*■ ^ 1 'I fDEDICATED to tli. :OUTH«r ENGLAND Uife-, rr^ BY "#3/5% ROWLAND BRADSHAW, HIS STRUGGLES AND ADVENTURES ON THE WAY TO FAME. BY THE AUTHOR OF " RABY RATTLER." (Ct4-^i ,-tVov^^O WITH TWENTY-EIGHT ILLUSIR'AIIONS ON STEEL, BY S. P. FLETCHER. LONDON : SHERWOOD AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW: mdcccxlviii. DIRECTIONS FOR THE BINDER. K/7 7 The Denouement The Race Old Peggy consoles Mrs. Wmdley Bryrant Gow's Humiliation The Philosopher Wildingair Paddy's Politeness The Ford The Sheriff and his Chaplain do combat Lord Wandly recognises Rowland '• And the whistle was made" " 'Twas a cowardly shot" The two Secretaries. <, Lord Wandly and Knurly Pryet The Chartist Meeting The Bail The Bench Mr. Chipster's Pedigree The Gipsey's visit The Chipster Banquet. The Wounded Messenger The Surprise English and Foreign Diplomacy The Election at Frescoth The Secret demanded -. Jack Lout and Rowland Rowland visits the School Adieu . . to face Title, face page 16 31 37 51 62 76 108 120 137 139 150 178 186 224 226 244 256 269 309 320 361 371 379 386 397 427- CONTENTS HAPTEB. PAGE. I. — A Chapter that may be skipped 1 TI. — How Rowland Bradshaw goes on trial to Mr. Windley 6 HI. — A faithful description of the hero 12 IV.— The White Horse bar 19 v.— The Ghosts 27 VI. — Mr. Rowbottom advises Master Bradshaw 31 VIZ. — Rowland cannot avoid becoming the repository of all the family seerets 38 VIII.— A lesson to plagiarists 43 IX. — The philosopher Wildingair 47 X.— The Dantskipp family 54 XL— Parish affairs of Fleigh 62 XII. — A road-side adventure 70 XIII. — Adventure in the " Deluge" 78 XIV.— The landlady's benediction 82 XV.— The boarding-school 84 XVI.— More secrets 88 XVII. — Mr. Rowbottom's notions of things 94 XVIII.— Small Sessions of Frescoth 100 XIX. — Frescoth Riots — Mr. Rowbottom's opinions of tyranny 110 (XX. — A mysterious acquaintance 117 XXI.— The dinner and the battle 121 XXII.— Colonel Dillon consults Lord Wandly 131 XXIII.— The sequel 135 XXIV.— Mrs. Bradshaw's fireside 136 XXV. — Should be read by all young men 142 XXVI.— The two Secretaries 149 XXVII. — Mr. Rowbottom leaves his native town 156 XXVIII.— Great doings at Frescoth 159 XXIX. — A surprise for the reader c 181 XXX.— The Flight 188 XXXI. — Liverpool 189 XXXII.— Tlie Dinner Party at the Fox and Glove 198 XXXIII. — Further doings at the Fox and Glove 202 XXXIV.— The Royal Circus 206 XXXV, — Another spoke in the wheel 214 VI, CONTENTS. CHAPTEB. PAGE. XXXVI.— Bridewell and Breakfast 219 XXXVII. — An old acquaintance and a new friend 232 XXXVIIL— The adventurers consult 234 XXXIX.— The great Chipster is introduced 237 XL.— A retrospect 248 XLI. — Once more in Liverpool 256 XLIL— The grand ball of the Chipsters 260 XLTII.— Our old friend, Mr, Gibbon, arrives 274 XLIV, — Rowland's attainments tested 278 XLV. —Mr. Rowbottom writes to Rowland 281 XLVI.— Rowland's studies 295 XLVII. — Mrs, Bradshaw relates her history 297 XLVIIL— The story continued 319 XLIX. — Two old acquaintances arrive 324 L.— Lord Wandly and Knurly Pryet 330 LI. — The school of Johannes Donna 339 LII. — Mrs. Bradshaw resumes her history 349 LIII. — Mr. Pierre Priappe and Mr. Knurly Pryet 359 LIV, — Johannes Donne and his pupils 363 LV' — Joseph StyiTup surprises Rowland. . . , 367 LVI. — Nomination day at Frescoth 309 LVII. — Rowland journeys to Fleigh 378 LVIIL— Fleigh Vv'hite Horse bar 391 LIX. — Rowland and Mrs. Windley 398 LX. — Rowland departs for London 401 LXL— A tale for Lord Wandly 406 LXII, — Parting opinion of Johannes 412 LXIII,— The denouement 417 LXIV,— The trap 419 With a deep sense of the grievous neglect under which the zealous disciples of literature, science, and art, in this country have still to struggle, the author of the following pages has humbly endeavored to assert their claims to that dignity of position, and those public honors which have too long been exclusively awarded to the hereditary claimant, to the expounder of law, and the professor of war. ROWLAND BRADSHAW; OR, THE AVAY TO FAME. CHAPTER I. A CHAPTER. THAT MAY BK SKIPPED. In a populous and now thriving mauufactural district, situated within ,the immediate influence of its great focus, Manchester, is tlie ancient town of Fleigh. We shall not attempt to give any lengthened descrip- tion of this flourishing place, as to avoid invidiousness will, at all times, be a principal part of our study, in the succeeding pages. And how can we avoid it, if we describe the ancient town of Fleigh .' for were we to say too much about its market place, the height of its cross, the length of its maypole, the size of the principal draper's shop, or, what would still be more dangerous, the size of the principal factory — the length of its main street, the magnitude of the bowling greens, the weight of its heaviest landlord, or the tone of its old church bells, to say nothing of the beauty of its ladies, or the breed of its bull dogs, we should— we know the surrounding spirit well — bring the six adjoining towns with all the horrors of parish strife on the poor Fleighers. Thus we see the danger of saying too much in a neighbourhood where every three miles presents us with a manufacturing population equal to the town of Fleigh, and of a district, toOj where each contends that itself is the principal spoke in the ponderous wheel of which, as wc have already said, Manchester is the nave. Now to say too little of the seat of many of our scenes, would, the cotton and silk trade flourishing as it does at this time, involve us in serious cala- mities, and perhaps incite the Fleighers into a determination to destroy the sale of our labors. As we may not indulge our readers in a description of the tovni of Fleigh, we trust that none of the foregoing reasons will operate against us, if we unfold a page or two of its history. In the first place, then, we had better commciice with the Etymology of its name. And, though we know we are on a very conflicting point, we unhesitatingly assert that the word was originally spelled Flee ; and not — as a recent historian has so pompously asserted — Flea ! We shall not follow him in all his gloomy labyrinths, nor attempt to combat with him the overweening erudition 'of whether the word is derived from Saxon, corrupted by Norman idiom, or whether it is from the Danish 1 2 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. patoia "Flcizli," which siguifies "start," when used, as we should use it, in the imperative. No, instead of all this, we shall give the record, and cnahle the reader to exercise those faculties which have been so abun- dantly supplied to the elaborate topographer of Fleigh. We agree with the above authority so far — indeed we have no means of disproving it, when he says, that where now stands the town pump, with the Latin in- scription shewing it was put there by subscription of a few who recom- mend, in all large towns, the blessing of a good supply of water— the new cast-iron stocks, which have recently displaced the old oaken ones, the two butchers' shambles, the two white Elizabethan-built cottages ; the quarter-sessions room over and the new Mechanics' Institute under, together with the church, its yard, and the two hearses' house — was a mighty castle — a castle of such amazing antiquity that, although our historical friend has given us a most graphic picture of its appearance, as it stood in its latter days, he has not been able, so he confesses, to ascertain its name. Thus we see there has ever been a difficulty about castles, whether in building them in the air, or getting anything like correct data respecting those whose humbler projectors had only founded them on rocks, which we are assured was the case with the one where Fleigh, or nearly so, now stands. But now to the Etymology. Although this black and frowning castle had thrown terror into most of its foes, certainly had been subdued by none, and, as we have seen, withstood with amazing fortitude the subtle attacks of the conquering hero of the scythe-blade himself : yet, we say, although deemed impenetrable to all its foes, it was at last not only taken, but so possessed, that the stoutest heart quaked even at a distant glimpse of its turrets. What then must have been the fear inspired by one peep at its dread owner. This was a temerity that the most besotted rash- ness voluntarily shrank from. And we need not wonder, nor will the reader, when we once uiform him of the host's name. It was no other than our eternal enemy, who has alike despoiled Eden and the old black castle that stood on the spot we have so graphically pointed out. How long this unholy host had possession is not recorded, though most of the devilries of his household are. And it is not unlikely that he might have remained in quiet possession, and his rash senants have still gone on in their old way, but, two jackdaws, who had for half a cen- tury pertained to the castle, found that they could no longer, at least with that comfort and security for their young that well affected parents are accustomed to expect at such times, attend to their brooding seasons ; if indeed to anything else; such were the junketings and infernal noises heard all over their abode, and that, too, at a time when every other well regulated household is the quietest ; we need not perhaps add night. This, to a people like the daws, who had to be up early, not only to earn their daily worms, but to pick up somethmg of a more delicate texture for their unconscious little ones in the castle louvres, was truly unendurable. It fell to the lot of this discreet couple to act as sentinels to a number of their brethren who were on a slight predatory excursion, and, for the better reconnoitring of the country, they took their perch upon a clump of amazingly lofty beech trees. They had scarcely ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. Chattered over their discontents, when, to their surprise, and indeed much to their dismay, they beheld, exactly under them, a kneeling figure. They both sprang up about a yard from their perch, as at the first glance they mistook the kncelcr's long staff and some small sticks that lay by his side, for a stout bow with ])lenty of arrows. They were soon convinced of their mistake, and as soon blessed themselves, when they discovered the stranger to be a holy father, instead of, what their first fears painteas. Then did the old lady feel much relieved ; the rum had comforted her, as the tale had satisfied her conscience. Jane was run away with ; of course, it was dark when she went ; her eyes were getting weaker — a mistake only as to the man — the more__ thankful then Mrs. Windley ought to be. A drop more rum, and the old lady bethought her it was Wednesday, and she must attend morning prayers, or not expect either flannel or coal in the ensuing winter. CHAPTER VI. MR. ROWBOTTOM ADVISES MASTER BRABSHAVV. We think it but reasonable that we should, now, turn to the new apprentice ; as we but left him in an awkward predicament, and that, too, in a strange house. Had he slept the first night of his novitiate under his master's roof, it would have been new, but in that of Mr. Rowbottom's, it was both new and strange. Rowland had every attention that the family surgeon and Mr. Row- bottom's kind-hearted sister could afford him ; not without a hundred murmurings on the part of the latter, such as " Had ever sister such a brother ? What could have induced Robert, to such an act of impru- dence. The boy — bless and save us, to go— and a stranger, and — but 32 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. I am sure Robert had some hand in all this — oh, my dear young friend, don't tell me about his saving your life — he would not have done that, if he had not first endangered it. I certainly will leave his house ; and you, sir, are too ill to eat a mouthful. I should not be at all surprised, if you have taken a cold, that may cause a cough, which may engender a decline ; — had ever sister — but 1 will go to sister John's ; let him manage his — oh — you what — how dare you?" said the lady, trying to get her breath, and the best blow she coidd, at the very subject of her anathemas, as that very subject itself, was just releasing her from a strong grasp, and a still more forcible kiss. " If I had not made up my mind before, I have now ; — don't think of getting oiat of it that way. The poor boy might have been drowned — ay, sure to laugh — you would if you were sitting upon barrels of gunpowder." " Not at your entrance." "Why, sir?" " Because I should expect a good hlowing-up .'" " Some careless person had left the hall door open, and I found there a pertinacious jew-pedlar, who would insist upon opening his case," said the lady. " Then, my dear, I hope you replied^ " — Bored me beyond endurance to purchase something." " No doubt, a pair of ear-rings," " One pun more, and on my honor — oh, you look beautifully this morning — ." " Why, my dear, I know I do ; It was through taking my breakfast fasting." " Almost a pun, you will — you think you can joke me out of it, sir !" " I never was more serious ; — I took it before, instead of after, your scolding ; as my fast, you know, is generally broken by that." " I will go to my sister John's," said the lady, with great despera- tion — rising to quit the room. " Don't, for when I saw you go into the green-house this morning, for all your scoldings, I could not help saying, ' there is my garden angel." " Here is poor Mr. French writes, that he is so reduced, he is obliged to live in a court," continued the lady " No wonder, my dear, since he is now an old man, and was ever so fond of J mo /" " I will go to my sister John's." " If jokes send you thither, may not coax bring you back ; and since you journey both ways by rail, why al-ways be railing here?" and the lady left the room. " Ha ! ha ! best in the world ; but I wanted to say a word to you before yo\i went," said Mr. Rowbottom to the somewhat pale-faced Master Bradshaw ; " give me your hand, I am heartily sorry for the trick, and you must pardon it. It was wrong, but will be of use to you ; you will understand the thing, should any one else try it on ; and that they are sure to do here, for you must know, that this is the metropolis of practical joking. It was a wrong act." " Do not name it, sir." ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 33 " But I must name it. I almost tlunk my genius for fbolery was a little on the rampant, yesterday. I shall go with you to your mistress, for I have some muddled recollections of playing her some — but she is used to jokes, else it was too bad ; I must drop it. Now, mark ; your master is a decent fellow, honorable, and, I have no doubt, will do his best for you. One thing, I have to observe ; your business you will learn in less time than he and his numskulls take to keep it from you ; learning a mere trade is little to most, to the intelligent, when young, nothing ; but study him, and most of his acquaintance, and imitate closely, the reverse of them all. I have some thoughts of doing it myself — I am getting tired of the fool. I find, instead of pursuing folly, I am a leader ; the head of a school. And it must ever be so, when men, at my age, play the pranks of boyhood, it admits of no wonder that sedateness should say the world is getting more absurd. I was told yesterday, that a young ass, now at Oxford, was 'plucked' for his 'little go,' and, his father hearing of it, at once said, 'that all comes of being a friend of Rowbottom's ;' and yet I am not aware I ever met him more than half a dozen times. Another fellow broke his neck in riding a steeple chase! — 'all through imitating Rowbottom of Fleigh — ' another ran away with — but it must be so, the head of a school always shares the infamy of his pupils ; — their successes are divided by ev^ry member of his own family; even to the great aunts. I'll drop it, and do you never begin it. My task, however, is a thousand times harder than yours. Well, coarse parents have often lovely issue, as the ten- derest sympathies have derived their forms from the greatest dangers. Our being three parts drowned together, may cause us to think, if not to feel, a strong interest in each other the rest of our lives. I shall keep an eye upon you, though we must have none upon us. I do not wish you so ill as that the world should think me your friend. Wait till I dress, get scolded by my sister, another bottle of soda water, and I am with you." And the magnificent Rowbottom left the room. "What," thought Rowland, when alone, "can such a splendid man as that have regrets? —speak in softening words of sorrow; shook me by the hand, as though an equal ; sorrow in such a bosom ! regrets and pains, in this splendid mansion ! nay, loneliness ; speaks and seems, as I always do when absent from — God bless her, not twenty hours since I left her — but she must never know :" and then Rowland found time to do that which he had felt several powerful incentives to before ; he wept, but was prepared with his handkerchief to prevent a surprise. "I don't know about sympathies, but I am certain that I can never love any man, in this world, so well as" — the man who just entered the room. " Now," said Mr. Rowbottom, " let us go." They did so, and, arriving at the senior gentleman's tailor's, Mr. Rowbottom asked Mr. Bradshaw to step in ; they did, nor did they step out, until the inviter caused the invited, to go through a process that, the proprietor of the establishment asserted, was, at all times necessary, to such as were wishful to dignify the promenades of Fleigh, adorned by his unerring cuts. Mr. Bradshaw was bewildered at this act of his patron, and looked at Mr. Rowbottom, whilst in measuring, with as much astonishment, as the artist's assistant did, at the proportions he was writing. Mr. 34 ROWLAND lUlADSHAW, llowbottom perceived there was going to be a epeecli, and so thougiit he would mahe one too ; did so, got the start, and concluded by ol)- serving, that he could not do less than replace the suit he had caused to be spoiled. They soon arrived at the paint shop ; and as soon discovered, that their arrival was not to be welcomed, either by the proprietor, or his help-mate. Mr. Rowbottom saw the state of things, and instructed the nurse of Miss Windley to inform her mistress, that the gentleman who stood in the relative of master to the first, loving husband to the last, and tender papa to the middle one, was gone, on particular business, to Manchester, and, would not be at home until the evening. "Although I cause seme pain to the wife, it will be for both their good in the end." And then Mr. Rowbottom went to see the state of affairs at the White Horse. Rowland had scarcely got on his working attire, when the foreman asked him if he thought he could manage to write a cart-tin. Singularly enough, the name was precisely that of his own, but not the vocation — " Rowland Bradshaw, ass-cart driver. No. 3." Rowland said he thought he could effect it ; took up a short camel-hair pencil, and, after about two hours' care, concluded his task. The foreman was in raptures ! the three apprentices said that they should never make another attempt. Now, if Master Bradshaw had only paid a modicum of that attention to those around him, which he devoted to the highly-praised performance before him, he would have seen some of the funniest gesticulations he had ever witnessed. These progressive manifestations, which, as we have seen, finally heightened into a burst of admiration, consisted of slight pinches of each other's trowsers ; dropphig the under jaw, and, then, letting the upper follow the example, as Rowland made his down- strokes ; and, then, reversing the phenomena, as he did the up-strokes. Then, if one letter was a little too far off its neighbor, they all four leaned the same way ; should the next be too near, again, the gentlemen bent themselves to the left. Now, all their mouths are wide open ; a suddenish turn by the artist, and, they are as quickly closed. Sudden, however, as the last part of the performance was effected, Rowland imagined he twigged a something, which he did not exactly understand, but was resolved to improve that faculty which, it is said, is of great use to those who would have any understanding at all. He had no other chance of its immediate exercise ; but, when he found his performance was to be nailed up in the shop, just, as they said, as a specimen of what one of its members could perform, he began to think, that the preceding day's humorous lesson, as well as the admonition he had so recently received from Mr. Rowbottom, had not much sharpened the angle of his natural obtusity. He promised himself, though, that he would try to make them of use. For this prudent purpose, he walked out and, rather suddenly, returned ; when, to his satisfaction, he found his fellow-apprentices industriously exhibiting his specimen, to about half-a-score of gentlemen, of something like their own age and appearance. They appeared to be as intent upon the in- spection, as Mr. Bradshaw had been upon the writing ; for he fairly walked behind them all — heard most of tlieir friendly criticisms, without either being seen, or suspected. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 35 Tlie youngest apprentice, that is the one immediatley older than our hero, was in the act of naihng the tin up ; when Master Bradshaw said: — " Pray, Master Gow — Mr. Bryant Gow is your name, is it not ?" " Heather." " What may be your motives for nailing up that name ? when I thought it was to be put on a cart shaft ! — wrote it on purpose." " Ass-cart's ?" " Ass- cart's." " Oh, it's too good," answered Mr. Bryant Gow, "it's more fitter to ornament an ass's forehead on the first of May ; or decorate the shop, so I shall put it up." " May be so ; but if you do, I shall put you down 5 so drop it. Sir Oub ; or I flatten your thick Ups ! your nose is level enough already," said Rowland. Now Master Bradshaw knew from school experience that there is nothing like tackling a big one, if you wish to be respected in a commu- nity wherein you are destined to figure. In this case Rowland had rather been greedy ; for, although, the young gentleman of the cart-tin, was but a couple of years older than the threatener, he was fairly half as heavy again. It is true he was rather loutish, and, certamly, a])peared a nice mark for a good marksman. However, the threat appeared, to all the bystanders, as monstrous; for, all the "bravos!" were given with that sort of happy humor, which we generally see, when a very tiny dandy-cock has a running flirt at a gentleman of the game-school, of three times his proportions. These little jokes, however, did not deter the disgraced painter ; he knew, as we have said, that you lose no caste, even if defeated by one that is much above your match ; whilst, on the other side, it is but equivocal glory to worst one less ; or even your own size. He was resolved to shew such portions of the youth of Fleigh, as happened to be there and then present, that, if he could not beat one half as big-again as himself, he would be an av/kward customer to one of his own age and dimensions. Master Gow, at once, received the challenge, and, since he seemed quite willing, — or, rather, since he said he was, it would be bad taste, on the part of his friends, to dissuade him from the purchase of such cheap glory. Mr. Gow, however, when he saw the steady preparation of his slimpy, but well-rounded opponent, asked " what mester would say, when he coom home :" his friends all said, " never mind what he says, it'll soon be o'er." Then, Mr. Gow, all at once, remembered that he had not his " purring" clogs. This was confessed to be a difficulty; at last, one, rejoicingly, pulled out the study for the large clog on the sign ; but, then, there was no fellow, besides, it was not shod, so, clearl}^ was not a war-clog like those that Mr. Gow had left at home, and which, having been made for the express purpose, had a pound of iron on each ! — what was to be done ? All this Mr. Bradshaw did not imderstand, and said he should not fight upon the Lancashire kicking-principle. Then the other said, and said it in a liurry, that he should " feight no other wav." 36 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. "Oh," said Rowland, "you may kick, if you like, and have the largest pair of clogs on to be found in Fleigh : all I have to say is, that I shall not kick — that's all." "Oh, oh, cum, cum," said the bystanders, "that's fair, at aw events ; thee cannot get off that, Bryant." So away one of the speakers ran, and soon returned, with a pair five pounds weight ; and told them all, that they had smashed some scores of skulls during their time ; that they had caused three coroners' inquests, and were, altogether, as reputed a pair of clogs, as any in the confluent parishes. They all went into the croft we have seen the race in, for fear of smashing any more glass ; and, to give Bryant more room for his running kicks ; as he said to his second, that if he could only manage to give the young divil a run-bar pur, of abeaut six yards, ; and manage to catch him a little bit under th' nable, he thought it might make Mr. Bradshaw sick ; " and, then, if he goes deaun, one smeller upon his een, another or two at th' back of his yed, and aw think he'll caw me ' Sur Cub,' no moor." Mr. Bryant's friends agreed that it would be a sufficient dose ; and, now, they are on the sod ; Mr. Bryant strips to the skin, upwards; but carefully adds the ponderous clogs, downwards. Mr. Bradshaw simply took of his coat and stock — rolled up his shirt sleeves, and, then, down his shirt collar. He then carefully took off his trowser-straps — put them into his pocket — walked up to his opponent, and put out his hand to shake hands, "What, doesn't mean t' feight, then, after aw?" asked the massive Bryant. "Oh, yes, but let us shake hands — we may never have another opportunity !" "What for?" " Because, when ever I fight, I always have killing in !" "Oh, the divil thee has ; then I'llhavenout do with thee; I shouldn't like to have to face my Maker, yet, nor thy mother, if I kilt thee;" and Bryant began to shake with horror at the mere thought : " wee'n a big family aw fort' go eh black, now, now, a black eye or so, or cracked rib, on thy part, or so ; or even thy neck put eaut, on thy part, or so ; I shouldn't a minded, but no buns, hot ale and rosemary!" And, then, Bryant began putting on his shirt. " Hollo ! hollo !" said Rowland, "we must not drop it in that way ; we are out, stripped, and you are clogged ; and I am resolved to murder or be butchered ; where I was brought up, it was death or nothing ! but, then, we made it up not to prosecute ; so now for it !" " Oh ! oh !" said the bystanders, and two or three of the more hiowing ones crept slily away, as, they said, they had no wish, either to be witnesses, or principals, at the next assizes. Nay, he that had borrowed the clogs, verily insisted that they were given up, and almost tore them off the feet of the paralysed glazier. Still, militant, stood the slight, straight figure of Rowland ; still, rampant, or what was more fearful, still, cool in his determination to kill or be slain, before he quitted the smooth grass on which he stood. The other said he would not feight him for the world and aw it had in f/^yV^^^/ — ^ y /Ht ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 37 it. " Then," said Bradsliaw, " on your knees, before you put a rag ou your dastardly shoulders, ask my pardon for what you have done; or else, coward, give your master orders for the best leaden coffin he ever made!" " I will :" said the other, and down he dropped. " Say word for word after me — I, Bryant Gow" "' I, Bryant' — by Gew here's nice work — ' I, Bryant Gow — '" " Keep your hands up together, as though you were saying your prayers ; — humbly beg your pardon, and will never insult you again." " Not unless they'll leave killing out, if we han to feight abeaut it — 'I do humbly beg pardon' — a dang'd shame I should, the ouder 'prentice — has fort' teach thee thy business— eh — 'humbly beg pardon.'" " Why, in the name of all Hariy Windley's apprentice lads, what is all this about," demanded a strange voice, and one, that eAidently pro- ceeded from some gentlemen, who had come up unperceivedly. "What does it mean?" asked Mr. Bradshaw, rather hurriedly, at the same time turning from his victim to the demandant. " It means — it means, Mr. Rowbottom, this fellow has grievously insulted me, and so I am making him ask pardon — on his knees as you see !" " See ! I do," said Mr. Robert Rowbottom. " See !" said Mr. Joseph Styrrup and the other member of the Fleigh trio — " see, who can help seeing." " And have you been asking pardon, on your knees, Bryant, from one, two-thirds your size ?" demanded the first enquirist. " Ay, am dang'd if I havn't, and dang'd glad to get out that way. — Hat-bands and scarfs, alone, in a big family like eaurs, is no joke. Coffin, hearse, hot ale, buns, rosemary, th' parson's gloves and scarf, my two sisters gooing to be wed — shearing time on — my soul unpre- pared — twelve miles off whom — aw think aw geet devilish well out on' t, Mester Rowbottom." "Out of what — what does it all mean?" "It meauns this, these two yeauths coom eaut to feight," said one of the lookers on, "and this yeauth, here, said he wouldn't feight unless killing was in ; and Bryant was no sich a foo ; and so, Mester Robert, he thought it was better to ax his pardon, than be carried back to th' shop on a shutter : — and aw think so too — th' tother would ne'er ha bin so anxious to have killin in, unless he'd some way a doin it." "Thee'rt reet there," said all the bystanders, save the gentlemen who last arrived. " Then, that was the way ?" looked Mr. Rowbottom, to the now dressed Mr. Bradshaw ; " that was the loay, was it?" " Ye-s," quietly said the other, " better than fighting — I hope you will think so." "I do, I do," musingly observed Mr. Rowbottom; "what d'ye think of that?" asked he of the other two gentlemen; and he asked it with a sort of an approving twitch of the upper lip. " Slap," said they. " Give me your hand — what was it all about ?" Rowland told him, and added, that he thought he should be unworthy of the caution given him that morning, by Mr. Rowbottom, if he allowed himself to be Fleighed any more. Mr. Rowbottom laughed, and so did his friends, wished him good day, and said " there was no fear." CHArTER VII. fiOWLAND CANNOT AVOID BECOMING THE REPOSITORY OF ALL THE FAMILY SECRETS. We have no record, nor, we trust, will our readers require one, of the time and method of Mr. Windley's return to the bosom of his family, and the control of his graceless apprentice lads. Neither, of the reception with Mrs. Windley ; nor, do we know of the remarks of her relations, servant girl, and the charwoman. Returned he was, and all his movements were marked with that bustle and energy, which drunk- enness ever shews when on a desperate fit of sobriety. He was a little cross, and Rowland thought he could not do better, during the breakfast half-hour, or, rather, whilst that grateful meal was in preparing, than to see the effects the rising sun would produce on his master's noble performance — the sign. For this purpose, he went, and reared himself against a waggon wheel opposite. The sun shone fiercely, and the gold twinkled again. The marbles and different gay woods, which were so admirably grained, almost oveq)owered each other, and, certainly, at times, seemed to vie with the gold letters and raisings, themselves. It was a mass of grandeur, effulgent, and, at least, equal to the umbellated glories of a sun-flower. Mr. Bradshaw was busy conning its beauties, when a youth, evidently of the student genus, came up to the admiring pupil of Mr. Windley, and, seeing his centre of attraction, said ; *' young man, I think that sign forms, to you, a mental parallax." The young painter gaped, " you think it a rising sun ?" '• Come," thought Rowland, " I will let him see, I can pursue a metaphor as well as he — rising," said Rowland, " I think it up." " Which shews you are not ; tell your master, that whatever he and his wife think — ('prentice lads are not presumed to think about any- thing but their thick-porridge) it is not yet at the horizon, and never will be only to those who get upon Rivington-hill, to watch its aspirings : I grant, it may look far off at a distance, or splendid to yon bull- headed fly, that seems, so industriously to be adding to the beauty of the crippied R.'s leg ; — but I see no reason why you should be blocking up the way, with your mouth wide open, unless you think of swallo\^ing him, when he has done !" and the slender young gentleman walked on. Mr. Windley was ever jealous of his performance ; what author is not ? and, thinking the slender youth was bestowing the most fasci- nating praise upon his sign, beckoned Rowland to him, and, with the modesty of a man of genius, asked what they had been talking about ? " Oh — about the sign — fofh !" for Rowland was rather hot. "What did he think? — seemed a niceish chap — of course, no judge ROWLAND BllADSITAW. 39 in a tiling of that sort, but, I suppose, he would say something — will talk !" " Ye-s — that is, y-es— he said, it was a mental parallax!" Rowland still wiped his brow. " The devil he did !— come, that's grand, that, I apprehend, is the greatest praise it has ever had. Yo must tell your mistress that ; mind, and tell it Rowbottom and Joe Styrrup, when I'm not present. I always knew it was good, but certainly never thought it classical before. Come in to breakfast ; I thought he looked a clever chap. If you should see him go past again, find out who he is ; shew him a section of my force-pump ; parallhax ! I tell you what; ax him to tea, on your own account, and I'll come in — and, then, he can see me. And, after a time, I will be quite familiar — mental — by Gew ! — Parallhax — come." Well, they went into breakfast; and someway or other, Rowland seemed to have a most unaccountable desire to look at the ornaments round the oven door ; he eyed them over, and over again ; and, at last, went into the parlor, for a book, he had either left, or supposed he had; and, then, began poring over the bracket of the little fire-grate. He was just taking a nearer view, when his master seized him by the collar; his hands trembling, his face white, and his lips delicately tinged with blue : which appearances have ever been deemed unerring criteria of people being under the unpleasant influence of that vicious gentleman — Rage. "I thought, villain, what yo was after!" " Sir?" demanded the greatly-startled apprentice. "It's not the first time I have catched yo at this, young man ; and, now, I'll have it out — what was yo looking at th' oven door for, eh ? You never had your eyes off it ; and now I catch yo at th' parlor grate ; out with it. AVhat are yo looking at the grate for?" "Oh!" " Come, sirrah, and th' oven? I suppose you smoked something, eh?" "What, in the oven?" "Or i'th' parlor grate — the bracket ?" " Well, sir, don't be angry, I was not aware there could be any harm, but, I certainly thought there was some similarity between the bracket of the sign, and the one of the grate : — of the border of the sign and — " " That of the oven door ! did you. Sir Scamp ?" and, now, Mr. Windley's face was as red as the rose held by his wife's portrait. " And, I suppose, all Fleigh and the six adjoining parishes will know all about it, in a damn'd deal less time than they will about the mental par — parrall — hax !" " Oh, pardon me — what harm if they did ?— but it is impos — " "What harm?— where would be th' originality of its copy? Why, I should be ruined — I wouldn't, for five hundred, it should get into th' Manchester papers —mental parallhax ! I should be called oven-door and parlor-grate as long as I lived." And Mr. Windley looked as if he was going to complain of a broken heart. Rowland saw the extreme pain, the discovery had given him, so, at once, put out his hand, theatrically, slapped his white waistcoat, and said, that death itself should not wrench it from there. 40 KOWLAND ERADSHAW. The master seized the hand, eagerly, but looked at his pupil, as though he would say — "Is there no way of preventing a similar discovery?" "Perhaps, the best plan would be," mused Rowland, "to takeoff the bracket from the grate — " " And smash the oven door !" followed his master, in desperation. " There is three master-painters in this neighbourhood, would not mind spending a hundred a-piece, to make it known. Yo go to work at the bracket, and I'll soon fettle the oven door !" This was a pamful secret, and, perhaps, there is nothing more dan- gerous than the possession of fatal facts. To the ingenuous mind of our hero, it appeared nothing, but, to the master, everything. So much did the fear of detection haunt the heart of the sign painter, that, by a singular stratagem of torture, he actually insisted that Rowland should, under some vague pretence or other, go to half the houses in Fleigh, to see if there were any more oven-doors or parlor-grate brackets, of the same pattern as the destroyed ones. There were /om?- ; and scores were the restless hours, as to whether it would be best, to let the sign/«// down and be smashed to a thousand shivers, or bribe the servant girls, where they were, to crack, past all chance of repair, the horrid oven- doors. Rowland could not well get iato the parlors, or, perhaps, there mi2;ht be grate brackets also ; and Mr. Windley felt the pangs that all plagiarists must ever do. Talking of bushes resembling officers to naughty people ; why, there is not an old crumbling book-stall, or fusty library — a bit of butter or bacon paper, if printed, but will palpitate the literary thief. Mr. Windley wished lie had not done it — or, at least, had been more sly over it — but it had gone to the world. All Fleigh had luxuriated in the fact of his being their townsman — he must live, or die, by the consequence. Luck, of either description, it is said, is never retailed, and so it would seem ; for Mrs. Windley, to dissipate any scandalisms that might be floating about the atmosphere of Fleigh, through the reports of the previous morning's visitor ; resolved that her husband should, with almost the care of their bridal morn, dress himself, and take her arm through two or three of the principal shops, in the principal streets of Fleigh. However trifling the purchase, it would show they were fully as happy as in their courting days ; and, that, if any abduction had taken place of the White Horse bar-maid, it was likely to be some other gentleman, save the one that was so tenderly conducting her up, and still higher up, the parades of Fleigh. Nor was this all ; — Mrs.Windley had caused her sister to invite them to tea, and — tortvire, to poor Harry, we mean supper. For, although the attentive husband of Mrs. Windley was saying knowing things, and eating tart and toasted cheese, his heart, and the rest, were in the White-Horse bar ; such is habit. He winked to his wife to break up the affair as soon as she could ; pre- tending he wanted to go home, as the men were working late. Of course, their departure was permitted, and the happy couple walked with that delight, we ever experience, when strolling — star and moon gazing with those we love. Mrs. Windley had never felt so happy in her husband's company before, nor he in hers ; a thousand little ROWLAND CRADSHAW. 41 promises of happiness were asked, and given to each other ; but, at last, ji st as they reached the White Horse, or, rather, the loud laugh that resounded from the select bar-window, one was asked that seemed a poser ; and which was, that the lady would step her way home herself, whilst Mr. Windley promised to pursue a similar process, until he got into the White- Horse bar. The wife miffed, sniffed— said she saw her heart was to be broke, hut, at once, remembered her marriage vow, and obeyed it, on the present occasion. Now, it has been said by many very old ladies ; and the older, and the homelier the better — for philosophy; whatever the young ladies or their brothers may say, that many events in life, which have given heart-sicks and other unpleasant pains at the time, have, eventu- ally, turned out to be of the greatest benefit and use after, and, hence, they argue — like poor old women, no doubt — that we should not be too declamatory in our grief; too soon cast down by apparent evils, nor too exultant at seeming joys ; for these old ladies have lived, which the young ones may not, to see joyful resurrections from the first, and eternal heart- sores from the last. Something, like this, happened to the obedient Mrs. Windley ; for, just as she approached her dwelling, she heard the distinctive rebuke of little Miss Windley against her mamma, for not having, in readiness, that solace which Miss Windley's mamma would have had, had she been at home. This did not surprise her, but the appearance of her darling's nurse, not only did, but made her thank the unknown being who had caused Mr. Windley to drop into the White-Horse bar, instead of the kitchen, in which sat the dissatisfied Miss Windley and nurse. Mamma ran to dear baby, and, as she thought, to its soothing supporter, but, guess her surprise, when, instead of Susan, it was Master Rowland, who was trying a series of the most tender comfortings to the little bereaved one. She soon eased him of his care, but nearly fainted, when she saw his appearance. " Gracious me ! Rowland, what are you doing with my lappets, and those strings under — " " Oh, the fact is, Susan is gone out ; I tried every way to soothe Jane Maria, but she cried the more. I went into the parlor, and, by good luck, saw these curls and cap, and so I put them on to deceive her : thinking, perhaps, she might imagine her mamma had returned." Again Mrs. Windley felt a most powerful inclination to topple off the chair. " Oh, but what is that big bunch of ribbons pinned at the back of your head for ?" " Oh, that. Madam ; that was to imitate your splendid head of hair !" " Oh, go and find Susan — r-un !" And Rowland did as his mistress desired, whilst she dropped the tender pledge into the swing cradle; and, with some adroitness, avoided placing herself in a parallel position with her infant ; the cradle and the kitchen floor forming the only difference of their resting places. It was long ere poor Mrs. Windley might be said to be able to think ; and longer, before the most crude thought could meet with anything like intelligible utterance. As soon as she was capable of giving some- 42 r.OWLAND BRADSHAW. thing like suitable arrangement to it, even for soliloquy, she said " Oh I I am ruined ! -whatever could I be thinking on to leave m-y my curls in such a place : — but I have bin so distracted about Jane White-horse, that I have not known what I was doin' ; and now, yon monkey has found out what Henry never suspected, though we have bin married goin' in two years ; and Henry always said, both before and after marriage, that if he'd a wife, as had anything false about her, he'd deforce her. I never heard him say it, but my heart beat in my breast, like a little throstle in a big cage. It's all o'er now; ever since I'd the fever, I have bin obliged to wear false hair, back and before. That big bunch of ribbons, shews that the young monster has fund it out. I'll get my sister here, to-morrow, to pump him ; — now, if he should also know that I have two false peggies, although they cost six guineas at Manchester — ob! I'm ruined; — what a blessing Henry didn't come home with me, or else, he would have fund it out too. Heaven's mercy, spare my teeth ! It's too late, or I certainly would have gone and ask't the old conjuror, whether a man can put by his wife, for having false hair, when married, and not telling. Oh ! you're come back, Rowland — I must be civil with the lad, but, the Lord knows, I shall never see him again, without my poor heart — you may go to bed, Rowland — whatever made you think about puttin' my cap on ?" " Oh, when at home, I often put ma — mother's on !" "And curls?" simpered Mrs. Windley, as feelerishly as possible — " perhaps plaits ?" " N— ay, I think not, I think mother does not wear them." " Wliat ! why every respectable woman does — my great grandmother kept her carriage, and wore them to her dying day." " I think I have heard mother say, she once was obliged to wear a regular wig, for a time, through the fever — " *' A-fore — afore, or after she was married ?" asked poor Mrs. Windley, a little hysterically, " Oh — I do not know ; but, I imagine, before ; she said she had to be so sly about it — but, she used to say, those things are sure to come out— so it is better not to keep them secret at all." " Go to bed, Rowland — I am a deforced woman, unless I can get him to keep it a secret. I'll call him back — Rowland," said Mrs. Windley, throwing herself down on her knecs^" Rowland, I'm a heart-broke woman, unless you promise never to unclose my secret !" " What secret ?" exclaimed the astounded apprentice, as he viewed the earnestness of his mistress — "in Heaven's name, what secret?" " My wearing false — I, like your poor mother, once had the fever — and had to wear — but, of course, you found that out ; but how cruel to imitate me to my own tender babby, when your own mother, once, had to wear a wig too. If you go and tell, I'll lift up the pump flag, I will ; and you will be the cause of it, ten yards deep ; will you keep it unclosed ?" "What, whilst you are in the well? — oh, think — " " No, my dreadful, dreadful secret ?" " I'll keep it for ever," said Rowland. ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 43 " Go to bed, Rowland, and after you have said the ' I belief,' pray an odd ten minutes or so— that I may never have occasion, when thinking of you, but I may say, ' I belief he'll keep what he has promised !'" CHAPTER VIII. A LESSON TO PLAGIARISTS. No doubt the honest reader must feel a little indignant at the ridicu- lous apprehensions of Mr, Windley and lady, and, perhaps, a little bit snappish at us, for trying to impose upon his understanding. We say his, because, had we said hei; we should have made a lamentable blunder, as the Pythoness of one of nature's oracles. No, no, her would not complain at all, at least, of the apprehension of the lady. There is none of our fair perusers, but will admit that the last scene, is one of the choicest bits of nature we have yet been able to bring before her. We shall not apologize to her then. The case is different, perhaps, to our mascuUne critics. They will, at once, assert that Mr. Windley was a very stupid, if not, a very pusillanimous fellow, to be afraid of any such discovery, as that which the oven door and grate bracket could make. Why, probably, he is, to a gentleman that lives a hundred iniles off Fleigh, or to one that lives in it, if he has never had the ambition to become a public man. But, if he has, we ask him, are there no little, very little things, that he would very much fear being printed at the bottom of his speech ; or, if he be an artist, like Mr. Windley, would he like every plate in his portfolio, exhibited beside the picture, that all his friends say is to have the prize. We think not. To our elder readers, we shall presume to offer very little advice, at any time ; but, to our young ones, and for those more particularly were our labors undertaken — we shall say, pause a little, and offer no opinion, until, at least, you have ventured at such great efforts for eminence, as those of Mr. Windley' s. " Rowland," said his master, at the same time calUng our hero out of the shop, in a great hurry. "Yes sir." " Just look ; yon's a chap taking a sketch of th' sign ; — now I'd give five pounds to know whether it's to nnitate some part of it— just nailing an idea ; or to see whether the border, or the bracket agrees with something he's seen. I'd give five shillings just to see his mother's parlor-grate, or oven door : or, by George, he may see something of th' sort where he goes a cour tin — what d'ye think ?" " Impossible to say. I'll run round, and get a chat with him." Rowland soon effected his promise, and, much to the satisfaction of his master, who saw the stranger and him evidently in close conversation. 44 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. A quarter of an hour elapsed, still they were at it. Mr. "Windley could not bear the torture of suspense any longer, so despatched Biyant Gow, to listen to what the pair were saying : and, in the meantime, sought out a small crow-bar, took it up into his bed-room, lifted the sash, and made ready, (should the intelligence be, what he most dreaded, a dis- closure of the fatal secret) slily to prize it from the tightened embrace of the wall-hooks ; those hooks which had been made doubly strong, lest corrosion might cause them to cede to obhvion an epoch of Fleigh, whilst it was clear, that but for such laxity, it might be reserved in its annals ; if not actually filed in its archives. Mrs. Windley, seeing her husband's wild manner, was suffering still greater torture than her unfortunate partner ; she saw he was in a similar state of mind to the stolen-property purchaser, when he has heard of a warrant being granted for the searching of his house. She saw this, but she felt exactly like one that was going to have her private drawers smashed open, or crow-barred, by a jealous husband, who was anxious to have a peep, although that peep might be, as a peep generally is to jealous husbands, fatal to the peace of three gene- rations. Mrs. Windley was determined to watch her first love and cousin, and try to prevent the breaking open of her bureau ; and, if she could not succeed in this, she was resolved to succeed in giving a scream, that might disturb all that locality of Fleigh, if her husband should attempt to hang himself, or make the melancholy discovery. Mr. Windley looked fearfully pale, and most steadily at the crow- bar ; then all around the room ; and next, more cautiously, about the street ; the sash is up, and so is the terrified wife of the rash man. He seizes the head of the willing bar, whilst the afflicted mother of Miss Windley verily grasps her husband by the throat, that is, she throws both her arms around it. And then, an act of compression commences, similar to that we see when re\-ising a poem, after a friendly hint, that it would be improved if fourteen verses could be squeezed into one. " Oh, my dear, dear Hen-ry — Wind-ley, I'll go back to my friends, sooner than you should do that ; oh — oh — that I had told you myself." " What !" said the half-strangulated husband — " did you know ? oh, Sarah, Sarah ; you to keep it a secret ! and, no doubt, half Fleigh knows afore this ; had you told me at first, I'd not have been made the laughing stock for one hundred and fifty miles round Fleigh. A httle man may fall, and get up again ; but a great-un, ne-ver, never !" and, of course, Mr. Windley concluded by slapping his hand to his burning forehead, whilst the other hung round his wife's waist ; but, though the one that had immortalized Fleigh, yet it rested there, as if he never intended to use it more. "I thought you'd never a forgiven me, if I had told— I durs — durst not — " " I wish I had smashed th' oven door, the day after it was hung !" "O, God! who was hung?" cried poor Mrs. Windley, now fearing there was something disturbing her husband's mind of tantamount consequence with the false hair itself. "What, who does my love mean ?" "I'll wait till it's dark, then down, down it goes !" ROWLAND BllADSlIAW. 45 "Down, where my tender chuc — k — chick — ing — " "Why, under the pump flag, until we can find some other place; or, I think, it would be best to sit up all night and burn it, and mind and shovel th' nails out of th' fire, afore th' girl gets up to riddle the ashes." "But, oh, my dear tender lamb, who hung it? and to think ofputtin' th' corpse under — " " AVhy, don't be a stupid idiot ; who hung it? as if you didn't see it yourself. D'ye think any of the lads knows besides Rowland?" " Oh, I think not ; and he, oh ! the base bad boy, he promised he'd never tell ; and, now, to cause all this afiliction between lawful man and wife ; oh, the cruel — ' ' " Run dovm stairs ; yon's Bryant coming back, send him up here." The wife was obedient, and her hurried descent was aflPectingly antithe- sised, by the mildness and steadiness with which the youngest apprentice, but one, made his way to his master. " Now, Bryant, what did you hear ?" "Why, a good deal, but not mich as I could make eaut." "Well, out with what you did hear." " Well, one thing was, Rowland said, he know'd, you'd keep it up to th' last ; and th' tother said, 'I think he'll not, when he sees it's all i'th' next week's advertiser; we're goin' to make four volumns on'tl'" " Off with you, start, it's all over, so here goes ;" and, immediately, the little bed-room window was thrown up, and the unfortunate sign being considerably below the sill, the wretched artist had to bend his body half-way through the window to enable him to operate, effectually, with the small crow-bar. Rowland saw this movement of his respected master, and, fearing that there was some mis-apprehension, left the stranger, and ran, with all his speed through the shop, and, seeing Mrs. Windley, shouted out, " what is the master doina; through the room window ?" When the devoted wife heard this, she verily flew up the stairs, not, however, without preceding her ascent with a scream ; so thin, so clear, and of such volume, that her husband had like to lose his balance, and go, some imagine, head first, first passing the sign, into the street. Mrs. Windley, however, was just in time to catch him round his bent waist, and screamed far more hysterically than before, to which, little Miss Windley formed echoes of the sweetest cadence and sympathy in her snug bed at the other end of the room. By this time Rowland was up, and lent his mnimpassioned assistance to the extraction of his master. " Oh, Hen-ry — Harry, why do this ? tell me, do tell — ' ' "Oh, only do — leave the room ; I want to ax Rowland a question." The wife was again, as she generally was, obedient ; but she gave a pitiable look at Rowland, as much as to say, " Remember your ' I belief!'" " So, it's all up ! do you think I should pull it down now, or after dark; who is yon black-legged scamp?" " I think a reporter from Manchester." " So going to put two volums in, eh ?" " Columns, columns, only columns." " By George, enough too ! one would wonder what he could have to 46 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. say, to fill up two colums, about a bracket and an OYcn door I — colums, eh?" " Bracket and door — oh, I fear, something worse than that, from what I could pump out of him ; I am to see him again, just now — oh, the bracket business would be notliing to this !" "To this, what the de\il does he mean? I suppose it's all about the sign , going to expose the coppng, and the devil knows — " " Sign ! nothing of the sort ; nothing of the kind." "What then?" said the other, in wild amazement. " From what I could glean, something respecting the playing of the ghosts in an adjoining coal-pit, and some act of gallantry about the fair bar-maid of blank hotel, in blank town, not a thousand miles off Fleigh." " "What, then, is it not about the sign ?" "Phut! nothing touching the sign; miless, indeed, where he says, ' the celebrated painter of one of the most celebrated signs, ever given as a token to the world."' "Praises the sign?" "Undoubtedly!" " Huzza ! damn all the rest ; coal-pit boggarts, and Jane White— do me good. I say, Rowland, go and see this youth, and give liim a hint, that the bigger the man the more will the extraordhiary circum- stance be read ; first, mind and do it cautious — ^just tell him of the mental parallhax compliment. By gad, I am so happy ; what a thing it would have bin if I had thrown it down into the street !" "Thrown yourself into the street, Henry," said Mrs. Windley, as she cautiously entered the room ; " Oh, never, here on my knees, I will confess — " Rowland winked at her. "That it's your jealousy as set out this affair of Jane White Horse ; and now, you see, they're goin to put it into the papers, about her and one of the most extraordinary sign painters, that ever graced the annals of Fleigh history. I suppose we can guess who that means — be no great diflniculty there, I suppose? It'll do me no hurt though," said Mr. Windley, proudly. "What, then, my poor love, they're not going to say'nothin' about false hair?" " False, be damned ! what reader would believe that any man would run away with a woman with false hair !" " Oh, don't be so blasphimus ; if th' poor thing had had the fever, and could not help it ! was that her fault?" " Why, no, Mrs. Wisdom, but he could help rmming away with her ! she must look a miserable robin when it was all off," " But if he never found it out ?" " For Heaven's sake, Sarah, don't be a fool. Rowland, after yon chap, and cram him with a bit about th' parallhax. Here, take this half-crown to spend, and put on your surtout." CHAPTER IX. THE PHILOSOPHER WILDINGAIR. The order of Mr. Windley was gladly obeyed by his pupil. Rowland had ever had a great thirst to be accjviainted with literary men ; almost felt that desire which the theatre's devotee does to see the actors, when they are not playing, or, rather, when they are, with their fiddles, dressing gowns, and poodles ; or, even with their rum and water and cubas. Rowland found the stranger at the place appointed — the White Horse ; there he was, changing his short-hand into more current para- graphs. He was, doubtless, a man of business, for, as he wi'ote with his right hand, he, every convenient moment, kept eating some soft roll and butter with the other, as well as taking a chop, now and then, of some monstrous white-bottomed lettuce. Then, before him, stood a porter bottle and a large porter glass ; behind him, the waiter, to know his respected commands. One of them was to fetch of the same vin- tage — so he called it — another bottle of porter, and another tumbler, but obiiously, not a portered one, like the one before him. He welcomed Rowland, with a regular twist of the hand, asked him to be seated, and, when the fresh glass came, he gave it a tremendous slap on the mahogany table, to ascertain, as he informed Rowland, if it were sound. Blub went the porter, and, in one second, a foaming half-pint of that dehghtful cordial, so he called it, was placed before the respectful nose of the visitor. " I am just thinking — rather a deep young gentleman, too, to be coming the pump-handle upon me in the middle of the street, and, now, I find you are nothing but a bucket, a sucker to the pump, that I was going to assiffn to the next three weeks' scan.'' " Oh, I trust you will think better, or, if you are obliged, keep out the maff. The great should ever feel for each other, and, as you have discovered, he is my master." " Well, I'll feel for him, and, I trust I shall find him. Now, tell me, as this seems a flourishing little place, and as we intend to have a column, indeed, have had, headed Fleigh, who would be a likely youth for an agent. A w oman would be best, if you could inform me of one who piques herself on her spelling, and one that has plenty of time for what are called the Christian duties ; in short, one who has eveiything to do for every body save herself." " If you would not deem me over-bold, I think I could give you short reports, on dit, and accounts of parish meetings — though reporters are not admitted there, I believe." " Afraid of being laughed at — their speeches being given verbatim — they are quite right ; well ?" "Then, laying stones, casualties of coal-pits, factories, through 48 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. intoxicating drinks, speeches and lectures at the Mechanics' Institute, and the other facetiae of the week." " Ha ! ha ! ha ! nice dish-washings — a soup that no sow, however enervated through family tugs, would take, even if her dinner was de- ferred two hours. Speeches at the Mechanics ! give me the flourishes of the White-Horse bar : the casualties of gentlemen being found in wrong bed-rooms, the lectures the next of affinity give to them. Facetiae ! Give me the name of a lady who dropped her wig at a ball, when all Fleigh had ever praised the luxuriance of her raven tresses. Tell me of a gentleman, who threatened all sorts of naughty things to his wife, if ever she wore a bustle : and, at last, makes the awful dis- covery, that she not only wears one, but ties it round her neck to sleep in. Find out that the vicar, pretending to recruit his old bell-ringing choir, has a lot of young bumpkins ringing the miserable old bells every night, when, in fact, it is to annoy his neighbor, the physician, who has had a pamphlet war with him." "By the by, I believe that is the case." " Is the case ! I had not been here an hour before I discovered it. Give wrong motives to acts benefactory ; and, at least, plausible ones for consummations the most vile, if the projectors are powerful, and can give anything like opposition. In short, we must be philosophical. This coal-pit affair is grand. — I shall fire the damp of Fleigh," said the literary man, still wiiting with amazing celerity. " Philos — philosophical !" " Oh, what you are staring — philosophical ; not that order of well-woven fustian, that M. A.'s and fellows of colleges call the like : not that which a man will learn from Aristotle's rhetoric or Plato's Phaedon, nor the plays of Aristophanes, nor the metre of Juvenal or Persius. Reading history from Herodotus to Pliny, and down again to the hundred moderns, with as much learning as an ass could carry, or a mule could draw ;— none of these can teach you the philosophy I can. No, that wisdom which the vulgar decry or value not, and which the learned have no means of obtaining, until matricu- lated in the broad world — is the philosophy I wished to call your attention to, when you talked about an agency. Well, there is one thing, which is certain ; if anything were to happen that the church were to slip from government, the heathen mythology would go down as well as most of the brutality of the ancients ; but so long as a know- ledge of the mythology and heathen writers, and the dead languages are considered as indispensable to Christian ministry, why so long we shall have what for generations has been called learning ; and so long as it is so called, in truth we shall have none, though we are pretty safe of heathen morals." " But you think a classical education necessary to men of letters?" " Oh, very, to men of letters ; because they are nothing but men of letters, unless, indeed, they add that useful knowledge virtuosoship ; collecting coins and beetles." " Pardon me, when I said men of letters, I meant literary men; I am aware the terms have got jumbled." " Only say what you do mean, that's all." ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 40 " Well, then, you would think it necessary that a young man should be well skilled in Latin and Greek ; if he wishes to study helles lettres or science — of course, sir, you think it useful." " Why, I think, Latin would be peculiarly useful in a country where there was no other language spoken ; probably it is in this, since Newton, Herschel, Davy, and others, perhaps, thought in it, but wrote in the vernacular. Then Watt, Hargreaves, Arkwright, Brindley, and a few more, would have been sadly bothered in the inventions, which caused such mills as those we see yonder, if they could but have found only latinists, since they, poor men, did not know a word of it. Then it's true we should be puzzled to know much of Grecian history, poetry, or science, only in most large towns there are proportionate old-book stalls, where crack translations may be found, at about fifteen-pence a-piece, of Zenophon, Plutarch, Tacitus, and clever paraphrases, even of the Jewish historians themselves. Then translations of the poets can be bought by the cubic yard, and often are, for the slave and convict colonies. And as to science, Euclid, Archimedes, and Aristotle, are surely known ; not a gauger but knows something of the first's geometry, I'll be bound that the landlady, of this establishment, knows as much of the screw, and as to the science of Aristotle, there are few servant- girls, at twenty-two, that are not mistresses of his master-piece." " Still, I have often thought, I should like to be master of many languages." " Yes, to be master ! is, perhaps, well enough ; but it generally hap- pens that the professor of many languages is too excellent in all to know any one. A painter and Italian linguist quarrelled the other day, when the painter threatened the professor that he would paint his portrait, with a dagger in his hand — assassinizing him a bit. 'Then,' said the teacher of languages, ' I will curse you in dam bad Engleesh !' No doubt the man of tongues would have returned the compliment, simi- larly, in any of his other languages." " Ha, ha, ha." " No, the same of art ! if there were no works but in Greece and Italy of Phidias, Praxiteles, or Angelo, why then, the student would have to go to those seats of barbarity, to view their remains of classic grandeur; but since there are now several valuable public collections accessible, as well as plenty of as good legs, arms, and boxing attitudes at home, with as symmetrical horses, having also the advantages of no men growing out of their chests, with bows and arrows in their hands : lao mutilations — all of this country — why it would scarcely be worth the trouble of journeying thither. Then of painting; the disciple, even in our national gallery, will find that its protecting genii have not been regardless of his immortality ; as they have cautiously selected for his matured stud^^ — that nothing may be wanting, not only some of the best works of the worst masters, but with amazing zeal, and some fortitude, have ran- sacked — in some cases sacked other countries — for the very worst pictures of the best schools. Then the museum has brought into one focus wonderful heaps of Hindoo art ; plundered temples for his im- })rovement. It were needles to mention the vast amount of classic lore which China and Japan have had to yield up for the advancement of 4 50 ROWLAND URADSHAW. the artistical portion of this isle. So, you see, since everything that is worth having in Uterature is translated, even to your countrj'man, Timothy Bobbin ; why devote ten years of the best part of life, to obtain nothing but what a patient dunce can ever acquire — I mean, half- a-dozen languages. " Then as to art, why wander over half of Europe and some of the neighbouring continent, to see what can be obtained in a radius of twelve miles round Bow Church — or, at all events, quite enough for the foun- dation — ay, or the first story of originality." " Bravo ! but, of course, you could do nothing at college without a knowledge of Latinity and some Greek — or, at least, at Oxford?" " Neither could you without copious acquirements of your church catechism ; you, perhaps, could not imagine it, but I read there for a first class, and, damn me, I never think of it but I grow savage — I got plucked upon my church catechism. No, no, the days of college degrees startling the world, are amongst those things which are gone. They rest as do our forefathers, and since both are venerable, let us not cur at them, like the vulgar ; or sneer, like the more fortunately educated." " A good place, though, for forming connexions, may be of use, in after life," ventured Rowland. " Why, yes, if you have some wealth it may ; and if the turf be your future career, there could not be a better school for knowing how to make up a book. If you are poor, as you have every chance of first-rate sporting information and training, why few men succeed better in editing boxing newspapers or sporting magazines. Shoidd you get a seat, why then what another man would have to learn — I mean to cad for your patron — a college man has received ample instruction upon. Come, come, swallow your froth, and we'll have another bottle ; I suppose you cannot afford to graduate, and so long for college acquirements, as those who cannot travel, ever think what wonders there must be CAen across the channel. Now, the fact is this, that twenty miles round St. Paul's, with perhaps a week in Lancashire, epitomizes the world. And the reason why travellers gape so on the continent is, because they never look at home. They speak of the wonderments of Notre Dame, yet live opposite Westminster's glorious pile. I read up in Oxford, ay ! and took a second class ; since I left it, not embracing the church, I have had to work up, and do not exactly find myself in any class at all." " Still you pursue literature, I presume, sir ?" " Why, do you think that a man, who aimed at anything else, would prate to a youth of your dimensions, and a stranger?" " The f-act i-s, I always imagined that literary men, of all others, were the most difficult of access." " No doubt, if you come to talk to them ; but only go to listen, with just enough of enquiry to show them that you are devouring — here, girl, bring two glasses of rum punch and cigars — and three hours are nothing ; — is that the beautiful bar-maid ?' ' Rowland nodded in the affirmative. "I must have a sketch of her. — You'll please to recollect this is not my job, coming among the rurals, for a local press, but we have been falling off; — had some infernal essays — science — economy — ^s^ '// ^^m/{?cf--(ML.€4^y ■!'''': /"' ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 51 and some blackguard clerical correspondence — losing ground, we must pull it up. Now, the difference between pulling up a hundred and fifty a-week, and decreasing in that, will make an invidious alteration Avith our cotems, when the stamp hst comes out. A prize fight is but a sulky affair in it self, but when a slap-up Metropolitan man comes down, tells how he travelled to the scene of action, must joke, the inn he stayed at, the locality where each man and suite rendezvoused, the approach of the morning towards the spot of the forthcoming contest ; compares it to that of Canute — must be classical , would not the sixty- four emperors of Rome have left their circuses and clumsy gladiatorial attempts, to see the modern science he is about to witness ? — must be read. Then a quarter of a column for the first blow, an eighth for the first blood ; each round more graphical than the last — still he goes on ; the hundredth does not diminish his powers, he must have a climax and he gets it, though he numbers eighty more. Then the piquancy he throws into the robberies by the gentlemen who formed each princi- pal's suite ; — avoidment of the beaks : breaking a dissenting chapel windows, because its members were singing and giving their tracts — whips in a few Latin sentences to begin with, and as many Greek to finish, which shew he's been reared a scholar, and that his readers do not understand them." " Ha ha, I am glad to hear you say so, for I ever thought the intro- duction of foreign sentences very absurd." " Unless you translate them, and then, obviously, they are of use ; they fill up. There was some excuse for some of the early writers in- dulging in their use ; because of their readers' ignorance in such matters ; as there is for some of the moderns, who are not only as unacquainted with them as the early readers were ; but very properly treat EngUsh itself with contempt." " And yet how very fond you gentlemen of the press are of that style to this day." " Why, you see, many of us are charity-boys to begin with ; well then, as we get on, we have perhaps a daughter in France and a son in Ovid, then daddy must caper it in French, and write sentences to match one in Latin." "Oh." " But come, either drink or change the subject. I am not going to teach you philosophy and prudence at the same time. If I do, when next we meet you will expect a dose of divinity and an improvement of your morals : — Jane, my plump cherub, two more glasses and cigars. If you could fancy the being at the opposite side of the table to your- self ; sooner than have a jealous mistress, and so that you are moderate, financially— you may make the most inordinate demands of love the first fortnight, and if dissatisfied, quit the next. If you can, I say, I am your slave ; but mind, sooner than exceed thirty shillings a week I'd marry you out and out, and save it. Your mistress would give you a ring to get quit of you." "Now, young gentleman," said the simpering Jane, turning to Rowland, " if Mister Wildingair had said that when he was eating his bread and butter and porter, I should have thought it a perposal, but I 52 ROWLAND BRADSPIAW. never entertains any offer serious, after the third glass of spirits and water, be it rum or gin, and perticlur from gentlemen as rides with Lord Francis in his carriage." " Oh, oh, that accounts for my name then, ah, ha." " Oh, speaking of him, do you not think a course of literary study requisite to make a senator?" "Or anything else, if you intend to do it well." " Then would you advise that the senate should only comprise literary men?" " Why yes, if I were afraid of a plot in the National Guards, and knew there was no antidote but employment ; they would have enough of it, if they had to keep order in anything like an assembly, solely comprised of literati. No, mongrels are the best for statesmen — as much learning as will enable them to prate about it, and to be classical enough to stare the reporters in the face ; but travel, gambling and the drawing-room are the great compounds. The first give a man nerve, the last, that agreeable suavity which makes him lick and bow the more he's cudgelled : that's making vip a statesman synthetically ; to de- compose and proceed analytically after twenty years' experience ! Avould, I must confess, be done best in another state, as no mortal nostrils would be able to stem the stench : the most indurate would shudder at the callosity of career the process would exhibit. "No, no, though literary men in assembly would be little else than one vast sum of egos, still we must exempt them from the censure, experience has taught us to deal out to the other. Though they would be impatient, either of rebvike or contradiction, as men must ever be who are, perhaps, birthed in obscurity, glad that they have no enemy but indigence in youth, and finally, the worn creatures of soli- tude ; can we wonder then, that though the moving power, and the regulators of senates, that they themselves are unfitting for the brass machinery of their own works. Can we wonder that men who have made a closet sacred, and given immortality to some favorite walk, should not succeed at bar or senate ; where Impudence is specially retained and Lorded in the first, and Sir Adaptive Bounce nightly thunders in the last : and yet both men who have brewed their wine from the others' sap. " And Etiquette will compel an artist, author, or composer, however knowing he may be, and great as his compeers may think him, to carry the gown-tail of a gentleman in the first employment, however low he may be, and however much his compeers may deride him. "SoHcitor, Attorney-generalships, Judgeships, Chancellorships, and Peerages, await the first. Ambassadorships, Ambassadors, their Ladies, Governships, Premierships, Dukeries, and sometimes the Monarch wait upon the last. " And the sons of art, and children of genius wait upon them too, but that is all they are vouchsafed, at least in our present reign ! And they in turn are waited upon ; certainly, with much sincerity, by Privacy, Neglect, and the other ones' coachmen and footmen, with some of their carriages ; but that is only when they are borne to their lasting homes. And a public funeral is to atone for public ingratitude." ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 53 " And shall there be no justice ?" asked Rowland, eagerly, his eyes flashing with anxiety. " Oh yes, though monarclis neglect, and inquisitors banish, still there shall be a certain arbitress, unerring, immutable : and where holds she her court ? supports she yon marbled judge, with ponderous wig and chancellor's chain ; or is it yon stooping sylph bending to enwreath the late premier's brow ? No ! the Parian mountain, were it marble all, would not make her wings ; Phidias could not chisel her trumpet, nor a nation give room for a single foot. The poles shall see her hands ; eternal sun-shine shall brighten her looks, while sacred her person from vulgar observance, covered with midway clouds. The tropics shall be her walking, as the world her speaking place, when she hurls Neglect from his charge ; claims her lost son, and fits the eternal laurel. This is Fame." "And, this is as it should be ; better than all the rest. I love men of genius," cried Rowland. " I do — I love you, sir," continued he, springing up, and slightly struggling to his new friend — I should think you the cleverest man in the world ; and, though, I have no doubt of the last Deity eventually laying claim to you, I hope it will not be for years, unless she'll crown you, without making you sail the Styx." " Bravo ! I find there is more mettle in this rum than I thought — but, however, if we both begin to talk ; it's time we both left oif, and — " "The omnibus, for Manchester, is now ready," entering the waiter. "Well, then, one glass a-piece, and I am ready for it." "Then do, I entreat, let me pay for them," said Rowland, pulling out his half-crown. " No, your share of the shot has been to pay the attention, which you have honestly discharged ; it shall be mine to settle the grog and waiter ; and, perhaps, the buss-driver before I get to Manchester yet- but, what's your name?" Rowland declared it formally. "Well, this is the name of the vehicle through which I humbug," said the editor, " a man must get bacon and potatoes, particularly if he intends to have the whole hog at last. You are apprentice to the painting chap ?" " I am going to be sir." "That's right, make a certainty of bread, the other will come : your questions, and something, I shall not name, satisfy me you are of the breed — of the family— of the genius kidney — cannot be mistaken ;well, if you intend to scribble, send it privately directed to that ; and, as you are poor, at least I suppose so, and without patronage, it's very likely I may burn eight-tenths of all that come ; I never trifle with the feelings of the friendless, nor with any one, unless — now, Jane, I must have a kiss this time ; as you are engaged, just select for me — one with a sixteenth of your charjus and accomplishments will do — send her to me with your name written at the back of a card, and the introduction will be suificient." " Oh, Mr. Wildingair, if you was but to talk to real ladies as you do to me, wliat a many wives and mutual pledges you might have had." And the philosopher fell back into his chair, and laughed, so loud and long, and so very much in the way of other men, that Jane said 64 ROWLAND BRADS HAW. afterwards, when tokl of the high honor conferred upon her, that it might be so ; but contended that he nearly choked himself, from a remark at which a cotton spinner, or even a chief magistrate would not have laughed at all, all which did not shew much scholarship. The omnibus was announced ; and Mr. Wildingair carefully put all bis notes into the bottom of his pocket ; then buttoned them fast. "That will do," said he, " there is a fellow, from the Royal Society, kicking up a great bobbus at the Institution, and he has asserted, that if I deny his theory of radiated atoms, or attempt to write it down, he'll cudgel me. I am going to meet him at supper, and as the Doctor is a wet one, particularly now that he has given it out that he is almost a tee-totaller, I expect we shall get lushy together — if we do, and have a row, and go to the lock-ups, I do not care what they find, so that they leave me these — nothing like being prepared, is there, Jane ? Good by, Bradshaw, I shall drop upon you again, if not, should you ever light upon me — although averse to Newton's theory — I shall say it was mutual attraction — good by ! Oh, you have a clever chap in this place — Rowbottom, devilish clever — I heard him speak the other day — clever — wants style though, and what I think I could give — a little propriety — too exuberant. Now, Mr. Buss, I'll either drive or I'll stave your ribs, the first by-place we come to." " Oh, Mr. Wildingair, you upset us afore." "Well, the doctor at Worsley paid you well for the accident ! Now, there is one only half-a-mile further on, will give half-a-crown a-head more than he, and that's the place where the deed must be done," said the editor, fiercely. " Oh, for that matter, I know you to be a gentleman, but I rea-ly — yo'll pardon me, but I must drive to-nect. I know you wish me well, but there is so mony informations, just now." "Well, well, is there any way then that I can get at the lynch pin." CHAPTER X. THE DANTSKIPP FAMILY. Master Bradshaw had now been nearly a fortnight on trial, and during that time had made sketches and small oil-paintings all over the premises. The foreman, who, at first, dishked the noviciate, candidly confessed that all these attempts shewed genius ; and had nearly lost his place, not only in the affections of Mr. Windley, but in Mr. Windley's employ, by telling some one, that a sketch of Rowland's, in ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 55 which he had mtroduced the study for the hig clog, a mouse trap, a paint-hrush, glazier's diamond, putty-knife, and several other such arti- cles, was infinitely hetter than— in anunder-tone — the master's. This, the master, all but heard ; but heard quite enough to make him jealous of Rowland. Having, not only this feeling, but all the secret fear we have seen, he was resolved to humble the bepraised master Rowland. Mrs. Windley's feelings had also received a great shock, for Rowland had, the very night before, been invited to a party, in which Mrs. Windley's accomplishments had never been at all consulted ; but then Mrs. Windley should have considered, that it was a young-people's party, and she should also have thought, that Rowland's invite, saved the mamma of the young people, who gave the party, one guinea in not having to engage a pianist to rattle along the quadrilles — these things should have been considered, but probably they were not, or if they were looked into, the wrong way about. Under all circumstances, Mr. "Windley sent Master Bradshaw, with two or three others ; the others to paint some factory windows, and Rowland to scrape them, or help to rear the ladders ; and, in short, to convince him that he was the youngest apprentice, for Master Gow was directed to paint the sashes as soon as Rowland had prepared them. Now, the proprietor of this large mill, though by no means one of the largest in Fleigh, had received the most puzzling communications that ever fell to his lot to receive, even in the days of his apprenticeship, for that he once was, as well as his good lady, apprenticed at a cotton mill, was too painfully recollected in the parish of Fleigh. He had fought poverty manfully, and stuck to fortune when she picked him up, as a man generally does, when neither he nor any of his friends ever thought he would be noticed by her. He had done many things well, but the difficulty before him was evidently effecting a woeful change, both in self and helpmate, in that placidity which all agreed they so wonderfully possessed. " A tell thee what, Joseph, yon skimping young youth, as coom into th' back kitchen just now, fort' heat somethin', looks a vast likely youth to know somethin' about such a thing." " Ay, no deaut, and scores beside him in sich a town as Fleigh ; but, then, who the devil dare ax urn, for if we have made a mess of it, we should get a much stronger dose in that paper, as had all about Windley and Latham in last week, than even they had. They may manage t' laugh off that in th' course of a year or so, or may be in a mouth or so ; if this coom out, it would be a settler for life ; if it's ever known, we mit sell up, and go live on the beautiful Rhine." •'Well, but could we not get it out of him without his suspectin' what we was about?" " It'll be a dang'd difficult job, I know that ; I'd reather have th' buying of a thousand bags of cotton in a risin' market, I know that — but just fotch yon printed circular down again — it appears to me to be clear enough." " Ay, so it is to me — but yon darlin' child says, there is summit wrong — but that's what th' paper says." " Well, then, we mun be reet ; ' each pupil will be expected to bring a fork and a spoon, with a pair of sheets, and one dozen napkins,'" 50 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. continued Mr. Dantskipp, the proprietor, reading from a boarding- school circular. " Well, thoose I put up mysel, and a pair of tli' best too ; and as to the napkins," said his lady — "Ay, as to thoose napkins, I'm not exactly sure what thoose are." " Oh, no doubt, they're towels." " Well, thou sent um, at all events." "Why, for sartin." "Well, then, what the divil con there be wrong," said the perplexed husband. " I cannot say but somethin' there is, depend upon it, and I'll pump yon young chap — for yo know he may have a boordin-school edication, and, if he has, he could tell us cverythin' about it. I'm resolved to try it, at all events." Rowland was again sent into the kitchen of the proprietor's house, to warm some size, when the proprietress, by mere chance, also went hito that useful apartment. After she had asked Rowland how he hked Fleigh ; whether he had been in so large a town before ; what age he was ; how many children his mother had had ; how many were living ; and then guessing how many were dead ; she all at once bethought her, that the place Rowland had come from was the place where her daughter. Miss Eliza Jane, was at boarding-school. Rowland said he thought she was mistaken— oh, no, she was not, and at last to convince him, carelessly shewed him the boarding-school circular, from which we have seen the good lady's husband reading. Rowland glanced at the top, and at once said, " I thought, madam, you were wrong, as I never either heard of such establishment before, nor do 1 know the locality of ' Lammerhed-green.'" "Oh, indeed, when you went to school what was th' terms? — I reckon somethin' hke those?" " Indeed, these appear very moderate." " Do they ? p'rhaps you will take off your apron, and as we are just going to tea, you will may be come in and take a cup with us." Rowland felt obliged, but could not intrude, &c. ; the lady told him she should consider it the reverse of intrusion, and would take no denial — Rowland then did expect he should be ordered into a chamber, where there was, at least, a washstand, towel, and soap, and the other instru- ments so useful in a casual toilet. He was a little surprised, however, when instead of all this, the mistress, herself, took a large brass -bowl, pumped it half-full of water, and then handed Rowland about a quarter of a pound of brown soap ; said that Nelly would give him a towel, and desired him to go to work. He did so, whilst the lady went to her anxious lord in the parlor. " I have axed him to tea, now leave him to me, depend he knows summut abeaut these things, for the minit I shewed him Miss St. Augustine's advertising things, he said the terms were very moderate, which shews he has been used to somethin' better still." "Be vast cautious," softly said Mr. Dantskipp, "it's no use of being worth a hundred thousand pounds, if neither us nor ours learns to be gentlefolks ; husht ! he's comin', mind thee be still enough, and ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 57 when he's talkin' about boorclin'-school, niincl and keep saying there was no such doings when thou went there. I think we shall get it out, he's here. "Well, young gentleman, it's a good height is yon cat-head ; yo did but look a small-un when you was at th' top ; eight stories" high ; you must tell those other yeauths, who is with you, to do their work well, for yon mill will cost me altogether, about forty-thousand ; and tell um to mind and scrape th' sashes well, and not to be lookin' at the girls through um, when they are paintin' um, for every look at th' wenches' room costs me threepence ; so, if you want a look, or anythin' else with um, let it be after hours." Rowland promised obedience. " I'm a parent mysel, and so I ought for to consider the morals of those poor girls." " Undoubtedly, sir." " But where there is two-hundred on um, and where if one looks, all looks ; you may guess whether I was right, when I said a young mon lookin' through th' top-room window, would cost me threepence, besides their being refactory for a week." " No doubt, sir." "Factory girls are like a flock of sheep, if one on um jumps o'er a hedge, every soul on um follows, and either jumps o'er or drops into th' ditch ; and same with yon wenches ; if one does wrong, they all do th' same, or worse — one follow another in everything ; that's why we are so feared of one having a illigitimate offspring ; there's sure to be two or three and twenty more in the course of two or three weeks." " Ay, speaking of that," said the lady, who presided at the large China tea-pot, " what is your opinion of the latter part of that ere circular of Miss St. Augustine's, where she says somethin' of every young lady bringing with um a spoon, a fork, and you see what else besides," concluded the factory -proprietress, pointing out to the bottom of the same mystical missile. " Oh, I believe, madam, it is quite regular." " Now, sir, let me pour you out another cup, p'rhaps you'd like rum in it. Joseph, just hand it out of the side-board, it will make it a little more fresher ;" and the lady winked to her husband ; a lot of rum was at once popped into Rowland's cup, and indeed, into the other two ; but it is only honest to say, the guest had by far the best share. "Now for it," thought the lady, "ay, Mr. Bradshaw, there is diflPereut gooin's on since I was at one of those places." Now this was not exactly saying that she had ever been at a boarding-school, but did just as well, for it conveyed that impression to Rowland, without, what siie afterwards said was, telling a lie. " No doubt, madam." " There was no talk oi forks and spoons then ; I recollect a big young lady, a Miss Jackson going, and she took nothing with her but four shillings worth of twopenny Eccles-cakes, four jars of preserves, and a cheese ; and, though the poor thing eat it without bread, as she could get none out of her box till night, they used to smell her breath ; she was as fat and as bonny a girl as need be when she went, but my word, in less than three months, she was two stone and a half leeter ; but as to 58 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. these for/cs and spoons they get over me, as they are not over fed, at any of um ; and you'd hardly think they was worth mentioning in papers hke that, or, indeed, carrying them with um, they are so cheap." "Cheaper than they had used to he?" interjected Rowland. " Cheaper, Lord bless you, when I was your age, you could not buy a good tooth and ague spoon under ninepence, and forks, with boo-on handles, at less than ten shilhngs a-dozen ; and the other day, there was an hawker was offering me beautiful, Ing spoons, as good as need be, for threepence a-piece ; and, as to forks, good steel-prongs, you can get them at any price — six for a shUlin." '" Yes, ma'am, but — " and Rowland suspended his cup, and looked in the lady's face." " Well, then, I wonder at any one ever thinkin' of such things at school, where they charge sixty guineas a year." Rowland had just drunk, and had in his mouth, about an eighth part of a cup of hot tea and cold rum, when this last remark was concluded, and, we regret to relate that, with the exception of a little which went up his nose, the entire draught flew over the tea tray, 1)ut, unfortunately, not over Mrs. Dantskipp, and scarcely so, over the bewildered husband of the unfortunate lady. In despite of every remonstrance that Mr. Bradshaw's prudence did, and could make, to Mr. Bradshaw's laughing apparatus, still the laugh would have its way. It had it for some time, prudence looking hlush- ingly on, but like all other fools when at the end of their tether, begged of prudence to get him out of his hobble. Prudence did it, and in this way — " I really, madam, entreat your pardon ; but, no doubt, you have had as hearty a laugh at the idea as myself; but I trust with less rudeness than I was guilty of, for which, again, permit me most humbly to entreat your pardon, or else, really" — and the laugh was going to jostle prudence again — "what a rattling joke it would be, just for a young lady, gohig to Miss St. Augustine's academy, and taking a large tutenag spoon and a good two-pronged fork. Ah ! ah ! oh ! oh ! really it would be entertainment even for the servant- girls, during a winter's season. And the locality from which it was sent, ho ! ho ! Heaven help the parents ; in short, the whole aflFair is so highly ridiculous — 'pon my word, it might injure the young lady's prospects — school ridicule is so lasting ; but, madam, what is to do — pray do, sir, call assistance — Mrs. Dantskipp is surely fainting." " Call assistance," said Mr. Dantskipp, as he went to support his vaie, "it's all over — a nice job ! we may sell up, and go and live on the beautiful Rhine — buy a German baronetcy. Have to learn Dutch in our poor old days," continued the husband, savagely, " It'll soon be all over Fleigh, then thou may go to Manchester every Tuesday thysel ! — I go no moor." "Joseph, Joseph, man, man, do you want my life — how could I help it ; go into th' counting house, and I'll — " said the half recovered, though deeply affected wife of the gentleman, who was desired to go out ; " I'll do it," continued she, winking to her husband. "We are ruinated, that's all," said the distracted spinner, as he left the room. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 59 As soon as he had done so, Mrs, Dantskipp rose, and approached Rowland, who was in a bewilderment ; threw her arms round his neck, and the rest of her person on the part of the sofa, unoccupied by Rowland. This was so sudden, that Rowland was actually frightened, " Oh, my dear, dear child, have you, have you a mother 1 a mother as you love, one as you love dearly V ' " I — I have, very dearly, very." " Could you then feel for a poor mother, who had, unknowingly, disgraced her child, as she loves as well as you love your poor mother, and was as sorry for it, as your mother would be, if she had been the unsuspective cause of your ruin," " Oh, madam, undoubtedly," said Rowland, in real affliction. " Then, somebody must know ! I con unbossom myself, for I durst not tell another soul in all Fleigh, for fear they might betray us, and then, as poor Joseph says, we should have to flit ; so, you see, riches as moor to contend with than the poor ever dreams abeaut ; you will keep it secret?" " For ever ! bless me." " Oh, then, my poor dear sweet — I love her better, I am sure, than your mother does you ; Ehza Jane — you'll never tell— has gone to this very school, and we, without giving it a thought, packed up a spoon; it is true, it was a new one, but nothing but iron plated ; with a big two pronged — I cannot say it — but the very one you described, and we have had some misgivin's ever since we received this note from the sweet creature ; oh, if she knew what a sad blunder, her poor little heart would be in halves before this night was o'er. This is the note, read it, sir." "Dear mamma — I do much fear that there is something wrong respecting my spoon ; no one has said anything to me about it ; but, I am sure I heard roars of laughter when my trunk was unpacked — I do not mean that in which the pies were, but that in which the napkins, spoon, and fork were. Miss Augustine will not let me eat with my own spoon or fork ; but one with A.M. on, and the fork has a sheep's head on ; and all the young lathes ask me where my own are. I am sure there is something wrong, and I have been so unhappy, that I have only eaten one pie yet. Give dear pa, and my loving sisters and brothers, a kiss a-piece ; and pardon this short letter, from your afflicted and affectionate daughter, — Eliza Jane Dantskipp." " Oh, this is a sad mistake, there must be something done, at once, — " said Rowland, pityingly. "What, then, there has been a blunder, after all?" said poor Mr. Dantskipp, who just then entered. " What is the mistake ?" lie was told; "this is a w^orse job than th' new chimney falhn'. If th' vicar's wife — but she'd not be so very bad; but, if Doctor Frigin's wife — in short, there's the wives, I have been reckoning, of thirteen spinners, in this neighborhood, would give a hundred a-piece, to find such a thing out, though they have all made as big slips theirselves." "Well, it's of no use despairing ; I have it," said Rowland, "you shall write a letter to the principal of the academy ; we'll manage it, never fear." 60 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " Oh, if there is any writiu' to do, you must do it yourself, Mr. Bradshaw, for I am in too great trouble to toiich a pen, let alone anythin' else," said Mrs. Dantskipp. " Give it to me then," and Rowland dashed off a letter at once ; in •which Mrs. Dantskipp informed the worthy Miss St. Augustine, that she liad discovered certainly the most laugliable mistake ever recorded in boarding-school history, and which was no more than this, that the young lady's nurse reading of the necessity of sending, with her, to school, a fork and a spoon, had taken two out of the kitchen, whilst, in fact, Mr. Dantskipp had left the two silver ones, that were to be sent, at his engraver's, in Manchester, to have the family crest on. "There," said Rowland, "that will do, and, we will only add, that Miss Dantskipp' s papa, is coming over to Lammerhed academy, when he will bring the real fork and spoon, either in the course of to-morrow, or the day following." "Grand, grand, grand," said Mr. Dantskipp, "that will do." " Then, my dear sir, go by the very next train to Manchester, and take them to an engraver, he will find out the crest, from the heraldry book ; and, should there be no such name, tell him to put something appropriate— supposing we put a nag's head with a shuttle in his mouth, being in the power-loom trade." "Grand, grand," said the spinner, in great admiration of Rowland's genius, " and, what is moor, I'll make mn sit up all ueet, but I'll bring it back." " You have eased my poor heart ; it cannot go wi-ong now, or, at least," said she, looking tenderly at Rowland, " if a certain young gentleman, that I know, will never, never — mention — " "Oh, fear not, madam," said that certain young gentleman. Mr. Dantskipp winked to his spouse ; who at once said, " by the by, we have a lot of hats, that my husband took for a bad debt ; just come, Mr. Bradshaw, and see if there is one that will fit you." Rowland objected, but the lady would not be denied ; and after trying on half-a- dozen, there was one the veiy thing ; and then she bethought herself that they had a lot of boots, that came into their possession, just in a similar way. Again, the bountiful lady would take no denial, and, there •was again, a pair that was quite high enough in the instep, thin enough in all respects, and perfectly satisfactory at the toe-points. They were exactly all that could be wished. Now, though this did not take a very long time, there is very little doubt, that the worthy sire of Eliza Jane was some miles on his journey ; certainly before Rowland was suited, or had taken his departure. Mrs. Dantskipp would by no means allow Rowland to carry the things home •with him, she pretending that she could not permit such an act of condescension, but in reality, was afraid that such a proceeding might cause suspicion, as, certainly, to bring home a new hat and pair of boots, was enough to do so. For, although, the good lady had told her adviser and secretary, that the aforesaid articles were taken for debt, Rowland half suspected it was nothing of the kind, and was right ; the fact being, they were simply out of the stores of the " Tommy shop." " There," said ]\Ir. Wiudley's new apprentice, as he wett musing ROWLAND BUADSHAW. 61 home, " that will make up my suit complete. What mother will say I know not ; one thing I fear, that is, in despite of my very self, it seems I am dcsthied to be the recipient of half the secrets of Fleigh. It will be well if there is not a blaze yet," Just in this part of Mr. Rowland's soliloquy, he received a smartish slap on his back, with — " I say, I should hke for t' know, why yo was takiu' your tea with th' mester and mistress, when we had nout but a gill of ale a-piece, sent us out. I don't understand, nor does any of th' tother chaps ; the youngest 'prentice to be sitting, mincing, in a dang'd grond parlor ; suppin' his tea, and writin' letters ; I seed thee do it through the Venetiauer blinds ; and me, as is an older 'prentice than thcesel, and all th' tother chaps, was never axed further than the kitchen, nor then, unless we wanted somethin'. I know I shall not stand it, so long as my name's Bryant Gow." " And, who wished you, Mr. Gow ? it will be your turn to-morrow night. Mrs. Dantskipp says she always begins with the youngest first; so then, to-morrow, you may show what sort of a letter you can write." " Oh, that's it, I con tak a letter with me, for that matter. I must be a bit cleaner, then, to-morrow afternoon." Rowland got quit of Bryant as quickly as possible, and slunk back to poor Mis. Dantskipp, and made her acquainted with every word of the preceding conversation. The hospitable mother of Eliza Jane, quite approved of all that Rowland had done, quite ; but desired him to give his fellow-workmen a hint, as their turns arrived for the afternoon honor, to be as well-attired as the nature of their business would permit ; and, above all, to have a clean shirt or so, as, perhaps, the doctor's wife, or, indeed, there was no knowing who might drop in. Rowland gave the necessary information, and, for nine afternoons, one of Mr. Windley's— either apprentice or journeyman — sipped his tea at Dantskipp house. And, it is recorded, that they all paid proper attention, both to their manners, clean shirt-breasts, and to their sunday stocks ; indeed, all went off well, save a slight mishap, that occurred, during the visit of the ninth and last, who happened to be a dirty Irishman ; but one, who, nevertheless, was always boasting of his tinder rairing, family connexions, and, above all, piqued himself upon his good breeding and knowledge of tea-tiible etiquette. This sprightly sample of an old Irish gentleman, then, put on for the occasion, a rusty black cravat, with a large diamond-shaped brass brooch of his landlady's ; polished up her husband's funeral coat, though very much too large for him ; selected a white waistcoat, with burnished buttons, and the painting trowsers he worked in ; but these, he said, he could keep under the table. As the hour of tea drew nigh, he fortified himself, (as he said it was a long time since he had visited much, ) with a noggin of grain whisky. The hour is arrived, and now see him, with great formality, take his seat, with the host and hostess. The rum is again brought in, in a little glass jug, and the third cup is just finished, amidst the writhings and heart-shakings of the hosts ; when — bang enters — Mrs. Frigins, the doctor's lady, and her dashing niece from Oxford ; they rush to their friends, the Dantskipps to them. 62 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. and then a funny squeesy introduction to Mr. Windley's last man, takes place ; then two extra tea cups and saucers are run for ; whatever do Mr. Dantskipp's eyes run for ? the cups are brought, Mr. Dantskipp simply desires them to fall to. Paddy is better bred, so rises up, and hands the toast-plate, in one hand, and the pikelet one, in the other. It is done with a deal of grace, though the rum makes him lean a little too much forward ; he recovers his balance, however, as well as the rum jug, and pours into the new-comers' cups— copious libations — they both object — he antici- pates — knew they would have preferred whisky, the rum is however prime, and, in the absense of the other, they must try some. They are bewildered ! the hosts talk with the greatest fascination to their visitors, but their piercing looks are directed totlieir officious, and, now, somewhat gallant friend of the rusty stock. The rum is getting into his head — good heavens ! there is a lady getting out of her carriage ! were people ever so wretched ? she's coming up the walk ! — she's here — 'tis their broker's wife, from Liverpool ! — must see how they are ; she is handed to a seat, by the obsequious gentleman with the glazed trowsers. The hour of departure is arrived — that is for the ladies — not for the gentleman ; he intends to take a quiet glass with Mr. Dantskipp. The ladies are curtsying, and backing out : the polite painter is bowing, and facing after ; a final shake of the hands ; he wishes them paceable drames, good night, and gives Mrs. Frigins a kiss. All this was posted up at the news room, at three o'clock next day ; on the same afternoon, arrived thirty copies of the paper, containing the information who were the real coal-pit ghosts. And the whole town of Fleigh was proclaimed to be in a high state of fever, for three weeks afterwards. CHAPTER XI. PARISH AFFAIRS OF FLEIGH. Mrs. Windley was thunderstruck, when she was informed that the new apprentice had been " perk'd" up at th' tea table of the Dantskipp's; and had no doubt whatever, that the invite was only made to make some enquiries about herself — perhaps heard a whisper about false hair, or may-be the unfortunate peggies ; and then she began to shudder. If Rowland should have told, but that she would endeavour to find out. Her good lord was equally puzzled ; he had sent him thither to humble him, and to his surprise, he had met with an honor that had not been '^1 f ' l^ <^>.^:^ ,J' \l2a-{ta/^/ ^/^ ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 63 conferred upon himself. Was the invite, could it possibly he, about the sign? Dantskipp was a great wag, and of all others, or nearly so, he should be most afraid of his knowing. Could the parlor grate, or the oven have told anything ? but he would find all that out. His being invited to tea, but so were they all ; surely every one in the shop did not know about it ? Rowland was called into Mr. Windley's presence, who soon satisfied his master, that, there was not the slightest allusion ever made^ to the sign, unless, indeed, once, when he was asked, if ever he thought he should be able to do one so well. Tlius satisfied, Mr. Windlcy told his pupil that there was a small job for him to do at the church ; that is if he thought he could manage it, which was no more than putting a new crest upon one of the pew doors. Rowland said he thought he could succeed, particularly if his master would be so good as, occasionally, to call up and give his advice and instructions. Mr. Windley said, he thought it would have been very bold, on the part of his disciple, if he had undertaken so serious an affair, without both his instruction and assistance. Rowland repaired to the church, and had scarcely traced his design from his sketch upon the door, when one of the churchwardens told him he was not to work during divine service. Rowland was puzzled to know what he meant, but looking to the other end of the building, he saw about a dozen women, with each, or nearly so, a little squalling love, that was about to be made into a little christian. Rowland rested himself against one of the large columns, and had not been there many minutes, when a rather good-looking woman came up to hiiTi, and made this somewhat singular offer. " If you pleasen, young felly, my god-fay ther hasn't come, and th' new curate is so strict towards what th' old one was, ween some difficulty eh gettin' childer born out of wedlock christened at all — though I con see no diiference, poor things, and don't think he could tell if he thd not know. Now, as my little darlin' love, happens to be one, although I have had three afore, and there never was a word ; yet, as I said, this man is so strict, that I'll give you half-a-crown if you'll come and stand god-fayther ; — yon's a man, yonder, will do it for fourpence ; but I'd like somebody respectable, for though I have had my shps, my fay ther' s worth ten thousand, and I'm the only daughter ; — beside, I took alikin' to your little black handkerchief and frill on your shirt ; and I should not like a low felly to come and see his god-daughter ; so come up, and we'll have lots of rum and hot water when its o'er ; — d'ye like sage-cheese, young felly? because I'll send you cue, and yo mun come and see us ; wee'n a bonny orchard ; if yo have a sweetheart, bring her, hoo shall be welcome — if yo have not, I'll find you one. What don yo say?" " Why, my dear woman, do you know what you are about ? asking a stranger to do so serious a thing ; so terrible an obhgation — in both ways ; — a most important duty ; one, I am sure that, situated as I am, I can by no means fulfil — 'It were imi)0ssible." " Tut— nonsense — I'll see it confiirmcd, and yo have no more to do 64 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. with it ; there is two beautiful god-mothers, both on um very ricli, and would be quite glad of such as you for a sweetheart — and yo'll find your little god-daughter better dressed than any o'er yonder ; — come, now, be persuaded, and we will go into th' Lamb as soon as ever it's over. If you had rather, we will have a fiddle, both of the god-mothers dances grand, and, I know, there is some moor that will jine us ; — you don't need say anything— you could not find in your heart to disappoint us, and give the poor babby bad luck as long as it lives — we'll have lots of fun— it'll soon be over — will you? God love you, I could see you was good-natured." The woman was so earnest, and Rowland, though we have not told it before, was of so jdelding a temper, that ere he was well aware of it, he found himself in the throng of god-fathers, mothers, and babies. " Recollect, I don't take anything for doing it ; I am fearful I do \n'ong enough vdthout that," whispered Rowland, in the mother's ear. " So much more rum and hot water," returned the other, in just an audible response — "there are th' god-mothers — if you hannot a sweet- heart, I'll speak a good word to um booth ; sweet babby, isn't it ? th' fayther will be up at th' Lamb ; I'd feel obliged to yo, if yo would speak a word or two to him, and tell him you think it's quite time we got married; he'd take it better from yo than me — willyo? thank yo — I could see you was good-natured ; he says it's time enough yet, as we have both good homes, but /begin to think it's a shame." The ceremony was completed ; Rowland signed the books, and was looked at most tenderly by the young maidens, who had done the god- mother parts. They and the mother went to the Lamb, not before obtaining a promise that Rowland would follow so soon as the leaving- ofF time arrived. The artist had fairly rubbed in his crest, and done all to it that he well could at that sitting, when the same churchwarden, who had addressed him before, again approached him, and seeing him preparing to depart, said — " Now, I tell thee what, young man, if thou'st uothin' else to do, thou'lt hear such a speech in that vestry, that thou never heard before ; indeed, there never has been one like it, sin the same mon made th' last, and that's above twelve yers sin. They say he's a second Kinkinatus ; he left parish affairs in disgust, and now we have fetcht him back, if not from the plough, at the least, from the sign of it, as that was the place that the depetation fond him at ; and, now, he's come back, and, no doubt, things will go on as they'd used to do." Rowland learning all this, felt a much greater curiosity to hear this veteran, than he did to see the fayther of his god- daughter ; so at once got into a corner of the vestry. He who was to do all this, was a gen- tlemanly, farmer-looking sort of a man, and was e^^dently about eighty. He was received with the most outrageous applause, and was soon placed next to the chairman — the Yicar of Fleigh. After about twelve or thirteen rounds, the old gentleman was permitted to try his powers of articulation, and though he did it with all his might, seemed strangely bothered for some time. Every failure was succeeded with another round of sympathetic applause, and at last he got fairly to it, and that, too, in something like the following manner : — I^O^VLAND BRADSHAW. 05 " My dear friends, I need not tell yo, I'm sure, how deeply affected this welcome has made *ne. I thought I had done with public lile, but it seems that you are resolved to see if there's anythin' left in me. If there be anythin' in me that will be of any good, either to yoursels, or to my native parish, Flcigh, you are quite as welcome to it, as this church-yard will be to my boo-ons, when I can give no more. I think what we are met here for this day is, if possible, to solve the anomaly, that is, — why trade should be better than it has been for many yesrs, in Fleigh, and yet there should be a much greater burden on the parish rates ; why there should be moor employment, and yet pauperism should be fearfully on th' increase, that is what I believe we are met for?" A muttering "yes, yes," was the anxious response, and again, as the revered sjieaker cleared his lungs, complete silence prevailed. " Before we go into the main question before us, let us see if there's not moor things to wonder at, than that which has brought us moor immediately together. Let us see whether the fault does not rest with ourselves, sometimes, as well as th' poor. Let us see whether those who put th' law into force, are not sometimes as bad, or worse, than those who have to obey ; and for this purpose I'll tell yo a bit of a tale, and judge for yoursels. " Yo all know Jonathan Blursy ? a hard-worker is Jonathan ; a de- cent mon is Jonathan ; for although he never had moor than two shillings and threepence a day, nor less than one wife and four children to keep, he never had a penny from th' town, a cob-coal, or half-a-yard of flannin, yet. Well, poor Jonathan, afther attending afthernoon service, last Sunday, went to th' * Flying Pig.' Well, as far as I con lam, they were all very decent and sober there — some praising, and some . reather differing from certain points i'th' vicar's sermont, here. They did not get angry o'er it till they'd had about three pints a-piece ; nor then, so mich, but they begun to talk whether th' vicar here or curate preached th' longest ; and then there was a bet took place, of a quart of ale, which preached th' longest — the curate, next Sunday forenoon, or the vicar, next Sunday afternoon (hear, hear, hear, but the chairman writhing in his chair), but, unfortinitly, a dispute arose, whether, if th' order of preaching was reversed, which could claim ; each contended he could ; so I have told yo enough to satisfy yo (booth bein' thorough- bred Fleighers, and in their fourth pints) that a battle must follow, and one, shure enough, did, but with no very sarious consequences. Ogdcn geet a broken rib, and I think a tooth or so knocked out. Jonathan a good deal mault and shook, but not so bad Init he could come to his work i' th' mornin' . I thought somethin' was to do with him, but he said nout, and so I sent him for to sow th' eight-acre. "Now, mark! all this geet to old Colonel Dillon's ears ; and now for a specimen of one of our magistrates (hiss, hiss, hiss). You msy weel do that, but hsten ; before he'd heard half of Jonathan's tale, though he'd a proved to him, that they was speakin' upon a very proper sub- ject, I think, religion of a Sunday afternoon, he fined him in ten shil- lings, or eight hours i' th' stocks, which he liked best. " ' Nay, nay, Mesther Dillon, be a bit more reasonable,' said poor Jonathan ; ' dang it, I have only two-and-thrippence a day, and yet 60 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. you're gooiii' to charge me ten sliillin' for eight heaurs ; be a bit more proportionate ' — yo all know Jonathan can speak a bit, and yo'U hear he did so there — ' or else I tell you what,' continued he, ' Mesther Dillon, if yo'U put it off until a weet day, or when th' frost sets in, when I con do nout, why then I don't care what you charge, because I'll sit it out, but hang it, only earning two-and-threepence for twelve hours, you ought to be content with twenty-pence for eight — fair play, Mr. Dillon.' " ' Thou mun either pay, or sit it out on Thursday next/ said the magistrate. " ' By Gew, but I cannot, Mesther Dillon ; I'm workiu' for oud Squire Sweetlove, and yo known he's perticular ; I'm sowing for him, and if I was to be away, I should keep four teams waiting, and that would be a sarious thing, this fine spell of weather, as yo known,' " ' Oh ! oh ! thee'rt workin' for hiniy art to V Now you known Dillon has never lik't me since that turnpike job. ' Oh ! it's for him thee'rt workin' ; think on, thee'rt i' th' stocks a Thursday, or else I'll double it a Friday, or pay th' ten shillin'.' " ' Well, I'll tell yo, Mesther Dillon, if yo are in such a hurry, and will tak no less, may be yo'U let me sit an hour of a mornin', and one or so of a neet, until I have finished my task ; but it would play the divil to let yon field stand, it is in sich good order, and th' weather so broken of late.' '• ' On Thursday next,' said old Dillon, stampin' his foot ; * the eends of justice demand it.' " 'Th' eends of be damned,' said Jonathan ; 'what justice con there be in makin' eight horses, ploughs, harrows, men, and lads, play um in sich weather as this, and all that too for a mon as kept me for near six weeks, when I and two o' th' childer had the fever,' said Jonathan (huz- za, roared the entire vestry — immense cheers). 'Houd,' cried Jonathan, * I have it, only put it off till a moor convenient time, and I'll send yo three o' th' childer to pick th' stones off yon meadow yo have just been brushin' — theyst work all wick for yo !' " ' Oh ! oh !' said Dillon, ' that will do me no good now ; ever sm' th' parish school was built close to, I con get as mich stone picking as I leant, by just let tin' um play prison-bars up o' tK workhouse ground'' (a yell of execration). " ' What mun I do,' said th' poor fellow ; ' I connot disappoint th' old mester — I have it now,' shouted out Jonathan; 'yo connot refuse this — let th' wife sit it out ! and hoo shall sit twelve heaurs, as hoo's moor tmie " ' I tell thee no,' roared out old Dillon. " ' And th' three childer shall sit with her,' said Jonathan, anxiously. " • Get out th' coort ; Thursday, or double' (further yelhng). " Well, Jonathan came to me, and said he must go off on Thursday ; I axed him what for — he would not tell me ; still I tried — was it a funeral he was gooin' to ? ' No.' Where was it ? at last it coom out ; he said — ' the fact is, Mesther, I want for t' sit i' th' stocks for about eight hours, on Thursday next.' I said, 'a very funny want, isn't it?' He said it was ; but he wanted to sit eight hqurs on Thursday, to save ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 67 him from sixteen on Friday, or thirty-two on Saturday, or sixty-four on Sunday, and so on ; and then Jonathan smashed his fist at a brick, and burst into tears (and so did some of the vestry), and then it all coom out. To-morrow is th' day," continued Mr. Sweetlove ; " I called on his wife, as I coom here, she was preparing a clean shirt, his best one ; clean stockings, and mending a slit he geet in his breeches on Sunday neet. ' I have heard speak, Mr. Sweetlove, of folk as woidd disgrace a gibbet,' said Jonathan's wife, ' but my husband shall never disgrace thoose stocks, nor th' mester he works for ; he shall go there clean, and Jenny shall read th' testament for him ; Betty can take him his meals, and when I have done my work, I'll go myseland comfort him ; I sup- pose th' law doesn't prevent that,' " and the speaker's top lip began to twitch a little, as did many in the vestry ; " to-morrow is the day he's to do it," continued the speaker, " but it shall never dawn upon such infamy ! look you, my old friends, here's th' receipt for th' fine" (the applause was deafening). " So much for a sample of our magistrates," said Mr. Sweetlove, wiping his brows. "There's my ten shillin', towards a cow for Jonathan's wife," called out one of the vestry. "And mine," "and mine," and so it went round; and "stop," cried one, " suppose the overplus of buying th' cow should, as soon as you're done sowin', Mester Sweetlove, should go towards paying Jona- than for to sit a day or two, with his feet through oud Dillon's front gate, and sitting upon a sheaf of straw, just to burlesque his judgment ?" The motion was carried without a dissenting opinion. " Well, now gentlemen," said the Rev. Chairman, no doubt a good deal chagrined, though fearful to shew it, " suppose we go into the business we met for." "Exactly," said Mr. Sweetlove; "you'll pardon the digression 1 have made, and now for it. I believe we are complainin' of the creeping excess of late years on the parish expenditure. Trade in many respects better, and yet more pauperism ; now we want to find out the reason of this ; and, in my opinion, it's all through the discouraging, or rather the entirely stopping the breed of bull dogs ! (amazement) yes, gentle- men may stare, but, perhaps, they'll stare less when they look more closely in the subject. I have no objection to th' destruction of bull- dogs, no more than I have of hand looms, so that you will give the weavers enough to do vmder the new invention, in the last case, and ui the first to educate the people to relish more refined amusement. However good new inventions may be, and I'm willin' to admit this country could not exist without them, yet they never should be done at the expense of thousands of waste labor, unless there was a reasonable channel for its reception. The same of amusements ; yo' have tan away thoose they had, and given 'em none i' th' place ; same as to take away the Spanish bull-fights, and give them English horse-racing, or th' tother way abeaut to th' English, and see if either would be satisfied. If yo will take away bull and bear baiting, so educate the risin' genera- tion, that they may have amusements of a more social nature, and not only educate them for them, but give them some amusements : instead 68 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. of that, all is taken away from the poor, and none supplies the place. Thus, I say, these sudden changes deranges, for a time, their social state, and if a poor man is not happy in his amusements, or rather has none, he will become sulky, lazy, and finally, a burthen to the parish. They surely require play as well as those who do nothin' else. Now when I was the pajang overseer to this parish, trade was never worse, nor was there before or since, in my time, so much downreet starvation, and yet th' parish rates was not half; and it was done in this way — we made it a rule that every one that kept a cloy, and there was little else but bull-dogs kept in those days by th' poor, was not to receive parish relief, and the consequence was, we had frequently scenes as tender and affecting as this, when sitting at th' weekly board. " * Gentlemen,' a miserable half hungered-to-deeth woman would say, ' I'm come for relief; we are thirteen on us, all on us out of work but two, and they con but get twelve shillin' a week, and th' price of every- thin' now, yo know, is terrible, and we shall all dee of a ruck, unless yo allown us six or seven shillin' moor.' " Well, th' case was listened to, an order given for five shillin' a wick, and another order was also given to enquire if there was any dog kept at this starvin' establishment — ay ! sure to be one ; well, th' week after this woman woiild come again, her tale had all been found to be true, and, sartinly, now hoo looks more hungered than before. " ' Well, Mary, we have ordered you to have five shilUn' a week, than things are better.' " ' God a meety bless yo gentlemen.' " * Here' the young curate would say, who was fond of a bit of fun, • here's the money ;' the woman puts out her hand, and curtsies half to the ground : ' hold, stop,' then one of us would say, pretending to look at a book, ' stay, stay ; why Mary it seems yo keepen a dog !' " That was a chopper ; th' woman would say, ' why not exactly, but — ' ' well but there is one in your house, as fat as a pig — so we are informed.' 