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FORM NO 513,
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https://archive.org/details/johnfortescuereyOOstor
_ JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, Q.6.,
* P oh) ee, AA
< PA eS Sol
OF LINCOLN’S INN;
we ~ f
t Pe Mines * i c.) =i D.
he Rare as
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4
OR
“THE BUBBLE AND SQUEAK COMPANY.”
A NOVEL.
-
IN THREE VOLUMES.
BY
C. STORM.
‘SSEEK AND YE SHALL FIND.”
VOL. I.
| Lonpon :
T. CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER,
. 30, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE.
. . : 1873.
{ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ]
ee
4.
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ar
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ,
OF LINCOLN’S INN.
CHAPTER I.
‘STAR FETE CHAMPETRE. ’—-WATTEAU.
CuituincHam Hatt is one of those charming
residences only to be found in green and
fertile England. Hmbosomed in trees, its
white and pillared Greek front forms a con-
spicuous object in the surrounding land-
scape, where it reposes in serene enjoyment
of its beautiful lawns, its towering elms and
stately oaks— giants of their race —its
glorious river (the Thames), and above all
of the good and happy family who called it
—** home.”
VOL. I. B
2 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Though fair and tranquil its general aspect,
think not that silence and solitude have made
it their dwelling place, or that its groves and
glades are alone resonant with the soft notes
of the nightingale. No, the light echoes of
youthful laughter are borne onward by the
bounding river, the soft breezes answer to
sighs seductive as themselves, whilst the glow-
ing skies beam on countenances scarcely less
radiant than their own.
Yes, life is there to give animation to the
picture. The hospitable gates of Chilingham
are open alike to gentle and simple; but
on the day upon which our story commences, —
its barriers and portals are opened to their
widest extent, and the whole neighbourhood
is roused to unwonted excitement.
And well it may be, for the dear son, the»
only scion of the house, Colonel Freemantle,
has but recently recovered from wounds re-
ceived during the horrors of the Indian
mutiny. Prostrate he had lain for months—
his deeds the theme of every tongue—his
name an example for every age. It is for
his sake that Chilingham dons its festal
attire, and his parents, in the lavish gratitude
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. ian
of their hearts, kill the fatted calf and bid
friends and neighbours welcome to the cheer.
The poor have had their feast—not Lazarus-
like, with the crumbs which fell from the
rich man’s table—but solid English fare,
with merry games and rustic dance, and now
they lend their willing hands to aid the
master of the revels. |
From an early hour the bells have rung out
a joyous peal, arches have been raised, tents
are scattered over the grounds, boats are upon
the river, music on the lawn, whilst carriages
dash up the avenue towards the house. We
will not stop to admire the beauty of the
vehicles, but follow a party just arrived
across the lawn, like them to be introduced
to Mr. Freemantle, the worthy owner of this
beautitul- property, who, under the shade
of a magnificent beech tree, and, to use a
courtly phrase, “‘surrounded by a brilhant
company,’ received his guests with that
benign, indescribable charm of manner, which
won for him the love and regard of all who
knew him.
By Mr. Freemantle’s side sat his wife, a
lady of dignified appearance, gentle and
: B 2
4, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
lovable also, and not a little proud of being
the mother of the Lion of the day.
And where was he, the hero of our tale P
There! upon the terrace, within view of the
beech tree, conspicuous among his fellows,
stood “the man of men.”
In him Nature had not left her handiwork
imperfect, but in fashioning her masterpiece,
had produced the good Englishman.
We may be accused of prejudice in favour
of our own countrymen ; we care not, neither
do we mind to whom else the palm be awarded,
but boldly fling down the gauntlet, and defy
the world to produce his counterpart. Of —
dauntless courage, of spotless integrity,
the purest of patriots, the steadfast friend,
the generous enemy, strong in his affec-
tions, loathing deceit, abhorring treachery,
preferring death to dishonour. Proud he may
be, but it is the pride of a great soul instinct
with those qualities, which alone can justify
man in the otherwise impious assertion that
he, so oft the slave of every vice, is the image
of his maker.
And both great and good was Colonel Free-
mantle, as he stood there in the pride of his
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 5
strength, the glory of his manhood, the fuls
ness of life circling in his veins, and his heart
glowing with the highest aspirations. His
active life had afforded little opportunity for
the development of the softer affections; yet
had he taken with him to India the tender
remembrance of a youthful face: it had
been to him as the face of an angel, shining
on him throughout every phase of that event-
ful period of his career: In the deadly breach,
amid the horrors of famine, in the fearful con-
flict, when stretched apparently lifeless on the
plain, and even numbered with the slain.
With returning health the light of other
days came back, and with it the intense long-
ing to see again the object of all his thoughts
and. hopes.
As yet he had not spoken to her he loved.
He came a stranger, saw, and was conquered,
yet not ignobly, for he resolved to win.
At the moment his resolute efforts to gain
an introduction to her father were on the
point of success, the first whispering of the
storm in India reached England, and his regi-
ment was ordered out there instantly.
The fire, however, was not, extinguished.
6 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
He enlisted his mother in his cause, and she
made the discovery that the Whynns, whose
acquaintance he had made previous to his de-
parture, were sworn friends and allies of the
family of his enslaver. She resolved to bring
about the introduction, and fortune so far
favoured her that she was able to number the
young lady among her guests of the day.
For some time previous to the appearance
of the arrival before mentioned, Colonel Free-
mantle had been pacing the terrace in front
of the mansion, In company with -several
gentlemen,.and his mother smiled as_ she
divined the cause that made him stop, and
with his face turned towards the beech tree,
continue the conversation with his friends.
