His visits had been frequent since the day of the sale; and once he had persuaded the vicar and his daughter to spend an afternoon at his mother's house, conveying them to and fro at his own expense in the ever-available wagonette supplied by the country town inn.
To-day he had arrived just as Rafella was about to start for the church, enveloped4 in a macintosh, holding a monstrous5 cotton umbrella over her head; and for the last hour he had sat patiently in a pew while school children droned out hymns7 around Rafella and the harmonium, staring at him throughout the performance with unblinking curiosity.
[pg 25]
Now the children had clattered8 away, Rafella had closed the harmonium and put everything straight, and they were alone in the porch; the church door, covered with notices, was closed behind them, and in front the rain streamed down on the huddled9 graves, the sunken, lichen-stained headstones, and the old-fashioned, coffin-shaped tombs.
The supreme10 moment had come when, in spite of the place and the weather, George Coventry felt he could be silent no longer. There was little doubt in his mind as to Rafella's feelings towards himself, there could be no doubt in hers as to his intentions; he had made them plain enough almost from the first.
It was very soon over. He had spoken, he had kissed her with passion yet reverence12; she had trembled, shed a few tears, confessed that she cared for him. And then, as he had all along apprehended13, came the protest, when he urged a short engagement, that she could not leave her father.
"It would be wicked of me to leave him by himself," she cried in tearful distress14. "He could never get on without me. I think it would kill him, and I should never forgive myself."
"It would be wicked of him to want to keep you always," said Coventry firmly. He was prepared, within reason, to compromise, but he was
[pg 26]
also determined15 not to be beaten. "The moment we get back to the vicarage I'll interview him in his den16. That was where you saw me first. Do you remember, little angel saint? You looked through the window, and I fell in love with your darling face, as I had already fallen in love with your hair and your voice. I say, couldn't we have that hymn6 at our wedding?
"Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee."
He sang the words joyfully17, quite out of tune18, for he was no musician.
"Oh, no. It wouldn't be suitable at all," she said, rebuke19 in her voice.
"I should say it was most appropriate, for I am going to comfort and protect you as long as I live."
"But it's not meant that way," she explained, shocked. "And, oh," she went on miserably20, "you mustn't count on our being married. I feel dreadful about it all. I don't know what father would do without me. I can't think of going so far away and leaving him alone. Don't ask him; don't say anything about it."
Then, still standing21 in the porch, they went over it all again. He argued, entreated22, cajoled, but her distress was so genuine, the conflict between her love and her duty so acute, that at last
[pg 27]
Coventry found himself willing, almost, to agree to an indefinite engagement, to the question of marriage being deferred23 till his next return from India. Finally he promised that if she would only give him permission to speak to her father he would press for no more than the vicar's consent to a wedding perhaps two years hence.
They returned to the house through the rain, Coventry rueful, depressed24, yet alive to the virtue25 of Rafella's decision--it was only in accordance with the pure perfection of her character. He had little hope of Mr. Forte being equally unselfish, of his refusing to accept his daughter's temporary sacrifice; two years to a man of his age would seem a trifling26 period, and, of course, apart from personal inconvenience, he would be all in favour of discreet27 delay, and the wisdom of waiting, the test of time on the affections, and so forth28. Coventry was conscious that were he in the vicar's place, with a young and guileless daughter to consider, his own sentiments would be identical; therefore he ultimately sought his future father-in-law's presence in a meek29 and dutifully acquiescent30 spirit, not altogether free from nervousness.
The vicar's mouldy sanctum was not quite the pleasant spot this afternoon that it had been on the occasion of Coventry's first visit; now the room was darkened by the rain, and the creepers, limp
[pg 28]
with moisture, clinging to the window. Mr. Forte himself looked dismal31 and depressed; he complained that the damp affected32 his throat and caused discomfort33 in his joints34. He indicated with a weary gesture of his hand a pile of documents and ledgers35 connected with parish affairs, and some blank sheets of paper on which, owing to pressure of other business, his sermon for to-morrow had not yet been inscribed36. He said he wished he could afford a curate, though to Coventry's consternation37 he affirmed that Rafella was as valuable to him as any curate could be, save in the matter of accounts and sermons.
"A good girl, Captain Coventry, a very good girl!" He shook his head as though he were saddened rather than cheered by the fact of Rafella's worth; but it was merely, as Coventry understood, the vicar's manner of emphasising his appreciation38.
"Indeed, sir, she has no equal!" the younger man agreed with fervour.
