CHAPTER XXX. A BOUDOIR.
When, having passed through a suite of gorgeously furnished rooms,Forester entered the dimly lighted boudoir where his lady-motherreclined, his feelings were full of troubled emotion. The remembranceof the last time he had been there was present to his mind, mingledwith anxious fears as to his approaching reception. Had he been moreconversant with the "world," he needed not to have suffered thesehesitations. There are few conditions in life between which so widea gulf yawns as that of the titled heir of a house and the youngerbrother. He was, then, as little prepared for the affectionategreeting that met him as for the absence of all trace of illness in herLadyship's appearance. Both were very grateful to his feelings as hedrew his chair beside her sofa, and a soft remembrance of former days ofhappiness stole over his pleased senses. Lord Netherby, with a fittingconsideration, had left them to enjoy this interview alone, and thustheir emotions were unrestrained by the presence of the only one who hadwitnessed their parting. Perhaps the most distinguishing trait of theclosest affection is that the interruptions to its course do not involvethe misery of reconciliation to enable us to return to our own place inthe heart; but that, the moment of grief or anger or doubt over, wefeel that we have a right to resume our influence in the breast whosethoughts have so long mingled with our own. The close ties of filial andparental love are certainly of this nature, and it must be a stubbornheart whose instincts do not tend to that forgiveness which as muchblots out as it pardons past errors. Such was not Lady Netherby's.Pride of station, the ambition of leadership in certain circles, had soincorporated themselves with the better dictates of her mind that sherarely, if ever, permitted mere feeling to influence her; but if fora moment it did get the ascendancy, her heart could feel as acutely asthough it had been accustomed to such indulgence. In a word, she was asaffectionate as the requirements of her rank permitted. Oh, this Rank,this Rank! how do its conventionalities twine and twist themselves roundour natures till love and friendship are actually subject to the coldordinance of a fashion! How many hide the dark spots of their heartbehind the false screen they call their "Rank"! The rich man, in theBible, clothed in his purple, and faring sumptuously, was but acting inconformity with his "Rank;" nay, more, he was charitable as became his"Rank," for the poor were fed with the crumbs from his table.
Forester was well calculated by natural advantages to attract a mother'spride. He was handsome and well-bred; had even more than a fair shareof abilities, which gained credit for something higher from anative quickness of apprehension; and even already the adventurouscircumstances of his first campaign had invested his character with adegree of interest that promised well for his success in the world. Ifher manner to him was then kind and affectionate, it was mingled alsowith something of admiration, which her woman's heart yielded to theromantic traits of the youth.
She listened with eager pleasure to the animated description he gave ofthe morning at Aboukir, and the brilliant panorama of the attack; norwas the enjoyment marred by the mention of the only name that could havepained her, the last words of Lord Netherby having sealed Forester'slips with respect to the Knight of Gwynne.
The changeful fortunes of his life as a prisoner were mingled with therecital of the news by which his exchange was effected; and this broughtback once more the subject by which their interview was opened,--thedeath of his elder brother. Lady Netherby perhaps felt she had doneenough for sorrow, for she dwelt but passingly on the theme, and ratheraddressed herself to the future which was now about to open before herremaining son, carefully avoiding, however, the slightest phrasethat should imply dictation, and only seeming to express the naturalexpectation "the world" had formed of what his career should be. "LordNetherby tells me," said she, "that the Duke of York will, in alllikelihood, name you as an extra aide-decamp, in which case you probablywould remain in the service. It is an honor that could not well bedeclined."
"I scarcely like to form fixed intentions which have no fixedfoundations," said Forester; "but if I might give way to my own wishes,it would be to indulge in perfect liberty,--to have no master."
"Nor any mistress, either, to control you, for some time, I suppose,"rejoined she, smiling, as if carelessly, but watching how her words weretaken. Forester affected to partake in the laugh, but could not conceala slight degree of confusion. Lady Netherby was too clever a tacticianto let even a momentary awkwardness interrupt the interview, andresumed: "You will be dreadfully worried by all the 'lionizing' in storefor you, I'm certain; you are to be feasted and feted to any extent, andwill be fortunate if the gratulations on your recovery do not bring backyour illness."