'Why, ay, there is one that somebody lent my mester.' ' He mun be destroyed, Maiy, and then there is th' five shillings :' ' well, shall I go whom, and tell um fort' either kill him or send him away V ' Oh no, Mary, yo mun bring him here, and we'll shoot him for you ; we must see it done ! nothin' else will do by th' law !' ' We are all clemmin of a ruck !' ' Bring him here, Mary, and then there is the five shillin' for yo.' " Well, she would go home and tell th' family ; we'd see no moor of her that day. In two or three she would come again : ' they had sent him thirty miles off ; not one had broken their fasts ; they were all deein'.' 'We, and we only must see him shot or drowned, or what death yo likin', but he must die, or not five farthiu's of the five shillin'!' Away hoo'd go again ; there is a desperate, I may say, a dreadful family consultation : must Snurcher be shot ? or must they clem ? per- haps in a few days more he'd have to starve with them. His fate is concluded on, he must be shot. Snurcher is called, and a string put round his neck, he just rubs his sleek sides, and shews two rows of ivories, whisks his short fine tail, and thinks there is a bull ready staked, and he's gooin' to show 'em a thing or two ; there is not a dry ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 09 clieek. 'Feyther,' says th' eldest lad, 'just let us see him once moor to run at tli' poker before he dees.' " ' Make it hot then' says th' feyther : they do so, and Snurcher pins it whilst his lips are frizzled — nothin' con get him oflF ; the moor they try, the moor he wags his tail. All applaud. The neighbors see, no one doubts what he'll do at Easter, or Whistentide, ay, or any other tide or place. " ' Feyther, mun he be shot ?' " ' Never !' " ' Mother, con yo find in your heart ; recollect you used to feed him with a tea-spoon when he was a little chubby-yedded thing — con yo find of yer heart, mother ?' " 'Never !' " ' My dear sisters, brothers, whether will yo clem a day or two longer, or have Snurcher shot ; must he part with us for ever? see where he bit my bond through, when only five months oud !' "'Never!' cry they all, 'never!' " ' Never !' cries the feyther ; ' and thee go and tell yon hard-hearted parish monsters that we'll put them to a greater expense than their five shillin' : they will have to find coffins for us all, and bury in' s too, but they'st never shoot Snurcher.' " Well, that was the way we used to get quit of them all, but now havin' no baits, they keep no dogs. And that's sole cause of th' parish- rate increase. For you see, that a people who have no Amusements for their leisure days, will have no Fortitude for those of their misery." The profound respect with which Mr. Sweetlove had been listened to, now gave way to the most vociferous applause. It was evident that all this while the Reverend Chairman was suffer- ing the very deepest mortification ; but as he had a new church-rate to propose, he durst not show symptoms that might be construed into dissatisfaction. He was evidently scheming for an excuse to break up the meeting, as he perceived the garrulity of Mr. Sweetlove would be as lasting as his hearers' applause. Chance presented him with an opportvmity that his invention could not, and that was his seeing our young artist very elaborately taking notes on the back of the pounce used for the crest. The Chairman at once sprang up, and unbottlcd, smoke and all, all the rage that had been smouldering in his breast for the last half hour, upon the unconscious artist. He said the question he should immediately raise was, whether reporters were to be admitted in that place : he had his eye upon such a fellow, and ordered the sexton to turn him out. Mr. Bradshaw was accordingly ejected ; and as the debate became rather stormy than instructive in consequence, we shall leave, for the present, the parish affairs of Fleigh. CHAPTER XII. A ROAD-SIDE ADVENTURE. Rowland's inauguratory month was now np, and so he was permitted, by his indulgent master, to go home on the Saturday evening, spend the Sunday at home, and make his way to the door 'neath the gergeous sign sometime early on Monday. Rowland's services on the whole had been satisfactory to Mr. Windley ; still, we cannot disguise the truth, there were sundry jealousies and misgivings, for although the pupil was most obsequious to his master, yet, some way or other, the preceptor had his doubts whether the youth was serious ; in short, he felt as a lesser mind must ever do in the presence of a much greater. Then Mrs. "Windley was harping on a similar string, for whatever one she commenced her airs upon, she generally ended with a rapid transposi- tion, and bang came at last to the common chord. The truth is, both master and mistress were puzzled ; they had not one thing against him, not one ; still there had been nothing but equivoque since his presence added an additional unit to the dinner table. Then, only the night but one before, he had been invited ovit to a most respectable quadrille party. It might be true, and Mrs. Windley had no wish to deny it, that he was asked because it would save the old lady a guinea in getting some one to play the piano all night ; but, for all that, it was getting into society that had always crowed above the Windley s or even the name she bore before marriage. And as to Mr. Dantskipp there was something very queer about that altogether ; Mrs. Dantskipp was always sending for him ; indeed, that affair she wovild bottom yet, and if he had made a certain disclosure, she'd have his life, and then she would be at rest. Then every man and lad about the place was afraid of him, there could be no doubt about that ; nay, the master himself was often caught whispering to him. But the most extraordinary thing of all was Squire Rowbottom talking to him half an hour at once ; he had been four times up to his house ; Miss Rowbottom had given him a posy, it's true he had given it to Mrs, Windley : well then, most wonderfuUest thing of all was the ^dcar being in such a rage with him in the vestry, ordering him out, and the next day Avhen he went to finish his job, took him into the \'ii';;,rage, and shewed him every picture in the house ; now that was a thing that the vicar had never done to Mr. Windley himself, although he had painted a sign that all the men in England could not paint, if they all tried at once on the same board. Mrs. Windley vras puzzled and bothered and dithered — she said so. Mr. Windley was resolved to find him out. Every man and lad in the place was resolved to turn him out. For if Mr. Bryant Gow had not succeeded in placing the bell round his neck, it would be strange if the whole of the shop could not. Well, as we have had a pretty fair stay at Fleigh, suppose we ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 71 accompany Rowland home, and see how things get on there ; and as the afternoon is heautiful, the reader will probably inanifest no dis- content at a ten miles' walk with our youthful hero, and particularly as it is the first time of his seeing all he truly loved in the world, alter, to him, one of the most important months in his pilgrimage — the first stepping towards the business he had to learn, and by which to live. Rowland was up by four in the morning ; his singing was more like crovnng, than that which comes under the denomination of an agreeable warbling ; his arms swang about as if he had no feel in them ; would his mother see him coming from the garden gate ? would she come and meet him ? perhaps with Miss Jane and Sarah ; no, if she came to meet him, she would be sure to come alone ; they would have so much, oh, what a deal to say to each other, he alone had enough to last the entire time allowed for his stay. And an entire new suit of clothes too ! It was a most awkward tale to tell how he got them. Well, he always had told her all, and he would, must tell her then. So at one o'clock Rowland bolted off, putting his new hat on his head, and his bran new suit in a bundle under his arm. As soon as Rowland had got through the market, bustle, and past the last factory of Flcigh, and found himself in a nice green lane, then did his day dreams commence. "What a stranger he should be at Rinwick ; what staring there would be at him in church ; what mighty contemplations there would be as to where he had been ; the wonderful knowledge he must have attained during his sojourn. With what contempt he should visit the writing and gilding of the ten commandments, the marbling of the altar ; nay, he thought he knew a little more of oak graining than the ancient p?w- doors did, although three hundred years old, and. of course, must have been invented before oak graining was ; still he could tell them a thing or two. Then he woidd sniif at all the signs in and about Rinwick. Would the rector's daughters' eyes ever be off him when at church ? he was convinced Marian's would not ; wondered if she would ever sit to him for her portrait, of course, not before he was, at least, an associate of the Royal Academy. Whether kings and emperors would invite him to their courts ; or should he become either a great poet or statesman, and when ennobled, whether or not there was any precedent for giving his mother a title. Whether his mother would be living until then ; or whether Mr. Windley's prophecy would ever be verified — and Rowland made a dead stop, and then a spring as if some fowler's stray shot had struck him, when he thought it was jiossible she might get married again ! and then he ran as hard as he could, until it is supposed the speed, together with loss of wind, formed arguments in favor of his mother's celibacy. Then Rowland rested himself under a huge sica- more, and listened to the heavy drops of rain that pattered upon the dark green leaves, and from the distant bright markings in the heavens, he knew that they must fall heavier and quicker nearer home. And now the birds begin to make the old sicamore a merry choir, as they see the storm draw in his wings, and light upon a distant hill. Then the sun smiles in distant patches on the wide landscape, and soon every weeping leaf glitters him a welcome: all nature kisses his beams; and what gloometh the soul of the eye-uplifted youth ? are all his 72 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. bright smis sombred o'er, even as the newly painted sky was ? The heavens weep, that the earth may gladden, and the sonl may dress in russet, that her holiday attire may be the more resplendent. Then Rowland thought he might die, — die long before his first aspira- tion met with welcome from the world ; to droop, and drop, and lie there for ever ; and the silver tear slowly globules from his dark eyes, but now they roll apace, and stifled gas})ings, with broken cries, and then a heavy heart sob, tell that more fearful bodings chasm his way. Oh ! if one were to droop before him — die — to feel that he was in this wide large world, and she not : seek everywhere, and not find her. Oh ! he must think no more, another such thought, and it might be his last. But might he live to cause her shame ! What, and disgrace himself? Oh, never ! and Rowland recovered his spirits : yes, but he might be innocent, and shame might whip him past his mother's door. He had read of such horrors ; nay, no one could doubt that ignominy, with his countless mob, had often yelled his youthful victim to the gallows, though he was innocent as all, save one, that he had ever dragged thither before ; and the pale-faced youth dropped upon his knees : and agony was idealized. But well springs the bow in youth ; soon rise the trampled flowers in May ; wounds are cured vrith mothers' kisses, when we ask no other aid ; but doctors have no anodynes for grand-children's kicks. And so with our slender traveller ; the noise of a distant carriage not only sprang him from his knees, but caused him to wipe them ere its approach. Perhaps it was well he did, for the carriage had not passed him many yards when a lady's bonnet popped out ; and soon the two-horse chariot came to a stand. The instant it did so, a waving hand was seen, and no doubt could be entertained it was for the pedestrian to advance. Rowland hastened up, and was astonished to find it contained his patrons, the Dantskipps ; that is, not only the lady and gentleman of that name, but all their family, save the young lady who, we have seen, was at Lammerhed boarding-school. There was mutual astonishment, but Mr. Dantskipp immediately jumped out, told the coachman to drive slowly up the hill they were approaching, and desired Rowland to take his arm, at the same time taking the other's bundle, and popping it over tha carriage door. As soon as they were alone, Mr. Dantskipp gave a short look, not without a hnig face, at Rowland, and after several very slow but soleinn shakes of the head, said, with a deeply drawn sigh, " I tell yo whot, young gentleman, I have had some serious questions with mysel, as to whether th' cure was not a good deal worse than th' spoon-and-fork attack, after that infernal Irish idiot giving Mrs. Frigins, th' stiffest woman in Flcigh, a kiss ! and almost scpieezing, so she says, th' finger ends off of my Liverpool broker's wife, th' proudest woman in that jjroud neigh- borhood. I think th' quickest way of puttin' an end on it, would be to get a cotton-bag rope, tie one eend to th' engine-beam, and th' tother to my neck, and th' first few strokes of th' piston would soon settle me. There was two girls winked, actually winked at me, last Tuesdaj^, as I walked up Market-street, in Manchester; whilst another axed me if she might gi^ e me a kiss ; so yo see it's all out, even thcere, about Mrs. ROWLAND BRADS HAW. 73 Frigins bein' insulted at my house, as th' kiss was an allusion to it'; and I fear I have somewhat more direct to tell yo still, dang it, I dread that th' whole of th' tother affair is all out. Poor Mrs. Dantskipp knows nothin' about this, but hush, I heard it with my own ears ; yon poor boy, as yo seen sittin' with his mother yonder, was playin' at marbles, with a nephew of the Rowbottoms', a lad as goes to the same school as mine. There was a dispute about a taw, our Joe had it in his hand, and I heerd th' tother say — will swear it ; ' fork that out, you young SPOON, or I'll give yo some rum in your tea T now, if yo recollect, or at least I suppose yo'd hear of it, that infernal Irishman put rum into Mrs. Frigins' tea! Oh! oh! it's all over, I fear. Fork, spoon, and rum, and a kiss in Market-street." "Oh, nonsense," said Rowland ; "I'll swear it's not, if it had, I should have known of it in fifty ways. Indeed, I know it is not, because I have had my ears open too, without the fears that were calculated to delude yours ; so make yourself happy. As to the affair of Paddy's politeness, now mark, — " " Yon's my wife gettin' out, she thinks perhaps there is somethin' else up ; when people have once done wrong, they're ever after in fear." " Well, I'm glad she is coming, for, as I was saying, every one, so far from making jeers at your hospitality, says it shews that you have not forgotten your origin and that the whole did you great credit ; and as to the salute business, they say it served such a piece of starch quite right, and the laugh is against her, and not you." " Dost hear that, my dear?" demanded, in a feeling manner, Mr. Dantskipp, from his wife. " Do I hear ? yes, I should think so, and what's moor, I perfectly agree with all thoose who expressed themsels so well. How could we help it ? Why should there be such stuck-up stuff for ? Are we not all th' same flesh and blood 1 I should think so." "Why, ay," said her husband ; "that is, such as we that have car- riages and so on, are of th' same flesh and blood, as not only dukes and lords, but th' queen hersel, and any of th' royal family, but not of th' same flesh and blood with an old dirty Irishman ; one as chews to- bacco, and only earns about eighteen shillin' a vdck — and, indeed, of no low people." " I don't know that ; when he's dressed up, and only axed to a cup of tea, a time and away ; so long as he was at our table, his flesh and blood ought for t' be respected. See how he handed the toast and pikelets !" "Well, it's o'er," said the husband, with a groan; "I suppose Bradshaw, th' misses here, tould you that the fork and spoon, and every thing else was all right ; wee'n a letter from th' school-mistress to that effect, and also an invitation to come and spend to-morrow with her, and go and hear a new organ at their church ; so that's where we are off to, and as we did not want two or three o' th' neighbors to know, we are takin' this round-about way. I suppose yo are goin' home ; we'll drive yo a few miles, as we have plenty of time for Lammerhed, yet." Rowland heartily thanked his warm friend, and all three made for the carriage, and were just going to open the door, without desiring 74 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. the coachman to leave the box for that purpose, when Rowland sprang back almost as quickly as though the carriage dog had not only sprung at him, but had given him an hydrophobiacal stare, before he did so. "In Heaven's wonder, Mester Rowland, whot con be to do with yo?" demanded the alarmed Dantskipp, just as he was seating himself on the little low cushion ; " what ? — " Rowland beckoned him to descend again, which he did, with a bulky alacrity ; Rowland retired a few paces behind the coach ; " you surely are not going to drive that vehicle up to the school in which the young lady is?" "Why? why not? it's now new painted and lined — patent axles — dang it." " What, have a crest on the spoon and fork ! and not one on your carriage ? why there should be your arms ; instead of which, you have merely an heraldic D. ; this would satisfy them that the first version of the fork and spoon was the right one ; don't you see it yourself?" " I do, I do ! it will come to the engine-beam at last ! It's well said that the Lord loveth those as he humbles, and if he does not love me and my poor wife just now — stop the carriage," bawled Mr. Dantskipp ; — " at least he ought for t' feel for us. There will be a precious row, just now, with the childer ; promised this last fortnit for t' go and see their poor sister, Eliza Jane — I shouldn't wonder if there's a row about that some day, for her name is only Jane, but her mother got ashamed of it, and so would, do what I could, stick Eliza before it. It might be all found out for sixpence — see the register. — " "Don't be precipitate, my dear sir ; drive to the next railway station, send back the carriage, so rattle off that way, and should the hue not go near the school, post-chaise it thither, and there can be no remarks respecting your family arms. Send the carriage doors to our place on Monday, and I will put them on ; keep the carriage up for a week or two, and take it out as if they had always been there, and so quietly introduce them to the world." " If anything can save me from an old cotton-bag rope, and th' en- gine-beam, it will be yo," said Mr. Dantskipp, shaking Rowland, affec- tionately, by the hand. " We'll drive off to th' station, and I'll tell yo whot ; jump in with us, and make one o' th' party. I suppose yohave got some clothes there ? do come ; I should feel more courage. I know how to eat fish with a fork, and when to use my knife ; I have not had time exactly to show it th' misses, but hoo's goin' to prefer soup, so that'll do ; but, dang it, jump in. I don't know that I ever told yo, but our Jane, now Eliza Jane, is allowed to be the prettiest girl in all England, and though not much past fourteen, mind, as I con give her a hundred thousand, I intend her for a lord at least. Well, will yo come ? There is th' new organ ; a crack preacher is goin' to preach ; there will be rare doings. I am told th' alehouses has been preparing for a fortnit.'^ " My dear friend, don't you see the great impropriety of all this ; — if this were discovered, and it would be, all Fleigh might begin to inves- tigate, beside there would he. such jealousy — I'll not say where— but as wishing you well, not on any account would I accept your invitation." ROWLAND BRAD SHAW. 75 Mr. Dantskipp persisted a good deal, but Rowland overruled all hk reasonings upon the subject— promised to do the arms on his return, and bade them "good by." The truth is, that Rowland's mind was in such a feverish state re- specting home, and all he loved there, that nothing could have tempted him to depart from his plan of seeing it, and all it contained. And now Rowland's spirits became as exuberated as before they were depressed : every step neared home. He was truly sorry for the morti- fication that the poor Dantskipps were doomed to labor under ; but for the fun of him he could not help, now and then, breaking out into little soliloquy chuckles. Then Rowland strides away like a prize pedestrian ; now sings, and then whistles, and beats the midges off with his bundle. At last he comes to Oughton ford, and there the water is out, and at least two hundred yards across it. Phew ! He ascertains that it is not more than a yard deep or so, even in the very middle of the stream, except in the ditches on either side the road, and there, of course, it would vary from a yard to three ; he must mind and keep out of those. " It is of no use looking at it, here goes ;" and Rowland took off his trowsers, stockings, and boots, tied them" as well as he could to his bundle, and easily patted for some time in the stream, but soon got to such a depth, as to require him to tuck his shirt under his waistcoat, or else he found the nether part of it would be very disagreeable when he again renewed his toilet. The middle part cost him more sighs than ever Cupid had done, for it was very cold, or so it seemed, after walking so very fast. Soon are surmounted impediments, which would stop vacatory school-boys from preparing, waiting parents. Shall bridges, thrown down, stay the far-travelled lover, when his anxious mistress trembles for his steps ? What shall keep Rowland from the other shore ? Nothing, unless a young hidy were sitting there ; and then he would certainly like to dress himself, if practicable, even in the water. Now this history must relate that what he feared, exactly happened ; nay, worse, there sat a young lady, and so far from even turning her head, at his approach, or giving him time to re-dress such part of his bodj^ that now stood in open nudity, she said — " I have lieen watchin' yo, young felly, and yo' are th' very chap as I want. Roger, here, was goin' to strip, for t' carry me over, but I said 'tak' th' time a bit, yon's a yeauth comin', and if he's a decent body, now as he's stripped, he'll tak' us booth.' What dun yo say, • young mon ? I'll give yo as mony plums as yo'll eat, if yo will be so civil," " Well, well, but," said the young man who sat by the damsel's side, and whom Rowland took to be her brother, "wind, wind a bit, because if yo are goin' to carry INIiss Nelly and me over too, yo'll find it a toughish job, as hoo's a basket of plums, and I have two of butthcr, so rest a bit ; yo seem a likely chap ; not as fat as me, but clean i' th' leg ; what sort of a wind have yo got ? con yo fcight any ? yo seem, I must say, as likely a lad as need be, and I've no deaut yo con, for a chap of your own size ; tak' a plum or two before yo starten with Nelly." " Here, and shall I wipe that duck-meat off your feet ; I've no towel," continued Nelly, "but I con do it with this," said the rosy-cheeked maiden, rising from her seat, to put her offer into execution. 76 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " Pardon me," said Rowland, popping his trowsers before him ; " it will wash' oif, if I am to be favored with you for a passenger across the stream." And perhaps it would have been well if the speaker could have placed his garments over his face, as well as the green-marked legs, for Rowland was never more bothered to make a speech in his Ufe. " Oh, don't be halo," said the brother ; " and if ever you should be in our parts, we have two raspin' orchards ; yo'U be welcome to anythin' in um ; — con yo swim ?" " Anythin' in v;m ? ay, or anythin' i' th' house either, I should hope," continued the maiden ; " but if yo're thinkin' yo cannot carry me and th' plums — here goes — I must be at Fleigh ; it's not th' plums I care so much about, but I want four yards of ribbin for my new bonnet ; th' flood will be down by I've getten back, so what don yo think ?;Jl've not mich to strip, yo seen." Rowland looked at her ; she was really beautiful, "and she was really innocent, whatever the prudish reader may aver to the contrary. Row- land saw it ; slipped on his trowsers, left his bimdle in the young gentleman's care, and got the beautiful burden upon his back. But though exquisitely beautiful, and perhaps not more than fourteen, Rowland soon discovered that he almost had as much as he could well carry, and certainly enough in either arm to grasp. " As soon as we get into the deep part, I'll swim the basket, that will make it some lighter for you." Rowland turned round his head, and certainly 'if ever budding love- liness met the eye of mortal man, or, at all events, of mortal youth, it was then. A face almost of ruddy health, too plump, but evidently disposed to classical propriety. The luxuriant hair, which now fell around his neck, as she clung to her basket, might be a little too flaxen, but then she was so young, and, oh ! what a pair of lips ! good angels ! never was there such a pair ; and now a slip of Rowland's, and her cheek comes pat beside his ; those rosy pouting lips are not two inches off his, and say what power, whether presiding over evil synods, or re- gulating amatory lovers, causes the rash act ? some naughty Divinity must have done it, for we solemnly aver, that Rowland had no intention, nay, when he had done it, could not believe that he had that much in liim — he had kissed the lips of the sweet-breathing maiden. The fair nymph started from her supposed security, and sprang from the back of her betrayer, and would have fallen into the now shallow water ; Rowland however caught her |^in his arms, and, despite her struggles, lauded her in safety. " May I crave a thousand pardons ;" forgive me, or")[I will never see this country more. What could have caused it ?" said the trembUng fordsman ; "whatever could?" and he looked into the blushing face of the agitated damsel : — he looked and saw she was a thousand times handsomer than before ; still he demanded if she could inform him why he had committed an act that would embitter the rest of his days. " Good by, sir, it was ungentlemanly ;" and the maiden wept. Still she received gentle support from the supplicating swain ;*but she wept, and looked, though not unkindly, on the causer of this sorrow ; — "good by." QtrfHf«^Sf,>^~=^ ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 77 " Oh, but say you pardon me." "Id— 0." And one trembling shake of the hand, and again Rowland dashed into the water. He was fast making the opposite side, for the purpose of carrying the good-natured countryman, when, to his surprise, he met him coming with all his might. He had not time either to strip or anything else, but was making his way through the middle of the stream, with the large butter-baskets, both of which were transversely strapped round his neck. So soon as he met the returning gallant, he rather spluttered, than spoke, the following address to him, after first getting hold of the youth's waistcoat and one brace, at a grasp. " I say, my young felly, did yo kiss yon young woman, as yo have just put down, and which I see is running off, and leaving my plums for me to carry mysel ? answer me, because I seed yo do it, or if yo sayn yo didn't, I'll shake yo, and if yo did, I'll drownd yo. Answer, or here goes." " Why, d'ye think I did not deserve a kiss for what I did ? If I had a dozen sisters, and you were equally courteous, I should tell them every one to give you one, let alone scold you for taking it." "Y-es, yes, M ester silvery- tongue ; I have only eight sisters, and yo may kiss um all, from th' biggest to th' least, if yo did nothin' moor than hand um o'er a slough a-plece ; but yon young woman, who could talk as fine as yo did before yo coom up, is another thing. I bin coortin' her all th' way we have come together, hoo carried my plums, and I was just thinkin? which would be a nice turn i' th' road to give her a kiss in, and yo did it befoor my face ; now suffer for it ! I shall stick to yo until I get yo out of this water, and then I'll break as mony boons in your skin as will make yo remember cheeating again : come on — " "Oh, ridiculous, let me go." " Come on I tell thee." " Don't be an idiot," and Rowland gave a terrible tvdst to loosen himself, but still the young farmer held to. " Now I don't wish to upset your basket, but loose me, or I'll smash this in your face," and Rowland lifted up a pound of butter out of the basket next him. The countryman grew savage, and made a spring to get back his property ; Rowland eluded his grasp, slipped, and got hold of the next basket to save himself; but down he fell, and after him, Roger, baskets and all. Now they no sooner went down, but the butters went up, and formed themselves into little fleets, whether for discovery or amuse- ment, the God who superintended the battle has not recorded ; but this much information it has been our good fortune to secure, that no sooner did the assailant discover, which he did as soon as he could get his eyes open, the extraordinary phenomenon that butter would swim, float he knew it would from seeing it in the churn, than he left his hold upon Rowland, to get one upon the hurrying, unthinking navigators. He certainly took up a number, whilst his rival did the same thing to his heels ; but three of the wary explorers were too knowing either to obey threats, letters-of-marque, or men-of- ««ar, for though both warriors tried to delude them, they made right off to the bridge, and then got into the flood. 78 ROWLAND BIIADSHAW. And the next morning several honest villagers were huiTving to church, and perceived that not only had the waters been out, but two noted witches also. They had been informed of injuries done to cattle, churnings spoiled, and the like, and here was a melancholy proof of these terrible creatures' ferocity. No wondering at the mishaps of dairies, when butter was found growing upon trees, bushes, and sticking to slices of bread in a neighboring cottage ; a disaster that had not happened there, for years before. CHAPTER XIII. ADVENTURE IN THE " DELUGE.' " Curse the fool," said Rowland, shaking himself, "of course, I have not a dry thread , I am glad I did salute the girl ; I wish I had done it a score of times, not but I would have saved the goose his butter ; had I not fortunately got loosed when we were both down, I should have been drowned ; not a month since I was at home, and have had two such escapes : to be in such a pickle. It's clear I am not to die that death, and she is not his sister ? Ran away and left the plums, well, I wish I had such a — oh, what a beautiful sister —I don't though, all the world would want her — very troublesome. Whatever am I to say for being in such a mess. Not a month older than I was when last I walked past these chestnuts, and I have seen surely enough to occupy an apprenticeship. That mitoward bumpkin, I had no notion of being drowned, but had the row taken place out of the water, I would have made him more cautious in his customer another time. It will break mamma's heart if I go home in this state. I have it ; I'll call at the first alehouse I come to, strip, and put on my new suit, leave these until Monday — not take cold — and all will be right." This was a happy thought, and Rowland smashed away rarely, and soon made a church, and, of course, the other place he sought for. A nice snug little public house it was, with a most singidar sign, and as some few of our readers may not journey that way, they may not deem a description obtrusive. It was called the " Deluge," but the artist had intended, like Mr. "Windley, to distinguish himself, and so had not merely painted the deluge, but the earth during the deluge, as it appeared from the moon. And thus he had done it. There was the earth without any pedantic oblateness, but round as the artist's com- passes could make it ; it was about a six-inch sphere. The ark was there of course, and sailing in great majesty, (being quite as long as the ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 79 diameter of the earth's circle) amidst torrents of rain, hail, and the most fierce lightning, with barbed points. There was Noah's family taking a peep out of the well glazed window, as well as heaps of quadrupeds, and one camel with his head out, as if he wanted a drink, and the dove was going to an olive tree that was growing luxuriantly on a small hill opposite the globe. The clouds, round our unhappy sphere, were dense in the extreme ; still there was a small hole in one, quite large enough to admit a few lunar beams, and a peep from the man in our great satellite, with such of his family and neighbors to whom he thought proper to point out the instructive, though dreadful lesson. There he was, and might be known by his bundle of sticks, as also were his family and friends ; and it must be confessed they appeared to shew a very proper sympathy for their neighbor's fate, for some had their hands thrown up, some their knees thrown down, shewing that the lunarians' mode of devotion is something like our own ; then some were weeping, whilst some were putting down rope ladders. None, however, had touched the earth at that time, but they thus shewed the kindness of their feelings towards, what some authors have called, our " suiferiug progenitors." The whole affair was wonderful, and would, no doubt, have done the inventor lasting credit ; but there was a mortifying drawback upon his fame ; he had been obliged to send to Fleigh for some lesser genius no doubt, but probably more practical, to write and gild the letters which described the effort, also the landlord's vocation. The unfortunate painter had been reared before the discovery of Sunday-schools, and, consequently, though capable of so faithful a delineation as the one we have seen, did not know his letters, except by sight, he never having been taught their names. Rowland rang the bottom of his trowsers, as well as his coat sleeves, tails, and all the other dripping points of his clothes, previous to enter- ing the newly sanded lobby ; and though his rage had helped to keep him tolerably warm, yet he found his teeth begin to manifest some inclination to hack, as he asked the landlady if he could have a room in which he might change his clothes. The good lady was expeditious, and soon put him into a little apart- ment for the purpose required, Rowland soon discovered, however, that though he had a good change of outer garments, there was obviously no change of inner. The landlady probably suspected the young man's dilemma, but being extremely delicate, would not knock at the door, for fear her new customer might half open it, when he was half imdressed ; to open it herself was out of question, so she called through the latch hole, that if he would accept the loan of her husband's shirt, until his own could be dried, he was heartily welcome to it. He was as heartily glad to hear this, as he found he might as well have all wet on, if that indispensable garment had not the chill, at least, taken off it. The same delicacy was observed in handing in the loan, that there was in requesting its use. The lady knocked, Rowland stood at the back of the door, the lady stood exactly opposite to him, — that, is the one, so that he could just reach the latch, the other, so that she could exactly put the garment to the edge of the door. 80 ROWLAND BRAD SHAW. It was effected, Rowland got the shirt, and though with a Uttle difficulty, he had still less to get into it. Well, if it were of double the proportions of the one taken off, it was at least very white, smelled very sweetly, was dry, and had three-quarters of a yard of ruffle to it. Now the ruffle was as long again as the little looking-glass that hung against the small quarried window ; but Rowland, knowing something of the principles of refraction, so angled the mirror that he could not only see the whole of the huge frill, but what he was still more anxious to have a peep at, that part of his body which was above the well starched collar. It had certainly suffered no deterioration, that is if his judg- ment had not ; the hair was as glossy and as ready to curly as it was when his mother dressed it last. Rowland was satisfied, as we may gather from a few remarks with which he privately indulged himself. " The idea of a bumpkin wanting to carry such a beautiful creature as that, when there was such a tempting physiognomy approximate as this — and not his sister ! so it would seem, humph ! why now I think on't her hand was as soft and as white — but hang it how diffident in educa- tion, and yet the moody clod said she spoke like a lady before my approach ; but, of course, he might easily be deceived. And now for Mr. Rowbottom's present, I did not intend to put them on until tomor- row ; as to that kiss, the position might be said to form the very romance of amenity— very excusable, I should think, and as I may never see her again, asked her pardon ; got nearly drowned, — I don't see why I should keep torturing my conscience about it. Beautiful view through this window ; surely these trowsers are too long ; holo, who are these coming in such style, a van ftdl at all events : by George it is — it is" — and bang opens the little casement window, and out pops the head that was just imagined so handsome, and out it bellows, to a passing vehicle, — "ma." The vehicle stops, and all within it look up to the little public-house window, and then some one says, " save us, it is Rowland ! what can have happened." The vehicle is slowly turning round ; before it does, one of the ladies, probably the stoutest, springs out, rushes into the Deluge, and, without a word, makes her way to the room whence the voice had come. The good landlady saw something of this singular transit, and ran up stairs after. We have seen a specimen of the good creature's breeding and delicacy ; we have seen the care she used to pre- vent any sudden shock upon her own sensibility, and the propriety that she was ever anxious should characterize her establishment, she naturally ran up the stairs, seeing a stranger do so, with so little ceremony, if the lady went into the gentleman's room, it could never be deemed improper for her to have a peep. The door was open, she succeeded in her object without the usual difficulty in such matters, she had not only got a peep, but, before she was half aware of it, a good stare. One was enough ! she was staggered to the old oak hand-rail, and then with its assistance, as well as the polished oak steps, her hands, her strong arms, her tottering knees, and good broad feet, managed to make her descent, and stagger into the parlor, in which were now entering the rest of the new party ; the good lady managed to twirl to the chintz covered squab, and then souse she dropped upon it. "Why, whatever is to do?" demanded the entire of the new party. ROWLAND BRADSHAW, 81 " Oh, oh," said the lady, who was tryhig to faint, but could not, same as we may liave witnessed in sea-trips, parties suffering under a similar difficulty, in almost a similar complaint. Getting it over, in both cases, is generally considered the best, and as the mention of fat bacon often effects the last, so, in the former, much solicitation, as to the cause of such a phenomenon, generally causes its removal. It was so this time, but not all at once. In answer to several " what can have happened?" the good lady remarked — "Well, I have been a sweetheart myself; I have had four, and I was six myself to several young men and one gentleman. I had four sisters as had sweethearts ; my mother had nine, three before she was married, and six after, of course ; I do not recollect the first three — that is when they were coorting my mother; one of 'em I did, which was my father. Well, when he died, I knew all th' tother. We have a great number of sweethearts comes here, both male and female, indeed, for that mat- ter, they generally come together — after divine service of a Sunday evening, indeed, they come straight out of th' church, eat apples together, drink porter together, bread and cheese together, some times rum and water together, hot, vdth sugar and lemon in ; nay, I have heard 'em take a kiss together, just when I had served 'em, or just before I was gooin' in, but never afore my face — even got married together; I have seen all this, and may be a bit moor now and then, but I have seen moor impidence between two sweethearts this day, than either I ever felt or seen sin I was capable of observing such work, even amongst ladies and gentlemen, who comes here sometimes, and we must make allowance for them, as they are never taught modesty when they are young. *' Well I say, until this day, I never saw any young lady jump whop out of a coach, run up a strange body's stairs, bang into a young man's room, he not half dressed, catch him in her arms, kiss him all over, and then put him on her knee, and ditto as before." " And who has been guilty of all this ?" demanded the driver of the elegant vehicle, who, though an elderly gentleman, was the only one of the party. "Why yon grand lady as just jumped out of your conveyance. I seed it ! My husband never kissed me but about seven times afore mar- riage, and twice sin' ; and one was when I had my two hundred pounds left me, and th' tother when he was tipsy, and thought it was Jane, and I threw nine pints of cold water over him. But there never was such work in the ' Deluge' as this afoor " The good landlady was thus running on, when Rowland and his mother came down stairs ; indeed they were both standing at the door, but the worthy censurist was so employed in the defence of the orderly doings at the Deluge, that she did not see or hear their approach, when she did, she had merely time to utter one " oh !" and avert her head. Mrs. Bradshaw smiled. " Oh, fy !" said the landlady. " My dear madam," said the other, in certainly very sweet sounds for one who had acted so improperly, " he is my son." "What?" demanded the other, in great amazement, "your — let me 6 82 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. see," turning Rowland round, so as to fix him beside the elegant claimant. *' I suppose you could kiss this little fellow," said Mrs. Bradshaw, taking up a rosy-cheeked gentleman who then entered, " if he were to be from you some time," and Mrs. Bradshaw kissed him twice. "Oh, my dear madam," said the deeply affected mother, "he is, he is your poor half — he was half-drowned boy, I can see he is your son though, bless me!" " And it was for your goodness and humanity that I came in here, to tender a mother's thanks — he is my only son — my only child ;" and the mother kissed this only son again, not but Rowland tried to dispense with it, as he was most anxious to shake hands with all around, not forgetting the terribly frightened hostess. "Well, thank the Lord," said the last, "the repitation of the De- luge is safe, as I trust everything will be as is taken from the bible. It has been a good deal called, for nothing that is good, but is sure to be attackted, but nobody in future will disbelieve, if we con get smch wit- nesses to its truth as thoose I see around me." CHAPTER XIV. THE LANDLADY S BENEDICTION. Now the reason of this unexpected meeting maybe told in few words. The elderly gentleman, who drove the party, had that afternoon brought his two little wards to the new boarding-school, which, though recently commenced, had obtained considerable reputation. This httle, though in every way, neat establishment, was presided over by the mother of our hero. The two new boarders made her number six. These, with some good yeomen's daughters, as day pupils, bade fair to make the rising estabhshment a prosperous one. Saturday afternoon was a holi- day with the day scholars, and a walking afternoon for the boarders, but such an immense addition, as the one we have recorded, and Rowland's expected return, caused it to be devoted to a sort of party. Tea was ordered on a proper scale, and all at once, the guardian of the new scholars proposed, since his horse was fresh, to drive out as many of the ladies as the vehicle would hold, and " go to meet your son, madam." Oh, this was the very thing, in all ways, for the young ladies. Their poor governess could scarcely contain her delight ; so she, with five others, loaded the body part of the vehicle, whilst the seat part was properly filled by the driver and two young ladies who could not, ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 83 or did not, wish to avail themselves of a stand inside. It was during a dashing progress of six miles an hour, that Rowland saw them passing as we have seen. "When the landlady withdrew, all parties agreed she had behaved herself in a very feeling and very proper manner. The old gentleman was so satisfied of this, as well as to make their entrance welcome, should they ever visit the Deluge again, that he ordered in a bowl of spiced wine, as they would have plenty of time to get to the academy for tea. Of course no one could urge an objection to this, though all protested they could not touch a drop ; the master of the ceremonies said he did not care how little they touched, so that they sipped a good deal. This stroke of humor put the company into one roar of laughter. The old gentleman followed up the blow. He had known, during his time, many young ladies — nay, many who could not eat an ounce be- fore very handsome young gentlemen, but as soon as the company had retired, could devour whole corners of loaves, without the usual incen- tives of butter and sugar ; this produced louder merriment than before. And now comes the smoking wine, with some gratuitous sweet-cakes ; there must be no glasses — they tell tales — no, all must sup out of the large bowl, as their grandmothers before them had j and why not ? so the merry old gentleman handed it round. Well, Mrs. Bradshaw would not form an exception to so laudable, and so ancient a custom, and she sipped four times, or rather took, so the gallant old gentleman said, four swallows. "Now," said he, "since one lady has taken four sips, I don't care how young another may be, she shall take three. I do not want you to touch it, since all of you say you can do nothing of the kind, I will do the touching, but every one three gulps a-piece." Then there was a tremendous laugh, by all, but the poor creature whose turn it was to be first put through the fearful ordeal. " One, two, three ! Huzza. Recollect, my dear, you have not broken your vow; well, love, is it so bad?" and the young lady recovered her breath, and then closed her lips twice, looked most solemnly, then clapped her hands, and shouted out " excellent !" " Oh, what a girl you are !" " Now Louisa ; one !" said the gentleman. " One," said all the ladies, breathlessly ; every eye strained to see it was a fair swallow. "Two," continued the gentleman ; "three! holo, four, five, six! bring in the water-engines ;" called out the lusty Ganymede, " why she has scarcely left a drop." Oh, then there was a very screech of laughter. Well now all the ladies have drunk, Rowland and all ; then comes their waiter's tm-n. He takes off his hat — shall he his coat? "No, no, no." He must have as many swallows, surely, as Mrs. Bradshaw. " Yes, yes, yes," and just one more for his trouble, or nearly so; then the old gentleman prepares. It is now to his lips, and so are most of the young ladies, to see fair jilay ; he makes one pull, so long and so strong, that his cheeks are read v to burst. "One." 84 ROWLAND nRADSHAW. " Oh, you arc cheating !" from them all. "Two." "Oh, what shocking cheating, your sups are too large," "Are they? well then, we will begin again, and then I shall be able to measure mine better next time." And now the bowl is done, and merriment is at the highest. They must re-load, with an extra passenger. The worthy and discreet land- lady assists. Oh, such tumbling in and out ; now sitting on a seat, now on a knee ; all standing ; the car moves, all tumble — all scream — all laugh, and soon they are all off, with Rowland in the middle. " Good by," said the curtsying landlady. " God bless you, pretty little creatures — well-bred little loves — did you ever see such a happy lot of little beings afoor ; see, and I declare they wave their little hands, as far as they con see one — oh, bless your pretty little faces ;" and the landlady waved her hand too. And why not say with the good hostess, " God bless you, bless you all ?" for in the whole range of our speculations, is there, can there be so interestinga contemplation as the one inspired by a boarding-school cluster of little feminine buds, breaking upon your solitary walk ? Little girls, already far from the fond roof that reared them, and, save the one that now covers their studies, some may have no other. Even in yon little band two owe its blessings, and still more — early education and moral training, to the good man who has just given such mirth to their holiday. Little girls, no mother's kiss ; no father in their dreams ; still for them midsummer shall have its hay-days, and christmas its merry nights. Each little friend will be a sister during term ; and share her home, her joys, and fond mamma, when Vacation smiles the welcome news, that Term is dead, and she must reign. Little girls, with coming cares and shortening years, bright and blessed be your path, long and losing your journey, for none shall be so happy as the one ye take. Time hath no frowns for schoolhood's days, distance no prison for their recollections. Pain is blended by their soothings, and joy sobers when she feels they are no more. God bless you all, for you arc little girls in a big world. CHAPTER XV. THE BOARDING-SCHOOL. Now, the small academy that Mrs, Bradshaw had the honor to pre- side over, had been one for nearly half-a-ceutury. And though of some ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 85 repute, the predecessor of its present conductor, had through age and competency, suflfered it much to decay ; not but it liad been the agree- able resort of the most respectable yeomen in the neighbourhood, as well as occasionally dignified with a fortnight's stay of the town pupils' mothers, and grown-up sisters, as well as sometimes their fathers and grown-up sisters' beaus. The good-will which Mrs. Bradshaw had to pay to the deceased's executors was not much ; but to the neighborhood was perhai)s more, until a little known, and then, nothing could be more convivial. For, independently of the new })roprietress' suavity and lady-like manner, she was admitted by all to be, by far, the handsomest woman within crow flight of the i)ai-ish rookery. Some say the rector and s(iuire's wives objected to some points in this widely-spread theory ; but as they were unable to combat it in their own persons, or produce refutations in those of any one else, why the doctrine widened, and, perhaps this little opposition added that permanency which theory only requires to become what is termed knowledge. But her beauty was never troublesome to herself, so to others could not. That the new mistress was polished there could be no doubt ; that she was travelled, even the doctor's wife asseverated, although, she had been to Cheltenham, and through many places as she returned home, and intended visiting London the next summer ; still she admitted, that Mrs. Bradshaw had evidently seen more of the world than herself. That she was well educated, the testimony of the exiseman and two clergymen carried conviction even to the rectory ; nay, conviction could walk, vdthout their aid, into every cottage door, the moment the parish school master, his wife, and usher opposed their opinions. The great difficulty, and only thing likely to mar the accompUshed stranger's popularity, was the singular reserve she ever manifested in everything that related to her early life ; from no clue could any one trace information enough to point a single question, without the most obvious rudeness ; and she had such skill at a parry, and such unconsciousness at a thrust. It was true, but, perhaps, that only worked up the enigma, that she seemed to have no curiosity as to the movements of her neighl)ors. Their affairs she never touched upon, their wounds she did, but it was with a feather dipped in balm. Early, she was with her pupils; late, with her domestic arrangements. From her frugality the foolish might infer povertj^ the judicious some secret draw upon her rcscources. Her charities were active ; for though she could not find flannel and worsted, she could knitting-needles and leisure hours, and her pupils had to devote to such duties equal time \\ith their church catechism. She had the positiveness of a mother during study hours, and the playfulness of an elder sister so soon as the school door was closed. She could lead a romp till it mazed, and impertinence till it bashed. Nor can we wonder that her pupils make such adAancement, when not a rustic maiden but is welcomed to her advice. Now it is the opinion of many, who are fond to inquire into the origin of things, that some such being as the one we are contemplating, must have given birth to the now popular mode of education — a boarding 86 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. school. For of all cares that wore ever imposed, surely those of tutoring the youthful female, are the most important. It may require prudence to direct us in the trust of our money ; caution in that of our lives ; chariness of our time ere we take a wife ; but these in one, and surely the selection of another home, and training which for ever make, or quite undo the mothers of our generation, paramounts them all. Hence a responsibility that cannot be tested by any balance sheet, save the one where Error and Death may be the final auditors. In consequence of so many kind neighbors coming to visit Rowland, on his first return from Fleigh, together with visitors, new pupils, and the rest, he could not get one social hour from his mother ; that hour of all so dear to us after separation. He judged from the hilarity of his beloved parent, that she had prospered, or was likely to do so, in his absence. Still he knew the terrible difficulty they had had in getting all that was necessary for his mother's new vocation, for she was as young at her duties as was her eldest pupil. She was not only in a strange place, among strange friends, but had a new trade to learn ; the more difficult, perhaps, as she had never learned one before. The mother was as anxious as the son to inform, and to know all since their parting ; and for this purpose, she started early with him on his road to Fleigh. Much was said no doubt, but it will be our business, only to relate such as is of importance to this history, knowing that the taste of our readers is not of an order to require us to pry into the aff'airs of a poor mother and an only son. Rowland had however to account for his new clothes, and could not but shew a little pride at the great amount of secrecy, with which the discreet people of Fleigh had already entrusted him. " My dear, I should be truly unhappy at what you tell me, but that I am sure you have not sought these things ; secrets are very flattering to young people ; the very cunning often turn them into advantages ; but I should almost fear, in those I love, the reversion of an inordinate sum, as much as I would the possession of a large amount of important secrets ; for as it is in the nature of things to hate those whom we wrong, how can we love those who have the power to injure ourselves ? It may be asked, why either is so ? but it is a question that should be put to no breast but our own ; as it would only discover our ignorance, were it put to another." " I want no secrets save those of my business and such as would make a man of me." " Properly said, and let me counsel you, dCar Rowland, to avoid them ; for there is a sort of evil s})irit in those who have imposed them upon our ears, to weary us with our faithfulness, and like children smashing toys to see what is inside, they sometimes goad us to disclo- sures, and quarrels arising from revealed secrets, never end ; for they are told, and countered ; and it will be well if the depositor and reci- pient are not both brought into vulgar collision." " Mamma, I want no secrets, only o — ne," and Rowland stopped, seized his mother's hand, put his head upon her bosom, and looked at her tenderly in the face. " I am now, dear, dear mother, at an age when I ought to know more of myself.'' ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 87 " My son !" said the mother, turning to unusual pallor. " Do, do not, dear mamma, look so; think not that a thought, even in my wonder hours, ever tinged your honor. No, lao, I know I am honorably born, but I am rising to a man — I will be one — but do, do tell me who I am," and Rowland then threw his arms around his mother's neck, and shook more than the beech leaves over his head. " Bless you ! God bless you ! oh what a terrible question from the lips you have suckled ; and more terrible, when the answer must be, *alas, dear son, I know little more than yourself ;' a little — a lit — tie time, and I shall be better prepared ; but of one thing stake thy life, that thou art honorably born — it may be more — do not distract me. I have sacrificed all, everything for my child, and soon, I trust, you shall know the rest." " Oh dear, dear mother, on my knees pardon me ; I know it, I know. And, oh God ! enable me to be dutiful ; this I pray ; but, mamma, I dare not, I cannot leave yow, for it has haunted me, and ever must, unless I have your promise — you must make it — and I will with all my strength wait for the other; but this — it makes me shiver— it never crossed my mind — never could have done, but through an expression which^fell from Mr. Windley, when you were good enough to take me first to his house." " What can you mean ?" " He said — oh pardon me— it would kill me ; but he said I should not long want — want another father." "What," cried the roused mother, " how could he or any one dare — but the unmeaning will ever foresee. Though to answer your first, was not within my power, this is ; to you one word is enough — never ! I have Uved for you — live in you : I would rather be the mother of great- ness, than the besought of princes. Fear nothing in your mother, save her overweening thirst for that day— the day of your elevation. I have only one chance for the prize, and that might have been lost, had our fortunes been what they once were. Greatness is only achieved through difiiculties ; our poverty now, throws many in my poor boy's way ; but he who would run quickly, must practice up a hill ; that hill is before thee, dear Rowland ; let a mother's love be thy staif, and though she is not able to give thee a full scrip, yet she gives thee a clean one ; and she trusts, has furnished thee with such directions, that thou wilt need no other guide. Firm as thy foot, be the coolness of thy head ; nor pant to keep up with him who rides ; for should he lose his horse, he may not walk so well ; and in the journey, as thou fearest nothing above thee, be most chary in thy contempt ; a sheep may teach thee to foot a precipice, a goat to leap a chasm ; for there is a mutuation between the great and the little, that the young do not see, and the proud will not own. " To offer further directions might suggest an inference that those from thy birth, dear son, have met with no listenings ; for that general who always requires counsel, would do well to doif his coat, and do as travellers in sultry days, carry it under his arm, or change it for the lighter appointments of his aide-de-camp. Therefore farewell, and re- member as lliou walkest, a mother's love, hope and lile journey with thee. CHAPTER XVI. MORE SECRETS. Rowland had not long arrived at his master's, when he perceived, from the svilky tone of the foreman, as well as one or two of the ap- prentices, that there had been some ill feeling aroused against him, in his absence. There was an imperiousness in the style of the little fore- man, as well as a "wondering what things would come to," on the part of the others, which clearly proved to the sagacious new apprentice, that everything was not quite in its place. " Oh, Rowlan' Bradshaw, Eskire ! here is two carriage doors as is come from the Lord of Dantskipp, and he says you known what to do with um. Now I must tell you what I shall find it my duty to do with you, young man ; if you go and take orders, either without my orders, or Mr. Windley's directions, I must order you to the putty bench, window-lead machine, or perhaps a dose of boot and shoe cleaning. Bryant says he'll stand it no moor, no moor would I." " No moor would I, if I were a Turk," said Rowland. " Come sir, let's have no heathenish language. Mr. Robert Row- bottom was here, too, axing for you, and that's vex'd th' master, and I don't wonder. But if I was th* misses, I would make you drop that fine ruffle ; it's nothing else as makes your supariors — and being a stranger — to enquire and make such a fuss about you ; but, as the master said this morning, 'what's a stranger in London.' " " Well, I cannot help people coming to enquire about me ; if it be wrong to get the master jobs, why I have committed another error just now, in passing Tindletum-bangs ; the landlord it would seem knew me ; called me into the 'Jolly Sportsman,' and gave me an order to get a large target made, painted with a bull's-eye in the centre, and the usual rings round it. lie said you would know all about it, as you were a crack shot yourself ; the entrance only half-a-crown a-piece ; even the second prize would be a large copper tea-kettle, to be filled with rum, and every one that entered would be entitled to as great a pull as he could make through the spout, that is, without taking his breath," "Thede-vil!" said the foreman, rubbing his hands, "and he said the whole management of the job was to be left to me ?" " Not only the target — he said he had seen a nut-board painted by you, and that satisfied him you would be the man." " Yes, and I'll prove it on this occasion ; that pulling rum through the kettle spout is brilliant. It will cause a deal of innocent mirth." " Ay, you are right there. He said that ever since the brilliant speech made by Mr. Sweetlove in the select vestry, respecting the re- viving the breed of bull-dogs, it was the talk of everybody, that the days of honest, manly, and truly Fleigh-like sports were "not far off. ROWLAND BRADSHAAV. 89 lie said that this ritle-shooting, sack-racing, and two or three more things of that sort — duck-swimming, and the hke, were only a pre- cursor, and that bear and bull-baiting, with all their former glories, would soon follow." " By George, that's grand ; where will be the Mechanics' Institute then? I should advise master to get paid for his work, as soon as he con — he's here." " Good mornin', Rowland — got back — I don't exactly understand this sort of thing ; here comes two carriage doors from Dantskipp's, with just a ' Rowland will know what to do with 'em.' " *' Well, so I do, I was to tell you, sir, that you were to put the family arms on, so soon as they came from the herald office." " Oh," said the mollified master. "Mr. Dantskipp said he supposed you were the only man, without sending them to Manchester, who could do them. I told him, if he should not see you first, I woxxld tell you all about it." " Well, but what are you strippin' for, until you have had sometliin' to eat 1 go into th' kitchen — I think he's not been making too much of himsel' after all;" concluded Mr. Windley, to the foreman, after Rowland had obeyed his orders. " Oh, no, he's young, but I think we may make somethin' on him in time ; havin' but one mother, and being too much to school, and learnin' the piano and drawing ; it's enough to bother any lad when he goes to be a regular painter — and then he's spoilt a good deal ; he's so touchy, he's like a cock at a lookin' glass, he'd strike at you if he cut his fingers off ; but, still I think he knows how to bemeen himsel' to his superiors." And then he related to his master all about the copper kettle business. " As to tellin' a lie," continued the sagacious foreman of Mr. Windley's establishment, "we have set more traps for him than ever we did for that old rat ! but with less success. We couldn't catch either ; but, if you recollect, sir, we did nail a half of one of his legs, one time, and specimens of his tail and ears, at others ; but this youth, either appears to smell a long way off, or else he under- stands th' constructions of such machines, as well as we ; but he's not to be had." " Oh, we can soon break him off that, he's perhaps not been used to it, the way to learn him to lie is always to be tellin' him he must not do it, but, never let him hear anythin' else ; not that I would blame the lad for teUing me the truth — nay, I would break his neck if he didn't, just same as I would for tellin' it to th' customers." "There's Mr. Dantskipp." "Ay, so there is, I'll send Rowland in to him, so if anything goes wrong it will be his own fault — I know nothin' about heraldry ; and you fix yoursel' so that you can catch a word or so." Mr. Dantskipp entered, and, of course, asked for the head of the establisment, but being told he was out, he informed the foreman of the nature of his errand, which was no other than to give directions respect- ing the carriage doors. Rowland was then called in, and the other went out. Mr. Dantskipp shook Mr. Bradshaw hardly by the hand : and when he thought the shop was clear, asked the usual questions we 90 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. generally do, when we have a very important one to put, or a difficult one to answer. "Well, sir, and how did you get on?" ventured Rowland, when he thought the other was sufficiently prepared. '• Get on, — why just as yo advised, and when we got there found that Eliza Jane was gone home, or at least a young lady, a friend of ours, was taken very ill, and would insist of bein' carried home, and takin' our Jenny with her ; this was planned ; so our poor child rode with her friend, within about live miles off home ; and there secretly came to her aunt's, about a mile and a-half off here, and sent for her mother or me, as th' case might be ; at the same time, we were at Lammerhed Green, and did not get back than ten at night." "But why did the young lady come home so suddenly?" esked Rowland. " Why ? to prevent us from going there ; bless her sagacious little soul, and it was done in this way. The mistress axed her one day, when by them two selves, if her papa had the same coat of arms upon his car- riage as he had upon th' new fork and spoon ! "Now, poor Jenny won't tell a lie for the world — she's no occasion — hke her poor father and mother ; we are obliged, as yo known ; but then, as I say, as we have had to tell vast numbers, to make her and th' tother children their fortunes, why, then, as her soul is safe, hoo must make it up for us, by doing a good deal of praying, sin' we do th' workin', and is obliged to do all th' sinnm'. Well, as I was savin', Jenny wouldn't tell a lie, so just said she had never paid any particular attention ; but as her mind misgive her that all was not right, she was resolved to come to Fleigh, to prevent us going ; or, at all events, in our chariot ! And th' poor thing would have walked every inch of th' neet, to keep her poor parents from disgrace." And then Mr. Dant- skipp put his handkerchief to his eyes ; for what purpose, the reader, if his sympathies are as accessible as another's, will readily guess. " How very fortunate you did not go in your carriage." " Fortinate we met thee, my dear lad, because her comin' would not have stopped n^ you known, if yo hadn't ; yo see we was but to have gone on the next day ; oh, what a grand mistake, if yo had not told us. Why, if th' story should ever have got wind, I might have bid farewell to th' thoughts of ever marrying her to a lord — unless his family name was Cotton!^'' " Ha, ha, is the young lady at home now?" " No, no, I tell yo she's at her aunt's. I wouldn't that any one in all Fleigh knew but yourself, not for any — why, we had to hide oursel's at th' same place all yesterday, because we did not want any body to think but we was at Lammerhed all day." '' Well, as soon as your arms come from the Heraldry office, I will tell Mr. Windley to do them, straight," said Rowland, seeing the pry- ing foreman enter — " here, take this chap out, to look at a broken square of glass somewhere,' ' continued he, in a whisper. "Oh, are yo the foreman?" demanded Mr. Dantskipp, working upon Rowland's hint. "Yes sir," said the other. ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 91 " Put on your coat, and follow me — yo manage to call up some time to-day." Rowland nodded, but not as if he were sleepy ; and scarcely had the large factory-proprietor and little glazier gone out, when in burst Mr. Windley. " I tell you what it is, my young conjuror, there's some secret goin' on between you and old Dantskipp, an' I'll either have it out, or out yo go, one o'th' two." " Oh, no secret, I assure — " " He has sent these doors here ; thinkin' I shall make a mull of 'em, I suppose, and so then get up a laugh at me ; or, I am to try first, and after messin' 'em, you are to succeed after, because you can draw a bit; or — " " Mr. Windley, I am surprised, a gentleman that has been in Lon- don two years, and the painter of a sign that has made such a sen- sation!" " Oh, come, no butter, young man ; every one in th' shop says you are the deepest young file that ever rasped cold iron ; but mind you, the foreman will perhaps be as deep as yourself, and I'll smash the sign to tooth-picks, before I'll be continually afraid of a youth hke you." " Here goes," thought Rowland — " (I see they will compel me.) Why, now look you — you say that I must tell everything." " Ay — that is, about any body but myself." " Well, Mr. Dantskipp wants to pump me respecting the sign ; he says he is convinced that you never did it, but got somebody in London ; or, at all events, some assistance ; he thinks it incredible that any Fleigh-man could have done it, and he wants to be certain, and then he says if ever he catches you at the White Horse, as you have rigged him a good deal, he'll not only do that to you, but he'll mast and spar you, and conclude by making you sail out of the bar for ever." "Oh, that's it, is it? ha, ha — and so, depend upon it, he wants to put me to th' proof, in the new arms. Thinks I shall break down — because what the devil can he want with arms. Ha, ha, Rowland, we must manage 'em between us. I can do th' gilding, if you can do all . th' rest. He mentioned uothin' of an iron oven — or — " " Oh, ridiculous." " Ay, then the fact is, that Rowbottom has given him such a des- perate dressing about Pat kisising Mrs. Frigins — that he wants to have a rasp at us — ha, ha — " and Mr. Windley again invited Rowland into the kitchen, and was in the manifest enjoyment of the very best spirits. Rowland was then ordered to go and write some letters over a small tailor's shop. Now it seemed actually impossible that our hero could proximate to, or with, any individual, without some advice being wanted, or some secret being let out. We have seen these things besetting him in many places ; and it would seem, the little tailor, whose sign the artist was distinguishing, was resolved to place Rowland in the same predicament that the Windley s and Dantskipps had done before ; for just as Rowland had finished the required performance, and was about to retreat, he was very civily asked into the small establishment, by the smirking pro- 92 llOWLAND BRADSHAW prietor, Mr. Peter Ince, who would insist that Rowland should partake of some allowance, as Mr. luce was pleased to say the job was so ex- quisitely performed. Rowland wished to decline it, but Mr. Ince would not permit him to say nay. They had not been many minutes seated, when the host began thus ; — " They tcllun me, Mr. Bradshaw, yo are about th' deepest chap as ever visited these parts ; or, at all events, for these last hundred years or so. Now yo see I got to be Serjeant in the twenty-third, so you may think that I am up to a thing or so, as I have thirteen-pence a-day pen- sion. I am principal tenor i'th' Fleigh church bell-ringing, and tailor a bit; but I think since Mr. Sweetlove's speech i'th' vestry, I have hit upon a much better thing than any of 'em all, if the Lord wills it, and it does not all at once kick up too much of a row." "May it be fair to ask what ?" looked Rowland. " Why, to be straight forward, that's why I called you in ; I suppose you are aware there is nothing now spoken of but the breed of bull- dogs ; they say if it will better th' condition of th' poor, every man should put his hand to the tail. Now every reform is not worked out at once ; — first, private meetings, and then, more public demonstrations. I have a slap-up shed here, and being a public man, both as one of th' best bell-ringers in th' country, a psalm-singer — rather, and mending for th' principal families, I thought — what do you think ? — of having private bear-baits ! Sixteen bull-puppies brought into this neighbor- hood within this last fortnight ; be of no use — you know — without bears or bulls. Cannot do things, as I say, all at once. Get all the bloods ; they'll come miles oif to patronise. I don't think th' Vicar would in- terfere, even if it come to his ears, because it would vex Doctor Frigins, same as we ring th' bells for th' same purpose — sure to pay well." " 'Pon my honor, but this is the strangest affair I ever was consulted upon yet. You really must excuse an opinion, for, in truth, I cannot give one." " Well, but you can give a bit of advice, about a very serious accident that has happened to me, to that you can offer no objection." " Certainly not, if it be a subject upon which my advice is worth having." " Well, I think so ; you must know, I have had a badger-bait for some time back, and as if Satan must have it, just as I am expecting the arrival of my bear, the badger dies, winter nights coming on. Mechanics' Institute going to open, and I have nothing to keep up my connexion with, I think I could do it," said the old sergeant slily, "but I am afraid it would not be the right thing, my wife is afraid too, that we should never prosper if we resorted to such means to make the filthy lucre of gain; I wish to do all that's straight forward, if I don't leave my children a shillin', we should not set them a bad example, as they're young, and their tender minds, like window lead, if once bent, and nothing's so easy, never straightens without leaving a crimple; and, though, there's a good deal of duplicity taught at school, I shouldn't like them to learn any here, or else, if you think it honest, I know a plan, and you think it wouldn't come out, would enable me to carry on. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 93 until th' bear comes," and then the sergeant looked knowingly at the gen- tleman with the maul-stick and palette, and would fill him another glass. " Well, I think I could judge of the honesty of the thing." " Why, the fact is, I could stuff the badger, fasten him down in the box, put two or three burnt bones in, to make th' dogs run — eh?" " Would not the owners be too cunning ?" " Tut, tut," said Peter, eagerly, " you never seed a gentleman bull- dog fancier that ever knew as much as the hanimal himself; th' only difficulty is in satisfying th' dogs, mine and wife's conscience, and keeping the children from letting it out — " " The badger ?" " Bah ! the secret of his demise, and their parent's dishonesty, cunning things about naughtiness are childer, always." Rowland looked seriously, it certainly was a feature in ethics that he had not met with amongst his classics ; the point was knotty ; the character for shrewdness, which it appeared he had obtained at Fleigh, he was anxious should not suffer in the eyes of the ingenious tailor; on the one side of the equation, was his verity, on the other, the tailor, who was e\'idently working in jeopardy, rather than in algebra, to find the unknown quantity. " I cannot see anything dishonest, if both dogs and proprietors are satisfied ; I am satisfied as to the fairness — " said Rowland, as if a new thought had tickled him, "but should not the badger knock about a good deal — scuffle ?" "He shoxdd." " And scratch his opponents' faces ?" " Chip 'em a bit." "Ah then." " I suppose you are afraid his poor effigy would not do all that, ha, ha ; no, but a good spring would do the first, and a few sparrowbills, nicely put round where their heads have to move, will do the second, or the points of two or three penknife-blades will help — make 'em bleed, quite as well as th' badger — better." "Cruel?" " Phit, they don't feel it ; besides, do you think their owners would pay me a shilling a run, and common spectators sixpence admission, if th' dogs did not get preciously well marked, even when he was alive I had to do a httle in that way.''' " Well, then, candidly, I think the dead badger infinitely more honest than the other ; there can but be cruelty on the part of the aggressors ; the first affair I should think stupid in the extreme, but the latter, ha, ha, I should not only like to witness myself, but I am sure two-thirds of the philosophers in Europe would." " Well, then," said the other eagerly, " I have been doing it now for three weeks, but I have marked th' dogs rather too much this last night or two. There was two young 'parsons, I believe they call it rusticating, from Oxford, last night, wanted to see how the badger looked ; they said, they was sure he must be desperately marked, when both their dogs was so chiselled; indeed, several wants to see him," concluded Peter, 94 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. "You must mind," said his adviser, "or else it will come out, and then—" " Never," replied the other, with a triumphant hang upon the tahle, *' it will never come out, I have made a small grating at the top of his box, so that they can all see him bump about." "Yes, Peter," chimed in his good lady, just entering, and hearing the last part of her husband's remarks, "I say, with that young gentleman, it will come out." "When?" asked the other a little contemptuously. "At the last day of judgment," said the wife solemnly. " Ay, that's the divel," and Mr. Ince dropped his head. "When the trumpet shall sound ! Peter ?" "Well, now, hold thy noise, we must hope it's a long time till then, and I must then say, it was all tlirough Mr. Sweetlove and my bear not coming from Congleton." CHAPTER XVII. MR. ROWBOTTOM S NOTIONS OF THINGS. Our hero had now been apprenticed several months, and the indulgent reader will perceive that had we been as minute, through the latter part of his career, as we were in the earlier, our history would already have arrived at a length, which would have precluded us from giving that portion of it, which, in our opinion, is of more importance. For, though much bustling incident may be expected to have befallen him, in so rife a comitry as Fleigh ; yet, as it partook so much of the character of what the reader, perhaps, is tired with already, we durst not intrude it upon his notice, suffice it that Rowland was considered to have made great progress in his profession, and, consequently had to encounter much rival-ship, if not actual enmity itself. We shall, however, see that he had a pretty fair knack of stemming the most virulent of its attacks, and, though a stranger, he was looked upon by some of the most learned in Fleigh, as being one that had become tolerably erudite in their ways, and was by this time considered as being amply compe- tent to take care of himself; for Rowland seemed to know that his power lay in others' weakness, rather than in his own strength. In short, it was considered that he was in possession of half the secrets of, at least, a third of the most opident people in the curious vicinity of his apprenticeship. He was alike unaccused of wishing to possess, or of betraying them, but some way or other he had ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 95 them, and the general prayer of the "third" was, that he might stick to them, that is, severally, but, of course, to let their neighbors' slip, as they would their greyhounds, supposing the others' secrets were hares. The only difficulty was this, that if there was the most obtuse wipe at any of these arcana, there would be some sharp queries put to their mutual recipient, which to feelings like Rowland's must, without dwelling upon it, be very impleasaut ; should one arch give way, the whole conduit might fall, and, though small streams make a river, Rowland knew that it was held by Lowlanders to be awkward when a river made its way into a small stream. Small, or large, Rowland was resolved his course should not be puddled, but be like the little brook that wound round his native valley. If no more, it should be this, it might have many turns, and never be a river ; no stately barge might float upon its breast ; then, no mother's tears should augment its waters, for her one son drowned. If not so deep its streams, they might cool the weary traveller's foot, or be more welcome to liis thin hps. And; though bridge, and wharf, and laden warehouse, give river pride, might not the other have dreaming banks, where flowers grow, wild as youthful fancies, where the rippling waters mirroring their blushes, flow on, easily as his limbs' repose. In such a place Rowland had too early learned a lesson, a wild, an undefined one, but one that bore upon his life ; he had learned that mighty Perseverance, without his chance, may like the good ploughman, device his furrows well, but may have bad seed, or no spring. So Rowland had often placed in the middle of this sacred stream, the neat and buoyant boat, side by side of the churlish log. Fairly they are placed, and off^ they go, and joyous plaudits urge on the fleet and distancing model of symmetry called genius, whilst the merry jeers, taunt dull CHANCE, through his dundering course. The race is too easy, even for the speculative to watch its goal. But, stay, what does genius ? she's eddying from her course, her success is safe ; still the other is working on, and though her stern is first, she's making way. Ah, Genius sees her approach, and leaves the kisses of yon rosy fox-glove, to fly to the glowing prize. She must avoid yon little Scylla, and she will rather rest upon yon eddy, to shew her seamanship, than fear the fate of Ulysses' bark ; and Scylla she avoids, and the eddy she almost jumps, whilst the other's prow gets banged, and now, in mazing twirls, half gives up the race, and only waits an harbor, then rest in sullen laziness. Genius too, rests, but it is to wonder at his speed, and view the thousand glories that now burst to his tranced view ; not a flower but what smiles success ; every throat in yon shrill choir war- bles his praise. His soul dances, yet will he on to the goal ; but a pendant willow, that sips rather than weeps into the clear waters, tan- gles, in sweet dalliance, his further stay ; a gentle Calypso. Once more his rival is forced to the ultimity of his career, and with trochilic progress, wanders on the chase. Genius sees his approach, and then a thousand struggles for the race. No, like the fly, he is only more enwebbed; when, bluntly, and full of surly pride, rude 96 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. Chance rolls oil ; asks what Genius means, and far outstrips the goal. Rowland was midst these gentle musings, when a smart rap at the door, told him that he had an appointment to fulfil, and that the gen- tleman who was to assist in the rites, was probably at the door ; nor was he mistaken ; for on opening it, he discovered his early friend, Mr. Rowbottom, sitting in a most elegant vehicle. There was a vacant seat beside him, and one behind ; the first was intended for our hero, the second probably for the top-booted gentleman, who had just knocked at the door. " Well, are you ready, Rowland ?" " Yes sir." " I should think so, for your eyes look as if they were going to fire. ''^ "They always looked so," returned Rowland, with a smile, "when they are going to water." " Bravo ! What, are you infected too ? How's your mistress ?" "My master's is well — she's here sir." " How do you do. Mister Robert ?" said the last-mentioned lady, in a very fine small tone, whilst rubbing her hands and four rings, with the appendix of a small curtsy. " I hope your sister is well." " She's as deep as o?ie, Mrs. Windley." " Oh ! Mr. Rowbottom. Rowland, you will want your pccket-hand- kercher," said the lady, beckoning him to follow her, " Here Rowland, you will find my poor tender babby without one mother in the world, if I thought, when you were riding with that terrible gentleman, you said anythin' about my misfortin of my hair. Yo known it's growin' now, beautiful ; and a fortin-teller — that is, he's partly that, and a herb- doctor, says that he should not wonder, if I will take his five-shilling gill-bottle of balsam — one every other day — that I have two as nice and as white peggies, in the place of those with gold clasps, as ever sprang in a innocent babby' s mouth ; so Rowland, in time, I may be able to shew my teeth, even to yo." Rowland told her he was actually shocked, to find she could, for a moment, suppose him capable of conduct, that even a young gentleman studying for the hulks would be ashamed of, and begged of her never to dream of such a thing again, as his telling. Rowland soon got seated beside the elegant driver, and away they rattled. They had not pro- ceeded far, when the coachman was asked, by the new fare, if they were in the right way for Hescott Park. "No," said the other, "the fact is, I am more anxious to see how Joe Styrrup gets on at Frescoth petty sessions, than I am to see Lord Wandly. If we have not time to get to Hescott to-day — but I think we shall ; or else we can on Friday. Now mark, if his lordship should be in one of his amiable moods, he may talk a good deal, and you be on the look-out ; for, like all designing men, he's ever scenting ; and though he knows he has it not, there is not a man alive more anxious for popularity. He'll make you into a barometer, to ascertain the political and popular pressure of Flcigh. He will not try it upon me — nothing but art — and his new principles of draining. He puts his questions as hawks do their claws upon little unthinking birds' necks — ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 97 generally before any one is aware. He suspects I don't like liim, and before this we should have had a row about yon stream that supplies our upper works, but for the old lord, who, though he has ceded every thing to him — being self-superannuated — still, as my father and he were great friends, the other scarcely likes to begin ; else I am sure he would, simply because it would throw us and others to terrible inconvenience, and do himself no good. The voters of our neighborhood have not pleased him of late." " Indeed, sir ! I thought that nearly all had recorded their votes on the interest he now advocates." "Ay, that is true ; and he would never have been made Prince Re- gent of Hescott, if he had not gone on the other side, as his father is so decided a liberal, and that is the reason why he hates both of us, because he knows that we are aware it ill suits with his own secret opinion. Well, but before we see the ancient seat of the Hescotts, we shall have a far more interesting scene ; one, if it does not afford much instruction, I'll pound the amusement, and probably there will be a lit- tle of both. Indeed it is seldom otherwise to a philosophic cranium. You will have an opportunity of judging of the purity of the justices of petty sessions, and don't get it into your head that they are worse here than in all the rest of the world beside ; nothing more absurd. Why is a lot of country, and for the most part grossly illiterate fellows, so anxious to be on the commission 1 Young men may do it for pride, never old ones ; it is either for interest, or to indulge in right good old men's passions — tyranny, selfishness, and power ; for since most of their other passions are tame, or altogether evanescent, these get tolerably clawish, and hke to work upon those whose follies, once like their own, are now in the meridian. "If I mistake not, all this you will see in full glow at Frescoth : thistle-down blown by every wind in the compass ; for I hear that old Gibbon has been retained for the defence — an old attorney they have fetched twenty miles ; one who entertains a deadly hate to old Colonel Dillon, the chainnan, and who intends to tell him what old Gibbon calls his mind. The charge, as I am told, is against Styrrup and two more of our Fleigh youth, for kicking up a row in the vicinity of Frescoth, kissing the landlady of the Jolly Sportsman, a general smash, and striking the local constables, whilst in the exercise of their lawful trun- cheons. It's well I was not there, as now, under this improved system of sending down reporters to such scats of judicature as the one of Frescoth, not a piece of local foolery but stands a chance of going the round of every wirc-drawTi sheet in the kingdom, for it is much easier to get a column a-piece devoted to such trash, than it would be to get a paragraph of three lines, announcing the best written book in the kingdom. And then philosophers complain of novelists not shewing man in his greatness, in his glory — who the devil would read it, when we see with what greediness he is read of in his littleness — in his nasti- ness ; for it is absurd to suppose that chronicles would devote so much space to the record, if there were not hungry readers. " It's a melancholy truth, but it seems that a war is the only thing, not only for clearing away tyranny, and religious craftiness of ail sorts, 98 ROWLAND BEADSHAW. but to sweeten the atmosphere of this morbid pestilence ; to give vigor and signahty to our authors ; more sinewy employment to our youth, and a worthier appreciation of letters ; for these things ever have, and by necessity ever must flourish most, when mankind's fears are their stimulants, and all they look for in amusement are their cares. "For, certes, letters, and strange to say, the arts, have always flourished most, during, or on the conclusion of a war ; and stranger still, often after the most dire of all — civil strife — as our own history (without re- ferring to ancient, a foolish practice as we are alone) shews. Man must have incentives to vrisdom ; and feeding liim well, and seudmg him to extravagant seats of leanaing, assuredly are not the way to give them. Hence, lads brought up on mountains, crusts, and oatmeal desserts, be- come the strongest men, and, perforce, the sturdiest thinkers ; it is in war that these are wanted, in both capacities. They give muscle to a phalanx, and fierce knowledge, for that is what is required, to a council. " But the use of their hands is ever applauded before that of their heads ; or else surely that man who by an act of either juthcious for- bearance, or of sound diplomacy, averts national bloodsheds, ought to be honored more than he who shews skill in their murderous contests. Is it so ? Oh, no. The general who succeeds in the first and saves the latter, is civilly mentioned, and tritely spoken of; but should he bungle in the first, ay, and bungle in the last, so that he win, or that the other general, being a greater bungler still, loses — why then, no matter if it be his first battle — a peerage, a ribbon, and a levee lionship awaits him — supposing, of course, the bleeding on both sides has been copious — and the destruction glorious. " Now it would seein that military science differs in the acqtdrement from every other ; for as war is procrastinated, and its professors really begin to know something about it, its honors diminish ; so tyros in chess ever shout more when a victory has been obtained over the village schoolmaster, than when they have successfully coped for the honor of a kingdom, amidst the meridian of its professors. Juvenile philosophers, when in the profound labyrinth of one of the first rules in arithmetic — subtraction, are told that all may be cleared away by adding the figure with which they subtract to the remainder, and if these agree with the whole, it is called proof. Now this simple rule will not satisfy the leaders of arms, for not only they, but their gazettes, assert that they subtract with a very few, have an enormous remainder, and that, as to adding up, with their prisoners, they have undoubtedly more than when they begun— both sides say so — of course the adverse slaughter has been enormous ; both say so ; both win ; which is the proof! — that it is the most bamboozling of all the higher walks in what we are assured to be science." "Well, that has ever been my opinion." " And mind you, Rowland, never be satisfied with what are called demonstrations, unless you can fasten a little of your own understanding npon them. I do not mean to say that you are to reject all you cannot comprehend ; for instance, if you were to see a most comphcatcd shawl- loom, and shown one of its performances, don't, because you cannot discover how, deny its capability, for though you may, the weaver ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 99 has not given fifty strokes of his shuttle,but you are satisfied it is right, and that is the proof. Those theories that have no other than the warrior's, ought to rank their professors, as some fev? of us do those of the occult, divination, witch, and priestcraft ; phreno- and modern theo-logy. Thus then, ahhough arts and letters have flourished during such times, they are doubtless not the fitting ; peace should, and would, be the time for all mental improvements, but our rulers and the no- bility become apish, and treat either with indifference, or direct con- tempt, vigor and originality ; because, it seems, they do not want them ; so that admirers of war may be like those who are ever complimenting the grandeur of Mount Etna, when they say they do not wonder at the fond attachment the natives have for this mountain, with all its horrors. For although he sometimes chastises, destroying thousands of vineyards, dwellings, man, woman, their cattle, and all both within and without their gates, yet, hke a fond parent, he so mixes such blessings — that is, ten generations after — along wdth his chastisements, that their affections can never be reasoned from this world's epitome — Etna. " Now it is quite clear, that the first of these admirers, he who loves war, must have drawn his inspiration rather from the illumination con- sequent on, than during battle. Without warring my brains further, I'll wager my new whip here, that the first never lost his two arms, let alone his legs, in the most glorious action which ever birthed a title, nor did the other lose his beeves, his grapes, his bees, his wife, putting at rest his effects or himself, like poor Pliny, or the mountain would have wanted an enthusiast, and I a simile." "Indeed!" "Is not yon Mr. Dantskipp's carriage before us ?" " I think it is ; I am almost certain it is, sir." " Why then he's oft' to Frescoth ; let us rattle past him ; I have never had a quiz at his new arms yet. By-the-by, they tell me, Rowland, you had some hand in that, ha ! ha ! I did hear he had some thoughts of getting himself upon the commission, but as you are his adviser, I suppose you know all respecting it, eh ?" "I, sir?" " You, sir ! Now he will be going to Frescoth to pick up a bit ; hear old Colonel Dillon. But now mark, the moment he sees me enter into the solemn court, see if he does not look as though he were come to attend an information against one of his carters, rather than to learn the process of adjudicating upon an affair of the sort himself. Ay, they're looking back ; I am afraid they'll know my trap. Ah, see, by Jupiter, if the women are not throwing their shawls and cloaks over the chariot doors. Now they are going as fast as they can. Sis — kuk — kuk — we'll try ; I'll pass 'em, for a thousand. He was exchequered last week, for what he calls his nevf c7-esses ; I'll ask liim, just now, what hanns can there be in it. But you see they have covered them with their cloaks." "Stay!" said Rowland, catching hold of Mr. Rowbottom's arm; " did you see the young lady who just looked out of the carriage ?" " Why, how could I miss ?" " Who is she ?" demanded the gentleman who sat upon the lower 100 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. seat of the trap, of the one who gare dignity to the higher, in a very hurried manner. " Who is she ; why Dantskipp's daughter, EHza Jane — " " — The finger post says that's the way to Frescoth, sir." " Yes, 1 know it, sir, but it is not the way to pass Dantskipp, which I am resolved I vnW — " " Just let me jump out, and I will be walking slowly on until you return, or if you are driving round I will meet you at Frescoth." "Why as the — what has come over you? — nay, if you think Dantskipp will be jealous at seeing me with you, do as you like ; it's only a mile off the sessions-house, and I'll meet you there." Rowland jumped out. And the surprised master of the whip could not help saying, as he did so, " how de\'ilish funny yon lad looked all at once." CHAPTER XVIII. SMALL SESSIONS OF FRESCOTH. . Rowland made for the court of petty sessions, and just as he was entering, Mr. Rowbottom joined him. Two or three of the magistrates seeing them come in, beckoned to the elder gentleman to take a seat on the bench, as the place was densely crowded. Rowbottom was going to avail himself of this courtesy, when the chairman, Colonel Dillon, caught the movement, by the use of his cold twinkling grey eyes, and he did it too without much movement of his bushy pepper and salt eye- brows. As soon as he saw Mr. Rowbottom making way, through the little attorneys, rural constables, informers, and the rest, he just called out " officers, see that no gentleman, who is not in the commission, occupies the bench, as we shall be so crowded to-day." Mr. Rowbottom and pupil stopped at hearing this request, and so got a seat immediately behind the four advocates ; Rowbottom observing that he should be able to see all he wished, and nodded to his friends, in dignity, that he should do where he was. In a little time, the gentleman of special retainers, old Gibbon, entered, took his seat next to our friends, not, however, before recognising the elder of them, whom he shook very heartily by the hand, presented his snuflp box, took a double pinch, and said " Robert, I wish your poor feyther was here this day, to hear the pepperin' I'll give to ou'd Dillon. I am devilish glad, however, to see your neighbor, ou'd Sweetlove, on the bench ; it's a long time since I seed him act, but I suppose he's heerd that I was comin'. There's one or two moor I'll let fly at before ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 101 1 have done ; it's twenty years since I practised in this court. There's bin damned Uttle justice done in sin' — I do appear for him. Colonel," said the learned Advocate, in reply to some question asked by the pohte Chairman. " I'll be civil as long as I con Rowbottom, and then for a sneezer ; recollect Joe Styrrup's feyther with yours was about two o'th first clients I had before I left these parts. Oud Dillon always hated Styrrup and me, and all th' witnesses in that action we had against him — I am ready now, Mester Chairman." Mr. Joseph Styrrup and two others were then charged with a riot, or next door to it, so the advocate for the prosecution called it — smashing windows, doors, pulling down a barber's pole, a cart shafts, when in a state of repose, after a hard day's work of manuring ; mauling three factory girls, kissing the landlady of The Merry Sportsman, bar- maid, &c ; in the latter case, he must say that he was afraid some bribery had been at work, for the young ladies had refused to appear against the defendants ; did not wish to be invidious, but neither persuasions nor threats could induce the landlady, nor bar-maid of the inn, in which these singular events appeared to have originated, to come forward ; of course, as they would not give their testimony, that part of the charge must be abandoned. Not so the barber's pole, cart, windows, constables ; they must be protected, and he trusted that the law woidd stretch out her arm, and hold it with such firmness that woidd prevent others from lifting theirs against defenceless poles, carts, squares of glass, and aforesaid constables, with nothing for their protection, but their insignia of office, vest-pocket truncheons, on which were httle Queen's crowns, gilded thereon, and Victoria Rex written thereon. A laugh against the town-clerk. " Well, V. R., then," shouted the little fat town-clerk, he knew as well as others— surely all which was written on those legal instruments, was V. R, abbre\iatory ; surely if they saw A. M., could not they say master of arts ; or ^ s. d., pounds, shillings, and pence ; who, he would like to know, in seeing a column, headed cwt. qrs. lbs., woidd read them cutes, quars, hell-bees ; surely, then, he was right in reading to the full, V. R. Who in finding viz., would read viss, unless it was to shew his ignorance of Latin. A roar. The attorney-general looked for sympathy from the judge, but found old Dillon looking as coldly as a poor law commissioner, and, who at length, waved his hand savagely, and said, " get on with your case." The attorney-general continued, aiul so did the laughter, in despite of all admonition ; he should be able to prove the fact, as stated, and trusted, that though his learned friend had been specially retained, and brought from a great distance, yet, he hoped, with his powerful assist- ance, the laws of the land and the peace of Frescoth should not be found suitable playthings, even for the aristocracy of their rivals, the Fleighers, and that he would venture at a prediction, which was, that the laugh would vary its side of the mouth ere that forenoon's proceed- ings. And, though the solemn name of their beloved sovereign had been 102 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. ridiculed, he was horrified to say, in that court, yet — fold Dillon pulled a little of one side of his face to him) — He should call witness to prove the disgraceful proceedings with which the defendants stood charged. The learned magistrate's clerk did so, and called the senior constahle, who detailed, at great length, the horrors of the preceding night, and when he said he had done — Mr. Gibbon rose, and quietly observed, he had not ; and then, after pulling up his breeches, and down his waistcoat and protruding shirt, demanded — " You've been abroad, I think ?" "Yes, sir." " Now, mind yo are not so in your replies. Were yo ever in a town that was shocked with a earthquake?" "Once, at Palenno, sir; at night, sir." " Now, in your judgment, which kicked up the greatest row, the earthquake in Sicdy, or these gentlemen in Frescoth?" " Stay," said the Chairman. " I wish to know, Mr. Gibbon, are you beginning for good ?" "Why that's rather a queer question ; but of course I am." " Then let the court be cleared of all ladies — women and all," glowered the Chairman, and then uttered an " ah-hem !" after. " What mun they go for?" enquired the learned counsel, a little bit sui-prisedly. " Why, because I know you will be so beastly !" And then the Chairman moved a little bit on his chair, and squeezed his lips together. " Oh ! and pray, with great respect, Mr. Chairman, mun th' old ladies go out too ?" " Of course ;" replied the Judge, snappishly. " Then ma'am," addressing the chair, " so soon as you have put yoixr bonnet on, and left the court, I'll go on," returned the advocate ; and then he put his tongue into one side of his mouth, and leaned his head, as if waiting for a reply. This was followed by a new storm of laughter and applause. Old Dillon went as pale as his chief functionary was red. The first however pointed to the latter, to take down the retained advocate's words ; and having at length recovered himself, cooly said — " Now mind, Gibbon, another such remark, and I'll commit you. I will ; and as to those yelling scamps at your back, let me tell 'em, I liave my eye upon a few ; another such laugh, and I'll find all the stocks within half-a-dozen miles off this place, something to do — mind — go on." " I think. Bob, he'll lose his temper ;" whispered the advocate to Mr. Rowbottom. " Go on — not a doubt of it," replied the other. " I wish, Robert, your poor feyther had heard this last bit, it would have reconciled him to a few years' moor life." "Hvish ! go on." " Well, now my friend," said the cross-examining counsel, " re- spectin' the earthquake and these young gentlemen ; which caused the greatest alarm ?" The constable, before he answered, shuffled about a good deal, but ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 103 cntcliing a slight look from the prosecuting counsel, at last demanded, " the earthquake, or this ?" " Just so." "Why, this!" Dillon stroked his beard, and rose his bushy eye-brows, at the re- spondent. "Oh, this was agreatcrnightof terrors than that of the earthquake?" asked Gibbon, " To me it was." "Oh, stop theer ; to yo, was it? What, was yo a galley-slave then, at th' other place, Palermo, and thought if th' whole town was knocked down, there was a chance of escape — eh ?" and old Gibbon leaned his body half over the table, so anxious was he for the reply. " Come, sir, out with it ;" in a voice of thunder. The other quailed. " Come, sir, no waiting for winks — was yo ?" " I was a pris — oner there." " I thout so ; must have bin a thief, or yo would not have been a constable of this coort." This was followed by tumultuous applause, and would have been more so, but there was not sufficient room for the clapping of hands. " I think he'll lose his temper, Bob ?" Mr. Rowbottom kicked the counsel's shins. " Well, so much for the earthquake ; now, wasn't yo an informer for this court, before yo benefitted it by your services in your latter capacity — eh ?" "But before I go further, I want to explain about being a prisoner," said witness. " Oh, never heed your explaints ; yocan do that to thoosewho drilled yo, when all's o'er. Wasn't yo an informer, I ask ? answer me !" "What, about publicans and — " " Ay, and also against carters, for fallin' asleep on their cart-shafts ; and, in short, any body as could pay ; hawkers without licenses ; takin' their baskets from 'em, and such like — eh ?" "Why, I did a little in that way." " Did yo ? Well, now tak' thy time ; how much a week did yo get for that — for such honest sweat-of-brow work?" " One week with another ?" " Just so." "Well, about — a—thirteen or fourteen shillin'." " Very good ; but yo had time for odd jobs beside ; didn't yo do a bit of weeding in th' Colonel's garden, there ; rollin' his grass-plats ; rake th' gravel i' th' walks — eh ?" " Sometimes ; now and then, sir." " How much a week did yo get for that?" And Gibbon leaned his body further than ever. " How much did yo get ?" " Oil, I'd nothin' for that"— a little reluctantly. If possible, a louder roar than the preceding. " Nothin' for that ? But I reckon if yo did not do one job, yo must not haA'e had th' tothcr ?" 104 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " I suppose so.'" A storm. " I think. Bob, he'll lose his temper." *' Yon are crucifying him ; he'd not give a sovereign, l)ut he would one of the best stumps in his mouth, to be off that bench." Here the Attorney-general for the petty-sessions of Frescoth rose, and in a very whirlwind of bluster, said he would not submit to such conduct ; the cpiestions of his friend had not the remotest proxim«««7y to the case whatever. The whole was personal, and he should, &c., &c. So soon as he had finished his arguments against the course pursued by his friend, in his cross-examination, Mr. Gibbon rose, and argued in favor of them, and concluded a sympathetic appeal to the bench, by saying that he did not wonder at his friend's anxiety to smother the course he had pursued, as he doubtless thought his turn would come next. This was rather an unfortunate allusion on the part of defendants' counsel, as it gave a little squat gentleman — a parson — who supported the chairman, on his right, an opportunity of spluttering away a quarter of an hour ; in which he characterized the whole conduct of the defence as being not only disgracefully personal, but e^'idently calculated — nay, had a greater brawl in view — than the one that had led to the present shamefully-conducted enquiry. Dillon took courage at this, and briefly re-examined the retiring con- stable, and asked if all the defendants were not drunk. He was answered, "most undubitedly." " Drunk, at all events," said the little fat parson. " No doubt," concurred the Chairman, his cold grey eye just slightly rolling. "Now, Robert, yo'll see I have 'em ; I wanted the parson to talk ; I'll not cross-examine any of th' tother witnesses, because I have no doubt they were drunk, and will have to pay for th' windows ; but I have 'em now," The other witnesses only helped out the principal constable ; one adding that Mr. Joseph Styrrup had nearly knocked him down, by rimning against him, as he was trying to escape the infuriated barljer, and the chief constable. The examination being concluded for the prosecution, in this extra- ordinary case, Mr. Gibbon once more arose ; once more titivated his breeches and waistband, when thus — " Mester Chairman and gentlemen, may it please you, my friend to my right, the one who, it will be recollected, in his opening address, shewed such learning, and uttered such eloquence, has charged me with being personal. Now, although he has charged me with it, and used patent wadding, with a good deal of ramming down, he'll find when he lets me off, I was loaden with missiles capable of making more formi- dable attacks than those which are considered personal. If any shots have been misunderstood," — here the advocate trod upon Mr. Row- bottom's boot toe — ■" I am sorry ; but, surely, when you fire at a forti- fication, though you kill half-a-dozen, or so, the shot cannot be said to '•e personal. Even the few discharges I made at your senior constable, perhaps would be considered personal ; but if any of my bullets, when ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 105 nlming at him, cither grazed, flew oiF, or even went through him, and then hit somebody else, surely, I say, such party could not say I in- tended to be personal to him, at all events. " Now, when I was twitted with all this, by my friend of learning to my right, I apprehend he did not allude to my pokes at the constable, but the way in which the bullets might have glided off so hardened a body, and entered something softer. A proper fear to many, I grant ; but why should I be accused of being personal ? I see a reverend gen- tleman opposite, who is puUmg his face, as if he would say I am sophis- ticating a bit ; what nonsense ; if I were to be more jminted, why I should be the subject, rather than the apologist of a rebuke so properly made, by those who imagined they labored under the grievance." " Bravo, by George," whispered Rowbottom to the defendants. " Mark how he'll do it," said Styrrup. "Well, that cleared away," continued the advocate, "let us see, my clients have been charged with beiu' drunk — " "And something else," thrust in the Chairman. "And somethin' else. Well, now, with the bench's permission, I'll tell a tale of two gentlemen, who also got drunk, and did ' somethin' else.' " " But will it bear upon this case ?" asked the little parson-justice. "I trast so," said Mr. Gibbon ; "and I entertain a very lively hope, that no gentleman will consider it personal ; nor any two, for that would be still more absurd ; since we are so timerous about it — and what a proper feeling. I dare say I shall meet with your pardon, if I cannot recollect the parties' names, dates, and places ; for at my time of life such indulgence is requisite, as not only my faculty of memory, but many others, as no doubt will have been painfully perceived, are very much impaired, if I can use so flattering a word ; perhaps my friends will say they are quite gone ; but as far as my recollection will serve, thus the tale ran. " It may be known to some of you, that the chief sherifl'alty of this county, a few years since, was given to a gentleman, whose ac- ceptance of it surprised every body but himself, and the noble donor who procured it for him. But when men's minds calmed down to something like a level ; when their thinking was not so much up and down ; why, they began to perceive, there might be some reason for the appointment ; as it was known that the appointed had considerable in- fluence with the Lord-lieutenant, or rather his regent ; or to put the thing moor squarely, the Lord-lieutenant, or rather his regent, had a good deal of influence with him ; for he was an active magistrate in the neighborhood of his lordship's preserves, so that the appointment was perhaps not made upon the principle of one good turn deserving another, but upon a better arithmetical series — that is, a great many good small turns deserving one big one as an equivalent. " Well, the high sheriff must have a chaplain and javelin men, and as he had not many tenants to make 'em from, why, his lordship lent him a few, with saddles, bridles, and black gaiters ; he also obtained the loan of, from the preceding sheriff, th' two trumpeters, coach-man, th' postillions' wigs and cocked hats ; the carriage and horses he hired (for lOG ROWLAND BRADSHAW. he could not borrow thoose,) from a livery stable ; cost him some money, no doubt, but th' writ season had bin a good one, that year ; and, I had it from the county prothonotary, that, after all, there was a hand- some profit left for their chief sheriffalty. "Now, the parson was th' only thing that, this elevated justice of petty-session did not borrow, for yo can hardly call that borrowing, al- though yo don't pay for th' use of it, if ;a thing lends itself; and that this one did so, even though it had to borrow a cocked hat and wig, I can asseverate. Nor was it th' first time that th' parson had been so good to th' justice ; indeed he was not ill-natured, for he'd lend himself to any one, so that they, in return, would give him the loan of good dinners, and the use of their wine cellars, during his stays. " Well, th' justice had another considerate friend, who also offered him somethiu' towards the support and dignity of the high sheriffship. This was his chief clerk at petty sessions ; who said he did not want anythin' for doin' it, if he would only make him his under sheriff. This was kind, but it was a loan that the good high sheriff could not prevail with himself to accept. Tor,' said he, 'I don't care a pin about th' parson gettin' laughed at by th' judges, either when preaching, or pun- ning instead of making grace after dinner, but as the town-clerk cannot keep me out of hobbles at quarter sessions, how is he likely to do it there ; besides I think I can get somethin' for that post ; and it will go towards payin' for th' parson's brandy and soda water.' So the Sheriff, on the grand day, met all his vassals and great state-officers, and a bit after, th' judges themselves. It is said the whole was rather a cock- tailish affair, and might have done for some parts of Ireland ; but was considered not to have added much to the juridical grandeur of this (for such displays) noted county. The judges looked rather stony at first, but as they entered th' assize town, two factories parted ; all the waiters from th' different hotels and public houses, came to shove their cards into th' hands of th' javelin men, th' trumpeters, sheriff-officers, and the like. Indeed, what with lodgin' -house keepers, and a muster of th' town-council and scholars from the free-school, the judges' cham- berlains said that, after all, the thing was creditable. "Then the high sheriff asked their lordships if they intended to have divine service. But as they were both old men, they had some objection at first ; but upon seein' th' parson, who looked so cosey and sleek, and thinkin' that if they refused to hear him preach, he might make devilish bad punch after dinner, or not properly attend to th' butler, or to th' wine, should he get drunk, as that is v/hat parsons are taken to the assizes for, they agreed. Well, service they had, and although he had a hint from both of the chamberlains, as well as sixteen anonymous letters, tellin' him not to preach too long, yet his sermon lasted thirteen minutes. There was divine service again, next Sunday, and he promised to cut things shorter than before, but one of th' judges, just as he was entering th' carriage, was seized with th' gripes, and th' other was so sorry, that he stayed at home ; and to alleviate his learned brother's sufferings, let him win half-a-dozen games at chess from him. " There was no more preaching during their sojourn ; and the con- sequence was, that the parson became such a favorite, both with the ROWLAND BRAUSIIAW. 10' judges, and more particularly with their clerks, that one of th' latter gentlemen, as he carried one of th' former to bed, said that he would feel obliged to his lordship, if, in future, he would permit the parson to dine at their table, as he had done such extraordinary things at their lordships'. " The request was granted ; and, save the last day, that was the place his reverence regaled at. " At length th' assize was over. The sheriff and the parson waited to see th' judges off ; the men that were hung; the assize ball; and then they went off themselves. Not, however, before taking a whacking dinner with their lordships, and a few moor right wet ones. For a long time, the high sheriff and his spiritual adviser felt as happy and snug, as the carriage and four rattled on, as men generally do, who have eaten a good dinner, and have under their waistcoats two bottles of old port a-piece ; th' sun shining through th' carriage windows, upon their moor glowing faces, and feelin' that they had been doing a public duty, and gettin' some of its money too ; and, although some of th' jolts caused their heads respectively to pitch into each other's stomachs, yet it only caused those agreeable gugling laughs, which tell that the mind's at ease, whatever else may not." " But what has this rigmarole to do with the case ?" asked the Chairman, fiercely, " you mind what you are about — or — I say you mind — " "A pack of unmeaning balderdash," said the chairman's dexter supporter, " an infamous insinuation against some gentleman's character, I will not listen to such foolery — " " Oh, gentleman, I must claim your pardon, old men are often garrulous, I grant yo, but you'll find that I shall not be guilty of wast- ing the valuable time of this coort. (Robert, they'll both lose their temper,) You'll find, with a little patience, it is only the meanderings of my logic, and as I am specially retained, yo must give me a little time — must do somethin' for our money ; I'll bring all my points to a focus you'll see. Well, at length, these two representatives of sovereigns, the one of an earthly, and the other, without being profane or tire-some, of an heavenly one, arrived at th' place, where they must give up th' hired stage-coach, silver-bays, th' trumpeters, and the javelin men ; and in their place was waiting his worship's own private carriage and pair of horses, with the like number of men. Now th' wine and dinner had for some time been dying, and as they did so, both of their possessors got gloomy, and if not sulky, yet it was evident, they became a little drowsy. Each, unkno\\Ti to the other, got two glasses of brandy a- piece, to remedy his unpleasant attacks, and then, each in the presence of the other, took one a-piece, and tea for an excuse. The new coach did not carry them so easily as the state carriage ; and the brandy, instead of actin' as a refresher, seemed determined, probably vext at being mixed with the tea, to have no affinity with the old port ; and in place of those agreeable little sallies we have seen as resultants from the wine, there were slight feelings of sickness ; incipient feelings of tetchi- ness ; and the most rampant feelings of combativeness. Now, although the ancient geldings had not been drawin' th' carriage during 'size time. 108 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. they had the plough ; we need not feel surprised, then, that they did not ascend the hills with that alacrity their predecessors had done ; being also two less. There was a good deal of swiss-swissing, and kuck-kucking by the coachman, to get them up ; and now some positive lashing ; this aroused the representatives, inside, from a half-stupid, rolling, jolting sleep, when thus the sheriff — ' what's he whippin', behind for V " ' Somebody's got up.' " And the sheriflF bit his lip ; still the floggin'. Now the fear of not being taken to the next assizes, just entered the muddled cranium of the little fat parson, and he was resolved to give his patron a proof of his fidehty and personal attachment ; so, for that purpose, just turned the handle of the carriage-door, and determined, that if he heard the lash again, he would jump out, and seize the daring offender, " The Sheriff thought he would just shew the other what was his duty, and to shame him by doing that duty for him ; so also sUly turned the handle of the door next to him. " Again are several whiskin' strokes of the whip, and in one instant, both make a savage spring out of the carriage, not before kicking down the steps. They both rush to the back ; each seize the other (for there was no one else) ; the parson was a good one then ; the other had been ; and what he wanted in youth, he had decidedly in size. Not a single remark was made ; save this, (and they certainly made up by wonderful repetition for their bareness of invention,) 'ah, ha, you villains, you'll get up behind, will you? ha, ha;' and then they at each other's ribs, as hard as they could dig ; ' you'll get up behind.' Th' coachman, by chance, looked dovra the hill, over his coach top, and seeing, at a dis- tance, the deadly strife, shouted out to his master, to look at the highway robbeiy and murder case, that might be seen through the little piece of plate glass, over where he sat. He shouted twice, at last per- ceived that the carriage-door was open. The footman saw an equally alai*ming phenomenon on his side. They both jumped down, th' car- riage was empty ; ran down th' hill, and found that the parties who were now down, and busy tvnsting each other's neckerchiefs, and who, but for the providential interference, must have been strangled, were, with sorrow I relate it, two men who sit at quarter session, to adjudi- cate iipon others ivho get drunk, 'and so^nethin' else.'