It seemed a rather inauspicious moment for declaring his request, but delay could make no difference, and he spoke11 out boldly, though with quickened pulses, confessing that he had already approached Rafella and had not been rejected. To his amazed relief Mr. Forte listened to him with benign39 attention.
[pg 29]
"I cannot pretend," he said, "that I have been altogether blind to your object in coming here, but before we go any farther there are one or two matters that must be discussed between us."
Coventry's heart went out to Rafella's father. He felt sure that the vicar was suppressing his own feelings in consideration of his cherished daughter's happiness.
"Dear old chap!" he thought warmly. Readily he said: "Of course--my prospects40 and my financial position, and my past? I hope I shall be able to satisfy you on every point." And he proceeded to explain that he possessed41 a fair income of his own apart from his pay, an income that must be materially increased on the death of his mother. Therefore he could make adequate provision for a wife and a possible family. There were no secrets in his past or his present; he had led a steady life, he was sound in health and, he hoped, in morals. As for religion, he was a member of the Church of England.
Then came a pause. Mr. Forte sat still, his elbow on the table, his head resting on his hand. He looked old and sad and tired, and George, with compunction, remembered his promise to Rafella.
"If you will give your consent to an engagement," he said impulsively42, "I would undertake not to urge Rafella to marry me till I come back
[pg 30]
next time from India. I know she does not want to leave you yet, and it would be wrong and selfish of me to expect it."
The vicar placed his hand before his mouth and coughed. To Coventry his self-possession seemed extraordinary. The notion that worldly inducements might weigh with this simple old parson never came into his head.
"Well, well," said Mr. Forte magnanimously, "I must think it over. In the meantime, my dear lad"--with a smile of resignation he held out his hand and Coventry grasped it emotionally--"go and talk to Rafella."
He went, and a few minutes later the vicar resumed his spectacles, drew the blank sheets of sermon paper towards him, and opened his Bible. He happened to light upon the text:
"Discretion43 shall preserve thee, understanding
shall keep thee."
And he began to write rapidly.
Mr. Forte had made up his mind that Rafella should marry Captain Coventry in the autumn and go back with him to India. He would miss his daughter sadly, the wrench44 of parting would be cruel, but such things had to be; God would give him grace to bear the trial.... Otherwise, translated into the vulgar tongue--here was a young man of good character and safe position,
[pg 31]
with private means and clear prospects, who would make an excellent husband; it was a chance in a thousand, and if the fellow were ready and anxious to marry the penniless daughter of a poverty-stricken country clergyman, the vicar did not intend to discourage him nor to take the hazard of sentimental45 and unnecessary delays.
His decision was imparted (in the more dignified46 form) a couple of hours later to the expectant pair, whom he discovered seated close together on the springless sofa in the drawing-room, and there followed an affecting little scene. Tears, embraces, hand-shakes, blessings47, assurances, general happy excitement, tinged48 for father and daughter with natural and touching49 melancholy50.
When it was all over and the vicar had returned to his study, Coventry drew a long breath. The day for him had been one of unaccustomed emotional strain, and he felt a wholesome51 craving52 for refreshment53.
Almost involuntarily he said: "I'd give anything for a peg54!"
"A peg?" echoed Rafella, mystified.
"Meaning a whisky and soda55."
"Oh, George!" She held primitive56 principles with regard to strong drink, though already she was reconciled to the fact that he smoked innumerable cigarettes.
[pg 32]
"Is it so shocking?" he asked, with an indulgent smile.
"Well," she said uneasily, "you see, we think temperance so important. Beer I can understand, in strict moderation, though I don't approve of it; we always keep a small cask in the cupboard under the stairs in case it should be wanted, and, of course, there is a little brandy in my medicine chest; we use it, too, for moistening the jam papers. But we haven't any whisky!"
He perceived that the imbibing57 of spirits as an ordinary drink might appear to his fiancée as little less than wicked. Concealing58 his amusement, he explained, as a personal precaution, that though, of course, it was revolting to see a lady consume alcohol, unless by the doctor's orders, it was, taken judiciously59, harmless, if not beneficial, to men, particularly to men accustomed to a hot climate; thus allaying60 her scruples61 and fears on his own behalf. He accepted a large cup of tea in preference to beer from the cupboard under the stairs, or brandy from the medicine chest, both of which Rafella proffered62 hospitably63 after his reassurance64.
