In issuing from and leaving open the door of the inner room, Mr. Crampton had bestowed1 upon Mr. Perkins a look so peculiarly arch, that even he, simple as he was, began to imagine that some mystery was about to be cleared up, or some mighty3 matter to be discussed. Presently he heard the well-known voice of Lady Gorgon4 in conversation with his uncle. What could their talk be about? Mr. Perkins was dying to know, and—shall we say it?—advanced to the door on tiptoe and listened with all his might.
Her Ladyship, that Juno of a woman, if she had not borrowed Venus's girdle to render herself irresistible5, at least had adopted a tender, coaxing6, wheedling7, frisky9 tone, quite different from her ordinary dignified10 style of conversation. She called Mr. Crampton a naughty man, for neglecting his old friends, vowed11 that Sir George was quite hurt at his not coming to dine—nor fixing a day when he would come—and added, with a most engaging ogle12, that she had three fine girls at home, who would perhaps make an evening pass pleasantly, even to such a gay bachelor as Mr. Crampton.
“Madam,” said he, with much gravity, “the daughters of such a mother must be charming; but I, who have seen your Ladyship, am, alas13! proof against even them.”
“I wish,” after a pause, said Lady Gorgon—“I wish, dear Mr. Crampton, you would not use that odious15 title 'my Ladyship:' you know it always makes me melancholy16.”
“Melancholy, my dear Lady Gorgon; and why?”
“Because it makes me think of another title that ought to have been mine—ours (I speak for dear Sir George's and my darling boy's sake, Heaven knows, not mine). What a sad disappointment it has been to my husband, that after all his services, all the promises he has had, they have never given him his peerage. As for me, you know—”
“For you, my dear madam, I know quite well that you care for no such bauble17 as a coronet, except in so far as it may confer honour upon those most dear to you—excellent wife and noble mother as you are. Heigho! what a happy man is Sir George!”
Here there was another pause, and if Mr. Perkins could have seen what was taking place behind the screen, he would have beheld18 little Mr. Crampton looking into Lady Gorgon's face, with as love-sick a Romeo-gaze as he could possibly counterfeit19; while her Ladyship, blushing somewhat and turning her own grey gogglers up to heaven, received all his words for gospel, and sat fancying herself to be the best, most meritorious20, and most beautiful creature in the three kingdoms.
“You men are terrible flatterers,” continued she; “but you say right: for myself I value not these empty distinctions. I am growing old, Mr. Crampton,—yes, indeed, I am, although you smile so incredulously,—and let me add, that MY thoughts are fixed21 upon HIGHER things than earthly crowns. But tell me, you who are all in all with Lord Bagwig, are we never to have our peerage? His Majesty22, I know, is not averse23; the services of dear Sir George to a member of His Majesty's august family, I know, have been appreciated in the highest quarter. Ever since the peace we have had a promise. Four hundred pounds has Sir George spent at the Heralds24' Office (I myself am of one of the most ancient families in the kingdom, Mr. Crampton), and the poor dear man's health is really ruined by the anxious sickening feeling of hope so long delayed.”
Mr. Crampton now assumed an air of much solemnity.
“My dear Lady Gorgon,” said he, “will you let me be frank with you, and will you promise solemnly that what I am going to tell you shall never be repeated to a single soul?”
Lady Gorgon promised.
“Well, then, since the truth you must know, you yourselves have been in part the cause of the delay of which you complain. You gave us two votes five years ago; you now only give us one. If Sir George were to go up to the Peers, we should lose even that one vote; and would it be common sense in us to incur25 such a loss? Mr. Scully, the Liberal, would return another Member of his own way of thinking; and as for the Lords, we have, you know, a majority there.”
“Oh, that horrid26 man!” said Lady Gorgon, cursing Mr. Scully in her heart, and beginning to play a rapid tattoo27 with her feet, “that miscreant28, that traitor29, that—that attorney has been our ruin.”
“Horrid man, if you please, but give me leave to tell you that the horrid man is not the sole cause of your ruin—if ruin you will call it. I am sorry to say that I do candidly30 think Ministers believe that Sir George Gorgon has lost his influence in Oldborough as much through his own fault as through Mr. Scully's cleverness.”
“Our own fault! Good heavens! Have we not done everything—everything that persons of our station in the county could do, to keep those misguided men? Have we not remonstrated32, threatened, taken away our custom from the Mayor, established a Conservative apothecary—in fact, done all that gentlemen could do? But these are such times, Mr. Crampton: the spirit of revolution is abroad, and the great families of England are menaced by democratic insolence33.”