"I shall get away from it all at once," said Forester, rising, andwalking up and down, as if the thought had suggested the impatientmovement.
"You cannot avoid presenting yourself at the levee," said Lady Netherby,anxiously; for already a dread of her son's wilful temper came over her."His Royal Highness's inquiries after you do not leave an option on thismatter."
"What if I'm too ill?" said he, doggedly; "what if I should not be intown?"
"But where else could you be, Richard?" said she, with a resumption ofher old imperiousness of tone and manner.
"In Ireland, madam," said Forester, coldly.
"In Ireland! And why, for any sake, in Ireland?"
Forester hesitated, and grew scarlet; he did not know whether to evadeinquiry by a vague reply, or at once avow his secret determination.At length, with a faltering, uncertain voice, he said: "A matter ofbusiness will bring me to that country; I have already conversed withLord Castlereagh on the subject. Lord Netherby was present."
"I'm sure he could never concur,-I'm certain." So far her Ladyship hadproceeded, when a sudden fear came over her that she had ventured toofar, and turning hastily, she rang the bell beside her. "Davenport,"said she to the grave-looking groom of the chambers, who asinstantaneously appeared, "is my Lord at home?"
"His Lordship is in the library, my Lady."
"Alone?"
"No, my Lady, a gentleman from Ireland is with his Lordship."
"A gentleman from Ireland!" repeated she, half aloud, as though the verymention of that country were destined to persecute her; then quicklyadded, "Say I wish to speak with him here."
The servant bowed and withdrew; and now a perfect silence reigned in theapartment. Forester felt that he had gone too far to retreat, evenwere he so disposed, and although dreading nothing more than a "scene,"awaited, without speaking, the course of events. As much yielding to aninvoluntary impatience as to relieve the awkwardness of the interval,he arose and walked into the adjoining drawing-room, carelessly tossingover books and prints upon the tables, and trying to affect an ease hewas very far from experiencing.
It was while he was thus engaged that Lord Netherby entered the boudoir,and seeing her Ladyship alone, was about to speak in his usual tone,when, at a gesture from her, he was made aware of Forester's vicinity,and hastily subdued his voice to a whisper. "Whatever the nature of thetidings which in a hurried and eager tone his Lordship retailed, hermanner on hearing evinced a mingled astonishment and delight, if theword dare be applied to an emotion whose source was in anything ratherthan an amiable feeling.
"It seems too absurd, too monstrous in every way," exclaimed she, at theend of an explanation which took several minutes to recount. "And whyaddress himself to you? That seems also inexplicable."
"This," rejoined Lord Netherby, aloud,---"this was his own inspiration.He candidly acknowledges that no one either counselled or is even awareof the step he has taken."
"Perhaps the _a propos_ may do us good service," whispered she, with aglance darted at the room where Forester was now endeavoring, by hummingan air, to give token of his vicinity as well as assume an air ofindifference.
"I thought of that," said Lord Netherby, in the same low voice. "Wouldyou see him? A few moments would be enough."
Lady Netherby made no answer, but with closed eyes and compressed lipsseemed to reflect deeply for several minute
s. At last she said: "Yes,let him come. I'll detain Richard in the drawing-room; he shall heareverything that is said. If I know anything of him, the insult to hispride will do far more than all our arguments and entreaties."
"Don't chill my little friend by any coldness of manner," said hisLordship, smiling, as he moved towards the door; "I have only got himproperly thawed within the last few minutes."
"My dear Richard," said she, as the door closed after Lord Netherby, "Imust keep you prisoner in the drawing-room for a few minutes, while Ireceive a visitor of Lord Netherby's. Don't close the doors; I can'tendure heat and this room becomes insupportable without a slightcurrent of air. Besides, there is no secret, I fancy, in thecommunication. As well as I understand the matter, it does not concernus; but Netherby is always doing some piece of silly good-nature, forwhich no one thanks him!"
The last reflection was half soliloquy, but said so that Forester couldand did hear every word of it. While her Ladyship, therefore, patientlyawaited the arrival of her visitor in one room, Forester threw himselfinto a chair, and taking up a book at hazard, endeavored to pass theinterval without further thought about the matter.
