Showing That It Is the First Step That Is Ever the Most Difficult.
ABOUT a week after this visit to the villa1, Mr. Temple and his daughter were absolutely induced to accompany Lord Montfort to Rome. It is impossible to do justice to the tender solicitude2 with which he made all the arrangements for the journey. Wherever they halted they found preparations for their reception; and so admirably had everything been concerted, that Miss Temple at length found herself in the Eternal City with almost as little fatigue3 as she had reached the Tuscan villa.
The palace of Lord Montfort was in the most distinguished4 quarter of the city, and situate in the midst of vast gardens full of walls of laurel, arches of ilex, and fountains of lions. They arrived at twilight5, and the shadowy hour lent even additional space to the huge halls and galleries. Yet in the suite6 of rooms intended for Mr. Temple and his daughter, every source of comfort seemed to have been collected. The marble floors were covered with Indian mats and carpets, the windows were well secured from the air which might have proved fatal to an invalid7, while every species of chair and couch, and sofa, courted the languid or capricious form of Miss Temple, and she was even favoured with an English stove, and guarded by an Indian screen. The apartments were supplied with every book which it could have been supposed might amuse her; there were guitars of the city and of Florence, and even an English piano; a library of the choicest music; and all the materials of art. The air of elegance8 and cheerful comfort that pervaded9 these apartments, so unusual in this land, the bright blaze of the fire, evert the pleasant wax-lights, all combined to deprive the moment of that feeling of gloom and exhaustion10 which attends an arrival at a strange place at a late hour, and Henrietta looked around her, and almost fancied she was once more at Ducie. Lord Montfort introduced his fellow-travellers to their apartments, presented to them the servant who was to assume the management of their little household, and then reminding them of their mutual11 promises that they were to be entirely12 their own masters, and not trouble themselves about him any more than if they were at Pisa, he shook them both by the hand, and bade them good-night.
It must be confessed that the acquaintance of Lord Montfort had afforded consolation13 to Henrietta Temple. It was impossible to be insensible to the sympathy and solicitude of one so highly gifted and so very amiable14. Nor should it be denied that this homage15, from one of his distinguished rank, was entirely without its charm. To find ourselves, when deceived and deserted16, unexpectedly an object of regard and consideration, will bring balm to most bosoms17; but to attract in such a situation the friendship of an individual whose deferential18 notice under any circumstances must be flattering, and to be admired by one whom all admire, these are accidents of fortune which few could venture to despise. And Henrietta had now few opportunities to brood over the past; a stream of beautiful and sublime19 objects passed unceasingly before her vision. Her lively and refined taste, and her highly cultured mind, could not refrain from responding to these glorious spectacles. She saw before her all that she had long read of, all that she had long mused20 over. Her mind became each day more serene21 and harmonious22 as she gazed on these ideal creations, and dwelt on their beautiful repose23. Her companion, too, exerted every art to prevent these amusements from degenerating24 into fatiguing25 expeditions. The Vatican was open to Lord Montfort when it was open to none others. Short visits, but numerous ones, was his system. Sometimes they entered merely to see a statue or a picture they were reading or conversing26 about the preceding eve; and then they repaired to some modern studio, where their entrance always made the sculptor’s eyes sparkle. At dinner there was always some distinguished guest whom Henrietta wished to see; and as she thoroughly27 understood the language, and spoke28 it with fluency29 and grace, she was tempted30 to enter into conversations, where all seemed delighted that she played her part. Sometimes, indeed, Henrietta would fly to her chamber31 to sigh, but suddenly the palace resounded32 with tones of the finest harmony, or the human voice, with its most felicitous33 skill, stole upon her from the distant galleries. Although Lord Montfort was not himself a musician, and his voice could not pour forth34 those fatal sounds that had ravished her soul from the lips of Ferdinand Armine, he was well acquainted with the magic of music; and while he hated a formal concert, the most eminent35 performers were often at hand in his palace, to contribute at the fitting moment to the delight of his guests. Who could withstand the soft influence of a life so elegant and serene, or refuse to yield up the spirit to its gentle excitement and its mild distraction36? The colour returned to Henrietta’s cheek and the lustre37 to her languid eye: her form regained38 its airy spring of health; the sunshine of her smile burst forth once more.
It would have been impossible for an indifferent person not to perceive that Lord Montfort witnessed these changes with feelings of no slight emotion. Perhaps he prided himself upon his skill as a physician, but he certainly watched the apparent convalescence39 of his friend’s daughter with zealous40 interest. And yet Henrietta herself was not aware that Lord Montfort’s demeanour to her differed in any degree from what it was at Pisa. She had never been alone with him in her life; she certainly spoke more to him than she used, but then, she spoke more to everybody; and Lord Montfort certainly seemed to think of nothing but her pleasure and convenience and comfort; but he did and said everything so quietly, that all this kindness and solicitude appeared to be the habitual41 impulse of his generous nature. He certainly was more intimate, much more intimate, than during the first week of their acquaintance, but scarcely more kind; for she remembered he had arranged her sofa the very first day they met, though he did not even remain to receive her thanks.
