第9章

"Recoveringfromherstupor,MademoiselleV——bethoughtherselfagainofheremployer,Mrs.Newbold,whomrecenteventshadestranged.Tothatladyshewentwithafullheart,andexplainedeverything.Mrs.

Newboldkepttoherselfheropinionoftheepisode,andreinstalledthedesertedbrideinheroldpositionasgovernesstothefamily.

"Agovernesssheremainedtotheendofherdays.AfterthefinalpeacewithFranceshebecameacquaintedwithmymother,towhombydegreessheimpartedtheseexperiencesofhers.Asherhairgrewwhite,andherfeaturespinched,MademoiselleV——wouldwonderwhatnookoftheworldcontainedherlover,ifhelived,andifbyanychanceshemightseehimagain.Butwhen,sometimeinthe"twenties,deathcametoher,atnogreatage,thatoutlineagainstthestarsofthemorningremainedasthelastglimpsesheeverobtainedofherfamily"sfoeandheronceaffiancedhusband."

1895.

MASTERJOHNHORSELEIGH,KNIGHT

IntheearliestandmustiestvolumeoftheHavenpoolmarriageregisters(saidthethin-facedgentleman)thisentrymaystillbereadbyanyonecuriousenoughtodecipherthecrabbedhandwritingofthedate.ItookacopyofitwhenIwaslastthere;anditrunsthus(hehadopenedhispocket-book,andnowreadaloudtheextract;

afterwardshandingroundthebooktous,whereinwesawtranscribedthefollowing)-

MastrJohnHorseleigh,Knyght,ofthep"yssheofClyfftonwasmarydtoEdiththewyffelateoffJohnStocker,m"chawnteofHavenpoolthexiiijdajeofDecemberbep"vyleggegevynbyoursup"meheddofthechyrcheofIngelondeKyngeHenrytheviiith1539.

Now,ifyouturntothelongandelaboratepedigreeoftheancientfamilyoftheHorseleighsofClyftonHorseleigh,youwillfindnomentionwhateverofthisalliance,notwithstandingtheprivilegegivenbytheSovereignandheadoftheChurch;thesaidSirJohnbeingthereinchronicledasmarrying,atadateapparentlyearlierthantheabove,thedaughterandheiressofRichardPhelipson,ofMontislope,inNetherWessex,aladywhooutlivedhim,ofwhichmarriagetherewereissuetwodaughtersandason,whosucceededhiminhisestates.Howarewetoaccountforthese,asitwouldseem,contemporaneouswives?Astrangelocaltraditiononlycanhelpus,andthiscanbebrieflytold.

Oneeveningintheautumnoftheyear1540or1541,ayoungsailor,whoseChristiannamewasRoger,butwhosesurnameisnotknown,landedathisnativeplaceofHavenpool,ontheSouthWessexcoast,afteravoyageintheNewfoundlandtrade,thennewlysprungintoexistence.HereturnedintheshipPrimrosewithacargoof"trayneoylebroughthomefromtheNewFoundeLande,"toquotefromthetownrecordsofthedate.Duringhisabsenceoftwosummersandawinter,whichmadeupthetermofaNewfoundland"spell,"manyunlooked-forchangeshadoccurredwithinthequietlittleseaport,someofwhichcloselyaffectedRogerthesailor.AtthetimeofhisdeparturehisonlysisterEdithhadbecomethebrideofoneStocker,arespectabletownsman,andpartownerofthebriginwhichRogerhadsailed;anditwastothehouseofthiscouple,hisonlyrelatives,thattheyoungmandirectedhissteps.OntryingthedoorinQuayStreethefounditlocked,andthenobservedthatthewindowswereboardedup.

Inquiringofabystander,helearntforthefirsttimeofthedeathofhisbrother-in-law,thoughthateventhadtakenplacenearlyeighteenmonthsbefore.

"AndmysisterEdith?"askedRoger.

"She"smarriedagain——astheydosay,andhathbeensothesetwelvemonths.Idon"tvouchforthetrutho"t,thoughifsheisn"tsheoughttobe."

Roger"sfacegrewdark.Hewasamanwithaconsiderablereserveofstrongpassion,andheaskedhisinformantwhathemeantbyspeakingthus.

Themanexplainedthatshortlyaftertheyoungwoman"sbereavementastrangerhadcometotheport.Hehadseenhermopingonthequay,hadbeenattractedbyheryouthandloneliness,andinanextraordinarilybriefwooinghadcompletelyfascinatedher——hadcarriedheroff,and,aswasreported,hadmarriedher.Thoughhehadcomebywater,hewassupposedtolivenoverygreatdistanceoffbyland.TheywerelastheardofatOozewood,inUpperWessex,atthehouseofoneWall,atimber-merchant,where,hebelieved,shestillhadalodging,thoughherhusband,ifhewerelawfullythatmuch,wasbutanoccasionalvisitortotheplace.

"Thestranger?"askedRoger."Didyouseehim?Whatmannerofmanwashe?"

"Ilikedhimnot,"saidtheother."Heseemedofthatkindthathathsomethingtoconceal,andashewalkedwithherheeverandanonturnedhisheadandgazedbehindhim,asifhemuchfearedanunwelcomepursuer.But,faith,"continuedhe,"itmayhavebeentheman"sanxietyonly.YetdidInotlikehim."

"Washeolderthanmysister?"Rogerasked.

"Ay——mucholder;fromadozentoascoreofyearsolder.Amanofsomeposition,maybe,playinganamorousgameforthepleasureofthehour.Whoknowethbutthathehaveawifealready?Manyhavedonethethinghereaboutsoflate."

Havingpaidavisittothegravesofhisrelatives,thesailornextdaywentalongthestraightroadwhich,thenalane,nowahighway,conductedtothecuriouslittleinlandtownnamedbytheHavenpoolman.ItisunnecessarytodescribeOozewoodontheSouth-Avon.Ithasarailwayatthepresentday;butthirtyyearsofsteamtrafficpastitsprecinctshavehardlymodifieditsoriginalfeatures.

Surroundedbyasortoffresh-waterlagoon,dividingitfrommeadowsandcoppice,itsancientthatchandtimberhouseshavebarelymadewayeveninthefrontstreetfortheubiquitousmodernbrickandslate.Itneitherincreasesnordiminishesinsize;itisdifficulttosaywhattheinhabitantsfindtodo,for,thoughtradesinwoodwarearestillcarriedon,therecannotbeenoughofthisclassofworknowadaystomaintainallthehouseholders,theforestsaroundhavingbeensogreatlythinnedandcurtailed.Atthetimeofthistraditiontheforestsweredense,artificersinwoodabounded,andthetimbertradewasbrisk.Everyhouseinthetown,withoutexception,wasofoakframework,filledinwithplaster,andcoveredwiththatch,thechimneybeingtheonlybrickportionofthestructure.InquirysoonbroughtRogerthesailortothedoorofWall,thetimber-dealerreferredto,butitwassometimebeforehewasabletogainadmissiontothelodgingofhissister,thepeoplehavingplainlyreceiveddirectionsnottowelcomestrangers.

Shewassittinginanupperroomononeofthelath-backed,willow-

bottomed"shepherd"s"chairs,madeonthespotthenastothisday,andastheywereprobablymadethereinthedaysoftheHeptarchy.

Inherlapwasaninfant,whichshehadbeensuckling,thoughnowithadfallenasleep;sohadtheyoungmotherherselfforafewminutes,underthedrowsingeffectsofsolitude.Hearingfootstepsonthestairs,sheawoke,startedupwithagladcry,andrantothedoor,openingwhichshemetherbrotheronthethreshold.