This was Sir George Gorgon's speech always after dinner, and was delivered by his lady with a great deal of stateliness. Somewhat, perhaps, to her annoyance34, Mr. Crampton only smiled, shook his head, and said—
“Nonsense, my dear Lady Gorgon—pardon the phrase, but I am a plain old man, and call things by their names. Now, will you let me whisper in your ear one word of truth? You have tried all sorts of remonstrances35, and exerted yourself to maintain your influence in every way, except the right one, and that is—”
“What, in Heaven's name?”
“Conciliation. We know your situation in the borough31. Mr. Scully's whole history, and, pardon me for saying so (but we men in office know everything), yours—”
Lady Gorgon's ears and cheeks now assumed the hottest hue36 of crimson37. She thought of her former passages with Scully, and of the days when—but never mind when: for she suffered her veil to fall, and buried her head in the folds of her handkerchief. Vain folds! The wily little Mr. Crampton could see all that passed behind the cambric, and continued—
“Yes, madam, we know the absurd hopes that were formed by a certain attorney twenty years since. We know how, up to this moment, he boasts of certain walks—”
“With the governess—we were always with the governess!” shrieked38 out Lady Gorgon, clasping her hands. “She was not the wisest of women.”
“With the governess, of course,” said Mr. Crampton, firmly. “Do you suppose that any man dare breathe a syllable39 against your spotless reputation? Never, my dear madam; but what I would urge is this—you have treated your disappointed admirer too cruelly.”
“What! the traitor who has robbed us of our rights?”
“He never would have robbed you of your rights if you had been more kind to him. You should be gentle, madam; you should forgive him—you should be friends with him.”
“With a traitor, never!”
“Think what made him a traitor, Lady Gorgon; look in your glass, and say if there be not some excuse for him? Think of the feelings of the man who saw beauty such as yours—I am a plain man and must speak—virtue such as yours, in the possession of a rival. By heavens, madam, I think he was RIGHT to hate Sir George Gorgon! Would you have him allow such a prize to be ravished from him without a pang40 on his part?”
“He was, I believe, very much attached to me,” said Lady Gorgon, quite delighted; “but you must be aware that a young man of his station in life could not look up to a person of my rank.”
“Surely not: it was monstrous41 pride and arrogance42 in Mr. Scully. But que voulez-vous? Such is the world's way. Scully could not help loving you—who that knows you can? I am a plain man, and say what I think. He loves you still. Why make an enemy of him, who would at a word be at your feet? Dearest Lady Gorgon, listen to me. Sir George Gorgon and Mr. Scully have already met—their meeting was our contrivance. It is for our interest, for yours, that they should be friends. If there were two Ministerial Members for Oldborough, do you think your husband's peerage would be less secure? I am not at liberty to tell you all I know on this subject; but do, I entreat43 you, be reconciled to him.”
And after a little more conversation, which was carried on by Mr. Crampton in the same tender way, this important interview closed, and Lady Gorgon, folding her shawl round her, threaded certain mysterious passages and found her way to her carriage in Whitehall.
“I hope you have not been listening, you rogue44?” said Mr. Crampton to his nephew, who blushed most absurdly by way of answer. “You would have heard great State secrets, if you had dared to do so. That woman is perpetually here, and if peerages are to be had for the asking, she ought to have been a duchess by this time. I would not have admitted her but for a reason that I have. Go you now and ponder upon what you have heard and seen. Be on good terms with Scully, and, above all, speak not a word concerning our interview—no, not a word even to your mistress. By the way, I presume, sir, you will recall your resignation?”
The bewildered Perkins was about to stammer45 out a speech, when his uncle, cutting it short, pushed him gently out of the door.
* * *
At the period when the important events occurred which have been recorded here, parties ran very high, and a mighty struggle for the vacant Speakership was about to come on. The Right Honourable46 Robert Pincher was the Ministerial candidate, and Sir Charles Macabaw was patronised by the Opposition47. The two Members for Oldborough of course took different sides, the baronet being of the Pincher faction48, while Mr. William Pitt Scully strongly supported the Macabaw party.
It was Mr. Scully's intention to deliver an impromptu49 speech upon the occasion of the election, and he and his faithful Perkins prepared it between them: for the latter gentleman had wisely kept his uncle's counsel and his own and Mr. Scully was quite ignorant of the conspiracy50 that was brooding. Indeed, so artfully had that young Machiavel of a Perkins conducted himself, that when asked by his patron whether he had given up his place in the Tape and Sealing Wax Office, he replied that “he HAD tendered his resignation,” but did not say one word about having recalled it.
