ties of Titmouse-the stately eccentricities of the Dreddlingtons! With what eager and breathless interest was helistened to! No man could make himself more unexceptionably agreeable than Gammon; and the ladies really took pleasure in his society; Kate about as far from any notion of the real state of his feelings as of what was at that moment going on at the antipodes. Her reserve towards him sensibly lessened; why, indeed, should she feel it, towards one of whom Dr Tatham spoke so highly, and who appeared to warrant it? Moreover, Mr Gammon took special care to speak in the most unreserved and unqualified manner of the mean and mercenary character of Mr Quirk of the miserable style of business in which he, Mr Gammon, was compelled, for only a short time longer, he trusted, to participate, and which was really revolting to his own feelings; in short, he did his best to cause himself to appear a sensitive and high-minded man, whose unhappy fate it had been to be yoked with those who were the reverse. Mr Aubrey regarded him from time to time with silent anxiety and interest, as one who had it in his power, at any instant he might choose, to cause the suspended sword to fall upon him; at whose will and pleasure he continued in the enjoyment of his present domestic happiness, instead of being incarcerated in prison; but who had hitherto evinced a disposition of signal forbearance, sincere good-nature, and disinterestedness. They often used to speak of him, and compare the impression which his person and conduct had produced in their minds; and in two points they agreed-that he exhibited anxiety to render himself agreeable; and that there was a certain something about his eye which none of them liked. It seemed as though he had in a manner two natures; and that one of them was watching the efforts made by the other to beguile! While, however, the Fates thus frowned upon the aspiring attempts of Gammon towards Miss Aubrey, they smiled benignantly enough upon Titmouse, and his suit with the Lady Cecilia. The first shock over-which no lively sensibilities or strong feelings. of her ladyship tended to protract, she began insensibly to get familiar with the person, manners, and character of her future lord, and reconciled to her fate. "When people understand that they must live together," said a very great man," they learn to soften, by mutual accommodation, that yoke which they know that they cannot shake off; they become good husbands and wives, from the necessity of remaining husbands and wives, for necessity is a powerful master in teaching the duties which it imposes." The serene intelligence of Lady Ce. cilia having satisfied her that "it was her fate" to be married to Titmouse, she resigned herself to it tranquilly, calling in to her assistance divers cooperative reasons for the step she had agreed to take. She could thereby accomplish at all events one darling object of her papa's-the re-union of the long and unhappily-severed family interests. Then Yatton was certainly a delightful estate to be mistress of a charming residence, and one which she might in all probability calculate on having pretty nearly to herself. His rent-roll was large and unencumbered, and would admit of a handsome jointure. On her accession to her own independent rank, the odious name of Titmouse would disappear in the noble one of Lady Drelincourt, peeress in her own right, and representative of the oldest barony in the kingdom. Her husband would then become a mere cipher-no one would ever hear of him, or enquire after him, or think or care about him-a mere mote in the sunbeam of her own splendour. But, above all, thank Heaven! there were many ways in which a separation might be brought about-never mind how soon after marriage-a step which was becoming one quite of course, and implied nothing derogatory to the character, or lessening to the personal consequence of the lady-who indeed was almost, as of course, recognized as an object of sympathy, rather than of suspicion or scorn. These were powerful forces, all impelling her in one direction-and irresistibly. How could it be otherwise with a mere creature of circumstance like her? Notwith * The late venerable and gifted Lord Stowell, in the case of Evans v. Evans, 1 Consistory Reports, p. 36. may feel disposed to take, I shall take no steps whatever of the kind you mention. At the same time, it is utterly impossible for me to pay""Mr Aubrey!" interrupted Gammon, imploringly. "And what you intend to do, for Heaven's sake, sir, do quickly, and do not keep me in suspense." down opposite to him, with a sternly inquisitive look, awaiting his visiter's errand, who did not keep him long in suspense, For-"Oh, Mr