English
Conductedtotheladies,attheShipInn,Dobbinassumedajovialandrattlingmanner,whichprovedthatthisyoungofficerwasbecomingamoreconsummatehypocriteeverydayofhislife.
Hewastryingtohidehisownprivatefeelings,firstuponseeingMrs.GeorgeOsborneinhernewcondition,andsecondlytomasktheapprehensionsheentertainedastotheeffectwhichthedismalnewsbroughtdownbyhimwouldcertainlyhaveuponher.
“Itismyopinion,George,”hesaid,“thattheFrenchEmperorwillbeuponus,horseandfoot,beforethreeweeksareover,andwillgivetheDukesuchadanceasshallmakethePeninsulaappearmerechild’splay.
ButyouneednotsaythattoMrs.Osborne,youknow.
Theremayn’tbeanyfightingonoursideafterall,andourbusinessinBelgiummayturnouttobeameremilitaryoccupation.
Manypersonsthinkso;andBrusselsisfulloffinepeopleandladiesoffashion.”
SoitwasagreedtorepresentthedutyoftheBritisharmyinBelgiuminthisharmlesslighttoAmelia.
Thisplotbeingarranged,thehypocriticalDobbinsalutedMrs.GeorgeOsbornequitegaily,triedtopayheroneortwocomplimentsrelativetohernewpositionasabride(whichcompliments,itmustbeconfessed,wereexceedinglyclumsyandhungfirewoefully),andthenfelltotalkingaboutBrighton,andthesea-air,andthegaietiesoftheplace,andthebeautiesoftheroadandthemeritsoftheLightningcoachandhorses—allinamannerquiteincomprehensibletoAmelia,andveryamusingtoRebecca,whowaswatchingtheCaptain,asindeedshewatchedeveryonenearwhomshecame.
LittleAmelia,itmustbeowned,hadratherameanopinionofherhusband’sfriend,CaptainDobbin.
Helisped—hewasveryplainandhomely-looking:andexceedinglyawkwardandungainly.
Shelikedhimforhisattachmenttoherhusband(tobesuretherewasverylittlemeritinthat),andshethoughtGeorgewasmostgenerousandkindinextendinghisfriendshiptohisbrotherofficer.
GeorgehadmimickedDobbin’slispandqueermannersmanytimestoher,thoughtodohimjustice,healwaysspokemosthighlyofhisfriend’sgoodqualities.
Inherlittledayoftriumph,andnotknowinghimintimatelyasyet,shemadelightofhonestWilliam—andheknewheropinionsofhimquitewell,andacquiescedinthemveryhumbly.
Atimecamewhensheknewhimbetter,andchangedhernotionsregardinghim;butthatwasdistantasyet.
AsforRebecca,CaptainDobbinhadnotbeentwohoursintheladies’companybeforesheunderstoodhissecretperfectly.
Shedidnotlikehim,andfearedhimprivately;norwasheverymuchprepossessedinherfavour.
Hewassohonest,thatherartsandcajoleriesdidnotaffecthim,andheshrankfromherwithinstinctiverepulsion.
And,asshewasbynomeanssofarsuperiortohersexastobeabovejealousy,shedislikedhimthemoreforhisadorationofAmelia.
Nevertheless,shewasveryrespectfulandcordialinhermannertowardshim.AfriendtotheOsbornes!afriendtoherdearestbenefactors!
Shevowedsheshouldalwayslovehimsincerely:sherememberedhimquitewellontheVauxhallnight,asshetoldAmeliaarchly,andshemadealittlefunofhimwhenthetwoladieswenttodressfordinner.
RawdonCrawleypaidscarcelyanyattentiontoDobbin,lookinguponhimasagood-naturednincompoopandunder-bredCityman.Jospatronisedhimwithmuchdignity.
WhenGeorgeandDobbinwerealoneinthelatter’sroom,towhichGeorgehadfollowedhim,DobbintookfromhisdesktheletterwhichhehadbeenchargedbyMr.Osbornetodelivertohisson.
“It’snotinmyfather’shandwriting,”saidGeorge,lookingratheralarmed;norwasit:theletterwasfromMr.Osborne’slawyer,andtothefollowingeffect:
"BedfordRow,May7,1815.
“SIR,
“IamcommissionedbyMr.Osbornetoinformyou,thatheabidesbythedeterminationwhichhebeforeexpressedtoyou,andthatinconsequenceofthemarriagewhichyouhavebeenpleasedtocontract,heceasestoconsideryouhenceforthasamemberofhisfamily.
Thisdeterminationisfinalandirrevocable.
“Althoughthemoniesexpendeduponyouinyourminority,andthebillswhichyouhavedrawnuponhimsounsparinglyoflateyears,farexceedinamountthesumtowhichyouareentitledinyourownright(beingthethirdpartofthefortuneofyourmother,thelateMrs.Osborneandwhichrevertedtoyouatherdecease,andtoMissJaneOsborneandMissMariaFrancesOsborne);yetIaminstructedbyMr.Osbornetosay,thathewaivesallclaimuponyourestate,andthatthesumof2,000pounds,4percent.
annuities,atthevalueoftheday(beingyourone-thirdshareofthesumof6,000pounds),shallbepaidovertoyourselforyouragentsuponyourreceiptforthesame,by
"YourobedientServt.,"S.HIGGS.
“P.S.—Mr.Osbornedesiresmetosay,onceforall,thathedeclinestoreceiveanymessages,letters,orcommunicationsfromyouonthisoranyothersubject.
“Aprettywayyouhavemanagedtheaffair,”saidGeorge,lookingsavagelyatWilliamDobbin.
“Lookthere,Dobbin,”andheflungovertothelatterhisparent’sletter.
“Abeggar,byJove,andallinconsequenceofmyd—dsentimentality.Whycouldn’twehavewaited?
Aballmighthavedoneformeinthecourseofthewar,andmaystill,andhowwillEmmybebetteredbybeingleftabeggar’swidow?Itwasallyourdoing.
Youwerenevereasyuntilyouhadgotmemarriedandruined.
WhatthedeuceamItodowithtwothousandpounds?Suchasumwon’tlasttwoyears.
I’velostahundredandfortytoCrawleyatcardsandbilliardssinceI’vebeendownhere.
Aprettymanagerofaman’smattersYOUare,forsooth.”