“You were right, my boy, quite right,” said Mr. Scully. “A man of uncompromising principles should make no compromise.” And herewith he sat down and wrote off a couple of letters, one to Mr. Hawksby, telling him that the place in the Sealing-Wax Office was, as he had reason to know, vacant; and the other to his nephew, stating that it was to be his. “Under the rose, my dear Bob,” added Mr. Scully, “it will cost you five hundred pounds; but you cannot invest your money better.”
It is needless to state that the affair was to be conducted “with the strictest secresy and honour,” and that the money was to pass through Mr. Scully's hands.
While, however, the great Pincher and Macabaw question was yet undecided, an event occurred to Mr. Scully, which had a great influence upon his after-life. A second grand banquet was given at the Earl of Mantrap's: Lady Mantrap requested him to conduct Lady Gorgon to dinner; and the latter, with a charming timidity, and a gracious melancholy look into his face (after which her veined eyelids51 veiled her azure52 eyes), put her hand into the trembling one of Mr. Scully and said as much as looks could say, “Forgive and forget.”
Down went Scully to dinner. There were dukes on his right hand and earls on his left; there were but two persons without title in the midst of that glittering assemblage; the very servants looked like noblemen. The cook had done wonders; the wines were cool and rich, and Lady Gorgon was splendid! What attention did everybody pay to her and to him! Why WOULD she go on gazing into his face with that tender imploring53 look? In other words, Scully, after partaking of soup and fish (he, during their discussion, had been thinking over all the former love-and-hate passages between himself and Lady Gorgon), turned very red, and began talking to her.
“Were you not at the opera on Tuesday?” began he, assuming at once the airs of a man of fashion. “I thought I caught a glimpse of you in the Duchess of Diddlebury's box.”
“Opera, Mr. Scully?” (pronouncing the word “Scully” with the utmost softness). “Ah, no! we seldom go, and yet too often. For serious persons the enchantments54 of that place are too dangerous. I am so nervous—so delicate; the smallest trifle so agitates55, depresses, or irritates me, that I dare not yield myself up to the excitement of music. I am too passionately56 attached to it; and, shall I tell you? it has such a strange influence upon me, that the smallest false note almost drives me to distraction57, and for that very reason I hardly ever go to a concert or a ball.”
“Egad,” thought Scully, “I recollect58 when she would dance down a matter of five-and-forty couple, and jingle59 away at the 'Battle of Prague' all day.”
She continued: “Don't you recollect, I do, with—oh, what regret!—that day at Oldborough race-ball, when I behaved with such sad rudeness to you? You will scarcely believe me, and yet I assure you 'tis the fact, the music had made me almost mad. Do let me ask your pardon for my conduct. I was not myself. Oh, Mr. Scully! I am no worldly woman; I know my duties, and I feel my wrongs. Nights and days have I lain awake weeping and thinking of that unhappy day—that I should ever speak so to an old friend; for we WERE old friends, were we not?”
Scully did not speak; but his eyes were bursting out of his head, and his face was the exact colour of a deputy-lieutenant's uniform.
“That I should ever forget myself and you so! How I have been longing60 for this opportunity to ask you to forgive me! I asked Lady Mantrap, when I heard you were to be here, to invite me to her party. Come, I know you will forgive me—your eyes say you will. You used to look so in old days, and forgive me my caprices THEN. Do give me a little wine—we will drink to the memory of old days.”
Her eyes filled with tears; and poor Scully's hand caused such a rattling61 and trembling of the glass and the decanter that the Duke of Doldrum—who had been, during the course of this whispered sentimentality, describing a famous run with the Queen's hounds at the top of his voice—stopped at the jingling63 of the glass, and his tale was lost for ever. Scully hastily drank his wine, and Lady Gorgon turned round to her next neighbour, a little gentleman in black, between whom and herself certain conscious looks passed.
“I am glad poor Sir George is not here,” said he, smiling.
Lady Gorgon said, “Pooh, for shame!” The little gentleman was no other than Josiah Crampton, Esquire, that eminent64 financier, and he was now going through the curious calculation before mentioned, by which you BUY A MAN FOR NOTHING. He intended to pay the very same price for Sir George Gorgon, too; but there was no need to tell the baronet so; only of this the reader must be made aware.
