THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 
 -
 
 ITS CONSEQUENCES; 
 
 REVELATIONS FROM THK FUKRNiN OFFICE, 
 
 HENRY AVIKOFF, 
 
 " AH liuiifst tali- spc.'ds 
 Bciiis; [liaiulv tulil.'' 
 
 LONDON: 
 CLARKE AND BRETON, 148, FLEET STREKT 
 
 1855.
 
 [ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HAI.L.J
 
 n 
 
 TO THE MOST NOBLE 
 
 THE 
 
 MARQUIS DE CAVOUE, 
 
 OF SARDINIA, 
 THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE RESPECTFULLY 
 
 QeBtcatctf, 
 
 BY 
 
 HIS VERY HUMBLE AND GRATEFUL SERVANT 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 2207453
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 IT is necessary to make some explanation for troubling 
 the public with a narrative so entirely personal as that 
 which follows. It is also proper to make some apology 
 for publishing events of so private a nature, and for 
 exposing once more to a painful publicity a lady of 
 respectability, and with whom my relations have been 
 so long and intimate. Nothing short of an inexorable 
 necessity would compel me to a course so repugnant to 
 my tastes and feelings. I trust that a simple statement 
 of facts will absolve me from the grave responsibility of 
 this unpleasant act. 
 
 It may be remembered by some of my readers that 
 about two years since, February, 1852, a trial took 
 place at Genoa, Italy, for the " Abduction " of Miss 
 Jane C. Gamble, 41, Portland-place, London, wherein 
 I figured as the chief accused. Though it was proved 
 on that occasion that Miss Gamble was actually 
 betrothed to me at the time, and that my offence was 
 no other than a harmless lover's trick, yet by unfair 
 means, as I shall show, I was condemned by a Genoese 
 Judge, without the intervention of a Jury, to fifteen 
 months' imprisonment at Genoa. My respect for my
 
 VI INTRODUCTION. 
 
 numerous friends both in my own country and Europe, 
 would of itself be a sufficient motive to urge me to 
 make an exposition of my case against this extreme act 
 of legal rigour. But there are other reasons still 
 stronger. 
 
 In March, 1852, a pamphlet was published in London 
 affecting to give a report of the above Trial, but it was 
 so studded with misrepresentation that the only object 
 of the Publisher could have been to mislead the 
 English public, and excite prejudice against me. One 
 instance of this will suffice. The pamphlet stated on 
 its title-page that I was arraigned for a " Conspiracy to 
 effect a forced marriage with Miss Gamble," whereas I 
 was simply accused, as the records of the Tribunal will 
 show, of the " Abduction " of Miss Gamble, and her 
 servant and mine were included in the charge as 
 accessories. My servant, however, was acquitted. 
 
 Again in April, 1852, a publication appeared in the 
 Daily News, a London Journal, purporting to be an 
 accurate version of the incidents of my Courtship, and 
 adding, besides, many details of the pretended " Abduc- 
 tion " of Miss Gamble that were not only odious, but in the 
 highest degree criminal. For instance, I was accused of 
 having sought to administer chloroform to Miss Gamble 
 whilst in my apartment at Genoa, on November 15th, 
 1851. This narration was false from beginning to 
 end, and its only purpose, as in the case of the pam- 
 phlet just mentioned, could have been to traduce and
 
 INTRODUCTION. Vll 
 
 degrade me in the public esteem of this country, and 
 my own. 
 
 Whence came the inspiration of these shameful 
 calumnies I have not yet sought to ascertain, but my 
 purpose still is to make them the subject of legal 
 investigation. 
 
 The injurious effect of these publications wherever 
 read must be apparent; and surely nothing can be 
 considered more natural or excusable than my wish to 
 show how little I have deserved such unprovoked 
 hostility by putting forward an authentic statement of 
 the facts of my singular case. 
 
 I should have taken this justifiable course long 
 since, but for my extreme aversion to involve Miss 
 Gamble in further publicity. With a view to spare her 
 from annoyance I have passed an entire year in 
 beseeching her to allow me to publish some statement, 
 with her approbation, that would serve to exonerate me 
 from the foulest imputations, and at the same time to 
 screen her from a wider notoriety. I have received from 
 Miss Gamble, indirectly, expressions of regret for what 
 has occurred; but she has constantly refused to co- 
 operate with me in any manner that would enable me to 
 justify myself without compromising her. Under these 
 circumstances I appeal frankly to the Public, and ask, 
 whether I have not, after undergoing a cruel imprison- 
 ment of fifteen months in an Italian prison, exhibited 
 forbearance enough to warrant me in showing my
 
 viii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 innocence of all illegal and unworthy conduct towards 
 Miss Gamble, and which I have sought to prove beyond 
 cavil or suspicion by adducing the disinterested testi- 
 mony of persons of the highest rank, both English 
 and Foreign ; further supported by documents that 
 challenge scrutiny. 
 
 I deem it only just to state that both from Mrs. 
 George Grote, and Mr. Joshua Bates, I have received, 
 by letter, and otherwise, repeated assurances of sym- 
 pathy and good will ; and I feel no doubt that when 
 called upon hereafter they will cheerfully aid me in 
 obtaining that reinstatement in public opinion to which 
 I venture to think I am entitled. 
 
 I cannot but express my profound sorrow that a false 
 notion of policy should induce Miss Gamble to deny me 
 that moral reparation which I have so often and humbly 
 sought at her hands. Having, under bad advice, been 
 led into hostility against me, she fears, apparently, to 
 involve herself in a false position by yielding to a more 
 just and generous course of conduct. My standing in 
 society, the esteem of my friends, and my prospects in 
 life, depend upon the defence I am thus forced to make 
 against the severest injuries, and unparalleled misrepre- 
 sentation ; and whilst seeking to vindicate myself, I 
 trust it will be seen that I have not wantonly sought to 
 give pain and annoyance to others. 
 
 It may further be remembered by those who read the 
 aforementioned trial, that the British Consul at Genoa,
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Mr. Timothy Brown, publicly and solemnly denied on 
 that occasion that I had ever been connected in any 
 manner with the Foreign Office of this country. This 
 flagrant misstatement injured me deeply at the time in 
 the opinion of my Judge ; and to show how much at 
 variance with the truth was the declaration of Mr. 
 Timothy Brown, I am compelled to publish, in its 
 place, a letter from H. U. Addington, Esq., Under 
 Secretary of State, by direction of Viscount Palmerston, 
 which abundantly proves the fact of my employment, 
 the nature of it, and the emolument attached. 
 
 In fine, I count with entire confidence upon an 
 impartial hearing from the English Public, whose love 
 of fair-dealing and humanity are known and respected 
 throughout the world. I place a due reliance upon 
 the merits of my case, but I put still more in the fact 
 that I am an American, standing alone on English soil, 
 invoking Justice at the bar of English opinion. 
 
 HENRY WIKOFF. 
 
 N.B. I deeply regret the necessity of making use of 
 any private correspondence to elucidate and support my 
 case, but when in the House of Commons last year, 
 private letters were read in the affair of Lord Naas and 
 Mr. Keogh, it was remarked by Lord John Russell, that 
 however regrettable such an act might be, occasions 
 arose that rendered it inevitable. H.W. 
 
 HALF-MOON STREET, PICCADILLY, 
 LONDON.
 
 PART I. 
 
 " Qui que tu sois, voici ton maitrc 
 II Test, il 1'a etc, ou il va 1'etre." 
 
 Voltaire on a Statue of Ctipid.
 
 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 AND 
 
 ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 BEFORE beginning the narration of my Cceleb's Adventures 
 in Search of a Wife, I may as well say a word of my first 
 acquaintance with the fair object of my pursuit. It dates as 
 far back, I am sorry for both of us to say, as eighteen years 
 ago. On setting out on my European travels, in 1834, I 
 received from Mr. Gillent Robertson, the British Consul at 
 Philadelphia, whom I had known from my boyhood, several 
 letters of introduction, and one of them, I observed, was ad- 
 dressed to Mr. James Dunlop, ofRussell Square, London. After 
 making a tour of France and Italy, I reached England in the 
 spring of 1835, and lost no time in presenting my letters, and 
 the one in question amongst the rest. I thus made the 
 acquaintance of a charming and interesting family. Mr. 
 Dunlop was a Scotch gentleman, who had amassed a considerable 
 fortune in the tobacco trade with America. His wife was an 
 American lady, and they had an only son, James, of weak 
 intellect, but amiable disposition. A fourth member of this 
 pleasant circle, Miss Gamble, was a niece of Mrs. Dunlop, 
 whojiad left her home in the United States some years pre- 
 
 B
 
 2 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 vious, to be adopted by her aunt, though she had been born 
 in England from the accident of her parents travelling there 
 at that moment. My acquaintance with these amiable persons 
 grew rapidly ; and during the years 1836-37, at which period 
 I was attached to the American Legation in London, T was 
 in the constant habit of frequenting their house, both in town 
 and country. The mild character of Mr. Dunlop, and the 
 cheerful disposition of his wife, inspired me with great regard ; 
 nor was it possible to remain wholly indifferent to the many 
 attractions of their accomplished niece. To personal beauty 
 of no ordinary kind, Miss Gamble added a very superior and 
 highly-cultivated intellect, graceful manners, and a sprightly 
 temper, which rendered her society at all times very seductive. 
 If it be wondered at that I stood proof against so many 
 charms, then at their culminating point, and which few did 
 who oared to confront them, I would not have it set down 
 either to my insensibility, or want of due appreciation. The 
 fact was that I had not long before escaped from the tiresome 
 discipline of a protracted University career. Having come 
 into the control of au ample fortune, I felt disposed, instead 
 of settling prematurely down in life, rather to carry out 
 the ardent dream of my youth, and to devote some years 
 to a wide tour of Europe. It will excite the incredulity 
 of none who knew this engaging person at the time I am 
 speaking of, to say that my intimate acquaintance with her 
 left upon my mind impressions so deep and pleasing as to 
 preserve them unimpaired through long succeeding years. 
 With occasional intervals of absence from England, my de- 
 lightful intercourse with the Dunlop family went on to the 
 year 1840, when I returned to the United States. Not very
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 long after this I learnt, to my profound sorrow, the death of 
 Mr. Dunlop, which was followed in a few years later by 
 that of his affectionate wife. Though in the habit of visiting 
 Europe frequently at different periods after these sad events, 
 I never had the good fortune to meet with my old and 
 cherished acquaintance, Miss Gamble ; and it was only 
 during the winter 1850, in Paris, that I learnt, from a mutual 
 friend, that she was residing in London, and would be pleased 
 to renew our former friendship. The suggestion was not lost 
 upon me, as may be supposed ; and having occasion to come 
 to London in the spring of '51 on business at the Foreign 
 Office, I determined to employ my first leisure moments in 
 the agreeable task of visiting my old friend. 
 
 LONDON. 
 
 % 
 
 IN order to correct much error and misrepresentation, I may 
 as well state, en passant, that one motive, and not the 
 only one, that brought me to London at this moment was 
 to draw my quarter's salary at the Foreign Office, due on 
 the 1st April. I was also the bearer of some diplomatic 
 papers of no little importance. Having got through, as in 
 duty bound, with my special business, I set about discovering 
 the address of my former este emed acquaintance, Miss Gamble, 
 which was the only agrement I promised myself, and I found 
 it to be in Portland Place, 41. 
 
 It was the afternoon of April 3rd that I called, and the old 
 butler of the family answered my knock. He recognised me 
 
 B 2
 
 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 immediately. I was startled to see him attired in deep mourn- 
 ing, and asked in haste what had occurred, when he informed me 
 that they had buried " Master James" only the day before. 
 This was the only son, as I have mentioned, of my old friends 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dunlop; and thus, of this amiable family I had 
 once known so intimately Miss Gamble was the sole survivor. 
 Leaving my card, with the expression of my sincere con- 
 dolence for her bereavement, I went away, but wrote the next 
 day to Miss Gamble to assure her of my pain at her afflicting 
 loss, and further to say that, if her feelings permitted it, I 
 should be most happy to pay her a visit before leaving London, 
 which it was my purpose to do almost immediately. I 
 was much gratified to receive the following reply the same 
 evening : 
 
 "Miss Gamble presents her compliments to Mr. Wikoff, and 
 will be happy to see him any time before half-past two o'clock on 
 Saturday or Sunday. 
 "41, Portland Place, 
 
 " April 6th." 
 
 " If more convenient, Miss Gamble would receive Mr. Wikoff 
 on Sunday Evening." 
 
 I was flattered and touched by this prompt and cordiaj 
 reply. In spite of her very recent misfortune, she was not 
 only disposed to receive me, but showed her readiness to do so 
 by assigning the day or the evening as might suit me best. 
 It was clear that I was well and favorably remembered. I 
 responded to this kind note by going immediately to Portland 
 Place. It was natural, whilst waiting in the drawing-room, 
 that I should experience no small emotion at this sudden 
 renewal of my acquaintance with a person I had once known
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 5 
 
 so well and esteemed so highly, but my satisfaction was tinged 
 with melancholy at the thought that all the familiar faces I 
 had been accustomed to see grouped around her had dropped 
 away one after the other in the lapse of years. These triste 
 reflections were scattered by the entrance of Miss Gamble, who 
 welcomed me with great warmth. Our interview was long, and 
 it is needless to say that we talked incessantly of old times, of 
 past scenes, and of my excellent friends her uncle and aunt, who, 
 she said, had always borne me in kindly recollection. I could 
 not fail to remark that time, with its usual rudeness, had taken 
 some liberties with the former fresh] and youthful visage of 
 my fair friend, and she looked all the paler for her long and 
 fatiguing duties in a sick chamber. Her manners, however, 
 were as graceful, her conversation as brilliant as ever, whilst 
 her mind had a firmer tone, the result of riper age and a more 
 independent position. She complained of a keen sense of 
 solitude, left all alone in the large house she was occupying, 
 with no other companions than the old servants of the family. 
 
 I rose, at last, to take my leave, hardly knowing whether I 
 should see her again, when she kindly bid me come and take 
 tea with her on the following evening. 
 
 I went away rejoiced at this prompt recovery of my dear 
 old friend, and feeling an interest in her welfare I had scarcely 
 known before, and which I attributed to the lonely situation 
 in which I found her. I was punctual to my invitation for 
 tea on Sunday evening, and met a lady friend of Miss G. 
 there. My hostess was in a livelier mood than the day before, 
 and several hours soon passed away in pleasant conversation. 
 Before going, she informed me of her intention to leave town 
 at once for the sea-side, hoping that change of air and scene 
 
 B 3
 
 6 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 would resuscitate her jaded spirits, and named Thursday 
 ensuing for her departure. She was to be accompanied by 
 
 Mrs. L , an old friend of both of us, and her daughter. 
 
 I begged permission to call and bid her adieu ere she went, 
 which was cheerfully granted. I did so on the Wednesday 
 following, but had hardly entered the room when a visit was 
 announced. I hastily expressed my regret at having lost the 
 only opportunity of giving her some details of myself that I 
 hoped might interest her, when she said she would be sure to 
 see me again next month, at Paris, whither she was going 
 en route to Switzerland for the summer. Soon after her new 
 risitor called I withdrew. 
 
 I have often thought since that these agreeable interviews, 
 following in quick succession, with a person bound to me by 
 so many associations, the strongest of all ties, had done me 
 more mischief than I was at all aware of at the time. The 
 strongest emotions are usually the most imperceptible in their 
 germination. All that I can now recall is, that I felt a lively 
 regret at losing sight of her so abruptly, with all the uncer- 
 tainty hanging over our rencontre at a future period. 
 
 It is clear that my restlessness, however vague, must have 
 been very strong, for I jumped up early on the morning fixed 
 for her departure, and wrote to ask if she would allow me to 
 say " Good-bye" again, as I passed her place of sojourn on 
 my return to Paris. There can be no great harm in this, I 
 thought, surely. She cannot think for a moment that I have 
 any particular object in wishing to see her again. My anxiety 
 on this point made me suspect that I had ; I felt it was rather 
 presumptuous to make the request in question ; after her late 
 affliction, she might prefer the solitude so congenial to
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 7 
 
 mournful meditation. Besides, she might consider it improper, 
 though accompanied by a married woman, to receive the visit 
 of a single man, albeit an old and intimate acquaintance. 
 Still I was lured on by the tempting reflection that if she 
 consented, that even if she did not refuse my desire, that I 
 might infer I hardly knew what. Off went my note, how- 
 ever, which 1 shaped in as diplomatic a manner as possible. 
 After stating my request, I boldly asked at what hotel she 
 would reside, thus taking her assent for granted. I hardly 
 expected a reply, which I would likdy have interpreted into a 
 favorable sign, on the strength of the old adage. An answer 
 came, however, and nothing could be more satisfactory. It 
 ran thus 
 
 " Excuse this scrap all my writing-paper is packed up. 
 I believe there is only one hotel at Bournemouth. I am quite 
 ignorant of the place I am at breakfast, and expect my friends 
 a Vinstant, 
 
 " Yours very truly, 
 
 "J. C. GAMBLE." 
 
 How delightfully familiar, I thought. Not the least objec r 
 tion in the world. Says there is " only one hotel," which is 
 as much to say, you can't miss it. What a fool I was to 
 imagine she could object. Alas, how easily the head is turned 
 with one success ! but it was the first. 
 
 I was not quite done with the matters that brought me 
 over, and was detained in London for several days longer. 
 Besides, I thought it prudent not to hurry too quickly down to 
 Bournemouth, lest it might excite suspicion against me, and I 
 was very solicitous on this point, as I believed myself entirely 
 innocent of any motive save that of a mere friendly character t 
 Perhaps it was so. I loitered about London, then, a week
 
 8 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 longer, and without writing to say whether I was coming or 
 not. This I thought would excite a little curiosity, if Miss 
 G. Avas like other women. I took it into my head and the 
 deuce take my head for it to call on an old friend during 
 the week in question, and make revelation of what had 
 occurred. As this person is destined to play a conspicuous 
 part in my sad adventures, I had better introduce her at once 
 to my reader. 
 
 In the year 1839, I encountered in the salons of M. Guizot, 
 at Paris, Mr. and Mrs. George Grote of London. Mr. Grote 
 was at that time M.P. for the city of London, and noted for 
 his desperate devotion to the forlorn cause of the Ballot. I 
 found him a very amiable and unassuming person, and not a 
 little remarkable for his profound erudition. It is only true to 
 say, however, that his wife interested me far more deeply. 
 She was a singular -looking person, past middle age, ap- 
 parently, very tall, abrupt in manner, and with a countenance 
 denoting decision and strength of character. It was not her 
 personal traits, therefore, that attracted me. I discgvered, 
 though, as our acquaintance ripened, that her intellect for 
 breadth and cultivation was far beyond the ordinary standard 
 met amongst her sex. Her conversation had an elevation and 
 force, even upon the most trifling subjects, that surprised and 
 charmed me. Notwithstanding her somewhat stern and even 
 masculine exterior, her nature seemed soft and kindly, and 
 there was, besides, a dash of romance in her character that 
 compelled her often to seek excitement in things or persons 
 that were odd or eccentric. Fortunately, her fancy drew a 
 sketch of me that resembled the original as little as fancy 
 sketches usually do, but it served to interest her. On the
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 other hand, I was fascinated by her marvellous gifts of mind,* 
 and hence a strong friendship sprung up between us, which, 
 with occasional interruptions, had gone on to the moment, 
 
 * I could hardly give a more striking proof of Mrs. Grotc's very rare 
 capacity than by quoting the following article from the Spectator of 
 January 5, 1850, wherein she reviews with marked ability a political 
 essay I had just published at Paris. The reader will pardon my vanity 
 in making a quotation so much to my advantage, but it may serve as a. 
 light set-off to the heavy amount of depreciation I have undergone : 
 
 " FRENCH POLITICS. La Presse is distinguished among Paris 
 journals for an audacious self-reliance on journalist ability, and with the 
 vices of audacity it possesses not a few of the good qualities of courage. 
 It can, when so pleased, be candid ; and it has thus given circulation to a 
 remarkable and interesting series of letters, by an American gentleman, 
 on the Political Constitutions of England, the United States, and France 
 under the actual Republic. 
 
 " Compared with the wearisome and pompous declamation of the 
 Democratic organs, or with the mystical and high-flown homilies of 
 Legitimacy, these letters claim a marked attention; coming as they do 
 from a citizen of the greatest Republic ever organized since the world 
 began ; from one schooled in its discipline, familiar with its machinery, 
 and extensively conversant with its doctrines ; accustomed also to compare 
 them both in their theory and in their practice vt ith the old institutions of 
 Europe. Mr. Henry Wikoff has lived much with the French ; he admires 
 their nation, and loves to dwell among them : hence his earnest longings 
 to be useful, according to his ability, in assisting them to arrive at that 
 most important blessing, a solid and well-constructed ^prm of government. 
 Taking as the text of his first letter 'the Constitution of the United 
 States,' he expounds the action of its respective forces in securing the 
 nearest approach to liberty and equality ever beheld in the social state, 
 coincidently with that security to life and property without which any 
 government were a worthless pageant. We hardly know in what shape 
 infraction on political philosophy could be rendered more available to the 
 people than in the one Mr. "Wikoff has chosen. His exposition of the 
 American apparatus of government is delivered in an unpretending, simple 
 style, such as might characterize the description of machines or 
 instruments in the pages of a scientific treatise. One is made to see so 
 clearly the relation between the several parts, that ideas of mechanical 
 laws unconsciously rise to the mind, and we half expect to see an
 
 10 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 April, 1851, that I am speaking of. Not feeling quite sure 
 that I was right in neglecting my diplomatic avocations in 
 running after any chance fairies that might cross my path, 
 
 illustrative cut, with ' A the cylinder, C the fly-wheel, F the revolving 
 pinion, H the valve-index,' and so forth. Once familiar with the structure 
 of a political constitution sanctioned hy experiment, the French people will 
 be furnished with a model according to which their own may be made to 
 fit its purpose ; although, starting from a condition less favourable to 
 constructive organization than the colonial architects, some compromises 
 must be made with ancient principles. It depends upon the French 
 people, as a nation, how far these compromises shall extend ; and they 
 may thank the author of the letters to La Presse for lending them a 
 helping hand towards a better comprehension of their interests in respect 
 to the nature of these compromises. 
 
 " The striking feature, we repeat, of these letters, is their transparent 
 clearness; a feature in which the writers of the day in France, with 
 all their talent, certainly do not shine. The view Mr. Wikoff has 
 taken of the English constitutional course may be pronounced sagacious 
 on the whole ; and it is instructive as tracing the conflict between the 
 mighty elements of English life, Aristocracy and Democracy, through a 
 long historical period, till the curious and indescribable thing which the 
 English government has come to be, got into operation, to the despair of 
 foreign statesmen and the misleading of foreign imitators. The New 
 Yorker, however, is not quite so much at home in his subject when 
 writing upon England ; but is hardly open to censure for incompleteness, 
 seeing that he has treated a prodigious subject within the space of a few 
 columns, and that without violating any important historical sequence, 
 although he has necessarily overlooked a vast number of intermediate and 
 connecting links. 
 
 " But the really essential lesson to be inculcated on the French nation is, 
 not so much how their new framework of civil government should be put 
 together, as how it should be worked and applied to its purpose when set 
 up. For here lies the formidable difficulty with that people, so insidiously 
 cheated of their hopes by each successive dynasty, and so unfairly 
 reproached by lookers-on for manifesting discontent under their dis- 
 appointments. 
 
 " It is to no purpose that the French people make revolutions, since the 
 government which succeeds contrives to get back into the vicious track of 
 its expelled predecessor ; or, if not into the same, into a course no less
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 11 
 
 though this one looked very harmless in her deep mourning, 
 I determined to go and hold counsel with Mis, Grote. If 
 she advised me to stick to business, as I thought likely, and 
 
 fatal to national credit and tranquillity. The moral to be deduced from 
 this is twofold. Some will choose to affirm that this fact proves how much 
 wiser the people would show themselves if they would let revolutions 
 alone, and submit to the unavoidable evils of bad governors. Others, more 
 keenly alive to the principles of equity and the reciprocal duties of 
 governors and governed, will adopt the maxim that care must be taken in 
 reforming a government to put at the head of it persons interested in its 
 going on successfully and healthily. But this is just what cannot be 
 hoped for in the case of the present Republic of France. 
 
 " In that beautiful country, rich in all the elements which can constitute 
 earthly happiness and solid prosperity, there unhappily wants a steadfast 
 desire for the growth and permanent establishment of the actual 
 government. The whole of the upper class of Frenchmen, from the 
 President down to the Lecturer on Botany at the Academy of Dijon, are 
 in a tacit league to the end that the Republic shall not stand. In th 
 face of such a coalition, what are the working classes to do ? Is it con- 
 ceivable, we would ask, that, under the original American constitution 
 even, a Republic could have got on its legs, if Washington, if Jefferson, 
 Adams, and Franklin, and that class of political men, had looked unkindly 
 upon its birth ? What made the infant Republic spring to vigorous life ? 
 what made the constitution gradually evolve itself into effective operation 
 after the Convention of 1787-8-9 ? 
 
 " It was the cordial patriotism of the American statesmen, principal no 
 less than secondary, which mainly brought about the success of that 
 memorable experiment: it is the absence of this element in France 
 patriotic singleness of purpose, and a disposition to accept the present 
 fabric as her permanent destiny which, it is to be feared, will hinder it 
 from taking root in her soil, or in the attachment of her sons. Can any- 
 thing be more disheartening than to see a noble man-of-war betrayed by 
 her officers ? Yet such will be the spectacle offered by the Republic of 
 France, unless some means can be found to frustrate the combination 
 formed against it by every cluster of parties engaged in public life. 
 
 "It is not difficult to specify in what consists the disposition to abolish this 
 government. Every attentive observer can see that it is not rich enough 
 to corrupt the hungry harpies who supported the late system. Their 
 support is withdrawn, whilst that of no other party can be relied on ;
 
 12 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 not to give way to the charm of old recollections, then, I fully 
 determined to send an apology down to Bournemouth, and 
 start off directly to Paris. Mrs. G. listened quietly to my 
 simple recital, and then inquired my object in going out of 
 my way to say adieu when it had been already said. I could 
 give no satisfactory explanation of this, but, unfortunately, she 
 said there was no great harm in that, which exactly echoed 
 my own thought. I half suspect that Mrs. Grote thought that, 
 happen what might in consequence, there could only come of 
 it a little harmless amusement and occupation for her. She 
 had both, and more than she had expected ; but what was 
 often fun to her, was sore perplexity to me. 
 
 simply because they desire and hope to establish each their own idol, on 
 the ruins of the Republic. The President, weak in his personal folio wing, 
 is thus obliged to play the game of attracting the favour of the working 
 classes and of the army. And a game more destructive, in respect to 
 permanent popularity with the nation at large, there cannot be. With 
 Mr. "WikofFs aid we may recur to the leading points which bear upon the 
 difficulties of the French nation in getting even a good constitution into 
 work. Meanwhile, let us refrain from those too common accusations 
 against the people, as such, for allowing no government to stand, whilst 
 as yet they have destroyed none which has deserved to endure. 
 
 " Should the present one perish, it will certainly owe its destruction, not 
 to the ' Republicans of the streets,' but to the conspirators of the salons ; 
 to the very class from whom we have heard such unmeasured revilings 
 against the ' restless discontents ' of the lower orders. The Republic, it 
 is manifest, suits neither the aristocracy nor the office-seekers ; the 
 Monarchy did not satisfy the people. Shall we never get beyond a 
 choice between one class interest and another ? "
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 13 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 BOURNEMOUTH. 
 
 THE die was cast, however, and on the 16th of April, just a 
 week after Miss Gamble had gone, I started in quest of her, 
 and reached Bournemouth the same evening at six o'clock. 
 I found, upon inquiring at the Bath Hotel the only one, as 
 Miss Gamble said, there that my party was still on the pre- 
 mises, so I ordered my dinner in the coffee-room, meaning to 
 faire mes hommages to the ladies in the evening. I sent word 
 of my arrival, however, to Miss Gamble, and, to my agreeable 
 surprise, the answer returned was that " the ladies would wait 
 dinner for me." I asked twice over if there was no mistake, 
 for I thought it too pleasant to be true ; but the solemn head 
 waiter, napkin in hand, repeated the message in the same 
 words over again, without changing a muscle of his grave 
 countenance. 
 
 Hurrying through my toilet, not a little elated at escaping 
 from a stupid dinner by myself, I made my way to the saloon 
 of Miss Gamble, whom I found with her friend Mrs. L., 
 and daughter, politely awaiting my coming when dinner 
 was ordered. In the conversation that ensued, Miss G. let 
 drop that she had been expecting me some days earlier, and I 
 explained that serious matters had conspired to detain me. I 
 relished secretly this nattering intimation. The evening 
 passed off pleasantly in lively chat around the fire-side, and I 
 made use of the occasion in examining quite attentively my 
 old acquaintance Mrs. L. who seemed pleased to meet me 
 again and her sprightly daughter.
 
 14 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 Though I had no distinct object in view, I thought it best 
 to know the exact nature of the surrounding country, as it 
 were ; and he must be a careless general who begins a cam- 
 paign without taking such a precaution. I made up my mind 
 speedily that Mrs. L. was decidedly an amiable person, 
 but there was something in her quiet exterior that made me 
 suspect a subtle spirit played beneath, and that her assistance 
 or opposition, therefore, in any " enterprise of pith " was 
 worLh looking after. Her daughter was a pretty, lively girl, 
 of some seventeen summers, as gay as a lark, and as unsophis- 
 ticated as all young ladies ought to be, but as, alas ! they 
 rarely are. 
 
 I soon discovered, as I had anticipated, that the week 
 elapsed had quite exhausted the very slender attractions of 
 the place. There was a nice walk in the morning on the 
 beach, with a fine view of the sea, which could be varied by 
 an equally pleasant walk for the afternoon in an adjoining 
 wood. Beyond this, and the good cheer of the well-appointed 
 one hotel, there was noihing to render Bournemouth the most 
 attractive place in the world. My lady friends had gone over 
 these walks every day since their arrival, and they were 
 naturally in a very rabid stc.te for some new excitement. My 
 advent enlivened them not a little, and each and all were dis- 
 posed to make the most of me as a novelty. I failed not to 
 perceive the very first evening, from the mischievous glances of 
 Miss Gamble's very roguish eyes, and the significant demure- 
 ness of Mrs. L.'s manner, that I was suspected of some 
 depredatory motive in coming to Bournemouth. I con- 
 sidered this fatal to my hopes, if I had any. My first reso- 
 lution was, therefore, to disarm the doubts of my fair antago-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 15 
 
 nists, which would make my ulterior manoeuvres more 
 successful. I effected this quite easily, by assuming a 
 cheerful, harmless manner, and dividing my attentions equally 
 between all parties. In the endless walks that ensued, and 
 which made our chief occupation, I took care to be as atten- 
 tive to Mrs. L. and her daughter as to M'ss G. herself. 
 After a sharp scrutiny of two or three days, that I underwent 
 as though quite unconscious of the ordeal, the vigilance of my 
 fair companions was completely lulled, and they jointly came 
 to the conclusion, as I afterwards learned, that whateve r 
 brought me to Bournemouth, nothing could be further from 
 my mind than making love or seeking marriage with any one 
 I had met there. It is downright fun to outwit a woman, 
 which ought to have been put among the labours of Hercules. 
 It is dangerous sport, though ; for one triumph is sure to be 
 paid for in endless defeats, as my story will show. 
 
 The wisdom of my tactics was soon apparent, for my hostess 
 having thrown aside all apprehension of danger for her heart, 
 changed her manner of cautious defiance thai; she wore at first, 
 and became familiar, playful, and exceedingly captivating, 
 because entirely natural. By sly degrees I took advantage of 
 it, and advanced stealthily upon my unwary prize. One day 
 without thinking, of course, of what I was doing I dived my 
 hand into the recesses of her reticule, and drew forth the 
 identical note I wrote on the morning of her leaving London- 
 My glance wandered from the missive to the eyes of Miss G., 
 into which I pryed intently. She must have been guilty of 
 something, for sha blushed deeply, and censured me sharply 
 for my impertinent curiosity. It is strange how often 
 women's secrets are betrayed by letters, which they can't bring
 
 16 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 themselves to destroy. It is a lucky thing for us men, some- 
 times, that this weakness of theirs is our advantage. 
 
 Certainly, no entrepreneur ever had a fairer chance for 
 beginning a courtship. Not only had I no rival in the field, 
 but a thousand opportunities, morning, noon, and night, to 
 advance my standard and push on my cause. For much the 
 better part of the twenty-four hours I was in the society of my 
 inamorata, and I made the best use of my time. I still kept 
 up my insouciant air, and made myself as agreeable as possible, 
 for no other motive, apparently, than that I couldn't help it. 
 It may not be the most gallant way to woo a lady, by 
 affecting indifference no easy matter, often, to do ; but I 
 think it is the surest ; at all events, it saves you a deal of 
 resistance. 
 
 Perhaps I ought to say now, in all seriousness, that when I 
 came to Bournemouth I had no settled purpose of making love 
 to my old friend, Miss Gamble, and still less any intention of 
 proposing marriage. As far as I can remember, my purpose 
 was chiefly to see that, if I attempted the former, I should 
 meet with due encouragement, and there was then time 
 enough afterwards to think of the latter grave alternative. 
 What I had seen of Miss Gamble in London served to revive 
 all my ancient regard for her, which was not slight ; but my 
 daily intimacy with her at Bournemouth brought her under 
 notice in such various aspects, and all of them so enticing, that 
 it is not to be wondered at that, entertaining no objection to 
 fall in love with her, I should do so and which, moreover, I 
 have never regretted since, though it cannot be denied that I 
 have had reason enough to do it. 
 
 Miss Gamble was not so young by ten years as when I saw
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 17 
 
 her last, nor was she as handsome, but her person still retained 
 many charms for me. Her eyes were as bright and roguish 
 as of yore, her smile still more significant, whilst her figure 
 had lost nothing of its symmetry by the rounding of its out- 
 lines : her grace and dignity of manner were the same, and 
 hsr intellect had grown stronger and more brilliant with 
 larger instruction and greater experience. She had, besides, 
 a good income, as far as I could judge, from her late uncle's 
 property, which was no object to me, as I had then enough for 
 my own wants, but not enough for the support of a wife in 
 the style I would prefer to live. Miss Gamble's income' 
 whatever it was, united to my own, would be sufficient, I felt 
 sure, for all the exigencies of married life. As there were no 
 reasons, material or otherwise, that I could see to forbid the 
 scheme, I made up my mind to try my luck. Whether from 
 pride or nervousness,'! felt exceedingly anxious not to make a 
 mistake, and I watched the unsuspecting Miss Gamble, there- 
 fore, with alynx's eye. Every mark of partiality, every attention, 
 and every civility I took note of, and carefully weighed in the 
 balance of my self-love. At the expiration of a week I began 
 to remark symptoms that I did not hesitate to construe into 
 favourable ones. The fair object of my loving designs by degrees 
 grew more serious and meditative ; she complained of not 
 sleeping quite so well, in spite of our long walks ; and, more 
 significant still, her appetite, so good at first, sensibly fell off 
 at last. I am no connoisseur if these signs are to be mistaken. 
 A woman may lose her sleep aud appetite from other causes 
 than love, it is true ; but if she takes more interest in any man 
 than she ought, they are sure to be more or less affected. At 
 least this was my reasoning at that time, and my vanity may 
 have had a share in it.
 
 18 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I thought it time now to experiment a little. I made 
 a feint one day of going away, when Miss G. asked me quickly 
 when another steamer left for Havre, whither I was bound ; 
 and upon my answering in three days, she asked why I could 
 not postpone my departure till then. I said something about 
 duty calling me away, but confessed that it was so pleasant to 
 do wrong on the present occasion that I would stay, as she 
 wished it. 
 
 The ninth day the last of my stay came, which is the 
 conventional end of all wonders ; and I hope, therefore' 
 it will not be wondered at that I resolved, before going, to 
 propose. 
 
 It was on a Friday ominous day. As usual we had 
 settled upon a walk, and the weather was balmy and bright, 
 juat the sort of day to inspire gentle emotions. It was 
 arranged that, instead of coming home to lunch, Thomas, 
 the asssiduous footman of Miss Gamble should present himself 
 at the hungry hour of two in some of the shady ravines that 
 intersected the noble cliffs that overhung the beach, our 
 favourite promenade, and with his basket suitably supplied with 
 dainty sandwiches and refreshing stout. We set off, but our 
 parti carre was disturbed by the absence of its gayest member, 
 Mary, the lively daughter of Mrs. L., who was suffering from 
 a cold'and remained at home. One chance of interruption 
 the less, I thought, if the occasion comes. For the first time 
 in my life I went through all the phases of that panic which is 
 said to precede the formidable act of " popping the question." 
 I had always wondered at the pusilanimity of bearded men 
 trembling under circumstances so trivial as these, but fighting 
 a battle in theory is a different thing from a decisive encounter
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 19 
 
 with the enemy hand to hand, and the flash from a woman's 
 eye is sometimes as startling as the glare of a whole platoon 
 of small arms. Mrs. L. frequently stopped to pick up shell 8 
 along the shingles, and I found myself constantly ;ilone with 
 Miss G., bui my offer, like Macbeth's "Amen," stuck in my 
 throat, and resisted all my attempts to dislodge it. My 
 unsuspecting friend was little av.'are of my fell purpose, and 
 was as blithesome as the twittering bird on the branch, all 
 unconscious <>' the deadly aim of the fowler lurking near. 
 Up to this time ''. had never Liu aside the mask I had worn 
 from tbe beginning. Neither look nor word had ever once 
 betrayed my thoughts or feelings, and I was certain that a 
 bomb falling at the feet of my startled . companion would 
 scarcely astound her more than an abrupt offer of marriage on 
 my part. As I failed to screw my courage to the "sticking 
 place," I resolved to skirmish n. little, thinking my secret might 
 slip out in that way. Suddenly Miss G. directed my atten- 
 tion to a fine view on the right, but instead of it I regarded 
 her, saying, that " there were other objects I had more 
 pleasure in contemplating." Finding my eyes fixed on her, 
 she blushed, and asked me, in downright astonishment, " what 
 I meant." To my shame I confess, I was unable to tell her. 
 Another chance occurred ; for, taking off" a 'kerchief she found 
 too warm round her neck, she gave it me to pocket. I took 
 it, and retained her hand in mine. Another look of excessive 
 surprise upset me again, and her gentle admonition "to be 
 quiet" was quite unnecessary. My strong and varying 
 emotions at last made me hungry, and I sat down to lunch 
 with great relish. 
 
 Thomas had selected a most inviting spot for the occasion.
 
 20 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 Our cloth was spread on a nice patch of sand in a lonely dell, 
 protected from the hot sunshine by a thick group of trees, 
 whilst the soft murmurings of some neighbouring rill dis- 
 coursed most eloquent music. Our lunch passed off plea- 
 santly enough, and I felt my resolution revive under the 
 stimulus of a tumbler of bitter ale. If I were only tete-d-tete 
 now, thought I when I was startled by Mrs. L. getting up 
 in a wandering mood, and sauntering alone up the valley. 
 Quaffing a little more ale, I began, quite determined. 
 
 " I was just thinking, Jane" and I stopped. 
 
 "Why do you call me Jane?" she said, turning her in- 
 quiring glance full upon me. 
 
 " Because I have known you so long, I suppose. But 
 I was just thinking," I stopped again. 
 
 " Well, what is your thought?" she asked curiously. 
 
 " That it is strange you have never married." 
 
 "I think so myself sometimes," she dryly answered. 
 
 " What can be the reason, pray ?'' 
 
 " The simple one, that I have met no one to my liking." 
 
 I was just a going to say, a la Richard in the play, " take 
 more pity in your eyes and see him here," but I didn't. 
 
 "What sort of a man would suit you?" I continued, still 
 hoping to sidle up to the main point. 
 
 "A nice-tempered person, who would go out after break- 
 fast, and let me do as I pleased all the day long," she an- 
 swered in a bantering tone. 
 
 " You are, then, so very fond of having your own way." 
 
 " That is one of my weak points." 
 
 " But compromise is the surest basis of happiness in married 
 life," I expostulated.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 21 
 
 " I might adopt that doctrine if I met anybody worth the 
 sacrifice." 
 
 Here was another chance, but the idea struck me, that it 
 would be very awkward if Mrs L. were to come back in the 
 midst of my declaration, and I decided to postpone it. This 
 was sheer cowardice, no doubt, but I gave up the attack and 
 turned the conversation. Whilst dressing for my last dinner, 
 I revolved in my mind various expedients for getting at a 
 solution of my case, when a letter to Miss Gamble big with my 
 hopes, struck me as the shortest and best method. I wrote it 
 at once, but instead of addressing my elect, I thought it would 
 be more tasteful to discuss her merits and the aspirations they 
 had awakened in a letter to a third party, and I selected Mrs. 
 Grote as its proper recipient. I put it in my pocket on going 
 to dinner, intending to deliver it to Miss G. under some pre- 
 text or other in the course of the evening. I never imagined 
 that I could be guilty of such arrant skulking as this ; but it 
 only proves how little our actions correspond with our pre- 
 conceived notions of what they would be under trial. Tea fol- 
 lowed dinner, and backgammon succeeded that, Miss G. and 
 I being the combatants as usual, and the struggle between us 
 for victory was never keener, or more uncertain. At last we 
 eame off quits. Was this typical of what was to occur here- 
 after ? Eleven o'clock came, and bed-candles were rung for, 
 when I exclaimed that I had been writing a letter to one of 
 my friends in London, commenting upon my visit to Bourne- 
 mouth, and conveying my candid impression of the agreeable 
 companions I had met there. As I had foreseen, great curiosity 
 was expressed to know its contents, when I handed the portentous
 
 22 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 epistle to Miss G. for perusal after she had retired to her room. 
 We separated for the night, and I chuckled over my ingenious 
 device forascertainigmyfate without undergoing the dire ordeal 
 of a personal demand. I could divine that my unlocked for 
 revelation had produced no ordinary effect, for the loud report 
 of banging doors echoed along the corridor where we lodged 
 for several minutes, as though a quick circulation of the start- 
 ling news were making amongst the party I had just left, and 
 then all was still again. I could not help exclaiming with the 
 hero of Bosworth field, as I extinguished my candle, " Here will 
 I lie to night, but where to morrow?" 
 
 It has always been my practice, in the face of all impending 
 events, never to lose my sleep or appetite ; and though there 
 was a chance, at least, that this was the last night of my 
 bachelorhood, I determined to "sleep it into morn" all the 
 same. I succeeded perfectly, in spite of the tingling of marriage 
 bells that haunted my sleep, only varied by discordant sounds 
 that issued from an imaginary nursery of which I dreamt my- 
 self to be the happy proprietor. 
 
 It would be uncandid to disguise that my hand trembled a 
 little as I shaved next morning, and the nearer I got to break- 
 fast hour the more this unmanly tremulousness pervaded me. 
 I grew suddenly conscious that it was very presumptuous of me 
 after nine days of no courtship at all to make a violent grab, 
 as it were, at the very heart of my old friend. It is all very 
 well if I get it, I soliloquised, but I could not suppress various 
 misgivings on this point, as Miss G. I feared was not a woman 
 to be taken by storm, for her intelligence was not more remark- 
 able than her character seemed firm, however amiable. Such
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 23 
 
 people are apt to reason first, and decide afterwards, whilst 
 any attempt to carry them by a coup de main is resented as 
 a presumption, if not an indignity. 
 
 Besides, I had played a game with Miss G. out of fear, it is 
 true, lest she'd play one with me. Polite, kind and admiring 
 by turns, as my manner had been all along, yet I threw into it 
 a certain reserve, not unmixed with nonchalance, that I knew 
 must keep her in doubt of my motives. 
 
 This adroit angling caught her, for she was enticed into 
 attention and marks of favour that otherwise would never have 
 been my lot. But what will be the effect on her amour propre, 
 I queried, when she discovers the love-net I spread for her ? 
 Will she quietly consent to be enmeshed, or, with the spirit of 
 an outwitted woman, will she desperately drag both net and 
 fowler clean under water ? Well, I shall know that at once, I 
 thought, as I wended my way to the breakfast-room, my 
 heart meanwhile dancing a. jig in its socket. I entered, and 
 found Mrs. L. sewing in a very mysterious manner near the 
 fire. Neither Miss G. nor Mary was there, though the usual 
 hour was already past. After salutations were over, Mrs. L. 
 said 
 
 " I have a note for you from Miss G.," and she handed it 
 to me. 
 
 " Indeed!" I said, as if it were the last thing I expected, 
 and took it. 
 
 I was dying to read it, but put it calmly into my pocket. It 
 will never do to let the effect, good or bad, be seen, it occurred 
 to me, and I walked to the window planning some pretext for 
 withdrawing. Directly I pretended to miss my handkerchief, 
 and in another minute I was alone, devouring the reply of my
 
 24 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 intended. She began by explaining that the demonstrations 
 of regard I had alluded to were proofs only of the warm 
 friendship she had always cherished for me, and which was 
 justified by our long acquaintance and the strong esteem her 
 family had entertained for me. The fact was, she wrote, 
 " you are so identified with those dear objects now no more> 
 that it is not wonderful I yielded too much to my feelings, 
 and so have led you into error. I never dreamt what your 
 sentiments were towards me, and that you were secretly con- 
 templating an offer of marriage, which I must refuse. After 
 what has happened," she continued, " our acquaintance must 
 end. Should we meet again in society," she graciously 
 added, " it may be permitted us to exchange such greetings 
 as politeness demands." 
 
 I was not so ignorant of that mystery of mysteries, the 
 female heart, and still less of female tactics, not to penetrate 
 what inspired this letter. She was piqued to the quick to 
 find herself caught in a trap, which she ingeniously ex- 
 plained herself out of on the plea of our long friendship. 
 Retaliation was her next thought, and therefore she not 
 only rejected me, but said our acquaintance was at an end. 
 She chuckled, no doubt, over this double blow, and expected, 
 in return, the humblest apologies and the most touching 
 remonstrances at her cruelty. " But she has mistook her 
 man," I muttered, and rang the bell. 
 
 " When does the train start?" I inquired of the servant. 
 
 " In ten minutes, sir." 
 
 " Order a carriage, and give me my bill." 
 
 " Will you breakfast first ? " 
 
 " I have no time the bill."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 25 
 
 In five minutes I was ready, and just as I left my room, 
 who should intercept me but Thomas, Miss G.'s footman, who 
 seemed quite flustered. 
 
 " Miss Gamble's compliments, sir," he said, " and she begs 
 you will take breakfast before you go." 
 
 " Where is your mistress ! " I asked, hesitating. 
 
 " Breakfasting." 
 
 " Who is with her ?" 
 
 " No one, sir." 
 
 I wrote two lines in pencil, such as a man would write who 
 was going to lose his breakfast, and giving them to Thomas, 
 who looked quite confounded, I said 
 
 " My compliments to Miss Gamble, and say I am anxious 
 to catch this train, but that I will write to her to-day from 
 Southampton." 
 
 In another minute I was in the carriage and off. So ended 
 my visit to Bournemouth.
 
 26 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 PARIS. 
 
 IT may surprise my reader, perhaps, that I should have given 
 way to such violent emotion, on learning Miss Gamble's decision, 
 as to fly instantly from her presence. It was an occasion, 
 certainly, when some would have yielded to a sense of humilia- 
 tion, and been ashamed to stand their ground, whilst others 
 would have been carried away by resentment, and sought to 
 put leagues, if not oceans, between himself and his contu- 
 macius adorSe. I felt neither one nor the other, but cooly 
 calculated how I could turn the incident to the best advantage. 
 I was convinced that Miss G. was not in earnest, and the 
 best proof was her sending to invite me to a tcle-d-Uie break- 
 fast, just after writing me word that our acquaintance was at 
 an end. If I had accepted, explanations would have ensued, 
 and my courtship would then have begun in due form. I had 
 seen enough of Miss G.'s cleverness to be satisfied that if 
 ever she got me into the position of a regular pretender to 
 her hand, she would keep me dangling ja.t her apron-string 
 till I had lost my patience, or she had exhausted every 
 resource known to coquetry. There was nothing to be done 
 therefore, if I wished to gain her and save time, but to employ 
 a species of manceuvering that was, likely, new to her, and 
 more certain, consequently, of success. She was pretty well 
 aware of her value in every point of view, and expected me, of 
 course, to pursue her with the same ardour that others had 
 done and probably with as little effect. But I determined
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 27 
 
 to ensnare her into pursuing me, and to this end I meant to 
 adopt, when the occasion arose, the tactics of the gveat Fabius 
 of old, who often gained by a retreat more than a victory would 
 have given him. You will now understand, gentle reader, why I 
 dashed off so impetuously from Bournemouth, and bye and 
 bye you will see the result. If I went away fasting, it was 
 only because I suspected that my obdurate fair one would be 
 more moved at the chance of my famishing, than at the risk 
 of my heart breaking. She refused me her hand, but offered 
 me a breakfast as a substitute. Consoling myself as well as I 
 could with a dry biscuit or two picked up at the first station, 
 I reached Southampton the same afternoon, and after a good 
 dinner at Radley's comfortable hotel, I sat me down to give 
 the most eloquent expression possible to all the unutterable 
 emotions of which I had not been the victim on that eventful 
 day. Of course my object was to convey a vivid impression 
 of the deep grief that my cruel rejection was intended to 
 awaken, but I thought it well to mix up a little pride along 
 with it. The ladies always like your high-spirited men, because, 
 I suppose, it enhances their delight a thousand times in 
 tormenting them. I really dropped a tear over the touching 
 portrayal of the tumultuous feelings that ought to have 
 agitated my breast, and I felt a lively desire that it should 
 produce a similar effect on the unsuspecting lady it was intended 
 for. If she stands that unmoved ! I exclaimed, as I folded my 
 letter, then I may as well "despair my charms," and give up 
 the game at once. I embarked that night for Havre, and 
 made my way straight to Paris, pretty confident I should get 
 some news shortly from the " girl I had left behind me." 
 On my return I found that my absence had excited no small
 
 28 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 curiosity, to say the least, at the British Embassy at Paris, 
 which I endeavoured to account for as well as I could without 
 revealing the truth ; I determined to keep the enterprise I 
 had engaged in quite to myself, till I saw more clearly how it 
 was likely to terminate. It is not pleasant to go about as the 
 snubbed one of even the fairest Laura ; the world has no sym- 
 pathy for rejected ones, and the harder the case, the more 
 likely are you to be laughed at. Besides, a callous Diplomat, 
 and I had to do with one of this breed, would consider it an 
 idle waste of time to contend against the wiles of the sex, 
 which he would be apt to look down upon as shallow game. 
 Bless the stupidity of some folks ! From my small experience 
 of both, I should say the shrewdest Politician was but a poor 
 match in dexterity and real address for the most untutored 
 woman ; and they often find it so to their cost, albeit the manceu- 
 vering which compasses States may be a more important 
 business than that which aspires only to the conquest of a heart. 
 
 So little confidence had I in myself on the occasion, that 
 I thought it would be much safer to take counsel of some 
 friend, on whose judgment and discretion I could rely. If 
 he be not adroit enough to guide me along the tortuous paths 
 I am entering, it will be a comfort at all events, I thought, to 
 have a friendly voice to encourage me amidst the windings of 
 the labyrinth. I found just the man I wanted, ready to my hand. 
 
 A week or so before I left Paris, at the end of March, an 
 old friend of mine suddenly arrived, the Count S , Cham- 
 berlain of his Majesty the King of . He was a hand- 
 some man, of little over thirty. To high birth, favour at 
 Court, and good fortune, he added scientific acquirements of 
 no mean order. The Count was a sober-minded man, of
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 29 
 
 serious pursuits, but with much knowledge of the world, and 
 well versed in those subtle intrigues which make the metier of 
 a courtier. The Count revealed to me, with due injunctions 
 of caution, that he was journeying about in search of a wife. 
 Having concluded, he said that there was a time when all 
 men should marry, and convinced that his time had come, he 
 had determined, before committing himself prematurely, to 
 make a tour of the European capitals, and take his chance of 
 being captivated by the way. I should not wonder if I had 
 caught the infection of matrimony from my German friend, 
 who had set about it in such a systematic way, and whose grave 
 moralizing on the topic before I left him for London may have 
 prepared me for the adventure that fell in my way. On my 
 return I related to him faithfully all that had occurred, and 
 as we were engaged in the same pursuit, a double sympathy 
 sprang up between us. We exchanged mutual vows, like the 
 knights of old, to stand by each other in every extremity, and 
 it would be funny enough if I could relate all the "accidents 
 by flood and field" that were our joint let. But, however I 
 may think fit to dispose of the vicissitudes that overtook me, 
 I have no right to remove the veil from the different, but 
 hardly less romantic fate that was destined for him. 
 
 The Count was a little startled by the lively recital of my 
 abrupt flight from Bournemouth, 
 
 "You were too precipitate, man cher," he said; "you 
 should have accepted the invitation to breakfast." 
 
 " And so I should, my friend, if I had not thought it would 
 have occasioned me the loss of many more to come.'' 
 
 " We shall see," was his discreet rejoinder. 
 
 I had not long to wait ; for by the first post from England
 
 30 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 came the reply of Miss Gamble. What a triumph ! My flight, 
 my fasting, and my letter from Southampton had succeeded 
 beyond my most sanguine expectations. Miss G. was bowed 
 down by repentance. She expressed in admirable languags her 
 poignant regret at having wounded me so deeply ! She 
 never meant, she wrote, to drive me from her in so violent a 
 a manner. Of course she did'nt. " Let us befriends again," 
 she proposed in the most irresistible manner. The letter 
 wound up by telling me that " after my departure she had 
 gone out in a dull mood to walk, when she was overtaken by 
 a drenching storm, as she deserved, and that she had hurried 
 conscience-stricken home, lest the avenging lightning might 
 fall on her guilty head." Her amende honorable was com- 
 plete and unreserved. Nothing could be sincerer or more 
 affectionate than her tone, though maintained with true 
 dignity. The Count was electrified at my easy success. 
 
 " You see, my dear Count, that the matter-of-fact way is 
 not always the shortest to a lady's heart." 
 
 " I yield to your superior discernment," he replied, " and 
 shall henceforth consult you as an oracle. Accept, en attendant, 
 my hearty congratulations." 
 
 I replied to Miss Gamble the same day, and made a 
 mistake. Inflated by the extraordinary luck that had 
 followed my late tactics, I kicked away the cunning ladder by 
 which I had mounted, and stupidly revealed to her in ardent 
 language the honest affection I felt for her. I not only sent 
 lier plenary absolution for her naughty note of rejection, but 
 begged permission to come at once to London to prosecute the 
 suit I had so abruptly broken off. My letter would have 
 given extreme satisfaction to any unsophisticated young lady
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 31 
 
 who was content with the admiration of her lover, and happily 
 blest with no disposition to torment him. The next day 
 came the answer of Miss G., and it gave a rude shock to my 
 illusions. Nothing could be more unlike the last letter. It 
 was cold to chilliness, and she closed by saying that "though 
 she would not forbid my coming to London, yet it might 
 inconvenience her, as she was busy preparing for a Con- 
 tinental tour." The Count was as much astonished at this as 
 he was at her first letter, but in a different way. 
 
 " That is rather disheartening, he said, " but I hope you 
 will take it coolly." 
 
 " I shall have need of all my aplomb," I answered, "and 
 of all my experience or I shall get terribly worsted." 
 
 " I don't quite understand you," said my friend, looking 
 rather puzzled. 
 
 " It is pretty clear, Count, that I have to do with an adept 
 in the art of fence, and that whatever may be her ultimate 
 intentions, she does not mean to let me carry her off an easy 
 prize. I don't like the job, but after all, a little resistance 
 will only sharpen my zeal." 
 
 " But suppose there is a good deal Oi^ resistance?" gravely 
 asked my reflecting friend. 
 
 " Well, then, there will be a good deal of perseverance on 
 my part," I replied. 
 
 "Everyone to his taste" observed the Count, "but I'd 
 rather have as little trouble as possible." 
 
 " Ah, my friend," I responded, " when once you get 
 entangled in a woman's web, you can never tell when you 
 will fall out of it." 
 
 The Count shivered at the prospect, and little did I
 
 32 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 dream how prophetic were my words. From the little that 
 had occurred, I hardly knew how to shape my courtship of Miss 
 Gamble. My affected indifference at Bournemouth had drawn 
 her towards me. The sudden revelation of my passion had been 
 followedby a disdainful repulse. My indignant flight, throwing 
 a Parthian arrow, well aimed, behind me, had led to apologies, 
 and to a frank proposal for me to renew my suit. No sooner 
 had I done so in unmistakable language, than comes another 
 check, not decisive, but very perplexing. My difficulty was 
 to discover whether there was any attachment on her part, for 
 in this case I would go on in spite of all her doublings. But 
 if she only meant to entice me up the hill for the Sisyphean 
 sport of rolling me to the bottom, where she had left not a few 
 of her previous admirers, why, the sooner I got out of the 
 scrape the better. My self-love, perhaps, blinded me some- 
 what, but I entertained the agreeable conviction that I had got 
 hold of Miss G.'s fancy. I was naturally anxious to tighten 
 my grasp, but it was no easy matter, for the moment I 
 advanced, she retreated, and with a skill that Xenophon or 
 Moreau would have applauded. It was evident that I must 
 employ the nicest stratagem to cover my approaches, and that 
 was a hard task with a lady so keen-witted and experienced as 
 Miss G. I allowed a couple of weeks to elapse, and then 
 wrote to her a very gay letter stuffed full of Parisian gossip, 
 and studiously avoiding any repetition of my former ardours 
 and hopes. My object was to make her think that, amid the 
 distractions of my pleasant life in Paris, I was beginning 
 already to forget her. Ladies don't like to be forgotten, even 
 by objects they care nothing about. I calmly awaited the 
 effect of this ruse, whilst planning another. In two days it
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 33 
 
 came, and it had fully succeeded, for she desired me to come 
 over to London, saying that "explanations were always 
 better made in person." Shall I go, or plead my diplomatic 
 avocations and postpone it ? I pondered this question and 
 hesitated. The less anxiety I show, the less will be her 
 resistance, that's clear. I consulted the Count. 
 
 " What's best to be done, mon ami ?" 
 
 " I am afraid to advise you." 
 
 " And wherefore ? " I asked. 
 
 " Because the woman you have encountered is a tougher 
 problem to me than any I've met in the domains of science. 
 I am afraid of nothing I can work out by known rules, but 
 she sets all rule at defiance." 
 
 " The greater glory, my logical friend, in bringing her to a 
 solution at last." 
 
 " I am glad you think that possible, but " the Count 
 stopped, not wishing to discourage me. 
 
 " Will you go with me to London? " 
 
 " I will never desert you," he returned, " but you had 
 better give it up." 
 
 " Take care, Count, I am not married before you." 
 
 "Alas!" he sighed, "it is not half so easy a thing as 
 I thought it was. 
 
 " It is like everything else in the world, my faint-hearted 
 friend. If you want to reach a prize, you must jump for it, 
 and never mind the falls."
 
 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 LONDON. 
 
 WE started the next morning, 17th of May, and reached 
 London the same evening. I reflected along the road over the 
 new ordeal that attended me. I was pretty well satisfied that 
 Miss Gamble had called me over to give me her hand. Her 
 purpose was to travel, for she had been tied down all her life to 
 home ; but to travel without a companion and protector was a 
 difficult thing. She had no male relations at hand, and her 
 choice lay, therefore, between a courier or a husband. This 
 circumstance was in my favour. On the other hand, our court- 
 ship was barely a month old, and, malgre our old acquain- 
 tance, I dare say she felt a desire to reflect mo re before she de- 
 cided. Everything, I saw, depended on the way I managed 
 matters, and candour forces me to admit that I might have 
 done considerably better than I did. 
 
 I wrote to Miss Gamble the evening of my arrival to inform 
 her that I would call on her the next day. It was about noon 
 on the 18th I presented myself in Portland Place. On entering 
 the room her intelligent face wore a smile that was affable 
 enough, but it had a lurking meaning that disturbed me a little. 
 
 After greetings were over, she said 
 
 " Well, you are a more skilful adversary than I thought." 
 
 " Adversary ! " I echoed, as if in surprise. " What, can you 
 be playing a game with me ?" The best way to escape the suspi- 
 cion, I thought, was to attribute it to her. 
 
 "Oh! no," she returned, colouring a little at my retort.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 35 
 
 " But" she hesitated a moment, " will you tell me what 
 brought you over to London ?" 
 
 "What brought me?" I said, this time really astonished. 
 " Why, your letter, of course." 
 
 "Indeed!" she exclaimed, seemingly unconscious of the 
 fact. 
 
 " Did you not write to me that explanations were better 
 made in person ?" 
 
 " No doubt they are,'' she replied, with the same smile 
 always. " So if you have any to make begin." 
 
 " That's very well said, my dear Miss Gamble, but do you 
 know what I really did come for ? " 
 
 " Not to give me any annoyance, I hope." 
 
 "On the contrary, I have come to marry you." 
 
 She threw herself back, and tried to look as if she had never 
 imagined such a thing. 
 
 "Why, did I not refuse you at Bournemouth?" she de- 
 manded. 
 
 " If you had not," I said, taking her hand, " I should 
 not now have the pleasure of asking you again." 
 
 I leave to the reader's fancy the conversation that ensued. 
 I made sundry bold dashes at the heart of the citadel, under 
 the smart fire of her raillery, but though I gained ground, I 
 was still far from the goal. I promised to return to the attack 
 at the same hour on the following day. She bid me on leaving 
 to bring the letters she had written to me. 
 
 This request rather puzzled me. Is it her object, I inquired, 
 to recover them lest they may compromise her hereafter ? 
 That would be a bad sign. Or is it merely to glance over them 
 
 c 2
 
 36 MT COURTSHIP 
 
 to see how far she stands committed already ? No matter what 
 she means, I will gratify her whim. 
 
 I was at my post again punctually next day, as brimful of 
 ardour as ever. The same smile welcomed me as yesterday, 
 and daunted me even more than before. It was such a smile 
 as Macbeth wears when he vaunts that " he bears a charmed 
 life." It seemed to say, I am conscious of my strength and 
 your inability to shake it. Until I exorcise that smile, I 
 thought, my efforts are in vain. 
 
 " Did you bring my letters?" she asked. 
 
 " Here they are," I said, handing the packet to her. 
 
 She read them over hastily, always smiling, and then rose 
 and approached the fire. 
 
 " "What are you going to do?" I asked, interposing. 
 
 " Burn them of course." 
 
 " "What ! and without my leave ?" 
 
 " You can have no object in keeping them, surely," and she 
 still persisted, and I still opposed. 
 
 " Indeed but I have," I replied, " and I mean to keep them. 
 Tf you want them back, you must take me with them." 
 
 " On that condition, I resign them at once." 
 
 She returned them to me, but seemed pleased at the value 
 I seemed to set upon them. I thought she would be. 
 
 I began my task of yesterday, and was certainly making 
 headway. She began to stipulate : 
 
 " If I were to do such a mad thing," she said, as to marry 
 you, I must have the approbation of Mr. Bates, one of my 
 trustees." 
 
 " Shall I run and ask him?"
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. S7 
 
 " Good gracious, don't go so fast ! Besides," she added, 
 "I would never part with Mary, my old nurse." 
 
 " Part with her," I exclaimed, " I should have a sorry 
 opinion of you if you did." 
 
 I don't believe, from the beginning of the world, a mair 
 ever found himself in the very pleasant position I then 
 was, that something did not occur to mar his hopes and dash 
 his prospects. Richard in the play never longed for a horse 
 half so earnestly as I did for another half-hour, when lo ! the 
 drawing-room door opened and a visitor was announced. Miss 
 Gamble seemed delighted at her escape and at my discomfiture. 
 I hurried away lest I might commit homicide on the uncon- 
 scious object that had just snatched from me the casket my 
 fingers almost touched. 
 
 I meditated over my next step. I was satisfied with my 
 progress, and my prospects gleamed brightly. All I wanted 
 was a little time, but unhappily I had none to lose ; my ab- 
 sence from Paris the whole of April had nearly got me into a 
 scrape with my diplomatic supervisor, and to linger in London 
 now was almost impossible. I must ascertain her mind 
 without delay, was my exclamation, and I will venture upon 
 another experiment, which if successful will "cheer me ever." 
 
 I wrote to Miss Gamble the next day, and asked if she would 
 allow me to come and pass the evening with her. I knew she 
 was living alone, and feared she would refuse me. If she grants 
 it, I thought, it will be the strongest proof yet that she intends 
 deciding in my favour. To my delight she consented, and 
 named eight in the evening for my visit. If I fail now, I cried, 
 I deserve never to succeed. 
 
 When I entered her drawing-room at the hour appointed, I 
 c 3
 
 38 - MY COURTSHIP 
 
 found Miss Gamble in a pretty attitude of meditation, 
 apparently deep in thought. She received me with a different 
 manner from what 1 had seen before. It was subdued, almost 
 sad. The smile of defiance had disappeared. What can 
 she mean ? I wondered. There is some new artifice awaiting 
 me. We talked for a while on indifferent subjects. 
 Remarking a box lying open near her filled with letters, I 
 observed that her correspondence seemed extensive. 
 
 " Oh," she replied very coolly, " they are only answers to an 
 advertisement in the Times." 
 
 " An advertisement! and for what ?" I inquired. 
 
 " For a courier," she answered listlessly. 
 
 This was the insidious blow she had prepared for me. It 
 took my breath away for a moment 
 
 "Ah, " I said, recovering courage, " you are rash enough to 
 think of travelling under the care of a courier ; some rogue of 
 a fellow that will pick your pocket and get you into endless 
 scrapes." 
 
 " I shall take care to see thathe is properly recommended," 
 she returned in the same nonchalant tone. 
 
 " Besides," I continued, " I think it highly improper for a 
 single woman to be travelling on the Continent under the sole 
 protection of a man servant, and one that you know nothing of 
 beyond the worthless certificates he may have in his pocket." 
 
 " Make yourself easy, for I mean to take some female or other 
 to accompany me." 
 
 " Some old friend, I hope." 
 
 "No, I shall advertise for her too, or inquire for such a 
 person amongst my friends." 
 
 " What a mad scheme !" I exclaimed, " to set off on a Con-
 
 AWD ITS CONSEQUENCES, 39 
 
 tinentaltrip of a couple of years as you propose, with no other 
 society than a couple of hired attendants that can neither pro- 
 tect nor amuse you. Besides, you know nothing of foreign 
 travel nor of the risks that attend it. An opera dancer would 
 hardly venture with such an escort as yours," 
 
 " But what am I to do ?" she asked pettishly. " I have no 
 relations about me whose time I can dispose of. Besides, I 
 hate putting myself under the control of anybody." 
 
 " That's the reason, perhaps, you would prefer the company 
 of a courier to that of a husband, who could look after you 
 and keep the other in his place." 
 
 " Ah," she said, with a mocking air, " I thought you were 
 speaking one word for me and two for yourself. It's very 
 selfish of you." 
 
 "On the contrary, it's a proof of my regard for you to be 
 willing to undertake so troublesome a job.'' 
 
 I proceeded at some length to argue my cause versus the 
 prospective courier, and by degrees Miss Gamble ceased to 
 combat against her own convictions. After a pause she said, 
 with a confiding tone 
 
 "I've half a notion to tell you of a strange dream I had 
 last night." 
 
 " Of course you dreamt of me." 
 
 " I regret to say I did. I thought my aunt appeared to me, 
 and told me to accept you. But I have refused, I thought was 
 my answer. I know it, she said, but he will oifer again, and 
 accept him, or misfortune will befall you. He has come to 
 supply the place of James. This vision was so clear that it 
 has left a deep impression on my mind, and I don't know what 
 to do.
 
 40 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " You almost incline to be superstitious," I said, "but I am 
 quite sure if your dear Aunt were alive that she would back 
 my suit.'' 
 
 " Yes, I dare say she would." 
 
 Upon this hint I spake, and redoubled my solicitations to 
 induce her to utter the magic word that would crown my 
 .hopes. I pressed her so hard that she lost ground every 
 moment and seemed drifting on a shoreless sea of indecision. 
 
 " Do you know what Mrs. L. said?" she remarked, looking 
 up at me. 
 
 " Nothing against me, I hope." 
 
 " She said if she were me she would take you straight." 
 
 " Such a warranty from one of your oldest friends ought to 
 decide you," I replied, " and still you hesitate." 
 
 " I do," she exclaimed, breaking away from me, " and I 
 cannot help it." 
 
 Midnight came, and I was still unblest. I was compelled 
 to go, disappointed but not cast down. I wrote to her next day 
 in a passionate strain, beginning with "My own dear Jane," 
 and ending with a vehement desire to see her again. 
 
 " Strike while the iron's hot " is the old adage. I chided her 
 not a little for her prolonged indecision. Her reply of the same 
 day was the heaviest thump I had got yet. I was at the bottom 
 of the ladder again. In an impetuous way she wrote, " There 
 must be an end to all this vexation." She declined to receive 
 me again that evening, and named next day for an interview. 
 
 " What do you think of this, Count ? " I said, handing the 
 note to my consulting Fides. 
 
 " I think that either the women I've met are better speci- 
 mens than the rest, or that there are varieties of the sex that 
 I have yet to study."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 41 
 
 " Spoken with the discretion of a veteran Botanist," I 
 retorted. 
 
 " If you don't give her up now," continued my friend, "I'll 
 set you down as incomprehensible as she is." 
 
 " Give her up ! That's not a bad idea, Count : I'll try the 
 effect of that." 
 
 " I hope you are in earnest." 
 
 " Yes, earnest in my new pretence." 
 
 The Count shook his head mysteriously. 
 
 I feared from the last note that Miss Gamble found courting 
 so pleasant a pastime that she was inclined to prolong it indefi- 
 nitely. I'd have liked no better fun, but I was on thorns at 
 every day's absence from Paris. Besides, it will be more gene- 
 rous, I thought, to give my old friend a little more time to reflect. 
 She will feel the want of me more than ever if she will go 
 travelling, and what have I to fear from a postponement if she 
 really cares for me ? This vital secret I had failed hitherto to 
 extract, and I hit upon the following expedient in hope to force 
 it out. 
 
 I called at noon the succeeding day in Portland Place. Miss 
 Gamble received me gayly, but I wore a look of sombre dis- 
 content. I bowed and sat down in silence. 
 
 " What do you mean," she began, taking out my letter of 
 yesterday, " by calling me your own Dear Jane ? " 
 
 " It means that I was a fool to say any such thing," was my 
 brief reply. 
 
 My voice was cold and harsh. Miss Gamble looked at 
 me in surprise, and quickly returned the letter to her 
 pocket. 
 
 I then went on to say, as if deeply incensed, that either she 
 had trifled with me, or that I had totally misunderstood all
 
 42 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 that had passed between us. I blamed her for calling me over to 
 London only to amuse an idle hour, adding that now her object 
 was clear to me, my intention was to return to Paris forthwith. 
 My language and manner completely deceived her, and she set 
 to work with her usual ingenuity, but in pretty evident agita- 
 tion, that I secretly enjoyed, to defend herself and extenuate 
 her conduct. 
 
 " You ought not," she expostulated, "to judge me so se- 
 verely; as the loss of poor James [her cousin] and your sudden 
 apparition have no doubt disturbed my mind, and I may have 
 acted thoughtlessly and been indiscreet." 
 
 " That is very cleverly urged, Miss Gamble, but I see 
 nothing else than traces of cool premeditation in all you have 
 done. However, recrimination is useless. My decision is taken. 
 I return to Paris, and will send you back your letters." 
 
 I rose in a very grand manner. Poor Miss Gamble was silent, 
 but looking so sad that I found it difficult to play out my game. 
 I took her hand, and kissing it respectfully bid her adieu, 
 
 " That's more than you deserve," she said in a touching tone. 
 
 I was afraid to speak again lest she might detect me. I stalked 
 to the door. 
 
 "When we meet again," she ejaculated, looking wistfully 
 after me, "you will find me in a better disposition." 
 
 I bowed low and vanished. 
 
 Now we shall see what that will bring, I muttered, chuck- 
 ling down the street. I have given her a Roland for her 
 Oliver of yesterday. 
 
 On my way back to Long's Hotel I called upon Mrs Grote, 
 whom I had kept duly informed of what was going on. She 
 took great interest seemingly in my progress. When I told 
 her of what I had just done she exclaimed
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 45 
 
 " Why, you are mad. It will break off everything." 
 " Not if she is attached to me. Otherwise let it drop." 
 " True, but it is a good match." 
 " But you know I can fall back on a better." 
 " Perhaps that is your intention, from acting in this way." 
 " No, for my liking to Miss G. grows stronger every day, 
 but I wish to know if it be reciprocated before I am past 
 cure." 
 
 " You are carrying matters with too high a hand, "persisted 
 my prudent adviser. 
 
 " But I mean to go further." 
 
 " Surely you will not return her letters, as you threaten." 
 " I have come to ask if you will send them to her; I want a 
 witness to that effect." 
 
 " I will do it if you insist. But believe me, she will not for- 
 give the outrage, and you will hear no more of her." 
 
 " That's certain, unless," I added with a smile, " her love is 
 greater than her pride." 
 
 "It's a great risk, but I'll not oppose you." 
 The next morning, the 23rd, I wrote a brief and formal 
 note to Miss G. requesting her to send me back the last letter 
 I addressed her before six that evening, as I left at seven, and 
 to burn all the rest. I added I would give her letters to a 
 friend of mine to be forwarded to her immediately. I was ex- 
 tremely uneasy as to the result. If she complies with my de- 
 mand, I am gone. 
 
 I repented in my heart that I had taken up a position I 
 could not abandon, but I consoled myself with thinking it was 
 all for the best. 
 
 To my extreme delight, six o'clock came, but not the letter
 
 44 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I had called for. She made no reply at all, expecting, no 
 doubt, I would come up in search of what I wanted. I have 
 often regretted since I did not. Instead, however, I sent her 
 letters to Mrs. Grote, as agreed, and dashed off to Paris. 
 
 I left the Count in London, who by this time was thrown 
 into such consternation by my adventures that he began to 
 draw back in affright from the probation that looked so trying. 
 I scoffed at his scruples, and bid him throw himself into the 
 melee, sans crainte. 
 
 " Corydon, Corydon," he replied, as we shook hands, 
 " qace te dementia cepit." 
 
 "It maybe so, Count; but you know Quern Deus vult 
 perdere prius dementat" And sa we parted.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 45 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 PARIS. 
 
 THE very morning after my return to Paris came a letter 
 in hot haste from my deserted one of Portland Place. Io 
 triumphs! I cried. She deplored what had happened; "but 
 come what may," she wrote, " my friendship is yours for life !" 
 She wound up by saying she had received her letters from 
 Mrs. Grote, whom she meant to call on that day, sans cere- 
 monie. " I dare say we shall soon understand each other," 
 was her last remark. 
 
 This was a very decisive victory, and convinced me that the 
 spirited woman I had to deal with must be very far gone 
 indeed, else she could never have chased after me in this epis- 
 tolary fashion. Her calling upon Mrs. Grote without an in- 
 troduction was yet a stronger proof of her anxiety to retain 
 me. Her expression that " we'll soon understand each 
 other" puzzled me. When two women understand each 
 other a man had better look to himself. I felt some instinctive 
 dread, without knowing wherefore. 
 
 I resolved now to take a rest, and to look after my diplo- 
 macy a little, sadly in arrears. I endeavoured to turn mj 
 attention to the lively debates in the Assembly, and to watch 
 the political coquetry going on between his Republican 
 Highness the President, and the veteran spinsters of the 
 Right, Messrs. Mole, Thiers, and Co. To say nothing of my 
 long acquaintance with the captive of Ham, my admiration was 
 excited at his skilful manceuvering against tremendous odds.
 
 46 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " I wish him luck," I used to say, " but I shall be married 
 long before he is Emperor. I am almost in sight of the 
 altar, but he has a weary road to travel ere he gets even 
 a glimpse of the throne." Things, however, don't always 
 turn out as we calculate. 
 
 After a week or so elapsed, I began to fancy that politics had 
 recovered their charm for me, and that courting was second-rate 
 fun after all. It is odd how indifferent we grow when we feel 
 sure of an object. I thought I would write, however, to Mrs. 
 Grote, to see if Miss Gamble had really called on her. She 
 replied 
 
 " I send you a line simply to tell you there is nothing to com- 
 municate, beyond the fact that Miss G. did call on me on Saturday, 
 and I called on her yesterday. We have not met, however, so far. 
 When we do, I will give her my impressions of your character, as 
 modified by experience and time, which I may say appear to me 
 to have done their work in materially improving it, and in strength- 
 ening the meritorious points of your disposition. Rest satisfied 
 that your hopes are cheering, and that, perhaps, my conversation 
 with Miss G. will tend to improve rather than impair them." 
 
 The stately tone of this letter startled me seriously. If they 
 have not met, then there has been an exchange of notes, I 
 suspect, and the understanding Miss Gamble hinted at may have 
 begun. If Mrs. Grote lets out the secret of my last 
 manoeuvre, then I am infallibly done for. I shall never get 
 another advantage over my adroit adversary, thus put on her 
 guard. What a shame in Mrs. Grote to betray me ; but 
 what a fool I was to lug her in ! Miss G. did it, though, by 
 calling on her. 
 
 These were my uncomfortable reflections, and I began to 
 chafe under the prospect of contending against two women
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 47 
 
 who in cleverness and address were each a match for the Right 
 and Left of the Assembly put together, which was all Louis 
 Napoleon had to contend with. But can it be so ? I wrote 
 again to Mrs. Grote. Here is her reply : 
 
 " June 4th. 
 
 " DEAR MR. W. To stay your anxious curiosity, I must send 
 you a line, though it is scarcely worth the postage. Miss G. called 
 on me on Monday last, and we talked together for more than an 
 hour. Your name was mentioned, and that's all. Not a word was 
 said about you. It was not my place to force on a subject with a 
 stranger, and she gave me no opening. I shall meet her at the 
 Poet Rogers' at breakfast on Tuesday next, when perhaps more may 
 come of it. In that case you shall hear from me. Miss G. seemed 
 to me a decidedly gifted woman ; and is well-bred and dignified in 
 her bearing; fond of letters and of good society. She has got a 
 compagne de voyage, and appears bent on a long tour. She will, I 
 suppose, pass through Paris, when you can judge for yourself 
 whether she is irrevocably decided on single blessedness. If she 
 gives me a chance I will do you what service I can. Thanks for 
 the journals. 
 
 " Very truly yours, 
 "H. G." 
 
 A rank conspiracy, I cried, jumping up in a fever. The 
 absurdity is transparent of their talking for an hour and 
 merely mentioning my name, when it was the only subject that 
 brought them together. I saw it all. Mrs. Grote had 
 revealed my attachment, and my ruse to get at the fact of a 
 reciprocity. Miss Gamble had no doubt begged her to keep me 
 in the dark, and leave me to be managed by herself. I was in a 
 worse scrape by far than any yet. If this combination goes 
 on I am a lost man. To learn the worst, I wrote over to 
 Miss G., and not knowing well what tone to adopt, I tried 
 all in turn, and was ardent and reserved, discontented and
 
 48 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 resigned. In a few days came her response. The earth 
 seemed to give way under me when I read it. Down I went 
 to the very bottom of the abyss without a hope, or a rope to 
 cling to. Her style had the glitter of sunshine upon ice, and 
 was quite as cold. She summed up my whole course of 
 wooing with a vigour and lucidity that the master intellect of 
 Lyndhurst could hardly have surpassed. She defended her in- 
 consistencies with a subtlety of expression that charmed me. 
 She even turned round and assailed me : she could say nothing 
 against my conduct, which had been logical throughout, but 
 she said my language was contradictory : 
 
 " You accuse me of coquetting with your affection. How can 
 you lay claim, then, to the regard of a person you ought to despise ? 
 If you believed me ingenuous and upright at Bournemouth, how 
 can you account for your subsequent impression ? If I acted a 
 part at Bournemouth, what contradiction was there in my sub- 
 sequent conduct? I believe that you are sincerely attached to me, 
 and think you would be willing to support any vexation if you 
 could consider me exempt from blame. How painful must be a 
 sense of the unworthiness of a person we love ! However, love 
 cannot long exist without esteem, and this will be your cure now. 
 Yet if you think of me hereafter, I would have you think of me as 
 I appeared to you at Bournemouth, which is my true character." 
 
