COMING EVENTS.
Towards the middle of December, 1878, a dog-cart might have been seen standing2 outside the small station of Newcome, in Slopshire. There was nothing particularly remarkable3 about the turn-out—a goodish-looking animal in the shafts4 and a certain air of neatness stamped it as belonging to a gentleman, but beyond that there was no particular feature to attract attention. No gaudy5 red wheels, nothing dazzling in the way of "picking out;" simply an ordinary[Pg 288] dog-cart, which had come down from Belton Hall to meet the 5.35 train from London.
Belton Hall, an old Elizabethan mansion6, belonged to the Vivians, was inhabited by Colonel George Vivian and his daughter Mildred, and they were expecting two visitors, who had been asked to the Hall for Christmas and hunting—one, Jack7 Vivian, the Colonel's nephew; the other, a Mr. Thomas Simpson, who was known to the world in general to be following that calling which covers a multitude of sins, which means so much yet expresses so little, viz. "something in the City."
Colonel Vivian was as keen a sportsman and as good a man to hounds as there was in Slopshire, and his daughter followed closely in his footsteps—too closely sometimes, for on one occasion, when the Colonel came down at a stiffish stake-and-bound fence, Mildred, unable to stop in time, jumped right on the top of him, her horse's near hind-foot going slap through the crown of his new hat, which[Pg 289] luckily did not at the moment contain her father's head.
Belton was therefore a certain find, and the Master, knowing this, always had a fixture8 there in the Christmas week.
Both Mildred and her father were too apt to gauge9 a man by his powers of getting over a country, and woe10 betide any unfortunate individual who had been seen to exhibit any—well, I will say hesitation—when hounds were running. If he happened to be staying at the Hall, he was chaffed most unmercifully, and under any other circumstances he was immediately set down in the mental tablets of the Vivians as a man who was not worth knowing.
There was but little fear of Jack not coming up to the mark in the way of riding, for, born and brought up in the country, his first recollections were associated with hounds, and his earliest lessons comprised "the run of a fox." Of late years he had not been able to hunt as much as he would have liked,[Pg 290] for there were two fatal objections in his way—want of time and want of money.
Jack Vivian was a barrister, and a hard-working one withal. He had got his foot on the second rung of the ladder of success and meant going upwards11; therefore he had little time for play, and but a small balance of spare cash; so it was only now and again that he could snatch a brief holiday, and, finding neck and spurs against a friend's horse, engage in his favourite pursuit. Notwithstanding this, there were few men who would care to back themselves against Jack across country, and there was probably not one (old Jim the Huntsman excepted) who knew more about a fox or what hounds were doing.
Mr. Simpson, on the other hand, was rolling in wealth, and as his "something in the City" did not occupy much of his time, he tried in every way to assume the appearance of a country gentleman, and to be considered a modern Nimrod.
[Pg 291]
Somehow, though, his three hundred-guinea hunters did not carry Mr. Simpson to the end, and it was marvellous the extraordinary and unforeseen obstacles that had prevented his appearance at the death.
Rivers suddenly had sprung up where none had been known before, and six-foot posts and rails, with broad double ditches, had caused Mr. Simpson alone to tarry on his course. In other words he was an arrant14 "funk," though of course he would not have acknowledged the soft impeachment15.
It was, as you may think, very odd that such a man should be the guest of so ardent16 a sportsman as the owner of Belton, but it happened thus. The previous year the Colonel and his daughter were staying in Leicestershire, and at a friend's house they met Mr. Simpson. So taken up with admiring his horses was the Colonel that he either omitted to look at the owner, or else invested him with a halo which was the overflow17 of the equine worship.
[Pg 292]
Besides, open house, hunters five days a week for himself and daughter, and a large establishment, were not to be maintained for nothing; and the Colonel, in the matter of ￡ s. d., was a remarkably18 practical man, and had no objection to the possibility of a rich son-in-law, even though he might be "in the City."
Therefore, for Christmas week, Simpson and his horses were offered bed and board at Belton; and already, in his own mind, had Mr. S. drawn19 up a deed of partnership20, with Miss Vivian as the Co., for he had been completely knocked out of time at the first sight of Mildred, and had fallen head over ears in—what he was pleased to call—love. What his chances of success were may be gathered from the following conversation, which took place in the drawing-room after the dog-cart had gone down to the station.