While Mr. Crampton was conducting this intrigue65, which was to bring a new recruit to the Ministerial ranks, his mighty spirit condescended66 to ponder upon subjects of infinitely69 less importance, and to arrange plans for the welfare of his nephew and the young woman to whom he had made a present of his heart. These young persons, as we said before, had arranged to live in Mr. Perkins's own house in Bedford Row. It was of a peculiar2 construction, and might more properly be called a house and a half: for a snug70 little tenement71 of four chambers72 protruded73 from the back of the house into the garden. These rooms communicated with the drawing-rooms occupied by Mr. Scully; and Perkins, who acted as his friend and secretary, used frequently to sit in the one nearest the Member's study, in order that he might be close at hand to confer with that great man. The rooms had a private entrance too, were newly decorated, and in them the young couple proposed to live; the kitchen and garrets being theirs likewise. What more could they need? We are obliged to be particular in describing these apartments, for extraordinary events occurred therein.
To say the truth, until the present period Mr. Crampton had taken no great interest in his nephew's marriage, or, indeed, in the young man himself. The old gentleman was of a saturnine74 turn, and inclined to undervalue the qualities of Mr. Perkins, which were idleness, simplicity75, enthusiasm, and easy good-nature.
“Such fellows never do anything in the world,” he would say, and for such he had accordingly the most profound contempt. But when, after John Perkins's repeated entreaties76, he had been induced to make the acquaintance of Miss Gorgon, he became instantly charmed with her, and warmly espoused77 her cause against her overbearing relations.
At his suggestion she wrote back to decline Sir George Gorgon's peremptory78 invitation, and hinted at the same time that she had attained79 an age and a position which enabled her to be the mistress of her own actions. To this letter there came an answer from Lady Gorgon which we shall not copy, but which simply stated that Miss Lucy Gorgon's conduct was unchristian, ungrateful, unladylike, and immodest; that the Gorgon family disowned her for the future, and left her at liberty to form whatever base connections she pleased.
“A pretty world this,” said Mr. Crampton, in a great rage, when the letter was shown to him. “This same fellow, Scully, dissuades80 my nephew from taking a place, because Scully wants it for himself. This prude of a Lady Gorgon cries out shame, and disowns an innocent amiable81 girl: she a heartless jilt herself once, and a heartless flirt82 now. The Pharisees, the Pharisees! And to call mine a base family, too!”
Now, Lady Gorgon did not in the least know Mr. Crampton's connection with Mr. Perkins, or she would have been much more guarded in her language; but whether she knew it or not, the old gentleman felt a huge indignation, and determined83 to have his revenge.
“That's right, Uncle! SHALL I call Gorgon out?” said the impetuous young Perkins, who was all for blood.
“John, you are a fool,” said his uncle. “You shall have a better revenge: you shall be married from Sir George Gorgon's house, and you shall see Mr. William Pitt Scully sold for nothing.” This to the veteran diplomatist seemed to be the highest triumph which man could possibly enjoy.
It was very soon to take place: and, as has been the case ever since the world began, woman, lovely woman was to be the cause of Scully's fall. The tender scene at Lord Mantrap's was followed by many others equally sentimental62. Sir George Gorgon called upon his colleague the very next day, and brought with him a card from Lady Gorgon inviting84 Mr. Scully to dinner. The attorney eagerly accepted the invitation, was received in Baker85 Street by the whole amiable family with much respectful cordiality, and was pressed to repeat his visits as country neighbours should. More than once did he call, and somehow always at the hour when Sir George was away at his club, or riding in the Park, or elsewhere engaged. Sir George Gorgon was very old, very feeble, very much shattered in constitution. Lady Gorgon used to impart her fears to Mr. Scully every time he called there, and the sympathising attorney used to console her as best he might. Sir George's country agent neglected the property—his lady consulted Mr. Scully concerning it. He knew to a fraction how large her jointure was; how she was to have Gorgon Castle for her life; and how, in the event of the young baronet's death (he, too, was a sickly poor boy), the chief part of the estates, bought by her money, would be at her absolute disposal.
“What a pity these odious politics prevent me from having you for our agent,” would Lady Gorgon say; and indeed Scully thought it was a pity too. Ambitious Scully! what wild notions filled his brain. He used to take leave of Lady Gorgon and ruminate86 upon these things; and when he was gone, Sir George and her Ladyship used to laugh.
“If we can but commit him—if we can but make him vote for Pincher,” said the General, “my peerage is secure. Hawksby and Crampton as good as told me so.”