The group whose entrance appeared to in-
terest him consisted of a lady, wife to Admiral
Whynn, her son, and a most beautiful
girl.
The Squire, as Mr. Freemantle was called
by the good people of Chillingham, advanced
to meet the new comers, his face beaming with
pleasure as he greeted them, and then led
them to his wife.
The first greetings over, Mrs. Whynn in-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 7
troduced her son and her protegée, Miss
Augusta Reynolds.
The first glance at Mrs. Whynn sufficed to
determine her position in life. She looked
what she was—a lady in every sense of the
word. In her youth her face must have
been eminently handsome; but sufferme—
not ‘time—had changed its expression ; it
was grave even to melancholy, little indica-
tive of the vivacity that gave hfe and anima-
tion to her countenance in earlier years.
She was, however, a woman of cultivated
mind and large affections. Those who knew
her were devoted to her, and attributed the
change to grief for the loss of her children.
The last who died, a fine youth, it was long
feared she would not survive. For two years
she was never seen to smile.
One child only remained, and he seemed to
have been spared to show, how much folly and
mischief could be combined in one shape and
brought into action at the shortest notice.
Fred Whynn, as he was generally called,
had already acquired notoriety of which he
was not a little proud. He could enter the
lists, and carry the day against Colonel Free-
8 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
mantle, as regarded the number of his exploits;
and the jokes and laughter which were wont
to follow his appearance in public he took as
proofs of his popularity, and the admiration
excited by his extraordinary abilities.
He had hitherto been a source of constant
alarm and anxiety, to say nothing of expense,
to his parents. Admiral Whynn being much
away, the burthen of his misdeeds fell upon
his mother. In one respect Fred’s reckless
conduct had been beneficial. It had pre-
vented Mrs. Whynn sinking into that morbid
state of apathy to which, on the loss of her
other son, she seemed fast approaching. His
conduct roused her, which was more than
friends or physicians could do.
As he never went anywhere, without giving
ample evidence of his presence in the shape
of damage and disaster, it was with consider-
able misgiving Mrs. Whynn brought him
with her to Chillingham. He rarely did ac-
company her anywhere, but this was a special
occasion, and she really did require something
in the shape of a cavalier, to do duty for her-
self and young friend ; besides, Fred had ap-
peared tamer of late; a mishap in the spring
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 9
had sobered him, for how long no one could
tell, and Mrs. Whynn felt uneasy ; she could
not feel sure of him one moment. If the
freak took him, there was no saying to what
pitch of absurdity he might not attain.
At present he had behaved pretty well,
driving the two ladies to Chillingham with, for
him, unnatural caution.
Fred always made interest with coach-
men to surrender the reins into his keeping.
The box seat was the height of his ambi-
tion; he preferred it to a throne—it was
more elevating.
Driving was his forte; no matter what, from
an express train to a hansom, he would under-
take it, but the fees exacted for the honour of
the thing, made serious inroads on his purse.
“I could keep a dwag for what it costs me
in bwibes,’ he would say, so he tried the
drag, and came to grief in his first essay.
People said he had been imbibing “ pota-
tions deep” much too freely before starting—
scandal, no doubt—yet it is certain from
some cause the drag got off the road, into an
ugly ditch; Fred said it was ‘the dwag’s
fault.’ There was a regular upset; the poor
BS
10 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
outsiders came badly off, and sufferers on
such occasions are apt to be abusive and un-
just.
The unfortunate driver fared worse than
anyone ; the little brains he possessed seemed.
quite knocked out of him. He was picked up
insensible, and for some time 1t was doubtful
whether he was alive or dead.
Heavy expenses were incurred, in the shape
of doctors’ bills, compensation, &c. The
drag and its beautiful team, which had not
been paid for, were returned to their respec-
tive proprietors, the former more damaged
than by the ‘‘ reasonable wear and tear’’ of
twenty years, while the latter, had speech
been given to them, would have declared that
the driving of Jehu, the son of Nimshi,
furious as it was, was nothing to it, not half
, $o striking in its effects.
This escapade was a bygone, almost
passed from Fred’s short memory; he was
all right now, and on exceedingly good terms
with himself; quite elated at having handled
once more his beloved ribands, and his round,
unintellectual face fairly twinkled with glee
and self-satisfaction.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. Bie
He was not bad looking; his best points
were his dark eyes and shock head of curly
black hair; but to negative these, a frightful
poke not only detracted from his height, but,
being violent and impulsive in his move-
ments, it gave him the appearance of running
to butt at people.
Nature, too, for some wise but hidden
purpose—perhaps in pity—had placed in his
speech a bar, which prevented his listeners
receiving all at once the full benefit of his
few and foolish ideas.
This impediment in Fred’s utterance could
not be called hesitation or stammering;
it was a convulsive, prolonged crowing or
whoop preceding each sentence, conveying
at first the most painful sensations, and had
procured for him the cognomen of “* Hoopey,”’
amongst his gay and thoughtless companions.
It was reported, and very generally be-
lieved, that this hopeful youth was the des-
tined husband of the beautiful Augusta Rey-
nolds; she had been the playmate of Mrs.
Whynn’s lost children, and this alone was
sufficient to endear her to that lady, who had
petted, caressed and almost provided for
IZ JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ:
Augusta from infancy, and’ as the more we
benefit the object of our affections the more
intense our interest becomes, so with the
increasing years and requirements of the
girl, Mrs. Whynn’s love had almost grown
into idolatry.