^' (a tornado of applause.) "You are an infernal scoundi'el," shouted old Colonel Dillon, at the very top of his voice. "You are a cursed old hoary-headed villain, and a liar," thundered out his right-hand man. " Robert, my love, I think I've done enough ; I told thee they'd lose their tempers." "I'U make this a dear day's work, Mr. Gibbon," spluttered the town- clerk. " I stay at Th' Three Legs, Mister Tovm-clerk ; I've no pistols, but I dare say I con borrow a pair ; or, as you are twenty five years younger man, I'll feight it out : but stay, hear th' judgment of th' coort ; I may want a pen and ink. Now Robert, see if he doesn't mull it, and if he does, I must appeal." %'c^.J^€^/uAa/?idAj ^^4^W^->2^^'^^^?2^i2^ JIOWLAND BRADSHAW, 109 " Now listen," said old Dillon, his hands shaking agjvin from rage, " listen, and let your clients see what they have got by retaining a ruffian like you ; listen, I say, but for this very brilliant defence, I perhaps should not have fined Mr. Styrrup and friends more than five shillings each, and to pay all damages ; now, mark — " " I will," said Gibbon, dipping his pen, after taking down the chair- man's preliminary observations, " I do." " I fine 'em all five shillings a-piece for being drunk and shamefully disorderly, five pounds each for assaulting the constables, and Mr. Styrrup tvdce that, as he assaulted both the officers, and the damages I will have valued, and they must pay that too, with all costs ; and as to you sir," continued the chairman, looking at Mr. Gibbon, " I'll mark you." Mr. Sweetlove then rose from his seat, on the bench, and said, "recollect that I do not agree with that sentence." "Thee agree with it," shouted out the chairman, "I think thee as big a rascal as the learned advocate himself." "Call me a rascal!" cried the venerable magistrate, as he made a spring to catch at the chairman ; just as he was doing so, however, he caught the eye of Mr. Rowbottom, who gave him a most positive nod not to touch him. The chairman, town-clerk, and one or two others on the bench, called, with all their strength, to the constables, to clear the court ; all their endeavors were at once directed against old Gibbon, who was nearly himself splitting with laughter. This so irritated the attorney-general, that he put his shoulder to the retreating attorney's waist, and amongst them, almost carried the retained gentleman out of court. In the mean time, an aspirant to the bench, whispered to Dillon, that in the town were Gibbon resided, they called him " tin-pan," in consequence of his first wife keeping a tin-shop when he married her, which the attorney kept on for years, in conjunction with his law shop, and that nothing mortified the pride of the now rich solicitor, so much as an allusion to it ; more particularly since a counsel in a late trial had called him " the tin-pan attorney." Dillon immediately recollected the fact, sent out for a large milking can, and the instant he got it, seized a constable's staff, and began to lay upon it with all his strength ; the suggestor doing the same, and the parson assisting so soon as informed the nature of the revenge. By this time the learned advocate was rolled into the street, when the mob rescued him, and, at once, carried him to the " Three Legs Hotel. " Gibbon then mounted the balcony, and addressed the people. Dillon dispatched all that durst undertake the task, to beat cans and pans right under the balcony of the now red-hot speaker, for the advice to the chairman was correct, nothing could have maddened the lawyer so much as this. He was getting furious, when Rowbottom ran up through the window at the back, and just whispered " mind and don't lose your temper, you old ninny." This brought Gibbon to his senses, he never wanted more than a hint at any time ; " I'll not, Bobby, my love — go and fetch me a (juart of water. I intend to speak for an hour — I intend to settle th' bench and all th' practitioners of that abominable com-t," and then up- set a septet of pans and kettles. Gibbon, with admirable tact, and with- no ROWLAND BRADSHAW, out inciting the people, stretched his tall person to its greatest altitude ; put his arm over the railings, and then, in a solemn tone, called out, " Men of Frescoth, give me silence that I may speak to you." This was enough, in one minute every pan was smashed as well as its drummer. Dillon and liis party saw this massacre ; and, at once, declared that Frescoth was in a state of revolution ; ordered the fire bell to he rung, and sent off for a troop of light horse from the barrack. Nothing could daunt Gibbon, who was getting a thousand times more sarcastic than he had been, before, to the bench, and was trying a magnificent climax in that way, when a window at the opposite side of the street was thrown open, and soon was heard the well known voice of the town-clerk, who commenced in this ominous style — " O, yes, O, yes, 0, yes!" and then the same voice, which was attended by the magistrates, one of whom was the chief, read the whole of the riot act. Gibbon waited patiently until the reading was over ; then shouted cut, "three cheers for Victoria Rkx," which was given by acclamation. Gibbon's clients seeing how things were going, got him, not without immense difficulty, into the inside of the hotel, where a dinner was ordered for twenty, and long before the light horse appeared ; the ancient town of Frescoth was tolerably quiet. CHAPTER XIX FRESCOTH IIIOTS Mil. EOWBOTTOm''s OPINIONS OF TYRANNY. Perhaps, we need not remark, that the dinner which was ordered for seven o'clock, by the StjTrup faction, was to be honored by our friends, Mr. Rcwbottom and his amazed protege, as well as the veteran Mr. Sweetlove ; together with all friends of cm\ and religious liberty. So Mr. Styrrup called it ; and said that the annals of the earth did not present them with such a struggle for it, as the one they had made that day — "for," continued the eloquent Mr. Styrrup, "we kicked up a shindy for it the other night, and, by sending for our venerable champion here to defend us, we have made a hole through the oppression of this town, that the children of liberty, with perseverance, will speedily be able to creep through, and let them know, that the youth of these realms are not to be governed by such grutchy old gripuses." AH this time the great producer of the sensation sat fanning himself, with his pocket handkerchief, and bursting out into the most agreeable little titilatory chuckles ; he was just in the elysium of them, when Rowbottom and his slender friend entered. ROWLAND ERADSIIAW. Ill " Ah Bobby, Bobby, my dear, hug, hug, hie, didn't I tell thee, my dear, they would lose their tempers ; I wish th' old squire could have seen it — big, big, ha, ha, it would have reconciled him to life for many years yet. Well and Bobby, what striphng hast' got here," pointing to Rowland ; Mr. Rowbottom told him, and added that he was a very promising artist. " Well, then, Bobby, let him look at me, and may he remember what I am going to tell him — you see before you, young man, a living model of that admirable specific in ethicks, ' keep your temper ;' I have known the wisest dog go mad, when overheated. I saw yo in court, and, I think, yo must have seen the advantages of one who could foster his placitude over those who could not. An enormous secret ; and one, let me beg of you to remember, whatever happens — keep your temper. Damn it, Bobby, I'll give your young friend here a commission. We'll have an historical subject, and th' thing reversed. We'll have my portrait in length, and Dillon's sat down, and we'll call it — ha, ha, hig, big — we'll call it old Dillon before a (/ripper." The satisfaction of the Styrrup party was fairly a-cockstride the meridian, for Gibbon had ordered his fees to be given in beer in three public houses, and a collection was made to illuminate the town, and a trifling sum was got together to smash such vdudows whose proprietors did not comply with the general mandate. A county election was nigh at hand, and the Styrrup party thought they could not do better than test their strength against the Wandly interest. And as the town of Frescoth had ever bowed to that nobleman's nod, as well as to the juridical misdoings of Colonel Dillon, it was thought this would be a fair time to try their real powers. In the meantime Rowland was dispatched, by Mr. Rowbottom, to fetch into the " Legs'" yard the gig-whip, coats, and the rest, whilst he and the servants got the trap ready, in order that they might proceed to Hescott Park, the seat of the Earl of Hescott, or, as we have hinted, the now residence of his son. Lord Waudly, and then get back to the dinner. Rowland entered into the little parlor where he knew Mr. Rowbottom's servant had left them, and there found a gentleman who was writing with amazing speed. Rowland got half round the table, and then got a bit of a peep under the hat of the industrious steno- grapher, and with equal surprise and delight, said — "Ah, my dear sir, how do you do ? who would have expected such good fortune." "How are you?" said the other, putting out his hand behind him, " how are you ? I saw you catching flies in court ; lord, how you can open your mouth ! and so you are come to Frescoth riots 1 nice lot of you, by George ! saw your muscular friend urging that brilliant advocate on ; an action must start somewhere, and shoidd there be a revolution in these realms, and a national convention sit to ascertain who struck the first spark, I should say Mr. Rowbottom's boot toe against the soft part of old Gibbon's leg; a precious lot in this neighborhood'; have the military begun to fire yet ? if they have, I will throw some flashes into my dispatches here ; sell ten thousand extra copies. How are your master and his sign 1 Here, if you don't like to drink out of my 112 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. glass, have a swig out of the decanter there. I was muddling on porter when first you found me ; this is a better job ; just enquire if they have got the water engines out. ' Even now, whilst I write, a youth has run into this dark hole for shelter — he tells me the water-engines are galloping towards the barrack ; if it is on fire, as I am told there is a considerable magazine there, then the consequences must be dreadful. The drums are beating a lengthened tattoo ; (I suppose it is Dillon's tin-kettle party, we must call them drums here). Gibbon's party have barricaded the house in which I now write. They swear (great swearers are they not, Bradshaw ?) to sell their hves' — why, you young punk, why do you laugh?" "Now, Rowland, why don't you bring the whip," demanded Mr. Rowbottom, who was then entering. " Permit me, since you have so often expressed a desire, to introduce you to my most talented friend, if I don't offend him by caUing him so — Mr. Wildingair — Mr. Wildingair, my most esteemed friend, Mr. Robert Rowbottom, of Fleigh." " Mr. Rowbottom, I kiss your hands in this way," and Wildingair very cortlially shook the hand of Mr. Rowbottom, nor was Mr. Rowbottom far behind his new friend. The truth is, he was heartily glad of this addition to the Styrrup dinner ; for he was resolved that the editor should be one, and then for an evening. Mr. Wildingair accepted the invitation. And Mr. Rowbottom apologized for his absence, until dinner, as he said he and their mutual introducer were going to Ilescott Park. " You must make haste, or the news of this row will be there before you. I don't know whether Wandly is at Ilescott or not, as I hear he speaks in the house to-night." " How can he be at Hescott, then, a couple of hundred miles off town, and now noon ?" " I thought you had been acquainted with the regent of Hescott ?" said Wildingair. "Why, so I am." " Surely you must know a bit more of his moves, because this is one of them. To dine at Frescoth, speak that night in the House, and be back again, for breakfast, in the morning." " Why, how is it possible ?" demanded Mr. Rowbottom. " I know his lordship's fondness for astonishing ; but surely that is carr^-ing it to a very inconvenient length." " Few things are impossible to special engines, with only one carriage attached ; and nothing is inconvenient to a man who, when speaking to his confidential friends, starts in this way ; ' in some respects, Napoleon may have the best of me, and probably, for the next few centuries, he may in many, but, even by the earlier posterity, the superior rapidity of my movements will be ceded, &c., &c.' " " Ha ! ha ! you will have your joke, Mr. Wildingair." " I am as fond of my joke as any man, but not when I wish to be serious ; this row to day will make him precious savage. That little speech from the balcony of Gibbon's, I shall give in the first person. I rather think it will be high treason at Hescott. The old man surely ROWLAND tJRADSHAW. 113 thinks he has not long to live, and supposes he might as well make his exit with the assistance of an axe, as any other way ; for if Wandly does not play cho})[)y with him for this, I have drunk port with his chamberlain for very little purpose— four editions to-morrow. Ring the bell, Rowland — I must send what copy I have got — only get Gibbon to strike the Attorney-General,— Sweetlove, don't you call him? to have a whack at old Dillon — set two chimnies on fire — and our new steam-press may smoke away for the next forty hours. I would have gone with you to Hescott, but I intend to write from here every forty minutes ; that is, if I don't get drunk after dinner. Well, off with you, and make haste back ; tell Wandly, if he will correspond with us, not to give false names any more ; I know his style, and his See's hand, though disguised." " Well," said Mr. Rowbottom to his young friend, when they had fairly got out of the carnage of Frescoth, " what do you think of all that?" " I am bewildered," replied Rowland. " I certainly was taught a few definitions, when studying school logic ; amongst the rest, that of stan- dard sarcasm, as a somewhat useful figure, but, certainly, I have only seen it in its benevolence, as compared with the withering elegance of Mr. Gibbon's school : surely my preceptor must have been too abstracted in his notions of it, or Mr. Gibbon singularly material, or what is more likely, I have mistaken the figure altogether." "Why, Rowland, I think that's it. We may often imagine that we are satirical, or sometimes sarcastic, when, in real truth, we are only personal. The whole of Gibbon's speech, like thousands of others of his craft, had nothing on earth to do with the real defence. The story of the ' whipping behind' I have often heard my father relate, and pro- bably it was true ; ridiculous enough in itself, but was not enough for the sly advocate, so he cunningly introduced the whole of the sheriffship, to shew its meagreness, and, in short, to prove Dillon's peculation on the public purse. The wipe at the parson was equally adroit, but it must be admitted, equally \-ulgar, and outrageously personal. Now mark, there never was any one, who dealt in personalities, but was himself afraid of them ; and had Dillon kept his temper, which any- one but a fool would have done, and in return told, during his juridical remarks, for being his turn he could have introduced what he had chosen, the little waggish story of the tin-shop ! — had he done so, I'll bet my life, with all his boasting of placitude. Gibbon would have been the most vulgar. His ad%dce to you, about keeping your temper, under every circumstance, is quite right ; for it certainly gives a man extraor- dinary advantages ; but you see public business could never be carried out, if the elasticity of each other's temper was to form the subject of trial, instead of the cases that came before him. And it is clear. Gib- bon durst not have done this, if it were in a court wherein he did, or ever intended to practice. As to the infamies of such coiu'ts as Frescoth, it perhaps might be judicious for society to send such men as he, in order to bring them into contempt, and, at whatever price, particularly in rural sessions — in large towns there is more talent, and better watched — to have a stipendiary magistracy, the more distant, 8 114 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. perhaps, their local mterests and residences the better, for even stipend- iaries are men, and we cannot have too little proximity." " Do you think, sir, that Lord Wandly will like the proceedings of to-day?" " Upon my word, that was the very question that I was asking my- self. I should say far from it ; for although he does not profess to know that there is such a court, it is well known there are few things done there but with which he is well acquainted. Indeed, to such widely- spread demesnes as those of his lordship, such a bench as the Frescoth is as indispensable as his thirty-two gamekeepers ; so that you see the curse of these tribunals. Dillon, his lordship keeps there ; and three days' shooting on the outside of his preserves, with his lordship's arm, should he ever meet any of the other magistrates, and he can al- ways have a bench that gladly demonstrate the excess of his goodness, by anticipating — rather than by requesting — his will, in any case where his interest may be concerned. Such courts, then, are rather to enforce the law /or the laud, than of it ; or, over a bottle, I should say of the land-Zorn^ ^y^uMy^::^^ety ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 179 of our succeeding generations, that I verily think, if the lad was to beg, and die a beggar, the old man (now, I'll try my lord) would not care — that is, if he thought there was any chance of mixing — even if a little improperly — the bloods of the great house of the Pryets, with the ancient one of Hescott. (I'm not so far wrong, I perceive.)" " Infernal old idiot ! (I must not let this bumpkin see too much) ha, ha, then this will be the machinery by which, no doubt, the youth's mother was apprized of his situation ?" " No doubt, whatever, my lord : and though I have intercepted every letter — directed, as I informed your lordship, to a friend for re-direction — depend upon it, the girls have carried one unknown to me, or my father. Besides, my lord, I think it is impossible to make him believe, much longer, that he stays there — that is, by his father's wish that he stays there, and the rest !" " Seems to have no distrust ?" " Why, the letter, and indeed the other papers which I gave him, greatly affected him ; he has, of course, no doubt as to their genuineness, as he was well acquainted with his father's hand- writing, and though he seems as if he could lay his life down, could *he once se^ him, still, I think, he is beginning to suspect some trick." « " And never, in any way gives the remotest' hint of where, or how his mother is to be found ? of course, there must have been some com- munication ; or why the strange (but stranger still that she should ever have been so near — and, heavens, to be keeping a school too) story of her leaving — never coming back — humph?" " Ay, my lord, if she be gone — but you see, from all I could glean — she is such a prodigious favorite with her pupils— that there is not one, I am sure, would say a word — and her principal domestic came with her from Devonshire, (I'll try him) I believe, nursed this stripling." " Poll, poh, ridiculous ; if she were at Rainford Lodge — don't you call it? — academy, it would be certain to be known : nay, our Chaplain has been on a visit to the Rector, of course, you are aware, the living is in our gift, and she is well known at the rectory — but they say, undoubtedly, she has left, and that too, suddenly and mysteriously. Humph!" " I thought, my lord, the Chaplain was to — to know nothing about it?" " Neither does he, only what I chose he should know, but tell me, (curse the diflftculty we have in asking such questions as these,) I think you say, you have seen her ?" " (I have not) why, O, yes my lord, but, but a slight glance at her, and that was enough, (I have heard her pretty well described,) and that was enough !" " H — ow, how, what was enough ; what do you mean ?" " (This time I will try him,) oh, as to her beauty !" Mr. Pryet looked as boldly as he durst into the face of his lordship, or, perhaps, it would be considered a gloar by a looker on ; but, Mr. Pryet thought it would be sufficient for his purpose, and so it was ; " beauty my lord, not my opinion, though in my opinion — if that were worth — " " Well Sir, well Sir," cried the lord, stamping his feet, "your opinion ; any one's," 180 ROWLAND BRADSUAW. " "Well, mine is, that if ever there ■was perfection — hut every one says St)*—" " Kvery one says so, why Sir you must be getting very preciously nootlled, what are you talking about Sir; who are you talking of?" *• You have my lord, forbidden me to mention her name." " " Well, Sir Sapient ! but we both know what we mean, but what I a^"^ to be ridiculous, and I question if you know of whom I speak, when vou talk of the transcendent beauty of a woman that must be getting into middle life ; what tbe mother of, now actually a young man, being still so beautiful — impossible!" " (I don't understand him, but as I'm telling the truth I'll go on) Indeed my lord be not offended, her great beauty is the subject of general — I may say the only one of remark ; please to recollect that I lived in Bath two years, and may be supposed to have seen, at least, some respectable specimens, and I, not knowing, should have said, some five or six and twenty at most, to be her age, but as to her beauty !" " Pah, pah, no more Sir, (this is so maddening that I must end it, or I shall betray) — does he appear to have no wish ; but that shows, there has been some intercourse — to see his mother?" " Silent as death, but one eternal, painful, indeed I may say, pitiful, enquiring as to when ' the stranger's promise,' your lordship's, would be verified, as to the appearance of his father ; and I think the only slip he has ever made, was, that he has either never seen him, or has no recollection of such event, so I construed a remark he made, but always with the same evenness of temper." " Never offers to run, or make off?" " May be knows that that would be sure to forfeit the chance which his very soul seems to exist, for one — one little (and Mr. Pryetin saying this, gave another and a more palpable glare at the noble, but irascible, listener) peep, one moment with what he calls, his adored father." Lord Wandly paced round the spot, in which he had for some time stood, in attempted circles, and in a few minutes said " what will be the best to be done ? it is — how dare you look at me Sir in that way ?" "My lord!" And Mr. Pryet's lord looked Mr. Pryet in the face for a space of time not less than the one he had occupied in his fruitless attempts to scribe a reasonablv formed circle. His lordship then dropped his eyes, not however, until he had fairly closed the audacious looking ones of his agent, and heir to his principal paver. " What was I saying ? how does he spend his time ?" " Drawing and reading, reading and drawing ; he had pledged his word not to write, but he has sketched — really I don't think there is a bucket or a milking can, of which he has not made a drawing ; I think he calls these still life ; he has drawn the girls in all attitudes : on my word I think he is a most honorable youth too." " Pah, may 1 ask. Sir, what his honor has so suddenly to do with his employments, or methods of varying his hours?" " Well, my lord, I think he does all this in order that the few who do see him, may not suspect any mystery ; that, as he has pledged his word not to give the remotest hint, as to why and what he is there for ; I think he gives himself all this business as if he had merely taken his ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 181 abode at your lordship's paver's for his own purpose, probably for his health, landscape sketching, any thing, rather than for the purpose or motives of any one but his own." " Saw the reward that the honest Fleighers had offered for him ?" "He has." " How did it seem to affect him ?" " So much so, that he almost swooned and wept, at what he called their goodness, for hours ; indeed this may be another reason why he assumes so much the airs of one at ease, and is so full of application." " But, what did he say, when both he and his beloved— pah, mother were impostors? how did he feel that? of course you allowed the newspaper to drop into his hands, as if you were unconscious of any such paragraph being iu it ?" " I did, he seemed puzzled, said he feared some mis-information had been given, but indeed said very little ; he makes great moan, but no enquiry, about Rowbottom of Fleigh, but seldom else speaks respecting anything. It's his imperiousness and silence that have struck the old gentleman with such a vast opinion of his superiority and high birth — my lord, I was not looking — solemnly, at your lordship : I say that is a fact and the governor will have it, but no matter ; the only ones at all he seems to unbend with are the lasses, he certainly will rom.p with them, and that not a little." " Humph, now briefly, for something must be done, though I will take care you are all well out of it ; is there any chance, however remote, of catching the old bird — by inveigling her only — " " My lord, yon's Mr Tennyson and the chaplain." "Where?" *' Coming this way !" •* Humph, run : three thousand curses if they should have seen us !" CHAPTER XXIX. A SURPRISE FOR THE READER. Mr. Joseph Styrrup had just arranged with his father to take a six- months' trip on the Continent, for ever since his old friend and preceptor had left Fleigh, the school to which he, though but a very young pupil belonged, was considerably broken up. The proceedings of the Whlte- Horse-bar could scarcely be considered as the ghosts of the great departed spirits who had assembled there ; thus kingdoms fall, so they rise, the coming or departure of one great sovil boing often the cause of both. Mr. Styrrup, it must be observed, had ever been, as well as his friend. 182 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. Mr. Rowbottom, an unflinching defender of the conduct and fortunes of, what he was pleased to call " that poor lad, Bradshaw ;" nay, by this time, had discovered, quite to his satisfaction, that the reports which had been so assiduously floated, to the ruin of Rowland's character, were false. Of this he had written to Mr, Rowbottom, who was at the time supposed to be reading for the bar, with a learned and highly-gifted sergeant, then at Marseilles. He had also given him most of the information, since his departure, which we have thouglit it our duty to lay before the reader, with a good deal more, that we may have to intimate by and by ; nay, but for a determined curiosity to sift the affair, as far as practicable, it is likely he would have been on his trip to the South of France, long ere this ; as to live long without seeing his old friend, Rowbottom, seemed to be out of question. But it was Rowbottom' s wish, as well as his own, that he should not proceed on his visit, until he had made himself as far acquainted as possible with the extraordinary doings, which we have partly seen, but which, in reality, affected the position of Rowbottom, and one or two others, far more than it has been in our power to lay before the reader. Things were in this position, and Mr. Styrrup was preparing for his departure, when, one evening, as he was leaving the White-Horse sanctum, the following letter was thrust into his hands. — " ^ly dear Mr. Styn-up, ,;•' In thft absence of the only gentleman of Fleigh whom, as I am situaled^ I should have dared to trouble — Mr. Rowbottom' — I have, from kindiiesses v^eceived at your hands, almost equal to those of your friend himself, presumed, Sir, to address you, and, after what has transpired, as well as doubtless what you have been obliged to listen to — should you still feel any interest in my welfare, or in the extraor- dinary events since our last meeting— the bearer of this — my late fellow- apprentice — Mr. Bryant Gow, will conduct you to where I now am, and where I am most anxious to see you. " But ere you do this, of course you will cause the reward, which I perceive, with great pain, is still oftered for my discovery, to be withdrawn. I fear that I have been the victim of a strange, perhaps unmeaning, but very subtile plot— of this I shall soon convince you ; or, if I fail to do so, of the two reports which have been spread of me, believe the one which has heaped disgrace and imposition upon my head. " Here, I can only say, that such representations are false ; but, still, from what I learn of poor honest Bryant, I never could, under any circumstances whatever, for one moment, and more especially, through my mysterious departure, think of seeing Fleigh more ; let alone the thought of ever resting in it another day. "To you. Sir, and to those to whom I deem it of importance, I shall scrupulously clear everything — I do not fear that you will think it too much — and, therefore, shall feel lastingly obliged to you by making some arrangements with my esteemed master, Mr. Windley. He for sometime before I left him said, that it was a pity I should be losing my time in Fleigh. From this, I feel certain, you will have little difficulty, with the assistance of my worthy friend, the bearer, in making arrange- ments for the release of my indentures, and other effects — of course, whatever Mr. "Windley may demand shall be paid on return of the post. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 183 ** I cannot explain any more in a letter ; suffice it, I have much to say, but whether of any importance to any one but myself, ■will be amongst other things for your consideration ; but in this, as well as in all, do not take one step, unless you now think, what I know you once did, that I am incapable of acting, and that of another, in the way which has been imputed to us ; and, believe me, whatever you may think it your duty to do, you can never alter the opinion and lasting respect which I trust will ever animate the bosom of " Your sincere, though very humble friend, " BOWLAND BRADSHAW." " Good God !" said Mr. Styrrup, as he concluded the unlooked-for epistle ; " can all this be possible ? are you sure, Mr. Gow, that this is the poor dear boy's own writing ? or, after the singular, and I fear infamous tricks, which have been played upon us benighted Fleighers, is it not some imposition ? It is true, he says, you will take me to the place," said Mr. Styrrup, looking at the letter — "but are you — can you be sure ?" "Quite." Rephcd Bryant, with a look of self-approbation. "I have seen him," continued the speaker, still more proudly, " and, what is more, should you wish it, Mr. Styrrup, I will take you where he now is." " God be thanked ! Let me see— you are out of your time, Bryant ? but I suppose you can get your late master's pony ? — 1 could have lent you a horse, but my father, who you know, since these Frescoth rows, is a little fidgety and inquisitive, might suspect something ; or, at all events, it will be better, for every reason, not to be seen riding out of the town together, and at this late hour too ; now I can easily pretend I am going to see how the new charcoal ovens act ; so I will meet you at the further Edge Green colliery, in half an hour, Bryant — stay, is it far?" "A good hour's riding." " I will be there. Good God !" repeated Mr. Styrrup once more, as the important and delighted fellow-apprentice of the writer's ran off to steal, from his quiet stable, the pony of Mr. Windley. " I am almost so astounded, and the more so when I begin to ruminate, that I can scarcely breathe and move. Thaiik God ! and yet what a strange feeling it is to meet one whom you have long thought dead, and worse, dreamt nightly he was living. This will be great news indeed. I'll write to dear Bob at once ; no, perhaps, that will be hasty : I will see the poor lad, and then. Poor fellow, and to make me his first confidant. Now if there has been foul play, somebody look out," and Mr. Styrrup at once prepared for his journey. Mr. Styrrup had scarcely got to the roaring charcoal-furnaces, when the smart pattering feet of Mr. Windley's Jacky could be heard, and soon Jacky, with Mr. Bryant on Jacky's saddle, came clattering up ; for Jacky had been new-shod that day, and he was a little gentleman that was ever fond of making a good rattle as he travelled, and, for which reason, preferred the good old-fashioned bolder-pavement, to the more effeminised new plan of making roads for ponies to trot upon. Well, the spanking hiuiter of Mr. Styrrup went side-above-back of little Jacky, and though the hunter took great big strides, yet Jacky 184 ROWLAND BRADSUAW. managed to make his little ones to locomote his rider quite as fast as his friend's — we may fairly call him so ; for although Spanker's nose kept jobbing Jacky's cropped ears, yet Jacky kept breast to breast with his lofty fellow traveller. And nothing could be more cheerfid, for the night was dark, and the roads somewhat bad, so we AAdll leave it to any one, either of Jacky's kidney, or the more august Spanker's, whether company, imder such circumstances, is not only agreeable, but, as we have adventured, cheerful : and when the two equestrians began to chat, Jacky merrily whisked his nevrly-cropped tail ; for Jacky had not only been shod that day, but had had his beard singed, mane pulled, and his nose, too, with a twitch— for Jacky was somewhat afraid of fire so near his jaws — tail cropped, and, indeed, a regular furbishing on that day. Well, soon Spanker himself begins to take an interest ixi the conver- sation, and so does his sly friend and stable companion, which managed to creep out as Spanker was saddled — the little black terrier. All are absorbed listeners ; for Jacky ceases to pretend biting at Spanker ; Spanker carries his head with great sobriety, and his ears mark his attention ; whilst Frisk gives up crossing every gap he comes to, or jerking through gate-bars, smelling rat-holes, or for inducements to linger at sundry posts which he might come to ; and in this agreeable way all parties jogged on. Mr. Styrrup was just asseverating that if he found Rowland had met with unfair play, he would endeavor to rectify it, when suddenly Frisk left the side of his friend Spanker, and gave a piano growl at some being who stood in the corner of an old road, and who was covered by a dense holly hedge. Mr. Styrrup slightly pulled up, and was about to make some remark, or, probably, to ask some question, when the other anticipated him with a " good night." Both riders returned the wish, and again rode on. " That chap, whoever he was, must have heard us come up, and so stood there to catch what we were saying." Remarked Mr. Gow to the gentleman on Spanker. " No matter ; but he was on horseback, was he not ?" " Oh, decidedly ; on one, I should say, quite as large as the one you ride, sir." " Let him go to the devil ; I have got a brace of clickers, and should he, or any one, come too near, I would let him see some kindled gunpowder." " No wondering that the chartists carry pistols for midnight meetings, when such gentlemen as those go to such places, and with such weapons too." All this was said by a smashhig horseman, to one almost of equal calibre, both as to horse and rider, and who dashed past both Spanker snd Jacky. " Did you hear that, Bryant?" Demanded Mr. Styrrup. "Humph! those fellows — very mysterious — must have heard what I was saying." " Heard, of course he did ; and, what is more, the nearest one was the very horseman who stood at the corner of that lane." " Pah ! the fact is there has been so much mystery, treachery, by heavens ! of late, that no one knows how to act ; but once give me a fair chance ; only let me find out who is working the wires, and I may ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 185 amaze somebody yet. I have not forgotten that diabolical Frescoth business ; and I'll make some one else think of it, or I'll try. Holo ! why, what are all yon lights about ? Ah ! and don't you hear shouting ? What the devil can it all mean ? Draw up, and let us look over that gate a bit." " Oh, I'll tell you, sir ; it is a chartist meeting ; yon will be Furzy Moor ; how very unlucky, for that is the place, at least, near the bottom, in the old barn there, where we are to meet Rowland." " We are too soon by half an hour yet, are we not ?" "About that, Mr. Styrrup." " Supposing we hear what the strange beggars are saying ; a bit of an adventure I expect ; I never witnessed a thing of the sort. My word, but they have plenty of lights ; this is what is called a torch-meeting, I suppose?" " Torch, pistol, and potato -fork meeting ; pike, and old rusty- bayonet meeting, or anything else they can bring; there, don't you hear them tiring?" " By George ! it must be rare sport ; quite a refinement on the fifth of November ; but, however, let us get a nearer peep." Saying so, Mr. Styrrup gave his horse the rein, Mr. Gow paid the same compliment to Jacky, and at a good dashing pace, both horsemen found themselves within ten yards of the animated speaker of the mob, and fairly in the crowd of his vociferous, not to say yelling, applauders. The instant our horsemen were perceived, Mr. Styrrup was recognised, and to his surprise, a great number of his own workmen were forming part of this illuminated and mid-night congregation. The speaker was apprised of his presence, and immediately stopped in his speech, and proposed three huzzas, as a welcome to the Junior Styrrup, of Fleigh. It was rapidly seconded, and as quickly thirded, the last gentleman adding that it was such choice souls as Joseph Styrrup, Esq., that they wanted. This was met with about thirty desperate peals of applause, and the discharge of a score of pistols. Way was then made for the subject of all their eulogia and friend to get nearer the platform, which, upon closer inspection, turned out to be an embarrassed mound of stable manure. The speaker then proceeded in, if possible, a still smarter style, and though slightly turning from his subject, yet, it must be admitted, the applause was more sonorous, and the firing of pistols, waving of pitch- forks, more brilliant than anything which had preceded it ; for the speaker went on in something like this style. " My dear friends I was just reverting to the tumuli which had covered the bands of the liberty-workers, like ourselves, amidst the mighty ancients, ere, we were favored with the presence of the worthy Mr. Styirup. What mounds have we to perpetualise such greatness, in this, our smock-faced country ; perhaps this may be one on which we now stand ! (great applause, and the discharge of two rip-raps) the thing being reversed. Tyrants have monuments in this land, as have run-aways on the Waterloo plains, and this is a fitting one ; a right sort of English tumulus this, covering demised grubs, maggots, and hatching serpents' eggs to bite, nay, venom our children unborn ; why, what a proper site for the poor, who do not wish to be slaves — to demand their rights upon. 186 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " And though we have not the great lawyer Gibbon here, through indis- position, to direct our counsels, have we not the man who first made his services known in these districts ; who taught the Frescoth Magistrates, and, this is not the place to miuce things. Lord Wandly himself, a gen- erous lesson ? why, the great Gibbon ! Who brought his services, I say, into action, and helped that action out ? why, Joseph Styrrup of Ffeigh, and well is this journey for Mr. Joseph Styrrup of Fleigh ; because, when we get our rights, when we share such estates as the noble one of Hescott ; it is quite clear that the estates of those who had fought with us, will meet a ready exemption ; (whorrow) when each man has got his own field ; when each man is his own freeholder ; proud then must be the man of wealth who fought for us ; for it will be our good will that he shall retain all he had, and an equal share in the general division ; and this will be the new nobility ; for we must have rulers and depots, and who, I ask, are so fitting to be they, as the men who saw virtue in the struggle, and justice in the distribution, before, and not when victory has given us the prize. Such men are like those who thiiik it a duty to plough the land they would reap, and not like the modern savages who would give us all the tillage, and then prohibit us the use of the sickle ; nay, some more refined still, would take the corn after it's winnowed : pray God we do not put them through the same process. (Lnmense shouting, loading, and firing.) " I shall, as the hour is getting late, defer what I have to say until next we meet, and give place to our new and powerful ally, Mr. Styrrup, and, perhaps, his friend may also have something to say." Mr. Styrrup was almost forced off his horse, as well as the humble rider of Jacky, and with equally good-natured impetus, both were carried to the mound, which we have seen so graphically described. Now, Mr. Styrrup, when he first rode into this nocturnal band of rural projectors, had no more intention of making a speech there, than they had of omitting one, when they should be members of parliament, or presidents of a new republic. He had no intention, but arriving on the spot, which the last speaker had just immortalized — all the torches flaring closely around his face — all breathlessly silent, he found himself giving utterance to an oration — breathing almost the same prognostics that his predecessor's had. The subject, however, was more local ; for somebody in the crowd, as if to give him the key, had derisively called out for three cheers for the Right Honorable Lord Wandly. This threw yest into the leaven ; or, perhaps, it would be better to say, threw thunder into the beer, rendering it fit for nothing but vinegar ; for if ever man did acerbate, nay, commit high treason, supposing it possible to commit it against a king apparent, that is of the kingdom of Hescott, surely Mr. Styrrup was guilty ! for, although, perhaps not so cosey and sequent as the speech of Mr. Gibbon's against the Frescoth Magistrates, it certainly was as savage, and infinitely more daring ; indeed, it would seem, that until this, Mr. Styrrup had not known his powers in that way ; nor did he exactly perceive them then, though vast the applause, until a voice from the crowd, made the modest proposal of going in a body, and setting fire, at least, to the hay stacks and out-houses of the venerable pile of Hescott. This was vehemently seconded, and put a hasty con- c ^^^^2^iZ^t/^^^^y?^^£^e^^^.^^, i ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 187 elusion to the furious harangue of the orator — Mr. Styrrup desiring to know who was the incendiary. Now, although, an immediate inquiry took place, no one could discern the proposer, unless, indeed, it was a hig man, who was top-coated and well muffled ; and who, with another, had departed as mysteriously as he had joined the throng. Mr. Styrrup, upon this, was just entering the first stages of repudia- tion of such threats and dangerous conduct, when a sudden alarm of a detachment of cavalry coming towards them, with a posse of civil force, to apprehend as many as they could catch and carry away, caused almost as great a sensation, as we are told one wolf is capable of pro- ducing amongst any given number of sheep. Now, it appears, there was not one in that vast and animated concourse, who wished to go through the tedious process of going, for the present, to some temporary lock-ups ; thence to some ignorant, besotted, self- willed, one-sided magistrates — again to find bail — perhaps some difficulty, first in getting permission from the gentlemen of limited sides — and, then, in obtaining from others, with not only the usual sides, but good broad backs, should the h?aIors give them an additional leg to those they were already blessed with. Then, the assizes, traverse, trial day, sentence day, departure day, petition, goverment in want of examples, could not select better, so, Lord Wandly, would be sure to say ; arrival at Sydney,' &c., &c., and so all fled ! INIr. Styrrup tried to rally them — no, first the torches, and then the pistols were put out ; the first, by batting them against the peat ; the other, by ramming them as deeply into the turf as the hurried retreat would permit them. Styrrup and Mr. Gow made for their steeds, and were just in time to prevent them from carrying the young gentlemen who merely had had the care of their bridle reins : — such was the desire for distance, from Furzy Moor — Mr. Gow was on first, making a jump on Jacky's saddle, instead of the accomplished method of placing the left foot in the styrrup, and then the usual swing. The rider of Spanker obeyed the more dignified usage, and instead of being in for a dig, either of broad-sword or head-constable's baton, he was merely in for a piece of useful intelligence, and a face-to-face conference, just as he swang his body over the capering Spanker, with a most unlocked for messenger. The intelligence was this — " Mr. Styrrup, ride for your life — there is an infamoi's plot against you" And the messenger was Rowland Bradshaw. " Is that Rowland ? God a thousand times bless thee ! Jump up behind — ready 1 Away, Bryant, and catch us who can." CHAPTER XXX. THE FLIftHT. And away, and away, and still dashed on the noble Spanker, not clearing toll-bar gates, in his career, but all the edges and ditches in their immediate neighborhood, whatever route they were taking, being resolved to circuitize a little to avoid those tell-tales. Never was a more truly-astonishing pace ; nor could anything surpass the magnificence of the horse's leaps, with his double huntsman. Now, although Sir Spanker had cost his master four hundred guineas, and secured him half-a-dozen brushes, this was the only really useful act of his life, and he did it well. Nor did the riders do much worse : for nothing could throw Mr. Styrrup, and Rowland was resolved that the like negative should not induce him to part with the saddle portion of Spanker's load. Eight miles were thus made in a few seconds of time less than Jacky and Bryant were made prisoners I and still Spanker's wind was as good as the gentleman's waistcoat buttons, though few things are more trying to them, than a jolting rideiu the dark, and over a rough country. And soon they near a hill ; Rowland springs off, whilst Mr. Styrrup urges his somewhat flogged steed to the top ; they make it ! but the descent is roughish, defiUsh, and slightly intersected with rural stone-delfs. "Lead him," cried Rowland ; " stay, I think he will be safe here." *' Hold," shouted Styrrup, " I now see where we are ; there is a noted horse-dealer a mile hence ; thither — turning him amongst his tits, or within a field's breadth — he'll soon find them — and then we will take the saddle and bridle to some convenient place. Now, aAvay again." They soon made the neighborhood ; stripped the gallant Spanker, and as quickly were half-a-mile off him, with saddle, bridle, and all complete ; but where to put them was, for a long time, a puzzle. " Stay," said Mr. Styrrup ; " I have it ; I recollect when I was past this locality, nearly a month since, there were two or three encampments on a small heath close to ; one or two, I believe, were itinerant potters ; the other was a large gipsy camp ; either will do, but the latter I should prefer ; they will never — indeed they dare not — give them up, so we will cram them into some part of their premises, and then off until we hear how things have gone on." " Oh, miserable night ; to think— think that all this, and I know not what, has been brought upon you, and all — every thing — through such an unfortunate, miserable wretch as myself." " Tut, Rowland, do not play the child here ; I don't care a phit for them, only I should like to foil 'em, and I will. Why, now Rowland — dear Rowland — do not give way in that manner. I am too happy," continued Mr. Styrrup, feelingly, and taking the hand of his long-lost and deplored friend, " in finding — seeing — you, either to think, or care a damn, for this ; but, still, let us prepare ; get somewhere in safety, ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 189 and, as I have said before, beat them all ! Here we are ; stay just there, I'll — give me the bundle — I'll go place them." And Rowland did as his adviser requested. " Ha, ha, all right ; now then, off! try to reach the mainline — the Liverpool will be as good as any— just get an eighteen-penny ride on a luggage-train ; not like other dolts, think of flying by the regular ones, when there are — rather — regular watches, as well as bookers ! no, ride with the pigs, or coal-waggons ; a bit of romance, eh, Rowland ? I've not much money with me, but I'll damned soon find some, as soon as I meet our broker in the morning. Ah, hush ! did not you hear some one whistle? Ay, there again, now — oh, I'll tell you; this is a manor that Wandly has bought, so he's going to crowd it with game ; not a bad plan, since the tenant's are not his. Here, let us cause a diversion ; I'll discharge my pistols here ! this will create a great poaching excitement ; then off up that road, and let us see if you can run as well as you did on the first day of our acquaintance. Now, here goes ;" — rap — rap — *'ha, ha, that'll do ; now, away." CHAPTER XXXI. IN LIVERPOOL. " So, now we are in the great EngUsh port ; and is this Liverpool ?" Demanded Rowland, of the chartist speaker of the previous evening. " What a wonderful assemblage of ships we have seen ; how vast their treasures ; and, indeed, all is wealth about me — I wonder whether poor Bryant got home safely— dear me, what splendor! such streets, shops — eh, bless us! this is a handsome building; surely, Thebes itself had never such ! my heart always sinks within me, when I see and think of great cities like this : I ever feel as if 1 should have no chance in such wonderful places. I hope poor Bryant would be safe." " Ha, ha ; why have no chance ?" Asked Mr. Styrrup. " I labored under a similar feeling when first I went to London ; ah, a week took the glitter out of my eyes, as a couple of days will enliven yours." " You had friends, fortune, introductions, and all means attendant : I, but I scorn to complain, because, if I had my choice, so satisfied am I of the necessity of working yourself up, instead of either pushes behind, or the coat-tails of those before, to assist your progress up the ladder, I should prefer that which fortune compels me to adopt — making my way with my own hands, and seeing it with no other assistance, save that which is afforded by my own eyes." " Nobly resolved ; had I had other opportunities, save those you\vere 190 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. pleased, just now, to enumerate — fortune, introductions, and the rest, I had had my diploma. No ; the way to fame and greatness is not so easily and familiarly trodden ; and though for a moment you are dazzled and cowed hy the grandeur, extent, and sudden bustle around, your mind and habits will soon acquire their accustomed tone ; and I have no fear of you, then why be seized with an aifection of the trembles for yourself. But come, let us in here, whilst I go and fork out our broker, and advise with him as to the best plan of blinking the chartist hunters ; damn it, I cannot help, for the soul of me, laughing when I think about it ; that only this time yesterday my father and I agreed, hearing that some of our men had privately joined one of their associations, first to admonish them as to the absurdity of such proceedings, and then, should they persist, finally discharge them ; and — ha, ha — damn it, but I have had to bolt in a train of returned pig-drovers, for being — ha, ha— a chartist leader. Well, the devil is in it, if that is not a touch of the mutability-complaint ; but, however, I will go and advise as to the best method of apprising the governor, and also which will be the surest way to effect a blink, should we be pursued, or arrested for my first attempt of last night ; so step in here ; it is not a place in which we are likely to be sought, and since you are so anxious to study character, and see a little life, I think you could not do better than regale here until my return. I say, Rowland, between ourselves, I cannot saj but I am devilish glad of all this ; fbr yon' old daddy of mine has kept such an infernal tight hand upon me of late, that I could scarcely ever get a peep at the world, let alone a jovial spell in it. It is true I might do what I liked in Fleigh ; but now that Rowbottom's gone, and one or two others ; besides even then — damn it, I want to see a picture or two which no masters in Fleigh are able to design, let alone paint ; in short, I wish to be at it, and at it I will." Saying all this, Mr. Styrrup bolted into a rather dapper house in the vicinity of the theatres, entered a room whose walls were judiciously covered, even from the skirting boards to the ceiling, with highly colored prints, and oily colored paintings. Rowland was beginning to connoisseur, but was stopped by Mr. Styrrup, who, upon seeing the waiter enter, together with two or three drowsy looking gentlemen, ordered a pint of ale ; and as soon as his commands were fulfilled, he took out of his pocket a small, and somewhat homely, handkerchief, in which something was doubtlessly rolled, placed it upon the table, then asked the young lady who had brought him the beer if she could supply him with a clean plate, as also with a pardon if he were to request her to select him a little lump salt — she need not mind the salt-cellar, in lump would do, he could soon make it fine. And the lady did as desired, and then out came the contents of the bundle, which, to the internal astonishment of the half-famished Rowland, was a small hand of boiled pork, and about a pound of coarse bread. Then came the plate, and Mr. Styrrup added to it his large pocket knife, and the young men set industriously to work, and soon pared to the bone the cold joint, and settled the bread, with an extra penny-roll which Styrrup fetched from a neighboring huxter's cellar. " Now, Rowland," said the bread messenger, when they had finished ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 191 their repast, " was not that sweet, economical, romantic, and a regular blinM] ha, ha, there's a bit of life for you, you sentimental puppy ; d'ye think now I am not fit for the coadjutor, at least, of genius 1 You see they would scarcely ever think of enquiring for us here, and if they did, I think that homely meal would satisfy them, quite as quickly as it did us, ha, ha, ha." And then Mr. Styrrup laughed most triumphantly. " You see, Rowland, I am the boy to introduce you to the world ; poor Bob would have been so devihshly philosophic ; I'm practical. Well, now then, fish out the excellencies of those charming productions ■ — those black jokes appear to be practical — whilst I go and partly gammon, and partly advise with Old Brouds. I say, mind, Rowland, don't be exercising your penmanship in the way of correspondence, either to the lovely Miss Pryet, or any other Miss, until I come back and tell you of the arrangements I have made with Mr. Brouds ; now mind that, or even your mother ; curse it, man, don't look so seriously ; I'll be back soon." And away Mr, Styrrup went, leaving Rowland to his ruminations, and the pictures. And such pictures they were ! first, there was a whacker over the chimney ; portraits of, no doubt, the landlord and a few select customers. The landlord in his shirt, pouring wine out of a decanter ; the latter, with white-tape angles, in glasses of similar materials. In his mouth was a fore-shortened cigar, lit with Vermillion ; a gorgeous ring on each of his fingers ; a watch- guard, quite as substantial as a curb-chain ; and for watch, seals, and breast pin ! well, it is enough to say, that they would be ample stock-in- trade for a young Jew, or an old one, if a refugee. And must not his friends have cigars, and wine-glasses held by the tips of their fingers ? and all look as if they were going to say, "hip, hip, hip, horrah," as one of them is going to propose the host's good laealth, with the hostess' good health, and the little hosts' — all theirs. Then were bunches of grapes, as natural as heaped up alabaster marbles, and lots of fruit, with fruit-knives, the blades made of the same useful material that the decanters and dozen-of-wines were — tape. Then there were trotting ponies, in anatomical gigs ; phenomenon this, and phenomenon that ; cocks ready clipped and spiked. The dog William, with an amazing number of mutilated rats, and a fat, fearless gentleman standing amongst them, with blooded top-boots, and a stop watch in his hand ! there they both for ever stand ! Then a series of stage-coaches and four ; only when they are changing horses, and then there is a slight mutation, varying from four to six and eight ; generally four very sweaty, and sometimes sludgy, and the rest nice and dry, with cloths partly on, and partly in pulling off, by gentlemen with breeches funnily buttoned at the knees, and long sloppy waistcoats, long past their waists : everything is done in a precious hurry, and still not quick enough, as we may see by the guard blowing his long tin-horn. Well, then comes a row of famous racing-stallions, game-dogs ; and now the popular pugilists, some in very quiet, and others in very bustling attitudes ; some stripped, and squaring their fists at a distant cloud, having no other opponent ; but all shewing an immensity of muscle, forbearance, and an unusual sympathy for knee-breeches, white stockings, three-quarter boots, and cropped heads, and standing with tightened fists, and without either hat, coat, waistcoat, 1 92 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. under garment, or even flannel shirt ; indeed, quite nude, until you get to the nether man, and spotted handkerchief which supports part of the garments which covers it. Oh, and as to representations of greyhounds, half as long as the field in which they are chasing cunningly shaped hares, oh, dozens ; and then darkly colored and bronzed profiles of the same gentleman in the large picture, with all his family : and next : — Rowland was going to look for other specimens of the truly English school, when rather a smartish dispute was running on amongst the gentlemen we have seen enter with the waiter, and one or two more who had augmented the party, whilst our hero was trying — if such powers of criticism of which he was master would be sufficient — to test the different studies, on whose contemplation he had been engaged. "And you say as no one can spell inflammation?" Asked a young gentleman, with a pair of greasily twisted whiskers, and a fostered moustache. " I say you cannot." Rejoined another, and it would seem the original puzzler as to the orthography of the word, that we all would rather attempt to spell than feel. " Pah, my togy fogy ; phit, go look." " Oh, I may go, and I may look — and, no doubt, you could spell it if you was to do the same — at a dictiona-a-ry." " Walker." Said a voice just entering, and which belonged — from the portrait and the shirt sleeves — to the hero of the big picture — the landlord. Rowland saw that almost as soon — certainly, without going to look. " Oh, Swill, Jack says I cannot spell inflammation." "Nor no more you can; nor what's more, ne'er a one in this room can." Rowland smiled. "Oh," said the one who had originally made the assertion about the difficulty of the task, " certain young gentlemen may give incredulity- grins, but they cannot spell the same word themselves, for all that." Rowland was silent, and all at once began to look at the fearful conflagration of York Minster ; spectatorizing, like dozens of the red beings below the entrance of the clock tower, on the dark masses of smoke, sparks, and twinkling stars, which, to extinguish, the water- engines appeared to struggle in vain. " Oh, oh, certain young gentlemen turns their attention to more improvin' subjects, than that here of attemptin' to spell the English of their own vernaclar tongue. I thought no body durst bet half-a-crowu they could spell — I'll repeat the simple sentence — inflammation." Rowland, upon this, turned his head, and drank the remainder of his beer, out of the pint jug ; not without first putting it into a tall-boy. " Well, young-un, can you do it now ? you have wet your whistle, now dry it with a attempt." " Oh, try, if in case you think that the trial will not be attended with a failure," said Mr. Swilling, the landlord, "lay him half-a-crown." " Oh," said Rowland, after this eloquent appeal, " I don't think there is any occasion to bet : fiamma, a flame." And then Rowland rang the bell, and ordered, what he termed, " a little more beer." ROWLAND BlUDSHAW. 193 **Ah, ha, liM," sftid one, and nothing else. "Ah, ha, ha; why, what the devil has aflame to do with it? ha, ha, that is the newest method— that must go to Bell's, Swill — of spellin' yet." Rowland reddened, and at last said, "you, surely, cannot he serious, gentlemen, in requesting any one to attempt that, which he cannot fail in, if he knows the root, which, you see, I have given you." " Is a potato a root ?" "No doubt," said Rowland, in his usual bland and quiet way, " Well, if I was to give that, or eveu a turnip, which is, I suppose, synimous, would either spell it?— ha, ha, ha." " Ila, ha, ha." " Never heed urn, young-im ; bet him half-a-crown, since he is so pcrticular positive." " Oh, I have no objections," said Rowland, feeling in his pocket, and drinking some more from his tallboy. But Rowland put down his glass, and his hand down his side, and blushed almost before the beer could have reached even the estuary of the wrong throat. " You durse not." " Why, really, I dare — but, the fact is, I have no money, until my friend comes back, only — only — a sixpence." " Oh," said Swilling. "I'll be answerable, if you likes, you know." " Why, then, I must say I feel obliged — of course, there is no trick — nay," said Rowland, "there shall be none, so I will write it dovm ; here," continued he, tearing a piece of paper out of his little memoranda book, and then taking the little brass-topped lead-pencil, wrote the word, and handed the spirited eifasion to Mr. Swilling. " Stay," said the learned gentleman, " I always leaves this to the bar- maid ; I never likes, in my own house, that is, to give a decision as generally must be reverse to one party." " Here," said the offerer of the bet, impatiently, "let rne look — what is the use of sending for Jane— a knowing cully, for a thousand," continued he, just glancing at the paper — " oh, you are a sweet inno- cent youth, you are, I have no doubt ; I must look for your description in the Hue and Cry to-morrow ; — there, there is your half-crown-— I suppose (in an under-tone) this is a plant, Mr. Swill?" "Ha, ha, ha, rather mfortunate — the spellings right enough, any how," laughed the landlord. " What's zrtfortinate ?" called out another gentleman, who had but taken a very partial interest in the conversation hitherto ; " I never heerd of that word before ! — mfortinate, eh ?" '• Unfortunate," snarled another ; " is it not so ? — you as won the half-crown." "Poh," said Rowland, after a moment's consideration — "either, I should think, would do — im, in, or un, not opposite to, I suppose, you mean either, of course, would be correct ; but, I suppose, gentlemen, you are joking v/ith me ; the prepositions differ in composition," " I dare say," growled the originator of the intellectual chat we have just heard- -" and give you lialf-a-crown a time, eh ? — (damn the inflam- mation ; I was told no man on earth could spell it, unless he was fly — I 13 194 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. never met with one '.—why, there is not one at the Circus, nor, I don't think, at the Royal, as could — he's a prig!)" "Well, well, make your wagers, gentlemen," said the landlord, "is i/ifortunate right, or the reverse of that ere position which some have assumed, and others, with equal davidity, have give a negatation to ?" " Well," said the gentleman of the lost half-crown, " I lost before with you, now what do you say — first pledgin' yourself as a gentleman — did you ever try it afore ?" "Never," said Rowland. " Well, which is right for a shilliu' ?" " Well, as I won half-a-crovvn, I'll try a shilling ; indeed, the whole half-crown, for I detest bettmg, and particularly on subjects of this nature — here it is." " Oh, I'll only stand a shilUn'," said the first, "so I will cover it with one — here is mine." " Well, then, they are obviously both correct ; for the reasons I have given." " Is it right to say infortunate? no shuffling ;" demanded the young man of the shilling. " Undoubtedly ;" replied Rowland. " And, jusc now, you b prig, you said you had never been asked before ; here, take that," and the disappointed philologer threw the pewter pint at Rowland's curly head, and, though it slightly grazed one of his shining ringlets, it did the seat of his learning, and other geueral functions, not the slightest injury. But for all this, and for all his having added three shillings and a half to the other he had in his pocket, Rowland waxed furious — made a spring over the table, and a savage blow at the other's peepers ; but it is quite clear that their owner used them for another purpose, save the one that Rowland intended to devote them to — to be bunged-up, and that was to see with. This he did, and perceived the projectile at a distance, so was resolved to meet it half-way, which is called by the fancy, stopping ; and, this audacious gentleman not only stopped the fierce fist of Rowland, but countered with the arm he did not use in stopping, and made the orthogi-aphist fairlj" spin round. At this, Rowland stepped back, threw oif his coat and waistcoat, went it again, and, in despite of all the caution of his assailant, broke his guard ; and, after a desperate scuffle, though we must admit, it was through the accident of the landlord putting his boot between those of Rowland's opponent, threw him. This was received with immense applause ; Rowland jumped off his man, and prepared again. " Hold;" said Mr. Swilling, addressing the gentleman that was thrown, "you b y cur; here keep back yovmg-un — quite enough ; and so you are going to fight for the championship of the light weights, and would practise on a lad half-a-stone lighter nor yourself. You are a b d nice fellow to want to make a match for five hundred ; you are, aint you ? a very good temper ; you'll drop it, or I'll expose you ; couldn't take him in, you ignorant hilliterit brute ; and so you would flatten my pewter upon a stranger's head, and, damn me, one as coidd take it out on you in a couple of years ; you take care, old fellow, or you'll have a ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 195 nice chance of gcttin' u|) your fightin' money. — Recollect, no one will back a cur, or one as loses his temper — mind what I tell you !" "Oh, shameful," said another. " I never seed a quiet un yet, but had the right sort of pluck in him ; but, I think, my good fellow, had you known you was going to have a fling with the chap that beat the Oxford Pet-Chickin, you'd not a tried. Look, there is bis faithful representation ; don't you see he has no bridge to his nose, only one as is supported with grizzle? — ha, ha, ha." This was addressed to our hero by the landlord, pointing to the portrait of his opponent. And then they all laughed at the good-tempered way in which the last speaker had given a turn to the hostile feelings that seemed to have animated the bosoms of the two bloody -nosed gentlemen. " I would have struck him, or a man of thrice either his reputation or weight. T never shall give way to the attack of any ruffian ; and, but that I am convinced that he is not only a ruffian, but, from what I now hear, a \Tilgar, contemptible, brute — I would have passed him through an ordeal, in which his knowledge, of what the scampish call ' self defence,' would have availed him but little ; as it is, if he does not immediately ask my pardon, I will scalp him with his own half-crown." This produced a general roar of laughter. " Laugh away, gentlemen ; but here I stand : now," said Rowland, preparing the half crown, as we do, or, perhaps, used to do, when we have got a nice suitable stone, near a nice pool, with which to make ducks and their masculine companions. "Here, stay, my pluckt-un," called out the landlord, gently staying the duck and drake hand of Rowland. " Now, Mr. Plural Dick, what's it to be ? a apology, or a defeated red Indin — a awkward thing to be skelpt — Avhat is it ?" once more, asked the landlord, with a tvink to the surly Plural Dick. " Well, if he can prove he's a gentleman, and not a plant, I don't mind makin' a abject apology — but I rather think that ere youth could tell what dictionary aint got ' statement' in ; could may be spell ' unpa- ralleled,' or 'scroylc,' or 'a cobbler's pony eat plum pudding out of a barber's basin in a boAv window,' tell ' three-thirds of fourpence ;'— it's my opinion he can do all that^ and if he can, it's impossible he can be a gentleman." " Well, sir, and if I could do all this ?" demanded the youth with the horizontal half-crown, "what then? — I have no hesitation in saying I could." " Oh, then, my dear lad, I'll shake thee by the hand !" " Why, sir V " Because, in that case, you are either a prig or a pugilist, which latter profession I am of, and a sincere admirer of the former ; and since you are a downy, wide-awake cove, here's my cluster." " Pah," ejaculated the other, putting his half-crown into his pocket, " I have had satisfaction enough, or else, mind you, had you shewn the slightest education or breeding, I would have compelled a humble apology for your brutal attack ; or, mark me, so soon as my friend had returned, I would have blovai out your brains!" '• Oh, well, come, come," cried another of the company, " Plural," and the gentleman nodded his head advisingly. 196 ROWLAND CRADSHAW. "Well, well, have I not said if he's one of us, I'll shake him by the hand, and pull with him from this minute ; if he's a young man of edication, then it becomes a dooty, and one, I trusts, I shall ever foster, for me to ax pardon for the insult as I, in a moment of hexitement, guv ^0 that gentleman, and particlar as it's afore dinner, and none of the usual incentives to cause ungentlemanly conduct — why, I'm the more sorry, and I axes pardon in a feelin' correspondin' to those sentiments." "Bravo, bravo, well done, Plurjil ! — come, youug-un, you cannot refuse ? — I have no hesitation in sayiu' that was about the most hand- somest apology that I ever heerd made, even from a gentleman to a blackguard, let alone — we'll suppose, visa verser — and I think I ort to know what is the extreme point in those tilings." " Rather," said an admirer, and slightly hanger on, on the landlord's customers. "I should suppose so," chimed in another, who was waiting to sell a box of cigars — "if Mr. Swihing doesn't know! — why, I seed him walk arm and arm with Lord George !" "Lord George ?" dipped in another, Swilling's cyder merchant — "ay, en Lord William Bedtick — and I may say — " " You may say," interrupted the now — very — grand Mr. Swilling — "yes, you may say I have walked on W^olverhampton grand-stand — that is in the betting- room — Firm and arm, for two and twenty minutes, with J. Gully himsel' ! — Lord George, eh?" "Indeed!" " Nay !" " Well done. Swill ; you little thought of that, did he ? when he fought the Fibbing Slasher?" " Ay, there," said the whole company, clapping their hands at seeing Rowland and the Plural shake theirs—" that's what it should be ; you will be better friends than ever. There is no doubt you are a well, un- commonly edicated young man ; the Plural did wrong, but certainly the apology was almost affectin', and I'm glad to see that you forguved him like a true British haspirant to distinction and a cultivation of the acquaintance of the public men of the day. Gentlemen, the stranger's good health, with musical honors." All this was done in such glowing style, and Rowland's sweet temper getting a little the better of his sour one, that he returned thanks, with the three and sixpence he had won, to the erudite Plural ; saying tb.at he did not wish to pocket the money, which had unfortunately caused the respectable company present so much unpleasantness ; so concluded by expressing a desire that the amount might be expended for the grati- fication of all present. This was at once met in the spirit Intended ; one of the guests proposed an addition of sixpence a-piece all round — the Plural excepted, as he had been wjfortunate, and the entire amount was to defray the expense of a flowing bowl of Swilling's peculiarly-brewed punch. This put the Plural himself into a good temper, who would insist of expressing a further regret, and a hope that the whole proceedings of that mornin' would cause them, to the end of time, to be little else than sworn brothers, and intermarryiugs of sisters. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 197 Thus tilings were carried on gloriously for some time, Rowland's spirits gaining, or fast approaching, the exhilorative point. Then were songs, and some attempts at catches, and a variety of other very ingenious sources of amusement, brought into play. At last, Rowland getting a little into the spirit of the proceedings, and bethinking himself of an illustration of gravitation, though very trite, he thought it might be new to the learned body around him. The experi- ment will be at once seen through by the scientific reader, but it seems it was not by either Mr. Swilling or any of his merry customers. " Come," said Rowland, " since these sort of things appear to be the order, I will show you something. Now, I dare say, Mr. Swilling thinks himself a much stronger man than I, and perhaps he is ; but I will engage to carry the heaviest man in the room — you. Sir, if you like ! — and pull Mr. Swilling, or any one present, from one end of this place to the other." " Ha, ha, ha !" " Well, a crown bowl of punch on it, that is, if the landlord will trust until my friend returns, should I lose." A nod was passed round by vir. Swilling, as much as to say, "you'll all share ?" A counter nod said, " undoubtedly ;" and the bet was taken. Rowland got the stoutest gentleman in the bar on his back, got hold of Mr. Swilling' s hand, asked him if he were ready, and, upon a friendly assurance from that gentleman that he was perfectly so, Rowland said, "then stick to," and soon, though after a somewhat turbulent voyage, easily and fairly lauded him at the other end of the room, whence they had embarked. "By George!" Said they, as they nil let out their breath and admiration of this astonishing feat. " Oh, oh !" And then those who were smoking, pulled away, and those who were not, slightly sipped at their cooling punch, and, perhaps a little more visibly, gave each other a wink of perfect hmniliation. Mr. Swilling ordered the last bowl in, though he went out himself, and in doing so, just nodded for Rowland to follow him. Rowland did as he was desired, and soon found himself in a tete-a-tete with the worthy ex-pugilist, in the inner bar, who, after a very steady and lengthy look at the truly astonishing young man, began in this way. " Well, now, my young feller, I thought I vvould take you in privit', before I put, in my hopinion, a question which I am sure will be of use to you, whatever it may be to me, and which is in the words — though, as I say, I would not let him do it publicly — of the Plural : are you a prig or a gentleman ?" " Ha, ha ; why I believe, good Mr. Swilling, I am about equally remote from either, that is, as Yknowyou would put "gentleman — meaning a man of fortune, and, perhaps, title." " Ah, well, that's very ingenious and open, candid ; but, for all that ere, you know there is somethin' perticlar, mysterious ; because, I quite agree with the Plural, that nothin' but a plant could a spelt the words as you did ; nay, yovi may look ! I have made some hundreds out of those letches of the Plural's, and perticlar from young bloods from the Colleges during recess, when they are coming to see Liverpool— that is ostenta- tiously to their friends, but more perticlar me, to take lessons in that 198 ROWLAND BRxiDSHAW. ere hart which you, in your address to the Plural, took such care to deride and under vally ; but, uo matter, I say thetj cannot do it ; then, if you are a gentleman, why should you 1 and, again, if you are — oh, if you pulls your face a thatuns, I'll not name it : well, but say a plant ; if you are one, I say, why be ashamed to own it to lads of the fancy. Beside, young man, that cold hand of ham, and the rest of the repast, has created intense exhitemeut through the whole of this establishment. You know it aint my place to be too inquisitive ; but your last feat has put the staggers on me ! beside, you are a hinterestin' youth, and I should not like to see you lagged, that's the truth, or even seven-yeared." " Ha, ha, ha — well, now you seem more puzzled, you say, about mine and my friend's lunch, than at, what you are, at the enormous extent of my learning?" " Why, that is the truth of it. I should like to know what was the meanin' of that caper?" " Well, we thought that we had a right to eat and drink what we liked in a public tavern, so that we paid for that which we had, and did what we supposed was the business of the landlord to do, interfere with no one." "Oh, indeed ! that was it, was it? (I must set the women to work ; astonishing young feller this.) Well, be it all as it may, I suppose you will have uo objection, as your friend has not returned, to take pot luck with us ? and as you're a stranger in town, I'll cither take you through it, after dinner, in my trap, or my wife's daughter, who has just finished her heddication ; had her at one, a first-rate boardin' school, seven years. She'll show you through the town ; one of the finest, I say the very finest girls in this division of the county. If you should prefer the latter as a guide to the trap, you must polish up those togs a bit — oh, mind, I don't mean to say they are not good enough, but they want a good deal of dustin' and brushin' ; yer boots yovi had better slip 'em off now, and I'll soon get 'em made into reflectors for you ; indeed, as all the ladies in my establishment are unkommon perticlar at dinner, you hed better come this way, and Jack will make you fittin' to take the arm of Miss Swillin' hersel' ; (the women will be them for the job) now walk this way, will you ? (I shall not repose to-night, unless I know how he pulled me across of that ere room) this way." CHAPTER XXXII. THE DINNER PARTY At THE FOX AND GLOVE. Eowland was mightily curious to know what sort of company would assemble, as also what sort of dinner would be the gift of Mr. Swilling ; ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 199 giiess that young gentleman's surprise, when he found the former to consist of five extremely well-dressed ladies : indeed, their attire could not be made of much better materials— as well as Mr. Swilling himself and two others. The dinner consisted of three courses, and was exqui- site in all respects, both as to the number and quahty of the dishes, as well as the evident skill with which all had been prepared. Then the wines were choice, in great variety and prime condition. Rowland had been honored with the arm, from the drawing-room— which was used as a singing one at nights — to the dining-room, of the fair step-daughter of the host, and who honored him with using his name — Miss" Swilling. Nothing could exceed the grandeur of her garments, unless it was the splendor and size of her jewellery, or perhaps the brilliancy of her conversation. Grace was said, and all were seated, when the return of Mr. Rowland's friend was announced. The announce- ment was enough to cause an immediate invitation to dinner, and a pressing one too. Joseph greatly stared when he was ushered into the room, and saw his metamorphosed friend Rowland sitting in such great style, elegance, and surrounded by beauty in such profusion. Stare he did, for Joseph was bent upon a bit more romance, and had brought with him half- a- pound of pig's cheek, with two rolls of bread, and one of small notes, which he had borrowed of the elder Styrrup's broker. Now this was the plan : the notes he only intended Rowland to see the ends of — then order in some mustard and vinegar to their brawn, another pint of ale, and the waiter, if she would be so obhging, to pawn his watch to pay for the whole. This, he thought, would cheer Rowland's spirits, and look like distress and adventure. And as he knew Rowland was one of those enthusiasts who will, whatever may be their prospects, work their own way — "just," as Mr. Styrrup often said, "as if they expected all their actions would meet with a record in some very fashionable novel." Joseph, thougli astonished on the whole, was disappointed. He damned the pig-cheek, for there could be no fair pretext of poverty, since such a dinner as the one he was looking at was spread before him ; so he thought he would sulk. Sulk he wovdd have done — but the thought struck him, that if, just in the midst of the feast, a posse of officers were to rush into the banquet-room, and, in the midst of the ladies and their screams, arrest Rowland and himself upon a charge of high-treason, it would compensate for all. Still he would rather have been taken from the utmost bough of an oak tree, with the last mouthful of the cheek in his, and the feeble grasp of his sunken though unaltered friend beside him. These were the specidations of Mr. Styrrup. These, of Mr. Swilhng — that he had two truant, and somewhat eccentric, young noblemen at his table. These were the ruminations of the splendid and in-every-way capacious step-daughter of Mr. Swilhng— that she should like Rowland for a beau, and both he and his friend to dress tliemselves after dinner, in the same way that they did when at court, and one to take one of her arms, the other to foster the other, then lounge up the principal streets ; talk 200 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. loud, and look loving by turns at her, and saucy at all other ladies ; and not look at all at any other gentlemen. And, then, which was the greatest lord, or which would be ; and, then, nay whether or not, how she would like to be eloped with ! either would do — but, in particular, the younger — he that went under the assumed name — sure to be assumed, of course, of Mr. Rowland Picrpoint ; he, certainly, was the handsomest youth she had ever, ever, ever seen. So soon as the cloth was removed, the ladies retired ; Miss Swilling to re-dress for her guideship, and even Mr. Swilling excused himself, after a few slices of pine apple and a hot glass of brandy and water, in preference to wine. The other gentlemen also, had duties of importance, ere the hour of their respective tasks. The first being the greatest summerset thrower in the world, the other being the principal tragedian at the Royal Circus ; being, as Mr. Swilling said, the best Timour that ever appeared upon castle walls — Napoleon that ever strode a horse — or Mazeppa, that ever was tied across one. Tlie last gentleman would persist in presenting orders to the two strangers for that night's performance at the Royal Circus ; whilst the strangers, at least, the elder one, would compel three of the young ladies to accept of an invitation to accompany them, which they did after a great deal of the usual denials on such momentous occasions. Mr. Styrrup and Rowland were then left by themselves, Mr. Styrrup smoking a cigar, and Rowland eating an American apple, that is sub- stantially, and desultoriating on now a red apple, then a white one, a nut, and an eighth of an orange ; and, then, apple again. "Damn this sort of thing — I wonder, Rowland, you would have accepted such a feed as this, when I had prepared such a romantic repast as that," said Mr. Styrrup, slapping the sliced brawn upon the polished dining table. " See what a blinker that would have been, as well as having another pint of ale to it ? and, then, an additional gill — and then have got the girl to pawn the watch. Stay ! I'll tell you what we could dO' — we could go and dine somewhere else upon the cheek — that would be grand — get a halfpenny worth of pickled red-cabbage, beg a bit of mustard, and stir it up with the vinegar, and smack our lips as though we had never tasted food for a month ; but the curse of it is, I don't think we could do it naturally, after such a feed as this. Poh ! i fear we shall have to wait until to-morrow," concluded Mr. Styrrup, with a cabalistic moan. " Ha, ha, ha." And then Rowland laughed at the solemn face of Mr. Styrrup, until he coughed, and coughed till he got a glass of wine, and even then until he had gargled his throat with it. "'Why, my dear Sir Joseph, how could we have faced the ladies ; or, indeed, have expected such an honor as that they are about to confer upon us ?" " Damn the honor !" " Then the treat to the theatre?" " Ha— then look here, that's pretty tidy," said Mr. Styrrup, showing Rowland the notes ; " and when they are done. Old Brouds said 1 must come again ; besides, I don't know, he's most anxious to see you : he recollected your name the moment I mentioned you, and in consequence of what Bob has often said about you — has ordered his carriage to be in readiness at five, to take us to his house, six miles off, and then to dine ROWLAND BRADS HAW. 201 again ; so I suppose Ave shall not be in pig-cheek humor I don't know when. I'll tell you how we will do it : I'll write a note, and say that we have heard a something, which induces us to believe that it would be dangerous to go thither, eh ? That will be the thing — besides it would be so mawkish sitting with him, and what he calls his splendid daughters and amiable wife ; piano, Joe's flute, his solo, perhaps whist, or perhaps a friendly twist to flute and piano quadrilles ; by gad, I'll tell you what, Rowland," proceeded Mr. Styrrup, with real horror; "we should per- haps have to parade his daughters, go to the theatre with them, instead of the daughters and other Indies of Mr. Swilling ; once pinned, we are nailed ! damn the pig's cheek," concluded Mr. Styrrup, once more slapping it, this time, without the piece of cap paper that covered it, on the table. " Oh, we certainly must keep our promise here, because of their civility, and their revenge, should we not meet it, or reward it with indifference : but have you sent home ?" asked Rowland, with a heavy sigh. " Sent home — poh ! I have written four letters from Dover, put 'em into the post-oflSce with one hand, just as I was putting the other on the bulwark of the steamer, which was to carry me to my banishment!" "Witli the Liverpool post marks on?" " No, my lord, no ; Old Broud has sent them by post to-night, to his agent in Dover, and he will post 'em for daddy in the morning, or some time to-morrow ; then sent his son Jack, to the same worthy man, to say I am safe at his house. Father dares not to come over, for fear of causing suspicion ! so heigho for liberty, until they catch me, and a spree ! Of course, the letters will be opened at our respectable post — can be no doubt— its being my hand-writing, and they are done." " I must find some employment !" " Not so long as these last," said INIr, Styrrup, feeling at the notes in his pocket. " Pardon me, there is but one way, and that is making your own resources, and them depend upon, but no other ; because to obtain them is to get practice, experience, and that position which both give, but which you both lose, as wtU as your honor, when you depend, nay, avail yourself of the resources of another. If I become great, through the means of the first — well, but I never can become so through the assistance of the other ; and even wealth I should despise, if not the result, instead of the means of eminence." " Ila, ha, ha ! why, damn it, it is only for a time ; you have not half- a-crown in your pocket — your wardrobe on your back ; and now, Rowland, mark — don't be a puppy or a jackdaw ! nay, I should be unworthy of Bob's acquaintance, and the secrets you have reposed in me, if I did not insist, that you availed yourself of my purse at least, until you get what clothes you want, and employment to your liking. Now don't speak — you will make me truly unhappy if you are not my guest, if you like it so — so long as we sojourn here, or until you are settled, as I have said." "W-ell." " Not another word," said Styrrup, extending his hand kindly. 202 ROWLAND IsRADSIIAW. " I will pay it back then !" •' Nay, Rowland, that is unkind — I am no housekeeper, cannot play the host at home ; but I thought the laws of hospitality ])ermitted a man to entertain a friend at an hotel, or, if he like it, half-a-dozen ; take him a trip ; and— now, Rowland, you are smiling, as much as to say that all I am saying is a mass of sophistry ? You smile again, but I am resolved." CHArTER XXXIII. FURTHER DOINGS AT THE FOX AND GLOVE. " Hush !" said Mr. Swilling, to his elegant, and, we may say, be- dizened step-daughter, " hush !" Now, mark, Amelia Caunt Swilling ; I have overheerd quite enough, not so much as I expected, for they, infortinitly, went to the other end of the room : but I heerd one call the other, Sir Joseph ! and, now listen, Amelia Caunt Swilling — but I see you are — don't you think, marm — although you treat, what you are pleased to term my ortheopy, isn't it? with contempt — that on this occasion I have shown, rather, some fortitude in invitin' um to dinner, and giving an impressive one, when they did sit down, eh ?" "Heaven, and all its goodness, what are they?" " What ! nay, I don't pretend to say — nor, indeed, what I am mysel — you think not ; now I think I am, rather a clever feller." "\Yell, what are they then?" demanded Miss Swilling, stamping her foot. Now the ex-pugilist was going to squeeze a bit more in, in his own favor, but the stamp of Amelia Caunt' s foot brought him to a sense of her greatness, and what he was pleased to call his own want of her opportunities in early life. " What are they, Amelia, my love ? either, a fortune for you — nail either, and he'll do — and if you cannot just do it at once, pump a bit that young-un — for he, or I am mistaken, is — " "Well, what is he?" and then Amelia stamped both her feet, and jogged both her elbows. " A rejector of the loan of a roll of notes, and the other called him my lord r^ " Humph," said Miss Swilling, with a mortifying indifference that quite chilled her father, by prescription — "and you think him one?" " Why not?" " When did you hear of a young lord refusing the loan of notes, for the purpose of depending upon his own merits, I suppose ? and his friend ROWLAND BRADSHAAV. 203 calling him a lord in private ; besides — " continued she, with increased indiflFerence and apparent contempt of her step-father's penetration — " I thought you said there was not a lord in the kingdom could spell all your favorite words ; and, in short, puzzle you all — as you all say he did ?"' '•Humph!' and Mr. Swilling stroked his chin. " Well, you must find it out then ; I eaves-dropped as you desired me, and now, damn — oh, I had forget I was afore a lady, one as can speak French too —you are turning round,! suppose? find it out yoursel', that's all; but I know I'm right." Now, although, the young lady was so cool, and the middle-aged gentle- man so hot, her heart batted her stays in great glee, to think that she was about to languish in the rays created by the most delightful eyes she had ever seen ; and those eyes, whatever she had pretended to the contrary, belonging to a lord ; oh, it was heavenly, even if the young nobleman would not elope with her at the end of the Royal-Circus per- formance ; and the other a Sir Joseph ! well, that would not have been so much amiss, at another time ; oh, but the other's eyes — shining and gracefully flowing locks — such a brilliant figure— such a magnificent instep and haughty lip — such a thrilling hand, if only to touch — how in the name of wonder would it feel on your waist ; not but if he wouldn't elope with her, perhaps Sir Joseph would. Besides, it was quite clear he was the richest, as he had offered the notes. But what are riches — and here Miss Swilling drew up her nose, her breath, her stays, and lastly her new silk stockings — to do with love ? Almighty Omnipotent love — a passion which the Queen was not ashamed to exhibit, and which an unsentimentiil heart could never conceive, or one of less beauty, ardor, and refinement than herself inspire. " Amelia, your mother says, that before you dress, you must help me to tilt yon three barrels of sixpenny, and tap two more ; the pump has quite gone out of order. There is six American vessels come in — your father has gone out vext about summit, and there is a new singer coming to-night, so we shall be so busy ; your mother does not know whether you can go to the Me-atre to-night, as Jane cannot come to wait — " "Vile centipede, take that!" said the horrified and love-stricken Am.elia, throwing her Berlin wool slippers at the rude unsentimental messenger. " To have the most heavenly range of ideas, that ever entered a susceptible bosom, broken down by tilting, tapping ; out, monster ! Now all this comes of having a servant-girl for a mother, or through my being a lady, or a m.other thinking of the servile means of life ; I, of nothing but its extacies — true, eternal, unalterable love, which ever I may fix my choice upon." Meanwhile, Mr. Styrrup and Rowland were very judiciously pre- paring for the parading, and then for one of the principal boxes in the Royal-Circus. For this purpose, Mr. Styrrup went and bought each a shirt-front, and a pair of wristbands a-piece. After which, they brushed and scouered down, and also wrote a note full of apologies and fears to the gentleman who had invited them to dinner, and lent the roll of notes. "Stay," said Joseph Styrrup, when he had-properly surveyed Rowland; " I don't know how it is, you don't look so well in anything as a ruffle ; and as we shall be obhged, whatever else we may suffer, to have a change 204 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. of linen, I will go and buy each a calico shirt, with cambric fronts, and yoiu-s shall have a rutHe, or else I'll wait until one is made;" and without saying another word, oflP he went. ilowland saw it was of no use to attempt an interference with anv of Joseph's whims ; he knew that all sprang from the purest well that ever overflowed into flowery meads, to freshen the strong, to water and enliven the weak. But though the waters were pure, and constant the streams, their banks were zigzaggy. They were so, and ever would be so ; well, then, tlicy irrigate a greater extent. And may not this differ from mechanic laws, giving power without losing time? power to diffuse copious good ; and what pendulum shall time the fountain whence goodness flows? who shall give new lines for its course ? Is not the one it has chosen the best? and will it not rather regulate, than be subjected to that which corrects all other things- -time. "Oh, just whilst your friend is out, I'd hke to have a word or two, if agreeable, young man," said Mr. Swilling to Mr. Bradshaw, entering the room, as Mr. Styrrup departed on his errand. " You'll pardon the liberty I am a takin' but that pullin' on me out of the room has been a draggin' of my vitals ever since! Now, I'll put you up to a few moves, if you'll teach it me, as will be always of great sarvice to you, should you ever perambulate these realms in search of either yer fortin' or adventnr'." " My dear ]\Ir. Swilhug," cutting the other rather short, " you can do it as well as I." "Humph! then you won't tell, my lord? (he didn't seem moved at that ! a terrible deep youth I am afeared.)" " Don't I tell you, ycu can do it as well as I ; only getting something either on your back or in your pockets, so as to make you heavier than the party you pull at ; that is ginng yourself more gravity, and he must come !" " Gravity ! that's the word, nay, stop, is there not another called atmosphcric_pressure ?" demanded Mr. Swilling eagerly. " There is such a phrase, also meaning weight or gravity, but it is used in a very difi'crent sense to the other." " Oh, damn the sense ; I am perhaps too old, ever exactly, to learn the meaning, but now listen my very dear friend," continued Mr. Swilling, drawing his seat nearer tliat of Rowland, "if you will put me up to talk about atmospheric pressure, specific gravity, and perhaps if you can carry me so far as to oxygen ; and if it should be convenient, I'll put you up to some bets as are certain ; hydrogen, damn if I don't know what I'll do for you, and I'll tell you why — " There is a infernal young puppy, it's true, he's reckoned the champion of the light weights, but he wants to combine the characters of champion, dandy, and would you think it ? by heavens, a scholar. Damn me, he comes, here, just alter his successful fight, riglit to our bar, and he says to my misses — 'mother', to the very young lady as is going to trot you out, 'hollo' says he 'wbere's Swill? aint you mother Swili?' says he, well, of course, she said she was 'you don't know me?' continues he, 'now mother Swill, would you think it, I'm the champion !' my wife stared at hearin' this from sich a monkey ' of the light weigbts' ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 205 continued lie surveying her surprise ' what would you think if I were to marry your daughter ?' you may guess Mrs. Swilling's answer, it was that large pewter-jug you seed standing on the har-counter there, water and all, ' it" I was once done hy a blackguard' said she ' my daughter shan't says she, so my little customer laughed, went some wheres, re- titivated, and at night came more grander than ever — I was cheermau that night with that little hammer as you see — slap into the room ' Swill' says he, extending his digits ' how are you ? I did not like leaving here for towit. without giving you a call, although your wife was a little brutish this mornin' but I thought you would show more breeding, and so was resolved to see a sample, and also to have a tangible ;' I believe that was the word, 'proof of your repentance for your wife's playing the b — h.' " Well, in course, I said I was sorry, and all that sort of gammon. Well, the conversation turned upon similar topics to what it did the first half-hour you was here, there being a few Raws from the country to look at me, after seeing my portrait in Boxianaand in various ways ; when the same gentleman, as bet with you, said he could make a solid bar of iron or steel swim ; one of the Raws said he could not, and bet him five shillin' to that effect. Well the Plural got a glass of water and put a small, very fine needle on the top, and then swimmed it as usual ; and as usual the Raw paid, said he would make money out of it, and so on for a few more bets. The Raws then left quite delighted with their evening's amusement and instruction, when thus Mr. Horbit the small champion — ' " I was half disposed to punish you Mr. Plural, and make the bumpkin win ! just to make your practice neater, and 'pon my honor' continued he a turnin' to me ' Swill, your English is a consumate adaption of blunders, disgraceful to the fancy of which you are a member, as a man, and thank Heaven you're not, or else, as a parent.' I stared at this when he perceed- ed in this way, ' in the first place, the Plural here, and you know no better Swill ; bet that the bar would swim ! and I once thought of punishing you all by teUin' the countryman it owXy foated, that when you bet you could jmsh that ere large tumbler through the boio of that small jug; I was half disposed to say, that you only j^ushed yer finger at the glass through the how, and not the glass through it ; but all this I could have borne sooner than the answer given by our enlightened host here, when ask'd how it was, as solid iron could swim ; that answer was, that I don't know, and all the remarks was in the vulgar mood, and most furious tense he had ever heard.' " At this, you may suppose we was all a good deal struck, perticlar as he had only been a striker to a smith before he had entered the ring ; so we asked him to enlighten us a bit, as I said, if he only struck an additional spark on the subject I should be grateful. "'Well then,' said he a drawin' on himsel' up, 'it's atmospheric pressure !' " That v/as enough, we durst not ax another word, for fear we let out more ignorance ; and he seein' that, was more sniffy nor ever ; but, how- ever, I did ax him how he made it out that, when I laid him the bet as I could put the glass through the bow of the jug with my finger which I did, ])utting my finger through the bow and movin' the glass ; he said 206 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. it was impossible, because the glass had more specific gravity nor the jug. " We was all as silent as before. " Then, my cigar would not light, and he said the reason was, there was too much ozygen in the tobacco. " And all our pipes was put out again. " And then another chap's burnt too fast, and he said it was through excess of hydrogen in the outer envelop. " And we all run into cover once more. " And then Mrs. Swill happened to come mto the room and use one of her waspish remarks to me, and vicious looks towards him, through the insult of the daughter, and that, and the pewter-jug business in the mornin' — he acscribed to electricity. " And after that, there wasn't one of us durst use steel to our flints. Now all this learnin' got to the ears of our women ; and damn me, when I came down to my breakfast next mornin,' there won cocked at the table, Mr. Ilorbit, my wife makin' apologies, her daughter smiles, and a handin' him toast and crampet ; and after all tliis was over, they told me he was honor to that perfessiou, that my ignorance and swearin' had disgraced ;" and Mr. SwiUing looked at Mr. Bradshaw for the most endearing sympathies, and concluded all by saying, " now my dear yomig friend, if you will put me up to the gammon, get me the hepithet, for that's what he's a goin' for, of the intelectal pugilist, will you? you see how much I have it at heart," and Mr. Swilling was going to shed some crystal tears, when Mr. Styrrup entered with his purchase ; and Mr. Swilling retired after obtaining a nod of promise from Rowland observing, " I will now go and try the hexperiment of hauling a man out of the room with another on my back." CHAPTER XXXIV. THE ROYAL CIRCUS. After a most stately introduction before going to walk, Mr, Styrrup was dignified with the white kid-gloves of Miss Swilling's friend, a young lady of great personal embarassment, when too suddenly glanced at, and appreciable beauty when viewed, even at a moderate distance ; she had been to the same boarding-school as Amelia, and was a carcass-butcher's daughter in the neighborhood, whose name was Hoxhorn. They went out first, and it would be difficult to exceed their grandeur, that is, if Rowland and his fair, and transcendently adorned partner, did not step a few yards after them, but they doing so, all the rising wonder excited by the first couple fell, as an aspiring sediment does for want of another shake. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 207 Fortunately all their gloves, as well as the color of the ladies' ribbons and bonnets, differed, or else they would have been proclaimed a wedding party ; that is, after the happy couple had set off. The first pair was just going to turn the corner of the street, when it waited for the second, and as soon as that arrived, said the gentleman of the first to the one of the second, " by George, Rowland ! I never, until this moment, thought of what would become of poor Frisk, as now, I recollect, he went out with us ; damn me, if he's lost, I shall wish those chartists at the devil!" " Oh, fy !" said Mr. Styrrup's sweetheart. " •' Yes, I shall fy through vexation, instead of shame, if he be lost ; you have, perhaps, heard of Peter luce's badger? he's drawn him; but, however, his feats, perhaps, will not be interesting to a young lady !" " Not, I am sure, if she be of my feeling and sentiment ; I love nothing but the most tender subjects — the muses, love, and all that a lady should hke." " Good action that off-side horse coming this way ; why, damn it, I have seen him before. Rowland, turn your head the other way, there's Old Broud's carriage, by George, and all the young ladies." Rowland did as he was desired, but still both he and Mr. Styrrup were recognised ; Joseph by the broker's family, and Rowland by a young lady from the country — or, at least, she did, if her eyes did not do that to their possessor, which many, equally good and equally susceptible, of very fine angles, have ; that is, deceive her. The equipage was a most elegant one ; and though the gentlemen turned their heads to avoid recognition, not so the young ladies who hmguished on their arms, and they were quite satisfied that those inside the coach, though of quite the opposite sex, knew those out of the coach, which convinced the young ladies of the quality of their gallants, and the propriety there would be in making them into permanent beaus. Well, they went every where, and, as usual on such occasions, saw every thing : then they returned to the Fox and Glove — the young ladies telling their friends and mammas the incident of the carriage, and of the staring young ladies therein. Amelia Caunt said, she should lose no time, for out of the many thousands who had sighed at her feet, and kissed her feet, if necessary, but was only permitted that honor to her fingers, her beau was the only man she could ever love. Miss Iloxhorn would not go so far, because there was a great number of young gentlemen whom she had very tender regards for ; but still, if the other was a knight, that made all the difference ; certainly, his talking of nothing but dogs and horses, and swearing before a lady looked like high breeding. They, however, would see, and find out more at the theatre. In the meantime. Miss Caunt — she had dropped her last name, ever since she had heard Rowland's ; she had never exactly liked it, though but young when given to her, but could not indure it now, even in soliloquy, since she had begun to bewilderise on that of her new beau — pushed on tea, as there would scarcely be time to luxuriate upon that truly lover's meal, and be ready for the centre box of the Royal Circus, And, indeed, Rowland was as eager as the young ladies to see a regular 20S ROWLAND BRADSHAW. patent large theatre ; all that he had hitherto witnessed had been of the barn genus, the largest legitimate orchestra being two fiddles and a drum, with a maudlin one-keyed flute. But here was grandeur, and here a band ; for it was just in that part of its evening duties wherein the crash was in tickling up to its grand climax, when the box-keeper unlocked the door : !Miss Caunt led the way, and Rowland followed, as gracefully as he could stumble after. The ladies and Joseph were seated, but Rowland still stands ; the music is now slightly in petto, when now, rolling like a grasping wave that has outstripped all which washed the smooth sands before it, the kettle-drums are beginning the distant thun- der ; the big one occasionally firing heavy shots ; the trumpets sounding to the charge ; every fiddle waxing fiercer ; clarionet, flute, and hautboy, forgetting that they are solo instruments ; the tenors assuming, for the time, they are splendid ones ; the violoncello rasping ; the double bass actually hurdy-gur dying to keep up ; the slides of the trombones flashing like the tails of rockets 'midst the storm of bombardment ; the conductor's impetuous baton ; the leader's stamp ! crash ! crash ! bang ! ! Then after this tornado, came the most dulcet and tender tones that ever softened the heart of an obdurate lover. Miss Hoxhorn said it was melting ; Mr, Styrrup trusted, however, it would be cooler presently. Then the young ladies began to talk as loudly as they could, to show that they were accustomed to such enchantments ; and when they perceived Rowland criticising the drop- scene. Miss Caunt particularly called his attention to excellencies still lower, asked him how he liked the devices in the ring ; told him, that exquisite and singular as these saw-dust designs might appear, it was all done in the riddling. And then she asked him, as he sat down, if man — meaning in the grand abstract — was not a riddle. Then Rowland made placid his ruffle, and also his face, and said, " vdiy, perhaps so, if there was nothing but saw-dust in the world ; but since there is that beautiful enigma — woman — to sift, it is clear the interstices would be too small for the purpose to which you would vote him — a riddle." "Rather wire-drawn." Said Mr. Styrrup. And now the gorgeous curtain is lifted. The piece was 'what is called a grand Eastern spectacle ; and it would have been one to the Easterns themselves. It would seem the Emperor had signified his intention of making a lovely village maiden into his thirty-fourth wife ; an honor that was treated -with great scorn by the maiden's lover, and with singular indifference by herself, though with peculiar satisfaction by both her immediate and remote relatives, who are already calculating on the delicious sops in the pan which they shall achieve at court. The rising of the curtain presents the cottage of the maiden, who, with her sister, friends, and parents, are waiting the Prince's arrival ; the Emperor's approach is signalled. Now distant music is heard to float through the perfumed atmosphere ; now near and louder, and at last come two horses caparisoned so profusely, that to describe which, more time might be required for one of the bridles and champing bits, than wj have to devote to the whole ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 209 procession. The horses did not walk, nor amble, nor gambol, canter, gallop, prance, nor caper ; but kept jerking first one fore leg, and then the other, the hind feet shuffling after, as if they were walking on hot iron ; their hind feet shod, those before wanting that protection. Then the music was evidently nearing the sylvan spot ; and though the cottage, trees, and flowers were strictly English, it was clear that the scene was in an Asiatic clime, from the dress of the maidens and the appointments of the approaching cavalcade. The music still nears, and soon the imperial band itself arrives, all moimted on mottled chargers. The instruments of the performers — much to the surprise of the uninitiated Rowland — were all of silver — that is silver gilt ; for in despite of every attempt to blow through them — young as our hero was in connoisseur- ship of such pageants — yet he was solemnly convinced that every trumpet— and there was no other instrument, save the cymbals and big drum — was made of paper, save the said cymbals and big drum, which were such in good faith. Then Rowland perceived how the distant music had been effected ; it was all done by the same orchestra which had so wonderfully finessed, and then thundered out its powers in the overture. Now comes the advance guard of the Sun's brother and Moon's cousin; they had all of them the same hot-iron movements, but managed to cross the stage in less than two minutes, crippled as this sort of action might seem. Next a couple of dromedaries, laden with golden fruits and apparel for the bride, with immense treasures for her friends. Then Secretaries of State, riding two-and-two, with the great Ministers of the Bow-string and Supporters of the State Axe, all crossing in due form. Now a great number of the seraglio, whom the considerate user of the earth for his foot-stool had brought out for an airing, and to witness their great keeper's purchase of another addition to his collection, which, no doubt, the same as catching a wild elephant, they were to prepare, tusk, beat, and tame, and finally make her submit to her cage. Still two and two the many colored chargers ; and now they are seen at the back of the meek cottage, and again up an incline to the very top of the firmament, and then along the horizon — that is, to youths of the gallery — as we know in getting up a mountain, the horizon or point of sight gets up with us. Their numbers at last became bewildering, and Rowland actually thought of commencing the difficult process of counting them ; and, perhaps, had got up to a few hundreds of this dappled stud, when his calculations were broken upon by a youth in the next box — a young gentleman of about four-and-a-half — saying, " Oh, dear, pa, they are the same again ; they get up yon high mountain, and then come round to the front, and patter across once more. I know 'em by that real black man, see, on that white horse !" Now two zebras, carrying two crape-faced mutes, and eight more following on foot, carrying the palanquin which is to be taken back with the additional weight of the fairest — so report has stated to the royal ear — fairest nymph that lives in any of his Majesty's stars, and he owns not a few. These were also crape-faced — and ought to have made the rest of this glorious procession shame-faced, as they were the only 14 210 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. parties that had made up — that is in their faces for the climate — the rest all being as chalky— waxy — or as ready as the same personages were in a Scotch ballet which followed. Now a rhinoceros ! with an additional silver corkscrew horn, to make him into the ancient — or, indeed, modern unicorn. Whatever he was intended for, he had more gold, silver, precious stones, and scarlet garments, than the most daring heraldry painter would think of pre- senting him with on the royal arms. After the rhinoceros, two lions — but that the gentleinen in the orchestra might not be alarmed, or, indeed, the ladies of the travelling harem — they were moved along in a large wire box, running on golden wheels, as their debut in this way was in peaceable times, and also being recently fed, they made their progress couchant. Two (but not so that they could see or smell the lions) giraffes, led with golden chains, by real Arabs. Another band of silver trumpets, louder than the preceding. "Ah," said Rowland, with a chuckle at his penetration, " the little fellow was right ; they must come round the base of the mountain, like the Welch under Ap Quillan, for I am satisfied, that is the same band !" More horsemen, courtiers, executioners, and — Hage-a-baby, with his immediate friends and privy council, all in a strongly embattled castle, on a huge, small-eyed, long-trunked, and fiercely-tusked elephant. An immense flourish of trumpets, cymbals, drums, banners, distant cannon, and an anthem, commencing with — " O, Hage-a-baby !" and ending with three times three — and one bad girl falling out of the gallery, being too eager to see — every instru- ment in the orchestra storming as it had done soon after our party's entry. Now both front, middle, incline, horizon, firmament, sides, all are filled with the imperial splendor of Hage-a-baby and suite. Even the cottage and good old family tree are completely hidden by Hage-a-baby's dobbin and the silver-horned unicorn. Hage-a-baby descends, not until his charger has to his knees ; and then, viith one spring, takes the still little bit of front, which has evi- dently been reserved for him, and demands the fair- oh, wonderfully so — Fattyma, who is admirably in accordance with the oriental etymology of her name, and for which she was selected for her august suitor, being one of the stoutest young ladies in that part of his dominions. This hero of the genus Sardanapalus, though with great improve- ments, demands his bride in the most bewitching manner, and in the true oriental poetry ; the manner, to look at all the ladies in all the boxes, as well as out for all the applause, in both of the galleries or any vvhere else : the poetry consisted of Eastern rhapsodies, ending with — although he should love the young Fattyma with more ardor than two- thirds of his wives and one-eighth of the mufiled ladies in his train, yet, if she ever was untrue to him, even in thought, the crape gentlemen, who danced with both elbows and feet at the avowal, would most assu- redly make her more quiet than his foot-stool— which he then stamped, and the mutes danced on— the earth. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 211 It was at the end of tliis noble piece of declamation, that Rowland discovered, in the person of the Emperor, one of his friends at the dinner table of Mr. Swilling. Rowland was awe-struck at the recognition, as was the unfortunate country swain in the piece, who had from babyhood loved the plump Fatty-ma, and who was now writhing and wrestling with that young lady's papa and maternal uncle, to get a rap at the abductor of his own true, true — and nobody else's — love, Fat-ty-ma. " Good heavens !" thought Rowland, " how apt young people are to form erroneous judgments. I am ^horrified to think that only at the dinner — can it be possible ?" and Rowland looked at the performance bill. " Ay, the very man I declare ; the man whom I had set down as illiterate, stupid, nay, vulgar ; and now what a wonderful mortal ! almost looks the monarch he assumes. He appeared to me to have a coarse cockney slang, and now, good powers ! what a grand man ; ay, I declare, I can actually hear all the ladies calling him a love." Miss Caunt Swilling saw her protector's surprise and humiliation, and she preferred a smile that only made him more so. The mass of gorgeousness we have attempted to describe, as well as the beauty and ghtter of the ladies, did not prevent Rowland from an attempt at due appreciation of the fable, which had called all this glorious pageantry into request. And thus it seemed that Ilage-a-baby, with all his speciousness, elephant, and horses, was a bit of a tyrant, in the place which philoso- phers have described as the very worst, that is, at the bottom of his heart. He soon picked a quarrel with Fattyma, as well as with her beloved, and the Empress's pa-pa : told his new, bewilderingly dressed spouse, that although he possessed her bosom, with all that was hers, its fluttering tenant, he feared, was wandering in that paltry district wherein he had found her, and whence he had been graciously pleased to transplant her, and drunken daddy, into the red and purple gilded palace, in which every one trembled at even her smile : " Why is this ?" Hage-a-baby sets a watch. And they one night find a peasantly attired youth lurking 'neath the Princess Fattyma's window. They seize him. He is not a peasant, nor a minstrel, although with a guitar at his back, and a poniard concealed under his cloak : what was the eloak for 1 Hage-a-baby suspects the treason ; slightly loads him with chains and some hard words ; puts him into a dreadful dungeon, and Fattyma's papa into the possession of the key to it. The stranger is Fattyma's true lover. Then the jailor and the jailed soon get thick. But not unobserved. Positions reversed : papa is doubly locked up, and the other brought to the presence of the Sun's brother, who is seated on a throne of golden lions, with emerald eyes, and diamond butter teeth ; the grinders are supposed to be of paste ; the claws alone are a Western regalia. " Am not I a father and a parent ?" How nobly the youth bears himself. What a thing is conscious virtue ; what a reverse its antithesis, though seated ou hons, with emerald eyes. 212 ROWLAND BRADSPIAW. Fattyma, with a train of other princesses, enters : she starts ! upon beholding the noble youth with his arms folded, and his chain hanging as low as his knees ! she soon recovers her nous, not, however, before my lord, the king, had twinked their pre-acquaintance. The king tantalizes a little. The young man gets surprisingly haughty. Fattyma has never seen him before. The youth has seen her ; disdains all chicanery ; avows his love ; flies into his mistress's arms, and disdains the tyrant's power. The youth's doom, and Fattyma's poor father's. •• Dismember that foul trunk ; let the task be Meshick's — Fattyma's pa — and be it the business of many loving friends to select suiting places on which to nail each dastard member, should the hoary traitor, Meshick, refuse the task ; you know yours." And four mutes salammed, and examined their bow-strings. Fattyma will never, never, never leave her first, her last, her only love. Then the Emperor. " Traiteress ; but as she was once our wife, let her in a golden sack be thrown from the loftiest minaret of our castle, into the black waves below !" Twenty-two guards, with shining cimeters, cannot shake the lover's vows of, never, never parting, nor them asunder. This was a trying bit for the audience. " Then hew them down !" cried the Emperor, losing all patience at the obstinacy of the lovers, and stupidity of the Royal Guards. What alarm is that ? A breathless messenger rushes into the Royal Palace ; he craves pardon for his rudeness, but the news he brings is such — " Well, fool, thy news." Twenty-two sickle like swords are raised to commence the hewing, but this singular intrusion suspends them ! but all are lifted up ! they have only to come down with half the velocity of the audience's tears, and so much for poor Fattyma, and the noble, though peasant-clad youth. The news is, That a terrible revolt, led on by the lover's friends, no doubt organised by himself, is now thundering at the outer portal. Fattyma's father has escaped, opened a private gate, and already some of the most desperate are making their savage way even to the seraglio. The King, who is as brave as he is amorous and tyrannical, will repel the traitors' base attempt. Six only are left to execute the hewing down. They all attack the wretched Achasem — the lover— at once. He knocks the first dovra with his heavy chain, and Fattyma rushes between her lover and the gleaming sickle of the second. " Cowardly caitiif ! wouldst thou a wretched woman slay ?" Achasem seizes the sabre of the fallen assassin. Now a combat of six ; that is, five against one, that one, though with chains, is Achasem. Fattyma gets a Scotch broad-sword out of the Emperor's closet. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 213 perhaps placed there as a curiosity in the royal armoury ; she selects two of the black assassins ; combats of three to one, and two to one, and that a feeble, loving woman. The audience now stand up ; what sort of an audience would they be if they did not ? The battering-rams can be distinctly heard at the outer walls. Fattyma's prowess would not have disgraced the best of the least amazons ; for now with her lover and sixteen ladies, who ran screaming from the harem, with a cry of "fire, fire," they drive off the remaining sickle men ; that is, all who were not slain. The scene shifts to the open battle, and a fierce one enough it is. Now come on the Emperor's light troops on one side ; then more rude, but still gallant charges of the insurrectionists. Clash go their swords. Hark yon distant gong ! Still screams of the dishevelled ladies. Soothsayers in the front calling, " Hage-a-baby's land is no more !" Is it not ? For here comes Hage-a-baby himself, mounted on a brilliant and royal snow-white charger. The armour of the Prince alone is enough to drive terror into the black hearts of his disaffected subjects, and, perhaps, would have done so, but, behold ! now dashes in Achasem, on a cheval, almost as prancive, gallant, and champish, as that on which the glorious Prince commands, ay, and fights too. Now Achasem is a Prince, was, and had always been one ; but had loved the maiden for herself alone, and she only would he wed ; and what was more, was the true heir to the throne the other had not only usurped, but polluted ; nay, that he was the true Hage-a-baby. This took all by surprise, but most of all, probably, the audience, who certainly were not prepared to see Achasem so well mounted, so gloriously apparelled, and in so short a time as that used for this extraordinary, though most agreeable metamorphosis, as they had seen him but a minute before, fighting in his peasant's dress. The princes called each other some bad names, and were getting to blows, when hold ! and in enters, with two of the royal prophets — a little bit too bad, for both had been court poets —also with Fattyma, her reputed, though not her father — the gentleman that had all through the piece been called so — and they all declared that Fattyma was not Fattyma, but the only surviving child of the great — though now no more — Emperor Hamergloth. Hage-a-baby called them very improper names, and concluded with exclaiming — by the prophet and all his heaveidy host, that he would not have his senses juggled viiih. an instant longer, and so ordered his guards to charge. The terrible tocsin now begins to knell. Whole towers to topple, although some of the distant ones had single archers upon them as big as themselves. One wing of the harem is on fire. Hundreds of horsemen are galloping up the very walls of the now tottering edifices. Now enters the elephant, with a castle full of archers. The lions in the golden car— red lights. 