Chapter XL
O'Brien and myself take a step each, _pari passu_--A family reunionproductive of anything but unity--My uncle not always the best friend.
A few days afterwards I left my card with my address with the FirstLord, and the next day received a letter from his secretary, which, tomy delight, informed me that my commission had been made out some daysbefore. I hardly need say that I hastened to take it up, and when payingmy fee to the clerk, I ventured, at a hazard, to inquire whether he knewthe address of Lieutenant O'Brien.
"No," replied he, "I wish to find it out, for he has this day beenpromoted to the rank of Commander."
I almost leaped with joy when I heard this good news. I gave O'Brien'saddress to the clerk, hastened away with my invaluable piece ofparchment in my hand, and set off immediately for my father's house.
But I was met with sorrow. My mother had been taken severely ill, and Ifound the house in commotion--doctors, and apothecaries, and nurses,running to and fro, my father in a state of excitement, and my dearsister in tears. Spasm succeeded spasm; and although every remedy wasapplied, the next evening she breathed her last. I will not attempt todescribe the grief of my father, who appeared to feel remorse at hislate unkind treatment of her, my sister, and myself. These scenes mustbe imagined by those who have suffered under similar bereavements. Iexerted myself to console my poor sister, who appeared to cling to me asto her only support, and, after the funeral was over, we recovered ourtranquillity, although the mourning was still deeper in our hearts thanin our outward dress. I had written to O'Brien to announce the mournfulintelligence, and, like a true friend, he immediately made hisappearance to console me.
O'Brien had received the letter from the Admiralty, acquainting him withhis promotion; and, two days after he arrived, went to take up hiscommission. I told him frankly by what means he had obtained it, and heagain concluded his thanks by a reference to the mistake of the formersupposition, that of my being "the fool of the family."
"By the powers, it would be well for any man if he had a few of suchfoolish friends about him," continued he; "but I won't blarney you,Peter; you know what my opinion always has been, so we'll say no moreabout it."
When he came back, we had a long consultation as to the best method ofproceeding to obtain employment, for O'Brien was anxious to be againafloat, and so was I. I regretted parting with my sister, but my fatherwas so morose and ill-tempered, that I had no pleasure at home, exceptin her company. Indeed, my sister was of opinion, that it would bebetter if I were away, as my father's misanthropy, now unchecked by mymother, appeared to have increased, and he seemed to view me withpositive dislike. It was, therefore, agreed unanimously between mysister, and me, and O'Brien, who was always of our councils, that itwould be advisable that I should be again afloat.
"I can manage him much better when alone, Peter; I shall have nothing tooccupy me, and take me away from him, as your presence does now; and,painful as it is to part with you, my duty to my father, and my wish foryour advancement, induce me to request that you will, if possible, findsome means of obtaining employment."
"Spoken like a hero, as ye are, Miss Ellen, notwithstanding your prettyface and soft eyes," said O'Brien. "And now, Peter, for the means tobring it about. If I can get a ship, there is no fear for you, as Ishall choose you for my lieutenant; but how is that to be managed? Doyou think that you can come over the old gentleman at Eagle Park?"
"At all events, I'll try," replied I; "I can but be floored, O'Brien."
Accordingly, the next day I set off for my grandfather's, and was putdown at the lodge, at the usual hour, about eleven o'clock. I walked upthe avenue, and knocked at the door: when it was opened, I perceived ahesitation among the servants, and a constrained air, which I did notlike. I inquired after Lord Privilege--the answer was, that he waspretty well, but did not see _any_ body.
"Is my uncle here?" said I.
"Yes, sir," replied the servant, with a significant look, "and all hisfamily are here too."
"Are you sure that I cannot see my _grandfather_" said I, laying astress upon the word.
"I will tell him that you are here, sir," replied the man, "but eventhat is against orders."
I had never seen my uncle since I was a child, and could not evenrecollect him--my cousins, or my aunt, I had never met with. In a minutean answer was brought, requesting that I would walk into the library.When I was ushered in, I found myself in the presence of Lord Privilege,who sat in his usual place, and a tall gentleman, whom I knew at once tobe my uncle, from his likeness to my father.
"Here is the young gentleman, my lord," said my uncle, looking at mesternly.
"Heh! what--oh? I recollect. Well, child, so you've been behaving veryill--sorry to hear it. Good-bye."
"Behaving ill, my lord!" replied I. "I am not aware of having so done."
"Reports are certainly very much against you, nephew," observed myuncle, drily. "Some one has told your grandfather what has muchdispleased him. I know nothing about it myself."
"Then some rascal has slandered me, sir," replied I.
My uncle started at the word rascal; and then recovering himself,replied, "Well, nephew, what is it that you require of Lord Privilege,for I presume this visit is not without a cause?"
"Sir," replied I, "my visit to Lord Privilege was, first to thank himfor having procured me my commission as lieutenant, and to request thefavour that he would obtain me active employment, which a line from himwill effect immediately."