But “ ?homme propose,’ often very blindly,
_ The matrimonial intentions above referred to
were entertained by the two mothers—we say
“mothers,” for the admiral, owing to his long
periods of absence, could scarce be expected
to interfere much in home affairs, and Mrs.
Reynolds, being a strong-minded woman.
would not allow of her husband’s interference
in her department; she treated him as a
dummy, and turned a deaf ear to his protest-
ations “that Augusta should not be sacrificed
to such ascamp as young Whynn.”
Whatever pains had been taken to arrange
a marriage, seemed likely to be frustrated
by the perverse obstinacy natural to young
persons.
Augusta wickedly regarded the honour
intended, with feelings akin to horror, and
inscribed on her gentle heart the word never;
but such had been the discipline exercised by
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 13:
her mother, she had not dared to negative
in words that lady’s’ decision; her hopes
rested on Frederick, who decidedly objected
to being disposed of without his permission.
*«* W—ould—suppose—was—booby—of—a
—boy. Didn’t—know—his—own—m—ind.”
Fred was not the least scrupulous in ex-
pressing his sentiments, and with affecting
tenderness characteristic of him, would blurt
out—
© §—ee—them—all—hanged—first. Be—
hanged — myself —before—I—marwy—Miss
— Weynolds, — isn’t—to—my—taste. B—
Bell — of —the ‘* B—Bell Inn” — worth —
hundwed—.of — her. St—unner,—Bwick—
of —girl, — Twelve — st — one, —two—of—
Augusta—any—day. Deuced—glad—wasn’t
—hurt—when—dwag—spilled.”
Such was the state of affairs at the time
our narrative commences.
cd
14 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER II.
‘¢ GIRL WITH ROSES.” —GREUZE.
Many circumstances combined to make this
day memorable to Colonel Freemantle. In
the morning a letter had arrived from the
Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, requesting, in the
name of the University, permission to confer
upon so distinguished an officer the highest
title it possessed the power of bestowing, to
wit, the famed D.C.L.
All hail to thee, glorious old Oxford! Pre-
éminent thyself in wisdom and honour, the
grandest attributes of man, thou art ever
- first to recognise those qualities in others;
first to stretch forth the generous hand and
place the immortal wreath on brows kindred
to thine own.
No event of his, outer life at least, had
touched Colonel Freemantle so deeply as this.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 15:
He was not an Oxford man, soldiers and sailors.
are not allowed time for university education,
they are acting whilst scholars are thinking,
and he valued this mark of esteem and ap-
probation beyond any reward that could have
been bestowed on him for military service.
Later in the day a deputation from the in-
fluential Borough of Rochester came to Chil-
lingham, soliciting our hero to represent the
Liberal interest, should the retirement of the
present member on the ground of ill health
take place.
Two such flattering proofs of the esteem and
admiration of his countrymen were to be fol-
lowed by a third event, nearest of all to his
heart. The girl whom long. he had loved,
with entire and absorbing affection, and who
as if to torture and prove him, had hitherto
baffled every attempt, now stood before him.
Strange the revulsion of feeling that so often
takes place in the moment that gives us the
fulfilment of hopes and ambitions every
nerve hag been strained to attain. Free-
mantle found it so: a presentiment took
possession of him, that the enchanting illu-
sion of his day-dream was about to vanish,
16 © JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
like many another zgnis fatuus of his, and
rather than awaken to such mockery, he
would prefer to dream on and worship from
afar.
While these scarcely defined ideas were
coursing through his brain, it came to pass
that the band to which he and his friends
were in close proximity, renewing operations,
interrupted conversation, and brought a con-
course of people around. Freemantle took
advantage of this, and quitting the terrace he
led his friends to the beech tree. He warmly
greeted Mrs. Whynn, whom he admired for
her truly feminine character, and was by her
introduced to Miss Reynolds, a common-place
proceeding after all.
Augusta’s reception of him, however, was
so natural and frank that he felt disap-
pointed. ‘‘She has forgotten me,” was the
chilling thought.
Colonel Freemantle was not a man once
seen to be forgotten by anyone, least of all by
her whose young heart had secretly made its
first real response to his earnest, though silent
appeal. But whether or not, certain it was
her countenance lost none of its brightness ;
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 17
animated by a scene new to her, she looked
radiant as the river sparkling under the sun-
beams,
A decided change had taken place in Miss
Reynolds, so apparent was it to Colonel Free-
mantle, that though he could not define in what.
it consisted, yet as he gazed on her, he almost
doubted her identity, albeit so indelibly had
every lineament, her every movement been
imprinted on his memory, that he recognised.
her at the first glance, as she crossed the
lawn with her friends.
It was two years since he last saw her, and.
she in the meantime had crossed the threshold.
of womanhood, and now stood within its
charmed precincts, her beauty assuming the
form which dazzles and bewitches. Men of
orave, studious pursuits, who troubled them-
selves little about feminine attractions, were
captivated by Miss Reynolds ; steady, married
men, whose allegiance had never wavered,
would lead up the happy partners of their
domestic felicity to share in their admira-
tion of the ‘loveliest face they ever be-
held.”
Augusta had the fairest complexion and.
18 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the loveliest blue eyes imaginable, eyes of that
intense ultramarine blue—seen in the glorious
gether of summer skies, and shaded with the
thickest black lashes.