Mildred—it was a non-hunting day—was seated in a low easy-chair, occupied with five-o'clock tea, and by her side, on a cushion,[Pg 293] reclined her cousin Ethel, a young girl of sixteen, while opposite was the Rev12. Mr. Wilton, the clergyman of the place—one of the old school of sporting parsons, who was good for a fast twenty minutes either in the field or the pulpit; and though he had, for fifty odd years, hunted regularly four days a-week, there was not a man, woman, or child in the parish whose every trouble was not known to him, and there was not one of them who would not willingly have given up everything to help their idol21, "t' owd parson."
With his back to the fire stood the Colonel, engaged in conversation with Florence Wingfield, sister to the expected Jack. She was staying in the house with her husband, Captain Tom Wingfield, of the 23rd Hussars, who at this moment was trying a new purchase by riding over to the kennels22, some ten miles away.
"Which room has Mr. Simpson got, Milly?" said the Colonel suddenly.
[Pg 294]
"The best bachelor's room, papa," replied the young lady; "I put him there because I thought the gorgeous pattern of the new carpet you chose would suit his taste, and I have hung up some of those old sporting prints for him to take a lesson from."
"And what room has Jack got?" continued the Colonel, not best pleased at the impression his intended guest had produced on his daughter.
"Oh, dear old Jack has, of course, his own room. Florence arranged it just as it used to be, and before tea came I saw the fire was all right."
"I suppose you did not happen to see if Mr. Simpson's fire was all right, Mildred?" said Mr. Wilton, with a sly twinkle in his eye.
"No; Ethel did that," she replied, laughing; "besides, with that red face he can't be cold."
"Milly, never judge by appearances,"[Pg 295] interrupted Mrs. Wingfield, who saw by her uncle's face that the conversation was not particularly agreeable to him. Woman-like, she had read him like a book; and, though willing to keep the peace, she had long ago made up her mind that Mildred was to be her brother's wife or an old maid—aut C?sar aut nihil; and having settled this, she set herself down to carry out her plans.
"Who is talking about judging by appearances?" put in a manly23 voice, as Tom Wingfield, somewhat muddy of coat, walked into the room.
"I was," said his wife. "I was telling Milly not to judge by appearances, for I thought you a nice fellow once, and—ahem!—I was taken in by your appearance."
"All right, Mrs. Impudence," retorted Tom; "no hunting for you. I thought I had two beautiful ladies' hunters, but I was deceived by appearances. Anyhow, let me have a cup of tea. I have given my new nag24 a lesson he won't forget. He refused[Pg 296] that fence out of the road by the windmill, and put me down twice; then tried to bolt for Paradise Hill, but after a fight we got on terms, and he goes like an angel now."
"I must make a note of that, Wingfield," interrupted Mr. Wilton. "It is a curious coincidence of an animal being stopped on its way to Paradise, yet suddenly becoming an angel."
"Capital text for next Sunday, Wilton," said the Colonel. "But hark! I hear the dog-cart, and here they come round the corner of the drive."
"Oh Lord!" ejaculates Tom; "can anyone tell me how gray shirtings are? Must talk to a man who is in the City about shirtings or backwardations, you know. I'll ask Jack what he gave for his flannel25 shirts."
Amid the shouts of laughter which followed this sally the door opened, and the butler announced: "Mr. Simpson and Master Jack."
[Pg 297]
CHAPTER II.
OF THE CITY CIVIC26.
"Delighted to see you, Mr. Simpson," said the Colonel, taking that gentleman's somewhat flabby hand, and introducing him to the others in turn. "Ah Jack, my boy, how are you? I have such a horse for you; but no spurs allowed, mind."
"All right, uncle," replied Jack, coming to the fire; "I'll remember. But how are you all? Florence, you are getting most abominably27 fat. Why, Milly, ain't you going to say How do you do to me?—not that way," as Mildred put out her hand. "I ask you, is that the way to welcome your long-lost cousin? Come to my arms"—a proceeding28 that he promptly29 tried to put into force, and had he not stumbled head over heels over Ethel, who from her position on the[Pg 298] ground he had not noticed, would have succeeded in his endeavour.
As it was, like a drowning man, he clutched at the first thing that came to hand, which, happening to be Simpson's coat-tail, brought that worthy30 gentleman down with him, and cut short the polite little speech he was about to address to Mildred.
It was rather hard lines on the unfortunate individual, for all the way down in the train he had been (when Jack's eye was not upon him) rehearsing it, and now it was lost for ever.