The point had been urged upon Mr. Scully repeatedly and adroitly87. “Is not Pincher a more experienced man than Macabaw?” would Sir George say to his guest over their wine. Scully allowed it. “Can't you vote for him on personal grounds, and say so in the House?” Scully wished he could—how he wished he could! Every time the General coughed, Scully saw his friend's desperate situation more and more, and thought how pleasant it would be to be lord of Gorgon Castle. “Knowing my property,” cried Sir George, “as you do, and with your talents and integrity, what a comfort it would be could I leave you as guardian88 to my boy! But these cursed politics prevent it, my dear fellow. Why WILL you be a Radical89?” And Scully cursed politics too. “Hang the low-bred rogue,” added Sir George, when William Pitt Scully left the house: “he will do everything but promise.”
“My dear General,” said Lady Gorgon, sidling up to him and patting him on his old yellow cheek—“My dear Georgy, tell me one thing,—are you jealous?”
“Jealous, my dear! and jealous of THAT fellow—pshaw!”
“Well, then, give me leave, and you shall have the promise to-morrow.”
* * *
To-morrow arrived. It was a remarkably90 fine day, and in the forenoon Mr. Perkins gave his accustomed knock at Scully's study, which was only separated from his own sitting-room91 by a double door. John had wisely followed his uncle's advice, and was on the best terms with the honourable Member.
“Here are a few sentences,” said he, “which I think may suit your purpose. Great public services—undeniable merit—years of integrity—cause of reform, and Macabaw for ever!” He put down the paper. It was, in fact, a speech in favour of Mr. Macabaw.
“Hush,” said Scully, rather surlily; for he was thinking how disagreeable it was to support Macabaw; and besides, there were clerks in the room, whom the thoughtless Perkins had not at first perceived. As soon as that gentleman saw them, “You are busy, I see,” continued he in a lower tone. “I came to say that I must be off duty to-day, for I am engaged to take a walk with some ladies of my acquaintance.”
So saying, the light-hearted young man placed his hat unceremoniously on his head, and went off through his own door, humming a song. He was in such high spirits that he did not even think of closing the doors of communication, and Scully looked after him with a sneer92.
“Ladies, forsooth,” thought he; “I know who they are. This precious girl that he is fooling with, for one, I suppose.” He was right: Perkins was off on the wings of love, to see Miss Lucy; and she and Aunt Biggs and Uncle Crampton had promised this very day to come and look at the apartments which Mrs. John Perkins was to occupy with her happy husband.
“Poor devil,” so continued Mr. Scully's meditations93, “it is almost too bad to do him out of his place; but my Bob wants it, and John's girl has, I hear, seven thousand pounds. His uncle will get him another place before all that money is spent.” And herewith Mr. Scully began conning94 the speech which Perkins had made for him.
He had not read it more than six times,—in truth, he was getting it by heart,—when his head clerk came to him from the front room, bearing a card: a footman had brought it, who said his lady was waiting below. Lady Gorgon's name was on the card! To seize his hat and rush downstairs was, with Mr. Scully, the work of an infinitesimal portion of time.
It was indeed Lady Gorgon in her Gorgonian chariot.
“Mr. Scully,” said she, popping her head out of window and smiling in a most engaging way, “I want to speak to you, on something very particular INDEED”—and she held him out her hand. Scully pressed it most tenderly: he hoped all heads in Bedford Row were at the windows to see him. “I can't ask you into the carriage, for you see the governess is with me, and I want to talk secrets to you.”
“Shall I go and make a little promenade95?” said mademoiselle, innocently. And her mistress hated her for that speech.
“No. Mr. Scully, I am sure, will let me come in for five minutes?”
Mr. Scully was only too happy. My Lady descended67 and walked upstairs, leaning on the happy solicitor's arm. But how should he manage? The front room was consecrated96 to clerks; there were clerks too, as ill-luck would have it, in his private room. “Perkins is out for the day,” thought Scully; “I will take her into his room.” And into Perkins's room he took her—ay, and he shut the double doors after him too, and trembled as he thought of his own happiness.
“What a charming little study,” said Lady Gorgon, seating herself. And indeed it was very pretty: for Perkins had furnished it beautifully, and laid out a neat tray with cakes, a cold fowl97, and sherry, to entertain his party withal. “And do you bachelors always live so well?” continued she, pointing to the little cold collation98.