 She went on writing in this tantalizing, confusing strain, 
 till I hardly knew whether I stood on my head or heels, and 
 wound up by announcing the close of our correspondence. 
 
 " We must not write again. It would be unwise, and for many 
 reasons improper. This is my farewell," 
 
 That's plain enough at all events, I exclaimed, sitting down 
 to ruminate. Can she be in earnest, or is it only a feint to 
 throw me on my knees to implore pardon for trifling with her 
 feelings, as I had impertinently done in running away from
 
 ANI> ITS CONSEQUENCES. 49 
 
 London lately ? I pondered over her skillful phrases, and deter- 
 mined to eschew any epistolary warfare with such a pen as hers. 
 She could stave me off in quibbles, but I felt more confidence in 
 my manceuvering, and in love as in war the best position often 
 decides the battle. To recover all I had lost, I saw some 
 flank movement, bold and unexpected, was necessary. What 
 shall it be ? Suppose I write back in gloomy despair, and 
 begin to talk of some desperate remedy to end my wretched 
 existence. No ; my case is hardly bad enough for that. I 
 have it. Miss Gamble was aware that it would not be a dif- 
 ficult thing for me to contract another very enviable match. If 
 she is really in love I will bring another letter from her before 
 long, in spite of her farewell. Jealousy is a dangerous 
 instrument, but a sure one if its chords are skilfully touched. 
 I answered Miss G., therefore, in the most placid tone 
 approving of her conduct withdrawing all reproaches ; but 
 confessing that unless I banished her from my memory my 
 peace of mind was seriously endangered. To effect this, I said, 
 there was no course now left me but to put my duty to another 
 between her and my weakness. I never hoped to be happy 
 with another, I admitted, but it was useless longer to cling to 
 an illusion that her last letter had for ever dispelled. I 
 affected thus to believe in her formal farewell, for then it would 
 appear natural to her that in pique or despair I should turn 
 round and wed another. In the face of such a contigency, I 
 was certain she would withdraw her second rejection as she 
 did the first, if at all attached to me. I looked forward pretty 
 confidently, then, to some news of her before long. I hoped 
 to get another summons to London, for I hardly thought she 
 would set out on her travels under the escort of a courier.
 
 50 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 Still, in a spirit of bravado, I feared she might do so. After 
 the lapse of a few days I wrote to Mrs. Grote to find what was 
 going on. Her reply startled me with the intelligence of 
 Miss Gamble's departure from London. Instead of sending 
 me some comfort, Mrs. Grote, with a merciless pen, rather 
 sought to aggravate my uneasy situation. I did not expect 
 her to aid me against my fair antagonist, but it was annoying 
 to see her take up arms against me. 
 
 "Dear MR. W. [began her letter] You will not be satisfied 
 without a line ; so, albeit I am only recovering from a severe 
 acces of headache, and hardly able to write, I will give you the 
 latest intelligence of the obdurate fair one whom I had the pleasure 
 to see and converse with on the eve of her departure for the 
 Continent last week. Poor soul, she is much in need of repose and 
 refreshing scenery, for her nerves are sorely shaken by all her 
 various duties and trials, and the affair which causes you so much 
 feverish anxiety is not among the slightest of her embarrassments. 
 She told me of a letter you wrote to her a week ago which annoyed 
 her methought. I think I possess a tolerable insight into her state 
 of mind as regards you, and I fear I must add that it is not 
 favourable to your ultimate success. You may be assured that I 
 rendered you all the aid it was possible for me to do, and I said 
 everything in your behalf which I could urge to Miss G. She is a 
 woman, however, of singular perspicacity and self-relying judgment, 
 and I was strongly impressed by the beauty of her character. 
 She did your better qualities full justice, and acknowledged your 
 general merits and amiable disposition ; but" 
 
 Mrs. Grote then went on in a spirit of sport to string 
 together every possible difficulty and objection, which she 
 attributed to Miss Gamble, but which I learnt afterwards 
 were of her own coinage. 
 
 "Somme toute, [finished her letter,] I do not augur favorably 
 of the chance of your carrying her. Yet I have long since ceased
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 51 
 
 to deem anything impossible in love affairs, and thus, after her 
 spirits are somewhat refreshed, she may be more disposed to listen 
 to the soft pleadings of a really attached suitor. She would be a 
 prize worth the winning, certes." 
 
 I am so decidedly of the same opinion, my sly dissembler, was 
 my comment, that I am resolved to go on as long, at least, as 
 I receive the smallest encouragement. 
 
 But there was nothing to be done now than to pause and 
 trust to Cupid for a lift. If Miss Gamble was faithful to her 
 last expressed intention to correspond no more, my case seemed 
 hopeless. I had not long to wait, though, for in so short a time 
 as ten days after she left London I received a letter from her 
 dated St. Goar, on the Rhine. To my supreme delight I 
 found that the dart I had flung at random had hit the mark. 
 She was clearly alarmed at my committing some " rash act." 
 Her letter began thus : 
 
 " It was my intention not to have written to you again, and I 
 had informed Mrs. Grote of the resolution. But I fear I must 
 contradict myself." 
 
 She then went on, with matchless art, moralizing and 
 sophisticating by turn, yet the apprehensions my letter had 
 stirred up broke out in spite of all. 
 
 "It gives me no pleasure [she wrote] to know that you are 
 unhappy. On the contrary, I would be glad to hear that you were 
 in a more tranquil state, and less inclined to do some rash thing of 
 which you would afterwards repent." 
 
 Again she says : 
 
 " I shall pass through Paris on my return in the spring, and I 
 trust we shall then meet as good friends. Do not give way to any 
 rash or inconsiderate ideas, and whatever happens, do not marry a 
 woman you do not love, for you will be unhappy, and so will she. 
 If you despise my counsel, bitter regrets are in store for you."
 
 52 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 The bait was swallowed without suspicion, and the trap had 
 again closed upon her. There she was, threatening me with 
 " bitter regrets if I thought of any other woman." As the play 
 says, " Nor poppy nor mandragora will medicine thee to thy 
 sweet sleep of yesterday." I thought I could not do better 
 than let the poison work. I determined not to reply to her, 
 and I had an excuse for my impoliteness as she had given no 
 address, but merely said that she was going thence to Frankfort. 
 I was pretty sure that when she found no letter in the Post 
 Office there her fright would redouble, and that she would 
 write again.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 53 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 BEFORE going further, I owe some explanation to my reader. 
 He or she may think it very ridiculous, both in Miss Gamble 
 and myself, to go on coquetting in this juvenile manner 
 with each other, and he or she may be ready to suggest 
 that a little more gravity, and a little less absurdity, would 
 have been more becoming our respective or united years. 
 I am quite of that opinion. But when people fall in 
 love, they are less responsible for their vagaries than when 
 intoxicated in any other way. Both of us were old enough 
 to know better, but neither of us were so far down the 
 inclined plane as to be utterly beyond the reach of the 
 tender passion. Indeed, philosophers say no age is proof 
 against it : that the skin may wrinkle, and the muscles grow 
 rigid, but that the heart maintains its sovereignty to the last : 
 that thought and emotion survive the wreck of matter ; and 
 that when the exhausted frame is no longer subservient to 
 the will, that love and hate still hold their sway, and inspire 
 the soul with gentle or evil impulse, till it finally ceases to throb. 
 Fortunately, neither Miss Gamble nor myself had got to 
 the freezing point yet, and it was no phenomenon, therefore, 
 we should yield to a mutual longing, and being once in that 
 predicament, our mutual pranks were natural. Ordinary 
 people under strong excitement, artificial or otherwise, do 
 extraordinary things. They must be extraordinary people not 
 to do so. But are there any instances of people, extraordinary 
 or common, falling in love, who do not in one way or 
 another set common sense at defiance ? Oxygen gas is a fool
 
 54 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 to it ; and as under this subtle agent the dominant trait is 
 sure to reveal itself, so under the stimulus of love the 
 peculiar failing of each character is certain to come out ; and 
 hence ensue those freaks that excite, by turn, the astonishment 
 and merriment of unconcerned spectators. 
 
 From all this I wish my amiable reader to understand that 
 as Miss Gamble and myself had both fallen victims to the 
 delirious draught, so we were compelled to be attached ; but 
 inasmuch as our master-passion, pride, was only the more 
 strongly in the ascendant, so we were forced into coquetting 
 with each other. I don't know if I have made this very clear, 
 or the contrary, but I will finish with one more general 
 remark. It is the hard lot of nine people out of ten in love, 
 no matter what the temperament, to delight in tormenting 
 each other. The favourite mode of accomplishing this is for 
 one to affect indifference for the other ; and the greater the 
 torture to one, the greater the delight to the other. Certainly, 
 love and hate so nearly resemble each other at times, that it is 
 difficult to distinguish between them. Doubtless, it is a 
 solace to our self-love to see another suffering keenly merely 
 because we look coldly on him or her. In all such cases, 
 happily, when love is mutual, the suffering is atoned for by 
 the repentance which follows. Finally, I trust my intelligent 
 reader will be convinced for the reasons alledged, and for 
 others that are not, that if my inamorata and myself went on 
 committing greater follies than ever, it was because we could 
 not help it. 
 
 To return to my story. After the receipt of Miss Gamble's 
 aforementioned letter I went to London, on the 1st of July, 
 for the same pleasant object that had called me there the pre-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 55 
 
 vious April, viz., [to receive my quarter's salary at the Foreign 
 Office. Before I left, I took care not to miss a splendid fete 
 at "Willis's Rooms," given by my patriotic countryman, Mr. 
 Peabody, in honour of our national anniversary, July 4th. 
 
 Who should I meet there but the identical Mrs. L 
 
 who had witnessed my break-down at Bournemouth ! Before 
 I relate what occurred between us, I can't help saying that I 
 shall never forget that night for another reason more impressive. 
 It was the last time I ever saw the " Iron Duke," as it was 
 the first and last occasion that the eyes of most of my elec- 
 trified countrymen then present ever dwelt upon that vene- 
 rable form. A quadrille was dancing when the Duke of 
 Wellington entered the room ; the news flew like wildfire, 
 and the first effect was the suspension of all motion, as though 
 every frame had been struck by a sudden paralysis : the next 
 was a burst of feeling in a wild hurrah that showed American 
 lungs were not affected by an English atmosphere. The Duke 
 was surprised and gratified, for his cheek reddened, and a 
 warm smile lit up his features as he made his way, bowing to 
 the right and left, to the top of the room. There was then a 
 rush at him by the assembled crowd, and such a stare followed 
 from hundreds of eyes that must have cost the great Duke more 
 endurance than many a battery he had faced in other days. 
 On his retiring the ladies stretched out their hands, which he 
 shook by dozens as he went along, I remember that a pretty 
 girl near where I was standing, and who seemed reeling 
 almost with emotion, raised her hand, but feared to advance 
 it. She was standing a little behind, but the Duke's eye 
 caught her movement as he had detected many a more hostile 
 one before, and leaning over he shook her very cordially by
 
 56 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 the hand. She has never forgotten it, I am sure, nor have I. 
 It is touching to see a great man stoop to do a simple, good- 
 natured thing. 
 
 To come back to my old friend, Mrs. L 
 
 " What ! " she cried on beholding me, " are you in London 
 again ? " 
 
 " I may come safely now," I replied, " that your naughty 
 friend is gone." 
 
 " Naughty, indeed ! Why it was you that sprung a mine 
 under the feet of all of us." 
 
 " Yet there was nobody blown up but myself." 
 
 " Which plainly shows," she retorted, " that there is a 
 retributive Providence." 
 
 In the lively conversation that followed I discovered, to my 
 amusement, how entirely I had taken both Miss Gamble and 
 
 Mrs. L by surprise at Bournemouth. It appeared that 
 
 both had suspected my matrimonial motive at first, but that 
 my discreet reserve had gradually disarmed all suspicion, so 
 that when I let drop the mask their astonishment was only 
 exceeded by their pique at having been so completely done. 
 
 " But I assure you," I declared, " that it was not for the 
 pleasure of deceiving you that I acted so." 
 
 " Then what was it for, beau masque? " 
 
 " To see if I stood any chance before showing what a blow 
 my heart had receired." 
 
 " And all you got was a heavier blow on your vanity." 
 
 " I hope you had no hand in such cruelty." 
 
 " No, for I tried to save you all I could." 
 
 " Thanks, dear madam. But tell me, before I bid you 
 good night, what had I best do now ? "
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 57 
 
 She smiled and hesitated. 
 
 "I pray you give me one word of comfort." 
 
 " Will one word suffice ? " she asked. 
 
 " Yes, if it is not despair." 
 
 " Persevere" she whispered, and disappeared. 
 
 Of course I called on Mrs. Grote one day, and my inten- 
 tion was to rate her sharply for lending a treacherous hand to 
 Miss Gamble to aid her more effectually to bewilder me. 
 When I attacked her, however, she put on such a wonder- 
 struck look of perfect innocence that I gave up the task at 
 once. When a woman is driven into a corner to defend her 
 honesty, no matter what the proof, he must be an inexperienced 
 person indeed who goes beyond her first denial. A man often 
 confesses ; the Chancellor Bacon did ; but a woman never. 
 
 Not knowing what trouble Mrs. Grote might give me here- 
 after, I went off slyly to another clever and most amiable person, 
 
 Lady O , and endeavoured to enlist her interest in my 
 
 favour. She had lately returned from America, where she 
 had seen a great deal of Miss Gamble's relatives. I had 
 known her already for some time, and rejoiced to find that 
 she approved highly of my suit. She readily promised to 
 back my pretensions, and I begged her to write at once to 
 Miss Gamble to inform her she had met me, and that I had 
 expressed myself in such ardent terms as to show my mind 
 was disordered not a little. She smiled, and assented to do all 
 she could. I wished Miss Gamble to hear from others of my 
 sinking state, but I was afraid to talk too much of it myself. 
 My object was to keep her a little in doubt, or I knew she 
 would keep me in a worse state. 
 
 I returned to Paris in the middle of July, and to my joy I
 
 58 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 found a second letter, dated Frankfort, from Miss Gamble. 
 My not answering the former had fully succeeded. She was 
 deeply disquieted, and having no other pretext for writing to 
 me, she concocted a dream for the occasion : 
 
 " In spite of my resolution [she began] I write to you again. 
 Shall I confess my weakness ? I am superstitious, and last night I 
 had a dream which distressed me not a little and all about you. 
 The dream was very vivid, and yet I could not recollect any of the 
 particulars on awaking a vague remembrance that you were going 
 to do something rash, from which I tried to deter you and could not. 
 The last time you wrote to me you were very angry, and I fear you 
 will take some step which you will afterwards repent, and then 
 throw the blame upon me. Let me not have the pain of thinking 
 that I have been the cause or pretext of any inconsiderate acts on 
 your part. Let me be your good genius, not your bad. Do not 
 suppose that in writing in this style I pretend to exercise any influ- 
 ence over you, but listen, I pray you, to truth and reason. With 
 your talents and many noble qualities, you might hope to make for 
 yourself an useful and brilliant career ; but in order to arrive at 
 this you must not yield to impulse, however strong. Self-denial, 
 patience, and perseverance are requisite for the attainment of any 
 such object. Try to deserve happiness, and you may be sure that 
 you will find it some day. * * Write to me, and direct to 
 care of W. Felix Marcel, Lausanne, where I am going, in order 
 that I may know you have received this letter. I shall then 
 be satisfied at having done what I thought right, and with you alone 
 rest the consequences and the remorse of any false step taken by 
 you. I cannot deny that it would give me pain to see you marry 
 another." 
 
 Her letter ran on to give me a description of her travels. 
 She tried to annoy me by praising her courier, whom she 
 called " a treasure," and sought to alarm my jealousy by 
 hinting at the attentions she met with along the road from 
 various parties. I was flattered deeply at the anxiety she
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 59 
 
 displayed lest I might commit the " rash step" I had threat- 
 ened, and I was amused at the struggle between her regard 
 for me and the pride and coquetry which prompted her to con- 
 ceal it. I resolved, of course, to write to her, but my mistake 
 was in not allowing the effervescence of my feelings to subside. 
 Her telling me to try and deserve " happiness," that is, her- 
 self, and / would be sure to have it some day, intoxicated me 
 not a little, and I wrote very wildly under this exhilarating 
 expectation. Off flew three letters in three successive days, 
 as if my pent-up feelings, having found scope at last, could no 
 longer be restrained. I had no sooner done this than I saw 
 my error and trembled. No sooner will she perceive, from 
 my energetic expression of esteem for her, that I am in 
 no danger of doing the " rash" thing she dreads, than she will 
 send me another of her mocking, chilling letters, that will be 
 like tumbling me from an oven into an ice-house. Anxious 
 to know what Mrs. Grote would say, I wrote to inform her of 
 Miss Gamble's writing to me twice without waiting for an 
 ansv.'e-'. She replied thus 
 
 " Roehampton, Aug. 2nd. 
 
 " DEAR MR. W. I was surprised by the intelligence con- 
 cerning J. O. Certainly, her writing to you in this way is a sign 
 of her bearing you no common interest, but whether it means all 
 you naturally wish it should, you can best decide. I have withheld 
 writing, in conformity to your wish, and await the denouement 
 which you, doubtless, design to hasten by such measures as your 
 dexterous mind may suggest perhaps by personal assiduity in the 
 romantic land where the fair wanderer is now passing the fine 
 season." * 
 
 * I take the liberty of appending the rest of Mrs. Grote 's letter, 
 which attests her singular political sagacity : 
 
 "We have, at last, fine summer weather, and we enjoy our
 
 60 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 The hint that Mrs. Grote gave me to go after the " fair 
 
 wanderer" harmonised with the suggestion of Mrs. L to 
 
 " persevere," so I made up my mind to dash off to Switzer- 
 
 Villa all the more. I am likely, however, to be summoned to 
 London shortly, for our friends, M. Leon Faucher and wife, 
 are coming over to see the Crystal Palace, and will make OUT 
 house their head-quarters. They meant to have come earlier, 
 but the grave events in the Assembly during the past month 
 have kept the energetic Minisfer at his post. I am pro- 
 voked at the maladresse of the Republican party. If Louis 
 Napoleon win the day, it will be their fault. By their unreasonable 
 jealousies and silly exactions, they waste their influence instead of 
 concentrating it. Again, what a scheme to run a plurality of can- 
 didates to bring about an election by the Chamber why it is 
 rushing into terra incognita, for how shall any one say whom the 
 Chamber will name, after all ? Nor, if it be a decent choice, how 
 do we know what the future conduct of such a man will be once 
 invested with so enormous a measure of power as he probably would 
 be, as being their man ? I should prefer a certain degree of antago- 
 nism betwixt Chamber and President myself, for without this the 
 people are 'sold,' as when Louis Philippe and the 'Majority' 
 worked so cozily together. We all think here that Louis Napoleon 
 will be elected, and that the nation will cause this illegal act to be 
 accepted. In that case, at any rate, it is felo de se, which I prefer 
 to manslaughter, and, if needs must, I will swallow it. I aver, 
 though, that if the Republicans were to set-to like men, they might 
 possibly carry a genuine Republican President ; not by setting up 
 a roturier or workman, but a sound, clear-headed statesman, like 
 M, Dufaure, for instance, whose late speech on ' Revision' is 
 
 admirable. I was not in town when your friend, , came over, 
 
 and so lost the pleasure of a talk witli him. However, he is inac- 
 cessible to reason, so no great harm done. He is a half-instructed, 
 clever, wilful man, who will always do more harm than good to his 
 party ; for, after all, mankind crave something tangible before they 
 pump for it, and your mere Destructionists are losing their hoi d
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 61 
 
 land, and endeavour to induce Miss Gamble to put an end to 
 my cruel suspense. Besides, I really felt uncomfortable at 
 her travelling about with a courier she had picked up only a 
 few days before starting, though she did represent him as a 
 perfect " treasure." I decided to go at once, before I got a 
 reply to my late incautious letters that might put a check on 
 my movements. On the 5th of August I set off for Lau- 
 sanne, and Napoleon the Great, when he started on the same 
 road to fall on the Austrian rear at Marengo, was hardly 
 more determined, I am sure, to strike a decisive blow than I 
 was, should I encounter my sportive but clever antagonist. 
 I reached Geneva in twenty-four hours from Paris, and the 
 first person I ran against at the Hotel de 1'Ecu was an old 
 friend, the American Consul at . 
 
 " What brings you to Geneva ?" he asked, in some 
 surprise. 
 
 " On my way to see tliefete at Vevey," I said, smiling. 
 
 popular faith. I quite agree with you in this. Enfin, nothing 
 
 could be more wise than your reply about taking back as 
 
 Prime Minister, saying it was or would be a vital blunder of Louis 
 Napoleon. If ever there was a broken-down politician, it is 
 
 ' O'Drivelon ,' as I dubbed him once. He is too notorious a 
 
 hack to serve even the President's turn now. 
 
 "P.S. I have heard nothing more about your rapports with 
 
 Lord , but dare say you will patch up the rent by-and-by. 
 
 Our Ambassador at was with him often, I hear. What's going 
 
 on, eh ? I don't know if he named you. M. M was married 
 
 last month, 3Cth of July, and is, consequently, in eclipse just now. 
 Please write again, if aught occurs worth noting. 
 
 " Very truly yours, 
 "H G."
 
 62 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " You must have something more attractive than a fete to 
 set you in motion," he returned, " or I mistake my man!" 
 
 " I will confide in you, then I am after a woman." 
 
 " I believe you now, without an effort." 
 
 " Yes, I am after a wife." 
 
 " Take care, don't rouse my incredulity again." 
 
 " Helas ! it is too true. ' Who can control his fate ?' as 
 Othello says." 
 
 Seeing my friend looking still dubious, I narrated my 
 past adventures, and present situation. He seemed interested 
 in the matter, and promised to hold on at Geneva to give me 
 his counsel, or, perchance, his services as groomsman, if I 
 could manage to bring my bark into haven. 
 
 I left next morning for Lausanne, conning over by the way 
 various ingenious excuses to account to Miss Gamble for my 
 coming. I drove to the hotel Gibbon on arriving, and 
 inquired for my party. She was not there, having left only 
 a few days previous. I hurried off to her banker, M. Marcel, 
 and learnt that she had started on an excursion for a couple of 
 weeks or so, but they knew nothing of her route, or the 
 precise time of her return. This was a bad beginning, and 
 threw me into a quandary what course to take. It was 
 impossible to waste so much time in abiding for her at 
 Lausanne, and to go after her was equally impracticable, as I 
 could get no tidings of her direction. In this dilemma I 
 thought it best to go back to Geneva, to consult my friend 
 there, but I went over to Vevey first, hoping to hear of her at 
 the fete. I ran to all the hotels of the town, but no such 
 person had been there. In great disappointment I made my 
 way to Villeneuve, to catch the steamer for Geneva ; but as I
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 63 
 
 was going up stairs to my room at the Hotel Byron, who 
 should I stumble against but Mary, the old nurse of Miss 
 Gamble. 
 
 " Good gracious!" exclaimed the veteran Abigail. 
 
 " So," I ejaculated in equal surprise, " I have got you all 
 at last." 
 
 " You've got me," said Mary, " but my mistress is not here." 
 
 " Where in the world is she, then ? " I asked in some 
 astonishment. 
 
 "Gone to "the mountains, sir, with Miss Bennet and the 
 courier, and will be back in a fortnight." 
 
 There was no use in reminding Mary that we were in a 
 land of mountains, and that her information was very vague, 
 for I suspected her geographical knowledge stopped with the 
 sound of Bow-bells. I was greatly relieved, however, by this 
 rencontre) and I thought I could turn it to good account. I 
 told Mary I should pay her a visit after tea, and so continued 
 my flight upwards. I knew if there was anybody perfectly 
 acquainted with the innermost mind of my ignis fatuus, it was 
 this same Mary, whom I had known years ago as the house- 
 keeper of Mr. Dunlop, but who had never left the side of 
 Miss Gamble from her earliest childhood. She was a very 
 respectable old dame ; very civil and decorous in her 
 demeanour, as English housekeepers always are, but she had 
 her own share of shrewdness, as I could detect in her sharp 
 little grey eyes. She knows all I want to know, and perhapg 
 more than I am aware of, I soliloquised ; so I will see if my 
 diplomacy, shallow as it may be, is a match for the demure 
 slyness of my Juliet's nurse.
 
 4 MT COURTSHIP 
 
 " Well, Mary," I said, as I seated myself in her room after 
 my tea, " I dare say you are quite astonished to see me here." 
 
 " Dear me, sir, I never was so astonished," replied the ex- 
 housekeeper, removing her spectacles with the caution the 
 occasion seemed to call for. 
 
 " And I dare say your mistress will be quite as much 
 surprised when she hears of it." 
 
 " Yes, sir," said Mary, hesitating a little, " I think she 
 will be/' 
 
 " I have only run down to see the fete at Vevey." 
 
 "Wasn't it beautiful, sir ? I saw it." 
 
 "And I am so sorry, as I have met you, not to meet your 
 mistress before I go back to Paris." 
 
 "Oh, my!" exclaimed the old woman, thrown off her 
 guard, " going back, sir. Why, I thought you was come a 
 purpose to " and she stopped. 
 
 " But your mistress is so happy, I am sure, in running up 
 and down these beautiful hills, that I suppose she has quite 
 forgotten me." 
 
 " I declare my eyes are quite a-failing," said the evasive 
 Mary, as she pretended to pick up a pin. 
 
 " But it seems she can get on without you too, Mary." 
 
 " I don't exactly like to be left behind in this way, sir," 
 she replied in a dissatisfied tone. 
 
 Finding I had touched a chord, I went on sympathising 
 with the deserted Mary till I warmed up her heart towards 
 me and lulled her discretion. 
 
 " Her companion, Miss Bennet," I said in a careless way, 
 
 " suits her exactly, I suppose." 
 
 " Why, sir, you see mistress ia lively, and likes somebody
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 65 
 
 that talks a good deal. Now, Miss Bennet" Mary stopped 
 as if reflecting. 
 
 " Yes, I understand," I continued, " Miss Bennet is a 
 quiet, reserved sort of person." 
 
 " Just so, sir." 
 
 " But the courier, Miss Gamble writes me, is a treasure . 
 She never had a servant, by all accounts, to suit her so well." 
 
 " I don't know that," said the ex-housekeeper, bridling up 
 a little. 
 
 " Meek as a lamb, I hear." 
 
 " A little quick, sir." 
 
 " Obeys the smallest word? " 
 
 " Rather likes his own way too much, sir." 
 
 " Umph ! " I said mentally, as I found that Miss Gamble 
 had purposely exaggerated everything in her letters in 
 order to prevent me thinking she stood in the least need 
 of me. But the great secret I yearned to know was yet 
 to be extracted. 
 
 "Well, Mary," I went on to say, "you know everything, 
 of course, that has happened. Your mistress has too much 
 confidence in you, I am sure, so long with the family, to keep 
 back anything." 
 
 Mary seemed touched by my manner and words. 
 
 " Yes, sir, I do know all," she said. 
 
 " Well, I don't mind telling my mind to you, Mary, and 
 your mistress is such a sweet person." 
 
 " Isn't she, sir?" interrupted Mary. 
 
 "And so clever, and such an old friend, that I never no, 
 never would have given her up, if I had thought she was 
 attached to me." 
 
 D
 
 " Given her up !'' ejaculated Mary, deceived by my candid 
 air and cairn voice ; " why she is attached to you, sir." 
 
 " You must allow me to be the best judge of that, Mary. 
 Would she hesitate, and resist, and behave as she does, if she 
 were attached to me ? Oh no !" 
 
 " Lord bless you, sir !" exclaimed Mary, pitying my blind- 
 ness, and falling into the trap she didn't see, " that's only her 
 fun !" 
 
 " It's no use deceiving me, Mary," I persisted. 
 
 " Why, sir, don't / know ? It's all fun, I tell you. She 
 says you are so clever that she loves to torment you, and show 
 you she is as clever as you are." 
 
 " Just so, Mary. Plenty of cleverness, but no attachment," 
 and I sighed deeply. 
 
 "Attachment!" echoed the thoughtless confidente, carried 
 away by her feelings, " I tell you, sir, there is plenty of that. 
 Make your mind easy, sir, she is bent on having you. She 
 says you are the only man she would marry, and I think you 
 were made for each other." 
 
 "Well, Mary," I replied, trying hard to talk and look~un- 
 moved at this delightful revelation, " If you will stand by me, 
 perhaps I'll go on a little longer." 
 
 " Do, sir," she said, encouragingly. 
 
 " But if she continues the same silly, childish conduct," I 
 said, frowning 
 
 " I will speak to her, sir," expostulated Mary. " She 
 really oughtn't to go on in this way." 
 
 " It's a great comfort to me, Mary," I said, getting up, 
 " to see you take the same sound view of the matter as my- 
 self. But I expected as much of a sensible person like you."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 67 
 
 " Thank you, sir," said the flattered old nurse, when I 
 bid her good night, and strolled off to my room. 
 
 Nothing could have been more fortunate, certainly, than to 
 have fallen, in this unlooked-for way, upon information so 
 precious as this. I had more than once given way to serious 
 misgivings, and dreaded not only the loss of time, but the chance 
 of my feelings getting deeply entangled without, perhaps, any 
 serious intention on the part of Miss Gamble to compensate 
 me for either. I suspected she was really attached to me, and 
 could not believe for a moment that with her knowledge of 
 the world, and sense of propriety she would go to such 
 lengths with me without meaning, sooner or later, to reward 
 my hopes. Still, the emphatic assurance of her affectionate 
 old follower that her regard for me was strong, and that her 
 mind was already made up for marriage, was intensely grati- 
 fying. It dispelled my doubts, and subdued all uneasy fears. 
 I was enchanted, besides, at having stolen the secret in this 
 chance way from the only person who possessed it ; and I 
 counted on its giving me all the advantage I might want in 
 any new plots Miss Gamble might be meditating against my 
 tranquillity. 
 
 I slept more soundly that night than any since I had left 
 Bournemouth. I passed next day at the Hotel Byron, talking a 
 good deal with Mary of old times, but returning constantly to 
 a subject that was equally attractive to both of us, her mistress. 
 As Miss Gamble was not expected back before ten days, at 
 least, and as I could get no clue to her travels I thought 
 that to kill time I had better return to Geneva, and I left 
 Mary, who was in high spirits, with the promise of presenting 
 myself again in a week's time, at furthest. I found my friend the 
 
 D 2
 
 68 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 Consul still at Geneva, eagerly waiting for the news I had 
 brought him, and who congratulated me heartily on the speedy 
 prospect of terminating my campaign so triumphantly. 
 
 To keep my hand in, I made the acquaintance of the cele- 
 brated James Fazy, one of the leading politicians of Switzer- 
 land, and the head of the liberal party. I found him a sound- 
 minded, practical man, confident in the steady progress of 
 constitutional ideas, and not at all dismayed at the momentary 
 success of the reactionary cause. He spoke in great admira- 
 tion of Lord Palmerston's unrivalled abilities, and seemed to 
 look on his great name as a " tower of strength" for the pro- 
 gressive party all over Europe. He gave me a higher opinion 
 than I had before of the military resources of Switzerland, 
 and he said that, united to Sardinia, and backed if need be 
 by England and France, the Constitutional banner might be 
 successfully carried to any point designated against any odds 
 that could be brought against it. He showed no sympathy for 
 the revolutionary propaganda, that too frequently, he suggested, 
 broke down an old system, without the ability to set up a 
 better. 
 
 Before the week was out I returned to Villeneuve, and 
 was welcomed back by my old friend Mary, who had no 
 tidings yet of her mistress, and seemed uneasy at her absence 
 and the dangers her imagination conjured up. I thought it 
 would be but a small display of zeal on my part to start off 
 like a knight-errant of old in search of my ladye-love, and I 
 announced my intention to the old housekeeper who applauded 
 my gallantry. As she could tell me nothing of her mistress 
 beyond pointing to the gate out of which she drove as her 
 eyes last dwelt on her, I sent up my orisons, and took the road
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 69 
 
 before me, trusting to my good intentions and the luck that 
 devoted lovers are heir to. 
 
 I inquired all day long at every village on my way if they 
 had seen anything of such a party as I described, but in 
 vain. "Weary, but not dejected, I reached Martigny that 
 night, and was surrounded on alighting from the diligence by 
 a noisy troop of lackeys with cards in their hands, all voci- 
 ferating in bad French the superlative merits of their respec- 
 tive hotels. Putting myself in the centre of the discordant 
 band I declared my intention to follow the lead of any one 
 who would tell me anything of the party I was looking after, 
 and I began my thrice-told tale of description. 
 
 " Suivcz mo?'," said one of them immediately ; " come along 
 with me, Monsieur ; I remember the petite dame in black, 
 and the other with auburn hair. They have left a carpet-bag 
 at our house." 
 
 Suspecting that the rogue was only keener-witted than the 
 rest I went after him putting no faith in his story. To my 
 delight the carpet-bag he spoke of had Miss Gamble's name 
 upon it, and with this clue in hand I endeavoured to follow up 
 the traces of the fugitive. I got hold, at last, of the guide 
 who had accompanied her to Chamouni, where she had 
 remained, as he informed me, for two or three days to witness 
 the ascent of Mont Blanc by the world-renowned Albert 
 Smith ; but whither she had gone after that I failed utterly 
 to "ascertain. As I was more than a week behind her, and 
 could not possibly travel faster it was useless to set up a pur- 
 suit, and I had nothing to do, therefore, but to abandon my 
 original purpose and return to the Hotel Byron. 
 
 This was an inglorious termination of my gallant enter- 
 D 3
 
 70 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 prise, but I decided to give some proof, at all events, of my 
 energy in the cause by scaling some one of the gigantic moun- 
 tains that reared their frowning heads around me. In pre- 
 vious years I had ascended the famous Simplon, so I made 
 choice on this occasion of the equally illustrious Grand St. 
 Bernard, from which glorious altitude I might throw my eager 
 glance into the valleys about with the anxious curiosity that 
 Sister Anne did from the tower in the days of the dreaded 
 Blue Beard. 
 
 I was off betimes next morning escorted by the guide that 
 had done the same service a few days before for the " gay 
 little lady in black," as he called her, and as I had given up 
 all thought of seeing her on my present trip I sought to con- 
 sole myself for my disappointment by yielding with fervour to 
 all the pure and sublime emotions that such scenery as every 
 turn of the road revealed to my enchanted vision were likely 
 to stir up in the coldest heart. Whether I was in a more 
 poetical mood than usual which a hearty breakfast and the 
 fine weather might have jointly inspired or whether, in fact, 
 my late devotion to Miss Gamble had aroused the slumbering 
 sentiment of my nature, I know not, but certainly I never 
 before gave way to such enthusiastic admiration of mountain- 
 tops, of sleeping valleys, and brawling torrents, as on the day 
 in question. It wearied my guide into a mauvaise humeur at 
 last by stopping him constantly to gorge my eye with the 
 transcendant views that burst forth in all their Alpine magni- 
 ficence on every side around me. 
 
 " Monsieur n'arriverapas ce soir," was his frequent exclama- 
 tion ; and his gruff voice finally dispelled my intoxication, and 
 restored the reality of a hard day's work before us.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 71 
 
 I had no sooner chained up my fancy, and got fairly back 
 to earth again than I encountered a solitary fisherman leaning 
 intently over the pure stream that dashed fiercely down its 
 craggy channel beside me. 
 
 " Arretez /" I shouted again to the guide. " See," I con- 
 tinued, " if yon fisherman will part with those beautiful trout 
 at his side, and you shall have one of them for your dinner." 
 
 " Extremes touch/' says the proverb, and I had fallen from 
 the sublime to the hungry. And who could have resisted 
 a brace of such speckled dainties as my longing eye had 
 chanced to fall upon ? The bargain was made in a trice, and 
 I need hardly say I had no occasion to repent it afterwards. 
 
 As my guide had predicted I was obliged to sleep in 
 a wretched hut along the road, another proof that every plea- 
 sure has its price ; but I put my foot on the broad forehead 
 of the Grand St. Bernard at noon of the next day in the full 
 glare of a dazzling sunshine. 
 
 I had been thinking all the morning, not of Miss Gamble, I 
 am ashamed to say, but of Napoleon the First, who had 
 acquired such fame by scaling this identical mountain, and re- 
 gretting that whilst he had a conqueror's project to fire his 
 soul I had nothing to stimulate me but a peep at the old con- 
 vent, an acquaintance with its great dogs, and the trouble 
 of going down the same difficult path I had just ascended. 
 
 I was scarcely off my mule when I was saluted with a hearty 
 welcome from as round-faced and jolly-looking a monk as was 
 ever painted or sung. He was clad in a black soutane, with a 
 band of white tape encircling his neck and waist, denoting the 
 order to which he belonged. He addressed me in French, 
 and escorted me into a long and ill-furnished room which he
 
 72 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 said was devoted to the service of travellers. After a chat to 
 .the effect that I had never been there before, but that I was 
 glad I had come now, if only for the pleasure of making his 
 agreeable acquaintance, I asked if he had a book of travellers' 
 names. He answered " Yes," and put it before me. I 
 scanned it earnestly page after page, but I saw no trace of 
 my fair runaway. 
 
 " Is Monsieur expecting to meet some friends?" inquired 
 the obliging monk. 
 
 " Hardly expecting, man pere, but I am bound to confess 
 that I am in pursuit of a very mundane object." 
 
 "And what may that be, my son?" returned ^the monk, 
 rather curious. 
 
 " A woman," I replied, " but a very little one, if that 
 diminishes the offence at all." 
 
 " Ah, my son," said he, laughing out, " we give very little 
 heed to such vanities at this great height." 
 
 " And I don't wonder," I answered, " if it be as cold all the 
 summer round as on this bright August day." 
 
 I soon struck up a warm intimacy with my cheerful host 
 who enlivened my lunch with many curious particulars, past 
 and present, touching his romantic and out-of-the-way abode ; 
 and having nothing better to do I sauntered out afterwards to 
 inspect the curiosities of the place. There was no walking 
 without clambering up the rough steeps around that I was 
 not aspiring enough to do; so after staring a couple of 
 unsophisticated cows out of countenance, and respectfully 
 admiring the huge proportions of several of the famous Saint 
 Bernard mastiffs that were basking in the sunshine, I turned 
 down to look into the Morgue, or Dead-house, where I
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 73 
 
 beheld the drear skeletons of many unfortunate creatures who 
 had perished in the avalanches so common in this terrible 
 region. They were arranged in standing positions against the 
 four sides of a square room, lighted by several open windows, 
 and which had more the appearance of an anatomical museum 
 than anything else I could fancy. Having "supped full of 
 horrors" by gazing for some minutes on these painful objects 
 I betook myself to my bed-room to beguile the time in reading. 
 I posted myself at the window which commanded all that was 
 to be seen, and my attention was occasionally drawn to the 
 arrival of travellers who were hurrying up to the hospitable 
 convent before the night overtook them. At length, came a 
 party accompanied by several guides who cracked their whips 
 and shouted at their tired mules as though inspired by the 
 near end of their day's labour. I descried, as they came 
 nearer, a couple of women, and a man in the centre of the 
 group, and remarked that one of the former was clad in black. 
 
 "If it should turn out to be Miss Gamble," I exclaimed, 
 
 "how strange it . By all that's lucky it is she!" I 
 
 almost shouted, as I brought my lorgnette to bear upon her 
 bright little face, almost hid beneath her drooping blue "ugly." 
 I rushed after my monk, who did the office of master of 
 ceremonies, and found him at the door ready to welcome Miss 
 Gamble and party. I rapidly explained that this was the 
 identical person I was looking for, and begged him to say not 
 a word of my presence, but to leave me to manage the affair 
 according to circumstances. He was highly amused at the 
 oddity of the event, and promised to be discreet. 
 
 After dismounting, Miss Gamble and her companion Miss 
 B retired to their rooms to arrange their toilette for
 
 74 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 the dinner, now preparing for the assembled travellers in the 
 great sails aforementioned. I determined to have a little quiet 
 observation of Miss Gamble and party before I was discovered, 
 and I planted myself for that purpose in the corner of a deep 
 window in the room in question, and donned a pair of blue 
 glasses I had brought with me to protect my eyes from the 
 
 glare of the sun. Directly, she entered with Miss B and 
 
 sat down near the fire. After a minute or two she walked to 
 the window fortunately not the one that protected me 
 and looking out on the declining day, said to her friend 
 
 " What^a pity we haven't some one to accompany us for a 
 stroll ; but Louis, I suppose, is busy with the luggage.'' 
 
 " Yes," responded Miss B after a pause. 
 
 " It's a good joke," continued Miss Gamble, " that we go 
 everywhere and see nothing after all." 
 
 " Yes," repeated the laconic Miss B . 
 
 In a few minutes Miss Gamble returned to her place 
 at the fire, followed by her taciturn friend, and silence 
 ensued. 
 
 This little scene spoke volumes to me, and I would have bet 
 any money that Miss Gamble was regretting in her heart that 
 she had not brought me along with her to join her in a walk* 
 and to make her a more satisfactory response than she could 
 extract from her monosyllabic companion Miss B . 
 
 Dinner was nearly ready when the jolly monk sidled up to 
 me whispering 
 
 " Has she discovered you V 
 
 " No; not yet." 
 
 "Shall I manage," he said, full of fun, "to secure a chair 
 for you alongside of her at dinner?"
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 75 
 
 "I will remember the convent in my will if you do," I 
 replied, charmed at the proposal. 
 
 There were nearly twenty persons now collected for dinner 
 the half of them ladies : but the amiable monk was defeated in 
 his pleasant intention towards me by Miss Gamble seating 
 herself in a different place at the table than he had assigned 
 for her. I managed to keep on the same side with her, how- 
 ever, so that she might not perceive me before I intended. 
 The dinner was very good, and the conversation very brisk. 
 Miss Gamble got into chat with some lady opposite to her, and 
 she gave a vivid and graphic account of her travels, from which it 
 appeared that she had followed out the injunctions of Murray's 
 red-book with the most indefatigable ardour. I began to 
 rejoice that I had escaped the laborious exercise that would 
 have befallen me if I had been in her train. As an old 
 traveller, I should have grumbled at the toils that a novice 
 rushes at with such heedless energy. I kept glancing ever 
 and anon at the unconscious object of my observation, till Miss 
 
 B , who was sitting on my side of her, began to fancy, I 
 
 suspect, that her nice auburn hair had caught my attention, 
 and she turned her face towards me in curiosity often enough 
 to enable me to inspect its character. She was quite good- 
 looking and evidently of a placid nature, though her blue eyes 
 were not without a keen expression of their own. 
 
 When dinner was over the ladies all grouped around the 
 blazing fire which the sharp whistling air without made 
 doubly cheerful. I retired to the lower part of the room, and 
 went on chatting with a lively Frenchman who had sat next to 
 me at table, carefully keeping my back turned the while 
 towards the company.
 
 76 MT COURTSHIP 
 
 " Je vous fais mes compliment," said my French friend. 
 
 "Wherefore? "I asked. 
 
 "Because of a conquest I think you have made. There is 
 a petite lady in black near the fire there who turns her eye- 
 glass frequently upon you." 
 
 "Indeed ! " I replied, thinking it was all over with me. It 
 turned out, however, that I was not detected, and Miss 
 Gamble's attention had, probably, been directed to me by 
 Miss B , as her late supposed admirer at the dinner table. 
 
 I was anxiously abiding an opportunity, and it was near 
 ten o'clock when I remarked a chair vacant right alongside of 
 Miss Gamble. Now's my time, thought I, and gliding up 
 whilst my lady's face was directed the other way, I sat myself 
 down, like Banquo's ghost, in the empty chair by her side, 
 wondering at the possible effect of my sudden apparition. In 
 half a minute Miss G. turned round and our eyes met. Such 
 a gaze of utter amazement I never beheld before. She was 
 mute, but the blood mounted to her cheek and spread to her 
 temples. To relieve her feelings I rallied her in a familiar 
 tone for not addressing me before. 
 
 " Here have I been the whole evening," I said, " dining at 
 the same table with you, and not a word, not a glance, even, 
 have you condescended to bestow upon me. What am I to 
 think of it all, Miss Gamble ? " 
 
 " I didn't know " she stammered out and stopped, choked 
 with emotion. She turned her head, and touched her eyes 
 rapidly with her handkerchief. 
 
 " Didn't know that I was on the top of the Grand St. 
 Bernard when you supposed me to be in Paris," I remarked. 
 But finding that for once her colloquial powers had completely
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 77 
 
 deserted her, I rattled on to give her time to recover, and to 
 divert the attention of the company, who saw that something 
 odd had happened. All my efforts to draw her into con- 
 versation, however, failed for she seemed struggling hard to 
 keep down the emotion that from pride or tact she was 
 unwilling to betray. I saw enough though to satisfy me that 
 her old nurse had not deceived me as to her attachment, for 
 the symptoms before me could hardly be mistaken. 
 
 The ladies soon rose to retire for the night, and Miss 
 Gamble seemed enchanted at the opportunity of escaping from 
 
 her embarrassing position. Her companion Miss B 
 
 was scarcely less perplexed at what had occurred, and she 
 probably suspected by this time that my glances in her direc- 
 tion during dinner were meant for another party. I slept that 
 night like a "warrior taking his rest," thinking my battle 
 was finally won, and I heard nothing of the terrific storm in 
 the night that shook the old convent to its very foundations. 
 
 When I entered the breakfast-room next morning every- 
 body was already at table, busity dispatching their coffee and 
 eggs preparatory to starting on their downward way. Miss 
 Gamble was there, and saluted me with a cold nod, which I 
 thought was meant to deceive the company as to our close re- 
 lations. After the meal was over she approached the window, 
 when I advanced towards her. 
 
 " What do you mean," she said in a sharp voice, " by 
 running after me in this strange manner? " 
 
 " How can you imagine," I returned very coolly, " that I 
 am running after you, when I knew no more of your where- 
 abouts than of the man in the moon ? I have a right to 
 accuse you rather, as I was here before you."
 
 78 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " But you, certainly, came to Switzerland in pursuit of me." 
 
 " It would be ungallant," I replied, " to say the contrary." 
 
 " Did you receive my letter from Lausanne," she asked, 
 " some ten days since ? " 
 
 " I did not." 
 
 " If you had got that," she continued, " I'll be bound you 
 would not have come, though.' 1 
 
 " It would not have taken much," quoth I, " to prevent me, 
 perhaps." 
 
 " Well, I have only one thing to say now," she declared 
 " that you must go about your business at once. It is out of 
 the question your travelling with me it would compromise 
 me fatally." 
 
 " I never thought of that," I replied, musing. " But you 
 are right. I will go immediately. Good morning ; " and I 
 moved towards the door. 
 
 " Stop," she cried, as she saw me retreating. " Don't be 
 in such a hurry ; you are always so quick." 
 
 "When I ought not to be, I suppose," I said smiling. 
 " But I thought you were in earnest." 
 
 Miss Gamble looked confused, for her attempt to rebuff me 
 for the trick I had played last night had failed. We chatted 
 for a few moments, when the courier came to say the mules 
 were ready. Miss Gamble hesitated, and said something 
 about spending the day where she was; but the courier re- 
 marked that if a storm came on they might be detained there 
 several days. To her surprise I agreed with him, and it was 
 decided to go. 
 
 Down we started, picking our difficult way in single file, 
 and as talking was impossible I kept on ahead. I got first to
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 79 
 
 the half-way house, and ordered dinner. I endeavoured to be 
 as gay and amusing as possible during our repast, but Miss 
 
 B 's presence prevented any familiar conversation between 
 
 Miss Gamble and myself. I pushed ahead again for all the rest 
 of the way, and reached Martigny a good hour before the 
 arrival of Miss Gamble, where I secured rooms for her party. 
 She was greatly fatigued after her hard day's work, and re- 
 tired very soon after tea. We met again at the public breakfast- 
 table next morning, when she announced that she had another 
 mountain to do, according to Murray, and that consequently 
 she would not get back to the Hotel Byron before Thursday. 
 
 " It will be joyful news to Mary," I said carelessly, "for I 
 will see her this evening." 
 
 " Ah ! " she replied, looking surprised, " you return, then, 
 to-day ? " 
 
 " Yes, for I admit that it is not proper for me to be tra- 
 velling with you. Besides, this creeping up mountains all 
 day is such tiresome work '' 
 
 " I see," she said, not a little piqued, " that your effeminate 
 life in Paris has unfitted you for the enjoyment of nature." 
 
 " It has not unfitted me, though, for objects more attractive 
 even than fine scenery," I replied in a whisper. 
 
 The compliment brought a smile, but she was secretly dis- 
 appointed, I could see, at my singular desertion. She drove 
 
 off after breakfast with Miss B and the courier to the foot 
 
 of a neighbouring mountain, where mules were in readiness for 
 the ascent, whilst I jumped into the diligence and made my 
 way back to the old town of Villeneuve, at the top of Lake 
 Leman, glad enough to exchange the romance of Alpine tra- 
 velling for the matter-of-fact comforts of the Hotel Byron.
 
 80 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MY reader may think it capricious, perhaps, that after taking- 
 so much pains I should abandon Miss Gamble the moment I 
 had found her he may think it ungallant, and if a lady, she 
 may consider it absurd, and perhaps worse. But stop till I 
 explain myself. I perceived from my lady's behaviour the 
 morning we left the Grand St. Bernard that she meant to be 
 revenged for the violent emotion into which I had there 
 betrayed her as I have related. She was not the woman to 
 overlook such an offence as that. I was sure that out of spite 
 she would resist me to the last extremity, and perhaps 
 compel me to hop away again without my prize as I had 
 already done from Bournemouth and London, unless by some 
 very skilful manoeuTring I should defeat her plans and gain a 
 final victory over her. 
 
 My romantic devotion in climbing to the tops of the 
 mountains in pursuit of her I knew must gratify her deeply ; 
 but I dreaded lest it might turn her head, and make her 
 believe me so madly bent upon her possession as to encourage 
 her to go on coquetting till I was forced to give her up. To 
 escape all these dangers I determined to mix up, as heretofore, 
 a certain amount of nonchalance with my ardour, and to drop 
 a hint besides, that if she kept me any longer dangling 
 like Mahomet's coffin betwixt heaven and earth, there were 
 other persons, perhaps, that knew better what was good for 
 them, and who would be less obdurate and capricious. I 
 settled all this in my mind as I came down the mountain, and
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 81 
 
 I anticipated that my leaving her, as I have just shown, would 
 probably upset all her roguish plots. It would force her to 
 think that, perhaps, I was not so infatuated as she supposed, 
 and that it would not do to trifle too much or too long with me 
 at least I hoped this would be the effect. 
 
 When I got back to the Hotel Byron, I found the old nurse 
 there quite nervous with expectation, and she was heartily 
 delighted at the near return of her beloved mistress. I told 
 her all that had happened at the Grand St. Bernard, and she 
 said it was the funniest thing she'd ever heard. 
 
 "It's just like a play, sir," exclaimed Mary, "and anybody 
 must be blind not to see that it is to be." 
 
 "Perhaps so, Mary," I observed in a very grave voice, "but 
 I fear your mistress is still bent on her fun, as you call it ; but 
 I can't stand this childishness any longer." 
 
 "It is very wrong of her, sir; but I'm going to speak to 
 her." 
 
 "I hope you will Mary. I am excessively attached to her; 
 but my self-respect cannot longer endure this game of fast and 
 loose." 
 
 "Please, don't think so hard of her, sir,'' said the old house- 
 keeper, rather alarmed at my solemn manner and decided 
 tone. "Depend on it, I will tell her exactly what I think." 
 
 " If she refuse to listen to your sensible advice, then " 
 
 I left the old nurse to fill up the blank in the way I knew 
 her fears would do, and went off to my supper. 
 
 Poor dear Miss Gamble ! she little dreamt of all the cunning 
 love-snares I was laying for her, and into which I ardently 
 prayed she would put one or both of her tiny little feet. I 
 had fully secured the zealous services of her old servitor, and
 
 82 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 certainly she was an ally not to be despised: besides, there 
 was no sly Mrs. Grote at hand to upset my connubial schemes, 
 and if I don't carry the day now, I thought, then it is not 
 to be, as Mary says. 
 
 It was Wednesday, and Miss Gamble was to be de retour on 
 Thursday. It will be a good idea, it occurred to me, if she 
 should find me gone on her return instead of dying with 
 impatience to see her again as she, no doubt, expects. I 
 hurried off to Mary instantly. 
 
 "Tell your mistress," I said, "that I have received im- 
 portant letters, and was obliged to go." 
 
 "Bless my soul, go, sir! " interrupted Mary in alarm. 
 
 "Only to Geneva," I explained; "I shall be back on Friday 
 at farthest, when I hope to find Miss Gamble here and well. 
 Now, mind you speak to her, Mary." 
 
 " Let me alone for that," promised the old nurse, quite re- 
 lieved. "Now do come back on Friday, sir." 
 
 It was but a three hours' trip to Geneva by the steamer, 
 though I could have passed weeks in gazing from the lake at 
 old Mont Blanc and his white-headed offspring clustered 
 around him. 
 
 I reported to my friend the Consul (still hanging-on at 
 Geneva) all that had transpired, and he was not a little amused, 
 too, at my adventure at the convent. 
 
 "But take care now,'' he said, "you are coming to close 
 quarters, and Miss Gamble, I see, is not a bad fencer." 
 
 " It will not be for want of care, my friend, if she don't get 
 the 'palpable hit' this time." 
 
 " Allans tovjours," was his cheering expression. 
 
 I returned to the Hotel Byron on Saturday instead of
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 83 
 
 Friday, still carrying on my old game of ostensible indifference. 
 After making my toilette as effective as possible I wandered 
 all over the hotel, but without meeting the fair object of my 
 search. At length I inquired of the landlord for Miss 
 Gamble. 
 
 " She's gone, sir," he said. 
 
 " Gone!" I exclaimed in dismay. 
 
 " Yes ; she left this morning for Ouchy, and she bid me to 
 say that she wished you to join her there the moment you 
 returned. It is only half-an-hour distant from here by the 
 steamer." 
 
 " Ah ! " I replied, not a little comforted. " She wished me, 
 then, to follow her ? " 
 
 " Oh yes, sir; she bid me several times not to neglect to 
 tell you." 
 
 I was off next morning by the first boat, and found Louis 
 Miss Gamble's courier, looking out for me on the quay. 
 
 " The ladies are waiting breakfast for you," he said, taking 
 charge of my luggage. 
 
 I found Miss Gamble lodging at the Hotel de 1'Ancre, at 
 the little village of Ouchy, on the very border of Lake Leman, 
 in sight of Lausanne. I entered the sails d manger of the 
 hotel just as she and Miss B were sitting down to break- 
 fast. I joined them, and received a full account of their 
 adventures " by flood and field" since I had left them at 
 Martigny. 
 
 "Well, you ought to be called the Chamois of Portland 
 Place," I remarked to Miss Gamble, " for you skip about the 
 Alps as though you had been bred among them." 
 
 " Oh, that is nothing," she declared -with a significant 
 smile, " to what I intend to do."
 
 84 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 "What, do you mean to eclipse the fame of Albert Smith, 
 and ascend Mont Blanc ? " 
 
 " No, I have done with mountains. But where" she 
 asked, smiling more archly than ever, "do you think I am 
 going now?" 
 
 "Not going to be married, I hope ? " 
 
 " To escape so sad a fate, I am going to Constantinople." 
 
 "You are joking," I said, really confounded, but trying to 
 conceal it. 
 
 " No; ask Miss B . I met Col. T and family at 
 
 the Hotel Byron, who are bound thither, and I have made 
 arrangements to accompany them." 
 
 Miss B said it was all true. Miss Gamble's eyes sparkled 
 
 with delight at the idea of playing me a trick that was utter 
 ruin to my hopes. If she goes there she is lost to me, was 
 my secret thought, but I went on calmly sipping my tea. 
 If I oppose her she will go, but stop her I must. 
 
 " "Well, I admire your enterprise," I observed very quietly. 
 " Constantinople is, to be sure, a dirty place, full of mad dogs 
 and nasty Turks ; still, it is a queer place, and worth a visit. 
 "I wish though," I added in an emphatic way, "that you had 
 taken any month but October or November for the trip." 
 
 " Why ?" she demanded in a tone of surprise. 
 
 " However, that's a small objection to a second Humboldt, 
 like you." 
 
 " What do you mean ? " 
 
 " I mean that the plague always rages the worst in those 
 months ; there is far less danger during the rest of the year." 
 
 " The plague! " cried Miss Gamble, " the plague! " echoed 
 
 Miss B , both turning pale at the word. There was a tall 
 
 Englishman breakfasting at the same table with us, who had
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 85 
 
 overheard our conversation. He guessed my purpose, and 
 was anxious to give me a lift. 
 
 " I hope, ladies," he said, "if you goto Constantinople this 
 time of year you will ensure your lives for the benefit of your 
 families ; and if you are at all particular about grave-stones 
 you had better order them in London, for there is no such 
 thing to be had in that miserable hole." This was a crusher. 
 
 " Really," said Miss B , " I cannot think of running 
 
 such a frightful risk, and if you go, Miss Gamble, I must 
 insist on returning to London." 
 
 " But Col. T never spoke of the plague," urged 
 
 Miss Gamble, who looked horrified in spite of herself. 
 
 " Why, do you expect an old soldier's afraid of such a trifle 
 as that?" quoth I. 
 
 " I am shocked at your speaking so lightly of such an 
 awful thing," rejoined Miss Gamble. 
 
 " Pshaw ! we must all die one day," I replied, heroically 
 swallowing an egg, " and the plague never keeps you over a 
 few hours in suspense.'' I knew Miss Gamble held her life 
 in peculiar esteem, and I had said quite enough to spoil her 
 breakfast and upset her trip to Constantinople, thanks to the 
 co-operation of my unknown friend. When the ladies had 
 retired we had a hearty laugh at the joke. All the rest of 
 the day Miss Gamble was dull and moody. The trap she had 
 laid for me had caught her own foot. Next morning, she 
 said to me 
 
 " I wish you to go over to the Hotel Byron and tell 
 
 Col. T that I have changed my mind. I shan't go to 
 
 Constantinople." 
 
 " Indeed ! " I cried in seeming astonishment. " I hope you
 
 86 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 are not such a coward as to abandon 3 r our trip from fear 
 of the plague." 
 
 " Will you go, or no?" she said pettishly. 
 
 " Yes, if you insist on it. But you must give me a letter 
 stating your change of plan." 
 
 She wrote it immediately, and I was off straightway. 
 
 When I met Col. T . at the Hotel Byron, I found to my 
 
 surprise that she had deliberately pledged herself to make 
 the journey in question, and fully authorized him to complete 
 all the preliminary arrangements. He was exceedingly an- 
 noyed at what he called her levity in breaking off engagements 
 so seriously undertaken. I palliated her offence with all the 
 i ngenuity I could, but left Col. T , in spite of my elo- 
 quence in very bad humour. I was enchanted, though, to have 
 defeated this mad prank of Miss Gamble's, for it would have 
 put an abrupt termination to my courtship. Could I have 
 foreseen what was to come, I should have struggled harder to 
 send her to Turkey than I did to prevent her going. 
 
 I got back to Ouchy on Tuesday morning, and so the 
 matter dropped. After breakfast we were alone for a moment. 
 
 " If your zeal in my service is not exhausted," said Miss 
 Gamble, " I am going to ask another favour." 
 
 " Lay on, Miss Macduff, you will never hear me say 
 enough." 
 
 " Stop your nonsense. I'm going to ask you," she con- 
 tinued, " to take charge of me for two or three days. I've told 
 the courier he might go and visit his family that live in the 
 neighbourhood." 
 
 " You may confide in me," I replied, " after some sixteen 
 years acquaintance with less risk than in a servant you have
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 87 
 
 only employed for a month or so, methinks. I have but one 
 objection." 
 
 " What's that ? " she asked rather puzzled. 
 
 " Why, my character, which is none of the best, may be 
 compromised by living in this intimate way with you." 
 
 " Is that to remind me I am compromising myself?" 
 
 " It would not prevent you if it were, for you are such an 
 independent little body." 
 
 Miss Gamble tossed her head with a smile, and gave no 
 denial. I was dying to approach the topic uppermost in my 
 thoughts, but we were in the dining-room of the hotel, there 
 being no private rooms vacant, and people were running in 
 and out continually. We were seated on a sofa near the 
 window, and conversed in an under tone. 
 
 " You never got my letter from Lausanne,'' said Miss 
 Gamble, " before you left Paris ? " 
 
 " I did not." 
 
 " I will show you the copy, then," and she ran off to fetch it. 
 
 " There, read it over," she said, returning, " and you will 
 see my mind is made up." 
 
 The letter was very long, eight pages of letter-paper closely 
 written. I will merely give some extracts as a sample. It 
 was in Miss Gamble's best style. It was so like truth that 
 you could hardly imagine that it was all finesse. 
 
 "'Lausanne, August 5th, 1851. 
 
 " ' You are, certainly, an extraordinary person ! If I judged 
 you by ordinary rules, I should either never write to you again, or 
 enclose your last three letters for perusal, that you might blush on 
 reading them over at having insulted one whom you professed to 
 like, and whose position should have made her sacred in your
 
 88 MT COURTSHIP 
 
 eyes. But you cannot make me angry by any false judgment you 
 may pronounce on me, or any comments you may offer. I do not 
 think it right to disregard appearances, nor have I intentionally 
 done so.' 
 
 "You are not doing it now," I said, "by sending off your 
 courier, and remaining under my protection ? " 
 
 " Hold your tongue, and go on," retorted Miss Gamble. 
 I then resumed 
 
 " ' * * * * You think I had a fancy for you before you 
 went to the United States in 1840, but you are mistaken. Neither 
 did you make any way in gaining my affections at Bournemouth 
 subsequently. I tell you this, not to give you pain, but to prevent 
 any more mistakes. It was a most trying period of my life. 
 Suddenly left alone without a protector, and deprived of that affec- 
 tion with which the angelic being I watched over rewarded me, it 
 was not wonderful that my judgment was not as firm as usual, 
 or my behaviour as rigidly consistent as, I confess, it ought 
 to have been. The past seemed the present time. Former 
 days came back, when my uncle and aunt took a warm interest 
 in you, and I knew no harm of you. Every show of kindness 
 or affection was grateful at such a moment, and I showed you, 
 perhaps, too much indulgence. My friendship you might have 
 won, for I give you credit for many generous and noble qualities. 
 I regret it much. I should have been glad to find in you not a 
 sentimental friend, but one really interested in my welfare. It is 
 difficult for the prosperous to find real friends. Some envy me 
 my fortune ; others are disappointed 'that I will not marry their 
 sons, or brothers, or nephews : some wish me to take their sisters 
 or daughters as companions, and assail me because I choose more 
 wisely. It matters little. * * * I have had no lively adven- 
 ture in the sense you mean. One gentleman at Frankfort did cer- 
 tainly express a wish to accompany me in my tour, but I did not 
 consent. You have taken up the notion that I like to 
 rule. With regard to marriage my opinion is this : every woman 
 who is feminine in her nature would wish to find in her husband an
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 89 
 
 adviser and friend on whom she might lean. Mrs. Grote will tell 
 you that I expressed myself in this way to her, and that I confessed 
 that I was weary of my reign ; and when I marry it will be with 
 the full intention of abdicating. It is very troublesome to rule ab- 
 solutely at least for a woman and it is not from fear of forfeiting 
 my power that I continue free. If ever I marry, I only pray 
 that my husband may be worthy of the devotion I shall render him. 
 * * * When I wrote that it would give me pain if you went 
 astray I said truly, for I felt much interest in you. I confess it is 
 diminished by the tone yo\i have adopted towards me in your last 
 three letters. Still, for the memory of old times and those who are 
 gone, as well as for the few days at Bournemouth, I wish you well. 
 You think I desire to prolong my triumph, as you call it. * * * 
 Still, / would ask you to have patience. If you marry a woman you 
 do not love, no matter what the motive, you will certainly be 
 miserable, and make her so, in spite of all your good resolves, 
 which would be very cruel. As to your escapade of some years 
 since, Mrs. Grote explained it and did you justice. You are wrong 
 in supposing I passed a harsh judgment on you. I can understand 
 that your position was one of great temptation. * * * This 
 should teach us to be watchful over ourselves ; and yet you speak 
 of marrying a woman you do not love, as if the happiness of 
 another were not a solemn trust to be accounted for. Finally, if I 
 have erred in my conduct towards you, pray forgive me, and 
 believe I have never meant to give you pain. Try to entertain a 
 good opinion of me, and do not listen to all the malicious chit-chat 
 of the world. In return, I will judge you by your own actions and 
 by your own report of yourself. Whoever represented to you my 
 courier as being handsome could never have seen him. He is 
 a sturdy little body, with an open, pleasant countenance, but no 
 great beauty. I told Mrs. Grote all that had passed between us. 
 
 " ' Sincerely yours, 
 
 <"J. C. GAMBLE.' 
 
 " ' P.S. Rash man, once more I warn you not to trifle with your 
 .poiness.' " 
 
 happiness.' "
 
 90 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 "Well, what do you think of that? " inquired Miss Gamble, 
 seeing I had finished. 
 
 " I think that the General of the Jesuits is a fool to you,' 
 was my reply. 
 
 " I don't understand you," she said, with an air of naivete. 
 
 " Matchless dissembler ! You use words like Talleyrand, 
 only to disguise your thoughts. I should be shocked at such 
 deception if I did not admire the skill that veils it." 
 
 " You speak in riddles," said Miss Gamble, seemingly 
 perplexed. 
 
 " To be plain, then, you hardly admit in this crafty letter 
 that I have your friendship." 
 
 "Yes!" she replied, "I feel a friendship for you: but 
 nothing more. Do not hope it." 
 
 "And yet," I asserted with a penetrating look, "you love 
 me deeply." 
 
 " Love you ! " cried Miss Gamble, her cheeks glowing like 
 crimson. 
 
 " Yes ; for Mary has told me all. So confess your guilt 
 and cry me mercy." 
 
 The fair culprit hid her face in her hands and was dumb- 
 founded. Soon after she left the room. Poor Mary ! I thought, 
 you'll catch it now. I did not meet the convicted one again 
 till dinner-time, but she seemed reserved and crest-fallen. 
 There was no chance for conversation as we were dining at the 
 table d'hote. I felt that my time had come, and all that I 
 prayed for wcs an opportunity. The next morning after 
 breakfast I put on a serious manner and begged an interview 
 with her,- as it was my intention, I announced, to return to 
 Paris forthwith. She agreed, and proposed a walk in some
 
 AND ITS CONSEQ.UENCES. 91 
 
 lovely gardens adjoining the hotel. Miss Gamble had re- 
 covered her usual self-possession, but her air was not so 
 defiant. We walked on for a while in silence, and I was 
 meditating how best to assail her. 
 
 "Well," she observed at length, " if you have anything 
 to say, say it." 
 
 "I have nothing to say to your credit," I rejoined, "for 
 you have behaved very badly. Why did you refuse me at 
 Bournemouth ?" 
 
 " Because I didn't want you." 
 
 " Why, then," I demanded, " did you write after me and 
 apologise ?" 
 
 " I did very wrong." 
 
 " When I abandoned you in London," I continued, " why 
 did you write and beg my friendship for life ? " 
 
 " It was very silly indeed." 
 
 " You bid me a last farewell on leaving London in June," 
 I resumed, " and wrote to me in ten days afterwards." 
 
 "Worse and worse," she said, in a mock tone of penitence. 
 
 "I did not answer your letter," I persisted, "and you 
 wrote again begging a reply." 
 
 " I really couldn't help it," she expostulated; " I had such 
 a dream." 
 
 " A mere pretext," I declared. " You feared I would 
 marry another in pique. But tell me," I asked, " without 
 equivocation, why you were so overcome when I surprised 
 you on the Grand St. Bernard ? " 
 
 " Because I felt then," she avowed, " that I was gone." 
 
 " For that confession, fair sinner, I will pardon much ; but 
 justice cries aloud, and you must be punished."
 
 92 
 
 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 "According to law, I hope," she said, smiling. 
 
 "And according to religion, too; so I will make you my 
 prisoner on the spot." With that I seized her hand. 
 
 " Oh ! oh ! pray let me go !" she entreated. 
 
 Don Giovanni, in the opera, might as well have prayed the 
 marble statue to let him go. 
 
 " But there's somebody coming ! " she cried. 
 
 " I don't care," I rejoined, still holding on. " Answer, is 
 it mine ? " 
 
 " Go along yes," 
 
 "At last, then, you have said it/' 
 
 Soon after we sat down on a bench facing the lake, and 
 a great many pleasant things were uttered unnecessary to 
 repeat. 
 
 I returned to the hotel in high spirits, and my fiancee 
 seemed content. 
 
 I had gained an immense point certainly, still there was no 
 trusting her. Most women when they give their hands resign 
 themselves to their fate ; but with Miss Gamble I felt my 
 struggle had only entered into a new phase. So skittish 
 and unmanageable was she that I feared she would shy and 
 bolt, and play me many a trick before I got her to the church 
 door ; and perhaps, even, then she might run off and leave 
 me to apologise to the clergyman. I was gaining ground, 
 however, and that was some comfort. 
 
 That very night an incident occurred exceedingly fortunate 
 for me. My luck seemed in the ascendant. The courier 
 came back from visiting his family, and, as might naturally 
 happen, he had taken a bottle too much. He was quite 
 intoxicated, and presented himself in that state to Miss Gamble
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 93 
 
 to report his return. She was much shocked, and I was vastly 
 amused. 
 
 " Turn about is fair play," I said, laughing heartily ; " so 
 you must now protect your courier since he can't protect you." 
 
 Miss Gamble had a great horror of drunkenness, and this 
 event proved her folly in confiding herself to the sole care of a 
 servant who was a good fellow enough in his way, but had 
 evidently never taken Father Matthew's pledge. I had never 
 exchanged two words with her courier, but had not neglected to 
 observe him closely. He was neat in his appearance, civil in 
 his address, and punctual in his duties. His face had a 
 pleasant expression, but a certain slyness lurked in the corner 
 of his eye. In his habits he was no worse than foreign 
 couriers generally, and much better than some. He was not 
 a drunkard, but he never insulted good wine by not drinking 
 it. His getting tipsy on this occasion, however, was an 
 enormous service to me, and I vowed in my heart not to forget 
 the obligation at some future day. 
 
 The next day Miss Gamble's manner was more sedate than 
 I had seen it yet. She proposed another ramble in the 
 delightful gardens of yesterday. I wondered what was coming 
 now, for she seemed deep in thought. I screwed up my 
 courage as I pulled on my gloves, and prepared for a new freak. 
 
 " You are so charming," I began, " when you are serious 
 that I wonder that you are ever otherwise." 
 
 " I should be less so if I were always the same," she 
 replied. 
 
 " Well said, mia cara, and, in truth, you are not quite 
 detestable in your mad fits." 
 
 " Then I must be truly captivating."
 
 94 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Else you would never have entrapped me. ' 
 
 " I appreciate my good fortune. And so I am to think," 
 she demanded, " that you really love me ? " 
 
 " Why should you doubt it after all the trouble you have 
 cost me ? " 
 
 " And all for myself, I suppose?" she continued. 
 
 "You hardly expect me to say that it is for your 
 money." 
 
 " But that is what I half suspect," she said, with a knowing 
 glance ; " and I mean to put you to the test." 
 
 "It is very cruel of you to put my love in a crucible, as it 
 were, and make chemical experiments on it. But say, what 
 is your test ? " 
 
 " I don't intend," she declared emphatically, " to let my 
 money get into your clutches." 
 
 " A very wise decision on your part, Miss Prudence. You 
 wish me, then, to sign off all right and title." 
 
 " I do," was her laconic reply. 
 
 " You know I have an income of my own." 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " And with my simple habits that I might live on the half 
 of it." 
 
 " I dare say," she answered simply. 
 
 " Then what in the world do I want with your money ? " 
 
 "Then, you will sign off?" she repeated. 
 
 " Yes ! I will sign off to-day, and marry you to-morrow." 
 
 " Don't be in such an alarming hurry, pray." 
 
 " Do you believe now," I asked triumphantly, " that it is 
 not your ingots that have fascinated me ? " 
 
 " I am forced to think so, but still I doubt your love."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 95 
 
 " Because you think it too good to be true." 
 
 "What presumption!" exclaimed Miss Gamble, laughing 
 aloud. 
 
 Whereon we sat down in the same pleasant spot as yester- 
 day and went on talking till dinner-time. 
 
 " Now, by St. Paul," I exclaimed, when alone again, " the 
 work goes bravely on." 
 
 I believed in my heart that Miss Gamble was almost dis- 
 appointed that I did not make some hitch about her proposi- 
 tion of signing off. Things were going too smoothly and too 
 fast for her. She loved to struggle with and resist me, and I 
 felt so sure of this that I dreaded the difficulty I should likely 
 have to get her to name the happy day. I set all my wits to 
 work to plan how I could compass that, and once done I 
 resolved to run off to Paris immediately. It would be a risk 
 to leave her ; but, then, I calculated she would feel my value 
 more when gone, and she was left again under the sole charge 
 of her grape-loving courier. I had a presentiment, though, 
 she would make some desperate plunges before I could settle 
 the last preliminaries for our marriage ; and on the same 
 night of the conversation just recorded she manifested re- 
 bellious symptoms. The ladies had retired for the night, and 
 I was alone in the salle d manger near midnight. The door 
 suddenly opened, and in came Miss Gamble, dragging by 
 the hand her reluctant old nurse. 
 
 "There, now, Mary," she said, "do tell him what I have 
 been saying; tell him I really can't marry him." 
 
 With that she threw herself into a pretty attitude on a 
 chair, and hid her face in her hands. 
 
 Poor old Mary looked very foolish, and was silent.
 
 96 
 
 " Here, Mary," I said, "take this spoiled child and put her 
 to bed, and threaten her with the loss of her breakfast 
 to-morrow if she don't behave herself better." 
 
 I then packed both of them out of the room. This farce 
 Chough absurd was diverting, for Miss Gamble in spite of 
 her years and intellect could assume the frowardness of a 
 child to perfection. There was something infantile in her 
 disposition, and she could be as sportive, silly, and graceful as 
 a girl in her teens when the mood took her. It was one of 
 her traits I liked best. What I did not like though was this 
 sign of prolonged resistance. She's desperate, I soliloquized, 
 going to bed; but in spite of her antics I'll make her change 
 her name yet. 
 
 It was agreed next morning (Friday) that we should leave 
 for Geneva the following day. 
 
 "And mind," said my fiancee in a firm tone, "you must go 
 to another hotel there. 'Tis very compromising your living 
 in the same house with me." 
 
 " That's what I was going to propose," I replied ; " and 
 in so public a place as Geneva I should go, by all means, 
 to a different hotel." 
 
 Miss Gamble would have preferred my insisting on going to 
 the same hotel in the hope of getting up a pleasant little 
 difficulty between us. She would have given any money for 
 one good lover's quarrel that might throw me back a little, 
 but I was determined to give her no chance. How absurd 
 in me! for when a woman has once made up her mind 
 about anything the obstacle has yet to be patented that 
 will stop her. 
 
 I may as well mention a trifle that occurred the afternoon
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 97 
 
 before we left. I have already spoken of a facetious unknown 
 who had lent me a hand about the plague. He was a tall 
 jolly-looking fellow, with a quick tongue and ready wit. I 
 soon made up my mind he was not a safe acquaintance for 
 " unprotected females" at home or abroad. Miss Gamble had 
 taken a liking to him because he spoke very highly of his 
 mother, which I told her was only done to bamboozle her the 
 better, as people who really respect their mothers rarely 
 make fine speeches about them at public tables. "He's only 
 laughing in his sleeve at you," I said, but she attacked me for 
 my scepticism. I blamed her often, on the other hand, for 
 talking too much with a person she knew nothing about. The 
 
 day before we left I was walking with her and Miss B in 
 
 the gardens aforesaid, when we were joined by some gentle- 
 men staying at the same hotel, and whom we met every day 
 at dinner. The dutiful son in question was of the party, but 
 like the unlucky courier he had taken a drop too much. 
 Feeling quite at home with Miss Gamble he began walking 
 with her, when complimenting her on her supposed lightness 
 he proposed to lift her up, which she naturally declined. From 
 one impertinence he ventured to another till she got alarmed, 
 and I had to interfere. "He may respect his mother," I said 
 smiling, as we walked home ; " but he has none for credulous 
 ladies, you see." I seized the occasion to moralise a little on 
 the absurdity of her travelling about in her unprotected way, 
 remarking that many occasions arose where a courier might 
 fear to presume. 
 
 At nine next morning we all set off for Geneva. I felt 
 rather dull as the day was gloomy, and I thought, perchance, 
 

 
 98 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 that my stupidity might be turned to some account. For the 
 first time I was reserved and silent, as if I had been seized 
 with a fit of repentance for the matrimonial folly I was going 
 to commit. I was curious to see the effect. To my delight 
 Miss Gamble became uneasy. She began to think over all her 
 sins and perhaps of some I didn't know and she essayed to 
 draw me into conversation ; but I only sank, apparently, into 
 deeper melancholy, sighing now and then as if something 
 weighed on my mind. She began plaiting a shawl that lay 
 upon my knee, for we were sitting next to each other on the 
 deck of the steamer, and her face gradually assumed an 
 expression of such tenderness, mingled with remorse, at all the 
 pain she feared she had given me, that it cost me a great 
 effort to maintain my morose aspect, but I persisted. As 
 we approached Geneva I got up to look after my luggage. 
 
 " You are going, then, to another hotel ? " she said. 
 
 " Of course," I answered, " and I must hurry away to 
 secure a room." 
 
 "Well, never mind," she rejoined, taking my arm, "come 
 along with me;" and off we marched to the Hotel de Berg, 
 where her courier had engaged an apartment. 
 
 Miss B stared at this new contradiction with amaze- 
 ment, but, said I to myself, if my vinegar looks bring such sweet 
 results she shall have more of them. I was delighted to find 
 that Miss Gamble had ordered a private sitting-room, for now 
 I should be able to carry on my courtship without the 
 necessity of strolling up and down a public garden as at Ouchy. 
 
 We had just entered the room in question, and I was gazing 
 out of the window at the lake, the bridge, and other pretty
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 99 
 
 objects in view, with Miss Gamble standing at my side, when 
 she said, looking up in my face still imbued with acidity 
 
 " Can you forgive me for all my follies ? " 
 
 "It costs me an effort, Jane," I replied in thorough bass, 
 "but I can." 
 
 "Then," she exclaimed, taking off her glove, "there is 
 my hand. I will be your wife, and a devoted one." 
 
 I was really astonished at this, for her solemn manner now 
 proved to me that she was only half in earnest before. I took 
 her hand, and sobered by her serious air, said, " I accept the 
 trust, and will be responsible to you and to my conscience for 
 your happiness as far as I can promote it." 
 
 We sat down on a sofa behind us, and I may venture to say 
 that the tete-a-tete which followed was by all odds the 
 pleasantest I had known yet. That's all very nice there's 
 no denying it, I mentally observed, whilst dressing for dinner, 
 but the happy day has still to be named. Aid me, ye gods, 
 I exclaimed, till I get over that stile, and I'll help myself 
 afterwards. 
 