214 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. The giraffes, with little blacky-moors on their backs, and in their hands baskets of flowers, to welcome the true prince's return and his intended, the undoubted Princess Fattyma. Hage-a-baby and Achasem have been fighting, make an end of it. Hage-a-baby is slain — blue lights and shooting stars and other celestial phenomena. "Hoozai!" by, even the late Huge-a-baby's troops — many colored rockets. Achasem proclaimed Hage-a-baby the thirty-first. A blaze of fire wheels. The new king and queen come to the front, and so does the royal elephant ; water plays upon the burning castle in the_ back : the faithful elephant turns to do homage to the new sovereign, whom she recognises — drops down on her knees for the purpose — and real water puts out some of the foot-lights, with the conductor, leader, second fiddle, and picolo of the orchestra, though playing to the chorus of " Long live Hage-a-baby." CHAPTER XXXV. ANOTHF.R SPOKE IN THE WHEEL. When the whole of the performance was over — though lasting three hours after the gorgeous affair we have so partially witnessed — our gentlemen, in the most gallant manner, saw our ladies to the Fox and Glove, where Mr. Swilling received them in great splendor. The good landlord nodded his head for the ladies to retire, and, perhaps, to see that supper was on a scale of comfort and style to meet the expectations of his mysterious, though undoubtedly rich — if not noble and talented — that he was certain of — guests. They were scarcely seated, when the enactor of Hage-a-baby and the great summerset thrower entered. Rowland almost received the former with open arms, if not open mouth, for he said — •' My dear sir, what sort of refreshment will you take, after your terrible task and the more than noble way in which you executed it?" " Oh," said the deposed Hage-a-baby, in a tone of singular indiffer- ence, "it's in the legitimate you should see me ; what you saw, might glitter — as genius will make something of every thing— but if you wish to see me shine, instead of offering to the drama of this glorious land a mere coruscation, it is Shakspere — he and he only in which it must be done. It is the steady glow of the planet, although a fixed star here. ROWLAND BTIADSHAW. 215 that I would aim at, and not the transient twink of an auditory, who could think a great actor's entrance enlivened hy being on the back of that monster, though styled in the bills, the intellectual Elephant of Siam — wretch ! which made such a finish to the last act ; as I have been endeavouring to infuse into Mr, Swilling here, the now — ready — cash fact — tlsat a man should know more than his profession, only one spoke in the ponderous wheel of greatness, whilst in its gyratory exist- teuce. How have you got on, Swill?" concluded the great actor, looking at the great landlord, as a master would when he is going to interrogate as to his pupils' researches in his aljsence. This jump from acting to additional spokes in the wheel, puzzled our pair; but listen — "Oh, tidy, ' said the pupil, suspending a dram measure. " Now for it then ; these gentlemen will take no notice," and the great actor took none of them — "Aries?" 3Ir. SivilUng. — Is a ram ! Great Actor. — The devil as like — Aries the ram ! Mr.SwilHny. — Oh, ay! Aries the ram ; Taurus the — humph! Great Actor stamping his foot. — Pardon me, Mr. Swilling, it is very remote from a " humph" being the bull ! Mr. Swilling. — Damn it, ay ! and the next is Gemini, a word I have used for years, and never knew than I commenced this course of study that it was a — Great Actor.— l^\\e— Mr. Swilling. — I am a comin' to it ; the twins ; Cancer, now I forget what that is, though my mother died of one ; (great rctor pulling his face — our friends not doing so, though looking as if something else was doing it for them, if not actually twitching Rowland's) but, however, Leo is a — the lion ; Virgo the scorpion ; isn't it ? and Sa/dfarious is — why, damn it, they are a laughin' at tis. This was rather sly on the part of the pupil , laughing, roaring our friends were, but not so immediately at the great actor, as the greater host would intimate, but at him particularly ; and perhaps at the pair, agreeably. The great actor gave our friends a toss up of the head, as much as to say, " oriental pearls before a pig." "Well, come," said the humbled host, for although he had tried to generalize the laugh, he saw that it meant himself; " I have only been at it a week, and you have been running it o'er this last twelve months." This time the laugh was decidedly at the great actor, who, hovv'- ever, looked deploringly on, and said, " Phit!" "Oh, come," interjected Rowland, seeing that mine host and his pre- ceptor were about to paraphrase the sign that the pupil had stuck at, and which was not exactly the thing signified, as they were both getting, and Rowland told them so, slightly crabbed ; but trusted the pleasures of the evening might not — like the zodiacal sign — have a retrogade movement. So then they all got laughy, and by the advice of Mr. Styrrup, who said, " let us drop science until a more convenient season;" and then they ordered droj)s round, being all standing at the bar counter. 216 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. " Oh, let it be nips," inducted the ex-Hage-a-baby, and scientific preceptor to the head of the Swillings ; but he looked as if he still embittered his breast with the figure of oriental pearlism and hoggeries. Then every one got a nice little wine glass of rum, nett ; the great actor was the fugleman, and gave the word of command ; as " now gentlemen?" and then the whole of the rum found its way into the mouth of each gentleman, and made, of course, no more than one mouthful ; all did the same — all looked at the commandant — he gulped it, and so did they. " There," said the great actor, " that is my invention, and it is called ' squibbing ;' there have been many treatises on the nature of a fluxion, many practical illustrations ; gentlemen, that is mine !" finished the great actor. " Splendid," said Rowland, " and worthy of a man ; but this is the way we used to flux when at school," continued Rowland, taking a piece of lump sugar, and putting it into the gas before him, until it began to exhibit its streaming gore ; " this is the way we did it !" and then the young philosopher got the running mettle in his mouth; "that was the way we leanied to flux !" " Phit !" said the great actor, but was not quite sure what to make of it ; he did not know whether to consider it as bravo, with the tongue in the usual place ; or that word of approbation when the same organ is in the cheek. Rowland saw that the great actor could only stand one sort of wit, and that was being, at all times, in a deep admiration of him and his legitimate acting ; and our hero being in the most delightful flow of spirits and exquisite tone of temper-— nay, actual benevolence with every thing and every one — proposed another discharge of the squibs, as well as the health of their inventor. This did it, particularly as it was coupled with an opinion, freely given by Rowland, that he believed the object of the toast the greatest of living actors. Then in the same way, with the same charges, another volley was fired in comphment to the greatest li^dug summerset-thrower. And he threw in a hobservation or two, and said, though greatly venerating all parties for the heapened honor that might be conferred, still, he must say, he was a little surprised that a gentleman of the learning and attainments of the great actor should, he trusted in a unguarded hinstant, have called him the greatest living tumbler ; he was no tumbler ; the gentleman had not called him one ; it was in the response that he had first heard the objectional phrase. " Summerset- thrower" might be right ; still he should have preferred the epithet vaulter, artiste, or gymnast ; and as to the other spokes in the wheel, he had one or two ; he could repeat the twelve signs without boggling. " Or understanding them," popped in the great actor. "Ay," continued the off"ended stilhvaulter, "or knowing so little of taste as to descend from an elephant's back, down a golden ladder, in a great Eastern pageant, in the bear fashion : did such a descent argue fear ? or, that the Prince making it, had studied the graces from the first- mentioned hanimal, when coming down a prop in his father's ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 217 Royal Zoological Gardens ? Surely the elephant of this night has not shewn a greater want of breeding in the last act, than her royal rider did in the first," Now this was sport that Mr. Styrrup loved, and would have promoted it, but he perceived it gave RowLand pain. " A wise man," observed the great actor, and he acted as he said it, "never pays for a condescention more than twice ; the first to himself, for having done it ; the second to public opinion, when he redeems the sacrifice. The first I have long discharged, and, gentlemen," said he, looking at the miserable artiste, the same look that virtue in the play ever does to the tyrannical robber of female innocence, " you will all bear me witness, that I now take a receipt for the other ; there, sir, our communion is at an end." " Oh," said Mr. Swilling, " gentlemen, learned, edicated, highly- talented gentlemen, shouldn't have any jealous feeling a that sort ; it is only worthy of men of the prize-ring ; but great men, as is destined to play such conspicuous parts on the world's — as well as the Royal Circus' — stage, should always speak and act as they would like it to be written, when their lives are published to the world. That's what I have ever done of late. Awkward bits these for your life-writers." " Biographers," interjected the great actor. " The very gentlemen I mean," concluded Mr. Swilling. " Oh ; hum to all this ; let's have the nips," called out Mr. Styrrup. " Well, I must say," followed Mr. Bradshaw, " this is the nicest fun yet — particularly after being shut up for a few months —is this drinking squibs, before a fine blazing gas like this. Here is the health of our host, and my individual thanks for his extreme courtesy and gentle- manly behaviour to myself and friend, during my first day, of my first visit to Liverpool." The health was squibbed with great enthusiasm, and the host was going to put his hand to his breast, call the place his heart, and teem forth his thanks, when the great actor gave him a wink, and then nodded his head towards our friends, as though to say, " mind you're not laughed at." Mr. Swilling perfectly understood the token, so was exceedingly brief, but contrived, however, to do a great deal of good, by proposing, as a toast, " the reconciliation of the greatest living actor, and the greatest of all kim — " " Gym— " hinted his preceptor. " Gymnasts, artistes, and whatever else he likes to title himself with, barring tumbler." The offended summerset- thrower also had to men- tion the state of his feelings towards the company. " The ladies ; commencing with the beautiful hostess, nor stopping until those charming young creatures, Miss Gaunt Swilling and Miss Hoxhorn are enumerated." Done in double squibs. And again the host had to lift his hand to what, he again, called his heart. And then supper was announced, and a secret came out in about five miuutes after all the parties were seated ; that is, the four young 218 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. gentlemen whom we have seen squibbing it at the bar counter, and the two young ladies who had dignified our friends in the first box of the Royal-Circus ; and that secret was this, that the greatest actor in the world and the greatest summerset-thrower, were wishful to be considered, nay, thought themselves, the undoubted and accepted lovers of the young ladies we have just mentioned. Now the young ladies had no objection, when there was no other young gentleman, but a romantic handsome young lord and a gallant knight, materially darkened the prospects of the Royal-Circus stars. Indeed so tender and attentive were the two angels, that the other celestials — and being, from their position, a little ubiquitous — could not but see the false state of the tender-sex world. Several actresses of the Royal-Circus they knew wore false hair, teeth, and other articles, and now they were equally certain that Amelia Caunt Swilling, and her dear friend, Eliza Ellen Hoxhorn, wore, used, entertained, false, deceitful, treacherous hearts. Now Rowland and his friend had been so smitten, during the evening, with these very ladies whom the ubiquitous gentlemen knew to be so prone to making-up with the falsities named, that on hearing the great actor say that most of them were his personal friends, and knew where they all lodged ; our friends were resolved to make the stars into their friends, and to cede, as soon as gallantry could devise a decent reason, all title and love-making to the angels before mentioned. This being also found out by the ubiquitories— as what could be kept from them — things went on far more agreeably ; and as soon as supper was over, and it now being after twelve, the actors proposed they should go somewhere where they could spend the evening ; and for which purpose, at the suggestion of the greatest of them, they should first go to the saloon, it being rather too late for a ranting chapel in the neigh- borhood ; then to the dive ; and then to the finish ; not that they were to conclude there, merely because it bore a name which seemed to familiarize such an idea. And so away they went, after kissing hands, or lips, as might be, with the ladies, and having two rounds of brandy squibs with Mr. Swilling as they pa.3sed the counter. " Now," said Styrrup to his friend, as they were leaving the Fox and Glove, " as this is your first day in Liverpool, and as we had no bed last night, let us make a philosophical, rather than a shop-keeper's day of it : ships sail twenty -four hours to the day, sea gulls about the same time." "Bravo," said the great actor, "and are we less than they?" " What, after a dozen squibs a-piece ?" demanded Mr. Styrrup. " I once kicked up a row at Frcscoth : what are your watchmen and other guardians of the night made of here V "Oh," said the great actor, "I don't know, that is generally, but chiefly of the younger sons of Irish peers, undiplomaticed physicians, disappointed merchants, and some few of the respectable ones — superin- tendants and so on— are of small farmers' sons, or decayed large ones." "Are the ladies respectable here ?" demanded the same enquirist. " Some of the lower sort are tidy ; but the dashers, such as you see in the flies at the theatre, are a terrible lot, being the wives chiefly of ROWLAND BRADSITAW. 219 the first and the mistresses of the magistrates, towards whom they act ill the additional capacity of masters and spies. " Well done, Hage-a-baby ; the squibs have brightened your head, let us see if they have exhiliiated your heels, for see you, g;eutlemen, yon cluster of them, having, no doubt, a general consiiltation : now mark, let us all get hold of hands, and gallop them down ; are you all right; holdfast; prepare; make ready ; run!" CHAPTER XXXVI. BRIDEWELL AND BREAKFAST. " And you say as all on 'em got into bridewell last night ; the strange young gentlemen, and that vast, overbearing — did all he could to take me down afore 'em last night — great actor, and summerset too ?" demanded Mr. Swilling, as he got into the parlor in his scarlet gown and the same color of shppers, from the girl who was washing it out. " Yes, Sir ; a policeman was here to let you know, as he seen 'em going out of here, and he says the magistrates always expect all hinformation such people as you can give." " If he'd made such a insineation to me, I'd a pervented him from ever delivering sich a message again ; but, however, I must go up : may want bail." " Yes, sir ; said as how they had given their names and address as the iSIessrs. Cratchcake, associates and members of the royal swell mob, London ! oh, here it is, writ down ; and he said their robberies in Liver- pool must ha bin of the most successful char-ac-ter, as, he said, one on 'em, when searched, was found to have concealed, in his trowsers' pocket, two hundred and ten pounds in notes, besides gold, silver, and copper, all mixed together, which he had not changed. He said, no doubt, they was the heads of a terrible young gang ; took eighteen on 'em to captivate them." " Ha, ha, ha ! I am right then ; such a sum as this, and — ha, ha — such a address ; and these boobies to take 'em for prigs, for that excellent rason ! they, theirsel's, sai/s so ; ha, ha ! there never will be much done, than I get upon that bench mysel ; prigs ! I must let the young ladies know — take them their breakfasts — they're two romantic young devils, and this may just suit a part of their plan. Prigs ! there is no time to be lost ; and that youngest is such a good-tempered fellow. If I'll mind my hits, I shall be able to teach the great actor, instead of his reversin' the compliment. Why, let me see, the head beak himsel' was here last night, now I recollect ; a coming to watch the Plural and the 220 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. junior Nonpareil to set-to. He'll be devilish severe this momin' upon larkin' and drunk-and-disorderly cases, he was so dreadful swipy last night himsel'. Miss Caunt Swilling : — go and tell your young mistress to get up ; give her the news, and also her compliments to Miss Hoxhorn; but I'll tell her mysel' — I knew I was right." Now all this information at the Fox and Glove was quite correct; and, perhaps, whilst Mr. Swilling is at his toilet, we could do no better than pay a visit to the Messrs. Cratchcake and members of the swell- mob, once, it would seem, of London, but now in the principal room of the principal bridewell of the spot where our principal scenes have, for some time, been laid. " That's right, Rowland, let them see that you can draw a bit ; it's a rare job the place is newly white-washed, and so go on : cartoon the whole of it — make a Vatican of it — make an indelible record, that, for once in its career, it had a man of genius within its mural, and iron-bar enclo- sure ! I'll burn the crusts for you : as soon as you have done, I'll ask one of the turnkeys what sort of a codger the magistrate is, whom we are to go before, and then you can burlesque him." That our readers may understand all these advices, which are evidently from Mr. Joseph Styrrup to Mr. Rowland Bradshaw, we will a little explain. About an hour before the time of our visit to this large, and as we hear, newly white-washed room in the bridewell, a small door had opened into it, a hand had been thrust through, as well as an observa- tion ; the hand contained four wedges of very brown bread, and the observation was simply this — "Lowance!" There was plenty of water in a great pewter jug, and so satisfied was Mr. Styrrup of the reasonableness of this corporation boon, that he at once began to eat of the 'lowance, and drink of the pipe water from the large pewter-vase. He desired Rowland to do the same, and he did, a little of the soft ; but the crust offered a more tempting employment, at least, when roasted a bit at the end, making at once a very delicate crayon ; and what could be better than the newly-renovated walls to sketch upon. The two great actors were asleep at the other end of the room, and it would be two or three hours before their company would be expected in the magistrates' state room, or, as some called it, the court. Rowland could draw the naked figure well, and for the use of others who may have to pursue a similar profession to the one of our young artist, we shall tell them how he in part attained it ; that is — to draw the figure as lai-ge, or, in many cases, twice the size of life ! And we can tell it whilst he and Mr. Styrrup are examining the bruises received in the rencontre with the police. After great labor from the best models, many of which Mr. Row- bottom had procured him — generally cabinet size— he had, during his singular retirement, obtained the use of the capacious walls of an old, plastered granary. These he well lime-washed, and for days, whole days, not what some would-be-students call such, but twelve, thirteen, and sixteen hours a day, drew naked figures upon them, vrith simple sticks of charcoal. These he treated strictly in the outline, scarcely ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 221 giving any shadow at all, never chiaro-scuro. Thus no sophisticating — real severe drawing. The servant lads and one or two of the young ladies of the establishment, became quite enamored with the young artist's efforts, and thus, at all spare time, would honor him with their well developed limbs and bodies as models ; so he got — what the parlor artist can never have — roundness, freedom, and right measurement for distances, and could draw a nine feet figure with as much ease and truth as one in a corresponding scale of inches. Some scores of times had the walls been covered with every sort of design, from the naked classic to modern battle-pieces. Wild horses, ferocious boars, growling lions, and Neddy going to market, with his panniers of eggs, and Nelly riding on the top, and her good-looking lover urging him on ; but all in line, severe, stern, black and white. And so, it is said, Rowland learned to draw ; and, perhaps, we may have to tell of something else that he acquired during the days of his solitude. Anatomy he had mastered long before. " Bravo ! well done, Rowland ; and that is poor blind Lydia ! now as soon as you have drawn her mother praying for the recovery of her eye- sight, draw me fighting the dam.ned cowardly scoundrel who brought us hither ; not but I am devilish glad — I am resolved to shew you life, Rowland : devil of a scalp this on my cheek 1" " Well, but my dear Mr. Styrrup, do we not sometimes mistake as to what is called life 1 Does what is called knowing life always consist in attaining a knowledge of street rows, brothels, watch-houses, boxiana, and finishes ?" " Oh, mind your drawing : here, here is some more burnt crust ! what stuff you ask about life ; all that I know, the sort of thing we have been engaged in for the last dozen hours, is what is called seeing, if not learning life. As to high life, it is clear it cannot be much, because it is generally its members who are most anxious to participate, and become the heroes, of what I can assert to be life : the other is too monotonous to deserve so congruous a description." And Rowland sighed. *• Ay, that is as much as to say I'm wrong ; by George, Rowland, draw the portrait of Hage-a-baby there, just when he is going to plunge his diamond hilted rapier into the plump, but dreadfully afflicted, bosom of poor Fatty ma ! Ha, ha." "As soon as I have done this," said the artist, still working away. " Burlesque him, Rowland, that's a dear boy, and then I'll wake him, and perhaps we can get a quarrel up between him and the summerset; though I don't know whether that would be right, as independently of their vanity, and what actor is without 1 I don't think 'em bad fellows." " Better, in my opinion, I never met with. I am afraid the bread will be getting done. We have all our vanities you know, Mr. Styrrup?" " Call me Mr. again, and I shall never like you Rowland ; do think on and call me Joe. I hate anything else, for I never make a friend of a man I don't love ; and I never would have a friend that I could not call in an abreviatory way, that is if his name is capable ; yours is an 222 ROWLAND BRADSHAVV. awkward one to shorten, but I have some serious thoughts of calHng you Row ! oh, and hang it, we must seriously fix what our names are to be, in future ; or, at least, until we hear whether we — that is, 1 — am to be honored with a government indictment; but always call me Joe — perhaps the names we gave the young ladies will be as good as any." Big door opens — big turnkey enteis — and says — " Two ladies vdshes to speak with you gentlemen, with a servant girl and a big basket." " Not with us." said the gentleman, who had so recently declared his displeasure at being called out of his name — that is, his name for his friends. "Must be," remarked the large official; "be no hurt in letting 'em come iu, I suppose !" " We cannot refuse the entrance of ladies." " Oh, my first, my last, my only true, true, true — " and Rowland was obliged to desist designing, for round his neck were thrown — and not carelessly — two as white and as round arms as had ever encircled it before ; or, at all events, since those of his mother had been equally famihar. "Why, nay ; it is, indeed, my dear Miss SwiUing." " It is ; oh ! to think of such a meeting !" and it was Miss Caunt Swilling. " And so sweet a parting," observed another lady, with her arms in the same sympathetic, if not actually loving, position. The arms that so tightly circled — that is allowing for the slightest angles of the elbows — were Miss Hoxhorn's ; the manly neck, Mr. Joseph Styrrup's. Hageababy waking, or, perhaps, dreaming that he was, called out, " Subtle traitress ! is this thy true love for me ?" " Alas ! that well known voice." Miss Caunt Swilling. " Oh, keep your head off my stomach ; do you hear, Hage-a-baby ?" roared out the summerset, the great actor being laid across the great summerset-thrower. " Oh heavens ! we are ruined ! how ; why hither came they ?" "Hush," said the gentleman who had met with the second embrace, "hush," seeing the state of affairs, and being glad of it, "I'll wake them ; say you came to see them." "Oh, odious!" exclaimed both the ladies, in as loud a tone as they durst, without risking the chance of waking their would-be true lovers. "That would be a fatal admission ; could anything be so unfortunate." "Hush," said the other young lady; "stay, we can get another room, I have no doubt ; prepare breakfast, and send the watchful Argus, your cruel jailor, when it is ready ;" and the ladies vanished. " ' A fatal admission,' " said Rowland ; " well then, if we allow this visit to go to our account, is it not also a fatal admission on our part?" " Why, damn it, Rowland, what an unromantic puppy you must be ; what the devil, is not this an adventure ! Why there are young noble- men who would give a quarter's income for such a night and morning as we are likely to spend ! Hang it, what would you have? did not you see they were in tears; bothered when they sav/ the great actors tliere? ha, ha ! now I think it slap !" ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 223 " Yes, but to engage, or even to trifle with the affections of those who, in every way, seem to wish us well, and have evinced such a regard and tenderness—" " Well, and what then; is it not their nature? Ha, ha ! don't think, my dear fellow, that Miss Caunt SwiUing and Miss Hoxhorn have not had a hundred such lovers as we are ; trifling with their affections ! what a positive puppy ; their affections — and only knew them yesterday. Tut, tut ! it's an adventure on both sides. But hold your noise, we will have some fun yet ; so go on and finish Hageababy." Scarcely had Mr. Styrrup concluded these philosophical and timely remarks, and the young ladies entered another room for the purpose of preparing the breakfast table, when two more friends were announced, as wishful to see the Messrs. Cratchcake ; and who should these new comers be, but Mr. Swilling and his particular friend and neighbor, jNIr. Hoxhorn. The young ladies — who were preparing a glorious breakfast, to which Miss Swilling gave a French name, and which, in English, signifies a knife and fork affair — were the first to know the voices of their papas. They had come, no doubt, to offer bail ; but — oh, oh — what a dreadful disclosure ! Both young ladies desired both the young professors to save their reputations, if they yielded their lives in the attempt. " This will be the way then," said the elder of the beloveds ; " I will waken the two great actors, say it is to them you come to offer the solaces of a sympathetic soul, and we two will go into the breakfast-room to meet your considerate papas." " Oh, oh, in what a terrible situation we have placed ourselves ; but do not, as you value our everlasting peace, awake the other gentlemen ! We'll breathlessly stand behind them." Now all this may appear somewhat curious to the reader, particularly as to the fears of .Vliss Caunt Swilling, since, no doubt, he recollects that the step-papa of that young lady, not only wished her to see the young gentlemen, but also dispatched a messenger to Miss Hoxhorn tor a similar purpose. Nay, there is no doubt that the worthy host knew what viands had been taken out of his stores, and what fish (and at what price) was sent for from the market, for the very breakfast that he had interrupted in the preparation ; but then the young ladies did not wish the young gentlemen to have such knowledge ; and are there- fore left in the same situation —their lovers gone to meet their sires — that we may suppose, any one would be in, who either was, or dreamed so, cowered down in the corner of a double-grated den, and in it lay a terrible, a monstrous lion — asleep it is true — but on his first waking, or the keepers' opening the door, depends your being crauched up, or escaping. So the ladies trembled, and so slept their cranchers-up, when our pair of worthies welcomed the visitors we heard announced iia the breakfast-room. "Ah, ha," commenced Mr. Swilling, twigging Miss Caunt's basket, reticule, and other article5 with which he was familiar; "there is nothin' like paying a visit when one is sure to find the parties at home — humph, and a tidy set out too ; now I was just thinking of orderin' one of the 224 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. keepers to get you some breakfast, but I see somebody bas bin' afore me. Well, but I must introduce him- my friend Hoxhorn : we thought as you might stand in want of an immediate friend or two, we would offer our humble sel's to be bail, should you be disposed to get out till the hearin' comes on ; rather got scratch' t a bit ! what become of the great hactors ? aching heads, I dare say, both on you has got ! Weil, I'm come to tell you how to make the best of it." " Upon my honor, Mr. Swilling, your kindness — " " Real goodness," jutted in Rowland. " Indeed, real goodness," continued Mr. Styrrup, "for you and your kind friend's offer; I trust, Miss Hoxhorn got home safely and well last night, Mr. Hoxhorn ? and pray how is your beautiful and accom- plished daughter, Mr. Swilling ? don't tell them of this mishap, it might lessen us in the estimation of those more than angelic creatures !" Mr. Swilling winked to his brother-bail, as much as to say — "you see what it is to do with real gentlemen ; of course, the girls are here, but you see what a thing honor is." " You will take breakfast with us, gentlemen, or else I shall not listen to any offer of bail, or indeed of any other business ?" concluded Mr. Styrrup. " Breakfast, my dear young friend, if you will allow me to use that friendly hepitaph — yes, if I had eaten six afore, I would ; it is so romantic having it in a prison with locked doors, and yet you can go out when you like. It's like eatin' salt junk on board a ship, and drinkin' raw Hollands ; it's romantic, and makes you enjoy your liberty on the one hand, and fresh meat on the other." One of the turnkeys now brought in breakfast in grand style, and showed that he had waited on other gentlemen save those he had occa- sionally to sit up with in the condemned cells. " We can do now, waiter," said Mr. Swilling, motioning that functionary to leave the room, which he at once did, and not like an ill- bred waiter, who merely closes the door after him, but like one who not only closes, but latches it and locks it. " Now I wish to promulgate a word or two of advice," continued the kind-hearted host of the Fox and Glove ; " I hear in the office that the damages are pretty consider- alile, and that one or two of the women are going to try to make a quarter-session affair of all this, yet that I think I can manage ; but as I am also informed the magistrate, as you will have to be put afore, has been terrible drunk for many nights together — last night I know he was — I know he's devilish savage against all sorts of disorderly work, when he's in one of these fits ; and more especial as a favorite woman of his has given him the slip — or some say worse — bin thick with the very constable as he used to send her money by — so he's sure to be wrathy in young ones being so immoral. Now this is the way, or, at least, as I does — and I've had two or three rough jobs afore him— eh, Hoxhorn ? and I dare say many may think, because he comes to see a bit of life at the Fox and Glove, that he'd favor me — nothin' of the sort ; nay, worse to me than another, for fear any one was to suspect. '• Then this is the way I do — I always insist on callin' him my lord ! always pretends I am afore the Lord Mayor a Loudon, or the lord of •^H+H ROWLAND BIIADSHAW. 225 atiythin', at an assize, and that does him. If you recollect, Hoxhorn, I put a youth up to the same thing — even the day after the other had had the stomach-pump — and it did him; ha, ha— he'll keep sayin' ' I'm not a lord !' hut never heed— pitch into him all the faster — you must win !" " What, is he a low fellow then ? sprung from something, I suppose, that he thinks others may deem not quite compatible with his present greatness ?" " Why, the truth is, he's now a terrihle size !" continued the erudite Mr. Swilling ; " and his father was a very little and a very good man, I'm told, but very poor ; and that, it is said, is the grudge. Then he's troubled with a bad temper ; a flit, but, it is true, a very short neck ; a drunken head-ache, and a good deal of public approbation — nay, I think, that is not the word — no, approbriumation ; so that they say he's continually under the apprehension that he'll be carried o£P either by the Home Secretary's order, or a fit." " Ha, ha, ha ; what, I suppose he's a tyrant ?" demanded Mr. Styrrup. " No, no, I think every body will acquit him of that ; no, he's too lazy to be a regular tyrant, which — as I know, from my old mester — must be by hard work ; nothin' requires more industry than tyran-ny ; no, our head beak here is a bully ; would be a tyrant, but is too fat, and does not like the trouble." " Upon my honor, quite metaphysical, Mr. Swilling," said Rowland, " but still more dangerous in a magistrate, because there must be a good deal of chance work." " Stick to, my lord, and you are as right as this piece of sole, which is grand ;" still pursued Mr. Swilling. " Pardon me, good Mr. Swilling, and I am sure you will, when you have heard my reasons. This behig a low fellow, or what is worse, one who you say, has sprung from something, which he foolishly, I think, deems low. The lording might do for the ignorant, but sure to savor of ridicule from the educated ; nothing such a man is so afraid of: no, if he is flattered by being thought a lord, or even a lordly-looking person, from the order I have described, the way would be to treat him with high aristocratic familiarity ; address him rather as though you were one 3'ourself, and as if you knew he neither was nor ever coidd be ; but still as if you really thought nature, and his great endowments, intended him for one." " By George, Rowland, you are right ; was he ever at college, do you know, Mr. Swilling?" " Never, as ever I happened to hear about. I hattended when I was a training for the championship, to give perfessional instruction at both our seats of learnin', as they are called ; but I never — nay, I know that he never was at either on 'em." "Then," said Mr. Styrrup, "I'll tell him slap, that I have heard my father once say, that the greatest spree he was ever engaged in, when a cautab, was with that glorious fellow. Brawl, (don't you call him ?) now the highly-gifted, and one of the chief magistrates of the greatest port 15 220 ROWLAND BUADSIIAW. ill the worlJ ; who would have tliought it in those gay days ! ha, ha, ha." " Grand, grand !" said Mr. Hoxhorn, speaking for the first time. " That'll do it ; this young-un is quite right ; for hedicated gentle- men, perhaps iny lord would not do ; same as one time I was on the Wolverhampton grand- stand, when I happened to give some offence to Lord George Bedtick, and he said he would soon make my rump a present of his boot toe, if I did not march off that there place ! and when Mister Bully — who, you know, was no more nor I once, but has hedicated himsel' — when he, I say, give him a bit of offence, the other demanded that which is jue from one gentleman to another. That is why I am wishful to improve my mind, and then there would be no more such degradin' association, as rumps and boot toes ! No, ' that which is jue from one gentleman to another,' is what I want." And poor Mr. Swilling looked quite dejected. And now let us not forget our gallantry, but see how the ladies are in the next room, where lie the terrible cranchers. It was just as a dream would have had it. The fierce animals awoke before the fair damsels, whom the demon Fate — always a sad fellow in a dream — had thrust them there. The terrible lions stared, arose, shook their manes, and now they grind their teeth and roll their dread- ful eyes ; already the blood, bones, and stays of the dismayed maidens are churned by the long white prongs we have just seen ground and set for the canniballian feast — that is, they would have been ; but seeing their prey dressed in rustling silk and dishevelled hair — and, perhaps, some Adrtuous spirit, knowing that of the fair prisoners, interfering — caused the royal and noble-minded creatures, at least, to change the purpose of their savage attack, from cranching them up, to seizing them in their strong arms and mollified claws ; from making crackers of their own jaws and nuts of the poor young ladies' heads — to turning up their beauteous faces and licking their lips and pa^Ring their waists. And then the great lion of Hage-a-baby said — not before the miracu- lous gift of utterance, as of old, was awarded to him — " In Cimmerian vaults methought I lay, list'ning to the epinicon of him who thither sent me ; my fair love, the while, to my dungeon's bars had sprung. His black guards the tyrant calls, and bids them hew her down. ' Cursed chains,' I apostrophizing said, ' and manacles cold, why not be to my anxious hand my own, my known, my well-tried sword !' sooner than my •nish, from the groin' d roof hung my never- failing falchion, I clutch' d it, and ere then, thou — for 'twas thee, my 'Melia — had wrench' d the cruel bar : that done, I sped to my trusty guards — " " But not mthout thy liberator?" in hurried interruption and tone of languishing softness, demanded the palpable heroine, who was seated on the lion's hind leg. " Bearing in my arms my soul's enslaved ; and as my strong steed, 'midst showery shots did fly, I a thousand foes did slay ! in grateful joy, thy soft bosom panting for the huge slaughter, my vengeful sword did make. A thousand joyful shouts now rent the air. The battle's won — the savage Prince is slain — but, ah ! vrlio shall the rest relate ?" ^ / '1 i\ 2e^L-^,iK% ROWLAND CRADSHAW. 227 "E'en tliGU — our loves were mutual — in childhood pledged !" "And by our father ratified ; but, ah ! let me not tell the rest." "Was I unfaithful?" " My 'Melia unfaithful? no, no, no ! But ere I'd made our nearest tent, to place thee, and, with becoming dignity, hail thee queen ! a hungry lion, aiming at my horse, cranched thy fair form, and left me desolate !" The tender Amelia fainted ; but gentle sprinkling from the limpid jug, that so fortunately stood near, brought her to life and ecstasy. "Well," said the Summerset to Miss Hoxhorn, " I was dreaming too, and a far worse one nor Ilage-a-baby's, there !" " Oh, tell it to me," cried Miss Hoxhorn ; and then she looked to ascertain \i she were near enough the jug, but almost blushed to see how thick the other lion and the princess were getting, for he was not only imbibing honey from her Ilybla lips, but permitting her to get as much as she could off his : but now for the other dream. " Me thought — I thought it was my benefit night ; that the bills did state, that if I threw sixty-one summersets, a silver cup, recording the hextraordinary event, was to be presented by the manager and the whole of the equestrian corps. That I began my dreadful task, in the presence of ensembled multitudes, and one that cheered me, feared my troubled soul more nor all the rest. My eyes told her the state of, what I thought, she loved best, was in ; I wasn't out, they did ; and hers also seemed to say — ' go it, you're sure to win — and when we are married — whatever may be our fortunes, however I may be provoked — show me that cup, and it will smooth my vexed brow, brighten my sad looks, and make me cry, whatever else goes, that I'll never pawn'.' Well, I commenced — and all the house — as loudly as they could bawl — cried out ' one !' The throw was not much higher nor the horse ; another, and they louder, for the throw was higher, shouted ' two !' thither again, and louder again, 'three!' still more lofty, and again more noisy, * four !' every leap increased in height, as the audience did in vociferation, as they counted on. At last, came a most stunniiig ' SIXTY !' and I found, in the turn to descend, I had nearly bumped the ceiling ! which, you know, is a frightful height. 1 felt more and more vigor, and was determined to go on for a hundred or so ; but still was resolved not to go too near the top of the house. So up like a rocket I goes again — came whack against the roof — was going to descend — heard a terrible shout of ' sixty-one !' but a much more fiercer laugh ; my feet hung down, my hands did the same, my head hung down : I could see down, but I couldn't come down. There I stuck, plastered by the lower part of my back to the top. * Sixty-one!' they kept crying — my rivals all laughing and jumping little summerseters at the bottom. 'Sixty-one!" they again called — 'not until it's fairly turned,' shouted others. Still there I was, and might have been there for years — and I verily think the manager would not have cared if I had, as it would have saved the prize, and have brought him better houses than my leaps would — but just then, the same beautiful young creeter, as inspired me at the first, opened her glowin' arms, and besought me, if I loved her, to fly into them. No sooner had she srid tluit, and nodded her head 228 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. three times, than I descended into them like a dove ! I soon found that it was a silver pair of wings that had enabled me to come down. These, the beautiful maid at the bottom knew to be Love's; upon which, 'midst the roars of enthusitism of the audience — who had wished us much happiness — we flew off — got married — the prize was presented to my new bride, 'midst showers of flowers ; and it was so filled with guineas, that we both could not lift it up. " Then I got up — awoke — and found it was all a dream ! but the weight of the vase was soon accounted for, and all that, by finding the Hage's ribs and, of course, all his body, athwart my stomach, which aches yet ; but this is no dream !" said the Summerset, looking tenderly at the fair burthen upon his knee ; " and, I am sure, I need not say, the sweet young creature who flew away with me on the interesting wings." And then the noble vaulter and the fascinating friend of Miss Caunt Swilling, fell to imitating the delightful amusement in which the lovely Amelia and the great Ilage-a-baby were in such exquisite participation. Nothing could be more bliss-like ; that is, when virtue rides the horse and chastity is master of the ring : when even the clown throws in snatches of morality, instead of coming "for to go for to see." So were our dreamers and their complimentary mistresses : for was it not a compliment, and a condescension, for two such divinities to make such a visit, at such a place, and the rest ? No doubt it was; and the lovers were manifesting their extreme knowledge of appreciation, when entered the turnkey. That was nothing, but this was — " Two ladies wishing to see two gentlemen !" And in entered the preceding evening's Fattyma and Miss King, the first female equestrian in the world, who did the broad-sword exercise, whilst — what is called riding — standing on the horse ; each had got a little jug of coifee that had been boiling hot long before they had left home. And each had got a small parcel of— no doubt — toast, with two or three slices of ham and a relay of lump sugar, should the coffee not be sweet enough ; as well as four eggs, which only wanted boiling, and then it was deemed there would be a very reasonable breakfast for the two gentlemen, whom the two ladies had found in the other ladies' arms, doubly locked- to say nothing of the fastenings of every door they had passed through — so engaged — absorbed — so enchanted ! for what but enchantment could it be ? to hold people together in such a way ; and that too, when fresh comers were looking on — it must have been such spell. For the fair Fattyma and the gorgeous Miss King were about to back, fearing — oh ! that it had been so — they had made a mistake, and what is so awkward, on the privity of love ? No, we grieve to say, they were not wroug ; and we grieve, not in consideration of the parties, their situation and their feelings, but because of the impossibihty of giving the reader the shghtest sketch of this morning's rehearsal ; which, although wanting the usual paraphernalia on such occasions, as well as the music of an evening's exhibition, dresses, scenery, and foot-lights — was some of the most natural perform- ance, that even the graceful Fattyma herself had ever shone in. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 229 The scene, or rather dialogue, commenced laconically indeed ; being composed of little else than monosyllabic interjections, with some words which are discovered by the notes of, what are called, admiration, closely following them. But though the sentences were short, the action was great, violent, incessant, and that without the applause which is so dehghtful to the actor, and acts as so powerful a stimulant on these great occasions. The light was not very good, as prison light seldom is, nor the lovely Fattyma's eyes very strong, as she had had so short a night's rest; still after one or two such starts as she had often been accustomed to make in her profession, and the third piercing glance — the last being just three times as fierce as the first, for she had been accustomed lo rule ia these things — she began — " No — yes — it cannot — it is — villain ! cockatrice ! a double monster!" " Madam !" soothingly said the cockatrice. "Wanton trollop!" cried the sentimental — that is, she always played those parts — and usually gentle Fattyma. " Something of this hath met mine ears before, and now they shall reach those of the illiterate host of — oh, infinite sluttism — the Fox and Glove. And as to you, villain ! prepare to breathe your last !" and bang went one of the unboiled eggs at poor Hage-a-baby's head, and swilk went the maudlin coffee at Miss Cauut Swilling' s bonnet. Then Miss King— "No — ye — it can — cannot — it is — villain! carcass-butcher's daugh- ter ! oh, that I had my sword here ! or your father's— minx — kilUng — knife; or even your mother's steel, on which she wets her selling one — beast! I'd stab one and purk to death — you monster ! ha, ha, ha!" and bang goes another unboiled egg, which graced the disgraced still- vaulter's eye-brow, and obeying the usual angle of incidence — came slap on the lilied forehead — lilicd by the dream aud Miss King's entrance — of Miss Hoxhorn ! and it looked like a lily no more. And then coffee-jug, toast, and lump sugar were directed to take vengeance on the head of the daring, rampant wretch, whose arms had encompassed the slender waist of the thick person of Miss Hoxhorn; but the summerset ducked, and the whole of the furious missiles for ever ruined the bonnet, veil, and, for a long time, the appearance of the neck of the wrathful-faced Fattyma. Now poor Miss Amelia Caunt SwiUing, and her still more deeply colored and more wounded-feeling friend, withstood all this with lad}'^- like forbearance ; and, perhaps, would have acted as is the duty of the beloved mistress ; but the assailants were not content to end the war with the exhaustion of their missiles, so, at once, flew upon their rivals, and pursued their victory by that terrible mode of warfare, which has ever come under the classification of tooth and nail. And whilst these worked with those terrible — even to actresses, terrible — to drunken fish- women, fatal — instruments, the assailed tried the only known counter, invented, no doubt, as a resistive, as proof magazines were for red hot balls, and which have been called, by some authorities on the sul/iect, finger-and-hair arms. And that the war was carried on savagely, the yell on both sides 230 ROWLAND DRADSIIAW. intensely testified ; and though the neutral powers — the puissant Emperor of Ilage-a-baby and his ally, the Pacha of sixty-one summer- sets—threatened, after numerous entreaties for a cessation of arms, to annihilate one party and desert the other, if they did not at once consent to an armistice, still more sanguinarily proceeds the great battle. No, all could not induce a pause, but became thrice as belligerent ; for each was resolved to try, as the final test, for which and to whom the favor of the great and potent powers would be declared ! Surely the ladies, who had been the subjects of the dreams, had a right to expect it. And had not the others had a thousand vows, both when acting princes and princesses at side play ; nay, was it not understood they were married as much as in the profession, of which they claimed the head, ever was, or need be : had they not brought the prizes' breakfasts ? And now, with quadrupled energy, the strife rages ; and though Hage-a-baby and the great summerset have long taken the field, their powers appear neither to stem, give victory, nor, above all, effect a cessa- tion. No, their interference will evidently procrastinate hostilities, proving at once, the horror of feeble war or puny assistance, but cannot avert them. So in Etna's throes shall some proud rock defy, or dam his furnaced waves, whilst dreading thousands look anxiously on, mingling great fears with a little hope, that the strong barrier will turn the leaping lava from their homes, their beeves, and mellowing grapes ; but the wroth mountain opens wider his rugged jaws, and in deeper seas booms forth the hot tide. Futile rock, better liadst thou never dared, for now thine own weight is added to his rage, and thus, in accumulated ruin, fills every mould with his molten flood, and leaves not the sweet vale, even that which pyramids were built for, a name or a recollection. And so things went on here ; all were down, the two potent princes adding to the throw ; and all must have been eternal ruin, had not the hostile din met the astonished ears of the gentlemen who were so delightfully regaling in the next room, Messrs. Swilling, Iloxhorn, and the imprudent young gentlemen, whom they had come to bail. To hear was to wonder — to wonder was to try and — if possible, ascertain the cause ; to try to ascertain the cause was to leave the breakfast table — rush into the room they had so recently left, and there they saw — what our reader has not, but which, he must confess, we have done all in our power to describe to him — the conflict ! They soon entered the lists , and, finally, with the ready assistance of every turnkey on the premises, with two of their wives, hostilities were ended for the season. "Why, ladies, ladies, ladies !" commenced Mr. Swilling, so soon as he recovered his breath ; " ladies — as is ladies — eddicated, talented, highly virtuous, and very beautiful ladies : two on um, as I see — oh, don't be talkin' here about ' charge for charge !' shame for shame — tv.o on um, as I see — keep them apart, for their maker's sake — two on um, as I see, who is at the very height of their perfessions. Now, stay, I v\ill tell how Miss Swilling and her friend. Miss — now. Miss Fattyma, do listen — Miss Iloxhorn come here : it was her own beloved parent ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 231 and me (and here Mr. Swilling winked to the gentlemen, as mucli as to say ' anything for the present') as sent 'em here with brakefast for these two yonng gentlemen here ; come into th' other room, and you will see us a enjoying on it ! Well, now, my dear Miss King, only be easy another minute, and you'll see now ! Then we was a planning how the thing was to be done afore the magistrates, and open court assembled. I said, (more winking) go to the other room, and thei'e you will see some more friends ; and as we want to have a bit of a private chat, and both of you loves acting, go and rehearse a bit, and keep Hage-a-baby and the summerset from coming in (more winking) here ; as, to say the truth, I had somethin' very perticlar, very perticlar to say ; nay, I'm not quite sure whether one of these young gentlemen is not imj uion son or not ; (Mr. Swilling weeping) and, now, all this sad mishap, poor girls ! come to all this — though it was done by our, our commands — and, now, we see the mess they're in — was only doing an act of duty and obe- dience." (Mr. Swilling weeping out right.) Fattyma (awakinff from he)' trance, and now all in smiles.) — Ob, my Hage — if this is — could be true! my dear, dear — {turning to Amelia) — but how dare I speak — look — no, no, I cannot, must not ask — look for — dream for forgiveness ! Mr. Swilling {still vjith his handkerchief to his eyes, and joy (j in (j his daughter's elbow.) — And why not ! Amelia ort to forgive, as I trusts she's a christian ! Miss King {also looking as a fairy does when the spell is removed.) — Alas ! where am I ? how — what have I done ? my dear friend. Miss Iloxhorn ! what, to quarrel with my best friend ; and one too who took sixteen shillings' worth of tickets at my ben ! oh, never, never ! my Summerset ! oh, what have I done ? Miss Swilling and Miss Hoxhorn together, and still looking angry. — What have you done ? — look what you have done ! Mr. Swilling {looking as if the very thought of the scene's dis- closure to the world woidd burst his heart, and bring entire ruin on all parties. — Hush ! Mr. Hoxhorn {looking very like the other 6ci7.)— Hush ! Mr. Rowland Bradshaw {looking at his friend, Mr. Styrrup.) — Hush ! Mr. Styrrup {returning the glance.) — Hush! Curtain drops to slow music, coming in through the iron-barred window ; the characters standing thus — L. w. Bowland Bradshaw, Joseph Styrrnp ; L. c. Mr. Iloxhorn, Mr. Swilling, Miss Swilling; r. c. Hage-a-baby ; R. w. the Summerset, Miss King. — Turnkeys, their Wives, ^c, in the back. CHAPTER XXXVII. AN OLD ACQUAIXTANCE AND A NEW FRIEND. The order of our history compels us to retnoA'e the reader to the house of Mr. Stvrrup's broker, the gentleman who lent him the roll of notes ; he, with the fashionable family ; and the place, it will be recollected, where our heroes were to have dined on the day we have dwelt so long upon, and which is the day but one before we now speak. Mr. Broud's house was about six miles from the town that our strangers are now honoring ; a house, indeed, one that a potentate would have been proud of half a century ago, but now quite familiar to the English merchant. Mr. Broud's family consisted of three daughters and one son, that is at home, having two in different hemispheres, conducting his foreign consignances and shipping ; in short, his agents. Now the youngest daughter but one, a young lady of lively imagination, of great beauty, and verging on eighteen years of age, was talking to another young lady, something her junior — a visitor — also of the most transcendent beauty and loveliness ; and they chatted in this way. " Oh, 1 will tell you how I know, my dear Jane, and, I am sure, you will pardon me for listening, when I inform you of what I happened to overhear my mamma say to papa. She said — ' don't you think' — speaking to my papa — 'it will be dangerous to admit a youth, of such high pretensions and accomplishments, and —you add — personal appearance, into a family of young girls like ours V Mark that, Jane — what girl in the universe could avoid listening after it ? Oh, dear ; I am one who could not, be the aflfau' what it may." " You don't know then who they are ?" " Why, I think I do ; but my father told us that on no account were we to act as if we did : wont it be romantic, dear Jane ? and you know I am so fond of romance. No, I believe the elder one, at least, has got into a sad political dilemma ; indeed my papa seemed greatly troubled respecting it, and the more so as the young gentleman appears to treat the whole so cavalierly ; and, I believe, there is a great reward offered for his apprehension, and so my father thinks it will be best for him to go on the Continent ; or, perhaps, to one of my brothers. Of course, I have no doubt you will know him when you see him ; but — and this is what mamma has sent me to you for — you are not to know him, or appear at all surprised at hearing or seeing him announced in another name. You see I am a deep little girl, particularly when there is any- thing like romance or adventure in the way. Pa has acquainted his father with his retreat, for he's an only son : his father is enormously wealthy, and doats, and, indeed, follows this spoiled boy, as a cat does her strayed kitten : that is the worst of it, I hate spoiled boys ; but this young gentleman, to do him justice, has no turn that way, and has actually been the grand tour without his father taking him an inch on ROWLAND BIIADSIIAW. 233 the road, or meeting him halt-way on his return ; nay, I beheve all the spoiHng is on the one side." " And the other !" " Oh, of him I know nothing, only of its being dangerous to bring him into a family of young ladies like ours ; and is not that delightful ? and for this reason his accomplishments must be real, and his acquire- ments of order ; in short, he must be both handsome and — pardon a little vanity, dear Jane — a gentleman, in all the applications of that word, to cause any real fear either to myself or my sisters." Concluded the young lady in a more serious manner than that which had toned the greater part of her remarks. "On my honor, dear Mary, I do believe you, and your mamma knowing that I do feel a little curious to see this very prodigy." "Well now, a bargain, as," thank heaven there is going to be a little romance in this establishment at last, whoever falls in love — that you know one of us must do, or we shall not be faithfully playing our parts — must honestly declare the same to all of whom its importance may be recognised. Ycu know, to pursue another course might be inconvenient, and sometimes the most lasting of all — so I have read — " "Oh, certainly," said the other young lady, laughing. " Well then, had we not better at once go dress, and read that dear letter of Mrs. Bradshaw's once more. Indeed, Jane, you have been one of the most favored of girls, to have such an extraordinary woman for a preceptress and friend, and who, even at this distance, and under all her recent troubles, to pen such a mass of instruction and advice, shows how greatly you are a part of her love, and how deeply she is interested in your well-doing and permanent happiness. My mamma, who has read it with great care and concern, says it is a great treasure, and does enduring honor to the author's sex." "Your dear and talented mamma, INIary, does not appreciate my preceptress and friend's efforts for my happiness more than I do ; and I do agree with you, that great indeed has been my fortune to have caused such a being to love me. So much honor, dignity, and intellec- tual refinement, and," finished the young lady smiling, " I think the handsomest woman I ever saw ! but that, I suppose, you will say is of no great consequence." " I beg your pardon, my dear, I shall say no such thing ; beauty, when found to be the abode of great accomplishments and virtues, I think is the most ennobling thing in nature, and a union so rare— for we are often almost vexed with ourselves that we have to give even beauty alone up to our lords — but I don't know what must be con- sidered the gift, or what is thought of the present, when the bridegroom shall receive both. I feel if I had such talents as Mrs. Bradshaw, even with my own poor sample of beauty," added the young lady, and the reader may be assured adding to that a peep in the glass, " I should be sadly perplexed to select one great enough and good enongh to appre- ciate and store such a gift. I wonder what must have been this lady's choice ; perhaps, poor girl ! fell in love with some oue." " Ha, ha ; but, my dear, why look so sad? would you like her to have married without having such misfortune, as by your serious look you appear to think falling in love to be ?" 234 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. *' No, dear Jane ; but I shudder to suppose if such a woman — and I think you say she was very young when the event took place — should not have been beloved in return, and there was some misfortune ; I, you know, am not inquisitive, but there was some mystery?" " There was a great, an overwhelming misfortune ; but to your first rumination and proper anxiety as to whether she was the real object of the man of her own choice, let me make you happy, and in a word say, may yours love you as — no not quite so v/ell ; we may love too, too tenderly, too anxiously, so much for the misfortune : as to the mystery, there has been none, that is with me, though I am not in possession of the entire story." " I am happy to hear you say so ; but now to my room with the letter, where we will have a longer talk about your friend." "Or~?" " Oh, of course, or the young gentlemen ; indeed I am not sure whether they are not going to stay some time with us ; or, it is certain they will be in the neighborhood, so we shall have them visiting every day, and that, you know, will be delightful." " Well, take care." "And so do you." CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE ADVENTURERS CONSULT. "Waken, Rowland; hang it, man, it's ten o'clock; what sort of a bed have you here ? I expect these are funny lodgings, but you would have your own way ; what sort of bed hangings are these ? I have been out an hour, and had three pennyworth of hot coffee, and two slices of roll and butter. Oh, I have seen the reward ; it's two hundred they have offered for me ! Ha, ha, they have got poor Bryant Gow ; there is the examination : poor Bryant, he acted like a trump, would not give a single hint ; you see he's out on bail : it's all humbug, as you perceive ; stay, I'll open the bed curtains, they are beauties ; how sleepy you are." *' Recollect I had not three hours out of the preceeding sixty." " Well, at our age three or four hours in a week are plenty. When you've read that, there is another touch below, ' Hardened poaching, or an attempt at an assassination near the new parks of Lord Wandly ;' precious long account ; good heavens what scoundrels keepers and their supporters are ! You see three of them have deposed, upon oath — the oath of a gamekeeper before magistrates, in the same employ as ROWLAND BRADSHAW 235 himself too— but you see they swear, * Whereas, on the night of the sixteenth, when in Lord Wandly's preserves at the Shanks, they were fired at twice by — ' but, curse the thing, it's not worth reading ; you recollect it was I firing my pistols off; scoundrels." " I feared it was injudicious ; hut never mind," said Rowland, with a little more savageness than animals of his breed are wont to betray on small occasions like the one we are recording, " there will be a day of reckoning yet," and Rowland read on. " You perceive they are for being in earnest about it ; but, however, my father." "Ay," said Rowland, "in heaven's name Mr. — " "Joe." "Joe, how does he take it ? poor old gentleman I fear it may turn out seriously ; it may shorten his 'days." " If I thought so, ha, ha, I would at once end mine ; but I know daddy better. Now I'll tell you ; you know those Frescolh riots were ail through me ; ay, and cost father a few hundreds ; a dozen or so. Now the old clisp, v.]:cn I am not present, cracks of nothing else ; nay, I'll tell you, he would pay Bob Rowbottora's share too, because lie said I had been the sole cause ; and_ the fact is, the governor was delighted to find Bob enter into the whole so heartily, and, in short, to find that I had, at the bottom, such a friend as he. Indeed daddy has said it was the proudest event in my career, because you must know that, although liob has been a vast gay fellow, he never enters into a thing, in the way he did in that affair, without seeing some real good at bottom. He hates tyranny ; he knows that the conduct of the Frescoth bench, backed, as it is well known, by Wandly, was infamous. There had been an old feud between Old Dillon and the late Mr. Rowbottom ; and, in short. Bob declared, at a great political dinner at Manchester, that Joe Styrruphad acted as he himself should have done in every way, proposed my health, and so well was it received, even by the old and thinking portion of the banquet party, that the governor shed tears of joy for weeks after. Poor Bob, I wish he was here ; why hang it, Rowland, you could but let those glisteners be chasing one another down your cheeks, if I had spoken of your mother, let alone Bob." " You seem to forget he once saved my life, has done everything, and perhaps one cause, at least you seem to think so, of his leaving Fleigh, was through my unaccountable absence — unaccountable indeed !" said Rowland with a groan, "but — " " There, now you are getting into the melancholies ; you are sure I have a great desire to know all, all which you know about that singular event ; but come, it always makes you so unhappy, now cheer up. I have seen poor Swilling this morning, have partly let him into our secret, and he desires whatever we do, we will allow him to provide us with a room until we can arrange better ; I mean to see our tailor in, or dress in ; take our new clothing in and the rest. By George, Rowland yon French tailor has made them slap ; he thinks I am a Frenchman, allowing for the southern dialect ; he never being out of Paris ere his departure for this. I have found out a French hat-shop where we can 236 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. have the real light-topped crowns ; we have the choice of two or three hundred mustachoes coming up from the Parisian barber's. Your French will do with seven out of ten, and when it wont, I'll take up the conversation. But we will be taken for either French or Germans, or something Foreign, this afternoon you will see ; so get up, I'll find you a nice place for breakfast - that is, for a cup or two, just to take the chill off your stomach and then for a glorious one ; you are sure there will be enough of it at Miss Hoxhorn's ; we must keep the poor wretches in countenance — ha, ha, ha, stay ; I must stop, I must hit upon some mechanical method to do it though, for that jail scene verily haunts me ; I am certain I am half a stone lighter with laughing, there it, it is coming on again ; here Rowland, let us both try to have it out this time!" And the two young gentlemen, although one held an offer of a reward of two hundred pounds for the other's apprehension, and was, himself, a minute before in tears, laughed a full two minutes at what he called a wind-up to the jail scene. Such is the way in which we meet calamities and sorrows — but then the ages must be such as those whom we see engaged in their overthrow, but never after. " I wish Rowland, that poor daddy could have seen the manner in which we floored the fat magistrate here !" " Oh, ha, ha, ha, that was worse than the other ; but it seems he insists on knowing from Swilling what are our real titles : good heavens, what a nice order of a man, when such a genius as that which possesses our host of the Fox and Glove, can actually, at least, he put us up to the plan of bam-boozling him." " I have ordered up each a dozen shirts, we must have some change ; daddy has written to Broud to let me have what money I want. And I'll tell you Rowland how I can please the old gentleman rarely, and also put your honor out of that fear which, you so poetically assert haunts you of contracting a debt with me, which our career considered, you may never be able to pay ; now this will do for you, and delight past all pleasure as he knows, of course, you are with me — the old gentleman. I'll lend you fifty, and in return you must give me an undertaking, that you will paint a full-length portrait of daddy when- ever he chooses to have it done ; even if it should be the day fixed for your wedding. Now this, I must have under your own hand ; this night I will cause it — sealed of course, to be transmitted to the best of men, whatever I may have done, and one whom I love above all things else — my father. I know him well, and I know nothing on earth which I could do would please him so much or soothe the anguish he must necessarily be in, being without company, and this damned chartist ha, ha ; thing. "Is it an agreement?" continued Mr. Styrrup, putting out his hand and looking anxiously at his friend. "Well since — " " Now do not mince the matter, say the word and make my father happy!" Rowland put out his hand. " Then there is the money. By George ! Miss Swilling has got a black eye— poor little girls !'' ROWLAND BRADSHAAV. 237 " Little ?" looked Rowland. " Hang it, I am speaking affectionately. I say, we must purchase them some nice little present or other ; keep them in comitenance, poor little devils : you see, I am still speaking tenderly. It was all through us ! Mind and don't let a hint drop as to where we dine ; we shall captivate some more hearts there, you will see. By George, Rowland, haven't we heen lucky, in the way of adventure, since we journeyed hither ? 1 hope your voice is in trim for to-night ; I don't know how I shall manage Young Broud's flute. Have two or three hours' practice at the piano, before we start, Rowland, and I'll borrow a flute." CHAPTER XXXIX. THE GREAT CHIPSTER IS INTRODUCED. Our heroes were just dressing, after having breakfasted with Miss Hoxhorn, and otherwise preparing for the evening levee of Mr. Broud, when they — that is, Mr. Styrrup — received the following note from that gentleman :— "My Dear Joe, " I have just received a note from Mrs. Broud, informing me of the disagreeable (your invitation considered) circum- stance of two of your neighbors, and also a family from Manchester, by whom you are, of course, well known, arriving on a visit at my house. Now, this is to say, 1 think it would be injudicious your coming here during their stay ; not but if secrecy were enjoined, it might be kept ; but you know how dangerous such a procedure would be. However, please yourself ; but should you be of my opinion, I will send orders to have a dinner provided at one of the hotels, where I and William will come and join you, and trust that we may spend a pleasant evening. However, the whole plan rests with you ; so write by bearer. — I wish to confer with you — " And believe me, yours as ever, "JOSEPH BROUD. "To Mr. Joseph Rigby." — (Mr. Styrrup's new name.) "Devilish glad of it — another night's liberty," said Mr. Styrrup, handing the epistle to Rowland, " we'll have some more fun, eh Rowland? 1 1) write an apology as to the hotel dinner." "Oh, by all means," replied Rowland, "it is evidently nothing but a stroke of politeness, and must, of course, be very inconvenient; \isitors 238 HOWLAND BRADSIIAW. at home, and yet the head of the house, and only resident son, dinmg out." " DeviUsh glad of it," continued Mr. Styrrup, already writing the answer. " How shall we spend the evening? we will do it in bits ! I think we must see Hage-a-baby though, before we have done. Now, then, this will do ! We will get out as quickly as we can, so that if Broud comes here to insist on our dining or spending some part of the evening with him, we are off. We will have some more fun, you will see, Rowland ; one thing I must do, and that is to give our host here instructions, should my silly daddy come hither, to tell him at what hour we will see him, and we will not be seen by any one else. Oh, by George, Rowland, I'll tell you where we will go after we have rowed a couple of hours on the river — I am glad you like rowing, though we must mind and not blister our hands ; must not do quite so much as we did yesterday — we will see those young devils who were pulling faces at each other through the window. I wonder, Rowland, whether that baby-linen went up as directed, and the lace collars to the other place ? If they did, I think all will be ripe for an introduction." " Oh, they would be sure to go ; too bad, though !" " Too bad ! tut, nonsense ; cure the little hussies for pulling faces at each other. That will turn out a good thing yet, or I have greatly miscalculated." " I certainly feel a great curiosity to know a little more about them," said Rowland. And since Mr. Bradshaw is anxious to ascertain something more respecting some scene in which our adventurers had been engaged on the previous evening, it is not unlikely the reader may also wish some shght intimation, and this is it. Mr. Joseph Styrrup and ]\Ir. Bradshaw had been taking a walk on the night in question, through a rather respect- able shop-keeping portion of the town, when in coming up to an elegant plate-glass bay-window, they saw, through an amazing profusion of caps, collars, laces, and other light millinery ; just the lower part of a young lady's face : they had great difficulty in getting a fair glance in consequence of the profusion of goods we have named, and still greater cluster of long ringlets, but they saw enough after several efforts to satisfy themselves that the mouth belonging to this sweet creature's face, kept every three seconds or so, putting out a long, thin, and very handsome tongue ; and though both gentlemen agreed it was an un- usually handsome specimen of that portion of female fascination and loveliness ; they were greatly surprised to see the singular exercise in which it was so industriously engaged. It was certainly new to our friends, but seemed not to have been equally novel to some children who were playing there, as one of them said to the other, " look if Miss Chipster is not slaking her tongue again at the Miss Matthews— all through jealousy !" Our astonished friends also took the hint, and sure enough on the other side of the street, in what they afterwards dis- covered to be a baby-linen shop ; there was a yoniig lady engaged in precisely the same manner as the one they had first seen. Now Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. Styrrup were both very sudden in their motions, and, perhaps, nothing more so than in that of their laughs ; ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 239 in tliis, had both of them been set off by a spring, or the touch of an electric wire, they could not have opened nearer together, or much louder, when they saw the opposite phenomenon to the one whicli had originally staggered them. The) started fairly with the laugh, continued as long and as heartily, and finished, as hastily, as many other races have done through the loss of wind, and complete exhaustion. " By George, Rowland that is grand ! now let us cure those little minxes ; by Jupiter ! but this is the land of adventures, at all consider- ations where young ladies are concerned : I'll tell you how we can have some innocent mirth, as Peter luce calls it, and give yon little sluts a lesson. " We'll give cross orders for a tidy amount, of course directed for places where there are no such numbers as those directed ; there, come in here, I'll write the orders, get some active lad — try to pick up with a footman, and then in a day or two call, and tell each, that the other gave the false order." " Wont it be rather too bad ?" asked Rowland. " Bad, the devil, you will see it will give us an introduction ; leave the workmanship to me, it will be such sweet revenge on both sides, when we set them each on the other." " I must confess I have an inordinate desire to see a little more of this, and if we could trace out the reason of such droll hostilities, why, it must be rare merriment." "Well, then let us go about it, and that too, properly." And they did, for on the one hand, our senior wag and Fleigh-educa- ted-in-joking genius; sent a ^oo(/ order for a large selection of millinery to go immediately to a number, that he had previously ascertained did not exist, as what street is there without an irregularity of that kind ; but, of course, took care that the street was of the highest respectability. Then Mr. Styrrup made a still greater demand upon the stores of the opposite depot ; requesting a great change of those little articles that might be easily conceived to be wanted, should a little baby make its appearance a little sooner than might reasonably be calculated upon ; and add to this that the little unceremonious visiter, with its ma, was requested to join its pa's regiment in India ; the voyage calculated at six months, and to use nurse's style — ^" not a thing ready !" Under these circumstances it is not a matter of peculiar surprise, that so respec- table a baby linen, and other small thing warehouse as the one, wherein we saw Miss Matthews distort her face, and show her tongue to Miss Chipster— should receive a large order. No, there was no surprise, the order was certainly a good one, and was quickly executed ; and extraordinary, the light porter after search- ing in the street directed to, completely in vain, for the space of two hours, amidst a somewhat drenching shower, he and all the beau- tiful little things returned, both they and their bearer being completely wet through. Again he was despatched with a still more cute gentle- man ; still both returned without the slightest addition to their information, unless an additional drenching can be so considered. This had all happened the evening before the one in which Mr. Styrrup and his quondam called at the millinery shop of the beautiful i;;40 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. Miss Chipster ; and our senior friend saying that he had something which he deemed of importance — so he conceived it to be — to commu- nicate, was most poHtely in\dted into a small room, which had evidently been partitioned oif the large one, that had been devoted to the purpose of the splendid millinery warehouse, as we have seen. Nor was Mr. Styrrup merely complimented by being desired to walk in and to take a seat by Miss Chipster herself, but several young ladies — who where busily emyloycd in the graceful and useful task of making and trimming exquisite bonnets and darlings of caps — were desired to walk out and leave theirs, as the other had been desired to accept of a seat. Mr. Styrrup bowed, and then asked if an order had not been sent thither on the preceding evening, requesting an immense selection — to choose from — of elegant millinery ? There was. And the place could not be found — no such number, in point of fact, in the street ? Nothing could be more true. And at hearing this, in came Miss Chipster's mamma, a lady in every way the very antithesis of the elegant and slender young creature who had so politely — not to say gracefully — desired Mr. Styrrup to sit down in the very room in which the singular disclosure, that he is now making, was destined to be revealed. The gentleman then said, that it was no business of his ; but it being so disgraceful — outrageously so — and it coming to his ears, he thought it nothing but the act of a gentleman, to tell the ill-treated Chipsters — mother and daughter — very stout and very slender young lady — that the whole was an infamous hoax — made, fabricated, concocted, planned by the people ; and Mr. Styrrup pointed, as if he would say — " look at that baby-linen place over the way." Both stout and slender lady slapped their hands at once, and the younger one said " devils !" but Mr. Styrrup did not hear it — but this he did hear both old and young lady say — stout and slender — mamma and dear child — " Upon my conscience, I thought so ; I never had a doubt ! nor I !" And they soon worked themselves into a state of feeling, that caused the elder lady to throw up the sash ; and the younger lady herself had to go and fetch an ivory-handled fan ovit of the shop-counter glass case, and retained its services for the whole time that the truly christian — gentlemanly visitor honored them with his stay. That is, ia the little parlor ; for in a very short time he and his friend, who had been amusing himself by looking through the aforesaid glass-case in the shop, were both desired — nay, must go — and take a glass of wine with Miss Chipster's papa in the drawing-room, up stairs. Miss Chipster's papa never interfered with business of any sort; he being, in every sense, a great philosopher, and not one of that order who have a little theory, much argument, and no practice, but on the contrary ; the itch of his studies was, in every way, to be the reverse of what is termed a book philosopher. l>io,p/ntsis was his order, and me fa he altogether disallowed, as well as everything else, which, by the ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 241 pseudos, are called facts ; unless when percolated in his own way, he found them to be such. When our christian gentlemen entered, after proper introduction, but without one word of the lame and miserably devised hoax, by the ladies, they discovered Mr. Chipster sitting at a table, which, upon nearer inspection, they found to be a sort of glass-stand case, in which were some hundreds of specimens of fossils, petrefactions, and an immense number of singular formations in stalactites, tabashers, talcs, marbles, and chrystalizations, in shapes from tetrahedrons to icosahedrons. In rhombs, rhomboids ; ambers in cones, and fluor spar in intersected cubes ; Felspar, in oblique quadrangtilar prisms, with parallelogram bases. Then there was an infinite variety of spars, containing wonder- ful specimens of tourmalines, apophyllites, iolites, &c. ; agates, in extraordinary variety of form and color. Now sitting also at this singular table, was a pupil of the great geologist, chemist, astronomer, general scholar, heraldist, and lastly — but which he had learned first, but of which was now, of course, ashamed — house and ornamental painter, glass staiiier, and the rest. The last, we say, he had achieved a celebrity in first ; pursued them as a lawful calling for many long and lucrative summers, but now that his daughter had commenced the other profession we have seen, and as her mamma was a woman of great business habits, he thought it was quite time to dismiss the whole of his own trade, and commence, in earnest, that which he had always dabbled in, wasted many of his earnings in, and much of his painting and glass-staining time in, all which he was now resolved to pull up for, as well as to inform the scientific world of a fact or two, from the obtainment of which he deemed their methods as for ever precluding them. He was now a philosopher by profession. The pupil was a neighboring master-joiner and builder, who, having made a few thousand pounds by his clumsy, heavy-headed trade, had also become ashamed of it, and falling into a deep admiration of the studies and extraordinary researches of his friend — Mr. Chipster, was resolved to fall out of his own business, and tumble into the ranks of the ex-painter's admirers and students. And so Mr. Chipster was putting him through a few elementary lessons in Marine-flora, when our friends entered ; beginning, in what the master of this new school called, low enough. As soon as Joseph and Rowland entered, the master and pupil arose from what our uninitiated, at first, deemed a game at draughts or chess. Mr. Chipster, with an easy volubility, soon undeceived them; and, in a very few minutes, had shewn, to our wondering adventurers, and explained them too, sections of fossilized ammonites, and other univalves, in amazing variety, looking as if they had been made of various metals and set in jet. Amber scorpions, ribs of fossil lizards, their faeces, with- out the offensiveness, as Mr. Chipster laughingly observed — that, no doubt, would have accompanied them in their original state; "as," continued he, " they must have been something, when some of these animals were no less than one hundred and fifi^y feet long ; awkward fellows to have met, no doubt. A man, that is homo present, would Hi 242 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. not have been a reasonable mouthful for one of these terrible amphibi ROWLAND BRADSHAW. "Now," said the wild and fiercely -looking woman, "what can I do for you?" " Ha — stay — much !" and Eowland snatched up a pen and paper, and in a minute had a few words written, and was about to seal, or, at least, wafer the note, when the other interposed with her hand. " Hold !" said she, " those wafers may be counted; and the wax — ha, ha ; you perceive I am fitting to govern — is marked at both ends ; satisfy yourself." " It is true, most certain." " Direct your letter, it shall be delivered ; I do not want, forsooth, to read, and no one else shall. You weep, child ; ah, I see it is — " and the queen heaved a stifled sigh. "It is for — a — my mother!" " Ere I sleep it shall be given to her ; and, for yourself, fear not ! I know more of this than you may think." The note told the mother that, for certain reasons, of the greatest importance to both their interests, the son had, for a time, taken up his abode, where the bearer had had the communication from ; but besought her not to seek for further information until he gave it. " I am under a solemn engagement not to disclose my present position, and I know that my mammy would suffer much anxiety and inconveni- ence, sooner than, for a moment, desire me to break faith. God bless you. — R. B." So the slip of paper concluded, and so m ust we any further account, for the present, of the extraordinary seclusion of our hero, as the reader now knows quite as much of his interests as he himself. This much we felt to be our duty ; as, without it, the reader had a reasonable right to demand why Mrs. Bradshaw had shown such singular apathy in her boy's aftairs, when so much excitement was evinced at Fleigh. CHAPTER XLI. ONCE MORE IN LIVEETOOL. And now let us to Liverpool, and see how Mr. Styrrup and friend are advancing their interests or studies in that improving location. *' By George, Rowland, these last few days have been, by far, the happiest part of my career — that last night was glorious ; I liave got a sad whimpling letter here from daddy, but, you see, he forever blesses me at last ; that agreement about the portrait, I know, has done it. And now as you are going to write to your mother — and I know your style to be so touching — I will just copy all parts that are not of a ^^^ <^:^^l^^-?^UJ ^,^Z/-t.H>^ ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 257 private nature, just minding to keep 'daddy,' for 'mammy,' it will so delight the old gentleman." Rowland at this modest proposal burst into a loud laugh, a sudden laugh with him was an unusual thing, but when once in one, it wt;s generally continuous, and so it was now. " Why, damn it Rowland, what's to do ? tenderness is tenderness ! and what is the use of both of us screwing our brains, when one could do it, and that too, better ; besides I must go up to Broud's office and though you could manage it vvhilst I was away — of course I should have to copy it." "Well," said Rowland, " I will have one ready against you return, and if you like the style you can adopt it." " Make it tender enough, and mind and conclude it with a sincere regret at father's absence, say nothing afflicts you so much as the im- possibility of your not being able to add an invitation for his speedy visit to Liverpool ; by George, we must put our heads to work, to write a grand affair to Rowbottom." " No, not yet, I want to know a little more of several things, before I trouble him with any communications, besides," added Rowland, " I must, now don't be offended, look out for some employment ; this will never do, idleness is bad at all times, and to all parties ; but, to an artist who knows so much as I do, and no more, and at my age, it is ruinous. It is that steady and increasing application from the age of eighteen to, say three or four and twenty, that saves years of toil •, a thing definitely, clearly and substantially obtained is never forgotten ; but, if only in part, or confusedly acquired, it perhaps will never be good, but if it be, will ever be difficult. It is well to gain a victory, but if you wish to do things with after ease, you -must not only subdue the enemy, but pursue him to the remotest retreat, and then peace and spring set in without the fear of winter's return." •'Well, but hang it Rowland, there should be some time devoted to rest, we have only been here a few days, you must admit you have seen a precious lot of the world during that time ; you say that all the time you were at Pryet's, many months, you were a sixteen-hours-a-day man ! come, you must now lay in a stock of vigor, and please to remember I studied for a physician if I did not make one ; I have read so much on this subject, and let me be understood to be serious when I say, don't do too much ; at all events we'll finish the week before we think any more respecting your plan of operation, and to show I am not unmind- ful of your interests, I named the thing to Broud yesterday, and he said he was anxious to communicate with me respecting it, and will so soon as he has had an opportunity of judging as to what will be the best thing ; I say, by George, Rowland you will amaze him — I know." " Ah, my dear friend, that is because you wish I may do so ; and because you have seen what I can do, but, recollect, I have to encounter the mighty youth of England, and at this time too, when there are thousands working quite as intently as myself, and may be with happier dispositions for their gigantic labors. You only know one Rowland Bradshaw, but there are numerous Mr. Styrrups, with their favorite Rowlands, and all as sanguine for the laurel as you my dear friend j but, 17 258 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. it is clear, we cannot all have it, and it is still more undoubted that I can have no chance at all, unless, like they, I bring every energy Into the field." " Well, well, I'll see about it now," continued Joseph a little puzzled, " but Bob always said you would be the man." " Ay," observed Rowland with a smile, as if anxious to push the thing no further, as he saw it was annoying his warm-hearted friend, and as he had made up his own mind as to Ms own course of action — " but he would not have said so if he had been within a few yards of us since our sojourn in this flourishing city !" " Why, per-haps not, but have we not had some prime fun ; oh, and to night, if Broud's house is still engaged, is the one we are to try the plan for the party at Chipster's !" " Wont it be too bad think you ?" " Wont it the devil ! if we manage it nicely, it will the greatest joke that I ever came across ; so get your letters written and I'll be back directly." Mr, Styrrup accordingly made his way to the private office of the broker, and was not long, ere he had an interview with its wealthy occu- pant. Now although Joseph has been parrying, as the reader will perceive, some of the resolves of his quondam, yet he was deeply impressed with the necessity of seeing him in employment, or in some way in which he could pursue his studies. " For," said the miscarried doctor of medicine, "he's quite right, there is nothing hke laying on when first the iron leaves the forge, it not only works easier, but it is tougher ; if I do not know how to do it, I can describe pretty well the process by which I missed it, and so I'll at once see what Broud says.as to Rowland." The first named gentleman just at that moment entered, and was going to make a similar movement into the affairs of his young client, when the latter gently stopped any further progress in that way ; and at once, like a real friend, requested his advice about Rowland, first stating his qualifications, hopes, expectations, and a private opinion or two of his own. But Mr. Broud was what is termed a man of this world, which, per- haps, meaneth a man who has devoted and sacrificed so much to this, that he is supposed to be somewhat indifferent as to the affairs of the next. So being a gentleman of this denomination, he did not appear so satisfied with the young gentleman's ardent description of his friend's powers — as the said young gentleman reasonably thought he reasonably ought to be. " Humph," commenced the broker after all he had heard Joseph say " I do recollect all that Rowbottom said ; but then my dear Joseph, Robert, though a tolerable poet, was not a painter, and — but, however, I'll tell you what we can do, he shall paint me a family picture : I suppose he will be able to manage an effort of that sort." " Oh, he painted all Fleigh when a boy, but I don't know how, he now appears to have a good deal of objection to what he terms, mere portrait, or imitation art ; it is the grand, the historical, nine feet gentle- men, with limbs as thick as modern men's bodies ; that he aims at, I llOWr.AND BIIADSHAW. 259 don't know why he does, but he calls it the ideal and sublime, and the other mere imitative drawing, which does not deserve the credit of high art. That's what he sticks to, but, for my part, I saw a portrait of a young lady in a window, the satin, flowers, vase, and everything but the face and hands was nature itself: I was delighted, but guess my surprise when Rowland said, that even if the parts I had objected to were good, it was net what he aimed at." "Poll," said the broker, " I fear your friend is a little chimerical; what can surpass a splendid full length portrait ? though I am bound to say, that the gentleman who is engaged to paint the frescos in the new hall here, was making some similar remarks ; but, of course, all this is above my comprehension — I'll tell you what I thought, I am on both the architectural and decorative committees there; if the young man should be what you say — I am particularly intimate with the principal artist, and have no doubt of his giving him speedy and honorable employment." "The very thing, it was only last night he was saying of all things he should like to see the operations there, as, indeed, he was curious to know whether their methods in fresco at all differed from those he had practised." " He has practised in fresco then ?" demanded the broker, as if some- what surprised, " because I thought that the art had been so recently resuscitated, and especially in this country ; that, few indeed here, know anything of it, but, however, this v/ould be an additional — stay, as if wonder would have it, here is the artist himself." And sure enough, in walked the great man of fresco and design. He had scarcely done so, when much of the preceding conversation was made over to him, and of which he seemed veiy much disposed to cause an immediate reversion to some one else, beginning and concluding the whole with one of those cold incredibility curls of the top li]} ; so ominous and impervious to advancement. "Ay," concluded he, "we often hear of these prodigies, indeed they are always so, until the poor fellows try, and we never hear ^of them more. But, still, I must say, there are some in the world yet, if there is no mistake in the matter, I mean in the age of the individual ; for during the last two or three days I have been much desired to go and see some drawings executed, as it is stated, by a mere youth ; who, in a frolic, was put into your main bridewell here, and during his incarcer- ation, (but a few hours I believe,) made these designs : and I must say that they are in every way, if by a youth, they are, in every way, prodigious." " Ah, ha, ha, I knew it, I knew it ; " and Joseph Styrrup Esq. of Fleigh, commenced dancing and flirting his finger somewhr;t unceremo- niously, and, certainly ludicrously before the great artist and rich broker, and that too in the latter's office, just, also, as one of the latter's clerks came to ask a very short question respecting a very lengthy account, " I told you he was a prodigy, why, how the devil could I be wrong ? He was the youth who drew them ! that is, with my assistance ; for I prepared him the charcoal — burnt prison-' lowance crusts ! ha, ha, ha, we did it, I'll swear to that— how did you like the blind maiden and mother?" 260 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " Ha," said both artist and merchant, "can this he possible?" " Can it be possible my dear gentlemen ! ask if it was not done by gentlemen of the name of Cratchcake, professors and associates of the swell mob, &c., &c." " Nay," said the man of fresco excellence, "I have no occasion to ask, for that is the strange account of the whole affair, besides, let him draw before me ten minutes and I can soon say if he were the man." " He shall draw before you twenty my dear fellow," said INIr. Styrrup seizing the artist's hands, " I thought when you entered you had a good natured face ; and would do a youth of genius good — if you could see him draw ten minutes ! by George, he shall pull away for a whole day if you like, and if you don't say he's the same artist, I'll give you leave to cut my throat ; and that too, at a place where a surgeon could not be got for an hour !" Saying which, the impetuous young man rushed out of the broker's office, leaving its owner and visitor in a very agreeable stare. CHAPTER XLII. THE GRAND BALL OF THE CHIFSTERS. " By George, I'll not tell Rowland a word of this ; although I have been running like ati idiot, I must take time to cool too, or he'll think there is something wrong ; and if I say anything respecting his trial before yon keen-eyed gentleman, it will spoil the fun of to-night, and perhaps he'll do worse, knowing it was to go before a gentleman of you calibre than if he were to do it, as he did the other, not knowing it was to be a specimen of his skill ; ha, ha, well thought on Joseph. " I find it will depend upon me, will the poor boy's success, after all ; what a thing if I don't succeed, softly then, we will just go to Chipster's party, and to-morrow I'll set him to draw, by-the-by no difficult job that." Saying which, and all these things, Joseph wiped well his face and entered the room in which Rowland had been writing, but in which he had scarcely finished a nice little cry, that he had been indulging in during his friend's absence. ""What, crying about your mammy, eh, Rowland? although a long way off I think it would be the cheapest thing, at once, to go thither and get a kiss, and then it would cure you for a while, at all events. You see I don't blubber, though I have no daddy ?" " And do I ?" asked Rowland with a smile. " Why, perhaps not, but you are trying to smother your sobs at a great rate, I suppose for a mother ; but come, don't be a baby. I have made arrangements for your getting to work to-morrow, and then you'll have better employment for your thoughts; jou know she's happy, ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 201 and you will see we shall be preciously so before twelve o'clock to-night, or, I am getting maudlin in my way of thinking, that's all." " I sec you are fixed upon this party then?" "You see I am fixed," started Mr. Styrrup, slightly imitating his pupil, "of course, you see I ain. Now you know. Sir Whining, you are just as keen of this sort of thing as I am ; and, I'll bet a hundred, when once in, you will carry on at a rate that sinks my little efforts a long way 'neath the mediocrity stroke." " Ay, I know that, and it is for such reason I am wishful to pause, ere we get into it at all ; we can easily send up an apology you know." "And repent it the longest day we have to live. I tell you, man, it will be the crowning scene ; and then to work ; then to study : besides, have not you said you should like to see some more vagaries of the great and renowned Chipster?" "Why I certainly should, for he has promised me that he will not only put me through the whole science of geology, chemistry, astronomy, heraldry, I think he has has done pretty well at, but he says, should I have a taste that way, through the elements of painting, or glass- staining, and, lastly, modelling, itself." " Ha, ha, ha, by George, we shall be too happy ; but the party, the party, and then for your great matriculation in the great Chipster school." Now as there has been much said respecting this, or some party, clearly to be given at the Chipster's establishment, we must put the reader in possession of the preliminaries, the cause of it, and the arrangements " on a grand scale." * The day but one after the visit of our friends, and the introduction of De Chipster's genealogical tree, our pair again called to see how the noble, though oblivionised, family were advancing in the world. They were received with great courtesy and gentle pomp — courtesy, as now only citizens ; and pomp, as the descendants of the mighty of the land : and on a question being asked by Mr. Styrrup as to the behavior of their opposite neighbors, the baby-linen people, our feeling young-gentlemen were informed that so far from any abatement in the annoyance, it had, if practicable, been considerably more rampant ; but still it was feared, even by the philosopher himself, it had not reached its terrible zenith. "Yes," and added the sister of Lord Stratus (intended), "and would you like it, Mr. Rigby ? they gave — oh, such a party — last night. I never heard such banging work ever since I had the pleasure of recollecting, or of even being tolerably cognizant of whether I was, or was not, in a state of existence." " Ay," said Mr. Styrrup, musingly, " I know it, all about it ; hush," and the whole family of the Chipsters did. " It was done to break your hearts ! they said it was, and more, they will give one a week until they have effected it." "Oh! monstrous; blood-thirsty-—" "Hush, my dear," chimed in Mr. Chipster, "consider your descent, the dignity due to a member of our great race ; remember also you have a papa a philosopher to instruct you, and, therefore, what would unseat the judgments and understandings of the vulgar, should be ever creative of merriment in those of the wise, and, above all, })hilosophic." 2(32 ROWLAND BRADSHAVV. Still Miss Chipster, as well as mamma, looked as if they could very easily scratch, if not commit further mutilations on the faces, eyes, or any other place on the bodies of either the Miss Matthewses, or of their doughy mamma, although they themselves were in every way philo- sophic ladies by descent, education, and character ; yet they looked, felt, and seemed as if they, and they alone, could have done it. "Upon my honor," at last got out Miss Chipster, "I thought as much." "Now mark me," said Joseph, "if you like, we will eclipse them in such a way, that they will pause, ere they attempt such fiendish amuse- ment for the future ; we'll put them in the shade." " A penumbra against our umbra, eh, my dear young friend ? ha, ha," demanded Mr. Chipster of his pupil, Rowland. " You must recollect their differences, because in my next lecture to you I may touch upon eclipses." Mr. Bradshaw nodded an " I'll thiuk on." "How are we to do it, Mr. Rigby?" eagerly asked Miss Chipster, at the same time looking upon her papa as if he were merely a provoking creature, and not a papa that would assist an only daughter in a piece of darling, as well as whole-family revenge, but would talk about foolish eclipses instead. " Oh, we'll do it, and that too without a shilling expense." " Oh," exclaimed stout mamma and sylphy daughter, " exquisite, better still." " You have, of course, some young ladies who assist you in your profession — making up your millinery?" "Workers !" looked mother and dear child. "Exactly so." " We have six." "Any beaus?" " Let me see, three of them have, I know, and — " said Miss Chipster, " Oh, and the others have, no doubt, perhaps, too shy to tell ; but catch millinery girls without !" and the mother looked at her daughter, as if she would have said, had there been no company present, " and you know it as well as I." " Well then, this must be the plan ; of course Miss De Chepstow plays ?" said Mr. Styrrup, and did it as if he had forgotten that what was whilom De Chepstow had not only lost the prefix, but had acquired a different declension ; nevertheless it pleased the daughter of the Don, as much as if he had merely called her, what most of her customers did. Miss Chipster. "Oh, excellent," popped in mamma. " Oh, I ask pardon," said the modest descendant of the first name, " only a little, a very little." " Well, but I presume you could get through a set of quadrilles ? and, of course, the young ladies of your establishment could dance a set ?" "Oh, certainly," replied INliss Chipster, "all can do that well." " And would have no objection to come to a party, if you choose to present them with an invite?" " God — " said the mother, and said it that all could easily hear ; ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 263 and though hurried mto this exclamation through the mere question, if a lot of workers would come to a party at the house of the Chipsters, if invited, she had the fortitude to say the predicate to herself, and even then prayed the nominative of the said naughty verb to pardon her for Vfhat she had already done. " Well, thus it is then, the beans and themselves must be most elegantly attired. Any of their number musical?" " Eh 1 oh yes, you know, mamma, Ellen Jones' is," jutted in the youthful Stratus ; " plays the fiddle." " Hold your noise, Stratus," said his sister, a little perplexedly ; for, in truth, this same musical young gentleman, under a gentle pretence of coming after Miss Ellen Jones, the young fore-woman, was slily throw- ing very meaning looks, accompanied with very clumsily drawn sighs, at Miss Chipster herself. However, he could play the violin, though, perhaps, not the fiddle ; oh, heavenly. " Then, now for the arrangement. I have examined the drawing- room windows, and one, I find, exactly faces the Matthews' ; now fill a lot of decanters with sugar and water, or anything to look like wine." " Oh !" interjected the philosopher, thinking of his painting and glass- staining days, and even of some of his chemical experiments, " I can do that in five minutes —imitate any color of wines ; but, my dear young friend, pardon me, if I wish to know the object?" and this was said with proper dignity for the head of a house and a parent. "Certainly," continued the dear young friend, with great seriousness of demeanor. " In the first place, I do not wish this party to cost six- pence, unless so many pence worth of oranges and apples may be called that sum. In the next, I wish to impress your vile opponents — for what else can I designate them ? — with an idea that the expenses must have been ruinous ! whilst, in truth, you could afford such a ball two or three times a week. " Well then ; we certainly must have plenty of light ; the hall lamp ht, and all that ; an extra half-dozen candles in the drawing-room, although you have gas in it ; and then — now we come to it — attend." And they just did. " In the first place, we must have a full quadrille band, as well as an immense number of members in the dance. Now the band can be managed thus, the players must be fixed at that end of the room which the Matthewses can not see into, though, you are sure, they will do their best." " Only get on the roof to have a peep, if they think that by doing so they could effect one." " No doubt ; now the window next to them must have the lower half of the shutters up, and the higher portion open ; and then to make the party appear more numerous, and at the same time to keep the band in full fire, we must manage it in this way — first, say my friend Rowland commences with the piano ; 1 11 play the flute ; the admirer of Miss Ellen Jones the violin ; so the first pianist plays, whilst the young lady gracefully whirls past the hnM-shuttered window, then she comes bang to the piano ; she as quickly fills it ; still rattle goes the instrument, and he — the late player — forms part of the quadrille, and also shows his graceful locks and easy movement at the window. 264 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " Then I do the same, playing the flute until I come to the peep-hole, and then no longer one of the band, but a member of the corjis de quachiUe, of course, dropping my flute as I come near the window. Another description of head ; another distinct action of shoulders present themselves ; past, I resume the flute, keejung up the brilliancy and fullness of the band. So the violin bows away, like the bumpkin on his hurdy-gurdy ; everything is so spirited until he arrives at the window, then douse goes the fiddle— violin, as robbers' lights in thieves' lanterns ; another, and still more beautiful head and shoulders, goes swinging past, and when past, crack goes the rosined hair on the spleni- tive catgut. Now the lady again comes to the well-timed instrument ; the president relinquishes ; she resumes, perhaps steals a kiss ; but away through the merry dance, though the laugh flieth before him ; again he's at the window. Now other young ladies, with their partners respectively ; the flute — miscellaneous — violin ; again the young lady ; perhaps, in the end, the elegant mamma ; ' what stout noble lady can that be?' this from the Matthewses. Now papa, with his brilliant eye and powdered hair : ' heavens ! why there is more company than before V from the fiendish opponents opposite : still bang the band ; still round and round, in merry mazes, whirl its brilliant votaries 1" " Oh, heavens ! I shall die, ere that glad night arrives." " Oh, grand, grand ; mighty, mighty," exclaimed the mamma of the last speaker. Stratus danced round the room, rubbing his little hands between his compressing knees, when The sire of the Chipsters arose, looked -with a bewildering astonishment on his young friend ; first seized his hand, looked again into his face, and so intently too, that Rowland had almost regaled a thought, which asserted that, depend upon it, ]Mr. Chipster is going to recognise, in the handsome stranger, a dear, a cherished, but long lost son. No, not quite that ; indeed he said nothing, but threw himself into, what he called, his savior's arms! embraced, and though with a spasmodic effort, could not withold a pearly tear, which again — no, he has stopped up the outlet Avith his handkerchief — or, no doubt, it would have glistened on that whimpled cheek. He again tried, but uttered nothing, save a slight groan. Rowland himself certainly had from that moment a much higher opinion — great though it was -of his friend's genius for waggery than ever he had entertained before ; indeed he looked upon the whole arrangement as "capital." And so did every one. The next morning, as agreed, they had a rehearsal, but not, as the ingenious reader may creditably imagine, with the half shutter open : and nothing could be more spirited ; oh, success was certain. Only there was one thing which, upon proper reflection, all would see the extreme impropriety of, and that was, that a gentleman of Mr. Chipster' s pretensions, as well as age, should be cognizant of all this. This is what he himself said. Mrs. Chipster was quite right when she used that singular exclamation at the mere mention as to whether the young ladies of the establishment ROWLAND BRADSHAW 265 would honor the family with their company to a hall and oranges, with artificial wines, and no cakes ; the bare hint caused them all to sj^ake : could they come ? what, to revenge themselves on the baljy — young ladies— linen warehouse opposite, those stinking girls ! those dirty Matthewses ! come ? yes, if they had to go a hundred miles, and bring their beaus ; oh, what real, heavenly joy ; a ball, and break the Matthewses girls' flinty, nasty hearts : old big-headed nails, with spikey bodies. Even the two servants, if they behaved themselves, and never gave a hint of the whole affair— when fetching beer or anything— to those filthy servants of the Matthewses, might have some of the Chipsters' finery on, and ere the night was over, might have a turn with the rest ; but if they ever named it, that it was only a mock party, Mrs. Chipster would have their lives, if she had to yield up her own on the highest tree that was ever sown, set, or planted. " Oh, never, never, never," and one of them, an Irish girl, actually drew her finger across her throat and said she wished that might happen to her if she ever did. "Oh," said Miss Chipster, "it would be rather foolish J think to say anything to any one, if this goes well we may," and this was said with a haughtiness that would have dignified the first duchess of her line, " continue them throughout the season ! and I suppose that will make the house a litiJe more lively." The night, the night, the great night is come ! the banquet halls of the Chipster Don from the jet in the front kitchen to the four half-penny candles in the front bed room-windows are brightened, illuminated, clustered with lights ! The company begin to arrive, the knocker is in one state of thunder, already the Matthewses are in a corresponding state of wonder. " What can be to do ? and the shop-shutters closed an hour before the time, devils, they never can afford a party, they have been doing nothing — nothing for these last three weeks; and the old fool of a father wasted a sovereign in trying to make a new scarlet for staining glass the other day." Miss Matthews told this. " And laid out nine shillings in the petrified cockle-shells, and then discovered that the man had been selling a lot in two or three more places, so he threw his away." Miss Jane said this. " Heavens, what lights !" Miss Mary. " Let us go into the front top bed-room, and then we can, may be, see more." Miss Matthews. And the three young ladies, the principals of the baby-linen warehouse, all ran up to the "place suggested by the elder sister of those amiable and neighborly maidens. It is ten when the first brilliant crash of the piano, flute and violin is heard. Not a bright strain that is wafted by gentle Zephyrus, and borne across the street by his numerous, and especially-employed elves, but what caused corresponding depression in the bosoms of the fair listeners in the opposite-shop top story ; still the streams of sweet sounds flowed, and lower and more sudden fell the others' hearts. And now the dance commences, and that too in bewildering numbers 1 It was a ball, a great. 260 ROWLAND BltADSHAW. a glorious ball, with a real, oh, a full band ; there could be no doubt of either, and the whole acted as, we are told, excited amber does, they were electrified, so were the Chipsters, the two sides of the street were in a negative and positive state — what may be the consequences if this extent of field may — should go off at one point ? " Curse yon half shutter, if that were away, we could see something besides their fine locks, tresses, and gold and silver wreaths," of course one of the Matthewses, " And if there is not actually a mob gathering round the front of the shop, well I should think Spinks will be trying to get his butcher's bill if they can afford such work as that — the very d — ! why, there must be actually dozens," another of the family. " Pay their butcher's bill I more fitting to pay for that little monkey's schooling, a forward young chip, that Stratus," Ibid. " Yes, and I'll be bound he'll be dancing, only he's not high enough to be seen over the shutter," as before. " I wonder whether that vulgar, swearing, fat old wretch the mother, will have a twirl before the finish?" same source. " I dont know, but I'll wager my curls, that old Chipster shows the family tree ; he exhibited it to one of their worker's sweethearts, that youth who makes such infernal noises on the fiddle." " One of the workers, eh ? he showed it to their Irish servant girl's mother. I wonder will he have a caper, scandalous, for I know he did not pay the man for grinding his glasses for what he tells everybody, is to be his new refracting telescope!" one of the electrified Miss Matthewses, but we are not positive which. " Refractive telescope ! if he would get his daughter (a fresh set already, my word they're quick,) a husband, and pay his watch and and scavenger bill, it would be more becoming." " Or even for his water !" "His? he has not paid for the shop's yet, although he says that's his daughter's concern." " Pays for nothing." " He will for this work, if one of yon moustachcd gentlemen should forget ISIiss De Chepstow's high descent, and vulgarise her figure, with- out deeming a wedding ring necessary to the purpose." " I wish one would." "So do I." "So do I." " I wish the room would fall in." "So do I." "So do I." '' Not unless old Chipster fell with it, his dawdling fat drab, young minx, and little Strat — and all the rest saved, to prove it was a judgment. Why Jane, why Mary ; nay, it is, as I live— I am sure it is— " "What?" "What?" " Why, that is — ay, there she is again — Ellen Jones, their forewoman, there again." " So it is : I'll swear it." ROWLAND BUADSHAW. 267 " And so will I ; why, and that's Ellen Caudle, their shirt-breast maker, and — oh ! — and is not that the little mucus-nosed trollop who helps Miss Chipster to pull faces at us ?" " I'll swear it." "And so will I." "Devils!" " Fiends !" " Demons ! now let us run down, and trick for trick." And the three Miss Matthewses were as full charged, electrically, as ever were Ley den's vials. NEGATIVE SIDE OF THE STREET. And now for it ; but we need not be in any specific hurry, as three sets have been brilliantly gone through, we therefore cannot wonder that all want a little rest ; a little of the imitative wine, eighths of oranges, and long pulls at some cold water, and bold strokes with their fans ; in short, one of the young ladies said she was red-hot. When thus the lord of the revels. " Well, truly, I never witnessed a more exhilirating scene, certainly the music was, in all respects, unique ; the fantastic-toe department was light and disportive, in few words, all is equal to my admiration with a power of expression which mine lacketh. "But much amusement should ever be accompanied with some instruc- tion, an hour or so devoted to the latter, will be olives to the luscious delights of this evening. We must unyoke even from the car of pleasure, or it will weary in time, even as though hooked to the rude cart of commerce ; wc throw discord into the most sugared strains of harmony, lest their extreme lusciousness may cloy, and dash huge and savage rockeries into the most gentle lawns and sweetly flowered parterres ; fearing too much, even of loveliness, may satiate. The joys of this night would lose half their blandishment, if a little wholesome instruction were not blended with their flooding ecstacies : love must have its pouts, or its genuineness may be doubted ; nay, life itself, would lose its sweet- ness, were it not for its occasional jars : and thus I would throw in the salted olive, the heavy cart, crashing discords, bold-lined rocks, pouts in love, jars through life ; in few, I would instruct, it is the business of the sage ever to be attendant on Pleasure's movements, to cord well her legs when she would fly too high ; to be the ready cork-buoy if she would swim, to catch her waist should she stumble, and, at all times, to be her physician when her head throbs with excess — or her heart with sudden woe. " Now I have not cleared my mind yet, of this difticulty, which subject to give a lecture on ; vt'hetlier on Geology, generally, or in one department ; say mineralogy, with perhaps, a few petrifactions, fossils, or, as I have just completed my drawing, commencing with the coal strata ; nothing like commencing, bottoming your subject, no skimming as Locke hath it — eh my dear young friend and pupil ! (looking at Rowland who was fiiscinating at Miss Chipster,) suppose we trace my section of Billinge hill, you see the whole here beautifully colored, that 268 ROWLAND BRADS HAW. light stratum, my love, is gnesls, no doubt a debris of granite, from which you see grinding stones — grindle stones they call them in that locality, ha, ha, eh, master Rowland ? mowers' whet-stones, very useful mineral you see ; well, shall we, I say, commence with this or either of them, or as I have my model, from actual survey of Stonehenge, built by the Cyclops, a wonderful temple of the Druids, stay, I'll go for my model, as I think after all it will be the most interesting subject ; for intend to show howthcse wonderful masses of grey wacke were hoisted and placed !" and Mr. Chipster went to the other eud of the room andjhvnd the model, though merely intending to take a caudle and look for it, how lucky — now for it. Bat just as this was doing, the eldest born of this child of science gave her mother a double wink, which she translated into, "follow me out of the room, I want to speak to you." Mrs. Chipster did as her daughter had signalled, and so soon as they had got into one of the bed rooms, the young lady of Chepstow started. *' Had ever daughter such an idiot for a father, as the wretch who is just now wishing she had never shared her existence with those who conferred it. I wonder mother you did not stop him before he had got half the way he has on his hobby ass." " I never could get him to catch my eye, cunning devil, or I very soon woidd, did not you see how he avoided my look — stare ?" " Curse on his trumpery, I thought, surely to heaven, we could have had one night to ourselves ; go and call him out, say there is a returned bill?" " Bill ! that would not stop him." " Say there is a docket struck against him, beginning about his infer- nal — there, I can hear him from here, he has got to the specific gravity of his stones, and the angle of incidence of the principal echoes ; Stratus knows the lecture off by heart, such stuff, when he ought to have left the room, and then we all could have had a nice little kiss a-piece. Does he think that would not have been a precious deal more delightful than — (here, now he's got to the south east stone — ' which is of trap is it V a kiss and a cuddle are slightly better than his trap ; for God's sake go and get him out, or provide supper so soon as you like." "Oh, that's what it will come to, they never would have thought of supper if it had not been for him ; be as hungry as wrecked rats after listening to such trash." " As rats 1 ay, after they all had eaten each other up ; did you ever see such a dancer and player as yon young fellow ? father cautioned me about what he termed my heart, before we had gathered more infor- mation as to his hirthy " Birth, t^ie devil, what does it matter whether such a handsome young fellow as yon, was ever born or not ?" " Phit, I would as soon have him without as otherwise, do you think he could play in yon way, and dance ; ah, my God, even an angel with his wings could not be lighter : then the lecturer says we should look as to his fortune ! I wish he would run away with me." " Ay, and so do I, if it cost a quarter's rent to send your father after you in a post-chaise, as if he would catch you, and so urge you on." t^ (/2/u/zj-z^tyL ROWLAND URADSIIAW. 