“There’snodenyingthatthepositionisahardone,”Dobbinreplied,afterreadingovertheletterwithablankcountenance;“andasyousay,itispartlyofmymaking.
Therearesomemenwhowouldn’tmindchangingwithyou,”headded,withabittersmile.
“Howmanycaptainsintheregimenthavetwothousandpoundstothefore,thinkyou?
Youmustliveonyourpaytillyourfatherrelents,andifyoudie,youleaveyourwifeahundredayear.”
“Doyousupposeamanofmyhabitscallliveonhispayandahundredayear?”Georgecriedoutingreatanger.“Youmustbeafooltotalkso,Dobbin.
HowthedeuceamItokeepupmypositionintheworlduponsuchapitifulpittance?Ican’tchangemyhabits.Imusthavemycomforts.
Iwasn’tbroughtuponporridge,likeMacWhirter,oronpotatoes,likeoldO’Dowd.
Doyouexpectmywifetotakeinsoldiers’washing,orrideaftertheregimentinabaggagewaggon?”
“Well,well,”saidDobbin,stillgood-naturedly,“we’llgetherabetterconveyance.
Buttryandrememberthatyouareonlyadethronedprincenow,George,myboy;andbequietwhilstthetempestlasts.Itwon’tbeforlong.
LetyournamebementionedintheGazette,andI’llengagetheoldfatherrelentstowardsyou:”
“MentionedintheGazette!”Georgeanswered.“Andinwhatpartofit?Amongthekilledandwoundedreturns,andatthetopofthelist,verylikely.”
“Psha!Itwillbetimeenoughtocryoutwhenwearehurt,”Dobbinsaid.
“Andifanythinghappens,youknow,George,Ihavegotalittle,andIamnotamarryingman,andIshallnotforgetmygodsoninmywill,”headded,withasmile.
Whereuponthedisputeended—asmanyscoresofsuchconversationsbetweenOsborneandhisfriendhadconcludedpreviously—bytheformerdeclaringtherewasnopossibilityofbeingangrywithDobbinlong,andforgivinghimverygenerouslyafterabusinghimwithoutcause.
“Isay,Becky,”criedRawdonCrawleyoutofhisdressing-room,tohislady,whowasattiringherselffordinnerinherownchamber.
“What?”saidBecky’sshrillvoice.
Shewaslookingoverhershoulderintheglass.
Shehadputontheneatestandfreshestwhitefrockimaginable,andwithbareshouldersandalittlenecklace,andalightbluesash,shelookedtheimageofyouthfulinnocenceandgirlishhappiness.
“Isay,what’llMrs.O.do,whenO.goesoutwiththeregiment?”
Crawleysaidcomingintotheroom,performingaduetonhisheadwithtwohugehair-brushes,andlookingoutfromunderhishairwithadmirationonhisprettylittlewife.
“Isupposeshe’llcryhereyesout,”Beckyanswered.“Shehasbeenwhimperinghalfadozentimes,attheverynotionofit,alreadytome.”
“YOUdon’tcare,Isuppose?”Rawdonsaid,halfangryathiswife’swantoffeeling.
“Youwretch!don’tyouknowthatIintendtogowithyou,”Beckyreplied.“Besides,you’redifferent.YougoasGeneralTufto’saide-de-camp.
Wedon’tbelongtotheline,”Mrs.Crawleysaid,throwingupherheadwithanairthatsoenchantedherhusbandthathestoopeddownandkissedit.
“Rawdondear—don’tyouthink—you’dbettergetthat—moneyfromCupid,beforehegoes?”
Beckycontinued,fixingonakillingbow.ShecalledGeorgeOsborne,Cupid.
Shehadflatteredhimabouthisgoodlooksascoreoftimesalready.
ShewatchedoverhimkindlyatecarteofanightwhenhewoulddropintoRawdon’squartersforahalf-hourbeforebed-time.
Shehadoftencalledhimahorriddissipatedwretch,andthreatenedtotellEmmyofhiswickedwaysandnaughtyextravaganthabits.
Shebroughthiscigarandlighteditforhim;sheknewtheeffectofthatmanoeuvre,havingpractiseditinformerdaysuponRawdonCrawley.
Hethoughthergay,brisk,arch,distinguee,delightful.
Intheirlittledrivesanddinners,Becky,ofcourse,quiteoutshonepoorEmmy,whoremainedverymuteandtimidwhileMrs.Crawleyandherhusbandrattledawaytogether,andCaptainCrawley(andJosafterhejoinedtheyoungmarriedpeople)gobbledinsilence.
Emmy’smindsomehowmisgaveheraboutherfriend.
Rebecca’swit,spirits,andaccomplishmentstroubledherwitharuefuldisquiet.
Theywereonlyaweekmarried,andherewasGeorgealreadysufferingennui,andeagerforothers’society!Shetrembledforthefuture.
HowshallIbeacompanionforhim,shethought—socleverandsobrilliant,andIsuchahumblefoolishcreature?
Hownobleitwasofhimtomarryme—togiveupeverythingandstoopdowntome!
Ioughttohaverefusedhim,onlyIhadnottheheart.
IoughttohavestoppedathomeandtakencareofpoorPapa.
Andherneglectofherparents(andindeedtherewassomefoundationforthischargewhichthepoorchild’suneasyconsciencebroughtagainsther)wasnowrememberedforthefirsttime,andcausedhertoblushwithhumiliation.Oh!
thoughtshe,Ihavebeenverywickedandselfish—selfishinforgettingthemintheirsorrows—selfishinforcingGeorgetomarryme.
IknowI’mnotworthyofhim—Iknowhewouldhavebeenhappywithoutme—andyet—Itried,Itriedtogivehimup.
Itishardwhen,beforesevendaysofmarriageareover,suchthoughtsandconfessionsastheseforcethemselvesonalittlebride’smind.
Butsoitwas,andthenightbeforeDobbincametojointheseyoungpeople—onafinebrilliantmoonlightnightofMay--sowarmandbalmythatthewindowswereflungopentothebalcony,fromwhichGeorgeandMrs.Crawleyweregazinguponthecalmoceanspreadshiningbeforethem,whileRawdonandJoswereengagedatbackgammonwithin—Ameliacouchedinagreatchairquiteneglected,andwatchingboththeseparties,feltadespairandremorsesuchaswerebittercompanionsforthattenderlonelysoul.
