“You will pardon me,” he said, “if, in the preliminary inquiries1 I may have to make, there may be anything of a nature to harrow up your feelings, or recall painful scenes.”
“May I inquire if you have a father living?”
A painful shadow flitted over the face of Mr. Ford. He answered, presently,—
“You may be surprised when I answer, that I do not know.”
“I am not surprised,” said Mr. Sharp, inclining his head gently. “This was the answer I anticipated.”
Once more Mr. Ford regarded his visitor with a look of surprise.
“Is it possible,” he said, not without hesitation3, “that you should know anything of my unhappy history?”
“Of that you shall judge. What if I should say, for example, that the name by which you are known is not your real one?”
“I cannot conjecture4 where you obtained your information, but it is correct. My real name is not Ford.”
“And is—Rand.”
“You are right; but how——”
“A moment, if you please. I have more to tell you. 171You were born to wealth, and being an only son, were sole heir to your father’s possessions. You were not, however, without a companion,—a cousin, whom your father generously took under his charge.”
“Lewis?”
“Yes, Lewis Rand; he shared your studies and your sports, and was, in all respects, treated like yourself. The only difference was in your prospects5. You were to inherit a large fortune, while he——”
“My father would have provided for him.”
“No doubt, but not equally. That would not have been expected, of course. When Lewis grew old enough to understand this, it filled him with envy and jealousy6.”
“Can this be true?” asked Robert Ford—to call him by the name to which we are accustomed,—“can this be true? yet he was always cordial and friendly. His manner never afforded any ground for suspecting that he cherished such feelings.”
“He knew his own interests too well for that. Inferior as his prospects were, they all depended upon your father’s good-will. It would, therefore, have been in the highest degree unwise, to disclose a feeling sure to alienate7 it.”
“Perhaps you are right,” said Mr. Ford, thoughtfully.
“Therefore, he only nursed this feeling in secret. Yet he none the less watched for an opportunity to injure you. His patience was at length rewarded. That time arrived.”
Robert Ford, as if half surmising8 what was to follow, rose in some agitation9, and began to pace the room.
“I trust,” said Mr. Sharp, “you will excuse me for introducing a delicate subject. There is a time when the susceptible10 heart of a young man first yields to the tender passion.”
“I understand you,” said Mr. Ford, in a low voice.
“Am I right in saying, that however nobly adorned11 in 172other respects, the object of your attachment12 was not wealthy?”
Mr. Ford bowed his head.
“Unfortunately for your happiness, your father wished you to wed13 a wealthy wife, and withheld14 his approbation15 from your choice. You, my dear sir, with a magnanimity, which, I am sure, does you infinite credit, clung to your chosen bride, portionless though she was, and, in spite of your father’s disapprobation, married her.”
“I did,” said Robert Ford, with emotion; “and however grieved I may have been, and still am, at my father’s continued resentment16, that step I never regretted. You have seen Helen. It may have been a parent’s partiality, but I have always regarded her as uncommonly17 sweet and attractive.”
Mr. Sharp, in a very high-flown eulogium, intimated that such was his own estimate.
“When I tell you,” pursued Mr. Ford, “that Helen bears a very striking resemblance to her mother, not in person only, but in sweetness and amiability18, your heart will suggest an excuse for my perhaps unfilial conduct.”
“Sir,” said Mr. Sharp, warmly, “had you done otherwise than you did, had you abandoned, at the bidding of a paltry19 self-interest, the heart that had learned to love and trust you, I should not have felt one half the respect for you which I now entertain. But, to resume my story. The first difficulty between your father and yourself was hailed with delight by your cousin. It was an occasion for which he had long been watching. It is needless to say, that he used every means to widen the breach20, so artfully, however, as not to allow either your father or yourself to suspect his purpose. Possibly you can recall some circumstances which will confirm what I have said.”
“I remember,” said Robert, thoughtfully, “that my cousin 173professed to sympathize with me most warmly, and counselled me, by all means, to carry out my purpose, in opposition21 to my father’s will. He assured me that my father would finally yield, when he learned that my heart was unalterably fixed22, and that opposition would prove unavailing.”
“At the same time,” said the lawyer, “he was giving similar assurances to your father. He told him, that when you were satisfied that his consent could not be obtained, you would yield the point, and conform to his wishes.”
“Was my cousin indeed so wicked?” asked Robert, with more pain than anger in his tone.