"I beg your ten thousand pardons, Simpson," said Jack, struggling to his feet. "Why, it's Ethel. What on earth do you go and curl yourself up like a fox-terrier on the hearthrug for, and make people do these pantomime tricks over you? You nearly were the death of two of Her Majesty's most esteemed31 subjects."
"Heavy fall in shirtings," whispered the[Pg 299] irrepressible Tom to Mildred, who was obliged to go out of the room, ostensibly to see the housekeeper32, but in reality to hide her laughter.
"Not hurt, I hope?" asked the Colonel.
"No—ah—Colonel Vivian, I thank you; but I must apologise to Miss Vivian. It must have astonished her. Ah, she is gone," said Simpson, who was, if possible, of a more rosy33 hue34 than ever.
"Oh, Mildred's all right," put in Jack; "it's not the first time she has seen a man down by many a hundred, nor will it be the last if hounds run to-morrow. Which is my room, uncle? I'll show Simpson his too. It's nearly time to dress."
"You are in your old quarters, Jack, and Mr. Simpson is in the bachelor's room, which, I hope, he will find comfortable," said his uncle.
"Come on then, Simpson; I'll take you to your diggings, and then I'll go and see Phillips the stud-groom, and tell him to[Pg 300] show your man where to put himself and his horses too," continued Jack, and out they went.
"What a ridiculous contretemps!" said Florence as the door closed. "I never saw anything half so funny as Mr. Simpson's face. My dear Ethel, I thought I should have died."
"I thought I should have been smothered," replied Ethel. "I shall never be able to look Mr. Simpson in the face again."
Mr. Wilton, who had hitherto been a silent spectator, here interrupted with "I am afraid the gentleman is not in the same happy state as Wingfield's horse, for I distinctly heard him as he fell utter a most unangelic word beginning with a D."
"A falling angel can't be particular," said Tom. "What do you say, Colonel?"
"I say that it's very wrong of you to make fun of our guest, and that if you don't go to dress at once you will be all late for dinner;" with which the master of the house walked out of the room followed by the rest.
[Pg 301]
At seven o'clock the whole party were reassembled in the drawing-room. Mr. Simpson, in all the consciousness of a spotless shirt in which blazed an elaborate diamond stud the size of a sixpenny piece, was trying to make himself agreeable to Mildred, while Jack was in a deep discussion with Tom and his uncle over the prospects35 of the season, and listening to the accounts of past performances. "Dinner is served" from the butler took them all into the dining-room, where they were soon hard at what Tom called "trencher-work."
"What horses have you brought, Mr. Simpson?" said the Colonel during the pause after the soup.
"Ah—two, Colonel Vivian. A bay mare36 I had last season, and a new horse I bought from Ward1 the other day; a splendid fencer—nothing is too big for him. Ah—I had to give four hundred for him though, so he ought to be good," replied Simpson.
"He ought indeed. I wish I could afford[Pg 302] to give such prices," rejoined the Colonel, on whose ear the statement of ￡ s. d. grated somewhat harshly. "I advise you to ride him to-morrow; the hounds meet here, and the keeper tells me there are a brace37 of foxes in the osiers, and if they take the usual line it wants a good horse to live with them."
Mr. Simpson's face did not express a vast amount of rapture38 at this, and he almost wished he had not been quite so fulsome39 on the subject of his new purchase. However, turning to Mildred, he said: "Miss Vivian—ah—I suppose you follow the hounds to-morrow?"
"Yes," replies Mildred; "I ride my favourite horse Birdcatcher, and I hope we shall show you some sport."
"Follow the hounds!" muttered Jack under his breath, who was getting rather jealous of his fellow-traveller. "He did not suppose the hounds would follow her, did he?" an idea that he imparted to Ethel, who was next to him, and which seemed to amuse her[Pg 303] mightily40. "I believe the fellow's a funk," he went on. "Anyhow, I'll draw him," and across the table he said: "Simpson, is your nag good at water and timber, for the Belton brook41 runs below the osiers, and there are one or two rather awkward stiles to be negotiated?"
"Oh yes. Ah—he is a first-rate water-jumper, and, I believe, very good all round."
"That's all right then; you will be cutting us all down," put in Tom; whereat Simpson smiled a sickly and most unbecoming smile, by which he meant to insinuate42 that he was going to try, and thought it extremely probable that he would succeed, but which conveyed to everybody the impression that he wished Belton brook and the stiles at the bottom of the sea.