Scarceaweekwaspast,anditwascometothis!
Thefuture,hadsheregardedit,offeredadismalprospect;butEmmywastooshy,sotospeak,tolooktothat,andembarkaloneonthatwidesea,andunfittonavigateitwithoutaguideandprotector.
IknowMissSmithhasameanopinionofher.
Buthowmany,mydearMadam,areendowedwithyourprodigiousstrengthofmind?
“Gad,whatafinenight,andhowbrightthemoonis!”Georgesaid,withapuffofhiscigar,whichwentsoaringupskywards.
“Howdelicioustheysmellintheopenair!Iadorethem.
Who’dthinkthemoonwastwohundredandthirty-sixthousandeighthundredandforty-sevenmilesoff?”
Beckyadded,gazingatthatorbwithasmile.
“Isn’titcleverofmetorememberthat?Pooh!welearneditallatMissPinkerton’s!
Howcalmtheseais,andhowcleareverything.
IdeclareIcanalmostseethecoastofFrance!”
andherbrightgreeneyesstreamedout,andshotintothenightasiftheycouldseethroughit.
“DoyouknowwhatIintendtodoonemorning?”
shesaid;“IfindIcanswimbeautifully,andsomeday,whenmyAuntCrawley’scompanion—oldBriggs,youknow—yourememberher—thathook-nosedwoman,withthelongwispsofhair—whenBriggsgoesouttobathe,Iintendtodiveunderherawning,andinsistonareconciliationinthewater.Isn’tthatastratagem?”
Georgeburstoutlaughingattheideaofthisaquaticmeeting.“What’stherowthere,youtwo?”Rawdonshoutedout,rattlingthebox.
Ameliawasmakingafoolofherselfinanabsurdhystericalmanner,andretiredtoherownroomtowhimperinprivate.
Ourhistoryisdestinedinthischaptertogobackwardsandforwardsinaveryirresolutemannerseemingly,andhavingconductedourstorytoto-morrowpresently,weshallimmediatelyagainhaveoccasiontostepbacktoyesterday,sothatthewholeofthetalemaygetahearing.
AsyoubeholdatherMajesty’sdrawing-room,theambassadors’andhighdignitaries’carriageswhiskofffromaprivatedoor,whileCaptainJones’sladiesarewaitingfortheirfly:asyouseeintheSecretaryoftheTreasury’santechamber,ahalf-dozenofpetitionerswaitingpatientlyfortheiraudience,andcalledoutonebyone,whensuddenlyanIrishmemberorsomeeminentpersonageenterstheapartment,andinstantlywalksintoMr.Under-Secretaryovertheheadsofallthepeoplepresent:sointheconductofatale,theromancerisobligedtoexercisethismostpartialsortofjustice.
Althoughallthelittleincidentsmustbeheard,yettheymustbeputoffwhenthegreateventsmaketheirappearance;andsurelysuchacircumstanceasthatwhichbroughtDobbintoBrighton,viz.,theorderingoutoftheGuardsandthelinetoBelgium,andthemusteringofthealliedarmiesinthatcountryunderthecommandofhisGracetheDukeofWellington—suchadignifiedcircumstanceasthat,Isay,wasentitledtothepasoverallminoroccurrenceswhereofthishistoryiscomposedmainly,andhencealittletriflingdisarrangementanddisorderwasexcusableandbecoming.
WehaveonlynowadvancedintimesofarbeyondChapterXXIIastohavegotourvariouscharactersupintotheirdressing-roomsbeforethedinner,whichtookplaceasusualonthedayofDobbin’sarrival.
GeorgewastoohumaneortoomuchoccupiedwiththetieofhisneckclothtoconveyatonceallthenewstoAmeliawhichhiscomradehadbroughtwithhimfromLondon.
Hecameintoherroom,however,holdingtheattorney’sletterinhishand,andwithsosolemnandimportantanairthathiswife,alwaysingeniouslyonthewatchforcalamity,thoughttheworstwasabouttobefall,andrunninguptoherhusband,besoughtherdearestGeorgetotellhereverything—hewasorderedabroad;therewouldbeabattlenextweek—sheknewtherewould.
DearestGeorgeparriedthequestionaboutforeignservice,andwithamelancholyshakeoftheheadsaid,“No,Emmy;itisn’tthat:it’snotmyselfIcareabout:it’syou.Ihavehadbadnewsfrommyfather.
Herefusesanycommunicationwithme;hehasflungusoff;andleavesustopoverty.
Icanroughitwellenough;butyou,mydear,howwillyoubearit?readhere.”Andhehandedherovertheletter.
Amelia,withalookoftenderalarminhereyes,listenedtohernobleheroasheutteredtheabovegeneroussentiments,andsittingdownonthebed,readtheletterwhichGeorgegaveherwithsuchapompousmartyr-likeair.
Herfaceclearedupasshereadthedocument,however.
Theideaofsharingpovertyandprivationincompanywiththebelovedobjectis,aswehavebeforesaid,farfrombeingdisagreeabletoawarm-heartedwoman.
ThenotionwasactuallypleasanttolittleAmelia.
Then,asusual,shewasashamedofherselfforfeelinghappyatsuchanindecorousmoment,andcheckedherpleasure,sayingdemurely,“O,George,howyourpoorheartmustbleedattheideaofbeingseparatedfromyourpapa!”
“Itdoes,”saidGeorge,withanagonisedcountenance.
“Buthecan’tbeangrywithyoulong,”shecontinued.“Nobodycould,I’msure.Hemustforgiveyou,mydearest,kindesthusband.O,Ishallneverforgivemyselfifhedoesnot.”
“Whatvexesme,mypoorEmmy,isnotmymisfortune,butyours,”Georgesaid.“Idon’tcareforalittlepoverty;andIthink,withoutvanity,I’vetalentsenoughtomakemyownway.”
“Thatyouhave,”interposedhiswife,whothoughtthatwarshouldcease,andherhusbandshouldbemadeageneralinstantly.
“Yes,Ishallmakemywayaswellasanother,”Osbornewenton;“butyou,mydeargirl,howcanIbearyourbeingdeprivedofthecomfortsandstationinsocietywhichmywifehadarighttoexpect?
