"Red coats and redder faces."
The following day, a room having been given up to Delme, he discharged his bill at Beverley's; and moved to Floriana. He again accompanied George in his drive; and they had on this occasion, the advantage of Acme1's society, who amused them with her artless description of the manners of the lower orders of Maltese.
Pursuant to his promise, at the bugle's signal Delme entered the mess room; and the Colonel immediately introduced him to the assembled officers. To his disappointment, for he felt curious to see one, who had exercised such an influence over his brother, Delancey was not amongst them. Sir Henry was much pleased with the feeling that appeared to exist, between Colonel Vavasour and his corps2 of officers:--respect on one side--and the utmost confidence on both. We think it is the talented author of Pelham, who describes a mess table as comprising "cold dishes and hot wines, where the conversation is of Johnson of ours and Thomson of jours."
This, though severe, is near the truth; and if, to this description, be added lots of plate of that pattern called the Queen's--ungainly servants in stiff mess liveries--and a perpetual recurrence3 to Mr. Vice4; we have certainly caught the most glaring features of a commonplace regimental dinner. Vavasour was well aware of this, and had directed unremitting attention, to give a tone to the conversation at the mess table, more nearly approaching to that of private life; one which should embrace topics of general interest, and convey some general information. Even in his well ordered regiment5, there were some, whose nature would have led them, to confine their attention to thoughts of the daily military routine. This inclination6 was repressed by the example of their Colonel; and these, if not debaters, were at least patient listeners, as the conversation dealt of matters, to them uncongenial, and the value of the discussion of which they could not themselves perceive. Not that military subjects were interdicted7; the contrary was the case. But these subjects took a somewhat loftier tone, than the contemplation of an exchange of orderly duty, or an overslaugh of guard.
When dinner was announced, Colonel Vavasour placed his hand on the shoulder of a boy near him.
"Come, Cholmondeley!" said he, "sit near me, and give me an account of your match. You must not fail to write your Yorkshire friends every particular. Major Clifford, will you sit on the other side of Sir Henry? You are both Peninsula men, and will find, I doubt not, that you have many friends in common.
"There is something," said he to Delme, as he took his seat, "revivifying to an old soldier, in noting the exhilaration of spirit of these boys. It reminds us of the zeal8 with which we too buckled9 on our coat of red. It is a great misfortune these youngsters labour under, that they have no outlet10 for their ambition, no scene on which they can display their talents. Never were youthful aspirants11 for service more worthy12, or more zealous13, and yet it is probable their country will not need them, until they arrive at an age, when neither body nor mind are attuned14 for commencing a life of hardship, however well adapted to continue in it. We have had the advantage there--we trod the soldier's proudest stage when our hopes and buoyancy of heart were at their highest; and for myself, I am satisfied that much of my present happiness, arises from the very different life of my earlier years."
The conversation took a military turn; and Delme could not help observing the attention, with which the younger members of the corps heard the anecdotes15, related by those who had been actually engaged. Occasionally, the superior reading of the juniors would peep out, and give them the advantage of knowledge, even with regard to circumstances, over those who had been personal actors in the affairs they spoke17 of. The most zealous of these detail narrators, were the quarter-master of the regiment, and Delme's right-hand neighbour, Major Clifford. The former owed his appointment to his gallantry, in saving the colours of his regiment, when the ensign who bore them was killed, and the enemy's cavalry18 were making a sudden charge, before the regiment could form its square.
His was a bluff19 purple face, denoting the bon vivant. Indeed, it was with uncommon20 celerity, that his previous reputation of being the best maker21 of rum punch in the serjeants' mess, had changed into his present one of being the first concoctor of sangaree at the officers'.