Mr. Scully looked rather blank when he saw it, and a dreadful suspicion crossed his soul; but there was no need to trouble Lady Gorgon with explanations: therefore, at once, and with much presence of mind, he asked her to partake of his bachelor's fare (she would refuse Mr. Scully nothing that day). A pretty sight would it have been for young Perkins to see strangers so unceremoniously devouring99 his feast. She drank—Mr. Scully drank—and so emboldened100 was he by the draught101 that he actually seated himself by the side of Lady Gorgon, on John Perkins's new sofa.
Her Ladyship had of course something to say to him. She was a pious102 woman, and had suddenly conceived a violent wish for building a chapel103 of ease at Oldborough, to which she entreated104 him to subscribe105. She enlarged upon the benefits that the town would derive106 from it, spoke107 of Sunday-schools, sweet spiritual instruction, and the duty of all well-minded persons to give aid to the scheme.
“I will subscribe a hundred pounds,” said Scully, at the end of her Ladyship's harangue108: “would I not do anything for you?”
“Thank you, thank you, dear Mr. Scully,” said the enthusiastic woman. (How the “dear” went burning through his soul!) “Ah!” added she, “if you WOULD but do anything for me—if you, who are so eminently109, so truly distinguished110, in a religious point of view, would but see the truth in politics too; and if I could see your name among those of the true patriot111 party in this empire, how blest—oh! how blest should I be! Poor Sir George often says he should go to his grave happy, could he but see you the guardian of his boy; and I, your old friend (for we WERE friends, William), how have I wept to think of you as one of those who are bringing our monarchy112 to ruin. Do, do promise me this too!” And she took his hand and pressed it between hers.
The heart of William Pitt Scully, during this speech, was thumping113 up and down with a frightful114 velocity115 and strength. His old love, the agency of the Gorgon property—the dear widow—five thousand a year clear—a thousand delicious hopes rushed madly through his brain, and almost took away his reason. And there she sat—she, the loved one, pressing his hand and looking softly into his eyes.
Down, down he plumped on his knees.
“Juliana!” shrieked he, “don't take away your hand! My love—my only love!—speak but those blessed words again! Call me William once more, and do with me what you will.”
Juliana cast down her eyes and said, in the very smallest type, “William!” .....
—when the door opened, and in walked Mr. Crampton, leading Mrs. Biggs, who could hardly contain herself for laughing, and Mr. John Perkins, who was squeezing the arm of Miss Lucy. They had heard every word of the two last speeches.
For at the very moment when Lady Gorgon had stopped at Mr. Scully's door, the four above-named individuals had issued from Great James Street into Bedford Row.
Lucy cried out that it was her aunt's carriage, and they all saw Mr. Scully come out, bare-headed, in the sunshine, and my Lady descend68, and the pair go into the house. They meanwhile entered by Mr. Perkins's own private door, and had been occupied in examining the delightful116 rooms on the ground-floor, which were to be his dining-room and library—from which they ascended117 a stair to visit the other two rooms, which were to form Mrs. John Perkins's drawing-room and bedroom. Now whether it was that they trod softly, or that the stairs were covered with a grand new carpet and drugget, as was the case, or that the party within were too much occupied in themselves to heed8 any outward disturbances118, I know not; but Lucy, who was advancing with John (he was saying something about one of the apartments, the rogue!)—Lucy started and whispered, “There is somebody in the rooms!” and at that instant began the speech already reported, “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DEAR MR. SCULLY,” etc. etc., which was delivered by Lady Gorgon in a full clear voice; for, to do her Ladyship justice, SHE had not one single grain of love for Mr. Scully, and during the delivery of her little oration119, was as cool as the coolest cucumber.
Then began the impassioned rejoinder, to which the four listened on the landing-place; and then the little “William,” as narrated120 above: at which juncture121 Mr. Crampton thought proper to rattle122 at the door, and, after a brief pause, to enter with his party.
“William” had had time to bounce off his knees, and was on a chair at the other end of the room.
“What, Lady Gorgon!” said Mr. Crampton, with excellent surprise, “how delighted I am to see you! Always, I see employed in works of charity” (the chapel-of-ease paper was on her knees), “and on such an occasion, too,—it is really the most wonderful coincidence! My dear madam, here is a silly fellow, a nephew of mine, who is going to marry a silly girl, a niece of your own.”
“Sir, I—” began Lady Gorgon, rising.
“They heard every word,” whispered Mr. Crampton eagerly. “Come forward, Mr. Perkins, and show yourself.” Mr. Perkins made a genteel bow. “Miss Lucy, please to shake hands with your aunt; and this, my dear madam, is Mrs. Biggs, of Mecklenburgh Square, who, if she were not too old, might marry a gentleman in the Treasury123, who is your very humble124 servant.” And with this gallant125 speech, old Mr. Crampton began helping126 everybody to sherry and cake.