The wedding took place a fortnight before Coventry was to sail for India. One or two trivial disputes arose between the affianced pair, and on each occasion George's will prevailed. For example
[pg 33]
over the trousseau. It appeared that Rafella was entitled, on her twenty-first birthday, or on her marriage, to the legacy65 of a hundred pounds bequeathed to her by her godmother. She maintained that the half of this sum would be ample for her outfit66, and she was on the point of engaging the village dressmaker to work daily at the vicarage, when George interfered67. Though he did not wish Rafella to be anything but simply dressed, he had a suspicion that Under-edge fashions might be regarded as somewhat peculiar68 in an Indian military station. Therefore he insisted that her "costumes," as she called them, should at least be ordered in the little country town, under the guidance of his mother and sister, in whose taste he had implicit69 confidence. The result enchanted70 all concerned, though certainly it might have evoked71 contempt on the part of the more fastidious.
At any rate, in Coventry's eyes, and in the opinion of all present at the wedding, Rafella looked lovely as a bride; and, indeed, it was a very pretty ceremony, altogether, in its idyllic72 simplicity73. The autumn day was radiant with sunshine, the kind of day when spiders' webs hang sparkling and perfect, as though spun74 with tiny crystal beads75, and the air is still and humid; when the foliage76, all red and gold, strikes wonder, and the blackberries
[pg 34]
are ripe and round and purple. The little church was decked with brilliant leaves and berries, and the pews were as well filled as if it had been Christmas Day. Not that any formal invitations had been issued; the only wedding guests from any distance were the bridegroom's near relations (he had few besides), and the bride's only aunt, who had consented to come and live at the vicarage and to join her small income to that of her brother. But the entire village was present in Sunday garments, save those who were bedridden and had been left without compunction to take care of themselves for the time. Rafella's only aunt did successful battle with the unwilling77 harmonium, and with much solemn emotion the vicar married his daughter to Captain Coventry.
It may be added that the bridegroom also had his way, after all, about the hymn, and it was sung by the congregation with a raucous78 fervour that stirred George Coventry to the depths of his being, for he could not help investing the words with a personal application, in spite of Rafella's previous protests to the contrary.
So the newly married pair sailed a fortnight later for India; and the unsophisticated daughter of an obscure country parson found herself launched without preparation into a world that to her was completely bewildering. From the stagnation79
[pg 35]
of English village existence, and from relative hardship, she went straight into the activities, contradictions, and comparative luxuries of life in a large Indian station, a life that, perhaps, has no actual parallel anywhere else on earth.
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1
forte
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| n.长处，擅长；adj.(音乐)强音的 | |
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persistence
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| n.坚持，持续，存留 | |
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choir
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| n.唱诗班，唱诗班的席位，合唱团，舞蹈团；v.合唱 | |
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enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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hymn
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌 | |
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hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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clattered
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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huddled
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| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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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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reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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apprehended
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
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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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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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miserably
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| adv.痛苦地；悲惨地；糟糕地；极度地 | |
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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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entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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deferred
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| adj.延期的，缓召的v.拖延，延缓，推迟( defer的过去式和过去分词 )；服从某人的意愿，遵从 | |
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24
depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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acquiescent
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| adj.默许的，默认的 | |
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dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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discomfort
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| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
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joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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ledgers
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| n.分类账( ledger的名词复数 ) | |
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inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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benign
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| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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impulsively
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| adv.冲动地 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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wrench
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| v.猛拧；挣脱；使扭伤；n.扳手；痛苦，难受 | |
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sentimental
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| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
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dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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craving
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| n.渴望,热望 | |
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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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54
peg
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| n.木栓，木钉；vt.用木钉钉，用短桩固定 | |
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soda
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| n.苏打水；汽水 | |
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primitive
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| adj.原始的；简单的；n.原(始)人，原始事物 | |
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imbibing
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| v.吸收( imbibe的现在分词 )；喝；吸取；吸气 | |
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concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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judiciously
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| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
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allaying
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| v.减轻，缓和( allay的现在分词 ) | |
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scruples
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| n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 )；顾虑，顾忌v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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hospitably
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| 亲切地，招待周到地，善于款待地 | |
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reassurance
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| n.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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legacy
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| n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西 | |
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outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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implicit
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| a.暗示的，含蓄的，不明晰的，绝对的 | |
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70
enchanted
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| adj. 被施魔法的，陶醉的，入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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71
evoked
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| [医]诱发的 | |
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idyllic
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| adj.质朴宜人的，田园风光的 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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74
spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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beads
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| n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链 | |
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76
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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77
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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78
raucous
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| adj.(声音)沙哑的，粗糙的 | |
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79
stagnation
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| n. 停滞 | |
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