Sitting with his back towards the door of the boudoir. Foresteraccidentally had placed himself in such a position that a large mirrorbetween the windows reflected to him a considerable portion of the scenewithin. It was then with an amount of astonishment far above ordinarythat he beheld the strange-looking figure who followed Lord Netherbyinto the apartment of his mother. He was a short, dumpy man, with a baldhead, over which the long hairs of either side were studiously combedinto an ingenious kind of network, and meeting at an angle abovethe cranium, looked like the uncovered rafters of a new house. Twofierce-looking gray eyes that seemed ready for fun or malice, rolledand revolved unceasingly over the various decorations of the chamber,while a large thick-lipped mouth, slightly opened at either end, vouchedfor one who neglected no palpable occasion for self-indulgence orenjoyment. There was, indeed, throughout his appearance, a look of racysatisfaction and contentment, that consorted but ill with his costume,which was a suit of deep mourning; his clothes having all the glossand shine of a recent domestic loss, and made, as seems something to beexpected on these occasions, considerably too large for him, as thoughto imply that the defunct should not be defrauded in the full measure ofsorrow. Deep crape weepers encircled his arms to the elbows, and a verybanner of black hung mournfully from his hat.
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"Mr.-------" Here Lord Netherby hesitated, forgetful of his name.
"Dempsey, Paul Dempsey, your Grace," said the little man, as, steppingforward, he performed the salutation before Lady Netherby, by which hewas accustomed to precede an invitation to dance.
"Pray be seated, Mr. Dempsey. I have just briefly mentioned to herLadyship the circumstances of our interesting conversation, and withyour permission will proceed with my recital, begging that if I fallinto any error you will kindly set me right. This will enable LadyNetherby, who is still an invalid, to support the fatigue of aninterview wherein her advice and counsel will be of great benefit to usboth."
Mr. Dempsey bowed several times, not sorry, perhaps, that in such anawful presence he was spared the office of chief orator.
"I told you, my dear," said Lord Netherby, turning towards herLadyship, "that this gentleman had for a considerable time back enjoyedthe pleasure of intimacy with our worthy relative Lady Eleanor Darcy--"
The fall of a heavy book in the adjoining room interrupted his Lordship,between whom and Lady Netherby a most significant interchange of glancestook place. He resumed, however, without a pause,--
"Lady Eleanor and her accomplished daughter. If the more urgent questionwere uot now before us, it would gratify you to learn, as I have justdone, the admirable patience she has exhibited under the severe trialsshe has met; the profound insight she obtained into the condition,hopeless as it proves to be, of their unhappy circumstances; and theresignation in which, submitting to changed fortune, she not only has atonce abandoned the modes of living she was habituated to, but actuallydescended to what I can fancy must have been the hardest infliction ofall,--vulgar companionship, and the society of a boarding-house."
"A most respectable establishment, though," broke in Paul; "Fumbally'sis known all over Ulster--"
A very supercilious smile from Lady Netherby cut short a panegyric Mr.Dempsey would gladly have extended.
"No doubt, sir, it was the best thing of the kind," resumed hisLordship; "but remember who Lady Eleanor Darcy was,--ay, and is.Think of the station she had always held, and then fancy her in dailyintercourse with those people--"
"Oh, it is very horrid, indeed!" broke in Lady Netherby, leaning back,and looking overcome even at the bare conception of the enormity.
"The little miserable notorieties of a fishing-village--"
"Coleraine, my Lord,--Coleraine," cried Dempsey.
"Well, be it so. What is Coleraine?"
"A very thriving town on the river Bann, with a smart trade in yarn, twobreweries, three meeting-houses, a pound, and a Sunday-school," repeatedPaul, as rapidly as though reading from a volume of a topographicaldictionary.
"All very commendable and delightful institutions, on which I begheartily to offer my congratulations, but, you will allow me to remark,scarcely enough to compensate for the accustomed appliances of aresidence at Gwynne Abbey. But I see we are trespassing on LadyNetherby's strength. You seem faint, my dear."
"It's nothing,--it will pass over in a moment or so. This sad account ofthese poor people has distressed me greatly."