 We dined at the table d'hote in spite of my objections. The 
 ladies both liked to see what was to be seen there, especially 
 
 Miss B , who had nobody to court her, poor thing. Not 
 
 long after dinner, I came into Miss Gamble's room, hat in 
 hand, as it had been agreed to take a walk round the town. 
 She received me quite coldly, and when we started she re- 
 quested me to escort Miss B , as she intended to walk with 
 
 Mary. I asked, in surprise, the reason of this singular 
 caprice. She had none to give, other than it was her plea- 
 sure. She probably expected me to refuse, which would 
 have broken up our stroll and led to a nice little squabble ; 
 
 E 2
 
 100 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 but I consented, and Miss B seemed nothing loth. She 
 
 expressed her wonder at Miss Gamble's vagaries, and I 
 answered her in poetry : 
 
 " O ! how the spring of love resembleth 
 The uncertain glory of an April day : 
 Which now shows all the beauty of the sun, 
 And bye-and-bye a cloud takes all away." 
 
 I was sure that my fiancee was annoyed at the ridiculous 
 position in which she had put herself; but I kept on chatting 
 
 with Miss B in the gayest manner, which I thought 
 
 would vex her all the more. She deserves punishment for 
 
 such nonsense, methought, and so I remained Miss B 's 
 
 cavalier till we got back to to the hotel. I never doubted 
 there was a storm brewing the while, which was intended for 
 my devoted head, but I out-manceuvred her again, for bowing 
 courteously I bid her good night at the door, and sallied off 
 to find my old friend the Consul, who rejoiced heartily at the 
 rattling pace at which I was going. 
 
 Miss Gamble's manner next morning showed me she was 
 determined to have it out ; but as it was Sunday I suggested 
 our going to church, hoping the sight of the altar where we 
 were so soon to be done up into one loving parcel would calm 
 her down. But, no ; she had a head-ache, and refused to go. 
 
 I had half a notion to go off with Miss B but was afraid. 
 
 It's no use, I thought ; a quarrel she will have, and cost what 
 it may I must accommodate her but she'll pay for it. These 
 were my last words before going into action. No sooner had 
 
 Miss B , Mary, and the courier started for church, than 
 
 Miss Gamble opened her fire upon me. She had evidently 
 prepared herself for an effort, and threw all her strength into 
 the melee. After exhausting the small arms of her wit, she
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 101 
 
 brought up the artillery of argument, and banged away at me 
 as if she thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave her a couple of hours 
 sport, defending myself as well as I could, and then I rose in 
 a stately manner, as though human nature could stand it no 
 longer. "Now for another stroke of the Fabian policy," I 
 inwardly ejaculated, " and may it be the last! " 
 
 " It is pretty clear to me, Miss Gamble," I said, with 
 imposing gravity, " that you regret your late decision." 
 
 She hesitated. 
 
 " I yes, I may say I do." 
 
 " I thought from all you have said this morning that it was 
 so. I am deeply pained nay, shocked at your fickleness, 
 but I will not descend to reproaches ; your conscience one 
 day will avenge me." I took up my hat. " I give you 
 back your solemn pledge of yesterday, and and," as if nearly 
 choked with emotion, " I bid you adieu." 
 
 I staggered out of the room like a man with a knife in his 
 heart, and it was well I did, for such was her consternation 
 at my blowing up the magazine in this desperate way that 
 I could barely restrain my laughter till I got into the street. 
 
 " Hullah ! " said my consular friend, as 1 dashed into his 
 room sans ceremonie, " I was just dressing to come and dine 
 with you per invitation." 
 
 " And I have come, instead, to dine with you without 
 invitation." 
 
 " Why, what's the matter now ? " 
 
 " Let's go and take a walk when I will tell you." 
 
 I did not return to the Hotel de Berg till eleven at night, 
 and then made straight for my bedroom, curious to know what 
 the morrow would bring forth. Agreeably to the plan I had 
 
 E 3
 
 102 
 
 settled upon I was off again by ten in the morning to break- 
 fast with my friend, and remained in his pleasant company 
 till three o'clock of the afternoon. By this time I suspected 
 my discarded one must be thoroughly alarmed at my non- 
 appearance, and perhaps dreading the chance of never seeing 
 me again. 
 
 " I'll just pop over," I said, " to see if there is any letter or 
 message awaiting me." 
 
 " Take care," suggested the Consul, " not to carry it too far." 
 " Leave me to manage that." 
 
 There was nothing below at the office ; so I started for my 
 bedroom where I had hardly entered before there was a 
 knock at the door, and in came Mary with a mixed expression 
 in her face of disquiet and satisfaction. 
 " I am so glad you've come," said she. 
 "Yes I am packing up, and go to Paris to-night;" I 
 replied, making a vigorous dash at my portmanteau. 
 
 " Oh dear ! don't say so," said Mary, in trepidation, " Miss 
 Gamble begs you will come to her. She wishes particularly 
 to see you." 
 
 " It's no use, Mary," I vociferated ; " I have suffered 
 enough, and I can't stand this nonsense any longer." 
 I crammed in my clothes, as if in perfect desperation. 
 " She has suffered, too, greatly," persevered Mary, " ever 
 since you left her yesterday." 
 
 " She deserves to suffer," I bawled out, " but I don't! " 
 and I rammed in my unoffending linen with startling 
 energy. 
 
 " Just stop a moment, please Sir ! " implored Mary, and 
 she disappeared.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. lOti 
 
 What shall I do if she don't return, thought I. It was 
 wrong to let her go. To my great relief she was back in two 
 minutes again. 
 
 " Miss Gamble says she must see you, Sir, and for pity's 
 sake do come." 
 
 "What does she want," I asked as if pondering. 
 
 " She'll tell you, Sir, herself." 
 
 "Well, Mary," I said in a blander tone, for your sake I 
 will come, though I'had made up my mind never to see her 
 again. 
 
 " That's very kind of you, Sir, I'll run and tell her." 
 
 This is a victory and no mistake, methought. I flattened 
 my hair, pulled my cravat to one side, and put on the air of a 
 reckless man. I walked with a resolute tread along the 
 echoing corridor, and entered Miss Gamble's saloon. She 
 was reclining calmly on the sofa with an account-book in her 
 hand. She looked up at me and smiled in the roguish way 
 peculiar to her. I expected to find her in tears, and was 
 rather taken aback. 
 
 " You sent for me, Miss Gamble," I said in a grave tone, 
 secretly striving to resist her smile, " will you oblige me by 
 saying what you wish." 
 
 " I was agoing to ask if you would run your eye," she 
 said, in the coolest way imaginable, " over Louis' book. I 
 am so sick of accounts." This was the best thing I ever saw 
 her do. Her voice and manner was as unruffled as if nothing 
 had occurred. But I was not to be cheated out of my 
 advantage so easily. " If that is all you want, Miss Gamble," 
 I returned in a lofty manner, " I decline your request. I 
 have as little taste for accounts as yourself."
 
 104 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 Her face fell as she saw her artifice to escape an explana- 
 tion had failed. I rose slowly as if to take my leave. She 
 threw down the book, rushed at me, threw her arms around 
 -me, crying, 
 
 " You look so wretched, I cannot resist. Forgive me, I 
 
 love you." 
 
 It may be supposed that under such circumstances I was in 
 no hurry to forgive, but kept on looking wretched as long as 
 I could control my muscles. 
 
 " This time it is impossible," I said, dropping my head on 
 her arm. 
 
 " I will never behave so again," she vowed. 
 
 " You cannot mean to marry me," I whined out, " or you 
 would not go on in this heartless way." 
 
 " I do sincerely; pray pardon me." 
 
 " If you do," and I fetched a sigh, " let me know when." 
 
 " When you please." 
 
 " At the end of this month, then or the beginning of next." 
 
 " The beginning of next, then." 
 
 " It is foolish in me to give way," I said, in a fond tone, 
 " but I pardon you once more." 
 
 Was I not a fool, I observed to myself in a retrospective 
 mood, after I had left her for the night, to be taking such 
 pains to avoid a quarrel that has accomplished what I hardly 
 knew how to bring about. The beginning of October, then, 
 is to see me subside into a sober, married man. Junius, or 
 somebody else was right after all, when he declared that the 
 gayest bachelor arrives, at last, at a reflecting stage, when the 
 calmer joys of conjugal life begin to be attractive. Its funny 
 enough, though, that I who am to lose my independence,
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 105 
 
 and that charming license that makes the condition of a single 
 man one of the happiest allotted to mortals should be working 
 so hard to don my chains; whilst my betrothed who is so near 
 her emancipation from the stupidity, and other drawbacks of 
 the maiden-state should be resisting so perversely the hap- 
 piness that awaits her. Really, human nature is little better 
 after all than the Irishman's pig, that will be always running 
 the opposite way to what it ought to go. I was in great 
 dread the following day of a reaction and to prevent, or 
 mitigate it, I thought it wise to assume a seriousness of 
 manner and countenance that I knew would not be without 
 effect. Whenever I gave way, I remarked, to my natural 
 gaiety and indulged in demonstrations of affection for my 
 Jiancee, so natural under the circumstances, it was sure to 
 cost me trouble afterwards, for Miss Gamble inferring thence 
 that her ascendancy over me was complete would yield 
 invariably to that love of finesse which was the darling passion 
 of her heart. Under the " pressure from without," I had got 
 her to name the time of our marriage, but I was sure she had 
 passed the preceding night in devising ingenious expedients 
 to postpone it. When we met at breakfast next morning her 
 manner disclosed that she had a goodly fund of stratagem 
 still in reserve, and that I must look to my victory of 
 yesterday, if I didn't want to lose it. I disarmed her a little 
 by my air of deep reflection. 
 
 " If I agree to marry you," she began, when we were 
 alone 
 
 " More if *s," I interrupted in a petulant tone. 
 
 "Will you give me your word, then, to go to Italy, after our 
 marriage."
 
 106 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 "You know I would prefer remaining in Paris for the 
 winter," I replied, as though very reluctant. 
 
 " But you must make this sacrifice for me." 
 
 "Well, I consent." 
 
 She seemed disappointed at my yielding so soon. 
 
 "Will you also agree," she continued after a pause, " to 
 let me choose the route." 
 
 " I see," was my reply, " that you intend I shall travel the 
 road in Italy, and in Portland Place, that suit you best." 
 
 " No reflections ; do you agree ? " 
 
 " I suppose, I must." 
 
 She walked up and down as if at her wits end for a new 
 difficulty, and despairing to find one, she added carelessly, 
 
 " Well, there's nothing else I believe. But you must ask 
 the approval of Mr. Bates, one of my trustees." 
 
 " But I won't, that's flat," I replied rather firmly. 
 
 Her face lit up in a moment at the delightful prospect of a 
 dissention. 
 
 " Then, I really can't marry you," she said rubbing her 
 hands in dowright glee. I made a mistake here, which only 
 proves that the the best tactician, which I was not, may lose 
 fifty advantages by one act of stupidity. My vanity was 
 ruffled by her referring our marriage to the opinion of a third 
 party who didn't care a straw, I knew, for either of us, as 
 will appear hereafter. 
 
 " Its ridiculous," I remonstrated, "for a woman at your 
 time of life, and with a judgment so sagacious to leave a 
 question of such importance to the decision of another person. 
 If he were a relative, or took any particular interest in you 
 which you tell me he does not it would alter the case."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 107 
 
 " I don't care what you say," she declared in her waggish 
 manner, " you must ask him; I insist on it." 
 
 " Your oldest and best friends," I persisted, "who know of 
 it strongly approve the match." 
 
 " That may be, but I desire the approval of the party in 
 question." 
 
 I sat down, and suddenly began writing. 
 
 " What are you at," she inquired. 
 
 " Writing to Mr. Bates, your trustee, to ask if he has any 
 objections." 
 
 " Indeed,'' she drawled out, more surprised than pleased. 
 
 I read it to her when finished, and she changed some of the 
 expressions.* 
 
 " You say," I still queried, " you would like the assent of 
 Mr. Bates to our marriage." 
 
 " Yes, I wish it." 
 
 " Then," I answered, relapsing into my obstinate fit again, 
 " you may ask him yourself, for I will not, that's poz." 
 
 We had a long talk about it, and the more reluctant she 
 saw I was to comply with her demand the more importance 
 she affected to give the matter. It ended, at last, in her 
 agreeing to write next day to the party in question. It is 
 not to be denied that I acted foolishly in this, for I should have 
 started off immediately to London when I should have 
 anticipated in person all opposition ; but, in truth, I was 
 rather annoyed at appealing to a third party on a matter 
 which I was sure was perfectly indifferent to him. I had 
 besides other and wiser motives. I thought it best to let 
 
 * I retain this letter still in my possession.
 
 108 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 Miss Gamble undertake the job that she wished out of sport 
 to thrust on me, feeling quite sure that any opposition to her 
 will would only make our marriage surer, as I had no doubt 
 of her affection for me. Again, I considered it judicious to 
 let her have an obstacle to play with in order that her 
 inventive genius might not be at work to discover others, as a 
 wise physician sometimes tolerates one complaint to prevent 
 the breaking out of a worse one. Whilst out walking next day 
 with the ladies I stumbled, by chance, upon a proof that 
 showed what in fact I never doubted, that Miss Gamble was 
 not the person to allow so important a matter as her marriage 
 to hang entirely upon the ipse dixit of any individual what- 
 soever. 
 
 "I should really like to know," said Miss B , as we 
 
 were all talking together, "whether you are going to Italy, 
 or not." 
 
 " Certainly, I am going," returned Miss Gamble. 
 
 " Well, I am glad to hear it," pursued Miss B ; "but 
 
 what made you get Flemish money at your banker's this morn- 
 ing, which looks as if you were about returning to England?" 
 I glanced at Miss Gamble who was blushing and smiling, 
 but she made no reply. This incident convinced me either 
 that she anticipated the approval of the trustee referred to, or 
 that she meant to come to England to redeem her pledge 
 without it. The same evening I encountered Mary in the 
 corridor. 
 
 " I am getting on famously, Mary," I said, accosting her. 
 " Yes, sir; but why not finish it here. It will be such a 
 job to get her back to London. I never saw her so wild in 
 all my born days. I think you have bewitched her, sir ! "
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 109 
 
 " Why, I should prefer that of course," I answered ; " but 
 she must go to London to see her lawyer, as I am to sign off 
 before the marriage." 
 
 " Well more 's the pity," said the old woman, who was 
 bothered by the keen encounter of wits going on between her 
 mistress and myself " more's the pity, I say, for she never 
 will come to herself again till its all over that's my opinion." 
 
 " Yes, and mine too, Mary ; but there's no help for it." 
 I had now accomplished all I could hope to do, and a good 
 deal more than I had ventured to expect; so I concluded the 
 next best thing would be to afford Miss Gamble a chance of 
 testing my value as a companion and protector against the 
 vaunted merits of her courier, by going off at once. She had 
 no idea, as yet, that I intended, or would dare to leave her; 
 but whatever the risks, I thought the bold game the best one. 
 Aut Ccesar, aut nihil. Besides, it was now the 3rd of 
 September, and I had been away from Paris nearly a month 
 without vouchsafing to my supervisor there any sufficient 
 explanation. 
 
 "I have got tired of Geneva," said Miss Gamble to me on 
 the day in question. " I am going back to Ouchy to-morrow; 
 I miss those beautiful gardens." 
 
 "Sacred to such delightful souvenirs,'' I answered, smiling. 
 "But tell me," I continued, "have you written to your trustee 
 yet." 
 
 "I will do it," she affirmed, "when I get to Ouchy." 
 
 " If he answer in the affirmative," I enquired, "you will 
 come to London ? " 
 
 " I suppose I must ! " 
 
 " If he oppose," I demanded ; " What then ? "
 
 110 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 "Why then," said my tormentor, "we shall see." 
 "Very well; but whilst you are waiting his answer at 
 Ouchy I will run off to Paris, and you will let me know the 
 result by letter." 
 
 Miss Gamble looked at me in surprise ; but she thought I 
 was jesting, and gave no great heed to what I said. That 
 evening, however, I assigned various reasons but suppressed 
 many more why I should return to Paris. She was not 
 pleased at this decision, but was too proud to oppose it She 
 was to leave at ten next morning in the steamer for Ouchy : 
 and we were alone for a minute or so before she started. I 
 never saw her more serious or gentle, and her parting with me 
 was by far the most affectionate and conclusive thing that had 
 yet occurred. I accompanied her to the boat, and pledges 
 were mutually made as to our writing to each other. As I 
 took leave of her, she said with emphasis, "No more nonsense: 
 I promise you that;" for which I made my hearty acknow- 
 ledgments in advance, not expressing, however, all the 
 incredulity I felt. I dropped a remark or two, en passant, to 
 the courier of Miss Gamble, bidding him keep a sharp eye on 
 the proceedings of the "tall gentleman" still staying at Ouchy, 
 and to see that his mistress suffered no annoyance ; and, above 
 all, I recommended him not to visit his friends again whose 
 wine was clearly too tempting for his self-denial.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 I GOT back to Paris in high spirits and certes, I had reason 
 enough to be abundantly satisfied with my trip to the land of 
 Tell. All doubtful points where cleared up. I had ascer- 
 tained Miss- Gamble's regard for me not only from her 
 confidant, Mary, but at last from her own confession, and 
 " assurance was made doubly sure" by the pledge of her hand 
 to me in proof of it. Whatever apprehensions might still beset 
 me as to future crosses, I had none as to the final redemption 
 of the hand she had so deliberately and repeatedly plighted. 
 Old John Wesley, in the height of his religious fervor, never 
 put more trust in the "promise" immortal, than I did in that 
 of the fallible lady whose vows I relied on. 
 
 " Faith, mighty Faith the promise sees, 
 
 And looks to that alone ; 
 
 Laughs at impossibilities, 
 
 And cries It shall be done ! " 
 
 On my side, I was better satisfied than ever with my bar- 
 gain, for notwithstanding her playful conceits and coquettish 
 sallies my mind had never altered as to her real worth. I 
 was satisfied that when "it was all over," as Mary expressed 
 it, she would settle down into a sensible, and certainly most 
 captivating wife and companion. There was much, I observed, 
 in her disposition congenial to my own. Her buoyant tempera- 
 ment and vivacious manners harmonized with my own mercurial 
 nature. There were, besides, good breeding, an "excellent 
 thing in woman" grace and amiability. Loftier traits were 
 not wanting, for I could discover a bold spirit and uncommon 
 force of character. But the great attraction of all (and to me
 
 112 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 an indispensable one in man or woman) was her vigorous and 
 highly cultivated intellect. The fascination of an original and 
 powerful mind is for me something indescribable. In a man 
 it exercises a singular sway over my feelings, whatever other 
 drawbacks may clog it ; but in a woman it stirs within me 
 an admiration that amounts to fanaticism. 
 
 This, I believe, is not common to all men, for the sterner 
 sex is apt to look with jealousy and dislike on a has bleu as an 
 interloper upon territory that belongs exclusively to them- 
 selves. However this may be, a superior intellect in a woman 
 united as it invariably is to great strength of character has 
 always enchained whilst it humbled me. Intellect and energy 
 in men seem to me more a matter of course, for with these 
 instruments, as it were, they carve their way to fortune's 
 heights; but in women, on the contrary, they are for the 
 most part stumbling blocks to their success in life. It is by 
 softer attributes that their destiny is accomplished ; and nature 
 has ordained that woman's influence should rather exert its 
 spell over the heart than the reason of the rougher sex. Thus, 
 an intellectual woman is rather an exception to her sex, and 
 her setting up as a rival in mental effort not only exposes her to 
 the loss of male sympathy but, as I have said, is calculated to 
 excite positive feelings of aversion. A woman of genius has, 
 therefore, a cruel choice to make; and before she ventures 
 upon a struggle with the other sex in the lofty domains of 
 letters and science she must have gone through a painful 
 estimate of the sacrifices, and, above all, the self-denial neces- 
 sary for the task. The high cultivation of her intellect 
 demands in a woman the abdication of her true destiny, and 
 it is for this voluntary martyrdom, perhaps, that I look up
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 113 
 
 to them with so much deference and affection. Of all the 
 characters that flitted across that mighty scene, the French 
 Revolution," there are none in my view to surpass in true 
 heroism Madame Roland. To say nothing of her intel- 
 lectual powers, what an amazing triumph of mind over 
 feminine nature to refuse, as she did, an easy escape from her 
 prison and to meet a terrible death with the calm courage of a 
 soldier. 
 
 I have somewhat clumsily endeavoured to explain a trait, 
 if not a peculiarity, of my character, and thus it is that 
 not only in my own country but in the many I have visited I 
 have sought with avidity the acquaintance oflesfemmes d' esprit* 
 It may, therefore, be seen and credited that of all Miss 
 Gamble's attractions for me her fine mind stood highest on the 
 list. 
 
 I had not returned to Paris many days before I sent a 
 second letter to Mrs. Grote to inform her of my final success 
 in the struggle I had carried on with no little ardour, and to 
 the difficulties of which she had in some measure contributed. 
 Her answer gave me great satisfaction, and did equal credit to 
 her taste and good feeling. Here it is 
 
 "London, September 13, 1851. 
 " My dear Mr. Wikoff, 
 
 " I received yours from Geneva duly, and eke that of the 
 12th current, Paris ; but I was ill and could not write, and a three 
 days of suspension brings on a heap of duties which I can hardly 
 overtake. I write you this scrap to congratulate you upon one of 
 the most advantageous achievements which you ever attempted. 
 Certainly the adage of ' Faint heart never won fair lady' has rarely 
 received a more striking illustration. You have displayed that 
 indomitable energy of purpose (the rarest quality of our times be it
 
 114 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 remarked) which brooks no discouragement : and the success you 
 are now tipsy with proves how vast an engine is this pertinacity of 
 will you are master of. Americans are thought to inherit this 
 attribute, and I am disposed to join the believers, only, I trust you 
 will reserve its employment for becoming occasions, and view 
 matrimony as a relation in which concession on both sides is 
 absolutely indispensable to its happiness. If I knew where to 
 address it, I would send a line of congratulation to the fair 
 wanderer on this important change in her prospects. You know 
 how pleasing an impression Miss Gamble left upon my mind, and 
 that, consequently, I consider an union with her as fraught with 
 rational hopes of happiness and intelligent companionship. On her 
 side, she has given her plighted faith to a man who will, I think, 
 fulfil his promises as far as his own resolves can bring them to pass. 
 If I did not believe he was likely to prove an honorable and kind 
 husband I should withhold my felicitations; but I cannot doubt his 
 vows to cherish and protect his amiable and estimable future wife. 
 In fact, were he to belie my trust, it would be a clear case of 
 decadence and ruin. I feel very serious in reflecting on this 
 eventful decision, I confess, and could run on with my homily to 
 undue lengths, if I were not checked by the remembrance of our 
 conversations, in which you unfolded so much evidence of having 
 weighed all considerations on this head that I could hardly suggest 
 anything you had not gone over in your own lucubrations. * * 
 * * * I shall be glad to see you and renew, 
 viva voce, the assurances of my sympathy with this turn of fortune 
 in your favor, which I would fain behold as the ' tide in your des- 
 tiny ! ' Tend and improve it now, Henry Wikoff; and, above all, 
 cast not one look behind you. Clip the wings of your too vagrant 
 fancy and fasten on to the realities which attend your future. 
 
 "In great haste, and with best wishes for both your 
 welfare, 
 
 " I remain, very sincerely, Your's, 
 
 "H. GROTE." 
 
 This letter bearing such flattering evidence to the merits of 
 my affianced bride, as AVell as to the writer's belief in my
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 115 
 
 loyalty and affection was exceedingly gratifying to me, and I 
 readily forgave Mrs. Grote for caballing against me in the 
 previous June. Everything promised so fair that I thought 
 I might venture to gratify the curiosity of mes intimes, as 
 rumours of my approaching marriage had got to Paris before 
 me. I announced to a few only, however, the fact of my 
 engagement, and was duly congratulated, for though I put 
 great faith in the deliberate pledge of my betrothed I 
 could not resist altogether the conviction that with her 
 propensity for sport many chances might arise to retard the 
 consummation of my hopes. I made known my Benedictine 
 
 intentions to his Highness the Prince N , who wished me 
 
 all manner of good luck. I gave the news to another old 
 friend of mine, the lamented Count d'Orsay. 
 
 " Eh bien, mon cher," he said, in his genial way, " so 
 you are going to marry." 
 
 " Yes, Count," I replied, " you see I am not deterred by 
 the ill luck of some of my friends," alluding to his own ill- 
 starred marriage. 
 
 "You do well," he returned, smiling sadly, "but it must be 
 admitted that you Americans succeed better than most people 
 in all your schemes of annexation." 
 
 I little thought at the time that this would be my last 
 conversation with this interesting and singularly gifted man. 
 He was much altered in his appearance since the death of his 
 
 friend Lady B , but his health gave no token of premature 
 
 decay. He was absorbed as usual in works of high art. He 
 exhibited to me on this occasion an admirable bust from life 
 of the King Jerome Bonaparte, inimitable for likeness and 
 expression. I glanced over afterwards several charming
 
 116 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 sketches lying on his table, thrown off with that brilliant 
 facility which distinguished him. However fascinating the 
 productions of his chisel or pencil, I always turned from 
 them, as I did then, to the greater attraction of his sparkling 
 conversation. Few men ever talked better than Count 
 d'Orsay. Whether he discussed politics, literature, art, or the 
 trite topics of the day, he invariably seized with the dis- 
 cernment of a keen intellect the striking point in each, which 
 he presented in its various aspects with a felicity and point of 
 expression rarely equalled. He spoke briefly, but with a 
 terseness that gave the force of epigram to all he uttered. 
 Alas ! that such a man should, by the caprice of fate, have 
 wasted in drawing-rooms the treasures of a mind that would 
 have shed lustre on letters, or raised diplomacy above the 
 low arts of intrigue. Amongst other visits I paid with the 
 intelligence of my coming nuptials was one to the lovely Mrs. 
 
 R of Philadelphia. I had known this elegant person many 
 
 years, and standing as she did at the pinnacle of American 
 society in Paris I was solicitous to secure her good will for 
 my fiancee, whom she did not know. Though only a resident 
 some three or four years in this capital, the splendid mansion of 
 
 Mrs. R was already the favorite resort of the noblest and 
 
 most recherche society, and her numerous and costly enter- 
 tainments acquired an additional charm from the rare beauty, 
 esprit, and captivating manners of the fair hostess. I 
 remember once expressing my surprise to the celebrated 
 Dupin, then President of the Assembly, at seeing him linger 
 
 to a late hour in the dazzling saloons of Mrs. R , on a 
 
 ball night. 
 
 " I should have thought, Monsieur le President," I said,
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 117 
 
 " that your hard work in keeping the turbulent spirits of the 
 right and left in order the live long day would have 
 indisposed you for such gaieties as these." 
 
 " I never go to balls," he replied, in his laconic way, "but 
 I think it due to the elegant hospitality of your beautiful 
 compatriote to make her house an exception, and I feel no 
 remorse at sacrificing an hour or two in such company as I 
 meet here.'' 
 
 I confided to Mrs. R the secret of my matrimonial 
 
 scheme which she complimented me warmly upon, assuring 
 me, at the same time, of a kind reception at her house of the 
 
 future Mrs. W . No sooner had I got through these 
 
 customary preliminaries when I received a letter from Miss 
 Gamble, dated Vevey, saying, that she had decided on writing 
 me a few lines only to oblige Mary, though in fact she had 
 nothing to say but that she had written to her trustee as agreed 
 upon, and that she would loiter about that neighbourhood 
 till she got his reply. Nothing could be more formal and 
 cold than the style and spirit of this letter, and coming after 
 all that had passed between us, and in the face of her last 
 promise it startled me considerably. 
 
 I regarded it, however, as only another expedient to throw 
 me into suspense, in which she certainly succeeded, for I felt 
 serious doubts now as to what her next step might be. I 
 regretted not a little that I had said a word of my engage- 
 ment, for I dreaded becoming an object of ridicule in case of 
 my being jilted at last. I replied to Miss Gamble immedi- 
 ately, remonstrating in a temperate manner on the tone and 
 language of her letter, and begging she would let me know her 
 intentions when she received the expected answer of her trustee, 
 I took care not to say I was very much shocked and hurt by
 
 118 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 her unpalatable epistle, lest I might encourage her to repeat 
 the dose ; I considered it wiser to affect rather more indifference 
 than I felt. Nearly three weeks elapsed without my hearing 
 another word of her, although she was but twenty-four hours 
 or so by post from Paris, and I really began to fear that she 
 had winged her way to the deserts, and left me finally in the 
 lurch, for one might say of her as Rivarol said of her semblable, 
 
 "Ilfaut tout craindre, on peut tout croire." 
 
 After wearing myself out in the most perplexing conjectures, 
 I wrote again to Mrs. Grote, hoping to extract a little comfort 
 from her sympathetic pen. She replied 
 
 " London, October 5th. 
 
 " What possible advice can I, or any one else give to one 
 in your present situation ; only that of patience till some light 
 shine in upon the darkness of your path. If, indeed, Miss Gamble 
 play you these tricks out of the wantoness of womanly caprice it 
 would not be so difficult to offer you advice, nor, I should hope, 
 would any be necessary to a man like you, who has a sense of self- 
 respect at the bottom of all his embarrassments. But I cannot 
 believe that the lady torments you maliciously, or even unfeelingly. 
 You must have strangely misinterpreted her if she be capable of 
 trifling with a person to whom she has pledged "her most precious 
 possession. No ; she is putting you through a probation a la 
 Tamino in the Zaubeflotte to try your constancy and temper. 
 Seriously, if Miss Gamble should, haply, repent her of her promise, 
 you would hardly consult your lasting interests by insisting on its 
 fulfilment. I know you well enough to be morally certain you 
 will be unhappy, unless Jane give a willing consent to unite her 
 fate to yours. I am in town for the rest of October, saving a visit 
 of a night or two, here and there, to relations within short 
 distances. 
 
 "Wishing you a speedy and happy solution to this riddle, 
 " I remain, yours faithfully, 
 "H. G."
 
 AND ITS COXSEQUENCES. 119 
 
 I quite agreed with Mrs. Grote that I must have misread 
 the character of Miss Gamble, notwithstanding all her play- 
 fulness, if she were "capable of trifling with a pledge," so 
 often repeated and of so solemn a nature. I hardly thought 
 it fair for my affianced to imitate Mozart's heroine by renew- 
 ing a probation that had been trying enough to verify both my 
 " constancy and temper." Still, with my usual buoyancy, I 
 continued to hope for the best. I was not disappointed, for 
 the same day with Mrs. Grote's came a letter from Miss 
 Gamble, dated Como, and, how different from the last! She 
 informed me that she had received no reply from her trustee, 
 Mr. Bates, and she vented her displeasure on him in pretty 
 sharp terms ; but she had at last decided, so she wrote, to come 
 to London immediately to fulfil her promise. 
 
 She bade me write to her at Calais by the 6th of October, 
 that she might know if I were well. My first impulse was, 
 naturally, to run off to meet her there, and to accompany her 
 to London. This was what my gallantry suggested, but 
 prudence whispered I had best be cautious, and not manifest 
 too much anxiety. It was painful to suppress my elation, 
 but in every instance I had not done so I had dearly paid for 
 it. I wrote to Calais, as requested, saying I should meet her 
 in London on the day named. I may as well mention here 
 some details that came to my knowledge afterwards, reflecting 
 her state of her mind at this period. After writing to me, as 
 related, from Vevey, Miss Gamble made an excursion or so 
 in the neighbourhood ; then, crossed the Simplon, and hovered 
 about the Italian lakes, daily expecting news from her tardy 
 correspondent at London. During this interval she concealed 
 her future movements from all around her, and had she re-
 
 120 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 ceived a letter that would have afforded her a pretext, she 
 would have most likely given me the slip, and been off again, 
 it is hard to say where. In this case I had resolved not to 
 follow her. Wearied, at last, of her own indecision, she 
 suddenly made up her mind to keep her word, and, writing to 
 me as just stated, she set off for London with incredible speed, 
 travelling almost night and day till she reached Calais. She 
 expected to find me there, and, on her arrival at the station 
 she bid the courier look about for me in the crowd, and was 
 disappointed at my want of attention. The moment she 
 reached her hotel she sent to the post-office, and manifested 
 great delight at receiving my letter, and wished to cross the 
 Channel, though quite boisterous, the same night. The courier, 
 who was inclined for a rest, frightened her out of it by declar- 
 ing it was a French steamer. 
 
 On the road to London next day she was never so gay, 
 and the prospect of her approaching marriage seemed to fill 
 her with the liveliest joy. How little did she forsee the 
 singular turn of events that awaited us both. 
 
 I reached London on the evening of the 8th of October, and 
 had no sooner got to my hotel in Cavendish Square, than I 
 sent off to Portland Place to know if my betrothed had 
 arrived. I learnt that she had got home the day previous. 
 Hurrying through my dinner, I made my way to her resi- 
 dence. It is needless to say I was greatly exhilarated at this 
 triumphant close of all my crosses and struggles, but still, in 
 spite of me, shadows flitted athwart my anticipations, and the 
 nearer I got to the goal the greater my anxiety at the hidden 
 obstacles that might suddenly arise to wither my hopes. I 
 found Miss Gamble at her piano as I entered her drawing-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 121 
 
 room. I approached to salute her when she bolted away, and 
 entrenched herself behind a sofa. This was a sympton, at 
 once, that she had not abandoned her old tactics, and I 
 resigned myself accordingly. A parley was come to, and a 
 truce agreed upon. She gave me an account of her rapid 
 transit across the continent on her way to London, and said 
 that poor Mary was quite ill from excessive fatigue. After 
 expressing my sympathy, I said, " How shall I make my 
 acknowledgements at this flattering zeal to keep time with me 
 and meet your engagements ?" 
 
 " You had best reserve your compliments for the present," 
 she answered smiling as of yore, " till you know what has 
 brought me back." 
 
 "Why can there be any doubt of that? " I asked calmly, 
 but not a little startled. 
 
 " I have only returned to know," she said, "why my 
 trustee has not answered my letter." 
 
 " Do you mean," I asked, "that you do not intend to keep 
 your pledge?" 
 
 " I don't know what I intend, so don't bother me. But I 
 must know what my Trustee thinks of it." 
 
 " You are resolved, I see, to keep me in cruel suspense to 
 the last. It is not fair to rob me of the reward I have well 
 earned, and which is the highest of all, to contemplate with 
 certainty the happiness that awaits me." 
 
 "Nonsense," she exclaimed, "there is nothing certain, and 
 who can tell what a day may bring forth ? " 
 
 She spoke prophetically without meaning it. I replied to 
 her lively banter in a tone of mild remonstrance, and with 
 much gravity of manner, as I foresaw she was determined to
 
 122 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 give me a fling or two before resigning the struggle, and 1 
 thought it best to meet her last, perhaps, most desperate 
 efforts, with perfect composure, but with all the vigilance and 
 adroitness I could muster. 
 
 " I have sent to Mr. Bates to day," she continued, " and 
 he says, he wrote to me, and his letter must have miscarried." 
 
 " That's very diplomatic on his part," I observed, " and he 
 don't mean if he can help it that you shall make a barricade 
 of him." 
 
 " But he is coming here on Friday," she returned " to give 
 me an answer in person, and till then you must suspend your 
 hopes." 
 
 " Be it so, fair dame, but I trust there is no more serious 
 obstacle." I threw out this remark suspecting there might 
 be still a snare in reserve for me. 
 
 " Yes, there is," she said slowly, as if poising the new 
 missile intended for my luckless head. 
 
 " What now?" I demanded. 
 
 "I feel," she declared, "I cannot help it, that I do not 
 love you enough." 
 
 She assumed a look of deep remorse at this confession, 
 which she supposed would fill me with dismay. 
 
 "I am glad to hear it," was my answer. 
 
 " How so?" she exclaimed in surprise. 
 
 " Because it leaves me something still to accomplish after 
 marriage. Too much love beforehand is apt to lead to a 
 reaction. This will not be our fate." 
 
 This new arrow had broken in her grasp, but her quiver 
 was not yet exhausted. She tried now to arouse my 
 jealousy.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 123 
 
 " Did I ever tell you there is another Richmond in the 
 field, a Scotch gentleman, who has often aspired to my hand." 
 
 "No!" 
 
 " I promised to give him an answer in the spring." 
 
 " Don't keep the poor fellow in suspense then," I urged, 
 " write and say, you are already engaged." 
 
 " Yes, but I feel more sure of him than of you." 
 
 "There is an advantage, however," I replied "in my favour." 
 
 "What?" 
 
 " Why, that you like me better." 
 
 "Well, really, there is no use talking sense to you," she 
 cried in despair at seeing me make my way through all her 
 cunningly planned devices. We went on talking till midnight 
 when I left promising to call, of course, next day. I had 
 calculated accurately. Miss Gamble was determined to 
 manoeuvre to the last; and, like Napoleon in 1813, the more 
 desperate her position became the more fertile and ingenious 
 were her expedients. But my courage rose with the crisis. 
 It was late next day before I reached Portland Place. To 
 my delight, I found my charmer in one of her serious and 
 most winning moods. She called me, for the first time, by 
 my Christian name, and there was an affectionate familiarity in 
 her manner that proved how fully her mind was made up, and 
 how futile was the pretext of her trustee's approbation. After 
 chatting awhile, she remarked, 
 
 " You must think it very selfish of me, I fear, in asking 
 you to go Italy this winter, when I know your anxiety to 
 remain for political reasons at Paris." 
 
 " No, indeed, I do not," I answered, " for as you have 
 never been there it is natural you should wish to go at once."
 
 124 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " But that is not the reason;" and she gazed at me with a 
 fond smile. 
 
 " No ; then what is it ?" 
 
 "Divine it!" 
 
 I begged to know it. 
 
 "Why, I think it best," she continued, " that we should 
 spend a few months in each other's society before mixing with 
 the world, that we may get better acquainted with each other's 
 tastes and habits." 
 
 She had never before so completely thrown aside her 
 coquettish defences, and her tones were so earnest and tender 
 as to show that her heart was in her words. My vigilance had 
 well nigh melted away, and I was tempted to throw myself 
 at her feet, and yield to the inspirations of the moment ; but I 
 resisted, for I remembered that every display of honest affection 
 on my part had entailed trouble and perplexity upon me. 
 
 " That is most reasonable and desirable," I replied, "and 
 I readily give up my plans for so delightful a prospect as the 
 one you suggest. We will pass the winter in Italy then, and 
 return to Paris in the spring." Before leaving her, I spoke 
 of calling on Mrs. Grote, when she said with earnestness 
 
 " Pray, do not, for if you mix her up any further in this 
 matter you'll regret it hereafter." 
 
 " I have no idea of doing so," I answered; " but call on her 
 I must, for she is my oldest friend in England." 
 
 " No ! " she returned, approaching me with an abandon I 
 had never witnessed, even, at Geneva. " No ! that is my 
 perogative ; she is neither your oldest or best friend I come 
 before her." 
 
 My visit was abridged on account of other engagements,
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 125 
 
 but we parted on the most affectionate terms. I never before 
 felt such confidence in our marriage, which seemed now so 
 near. It pained me to disguise during our interview the 
 ardent feelings that possessed me, but I dared not give way to 
 them. The more self-control I maintained the less pains she 
 took to conceal her own fondness, whilst, if I attempted any 
 reciprocity in this respect, which is the whole charm of court- 
 ing, as I understand it, her mocking spirit instantly broke out 
 and bantered me back to my senses again. 
 
 This was more novel than pleasant, but her lively wit gave 
 piquancy to these surprises. From the beginning this had 
 been the peculiarity of our eccentric courtship. A real 
 affection existed beyond doubt on both sides, but there was 
 an equal struggle at the same time to conceal it ; whilst every 
 possible trick was adopted to elicit from each other a demon- 
 stration of that regard it is so delightful to lovers to detect. 
 All this absurdity was odd enough at our ages, but it would 
 have been the same, doubtless, if our years had been doubled 
 for it arose from a common defect in each, an overvaulting 
 pride that refused allegiance to a stronger passion still. 
 
 It was seen by my last conversation with Miss Gamble, 
 that she expected a visit the ensuing day from her trustee, 
 Mr. Bates, and it is time I should say a word or two of this 
 distinguished person. The name of Mr. Joshua Bates is 
 familiar to the financial world of Europe and America. For 
 many years he has conducted the vast operations of one of 
 the first Commercial Houses of England, Baring, Brothers, 
 with signal ability, and the credit and fortunes of the house so 
 ably presided over in times past, by the late Lord Ashburton 
 have risen still higher under his skillful and judicious control
 
 126 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 albeit its sphere of action must have been vastly extended. 
 Mr. Bates entered the house many years since in a subordinate 
 capacity, and though a foreigner with no interest to back him 
 he rose steadily to his present eminent position by the sheer 
 force of his commanding talent. The management of such 
 an establishment requires in the person charged with its 
 direction something more than mere commercial ability, for 
 connected as it is by loans with the leading governments of 
 Europe a thorough knowledge of the resources of each state, 
 and no small degree of political acumen is necessary to know 
 where millions may be invested without risk, or loss. That 
 Mr. Bates unites every requisite for his arduous task is proved 
 by the successful career of the firm in his hands which stands 
 first in England, and is second to none in Europe or America. 
 His countrymen may be justly proud to see another American 
 name added to the bright list of those who have acquired 
 honor for themselves and reputation for his country by a 
 useful and distinguished life abroad. 
 
 To return to my story. I had known Mr. Bates intimately 
 since 1836, when attached to our Legation in London,* and 
 through all the intervening years I had been always a welcome 
 guest at his hospitable board up to the present day. I did not 
 believe then, for a moment, he would offer the least opposition 
 to my marriage with Miss Gamble, even if he condescended to 
 mix himself up with so paltry a matter. In any case I felt 
 
 * I can hardly give a stronger proof of this than the fact that Mr. Bates 
 invited me to accompany his wife and daughter, now Madame Van de Weyer, 
 the Belgian Ambassadress, in March, 1836, to Brussels and Paris for a 
 sojourn of some three months, as he was unable to go with them from the 
 pressure of business. I deeply regretted that circumstances did not allow 
 me to accept this flattering invitation.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 127 
 
 pretty sure that his objections or those of any one else would 
 weigh little with the lady in question if her own inclinations 
 prompted the other way; which, I appeal to my reader, if I 
 had not good reason to believe they did. It was on Friday, 
 the 10th of October, I paid my last visit to Portland Place. 
 It was on Friday too, at Bournemouth, that I made my first 
 offer. Really, the superstitious have it all their own way this 
 time. I found Miss Gamble when I entered seemingly plunged 
 in thought. There were clouds in the horizon I could see 
 plainly ; but I had so often drawn off the lightning unscathed, 
 that I seated myself beside her with composure and awaited 
 the mutterings of the coming storm. 
 
 " Have you brought Mrs. Grote's letter of congratulation 
 that you spoke of?" she asked. 
 
 "Yes; here it is." She read it smiled like one pretty 
 well committed and let it drop on the floor without comment. 
 
 Her manner was peculiar, and had an air of extreme 
 indecision, as though wondering if I would stand another test 
 or not. 
 
 "Mr. Bates has just been here," she continued. 
 
 "Well, what did he say? " I asked. 
 
 " He brought me a copy of the letter he insists that he 
 wrote me." 
 
 " And what are its contents ?" 
 
 "Judge for yourself;" and she handed it to me. 
 
 " Nothing could be more sensible," I replied, after perusing 
 it, " than the common-places it contains on the trite topic of 
 matrimony; but there is not a word, as I expected, on the 
 subject of your choice." 
 
 " But he opposes it," she answered.
 
 128 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Does he assign any reason ?" 
 
 "No!" 
 
 "A man like Mr. Bates," I remarked, "usually gives a 
 reason for a grave opinion. However, the time is come for 
 you to decide whether he, or you are best qualified to pro- 
 nounce on my pretensions to your hand. I shall forbear any 
 remark as superfluous." 
 
 " I am going down to Sheen to-morrow," said Miss Gamble, 
 " to spend a couple of days with Mr. Bates." 
 
 "Meanwhile, I am to dangle, as usual, betwixt despair and 
 hope deferred? " 
 
 " Why, the more I think of it, the more I feel that we are 
 not adapted to each other we had bett'er give it up ! " 
 
 "When do you return from Mr. Bates' villa ?" I enquired. 
 
 " On Monday, I expect." 
 
 " Well, then," I said with great firmness, " I will give you 
 five days to reflect, and weigh the subject for the last time; 
 consult with Mr. Bates, and seriously examine your own mind. 
 On Wednesday next write to me, and without circumlocution 
 let me know your decision. You will excuse my hurrying off 
 as it is late, and I dine with the American Minister this 
 evening." 
 
 I rose. Miss Gamble was completely thrown off her guard 
 as on many times before. 
 
 " Stop," she cried, and hid her face in her hands." 
 
 She had counted on seeing me sink under this last blow which 
 like the others had only bounded back to overpower herself. 
 My flank movements always caught her unprepared, and her 
 position at once became false. Seeing she had not a word to 
 say, I addressed her
 
 AKD ITS CONSEQUENCES. 129 
 
 " I do not pretend to deny," I said in a provokingly calm 
 tone, " that all this annoys me greatly." 
 
 " Oh, that is not the word," she urged in a passionate voice 
 and with a look of reproach. 
 
 It would have gratified her to see me really grieved at 
 her capricious temper. The ladies, I fear, are apt to 
 enjoy the struggles of their victims. I remained, apparently, 
 cool because I knew it was my only chance. Miss Gamble 
 had more intellect than heart, though not deficient in this, 
 and a whimpering lover she would rather have despised 
 than pitied. 
 
 " I am sorry, but I must go," I said retreating. 
 " On Wednesday, then, I expect to hear from you, and 
 finally." 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 I left the room, but at the foot of the stair-case I heard 
 my name called. I returned to the door. 
 
 " Come in," she said in a playful tone ; " close the 
 door." 
 
 I did both. 
 
 "Well, what is it?" I asked, with no change of manner. 
 
 She hesitated, but a struggle was going on between 
 her pride and her feelings, which I would gladly have 
 relieved by reproaching her tenderly for her conduct, but 
 I dared not. 
 
 " Will you allow me to tell Mr. Bates," she said at last, 
 " how honorably you are connected with the English 
 Government ? " 
 
 " I cannot, as I wish for the present to keep it unknown. 
 
 F
 
 130 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 It was my duty, I considered, to make you acquainted with 
 my pursuits." 
 
 She paused again. 
 
 " Have you anything more to say," I asked in the same 
 tone always. 
 
 " Nothing more," she answered faintly, and sank on a 
 chair. 
 
 I bid her good-day, and retired.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 131 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 IT may be thought that I ought to have acted differ- 
 ently, and have employed more remonstrance and less de- 
 cision ; more gentleness and less inflexibility. I have 
 thought so too, since then, but I had always found that 
 when I yielded and protested, she defied and laughed at 
 me. When, however, I was stern and decided, she on the 
 .other hand retreated and cried for quarter. I may have 
 erred at times, but whoever thinks they could have done 
 better, I wish sincerely had been in my place both then, 
 and afterwards. During the interval that was to decide my 
 fate, I called frequently on Mrs. Grote, and made her 
 acquainted with what was going on. She took sides with me 
 and condemned Miss Gamble for carrying her indecision to 
 such unreasonable lengths. She used expressions on this 
 point that I treasured up as effective ammunition for some 
 possible occasion. There was no doubt that Mrs. Grote was 
 annoyed at not receiving a visit from Miss Gamble since her 
 return to London, but for my part I secretly rejoiced that a 
 momentary schism existed between them. I had some 
 indefinable dread at their coming together and with what 
 reason will be seen. In order to know if Miss Gamble was 
 only making use of Mr. Bates's name to frighten me, as I 
 
 suspected, I begged His Highness the Prince N who was 
 
 in London, and going to dine, as he informed me, with Mr. 
 Bates to do me the favor to sound the real views of this 
 gentleman on my proposed marriage. The Prince kindly 
 
 F 2
 
 132 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 agreed to do so, adding that he would not fail to throw his 
 influence in my favor. The result was just what I expected, 
 for Mr. Bates positively denied that he had interfered in the 
 least for or against me, leaving Miss Gamble to decide for 
 herself on a matter of which she was by far the best judge. 
 The five days named for reflection elapsed. Wednesday 
 came I awaited her letter with impatience. I was sure she 
 would not venture to break off in jest lest I might take her 
 in earnest, but I hardly expected she would lay aside her 
 stratagems whilst a chance of resistance was left her. Just 
 so. Her letter came and it was as subtle and evasive as the 
 rest. The decision I had played for was still reserved. 
 " After several days' reflection," she wrote, " in my solitary 
 home I do not think our marriage would promote the 
 happiness of either of us. I shall always remember you 
 not only for the memory of those who knew and loved 
 you, but for your many noble and generous qualities," 
 &c., &c. Lest I should construe this into a final refusal 
 she offered me an interview for the following day. I reflected 
 what course I had best pursue, for I was determined 
 now to exert all my strength and press her hard to a 
 decision. If I renewed my visits she might go on dallying 
 the whole winter long. I postponed my reply till next day, 
 when, discarding every term of endearment, I addressed her 
 formally as, " My dear Miss Gamble," and went on to state 
 that her ambiguous letter proved her mind was a prey to 
 conflicting doubts ; that in a case like this, duty to myself 
 and generosity to her pointed out the course I should take, 
 and however painful the effort I would make it. " If you 
 demand it," were my last words, "I will give up your pledge,
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 133 
 
 and abandon the marriage." I added in a P.S. that Mrs. 
 Grote was indignant at her conduct which she thought 
 overstepped reason and propriety. " Now, clever as you 
 are," I muttered to myself, " I would like to see you get 
 out of this scrape. It is playing a hazardous game, but the 
 only one to command success." Off went the missive, and 
 in less than half an hour came her answer ; 
 
 " Thursday. 
 
 " DEAR MR. WIKOFF, I entreat you not to leave London till you 
 see me. I ask it as a favor. I will break through my rules and 
 receive you this evening. 
 
 " Your's ever, 
 "41, Portland-place." "J. C. G. 
 
 Hamlet's joy when he caught " the conscience of the 
 king," was nothing to mine at this splendid triumph. I 
 laughed till the tears trickled down at the awful fright I had 
 thrown her into. My previous flights from Bournemouth 
 and London had recurred to her, and already in her startled 
 imagination she saw me on my winding way, and no more 
 to return, as I had announced. So my haughty, imperious 
 lady, I have made you sue, at last; entreat me, forsooth, as 
 "a favor" to come and give you absolution; to withdraw 
 my refusal, and out of pity marry you. "Shall I go?" that 
 was the ponderous question I turned over and over again 
 before I decided. It was clear, she had flung Mr. Bates's 
 objections, if he had made any, to the winds ; but if I retract 
 too soon may she not rise again like Banquo's spirit with 
 all her scars upon her, and upset me at last ? This was the 
 very crisis of my fate, and I revolved the matter anxiously. 
 Remembering that my "wretched" look had achieved such
 
 134 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 wonders at Geneva, I decided at length not to go, but to 
 write a letter steeped in wretchedness, whilst seeking to 
 entice her into a written pledge to abandon all strategy, 
 and marry me forthwith. I struck a pathetic chord in this 
 
 wise 
 
 Thursday evening. 
 
 "Mr DEAR JANE, I have suffered so much these last few days 
 that I am completely unnerved. I have not force enough to go 
 through the trying ordeal you exact of me. Why do you seek to 
 renew the struggles that are tearing my heart to pieces ! It might 
 amuse you a parting interview but it would cost me an effort that 
 would unman me. What do you wish ? I will obey any request 
 accede to any demand you may make, but encounter you to-night I 
 cannot. I am ashamed to confess so much weakness. I long to 
 come to you, but dare not trust myself. To be duped again would 
 craze me. Is it only to sport with rny feelings that you call me 
 again to your side? Can you, really, be so heartless ? God forbid. 
 I leave London to-morrow night. It fills me with anguish, I deny 
 it not, that I shall see you no more. But can you wonder that I 
 shrink from it. In despair, 
 
 " Yours ever, 
 
 "H. W." 
 
 t)n the Kentucky principle I "piled up the agony" to 
 the culminating point. If she don't bid me now to " sign off" 
 at ten to-morrow, and to meet her at St. George's church 
 at twelve, then is she, I fear, beyond my rhetoric, was my 
 aspiring thought as I despatched this note. "Man proposes 
 and God disposes," says the French proverb, but women 
 .always do something else, and baffle all calculation. So it 
 lurned out now. Rather than yield unconditionally Miss 
 Gamble in her panic at my threatened defection did the 
 very thing that, under similar pressure, she had done in the 
 May previous she appealed to Mrs. Grote.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 135 
 
 I had a letter from her next morning couched in a mournful 
 and apologetic tone. If she had ever said anything offensive 
 or injurious to me, she wrote, she regretted it though I had 
 said harsh things enough to her, and so on; but still she 
 evaded the grand issue. She was not yet brought to the 
 marrying point. " I have had the courage," she added, " to 
 write to Mrs. Grote, and if she will consent to see me I will 
 come up from Sheen immediately." This alarmed me some- 
 what, but I wrote off to Mrs. Grote begging her, for 
 heaven's sake, to stand by me now, and to lecture Miss 
 Gamble in her grandest manner on the cruelty of tormenting 
 me in this horrible way. 
 
 An ominous pause followed from Friday morning to Satur- 
 day night, when dreading lest Mrs. Grote might go over 
 to the enemy I decided to throw myself between them 
 and prevent a junction of their forces. Alas ! it was too 
 late. I wrote to tell Miss Gamble I would call on her that 
 evening, and she briefly replied I had better not, "for the 
 present," saying she had got an immediate reply from Mrs. 
 Grote giving the interview desired. 
 
 It thus appeared that Mrs. Grote's sympathy had vanished 
 at the first prospect of some new sport at my expense, 
 whilst Miss Gamble suspected no doubt that I had invented 
 the expressions of censure Mrs. Grots had pronounced. At 
 all events she saw that my friend had deserted my cause, and 
 this was comfort to her, but a terrible blow to me. I rushed 
 in dismay next day down to Eltham after Mrs. Grote to 
 expostulate with and upbraid her, but she expressed so much 
 astonishment in such fine words, and in so lofty a tone at my 
 blaming her for writing "kindly" to Miss Gamble that I
 
 136 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 began to feel sorely bothered. I wished to see the notes that 
 had passed between them, but with uplifted eyebrows Mrs. 
 Grote wondered how I could ask such a thing. I felt a 
 sea-sick sensation as the evidence stole upon me that I was 
 once more sold, but I busied myself as I drove back to town in 
 speculating how I could recover my vantage ground again. 
 The ladies were to meet in London on Wednesday evening 
 for mutual explanations. In other words, Miss Gamble 
 wanted to explain that it was such rare amusement to keep me 
 dancing like a shuttle-cock in mid air that she could not give 
 it up, whilst Mrs. Grote doubtless desired to say in return 
 that she was a ninny if she did, but only to give her a share 
 in the diversion. 
 
 When I called on Mrs. Grote on Thursday to get some 
 idea of my soundings, for I was once more completely afloat 
 she received me with great solemnity, but I could see in her 
 face what was lurking in her mind. Women have Ies3 
 command of their physiognomies than men. 
 
 "Jane was here till late last night," she began, "and I 
 am sorry to say she has decided against you." 
 
 " So," I replied, " the bomb has bursted at last, and it is 
 your hand, Brutus, that has fired the match." 
 
 " Oh, dear no ! It is quite her own decision." 
 
 " That's consoling, very," I answered. " But what is her 
 plan now ?" 
 
 " To return immediately to Italy." 
 
 " Who goes with her?" 
 
 "Miss Bennet and her courier as before But you, poor 
 man," said Mrs. Grote compassionately, "what do you intend 
 to do?"
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 137 
 
 " That's what I don't intend to tell you," was my curt 
 reply. 
 
 I called on Miss Gamble again on Friday, just a week 
 after she had entreated as a "favor," to see me, and I was 
 refused. I had toppled down in six short days from the 
 height it had cost me six months to scale, and I was sent forth 
 like another Marius to mourn amid the ruins of all my hopes. 
 When I reflected upon all I had suffered and lost in this 
 bootless experiment I felt almost inclined to give way to 
 lamentation. I sought relief in the beautiful lines of Spenser 
 
 " Full little knowest thou who lias not tried, 
 "What hell it is in suing long to bide ; 
 To lose good days that might be better spent, 
 To waste long nights in pensive discontent, 
 To speed to-day, to be put back to-morrow, 
 To feed on hope, to pine with fear and sorrow, 
 To fret thy soul with crosses and with cares, 
 To cat thy heart in comfortless despairs, 
 To fawn, to crouch, to wait, to ride, to run, 
 To spend, to give, to waste to be tmdone." 
 
 What buoyed me up under this heavy disaster was the fact 
 that if I were vanquished it had taken two women, and very 
 superior ones, to achieve it. What man dares I had dared 
 against one, but to contend against two such combatants as I 
 had to do with was to provoke defeat. Thank goodness, the 
 threatened departure of Miss Gamble, by diminishing the odds 
 against me, left me still a chance. Finding that she was 
 really to leave for Italy on Monday the 27th, I had to decide 
 at once on my course. Shall I go throw myself on my 
 knees? I queried confess my defeat, and capitulate on the 
 terms of my conqueror. I had forced her so often and so 
 lately to sue to me that nothing else than my abject humili-
 
 138 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 ation would content her now that, with Mrs. Grote's aid, she 
 had turned the tables on me. Elated with so many successes 
 I recoiled from falling, Pagan like, at the feet of my 
 idol ; and, besides, I reflected that if I married on such con- 
 ditions my supremacy ever after would be in dispute. "No, 
 I will not kiss the dust before young Malcom's feet! " and with 
 the desperate energy of Macbeth I girded myself up for new 
 efforts. 
 
 I settled at once upon my new plan of action, and endea- 
 voured to fathom hers. Mrs. Grote had, no doubt, revealed 
 all my involuntary ruses and convinced her that I had no 
 idea of giving her up. By running off to Italy she hoped 
 to fill me with terror, and in order to aggravate my suspense 
 I was sure she would not write to me, but seek at the same 
 time to have news of me through the medium of Mrs. Grote. 
 On the other hand, I determined she should not hear a word 
 of me after her departure which I flattered myself would 
 disquiet her, whilst I would make an attempt to get constant 
 news of her, without her suspecting it, by bribing her courier. 
 I resolved to see her before she went that I might make a 
 parade of my composure under the new turn of events. 
 
 I called at her house on the morning of the 26th, and 
 when the door opened I walked right up to the drawing- 
 room and sent her a note to say I should wait there till she 
 came. This brought her at once. We had not met since 
 the day she had called me back from the staircase. She 
 was evidently excited; walked up and down the room in an 
 impetuous way, and talked in a tone of defiance. 
 
 " So you are going to Italy again," I said in a pleasant 
 voice.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 139 
 
 "Yes, I leave to-morrow morning." 
 
 " What excuse did you make to your lawyer for bringing 
 him back from the Continent ? " I enquired. 
 
 " I told him it was to sell some property which I have 
 ordered to be done." 
 
 " Never at a loss, truly, and you don't mind sacrificing a 
 little, I see, to gain a point." 
 
 " Have you anything particular to say ? " she asked abruptly, 
 "for I have so much to do to-day." 
 
 " Yes, I wish to say it is very naughty of you to bring me 
 to London so often for nothing." She could scarcely restrain 
 a smile at my sany froid. 
 
 " If that is all," she replied, " you had better go, for I am 
 so very busy." 
 
 "You don't seem to care," I said reproachfully, " at my 
 being laughed at." 
 
 " Not in the least ! " she declared flauntingly. 
 
 ''Bella spietata! "Well, I must submit. I am glad, though, 
 to part good friends with you, but don't imagine I am coming 
 after you." She smiled as though quite sure that I would. 
 
 " Have you done ? " she asked. 
 
 " Yes; but, believe me, I have only one regret at parting." 
 
 "And that?" she demanded with animation. 
 
 " Is the loss of all the happiness you would have found in 
 my society." 
 
 " How very considerate." Bowing and smiling she left 
 the .room, and I descended the staircase. Fortunately, the 
 courier opened the door, and I whispered him to call at my 
 hotel at five o'clock the same afternoon. I was convinced 
 that my manner had thrown Miss Gamble into doubt. Did
 
 140 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 my self-possession mean resignation to my disappointment, or 
 what? So far so well! At five, punctually, the courier 
 called. This was the first time I had any conversation with 
 him. 
 
 " Are you aware," I demanded, "of what has happened?' 1 
 
 " Perfectly, sir ; Mary keeps me informed of all. I hope 
 you are not cast down, sir, for Mary says it will be sure 
 to end right yet." 
 
 "You know, then," I continued, "what brought your 
 mistress to London ? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, sir," he replied, " to marry you ; and Miss Gamble 
 even pointed out the carriage-box that was to be kept for 
 you when we came back. Besides, she told me several times 
 in Switzerland that I was to look upon you as my future 
 master, and to treat you as such." 
 
 " I am glad of it for you will pay more respect to the in- 
 junctions I shall give you now. Your mistress is to remain 
 three or four months in Italy, and you will be her only pro- 
 tector, as I am going in a different direction. Mind and do 
 your duty, and if you bring her safely back in the Spring I 
 will make your fortune." 
 
 " Thank you, sir. You may rely on me," he said, with 
 earnestness. " I will be very attentive " 
 
 " Yes, and take care you don't get tippling again " 
 
 " That was only an accident, sir," he answered, turning red. 
 
 " And manage to prevent your mistress dining at the tables 
 d'lwle along the road, as she may be annoyed by the sort 
 of people that frequent them." 
 
 " That's happened more than once already, sir ; but I'll 
 keep a sharp look out."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 141 
 
 " I wish you to write to me every Saturday, and to let me 
 know if all goes well. Tell me what Mary says, but don't 
 let her, or any one know that you write to me. If any acci- 
 dent happens to your mistress, write instantly, and I will 
 come to her from wherever I maybe." 
 
 " Depend on me, sir. I'll let you know all the news, and 
 keep Mary in the dark." 
 
 "And count on me, if you do your duty, to set you up in 
 the world." 
 
 " Your word's enough, sir," said the courier, passing his 
 hand round his hat. 
 
 There was something in the corner of his eye, before 
 noticed, that insinuated just the contrary to what he said. I 
 sat down instantly in the coffee-room where I received him, 
 and wrote an obligation, that if he zealously and faithfully 
 performed his duty to his mistress, that I would, in case I 
 married her, make him a gift of five hundred pounds. * 
 
 " There," I said, " that will set you up as a rentier if you 
 bring Miss Gamble back safe and sound to London in the 
 Spring." 
 
 " Oh, sir," said the overpowered courier, " I'll break my 
 neck, if necessary, to save hers." 
 
 " Don't drink be vigilant, and write to me every Satur- 
 day," I said, with great emphasis, as I gave him my banker's 
 address in Paris, and bid him good-bye. 
 
 * There is no doubt that the reward I promised the courier was exces- 
 sive, and is to be attributed, in part, to the excitement under which I then, 
 labored. I could, however, give other reasons for my anxiety touching 
 Miss Gamble, which it would be invidious to state, and I shall, therefore, 
 suppress them.
 
 142 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 The courier went off electrified at such a windfall, and 
 vowing he would slaughter all the banditti of Italy rather 
 than lose the prize in his possession. I didn't know whether 
 he meant his mistress, or the promise I had given him. I 
 mentioned to a friend afterwards this circumstance, and he 
 approved of my letting the courier see I had an eye on him, 
 and in offering to reward his zeal, but he said 
 
 " Your grace was far too bountiful, for a fifth of the sum 
 would have sufficed." 
 
 " No doubt," I replied, " but I'd give twice that to get 
 her back without damage." 
 
 " Really," said my sceptical friend, " one would think you 
 were in desperate love " 
 
 " I am in a desperate scrape ; but Nil desperandum is my 
 motto." 
 
 " You had better give her up," he urged, " and try another." 
 
 " Another !" I exclaimed ; " why there isn't such another 
 to be found!" 
 
 " Egad !" retorted the cynic, laughing, " I think you are 
 about right." 
 
 I wrote the same evening my valedictory to Miss Gamble. 
 I wished her to think that I considered the rupture as final, 
 and that I bore it like a man ; but I deemed it wise to let her 
 see that, like Macduff, " I must also feel it as a man," else 
 she might infer I no longer cared for her. I wished, also, to 
 ascertain from her reply whether she would go so far as to 
 throw me completely overboard. If she did not, it would be 
 conclusive that her flight was only a feint, and done in imita- 
 tion of similar feats of my own. 
 
 I used in writing to her strong language against Mrs. Grote,
 
 AND ITS COXSEQUEXCES. 143 
 
 blaming her as the cause of my disaster. I vapoured a little 
 against Mr. Bates, if it were true, as she said, that he had 
 interfered. The more indignation I express, ms thought, 
 against the authors of my mishap, of course, the more she will 
 be flattered. I calculated this time to a nicety. 
 
 Some hours after her departure next day I received a letter 
 from her, wherein she endeavoured to calm my "agitation ;" she 
 certainly took the most effectual means by telling me to return 
 to Paris and attend to my duties. " Let me have the plea- 
 sure,'' 1 she wrote, " when I get to Paris in a few months to see 
 you there getting on well." This proved decisively that she 
 had no notion of breaking off the match, else she would not 
 have proposed to meet me in Paris in a few months. Had 
 she been in earnest she would, on the contrary, have declared 
 her resolution never to meet me again. She made an allusion 
 
 in her letter to "Fanny E " to show, apparently, that she 
 
 harboured no ill-will against me on that score.* She finished 
 
 * I may as well explain here along -with the rest, that in 1839, at Paris, 
 to oblige an old friend in great difficulties, Stephen Price, Esq., of the 
 Park Theatre, New York, I took much pains at his entreaty to secure 
 the services of the celebrated Mile. Elssler for his theatre. It so happened 
 that at the moment she embarked for the United States, April, 1840, I 
 was compelled by the sudden death of my guardian to return to Phil- 
 adelphia to take possession of my fortune. Ignorant of the language and 
 customs of the country, and without an adviser, Mile. Elssler implored 
 my assistance, and with all the more energy that I had induced her to under- 
 take the enterprise. In this way I got mixed up with her campaign in the 
 "United States, which cost me an infinite deal of annoyance and notoriety. 
 It was thought by many at the time who knew nothing of the circumstances 
 that I had engaged in the matter as a speculation, whereas my only motive 
 was to prevent this brilliant artiste and amiable woman from ever 
 regretting the trip she had undertaken at my instance. It turned out 
 brilliantly successful, and my reward, the only one I sought, was her 
 profound gratitude. I may add, that in two years she accumulated a
 
 144 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 by declaring that Mr. Bates had not interfered against me, 
 which I had always believed. This letter fully reassured 
 me as to our ultimate marriage, for her intention only 
 seemed to be to make me work a little longer before I 
 accomplished it. 
 
 fortune of 800 per annum, which she invested in American Stocks, but 
 after her return to Europe she decided to remove it. This was easily 
 effected through A. Belmont, Esq., Rothchild's Agent at New York and 
 her Solicitor, "W. B. Read, Esq., at Philadelphia. The rumour that she 
 lost any portion of her property through the malfeasance of her Agents, 
 Messrs. Hendrickson and Clarkson, is totally devoid of foundation.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 145 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 BY way of diverting my mind somewhat from late events I 
 went on the evening of Miss Gamble's departure to a splendid 
 banquet given by my spirited countryman Mr. Peabody, in 
 honor of the American exhibitors at the Crystal Palace in 
 1851. A number of distinguished persons, both American 
 and English, were assembled on this festive occasion. The 
 American Minister, Hon. A. Lawrence ; Lord Granville ; 
 Sir Henry Bulwer; Hon. R. J. Walker, &c., &c., occupied 
 prominent places to the right and left of our hospitable host. 
 Amid the fine oratory of the evening I momentarily forgot 
 the anxieties and vicissitudes of my protracted courtship. It 
 was a relief to have something else to think of for an hour or 
 so. The rhetorical part of our entertainment began by a 
 most felicitous speech from F. P. Corbin, Esq., of Virginia. 
 His perfect self-possession, the ease and elegance of his 
 delivery, to say nothing of the substantial merits of the 
 discourse itself, rendered it almost incredible, which I knew 
 to be the fact, that this was the first occasion on which this 
 accomplished gentleman had ever addressed a public assembly. 
 It is known that a "bit of blood " is sure to tell on the turf, 
 and it is no less true that your thorough-bred man never fails 
 to reach his level, be the ordeal what it may. The American 
 Minister acquitted himself as usual, in the happiest manner. 
 I never met an instance where the charm of a fine manner
 
 146 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 told so powerfully as in the career of the Hon. A. Lawrence 
 in England, and in his case the suaviter in modo always 
 
 O * 
 
 enhanced tenfold the fortiter in re. Lord Granville was 
 neat, finished and unaffected in his remarks as always. The 
 most elaborate effort of the evening was that of Sir Henry 
 Bulwer; there was nothing in the discourse, or the orator 
 wanting to make the effect complete. The logic, wit, pathos, 
 and diction of the one was brilliantly set off by the grace, 
 animation, and skilful intonations of the other. Table oratory 
 is an art of itself, and Sir H. Bulwer is one of its most 
 accomplished masters. 
 
 In order to keep my mind employed till I could see how 
 best to dispose of myself I dashed off next day to Southampton 
 to breakfast with the renowned Kossuth, then just landed, 
 at my old friend's, J. R. Croskey, Esq., the United States' 
 Consul at that place. I was present on the same day at the 
 Corporation dinner to the great Magyar. He responded to 
 toasts on both occasions in such English as I had never heard 
 spoken by a foreigner before, and Aristotle himself could not 
 have taken a more vigorous grasp of his subject, or arrived 
 at his point by more subtle processes of induction. But it was 
 neither in thoughts that breathe or words that burn that laid 
 the whole spell of his remarkable declamation, for both were 
 powerfully aided by a quality of voice that appealed irre- 
 sistibly to the sympathies. Of all the gifts a public speaker 
 may bring to his vocation that of a touching voice is, perhaps, 
 the most captivating, and no small amount of Kossuth's 
 oratorical success may be set down to this. 
 
 I was lying in bed next morning longing for an inspiration, 
 and it came. I was up immediately, and off to town. I had
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 147 
 
 no sooner got there then I made my way to the Russian 
 Embassy, and begged the amiable Charge d'affaires, and one 
 
 of my oldest London acquaintances, the Baron de B g, to 
 
 give me letters for St. Petersburg. I had suddenly made 
 up my mind that to prevent Miss Gamble getting any clue to 
 my whereabouts, as well as to elude the perplexing inquiries 
 of friends, I could not do better then to bury myself for the 
 winter in the snows of the far North. It was not likely my 
 inconstant one had any correspondents there, whilst the letters 
 of the courier fonvarded by my Paris banker would give me 
 weekly intelligence of her. My noble friend readily acceded 
 to my request for introductory letters, but strongly dissuaded 
 me from setting off till a month later, as the roads during 
 November were in an almost impassable condition. Accord- 
 ingly I agreed to postpone it till the frosts had set in. To 
 substantiate this fact I take the liberty of quoting a letter from 
 
 M. de B g, written a couple of months later, and which 
 
 I trust he will excuse under the circumstances 
 
 " Ashburnham House, 
 
 "January 31, 1852. 
 
 "DEAR MR. WIKOFF, I had the pleasure of receiving your 
 letter of the 19th inst., in the county of Hampshire, where I 
 was spending a few days at the country house of one of my 
 friends. On returning to London yesterday, I hastened at once to 
 write to you these few lines to say that I remember perfectly well 
 the visit you made me towards the end of October last to make 
 known your intention of going to Russia. I remember equally 
 well having dissuaded you from undertaking the trip during the 
 month of November from the embarrassments that would attend 
 it. If you have not abandoned, since our last meeting, the project 
 in question I would advise you to go in the summer, and after 
 visiting St. Petersburg and Moscow to push on to see the Fair of
 
 148 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 Macarieff which takes place at Nijni, Novogorod. On your 
 return take the sea-route by Stettin to Berlin. 
 
 "Receive, my dear Mr. Wikoff, the renewed assurances 
 of my most distinguished consideration, 
 
 "A. de B g." 
 
 Before leaving London I thought it worth while to visit 
 Mr. Bates whom I had not yet called upon. He received me 
 with his customary cordiality, and I passed some three hours 
 in his pleasant society. After a long chat on politics I took 
 up the subject nearest my heart, and asked him good naturedly 
 if he had interposed any objections to my proposed union with 
 Miss Gamble. 
 
 " None at all, I assure you," was his reply ; "I was 
 astonished at her writing to me on the matter, and I only 
 answered out of politeness, saying not a word for or against 
 you. Miss Gamble is quite old enough, and clever enough, 
 to decide for herself." 
 
 "I perused the letter," I continued, "that you refer to, 
 and its neutrality satisfied me that you did not intend to be 
 entangled in so trivial a matter. But if you really know any 
 obstacle against the match, pray say so, and I will do my 
 best to remove it." 
 
 " Indeed, I do not. I never heard anything against you 
 save your escapade with Mile. Elssler some ten or twelve years 
 ago, and that your friends have forgotten as a youthful folly. 
 As for Miss Gamble, I think she has no time to lose, if she 
 ever intends to marry, and she has known you so long that 
 she can hardly want the opinion of any third party upon the 
 subject. Where is she gone to now?" 
 
 " Back again to Italy, it appears,"
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 149 
 
 " And what do you propose doing?" 
 
 " I am somewhat undecided," I answered, thinking it best 
 to keep my own counsel. 
 
 " Well, as far as I can make out," observed Mr. Bates in 
 his dry manner, " I don't think there is much love thrown 
 away on either side. Besides, she is not far from forty, and 
 you must be about the same." 
 
 " Just so, and it is not to be wondered at, therefore, that 
 both of us should take some pains to conceal whatever 
 penchant we may have for each other. At twenty, love may 
 be interesting, but at forty, it is either doubted, or laughed at." 
 
 " But how long have you been courting her?" 
 
 " Why, has Miss Gamble not told you this ? " 
 
 "No!" replied Mr. Bates, "she entered into no details 
 upon the subject." 
 
 This surprised me a little, but I quickly suspected her 
 motives, for she was not likely to confess how far the matter 
 had gone before affecting to consult Mr. Bates. I then 
 related briefly, but in order, the facts of the case which 
 were so novel and unexpected that I perceived he was not 
 altogether disposed to credit them. 
 
 "Perhaps you would like to see some of her letters?" I 
 said interrogatively, " and though they are written with great 
 caution yet they will confirm all I have told you." 
 
 "Yes," he returned, " I would like very much to see them." 
 
 Promising to send them to him next day I took my leave, 
 highly gratified at the results of the interview. I was as 
 good as my word, and sent to Mr. Bates a packet of Miss 
 Gamble's letters for perusal which he promptly returned with 
 the following note
 
 150 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " 8, Bishopsgate Street, 
 
 " November 1st, 1851. 
 
 "DEAR SIR, I return you the letters of Miss Gamble. I have 
 only had time to read the shorter ones. You are quite mistaken, 
 my dear sir, if you suppose I have interfered with your destiny in 
 any way. I said no- more than what you read in my letter to the 
 lady. I cannot account for the conduct of Miss Gamble, who 5 
 certainly, appears to have acted in an extraordinary manner 
 toward you. 
 
 " Very truly your's, 
 
 "JOSHUA BATES. 
 "HENRY WIKOFF, ESQ." 
 
 This letter was a trophy of great value, and I purposed to 
 bring it into play on some future occasion when it could not fail 
 to tell effectively. Mr. Bates was clearly perplexed at the 
 complicated state of things between Miss Gamble and myself, 
 but it would have been trifling with so sensible a person to 
 have attempted explanations of the game going on between us 
 which in his view would have seemed, at the least, very 
 ridiculous. I did not forget to make a farewell visit to Mrs. 
 Grote from whom I had received the following note the very 
 day of Miss Gamble's departure 
 
 " 12, Saville Row. 
 
 " I regret to have been too ill for a couple of days to return you 
 the annexed letter, or to make any comment upon the unpleasant 
 events of the last fortnight. I had a sharp attack of my neuralgia, 
 and am still debile, going out now for an airing in the carriage. I 
 hope this will find you in a rational mood. The virtue of resignation 
 must be practised. The Fates will it so ! 
 
 " Truly your's, 
 " October 27th." H. G. 
 
 I was not insensible to the contrast between this mock 
 affectation of sympathy, and the more serious tone of her
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 151 
 
 letter, October 5th, already quoted. I was also aware that 
 in spite of her neuralgia she had kept up an active intercourse 
 all along with Miss Gamble, who had spent some hours at 
 Mrs. Grote's house the night before she left. I was sure 
 that it was all arranged that Mrs. Grote was to communicate 
 full details of my doings to the absent one ; but I had arranged 
 it in my own mind quite otherwise. 
 
 " Well, I hope you intend to give her up," said Mrs. Grote 
 in a confidential way, as I seated myself in her drawing-room. 
 
 "Why, I think I might as well," quoth I. 
 
 " Perhaps you had better look after the other match, if it is 
 not too late." 
 
 " First, let my present wounds heal up before I court new 
 perils." 
 
 " Poor fellow !" she said, in an affected tone. " But what 
 are your plans now ? " 
 
 " I am half inclined to join the next expedition that may 
 start in search of Sir John Franklin." 
 
 " Ah, you are very mysterious !" 
 
 " I have need to be when I seek to foil you." 
 
 "You still think," expostulated Mrs. Grote as if quite 
 shocked, " that I have had a hand in Jane's sudden change of 
 mind." 
 
 " I think you have had two hands in it, at least." 
 
 " If you are so perverse, it is quite useless to reason with 
 you." 
 
 " Quite so, for as Othello says, 
 
 " ' To deny each article \vith oath, 
 
 Could not remove nor shake the strong conception 
 
 That I do groan withal.' "
 
 152 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " How absurd !'* she exclaimed. " But you have always 
 some silly notion in your head." 
 
 " Which is more the fault of other people than my own," 
 I replied significantly. 
 
 After a series of muffled accusations on one side and iterations 
 of innocence on the other, we parted seemingly as good 
 friends as ever, though, in truth, I was secretly vexed at 
 Mrs. Grote's not having rendered me the efficient aid it was in 
 her power to do. Had she remonstrated in a kind way with 
 my fidanzata on the trying probation already inflicted, Miss 
 Gamble would have abandoned her resistance and given me 
 her hand forthwith. It may be, however, that Mrs. Grote 
 had less to do with Miss Gamble's new conceit than I thought 
 at the time, and I am since satisfied that no want of good 
 feeling towards me inspired whatever advice she may have 
 given. 
 
 1 returned to Paris no better off than the famous king of 
 Spain who marched up the hill, and then marched down 
 again. My mind was fully made up de me refugier for the 
 winter in Russia, and I set about making preparations for my 
 exile when, on the second day of my return, I received the 
 following letter from the courier which instantly changed my 
 purpose and led to the most unforeseen events 
 
 " Basle, Switzerland, 
 
 "October 31, 1851. 
 
 " HONORED SIR, I beg you to excuse my small experience in 
 writing. We came as far as Cologne without any one mentioning 
 your name. That evening, at supper, Mary said to me that Miss 
 Gamble suffered very much ; and that her mistress would give a 
 great deal to know what you were doing. Miss Gamble seems to 
 me very sad. This evening, after our arrival here, Miss Gamble
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 153 
 
 read over your last letter, and remarked to Mary how much happier 
 she would be if she were yours, and how miserable she now found 
 herself in not having married you. Mary says she does not at all 
 despair at seeing you still united. We leave to-morrow for Geneva, 
 and passing Mont Cenis we shall get to Turin in about' eight days 
 from this. This is all the information I can send you for the 
 present. 
 
 " I am, sir, 
 " Your very humble and obedient servant, 
 
 "LOUIS VANNOD." 
 