Aubrey!" commenced Mr Gammon, with a somewhat tremulous voice, "I perceive, from your manner, that my fears are justified, and that I am an intruder a dishonourable and hypocritical one I must indeed appear; but, as one gentleman with another, I request you to hear me. This visit appears indeed unseasonable; but, late this afternoon, I made a discovery which has shocked me severely, nay, I may say, disgusted me beyond expression, Am I right, Mr Aubrey, in supposing that this evening you have received a letter from Mr Quirk, and about the balance due on our account?" "Yes, sir," replied Mr Aubrey, coldly. "I thought as much," muttered Gammon, with suppressed vehemence "execrable, heartless, sordid old And he knew," continued Gammon, addressing Mr Aubrey in an indignant tone, "that my word was pledged to you that it should be long before you were troubled about the business." "I have nothing to complain of, sir," said Mr Aubrey, eyeing his agitated companion (who felt that he was) searchingly, "But I have, Mr Aubrey," said Gammon, haughtily. My senior partner has broken faith with me. Sir, you have already paid more than will cover what is justly due to us; and I recommend you, after this, to have the bill taxed. I do, sir, and thereby you will get rid of every farthing of the balance now demanded." Notwithstanding the air of sincerity with which this was uttered, a cold thrill of apprehension and suspicion passed through Mr Aubrey's heart, and he felt confident that some subtle and dangerous manoeuvre was being practised upon him-some hostile step urged upon him, for instance-which would be un. successful, and yet afford a pretext to Messrs Quirk, Gammon, and Snap to treat him as one guilty of a breach of faith, and warrant them in proceeding to extremities. "I have no intention, sir, to do any thing of the kind," said he-" the original agreement between us was, that your bill should not be taxed. I adhere to it; and whatever course you SO "I perceive, Mr Aubrey, that I am distrusted," said Gammon, with a somewhat proud and peremptory tone and manner."I excuse it; you are justly irritated, and have been insulted: have I, too, sir; and I choose to tell you, upon my sacred word of honour as a gentleman, that I entirely disown and scout this whole procedure; that I never knew any thing about it till, accidentally, I discovered lying on Mr Quirk's desk, after his departure this evening from the office, a rough draft of a letter which I presumed you had received, especially as, on a strict enquiry of the clerks, I found that a letter had been put into the post, addressed to you. Nay, more; Mr Quirk, whose rapacity increases-I am shocked to own-inversely with his years-has been for many weeks harassing me about this detestable business, and urging me to consent, but in vain, to such an application as he has now meanly made behind my back, regardless of the injury it was calculated to do my feelings, and, indeed, the doubt it must throw over my sincerity and honour. Only a fortnight ago, he solemnly pledged himself never to mention the matter to either me or you again, for at least a couple of years, unless something extraordinary should intervene. the letter you have received is a transcript of the rough draft which I have read, it is a vulgar, unfeeling letter, and contains two or three wilfully false statements. I therefore feel it due to myself to disavow all participation in this truly unworthy affair; and if you still distrust me, I can only regret it, but shall not presume to find fault with you for it. I am half disposed, on account of this, and or two other things which pened, to close my e Quirk from thi and I have no the kind o is perfe should und If pretty conclusive evidence of my sincerity and truth in what I have been saying to you-namely, that on the faith and honour of a gentleman, you may depend upon hearing no more on this matter from any member of our firm. Let the event, Mr Aubrey, speak for itself." While Gammon was speaking, with great earnestness and fervour, he had felt Mr Aubrey's eye fixed on him with an expression of stern incredulity-which, however, he at length perceived, with infinite inward relief and pleasure, to be giving way as he went on. "Certainly, Mr Gammon"-said Mr Aubrey, when Gammon had ceased -"the letter you have mentioned, has occasioned me-and my family very great distress: for it is utterly out of my power to comply with its requisitions: and if it be intended to be really acted on, and followed up" he paused, and successfully concealed his emotion," all my little plans are for ever frustrated-and I am at your mercy to go to prison, if you choose, and there end my days."