Florence, who saw this, immediately proceeded to set his mind at rest by telling a number of stories anent the difficulties of the country, and the number of men that had come out in the morning in all the pride of[Pg 304] their scarlet43, and had returned bemudded and besmirched44 after a visit to the bottom of the brook, all of which anecdotes45 she referred to Mr. Wilton for verification.
After dinner Mr. Simpson made the running very strongly with Mildred, much to Jack's disgust; and as he found that, do what he would, he was unable to get a word in edgeways without having his eyes nearly put out by the glitter of the City gentleman's diamond stud, he took refuge behind the paper, which position, notwithstanding Mildred's glance of entreaty46, he maintained resolutely47 till the appearance of candles and the Colonel's orders for the morning warned everybody that it was bedtime.
"Good-night, Jack, my boy," said his uncle, after the ladies had retired48. "I shan't come to the smoking-room to-night. Mind, breakfast at nine sharp. I have ordered a real flyer for you to-morrow, and I want you to keep up your reputation and show them the way, also to give an eye to Milly. I[Pg 305] can trust her with most horses, but Birdcatcher is, as you know, an awkward customer if he gets his temper up. Mr. Simpson," turning to his guest, "you will find everything in the smoking-room. Jack and Tom will show you where it is. I am rather tired, and will wish you good-night and good sport to-morrow."
"Tom," said Jack to his brother-in-law, "you take Simpson to the den13. I'm off to bed; you will excuse my not coming. I've a bad headache, and I want to look over a case I have in hand which is rather important. Good-night, old man; good-night, Simpson;" and with that he retired, muttering to himself: "How the deuce Uncle George could have invited such a cad down here I can't think."
On arriving in his room he found his sister waiting for him, and she immediately commenced: "Dear old Jack, I knew you would not smoke to-night, for I saw you were put out. You need not be afraid about Milly and Mr. Simpson; she detests49 him. If Uncle[Pg 306] George thinks she will ever marry a man like that he is mistaken."
"What's the odds50, Florence," said Jack in a desponding tone; "it is no use denying the fact that I am awfully51 fond of Milly, but what chance have I, as poor as a church mouse, against a man rolling in wealth? And even if she doesn't marry Simpson, some other rich son of a gun will be after her, and it will break my heart to see her married. By-the-way, how can uncle ever tolerate such a vulgarian as Simpson?"
"'Money makes the mare to go,'" replied his sister; "and I fancy Uncle George has been spending a little too much lately. But cheer up, Jack dear; perhaps our old Indian will die, and leave you a heap of money. Meanwhile, rely on me to keep off all intruders: 'Trespassers will be prosecuted,' and all that sort of thing; spring-guns and the extreme penalty of the law, you know."
"Florence, you are a darling," said Jack, kissing her; "but you can't kill the Nabob,[Pg 307] and even a woman's wit can't keep Milly under lock and key till your pauper52 brother makes enough money to enable him to see papa in the study without feeling that he may be shown out of the door by the butler."
"Si c'est possible c'est fait, si c'est impossible cela ce fera," laughed Florence, as she left her brother to think over what she had said.
The old Indian, Sandford by name, was the great hope of both Jack and his sister. He was their mother's only brother, and though he had been home but once in forty years, an event which occurred some nine years back, he had on that occasion intimated that Jack was to be his heir, and when driven to India by what he called "the cursed climate and infernal fogs" of his native country, he had left a thousand pounds to be used for Jack's advancement53 in life, and regularly every Christmas a letter arrived from Simla to Jack, enclosing an order on Messrs. Drummond for two hundred pounds, bearing the simple signature "John Sandford."
[Pg 308]
When his sister had gone Jack threw himself into a chair, and after musing54 for some time tumbled into bed, and was soon dreaming of Milly, the Nabob, and Simpson, all of whom were trying to catch an animal that occasionally took the shape of Birdcatcher, and as often that of his sister.
CHAPTER III.
FLOOD AND FIELD.
