Mr. Audley, preceded by his little ragged1 guide, walked thoughtfully on his way to visit the old gentleman, of whose oddities and strange and wayward temper the keeper of the place where they had last obtained a relay of horses had given a marvellous and perhaps somewhat exaggerated account. Now that he had reached the spot, and that the moment approached which was to be the crisis of the adventure, he began to feel far less confident of success than he had been while the issue of his project was comparatively remote.
They passed down the irregular street of the village, and beneath the trees which arched overhead like the vast and airy aisles3 of some huge Gothic pile, and after a short walk of some two or three hundred yards, during which they furnished matter of interesting speculation4 to half the village idlers, they reached a rude gate of great dimensions, but which had obviously seen better days. There was no lodge5 or gate-house, and Mr. Audley followed the little conductor over a stile, which occupied the side of one of the great ivy-mantled stone piers6; crossing this, he found himself in the demesne7. A broken and irregular avenue or bridle8 track—for in most places it was little more—led onward9 over hill and through hollow, along the undulations of the soft green sward, and under the fantastic boughs10 of gnarled thorns and oaks and sylvan11 birches, which in thick groups, wild and graceful12 as nature had placed them, clothed the varied13 slopes. The rude approach which they followed led them a wayward course over every variety of ground—now flat and boggy14, again up hill, and over the grey surface of lichen-covered rocks—again down into deep fern-clothed hollows, and then across the shallow, brawling15 stream, without bridge or appliance of any kind, but simply through its waters, forced, as best they might, to pick their steps upon the moss-grown stones that peeped above the clear devious16 current. Thus they passed along through this wild and extensive demesne, varied by a thousand inequalities of ground and by the irregular grouping of the woods, which owed their picturesque17 arrangement to the untutored fancies of nature herself, whose dominion18 had there never known the intrusions of the axe19, or the spade, or the pruning-hook, but exulted20 in the unshackled indulgence of all her wildest revelry. After a walk of more than half-an-hour's duration, through a long vista21 among the trees, the grey gable of the old mansion22 of Ardgillagh, with its small windows and high and massive chimney stacks, presented itself.
There was a depressing air of neglect and desertion about the old place, which even the unimaginative temperament23 of Mr. Audley was obliged to acknowledge. Rank weeds and grass had forced their way through the pavement of the courtyard, and crowded in patches of vegetation even to the very door of the house. The same was observable, in no less a degree, in the great stable-yard, the gate of which, unhinged, lay wide open, exhibiting a range of out-houses and stables, which would have afforded lodging24 for horse and man to a whole regiment25 of dragoons. Two men, one of them in livery, were loitering through the courtyard, apparently26 not very well knowing what to do with themselves; and as the visitors approached, a whole squadron of dogs, the little ones bouncing in front with shrill27 alarm, and the more formidable, at a majestic28 canter and with deep-mouthed note of menace, bringing up the rear, came snarling29, barking, and growling30, towards the intruders at startling speed.
"Piper, Piper, Toby, Fan, Motheradauna, Boxer31, Boxer, Toby!" screamed the little guide, advancing a few yards before Mr. Audley, who, in considerable uneasiness, grasped his walking cane32 with no small energy. The interposition of the urchin33 was successful, the dogs recognized their young friend, the angry clangour was hushed and their pace abated34, and when they reached Mr. Audley and his guide, in compliment to the latter they suffered the little gentleman to pass on, with no further question than a few suspicious sniffs35, as they applied36 their noses to the calves37 of that gentleman's legs. As they continued to approach, the men in the court, now alarmed by the vociferous38 challenge of the dogs, eyed the little gentleman inquisitively39, for a visitor at Ardgillagh was a thing that had not been heard of for years. As Mr. Audley's intention became more determinate, and his design appeared more unequivocally to apply for admission, the servant, who watched his progress, ran by some hidden passage in the stable-yard into the mansion and was ready to gratify his curiosity legitimately40, by taking his post in the hall in readiness to answer Mr. Audley's summons, and to hold parley41 with him at the door.
"Is Mr. French at home?" inquired Mr. Audley.
"Ay, sir, he is at home," rejoined the man, deliberately42, to allow himself time fully2 to scrutinize43 the visitor's outward man.
"Can I see him, pray?" asked the little gentleman.
"Why, raly, sir, I can't exactly say," observed the man, scratching his head. "He's upstairs in his own chamber—indeed, for that matter, he's seldom out of it. If you'll walk into the room there, sir, I'll inquire."
Accordingly, Mr. Audley entered the apartment indicated and sat himself down in the deep recess44 of the window to take breath. He well knew the kind of person with whom he had to deal, previously45 to encountering Oliver French in person. He had heard quite enough of Mistress Martha and of Black M'Guinness already, to put him upon his guard, and fill him with just suspicions as to their character and designs; he therefore availed himself of the little interval46 to arrange his plans of operation in his own mind. He had not waited long, when the door opened, and a tall, elderly woman, with a bunch of keys at her side, and arrayed in a rich satin dress, walked demurely47 into the room. There was something unpleasant and deceitful in the expression of the half-closed eyes and thin lips of this lady which inspired Mr. Audley with instinctive49 dislike of her—an impression which was rather heightened than otherwise by the obvious profusion50 with which her sunken and sallow cheeks were tinged51 with rouge52. This demure48 and painted lady made a courtesy on seeing Mr. Audley, and in a low and subdued53 tone which well accorded with her meek54 exterior55, inquired,—
"You were asking for Mr. Oliver French, sir?"
"Yes, madam," replied Mr. Audley, returning the salute56 with a bow as formal; "I wish much to see him, if he could afford me half an hour's chat."
"Mr. French is very ill—very—very poorly, indeed," said Mistress Martha, closing her eyes, and shaking her head. "He dislikes talking to strangers. Are you a relative, pray, sir?"