"O,thisismerry;Ididn"texpect"ee!"shesaid."Ah,Roger——I

thoughtitwasJohn."Hertonesfelltodisappointment.

Thesailorkissedher,lookedathersternlyforafewmoments,andpointingtotheinfant,said,"Youmeanthefatherofthis?"

"Yes,myhusband,"saidEdith.

"Ihopeso,"heanswered.

"Why,Roger,I"mmarried——ofatruthamI!"shecried.

"Shameupon"ee,iftrue!Ifnottrue,worse.MasterStockerwasanhonestman,andyeshouldhaverespectedhismemorylonger.Whereisthyhusband?"

"Hecomesoften.Ithoughtitwashenow.Ourmarriagehastobekeptsecretforawhile——itwasdoneprivilyforcertainreasons;butwewasmarriedatchurchlikehonestfolk——aforeGodwewere,Roger,sixmonthsafterpoorStocker"sdeath."

""Twastoosoon,"saidRoger.

"Iwaslivinginahousealone;Ihadnowheretogoto.YouwerefaroverseaintheNewFoundLand,andJohntookmeandbroughtmehere."

"Howoftendothhecome?"saysRogeragain.

"Onceortwiceweekly,"saysshe.

"Iwishth""dstwaitedtillIreturned,dearEdy,"hesaid."Itmidbeyouareawife——Ihopeso.But,ifso,whythismystery?Whythismeanandcrampedlodginginthislonelycopse-circledtown?Ofwhatstandingisyourhusband,andofwhere?"

"Heisofgentlebreeding——hisnameisJohn.Iamnotfreetotellhisfamily-name.HeissaidtobeofLondon,forsafety"sake;buthereallylivesinthecountynextadjoiningthis."

"Whereinthenextcounty?"

"Idonotknow.Hehaspreferrednottotellme,thatImaynothavethesecretforcedfromme,tohisandmyhurt,bybringingthemarriagetotheearsofhiskinsfolkandfriends."

Herbrother"sfaceflushed."Ourpeoplehavebeenhonesttownsmen,well-reputedforlong;whyshouldyoureadilytakesuchhumblingfromasojournerofwhomth""stknownothing?"

Theyremainedinconstrainedconversetillherquickearcaughtasound,forwhichshemighthavebeenwaiting——ahorse"sfootfall.

"ItisJohn!"saidshe."Thisishisnight——Saturday."

"Don"tbefrightenedlestheshouldfindmehere!"saidRoger."Iamonthepointofleaving.Iwishnottobeathirdparty.Saynothingatallaboutmyvisit,ifitwillincommodeyousotodo.I

willseetheebeforeIgoafloatagain."

Speakingthushelefttheroom,anddescendingthestaircaselethimselfoutbythefrontdoor,thinkinghemightobtainaglimpseoftheapproachinghorseman.Butthattravellerhadinthemeantimegonestealthilyroundtothebackofthehomestead,andpeeringalongthepinion-endofthehouseRogerdiscernedhimunbridlingandhalteringhishorsewithhisownhandsintheshedthere.

RogerretiredtotheneighbouringinncalledtheBlackLamb,andmeditated.Thismysteriousmethodofapproachdeterminedhim,afterall,nottoleavetheplacetillhehadascertainedmoredefinitefactsofhissister"sposition——whethershewerethedeludedvictimofthestrangerorthewifesheobviouslybelievedherselftobe.

Havingeatensomesupper,helefttheinn,itbeingnowabouteleveno"clock.Hefirstlookedintotheshed,and,findingthehorsestillstandingthere,waitedirresolutelynearthedoorofhissister"slodging.Halfanhourelapsed,and,whilethinkinghewouldclimbintoalofthardbyforanight"srest,thereseemedtobeamovementwithintheshuttersofthesitting-roomthathissisteroccupied.

Rogerhidhimselfbehindafaggot-stacknearthebackdoor,rightlydiviningthathissister"svisitorwouldemergebythewayhehadentered.Thedooropened,andthecandlesheheldinherhandlightedforamomentthestranger"sform,showingittobethatofatallandhandsomepersonage,aboutfortyyearsofage,andapparentlyofasuperiorpositioninlife.Edithwasassistinghimtocloakhimself,whichbeingdonehetookleaveofherwithakissandleftthehouse.Fromthedoorshewatchedhimbridleandsaddlehishorse,andhavingmountedandwavedanadieutoherasshestoodcandleinhand,heturnedoutoftheyardandrodeaway.

Thehorsewhichborehimwas,orseemedtobe,alittlelame,andRogerfanciedfromthisthattherider"sjourneywasnotlikelytobealongone.Beinglightoffoothefollowedapace,havingnogreatdifficultyonsuchastillnightinkeepingwithinearshotsomefewmiles,thehorsemanpausingmorethanonce.InthispursuitRogerdiscoveredtheridertochoosebridle-tracksandopencommonsinpreferencetoanyhighroad.Thedistancesoonbegantoproveamoretryingonethanhehadbargainedfor;andwhenoutofbreathandinsomedespairofbeingabletoascertaintheman"sidentity,heperceivedanassstandinginthestarlightunderahayrick,fromwhichtheanimalwashelpingitselftoperiodicmouthfuls.

ThestorygoesthatRogercaughttheass,mounted,andagainresumedthetrailoftheunconscioushorseman,whichfeatmayhavebeenpossibletoanauticalyoungfellow,thoughonecanhardlyunderstandhowasailorwouldridesuchananimalwithoutbridleorsaddle,andstrangetohishands,unlessthecreaturewereextraordinarilydocile.Thisquestion,however,isimmaterial.SufficeittosaythatatdawnthefollowingmorningRogerbeheldhissister"sloverorhusbandenteringthegatesofalargeandwell-timberedparkonthesouth-westernvergeoftheWhiteHartForest(asitwasthencalled),nowknowntoeverybodyastheValeofBlackmoor.Thereuponthesailordiscardedhissteed,andfindingforhimselfanobscurerentrancetothesameparkalittlefurtheron,hecrossedthegrasstoreconnoitre.

Hepresentlyperceivedamidthetreesbeforehimamansionwhich,newtohimself,wasoneofthebestknowninthecountyatthattime.Ofthisfinemanorialresidencehardlyatracenowremains;butamanuscriptdatedsomeyearslaterthantheeventsweareregardingdescribesitintermsfromwhichtheimaginationmayconstructasingularlyclearandvividpicture.Thisrecordpresentsitasconsistingof"afaireyellowfreestonebuilding,partlytwoandpartlythreestoreys;afairehalleandparlour,bothwaynscotted;afairedyningroomeandwithdrawingroome,andmanygoodlodgings;akitchenadjoyningebackwardetooneendofthedwelling-house,withafairepassagefromitintothehalle,parlour,anddyningeroome,andsellarsadjoyninge.

"Inthefrontofthehouseasquaregreenecourt,andacuriousgatehousewithlodgingsinit,standingwiththefrontofthehousetothesouth;inalargeoutercourtthreestables,acoach-house,alargebarne,andastableforoxenandkyne,andallhousesnecessary.

"Withoutthegatehouse,paledin,alargesquaregreene,inwhichstandethafairechappell;ofthesouth-eastsideofthegreenecourt,towardstheriver,alargegarden.

"Ofthesouth-westsideofthegreenecourtisalargebowlinggreene,withfowermountedwalksaboutit,allwalledaboutwithabatteledwall,andsettwithallsortsoffruit;andoutofitintothefeildestherearelargewalksundermanytallelmesorderlyplanted."