"A southerly wind and a cloudy sky," sung loudly by his bedside, woke Jack on the following morning, and, opening his eyes, he encountered those of Tom Wingfield, who, as soon as he saw that he had effected his purpose—to wit, waking Jack—said: "How's the head, old man? It's a ripping fine morning; tumble up. Here's the shaving-water," as the footman entered the room. "I've called Simpson. By Jove, what a bore[Pg 309] that man is! he told me last night exactly how much he had given for everything he possessed55. However, Phillips, whom I saw just now, says his four hundred guineas worth looks a nailer, but I doubt if our friend's heart is in the right place."
"Heart be blowed!" growled56 Jack; "the only heart he knows of is the heart of the City. Clear out, Tom, though; its late, and I shall never be dressed in time for breakfast."
However, he was, and as he entered the dining-room he thought he had never seen Milly look so well as, in her well-fitting and workmanlike habit, she dispensed57 the honours of the tea.
Simpson was simply gorgeous, and evidently fancied himself considerably58, though as the clock marked the hour of ten and the first contingent59 arrived, his rubicund60 features went many degrees paler at the thought of Belton brook and his four-hundred-guinea hunter.
Punctual to the minute the hounds arrived,[Pg 310] and after a quarter of an hour, during which time refreshment61 for man and horse was in full swing, the signal to move off was given.
"Mornin', Master Jack," said old Jim the Huntsman, as Jack came out of the stable-yard, his mount bucking62 like an Australian. "I'm main glad to see you wi' us again; we shall soon find summat to take the play out o' you" (alluding to the horse). "If I mistake not, you mean a-showing 'em what for, and I'm sure I hope you will."
"Jim, you get younger every day. They tell me you are going to be married again and give up hunting; is it true?" was Jack's reply.
"Get along with you; you're no better than you used to be, Master Jack," retorted the old man, who was fast nearing his seventieth year.
At this moment the Colonel rode up, accompanied by Mildred and Mr. Simpson, the latter, it must be confessed, looking far from comfortable. "Jim," said he, "we will draw[Pg 311] the osiers first, please, up-wind, and send Williams" (the First Whip) "down to the corner. Mr. Wilton and myself will stop by the gate and view him if he tries back. Mr. Talbot" (the Master) "has gone on to the wood, and wished me to tell you."
"Right, Colonel," replied the Huntsman, lifting his cap; and with a "Coop, coome away!" he trotted63 off down to the bottom end, the hounds clustering all round his horse.
"This way, Milly," said Jack. "Come on, Simpson and Tom," and the quartet established themselves out of sight at the top end of the osier-bed. Presently old Jim was heard cheering his hounds, and a whimper from old Solomon proclaimed the fox to be at home, as usual.
"Eugh, at him!" cheered Jim, and as the whimper swelled64 into a chorus a regular traveller slipped out close to Mr. Simpson, and headed straight over the dreaded65 brook.
"By gad66, he's off!" said Jack, and "Gorne awa-a-y!" proclaimed his departure to the[Pg 312] expectant field. The hounds tumbled out of covert67 all of a heap, and plunging68 into the brook in a body were away on the other side in a trice, with a scent69 breast high.
"Miss Vivian, for goodness' sake don't attempt the brook," implored70 Simpson; "I will stop and look after you."
But Mildred, vouchsafing71 him not so much as a look, caught the impatient Birdcatcher by the head, and with Jack and Tom on either side the trio rattled72 down at the water, which was negotiated with safety.
"Bravo!" said Jack; "here comes Simpson;" and come he did, for his perfect hunter was not made of the stuff to be left behind if he could help it, and seeing his three companions careering away down the opposite field, he, to use a nautical73 expression, "took charge," and, before his rider knew what had happened, had landed him safely on the other side of the obstacle.
"Down the lane," said Jack to Mildred as they popped over the fence that led out of the[Pg 313] meadow; "it's straight for Boltby big wood. Here you are, Jim," as the Huntsman came up to where the hounds had checked for a moment in the lane; "they made it good as far as this. Hark for'ard! Minstrel has it;" and away they went a cracker74, turning sharp to the right into some rolling grass-fields.
By this time Mr. Simpson was beginning to pluck up his courage, and in company with those who had not been so favoured at the start was going fairly well. Ten minutes more brought them to the stiles that had been the subject of discussion at dinner the previous evening, and nasty-looking objects they were. The first was not so bad, but the second was a regular teaser—hog-backed, with a yawning ditch, spanned by a footboard on the far side.
"Steady, Milly," said Tom, as Birdcatcher rushed at No. 1.
"By gad, she'll be down if she goes at that pace," shouted Jack in an agony, his horse, a young 'un, having refused.