"Not I, madam—not at all, madam," rejoined Mr. Audley.
A silence ensued, during which he looked out for a minute at the view commanded by the window; and as he did so, he observed with the corner of his eyes that the lady was studying him with a severe and searching scrutiny57. She was the first to break the silence.
"I suppose it's about business you want to see him?" inquired she, still looking at him with the same sharp glance.
"Just so," rejoined Mr. Audley; "it is indeed upon business."
"He dislikes transacting58 business or speaking of it himself," said she. "He always employs his own man, Mr. M'Guinness. I'll call Mr. M'Guinness, that you may communicate the matter to him."
"You must excuse me," said Mr. Audley. "My instructions are to give my message to Mr. Oliver French in person—though indeed there's no secret in the matter. The fact is, Madam, my mission is of a kind which ought to make me welcome. You understand me? I come here to announce a—a—an acquisition, in short a sudden and, I believe, a most unexpected acquisition. But perhaps I've said too much; the facts are for his own ear solely59. Such are my instructions; and you know I have no choice. I've posted all the way from Dublin to execute the message; and between ourselves, should he suffer this occasion to escape him, he may never again have an opportunity of making such an addition to—but I must hold my tongue—I'm prating60 against orders. In a word, madam, I'm greatly mistaken, or it will prove the best news that has been told in this house since its master was christened."
He accompanied his announcement with a prodigious61 number of nods and winks62 of huge significance, and all designed to beget63 the belief that he carried in his pocket the copy of a will, or other instrument, conveying to the said Oliver French of Ardgillagh the gold mines of Peru, or some such trifle.
Mistress Martha paused, looked hard at him, then reflected again. At length she said, with the air of a woman who has made up her mind,—
"I dare to say, sir, it is possible for you to see Mr. French. He is a little better to-day. You'll promise not to fatigue64 him—but you must first see Mr. M'Guinness. He can tell better than I whether his master is sufficiently65 well to-day for an interview of the kind."
So saying, Mrs. Martha sailed, with saint-like dignity, from the room.
"She rules the roost, I believe," said Mr. Audley within himself. "If so, all's smooth from this forth66. Here comes the gentleman, however—and, by the laws, a very suitable co-mate for that painted Jezebel."
As Mr. Audley concluded this criticism, a small man, with a greasy67 and dingy68 complexion69, and in a rusty70 suit of black, made his appearance.
This individual was, if possible, more subdued, meek, and Christian-like than the lady who had just evacuated71 the room in his favour. His eyes were, if possible, habitually72 more nearly closed; his step was as soft and cat-like to the full; and, in a word, he was in air, manner, gait, and expression as like his accomplice73 as a man can well be to one of the other sex.
A short explanation having passed between this person and Mr. Audley, he retired74 for a few minutes to prepare his master for the visit, and then returning, conducted the little bachelor upstairs.
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1
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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2
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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3
aisles
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| n. (席位间的)通道, 侧廊 | |
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4
speculation
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| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
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5
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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6
piers
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| n.水上平台( pier的名词复数 )；（常设有娱乐场所的）突堤；柱子；墙墩 | |
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7
demesne
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| n.领域，私有土地 | |
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8
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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9
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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10
boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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11
sylvan
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| adj.森林的 | |
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12
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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13
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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14
boggy
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| adj.沼泽多的 | |
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15
brawling
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| n.争吵，喧嚷 | |
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16
devious
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| adj.不坦率的，狡猾的；迂回的，曲折的 | |
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17
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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18
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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19
axe
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| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
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20
exulted
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| 狂喜，欢跃( exult的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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21
vista
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| n.远景，深景，展望，回想 | |
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22
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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23
temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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24
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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25
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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26
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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27
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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28
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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29
snarling
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| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的现在分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
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30
growling
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| n.吠声, 咆哮声 v.怒吠, 咆哮, 吼 | |
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31
boxer
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| n.制箱者，拳击手 | |
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32
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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33
urchin
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| n.顽童；海胆 | |
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34
abated
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| 减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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35
sniffs
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| v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的第三人称单数 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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36
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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37
calves
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| n.(calf的复数)笨拙的男子，腓；腿肚子( calf的名词复数 )；牛犊；腓；小腿肚v.生小牛( calve的第三人称单数 )；（冰川）崩解；生（小牛等），产（犊）；使（冰川）崩解 | |
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38
vociferous
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| adj.喧哗的，大叫大嚷的 | |
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39
inquisitively
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| 过分好奇地； 好问地 | |
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40
legitimately
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| ad.合法地；正当地，合理地 | |
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41
parley
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| n.谈判 | |
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42
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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43
scrutinize
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| n.详细检查，细读 | |
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44
recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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45
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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46
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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47
demurely
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| adv.装成端庄地，认真地 | |
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48
demure
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| adj.严肃的；端庄的 | |
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49
instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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50
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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51
tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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52
rouge
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| n.胭脂，口红唇膏；v.(在…上)擦口红 | |
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53
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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54
meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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55
exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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56
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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57
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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58
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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59
solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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60
prating
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| v.（古时用语）唠叨，啰唆( prate的现在分词 ) | |
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61
prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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62
winks
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| v.使眼色( wink的第三人称单数 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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63
beget
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| v.引起；产生 | |
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64
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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65
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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66
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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67
greasy
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| adj. 多脂的，油脂的 | |
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68
dingy
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| adj.昏暗的，肮脏的 | |
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69
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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70
rusty
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| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
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71
evacuated
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| 撤退者的 | |
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72
habitually
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| ad.习惯地，通常地 | |
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73
accomplice
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| n.从犯，帮凶，同谋 | |
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74
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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