Thenfollowsadescriptionoftheorchardsandgardens;theservants"

offices,brewhouse,bakehouse,dairy,pigeon-houses,andcorn-mill;

theriveranditsabundanceoffish;thewarren,thecoppices,thewalks;endingthus-

"Andallthecountrynorthofthehouse,openchampaign,sandyfeildes,verydryandpleasantforallkindesofrecreation,huntinge,andhawkinge,andprofitblefortillageThehousehathalargeprospecteast,south,andwest,overaverylargeandpleasantvaleisseatedfromthegoodmarketttownsofShertonAbbasthreemiles,andIvelamile,thatplentifullyyieldallmannerofprovision;andwithintwelvemilesofthesouthsea."

ItwasonthegrassbeforethisseductiveandpicturesquestructurethatthesailorstoodatgazeundertheelmsinthedimdawnofSundaymorning,andsawtohissurprisehissister"sloverandhorsevanishwithinthecourtofthebuilding.

Perplexedandweary,Rogerslowlyretreated,morethaneverconvincedthatsomethingwaswronginhissister"sposition.Hecrossedthebowlinggreentotheavenueofelms,and,bentonfurtherresearch,wasabouttoclimbintooneofthese,when,lookingbelow,hesawaheapofhayapparentlyforhorsesordeer.Intothishecrept,and,havingeatenacrustofbreadwhichhehadhastilythrustintohispocketattheinn,hecurledupandfellasleep,thehayformingacomfortablebed,andquitecoveringhimover.

Hesleptsoundlyandlong,andwasawakenedbythesoundofabell.

Onpeeringfromthehayhefoundthetimehadadvancedtofullday;

thesunwasshiningbrightly.Thebellwasthatofthe"fairechappell"onthegreenoutsidethegatehouse,anditwascallingtomatins.Presentlythepriestcrossedthegreentoalittleside-doorinthechancel,andthenfromthegatewayofthemansionemergedthehousehold,thetallmanwhomRogerhadseenwithhissisteronthepreviousnight,onhisarmbeingaportlydame,and,runningbesidethepair,twolittlegirlsandaboy.Theseallenteredthechapel,andthebellhavingceasedandtheenvironsbecomeclear,thesailorcreptoutfromhishiding.

Hesaunteredtowardsthechapel,theopeningwordsoftheservicebeingaudiblewithin.Whilestandingbytheporchhesawabelatedservitorapproachingfromthekitchen-courttoattendtheservicealso.Rogercarelesslyaccostedhim,andasked,asanidlewanderer,thenameofthefamilyhehadjustseencrossoverfromthemansion.

"Odzounds!ifyemoddenbeastrangerhereinverytruth,goodman.

ThatwerSirJohnandhisdame,andhischildrenElizabeth,Mary,andJohn."

"Ibefromforeignparts.SirJohnwhatd"yecall"n?"

"MasterJohnHorseleigh,Knight,whohada"mostasmuchlondbyinheritanceofhismotheras"ahadbyhisfather,andlikewisesomebyhiswife.Why,bain"thisarmsdreegooldenhorses"heads,andiddenhisladythedaughterofMasterRichardPhelipson,ofMontislope,inNetherWessex,knowntousall?"

"Itmidbeso,andyetitmidnot.However,th""ltmissthyprayersforsuchanhonestknight"swelfare,andIhavetotraipseseawardmanymiles."

Hewentonward,andashewalkedcontinuedsayingtohimself,"NowtothatpoorwrongedfoolEdy.Thefondthing!Ithoughtit;"twastooquick——shewaseveramorous.What"stobecomeofher!Godwot!HowbeIgoingtofaceherwiththenews,andhowbeItoholditfromher?Tobringthisdisgraceonmyfather"shonouredname,adouble-

tonguedknave!"Heturnedandshookhisfistatthechapelandallinit,andresumedhisway.

Perhapsitwasowingtotheperplexityofhismindthat,insteadofreturningbythedirectroadtowardshissister"sobscurelodginginthenextcounty,hefollowedthehighwaytoCasterbridge,somefifteenmilesoff,whereheremaineddrinkinghardallthatafternoonandevening,andwherehelaythatandtwoorthreesucceedingnights,wanderingthencealongtheAngleburyroadtosomevillagethatway,andlyingtheFridaynightafterathisnativeplaceofHavenpool.Thesightofthefamiliarobjectsthereseemstohavestirredhimanewtoaction,andthenextmorninghewasobservedpursuingthewaytoOozewoodthathehadfollowedontheSaturdayprevious,reckoning,nodoubt,thatSaturdaynightwould,asbefore,beatimeforfindingSirJohnwithhissisteragain.

Hedelayedtoreachtheplacetilljustbeforesunset.Hissisterwaswalkinginthemeadowsatthefootofthegarden,withanursemaidwhocarriedthebaby,andshelookeduppensivelywhenheapproached.Anxietyastoherpositionhadalreadytolduponheroncerosycheeksandlucideyes.ButconcernforherselfandchildwasdisplacedforthemomentbyherregardofRoger"swornandhaggardface.

"Why——youaresick,Roger——youaretired!Wherehaveyoubeenthesemanydays?Whynotkeepmecompanyabit——myhusbandismuchaway?

AndwehavehardlyspokeatallofdearfatherandofyourvoyagetotheNewLand.Whydidyougoawaysosuddenly?Thereisasparechamberatmylodging."

"Comeindoors,"hesaid."We"lltalknow——talkagooddeal.Asforhim[noddingtothechild],betterheavehimintotheriver;betterforhimandyou!"

Sheforcedalaugh,asifshetriedtoseeagoodjokeintheremark,andtheywentsilentlyindoors.

"Amiserablehole!"saidRoger,lookingroundtheroom.

"Nay,but"tisverypretty!"

"NotafterwhatI"veseen.Didhemarry"eeatchurchinorderlyfashion?"

"Hedidsure——atourchurchatHavenpool."

"Butinaprivyway?"

"Ay——becauseofhisfriends——itwasatnight-time."

"Ede,yefondone——forallthathe"snotthyhusband!Th""rtnothiswife;andthechildisabastard.Hehathawifeandchildrenofhisownrank,andbearinghisname;andthat"sSirJohnHorseleigh,ofClyftonHorseleigh,andnotplainJack,asyouthinkhim,andyourlawfulhusband.Thesacramentofmarriageisnosafeguardnowadays.

TheKing"snew-madeheadshipoftheChurchhathledmentopractisethesetrickslightly."

Shehadturnedwhite."That"snottrue,Roger!"shesaid."Youareinliquor,mybrother,andyouknownotwhatyousay!Yourseafaringyearshavetaught"eebadthings!"

"Edith——I"veseenthem;wifeandfamily——all.Howcanst——"

Theyweresittinginthegathereddarkness,andatthatmomentstepswereheardwithout."Gooutthisway,"shesaid."Itismyhusband.

Hemustnotseetheeinthismood.Getawaytillto-morrow,Roger,asyoucareforme."

Shepushedherbrotherthroughadoorleadingtothebackstairs,andalmostassoonasitwasclosedhervisitorentered.Roger,however,didnotretreatdownthestairs;hestoodandlookedthroughthebobbin-hole.IfthevisitorturnedouttobeSirJohn,hehaddeterminedtoconfronthim.

Itwastheknight.Shehadstruckalightonhisentry,andhekissedthechild,andtookEdithtenderlybytheshoulders,lookingintoherface.

"Something"sgoneawrywi"mydear!"hesaid."Whatisit?What"sthematter?"

"O,Jack!"shecried."Ihaveheardsuchafearsomerumour——whatdothitmean?Hewhotoldmeismybestfriend.Hemustbedeceived!Butwhodeceivedhim,andwhy?Jack,Iwasjusttoldthatyouhadawifelivingwhenyoumarriedme,andhaveherstill!"