[Pg 314]
At this crisis Mr. Simpson appeared on the scene, the rest of the field preferring the safer course down the lane. Tom managed the hog-back successfully, and was too much occupied with the hounds, now racing75 a field ahead, to think of Mildred, who had evidently got as much as she could manage in the thoroughly-roused Birdcatcher.
Jack's feelings can be better imagined than described as he saw Milly rush at the stile and Birdcatcher turn a complete somersault, sending his mistress flying, happily, some yards away from where he fell.
"Come up, you brute," he yelled, driving his spurs home and fairly lifting the astonished young 'un over both fences. Scarcely had he landed over the hog-back than he was off his horse and kneeling by Milly in a paroxysm of grief.
"My darling child, are you hurt? My God, she's dead!" he cried, as he tried to lift her.
But she was only stunned76 for the moment,[Pg 315] and to his ineffable77 joy Milly opened her eyes and said: "It's all right, Jack; I'm not hurt. Catch my horse and let's get on."
The "Thank God" came from the bottom of his heart as he caught the two nags78 and lifted her on; but the agonised expression on his face told Mildred plainer than any words the "old old tale," and in her inmost heart she blessed the fall for the revelation.
The fox meanwhile, who had been headed by a labourer, turned short back, and as they came round, about two fields above the spot where the accident took place, everyone was much amused at the sight of Mr. Simpson, who, unable to muster79 up courage to ride at the place, and thinking that no one was likely to see him, had got off his horse, and having promised a yokel80 a sovereign to catch him on the other side, was doing his best, with the aid of his hunting-whip, to induce his four hundred guineas' worth to take it by himself. No further mishap81 occurred, and in half an hour, after running hard all the time, they[Pg 316] viewed and killed their fox in the open, Mr. Simpson arriving just as the last morsel82 disappeared down old Solomon's throat.
By this time Mildred was feeling the effects of her fall, and Simpson was only too glad to offer to be her escort home; an opportunity which he took advantage of to propose in due form, the effect of his solicitations being somewhat marred83 by the aversion his horse displayed to walking.
"I'm very sorry, Mr. Simpson," said Mildred, in reply to his entreaties84 that she would consent to be the "Co.," "I'm very sorry, but it can never be."
"There's some other fellow in the case; I will know who. It's that horrid85 cousin of yours," said the man of money with his innate86 vulgarity, for he could not understand any girl refusing his gold.
"Mr. Simpson, you have no right to speak to me like that; and seeing that my cousin picked me up when I fell, while you were too much alarmed for your own safety, I have no[Pg 317] reason to consider him horrid," was Mildred's cutting reply, after which she refused to speak till they arrived at the Hall.
Whether it was the rebuff that he had received, or joy at finding himself safe, I cannot say, but at dinner Simpson drank more than was his custom, and was proportionately talkative and bombastic87 in consequence, and towards the end he entertained the company with a description of how he got over the most enormous places.
"You—ah—see, my horse" (he called it "'orse"' now that the wine was in) "refused that stile where Miss Vivian fell, and Mr. Ward told me it was no use riding him at the same thing twice, so I had to look out—ah—for another place. I saw there was nothing for it but the fence at the side" (it was an overgrown blackthorn, with a six-feet post and rails run through the middle), "and—ah—by Jove! my horse cleared it without touching88 a twig—ah."
"My word, Simpson, that was a jump[Pg 318]—almost as big as the cow took when it vaulted89 over the moon," said Tom.
"Fact, sir, 'shure you," replied he of the City, when the butler came up behind his chair and in an audible voice said: "I beg pardon, sir, but there's a man downstairs who says you told him to call—says you promised him a sovereign for catching90 your horse when you turned it over the stile."
It may have been rude, but the guilty look of Simpson and the utter ludicrousness of the whole affair was too much, and everybody, including the Colonel, fairly shrieked91 with laughter, during which Mr. Simpson bowed himself out to see about this "tale of the sovereign," as he called it.
Later on the butler appeared a second time, bearing in his hand a yellow envelope, which he handed to Jack.
Opening it carelessly he read: "As agents to John Sandford, acquaint you of his death. Yourself left sole heir. Telegraph instructions. Money and securities, eighty thousand. Three[Pg 319] large tea estates, besides other property. Letter follows.—Kirkman and Co., Calcutta."