Major Clifford merits more especial notice. He was a man hardly appreciated in his own profession; out of it, he was misrepresented, and voted a bore. He had spent all the years of his life, since the down mantled22 his upper lip, in the service of his country; and for its good, as he conceived it, he had sacrificed all his little fortune. It is true his liberality had not had a very comprehensive range: he had sunk his money in the improvement of the personal appearance of his company--in purchasing pompons--or new feathers--or whistles, when he was a voltigeur--in establishing his serjeants' mess on a more respectable footing--in giving his poor comrade a better coffin23, or a richer pall:--these had been his foibles; and in indulging them, he had expended24 the wealth, that might have purchased him on to rank and honours. His eagle glance, his aquiline25 nose, and noble person, showed what he must have been in youth. His hair was now silvered, but his coat was as glossy26 as formerly--his zeal was unabated--his pride in his profession the same--and what he could spare, still went, to adorn27 the persons of the soldiers he still loved. He remained a captain, although his long standing28 in the army had brought him in for the last brevet. It is true every one had a word for poor Clifford. "Such a fine fellow! what a shame!" But this did not help him on. At the Horse Guards, too, his services were freely acknowledged. The Military Secretary had always a smile for him at his levee, and an assurance that "he had his eye on him" The Commander in Chief, too, the last time he had inspected the regiment, attracted by his Waterloo badge, and Portuguese29 cross, had stopped as he passed in front of the ranks, and conversed30 with him most affably, for nearly two minutes and a half; as his colour serjeant with some degree of pride used to tell the story. But yet, somehow or other, although Major Clifford was an universal favourite, they always forgot to reward him. A man of the world, would have deemed the Major's ideas to be rather contracted; and to confess the truth, there were two halcyon31 periods of his life, to which he was fond of recurring32. The one was, when he commanded a light company, attached to General Crauford's light brigade;--the other, when he had the temporary command of the regimental depot33, and at his own expense, had dressed out its little band, as it had never been dressed out before.
Do you sneer34 at the old soldier, courtly reader?
There breathes not a man who dare arraign35 that man's courage;--there is not one who knows him, who would not cheerfully stake his life as a gage16 for his stainless36 honour.
The soup and fish had been removed, when Delme observed a young officer glide37 in, with that inexpressible air of fashion, which appears to shun38 notice, whilst it attracts it. His arm was in a sling39, and his attenuated40 face seemed to bespeak41 ill health. Sir Henry addressed Colonel Vavasour, and begged to know if the person who had just entered the room was Delancey. He was answered in the affirmative; and he again turned to scrutinise his features. These rivetted attention; and were such as could not be seen once, without being gazed at again. His eyes were dark and large, and rested for minutes on one object, with an almost mournful expression; nor was it until they turned from its contemplation, that the discriminating42 observer might read in their momentary43 flash, that their possessor had passions deep and uncontrollable. His dark hair hung in profusion44 over his forehead, which it almost hid; though from the slight separation of a curl, the form of brow became visible; which was remarkable45 for its projection46, and for its pallid47 hue48, which offered a strong contrast to the swart and sunburnt face.
"Are you aware of his history?" said the Colonel.
"Not in the slightest," replied Delme. "I felt curious to see him, on account of the way in which he has been mixed up with George's affair; and think his features extraordinary--very extraordinary ones."
"He is son," said Vavasour, "to the once celebrated49 Lady Harriet D----, who made a marriage so disgracefully low. He is the only child by that union. His parents lived for many years on the continent, in obscurity, and under an assumed name. They are both dead. It is possible Delancey may play a lofty role in the world, as he has only a stripling between him and the earldom of D----, which descends50 in the female line. I am sure he will not be a common character; but I have great fears about him. In the regiment he is considered proud and unsocial; and indeed it was your brother's friendship that appeared to retain him in our circle. He has great talents, and some good qualities; but from his uncommon impetuosity of temper, and his impatience51 of being thwarted52, I should be inclined to predict, that the first check he receives in life, will either make him a misanthrope53, or a pest to society."
At a later period of his life, Delme again encountered Delancey; and this prophecy of the Colonel's was vividly54 recalled.
In the ensuing chapter, we purpose giving Oliver Delancey's history, as a not uninstructive episode; although we are aware that episodes are impatiently tolerated, and it is in nowise allied55 to the purpose of our story. But before doing so, we must detail a conversation which occurred between Delancey and Delme, at the table of the ---- mess. The latter was scanning the features of the former, when their eyes met. A conviction seemed to flash on Delancey, that Delme was George's brother; for the blood rushed to his cheek--his colour went and came--and as he turned away his head, he made a half involuntary bow. Delme was struck with his manner, and apparent emotion; and in returning the salute56, ventured "to hope he was somewhat recovered."
When Major Clifford left the table, Delancey took his vacant seat.