"Well, then, we must hasten on. Mr. Dempsey became acquainted with ourpoor friends in this their exile; and although from his delicacy andgood taste he will not dwell on the circumstance, it is quite clear tome, has shown them many attentions; I might use a stronger word, and saykindnesses."
"Oh! by Jove, I did nothing. I could do nothing--"
"Nay, sir, you are unjust to yourself; the very intentions by whichyou set out on your present journey are the shortest answer to thatquestion. It would appear, my dear, that my fair relative, MissDarcy, has not forfeited the claim she possessed to great beauty andattraction; for here, in the gentleman before us, is an evidence oftheir existence. Mr. Dempsey, who 'never told his love,' as the poetsays, waited in submission himself for the hour of his changing fortune;and until the death of his mother--"
"No, my Lord; my uncle, Bob Dempsey, of Dempsey's Grove."
"His uncle, I mean. Mr. Dempsey, of Dempsey's Hole."
"Grove,-Dempsey's Grove," interpolated Paul, reddening.
"Grove, I should say," repeated Lord Netherby, unmoved. "By which he hassucceeded to a very comfortable independence, and is now in a positionto make an offer of his hand and fortune."
"Under the conditions, my Lord,--under the conditions," whispered Paul.
"I have not forgotten them," resumed Lord Netherby, aloud. "It would beungenerous not to remember them, even for your sake, Mr. Dempsey, seeinghow much my poor, dear relative, Lady Eleanor, is beut on prosecutingthis unhappy suit, void of all hope, as it seems to be, and not havingany money of her owu--"
"Ready money,--cash," interposed Paul.
"So I mean--ready money to make the advances necessary--Mr. Dempseywishes to raise a certain sum by loan, on the security of his property,which may enable the Darcys to proceed with their claim; this deed to beexecuted on his marriage with Miss Darcy. Am I correct, sir?"
"Quite correct, my Lord; you've only omitted that, to save expensivesearches, lawyers' fees, and other devilments of the like nature, thatyour Lordship should advance the blunt yourself?"
"I was coming to that point. Mr. Dempsey opines that, taking theinterest it is natural we should do in our poor friends, he has akind of claim to make this proposition to us. He is aware of ourrelationship--mine, I mean--to Lady Eleanor. She spoke to you, Ibelieve, on that subject, Mr. Dempsey?"
"Not exactly to _me_," said Paul, hesitating, and recalling the mannerin which he became cogn
izant of the circumstance; "but I heard hersay that your Lordship was under very deep obligation to her ownfather,--that you were, so to say, a little out at elbows once, verylike myself before Bob died, and that then--"
"We all lived together like brothers and sisters," said his Lordship,reddening. "I 'm sure I can't forget how happily the time went over."
"Then Lady Eleanor, I presume, sir, did not advert to thosecircumstances as a reason for your addressing yourself to LordNetherby?" said her Ladyship, with a look of stern severity.
"Why, my Lady, she knows nothing about my coming here. Lord bless us! Iwouldn't have told her for a thousand pounds!"
"Nor Miss Darcy, either?"
"Not a bit of it! Oh, by Jove! if you think they 're not as proud asever they were, you are much mistaken; and, indeed, on this very samesubject I heard her say that nothing would induce her to accept a favorfrom your Lordship, if even so very improbable an event should occur asyour offering one."
"So that we owe the honor of your visit to the most single-minded ofmotives, sir," said Lady Netherby, whose manner had now assumed all itsstateliness.
"Yes, my Lady, I came as you see,--_Dempsius cum Dempsio_,--so that if Isucceed, I can say like that fellow in the play, 'Alone, I did it.'"
Lord Netherby, who probably felt that the interview had lastedsufficiently long for the only purpose he had destined or endured it,was now becoming somewhat desirous of terminating the audience; norwas his impatience allayed by those sportive sallies of Mr. Dempsey inallusion to his own former condition as a dependant.
At length he said, "You must be aware, Mr. Dempsey, that this is amatter demanding much time and consideration. The Knight of Gwynne isabsent."
"That's the reason there is not an hour to lose," interposed Paul.
"I am at a loss for your meaning."