People were wont to argue which bore away
the palm, her eyes, or her mouth, so divinely
curved and graced with the most exquisite of
little pouts.
It is a false and unjust premise ied because
a woman is handsome, she must be vain,
ignorant, and foolish likewise.
We do not claim for her entire exemption
from these failings, which are incidental to*
humanity, and distributed proportionably
between men and women of allages. We
have known some of the plainest women to
be the vainest, the most frivolous, and
worse; as girls boasting of their conquests,
and committing follies to attract notice, that
would be quite unnecessary trouble for a
pretty woman to take.
Augusta was neither weak nor vain, she
possessed qualities of a high order, united
with an affectionate and gentle disposition ;
she had been trained with severity, and kept
secluded long beyond the stereotyped time —
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 19:
for girls to ‘‘come out;” she was little seen
except by her own family.
Beautiful as she was, it cannot be supposed
she was all unconscious of her gifts, but she
did not make that count of them, the less
favoured may imagine. ‘The homage and ad-
miration testified in a thousand ways she
accepted as proofs of the love and kindness
to be found in the world, rather than as
due to any merit of her own.
Tt was this charming, artless manner, this
willingness to be pleased and to please, that.
reassured Colonel Freemantle, who at first
had felt a little dazzled. ‘They were’ soon.
friends, laughing and talking in a most un-.
precedented way for a first meeting.
Mr. Frederick Whynn had disappeared from:
the scene without waiting to be introduced to
the rival hero, the Colonel, who, though well
acquainted with Admiral Whynn, having been
much in his society before going to India, had.
never met his son, though he had often heard.
of him.
The fact was, that interesting specimen of
Nature’s “’prentice hand” felt completely
out of his element ; he voted the whole thing
‘a bore,’ and the elegance and quiet refine-
20 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ment of the assemblage under the beech tree—
“ s_slow—enough—to—kill—old—Harwy.”’
His small stock of conversation was soon
exhausted, extending through only a few
sentences exchanged with Mr. Freemantle.
‘Did you come by train, Mr. Whynn; or
drive here ?”
“ Oh, dwove—to—hbe sure. I like dwiving ;
—jolly—dwive.”
«Did you dwive P”
The good old gentleman positively said
“dwive,’ to the great amusement of his
friends. He was so struck by Fred’s peculiar
pronunciation he caught it instanter.
“Yes, [dwove. Vewy—fond—of—dwiving
—and widing. Do—you—wide ?”
«Yes, | wide,’ answered Fred’s apt pupil,
committing himself a second time, and laugh-
ing heartily at his capacity for acquiring new
forms of speech in his old days.
“Why, Freemantle,” exclaimed an intimate
friend; ‘‘ you have been bitten by a rabid W
to-day, like your young friend ;” then turning
to Fred, the speaker continued—‘ You wide
in Wotten Wow, I believe ; I wemember your
cweating a sensation there,’ a pure invention,
he had never seen him before.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 21
*“ Wotten Wow,” returned Fred. “ Oh—
when— I —wode — that —stupid— mare —
Wose,—tfell—down,—nearly—bwoke—my—
neck,—head—funny—ever—s—ince.”
The friend laughed loudly at his success
in mounting falsehood on truth’s back.
** Let me give you one piece of advice,” he
said, as soon as he could speak. ‘In such
cases, you should always remember to let
your head come to the ground first. Be
assured, it is the thickest part about you, and
will save your neck.” As he finished speak-
ing, he fixed his eyes on Augusta, to win a
smile of approval at his wit; but she did not
approve. Looking very grave, she turned
to Frederick, and called his attention to
Mrs. Freemantle, who desired to speak to
him.
«You ought to take care of yourself,”
said she, kindly; “for the sake of your
parents, whose only son you are.”
“ Pwe—cious—bore—only son,” Fred re-
plied, and then paused so long, the spectators
believed a sudden inspiration had revealed to
him his own character ; but such hopes were
dispelled by the following—
** B—ullied,—b—adgered—all—day—long,
22 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
m—ustn’t— wide,—m—ustn’t—dwive,—fear
—of—losing—pwecious—life,” the last words
with an air of extreme importance, “ wish—
had—elder—bwother. Do—wide—though,—
e” (pointing to Mrs. Whynn), ‘ don’t—
know—it,—must—n’t—tell her.”
“Oh no, you may trust me,
Mrs. Freemantle, contrasting her own good
fortune in sonship with that of her friend.
Mrs. Whynn being at a little distance was
not edified by hearing this graceful tribute
paid to her maternal solicitude; but she saw
Fred in full fling, and the laughter he oc-
casioned made her so uneasy that it was a
relief to see him go away.
Fred’s first move was to the band in the
act of finishing the masterpiece of Weber’s,
the overture to ‘‘ Der Freischutz.”’
To show his thorough appreciation of good
music he, with his bewitching intonation, thus
accosts them—
*‘ Hallo! f—ightinge—fellows! Call—that
—m—usic ?”
This speech was responded to by the trom-
bone player, he was the wag of the regiment.
“ And pray, sir, what may you gh to
call it P”?
> answered
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 23
*¢ |—J—I—call—1it-—noisiest-——-wow—ever
heard, stun—a—fellow. Stwike—up—‘ P—
p—perfect—Cure !’”’ Seeing them rise to
depart, ‘‘ Off—to—dwill—hey ?”’
This was to display his intimate knowledge
of military matters, and accompanied by a
wink at the bystanders, who were convulsed
with laughter.
It was an unfortunate speech.
