William Harrison Ainsworth

“ Calverley looked aghast, and as if ready to drop.
“I did not understand he had destroyed himself,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “When did this sad event occur? Can you give me any particulars?”
“I can only state that he contemplated suicide,” replied Mildred. “This letter is a last farewell to me.”
“Ah! then we need not despair of beholding him again,” said Sir Bridgnorth, with a sensation of relief. “Many a man, now alive, has threatened to put an end to his existence. I hope it may turn out to be so in Chetwynd's case.”
“I sincerely hope so!” said Mrs. Calverley. ”

“ I am weary of life; sick of the hollowness, the ingratitude, the perfidy of the world! Timon of Athens did not hate mankind more bitterly than I do. I would consent to live if I felt certain of revenge on some of those who have wronged me; but on no other condition. This is not likely to happen; so it is best I should go!”
“Alas, poor Chetwynd!” exclaimed Mildred. “His fancied wrongs have driven him to the verge of madness!”
“He seems extraordinarily sensitive, and to feel most acutely the slights shown him by his ungrateful associates,” said Emmeline. ”

“ Harry Netterville, eh?”
“Yes, that's the name; and a very nice young fellow he is,” replied Mrs. Hartley. “I only wish he was a little richer.”
“Well, we must wait contentedly till he becomes so,” sighed Rose. “Poverty and happiness don't go together in married life.”
“Again I must compliment you on your good sense, Miss Rose,” remarked Walter.
“That's one of my mother's maxims,” she rejoined. “But don't call me Miss Rose, please. After the service you rendered me this morning, I shall always regard you as a friend, and so will Harry!” ”

“ When they reached the heath, Tom shook off his sulkiness, and surveying the scene, called out:
“Look here, monsieur; here's a famous place for a steeple-chase!”
“A fine place, indeed!” observed Zephyrus. “I should say you could here have all the dangers you desire.”
“I wouldn't advise you to try the heath, Mr. Tom,” observed Laura. “Sir Leycester Barfleur lost his life in that dreadful quagmire.”
“But a capital foot-race might be run on the hard turf,” said Tom. “How say you, monsieur? Shall we have a trial of speed? Half a mile for half a sov'rin'?” ”

“ Hartley,” said Emmeline. “We came to talk of her. She will tell you, I think, that she is happy in her new place.”
“I ought to be,” said Rose; “since every kindness is shown me.”
But she sighed as the words were uttered.
“Ah, you can't help thinking of Harry Netterville, I suppose?” observed her mother. “He doesn't deserve your love. These dear young ladies shall hear my opinion of him.”
“Not unless it's favourable,” said Emmeline.
“Well, I've nothing to say against him, except that I don't want to have the engagement renewed,” replied Mrs. Hartley. ”

“ There is but one person I could choose, and he is not very far off.”
“Chetwynd?” cried Mrs. Calverley.
“Yes.”
“And you have accepted him?”
Again the answer was in the affirmative. “He is indeed most fortunate?” exclaimed Mrs. Calverley. “One question more and I have done.”
“I know what you would ask,” replied Emmeline. “Mamma has given her consent. But the marriage will not take place for some months.”
“Oh, how delighted I am!” cried Mrs. Calverley, with difficulty refraining from embracing her.
At this juncture Chetwynd arose. ”

“ I am sure not,” cried Walter. “But it is part of Romney's system; he believes no woman can resist him. I now begin to think he will persist in the attempt, notwithstanding the chastisement he has received, and the utter want of encouragement on your part.”
“Dear me! I declare I'm all of a tremble!” cried Mrs. Hartley. “I don't know what we shall do to get rid of him.”
“Never mind him,” cried Rose. “I'm not at all afraid.”
“Leave me to deal with him,” said Walter. “Tomorrow I'll look after him.”
“It is Harry Netterville's business to defend me,” cried Rose. ”