"Awife?——H"m."

"Yes,andchildren.Sayno,sayno!"

"ByGod!Ihavenolawfulwifebutyou;andasforchildren,manyorfew,theyareallbastards,savethisonealone!"

"AndthatyoubeSirJohnHorseleighofClyfton?"

"Imidbe.Ihaveneversaidsoto"ee."

"ButSirJohnisknowntohavealady,andissueofher!"

Theknightlookeddown."Howdidthymindgetfilledwithsuchasthis?"heasked.

"Oneofmykindredcame."

"Atraitor!Whyshouldhemarourlife?Ah!yousaidyouhadabrotheratsea——whereishenow?"

"Here!"camefromclosebehindhim.Andflingingopenthedoor,Rogerfacedtheintruder."Liar!"hesaid,"tocallthyselfherhusband!"

SirJohnfiredup,andmadearushatthesailor,whoseizedhimbythecollar,andinthewrestletheybothfell,Rogerunder.Butinafewsecondshecontrivedtoextricatehisrightarm,anddrawingfromhisbeltaknifewhichheworeattachedtoacordroundhisneckheopeneditwithhisteeth,andstruckitintothebreastofSirJohnstretchedabovehim.Edithhadduringthesemomentsrunintothenextroomtoplacethechildinsafety,andwhenshecamebacktheknightwasrelaxinghisholdonRoger"sthroat.Herolledoveruponhisbackandgroaned.

Theonlywitnessofthescenesavethethreeconcernedwasthenursemaid,whohadbroughtinthechildonitsfather"sarrival.ShestatedafterwardsthatnobodysuspectedSirJohnhadreceivedhisdeathwound;yetitwasso,thoughhedidnotdieforalongwhile,meaningtherebyanhourortwo;thatMistressEdithcontinuallyendeavouredtostaunchtheblood,callingherbrotherRogerawretch,andorderinghimtogethimselfgone;onwhichorderheacted,afteragloomypause,byopeningthewindow,andlettinghimselfdownbythesilltotheground.

ItwasthenthatSirJohn,indifficultaccents,madehisdyingdeclarationtothenurseandEdith,and,later,theapothecary;whichwastothispurport,thattheDameHorseleighwhopassedashiswifeatClyfton,andwhohadbornehimthreechildren,wasintruthanddeed,thoughunconsciously,thewifeofanotherman.SirJohnhadmarriedherseveralyearsbefore,inthefaceofthewholecounty,asthewidowofoneDecimusStrong,whohaddisappearedshortlyafterherunionwithhim,havingadventuredtotheNorthtojointherevoltoftheNobles,andonthatrevoltbeingquelledretreatedacrossthesea.Twoyearsago,havingdiscoveredthismantobestilllivinginFrance,andnotwishingtodisturbthemindandhappinessofherwhobelievedherselfhiswife,yetwishingforlegitimateissue,SirJohnhadinformedtheKingofthefacts,whohadencouragedhimtowedhonestly,thoughsecretly,theyoungmerchant"swidowatHavenpool;

shebeing,therefore,hislawfulwife,andsheonly.Thattoavoidallscandalandhubbubhehadpurposedtoletthingsremainastheyweretillfairopportunityshouldariseofmakingthetruecaseknownwithleastpaintoallpartiesconcerned,butthat,havingbeenthussuspectedandattackedbyhisownbrother-in-law,hiszestforsuchschemesandforallthingshaddiedoutinhim,andheonlywishedtocommendhissoultoGod.

Thatnight,whiletheowlswerehootingfromtheforestthatencircledthesleepingtownlet,andtheSouth-Avonwasgurglingthroughthewoodenpilesofthebridge,SirJohndiedthereinthearmsofhiswife.Sheconcealednothingofthecauseofherhusband"sdeathsavethesubjectofthequarrel,whichshefeltitwouldbeprematuretoannouncejustthen,anduntilproofofherstatusshouldbeforthcoming.Butbeforeamonthhadpassed,ithappened,toherinexpressiblesorrow,thatthechildofthisclandestineunionfellsickanddied.FromthathourallinterestinthenameandfameoftheHorseleighsforsooktheyoungerofthetwainwhocalledthemselveswivesofSirJohn,and,beingcarelessaboutherownfame,shetooknostepstoassertherclaims,herlegalpositionhaving,indeed,grownhatefultoherinherhorroratthetragedy.AndSirWilliamByrt,thecuratewhohadmarriedhertoherhusband,beinganoldmanandfeeble,wasnotdisinclinedtoleavetheembersunstirredofsuchafierymatterasthis,andtoassistherinlettingestablishedthingsstand.Therefore,Edithretiredwiththenurse,heronlycompanionandfriend,tohernativetown,whereshelivedinabsoluteobscuritytillherdeathinmiddleage.

HerbrotherwasneverseenagaininEngland.

Astrangelycorroborativesequeltothestoryremainstobetold.

ShortlyafterthedeathofSirJohnHorseleigh,asoldieroffortunereturnedfromtheContinent,calledonDameHorseleighthefictitious,livinginwidowedstateatClyftonHorseleigh,and,afterasingularlybriefcourtship,marriedher.ThetraditionatHavenpoolandelsewherehaseverbeenthatthismanwasalreadyherhusband,DecimusStrong,whoremarriedherforappearance"sakeonly.

TheillegitimatesonofthisladybySirJohnsucceededtotheestatesandhonours,andhissonafterhim,therebeingnobodyonthealerttoinvestigatetheirpretensions.Littledifferencewouldithavemadetothepresentgeneration,however,hadtherebeensuchaone,forthefamilyinallitsbranches,lawfulandunlawful,hasbeenextinctthesemanyscoreyears,thelastrepresentativebutonebeingkilledatthesiegeofShertonCastle,whileattackingintheserviceoftheParliament,andtheotherbeingoutlawedlaterinthesamecenturyforadebtoftenpounds,anddyinginthecountyjail.

Themansionhouseanditsappurtenanceswere,asIhavepreviouslystated,destroyed,exceptingonesmallwing,whichnowformspartofafarmhouse,andisvisibleasyoupassalongtherailwayfromCasterbridgetoIvel.Theoutlineoftheoldbowling-greenisalsodistinctlytobeseen.

This,then,isthereasonwhytheonlylawfulmarriageofSirJohn,asrecordedintheobscureregisteratHavenpool,doesnotappearinthepedigreeofthehouseofHorseleigh.

Spring1893.

THEDUKE"SREAPPEARANCE——AFAMILYTRADITION

Accordingtothekinsmanwhotoldmethestory,ChristopherSwetman"shouse,ontheoutskirtsofKing"s-Hintockvillage,wasinthosedayslargerandbetterkeptthanwhen,manyyearslater,itwassoldtothelordofthemanoradjoining;afterhavingbeenintheSwetmanfamily,asonemaysay,sincetheConquest.

Somepeoplewouldhaveittobethatthethinghappenedatthehouseopposite,belongingtooneChilds,withwhosefamilytheSwetmansafterwardsintermarried.ButthatitwasattheoriginalhomesteadoftheSwetmanscanbeshowninvariousways;chieflybytheunbrokentraditionsofthefamily,andindirectlybytheevidenceofthewallsthemselves,whicharetheonlyonesthereaboutwithwindowsmullionedintheElizabethanmanner,andplainlyofadateanteriortotheevent;whilethoseoftheotherhousemightwellhavebeenerectedfiftyoreightyyearslater,andprobablywere;sincethechoiceofSwetman"shousebythefugitivewasdoubtlessdictatedbynoothercircumstancethanitsthensuitableloneliness.