Mydearestgirlinbarracks;thewifeofasoldierinamarchingregiment;subjecttoallsortsofannoyanceandprivation!Itmakesmemiserable.”
Emmy,quiteatease,asthiswasherhusband’sonlycauseofdisquiet,tookhishand,andwitharadiantfaceandsmilebegantowarblethatstanzafromthefavouritesongof“WappingOldStairs,”inwhichtheheroine,afterrebukingherTomforinattention,promises“histrouserstomend,andhisgrogtootomake,”ifhewillbeconstantandkind,andnotforsakeher.
“Besides,”shesaid,afterapause,duringwhichshelookedasprettyandhappyasanyyoungwomanneed,“isn’ttwothousandpoundsanimmensedealofmoney,George?”
Georgelaughedathernaivete;andfinallytheywentdowntodinner,AmeliaclingingtoGeorge’sarm,stillwarblingthetuneof“WappingOldStairs,”andmorepleasedandlightofmindthanshehadbeenforsomedayspast.
Thustherepast,whichatlengthcameoff,insteadofbeingdismal,wasanexceedinglybriskandmerryone.
TheexcitementofthecampaigncounteractedinGeorge’smindthedepressionoccasionedbythedisinheritingletter.
Dobbinstillkeptuphischaracterofrattle.
HeamusedthecompanywithaccountsofthearmyinBelgium;wherenothingbutfetesandgaietyandfashionweregoingon.
Then,havingaparticularendinview,thisdexterouscaptainproceededtodescribeMrs.MajorO’DowdpackingherownandherMajor’swardrobe,andhowhisbestepauletshadbeenstowedintoateacanister,whilstherownfamousyellowturban,withthebirdofparadisewrappedinbrownpaper,waslockedupintheMajor’stincocked-hatcase,andwonderedwhateffectitwouldhaveattheFrenchking’scourtatGhent,orthegreatmilitaryballsatBrussels.
“Ghent!Brussels!”
criedoutAmeliawithasuddenshockandstart.
“Istheregimentorderedaway,George—isitorderedaway?”
Alookofterrorcameoverthesweetsmilingface,andsheclungtoGeorgeasbyaninstinct.
“Don’tbeafraid,dear,”hesaidgood-naturedly;“itisbutatwelvehours’passage.Itwon’thurtyou.Youshallgo,too,Emmy.”
“Iintendtogo,”saidBecky.“I’monthestaff.GeneralTuftoisagreatflirtofmine.Isn’the,Rawdon?”Rawdonlaughedoutwithhisusualroar.WilliamDobbinflushedupquitered.
“Shecan’tgo,”hesaid;“thinkofthe—ofthedanger,”hewasgoingtoadd;buthadnotallhisconversationduringdinner-timetendedtoprovetherewasnone?Hebecameveryconfusedandsilent.
“Imustandwillgo,”Ameliacriedwiththegreatestspirit;andGeorge,applaudingherresolution,pattedherunderthechin,andaskedallthepersonspresentiftheyeversawsuchatermagantofawife,andagreedthattheladyshouldbearhimcompany.
“We’llhaveMrs.O’Dowdtochaperonyou,”hesaid.
Whatcaredshesolongasherhusbandwasnearher?
Thussomehowthebitternessofapartingwasjuggledaway.
Thoughwaranddangerwereinstore,waranddangermightnotbefallformonthstocome.
Therewasarespiteatanyrate,whichmadethetimidlittleAmeliaalmostashappyasafullreprievewouldhavedone,andwhichevenDobbinownedinhisheartwasverywelcome.
For,tobepermittedtoseeherwasnowthegreatestprivilegeandhopeofhislife,andhethoughtwithhimselfsecretlyhowhewouldwatchandprotecther.
Iwouldn’thavelethergoifIhadbeenmarriedtoher,hethought.
ButGeorgewasthemaster,andhisfrienddidnotthinkfittoremonstrate.
Puttingherarmroundherfriend’swaist,RebeccaatlengthcarriedAmeliaofffromthedinner-tablewheresomuchbusinessofimportancehadbeendiscussed,andleftthegentlemeninahighlyexhilaratedstate,drinkingandtalkingverygaily.
InthecourseoftheeveningRawdongotalittlefamily-notefromhiswife,which,althoughhecrumpleditupandburntitinstantlyinthecandle,wehadthegoodlucktoreadoverRebecca’sshoulder.“Greatnews,”shewrote.“Mrs.Buteisgone.
GetthemoneyfromCupidtonight,ashe’llbeoffto-morrowmostlikely.Mindthis.
—R.”Sowhenthelittlecompanywasaboutadjourningtocoffeeinthewomen’sapartment,RawdontouchedOsborneontheelbow,andsaidgracefully,“Isay,Osborne,myboy,ifquiteconvenient,I’lltroubleyouforthat‘eresmalltrifle.”
Itwasnotquiteconvenient,butneverthelessGeorgegavehimaconsiderablepresentinstalmentinbank-notesfromhispocket-book,andabillonhisagentsataweek’sdate,fortheremainingsum.
Thismatterarranged,George,andJos,andDobbin,heldacouncilofwarovertheircigars,andagreedthatageneralmoveshouldbemadeforLondoninJos’sopencarriagethenextday.
Jos,Ithink,wouldhavepreferredstayinguntilRawdonCrawleyquittedBrighton,butDobbinandGeorgeoverruledhim,andheagreedtocarrythepartytotown,andorderedfourhorses,asbecamehisdignity.
Withthesetheysetoffinstate,afterbreakfast,thenextday.
Ameliahadrisenveryearlyinthemorning,andpackedherlittletrunkswiththegreatestalacrity,whileOsbornelayinbeddeploringthatshehadnotamaidtohelpher.
Shewasonlytooglad,however,toperformthisofficeforherself.
AdimuneasysentimentaboutRebeccafilledhermindalready;andalthoughtheykissedeachothermosttenderlyatparting,yetweknowwhatjealousyis;andMrs.Ameliapossessedthatamongothervirtuesofhersex.
Besidesthesecharacterswhoarecomingandgoingaway,wemustrememberthatthereweresomeotheroldfriendsofoursatBrighton;MissCrawley,namely,andthesuiteinattendanceuponher.