"I mean that if he comes home before it 's all settled, that the game isup. He would never consent, I 'm certain."
"So you think that the ladies regard you with more favorable eyes?" saidher Ladyship, smiling a mixture of superciliousness and amusement.
"I have my own reasons to think so," said Paul, with great composure.
"Perhaps you take too hopeless a view of your case, sir," resumed LordNetherby, blandly. "I am, unhappily, very ignorant of Irish family rank;but I feel assured that Mr. Dempsey, of Dempsey's Hole--"
"Grove,--Dempsey's Grove," said Paul, with a look of anger.
"I ask your pardon, humbly,--I would say of Dempsey's Grove,-might be anaccepted suitor in the very highest quarters. At all events, from newsI have heard this morning it is more than likely that the Knight willbe in London before many weeks, and I dare not assume either theresponsibility of favoring your views, or incurring his displeasure byan act of interference. I think her Ladyship coucurs with me."
"Perfectly. The case is really one which, however we may and do feel theliveliest interest in, lies quite beyond our influence or control."
"Mr. Dempsey may rest assured that, even from so brief an acquaintance,we have learned to appreciate some of his many excellent qualities ofhead and heart."
Lady Netherby bowed an acquiescence cold and stately; and, his Lordshiprising at the same time, Paul saw that the audience drew to a close. Hearose then slowly, and with a faint sigh,--for he thought of his longand dreary journey, made to so little profit.
"So I may jog back again as I came," muttered he, as he drew onhis gloves. "Well, well, Lady Eleanor knew him better than I did.Good-morning, my Lady. I hope you are about to enjoy better health.Good-bye, my Lord."
"Do you make any stay in town, Mr. Dempsey?" inquired his Lordship, inthat bland voice that best became him. "Till I pack my portmanteau, myLord, and pay my bill at the 'Tavistock,'--not an hour longer."
"I 'm sorry for that. I had hoped, and Lady Netherby also expected, weshould have the pleasure of seeing you again."
"Very grateful, my Lord; but I see how the land lies as well as if I washere a month."
And with this significant speech Mr. Dempsey repeated his salutationsand withdrew.
"What presumption!" exclaimed Lady Netherby, as the door closed behindhim. "But how needlessly Lady Eleanor Darcy must have lowered herself toincur such acquaintanceship!"
Lord Netherby made no reply, but gave a glance towards the still opendoor of the drawing-room. Her Ladyship understood it at once, andsaid,--
"Oh, let us release poor Richard from his bondage. Tell him to come in."
Lord Netherby walked forward; but scarcely had he entered thedrawing-room, when he called out, "He 's gone!"
"Gone! when?--how?" cried Lady Netherby, ringing the bell. "Did yousee Lord Wall incourt when he was going, Davenport?" asked she, at onceassuming her own calm deportment.
"Yes, my Lady."
"I hope he took the carriage."
"No, my Lady, his Lordship went on foot."
"That will do, Davenport. I don't receive to-day."
"I must hasten after him," said Lord Netherby, as the servant withdrew."We have, perhaps, incurred the very hazard we hoped to obviate."
"I half feared it," exclaimed Lady Netherby, gravely. "Lose no time,however, and bring him to dinner; say that I feel very poorly, and thathis society will cheer me greatly. If he is unfit to leave the house,stay with him; but above all things let him not be left alone."
Lord Netherby hastened from the room, and his carriage was soon heard ata rapid pace proceeding down the square.
Lady Netherby sat with her eyes fixed on the carpet, and her handsclasped closely, lost in thought. "Yes," said she, half aloud, "there isa fate in it! This Lady Eleanor may have her vengeance yet!"
It was about an hour after this, and while she was still revolving herown deep thoughts, that Lord Netherby re-entered the room.
"Well, is he here?" asked she, impatiently.
"No, he's off to Ireland; the very moment he reached the hotel heordered four horses to his carriage, and while his servant packed sometrunks he himself drove over to Lord Castlereagh's, but came back almostimmediately. They must have used immense despatch, for Long told me thatthey would be nigh Barnet when I called."
"He 's a true Wallincourt," said her Ladyship, bitterly. "Their familymotto is 'Rash in danger,' and they have well deserved it."