 Here was a revolution in little over a week's time. Miss 
 Gamble had no sooner carried her new whim into effect 
 than she repented it. At the close of the second day, at 
 Cologne, she sought consolation in my last letter, and at 
 supper on the 5th, at Basle, her energy entirely gave way, 
 and she began lamenting acutely the failure of our marriage. 
 Her solitary travels left her a prey to reflection, and her 
 imagination took alarm at all the possible contingencies that 
 might follow her flight. She expressed fears, as I afterwards 
 learnt, lest in despair at her supposed loss I might go to the 
 desperate lengths of suicide. It is true that I had serious 
 thoughts of threatening some dreadful act of the kind, but I 
 was quite decided, I need hardly say, to yield to her en- 
 treaties to survive, on condition of our immediate marriage. 
 I held this alarming menace in reserve till all other expe- 
 dients were exhausted. I received the courier's letter on 
 the 3rd of November, and I found that by starting on the 
 morning of the 5th, I could manage to reach Turin within 
 the eight days he had named. 
 
 Armed with the letter of Mr. Bates I was prepared to parry 
 any new pretexts in his name ; and the news of her speedy
 
 154 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 repentance encouraged me to hope that it would be an easy 
 task to bring the services of the English Clergyman at Turin 
 into play for our joint benefit. In every case I calculated 
 that if I overtook her at Turin, and should only add one more 
 to my list of failures that I could get easily back to Paris, by 
 taking the steamer at Genoa for Marseilles, when my proposed 
 Russian expedition might still be carried out with equal effect. 
 I wrote, therefore., to the courier that his letter had decided me 
 to make another trial of my luck, and that I hoped to be in 
 Turin by the end of the week, but to endeavour, if necessary, to 
 prolong his mistress's stay there till my arrival, by saying the 
 carriage wanted repair, or any other plea that would answer. 
 I recommended him to be " discreet and vigilant ;" in other 
 words, to hold his tongue and observe all that passed, for as my 
 surprise at the Grand St. Bernard had been so successful I 
 relished the notion of trying the effect of another. 
 
 I set off in excellent spirits on the 5th of November, think- 
 ing that if the worst came to the worst, I could be de retour 
 in ten days, and so I bid my landlord to retain my apartment 
 till further orders. I should have taken a good deal more 
 luggage v/ith me, though, if I had foreseen the length of my 
 absence. I reached Lyons the morning of the 6th, and 
 found myself at ten o'clock on the succeeding day at the foot 
 of Mont Cenis. It was Friday again as usual. I was just 
 getting into the coupe of the diligence after a hurried break- 
 fast, when to my astonishment the carriage of Miss Gamble 
 drove by on its way up Mont Cenis. It really seemed as if 
 the Genii of the Alps favored our rencounters for this time as 
 before nothing could be stranger. Fortunately, I had not 
 been noticed by herself or companions. As we toiled up the
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 155 
 
 mountain, our horses' heads nearly touched her carriage. 
 The courier was comfortably lodged in the rumble behind, 
 and the sharp air of the morning seemed to stir up his 
 appetite for, of a sudden, he disinterred from a capacious basket 
 at his side a cold roast duck upon which he fell with a 
 vigour that threatened its rapid demolition. Little dreaming 
 that my eye was upon him, he regaled himself ever and anon 
 from the mouth of a dusty black bottle, that I suspected, from 
 theway he smacked his lips after each dose, contained anything 
 but the undefiled beverage he had vowed to drink in honor 
 of the obligation I had given him. I let him go through his 
 meal without interruption. That done he took out his cigar- 
 case, and fastidiously selected one to his fancy. He began to 
 whiff, and then throwing cne leg luxuriously over the other he 
 wheeled round in his seat to take a compassionate survey of 
 us poor devils in the diligence behind, the involuntary 
 spectators of his feast, and who had neither cold ducks, or 
 black bottles, or cigars to comfort them. His face underwent 
 an extraordinary metamorphasis as our eyes met, and his cigar 
 fell unheeded from his distended jaws ; he was caught in the 
 act, and looked intensely guilty. Stealing down from his 
 perch he jumped up on the step of the diligence alongside of 
 me. 
 
 " I am glad to see," I began, "that the fatigues of travel 
 have not impaired your lordship's appetite." 
 
 " I really beg your pardon, sir," he replied, " but I had no 
 idea that you were looking at me." 
 
 " Else you would have died of thirst, I dare say, before 
 exposing that black bottle at your side." 
 " Only light wine, sir, very light, indeed."
 
 156 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Which your physician has no doubt recommended as the 
 proper accompaniment to roast duck. But what news ? " I 
 asked, changing the subject to the great relief of the dis- 
 comfited courier. 
 
 " Oh, sir, Miss Gamble gets worse and worse," declared 
 my Figaro of the road, as if anxious to conciliate me. 
 " When we got to Geneva night before last, I took her to the 
 Hotel de Berg, where you were before, sir, and the same 
 apartment you and mistress occupied was vacant but she 
 would not go near it, and took one higher up. Mary says, she 
 did not sleep all night, and though we were all dreadfully 
 tired and wanted to stop a day at Geneva nothing would do 
 but start the first thing in the morning. And I could see 
 that she had her handkerchief to her eyes all the way driving 
 out of the town. She'll be precious glad to see you, sir, 
 I'm sure." 
 
 I forgave the courier his sinful indulgence at this glorious 
 news. 
 
 " I am sorry to hear such a sad account of your mistress," 
 I said, trying to look triste, though I was inwardly tickled to 
 the uttermost. 
 
 " Yes, sir, it is a great pity," as Mary says, " that it was not 
 all finished in London." 
 
 " Are you going on to Turin to-night ? " I asked. 
 " No, sir ; we stop at Lansingburg, four hours from the 
 top of Mont Cenis, and go on to-morrow." 
 
 " Well, I am going straight on," I continued, " and you 
 will find me at Trombetta's hotel when you get there. 
 Call and report yourself, and mind not to say a word of my 
 being here."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 15? 
 
 " Not a word, sir; depend on me." 
 
 " And don't you depend too much on that black bottle," I 
 added. 
 
 " All right, sir," he replied touching his hat, and jumping 
 down. 
 
 He got back to his place without being missed, and the 
 ascent growing easier the postillions of Miss Gamble's carriage 
 clapped spurs to their horses and were soon hid by a turn of 
 the road. My bark still sailed merrily before the wind. 
 Nothing could be more conclusive than the courier's relation 
 of what had occurred at Geneva. The sight of objects with 
 which I was so fondly associated had not only occasioned her 
 an uncomfortable night, but set the "fruitful river of the eye" 
 in motion. Her dejection, apparently, grew deeper with 
 every league of distance ; but I rejoiced to think how quickly 
 her gloomy thoughts would be dissipated by my unlooked-for 
 reappearance. It was after dark when we stopped for dinner 
 at the solitary hotel at Lansingburg. I sent in our conductor 
 to reconnoitre before I entered, bidding him to call me the 
 courier if he found him. The latter soon presented himself 
 and informed me that his mistress and Miss Bennet had dined 
 and retired to their rooms. 
 
 "But wait a moment, sir," he suggested, " Mary is in the 
 travellers' dining-room I'll go and hurry her oif." 
 
 "Do so by all means, for I have not lunched on roast duck 
 to-day, and am dying of cold," 
 
 The veteran Abigail was, at last, got out of the way, and I 
 was only half through my dinner when we were summoned to 
 take our places. It was snowing hard, and a dreary night's 
 work was before us. I was greatly tempted to let my port-
 
 158 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 manteau go on as proxy, and to present myself at Miss Gamble's 
 carriage door in the morning, begging her to give a benighted 
 traveller a lift to Turin. This would have been almost as 
 dramatic as my apparition at the Convent of St. Bernard; but 
 the risk of losing my luggage decided me to postpone the new 
 surprise that awaited my unconscious fugitive. 
 
 I reached Turin at eight next morning quite benumbed and 
 worn out with cold and fatigue. After a refreshing warm- 
 bath I tumbled into bed at Trombetta's comfortable hotel, and 
 tried to make up for the loss of three nights' sleep on the 
 road. I was at breakfast on Sunday morning when the courier 
 came to announce his arrival. 
 
 "Ah! here you are again!" I said. "When did you get 
 here?" 
 
 "Last night, sir." 
 
 " Where are you staying ? " 
 
 " At the Hotel Feder." 
 
 " How is your mistress ? " 
 
 " Very dull, sir," said the sympathetic Louis ; " so different 
 from what she was in Switzerland last summer she was 
 always joking then, sir. I remember she told me once when 
 she gave me a letter to post for you that if any accident 
 happened to her that you would be sure to shoot me ! " 
 
 "That was more a warning than a joke," I replied with a 
 grave aspect; "for if anything does happen to her whilst 
 under your care expect no mercy from me ; so look out." 
 
 " Depend on me, sir," was the courier's favorite response. 
 
 "I wish to see your mistress to-day," I continued, "but 
 how am I to manage it? I want to give her a surprise. 
 Cannot you suggest something ? "
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 " I don't see how you are to manage it, sir," he answered, 
 looking perplexed, " for Miss Gamble occupies a bed-room 
 with Mary, and she has no sitting-room." 
 
 "Then she is dining at the tables d'hote again in spite of 
 what I told you." 
 
 " But she's so dull, sir," he urged, " that she can't bear to 
 be alone with Miss Bennet all the time." 
 
 " Then what am I to do ? I can't go to her bed-room." 
 
 " No, that won't do, sir," replied the decorous courier, but 
 he seemed incapable of relieving my embarrassment by a 
 proposition of any kind. 
 
 " I'll tell you what it is, my man," I said after reflecting a 
 moment, " take a sitting-room for me at the Hotel Feder. I 
 will come over there during the day, and have an interview 
 with your mistress." 
 
 " Very well, sir, I'll go at once and let you know." In 
 the course of an hour came a note from the courier, saying 
 that he couldn't get a sitting-room without a bed-room, and 
 that he had ventured to secure both seeing no other way. I 
 was not disposed to pay for two lodgings at once, so I left 
 Trombetta's, and occupied the rooms engaged for me at the 
 hotel where Miss Gamble was staying. I came very near 
 meeting her as I drove in. After dinner I sent for my dull- 
 witted Figaro to know how I could effect an interview with 
 his mistress, now that I had got a room for the purpose. 
 Whatever his merits I soon found invention was not one of 
 them, for after staring into his hat, and scratching his head 
 for five minutes at a time in pursuit of an idea, his face looked 
 only more vacant than before.
 
 160 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " I have it ! " I said suddenly. " Go and tell Miss Gamble 
 there is a lady just arrived who would like to see her." 
 
 " That will do, sir," cried the courier emphatically, as 
 though glad to escape pommeling his own brains any longer. 
 " But suppose," he said returning, " she asks who the lady is?" 
 
 " Tell her it is Mrs. anybody a Mrs. Austin and a friend 
 of Mrs. Grote. That will be sure to bring her." 
 
 " Won't she be astonished this time !" exclaimed Figaro, as 
 though enlivened by the fun. 
 
 I went into my bedroom for a moment, and unfortunately 
 before I got back I heard Miss Gamble and the courier 
 coming along the corridor. The door of my saloon stood 
 open and Miss Gamble looking in, said, " I don't see the 
 lady." The courier not knowing what had become of me, 
 gaped into the room, and declared he didn't see her 
 either. 
 
 " Where can she be gone to ? " enquired his mistress. 
 
 " I really can't tell," replied the courier, beginning to get 
 frightened. 
 
 " Go down and enquire." 
 
 The courier flew off as though he wanted a little fresh 
 air. Miss Gamble stood meanwhile at the threshold of 
 my room waiting for a solution of the mystery. I was 
 quietly gazing at her the while from the door of my bed- 
 room a-jar, and which opened on the corridor. I was afraid 
 to advance lest she might give a cry of surprise on seeing 
 me that would have brought every-body's head into the 
 corridor, for all the rooms around were occupied. After 
 some delay the courier came back and said, he couldn't find 
 the lady anywhere.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 161 
 
 " Well, this is very odd indeed," remarked Miss Gamble 
 and she returned to her room. 
 
 " Oh dear," groaned the startled courier, rushing back to 
 me, " what's to be done ? I've got into a scrape and I may 
 lose my place." 
 
 " With its dainty perquisites of cold ducks and black 
 bottles," I rejoined smiling, " but don't be alarmed though. 
 Go and tell your mistress you have found the lady's maid, and 
 that the lady herself not expecting Miss Gamble's visit to- 
 night had gone to bed fatigued." 
 
 " All right, sir," vouchsafed master Louis, coming to 
 himself again. My intended surprise had missed fire, and I 
 speculated whether I had better venture on another, or not. 
 The hotel was crowded with English travellers, and I was 
 afraid perhaps of compromising Miss Gamble by carrying my 
 joke too far. So in the morning I sent for Mary to come to 
 " Mrs. Austin " immediately, and she got the full force of the 
 coup designed for her mistress. 
 
 " Good gracious," exclaimed the old woman, throwing up 
 her arms and her eye-balls, as she beheld me. " Is it you, 
 sir ? " 
 
 " Yes," I answered smiling, " or somebody very like me." 
 
 " Who would have thought it !" she drawled out, getting her 
 breath by degrees. I then informed her I had been to a 
 somnambulist at Paris, who told me that her mistress was 
 suffering so acutely at all that had occurred of late that I 
 thought it was best to come and see if it were in my power to 
 assuage her sorrow. 
 
 " It is true, poor dear," sighed the sympathetic Mary, 
 " that it has been a great trial to her." 
 
 G
 
 162 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I saw from this that the courier had not exaggerated 
 matter*. I also informed Mary that I had seen Mr. Bates 
 who had no objections to the match, and that I had brought 
 a letter from him to prove it. 1 then sent her off to acquaint 
 her mistress of my arrival, and to say that I would like to see 
 her after breakfast. 
 
 Mary very soon returned, declaring her mistress could 
 not believe her ears ; that I must send her Mr. Bates's 
 letter instantly that she was dying to see it ! I consented, 
 and sent the letter in question. It was near twelve 
 o'clock when the courier came up with a note in 
 pencil from Miss Gamble, wherein she accused me of down- 
 right " perfidy " in showing her letters to Mr. Bates. She 
 went on railing against me in some very angry paragraphs, 
 and wound up by declaring that " nothing would induce her 
 to see me." Here was surprise for surprise, for I had never 
 dreamt of such a result as this. It seemed, then, that Miss 
 Gamble desired either to keep Mr. Bates in the dark as to 
 our real relations, or that she did not intend me to know that 
 the assigned opposition of Mr. Bates was fictitious. In any 
 case she was exceedingly angry, and my predicament was a 
 very unpleasant one. I wrote back to the effect that I would 
 endeavour to explain everything to her satisfaction, but for this 
 I must see her, and would take no refusal. A delay ensued, 
 and then she sent me word that she had taken a sitting-room 
 for herself and would see me but only in the presence of 
 Mary and the courier. By this time it must be evident that 
 the courier was fully initiated into all the mysteries and 
 vicissitudes of my peripatetic courtship, but still I felt de- 
 cidedly averse to his figuring as a witness to my conversation
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 163 
 
 with his mistress. This was treating him with a familiarity 
 that I thought injudicious, and I, therefore, declined the 
 offered interview in a huff. The same evening I wrote to 
 Miss Gamble, saying, that I had better, perhaps, return to 
 Paris, and that at all events I should leave the hotel where 
 she was staying, as she seemed so foolishly alarmed at Miss 
 Bennet knowing of my arrival. 
 
 o 2
 
 164 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 I REMOVED next morning, Tuesday, to the Hotel de la 
 Suisse, and set about at once occupying myself with wholly 
 different matters. I had sent my card on the previous Sunday 
 to my Charge d'affaires, Mr. Kinney, to ask him if he had 
 received a packet of letters that I had requested to be 
 forwarded to his care. He was kind enough to send me his 
 secretary, Mr. Magoun, to say they had not yet arrived, and 
 to ask me to a soiree at his house for that evening. I was 
 obliged to decline his amiable invitation, for I was looking 
 forward at that moment to a tete-a-tete with Miss Gamble for 
 the same evening. I hurried round to his house then the first 
 thing on Tuesday to thank him in person for his extreme 
 civility, when he handed to me the letters of introduction I 
 had expected. I had a long and interesting chat with my 
 affable and intelligent Charge on the condition of things in 
 Sardinia. He was exceedingly well informed on the subject; 
 and I derived much valuable information from his remarks. 
 As I talked of leaving Turin almost immediately, he asked me 
 to come and take a family dinner with him the same day, 
 which I accepted. Amongst the letters just spoken of I found 
 one addressed to the celebrated Count de Cavour, now Prime 
 Minister of Piedmont, and then the leading Member of the 
 Government. I was delighted at the opportunity of making 
 so distinguished an acquaintance, and I left my introduction at 
 his palace immediately, with a note saying my stay was
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 165 
 
 exceedingly short, and that I should be much honored by an 
 early interview if his grave occupations permitted it. The 
 same afternoon I received an answer inviting me to dine with 
 him the ensuing evening at seven o'clock. I was surprised at 
 such a compliment from so lofty a person, but I attributed it 
 to the amiable mention made of me by his friend the Count de 
 
 V , who had favored me with the letter of introduction. 
 
 Thus profitably occupied I began to think my trip across the 
 Alps would not be thrown away, for the acquaintance of one 
 such person as the Count de Cavour was alone an adequate 
 compensation. I dined that evening, as proposed, with my 
 Charge d 1 Affaires, and had the pleasure of meeting his hand- 
 some and accomplished wife. They both spoke in terms of 
 lively satisfaction of their residence at Turin. They had, 
 certainly, every reason to do so, for not only were they living 
 surrounded by extreme comfort and elegance, but their 
 position was enviable in all respects. They were on terms of 
 cordial intimacy with the best society of this recherche town, 
 and enjoyed high favor at court, where Mrs. Kinney was an 
 especial favorite of the Queen. After dinner company began 
 to drop in, and amongst others, I was presented to the 
 Minister of Justice, little dreaming at the time that my rela- 
 tions with him would shortly become far more intimate than 
 agreeable. 
 
 On getting back to my hotel, between nine and ten 
 o'clock, I found my indefatigable go-between, the courier, 
 waiting for me. He was evidently disposed to do all he could 
 in the disinterested hope of meriting the obligation he carried 
 in his pocket. If anything touching his mistress could sur- 
 prise me, I should have been astonished to learn that no sooner 
 
 G 3
 
 166 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 was I gone from her hotel than she began to relent. She 
 had been discussing, it appeared, nearly all the day with Mary 
 and the courier what was best to be done at one moment 
 asserting she would jump out of the window rather than yield 
 to me and marry ; and then, at last, declaring that she was half 
 inclined to send for me and do it at once. In the expectation 
 of seeing me summoned for that purpose every moment, the 
 courier had, of his own accord, come round to my quarters 
 to find how I was then disposed. 
 
 " She is waiting to see me on my return," said the courier 
 as he was leaving my room. " Will you give me carte blanche, 
 sir?" 
 
 I was a little startled to see Miss Gamble's factotum raised, 
 apparently, to the post of mediator between us, and I did not 
 altogether like it, but perplexed in the extreme, I replied 
 "Yes. Anything for a quiet life!" and I went to bed as he 
 retired, proposing to call in the morning. I was awoke at 
 .seven a. m. by the courier rapping at my door. 
 
 "What now?" I asked, letting him in. 
 
 "When I got back last night, sir," he said, "Mary popped 
 her head out of Miss Gamble's door to say that her mistress 
 had just gone to bed, leaving orders to get ready as she would 
 start for Genoa at ten in the morning." 
 
 " So the carte blanche was of no great use to you," I 
 remarked. 
 
 *' Nothing is of no use," returned the desponding courier, 
 sorrowing no doubt, in his heart, at the faint prospect of 
 failing heir to the marriage gift I had promised him. 
 
 "Well good-bye," I said, "and if I don't see you again, 
 fulfil my injunctions, and take good care of your mistress."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 167 
 
 "But won't you come to Genoa, sir? you may make it all 
 up there." 
 
 "Yes, I intend to embark there for Marseilles ; but I must 
 remain here a day or two longer, and she may be gone before 
 I arrive there. How long does she stay?" 
 
 "Only a day or two," he answered. 
 
 "I must take my chance, then. If she is still there," I 
 added, "I will try to see her if she is in a better humour." 
 
 I turned into bed thereupon and had another nap. I got 
 through the day pleasantly enough; reading the journals 
 despatching letters and walking about this beautiful town. 
 I had not seen Turin since my first visit to Italy in 1835, and 
 the lively admiration it then excited in me was again 
 renewed. Without the historical attractions of Rome, or 
 Naples, or the artistical glories of Florence, it has merits of its 
 own that the traveller is sure to appreciate in the regularity 
 and cleanliness of its broad avenues in its sumptuous 
 palaces its splendid squares and imposing arcades. In 
 another respect it has gained an advantage over all its sister 
 cities that is sure to conciliate both residents and visitors, for 
 its new Constitutional Government has brought with % it a 
 diminution of police-espoinnage. and a free circulation of intel- 
 ligence that to Italians must be boons of inestimable value.* 
 
 I dined in the evening, Nov. 12th, at the Count de Cavour's, 
 and had the honor to meet the various members of the Cabinet, 
 with their chief, at that moment, the Chevalier d' Azeglio. My 
 Charge d'affaires, Mr. Kinney, was also present. I was 
 cordially received by my distinguished host whose manners 
 and appearance impressed me strongly. In person he was 
 above the ordinary standard and of powerful frame. His face
 
 168 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 was striking in feature and expression, conveying the effect of 
 an elevated character and a lofty intelligence. His massive 
 brow towered like a dome above the rest and seemed the 
 natural home of profound speculations and vast schemes. 
 His demeanour was affable, but dignified and imposing. My 
 salutations were scarcely over when he presented me to his 
 elder brother, the Marquis de Cavour, who received me with 
 great warmth of manner. I had the good fortune to be seated 
 at dinner by the side of the Marquis, and our conversation soon 
 became animated. It took the direction of political economy, 
 and I was exceedingly astonished at the vast erudition of this 
 learned nobleman. He had investigated every authority on 
 this abstruse subject, and there was not an author from Du 
 Quesnay and Adam Smith down to M'Culloch and Porter 
 that he was not familiar with in their native tongues. I never 
 heard any one discourse on such grave and difficult topics 
 with such simplicity, ease, and absence of pedantry. So 
 completely was my ear captivated that I did less justice to a 
 dinner that Chevet himself might have been proud of. The 
 Marquis expressed himself in the choicest French, occasionally 
 interspersed with very good English. Our conversation ran 
 on for some time after we returned from dinner to the noble 
 saloons where the guests had been first received, when at 
 length he was good enough to say : 
 
 " Shall I present you to our Prime Minister?" 
 " You will do me a great honor, M. le Marquis/' I 
 replied, bowing. 
 
 I made the acquaintance accordingly of the Chevalier 
 d'Azeglio whose reputation is more Italian than almost any 
 other statesman of the day. In letters, in arms, and in the
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 169 
 
 senate he has equally distinguished himself, and the liberal 
 cause in Italy can boast of no adherent whose character and 
 brilliant services have lent it more important and lasting aid. 
 I was struck by the singularly quiet and unassuming manners 
 of the Prime Minister that contrasted strangely with the 
 bustle and eclat of his active career. It was only in the 
 slumbering fire of his dark eye that I could detect the latent 
 energy of his character. After an amiable word or two of 
 greeting from the President of the Council, who spoke in 
 French, I ventured to observe 
 
 " Your post, M. le President, is full of honor, but surrounded 
 by serious and trying difficulties. If in the face of foreign 
 opposition, and domestic resistance you succeed in preserving 
 the parlimentary regime you have done so much to establish 
 in Sardinia, a prospect will open for the regeneration of Italy 
 that has never dawned before." 
 
 " Yes, I am convinced, sir," he replied, " that Italy will 
 gain as much as our own State by the successful career of our 
 new institutions, but it is impossible to overrate the difficulties 
 we have to contend with. It will be fortunate indeed, if we 
 are not borne down by them." 
 
 " The Constitutional experiment you are making, M. le 
 President," I continued, "is all the more interesting from 
 the comparative failure that has occurred in France, whilst 
 the Parliamentary system in Prussia is only yet a name. 
 However limited the theatre, the great States of the con- 
 tinent must view your bold undertaking with extreme 
 repugnance, and the clerical influence at home will struggle 
 hard to maintain their threatened ascendancy. The eye 
 of Europe, however, is upon you, and in spite of the
 
 170 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 distance, the United States cannot but regard with interest the 
 best attempt yet made to introduce regulated liberty into this 
 lovely, but so long distracted land." 
 
 " The interests confided to our keeping," said the Minister 
 gravely, " are in our view so important to our country, and to 
 the welfare of Italy at large, that neither energy nor devotion 
 on our part shall be wanting to accomplish the task we have 
 undertaken." 
 
 " You will permit me to add, M. le President," I ventured 
 to remark, "that with a leader of your experience, and such a 
 Minister of Finance as the Count de Cavour to look after 
 your budget, that your Constitutional triumph is certain, if an 
 Austrian invasion does not interfere with you. But in that 
 case England would, surely, have a word to say." 
 
 "And the United States would not, I am convinced," 
 observed the Premier, " be wholly insensible to our fate. If 
 you return to Turin, "he continued," do me the favor to 
 call on me when we can renew our conversation, and I should 
 be, also, happy to show you any civility in my power." 
 
 Bowing low at these polite offers I expressed my grateful 
 acknowledgments, and returned to resume my conversation 
 with the Marquis. It was near ten o'clock when I rose to bid 
 adieu to my noble hosts, (for the Count and the Marquis 
 de Cavour occupy the same spacious palace,) and I took 
 a seat on leaving in the carriage of my Charge $ Affaires 
 who was kind enough to set me down at my hotel. I 
 felicitated myself warmly on making these valuable acquaint- 
 ances, and I could not but reflect with admiration on the 
 interesting spectacle of these two estimable noblemen who 
 holding by their birth, rank, and great wealth the highest
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 171 
 
 social positions in their county, still devoted themselves with 
 indefatigable zeal, the one to statesmanship in troublous 
 times, and the other to the calmer but severe delights of 
 literature and philosophy. 
 
 Before resigning myself to a tete-a-tete with Morpheus I 
 popped into the French Theatre for an hour, and was brought 
 back to a sense of my own uncomfortable position by the 
 incidents of the play performed. It was the story of some 
 luckless youth who had fallen under the spell of a fascinating 
 but naughty woman. His adventures and sacrifices on her 
 behalf were many and trying, but he still clung to her with 
 unabated ardour. Amongst other queer places he got into, at 
 last, was a prison, though to her credit she did not abandon 
 him in such a sorry plight, but struggled till her lover was 
 once more free. They then set off to some distant land with 
 the laudable intent to live and love for the rest of their 
 days, but instead of that they lost their way in some pathless 
 wild, and the unhappy lady worn out by suffering, laid 
 herself down on a convenient sand bank, and died lamenting ; 
 whilst the devoted swain was too much of a Roman to think 
 of surviving her, so he laid him down by her side and 
 followed suit. I returned home under the impression of this 
 tragic finale, and concluded there was more poetry than 
 common sense in going to such inordinate lengths for love, or 
 anything else. After leaving my cards of conge at the palace 
 of my hosts of the previous day, and at my Charge's, I left 
 Turin for Genoa, where I arrived early on Friday morning. 
 It was my luck, evidently, always to fall on a Friday.
 
 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 GENOA. 
 
 I PUT up at the Croix de Malte, but on looking at the 
 travellers' book to inscribe my name I observed to my surprise 
 the address of Miss Gamble. On enquiry I found she was in 
 the same hotel when I determined instantly to quit it, lest I 
 should have the air of seeking to annoy her. Besides, she 
 seemed very anxious not to have Miss Bennet know that I had 
 come after her again, and by remaining in the same hotel I 
 would be likely to meet her. I sent for the courier before 
 leaving to get some intelligence of what was going on. 
 
 "Well, Louis," I enquired, "what's the news? How 
 fares your mistresc ? " 
 
 " The same thing over again, sir," he replied. " She 
 imagines you are gone to Paris, and has fallen into the same 
 dejection as before." 
 
 " Do you think she would like to see me now ? " 
 
 " She would like nothing better, I am sure," he answered; 
 " but she would be displeased if Miss Bennet knew anything 
 about it." 
 
 " She is a very odd person. But how is she lodged here? " 
 I asked. 
 
 " I have induced her to take a sitting room, and give up 
 the table d'hote." 
 
 " That's right ! " 
 
 "But, unfortunately," he continued, "Miss Bennet's bed-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 173 
 
 room opens into it, and she would recognise your voice if you 
 were to come to visit Miss Gamble there." 
 
 "Always some new difficulty!" I exclaimed, annoyed. 
 "What's to be done now, for I would like to make a last 
 attempt to bring your mistress to reason ? " 
 
 " Can't you manage," conjectured the courier, " to see her 
 somewhere else ? " 
 
 " I might take an apartment in some other hotel, if I could 
 only get her to come there." 
 
 "Well, sir, think it over, for I must go now." 
 
 " I shall leave this hotel immediately," I announced. " Is 
 there another near at hand ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir ; the Hotel Royal, almost next door." 
 
 " You will find me there this evening, then; and send me," 
 I ordered, " a valet de place at once." 
 
 I removed straightway to the Hotel Royal, and after break- 
 fast reflected what I had better do. I felt a deep longing to 
 see my wayward betrothed before returning to Paris, and I 
 was almost sure that a little calm remonstrance would likely 
 settle everything pleasantly between us. I could not bear 
 the idea of parting with her in anger, and I hoped to explain 
 my motives for letting Mr. Bates into the secrets of our 
 courtship in a manner that would be satisfactory to her. If 
 she were still reluctant to marry, why then I would seek to 
 ascertain her wishes, and act accordingly. If she desired me, 
 as she had done in her letter after leaving London, to go 
 back to Paris and remain there till she returned from Italy in 
 the spring, I would do so to gratify her whim. Still I trusted 
 that she would decide on retaining my society and protection 
 rather than obstinately persist in travelling about in the dull
 
 174 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 company of her servants. But how was I to see her ? That 
 was the puzzle. I was afraid to offend her by going to her 
 hotel, and to get her to come to meet me at another, could 
 only be done by some stratagem. I thought, too, that perhaps 
 her romantic fancy would be caught by some new device of a 
 persevering lover, and I determined, if possible, to effect it. 
 
 My reflections were interrupted by the entrance of a valet 
 de place, and a queer looking fellow he was. He called him- 
 self Pietro, and I found he was attached to the hotel and a 
 native of the town. I told him I wanted him to look about 
 for an apartment that I wished for a few hours. He thought 
 it would be difficult to get one for so short a period, 
 but he set off in quest of it. He returned in an hour or so, 
 and said he could find nothing of the sort at any hotel, but 
 that he could procure me a small one that might answer in a 
 private house. He mentioned at the same time another on a 
 larger scale in the palace of the Russian Consul who was 
 absent, but this latter could be had only by the month. I 
 started out with him to inspect the premises in question. 
 The first one we came to I found was small and dirty, and I 
 rejected it at once. I then accompanied him to the Russian 
 Consul's house, and was shown here an apartment of vast 
 extent and great elegance. I was charmed with the locale, 
 but the agent would only let it by the month. This was out 
 of the question, but my valet told me if I wanted such a thing 
 immediately I had better try to make a bargain, for he didn't 
 know where to go to look for another. Upon this I bargained 
 away for dear life, and at last closed by taking it for a week, 
 thinking that, perchance, my stay in Genoa might extend over 
 several days, and in this case I could lodge here instead of
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 175 
 
 remaining at an hotel, and at the worst that it would be only 
 another small loss to add to my list of expenditure for courting 
 a lady en voyage. I gave orders to put the apartment in 
 readiness for the next day, and sauntered back to my hotel 
 through some of the principal streets of the place, amusing 
 myself the while in examining the shop-windows an attractive 
 occupation enough for a listless traveller. Whilst staring at 
 a curious collection of arms in the window of a gunsmith 
 my eye was caught by a six barrelled pistol which greatly 
 resembled the famous revolver of my well-known countryman, 
 Col. Colt. Wondering whether this celebrated American weapon 
 had, really, found its way into the shops of Italy I went in to 
 enquire. I found it was not a revolver, but only an ordinary 
 pistol of several barrels. Whilst examining it the idea flashed 
 upon me to buy it, as during my proposed interview with my 
 eccentric betrothed it might tell well to put it to my head, 
 and threaten if she didn't give over her coquettries and make 
 me a happy man at once that I would make her responsible on 
 the spot for my untimely fate. The courier having already 
 told me that she had talked of the chance of my committing 
 suicide put this ruse into my head. Whilst chaffering about 
 the price I changed my mind, and abandoning the notion I left 
 the shop without making the purchase.* In the evening the 
 courier called upon me as agreed. 
 
 " Well, what have you been about to day ? " I asked. 
 
 " Visiting some of the Galleries of Paintings," he answered, 
 "but Miss Gamble walks through them, almost, without taking 
 
 * This circumstance was stated by the valet de place, who accompanied 
 me, to the Examining Judge, and is upon record.
 
 176 MY COUKTSHIP 
 
 any notice. She seems thinking of something else all the 
 time. Yet she would remain out in spite of the wet till 
 nearly dark, for she complains of its being so lonesome in the 
 house." 
 
 " All you relate," I said, "proves very clearly that her mind 
 is ill at ease. I hope for her sake as much as mine to bring 
 her round to some decision." 
 
 " I do wish you would, sir," urged the courier, "for it makes 
 me downright uncomfortable to see her in such a way. She 
 don't enjoy herself, and nobody else can about her.'' 
 
 "Well, we shall see what can be done," I continued, "for I 
 have got an apartment ; the difficulty will be to induce her to 
 come there. If I write to ask her she will be sure to refuse." 
 
 "Very likely, sir, for there's no counting on her a second. 
 Can't you think of some excuse or other ? " 
 
 "I have been thinking of it already but I have fallen on 
 none yet." 
 
 Before the courier went away I happened to mention my 
 notion about threatening to put an end to myself in her 
 presence if she would not change her conduct. 
 
 " That would be just the thing to please her, sir," 
 exclaimed the courier. "Do try it I am sure it would 
 succeed ! " 
 
 "Perhaps it might, and I regret now I did not buy the 
 pistol!" 
 
 " No need of that, sir," replied Figaro ; " I always travel as a 
 courier with a pair of pocket pistols. I'll lend you mine! " 
 
 " Very well ! Bring them round to-morrow ; but take good 
 care," I suggested, " to see they are not loaded, for I don't 
 like to play with edged tools."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 177 
 
 "I shall unload them, sir, and fetch them in the morning. 
 Good-night, sir/' 
 
 I went to bed hoping that my new surprise at Genoa would 
 turn out more fortunately than my attempt at Turin. I was 
 quietly shaving myself after breakfast the next morning, and 
 sti'J speculating upon what pretext I could obtain an interview 
 with my fiancee, when the courier dashed in to tell me that 
 his mistress would be off before long as she had ordered him 
 to get her passport signed immediately. 
 
 "The deuce you say!" I replied, rather flurried, for I 
 was resolved not to follow Miss Gamble beyond Genoa. 
 
 "You have no time to lose, sir; if you don't see her 
 to-day you'll miss it." 
 
 " By Jove, you have given me a capital idea !" 
 " Have I?" ejaculated the courier looking very unconscious. 
 "What's to prevent you telling Miss Gamble you've lost the 
 passport, and that she must come to the police-office to get 
 another ? you can then conduct her to the apartment I have 
 taken." 
 
 " That is a good 'un, sir," returned the courier with 
 a broad grin. " Of course, I can do that ! Nothing easier, but 
 I hope she won't be angry with me." 
 
 " Angry ! for what ? She will most likely thank you if we 
 make it up, and if we don't there's no great harm in her 
 chatting an hour or two with me. Your motive is a good one, 
 and I will take all the blame upon myself. Fear nothing." 
 
 " Very well, sir," said the courier, quite reasured ; " I 
 know you are betrothed to her, and I see no sort of harm in 
 the matter. Shall I go and tell her, at once, that the passport 
 is missing ? "
 
 178 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Yes, and come back and tell me what she says." 
 
 In fifteen minutes later the courier was in my room again 
 
 "All right, sir," he cried, "but look sharp, sir. She ha 
 ordered the carriage, and is going right off to the police after 
 another passport." 
 
 " Order a carriage for me, then, or she'll be there before 
 me." 
 
 " Where are we to go, sir? " 
 
 " Here is the address," and I wrote it in pencil, and gare 
 it to him. 
 
 " Here are the pistols, sir," returned the courier, handing 
 them to me, "now mind, and put both of them to your head if 
 she drives you to despair." 
 
 "Stop a minute till I see if they are empty." I ran my 
 pencil case down the barrels. " That's right," I continued, 
 "no danger now. But who is going with your mistress ?" 
 
 "Miss Bennet, sir." 
 
 " Well, recollect, if Miss Gamble is not angry, and decides 
 to remain with me an hour or two, you can return to the 
 hotel, and inform Mary that her mistress is with me, else she 
 may be alarmed." 
 
 " Yes, that is best, sir ; I will do so." 
 
 Away ran the courier ; and, I may as well mention here 
 that, fearing lest he might compromise himself, he showed 
 the address I had given him to Miss Gamble before starting. 
 My handwriting was so familiar that Miss Gamble must have 
 recognised it, and the courier always declared she smiled on 
 perusing it, which satisfied him that she suspected the ruse. 
 Miss Gamble admitted, afterwards, that he showed her the 
 address, but denied having recognised the handwriting. The
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 179 
 
 moment the courier left I drove off rapidly to the apartment 
 I Lad hired, and found my valet de place making preparations 
 for my occupying it. I had given him no explanation why I 
 had taken it, end he supposed accordingly that I was going 
 to lodge there. I told him the instant I entered that I 
 expected two ladies, with a courier, to come there immediately, 
 and that one of the ladies in black would, probably, say 
 something about a passport, and ask for the Intendente. In 
 that case all he had to do was to conduct her to the saloon 
 where I should be. The valet suspected some joke was going 
 on from his smile, but he asked no questions, and said he 
 would comply with my directions'. 
 
 About one o'clock Miss Gamble arrived, and was ushered, 
 at once, by my master of ceremonies into the room where I 
 awaited her ; Miss Bennet and the courier remaining in the 
 ante-chamber. On seeing me Miss Gamble exclaimed 
 
 " Ah ! it is you. Well, I thought it was all a trick." 
 
 This surprised me, as I did not then know she had seen 
 the address in my writing. 
 
 " Yes, it is all a trick," I announced, "but as you refused 
 to see me at Turin, save in the company of your courier, I 
 did not stop on this occasion to ask your permission. But 
 pray be seated." 
 
 "What do you want with me now?" she asked perfectly 
 at her ease. 
 
 " To make you some explanations, and to talk you into 
 reason, if possible." 
 
 " Is that all ? " she enquired ; " you intend nothing else, 
 I suppose." 
 
 "What do you mean?" I asked, looking at her with
 
 180 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 surprise ; "I shall treat you with the deference due to a 
 woman, and with the tenderness that becomes our relations. 
 What did you expect ? " 
 
 "Very well," she replied, and without explaining herself 
 she took off her bonnet, and sat down on a sofa near the 
 fire. 
 
 A long conversation ensued that would be tedious to relate. 
 In the course of half an hour the courier sent in to ask if he 
 and Miss Bennet were to wait. I said, " No," but that they 
 had better return in an hour later. 
 
 In the course of her remarks Miss Gamble still persisted 
 that Mr. Bates had interfered to prevent our marriage. 
 
 "What nonsense," I said; "he denied it to the Prince 
 
 N , and afterwards to me, and you have read his letter 
 
 I sent to you at Turin, wherein he expresses astonishment at 
 your bad behaviour." 
 
 "Yes," she answered, " and that astonished me still more." 
 
 " But his interference, I am sure, would never prevent 
 your marrying me, or any one else. Did you not entreat 
 me," I demanded, " to come to you one evening in London, 
 a week after you spoke of his opposition?" 
 
 She smiled in her old way, and made no reply. 
 
 "Well, Jane," I continued, "tell me, I beg of you, what 
 do you intend to do ? " 
 
 " I suppose, alas! that I must marry you." 
 
 "You have declared that often enough already. But 
 when?" 
 
 "When you please to-night, or to-morrow." 
 
 " I wish I could put faith in you," I said, full of doubt. 
 
 " Try," she replied, smiling.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 181 
 
 " Will you give me a pledge in writing ? " I asked. 
 
 " Most cheerfully." 
 
 I rang for the valet, and ordered him to go and buy pen, 
 ink and paper as I had not foreseen their use. In a short 
 time Pietro came back, having borrowed them, as it turned 
 out, at the French Consul's opposite, there being no shop 
 near. 
 
 "Well, what am I to write ?" demanded Miss Gamble, 
 seating herself at a table. 
 
 " What you have just said." 
 
 " I don't remember now; you must repeat it." 
 
 " How like you," I observed. " Well, write, '/ bind myself 
 to marry Mr. Henry Wikoff according to the pledges I made 
 him to that effect at Ouchy and at Geneva.' "* 
 
 " There," she said, " will that do ? " 
 
 " Are you really in earnest this time ? " I enquired. 
 
 " Perfectly so." 
 
 " Will you give me still another guarantee ? " 
 
 " What you please, ' was her reply. 
 
 "Add then, 'or to forfeit the half of my income.' Now I 
 am sure," I said, quite satisfied, "rather than let me touch 
 that precious income of yours you would marry me or 
 Beelzebub himself." 
 
 "Are you not ashamed of yourself? " she said, assuming a 
 mock air of rebuke. " Any more ? " 
 
 * I have an official statement from, the American Consul at Genoa, 
 which will appear in its place, wherein he says that Miss Gamble 
 repeatedly declared to him that she wrote the above obligation to fulfil 
 her previous pledges voluntarily; and that her motive for doing so was 
 to induce me to let her leave my apartment immediately.
 
 182 
 
 "Merely add, ' I do this of my own free will and accord, 
 and in consideration of my frequent violations of good faith 
 heretofore.' " 
 
 " That's all very fine," she observed, as she finished, " but 
 that paper is worth nothing at law." 
 
 " No, but I am glad to have it in your writing that you 
 pledged me your hand at Ouchy and at Geneva." 
 
 " I don't deny it, but of what use is the forfeit of half my 
 income ? " 
 
 " I hoped to frighten you by that means into keeping your 
 word, and if I could enforce the penalty you would drop your 
 coquetry, and marry me at once, I am sure.'' 
 
 " Are you still willing to ' sign off' if I marry ? " 
 
 " I have said it, and my word is sacred." 
 
 During this scene the valet de place was in the room* waiting 
 to arrange a lunch for Miss Gamble that she had ordered. 
 Immediately afterwards she sat down, and despatched two 
 bowls of soup. I was glad to see that her morning's adven- 
 ture had not disturbed her appetite. 
 
 After this we walked about surveying the splendid apart- 
 ments we were in, and looked out at the different windows, that 
 were all open, to contemplate the fine prospects that render 
 Genoa so famous. I pointed out to her the palace formerly 
 occupied by Lord Byron. All this time the manner of Miss 
 Gamble was amiable and confiding in the extreme, and she 
 
 * I hold a deposition of the valet de place, made before the American 
 Consul at Genoa, wherein he describes the above scene, affirming that the 
 manner of Miss Gamble whilst writing was perfectly calm and uncon- 
 cerned.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 183 
 
 seemed flattered, as I thought, at this new and harmless act 
 of devotion on my part. 
 
 On returning to the saloon we had first occupied I was just 
 about requesting her to put on her bonnet, as I was anxious 
 that she should be back to her hotel before her dinner hour, 
 when the valet came in to tell me that the courier and Mary 
 had come, and wished to see me. I went to them in the next 
 room, and Miss Gamble followed me. I then asked Mary 
 to enter the saloon with her mistress and myself, and the 
 courier retired. It appeared that the courier had returned 
 according to my directions to the hotel, and informed Mary 
 that Miss Gamble was with me. She expressed her delight, 
 and hoped the " game was' near over." After eating their 
 dinner the courier said he was going back with the carriage 
 to fetch Miss Gamble, as I had ordered, and Mary proposed 
 to come along with him. The courier seeing no objection 
 brought her with him. The moment we returned to the 
 saloon Miss Gamble put on her bonnet and said 
 
 " You have played me a trick in bringing me here, and take 
 care that I don't play you another. You have committed an 
 impertinence that I shall remember." 
 
 I was more surprised at her .manner, even, than her 
 words. It was imperious and provoking just as oftentimes 
 at Geneva and at London, as I have shown. It would have 
 been wiser to let her go as she proposed, but I was deeply 
 annoyed. 
 
 "You shan't go," I replied^in a firm voice, "till you 
 change your tone." 
 
 " What! will you dare to prevent me?" 
 
 "Yes, I will."
 
 184 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 She walked up and down the room in the same manner as 
 the day I last saw her in London, rattling at me in threatening 
 language which only made my determination stronger. 
 
 " You say you won't let me go ? " she demanded with a 
 menacing look. 
 
 " Not whilst you talk in that way." 
 
 She picked up the poker and held it in her hand a moment 
 as if hesitating what to do. Mary, and I regarded her with 
 curiosity. She walked to the window and pushed it through 
 one of the panes. 
 
 " There, now will you let me go?" she said with a grand air 
 as if expecting to see me alarmed at her energy. 
 
 "Not a bit of it," I answered smiling. "But I can't allow 
 you to break that fine glass in that way which will cost me a 
 pretty penny to replace." 
 
 Seeing that I was amused rather than startled, Miss Gamble 
 sat down and seemed to reflect. Dinner was brought in 
 by the valet de place, and I partook of it, chatting the 
 while with Miss Gamble, and Mary. I saw that we had each 
 taken up an antagonistic position, and that a childish struggle 
 must ensue. The presence of Mary, and the neighbourhood 
 of the courier inspired her with the notion to act a bravado 
 part, whilst I considered that if I gave way to her threats she 
 would laugh ever after at my cowardice, and always quote 
 my yielding as a proof that I was in the wrong. I decided, 
 then, that I would not let her go till she laid aside her menaces 
 and employed gentler language, and told her so. She declared, 
 on the contrary, she never would condescend to use entreaty. 
 
 " You have no right to retain me here, and I'll make you 
 pay for it," she said with great spirit.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 185 
 
 " I say nothing about the right, my dear Jane, but I have 
 treated you with politeness, and you have freely partaken of 
 my hospitality. So you must give me fair words, or stay 
 where you are." 
 
 " You are carrying it with a high hand, sir, but you'll 
 repent it." 
 
 " I shall never repent the hours passed in your charming 
 society." 
 
 " How long do you intend to keep me here ?'' she asked. 
 
 " Not more than a day or two," I replied laughing. " I 
 shall be tired of you, perhaps, by that time." 
 
 She regarded me with a penetrating look, not sure whether 
 I was in jest, or not. 
 
 " You would not dare," she cried, " to commit such an 
 outrage." 
 
 "Why not? " I said with the utmost nonchalance. " There 
 are a dozen bed-rooms here, and you and Mary may lock 
 yourselves up in the one you like best. But now that I 
 have got you both, I think I could not do better than set 
 sail with you for the Archipelago. I don't know when I 
 shall have a better chance." 
 
 In this way a pretty sharp cross-fire was kept up between 
 us for some time. The valet was quietly clearing away the 
 dinner, and hacl his arm full of plates, when Miss Gamble 
 suddenly seized him by the collar of his coat and exclaimed 
 
 "Mind what you are about! If you prevent me going 
 away I'll have you severely punished for it.'' 
 
 The man looked astounded and came near dropping his 
 crockery, for he did not understand our conversation in 
 English, nor had the least glimmering of what was going on.
 
 186 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 He stared stupidly first at her, and then at me. I laughed 
 heartily and sent him away. Miss Gamble was equally 
 amused, and said 
 
 " I have cowed him at all events." 
 
 Finding, however, she had failed to cow me, and deter- 
 mined not to yield her point she hit upon another expedient 
 to make me give way. She began to throw herself about as 
 though in hysterics, and I had never before seen on the stage 
 anything more admirably done. I remembered, fortunately, that 
 she had told me that her aunt was in the habit of this sort of 
 thing, and she had related many scenes of the kind that had 
 occurred. So I was prepared for an imitation of what she 
 had so often described. She acted to perfection, and some- 
 times I applauded with my hands, and at others laughed 
 immoderately at the absurd things she said. At last, she 
 flung herself on the rug before the fire, with her hair all 
 dishevelled, and declared it was her intention to die. 
 
 "Well, then," I cried, " 'let them bury the quick with the 
 dead,' as Hamlet said, for I am resolved not to survive you." 
 As I spoke, I manifested an intention to lay down beside her, 
 which, as I expected, made her leap up instantly. She gave 
 up the hysterical ruse after this, and began to look about, with 
 Mary's assistance, for her combs that had dropped about the 
 floor. Meanwhile I went out of the room to see if the 
 courier was about, but I ordered Pietro, or his man to keep a 
 sharp look out lest she might break the windows again, or do 
 something worse, for I knew she would fight it out to the 
 last. I found the courier in the kitchen frightened out of his 
 wits ; in the same breath, his teeth chattering the while, he 
 begged me not to let her go, and then, for Heaven's sake, not
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 187 
 
 to detain her longer. He could not comprehend the conflict 
 going on, and I did not choose to explain it. I ordered him 
 to go and look about for a carriage, as it was getting very late, 
 and I had secretly settled if she would not retreat as I hoped, 
 that I would, for I feared to compromise her so seriously as 
 to keep her out all night. When I returned to the saloon 
 she was quietly seated on the sofa alongside of Mary who 
 remained, for the most part, a calm spectator of the combat, 
 which she perfectly understood knowing her mistress's eccen- 
 tric disposition. 
 
 "Well," I said, seating myself, "I have just ordered the 
 house to be locked up. You, and Mary had better go to bed. 
 I intend to sleep here on the sofa." 
 
 " Surely, you are not in earnest ? " she exclaimed in a 
 startled voice. 
 
 " That's just the difference between you and me. I am. 
 always in earnest, and you are always in jest," I replied in 
 a deep, calm tone, as though my decision was irrevocable. 
 
 She hesitated a moment, and, then, got up as at Geneva, 
 approached me, and falling on her knees by my side, put up 
 her hands in the prettiest way imaginable. She was always 
 graceful in her attitudes. 
 
 " I beg you, then, to let me go," she said in an imploring 
 manner. 
 
 " You know," I responded, " that I cannot resist a request 
 so politely expressed." 
 
 I lifted her up, and saluted her. 
 
 "Put on your bonnet," I continued, "for I have just 
 ordered a carriage. If you had only held out ten minutes 
 longer you would have gained the day."
 
 188 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 We were both of us now in high spirits, and I ordered the 
 valet, who could not make head or tail of what was going on, 
 to prepare supper, of which Miss Gamble and I partook 
 
 " But I played you a trick that you are not aware of," she 
 remarked in great glee. 
 
 "What was that?" 
 
 " Why, when you were out of the room I wrote on a piece 
 of paper that I was detained here, and would give a thousand 
 francs to any one who would come to my relief, and then 
 threw it out of the window." 
 
 I refused to credit this, but Mary told me it was true. 
 
 " You are a dangerous woman to joke with, I see, for you 
 stop at nothing." 
 
 " You are mistaken," she said archly, " for I could have 
 gone further." 
 
 "How so?" 
 
 " Isn't there a family overhead, for I distinctly heard a 
 woman's foot ? " 
 
 "Yes, a banker occupies the upper part of the palace." 
 
 " Well, then, if I and Mary had set to screaming you 
 would have been obliged to run." 
 
 " True enough I should have been off as fast as my legs 
 could carry me. But entre nous I wondered you didn't come 
 out when the agent called to see me in the early part of the 
 evening." 
 
 She smiled without replying. 
 
 Between eight and nine o'clock the agent of the apartments, 
 Sr. Pescio, had called, and I was talking with him for near half 
 an hour. If Miss Gamble had not liked the diversion going on
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 189 
 
 nothing prevented her coming forward to claim his interference,* 
 We were kept waiting a long while to get a carriage, but 
 none could be found. Before going I looked about the room 
 to see that nothing was left behind, when I came across a 
 small leather bag. 
 
 " What's this ? " I asked. 
 
 " It is Mary's," said Miss Gamble. 
 
 " What does it contain ? " I pursued. 
 
 "Only odds and ends that Mary always carries with 
 her." 
 
 It was asserted afterwards that Mary had brought Miss 
 Gamble's night clothes in it, but I don't believe this, as 
 neither Miss Gamble nor myself had ever sent such an order. 
 As I was rummaging about I thought of my pistols that I 
 had put, when I first entered the room, on the top of a high 
 piece of furniture. 
 
 " Bless my soul !" I exclaimed, " I totally forgot to shoot 
 myself." 
 
 "What do you mean ?" demanded Miss Gamble. 
 
 I took down the pistols and related to her the ruse I had 
 contemplated, but had quite forgotten. 
 
 " It will do for another time," she replied smiling. It was 
 considerably after midnight when we started off on foot to 
 return to Miss Gamble's Hotel. Pietro led the way, and as 
 the streets were quite deserted I walked with my arm 
 affectionately thrown round Miss Gamble. I mention this 
 simply to show the loving mood we were in. Mary 
 
 * This important fact was testified to, under oath, by Sr. Pescio before 
 the tribunal, as -will be seen.
 
 190 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 accompanied vis. When we had walked a short distance 
 Miss Gamble remarked 
 
 "What's the use of going back to my hotel to-night?" 
 " What do you propose, then ?" I asked in some surprise. 
 " Let us go somewhere else, and return in the morning." 
 " As you please," I replied, "but do you wish me to go 
 along with you ? " 
 
 " Of course, I do ; tell your servant there to stop at the 
 nearest hotel." 
 
 I gave the order, and directly Pietro knocked at the door 
 of a house which he said was the " Iron Crown Hotel." 
 We were admitted instantly. I asked if they had rooms, 
 and we were shown to a couple of bed-rooms adjoining 
 each other. Miss Gamble chose one, and I took the other. 
 I chatted with her for a short time before retiring, and we 
 agreed to be up and off at nine in the morning. I saluted 
 her affectionately when I bid her good-night. I slept soundly, 
 and was woke up by Mary knocking at my door by order of 
 her mistress. 
 
 " It is near nine o'clock," she cried, " are you ready ?" 
 " In five minutes," I answered, and springing up imme- 
 diately I ordered a carriage to be sent for, and after taking a 
 cup of coffee, I paid the bill, and we started off once more for 
 Miss Gamble's Hotel. I was seated alongside of her in the 
 carriage, and Mary occupied the place in front, and in proof of 
 the kindly relations between us I might add some details that, 
 as a matter of taste, I think best to leave unmentioned. 
 
 I \vill stop my relation a moment to insert here a document 
 of some importance. So many false statements have circulated 
 respecting the so-called "Abduction" of Miss Gamble, that
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 191 
 
 the account I have just given will be received with surprise, 
 and likely with doubt. Misrepresentations have been put forth, 
 as I will show, both in my name, and hers with a view to 
 compromise me in public opinion. What I have related 
 above / solemnly declare to be the truth, and I am fully 
 prepared with authentic testimony to prove it, should any 
 party whatsoever venture hereafter to call it in question. 
 Nothing I desire so much as to substantiate this, and the rest, 
 before some tribunal where justice may be relied upon. In 
 the hope that such a chance may yet befall me, I will hold 
 in reserve various documents to verify each incident I have 
 related of the " Abduction " in question. For the present 
 I will content myself with giving an affidavit made before 
 the American Consul at Genoa, G. G. Baker Esq., that must 
 satisfy every impartial person that I have "nothing extenuated 
 nor set down aught in malice." 
 
 Letter O/BENEDITTO Vico, Landlord of "Iron Crown Hotel," 
 at Genoa, to H. WIKOFF : 
 
 " Genoa, April 29, 1853. 
 
 " SIR, I have much pleasure in answer to your honored letter of 
 the 25th, to make the explanations I should not have failed to give 
 before the Judge, but, unfortunately, no opportunity was afforded 
 me. It is perfectly true that on the 15th of November, 1851, after 
 midnight, Miss Gamble, accompanied by you, came to lodge at my 
 hotel. She asked for bed-chambers, of which she chose one com- 
 municating by a door with another that you took for yourself. It 
 was, also, remarked by the waiter that you were talking with Miss 
 Gamble in her chamber, whilst your bed was being prepared. It 
 is, also, true, that in the morning you paid the bill, and after taking 
 coffee, went away with her in the same carriage to her hotel. All
 
 192 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 this passed in such perfect accord as to show a great familiarity and 
 intimacy between you and Miss Gamble, whose lightest will you 
 seemed disposed to obey. Certainly, if she had shown the least 
 constraint, or any sign of being on bad terms with you, and had 
 demanded my protection, I would have done my best, sir, as it 
 would have been my duty, to shelter her from any coercion on your 
 part. But there was no appearance of the kind, for we saw nothing 
 but two persons very intimate and closely connected. It is true, 
 likewise, that Miss Gamble was accompanied by a femme de chambre, 
 for whom a third bed-chamber adjoined. In fine, all passed between 
 you in such harmony as not to give evidence of the smallest 
 possible dissension. 
 
 " It his only just to certify to you, sir, besides, that I was never 
 interrogated by the Judge in a manner to enable me to state the 
 above facts. The most insignificant questions only were put to me, 
 and always to your disadvantage. 
 
 "Hoping that my reply will meet with your approbation, I beg 
 you, sir, to receive my cordial salutations. 
 
 " Your very humble servant, 
 
 "BENEDITTO VICO." 
 
 " Consulate of the United States of America, Genoa. 
 
 " I, George G. Baker, Consul of the United States of America at 
 Genoa, do hereby make known and certify that on the second day 
 of May, 1853, Beneditto Vico, the Landlord of the "Iron Crown 
 Hotel " in the city of Genoa personally appeared before me at this 
 Consulate, and made oath that all the facts and circumstances 
 contained in the foregoing letter are true and exact. 
 
 " In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed 
 the seal of this Consulate this second day of May in the year 1853, 
 and in the seventy-seventh year of the Independance of the said 
 United States. 
 
 (Seal.) (Signed) "GEORGE G. BAKER." 
 
 I appeal to the common sense of my reader, and ask, that
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 193 
 
 had I treated Miss Gamble, whilst in my apartment at 
 Genoa, with any rudeness or violence, as has been so falsely 
 alleged, would she have decided, of her own free will, not to 
 return to her own hotel, but to go to another, and pass the 
 night there under my protection ; and, as stated, knock at my 
 door in the morning to escort her away ; but, even, had she gone 
 of her own accord would she not, naturally, have demanded 
 protection from the landlord and his servants had she been in 
 fear, or anger at any previous ill-treatment of mine ? I stake 
 my whole defence upon this voluntary act of hers, and the 
 clear proof I have adduced of our friendly and amiable 
 relations at the close of the so-called "Abduction." To 
 return to my story. 
 
 When Miss Gamble got back to her hotel, the Croix de 
 Malte, I informed her that I should take lodgings in the 
 same house. Whilst at my breakfast, about ten o'clock, the 
 courier came to me, and said she desired to see me. I went 
 to her room immediately ; I complimented her on her looks, 
 and saluted her on entering. 
 
 " Don't talk of love," she said, "but give me that paper, 
 first," meaning the promise she had written the day before. 
 
 " Why are you in such a hurry to get it back, as you say 
 it is worth nothing ?" 
 
 "Never mind that," she replied; "will. you give it to 
 me? " 
 
 " If you behave prettily," I said, smiling, "perhaps." 
 
 " Where is it ? " 
 
 At this moment the door of an adjoining room opened, 
 when Miss Gamble exclaimed 
 
 " That is Miss Bennet ! don't let her see you, I beg." 
 n
 
 194 MY COURTSHIP AND ITS CONSEQ.UENCES. 
 
 I was obliged to retire in haste, and before I had time to 
 return her some letters in my pocket that she had dropped 
 from her muff on the previous day, and that I had playfully 
 picked up and retained. It was, perhaps, an hour later that 
 the courier came flying into my room, saying 
 
 "Miss Gamble is going to the British Consul's." 
 
 "What for?" I asked in surprise. 
 
 "I don't know, sir. But do go and see her," he entreated, 
 " and persuade her out of it." 
 
 " No ! I shall not. I can't imagine her motive, but I 
 won't interfere." 
 
 Sure enough she went off to the British Consul's. 
 
 EXD 0? PART riRST.
 
 PART II. 
 
 " FIAT JUSTITIA, RUAT C/ELUM.
 
 MY COURTSHIP AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 197 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 I COULD not make out, either then or since, what could be 
 Miss Gamble's motive in making the British Consul a party to 
 the silly adventure of the previous day. In keeping with the 
 many mad pranks she had already played, I thought it possible 
 that she only sought to have me summoned before him that I 
 might be warned not to interfere with her hereafter, supposing 
 that this new display of energy on her part would alarm me 
 into quiet submission to her caprices henceforth. It occurred 
 to me, also, that she might be seeking, through the instru- 
 mentality of the British Consul, to recover the written evi- 
 dence of her previous pledges of marriage made in Switzer- 
 land, that she had given me the day before, and which she, 
 perhaps, suspected I would insist on retaining. I was after- 
 wards told by the courier that she expressed apprehensions of 
 some imaginary person that she had got it into her whimsical 
 head was urging me on to press her to a final decision. The 
 courier, however, assured her that there was no such person in 
 existence, and that if she had any alarm in this respect it was 
 entirely groundless. But, as I just said, I could never come 
 at her motive for this singular step. It may have been jest, 
 or anger, or fear, or a mixture of all, that carried her to the 
 British Consul's house on the day in question, and there
 
 198 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 would have been little, likely, to regret if his Consulship had 
 not turned out to be a still greater oddity than herself. 
 
 To resume. Some three hours had elapsed since her 
 departure, and I was momentarily expecting her return, won- 
 dering what could possibly detain her so long, when the 
 courier dashed into my room, looking very pale, and cried 
 
 " My God, sir, we are all to be arrested ! " 
 
 " Arrested ! for what? and by whom ? " I asked, in amaze- 
 ment. 
 
 "By the British Consul," he replied. "I conducted Miss 
 Gamble to his house, and after a long time he came down 
 stairs, and seeing me in the hall he ordered me about my 
 business, and said he was going to the police to have us all 
 arrested immediately." 
 
 " In that case, I shall be off to my Consul, and claim his 
 assistance. You had better return, however, to get the orders 
 of your mistress." 
 
 I was a good deal astonished, as may be supposed, at this 
 singular news. Utterly unconscious of having violated any 
 law, I could not conjecture the motive for an arrest. I 
 thought, besides, the conduct of the British Consul was pre- 
 cipitate in not investigating the matter more fully before 
 resorting to so violent a course. A sensible man ought to 
 reflect there are always two sides to a story. 
 
 I started then in quest of my Consul, George G. Baker, 
 Esq., as intimated, and found him at home. His appearance 
 was somewhat striking. Pie was a tall, slim man, of a rather 
 severe expression of countenance, with a penetrating grey eye 
 that twinkled benignantly ever and anon. Spirit and firm- 
 ness, not unmixed with benevolence, were the marked traits
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. ' 199 
 
 of his physiognomy. He received me pleasantly ; and I began 
 to relate to him the events of the day before, adding a rapid 
 outline of what had preceded. I then begged him to call on 
 the British Consul to make a representation of the case and to 
 remonstrate against his strange proceedings. My Consul 
 seemed greatly amused at the novelty of the case, but cor- 
 dially assented to my request, bidding me to await his return. 
 It was nearly two hours before he got back, when he stated 
 that on reaching the British Consul's house he found him gone 
 out, but that he met Miss Gamble there, who seemed in great 
 alarm at the unexpected turn the matter had taken. On find- 
 ing that he had come there on my behalf, she implored him to 
 check the British Consul in his impetuous conduct, saying she 
 had never dreamt of my arrest, for I had done nothing but 
 what love had prompted, and finally begging him not to give 
 me up to the police. The British Consul came in whilst this 
 v,-as going on, when he rudely ordered Miss Gamble to quit 
 the room, and not to interfere. 
 
 Left together, the American Consul, then, in the name of 
 Miss Gamble and on my behalf, deprecated the course he, the 
 British Consul, was pursuing, ^and suggested a friendly settle- 
 ment of a foolish lovers' quarrel. The British Consul, on the 
 other hand, used very intemperate language, and declared he 
 would persist in arresting me ; whereupon my Consul replied 
 that I was under the protection of his consulate, and that the 
 police could not reach me there. And so they separated. 
 
 I listened to this recital with lively interest. It appeared, then, 
 that Miss Gamble, with her characteristic inconsistency, already 
 regretted the extraordinary step she had taken. What story 
 she had related to the British Consul I have never been able
 
 200 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 to discover ; but it afterwards appeared that she suppressed, 
 as she had done with Mr. Bates, all the particulars of our 
 long and fantastic courtship. I was gratified, however, to 
 learn that she had no hostile object in view, and that she had 
 earnestly besought the American Consul to give me protection 
 and succour. 
 
 " Well, Consul," I demanded at the close of his statement, 
 "what had I better do?" 
 
 " You had better stay where you are," he answered, with a 
 friendly smile. " The police are in search of you, and the 
 courier is arrested and already in prison." 
 
 " You are extremely kind," I said, not a little comforted, 
 "but I fear to trespass on your hospitality." 
 
 " Don't name it," he replied, " for I am glad to give you 
 shelter against so ridiculous a proceeding as this." 
 
 The Consul was, in fact, a warm-hearted man ; and in a 
 case, whether small or important, where his notions of right 
 were ruffled, he was not likely to give up his point without a 
 struggle. He introduced me at once to his wife, a middle- 
 aged person of retired manners, but pleasing appearance. I 
 related to her in a lively manner the adventure that had 
 thrown me on her civility, and to which she lent a ready ear. 
 She was both amused and interested, and bid me welcome in a 
 hearty tone. If I had got into a scrape through the thought- 
 lessness of a woman, it was grateful to find that the first one of 
 her sex I had encountered promptly stretched forth her hand 
 to the rescue. "Women, from impulse, sometimes do cruel 
 things enough, but the female heart is essentially sympathetic ; 
 and in difficulty and distress, when men often turn a deaf ear, 
 woman becomes the "ministering angel." It is a beautiful
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 201 
 
 and holy mission hers, and even the lowest of her kind has 
 always "some corner of her soul" accessible to the purest and 
 best emotions of our nature. I spent quite a delightful even- 
 ing with my Consul and his lady, and we were joined at a 
 later hour by another countryman of mine, a Mr. Spalding, 
 United States' agent at Spezzia, and then on a visit to the 
 Consul's house. He was a lively and pleasant man, and, like 
 all Americans, full of patriotic sympathy. When he heard my 
 story he was much amused, but was quite indignant at the 
 bellicose conduct of the British Consul. On retiring for the 
 night, Mr. Spalding insisted on giving up his bed to me, and 
 went out to sleep at an adjoining hotel, as the Consul was not 
 provided for so unexpected a guest. 
 
 After breakfast next morning, November 17th, the American 
 Consul and Mr. Spalding, accompanied by a Genoese gentle- 
 man, Mr. Koster, went off to the Governor of the town, yclept 
 Intendente, and found the British Consul, Mr. Timothy Brown, 
 already there, who still used very abusive language. He had 
 got it into his head that I must be a Russian spy, from the fact 
 of my having hired an apartment in the Russian Consul's house, 
 and he demanded my arrest in loud and peremptory terms. 
 My Consul stated the case to the Intendente, and again remon- 
 strated with Mr. Brown. At last, the Intendente very sensibly 
 referred the two Consuls to the lady herself before he interfered 
 at all in the matter. An interview followed with Miss Gamble 
 at her hotel, when she, in the most earnest manner, entreated 
 Mr. Brown to desist, and allow the affair to be settled quietly, 
 without exposing her to publicity and involving me in serious 
 trouble. She spoke of me in the most eulogistic terms, and 
 said that she had pledged me her hand, and that the farce I
 
 202 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 had played her was inspired by love, and not by any base 
 motive. At length Mr. Brown, in spite of his fierce resolves, 
 was forced to give way, and he drew up a paper for me to 
 sign, to the effect that I would return to Miss Gamble the 
 promise of marriage she had written at my apartment, and 
 further agree not to molest her again. About two o'clock 
 p.m. my Consul returned with this document in his hand, 
 which I instantly consented to accept ; but Mr. Baker sug- 
 gested that the wording was injurious to me, and that I had 
 better copy it out in my own language. I did so, and gave it 
 to him when he returned to the hotel of Miss Gamble. Mr. 
 Brown was not satisfied, and, at the request of Miss Gamble, 
 he determined to come and see me. 
 
 I was sitting with Mrs. Baker when the two Consuls 
 entered. The first view I had of Mr. Brown gave me an 
 unfavourable impression. His countenance was harsh and 
 stern, his eye had a sinister expression, and his manners were 
 pompous and forbidding. I addressed him in courteous lan- 
 guage, and explained briefly the facts of the case. By degrees 
 he modified his views, and began to think he had been too hasty. 
 
 " I see by your manners and conversation that you are a 
 gentleman," he said, " and I have been led into a wrong view 
 of the case." 
 
 " It is evident," I returned, " that Miss Gamble in a mo- 
 ment of excitement has committed a foolish act, but I hope 
 for her sake, even more than for my own, that you will not 
 carry the matter any further." 
 
 " Miss Gamble in my opinion is mad," asserted Mr. Brown, 
 in his gruff way, " and you will be ten times madder if you 
 marry her."
 
 AXD ITS' CONSEQUENCES. 203 
 
 He added some other rough expressions that I forbear to 
 repeat. 
 
 This took place in the presence of my Consul, his wife, and 
 Mr. Spalding. ^General conversation then ensued, and it 
 happened to come out that I had formerly known a brother- 
 in-law of Mr. Brown's, a London merchant. This had, also, 
 a conciliating effect. 
 
 " Well, it is a trumpery lovers' folly," he remarked at last, 
 " and I will go no further with it. There is no necessity for 
 your writing the paper I drew up ; merely scribble a line that 
 you will molest her no further and that will answer." 
 
 I did so. 
 
 " She is very anxious," he continued, " to have back the 
 promise of marriage, which I suppose you care nothing about." 
 
 " Not the least in the world," I replied ; " I will return 
 it the moment I get hold of my portmanteau." 
 
 " You give me your word of honour to that effect ? " 
 
 "I do." 
 
 " That is sufficient," said Mr. Brown. " And now I advise 
 you to have nothing further to do with that mad woman, or 
 you'll get into more scrapes." 
 
 " I thank you for your advice," was my answer ; " but I 
 think you are too hard upon her." 
 
 " If you remain in Genoa," he added, taking up his hat, 
 " come and see me ; I will present you to Mrs. Brown. I 
 shall go now to the Questore and tell him it is all settled 
 amicably, and request him to withdraw the police. I congra- 
 tulate you on escaping, even for one night, an Italian gaol, for 
 they are shocking places, I assure you." 
 
 With that Mr. Brown withdrew.
 
 204 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " ' If after every storm there comes a calm like this' 
 I said, smiling, to my Consul, whom I shook warmly by the 
 hand, thanking him for his active and friendly services. 
 
 " Miss Gamble is rather an odd person, I think," said Mr. 
 Spalding ; " but I suspect Mr. Brown is a good deal odder. 
 Between the two you would have had a tough time of it. You 
 are well out of the scrape." 
 
 We all sat down to dinner in high spirits. My worthy 
 Consul and his amiable wife were pleased to see me out of 
 trouble ; Mr. Spalding ditto ; and it is needless to say I was 
 greatly enlivened at escaping the attentions of my new friends 
 the police, two of whom had been stationed all day at the door 
 of the American Consul, beyond whose inviolable precincts 
 they presumed not to venture. 
 
 " Just tell the police," I said to the servant, " not to go, 
 when they get the order, without my giving them a douceur for 
 their useless trouble." 
 
 We were taking coffee in the Consul's comfortable drawing- 
 room, about eight o'clock in the evening, when the British 
 Vice-Consul was announced. 
 
 " I have come," he stated, " to inform you, on the part of 
 Mr. Brown, that he fears there will be some difficulty in stop- 
 ping the matter. The Questore (or Mayor) of Police has put 
 the complaint into the hands of the Avoccato Fiscale, the law- 
 officer of the Crown, and it is doubtful now whether a trial can 
 be avoided." 
 
 "Why, the affair is settled amicably between the parties 
 themselves," replied the American Consul ; " and it is absurd 
 to talk of a trial." 
 
 " So I think," replied the British Vice-Consul ; " but if
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 205 
 
 you will come to-morrow morning, at eleven o'clock, to the 
 office of the Fiscal Advocate, Mr. Brown will meet you there, 
 and a final attempt will be made to arrange it." 
 
 " I will be there without fail," answered my Consul, when 
 the British Vice-Consul withdrew. 
 
 It appeared that Mr. Brown had, in the beginning, made a 
 formal complaint before the head of police against myself, the 
 courier, and my valet de place, and demanded our immediate 
 arrest. According to the law, the accusation had laid for 
 twenty-four hours in the hands of the Questore, when he 
 handed it over for prosecution to the regular law-officer, the 
 Fiscal Advocate. It was just after this had been done that 
 Mr. Brown arrived to say that it was all settled ; but the 
 Questore replied it was now beyond his jurisdiction, and that 
 the complaint was duly entered for trial ; nor did he see how 
 it was possible to stop it without gross informality. However, 
 it was hoped that something might still be done to stay legal 
 proceedings. 
 
 The same evening, about nine o'clock, a commissaire of 
 police came to the American Consul's house to carry me off 
 to prison. My Consul protested against it on the ground that 
 the difficulty was settled. The officer replied that he had 
 no authority to violate the consular domicile, and so retired, 
 but carrying off with him my unfortunate valet de place 
 who still remained in my service. He came back again 
 about ten o'clock, expressing his regret, but saying that, 
 as a matter of form, he was obliged to arrest me. The 
 American Consul explained that the question was adjourned 
 till eleven o'clock next morning, and refused to give me 
 up. The commissaire declared he would be obliged to take
 
 206 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 me all the same. This brought out the spirit of my Consul, 
 who unfurled his flag and laid it across the threshold of his 
 door. 
 
 " Insult that at your peril !" he said. " My domicile is 
 sacred, and I will protect my countryman until I know clearly 
 that I have no right to do so." 
 
 Up to this time I had remained a quiet spectator of what 
 was passing. The commissaire put on his sash of office ; but, 
 proclaiming his respect for the American flag, hesitated as to 
 what course to pursue. Upon this I advanced, deeply touched 
 by the Consul's zeal and good feeling on my behalf. 
 
 " I beg you, sir," I said, " to receive my grateful thanks, 
 but I never can consent to see an outrage committed on the 
 national flag in so paltry an affair as this. I prefer a thousand 
 times to go to prison. I surrender." 
 
 I then gave myself up to the police. The commissaire, a 
 very gentlemanly person, thanked me cordially for relieving 
 him from his embarrassment. 
 
 " After all," he added, " it is only a farce. If the matter 
 goes on you will be out to-morrow on bail." 
 
 "Well, I regret your decision," said my resolute Consul. 
 " I would have protected you to the last. But I protest 
 against the proceeding as unnecessary, if not absurd." 
 
 I then bid my excellent friend and his amiable wife good- 
 night. They were both annoyed to see me quit their hos- 
 pitable roof for so dreary a receptacle ; and Mr. Spalding, 
 whose feelings had got worked up by the scene, declared 
 
 " If you must go, I will go too, to see at least where they 
 put you." 
 
 An American never deserts a countryman in trouble. It is
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 207 
 
 one of the finest traits of our national character. It was near 
 midnight when we started off, myself on the arm of the com- 
 missaire, Mr. Spalding on the other side, and two policemen 
 bringing up the rear. I stopped en route a moment to buy 
 an article or two of necessity, not having seen my luggage 
 since the day before, and then resumed my march. 
 
 My sensations were rather confused the novelty of going 
 to prison was rather exciting ; and the dejection that might 
 ba supposed to accompany so unusual an event in most 
 people's experience was not severe in my case, for the double 
 reason that I was unconscious of any offence to deserve it, 
 and, next, that it was chiefly the result of a combination of 
 strange accidents originating in the eccentric disposition of 
 Miss Gamble. Though not depressed at this new tribulation, 
 I was far from that state of exultation which might have 
 inspired a knight of the olden time at so trying a martyrdom 
 for his ladye-love. My feelings found a more natural vent in 
 the plaintive expostulation of the hero of Hood 
 
 " All ! little Nell, all ! little Nell, 
 
 How could you serve me so, 
 I ' ve met with, many a breeze before, 
 But never such a blow." 
 
 Suddenly turning up a narrow street that I could scarce 
 descry in the darkness, we began a sharp ascent. Passing 
 through two outer gates guarded by sentinels, we soon 
 reached the door of the prison of St. Andrea. The comwi:;- 
 saire then handed me over to the chief jailer, with injunctions 
 to treat me kindly, and courteously bid me good-night. The 
 jailer, Colombo by name, was a round-faced, jolly-looking 
 fellow, and was rigged in a cloth blouse, belted by a broad
 
 208 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 strap, from which hung a bunch of ponderous keys. A red 
 woollen nightcap completed his toilette. In costume he was 
 the beau ideal of a jailer. My name was duly entered on the 
 records of the prison, and my offence stated to be the " Abduc- 
 tion" of Miss Gamble. I would much have preferred, at that 
 moment, seeing our names inscribed on a church register. 
 That done, I was then summoned to follow Colombo and his 
 assistants. Mr. Spalding, like a true Yankee, would not 
 listen to any talk of regulations, but would follow to see how I 
 was disposed of. After winding up two flights of stone stairs 
 we came to a high door, which was unlocked and thrown open, 
 disclosing a room of considerable dimensions. It was occupied 
 by a dozen beds or more, each with an occupant, who, dis- 
 turbed at this unusual hour, past midnight, slowly raised their 
 heads and looked at us with a stupid stare. It was a gallery 
 of portraits anything but attractive. Colombo stated that this 
 room was reserved for a better class of prisoners, and that he 
 would make me up a bed as soon as possible. But I demurred 
 stoutly to being turned into this pen, and insisted on a room 
 to myself. 
 
 "Put me into your dirtiest dungeon if you choose," I said, 
 " I don't mind a rat or two, but I will be alone." 
 
 This was said in so determined a manner that Colombo 
 thought it no use to argue, though he seemed surprised at any 
 opposition to his will, which no one there presumed to question. 
 After a short consultation between the jailers we descended a 
 story lower, and entered a long corridor lined with rooms. I 
 was told that this was quite empty on account of repairs going 
 on, and that I might have my pick of the cells. I selected 
 one of the best, which was really a very good room lofty, of
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 209 
 
 fair size, and clean. They rigged it up in a trice. A couple 
 of benches were brought in and a mattress thrown on them. 
 Colombo supplied the covering from his own stores. A table, 
 a couple of chairs, a wash-stand, and lamp completed the fur- 
 niture. Colombo then wished me a good night's rest, and 
 Mr. Spalding extended his hand, which I grasped warmly. 
 
 " This is very hard luck," he said, " and enough to make 
 me forswear courting as long as I live." 
 
 " Nay, don't slander the sex," I replied, " because some of 
 them prove whimsical." 
 
 They all retired, and when I heard the rattling of bolts and 
 the clank of chains, and felt that I was locked-up, a peculiar 
 and very rebellious sensation seized me. I almost wished I 
 could transform myself into a locomotive on the spot, when, with 
 all my steam on, I would have rushed against every door in the 
 establishment, and continued my progress a long way out of 
 sight. Having nothing better to do I turned in, and was just 
 settling down into a snooze when I heard the bolts and chains 
 at work again. Presently the noise of steps approaching fell 
 on my ear. My door opened, and Colombo and suite entered. 
 Without as much as saying, " By your leave, sir," they began 
 searching all my pockets, helping themselves freely to the 
 contents, money and all. This done, they picked up my 
 watch and coolly walked off, locking me up as before. 
 
 " That's what I call robbery according to law," I growled, 
 getting a little more rebellious than ever. " But ' it t'aint no 
 use,' as Corporal Hawkins said," and muffling up I tried to 
 sleep it into morn. 
 