**¢ |—_I—-I wish,’’ mimicked the trombone,
with another wink, ‘‘ I—had—dwilling—of—
you, I—I—I’d ‘ Perfect—Cure ’—you—of—
hump—on—shoulders—next—minute; head .
—taller—no—time.”’
Frederick raised his arm to chastise the
man, but he being a tall, powerful individual,
he decided that discretion was the better part
of valour, and contented himself with—
* Insolence !—weport—commanding—ofii-
cer |”’
The trombone turned, giving the military
salute—
** And—my—vewy— best — wespects—to
1 ai |
Then raising his instrument he blew the first °
bars of the “ Perfect Cure,’ as he said to the
‘24, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
bandmaster, to voice his pipe for the next
piece. |
Fred had “ a—gweat—mind—to—wun
—after—and—murder—him.” But as this
formidable operation required consideration,
he meanwhile moved off to the stables, of
all places the one most congenial to his taste,
where his opinions were received with the de-
ference half-crowns exact. On the subject of
horses his heart and his coffers alike flowed
over. The grooms listened with attention,
agreed with all he said, praised what he ap-
proved, censured what he blamed; but when
his back was turned—
** He’s a knowing one, he is; knows as much
about horseflesh as that there cat.”
From the stables he ran the gauntlet of the
carriages in the lane.
With the coachmen he was more popular,
perhaps for his genuine admiration of their
exalted positions, for they one and all agreed
that—
“Though he were aright strange one to
look at, he might be a good one to go.”
With which flattering eulogium we leave
him for the present.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 23
CHAPTER III.
‘64 DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE HUMANE
SOCIETY. ’—-SIR E. LANDSEER.
We left Colonel Freemantle under the beech
tree, trying to make good his position, and
add to his well earned laurels bright smiles
and soft glances from the chosen of his heart.
Offering his arm to Mrs. Whynn he pro-
posed a stroll through the grounds, and was
supreme in content, inasmuch as Augusta
walked the other side of him, and so agree-
able did he make himself, the latter would
have been puzzled to decide which were most
captivated, ears or eyes.
Of course they were not suffered to escape
the kind criticism of the bystanders, those
whose chief occupation at places of amuse-
ment is “making fun of people,’ never
guessing that they themselves are equally
objects of “fun” to said people.
vol. 1. | C
26 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ Why, Grimes!” exclaimed a visitor,
‘who ever dreamed of seeing you here? I
thought you safe at the Antipodes, our soles
meeting if not our bodies. Where do you
come from ?”’
“From wandering to and fro upon the
earth, and going up and down it,” was the
answer.
«‘ And pray what may be the result of your
Satanic Majesty’s researches ?”
“That there are things in the world that
Satan in his innocence wotted not of ; he must
go to school again would he keep pace with
these times.”
Then if his majesty takes my advice he
will rest content with his innocence, lest in
the end he die too.”
‘Ah! ah! ‘ Where ignorance is bliss ’tis
folly to be wise.’ Who are those that have
just passed us? I know no one here.”
“The tall, dark man with a lady on his
arm, and the beautiful girl in a violet cloud
the other side of him ®”
‘‘'T'he same,” returned Mr. Grimes.
“Oh! heis Colonel Freemantle, the Indian
hero, son of the house.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 27
** For whom they are making all this fuss ?”
** Fuss, indeed ! to judge by the noise they
make, you would suppose that no one ever
had a son before.”
* Well! he’s a fine looking fellow, and I
am glad I have seen him, but I think his
parents a couple of old fools to spend his
inheritance in such a galanty show as this.
I should say his prospects in life will be
seriously diminished by it.”’ |
“I should say so too,” was the reply.
** It is all very well for our aristocracy, when
the heir to their million acres arrives at years
_ of discretion, or rather indiscretion, to give a
grand spread in celebration; but for people
with only a few pence in their pocket—a set
of nobodies—to ape them merely because
their son has distinguished himself, as they
term it, is a piece of impertinence, a positive
insult to one’s understanding, and ought to be
put down.”
“Perfectly ridiculous! Then the Free-
mantles are not rich?”
“ Oh! report says the old fellow is worth
@ million.”
A loud laugh followed this announcement.
0 2
28 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ We must scratch off the numeral,” said
Mr. Grimes, “and leave the noughts standing.
I suspect we shall then be nearer the truth.”
« Just so. The son managed to fill his
pockets in India, in spite of his wounds.”
“ Ah, ha! That’s what has made a hero
of him. Those sort of gentry never come
back empty handed. ‘ Make hay while the
sun shines’ is their motto.”
* Ah,ha!” wasechoed. ‘‘ He brought home
a ‘ power of jewels’ into the bargain. [am told
the old dame wears to-day a splendid bracelet
he gave her, bought, so he says, of a poor
brother officer whose arms were so manacled
by the chains and handcuffs he sought to
relieve the Delhi rascals of, that he was glad
to part with some of them for a mere song.””
“Ah, ah! Then depend upon it, the old
lady’s vanity is at the bottom of this exhibition.
You see she is hung in chains ; she wanted to
show off her regalia.”
“No doubt; the old things are every whit
as vain as the young ones. Her son keeps
his choicest emerald for his Sultana that is to
be.”
‘““ And it does not require a Solon to tell
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 29
us whom he has selected for that post of
honour. The old folks will like to see him
settled before they die, I dare say.”
‘If you mean the girl he has been philan-
dering with this last half-hour, he cannot
have her.”
“No! How comes that?”