ItwasacloudyJulymorningjustbeforedawn,thehouroftwohavingbeenstruckbySwetman"sone-handedclockonthestairs,thatisstillpreservedinthefamily.Christopherheardthestrokesfromhischamber,immediatelyatthetopofthestaircase,andoverlookingthefrontofthehouse.Hedidnotwonderthathewassleepless.

Therumoursandexcitementswhichhadlatterlystirredtheneighbourhood,totheeffectthattherightfulKingofEnglandhadlandedfromHolland,ataportonlyeighteenmilestothesouth-westofSwetman"shouse,wereenoughtomakewakefulandanxiousevenacontentedyeomanlikehim.Someofthevillagers,intoxicatedbythenews,hadthrowndowntheirscythes,andrushedtotheranksoftheinvader.ChristopherSwetmanhadweighedbothsidesofthequestion,andhadremainedathome.

Nowashelaythinkingoftheseandotherthingshefanciedthathecouldhearthefootfallofamanontheroadleadinguptohishouse——

abyway,whichledscarceanywhereelse;andthereforeatreadwasatanytimemoreapttostartletheinmatesofthehomesteadthanifithadstoodinathoroughfare.Thefootfallcameoppositethegate,andstoppedthere.Oneminute,twominutespassed,andthepedestriandidnotproceed.ChristopherSwetmangotoutofbed,andopenedthecasement."Hoi!who"sthere?"crieshe.

"Afriend,"camefromthedarkness.

"Andwhatmidyewantatthistimeo"night?"saysSwetman.

"Shelter.I"velostmyway."

"What"sthyname?"

Therecamenoanswer.

"BeyeoneofKingMonmouth"smen?"

"Hethatasksnoquestionswillhearnoliesfromme.Iamastranger;andIamspent,andhungered.Canyouletmeliewithyouto-night?"

Swetmanwasgeneroustopeopleintrouble,andhishousewasroomy.

"Waitabit,"hesaid,"andI"llcomedownandhavealookatthee,anyhow."

Hestruckalight,putonhisclothes,anddescended,takinghishorn-lanternfromanailinthepassage,andlightingitbeforeopeningthedoor.Theraysfellontheformofatall,darkmanincavalryaccoutrementsandwearingasword.Hewaspalewithfatigueandcoveredwithmud,thoughtheweatherwasdry.

"Pritheetakenoheedofmyappearance,"saidthestranger."Butletmein."

Thathisvisitorwasinsoredistressadmittedofnodoubt,andtheyeoman"snaturalhumanityassistedtheother"ssadimportunityandgentlevoice.Swetmantookhimin,notwithoutasuspicionthatthismanrepresentedinsomewayMonmouth"scause,towhichhewasnotunfriendlyinhissecretheart.Athisearnestrequestthenew-comerwasgivenasuitoftheyeoman"soldclothesinexchangeforhisown,which,withhissword,werehiddeninaclosetinSwetman"schamber;

foodwasthenputbeforehimandalodgingprovidedforhiminaroomattheback.

Hereheslepttillquitelateinthemorning,whichwasSunday,thesixthofJuly,andwhenhecamedowninthegarmentsthathehadborrowedhemetthehouseholdwithamelancholysmile.BesidesSwetmanhimself,therewereonlyhistwodaughters,GraceandLeonard(thelatterwas,oddlyenough,awoman"snamehere),andbothhadbeenenjoinedtosecrecy.Theyaskednoquestionsandreceivednoinformation;thoughthestrangerregardedtheirfaircountenanceswithaninterestalmosttoodeep.Havingpartakenoftheirusualbreakfastofhamandciderheprofessedwearinessandretiredtothechamberwhencehehadcome.

Inacoupleofhoursorthereabouthecamedownagain,thetwoyoungwomenhavingnowgoneofftomorningservice.SeeingChristopherbustlingaboutthehousewithoutassistance,heaskedifhecoulddoanythingtoaidhishost.

Asheseemedanxioustohidealldifferencesandappearasoneofthemselves,SwetmansethimtogetvegetablesfromthegardenandfetchwaterfromButtock"sSpringinthedipnearthehouse(thoughthespringwasnotcalledbythatnametillyearsafter,bytheway).

"AndwhatcanIdonext?"saysthestrangerwhentheseserviceshadbeenperformed.

HismeeknessanddocilitystruckChristophermuch,andwonuponhim.

"Sinceyoubemindedto,"saysthelatter,"youcantakedownthedishesandspreadthetablefordinner.Takeapewterplateforthyself,butthetrencherswilldoforwe."

Buttheotherwouldnot,andtookatrencherlikewise,indoingwhichhespokeofthetwogirlsandremarkedhowcomelytheywere.

Thisquietudewasputanendtobyastiroutofdoors,whichwassufficienttodrawSwetman"sattentiontoit,andhewentout.FarmhandswhohadgoneoffandjoinedtheDukeonhisarrivalhadbeguntocomeinwithnewsthatamidnightbattlehadbeenfoughtonthemoorstothenorth,theDuke"smen,whohadattacked,beingentirelyworsted;theDukehimself,withoneortwolordsandotherfriends,hadfled,nooneknewwhither.

"Therehasbeenabattle,"saysSwetman,oncomingindoorsafterthesetidings,andlookingearnestlyatthestranger.

"Maythevictorybetotherightfulintheend,whatevertheissuenow,"saystheother,withasorrowfulsigh.

"Dostreallyknownothingaboutit?"saidChristopher."Icouldhaveswornyouwasonefromthatverybattle!"

"Iwasherebeforethreeo"theclockthismorning;andthesemenhaveonlyarrivednow."

"True,"saidtheyeoman."Butstill,Ithink——"

"Donotpressyourquestion,"thestrangerurged."Iaminastrait,andcanrefuseahelpernothing;suchinquiryis,therefore,unfair."

"Trueagain,"saidSwetman,andheldhistongue.

Thedaughtersofthehousereturnedfromchurch,wheretheservicehadbeenhurriedbyreasonoftheexcitement.Totheirfather"squestioningiftheyhadspokenofhimwhosojournedtheretheyrepliedthattheyhadsaidneveraword;which,indeed,wastrue,aseventsproved.

Hebadethemservethedinner;and,asthevisitorhadwithdrawnsincethenewsofthebattle,preparedtotakeaplattertohimupstairs.Buthepreferredtocomedownanddinewiththefamily.

Duringtheafternoonmorefugitivespassedthroughthevillage,butChristopherSwetman,hisvisitor,andhisfamilykeptindoors.Intheevening,however,Swetmancameoutfromhisgate,and,harkeninginsilencetothesetidingsandmore,wonderedwhatmightbeinstoreforhimforhislastnight"swork.

Hereturnedhomewardbyapathacrossthemeadthatskirtedhisownorchard.Passinghere,heheardthevoiceofhisdaughterLeonardexpostulatinginsidethehedge,herwordsbeing:"Don"tye,sir;

don"t!Ipritheeletmego!"

"Why,sweetheart?"

"BecauseI"vea-promisedanother!"

Peepingthrough,ashecouldnothelpdoing,hesawthegirlstrugglinginthearmsofthestranger,whowasattemptingtokissher;butfindingherresistancetobegenuine,andherdistressunfeigned,hereluctantlylethergo.

Swetman"sfacegrewdark,forhisgirlsweremoretohimthanhimself.Hehastenedon,meditatingmoodilyalltheway.Heenteredthegate,andmadestraightfortheorchard.Whenhereachedithisdaughterhaddisappeared,butthestrangerwasstillstandingthere.