“That was not all. In order to add to your father’s indignation, he took care to describe your betrothed23 in the most odious24 colors. He not only charged her with poverty, but represented her as an artful and designing country girl, uneducated and unrefined, whose only object in marrying you was to gratify a vulgar taste for finery and ostentation25. In fact, he taxed his imagination to the utmost, in the endeavor to portray26 her in a manner which he knew would render her most unacceptable to the family pride of your father. I should add that he even denied her the charm of personal beauty, and pictured her to your father as equally unattractive in mind and person.”
A red spot glowed in the pale cheek of Robert Ford, who, mild as he was, could not hear unmoved this vile27 slander28 upon one he loved. To do Mr. Sharp justice, what he said was not exaggerated, but strictly29 in accordance with truth.
“I am. You shall know my authority soon, but not now.”
174“You will not wonder that all this should have had the effect intended,—that of confirming your father in his opposition. You married, and left this part of the country.”
“Yes; I went to the West.”
“And did you hear nothing from your father afterwards?”
“Never, directly.”
“Yet you had not been married six months before he began to relent, and feel that he might have exercised undue32 severity.”
“It is. I need scarcely say that your cousin observed, with apprehension34, your father’s returning mildness. Lest it might lead to a complete reconciliation35, he resolved to get your father out of the country. He accordingly proposed a European tour, to which he procured36 your father’s assent37. Preparations were hurriedly made. They sailed for Liverpool, and several years were spent in visiting the principal cities of Europe.”
Robert Ford, to whom this was new, listened intently.
“At length they returned. Then, in order that you might more effectually lose all trace of your father, he persuaded him to sell the estate upon which he had hitherto resided, and remove——”
“Whither?” demanded Mr. Ford, eagerly.
“I will tell you presently.”
“I had written to my father. Were none of my letters received?”
“They were,—by Lewis. Of course, he took care to suppress them. Nevertheless, your father still felt a strong desire to see you once more, and tell you that he had forgiven you. Lewis again became alarmed, and, as a last resort, caused your death to be inserted in a western paper, and shown to your father. This was sufficient for that time. 175Within a brief period, however, his apprehensions38 and your father’s desire to see you have again become excited. Your father one day caught a glimpse of you in the street.”
“What do you say?” exclaimed Robert Ford, in agitation. “My father saw me? Where does he live?”
“In this city,—in New York. He recognized you in spite of the long separation, and so did Lewis; but the latter took the greatest care to assure your father that he was mistaken; that you had long been dead. Nevertheless, he was not wholly convinced. Though not in the least doubting your cousin’s good faith, he answered that there might be some mistake; that it was possible you were still living.”
“My dear father!”
“The uncertainty39, and the anxious longing40 to see you, to which it has given rise, has, together with his age, made him severely41 ill. His life is even in danger.”
“No, or I should have been informed. He directed your cousin to advertise for you in the public papers, such was his desire to hear from you, if still living.”
“I have not looked into a paper for months.”
“If you had, you would not have seen the advertisement. Your cousin has been much too careful for that. Though he appeared to acquiesce43 in your father’s desire, and made him believe that he had complied with his request, he never did so.”
“And is my father still sick?”
“He is, and his greatest desire is to see you before he dies.”
Robert Ford rose hastily, and, going to the table, took his hat.
“What would you do, sir?”
176“I must go and see my father. Did you not say he wished it?”
“Stay,” said Mr. Sharp; “whatever is to be done must be done cautiously, or your cousin’s suspicions will be aroused, and your purpose frustrated44. I will arrange matters, if you will authorize45 me.”
“Surely; but let not the delay be too long. Perhaps my father will die before I can see him.”
“I will take care to expedite matters.”
“I leave all in your hands; but tell me at least where you have obtained the information you have communicated.”
“From your cousin himself.”
“Did he confess it, then?” asked Mr. Ford, surprised.
“He consulted me professionally. But, sir,” continued Mr. Sharp, in a tone of lofty consciousness, “as soon as I became aware of the iniquity46 in which he desired my assistance, I at once determined47 to do all that might be in my power to defeat his nefarious48 designs.”
Nothing could exceed the moral dignity with which Mr. Sharp uttered these words.
“I will not tell you,” he continued, with commendable49 self-denial, “how many thousands your cousin offered, if I would assist him. But for the hope of aiding in his discomfiture50, I should have rejected his offers with indignation. Money is no temptation to me where right is concerned. But to the point. In the present case, I temporized51. Your cousin even now thinks I am devoted52 to his interests, and it is best that he should not be undeceived.”
“Do you know where my father lives?” inquired Robert, anxiously.
