Of all the friends who sounded her praises none were more enthusiastic than little Prissy, who came now regularly to the house to do domestic work.
Anxious to increase his trade, Aaron had stocked his shop with such articles of wear and adornment7 which were most in request. He had not the means to pay ready money for the stock, but through a friend in Portsmouth, Mr. Moss8, with whom the readers of this story have already become acquainted, he obtained credit from wholesale9 dealers10 who would have been chary11 to trust him without a sufficient recommendation. Apart from the pleasures which his modest success in business afforded him, there was a happiness in store for him to which he looked forward with a sense of profound gratitude12. Rachel was about to become a mother. To this fond couple, who lived only for each other, there could be no greater joy than this. They had lost their firstborn, and God was sending another child to bless their days. They never closed their eyes at night, they never rose in the morning, without offering a prayer of thanks to the Most High for His goodness to them. They saw no cloud gathering13 to darken their happiness.
It was an ordinary event, for which Aaron could hardly have been prepared.
They had been eleven months in Gosport when one morning Aaron, rising first and going down to his shop, found that burglars had been at work. They had effected an entrance at the back of the house, and had carried away the most valuable articles in the window. The loss, Aaron calculated, would not be less than a hundred pounds.
It was, to him, a serious loss; he had commenced with a very small capital, and his earnings14 during the year had left only a small margin15 over his household and trade expenses. His business was growing, it is true, but for the first six months he had barely paid his way; it was to the future he looked to firmly establish himself, and now in one night all his profits were swept away. More than this; if he were called upon to pay his debts he would have but a few pounds left. Rachel, whose health the last week or two had been delicate, her confinement16 being so near, was in bed by his directions; he had forbidden her to rise till ten o'clock. It was a matter to be thankful for; he could keep the shock of the loss from her; in her condition bad news might have a serious effect upon her.
He set everything in order, spoke17 no word of what had occurred to his wife, re-arranged the shop window, and took down the shutters18. In the course of the day he told Rachel that he intended to close a couple of hours earlier than usual; he had to go to Portsmouth upon business in the evening, and should be absent probably till near midnight.
"You will not mind being alone, my love?" he said.
"Oh no," she answered, with a tender smile; "I have plenty to occupy me."
She had been for some time busy with her needle preparing for her unborn child.
"But you must go to bed at ten," said Aaron. "I shall lock the shop, and take the key of the back door with me, so that I can let myself in."
She promised to do as he bade her, and in the evening he left her to transact19 his business. He had no fear that she would be intruded20 upon; it was not likely that the house would be broken into two nights in succession; besides, with the exception of some pledges of small value which he kept in the safe, where they were secure from burglars, there was little now to tempt21 thieves to repeat their knavish22 doings. So with fond kisses he bade her goodnight.
They stood facing each other, looking into each other's eyes. Rachel's eyes were of a tender grey, with a light so sweet in them that he never looked into them unmoved. He kissed them now with a strange yearning23 at his heart.
"I hope baby's eyes will be like yours, dear love," he said; "the soul of sweetness and goodness shines in them."
She smiled happily, and pressed him fondly to her. Ah, if he had known!
His first business was with the police. He went to the station, and telling the inspector24 of his loss, said that he wished it to be kept private, because of his fear that it might reach his wife's ears. The inspector replied that it would be advisable under any circumstances. Leaving in the officer's hands a list of the articles that had been stolen, he proceeded to Portsmouth to consult his friend Mr. Moss. That good-hearted gentleman was deeply concerned at the news.
"It is a serious thing, Cohen," he said.
"A very serious thing," replied Aaron, gravely; "but I shall overcome it, Only I require time. I promised to pay some bills to-morrow, and as I shall need a little stock to replace what I have lost, it will cramp25 me to do so now."
He mentioned the names of the tradesmen to whom he had given the promise, and asked Mr. Moss to call upon them in the morning and explain the matter to them.
"They will not lose their money," he said; "it will not take me very long to make everything right."
"I will see them," said Mr. Moss, "and I am sure they will give you time. Aaron Cohen's name is a sufficient guarantee."
"I hope it will always be," replied Aaron. "It is very unfortunate just now, because I have extra expenses coming on me. The nurse, the doctor----"
"I know, I know. How is Mrs. Cohen?"
"Fairly well, I am glad to say. She knows nothing of what has occurred."
"Of course not. How could you tell her while she is like that? When Mrs. Moss is in the same way I am always singing and laughing and saying cheerful things to her. Between you and me, we expect an addition ourselves in about four months."
"Indeed! That will make----"
"Twelve," said Mr. Moss, rubbing his hands briskly together. "Increase and multiply. It's our bounden duty; eh, Cohen?"
"Yes," said Aaron, rather absently. "And now I must go; it will be late before I reach home, and for all Rachel's promises I expect she will keep awake for me. Good-night, and thank you."
"Nothing to thank me for. Good-night, and good luck."
