrel
with her in my life«
»No you are most generously considerate indeed most tenderly indulgent
to her and you will be considerate with mamma You are a gentleman all through
Robert to the bone and nowhere so perfect a gentleman as at your own
fireside«
»An eulogium I like it is very sweet I am well pleased my Caroline should
view me in this light«
»Mamma just thinks of you as I do«
»Not quite I hope«
»She does not want to marry you dont be vain but she said to me the
other day My dear Mr Moore has pleasing manners he is one of the few
gentlemen I have seen who combine politeness with an air of sincerity«
»Mamma is rather a misanthropist is she not Not the best opinion of the
sterner sex«
»She forbears to judge them as a whole but she has her exceptions whom she
admires Louis and Mr Hall and of late yourself She did not like you once
I knew that because she would never speak of you But Robert «
»Well what now What is the new thought«
»You have not seen my uncle yet«
»I have mamma called him into the room He consents conditionally if I
prove that I can keep a wife I may have her and I can keep her better than he
thinks better than I choose to boast«
»If you get rich you will do good with your money Robert«
»I will do good you shall tell me how indeed I have some schemes of my
own which you and I will talk about on our own hearth one day I have seen the
necessity of doing good I have learned the downright folly of being selfish
Caroline I foresee what I will now foretell This war must erelong draw to a
close Trade is likely to prosper for some years to come there may be a brief
misunderstanding between England and America but that will not last What would
you think if one day perhaps ere another ten years elapse Louis and I
divide Briarfield parish betwixt us Louis at any rate is certain of power and
property he will not bury his talents he is a benevolent fellow and has
besides an intellect of his own of no trifling calibre His mind is slow but
strong it must work it may work deliberately but it will work well He will
be made magistrate of the district Shirley says he shall she would proceed
impetuously and prematurely to obtain for him this dignity if he would let her
but he will not as usual he will be in no haste ere he has been master of
Fieldhead a year all the district will feel his quiet influence and
acknowledge his unassuming superiority a magistrate is wanted they will in
time invest him with the office voluntarily and unreluctantly Everybody
admires his future wife and everybody will in time like him he is of the
pâte generally approved bon comme le pain daily bread for the most
fastidious good for the infant and the aged nourishing for the poor wholesome
for the rich Shirley in spite of her whims and oddities her dodges and
delays has an infatuated fondness for him she will one day see him as
universally beloved as even she could wish he will also be universally
esteemed considered consulted depended on too much so his advice will be
always judicious his help always goodnatured erelong both will be in
inconvenient request he will have to impose restrictions As for me if I
succeed as I intend to do my success will add to his and Shirleys income I
can double the value of their millproperty I can line yonder barren Hollow
with lines of cottages and rows of cottage gardens «
»Robert And root up the copse«
»The copse shall be firewood ere five years elapse the beautiful wild
ravine shall be a smooth descent the green natural terrace shall be a paved
street there shall be cottages in the dark ravine and cottages on the lonely
slopes the rough pebbled track shall be an even firm broad black sooty
road bedded with the cinders from my mill and my mill Caroline my mill
shall fill its present yard«
»Horrible You will change our blue hillcountry air into the Stilbro smoke
atmosphere«
»I will pour the waters of Pactolus through the valley of Briarfield«
»I like the beck a thousand times better«
»I will get an act for enclosing Nunnely Common and parcelling it out into
farms«
»Stilbro Moor however defies you thank Heaven What can you grow in
Bilberry Moss What will flourish on Rushedge«
»Caroline the houseless the starving the unemployed shall come to
Hollows mill from far and near and Joe Scott shall give them work and Louis
Moore Esq shall let them a tenement and Mrs Gill shall mete them a portion
till the first payday«
She smiled up in his face
»Such a Sundayschool as you will have Cary such collections as you will
get such a dayschool as you and Shirley and Miss Ainley will have to manage
between you The mill shall find salaries for a master and mistress and the
Squire or the Clothier shall give a treat once aquarter«
She mutely offered a kiss an offer taken unfair advantage of to the
extortion of about a hundred kisses
»Extravagant daydreams« said Moore with a sigh and smile »yet perhaps we
may realize some of them Meantime the dew is falling Mrs Moore I shall take
you in«
It is August the bells clash out again not only through Yorkshire but
through England from Spain the voice of a trumpet has sounded long it now
waxes louder and louder it proclaims Salamanca won This night is Briarfield to
be illuminated On this day the Fieldhead tenantry dine together the Hollows
mill workpeople will be assembled for a like festal purpose the schools have a
grand treat This morning there were two marriages solemnized in Briarfield
church Louis Gérard Moore Esq late of Antwerp to Shirley daughter of the
late Charles Cave Keeldar Esq of Fieldhead Robert Gérard Moore Esq of
Hollows mill to Caroline niece of the Rev Matthewson Helstone MA Rector
of Briarfield
The ceremony in the first instance, was performed by Mr Helstone Hiram
Yorke Esq of Briarmains giving the bride away In the second instance Mr
Hall Vicar of Nunnely officiated Amongst the bridal train the two most
noticeable personages were the youthful bridesmen Henry Sympson and Martin
Yorke
I suppose Robert Moores prophecies were partially at least fulfilled
The other day I passed up the Hollow which tradition says was once green and
lone and wild and there I saw the manufacturers daydreams embodied in
substantial stone and brick and ashes the cinderblack highway the cottages
and the cottagegardens there I saw a mighty mill and a chimney ambitious as
the tower of Babel I told my old housekeeper when I came home where I had been
»Ay« said she »this world has queer changes I can remember the old mill
being built the very first it was in all the district and then I can
remember it being pulled down and going with my lakelasses companions to see
the foundationstone of the new one laid the two Mr Moores made a great stir
about it they were there and a deal of fine folk beside and both their
ladies very bonnie and grand they looked but Mrs Louis was the grandest she
always wore such handsome dresses Mrs Robert was quieterlike Mrs Louis
smiled when she talked she had a real happy glad goodnatured look but she
had een that pierced a body through there is no such ladies nowadays«
»What was the Hollow like then Martha«
»Different to what it is now but I can tell of it clean different again
when there was neither mill nor cot nor hall except Fieldhead within two
miles of it I can tell one summerevening fifty years syne my mother coming
running in just at the edge of dark almost fleyed out of her wits saying she
had seen a fairish fairy in Fieldhead Hollow and that was the last fairish
that ever was seen on this country side though theyve been heard within these
forty years A lonesome spot it was and a bonnie spot full of oak trees and
nut trees It is altered now«
The story is told I think I now see the judicious reader putting on his
spectacles to look for the moral It would be an insult to his sagacity to offer
directions I only say God speed him in the quest
1 Find me an English word as good reader and I will gladly dispense with the
French word Reflections wont do