One day a discussion rose about Italian society between Mr. Temple and his host. His lordship was a great admirer of the domestic character and private life of the Italians. He maintained that there was no existing people who more completely fulfilled the social duties than this much scandalised nation, respecting whom so many silly prejudices are entertained by the English, whose travelling fellow-countrymen, by-the-bye, seldom enter into any society but that tainted42 circle that must exist in all capitals.
‘You have no idea,’ he said, turning to Henrietta, ‘what amiable and accomplished43 people are the better order of Italians. I wish you would let me light up this dark house some night, and give you an Italian party.’
‘I should like it very much,’ said Mr. Temple.
Whenever Henrietta did not enter her negative Lord Montfort always implied her assent44, and it was resolved that the Italian party should be given.
All the best families in Rome were present, and not a single English person. There were some perhaps, whom Lord Montfort might have wished to invite, but Miss Temple had chanced to express a wish that no English might be there, and he instantly acted upon her suggestion.
The palace was magnificently illuminated45. Henrietta had scarcely seen before its splendid treasures of art. Lord Montfort, in answer to her curiosity, had always playfully depreciated46 them, and said that they must be left for rainy days. The most splendid pictures and long rows of graceful47 or solemn statues were suddenly revealed to her; rooms and galleries were opened that had never been observed before; on all sides cabinets of vases, groups of imperial busts48, rare bronzes, and vivid masses of tesselated pavement. Over all these choice and beautiful objects a clear yet soft light was diffused49, and Henrietta never recollected50 a spectacle more complete and effective.
These rooms and galleries were soon filled with guests, and Henrietta could not be insensible to the graceful and engaging dignity with which Lord Montfort received the Roman world of fashion. That constraint51 which at first she had attributed to reserve, but which of late she had ascribed to modesty52, now entirely quitted him. Frank, yet always dignified53, smiling, apt, and ever felicitous, it seemed that he had a pleasing word for every ear, and a particular smile for every face. She stood at some distance leaning on her father’s arm, and watching him. Suddenly he turned and looked around. It was they whom he wished to catch. He came up to Henrietta and said, ‘I wish to introduce you to the Princess———.
She is an old lady, but of the first distinction here. I would not ask this favour of you unless I thought you would be pleased.’
Henrietta could not refuse his request. Lord Montfort presented her and her father to the princess, the most agreeable and important person in Rome; and having now provided for their immediate54 amusement, he had time to attend to his guests in general. An admirable concert now, in some degree, hushed the general conversation. The voices of the most beautiful women in Rome echoed in those apartments. When the music ceased, the guests wandered about the galleries, and at length the principal saloons were filled with dancers. Lord Montfort approached Miss Temple. ‘There is one room in the palace you have never yet visited,’ he said, ‘my tribune; ’tis open to-night for the first time.’
Henrietta accepted his proffered55 arm. ‘And how do you like the princess?’ he said, as they walked along. ‘It is agreeable to live in a country where your guests amuse themselves.’
At the end of the principal gallery, Henrietta perceived an open door which admitted them into a small octagon chamber, of Ionic architecture. The walls were not hung with pictures, and one work of art alone solicited56 their attention. Elevated on a pedestal of porphyry, surrounded by a rail of bronze arrows of the lightest workmanship, was that statue of Diana which they had so much admired at Pisa. The cheek, by an ancient process, the secret of which has been recently regained at Rome, was tinted57 with a delicate glow.
‘Do you approve of it?’ said Lord Montfort to the admiring Henrietta. ‘Ah, dearest Miss Temple,’ he continued, ‘it is my happiness that the rose has also returned to a fairer cheek than this.’
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1
villa
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| n.别墅，城郊小屋 | |
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solicitude
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| n.焦虑 | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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suite
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| n.一套(家具)；套房；随从人员 | |
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invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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exhaustion
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| n.耗尽枯竭，疲惫，筋疲力尽，竭尽，详尽无遗的论述 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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bosoms
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| 胸部( bosom的名词复数 )； 胸怀； 女衣胸部（或胸襟）； 和爱护自己的人在一起的情形 | |
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deferential
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| adj. 敬意的，恭敬的 | |
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sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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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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serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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degenerating
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| 衰退，堕落，退化( degenerate的现在分词 ) | |
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fatiguing
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| a.使人劳累的 | |
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conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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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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fluency
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| n.流畅，雄辩，善辩 | |
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tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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felicitous
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| adj.恰当的，巧妙的；n.恰当，贴切 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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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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distraction
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| n.精神涣散，精神不集中，消遣，娱乐 | |
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lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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convalescence
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| n.病后康复期 | |
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zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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tainted
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| adj.腐坏的；污染的；沾污的；感染的v.使变质( taint的过去式和过去分词 )；使污染；败坏；被污染，腐坏，败坏 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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depreciated
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| v.贬值，跌价，减价( depreciate的过去式和过去分词 )；贬低，蔑视，轻视 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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48
busts
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| 半身雕塑像( bust的名词复数 )； 妇女的胸部； 胸围； 突击搜捕 | |
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diffused
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| 散布的，普及的，扩散的 | |
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recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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51
constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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solicited
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| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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tinted
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| adj. 带色彩的 动词tint的过去式和过去分词 | |
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