When Aaron returned to Gosport it was midnight. Winter was coming on, and it was cold and dark. Buttoning his coat close up to his neck, he hastened his steps.
He was not despondent26. Misfortune had fallen upon him, but he had confidence in himself; and, despite the practical common sense which showed itself in all his actions, there was in his nature an underlying27 current of spiritual belief in Divine assistance towards the successful accomplishment28 of just and worthy29 endeavour. That it is man's duty to do right, to work, to pray, to be considerate to his neighbours, to make his home cheerful, to be as charitable as his means will allow--this was his creed30; and it was strengthened by his conviction that God made Himself manifest even upon earth in matters of right and wrong. He did not relegate31 the expiation32 of transgression33 to the future; he did not believe that a man could wipe out the sins of the past year by fasting, and praying, and beating his breast on the Day of Atonement. Wrong-doing was not to be set aside and forgotten until a convenient hour for repentance34 arrived. That was the conduct of a man who tried to cheat his conscience, who deluded35 himself with the hope that the Eternal sometimes slept. Daily, hourly, a man must keep watch over himself and his actions. This had been his rule of life; and it contributed to his happiness, and to the happiness of those around him.
He was within a quarter of a mile of his residence when he was conscious of an unseen disturbance36 in the air; and presently he saw a distant glare in the sky, and the faint echoes of loud voices stole upon his senses. Agitated37 as he had been by what had transpired39 during this long unfortunate day, he could not at first be certain whether these signs were real or imaginary; but he soon discovered that they did not spring from his imagination. The glare in the sky became plainly visible, the loud voices reached his cars. There was a fire in the town, and he was proceeding40 towards it. Instantly his thoughts, his fears, centred upon Rachel. He ran forward quickly, and found himself struggling through an excited crowd. Flames shot upwards41; the air was filled with floating sparks of fire. Great God! It was his own house that was being destroyed by the devouring42 element. He did not heed43 that; the destruction of his worldly goods did not affect him.
"My wife!" he screamed. "Where is my wife?"
By main force they held him back, for he was rushing into the flames.
"Let me go!" he screamed. "Where is my wife?"
"It is all right, Mr. Cohen," a number of voices replied. "She is saved!"
"Thank God, oh, thank God!" he cried. "Take me to her. Where is she?"
He cared not for the ruin that had overtaken him; like cool water to a parched44 throat had come the joyful45 news.
"Take me to her. In the name of Heaven, tell me where she is!"
She was in a house, at a safe distance from the fire, and thither46 he was led. Rachel was lying on a couch in her nightdress; sympathising people were about her.
"Rachel, Rachel!" he cried, and fell upon his knees by her side.
She did not answer him; she was insensible.
"Do not agitate38 yourself," said a voice. It was that of a physician who had been attending to her. "Be thankful that she lives."
"O Lord, I thank Thee!" murmured the stricken man. "My Rachel lives!"
What mattered all the rest? What mattered worldly ruin and destruction? The beloved of his heart was spared to him.
"You are a sensible man, Mr. Cohen," said the physician, "and you must be calm for her sake. In her condition there will be danger if she witnesses your agitation47 when she recovers."
"I will be calm, sir," said Aaron, humbly48. "She is all I have in the world."
He made no inquiries49 as to the cause of the fire; he did not stir from Rachel's side, but sat with his eyes fixed50 upon her pallid51 face. The physician remained with them an hour, and then took his departure, saying he would return early in the morning, and leaving instructions to Aaron what to do.
At sunrise Rachel awoke. Passing one hand over her eyes, she held out the other in a groping, uncertain way. Aaron took it in his, and held it fondly; the pallor left her cheeks.
"It is you, my dear?" she murmured.
"Yes, it is I, my life!" he said, in a low and gentle tone.
"You are well--you are safe?"
"I am well; I am safe," he replied. "And you, Rachel, how do you feel?"
"I have a slight headache. It will soon pass away. Oh, my dear husband, how thankful I am! When did you return?"
"Not till you were taken from the house. Do not talk now. Rest, rest, my beloved!"
The endearing words brought a glad smile to her lips.
"I will sleep presently, Aaron. Is the doctor here?"
"No, but he will come soon. Shall I go for him?"
"I can wait, dear; when he comes I should like to speak to him alone."
"You are hurt!" he said, alarmed. "Tell me!"
"I am not hurt, dear; it is only that my head aches a little. He will give me something to relieve me. Have no fear for me, Aaron; I am in no danger; indeed, indeed, I am not!"
"God be praised!"
She drew his head to her breast, and they lay in silence awhile, fondly embracing.
"Let me tell you, dear, and then I will go to sleep again. I went to bed at ten, as you bade me, and though I had it in my mind to keep awake for you I could not do so. I do not know how long I slept, but I awoke in confusion, and there was a strong glare in my eyes. I hardly remember what followed. I heard voices calling to me--Prissy's voice was the loudest, I think--and then I felt that strong arms were around me, and I was being carried from the house. That is all, my dear, till I heard your voice, here. Where am I?"