As for William Pitt Scully, he had disappeared, evaporated, in the most absurd sneaking127 way imaginable. Lady Gorgon made good her retreat presently, with much dignity, her countenance128 undismayed, and her face turned resolutely129 to the foe130.
* * *
About five days afterwards, that memorable131 contest took place in the House of Commons, in which the partisans132 of Mr. Macabaw were so very nearly getting him the Speakership. On the day that the report of the debate appeared in the Times, there appeared also an announcement in the Gazette as follows:—
“The King has been pleased to appoint John Perkins, Esquire, to be Deputy-Subcomptroller of His Majesty's Tape Office and Custos of the Sealing-Wax Department.”
Mr. Crampton showed this to his nephew with great glee, and was chuckling133 to think how Mr. William Pitt Scully would be annoyed, who had expected the place, when Perkins burst out laughing and said, “By heavens, here is my own speech! Scully has spoken every word of it; he has only put in Mr. Pincher's name in the place of Mr. Macabaw's.”
“He is ours now,” responded his uncle, “and I told you WE WOULD HAVE HIM FOR NOTHING. I told you, too, that you should be married from Sir George Gorgon's, and here is proof of it.”
It was a letter from Lady Gorgon, in which she said that, “had she known Mr. Perkins to be a nephew of her friend Mr. Crampton, she never for a moment would have opposed his marriage with her niece, and she had written that morning to her dear Lucy, begging that the marriage breakfast should take place in Baker Street.”
“It shall be in Mecklenburgh Square,” said John Perkins stoutly134; and in Mecklenburgh Square it was.
William Pitt Scully, Esquire, was, as Mr. Crampton said, hugely annoyed at the loss of the place for his nephew. He had still, however, his hopes to look forward to, but these were unluckily dashed by the coming in of the Whigs. As for Sir George Gorgon, when he came to ask about his peerage, Hawksby told him that they could not afford to lose him in the Commons, for a Liberal Member would infallibly fill his place.
And now that the Tories are out and the Whigs are in, strange to say a Liberal does fill his place. This Liberal is no other than Sir George Gorgon himself, who is still longing to be a lord, and his lady is still devout135 and intriguing136. So that the Members for Oldborough have changed sides, and taunt137 each other with apostasy138, and hate each other cordially. Mr. Crampton still chuckles139 over the manner in which he tricked them both, and talks of those five minutes during which he stood on the landing-place, and hatched and executed his “Bedford-Row Conspiracy.”
该作者的其它作品
《Vanity Fair名利场》
《从康希尔到大开罗 Notes of a Journey From Cornhill to Grand Cairo》
该作者的其它作品
《Vanity Fair名利场》
《从康希尔到大开罗 Notes of a Journey From Cornhill to Grand Cairo》
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1
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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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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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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gorgon
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| n.丑陋女人，蛇发女怪 | |
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irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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6
coaxing
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| v.哄，用好话劝说( coax的现在分词 )；巧言骗取；哄劝，劝诱；“锻炼”效应 | |
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wheedling
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| v.骗取（某物），哄骗（某人干某事）( wheedle的现在分词 ) | |
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8
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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9
frisky
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| adj.活泼的，欢闹的；n.活泼，闹着玩；adv.活泼地，闹着玩地 | |
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dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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ogle
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| v.看；送秋波；n.秋波，媚眼 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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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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bauble
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| n.美观而无价值的饰物 | |
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18
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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19
counterfeit
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| vt.伪造，仿造；adj.伪造的，假冒的 | |
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meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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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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majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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averse
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| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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heralds
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| n.使者( herald的名词复数 )；预报者；预兆；传令官v.预示( herald的第三人称单数 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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incur
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| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
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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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tattoo
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| n.纹身，(皮肤上的)刺花纹；vt.刺花纹于 | |
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miscreant
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| n.恶棍 | |
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traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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candidly
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| adv.坦率地，直率而诚恳地 | |
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borough
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| n.享有自治权的市镇；(英)自治市镇 | |
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remonstrated
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| v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 )；告诫 | |
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insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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annoyance
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| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
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remonstrances
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| n.抱怨，抗议( remonstrance的名词复数 ) | |
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36
hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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shrieked
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| v.尖叫( shriek的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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syllable
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| n.音节；vt.分音节 | |
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40
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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41
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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42
arrogance
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| n.傲慢，自大 | |
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43
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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44
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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45
stammer
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| n.结巴，口吃；v.结结巴巴地说 | |
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46
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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47
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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48
faction
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| n.宗派，小集团；派别；派系斗争 | |
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49
impromptu
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| adj.即席的，即兴的；adv.即兴的(地)，无准备的(地) | |
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50
conspiracy
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| n.阴谋，密谋，共谋 | |
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51
eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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52
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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53
imploring
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| 恳求的，哀求的 | |
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54
enchantments
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| n.魅力( enchantment的名词复数 )；迷人之处；施魔法；着魔 | |
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55
agitates
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| 搅动( agitate的第三人称单数 )； 激怒； 使焦虑不安； （尤指为法律、社会状况的改变而）激烈争论 | |
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56
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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57
distraction
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| n.精神涣散，精神不集中，消遣，娱乐 | |
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58
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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59
jingle
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| n.叮当声，韵律简单的诗句；v.使叮当作响，叮当响，押韵 | |
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60