“ She is the beautiful Augusta Reynolds
everyone is raving about, and engaged to that
horrible young scapegrace, Frederick Whynn.”’
“ Whew! I pity her,” exclaimed Mr.
Grimes. ‘‘ What parents will do for money!”
‘What girls will do for money, you mean!
Poor, innocent victims to filial obedience,
dragged to the altar by their cruel, tyrannical
mammas! Bah! It makes me sick.”
* Well, all the worse, say I, for the colonel’s
handcuff as you call it; he could not give it
to a fairer, I would advise him to make her a
wedding present of it.”’
In blessed ignorance of this canvass of
them and their concerns, our happy duo if
not trio pursued their walk. The Chilling-
ham grounds had long been celebrated for
their beauty; the flower garden especially
was deemed unsurpassed, and on the present
occasion was a blaze of blossoms.
30 JOHH FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
In the centre was a fountain, the waters
of which, catching the rays of an almost
tropical sun, reflected in their descent a perfect
rainbow.
Augusta was the first to remark the lovely
prismatic effect, Freemantle became excited
and called the company in the garden to wit-
ness it, which often, he said, as he had
watched the play of the waters, he had never
before observed, gallantly declaring—
“‘ Tt must be ascribed to the presence of the
fair Iris, who, in the likeness of Miss Rey-
nolds, had deigned to honour their poor
garden with her presence.” |
The fair Iris, her divinity revealing itself
in her “ celestial rosy-red” blushes, would not
own to the disguise, and laughingly refused to
comply with his entreaties, to confess herself
to him, and him only.
But whether goddess or not, certain it is
that on their quitting the garden, the beauti-
ful illusion vanished, to the disappointment of
numbers who came fluttering in to see some-
thing wonderful. :
This little incident effectually destroyed
the charm of their walk, its exclusiveness, for it
brought them into contact with those Colonel
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 31
Freemantle was compelled to do the agreeable
to; and though he still retained possession of
Mrs. Whynn’s arm, his young companion
was separated from him.
However he had—to him—the bliss of
watching her as she heralded the way in
company with some young other ladies.
To her all was new and entrancing, and
she floated on as the spirit moved her, nor
guessed that a wary eye marked her every
movement, and silently tracked her footsteps.
They had reached the river—the glorious
river—to-day clear, limpid, and transparent,
reflecting as a mirror the beauteous forms,
that bent over to peer into its liquid depths.
Augusta was startled from her contempla-
tion, by hearing her name crowed rather than
called, from a boat that was jerking its way in
splashing style towards them.
There was no mistaking that voice, and a
nearer view revealed Frederick in his shirt
sleeves, without a hat; his face very red, and
his curly hair thrown back from his forehead.
“ Do take care, Frederick!’ cried Mrs.
Whynn, alarmed. “ I do not like to see you
there ; you are not used to boating.”
32 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Fred was not pleased at having his igno-
rance proclaimed before company.
«¢ No—danger—mother. Old—enough—
to—to to—take—care—of—myself. Think
—me—boy—always. ‘T'wenty—one—no-—
mis—take! Havea—wow—Miss—Weynolds?
Nice—day—for—a—wow—ladies !’’ adopting
boat phraseology.
“ No thank you, Mr. Whynn! Not to-
day,” answered the young lady specially ad-
dressed, but seeing him look disappointed, she
added playfully, “I have not a boat-cloak.”
** Never—mind! Lend—my—coat!” was
the generous rejoinder; ‘ you—any—of—
young—ladies,” and he held it up to tempt
them. ‘“ T'w—y—it—ladies! fit—one, take
—one—it—fits—”’
This unique offer created a sensation, and
much laughing and banter ensued among the
group of ladies and gentlemen collected, as to
which of the fortunate fair ones the coat
would fit, Frederick, in his boat, feeling as
happy as a king at being the object of general
mirth and amusement.
_ As’soon as the merriment had somewhat
subsided, Augusta stepped forward.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 30
** We are all very much obliged to you, Mr.
Whynn, for your kind offer,”’ said she, raising
her gentle voice, ‘ but we do not think the
coat will fit any of us, and we are all afraid of
spoiling our best bonnets.”
A murmur of approval followed this
feminine excuse, peculiarly adapted to the
comprehension of the party addressed, who
was won't to declaim loudly against the
** extw—avagance—of—the—¢irls.”’
Augusta moved from the bank, followed by
the smiling bevy of damsels, who bowed their
acknowledgments to the boatman in passing.
Kncouraged by their politeness, he accom-
panied them in his “ light bark,” delicately
urging them to—
“ Twy—coat! Could—trust—him! Vewy
—careful! Slow—coach !” &e.
“ Frederick !” said Mrs. Whynn, as they
were leaving the river to return to the house,
“you had better get out of your boat.
There’s a steamer coming in the distance.”
“ By Jove! so—there—is !” he exclaimed.
“© Be—off—t—meet it !””
As he spoke he turned to resume play with
his oars, so it is probable that the lady did
oes)
34: JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
not hear this touching proof of his desire to
comply with her request, and our little party
wended their way through a plantation to the
lawn, where the band was performing a selec-
tion from that most magnificent of all operas
— Robert le Diable.”
Augusta was susceptible in the extreme to
musical influence; carried away by the ex-
citing strains, she half expected to see spirits
In unison with the wild measure, emerge from
the ground amid the tall trees, in answer to
the magic spell.
Spirits there were in abundance, evil as well
as good, no doubt; but the former were not
now evoked, and love and harmony were the
order of the day.
