One of the most remarkable1 families that have ever flourished in England were the NEUCHATELS. Their founder2 was a Swiss, who had established a banking3 house of high repute in England in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and, irrespective of a powerful domestic connection, had in time pretty well engrossed4 the largest and best portion of foreign banking business. When the great French Revolution occurred, all the emigrants5 deposited their jewels and their treasure with the Neuchatels. As the disturbance6 spread, their example was followed by the alarmed proprietors8 and capitalists of the rest of Europe; and, independently of their own considerable means, the Neuchatels thus had the command for a quarter of a century, more or less, of adventitious9 millions. They were scrupulous10 and faithful stewards11, but they were doubtless repaid for their vigilance, their anxiety, and often their risk, by the opportunities which these rare resources permitted them to enjoy. One of the Neuchatels was a favourite of Mr. Pitt, and assisted the great statesman in his vast financial arrangements. This Neuchatel was a man of large capacity, and thoroughly12 understood his period. The minister wished to introduce him to public life, would have opened Parliament to him, and no doubt have showered upon him honours and titles. But Neuchatel declined these overtures13. He was one of those strong minds who will concentrate their energies on one object; without personal vanity, but with a deep-seated pride in the future. He was always preparing for his posterity14. Governed by this passion, although he himself would have been content to live for ever in Bishopsgate Street, where he was born, he had become possessed15 of a vast principality, and which, strange to say, with every advantage of splendour and natural beauty, was not an hour’s drive from Whitechapel.
HAINAULT HOUSE had been raised by a British peer in the days when nobles were fond of building Palladian palaces. It was a chief work of Sir William Chambers16, and in its style, its beauty, and almost in its dimensions, was a rival of Stowe or Wanstead. It stood in a deer park, and was surrounded by a royal forest. The family that had raised it wore out in the earlier part of this century. It was supposed that the place must be destroyed and dismantled17. It was too vast for a citizen, and the locality was no longer sufficiently18 refined for a conscript father. In this dilemma19, Neuchatel stepped in and purchased the whole affair—palace, and park, and deer, and pictures, and halls, and galleries of statue and bust20, and furniture, and even wines, and all the farms that remained, and all the seigneurial rights in the royal forest. But he never lived there. Though he spared nothing in the maintenance and the improvement of the domain21, except on a Sunday he never visited it, and was never known to sleep under its roof. “It will be ready for those who come after me,” he would remark, with a modest smile.
Those who came after him were two sons, between whom his millions were divided; and Adrian, the eldest22, in addition to his share, was made the lord of Hainault. Adrian had inherited something more, and something more precious, than his father’s treasure—a not inferior capacity, united, in his case, with much culture, and with a worldly ambition to which his father was a stranger. So long as that father lived, Adrian had been extremely circumspect23. He seemed only devoted24 to business, and to model his conduct on that of his eminent25 sire. That father who had recognised with pride and satisfaction his capacity, and who was without jealousy26, had initiated27 his son during his lifetime in all the secrets of his wondrous28 craft, and had entrusted29 him with a leading part in their affairs. Adrian had waited in Downing Street on Lord Liverpool, as his father years before had waited on Mr. Pitt.
The elder Neuchatel departed this life a little before the second French Revolution of 1830, which had been so fatal to Mr. Ferrars. Adrian, who had never committed himself in politics, further than sitting a short time for a reputed Tory borough30, for which he paid a rent of a thousand a year to the proprietor7, but who was known to have been nurtured31 in the school of Pitt and Wellington, astonished the world by voting for Lord Grey’s Reform Bill, and announcing himself as a Liberal. This was a large fish for the new Liberal Treasury32 to capture; their triumph was great, and they determined33 to show that they appreciated the power and the influence of their new ally. At the dissolution of 1831, Adrian Neuchatel was a candidate for a popular constituency, and was elected at the head of the poll. His brother, Melchior, was also returned, and a nephew. The Liberals were alarmed by a subscription34 of fabulous35 dimensions said to have been collected by the Tories to influence the General Election; and the undoubted contribution of a noble duke was particularly mentioned, which alone appalled36 the heart of Brooks’. The matter was put before Neuchatel, as he entered the club, to which he had been recently elected with acclamation. “So you are a little frightened,” he said, with a peculiarly witching smile which he had, half mockery and half good nature; as much as to say, “I will do what you wish, but I see through you and everybody else.” “So you are a little frightened. Well; we City men must see what we can do against the dukes. You may put me down for double his amount.”