“ Come to me at Charlton.”
“I cannot promise to visit you immediately, Sir Bridgnorth,” replied the young man.
“Why not?” inquired Mildred.
“Do not ask me to explain,” he rejoined. “I am scarcely my own master, and where I to make a promise, I might not be able to fulfil it. I must now begone.”
“Stay!” cried Sir Bridgnorth; “can I not bring about a reconciliation between you and Mrs. Calveriey? I think I could accomplish it, if you will consent to some arrangement.”
“Never,” replied Chetwynd. “And I beg that my visit and its object may not be mentioned to her.” ”

“ I don't say that,” rejoined Lord Courland. “But Miss Calverley has lovely features, and an enthralling expression—at least, I find it so.”
“I see you are half in love with her already, my lord,” said Scrope, rather disappointed. “I quite admit that Miss Calverley is very beautiful; but don't forget that my cousin Emmeline is a great heiress.”
“I am only indulging in a little sentiment, my dear boy,” said Lord Courland. “Either of those girls must be admired for herself alone. Your fair cousin needs no large fortune to enhance her attractions—neither does Miss Calverley. ”

“ It may be no easy task to change one's nature, to curb a hasty temper, and check a propensity to folly and extravagance; but I have promised to do it, and I will keep my word at any cost.”
“I am sure you will,” said Emmeline, “and the cost will be far less than you expect.”
“But you must begin to reform at once,” said Mildred.
“I have already begun,” said Chetwynd. “Had I not done so, I should not be here. This is my first step, and it will lead to all the rest.”
“But why should coming here be part of your probation?” asked Emmeline. ”

“ How does it suit you?”
“Not at all, sir,” replied the old butler, who looked very gloomy. “I'd rather things remained as they are. But do you really think, sir, this marriage will take place?”
“What's to hinder it?” remarked Carteret, looking at him inquiringly.
“Nothing that I know of,” replied Norris; “but perhaps Mrs. Calverley may change her mind. She has got everything she wants now.”
“Except a husband!” replied Carteret, laughing.
“And he may cost too dear,” said Norris.
“Too dear! What do you mean?”
“A young nobleman is not to be had for nothing,” replied Norris. ”

“ Intoxicated by the power and wealth I had acquired, I contrived to stifle remorse. I kept Mildred constantly with me. Her presence seemed to shield me, and I sought to make some amends by befriending Chetwynd.
“But vengeance was pursuing me, though with slow feet. My punishment was accomplished in an unforeseen manner. Hitherto my heart had never known love, and I thought myself proof against the tender passion. But it was not so. I met Lord Courland at the house of Lady Thicknesse in London, and he at once won my affections and offered me his hand. ”

“ Emmeline looked blooming and full of spirits, but Mildred complained of slight indisposition, and, in fact, did not seem very well.
Mrs. Calverley noticed these symptoms with secret satisfaction. They favoured her dark design.
“You seem rather poorly this morning, my love,” she said.
“I am a little out of sorts,” replied Mildred. “I think I caught cold on the journey. But I shall soon be better.”
“Better when a certain person arrives,” whispered Emmeline. “Well, he will be here this evening, or to-morrow at latest. Don't fall ill before he comes!” ”

“ Calverley soon learnt what had happened from Mildred; but, feeling sure he could set matters right, he sent for his son, and insisted on his marrying Miss Mildmay, on pain of his severest displeasure.
Chetwynd refused point blank.
“You won't?” cried the old gentleman, ready to explode.
“I have already given you an answer, sir,” rejoined his son. “I adhere to my determination! Pray don't put yourself in a passion. It won't have any effect upon me!”
“Very well,” said Mr. Calverley, with difficulty controlling his rage. “Since you decline to fulfil your engagement, I'll marry her myself!” ”

“ Calverley, who said, in a kindly tone:
“I hope you mean to make Ouselcroft your home, Chetwynd?”
“I shall be delighted to do so, since you are kind enough to ask me, madam,” he replied. “I shall not give you much trouble, for I propose to live very quietly.”
“Don't mistake me,” she rejoined. “The house will be as much your own as during your father's lifetime. Come and go as you please. Your friends will always be welcome. In a word, do just as you like, and don't imagine I shall be any restraint upon you.” ”