"Sir Henry Delme," said he, "I have before this wished to see you, to implore57 the forgiveness of your family for the misery58 I have occasioned. How often have I cursed my folly59! I acted on an impulse, which at the time I could not withstand. I had never serious views with regard to Acme Frascati. Indeed, I may here tell you,--to no other man have I ever named it,--that I have ties in my own country far dearer, and more imperatively60 binding61. I knew I had erred62. The laws of society could alone have made me meet George Belme as a foe63; but even then--on the ground--God and my second know that my weapon was never directed at my friend. I am an unsocial being, Sir Henry, and, from my habits, not likely to be popular. Your brother knew this, and saved me from petty contentions64 and invidious calumnies65. He was the best and only friend I possessed66. I purpose soon to leave Malta and the army. The former is become painful to me,--for the latter I have a distaste, A feeling of delicacy67 to Acme Frascati would prevent my seeing your brother, even if Mr. Graham had not forbidden the interview, as likely to harass68 his mind. Will you, then, assure him of my unabated attachment69, and tell me that you forgive me for the part I have taken in this unhappy affair."
Delme was much moved as he assured him he would do all he wished; that he could see little to blame him for--that George's excited feelings had brought on the present crisis, and that he had amply atoned70 for any share he might have had in the transaction. Delancey pressed his hand gratefully.
It was at a somewhat late hour that Delme joined Acme and his brother; declining the hearty71 invitation of the Quartermaster to come down to his quarters.
"He could give him a devilled turkey and a capital cigar."
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acme
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| n.顶点，极点 | |
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corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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recurrence
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| n.复发，反复，重现 | |
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vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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interdicted
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| v.禁止（行动）( interdict的过去式和过去分词 )；禁用；限制 | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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buckled
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| a. 有带扣的 | |
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outlet
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| n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄 | |
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aspirants
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| n.有志向或渴望获得…的人( aspirant的名词复数 )v.渴望的，有抱负的，追求名誉或地位的( aspirant的第三人称单数 )；有志向或渴望获得…的人 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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attuned
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| v.使协调( attune的过去式和过去分词 )；调音 | |
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anecdotes
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| n.掌故，趣闻，轶事( anecdote的名词复数 ) | |
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gage
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| n.标准尺寸，规格；量规，量表 [=gauge] | |
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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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cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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bluff
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| v.虚张声势，用假象骗人；n.虚张声势，欺骗 | |
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uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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mantled
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| 披着斗篷的，覆盖着的 | |
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coffin
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| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
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expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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aquiline
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| adj.钩状的，鹰的 | |
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glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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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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Portuguese
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| n.葡萄牙人；葡萄牙语 | |
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conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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halcyon
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| n.平静的，愉快的 | |
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recurring
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| adj.往复的，再次发生的 | |
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depot
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| n.仓库，储藏处；公共汽车站；火车站 | |
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sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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arraign
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| v.提讯；控告 | |
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stainless
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| adj.无瑕疵的，不锈的 | |
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glide
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| n./v.溜，滑行；(时间)消逝 | |
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shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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sling
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| vt.扔；悬挂；n.挂带；吊索，吊兜；弹弓 | |
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attenuated
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| v.（使）变细( attenuate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）变薄；（使）变小；减弱 | |
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bespeak
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| v.预定；预先请求 | |
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discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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projection
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| n.发射，计划，突出部分 | |
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pallid
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| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
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hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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descends
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| v.下来( descend的第三人称单数 )；下去；下降；下斜 | |
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impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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thwarted
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| 阻挠( thwart的过去式和过去分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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misanthrope
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| n.恨人类的人；厌世者 | |
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vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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allied
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| adj.协约国的；同盟国的 | |
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salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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imperatively
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| adv.命令式地 | |
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binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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erred
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| 犯错误，做错事( err的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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contentions
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| n.竞争( contention的名词复数 )；争夺；争论；论点 | |
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calumnies
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| n.诬蔑，诽谤，中伤（的话）( calumny的名词复数 ) | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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harass
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| vt.使烦恼，折磨，骚扰 | |
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attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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atoned
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| v.补偿，赎（罪）( atone的过去式和过去分词 )；补偿，弥补，赎回 | |
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hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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