Now,althoughRebeccaandherhusbandwerebutatafewstones’throwofthelodgingswhichtheinvalidMissCrawleyoccupied,theoldlady’sdoorremainedaspitilesslyclosedtothemasithadbeenheretoforeinLondon.
Aslongassheremainedbythesideofhersister-in-law,Mrs.ButeCrawleytookcarethatherbelovedMatildashouldnotbeagitatedbyameetingwithhernephew.
Whenthespinstertookherdrive,thefaithfulMrs.Butesatebesideherinthecarriage.
WhenMissCrawleytooktheairinachair,Mrs.Butemarchedononesideofthevehicle,whilsthonestBriggsoccupiedtheotherwing.
AndiftheymetRawdonandhiswifebychance—althoughtheformerconstantlyandobsequiouslytookoffhishat,theMiss-Crawleypartypassedhimbywithsuchafrigidandkillingindifference,thatRawdonbegantodespair.
“WemightaswellbeinLondonashere,”CaptainRawdonoftensaid,withadowncastair.
“AcomfortableinninBrightonisbetterthanaspunging-houseinChanceryLane,”hiswifeanswered,whowasofamorecheerfultemperament.
“Thinkofthosetwoaides-de-campofMr.Moses,thesheriff’s-officer,whowatchedourlodgingforaweek.
Ourfriendshereareverystupid,butMr.JosandCaptainCupidarebettercompanionsthanMr.Moses’smen,Rawdon,mylove.”
“Iwonderthewritshaven’tfollowedmedownhere,”Rawdoncontinued,stilldesponding.
“Whentheydo,we’llfindmeanstogivethemtheslip,”saiddauntlesslittleBecky,andfurtherpointedouttoherhusbandthegreatcomfortandadvantageofmeetingJosandOsborne,whoseacquaintancehadbroughttoRawdonCrawleyamosttimelylittlesupplyofreadymoney.
“Itwillhardlybeenoughtopaytheinnbill,”grumbledtheGuardsman.
“Whyneedwepayit?”saidthelady,whohadananswerforeverything.
ThroughRawdon’svalet,whostillkeptupatriflingacquaintancewiththemaleinhabitantsofMissCrawley’sservants’hall,andwasinstructedtotreatthecoachmantodrinkwhenevertheymet,oldMissCrawley’smovementswereprettywellknownbyouryoungcouple;andRebeccaluckilybethoughtherselfofbeingunwell,andofcallinginthesameapothecarywhowasinattendanceuponthespinster,sothattheirinformationwasonthewholetolerablycomplete.
NorwasMissBriggs,althoughforcedtoadoptahostileattitude,secretlyinimicaltoRawdonandhiswife.
Shewasnaturallyofakindlyandforgivingdisposition.
Nowthatthecauseofjealousywasremoved,herdislikeforRebeccadisappearedalso,andsherememberedthelatter’sinvariablegoodwordsandgoodhumour.
And,indeed,sheandMrs.Firkin,thelady’s-maid,andthewholeofMissCrawley’shousehold,groanedunderthetyrannyofthetriumphantMrs.Bute.
Asoftenwillbethecase,thatgoodbutimperiouswomanpushedheradvantagestoofar,andhersuccessesquiteunmercifully.
Shehadinthecourseofafewweeksbroughttheinvalidtosuchastateofhelplessdocility,thatthepoorsoulyieldedherselfentirelytohersister’sorders,anddidnotevendaretocomplainofherslaverytoBriggsorFirkin.
Mrs.ButemeasuredouttheglassesofwinewhichMissCrawleywasdailyallowedtotake,withirresistibleaccuracy,greatlytotheannoyanceofFirkinandthebutler,whofoundthemselvesdeprivedofcontrolovereventhesherry-bottle.
Sheapportionedthesweetbreads,jellies,chickens;theirquantityandorder.
NightandnoonandmorningshebroughttheabominabledrinksordainedbytheDoctor,andmadeherpatientswallowthemwithsoaffectinganobediencethatFirkinsaid“mypoorMissusdutakeherphysiclikealamb.”
Sheprescribedthedriveinthecarriageortherideinthechair,and,inaword,grounddowntheoldladyinherconvalescenceinsuchawayasonlybelongstoyourproper-managing,motherlymoralwoman.
Ifeverthepatientfaintlyresisted,andpleadedforalittlebitmoredinneroralittledroplessmedicine,thenursethreatenedherwithinstantaneousdeath,whenMissCrawleyinstantlygavein.
“She’snospiritleftinher,”FirkinremarkedtoBriggs;“sheain’tavecalledmeafoolthesethreeweeks.”
Finally,Mrs.Butehadmadeuphermindtodismisstheaforesaidhonestlady’s-maid,Mr.Bowlsthelargeconfidentialman,andBriggsherself,andtosendforherdaughtersfromtheRectory,previoustoremovingthedearinvalidbodilytoQueen’sCrawley,whenanodiousaccidenthappenedwhichcalledherawayfromdutiessopleasing.
TheReverendButeCrawley,herhusband,ridinghomeonenight,fellwithhishorseandbrokehiscollar-bone.
Feverandinflammatorysymptomssetin,andMrs.ButewasforcedtoleaveSussexforHampshire.
AssoonaseverButewasrestored,shepromisedtoreturntoherdearestfriend,anddeparted,leavingthestrongestinjunctionswiththehouseholdregardingtheirbehaviourtotheirmistress;andassoonasshegotintotheSouthamptoncoach,therewassuchajubileeandsenseofreliefinallMissCrawley’shouse,asthecompanyofpersonsassembledtherehadnotexperiencedformanyaweekbefore.
ThatverydayMissCrawleyleftoffherafternoondoseofmedicine:thatafternoonBowlsopenedanindependentbottleofsherryforhimselfandMrs.Firkin:thatnightMissCrawleyandMissBriggsindulgedinagameofpiquetinsteadofoneofPorteus’ssermons.
Itwasasintheoldnursery-story,whenthestickforgottobeatthedog,andthewholecourseofeventsunderwentapeacefulandhappyrevolution.
Ataveryearlyhourinthemorning,twiceorthriceaweek,MissBriggsusedtobetakeherselftoabathing-machine,anddisportinthewaterinaflannelgownandanoilskincap.