"Sir!"saidtheyeoman,hisangerhavinginnowiseabated,"I"veseenwhathashappened!Ihavetaken"eeintomyhouse,atsomejeopardytomyself;and,whoeveryoube,theleastIexpectedof"eewastotreatthemaidenswithaseemlyrespect.Youhavenotdoneit,andInolongertrustyou.Iamthemorewatchfulovertheminthattheyaremotherless;andImustask"eetogoafterdarkthisnight!"

Thestrangerseemeddazedatdiscoveringwhathisimpulsehadbroughtdownuponhishead,andhispalefacegrewpaler.Hedidnotreplyforatime.Whenhedidspeakhissoftvoicewasthickwithfeeling.

"Sir,"sayshe,"IownthatIaminthewrong,ifyoutakethemattergravely.Wedonotwhatwewouldbutwhatwemust.ThoughIhavenotinjuredyourdaughterasawoman,Ihavebeentreacheroustoherasahostessandfriendinneed.I"llgo,asyousay;Icandonoless.Ishalldoubtlessfindarefugeelsewhere."

Theywalkedtowardsthehouseinsilence,whereSwetmaninsistedthathisguestshouldhavesupperbeforedeparting.Bythetimethiswaseatenitwasduskandthestrangerannouncedthathewasready.

Theywentupstairstowherethegarmentsandswordlayhidden,tillthedepartingonesaidthatonfurtherthoughthewouldaskanotherfavour:thatheshouldbeallowedtoretaintheclotheshewore,andthathishostwouldkeeptheothersandtheswordtillhe,thespeaker,shouldcomeorsendforthem.

"Asyouwill,"saidSwetman."Thegainisonmyside;forthosecloutswerebutkepttodressascarecrownextfall."

"Theysuitmycase,"saidthestrangersadly."Howevermuchtheymaymisfitme,theydonotmisfitmysorryfortunenow!"

"Nay,then,"saidChristopherrelenting,"Iwastoohasty.Sh"ltbide!"

Buttheotherwouldnot,sayingthatitwasbetterthatthingsshouldtaketheircourse.NotwithstandingthatSwetmanimportunedhim,heonlyadded,"IfInevercomeagain,dowithmybelongingsasyoulist.Inthepocketyouwillfindagoldsnuff-box,andinthesnuff-boxfiftygoldpieces."

"Butkeep"emforthyuse,man!"saidtheyeoman.

"No,"saysthepartingguest;"theyareforeignpiecesandwouldharmmeifIweretaken.DoasIbidthee.Putawaythesethingsagainandtakeespecialchargeofthesword.Itbelongedtomyfather"sfatherandIvalueitmuch.Butsomethingmorecommonbecomesmenow."

Sayingwhich,hetook,ashewentdownstairs,oneoftheashsticksusedbySwetmanhimselfforwalkingwith.Theyeomanlightedhimouttothegardenhatch,wherehedisappearedthroughClammersGatebytheroadthatcrossesKing"s-HintockParktoEvershead.

Christopherreturnedtotheupstairschamber,andsatdownonhisbedreflecting.Thenheexaminedthethingsleftbehind,andsurelyenoughinoneofthepocketsthegoldsnuff-boxwasrevealed,containingthefiftygoldpiecesasstatedbythefugitive.Theyeomannextlookedattheswordwhichitsownerhadstatedtohavebelongedtohisgrandfather.Itwastwo-edged,sothathealmostfearedtohandleit.Onthebladewasinscribedthewords"ANDREA

FERARA,"andamongthemanyfinechasingswerearoseandcrown,theplumeofthePrinceofWales,andtwoportraits;portraitsofamanandawoman,theman"shavingthefaceofthefirstKingCharles,andthewoman"s,apparently,thatofhisQueen.

Swetman,muchawedandsurprised,returnedthearticlestothecloset,andwentdownstairspondering.Ofhissurmisehesaidnothingtohisdaughters,merelydeclaringtothemthatthegentlemanwasgone;andneverrevealingthathehadbeenaneye-witnessoftheunpleasantsceneintheorchardthatwastheimmediatecauseofthedeparture.

NothingoccurredinHintockduringtheweekthatfollowed,beyondthefitfularrivalofmoredecidedtidingsconcerningtheutterdefeatoftheDuke"sarmyandhisowndisappearanceatanearlystageofthebattle.ThenitwastoldthatMonmouthwastaken,notinhisownclothesbutinthedisguiseofacountryman.HehadbeensenttoLondon,andwasconfinedintheTower.

ThepossibilitythathisguesthadbeennootherthantheDukemadeSwetmanunspeakablysorrynow;hisheartsmotehimatthethoughtthat,actingsoharshlyforsuchasmallbreachofgoodfaith,hemighthavebeenthemeansofforwardingtheunhappyfugitive"scapture.Onthegirlscominguptohimhesaid,"Getawaywithye,wenches:Ifearyouhavebeentheruinofanunfortunateman!"

OntheTuesdaynightfollowing,whentheyeomanwassleepingasusualinhischamber,hewas,hesaid,consciousoftheentryofsomeone.

Openinghiseyes,hebeheldbythelightofthemoon,whichshoneuponthefrontofhishouse,thefigureofamanwhoseemedtobethestrangermovingfromthedoortowardsthecloset.Hewasdressedsomewhatdifferentlynow,butthefacewasquitethatofhislateguestinitstragicalpensiveness,aswasalsothetallnessofhisfigure.Henearedthecloset;and,feelinghisvisitortobewithinhisrights,Christopherrefrainedfromstirring.ThepersonageturnedhislargehaggardeyesuponthebedwhereSwetmanlay,andthenwithdrewfromtheirhidingthearticlesthatbelongedtohim,againgivingahardgazeatChristopherashewentnoiselesslyoutofthechamberwithhispropertiesonhisarm.Hisretreatdownthestairswasjustaudible,andalsohisdeparturebythesidedoor,throughwhichentranceorexitwaseasytothosewhoknewtheplace.

Nothingfurtherhappened,andtowardsmorningSwetmanslept.Toavoidallriskhesaidnotawordtothegirlsofthevisitofthenight,andcertainlynottoanyoneoutsidethehouse;foritwasdangerousatthattimetoavowanything.

Amongthekilledinopposingtherecentrisinghadbeenayoungerbrotherofthelordofthemanor,wholivedatKing"s-HintockCourthardby.Seeingthelatterridepastinmourningclothesnextday,Swetmanventuredtocondolewithhim.

"He"dnobusinessthere!"answeredtheother.Hiswordsandmannershowedthebitternessthatwasmingledwithhisregret."Butsaynomoreofhim.Youknowwhathashappenedsince,Isuppose?"

"IknowthattheysayMonmouthistaken,SirThomas,butIcan"tthinkittrue,"answeredSwetman.

"Ozounds!"tistrueenough,"criedtheknight,"andthat"snotall.

TheDukewasexecutedonTowerHilltwodaysago."

"D"yesayitverily?"saysSwetman.

"Andaveryharddeathhehad,worseluckfor"n,"saidSirThomas.

"Well,"tisoverforhimandoverformybrother.Butnotfortherest.There"llbesearchingsandsiftingsdownhereanon;andhappyisthemanwhohashadnothingtodowiththismatter!"

NowSwetmanhadhardlyheardthelatterwords,somuchwasheconfoundedbythestrangenessofthetidingsthattheDukehadcometohisdeathonthepreviousTuesday.ForithadbeenonlythenightbeforethispresentdayofFridaythathehadseenhisformerguest,whomhehadceasedtodoubtcouldbeotherthantheDuke,comeintohischamberandfetchawayhisaccoutrementsashehadpromised.