Adrian purchased a very fine mansion37 in Portland Place, and took up his residence formally at Hainault. He delighted in the place, and to dwell there in a manner becoming the scene had always been one of his dreams. Now he lived there with unbounded expenditure38. He was passionately39 fond of horses, and even in his father’s lifetime had run some at Newmarket in another name. The stables at Hainault had been modelled on those at Chantilly, and were almost as splendid a pile as the mansion itself. They were soon full, and of first-rate animals in their different ways. With his choice teams Adrian could reach Bishopsgate from Hainault, particularly if there were no stoppages in Whitechapel, in much under an hour.
If he had fifty persons in his stables, there were certainly as many in his park and gardens. These latter were most elaborate. It seemed there was nothing that Hainault could not produce: all the fruits and flowers of the tropics. The conservatories40 and forcing-houses looked, in the distance, like a city of glass. But, after all, the portion of this immense establishment which was most renowned41, and perhaps, on the whole, best appreciated, was the establishment of the kitchen. The chef was the greatest celebrity42 of Europe; and he had no limit to his staff, which he had selected with the utmost scrutiny43, maintained with becoming spirit, and winnowed44 with unceasing vigilance. Every day at Hainault was a banquet. What delighted Adrian was to bring down without notice a troop of friends, conscious they would be received as well as if there had been a preparation of weeks. Sometimes it was a body from the Stock Exchange, sometimes a host from the House of Commons, sometimes a board of directors with whom he had been transacting45 business in the morning. It delighted Adrian to see them quaffing46 his burgundy, and stuffing down his truffles, and his choice pies from Strasbourg, and all the delicate dishes which many of them looked at with wonder, and tasted with timidity. And then he would, with his particular smile, say to a brother bank director, whose mouth was full, and who could only answer him with his eyes, “Business gives one an appetite; eh, Mr. Trodgits?”
Sunday was always a great day at Hainault. The Royal and the Stock Exchanges were both of them always fully47 represented; and then they often had an opportunity, which they highly appreciated, of seeing and conferring with some public characters, M.P.‘s of note or promise, and occasionally a secretary of the Treasury, or a privy48 councillor. “Turtle makes all men equal,” Adrian would observe. “Our friend Trodgits seemed a little embarrassed at first, when I introduced him to the Right Honourable49; but when they sate50 next each other at dinner, they soon got on very well.”
On Sunday the guests walked about and amused themselves. No one was allowed to ride or drive; Mrs. Neuchatel did not like riding and driving on Sundays. “I see no harm in it,” said Adrian, “but I like women to have their way about religion. And you may go to the stables and see the horses, and that might take up the morning. And then there are the houses; they will amuse you. For my part, I am for a stroll in the forest;” and then he would lead his companions, after a delightful52 ramble53, to some spot of agrestic charm, and, looking at it with delight, would say, “Pretty, is it not? But then they say this place is not fashionable. It will do, I think, for us City men.”