2G9 " Upon my honor, he's already got to his section of BilHnge hill, •whisper him there's an arrest, anJ perhaps he will go through the window, here, stay, you go and make a bowl of whiskey punch, — I'll manage him, there will be no cuddhng else. " If yon splendid fellow would only begin to be a bit impudent with me, it might make yon genius of the fiddle propose ; he's a good deal of tenderness,^ ^ " Tenderness, the devil, come to the point !" " And yet I must look after a fortune ! I wonder, mother, you never had more feeling for me than to let me have such a father, a creature of my feeling, love and sentiment." " Fortune ! that's just what John wants to find out as to yours," said Mrs. Chipster, answering only the first part of her daughter's mishaps. " No doubt, pon my soul he's gliding into his fossil table, make haste with the punch, I'll stop him, or I'll set fire to Billinge hill, Stonehenge, and powder his fossils." Saying which, Miss Chipster again entered the gay ball room, all smiles and fascination ; whilst the mother went to brew a smoking bowl of whiskey toddy, as she said, to take the scientific chill off the poor wretches. Mr. Chipster had finished two lectures, or, at least, two subjects, and was realizing the worst fears of his mild, and now, his more than usually heavenly daughter ; he was, as she asserted, gliding into his third and last lecture. " My dear pa, and I am sure all will pardon a daughters's anxiety to be the bearer of welcome tidings, to an indulgent, fond, and talented parent ; I know the great pleasure of which I must be the involuntary check, in stopping these instructive subjects : but sir, after a pardon for the interruption, there is a deputation below, to wait upon you, sir, and to beg (oh, my palpitating heart, be still !) that you will accept the pre- sidency of the Royal Scientific Institution." "What!" said the really astounded Chipster, dropping a handful of ammonites, some serpent stone, fossils and an amber cerambyx as this news fell upon his ear, and his seraph-like daughter upon his breast. There was a sudden change in the scene. The geologist however, conducted himself with proper philosophic composure, and affected to treat the thing as an event that his friends had long expected ; but to which, he was as indifferent, as the aged remains of the once living things before him. He retired, but would, by no means, allow his daughter to be longer absent from the room from which, already, her transitory stay had caused such an intense suffering to all present. And now enters the huge bowl of unexpected — which was evidently making the thing more delightful, and the evening's joy more uncom- prising and less delible — smoking punch ! and with it, the mamrna of Stratus, and though great her triumph in being the lady of the president elect, yet she would not admit of one word in congratulation. The punch, though only very slightly sipped by the ladies, was soon drunk ; and then enters once more, the great descendant of De Chepstow. He is seated. 270 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. And bang goes the band, and away twirl the mazy devotees in grace- ful and wild meauderings, the whole in the very spirit of the plan ; Miss Chipster and Rowland presiding at the melodious instrument each time that the dance brought them to it, the fiddle and violin dropping their dulcet strains so often as their professors came to the well crowded window, and resuming them so soon as they were past ; and soon again Mr. Chipster withdrew, soon the punch began to exhilirate, and now the kissing and waist-squeezing commence. And then the band ceased for a bit, and so Frohc insisted upon each young lady being mercilessly dragged upon each young gentleman's knee. And who has not seen a picture of the Rape of the poor Sabines. Those who have, may faintly conceive the struggles of the workers as well as Miss Chipster herself, to prevent the desperate attacks of these Anglo-Romans. And again goes the band, and of course we know what would go v. ith it, and whilst they are all going it, we must step to the POSITIVE SIDE OF THE STREET. " There is Chipster s' servant girl going with a jug, that will be for supper ale, she's got the mutton pies and cold beef, and they boiled a ham yesterday ; send Biddy, here Biddy." "Yes marm." " Go and fetch some ale from the same place as Chipster' s girl does, now mark, go and chat with her a while at the bar-counter, tell her you are going to leave us, call us a lot of niggardly, stingy old cats, or any- thing you can invent ; treat her with a glass of rum." "Grain whiskey would be better marm, made hot, as sJies Irish." " Well, with sugar in, or anything you like ; and then, now mind, on your life, get all out of her about this party — here's a shilling Biddy." "It's done marm, only let me call you enough, and I'll get all out." "Anything you like Biddy, but don't let anyone else hear you." Well Biddy did as she was desired, and at last after calling her mistresses she- dragons, and spending nine pence of the shilling, she fully succeeded, and told the Miss Matthewses everything ; and that even the servant herself was going to have a kick up after supper 1 The other girl was in dressing then, all to make the party larger, and pierce the heai"ts of the Matthewses. " Do you think they will fetch any more beer ?" " Sure marm when they get hot." " Now, Biddy, come this way, and if ever you aspired to the wish of obtaining your mistress's gratitude, you will, if it be practicable, put this plan in force. In the first place, go to some druggists, the further off the better, at all events, where there is no chance of being known ; buy two ounces — give 'em enough, the druggist will tell you which is the speediest cathartic, whatever it is, and what the price ; buy enough for eighteen ! away, there's a dear Biddy, only mind and slip it into their beer, and heaven reward you !" And the faithful girl did as she was rccpured, only she got enough for thirty. ROWLAND BUADSHAW. 271 And the Miss Matthewses and Miss Jane made a personal survey of the back of the Chipsters' premises, to see if the work-room was in pre- paring for supper ; and also for another purpose which will meet the reader's eye at the right time. And so now we will accompany the Miss Matthewses to the NEGATIVE SIDE. The toddy and the little salutes having acted amazingly, nothing could be more loving than the whole party — nothing ever more brilhant more giddy and whirly with dehght ; Mr, Styrrup and his coadjutor actually looked splendidly, loving and exhilaratish ; Miss Chipster still played and waltzed, they have been at those some time in all their luxury. The other young ladies who might be said to have got over their enter- ing bashfulness, and the late scientific chill, formed, at least, the hand- maidens to Delight herself. For so bewildering were their pleasures, that they felt as children do after turning round thirty-two times. And now is commenced SUPPER. Mr. Styrrup, (Rigby,) was honored with the arm of the hostess Madame De Chepstow, his friend Sir Rowland, (so the host called him) with that of the youthful Agnes De Chepstow ; the violinist with the red-sashed forewoman, Ellen Jones. Several workers, that is at work-hours, but young ladies now with their respective partners in the dance. Lastly, Don De Chepstow with the fair-haired Stratus, arm in arm, burlesquing the others' solemnity of walk. The ladies all stand on one side the laden board. The gentlemen on the other ; they bow ; the ladies curtsy ; the host honors one end of the sumptuous table ; the partner of his worldly greatness, the other ; and then all are seated. Everything is delightful. Delicious, finely-seasoned, exquisite paste ; what an admirable hostess ! what trouble they must have given her ; no, no — should like such trouble every night, and they could doat on such parties. How delicate the fat ; how rich the lean ; never tasted such gravy in pies before ; how superior to veal, or goose, or pork, or turkey, or chicken, or snig, pie. Roars of silvery laughter. Talking of eel-pie, the host will give them a slight sketch of the wonderful properties of the electrical eel ; or, perhaps, the history of the great sea-serpent ; or — " Or, my dear, will you give us some account as to your reception of the late scientific deputation ?" The philosopher lifted his eyes, met those of the being at the other end of the table, saw that they looked as if they could very easily kindle the table on which all supped ; and then his daughter's again appeared as if, though they could shed copious streams, they were not exactly certain whether they could let enough fixll to drench the conflagration, should it once fairly get a-head. 272 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. The lecture was still-born. But again the Sage looked as if he was resolved — his lady, however, glared at him — as if he would pop in a nice little anecdote or two, even if he had to finish them in the ball-room ; the one that the entire party proceeds to, as the guests now have sumptuously regaled. Before the resumption of dancing howevei", Mr. Styrrup called the hospitable hostess to one side, and there slightly admonished that worthy woman for the extravagance of the toddy and suj)per ; extra- vagant, because it was in every way at variance with the arrangement — a mock ball. She admitted the force of her guest's remarks, but said they could not do less, after the lecture. " Well, since I was the great cause of the whole," continued Mr. Styrrup, " I must insist on being part of the expenses." Another such remark, and the hostess would really, whatever she might feel, however much respected her guest, and she was bound to say her respect was great, still, if he persisted, she could never speak to him more. " At all events then, if we are to have something besides the wines of Mr. Chipster's vintages, let us have something frolicky. Now in crack parties in our neighborhood, we seldom, in merry nights like this, bring anything else but jorums of hot, spiced ale, with a dash of rum in it or so ; that's the stuff, my dear madam, for making us keep it up ; that will be very little expense." "The very thing ; I'll brew you some prime beverage in that way, only keep it up, for I must speak plainly, you nasty Matthewses girls have been watching, actually sent their servant girl after ours to pump ; 1 found her out, for ours stayed so long in fetching beer, and I smelled her breath, and then it came out she had been with those wretches' servant ; so do keep it up, and I'll do the brevdng, you'll see." The party separated itself into those little knots which are so usual, after heartily eating and dancing, before it resumes the gaities of the night. Miss Chipster, and one or two more young ladies, had retired, for a few minutes, to her bed-room, probably to adjust their ringlets, wreathes, bouquets, and the like. Mrs. Chipster, as we have seen, was gone into the culinary department, for the purpose of providing new comforts for the rest of the night, when in came, running, the youthful Stratus, nearly jumping down the last flight of stairs, calling out as he entered, " Ma, ma, ma, yon's father got to his fossil table, oh dear ! and is already telling them about the nautili having air chambers, so that they could rise and sink. He's already got to the siphuncle, and next he says he shall tell how it acted in the animal's heart, and — and sister's up stairs — and — " " I'll run a knife into his, if he will be resolved to break all ours in this way," and away scampered the very, very stout mamma of poor Stratus, arrived at the table ; her husband saw her, and just as if he had done nothing of the kind said, " but now for the merry dance, whilst I go and see what is enacted below." And again, and again the winding dance renews it's pleasing vortices, gaining strength and animation, even with the wasting hours. ROWLAND BRADS HAW. 273 And now arrive, witli gracious smiles and welcoming faces, host and hostess — each with a large tankard of more than heavenly libations, though drunk with exceeding joy. This was a rich draught that the revels' donators must be pledged in, and soon the flowing tankards were drained, only to be again refilled. This adds brightness to the music, and more agility to the wantoning waltz. Twice more are the welcome vases brought, and as nobly quaffed. And now enter even the servant maids, neatly and appropriately attired. This is the signal for country dancing, or — as the last introduced ladies are not conversant with any other figure, save hands across and down the middle — three-handed reels and single steps. Again bowls of the flowing bliss. And, with much entreaty, the great geologist and general sage joins in the giddy throng ; and though a little stiff at first, he soon, as greatness ever must, distinguished himself. Surely Joy had found his abode ; Joy, too, without the freezing philo- sophy of the great De Chepstow — of pouts in love — discords in music — jars in life ; no, here was bright-faced, laughter- eyed Joy — springing, bounding, prancing Joy ; hurling down and dancing upon distrust and the other vile things, which, our reasoner says, give him whets, refine his edge, and make him more lasting. lie warms the breast of his male votaries, and kisses, with rosy lips, the bosoms and glowing cheeks of his maidens. But, ha ! why has the stoutest and merriest in his train, so suddenly left the glittering throng, just as she should have gone down the middle with her springing partner ? Her absence cannot be lasting, for see he joins hands across with no one to balance the quartette. Again it is his turn to go up the middle — see, he does it alone. Why, look — and now Miss Chipster rushes out of the room! Behold her parent's wandering eye ; her lover's look forlorn, for some still dance, whilst others fly. Tliis to Joy's foot is surely the thorn. Stop the music — what charm hath done this ? or has Frolic become too disportive for the dance. Hath Joy some other charm in store ? For not a lady have we now to bless our hopes ; all, all, are fled ! Save the two who entered last — and they waltz not, but wonder and look, but still wonder ; and, now, he of the violin makes speedy his strange departure. Now the great Don. Even the last of the last two ladies. The eldest of the strangers, Mr. Styrrup ; Stratus has got the start — what crash is that ? both are down at the stair-foot. And last of all, see Rowland flies ; lights ! Hghts ! there are none — and he too adds to the slain at the stairs' base. They rise, they fly, and make the yard — rush to the corner, and then wonder ; now decency stays their flight — the ladies are before them. We have spoken for some time of the fearfully electrical state of the atmospliere, the extent of side in negative and positive position ; our worst dreads are fearfully in rcaliza'ui.m. For surely there is thunder 18 274 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. enough ; nay, t seems to laugh again in its fierceness. They twist and dance — not to the merry orchestra, hut to some inherent fear. They writhe and wish they had wings to fly over the yard wall. Still the wild laugh ; 'tis the fiends of the storm — those Matthewses ; their laugh is known — 'tis borne with the thunder's blast, over cuUet-crowned partition ; and now, in rattling torrents, come huge bucket-fulls of ungenerous fluid — the worst of storms ; thunder and polluted rain, with imp yells, and not a watchman near. But what voice is that ? mighty as the thunder, piercing, as jealous screams, continuous as the fetid fluid, that again, and again, comes drenching over. 'Tis the revenge shout of Agnes De Chepstow, for she 6aid she could contain herself no longer. Then did her sire, Chepstow Magno, put his hands on the golden — though slightly bilge-watered — locks of the noble Stratus, blessed him, and said, " live, my child, to revenge the dastardly and disgusting insult, or else, my prayer is, that thou, even thou, my son, mayst be the last, last, of the great line of Chipsterii De Chepstow." " Desolate are thy walls, De Chepstow Don, What strange events doth call thy guests away ? See, two by two they run — now three, last one, And make so lonely — what was late so gay." And this unhappy scene, with the doggerel, was the beginning of those devastating strifes known as the wars of the Caps and Frills. CHAPTER XLIII. OUR OLD FRIEND MR. GIBBON ARRIVES. We must again carry the reader to the worthy Mr. Broud's office, and as elsewhere we may have been supposed to have been a little behind with him, we shall now endeavour to go a something before ; that is, give him more information respecting our pair of adventurers, than it is even likely they know of themselves. The gentlemen, whom he must be prepared to meet, are the broker and the Styrrup's family attorney — that is, for parliamentary aflairs and all great law points — Mr. Gibbon, he we met at Frescoth. " And you think, Mr. Gibbon, that will be the best course, for this whimmish young man, to write to the Secretary of State ?" " No, no, I'll do that ; boldly telling his right-honorableship, that he will be ready, if there should be an indictment preferred against him at the forthcoming assizes, and prepared to meet him ; but in the mean- time, it is absurd for the Secretary to off'er a large sum for his ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 275 apprehension, as there is no doubt, whatever, but his coadjutor, Lord Wandly, knows where to put his hand upon him at any time. That if the reward be not withdrawn, Styrrup will let one of his attorney's clerks claim it, by taking him before a magistrate. And now comes the hitch — that Lord "Wandly knoweth quite well what was the real object of his journey that evening ; it was not to make speeches, or to be at such absurd meetings at all ; nay, and in the speech that he uttered, there was not a word against the Queen or her government, not even against Lord Wandly as a minister of the crown, but against him as a neighboring landlord, and as a bad, designing man, in private and country life. That mil be found to be the animus ; as, beside my own opinion, I am well advised upon it. No, the real object of Mr. Styrrup's journey, was to meet, at a given place, the youth who is now with him. and who had been confined — I believe with the lad's own consent— at his lordship's paver and factotum's, a Mr. Pryet. Here he remained under certain promises, and here," continued Mr. Gibbon, in his arch way, "I think I shall be too many for them." And then Mr. Gibbon pulled up his breeches, an act that he was wont to do whenever he thought he had been more than ordinarily shrewd. " Lord Wandly will cause so feeble an indictment when he hears this, that it is sure to be ignored. " I think, though it has cost me a host of labor, and a continental trip or two for my principal clerk, that I shall be able to trace the whole of this youth's abduction to one of her Majesty's advisers." " Ah, I am happy to hear all this," said Mr. Broud, " I must also confess, that I have heard a something to the same effect, in the neighborhood of Fleigh last week ; I sincerely trust you may succeed ; but still I cannot, for the soul of me, see what motive Wandly could have had in causing the youth's retreat, for in a conversation that I had with him and Joseph yesterday— though, I must say, he seems singu- larly reserved on the subject — he does not appear to be able to assign the remotest reason why he should have been detained ; upon his parole, of course, treated with every earthly attention ; had books, and every means of improving or amusing himself. The whole appears wonderful to me." " Ay, ay, and I was similarly puzzled, until within these two days ; the stream of events is still somewhat muddled ; and though we cannot see, with much distinctness, either the reflections on its breast, or the many colored pebbles on its bed, yet patience and fine weather, and both will shine out. A pair of pistols, which are now in my hands, and a little evidence thereon, have wonderfully helped as to a subsidence. We shall begin to see the bottom by and by. One thing, 1 think, we may calculate upon, when I intimate, which I shall to Wandly, that the meeting and releasing of this poor boy, was the sole object of this night trip between young Styrrup and this youth's fellow-apprentice, one Bryant Gow ; Joseph may go and bless his father's eyes again. Indeed, whether he goes to bless them or not, the elder gentleman's must have something done to them, for they were gone very red and sore ever since this mischance befell his son ; in short, I have brought him with me, and have him at an inn close by, as he says he would 276 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. prefer a prison, with his poor boy Joe, than to be absent from him anj longer; and as he is now S/itisfied that — let the home secretary pursue the thing as he likes — it must all end as does that portion of a gas-light which escapes burning, he is resolute as to his coming forward at once ; or, at all events, to end the trumpery of an offer for his apprehension." "Poor old gentleman, between ourselves, Mr. Gibbon, I think that this only son of his would rather be here, in a sort of secrecy and puny refugeeism, than otherwise ; ha, ha, this I know, that he is leading the happiest life he has ever known, so he says." " Life ! ha, ha, he has written no less than a hundred sheets of it, sent carefully and solemnly every day for his sire's improvement, and the elder Styrrup says, it is of no use, he cannot possibly keep away from such happiness any longer. But, also, between ourselves, his great object in coming hither is to induce him— if we both can, for I am retained on the same side — to fix his attentions seriously on marriage; I believe he has hitherto never given the subject a moment's considera- tion, but should he do so now, IMr. Broud, some young lady, I can personally assure her, would not be unfortunate in such a husband — a hundred thousand down — eh, Mr. Broud?" And Mr. Gibbon gave rather a sort of arch look at the broker, for the reader must know that this was one part of the Gibbon commission. As Mr. Broud had three very amiable and highly-educated daughters, not in a drawing-room or boarding-school sense of the term, but in the proper one, and though, perhaps, he could not, or would not, put down a fourth of what the elder Styrrup was willing to settle, still all his friends thought, for many reasons which are not necessary to mention here, that no match could be more eligible, than that which might be effected between the families. jNIr. Broud quite agreed with Mr. Gibbon, but said no more upon the matrimonial part of the subject, but, at once, expressed a strong desire to see the old gentleman, wlio was so fretful at the absence of his graceless son. They soon agreed to pay the elder Styrrup a visit, and, for that purpose, left the office. Not, however, before the broker asking, most earnestly of the attorney, what was, what could be the reason of Lord Wandly's singular interference with the youthful Rowland ? "unprotected, and a stranger, or nearly so, I believe — is he not?" asked Mr. Broud. "Yes," said the lawyer, a little considerately ; "yes, but I will hint to you one thing, I suppose you have heard of this boy's mother ?" "A great deal." "And that she is still one of the handsomest women in the world?" " So I am told that it scarcely admits of a doubt." " Well, this much I may, I think, surely say to you, that Lord "Wandly has labored under an irresistible, continuous, growing passion, ever since he was in his nineteenth year. He met with her on the continent, she, at the time, being two years younger than himself; fell hopelessly in love with her — so my information goes — without first ascertaining whether the lady's heart was free ; it was not, but engaged to another, and — but this is getting into the dark part of it, and perhaps for us, the dangerous part — for on this being proved— that is, what ROWLAND BUADSTIAW. 277 immediately followed — the marriage of his rival with the lady, whom he was thus bereaved of — involves his lordshijj in a calamity, that — God forbid any of us should ever fall into." " I have also heard something of this singular story, but little thought that the youth, who dined with me yesterday, was in any way connected •with that singular and, if true, awful transaction," " Well, we had better not prejudice ; what we have now to attend to, decidedly is, to get Styrrup out of this vulgar hobble." " Humph ! bless me," continued the other, as if still musing at what Mr. Gibbon had unfolded to him, "and I did not tell you, I think, he was engaged to assist in the decoration of our new hall here." "The youth Bradshaw?" " Yes, he has been examined before the principal artist engaged in the execution of the Frescos ; and he has told me, in private, that already his attainments are wonderful." Mr. Gibbon snapped his fingers at this. " Ha, ha," commenced he, " I must think that youngster on ; he was to have painted my portrait ; Rowbottom always said he would be the man, and, upon my honor, this delights me." And the old man cracked his digits once more. And we, perhaps, may tell the reader why. It will, probably, be recollected, that at the great Frescoth demonstration, Rowland was one of the most vehement of the great orator's admirers ; flattery is not easily forgotten, or even approval, which was so in this case. And Mr. Gibbon was glad to find that his great admirer of that day, was now so distinguished a student, as he had just been informed he was. There is another fact, in this last introduction, of the great advocate of petit session, which, doubtless, the judicious reader will discover, and that is the singular improvement made, by this great master in the forensic school, in his pronunciation. He must be told then, that after the effective display at Frescoth, and two or three other places, for as the Frescoth, as often happens, was the rife precursor to lots of similar business, every little place, if at all prosperous, must have its local riots, and, if possible, on as grand a scale as those of the fortunate town of Frescoth ; and, in all cases, they must have the same popular advocate, who, as we have seen, was &o singularly fortunate at Frescoth — their success being so great, and Mr. Gibbon finding that he could not get martyred, was advised, and became resolved to find his way into the House of Commons. For this purpose, we need not wonder if he was most anxious to scrape off the little corrosion that had crept upon his style, as well as his orthoepy ; and though it was not quite so good as the specimen we have furnished to the reader, in his recent conversation vrith Mr. Broud, yet it was so much improved, that in fairness, we did not like to be too nice, and so applied an e or so, instead of this sort of an abbrevi:i,tion — ■ th' for the, and the like. IS'o doubt, many will think, quite as littk ai we could do. Having said this, we shall leave them to their errand — that of gr)ing to visit the good father of — we think — not an over bad young mau — maugre the Chipster business— Mr. Joseph Styrrup, CIIAITER XLIV. rowland''s attainments tested. Higli and proud were the hopes of Rowland, when his drawing was accepted ; well had the course of his studies been directed, and well were they tested, for they were put through that simple trial of drawing the human figure, in naked out-line, and first line too ; for the master of these designs and stately decorations, although an Englishman, had just traversed the most severe of the German schools ; he was severe before, he might now be fairly considered stern. For though the designs were various and vast, the time, also, short for their completion ; the offers of assistance numerous, yet all he had were a young German and Rowland — of course, with minor hands ; to each of whom he had promised, that should they satisfy him in the course of their labors, he would, as a finish and future incentive, allow them each a separate com- partment, under his guidance, of course, as he was bound to the public, but each to try for the mastery — that is, in a pupil and artist-like manner. The subjects to be historical, and to be treated in the way of the highest art. This was, in every way, gratifying to the ardent and emulative spirit of Rowland, and he pursued a course so opposite to our notions of future greatness, that a somewhat detailed account of his career, at this critical period of his life, may not be unacceptable, at least to the student. In the first place ^e must relate — that so soon as Mr. Gibbon had finished, for the time, his communications, he, with the worthy, and perhaps over fond papa of Mr. Joseph Styrrup, waited upon our friends. The meeting between the old gentleman and young one of the name of Styrrup, was as tender as that between the great advocate of Frescoth and his young friend, whom he now again joyfully claimed, was grand. The advocate soon drew his young protege— for he intended to give him a commission, at least, for his portrait — to another end of the large coffee-room, in which the Styrrups were in the mutual interchanges and welcomes. So soon as he had done so, after as minute an enquiry into the youth's affairs as he thought would not be deemed offensive or painful, he gradationally crept into those of their mutual friend, Joseph Styrrup, and thus Mr. Gibbon essayed. " Now that you are appointed to this highly honorable employment assisting so great a master, as I hear this Mr. Donne is, in so great an undertaking as that of the mural painting, and in the good old severe school of fresco too, might 1 ask a favor, and if granted, offer a word of advice?" " Save one man, I do not know any gentleman living in which I should feel so much honored, and receive with so great confidence, in its truthfulness and use, as I would the advice of my much honored friend, Mr. Gibbon. As to any favor that I can grant, but, alas I I have nothing within my power, if I had, I would also say, to one whom I have reason to know wishes me so well as yourself, sir, ask and have." ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 279 " Thank you, my dear boy," said the advocate, catching Rowland's hand with both of his own, and squeezing it most affectionately, " thank you ; and thus it is : I am sure you are as deeply wishful for the happi- ness of your friend, the younger Styrrup, as either I or his father. Now I have it from one or two, that he is so wedded to your society, that he would give, nay, has given up, or rather avoided the acquaint- ance and connections of a very amiable and wealthy family of this town, one, too, chiefly of young ladies, and where the most fortuitous associa- tions might have arisen, and which have been looked up to by his father ; but from an over-weening determination to what he calls * seeing more life,' and again I must repeat it, my dear young friend, your society. His father has shewn me some of his letters, in which he seems to think and write of little else. " Now his father is just as proud of his distinguished acquaintance, as he himself, and nothing could be more agreeable to all parties ; but to come to it at once ; he is most anxious for his son to marry, to marry, too, one of his broker's daughters, Mr. Broud's ; as I have said, this is not likely to happen, unless — and I\Ir. Gibbon again looked at Rowland — you will give us some of your assistance." " Again permit me to say, only show me the way, and I shall be too glad." " I am sure of it, my dear boy. "Well, your present engagement — and now I am, perhaps, coming to the advice— first, will require — that is, if you take advantage of so glorious an opportunity, as I know you will do— every second of your time ; I should therefore recommend you to take as quiet a lodging as possible, for I have studied in my life, and know the fearful danger of being near such temptation, as that hourly offered in so vast and proverbially gay town as this. I would, therefore, select one some distance from town ; thus you will be com- pelled to leave it somewhat before its witcheries, at your time of life, come on. There is no study without seclusion and quietness ; no quiet- ness, if not free from temptation ; and without this, and all these, no GREATNESS. Thus, although no one, I am sure, loves you better than Joseph, you must, for a time, resign him, or yourself to oblivion." " My dear friend, Mr. Gibbon," said Rowland, with a smile," all this is perfectly agreed upon between us. The instant I received my appoint- ment, so satisfied was I, and in justice to him, so was he, though I feel honored by stating, feelingly, and with some reluctance, that we at once agreed to part, at least, until the completion of those duties which I have had the good fortune to be engaged upon." " Bravo, bravo ; fine lads ; from you it is no more than I expected ; but, certes, Joseph, Joseph," and then the old lawyer shook his head a little, " spoiled, spoiled boy. I told his father, as we camo hither, he was, whilst with you, in better hands than he presently would be ; of course, I meant those of his father. But, however, this will be glorious news for him ; you will dine with us, and then we will chat further as to your plans and prospects. I must have my portrait painted too ; Rowbottom always said you should do it ; of course, it cannot be done now, but shall expect you to commence so soon as your engagements have ceased at this grand hall." 280 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " Oh, if you will permit me, after dinner, I will take sketches of both you and Mr. Styrrup. I do not know exactly what will be my duties, but Mr. Donne has already desired me to get some good studies ; now yours will make an excellent one for a subject that, probably, I may have a chance of treating, if so, I should be most happy to introduce you," concluded Rowland, smiling. " Ra, ha, rather bold on my part, would it not, to expect to be handed down in fresco, and that too in a great public work, eh?" and Mr. Gibbon looked as though he had made an objection to being thus transmitted to posterity, which he hoped the young artist would not entertain. And so it turned out, Rowland slily observing that most obviously he had a right to select such models as he deemed the best, and concluded by saying nothing could be grander, for a stern old English Baron, than the gentleman with the objection. Mr. Gibbon was in every way delighted, so left Rowland and the younger Styrrup to confer, console, and congratulate each other. " Now," continued the family adviser of the Styrrups to its eldest member, " take Broud at his word ; let Joe make a part of the party for Scotland; he'll soon learn how to court when he's amongst the romantic hills, and let 'em be enough together in that love-making country : nothing like a tour. Mind and don't meddle, Styrrup, for you see Joe's no fool in the selection of a friend, for I know Rowbottom •was fond of him, and, if I mistake not, one a little greater still, has honored him with his acquaintance : well then, let him alone for choosing an amiable, and even talented woman for his wife. If it be right to judge a man by the tone of his acquaintance, then I must say, Joe has beaten both his daddy and my only daughter in that respect ; stay, they are coming this way ; a glorious youth, certainly, is that Rowland. I say, Styrrup : it will come better from you ; for mind you, although he looks so serious and interesting, he seems like one who could laugh at you, without opening his lips ; so just ask him whether he doesn't think I'm uncommonly improved in my pronunciation, style, you know what I mean ? and so on ; because if I should succeed in obtaining a seat, you know it will not do to be sniggled at in the House of Commons ; damned fool as I was not to begin twenty years since ; just pump him, Joe." " Well then, yo go and give poor Joseph a bit of good advice, whilst I do it : tell him it's sinful to lave me for more than a day at once, or half a day, or so ; tell him it would not matter so much if I had half-a- dozen grand children, or so ; tell him I have great anxiety." " Oh, don't be a damned ninny ; what must be your anxiety — an only son indeed — towards a man in his seventieth year, being afraid of being laughed at in the British senate ; anxiety the devil." CHAPTER XLV. ME. ROWBOTTOM WRITKS TO ROWLAND. After dinner Rowland made accurate drawings of the two elder gentlemen, Mr. Gibbon })romising that should the artist be fortunate enough in being permitted a design of his own, that he would gladly come to sit for the study. Mr. Styrrup could not do that ; but it was not of paramount consequence, Rowland merely intending him for an nuxilliary figure. The next morning the two young friends parted ; and though they re-laughed over and over again the whole of the De Chepstow party, as well as several other scenes which have not met with a record in these memoirs, still as the hour drew nigh for the final farewell, although but for a few months, with mutual promises of corres- pondence, short letters from Rowland, and long diaries from Joseph, still both were very painfully affected. And so were the two old men, for each had to watch well their respective hobbies. The elder Styrrup did give the lawyer the final parting shake, and ditferent advices as to his affairs, in the event of his not coming back — his will, and so on — until he gave a most positive one, and this by the wish of his beloved son, too, which was briefly, but as we have said positively, to see that Rowland " wanted for nothing." And now we commence the career for which our hero seems born, what are mistakingly called the fine arts and literature, but which mean the stern arts ; for nothing requires such a range of labor and study, and, of course, nothing has met with more indifference, if not contempt, in England, unless in a few savory instances. We have seen this subject hinted at in the early part of these papers by Mr. Wildingair ; but as he treated the subject in too flippant a manner, for one of such grave, and, it is to be hoped, of all engrossing importance, we shall not trouble the reader with an apology, if we once more draw his attention to it, and that in a more serious tone than the one assumed by the gentleman we have named ; and this too in a letter from our long-absent friend — Mr. Rowbottom, to our bereaved hero ; and singularly enough it was put into his hands in two hours after Mr. Styrrup' s departure for the tour. Munich, &c., &c. My very dear Rov.'land, It was with delight, such as I think I never before felt, that I heard of your appearance on the great boards, upon which I hope }our solitary lesson will enable you to walk like a man. Our friend, Joseph Styrrup, has written me a wonderful history ; wonderful indeed ! and yet I don't know, but I always had some feeling in that direction ; but of that when I return to England. I left it through its vices ; or, perhaps, my own ; so let not my first communica- tion to you have an unpleasant commencement ; no, since Joe tells of 282 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. your extraordinary advancement in your art, of art we'll talk, and of it, at least for England, I wish we could sing ; but before we enter it at large, I know you will be glad to hear a word or two of myself. No doubt you have, with others, heard that I was reading for the bar ; I certainly did commence, and am now with one of its most distinguished members ; and as I have beforetime taken my feeds ; in other words, eaten my terms, why I may, though as I now feel, I will not positively say, mount the stuff and horse-hair. But to be fair with you ; I have seen more of its professors than meet my views with all, and every day makes me more thankful that I am independent of the bar, as a walk for daily bread : no, as you are aware, I served three years in what was termed a first-rate law firm, a partnership of three attorneys, and though they had a wonderful name for " the first respectabiUty," I saw things done there that have had their weight with me. I was young, and, of course, thought all this was through narrowed educations, and, perhaps, their heads being of too mercantile a cast. The bar then, thought I, will afford a rational, an honorable, an educated contrast ; that the nearer the fountain whence the law springs, the purer and deeper its streams. It is true, they are, but I had some time since occasion to alter my aspirations respecting that ponderous body, and now that I would once more renew my affections for it, I am satisfied. The bar of England, as too many of her higher institutions are, is in a contemptible state, learnedly, or honorably speaking. The gentleman whom I followed to Marseilles, for the purpose of renewing my studies, is, undoubtedly, one of the very best men, as well as the most honorable, that is, in his profession — they are all pretty well out of it — which England has, for some time, produced. He is living in the south of France to re-enervate a constitution that has been shattered by excess of employment ; and in consequence of his being here during the long vacation, I have been introduced to a great number of the shoals who journey hither at such times ; and from all the specimens which have been sent over to illustrate England's greatness in her law men, that have come within my range, I must say, a more twisting, twaddling, ignorant lot — for what is fondly called in England, liberally educated — I never met with. Good powers ! and yet these men, so humble in the place I now sit, precede, on their own clod, almost everything, if not all things, certainly the attorneys, who are, doubtless, the huge banditti who lay people under the most fearful exactions, if not actual bondage. Now the object of this letter will be to endeavour at a consideration of this state of things at home, and to see if it will not have immediate reference to your studies and career, and with most of the rising young men of England. Many men have thought that by attacking and chopping at the fearfully out-spreading boughs of our bon-upas tree — the law, they would, at least, lessen its widening and pestiferous shadow ; or, by sufficient cropping, improve its fruit ; if not, they might, in a moderate length of time, wear it out, and at last premise, if not actually succeed in its death. Tut, it would not be sufficient even to begin at the roots. It is the soil that will allow, if not actually propagate, these monstrous fungi, with which wc must commence. And thus it will be, its over ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 283 richness, depth of humus, and strength of mould, are its ruin, and will be so, if not better husbandmen, than the modern Englishmen, who now govern, can be found. England then is, with all her wealth and glory, the most unlettered in art, if not in science, in Europe — that is, her higher orders. The most uneducated, and, consequently, barbarous, her lower. Her middle may be said to be respectable, but are so deficient in practical science, and that most humanizing, and scale-advancing of all, a liberal knowledge of art. And the whole degraded by the abominable and barbarous preference it has ever given to its students and professors in the trades of war, statesmenery, the law, and the church, with something of physic, all other professions being, by proscript, vagabondish, viz., literature ; the arts, the finer the worse ; the sickly drama, and those who dare risk it ; music ; and yet I think I shall show, before I have done, that it is by these last, and by these only, the soil of Great Britain is to be summer-worked and marled, sweetened, and impervined to the growth of the thistle-armed soldier, the toad-stool of the three courts, even though for banco sittings ; or, the ivy of our old stone church— modern divines. Here I now sit with five legal gentlemen, and one divine — English, with three Bavarian students, one from Dresden, and two from England ; four of them painters, and two, I believe, sculptors ; of course, discourses and arguments of the shop, in all cases, are inadmis- sible ; and, oh shame ! can there be a relative to a blush ? If there be, select me the humblest, though it may be the reddest and I'll wear it, even so long as I writhe where the others sit. And because you are young, and much of prejudice to conquer, I will relate a scene I witnessed on our own circuit, in which the principal barrister of my improving acquaintance here ; crossed, which you know, is called, in the news papers, counter or cross-examining the opposing evidence, and which, whether to show the exeeding skill of counsel, or to elicit the truth, is always expected to be exceedingly amusing, its being less or more so, is the lessening or moring of the edifying news paper report which follows ; ending of course with "shovits of laughter." The witness in this case, was a mild, and remarkably studious looking young man, a respectable clerk in an immense manufactory, and who, when his testimony was given, which he did with great propriety and succinctness, and no doubt honestly in favor of his employers ; seemed to be awfully m dread of the rising counsel — my eye was upon him, and from the wandering of his, and tortion of his body, I feared the exposure of some positive shame, if not great crime, probably in early youth. The counsel basilisked him for about five minutes, that is, looked at him for that time, and, of course, deprived him of all volition, as does the faithful statuary, but gives increased expression. After a non-success of about fifteen minutes, to make him admit that all he had sworn in favor of his employer's affairs was an infamous tissue of falsehoods ; he commenced as to the young man's own affairs in this way. Learned Sergeant and brother, in etiquette, that is to the court; "pray sir, compose yourself, for now, since you appear to be so skilled in the 284 ROWLAND BRADSriAW. affairs of those whose bread you eat, let us have a word with you as to those of your own, (breathless silence so the papers told us next morn- ing,) is it true sir, that you are a great poet?" Prisoner at the bar — Poh, I mean Witness in the box, " I sir." Learned counsel — "Yes you sir, do you think I was asking the question of any of my learned brethren here — the jury, or those gentle- men with javelins in their hands." (yells of merriment hi which the judge himself heartily joined.) Ibid. Witness — " N — o sir." Counsel — " Then answer my question, have you been writing some poetry?" Witness — "A— a httle sir." Counsel — " Do you consider it great — good sir." Witness — " I may have thought so, sir." Counsel — "Come sir, no quibbling, you will find I am not to be trifled with, I will keep you there as an object of much interest, at least, for every lady in yon gallery, until you are explicit — do you think your poetry comes under the denomination I have ventured to give expression to?" Witness — " I may, perhaps, ye — s sir." Counsel — " Then sir, why did you not say you were a ffreat poet at once ! so save the courts time and your confession — well sir, you are printing these gems of British poetry ; what may be your salary sir ?" Witness — " Seventy pounds a year, and — " Counsel — With great vehemence, " And you are going to print a book ?" Witness — "My friends adnsed me sir." Counsel — " Your what sir? name your friends — what friends ?" Witness — " My mother and — " Counsel — " Your mother sir, and does she know when you will be out ?" (tornados of laughter ; this it must be recollected is what those useful guides in England, the newspapers said.) Not to insult your patience Rowland, but the counsel kept this young gentleman as he had promised, at least twenty minutes, insisting that he had a right to know whether the poems were lyrical, amatory, epic, or what not ; and last of all, he had the brawling impudence to say, that it was essential to his client's interest — the name of the book, and this appeared to be the more so the moment he was informed that it was to be published anonymously. Then he discovered, that the young man painted as well as poeted, so learned counsel called it : that he had two or three pictures well hung in different provincial exhibitions ; and after all this, he the L. Counsel, at the conclusion of a speech of great power and humor ! solemnly perorated on the main point, feature and hitch of the case — could the jury believe one word of that singularly gifted young gentleman, who could do the ordinary offices of clerk, at seventy pounds per annum, print a book of poems, which, it would be recollected, was to be given to the world anonymously, and exhibit pictures ! Now all this pain was inflicted merely that the learned counsel could have his name running down three columns of every newspaper in the kingdom. And the young man had some serious thoughts, for a long time after ROWLAND BllADSHAW. 285 this, of either leaving the kingdom, or selecting a convenient point in the river, where he thought his disgraced body might easily be washed to the sea, and with it his shame, so to be lost to the world for ever. It pleased providence to order it otherwise ; his employers happening to be in advance of their time a half century or so, looked over it, but certainly told him he was to be guilty of no more such folly, and so retained him, as they fortunately had won the trial. Now this young man — and from what I have seen of him, I wish you to make a friend of him — has since obtained the gold medal of the Royal Academy, and was, when I picked him up, on his return from Rome, and is now one of the party who have been flooring the learned gentlemen I have men- tioned : has just now thundered in the learned Sergeant's ears the whole of the insult, at the same time demanding the most humihating apology. The Sergeant drivelled ; said —to show his young friend the absurdity of his demand — he had actually forgotten the circumstance, usage of the bar, and the like ; to this, and all of it, the painter was remorseless ; nothing would suit him but blowing out the other's brains, in which — as it is likely to end in their going out — I hope he may succeed. I cannot describe to you the feelings of his German brethren of the easel, nor is it my intention to do so, as I have, I trust, higher things to oflfer to your notice. And let us go to the state of things at the bar, which is the law and the people, and we will try to discover whether this rampant tyranny, and the almost axiomed oppression and robbery of its meaner professors, would, or could exist, if the people were better educated, more refined, and, consequently, knew inore of their own power, and less of the others' ; and this is why 1 propose to start with the soil. I would say no : litigation is the deformed cub of wealth and ignorance, and is grown in size, calculatable on a ratio on the permanency of peace and abundance, or otherwise. This is deplorable, and would be the other way, if wealth and taste had given the generic. Now wealth we have, and taste, with a correct appreciation of all that is good, beautiful, and refined in enjoyment, are what I would endeavor to point the way to, and their lasting comforts when we have made the goal. It is with extreme pain, but a fact with which I must commence, that throughout the districts I have this time visited on the Continent, comprising a part of Italy, Austria, South of France, and now Southern Germany, that the English are only looked upon as being in a state of monstrous wealth and semi-barbarism, and this is why they so conclude ; first, from the thousands of ridiculous and want-of-taste purchases made by our aristocracy and wealthy noodles, who are lastingly hurrying through these classical roads ; and next, from the dreadful brutality observable in oiu* mechanics and labourers, who have, of late years, been brought in shoals here for the establishing of factories, cutting of rail- ways, and the rest ; and again, it has been observed, that of the ditferent nations' pilgrims of art who crowd to the Vatican, Florence, the Louvre, and, perhaps, the sternest of all, the Pinnokothek and Palace of the place I write from, Munich, that the least refined, and decidedly the worst educated in art and literature, are those of the English ; and then, which, perhaps, must give us the most degraded view of all in their 286 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. eyes, the enormous prices we pay for that which they only employ, and think fitting for their amusement and contempt — vocalism, figurantes, and grand solo players, no matter on what ; and then the undeviating equal and eternal supply they have afforded of pictures, by the ancient masters ! and that too without exhausting their own galleries or col- lections, private or national : like the coal mines of England, pouring out their stores for the mind, as the good Nile does for the body, each performing annual miracles, boundless, accessible, and inexhaustible. It is that exquisite and ready connoiseurship from the marbles of Phidias, which are always to be had here in increased abundance, Paraxiteles, and others of equal note, and, if necessary, of quainter date, down to Itaglios, Mosaics, and all the masters of the brush, by our countrymen, and their scrap-book wives, which put the fatal stamp uj)on all who leaA'e the white foreground of England. I am alike satisfied that the lisping chatter of mongrel French and blue-skyed Italian which our ladies perpetrate, has given singidar endurance to the already favorable impression, that incessant collating materials for little novels : "My Album," "My Scrap Book," "Wreaths of Exotics," "Books of Beauty," " Chalkings," " Pen-and-inkings," "Chats," "Talks," " Gossipings," all " by the way''' have greatly increased our fame. Aa archangel could not love a devil worse than a well-wisher to his country should the "Wanderings," "Musings," "Travels," "Idlings," " Ink- hngs," up the "Lazy Scheldt," "Down the sweet Rhine," or "To its wedded" — called so because it crosses the other — " Blue Moselle," or "The Rolling Rhone," "Geneva's Placid Lake," "The Alps, the Alps, the bounding Alps," or last surely, " Mount Blanc," and "St. Bernard's Dogs," with, of certainty, and at all times, a ready, succinct, and finished criticism of the schools of Italy, in all her periods, with every name and date without a period, or, indeed, a semi-colon. Then the Flemish, the French, the German, and a deep sigh, and a deeper regret that some half-dozen of their own puerile, though well-disposed artists, as men, with a proper fondness for distorted art, some half-dozen of their countrymen, in this way — " Ah, what would our Martin, Etty, Hilton, Turner give for three such divine hours as I have disported my wandering soul in ; this more than Elysium ; how blest for every peep, if they were permitted not only to live and breathe here, as I have done, and my poor Poppy here, but copy, actually to transfer to their feeble canvass, these high, these holy, these personifications, of the ideal, living, breathing, poetry,'" and the rest, and the rest. In short, it is the cursed affectation and ignorance of the rich, and the hitherto circumscribed means of our pupils in art, that have so grieviously lessened and distorted the opinions of our neighbors as to our knowledge and attainments both in art and literature. And why not 1 whilst at Florence, a whole company of Italians and Germans were diverted, by a not uncommon pastime* there, to almost a state of apoplexy, by reading in Italian, some of the effusions of the English dilettanti ; and, on my honor, the fun was roarious. One fact was amusingly noticed, and one of importance to a young man, which was the instructive method the English ladies pursue — and for aught I know, their domestic tyrant's may do the same, when they wield the ROWLAND BRADSHAW - 287 pen — in nearly always placing the scenes of their novels, or sweet poetry, on the Continent. This is bad ; but mark, not only the scene, but the street ; lodging of the hero, or — ine as may be; the church they patro- nize ; the theatre ; hotel ; size of the principal department of every place ; names of the reigning magistrates and hotel-keepers ; actors and influential waiters at the cafes, tables tThote, and so on. Now if the writer was born, or lived in Manchester, he, or she, would be most cautious in fixing a scene there at all, and if so, certainly would not describe one, let at rest the naming of the theatre, the sweet bells of the old church, or river ; and is it not likely, that should they have done so, it would be at least as graphic and correct, as the one at Florence, Marseilles, Avignon, &c. ? No doubt ; but they know Manchester well, and so they think must everybody else. This is a grievious absurdity, and one, when you use your pen, which, whatever else, you must not neglect, that you will strenuously avoid. And then the Continentors have another nice proof against our own opinions of our own language, which is trite enough. " How comes it," demanded an Italian philologist of me, when speaking of the copiousness and force of our language, " that if it be so, you have such incessant recourse to the languages of other countries, as well, modern as ancient? for here," added he, " I have an English book, in which, I will venture to affirm, that there are not three pages from first to last which are not patched by French, Italian — or attempted to be such — Latin, Greek, and occasionally German. Now you English profess to be a great modern nation, with great modern wealth, in litera- ture especially ; had, so you say, one of the best lexicographers of any time or nation, and yet you do these things. Supposing, when we read even the earliest Greek and Latin men, we had found running through the broad plains of their language, small lakes, or even pits, of jEthio- pian, Caucasian, Indian, Hebrew, or Egyptian, should we not, if they had done so, have doubted their greatness ; for there are few things of which nations are more jealous than their language. And in no way is this absurdity of patchwork so manifest as if we v/ere to translate such books ; because, to affect learning like the author, when we come to a little pool of French, and into that language we were translating, we should have to make it English ; or, if Italian, the same ; or French ; or, as may be." And then this worthy Florentine chuckled for five minutes. Thus in all parts which I have visited on the Continent we are looked upon as abounding in wealthy ignorance, and those other qualities which render us so pre-eminently pluckable. And this is so. And will be so, so long as the government of England does not com- mence a stringent, permanent and accessible course of instruction, not in that which will make us fitting for the elements of a seven years' apprenticeship to some handicraft, or even that useful, but, I am afraid, neglected body of young men, gentlemanly dressed, clerks of fifty pounds a year. No, but educate the rising hosts that they shall support, not only our trades, for those will go elsewhere if we do not become more expert ; but try to give us an intellectual stand, as we have a physical one in the foremost of nations. 288 • ROWLAND BRADSHAW. And all this must be national. It is of little use our sneering, unless we have something better to propose, this is the amity to the country, which, with all her mis-direc- tions I still love, and would humbly offer for her future rising ; and if we can only get enough of us to the task— rise she will ; for what may we not expect as the illustrious Tieck of Dresden, who with Schlegel, I believe translated with wonderful accuracy ; our, and the world's greatest bard — but yesterday observed to me, " I know of no greatness if blest with peaceable time that the country (and here the good old man uncovered a compliment to it which almost rivetted me,) which produced Shakspeare should not aim at, gain and hold." With my hat off, glorious Tieck, I will be one who will humbly try ; and where could I select a model more suited for a part of my plans, than from the host of the feast (in which sit Tieck and a score of painters, sculptors, three composers, and I have not time to count the literary men, as well as the humble individual who indites this to you,) the mighty, the magnificent King of Bavaria — not mighty like one or two of our later Kings, promoting, if not fighting with the whole human race : not mighty in politics, nor in persevering furtherence of additional factories in his dominions or out of them ; knowing, perhaps, little of the statistics of black, or sallow-colored slavery, but mighty in his thousand frescos, in his walhalla of marbled remembrances, mighty in the pro- motion of real blessings ; the softening, humanizing — litigious war, destroying of his subjects; the great builder of the arts' — European work-shop. Oh, here is a place, dear Rowland ; where art with Hterature no longer eleemosynates, where it has no longer to walk up devious ways, and publish anonymously ; where it is not a vagabond, and under the law of commercial proscription ; no learned sergeant durst brawl at the humblest of its workmen ; no, but must fall into the ranks of admira- tion and loyality, even as the other lays down the brush and walks to dinner. Here art resideth with all her family, pure as herself, are all her children, strongly refined and aristocratic : the aristocracy of intellectual- ity, and not of descent or wealth ; no bastards here, but all the pure offspring of the sisters. And the King has not only built the huge work-shop of arts, and a splendid city for his approved workmen to dwell in, but all and from every place are alike welcome ; all may drink of the fountain, all may enter the great temple, benefit by its oracles without fee to its high priest, or sacrifice, save that of error and prejudice whose gladdened incense ascends from the altar in pure and majestic holiness. And not only the well and temple of this modern magi, but behold in the back ground, huge mountains, bursting with veinless marble, where at their base is a mighty colony of sculptors from all parts, save that in which I last saw you. Here is a mountain school, and as the cloudy colossi which the startled peasant has often viewed from their heights, so on their bosoms are now seen a thousand noble forms dug from their wombs and chiseled into birth. And this too without itinerant connoisseur, at least from the same ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 289 knowing land I have named ; for we only criticise, languish over, and adore that which labored under similar afflictions ever since the artist's death, but not before. No, thank the diverting stars, for there are some of that order as well as those which guide ; the Tour books have not yet directed the mob to these wonders, the three hundred years have not elapsed and made them celebrated enough to worship, or sacred enough to mutilate and plunder. In short, the connoisseurs have not had their cue. And which of them dares praise, or condemn, without. Well, as I have seen much in France, something in Italy, and more here, that have afforded me many materials for my plan — I mean for the educating of the youth in England, or the artist in particular, and the professors of all the arts, and ornamental trades generally — I will endeavour to be more in detail. Now one great and growing fact has long been making its way into England ; not a manufactui-er, if the slightest ornamental, or needing the humblest advance in taste or design, but who has seen — first — his defeat in the continental market ; and next, wherever the same market has opposed him, beating him step by step from the more civilized — and consequently lucrative — to the more barbarous and less-paying markets. And how have they been able to do all this? whilst we have inexhaustible stimulants to manufactory ; coal — a hundred years more experience, that is on a grand scale, the first machinery in the world, both for excellence and extent ; the best means of internal transit, and, of course, by sea : iron, tin, copper, lead, capital, security — in short, everything, but that which we should have, almost before all the rest, and that is design. I am now only speaking — or, at least, apparently — . commercially ; I would not say exclusively, because, in cultivating this art to the extent, I wish to do ; we must do more good things than one ; we must humanize and advance, as I have before intimated. For, years since it was discovered, that all we could do with the Germans, and the greater part of the northern continent — I am now speaking more immediately of our own business, the cotton — was iu goods manufactured up to that process, which denied us the greatest profits — dyeing and printing, sometimes, and now, even before the weaving. They putting them through the last operation ; and why 1 because they could dye them better ; and the designs — oh, dear ! those were fatal to us. Upon enquiry, I found it to be the same in laces, muslins, paper- hangings, pottery, Birmingham wares; in short, everything, and iu all things where the artist was required ; we were, and are beaten, disgracefully so, in design. This — though our neighbors, the French, have had a national school of design, through every manufactural district of importance, for nearly a century — we have never blundered upon even an attempt to this day. In some parts of Italy the same, and in Germany in every direction. Nay, every artist here commences with ornamental art, carefully and most rigidly correct. Being thoroughly taught, not only the different orders and countries, but the respective ages, beginning with the early Greek, and so through all its ages, to the Roman, the Byzantine, and 19 290 ROWLAND BllADSIIAW Italian. Then the Teutonic, Gothic, through all its ages and countries, with modern French. Thus the pupil gets every thing in its purity. To the curious, and for the mere designer for useful purposes, even the Egyptian and x\rabic are added. Then when sufficiently skilled in the grammar, he shows his dexterity and taste, hut always under the judg- ment of purity. And what judgment can the poor English youth have ? Where has it been formed ? Who was to classify, or to instruct him ? No, he may get a little from the French designers, the German, and indeed some of our own models may supply him with tolerably pure Gothic ; nay, may give, as every book does, a profusion of words, but, on their correct arrangement, and their not being known by art, is the business of the student, and him who would write with purity, skilU and ease. Now these schools are free to all, and this glorious one, this seminary and work-shop for sons of the pencil, brush, and chisel of Munich is not only free with the most learned masters to teach, but here is every model of every nation of design and date, so arranged, that to commit an anachronism almost amounts to an impossibility. Then the higher students have each his studio or atelier, where he can have brought in from the galleries, any pictures he may wish to copy or cast, or living figure ; and, which is the greatest desideratum of all to the English artist, correct costume of every date, degree,' and nation ; these too he can place upon the living figure, and then draw or paint, paint or draw as his energies direct him. What do you think of that Rowland ? So that whatever you do, and this from one of the most philosophical, as well as the greatest of their practical men — be well versed (never mmd the time,) in the elements, cultivate, with great care, ornamental art ; a thing comparatively neglected in England, but of whose impor- tance no man can entertain a doubt if he were to see the gorgeous Arabesques and symbolical designs that everywhere surround and beautify the more serious works of art. The grace that this department in their mural painting imparts, is wonderful. And in order to assist you, as to a correct knowledge of the different schools in this department, I herewith enclose you the most correct book of the kind, probably ever published. You will also find the most modern adaptation of encaustic, the vehicle in which most of these enrich- ments are painted. I have watched the process for several hours, and I have the same authority for it as before, that, in many respects, it works with greater freedom than oil, and it appears to me, for this department, to be by far the best. So that you see, artists and artizans are, or ought to be, pretty much alike in the beginning. Now, in England, it is thought derogatory to the artist to study any- thing but the human figure. Nay, so exact in this, that they confine all their aspirations to the face alone, of that noble animal, and the consequence is that they seldom can draw a pair of hands. But, in this plan, they are taught to draw everything on an easy scale, as there is scarcely an animal or bird, but what is introduced in these delightful Arabesques, as we see in Delia Bella ; but, I must say, with mfinitely more taste and judgment. ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. ^'Ol Tiien come anatomy and the naked figure, and here again are the same extraoi-dinary facilities. Thus, in the dissecting room, wliich is conducted by open lecture, the operator works so far upon his subject, explaining, with great care and precision, all he does ; and then where he drops the knife, an assistant immediately takes a plaster cast, so that wliat lias been told, can again and again be referred to, thus making — the want of which is the great defect of lecture — a permanent impression ; an advance in knowledge, instCvid of a transient glance— an incentive to •chatter. And then comes the great glory of all, even to the rising artist, and still mightier to the master ; here comes, to the first, unerring means of greatness — of course, premising that he has enough in him ; and to the master, a fair reward and immortality. These are the Royal Frescos, painted for a king, a personal friend, and for the nation of the painters' birth. And this is the true glory of art. My ears have been chilled some scores of times of late, by the incessant boasts of our English newspapers, recording the enormous sums which, at various sales, have been paid for modern pictures of the English ; and, say they, in no age or country were works of living artists ever so well paid for. Pah ! that is not what a son of real art thirsts for. In the first place, his being well paid ; for that which is truly good, is surely, in the name of all sacred things, not too much, particularly when we see the lavish — not to say mad sums — which the English pay for things that are bad, as the continental annual exports of trash and copy show. But this is not it ; can these useful defenders, of our national taste and remuneration for living art, show anything of this sort. A king of the wisdom and wealth of art, skilled in apprecia- tion, being, perhaps, one of the best living judges, walking arm in arm, for hours together, with "my friend, Hess, Retzsch, Eberhardt, Zimmerman," a thing in which I have often seen Louis, King of Bavaria, engaged. Have we even heard of the palaces of either Titian or Murillo in England ? of a painter being offered a cardinal's niece, as Raphael ; the ambassadorship of Rubens ; the ennobling of Dannecker, Leo Von Klenze, Rauch, and a host of others ? No, no ; the great patronage of art in England is generally stimulated not by our love of it, in the proper meaning of the word, but that sort which takes our portraits. In that it perhaps will be allov/ed, our countrymen have shown an amazing fostering of art or artfulness ; for, in the name of ingenuity, how the English artists have, from the days of Sir Joshua up to the present hour, managed to get attitudes, and anything in the way of variation, even though there is a change of furni- ture, window — and still larger curtains — ca{)S, bonnets, hats, gloves, vases, roses, and pillars, every day — still the invention mutt be prodigious; it being confidently asserted, that the sum spent on the portraits of our beloved Queen alone, in this very short time, with engravings of the same, amount to two hundred thousand pounds. Amazing patronage truly, and must have an admirable tendency to the advancement — of that noble ambition of every nation— to possess the high and pure in art — the ide?l and historical. And look at the wealth of the nation. If the one I write from can 292 ROWLAND BRADSHAW aiford to keep a few liundreds of the non-productioiiists — for that is the consideration in England — surely it might look ai one Prince here, who has had, for an amazing number of years, from three to five hundred designers, modellers, casters in mighty bronze, hewers of marble, painters, in every thing and in all things, unless his own or many of his court's portraits ; carvers in ivory, wood ; stainers of glass, and cunning workers in brass and iron. But all work at and for the glory of the nation, and not at, or, for three-quarter portrait, kit-cat, half, or full lengths. Then to this are added composers in music and literature, not only here, but throughout the Germanic confederation ; to say it is admired, would ill express their feeling towards it ; no, they adore it, as we pretend, but which they do. Which country is likely to be the happiest think you ? The same may be said of Shakspere. Now instead of all this portrait essaying for the advancement of the English artist, here is an idea thrown out by the German translator ; I have mentioned, as to Shakespeare ; after to my shame, being obliged to confess that we have not, in all England, a monument to him of a hundred guineas' value — "which," says Tieck, "would show your appreciation and give you a chance for the advancement of skill in all the arts, and at all risks would leave you no longer to be pointed at ; and that would be in a monument as much greater and grander than any poet's of any country or time ; as he was greater than they. "Now, supposing," conthuied he, " that the pedestal was as large as our greatest gallery here or less, thirty yards square — " here," looked he smilingly, " something might be done, some of the greatest of his scenes might be illustrated by noble frescos. Thence the column, a noble winding staircase, might start, and with it, still the vast conceptions mounting in grandeur until is reached the great apotheosis at the top : the immortal bard : this is, the mere charcoal sketch — I should not like to rob the English of the honor of a more detailed, or even to a further hint at the plan — It would be grand, vast, instructive, incentive, and paying a common debt, and doing all you can, still in a very common way." Now guess my feelings when I had just read in one of our chronicles that there is some serious intention of erecting one, if not more mon- uments, to a living warrior, after, of course, doing it to all the dead ones, to kings, who save from the necessity for it in history, had never been known ; and yet the great king of nature, nay, more, he that has, and ever will maintain the empire of poetry, is, and must, I suppose, remain without. I am afraid that my letter is running to too great a length, and shall reserve the particulars of my plans until I have visited Dresden, or may be, until I arrive in England ; one thing, dear Rowland, I wish most particularly to impress upon you — you learn to paint, and I will try to talk about it, and that too in the right place — the House of Commons. So of this all-important subject I shall say no more for the present, but, surely, the dignity of the undertaking almost overpowers me, even in thought, the regeneration and education of the youth of England. A mere artist can never do it, we must work together Rowland ; thank God, I have the means, and if we are blessed with life and health we'll try. Of course do not deny to any one his knowledge of the nature of my ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 293 studies, I mean the law — the blow will come more unexpectedly, the blow, it might be asked what blow ? in the attempting to ameliorate, refine, and give standing to our countrymen in the arts, and I will say enjoyments instead of the unenviable ones, which now, and for so long a time, have distinguished them ; oh, it will be a blow, anything is one which accompanies Wisdom in her inteutions to overthrow Ignorance and her prejudices. In the first place, the Royal Academy and all the close corporates wont like her march upon their walls, but no more for this time — and now a word as to yourself. In the first place, the gentleman who, Styrrup informs me, is for some to preside over your studies and the frescos ; pardon me, I must smile at the number of artists engaged, I believe half a dozen of you, who are to adorn some grand building in the vicinity he writes from, is one whom I have heard much of here. Frescos ! well let us not sneer, it is a sign, though perhaps a feeble one, of something better when we hear of John Donne and mural paint- ings in the good old bull baiting county of Lancashire. But to John Donne, his talents here are considered of the very highest and finest order, and he as a man of the greatest kindness to his students and general assistants ! of the highest honor, perhaps a little too much, so I am informed, as he snaps sometimes rather too soon, but that is as well. Of course hearing that you have been so singularly fortunate, or rather ought I not to say so clever, as to have been employed by him, and where I am sure your improvement will be immense, I have made it more than ordinarily my business to arrive at every information respec- ting his career and talents ; and this the more so from three several singular hints, when I informed some of the professors here that I had a friend who was employed by him ; all of them, though questioned at different times, afterabout the sametime of musing said, "Mr. Rowbottom if you would wish your friend advancement and obtain the alfections of ]Mr. Donne, tell him to study fencing as enthusiastically as he does the use of the crayon." I pressed them all for a reason, but I must say the Germans are taciturn, and most perplexingly so at anything like a secret ; from another however, I got, though of less authority, that he is considered the best fencer in the world, and ahvays prefers the naked sword to the foils ; from another, that his life had been a most romantic one, and that it was generally supposed, though now so distinguished in art, that he is of high descent, if not now in actual possession of title ; and though he speaks English with great ease and correctness, as well as several other languages, he is not an Englishman, but French. At all events, it is generally supposed here, that his early education was in that country, or, perhaps, partly in Italy ; some again say he is a native of Sicily. Be all this as it may, he will permit no one to question him on these things ; though the King himself, it is said, has often expressed a great curiosity as to the singular, but highly talented Johannes Donne. He has taken with him from here, a pupil of the most transcendent attainments, and of course, an especial friend with his master, Karl Klense. This young man is said to have met with almost an equal success with pen as pencil ; so you see Rowland you are in great hands, and I am sure my dear boy, I need not add Oiu v.ord to him who has 294 ROWLAND BRADS HAW. already, yoar wretched opportunities considered, done sucli glorioirs things — as to your carefully noting the principles and methods of these iliastvious men ; be sure to study and watch well their elements, for it is tliose in which the young artist of England are so deficient, I have nothing more to say, until I have at least visited Dresden ; in the mean time permit me to impress upon yon, as well as the rest, not to let youi' pen get out of use, for there can be no greatness, no ideal without literary acquirement, feeling and taste ; I had almost forgotten but that imprudent young man, though there are few whom I love better, Joseph, informs me you are adventnr'iny under false names , I am sorry to hear of anything so absurd. As to that Chartist foolery, I read the whole in the papers, and agree with an opinion which I received from Gibbon ; as to his speech being treasonou'^, is absurd, unless it be to the Regent of Hescott. But of that, and your own affairs, as I am now convinced Wandly had a hand in the strange inducement wiiich led you to so long a retreat, and even to your journey to Flanders and a part of France, so I think I have chscovered, but with that I have nothing to do. I have heard a something, though, in which at a proper time and with your concnn-ence I may find it my duty to interfere ; but, of this, as things may be, I shall say no more. I have given orders to m^y bankers so soon as I heard of your being no longer numbered with the countless, but once more at your post, that any draft from you of a hundred will be honored should you, at any time, through an emergency or otherwise need more — at once write. You will answer this, as per direction bclov?, when I will write to you from Dresden. I have laughed enough, to be sure, at your experiment upon the noble Chipsters, and probably a little more at that of the oppo- site young ladies upon yon. Joseph writes these things smartly, he has iiothing else to do ; you hare and mind and do it. So now dear Rowland to your task, whilst I collect materials for mine : the fine arts, or properly, the grand arts are coeval with our nature : in childhood, they people our books and foncies, as religion does Heaven with beautiful angels, lovely and innocent things. In youth, we like to look at chastely sculptured sylphs, hang miniatures to our bosoms, and read and ramble with the poets. Choose we a lenitive from the stern cares of middle life and a subject for our children ; why let us show them the humanizing blessings of the arts ; in old age they enable us to see and feel as we have once looked and dreamed : the never altering portrait shall limn the first, whilst the next shall have its chord reverberant by some by-gone melody, or another glance at the unchanging altar-piece — peace, then to the virtues of art. But those things which we noio glorify and aggrandise their professors, litigation and war, our early books should teach their curses, as religion ever doth those of the devil, for surely they are evil ! And would not the medal of art look more gracious on the breast of youth than the tools of war at his side ? That human butcher knife — the sword, loseth not its sharpness because it hath a hilt of diamonds : give me the broad brow of study for the bloody one of the dead Aid-de-camp. And God keep the old man from the coils of law, and the aged mother from the tereavements of war : amen. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 295 Yet ennoblements and public statues wait upon these workers in the last, and indifference and contumely jostle the first. Dear Rowland, it must be your business and mine to experimentalize on the utility and practicability of a revertent to this disgusting disorder which now vexes and threatens death to the state. And now dear Rowland, with love to your quondam, but to no one else, or even that you have heard from me. I remain. Your sincere well wisher, R. ROWBOTTOM. CHAPTER XLVI. ROWLAND S STUDIES, Rowland had now been pursuing, for several months, with great even- ness, and the most severe application, the duties, which the good Jol n Donne had placed to his charge ; and such had been his attention, and, indeed, success, tb.at the worthy John Donne, though singularly stiff at first, was now almost as equalizing and kind to him, as to his senior and beloved pupil tht; handsome, if not to say magnificent Charles Klense : there were nearly a score of others, but it was soon perceived, that no one save Rowland, had the remotest chance of being nearer his master, save the kind and gentlemanly carriage he ever had observed to them in his directions and otherwise, than he then was. And we may here give a further reason than we hitherto had an opportunity of doing, why Rowland should have met with such reception in his profession from one of the artist-like sternness of his master. Rowland, when with Mr. Windley, had succeeded in the friendship of a medical student in Fleigh, and as we know in all extensive manu- factural and mining districts, the casualties of life and limb are immense, the young man had acquired a wonderful celebrity as a limb doctor ; his success was so great, that Rowland most assiduously got into his confidence and habits, and then discovered his new friend to be one of the most enthusiastic anatomists that had ever lived. He had taken means never to want a subject, and after his acquaintance with Rowland he was alike happy in never needing a spectator, and however late his hours, Rowland was always there, and so our young painter became a practical anatomist, and had set under the other's instructions some twenty or thirty limbs. This, with drawing, as we have described in Pryet's granary, made his efforts at the naked figure, even in the eyes of his German friends, wonderful. 290 ROWLAND CRADSHAW, He had also some opportunities of correcting, or rather forming- his taste, for what we saw hinted at in Mr. Rowbottom's letter was quite correct ; Rowland had been for several months, during his absence, at London, and though he went for a very different object, visited all the works of art there and around, thence to Hamburg, Ghent, and Brussels. He made his visits to those old and pure seats of art, of the great?st importance to him ; so that when he met with his friend Mr, Styrrup as directed by his fellow apprentice Mr. Gow, he had only sojourned in the place of his original solitude a few days. Rowland at this time pursued his studies, partly according to his own plan of tirst "beating, and then chasing the enemy," and partly through the immense stimulus of Mr. Rowbottom's letter. He never could do enough. According to his landlady who said she was sure he was the most singular young man it had ever pleased his Maker to put breath into ; he got up at five in the morning, took a walk, and she being resolved to know what he could be after, as well as some young ladies who visited there, found that he was taking sketches of every tree, at least, of every breed of them in the adjoining wood. Then breakfast, and then not — nor by any of the young ladies — one peep at him until evening, nor then, only as he winded past the stair- foot, and bade all the family good night ; no more, even to the ladies. So the landlady, with the young ladies, who admitted his great beauty and insanity, were resolved to ascertain what he did with himself during the five or six hours he sat in the large back-room alone. Strange that so young a man should require so large a room ! but they were resolved, and at last did make a peep-hole, and then they discovered that, he was mad sure enough ! for as soon as ever he got his coffee in an evening, and had ordered away the empty cups and empty bread and butter plates ; the shutters put up, and molds lighted, he went to a case, unlocked it, and drew thence three or four thin-bladed swords, half stripped himself, and then began to pink away at a mark fixed upon a screen. This he did for nearly an hour, always trying to hit it with flying springs. " Well, to be sure, and what next !" Then he got two heavy rolls of iron, and hanged those about his head for about half the time ; next, ran up stairs, abluted, and then down again. " What will be the next rig ?" " Next," wondered all the ladies. It was the seating himself at the old piano, where he sawed away for another half hour at the same tune, or nearly so, with his legs crossed, and sometimes his arms : next he sprang up, looked at his watch, snuffed his candles, not — as every lady present agreed — before they wanted it. — " And now what can he be after ?" he is going to another case ; it is opened, and the ladies gave one involuntary shudder. " Good heavens ! if he is not taking out a human skeleton, and actually trying to fix it as if it were alive! Oh! and look at the horrible number of legs and arms he's got in the same case." " He's a resurrectioner !" " Oh, nay ; stay, they are only plaster casts." " In the name of the saints, what can he be going to do ?" •' Hush, we will soon see." And they did ; but though they saw him commence, their curiosity ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 297 subsided long before his energies at his task for the evening, which was to make the most elaborate drawings from the revolting subjects before him. At eleven the bell rang. •' Bed-room candle, please." And the servant went into the kitchen, after being in his room, as usual ; but to all enquiries, all that she had seen was a couple of books. And all the young ladies again admitted his great beauty and horrible madness, and would at once have given information to the county asylum, but the landlady said he was so remarkably quiet, paid so well, and was so put-up-able. Had they not all better wait a bit. And had they not all ])etter stand in the lobby, near the stair-foot, just as he was going to bed, and see if he looked wild. Well, they did so, and just as Rowland made towards the place of their stand, they dropped him, severally, a curtsy. Which he, with the easiest grace and dignity, acknowledged by a bow, bade them all a good night, and bowed, if possible, with more dignity than before, then walked up stairs. They only wanted this to satisfy the most sceptical,^that the poor young gentleman was hopelessly, lastingly mad. CHAPTER XLVII. MRS. BRADSHAW RELATES HER HISTORY. Some time must elapse, and then We will bring before the reader two ladies, who, though they have been honored by an introduction to him before, have, unavoidably, been too long from his presence, but will now atone for the transgression, by a somewhat lengthy account of their absence. The younger is the one who was having a chat with Miss Broud, respecting the movements of Mr. Styrrup and Mr. Bradshaw, Miss Jane Dantskipp, no longer Eliza Jane, as upon discovery that the former was a prefix after the ceremony of christening, she, with much good sense, threw it off. The other was her friend and instructor, and mother of the young painter, of whom we have had so melancholy a description in our last chapter. The time is early in the morning, and the scene is one of the most gorgeously furnished rooms of which the imagination is capable of forming to itself a picture. The house, of |which it formed a part, was a massive structure, fashioned as are the most wealthy of modern 298 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. times, and surrounded by all the elegance and taste which magnificence, if it have judgment, can ever command. The county in which this princely demesne was situated is Devonshire, and if admired or censured for its elegance and costliness, the scenery from and around would amply excuse the prodigality of its erector. The whole was grand, and was one of those modern dwellings which we might in vain seek for in any other country in Europe ; or, at least, of a non-wearer of the purple. There had evidently been many at breakfast, but the guests had all retired, save the two ladies, whom, we trust, the reader is again happy to meet. ** Well, my dear madam, I am too happy to see you look so much better this morning than you did yesterday. I hope now, the fatigues of your journey are fast wearing away ; but I am so very, very happy to see you," and the young lady kissed the elder one several times, which was returned with evident affection, and much enthusiasm. •' God bless you, my dear child, I am sure you are, and there is but one living in England of whom I should prefer — prefer a sight ; poor child ; poor boy ; and he too has been wronged, and all because he had a mother." " Do not weep, dear madam, I assure you he is well ; or was, at least, some months since, when I left the neighborhood of Liverpool : strange, but I have since leanied that he dined at ISIr. Broud's the day after I left. I don't know, but from the description, and hearing the young gentleman was with our neighbor, Mr. Styrrup, I had some singular presentiment it was he, and yet at that time I had never heard of his return. I am glad that I — " And the speaker paused, as if she was sorry she had commenced the last sentence. " At what love ? surely not at lea\-ing your friends before seeing" — and the lady's utterance was denied her by a fresh stream of tears — " seeing Rowland." •' Pardon me, madam ; I trust after your excellent advice and example, for which, with that of my dear parents, let me present my eternal gratitude, that I should not offer deceit to you, not in thought. I was — do not ask me why ; but I have a reason," and again the young lady tenderly embraced her preceptor. " Enough, dear child, enough ; but you will accompany me, for I must ease my aching eyes, by once more glancing at those rejoicing orbs, when they shall see a mother's approach. O God ! the happy moment, when I shall again press my lip to his cheek ; it will be paler now I fear." " Madam, dear madam, do let me entreat you to be calmer ; I will, I will ; we shall soon see him, and then you will l3e happy." " Happy ! oh, it will take long hours, hours as days, before I can quench my joy, at meeting. Happy ! oh thrice blessed moment which puts him in the arms that nursed him. Why, w^hat is maiden's, or wife's love, to the maddening fondness of an only parent, for an only child. O thou winter of separation ; but I must have a long spring and glowing summer of meeting, or I may never think of them, but as mothers do of that frost in which their youthful skaters were drowned Poor Rowland ; and you are sure, love, that he was elected to his ROWLAND [JRADSIIAW. 299 present employment, not through interest, but his own, entirely his own merit ?" " Undoubtedly so, and in the way I told you, madam." " Oh, God bless him, and let him live, long, long after me, even if his days are few, and the persecution we have both met with ; but that I trust will soon cease ; still, I tremble, if Rowland should ever know the cause, then, indeed, no ceasing ; all must end in bitterness." " Oh, no madam, hope for better things." " I do, dearest Jane, I do ; and then the kindness of Mr. Styrrup ; a mother's blessing waits upon his steps. What many good things flit in this world, but one fierce hawk will pierce the breasts of numberless little flutterers. But I must personally thank that young gentleman, Mr. Row bottom ; I must think as to the most suitable mode of making him sensible of my obligations." " It will be sometime I fear before we see either of them. I have just received a letter from Eliza Broud to say, as the spring is now fairly set in, the party, with whom, as I have informed you, are the elder and junior Styrrup, have hired a sloop for the purpose of making Scotland, and coasting, for some weeks, the North of Europe, thence by Norway, Denmark, some part of Germany, and, I believe, Holland,' Belgium, and to a few of the principal parts in England, and so coast home again to Liverpool." "A truly rational and delightful trip, and infinitely better than the hackneyed'one of most tourists. And should they at all be disposed to science, or have any one so skilled in their party, it will be highly accomplishing and instructive, and far more invigorating, both to the mind and body, than the scenes the youthful of England generally resort to — fashionable lounging places, which are, hterally, fashionable idling places." " Well, that is their scheme, I don't know, I should have been one of their party, indeed my papa was most anxious that I should accompany them, but I don't knov/ why." " But I do my love, it was to meet your poor mistress, to console, to sympathise and assist her in her many \?oes, do not say nay, I know it was, and bless you for it my dear child ; and if all things go well, we too may see as many interesting things as the worthy party, who I am happy to hear, are so rationally enjoying themselves." "Well, now for our walk, and then madam for your promise." " True, we will go out through the conservatory, or my brother may follow, and as I am about to impart that which I have hitherto kept from my own son, you may suppose the responsibihty I impose upon you, but I must tell it to some one, I feel my heart lonely and tired with the burthen ; I refused any one to share it with her, but now she demands a svmpathy with her w-qcs, a division of her heavy load ; besides it may become necessary, although I have written all which I deem prudent, and all which I know ; after this, and to you, it were foolish to ask for secrecy. " It would be useless to be too remote, and I shall only'commence with what more immediately refers to myself and son." It would seem near the year 1810, that a great number of the old 300 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. nobility of the south of France, Sardinia, and Sicily, was in league for the purpose of restoring the Bourbons ; Monsieur himself, and the Duke de Berri being at the head ; of course in the detection of all con- spiracies, a great number of the innocent as well as the guilty ever falls a sacrifice in the event of non-success. So it would seem, it happened with a very ancient, though through the preceding revolution of France, not an over-powerful family — that of De Bouvre ; indeed, so far as its coffers were concerned, it had suffered greatly, and, probably, on that account was suspected with the rest. The present Count GeoflPri De Bouvre had married a Sicilian princess, and on the discovery of this conspiracy against the Bonapartes, he with his princess and three children, fled to the court of her father, taking with him what wealth he could from his castle, which was situated near Avignon in Vaucluse. There he rested for some time,but his retreat being discovered, as well as his being in the interests of the deposed Ferdinand, King of Naples ; !Murat, Napoleon's King, tried to arrest him, and impeached the Prince his father in-law, but the son, with his children escaped, and that too, almost miraculously after crossing the Island and passing the French fort, succeeded in making Malta in an open boat, whence a British cruiser secured him a passage to Gibraltar ; where he had for sometime to sojourn before a passage was considered safe to England. In the mean time the Prince, his father, completely cleared himself of the charge of anything save a temporary asylum for his son-in-law, and by dint of considerable bribery to the new powers, effected a transmission of a great part of Count de Bouvre' s wealth to an agent in England, which country, he, with countless difiiculties made with his wife and two sons. The" eldest son, Henri de Bouvre had been betrothed to his cousin, a daughter of the Duke of Belmorgo, a Sicilian noble of great power and wealth ; this was done when mere infants, and when the flight of the De Bouvre family was resolved upon, they obtained a canon from the archbishop of Faromind, which was afterwards ratified by the Pope, all effected in consequence of the troubles of the times, that the children, the boy eight, and his cousin six, should be married which accordingly was done, and even with considerable pomp and circumstance. Although there could be no great fear entertained for the safety of the young Count Henri whilst at his grandfather's court, still his father was so singularly attached to him, that nothing could induce him to leave him behind ; so when his flight was deemed necessary, he was resolved that his Princess and children shoitld accompany, or follow him as might be ; and, as I have said, all arrived in England and in safety. Henri had shown wonderful aptitude in his education, as he is said to have read Latin with great ease and correctness at ten ; and was a com- plete master of the French and Italian. English he had been partially instructed in, before his leaving the continent, and now in a remarkably short time became so proficient, that in his twelfth year it would have been difficult to detect the slightest foreign accent, and so far was he advanced in other respects, that he was deemed worthy of especial favor and observation at Eton. It would seem most of these studies had been forwarded and superin- tended by his amiable mother the Princess, a woman of the most exalted ROWLAND BllADSIlAW. 301 mind, knowledge and virtue; and under the guidance of the same benignant mind, a correspondence between the Count and his betrothed, that is, well — surely it would be unmeaning to call it by any other name, indeed it would seem, so the Princess considered, for she would never permit the young Count to address the heiress of Belmorgo (for she was the only child of the Duke, the rest of his children being swept away by a fierce epidemic which had ravaged the Island,) but as his dear cousin. These letters it is said, probably under the strangeness of the circumstan- ces, form one of the most singular correspondences ever written ; but, alas, the subject is too painful, at least for me, to dwell upon, as, ere I have done you may suppose. Henri's advancement in his education was the theme of general admiration and parental congratulation : and though Count Geoffri entertained a favorable opinion of the system of education generally, at our finishing seats of education, yet he was resolved after his son leaving Eton, he should graduate either in his native country or Germany. At last by the wishes of his mother it was decided that the latter should be the place for his further studies ; as, in that case, he would have an opportunity of learning German, the only modern language of anv consequence, which he did not possess ; and as lie had also a decided taste for drawing and the arts, as well as music, the matter of selection as the most suitable place for the completion of his studies was at once decided : Gottingen then, I believe, was the choice. And here we must leave this favored youth, and turn to the affairs of his father, and also to those of one of equal moment, the father of the gentleman whose house you are honoring with a visit, and of the narrator of this, to her, painful story. I must tell you then, that my father was one of the architects and civil engineers to the King ; and, at this time, the head engineer to the government dying — my father became candidate for the situation, never doubting the success of his offer ; but, it would seem, some undue influence with the board of works decided it otherwise. This so incensed my father, who combined with great talents, and I may say all the virtues, a considerable amount of irritabihty, that in consequence, he threw up his appointment under government. The King was so hurt at this, as he was personally attached to my father, their acquaintance commencing in consequence of his being a junior architect in some improvements at Windsor, that he knighted him, and that too, it is said, without consulting any of his advisers upon the subject. This as it may be supposed made him additional enemies, with the other party ; and at this time an acquaintance springing up between the families of my father. Sir John Johnson, and that of the banished Count Geoffri de Bouvre, as well as the latter being restored to his estates, through the return of the Bourbons to power, my father was persuaded by him to leave England,^and seek for employment at the French court : of course, his great talents being doubtlessly known there, as well as the Count's promise to exercise his interests in his behalf; all was at once decided, for in every thing, but his private affairs, he was the coolest man alive, in those he was ever in hurry ; however, the plan was not much opposed by my mother, who wished myself and sister to know 302 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. something of continental manners and habits, as she thought nothing could be better for the completion of our education, and perhaps know- ing that the whim would not trouble Sir John much longer than his vexation lasted, and the requisite time for our studies — consented. The Count with family set off, at once, for their estates in the south of Vaucluse, and found them in a deplorable state enough, still the Count mantaiued his word with my father, and not only effected a speedy introduction to the minister, but an appointment, and as my fatiier had of late years paid a considerable attention to the building of steam boats, it almost became a quarrel between the minister of marine and the cnc of the public works which was to retain his services. However it was agreed for a time, that he should act in both capacities, and as many of the bridges of France, had most materially suffered through the late distracted times, some from neglect, others from being the actual scenes of conflicts, he was engaged upon reporting and surveys upon them in the department of the Rhone, and as this undertaking alone must require a couple of years, he removed us to a delightful residence a little eastward of Vaucluse in the department of Drome, of course on the Rhone, that is my mamma, myself, and only sister Agra, my brother receiving an appointment in the same capacity as my father under the Russian government soon after our arrival at Paris. Surely no place in the world could be more delightful than this, everything was new to the young and ardent mind of a girl of fourteen, the very differences in the dwellings, language, dresses of the neighboring farmers, peasantry, wild flowers and distant vine yards which everywhere spread on the sweet slopes around : for the dwelling my father selected was situated in one of the most heavenly valleys, surely, in the world. The house itself had belonged to a most ancient family, and was of Spanish architecture, and, probably, not less than three or four hundred years old, but being built of excellent stone, the whole, peculiarity of style excepted, appeared as comparitively modern. The society, though none immediate, was equally choice and delightful ; and a convent being adjacent, in which was an excellent ladies' school for all denominations, I and my sister Agra were at once entered, and as the distance was only a few hundred toises from our chateau, we were merely placed there as daily boarders ; in fine weather generally walking, and in wet, as we had a small pony-ph?eton for the purpose, we rode ; oftener than other- wise, accompanied by other young ladies of the establishment. And though in a strange country, nothing could be more delightful — anyone more happy; for though my papa, occasionally, was not at home more than a day or two in the week, such was the heaven- liness of the climate and scenery, and such the improvement that we were making, I may confess, in every accomplishment — so flattering to those who thirst for it — that, I m.ay fairly say, this was the happiest portion of my life. Indeed our happiness, as my poor mother frequently said, was almost too great to be lasting ; for, added to the extreme satisfaction of Sir John's appointment, we had already received letters from my brother, in which he 'informed us that his success had been unbounded ; nay, that he was about t ) form an alliance with one of the first families in the neighborhood. And here I must inform you, that ROWLAND BRADS HAW. 303 Charles was six years my senior, whilst I again was nearly eight older than my beautiful and peculiarly interesting sister. At this time we received a visit from the Count and his Princess, which gave us no little eclat, you may be sure, in the neighborhood ; for fine acquaintance there, as here, are very much held in esteem, I can assure you. Then we returned the visit ; and though the Count and Princess were proud of the vast alterations and improvements of their castle and estates, the all-engrossing subject was the prize obtained by their eldest son, Henri, Henri, Henri. None of our family had seen this very wonder, even for a phenomenon ; as allowing for the general over-rating of parents, there could be no doubt of his merits, unless there had been an extensive forgery both of letters from principals and German Gazettes. Indeed the whole accounts were so wonderful, that I, without any other motive or consideration whatever, felt a sudden spirit of emulation ; and a particular passage in one of the student's letters, which was an announcement of a German lady achieving the most distinguished honors in literature and art, and this observation, * how blessed, as I hear she's so handsome, would be the man who could call, and own, for ever, such a perfection — wife !' this passage almost caused me to study night and day. His portrait which was an honorary one, bestowed by the principals of his college for the honor they were pleased to say he had conferred upon it, was expected daily, and so anxious was I to see the represen- tation of a thing so wonderful, that I allowed myself and sister to be persuaded to a few more days' stay with the Count's family, and might have persisted waiting still longer, but information arriving that an immense inundation so high up as the Rhone as Monte, had prevented its navigation, and as the picture was on its route that way, we determined to leave the castle of the Count, for the humbler home of Sir John Johnson. I mention this last incident circumstantially, because if it had happened otherwise, the whole career of my life must have been altered, and strangely enough the portrait arrived one hour after our departure. It was a great fashion at that time for students, during vacation, even so far off as Paris, to make pedestrian tours to the Tyrol, Alps, and some even to Rome ; the plan being for the most part to send their baggage a post or so before, and then walk up. Two young gentlemen were travelling after this fashion, during the autumn vacation, for the lower way to Italy, when a most terrific thunder-storm and whirlwind prevented, not only their immediate progress, but had so inundated the way which they were to pursue, that they were obliged to loiter a few days in our neighborhood. My father had been stopped in a similar route from the same cause, and the inn in which they were staying being over-filled through this visitation, my father was resolved to return, and finding that the strangers were well-conducted and highly- accomplished young gentlemen of his own country, nothing would satisfy Sir John, but they must accompany him. This, with a very polite reluctance, they agreed to ; but vyfere resolved to commence the journey, if the waters were at all abated the next day. It was late when they arrived at the chateau, and were not intro- 304 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. duced to the family until breakfast next morning ; but, at that time, we all met, as well as several other young ladies from the convent. The voung gentlemen were welcomed and entertained with that delight, which accomplished, young, and handsome visiters generally are, if upon the first sentence they utter, you hear the fond accentuation and music of your own land. The whole conversation was in pure English, and was as delightful as if we could have taken a balloon trip, and for a few hours have witnessed the sweet spot of our home. My mamma was in ecstasies with what she pleased to call her countrymen, and this word she always used as if she meant to say — " and the only countrymen worthy of being known j" as, the truth was, she had long sighed for a return, although so anxious for our education, than which nothing could be more satisfactory to both our parents. When the young gentlemen spoke of a departure, she actually shuddered again at the proposal ; had heard such terrible accounts as to the floods, which, indeed, were true enough ; that, as a mother, she could not permit their going hence. They then both informed her, that the names they had been intro- duced by, were in accordance with their passports ; but, in point of fact, having left their colleges without the consent or knowledge of their friends, both entertaining such an enthusiastic wish to see Rome, they had assumed the names they bore to prevent pursuit, " but," continued the one, who appeared somewhat older than the other, " here are our real names ; at least," added he, with a smile, "here is mine." Of this, my mother would not listen to a single word ; she said, she knew enough of the danger of feigned passports ; that the servants might hear one name, and find another at the directory ; and, in short, since they had commenced imprudently, they must proceed so. In this, probably, she was right ; but be it either way, so it was. And the daughters of my good mother were not behind her in their manifestations of pleasure, at the strangers' submission, to her proposal of, at least, a few days stay. And here I must briefly describe our two guests : their ages might be eighteen or twentj years each ; either, upon a careful survey, might be taken for the oldest ; but, certainly, the one who was introduced as Charles Stanton, and of remarkably light complexion, would be easily supposed to be younger, than he of the black shining locks, and who was introduced as Henry Belmorgo. In their respective classes, both might be considered as handsome. They both appeared so at first, but there could be doubt of it when dressed for dinner. And here my good mother plumed herself upon her penetration, "as," said she, "if the servant, who fetched some of your luggage from the hotel, had asked for it in one name, and heard you addressed in another during your stay, and that too when there is such strange talk afloat, (alluding to a rumour of the restoration of the Napoleon family) would have caused a thousand speculations ; and my husband being formerly in the employ of the English government, we should not like to be the objects of one." They, certainly, were considered by all to be two remarkably elegant, prepossessing, well educated, and extremely well bred young men. The light-haired and slender Charles Stanton, the most agreeably possessed ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 305 my mother ; indeed, nothing could surpass his attention to her nnd to my Uttle sister, unless it was the apparent indifference — though, at all times, extremely polite — he manifested towards me. Henry Bclmorgo, however, paid a more marked attention, though nothing more than might be expected from a well-bred — or, perhaps, it would be better to say — a well-educated and amiable young man. In our walks the order was invariably the same, Mr. Stanton ever beauiug mamma, wliom he designated tlie handsomest woman alive, and the highly-accomi)lished (as b}^ this time we discovered him to be) Henry Belmorgo attending upon me. And here I may say, that Mr. Stanton gave us to understand that he was an officer in the English service ; Belmorgo was a scholar. My father, a little before this, commenced author in earnest ; he had ever had an inkling in that way, and now it had first burst out in a series of pam})hlets, against the boards of works of Great Britain, and afterwards a practical survey of science, more especially in that depart- ment, in which he had, for so great a number of years, earnestly and successfully engaged. He, in the pride of his authorship, showed the manuscript of the latter (the whole of which had been copied by myself) to our new guests. The admired of mamma glanced over most of it hastily, and then said, there v/ere many good points in the performance, but conceived it to be too practical for the scheme it had in view. The other read it with great care, and came to quite an ojtposite conclusion. He said, that it was practice the world wanted ; that theory, however good, was more common, because most men, who could write, did so on theory, rather than experimentalize or observe ; whilst, on the contrary, it too often happened, that the man of practice was too diffident of his pen. "Now, this work," concluded he, " I think, the happiest combination of both I ever met with, and shall, certainly, feel a great happiness — because I know the work would meet its real value there — to translate it into German ; indeed into French too." It were easy to guess, after this, which student met with most favor in the eyes of the author ; Henry Belmorgo was the youth, and no sooner was Sir John satisfied of his capability for the task he had expressed such willingness to assign to himself, than he was quite enraptured with his young friend ; and, when in the course of the next two days, he presented him with the preface in three languages — Latin, French, and German ; Sir John was so surprised, that, under a pretence of immediate business, he, at once, rode off to the convent, and consulted the different professors of those languages, as to whether they were respectively good ; he was not only told that nothing could be more pure, but all expressed an intense desire to see the young scholar, or, as one was pleased to term him, the modem prodigy. The good man could not contain his delight, and being, as I have said, in affairs relating alone to himself — ever in a hurry — he seemed to possess such an extreme horror at the very thought of Henry Bclmorgo's departure, that he actually conjured me to use every art, consistent with the beauty and virtue of a young maiden, to cause his stay. Now this is an awkward portion to come to, at ail times, in the auto- 20 300 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. biography of a lady ; that is her own description. It is so much so, that I shall, with you, my dear, waive it ; but this I may be pardoned, as it is necessary to my story, and that is — that, at this time, it was asserted by all, I believe, who knew us, that as much beauty had fallen to my share, as, perhaps, had fallen to most of my time or country. Indeed, to be very brief, some exceedingly extravagant things in that respect had been said, and, I believe, sung. Nor was Sir John insensible to the charms of his youthful daughter, and it was soon observed that the dark-haired stranger was infinitely less so. Indeed, the young man became enraptured, and soon exhibited a fear of departure^'as great as that of Sir John himself. But the more the favorite of Sir John wished to stay, the more, that of his lady, manifested an anxious desire to depart. And, I will not deny, that long ere this, I became as unhappy at the thoughts of that fearful hour, as the poor scholar himself. On the day .before the one fixed for this event, it seemed we were to labor under a new surprise, at the extent of Mr. Belmorgo's attainments, and that was, in his expressing a wish to take sketches of the whole family. This he did in crayons ; and as I had been drawing some years, and was considered by no means unskilled, I naturally looked, for this fresh display, with intense curiosity and interest, making up my mind to the fact, that if he succeeded in this, like the rest, well might the good fathers pronounce him the modern prodigy. He succeeded, one after the other ; it was amazing. I almost began to be afraid of him, that is — to love him. There was not much time for this, for so soon as it was my turn to sit — for he chose to do mine last — the moment the door was closed, and we were alone, he threw himself at my feet, and with streams flowing from his eyes, declared in the most impassioned strains, and fervid, though broken eloquence, bis imalterable, undying love for me. It would be in vain to deny, that — though my love was young — I felt it to be as tender, as noble, and as lasting as his ; still I was so flurried — not to say terrified and affected at the agony of soul under which he seemed to labor — that I, at once, begged of him to permit my departure. Of course, it is not essential to my plan to say more of our loves, as I have something of deeper interest to impart to you ; but, I may say, that we did not separate without a mutual exchange of vows, depending, necessarily, on the consent of my parents : and he said also, that he should not proceed further, without, at once, obtaining that of his. In the meantime — though scarcely a look was directed to me, certainly, not one, that even caused a suspicion — so well had Mr. Stanton plied and pleased my poor mother, that — could it be believed, my dear — he had actually obtained her consent, and also her promise to obtain that of Sir John, upon her being satisfied as to his connexions and fortune, that he should have my hand. All this was, however, for the time being, to be kept strictly silent. That he would urge their departure, make an excuse to return to Paris, thence to England, whence he would correspond, and more particularly convince our connexions in England, that he was of noble birth, and ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 307 heir to one of the principal families in the kingdom. In the meantime, I was to be sedulously and carefully watched, as he was not so entramelled in the meshes of love himself, as not to see that his friend, Henry Belmorgo, was, or would be, similarly affected. In short, every thing was arranged, and that too wonderfully. He admitted that his friend — whom, it seemed, he a little sneered at — was of a good, and probably, of as ancient a family as his own ; but when he named their respective wealths and positions, he sneered more than before. He had evidently mistaken the qualifications of his rival, as was clear — this, of course, I was made acquainted with since — from his always alluding to him by the epithets of "our scholar," "nothing in him but books," " a mere student," &c. He was all these ; and though master of many languages, none was he so leai-ned in as that whose kingdom was the heart. It was — but again why dwell — it was noble, all invincible ; and whilst the one was plying with titles and palaces, the other created them ; the one in England, the other in my heart. In a stolen interview, of a few seconds, on the morning of departure, he pressed into my hands a miniature, superbly set in diamonds on one side, and opals on the other. " This, dearest Augusta, is my portrait; on the other side, the diamond side, you see a blank ivory, I had intended it for my mother : now for you, keep it, and ere long — from the sketch I have taken — I will prove my faith to thee, by the mastery of my memory, for it, love, shall be the painter ; let it be thy task to treasure thy vow, which will give me strength in the struggle of parting : again repeat it, and as thou art true to me, may God eternally bless and protect thee until my return." I gave my vow solenmly ; and a hundred kisses enabled us to bear the parting, at noon, in a manner from which few would have suspected, that any impression had been made by the stranger's sojourn, save that of a sincere friendship. They professed both to depart for Italy ; not before making promises of writing, as often as convenient, and visiting us upon their return to college. Then commenced the industry of my poor mother, in fiivor of — what she was pleased to term — the handsomest and most accomplished young man it had ever been her good luck to meet with. And then she hinted, that a few of our neighbors — as well in the department of Drome, as in the county of Devonshire, should we return to England — might be surprised, some day, at the alliance of her daughter, Avith one of the wealthiest of England and, of course, Europe. And then my mamma appeared unusually dignified, and looked upon a non-compliance or dislike to her favorite suitor from me, to be an event as unlikely, as that it was impossible for her to be mistaken, should I have the chance in my choice. I was first amused, but began, by degrees, to get perfectly horrified, when I discovered that Stanton had actually been making proposals to her. There was something inconceivably revolting in the conduct of a man, who never saying or doing one act that would appear like that of a lover, covertly doing so to another, and that too, one which, at all 308 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. times, seems to me to be attended with, to say the least of it, a want of refinement, not to say indelicacy, I had, however, great depeudance in the interference of my father, should Stanton return to make good his choice ; and, in the meantime, I was resolved not to appear to oppose my mother's wishes, but still I was convioced that the overtures, on both sides, had been carried to a length, that even my poor mother did not like to acknowledge. A fortnight, in this way, went lingeringly on, my father being away most of his time on his duties, and, I believe, attending to the printing of his work, which a Swiss, at Valence, had undertaken to do in English. One evening, as I was walking in rather a lonely part of the convent gardens, wondering — with the usual wonderings, in which very young minds in love are usually occupied — as whether Henry was true ? but of that there could be no doubt, yet it was possible — whether he was alive ? had painted my miniature ? how it was possible to do it in my absence ? how strange that he refused to tell me his real name, until he had tested my real love and truth ? Truth! how delightful to prove that which was my ambition, my — and at the moment of these ruminations, a stranger stood before me, muffled and evidently wishful not to be known. He, at once, asked me if I were not Mademoiselle Johnson ? and upon my answering in the affirmative, he thrust a small packet into my hand, and simply whispering " from Henry," hastily departed. I looked at it, until I thought the stranger would be sufficiently away, when I pressed it to my lips, and then put it to my bosom, when, to my surprise, I heard the same voice say in English — though I thought the speaker must be some distance off — "ah, I shall have glad tidings to carry." At first, I was greatly startled ; but afterwards was delighted, when I reflected that — whoever the messenger was — he would be enabled to tell my adored, what gladness liis packet had conveyed to my heart. I hurried home, and so soon as prudent, got to my chamber, secured the door, and broke open the many sealed parcel, when, to my delight, there was an exquisite, though unfinished, miniature of myself. It was, or so seemed, almost breathingly like. I, at once, hid the precious gift, resolved — after the family's retirement, and when my sister had fallen asleep — to sit, at least, up half the night to kiss it, read his letter, and pray for his happiness, welfare, and return. And then I was at once struck ; there was no request in the letter for an answer, nor did the messenger wait for one, but though puzzled, I was soon in the same dehghtful exercises I was in at first, and in which I was employed until nearly three o'clock in the morning, reading and re-reading tlie exquisitely written, tender, and constancy-vowing letter. I had placed the miniature before me, with the intention of reading the billet once more — the casement flew, though noiselessly, open, and a long white hand gently took the letter out of mine, and the adored gift off the table. The casement closed, and all I recollected, next morning, was what I have related ; only I had some faint remembrance of seeing a huge brilliant ring on one of the long slender fingers, but it was evident I had fainted, for the stealthy hand had just seized the document, as I was, for the last time, kissing obedience to one of its requests, which was — that should Henry never, through death or any other cause, see .