"Itcouldn"thavebeenavision,"saidChristophertohimselfwhentheknighthadriddenon."ButI"llgostraightandseeifthethingsbeintheclosetstill;andthusIshallsurelylearnif"twereavisionorno."

Totheclosethewent,whichhehadnotlookedintosincethestranger"sdeparture.Andsearchingbehindthearticlesplacedtoconcealthethingshidden,hefoundthat,ashehadneverdoubted,theyweregone.

WhentherumourspreadabroadintheWestthatthemanbeheadedintheTowerwasnotindeedtheDuke,butoneofhisofficerstakenafterthebattle,andthattheDukehadbeenassistedtoescapeoutofthecountry,Swetmanfoundinitanexplanationofwhatsodeeplymystifiedhim.ThathisvisitormighthavebeenafriendoftheDuke"s,whomtheDukehadaskedtofetchthethingsinalastrequest,Swetmanwouldneveradmit.HisbeliefintherumourthatMonmouthlived,likethatofthousandsofothers,continuedtotheendofhisdays.

Such,briefly,concludedmykinsman,isthetraditionwhichhasbeenhandeddowninChristopherSwetman"sfamilyforthelasttwohundredyears.

AMEREINTERLUDE

CHAPTERI

Thetravellerinschool-books,whovouchedindryesttonesforthefidelitytofactofthefollowingnarrative,usedtoaddaringoftruthtoitbyopeningwithanicetyofcriticismontheheroine"spersonality.Peoplewerewrong,hedeclared,whentheysurmisedthatBaptistaTrewthenwasayoungwomanwithscarcelyemotionsorcharacter.Therewasnothinginhertolove,andnothingtohate——soranthegeneralopinion.Thatsheshowedfewpositivequalitieswastrue.Thecoloursandtoneswhichchangingeventspaintonthefacesofactivewomankindwerelookedforinvainuponhers.Butstillwatersrundeep;andnocrisishadcomeintheyearsofherearlymaidenhoodtodemonstratewhatlayhiddenwithinher,likemetalinamine.

ShewasthedaughterofasmallfarmerinSt.Maria"s,oneoftheIslesofLyonessebeyondOff-Wessex,whohadspentalargesum,asthereunderstood,onhereducation,bysendinghertothemainlandfortwoyears.AtnineteenshewasenteredattheTrainingCollegeforTeachers,andattwenty-onenominatedtoaschoolinthecountry,nearTor-upon-Sea,whithersheproceededaftertheChristmasexaminationandholidays.

Themonthspassedbyfromwintertospringandsummer,andBaptistaappliedherselftohernewdutiesasbestshecould,tillanuneventfulyearhadelapsed.Thenanairofabstractionpervadedherbearingasshewalkedtoandfro,twiceaday,andsheshowedthetraitsofapersonwhohadsomethingonhermind.Awidow,bynameMrs.Wace,inwhosehouseBaptistaTrewthenhadbeenprovidedwithasitting-roomandbedroomtilltheschool-houseshouldbebuilt,noticedthischangeinheryouthfultenant"smanner,andatlastventuredtopressherwithafewquestions.

"Ithasnothingtodowiththeplace,norwithyou,"saidMissTrewthen.

"Thenitisthesalary?"

"No,northesalary."

"Thenitissomethingyouhaveheardfromhome,mydear."

Baptistawassilentforafewmoments."ItisMr.Heddegan,"shemurmured."HimtheyusedtocallDavidHeddeganbeforehegothismoney."

"AndwhoistheMr.HeddegantheyusedtocallDavid?"

"AnoldbacheloratGiant"sTown,St.Maria"s,withnorelationswhatever,wholivesaboutastone"sthrowfromfather"s.WhenIwasachildheusedtotakemeonhiskneeandsayhe"dmarrymesomeday.NowIamawomanthejesthasturnedearnest,andheisanxioustodoit.AndfatherandmothersaysIcan"tdobetterthanhavehim."

"He"swelloff?"

"Yes——he"stherichestmanweknow——asafriendandneighbour."

"Howmucholderdidyousayhewasthanyourself?"

"Ididn"tsay.Twentyyearsatleast."

"Andanunpleasantmaninthebargainperhaps?"

"No——he"snotunpleasant."

"Well,child,allIcansayisthatI"dresistanysuchengagementifit"snotpalatableto"ee.Youarecomfortablehere,inmylittlehouse,Ihope.Alltheparishlike"ee:andI"veneverbeensocheerful,sincemypoorhusbandleftmetowearhiswings,asI"vebeenwith"eeasmylodger."

Theschoolmistressassuredherlandladythatshecouldreturnthesentiment."Butherecomesmyperplexity,"shesaid."Idon"tlikekeepingschool.Ah,youaresurprised——youdidn"tsuspectit.

That"sbecauseI"veconcealedmyfeeling.Well,Isimplyhateschool.Idon"tcareforchildren——theyareunpleasant,troublesomelittlethings,whomnothingwoulddelightsomuchastohearthatyouhadfallendowndead.YetIwouldevenputupwiththemifitwasnotfortheinspector.ForthreemonthsbeforehisvisitIdidn"tsleepsoundly.AndtheCommitteeofCouncilarealwayschangingtheCode,sothatyoudon"tknowwhattoteach,andwhattoleaveuntaught.Ithinkfatherandmotherareright.TheysayIshallneverexcelasaschoolmistressifIdisliketheworkso,andthatthereforeIoughttogetsettledbymarryingMr.Heddegan.Betweenustwo,Ilikehimbetterthanschool;butIdon"tlikehimquitesomuchastowishtomarryhim."

Theseconversations,oncebegun,werecontinuedfromdaytoday;tillatlengththeyounggirl"selderlyfriendandlandladythrewinheropiniononthesideofMissTrewthen"sparents.Allthingsconsidered,shedeclared,theuncertaintyoftheschool,thelabour,Baptista"snaturaldislikeforteaching,itwouldbeaswelltotakewhatfateoffered,andmakethebestofmattersbyweddingherfather"soldneighbourandprosperousfriend.

TheEasterholidayscameround,andBaptistawenttospendthemasusualinhernativeisle,goingbytrainintoOff-WessexandcrossingbypacketfromPen-zephyr.WhenshereturnedinthemiddleofAprilherfaceworeamoresettledaspect.

"Well?"saidtheexpectantMrs.Wace.

"Ihaveagreedtohavehimasmyhusband,"saidBaptista,inanoff-

handway."Heavenknowsifitwillbeforthebestornot.ButI

haveagreedtodoit,andsothematterissettled."

Mrs.Wacecommendedher;butBaptistadidnotcaretodwellonthesubject;sothatallusiontoitwasveryinfrequentbetweenthem.

Nevertheless,amongotherthings,sherepeatedtothewidowfromtimetotimeinmonosyllabicremarksthattheweddingwasreallyimpending;thatitwasarrangedforthesummer,andthatshehadgivennoticeofleavingtheschoolattheAugustholidays.Lateronsheannouncedmorespecificallythathermarriagewastotakeplaceimmediatelyafterherreturnhomeatthebeginningofthemonthaforesaid.

ShenowcorrespondedregularlywithMr.Heddegan.Herlettersfromhimwereseen,atleastontheoutside,andinpartwithin,byMrs.

Wace.HadshereadmoreoftheirinteriorsthantheoccasionalsentencesshownherbyBaptistashewouldhaveperceivedthatthescratchy,rustyhandwritingofMissTrewthen"sbetrothedconveyedlittlemorematterthandetailsoftheirfuturehousekeeping,andhispreparationsforthesame,withinnumerable"mydears"sprinkledindisconnectedly,toshowthedepthofhisaffectionwithouttheinconveniencesofsyntax.