"I was not aware, nephew, that you had been made lieutenant; but I agreewith you, that the more you are at sea the better. His lordship shallsign the letter. Sit down."
"Shall I write it, sir?" said I to my uncle: "I know what to say."
"Yes; and bring it to me when it is written."
I felt convinced that the only reason which induced my uncle to obtainme employment was the idea that I should be better out of the way, andthat there was more risk at sea than on shore. I took a sheet of paper,and wrote as follows:--
"My LORD,--May I request that your lordship will be pleased to appoint the bearer of this to a ship, as soon as convenient, as I wish him to be actively employed.
"I am, my lord, &c, &c."
"Why not mention your name?"
"It is of no consequence," replied I, "as it will be delivered inperson, and that will insure my speedy appointment."
The letter was placed before his lordship for signature. It was withsome difficulty that he was made to understand that he was to sign it.The old gentleman appeared much more imbecile than when I last saw him.I thanked him, folded up the letter, and put it in my pocket. At last helooked at me, and a sudden flash of recollection appeared to come acrosshis mind.
"Well child so you escaped from the French prison--heh! and how's yourfriend--what is his name, heh?"
"O'Brien, my lord."
"O'Brien!" cried my uncle, "he is _your_ friend; then, sir, I presume itis to you that I am indebted for all the inquiries and reports which areso industriously circulated in Ireland--the tampering with my servants--and other impertinences?"
I did not choose to deny the truth, although I was a little fluttered bythe sudden manner in which it came to light. I replied, "I never tamperwith any people's servants, sir."
"No," said he, "but you employ others so to do. I discovered the wholeof your proceedings after the scoundrel left for England."
"If you apply the word scoundrel _to_ Captain O'Brien, sir, in his nameI contradict it."
"As you please, sir," replied my uncle, in a passion; "but you willoblige me by quitting this house immediately, and expect nothing more,either from the present or the future Lord Privilege, except thatretaliation which your infamous conduct has deserved."
I felt much irritated, and replied very sharply, "From the present LordPrivilege I certainly expect nothing more, neither do I from hissuccessor; but after your death, uncle, I expect that the person whosucceeds to the title will do all he can for your humble servant
. I wishyou a good morning, uncle."
My uncle's eyes flashed fire as I finished my speech, which indeed was avery bold, and a very foolish one too, as it afterwards proved. Ihastened out of the room, not only from the fear of being turned out ofthe house before all the servants, but also from the dread that myletter to the First Lord might be taken from me by force; but I shallnever forget the scowl of vengeance which crossed my uncle's brows, as Iturned round and looked at him as I shut the door. I found my way outwithout the assistance of the servants, and hastened home as fast as Icould.
"O'Brien," said I, on my return, "there is no time to be lost; thesooner you hasten to town with this letter of introduction, the betterit will be, for depend upon it my uncle will do me all the harm that hecan." I then repeated to him all that had passed, and it was agreed thatO'Brien should take the letter, which, having reference to the bearer,would do as well for him as for me; and, if O'Brien obtained anappointment, I was sure not only of being one of his lieutenants, butalso of sailing with a dear friend. The next morning O'Brien set off forLondon, and fortunately saw the First Lord the day after his arrival,which was a levee day. The First Lord received the letter from O'Brien,and requested him to sit down. He then read it, inquired after hislordship, asked whether his health was good, &c.
O'Brien replied, "that with the blessing of God, his lordship might livemany years: that he had never heard him complain of ill health." Allwhich was not false, if not true. I could not help observing to O'Brien,when he returned home and told me what had passed, "that I thought,considering what he had expressed with respect to white lies and blacklies, that he had not latterly adhered to his own creed."
"That's very true, Peter; and I've thought of it myself, but it is mycreed nevertheless. We all know what's right, but we don't always followit. The fact is, I begin to think that it is absolutely necessary tofight the world with its own weapons. I spoke to Father M'Grath on thesubject, and he replied--'That if anyone, by doing wrong, necessitatedanother to do wrong to circumvent him, that the first party wasanswerable, not only for his own sin, but also for the sin committed inself-defence."
"But, O'Brien, I do not fix my faith so implicitly upon Father M'Grath;and I do not much admire many of his directions."
"No more do I, Peter, when I think upon them; but how am I to puzzle myhead upon these points? All I know is, that when you are divided betweenyour inclination and your duty, it's mighty convenient to have a priestlike Father M'Grath to decide for you, and to look after your soul intothe bargain."
It occurred to me that I myself, when finding fault with O'Brien, had,in the instance of both the letters from Lord Privilege, been alsoguilty of deceit. I was therefore blaming him for the same faultcommitted by myself; and I am afraid that I was too ready in consolingmyself with Father M'Grath's maxim, "that one might do evil that goodmight come." But to return to O'Brien's interview.