Rebecca,aswehaveseen,wasawareofthiscircumstance,andthoughshedidnotattempttostormBriggsasshehadthreatened,andactuallydiveintothatlady’spresenceandsurpriseherunderthesacrednessoftheawning,Mrs.RawdondeterminedtoattackBriggsasshecameawayfromherbath,refreshedandinvigoratedbyherdip,andlikelytobeingoodhumour.
Sogettingupveryearlythenextmorning,Beckybroughtthetelescopeintheirsitting-room,whichfacedthesea,tobearuponthebathing-machinesonthebeach;sawBriggsarrive,enterherbox;andputouttosea;andwasontheshorejustasthenymphofwhomshecameinqueststeppedoutofthelittlecaravanontotheshingles.
Itwasaprettypicture:thebeach;thebathing-women’sfaces;thelonglineofrocksandbuildingwereblushingandbrightinthesunshine.
Rebeccaworeakind,tendersmileonherface,andwasholdingoutherprettywhitehandasBriggsemergedfromthebox.
WhatcouldBriggsdobutacceptthesalutation?
“MissSh—Mrs.Crawley,”shesaid.
Mrs.Crawleyseizedherhand,pressedittoherheart,andwithasuddenimpulse,flingingherarmsroundBriggs,kissedheraffectionately.“Dear,dearfriend!”
shesaid,withatouchofsuchnaturalfeeling,thatMissBriggsofcourseatoncebegantomelt,andeventhebathing-womanwasmollified.
RebeccafoundnodifficultyinengagingBriggsinalong,intimate,anddelightfulconversation.
EverythingthathadpassedsincethemorningofBecky’ssuddendeparturefromMissCrawley’shouseinParkLaneuptothepresentday,andMrs.Bute’shappyretreat,wasdiscussedanddescribedbyBriggs.
AllMissCrawley’ssymptoms,andtheparticularsofherillnessandmedicaltreatment,werenarratedbytheconfidantewiththatfulnessandaccuracywhichwomendelightin.
Abouttheircomplaintsandtheirdoctorsdoladiesevertireoftalkingtoeachother?
Briggsdidnotonthisoccasion;nordidRebeccawearyoflistening.
Shewasthankful,trulythankful,thatthedearkindBriggs,thatthefaithful,theinvaluableFirkin,hadbeenpermittedtoremainwiththeirbenefactressthroughherillness.Heavenblessher!
thoughshe,Rebecca,hadseemedtoactundutifullytowardsMissCrawley;yetwasnotherfaultanaturalandexcusableone?
Couldshehelpgivingherhandtothemanwhohadwonherheart?
Briggs,thesentimental,couldonlyturnuphereyestoheavenatthisappeal,andheaveasympatheticsigh,andthinkthatshe,too,hadgivenawayheraffectionslongyearsago,andownthatRebeccawasnoverygreatcriminal.
“CanIeverforgetherwhosobefriendedthefriendlessorphan?
No,thoughshehascastmeoff,”thelattersaid,“Ishallneverceasetoloveher,andIwoulddevotemylifetoherservice.
Asmyownbenefactress,asmybelovedRawdon’sadoredrelative,IloveandadmireMissCrawley,dearMissBriggs,beyondanywomanintheworld,andnexttoherIloveallthosewhoarefaithfultoher.
IwouldneverhavetreatedMissCrawley’sfaithfulfriendsasthatodiousdesigningMrs.Butehasdone.
Rawdon,whowasallheart,”Rebeccacontinued,“althoughhisoutwardmannersmightseemroughandcareless,hadsaidahundredtimes,withtearsinhiseyes,thatheblessedHeavenforsendinghisdearestAuntytwosuchadmirablenursesasherattachedFirkinandheradmirableMissBriggs.
ShouldthemachinationsofthehorribleMrs.Buteend,asshetoomuchfearedtheywould,inbanishingeverybodythatMissCrawleylovedfromherside,andleavingthatpoorladyavictimtothoseharpiesattheRectory,Rebeccabesoughther(MissBriggs)torememberthatherownhome,humbleasitwas,wasalwaysopentoreceiveBriggs.
Dearfriend,”sheexclaimed,inatransportofenthusiasm,“someheartscanneverforgetbenefits;allwomenarenotButeCrawleys!
ThoughwhyshouldIcomplainofher,”Rebeccaadded;“thoughIhavebeenhertoolandthevictimtoherarts,doInotowemydearestRawdontoher?”
AndRebeccaunfoldedtoBriggsallMrs.Bute’sconductatQueen’sCrawley,which,thoughunintelligibletoherthen,wasclearlyenoughexplainedbytheeventsnow—nowthattheattachmenthadsprungupwhichMrs.Butehadencouragedbyathousandartifices—nowthattwoinnocentpeoplehadfallenintothesnareswhichshehadlaidforthem,andlovedandmarriedandbeenruinedthroughherschemes.
Itwasallverytrue.Briggssawthestratagemsasclearlyaspossible.
Mrs.ButehadmadethematchbetweenRawdonandRebecca.
Yet,thoughthelatterwasaperfectlyinnocentvictim,MissBriggscouldnotdisguisefromherfriendherfearthatMissCrawley’saffectionswerehopelesslyestrangedfromRebecca,andthattheoldladywouldneverforgivehernephewformakingsoimprudentamarriage.
OnthispointRebeccahadherownopinion,andstillkeptupagoodheart.
IfMissCrawleydidnotforgivethematpresent,shemightatleastrelentonafutureday.
Evennow,therewasonlythatpuling,sicklyPittCrawleybetweenRawdonandabaronetcy;andshouldanythinghappentotheformer,allwouldbewell.
Atallevents,tohaveMrs.Bute’sdesignsexposed,andherselfwellabused,wasasatisfaction,andmightbeadvantageoustoRawdon’sinterest;andRebecca,afteranhour’schatwithherrecoveredfriend,leftherwiththemosttenderdemonstrationsofregard,andquiteassuredthattheconversationtheyhadhadtogetherwouldbereportedtoMissCrawleybeforemanyhourswereover.
Thisinterviewended,itbecamefulltimeforRebeccatoreturntoherinn,whereallthepartyofthepreviousdaywereassembledatafarewellbreakfast.