CHAPTERII

ItwastheendofJuly——dry,toodry,evenfortheseason,thedelicategreenherbsandvegetablesthatgrewinthisfavouredendofthekingdomtastingratherofthewatering-potthanofthepurefreshmoisturefromtheskies.Baptista"sboxeswerepacked,andoneSaturdaymorningshedepartedbyawaggonettetothestation,andthencebytraintoPen-zephyr,fromwhichportshewas,asusual,tocrossthewaterimmediatelytoherhome,andbecomeMr.Heddegan"swifeontheWednesdayoftheweekfollowing.

Shemighthavereturnedaweeksooner.Butthoughtheweddingdayhadloomedsonear,andthebannswereout,shedelayedherdeparturetillthislastmoment,sayingitwasnotnecessaryforhertobeathomelongbeforehand.AsMr.Heddeganwasolderthanherself,shesaid,shewastobemarriedinherordinarysummerbonnetandgreysilkfrock,andtherewerenopreparationstomakethathadnotbeenamplymadebyherparentsandintendedhusband.

Induetime,afterahotandtediousjourney,shereachedPen-zephyr.

Shehereobtainedsomerefreshment,andthenwenttowardsthepier,whereshelearnttohersurprisethatthelittlesteamboatplyingbetweenthetownandtheislandshadleftateleveno"clock;theusualhourofdepartureintheafternoonhavingbeenforestalledinconsequenceofthefogswhichhadforafewdaysprevailedtowardsevening,makingtwilightnavigationdangerous.

ThisbeingSaturday,therewasnownootherboattillTuesday,anditbecameobviousthathereshewouldhavetoremainforthethreedays,unlessherfriendsshouldthinkfittorigoutoneoftheisland"

sailing-boatsandcometofetchher——anotverylikelycontingency,theseadistancebeingnearlyfortymiles.

Baptista,however,hadbeendetainedinPen-zephyronmorethanoneoccasionbefore,eitheronaccountofbadweatherorsomesuchreasonasthepresent,andshewasthereforenotinanypersonalalarm.

But,asshewastobemarriedonthefollowingWednesday,thedelaywascertainlyinconvenienttoamorethanordinarydegree,sinceitwouldleavelessthanaday"sintervalbetweenherarrivalandtheweddingceremony.

Apartfromthisawkwardnessshedidnotmuchmindtheaccident.Itwasindeedcurioustoseehowlittlesheminded.Perhapsitwouldnotbetoomuchtosaythat,althoughshewasgoingtodothecriticaldeedofherlifequitewillingly,sheexperiencedanindefinablereliefatthepostponementofhermeetingwithHeddegan.

Buthermanneraftermakingdiscoveryofthehindrancewasquietandsubdued,eventopassivityitself;aswasinstancedbyherhaving,atthemomentofreceivinginformationthatthesteamerhadsailed,replied"Oh,"socoollytotheporterwithherluggage,thathewasalmostdisappointedatherlackofdisappointment.

Thequestionnowwas,shouldshereturnagaintoMrs.Wace,inthevillageofLowerWessex,orwaitinthetownatwhichshehadarrived.Shewouldhavepreferredtogoback,butthedistancewastoogreat;moreover,havinglefttheplaceforgood,andsomewhatdramatically,tobecomeabride,areturn,evenforsoshortaspace,wouldhavebeenatriflehumiliating.

Leaving,then,herboxesatthestation,hernextanxietywastosecurearespectable,orrathergenteel,lodginginthepopularseasideresortconfrontingher.Tothisendshelookedaboutthetown,inwhich,thoughshehadpassedthroughithalf-a-dozentimes,shewaspracticallyastranger.

Baptistafoundaroomtosuitheroverafruiterer"sshop;whereshemadeherselfathome,andsetherselfinorderafterherjourney.Anearlycupofteahavingrevivedherspiritsshewalkedouttoreconnoitre.

Beingaschoolmistresssheavoidedlookingattheschools,andhavingasortoftradeconnectionwithbooks,sheavoidedlookingatthebooksellers;butwearyingoftheothershopssheinspectedthechurches;notthatforherownpartshecaredmuchaboutecclesiasticaledifices;buttouristslookedatthem,andsowouldshe——aproceedingforwhichnoonewouldhavecreditedherwithanygreatoriginality,such,forinstance,asthatshesubsequentlyshowedherselftopossess.Thechurchessoonoppressedher.ShetriedtheMuseum,butcameoutbecauseitseemedlonelyandtedious.

Yetthetownandthewalksinthislandofstrawberries,theseheadquartersofearlyEnglishflowersandfruit,werethen,asalways,attractive.Fromthemorepicturesquestreetsshewenttothetowngardens,andthePier,andtheHarbour,andlookedatthemenatworkthere,loadingandunloadingasinthetimeofthePhoenicians.

"NotBaptista?Yes,Baptistaitis!"

Thewordswereutteredbehindher.Turningroundshegaveastart,andbecameconfused,evenagitated,foramoment.Thenshesaidinherusualundemonstrativemanner,"O——isitreallyyou,Charles?"

Withoutspeakingagainatonce,andwithahalf-smile,thenew-comerglancedherover.Therewasmuchcriticism,andsomeresentment——

eventemper——inhiseye.

"Iamgoinghome,"continuedshe."ButIhavemissedtheboat."

Hescarcelyseemedtotakeinthemeaningofthisexplanation,intheintensityofhiscriticalsurvey."Teachingstill?Whatafineschoolmistressyoumake,Baptista,Iwarrant!"hesaidwithaslightflavourofsarcasm,whichwasnotlostuponher.

"IknowIamnothingtobragof,"shereplied."That"swhyIhavegivenup."

"O——givenup?Youastonishme."

"Ihatetheprofession."

"Perhapsthat"sbecauseIaminit."

"Ono,itisn"t.ButIamgoingtoenteronanotherlifealtogether.

IamgoingtobemarriednextweektoMr.DavidHeddegan."

Theyoungman——fortifiedashewasbyanaturalcynicalprideandpassionateness——wincedatthisunexpectedreply,notwithstanding.

"WhoisMr.DavidHeddegan?"heasked,asindifferentlyaslayinhispower.

SheinformedhimthebearerofthenamewasageneralmerchantofGiant"sTown,St.Maria"sisland——herfather"snearestneighbourandoldestfriend.

"Thenweshan"tseeanythingmoreofyouonthemainland?"inquiredtheschoolmaster.

"O,Idon"tknowaboutthat,"saidMissTrewthen.

"Hereendeththecareerofthebelleoftheboarding-schoolyourfatherwasfoolishenoughtosendyouto.A"generalmerchant"s"

wifeintheLyonesseIsles.Willyousellpoundsofsoapandpennyworthsoftintacks,orwholebarsofsaponaceousmatter,andgreattenpennynails?"

"He"snotinsuchasmallwayasthat!"shealmostpleaded."Heownsships,thoughtheyareratherlittleones!"

"O,well,itismuchthesame.Come,letuswalkon;itistedioustostandstill.Ithoughtyouwouldbeafailureineducation,"hecontinued,whensheobeyedhimandstrolledahead."Younevershowedpowerthatway.Youremindmemuchofsomeofthosewomenwhothinktheyaresuretobegreatactressesiftheygoonthestage,becausetheyhaveaprettyface,andforgetthatwhatwerequireisacting.

Butyoufoundyourmistake,didn"tyou?"

"Don"ttauntme,Charles."Itwasnoticeablethattheyoungschoolmaster"stonecausedhernoangerorretaliatorypassion;farotherwise:therewasatearinhereye."HowisityouareatPen-

zephyr?"sheinquired.