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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61
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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62
sentimental
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| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
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63
jingling
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| 叮当声 | |
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64
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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65
intrigue
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| vt.激起兴趣，迷住；vi.耍阴谋；n.阴谋，密谋 | |
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66
condescended
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| 屈尊，俯就( condescend的过去式和过去分词 )； 故意表示和蔼可亲 | |
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67
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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68
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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69
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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70
snug
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| adj.温暖舒适的，合身的，安全的；v.使整洁干净，舒适地依靠，紧贴；n.（英）酒吧里的私房 | |
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71
tenement
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| n.公寓；房屋 | |
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72
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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73
protruded
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| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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74
saturnine
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| adj.忧郁的，沉默寡言的，阴沉的，感染铅毒的 | |
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75
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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76
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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77
espoused
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| v.（决定）支持，拥护（目标、主张等）( espouse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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78
peremptory
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| adj.紧急的，专横的，断然的 | |
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79
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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80
dissuades
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| 劝（某人）勿做某事，劝阻( dissuade的第三人称单数 ) | |
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81
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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82
flirt
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| v.调情，挑逗，调戏；n.调情者，卖俏者 | |
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83
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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84
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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85
baker
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| n.面包师 | |
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86
ruminate
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| v.反刍；沉思 | |
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87
adroitly
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| adv.熟练地，敏捷地 | |
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88
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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89
radical
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| n.激进份子，原子团，根号；adj.根本的，激进的，彻底的 | |
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remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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91
sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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92
sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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93
meditations
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| 默想( meditation的名词复数 )； 默念； 沉思； 冥想 | |
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94
conning
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| v.诈骗，哄骗( con的现在分词 )；指挥操舵( conn的现在分词 ) | |
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95
promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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96
consecrated
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| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
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fowl
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| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
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collation
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| n.便餐；整理 | |
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99
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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100
emboldened
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| v.鼓励，使有胆量( embolden的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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101
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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102
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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103
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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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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subscribe
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| vi.(to)订阅，订购；同意；vt.捐助，赞助 | |
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106
derive
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| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
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107
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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108
harangue
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| n.慷慨冗长的训话，言辞激烈的讲话 | |
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109
eminently
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| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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112
monarchy
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| n.君主，最高统治者；君主政体，君主国 | |
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113
thumping
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| adj.重大的，巨大的；重击的；尺码大的；极好的adv.极端地；非常地v.重击(thump的现在分词)；狠打；怦怦地跳；全力支持 | |
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114
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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115
velocity
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| n.速度，速率 | |
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116
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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117
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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118
disturbances
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| n.骚乱( disturbance的名词复数 )；打扰；困扰；障碍 | |
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119
oration
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| n.演说，致辞，叙述法 | |
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narrated
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| v.故事( narrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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juncture
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| n.时刻，关键时刻，紧要关头 | |
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122
rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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treasury
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| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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126
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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127
sneaking
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| a.秘密的，不公开的 | |
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128
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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129
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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memorable
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| adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的 | |
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partisans
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| 游击队员( partisan的名词复数 )； 党人； 党羽； 帮伙 | |
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133
chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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stoutly
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| adv.牢固地，粗壮的 | |
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135
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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136
intriguing
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| adj.有趣的；迷人的v.搞阴谋诡计(intrigue的现在分词)；激起…的好奇心 | |
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137
taunt
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| n.辱骂，嘲弄；v.嘲弄 | |
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138
apostasy
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| n.背教，脱党 | |
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139
chuckles
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的名词复数 ) | |
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