After some little conversation, the First Lord said, "Captain O'Brien, Iam always very ready to oblige Lord Privilege, and the more so as hisrecommendation is of an officer of your merit. In a day or two, if youcall at the Admiralty, you will hear further." O'Brien wrote to usimmediately, and we waited with impatience for his next letter: but,instead of the letter, he made his appearance on the third day, andfirst hugged me in his arms, he then came to my sister, embraced her,and skipped and danced about the room.
"What is the matter, O'Brien?" said I, while Ellen retreated inconfusion.
O'Brien pulled a parchment out of his pocket. "Here, Peter, my dearPeter; now for honour and glory. An eighteen-gun brig, Peter. The_Rattlesnake_--Captain O'Brien--West India station. By the holy father!my heart's bursting with joy!" and down he sank into an easy chair."A'n't I almost beside myself?" inquired he, after a short pause.
"Ellen thinks so, I dare say," replied I, looking at my sister, whostood in the corner of the room, thinking O'Brien was really out of hissenses, and still red with confusion.
O'Brien, who then called to mind what a slip of decorum he had beenguilty of, immediately rose, and resuming his usual unsophisticatedpoliteness, as he walked up to my sister, took her hand, and said,"Excuse me, my dear Miss Ellen; I must apologize for my rudeness; but mydelight was so great, and my gratitude to your brother so intense, thatI am afraid that in my warmth I allowed the expression of my feelings toextend to one so dear to him, and so like him in person and in mind.Will you only consider that you received the overflowings of a gratefulheart towards your brother, and for his sake pardon my indiscretion?"
Ellen smiled, and held out her hand to O'Brien, who led her to the sofa,where we all three sat down: and he then commenced a more intelligiblenarrative of what had passed. He had called on the day appointed, andsent up his card. The First Lord could not see him, but referred him tothe private secretary, who presented him with his commission to the_Rattlesnake_, eighteen-gun brig. The secretary smiled most graciously,and told O'Brien in confidence that he would proceed to the West Indiastation as soon as his vessel was manned and ready for sea. He inquiredof O'Brien whom he wished as his first lieutenant. O'Brien replied thathe wished for me; but as, in all probability, I should not be ofsufficient standing to be first lieutenant, that the Admiralty mightappoint any other to the duty, provided I joined the ship. The secretarymade a minute of O'Brien's wish, and requested him, if he had a vacancyto spare as midshipman, to allow him to send one on board; to whichO'Brien willingly acceded, shook hands with him, and O'Brien quitted theAdmiralty to hasten down to us with the pleasing intelligence.
"And now," said O'Brien, "I have made up my mind how to proceed. I shallfirst run down to Plymouth and hoist my pennant; then I shall ask for afortnight's leave, and go to Ireland to see how they get on, and whatFather M'Grath may be about. So, Peter, let's pass this evening ashappily as we can; for though you and I shall soon meet again, yet itmay be years, or perhaps never, that we three shall sit down on the samesofa as we do now."
Ellen, who was still nervous, from the late death of my mother, lookeddown, and I perceived the tears start in her eyes at the remark ofO'Brien, that perhaps we should never meet again. And I did pass a happyevening. I had a dear sister on one side of me, and a sincere friend onthe other. How few situations more enviable!
O'Brien left us early the next morning; and at breakfast-time a letterwas handed to my father. It was from my uncle, coldly communicating tohim that Lord Privilege had died the night before, very suddenly, andinforming him that the burial would take place on that day week, andthat the will would be opened immediately after the funeral. My fatherhanded the letter over to me without saying a word, and sipped his teawith his tea-spoon. I cannot say that I felt very much on the occasion;but I did feel, because he had been kind to me at one time: as for myfather's feelings, I could not--or rather I should say, I did not wishto analyze them. As soon as he had finished his cup of tea, he left thebreakfast-table, and went into his study. I then communicated theintelligence to my sister Ellen.
"My God!" said she, after a pause, putting her hand up to her eyes;"what a strange unnatural state of society must we have arrived at, whenmy father can thus receive the intelligence of a parent's death! Is itnot dreadful?"
"It is, my dearest girl," replied I; "but every feeling has beensacrificed to worldly considerations and an empty name. The younger sonshave been neglected, if not deserted. Virtue, talent, everything set atnaught--intrinsic value despised--and the only claim to considerationadmitted, that of being the heir entail. When all the ties of nature arecast loose by the parents, can you be surprised if the children are nolonger bound by them? Most truly do you observe, that it is a detestablestate of society."
"I did not say detestable, brother; I said strange and unnatural."
"Had you said what I said, Ellen, you would not have been wrong. I wouldnot for the title and wealth which it brings, be the heartless,isolated, I may say neglected being that my grandfather was; were itoffered now, I would not barter for it Ellen's love."
Ellen threw herself in my
arms; we then walked into the garden, where wehad a long conversation relative to our future wishes, hopes, andprospects.