Adrian had married, when very young, a lady selected by his father. The selection seemed a good one. She was the daughter of a most eminent banker, and had herself, though that was of slight importance, a large portion. She was a woman of abilities, highly cultivated. Nothing had ever been spared that she should possess every possible accomplishment54, and acquire every information and grace that it was desirable to attain55. She was a linguist56, a fine musician, no mean artist; and she threw out, if she willed it, the treasures of her well-stored and not unimaginative mind with ease and sometimes eloquence57. Her person, without being absolutely beautiful, was interesting. There was even a degree of fascination58 in her brown velvet59 eyes. And yet Mrs. Neuchatel was not a contented60 spirit; and though she appreciated the great qualities of her husband, and viewed him even with reverence61 as well as affection, she scarcely contributed to his happiness as much as became her. And for this reason. Whether it were the result of physical organisation62, or whether it were the satiety63 which was the consequence of having been born, and bred, and lived for ever, in a society of which wealth was the prime object of existence, and practically the test of excellence64, Mrs. Neuchatel had imbibed65 not merely a contempt for money, but absolutely a hatred66 of it. The prosperity of her house depressed67 her. The stables with their fifty grooms68, and the grounds with their fifty gardeners, and the daily visit of the head cook to pass the bill of fare, were incidents and circumstances that made her melancholy69. She looked upon the Stock Exchange coming down to dinner as she would on an invasion of the Visigoths, and endured the stiff observations or the cumbrous liveliness of the merchants and bank directors with gloomy grace. Something less material might be anticipated from the members of Parliament. But whether they thought it would please the genius of the place, or whether Adrian selected his friends from those who sympathised with his pursuits, the members of Parliament seemed wonderfully to accord with the general tone of the conversation, or varied70 it only by indulging in technical talk of their own. Sometimes she would make a desperate effort to change the elements of their society; something in this way: “I see M. Arago and M. Mignet have arrived here, Adrian. Do not you think we ought to invite them here? And then you might ask Mr. Macaulay to meet them. You said you wished to ask Mr. Macaulay.”
In one respect the alliance between Adrian and his wife was not an unfortunate one. A woman, and a woman of abilities, fastidious, and inclined to be querulous, might safely be counted on as, in general, ensuring for both parties in their union an unsatisfactory and unhappy life. But Adrian, though kind, generous, and indulgent, was so absorbed by his own great affairs, was a man at the same time of so serene71 a temper and so supreme72 a will, that the over-refined fantasies of his wife produced not the slightest effect on the course of his life. Adrian Neuchatel was what very few people are—master in his own house. With a rich varnish73 of graciousness and favour, he never swerved74 from his purpose; and, though willing to effect all things by smiles and sweet temper, he had none of that morbid75 sensibility which allows some men to fret76 over a phrase, to be tortured by a sigh, or to be subdued77 by a tear.
There had been born of this marriage only one child, the greatest heiress in England. She had been christened after her father, ADRIANA. She was now about seventeen; and, had she not been endowed with the finest disposition78 and the sweetest temper in the world, she must have been spoiled, for both her parents idolised her. To see her every day was for Adrian a reward for all his labours, and in the midst of his greatest affairs he would always snatch a moment to think how he could contribute to her pleasure or her happiness. All that was rare and delightful and beautiful in the world was at her command. There was no limit to the gratification of her wishes. But, alas79! this favoured maiden80 wished for nothing. Her books interested her, and a beautiful nature; but she liked to be alone, or with her mother. She was impressed with the horrible and humiliating conviction, that she was courted and admired only for her wealth.
“What my daughter requires,” said Adrian, as he mused51 over these domestic contrarieties, “is a companion of her own age. Her mother is the very worst constant companion she could have. She requires somebody with charm, and yet of a commanding mind; with youthful sympathy, and yet influencing her in the right way. It must be a person of birth and breeding and complete self-respect. I do not want to have any parasites81 in my house, or affected82 fine ladies. That would do no good. What I do want is a thing very difficult to procure83. And yet they say everything is to be obtained. At least, I have always thought so, and found it so. I have the greatest opinion of an advertisement in the ‘Times.’ I got some of my best clerks by advertisements in the ‘Times.’ If I had consulted friends, there would have been no end of jobbing for such patronage84. One could not trust, in such matters, one’s own brother. I will draw up an advertisement and insert it in the ‘Times,’ and have the references to my counting-house. I will think over the wording as I drive to town.” This was the wording:—
ADVERTISEMENT
A Banker and his Wife require a Companion for their only child, a young lady whose accomplishments85 and acquirements are already considerable. The friend that they would wish for her must be of about the same age as herself, and in every other respect their lots will be the same. The person thus desired will be received and treated as a daughter of the house, will be allowed her own suite86 of apartments, her own servants and equipage. She must be a person of birth, breeding, and entire self-respect; with a mind and experience capable of directing conduct, and with manners which will engage sympathy.—Apply to H. H., 45 Bishopsgate Street Within.