RebeccatooksuchatenderleaveofAmeliaasbecametwowomenwholovedeachotherassisters;andhavingusedherhandkerchiefplentifully,andhungonherfriend’sneckasiftheywerepartingforever,andwavedthehandkerchief(whichwasquitedry,bytheway)outofwindow,asthecarriagedroveoff,shecamebacktothebreakfasttable,andatesomeprawnswithagooddealofappetite,consideringheremotion;andwhileshewasmunchingthesedelicacies,explainedtoRawdonwhathadoccurredinhermorningwalkbetweenherselfandBriggs.
Herhopeswereveryhigh:shemadeherhusbandsharethem.
Shegenerallysucceededinmakingherhusbandshareallheropinions,whethermelancholyorcheerful.
“Youwillnow,ifyouplease,mydear,sitdownatthewriting-tableandpenmeaprettylittlelettertoMissCrawley,inwhichyou’llsaythatyouareagoodboy,andthatsortofthing.”
SoRawdonsatedown,andwroteoff,“Brighton,Thursday,”and“MydearAunt,”withgreatrapidity:buttherethegallantofficer’simaginationfailedhim.
Hemumbledtheendofhispen,andlookedupinhiswife’sface.
Shecouldnothelplaughingathisruefulcountenance,andmarchingupanddowntheroomwithherhandsbehindher,thelittlewomanbegantodictatealetter,whichhetookdown.
“Beforequittingthecountryandcommencingacampaign,whichverypossiblymaybefatal.”
“What?”saidRawdon,rathersurprised,buttookthehumourofthephrase,andpresentlywroteitdownwithagrin.
“Whichverypossiblymaybefatal,Ihavecomehither—”
“Whynotsaycomehere,Becky?Comehere’sgrammar,”thedragooninterposed.
“Ihavecomehither,”Rebeccainsisted,withastampofherfoot,“tosayfarewelltomydearestandearliestfriend.
IbeseechyoubeforeIgo,notperhapstoreturn,oncemoretoletmepressthehandfromwhichIhavereceivednothingbutkindnessesallmylife.”
“Kindnessesallmylife,”echoedRawdon,scratchingdownthewords,andquiteamazedathisownfacilityofcomposition.
“Iasknothingfromyoubutthatweshouldpartnotinanger.Ihavetheprideofmyfamilyonsomepoints,thoughnotonall.Imarriedapainter’sdaughter,andamnotashamedoftheunion.”
“No,runmethroughthebodyifIam!”Rawdonejaculated.
“Youoldbooby,”Rebeccasaid,pinchinghisearandlookingovertoseethathemadenomistakesinspelling—”beseechisnotspeltwithana,andearliestis.”
Sohealteredthesewords,bowingtothesuperiorknowledgeofhislittleMissis.
“Ithoughtthatyouwereawareoftheprogressofmyattachment,”Rebeccacontinued:“IknewthatMrs.ButeCrawleyconfirmedandencouragedit.ButImakenoreproaches.
Imarriedapoorwoman,andamcontenttoabidebywhatIhavedone.
Leaveyourproperty,dearAunt,asyouwill.
Ishallnevercomplainofthewayinwhichyoudisposeofit.
IwouldhaveyoubelievethatIloveyouforyourself,andnotformoney’ssake.
IwanttobereconciledtoyouereIleaveEngland.Letme,letmeseeyoubeforeIgo.
Afewweeksormonthshenceitmaybetoolate,andIcannotbearthenotionofquittingthecountrywithoutakindwordoffarewellfromyou.”
“Shewon’trecognisemystyleinthat,”saidBecky.“Imadethesentencesshortandbriskonpurpose.”AndthisauthenticmissivewasdespatchedundercovertoMissBriggs.
OldMissCrawleylaughedwhenBriggs,withgreatmystery,handedheroverthiscandidandsimplestatement.“WemayreaditnowMrs.Buteisaway,”shesaid.“Readittome,Briggs.”
WhenBriggshadreadtheepistleout,herpatronesslaughedmore.
“Don’tyousee,yougoose,”shesaidtoBriggs,whoprofessedtobemuchtouchedbythehonestaffectionwhichpervadedthecomposition,“don’tyouseethatRawdonneverwroteawordofit.
Heneverwrotetomewithoutaskingformoneyinhislife,andallhislettersarefullofbadspelling,anddashes,andbadgrammar.
Itisthatlittleserpentofagovernesswhoruleshim.”
Theyareallalike,MissCrawleythoughtinherheart.
Theyallwantmedead,andarehankeringformymoney.
“Idon’tmindseeingRawdon,”sheadded,afterapause,andinatoneofperfectindifference.
“Ihadjustassoonshakehandswithhimasnot.
Providedthereisnoscene,whyshouldn’twemeet?Idon’tmind.
Buthumanpatiencehasitslimits;andmind,mydear,IrespectfullydeclinetoreceiveMrs.Rawdon—Ican’tsupportthatquite”—andMissBriggswasfaintobecontentwiththishalf-messageofconciliation;andthoughtthatthebestmethodofbringingtheoldladyandhernephewtogether,wastowarnRawdontobeinwaitingontheCliff,whenMissCrawleywentoutforherairinherchair.Theretheymet.
Idon’tknowwhetherMissCrawleyhadanyprivatefeelingofregardoremotionuponseeingheroldfavourite;butsheheldoutacoupleoffingerstohimwithassmilingandgood-humouredanair,asiftheyhadmetonlythedaybefore.
AndasforRawdon,heturnedasredasscarlet,andwrungoffBriggs’shand,sogreatwashisraptureandhisconfusionatthemeeting.
Perhapsitwasinterestthatmovedhim:orperhapsaffection:perhapshewastouchedbythechangewhichtheillnessofthelastweekshadwroughtinhisaunt.
“Theoldgirlhasalwaysactedlikeatrumptome,”hesaidtohiswife,ashenarratedtheinterview,“andIfelt,youknow,ratherqueer,andthatsortofthing.
Iwalkedbythesideofthewhat-dy’e-call-’em,youknow,andtoherowndoor,whereBowlscametohelpherin.AndIwantedtogoinverymuch,only—”
“YOUDIDN’TGOIN,Rawdon!”screamedhiswife.
“No,mydear;I’mhangedifIwasn’tafraidwhenitcametothepoint.”
“Youfool!yououghttohavegonein,andnevercomeoutagain,”Rebeccasaid.
“Don’tcallmenames,”saidthebigGuardsman,sulkily.