 The silence was intense. I got through the night pretty 
 well, dreaming that Miss Gamble was sawing off the iron 
 grating of my window, whereat my gratitude knew no bounds.
 
 210 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 ALAS ! it was all a dream, for the first thing that stared me 
 in the face on waking was this identical netting of bars, 
 and substantial ones they were too. Colombo paid me an 
 early visit and restored my watch, to my great satisfaction ; 
 the money he was obliged to retain, he said, according to 
 prison rules, and my papers had been sent off to the Fiscal 
 Advocate.* The door of my room was left open by especial 
 favour, and I had the corridor all to myself for exercise. I 
 was allowed to send out to an adjoining hotel for my breakfast. 
 There were no fireplaces or stoves in the prison, but Colombo 
 kindly furnished me with some cinders in a brazier, which 
 served to warm my fingers at all events. I walked up and 
 down the corridor for some hours during the morning, and 
 the sounds and sights about me, to say nothing of the odours, 
 soon gave me a surfeit of the locality. I sat down at last, 
 and wrote to Miss Gamble, giving her a graphic picture of my 
 condition, and begging her to do all she could to obtain my 
 redemption thence. I handed my letter to Colombo, who pro- 
 
 * These consisted of a couple of notes to Miss Gamble, written during 
 the day at the United States' Consulate, but which I had not sent to her. 
 I entreated therein her forbearance for the courier, and expressed my hope 
 that Mary was none the worse for our frolic of Saturday, for the old lady 
 so far seconded her mistress on that occasion as to refuse any refreshment, 
 and I feared, at her age, she might fall ill.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 211 
 
 mised to forward it to its destination ; but he gave it, instead, 
 according to the rules, to the Fiscal Advocate. My mind was 
 too disturbed for reading, so I continued my promenade up 
 and down the corridor a prey to the most uncomfortable re- 
 flections. This was one of the days of my life I shall never 
 recall without a shudder. 
 
 About four o'clock I was called down to see the British 
 Consul, Mr. Brown. His manner was quite changed from 
 the day before. Addressing me in a cold, repelling tone, he 
 said 
 
 " No arrangement is possible. The thing must go on." 
 
 " I am distressed to hear it," I answered; " but how is it 
 possible to convert such a farce into a serious offence." 
 
 " That is Miss Gamble's affair," he returned, twirling his 
 cane. 
 
 " What does she intend to do ? " I asked. 
 
 " She must stand by her complaint now," he answered, 
 with some emphasis, 
 
 " I wonder that my Consul has not come with you," I re- 
 marked. 
 
 " He will not be allowed to see you," observed Mr. Brown, 
 turning to retire. 
 
 " What !" I exclaimed, " are you allowed access to me and 
 my own Consul refused?" 
 
 " It appears so. Good-day, sir." 
 
 The British Consul then abruptly withdrew, leaving me in 
 a state of mind anything but enviable. I paced my room for 
 some time in extreme agitation. It seemed inconceivable that 
 a folly of so trivial a nature could be tortured into a legal 
 offence, and I found it hard to comprehend my situation.
 
 212 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 The rude reality, however, was before me. I was in a prison, 
 and threatened with a public trial. My cheek glowed with 
 shame and mortification at such a scandal, and it required all 
 my fortitude for awhile to bear up against it. At length I 
 wrote to my Charge d' Affaires at Turin, and to the Count de 
 Cavour, explaining what had occurred and requesting what 
 aid they could give me. My dinner was brought in about six 
 o'clock from a neighbouring restaurant, but my appetite, like 
 Bob Acre's courage, had quite " oozed away." The man 
 who served it began in his clumsy way to cheer me up, and 
 the good-feeling which inspired it gradually interested me. 
 He was a fine-looking fellow, with a magnificent black beard 
 of Scriptural dimensions. I found he, too, was a prisoner, and 
 had been there over two years already. He had played a very 
 comical trick on some worthy monks, and was sentenced to 
 three years for his want of reverence. A bustling, pleasant 
 rogue was this same Quakaro by name, and he gravely assured 
 me " it was nothing when you got used to it." Recovering 
 my humour and appetite by degrees, I set too and made 
 my dinner. 
 
 I discovered next day that my Consul was really denied 
 admission to me, and I was cut off, besides, from all out-of- 
 door communication till I had first undergone an examination 
 by what was yclept a Judge of Instruction. This preliminary 
 investigation is analogous to that before the Police Magistrate 
 in England and the United States ; but on the Continent of 
 Europe, where habeas corpus is unknown, the accused is im- 
 mediately thrown into prison, and detained there till his case 
 is inquired into by functionaries appointed for that special 
 object. These examinations, in writing, are then laid before
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 213 
 
 a council of the particular Court where the offence belongs, 
 and upon their decision the matter is sent before the Tribunals, 
 or may be dismissed. 
 
 On Wednesday evening, forty-eight hours after my impri- 
 sonment, I was visited by the Examining Judge, Sr. Trucco, 
 with his secretary and interpreter, and I found him quite a 
 gentlemanly person. He desired me to state my case, and 
 thought it better that I should relate the whole history of my 
 wooing. This was a harder job than Othello had to do, but I 
 set to work most conscientiously. The Judge fovind it often a 
 difficult matter to preserve his gravity, whilst the secretary 
 and interpreter frequently stopped to express their wonder and 
 to suggest my having nothing more to do with such an arrant 
 madcap. After my statement was recorded the Judge, with 
 due courtesy, declared it was almost impossible to believe my 
 courtship had gone through so many singular phases, and 
 asked if I had any letters of the lady to confirm it. I answered 
 in the affirmative, but hesitated to give them up. He said 
 they were vital to my defence, and so I handed him such as I 
 happened to have along with me. Before leaving, Sr. Trucco 
 remarked that he did not consider my case as falling within 
 the statute, for the law, in defining "Abduction," considered 
 the motive and the circumstances as well as the act itself. He 
 also added that, in any light, it was but a misdemeanour of the 
 smallest class, and that an application for bail could not reason- 
 ably be refused. I found myself greatly comforted by these 
 consolatory assurances, and I naturally looked forward to a 
 speedy end to all my troubles. I slept soundly that night, 
 and dreamt that Miss Gamble had got me out of prison, and 
 fled with me beyond the reach of bolts and Browns.
 
 214 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 The next morning I was still in bed musing, when a fellow 
 strolled into my room and walked about with his hands in his 
 pockets, as though he had a right to do it. There was an easy 
 nonchalance about him, and an intelligence in his clear eye 
 and olive-coloured physiognomy that caught my attention. 
 
 " Well, who are you, my fine fellow ?" I asked, in French. 
 
 " One of the turnkeys of St. Andrea," he answered) in the 
 same language, "and quite at your service, sir." 
 
 " Where did you pick up French ?" I asked, inspecting him 
 more closely the while. 
 
 "In France, Monsieur; I have been to Paris," he said, 
 rather boastingly. 
 
 " What is your name ? " 
 
 " Roquino." 
 
 "Well, then, master Roquino, I'd like to enrol you at once 
 as chief officer of my staff, if such appointments are recognized 
 here?" 
 
 " It may be done, sir," he replied promptly, " with the 
 Director's permission, and I am sure he would not refuse you. 
 If you will write to him I will carry the letter at once." 
 
 "Done," I said, jumping up and suiting the action to the 
 word. 
 
 In half an hour he returned, his face quite radiant. 
 
 " The Director sends you his compliments," he said, " and 
 consents to withdraw me from my usual occupations and to 
 assign me to your special service." 
 
 I liked this arrangement vastly, for I was sure that Roquino 
 would be useful to me, else I mistook the shrewdness that 
 sparkled in his dark eye. Happily, I little dreamt at the 
 time how long he was destined to exercise his new functions.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 215 
 
 A rare fellow was he, that same Roquino. As great a rogue 
 as one could well meet in a prison or out of it, but in all his 
 tricks there was a finish and a scientific precision that would 
 have made many a veteran diplomatist jealous of his skill. He 
 never did you from mere wantonness ; it was all calculation 
 with him ; he had a motive and a distinct object always. You 
 might be sure he would cheat you if he could possibly gain by 
 it, and he was equally felicitous in disguising both the cheat 
 and the gains. I never outwitted him save once, but he bore 
 it with the imperturbabillity of an adept who knew he could 
 retrieve it. He was often useful to me, and always an amuse- 
 ment, but alack ! I had to pay for both. 
 
 Several days elapsed before my worthy Consul managed to 
 reach me. Many obstacles had been thrown in his way, but 
 he thrust them aside with his wonted energy, for he was not a 
 man to be stopped by trifles. He gave me a deal of informa- 
 tion that filled me with surprise and pain. It appeared from 
 what he related on this and other occasions, that no sooner did 
 Mr. Brown, the British Consul, discover that the complaint he 
 had so unnecessarily laid before the police must undergo a 
 legal investigation than, contradicting all he had said of the 
 insignificance of the matter a few days before, he turned round 
 and determined to make out a " strong case" against me, lest 
 he might be blamed for the outrage of arresting and throwing 
 me into prison. To this end he assumed at once complete 
 authority over Miss Gamble, laying upon her the fault that 
 he had acted as he had done ; whilst she, finding herself in a 
 false position from the inconsiderate step she had taken, gave 
 herself entirely up to his arbitrary guidance, though I am 
 quite sure her heart must have recoiled from the course he
 
 216 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 thought fit to urge upon her. In consequence, a charge was 
 trumped up against me of having employed " menaces " to 
 make her write the paper at my apartment already mentioned, 
 though she had repeatedly declared the contrary as seen on 
 the day the matter was settled between us. I am sorry to say 
 that Miss Gamble was induced to make this cruel and un- 
 founded accusation to the Judge of Instruction, Sr. Trucco, 
 who duly laid it before the Fiscal Advocate. This latter 
 functionary, after frequent and undisguised consultations with 
 Mr. Brown, went to the extraordinary length of pronouncing 
 me guilty of having Extorted a promise of marriage from Miss 
 Gamble with menaces. This was a grave act of felony, and 
 various articles of the code were applied to the case, malting 
 out a term of imprisonment at the Galleys for some ten 
 years ! ! ! This may seem almost incredible, but it is strictly 
 true, as the records of the Tribunal will show. 
 
 I should add that whilst the matter was under reflection by 
 the Fiscal Advocate my Consul was informed of the constant 
 visits of Mr. Brown to his office, and he accordingly remon- 
 strated in energetic language at this unseemly interference. 
 Upon this the Fiscal Advocate expressed a wish that neither 
 of the Consuls would call on him again touching the case, and 
 Mr. Brown, at the demand of the American Consul, further 
 pledged his honour not to interfere thereafter. What was the 
 surprise of my Consul, and of his own countrymen, to learn 
 that he still continued to do so ! The fact is, the conduct of 
 Mr. Timothy Brown during these events was more like a bed- 
 lamite than a sound-headed and warm-hearted Englishman. 
 He actually declared openly in the streets, and to the American 
 Consul on many occasions, that he would send me to the
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 217 
 
 galleys, or his name was not Timothy Brown. There was no 
 accounting for the eccentric behaviour of this gentleman, 
 which in my case assumed a tone of harshness that deepened 
 at last into downright cruelty. I don't believe, from the 
 North to the South Pole, another British Consul could have 
 been found who would show such singular zest in hunting 
 down a poor devil of a lover, who had by a hard fate fallen 
 into his gripe. 
 
 I should, perhaps, explain here that the English influence 
 was paramount in Sardinia, which, at the time I am writing of, 
 had incurred the dislike of certain great States by its new 
 constitutional doctrines, and the protection accorded to it by 
 England was therefore vital to its safety, and in other respects 
 greatly advantageous. Consequently the diplomatic and consular 
 representatives of the British Government at Turin and Genoa 
 exercised an undisputed influence, and it was left to the taste 
 and discretion of these gentlemen to employ it for proper ends. 
 Had it so minded Mr. Brown, nothing could have been easier 
 than, with due respect to legal formality, to save me from the 
 injury and suffering he, on the contrary, sought so zealously 
 to inflict. His conduct throughout was unworthy his position, 
 and of his noble country, and in strange contrast to that rational 
 and humane disposition which characterises all classes of the 
 English people. What his own countrymen thought of his 
 proceedings I shall have occasion to show by-and-bye. 
 
 I was fortunately kept in ignorance of the terrible fate pre- 
 paring for me by the considerate kumanity of my jailer-valet, 
 Roquino, who managed with such admirable address to deceive 
 me as to leave me even without a suspicion of what was really 
 going on.
 
 218 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 It was in the beginning of December that a printed 
 paper was brought me one day from the office of the Fiscal 
 Advocate, and I sent immediately for my man Friday to know 
 what it was all about. He glanced over it without moving n 
 feature, and said 
 
 " It is only the conclusions of the Fiscal Advocate as to your 
 case." 
 
 "Very well; but what does he conclude?" I asked, witli 
 some eagerness. 
 
 " He applies several articles of the code to it," he answered, 
 determined to conceal the truth ; " but I don't know what 
 they mean." 
 
 " That is easily settled," I returned, taking the paper into 
 my hand, " for I see he gives the number of each article. 
 Go and get the code." 
 
 Roquino was never taken aback, no matter what the 
 emergency; and so, making no difficulty, he went off in 
 search of it. In a short time lie came back, code in hand, 
 which I was about taking from him, when he said 
 
 " Will you please to read out the number of each article, 
 and I will let you know the result, for I can find them 
 quicker than you could." 
 
 "Agreed," I replied, "so look for 47." 
 
 " Here it is," he declared, turning over the leaves with 
 much apparent care. " That gives you one month's imprison- 
 ment." 
 
 " I don't mind that," I answered in a lively tone. " Now 
 for 62." 
 
 "You are down again for another month," he asserted, 
 after taking some time to find the place.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 219 
 
 "Well, I can stand that without much wincing. Look 
 for 97." 
 
 " How these leaves stick together," exclaimed Roquino, 
 secretly meaning to give me a breathing-spell between the 
 doses he was compelled to administer. " Here it is, 97- 
 You will have six weeks according to that, though." 
 
 " That makes over three months," I said, calculating, and 
 beginning to feel uncomfortable ; " but go on till I know the 
 worst." 
 
 In this unsuspecting way I went through all the articles 
 specified in the document sent me, and I found that by the 
 interpretation Roquino gave it I was in danger of some six 
 months' imprisonment, and the prospect disturbed me not a 
 little. It was only a couple of weeks later that I discovered 
 the true nature of the paper in question which was, in fact, 
 a notice from the Fiscal Advocate that my case was sent up 
 to the Criminal Court, with his suggestion that the various 
 articles of the code cited should be applied to it, constituting, 
 as I have said before, an imprisonment at the galleys for some 
 ten years. 
 
 The well-meant deception of Roquino was nearly frustrated, 
 a day or so afterwards, by my Consul, who thought it his duty, 
 however unpleasant, to make the truth known to me. 
 
 " Well, my poor friend," he said, seating himself in my 
 room, " I have come to give you some very painful intelligence. 
 Mr. Brown is making desperate exertions to send you to the 
 galleys, and he has managed to get your case before the 
 ' Chamber of Accusation ' of the Criminal Court. What they 
 will decide I cannot tell." 
 
 " I am happy to inform you, my dear Consul," I replied,
 
 220 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 putting entire faith in Roquino's misrepresentation, " that the 
 amiable intentions of the merciless Brown are likely to be 
 defeated, for I have got a notice from the Fiscal Advocate 
 quoting the articles of the code that he declares have been 
 violated, and the sum-total is six months' imprisonment." 
 
 The Consul stared at this unexpected statement of mine. 
 
 " You are under some egregious delusion," he returned, 
 " for I keep a vigilant eye on what is transpiring, and I repeat 
 that your case is gone before the Council of the Criminal Court, 
 and the galleys are suspended over your head." 
 
 I could not account for the supposed error of the Consul, 
 but remaining perfectly unmoved, I said 
 
 41 The point is easily settled, for Roquino read to me each 
 article of the code, and I will send for him to put you right." 
 
 " Do so," replied the^Consul, thinking I was losing my wits. 
 
 In a few minutes the arch-deceiver entered my room at my 
 summons, with his hands in his pockets, as usual, and his 
 countenance as serene as a new-born babe's. 
 
 " Here, Roquino," I said, "just explain to the Consul the 
 paper I got from the Fiscal Advocate a couple of days since. 
 Didn't you say that the whole amount of imprisonment 
 threatened was for some six months ?" 
 
 " Certainly I did, and that was every day of it," he replied, 
 with the utmost gravity. 
 
 " Nonsense,'' exclaimed the Consul, " give me the paper, 
 and go and get the code." 
 
 " Yes, go and get it Roquino," I ordered, " and the Consul 
 will then be convinced." 
 
 Away went the rogue, perfectly at his ease, and coming 
 back after a short delay, he declared somebody must have mis-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 221 
 
 laid the book, for he could find it in no direction. He thus 
 adroitly managed to leave it an open question, and the more 
 my worthy Consul persisted, the more I continued to assert 
 that I could not be mistaken, whilst Roquino stood by a 
 passive witness to our friendly altercation, so perfectly com- 
 posed in feature and manner as to leave not a doubt on my 
 mind of his being in the right. 
 
 It was only on the 24th of December that I learnt for the 
 first time the true state of the case, for on that day the 
 Council-chamber of the Criminal Court rendered their judg- 
 ment on the view taken of my offence by the Fiscal Advocate. 
 They declared that, after a mature examination of the depo- 
 sitions made before the Judge of Instruction, and of all the 
 circumstances connected therewith, they could find nothing 
 whatever to justify the accusation of my having "extorted 
 with menaces" the paper written by Miss Gamble at my 
 apartment, on November 15th, and they, therefore, pronounced 
 the " conclusion" of the Fiscal Advocate to that effect as null 
 and void. The question whether an " Abduction" had been 
 committed or not still remained, and they sent that down for 
 trial before the Lower Court as a simple misdemeanour. 
 
 I beg to call the attention of my readers to this important 
 fact. I was thus fully acquitted, by the solemn decision of 
 the Judges of the Criminal Court sitting in council, of having 
 attempted an " extortion with menaces," to obtain the harmless 
 paper already cited ; and it was, therefore, an outrage on the 
 sentence so formally delivered, as well as on reason and justice, 
 ever to renew against me the charge of "menaces;" which 
 was done, however, as will be seen. 
 
 My astonishment and horror may easily be conceived upon 
 learning that an attempt had really been made, at the noto-
 
 222 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 rious and avowed instigation of Mr. Brown, to send me to the 
 galleys ; and that, too, upon a fictitious charge of " menaces" 
 against a woman whose friendly conduct, after leaving my apart- 
 ment on Nov. 15th, as shown, alone proved my innocence. Is it 
 to be supposed for a moment that Miss Gamble would, of her own 
 free will, have declined to return to her own hotel on that 
 memorable night, and have decided to sleep elsewhere under 
 my protection, knocking at my chamber-door in the morning 
 to escort her away, if I had used menaces towards her, or 
 threatened her with any violence. I leave the answer once 
 more to the candour and judgment of the public. 
 
 To return. I was comforted and reassured by the decision 
 of the High Court in my favour, and as my offence had now 
 taken the venial shape of a misdemeanour for the " Abduc- 
 tion" of my lately-affianced bride, I made an attempt, with 
 the zealous aid of my estimable Consul, to obtain bail, for my 
 trial was set down for the 9th of February, still six weeks off. 
 My health, besides, began to suffer from the confinement and 
 unhealthiness of the prison, for the damp was so excessive as 
 to rack every joint of me with rheumatism. Theindefatigable 
 Brown, however, declared I should not be bailed, and the 
 remonstrances of my Consul, as well as the medical certificates, 
 alike went for nothing in his eyes. His influence was suffi- 
 cient to prevent it, and I was accordingly kept locked up till 
 my case should come in due course before the Tribunal.* 1 
 
 During these events Miss Gamble, still at Genoa, was con- 
 stantly visited by the American Consul, as well as by many of 
 my countrymen passing through, who used the strongest en- 
 treaties to induce her for her own sake to show me some 
 mercy, and that if she would not exert herself to relieve my 
 unfortunate situation that, at all events, she would not sanction
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 223 
 
 the indecent and violent conduct of Mr. Brown. She declined, 
 however, to accept their counsels and refused to do anything 
 to check the intemperate course of her chief adviser. Her 
 better feelings must have rebelled against the part she was 
 called on to play ; but I have no doubt she was taught to 
 belive that unless it could be managed to compromise me in 
 public opinion by a condemnation, no matter how obtained, 
 that she would be seriously blamed. To t save herself from 
 this fancied responsibility, she allowed herself to be urged on 
 from one hostility to another, till, as the play says, " returning 
 were as tedious as going o'er." Her position was awkward 
 and painful, and her sentiments varied accordingly. Some- 
 times she gave way to anger against me, and at others she 
 would relent into regret. 
 
 To show her state of mind at this period, I cannot do better 
 than quote a letter of my Consul's after one of his usual visits 
 
 to her 
 
 " United States' Consulate, 
 
 " Thursday. 
 
 "De.\R SIR, I saw Miss Gamble last night. Nothing to le 
 hoped for from her. I found her, at first, very unfavourably dis- 
 posed. I intimated, at length, that in case of a trial you might be 
 forced, in vindication of yourself, to testify to things she might not 
 like to have brought to light. Her reply was, she did not care 
 what you testified to, and in excitement declared you deserved the 
 worst punishment the law could inflict. Afterwards, however, she 
 said that if it were in her power to open your prison doors and let 
 you go free she would do so, provided she could be sure you would 
 not molest her or Mr. Brown. But this, she alleged, she could not 
 do, nor prevent the trial if she wished. 
 
 " In great haste, 1 am always truly yours, 
 
 " GEORGE G. BAKER, 
 
 " U. S. Consul." 
 
 " H. WlKOFF, ESQ "
 
 224 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 This note clearly portrays that even in the grave circum- 
 stances in which she was placed, Miss Gamble could not over- 
 come the habitual tendency of her mind to vacillate from one 
 extreme to the other. It was this unfortunate trait of hers 
 that throughout our courtship had led to so many misunder- 
 standings, and had finally involved me in the sad predicament 
 in which I found myself. 
 
 The decision of, the High Court in my favour, it appears, 
 took Miss Gamble by surprise, and under the inspiration of 
 sounder views she hurried oif to the house of the American 
 Consul, and declared " that if Mr. Wikoff would act like a 
 gentleman and say nothing to injure her character, that she 
 would do all in her power to relieve his situation." 
 
 In reply to this I begged the Consul to inform her that 
 " whatever she might do, I would never allow myself to utter 
 a word that would be injurious or painful to her." 
 
 On this occasion Miss Gamble yielded to more generous 
 impulses, and if she had always shown the same firmness in 
 resisting the unfeeling counsels of her evil genius her conduct 
 would have been in harmony with the forbearing and merciful 
 dispositions of her sex, and she would have laid up less store 
 for regret hereafter. 
 
 It was only a few days later that I was informed that she 
 had fallen again under the sway of the " remorseless Brown," 
 as my Consul used to call him, and to my great surprise she 
 was persuaded to bring an action for Damages against me ! 
 Her motive in this could not have been a pecuniary one, for 
 Miss Gamble was well enough off not to make my money an 
 object to her. It was suggested to her, as I have since heard, 
 that if a large sum was recovered against me (and no doubt
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 225 
 
 it was thought that it could be managed) why, then, if I had 
 not got it to pay I might be immured for long years in a 
 prison for debt, in case that I should be acquitted for the 
 "Abduction." It was really extraordinary to see with what 
 rancorous malice I was pursued in this paltry matter. Why, 
 if I had never seen Miss Gamble before, and had stopped her 
 on the high road and made off with her, such a crime would 
 hardly have deserved the punishment that was sought to be 
 inflicted on me. Under the peculiar circumstances of my 
 case, however, it was unreasonable and cruel to follow me up 
 with such inveterate animosity. 
 
 I now found myself saddled with two separate actions, 
 and if I should by chance escape the Scylla of Abduction I 
 risked running plump against the Charybdis of Damages. To 
 increase my apprehensions I learnt that Miss Gamble, not 
 content with the abilities of the law-officer of the Crown, Sr. 
 Carbone, had decided to hurl at me the eloquent thunder of 
 the first barrister of Genoa, Sr. Cabella. 
 
 In all this I recognised the directing hand of the relentless 
 Brown. My Consul urged me frequently to write to her, and 
 thinking, perhaps, that I might succeed in touching her pity, 
 I did so, and addressed her on three different occasions. It 
 is useless to repeat here the contents of these dolorous com- 
 positions, but their contents may be inferred from the closing 
 lines of the last 
 
 " Had we never met so kindly, 
 Had we never loved so blindly, 
 Had we never met, or never parted, 
 I had ne'er been broken-hearted." 
 
 What might have been the effect of these anxious appeals 
 
 i
 
 226 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 of a luckless captive it is impossible to say, since they never 
 reached their destination. I confided them secretly to my 
 factotum, Roquino, but as any out-of-door correspondence was 
 forbid before Trialhe feared to get himself into a scrape by 
 delivering them ; so he quietly put each of them in his pocket, 
 leaving me the while under the pleasant illusion that he had 
 carried out my injunctions, and for which he did not neglect 
 to make me pay him liberally. When I discovered this trick 
 long after, I was half-disposed to lay violent hands on him, but 
 he baffled my indignation by coolly undertaking to convince me 
 that it was all for my good he had deceived me, "for," said 
 the ingenious rogue, " if Miss Gamble had told of it, as hap- 
 pened once before, you would not only have lost your ink- 
 stand, but been wholly deprived of my valuable services. 
 Remember, Signor, what befell the unfortunate Quakaro." 
 
 It was impossible to resist his logic or the eifect of his allu- 
 sion, so, laughing in his face, I forgave him. 
 
 I might as well relate the incident to which he referred. I 
 stated that upon entering the prison I fell into the hands of a 
 sympathetic individual with a flowing black beard, dubbed 
 Quakaro. He installed himself as my butler, and seemed 
 disposed to make himself generally useful. By charging me 
 at exorbitant rates for his supplies and services he was rapidly 
 making a good thing of it. Now Roquino, amongst his other 
 weaknesses, had an inordinate itch for gain, and he envied not a 
 little the fat perquisites of the bearded Quakaro. As one of 
 the guardians of the prison and high in favour, it would have 
 been easy for Roquino to displace him and '' bid his will avouch 
 it ;" but it was not in his character to make a rude exercise of 
 power when he might accomplish his end by diplomatic craft.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 227. 
 
 He therefore calmly awaited some sly opportunity of decapi- 
 tating the doomed Q.uakaro, and at last it came. It so hap- 
 pened that a letter of mine had been offered to Miss Gamble 
 
 one day by a sympathising countryman of mine, Col. V 
 
 A , which she scrupled to accept without Mr. Brown's 
 
 approbation. On hearing of it the irate Brown rushed off to 
 the Fiscal Advocate and demanded the punishment of the 
 sinning subordinate who had conveyed it out of the prison- 
 Ail investigation was ordered, and Roquino was one of the 
 first who was summoned before the Commandante. 
 
 " So," said that officer, " you have been carrying out a 
 letter for Signer Wikoff, though you are well aware it is 
 strictly forbidden." 
 
 " I am sorry to contradict you," replied the impenetrable 
 Roquino, " but I have done nothing of the sort." 
 
 " There 's no use denying it," continued the Commandante, 
 " for my inquiries trace it home to you. However, fear no- 
 thing; it will be overlooked." 
 
 " I am glad to hear it," returned the cautious turnkey. 
 
 " Oh, you confess, then, it was you." 
 
 " I confess that I suspect the one who was privy to it." 
 
 {i Indeed," exclaimed the Commandante, completely out- 
 witted, " and who may he be ? " 
 
 Roquino hesitated, as if reluctant to betray a comrade. 
 
 " I command you to do your duty," thundered his superior. 
 " Speak, who is the culprit ? " 
 
 " WelL.! if I must I must," said the Jeeuit, " but you know 
 it is not me who seives the meals of Signer Wikoff." 
 
 It is needless to say that from that day forth a peremptory 
 order was issued to the victimised Quakaro never to enter my 
 
 12
 
 228 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 room again, and the calculating Roquino accordingly fell heir 
 to tha place of the degraded butler. It is only just to the 
 fair fame of the unfortunate Quakaro to say that he was inno- 
 cent of the offence, and that nobody save myself and Roquino 
 knew who really was the offender in question. 
 
 To the intense vexation of the ex-butler, he never could 
 divine the cause of his sudden downfall, for the Commandante 
 gave no explanation, and Roquino affected to be wholly ignorant 
 of the mystery. It is clear the subtle arts of intrigue are not 
 confined alone to courts, and had it been the destiny of my 
 crafty turnkey to be born in another sphere, he might have 
 lived to eclipse even the fame of his wily compatriote, 
 Mazarin. 
 
 It was towards the end of December that my Consul called 
 on me one day to announce that Miss Gamble had left Genoa 
 for Nice. 
 
 " There, Consul, what did I always tell you ? " I said, " that 
 she never would appear in a public court in so ridiculous a 
 matter as this. For her own sake rather than for mine I was 
 sure she would not come, and there is no power to force her 
 there against her will." 
 
 " I hope you may be right," replied the Consul, smiling 
 at my exultation; "but your friend Brown says she will 
 though, and that she is only gone to Nice to amuse herself till 
 the Trial comes on, when she will return and appear against 
 you." 
 
 "I don't believe it," I persisted. "She will take the 
 steamer at Nice for Marseilles} and disappear. If her 
 generosity does not suggest this course her tact will, for in 
 poetry, as in fact, it will read better that, like a true woman
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 229 
 
 her heart relented at last, even if her interests insisted, which 
 is happily not the case." 
 
 " You lovers are always romantic," observed the incredulous 
 Consul, " and it would be uncharitable to dispel your illusions ; 
 but the remorseless Brown declares that he will answer for her 
 return, and you know to your cost that it is hard to predict 
 what she will ever do." 
 
 " You may say what you please, my dear Consul," I per- 
 severed ; " but mind my words, she will throw Brown over- 
 board at last, and yield to the soft instincts of the woman." 
 
 " Well, while there's life there's hope," returned the Consu* 
 good-humouredly, " and so let us hope for the best." 
 
 I had now been in " durance vile" for some six weeks, and 
 I had the same period to go through before the arrival of the 
 grand trysting day which was to decide my fate. 1 summoned 
 all my philosophy to abide it in patience, and endeavoured to 
 habituate myself with what grace I could to my queer abode. 
 The prison where I was detained had once been occupied as a 
 convent, and was of great dimensions, accommodating near 
 four hundred prisoners. The corridor where I was lodged 
 was a wing of the main building, and had formerly been 
 tenanted by a goodly company of nuns. My room was that 
 of the lady-abbess, and the ceiling was adorned by a fine 
 fresco painting, not altogether scriptural in its details. I used 
 to fancy that her spirit hovered about, and would see me 
 out of the scrape. I managed by degrees to resume my 
 customary occupations, and spent the day in reading and 
 writing till about four o'clock, when I sallied out for a 
 promenade in my lonely corridor, which was paved in stone, 
 and was both exceedingly dark and damp. With the aid of a 
 
 i 3
 
 230 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 lamp and an overcoat I endeavoured to rectify these draw- 
 backs. Punctuality was one of the few virtues of Roquino, 
 and as six o'clock struck the rattling of bolts at the entrance 
 of the corridor announced his arrival with my dinner, which 
 it often required a vigorous appetite to assail. Whilst laying 
 the cloth and depositing the dishes on the table, he never 
 failed to descant on their superlative merits, avowing that 
 he had honestly laid out every penny he charged me for 
 them. 
 
 "As long as you don't require me," I used to say, "to 
 believe more than a third of what you assert I am content." 
 
 " I am sorry that il Signor believes me capable," he would 
 reply in a tone of injured innocence, " of taking any advantage 
 of him." 
 
 " I believe you capable of anything, you sly dog," was my 
 lively retort, " when detection is not likely to follow." 
 
 "Ah," he. would respond with a heavy sigh, whilst strug- 
 gling to suppress a smile, " il Signor will do me justice one 
 day, else I must look to my conscience for my reward." 
 
 The heaviest drag for me was to get through the evening, 
 as my eyes were not strong enough to read by candle light. 
 Roquino perceived my weariness, and, always on the alert to 
 improve a chance, he expressed his desire, (sympathetic soul!) 
 to do what he could for my relief, and offered, though it was 
 strictly against the rules, to teach me a Genoese game of 
 cards. I accepted his offer with readiness, and though the 
 game was exceedingly simple I found that I was invariably 
 beaten* and my purse in consequence relieved of several 
 shillings ev^ry night. Roquino could not account for his 
 singular luck, tut I could.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 231 
 
 " You cheat me, you rascal," was my frequent exclamation, 
 " and take care I don't catch you at it." 
 
 " If I didn't know myself to be above such an act," he 
 would reply, quietly pocketing my money, " I should feel hurt, 
 il Signor, by your suspicions." 
 
 " There is a Providence even in St. Andrea, Roquino," I 
 would remark in a merry tone ; "and some day or other it 
 will overtake you, depend on it." 
 
 His air of calm defiance seemed to imply he was a match 
 for anything above or below.
 
 232 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THINGS were going on in this pleasant way for Roquino 
 when he came one morning to announce that a new tenant 
 was coming into the corridor that day. 
 
 "Indeed," I exclaimed, not liking the intelligence ; "and 
 who is the new comer, a respectable burglar, or an unfortunate 
 assassin ?" 
 
 " Oh, dear, no," said my jailer, as if shocked at such names ; 
 "he is a monsieur." 
 
 " And what do you call a monsieur in these parts ?" I asked, 
 rather curious. 
 
 " He was a bookseller in Genoa not long ago," he replied, 
 " but got compromised in the revolution and was obliged to 
 run. He has just been caught and comes in to-day." 
 
 " Poor devil, I pity him," quoth I. " But let me see him 
 when he comes, for perhaps we shall manage to cheer up each 
 other." 
 
 The new prisoner took up his quarters during the day in 
 the room next to mine, and I bid Roquino after dinner to ask 
 him to come and take wine with me. 
 
 " Francesco Bini, at your service, sir," said a bustling little 
 man, with an intelligent face and sparkling eyes, who entered 
 my room a minute afterwards, and seating himself with a
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 233 
 
 readiness that showed he appreciated my invitation. He 
 delivered himself in a strange jumble of French and Italian, 
 and rattled on at such a pace that you had to swallow the 
 mixture whether you understood it or not. The expression of 
 Bini's face was decidedly in his favour, and I took a liking to 
 him at once. He overflowed with animation, and his mind 
 seemed singularly active and earnest. What he thought he 
 said without circumlocation ; and what he wanted he helped 
 himself to without ceremony, for whilst entertaining me with 
 the rapid history of his adventures he despatched the whole 
 of my dessert, as though his appetite was as fast as everything 
 else about him. 
 
 It appeared, from his account, that in the uprising at Genoa 
 in '49 his patriotism was fired at the prospect of restoring the 
 Old Republic to her former greatness, and of making a Doge 
 of himself for his pains. In the first distribution of places he 
 became President of the barricades, and from the necessity of 
 running about to look after them all, the probability is he was 
 behind none of them when the fire was hotest. Bini was 
 clearly not the man to die for his cause, on the principle that 
 he could do more by living for it. The revolution was put 
 down at Genoa, and with the spirit of a true martyr he looked 
 round to see where the army of liberty most wanted a recruit. 
 The Republic was still up at Rome and promised to stand ; 
 and thither Bini directed his steps, in the hope to stand with 
 it. His ardour was possibly stimulated by the chance of his 
 having an account to settle with the police if he remained at 
 Genoa ; and in his absence it turned out that his ungrateful 
 country sentenced him to three years' imprisonment for his 
 short tenure of office at the head of the barricades. He soon
 
 became a captain of Garibaldi's Roman legion, but his hopes 
 of renown were a second time dashed to the ground,, for the 
 Republic at Rome followed its predecessors elsewhere to the 
 Tomb of the Capulets, and Bini was once more a patriot at 
 large. From this time forward his attention was totally 
 absorbed in dodging the police all over Italy, and he soon 
 began to think that the lot of a mad dog was a quiet life to 
 the one he was leading. He sighed for Genoa and the pacific 
 occupations he had, in an enthusiastic moment, forsaken. His 
 revolutionary zeal had sensibly diminished, and he was nigh 
 falling into a violent state of reaction from having had his 
 pocket picked by a fellow republican. He lost his passport 
 with his pocket-book, but the unfortunate rogue who carried 
 them off soon paid the penalty; for he was arrested. 
 
 " Ah," said the Austrians who nabbed him, " you are that 
 scamp Bini, just the man we wanted ;" and he was ordered to 
 be shot forthwith, in spite of his violent protestations to the 
 contrary. 
 
 This foreshadowing of his fate sobered the real Bini com- 
 pletely, and he glided back again, at all risks into Sardinia, 
 determined to bury himself in his books, if there were any left 
 in his old shop, and renounce glory and barricades for ever. 
 Alas ! for his laudable intentions, the police soon pounced on 
 him, and St. Andrea opened its ponderous jaws to receive 
 him. 
 
 " So," I said, after he had done, "you have no less than 
 three years on your back ? " 
 
 "Yes," he returned, full of resolution; "but I mean to 
 insist on a new Trial, as I was not here at the last one." 
 
 "But will you get it?"
 
 AND ITS COSTS EQTJENCES. 2*5 
 
 " I mean," he replied, quite undaunted, " to try." 
 
 He was a man of immense energy, and the end of it was 
 that he obtained, without a friend, or a penny in his pocket, 
 the order for a new Trial. 
 
 Bini's society was invaluable to me. He overflowed with 
 animal spirits, and there was a good-humoured off-handedness 
 about him that amused me not a little. His impudence knew 
 no bounds, but he seemed perfectly unconscious of the failing. 
 A struggle for the ascendancy soon broke out between him 
 and Roquino. Bini had not a copper to bless himself with, 
 and his mind was made up to live on me. I had no objections 
 in the world, but two such leeches at one moment would, 
 sooner or later, have dried me up, and so I intimated. 
 
 " What does he make you pay for your table ? " asked Bini, 
 in reply to this. 
 
 " Here is his weekly account," I said, " examine it." 
 
 The ex-President of the barricades ^nearly went into hysterics 
 at the inordinate profits of the usurious turnkey. 
 
 " Let me manage him," he exclaimed ; " I will superintend 
 his bills hereafter, and don't occupy yourself any further about 
 the matter." 
 
 He installed himself forthwith as auditor of my exchequer, 
 and my living soon improved in quantity and quality under 
 his active supervision, whilst the expenditure was considerably 
 less. His disinterestedness had its reward, for he fared con- 
 siderably better than I did from that time forth. He picked up 
 flesh, grew more energetic than ever ; and so pestered judges, 
 lawyers, and all the world besides with letters, that he wrote 
 at the rate of twenty per day, (helping himself to paper from
 
 236 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 my desk,) that they determined to let him go shortly to get rid 
 of him. 
 
 Nothing could well be more diverting than the daily conflict 
 between Bini and the former victor of Quakaro, who at length 
 had met his match. There was no noise or wrangling between 
 them, but an under-current of deadly opposition that ran both 
 deep and strong. The boisterous bustle of Bini contrasted 
 charmingly with the quiet self-possession of the " deep, 
 revolving Buckingham ;" but the latter was losing ground 
 daily before the encroaching barricader. A hand-to-hand 
 encounter took place between them every evening at dinner, 
 when Bini would whip the basket containing it from the 
 reluctant hand of his rival, pass every dish under review with 
 the keenest scrutiny and the harshest comment. The crest- 
 fallen Roquino would attempt no defence, but merely answer 
 with a smile. There was murder in his smile, though that 
 of Richard III. was nothing to it. Roquino felt his strength 
 failing him, and he subsided at last into a warmer of plates. 
 Bini was determined, however, to have the field to himself; 
 so pushing him one day right across the brazier he cried 
 out 
 
 " You are only in the way, my man, leave that to me." 
 
 Roquino rose covered with ashes and mortification, and 
 from that hour gave up the struggle and calmly abided his 
 time. 
 
 I inquired frequently after my companions in misfortune, 
 the courier and valet de place, who were confined in a separate 
 prison, called the Tower. It appeared that the courier was at 
 first quite overwhelmed by his mishap. He sank into a deep 
 religious melancholy, and took to the novel occupation, for
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 237 
 
 him, of praying. If he had been a Catholic and sent for a 
 confessor there is no telling the amount of transgressions his 
 afflicted conscience would have heaved off. His devotion 
 gradually subsided as he grew accustomed to his situation, 
 and the good wine of the country by degrees restored him 
 nearer to his former self. The dread of the galleys which he 
 was told awaited him threw him into extreme consternation, 
 and he frequently managed by some mysterious process to get 
 a note to me imploring me not to abandon him. As usual 
 with all married men in trouble, he affected to care nothing 
 about himself, but raved wildly about his poor wife and child, 
 who were likely, I thought, to be the gainers by the castiga- 
 tion he was undergoing for many past offences less venial, 
 perhaps, than his present one. I assured him, of course, of 
 my sympathy and aid. As for the poor valet de place, Pietro, 
 he made up his mind, I heard, that he had fallen into very bad 
 company, and he only regretted that he had nothing to tell, 
 else he would have turned State's evidence at once. 
 
 As the day of Trial began to approach I thought it high 
 time to look about me for a lawyer, and as they all seemed to 
 work in couples in these parts I found myself nolens voleas 
 saddled with a brace of them. Signori Maurizio and Orsini 
 were recommended to me as advocates of high standing and 
 reputed skill, and I charged them with my defence. I found 
 upon acquaintance that Maurizio was a strict constructionist 
 of the law, and familiar with the nicest shades and subtlest 
 meanings of the code. His mode of defence seemed founded 
 upon a Procrustean method, for he sought to exculpate his 
 client either by stretching his offence beyond the one he stood 
 charged with into something else that he was innocent of, or,
 
 238 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 on the other hand, by curtailing its proportions below the legal 
 standard applied to him, and thus demanding his acquittal on 
 the ground of technical informalities. In a country like this, 
 where justice is administered by magistrates only, without the 
 intervention of a jury,* arguments based on the exact con- 
 struction of the law might be frequently successful, and 
 Maurizio therefore often carried off his client in the face of 
 common sense and justice. 
 
 Orsini was an advocate of a wholly different class, and was 
 a person of large intelligence and warm imagination. 
 Examining closely into the circumstances of the case, and 
 singling out sagaciously its redeeming features, he addressed 
 himself rather to the sympathies and convictions of the 
 Tribunal than to mere points of law. He was just the man to 
 succeed with a jury. In addition f to these, I was obliged to 
 accept the services of an advocate provided by the State for 
 those who were incapable of employing one for themselves, but 
 who had a right to plead in all cases, whether required or not. 
 Signer Merialdi was a sound lawyer, an earnest pleader, and 
 a conscientious man. 
 
 These gentlemen all took the same view of my case. The 
 single offence I stood charged with was that of " Abduction." 
 'The supplementary accusation of " Extortion with menaces" 
 that was originally got up against me had been formally an- 
 nulled, as stated, by the Upper Court. My counsel all agreed 
 that the interview obtained by stratagem with Miss Gamble 
 could not possibly be considered an "Abduction" in a legal 
 
 * In a Constitutional Country, as Sardinia has lately become, it is a 
 downright anomaly that the blessed institution of the Jury is not in- 
 troduced, saii for Political offences.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 239;. 
 
 sense, for our previous intimate relations, as well as her 
 amicable conduct after leaving my apartment on the occasion 
 in question rendered such a construction positively absurd. 
 Still, they said, if Miss Gamble appeared against me, and the 
 Judge allowed himself to be swayed by any extraneous influ- 
 ence he might possibly strain my case into one of Abduction, 
 and condemn me to a years' imprisonment as. provided by the 
 code. 
 
 " If we had a. jury to deal with," they all remarked, " the 
 facts of the case would insure your instant acquittal ; but you 
 are wholly at the mercy of a Judge who may yield to prejudice 
 or interest, and apply the law according to his fancy." 
 
 From, that moment I considered myself as good as sentenced 
 already, for, even, if my Judge were capable of resisting a bribe 
 which I was told would be thrown ; in his way, I was aware 
 that Consul Brown had influence enough, as he boasted, to 
 swerve the pliant dispenser of law to his purpose. My only 
 hope, therefore, rested on the forbearance of Miss Gamble, 
 and I clung : to the illusion that my old friend and late 
 betrothed \voukl .recollect the claims Lhad upon-, her indul- 
 gence. It was useless, from all I heard,.to expect any quarter 
 from the indomitable Brown, whose ardour for my sacrifice, 
 as the moment approached, could only be likened to Shylock's 
 fiery thirst for his " pound of flesh." Verily, the unprovoked 
 animosity of the implacable Brown would have amused me if 
 its consequences had not threatened to be; so serious. Nay 
 more, if his ire had been stirred up against me out of sympathy 
 for any real wrong to Miss Gamble, I would have admired and 
 applauded him, but this could not be, for I had, committed 
 no wrong ; and besides, when he came to me at ther beginning,
 
 240 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 as her ambassador, did he not, in the presence of my Consul 
 and others, turn round and abuse her, saying she was " a mad 
 woman?" No, it was not chivalry for an "unprotected 
 female" that inspired Sir Knight Brown. It was nothing 
 else, apparently, than the pure delight of crushing in his boa- 
 constrictor embrace the unhappy victim that lay prostrate at 
 his mercy for there are nondescripts, as I have heard, of this 
 sort and that cannot resist an innate propensity to tumble 
 and toss any luckless object utterly cut off from either escape or 
 defence, which was just my sorry plight at that moment. 
 
 It was towards the end of January that my Consul entered 
 my cell one day, exclaiming 
 
 " What did I tell you ? Brown was right. Miss Gamble 
 has come back." 
 
 This unexpected news quite took my breath away. 
 
 " Indeed," I said, slowly recovering from my stupor ; "but 
 she may have returned only from curiosity, or perhaps to give 
 me a lift." 
 
 " Nay," continued my plain-spoken Consul, "don't lay that 
 flattering unction to your soul. She has come to follow up 
 her suit for damages, and you may depend on it that Brown 
 will urge her to crush you if it can be done by any means at 
 their command. So prepare for the worst." 
 
 " My chances are getting desperate, I see ; but truth is 
 mighty and will prevail." 
 
 " So it may at a future day," returned the Consul ; " but 
 I fear you will get roughly handled on the present occasion." 
 
 I will not deny that the return of Miss Gamble to Genoa, 
 with the manifest intention of appearing in a public court as 
 my chief accuser was a cruel blow to me. The shaft that
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 241 
 
 menaced me occupied my attention far less than the hand that 
 was about to hurl it. I had always hoped that, once away 
 from Genoa, and beyond the pale of Mr. Brown's hostile in- 
 spirations that her excitement would cool down, and that she 
 would return to kindlier sentiments and a more correct view 
 of the part it became her to play in these transactions. Her 
 position in life, as well as our late intimate relations, would 
 both conspire, I thought, to lead her back to a line of conduct 
 totally opposite to that so ungenerously urged upon her by her 
 rash adviser Consul Brown. I anticipated, also, that she 
 would shrink with disgust from taking any prominent part in 
 the Public Trial that awaited me. Her return to Genoa, there- 
 fore, to resume the role prepared for her surprised even as 
 much as it pained me. I could only account for it by the 
 conviction she had likely adopted that a retreat from the posi- 
 tion she had taken up was impossible. She feared, too, no 
 doubt, to expose herself to the severest recriminations from 
 her coadjutor, Mr. Brown, if she should finally abandon him. 
 She had, besides, incautiously made such representations of 
 the case to her friends that she, probably, felt compelled, for 
 consistency's sake, to go on with the disagreeable task she had 
 begun. It is also possible that she may have thought that a 
 woman of her superior intellect should not recoil from a 
 struggle that she had, however thoughtlessly, engaged in, not 
 recollecting that it is ever wiser and nobler by far to forsake 
 a cause where, even, triumph is shorn of its grace and its 
 profits. However, I acquitted her cheerfully of any malicious 
 or vindictive motives, entirely convinced that she yielded only 
 to a pressure of influence that she had not the strength, though, 
 perhaps, the will, to resist. My feelings towards her, in
 
 242 M'T COURTSHIP 
 
 short, were so little changed that I grew quite resigned to 
 my prospective condemnation if it could afford her either a 
 satisfaction or an advantage. 
 
 Up to the last I could not help thinking that she would not 
 venture to appear before the Court, and hoping to frighten- her 
 out of it, I sent her a summons to let her see she must be ready 
 to undergo the fire of a cross-examination. She merely 
 replied, that it was quite unnecessary, for she> intended to be 
 there. 
 
 "And what was her demeanour ?" I asked of the mes- 
 senger ; " was she at all agitated ? " 
 
 " Not in the least," was his answer ; " perfectly calm and 
 unconcerned." 
 
 " Did she ask any questions about me ? " 
 
 "Yes; she inquired how you were lodged, and whether 
 you were supplied with proper nourishment and attention." 
 
 "Well," was my mental conclusion^ "she is imcompre- 
 hensible to the last ! " 
 
 The day before the Trial I received a request, in her 
 name, that I would not allow my advocates to say anything 
 that could be injurious or offensive to her. This was like 
 asking me to be condemned without employing my most 
 effective means of defence. However I replied, smiling, that 
 she might, under all circumstances, depend on my good feeling 
 and gallantry, and that not a word should be said to annoy 
 her.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 243 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 THE TRIAL. 
 
 THE 9th of February came at last, which was to restore me 
 to liberty, or send me back in despair to St. Andrea, a martyr 
 to my love and the rancour of Consul Brown. A glorious 
 sunshine lent its radiance to the occasion, and contributed not 
 a little to buoy me up for the ordeal before me. The prospect 
 of figuring before the public eye of Genoa as an Abductor, for 
 such was the " head and front of my offending," was certainly 
 not inviting ; but if Miss Gamble had nerve enough to exhibit 
 herself as the "Abducted," I saw no reason why I should fall 
 back abashed ; so I summoned my philosophy to my aid, and 
 put a pleasant face on the matter. I had arranged with the 
 complaisant Roquino, who was to accompany me to the Court, 
 to sally out as soon after breakfast as possible, in order to make 
 a short circuit of the town for the sake of the air and exercise. 
 This was not strictly according to law as made and provided, 
 but as long as there was no danger of losing his prisoner, my 
 considerate protector could not resist obliging me, meaning 
 always to make an item of it in his weekly account. I started 
 off before nine in the morning, with the boisterous good wishes 
 of Bini, and the hearty sympathies of Colombo and staff. The 
 sight of thestreets and the bustle of the crowd had the strangest 
 possible effect, after the silence and seclusion of the prison 
 where I had been cooped up for near three months. My
 
 244 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 emotions at mixing with the outer world again were so exhi- 
 lirating that I grew insensible to the past and the future in 
 the joy of the moment. To an amateur of sensations I would 
 honestly recommend a three months' incarceration that is 
 quite enough to give him an idea of out-of-door attractions 
 that I warrant him he has never had before. The repeated hints 
 of Roquino that it was getting on to ten o'clock called me back 
 to the business of the day, and I followed him to the Tower 
 prison adjoining the DucalPalace, where the Tribunals hold their 
 sessions. It was here that the ex-courier and valet de place 
 were confined, but in different cells. The first glimpse I had 
 of poor Figaro was through a cross-barred gate of iron, behind 
 which he was standing, staring through its squares with an 
 expression of longing in his face to be on the other side of it, 
 not to be mistaken. He danced and grinned by turns on see- 
 ing me again. I found him in pretty fair condition, consider- 
 ing the length of time he had not seen or heard of a roast 
 duck. He had suffered so much that he was dreadfully 
 nervous at the thought of returning to his den, but I cheered 
 him as well as I could. 
 
 The valet de place was brought down from some out-of- 
 the-way corner, and his aspect was most lugubrious and woe- 
 begone. He was not at all inclined to recognise me at first, 
 fearing it might compromise him in the opinion of the Tribunal 
 to keep up such a doubtful acquaintance. Up to this moment 
 poor Pietro had no idea of what offence I was really charged 
 with, but he had clearly got it into his head that highway 
 robbery was nothing to it. He complained sadly of his hard 
 fate, but I enlivened him greatly by assuring him of his 
 acquittal, whatever might happen to me.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 245 
 
 We were soon summoned to start, and as I heard that the 
 court-yard and staircase of the Ducal Palace were lined with 
 crowds of people attracted by the novelty of the suit, I deter- 
 mined to ensconce myself in a Sedan-chair, wondering whether 
 Miss Gamble would have more courage, and boldly face the 
 mob. The courier and valet de place were denied the same 
 privilege, but were handcuffed together like a couple of 
 malefactors of the worst description, and marched off between 
 two carabiniers. 
 
 I entered the Court-room at ten o'clock precisely, and pass- 
 ing within a small railling I seated myself on the bench of the 
 accused. The courier and Pietro were near me. On the 
 opposite side, also within the railling, were seated Miss 
 Gamble on the bench of accuser, with Mary and Miss Bennet 
 alongside of her. There she was, sure enough, looking as 
 placid as though she had been quietly seated in her own 
 drawing-room in Portland-place. I couldn't help wishing 
 with all my heart that she had been there at that moment. I 
 was sorry to see that no ladies had accompanied her, and it 
 seemed to me that Consul Brown ought to have insisted on 
 some members of his family lending their countenance to 
 the occasion ; but the truth is, the ladies of Genoa did not 
 approve of the prosecution. On the right of the Tribunal sat 
 the Fiscal Advocate at a desk of his own ; on the left the 
 secretaries of the Court. Behind me, within an enclosure, 
 were posted my lawyers ; and behind Miss Gamble were 
 seated hers. An immense concourse was assembled. The 
 Consular body mustered in force, and occupied places of honour 
 within the railling. My Consul wore his uniform, and Mr. 
 Brown sported a white hat in mid- winter. A great number
 
 246 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 of distinguished persons were present from curiosity. Strange 
 to say, not a woman save those named was to be seen. In 
 England and the United States they would have been there 
 en masse. Are Genoese ladies less curious than else- 
 where ? 
 
 Soon after ten o'clock the Judges entered, and the cara- 
 biniers on guard presented arms with some fracas. They 
 numbered four in all a President, named Malaspina, who 
 managed the proceedings exclusively, and three dummies, who 
 slept the major part of the time. They were clad in silk 
 gowns, and wore conical caps of black velvet. Their thea- 
 trical costume lent additional romance to the scene, and 
 reminded me frequently of the '" potent, grave, and reverend 
 Signers" who sat upon 'the Abduction case of the "black 
 Othello." The President was a dignified person, grave in his 
 demeanour, with a countenance of an intellectual cast, but 
 very austere. I don't believe a culprit ever looked in his face 
 for the -first time and found any comfort there. He was just 
 the sort of man to' punish a joke lest his dignity might be 
 lessened by treating a frivolity in any but an imposing way. 
 
 The proceedings began by an order for the Prosecutrix, 
 Miss Gamble, and all the witnesses to withdraw. I was then 
 desired to relate my story. I did so in the French language, 
 which the Court understood, and gave a simple narration of 
 facts 'with all possible brevity. The courier and Pietro were, 
 in turn, called upon to do the same thing. Pietro, par par en- 
 these, began evidently to form a better opinion of me when he 
 heard my case for the first time. When this had concluded, 
 Miss Gamble was called in and desired to state her complaint. 
 She was accommodated with a chair directly in front of the
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 247 
 
 Tribunal. A sensation was created by the Court declining to 
 put. her on oath. Though she was. there as Plaintiff in a suit 
 for damages, and chief witness in my prosecution by the State, 
 she was politely requested to tell the truth on her honour. 
 This was exceedingly gallant on the part of President Mala- 
 spina, but in violation of all usage, in Genoa and elsewhere. 
 This mockery of justice showed me that my condemnation was 
 a settled thing. Miss Gamble spoke, also, in French, with 
 great facility and elegance, but was very diffuse in her. recital. 
 She was clearly endeavouring to pick her way safely through 
 many embarrassing recollections. She declared that she had 
 never given me any encouragement ; that she had done her 
 best to repel my advances ; (she quite forgot, though, to say a 
 word about her giving me her hand at Ouchy and Geneva ;) 
 she gave, also, a very vague description of the Abduction 
 scene at Genoa, intimating that she had been in great danger, 
 but not stopping to define it ; she wisely left out all mention 
 of going to pass the night, after leaving my apartment, at the 
 " Iron Crown" Hotel, instead of sensibly returning to 
 her own. She was perfectly self-possessed throughout, 
 though once or twice, at critical points, she put her 'kerchief 
 to her eyes, and I half suspected she was laughing be- 
 hind it, for her voice showed not the smallest trace of 
 emotion. When she had done she was about retiring to her 
 place, but my lawyers insisted on my cross-examining her. I 
 hesitated from motives of regard for her, but I knew that 
 Consul Brown would, make .mince-meat of me if I refused to 
 stir a hand in my defence. I rose, therefore, and desired per- 
 mission to cross-examine. The President paused a moment, 
 but granted it. I approached Miss Gamble and bowed cour-
 
 248 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 teously. As our eyes met, symptoms of emotion revealed 
 themselves for the first time. She sank back in the chair, her 
 head dropped, and her cheek flushed deeply. " The spell is 
 not quite broken," my vanity whispered. She must have 
 suffered acutely at that moment, and I was half inclined to 
 return to my seat ; but [ knew that my motive would be mis- 
 interpreted. I addressed her in French, and began to ques- 
 tion her in a general way from the day of my first visit in 
 Portland-place. Under the empire of her souvenirs she 
 seemed gradually to forget our actual position ; her manner 
 lost its reserve, and her voice grew familiar. The scene, 
 altogether, must have had the effect of an explanation after a 
 lovers' quarrel. My questions were so direct that equivoca- 
 tion was difficult, and she answered invariably in the affirma- 
 tive, forgetting that she was contradicting nearly all that she 
 had just said. When my catechism got to Ouchy, she 
 appeared to wake up to the ticklish nature of the ground I 
 was approaching. 
 
 " Do you recollect," I asked, " our going out alone to walk 
 in the gardens at Ouchy ? '' 
 
 "Yes," she replied, getting embarrassed. 
 
 " And do you admit that you gave me your hand there for 
 the first time ? " 
 
 She hesitated, and then rousing herself she turned to the 
 Court and said 
 
 " I will tell you how that was, Gentlemen. I was walking 
 with Mr. Wikoff when he took hold of my hand and insisted 
 on my consenting to marry him. I refused, till I thought I 
 heard somebody coming, when I cried, ' Go along, yes,' and 
 then he let me go. He calls that a promise of marriage."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 249 
 
 These last words were uttered in so ironical a tone, and 
 with so coquettish a toss of the head, as to provoke a smile in 
 the face of many of the audience. For my part, seeing she 
 attached so little value to the words, I began to fear that this 
 was not the first time she had said, " Go along, yes." 
 
 "Very well, Miss Gamble,'' I continued; " I accept your 
 explanation. But let us go to Geneva." 
 
 She fell back in the chair again, and her manner gave way. 
 
 " Do you recollect," I demanded, " that upon entering your 
 room at the Hotel de Berg you took off your glove, put your 
 hand in mine, saying that you would be my wife ? '' 
 
 " Yes," she answered, in a faint voice. 
 
 " Do you recollect" 
 
 She looked up at me reproachfully, whilst her face was 
 covered with blushes. I stopped a moment and reflected. 
 Her embarrassment was extreme, and I determined to spare 
 her. Changing my purpose I said 
 
 "You remember sending Mary twice to my room after I 
 had broken off with you on that occasion ? " 
 
 " I only sent her once," she murmured. 
 
 " Do you recall what occurred when I came to you ? " 
 
 " Yes," she replied, dropping her head, " I begged your 
 pardon." 
 
 " One word more. Did I treat you with the least rudeness, 
 whilst you were for several hours alone with me in my 
 apartment, on November 15th?" 
 
 " No," she responded, with some emphasis. 
 
 " And, in fine, can you deny that I abandoned another 
 match, which I contemplated, for your sake ? " 
 
 " I admit it."
 
 250 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " And is not that person as well off as yourself ? " 
 
 " Elle est bien riche," (she is very rich,) she replied with 
 much readiness, as though pleased to have it known that it 
 was not her fortune that had chiefly attracted me. 
 
 Turning to the Court, I remarked 
 
 " There is much more I could say, but " I glanced round, 
 her eyes were upon the floor "but I will not say it." 
 
 I then handed to the President a copy of Mr. Bates' letter 
 to me, where he denied interfering between us.* The Presi- 
 dent gave it to Miss Gamble, and asked her if it were correct 
 copy. She perused it, and said 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 Upon this I withdrew to my place. 
 
 The attention of the audience seemed absorbed during this 
 scene, and there was a stir and bustle at its close as though it 
 had produced a decided effect. My lawyers whispered it was 
 impossible to condemn me after this evidence, but I feared the 
 contrary. 
 
 The courier then rose and begged to ask Miss Gamble if 
 he had not shown her the address, in my handwriting, of the 
 place where she was to go on November 15th, and if she did 
 not smile on perusing it ? 
 
 Miss Gamble admitted that he had showed it to her, but 
 denied having recognised my writing. 
 
 The courier put some other questions, but Miss Gamble 
 unfortunately lost her temper, and to all he asked she 
 replied 
 
 * A copy of this important letter had been taken by a friend of mine 
 who happened to be in my room at London at the moment I received it, 
 November 1st, 1851.
 
 AND ITS CONSEaUENCES. 251 
 
 " C'est une mensonye ! " (it is a falsehood), slapping her 
 hand at the same time vehemently on a Bible that lay near 
 her. It distressed me to see her engaged in an altercation 
 with her servant, and so I forced the courier to sit down. 
 
 It was now proposed to read the correspondence of both 
 parties, but Miss Gamble's lawyers objected, whilst mine 
 insisted, when the President finally ordered all the letters to 
 be read in the Italian language. There was great laughter at 
 times, in which everybody joined but the stern Malaspina, who 
 did not seem to relish the way things were going. There was 
 a downright explosion of merriment at an expression in one of 
 Miss Gamble's letters, where she spoke of her courier " as a 
 treasure," il mio carrier e est uno tresoro. 
 
 It was now five o'clock, and the Court adjourned till after 
 dinner. 
 
 I returned under escort to the Tower prison, where I found 
 my dinner prepared by the provident Roquino. I was in 
 exceeding good spirits and made a gay repast. The courier 
 vras considerably less nervous, but he insisted that I had let 
 Miss Gamble oif too easily. 
 
 " She '11 not spare you any the more for it hereafter," said 
 the prophetic Louis, " mind my words." 
 
 "Well, and if she don't," quoth I, " I shall never regret my 
 forbearance." 
 
 The courier's sense of danger was too keen to appreciate 
 such sentimentality, and, no doubt pitying my weakness, he 
 let drop the subject. 
 
 Pietro's opinion of me had evidently improved since the 
 morning, for he insisted on drinking my health in a bottle of 
 wine at my expense. I was cheered, also, by receiving a
 
 252 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 note from my Consul, saying, that public opinion out-of-doors 
 was quite revolutionised from ascertaining the really insignifi- 
 cant nature of the case. 
 
 EVENING SESSION. 
 
 At seven o'clock the Court reassembled, and the concourse 
 was greater, if possible, than during the day. Miss Gamble 
 was in her place, and as cool and collected as in the morning. 
 Business began by the examination of Miss Bennet as a wit- 
 ness. After being sworn, the President addressed her some 
 general questions that had no apparent object. She was about 
 retiring to her place, when I rose and desired to cross-examine 
 her. Miss Bennet seemed disturbed at my intention, but Miss 
 Gamble appeared even more so. 
 
 Before the former had time to answer my first question, 
 Miss Gamble darted forward and whispered in her ear. I 
 paused till she had done, and then began once more, when 
 Miss Gamble approached again and went on whispering. The 
 audience murmured at this irregularity, and the President 
 then said 
 
 " Miss Gamble, retire to your seat." 
 
 I then resumed my interrogatories, which it would be tedious 
 to repeat here in full. 
 
 " Are you aware, Miss Bennet," I asked at the close, " that 
 Miss Gamble and I walked out together alone at Ouchy ? " 
 
 " Yes," was her reply. 
 
 " Do you remember that Miss Gamble and I occupied a 
 sitting-room together at Geneva?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " And that during the week we remained there you passed
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 253 
 
 the greater part of the time in your bedroom whilst Miss 
 Gamble and T were tete-a-tete in the sitting-room ?" 
 
 " I remember the circumstance," she answered. 
 
 T stopped here, as my object was merely to force on the 
 notice of the Court the fact of my previous intimate relations 
 with Miss Gamble. 
 
 It is only just to say that, in the main, Miss Bennet replied 
 with great fairness to my questions, though it was natural that 
 she should swerve a little here and there to the advantage of 
 her employer. 
 
 The next witness called was my old friend Mary, or Mrs. 
 Harwood. She was put on oath, and first examined by the 
 President. I soon remarked that Mary was resolved to screen 
 her Mistress at all hazards, and in my heart I could not blame 
 her, though I considered it important not to let her misrepre- 
 sent the whole case. The President seemed anxious, from 
 the nature of his questions, to lead Mary into declaring that I 
 had menaced Miss Gamble in her presence on November 15th, 
 though he had no right to renew an accusation finally dis- 
 missed by the decision of the High Court. Mary, however, 
 was not very felicitious in her replies, sometimes falling below 
 the mark, and at others overshooting it ludicrously. As for 
 instance 
 
 President. "Did you see whether Mr. "Wikoff had any 
 pistols ? " 
 
 Mrs. Harwood. " I saw them when he showed them to my 
 Mistress, and asked her if she would be afraid to fire them. 
 This was as we were going away." 
 
 This was too tame for the adroit Malaspina, so he tried it 
 again.
 
 254 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 President. " How did Mr. Wikoff, I mean, behave to your 
 mistress ? " 
 
 Mrs. Harwood. " Oh, he stopped both our mouths to 
 prevent us from crying out." 
 
 The audience laughed at the absurdity of my stopping two 
 mouths at one time. The President saw he was making a 
 bad job of it, and soon gave it up. I advanced in my turn, 
 and began to interrogate her. 
 
 " Now take care, Mary," I said, " remember you are upon 
 your oath." 
 
 She took refuge, as I foresaw, in a system of stout denial 
 to all I demanded ; but I was quite sure that she would fall 
 directly into some manifest violation of the truth that would 
 destroy her evidence. And it so turned out when I was ques- 
 tioning her about the events at Geneva. 
 
 " Did you not," I asked, " come to my room there, and 
 implore me, in the name of your Mistress, to go to her ?'' 
 
 "Never!" exclaimed Mary, raising her arms as if quite 
 horrified at the idea. " Never did I come to your room in 
 my life." 
 
 This was in direct contradiction to the admission of Miss 
 Gamble in the morning, when Mary, with the other witnesses, 
 had been withdrawn. I called the attention of the Court to 
 this circumstance. Miss Gamble then interposed with great 
 address. 
 
 "The witness is confused," she said. "Try and recol- 
 lect, Mary. I did send you to Mr. "Wikoff's room at 
 Geneva." 
 
 " Oh," drawled out the convicted one, "I'd quite forgotten 
 it."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 255 
 
 This mishap sobered her a little, and she answered more 
 honestly to my succeeding queries. 
 
 " Did you not assure me, at Villeneuve, of Miss Gamble's 
 affection for me ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " And did you not, from the beginning, urge both your 
 Mistress and myself into a marriage with each other?" 
 
 " I always said that you would make her a good hus- 
 band." 
 
 " Do you not recollect," I demanded, "that your mistress 
 and myself were on the most friendly terms both on going to 
 the ' Iron Crown' Hotel where we passed the night on 
 November 15th, as well as on returning next morning to 
 her own ? " 
 
 " Yes," responded the reluctant Abigail. 
 
 " That will do," I said, returning to my seat. 
 
 The next witness called was one Arata, the porter of the 
 Russian Consul's house. His evidence was in some things 
 striking. For instance, he said 
 
 " I heard loud talking in the room where the gentleman 
 was, but no cries. At eleven o'clock I went to carry wood 
 for the fire in the saloon, and saw two ladies, and a gentleman 
 who was walking up and down, but nothing was said to 
 me," &c. 
 
 The next witness who came forward was Beneditto Vico, 
 the landlord of the " Iron Crown," where I had accompanied 
 Miss Gamble to pass the night on November 15th. This 
 was an important witness for me ; but the President began to 
 show symptoms of impatience the moment he appeared, and 
 said
 
 256 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Too much time is wasted on the witnesses." 
 
 I regarded the evidence of this person as vital to my 
 interests, but I dreaded incurring the displeasure of the Pre- 
 sident, for I was completely at his mercy. I, therefore, made 
 only one or two vague inquiries, and let him pass. 
 
 Sr. Pescio, the agent of the Rvissian Consul, who had let 
 me the apartment on November 15th, was next called. The 
 President declined to question him, as he clearly sought to 
 elicit no evidence that might conflict with any ultimate inten- 
 tions he might have. I rose, however, and interrogated this 
 gentleman. 
 
 " Do you recollect," I asked, " calling on me at your apart- 
 ment in the Strada Serra, between eight and nine o'clock in 
 the evening, on November 15th ? " 
 
 " I recollect it perfectly,'' he replied. 
 
 " And that I came into ths room where you awaited me 
 immediately when you sent in for me ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Do you remember my leaving you to go back into the 
 room whence I came to get some writing paper ? " 
 
 " I remember it." 
 
 " And that upon my return I wrote out the agreement be- 
 tween us ?" 
 
 " You did so." 
 
 " Was my manner at all flurried or agitated ? " 
 
 " Not in the least." 
 
 " About what time were you conversing with me ? " 
 
 " About half an hour or so." 
 
 " Did you hear no noise during all that time ? " interposed 
 the President.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 257 
 
 <( None at all," was the brief reply of the witness. 
 
 Upon this, I sat down. The evidence of Signer Pescio, 
 -who was well known in Genoa, seemed to make a deep 
 impression on the public, and the general conclusion was, 
 that if Miss Gamble had really undergone any detention in 
 my apartment, it was equally clear that she had made no 
 serious efforts to put an end to it ; for, by following me and 
 listening to the conversation, she would have ascertained who 
 the party was that had called, when she might have claimed 
 his interference. Her not doing so was considered an addi- 
 tional proof that she looked upon the whole matter as 
 a jest. 
 
 It was now eleven o'clock at night, and the court adjourned 
 till ten next morning. 
 
 I returned for a moment to the Tower, where I left the 
 courier and Pietro, who shuddered at returning again to 
 their dreary cells, made doubly odious by the taste of 
 fresh air and the sight of the bright sun that they had 
 momentarily enjoyed. Roquino was waiting at the Tower to 
 conduct me back to my head quarters, St. Andrea, and 
 it may be supposed that I felt hardly less repugnance than 
 the poor devils I had just left to being locked up again in 
 my hideous habitation. I jested with Roquino, as I went 
 along, as to my sleeping for the night in a comfortable bed at 
 one of the hotels we were passing at every moment; and his 
 annoyance at such an impossibility was as great as mine, 
 though of a very different character, for he was compelled 
 to choose between the loss of the handsome fee such a 
 concession would have brought him, and the serious con- 
 sequences to him of such a breach of duty. I amused myself
 
 258 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 by humming over the amount I would give for such a treat, 
 and his grief at being obliged to refuse me was really quite 
 diverting. I praised his self-denial, but kept on doubling the 
 bribe till he groaned in agony at the loss of sums he had 
 never ventured to dream about. The temptation of St. 
 Anthony was a trifle to what my unhappy turnkey underwent 
 on that memorable night. I would not wrong him, however, 
 so much as to say that Roquino would have denied himself a 
 roguery he could possibly gain by, and I therefore think 
 it only just to declare that I believe he would have yielded, 
 and set the Fiscal Advocate at defiance, if his eyes had been 
 dazzled with the sight of the glittering gold I only talked 
 about. The uncertainty of his getting the prize I proposed 
 (for his faith in mankind was exceedingly small) and the 
 absolute certainty of his getting, on the other hand, the 
 imprisonment that would have been his lot had he granted 
 my request, alone made him hesitate. It was a trying ordeal 
 I put him through that night, the fallible Roquino ; and I 
 took care not to let him know that I was only playing upon 
 his most sensitive chord. I need hardly say that nauseous "as 
 was the idea of returning again to my revolting abode of 
 the morning, yet would I have refused the boon, had he 
 been weak enough to concede it, for it would only have 
 exposed the poor devil to severe punishment, and compromised 
 my own position. 
 
 When I got back to my old corridor again, I found the 
 devoted Bini pacing it up and down, lamp in hand, dread- . 
 fully impatient for my return to know the result. He began 
 to think I must have been acquitted when midnight sounded 
 and I came not ; and he began also to think, no doubt,
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 259 
 
 where he would get his breakfast next morning, in case such 
 good luck had befallen me. When, at length, I made my 
 appearance and the door was bolted behind me, a sign not to 
 be mistaken, he flew at me with all the enthusiasm of a 
 barricader, and was bent on embracing me in the true Italian 
 fashion. I held him off, though, at arm's length, till he had 
 cooled down again, when I gave him some account of the 
 events of the day. He rejoiced heartily at the turn things 
 had taken. 
 
 " You will be acquitted," he cried exultingly. " The 
 evidence has broken down, and corrupt as justice may be in 
 this old town of Genoa, where the long reign of an Oligarchy 
 has left so much vice, still public opinion cannot be bearded 
 now-a-days, and you must be acquitted." 
 
 " Bravely spoken for an ex-President of the Barricades,'' I 
 exclaimed. " It may be true enough, my friend Bini, that 
 justice is still halting in this ancient seat of the Doges, and it 
 is equally true that public opinion is gradually putting things 
 to rights ; but, depend on it, that I have to do with a Judge 
 who is ingenious enough to pervert the one, and to blind the 
 other ; and I shall be condemned just as if I were the most 
 guilty of abductors." 
 
 " I don't believe it," cried the energetic foe to Oligarchies. 
 " Oh, would that I could speak in your defence !" and he 
 threw himself into an oratorical attitude. 
 
 " Don't waste your eloquence upon me, Advocate of the 
 rights of mankind, for I am going to bed, as I shall have need 
 of a clear head for to-morrow. Besides, you will have enough 
 to do to defend yourself before long ; so bottle up your fine 
 speeches for your own benefit, and good-night to you." 
 
 K 2
 
 260 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Au re vous voir, Monsieur WikofF," said Bini, in his 
 funny French, and making for the door, as I had suggested, 
 " au demain, an demain." 
 
 TRIAL SECOND DAY. 
 
 I rose betimes next morning greatly refreshed by a sound 
 sleep, and was cheered during my breakfast by the news that 
 the tide of opinion had turned strongly in my favour. The 
 general impression amongst the officials of the prison was 
 that I must be acquitted, from the absence of all proof showing 
 criminality either as to intention or act. 
 
 I set off, as before, with Roquino, a little after nine o'clock, 
 for the Tower prison, where I found the courier and Pietro in 
 a better state of mind than on the previous day. I heard 
 that the multitude about the doors of the ducal palace was 
 denser than on the first day, for the noise of the Trial had 
 spread through the town, and curiosity as to the result had 
 vastly increased the throng. I felt less mauvaise honte now 
 that the real nature of the case had become better known ; 
 and on setting out for the Court I declined the offer of the 
 sedan-chair, and no longer sought to conceal myself from 
 public view. As I made my way under the escort of two 
 carabiniers through the crowd that filled the courtyard, and 
 lined the splendid staircase of the old palace of the Doges, 
 now converted into halls of justice, I received numerous, 
 marks of sympathy, and was hailefl by occasional cries of 
 "viva!" for I was generally looked upon by the public as the 
 victim of the English Consul, who had taken no pains to dis- 
 guise his hostile proceedings against me. It was erroneously 
 supposed that he was acting under the instructions of hi*
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 261 
 
 government, and that I was, in fact, the object of a secret 
 political intrigue, that was carried on under cover of a mock- 
 trial for the abduction of my affianced bride. I entered the 
 court-room about ten o'clock, and took my seat as before, 
 with the courier and Pietro in my neighbourhood. Miss 
 Gamble was already in her place, attended, as yesterday, by 
 Miss Bennet and Mary. 
 
 My astonishment was even greater than the day before to 
 find that not a single lady was to be seen in any part of the 
 court-house. The men had it all to themselves, and the 
 throng was extraordinary. Miss Gamble, however, seemed 
 perfectly at her ease, though her manner gave tokens of 
 irritation I had not observed on the previous day. I soon 
 learnt that she was in great apprehension of my possible 
 acquittal, and it was natural, after having been urged to go 
 so far to prevent it, that she should feel disturbed at the 
 chance of being defeated. 
 
 Before the Judges came in I remarked that Mr. Timothy 
 Brown was bustling about with a paper in his hand, that 
 he nourished aloft ever and anon, as though it contained 
 matter of importance. I should not omit to say that the 
 behaviour of this eccentric gentleman during the previous 
 day had been of a kind to attract general attention, which 
 was, doubtless, his object, but it brought down upon him, no 
 small amount of blame and jeering. He had been requested 
 to withdraw, along with the other witnesses, from the court, 
 but not long afterwards he made his way back again, and 
 forcing himself through the crowd, in spite of the opposition 
 of the huissiers, he got within the railing, and strode towards 
 the Tribunal. This irregular proceeding provoked the mur- 
 
 K 3
 
 262 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 murs of the public, and the President called on him in a 
 rough voice to retire, but quite unconcerned he approached 
 and whispered in his ear, and then clapping on his hat, as if 
 to show his consular contempt for the exception taken to his 
 conduct, he shoved boldly through the crowd again, regardless 
 of the laughter and sibilations that followed him. I saw no 
 more of him for the rest of the day. 
 
 But, as I was just saying, his manner on the present 
 occasion showed that he considered the fortunes of the day 
 rested entirely on his own shoulders, and the scowl with 
 which he regarded me, as well as the sternness of his demea- 
 nour, indicated he would unsparingly employ every means 
 at his command to carry out his object. I was curious to 
 know what was the new engine of destruction that he had so 
 unexpectedly unmasked, and I was informed by my lawyers 
 and Consul that, fearing my acquittal from the failure of the 
 evidence against me, Mr. Brown had thought it judicious 
 to bring forward a document that he hoped would compromise 
 me in public opinion, and afford a pretext to the Tribunal 
 for my condemnation if that was really their purpose, as 
 -supposed. 
 
 "A well-contrived trick," I replied; "but what is the 
 nature of this document." 
 
 "I have just glanced over it," said my Consul, "and it 
 seems to be a letter addressed to Miss Gamble by a former 
 acquaintance of yours,* and contains merely some sweeping 
 expressions of a very abusive character." 
 
 * I may as well state here that the person who was declared to be 
 the writer of this calumnious epistle was Mrs. but, I am happy
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 263 
 
 " But has it anything to do with the case in hand ? " I 
 asked. 
 
 " Not the least in the world," returned the American 
 Consul. 
 
 " Then, the object," I continued, " is plainly, as you 
 suggest, to lower my character in the public view, and afford 
 the Tribunal, if so inclined, a justification for an adverse 
 sentence. Well, let them play their game out. I shall not 
 oppose the reading of this irrelevant matter." 
 
 " But we shall," said my lawyers, who were standing by, 
 " for such a proceeding is really abominable." 
 
 It was half-past ten o'clock before the Judges entered and 
 took their seats. The lawyer of Miss Gamble, Signor Cabella, 
 immediately arose and stated that Mr. Brown, the English 
 Consul, had brought a document into Court that morning which 
 threw doubts on the character of the accused, Mr. Wikoff, 
 and he demanded, therefore, in the interest of his client, 
 Miss Gamble, that the said document should be publicly 
 read. I gave my ready assent to its reading, as demanded ; 
 but Signor Maurizio arose, under some excitement, and 
 said 
 
 " That, notwithstanding the permission just accorded by his 
 client, Mr. Wikoff, he would, on his own responsibility, protest 
 against the irregularity of this singular proceeding. It is a 
 well-known enactment of our law," he continued, " that no 
 evidence of the kind in question can be produced on trial 
 
 to say that, I received afterwards a written denial from Mrs. that 
 she ever penned anything of the sort. Mr. Brown was, therefore, guilty 
 of an outrage on Mrs. in giving her name as the author.
 