^- ^^.- ;^ ^^i. ^S^fc:^^i^^^?^^ ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 309 me more, I was solemnly requested not to part with his miniature, or the one he had just sent me And even on the first night it was gone ! and with it, dear Jane, almost my reason ; but I will not dwell. My mother, who, before the visit of these gentlemen, was the kindest with which child was ever blest, was now incessantly interrogating me, as to this sudden change in my conduct in all things; she was convinced that there must be other causes for so great an alteration,' save those which I assigned, and, at once, despatched an express message to Sir John, who, upon his arrival, was informed of my strange despondency, and — what my poor mamma called — obstinacy. My papa desired my mother to wait a little, and in the meantime promised her that he would use every effort to discover, and dispel the cause. To effect this, the next day he entered my chamber, and after the most soothing expressions and assurances of his love for me, which indeed I did not require, he begged of me, at the same time promising that whatever I had to disclose, should I desire it, he would unfold to no one — that I would make him my confidant. The tone and deep anxiety my poor father exhibited, as well as the great tenderness, not only then, but through hfe, which he had ever shown, completely overset every determination which I had formed — and which Henri had imposed upon me— of secrecy. Suffice it that I told him all from the beginning, up to the strange theft of the miniature and letter. My father was greatly affected, but upon my re-assurance that my promise to Henri was on the condition I have named to you — the consent of my parents, and now, my promise— which he knew was sacred vdth him — that I would not take another step without his being apprised and advised upon it, my fatker again kissed me, shook my hand tenderly, and said, " I am too happy of your choice, if all things be right, in this, my dear. I do not allude to fortune : thank God, I can give you that which will make you happy, at all events, with such extraordinary powers as those with which your lover is blest. I have no fear of your happiness ; and bless you, my dear Augusta, once more for being so explicit ; still, I must say, this last is mysterious and, I fear, dangerous. But it will be necessary that you never go alone ; and though I do not wish to cause any distrust even in the breast of 5'^our mother, still you must either change your chamber, or have it in every way secured ; and again I want to give a very different turn to all this to your dear mother." And then it was, love, I learned all as to the proposal, and my mother's interest in favor of Mr. Stanton, and became more and more alive to the extreme danger of my position ; for the whole proceeding, and several fierce looks which I fancied I once or twice detected in Stanton, forbodcd something subtle and lurking. Some day or two after the event I have related, my sister and I were taking a short walk through the olive grove, when nearing a small grotto, in which were kept tlie water fowl, a being, seemingly much hurt^ indeed half slain, feebly approached us ; as he did so, he waved his hand, as though desirous that Agra should leave us. I desired her to step behind, but not many yards ; when thus freed, the poor wretch accosted me in a patois that I knew to be spoken in Vaucluse. 310 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " Do I address the daughter of Monsieur Sare Jean Johnsome ?" I affirmed, and bade him say on. He then informed me that he was a native of St. Paul-trois-Chateaux ; his name Pierre Priappe ; that a few days before, as he stood upon the bridge which crosses the Louzon — a stream of the Rhone — a richly dressed Cavaher put into his hands a packet, with a sum of money, far greater than any he had ever possessed before, bade him carry the packet to me, after giving him every description, and a promise of a greater amount still, if he succeeded in his message, and brought back some token or sign of its being delivered to the lady for whom it was designed. " I travelled nearly night and day," continued he, " Mademoiselle, and had just made the seminary, in which I learned you attended, concealed myself for the delivery, when I was attacked by two armed men, the packet demanded, but not one franc of the money. I had sworn to the Virgin to deliver it ; for the youth, though he now knows it not, once saved me — but no more ; I fought. Mademoiselle, I fought to deliver the letter of poor Henri." And then he wept as if in desperation rather than pain, and thus continued, showing me his frightful wounds. " Bear testimony. Mademoiselle, that I bled in the task ; and here, this is the money he gave me, take it, it is no longer mine ; not a liard, not a liard." I was so shocked with what the poor creature had suflPered in the cause of him I adored, that in a moment of sympathy and enthusiasm, I threw my arms around his somwhat rugged neck, and kissed him over and over, and was not conscious of the impropriety I had committed, until he gently raised my face, and though he appeared affected before, he now evidently became more so, looked at me for some length of time, and at last, after a long sigh, and then as if speaking to himself, said, " that may have saved him ;" at least, such I imagined the words to be at the time. It is needless to add I made him take back the money. I then told him I was convinced of his fidelity, but that, singular to say, the packet had been put into my hands ; and rhen I told him of the mysterious abduction afterwards. To this he did not seem to pay any particular attention ; but after some lime, as though he had well considered his plan, or had had some internal struggle with himself, asked me if I had any message to return. I eagerly told him I had, and bade him stay a moment ; then taking aside my sister, after exacting a solemn promise not to reveal what she might have seen or heard, ran to my escritoir, and took from it also an attempt at a memory-portrait of my Henri. This I carefully placed in a case, and with it a few hurried lines, telling him of the principal events of the few preceding days, also acquainting him with the confession to my dear father ; and after expressing an earnest desire either for his return, or of some speedy intelligence, sealed the whole, and took it to the concealed courier. After a gift, which he seemed almost to stagger'at ; I bade him make all the speed he could. The stranger kissed my hand, again looked earnestly in my face, and without giving utterance to a single word, took his departure. A month had now nearly passed, and that without one word in reply ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 311 to my letter, or in any way being able to obtain the slightest information on the distressing mysteries that had — now that my passion for the noble stranger had had time to let a little reason shine ujson the whole — from first to last surrounded me. And, to add to the rest, my mother's present indiflference, and that too after her incessant and searching enquiries at first. Scarcely had she mentioned the subject, but at this time, as if rallying me, said that it was well nothing more serious had passed, in the way of engagement, between me and the absent Belmorgo, " as," continued she, "it must have ended as it began, for he never could have been yours, Augusta." This was cold lead to my breast ; but, of course, I made no reply, save something that I thought best calculated to delude her as to the real state of my heart. At the same time I was waiting, most anxiously, the return of my dear papa, who had again been away for a considerable time. Of course, I had told him the whole as to the attack of Henri's messenger. On the same night of my mother's terrible words, my father returned, and in the morning showed me a newspaper, in which was the most singular paragraph, of an attack and attempt to murder a gentleman and servants in the neighborhood of Pierrelatte. Now there was something in the whole of this report, though different names were given, the country it happened in being quite different to the route our students said they should pursue on their departure from us, still, I say, there was something in the whole of it that both my father and I thought was connected with the mysterious event of the stolen packet. The paragraph was headed " Mysterious affair," and mysteriously was the whole treated, and, no doubt, for the same reason that those things are often treated so, simply because the honest chronicler knows little, if anything, of it. But still the description of the principals, their both being supposed Enghsh, "a /ff^y being— as it was supposed — at the bottom of this singular — if true — attempt at assassination." Another account, though in the same paper, and which had been copied from a contemporary, said, it was no affair at all, but simply a band of robbers who sometimes deploy from the mountains of Ardeche, and who are too well known in that department for their brutality and maraudings. The whole, however, greatly and sadly perplexed us, and as the latter authority asserted that one of the young gentlemen lay in an almost dying state at a convent near Pierrelatte, I was resolved to proceed thither at once. My dear father at first attempted to dissuade me, but finding I was resolved — for I am sure I should have gone mad if I had not — he at once not only consented, but prepared to take me, adding, " we can easily deceive your mother in this, as here I have a long letter from the Count De Bouvre, in which he informs me a great event is to take place in his family, and," continued he, smiling, "you will now have an opportunity of judging as to the extraordinary merits of the young Count— he is to be the theme — returning, for the last time, from Gottingen, as he has finished : taking, so the Count says, the most extraordinary degrees, in number and height, which, it is thought, ever fell to the lot of any student there. Of course," continued my father, " the family will be over delighted ; but stiil," said he, looking tenderly at me, " I think we could name one that would equal him." 3152 ROWLAND BRADSHAW "Name one, father." •* True, true ; could anything he more perverse than the determinatio» of your mother in not allowing the strangers to give their real names, though, I must confess, there did not seem an inclination on either part to do so ; but my life as to Belmorgo, and I don't know," continued my ikther, musingly, " I have often thought that I have heard that name before ; but, I say, I have no doubt as to his love or his honor. This letter from the Count, of course, invites us all, but I know your mother wont go ; so now, love, prepare you, and I will announce our departure for to-morrow." My mother had not the shghtest suspicion of the real nature of our journey, so we pressed her to accompany us, or to allow us to take Agra. She steadily refused both, and this exactly meeting our plan, we proceeded for the department of Vaucluse on the morrow. I journeyed with a glad, though saddened heart ; glad, if I could surprise my Henri ; saddened — it might be maddened — should he be the victim of the foul attempts hinted at in the chronicle. I thought and turned everything over and over again, and though my father was most solicitous to divert me from my sad bodings, still I was only the more anxious for the spot in which this strange affair was stated to have taken place. We at first thought of travelling by the usual packet down the Rhone, but it not sailing until the next day, by my wish we posted it, and then, for the first time, I bethought me as to how the newspaper, which contained the strange information, had come to my father's hand, as I recollected seeing the paragraph marked at the top and bottom, as though particular attention were wished to be called to it. He then confessed it was that which had much added to the mystery, for that it had been sent to him at the office of the works he was superintending ; marked as I had seen it. This then left no doubt on my mind, that the whole was in some way connected with the other strange circumstances that I have related. It was close upon the evening of the second day that we arrived at the precints of the monastery, the road to it was dismal, in some places fearfully so ; and we had to be taken through a regular pass on mules or asses ; the greater part of the convent had long been in ruins, and being further mutilated, robbed, and finally sold at the revolution, it had no revenue but what had been bequeathed to it of late by pious laymen, and a few Jesuits, who, enthusiastic of its former \irtues and renown, had passed the rest of their holy days within its cloisters. When the whole ponderous, gloomy mass broke upon me, I felt as we do when dreaming of being buried ere death ; it was in the midst of these dreary thoughts that we were a little startled at the appearance of two brothers from the convent ; they requested to be informed the cause of our visit ; and ere we gave it, they desired us not to proceed further as a fearful epidemic had broken out in the house, and so they were sent, as well as others, round the neighborhood to prevent, or, at least to warn all who approached of what might be their fate should they enter. Of this I cared nothing, so eagerly told them why we broke upon the peace of their order; so soon as they were informed that it was a wounded young gentleman we sought, they both concurred that ROWLAND BRADSUAW. 313 we had been rightly informed as to the attack and robbery of the poor young man, but that he had been removed, and was now on his way to his friends, being, it was supposed, much recovered. I fell upon my knees even for the information, and said I would give any sum to be taken to where he was, or even to be fairly put upon his route. The Jesuits said they would willingly give their services, and that too without any reward, my father said that might not be, they should, if it lay in his power, be paid in full. Our guides were then ordered to put back, we re-made the pass, got horses at the next post, when the two monks mounted, saying that a two hours' ride would bring us to the place where poor Henri lay ; the way in which one of them pronounced the name of him we sought, attracted my attention, and riding more closely to him, the moon now being lovely and resplendently bright, I got a better look nnder his cowl than I had been able to obtain before, and ere I had time to say one word, he said "hush mademoiselle don't you know me? lam Pierre Priappe, he who should have brought your message." " Oh," said I " in God's irame, what do you here ?" " Hush, you are betrayed, show your fortitude 1 will be with you." I was going to turn round to proceed back to my father, as we had out-ridden him with others some two or three hundred yards, when he held my arm, " hush ! one word to your father and we are all murdered, your lover is in the convent, and will soon be better — will soon deliver you," And then he began to chant a sort of hymn, very common in that department, stopped as if only to get a better mouthful of breath when he again whispered, •' be sure you struggle should I have to seize you, but don't leave me." " One word I beseech thee, in whose hands am I ? I implore you say." " His who seized your miniature through the window, he's great and powerful, and more in these districts ; I am told as rich as an," I was going to say an * Englishman !' but he is one, " go with him and nothing fear, he has been too quick I must go back and stay your fother, he will call himself Henri — he's here." I was resolved to obey to the word, indeed I found to attempt escape useless, for though only one horseman appeared, I soon saw three or four more at a short distance, beside, I know not why, my dear, I felt a strange desire to revenge my poor Henri, and show that he had not selected a maiden that was ever likely to bear him cravens should we wed ; I only cared for my father, but stdl was fearless to everything. The rider was now up, and very gallantly took off a sort of military glove, put out his hand, it was the same that had seized my picture and my Henri's letter. There was the ring, there was everything but the steadiness which it possessed when it stole my treasure ; the face was shaded with a huge slouched hat, and otherwise muffled by a huge fur collar : the first word told me his voice, I knew it, although it began with, " my dear, dearest Augusta — and would you venture this for your poor Henri?" " This my Henri !" said I throwing myself with the same enthusiasm that I should into the arms of my real lover, " this, I will traverse the earth, and then bid me do more, and again more, if I thought it would make me worthy of Henri's love." 314 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. He saluted me, but I fonnd there was not a nerve in his frame but what trembled violently, whether from love or anger it was not to say. "Ride quickly for we are pursued, your father will soon be with us." " Be pursued my Henri, and my father, why fear the first, and how know you my father is here?" " Hush love, ride quickly I say, there were some more horsemen I passed, I hkedthem not, this, as you know, is a district much marauded; ride faster, even than that — but I see you are ill mounted, leave your wretched steed and spring on mine." " But, surely, my Henri that is not the way to advance, though my horse is none of the best, still we must proceed faster than by loading yours — gallant as he is !" " Stay, there is now no time," said the rider pretending to see the other horsemen advance toward us, " then do your best." And away we both dashed, and though I tremble whilst I relate it, on my honor, I know not why, but I never felt less fear in all my life. " And you will be my wife Augusta," demanded he as we drew up a little to breathe our horses, '' hark, did I not tell you we were pursued, don't you hear the clatter of horses V as if he was mistaking his follow- ers, as I have no doubt they were, for his pursuers, " you will be my wife, and tomorrow." "But, tell me Henri, why all this mystery ? and what has become of your friend ? and I also was told you were murdered, or nearly so ; this as you know was the object of my visit to the monastery, you are silent my Henri, do you know love, I think that friend of yours, that Mr. Stanton, although you always seemed to have an especial regard for him, is a villain, I am sure you were not acquainted with him in early life, but I never knew a scholar suspicious enough ; now Henri, if you have been attacked, my salvation upon it, he — no, I was going to compliment him, I was going to say he was the man ! not he, he would not be the man, but find the purse ; assassination is a cheap commodity in thes dis- tricts ; I'll wager on his cunning against my Henri's — but not his sword." And I saw my escort writhe again. "You think he has cunning then?" " Enough to be vile, as I have no doubt he has wealth enough to pervert, and if he had been a soldier, he would have bought the Governor with his country's wealth, and the gazette with his own, to state he took the citadel in open fight, he the foremost. But my head upon it, he durst not abduct the good man's daughter for all that, that is if she were a maiden of spirit hke the woman who has given her love to thee Henri Belmorgo." This was enough, he then threw off his hat, and widely opened his cloak, and in a^convulsion of rage, screamed out, " wretch, I am he whom you dare upbraid, but, that I have loved you Augusta, you had not uttered another word, but here have met your fate, as by this arm your sickly- faced Henri, has before you ; for by this arm, puny as you have described it, this sword hath drunk his blood." " And by the blood of my father, and the God of my murdered Harry, I will have thine." I then sprang upon him, and in an instant seized his sword arm, and felt as a betrothed maiden should feel for her lover. ROWLAND BRADS IIAW. 315 and the honor *f a poor and worthy father, who even at that moment might he suffering the same fate as he had. " Now Stanton thy hfc or mine finishes the tragedy." " Hold thine hand dear Augusta, hut hear me, it was love ardent and unquenchahle love, and with your mothers consent too, and seeing another preferred, and he too — ah, but I will not rail, that he has driven me to this — I love thee Augusta and would." " Ruin me !" "Thy hand from my throat." I took it off, but made secure his sword hand. " Augusta, I would have made you my wife, though when yovi know me you will see how great the descent, still I would, but after what I now know of your heart, could you, I ask you ? could you yourself expect it ?" "No," I said, "nor would I become so, be your greatness what it may, for a thousand times its sum, so let me depart, first taking me to the man, whose roof sheltered you." "Never," said he, "nothing can save you, should my life be the forfeit — I have thee and — " I did not give him time to finish the devilish sentence, but gaining fortitude from this crawling insult, I seized the handle of his sword and after a terrible struggle succeeded in wrenching it from his grasp ; and as soon as I did so, held it towards his heart, at the same time however I put my poor animal to all his speed, and as if he knew the situation of his poor mistress, he sped ; yet his efforts were so feeble as compared to his antagonist's, that I found it was impossible to escape without some casualty, or miraculous intervention : he made a gallant effort but was soon doubled by the pursuer, who, as soon as he succeeded in bringing us to a stand, presented a pistol close to my bosom, and said that if I attempted to proceed another yard, he would — and then he paused a little, he should be compelled to contradict my impression, that he could only hire assassination. There could be no doubt of his intention, and this I rather know from what I have been told since, than of what I did at that time ; but I took the sword and making the best blow I could at him, it would seem just cut him on the hand in which he held the fatal pistol, he fired, and dropped it the same instant, I had rendered his hand powerless, and so again sped, but soon heard additional horsemen, and speedily found my- self surrounded : a word from their Captain, " seize her, and you know whither to convey her," and I was a prisoner, whilst the craven-hearted commander put spurs to his horse and without another word carried his dripping hand away. I had now, for the first time, a fair glance at my new possessors, and found little in their appearance upon which to congratulate myself, and all my bravery was fast subsiding before my fears, when these words were whispered in my ear, and by one too who had just dismounted to to take the flying Stanton's pistol, " Pierre ! be at rest, all will be safe." "We rode on for some two or three leagues, I peremptorily refusing to answer, or indeed to speak a single word. At last we came to a stately though somewhat gloomy building, which I was told, but did not believe, 31 G ROWLAND BRADSHAW. was a posting house or inn : I was civilly received however, after a good deal of knocking, by a couple of grooms, and afterwards by a ricketty, though a tolerably knowing-like looking old lady ; that is, she called herself such ; she pretended to make the usual enquiries and attentions ; most anxiously wished me to partake of refreshments, to all of which I agreed, but requested merely a glass of water for the present. I saw Pierre nod, or rather wink as if approvingly, as soon as I had partaken of the water which you may be assured I drank rather copiously, I changed my mind as to any refreshments for the night, if so it could be called, being evidently two or three o'clock ; I thought I saw Pierre look again as if he would have said, "that is right !" However, I was shown to my chamber, and if I had had a doubt before as to the nature of my lodgings — I could have none then, for this was neither more nor less than a "department" asylum; the mere thought of being in a mad house completely disarmed my fortitude, and should actually, but for the promises of Pierre, have began to gnaw at the iron stanchions of my window; I, however, knelt down and said my usual prayers, and not a word more, for I think little of emergent prayers at best ; but of that another time. I undressed myself, for I did not know how I might be watched, but so placed my clothes that I could easily find them by the moon's light and was resolved to do so the instant I had put out my lamp ; I did as I had resolved, and in less than a couple of hours the dins as if from carousals or some such other cause ceased, and in about an hour afterwards with the first streak of day light, I heard a whisper at my door which simply said, " Pierre," I had managed to conceal the sword of Stanton down the inside of my riding coat, and now I put it beside the door, and as gently as I could turned the lock ; it was right, it was the honest Pierre Priappe who said " now mademoiselle if you dare follow me : the sHghtest noise and we are ruined." He then took me in his powerful arms, and as at the first of our interviews, I could not resist rewarding his faithfulness by another kiss on the forehead ; he supported his burthen gallantly, he knew the pre- mises well, and we soon made the court and soon after one of the back outlets, and though we passed the stable in which were our horses, he advised that we should not attempt to take one, but continued going on, saying there was nothing like our legs for it ; "and recollect mademoiselle" and this he said in a desponding tone, " through this act I leave France : I should be hunted hke a renegade bloodhound : be it so, I have sworn to be true to you, and I will." I once more shook him tenderly by the hand, and promised him thrice repayment for his fidelity, bidding him at the same time whatever he did to keep the pistol, as I would the sword of the discomfitted Stanton, as even then I thought these might give my father, or my Henri, should we ever meet, a chance of finding or discovering who this most powerful Englishman was, and bringing him to account for the whole, for even then I was convinced that he had concealed, even from his friend, his real name and position. We ran on for several leagues, and fearing pursuit, crossed the most devious paths, and at last through a terrible one, and then through another still more gloomy, when again I kissed the hand of ray ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 317 deliverer, and offered to throw myself on my knees, that I might suitably express my gratitude. He stopped me, and said he was under sufficient obligations to my lover, although he knew it not, without any additional expressions, which I was about to confer, and must, therefore, peremptorily refuse them. We soon got to the welcome old house of the Jesuits, and here the good Pierre Priappe had a surprise for me, and that was in finding myself in the arms of my adored father, just as we entered the first passage into the magnificent cloisters. He then told me that my guide had bade him flee, just at the time when I, and, no doubt, Stanton, thought he, with the others of his band, were making him secure. I shed a thousand tears of delight, and of such delight as can never be felt, save by those who have just escaped some terrible fear of death, or a greater horror still, a living separation from all they love. My father was too glad of my recovery, and too tender of my happiness, to delay the interview with my poor Henri, but deemed it prudent, as we were assured that he was still in a deplorable state of weakness, to see and prepare him for the visit of one that we both deemed would be more welcome still. Nor was my father wrong, as I afterwards discovered ; for so overcome was the dear youth at the sight of him, that, even with the assistance of several of the brethren, a relapse was dreaded. He certainly raved, but spoke of nothing else but his Augusta. So long had I been waiting to see him, and the attendants for a time leaving me, that I sought, and soon found my way to his chamber door. It was a dark entrance, and sitting in one of the huge window seats were two beings, one of which addressing the other said, " Depend upon it, father Jereboam, the youth will die ; 'tis a sad event." I heard no more, but soon found myself in the chamber which contained the wounded scholar, and before I was obserevd, between his pale hands. He gave a convulsive sigh ; but so soon as I pronounced his name, and he recognised my voice, he burst into tears of gladness. The physician to the Order, upon being informed of my name and history, ordered all to leave the apartment but myself, saying that the patient would be best soothed, as he had discovered that the wounds of his body were not all under which the student suffered. This he said with a good tempered air, shook the scholar's hand, and again, in the same gentle raillery, said, that had he known so beautiful and so skillful a physician had been near, he should never have presumed to prescribe. The good doctor was not so far wrong, for my poor patient improved apace, but still was not considered by his surgeons to be out of danger ; and the last gentleman himself said, that although he had now no doubt of his recovery, yet advised that he should not be removed for several weeks to come. It was under these circumstances, with streams of tears flowing down his pallid face, that he besought my father to consent to our union ; " as," said he, " I die, if my Augusta leaves me ; and since none else may, nay, can nurse me, even to my grave, let it become a duty ; in few, if I die, let it be in the arms of my wived Augusta." My father loved us too well, and from what he suspected of the part my poor mother had taken iu the interests of the infamous Stanton, he 318 ROWLAND ORADSHAW. W.1S resolved not to consult, or ask her consent, nor delay liis own, so with no other consideration, save that of making two doating hearts happy, placed my hand in my Henri's. My father was then ahout to leave the chamber, but as if recollecting himself, fearing that he had acted more like a lover, than one who should watch his passions and interests, turned round to the enraptured accepted, and mildly, and as one who deemed such questions, after what he had known and done, as unnecessary, said, that he hoped he should have the youth's pardon, but certainly before the ceremony, he was sure the other would agree, that both his intended wife and himself ought to be better acquainted with his family, history, and prospects. At this Henri smiled, and replied, " my dear Sir John, bring the priest, and at the ceremony I will pronounce my name, in length ; Sir John, it will be one you have heard of. As to my family and position, you have the word of a gentleman, they are, so you shall see, equal to your own, and then," continued he, after a faint smile, but one of conscious triumph, " if, when you know who I am, you repent of your consent, withdraw it, but I will never my love." " Nay," answered my dear father, much affected, " to show you, my dear Henri, that my request was not sinister, I here declare, that I shall be satisfied, equally as I am of your great merits, if you have not a home and are penniless, so that all things are happy, and there is no impedi- ment. My daughter's happiness is my great consideration, and I know it does not exist in any wealth or greatness, save that greatness of your own acquiring." So again he tenderly took the young man's hand, and again blessed us both. And the very next day was fixed for the nuptials, the head of the monastery signified his wish to officiate. The ceremony was performed in the chamber in which the bridegioom lay ; and it being intimated that, of course, the unfortunate stranger would give his real name and address, and there being much curiosity from the circumstances to know them, a great number of the brotherhood was present. For the first time since his attack, Henri ordered himself to be dressed; a small altar was placed beside his bed, and additional light permitted to enter the room : and guess the surprise of all, and none more than myself, when we entered, to see the bridegroom, though only supported in bed, most gorgeously attired. It was a court dress of a French noble, but with many foreign orders, the whole profusely enriched with diamonds. This splendor, and the pallid brow and thin face of my lover, as well as the unexpectedness of the whole, so affected me, that I swooned. The ceremony proceeded, and at last the father, in a mild and affectionate tone, asked the bridegroem's name, "Count Henri Labberti De Bouvre." It was again with great difficulty that I could support myself : I looked, as well as my tottering frame would permit me, steadily at his fine face, and at once recognised the likeness of his mother, the Princess. And so this was the renowned scholar ! " Of Vaucluse?" demanded the father, with open eyes and suspended animation. " Even so," ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 319 **Is there — have you no other title?" demanded the prior. *' It may be." " Then may not tJiis marriage be /" I fell on my Henri's neck, "Oh, why all this?' and again I was senseless. "Stay," I heard another say as I recovered, "I know all too, yet will I adventure upon the ceremony, if the learned Count wisheth it to proceed." " Or not my life ; I know of no jtist impediment ; I scorn the one the good father, perhaps, alludes to. May I beseech you proceed, or we will journey until some will be less exceptions." And the ceremony was completed ; I was the wife of the young German student, whose learning had been the theme of all my wonders and emulation. CHAPTER XLVIII. THE STORY CONTINUED. The whole was, at my husband's request, kept profoundly secret, and not till the fifth week of our marriage was he pronounced fitting to depart. In the meantime, however, we had managed, through the instrumentality of the faithful Pierre, to forward and receive letters from the Count and Princess De Bouvre. The former were dated and posted as if from Henri's college in Germany, to which place the answers were sent. At last the day was named when he might be expected to return, and it was then agreed, though the pain of separation was maddening, that I should return home, and that my fiither and I should avail ourselves of our standing invitation to visit the Count's castle, just at the time that Henri was to return. We parted to put the resolve into force, it being arranged that my husband should fall suddenly in love with me when on our visit, demand me in marriage, " and then," added Henri, " should they consent, which I know they will, we will again be married, suitably to the dignity of our loves, and I, perhaps, may add, dearest Augusta, your beauty and virtue." " Nay, name not that, Harry, as I will not your family, for though I respect it, believe me it has no weight, nor ever can have with me ; but do name the suitableness to your studies and high honors that my Harry hath throughout Europe. If lis would please to add a new happiness to his doating wife, wed me with the honors due to thy real, thine own greatness, my Harry, but mention not thy ancestors." Every second seemed to increase our loves, and though but to part 320 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. for a few days, I had literally to be dragged from my husband's arms, as he from mine, by the good fathers. They did not let us go home, however, without a sufficient escort for our safety ; Henri to his, I to my own home. Tlie news of the great scholar's return had gladdened the hearts of Count Geoffroi and his Princess. We need not go without a bidding ; ere I returned home, an express had been sent to invite all our family that could at all come, to be of the glad party ; as it was intimated, that beyond the delight of his return, a surprise was in preparation,'alike for the object of all these rejoicings, as those who came to enhance, and give number to them. On the fourth day of our separation my father and I arrived at the house in which was every thmg my heart treasured. We were welcomed with raptures by all, save the hand I wished to press mine ; still I could perceive my father was unhappy, and, indeed, I feared much more so than he seemed willing to betray to his anxious daughter. The name which my husband had assumed seemed greatly to distress him ; nor did his anxiety appear at all allayed, when informed that Count Henry had told me it was his mother's family name ; and he, doatingupon the Princess, said that he had had frequent thoughts of adding it to his own, if not using it instead of De Bouvre, of course by getting a patent to do so : still all his explanation seemed only to add to, instead of relieving the uneasiness my revered father labored under. The castle was teeming with company, most of whom had gone out to ride or stroll in the magnificent gardens ; the young Count had been gone out some two hours before, and alone it was supposed, but no one knew the route ; indeed the jealousy of my love was soon appeased by the Princess informing my father of the extreme solitariness of her son's habits, that he was not only invariably alone, but avoided most scrupu- lously any communication as to his adventures, health, habits, nor would he be questioned as to his route, or when he set off from Germany. All this was elysium to his throbbing wife's heart, and it at once occurred to me that Henri had gone the road he was likely to meet us, I was the more satisfied when informed we had come the wrong way ; after some difficulty I effected an excuse to try one of the horses of the Count's sister, and soon having ascertained the road we should have come, bade him fly ; he obeyed me, and after half an hour's ride having drawn up as the way became hilly, I was surprised to hear a horse neigh at some distance, my little fellow answered, I soon came to the spot where the charger stood fastened by his bridle, I placed mine beside him, made a neighboring height and then looked round, there was another mound a little further on, one glance and 'neath an old walnut tree stood a closely muffled figure ; it mattered not, I could not be wrong ; I walked noise- lessly and threw my arms round the neck of my husband ; I shall not, for it were impossible to describe my Harry's ecstasies, he kissed me with a thousand burning kisses, and (hen lie wept as if his breast would have burst, again he pressed me, and still faster^liowed his tears, utterance had left him and seemed but to return, as Joy at my presence, sobered and took breath again. We had scarcely hurried into its thousand forms when my Henri said, " hark, did not you hear that report ? again !" cJ^ i^yCy^AM^ij^ ROWLAND BUADSIIAW. 'S'2l "Id— o!" " Their arrival is signalled, their landing was telegraphed last night !" "Who arrive? what doth my husband — love mean?" " Stretch thine eye dear Augusta, no, leave not my bosom to do so, take not thy head from its resting place, even to see the gladdest sight that ever blessed the entranced : but look !" " I see, my Henri, rounding yon lion-headed hill, ay, now more plainly, a lengthy cavalcade." " Again hear you not the cannon from the castle ?" " I do, and now they all come to view, what carriages, horsemen and retinue may they not be?" "They may, sweet angel." " But why doth my love, nay my sweet Henri groan not, no harm can touch thee whilst thy young wife doth hold thee thus, if thy bosom be burthened, even as I hold thy breast to mine let me share it or bear the whole. Twelve cruel wounds and much study have weakened thee dear Henri ; but thy wife hath no pain or wound, nor can if thou art ingenuous, love ; tell me, and as I wrenched the sword from thy assassin, so will I the one that pierceth thy breast, give me a task my Harry that my love may find honor, even with thee." " God's blessings clasp thy white forehead, even as thy husband's thin hands do, but may they be full like those mellowing grapes, or countless as the oranges of yon grove. Much need have I for a wife so brave, for I may not be the man I once was deemed : my strength comes slowly, and though well nursed, my wounds are rankled; for they were cankered thrusts of dishonor, but I will seek him out." " Harry dear, my love^ look not so ; remember 'twas thy wounds got thee a speedy wife." " True," said the Count with a faint smile, "when thou seest these fits sweat me, tell me of that, and then," pointing to the now fast approaching procession, " mark me Augusta ; it may be, you may have to put on your stern duties, it may be even to night, I have borne enough, enough, but you will, should it be required love — will you with me?" " With my husband — go with — surely my Harry's pardon for smiling, but I have not so soon forgotten my promise, when you placed this — to obet/ you — let my lord command, not entreat — I cannot suppose your wishes — or they were done." " One kiss, now wife, away, make the castle as you left it ; I will, by another road, but, be ready /" I took another route to the castle, and in the distant town could dis- tinctly hear several peals of bells, and as I neared it, the salutes of cannon became more frequent ; and when I entered the nearer grounds, music appeared to float from every avenue in the huge pile. I know not, but after the warnings and requests of my husband, I felt as though every chord of the floating sweetness was a miniature doom, and like the final one heralded with the loud trumpet. The cavalcade had arrived, all was mystery, but all was preparation, hundreds of workmen were engaged in every variety of arrangement. Secrecy was evidently the process, surprise the great finish ; but all was on a scale that even Courts might wonder at. There was only one inti- 21 322 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. mation, to prepare for the grand assembly room at seven ; ere that hour the castle, grounds, and offices were in a blaze of illumination. " Is all this then to celebrate the young Count's return and birth-day," I heard asked by one nobleman of another who answered in a foreign accent, " wait but prepare yourself." I was dressed a little before the time, when my father waited to pre- sent me to the Count, Princess, and assembly. We were received with much grace and condescension, I was amazed, it was one dazzling, brilliant multitude ; I managed to get seated in the remotest part of the gorgeous scene, and witnessed the introduction of a hundred others ; at last the folding doors of another entrance flew open, the different bands formed into one magnificent national chorus ; and soon entered several foreign, though as it seemed to me, state officers ; then some ladies, and next, one in a bridal dress with a numerous suite bearing her train. The whole assembly arose, she was of exquisite, indeed, heavenly beauty ; she advanced, though very pale, and never to my knowledge had I seen grace before. Oh she was the graces', nature's Queen : and not the one made regal by the voice of man. She was seated on a magnificent chair, and the whole of her attendants stood to the right and to the left. When the host aud hostess with family came and kissed her, she looked still paler, and at last was visibly agitated, when in the sweetest accents she asked, " madam, mother, should I not see another ?" " Wait my daughter !" " Is she not heavenly ?" said a voice to me, " but wait, and if you do not see one of equal beauty, you will see a greater prodigy." " Whom, in what ?" I tremblingly asked. " He, whose return we are met to welcome, the learned and far-famed young Count Henri De Bouvre." By the same door we had entered, came in and approached, as if hurriedly, in almost more than regal splendour, my husband ; again all rose but with a quicker impulse ; the applause was deafening, he hastily shook hands with many, but his eye was wandering. At last he saw me, for I was the only one who could not rise to do him greeting ; I just saw him walk on, and soon heard some one say, " was there ever so beautiful a couple ?" " It is then as I expected," said another, "good God how pale he looks, but what a glorious mien ; but, surely, much learning hath done the worst, ah, how strange, he hath only kissed her hand." This brought me to recollection. And soon I heard a voice say, "all who hear me, pray be seated," they did so, and then I saw my poor father's face, it was as though he needed more help than his hapless daughter, though, surely, there could not be a thing of greater pity. There was a dead silence, when the Lord of the castle with his Princess came to where the fair stranger sat ; the Count then took her hand and said, " thrice happy day Isis, and oh that your good father the Duke had lived, as I have done, to see this blessed consummation, come hither my son and now confirm that, which when you were a child your father stood pledged for — your betrothed ^ife." " Pardon me my lord a little while — beauteous cousin." ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 323 *' Cousin Henri." " Pardon me a little time fair cousin, my beautiful cousin, for though the world has said much, yet she is greatly in debt, and must be so when reporting your beauty ; of your attainments, I, myself, have had oft to wonder, and what may I give in return?" '' Let me answer for my niece," said the Princess, "a heart as un* divided as thy time Henri, a love as proud as thy honor, an emulation for its return more watchful even than that by which thou hast won the laurel ; or throw thy heart, thy time, thy honors at her feet, and bid her crown them all by her acceptance and lasting guardianship." " My beloved mother, yet a word with my cousin; fair Isis, I would claim a few minutes' attention to a little tale, and then may I hope to ask your advice." The young stranger moved her hand, and though evidently agitated, she a})peared to pay intense interest, but steady attention, when thus the young Count spoke. " In exceedingly troubled times, two old and great families who had been allied, agreed, as a change of dynasty compelled a separation from their country— to betroth two of their children. They were exceedingly young, and though in after times they would be ra-^st interested in the scheme, they could not be parties to it then. They parted, and when at a fair age, the parents wished an immediate union. The lady had stayed at home, the youth had journeyed to many parts, for he was a scholar and dreamed but of learning, and may be of his sword. But he was nice in honor and dutiful, and when it became his friends' desire that he should wed their early choice, he threw off his cap and gown and packed up some fairer garments. For he was resolved to win, or try if his wife elect could choose another. Thus, in disguise, he journeyed many leagues, and strange to say, met with a cavalier, young like himself, but one who had been posted near the maiden's abode and knew her well ; it were needless to say that this soon made the student and soldier friends, at least in communication, for the scholar told the stranger all. And then the stranger laughed, said it was a prudent resolve ; but would wager his commission that the scholar might resume the adoration of his books, for he would bring back no wife to steal him from their claims. He then showed the lady's picture, and demanded of the scholar which would be the most accessible calculation : the next transit, say of any planet o'er the sun, or how the fair one's charms became entrusted to his care ? The scholar stood amazed, whilst the gallant son of war slowly pressed his moustached lip to the undoubted representation, placed it in his pocket, and bade the other to return whither he wist, or if he would journey with him to his mistress he would soon satisfy him that weddings so built up v/ere as easily tumbled down. " The scholar preferred the latter, and the soldier and he sp?d together, but their way was crossed by mighty floods, when it happened that one of their countrymen who sojourned there, bade them a right welcome to his house. They became his guests, and the scholar found there were other fair things, save the faithless one he journeyed to see. She was the host's daughter, oh ! so fair she was, — most wise and virtuous — and ere the flood's subsidence, both loved, mutually, aiid for ever. But the time 324 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. of separation came, and again the scholar told the soldier all, for he was ingenuous. This ended their first purpose, the soldier bade farewell and strode another way. The scholar let the long line of his love run out, he wrote a hundred sonnets and painted his visions in various remem- brances, and though a sudden demand did need him hence, his wayward love would drag him back to placed them in his mistress' hands : he was beset, and robbed of these, and all the lady's parting gifts : he was pierced with many swords, and in a dreary place left to die. But some holy men saved hirn for another fate. The maid was apprised of where her lover lay, for this was the plan ; she then, heroic as true, traversed many weary leagues, it might be to witness his last breath, or to part with her own for him, should it be so; nor was she wrong, the same hand that had betrayed her lover, offered her dishonor or death, ibr he too had been her father's guest, had loved — •with a fierce love — and was the soldier. " I have said she was brave, and 'midst a thousand dangers reached her dying lover's bed, and so well she nursed the one she loved that she reared him to consciousness — and when he knew how blest he was — to life. "Then it was discovered that the scholar's betrothed was a true and virtuous lady, and the soldier a villain. "And now, dear cousin, what was the scholar's part?" " To take dear Henri, the noble maiden to his arms, to pour kisses thickly, as I hope Heaven will blessings upon her, and ere he arose from his bed to make her his wife." The Count kissed his fair cousin, and then walked slowly, but with the extreme of dignity, to where I tremblingly sat, he took my hand, walked up to the beautiful stranger and said, " even as my sweet cousin has said, so have I done — here is the maiden — behold, and to all — my wife Augusta, kiss thy good cousin — my lord and good father — dear Princess and my best of mothers, your daughter." CHAPTER XLIX. TWO OLD ACQUAINTANCES AERIVE. Mrs. Bradshaw became so excited at this part of her story, and her auditor so affected, though deeply anxious to hear the conclusion, that she begged of her preceptress to take another time for its com])letion. Indeed there was another cause for its interruption, as just at tiiis time entered the brother of Mrs. Bradshaw, and as we have before intimated, the master of the house wherein the ladies sojourned. And he brought them news too, but before we tell it, we must premise that this was the brother whom Mrs. Bradshaw mentioned, as going to the ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 325 Emperor of Russia's Court, at the same time that the rest of the family went to tiie South of France. He had become enormously wealthy, as well as returned to his native soil with many state honors; he left indeed in the midst of them, for his early soil was dear, and so was the society of his elder sister Augusta, and who indeed had lived with him for some time, and refused to stay longer in Russia ; and so it was agreed all should return to their native country, and as their parents were now no more, live together and be happy. Agra, now some twenty seven or eight, and with beauty almost equal to her sister Augusta, was the only member of the family who had not arrived ; she having a great taste for the arts, crossed with the ladies through Germany, and it was of her the good brother came to speak. " Here is a long letter from our sister Agra, dated Dresden, where amongst a mass of other things, she says she has been introduced to some English gentlemen, one of whom, a man of great talent, and she believes fortune, is intimately acquainted with Rowland, way, says that he has, or does correspond with him, and speaks of the poor boy — poor little fellow, and I his uncle, and yet have never seen him — almost like a father." " And what may be his name, dear George ?" " Rowbottom, and of course, must, I suppose, be from the neighbor- hood of your whim, Augusta." "Call it not whim, George." " Why, what else, but you say it has succeeded, and so that is enough, but of this gentleman, I hope lie's respectable, for poor Agra seems to speak of little else at the bottom of her letter here." Both ladies smiled, when the younger essayed, " oh ! my dear Sir George, nothing could, can be more so, the Rowbottoms' wealth is unbounded, indeed, with us they are called the Royal family." " But what is he my dear, what is he?" " Alas, sir, it is a task I must not adventure upon ; and your sister, I think, madam, you do not sufficiently know him, or you might .acquaint Sir George ; but if he be equal to all I have heard reported, why, then it weredifficult to select a match, and from the little judg- ment I possess, I should say, that all his reputation is well earned, both as to his exalted virtues, and rare talents." "There can be no doubt of either, or any, remarked Mrs. Bradshaw." "Come then, I am right glad, there is the letter Augusta; and you can read it at your leisure, so now when are we to go and see this poor boy, poor child, poor little fellow?" " So soon as practicable, but mark me George, no announcements, I must carry out my plan, you see what he has attained under it, it was my fjither's advice ere he was born, — and — " " Well, come, come, come, only let me see him, and do as you like ; but be quick about it, or I may get married myself, eh Miss Dantskipp?" "I sincerely hope you will George, but who comes here?" continued Mrs. Bradsliaw, looking through the window at a carriage that had just entered the drive. "But, tliat we are some three hundred miles off home, I should say it was Papa, but it cannot be," observed Miss Dantskipp. " Oh ! railways, love, they give wonderi'id progression to anxious daddies and mammas, when they want to pc:p at doated daughters." 326 ROWLAND BRADSliAW. " Sure, H is they !" exclaimed Miss Dantskipp, Aud she was quite correct, poor Dantskipp aud Iiis misses had no6 seen their Jane for several weeks, for she had left their Broker's, Mr. Broud, of Liverpool, before they were aware of it, to visit her old school mistress, who had just returned from Foreign parts ; indeed, she never •was easy, unless either writing or being with her, and as she was the handsomest girl as ever lived in this world, and perhaps of most others, they made a rule never to cross her in anything. Indeed, she was a good deal wiser than they, and so high-learned too, they were afraid to speak to her, although for that matter, she was ten times more obedient nd dutiful to her poor father and mother than any one of the rest. But still all were afraid of her, and if they vexed her, as she had oftea said she did not care a bit for a lord, she might take it into her head not to marry one at all, and then what would be the use of putting a hundred thousand down, none. The arrivals were soon ushered into the room in which we have some time been, and, sure enough, were the good Mr. and Mrs. Dantskipp. They were most hospitably received by the host, and with a hearty welcome by Mrs. Bradshaw, and then their daughter shed tears of delight, which set the pumps to work of both the visitors, poor Dantskipp saying that it was more catching even than gaping. Sir George Johnson and his sister, then withdrew, when Mr. Dant- skipp, so soon as he said he had got the chill off him, then commenced ; and as he had not seen his fair daughter for a long time, with expressing an extreme hope, tliat although she was so beautiful and high learned, that she would not think because her parents were getting the worse for wear, and had had no early opportunities hke her; so merely on those accounts she would not disinherit them in their old days, especially as both contended they were her lawful parents, and that one of them had actually suckled her. After about a quarter-of-an-hour's expression of their fears and hopes, the mother of the young lady told her that she had brought her some cakes, such as she used to be fond of when a little girl at home. " Have you mamma 1 ^then let me have one directly !" . The poor mother was so delighted to find that her daughter still entertained, however small, an appreciation of her skill, that she was going to run out of the room, go to the carraige which was now in the yard, and fetch the basket that contained them, herself, but very for- tunately was arrested in her progress by her more ceremonious daughter. " Ay, that's right, Jane love, I'll tell you how it may be done, I'll pretend to go aud give some directions about the post horses, and then I can smuggle them in. I say, Jenny, Miss Dantskipp, but your school-mistress has introduced you to some smack up company, we was told by th' postillions, as Sir George is a rare rich fellow ; but I'll mind and get you the cakes, and what wil't do for some butter, my old put? th' poor chil't will never eat um without." " Oh yes, if they are dear mamma's make." " Hold your noise, Jane, he'll find some butter too, do you think I didn't know there would be no butter fit to eat so far off home as this, I've at least six pound left, what's a carriage for, but to carry what we want J I'll eat none of their town butter, even if I have to pay for it," ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 327 Well, the cakes and butter were smuggled, and the young lady began to eat as though she had not done so for several months before. And seeing this sight both parents took courage. " Now did not I tell thee, Richard, if anythin' would bring her round, they would do it : we never forget to relish that which we love before we have learned to despise a thing because it was not fashionable ; even as grand a house as this is, will not alter our appetite for that which we was reared on ; get her another cake buttered, Richard, let her get filled before any one comes in, you see Jane I'm not come here to disgrace you, both your father and me has eat as much as we could stuff into us — so you see if this grand foreign nobleman was to invite us to a bit of something going forward — we could be genteel you see, without being hungry ; oh, I'll tell you all about th' children when you have done, but not before." "Well, now do you know, my dear mammy, I think the cakes so truly exquisite that I am resolved some one else shall partake, they are all well at home, you say, but have they sent me nothing?" " Th' carriage is half broken down with things for thee, you my love. Miss Dantskipp." "Well, then I must ask others to have some," saying so, the young lady rang the bell. Mr. and Mrs, Dantskipp shaking their heads at each other, as if they wovdd say, " she knows best what to do, so let us make ourselves as much at home as she does," and then another shake, which meant, " if we can." The bell was answered, and the footman instructed, and presently in walked Mrs. Bradshaw, and her brother Sir George. They had scarcely done so, when ISIiss Dantskipp took out of the small basket a lot more of the cakes, and the butter, and after plastering right well a couple of the former with lots of the latter, presented one to^each, at the same time acquainting them, that the butter and cakes were the handy-work of her good mamma. And Mrs. Dantskipp said she had never colored so much, either before or since ; but confessed that it broke the ice, for in less than one hour, particularly when they seemed to enjoy the cakes and butter, as well as poor Jenny herself; she said that she could talk to both of them all the days of her life : nay, got so lively, that she commenced a joke or so, said that if she had known they would like her butter so well, she would have brought them some buttermilk too, a churning or so, and then she laughed, and so did they all, and all was right after that. Nay, so much so, that Mrs. Dantskipp, invited Mrs. Bradshaw and Sir George to spend a month at Fleigh, that is, if they would be good enough to take 'em as they would find them. " And bring all the childer," ventured the hospitable husband of the first speaker. Then he was informed that Sir George had none, and of many other things, and amongst the rest, that Mrs. Bradshaw, was the sister of their host, and after hearing all this, Mr. Dantskip]) found some returning strength, as well as some of his curiosity, and so boldly looked Mrs. Bradshaw in the face, and thus began: "You'll pardon me Missus Bradshaw, for a queatien I am going to p it to you, but our Jane was 323 ItOWLAND BRADSHAW. always so close, although when that row took place respecting the loss of a certain individual, we pampered her a good deal, but she would never say a word, so I'll try you ma'am ; was the youth, he who was lost, but now I reckon found again, Rowland Bradshaw, your son or not ? for some with us say he was, whilst others say 'nothing of th' sort/ But I reckon you are the most likely lady to know." "But why does Papa ask?" interjected rather suddenly that gentle- man's daughter, " Because I think I have some news, that if she he his mother, and is as fond of him, as your parents are of you, Jane, Miss Dantskipp, I'm sure she would be glad to hear, that's all." " We should be glad to hear whether or not," at last said the lady of this little apostrophe. " "Well then, in the foremost place, he was no impostor, that is now certain behind a doubt ; in the second place, why I invite you to come and take us as you find us, is, we are going to have certain rejoicings next week, in respect of him and one or two more. " In the first place, as they say, I was one of his first patrons, although from wliat I hear, I suppose he will be a long way above me now, though I don't know, I always says that I think he would speak to me same as ever ; but, however, at last I have been able to buy that bowling green, as bothered us so Jane, between the two works, and so now I'm running a street through from one mill to th' other, and a bonny street it is Jane. I thought it would be a bit of a surprise for thee — you ray love ; but you see as I am going to coax you home, that I am going to tell thee everything, so it's built, and I'm going to christen it, and give all th' mills a holiday, ' Rowland-Bradshaw street !' That is only th' beginning, of th' grand day. But, stay, should not I have told you how we have found it all out, that he is innocent and all that first ? and then — " " Never heed that if you please, — as to his innocence, — that at your leisure." said Mrs. Bradshaw. " Well then, you know Jane, th' new school, as he caused me to build for th' work folks' childcr, he not only caused me to build it, but was the first teacher, and you see a real good will always turn up one, though it may float on the Avatcrs many days : for now, so much good has it done, that all the other spinners, as well as proprietors of other works, have entered into a subscription to make it four times the present size, throw it open to every one ; and since the founder is novv so great an artist — I'll tell you of that just now — they are now going to add a school of design to it. I believe Rowbottom is the principal man in that : as he has sent some one over from Germany, I think they call th' place, to superintend it. " I don't know exactly, what this design school is, but it is to improve our manufactuies in their patterns, dyeing and the rest : so we expect in time to make our money back out of that, as the truth is, we have been most devilishly hampered of late years with th' foreign patterns, in cloth, calicos, muslins, and silks, as well as djeing ; and I believe from what I can hear, it is so with every manufactory in England ; unless perhaps brick-making, cannon-balls, muskets, or anythin' that wants no ornaments. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 329 " So as they are going to have a school of design, we are going to teach all those that have any skill in that way, all that is necessary to make them men, and even women too, of themselves ; for we are told that girls are as capable of learning how to design, for calicos, wall-paper, wood-cuts, paint china, tea-trays, or anythin' of that sort, as well, or better than th' lads. Well, if they are nice respectable childer, it is surely better than shirt- making, shoe-binding, working in cotton mills, or going upon the street, as there is always plenty of thick-headed, low- minded, bad or wicked wenches, for these last purposes ; but we wish to give all virtuously disposed, and girls of taste and proper pride, a calling that they may pursue without shame. And, that respectable young men may court 'em in a proper way, ay, and be devilish proud of such sweet- hearts. " Well then, this is to be the plan, and then there is to be three exhi- bitions, as I think they are called, varying from two to three hundred each, for pupils who have distinguished themselves, to travel in foreign parts ; and so pick up and bring to this country all that they can. Now we have funds as will amply do all this, and so there became a lengthy argument, as to what these exhibitions should be called. The one of two hundred was at last agreed to be called the 'Styrrup,' exhibition: because old Styrrup, and his son Joseph, gave such a heavy subscription ; beside the old man was the cause of the town being supplied with pipe water, although he did not get much credit for it at the time, as he had some shares in a lead mine, and as they said it was to sell his lead pipe ; he's a drv old chap, and so let 'em talk on, and when they'd done, he proved it was in a copper mine that he had had shares, and never had even the sixteenth of an ounce in never a lead-one in his life. AVell, if he had died then, he would have had a great name, the water has been of such benefit, and it was as clear as the new water, he could have had no interest. Well, if he did not deserve so much honor as if he'd died, yet all agreed that the first named exhibition should be called after him. " Then the next was called ' Bob Rowbottom,' because it was his own gift. " And then came the struggle, as to what the one should be called, that we all subscribed for. Well, as we had none of us done any very great things, that is for the public at large, although some of us had done a good deal for om-selves ; so after a good deal of sparring, every one thinking he had a right to it, I said, now what do you think, after all, of calling it after the original founder, he as first named it, and par- ticular as I heard at Manchester yesterday, that th' same person has won th' gold medal in some academy in London, which I understand is like, and for the same purpose as this exhibition, to enable him to travel. I say what do you think, if we call it after th' same youth I am going to call my new street, 'The Rowland Bradshaw^ Prize.' " I had no sooner said th' word, than it was carried by declameration, amidst roars of applause. " Nay, my dear Mrs. , what's to do ?" And it was this, that just as the worthy Mr. Dantskipp named the success of his nominee, Mrs. Bradshaw gave a short guttural scream, and then a sort of suppressed laugli, and finally a long scream, and fell senselessly on the couch. 330 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. Poor Miss Dautskipp at first offered to kiss her father, for the part he had taken in committee ; but no sooner saw the state of her beloved friend, than she left him, to give her immediate assistance. Mrs. Bradshaw came to herself, and whilst she was doing so, and the whole party recovering in some way their former tone, Dantskipp, in a very feeling way, and slow tone, said to his wife, "I think now my love, there can be no doubt as to who Rowland is, at least as far as his mother is concerned. Thou sees the grand and learned are no more than thee and me, when their childer's mentioned; we are pretty much alike then, I believe." "Why, sister, amidst all your trials, nay, sufferings, you never seemed so affected, then why should such news as this ? come dear, do look up." "Will you walk, dear madam?" "True, dear George," said the afflicted lady, taking her brother's hand tenderly, and then Jane Dantskipp' s, " true, I have had many, oh, very many trials, but none so great as this. The plan was daring, though / never doubted ; still had it not succeeded, then my task was over ; few would have been my days, either for good or further trial — but, but my poor child, and, and without a friend," and again she burst into a series of short hysterical shrieks, and the most fatal consequences it might be seen, were apprehended by Sir George ; but at last a flood of welcome tears came to the poor sufferer's relief. And all was as silent as if the death of the fond object of the poor mother had been announced, instead of his youthful steppiugs to greatness. " Come, dear Augusta, you are better ; do let your mind be calmed ; and, Jane, my love, assist her to bed." " No, no, I am better ; it will soon be over. Pardon me, dear Mr. Dantskipp, this little weakness ; but you are a parent ; do not weep too, Mrs. Dantskipp, but you are also one, I will not say of what, for I know only a part of your family ; but oh ! you are happy parents. I have heard much of your goodness to my poor dear son. He has oft talked to me of it. This last act, however, I will make a more fitting return. I will only say, may you live long, and carry oft to widowed mothers of only sons, such news ; or, of your children, may you have as happy messages to your hearts, as you have brought to mine. Mr. Dantskipp, I shall love you so long as I live." " Well then, my dear lady, only show it by coming and spending a month with us ; I know Jenny would be glad to come and see th' new schools, wouldn't Jenny ? and you. Sir George V ' " Well, Mr. Dantskipp, I was just going to say, before this childish sister of mine began to be foolish, and that about such glorious news too, that you should take my subscription down to this school of design, as I most heartily concur in all you have said of it." " I shall not do anythin' of th' sort as to take your subscription down." Sir George Johnson looked surprised. " I shall take you down. Sir George, and as many of you as will go. Sir George, and then you can look before you lay out your money. Now, Sir George," continued the facetious cotton-spinner, slapping Sir George on the shoulder, " you see, at first, I was afraid to open my ROWLAND BRADSTTAW. 331 mouth to grand foreign ministers, and all that — open my mouth ! Both me and the misses began to tremble as soon as we got in th' sight of th' house here, and now you see, as we have got a bit of a chat, I just feel mysel' quite as much at home, as I do when I go to be shaved ; and so in two words, all get ready, for I am resolved to take you all down, and if we cannot talk so grand, I'll show you a place in which, at least, I'll prove, I con as loud ; take 'era, old put, into our new room, where there is one thousand pair of looms at work, and see who will be best heard then." CHAPTER L, LOUD WANDLY AND Mil. KNUTvLY TRYET AGAI^.^ " I have seen her, I have, I have seen her ! Once more has her fatal form met, passed, bewildered, struck me, far more fiercely, than ever molten sun, the bare-headed slave. So many years of hate, long and indurate, and one single look, and — my love returns, with more than its former tyranny : and yet I never loved her ; but then I never loved any one ; and though the world exempts myself from so general a negative, I wish / could. No, no ; I now not only hate, but may live long enough to loathe myself. I think so, from my increasing greedi- ness ; this new ambition, which is — wealth. Why have I resolved to be the richest man in the world 1 Power ! I thought, Wandly, your great eloquence, connexions, and success, should have done that ? Why they might, but there was, with splendid gifts, a smallness thrown into the fatal composition, and that, like the scrofula, has ever peeped out, and rendered the rest, which all have said was great, inane, or worse, dangerous. " So when a boy — curse, a withering curse — the fatal alloy was there ; for though often the heart to throw coppers from the carriage windows, yet ere I had thrown a dozen, I began to make those heads which came too near, smart for it ; each scramble I became more savage, and thus cutting out one wretch's eye, made me spend every shiUing of pocket money in tliat, nay, it became my only sport. " My family interest saved me from expulsion from Eton ; but not, ■when older, from a Miit that I had better leave Cambridge. I did so, and sought my college laurels where my youthful renown had not over- whelmed the principals and fellow pupils. •' Still, though Distinguishment, even as in England, led me by the hand, and sat by my side, again was the evil — the incurable scrofula of the heart — redolent, lurking, and ever at the brass meridian, ere I had conceived it at the horizon, or my tutors, emerged from the nadir. 332 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW " I could deceive most men, but never a woman ! One who was a slight fiend herself, and had a correlative, which she called pity for me, saw where the error lay, and instructed me how to laiiffh ; but like all trades that are studied without a gift, it became a failure ; and that which this janitor of mischief swore would allure, ever forewarned ; for still I could not laugh. " No man could better wire the last length of his lines, nor ever did travel to more courts to learn the truest art of silking them, yet, ere well used, and the iron, the corrosion, the fatal scurf crawled out. No bite ; or if — it was by a thing with an appetite acrid, as that which was ever doomed to hunt its antithesis. " Then the same meek adviser, for 'I retained her services — Gods I but it is a crankled remembrance — to fellow with a woman, and be her pupil in that unctions art, of how best to entrap the youth who wear her sex. This art she taught ; the adipocere of guilt, ere it is laid to steep. " Being thus learned how to rogue at Love, who would wonder that no one would play for that alone ; for though short-sighted, he can feel ; and who can wanton on the neck, where the %-ile scurf has left his finger marks ? So it was ever with me ; and like all the distempered, I measured my disappointment in his camp by all standards, save the true one ; charged its failure by ascription to my country, habits, or college rust. 1 dashed them all off, as the leper would his scales, chanijed my ground, my trade, and cap ; was no longer the pale wrangling philologer, or fawning expounder of the creeds, though in their ways good, for the measured militant, and dashing mien of the Royal guard and gallant carbinier. " And there it was I neared success ; nay, had it ! no, as remote as ever fronfthe antithesis— some gentle, pure and good thing. But I met with one, and I met with her yesterday. Why, what a fable is man ! and what a lesson, did our hearts as our bones, possess and yield their knowledge after death : thrown alike on the dissector's table, that we might carve and pen ourselves into wisdom. Then refracting glasses had never been wanted to look out for distant worlds, or tell why this or that orb was spotted, streaked, or chasmed. The unravelment of a day's sin would cause a greater absorbtion of these philosophers' curiosity, than the separation of all the nebulfe. To discover a pure spot of pure virtue, would be a matter of more notable record to treasure at their next meetings, than that of the right motion of a triplet of planets, however eccentric. *' God ! what a task were mine at this moment if placed in the operator's hands ! a greater punishment might be ordained, save that which the vulgar cede to the torturing functionaries of hell. Should we ever be received into the realms of purity and truth, make us, as a portion of our exercise, to look on, con, and disentangle, the archives of our own hearts. I wonder priestly bugbears never thought of that. " But why wander into after schemes, when I have now a thousand, which are all crawling over my cold flesh, like a new ta'en cold. That Pryet knows, perhaps, all ; all did I say ? then Mr. Knurly Pryet were a richer man than Wandly himself; for what is there he would not pay ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 333 to give a diversion to evidence like that. The devilish croak he ever sets up as to that infernal pistol. Good God ! hut nay — yet there have been such miracles : as good, and well-linked chains of evidence, from more tenuous materials, than two lost pistols being paired, although in different climes, but nvt in different causes. Ihey were both the same. But curse thinking of consequences for aged sins, when my soul thirsts for new and deeper drinks. Those were the mere wadings toward the black sea, as poised with the sullen plunge I am noio prepared to take. I have again seen, or dreamed of the monstrous pearl that lives in its deep caves ; and though no diver, I have that will buy all Ethiop io the task. Oh, here comes one of her sons, but ever like nature in her jokes, she has always an eye to the counterbalance : if she makes a negro white, there is still the original smut upon his spawn ; or if less without, probably there is more within. This faithful ministrant, Pryct, has a respectable dash of the carnation on his face, but as we often hear of that resemblance to one deity being doubted, I have little doubt of the color of the other. " Good day, Pryet ; my last thoughts, I verily think, were of you. You see I have succeeded ; the landing-waitership is yours. Of course we will r»ake a searcher of you the instant you think your experience would be sufficient to give color to the hop, skip, and jump ! for there are lots waiting, and who have served, as you know, many years. Well, I suppose, you have heard of Tennyson's resignation ? Now, Pryet, had the good paver given you a better education, or you a little more apt in your student days, I might have made you my country secretary, but as it is — " " Permit me, my Lord, first to tender you my acknowledgments for what you have already done, and as yovir Lordship is pleased to say the secretaryship — although I have also just heard that the distinguished INIr. Crabbs himself is about to pray your Lordship for permission to leave your councils and rewards — but, of course, neither would do for me ; nor do I comprehend how I am to manage the regular duties that your goodness has imposed upon me in the other capacity, that is, if I am to be honored with any future commands from your Lordship — I mean of the nature of those which I have been fortunate enough to conduct, and I hope faithfully, for the last seven years ; served my time to them." " Humph, you reject the landing-waiter then ?" •' Oh, truly ; nothing so unlikely, my Lord ; no, but really taking all into consideration, I think it were impossible I could take it with anything like credit, that is, as I have hinted, but as to refusing ; no, my Lord ; but I know of a very worthy, I may say, an extremely good young man, and one who is now the only support of a mother and three sisters, if I durst intrude upon your Lordship for one addition to the many favors heaped upon me." "Well, Mr. Pryet?" " I would ask of you to change my name for his ; will be soon done : a good young man, William Wood." • (Villain, the sister of whom he has seduced.) Well, and what for yourself, since Mr. William Wood is to have the other?" " I suppose your Lordship is aware that the let of your black-heath coal-shafts will soon be on ?" 334 ROWLAND J3IIADSHAW. " And might I venture to ask what then?" " Why, I think now, that would suit infinitely better than the other, that is, at the present rent." "But are you not aware, sir, that they have been in the hands of the present family some thirty years ? (I'll hear what this fellow will want at all events.)" •' True; but then — but, however, it rests entirely with your Lordship." " I know it ; and you say that if you accepted the other post you could not attend, as you would wish, to any other duties I might have selected for you to discharge, how then, if with all the shafts ? it is a heavy, a very heavy undertaking, Mr. Pryet." " True, I am aware ; but I have a brother or two, and if an excuse were wanting to cause me to be nearer the person and movements of your Lordship, at the next election, you might — that is, if your Lord- ship thinks my services of sufficient importance— secure me a seat, and then — " "Ay, then as you say (monstrous) you could easily be summoned to my assistance. But tell me, Mr. Knurly Pryet — be ingenuous — is not this very nominee of yours, this said Mr. William Wood, a very precious rascal ?" " There may be a good horse with singular vices. Now all that is required of his employer is so to select such work for him in v/hich they may not appear : so it may be, that what in one would be positive rust, may be the very polish of usefulness in another department." "Are you already studying for the House of Commons, Mr. Prj^et ?" " My Lord !" " Nay, you seem so wonderfully conversant with its style. Well then, Mr. Wood is a great villain, that is, restive and vicious ?" " In affairs of husbandry and the commoner virtues and employ- ments ; I think I need not say any more in favor of something in the revenue ?''^ " By the same line of mark that his patron is now fitting for those of the state." " My Lord has saved me from much confusion and explanation," answered Mr. Pryet, with a low bow. " Then these are the materials by which a nation is to be councilled, and a revenue worked, Mr. Pryet?" " They ever were, and must be the materials of patronage, and much may be said for them socially." "Proceed." " Since nothing was made in vain, it were in vain to deny that roguery must be fed, and have its place at dinner, as it has its use. Again we come to the employment. Well then, the courts and the big marts of trade are its departments ; and more, leave virtue — where it ever should, and indeed where the other cannot long dwell — at home, at its daily labor, and daily place ; where it interferes not with its teachers, masters, pastors, or its natural Lord, his whims, his women, his preserves, his slaves, and all that are his. So you see the sooner the other is removed — for it is apt to jar with these — from such rural aptitude, the better, that is, placing it socially, my Lord.. Ergo, roguery should be sent from home." ROWLAND BlUDSHAW. 335 " Humph ; your friend, Mr. Wood, is the landing-waiter. " And his friend, as well as his sister's patron — you see, Mr. Pryet, I hear a thing or so — is the member, a member — we must see — of what place." "And the coal pits?" " The capital — besides, as to that, you must know, my father will never allow it to be taken out of the present proprietor's hands." " I do. As to the capital, and the good Earl, and my best of fathers, the good paver, their deaths, which are sure to happen at the same time — " " How ?" demanded the other, with a slight shudder, and throwing his cloak more tightly round him. " Only the worthy old bailiff has such an honor for the family of Hescott, that he has invariably expressed a hope that he and the old Earl should be buried on the same day ; he contends it would produce a sensation." "Well." " Oh, only then your Lordship could exercise your own discretion as to the coals, and / should not want for capital ; indeed without it, make me a member, and I will soon make the capital. Why does your Lord- ship groan?" " Did I ? because, to be equally ingenuous with the worthy Knurly Pryet, I fear my affairs are in a bad state." " What affairs, my Lord ?" " Only those which the good Mr. Junior Pryet has had under his control of late." " Say my watch, my Lord." " Be it watch then ; but tell me what is the news ?" " Why the most singular is — that much as I know your Lordship hates, and would thwart the lad Bradshaw — that you had, so I was informed by Mr. Crabbs, actually been the cause of his employment in the great government building, at least, the decorative part of it, and, partly through which, has caused him to be the successful pvipil at the Royal Academy — accepted ; nay, such is his renown, that he almost sniffed, when the gold medal was awarded him." "Pray what does all this mean?" demanded Lord Wandly most snappishly. " What nonsense. / caused him to be employed ? pah ; a truly probable thing ; though the greatest undertaking yet known to British art, that a boy should even be named before Cabinet IMinisters, let at rest his being a candidate, or I his supporter." " True, my Lord ; might I ask — although I am aware of the importance of the secret— whom your Lordship did patronize?" "The great German, and that too from his works even in this neighborhood ; but I have seen them when in Germany, and, indeed, in Russia, as he has long been employed by the Emperor ; I mean, of course, the famous Johannes Douiie. " "The very name ; and has he not a pupil or two — some assistants ?" " Doubtlessly scores, for aught I know ; but this I have also learned, though I never saw the man," continued Wandly, looking at the same time as though he should not like either to behold, or speak to the 336 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. greatest painter that ever flourished a rubbing-in tool, " that they are all Germans." " Save owe," interrupted Mr. Pryet ; " save one." " Save none !" cried out his patron ; " save none !" " One, and he is the famous — pardon me, my Lord — the famous favorite pupil of the favorite of the Russian Emperor, Rowland Bradshaw !" " What nonsense." '• Indeed it is true." " (There may be retribution at last : this fellow is again watching.) Are you quite sure ? And in Fleigh you say that there are certain •whispers that I had a hand in his abduction when there ; you dare not play me a trick — villain." " My Lord, my Lord, why ons of these" outbreaks ? remove your hands, or I must — there; you have compelled me!" and Pryet dashed the spectred form of his employer some yards off him, and for a moment both were sullen. " Who could have given these hints ; let me but trace the babbling sagoin, and I have a hint for him." " (I gave them ; it's quite time, I think ; I must sow, or how, or when am I to reap my harvest.) Well now, why this fitfulness, and the game so near ; let us talk of more agreeable things. I will swear she is staying at Dantskipp's. I ascertained it before, if your Lordship recollects, that the eldest daughter went to school to her when at Rainford Lodge, and the other is now there on a visit. Why what a ninny I must have been not to think of it sooner, when the street, and one of the exhibitions of the mad Fleighers, were called after him. Does not your lordship see ? she has come with her pupil to participate, and may be, to give dignity to the solemnities." " Not to give dignity, because it is evident she has been most secluded ; but you may be correct as to her being there ; no doubt you are correct. Curse these suspicions, which you say are afloat, as to my being at all in the other affair. That sneaking villain, Dillon, and Tennyson I have heard have, and are eternally together. Now I always suspected that both of those worthies were very keen-nosed about that time ; if I thought it was either, I say — but for all this we might have inveigled her hither, and once in my power, though no old-fashioned Baron, with castle walls and adherents, still let her escape if she may. And the plan to get her here : oh, fifty ways, as I have others ; but the suspicion of the other affair." " No, no, my Lord, it were absurd ever to think of it in the country ; London is the place. A bargain, shall the coal-taking be mine, when the lady is yours?" "Thine, good Pryet, the membership and — " "That's enough, at present, my lord." "Your plan, good Knurly, the plan ; how, how?" " Not all my plan, my good lord, I must not give all ; an outline I may adventure. Thus, I have it indisputably, that the mother has not seen the lad since her return to England. Now it is not an impossible thing, that this visit to the wealthy host of Dantskipp, may be for the ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 337 jpurpose of ascertaining whether the lord of the cotton packs is really as rich, as no douht she has heard, he is. Her ladyship and friends being satisfied ; and the daughter in their hands, what is so likely that they may have a trifling feeling, and ardent inclination towards retaining her there ; making, of course, the thinking youth (it is grinding him) her legal, lawful keeper." " Not unUkely." " Now, that can he shivered ere a swing of the old clock pendulum.'* " Well ?" " Dantskipp has made a vow that his daughter shall marry nothing but a lord. (Why the devil does he groan there ?)" " A Lord !" " Yes ; now, if your lordship knew of one — a red-headed one — any sort — ^just cause him to fall in love with the girl— make an offer — no bad thing, as she is to have a hundred thousand down, marry her when he returns from Palestine, or anywhere ; Dantskipp will snap. This will separate the ladies. Now, mark ; the mother will soon be up to town, to inspect this scion, or perhaps his work ; then we will nab her!" "As to the lord, I will engage a dozen; but the nabbing— though mind, spai-e nothing — unless the time of my own Countess' departure for Sicily — of course, though not of the greatest concern, I should like her away ; but do you confidently look for success ?" " You recollect, my lord, that adventure we had, when we first seized the lad ? when, as I told you, he stuck to my pistol, your lordship's ?" " Every conversation," cried out Lord Wandly, " begins or ends with a pistol ; what means this eternal croak about pistol, pistol, pistol?" (" There is something in it ;) really, my lord, do not give way so — so unmeaningly — I was going to tell you — if I am to win the prize, let me have the reward. If I do not, let me, at least, maintain in your lord- ship's estimation my fidelity, and 1 am satisfied. When the lad, as I before told you, gave the pistol to the old hag, whom I flogged, I did all, as your lordship well knows, to regain it ; but in vain. Nay, there is little doubt, the same wretch found out the youth's abiding place, and so beat down our plan, by taking the information to his mother ; that, or amazingly like it, must have been so ; as she left the country without the least bustle or enquiry ; and so, when the lad went away, and came back, there is no doubt this was permitted, both to stay and return ; and for this reason, to discover, if possible, why, or by whom he was sent thither." "Well." " Tell me, but be not roused, (I know he will, hut this is what I want to know,) is there anything, that is, any mark, by which the pistol could cause a suspicion or a tracing to the hand of your lordship ?" " Ever the pistol," said Wandly bitterly; "there might be; but why ?" " Because, in passing some time after, in a neighborhood where the vigilants were again encamped, one of the gang, though I am convinced no gipsy, accosted me as familiarly, as I have read, brother rogues in some countries would do — that is, with an intuitive knowledge of what each other is, and what his pursuit. He might certainly hare known 338 ROWLAND BRADSHAW, that I had had some employment at least ia that way ; for, with less ceremony than might have been expected from one who had travelled so much, he demanded of me, if I, or some friend of mine, had not (I will avoid the word, my lord,) lost a weapon of the same famibj of the one he held in hi^ hand. I looked, and it was the very one 1 that morning lost— " " What, wretch ! and didst thou not clutch it ? answer me, Pryet ; thou hast the pistol, then ? Give me good news for once in thy miser- able service ; did you get the — the — " " Do let me entreat, — good heavens ! if this be indulged in, it may end in madness. (I must have the collieries first.) This sudden and maddened gesticulation is more like the mere outbreak of a maudlin dramatic actor, than, even we will say, the soul-terrors of the polished and talented Wandly ! be patient, or commission another — " " Pardon me, Pryet, (the scrofula again,) go on, sir." " I could not, nay, I would not ; surely that was not the way to get it, to commit a violent theft on the broad liighway, and, no doubt, plenty of the gang near ; you see, my lord, this time, do give me credit for my prudence. No, I spoke of all things save the one he was direct upon ; confessed, for he well knew I had lost such an instrument, and that too when engaged upon a somewhat unscrupulous errand ; and then we got into a long and cozy chat, found he was a foreigner — he had been em- ploved in a thousand such like aifairs ; said he liked them, was indeed never so well pleased as when in them ; and at last concluded, much to my surprise, I must confess, that he verily thought he was, though many years ago. and that too in another country, in the same employ, of the same nobleman, and in similar business too, to that which 1 ap- peared to be on then." " Oh, impossible ! Did he give any name ?" " "Why, he did ; but I am to see him again. In short, he it is whom I have fixed upon for this other affair. Oh, in truth, he's likely — a most suita'uie fellow ; but as to his name, I think he said it was, when honored with the commands of the same master, he presumed, tliat now found me employment, Priappe ! Know your lordship such a name?" " Priappe ! humph, Priappe ! no ; but stay, I can ascertain, and will, ere I sleep." " Do, my lord, ere I proceed further in this." " I will be cautious ; away, and at the usual time — no, two hours sooner, we will meet here again ; I will look ere I sleep ; farewell," said Wandly, hurrying away. " And I will watch ere I do the same thing. Depend upon it I am right, but I will ; I know the hour, at all events, that you will put out your candle, my lord. And the collieries I must have, and the member- ship. Collieries ! and at the present time, too ; I know also of the new mine, quiet though it has been kept ; a lease at the present rent ; a member of parliament! and I have seen Jane Dantskipp, too; and though no lord, Mr. John Wood is my protege — is cousin, own cousin, to the mother of that great beauty, — and beauty, Gods, she is one. Mr. Wood must then introduce me to this worthy mother, or I do not send him to the landing-waiter ship. When once in with the family, the devil is in it, if the tonguo which has ever deceived the most polished man of ROWLAND BlUDSHAW. 339 Lis time, can't Jo a little that way with the Dantskipps. The memher- ship and the collieries — I'll carry off the beauty ; no doubt he will have heard of the affair with Mr. Wood's sister, that will help the thing. But stay, let me see how fast I have Wandly 1 And however short I may now be of absolute power, I think this mad attempt to carry off jon magnificent dame will put the seal upon it. I'll walk to where I can espy his chamber, that is, should he not go to bed in the dark ; upon the word of Monsieur Priappe ; there is a light already there. Ah, ha ! I fear his dispatches this night will not be read, not even if there was a command in them to express-train it to his sovereign's councils. Why, €ven the selected paragraphs of the newspapers shall go actually un- counted. Ah, ha ! nothing is safer ; but here I sit so long as yon taper flits, even if outfaced by rosy Phoebus. This running away, ha, ha, ha I with the dame, will be grand, ****** " Four hours ! ah, there goes the light ; pleasant dreams, my good iord,— good morning." CHAPTER LI. THE SCHOOL OF JOHANNES DONNE. It is now a long time since we saw our hero ; let us visit him and the gi'eat Johannes Donne, with the rest of his merry pupils, who are now, as we have heard hinted, employed in a great governiiient work in the metropolis. And here we may say, those who had no., -^een Rowland for four or five years would not easily recognize him at the present time; though having once done so, might swear to him, for, like his master, he was one, once seen not likely to be forgotten. lie had shot out like an horticultural rush, without its bend. He was paler than when the recipient of all the Fleigh arcana, that is his cheek and brow, but not so his eyes and floating hair, they were as dark and bright as then — the former much more so. His hand:^ were white, and, may lie, thinner, as would have been all his muscular development, but for the care of the good Johannes Donne. That great r.rtist, and prodigiously great man in all things, was not less rigid of his pupils' exercise 3 when off study, than severe as to their labors when on. For this purpose, his more advanced disciples, sometimes his assistants joining, used every evening, after painting liuurs, to ride out five or six miles, put up their horses, and if a walking evening, walk six or eight miles out and in, then ride back to town. Of an exercise evening, they went into the open air, there threw (scientifically) the bar, javelin, fifty-sixes, pushed and lifted tremendous weights, feuced, &c., then cooled, often dined^ 340 ROWLAND BIUDSIIAW. but always with great sobriety, tbeu for town ; aud perhaps once a-week all went to the theatre. Now it would seem that Rowland possessed the same means of secur- ing to himself the good will and esteem of master and fellow-students, which caused him to be so fortunate whilst an apprentice, in the attain- ment of the numerous secrets, which, as we have so often seen, were intrusted to him. For to a man he was respected, and as the cause of this is perhaps the most desirable part of his character, for youthful imitation, and as it was one of the chief tools by which he worked out his greatness, we deem it a part of our duties to give the studious reader some information of the how, and why, of his achievements ; and these seem to be they : Firstly, He was never known to betray a secret, or to boast of his prudence in not doing so — was never known to boast at all, though he fear- lessly asserted that to be good, in his own works, which he knew to be so, as he would to the contrary. Never borrowed, though at' all times willing to lend, if prudent, and within his power. This applied to his works as well as his finances. Feared telling a lie more than his death. And dishonour more than both. As accessible and candid when asking, as when granting favors. Fond of his country, so much so, that he never oye/'fa/we^ it amongst foreigners. Ignorant on doctrinal points of rehgion, so carefully avoided disj)u- tations thereon. The like on politics. He made a rule never to lose his temper ; he was obliged to do it by rule, for in that he had great imperfections. If he were allegorised, he would be drawn as Industry. Or apotheosised, as Piety, for his filial love and lasting sincerity in friendship. These were all his components, and these were his own ; his genius his Maker's. The first he held fast, the last he lost no opportunity in improving. And we might add, his frowns were for his and the world's woes ; his smiles for those who were most their prisoners, or for them who sought favour or instruction at his hands. And all these things were known well to the good Johannes Donne, and he did love his English pupil much, and would test his fortitude and bravery, so bade him fear- lessly (being entered as a pupil of the Royal Academy,) not to trifle for any of the silver medals, but enter for the golden one, and win it. And the 2nqHl of his eye did as he was desired, and it he won. So that Mr. Dantskipp was right ; but not so the great Johannes Donne, who through some natural infirmity, or other cause, unknown in this country, on hearing of his disciple's triumph, swooned. This caused excessive pain to all the artists, of what was called by the English, John Donne's school, and for some time tarnished the other- wise joyfulness the event had produced. For it was in some measure a part of all their glory, as doubtless our hero had been formed and made able for the struggle in this accomplished seminary. The head of it soon recovered, and there was mighty rejoicing. In- ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 341 deed all of them seemed more exultant than he who had so nohly given birth to their triumph. For he looked sorrowful, nay, some said mourn- fully so. He had been often surprised in tears ; and though always cheerful, none could doubt but that the beloved child of greatness was unhappy. " Tell me, dear Rowland, why thou sorrowest ? Poor Retz and Zim- merman, with thy other friends have importuned me to interrogate you; then tell me, if it may not be something of which a friend may not speak — why art thou so sad ?" " I know not, good Johannes ; I have no secret, dear Johannes ; but I must congratulate — they have made a Count of you I see." " Stay ! the rest of my friends are informed, and now let me tell you, that this was done without my desire, and abroad too ; address me, therefore, as before, at least while I am in England. And now say, dear Rowland, what grieves thee ? Boy, boy, boy, do not weep in such a way as that. Thy poor friends are miserable, and think they lack thy love ; now thou art exalted, and this is right unseemly when every chronicle announces thy praise, not to let thy friends share it, as they have their studies, with thee. Come, give me thy arm, and we will to the hall together ; nay, that is right, put on a cheerful face. So, now tell me, is this little pet because some fair mistress has not been equally attentive to thy great demands for praise ? Belike it be, for thou smilest sorrowingly. Nay, boy, I have loved — I have loved." " But why groan so terribly, dear master? If the gallant, handsome, accomplished and learned John Donne, could not meet with a return of love, who may risk his affections ? It were dangerous." " No, no, I was beloved, it may be too much so ; but come, we will talk upon other things, and the more so as my task nears its completion ; and then we may part, unless you would like to accompany your com- panions and poor master, whither we all go — to Germany," and the preceptor looked wistfully at his pupil. *' We cannot part — but — " " There is some one else ; well, we will see of that. I have received a letter, and I think from your part of the kingdom, an invitation too, and for my pupils. A singular affair, but of great importance ; that is, the business of which it courts my advocacy — and it has it willingly. It is respecting the formation or rather the furthermg out a school of de- sign and elementary art for females. I know of nothing in these realms so laudable. Now, Rowland, you can use your pen equally with your crayon. I, and the rest of us here, are not sufficiently in possession of the English idiom, or long ere this I should have thrown out to the English my views of things. And, so now, shall do so to you ; and Row- land, I beg you will make them known. It will also be a little leisure, certainly a change from those severe studies in which you have of late been engaged, but which will give thy opinions authority. There is nothing since my sojourn in your country which hath made my heart bleed so much, as the state of education and employment of your poor females. I mean, of course, those who have to feed upon what they earn. I have had few spare hours whilst here, but this I have learned, that out of the thousands of tidy girls that we sec astir at an early hour, 342 ItOWLAND BRADSHAW, or seeking home at a late one, tliat though oft the offspring of well-dis- posed, and may be fair-prospected parents, their employments, and consequently the remuneration attendant thereon, are more debasing and pitiable than the worst of slavery. " I do not wish to be invidious as to what is done with the like com- munity in other nations, becanse I am not of this ; but I think I may fairly hint how their state might be bettered; and, of course, I have not to say to you that, that done, as in every case of amelioration, and more essentially to the social, a part improved, the whole are benefitted. Now, it has ever been my upinion, that girls can be taught anything (befitting their sex,) which we now think the peculiar fitness for boys. 1 say any- thing ; but it is not right or fair that their education should embrace so much, or should have that field for ambition, and what is called great- ness, because they have other duties of usefulness also to obtain — these of the domestic. But this I insist on — and this is the duty I shall leave for you — to give the literally poor creatures, and of a sex too which demands such sympathies from ours, an education, and, of course, an employment, that shall be as honorable as useful ; and instead of seeing thousands of this unemployed grade, now wasting their youthful forms and energies in pitiable slop employments, such as shoe-binding, waistcoat-making, shirt, stay-making ; and worse, a grade still higher, with what is now called a good education — of fairer and fonder hopes — claiming the right, on their own soil, to be governesses — but read nwses, and the slaves not only of their own more fortunate sex, but of their rude, froward children : This is deplorable. " Now, I know at once what will be demanded from my planof remo^dng these poor little girls from a state so degrading : — ' i3o not shoes want binding, waistcoats making, shirts? governessing ? and the rest.' Un- doubtedly. ' Then what are we to do if you are going to make ladies of them all'?' " I will tell you. In the first place, it is impossible to make ladies of them all ; for say a thousand shall be chosen for my schools — that is they who come willingly, — yet there would not be above twenty who would succeed, or perhaps have but little taste at all, or, after a time, inclination : exactly ; but it is for those dear and affecting objects loho have, that my plan is ordained. And those who have not, could descend to something more servile ; whatever it may be, tliey would do it na worse for being put into a seminary, the object of which was to teach them how to do better. " And now, after having dealt with the broad objection, I have not time, nor will I descend to combat with every vulgar one— let us see the plan, and what the youthful unprotected females might be taught, with profit to the state — with honor and happiness to themselves. And also, that they may co-me (for this is everything with the Englishman,) under the arrangement of what is here called the producers. Now, I shall show that they will be the most productive of all ; and in that I quite agree with the letter I hold. It states that the English manufac- turers of all the fanciful goods which require design, are in beating, and have, and are likely to be excluded from all, at least of the most refined markets, which, it need not be added, are not only the most permanent ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 343 but the most lucrative. This, it is said, is through the great deficiency of design in England. Now, of all this there is no doubt, no more so, than the fact, that even with all your coal, wealth, and roads, you will not be longer able to compete with the foreigner, unless 3'ou better educate your children. What then could be more glorious than to see that sex, which, out of a domestic point of view, have hitherto been worthless, rise, — spring to the task, and, like the women of old, again save their country ! " Here is a school, then ; and strange to say, not in this unwieldy metropolis, in which such girls as have, or think they have, a taste for Art, are, from the first steppings to her temple, regularly and carefully instructed. " Some, I am informed, have made wonderful advances in such studies as will make them exquisite designers for calicos, muslins, and the genenal printed goods of Manchester, ' and,' says the writer, who is a lady, — you smile, Rowland, — we can receive it with caution, as she is a young lady, and v riting of her sex ; but she not only gives her own opinion, but also that of the teacher, that, of either, the girls have beaten the boys ; for it seems there is a portion of the school for them too : — Now this is good. Then there are others who are learning to design, not only drawing for porcelain for the potteries, but designs for the articles themselves. This is delightful ; and I know not the distance I would walk to see, and hear a discourse of a party of poor girls, discuss- ing, applying, and knowing the properties and beauties of a lot of geometrical lines. How different their discourse, their education less complete ! Some maudlin nonsense of the last melodrama, or the mis- fortunes of one of their sisterhood, who, through ignorance and its attendant pride, had widened in infamy — from the streets to the fruc- tification of a penal colony. "Others here learn the imitating of marbles and grained woods ; and so exquisitely are they done, so superiorly and highly finished, that there has been a great demand for them all over the kingdom, as patterns to the house painter, and the like. Delightful !" continued the good John Donne, " and here is a bit that I must read from the communication itself, lest I mar it. It is too good to trust my memory with, particu- larly after the delight I have received from it. ' We were at first a little ridiculed,' says the writer, ' inasnmch as it was asserted we should be attempting to make our girls into artists ; and though we might not succeed in that, we should be more fortunate in our endeavors — spoiling them for anything else. And though this rearing might help them to husbands, would it be equally incentive to their husbands' powers in describing the wife-like attainments of those they had espoused? Another, a little more severe, said, that although we might get owls to superintend the incubatory department in our schools, he feared that the young brood, instead of having the noted wisdom of their hatchers, might prove to be a new order in the wisdom-world, which he would ventvire to name — sluts. Now I will tell you, dear Johannes' — bless thy pen, dear girl — 'of what I witnessed; for, being alarmed, I so ordered it that I could see the pupils without the fear of it being known. And there I saw — and I wish al! the good and right thinking U4 R()^VLANU BRAUSHAW, had partifipfited in the vision — one of the elder pupils, who is learning ■wood-cutting, an orphan, and came to solicit employment at one of my father's mills. She has made such advances already, as to have had considerable employment, not only from local printers, for such as views of ships, steamers, trades, children's books, &c., but from the metropolitan publishers, and has been offered constant employment by them ; but she does not consider herself sufficiently skilled in drawing ; and our head teacher is most impressive as to that. Then the poor creature has not a friend she knows in town, so prefers less price, and, perhaps, less glory, until she may have some one to afford her protection in a place, of whose history she has heard so fearful a picture. Now what I am going to relate will prove that teaching girls to be useful may be done so without the fear of their becoming of the new family named by my facetious friend. It is only the half, or foolishly educated ; and then not so much the poor, as the pampered female : the a-little drawing, piano, harp, and dancing, fashionable, ignorant young lady that is in fear of the terrible name above. Not the parentlcss one, with the hard education requirative of her who would live by, and be a producer of the arts. This then I saw ; she was preparing her dinner table, as she was her block for the afternoon labors. Now she lays a little, but very white cloth over the corner of the table next her ; then she takes out of her basket a small plate, a dish, a spoon, with knife and fork. The potatoes are boiling the while ; now she looks if they are ready, and then she feels the points of her gravers. Then she places the salt, and near it a little butter, and equally close the sepia design for her cut. The potatoes are boiled, and with them two onions, and now they tumble, like little snowballs, upon the small dish, and the beautiful simile of the little snowballs evaporates, in consequence, probably, of the like event happening to the esculents. The onions are soon made into a little sauce, by means of a small portion of the butter we have seen, and a little milk left at breakfast. The table is then carefully set ; the bread nicely cut. The head of the artist is then drooped, and after a little it rises in cheerfulness and happiness, good Johannes ; and the frugal, well- cooked meal is partaken of; but, I should have said, not before the ringlets are adjusted, the collar, and beautifully worked wristbands are set : a sly peep at the school mirror ; in short, she dressed for dinner as a lady, thanked God for it as a christian, and ate it with the cheerful- ness of one who had earned it. " * Tell me then, good Johannes, are we not justified in our conclusion that we can make the helpless female of the highest use and value to our manufactures and arts, and, at the same time, an honorable and fitting acquaintance to any one, however highly favored by fortune ; a wife that shall give honor to her husband, no matter his station, so he loves her ; one that shall nurse his means, and advise him too ; and a mother that shall be able to instruct her own offspring ; that shall teach them virtue ; how to dignify the frugal meal and themselves, as they advance ; and thus give tone and refinement, with all their train of blessings, to succeeding generations. " ' I mentioned how she cooked and ate ; I did this, Johannes, to remove her from the bitter reproach of l>cing spoiled, or rendered unfit ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 345 for wife-like, or domestic habits. I will now, dear Johannes, tell thee how she worked. I peeped in at a late tea-honr, one little cup of that tea was simmering on the hob, and of which she now and then took a little. At ten I gazed on her intelligent brow ; she scarcely seemed to breathe ; so far from the other name, she might be called Intensity. At twelve, I looked ; just as she heard the clock strike that hour, she smiled, stretched out her arms, looked at the clock face, and at another, with a still higher polish, though like the other, a silver back ground ; again adjusted a very troublesome curl, packed up her culinaries, her block and gravers, threw her basket on her "arm, her cloak over her shoulders, her last glance at the mirror ; no, the very last was at her design for the wood cut, and in peace and happiness journeyed to her home.' " Now, good Rowland," cried the reader in raptures, " what thinkest thou of that? Why, art thou a man, and all that thou canst do is to wet thy pale face. Why, and this is written by a maiden too, beautiful, whatever her face may be, with a soul like this. There now is a chance for thee, and with the spirit of the days thou livest in too. This should be an artist's gallantry, as it was once the mad Knight's; if he a thousand miles would ride, and split as many skulls, to deliver a pent-up maiden from some ponderous castle prison : why, howbeit, if thou wert to find the castle of Ignorance that encloses this maiden, and instead of fighting guards, tyrants, giants, and dwarfs for her love, thou knockedst down this goblin of Ignorance and Brutality, who talks here of the Slut family ; show the lady thy medal, instead of thy sword ; win her by my command, as thou didst it, and I will proclaim thee, fearlessly, to be the bravest, happiest, and most useful Knight that ever loved!" " In raptures, dear Johannes !" "In raptures ! — may it be otherwise — in raptures ! Well, we are invited down, and this shall be my last, during this sojourn in England ; for I love this country, and may I not end my days here ? and, for I feel so, I would love to see her, as she might soon, ought soon to be. It is right education makes the man, then so a nation. " That England is not so, as regards the arts and the higher orders of education, admit of little dispute, and less surprise, the present modes considered. There is, perhaps, no country which has a greater disposi- tion to art than England ; there is no one which affords less o[)por- tunity to lier professors. As Europe has mastered all the other quarters, through the discovery and plentiful use of gunpowder ; so England, by the like application of her coal, for that has done every- thing ; her ships, canals, and roads are the mere instruments of this great power, as cannon and mortars were to the other. But may it not happen that other countries may find coal, as the other quarters have the mercifulness of gunpowder ? then England, without some new model for her huge industry, must fall. That a great portion of her youth are educated well, for the pursuits for which they are destined, all will admit ; but it is of the education of those who alone can give her permanent greatness that I complain — her artists. •' Since I have been here I have repeatedly seen it bellowed forth, and that, too, in some of your most accredited organs, that no nation in the 346 ROWLAND BRADSHAW, workl better remunerates her painters, sculptors, architects, and Uterati. I shall confine myself to the first, as being best acquainted with it ; and, in a mercantile spirit, perhaps, these inforniists may be correct ; but let us look at it as artists, and thus I think it will be found, that all the patronage — at least, the paying patronage — bestows its energies and favoritism on those who endeavor to perpetuate their foces, arm-chairs, vases, carpets, when they were young, when they were married, and when they were blessed with little tilings of their own pattern, when they were old, when they have monuments. And others have their favorite canaries, lap dogs, ponies, hunters, racers, show-cattle, parks, hunting, fishing seats, gamekeeper, jockey ; in short, your exhibitions are one wearisome round of patro?iaffe, which means — portrait. And what does that mean? all things, and all parts of them, save that patronage which either can, or ever will uplift art one step, unless like the miner who advances most the further he gets into the dark. " No ; so long as this is the way of encouraging art, so long will it be commercial, which is at variance with the feeling of art, dragging her from her Pantheon pedestal, and fixing her on the high stool of a counting-house. A little money and great fame have ever been the cherished motto of her truly born children ; so much so, as lots of cash and no fame are the eagar ones of those who claim to be the genuine descent of her, who waves upon her flag ' ships, manufactories, colonies, and commerce !' No, it must be done by national works, like the one upon which we have engaged ; but here 3'ou see, with the exception of yourself, Rowland, the rest had to be imported : a fearful thing viewed in all ways. " All countries have risen and fallen with their arts, and that, too, with their fine arts ; for it is by our fabrications that our enemies judge of us. The reason why you durst attempt the subjugation of all China with a few steam boats, and as many regiments — as with the same you had done India — was through the rudeness of their designs, and pitiable position of their arts ; by these you judge, even of their prowess, an unerring guide ; for where there is degradation in design, there is sure to be a debasement of the material, in useful articles, as in all instru- ments, and in none more than those of war : where there is inelegance of design, there is inefficiency in the usefulness ; for science, without art, builds but a vulgar temple. Had the rude designs of the Chinese never reached England, our arms had not their capital. " To say to you that all countries were great in proportion as their fine arts were distinguished, would only be to give you that information with which every three months' reader in history, from the early king- dom of the Jews, to the modern French, is acquainted. France has had schools like the one this dear young lady speaks of, for this last century, as well as giving every encouragement to her painters and literati ; what she has done in arms for the latter half of the time, most modern nations have been made to feel. " Now England could do all this, and more : nay, could become greater than any of the mighty kingdoms of the past. All conquering countries have been small ones ; and the more isolated, the longer they have maintained their power. This country is not only small, isolated, but will be the most muscular that the world has ever seen. ROWLAND BIIADSHAW. 