This advertisement met the eye of Myra at Hurstley Rectory about a month after her father’s death, and she resolved to answer it. Her reply pleased Mr. Neuchatel. He selected it out of hundreds, and placed himself in communication with Mr. Penruddock. The result was, that Miss Ferrars was to pay a visit to the Neuchatels; and if, on experience, they liked each other, the engagement was to take place.
In the meantime the good rector of Hurstley arrived on the previous evening with his precious charge at Hainault House; and was rewarded for his kind exertions87, not only by the prospect88 of assisting Myra, but by some present experience of a splendid and unusual scene.
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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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Founder
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| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
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banking
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| n.银行业，银行学，金融业 | |
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engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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emigrants
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| n.（从本国移往他国的）移民( emigrant的名词复数 ) | |
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disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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proprietor
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| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
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proprietors
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| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
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adventitious
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| adj.偶然的 | |
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scrupulous
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| adj.审慎的，小心翼翼的，完全的，纯粹的 | |
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stewards
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| （轮船、飞机等的）乘务员( steward的名词复数 )； （俱乐部、旅馆、工会等的）管理员； （大型活动的）组织者； （私人家中的）管家 | |
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thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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overtures
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| n.主动的表示，提议；（向某人做出的）友好表示、姿态或提议( overture的名词复数 )；（歌剧、芭蕾舞、音乐剧等的）序曲，前奏曲 | |
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posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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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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dismantled
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| 拆开( dismantle的过去式和过去分词 )； 拆卸； 废除； 取消 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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domain
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| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
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eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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circumspect
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| adj.慎重的，谨慎的 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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initiated
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| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
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wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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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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nurtured
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| 养育( nurture的过去式和过去分词 )； 培育； 滋长； 助长 | |
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treasury
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| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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subscription
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| n.预订，预订费，亲笔签名，调配法，下标（处方） | |
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fabulous
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| adj.极好的；极为巨大的；寓言中的，传说中的 | |
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appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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conservatories
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| n.（培植植物的）温室，暖房( conservatory的名词复数 ) | |
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renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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celebrity
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| n.名人，名流；著名，名声，名望 | |
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scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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winnowed
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| adj.扬净的，风选的v.扬( winnow的过去式和过去分词 )；辨别；选择；除去 | |
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transacting
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| v.办理（业务等）( transact的现在分词 )；交易，谈判 | |
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quaffing
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| v.痛饮( quaff的现在分词 )；畅饮；大口大口将…喝干；一饮而尽 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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privy
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| adj.私用的；隐密的 | |
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honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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sate
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| v.使充分满足 | |
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mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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ramble
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| v.漫步，漫谈，漫游；n.漫步，闲谈，蔓延 | |
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accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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linguist
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| n.语言学家；精通数种外国语言者 | |
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eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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organisation
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| n.组织，安排，团体，有机休 | |
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satiety
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| n.饱和；(市场的)充分供应 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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imbibed
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| v.吸收( imbibe的过去式和过去分词 )；喝；吸取；吸气 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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grooms
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| n.新郎( groom的名词复数 )；马夫v.照料或梳洗（马等）( groom的第三人称单数 )；使做好准备；训练；（给动物）擦洗 | |
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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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varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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varnish
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| n.清漆；v.上清漆；粉饰 | |
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74
swerved
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| v.（使）改变方向，改变目的( swerve的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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75
morbid
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| adj.病的；致病的；病态的；可怕的 | |
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fret
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| v.(使)烦恼；(使)焦急；(使)腐蚀，(使)磨损 | |
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subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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parasites
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| 寄生物( parasite的名词复数 )； 靠他人为生的人； 诸虫 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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83
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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84
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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suite
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| n.一套(家具)；套房；随从人员 | |
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exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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