On quitting the trees, a brilliant spectacle
presented itself ; the lawn was a_ living
parterre, as dazzling to the eye as the flower-
garden in all its glory. Attracted by the
music, the company had congregated there,
disposed in groups that sauntered or sat.
Idlers reclined on the soft grass luxuriating
in ices, sherbet, and flirtation, while some
youthful Terpsichoreans gave life and vivacity
to the scene, by their adaptation of the music
to a bewildering valse.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 30
Freemantle provided seats for his ladies,
and, deputing his care of them to his brother-
in-law, Mr. Adamson, went in search of ices.
Mr. Adamson was vicar of the parish in
which the Reynolds resided, when in the
country, and of course well known to them,
though not on intimate terms. 7
A short time passed in lively converse,
Colonel Freemantle did not return, at which
Mr. Adamson expressed surprise, saying—
‘“What can have become of our hero and
the ices? It is to be hoped no vengeful
Rajah has waylaid him, and spoiled his
triumphs to-day by making him stand and
deliver.”’
«¢ And ending in making him prisoner,’ re-
turned a certain Lord Chester, in the same
jesting tone; ‘“‘for there he goes full speed
down to the river, escorted by a strong body
guard to prevent escape; and positively
there’s a steamer righting about face for the
express purpose of taking him on board.”
All laughed, and looked in the direction
indicated.
“Many a true word spoken in jest,” said
Mr. Adamson: “the steamer is backing and
36 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
no mistake. There must be something the
matter !”” |
“‘There’s a wild goose chase of some sort
going on,” said Lord Chester. ‘‘ Let us to
the rescue! Ladies, will you join our ranks ?”
Augusta looked round for Mrs. Whynn, but
she bad disappeared, as also Mrs. Freemantle,
to whom a messenger had hastened with tid-
ings delivered aside, upon which that lady
rose, and invited Mrs. Whynn to accompany
her into the house. So our heroine was fain
to accompany the rest. ;
A dense crowd had collected on the bank
of the river, an eager, excited crowd, loud and
vociferating, thoroughly roused out of the
quiet propriety that distinguishes the better
classes of English society. The cause for this
excitement was soon manifest; a boat had ~
been upset by the steamer, and now, bottom
upwards, was slowly drifting down the river.
The steamer had reversed her engine, and was
making her way back to the scene of the dis-
aster, preparing boats and ropes to render
assistance to some unlucky individual in the
water.
Augusta’s first thought was of Frederick,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. aye
and she looked eagerly into the different boats
that like magic appeared in sight, all rowing
vigorously, and felt a relief at seeing he was
not in any of them.
“Whew!” exclaimed Lord Chester, “a
boat upset, and the unfortunate boatman gone
to the bottom, to look after his fishing
tackle.”
As he spoke a loud cry arose.
*‘ There he is !””
And a black head appeared above the water,
nearly opposite to where our friends were
standing.
Augusta’s shriek at the discovery that it
was the wretched Frederick in this predica-
ment was stopped by astonishment, for at
the instant Freemantle divested of his coat,
rushed to the spot.
Waving his hand to the boats, “‘ Back !’’ he
shouted in a voice resembling a war-trumpet,
and the next instant he plunged into the river
to the rescue of the drowning man.
It seemed at this moment as if some magi-
cian had waved his wand, and transfixed the
crowd as it stood; so silent and breathless
was every one, watching, with intense anxiety,
38 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the struggle between life and death taking
place in the water.
Fred, after vainly striving to catch the rope
thrown from the steamer, began to sink the
secondtime just as Colonel Freemantle reached
him. |
Few of the actual spectators of such pain-
ful scenes can ever, we fancy, give an accu-
rate description of them. The only persons
unmoved are generally the actors; their ener-
gies being called into play they are calm and
self-possessed, whilst the lookers-on see the
occurrences more through the medium of their
own excited feelings, than as they really take
place.
To the bystanders the effort made by Free-
mantle to grasp the drowning man was as a
flash of lightning, in which both disappeared.
“ Ohmy son! my son! Let me go!” ex-
claimed Mr. Freemantle, endeavouring to dis-
engage himself from the hands which held
him back, while a simultaneous shriek came
from the women.
* Silence!’ shouted Mr. Adamson, turning
angrily round, the agony of his mind depicted
on his. face. ‘* Do you mean to unnerve
Colonel Freemantle ?” And he began pulling
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 39’
off his coat in most unclerical haste to rush
into the river. }
As he spoke a deafening cheer, pealing
from boats and banks greeted the colonel as
he rose to the surface, firmly grasping the
half-drowned Triton by the hair, who clung
so desperately to his preserver there was
some danger of both again sinking. The
steamer’s boat hurried to the rescue, and with
some difficulty Fred was taken in and rowed
in all haste to land. |
Some very considerate persons had provided
a shutter for his accommodation, and were
urgent their prudence and foresight should be
properly appreciated, but Fred tabooed them
and their shutter most disrespectfully.
— & W—hat—want—shutter—for ? Not—
d—d—dead! Only—ducking! Legs—again!
All—mad! Get—on—it—yourselves !”
And the matter was settled on his debarca-
tion by his giving his solicitous friends,
shutter and all, leg bail, and running as fast
as he could to the house.