“ Now it is too late, I see my folly, and comprehend my loss.”
“You see that he dearly loved you, Emmeline, for it is to you that he refers,” observed Mildred. “But proceed, I entreat you!”
“I have met with the basest ingratitude. Men who have received from me favours innumerable—hangers-on who have sponged upon me, and professed the greatest regard for me, have shrunk from me, and avoided me in my misfortunes—men who have fleeced me, who have ruined me, and driven me to desperation! My funds are almost exhausted, but they will last me out. ”

“ To whom do you suppose she is attached?—to Chetwynd?”
“No; it is only surmise on my part. But still I think I am right.”
“If she won't accept Lord Courland, it will be monstrously provoking after all my trouble. He has met her every day for nearly a fortnight, and the affair has not advanced a single step. She seems to like his society, but nothing more, and he appears just as much pleased with Mildred as he is with her.”
“Have you tried to bring him to the point? Have you spoken to him?”
“No; my nephew, Scrope Danvers, is strangely averse to such a course.” ”

“ But Sir Roger de Coverley was the real success of the evening. In this cheerful dance, form was set aside. Mrs. Calverley led off with Lord Courland, and danced down the long lines, making Tom Tankard supremely happy by giving him her hand for a moment. She was followed by Emmeline and Chetwynd, after whom came Mildred and Captain Danvers. Sir Bridgnorth induced Lady Thicknesse to walk through a part of the dance with him, but her ladyship retired long before she got to the bottom. The dance seemed interminable, and was not brought to a close till long after the great folks had withdrawn. ”

“ Emmeline smiled, and shook her head.
“Well, whoever wins him will have good reason to congratulate herself,” said Lady Thicknesse.
“We shan't quarrel about him, that's certain,” said Emmeline. “I'm quite ready to retire from the field in your favour.” she added to Mildred. “I should like nothing better than to see you Lady Courland!”
“I fear we are getting on a little too fast, dear girls,” said Lady Thicknesse, who was not pleased by the turn things seemed taking. “I have raised expectations that may never be realised. I really don't think Lord Courland is a marrying man.” ”

“ Rose looked at him, but made no remark.
“Tell her I have something to say to her, and must see her this morning; but don't make her uneasy,” said Chetwynd. “I suppose Miss Barfleur is with her?”
“Yes, you may be sure she won't leave her, sir,” replied Rose. “Your message shall be delivered to your sister, and your instructions attended to.”
As soon as Rose was gone, Norris could no longer contain himself.
“Here we have it as plain as possible, sir,” he cried. “The sole bar to the marriage is to be removed. Don't you see it, sir? I do, plainly enough. ”

“ He would lend me more, I doubt not, but I will never borrow again. As to the woman who has robbed me of my inheritance, I have sworn I will accept nothing from her, and I will keep my oath. She will be responsible for her conduct before Heaven.”
Again there was a pause, but neither made a remark and Emmeline went on:
“Fear nothing, dearest sister. I have changed my name, and have taken such precautions that my retreat cannot be discovered. Nothing will be found upon me that can establish my identity. A body will be found; that will be all!”
“Gracious Heaven!” ejaculated Mildred. ”

“ Tankard.
“The quarrel wasn't of my seeking, guv'nor,” said the young man.
“But it won't end here,” cried Zephyrus, holding a handkerchief to his face.
“I hope it will,” rejoined Higgins.
“Tom,” said his father, sternly, “I insist on your making an apology to Monsieur Zephyrus.”
“I make an apology?” rejoined the youth. “Don't expect it, guv'nor.”
“Nor will I accept an apology,” said Zephyrus. “I will have his life! Sigebert,” he added to the coiffeur, who had entered the room with the others, “you shall be my parrain—my second.” ”

“ But since you force me to speak, I will say you are acting a most dishonourable part. You profess love for Rose, when you are making love to another. You offer her your hand, when you are already engaged.”
“I engaged!” exclaimed Netterville. “This is news to me. To whom am I engaged, pray?”
“To Miss Clotilde Tripp, if I am rightly informed,” replied the accuser. “If not to her, to Miss Flora Sicklemore.”
“You must be confounding me with Tom Tankard,” said Netterville. “I never paid the young ladies in question the slightest attention. ”