 264 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 without Jive days' previous notice to the opposite party ; and 
 here, on the second day of a Trial, when the evidence is nearly 
 closed, we find a concealed battery suddenly opened upon us, 
 not in the shape of a reputable witness, but in the equivocal 
 one of a calumnious letter that says nothing of the case in 
 hand ; and which, I may add, does little credit to its osten- 
 sible author. What motive can Mr. Consul Brown have 
 for this illegal and unfair manoeuvre other than to prejudice 
 the Tribunal, and to justify the condemnation of my client in 
 the public eye ? In a word, I protest against the admission 
 of the said document ; first as illegal, and next as irrelevant, 
 having nothing whatever to do with the offence my client is 
 here to answer." 
 
 The Tribunal then called upon Mr. Brown to deposit the 
 document he held in their hands ; and they retired to reflect 
 upon what course it was best to adopt tinder the circum- 
 stances. 
 
 It appears that the libellous letter in question had been 
 duly translated into Italian, and was meant to operate, there- 
 fore, upon such of the Judges and the public who did not 
 understand the French or English languages. 
 
 The Court remained absent for near an hour, and of course 
 perused the invidious paper they had carried with them. 
 Inasmuch as the law clearly forbid its admission as evidence, 
 their duty was to overrule it at once, without leaving the 
 bench. I merely instance this act of President Malaspina and 
 his coadjutors to show how small their deference for law or 
 justice. 
 
 On the return of the Tribunal, it was pronounced with 
 much learned verbosity, that according to the Sardinian code
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 265 
 
 of procedure, no documents could be produced on trial without 
 five days' previous notice to the opposite party ; and as this 
 requisition had not been complied with in this instance, the 
 document brought forward by Mr. Consul Brown was inad- 
 missible. 
 
 One of my counsel then rose and objected to Mr. Brown 
 being heard as a witness, since article 304 of the code 
 declared that the name of every witness, together with 
 a summary of the facts on which he is to be interrogated, 
 must be deposited at the secretary's office at least twenty- 
 four hours before the trial ; and as this necessary formality 
 had not been fulfilled in Mr. Brown's case, he could not 
 legally be admitted as a witness. 
 
 The Tribunal decided that although due notice had not 
 been given, as stated, according to the law, yet they considered 
 themselves vested with a discretionary power in the case, 
 and they would therefore grant their consent to the examina- 
 tion of the witness ! 
 
 Mr. Consul Brown was, then, called forward, and took his 
 seat on a chair in front of the Tribunal. He had the 
 complacent air of a man who seemed to relish his work. 
 Imagine the astonishment of the public when the President 
 declined to put him on oath. He was simply requested, as 
 Miss Gamble had been on the day before, to give his testi- 
 mony on his honour. Now, it may have been a stretch of 
 politeness to a lady, though she was both a plaintiff and a 
 witness, to allow her to testify without being sworn ; but 
 what reason could President Malaspina give, (and I here 
 publicly demand it,) for suffering Mr. Timothy Brown, a 
 witness for the prosecution, and, as shown, an illegal witness
 
 266 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 besides, to give his testimony without being put on oath 
 according to law, both in Genoa and all the world over ? 
 Have I not the right to denounce my trial as a mockery, after 
 such a bare-faced violation of justice as this ? 
 
 As the examination of Mr. Brown, by the President, was 
 as curious as the rest, I subjoin it in full : 
 
 President. Do you know Mr. Wikoff ? 
 
 B. Consul. I do. 
 
 President. How long have you known him ? 
 
 B, Consul. About four months. 
 
 President. What is his moral character ? 
 
 B. Consul. Detestable. 
 
 President. How do you know this ? 
 
 B. Consul. I infer so from his conduct to Miss Gamble, 
 and from what I have heard. 
 
 President. Do you know whether he had any employment 
 under the British Government. 
 
 B. Consul. I do not know, but I believe not. I have, 
 besides, spoken to the English Ambassador, who told me that it 
 was impossible. 
 
 President. Since the affair between Mr. Wikoff and 
 Miss Gamble was there any negotiation through the medium 
 of the American Consul. 
 
 B. Consul. Yes. 
 
 President. Relate what you know respecting it. 
 
 B. Consul. Wishing that the name of a lady should not 
 be brought before the public, I desired to negotiate with him 
 to come to an understanding that Mr. Wikoff should leave 
 the country. 
 
 President. Why did Mr. Wikoff refuse ?
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUEXCES. 267 
 
 B. Consul. He did not refuse ; but in consequence of 
 delay on the part of the American Consul the affair was 
 divulged ; besides, there was not time sufficient. I afterwards 
 saw the Advocate General, for the purpose of speaking to 
 him, but he replied, " It is too late." 
 
 President. In the negotiation which took place, and in 
 which you were engaged, what opinion did you form in regard 
 to the transaction. 
 
 B. Consul. I am persuaded that Wikoff was determined 
 to obtain Miss Gamble's fortune either by love or force. 
 
 At the close of his testimony Mr. Brown left his chair, 
 and, instead of returning to his place, he seated himself to the 
 surprise of all alongside of the President, and continued to 
 supervise the proceedings with an air of authority that seemed 
 to imply that his dicta was paramount over both law and 
 judge. He chatted familiarly with the Judges, and must 
 have said some good things from the gigling that frequently 
 ensued. This was not very decorous in so grave a place as 
 a Court of Justice ought to be, but the way judicial business 
 is managed in Genoa, taking this as a sample, is different from 
 what I had ever seen in any other country before. Notwith- 
 standing the inattention of my Judges, I rose immediately 
 after Mr. Brown had finished, and begged to address a few 
 observations to the Court. I said 
 
 " It is not my purpose to bandy words with Mr. Consul 
 Brown, and I will, therefore, make no reply to the unnecessary 
 aspersions he has chosen to cast upon me. I leave them in 
 their spirit and taste to public appreciation, both here, in his 
 country, and in mine. Indeed, I have reason to be satisfied 
 that he has given such plain expression to his feelings, and in
 
 268 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 language so intemperate, since it cannot fail to prove he has 
 acted towards me throughout this puerile affair with a viru- 
 lence that no one could have expected of an English Consul, 
 or of an English gentleman. But let that pass. There is one 
 distinct declaration, however, on his part, that I feel it neces- 
 sary to notice on the spot. Mr. Brown has proclaimed 
 his disbelief that I have ever been in the employ of the 
 British Government. Nay, more. He has stated that the 
 English Ambassador at Turin, Mr. Hudson, has declared that 
 my reputed connection with the British Government was ' im- 
 possible ! ' I must first express my regret that either the 
 President of the Tribunal, or Mr. Brown, has thought fit to 
 mix up the British Government with so frivolous a case as the 
 one in hand, but I have no choice now but to follow their 
 leading. It is well known to the Tribunal that I stated to 
 the Judge of Instruction, and I stated it only because Miss 
 Gamble had revealed it, that almost up to the day of my 
 arrest at Genoa I had been in the employ of the British 
 Government. If, then, the grave and deliberate statements 
 of the Consul and Ambassador of England are true, I stand 
 before this Court and the public in the odious light of an un- 
 masked impostor. Humble a person as I really may be, my 
 veracity and position, thus needlessly assailed, are still dear to 
 me ; and I have no alternative, therefore, but to declare that 
 the unqualified assertions of Mr. Consul Brown, and of his 
 Excellency, Mr. Hudson, are untrue, and directly opposed to 
 fact. I beg, therefore, to state that in September, 1850, 
 Lord Palmerston, then Minister for Foreign Affairs, per- 
 sonally made to me propositions to enter into the service of 
 the British Foreign Office, which I finally accepted, and
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 269 
 
 entered upon my functions the October following. I con- 
 tinued in this employment during the years 1850 and 1851, 
 when, for reasons I am not called upon to specify here, a 
 misunderstanding arose which may end in the close of my 
 connection with the Foreign Office, but which has not yet 
 positively taken place. Surely nothing could have been easier 
 than for Mr. Consul Brown, or the English Envoy at Turin, 
 to inform themselves of these facts by application to Lord 
 Palmerston direct, or to the Foreign Office. It was their 
 manifest duty to do so, both as discreet officials and as 
 honourable men, before venturing to pronounce me an im- 
 postor. I must, therefore, hold them jointly guilty of an 
 act of unpardonable ignorance, since it is quite impossible to 
 believe that an English Consul, or an English Ambassador, 
 would designedly state what they knew to be false. In con- 
 clusion, I feel all the disadvantage I labour under in having 
 no more than my simple word to oppose to the emphatic 
 disclaimer of Mr. Consul Brown, and of his Excellency 
 Mr. Hudson ; but if any notice had been given me to furnish 
 proofs of my connection with the British Government, I should 
 have promptly produced them. I have nothing of the kind 
 with me at Genoa ; and if the sentence of the Court is to 
 depend on my proving that I have not been guilty of mis- 
 representation and falsehood, it needs must be registered 
 against me. I have been taken completely by surprise, 
 and I must be allowed to say that the conduct of Mr. Consul 
 Brown in this matter is as unfair and ungenerous as in all 
 the rest." 
 
 I sat down, but my precise language and earnest tones 
 failed to convince either the Tribunal or the public that I had
 
 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 spoken the truth. Called to elect between the good faith of 
 individuals holding places of such importance and distinction 
 as those of Consul and Ambassador of England, and that of a 
 person in my unfortunate position, it was perfectly natural 
 that the general impression should prevail that I had been 
 guilty of an unjustifiable deception ; and from that moment 
 public sympathy began to diminish for me. Mr. Brown 
 succeeded, at last, by a flagrant misstatement, in breaking 
 down my position as a person worthy of confidence, and his 
 real object was thus cunningly achieved ; for public opinion 
 would take less exception to my condemnation if proved to be 
 guilty of a gross imposture, however innocent I might be 
 thought of the abduction of Miss Gamble. 
 
 [To show how cruelly I was belied in this matter, I beg to 
 refer my readers to the note below.*] 
 
 * I subjoin an extract from aletter of H. U. Addington, Esq., H. B. M. 
 Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, which happened to be lying 
 in the hands of my bankers at Paris at the very moment the events above 
 were taking place. This will suffice to show that both the British Consul 
 at Genoa, and British Minister at Turin, did me an unwarrantable injury 
 in declaring that to be false, which it was their business to ascertain to 
 be true. I might add other documents to these, but I deem it unnecessary, 
 as it is my intention to publish, at an early day, the entire history of my 
 relations with the Foreign Office- 
 
 " Foreign Office, 
 " HENRY WIKOFF, ESQ., &c. &c. " November 24th, 1851. 
 
 ' ' Sir, In reply -to the letter which you addressed to Viscount PrJ- 
 merston on the 31st of October, I am directed to observe to you that 
 the sole object of the arrangement which his Lordship ma.C.e with you in 
 the Autumn of last year was to make known clearly, through the medium 
 of the French and the United States' press, the liberal, and especially the
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 271 
 
 The American Consul was the last witness that was called. 
 He appeared in his uniform, as a mark of respect for the 
 Court ; and next, to show that he took an official interest in 
 what was going on. He considered the Tribunal under the 
 influence of Consul Brown, and he meant, by wearing his 
 uniform, to show that he attached importance to the fact. 
 He was requested to take his oath. He made no objections, 
 though he was greatly astonished, as well as the public, that 
 the testimony of the English Consul had been received on his 
 honour, whilst he, though appearing in his official capacity, 
 was desired to be sworn. Could anything be more gross than 
 the partiality of the Tribunal in favour of the prosecution ? 
 
 The President addressed a few general questions to the 
 Consul that had little bearing on the ease, and soon con- 
 cluded. 
 
 I then came forward to interrogate him in my turn. 
 
 " Do you remember, sir," I began, " calling, at my request, 
 at the house of the English Consul on the evening of Nov. 
 16th, in the hope of some amicable arrangement between 
 
 pacific character of the policy of her Majesty's Government. * * 
 
 * * * I am, therefore, directed to state to you that 
 
 Lord Palmerston considers that the engagement taken with you would 
 properly cease, as already announced to you, with the close of this year ; 
 hut in order that you may have a full twelvemonths' notice of its cessation, 
 he will continue, until the end of June next, 1852, the rate of payment 
 which you have already received, and on the 30th of June that allowance 
 will accordingly cease altogether. 
 
 " I am, Sir, your obedient and humhle Servant, 
 
 "H. U. ADDINGTON."
 
 272 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 Miss Gamble and myself, and that you informed me, upon 
 your return, that Miss Gamble was most anxious for such an 
 arrangement, but that the English Consul violently opposed 
 it ; and that he even ordered Miss Gamble, in your presence, 
 to quit the room? " 
 
 A. Consul. " I saw Miss Gamble on the evening you 
 allude to at the house of Mr. Brown, and she expressed her 
 extreme desire to terminate the matter amicably. Mr. Brown 
 was absent during my conversation with her. He was gone, 
 I believe, to the Intendente's. Upon his return, he declared 
 his determination to oppose any friendly settlement between 
 you, and ordered Miss Gamble to leave] the room, which she 
 did immediately. On the following day I had several parleys 
 with them both, to put an end to the affair." 
 
 "Do you recollect that Miss Gamble then used the most 
 urgent entreaties to induce you to prevent my being im- 
 prisoned ? " 
 
 A. Consul. "She did so; and constantly expressed her 
 desire to end the matter in a friendly way, without your 
 being imprisoned." 
 
 " You remember the fact, I presume, of the English Consul 
 calling to see me, on behalf of Miss Gamble, at your house, on 
 Nov. 17th?" 
 
 A. Consul. " I do, sir." 
 
 " And that the English Consul then declared that he had 
 entirely changed his views of the case since he had conversed 
 with me ? " 
 
 A. Consul. " Yes, sir." 
 
 " Are you willing to state that, upon that occasion, 
 Mr. Brown expressed himself, in 'the presence of several
 
 AXD ITS CONSEQUENCES. 273 
 
 persons, in language exceedingly unfavourable to Miss 
 Gamble ? " 
 
 A. Consul after hesitating a moment, turned to the Court 
 and said " Am I obliged to answer this question, or to say 
 anything which might compromise the English Consul with 
 Miss Gamble and her friends ? " 
 
 President after looking at the English Consul alongside of 
 him, who knit his brows, but said nothing " You are obliged 
 to state the truth." 
 
 "I merely desire to ask," I continued, "whether Mr. 
 Brown did not say that he considered Miss Gamble quite 
 mad, and that I would be still madder if I married her? " 
 
 A. Consul. " Yes, he made this declaration, and in the 
 presence of several persons." 
 
 " Will you allow me, further, to demand whether, in your 
 frequent interviews with Miss Gamble during the past three 
 months, you have not come to the conclusion that she is of a 
 vacillating turn of mind, and whether she is not prone to 
 express herself in one way to-day, and in the opposite way 
 the next ? " 
 
 A. Consul. " I should be sorry to say anything disagree- 
 able to Miss Gamble, but my conviction is that her disposition 
 is unstable and changeable." 
 
 " In conclusion, do you remember whether Miss Gamble 
 ever declared to you upon any occasion, from first to last, 
 that I threatened her in any manner, whilst in my apartment, 
 on Nov. loth ? " 
 
 A. Consul. " On the contrary, Miss Gamble has frequently 
 declared to me that she never had the smallest apprehensions 
 of personal violence on the occasion you refer to. She always
 
 274 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 said that she was detained there against her will, but never 
 said that you had threatened her in any manner." 
 
 Thanking the Consul, I returned to my seat. The testi- 
 mony of the American Consul seemed to give great satisfaction 
 to the public, which was not a little enhanced by the dignity 
 of his demeanour and his gentlemanly forbearance both 
 towards Miss Gamble and the English Consul. 
 
 The list of witnesses was now gone through, when the 
 Public Prosecutor rose on behalf of the State, and began his 
 harangue. 
 
 He endeavoured first to establish that I had been guilty of 
 the abduction of Miss Gamble, and used a good deal of 
 special pleading to maintain his point. He next asserted, in 
 the very teeth of the evidence, and in spite of the judgment 
 of the High Court already quoted, that I had employed 
 menaces against her. He concluded by demanding my con- 
 demnation ; and declared that the offences alleged had 
 rendered me liable to an imprisonment of four years as 
 principal ; and the courier to an imprisonment of three years 
 and three months, and the valet de place to one year's 
 imprisonment as accessories. 
 
 The courier shivered with apprehension, and poor Pietro 
 nearly fell off the bench with terror at such startling propo- 
 sitions as these. 
 
 Sr. Cabella, the advocate of Miss Gamble, followed Sr. 
 Carbone, and spoke with great fluency, but with less effect 
 than I had expected from a barrister of his reputation. He 
 stated, however, at the outset, that his position was an 
 embarrassing one ; and I do not think that he relished his 
 work. He sought, nevertheless, to make the most of his
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 275 
 
 case, addressing himself exclusively to the question of damages. 
 He considered his client, Miss Gamble, entitled to a heavy 
 sum ; but left it to the discretion of the Court to fix the 
 amount. His comments on the conduct of Mi?s Gamble 
 during my courtship were, certainly, not very felicitous, and I 
 was somewhat puzzled to know whether he had been sleeping 
 through my cross-examination of her, since he ignored her 
 own admissions, or whether he was indulging in a vein 
 of subtle irony at her expense. I leave my readers to judge 
 from the following phrases which I quote from the report 
 of his speech 
 
 " It cannot be denied," he said, " that my client's conduct 
 throughout has been prudent and upright ; that from Mr. 
 Wikoff's first acquaintance with her family (in 1835) up to 
 the last moment, nothing could be alleged against her that 
 was not judicious, prudent, and becoming a lady ; that Miss 
 Gamble's letters, as well as her actions, showed that she knew 
 her own mind, being, at the same time, to her complete justifi- 
 cation, and to the condemnation of the accused. Not only 
 did the lady never give any encouragement to Mr. Wikoff, but, 
 on the contrary, she had always shown him that there was 
 no hope." He wound up by demanding damages for his 
 client, Miss Gamble, according to law. 
 
 Sr. Cabella must have heard Miss Gamble declare she had 
 given me her hand at Geneva for the second time. If that be 
 not " encouragement," I should like, for the sake of all lovers 
 in doubt, to know what an Italian barrister considers a fair 
 case of encouragement ! 
 
 One of my advocates was rising for the defence, when 
 Miss Gamble begged permission to withdraw. She had com-
 
 276 MT COURTSHIP 
 
 placently listened to my pummelling by the Public Prosecutor 
 and her own lawyer, but she was not disposed to have her 
 impressions disturbed by hearing anything said in my behalf. 
 But, I dare say, she expected that I would allow a great deal 
 to be said that would be painful to her. She was not aware, 
 of course, that I had insisted on my lawyers treating her with 
 the utmost delicacy and forbearance. 
 
 The President replied to her request by saying he could 
 not allow her to retire without my consent. 
 
 I gave it immediately ; but, rising, I begged to ask her 
 a simple question as to a point of some importance that had 
 been overlooked 
 
 " Do you remember, Miss Gamble, that when I inquired 
 as to the contents of the small black bag of Mary's that 
 I discovered in my apartment on Nov. 15th, that you stated 
 to me it contained ' only odds and ends' those very words?" 
 
 She hesitated for a few moments, when the courier arose 
 and begged to ask Miss Gamble if she did not recollect that 
 he came into the saloon along with Mary, on Nov. 15th, to 
 know whether his Mistress had any orders to give him? 
 
 Whether she considered it injudicious to answer these 
 questions, or whether some sudden irritation seized her mind, 
 I could never tell; but, to the surprise of everybody, she 
 sprang forward to the front of the Tribunal, and pointing her 
 finger at a picture of Christ on the Cross that hung upon the 
 walls, she cried in a loud voice 
 
 " I swear that Mr. Wikoif is a liar, a calumniator, and 
 a vile man." 
 
 I was astounded at such extraordinary language, and, above 
 all, at the violent anger that seemed to possess her. I had
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 277 
 
 given her no other provocation than the simple question I 
 had asked. Though deeply wounded by such strong epithets, 
 I preserved my composure, and said 
 
 " I have no reply to make to Miss Gamble other than she 
 used the phrase of ' odds and ends' in reference to the con- 
 tents of her servant's bag, and to this I am ready to swear," 
 laying my hand at the same time on the Bible near me. 
 
 The President then informed Miss Gamble that she was 
 at liberty to go away, and, accompanied by Miss Bennet and 
 Mary, she instantly withdrew. 
 
 As she passed by me, I got up and bowed courteously, but 
 sadly, for I had a presentiment I should see her no more. 
 
 My defence was about beginning, but as it was five o'clock 
 the Court adjourned for dinner. I returned to the Tower to 
 dine as the day before. My companions in misfortune had 
 little relish for their repast. The courier was dreadfully cast 
 down, and Pietro was half demented at being longer cut' off 
 from his family that were entirely dependent on him for 
 support. I continued to assure him of his acquittal, of which 
 I entertained no doubt; but he whined piteously, and, like 
 Rachel "refused to be comforted." 
 
 EVENING SESSION. 
 
 At seven o'clock the Tribunal re-assembled. The curiosity 
 to hear the sentence had attracted extraordinary numbers. 
 The bench of accuser, hitherto occupied by Miss Gamble, was 
 vacant for the first time. I saw nothing of Mr. Brown either; 
 in fact, there was nothing more for him to do, and he was 
 pretty sure, I dare say, that President Malaspina would do 
 the rest.
 
 278 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 My defence now began, and occupied less than two hours. 
 That of the courier and the valet de place followed. My 
 lawyers, one and all, acquitted themselves with zeal and 
 ability ; though the stringent instructions I had given to make 
 no comments on the conduct of Miss Gamble, considerably 
 impaired their means of defence. Their pleading may be 
 summed up as follows : 
 
 " That the attempt made by the Prosecution to depict the 
 offence of Mr. Wikoff in such dark colours was little short of 
 ridiculous in the face of the facts as proved by the evidence, 
 and of the admissions made by Miss Gamble herself. 
 
 " That it was morally impossible that a person holding the 
 social position of Mr. Wikoff in Europe and in his own 
 country could have been actuated by any base motives in 
 seeking the interview he had obtained with the lady so lately 
 affianced to him ; and that, in short, the act in question 
 was rather a subject for a novel or a comedy, than for the 
 lengthened legal investigation it had undergone. 
 
 " That as to the ' Abduction,' even if regarded under a 
 sinister point of view, there was not sufficient proof to esta- 
 blish the fact of illegality, because it did not appear that by 
 the procedure of Mr. Wikoff the liberty of Miss Gamble had 
 been seriously violated. On the contrary, it was even evident 
 that she had all along the power to recover it, had she been 
 firmly resolved to do so. 
 
 " That as regards the accusation of 'menaces,' not only did 
 all the evidence go to disprove it, but that, in truth, this 
 Tribunal could take no cognizance of it, since the decision 
 of the Council Chamber of the Criminal Court had formally 
 overruled it.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 279 
 
 "That, finally, it was impossible to apply article 498 of the 
 Penal Code, which forbid the carrying of weapons, to this 
 case ; for it had been shown, first, that the empty pistols did 
 not belong to Mr, Wikoff ; and second, that they were only 
 momentarily in his possession. 
 
 " In conclusion, the innocence of Mr. Wikoff of the ab- 
 duction of Miss Gamble the sole charge for which he stood 
 arraigned being fully established, both as to motive and 
 fact, his complete acquittal was demanded." 
 
 The Trial was now at an end, and the Tribunal prepared to 
 retire to consider their judgment. The President asked me 
 if I had anything further to say in my defence, and I answered 
 in the negative. 
 
 Sr. Cabella, the advocate of Miss Gamble, then rose, and 
 begged to withdraw the demand of his client for damages ; 
 observing, that " Miss Gamble has constituted herself a civil 
 party, not so much for damages as to have the right of being 
 heard, in case her honour had been attacked." 
 
 I was delighted to find that. Miss Gamble had decided to 
 abandon her pecuniary claim, even at the last moment ; but I 
 was astonished to learn that she ,had employed an advocate 
 merely to defend her honour, in the event of its being attacked. 
 That she should harbour such an apprehension for a moment, 
 shows that she thought me greatly exasperated against her, 
 which was not the case. 
 
 It was after ten o'clock when the Judges withdrew, and 
 they remained absent over an hour. During this interval I 
 chatted calmly with my Consul, who manifested the liveliest 
 anxiety for the result. My counsel differed in opinion, I 
 observed. Sr. Orsini thought I would be condemned, but
 
 280 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 the others not. The public all expected my acquittal ; and 
 I was pleased to learn that they looked upon the " Abduction" 
 as an amusing farce. I was not more surprised than gratified 
 at the Public Prosecutor, Sr. Carbone, advancing to me, and 
 giving me his hand 
 
 " I never had a more disagreeable duty to perform," he 
 said, "and I trust you will excuse the unpleasant things I 
 was obliged to say. I spoke according to my instructions, 
 and I did not seek, you must admit it, to exceed them." 
 
 " I thank you, sir, most cordially," I replied, " for the 
 graceful and feeling manner you fulfilled a duty you are 
 pleased to say was repugnant to you. I shall long bear 
 in mind this expression of your esteem, equally unexpected as 
 flattering to me ! " 
 
 Sr. Cabella, the advocate of Miss Gamble, then declared 
 that if he could have anticipated my treating his client with 
 so much courtesy, he would have been far more sparing in his 
 language towards me. 
 
 " It is very civil of you, sir, to say so," I remarked ; " but 
 the mischief is irreparable now." 
 
 It was after eleven o'clock when the Judges returned into 
 Court, and took their seats amid the profound silence of the 
 vast crowd that had patiently awaited the result. 
 
 President Malaspina had written out his judgment, which 
 was exceedingly long, and ingeniously constructed. The 
 reasons advanced by the learned Judge, in justification of the 
 sentence he pronounced, are so remarkable for their direct 
 contradiction to the evidence, and their flagrant distortion 
 of the facts, that I beg the permission of my readers to pass 
 them in review, with my own comments in juxtaposition.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 281 
 
 WHEREAS 
 
 At the end of the year 1835 the 
 accused, Henry Wikoff, having 
 made the acquaintance of Miss 
 Jane C. Gamble, conceived an 
 affection for her, but without 
 result, he having left her in 
 1840: 
 
 That, in the interval which 
 elapsed between this period and 
 1850, Miss Gamble having in- 
 herited a large fortune^ was 
 revisited by the accused, who 
 feeling his former impressions 
 deepened, spoke to her of his at- 
 tachment, and solicited her hand 
 in marriage : 
 
 That, Miss Gamble rejected his 
 offer, which did not silence the 
 said Henry Wikoff, who began 
 following her about through 
 France and Switzerland, when 
 he succeeded in extorting a 
 promise of marriage from Miss 
 Gamble, to which was annexed 
 the condition of obtaining the 
 consent of Mr. Bates, of London: 
 
 That, so far from Mr. Bates A letter from Mr. Bates, pro- 
 giving his consent to the mar- duced on Trial, and aclcnow- 
 riage, he made known his oppo- ledyed by Miss Gamble, proved 
 sition to Miss Gamble : that he had made no opposition 
 
 to our marriage. 
 
 It was in April, 1851, that I 
 met Miss Gamble again. She 
 had inherited the. income onlij of 
 her uncle's property two or three 
 days before, but I was wholly 
 ignorant of the fact, as shown on 
 my first visit. 
 
 Miss Gamble was never in 
 France during the whole period 
 of my courtship. In Stvitzerland, 
 as averred by Miss Gamble before 
 the Tribunal, she voluntarily and 
 solemnly pledged me her hand. 
 
 That, Miss Gamble then ex- The letters of Miss Gamble
 
 282 
 
 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 horted Mr. Wikoff to desist from 
 his pursuit : 
 
 That, in spite of her explicit 
 refusals, Mr. Wikoff formed the 
 resolution to get possession of 
 Miss Gamble : 
 
 That, for this purpose, he 
 corrupted her courier, Louis 
 Vannod : 
 
 That, he made an attempt to 
 get an interview with Miss Gam- 
 ble at Turin, by passing himself 
 off as a Mrs. Austin, but failed : 
 
 That, he made a second attempt 
 at Genoa, which succeeded : 
 
 That, during Miss Gamble's 
 stay in his apartment, he em- 
 ployed menaces to force her to 
 marry him, or pass the night 
 there : 
 
 read on the Trial, proved that 
 she had solicited interviews with 
 me after the alleged opposition. 
 
 The letter of the R. Charge 
 d' Affaires produced on Trial, 
 proved my intention to go to 
 Russia, instead of following Miss 
 Gamble to Italy. 
 
 The written obligation I gave 
 the courier was suppressed by 
 the Prosecution, in order to make 
 out a charge of corruption. 
 
 I employed a ruse " to obtain 
 an interview," in the words of the 
 Judge, but abandoned the attempt. 
 
 Miss Gamble frequently de- 
 clared the contrary to the Ame- 
 rican Consul. 
 
 That, to escape these alter- The said paper was a mere re- 
 natives, she wrote, under the petition of her former pledges of 
 dictation of Mr. Wikoff, a pro- marriage, and was invalid in 
 mise of marriage : point of law. 
 
 That, after this, the attendant 
 of Miss Gamble arrived, and she 
 desired her to come to her : 
 
 It would have been easy, if I 
 had wished it, to prevent the 
 presence of the said attendant.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 283 
 
 That, after the arrival of her 
 attendant, Miss Gamble became 
 composed, and partook of re- 
 freshments : 
 
 Miss Gamble eat two large 
 bowls of soup for lunch two hours 
 before the arrival of the said at- 
 tendant. 
 
 That, on Miss Gamble leaving 
 the apartment of Mr.Wikoff, she 
 accompanied him to the "Iron 
 Crown" Hotel, from whence they 
 afterwards returned to their re- 
 spective hotels : 
 
 That, notwithstanding the 
 judgment of the Session of 
 Accusation of Dec. 24th, 1851, 
 there is sufficient to prove that 
 Mr.Wikoff had illegally abducted 
 the person of Miss Gamble, as 
 denned in article 242 of the 
 Penal Code : 
 
 That, it cannot be denied that 
 Mr. Wikoff had in his possession 
 unlawful weapons : 
 
 That, it was proved that Louis 
 Vannod was the principal agent 
 of Henry Wikoff in abducting 
 the person of Miss Gamble : 
 
 That, there is abundant proof If it were proved the valet de 
 
 to show that although the valet place "suspected" anything im- 
 
 de place, Cavallari, must have proper, as the Judge declares, he 
 
 suspected that he was engaged in was, then, an accomplice. 
 an improper act, still he cannot 
 be regarded as an accomplice : 
 
 The Judge carefully suppressed 
 the importantfact that Miss Gam- 
 ble "accompanied" me volun- 
 tarily to pass the night at the 
 " Iron Crown" Hotel, and re- 
 turned to her own on the follow- 
 ing morning. 
 
 The " Session of Accusation " 
 acquitted me of the false charge 
 of " extorting with menaces " the 
 aforesaid written paper. 
 
 Article 242 of the Penal Code 
 provides for a real case of Ab- 
 duction, and not for a farce. 
 
 There was a pair of empty 
 pistols in the apartment, belong- 
 ing to the courier, as explained.
 
 284 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 WHEREFORE, the Tribunal declares that Luigi Cavallari shall be 
 set at liberty : 
 
 Declares that Henry Wikoffis convicted of having abducted the 
 person of Miss Gamble, and of having in his possession 
 dangerous weapons : 
 
 Declares Louis Vannod is convicted of being the principal agent 
 in the misdemeanour of abducting Miss Gamble, and of 
 having dangerous weapons : 
 
 Seeing articles 242, 107, &c., &c., of the Penal Code condemns 
 the said Henry Wikoff and Louis Vannod to the penalty of 
 fifteen months' imprisonment each, counting from the day of 
 the arrest, and to pay the costs of the process : 
 
 The reading of this judicial expose was listened to with 
 silent attention by the auditory, but when it was found that 
 I was condemned to fifteen months' imprisonment loud 
 murmurs of astonishment and dissatisfaction broke out on 
 every side. 
 
 President Malaspina, who had the air of a man conscious of 
 doing an unjust thing, lost his temper at these manifestations, 
 and threatened to clear the Court. Then addressing me, he 
 made a sort of apology for the sentence, by saying he had 
 given me the minimum for a case of " Abduction," and said, 
 further, that I had ten days allowed me for an appeal. 
 
 I replied in a courteous tone that, " I would consult with my 
 counsel, and decide upon what course it was best for me 
 to pursue ! " 
 
 The valet de place then had permission to go ; and he did 
 not wait for a second order, for he shot off as though he 
 had been ejected from a mortar. The courier was deeply 
 affected at his condemnation, and began to weep. I told him,
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 285 
 
 upbraidingly, to put up his handkerchief, and to behave as a 
 courier ought. 
 
 It was midnight when the Court broke up, and it was 
 raining in torrents. The weather was in harmony with the 
 dismal state of my mind. The American Consul remained 
 to bid me good-night, and with his usual kindness, endea- 
 voured to console me, though it was easy to see that he was 
 deeply annoyed at the unfairness of the proceedings and the 
 injustice of the sentence. 
 
 " "Well, never mind," he said, stretching out his hand, 
 " for bad as it is, there is comfort in knowing these intrigues 
 are at an end. They can do you no more harm ; or, as we 
 say in America, ' they have jumped their length ! ' ' 
 
 " It is really too bad," I replied, trying to force a smile, 
 " after being bamboozled for so many months by Miss 
 Gamble to fall, at last, into the jaws of a downright dragon,, 
 like your colleague Brown. It would have put Job himself 
 into a passion." 
 
 " It is a hard case, but keep cool," returned the Consul, 
 who looked as if he were trying to take the remedy he 
 recommended to me. " Keep cool, and I will call on you 
 to-morrow to see what is to be done now. They have got 
 you down ; and let us hope that will content them." 
 
 " Thanks, my dear Consul," I said, shaking him cordially 
 by the hand, " I shall never forget your goodness. It is a 
 consolation to see that, though a condemned abductor, your 
 sympathy still survives." 
 
 "You are so much less to blame than I thought," he 
 responded, " that I will struggle all the harder for you. 
 Good-night."
 
 286 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I got into a sedan-chair awaiting me, and I was carried 
 off to St. Andrea onca more, that I had secretly hoped in the 
 morning never to see again. The transit was less than half 
 an hour, but the suffering of years was crowded into that 
 short interval. I shall never forget the poignant emotions 
 of that desolate night. It was not the dejection of grief; 
 nor, yet, the torture of fear that afflicted me. It was not 
 the cruelty of a woman I had passionately loved, nor, even, 
 all the terrors of a long detention in a loathsome prison that 
 overpowered me. No, I thought only of the ruin of all my 
 prospects in life that this unjust condemnation would likely 
 bring upon me. I thought of the loss of my friends, whose 
 esteem and respect were above all price. I thought of the 
 reproach and contumely that the ill-natured would cast upon 
 me. These bitter reflections filled me with the deepest 
 gloom. I knew that I had committed no offence against 
 law or morals that a folly, or an impertinence, was the 
 worst that could be imputed to me. I knew I was the victim 
 of intrigue and of powerful influence. But how was I to 
 convince the public that, under form of law, the " still, small 
 voice " of Justice had been drowned ? How was I to expose, 
 in all their crookedness, the unworthy means that had been 
 employed against me ? This apparent impossibility gradually 
 threw me into a state of mind that I shrink from describing. 
 Some natures at such a moment would have given way to 
 despondency or to rage, but I remained calm amid a pros- 
 tration the most complete and mournful I had ever known. 
 
 I was surprised, on reaching the prison, to find that 
 Roquino accompanied me to my room, and that he and Bini 
 remained there even after I had gone to bed, though I wai
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 287 
 
 not disposed for conversation. I sent them off, at last, but I 
 remarked that two or three times afterwards Roquino, under 
 one pretext or another, came back again. I learnt some days 
 later that he had received orders to watch me closely, lest, in 
 a paroxysm of anger or despair, I might do some violence to 
 myself. Seeing me composed, he finally retired to rest, 
 having previously removed every means of danger.
 
 288 MT COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 I HESITATED for a day or two whether to make an appeal 
 or not. My Consul thought it a wiser course to lay the cir- 
 cumstances of my case before the Government, and apply for 
 pardon. 
 
 " I can hardly think," he said, " that Miss Gamble would 
 seek to oppose you ; and as to Mr. Brown, I trust he will be 
 satisfied with the mischief he has done." 
 
 " I will take your advice, Consul," I replied, " and will 
 draw up my petition for pardon." 
 
 Before making the application, I thought it would save me, 
 perhaps, the mortification of a refusal if I wrote to the 
 Marquis de Cavour at Turin, asking him frankly whether my 
 case was likely to meet with a favourable reception or no. 
 As the Marquis was brother to the most influential Minister 
 of the Crown, it was clear that the information he sent me, 
 for good or bad, might be relied upon. To be sure, I felt 
 great doubts whether this distinguished person would reply to 
 me at all ; for I naturally feared that my condemnation would 
 make him conclude that I must be guilty of some serious 
 offence, and altogether unworthy his sympathy. This appre- 
 hension deterred me from writing for several days, but at last 
 I made up my mind to risk it. I wrote to him accordingly 
 on the 22nd of February, begging to recall myself to his 
 recollection, and humbly soliciting his opinion as to the course
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 289 
 
 I had better take. My gratification was only equal to my 
 surprise at receiving an immediate reply, couched in the 
 following amiable terms 
 
 " Turin, 
 ; 'MR. HENRY WIKOFF, "February 27, 1852. 
 
 "Sin, I had, certainly, not forgotten the pleasure it gave me to 
 make your acquaintance during your passage through Turin in 
 November last. Therefore, before receiving your letter I had read 
 with interest the details the Journals had already furnished me of 
 your affair. After this perusal it appeared to me that you had been 
 driven to your wits' end by a series of coquetries profoundly 
 irritating, and that your action was, therefore, excusable in point 
 of honour, and can, certainly, do your reputation no serious harm. 
 Permit me here to observe that the justice which Tribunals ad- 
 minister is always, and necessarily, imperfect. Sometimes they 
 allow to pass faults that are morally grave ; at others, they proceed 
 severely against transgressions that morality regards as rather the 
 effect of human weakness than of deliberate malice. The reason of 
 this fact is that the criminal law of civilized states is founded not 
 so much on pure notions of abstract justice as on the necessity of 
 social defence. I can, therefore, comprehend the motives which 
 may have dictated the judgment of the Tribunal of Genoa, although, 
 in truth, it appears to me exceedingly severe. But judgments, on 
 the honour and individual character, are founded on principles 
 more delicate and difficult to seize, but which a certain moral sense 
 manifests to every upright mind, and which are beyond the reach 
 of any application of law whatever. 
 
 "You have now two courses to take, either that of an appeal to 
 the Superior Court, or that of a petition to the King for pardon. 
 If you decide upon the latter step, it appears to me proper that 
 your petition should be transmitted to our Government by your 
 Charge d' Affaires, Mr. Kinney, whose official business it is. If this 
 takes place, it will give me the sincerest pleasure to speak to our 
 new Minister of Justice, whom I know well and see very often,
 
 290 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 since I have become a member of our Parliament, which occurred 
 after your departure from Turin. 
 
 " Pray accept the expression of my most distinguished sen- 
 timents. 
 
 " GUSTAVE DE CAVOUR. 
 
 " P.S. Your letter, dated the 22nd of this month, only reached 
 me yesterday, I don't know why, the 26th." 
 
 Nothing, certainly, could surpass the tact and benevolent 
 feeling that inspired this welcome epistle. Brother to the 
 leading member of the Cabinet, and himself one of the first 
 personages of Sardinia, it might not have become him to cast 
 any heavy censure on the Tribunal of Genoa ; but still he did 
 not hesitate to say that he thought its judgment "exceedingly 
 severe." But what was far more consoling to me, coming 
 from the lips of so estimable a person, was his unqualified 
 declaration that " my action was excusable in point of honour, 
 and that my reputation could suffer no serious harm." I had 
 a right to conclude from this that the harsh sentence of 
 President Malaspina would not rob me of the good opinion of 
 society ; and that, though deprived of my liberty, I might yet 
 hope to preserve my friends, and recover their esteem. From 
 this time I grew more resigned, and by degrees returned to 
 my wonted elasticity of mind. 
 
 About a week after the Trial I received a message from 
 Miss Gamble, through one of my lawyers, to the effect, that 
 she regretted to see me the tenant of a prison, and that she 
 would be disposed to take some steps on my behalf, if she 
 could feel sure that I would not molest her in any way. I 
 returned for answer, that she was entirely mistaken, if she 
 supposed me at all exasperated against her ; that I regretted, 
 for her sake as much as for my own, all that had occurred ;
 
 AXD ITS CONSEQUENCES. 291 
 
 that I was quite persuaded she had been urged against her 
 better feelings into the course she had pursued. I begged 
 her to believe that in seeking to vindicate myself, I would 
 make every effort to spare her annoyance; and I entreated 
 her, finally, if it were in her power to do anything to relieve 
 my unhappy position, that she would make an effort to that 
 end, in consideration of our long friendship, and our late more 
 endearing relations. 
 
 Several days elapsed without my hearing again from her ; 
 for, unfortunately, my worthy Consul was so annoyed at her 
 conduct at the Trial, that he abandoned his former habit of 
 visiting her. I trusted his displeasure would soon subside, as 
 I was anxious to have news of her intentions towards me ; 
 and the more so, that I learnt that Consul Brown had dropped 
 his intimacy with her the moment the Trial was over, which 
 shows he had some special interest in my condemnation, and 
 only made use of Miss Gamble as a necessary instrument. 
 My energetic Consul continued to manifest the most un- 
 wearied interest in my behalf; and amongst other proofs 
 of it, he addressed a letter, at my request, to the then Prince 
 President of France. He thought, with me, that no means 
 should be left untried to render my pardon more certain, and 
 as he was aware of my former intimacy with this illustrious 
 person, he was ready to aid me in any application I might 
 deem it proper to make. To be sure I considered it rather a 
 desperate expedient, for the Prince had quite enough on his 
 hands just then in looking after France and himself, without 
 being bothered by a luckless abductor, even though an old 
 friend. I had little hope that my application would ever reach 
 him, still I was so sure of his real goodness of heart, that I 
 
 L 2
 
 292 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 thought it likely, if he heard of the case, he would condescend 
 to say a word for me. It occurred to me that he might 
 recollect that in other days I had crossed the Atlantic to 
 penetrate into the depths of his dreary prison at Ham,* for the 
 honour of bearing to him the sympathies of affectionate rela- 
 tives and friends. All humble as I was, I remembered his 
 
 * It may be interesting to relate that in seeking to obtain an interview 
 with Prince Louis Napoleon in September, 1845, at the Citadel of Ham, 
 where he was condemned for life, the greatest difficulties were thrown 
 in my way by the French Government of that day. When permission 
 was granted I left Paris, but on arriving at Ham, I was told that I would 
 be allowed to see the Prince but once, and that only for a period of four 
 hours. It was over five years since I had been in the habit of meeting his 
 Highness in London at the hospitable table of his uncle, the King Joseph, 
 and for nearly the whole of that time he had been shut up in the deso- 
 late prison where I came. So profound was the impression of my inter- 
 view with the Prince, that I requested his permission to publish it, which 
 was kindly granted. As it was most important that I should not misre- 
 present his political views, even the shadow of a shade, I begged his 
 Highness to look over my MSS., which he Avas condescending enough 
 to do ; and the following letter is a proof that my memory was faithful 
 
 " Ham, October llth, 1845. 
 
 " MY DEAR SIR, I return the first two sheets of your manuscript, and 
 I thank you sincerely. It is impossible to display more tact, good taste, 
 or esprit than you have done in the relation of your visit to Ham. There 
 is not a word to change. 
 
 " Do not forget before you go to England to send me your address, that 
 I may write to you ; and receive anew the assurances of my sentiment? 
 
 of esteem and friendship. 
 
 "NAPOLEON LOUIS." 
 
 I ventured to predict in this brochure, that the Prince Louis would, 
 in all probability, succeed to the Government of Louis Phillippe ; and I 
 got myself a good deal laughed at for my presumption !
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 293 
 
 expressions of satisfaction at seeing me again, after the lapse 
 of years, and at finding me still as confident as ever in his 
 ultimate triumph, and as devoted in his hour of disaster as in 
 the day of prosperity. Recollecting this, I thought I might 
 venture to address him, and lest I might be tempted into a too 
 partial view of my own case, I begged my Consul to draw up 
 the facts in his own name, which he readily consented to do. 
 I esteem this brief statement of the American Consul's as 
 too important to suppress, though I regret his dissatisfaction 
 with Miss Gamble at that moment induced him to express 
 himself with more warmth than was his wont. After a short 
 preface, wherein he explained his motives for addressing his 
 Highness the Prince President, his letter ran as follows 
 
 " I will, therefore, briefly state the facts as they came to my 
 knowledge, and appeared on Trial. On the 16th of November 
 last, Mr. WikofF called on me and related his adventure with 
 a Miss Gamble, and said he apprehended that she was about insti- 
 tuting legal proceedings against him ; but as it was only a farce he 
 had played on her in retaliation for the many she had played on 
 him, he could not conceive it possible that it could assume the 
 character of a grave and formal offence. Still he thought it best 
 to settle it, and wished me to call on the British Consul and have 
 it arranged. 
 
 " I called as he requested, and found the lady there, who 
 appeared most anxious to have the affair terminated without pub- 
 licity. The British Consul, however, to whom she had confided 
 her case, appeared determined, on the contrary, that the matter 
 should go on. The following day, nevertheless, it was settled to 
 the satisfaction of both parties ! but too late, unfortunately, to stop 
 legal proceedings. I had interviews with Miss Gamble whilst 
 Mr. Wikoff was at the Consulate of the United States, and before 
 he decided to give himself up to the police, Avhen she implored me 
 not to permit him to be arrested, saying he had many noble and 
 
 L S
 
 294 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 generous qualities and that love had prompted him to the act of 
 sequestering her at Genoa. In subsequent interviews she ad- 
 mitted tliat she had promised to marry Mr. Wikoff. She complained, 
 on another occasion, that she had been detained with her maid 
 against her will in the apartment of Mr. Wikoff at Genoa, but 
 never complained of having been menaced by any threats of personal 
 violence. She is, however, excessively capricious, and now seems 
 bent on his destruction. The case appears to me a most extraor- 
 dinary one, and peculiarly hard for Mr. Wikoff. 
 
 " Further, I cannot but believe that the Tribunal here has been 
 prejudiced to some extent by the great exertions of the British 
 Consul. He, the Consul, was permitted, without being sworn, to 
 give an opinion upon the general character of Mr. Wikoff not 
 from what he knew (for he admitted he knew nothing), but from 
 what he had heard from others. But I will not trouble your 
 Highness farther with the facts or circumstances of the case. 
 Suffice it to say that the conduct of the lady, since her stay in 
 Genoa, has been such as to convince all parties of her intolerable 
 fickleness; and though this may not justify the romantic adventure 
 of Mr. Wikoff, it certainly occasions regret that he should suffer 
 imprisonment from the caprice of this lady." 
 
 My reader must remark that the facts of my arrest and 
 imprisonment, as related by the American Consul with equal 
 brevity and precision in the above letter, confirm the account 
 I have already given. It is there seen that whatever might 
 have been Miss Gamble's motive for appealing to the British 
 Consul, she vehemently shrank from making the farce I had 
 played the subject of legal investigation, declaring that "love 
 alone had prompted it." It is equally clear that the denouement 
 which ensued originated in the precipitation and violence of 
 Mr. Timothy Brown. The moderate but distinct declaration 
 of the American Consul, that the Tribunal was prejudiced 
 by the great efforts of Mr. Brown, is not less striking.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 295 
 
 Some three weeks had elapsed after the Trial, and I felt 
 disposed to go to work and draw up my petition for pardon. 
 But there was one vital point connected with the matter 
 necessary to ascertain beforehand, and that was the course 
 Miss Gamble intended to take regarding it. It was the 
 custom of the country that in every application for pardon, 
 the name of the complainant should figure first on the list of 
 those who supported it, and I was, therefore, anxious to know 
 if my late betrothed would render me this essential service. 
 I thought it possible that she might even go to Turin and 
 ask the King in person for my restoration to liberty. Her 
 tact, I supposed, would suggest this, even if her feelings werft 
 indifferent to the matter. She had sought my condemnation, 
 doubtless, from politic motives, for she desired to convince 
 her friends and the public that she was in the right ; but I 
 hoped she would be content with the triumph she had gained- 
 Her wisest course now was to intercede for me, and I trusted 
 she would do so either from feminine sympathy, or from 
 anxiety to show the world that she was actuated by no vin- 
 dictive spirit. The cessation of my Consul's visits had cut me 
 off from all news of her ; and this was so necessary to me, 
 under the circumstances, that I begged him to call on her 
 again and ascertain her dispositions. My Consul was never 
 reluctant to do a kind act, and hoping to facilitate my escape 
 from the horrors of my position, he readily agreed to go and 
 see her. The fact is, though the Consul frequently con- 
 demned in lively terms the conduct of Miss Gamble, which he 
 thought harsh and vacillating, still he bore her no ill-will ; 
 on the contrary, he always manifested the best feeling by 
 advising her for good, and in seeking to save her from the
 
 296 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 counsels of the foolish or the malignant. He would some- 
 times go farther in talking to me and say 
 
 " T believe there is more love on her side than on yours, 
 after all." 
 
 "Induce her to show it," I used to reply, " and I will be 
 a ready convert to your opinion." 
 
 The Consul failed not to call on Miss Gamble as he 
 had promised, and early the next morning he sent me the 
 
 following note 
 
 " U. S. Consulate, 
 
 " March 2nd, 1852. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, I saw Miss Gamble last evening and conversed with 
 her for some time, but I could not clearly discover whether she was 
 favourably disposed to you or not. She told me long stories of your 
 courtship, and tried to make it appear that she had not encouraged 
 your advances. Yet she seemed exceedingly pleased when I told 
 her that you had recently said to me, ' I believe that Miss Gamble 
 still entertains something more than mere friendship for me, and in 
 spite of all her perversencss and foibles, I am excessively attached 
 to her.' I can give you no decided opinion as to what course she 
 will take, but on the whole, think she will neither intercede for nor 
 oppose your application for pardon. My impression is that you 
 have nothing to hope or to fear from Miss Gamble in regard 
 to your pardon. 
 
 ." I do not know bow long she intends remaining at Genoa. 
 " Very truly yours, 
 
 " GEORGE G. BAKER. 
 
 "P.S. You know Miss Gamble, and may judge from the above, 
 better than I can, what she intends to do." 
 
 " If I could ever have told what she was going to do," I 
 soliloquized, after perusing the above, " I should not now be 
 under the necessity of torturing my brains with conjecture." 
 
 I was disappointed to find that Miss Gamble was not dis-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 297 
 
 posed to rise to the level of the occasion. I knew her 
 to be a woman of superior discernment, and it required 
 no magnanimity to play the fine role that offered itself. 
 I could not doubt her sagacity to see it, but it was evident 
 she had not force enough of character to enact it. I 
 learnt from my Consul when he came to see me, that Miss 
 Gamble was more subdued in tone than formerly, and in a 
 mood, perhaps, to be won over to better inspirations. I 
 determined, therefore, to write to her in an urgent strain, 
 and endeavour by appeals to her reason and heart to awake 
 her from that indecision that weighed upon her will, that, as 
 the play says, "Let I dare not, wait upon I would." I 
 thought it well to send her also the letters 1 had addressed to 
 her before the Trial, (and which the rogue Roquino suppressed, 
 as already shown,) for she had expressed to my Consul her 
 surprise that I had never written to her at all. A couple of 
 days afterwards the Consul was good enough to call and see 
 what was the effect of my "spiriting," and he wrote me the 
 next morning to this effect 
 
 " U. S. Consulate, 
 
 "March 9th, 1852. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, I saw Miss Gamble last evening. She had lately 
 received your letters, and appeared to be in great distress and 
 trouble ; so much so, that she wept. She said to me that she could 
 never be indifferent to your fate. She begged that you would 
 publish nothing reflecting on her character, or it would injure you. 
 She wished me to say to you * * * * 
 
 and she entreats that you will spare her hereafter. She spoke 
 of leaving Genoa soon. 
 
 " Yours, in haste, 
 
 GEORGE G. BAKER. 
 "H. WIKOFF, ESQ."
 
 298 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I was pained to hear that Miss Gamble was suffering in 
 mind, but still I thought her tears were a sign that her feel- 
 ings, that had been so long congealed, were melting at last, 
 and that all the evil influence implanted by her ex-adviser, 
 Mr. Brown, would be carried away and drowned in the flood 
 of nobler sentiments. I rejoiced at it, not merely for myself, 
 but for the sake of her own future satisfaction of mind. 
 Seeing that she seemed to apprehend hostile proceedings on 
 my part hereafter, I wrote to assure her that I had no such 
 intentions ; and that when I came to publish my vindication 
 I would attribute no malice to her, but rather let fall the 
 blame upon those who really merited it. 
 
 I heard nothing for two or three days, but I expected 
 every hour the visit of my Consul bringing the joyful intelli- 
 gence that Miss Gamble had gone to Turin to procure my 
 pardon ; and the boon of my liberty would have been less 
 grateful to me than this graceful act of clemency on her part. 
 What I had already suffered and lost would have vanished 
 from my memory at this display of a generous repentance. 
 The Consul came at last, but his countenance, on entering 
 my room, had net the aspect I anticipated. 
 
 "Well, Consul," I said, gayly, "good news or bad? What 
 does she say ? Has she decided ? " 
 
 " She has." 
 
 " I am glad of it. What is she going to do ? " 
 
 " She is going to oppose your pardon," replied the Consul, 
 with a look that conveyed what he did not care to express. 
 
 " Oppose my pardon," I slowly repeated, in a tone of utter 
 incredulity. 
 
 " Yes," he continued, "Miss Gamble called on me yesterday
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 299 
 
 and stated her intention to enter her formal opposition to your 
 pardon. She explained that she was anxious to complete her 
 tour in Italy, and that if you were detained in prison, she 
 would have no inconvenience to fear from you ? " 
 
 I sat down and brooded in silence over this unlooked-ior 
 information. A thousand emotions filled my breast, and for 
 a few moments impeded my utterance. The Consul, mean- 
 while, glanced over the pages of a book lying on the table, 
 leaving me to renew the conversation when I felt disposed. 
 
 " You were wrong in your Kentucky phrase," I observed, 
 at last, " when you said on the night of my condemnation 
 that ' she had jumped her length ! ' " 
 
 " It seems so," returned the Consul, " for there are lengths 
 to which I thought it impossible she could go." 
 
 " Well, it is useless," I remarked, " to waste more words 
 upon her. Appeal and remonstrance are alike ineffectual. 
 But what is to be done ? Will her opposition, think you, 
 compel me to linger out a whole year longer in this horrible 
 place." 
 
 " I hope not, sincerely," said the Consul, with much 
 feeling ; " but it is, I learn, a serious obstacle to your imme- 
 diate pardon. It will be much worse if Mr. Brown, or any 
 one else, should avail themselves of Miss Gamble's opposition 
 as a pretext to detain you in prison." 
 
 " Ah!" I exclaimed, quite startled at this intimation, "have 
 you heard that such a thing is meditated ? " 
 
 " There are rumours of the sort flying about, and I fear 
 that the benevolent intentions of the Government towards 
 you will be strenuously resisted." 
 
 " There is no doubt," I declared, somewhat excited, " that
 
 300 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 a secret influence lias worked from the beginning to under- 
 mine me. At first it was sought to send me to the Galleys 
 for ten years. I owe my escape chiefly, Consul-, to your 
 energetic interference. Then it was attempted to immure 
 ne in a prison for four years, as demanded by the Fiscal 
 Advocate at my Trial. This failed from the rottenness of the 
 evidence and the bungling of Mr. Brown. And now, it 
 appears, an effort is making to prevent my pardon, lest it 
 might reinstate me in public opinion. I fear to abuse your 
 good nature, else I would ask you a favour." 
 
 " I think you an ill-used man," was the Consul's prompt 
 reply, "and if I can assist you, I shall not hesitate. What 
 do you wish ? " 
 
 " Will you go to Turin," I inquired, "and see our Charge 
 d? Affaires, Mr. Kinney. Endeavour to ascertain through 
 him, if you please, what are the intentions of the Govern- 
 ment concerning me, and inform him, also, of the intrigues 
 that you suspect are on foot." 
 
 " I see no objection to that," said the amiable man. " I 
 shall go to Turin to-morrow, and will, probably, bring you 
 back some definite information. Do not be too sanguine, 
 though, for I fear you are destined to keep your cage for some 
 time to come." 
 
 The Consul was as good as his word, and left for Turin 
 next day. I awaited his return in painful suspense. 
 
 My patience had been sorely tried by all the vicissi- 
 tudes I had undergone since the evil day I had renewed 
 my acquaintance with Miss Gamble, but I found nothing 
 so difficult to reconcile my mind to as this last cruel 
 decision of hers to prolong the misery of my captivity in
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 301 
 
 this hideous jail. For the first time I was convinced that 
 my attachment to her had been sincere, and profound, 
 for I felt no anger at what I could not but regard as 
 an unfeeling and uncalled-for act. I thought it puerile to 
 give way to any violent chagrin ; and, therefore, I put a re- 
 straint on the tendency of my mind in that direction. A phrase 
 from one of her own letters frequently recurred tome " How 
 painful is a sense of the unworthiness of a person we love," and 
 I found such a conviction so intolerable, that I preferred to 
 discover, or to invent, some palliation for this strangest freak of 
 all. I could not allow myself to believe that her object was 
 to detain me, to the last hour, in this disgusting prison, for 
 this would have been to accuse her of the most odious cruelty. 
 I felt sure it was not malice that induced her to oppose my 
 pardon, but rather a keen apprehension that once at liberty I 
 would set to work and publish a full explanation of the whole 
 affair. By keeping me in duresse for a few months longer, she 
 likely inferred that my acute suffering would force me into a 
 pledge of sparing her the annoyance of any public statement 
 of my case, and that other means might, also, be employed to 
 urge me into renouncing this dreaded result. Such a policy 
 was neither generous or wise ; but there are many people who 
 only take counsel of their fears, and commit, not merely the 
 greatest errors, but frequently bring about the very end they 
 seek to avoid. Had Miss Gamble obtained my liberty her 
 safety would have been in my gratitude, and that failing, her 
 protection by public opinion was certain against a man who 
 disowned so serious an obligation. A vulgar nature may be 
 cowed by rigour, though it is the worst method ; but if Miss 
 Gamble believed as she wrote and said, that I was better
 
 S02 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 endowed, why did she not throw herself on my generosity ? 
 But there was another motive that, probably, had its weight 
 with her and others. If I received a prompt remission of my 
 sentence, she feared, no doubt, that the world would conclude 
 me innocent; whereas, if my pardon was postponed or rejected, 
 the inference would tell against me and in favour of her who 
 had prosecuted me. This calculation was a shrewd one ; for 
 it was all important to Miss Gamble that opinion on the spot 
 should appear to approve her conduct. 
 
 It seemed strange to me that a woman, however strong her 
 intellect, should give herself up so entirely to the cold dictates 
 of an inflexible policy, but with the fatality that attended 
 her from the hour she turned her hand against me, she pre- 
 ferred to go forward in ill rather than retreat back to her 
 better self. 
 
 The reason she had given the American Consul for leaving 
 my bolts undrawn that I might molest her travels I could 
 not persuade myself was a sufficient one in her eyes to sub- 
 ject me to the slow torture of my degrading imprisonment. 
 The motives I have arrayed she may not have thought it 
 discreet to avow, but they were beyond question the real 
 ones. 
 
 Reflections like these, amplified a thousand-fold, absorbed 
 my mind so completely as to make me momentarily insensible 
 to my situation. 
 
 The Consul's absence was a short one, and he called 
 
 on me with one of my countrymen, General D , of 
 
 New York, a few hours after his return. He handed me 
 a letter from my Charge <T Affaires at Turin, to the following 
 effect
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 303 
 
 " Turin, March 15, 1852. 
 
 " U. S. Legation. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, Your letter, asking my interposition in favour of 
 the application you propose making for a remission of the judicial 
 sentence against you has been received, and shall have, as your 
 painful case has had, my most careful consideration. 
 
 "I send this by the Consul; through whom, I presume, it may 
 be properly delivered. 
 
 " I remain, 
 " Your very humble and obedient Servant, 
 
 "W. B. KINNEY. 
 
 " HENRY WIKOFF, ESQ., 
 
 " Genoa." 
 
 " This is very obliging, on the part of Mr. Kinney," I said, 
 " but did you get any news of my probable fate ? " 
 
 " I did," replied the Consul, in a tone that foreshowed 
 his announcement, " but I am unwilling to say from what 
 quarter I obtained it." 
 
 "That is quite unnecessary," I observed; "but let me 
 know all without reserve." 
 
 "Then, I fear, your pardon is impossible," continued the 
 Consul. "The Government, I know, are exceedingly well 
 disposed to you ; and they would, probably, have ignored the 
 veto of Miss Gamble, for her conduct is condemned on every 
 side ; but, as I apprehended, a certain diplomatic influence 
 has laid hold of her opposition, and uses it so powerfully 
 against you, that the Government are embarrassed, and will 
 do nothing, at all events, for the present." 
 
 " It is appalling, indeed," I replied, after a violent effort 
 to master my emotion, " the idea of being longer detained in 
 this den of thieves ; but if it must be so, there is nothing left
 
 304 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 but to summon my courage to bear it. The fact you state, 
 however, that diplomacy has seized upon the hostility of 
 Miss Gamble, as a means to carry out some purpose of its 
 own is a singular one indeed, and will infallibly lead some 
 day to an expose that had better been avoided." 
 
 " It is in very bad taste, to say the least," declared my 
 Consul ; " but I leave you to treat the matter as you think 
 fit. However, do not give way to despondency, for some- 
 thing may turn up to your advantage. Meanwhile you will 
 be pleased to hear, I am sure, that all my English friends at 
 Genoa and Turin express great sympathy for you, and de- 
 nounce in strong terms the behaviour of Mr. Brown. In 
 proof of it, I may mention that an English gentleman of high 
 character, Captain Pakenham, R.N., who has been wintering 
 at Genoa, has desired me to say he would be happy to call 
 on you, and render you any service in his power." 
 
 " It will give me infinite pleasure to receive him," was my 
 reply, " and I am not surprised, though much gratified, to 
 learn that English sentiment is opposed to the unbecoming 
 and inexcusable proceedings of Mr. Timothy Brown." 
 
 " Well, write me a line," said the Consul, getting up to 
 go away, " that you would like to see Captain Pakenham, 
 and I will hand it to him." 
 
 The statement of my Consul, that Miss Gamble's protest 
 against my pardon was caught at by a distinguished diplomatist 
 at Turin, as a pretext to prolong my imprisonment, was fully 
 corroborated by succeeding events. I have collected abundant 
 testimony as to this inexplicable fact ; and it is impossible to 
 quote higher authority than the present Prime Minister of 
 Sardinia, the Count de Cavour, who declared to a friend
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 305 
 
 of mine that " Mr. Wikoff's pardon would have been promptly 
 
 granted but for the determined resistance of Ambassador 
 
 at Turin." 
 
 I shall say no more at present of this strange event ; for it 
 is my intention to take the matter up at another time, and 
 discuss it more deliberately than is compatible with my object 
 in the volume in hand.
 
 306 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 IT thus appeared that in the face of common sense and 
 humanity I was to be detained for some months longer in this 
 abominable place, and it may be supposed that it was a bitter 
 draught to swallow. I thought it childish, however, to be 
 making grimaces about it, or to give way to useless railing. I 
 endeavoured, on the other hand, to habituate myself as much 
 as possible to the weariness of the life I was destined to lead. 
 It was not the confinement in itself that I found the most 
 difficult to endure. But the sight of the infamous wretches 
 around me, whose contact it was impossible at all times to 
 avoid, was loathsome in the extreme. The corridor I had 
 formerly occupied alone, and whose dark solitude was de- 
 lightful in contrast to association with the miserable felons so 
 near me, was now sadly metamorphised. It had been found 
 
 that, for want of sufficient air, the place was considered too 
 
 % 
 unhealthy to be converted into cells, even for the worst 
 
 criminals, so it had been decided to turn it into shops, to be 
 occupied only by day, and the prisoners to be removed to 
 other dormitories for the night. "Whatever might be the 
 consequences to my health, it was impossible to change my 
 quarters unless I could manage to herd it up stairs in the 
 large room before alluded to. It cost me no hesitation 
 to decide on staying where I was, for the chance of illness
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 307 
 
 was far less insupportable than living in immediate con- 
 tact with the filthy outcasts that for the most part made 
 up its occupants. 
 
 It is a disgrace to the Municipality of Genoa that in 
 a town where it is the custom to imprison, even before 
 the offence is inquired into, that some locality is not 
 assigned for individuals accused of venial infractions of law, 
 or of political misdemeanours. Whilst a tenant of St. 
 Andrea, I remarked several instances of persons condemned 
 for political publications treated no better than so many 
 forcats, or common thieves. I considered myself fortunate 
 to be the sole owner of a rather comfortable cell which, 
 though paved in brick and sweating with damp, was a boudoir 
 of luxury compared to the alternatives that surrounded me. 
 
 I got through my day well enough in reading and writing, for 
 I was allowed to receive my French and English newspapers, 
 and to correspond with my friends. At night the mercurial 
 Bini was always on hand to struggle with me at a game 
 of chess, which I found a much more economical amusement 
 than the diversion at cards which Roquino had introduced 
 me to. 
 
 The Trial of Bini was approaching, and though I sincerely 
 longed for his acquittal, I looked forward with real regret to 
 the loss of his lively company. He had run out the history 
 of his exciting adventures in quest of glory, but he was 
 invariably at boiling point upon some topic or other. He 
 declaimed less violently than of yore against oligarchies and 
 the carabiniers, whom he used to call " the instruments of 
 despotism," but he was never in want of a theme. The 
 luckless lawyer, who was to defend him, came in for a share of
 
 308 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 his energetic indignation at not hurrying on his trial; and 
 Roquino was always there in the absence of another victim. 
 Roquino, it seems, still clung to his old system of plunder ; 
 and though his attention was momentarily diverted from me 
 by the vigilance of Bini, yet he contrived to keep his hand in 
 for all that. Dinner once over, and everything edible dis- 
 patched, Bini gave himself no further concern about the rest ; 
 but Roquino knowing that the eye of the Barricader was no 
 longer upon him, gave himself up, it appeared, to a sly bit of 
 accumulation that he hoped would make up for his late losses. 
 By a simple process of addition, he discovered that a couple 
 of plates that he forgot every day to return to the restaurant 
 that supplied me would make just five dozen at the end of 
 the month, and his fancy was doubtless busy in devising 
 means to get them into market without giving rise to any 
 awkward suspicions. 
 
 As Bini was a political prisoner he had the run of the 
 prison, and his activity found vent in ransacking every nook 
 and corner of it. He was everywhere and in everybody's 
 way, and plunged to his eyes in everybody's business the 
 live-long day ; but as Roquino got out of his path, no one 
 else ventured to interfere. In one of his peregrinations he 
 stumbled, in some dark corner, one day over the mass of un- 
 reclaimed crockery aforesaid, and, big with the discovery, he 
 rushed into my room, and prancing around like a madman, 
 he poured volley after volley of his red-hot invective on the 
 head of the peccant Roquino, who happened to be with me 
 settling one of his weekly accounts. 
 
 The delinquent bore the revelation with tolerable composure, 
 and put the fault on the basket, which he declared was too
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 309 
 
 small to contain all the return plates, and hence their accidental 
 a : cumulation. The defence was a lame one, but there was 
 no proof of guilty intention. Let Roquino alone for steering 
 clear of -proofs. 
 
 Bini threatened to carry up the case to head-quarters, but 
 I interfered, lest, in order to remove Roquino beyond the pale 
 of temptation, it might be decided to withdraw him from my 
 service, and it was impossible for me to get on without him. 
 Bini was pacified at last, by my giving him authority to see 
 that the stray property in question was duly restored to its 
 owner and no questions asked. 
 
 Roquino assented with the readiness of a rogue who had 
 escaped a difficulty; but I heard him, for the first time, mutter 
 a vow of vengeance, and I hinted to the ubiquitous Bini that 
 he had better look to himself hereafter. 
 
 My Consul lost no time in conveying to Captain Pakenham 
 the note he had suggested my addressing him, and I received 
 the following reply the day after : 
 
 "H. WIKOFF, ESQ., " Genoa, March, 1852. 
 
 " SIR I am at all times disposed to render any service in my 
 power to a citizen of the United States. The subject to which 
 your note refers is one of considerable delicacy, and I feel, there- 
 fore, some apprehension of committing an intrusion in mixing 
 myself up with it. Under this reserve, and limiting myself to a 
 temporary residence at Genoa, I will do myself the pleasure to call 
 upon you to-morrow. 
 
 " I am, sir, your humble servant, 
 
 " JOHN PAKENHAM, CAPT., R.N." 
 
 The writer of the above is pretty well known to the English 
 world abroad and at home. A member of the illustrious 
 Wellington family, and one of the oldest Captains on the
 
 310 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 nary roll of England, his social position gave great weight in 
 my eyes to the good feeling he manifested for me as " a citizen 
 of the United States." He had resided much, I understood, 
 of late years in Tuscany, where his zeal in the Protestant 
 cause had involved him in frequent disputes with its fanatical 
 Government. He was, by all accounts, a man of strong con- 
 victions, benevolent impulses, and decided character, and no 
 sooner was he convinced that a cause, or an individual had 
 been unjustly dealt by than he sided with either, at once, from 
 that love of fair play which is so thoroughly English. 
 
 In compliance with his promise he called on me the succeed- 
 ing day, accompanied by my Consul. He was a person of some 
 fifty years and upwards. The clear and mild expression of 
 his bright blue eye denoted his intelligence and amiable dis- 
 position. His manners were simple and frank ; his conversa- 
 tion practical, and his views honestly expressed, without 
 regard to persons or position. There was no 'mistaking his 
 character, or his nation. He stated at once, in plain terms, 
 the motive of his visit and his desire to serve me. 
 
 " I have come to see you," he said, " to express my regret 
 at finding you in such a place as this, and to declare without 
 reserve that the extraordinary conduct of Mr. Brown towards 
 you is viewed with extreme dissatisfaction by all his country- 
 men here. I should be very sorry if it were thought by you, 
 or your worthy Consul, that his behaviour is at all a correct 
 expression of English sentiment towards Americans, and my 
 anxiety to prevent a conclusion so much to be deprecated is 
 my chief reason for intruding myself upon you." 
 
 " I appreciate, sir," I replied, " the honour of your visit, 
 and believe me it is a profound consolation to hear you dis-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 311 
 
 avow, for yourself and countrymen at Genoa, the eccentric 
 interference of Mr. Brown in my unfortunate affair, and which 
 has, naturally, produced no small irritation amongst all 
 Americans who have heard of it. I have lived too long in 
 England not to know that Mr. Brown is no exponent of 
 English feeling towards the United States ; and I am certain 
 that should the knowledge of his strange behaviour come 
 under the observation of his Government, and countrymen at 
 home that it will be gravely censured." 
 
 " You are quite right," continued Captain Pakenham ; 
 " his conduct will be censured by every Englishman who is 
 made acquainted with the facts of this absurd affair. I am 
 very glad to see you do not interpret his treatment of you into 
 an expression of English dislike to Americans. Believe me, 
 no such thing exists now-a-days, for the old jealousies have 
 disappeared with our old quarrels ; and kindly sentiments, and 
 mutual respect, have sprung up in their place. The deportment 
 of Mr. Brown to you is quite out of date, and you may depend 
 on it that once known it will be disowned. But what can I 
 do to aid you ? As you have been connected with our Go- 
 vernment, why not write to Lord Palmerston ?" 
 
 "But Lord Palmerston is no longer a member of the 
 Government," I answered. 
 
 "True, M returned Captain Pakenham. "Well, write, 
 then, to Mr. Addington, of the Foreign Office, and ask him 
 to lay your case before Lord Granville, the present Secretary 
 for Foreign Affairs." 
 
 " I should do so," was my reply, " if I thought my state- 
 ment would be attended with any result ; but Mr. Brown 
 has, no doubt, poisoned the mind of the English Minister
 
 312 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 at Turin, to whom the matter would naturally be referred 
 by Lord Granville, and so my chance of relief would be 
 small." 
 
 Captain Pakenham reflected for a few moments, and 
 then said 
 
 " Well, to prove to you, as far as I am concerned, that 
 I think your case is entitled to the fullest sympathy, I will 
 write, if you wish it, to the American Minister at London, 
 whom I have the honour to know, and call his attention to 
 the matter." 
 
 " I thank you most gratefully for your kind offer, 1 ' I 
 observed, " for any representation of my case by a person of 
 your standing, and who has been an eye-witness to all that 
 has occurred, must be received as impartial testimony, and 
 may do me an essential service." 
 
 " I shall be exceedingly gratified," returned the gallant 
 Captain, " if such should be the result;" and so saying he 
 took his leave of me, kindly promising to call occasionally 
 whilst he remained at Genoa. 
 
 The very next day I received a note from Captain Paken- 
 ham, informing me that he had written to the Hon. A. Law- 
 rence, United States' Minister at London, and inclosing a 
 copy of his letter, that ran as follows : 
 
 " His Excellency Hon. A. LAWRENCE, 
 &c., &c., &c. 
 
 " Genoa, March, 1852. 
 
 " DEAR SIR Since I had the pleasure of seeing you in London, 
 I have troubled you with one or two applications in favour of the 
 poor Tuscans suffering from the most unjustifiable religious perse- 
 cution. I hope that in doing so I have not been considered too
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 313 
 
 intrusive. The subject on which I have now to trouble you is one 
 of a different description altogether; and my advocacy is for a 
 citizen of the United States, of -whom I knew personally nothing 
 until he claimed my advice and assistance. You have heard, no 
 doubt, of a case which has created here a good deal of sensation. 
 It arose out of a rather protracted love-affair, terminating in a 
 scene more fit for a romance than for a court of law, but which has 
 placed the person to whom I allude under a very severe sentence of 
 fifteen months' imprisonment in an Italian gaol. As Mr. WikofF 
 knows you personally, I will leave to him the right to tell his own 
 story ; my object in interfering being to prevent anything that had 
 the effect of generating unkindly feelings between the citizens of 
 the United States and those of Great Britain. In the matter in 
 hand, I have no hesitation in saying that the conduct of the British 
 Consul here, as set forth in the printed report of the Trial, has had 
 that effect. I know that such is the impression on the mind of 
 the prisoner, and on that of the United States' Consul here ; 
 and the communication of such views to the citizens of the 
 United States passing through Genoa are likely to lead to un- 
 pleasant results. 
 
 " The whole affair was capable of an amicable adjustment at the 
 beginning, and never ought to have been the subject of a public 
 trial ! It has exposed to much scandal more than one individual 
 moving in respectable society, and if some remedy be not applied, 
 such is the natural irritation of the sufferer, that he will give ex- 
 tended publicity to the whole through the press, and then the 
 mischief will be a hundredfold. 
 
 " I would venture to suggest that your Excellency should request 
 Lord Granville to instruct Mr. Hudson, our envoy at Turin, to 
 move his Sardinian Majesty for a pardon for Mr. Wikoff, the 
 effect of which interference will be exactly the opposite to that 
 which the indiscretion of the British Consul here leads me to 
 apprehend. 
 
 " Your Excellency's 
 
 Very obedient and humble servant, 
 
 JOHN PAKENHAM, CAPT., R.N."
 
 314 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I am sure that the sound sense and correct feeling displayed 
 in the above letter would find an echo in every English mind, 
 as familiarly acquainted with the details of my case as was its 
 distinguished writer. With the firmness of his character, and 
 the authority of his social rank, he gave undisguised expres- 
 sion to his opinion of Consul Brown's " indiscretion," and the 
 simple solution he suggested was alike obvious and humane. 
 The American Minister at London returned a prompt reply 
 to the application addressed to him, saying it would afford 
 him great satisfaction to give me any aid in his power ; 
 but that it would be in violation of his duty to take any 
 steps in the matter, as suggested, without the approbation 
 of Mr. Kinney, United States' Charge d'affaires at Turin, 
 to whose especial jurisdiction the affair in question be- 
 longed. 
 
 Captain Pakenham, who continued to visit me at short in- 
 tervals, on hearingthis, proposed, if I thought fit, to forward 
 a letter to Mr. Joshua Bates, urging him, as he was so well 
 acquainted with the matter, to make some friendly exertions 
 on my behalf. 
 
 I accepted, with the warmest acknowledgments, this new 
 act of kindness on the part of this " fine old English gentle- 
 man ;" for whether his efforts succeeded in obtaining my 
 pardon or not, I considered his zealous espousal of my cause 
 as the best testimony of my innocence of any unworthy 
 conduct, whilst his statements made on the spot, and after 
 the most careful investigation, would be my best protec- 
 tion hereafter against calumny and misrepresentation. The 
 letter to Mr. Bates was duly dispatched, and I am pleased to 
 furnish my readers with a copy of it
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 315 
 
 " JOSHUA BATES, Esq., 
 
 London. " Genoa, March, 1852. 
 
 " Siu There can be no better position than the one occupied 
 by you for pronouncing on the fitness of the following suggestion, 
 which arises out of the affair between Miss Gamble and Mr. Wikoff. 
 It would, certainly, require some ingenuity to have found in the 
 reality of this love-story the miserable materials of an indifferent 
 romance ; and yet, by the indiscretion of parties applied to, it has 
 been made to occupy a lawsuit to spread much scandal to be 
 published in extenso, and to create a state of feeling between citizens 
 of the United States and those of Great Britain the reverse of what 
 every friend of either could wish. There is nothing more fraught 
 with mischief to national susceptibilities than trumpery affairs of 
 this kind, magnified by malevolence into serious crimes, and pro- 
 ducing feelings of exasperation. My conviction is that this 
 affair was capable at the very beginning of an easy, amicable 
 arrangement, and that it ought to have been so arranged. The 
 mere perusal of the trial, as printed, will show where the fault lies 
 of its not having been so ; and it, really, seems too bad that the 
 inflation of an individual, although filling an office which requires 
 the exercise of a sound and conciliating judgment, should produce 
 effects so deplorable. 
 
 " There are other considerations I might add to these, but your 
 penetration will at once perceive what they are, and how desirable 
 it is that even now whatever can be done should be, and that 
 promptly. It seems to me that means might easily be taken to induce 
 Lord Granville to apply through the British Minister at Turin for 
 Mr. Wikoff 's free pardon, and thus cover with a gracious act the 
 blunder already committed, and consign to insignificance and for- 
 getfulness a story which can only owe a lengthened interest to the 
 extravagant imprisonment of one of the actors in the comedy ? 
 
 " I add that I know nothing of either of the parties, but that, 
 having been asked for advice and assistance by Mr. Wikoff, I have 
 made inquiries into the matter, and now give you the impressions 
 
 thereby produced. 
 
 " I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
 
 " JOHN PAKENHAM, CAPT., R.N."
 