-He pausedhis lip trembled, and his eyes were for a moment obscured with starting tears. So also was it with Mr Gammon. "But,"-resumed Mr Aubrey,-"after the explicit and voluntary assurance which you have given me, I feel it impossible not to believe you entirely. I can imagine no motive for what would be otherwise such elaborate deception." "Motive, Mr Aubrey? The only motive I am conscious of is, one rest ing on profound sympathy for your misfortunes-admiration of your character-and aiming at your speedy extrication from your very serious embarrassment. I am in the habit, Mr Aubrey," he continued, in a lower tone, "of concealing and checking my feelings-but there are occasions" he paused, and added with a somewhat faltering voice-" Mr Aubrey, it pains me inexpressibly to observe that your anxieties-your severe ex trust in God I may not your privations-are You taining, moreover, commensurate feelings of gratitude towards one who had done so much to protect him from rapacious avarice, and the ruin into which it would have precipitated him; and of respect for one who had evinced such an anxious, scrupulous, and sensitive jealousy for his own honour and reputation, and resolute determination to vindicate it against suspicion. Subsequent conversation served to strengthen his favourable disposition towards Gammon, and the same effect was also produced when he adverted to his previous and unwarrantable distrust and disbelief of that gentleman. He looked fatigued and harassed; it was growing late; he had come on his errand of courtesy and kindness, a great distance: why should not Mr Aubrey ask him up stairs, to join them at tea? To be sure, Mr Aubrey had hitherto felt a disinclination-he scarce knew why-to have any more than mere business intercourse with Mr Gammon, a member of such a firm as Quirk, Gammon, and Snap-and, moreover, Mr Runnington had more than once let fall expressions indicative of vehement distrust of Mr Gammon; so had the Attorney-General; but what had Gammon's conduct been? Had it not practically given the lie to such insinuations and distrust, unless Mr Aubrey was to own himself incapable of forming a judgment on a man's line of conduct which had been so closely watched as that of Gammon by himself, Aubrey? Then Miss Aubrey had ever, and especially that very evening-expressed a vehement dislike of Mr Gammon-avowed, also, her early and uniform distrust-twould be extremely embarrassing to her suddenly to introduce into her presence such an individual as Gammon: again, he had promised to return quickly, in order to relieve their anxiety: why should he not have the inexpressible gratification of letting Mr Gammon himself, in his own pointed and in pressive manner, dispel all their Tears? He woobably, not stay long frank, reached me when in their presence, and we all read it together, and were dreadfully disturbed at its contents." After a faint show of reluctance to trespass on the ladies so suddenly, and at so late an hour, Mr Gammon slipped off his great-coat, and, with secret but suppressed feel ings of exultation at the success of his scheme, followed Mr Aubrey up stairs. He felt not a little fluttered on entering the room and catching a first glimpse of the two lovely women-and one of them Miss Aubrey-sitting in it, their faces turned with eager interest and anxiety towards the door as he made his appearance. He observed that both of them started, and turned excessively pale. "Let me introduce to you," said Mr Aubrey, quickly, and with a bright assuring smile, "a gentleman who has kindly called to relieve us all from great anxiety-Mr Gammon : Mr Gammon, Mrs Aubrey-Miss Aubrey." He bowed with an air of deep deference, but easy self-possession; his soul thrilling within him at the sight of her whose image had never been from before his eyes since they had first seen her. "I shall trespass on you for only a few minutes, ladies," said he, approaching the chair towards which he was motioned. "I could not resist the opportunity so politely afforded me by Mr Aubrey of paying my compliments here, and personally assuring you of my utter abhorrence of the mercenary and oppressive conduct of a gentleman with whom, alas! I am closely connected in business, and whose letter to you of this evening I only casually became acquainted with a few moments before starting off hither. Forget it ladies; I pledge my honour that it shall never be acted on!" This he said with a fervour of manner that could not but make an impression on those whom he addressed. "I'm sure we're happy to see you, Mr Gammon, and very much obliged to you, indeed," said Mrs Aubrey, with a sweet smile, and a face from which alarm was vanishing fast. Miss Aubrey said nothing: her brilliant eyes glanced