He informed her; and then, holding him close to her, she fell asleep again. As the clock struck nine the physician entered the room, and Aaron told him what had passed.
"I can spare half an hour," said the physician. "Go and see after your affairs. I will not leave her till you return."
Kissing Rachel tenderly, and smoothing the hair from her forehead, Aaron left the house, and went to his own. Before he departed he learned from the kind neighbours, who had given Rachel shelter, that they were not in a position to keep her and Aaron with them, and he said that he would make arrangements to remove her in the course of the day, if the doctor thought it would be safe to do so. His own house, he found, was completely destroyed, but he heard of another at no great distance, which was to be let furnished for a few weeks; and this he took at once, and installed Prissy therein, to light fires and get the rooms warm. The arrangement completed, he hastened back to Rachel, between whom and the physician a long consultation52 had taken place during his absence. At the conclusion of their conversation she had asked him one question,--
"Shall I be so all my life, doctor?"
"I fear so," was his reply.
"My poor husband!" she murmured. "My poor, dear husband! Say nothing to him, doctor, I implore53 you. Let him hear the truth from my lips."
He consented, not sorry to be spared a painful duty. "She is surprisingly well," he said to Aaron, "and in a few days will be able to get about a little, though you must not expect her to be quite strong till her child is born."
The news was so much better than Aaron expected, that he drew a deep breath of exquisite54 relief.
"Can she be removed to-day with safety?" he asked.
"I think so. She will be happier with you alone. Give me your new address; I will call and see her there this evening."
At noon she was taken in a cab to her new abode55 and Aaron carried her in, and laid her on the sofa before a bright fire. In the evening the physician called according to his promise. "She is progressing famously," he said to Aaron. "Get her to bed early, and it may be advisable that she should keep there a few days. But I shall speak more definitely about this later on. Mr. Cohen, you have my best wishes. You are blessed with a noble wife." Tears shone in Aaron's eyes. "Let me impress upon you," continued the doctor, "to be strong as she is strong; but at present, with the birth of her child so near, it is scarcely physical power that sustains her. She is supported by a spiritual strength drawn from her love for you and her unborn babe."
With these words the physician left them together. Prissy was gone, and Aaron and Rachel were alone.
They exchanged but few words. Rachel still occupied the couch before the fire, and as she seemed to be dozing56 Aaron would not disturb her. Thus an hour passed by, and then Rachel said,--
"The doctor advises me to go to bed early. Will you help me up, dear?"
She stood on her feet before him, and as his eyes rested on her face a strange fear entered his heart.
"Come, my life!" he said.
"A moment, dear husband," she said. "I have something to tell you, something that will grieve you. I do not know how it happened, nor does the good doctor know. He has heard of only one such case before. I am not in pain; I do not suffer. It is much to be grateful for, and I am humbly, humbly grateful. It might have been so much worse!"
"Rachel, my beloved!" said Aaron, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Keep your arms about me, my honoured husband. Let me feel your dear hands, your dear face. Kiss me, Aaron. May I tell you now?"
"Tell me now, my beloved."
"Look into my eyes, dear. I cannot look into yours. Dear husband, I am blind!"
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1
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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adornment
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| n.装饰；装饰品 | |
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moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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wholesale
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| n.批发；adv.以批发方式；vt.批发，成批出售 | |
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dealers
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| n.商人( dealer的名词复数 )；贩毒者；毒品贩子；发牌者 | |
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chary
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| adj.谨慎的，细心的 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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earnings
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| n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得 | |
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15
margin
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| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
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confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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17
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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transact
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| v.处理；做交易；谈判 | |
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20
intruded
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| n.侵入的，推进的v.侵入，侵扰，打扰( intrude的过去式和过去分词 )；把…强加于 | |
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21
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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knavish
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| adj.无赖（似）的，不正的；刁诈 | |
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yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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inspector
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| n.检查员，监察员，视察员 | |
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cramp
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| n.痉挛；[pl.](腹)绞痛；vt.限制，束缚 | |
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despondent
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| adj.失望的，沮丧的，泄气的 | |
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underlying
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| adj.在下面的，含蓄的，潜在的 | |
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accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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relegate
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| v.使降级，流放，移交，委任 | |
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32
expiation
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| n.赎罪，补偿 | |
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33
transgression
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| n.违背；犯规；罪过 | |
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repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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35
deluded
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| v.欺骗，哄骗( delude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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36
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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agitate
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| vi.(for,against)煽动，鼓动；vt.搅动 | |
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39
transpired
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| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的过去式和过去分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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40
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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41
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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42
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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43
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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44
parched
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| adj.焦干的；极渴的；v.（使）焦干 | |
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45
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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46
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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47
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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48
humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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49
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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50
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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51
pallid
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| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
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52
consultation
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| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
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53
implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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54
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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55
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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56
dozing
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| v.打瞌睡,假寐 n.瞌睡 | |
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