347 " Tliere are two ways in which a coirntry may be too large ; either being too long in the legs, arms, or neck, like a tall man, \;\ithout a strong torso ; or the legs having'; one interest, and the head another. Now England, but short, and even tolerably thick in the waist, has been weaker than even her enemies imagined ; and it was through the separate interests I have hinted at, or worse, jealousies : the landed, or old aristocracy, with the manufactural, or wealthy. Now you will perceive that, unknown to either, a new interest has sprung up, which fastens both to a common centre ; and so how the wheel revolves, backward or forward, up or down the hill, they must all look to one point. And the new estate is the Railways of England ; and without relation to either party, let us for a moment look at the social and political good with which they have blessed this country. " In the first place ; the surface of the soil has long been discovered to be too small for its population. Well, then, every migration which had before to be effected, was done by creatures which had to feed from the surface, now by those v/hose energies are stimulated from the bowels of the earth, unless their huge thirst may be said to be quenched from the other. That is a vast consideration. " Then you are short of soil, nothing like good roads for bringing bad surface into productiveness ; for giving proximity to where their products are wanted. So what surface may be consumed by the numerous cut- tings, will be made up a thousand fold by the hundreds of morasses, and other wastes, even the mountains, being brought to the most active tillage. Then it has been urged that the lines themselves will cut up much surface. Not so ; they will be of little waste, because, should they be high, running over a valley, then, like the Dutch, with their sea mounds, plant or sow them ; should the cuttings be deep, the like to their sides. And how will inclines lie to the sun ? So, it will only be in dead flats that there will be any waste at all, — tunnels, and the sides of rocks can scarcely be so considered. "Now, the cheapness and honestness of the transits is an enormous boon, given, perhaps unknowingly, from the rich to the poor : and as art seldom bequeaths to her children much, save her virtue, why, what a positive blessing to the young artist ; he studying in the country may make his annual trip to the metropolitan, or other galleries, to see their exhibitions, and know what is going on in the world of which he is an aspiring member, though, as yet, a poor one. " The youthful practitioner of the town can, during vacation, go and study from a real rock, an object that, to my certain knowledge, many a young artist, who has been educated in London, has never seen ! and why ? Look at the former expense of going down to Wales, the north of England, or perhaps Scotland itself. Now he can visit what scenery he likes, so that, like the poor man, let every artist bless the invention of railways. " Now the philanthropist must shed tears of joy when he sees all this done, and that a thousand times over to what could be effected before, without one single inch of whipcord, or drunken rivalry, which, whilst it made England the quickest place of travel in the workl, also distinguished her as the most monstrously cruel to her lauded animal — the poor horse. 348 ROWLAND BRADS HAW. " Aud now for their philosophical and political uses. I said they were a new estate in the land ; and spoke of their combining powers of hiterests, which are these: — the landed and tithe proprietors have become railway proprietors, consequently tradesmen, and that too to any extent of the word ; for who can have shiires in railways without at once becom- ing an iron maker, caster, carpenter, excavator, stonemason, bricksetter, rciner, plumber, painter — in short, every trade that can be named or wanted. Now here is the hitch ; before, these proprietors had an interest in the high price of every thing the land produced, being the owners thereof ; but as they have wasted all their spare cash, not, it may be said, of anything like the value of their estates ; but as the first is their oion, and the last (nearly always so) is only a life-tenancy, they have at once an interest in the cheapness oi food, as all tradesmen have ; before, theirs was in its dearness : thus one interest nullifies the other, and brings the hereditarist into a friendly position, which is the very thing that has been wanting in England, with his brother manufacturers and mer- chants, so that now it may be fairly said, indeed, that this is a kingdom of tradesmen ! " Well, it was for a long time nearly so, and for that reason, though there has been much vaunting of wooden walls, and perhaps properly so; yet this would have been the weakness I have named of the nation ; that should there once be an invasion, the whole community, bred and trained as they are to all things save war, would, I asseverate, find their country one of the most defenceless in Europe. " But now the railways have effected her remedy in both ways, first, as I said, by bringing all parties together socially. Nextly, it has given her the required muscle, and not only socially, but physically, will enable her to bring all her forces to one point ; so though an invasion is not impossible, the success of it would be so. " Now, since she is strong, and must be united, at home, why not let her manufactures and arts be respected abroad. " This is my complaint ! Such schools as that of this dear girl will do much ; but instead of their being the speculations of individuals, where is your government ? for it is if that should plant them. " But we need seminaries for men as well as youth, we want depots for art, as well as arsenals for ships or banks for our coffers. Rome has her Vatican, France her Louvre, the Low-lands their scores of galleries, Germany her Pinnokothek, nay every cathedral on the continent finds ample employment for the studies of its artists. Here, alas! what have ye ? and, consequently, what can ye be ? You have neither depots for your arts, nor seminaries for your designers, nor the patronage which should elevate more than it remunerates. " The stages of refinement of countries may be safely pronounced to be these : — " The most barbarous is known from its creatures worshipping through fear, and being the victims of its priests. " Next, when its lowest classes do this, its middle, fearing their lawyers more than their laws ; and the highest having no medals of distinguish- ment but for their warriors, whom they call heroes ! " But when a kingdom becomes really great, then the lowest class ROWLAND BRADS HAW. 340 shall be educated and know their birthright; the middle class will sup- port and respect their priests, lawyers, and soldiers, as they again, are faithful in their ministries ; even as they will revere their nobility for their wise government and patriotism. But they only who will meet with an apotheosis in every man's heart will be the great men of science, literature, and especially of art. For though science may be the land, and literature the seas and many streams of the earth, it is Art which is the atmosphere, that gives breath and light, and purifies the whole." CHAPTER LII. MRS. BRADSHAW RESUMES HER HISTORY. We have not space for the extraordinary doings at Fleigh — we mean the celebration of the opening of the schools — and to which, it will be recollected, Mrs. Bradshaw and brother were invited by Mr. Dantskipp and lady ; but, we may say they were all with which even an ambitious mother might gladden her heart. Our readers may perhaps wonder why the mother, who has been so long separated from her son, should prefer a visit to her childs' renown, rather than to the anxious youth himself, — anxious, maddened, almost heart-withered, for his greatness had poured upon him, when there was none to assist him in bearing its weight. This was it : she was informed that he was still at Liverpool, and having a wish to see and know his conduct, without his being aware of her arrival, accepted the invitation as the real, whilst it was only the osten- sible, motive of her visit. She would, upon the discovery, have flown to London ; but a strange circumstance prevented her, nay, compelled her to stay many days longer than she even thought it possible to keep her. The circumstance we shall relate in the proper place ; but as she is now with her pupil. Miss Dantskipp, on her journey to London, and as the young lady is most anxious for a finish to her mistress' early history, and as we trust the reader will have a similar inclination, he will pardon us if we at once proceed with it. " I think, love, it was at the marriage of the count and myself, that we left off?" " It was, madam." All was happiness until then ; some reverses, but only those which give plumage to the wings of love : all was sadness after. We dwell on our happy days ; my story of these was long, therefore, wonder not now if it should be short. You may imagine the consternation my husband's disclosure pro- 350 ROWLAND BllAUSHAW. duccd ; nothing could exceed it, and even now I think of it with dread ; for though my Henry had acted as his betrothed wife had advised, and though she saluted me with great tenderness, and wept on my neck, on a little consideration she soon felt the loss she had sustained, and the more so, when her suite and advisers began to think of the whole, — she was insulted. The parents of my Henry were bewildered, and equally puzzled how to act, but soon resolved upon the expediency of, at once, quitting the Castle ; and what was still more painful, the Count De Bouvre loaded my poor father with the most bitter reproaches, insisted he was of the plot, aiid threatened an immediate prosecution should he be satisfied of the fact. My father knowing that he was innocent, repelled, with proper, but not violent indignation ; for in truth, he like many who loved my young husband and his family, was too much pained for the poor stranger, and again others felt an equal sympathy for myself. Under all circumstances, my husband determined on our immediate departure. It was then that the scene became distressing : for so dis- tractingly fond were the Princess, and her husband of their eldest and extraordinarily gifted son Henri —that despite their extreme mortification they went almost frantic with grief, when he was about to bid them a somewhat sullen farewell ; but when the young Count saw the extreme distress of the mother he so loved, he became equally melted ; and at last she proposed, so soon as we were alone, that we should separate until it could be first ascertained whether our marriage was valid, in consequence of the prior engagement, or, if not, whether a divorce could — before she had ended the sentence I had swooned ; for I thought the Princess' mention of the divorce applied to me, and I recollected no more until I found myself in the arms of him, whom but to part from in thought, was worse than death. It would seem the incident I have mentioned at once determined my husband as to his course of action ; and being prepared, before the disclosure, for the worst, he took me into his travelling carriage, and finally left his distracted family and the grand assembly. However, for days, I had returns of the same sort of fainting fits, for as I struggled to banish the recollection of the pain I had caused, it only came with renewed melancholy ; and though it called forth, if possible, increased attention and tenderness from my husband, yet the same word divorce, haunted me the more as I endeavoured to avoid its chilling visits. But, then, how could I fear separation from the man who had shown me the tenderness and love of a watching angel ; I did not, could not fear that ; but, even the sad word, or what I sometimes dreaded more the machinations of the wily Stanton pursued me, fast as our flight to another land. We soon made Italy, and though the Count had well provided himself with money, I was resolved, our plans whatever they were, should not be defeated for want of ample means to further them out ; I therefore, at once, wrote to my father for a supply and advice. This I did without consulting my husband, fearing that I might offend him ; and in this, I have evti had reason to think, I brought on that ruin which I soon shall ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 351 have to relate ; or, it might he that our route was discovered through other means, for though the Count assumed another name, he in one or two Cities wherein we sojourned for a short time, coukl not forget the scholar : attended their learned disputations, and there showed such amazing skill and learning, that one of the professors, just as he left the hall, but within my servant's hearing, said * this is no other, can be no other than the famed German-man : he that iius. made such a famine, of late, with their prizes — the celebrated Count Henri De Bouvre.' I told my husband this, asked if he did not think it injudicious, and though he admitted it was, yet, therein, discovered the vanity of the scholar ; for he was so dehghted that his renown had preceded him, as well as his also perceiving his high praise was most delightful to his young and silly wife ; that so far from avoiding these displays, we may be said to have travelled for little else save that of seeking them out : so that instead of at once, as was our original intention of visiting Turkey, Syria, and Esy])t and then awaiting the blowing over of the storm ; we too fondly iuitLred on the fascinating soil of Italy ; it was also the first time my husband had visi'^ed that classical and now modern depot of art, and as he had ever cultivated a natural gift he possessed of painting and model- ling ; he was resolved to spend some few months, though in the closest obscurity, in Florence and Rome. For this purpose we sold off our carriage, and dispensed with everything that was at all likely to lead to an inference as to our real position : jHenry entered himself in both places as a student, and I, to further the deception, accepted a few pupils in English and French, but on his evening return we never spent an hour apart. Oh ! those were the happiest of my days ; every moment increased our love, and this condescension, banishment, and conscious improvement, for I studied as hard as my husband, added romance and security to it ; I would not then have changed my fortune for that of a throne ; not a meal but I cooked it, not a crumb of which was partaken but together ; things v/ere in this way, when I, looking over a Neapolitan newspa]ier, stumbled upon the announcement of a grand wedding between what the chronicler affirmed to be an English nobleman of the first rank, and the youthful Sicilian Duchess Beitiiorgo, my husband's betrothed : my heart leaped with delight from her seat, as I read it over a hundred times, I ran to my husband's studio in the Vatican, and showed him the glorious news ; he was equally delighted, as it set at rest tlie fear or necessity of a divorce, or a new wedding ; because if the Duchess was married, it clearly finished all. We were therefore only resolved to wait for the confirmation, and then I was promised by my husband, that we should at once set off for the Chateau of my father Sir John, for in despite of my mother's strange behaviour, I was most anxious to be reconciled to her, and to see my dear father and lovely sister ; nay, I had been tor- mented by dreams, that my brother from Russia had returned, and was heart-broken at not being able to see his favourite sister Augusta. All these things added to my anxiety to see home, that is, should the news of the Duchess' marriage prove true ; if not, nothing could have induced me to a visit. Some day or two after the agreeable news of the marriage, I was 352 ROWLAND BIUDSIIAW. leisurely taking a walk to the Porta del Popola, the gate by which mosfc travellers from the north enter Rome, with something like a vague hope that I might one day witness the arrival of my dear father, or, perhaps, some other of my countrymen ; I mean, now, the English, for though I might not address them, there is an unspeakable satisfaction in meeting in distant lands, those, whom you know however slightly, from that of your own ; I never went out, however short the distance, without being veiled, and was so on this occasion ; I had stopt for a little time to look at some notable wood carvings in a saint maker's shop, when slily peeped under my bonnet, a dark and piercing pair of eyes, I was staggered with astonishment, for though the gazer did not speak a word, and immediately hurried into the stream of pedestrians who were passing there ; still, although but a glance, I was convinced it was none other than my old protector Pierre Priappe. I was resolved not to mention this to my Henry, as I had discovered, though but a little at once, that he was somewhat irritable and impatient, under what he would deem mystery and insult ; and this was somewhat pardonable, our position considered, and the cruelties he, in particular, had been subjected to ; nay, in despite of all I could to soothe, I shuddered as I perceived that he secretly nurtured the most deadly revenge against Stanlon. This he always strove to keep from me, and for that reason, his temperament now becoming more known to me, I had great cause to dread and to watch. I was right : the next evening I was taking a similar stroll in the corso — in point of fact, 1 was waiting for what was then called my sweet- heart, Henry — and indeed this caused our proceedings to be still less watched ; for as the numerous artists who visit Rome from all parts of Europe, are not often very rich, and at all times much secluded, it is a most common thing then to see the married ones with few other walking companions save their wives. I had got into a somewhat secluded spot, when the same face I had encountered before, again passed me, and as he did so, whispered, ' Countess de Bouvre, prepare, with your husband, for immediate flight. You are discovered !' I tried to ask a single question, but the speaker was gone ; and I was too well aware of the im- portance of the warning not to act upon it, should my husband be willing. On the very instant I hurried by another way home, and there, to my surprise, found the Count before me, breathless and pale, and evidently in the highest state of agitation. I flew to him, and hid my fears in the consolation of his. I entreated him to tell me the cause of his singular perturbation. It was long ere he would speak, but still I saw that his heart was gnawed with the most bitter passion ; after some time, he said, " 'tis strange, dearest Augusta, ha, ha ! then it seems this wedding we have read of between my cousin and this English noble, has been an in- vention, just to cause us to break cover, for it appears they have been for some time hunting us ; in short, love, be brave — nay, I know thou wilt — it has come to this, the present Duke of Belmorgo is a most parti- cular friend of the new King of the Sicilies ; that he has at last induced him, even wouldst thou think it, with the good Pope's assistance too, to proclaim my first marriage lawful, and my last the reverse, nay, the learned Count Henri de Bouvre is to be proceeded against for bigamy ; what ! hast thou no fortitude, Augusta ? — bigamy !" ROWLAND ERADSHAW. S63 1 brought all my former courage to my aid, and said, " Why doth Harry ask if his wife hath fortitude ? it has had a little trial ; oh, now, Harry, put it to the rack, inch by inch try it ; yet let me have thy love, and (he last word shall tliank thee for the ordeal. Tell me, then, hast thou anyt"hing more? I am prepared." •* Thy father, and I know not who, are to be included for conspiracy. They are for showing he was cognizant of — pah ! — the former wedding of mine, — wedding! monstrous! Perhaps, too, they will also swear that thou, being a visitor at my father's house, also knew," " iMy father ! alas, this will kill him ! It is most true I have heard of the youthful betrothals, but nothing more ; and that was the under- standing in which Sir John ever viewed it. But come, dear Henri, cheer thee ;" and then I told him of the warning of Pierre. This so far from soothing him, seemed more strangely to perplex him than all the rest, and with a little consideration, after my again assuring him, he at once said that there could not be the remotest doubt as to the stranger being Priappe. " If it be he, there is not the slightest doubt the same monster, who has pursued us from the first, has also his infer- nal claw in this. But be thou aware, Stanton ! I am, as I was not before — prepared for thy devilries. In short, dearest Augusta, I have laid the whole aftair before my friend, though privately so. Cardinal Sandouche, and he is in possession of some facts relating to this wily Stanton, which let him beware ;" and the Count mused for some time, and continued, " were I sure it was he, I would not budge an inch, because with all their powerful interest with the King — and I must tell thee — they have succeeded in obtaining orders from the different Courts of Italy and France to surrender me to the Neapolitan government ; — that is certainly going far ; but again, I say, I care not, a contrary result to that of my happiness would outrage Europe, — they dare not do it." " They may not, and yet from the stateliness of the preparation, I mean their attainment of the orders you have named, would argue a fearful consequence : but now listen, love, and as this is the first time thy wife," and the dreadful word divorce a^ain assumed to my imagination all its former fearfulness, I clung to my Harry, and with the greatest ten- derness once more requested him to state his determination never to part from me, and then to listen to the first advice I had ever presumed to offer. Both were at once granted with the very enthusiasm of tender- ness ; and then my advice, or rather caution, was, that if, upon further information, we were satisfied that Stanton was in any way an agent in the affair, for Henry to fly rather than seek revenge. " For," said I, *' although you could never glean who he was, you never had a doubt of his high connexions, and this proves, should he be the present mover, that his power must be unlimited, to get Kings and governments into his co-operation." The Count promised obedience to all my requests, but the steady curl of his lip, and the depression of his brow, told that his mouth said one thing to his young, and now delicately situated, wife, while his heart was speaking another language to himself; and 1 must confess with some right, for he spoke thus to me. ♦' I have promised thee, Augusta ; but why shouldst thou show all the 23 354 KOWLAND BRADSllAW. bravery, and he who should be thy protector none ? If thy hand was a match for him on the night he would have robbed me of thee, why not mine ? Thou perhaps knowest not that I have ever had an equal reputa- tion, nay, some say more, with my sword as those that have made Europe no longer a lurking-place for me. I am, as now," looking at me with great tenderness, " I must be all obedience to thee ; but, oh I Stanton, should we ever meet, thy unthinking — for I never met with a monster before— dupe will make a short reckoning; one of us at least will pollute the world no longer." From this I was resolved to render, if possible, that meeting impossi- ble ; or, if not, where there could be no advantage ground ; for I had, could have, no doubt as to the cowardice of our persecutor ; and it was for that reason I resolved to be in any other country save Italy, at that day. We at once determined to set off, apparently for Florence, but after a sufficient distance, to dip to one of the western ports and cross to Corsica, thence to England, or to France, or as might be deemed most secure. Before we stirred, however, Henry was resolved, if possible, to see the good Cardinal Sandouche, and advise with him as to the best means of escape. The good old man had already heard some whispers at Court as to the determination of the Duchess' friends to support the first en- gagement of my husband ; and punish all that were connected with the second. Under these circumstances, and knowing how carefully we should be watched, his Eminence advised that I should make my escape on the instant, that Henri should continue his studies as before, for at least a few days, and then, by a circuitous route, join me ; as soon as the Count informed me of the advice, I, though much against his inclination, insisted on acting upon it on the instant. I did so ; and the place being fixed upon where we should rejoin, set off at once. " I know not why, but we parted as though the separation was to be a long one, and it was — pardon me, dear Jane, I must pause ;" and the speaker was so greatly overcome, that she was long before she could resume her sad tale. " It was our last meeting." *' I feel better ;" I left, my last words expressing my love, and also begging him, whatever, or however provoked, not to be rash. He pro- mised, but alas, that was all ; though it was fatal to our loves, he has mine, and, I hope, heaven's pardon for what he did. It would seem that my brother had been appointed, or rather per- mitted, his wish being so great to see his family, one of the suite of the Russian ambassador (o the French Court. That when at Paris he got permission to spend a month at Avignon, that is at home. He there, of course, learned all as to my marriage with the Count ; he had also, long before this, heard of his great fame, and was almost wild with anxiety to see his new brother and his beloved sister, for indeed he always loved me tenderly. My father, by this time, was advised as to our stay in Rome, but, alas, was not as to the intentions of the Duchess' friends. He, with my brother, was, therefore, to pay us a visit, — did so, and fell into the wily Stanton's snare, for Stanton it was who had moved the whole ; nay, and had sworn that he would possess me or annihilate my race. This, to you, my dear, must appear monstrously unnatiiral, indeed it does so to me, but is nevertheless true. $lO^VLA^'D 13RADSHAVV. 355 Oft the third day after my departure from Rome, and at the very time toy husband was prepared to follow, my father and brother arrived there, «ind had not past the Porta Flaminia two hours ere the first was a pri- soner. My brother, upon this, at once sought and discovered the Count, my husband, and told him the whole, and also that my father had recog- nised Stanton, though evidently disguised, watching and directing the arrest ; indeed^ there could be no doubt it was by him the identification was made. This was a mournful meeting for the new brothers, and though a shott one, it left nothing wanting to make a lasting friendship between them. A somewhat singular, but prompt offer was made to my wretched father, that if he would discover the Count's lurking place, he should be at once liberated ; at this Sir John was much incensed, and refused with equal decision. He had scarcely done so, however, and the parties withdrawn for the purpose, as they said, of giving him time to think of the offer, when one of the attendants, as he was leaving the cell, whispered to him, * do as they wish, your daughter is safe — it is she, not the Count) your old guest wants ; get your liberty and follow her ; that is the place where she will be to-morrow night,' handing him a paper ; ' leave the rest to me— behold who speaks.' It was the faithful Pierre. My father at once acted upon this advice|; gave up the Count's letters and mine, — there could be no doubt ; they kept their word, but just as he was about to fly from the unlocked door, a voice demanded who was the stranger who had arrived with him (my brother) ; fortunately, my father, without any show of design, gave the name of another traveller, with whom they had journeyed, — they were satisfied; and the night but one after, I was blest with the sight of that dear and most beloved of parents. But now to the poor Count and brother : the villain Stanton and fol- lowers soon discovered that the information was correct ; nor were they surprised to see with my brother the newly arrived stranger, but they were much so at not finding the young Count's wife. Oh, thank God that I acted so promptly ; for would you believe it, this monster had actually employed one of the most desperate banditti that ever had infested the north of Italy, to seize me, and carry me to the place of embarkation, where was a Greek privateer, in which he intended to carry me, whither, or for what purpose, God knows. But, however, I was out of his reach, and, in one hour more, probably would have been so my adored Harry and brother. It was ordained otherwise ; for they had not well commenced their escape when they were attacked by some of Stanton's followers. A desperate conflict took place ; the assassins were in disguise, but still the Count thought he could not be mistaken as to which was the leader — Stanton. He now selected him, and though he had to contend with several side cuts, as well as two wounds from pistol shots ; he so clung to the demon who had haunted him, that, at last, he felled him — the broken sword of my husband, through his heart. My brother was also wounded, and, no doubt, would have been outnumbered, but the noise of the shots brought some peasants to the spot, when all parties fled, save the wounded. 356 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. The one that was found pierced by the broken sword, upon examina- tion, was discovered to be a richly dressed cavaher, and from certain insignia, they soon concluded the murdered man must be of high degree, and the next morning a reward of b,000 scudi was offered for Count Henri de Bouvre, and others, for the murder of the Sicilian Prince, Uelbutti. The sword was recognised, the Count had fled, and there could be no doubt, but he and one of the strangers who had arrived at Rome the preceding night, were the assassins. All Italy was filled with consternation. But my Harry and my brother, in spite of all the vigilance, escaped ; my brother making his way to Paris, with such despatch, as never once to be thought of, and the embassy, of which he formed a part, being concluded soon after his arrival there, he proceeded to Russia, and from that day to this has never been so much as suspected. In the meantime the rewards were quadrupled for the apprehension of the young Count Henri de Bouvre ; and so artfully had Stanton told his tale to the Court of Rome, that at last, would it be believed, the good Cardinal — he who saved us — was actually induced to believe that Stanton and the Prince had been the attacked, and that Henry was the leader, and my brother and another were the hired assassins. Fortunately, the remotest trace of who my brother was, could never have been, or the family of Sir John Johnson had been annihilated, for he, and he only, has saved us from entire ruin. As it was, awful enough, in a just God's name, my father joined me at the small post where I and my husband were to have met, and on the instant of his arrival we succeeded in getting a small vessel, and iu four days reached Corsica. My father induced two women to accompany us, and well it was he did so, for ere we reached that island I was a mother, and a maniac ! " Oh, do not weep, dear madam : do tell me, was poor Rowland born ?" " He it was, dear love." " Then weep not, madam ; see what a treasure an overseeing God sent you. You lost your husband — oh, a great loss — but what a sea pearl you found ; a thing of sweetness, obedience, beauty !" and here the speaker blushed with more intensity than the afflicted mother wept, but tliere was no one to witness the betrayal ; and thus the maiden proceeded, " and of greatness, I do not, for 1 should not speak, but I am sure that our curate was sincere, and he is a wise and learned man, when he said, ' Madam, you have had born to you one of the most surprising young men of my times !' So, dear madam, do not ; nay, tell me no more of the sad tale ; though wishful, still I would forego a thousand such anxieties to hear the rest, sooner than see you so afflicted." " Dear love, you are the first to whom I have told all, and I must finish; indeed it is little now I have to say." We were many weeks upon the island, the greater part of which time my poor parent despaired of my recovery, as every day I sank rapidly ; nor dared he send one word of our situation to my mother and sister. The physician desired him to prepare for a sudden change ; and as my fatlier was in such a pitiable state of imbecility, he simply told him to make the necessary arrange- ments ; for, in consequence of there being an epidcinic raging through the island, every funeral was obliged to be concluded three hours after ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 357 d?ath, so that all was prepared for my iuterment. On the day the event was momentarily expected to take place, I became quite lucid, and one of my attendants, whom my father had partly taken into his confidence, tried a stratagem, which, unquestionably saved my life. And this was it : when she had discovered I was strong enough to speak, she told me before I asked, for my speech was quite inarticulate, that the Count, my husband, was safe, and hourly expecting my arrival, and that his parents were also preparing for my reception. Ihis retuned the v/eak chord, and so soon as it was deemed prudent, my little one was placed ia my arms, — and I recovered. Sir John had been able to get some information respecting the death of the Prince Delbutti, and finally his eyes were startled by seeing the reward which was offered for the Count and the stranger ; all of which he carefully kept from me ; but said, as the Count had doubtlessly made for England we would also proceed thither, until we could arrange as to what would be the best plan. My father also, to soothe me, and to divert my attention as much as possible, told me that he had important business there also; so we finally bent our course to this happy country, and after numerous difficulties arrived here. And then, and not till I was sufficiently recovered, the fatal news was broken to my ear. It was at once thought prudent that I should change my name to that of my mother's maiden one ; and, as the least rashness, as to an enquiry of my husband, might be his ruin, or cost him his life, it is clear we had to be as cautious in seeking after information respecting him, as they were who wanted to seize him. Thus five weary years dragged on, and not a word, only that the proud and wilful Count, his father, had disowned him. I say proud and wilful, I speak as a wife, and may have said too much — nay, it is likely, for this is cer<^ain, that the Court of France threatened to deprive him of certain grants which had been withheld during the reign of Napoleon, if he did not at once make his second son (formally) his heir. This, and som.e such movements were easily learned ; as also that a prosecution was entered against my father, so that he deemed it better to allow a confiscation of all his French property, rather than atten;pt to defend or stand against a power that, he well knew, had destined his ruin. He, therefore, made arrangements for my mother, and my dear sister Agra, to come to England ; but, alas ! ere they received the order, my mother had left this world. Agra, prudently thinking it might give some clue to her sister aiid father, should she at once come to England, advised that we should meet her on the Prussian frontier, Aix-la-Chapelle, and then arrange our operations. My father alone went, and, as he thought, that if the Count had escaped, he would doubtless make for the Russian dominions, and there join my brother; he agreed with ray sister to proceed thither at once, as if any tidings were to be had at all, that was not only the place likely to obtain them, but also a safe one from which to transmit them to me. This arrangement in every way suited my views, and the education of my dear boy began to call me to a sense of the duty I owed the little fellow. 358 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. Devonshire was the place fixed upon for my residence ; and it fbr- tunafely happened that I had a great-uncle, on my mother's side, who received me as though I had been his own, and Rowland, he insisted, should be called his grandson ; and indeed he became as fond of him as thoagh he were. Nothing could be more suited to my situation, and was under the fearful position, as happy as it was possible. Of course, I thought with time the vigilance of our bloodhounds would weaken, if not altogether lose its scent. In this I was mistaken, and but for the most miraculous accident, the position of my husband would have been discovered ; for wonderful as it may seem, Stanton had discovered my retreat, and had bribed the small postoffice-keeper to open all letters directed for me or my uncle. One had arrived, which contained not only the whole statement of my Henry's affairs, but also where he then was, for the purpose of meeting me ; but then the said letter which told all this glad news, also brought me things as sad, — the death of my dear father — he was also gone ! And this it was which deceived the postman ; — the letter being in black, and he happening only to glance at that part which gave the melancholy information, left the other unconned, and thus was I put in possession of the two facts at once. I was resolved to make the rendezvous of my dear lord, and I started, got to London accompanied by my imcle, obtained my passport, when, monstrous, ns I was leaving the consul's otfice, though deeply disguised, Stanton entered it. Upon this my uncle would not permit me to leave him one inch, and as to the attempt of seeing my husband, I with him soon saw the utter hopelessness, without certain ruin. Finding, from this, that my retreat was made out, I again sought another secluded spot, in the south of Kent, and again changed my name, as did my uncle, and here we lived until my Rowland was near his fourteenth year ; and finding that it was actually time something was done for the child, and he having shown an amazing predilection for drawing, and being convinced that there is no way of teaching children a hiowledge of the world, so well as casting them upon it, — of giving them strength and width of thinking, — in short, of teaching them other things than are attainable in closets, and since we have no public semi- nary for the instruction of painting in England, I boldly adopted the plan which j ou heard my good brother repudiate, but which, I thank God, has made me so proud a mother. Now, the most extraordinary feature in all these misfortunes is this, it is not until these last few days that I was quite satisfied as to who Stanton is, or loas. I now know, and would you believe, it was given to me just as we withdrew from watching the procession in honor of the opening of the schools. You may recollect that you walked before me, and whilst getting through the crowd, I saw pass on horseback, though many years had elapsed ere I had witnessed those fiendish orbs, still it was he, though considerably disguised, still I will swear to the man, he saw me — he knew me — and that man is — Lord "Wandly I This, and another circumstance, may account to you for my staying at your house so much longer from my poor son — oh unfeeling mother! — but now thou fliest fast to thy poor child of the wide sea, and now ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 859 wider domain ; and prepare me, Oh God, for the meeting, for it will be such a meeting, even that of my Henri, should he live, would not be more ecstatic. There must be a providence watching for our eventual good ; for how strange a thing that I should leave the south, have gone into your'country, placed my poor boy as an apprentice, and wonderful, all within a few, very few miles of the ruthless monster, who, in return for a fev/ nights' hospitality, has driven one of the greatest men of his day into banish- ment, my poor father, nay mother, to premature graves, in different lands, and hunted a poor feeble woman, who, whatever may have been her errors, she feels conscious, would not unthinkingly injure any of God's created. " And, madam, have you since heard of Priappe, or could you ever guess the cause of his singular attachment and interest in your affairs ?" " Not a word of either." CHAPTER LIII. MR. PIERRE PRIAPPE AND MR. KNURLY PRYET. " Now, what a question thou askest, good Knurly Pryet ! Ah, ha ! I see thou thinkest me too familiar since you have got the grant of the coal-pits, — how fond you English are of coals ! Well look not glump : Squire Pryet then ! but I say, what a question thou askest; do not I tell thee I am an Italian, and yet thou wouldst demand of me, have I seen the Pope ? Man, I have eaten fish with one of the Cardinals : pah ! and as to an Archbishop or so, — seen the Pope ? I have spoken to him, and so mayest thou. But for all this I do not wonder at thy question ; a man who has been educated with the fear of a lord before his eyes, and who has learned that it is more difficult to obtain an audience from whom, than it would from the last four Popes put together : — But I tell thee I have eaten with a Cardinal." " And, pray, St. Pierre Priappe — " " Nay Anglicise a little ; and then, I think, the latter would be found as knowing a name as Pryet itself; so call me Peter Pryet, or Peter Pry, Esq., or what thou wilt, so it lose not dignity in thy sight ; after I die, — saint me as you please." " Well then, Mr. Priappe, might I, with great humility, ask how so great a favor could be granted to a gentleman who has sunk so much in the world, as that of taking a set dinner with one of their Excellencies?" " Sunk in the world ! why thou sinkest thyself, good squire, to say I have sunk in the world, when I keep such honorable acquaintance as thine : but, however, touching the dinner with one of the eminenze, you would like the real truth." SCO ROWLAND BRADSHAW. •• Or of what purpose my question ?" " Then it was all in consequence of this worthy Lord of thine. Lord Wandly ! He once travelled in our parts — nay, I believe, he has actually had his foot on the topmost bit of lava to be found on the apex of Etna." " But what the devil have I to do with Etna ?" " Now would not that little bit of techiness have been more to the point — for I know it was what you wanted to say, if you had demanded * why, what the devil had Lord Wandly to do with your eating triglie with the Cardinal?'" " Less familiarity sir," growled Knurly a little sulkily. " Farewell then squire, I'm off." " What's your hurry ?" " Why, to have more separation, which funnily enough signifies less ftimiliarity 1" " But, how could Lord Wandly have anything to do with — " " There, now, did I not say that was thy question ; do have a better temper, there is no man on earth has a better before the gentleman thou last namedst ; recollect I have been a gentleman too !" " None of your Italian organ-and-monkey tricks then!" " Go to — I pardon thee, and still I have ever thought a monkey as merry, and somewhat more facetious than a bull ; for, although, thy prefix be not John, thou art of the breed, that is, allowing a little for Italian politeness. We are apt to flatter." " Well, now to business ; you say that lady-like bag, upon whom I applied my whip on the morning that I was conducting the lad, still retains the pistol he gave her." " Just so, and I retain the fellow to it ; and you, that is your master wants them both ; quite a melodramatical incident, — a gipsy, a myste- rious foreigner, and a morbid nobleman !" " Silence, Sir, and say the price ; there is nothing dramatic in that." " Pah ! to the pistols, I suppose some half-dozen crowns or so would get hers ; only she was vexed at the ungallant manner, and carrying on a sly thing or two without letting her have a claw in the pie : go and pretend she is to be thy future confidant, and his Lordship's ; every one has some tender place on his ribs ; that is hers." " Humph ; could you not coax a bit ?" " Yes ; but, good Knurly, give me some employment worthy of my reputation and genius, and of one of the humble ijstruments in some of his Lordship's earlier campaigns. Thou sayest he does not recollect : well, perhaps he may not, but a two minutes' chat, out of thy presence though, dear Knurly, and thou wilt have to congratulate thyself on being so fortunate as to introduce his Lordship to an old acquaintance. There will be no doubt of the recognition." " Know then, good Signior, he has seen your Lordship, but does not know you ; and he is positive he never had the honour of ever viewing those interesting proportions of yours before." "Ah! where?" demanded the gentleman, with the sharp eyes, and somewhat bookish nose, a little incredulously. " Where he sees all that he especially wishes to behold, without re- turning the compliment." ^ ^.:^^c^^^. ROWLAKD BRADSIIAW. 361 " Humph ; and you say that he has already conferred that favor upon me ! Well, well, well. Tell him I am not a whit surprised ; for by the good apostle, whose name I dignify, though I saw him a little, a day or two ago, I did not know him ; I made him out ere we parted, though time, it seems, is as imperative with his rich as his poor, his vile as his — humph ! — honorable subjects ; few such impartial monarchs on this part of the sphere !" " Well, Sir, less philosophy and more business, get the pistols, name thy price, and we have done." " And yet I will affirm, that I could be of infinitely more service to his Lordship than these pistols ; though, perhaps, not in an ease-ofmind sense ; but to the business, — 1 know his Lordship's constitution, he cannot live out of mischief, he has a turn for it ; a bent, the same as some have for speculation, women, murder, or whatever it may be. I also know, good Knurly, that thou hast more commissions than thou hast either time or head for their execution : come give me employment, I lack it, whilst thou groanest under it. What about this running away project?" And Mr. Priappe looked a little knowingly at the agent of Lord Wandlv. " The what ?" " The abduction : come, to show thee that I know v^hy I speak, and how ; his Lordship has, seriously, never had any other grand object, only by way of passing on time, for this last twenty years. Now, you have received the commission and you cannot do it ; I am idle, and might, at least, be of use." "(Ah, ha! then he does know Wandly, and that pretty extensively too.) Why, as you say, Signior, there is a httle business, if I could depend upon your worship, in which you might be of singular service — if I could depend upon you." " Amongst gentlemen of our order there is only one way to get at that — trial." "True ; then, to begin, succeed, and name your sum !" " Tut, tut : go to his Lordship, and say success is certain ; and let him name the amount. And in order that he may come down with something like a reasonable reward, for so much merit, first tell him there is but one way : As to think of doing it in England, is as absurd as removing stolen goods in the night-time, or clandestinely at any time. No, no, she must be got out of this country. Speaking of the impera- tive behavior of the monarch I have just paid so handsome a compliment to, by the by, I must say he appears to have made a wonderful exception in favor of the lady of whom we speak : I saw her at the ceremonies of the schools the other day ; indeed, I was looking at her from one angle, as his Lordship was peeping at her from the other ; and, on the word of a gentleman, the old King must have intended her for his second wife, for she looked as young, and almost as beautiful as ever. Now, Hsten to me, Pryet, is your lease signed yet for the coal-pits ?" " How know you this, Sir?" " Oh, you'll see, though greatly underrated by the good Knurly, I know many things in that great science of —mischief. Now, the way to get it signed, and make also the seat of parliament steadfast, will be to 362 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. tell him first that her husband liveth, that, secondly, there is one who hath letters from him to her, inviting her to meet him — a happy meeting, eh, Pryet ? after some twenty years parting or so ; unless there has been some sly work — a great risk though — that he who hath these letters is commissioned to take her to his arms ; that should the price be sufficient he will place her in those of some 07ie else ; and that the pistols may be used for better purposes save that of forming additional trophies in the Hescott collection ! Do you understand it all ?" " Do I ? — (this is wonderful ; and this will at once alter all my plans ; I only thought of deluding Wandly, and really capturing that exquisite lump of beauty, her pupil.) Say, good Pierre, if I were to entrust all to you, durst your honor undertake the whole execution of this, without my hand in any way appearing in it — without my being seen ?" " (Cowardly rascal,) without being seen 1 Nay, we can make it even better than that, — you shall come to their rescue if you Uke — that would look well." "Their rescue ; whom do you mean? there is but one lady." " But one for his Lordship, of course ; and to do him justice, I am convinced he would reward that man who should effect his obtaining her, more than he would that power who could make him the premier ; but then, is there nobody else to be served ? Ha, ha, I like that ; are we ever to wait upon our masters without thinking of dining ourselves ? No, no. Then when you have safely placed the preceptress in his hal- lowed and longing arms, why should not the pupil meet with as impres- sive and welcome an embrace from his pupil again ; Thou art young and handsome ; look to thyself, good Knurly,— I would I were such a man." " Give me thy hand, good Priappe ; I now fully and entirely appre- ciate thy genius, and I have no doubt that its quality in design will only be equalled by its courage in execution ; thou hast indeed — though the devil clutch me if I can guess how — ^just hit upon my plan." " Only thou be equally fortunate as to the price, and it is done. The letters are here, and though his Lordship may not recollect his old servant, he will the handwriting of his old enemy ! We ever remember our foes better than our friends, and our admirers, perhaps, best of all. So, my good Pryet, tell these tidings to thy master ; don't forget to say that the husband is living ; think too of the young and exquisite beauty, Miss Dantskipp, — then of me." " Farewell ; at this place to-morrow, when all shall be concluded to thy satisfaction, we will meet." " Farewell, right noble Knurly Pryet." They separated, and the worthy Monsieur Pierre Priappe — we say Monsieur, for although he boasted of being an Italian, we are right in the national prefix, he was born on this side the Alps, — had not \valked a mile, when he was met by a gentleman, whom we fear the reader will almost have lost sight of — Lord Wandly 's former home secretary, Mr. Tennyson ; and although the meeting appeared as if merely accidental, it was evidently preconcerted, as the first sentence he uttered upon the approach of the ingenuous M. Priappe was, •• Well, have you seen the villain V ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 363 The answer to which was, " Oh, yes ; and had, what you EngHsh call, a longish chat." " Amusing enough, I hope ? Has he got the lease signed ? Is it a fact that he is going to stand for one of Wandly's horoughs ? Can the monster be insane enough to think that such a girl, with such a fortune too;l as Jane Dantskipp, will have such a knotty ignorant cub as he ? Does he expect, but I suppose that is settled, that he is to be, ha, ha, ha! his Lordship's secretary? Did he hint as to whether I had a hand — that is, that you knew me ?" " Bow, bow, wow : why, dear Signior Tennyson, thou must be awfully afraid of this young paver ;" " Indeed ! as how. Sir?" *' From the number of thy questions, and, for if I had asked one of them within three degrees of the straight line that you have put them to me, my plans — yours, and, I do think, all our hopes had been, to judge cautiously, slightly mill-dewed." " True, true ; you are right ; but I hate the villain, so that — " "And, being an Englishman, you think it the best way to tell him so. No, no ; that is not the plan of my country ; make them feel it, good Mr. Tennyson, make them understand it." " That is right, quite right. Well, do you think they will fall into the trap ?" " Yes, if you will not be in too great a hurry, and make the bait too vulgar." " Have you heard from my brother ex-secretary ; upon my honor, but this young artist of the bolder-stone-and-beater must be a clever fellow, to out do two such experimentalists as Messrs. Tennyson and Crabbs. — Have we got them, may I ask." " I think so." •• Then give me your hand, Monsieur Priappe, and name the reward.'* CHAPTER LIV. JOHANNES DONNE AND HIS PUPILS. We must now, for a few minutes, visit Johannes Donne, and his merry pupils, at the great scene of their labors — the hall of the Frescos. Johannes, Rowland, Zimmerman, Retz, and some others, had just finished their morning council, when a young gentleman, first evading the two porters, came running into the principal hall, met Mr. Donne, asked if it were not he, and on being told, with evident surprise, that it was so, said he thought so, could have sworn that it was, and then de- 364 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. manded if he had not a young giant in art with him, whose name was Rowland Bradshaw ? The good Johannes very mildly, and in a most antithetic, as compared with the other's manner and haste, said he had. " Then, at once," returned the stranger, slapping the master's shoul- der, " show me at once where he is." Johannes pointed to some scaffolding at the other end of the hall, and informed the stranger that the object of his haste was working on it, behind the partiton. He had scarcely done so, when the stranger ran, as though he were going to announce to the young artist that the build- ing was on fire — that he was his brother, and, of course, wishful that his life should be saved if all else perished. The good Johannes was so astounded, not to say alarmed, at the wild manner of the person he had just directed, that he immediately hurried after, and as he was curious, perhaps the reader may labor under a similar sensation, so we will carry him thither too, that he may see as well as hsten to the object of all this haste, and singularity of introduction. " Oh, damn the scaffolding, partition, and all, if it should come down and I with it. You have distinguished yourself, and why may not I have a bit of fame ? if you can build a Pantheon, I do not see why I should not jump off it, and take the builder with me ; in few, dear Rowland, couldst thou die in the arms of a man who loves thee better?" " My dear Mr. Styrrup !" " My dear devil, ' Joe,' I tell you, puppy. You may well stare, good Johannes, for if you have had half the difficulty in teaching the monkey to paint that I have had in teaching him to pronounce 'Joe,' he ought to give you two-thirds of his gold medal, that is all." " Is this your old friend Mr, Stirrup then, Rowland, of whom I have heard you speak ?" " Why, good Johannes, who else could it be, unless it were Bob, and, by George, we shall see him in a few days. I only landed at Hull last night, — I have taken a special train to see thee, and, damn it, I trust I am welcome." " Welcome, dear — " " Joe." "Joe." "Better." •*0h, I am so happy to see you." "Well, I have much to say. Now, if your master here, and as many of you as you like, will come and dine with me, just by way of celebrat- ing our re-union, I shall be glad. What then. Sir modest, you have got a sweetheart or two at last ; have you forgotten those of Liverpool ?" " No ; but what do you mean by accusing me of unfaithfulness ? because I apprehend what you mean by saying, I have got one or two at last ; — you don't mean any of the ladies you have alluded to at Liver- pool ?" " Oh no, Mr. Sly ; no, I mean two, that were inquiring for you at the entrance gate, just as I was ; as soon as they twigged me, they would not let me see their faces." " Oh, they could not be asking for me— you mistake." ROWLAND BRADS HAW. 365 " I'll swear I do not though ; they not only were asking to see Row- land Bradshaw, but were, as I think, offering a small bribe to get in, and whilst they were settling the same I bolted past." " I know not who they can be." " Well, I care not ; but go and tell your plasterer he may have a holiday ; and good Messrs. Johannes and the rest of you, I pray you let me labor under a similar obligation. Dismiss your assistants — you have worked hard enough ; and it will look very strange if you will not make merry with your friend here, when he has met, and is about to spend the day with one of the oldest he has. What say you?" The whole were first taken by surprise, and afterwards by Joseph Styrrup to his hotel ; and as they passed the outer door, Mr. Styrrup turned quickly round, and called out, " See, by George, Rowland, yon's the ladies I saw enquiring for you, yonder, just stepping into the chaise." " Stay a moment," said Rowland, "and I will try to catch them, — who can it be ?" And Rowland ran, and as he did so, his heart jumped faster than his feet, for he had imagined that in one of the forms, he descried that of his mother ; and he was right, but ere he could near the coach it had mixed amongst a score of others, and he unfortunately ran after a wrong one. He returned gloomily, and had he been alone, or could he have formed an excuse for being so, he soon would have fallen into one of those fretful fits of which, for some time, he had been the victim ; for he thought there was some neglect, and though not ten minutes away, he had scarcely joined his friends when the cause of all this disarrangement in the Donne school, said, " Why, hang it, Rowland, I should think you had been at one of your old tricks again, only I trust you have a better compliment for me at our meeting, than that of blubbering, or else, you know, you used to be fond of a bit of a snivel." Rowland smiled, and so did some of the pupils, merely thinking it a part of Mr. Styrrup' s style ; but not so the preceptor, Johannes, he at once saw that the stranger was correct, and mused at his pupil, as he had done before, many, many times. Mrs. Bradshaw and her friend were trying to get access into the hall, just as the electrical neighbor of the latter one, came dashing up to the same place. Miss Dantskipp saw hun first, and not, upon any consider- ation, wishing to be known, told her preceptress, so both had time to avert their heads. After Joseph had taken by stealth that which they were willing to pay for — an entree, Mrs. iiradshaw renewed her over- tures of obtaining admission into a dark place in one of the galleries, so that she could see the movements of the artists (her son the real object) without the possibility of being seen. She had adopted this plan that she might not betray undue weakness at their final meeting. She felt that a more immediate coming together might have a serious effect upon both of them. The separation had been for along time, and during which, her son had done the great work, of which, he knew, his mother only lived to see the completion. She was convinced that such labors, however good his health, must have much altered his appearance, and she felt that the least change would act most fearfully upon her ; iiay, she sometimes euteitaiued the dread- 366 ROWLAND BIUDSUAW. ful thought, that should his studies have so affected his constitution, that however remote, were they to cause a dechne, or death, she should have an eternal reproach heaped upon her memory, so long as it lasted. These were the agonies, and must ever be so, to the attendants and promoters of greatness, and for these reasons she was resolved to act as we have seen. She had just arranged as to the amount of fees, when the inner porter came running out and told her that all the principal artists were coming with the stranger, but that there was little doubt their absence would not be for a long time ; that he] would apprise her of their return should she wish it ; or if she would come back in a short time, they would all, doubtless, be at work, "as," added the man, "they have now but a short time to finish it in ; and I know that all the foreigners leave the kingdom in a fortnight at most, as well as, I believe, our crack English- man, he whom you enquire about." The ladies hurried off as we have seen. Whilst Joseph made his friends go at an equal pace to his hotel, that a suitable order might be given for dinner, and then, he said, he should throw himself on their guardianship until it was ready. They agreed, and were taking a stroll past one of the theatres, when in turning round the corner, Joseph espied a couple coming out of what is called the stage door ; Joseph looked once more, and then, " Hoorah ! by George, Rowland, if there is not Hage-a-baby and the Summerset! stay," continued he, turning round to the eldest of the party, " I pray thee, good Johannes, wilt thou deem it offensive if I invite these funny devils also to be of our party, for they are old friends and worthy fellows." "Oh, right worthy !" said Rowland. "Nay, then, this is to be the holiday, and when I do play, I never like to do it idly. It has not happened of late that either myself or these poor boys here have had much leisure ; let us make the most of it then, the same as of everything else we undertake ; and, above all, let me entreat you invite your theatrical friends." Joseph ran, and Mr. Donne continued, " there had used to be no ^^men with whom I was so merry, — even may it be so now." As soon as Mr. Styrrup seized the great actor's hand, which he did rather suddenly, he started, looked, re-looked, and again started, and then, the attitude being a good one, exclaimed, " No, it can — it is impossible, — it is," and before the object of all this doubt could utter a single word, he was locked in the same firm embrace that most of the great heroines of the day had, as few there were who had not met with a similar testimony of his esteem. The Summerset ever aimed at the style of the great Hage-a-baby, and so selected Mr. Donne for the same display, and had got his arms extended, as also into the latter part of the speech of " no, it can — it is," when he really discovered Rowland, and instead of the embrace falling in the same direction as the speech, it not only fell upon Rowland, but nearly squeezed him into two, for, in truth, the poor fellow was really rejoiced, when it was a real friend, and not one of mere theatrical courtesy, with whom he had met. And so the acting was, as it ever will be, so much better, when we truly feel our parts. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 367 The delights at such an unexpected meeting were excessive ; but when to this was added an invite to dinner, and that, too, at a first-rate West- end Hotel, their satisfaction wanted words, although — so they said — their cheeks were not deficient in tears. " Mivart's Hotel," said Hage- a-haby, in half-and-half soliloquy and colloquy, to his brother professor. " By George, I'll let the curtain wait half an hour to-night ; be the making of me for the stage manager to have to go to the front and announce that the principal character was dining with — that will be it— * a deputation to the Home Secretary,' from a town that he has been starring at ; that will be grand ; or if I cannot manage to cram it in there, I must have it, in some way, introduced in my benefit bill ; one thing is certain, all London must know that this day t dine at Mivart's." CHAPTER LV. JOSEPH STYRRUP SURPRISES ROWLAND. The party was brilliant, the sayings fully to match, and at an earlier stage of our labors, we certainly should have deemed it our duty to have given a detailed account ; but there are things crowding upon us of more moment, as the reader will say, when he fairly sees the object of Mr. Styrrup's visit to London. And this was it ; as soon as all agreed to break up, Styrrup said he would see Rowland to his lodgings, and they had not got up half a street for that purpose, when Mr. Styrrup began to unfold the motive of his sudden visit. " Now, Rowland, mark, there is no lodging for you in London to- night. There is a special train waiting for us at the station ; we must be two hundred miles off here ere daylight, and to which it just wants six hours." "What can be the matter?" demanded Rowland. " This is it ; our party are going to contest the very town you were stolen from — Frescoth. As you know it is one of Lord Wandly's boroughs, and, of course, never was contested since it was ordained, there is but one man in England, and I am not sure that he's in it yet, that can stand the slightest chance, should Wandly nominate even one of his grooms ; he will win it, if properly managed, and, mark me, what I am going to say, with your assistance ; that man is Rowbottom. We have got a tidy chap to nominate him to-morrow, but it is you, Rowland, who are fixed upon to make the speech ; your great popularity, as well as the sympathy for the trick played you — for, in despite of all, it has oozed out that Wandly had a hand in the affair — will give you great 368 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. advantages, and you have now an opportunity of showing your love for Bob, and of revenging the baseness of Wandly. What say you ?" "What do I say, that you have made every drop of my blood boil, tingle in my veins. Oh ! but I will do it — I will. This stealthy departure will, I fear, give offence to the good Johannes ; but so great a duty must be my excuse. Oh 1 but I thank you for this business." " Then right gladly I thank thee, dear Ilowland ; for though Wild- ingair is going to lend us his services, it is thou must give the blow ; besides, I am almost certain it will be impossible for Bob to be there, though there is an express gone to fetch him. By George, it will be a glorious thing to win for him, and make it a meeting present when he arrives." " Know you his opponent?" " Well, I am almost afraid to tell you ; nay, I am not sure, for I was only in the neighborhood two hours, but still there are probable grounds. Wandly was so roused when he heard the crumbling old hole was to be contested, and maddened, when to the information was added that Rowbottom was to be the man, that he first said he should send them his butler, but afterwards, fearing there might be some chance of defeat, assigned for them as his representative, Knurly Pryet, Esq., now his secretary, and a man of great influence in that vicinity, I assure you." "That beast?" and Rowland nipped his lip. "Hurry on to the train." " Ay, but stay, Wildingair goes with us. I suppose you have heard that he is now the great man of the great paper ?" " Report has done him justice in my ears." " Well, now dear Rowland, until he comes, a bit of chat with thee. Know then that in three months I am going to be a 'married man,' Eliza Broud and I have agreed to make the world believe that we are entirely devoted to each other, and we are to be the happiest of all the couples that ever were united, be they who they may." " Indeed ! I am too happy to hear of this, and though you would joke with me as to making the ivorld believe, and the rest, I know you to be too honorable a man to marry an exquisite and talented young lady, unless you had made up your mind — as doubtless you have done — to leave all your fond bachelor's days, their friendships, their follies — " " Their friendships, Rowland f" asked Styrrup, " Their friendships, no, no." "Pardon me, only such as were linked with your follies. No, from what I have learned — be not curious to know how— of your intended wife, she will be as fond as her husband, of some of your acquaintance. She is a good creature, and once more permit me to say, I heartily rejoice on her, your, and your father's account." " Well then, here, let us stand under this gas. I could tell your worship a secret. It would seem that she has not only been the companion, but the confidant of a young lady, who, forsooth, has been in love with your lordship ; this is not fair ; but since, by your altered appearance, I perceive you have some deep grief, at least let me be the assuager of one part of it : I do not know, \ fear it is not that which ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 3C9 Iras tliinvied thy cheek so, dpar Rowland ; but if it be, get fat again, and as rosy as most gentlemen are, who contend for golden medals." " And what may all this aim at ?" " Something, on the honor of a gentleman, that ought to gladden, madden any man with ecstacy, but to a lover, — for I know not v.hy, dear Rowland, but I have ever thought thee one— it ought to make thee go down to Frescoth without thy skin. Know then^ — here come into the light — the lady who loves thee, and it is likely ever will, is no other than the far-famed beauty of Fleigh, Jane Dantskipp. Ah, ha! I have not put thee under the lamp in vain ; couldst thou see how I have already improved thy color, thou wouldst never doubt the infallibity of my prescriptions again. Did I not study medicine, Rowland, better than the cruel would ever give me credit for ? Why, all the wine thou drankest had less effect — but come, on the word of /an old friend, I am over rejoiced to find that your loves are reciprocal. I do not deceive thee : thou hast been a better courier than even Cupid himself thought thee. Thy fame has won her. " Rowland, a word with thee, for I think yon is Wildingair's cab, to show thee that I am in the secret ; didst ever, in thy very juvenile days, carry a young maiden over a mighty sea, eh ? and steal a kiss there- upon ? Ah, ha, Signior Wildingair, let me present t'iee to thy old friend and curator of thy reputation, Rowland Bradshaw !" CHAPTER LVI. NOMINATIOM DAY AT FRESCOTH. They were early at the scene of the two great actions as described in the first part of our history, — the Gibbon and the bell-ringing affairs, and they now found the town in rapid preparation for another. They took up their abode at Rowbottom's head-quarters, — the redoubtable Legs hotel. Rowland felt some melancholy as he entered, but was speedily diverted from it as he neared the window commanding the main street. And indeed it was not to be wondered at, for just as he looked towards the place of his apprenticeship, he observed, with clashing bands of music, the arrival of Rowbottom's paity from Fleigh, led up by the Fleigh Royal Foresters ! They neared the window, and vrhat should he see to his horror, but the grand flag — the Adam-and-Eve compositions of which the reader will recollect the terrible accounts. For a time some little sylph of the congratulatory family tickled his breast with a slight assurance, that the performance could not be his j certainly mosi 370 KOAVLAND BRADSIIAW. strangely altered, and must have been terribly mauled and patched if it were so. Oh, it could not be. Another swing round, and naked Truth soon ran her bare sword through the deluding little minx we have seen trying her deceit upon our hero. His ? Read : for this was gilded in the corner, " Painted by Rowland Bradshaw, Esq., Historical Painter to the Royal Fleigh Foresters,'" ^c., SfX. ; and under that again, as if very recently done in white paint, "winner of the gooi.d meddle," &c., &c. At this Rowland laughed most heartily, but at once entreated Mr. Styrrup to go and beg of them to take the whole oiF, as he said he should suffer peculiar annoyance the entire day else. The request of Mr. Styrrup was at once complied with, particularly when he said he had a private motive for what he had urged. And then they gave nine times nine on his return to England, but fortunately did not Irecognise Rowland, or something boisterous might have followed. After the Foresters came Fleigh's distinguished Sous \\\ Campanology, with Peter luce at their head ; then the different trades, the hands of the respective mills, collieries ; in short, Rowland thought all Fleigh had come, and even then he supposed it to have been much improved in its census since he resided there. The crowd was enormous, and though he was just withdrawing from the window, he saw dash- ingly enter the gate of the hotel, on the well-known pony Jacky, no less a man than that great sign-painter — Mr. Windley himself. Rowland was most anxious to pay proper duty to his old master ; but knowing that he was not one of the most discreet in affairs of secrecy, again desired Mr. Styrrup, that, whatever he did, he must not let him know of his arrival until the business they had come upon should be finished ; nay, that even Mr. Gibbon, who had that moment arrived, should remain uninformed, as he might at once let the Fleighers know ; and to do that, Rowland felt assured, was to ruin every thing. The proposer of ]\Ir. Rowbottom then arrived, as did his committee ; indeed all and every one but the candidate himself. This, to those who did not know the tactics of Styrrup, was deemed almost fatal ; but to the few who were in the secret it was considered quite as well, for though there was not one who had ever heard Rowland make anything like a set speech, still there was not one who had a doubt of the impression his appearance alone would make ; and Mr. Styrrup was congratulated accordingly. They arranged to let the Wandly, and what was called town party, name their man first, and instructed all the partizans of Rowbottom to preserve the strictest decorum and silence, and then they would have a reasonable right to expect it in return : " And once let us get our speech," said Styrrup, "and my hfe upon the day; and, for this reason, let the proposer make as short a one as he can ; then come Rowland, next "Wildingair, and, should we have time. Gibbon, or any of us ; for although Mr. Gibbon has come here for the purpose of being the legal adviser, yet he may do us a deal of good ; and now, gentlemen, for the hustings. Here, Rowland," added he in a whisper, "don't leave here until I send for you ; don't fidget, but go into the bar and lark with the lasses, — they will not know you ; it will keep you from your subject Mcv 'Pm II- :ffl||M,i kit t Y'l^W!" ^_^^^^^ (^ -^^e^^^u^y^iy yo/? .J^/L^.i^^>iP^^. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 371 like bull-dogs at a wake — they hear the shouts as the sport advances, so wilt Jhou, and like them it will bring thee fiercer to tire attack." Rowland smiled in his usual way, went to his bedroom to consult a friend there, upon whom he had ever placed most singular reliance, as to the correctness of his shirt ruffle, the blackness and propriety of his satin stock, the whiteness of his waistcoat, the right length of his locks, and width of his coat collar ; and then did as, in all things, he had been directed by his friend, and though he had little more than an hour, and all was great election bustle, before the messenger arrived, he had effected two or three Uttle captivations ;— every young lady in the establishment saying that if he were not quite so pale and melancholy looking, he would be one of the most perfect beauties, some of them in the course of very long lives, had ever beheld. Rowland was sent for, and arrived just as the party had nominated, and found that it was the son of his old friend the paver, young Pryet, sure enough. He listened to all that was said of his virtues, and all those he intended to have, at all events for the first few years in par- liament ; and then he heard the nomination of his friend ; and then, almost as unconscious of what he was about to do as the pinioned wretch when he mounts the scaffold, found himself with hat off before boundless multitudes. His appearance elicited roars of applause from the Row- bottomites, and a singular silence and stretching out of necks and eyestrings from the good men who wore the favors of the junior Pryet. He stood for some time, and at last shghtly waved his hand, nor did he offer to speak until their silence was such that had he whispered, it would have been audible. But was his voice a whisper? No; it was sonorous, round, and like the distant sound of the midnight hour when struck upon the bell of a distant convent : " Fair dames and lovely maidens of the ancient borough of Frescoth; and you their husbands and lovers, I stand here where one so infinitely more fitting should have been placed, mine and your dear friend, Mr. Robert Rowbottom, of Fleigh. I say your dear friend, because, on the solemnity of a christian, I think him one to all mankind — to England in particular, and why may we not expect him to be special to those wbo, by their suffrages, will enable him to work out those views which have occupied a life in their conception, and great labor in their maturation. "I thought, when I undertook the grateful task of seconding the nomination of Mr. Rowbottom, that my only duty would be the pleasing one of bringing him fairly before your notice, being little prepared either for an attack upon his, or the highly honored conduct and memory of his great and good father. Since, however, the gentleman who has nominated on the other side has so enlarged upon this uupleasing part (I hope so) of his subject, I must, and I think with very trifling diffi- culty even upon his own premises, defend them. " He has accused the elder and younger Rowbottom, witli being grasping men, who have given little to the charities, — this was more especial with the elder ; and the younger, my most honored friend, he has attacked thus ; that he was in early life a disappointed student, — in latter a leader of a band of silly wits, a fox hunter, and now a aiere Continental muser. 372 IIOV.'LANU BllADSilAW. " We ■will begin with the sire and his great negligence of that christian virtue — charity. " There are few here, I dare say, who are unacquainted with the fact, that, from the most humble beginning, the elder Rowbottom was for the last thirty years of his hfe enabled to employ, as a merchant and manufacturer, from seven hundred to one thousand individuals ; and I am sure there is not one here wlio will not admit he paid them to a soul, honestly and fairly, a great criterion of which is, that tliere are great numbers, even to this hour, who never were in any other employ. This fj'om your silence I see is admitted: 'but,' said the gentleman opposite, ' all this was done for his own benefit and self aggrandizement, and is nothing more than selfishness.' Why, be it so ; and yet we find he devoted sixty years of liis life and self to his selfishness! and that every day he assisted — I did not say gave — many hundreds in the honest cbtainment of food, clothing, comfortable homes, and some to actual fortunes ; and they again being able to promote the steppings of others, I think I have shown he had more pretensions to that noble virtue — charity — at least than my frieud had, when he denied the senior Row- bottom as having any at all. '"What hospitals, what missionary society, or to what charity was he ever known to give?' demands my friend. " Why, men like him give the means, the other have more leisure to employ. For without great men of merchant and manufactural enterprise, even the most charitable would have nothing to give. But I contend that ivir. Rowbottom has ever been a great giver, and given that too which no man is ashamed to beg, and of which, if others had been equally bountiful, chartism, and hundreds of other isms,— as hungry beilyism, pauperism, and the rest, would never have been known ; nay, what he has been in the habit of giving, is the only thing I ever knew an honest, well-disposed Englishman ask for : all he ever demands — the receiving of wdiich makes him honorable, and permanently, not transiently, happy, — I mean, dear friends, employment. " Large manufactories are the sort of hospitals I should like to see erected in every hamlet ; and the rnissionaries that would please me to see dispatched to every part of the earth, are ships well laden with their products : and then let the workhouse and other charity shops send round the bellman with this announcement,- —that unless somebody will come and live in them, their very considerate founders will have to pull them down. " Naples is said to have a greater number of charitable institutions than any other city of its capacity in the world. I once complimented a Neapolitan upon the fact, when he said, ' Ah, my dear friend, I wish some of your Manchester men would convert them all into cotton-mills, dyeing, printing houses, or iron foundries. My native city is not so large as theirs, and with all our far-boasted charities we have thirty thousand lazaroni in it without an hour's employment in a week, or a hut to cover them !' " It is in such a city the charities of Mr. Rowbottom would have met with a more gracious reading, than that we have heard to-day. " i hear ^lome one demand, Would I sap the springs of charity? Yes, ROWr.AND BRADSIiAW. 373 1 would sponge tliem all up, if, like the fountains of Naples, they ener- vated to water-drinkers ; but not when they form libations for the overwrought, wash the sores of casualty, or bathe the cripple. Then would I let them flow, copiously as those wliich fructify the Nile, or give smiles to the Oases. But may not this figure answer another pur- pose, and show that, without a source there can be no river, — without a Rowbottom, although we may have all the means of irrigation, we may want the element. Thus, then, he who gives em )loyment most nearly approaches to Him who gave the fountain on (ieesh's height. Each begins fs a tiny stream, through difficult ways, jumping down preci- pices, through stern rocks, devious caves, getting strength and purpose, for it is a mountain child, as it nears the scene of its usefulness, now copious, widening, deepening, giving flooding wealth to all within its range. But there may be lands and heights which have not known its embrace. Then comes the actice hand of charity, and canals its bless- ings to the remote and less fortunate ; whilst they again lift it still higher and to more improximate abodes, until the minuiiEe of division water, nourish, and give happiness to the whole. But the last must have perished, and even the more immediate would have pined and been worthless but for the fountains on Mount Geesh, as would with us alike the donative and the wretched, but for the Merchant and Mamr- facturer. " Thus for the senior of the family which I represent ; and now for the son, who certainly seems to have been severely dealt witli, as the first generation, for the sins of his father. " For his being a ' disappointed student' I care nothing, as our seats of learning are now constituted ; or, indeed, vthether or not, so that he succeeded as — the man ! " If there is nothing more against the gentleman opposite, than that of being in his early days fond of the chase (though I am not), I should be most happy, ere we part, to take a biscuit and a glass of wine with him . " Nay, and I will take a bottle, if he will prove, that he, like Mr. Rowbottom, was then a wit and the leader of one of its schools ; and, more especially 1 will do so, if he will enumerate in his classes a few, such as those, I have the honor to see standing to my right ai^d my left. What say you, beauties of Frescoth 1 is there amongst you one, look at them ere you aver, that could find in her heart a resolute objection, should need be, to the walking with one of Mr. Rowbottom's school here, even through yon big church doors, exchange troths there, wliilst the bells rang you much happiness as you returned ? I pause. Why there is not a kerchief, however rich the lace, but gallantly waves a negative to the wind. And let me say, with all my soul, were you all my sisters, I wish you no better fortune. " To the charge of your candidate, 'now musing on the Continent I' I have only to say, where could he muse to better purpose? if it be only to break him off those evil practices, of which we hear him accused :- * no scholar, when young, unless wlien he entered the classes of Nimrod,' — 'a master of nothmg, unless of a school i.i whirh he taught that most capricious and dangerous of all sciences — wit.' Well, then, let him 374 ROWLAND BRADS HAW. muse. And I will name on what subject it is, I now speak to parents, — it is how your offspring, instead of being the inmates or the out-paid of charities, may become the founders, if necessary, of such themselves — the donors, and not the eleemosynists. In short, he is musing, travel- ling, working hard, yea, more intently than any of us, to bring materials upon which his great plans of national education and improve- ment are to be worked out. He has devoted five years of his valued life, and a fortune, to educate your children ; and I will asseverate, that the next generation of the poor, if they choose, may become at least as well educated as my friend opposite. Is not this charity in its breadth, its mightiness, its holiness ? " I never heard so sonorous a reply before. " Well, then, since he has, and is going to give so much, the remain- der of his lif?, let me beg something of you in return,— give him your seat in parliament. " And now let us see what the other side has done towards a niche in this temple, which we all agree is so hallowed. •' I shall not ask what your other candidate, or his father, has given, because I should not like to give pain to those who must vote for him, nor excite undue merriment in those who, to their other charities, may wish to add in his favor, all the loathing that at a time like this might so soon be turned into ready cash ; but I should like to know what his donor has given, and how he bestowed him upon you. I speak as to the method of asking and giving. Did some twelve of you knock at the porter's large door at Hescott, and desire the porter to tell the valet to inform the chamberlain to acquaint Lord Wandly, that a dozen poor men from Frescoth had come during this inclement season, to beg, to entreat, to pray, that as there was such a scarcity, he would bestow a trifle upon them, however little, however poor the aim, even if he had nothing else to give, would he confer a man, any one would do, to occupy the vacant seat in your preservation. No matter what he was, or had been, though a dolt when young, a dunce when older, a poacher when he approached manhood — and of things that fathers hold as dear to their withered hearts, as Lord Wandly does pheasants to his plump one — a tool as he still advances ; • in short, my Lord,' to get into the first person, ' any wretch, either without family, education, honesty, or clean- liness will do ; what think you, my Lord, of your Lordship's junior paver, robust, and now well clad, Knurly Pryet ? if you have nothing else to bestow, do give us him.' Oh, fie ! if Lord Wandly had wished to send you home like dogs, he need not have tied a paver's beater to your tails ; or if you must be puppets, he might have afforded you wires to your legs. No ; but it seems he would rather work you with them tied to your heads, and not as you do babies, with leading strings round your waists ; or would he not like to dance you with them tied round your necks ; for surely, amongst all the ingenious modes of stifling, he that would strangle your free choice — nay, twist to death your thoughts, has hit upon the last refinement. " far be it from me to insult or wound the feelings of those whose votes are directed, even as the amount of land they must plough, or the number of hares they must feed upon it ; but still I would say to those ROWLAND BUADSHAW. 375 ■who are not bound as fast to this landlord, as we hear some of your citizens occasionally are in your town stocks ; that there are other homes for the industrious. Fleigh is not far from here. Look at the wealthy men from that town which now surround me. Look at the Rowbottoms' wealth ! and recollect that the most fragile birds seek, in other climes, that warmth and food which were denied in their own. Imitate even them. " Once, when young, I was journeying with some neighbors from Fleigh to Frescoth. We met some men from the latter, and they asked of the former whither, and for what, they sped. Our reply — for I was then one —was, that we were going to Frescoth to buy their town, and also to know the day they would fix for the delivery. This, of course, both thought was good wit, and no more. But now I know there was much in it ; for it was the manufactural importance of the first, over the landlord-ridden seclusiveness of the latter, that caused so impudent a reply. " And after the nomination of this day, I see nothing so besotting in the boast, if instead of the Fleigh men saying, * we are going to Frescoth to buy your town,' they had said, ' we are going to Lord Wandly to buy it, and ask of him when he may deem it convenient to deliver it into our hands ; for surely,' they might have added, * if you dare trust Knurly Pryet with the loan of it, you cannot be aifronted, should the price suit, if we want to buy it out and out.' " There certainly has been some extensive giving amongst those of the other side ; yet which party has been the almoner, or the almist, it may take some time to determine ; but, though poor myself, I wish also to give a trifle ere I leave you ; it may not be much, I will render to you freely — my opinion. I have heard of inclement-season soup being so very bad, though manufactured in a nobleman's kitchen, and intended for the benefit of those who had no gravy of their own, that after the elder poor trying to squeeze it down, it was given to their scions, who, though with still keener appetites, and nicely-pointed noses, yet it would not slip. Then it was sold at a half-penny a gallon to enrich the troughs of their landlord's pigs, but even they could not make a lunch of it ; ' curse the swill,' said they, * throw it into the sewers, that is if their curators will not bring it within the denomination of filth, we should not wish to be fined for ridding ourselves of this rich man's gift!' " Even so ; do not get fined for town-sewering this great man's boon ; do not lose your lease, or risk your new-takings, or your situations, say a seat upon your quarter-session bench, or one at the table of his Lord- ship's butler, your head constable's berth, the bellman's, the lock-up- keeper's, the organ-blower's, or that of his Lordship's fame ; but all who have no such dread of Jine, down, down with this unwholesom« dish ; and when you have washed your hands at the brook, come to where the hospitable board of Mr. Rowbottom and friends await you, where there shall be other things spread for your regalement, besides even the choicest roast and boiled ; where there shall be better stimu- lants, than those which the most pampeiL'd require for their bodies : ye shall know and feed upon that food which enriches the mind and 37(5 ROWLAND BllADSHAW. makes fat the heart. And your children, too, shall eat the bread of knowledge, so that some day, even they may become the great and wise men of the land. And, moreover, ye shall sit, not at his butler's table, but where he sitteth. Ye shall not bow down, or drink unto the health of one who has been the minister of his evil doings, but drink deeply to him, and with much love he shall pledge you. And when the great feast is ended, each depart in peace, even so, as I trust you shall, when you go not to elect, but to be elected amongst the good and the happy, for ever and ever." And the countless midtitude called out "Amen." It will be perceived we have not obeyed the newspaper fashion of giving the (hear, hears,) (much applauses,) and the rest, as the speaker proceeded, though we may now say that all parts of the speech, save the last, was received with the most extravagant enthusiasm; it seemed rather to awe them and become a matter of surprise than a material for the usual, or, perhaps, immediate marks of approbation ; but after some time, it was quite clear that the peroration, which the speaker gave with great solemnity, had been the most effective portion of the harangue. The congratulation from the old acquaintance of Rowland, who had stood round him on the hustings, being all the elite of Fleigh, almost amounted to the extravagance of the vulgar. The gentlemen below had recognised him some time before he had concluded, particularly Mr. Peter Ince, who had bet a quart of ale on the fact, ere he had spoken half-a-dozen sentences, and the consequence was, when he had shaken, or rather had been shaken by all the hands around him, there was a suffocating rush by the people below to intercept his retreat into the Legs Hotel. He escaped pietty well, but just as he was turning from the hustings, some one whispered in his ear, " Bastard /" The youth sprang to his height, and made a grasp at the man he thought had uttered the blasphemy, but missed in his intention, and one second more was carried with the stream into the lobby of the house to which he was going. He felt as if his garments had taken fire, and already his blood was scorched, and that he was suffocating. If he had had the stoutest weapon he could not have used it. He ran, he knew not whither ; but at last got to what he supposed his chamber, that is, where he had washed upon his arrival, and placed his top-coat and other accessories. He went into the room and, perceiving that the windows commanded a view of the scene of his last triumph and hnmiliation, he ran up to one, and was going to lift the sash, when a lady from the other window turned her head, and, to her astonishment, discovered in the visiter, the very person whose applause was the prolonged object of the huge multitude below ; not only the object of their enthusiasm, but almost of her adoration. As soon as he approached her, she flew to him, and before she was probably aware of it herself, had fervently kissed him, aad then in rapid, but sweet accents, said, «' Oh, God bless you, dear sir ; a }oung wife's blessing upon you. Pardon the liberty, but I have learned to love you, ere I saw you. Good powers ! why look you so agitated ? are you unwell, sir ? Nay ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 377 do not weep ; why what can be the matter? Stay," said the lady, as if, for the first time, she beaian to imagine that her enthusiasm of the speaker's youthful appearance and great attainments was betraying her into a conduct that, at a calmer moment, might appear reprehensible, " I will get you assistance. My husband will be here directly, and he will advise what may be best to do." *' Pardon me, dear madam, the only favor I will ask is not to betray what you have seen," and again, he who had been speaking in thunder cadences was obliged to stop in his address, through the extravagance of his grief. " Farewell." " Do let me conjure you wait a moment, we have not arrived here more than twenty minutes ; indeed we have not been in England twelve hours, and whatever may be your haste, whatever your grief, I have only to name the name of him on whose account I entreat your stay, and I th'nk it will furnish a motive for the altering of your determin- ation as to the first, and be an antidote for the last." "Nothing, nothing; farewell." " Nay, do not so," said the lady, deeply affected at the singular appearance and evident misery of Rowland. " I am sure you could not think of departing without wishing your old friend happiness, if not on the cause of your late eloquence — his election, surely on his marriage. I speak of Mr. Rowbottom ; I am his bride," concluded the lady, with some embarrassment, but with great sweetness. " Then God in heaven bless you and him ; but no, no ; my heart is scorching ; farewell ; another, another time ; then will I congratulate, welcome him ; farewell." " " Stay, go not thus, or I may never meet my husband's face ; at least take this to show that, to whom he loves, his wife, at least, may have paid such respect as is due to his honor and position ; and since it must be so, farewell, and mnre peace journey with you.'" Saying so, she took from her neck a strong gold chain, to which was appended a miniature case, the whole of which was richly set in diamonds. *' The chain is yours for ever ; I have not time to take from the ease something which it contains ; its care, until you again see me, is all I ask ; farewell." And the young man thus honored and released, buttoned on his top- coat, and in a second had made his way from the hotel, through the stable yard, and he soon found himself out of the press of the crowd, and the good town of Frescoth. CHAPTER LVII. ROWLAND JOURNEYS TO FLEIGH. It was long ere he could determine what route he should take ; at length he was resolved to proceed to the neighborhood of Fleigh, to trace his old walks, to look at old objects, to plan a suitable revenge, if it ever transpired who had uttered the whisper ; or, if not, to calm his maddened soul, on the spots which, in his early career, he held so dear. The thoughts of a train waiting for him, for his conveyance back to London, never crossed his mind. The fact of his wishing Johannes not to know that he had left town at all, was now of no consideration. Johannes, no, uo, no, alas not ! and he was going to say his mother was now of no value to him ; but he dared not. No, he could not believe the treason ; but one thing must be done, or another would follow, he must now have all cleared, or the earth would be of his existence. And then he paced on ; and again he thought of the horrid word ; and now he runs, as though carrying news of the election of him he had come to present, rather than like one who is vainly attempting to fly his own distresses. " Stay," said a voice, as the late orator was shooting past an old elm tree, "what^hurry? I have had a job to get here before you ! Why run, after such a great victory ? if Wandly had, I should not have wondered ; but for the popular and eloquent young Count Rowland De Bouvre to—' " What ? whoever thou art, thee I will stick to ! one villain this day hath avoided my grasp, but not thou, unless thou leavest thy throat, as a token that I have had — " "W-e-lI don't throttle me. Pah I there, /am not going to run." "Then answer me ; but pardon me, if I ha/e done thee wrong, oh ! pardon me ; and if thou hast ever known one tender thing, answer, oh ! I implore thee, answer me fairly." " Demand." "Am — I shall; I choke; thou must know something of me— am I a bastard ?" " Ah, ha, ha ; this is the great question. A bastard ! why no, if the fact of thy father and mother being man and wife, that is, as much so as any church in Christendom could make them, can save thee from such an odium, then thou art none." " Trifle not with me, but answer, as thou valuest eternal happiness, without reservation ; am I a bastard?" " Then on the oath of a soldier, without stop, let, or take, the devils or the angels, thou art none !" " Oh ! what and whoever thou art, it may not be for me to ask, but thou hast staunched a bursting heart ; thou hast given me a tiding of ^4^^ ^^e€>i^ ■a^^'97^yl7y^-^^^€/y ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 379 so great value, that only let this be true, and honor being in the consideration, demand thy reward, name what service, and take all I have." " But why so singular a demand ? and what great service can I have done thee, that thou shouldst offer so much, and to a stranger too ?" " And I might ask, why call me De Bouvre ? but I have heard some- thing of this before. I know not, but surely you do, why I think so, but I do suppose that to be my name ; and forgive the question I asked you, after your strange advance, and something, perhaps, stranger still." " May 1 ask what ?" " Tou may, I have nothing to conceal, and for the assurance you have given, I will tell you. Just as I left the hustings, some one — " " Whispered in thy ear, and thou turnedst pale, nay, and red too ; well what was it?" "Bastard !" " Humph ! well I saw him ; and pray was your worship so magnified by the hurricanes of applause that surrounded you, or so terrified by the terrible word, that you did not recognise the ominist ?" " I did not know him." " What, not thy friend and once protector. Lord Wandly's secretary, and candidate for the town you so suddenly entered, so musingly left, so—" " What, Knurly Pryet ? by the father of my race, thou art right, it was he !" " Ay, to be sure, as they say in England ; to be sure." "Oh, but we may meet." " Nay, without romance, heroism, or, what is called, plot, in every man's tragedy, you are sure to do so." " Thank, thank you, whoever you are ! I'll pay all at once. But that at rest ; I have a question of a thousand times the importance of this." "Who is my father? does he live? and if so, where is he?" "Those would be my questions," answered Rowland. " Not one of which I now may answer ; good-bye. We shall meet again ; and, perhaps, ere that you will know all ; if not, I will tell you a pretty fair share of it. Ask me not another word. I have staid too long, I have business to attend ; adieu, good Count — that may be. — Be at London, and at thy atelier, as early as suits thee to-morrow." " Stay one moment." " Adieu ; we may have been too long together." And away went the mysterious and singular stranger. Then Rowland turned his face and once more fairly set out for the scene of his apprenticeship ; resolving to act upon the advice he had just received. His heart yearned to wander once more through the old road — the older and rougher the better. It was a foggy and greasy day, towards the latter part of October, and now the fog seemed to thicken ; and though he would have been glad to see the hills that bounded the old landscape, and many nearer views, still it was not unsoothing to his heart to pop more suddenly on familiar objects, and occasionally even a face that he so well remembered. 380 ROWLAND BRADSI1A^^, And if he could not see across a well known field, he could well dis- cern the plough and strong team as the_y neared the headland and gave their turn again to proceed on the same quiet task ; first, into the diseernable nuddle and soon into the drizzly distance. But the plough- man's voice was so musical, nay, surely it must be the same he had so often heard, when a boy— musing of Royal Academies, London, Kome, medals, and of K.A.S. Then he popped upon— could it be — the verj'- sarre cottage, where he had once beheld such a beautiful old man of eighty : oh, such a study, he thought— for one of the wise men of the East. Could he be living? poor old man. The door of the cot- tage is closed, all through the drizzliness of the day ; and he hears the well-known tick— tie -turn — tack of the hand looms ; he must have a peep at the good man of the East ; there is the window through whose small squares he has often seen him — hang the fog ! it makes the old green quarries sweat upon both sides, and all inside is like a misty vision : stay, there are some apples arranged in the window for sale ; a pennyworth will get an introduction — he must see the old man ; the door opens, and there sits the venerable patriarch of the East ! his locks a little more silvery and shining, but his face clear, red, and more blythe than ever. Rowland's heart almost recovered from its shocks, when he heard the same laugh, was iatreated to sit, and then commenced his merry host's boasts of his age. Boasts ! was more afraid of losing an hour, than a young lady of thirty is of gaining a minute. Rowland heard and saw all with ecstacy ; that is to be the head yet which is to give muscle to his rising fame. The next little vale he comes to, and there is the first sign, — that is, out and out — which he ever painted. There it was, punch bowl, pipes, and all ; and though there were many things in the details which Row- land could have wished out, yet he was a little pleased to find that both drawing and composition were so much better than for which he could have given it credit. As to the coloring, perhaps it was fortunate that it was suffering like every other object around it, from the general drizzle; nay, not only it seemed to weep at the recognition, but every twig-end of all the hedges shed tears. " Well, then," said Rowland, " if nature has occasionally to droop her head, and yield her copious drops in sor- row for her departed — her spring born and summer grown — why should not I be sometimes sad ? For not only weeps that bareheaded elm, but hear her soft mournings, her children gone ; and though another spring shall give her countless store, they are not the same. Alas ! they but count one year more to those that already have made her old, and now groans her own in their more hasty fate." A little on he walks, and a little clearer the day ; some busy hinds now cut from the well-preserved rick, the evening's fodder, more than posies sweet, the brown and scented hay. Well, was Rowland, ere he became the fond thing of ambi- tion, acquainted with the glory of its smell ; but it was long ere he had known its relish, or of aught, save the cities, or the studii wherein the prepared palette first claims attention. The scent came upon him so suddenly, and brought with it so many old associations, that he was ob- hged to throw himself upon the dank copse. Oh, it was delightful, and he would have been glad, even until dark, to have assisted those merry ROWLAND BllADSHAW. 381 faced husbandmen ; that is, if his breathing became easier than he then felt it. But another object made a still greater demand upon his attention. About a dozen coal-carts were winding up a sluggish hill ; some near the top, some half way, but one was little removed from the bottom, nor did it seem probable, that it would easily, if at all, be able to get further. Rowland soon got up to the carter, who, after his horse was sufficiently winded, bade him " Gee !" at the same time putting his shoulder to the wheel that was lowest on the incline. The horse made a desperate effort, the carter the same, and when they had got one wheel to move, the carter ran to the back of the cart, and. by a well directed effort, got the whole machine fairly into motion, and by the most terrible exertion of both, kept it in operation for about fourteen yards, when it again seemed to beat their struggles, and a dead stand was the result ; the carter with great adroitness popping a couple of scotches under the wheels, and although the horse had stopped, he called out, "Wey," and then seeing that the horse hung a little in the collar, though there was no fear of his dropping in consequence, he called out, "back," as if he were anxious to make Rowland believe that the worthy " Boxer" could have cantered up the hill if he had chosen ; but that he, knowing the ferocity of his powers, wished to husband them for occasions of greater migl'.tiness. " Reather a greesy day," commenced the gentleman of the tattered smockfrock to the new comer ; " it makes it hard work, but you'll see how he'll do it just now." " I fear you have over-loaden the poor creature ; see how he seems to tremble." " Humph ; why, now as I can see you properly, it's of no us? attempt- ing to keep up our pride before you ; before I seed you fairly, 1 thought you might do a bit i' the coal-cartin' way yoursel', and so have some jealousy of poor Boxer ! But now as I see you are a stranger, and a gentleman too, I might as well admit, what I would not do to never a coal-carter in England ; th 'ou'd horse is done ! he has bin up this hill too often, or what is much the same the corn and th' meal sacks are so low, that you can only get at 'em by handfuls, instead of using th' half-peck. Age is a bad complaint, hut should it be accompanied with hunger at- tacks, it's soon o'er; or, if not, a greater misfortin' still, a inch and a quarter a-day dee-oth !" " I am extremely sorry to hear what you say, friend. He has been a good one, has he not ?" said Rowland, looking at his tottering points. " I have droven him these three and twenty year, and there is still something to be taken out, if there was more put in him ; a good un, eh ? Yes, good enough ; but, for all that, he'll have a job to escape old shoes being patched from his leather ; and as to his bones, should they be ground in this neighborhood, there is not a farmer but what would give half as much again for the dust as any other. That's consolation, sir, eh ? His shoes, however new, I should think he would not mind beq. i ROWLAND BRADSHAAV. 387 Thin shanks, big hands, eyes starting out, Then the merry jibes — " tliat's the lad as is cropp'd." O, the fat old worm, gnaw, gnaw, gnaw ; and let thy halls ring, For tbou'lt have these scoffei-s, e'en as this misborn thing ! Hunger and straw for the pig-cot born ; Too old for the parish, no wits for a trade ; Mother I come, for, ere the morn. Where the beadle found me, my last bed I've made. O, the fat old worm, gnaw, gnaw, gnaw ; — if thou miss a prize, Have pity on this poor thing — in beauty he shall rise. "Shocking!" said Rowland, "shocking." " A still nearer link to the earth than myself, and that's why some of our great folks here say, how content it should make such as ?«e." "Well, now sir, let me hear yours." ** In good faith, such as it is, I will essay," and Rowland sang THE VINE. In love's young spring the Vine was green, And so was loving youth, I ween"; The soft leaves then would scarcely rustle. For dainty youth endured not bustle. But sheltered in some nook unseen : Where stern mistrust ne'er broke his quiet, And kisses were his coarsest diet. Dream followed dream, Like a gentle stream, Where hopes from glances springing — all freshly matched the scene. Warm summer glowed, and manhood grew, But other things than love he knew, His ear seemed tuned to a louder bustle. The full-leaved boughs with their ceaseless rustle, And clust'ring fruits and mellow hue, Form'd shady nooks for quiet thinking : No more from dreamy fountains drinking. E'en love became A homely name. Whilst the grapes ripening round him, more frequeat notice drew. Soon in October's gusty eves The cold wind whirls the fallen leaves, That sweep like gib'ring spirits by him, To warn him that decay is nigh him ; And love no winter garland weaves : The warm fireside now brighter seems Than summer's hopes or springtide's dreams; But the Vine that made For both a shade, Still fills the social glass, to cheer him when he grieves. Scarcely had Rowland finished, when ahout half-a-score of horsemen came dashing up to the Jolly Sportsman, and, ere they dismountedj, 388 llOWLAXD BRADSHAW. called out for three cheers for Robert Rowbottom, Esq., which was most lustilv given, alike by the cavaliers and the many topers inside. Then they began to tell of the jovial doings at the scene of the poll, and amongst other things, all agreed that they had never heard such a speech delivered there ; that all the world put together had never listened to the like before, and they proposed three cheers for Rowland Bradshaw, Esq. " We are on the hunt for him now," said one of them to the landlord, who was most graciously waiting upon his guests, " Rowbottom is arrived, and was almost wild with disappointment when he heard that his seconder was gone ; however, there is no doubt he is on this way, and we are sure to catch him at Fleigh. He's not been near the place where the train is waiting for him : So, Rowbottom for ever, and now lads away !" "Ha, ha, did you hear all that, sir?" demanded Mr. Lurch, as he turned from a gaze through the window ; " I have also heard of this fine speech from two or three horsemen who slashed past me before you came up. Fine speeches are very fine things, but its my opinion it's a good deal easier to make one, than help a poor mon, let alone an old coal cart up a hill. You are younger than me, mind, and never be done with um." " Never fear ; but come, let us not mind philosophy, but, for once in our lives, be jovial." " Well, I must say, had I known that this great speech was made by this same Rowland Bradshaw, I should have liked to have heerd it, as I have heard little spoken of of late, and a good deal this last many rears, — I have often wished I had had his luck. I can multiply five figures by the same without a pencil ! and taught mysel' to write, and a bit of Algebra ; but I never could get my foot upon the first step of the ladder, or I might have been something else beside a one-horse carter. But come, I have lived to see one part of my ambition gratified ; I may see more." " Well then, be merry, and tell me why one so gifted should never have made a struggle, at least towards the ladder, if not up its steps." "To save my poor old mester from the place he took me from — the workhouse ; I and the old horse is all he has to look to — either of their deaths liberates me ; for if th' horse dies we cannot get another ; if he goes, we need none ; though forty, I'll seek my fortin', perhaps get a little schoo' to teach ; I could manage that, at least I'll make um into good spellers. But now I'm fast, and after all it is likely I should never he happy again should I be otherwise. As to this youth, Bradshaw, I have another reason for wishing to see him, beside that of looking at one so famous ; a singular thing that too." •' Pray, what?" " Nay, only this ; I do not know whether you have heard of it, but this youth was once stolen from the very town he has bin makin' his speech in ; and I once heard a conversation about it that, I think, would throw some hght on that affair. I never did interfere in other folks' business only when axt, but in this, a very little w-ould cause me to tell all 1 do know. Nothin' would have induced me, but a year sin' Mr. Knuily Pryet, you once horsewhipped me — savagely too." ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 389 "Horsewhipped you! may I ask why? Mr. Lout." " Oh, only I could not get my cart out of his way quickly enough." " Well, and did you submit?" " Submit ! ha, ha, better do that than be transported ; submit ! you are not exactly of these parts, or you would know that he is now Lord Wandly's head secretary ; and he has only to give the word to either his Lordship's bench of magistrates, or his gang of gamekeepers, either would do, and they would soon manage to get up a case that would transport half-a-dozen such gentlemen as me : ay, and pitch our old mon with us ! transport, eh ? yes, and if he only knew what I overheard, or even suspected as much, then Boxer might go to the tanyard, the mester to where he dreads he must go to, and I— " " If you please, Mr. Lout," said the landlord, entering, and wishing to be very civil to the guest of Mr. Bradshaw, seeing him in such grand company, and drinking of so expensive a beverage, " will it be long before you are at liberty?" " Why V " Because, unless you come and decide about thirty-four wagers in th' tap, I shall have about twenty battles in as many minutes, as they can wait no longer ; there's six bets as to which has longest arms, that is, which can gaum furthest : four as to which is the heaviest, two being allowed to drink a gallon of ale apiece before going into the scales ; and this will be the hardest job for thee, two, as to which of their heads will weigh th' heaviest if they were cut olf_by the guillotine; they say thou can tell how many tons of hay there is in a rick, and by the same proses thou man ascertain the weight of their yeds. By gew ! they are gettin' to feightin' already ; hie thee out ; I am sure, sir, you will excuse him," continued the landlord, addressing the stranger, *' rather than have the house pulled down ?" " O, certainly." And away Mr. Lout hurried. "None of these bets would have taken place, sir, but somebody heerd that Equity Lout was sittin' in the tother place, and so they began to bet like devils, just same as all this neighborhood was, never thoTight of going to law, imtil two attorneys from Frescoth began to attend here on market days, and then all th' country went to work, but they soon found it out all had to pay. But Mr. liUrch charges nothin' for his law, and so you are sure he will have employment enough. Now, what's those two chaps lookin' through the window for ? Oh, I'll lay a loager it's a het as to who you are ; or it may be only what's the color of your hair, what height you are, weight, thickness round th' breast, length of your foot, and so on." The landlord was correct, for one of the custom.ers had managed to get a glance at Rowland, and at once offered to bet a gallon that the very chap who was sitting smoking, drinking rum and water with the Equity, was no other than the veritable speaker he had heard at Frescoth. Rowland heard this, so at once desired the good landlord to send in Mr, Lout. The host did as directed, and before he had half finished the business for which he had left, the Judge returned to his friend. 390 ROWLAND 13RADSHAW. " Here," said Rowland, " are the fresh glasses ; now here is to ovfr mutual good fortunes ; and I never was prouder of any occasion than that which has brought us together ; now, in bumpers, and then, if you like — mind you, if you like — it will be sacred, entrust me with your secret." *' Humph ! here is your everlasting happiness. There, that's at a wind — he certainly flogged me ; — they're betting yonder ; you are— ha, ha, — they're but a foolish lot, as you might judge, by the lot of bets the landlord brought in here ; but they are actually wagering that you are the identical Rowland Bradshaw ; see, they are getting another squint through the window ; then come into th' yard, no one can over- hear us there. I hate revenge — but to be flogged like a brute — well, come what will, this way." And what the communication was, it would be difficult to conjecture, but soon they entered, when Rowland, much sobered, and apparently in great agitation, said, " Enough ; this address, you say, will at any time find you ; now, mark, here is something towards your loss of time, you will also find my address enclosed ; do not look at it until you think I am fairly a mile hence ; farewell, you will soon hear from me." And Rowland sped : " Ah, but this is terrible ; good powers, will their persecutions never end. And Miss Dantskipp too ; oh, monstrous;. Knurly Pryet dare to look on a thing so fair and good ; but behold, the day clears as I near the spot where first I beheld — where first I loved i This surely presages better things — the day, even as my life, hath been a fog, until I arrive at the jilace I most wished to see ; there is Oughton ford ! and as when I first crossed it, so now, the waters have o'erleaped their banks. It is a long time since, but not a waking hour hath her dear image been absent from this breast ; and perhaps that is all it may ever possess. Our fortunes want more fitness in the measure. I have been no lover, for I have loved too intensely. I have wooed at ambition's knees; for she found me when a boy, and took me to the woods —but she is a cold divinity, and though still I love her classic face, and ever must grasp at her laurelled garlands, I feel she hath no tears to cool my throbbing temples, nor kisses, when I may return the world — my breath. Not as a mistress have I sought her embrace, but looked for such as mother's give, for fame well earned. And, oh, such a mother had I, who led me to the task, and now, though others invite me, where substantial reward is served for dinner, and dishes of ripened praises strew the dessert, still they lack the flavor of the family table, where a father blesses, and a mother entreats to the meal. *• Oh why, why hath she ? — no, she cannot have deserted me ! some grievous mischance, I fear, hath caused this delay. I have had much, very much to do, and it had been done easily ; but, I know not why, a horrid dream hath dwelt upon my brain, that some other connexion, of which she dreads my knowledge, may have caused this estrangement — stay, stay, mark, Rowland, mark well, three more such spasms of the head as that thought inspired, and thou art — mad ! I know, I know it, I feel it, and it is only this ; even as those waters once taught me to love, and though Mr. Styrrup has asserted that that love has been returned,-— silent as time when measured by the dial, — fixed as the ROWLAND BRADSUAW. .'391 pedestal which supports its hand, yet the fact once known, quietly as either, would I lay me down in their soothing embrace, and rest for ever. " But stay, more horsemen — I may be known ; this way, and I shall escape them." CHAPTER LVIII. FLEIGH WHITE HORSE BAR. We must now carry the reader to the very place to which we first introduced him — the worthy town of Fleigh ; nay, not only there, but to the sanctum of the White-Horse bar ; and though probably he thought it somewhat boisterous when he first entered it, and may be of opinion that it is not much improved upon this occasion, we must remind him that it is at a somewhat unusual time — the election ; at all events at Frescoth, and tlieir townsman, Mr. Rowbottom, the popular candi- date ; also his arrival hourly expected from the continent, his new bride, Joseph Styrrup too, may be there — his first appearance since he went to the chartist meeting •; and, above all, a strong wind had brought a feeble report that their mutual protege. Master Bradshaw, would lie with them. Then, outside were the bands of the Royal Foresters, and the other clubs, who had returned from the nomination. The Fleigh bells were ringing ; some thousands of candles, ready cut and put into potato-candlesticks, were only waiting to be lit, just by way of illumi- nating their welcome to the different returned. The orders from head quarter s were positive as to no illumination until Mr. Rowbottom's return for Frescoth was certain, as, should he be defeated, such display would only enable their opponents to find more sods when they were placed in the pillory of ridicule. Still, for all this, extensive preparations were made, both for active and negative triumph. So, let us leave outside appearances, and go boldly into the White Horse at once, and, perhaps, then we shall obtain an epitome of what may be the feelings of the great city at large. Scene I. The Bar Parlor. — The Mayor of Fleigh in the chair. Landlord as the vice. Mayor. Now, Mr. Vice, and lads, with your permission we will dispense with the little rummers to night, and have goblets ; and as we intend to do the thing quick, just let one of the waiters handle the ladle. You and I, I think, will have enough to do to look after the punch bowls ; and, in the first place, do you tlil-ik that yon cannon is so fixed 392 ROWLAND BRAPSHAW. upon the bowlin' green that they'll do no hurt — shake none of the houses opposite, or if they should kick devilishly, as they are on wheels, run into some of the cottages at the back 1 because they might frighten the childer, and set the cocks and hens cackling, and perhaps kill some of th' old folks. J^ice. Certain they're safe. Mayor. And every other preparation for a regular banff all right ? Vice. Not a doubt on it — uot a pistol i'th' parish but is loaden and ready cocked. Mayor. Then, gentlemen, we will drink Bob's health now ; fill your pints, ready, to your lips, swig ! Now, then, three times three, and tell the band to play '* Bob's alive." Omnes. Huzza! Mayor. The same to Joe Styrrup. A gentleman. Pardon me, ]Mr. Mayor, we have not drunk his wife, Mr. Rowbottom's Mayor. Oh, damn no. Well then, in gilh to his new misses ; well, I mean his young bride, with musical honors, as hoo's a woman, Omnes. For she is a jolly good fel-low, she is a jolly good fel-low. Hip, hip, hip, hooraw! Band. See the conquering Mayor. Tell yon foo's they're wrong, they must play "here's a health to all good lasses ;" and now, lads, for Joe Styrrup, and three times three ; and here, waiter, when we've done tell the band to play "The Fleigh Bantams;" and mind, lads, when they come to "chuck, chuck, chuck," we all run round the room, clap our wings, and crow loud enough even for the Frescoth dunghills to hear us. Omnes. Huzza, and cock-e-cake-co. Tovjn Chrl- of Thigh. Mr. Mayor, Vice, and gentlemen, the honor of proposing the next toast has, with all its ponderous claims to the little eloquence I may possess, by consequence of the wish of my highly honoured and esteemed friend, Mr. Dantskipp, fallen upon me. Mr. Dantskipp was the gentleman who undoubtedly merited the honor, but as his acquaintance with the object of my proposition was so near and tender, tho\igh far from capable, yet, I say, he has entrusted the task to myself; and oh, gentlemen, that I may acquit myself of my little speech this evening, as well (in your estimation,) as the subject of my toast did at the hustings of Frescoth this very day. (Immense applause.) I perceive gentlemen, by your enthusiasm, you suspect the name that is about to do honor to that feeble organ which is going to give it utterance, and which already has presumed to address you. But ere it does so, let us dwell upon its beauties, its merits, its vastness, its sweets, whether, as the rich paste which makes the tempting cake, or the dotted fruits which give temptation to the palate, let us, I say, dwell, ere we pro- nounce the word, even as the hungry child does on the subject of my figure — dwells even until its gooms mucilate — dwells, until it can no longer keep its ready teeth from its crimping dainties ; pauses, as the lover ere he steals the first kiss, or the parting parent takes the last. Let us do all this gentlemen, that our ears, our eyes, heads, hearts, nay our hands may be prepared to do honor to the name, when once its R0Wr>4\ND BRADSITAW. 