“PerhapsIWASafool,Becky,butyoushouldn’tsayso”;andhegavehiswifealook,suchashiscountenancecouldwearwhenangered,andsuchaswasnotpleasanttoface.
“Well,dearest,to-morrowyoumustbeonthelook-out,andgoandseeher,mind,whethersheasksyouorno,”Rebeccasaid,tryingtosootheherangryyoke-mate.
Onwhichhereplied,thathewoulddoexactlyasheliked,andwouldjustthankhertokeepaciviltongueinherhead—andthewoundedhusbandwentaway,andpassedtheforenoonatthebilliard-room,sulky,silent,andsuspicious.
Butbeforethenightwasoverhewascompelledtogivein,andown,asusual,tohiswife’ssuperiorprudenceandforesight,bythemostmelancholyconfirmationofthepresentimentswhichshehadregardingtheconsequencesofthemistakewhichhehadmade.
MissCrawleymusthavehadsomeemotionuponseeinghimandshakinghandswithhimaftersolongarupture.
Shemuseduponthemeetingaconsiderabletime.
“Rawdonisgettingveryfatandold,Briggs,”shesaidtohercompanion.
“Hisnosehasbecomered,andheisexceedinglycoarseinappearance.
Hismarriagetothatwomanhashopelesslyvulgarisedhim.
Mrs.Butealwayssaidtheydranktogether;andIhavenodoubttheydo.Yes:hesmeltofginabominably.Iremarkedit.Didn’tyou?”
InvainBriggsinterposedthatMrs.Butespokeillofeverybody:and,asfarasapersoninherhumblepositioncouldjudge,wasan—
“Anartfuldesigningwoman?Yes,sosheis,andshedoesspeakillofeveryone—butIamcertainthatwomanhasmadeRawdondrink.Allthoselowpeopledo—”
“Hewasverymuchaffectedatseeingyou,ma’am,”thecompanionsaid;“andIamsure,whenyourememberthatheisgoingtothefieldofdanger—”
“Howmuchmoneyhashepromisedyou,Briggs?”
theoldspinstercriedout,workingherselfintoanervousrage—”therenow,ofcourseyoubegintocry.Ihatescenes.WhyamIalwaystobeworried?
Goandcryupinyourownroom,andsendFirkintome—no,stop,sitdownandblowyournose,andleaveoffcrying,andwritealettertoCaptainCrawley.”
PoorBriggswentandplacedherselfobedientlyatthewriting-book.
Itsleaveswereblottedalloverwithrelicsofthefirm,strong,rapidhandwritingofthespinster’slateamanuensis,Mrs.ButeCrawley.
“Begin‘Mydearsir,’or‘Dearsir,’thatwillbebetter,andsayyouaredesiredbyMissCrawley—no,byMissCrawley’smedicalman,byMr.Creamer,tostatethatmyhealthissuchthatallstrongemotionswouldbedangerousinmypresentdelicatecondition—andthatImustdeclineanyfamilydiscussionsorinterviewswhatever.
AndthankhimforcomingtoBrighton,andsoforth,andbeghimnottostayanylongeronmyaccount.
And,MissBriggs,youmayaddthatIwishhimabonvoyage,andthatifhewilltakethetroubletocalluponmylawyer’sinGray’sInnSquare,hewillfindthereacommunicationforhim.
Yes,thatwilldo;andthatwillmakehimleaveBrighton.”
ThebenevolentBriggspennedthissentencewiththeutmostsatisfaction.
“ToseizeuponmetheverydayafterMrs.Butewasgone,”theoldladyprattledon;“itwastooindecent.
Briggs,mydear,writetoMrs.Crawley,andsaySHEneedn’tcomeback.
No—sheneedn’t—andsheshan’t—andIwon’tbeaslaveinmyownhouse—andIwon’tbestarvedandchokedwithpoison.
Theyallwanttokillme—all—all”—andwiththisthelonelyoldwomanburstintoascreamofhystericaltears.
ThelastsceneofherdismalVanityFaircomedywasfastapproaching;thetawdrylampsweregoingoutonebyone;andthedarkcurtainwasalmostreadytodescend.
Thatfinalparagraph,whichreferredRawdontoMissCrawley’ssolicitorinLondon,andwhichBriggshadwrittensogood-naturedly,consoledthedragoonandhiswifesomewhat,aftertheirfirstblankdisappointment,onreadingthespinster’srefusalofareconciliation.
Anditeffectedthepurposeforwhichtheoldladyhadcausedittobewritten,bymakingRawdonveryeagertogettoLondon.
OutofJos’slosingsandGeorgeOsborne’sbank-notes,hepaidhisbillattheinn,thelandlordwhereofdoesnotprobablyknowtothisdayhowdoubtfullyhisaccountoncestood.
For,asageneralsendshisbaggagetotherearbeforeanaction,RebeccahadwiselypackedupalltheirchiefvaluablesandsentthemoffundercareofGeorge’sservant,whowentinchargeofthetrunksonthecoachbacktoLondon.
Rawdonandhiswifereturnedbythesameconveyancenextday.
“Ishouldhavelikedtoseetheoldgirlbeforewewent,”Rawdonsaid.
“ShelookssocutupandalteredthatI’msureshecan’tlastlong.
IwonderwhatsortofachequeIshallhaveatWaxy’s.
Twohundred—itcan’tbelessthantwohundred—hey,Becky?”
Inconsequenceoftherepeatedvisitsoftheaides-de-campoftheSheriffofMiddlesex,RawdonandhiswifedidnotgobacktotheirlodgingsatBrompton,butputupataninn.
Earlythenextmorning,RebeccahadanopportunityofseeingthemassheskirtedthatsuburbonherroadtooldMrs.Sedley’shouseatFulham,whithershewenttolookforherdearAmeliaandherBrightonfriends.
TheywereallofftoChatham,thencetoHarwich,totakeshippingforBelgiumwiththeregiment—kindoldMrs.Sedleyverymuchdepressedandtearful,solitary.
Returningfromthisvisit,Rebeccafoundherhusband,whohadbeenofftoGray’sInn,andlearnthisfate.Hecamebackfurious.
“ByJove,Becky,”sayshe,“she’sonlygivenmetwentypound!”
Thoughittoldagainstthemselves,thejokewastoogood,andBeckyburstoutlaughingatRawdon’sdiscomfiture.
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