“It is in Fifth Avenue. After dinner I will give you the direction so that you cannot miss it. You must be cautious in your approach, and when the door is opened, proceed at once to your father’s room. It is very probable that the 177servant will oppose your progress, but if you yield, Lewis will take good care that you never have another opportunity. May I request on the score of prudence53, that you will not compromise me, or drop the slightest intimation that I have had any agency in sending you thither54?”
“My dear friend,” said Robert Ford, fervently55, “you may rest assured that I will respect your wishes, of whose wisdom I entertain not a doubt.”
He shook hands with Mr. Sharp, cordially. The lawyer, with an appearance of profound emotion, put his handkerchief to his eyes, and returned the pressure.
At this moment Helen entered, followed by a waiter from a restaurant, from which, on this day of rejoicing, she had been extravagant56 enough to order a dinner.
The little table was quickly set out in the middle of the room, and spread with a white cloth, and upon it the savory57 food was placed. This was, indeed, an extraordinary occasion.
“Why, you are setting forth58 quite a banquet, my dear Miss Ford,” said Mr. Sharp, rubbing his hands gently, for he was by no means insensible to the pleasures of the palate.
“Just in time, Martha,” said Helen, gayly. “We want you to sit on this side the table.”
“I couldn’t think of it,” said Martha, glancing at Mr. Sharp.
“I hope you will accept my daughter’s invitation,” said Mr. Ford, courteously60. “Permit me, Mr. Sharp, to introduce our excellent neighbor, Miss Grey.”
“I am proud to make your acquaintance, Miss Grey,” said the lawyer, bowing profoundly. “Any friend of my esteemed61 friends, Mr. and Miss Ford, needs no other recommendation 178in my eyes. May I express the hope that you are well?”
“Quite so, thank you, sir,” said Martha, a little overpowered by the lawyer’s elaborate civility.
She was at length persuaded to make a fourth at Helen’s banquet.
How much it was enjoyed by all present, not one of whom was accustomed to such good fare every day; how proudly and gracefully62 Helen did the honors of the occasion; how merrily they all laughed at the bungling63 attempts of Mr. Ford to carve the fowls64, and how, finally, he was compelled to call in the lawyer’s assistance; how genial65 and affable Mr. Sharp was, and how he insisted on proposing the health of Martha Grey, much to that young lady’s modest confusion; how his deference66 for her father raised him every moment in Helen’s estimation,—all this I must leave to the imagination of the reader, while I prepare in the next chapter to invite him to a different scene.
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1
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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alienate
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| vt.使疏远，离间；转让(财产等) | |
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surmising
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| v.臆测，推断( surmise的现在分词 )；揣测；猜想 | |
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agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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susceptible
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| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
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adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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wed
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| v.娶，嫁，与…结婚 | |
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withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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uncommonly
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| adv. 稀罕(极，非常) | |
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amiability
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| n.和蔼可亲的，亲切的，友善的 | |
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paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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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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betrothed
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| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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ostentation
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| n.夸耀，卖弄 | |
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portray
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| v.描写，描述；画(人物、景象等) | |
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vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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slander
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| n./v.诽谤，污蔑 | |
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strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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30
perturbed
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| adj.烦燥不安的v.使（某人）烦恼，不安( perturb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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traduce
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| v.中伤；n.诽谤 | |
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undue
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| adj.过分的；不适当的；未到期的 | |
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lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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36
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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acquiesce
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| vi.默许，顺从，同意 | |
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44
frustrated
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| adj.挫败的，失意的，泄气的v.使不成功( frustrate的过去式和过去分词 )；挫败；使受挫折；令人沮丧 | |
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45
authorize
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| v.授权，委任；批准，认可 | |
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iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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48
nefarious
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| adj.恶毒的，极坏的 | |
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commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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discomfiture
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| n.崩溃；大败；挫败；困惑 | |
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51
temporized
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| v.敷衍( temporize的过去式和过去分词 )；拖延；顺应时势；暂时同意 | |
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52
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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53
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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54
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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55
fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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56
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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57
savory
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| adj.风味极佳的，可口的，味香的 | |
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58
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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59
unaware
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| a.不知道的，未意识到的 | |
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60
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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61
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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62
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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63
bungling
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| adj.笨拙的，粗劣的v.搞糟，完不成( bungle的现在分词 )；笨手笨脚地做；失败；完不成 | |
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64
fowls
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| 鸟( fowl的名词复数 )； 禽肉； 既不是这； 非驴非马 | |
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genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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