393 glowing syllables float upon the senses. (The applause greatly getting to the tornado point,) Gentlemen, I feel the subject too great for me— may it have a better fate in your hearts. I was one of the first who saw his dawning genius raise its wings ; it was but in a cold climate in which it first began to peck. I threw it a few crumbs ; there are others around me, I am aware, who did the same ; many who mixed them with sugar, as we sometimes do the latter with meal to coax wayward children to their school duties ; mine had no sweets blended with them, unless their being the earliest that was given to it be so considered. In short, gentlemen, to be less figurative, I was the first who sat to him for my portrait in Fleigh, a guinea was the price ; but, gentlemen, though that was a small sum — a small crumb — I made it up to his reputation, for the instant I heard of his obtaining the gold medal, I placed upon this trifle a guinea frame, gave it — this wandering thing — " a locality and a name ;" and I'll now give you its painter s also, and that is Rowland Bradshaw, Esq., — (Huzza.) — the founder of the school of design in this town, eloquent seconder of your candidate this day, and the painter of the Royal Foresters' /a^, and decidedly some of the very best signs in this country. Omnes. Signs ! look at the leg of mutton one. (Huzza.) Ay, or the golden clog— (huzza,) — looks as well as the day j|| was put up ; or the Lord Nelson, or the twelve bell ringers — (huzza,) — or the Jolly Miller — (huzza,) — or the blackamoor. (Huzza.) Town Clerk of Fleigh, whispering to two or three next him. I think if Styrrup had heard that, or had known what 1 can do in that way, he would have had no occasion to hire special trains from London for the purpose of seconding Rowbottom. Gentleman. Oh, your speech was grand. Cannon on the howling. green. Bang, bang, bang ! Omnes. What the hell's to do 1 2\co waiters entering hastily. Somebody has fired the three cannon, and, likewise, for a bit of fun, somebody has put into 'em a few stones, so that they have knocked down a part' of th' brewhouse, stable, little- house, and'the mischievous devils as let um off, and who they've killed is not yet known. Mayor. Damn all that— but don't you hear ? they hare started every pistol i'th' parish, as well as the bells are firing, and all before Bob's arrival. Vice. There is one good thing, if those as fired them are all knocked down, we shall be able to catch um. One of the Committee entering. Mr. IMayor and gentlemen, although we forbid 'em, damn me if they are not lighting every candle and gas burner in Fleigh ! in short, Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, the town's in incipient illumination, in despite our orders to the contrary ; — three bonfires lit ! Mayor Devils ! and Bob not come I Waiter entering in great fright. One of the wadding out of the cannon has set fire to the hay-rick. Mayor. More fire, and all too soon ! Landlady of the White Horse, with a white face, addressing the 394 ROWLAND BRAUSITAW. Vice (the landlord). What are you thinking of, you insensible silly man you ; th' rick has set th' house on fire. Omnes. Run Vice and get a bucket. Mayor. And Latham, send us word if it is likely to come here ; open the windows lads, and then we shall be ready for a jump. Hush, if it should be burnt down, we must turn round upon Wandly's party, and say it was done to compliment our candidate. Enter a Courier. Mr. Rowbottom's carriage is not a mile off! Mayor. You have put the balks of timber across the street, so as he cannot enter 1 Courier. We have, sir. Mayor. Then now, lads, we will go and take off th' horses and draw him ; now, as the bets are heavy as to which gets the first kiss of his wife, mind we all start fair ! Landlady (imploringly). Gentlemen you will help to extinguish the fire, ere you go to meet the carriage 1 Mayor. A likely thing, and I have fifty on that I get the first kiss of the bride. Gentlemen. And what have I ? And have not I as much ? — put out the fire, and lose a hundred !— now, away ! Exeunt omnes.^ Scene II. Mr. Rowbottom's arrival at the end of the town,— finds an impassi- ble barrier, — his committee running a race to meet him, Mr. Haut first, Jackson second. Mayor third, seven abreast next, then thirteen, others impossible to place. The Rowbottoms' work folJcs, the Mayor's, the Styrrups', the Marshes , ^c. Mr. Rowbottom springing from his carriage, the whole of his commit- tee, and burgesses, jumping into it, and soothing the lady with hisses, she screaming " oh don't," ^'c. Mr. Roivbottom. Thanks, dear friends, though much I know your love to be, this I did not count upon ; and why ail these salutes, as well to my wife as from your (hired) cannon, and an illumination ! Nay, and what means yon greatest light of all 1 (The same Fleigh I left it, though I must be pleased.) Mayor, recovering his breath. Yon big light ? oh, its the White Horse on fire ! Mr. Rowbottom. The what 1 madmen ! what do you here then ? Mayor. Oh, we have some hundreds of pounds on, as to who would get the first kiss of your wife. Rowbottom. Well done my countrymen again ! all follow me that can ; I would not have the old house burnt down for all I know ; you, worthy committee, you can, (since you will) draw my lady away. Rowbottom and rabble running to save the White Horse, the com- mittee yoking to the carriage, and afterwards drawing it to the scene of the conflagration ; all the streets at the windows, waving kerchiefs, and displaying flags with the motto " welcome /" thereon. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 395 Mayor. (Who is the near shaft horse?) I think Boh's wife is a damned fine woman. Off shaft horse. Softest cheek I ever kissed. Mayor. Be sm*e to say I got the first kiss. Of shaft. Ay, until your bet is decided, and then you can confess afterwards that it was me who did it. Near shaft. Exactly. Ill take fifteen to five, for all Bob's run on, that the "White Horse is half burned down before we get there. Off shaft. So that the bar is left it'll not matter ; but if that goes, it will spoil all the fun : See how Bob's wife is waving her handkerchief to all the ladies in the bedroom windows, — a great beauty I believe. Near shaft. By all accounts. Coachman. Who-up, gentlemen, we are at fhQ White Horse tap ; stop ! Countless multitude. Lady Rowbottom for ever ! Thousands kissing her hands, ^c., and some, despite of the fair lady's teeth, were offering the same token of respect to her lips. Mr. Rowbottom, coming out to the front of the hotel. Ladies and gentlemen, in the first place let me congratulate you on the fact, that your old hotel is safe — the fire is out. And in the next, permit me to return you my unbounded acknowledgments for your kindness to me on my return amongst you. I shall not say much ; but I trust I may prove to you, that I have not come back for no purpose ; but though I intend to say little on my own account, what am I to say for the recep- tion the stranger has received amongst you — my dear wife. I perceive your anxiety — you all wish to see her ; let all the lights be brought to the window ; throw up the carriage top, — don't smother her, for heaven's sake, there will be time enough. Now, mark what I tell you, be not in such a hurry, and you shall all come and see her at my house to-morrow, when they who have not saluted her shall do so then. Now, my dear, show your face. The lady comes to the front ; a hundred lights play upon her face, she lifts her veil, and thousands of voices call — Long live — no, why — it, is Mr. Styrrup ! Scene closes amid yells of laughter, some who had got a hiss scratch- ing their heads, those who had not, saying — It was not likely Rowbottom would allow his wife to be smothered in that way. Scene III. Inside the White Horse bar. Omnes. Ha, ha, ha. First gentleman. There is not a bet decided after all. Mayor. Bring in double bowls, we must make up for the loss of the hay-rick and other out-buildings ; shall we have a subscription, or drink double amount of punch, so do something towards it in that way ? How devilish well Styrrup and Rowbottom look. Vice. Oh, no subscription ; as you like about double jorums. Omnes. Oh, double jorums ! and mind and not put so much old hat in the cannons again. One of the Committee. I wish, when we had borrowed um, we had 396 ROWLAND BRAUSHAW. got the men too as understands um. For I hear they have done as much hurt behind as before ; mind, and let nobody put stones in their mouths next time, and that they're well scotched, or else they'll be found to be awkward things to rejoice with ; if they setten ricks afire, and kills two or three every time they gooin' off in this way. Mayor. Oh, stand out of the way then ; the art of gunnery cannot be learned in an hour, and at a time too when every body is mad — an election ; but, I say, it seems as both Rowbottora and Joe quite expected to find Rowland here, that was why Rowbottom made no speech, he was so shocked when he was told he never had been seen in Fleigh. Gentleman. Well, I see him at th' hustin's to-day ; of course many said it was him ; now I used to know him when he was with Harry Windley, and I did not think it was same youth at all. And, by George, what's the reason Harry is not here ? does any one think him and his now grand apprentice are somewhere together. Another gentleman. Oh no, Harry is canvassing, and drinking with th' doubtful voters, and will be all neet. Besides, Rowland made his .escape somethin* before his wise master knew it was him at all. Mayor. I'll bet five pounds that Rowbottom will hunt him all night, for though he did not like to show it, I know he's sadly mortified at not meeting him ; a nice job if he's stolen again. Gentleman. Oh he's gone back to London, no doubt ; perhaps some sweetheart, eh Dantskipp ? as no doubt he will have lots of offers from the aristocracy ; a youth as can do as he did at Frescoth to-day. I should advise Dantskipp there to be quick if he intends to nail him for a son- in-law ; get him into the House of Commons. Mr. Dantskipp, whispering to a gentleman next him. D'ye think he'll ever be a lord 1 Gentleman. A lord ! why if he only becomes the president of the Royal Academy he is sure to be a knight. A lord, eh ? Mr. Dantskipp. I'll be back just now. (I am off for London to neet, and nail him at once, before he's either a sir or a my-lord, because if I wait till then, why any body would have him, and he might refuse my offer ! nothin' like gettin' th' start in a new market.) Exit Dantskipp. Mayor. Oh, as to that, he'll never think of gouig to London, or any where else, without first coming to his old town — sure to come to Fleigh, What's the odds Joe Styrrup does not know where he is ; you know what a funny beggar he is ; one of his tricks I'll be bound. Vice. I shouldn't wonder. Gentleman. He'll come none to Fleigh : see what vile reports were set out about him soon after he left, when everybody withdrew their names from th' reward, at least all but Rowbottom and one or two more. Gentleman. Ay but all that was found to be a base invention, and no doubt by the very party against whom he has this day delivered such a stinger ; I think he's sure to be here, unless he's kidnapped. Another gentleman. How he made his escape from Frescoth nobody could tell, for it seems no one saw him go. Enter one of the Committee in a great hurry. By George, lads, I have seen him ! I'll swear it ; I was a long time before I could ascertain, but I'll swear it, I have seen him. s^. { 'U^O/^Z^y^MJ-i^ ^ J ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 397 Onmes. Who ? He of the Committee. Rowland Bradshaw! and I'll tell yon all about it, if you will not be in such a hurry. I suppose you all know that I have been sniftering after Ellen Howard, the wood cutter at the school of design — Jane Dantskipp's school? Well, its of no use disguising anything ; I was waiting until all the rest had gone, about nine o'clock, intending to watch her work a bit and then see her home. Mayor. I hope all this is honorable 1 because she is a favorite of mine, and the cleverest girl in England. He of the Committee. Well, what's that to you, Mr. Mayor — I hope so too, that is if she'll have me. Now, don't interrupt me again ; well, just as I was making through Dantskipp's garden, to get a peep through the back window, although dark, I could easily discern a tallish figure leaned against the large rain tub there, and looking through the window, as if he was busily contemplating either the industry or the beauty of the very lady, to whom, for the same purpose, I had stolen across the garden. I'll not say that I was jealous, but certainly was amazed, and became the more so, as, though the night was cold, he did not move a single limb, nor even change his look or attitude, for a full half-hour. I looked and looked, until I thought I must have been deceived the whole time, and that which I had imagined the figure of a man, was nothing but some such resemblance that the timid have ever construed into spirits. I then got a little nearer, still he moved not, but I could dis- tinctly hear him sigh. Then, I must confess, I felt an intense curiosity, and was resolved to see the end of it, be the time what it might. My little girl still worked on, but at last, rising, as if coming to the back door, he moved slowly away, and I cautiously after. Something struck me I had seen the face before, and when he walked, for the first time I had some giving as to who it really was. Still his face was so white, and so unlike what it was when he lived here, that I could not make certain, but followed ; and where do you all think to? to old Forster's (old Bacon), he, if you recollect, that on the first day of his apprentice- ship ran him into the canal, where Rowbottom and he had like to have been drowned. Omnes. Ay, ay. He of the Committee. Well, old Forster was weaving in the same place he has done, I suppose, for these last forty years. And then this same mysterious stranger just went and fixed himself the same at the old man's window as he done at that of my girl's when working ; and there he seemed to sigh much more than he had done before, nay, he verily groaned again ; and soon I became positive it was he. But you shall hear ; shortly he pulled out of his pocket a piece of paper, put it upon his hat, wrote something upon it, wrapped it up, and then jerked it through a broken pane of glass into Forster's shop ; this would be about holf-past ten o'clock. Then he looked once more, I could dis- tinctly see the tears running down his face, and soon as he walked away I was resolved to be certain, — he went towards Windley's croft, walked dowu towards the canal ; I was near him, for I did not know, he seemed so melancholy, what might be ^the consequence ; but no, after a time he turned round, walked up again, jumped Windley's garden wall, went to 398 ROWLAND BIIADSHAW. their back door, and walked in. I then ran to Forster's shop, found the old man still weaving, asked him if he had found anything — told him of what I had seen, got his candle from the loom, and found the note. The old man desired me to read it ; I did so, when simply was written, " To Mr. Forster. This from one who once grievously ill used you, but who has lived to offer this trifle as a manifestation of his regret." And inside was a five pound note ; so of course there can be no doubt who the stranger was : It is Rowland Bradshaw ! ! ! Mayor, Then let all of us go to Windley's and welcome him ; and some of us be off to Rowbottom's and Styrrup's, and tell urn that he's CHAPTER LIX. ROWLAND MRS. WINBLEY. After another double bowl had been disposed of, the mayor and merry men of Fleigh acted upon the hint thrown out in our last. But it was deemed that a deputation of six, the hour being late, and Mr. Windley from home, would be quite enough to make the requisite enquiry. Accordingly, the worthy chairman, the vice, with four others, waited upon Mrs. Windley, or rather at her residence, as that good lady — the servant and children being all gone to bed — had stepped out to have half-an-hour's chat, or so, with her next neighbor, before raking the kitchen fire, and going to bed herself. The mayor and friends were for some time disappointed, but after the fourth knock at the parlor door, Mrs. Windley came hastily out of that of her worthy neighbor. She was at once informed of the object of their visit, and was with difficulty prevented from fainting at such a supposition ; she, however, unlocked the door, and desired his worship and friends to walk in, which being done, she brought a light, made a hundred apologies, and stirred the kitchen fire, as well as both the cats and the poodle that were asleep on the hearth ; stated that the reason she was out of her own house at such an unreasonable hour was through Mr. Windley being at Frescoth electioneering, or else she could not tell the year of our Lord when she had been sitting in any house save her own, or being out of bed at that hour of the night ; and concluded the whole by an expression of the utmost satisfaction, in her own mind, that he whom they sought, dear, poor Rowland, could not be there ; she should be too haj^y if he were, for with the exception of seeing her own husband enter, or her eldest little darling, she whom Rowland used to make so much of, Miss Windley ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 399 herself, who had been, and her mother was nearly broken hearted in consequence, no wonder when every body knew how she loved her, and who was on a visit with her aunt, and had been there for a fortnight, — but she was sure Rowland could not be there. Then the good Mrs, Windley got the candle, and the whole party looked everywhere, but no Rowland : how could there be ? how was he to get in, when every door and shutter was locked and barred, barring the oven door, cupboard door, and — " well, I declare, if yon sleepy thing has not gone to bed, and forgot either to lock, bolt, or even so much as shut the kitchen door." If so, every one admitted, that after all, it was possible that their information was correct, and that he they sought might have entered the house that way. Still he was no where to be found ; and they were going to search the buildings outside, and the buttery inside, and more particularly for feet-marks, when Mrs. Windley dropped the caudle and fell against the dresser, and pathetically exclaimed, " there's a pair of boots !" and then she sank into Miss Windley's first chair. The boots seemed not to startle the mayor and friends half so much as they did the susceptible hostess ; but when she assured them that no one wore boots in the family but herself, and those were not they ; that it was true that her husband wore boots, but that he had them on at Frcscoth ; that Miss Windley did, but they were laced before, and, besides, she was at her aunt's at Windley-green ; nay, for that matter, Mary and James wore boots, but they would be considerably smaller than those at the stair foot ; the two apprentices had boots, but they only wore them of a Sunday, and, besides, they were cleaned and polished, and placed upon a shelf in their own bed-room. So whose could they be ? nobody's in that house, unless the deil had conjured them there. Oh dear, oh dear ! " Does any one think he can have gone to bed?" asked the iDayor, . when the alarm was a little subsided. " He might be, no one being in, and he being fatigued." The rest all considered, that for a man with the fortieth glass on board, which no doubt his worship had, that it was a very shrewd guess on his part. "Well, then," continued the head magistrate of Mr. Windley's location, " if Mrs. Windley would permit us just to have a peep up stairs, we will take our shoes off" ; it would be most satisfactory to all parties, because if the poor lad is bewildered it might be serious." Mrs. Windley quite concurred with this view of the case, and at once said, as to their taking off their shoes, it would have perhaps looked far more fitting on her part, if the stairs had been ten times as good a color as they were ; and as to the room floors, though scoured once a-month, she verily beUeved, if they were stoned once a-day, they would never shine forth with half the splendor that her poor dear mother's had used to do, — but then they were of bee's-waxed oak. So it was at once agreed that all should ascend, Mrs. Windley going first, with two candles, but not so far in advance but that, upon the slightest scream, every one of the burghers of Fleigh could rush to her 400 ROWLAND BRADSIIA^\. assistance ; indeed she was not more than a quarter of a yard in advance. They sought very carefully, both in and under the bed of Mr. and Mrs. Wiudley, and also the child's bed at the end, and then were going to take a peep into a pretty little baby's swing, when one somewhat more knowing than the rest, said, "Don't you think, Mrs. Windley, the most likely place to find him would be in his own bed-room, — the one he had when he lived with you?" "My goodness sake, I should not wonder." And so they entered the place suggested, and scarcely had they done so, when Mrs. Windley made a demand upon the arms and knees of the gentleman next her ; she fell back, not, however, without exclaiming, " There's somebody in the bed sure enough !" " Hush," cried the gentleman of the suggestion, " don't alarm him, but get your candle near enough, ma'am, and see if you can recognise who it is." " He looks uncommon pale; it is the color of his hair — stay, I'll swear to him now, because he has got his nightcap the wrong way on, and his clothes is strewn all over floor. He never could undress himself in the dark ; ay, that's the ruffle on his shirt if there was nothing else. He never knew where he placed his watch ; many a good hunt I've had for it, and look, that is a nice place to put it, is it not? oh, poor Row- land, poor Rowland !" " Hush, don't weep ; you ought to feel honored." " Wh-y, so I do ; but a nice welcome his old mistress has given him, when he preferred her poor humble house to the grand ones he would have been welcomed to in this town. No one to get him a bit of supper, o-r a c-up of hot co-ffee ; he used always to be so fond of what he called a bit of a cadge, if the master was staying out late, or anything of that ; and so I always used to put on the kettle, he ground the coffee, and sometimes blew the fire, whilst I-I-I cut the toast; and he was always so good tempered over it— said when he should be a great man he would come and see me, and bring me such a fine present ; he always was talking of being a great man ; and then he said, ' we will have one of these old fashioned cadges!' And here he's come to see his bad mistress, and instead of having a cadge, the fire's nearly out, and not even a cup of coflFee, or a welcome in the dark. Oh dear, oh dear, but he shall have one." " Stay, don't disturb him on any consideration." " If he had been my brother, I would have given a kiss as he sleeps. Stay, he shall have some one to welcome him ; I'll fetch his little god- daughter, and she shall kiss him ; and I'll put her to bed to him, and then I'll sit up all night to make him some of his favorite pies. I have a big handkercher as will hold four, and I'll take care that, if he had no supper, we will have breakfast and a cadge ; and though unladyfied, and not up to the grand doings he has been used to in London, yet I will convince him — what a blessing that th' eldest apprentice is with his master, or else there would not have been his bed empty for him — but with the exception of his own mother, I say that there's not a woman on earth besides myself, that would give him a heartier welcome." CHAPTER LX. ROWLAND DEPARTS FOR LONDON. Mrs. Wiudley did precisely as she promised to the mayor and bur* gesses of Fleigh ; she sat up all night, and about live o'clock put a couple of candles in her guest's bed-room, as in the event of his waking, knowing what a bad dresser he was, he might be better prepared for his descent ; and, as she knew he was an early riser, did not know the moment he might want his breakfast, — and be it soon or late she was resolved to be prepared. She was in the very height of the pie-work when she imagined she heard Miss Mary Windley very busily engaged in talking to some one up stairs ; she was convinced it could not be the servant girl-— she talk at that time of the morning indeed ! — she was always to be called at six, so it was not very likely she would be talking to Mary at five. She would have gone up to sec, but the pies must be made, and the cakes ; and then Rowland was so uncommonly fond of her gingerbread, — he should take some of her gingerbread with him to London, if he took nothing else 5 perhaps some of the fine ladies there might discover the fact, that very plain people in the country — very plain indeed — could manage to make good gingerbread. Oh, then he was so very fond of tofiy — that is her tofiy — she did not think he ever cared much for any one's else toffy ; he should have some — that would do in the little pan, — and that botherin' oven does not get on as it might do with the pies, that is the crust — never brown with a slow oven ; it never had done so well since Henry, in one of his madcap fits, had gone and smashed the door ; and for that matter the parlor grate looked like a fool with no bottom to it — "Oh, who's got their hands over my eyes! Why, Mary Windley, eh ; and, oh, Rowland, this— is that you my dear Rowland, with your little god-daughter on your shoulders ? Oh, dear, thick already ! stay, I must faint this time ; God bless you, to come and see your poor silly old mistress, and her poor childer before anybody else ; oh, Rowland, do take hold of my hand while I faint ; only on Sunday th' vicar was telHn' all th' Sunday scholars that they should imitate Rowland Bradshaw in all they did ; and to think you went to bed last night without your supper." " My dear, dear Mrs. Windley, you do not know how glad I am to see — oh, I-'m so hap — " " Well, but come dear Rowland, if I wanted to faint, you should not cry that way ; now, don't, come, come, you see poor Mary though she docs not recollect you scarcely, she is crying too : now, oh, do not sob, but you always was tender-hearted, — that's why I never thought you would live ; come now take this cup of coffee — now do take a bit of this toast ; you know how you used to like my thodden Ijread ; now did you ever eat anything in your life more dumpy than that ? but it is of my own baking, only the batch of flour was rather new ; you will find the 402 ROWLAND BRAD SHAW. rum in that little jug. Sarah has broke the one that you and I used to have it in ; — there, my dear, don't sob so !" " Thank you, tha-nk you." •' Thank ! and I declare there's no milk ; if yon girl has not put it all into the cream mugs last night : was ever anything so unlucky. Here, Rowland, just sup that, with this drop of rum in ; and I'll go and drip one of the cows — we have the same two we had when you was with us, Rowland." " And Jacky ?" " And Jacky ? yes, to be sure ; the master has got him at Frescoth, dear me, or you might have ridden him in the morning ; mind the toast, Rowland, whilst I go — " " No, no, I and Mary will go and drip the cows for some milk ; oh, she's not dressed, I had forgotten. Stay, I'll take the candle ; I'll be back in a minute." " Here, Rowland, take the cream jug — and even then it will be the top milk, it will not be like the afterings ; bless me, you would have to milk several quarts before you got to that. Stay, I will call up yon sleepy wench." " Indeed you shall not ; I have promised myself that whenever I did come down, you and I should have one of our old cadges ; and when could we have so nice an opportunity, — six o'clock of a winter's morn- ing, a good fire, in short every thing as it used to be ; I would not have another here for the world." " Then go and fetch the milk, Rowland ; thank God we have three eggs in the house — he w^ould not have another for the world. That looks — that looks as if he would desert his old mistress ; and to think, that at the very moment we was talkin' about him last night, when they said he had been making such a grand speech on Mr. Rowbottom's side, and that he would be above me, and I don't know what, — why, Row- land, you have not been long, how did you shape ? Dear me, and I forgot to say, that if either of the cows had forgot you, they would kick you unless you tethered um, or give um some provind. I hope they have not broke your shin?" "Oh, no; solemnly I think that Nuddy knew me ; I don't think that Grumpy did at first, but the poor creature licked my hand, as I was omiug away. Oh, but their breath was as delightful as ever." "Ay, you are lookin' at these little drawin's you did, when you was with us. I could have sold them the other day ; 'no, no,' said I, 'he painted 'em for me, and at evening too, to keep me company, and they shall go down to my children as they get up, but never be sold, not even if I was wanting bread ;' or else, mind you I have had too very grand ladies looking at um, a week or two since. I could tell you something Rowland — but come, begin ; the eggs will soon be boiled ; phut, and I forgot, and I know you are so fond of it too, a bit of our own cured bacon. Dear me, what a poor flunderin' creature I must be ; never heed your prayers, love, until we have had breakfast ; you know your godfather has come to see you. Here, Rowland, you are taller than me, just cut a bit of the rowed-end, and I'll get the pan ; I'll look to the eggs, I know you like 'em well boiled ; the bacon will fry in a minute ; that's ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 403 not the same pan as we once broke, ha, ha, ha ; we had some fun that night, Rowland." "Well, then, now all's snug, and as soon as you have given this love some coffee, the cadge shall begin ; oh, I must insist that she sits at the table with us — here, I will get her a cup and saucer ; there, now, we arc as we once were." " Bless me, the butter is not as I shoidd have liked it ; but, however, let us talk about the pictures, — and who, Ilowland, do you think it was who was so wishful to buy the i)ictures ?" " Nay, that I cannot say ; but come, do help yourself." " Why, your sweetheart ; ay, you may smile, but everybody in Fleigli knows about it ; and that's what we was talkin' of last night : ' he'll be above comin' to see you then, Mrs. Windley,' said they, ' when he mar- ries the rich Miss Dantskipp — a hundred thousand down.'" *' Oh, nonsense, nonsense." " That is what I said ; when they said you would be above coming to see me, I said it was nonsense ; for, as I said, ' if she was not above coming to see me, and look at his pictures, and his mother coming to see me, who is much handsomer than ever he was, surely he will not be above— ' " " My mother ! dear ^Irs. "Windley, when, I entreat you?" " Why, when she came down here at the opening of the school they have christened after you, and the street, — why, how you stare, Row- land ; surely you know we had a street called ' Rowland-Bradshaw street.'" " But my mother !" " Y/hy, I tell you she came down here with Jane, and stayed at Mr. Dantskipp' s, and came here with Miss Dantskipp ; nay, 1 can fetch you down the Indian shawl she gave me, and the gown, and — they are all too grand to wear, but not to hide under the bed, that my childer may sometime know what a grand lady their mother has been." " My mother !" " Why, how the lad stares ; yes, she, I tell you, was here at the con- secration, or ordination, or something they called it ; as far as I could learn she intended going back to London the same day, but was detained ; nay, she would not have come at all, but she thought you was down here." " Oh, my dear Mrs. Windley," said Rowland, seizing her hand, "you have made me so happy." " Happy ! I think you ought ; and such a sweet creature as Jane Dantskipp in lo^e with you. I could tell she was, although so sly. Ay, scpieak ! Do you hear those mice squeakin' ? although we have a cat and two kittens — do you recollect, Rowland, setting the mouse-trap one night, and Anne — oh, I suppose you know that Anne has left us ? mar- ried and doing well. Lots of news, have we not, Rowland, for you ; — and as to Bryant Gow, he's set up near Manchester, and has thirty men at work ; he tells every body that you was the younger apprentice in the shop where he served his time. Well, Bryant was a good lad too." " Now, do take this egg," said Rowland, well knowing that if he did not put a slight scotch to the wheel of Mrs, Windley 's discourse, it 404 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. would get such a speed that it would be dangerous to stop it, unless by a very little at once. " Thank you ; and as I was saying, Miss Dantskipp pretended she wanted to buy these pictures of yours, to put into the school, which, as she said, I knew was called after you. Ah, ha, I knew what she wanted to buy them for, Rowland, but I need not say, as I told her you was kind to every body. But I say you must be kind to her, she's so good to the poor ; and then there is people comes from all parts of England to see this school of hers : they say that schools of design are the very things that are wanted. I heard one gentleman say that they must be good things, because all the clergy called them so much ! — I think one of the lads is getting up now, I'll send him into the back shop to clean your boots. In the name of heaven ! how ever have you dirtied them so, and the bottom of your trousers and straps. That's what I told Jane Dantskipp and your mother — what a wonderful woman, actually, Row- land, she looks as young as when she brought you here." " But what did you tell them about my dirty boots, ? ha, ha." *' Nay, how could I tell 'em about tJiose being dirty ; no, all as I said, although you was so proud and ambitious you was always a great sloven, you never could find your things like the other lads, either short of a glove, or a strap, or your hat, or coat, when you turned out." " Ha, ha, that is true, and I often wish you were with me ; I have never been so well taken care of since. 1 question if ever I shall be- so happy again, Mrs. Windley." " Oh fie, Rowland, with such a beautiful creature for your wife as Jane Dantskipp." " Yes, yes ; but you speak as if that dear young lady would have me with the bare asking." " Bare asking ! why was not her father here but the other day ; and did not I overhear him telling Henry myself, that he had said she should marry nothin' but a Lord, but as every body said you was sure to be a Sir, and the master saying he was sure you would too, he said he had made up his mind he would keep her for you ; and, you know, that settled it for that time. But now, as somebody has told him that young Squire Pryet, Lord Wandley's great man, is for running away with her, if he would not give his consent, he said he would be off to London the moment the election is over, and have you married at once ; so Rowland, you will not forget the wedding gloves ; why, what makes you look so vexed, Rowland?" " Pryet again !" " Oh, but he's no chance ; besides, don't I tell you, she's in love with you— always set a woman to catch a woman in these things. But now, Rowland — my love Mary, go and take that candle to Ellen's bed- room. But now, Rowland, I have somethin' more serious than all we have been talkin' — humph, and you have not seen little James since he was born ?" " Well, what is it you wish to tell me ; I can see little James when he is up." •' Why, but this is a great secret ; shut that door, Rowland, for servants will toot ; do you know, that although I have spent some dozens ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 405 of pounds with one quack or another, though the bad fellows all said they could make them grow again — this one says he will forfeit a hundred pounds if he doesn't, and have nothing for doing it as well, if he does not make um grow ; hut I say, would you believe it, Rowland, those two peggies, as you know, I had unfortunately lost before I was married to Henry, has never come yet, though the money I have spent — Row- land, you never gave a hint to any one?" "Oh- " " Nay, I know, I am sure you never did ;— but then, you know, when you get married, of course you will do all you can to please your wife, but 1 am sure you would not tell her of your poor mistress — mis — " -Oh-" " Well, I don't think you will ; but Henry has never once suspected, — do you think any one is coming — because, look, although tliexj would not grow again, see what nice hair I have got ! so thank the Lord who lias been very good to me, I have no occasion to wear a wig — that's a secret out of any one's power, and as to the other — " " Let me beg of you not to think of it more ; and you say that my mother, not finding me here, at once set off for Loudon?" " To be sure." " Then pardon me, but I must now follow. I was resolved to see you. I was a little bewildered yesterday I fear ; indeed, I wonder not. Now I was going to say that you will give my love to my master ; but you must keep the whole of this visit a secret, as it would give great offence if I did not wait upon others. I will send you and Mr. Windley a formal invitation from town ; but I shall die if I do not at once depart to meet my dear — oh, Mrs. Wiudlcy, you know not what you tell me — 1 must go now , a special train will not carry me fast enough. I have a small present for you, take it, and God bless you and your family ; also buy my little goddaughter something with this, I will send her something more suitable when I get back. Perhaps you will not think it too much to walk with me until I can get a conveyance to the railway, but I now go." "Why, you don't say, and I know how glad master would have been to have walked arm in arm with you up every cranny and street in Fleigh, as much as to say, * see what a first-rater I have turned out !' I am puttin' on my bonnet and shawl, Rowland — why, my good gracious a me, you don't mean to give me this gold watch ! oh nonsense, I could never think of wearing such a thing ; your dear mother gave me a shawl that I shall never put on ; and as to a gold watch, there never was one i'the family !" " Not one word ; come, you will do, now take my arm." "Eh, Rowland, does not this just look as it used to do, when you and I used to go to church together, only it's not Sunday : and then it's too early for divine service, and the church bells are not ringing ; whatever must I do with this watch, — I'll keep it for your sake, Rowland, but I shall never for shame to wear it — do stay while I get my pattens, and tie up these pies — bless me how hot they are — and these black puddings, since you will not wait for the toffy, and gingerbread, and — what a question you ask, Rowland ; of course, you know Jane Dantskipp went 400 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. with your mother to London, or else why would you be in such a hurry to go after. Stay, Rowland — and would not you like to take a cheese ?" CHAPTER LXI. A TALE FOR LORD WANDLY. And now, for Lord "Wandly, and that too on the evening of the same day that Rowland made such a hurried departure. "The election over, say you?" " Yes, my Lord, the Rowbottomites poured in their votes at such a rate, that unless we, that is the Pryets, had kept up the fire, there would have been no chance at all, as it was " " Rowbottom is elected !" " By three votes !" *' Send me hither, either the steward or any of his assistants." " Completely lost, my Lord, through the speech of that young man from London." " Go, sir ! Monstrous, yet I am glad ; the thing was too palpable, and I told Mr. Knurly so ; but this Bradshaw, he is right no doubt — that was the thing that effected it ; a daring day's work you have done, my bold men of Frescoth, and that I'll let you feel before you have gone many more Sundays to church. I am glad that this cunning lout is defeated, but still it might have been another man. Oh, Mr. Jones, immediately get the poll-book, see what our tenantry have done in this affair. Begin with the farmers who have leases, see how much they have overploughed, and lift the fines in all cases to the very inch ; those who have no leases, send them notice to quit ; those who are not tenants, litigate as either to the right of road, water-course, or even a fence. As to the tradesmen who have voted against us, issue a distinct notice to every tenant of mine, or those of my friends, which will include nine- tenths of all the confluent parishes, to the effect, that they never more enter their shops ; as to the rest, and the details, I shall leave to your own ingenuity ; and remember, on its activity and extent, or the want of either, will depend the amount of my reward, or the reverse." " It shall be done my Lord." " In all cases, to a halfpenny, distrain for arrears, and those too who pay in advance. Do you think Tennyson has had a hand in this?" " There is no doubt but he has been in this neighborhood. Nay, and it is said that Mr. Crabbs has a share, indeed the principal one, in the newspaper, — that which Mr. Wildingair edits." ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 407 " (Ha-h, then that accounts for so many quiet hints, I tliought there must be some such secret information.) Ah, that will do sir. This is the curse of greatness, hke large instruments we cannot play but with somebody at the bellows ; I wish I had been content with a less one, and then I could have supplied the wind from my own lungs. This bull-necked Kmuly begins to be jealous of his brother tool Mons. Priappe. There never was a pair of tongs but one leg was stiffcr than the other ; I cannot lift red-hot coals without the useful machine, but it will require nicety in the handling, or else, when you think you have the strayed cinder, you only crack the faces together. What a singular fatality seems to h.ang about that boy — he of all others to be brought down to beard my power, in my own, and with my oivn dominions, for I was suspected before, and if Mr. Priappe had been too hasty, the election too, and all would have been laid at my door, like a bantling without straw in the basket. This news he tells me, as to the impu- dence of Knurly's offer to Dantskipp is exalted, and I think will be peculiarly blissful, when he ascertains that her father is about to tender her for the acceptance or refusal of the very young gentleman who gave him such a pepperer yesterday. This will make him true to his other undertaking, coward though he is. For as both his choice and mine — his affection and my hate are together, he'll help to take one away that he may get the other ; or else, I have no doubt, vdth all his bluster, he intended to play me false there. But now, this lad being rival in the one case, son in the other, and the grand upsetter of his parliamentary visions ! Humph, I have him fast. Ha, you are early Priappe ; well, I suppose you have not been such a mighty distance off this great struggle, but you have heard the result, and by what means it was effected?" " Both, my Lord." " I was in hopes that the thing would have lasted another day, it would have given you more time for the execution of your commission ; but come, you look somewhat in good spirits, am I to be congratulated or not?" " My Lord was never more so " " Ay ! have you got the pistol from her then ?" " Better : she has consented to be one of the party ; a woman, and such a one as she too, is worth a hundred of the very best of us ; I gave her a sketch of the plan — tut, tut, I named no names — and she, like an expert practitioner who sees the point, ere his client hath half unfolded his tale, or the contractor that guesses the plan by the specifi- cation, so did she, and warrants a safe execution." "Then why not give up at once that cursed weapon ?" " Oh, that would be giving to it and her, an importance that the undertaking would not warrant. I have named the sum, and that is enough. Surely your Lordship perceives, that if she dips her long fingers into the scalding dish, like the hot pot wherein the s[)oons are at the bottom — once in, I say, we may safely ask her, when taking out her own, to pull out the rest of the family's. We must mind, and not let her know that Mr. Knurly Pryet wants to feed at the same dish, or else, in taking out the spoons, she may upset it, and daub us all in order to scald him ; she has never forgotten the horse-whipping." 408 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. " Clumsy fool ! well, but with a little reasoning, she might surely be induced to forget that." " Never ! she never forgives ; and that says well, she is more likely to keep her faith in this. Good haters have their virtues ; they make up their minds ere they promise ; and to hate for ever, is also to keep faithful to an opposite engagement for a similar period. I'll warrant her sincerity.'" " Now, a hint at your plan ?" " Mark, I shall give notiiing more ; your Lordship will act the better by not knowing too much, if you can depend upon your captain, and I have said it. Know then, to this same grand hall in which this orator and artist doth paint, his mother and her pupil — Miss Dantskipp — have private access. This is done, first, that the mother may judge of her son's rising greatness ; for great he is, and will be (how that crawls over him), and accordingly that the great Fortune may gently suck in the witcheries, not only irom the creation of his pencil, but her own, whilst looking on; of what a treasure she will possess when she is dignified with the new name of Bradshaw." " De Bouvre ! think you not that the dam hath not been bleating that in her ears ?" " Nay, it may be so ; but the girl is trapped safely enough without ; and that name he never can have." " Ha, there is no knowing what may be done. I have heard some news, of which, this morning, I have written to our ambassador to know if there is any truth in it, if there should (stay, I am a fool to let him see I have any doubts); but, however, it bears not on this. •' Well now, say what is thy proposition, when we get to where this amusing scene is in acting. And, again, I know that the commissioners have given the most positive orders as to the non-admission into the departments which are in painting ; then how comes it that these womea get in ?" "(I know the news, he has written to the French court,) oh, the way thev are admitted is the way that we shall also find an entrance— a sop?" "Then your proposals." "Nay, but a hint, if I find it incompatible then— you know she thought I was her friend in that Romish affair, only to say that I will lead her to her husband — show his hand-writing to the effect — get her out of England, and with the assistance of yon valuable beldam from Hungary — but, without, she is yours !" " One question more, don't you think all this can be done without Knurly V " Well, that is admirable ; leave him out of the plot eh ? that is, if it should succeed — he has basked in your lordship's favors for doing nothing; if it should not, he can tell about it, ha, haj no, no, mix him up with it, thick as wasps in treacle." " True, true, but a — h !" " True, as reins cannot be made without huts, so let us get to some- thing else, that being disposed of. I have heard a something of which I wished to ask your lordship this week past, but always overlooked it ; oh I'll tell you — humph what is it?" i ROWLAND URADSTIAW. 409 " If it be a greater sum for tliy services, only name it ; but, l)efore thou dost so, never fear if thou succeedest — I will make it enough." " Oh, of that I am satisfied ; but this is the tale, nearly a montli past when engaged in finding out the retreat of these mysterious ladies, I met with a countryman of mine ; after a chat, we went into a tavern to regale, and finding I had seen many odd corners as well in the heart of man, as in the planet he adorns, he began to unfold his errand to England ; and as usual, after the object of the trip is stated, advice there- on is oft required. I had little to give, but the tale being a strange one, and his insisting that the last part in it was played by an English nobleman, 1 thought, perhaps, your lordship might be able to give some clue, as a job thereon depends, and this of your lordship's being on the eve of a finish — I certainly should like to have another in readiness." " Proceed !" " He did tell me the department but I forget; nor is it relevant where he and his family dwelt with great peace, and on his parents' parts it would seem great vigor, as their family was large, of course lovely, that is the girls, and the boys, brave as all French families are. Well, one of the great struggles, to displace poor Bony, was on their Estate ; that is, enough of it to lay it in waste. The noble father, with all his family, after the accession of the other dynasty repaired to Court ; not to court their favors there, but to demand something like restitution for his ruin : it is necessary to state, that, at that time, the English had great influence with the new Court of France ; indeed, there was no expedition without their agency. This the head of this lovely and valiant family soon discovered, and with almost equal success got a promise from the English Ambassador that his interest should at once be used : nay, not only was it promised by himself, but, also, by his nephew so he was understood to be, a very elegant young man of his suite ; to the youngest daughter of the suitor. Nor was the young gentleman content with his promise on her father's behalf, but he extended some two or three to herself; some of a tender, some of a positive nature, and all in the very abstract of honor: for the maiden, as I have said, had many gallant brothers, and though all loyal and good soldiers, yet it is likely they would have avenged an insult on their sister's honor, almost as soon as that of the French crown itself ; for they loved their sister Edith well : but the young Attache was a man of troth, and though in great privacy, he matured his promises and made the young French- woman his bride. And this was not all, for he actually obtained employ- ment for one of her younger brothers, and that too without ever seeing him ; this it would seem, was in reliance on the skill and honor of any portion of the family he had dignified ; but this young nobleman must have imbibed some naughty notioHs in his own country, or, it is feared, entertained some strange ones as to ours ; for he seems to have considered that no marriage out of England could bind, at least, one of her aristrocratical sons ; but, perhaps, I tire your lordship." " No, no, proceed, though I must confess I see not its object." " Oh, no, nor did I expect it ; well, the marriage was a very private one, and so was their subsequent intercourse — a good deal of love, it is said, on both sides, nay, I believe, there is no doubt on the part of the 410 ROWLAND RRADSriAW, gentleman, as he told her that his affection so improved in her favor, and had already hecome so intense, and still was upon the increase, that if he staid a month longer, he should he positively lost to all the liner feelings of amhition, and that high position, which he had so fondly chalked out for themselves. All this he said in a letter, and it is all he ever did say ; as in pursuance of the grand ohject— tapering his love off hy a paring at a time, he did that to France which he would not accord to the fair Edith — bade it adieu ! " Then Edith took to what women call fretting, and at last told madam, her mamma, but said not a word to the gallant male portion of the family ; because, she said, she was certain they would kill her dear, dear, dear Charles. (Ah, he shrinks at last !) Mamma agreed with what she called her blighted rose, but, at the same time, took the most active measures, without incurring undue suspicion, to find out the truant ; and actually discovering that he had journeyed towards Italy, though for a time he bent his way on that of England, she apprised the very son whose employment he had obtained. Now, as I have said, this was the youngest of the young lady's brethren ; but cunning, if such a thing be possible, almost to a fault. He was not informed of his sister's marriage — there was the mistake — but only that there had been some expectation of such an event ; but he was desired to watch well the runaway's movements, and to report thereon. To do this well the brother disguised himself, as he knew the danger of openly meddling with one who had shown such weight at court." " Well, well sir, do proceed." " I have little more to say, my Lord, and I am glad that my story seems to interest your Lordship. Well, after a good deal of tv^isting about, he fell upon the scent, and would it be believed, actually got employment under the improving young man, who then travelled as a mere student — and in what think your Lordship ? why, in a plot to carry off a creature of still greater beauty than the fair Edith herself. It would seem this gallant had met with a student, like vihathe jprofessed to be ; — something happened that they were most hospitably welcomed into a gentleman's house, where this divinity I have hinted at was found. Both the students fell in love with her, though she only returned the compliment to the real, not the false one. Both were resolved to have her though, and so commenced manoeuvring, and then was wanted the cunning services of the young brother of Edith." " Stay, sir, did the j oung brother play his new master false there ?" " But why fix your eyes in that way my Lord ? remember this is but a tale the stranger told me." " Go on sir, (I shall, if I stay another minute, betray,) go on sir." "No, for some time he did his master's business well enough, until after a few communications with his sister, when he found that they were actually married — nay, she could not keep the thing secret, for before this, poor thing, she became a mother, and so had to tell this cunning brother all ■" "A mother! one word, was the cunning brother in this nobleman's employ at the recontre with Count Henri de Bouvre, near Rome 1" "What, when the mock Prince was killed ! and for which the Count i ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 411 had, or, could he have been found, would have had this taken off his shoulders, supposing the sham of the Prince was not discovered ? why, that was the part of the story I was coming to ; well, then, as I was saying " " As thou wert saying, villain! where is this same stranger ; find him or another moment count not on thy own life." " Nay, nay my Lord, put up your pistol — see what trouble your Lordship has about pistols already ; be cool, and I will tell you where last I saw him." "Dwell not," "With your Lordship's late secretaries, — Messrs. Tennyson and Crabbs." "Ah ! stay, one word more, are Edith and the boy living?" "Boy ! my Lord, /named not the child's sex." " No ? the child then ; doth Edith live ?" " The boy, for your Lordship hath guessed right, he, I beUeve, doth breathe ; but hapless Edith, like the Sun-struck, fell from the scorch of the pointed finger!" " Away, then, and realise this other undertaking — begone !" " I take my leave." " And yet, had this Edith lived I might have changed my plans; but now, though never fearing what the devil will say, I have hitherto dreaded that subtler Satan — the world. Now I will leave them my reputation full measure. Sweet is the beginning of an amour, so is crime in youih ; bitter is the breaking off ; and it is difficult to leave sin when years have made it customary. Oh, the sad consequences of youth misspent ! A bad heart is like a sponge, that sucks all and gives nought back, save when death squeezes. Oh that mine had been wrung until it had lost its fossilizing properties which are turning it fast to flint. But it is like the other stone that unholily takes up its habitation some- what lower down, the seat of which is as terrible to the natural man, as the other is to the soul ; and whilst there, life is the abstract of all human misery, but the operation that would be required for its removal, might also have the same effect upon ourselves. So saith the moralist, a bad man liveth in his death. What ho, there ! send my steward ; and though a hell is lit within me, yet let not my red-hot breath, like the sirocco, destroy in an hour that which all the sweetest wafts of ^olus may never re-ordain. Mr. Jones, the orders I but now gave respecting the electors and tenants of Frescoth, you will revoke in whole. I have reconsidered it." " I am happy to hear it my Lord. " My Lord, Mr. Knurly Pryet would speak with your Lordship." "No ; leave me. This Edith's tale hath squozen with a gentle grasp, and behold the waters flow on lands that have known but a lasting drought, and shall savage Pryet freeze them ere they nourish ? No ; these repentant drops shall give more preparation to their stubborn fallows, than could the husbandman with a thousand harrows, though their beams were of gold, and their teeth like those of Sahib's hon^— costly diamonds. CHAPTER LXII. PARTING OPINION OF JOHANNES. Once more we will, with the reader's permission, visit Mr. Johannes Donne and disciples in the Halls of the great national works — works that millions will see whose grandfathers are now unborn— the only reward of greatness. Johannes was in a merry mood, and seemed more inclined to chat with his friends than paint, for indeed most of their great tasks were near completion. " Ha, ha, Carl Ritche and Zimmerman, here is something you must see ; this is the thirteenth newspaper in which I find an account of the great actor, whom Mr. Styrrup and Rowland introduced to us dining at Mivart's. This is certainly as good as any, though all meritorious in their way : — ' Examination extraordinary. — At one of our police courts, yesterday, were brought up for examination, Mr. Blopp, and some other gentleman whose name we did not catch. Mr. Blopp, it will be known, is the celebrated enactor of Hage-a-baby, which has run one hundred and fifty nights at Astley's, indeed he is, in a certain line of characters, well known to be the best living actor. It would seem that this merry son of Thespis had been dining at Mivart's hotel with some English noblemen, and, it is said, one or two foreign potentates ; all had got too jocund, and hke thorough-bred Enghsh, finished the night's proceedings in the lock-up. Their appearance in court excited great curiosity, as well from the bench as from the numerous auditory.' Bravo! In another account of this transaction we have this as the wind up — 'What? will any one say after this, that the drama, or its presenters (when genuine) lack patronage ? In what country, save the one in which it took place, should we hear of a young actor (though of great talent it must be con- fessed, and of the best manners) sitting down at such an hotel as that of Mivart's, and that too with the nobles of the land !' Bravo ! good, good !" " That certainly is the way to make the most of a dinner," said Carl Ritche, but I wonder why the great Summerset was not mentioned." "Oh," replied Johannes, "I opine he has not, or did not think it worth the paying for. Hollo ! but what is this ? ' Election at Frescoth ; nomination : the best speech of the day was on behalf of Mr. Rowbot- tom, made by Rowland Bradshaw, Esq., a young gentleman who was sent expressly from London, and who, singularly enough, is connected with a profession of all others, we should think, the least likely to make an orator. But let our readers judge for themselves, and they, perhaps, will agree with us that it is well worthy of being distinguished by being put in the first person.'" And then to the astonishment of all the Donne school, the master read the speech, pretty nearly, as the reader hath already done. All were greatly surprised, nor were they less so, when, just as the ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 413 whole was completed, — entered the speaker — the gentleman whom the paper had called Rowland Bradshaw, Esq. Rowland bowed very politely to his brethren, bnt when he came up to where the astonished master stood, he bowed still lower, and then put out his hand which was kindly received by the good Johannes, and afterwards by all the other gentlemen. After the usual salutation, the master just waved his hand, as though wishful to be left alone with the new orator. He was so. " Is this so, Rowland ?" demanded Johannes, showing the young gentleman the columns containing the speech. Rowland smiled, and said, "Oh, here already ? humph !" " Is this for your friend, Mr. Rowbottom, that all this is done?" "Even so, dear Johannes." " I suppose your friends here were too humble to be acquainted with so extraordinary a movement — left us at dinner too, with some singularly intellectual gentlemen truly ; this was not seemly young man." " I must apologise. — I am not going to say it was Mr. Styrrup's doing, — it was my own : the method might perhaps be his. I am sorry, truly so, for the way of it, but if Johannes will look at the time in which all this happened, he will perceive that there was nothing but dispatch for it ; nevertheless I am sorry it should so have occurred." " Enough, enough ; well, Rowland, I believe we only wait for you. All save yourself have, or nearly so, finished their respective compart- ments ; have you much to do V " Truly I think some two days, and then like your more industrious pupils I have done." " And then we bid farewell to your country, Rowland." And Johan- nes looked at Rowland as though he would say, " have you no regrets ?" " It will be soon enough to say farewell at the parting hour." This was done with an effort, and the good master saw it. " But ere it comes, say, Johannes, do you intend to leave us nought save your works when you go from England, — will there be no hints as to the method by which you climbed the hill. I think, since this country has conferred so great an honor on Mr. Donne, he in return should leave something by way of discount ; it is a trading kingdom Johannes." (Johannes smiled.) " Certainly that is looking to the principal chance. Instead of having any simpering sympathies at parting, to say, * well, now, what are you going to give me, now that you are going away?' I have little to add, dear Rowland ; at least but what might seem invi- dious to art in this kingdom ; but this I may be permitted to say, that there is great talent amongst your artists here, it will be readily conceded, but these appear to me to be your chief defects : — England is a young country in art, and the consequence is, she is bothering her head with every school but her own. One party shouts * Greek, Greek, Greek ! no art can be pure which is not classic ; another calls out, * give me the purity of the German, the Christian art !' whilst a third says, * all is absurdity, at least for these latitudes, but the Gothic' The classic is high art says the first, and the rest, however good, must be content to walk up lanes, or cower in the dark corners of your cathedrals ; whilst the Greek is associated with classic cars, triumphal-entries, synods. 414 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. mountain-tops, and pantheons. Ergo, all that would know high art must treat it with huge naked limbs, light draperies, or all nude, and that too in an English climate. Hence we find your pupils, ay, and very aged masters too, crowding to fragments of the antique. And, of course, when they form original compositions, instead of paying the same compliment to their models, they very wisely select arms and horses' heads from the Elgin marbles. Mind, I do not say you are not to study, nay, profoundly if you like, those glorious remnants of the antique world — you must study them often, as in litera- ture, in order to know what to leave out, as well as what to select ; hut what I mean is this, if you would become great as the Greeks were, you must go to the same source for the materials of your art as the ancients themselves did — Nature. As, to show this is right, had they done what you are doing, they had not been a nation to be copied, nor would this, with all its servility, have been so incessantly making moulds to fabricate base copies of their coin, whilst it might, like the other, have been cutting dies to give the original stamp. " Again ; the expense of the vehicle by which their conceptions were realized, has almost precluded the rich, and entirely forbidden the poor pupil of this country from its use — I mean marble. The heat of their climate enabled the laborer and the peasant — at all times the best models — to go naked, so, that ha^nng abundance of veinless marble, and the naked figure in all its sturdiness always before them, we need no more wonder that they should have originated, what we now call Classic art, than they wovdd, knowing you have neither of the original incentives, at seeing you will not abandon it ; nay, the wonder is that you should ever have attempted it ; and it is the pursuing of it, which gives pungency to all continental ridicule. You have not one association with it ; and yet no sooner is a gentleman — who in life time dressed like any other citizen — placed in marble, and, indeed, sometimes in canvas apotheosis, than it is with one arm and breast bare, neck, leg, and feet, and the rest only covered with what is called, Classically folded drapery ; this is ycleped at the same time ' monumental and high art !' " You have no temples, no mountains, no mythology, no war-chariots, no horses with straight faces and hogged manes ; no marble, nor naked figures ; no feeling for them ; you know nothing of them ; and yet no subject, however famUiar, if it would come under the desired nomen- clature — high art, but you must treat it like a nation which had all these. " Then you have another party which contends there is high art, and very lofty art too, but it must be Christian, and treated exclusively German. Here all is reversed ; limbs thin, bodies well clothed, and all in out- line, cold and stony. Well, but it is Christian art, and has the merit, at all events, of not being English. " The last, that is of the three great heads (I am not going into all the subdivisions, schools, and ages), is the Gothic. This party contends that this is the most suitable to a northern clime. That it is the most associated with your feelings, most compatible, and some say, the most natural. ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 415 " Well, this may be right, but the humor of it is, that in the major party out of ten, whilst the subject is gothic — gothic time, costumes, and architecture — we find classical limbs, ay, and heads too. " No, llowland, this should be it ; all should be called classic that is good. If the critic will admit that the anatomy, drawing, and reading are good, never heed whether he calls it low, high, classic, gothic, or indeed any art at all ; or, if he ask you what sort of art it is, say it is English Art. Not but all these things must be known in order that you can woo Nature with address ; for though she is a simple maiden, and fond of country life, she sometimes sojourns in the city. But unlike the other Season Belle, who forgets in the glittering beau her country lover, she only goes to test her sweetheart's constancy, and so that he have that, with undoubted honor, she will rush to his embrace when he arrives, even before the dust is wiped from his shoes." " Thank you, dear Johannes : pardon me, Herr Donne, but I have long wished' to ask you a question. On the many occasions when you have been good enough to lecture, you have ever dwelt on the merits of peace, as the proper result of art, and being the effect, is often also the cause. This I think right, but how comes it, sir ? though you ever recommend its cultivation, you yourself, in most cases, paint battle- pieces, and are accounted as great a master of the sword as of the crayon ?" " I was born in times when such things were accounted virtues ; be- sides, I might have a reason for studying the sword's use. Ay, Eugene, Zimmerman, and Carl Ritche, were saying that now you are as good as they ; but, I suppose, you have not time for any oi iixQ surprises now?" We must here explain to the reader what these " surprises" mean. Johannes Donne, as has been hinted, was a very wonder with the small sword, and was extremely fond of this extraordinary amusement — • " surprises." He never painted without his sword lying beside him, or foils : and this was the surprise — one or two — oftener two — of his pupils would rush upon him, as though for the purposes of assassination. Now he had always been able, in despite of every effort, not only to beat them off, but in turn to become the assailant. Extraordinary as all this may appear, there seemed nothing to please the great Johannes Donne so much ; nay, on the success of these attacks depended the advances to his favor. Rowland, perceiving the unwillingness of his master to be more definite in his answers respecting his early cultivation of arms, turned the subject to one of equal curiosity with himself, and of ahke specula- tion to some of the other disciples. " I have one more question to ask, and then I have done. And in this I will admit, Johannes, I have an intense curiosity. I^ have perceived, like the torso of Angelo, that throughout your works— in the principal female of all of them — there are traceable the same arms, neck, bosom, and where the subjects admit of it, legs and feet ! I fear, Johannes, the question has made you unhappy, as it has me a thousand times to know, whether, should I ever dare to ask, you would tell me who or what was the model ; nay, nor would I now, or ever have ventured upon the question, but I too have seen— they could be no 410 ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. other — the same hmhs, and yet I tiiid you ever vary the face. Pardaii me, I see I have done wrong." " No, no wrong ; but this is also an enquiry which I cannot satisfy ; but this much, and for thy satisfaction, in my last performance, which you shall all see before I go, there is the true face which belongs to what you have so ingeniously traced ; until then, make no further demand ; it you shall see; as to who and what she was, that must die here ;" and Johannes put his hand to his breast. " But you are wrong, boy, in saying you have seen the model ; the whole world but seldom births perfection ; it was the fortune of seeing an instance of it, and being loved by it, that made me a painter." " Every man hath his woes, and so it seems hath the good Johannes. I have no further question to ask ; but I shall wait the sight of this completion to your English labors, almost with the same anxiety I should the meeting of — " " Your mistress ! is it not so ?" " My mother ! good Johannes." " Ah," said the master, as if wishing to change the subject, " Rowland, I am glad that vou acquitted yourself so well in this speech- business, and more especially as it was for so good a friend, as you have ever informed me Mr. Rowbottom has been to you. Nay, and though an artist should avoid politics, certainly the vulgar ones of the day, still he should be able to speak as you have done ; for, depend u})on it, if an artist does not know more than is wanted for his studio, he will never know enough for it. 1 find it is the fashion here for a man of art purposely not to be acquainted with anything hut that which immediately concerns the walk he has chosen ; or, if he does know more, he must keep it to himself. On the contrary, every other man — particularly what is called a statesman — may know something of everything. Now there is no being under the sun, whose studies should take a wider range than that of the artist ; for it is by extensive acquire- ments, particularly in physics and the sciences, that enable him to treat all with boldness and certainty. " It gladdens me to find that your studies have partaken of this generality of character, but all made subordinate to the one great effort, as the thunder cloud gathering its pov/ers from a thousand different things — water, wood, rocks, and level fields — combines and braces them, but always shows his strength at one point. But, Rowland, for all this, I do not think there is a young man in Europe who more needs a friend, at this time, than yourself; so many things done in so short a time, giddies the head, which, like the capped pigeon, though leaving low the clouds, is nearer her death, than when first she strove to fly its terrors. " What say you then, Rowland, will you to Germany with us ?" " It may not be, dear Johannes." " You love us not then ?" " Oh, do not say so ; when may I sec the picture, show me that, or, ere that day, I will, in full, give my answer." " farewell until then. Carl Ritche waits for you to stand for him as the Chevalier, and then he will do the same for your Prince ; the ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 417 costumes are in readiness. I will dress for your finish of the Duke ; we shall be in masquerade. Farewell ;" and the big drops of disap- pointment leaped down the master's face, as he saw his pupil leave the Hall. CHAPTER LXIIL THE DENOUEMENT. Mrs. Bradshaw and Miss Bantskipp had been made acquainted with Rowland's return, and by the adroitness of the keepers of the rooms, got access to the chamber, or rather the staircase, whereon Rowland painted. They were fixed so that they could well see him, with little fear of their being perceived ; and soon Rowland returned, dressed as desired by the master. The costume was one of the middle ages, and was resplendent in all ways, and singularly well it fitted the slender though rounded form of the wearer. The ladies were for some time before they knew the object of their solicitude, and it was only that they did so, when he took off his large hat and brilliant plume ; he put it down, sat for some moments to con- template his work, and then went out, as arranged, to stand for his friend Carl. This so disappointed the ladies, and more so when they were informed that he would not return for a long time, that they desired of the same attendant who had secretly admitted them, to take them, if it were practi- cable, to that part of the building in which the others painted. This could not be done without being observed, therefore they were placed where they could watch the great Johannes Donne himself immortalize the walls before them. By this time, although painting, he was dressed for the Duke, as he did not know how soon Rowland might desire his presence. The whole of this completely puzzled the silent auditors ; — the master was evidently, though the distance was great, a grand man, and gorgeously attired, so much so, that Miss Dantskipp asked her preceptress, if it were usual, at least on particular occasions, for artists on the continent so to attire themselves ? The mistress was equally puzzled with the pupil, and requested her to wait. They did so, and though, as we have said, a long way off the great man, Mrs. Bradshaw said she never felt so strange a desire to see fairly the face of any one before, meaning the stranger. It was almost impossible to get even the smallest glimpse, for the painter was engaged upon a huge battle-piece, where some singular pieces of canuou were 27 418 ROWLAND BRADSHAV, about to pour out their fierce volleys upon some quaintly dressed horse-soldiers in the middle. The painter kept walking up a platform, closing one eye, as if he was going to fire one of the ordnance next him, rather than paint it. At last he seemed to succeed, came down, v/alked to a sufficient distance to look at the effect, and was about to ad- vance to the left of the work, when in rushed two young men, also richly dressed, but with swords drawn, and, quickly as fear, they set upon the master. Though unarmed at their entrance, in a_second he had the sw^ord which lay beside his hand, and at once parried the thrust of the fierce assailants. The fight became terrific ; the ladies screamed and ran to the assailed's assistance, but though with all their speed, the master was down, and the sword of the foremost at his breast ; — that sword was Rowland's, — the arm that stopped the mortal thrust was that of his long-seeking, and dearer-sought mother. The blow was stopped, but the mother fell, and now in turn was caught by the subdued Johannes — Rowland seizing her hand. " Oh, God ! had mother ever such a meeting ?" "What! whom do I see?" hysterically called out Johannes ; " Is it my Augusta?" "True, Count Harry, it is — it is thy wife — and now let me die !" " Oh, God, she is dying !" cried Miss Dantskipp. " Mammy ! mammy !" said Rowland kneeling, " Mother!" exclaimed the wild Johannes, •' who art thou?" " Even thy son," scarcely audibly said the mother. " Oh, Harry, had ever wife and mother such a meeting? Rowland, for ever fly from me ! monster, curse not my last moments, — thou hast attempted the life of thy own father. Count Henri de Bouvre !" " No, no, no, love ! no, no, I tell thee no !" cried the Count in a yell that made the very roof echo ; " it was in play, it was in play. Oh, Rowland, come to my breast;" and in one second the father and son were locked together. The countess at seeing this looked up ; all the rest explained, even the door-keepers, who had frequently witnessed the scene before. "Then here stands the happiest woman who ever lived. Oh, Harry, take me where I can breathe. I said that to meet my son, my only poor child, would be more to my arms than even thou wouldst ! Oh, pardon me, Harry, I knew not what I said, but I feel that thou hast the first claim. Rowland, do not weep so." " Gentlemen," breathed Count de Bouvre, still holding his son and Countess to his breast, "pardon a poor husband and father i-f he w-ould wish to be a little while alone with his first love and his first born ; little fellow, with thy pale face, oh, my poor boy— a little while with himself and his own." All walked slowly out. But as they did so, in entered by a private door, Priappe ; he gazed some time on the singular monument, and at last saw the cause of its erection. He looked again — it breathed and wept, and still became more compressed ; and he wept too, for he had heard of living monuments, and now stood before him a grand composition of glory, virtue, and duty — even an earthly trinity in unity. He looked some time, then slowly retired, saying, " too soon ; the whole is out, I must alter my plans." CHAPTER LXIV. THE TRAP. Ill a sliort time after the extraordinary event related in our last chap- ter, a private message was received hy Carl Ritche from his master — Herr Donne, desiring him to request the other gentlemen, connected with the frescos, on no account to disclose what had happened, and also close the halls until they received orders to the contrary ; and above all, not to make known, for the time, the real position and title of their master. This was at once done ; and before the third day there was private information sent to Mr. Robert Rowbottom and lady, Mr. Joseph Styrrup, with the Brouds' family, amongst which was the intended lady of that gentleman ; also Mr. and Mrs. Dantskipp, and lastly, the uncle of Rowland — Sir George Johnson. It would seem also that the good Monsieur Priappe had not been idle in his notes of invitation, or some one of equal information, as we shall see by-and-by. On the third morning arrived, at the place we have just described, Johannes Donne, leaning on whose arm was Miss Dantskipp ; the next was Mr. Rowbottom of Fleigh, who was honored with that of Mrs. Bradshaw ; then came Rowland with the last gentleman's lady, whom lie called dear Aunt, Then came Mr. Joseph Styrrup, handing with his accustomed politeness Mrs. Dantskipp, after which walked Mr, Dantskipp (and not a little proud of the task either,) with the beautiful Miss Broud, and lastly the father and mother of that young lady, with Sir George Johnson. All the pupils and assistants of Herr Donne had arrived before, and took their positions at the back of those who were more especially con- sidered a part of their master's family and immediate connections. As soon as they were placed, Johannes ordered all his painting tools, palettes, brushes, and instruments whatever, to be brought before him ; and when they were complete, all sitting before his grand compo- sition, he thus spake : — " There is not one of you here but now knows why in early life I had to fly my country ; why change my name ; and be so long apart fiom all that was or could be dear to me, in the course of a short time the rest will be made known in full. But my present object is to give a reason why I became a painter, and distribute amidst my school the tools of my work- shop. What I am going to say, four days ago would have broken my heart ; now, I speak it in great joy — I paint no more ! — your master has laid down his last brush. And now I will show you why I took up my first. This is my last composition ; I have painted it, as you know, in private, and the secret might have died, as would, long since, this poor heart, but for the sustentatiou it hourly received in creating the divinity of this picture. I have worked at this same form and face, twenty ycart-, and 1 finished it on the day I found the original. What, ho ! remove 420 ROWLAND BRADSHAW. the curtain, and give all the lights. Rowland, behold thy mother, even as I first saw her !" Rowland, with all the company, stood amazed ; but though all eager to see, the artists at the back were the most intent. Their stifled plaudits told with what admiration they viewed the living performance. She was drawn as Fame distributing wreaths ; and the compliment did not stop here, for in midst of the suitors to her throne, were the por- traits of Donne's principal pupils, — nor was Rowland's forgotten. The work was pronounced complete, when the grand subject of it fell upon the breast of the painter, and said, " Oh, bless thee, Harry ; was ever such a compliment paid to woman's love ? or such an abstract of man's constancy ?" " It was losing this," said Johannes, " made me a painter. If villany cut her from my arms, it could not from my fancy ; and I learned the art I have so long pursued to show the world that she lived with me. It is finding this — this reality of my aspirations, tbat causes my de- parture from the noblest and most blessed of all arts — that art which gives reality to our day visions, and robs the grave of its power. — I paint no more 1 " And now, gentlemen, even as I have loved ye, divide amongst you the tools of this happy trade. Keep them as a proof how much I love you ; for I give you that which next I love of all things in this world — save, you see, this simple woman and your fellow-pupil, my poo — r boy here. They have been my wife and my little one until this time ; the treasures of my heart, these now supplant ; but take them with my love and God's blessing. Let me see them once more ; ah, it is great, great joy that makes me part with you for ever 1" " But," said their new mistress, " I am sure, Harry, thy friends will pardon me, if I ask of them to take the first choice. I perceive, gentle- men, I have it, and I much thank you. This then is the instrument I will take — these parallel rules ; I will keep them as the emblem of our fate and constancy ; for, Harry, however far we have been apart, we have always preserved the same truth to each other." The rest were then going to divide, when entered, hastily, Pierre Priappe, and at once said, " Hush ! the ladies are wanted ; you madam, and you," continued he, pointing to Mrs. Bradshawand Miss Dantskipp. " When you hear the first signal, let the Count enter, and at the next, all come in." And the good Priappe, with the ladies we have named, went into another part of the vast structure ; and as the scene there is more im- portant to the reader's interest than that of the division of the tools, we shall at once carry him thither. " Now, madam*, and you mademoiselle, sit here, and when his Lord- ship enters receive him as I have said ; but which ever presents the letters, he or Knurly Pryet, mind and stick to them." The ladies promised obedience, and scarcely had their adviser left the room, when entered Lord Wandly and his secretary — the disappointed candidate of Frescoth. In despite of the coolness enjoined by Priappe, it was evident that both the ladies, and especially the elder one, were greatly flurried. ROWLAND BRADS HAW. 421 His Lordship, with great difficulty, commenced, " Madam, the Countess de Bouvre, it is long since we met. I am glad that Time hath been so sparing of his frowns. (I feel already that I shall betray my- self! Heavens, she seems to have annihilated the scythe-man, and looks even as she did when first she turned my brain.) Miss Dantskipp ?" " It is, my Lord." " Might 1 be favored with a few words with Madam alone ? My good friend, Mr. Pryet, I am sure will entertain Miss Dantskipp." Miss Dantskipp bowed, and was about to retire to another part of the room, when the elder lady said, " Pardon me. Lord Wandlv, Miss Dantskipp is in our secrets, and therefore your Lordship may proceed." " Humph ! be it so : — as the good Priappe has informed your Lady- ship, your husband lives, and I " "And you, my Lord, so I am told, are remorse-struck for the part you played in our early separation, and — is it not so ?" " It is ; and am resolved, not only to bring you together, but will cause the French government to grant him his title, and in every way to restore him to his estates." " But how am I to be certain that you mean me fair, after that terrible scheme, the killing of the supposed jsW/ice, which you now, I understand, admit was wholly false?" " True ; but touch no more upon so painful a subject; I am repentant, and will, in all things, do all I can to render those lastingly happy, whom my conduct in early life — mad life — has made so long miserable. As to your being satisfied upon the other point, here are your husband's letters, in which you see, madam, he not only requests you to meet him in Hungary, where he now languishes in the most hopeless want, but he desires you to place yourself under my protection to the place ; for it is I, and I only, can establish his innocence to the world. This I am re- solved to do." " And innocent you say he was of that ? or else I am sure I have no wish to go and meet — let at rest the thought of ending my days in the society of — a murderer." " (Ah, I see, it is as Priappe has told me ; she is indifferent as to seeuig the Count. He shall be innocent until I have her secure, and then as guilty as he first was.) I have said, madam, he was innocent." " Let me see the letters ; I am sure your Lordship will pardon me — oh, but stay, I think you have drawn up a written account of the whole transaction, so Priappe informs me, in which you exonerate my husband, and say. the whole was a contrivance of your own to effect his young wife's ruin " " Recollect how I loved her, and loved her first too," interjected his lordship hastily. " True, true, that is ; I am but a woman ; why I can ever think of pardoning you — but still, my lord, it was very naughty — very." "(By heavens I have her! there will be no necessity for a visit to Hungary.) Love, dearest madam, love !" " Well, show me the letters of the Count ; ah, you surely do not hesitate to do that ; it would be an act of the greatest im])rudence, even 422 TvOWI-AND nRADSIIAW thou"-!! Tny dear young friend here sliould accompany me, even to think of leading this kingdom without seeing them." His Lordship looked at his secretary, who returned him an intimative nod of acquiescence. His Lordship gave up tlie papers. " These are written by the Count, I have no doubt, my Lord ; but — a — where is that of your Lordship's — the paper of the Count's inno- cence ?" " (Curse it, I have given it to her, I fear ; and yet there can be no trick ; besides, should she attempt to move I will seize her.) Now, if you are satisfied you will be good enough to return them." " Oh, I have no doubt ; and is this the confession? really, my Lord," continued the lady, folding them up, " I do think I ought to have pos- session of these at all events ; should any thing go wrong, or even your Lordship's death, they would be some excuse to the world for my under- taking so strange a journey with your Lordship." " Pardon me — ah, that is very true — I cannot possibly think of let- ting any one have the custody of these papers but myself; you will return them ?" "Never !" " Pryet, assist me or we are lost ! Priappe, I say. Nay, madam, you may struggle, but mark, if you do not at once return them, you are in my power, and will have to struggle for something else save the papers. You will not ? Nay, then, Pryet seize your prize, whilst I take mine ; secure the doors Priappe." And Priappe ran to the door, but ere he could do as his Lordship desired, a stranger entered the room, and though he was not known by either of the ravishers, the next who entered was ; it was their once prisoner, and son to the lady with whom Lord Wandly was struggling, and admirer of the other who was labouring under the same restraint imposed upon her by Mr. Pryet — Rowland Bradshaw. " Who art thou ?" demanded Wandly, fiercely, on seeing the first enter. "Look, Wandly," said the intruder, taking off his hat, "knowest thou now ?" " I do, De Bouvre ! and also thy brat who comes after." " What !" cried the Count ; " now mark, 'tis well, here are swords ; wife, stand thee aside, let even a monster have fair play. And you, sir, arm ; I would not my son should spill thy slothful blood without giving it a little action." The latter words were addressed to Pryet. Wandly seized a sword ; for it was in the chamber we have seen them so singularly used before ; Pryet mechanically clutched the next him. Johannes looked and measured his man, lifted his sword, and said, "Now, Wandly, prepare thee, this shall make all straight." "Stay," said Wandly, as he saw the keen eye and fixed point of his terrible opponent ; "stay, I am no coward, and to prove it, run thy sword through this wicked breast ; I shall then die, knowing I have made some atonement. Thy Countess there has a paper drawn up by my own hand — I know not why I did it — but now, I thank God I have done so — why, why put down thy sword ? I say strike—^" ROWLAND BRADSHAW. 423 The speech of Wandly was cut short by almost a scream of " pardon, pardon," from Pryet, who in his first thrust at Rowland, had his sword twisted out of his hand, and with it almost a couple of his fingers. He had dropjicd down on his knees, and still cried out "pardon !" Rowland looked at him, and then at his mistress, who had her hands clasped as though she would have said " do {)ardon him !" Rowland did so, but not before he drew the flat side of his weapon over the mouth of the appellant, and had let out from the lips and gums a tolerable stream, and one too, it would seem from the bellowing of Knurly, which had made that brave gentleman imagine his head was cut in two pieces, and he acted accordingly. " Oh, Bouvre ! let me go to some quiet corner of the earth, where I may end my days free from the galling shame, which would be their constant attendant here. I sec thy triumphant scowl, Priappe ; why thou hast done this I know not, but I blame not, nay, I thank thee ; and here I state, that the sum I was to have given thee for the success of this last piece of viilany, I will double, for the way in which thou hast marred it. Now, I see the drift of thy story as to the poor Edith — double it ! nay, only find out the son of her thou spokest of, and I will make thee rich if, unlike me, money will effect it. Count, thy wife carries my conviction — thou wilt need no other proof; act upon it wlien thou likest, and I will meet it — make thy revenge meet thy wrongs, and greater was never needed — I will bear it all." " No, Wandly, no : I have too much happiness in those I have found, ever to permit one minute of its existence to be sullied with so troublesome a passion as revenge ; too great is ray joy, and too long have I waited for it, ever to let so evil-faced a visiter as he, take either a seat at my new table, or toss my new pillow, where, besides my son, rests such a head as this thou seest upon my bosom. No, Wandly, no ; go, and let our paths never cross again ; these things I will keep, but, thai thou mayest not despair, when thou shalt show the fruits of thy bounty and goodness 'midst thy thousand teniuits, instead of blowhig thiitle-seeds in their gardens — when thou makest reparation, though all thou canst do is but little for thy early wrongs — castest away such iustrumentsas these,— lor I have heard of thee, I'ryet, — and in their stead takest good ministers to dispense thy medicines and spread thy new life — then shalt thou have them back, and even I, I will try to forgive thee." " Thou hast acted well, De Bouvre, and here I begin : Priappe take thou the place of this vile tool, and take me now on a better errand than that which brought me hither— to my son." And Mr. Knurly Pryet hurried out of all their presences, the blood still dropping from his mouth. " Wandly," said the Countess de Bouvre, " I never tliought it possi- ble I could speak to thee once more, but now I must ; this, then, thy new secretary is the brother, the youngest one, of thy first wife ; poor Edith— I knew her not ; but look, Wandly, at this poor boy, his father has claimed him ; thou hast one, in all as good, for I have known and love the youth well ; he has no mother now." " Say no more. Countess, thou wringest ray heart ; I have now no son— I feel I mav not live long. What, Priappe! no longer Priappe, 424 ROWLAND BRADSIMW. but my dear brother, take me to the child, that ere I die I may do him justice," aud away dashed Wandly and the good Priappe. " Even so," said Count de Bouvre, after some musing ; " Augusta, sweet love, bear thy husband's message to yon young gentlemen who di\ide the tools ; say I wish them here." " May I not go, father^'' said Rowland. " Father ! what saidst thou ? that is the first time I was ever so called," and the great Johannes fainted. His wife and son held him, whilst Miss Dantskipp ran to the other room, and called out to the disciples, and all parties, as well as they who had scarcely finished the division, for assistance. All entered, and as they did so Johannes recovered. " Pardon me," said the Count ; "Mr. Rowbottom and sister Agra ; Mr. Styrrup — nay, let me say, all my new friends will be good enough to sit here, whilst I speak to some of my old ones. In the first place, gentlemen, is the division arranged to your liking?" " It is, great Johannes Donne," said Carl Ritche ; " pardon me, but I can never associate any other name with thy greatness ; I may address thee as my lord, but I shall ever think of thee as Johannes Donne." The rest all bowed their assent. " Then I am happy. Most of you have known much of my life, for save one great secret I have kept little from you, nor shall I ever, if you choose to ask : this I must not, for it is a part of my happiness, and I know will give you great satisfaction. You know, gentlemen, how often, and with what pleasure, we all have read and commented upon a letter we, or I may say I, received from a young lady respecting the introduc- tion of a school of design, in one of the manufactural districts of this vast and wealthy country ; of course you remember the many surmises Ave all had as to the young lady's attainments, nay, and I believe that her beauty or otherwise was much discussed. I think, Eugene, I also said I wish God had given me such a daughter ; and, I believe, we had some such gallant remark as this, ' If Providence had been so good to thee, Johannes, I would have knelt to thee for her hand.' " Gentlemen, as I wished, so Heaven has ordained ; behold, this is the lady ! this fair one : and already, not only has her love, but her parents' consent, been given to my son ; and now, before you all I give mine. God bless thee, Jane Dantskipp," said the great Count de Bouvre, kissing the forehead of the beauteous Jane. " Count Rowland de Bouvre, on thy knee receive the gift." " Mr. Rowbottom," said Mr. Dantskipp in a whisper, "is a Count a Lord?" "Undoubtedly," replied Mr. Rowbottom. " Then if I speak to him, it would be right to call him one ?" "No question of it." " Then here goes. If you please, my Lord Count, I am Jane's father, and here stands her poor mother ; and, with your good leave, I think the son of a Lord has no right to go down on his knees to the daughter of such silly folks as us, but the other way about ; and, there- fore, Jane, you go down on your knees to your true sweetheart, and at the same time thauk Almighty God for being so good to you ; not but ROWLAND BRADS HAW. 425 I'll give thee what I promised if t' married to my fancy, — a hundred thousand ; and who could t' ever fancy but the youth as had been so good to thy poor silly parents, as Rowland ever was." This caused a smile all round, and, we are afraid, in one place a deep blush, and in two or three others some positive titters. Rowland, however, most gallantly obeyed his father, and, kneeling, kissed his mistress' hand. The congratulations upon all sides were most hearty ; and last of all came up Mr. Joseph Styrrup, who leaving the arm of Miss Eliza Bioud for the purpose, looked at Miss Dantskipp for some time, snatched a kiss, shook her heartily by the hand, and said, " Jane, my love, you are a fortunate girl ; indeed, I think both you and your friend, Eliza here, have been precious lucky — eh, Rowland? they do not know what oifers their intendeds have had — when we were refugees, Rowland. I say, Rowland," continued honest Joseph, tenderly, " we had some rare fun there ; poor Miss Caunt Swilling, and Miss Hoxhorn, poor girls, we must send them wedding presents ! eh, Rowland, we shall never be so ha])py again " JNIiss Broud stared, and so did two or three others. " That is," said Joseph, seeing the slip he had made, "when we are out of the presence of our wives ! but, Rowland, we were very, very happy, although sometimes we had nothing but a bit of pig's cheek, dry bread, and thin coffee, and " Rowland saw how far his friend was going to carry the point, and so stopped him by saying, " Well, but recollect, how gaily we were entertained at the noble De Chepstow's feast," " De Chepstow ! oh, I groan to think how happy we were ; but I'll tell you — and the Count, and Bob here, shall be of the party — as soon as these weddings are all over, and every thing is comfortably settled, we will have a week there." "Yes," said Miss Broud, with a good deal of smartness, "and Mrs. Robert Rowbottom, the young Countess de Bouvre, and the amiable Mrs. Styrrup shall be of the party." This caused a laugh all round. " By George !" exclaimed Mr, Styrrup, delighted at a thought that had just made a forcible seizure upon him, " that will be better still, and we will dress you all as boys !" The laughter was complete, and we are glad of it, as we fear it is the last we shall have in this our last part. Amidst all this merriment, however, Mrs. Dantskipp whispered her still more knowing lord to this effect, " I say, Richard, doesn't think it would be best to have 'em married at once, for fear either the young or the old Count might change their mind ; because it would kill me now if he would not have Jane." " Kill !" answered the husband, " I never durst go to Manchester market again, I should be so laughed at. Styrrup and Broud's daughter's weddin' is fixed for to-morrow." " Then thee fix ours at same time ; and sooner than miss it, throw in another ten thousand." "Wont I! Well now, ladies and gentlefolks, now as all the fun is 426 ROWLAND BRADSJIAW. over, and neighbor Styrrup has had his jokes, when are these weddings to take place 't My friend Broud here informs me that his daughter's is to be to-morrow. Well then, as the young ladies was always perticular friends, as well as the brides, that is Mr. Broud' s intended son-in-law, and mine and my poor wife's here, what do you say, let us make short work of it — one parson will do for all, save expense, (every one began to look at Mr. Dantskipp,) and, and the difference we can give to the poor, as well as a thousand or so with it ; then let others rejoice, as well as those who are fortunate enough to get the men of their choice." The finish mended things a little ; when thus the noble Johannes — for, like Carl Ritche, it is too late in these papers to recognise him by his new, or rather proper, name — " No, good brother, the marriage can- not take place to-morrow, nor in England : thus it must be," added , he turning to his new companions ; "gentlemen, we now leave this happy land — our labors are done ; but I have some pleasing duties to com- mence, will you not then participate in the happiness of your master ? will you not go with him to his first home ? now that he takes those with him, those that will make it fitting for his last. Its hearths have been long cold and cheerless, for it has had no lord ; will you not journey with its true one, and help to give it habitation, and make it recognise itself? You all consent ! "Why, that is well ; and, when you require, you shall in turn command the same courtesy from your once master, and of one that will do still more honor to your board, this paragon of truth and affection — this good wife. Pardon me, gentlemen, if I appear a little silly, but much joy ever puts its servants in glittering livery ; come with me then and help me to wear it, till it sober to the family hue ; for, to my friend, I would say, behold her and make thee such a choice ; to an enemy, I would that thou hadst, then wouldst thou be no enemy of mine, or of any man's ; for possessing such an one, the arrows of envy would be so blunted upon his shield that they would be unfitting for another shot. " I am in all ways happy ; to have a new relation in the person of such a man as Mr. Rowbottom, is indeed a great acquisition ; he who gave such right principles and good philosophy to my poor child, when he was only a young ploughman of the hard soil — who taught him to sow, and will not, I know, refuse his advice at the more hazardous season of reaping. " Thine, and thy bride's life, Rowland, deserve an exemption from the English novelist's notion of heroism ; for you have done other things save being in love, and thwarting those who, to secure your happiness, have not only had to sacrifice their own, ever since you were resolved to fly with each other, but at last nuist yield their lives and estates, in order that you can be as voluptuous in your living as you were in your loving, though never of any use but to finish— with a wedding ! No, if a book is to record your acts, let the author now take up the pen, and show the world that there are other models by which standard might be given to your fictions, besides those which (like your Avillow pattern on crockery,) your novelist has selected these last hundred years. And there is a proud hope here, that to such a couple, England may owe more, for the advancement of her rising generation, than to most of her statesmen, and all her warriors. • - ^^" Y' ^._ (T V /f ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 427 " Your education, feeling, and connexions are English : your beloved mother, my son, is English ; I much love this grand country, England, and though for a time we all leave it, yet, at your wish, you shall return and bless it. Nor bless it singly, but both work hard in the sweet meads of art ; and as the Sun spreads his beams for the working hour, so the Moon gives her soft light, that, when the laborer has done, he may carry home his earnings in safety. Even so ye ; the one shall prepare England's young men for the task of greatness, whilst the other shall make their wives fitting partakers. Then shall the Arts be married to the Graces. Amen. " Well, then, for Vaucluse !" HERE ENDETH part THE THIRD. But though our labors were fairly ended with those of the great Count Henri de Bouvre, his son, and disciples, yet we hope the reader will not think us tedious, if we give some little information respecting others of our characters, who, though not taking so distinguished a place in these records as those we have just named, are nevertheless well worthy of some account. The weddings of Mr. Joseph Styrrup and the beautiful Miss Broud — of Rowland and his resplendent bride, took place exactly three months after the last scene in our conclusion, — the parties who were in attend- ance, being those that witnessed it, with numerous friends and retainers of the Count's. All this was at the same castle, and in the same apartment, where, the reader will recollect, a very dilferent conclusion to some intended marriage festivities — we allude to those wherein the Count Henri de Bouvre first introduced his bride. It would be useless here to attempt anything like a description of a hundredth part of the ceremonies, rejoicings, and the rest. Suffice it, the whole was on a gorgeous scale ; as it was not only to celebrate the wedding of the young Count and friend, but, properly speaking, that of the elder Lord ; as, until then, his bridal day had never been so honored ; and his enormous reputation, with the singularity, and, indeed, melancholiness of his former circumstances and misfortunes, caused a prodigious sensation and sympathy ; so much so, that no less than three princes, with as many dukes, graced the banquet of the returned Count — the great Johannes Donne. When the festivities were over, the elder Count and Countess, with suite, and many of the former's pupils, set ofF for Egypt, with the inten- tion of afterwards visiting Palestine, some parts of Turkey, and, finally, the younger Count, lady, and friends in Greece, they first going through Italy and Sicily, as Rowland had ever had an intense desire to see that bright land, (knowing that he was descended from one of the greatest families there,) as well as a singular wish to ascend and examine Mount Etna. The Mhole arrangements were to occupy a year, when all were to return to England. 428 ROWLAND BRADS HAW. We shall now turn to some of our earlier friends ; and, first then, we begin with Mr. Rowbottom, who, though attendant on the wedding of his nephew, and his old friend Styrrup, did not journey with thcin to Vauclnse ; on the contrary, Mr. Rowbottom made his first speech in the house on the very eve of the others' departure ; of course the rest knew not this, or it is likely few would have left this country until so mo- mentous an event had passed. They did not ; and the first intimation of the speech that Rowland saw, was in the leading journals, one of which thus spake, in conclusion of its remarks upon his first efforts in the British senate : — " Mr. Rowbottom is evidently a man who has entered the House of Commons Ji?iished upon one subject ; and not like many (and men of talent too) who have, and who enter there with a vast number of notions on a great number of things ; thus his speech was in every way successful. Of course, his interests, education, and county being in one of the most important manufactural districts in the world, it was expected that his speech and influence would partake of this order. "Why, so it did ; but certainly in a way that we believe his nearest friends were unprepared for, as it was a complete censure of their previous system ; or rather on government, for not causing a better system of education to be adopted in the manufacturing dominions of this empire; but allowing us to be mereservilecopiersand paltry imitators whereverany- thing like the arts or good design was wanted. That the Manchester, Birmingham, Sheflfield, and Pottery manufactures were alike, in a most defective state in all things where good design was wanted. Nay, that the whole system of education in England was bad, limited, and paltry, and ever would be so, whilst under the direction of men who teach things as they were expounded three hundred years since — teaching classics and theologies, when they wanted mechanics, and any sort of ics, save those which were under the heads of colleges, or the more dogmatical heads still — those worn on the shoulders of the country clergy. " In short, the whole speech was an extraordinary one ; and though digested and arranged, and evidently from much continental result, it neither partook of the travelled monkey, nor did it exhibit those orator- ical flashes which might have been in some degree expected from a gentleman, feeling conscious, as Mr. Rowbottom must, of his great com- mand of language and ready-cash wit, for which, we are told, he has been so long celebrated. He has stamped himself as the leader in all things concerning such interests ; and what are so important to England at this time ?" Mr. Windley was sadly disturbed when he returned from his election- eering at Frescoth, and was told of the visit of his once pupil, and then great man — Rowland. If disappointed in that, however, he was not at the mention of his name in a letter from the younger Styrrup to a friend of Mr. Windley's, in which (after speaking of all their great happiness, and their oftentimes thinking of Fleigh and their friends therein,) were these very words, — " as to Rowland, he often speaks about his master and mistress, and says he would give any sum for that sign of Windley's, which, as you will recollect, was unfortunately hloicn clown. He says, if he had it, he would place it in his bed-room, as it would always remind ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 429 him of what he OHce was." This passage was enough. Mr. Windley at once raised his premiums and his head, above all his contemporaries ; he obtained the first, and never dropped the last. As to his good lady, she has been preparing to visit the young Count de Bouvre and his lady, the moment they return to this kingdom. It is thought, by her neighbors, she will present something extraordinary, as she has had two dressmakers for several weeks ; but then the clothes of the Count's little goddaughter (she never culls him anything else save when in a hurry,) had to be made, as well as some pies, gingerbread, tott'y, and some good manners, breeding, and the rules— the last are ready made — but they must be learned — how to ride in a carriage as if she had been used to it ; talk finey and never call the Count, liowlcmd before folks. Then she has to wean her young son, a little gentleman of nine months old, one whom she has christened Rowland ; and then she assorts that he will make as great a painter— at least he shows as great a precocity — as his namesake, for such is his predilection for a brush, that he never has the kitten's tail out of his mouth. Mr. Dantskipp has retired from business, but not from the chief directorship of his daughter's school of design, which is flourislving wonderfully. Neither he nor his good lady talk much ; but Mrs. Frigins, the doctor's wife, has made calculations of how often, when they do honor the world with a few remarks, the phrases, " Our son, the Count!" and, "My daughter, the Countess !" occur ; and it is said these tables show a wonderful preponderance of these sentences, over such as, " when I was a poor carder ;" and, "when thee, my love, was only a throstle covcrer," and others which used to be of ctjual familiar- ity with both the grand folks. There is another fact which we are equally proud to report, and that is, that Mr. Dantskipp has put down some thousands of pounds, for the purpose of testing Mr. Rowbottom's new plans of education. Nay, and the " Rowland- Bradshaw street," he has converted into gift houses for his decayed workmen, and in many instances for those of other people. In short, both the parents of the young Countess de Bouvre, are considered (and properly too,) very worthy people. The White-Horse bar, with its host and hostess, is in as high repute as ever ; but it must be admitted there is not half that smashing, glass- breaking, and practical joking, that there used to be ; this, it is said, is all through the new schools being started all over the neighbor- hood, and the new principles and refinement that they in every way spread, nay, to such an extent is this being carried, that Mr. Peter luce has been obliged to discontinue both his badger and bear-baits ; and though his wife has not been equally remiss in remind- ing him of the last day, she never forgets, night by night, to tell him of the one that has just ceased, and of those times when half-crowns were as nothing ; and that now he is a careless fellow, and does not care what either becomes of her or her innocent family. And says, since there is not a halfpenny to be made, either by baiting badgers or bears; and even bell-ringing itself being but little thought of, he might turn the 430 ilOWr^AND BUAUSIIAW. rof)m into a methodist's meeting.house, — preach himself, since he had led such a disgraceful life all his days, and keep a missionary box. Peter said, he would keep the latter instrument in his gripened fist, and apply it to the side ol' her head, if ever she hinted at anything so fiendish again. Mr. Gibbon, hke Mr. Rowbottoin, has obtained a seat in parliament, and by the advice of Mr. Sv;eetlove, opened his remarks, on the third night of his admission there, by saying that he could save England a quarter of a million a year, if they would be good enough to give him leave. Every member in the house, most cordially, said he had his. Nay, so good-tempered were they on the occasion, that it is said, that even the speaker could not eat his supper, after business, for laughing. But, however, the learned member having the consent of all present, told them that there had been a good deal of complaints (properly so too,) about the devastations made in farmers' standing crops, by pheasants, hares, rabbits, and the rest ; that was true, they did so ; but, continued the honorable and learned member, at the same time, that they eat a good deal, it must be remembered that all present cat a great number of them ; so there was not so much hurt after all ; no, but there were other beggars (a continuance of good humor,) that did as much, or more hurt ; and their bodies in return were convertible into nothing. The learned gentleman said that he alluded to the millions of sparrows which might be seen in every corn-field in the united king- doms, riddling ten times as much as they could eat ! and eating twenty times as much as was necessary, either for their personal comfort, or for the purpose of enabling them to propagate in the ensuing spring. Well, what the sparrows did to the standing crops, the ugly grey-laced, brazen rats did to the stacks in the winter ; whilst the mice nibbled away in the granaries and meal bins, to that which was thrashed or ground. " Now," continued the philanthropist, " fix a price of sixpence a head on all these parties, not a penny of the money leaves the country, and there would not be a sparrow, rat, or mouse in England in six months, so that a quarter of a million a year would be saved !" The speech we have given caused lots of merriment, but after a little consideration, all parties agreed that Gibbon was right ; and there is no doubt but permission to bring in a bill for the measure, will be granted him for the next session. The only difiiculty will be in the neighbor- hood of Eleigh and Frescoth, in settling who will have the merit of it — Sweetlove or Gibbon. Both gentlemen, however, enjoy the best of health. Old Dillon and his crew have long since been banished from the Frescoth petty session, and some worthy men put in their places. And speaking of these affairs, we may as well glance at those of Hescott. Lord Wandly is now the Earl of Hescott, but where he enjoys his new honors is not known ; one thing is, that soon after we last saw him, a new valuation of his estates took place ; and although his tenants were well pleased with it, he ordered ten per cent, to be taken off the whole ; and as well as leases to be given to all who wished them, for ROWLAND IiUy\DSHAW. 431 tiventy-one years, with allowances for draining, or other improved inodcs of culture. If every landlord in England would do so, this country could EXPORT food as well as manufactures. He is indeed a truly good landlord, and his agent, Mr. Triappo, says, that he is equally as good a man. His son he has adopted, now his only child, and let us here hope, that in despite of his early vices that he may live long, that he may atone, and by his munificence make up for them as far as it is possible ; at the present time no mau is doing a more active, searching, or permanent good. And now for Knuri.y Pryet ; he was dismissed as we have seen, but at once brought an action against his late benefactor, and in which were numerous claims set up, all of which were wrong. But let this be a warning ; Lord Wandly durst not defend one of them, and why ? because, though sure to win, and though Knurly would undoubtedly be shown to be the bigger scoundrel, yet he had nothing to lose ; nor was there anything that Lord Wandly could gain, save more pitch, so he sub- mitted to all. Knurly then bade fair to be rich ; but the old gipsy lady, whom, we recollect his flagging, and Mr. John Lurch came forward, who, together with a nice little string of evidence that Mr. Priappe was in preparing against him, made him in turn to fly, whither we know not, nor does any one care, save those who wish a more pungent moral, to attend the finish of rascality. Mr. Lurch, from his conduct, and from the singular liking which was taken to him by Rowland, secured a snug little farm, well stocked, where he and his old master live in great comfort. Nor was the old Gipsy ill paid for the services she had rendered to Rowland, and his mother during his captivity, as well as for the care she took of the pistols, although never wanted. Miss Caunt Swilling, and her friend Miss Hoxhorn, have both blessed two worthy young tradesmen. Miss Swilling admits that she is very, very happy, and that she has the best of husbands — this is to her friend ; to him she oftentimes doth say that it serves her right, if she has a few miseries to submit to, for marrying anything so vulgar, and esi)ecially after the offer of a Count ; nay, and she vows and protests, that if her lord does not treat her with a thousand times more respect than he sometimes shows her, as well as if he ever stays out one minute past the hour she may fix for his coming in, or be caught with his eye on any other woman, she will still precipitate herself into the Count's arms, even if she has to travel into France to effect it. This ever brings him to. Miss Hoxhorn always imitates her friend. Mr. Caunt Swilling is still learning the signs of the zodiac. The great Hage-a-baby is married, that is, his lady — the beautiful Fattyma — has had, by him, three children ; there being no ceremony between them, and as the great actor observes, since their loves increase every day, what is the use of more formal and expensive ceremonies ; "Fools," says he, "make their weddings into a hasty dish; now ours is a standing one, where there is no washing up of plates ; in short, nothing is so bothering as domestic duties to a lady who, like his dear 432 ROWLAND BRADSHAW, Fattyma, is honored by supporting the principal Hne of the characters in one of the principal circuses in England." The great Summerset and his lady, Miss King, like the late Miss Hoxhorn and Miss Swilling, always imitate the great actor and his lady, with this difference, they have four chiklren, the eldest of which can stand on his thumbs for five minutes ! the youngest, a youth of nine months, can do the same on his legs — until he tumbles, which he can do thrice in the same time ; then his father always makes him turn a summerset over his first finger, which papa calls study. And now for the great De Chepstow — De Chepstow Don — with his lovely daughter. Miss Agnes de Chepstow, and the beautiful Stratus. Would it be believed that he has dropped his scientific and geological studies altogether, unless indeed it is to ridicule them, as well as those who profess them. His enemies say it is all because he was not elected — although a member of a scientific body— into the council. Of this we can give no opinion, but we can state as a fact, that, instead of making the world, as before he did, six millions four hundred thousand and thirteen years of age, he conforms to the Mosaic chronology ; nay, and proves that the latter is right, because, as he asserts (in an unpub- lished work, but for which he has already twenty-nine subscribers,) that had it been anything of the age, that modern scamps (who forsooth style themselves geologists, and other fine names,) assert it to be, it would long since have been smooth, as its diurnal motion alone would have caused that effect, to say nothing of the other. This, he says, he can prove in a hundred ways, but particularly recommends one ; that is, to keep measuring the height of the mountains, or the depth of the chasms, every thousand years, or oftener if required ; and it will show, that the former decreases in height, whilst the other keeps a similar proportion in depth ; and he says, that whoever asserts that granite formations are the secretions and dead bodies of insects, are liars and impostors. That to suppose the centre of the earth to be a red hot fluid is damnable, and the man who promulgates such stuff, as well as he who asserts that there is an atmosphere in space, should be sent to hunt for the latter during one half of eternity, and be thrust into the other for the other half. That coals never were vegetable matter, and therefore a proof of the amazing age of the world ; but a sort of fossil- ated taxywaxy that oozes from the earth, and is a similar sort of gum to that which exudes from our ears. In short, that all such studies are hellish, and their professors pre- suming imps, and that if he knew the beautiful Agnes de Chepstow to bestow even as short a look on one of them, as another lady once did at a conflagrating city, he would turn her into that name which the youthful Stratus once wore, but which should now be turned into Thomas Timothy. WiLDiNGAiR is now a great political writer, and has ever been the staunch friend of his two Fleigh friends, — Rowland Bradshaw and Robert Rowbottom. Thus, we think, we have given a faithful sketch of all the good ROWLAND BRADSIIAW. 433 people whom the reader hath met in this book ; and tliough, in many instances, we may have been too intent upon them, .as well as the great principles of education — in art and design — which we have endeavoured to bring fully before his notice, yet we have not done more than we felt it to be a duty. If the reader thinks with us, we hope the perusal of our opinions may not have been useless ; nay, if he think otherwise, still, we trust, that there are many points urged for his con- sideration, of which he will not deem them unworthy. In this hope, and that we may soon meet again, dear reader, we wish thee every happiness, and a hearty farewell. THE END. f\> lillillllllll