 316 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I can hardly be mistaken in supposing that the dispassionate 
 and considerate views of Captain Pakenham, who was an 
 observer of all that passed, will be received by the English 
 world as conclusive testimony of the really insignificant nature 
 of my case. With the forbearance of a high-bred gentleman, 
 he makes no criticism on the conduct of Miss Gamble ; nor 
 was her name ever mentioned in any conversations between 
 us on the subject. With the manliness of his character, he 
 boldly casts the blame of this scandal on its sole author, 
 Mr. Consul Brown, whose perverse disposition led him, not 
 only to expose an impulsive woman to endless vexations, but 
 to subject me to an amount of humiliation and suffering totally 
 disproportioned to the venial offence committed. For my 
 part, I rejoice that the temperate, but distinct expositions, 
 of Captain Pakenham will satisfy all parties that I have given 
 way to no anger or prejudice in my comments on Mr. 
 Timothy Brown's conduct, and that I have neither ex- 
 aggerated or distorted it. I bear him no malice, nor should 
 I have made him so prominent a figure in my canvass, but 
 that he chose to identify himself so completely with the inci- 
 dents that befel me at Genoa, that it is impossible to 
 relate them without bringing him conspicuously forward. In 
 fine, that his ill-treatment of me should have stirred up the 
 angry sympathies of my countrymen, on the spot and else- 
 where, is natural enough ; and, therefore, the motives that 
 inspired the generous interposition of Captain Pakenham in 
 my favour can only be regarded as the more judicious and 
 commendable. 
 
 It was about the middle of March that one day I was 
 quietly writing in my room, when Bini came rushing in and
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 317 
 
 tumbling over everything in his way, dashed to the window, 
 screaming at the top of his voice 
 
 " Damigella Gamble ! Damigella Gamble ! " 
 I gazed at the brawling fellow in astonishment, wondering 
 whether he had lost his wits, or was trying to practise on my 
 credulity. He kept on making signals to some one below, 
 and addressing me meanwhile in his incomprehensible French,, 
 the only word of which I could make out was reyardez. I 
 looked out to satisfy him, but all I could see was the copper- 
 coloured phiz of my quondam valet de place, Cavallari, who 
 was dancing about in the court- yard below in the same wild 
 excitement that possessed Bini above. 
 
 I waited calmly till their Italian furore blew over, when I 
 learnt the sudden cause of their fantastic gyrations. 
 
 It appears that Miss Gamble, attended by Miss Bennet, 
 and a cicerone, had actually ventured within the gloomy 
 precincts of St. Andrea. She was caught sight of by Caval- 
 lari, who was waiting below to pay me a visit, when he com- 
 municated by a shout the information to Bini, who flew off 
 instanter to convey the startling intelligence to me. The 
 moment Miss Gamble remarked that her presence was disco- 
 vered, she turned about and disappeared as suddenly as she 
 came. 
 
 It turned out, upon inquiry, that she could have had no 
 other object than to get a view of the prison where I was 
 confined, preparatory to her leaving Genoa. Her impressions 
 of the locality, I think, must have been far from favourable, 
 for nothing could be more shocking and repulsive than the 
 exterior view of the prison and its inmates. The building 
 itself had a grimy and revolting aspect ; but the worst feature
 
 318 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 was the sight of the miserable wretches that crowded all the 
 windows the whole day long, poking their legs and arms 
 through the iron bars, as expressive, I suppose, of their long- 
 ing to be at liberty again. Familiar as was this tableau 
 rivant to my eye, I could never regard it without disgust, 
 and what effect it must have had for the first time on the 
 vision of Miss Gamble I can easily imagine. If she did not 
 give way, then, to a keen sense of compassion for the frightful 
 position that through her I was reduced to, why she must 
 have been made of sterner stuff than I ever fancied. I have 
 no doubt she must have felt both compunction and horror, 
 and I even ventured to hope that, aroused to a conviction 
 of my suffering by the palpable proofs of my situation, she 
 would abandon her policy and stretch out a hand to my 
 rescue ; or, at all events, manifest a desire to do so, which 
 would have been a consolation in itself. Had Miss Gamble 
 only withdrawn her opposition to my pardon, no other party 
 could have sheltered themselves behind that pretext, and the 
 Government, I repeat, would cheerfully have accorded it. 
 A day or two after this my Consul brought me news of the 
 departure of Miss Gamble for the Baths of Lucca, in prosecu- 
 tion of her Italian tour. 
 
 " She is gone, then," I said, painfully surprised, " and 
 sent me no message of regret, or even of good cheer." 
 
 " Not a word," replied the Consul. " She called at my 
 house yesterday to bid adieu to my wife, when she talked of 
 several indifferent matters, but said nothing of you or your 
 sad condition. I always told you Brown would carry the day, 
 and now you see it, and feel it too, I dare say." 
 
 "The triumph is yours, my dear Consul," I answered, a
 
 AND ITS CONSEaUENCES. 319 
 
 good deal more upset than I affected to be, " and Brown has 
 turned out Caesar's Caesar, as you predicted. I never thought, 
 though, she would abandon me, so old a friend, in such a 
 sorry plight as this. I confess that hope never forsook me 
 utterly up to this hour, and now " 
 
 " And now,'" interrupted the Consul, with one of his dry 
 smiles, " you are going, I hope, to ' whistle her down the 
 winds,' as the play says, a prey to some new adorer. It is 
 high time you banished her from your mind, but there's no 
 denying your right to say and think what you please of her." 
 
 " You must do me the justice," I observed, " to admit that 
 I have never in a single instance said aught against her, and 
 never shall. She has been led into a false view of her posi- 
 tion, but sooner or later she will discover her errors and 
 repent. Her conscience will one day avenge me." 
 
 " I don't see," said the Consul, abruptly, " what good that 
 will do, if you are to be kept in this horrible place the year 
 out. However, there's no use repining. You must make 
 the best of it, my man ; and what I can do to mitigate the 
 severity of your martyrdom you may count on." 
 
 " If anything could compensate me for Miss Gamble's 
 rough usage," I replied, in a tone of unfeigned emotion, " it 
 is your indefatigable kindness, my dear sir. I don't know in 
 what manner to express my gratitude." 
 
 " Pshaw ! " exclaimed this amiable man, " I want no 
 thanks for standing by a fellow-countryman in distress. I 
 shall come and see you every day, and bring you all the news, 
 and lots of your countrymen to visit you, as they all take 
 a real interest in your misfortune." 
 
 Miss Gamble's final departure from Genoa was the last
 
 320 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 blow to my illusions, for I persisted in thinking to tlie last 
 that, not from any tender motive, but out of common hu- 
 manity, she would turn round and offer to assist me ; or, 
 failing in that, console me, at least, by the express-ion of her 
 sorrow. Twist it and turn it as I could, her calm dis- 
 appearance from the scene of my captivity, after throwing in 
 the way an insurmountable obstacle to my deliverance, was 
 by far the heaviest pang she had yet inflicted on me ; and of 
 all her thoughtless acts, it was this one that cost me the hardest 
 effort to forget and forgive. It afforded me no satisfaction 
 to believe her a heartless woman, and it was not merely out 
 of regard, but more from a sense of justice, that I refused to 
 come to this solution of her conduct. 
 
 It must be seen, from the description of my courtship, that 
 it was nothing else than a long and obstinate struggle between 
 us. My object was plain enough. Sensible of my esteem 
 for her, and confiding in her expressions of regard for myself, 
 I sought for the natural termination of such a state of things 
 in a marriage ; whereas she, upon one pretext or another, 
 constantly aimed at delay and postponement, not merely from 
 a love of coquetry which was certainly one of her besetting 
 sins but more, I am persuaded, from a desire to obtain a 
 stronger ascendancy over my will that she secretly feared and 
 resisted. Through the whole of this unlooked-for episode 
 of Genoa, I suspect, she never entirely lost sight of her object, 
 and the chief reason of her carrying on the war against 
 me with such unremitting vigour was, possibly, the cherished 
 hope of finally breaking down my pride, and forcing me 
 into a suppliant tone and attitude. 
 
 If I had appeared at the Trial pale and worn with suffering,
 
 AND ITS CONSEO.UENCES. 321 
 
 and had acknowledged by my humbled manner that she had, at 
 last, obtained her coveted supremacy over me, her amour propre 
 would have been gratified, and her feelings perhaps touched ; 
 and she might, nay, I think would, have acted differently. 
 But seeing me on that occasion perfectly calm and erect ; 
 firm, though conciliating ; not in the least subdued by my 
 situation, nor alarmed at the power she then wielded over me, 
 she was disappointed, irritated, and enraged ; and what a 
 a woman is capable of, under stimulants like these, the 
 chroniclers of love-stories have furnished endless examples. 
 
 If before her departure I had abandoned my dignified 
 but sad demeanour, and besought her in abject terms of 
 submission to stoop to my relief, it is always possible that she 
 would have thrown aside the callous and haughty bearing she 
 had hitherto worn, and abandoned herself to the control of 
 those soft, generous, and elevated sentiments that doubly 
 became her as a woman and an old friend. It is pretty 
 certain that if I could, after all my experience, have brought 
 myself to rely upon her, I would gladly have adopted any 
 tone to escape from my miserable fate ; but though fanati- 
 cally clinging to the conviction that she was not dead to all 
 gentle emotion, and therefore an exception to her sex, yet I 
 knew her to be so completely 'at the mercy of every gust 
 of caprice, that I thought it useless to beseech her further. 
 My reader may likely think that my self-love has led me 
 into a very fanciful explanation or \defence of Miss Gamble's 
 apparent indifference to the degradation she had brought 
 on me ; but I have done no more than give a faithful 
 transcript of my state of mind on the day I heard of her 
 exit from Genoa. I have not thought it worth while to fill
 
 322 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 up the picture by throwing in the Rembrandt shades that 
 in reality cast their deep shadow athwart it. I leave that 
 to the sympathetic fancy of those who can enter into the 
 details of a position as desolate and trying as was mine at 
 that moment. In the midst of all I preserved some degree 
 of equanimity, and my reproaches at the stern desertion of 
 the fair author of my calamity were no more bitter than 
 those so melodiously expressed by the bard on another 
 occasion 
 
 " For tliee I panted, thee I prized, 
 For thec I gladly sacrificed 
 
 "Whate'er I loved before ; 
 And shall I see thee flee away, 
 And helpless, hopeless, hear thee say 
 
 Farewell, we meet no more ?" 
 
 From this time forward I struggled to act on the advice of 
 my Consul, and to reconcile myself to the lot it seemed im- 
 possible to escape from. Instead of giving way to aversion 
 and horror at the scenes and outcasts it was my daily neces- 
 sity to confront, I sought to envelope my feelings in a thick 
 panoply of philosophical endurance, and to regard the sin- 
 gular ordeal I was called on to undergo as one of those sudden 
 vicissitudes of life that all are subject to, and meant for some 
 wise purpose. I resigned myself with what cheerfulness I 
 could to my forlorn prospect, and endeavoured to gulp down, 
 without shrinking, the nauseous dose it was my fate to have 
 administered to me. 
 
 The trial of Bini came on towards the end of March, and 
 the certainty of his acquittal became so apparent that Roquino, 
 it appeared, determined on the first opportunity to avail him- 
 self of the only chance he should ever have to give the unsus-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 323 
 
 pecting Bini a bit of his mind, and the manner he effected 
 this was eminently characteristic. His sensibility, which laid 
 in his pocket, had suffered too much by Bini's constant 
 interference with his accounts to make him abandon the small 
 satisfaction he promised himself. It was the custom of the 
 prison for the turnkeys to make a tour through all the wards 
 several times during the night to see that all was right, and 
 the first visit began at ten o'clock. At this hour Bini was 
 invariably in my room, engaged at a game of chess, and 
 though, by regulation, he ought to have been locked up, yet 
 out of courtesy to me, Colombo always allowed him to remain 
 till I gave over playing. But on the very night before his 
 trial, he was ordered, for the first time, to go to his own room, 
 and was duly bolted in. Bini was exceedingly enraged at 
 this unusual exercise of authority, which Roquino seemed 
 vastly to enjoy, for it was he who had planned it for a special 
 purpose. The turnkeys went off in the prosecution of their 
 round, as usual ; but Roquino lingered in my room till the 
 coast was quite clear, when, with that stoical sang froid 
 which distinguished him, he went to the door of Bini, and 
 opening the little window that allowed the turnkeys to 
 inspect the interior of the cells, he began, in " choice 
 Italian," to empty on the defenceless head of his victim the 
 hoarded phials of his wrath. There was not an epithet in the 
 wide range of a turnkey's vocabulary, or an insult that malice 
 could invent, which was not liberally poured forth on the occa- 
 sion. Bini's fury was quite indescribable, and the more so 
 that there was no escape or relief. He was clearly no match 
 for Roquino in the rhetoric of Billingsgate, and he ran round 
 his room like an enraged hyena in a cage. Roquino, mean- 
 
 M 2
 
 324 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 while, feeling his security, stood with his arms folded, regard- 
 ing with calm delight the impotent passion of his detested 
 rival. 
 
 At last Bini made a violent rush at the door, and clashed 
 his arm through the wicket, hoping to plant a blow on his tor- 
 mentor's nose ; but the vigilant turnkey was on his guard, and 
 adroitly catching hold of the exposed limb, held its unhappy 
 owner pinioned fast. The struggling and kicking of poor 
 Bini to get loose was more diverting than all the rest, till 
 Roquino, seeing the opportunity, suddenly let go his hold, 
 and away went the unfortunate Barricader, rolling head over 
 heels to the other side of the cell. Roquino was satisfied, 
 and with a demoniac laugh he let fly a parting volley of 
 odorous adjectives, and closed the wicket with a bang. 
 
 " Now," he said, quietly, " he may go and be acquitted. 
 I have settled my account with him." Bidding me good 
 night, he rammed his hands complacently into his pockets, 
 and sauntered off, whistling a tune he never changed, as un- 
 moved as though he had been listening the while to a drowsy 
 sermon. This was a fit climax to the protracted duel that 
 had been so long waging between these well-assorted com- 
 batants ; and, in the way of comedy, I saw nothing to surpass 
 it during my stay at St. Andrea. 
 
 The next morning Bini flew like a wild cat all over the 
 prison in search of Roquino. " Set him before me, ye gods,'' 
 was his cry, but in vain. The turnkeys were allowed a holi- 
 day in succession every week, and the astute Roquino knew 
 it was his turn on the day in question, and was, therefore, 
 amongst the missing. Bini had, in consequence, to abandon 
 his revenge, and to occupy himself with his trial, now coming 
 on. He joined me at breakfast with a haggard look,' and down-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 325 
 
 cast eye, but I restored his usual buoyancy in a minute, by 
 offering to rig him up in a manner that would gratify his love 
 of finery, and impress his Judges with a due sense of his re- 
 spectability. The poor fellow brought no luggage into prison 
 but what he carried on his back, and his only suit bore evident 
 traces of the wear and tear it had undergone. He had been 
 busy for several days stitching, darning, and mending, but 
 his appearance was not at all what suited his ideas of an ex- 
 President of the Barricades. 
 
 To make amends for his discomfiture of the previous night, 
 as well as to reward his late zeal in my behalf, I agreed to supply 
 all deficiencies, even, to a pair of white gloves that he had set 
 his heart on, and his content at this addition to his wardrobe 
 was so complete that he was ready to embrace all the world, 
 and wanted to begin with me. I declined his hug, but 
 extracted from him a promise of forgiveness for the absent 
 Roquino. 
 
 Bini was fully acquitted, but returned once mors to St. 
 Andrea to bid me adieu. How I envied his good fortune ! 
 He had not the wherewith to get a meal, but he thought of 
 nothing but the joy of his recovered liberty. He looked on 
 the world, however, with the resolute eye of Shakspeare's 
 Pistol, as an " oyster" that he could find the way to open. 
 Confident in his energy, he left the rest to chance. Fata viam 
 invenient. He was quite disenchanted with the deceitful 
 charms of the siren Revolution, and his mind was now absorbed 
 by the pacific calculations of honest trade. I made him a small 
 loan to start with (that he faithfully returned), and I parted 
 with him with sincere regret. I heard of him occasionally 
 afterwards, and he was always getting on most prosperously. 
 
 M3
 
 326 
 
 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 AT the beginning of April the Director of St. Andrea, 
 whose civility was extreme, accorded me a boon of inestimable 
 value by allowing me an hour's exercise every day in the 
 open air, on a species of inclosed terrace in front of the prison. 
 It was a great relief to exchange, even for so short a period* 
 the hard brick floor of my room and the foul atmosphere 
 within, for the fresh breeze and the elastic touch of the fami- 
 liar earth without. A further piece of good fortune at this 
 time was the pleasant society of a man of education and 
 
 refinement, Dr. P of Genoa, who had been condemned to 
 
 a month's incarceration for a political pamphlet, which had 
 reflected rather sarcastically on the intolerance of the Catholic 
 priesthood of Italy. He was a person of fine literary tastes 
 and much reading ; and had, on many occasions, taken an active 
 part in the political struggles of Sardinia, both with his pen 
 and the sword. He was present at the ill-fated battle of 
 Novara as aid-de-camp to General Ramorino, whose tragical 
 death he had witnessed, and of whose mysterious career he 
 gave me many singular details. My daily converse with this 
 amiable and accomplished person, who was no better satisfied 
 with his lodgings than myself, was a charming diversion to 
 the monotony of my life, and tended to give a healthier tone 
 to my reflections. Though his imprisonment was only for a
 
 AXD ITS CONSEQUENCES. 327 
 
 brief month, he found it so intolerable that he was hourly 
 longing for its termination. 
 
 An odd incident occurred whilst he was a tenant of St. 
 
 Andrea that may be worth relating. Dr. P received 
 
 one day the visit of the Chevalier de F , the Questore of 
 
 Genoa, with whom he was well acquainted, and it appears that 
 my imprisonment was the chief motive of his call. Whilst 
 discussing the matter, the Questore remarked that suspicions 
 were entertained at Turin, by the diplomatic personage before 
 alluded to, and others, that my political views were not 
 favourable to Parliamentary Government, and that if I could 
 succeed in removing these doubts, it would hasten more than 
 anything else my restoration to liberty. 
 
 " What mode do you suggest," asked Dr. P , " as the 
 
 most expedient to this end." 
 
 " Let him draw up," replied the Questore, " a distinct 
 confession of his political faith, and send it to me. I will 
 forward it immediately to Turin, and if it be found satisfac- 
 tor3 r he may count upon its beneficial effects." 
 
 This intimation was duly conveyed to me by Dr. P , and 
 
 I need hardly say that it both surprised and amused me. It 
 was an additional proof that some political intrigue was at the 
 bottom of my condemnation and detention in prison, whilst 
 the folly of Miss Gamble was only used as a veil to cloak it. 
 I said this much to my fellow-prisoner, Dr. P . 
 
 " From what the Questore let drop during our conversa- 
 tion," was the reply, " I am convinced that it is so ; but why 
 not draw up some paper of the kind suggested if it will 
 faciliate your pardon ? " 
 
 " I have no objection to state my political views," I re-
 
 328 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 joined ; " but it is ridiculous to expect me to make a sweep- 
 ing declaration in favour of Parliamentary Government, a 
 thing quite sui generis. It is the best of governments in 
 England I admit, but would be impossible in the United 
 States. It has failed signally in France, and makes slow 
 progress in Germany. It promises well here, because it has 
 such men as Cavour and Azeglio to guide and support it." 
 
 " What you say is quite new and interesting to me," con- 
 tinued Dr. P . " Pray go to work and explain yourself on 
 
 these points. I will forward it to the Questore, and it may 
 meet with entire approbation at Turin." 
 
 " I doubt it," was my remark, " for the object is clearly 
 to sound me on the political structure that prevails in 
 England. I can conscientiously uphold it there, and would 
 like to see it equally successful all over Europe. But to 
 declare broadly that, in the face of history and usage, every 
 country can suddenly be converted, ' hey, presto,' into a 
 Constitutional one by giving it a Parliament to govern and 
 an Executive merely to reign, as in England, would be to 
 declare a creed that the events of the last three years have 
 contradicted. All that I can, or will do, under the. circum- 
 stances, is to draw up my humble views of the present con- 
 dition of the States of Europe, and then they may infer what 
 they please.'' 
 
 " That is, certainly, the most honest course," resumed 
 
 Dr. P . " I approve of your independence, though it may 
 
 not be the most politic just now ; for you know what in- 
 fluence is predominant in Sardinia, and your fate depends on 
 conciliating it." 
 
 " That may be," I returned, " but not even to escape a
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 329 
 
 year's detention in this filthy kennel will I give my unquali- 
 fied adhesion to a doctrine that may be true in one place and 
 false in another. I will only write plain common sense, and 
 those who may read it at Turin and elsewhere, will I hope 
 recognise it. Why should I espouse tho banner of Parlia- 
 mentary Government, quand me me, as the French say, when 
 I think the balanced constitution of the United States theo- 
 retically far more perfect ? And if I were to do so, how 
 should the ' predominant influence ' you allude to, know 
 whether I was practising on its credulity or not ? " 
 
 " Fous ctes dans le vrai," said Dr. P , as we were talking 
 
 in French. " You are in the right. Let the confession of 
 faith demanded be a conscientious one, and if your diplomatic 
 opponent at Turin be at all sagacious, he ought to see that 
 it would be wiser to conciliate you than to abuse his tem- 
 porary power ; for you can, in the end, appeal to the tribunal 
 of opinion in his country and yours." 
 
 "Yes, chacAin a son tour,'" I replied with emphasis, "and if I 
 am forced to swallow the last drop in this baneful cup, they 
 may count on the poisoned chalice reaching their lips at a 
 later day." 
 
 In compliance, then, with the proposition of the Questore, 
 I set to work ; but, instead of exhausting panegyric in lauding 
 the universal efficacy of a pure Parliamentary Constitution, I 
 contented myself with drawing a sketch of the political con- 
 dition of Europe, and venturing to point out what form 
 of government was best adapted to the exigencies of each 
 State, that were, in all respects, so differently situated. 
 By way of comment to my exposition, I took care to add 
 that all Governments at this epoch were under a popular
 
 330 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " pressure from without," that would force them to bend to 
 its demands, but that these might be as fully met under one 
 form as another. In short, as Pope wrote 
 
 " For forms of Government let fools contest, 
 That which is best administered is best. -" 
 
 My prison essay was duly forwarded by Dr. P to the 
 
 Questore, and thence found its way to Turin. I had little 
 hope that my political bid for pardon would be more success- 
 ful than those addressed to Miss Gamble, for neither in 
 sentiment or politics was it my fortune to hit the exact 
 
 water-line. It so turned out, for in a week or so Dr. P 
 
 was informed that my political views were interesting, but 
 not so clearly expressed as was expected. It was even 
 hinted that my philosophical manner of treating the subject 
 was regarded only as an ingenious mode of disguising my 
 real convictions. 
 
 What a dreadful thing it is to labour under a suspicion 
 in this world political or otherwise ! The simplest means 
 taken to carry conviction are often considered but an artful 
 dodge to escape detection ! I was still regarded, therefore, 
 as the insidious foe to Parliamentary Government, and my 
 pardon grew more doubtful every day. Diplomacy and 
 Miss Gamble proved equally intractable, and my inability to 
 induce either to remove my fetters was enough to drive me 
 to despair. I employed my whole mind, however, in ran- 
 sacking ways and means to get out of my predicament, and 
 I kept up my correspondence with the amiable Marquis de 
 Cavour, always trusting that his exertions might win his 
 brother, the Minister, over to my cause.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 331 
 
 The Marquis, of course, was in the true secret of my 
 detention, but he was too nearly connected with the Govern- 
 ment to avow it. Whether he considered my pardon as 
 improbable I do not know, but he was too considerate to 
 say so. On the contrary, he kept me afloat by cheering 
 glimpses of hope ; and I hardly knew which most to admire, 
 the elaborate ingenuity he displayed in citing causes of delay, 
 or the affecting goodness that induced so lofty a person to 
 give a prop to the sinking spirits of a forlorn captive. He 
 was, also, condescending enough to engage with me in philo- 
 sophical discussions, where, indeed, I was little able to cope 
 with his vast learning, but was equally charmed and struck 
 by the captivating simplicity of his style, and the unvary- 
 ing justness of his conclusions, The following is an extract 
 from one of his letters received at this time, but which Icses, 
 of course, by translation 
 
 " Turin, April IS, 1852. 
 
 " DEAR SIR Some time has elapsed since I answered vour last 
 letter, partly because I have been much occupied, and also that I 
 did not see how I could be useful to you. The Minister of Justice 
 is well disposed towards indulgence, but, as I have already hinted, 
 there is a grave question in this matter ; it is not that there is 
 any desire to raise an international difficulty, which would be 
 puerile, and without apropos. Besides, until the regular course of 
 legal procedure is exhausted, the royal prerogative in tlie way of 
 pardon cannot be exercised. Finally, it is necessary that yo" 
 envoy, Mr. Kinney, should take the initiative for the step tha\ v 
 ivhen the time arrives, will put an end to your captivity, and then 
 I will associate myself most cheerfully in urging the Minister to 
 give it his immediate attention. Before that time, I fear, I can do 
 nothing that will be useful to you. 
 
 There are many reflections to make upon -what you have said as to 
 politics. In my view there are in politics two elements ; the 009
 
 332 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 invariable, pure, and inflexible as mathematical truth. This first 
 element is the moral one, which consists in the efforts made by 
 man to realise that law of duty whose lineaments are engraven by 
 the Creator himself upon his heart. The second element is that 
 of occasion, or of those artificial institutions established by the 
 will of individuals for their social welfare, and this leads to an 
 order of things very variable, and where the utmost toleration 
 should be shown towards the opinions of each other, and where it 
 may be considered impossible to arrive at absolute truth, but only 
 to a comparative better state. I concentrate in these few words 
 my thoughts on this subject in answer to yours ; but a volume 
 would be necessary to give it development. 
 
 " Allow me to close here my letter in renewing the expression 
 of my distinguished sentiments. 
 
 " G. de CAVOUR." 
 
 The bait the Marquis threw out as to "the time" that might 
 come for the end of my captivity was a solace that only 
 those can appreciate, and I hope there are none such amongst 
 my readers, who have gone through the crushing weariness 
 of a prolonged imprisonment, that, even in a palace, would 
 be depressing, but in a Genoese gaol was almost insupport- 
 able. It was like balsam to my wounded spirit to receive 
 from time to time a letter from the Marquis, and other 
 distinguished persons of Sardinia, for it helped to assuage 
 that keen sense of degradation that my unhappy position 
 so naturally awakened. As long as individuals of their 
 character and standing kept up kindly relations with me, I 
 could not consider myself as lost to society. My physical 
 annoyances were galling enough without the prostration of 
 such a withering conviction as that. 
 
 As the season advanced the heat became very oppressive, 
 and the more so in the corridor I occupied, for want of a free
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 333 
 
 circulation of air. Another vexation began to manifest itself 
 to my serious discomfort. No one has travelled in Italy but 
 has had his dreams disturbed, even in the most luxurious 
 hotels, by the quantity of vermin that pervades the entire land. 
 Whether it be the mildness of the climate, or the dirty habits 
 of the people, it is hard to say, but in spite of its fine arts 
 and bright landscapes, no country is so overrun by fleas and 
 other unmentionable things as this same land of Raphael 
 and Dante. But if the churches and palaces of Italy convey 
 to the unhappy mortal cursed with a sensitive cuticle a prac- 
 tical idea of that middle state called Purgatory, it may be 
 supposed that an occupant of one of its prisons must soon 
 form a vivid conception of a place much lower down. Certes, 
 the bodily torment I underwent from this source alone would 
 have filled an inquisitor with rapture. For whole months I 
 never got two hours of consecutive sleep. I passed the 
 night waging an ineffectual battle against whole legions of 
 "tho enemy, and, overpowered by the tremendous odds, I 
 was constantly obliged to beat a retreat, and give up my 
 miserable bed for a wooden chair, and even then it was only 
 a case of mitigated torture. Worn out by the ennui of the 
 tedious day, which seemed interminable, how I longed to 
 bury my cares in sweet, oblivious sleep, but soon I began to 
 shiver at the very thought of bed-time, and the horrible 
 shadows that " struck such terror to the* soul " of the crook'd- 
 back tyrant were only "jolly monks" to the ravenous insects 
 that preyed nightly on my unfortunate body. As little 
 affection as I had reason to entertain for the " remorseless " 
 Brown, who had plunged me into such bloodthirsty company, 
 still I would not have had the heart to expose him to more
 
 334 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 than one week of what I had for whole months to suffer. But 
 the subject throws me into a fever, and I recoil with a 
 shudder from its recollection. 
 
 I must not forget to say that I was favoured one day by 
 my Consul with the perusal of a London publication of my 
 trial. I was astonished beyond measure at the unscrupulous 
 manner in which everything was misrepresented and distorted. 
 
 I should mention, by the way, an occurrence that took 
 place immediately after the Trial, in February. I was waited 
 upon one morning by the proprietors of a Genoa journal, 
 called the Gazette of the Tribunals, and informed that 
 they intended publishing a report of my trial, but that pro- 
 positions had been made to them by Miss Gamble (I believe, 
 through her solicitor), either to suppress the entire publica- 
 tion, which she offered to pay liberally for ; or, if that could 
 not be done, to publish such a version of it as would be accept- 
 able to her. They desired to know if I would agree to the 
 latter course, as they were bound to their subscribers to make 
 some publication touching it. I replied that I had no objection 
 to their shaping the matter in a way that would be conformable 
 to the wishes of Miss Gamble ; but I begged, in common 
 justice, they would not suppress facts to such an extent as 
 would put me in a false or invidious light. They seemed as 
 much surprised as pleased at my readiness to oblige Miss 
 Gamble, and went away promising that whatever they omitted 
 at her request (for which they received a goodly sum, I 
 heard), that they would treat me with fairness. 
 
 The Trial was published in due course, and I saw they had 
 gone to extraordinary lengths to favour Miss Gamble's 
 views. They suppressed even the very title of the Trial, as
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 335 
 
 the word " Abduction " was disagreeable to the lady. They 
 garbled my statement to the Court in such a way as to make 
 it either unintelligible, or very unfavourable to myself. 
 Whereas the statement of Miss Gamble was written all anew, 
 it appeared, for she had given quite another version to the 
 Court. The defence of my lawyers was so clumsily expressed 
 as to do me no good, whilst everything said in Miss Gamble's 
 favour was clear and Cogent. This was bad enough ; but an 
 abominable trick was played on me by putting into the mouth 
 of my Consul injurious words that he had never uttered. On 
 showing this to the Consul he was exceedingly indignant, 
 and he gave me instantly an official document, contradicting 
 the unwarrantable misrepresentation that had been made in 
 his name. I append it. 
 
 [Arms of the Consulate.] 
 
 " Genoa, May 21, 1852. 
 
 " DEAR Si:i In reply to your note of this morning, in regard 
 to my testimony as published in the Trial between Miss Gamble 
 and yourself, I have to say it is incorrect in several respects. 
 
 " I stated that Miss Gamble often declared to me that she 
 believed love was the sole motive that prompted you to ' seques- 
 ter ' her ; but this part of my testimony appears to have been 
 lost ! At all events, it is omitted in the published report you have 
 submitted to me. 
 
 " In the same report I am made to say that she told me you 
 compelled her to give you the paper promising marriage, &c. 
 This is incorrectly reported. I stated that she always complained 
 to me of being detained in your apartment against her will, but 
 I did not state that she ever said you compelled her to write the 
 paper in question. 
 
 " In all the conversations I had with her on this subject, she 
 always gave me to understand that she wrote the said paper in
 
 336 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 order to get away from the apartment, not fiom any apprehension 
 of personal violence, but, simply, from the fear of being compro- 
 mised. 
 
 " There are other inaccuracies in the said report of the trial, in 
 which I am made to say ridiculous things, but I hardly think it 
 of consequence to notice them further. 
 
 " Very truly yours, 
 
 " GEO. G. BAKER, 
 
 " U. S. Consul." 
 
 It will be seen from the above that a sly, but not very 
 reputable, attempt was made in the formal report of the Trial 
 to fasten on me, in the name of the American Consul, the 
 ruinous accusation that I had compelled Miss Gamble to give 
 me the worthless paper binding herself to respect her pre- 
 vious pledges of marriage. It was clear enough to Miss 
 Gamble's solicitor at Genoa for I cannot believe she had 
 any hand in such roguery that if the public abroad could be 
 led to think I had used any compulsion or menaces towards 
 her, that I would be irretrievably damaged in character, and 
 hence it was sought to stamp the falsehood with the authority 
 of the American Consul, This was a Genoese specimen of 
 the unfair means employed to sink me in general estimation.* 
 
 * A personal description of Miss Gamble and myself was given in the 
 Genoese report of the Trial that I am disposed to copy, in order to gratify 
 the natural curiosity of my readers as to the physical traits of the heroine 
 and chief actor in the events this volume records. 
 
 " The prosecutrix was of middling size, slight figure, an interesting 
 countenance, animated eyes of hazel, and brown hair. She was dressed 
 in black silk, and was wrapped in a mantle, which she threw aside when 
 she entered within the railing. She wore a white bonnet, and had an 
 eye-glass and a smelling-bottle in her hand." 
 
 " The first of the accused was well dressed, and was about forty years 
 of age, of tall stature, brown hair, a high forehead, blue eyes, a regular 
 nose, natural colour, and pensive countenance."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 337 
 
 As regards the London publication, the matter was made 
 still worse. I should mention that I sent the Italian report 
 to a friend of mine at London, J. J. Ryan, Esq., pointing 
 out its misstatements, and telling him to find a publisher 
 that was disposed to put a correct version of it before the 
 public. My friend was in the Provinces at the time he re- 
 ceived it, but sent it, per post, to a Mr. Shoberl, publisher, of 
 Marlborough-street, with a note expressing my wishes re- 
 specting a translation. It appears that the publisher in 
 question translated it, and then sought to make a traffic of 
 the pamphlet to his own advantage. He called on certain 
 parties connected with Miss Gamble, whose names I with- 
 hold, and offered to suppress it for some 350. It was 
 finally settled amongst these politic individuals, in solemn 
 conclave, that however annoying the publicity to Miss 
 Gamble, it would do me more injury to let it appear, espe- 
 cially if it were still further garbled to suit their purpose. 
 The publisher lent himself readily to this disingenuous act, 
 and made a good thing, I hear, of the speculation. 
 
 It would be tiresome to expose all the deceptions practised 
 on the English public in this second attempt to libel me 
 down, but they may be inferred from the fact that the title 
 of my Trial, which was for " Abduction," was coolly altered 
 into " A Conspiracy to effect a Forced Marriage with Miss 
 Gamble." Besides, all that portion of Miss Bennet's evidence 
 touching the important fact of my occupying a room with Miss 
 Gamble, at the Hotel de Berg, at Gen2va, during the month 
 of August, 1851, and of our constantly remaining together 
 tete-a-tete, was suppressed, though it appeared in the Genoese 
 publication.
 
 338 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 It is not to be wondered at that the London public should 
 have formed a harsh opinion of my case after such a bare- 
 faced imposition on their good faith. 
 
 It may be inferred that when I discovered these ingenious 
 but dishonest means to screen Miss Gamble from blame by 
 aggravating and blackening my offence and character, it was far 
 from enhancing the serenity of my mind, or from reconciling 
 me to the hourly inflictions I was obliged to endure. Still 
 I struggled to bear up against the multiplied rigours of my 
 fate, though it was a species of moral discipline I would little 
 like to undergo again. 
 
 There was now and then a redeeming event that lightened 
 for a moment the burthen of my imprisonment. I received 
 
 a letter one day from the Count de V , a nobleman 
 
 of high standing in the political and diplomatic world, and 
 whose acquaintance I had the good fortune to make previous 
 to these triste accidents, wherein he promised me the 
 acquaintance of a friend of his who might be useful to me. 
 I knew the Count to be on intimate terms with several of 
 the Ministry, and the kind interest his first letter displayed 
 convinced me that he would employ all his interest in 
 facilitating my pardon. He addressed me as follows : 
 
 " Chateau of Giez, Savoy, 
 " HENRY WIKOFF, ESQ. " May 22nd, 1852. 
 
 " DEAR SIR I have just received your honoured letter of the 
 15th inst., and the place I date from will explain the delay of my 
 answer, and of the difficulty I shall have to be useful to you, as I 
 would like to be, in the unhappy position in which you find your- 
 self. Since the short journey we made together, I have abandoned 
 parliamentary life, and live tranquilly in the bosom of my family, 
 surrounded by my children, who compensate me for the solitude of a
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 339 
 
 country life, and which enables me easily to forget the world, which, 
 even at the age of forty-five, no longer possesses for me either 
 charms or illusions. The journals which I receive disfigured 
 your name so entirely in giving an account of the adventure you 
 speak of, that I little suspected you were the hero of the affair in 
 question. 
 
 " I am filled with surprise at the details you give me, and I 
 need hardly say that in my eyes it is entirely excusable. If, 
 instead of being at the foot of the mountains, I was still at Turin, 
 and a member of our Parliament, believe me I would have spared 
 no exertion to obtain your pardon, and I would have laboured for 
 it with all the interest you inspired me during the 'interval we 
 passed together. But since, unfortunately, it is out of my power 
 to render you any direct service, as my heart would dispose me 
 readily to do, allow me to recommend to you one of my best 
 friends, who lives at Genoa, and who would be charmed to be 
 useful to you if he can be. He is an accomplished gentleman, 
 and in whom you can repose the utmost confidence. I will write 
 to him immediately to pay you a visit, and 1 hope you will 
 find in him a consolation and support under your affliction. I 
 shall learn with delight the close of your captivity, which seems to 
 me excessively severe, and cruelly prolonged for so insignificant 
 an adventure. 
 
 " I seize this circumstance, my dear sir, to offer you the assu- 
 rances of my most distinguished sentiments. 
 
 _ de V E." 
 
 This was still another flattering instance of a person of 
 lofty position, living on the spot of my disaster, continuing, in 
 spite of my condemnation, to hold me in the same regard as 
 before, and which led me to hope that, the truth once known, 
 I should recover the good opinion of all my old friends. It 
 was this cherished expectation that buoyed me up against 
 the increasing pressure of my trying captivity. 
 
 A few days only after this I happened to be standing at
 
 340 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 the table of Colombo, near the door of the prison, whither I 
 had gone in quest of my letters, when I heard my name 
 called, and was told that a gentleman was waiting to see me. 
 I should say that, by prison rule, no one was allowed to 
 mount up to my room save my Consul, and all visitors were 
 shown into a place below assigned to that purpose. On 
 entering this dingy apartment, a fine-looking man, of distin- 
 guished manners advanced towards me, saying he had come 
 
 at the request of his friend, the Count de V , to pay me a 
 
 visit, and at the same time handed me his card. He turned 
 
 out to be no less a person than the Baron de R , the 
 
 Commandant of Genoa. I apologised, with a smile, for 
 receiving him in so dreary a place, for I saw by his coun- 
 tenance that he was horrified at the sight and noise of the 
 wretches roaming about ; but in a few moments he recovered 
 his composure, and began discussing the oddity of my 
 adventure, and the inexplicable punishment that had been 
 pronounced upon it. I ascertained, for the first time, the 
 opinion of the higher classes of Genoa upon these points, 
 and it appears that they regarded the so-called Abduction 
 as a plaisantrie de lion ton, and the adverse sentence as in- 
 spired by something else than a legal motive. The ladies, 
 it seemed, compassionated my tribulations, (Heaven bless 
 them !) and the conduct of Miss Gamble was set down to the 
 account of English eccentricity, not knowing that she was of 
 genuine Yankee origin. 
 
 My conversation with the Baron, however, soon rose from 
 my mishap into the higher region of political gossip ; and as 
 his official connection kept him au courant with all that was 
 passing, I was regaled with the daintiest tit-bits of current
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 341 
 
 news. The Baron was a person of large understanding, sound 
 views, but rather conservative tendencies. He talked with the 
 prudence of a statesman, but the elegance of a highly-polished 
 man of the world. It was many months since I had such a 
 treat as this charming entretien, and when he rose to go I 
 thanked him with effusion for bestowing such a favour upon me 
 as to venture into such a place from the benevolent motive 
 that actuated him- He expressed the warmest sympathy, 
 and promised to do what he could to assist me, adding that 
 he would visit me regularly whilst detained there. 
 
 He nobly redeemed his word, and came every week to 
 see me, and whilst walking up and down, during my 
 evening promenade, would supply me with the latest intelli- 
 gence of the secret doings of the diplomatic world that 
 newspapers could give me little cognizance of. A visit from 
 the Baron was inexpressibly refreshing to me, and gave 
 me new strength to struggle with the oppressive mono- 
 tony of my imprisonment and all its attendant horrors. He 
 must have perceived its salutary effect on my mind, for not 
 otherwise could I account for a man of his rank and fasti- 
 dious habits stooping to enter a locality that must have 
 secretly inspired him with the most intense disgust. His 
 unabated kindness, to the very last, proved that, in spite of a 
 countenance that wore the habitual expression of command, 
 and the hauteur of his lofty bearing, he was a man of gentle 
 nature and generous sympathies. I shall carry with me 
 through life, deeply engraven on my heart, the most vivid 
 and grateful recollection of all his kindness to me. 
 
 Time was wearing on. I had got to the middle of June, 
 and the heat was increasing, my patience diminishing, and
 
 342 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 the fleas, &c., growing more daring and multitudinous than 
 ever. The day seemed to stretch out to " crack of doom," 
 and yet night brought no rest to the weary. Reading and 
 writing, in my uneasy state of mind, was little attractive, and 
 1 had no society that could afford me the relief of conversa- 
 tion. Even the unabated rascality of Roquino, which " ne'er 
 knew retiring ebb," amused me no longer. I had a little 
 diversion, however, one day, at the end of this month, in 
 detecting him, for the first time, in flagrante delicto. In 
 glancing listlessly over his monthly account, I was struck by 
 some heavy charges that I had no recollection of, and on 
 looking to the date what was my satisfaction to discover I 
 had got him fast beyond equivocation. 
 
 " Oh !" I cried, with suppressed delight, " I see you still 
 continue to rob me, without regard to consequences, either 
 in this world or the next." 
 
 He was a little startled by my tone, but only for a moment. 
 
 " I am astonished, mon cher mailre," he replied, as com- 
 posed as usual, " that you will still cling to such strange 
 illusions, that only make you dissatisfied, whilst they 
 occasion me the most profound " 
 
 He left his sentence unfinished from emotion. 
 
 " I should be sorry," I said, with a mocking smile, " to 
 wound your feelings, or to "make so direct an accusation, if I 
 did not see it was in my power, at length, to convict you of 
 an egregious act of plunder." 
 
 " Convict me !'' he exclaimed, quite roused at this slur on 
 his stupidity in giving me a chance. " Convict me ! 
 never, Monsignore, will you convince me that I have set 
 down a penny that is not my due. Why, the fact is, I
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 343 
 
 am losing money by furnishing articles that I often forget 
 to charge." 
 
 " Well, I congratulate you that this time you have not 
 made that mistake. All I regret is to see you fall into 
 such ignorance of the calendar." 
 
 "What does il Signor mean?" he asked, with a puzzled 
 expression. 
 
 " Just take up that almanac, my man-of-all-work," I said, 
 " and look for the month of June." He seemed surprised, 
 but did as I bid. " Now, how many days does it contain ?" 
 
 " Why thirty, and not an hour more," he said, uncon- 
 scious that he was nailing down his own coffin. 
 
 " Very well, then," I continued, " do me the favour to 
 cast that keen eye of yours over your account again, and 
 explain how I could have consumed such a quantity of 
 items on the 31st of June, if there be no such day in 
 the almanac." 
 
 This was a smasher. Roquino sat staring his account 
 in the face pretty much as a marble statue would have 
 done under the circumstances ; he neither blushed nor 
 moved a muscle. Directly a faint smile nickered over his 
 placid visage. 
 
 " That almanac may be in error," he suggested, trying 
 to grope out of the "fix." 
 
 " That won't do, my special pleader. All the almanacs 
 of the world are against you. Allow me, therefore, the 
 supreme enjoyment of announcing to you that of all the 
 rogues in St. Andrea you are not the least guilty." 
 
 Roquino could stand it no longer. A less clever knave 
 would have quibbled and equivocated, but he saw there was
 
 344: MY COURTSHIP 
 
 a wiser course to take. For the first time in his life he 
 confessed himself fairly caught, and he laughed at his un- 
 intentional blunder till his sides ached. 
 
 This incident served to enliven me for several clays, and 
 it was strange how, in the dearth of occupation and excite- 
 ment, the smallest circumstance would engage the mind or 
 seize the fancy. 
 
 Finding I could do nothing for myself, I tried very hard 
 occasionally at accomplishing something for others. There 
 were three poor devils of sailors that, I think, were English, 
 though they declared themselves Americans that had been 
 thrown in prison for some drunken frolic or other. They 
 had been there for three months when I became acquainted 
 with their case. Out of pity I used to visit them, give 
 them newspapers, and promise them assistance. They suf- 
 fered terribly from the confinement, and sometimes cried 
 like children. The straw soup, as they called it, and black 
 bread of the prison had quite broken down their courage. 
 I went to work and got the Consul, who was never back- 
 ward at a kind action, to interest himself. I drew up a 
 letter in the name of the sailors, and sent it to our Charge 
 d'affaires at Turin, who spoke to the Minister of Justice, 
 and a Trial was ordered immediately, when the poor fellows 
 were all acquitted. They got out after four months' impri- 
 sonment, when in England they would have been only fined 
 5s. for being drunk ; and if I had not heard of the matter 
 they might have lingered there for a whole year to come. 
 There is as little respect for habeas corpus in Genoa, as the 
 bold barons used to show in the Middle Ages. I may men- 
 tion, as an amusing proof that a sailor is not an ungrateful
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 345 
 
 animal, that I remarked for several evenings that one of the 
 lately liberated three was lurking round the gate that opened 
 on my promenade. At length, screwing up his resolution, 
 he approached me, and with an embarrassed air begged me 
 to accept, in token of the gratitude of himself and ship- 
 mates, a bottle of brandy, which he drew from beneath his 
 jacket. He seemed to apprehend I would refuse his humble 
 gift, but smiling I accepted it (intending it for Roquino), 
 and offered him some money in return, which he refused. 
 
 " If you please, sir," continued the flattered son of Nep- 
 tune, " I have got a message from Jones." 
 
 "What is it, my hearty?" 
 
 " He says as if so be you'd like it, sir, he wouldn't mind 
 giving a thund'rin' floggin' to the British Consul for putting 
 the likes of you here, sir." 
 
 This Jack-tar method of expressing sympathy was highly 
 diverting, but I entered my caveat strongly against the pro- 
 posal of the pugnacious Jones whose chemical aspiration to 
 convert what was Brown into something that would be black 
 or blue, by no means suited my notion of harmonious 
 colouring.
 
 346 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 I OCCASIONALLY got news of Miss Gamble from my Consul, 
 who received it from some correspondent of hers at Genoa 
 her solicitor, I believe. She passed the whole of April at 
 the baths of Lucca, and then moved on to Florence, en route 
 to the Tyrol, in whose shady retreats she proposed spending 
 the summer. My Consul continued his almost daily visits, 
 and after getting through the news and a discussion on politics, 
 we both turned back to the old theme, and wondered how 
 long Miss Gamble would persist in her stubborn resistance to 
 my pardon. 
 
 "Write to her again," said my Consul one day, " and give 
 her a graphic picture of what you suffer here. It must 
 touch her if she be not made of flint." 
 
 " It is only exposing myself to another wound," I replied, 
 in a despairing tone; " for she has apparently closed every 
 orifice of her heart to compassion ; and my entreaties, I think, 
 will only harden her the more." 
 
 " Don't give it up," reiterated the Consul; " try it again. 
 Everything, they say, has a handle, and you may get hold of 
 her yet." 
 
 I yielded, and wrote as he suggested. Always suspecting 
 that her chief motive in keeping me in prison was her 
 childish apprehension that I would seek to annoy her when
 
 AXD ITS CONSEQUENCES. 347 
 
 free, I endeavoured, in this letter, to convince her that my 
 breast was not the cavern of brooding thoughts and vengeful 
 purposes she might, perhaps, fear. I assumed a lively tone 
 in reference to my courtship, and whilst admitting the sin- 
 cerity of my affection I declared she was misled in supposing, 
 as she had often said, that I was carried away by frenzy for 
 her, which would likely lead me to a renewal of my suit. 
 I implored her to believe that I harboured no resentment, 
 and that nothing was farther from my intention, if I recovered 
 my liberty, than to annoy her by my presence or otherwise. 
 I thought if I could only disarm her fears I might possibly 
 reach her sympathies. My letter was forwarded by the 
 Consul, but no answer was ever returned. 
 
 I should not forget to say how much I was annoyed 
 some time previous to this by a publication in a London 
 Journal, the Daily News, of the pretended details of my 
 courtship. It was stated to be copied from an American 
 Journal. Anything more false or calumnious it was im- 
 possible to devise, and from first to last its only purport 
 seemed to be to heap upon me the utmost amount of obloquy. 
 This tissue of misrepresentations was declared to be from 
 Miss Gamble's own mouth, for the American editor asserted 
 that he had passed " four hours " in her society at Genoa, 
 when she related all he published, giving her permission, 
 besides, to make it known. From the portrait he drew of 
 Miss Gamble it is clear he had seen her. He writes that 
 " in person she is small and delicate ; in mind and manners, 
 cultivated and accomplished ; in conversation, spirited and 
 attractive ; in temperament excitable, but confiding and 
 affectionate."
 
 348 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 If all else was as accurately drawn as this sketch, I should 
 have no comment to make on the narrative he gives. It 
 would be trifling with the patience of my readers to demolish, 
 paragraph by paragraph, the pyramid of fabrication in ques- 
 tion ; but to give an idea of the prodigal fancy of the 
 writer, I will merely adduce one of his lively sallies. He 
 declares I followed Miss Gamble, on the day she left Turin 
 for Genoa, Nov. 12th, and that the courier, in concert with 
 me, tried his best to keep her on the road after dark, that I 
 might take violent possession of her. Miss Gamble only 
 escaped, he relates, by insisting, against the will of the 
 courier, on stopping before night at a hotel along the road ; 
 and that, even then, the courier sought to separate his 
 mistress from her female companions by giving her a chamber 
 at some distance from the others, &c. At the very moment 
 1 was engaged in this romantic exploit in the neighbourhood 
 of Genoa, according to this veracious scribe, I happened 
 to be dining with his Excellency the Count de Cavour, at 
 Turin, as already shown ; and the invitation of the Count, 
 still in my hands, will prove, by its date, that if anybody was 
 really following Miss Gamble on the day she left Turin, it 
 must have been some new convert to her charms. The rest 
 may be judged from this sample, but there is one asseveration 
 so abominable, and which has injured me so deeply in the 
 public mind, that I must brand as it deserves. In giving 
 an account of the abduction scene at Genoa, the editorial 
 confidant of Miss Gamble writes as follows : " Soon after 
 which Mr. Wikoff made an attempt to administer chloroform, 
 unsuccessfully ; but, he said, if driven to make a second 
 attempt, she should not escape its effect." It is hardly
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 349 
 
 necessary to say that nothing of the kind ever occurred ; but 
 it is important to know who originated this vile invention. 
 The inference is so fatal to the character of Miss Gamble 
 that it is not likely she would have lent herself to spreading 
 such a slander. Besides, she was asked by the Judge 
 of Instruction, whose ears such a story may have reached, 
 if I had used any chloroform, or attempted it ? Her answer 
 was emphatically, " No." This examination is upon record, 
 and I have a copy signed by Judge Trucco and Miss 
 Gamble. It is, therefore, clear as the sun at noon-day that 
 Miss Gamble could never have told the American editor, 
 Thurlow Weed by name, that I had administered chloroform 
 once, and threatened to repeat the attempt. This shameful 
 libel is, therefore, fastened upon Mr. Weed of the Albany 
 Arc/us, and he must expect to answer for it in due course 
 of law. The Daily News, of London, has chosen to give 
 a European circulation to this degrading accusation, and I 
 feel the utmost confidence that the verdict of an English 
 jury, to whom I shall appeal, will vindicate me against its 
 pernicious effects. 
 
 To return to my prison. Midsummer had arrived, and 
 more than eight months had elapsed since my incarceration. 
 My weariness was extreme, and I had to struggle hard at 
 times to maintain my self-control against alternate attacks 
 of fiery impatience and the dreariest despondency. To have 
 given way to either would only have aggravated my 
 condition; and, happily, my reason was vigorous enough to 
 resist the moral miasma which frequently attacked, but failed 
 to overcome it. 
 
 The courier, who was now a tenant of St. Andrea, bore
 
 350 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 his mischance with commendable fortitude. I had him re- 
 moved the day after the Trial from the Tower, where he 
 was shut up in the same cell with a dozen abandoned 
 wretches, to my prison, and to preserve him from the in- 
 fection of bad company, I assigned to him a corner of my 
 room for his mattrass. He reciprocated my civility by 
 making himself vastly useful ; and as he was not a bad 
 cook, he often succeeded in dispelling a fit of the blues by 
 improvising an omelet done to a turn ; or, at others, would 
 stir up my jaded appetite by a well-dressed salad, or some 
 savory addition to my dinner, in the selection of which 
 Roquino had no hand. The courier had provided himself 
 with a latterie de cuisine in the way of a charcoal furnace 
 and some earthen saucepans. It had " this extent, no more," 
 and he used, to my perplexity, to perform some singular feats 
 of culinary legerdemain by boiling or roasting in the same 
 vessel at will. As the courier perceived that I relished his 
 handiwork much more than the anonymous artiste employed 
 by Roquino, he was glad enough to pass two or three hours 
 of his dull day in this interesting occupation, which he 
 carried on in the corridor where the darkness sadly disor- 
 dered his mixtures. As cooking, or even fire was strictly 
 against prison rule some amusing scenes occasionally occurred 
 through the courier's daily breach of discipline. Roquino, 
 as one of the guardians, was responsible for these infrac- 
 tions, but as he drove a lively business by supplying the raw 
 material, he was far too obliging to interfere ; nay, he often 
 connived at them in standing by to praise the courier's skill, 
 which he inferred would meet its reward by a slice, or a 
 share, of the feast preparing. It was a point of faith with
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 351 
 
 Roquino never to refuse anything, and what he could not put 
 in his pocket he was happy to absorb in the usual way. 
 It sometimes happened, though, that just at the critical 
 moment when dishing was to commence, and Roquino's 
 mouth was watering for the dainty morsel he awaited, a note 
 of alarm would be given that the Director of the prison was 
 coming to pay me a visit, which it was his frequent custpm 
 to do. The confusion that ensued was as indescribable as 
 diverting. It was a matter of life and death to Roquino 
 that every sign and vestige of what had been going on 
 should disappear, and as there were neither cupboards or 
 other conveniences, the bewildev?d saucepans flew in every 
 direction, behind the door, unclar the bed, and sometimes 
 out of the window. All this was accomplished with such 
 amazing celerity, that by the time the gentlemanly Director 
 came, bowing in with his Secretaries, there was nothing left 
 but the strong odours of the kitchen-crime just committed. 
 The nose of the Director was invariably astonished, but as 
 " order reigned in Warsaw," and there was not a spark of 
 fire even to kindle a supposition, he usually concluded that 
 the atmosphere was impregnated by the fumes of some 
 adjoining cookshop, and it was not my interest to enlighten 
 him further. Such incidents, however insignificant, helped 
 to diversify the monotony of my dull existence, and stirred 
 up pleasant recollections of my University days, where, also, 
 life was a thing of regulation, and where similar unrehearsed 
 effects not unfrequently occurred. 
 
 The window of my cell looked out upon the principal 
 entrance to the prison, and though it was a source of occu- 
 pation, at intervals, during the day to gaze out upon the
 
 352 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 motley panorama passing before me, yet the sights were 
 generally of so painful a character as to repel me from their 
 observation. The commonest event all day long was the arrival 
 and sortie of prisoners, frequently in gangs, going to the 
 galleys, and chained together like so many wild beasts. But 
 the most disagreeable thing of all, perhaps, was the coming 
 of^the bon Dieu, as the procession of priests that convey the 
 sacrament to the dying, is called in Catholic countries. The 
 chief hospital of all the prisons was attached to St. Andrea, 
 and the consequence was, that the bon Dieu paid frequent 
 visits to the establishment. The time selected was generally 
 after dark, in order that the effect on the crowd, as it passed 
 along the streets, might be more imposing. The priest at 
 the head carried a small bell which he rang incessantly, and 
 associated as was the sound with the melancholy event it 
 announced, the effect was anything but pleasant ; another 
 priest carried the Host, others incense, and all bore a flaming 
 torch which threw its lurid glare over the group, whilst they 
 chanted, with sepulchral voice, the dismal dirge of the 
 Miserere, which was taken up in chorus by the large crowd 
 that always followed this lugubrious cavalcade. When the 
 priests entered the prison to administer the consecrated 
 wafer to the dying felon, the crowd outside would fall upon 
 their knees and repeat, with breathless volubility, the set 
 prayers of the Church. It was some time before I got used 
 to this, and nothing jarred the nerves of the courier so much 
 as the sharp tingling of that death-bell. On one occasion of 
 this sort I went over, accompanied by Roquino, to witness a 
 Catholic ceremony I had never seen. The hospital con- 
 sisted of several apartments of large size and situated at the
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 353 
 
 very top of the prison, for the sake of a free circulation. I 
 entered the largest room a moment before the priests arrived, 
 and the dying man was pointed out to me. It happened 
 to be an assassin, under sentence of death, but he cheated 
 the scaffold, and anticipated the law. He was propped up 
 in his bed, and lay immovable. His black short hair stood 
 bristling up as though in an agony of remorse or fear. His 
 face was ghastly pale, and his hollow eye was fixed on 
 vacancy. Anything more terrible than the aspect of that 
 dying cut-throat I never looked upon. I posted myself 
 right opposite to him as the chanting Fathers entered, to 
 see if the ceremony had any visible effect. A prayer or so 
 was hastily mumbled over by the officiating priest in front of 
 an altar at one end of the room, when he approached the bed 
 of the sinking wretch to put the consecrated wafer on his 
 tongue ; he opened his mouth to receive it, but gave no other 
 sisjn of consciousness not a muscle moved, and his glassy eye, 
 that seemed as though bent on the terrors that awaited him, 
 remained fixed and glaring. The miserable creatures, that 
 were lying about, all appeared horror-struck at the close 
 proximity of death, and lay with their hands crossed over 
 their breasts muttering fragments of prayer. I was glad 
 enough to get out of the place, and Roquino followed me 
 with extreme alacrity, for it was a sight he was not accus- 
 tomed to. 
 
 During July I was struck by the continually recurring 
 visit of the bon Dieu and the consequent frequency of the 
 funerals. By dint of pumping my vade mecum, I discovered 
 that the small-pox had broken out in the prison, and was 
 committing no small ravage. Here was an event enough 
 
 N
 
 354 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 to appal the stoutest heart and shake the strongest nerves. 
 I had always held this odious disease in especial horror ; and 
 to find myself now tied, bear-like, to a stake, and with "no 
 flying hence or tarrying here," was, certainly, a pull upon 
 my philosophy that strained it to the uttermost. Fortunately. 
 the pest abated as suddenly as it came, and I breathed freer 
 again. Misfortunes never come single ; and I received at 
 this time a pretty distinct intimation from the Count de 
 
 V that I was likely to stay my time out. This estimable 
 
 nobleman had been exerting himself with much zeal on my 
 behalf, and that he found the obstacles to my pardon very 
 serious is evident from the positive manner he expressed 
 himself 
 
 " Chateau de Giez, 
 "HENRY WJKOFF, ESQ., "July , 1852. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, I hasten to answer your esteemed letter of the 24th, 
 and I regret sincerely to learn that in addition to the ennui of 
 imprisonment you are suffering from an impaired vision, which 
 curtails your reading, the only resource that could minister to the 
 sadness of your situation. Patience, however, is a remedy for 
 all evils, even for acts of the greatest injustice, and ere this how 
 many would have died of sorrow, if they had not known how to 
 employ it. I must continue to recommend it to you, for all seems 
 to conspire that you do not recover your liberty till the expiration 
 of the term. I always hoped much from the participation of 
 Miss Gamble in the efforts made by others in your favour; and I 
 have no doubt that if she had withdrawn her opposition, and 
 accompanied it with a recommendation to pardon, that you would 
 immediately have felt the benefit of it. But if she will not 
 allow herself to be softened, and if her animosity is carried so 
 far as to refuse to unite with others to render you free, then 
 abandon all hope and give yourself up more and more to that 
 sentiment of patience of which I just now spoke.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 355 
 
 " I am charmed to learn that you have found in the Baron de 
 
 R a consolation and an (tyremem ' ; indeed, I know no one 
 
 more capable than he of identifying himself with the sorrow of 
 others, and of bringing them relief when it is in his power to 
 do so. He is the best of my friends and one I esteem the 
 most. * -* * * 
 
 " Enfin, I regret sincerely that my country has been the theatre 
 of so sad an accident for you, and instead of the agreeable 
 souvenirs you would have carried away if the amiable Miss 
 Gamble h'id been less capricious, there will rest nothing for the 
 rest of your life but a sad and painful impression. I desire, 
 nevertheless, that you should not hold it altogether responsible for 
 your misfortune, but rather lay the blame on the Ambassador 
 
 of , at Turin, who certainly has played the most important 
 
 part in the prolongation of your captivity. 
 
 " Genoa, with its beautiful and sumptuous palaces ; with its 
 magnificent site, to which its noble bay lends so gay and lovely 
 an aspect, would have left in your mind the memory of a brilliant 
 spectacle ; how different from the con templation of those damp and 
 gloomy walls which now enclose you. But the hour of deliverance 
 will come, and then you will doubly enjoy the ravishing sight of 
 that splendid Gulf of Genoa, unless, indeed, you hasten to fly 
 from a country which has been so inhospitable for you. Go, 
 however, where you may, even to the most hideous land in the 
 world, with liberty for your companion, and it will appear like 
 another Eden, rejoicing your sight and refreshing your spirit, 
 saddened and depressed by so long and cruel an imprisonment. 
 
 " Receive, till then, my dear sir, the new assurances of my 
 distinguished consideration and most devoted sentiments. 
 
 " . de V ." 
 
 I had reason to be flattered by the touching expressions of 
 sympathy and good-will from so distinguished a person ; and, 
 in truth, they fell like " the gentle rain from heaven" upon 
 my dry and withered hopes. I could not fail to be painfully 
 
 affected by the emphatic assertion of the Count de V , 
 
 2
 
 356 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 that if Miss Gamble had withdrawn her opposition, and 
 signed my petition for pardon in the usual form, that my 
 friends would have found one obstacle the less in their way. 
 The fact already stated is further confirmed by the Count, 
 that Miss Gamble's opposition was laid hold of as a cover 
 
 by the Ambassador of to insist on the prolongation of 
 
 my imprisonment. 
 
 I was agreeably surprised one morning in the beginning 
 of August by the following note from my Consul 
 
 " U. S. Consulate, 
 
 "Thursday. 
 
 " DEAR Sin, The Rev. Mr. Hastings, from Rome, is here, and 
 wishes me to tell you that our Charge d' Affairs at Rome, Mr. 
 Cass, jun., has had a long interview with the Pope on your 
 case, and that his Holiness was greatly amused at many of its 
 details, and laughed heartily. He promised, however, to write 
 to Turin for you, and declared that your punishment was ex- 
 cessive for such a farce. Mr. Cass has been unable to write to 
 you, since he has been suffering for two months past from an 
 attack of ophthalmia. I will call on you this evening with the 
 Rev. Mr. Hastings. 
 
 " Very truly yours, 
 
 "GEO. G. BAKER. 
 " H. WIKOFF, ESQ." 
 
 Little had I calculated on a lift from such a quarter as 
 this. My astonishment and pleasure were all the greater, 
 as I had never thought of writing to Mr. Cass, though 
 a very old acquaintance. With that benevolence of character 
 and strong American sympathy which characterize him, along 
 with his distinguished father, Gen. Cass, of U. S. Senate, my 
 worthy Charge at Rome had been moved to his generous inter- 
 position simply by the reports of American travellers as to
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 357 
 
 the injustice and ill-treatment I had undergone. The Con- 
 sul called as intimated, accompanied by the reverend 
 gentleman who had brought me such pleasant intelligence. 
 It appeared that his Holiness made right merry with the 
 subject which was, certainly, one that he had not likely 
 discussed before. It is not an occurrence of every day, 
 certes, that the august head of the Mother Church is calbd 
 aside from his spiritual cares to contemplate the vagaries of 
 an impenitent from Portland-place, or the tribulations of 
 an unbelieving abductor. 
 
 What conclusion his Holiness drew from the relation of 
 such an history it is hard to say, but I venture to think 
 it must have been one decidedly in favour of that decried 
 institution of celibacy of which he is the living impersonation. 
 It is not to be wondered at that the novelty and absurdity 
 of such mundane weakness and folly should have provoked 
 the mirth of the solemn Pontiff, and it is equally natural 
 that a confirmed bachelor, as his Holiness needs must be, 
 should jestingly say, as was reported to me, " that if the 
 Court really thought it necessary to condemn him at all, 
 that it would have been only just that Miss Gamble should 
 have been called upon to undergo half the sentence in the 
 next cell to him." A Pyramus and Thisbe arrangement 
 of this sort I should have made far less objection to. 
 Seriously speaking, it was a proof of the high consideration 
 in which Mr. Cass must have been held in Rome that the 
 Holy Father should positively agree to interest himself in 
 the matter. All my countrymen in Italy at the time con- 
 sidered I had been victimized by the British Consul at. 
 Genoa, and Mr. Cass was strongly urged to exert himself 
 
 N 3
 
 OOtf MY COURTSHIP 
 
 in my favour. The Pope when appealed to, good-naturedly 
 consented to do what he could, and without stopping to 
 inquire whether I was Protestant or not, gave orders that 
 his Nuncio at Turin should be written to. It was re- 
 markable that a favour should be asked of the Sardinian 
 Government when the relations of the two Courts were so 
 notoriously at variance, and the diplomatic influence against 
 me at Turin must have been strong indeed to warrant its 
 refusal. 
 
 It was not for \vant of American sympathy,, and in the 
 highest quarters, that I was still detained at St. Andrea, for the 
 United States' Envoys at Vienna and Berlin, when they heard 
 of the case, wrote to my Consul at Genoa that they had made 
 known to the Sardinian Minister at their respective Courts 
 their sentiments on the subject of my detention, and begged 
 that they should be communicated at Turin. It was, 
 besides, a profound consolation under the circumstances to 
 receive so many flattering proofs of good-will on the part 
 of my countrymen travelling in Italy, and not a week passed 
 without my Consul bringing numbers of them to see me. 
 Petition after petition was forwarded by them to the United 
 States' Charge d'affaires at Turin to exert himself more 
 actively in my favour, for a rumour had got afloat that Mr. 
 Kinney was cowed by the opposition of the aforesaid Am- 
 bassador. One of our steamers of war, the San Jacinto, 
 came into port during August, and her officers called 
 frequently to see me during their stay. The first lieutenant, 
 Mr. Lanman, a very intelligent iind gentlemanly person, 
 took much interest in my case ; and before the vessel left 
 Genoa, her Commander, Capt. Crabbe, was good enough to
 
 AXD ITS CONSEQUENCES. 359 
 
 write to my Charge at Turin to engage him to bestir him- 
 self in the matter. I relate these incidents with great 
 satisfaction, since they illustrate with what laudable alacrity 
 Americans ever make common cause with a fellow-countryman 
 in trouble, if his case be one to warrant it. 
 
 There were reports flying about at the end of the 
 month that my pardon would be granted in September. 
 It is the custom in Sardinia for the Government to issue 
 a batch of pardons three times in the course of the year in 
 honour of certain Church fetes, and the individuals selected 
 for these acts of clemency are those whose cases seem the 
 most entitled to them. It was supposed by all parties, that 
 my pardon would not be delayed beyond this period ; and 
 my Consul informed me that Miss Gamble was expected in 
 Genoa the beginning of September, to lend her aid in 
 effecting my liberation. But it was like the aid expected 
 by " Sister Anne," who gazed so wistfully from Blue Beard's 
 tower, for it never came. Something like a dozen pardons 
 were granted at the usual epoch to various offenders in St. 
 Andrea, and among them, to several who had been guilty of 
 homicide, and were under sentence for several years each ; but 
 my jest with Miss Gamble seems to have been regarded as 
 a much more heinous crime ! I was told by some friends 
 that Miss Gamble and others continued their opposition, lest 
 my pardon should be construed into a sign that I had not 
 deserved a condemnation. Thus, to deepen such a conviction 
 in the public mind, I was to be compelled to drag out to the 
 last hour the shameful penalty inflicted on me. It really 
 
 often happens, as the bard says, that 
 
 " deeds bad begun 
 Make strong themselves by ill."
 
 GO MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I remember one night, about the middle of September, 
 just as I was going to bed, Colombo came up to beg me to 
 bestow my hospitality on an unfortunate who had just been 
 brought into prison. He declared him to be a gentleman, 
 and that his offence was simply applying his cane too 
 abruptly to some scamp who had insulted him in the street. 
 Colombo appealed to my sympathies, and reminded nvj that 
 he had no place in his establishment where he could bestow 
 a person of the least respectability. Before committing my- 
 self, I went down to inspect the party in question, and found 
 that he was, in fact, a French gentleman of high standing, 
 who had instinctively resented a gross insult from some varlet, 
 when he was laid hold of by the police, and after the custom 
 of this blessed town, was at once carried off to prison. His 
 consternation at being obliged to abandon his wife, with 
 whom he was walking home at the time, and to take up his 
 abode at near midnight in St. Andrea, was depicted strongly 
 in his face when I encountered him. I readily oifered him 
 the shelter of my room, which I was occupying alone at the 
 time (having sent the courier up stairs for refractory con- 
 duct); and I need hardly say, that M. J e was quite 
 
 delighted to accept it. To express the keen enjoyment I 
 found in the society of this charming person for the three 
 or four days he was obliged to pass in my prison would 
 seem like exaggeration to those who have never been cut off 
 from the society of persons of their own condition. The 
 
 French are proverbially polite and agreeable, but M. J e 
 
 was a person of highly cultivated taste, refined manners, and 
 accustomed to the society of litterateurs and politicians of 
 Ihe best stamp. His conversation, therefore, overflowed
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 361 
 
 with graphic description, and sparkling anecdote, which 
 were conveyed with that facility and elegance of expression 
 that make an educated Frenchman the model of talkers. 
 Under ordinary circumstances his delightful gossip would 
 have been attractive, but after the long abeyance in which I 
 had lived, I actually luxuriated in it as though in a voluptuous 
 bath, where every faculty was stimulated into unnatural 
 activity, and every sense steeped in delicious enjoyment. 
 Whilst the fascination endured my filthy prison seemed con- 
 verted into a fairy island ; and when the exit of M. J e. 
 
 recalled me again to the coarse realities about me, I felt 
 refreshed and strengthened by the momentary escape of my 
 mind from the sad and gloomy thoughts that usually absorbed 
 it. The moment his situation became known to his distin- 
 guished friends at Genoa he was freed from " durance vile ; " 
 but, fortunately for me, it was three days and upwards before 
 the necessary formalities could be got through. St, Andrea, 
 I found vastly resembled the lion's mouth in the fable. 
 Nothing was easier than to get into it ; the difficulty was to 
 get out again. I was fortunate enough to preserve the 
 acquaintance so singularly formed, and I was indebted to M. 
 J e for many succeeding acts of kindness. 
 
 It would be anything but a welcome spectacle to raise the 
 veil on the "secrets of my prison house." It would form a 
 strange pendant to the beginning of this story to relate all 
 the hideous things I was compelled to witness and endure ; 
 but now and then an incident occurred that may be told 
 without jarring the nerves or shocking the tastes of my 
 readers. 
 
 Towards the end of September a young man, a Swiss by
 
 .'362 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 birth, was thrown into prison for some trivial offence, in 
 which, I belive, a woman was concerned as often happens in 
 the scrapes that " man is heir to." There was some mystery 
 connected with his previous career that he did not choose to 
 dispel. His body was covered all over in the most frightful 
 manner with scars of every description, consisting of sabre- 
 cuts, bayonet-wounds, and here and there the indentation of a 
 bullet. He briefly stated that he had received them in various 
 battles in which he had been engaged, but refused to enter 
 into any details. The probability is he had taken an active 
 part in some of the revolutionary attempts of the last few 
 years, and feared to commit himself by giving more precise 
 information. For two or three days after his arrest he was 
 silent and gloomy, but wept frequently. Now and then he 
 expressed an agonising sense of shame at his unfortunate posi- 
 tion, and declared that if he were not set free he would seek 
 some speedy means of death. Constant watch was kept on 
 him, but at length he refused to eat, and said his fixed 
 intention was to die by starvation. Great efforts were made 
 to reason him out of this madness but in vain ; he was 
 visited by all the officials of the prison, and food of the best 
 description was kept always before him, in the hope that 
 nature would, at last, get the better of his resolution. " Let 
 me go," was his frequent exclamation, " or I am resolved to 
 die." The director of the prison can>e to expostulate with 
 him ; and, then, the Fiscal Advocate, who promised an early 
 investigation of his offence and great indulgence. Every 
 resource failed, and he was losing strength so rapidly, from 
 having gone near three days without any nourishment, that 
 he was carried up to the hospital where it was feared he
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 363 
 
 would not survive long. There was nothing occurred in the 
 prison of any interest that was not duly reported to me by 
 my general purveyor, Roquino; and I was, therefore, fur- 
 nished with frequent intelligence of this singular case. My 
 interest naturally depened as the chances of a fatal result 
 grew hourly more probable. 
 
 Learning, at last, that the poor wretch was beginning to 
 swoon away, and would likely soon fall into a state of insen- 
 sibility from which he would never recover, I determined to 
 make an effort to save him. I so declared myself to Roquino, 
 but without further explanation. I bid him to go and set 
 him up at a table, and to put some good wine before 
 him; and to order, meanwhile, a bowl of chicken-broth. He 
 started off to carry out my suggestions, for so desperate was 
 the case that they were anxious to try anything. Besides, 
 my standing with the authorities of the prison was such as to 
 ensure my request being complied with. I had settled in 
 my head upon a simple expedient, and I proceeded to carry 
 it out. Diving, for the first time, into the recesses of my 
 portmanteau I drew forth my daintiest articles of dress. I 
 made my toilette as effective as possible, and was just sticking 
 my best pin into a showy scarf, when Roquino came back to 
 say all had been done that I had ordered. He was surprised 
 at the metamorphosis in my appearance in so brief an interval, 
 and gave way to no small admiration for my patent-leathers, 
 and the unexceptionable cut of my garments. 
 
 " Why, one would think, Monseigneur," as he used to style 
 me, " that you were going to pay a visit to the Intendente." 
 
 " I am going to employ my time still better, I hope," 
 was my reply, " so conduct me to the hospital."
 
 364 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " What ! you have not dressed yourself in that way 
 merely to go and see the Swiss ? " exclaimed the puzzled 
 forte-clefs. 
 
 " You will see that directly. But hurry along," I said 
 impatiently, " lest it be too late." 
 
 " Oh, le malheurenx ! " cried Roquino, whose feelings 
 were really touched, " he is getting so weak that they are 
 obliged to prop him up in the chair ; he will not last 
 much longer.'' 
 
 After a long circuit through winding corridors and inter- 
 minable staircases, I reached the hospital, and near the door 
 was seated the unfortunate object of my solicitude. He was 
 quite young, and good looking, with a certain military tone 
 about him. His head reclined on his breast, and his whole 
 frame gave signs of utter exhaustion. Several of the jailers 
 were standing round, regarding him with looks of com- 
 misseration ; and Colombo, with the Commandante of the 
 Genoese prisons, were also present. As I entered, these 
 persons raised their caps and saluted me with much courtesy. 
 The movement attracted the attention of the sufferer, and he 
 raised his head. From my showy appearance, and the 
 manner I purposely assumed, he mistook me for some 
 person of consequence, and he attempted to get up, but 
 fell immediately to the floor from weakness. He was picked 
 up and put in his chair again. I affected to take no notice 
 of his condition whatever. 
 
 " Eh bien, rnon brave," I said in French, and seating 
 myself gayly at the table before him. " I have come to take 
 a glass of wine with you, and to congratulate myself on 
 having a companion in misfortune. It is not the pleasantest
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 365 
 
 place in the world this prison of St. Andrea ; and a little 
 good company is a great improvement. I am sorry to hear 
 you are not well ; but when you get your appetite back 
 again, come over and dine with me. I am sure the Com- 
 mandante here will make no objection. Eh, Signor Com- 
 mandante ? " 
 
 " Certainly not, Signor Wikoff,'' replied that sagacious 
 officer, who detected my game and humoured it. 
 
 The effect of my words, manner, and appearance on the 
 poor creature before me was curious and indescribable. 
 Amazement and incredulity by turns flitted over his intelli- 
 gent face, and he gazed at me in utter bewilderment. I 
 went on talking in the same easy, pleasant strain. 
 
 " Why one would think from the way you stare, monjeune 
 sabreur, that you have some doubt whether I am a prisoner 
 here or not. However, you can settle that point by asking 
 Colombo, or il Signor Commandante, how many months I have 
 been here, and how many more I expect to stay. I don't 
 know what brought you here, but when I tell you my 
 story, you'll see how little I deserve it. What do you say to 
 that, Commandante ? " 
 
 Signor Paretto was obliged to laugh in earnest at my 
 abrupt appeal ; but he declared, in good faith, as he had 
 often done before, that if ever there was a hard case it was 
 mine. 
 
 I could see by the change in the face and manner of the 
 sufferer that a few moments had sufficed to revolutionise 
 his mind and feelings. Here was he, from an exaggerated 
 sense of degradation, resolved upon self-destruction ; and 
 before him sat a person beyond doubt, his superior in life
 
 366 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 who had been for months a prisoner, and yet who treated 
 the matter with good-humoured unconcern. His strong 
 emotions revealed themselves in tears. I saw his resolution 
 was broken, and that something like shame and repentance 
 were succeeding. 
 
 "The worst of it is" I continued, addressing him as 
 before, " you are not, I learn, likely to stay here long ; so 
 let us have a glass of wine together, and drink to better 
 luck hereafter." 
 
 I filled up whilst talking, and was secretly agitated lest 
 he would refuse ; for if my ruse miscarried, he was destined 
 to perish. With almost an air of authority I handed him 
 the glass, and taking up mine, I said 
 
 " Here's to the lass we love best," and 1 waited till he 
 drank first. 
 
 With a faint smile he put the wine to his lips and 
 swallowed it. 
 
 " Bravo," said the Commandante, patting him on the back, 
 and nodding his head exultingly at me, " Bravo ! but you 
 must drink a glass with me now." 
 
 " Of course,'' I said, " he will be proud to drink with the 
 Commandante." 
 
 I filled up, and he drank again. 
 
 At this moment the broth I had ordered was oppor- 
 tunely brought in. I pushed it carelessly before him, and 
 said 
 
 " Go on eating ; I can talk just as well. That broth looks 
 inviting. Let me have your opinion of it," and I handed 
 him the spoon. 
 
 So complete an ascendancy had I gained over him, that he
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 obeyed me mechanically. He began to eat. After two or 
 three mouthfuls, raising his head, whilst an expression of 
 intense animal delight overspread his face, he cried 
 " Oh, my God ! it is so good it is so good." 
 Some wine was poured into the broth by one of the hos- 
 pital attendants, who suggested, after he had eaten it, that he 
 should lie down. I rose, and saying if he were not well 
 enough to come and see me for a day or two, I should not 
 fail to visit him, and have a chat. I offered him my hand, 
 which he seized and passionately kissed before I could with- 
 draw it. He spoke with great effort, but uttered some 
 touching expressions of his gratitude, for he seemed to under- 
 stand my motive. I called to see him several times after- 
 wards, till I was sure he had abandoned his mad intention, 
 and he always expressed his unbounded thankfulness. He 
 was aware of the difference in our conditions, and that I did 
 not really seek his companionship. This singular incident 
 reconciled me more to my imprisonment than before, for much 
 as I had suffered, I felt consoled to think I had been instru- 
 mental in saving the life of this foolish youth. 
 