with piercing anxiety, now at her brother, then at his companion. Gammon felt that he was distrusted. Nothing could be more prepossessing-more bland and insi Her nuating, without a trace of fulsomeness, than Mr Gammon's manner and address, as he took his seat between Mrs Aubrey and Miss Aubrey, whose paleness rather suddenly gave way to a vivid and beautiful flush; and her eyes presently sparkled with delighted surprise on perceiving the relieved air of her brother, and the apparent cordiality and sincerity of Mr Gammon. When she reflected, moreover, on her expressions of harshness and severity concerning him that very evening, and of which he now appeared so undeserving, it threw into her manner towards him a sort of delicate and charming embarrassment. ear drank in eagerly every word he uttered-so pointed, so significant, so full of earnest good-will towards her brother. His manner was that of a gentleman, his countenance and conversation that of a man of intellect; -was this the keen and cruel pettifoger whom she had learned at once to dread and to despise? They and he were, in a word, completely at their ease with one another, within a few minutes after he had taken his seat at the tea-table. Miss Aubrey's beauty shone that evening with even unwonted lustre, and appeared as if it had not been in the least impaired by the anguish of mind which she had so long suffered. 'Tis quite impossible for me to do justice to the expression of her full beaming blue eyes-an expression of mingled passion and intellect-of blended softness and spirit, that, especially in conjunction with the rich tones of her voice, shed something like madness into the breast of Gammon. She, as well as her lovely sister-in-law, was dressed in mourning, which infinitely set off her daz zling complexion, and, simple and elegant in its drapery, displayed her exquisite proportions to the greatest possible advantage. "Oh, my God!" thought Gammon, with a momentary thrill of disgust and horror; "and this is the transcendant creature of whom that little miscreant, Titmouse, spoke to me in terms of such presumptuous and revolting li cense!" What would he not have given to kiss the fair and delicate white hand that passed to him his tea-cup! Then Gammon's thoughts turned for a moment inward-why, what a scoun drel was he! At that instant he was, as it were, reeking with his recent lie. He was there on cruel, false pretences, to have been-his own unreasonable, which alone had secured him access into that little drawing-room, and brought him into contiguity with the dazzling beauty beside him-pure and innocent as beautiful ;-he was a fiend beside an angel. What an execrable hypocrite was he! He caught, on that memorable occasion, a sudden glimpse even of his own infernal SELFISHNESS-a sight that gave him a cold shudder. Then, was he not in the presence of his victims ?-of those whom he was fast pressing on to the verge of destruction-to whom he was, at that moment, meditating profound and subtle schemes of mischief! At length they all got into animated conversation. He was infinitely struck and charmed by the unaffected simplicity and frankness of their manners, yet he felt a sad and painful consciousness of not having made the least way with them; though physically near to them, he seemed yet really at an unapproachable distance from them, and particularly from Miss Aubrey. He felt that the courtesy bestowed upon him was accidental, the result merely of his present position, and of the intelligence which he had come to communicate; it was not personal-'twas nothing to Gammon himself; it would never be renewed, unless he should renew his device. There was not the faintest semblance of sympathy between them and him. Fallen as they were into a lower sphere, they had yet about them, so to speak, a certain atmosphere of conscious personal consequence, derived from high birth and breeding-from superior feelings and associations from a native frankness and dignity of character, which was indestructible and inalienable, which chilled and checked undue advances of any sort. They were still the Aubreys of Yatton, and he, in their presence, still Mr Gammon of the firm of Quirk, Gammon, and Snap, of Saffron Hill—and all this on the part of the Aubreys without the least effort, the least intention, or consciousness. No, there had not been exhibited towards him the faintest indication of hauteur. On the contrary, he had been treated with perfect cordiality and frankness. Yet, dissatisfaction and vexation were, he scarce knew at the moment why, completely flooding him. Had he accurately analysed his own feelings, he would have discovered the real cause unjustifiable wishes and intentions. |