I am afraid Jack's face did not express great sorrow for his deceased uncle. Indeed, as he glanced across at Milly, a great look of joy came into his eyes, and after dinner he found an opportunity to ask her a question, receiving a very different answer to that vouchsafed92 to Mr. Simpson.
Christmas morning he interviewed "papa in the study" without fear of the butler, and that evening the Colonel, with tears in his eyes, made a long speech, wherein he gave his daughter to his favourite nephew, with solemn injunctions to take care of her.
Jack, in returning thanks, said he would do his best to see that she did not break her neck; he had already had a turn he should never forget; but as it was somewhat instrumental in helping93 him to gain Milly, he begged to propose the health of The Hog-backed Stile.
Simpson, when he saw the game was lost,[Pg 320] turned out a much better fellow than anyone gave him credit for, and Milly found on her table a pearl necklace and a card, on which was written: "With T. Simpson's best wishes and apologies for rudeness."
Now, whenever he meets Jack and his wife, he tells them that the lesson he got at Belton taught him that money and bluster94 were not everything in this merry world of ours.
The End
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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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gaudy
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| adj.华而不实的；俗丽的 | |
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mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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fixture
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| n.固定设备；预定日期；比赛时间；定期存款 | |
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gauge
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| v.精确计量；估计；n.标准度量；计量器 | |
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10
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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13
den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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arrant
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| adj.极端的；最大的 | |
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15
impeachment
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| n.弹劾；控告；怀疑 | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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17
overflow
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| v.(使)外溢，(使)溢出；溢出，流出，漫出 | |
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18
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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19
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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20
partnership
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| n.合作关系，伙伴关系 | |
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21
idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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22
kennels
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| n.主人外出时的小动物寄养处，养狗场；狗窝( kennel的名词复数 )；养狗场 | |
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23
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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nag
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| v.(对…)不停地唠叨；n.爱唠叨的人 | |
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25
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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26
civic
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| adj.城市的，都市的，市民的，公民的 | |
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abominably
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| adv. 可恶地，可恨地，恶劣地 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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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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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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housekeeper
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| n.管理家务的主妇，女管家 | |
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rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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37
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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fulsome
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| adj.可恶的，虚伪的，过分恭维的 | |
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mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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41
brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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42
insinuate
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| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
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scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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besmirched
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| v.弄脏( besmirch的过去式和过去分词 )；玷污；丑化；糟蹋（名誉等） | |
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anecdotes
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| n.掌故，趣闻，轶事( anecdote的名词复数 ) | |
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entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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detests
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| v.憎恶，嫌恶，痛恨( detest的第三人称单数 ) | |
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odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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52
pauper
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| n.贫民，被救济者，穷人 | |
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53
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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54
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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55
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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56
growled
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| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的过去式和过去分词 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
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dispensed
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| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
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considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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59
contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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60
rubicund
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| adj.(脸色)红润的 | |
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61
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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62
bucking
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| v.（马等）猛然弓背跃起( buck的现在分词 )；抵制；猛然震荡；马等尥起后蹄跳跃 | |
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63
trotted
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| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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64
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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65
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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66
gad
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| n.闲逛；v.闲逛 | |
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67
covert
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| adj.隐藏的；暗地里的 | |
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68
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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69
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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70
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
vouchsafing
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的现在分词 )；允诺 | |
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72
rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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73
nautical
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| adj.海上的，航海的，船员的 | |
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74
cracker
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| n.（无甜味的）薄脆饼干 | |
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75
racing
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| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
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76
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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77
ineffable
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| adj.无法表达的，不可言喻的 | |
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78
nags
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| n.不断地挑剔或批评（某人）( nag的名词复数 )；不断地烦扰或伤害（某人）；无休止地抱怨；不断指责v.不断地挑剔或批评（某人）( nag的第三人称单数 )；不断地烦扰或伤害（某人）；无休止地抱怨；不断指责 | |
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79
muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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80
yokel
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| n.乡下人；农夫 | |
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81
mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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82
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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83
marred
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| adj. 被损毁, 污损的 | |
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84
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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85
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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86
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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87
bombastic
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| adj.夸夸其谈的，言过其实的 | |
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88
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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89
vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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90
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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91
shrieked
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| v.尖叫( shriek的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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92
vouchsafed
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 )；允诺 | |
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93
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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94
bluster
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| v.猛刮；怒冲冲的说；n.吓唬，怒号；狂风声 | |
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