 During the slow progress of my probation, the Marquis de 
 Cavour, from a goodness of heart that beggars all acknow- 
 ledgment on my part, continued to write to me, and to sustain 
 my fortitude by the flattering expression of his sympathy, 
 whilst his lucid and comprehensive disquisitions on abstruse 
 subjects instructed as much as they interested me. It often 
 busied my mind for a week or two, which was, doubtless, his 
 benevolent purpose, to prepare a reply to him. I wish I had 
 space for all of his remarkable letters literature would gain 
 by it ; but I must limit myself to giving only one more that I
 
 368 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 received about this time. I must repeat that the vigour of 
 the original is necessarily impaired by translation. 
 
 "Turin, Sept. 1852. 
 
 "DEAR SIR I have already been three times to our Chamber 
 of Deputies, taking with me the paper you sent, which I wished 
 to put into the hands of the new Minister, the Chevalier 
 Boncompagni ; but he has not appeared at the Chamber for 
 several days past, being detained by pressing business. Never- 
 theless, in one way or another, I shall manage to see him shortly, 
 when I will speak to him of your matter with all the interest with 
 which it inspires me. On this point I can only refer you to my 
 preceding letters, assuring you that I should esteem myself 
 happy if I could shorten the term of your painful probation by 
 what little influence I may possess. 
 
 " I thank you for what you write respecting my brother. I could 
 not but approve his resolution to leave the Ministry the moment 
 his colleagues threw obstacles in the path that he had purposed 
 following, and which to him seemed the best adapted to the 
 interests of our country. 
 
 " It is permitted to seek political power as a means of serving 
 the cause of justice and humanity ; this is honourable and 
 legitimate. But those who aim at political power as an absolute 
 end, are egregiously deceived as to the destiny of man on this 
 earth, and prepare for themselves bitter disappointments. 
 
 "You demand in your last letter whether I think that politics 
 can ever be reduced to a science ; you touch also upon another 
 question still more important, relative to the connection that may 
 exist between religion, morality, and politics. 
 
 " These are subjects on which I often reflect. On some points 
 I have settled convictions, on others I do not yet see clear. 
 
 " Being at this time much occupied, I cannot write to you at 
 length ; I will, however, jot down at the end of this letter some of 
 my ideas. As the subject interests you, you can, after the close 
 of the session, put me such questions in regard to it as you may 
 think proper, and I will endeavour to reply to them in detail.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 369 
 
 " Meanwhile, accept, I pray you, sir, the expression of my 
 distinguished sentiments, and my hearty sympathy. 
 
 " G. de CAVOUR. 
 
 " THOUGHTS ON POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY. 
 
 " I. Man receives the first elements of his knowledge from 
 experience. Experience itself results from the observation of 
 certain facts that we witness, and which are comprehended in the 
 term phenomena. But the human mind looks eagerly beyond 
 these phenomena for that which it calls the laws of phenomena ; 
 that is to say, certain constant and invariable rules by which 
 the phenomena are accomplished. 
 
 " II. The human mind is so constituted that it ever seeks to 
 find these fixed laws forming the basis of all phenomena; and 
 the great facts of natural order appear to it mysterious and in- 
 explicable, until they are traced to these laws. 
 
 " III. Among English writers Reid and Duguld Stewart have the 
 most clearly expressed the important and characteristic fact that 
 man possesses a natural and instinctive belief in the stability of 
 the primordial laws of nature. They have also proved that this 
 belief could not be derived from experience ; but, on the contrary, 
 that experience is possible only because man believes instinctively 
 in the stability of nature's laws, and consequently reasons from 
 the past to the future. 
 
 " IV. The knowledge of the laws of nature, constant and per- 
 manent, are the proposed object of science. Phenomena, simply 
 observed but not yet determined by immutable laws, are objects 
 of interest and curiosity, though not of science. 
 
 " V. In natural and physical sciences, the greatest of all dis- 
 coveries according to general opinion, was that of Newton discover- 
 ing the law of universal attraction. This sublime discovery has 
 given to astronomy the character of a positive science. 
 
 " VI. The phenomena of social and political order are more 
 complex than those of nature ; and it appears difficult to discover 
 among them those permanent laws which are the. elements of a 
 science. Nevertheless, the human mind instinctively searches for
 
 370 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 such laws, and no one has the right to say that its efforts in that 
 direction will always of necessity remain unrewarded. 
 
 " VII. For more than a century profound thinkers have clearly 
 explained and brought to light certain laws which their intelligence 
 discovered in the social phenomena, and particularly in economy. 
 Thus Adam Smith has established with sufficient precision for 
 science, that the regulating principle of commercial values is in a 
 tendency to equilibrium between want and supply ; and this is a 
 truth added to science. In like manner several English writers, 
 of whom Ricardo is the most celebrated, have constructed with 
 scientific precision that which is called the theory of the rent ; and 
 here again science is benefited by fresh truths. Finally, Malthus, 
 in his celebrated work on population, has, in the midst of some 
 paradoxes, proclaimed a scientific theory which at the present day is 
 not contested. In consequence of these different works, political 
 economy in some of its facts has acquired the character of a 
 science ; and in the late treatises on this subject, as those of Mr. 
 Senior and Mr. Mill, the younger, this character is manifest and 
 incontestible. 
 
 " VIII. We are more in arrears in politics, properly so called, or 
 in the science of good government. Still, in this also, we may 
 hope to make useful progress. The essays you have published on 
 this subject suggest reflections that may lead to good results. 
 
 " The continuation on another occasion. 
 
 " G. de C." 
 
 It will be observed that the Marquis still talks of my 
 pardon, not that, in reality, he supposed it probable ; but 
 that he humanely sought to foster my hopes in order to 
 diminish my anxiety. He alludes, also, to his brother, the 
 Count de Cavour, leaving the Cabinet ; but it was soon found 
 that his place could not be supplied, and he was recalled, and 
 put at the head of the Ministry, where he has since rendered 
 great services .to his country and to Italy. 
 
 A piece of good fortune befell me in October, by the entree
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 371 
 
 into St. Andrea of one of the gayest and most amusing 
 persons I ever met. He was a merchant of Genoa, and 
 accused of some offence against a rival in trade. He was a 
 Piedmontese ; but, having been born on the French frontier, 
 he had all the vivacity and wit of that charming nation whose 
 language he spoke like a native. He begged hard to be 
 admitted to my room, and I was sorry to refuse ; but I had 
 allowed the courier to resume his old corner after the whole- 
 some discipline of a couple of months upstairs, and his 
 services were really necessary to my comfort. He kept my 
 room in admirable order, and carried on a deadly warfare 
 with the swarming vermin that would otherwise have eaten 
 
 me up. Poor M. R was, therefore, obliged to cast his 
 
 tent amongst the " outsiders " in the room I have before 
 alluded to ; but he passed no small portion of his time chez 
 moi, where he was always welcome. He was more enter- 
 taining than Bini, though less interesting than M. J e. 
 
 Not so boisterous as the first, and not at all distingue like the 
 latter, but he had merits of his own. He sang well, and though 
 not scientific, he had a correct ear and retentive memory. 
 There was not a favourite air of any opera that he didn't 
 know by heart. He abounded in anecdote, more remarkable, 
 perhaps, for point than propriety. In fine, nothing escaped 
 him from which he could extract the least diversion ; and, 
 wiser than Midas, he turned everything he touched into fun. 
 He was the very antipodes to sentimentality of any kind, and 
 had he been boiled to a jelly, and strained afterwards, I don't 
 think that a particle of seriousness would have been found in 
 his composition. He made up for all deficiencies, however, 
 by an overflowing good nature. He was always ready with a
 
 372 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 civility or a jest. Though fifty-eight years of age, he had 
 the activity of mind and body of a youth of twenty. He had 
 travelled a good deal, and picked up not a few racy adven- 
 tures by the way. The advent of another Yorick like this, with 
 his " gibes and flashes of merriment," it may be supposed, 
 descended upon me after eleven months' imprisonment with the 
 reviving effects of" manna in the wilderness." Though I had 
 little in common with his character, and was occasionally dis- 
 concerted at his boundless levity, still my spirits were refreshed 
 and my mind newly strung by living in daily contact with 
 this incarnation of mirth, whose bons mots and playful con- 
 ceits were constantly popping and effervescing like a whole 
 battery of unmanageable soda-bottles. No sooner was my 
 breakfast over, than, pushing my door open, he would be seen 
 standing in its frame in some comical attitude, not unfre- 
 quently with one leg and his arms in the air, like an opera- 
 dancer. His face full of humour, and his keen little eyes 
 sparkling with animation, he would break out into one of his 
 
 favourite ditties 
 
 " Ce n'est pas ma finite, 
 Si ji suis aimablc, 
 C'cst la nature, 
 Qu'est conpablc." 
 
 Joining heartily in the merriment this droll apparition 
 would naturally provoke, he would then come forward and 
 pass the salutations of the morning. I owe many a pleasant 
 moment to this sportive soul, who contributed greatly to sooth 
 and relieve the final months of my imprisonment. 
 
 During the same month another prisoner came in, of great 
 respectability. He had been for thirty odd years an officer of 
 the army, and was now engaged in journalism. He was con-
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 373 
 
 demned to six months' incarceration for making too free in his 
 comments on the " Powers that be." He was sixty-eight years 
 of age, and in delicate health, and had, therefore, the favour 
 allowed him of living alone in a cell considerably worse than 
 mine. This state of things is not very creditable to the Con- 
 stitutional Government of Sardinia. 
 
 It was impossible to conceive a contrast more striking than 
 between the grave and somewhat severe character of this old 
 
 officer, and the rollicking, farcical disposition of M. R . 
 
 The first held a joke in abomination, and the other worshipped 
 it as the essence of wisdom. They naturally recoiled from each 
 other at the first glance, whereas I found matter in both for 
 interest and amusement. 
 
 It soon turned out that the old militaire was fond of a game 
 
 of chess ; so, after dinner, when M. R- had sang all his 
 
 snatches, and exhausted his puns, he would give way to his 
 dignified opponent, whom he profanely dubbed " Old Cat- 
 tolico," and I consumed two or three hours agreeably enough 
 at chess. 
 
 I had a great loss this month in the departure of my Con- 
 sul on a tour to the East. Up to the last moment he had con- 
 tinued his attentions, and neglected no means to alleviate my 
 condition. The day before he left he paid me a long visit, 
 and displayed the most affectionate anxiety for my well-being 
 during his proposed absence. He was, as I have said, in com- 
 munication with a correspondent of Miss Gamble's at Genoa, 
 and gave me some late tidings of her. 
 
 " Miss Gamble has returned to Italy," he said, " from her 
 trip to Germany, and is on her way to Rome for a month or 
 so, and goes thence to Naples."
 
 874 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " She is a woman of system, I see," was my reply ; " and 
 carries out her projects of travel without giving herself the 
 least concern for the luckless mortal she has consigned to 
 limbo. There is no reason, however, she should not amuse 
 herself, and I am glad to learn she is doing so." 
 
 " I have heard also," remarked the Consul, " that she talks 
 of returning to Genoa by the time you are set free." 
 
 " What can be her object ?" I asked in surprise. " If she 
 expects me to abduct her again/' I added, smiling, "she will 
 find herself mistaken. I should run, I verily believe, from the 
 sight of her." 
 
 "Indeed!" exclaimed the Consul, laughing; " why, I 
 hear, she is as much afraid of you, and would like, of all things, 
 to come to some friendly understanding. She has behaved 
 badly enough, it is true, but you must learn, in the Christian 
 spirit, to forget and forgive." 
 
 " Miss Gamble, surely, can have no fears," I observed, 
 " that I shall molest her in any improper way, else she under- 
 rates my self-respect as well as my deference for her sex. It 
 costs me no effort to forget and forgive, as you suggest, my 
 Consul ; and, in defending myself hereafter against the slan- 
 derous attacks that have been made on me, I shall exercise the 
 utmost forbearance towards her. What more can she de- 
 mand ?" 
 
 " Nothing, truly, in reason," declared the Consul ; " but I 
 know what she would like." 
 
 " If in reason I will try to oblige her." 
 
 " She would like you, then, to make no statement at all," 
 continued the Consul ; " and to let the matter drop. She will 
 agree to make you a pecuniary compensation for what you have
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 375 
 
 suffered. The fact is, she will give you a considerable sum, 
 as I am informed." 
 
 " If that proposition comes from Miss Gamble," I returned, 
 not a little stung by the insult, "it only lowers her in my 
 esteem. It proves she mistakes my character, or overrates the 
 attractions of her purse. No ! if she think that I have been 
 wronged, let her make a fair acknowledgment in words not 
 pounds. If she has any favour to ask, let it be in the name 
 of her family, whom I loved, and even in memory of her broken 
 vows. I am vulnerable to sentiment, but not to silver, 
 Consul, even in ' considerable sums.' " 
 
 " I shall so report," returned the Consul, satisfied at my 
 decision, " and I must applaud your language. However, let 
 us hope all will yet end pleasantly. When you see Miss 
 Gamble again, I dare say she will obtain as much as you ought 
 to yield." 
 
 " I will never yield the right to vindicate myself." 
 
 " Well, I must say good-bye," declared my friend, as he 
 rose, and extended his hand. " You have only four months 
 more, and if the embargo is not taken off, you must try to 
 struggle through it." 
 
 " Never fear, my dear Consul," I exclaimed, " I have 
 ' supped full of horrors,' it is true, but I shall not despair now 
 that the worst is over. I grieve at your loss ; but I am 
 almost glad not to add further to the vast obligations I owe 
 you." 
 
 " I am sorry to leave you in this shocking place," he 
 replied, hurrying away, " but be consoled, for the end is not 
 far off." 
 
 It will be seen from the above conversation that Miss Gamble
 
 376 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 was anxious to stave off the public explanation, she knew I 
 contemplated, by an offer of money. I may say this was not 
 the first intimation of the sort, nor the last. I was told pre- 
 viously to this, on good authority, that if I would bind myself 
 to leave Europe for some years, and make no publication 
 whatever, that I might obtain my pardon, and a large sum of 
 money. 
 
 My reply was simply this, " If I had committed an act that 
 compromised my honour, I would, perhaps, accept such pro- 
 positions ; but an indiscretion like mine will be pardoned 
 when once explained. I decline, therefore, both pardon and 
 money on the terms proposed." 
 
 From this renewal of the money-offer through my Consul, 
 as just shown, it is evident that Miss Gamble put great faith 
 in the efficacy of a golden remedy, even for so sore a case as 
 mine. Her notions of honour seemed of that practical kind 
 that the valiant Falstaff entertained, "What is honour? a 
 word. What is in that word ? honour ?" 
 
 To be sure, in this material age of ours, a sentimental view 
 of things is apt to savour of the ridiculous, and the current 
 coin is often found to be a sovereign panacea for wounds and 
 bruises to mind and body. But every one has a weakness of 
 his own ; and, without meaning any disrespect to Miss Gamble 
 or her check, I preferred a thousand times to forego them both 
 than to forfeit the fair report of the world. This was my view 
 from first to last, as my Consul is my witness. 
 
 The departure of this estimable man from Genoa was a 
 great deprivation, for his visits and sympathy were always 
 cheering and consoling. My mishap cost him in all a deal of 
 trouble ; but his kindness never relaxed or tired in its
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 377 
 
 current. To have done far less would have far exceeded the 
 largest notions of duty, and I can attribute, therefore, the 
 vast surplus only to the inspirations of an inexhaustible 
 humanity. I would be the most ungrateful of men not to 
 make this public avowal of my gratitude, since no other 
 acknowledgment is possible.
 
 378 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 TIME rolled on, and I ventured to count, by weeks, the 
 interval that still separated me from the bustling world with- 
 out. How I longed to revisit it again, and every day's ex- 
 perience of my horrible abode only kindled more fiercely my 
 aspirations to mingle with my fellows, and to escape fiom the 
 contamination that surrounded me. I have all along avoided 
 giving any offensive views of the world of crime I lived in, but 
 which painted in the sombre colours of reality could not fail 
 to be repulsive. I have rather sought to beguile my reader with 
 here and there a passing glimpse of such phases of life in a 
 common Italian jail, as honest people might look on, and not 
 be appalled. 
 
 Were it not foreign to my purpose, I could many a tale un- 
 fold, that if it did not freeze the young blood, or harrow up 
 the soul, would at all events cast Madame Tassaud's " Cham- 
 ber of Horrors " into the shade. 
 
 To describe such things would be an unwelcome task, and 
 even less painful for others to peruse than for me to recall. I 
 would not have it thought that I am trifling with the sym- 
 pathies of any one, or seeking to give a darker tint to my 
 condition than it really wore. It were easy to defend myself 
 from such a suspicion ; and I will go so far as to relate one
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 379 
 
 out of many scenes that may appear tame enough in descrip- 
 tion, but that an eye-witness is not likely to forget. 
 
 One of the most intolerable sensations I experienced at St. 
 Andrea arose from the fact, that I was living under the 
 same roof with several assassins condemned to death. I did 
 yearn most earnestly to get out of the place before the prepara- 
 tions for their execution began, but it turned out otherwise. 
 
 In the month of November, I think, an order came for the 
 hanging of a wretch by name of Abo. He had killed a woman 
 he cohabited with, under circumstances of great atrocity. Be 
 went one night to the house where she lived as a servant, and 
 after supping with her gayly, they went to-bed together ; dur- 
 ing the night he murdered her, and robbed the house. He 
 was twice tried for the crime, and twice condemned. He had 
 been lying at St. Andrea for some months awaiting his death- 
 warrant, and at last it came. 
 
 It is the custom in Genoa, and in Italy, generally, to give 
 twenty-four hours' notice to a condemned criminal of his in- 
 tended execution, and he is required to pass this interval in 
 the chapel of the prison, when he is exhorted to confession. 
 At St. Andrea there was a large room on the ground-floor 
 employed for this purpose, though usually occupied by pri- 
 soners ; at day-break on the occasion in question they were 
 huddled elsewhere, and the necessary arrangements made for 
 the gloomy ceremony to ensue. 
 
 An altar-piece of some pretension was erected at one end of 
 the room ; two high windows on either side were hung with 
 curtains ; table and chairs were brought in ; and a bed for the 
 criminal, if he had the nerve to sleep, was placed in one 
 corner.
 
 380 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 When all was ready, Colombo and assistants went to the 
 cell of Abo, to read the order for his execution the ensuing 
 morning at six o'clock, and this done, he was bid to come down 
 to the chapel. Roquino, of course, was in the group that 
 attended Colombo, and he told me, that on entering his cell, 
 Abo was deep in sleep. He awoke to hear his death-knell. 
 For a few moments he was much moved, and wept, but then 
 got up quietly, and followed to the chapel. Several priests 
 were in waiting to receive him, and the business of the 
 day, so to speak, commenced ; for up to this time the assassin 
 had constantly persisted in his innocence. 
 
 It is a vital point with the priests on occasions like these to 
 obtain a confession, not with a view merely to justify the law, 
 but that no Catholic may seem to set the Church at defiance. 
 
 I remarked on the morning in question that no work was 
 going on in the shops in my corridor, and that an unusual 
 silence pervaded the prison, and on demanding the reason, 
 Roquino informed me that Abo was in the chapel, and gave 
 me the details I have related. 
 
 On a day like this no one was allowed to leave his cell, 
 and no visitor was permitted to enter the prison. The most 
 perfect order and silence was preserved, that the mind of the 
 condemned might not be disturbed in his holy meditations. 
 As I was treated as a sort of privileged person, Roquino 
 said, if I wished it, I would be allowed to see what was going 
 on, and he offered to post me in Colombo's bed-room whence 
 a complete view of the chapel was had through a small window 
 in the wall. It was, certainly, a spectacle that had no charms for 
 me. To contemplate a murderer under ordinary circumstances 
 would have filled me with a keen repugnance, but to look upon
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. SSI 
 
 him at the moment when the glave of the law was ready to 
 descend upon him ; to see him standing with one foot in the 
 grave that yawned wider, and wider, with every succeed- 
 ing hour ; this was an exhibition that many an amateur 
 would have paid liberally to enjoy, but which, I confess, I felt 
 strongly disposed to recoil from. Still, I determined to accept 
 Roquino's proposition ; for though I should have blamed my- 
 self to have gone in search of such a show, from that morbid 
 curiosity so commonly indulged, yet as it was my fate to be 
 brought into immediate contact with such a scene, it seemed 
 something like shrinking from the ordeal I was called to 
 undergo, to refuse to witness it. About noon, therefore, I 
 accompanied Roquino to the position offered me, and it was 
 admirably adapted to the purpose. 
 
 Seated at a small window, a foot square, I had a command- 
 ing view of the large room already described. Behind a 
 table, and directly opposite the altar, upon which numerous 
 candles were burning, sat the miserable wretch who was so 
 soon to expiate his crime. On either side of him were 
 seated several priests, who conversed with him from time to 
 time in an under tone, urging him to confess and repent. 
 On the table lay an engraving of the crucifixion, and a small 
 bronze sculpture of the same subject. Ever and anon one of 
 the priests would offer one or the other of these sacred objects 
 to the criminal to kiss, which he would apply calmly to his 
 lips, and lay it down again. He appeared about forty years 
 of age, of short stature, and ordinary make. His features 
 were regular ; his eyes dark and of singular expression. 
 Nothing could be more placid than his face, and resignation 
 seemed to wrap him round like a mantle. Still, there was a
 
 382 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 restlessness in his keen eye that made me doubt this outward 
 seeming. A close observer might detect, also, in his phy- 
 siognomy the subtlety of his character and the treachery of 
 his disposition. I was convinced that his mild and almost 
 devotional demeanour was merely assumed to conciliate the 
 reverend Fathers around him, and to enhance the value of his 
 continued assertions of innocence. So deep in some natures 
 is the love of hypocrisy, that the terrors of death cannot expel 
 it from their breasts. This unhappy wretch might have 
 known that his fate was sealed, still he hoped to cheat it by 
 wanton deceit and useless falsehood. It became, at length, a 
 subject of painful curiosity to see how long he would keep up 
 the game he was playing. The experienced Roquinb had 
 informed me that it was common enough for all the con- 
 demned, when in the chapel, to begin the day by declaring 
 their innocence ; but as the hours sped on, they invariably 
 lost resolution, and gave way to tears, remorse, and penitence. 
 
 " II resiste bien," he remarked, as he came in now and 
 then to take a glance at Abo, "he holds up well, but that 
 will not last much longer." 
 
 Besides the priests, who went in and out in great numbers, 
 and who seemed, if I may say so, like so many spiritual birds 
 of prey hovering round the condemned, ready to pounce 
 upon his soul, if he could be brought to give it up ; besides 
 these, I repeat, several members of the Misericordia dropped 
 in during the day to see if the wants of the criminal were 
 properly supplied. (A charitable association under this title 
 exists throughout Italy, and addresses itself entirely to the 
 relief of the bas peuple, or lowest class. In Sardinia they share 
 with the State the management of the prisons, and by
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 383 
 
 personal superintendence see that the prisoners are properly 
 treated and duly nourished. This society consists in every 
 case of the nobility ; and their benevolent solicitude for the 
 poor, and even the criminal, has natually a conciliating and 
 beneficial effect on their inferiors.) It is the custom to allow 
 the condemned, when in the chapel, whatever luxury in the 
 way of food and drink he may prefer, and even the satis- 
 faction of any friend he has amongst the prisoners to dine 
 with him. Abo ordered his last dinner with the utmost 
 tranquility, and indicated some prisoner to share it with him. 
 About three o'clock his dinner was served ; and, 1 remarked, 
 that it was carved by the jailers, as it is considered imprudent 
 to put a knife or fork in the hands of a felon about to die, lest 
 an attempt at suicide might be made. After dinner the guest 
 of Abo withdrew, and he bid him affectionately farewell. 
 He walked up and down occasionally afterwards, with a priest 
 at his side, as well as his chains allowed ; his arms were free, 
 but a steel girdle encircled his waist, from which hung chains 
 that were fastened crosswise to his ancles. The noise of his 
 fetters, as he paced the room, added to the gloomy effect of 
 the scene. There was a horrible novelty about this event 
 that seized upon my imagination, and kept me rooted to the 
 spot for several hours. It was a relief to see the miserable 
 man bear his awful situation with so much strange com- 
 posure ; but it was impossible for a spectator to behold his 
 life sinking away, grain by grain as in an hour-glass, without 
 the breath growing thicker, and the nerves crisping with 
 horror. 
 
 I went back to my room about six o'clock to dine, though 
 I had little relish for my food. My intention was to go down
 
 384 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 again before I went to bed, to see if any change had taken 
 place in the manner or appearance of Abo. It astonished 
 Roquino to see him maintain his firmness so long. It was 
 near ten o'clock before I returned to the place I had 
 previously occupied, and I found myself more painfully 
 impressed than in the morning. Abo was seated as before, 
 behind the table and opposite to the altar ; he was still 
 perfectly calm, and replied with the utmost meekness to 
 the earnest exhortations that were occasionally addressed to 
 him. There was something, though, in the tone of his 
 voice, a sound of distress, that was affecting. The silence, 
 only broken at intervals by the priests, was intense. The 
 altar was brilliantly illuminated, and some of the Fathers 
 were praying on their knees before it. A group of jailers 
 were sitting in a corner, on guard, but mute and solemn. If, 
 by chance, any one entered the chapel, it was on tiptoe ; and 
 all was uttered in a whisper. Everything announced the 
 approach of some appalling event ; yea, the coming of 
 death ; but it was impossible to conceive that the blow was 
 to fall on the man I saw before me in perfect health, erect, 
 and unmoved as though he waited a summons to bed, and 
 not to the dark grave. As the deep-toned clock of the 
 adjoining church struck the quarters, I started at the sound ; 
 but he, the assassin, who felt his foot still nearer to the abyss, 
 heard it, but shrunk not his arms folded, his colour un- 
 disturbed, and his voice unbroken. It was not a waxen 
 figure that I looked upon ; it was a living man a sentient, 
 reflective being, in full possession of every faculty, and awake 
 to every passion of the soul. Midnight was upon him, and 
 at six in the morning he was to perish ; he knew it, and yet,
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 385 
 
 how incomprehensible ! there he sat blood on his hands, 
 murder on his conscience, hell yawning before him an 
 image of peace. A martyr awaiting the glories of heaven, 
 could hardly have worn an attitude of more perfect serenity. 
 Wasted by sickness on a bed of agony, death may be a 
 relief; amid the roar and carnage of battle, death may be 
 glorious ; but in the hey-day of life, amid silence and gloom, 
 to contemplate, as that felon did, for twenty-four mortal 
 hours, the slow approach of the King of Terrors to feel, as 
 he did, that every pulsation of his heart was one the less 
 to know that every passing thought was numbered to hear 
 th#hum of the multitude without, curious to witness his last 
 pangs this was an ordeal, I conceive, the most terrible a 
 human being could be called to meet ; and yet the wretch 
 blanched not. Was it courage, resignation, or hypocrisy ? I 
 knew not ; but to me it was the most mysterious and awful 
 problem I ever had to solve, and it absorbed my entire being. 
 But lo ! he moves he rises ! Does he repent has fear 
 siezed him ? Listen ! He gapes and desires to sleep. 
 
 I went away to my room near one o'clock in the morning ; 
 fatigued and feverish, little inclined for bed, but determined 
 
 13 
 
 to take some repose. I bid Roquino to wake me at three 
 o'clock ; for, in spite of me, a horrible fascination seemed 
 to draw me back to this ghastly spectacle. I laid down with- 
 out undressing, and slumbered ; but fearful dreams pursued 
 me. I awoke in agitation, and found Roquino at my bed- 
 side, with a lantern in his hand. 
 
 " It is three o'clock, sir," he said. 
 
 " And Abo ? " I demanded, with a cold shiver as I uttered 
 his name. 
 
 o
 
 386 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " They have just awoke him." 
 
 "What!" I said, " has he slept ?" 
 
 " Very soundly," returned Roquino. " I sat near him on 
 guard, and he breathed as calmly as a child." 
 
 " Has he confessed ? " I inquired. 
 
 " No ; the priests are imploring him to repent, but he 
 declares he is not guilty." 
 
 " Can there be any doubt ? " I asked, perplexed. 
 
 " No more," he replied, " than that the sun will rise 
 this morning." 
 
 "Whilst talking I hastily made my toilet, and then turned 
 to follow Roquino. The obscurity and stillness of the priscA at 
 this hour was something oppressive, and the ringing echo of the 
 bolts and chains, as he fastened the portal of my corridor, made 
 me shudder with disgust. We descended the staircase quickly, 
 and I was conducted to the same spot as before, when Roquino 
 left me to attend to his duties. In a second I was at the 
 window which looked in upon the chapel, and every sense 
 was absorbed in that of sight. There he sat just as I left 
 him no paleness, no trembling, no fear. A priest knelt at 
 his side, holding his hand, and imploring him, in tones that 
 pierced the soul, to confess and be absolved. Another held 
 the crucifix before him, which he often kissed. The bleatings 
 of a lamb were not more gentle than his replies : 
 
 " Mio Padre, io sono innocente. I am innocent, my 
 Father," he repeated constantly, to the earnest invocations of 
 the poor priest, who seemed in despair. 
 
 Four o'clock struck, and he was to leave the prison at five 
 for the place of execution. A bowl of soup was brought into 
 him, and putting it to his mouth he drained it to the bottom.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 387 
 
 " Before it is digested," I muttered to myself, " he will be 
 dead." 
 
 The priests again urged and entreated again knelt and 
 prayed to him, but in vain. He resisted, reiterating his 
 innocence ; but without excitement, without anger or 
 defiance. At half-past four, a jailer approached him, and took 
 off his chains. This was a token that his hour approached. 
 He asked for some wine. A bottle was set before him with 
 some biscuits. He filled the glass, and steeping the cakes, he 
 quietly eat them as though he had been sitting in a cafe, and 
 gazing out of the window. He was presently told the 
 executioner had arrived, and would come to him in a few 
 moments. He bowed his head, drank another glass of wine, 
 and rising, approached the altar, where a priest was officiating. 
 He knelt, clasped his hands, bent downwards, but spoke not. 
 At last, I saw he was weeping, and the tears streamed 
 copiously down his face. It was impossible, murderer as he 
 was, not to feel for him. He rose in a few minutes. He 
 was calm again. It was only a momentary triumph of 
 nature, for it was gone. 
 
 '"I am ready," he said, in a low voice, turning to the 
 jailers. 
 
 In a moment the hangman entered with two assistants, and 
 approaching the criminal, prepared to bind him. Cords 
 were passed tightly round the upper part of the arms, fasten- 
 inf them to the body. His hands were then raised in an 
 attitude of prayer, and corded so as to be immovable. A 
 small crucifix was placed in his grasp. 
 
 " Pray, give me as little pain as possible, Padrone," said 
 the unhappy wretch, whilst they were binding him. 
 
 o 2
 
 388 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Never fear," returned the hangman, in a friendly voice, 
 " I will take care you suffer very little." 
 
 Whilst this was going on, the chapel suddenly filled with 
 men enveloped in a black dress, which covered them from 
 head to foot. Their eyes alone were visible through the 
 masks which hid their faces. These were the noble members 
 of the Misericordia, who always accompany the criminal to 
 execution, and take charge of his body for burial the moment 
 the law has done its office. Anything more fearful than the 
 scene I now gazed upon had never presented itself to me, even 
 in imagination, and it seemed to me that nobody else was 
 unmoved save Abo, the assassin, and the hangman who stood 
 beside him. The funeral procession began to form, and 
 hardly knowing what I did, I hurried down to the door of 
 the chapel to get a closer view of this man of marble as he 
 passed me to the tomb. The members of the Misericordia, 
 with their banner shrouded in crape, advanced first, in 
 couples, and moved slowly towards the great door of the 
 prison. Numerous priests followed, chanting the Dei pro- 
 fundis. The criminal then came, with the executioner and 
 assistants close behind him. As he drew near, he regarded 
 me with interest and benignity, for he had remarked my 
 constant presence, and had frequently gazed up at the 
 window where I sat. As he passed me he bowed low and 
 mournfully. I returned his bow, but with my eye fixed on 
 his. There was sadness in its depths, but no dread. I 
 turned away, almost staggering with emotion, and it required 
 a strong effort to recover my composure. 
 
 Later in the day, I felt an ungovernable curiosity to know 
 how the tragedy terminated, and I sent for Roquino to give
 
 AXD ITS CONSEQUENCES. 389 
 
 me the information. He replied that he had managed to avoid 
 the execution. 
 
 " It always makes me sick as a dog for a day or two to see 
 anything of the sort," declared Roquino, "and I never go, if 
 I can help it." 
 
 " Why, that sounds strange enough," was my remark, 
 " since your father was a jailer, and you have been bred up 
 to the business. It can't be want of nerve ; so it must be 
 humanity. W 7 ho'd have thought it !" 
 
 "I don't know what it is," he observed; "but I can't 
 stand it, and very few of us can. But if, sir, you want to 
 hear any more about Abo," he continued, smiling, " there is 
 a person in the prison to-day, who can give you the fullest 
 information." 
 
 " Very well," I said, taking up my cap ; " come along ; 
 but who is it?" 
 
 " The hangman !" he replied, laughing aloud to see me 
 fall back panic-struck. 
 
 " Why, what is he doing here?" I asked, getting my breath 
 again. 
 
 " He is waiting till night comes on, when he will return to 
 Turin, where he lives." 
 
 " WTiy does he not set off at once ?" 
 
 " Because," said Roquino, " he would be torn to pieces by 
 the mob, if they recognized him. This morning it was as 
 much as a detachment of soldiers could do to save him." 
 
 " How absurd," I returned ; " for the poor devil is merely 
 an officer of the law. However, a mob never stops to reason 
 when it feels strongly. Does he travel by public conveyance ? " 
 I asked. 
 
 o 3
 
 390 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Oh, no, sir ; he travels only by night, in a conveyance of 
 his own." 
 
 Whilst talking I was deliberating what I should do. It 
 seemed childish to yield to my repugnance to talk with a 
 hangman. I was pretty sure, besides, that this was the only 
 opportunity of the sort I should ever have, and, to tell the 
 truth, I felt curious to see what kind of man a hangman 
 really was. After all, he was a human being like the rest, 
 and on the nihil humani a me alienum principle, why should 
 I shrink ? 
 
 "Go on," I said to Roquino, at length. "Take me to 
 see the hangmen ; but I hope he has got none of his ropes 
 about, lest he might be tempted to try his skill on me." 
 
 " Oh, he is very particular about his necklaces," said 
 Roquino, " and he never travels without a good supply." 
 
 Roquino led me to a part of the prison I had never seen 
 before, and coming near to a door which he pointed at, he 
 whispered 
 
 " There you will find him there." 
 
 " C'est lien" I replied; "but knock, and say I wish to 
 see him." 
 
 " No ; I can't do that. He would think I was making a 
 show of him, and would be angry. You must go in alone, 
 sir," and vrith that the scamp disappeared. 
 
 I was not prepared for this, and I had half a notion to bolt 
 after him. But it is one of my traits not to abandon easily 
 what I once undertake, else I should not have carried my 
 courtship so far. I confess, I stood staring at the door 
 Roquino indicated full five minutes before I could muster re- 
 solution to knock, and my heart beat audibly when I did so.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 391 
 
 " Enter," said a gruff voice, and I did enter forthwith. 
 
 There were two men lying on beds at one end of the room 
 asleep. Another was seated at a table, writing. Addressing 
 this one, I said 
 
 " Do you speak French ?" 
 
 " Perfectly," he said. 
 
 "Ah!" I continued, "then I have come to see the 
 the " 
 
 I did not know whether to say " the hangman," which 
 might have been offensive ; or, " the gentleman that hung 
 Abo this morning." Seeing my hesitation, the man smiled 
 and said 
 
 " I understand ; you wish to see me. Pray, sit down," 
 and he offered me a chair. 
 
 " What ! " I said, astonished at his very genteel appear- 
 ance and manners, " am I addressing the ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir the hangman ; that's my business. Ne vous 
 yenez pas. Don't embarrass yourself." 
 
 " Very well/' I continued, sitting down, " I shall lay aside 
 ceremony, then. You hung Abo this morning? " 
 
 " I did, sir." 
 
 " How did he die ?" 
 
 " Very quietly. Indeed, I may say it was a pleasure to 
 hang him." 
 
 " Did he give way when he reached the scaffold ? " 
 
 " Not at all, sir. Pie was perfectly firm and calm ; that's 
 why he died so comfortably." 
 
 Whilst conversing, I examined the extraordinary individual 
 before me. He was a tall, stout man of some fifty years of 
 age. The expression of his face was rather pleasant, and
 
 392 
 
 nothing sinister in the glance of his eye. His language was 
 not vulgar, and his manners were really good. He was 
 dressed in black, and wore a white cravat. I could not 
 believe I was addressing that mythical personage, familiar to 
 an English or American mind as Jack Ketch. I went on to 
 describe the wonderful self-possession of Abo during his stay 
 in the chapel. 
 
 " Yes," he replied, " that happens now and then, but very 
 rarely. There are few, indeed, who do not give way at 
 sight of me ; and sometimes they are very troublesome." 
 
 " What is your mode of hanging in this country ? " I 
 asked. 
 
 " When the cord is tied to the scaffold," he explained, 
 " we push them off a ladder, and then jump on the head so 
 as to break the neck and put them out of pain at once." 
 " That's horribly brutal," I cried, almost turning sick. 
 " Why how is it done in your country, sir ? " 
 Recovering myself a little, I described the scaffold in the 
 United States and England, as well as the guillotine in 
 France. 
 
 " I should like either much better than what is the fashion 
 here for centuries past, for my feet slip off the head 
 frequently, and I have sometimes great difficulty in getting 
 through with the job." 
 
 "I don't wonder," I said, "that the feelings of the mob 
 are revolted, though it is no fault of yours. It seems to me, 
 however, that your Government is enlightened enough to 
 adopt the mode of execution of civilized states, where it is not 
 considered necessary to invest the death of a criminal with 
 any additional horror."
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 393 
 
 The hangman quite agreed with me, and hoped some im- 
 provement would be introduced. 
 
 " So you are off to-night," I observed, rising, " and under 
 escort, 1 suppose?" 
 
 "Yes, sir," he replied; "and the State takes very good 
 care of me, as you may see by looking at these docu- 
 ments." 
 
 He took out his pocket-book and gave me several letters 
 that were in the handwriting of the different Ministers of 
 State, commanding aid and protection for him from all the 
 military and civil authorities. 
 
 " How many do you hang per year ? " 
 
 " That differs sometimes more, and then less. They 
 hardly average a dozen." 
 
 " Are you paid by the job ? " 
 
 " No, sir, by the year ; and my salary is small." 
 
 I think he said it was about 400. 
 
 "And who are these worthy persons here?" I asked, 
 pointing to the sleepers aforementioned. 
 
 " They are my assistants ; and one of them that one is 
 destined to succeed me." 
 
 " The appointment lies with the Government, I suppose ; 
 but your recommendation," I added, smiling, " goes a great 
 way, no doubt." 
 
 " Just so, sir. I did intend to bestow the office on that 
 brute there," and he pointed to one of them ; " but, in spite 
 of all my care, he is so clumsy that I have chosen another 
 who is more capable." 
 
 "Well, I am obliged to you," I said, "for receiving me 
 so politely ; and if ever I should happen to fall into your
 
 094 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 hands, I hope you will deal with me gently for old acquaint- 
 ance' sake." 
 
 Jack Ketch laughed quite heartily, and replied, in the 
 most complimentary way 
 
 " If I hanged no one till I exercised my functions on 
 you, I should have an easy life of it." 
 
 He followed me to the door, bowing me out in the most 
 courteous and French-like manner ; and it was evident from 
 his last speech that I had made a favourable impression. 
 After all, he was not so sour-looking a fellow as a certain 
 Judge I could name ; and if I were to be tried again for 
 abducting Miss Gamble, or anybody else, I would rather 
 trust my fate to the Jack Ketch of Sardinia, than to the 
 first for his physiognomy was far less repulsive than his 
 business. 
 
 I dare say there ars some of my readers who may think I 
 had enough of novelty and variety at St. Andrea to satisfy 
 any man ; but the more I had of either and it may not seem 
 strange to quiet people the more I longed to be out of it. 
 When I found myself, at length, in the last month of my 
 imprisonment, I thanked God from the bottom of my heart. 
 To attempt any description of my buoyant state of mind at 
 this period would be idle. I fell at times into that dreamy 
 con:l:t'o:i v.v.ich accompanies absolute content, and it was as 
 much as I could at other moments to suppress some 
 puerile explosion of my joy, and not fall to shouting and 
 dancing like a madman. It never cost me such a tremendous 
 effort to preserve my dignity, and to talk reasonably about 
 any event, as it did on this occasion. It had been my habit 
 for the last few months when I causcht sight of the new moon
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 395 
 
 for the first time, to cry out involuntarily, " Only five moons 
 more ;" or, " Only four months more ;" and when, therefore, 
 the pale satellite rose on my enchanted vision on the 12th of 
 January, in that latitude, as I was taking my evening walk 
 with the old officer at my side, I shouted out spontaneously, 
 " No more moons," and came very near giving a wild hurrah. 
 My sedate companion looked so astonished, thcit I had to 
 explain. 
 
 As to what happened this month, I have no very exact recol- 
 lection. Like Cassio, " I remember a mass of things ; but 
 nothing distinctly." Miss Gamble's name was frequently 
 mentioned. She was at Naples, and the story was that she 
 had signified her intention to be at Genoa by the time I was 
 free again, in order, as I supposed, " to take the bull by the 
 horns " at once. In the ethereal mood I was then in, I did 
 not care where she was, or what she intended to do. Not an 
 impulse of anger against her, or any one, ruffled the deep 
 serenity of my mind, or disturbed for an instant the beatitude 
 that overflowed my heart. The courier who had weathered 
 the storm with less concern than myself, seemed also less 
 transported at the prospect of liberty. Blessed with a thick 
 hide, he had set all creeping things at defiance, and slept 
 through their vain assaults. The wine of the country, too, was 
 quite to his taste, and his only anxiety was to get enough of 
 it. " It makes me," he declared in a sentimental tone, "forget 
 for a moment my dear wife and child." 
 
 " And your manners, too, sometimes," I answered. 
 
 Besides, as the courier was not particular about trifles, he 
 spent the evening gayly upstairs with his boon companions, 
 where he was just as comfortable as in a cabaret at Paris.
 
 .396 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 He was glad at the prospect of getting the use of his legs 
 again, but he was not overjoyed. 
 
 My sympathies were occasionally aroused by the melan- 
 choly that began to seize on Roquino. The near approach 
 of any departure affected him visibly, and with the impenetra- 
 bility of his character he refused to explain or declare himself. 
 He would never tell his grief, 
 
 " but let concealment, 
 Like a worm in the bud, 
 Prey on his damask cheek." 
 
 I did my best to console him by saying, that if it were ever 
 in my power hereafter to give him a lift, I should not fail. 
 Nor will I, for malyre his ignorance of the days in June, and 
 his propensity " to covet his neighbour's " crockery, still, 
 there are greater rogues undiscovered than Roquino in the 
 world, I dare say. Such a windfall as a patent-leathered 
 abductor coming into his hands he was not prepared for, and 
 if he yielded to the temptation, it ought fairly to be set down 
 to the account current that human nature keeps with oppor- 
 tunity, and ought not to be, as the play says, " strained to 
 grosser issue." 
 
 I received at this time letters from several old friends, con- 
 gratulating me on my coming emancipation, and amongst 
 them one that afforded me peculiar satisfaction. I must 
 explain here, that along with the rest of my ill-luck I had 
 the misfortune to quarrel with Mrs. Grote. I was told on 
 good authority that previous to my Trial she had lent a hand 
 to the silly people that were making war upon me. In the 
 nervous state I then was, I sat down and wrote to her expan- 
 sively, to which she replied indignantly, and a breach ensued
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 397 
 
 between us. I, then, heard many other things it is not 
 worth while to repeat ; but towards the close of my imprison- 
 ment I felt somewhat anxious to know if they were true. I, 
 therefore, wrote to Mr. J. J. Ryan, already mentioned, 
 requesting him to address Mrs. Grote, whom he knew, and to 
 let me have her precise reply. All of which was done, and 
 the following is a letter I received from him on this 
 subject : 
 
 " Launceston, Cornwall, 
 
 "December 6, 1852. 
 
 "MY DEAR MR. WlKOFF, 
 
 " Having now closed my correspondence with Mrs. Grote on 
 the subject of the request which you made me in your two last 
 letters, I lose no time in communicating to you the result. It is 
 unnecessary for me to relate the whole of this correspondence. It 
 will be sufficient to extract that portion of Mrs. Grote's last letter, 
 which immediately bears on the point in question. 
 
 "'In reply,' she says, ' to your allusion to his supposed impres- 
 sion concerning my interference in his affairs, that I have in any 
 way moved or caused others to move in them, either before or 
 since the event which occurred in Genoa last year, you may take 
 my solemn word for it, that I have never done so. My knowledge 
 of the transaction at Genoa was chiefly obtained from the published 
 
 narrative, and as to my having persecuted Mr. W , or sought 
 
 to enhance or prolong his imprisonment, I assure you my thoughts 
 have scarcely dwelt on the matter since. I do not know the 
 English Consul at Genoa, or any one likely to influence him. 
 I happened to know his name was Brown after reading the Trial, 
 and enclosed a letter or two to his care to be given to Mr. 
 
 W , then in prison. This is all I have to tell you relative 
 
 to my concern with the circumstances you mention.' 
 
 " After this full and complete denial of the part which has been 
 atti-ibuted to Mrs. Grote, what remains to be said? You must feel 
 with me, and be glad to think so, that you have been entirely mis- 
 taken in the matter. I need hardly tell you how much grieved I
 
 398 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 felt at the details given me respecting your sufferings in prison. 
 A term, however, is fast approaching to them. I shall be in 
 London in the course of ten days, and hope to see you there soon. 
 For God's sake keep quiet till we meet, and avoid rushing into 
 print, for the sake of all parties, until you have well considered the 
 matter. 
 
 "Believe me, ever sincerely yours, 
 
 " J. J. RYAN." 
 
 This was in the highest degree satisfactory to me, for the 
 high standing of Mrs, George Grote in the social world of 
 London gave to the pledge of her " solemn word " that she 
 had never conspired against me, an authority that no assertions 
 from other parties could in the least shake or undermine. 
 
 But the 6th of February, '53, had arrived, and this was the 
 courier's day of release. He had been imprisoned twenty- 
 four hours before me, and as our condemnation was for the 
 same period, he was, consequently, entitled to precedence in 
 going out. His term was not up till the 7th, but as soon as 
 midnight of the 6th sounded, he was, according to the 
 custom of the prison, free to go. I tried to see if I 
 could induce him to stay over the night, in order to super- 
 intend, as usual, my last breakfast on the morning of the 
 7th, but persuasion was thrown away on him. Now that 
 the moment of escape had come, he was wild at the 
 thought of being once more a free agent, and he panted 
 like an impetuous steed, for twelve o'clock to come. He 
 vanished at the stroke, and left me alone in my glory. 
 To do him justice, however, he returned the following morn- 
 ing to look after my breakfast. Whether from the intoxi- 
 cating effects of his liberty, or from stimulus of a more material 
 kind, I remarked he was in a singular state of aberration. He
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 399 
 
 allowed the milk to boil over, and upset the coffee-pot ; but I 
 was in a humour to forgive anything. It would be committing 
 an untruth, to say that in all my long-drawn agony of fifteen 
 months I had never known a moment of supremo contento, as 
 the Italians say, for this last day of all was nothing else than 
 a day of perfect bliss. 
 
 After all, happiness is a relative term ; and I beg leave to 
 doubt whether the throb that swelled the proud heart of Na- 
 poleon, as he placed the imperial diadem on his brow at Notre 
 Dame, was more joyous than the thrill of delight that shot 
 through my bosom when I deposited my long-neglected hat 
 on its former perch, at St. Andrea on the 7th of February, at 
 half-past eleven at night. 
 
 I felt great regret at bidding adieu to my late companions, 
 
 p 00r jj, } an( } the old officer, not that I was at all disposed 
 
 to stay longer with them, but that it pained me to leave them 
 behind in such a pit of darkness. I accompanied Roquino, 
 whose attentions knew no bounds, at the hour just named, 
 dowa to the main door of the prison, where several jailers 
 were sitting round a brazier on guard. 
 
 As they were all old acquaintances of mine, I joined the 
 group vithout ceremony, and saying that as 'it was uncertain 
 when they would have another chance, they had better go to 
 work now, and fill as many bumpers to my health as they could 
 swallow. This was strictly against regulations ; but as none 
 refused, there was no apprehension of their peaching on 
 each other. 
 
 I really bes:an to think at last that all the clocks of the town 
 had conspired against me, and would never strike midnight. 
 It was the longest half-hour of my life. " Viva>" cried the
 
 400 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 jailers, waving their caps, when the peal at length broke out 
 that snapped my bonds in twain. My sensations were dis- 
 turbed for a moment by Roquino announcing that the porter 
 of the outer gate had gone to bed, and that the sentinel posted 
 there would not allow it to be opened in his absence. 
 
 " What's to be done, then ?" I demanded, chaffing at an- 
 obstacle. 
 
 " Why, you had better wait till morning," was the reply. 
 
 " No, I shall climb over the walls first," I declared im- 
 petuously. 
 
 " There's another gate," said Colombo ; " and by chance 1 
 have got the key. Here, Roquino," he added, handing it to> 
 him, "you can conduct il Signor out that way." 
 
 In five minutes more I was in the street, where I found the 
 courier waiting for me, and a friend, whose hospitality I had 
 agreed to accept for the short time I remained at Genoa. I 
 walked along the deserted streets in a frame of mind that can 
 hardly be imagined. My joy was not expansive, for I could 
 not speak a word. I was quiet, but it was the quiet of gun- 
 powder, ready to explode at any moment. It was an Irish- 
 man that boasted that his mare, after a bowl of punch, could 
 jump over a church. I felt I could jump over the highest 
 in Genoa without one. What a pity at such a moment 
 of good-will to all mankind (the ladies included), I had 
 not met Miss Gamble. I should have forgiven her on 
 the spot, and been spared, perhaps, the trouble of writing this 
 book. 
 
 A good supper was laid out for me by my considerate friend, 
 but I was not more disposed to eat than to talk. My mind 
 was quite absorbed at the prospect of a sound night's sleep,
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 401 
 
 without being bit at, and crawled over. No longer able to 
 resist such a treat, I gave the signal for bed. I laid awake for 
 a long time, regarding with ineffable satisfaction those familiar 
 articles of furniture, whose existence I had nearly forgotten. 
 A mirror a sofa a carpet each gave me a separate and 
 keen glow of delight. I stared at them not with the rank 
 curiosity of a savage, but as one who remembered " that such 
 things were," as Macduffsays, " and were most dear to me." 
 I trembled, from long habit, lest my felicity might be dis- 
 turbed by a nip ; but no : I was left at peace, and gradually 
 sinking into that sweet exhaustion which follows excess of 
 joy, I went to sleep, mumbling something about 
 
 " If it were now to die, 
 T'were now to be most happy." 
 
 END OF SECOND PART.
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 LA DONNA E MOBILE."
 
 MY COURTSHIP. 405 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 WHEN I did get up next day, (I shall say nothing about the 
 hour), I went immediately to pay my respects to my thrice- 
 worthy Consul and his lady, who had got back from their 
 Eastern trip only the day before. How they welcomed me 
 back to society again, and how I thanked them for their 
 untiring goodness, I will leave to the fancy of my reader. 
 
 " Well," said the Consul, at length, who was in high spirits, 
 " have you heard that Miss Gamble has bolted from Naples to 
 London, where she intends to entrench herself behind the 
 ramparts of Portland-place, and await the onset of the foe." 
 
 " It is ' a lost fear,' as Othello says," I replied, "for I am 
 thinking of myself just now a good deal more than of Miss 
 Gamble, and whether she be in Portland-place or elsewhere, I 
 am ungallant enough to say, is a matter of some indifference 
 tome." 
 
 "What, then, are you going to do ?" queried the Consul, as 
 if anxious to know my plans. 
 
 " Just what I always told you," was my answer. " The 
 suffering so wantonly inflicted on me, I forgive ; but the 
 calumnies and abuse heaped upon my name, I shall meet 
 with a plain statement of facts ; and I put entire confidence 
 in the discernment and benevolence of the public." 
 
 " I don't think Miss Gamble," said the Consul, smiling, 
 "will like the whole thing brought up again."
 
 406 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " I don't like it myself," I returned. 
 
 " Will no sum of money," he demanded, " in the way 
 of compensation, induce you to give up the book contem- 
 plated ?" 
 
 " Not the whole fortune of Miss Gamble, multiplied indefi- 
 nitely, if I know my own mind." 
 
 " Well," exclaimed the Consul, slapping his hand on his 
 thigh, " I should not wonder if it ended in a match yet." 
 
 "Well, I should, Consul," I answered, smiling; "for I 
 should always be afraid of Miss Gamble making a Delilah of 
 herself, and betraying me again into the hands of the Phi- 
 listines. By-the-bye, how is my old friend Brown ?" 
 
 " I saw him sailing down the street, yesterday,'' replied the 
 Consul, laughing, " under his white topsail, as usual ; don't 
 you intend to call on him ?" 
 
 " No," I said, joining in the merriment ; " for if he should 
 invite me to dine ! I would not like to refuse ; and I mean to 
 leave immediately." 
 
 During my short stay I called upon all the estimable per- 
 sons to whose good feeling I was so greatly indebted ; and 
 need I say that my first and last visit was to the Baron de 
 
 E, . He received me with great warmth, and gave me a 
 
 hearty God-speed on bidding him adieu. 
 
 As I passed through Turin, I stopped a few hours to make 
 my grateful acknowledgments to the right noble Marquis 
 de Cavour. Nothing could be more gratifying than my re- 
 ception. 
 
 " I am truly glad," he said " to see you in Turin 
 again, and I regret deeply your long detention at Genoa. 
 But " he stopped, smiled, and shrugged his shoulders.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 407 
 
 " I understand, M. le Marquis," I replied; "but it is not 
 to ask you any troublesome questions that I intrude myself 
 upon you, but only to thank you with all my heart for your 
 condescending kindness to me." 
 
 " Nay," remarked the Marquis, with that friendly smile 
 peculiar to him, " your letters interested me greatly, and I 
 had much pleasure in replying to them." 
 
 A short conversation ensued en politics, when the Marquis 
 asked, " if I would like to pay a visit to the Chamber of 
 Deputies, then in session?" 
 
 " I must limit myself to a bare glimpse, then, M. le 
 Marquis, for I leave Turin in a couple of hours." 
 
 " I am sorry you are going so soon," he returned ; " but 
 if you will meet me at the Chamber in half an hour I shall 
 have great pleasure in seeing you well placed. I regret, also, 
 the severe illness of my brother, who would have much 
 satisfaction in meeting you again." 
 
 Expressing my sincere condolence for the illness of the 
 Prime Minister, which at one time had occasioned much 
 public anxiety, I took my leave. At the hour named, I 
 indulged myself with a hasty glance at the Sardinian Lower 
 House, which presented a very grave and orderly appearance, 
 but I had no time to listen to the debates. 
 
 At midnight, on the 12th of February, I was awoke up by 
 the courier, who told me we had reached the top of Mont 
 Cenis, on my way to Lyons, and I found my fellow-passengers 
 all getting out of the sledge to warm themselves. They 
 complained piteously of the cold, and declared they never 
 saw the Alps so covered with snow. I wondered to hear 
 them grumble, for I felt so comfortable and happy.
 
 408 JklY COURTSHIP 
 
 "A.h, poor devils," I muttered, "they don't know the 
 delight of getting out of St. Andrea, after fifteen months' 
 seclusion, else they would take a more poetical view of things, 
 and see smiling landscapes in seas of ice, and mistake the 
 fierce blast of winter for the balmy breath of June." 
 
 At four in the morning of the 15th, I entered Paris. 1 
 never return to this delightful capital my first love in 
 Europe without a quickening throb ; but to reach it again, 
 and to feel I was far away from Italy, la terre classique de la 
 puce, was inexpressibly pleasant. My old apartment in the 
 Boulesvards des Capucines was long since in other hands, so 
 I took up my quarters in a charming logement, secured by a 
 friend elsewhere, and all newly furnished. How dazzling 
 everything looked to my new vision. If I lived to twice the 
 age of Methusaleh I should never forget the delight of my 
 short stay at Paris. The theme is too vast for my descriptive 
 powers. None but the pen of Thucidydes himself could 
 possibly analyse or delineate the singular process I under- 
 went of being born over again to all the sybarite sensations 
 that the civilization of our epoch has brought to a pitch of such 
 refinement. For a week, at least, I abandoned myself to the 
 dolce far niente that stole upon me, and allowed my weary mind 
 to rest. I yielded to the soft inspirations of the French cuisine, 
 to the attractions of the French vaudeville, and last, not 
 least, to the exquisite repose of a French bed. 
 
 With no better luck than Sisyphus of old, I awoke only to 
 renew my old task of rolling my stone up hill again. I was 
 out of prison, it is true ; I was done courting, still better ; 
 but my position in society, the esteem of my friends, the 
 good report of the world, these,' lost without deserving, were
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 409 
 
 still to be recovered. It was a formidable job truly, and how 
 to compass it was a puzzle. I surveyed my position leisurely, 
 and came to these conclusions. That I could make no ex- 
 planations, private or public, without compromising Miss 
 Gamble, Mr. Brown, cum multis alils. That to annoy them 
 was not my object. That my vindication was possible with- 
 out it, if they would lay aside hostility, and aid me to effect it. 
 That after all I had suffered, their refusal would be so in- 
 defensible that all the world would approve of my bringing 
 the matter finally before them. The first thing, then, to 
 ascertain was, if Miss Gamble would listen to reason, to 
 say nothing of justice. 
 
 I started the 1st of March for London, but was bothered 
 when I got there to learn the sentiments of the lady 
 in Portland-place. Shall I write, or send to her? I 
 
 hesitated to do either. An old acquaintance, Mrs. S , of 
 
 Half-Moon-street, volunteered, in my dilemma, to go, recon- 
 noitre, and report. I accepted ; but the experiment failed, 
 for the nervous old lady shrank from the topic, and there her 
 intervention dropped. I feared to call on Miss Gamble's old 
 friends, though I knew them nearly all, for I supposed they 
 regarded me as a discomfited abductor, and would refuse 
 
 o 
 
 to receive me. I spent the whole of March in seeking 
 to know the new tactics of my old friend, and discovered at 
 last that she had been advised after this fashion. That it was 
 unlikely I could ever recover myself in public opinion. That 
 to have anything to do with me would be to compromise 
 herself, and give me an advantage. That it was better 
 to affect to defy me, which would, no doubt, drive me 
 to abandon the matter in despair. This advice was un-
 
 410 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 feeling and shallow, but Miss Gamble took it, and, there- 
 fore, I turned to look after Mr. Brown. But, first, I t thought 
 it judicious to learn if his Government were inclined to 
 endorse his late conduct, and consequently I addressed a 
 letter to that effect to Mr. Addington, Under-Secretary of 
 State. He replied as follows : 
 
 " Foreign Office, 
 
 "March, 1853. 
 
 " SIR, I have duly received your letter of the 26th inst., in 
 which you mention certain grounds of complaint which yon con- 
 ceive yourself to have against her Majesty's Consul at Genoa, for 
 his conduct in a matter in which you were personally concerned 
 some time since. 
 
 " I beg leave to request that if you feel yourself aggrieved by 
 the proceedings of Mi-. Consul Brown in a sufficient degree to 
 justify an official representation, you will address such representa- 
 tion to her Majesty's Secretary of State. 
 " I am, Sir, 
 
 " Your very obedient servant, 
 
 " H. U. ADDINGTON. 
 " HENRY WIKOFF, ESQ., &c., &c." 
 
 This was perfectly satisfactory. I had occasion, however, to 
 call on Mr. Addington on other business a day or so after this. 
 I took the opportunity to allude again to Mr. Brown's 
 hostility to me at Genoa. His reply was, " I have heard of 
 it don't go into details. Make out your case ; you shall 
 have justice, depend upon it." I bore no grudge against 
 Mr. Brown ; for I am not, as Dr. Johnson says, " a good 
 hater ; " and therefore before appealing to the Foreign 
 Office against him, I thought it only fair to see if he were 
 disposed to do me justice without it. If he will act like a 
 man of good breeding, and express regret for errors when
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 411 
 
 pointed out to him, I will be satisfied and make no complaint 
 to his Government. 
 
 I left London on April 3rd for Genoa, and followed 
 my portmanteau into the famous hotel of the Croix de 
 Malte, for the second time, on the 10th of the same 
 month. The next morning I wended my way to the office 
 of her Britannic Majesty's Consul, whom I had not seen 
 (for sundry reasons) since the eventful morning he had 
 attacked my moral character in the presence of his Worship 
 the President Malaspina. I felt a little apprehension as to 
 the reception I might meet, and I took care not to carry a 
 tooth-pick about me, lest Mr. Brown might give way to 
 his imagination and send me to St. Andrea for an attempt 
 on his life. I entered unannounced lest he might refuse 
 me. There he sat behind a table, with his blue coat buttoned 
 up to the collar as usual, and the identical white hat crown- 
 ing the official edifice as of yore. For stiffness he resembled 
 an Egyptian idol, and he showed no more emotion than one 
 at my siidden entree, whatever he might have felt. 
 
 " Pray excuse my abrupt visit, Mr. Brown," I said, "but I 
 will explain my business in a word. I have been invited by 
 the Foreign Office to lay my case before them, and before I 
 make any complaint against you, sir, I have come to Genoa 
 expressly to see if you are disposed to do me an act of 
 common justice. You declared before the Tribunal last year 
 that I was not in the employ of the British Government. I 
 have my pockets full of documents to prove the contrary. 
 Will you examine them, and if convinced of your error, will 
 you admit it frankly and fairly ? In this case I shall let drop 
 my complaint against you."
 
 412 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 To which Mr. Brown replied as follows 
 
 " I don't care what documents you have ; I shall not look 
 at them. All I know is, that you were tried and condemned. 
 That's enough for me. If you can get over that, why, do it." 
 
 " I shall try, sir," I continued, " since you force me to it. 
 If I can satisfy the public of England and my own country 
 that I was the victim of injustice and foul play, I have no fear 
 but I shall get over the condemnation upon which you take 
 your stand." Whereupon, I bid him respectfully good 
 morning. 
 
 The white hat inclined slightly forward, but its owner 
 spoke not. 
 
 It was evident from this, that at London and Genoa a 
 common understanding had been arranged. Stand by the 
 condemnation ; he never can get over it. Let him sink, and 
 we escape. This was clearly the settled policy of Brown and 
 Co. My readers may suppose that after the vicissitudes of 
 my courtship, and the agonies of my long imprisonment, that 
 the enterprize which now rose before me was disheartening to 
 the last degree. I had to choose between the stigma which 
 rested on my name, or the miserable bribes that had been 
 offered. To remove the one, with God's help, and to spurn 
 the other, did not cost me a moment's hesitation. I set to 
 work on the spot. I passed a month at Genoa, and I soon 
 concluded that it was a good inspiration that brought me 
 there. I made some strange discoveries, little suspected ; 
 but only one of which I will reveal at this time. I met, one 
 day, a person I shall not name at present, and he declared to 
 me, in the presence of several other persons, that before he 
 was examined by the Judge of Instruction, he received
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 413 
 
 repeated visits from M. Graziani, the solicitor of Miss 
 Gamble at Genoa, who endeavoured, by offers not to be mis- 
 taken, to induce him to represent the demeanour of Miss 
 Gamble on the night she slept at the " Iron Crown" Hotel, 
 under my protection, as different from what it really was. 
 
 " The solicitor," this person declared, " wished me to say 
 before the Judge that Miss Gamble had the air of a woman 
 acting under constraint, and as if in fear of you." 
 
 "Well," I asked, in surprise, "what reply did you 
 make?" 
 
 " I replied," said this person, " that it would be a gross 
 falsehood to say so, for the conduct of Miss Gamble on that 
 occasion showed that her confidence in you was unbounded. 
 I declined, therefore, to falsify, however much it might be to 
 my advantage." 
 
 By the laws of Sardinia, the subornation of a witness is a 
 galley offence, and I had only to summon this person to 
 depose before a magistrate, under oath, against the solicitor of 
 Miss Gamble, to send him, first to St. Andrea, and next to 
 the galleys. It would have been an act of just retribution, 
 for it was this same rogue who worked so hard to send me to 
 the galleys. However, I am not vindictive, and I preferred 
 to raise the window, like Uncle Toby, and let the fly escape. 
 As this fact is important, it may be well to adduce additional 
 testimony. I called a few day's later on the party alluded to 
 in company with Dr. Peace, already named in this volume. 
 He was not at home ; but his son, a young man of twenty- 
 five years of age, and engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
 Genoa, received us. As he was familiar with the circum- 
 stances stated, he repeated them to Dr. Pesce, who afterwards
 
 414 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 made an affidavit before the American Consul to the follow- 
 ing effect 
 
 " Genoa, May 6th, 1853. 
 
 " In presence of the United States' Consul, and under oath, I, 
 the undersigned, declare 
 
 "That on Thursday, April 23rd, 1853, in a conversation with 
 
 , son of , I heard him state that his father, previous to 
 
 his examination by the Judge of Instruction, was tempted by M. 
 Graziani, the solicitor of Miss Gamble at Genoa, to dissimulate or 
 change the circumstances which accompanied the lodging of Miss 
 Gamble and Mr. Wikoff at the ' Iron Crown" hotel, Genoa, on the 
 night of November, 15th, 1851, to the advantage of the former; 
 but that his father resisted the offers made to him, and declared his 
 intention when called upon to tell the truth pure and simple. 
 
 "ALEXANDER PESCE, Dr." 
 
 [This is signed and sealed by the United States' Consul in 
 the usual form.] 
 
 I suppress the names of the parties alluded to for this 
 reason. Should this revelation reach Genoa, the indignant 
 Graziani would possibly threaten a prosecution, and the 
 respectable persons in question, to escape trouble and expense 
 in a quarrel not their own, might agree to withdraw the above 
 statements made, I repeat, in presence of several witnesses. 
 This would enable the unscrupulous Graziani and others to 
 attack my credibility. If the crafty solicitor in question 
 considers himself aggrieved, let him make known to the 
 American Consul at Genoa his desire to prosecute me for a 
 libel, and I bind myself to come and meet it, when I can 
 avail myself of the testimony of the persons whose names I 
 withhold, without expense or annoyance to them. I bind 
 myself, also, to bring forward other facts on that occasion
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 415 
 
 equally disgraceful to M. Graziani, the aforesaid solicitor of 
 the aforesaid Genoa. 
 
 During my stay I saw very frequently my old friend the 
 United States' Consul, and I made known to him all the 
 curious disclosures that reached me on every side. He was 
 astonished and shocked ; but he refused to believe that Miss 
 Gamble was a party 'to anything of the kind. I joined him 
 most heartily in his disbelief, and I feel quite sure that she 
 could have had no knowledge of the knavery going on. The 
 night before I left Genoa for the last time (May 12th, 1853,) 
 the Consul, who was in communication, evidently, with Miss 
 Gamble, said to me 
 
 "Miss Gamble deeply regrots all that has occurred. She 
 thinks you have been greatly injured, and are fully entitled to 
 compensation for all your losses and sufferings. Will you, 
 therefore, let me know what sum you will accept for the 
 copyright of the book you intend to publish ? " 
 
 " My dear Consul," I replied, " say to Miss Gamble that 
 the offer to buy my copyright is a more delicate kind of 
 bribery than a direct offer of money, but that her purse is 
 not my object. It is not the damage my pocket has sus- 
 tained, nor yet the wounds inflicted on my heart that cry for 
 redress. Please to inform her that, having been accused 
 and cruelly punished for discreditable acts I never com- 
 mitted, my purpose is to make my innocence known. And 
 say 3 besides, that the esteem of the meanest of my friends 
 is of more value to me than her whole fortune over and 
 over again." 
 
 " But you may change your mind," said the Consul, as we 
 parted.
 
 416 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 " Sooner expect, my dear Consul, the leopard to change 
 his spots ;" and I bid him a final and affectionate adieu. 
 
 I returned forthwith to London, and began the history of 
 " MY COURTSHIP AND ITS CONSEQUENCES." I felt the 
 deepest aversion for Miss Gamble's sake, to bring these 
 delicate details before the public, and I thought it my duty to 
 leave no means untried that might prevent such a result. I 
 never doubted that if any third party would undertake it, that 
 it would be easy to show Miss Gamble how much it was her 
 interest to endorse some statement that, whilst vindicating me, 
 would spare her from annoyance. I wrote to Mrs. Grote, 
 hoping, as she was so well acquainted with the case, she 
 might attempt it. She expressed, in reply, however, her 
 repugnance at doing so. After giving various reasons, she 
 continued 
 
 " In addition to the motives for this determination, founded on 
 considerations personal to myself, I also feel averse to meddling 
 further with the concerns of other persons, especially those of 
 another woman. Your justification will turn upon the indiscretion 
 and indecision of character of Miss Gamble, as set forth in recent 
 communications ; and if I were to enter into these details it would 
 place me in the unpleasant position of 'referee' as it were, which it 
 would give me real uneasiness to assume. You need not be anxious, 
 however, about your position, since your numerous friends offer 
 you their cordial sympathy, and the estimable Mr. Ingersoll (the 
 United States' Minister at London) writes to you in so kindly a 
 
 strain, 
 
 " Very truly yours, 
 
 "HENRIETTA GROTE. 
 " 12, Savile-row, 
 
 " June 26th, 1853." 
 
 In despair at finding any one inclined to reason with Miss 
 Gamble, I continued to write on. During July, I remarked
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 417 
 
 that the old lady already mentioned as having called in 
 
 Portland-place, Mrs. S -, of Half-Moon-street, and in 
 
 whose house I resided, manifested great anxiety I should 
 write to Miss Gamble, saying she was sure it would be 
 followed by some satisfactory event. I did so, and in the 
 most friendly terms ; but, as usual, got no reply. It occurred 
 to me, in August, to draw up a brief preface to my book and 
 print it, in order that Miss Gamble and her friends might see 
 that my motives were justifiable, and not vindictive in taking 
 the step proposed. I hoped, also, that Miss Gamble, on 
 seeing her name again in print, would reflect seriously before 
 driving me to extremities. She took no notice of it what- 
 ever. I sent a copy to Mrs. Grote, and she replied as 
 
 follows 
 
 " 12, Savile-row. 
 
 " The proof announces a temperate exposition of your case, and 
 I trust the sequel may serve to place your conduct in a fairer 
 light before both the American and English public. It is always 
 far more pleasing to me to see you clear yourself from unfavour- 
 able construction than to see your character suffer. My own long 
 intercourse with you naturally leaves a disposition to wish you 
 may succeed in putting yourself right before the world; and I 
 should be sorry to throw any obstacle in the way of such an 
 endeavour. * * * 
 
 " I have not seen Mr. during many months, nor have 
 
 I seen Miss Gamble once. I have already told you that my 
 acquaintance with that lady began and ended in 1851. I do 
 not know if she is in London, or even in England. 
 
 " Wishing that you may render a fair version of your case 
 acceptable to those who have blamed your part in the affair, 
 " I remain, very truly yours, 
 
 " August 18th, 1853." " HENRIETTA GROTE. 
 
 At the end of September I had finished my statement, but 
 p
 
 418 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 I was continally surprised at the extreme interest displayed by 
 
 the aforesaid Mrs. S , who often begged me to read to her 
 
 portions of the MSS. The mystery was at length solved, 
 for she confessed to me one day that she had been in the 
 habit during the summer of visiting Miss Gamble, and 
 advising her to comply with the reasonable proposition I 
 had made. 
 
 " What !" I cried, in astonishment, " has Miss Gamble 
 been receiving you at her house, knowing that I was living at 
 yours ? " 
 
 "She has received me for that reason," replied Mrs. 
 
 S , " and I have given her constant information about 
 
 you." 
 
 " So you have been a sort of spy of Miss Gamble's," I 
 remarked. 
 
 " But only for a good purpose," declared Mrs. S . 
 
 " We have talked it all over and over again. She admits 
 that if she had not loved you she would never have gone so 
 far ; and that you might have married her a hundred 
 times. She confesses she is very culpable, and has often 
 shed tears at what you have suffered." 
 
 "This is very extraordinary," I observed; "but why 
 have you not told me this before?" 
 
 " It is time enough now," answered Mrs. S . " I 
 
 would advise you to go up and see her. All may, then, be 
 settled as you wish." 
 
 " There is no doubt of it," I exclaimed ; "but until I have 
 her permission to call, I will not venture near Portland-place." 
 
 I should acid that these statements were repeated by Mrs. 
 S to several other persons.
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 419 
 
 It was, indeed, an agreeable surprise to learn that Miss 
 Gambled dispositions were so friendly that she had received 
 on several occasions the landlady of my lodgings, manifesting, 
 at the same time, her sense of all the wrongs I had endured. 
 Knowing her variable disposition, I thought it indiscreet to 
 call on her without her open consent. Under these circum- 
 stances, it was suggested to me that Mr. Bates was a very 
 proper person to take the matter in hand, and I wrote to him 
 in October to that effect. I premised by reminding him how 
 much injustice I had undergone, but that I did not seek 
 either satisfaction or compensation ; that vindication, in short, 
 was my only object. To prove that I held materials in my 
 hands to sustain me, I enclosed him several important papers. 
 He replied as follows 
 
 " 8, Bishopsgate-street, 
 
 " 15th November, 1853. 
 
 SIR, On my return to town, after a week's absence, I found 
 your letter, and which I will answer in the course of the week. 
 I return the papers you inclosed, no one having read them but 
 
 myself. 
 
 , "I am, sir, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 HENRY WIKOFF, Esq." " JOSHUA BATES. 
 
 It afforded me extreme gratification to receive this letter 
 from Mr. Bates. I had, naturally, feared his mind was pre- 
 judiced against me by the scandalous publications already 
 mentioned, and that, perhaps, he would not reply to me at all. 
 His letter removed all doubt on this point. It was important 
 in other respects, for as Mr. Bates, from having been the 
 Trustee of Miss .Gamble, was fully acquainted with all that 
 had occurred, it was evident from his renewing correspondence 
 
 p 2
 
 420 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 with me that he thought me unfairly treated. If he had' 
 supposed me guilty of acts to merit the shameful imprison- 
 ment a Genoese Judge had imposed on me, it is certain that 
 a man of Mr. Bates' respectability would have left my appeal 
 unanswered. A few days later I received the letter promised, 
 which was conceived in the kindest spirit, and informing 
 me that he had complied with my request to ascertain the 
 intentions of Miss Gamble. After expressing his friendly 
 dispositions towards me, he added 
 
 " The lady you mention has, as she informs me, come to the- 
 determination of not seeing you. You must, therefore, excuse my 
 further interference in relation to her. I sincerely hope the time 
 may come when circumstances shall be changed. 
 " I remain, sir, 
 
 " Your very obedient servant, 
 
 "JOSHUA BATES." 
 
 Experience and trouble seemed to have no virtue for Miss 
 Gamble, for after all the suffering entailed on herself and 
 others by her instability of conduct, here she was renewing 
 the old game just as if she were disposed to enter anew 
 on a fresh campaign. It was painfully evident that the 
 entire history of my unfortunate relations with her must be 
 given to the public without reserve. 
 
 Before stating positively what part Mr. Bates had taken, as 
 regards his alleged interference with my intended marriage 
 in 1851, I thought it proper to investigate this matter anew. 
 I wrote, therefore, to him in the most amiable tone to ask 
 him to receive the visit of a friend of mine, whom I named, 
 and a person, as Mr. Bates knew, holding a very influential 
 position in London. He replied immediately
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 421 
 
 " 8, Bishopsgate-street, 
 
 " December 1st, 1853. 
 
 " SIR I have received your kind note of the 29th inst., and in 
 reply have to inform you that I am quite willing to see your 
 
 friend, Mr. , here on any day, between eleven and four 
 
 o'clock. If I am out it will only be for a few moments. 
 " I am, sir, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 JOSHUA BATES. 
 " HENRY WIKOFF, Esq." 
 
 Nothing could be more distinct and positive than the reply 
 of Mr. Bates to my friend, whom he assured that he had 
 never in any manner interfered with or opposed my marriage 
 to Miss Gamble. The assertion, then, of Judge Malaspina 
 in his sentence, as shown, is thus directly falsified by the 
 emphatic declaration of Mr. Bates in December last. 
 
 As it was essentially necessary to my story that I should 
 make use of the name of Mrs. Grote, I wrote to ascertain 
 her wishes thereon. She made no objection, as may be seen 
 in her reply 
 
 " 12, Savile-row, 
 
 "January 5th, 1854. 
 
 " I have not replied earlier to your last letter because I have 
 had more to do and more to think of than it was possible for me 
 to get through with. Moreover, in such weather my powers of 
 head-work or writing are at their minimum. * 
 
 " I concluded you were in the United States ere this, not 
 having heard from you, or a whisper as to the result of your 
 tentative, since the day I saw you at my villa, some seven or 
 eight weeks back, I think. 
 
 " I hope, if you do bring my name in, it will not be in a 
 way to be injurious or offensive to me. I do not like the 
 idea of any of my letters being quoted. However, I shall await
 
 422 MY COURTSHIP 
 
 your apologetic publication before I complain of breach of con- 
 fidence. I am glad to hear it will be composed without doing 
 harm to any one ; and if you can get absolved by the public, it 
 will be a proud day for you ! 
 
 I read your article in , but it seems to me too eulogistic 
 
 of Lord . I do not believe that , or any such person, 
 
 is likely to imperil the good understanding which reigns between 
 England and the United States, but you will do well to counter- 
 work the possible harm which the homage paid to such people is 
 calculated to engender. 
 
 " Very truly yours, 
 
 "HENRIETTA GROTE." 
 
 Before I could bring myself to take the decisive step of 
 putting my MSS. in the hands of the printer, to which I felt 
 the most invincible dislike, I forced myself to make another des- 
 perate appeal to Miss Gamble. I wrote to her two or three 
 times in succession, using the mildest language, and making 
 the most earnest and affectionate representations. I offered 
 to take all the blame of past events on myself, and to admit 
 that it was my folly or precipitation which had involved me 
 in so much misery. I expressed the most profound contrition 
 for any pain or vexation I might have caused her, and said 
 if she would give me a chance to redeem my future and spare 
 her further publicity, that I would make any sacrifice she 
 chose to demand. It was in vain that I cried 
 
 " Me, me, adsum qui feci, in me 
 convert! te ferrum." 
 
 I received, as previously, neither reply or message. A 
 stony silence was the sole response to all my pleadings and 
 prayers. More in sorrow than in anger, I committed my 
 eventful story to print ; but when half completed, I sent it to
 
 AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 423 
 
 Miss Gamble, lest she might unhappily think I had been 
 uttering an idle threat. Further than this, I called upon a 
 relative of hers, and one of her chief advisers. I repeated to 
 him, that a statement signed by Miss Gamble and myself 
 would be received by the public as conclusive, and surely she 
 would not hold back if one could be drawn up that, without 
 compromising her, would exonerate me. This person de- 
 manded if I would be content with such a document without 
 publishing it. 
 
 "What would that avail me?" I asked. "Have I not 
 been publicly assailed and traduced, and if my vindication is 
 not made known, I shall live always exposed to the attacks of 
 malice and the stings of calumny ? " 
 
 My task is done. I commit my fate into the hands of the 
 public. I point to the follies of none. I seek not to disguise 
 my own errors. I invoke not the dread censure of the public 
 voice upon any whose acts I have recorded. I pray pardon 
 for myself, if, in carelessness or excitement, I may have over- 
 stepped the bounds of propriety, good taste, or correct feeling. 
 Not seeking, then, the injury or annoyance of any one, I 
 trust that, in the statement I have made, the public will see 
 sufficient to award me exemption from the heavy pains and 
 penalties that pursue the unhappy man whose position, by any 
 chance, has become a false one. 
 
 FINIS.
 
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