The boatmen belonging to the steamer
endeavoured to exculpate themselves from
occasioning the accident by assuring—
“Ladies and gen’l’m’n, it warn’t no fault
40 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
of ourn, not-a bit; the young gen’l’m’n ’ailed
us and wanted to come aboord, but Lor’ bless
you, ladies and gen’l’m’n! we see how it
would be the moment we clapped eyes on him,
he warn’t no more fit to manage that there
boat, no more nor he was to manage a man-
a-war, in a hurricane. The cap’en warned
him off our paddle-wheels, but p’raps he
didn’t understand, bein’ a furrineer most
likely, for he do talk most outlandish, so
he stan’s up to parley-woo the cap’en, and
over he tops, boat and all, and that’s the
blessed truth, ladies and gen’l’m’n as how it
happen.”
Englishmen cannot be accused of coldness
when their sympathies are roused, and Free-
mantle received a perfect ovation on the
success of his humane exertions as he swam
to the shore.
Oddly enough, he determined to land not
far from a spot where a group of young ladies
were standing apart from the crowd, so ab-
sorbed by various emotions that they never
thought of running away to preserve. their
finery, though they knew the risk it ran should
the river god approach too near them with his
dripping garments.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. Al
The bank was a failure, a downright bank-
rupt, and very dangerous. It would have been
atrociously cruel and wicked, after the act
Colonel Freemantle had just done, to let him
run into further danger, perhaps drown then
and there before their eyes, and not one stir a
foot or lend a hand to help him in his ex-
tremity. |
No! women are not so barbarous.
The softest hearted made the first move.
A beautiful blushing face bent over the
water; a voice remarkably grave and proper
said— 7
“Can I assist you?’ and a hand was
offered.
It certainly was a small hand, and perfectly
absurd the idea of a hand like that being any
assistance in a case of such emergency.
But we know drowning men will catch at
straws, so in like manner Colonel Freemantle
seemed most happy to avail himself of this
particular straw. The hand was of no more
use than a straw, we do believe, but by its
help he got out with wonderful facility.
Now the reader must not suppose by this
that Augusta was the only tender-hearted girl
there. On the contrary, they all came forward..
42, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
We do not know what their mammas and
chaperones would have said had they seen
them; most likely have marched them back
then and there to their respective homes and
schoolroom lessons.
There was quite an array of ladies’ hands,
of various sizes, held out for the Colonel to
choose from, but Augusta’s came first, and
** first come first served ’’ 1s a favourite apho-
rism, and may be adapted to our present re-
quirement. Nor could it be expected that
while drowning Freemantle could look to see
which would suit him best.
However, he thanked them all, “ he was
indebted to them beyond measure,” &c., &c.
Whereas to Augusta, whose straw of a
hand had been of such signal service, he said
nothing, not even gave her common thanks.
A piece of ingratitude we are sorry to have
to record of our preux chevalier.
To be sure she beat a retreat after her
gallant rescue, half-frightened at what she had
done; but he who seemed marvellously up in
women’s ways might have followed her,
dripping wet as he was.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 43:
CHAPTER IV.
** 4 BANQUETTING HALL. ’—G. CATTERMOLE.
Not only did the incident related in the last
chapter throw a damp over the general hilarity
of the day, but what was infinitely worse, it
delayed the dinner-hour.
Mrs. Whynn was thoroughly unnerved at
the finale to her son’s boating excursion,
though imparted to her cautiously, and not
- until all danger was over.
With the thoughtful care of a woman—
That is a blunder. What woman ever came
up to man in tenderness, gentleness, and soli-
citude, where his affections were concerned,
or his sympathies aroused ?
We will alter our phrase, and say, with the
thoughtful kindness of a man, Colonel Free-
mantle, on hearing of Frederick’s mishap, had
sent to his mother to tell her of it, begging
her to prevent, if possible, its coming to the
4A, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
knowledge of Mrs. Whynn, by taking her out
of sight and sound of the bustle going on by
the river.
On being assured of his safety it was diff-
cult to say which affected Mrs. Whynn most,
regret for the accident or displeasure at the
danger his fool-hardiness had caused to his
kind rescuer, and nothing but the disappoint-
ment it would have caused her protégeée,
Augusta, prevented her returning home at
once. .
Freemantle, for whom, as well as for the
other aquatic, warm baths were prescribed
after their immersion, sent an emphatic protest
against dinner being delayed on his account.
But to have commenced feasting without
the person in whose honour the company had
assembled, and whose absence was occasioned.
by a meritorious action, would have been con-
trary to the refinement and good taste of the
nineteenth century.
It was very long after the appointed hour
when the summons was given to ladies and
gentlemen to repair to the house, there to
discuss the good cheer provided for their
special delectation.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. Ai
It would save the harassed mistress of
revels such as these much trouble did she ap-
point a factotum, a sort of town-crier, who,
armed with a list, should call up the couples,
and pair them off accordingly.
As it was, few met as originally intended,
some being absent at the decisive moment, or
had chosen partners for themselves. And here
let us remark how closely the British youth
approximate to their prototypes the Laczede-
moniums in the respect they pay to age,
many a dowager, not fair, but fat, and a
very long way after forty, being led off by
young, handsome, and most eligible parizs, to
the intense disgust of young, it may be hand-
some, but not eligible young ladies. The fact
is, Many a young man, knowing it to be his
duty to take in someone, feels he cannot err,
or better please his hostess, than by doing the
agreeable to those who are the least so to
himself, and possibly, from insufficient ac-
quaintance, he hesitates to offer himself
without a special introduction to the girl
who most takes his fancy.
In spite of the admiration and curiosity she
excited at this important moment, Augusta
46 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
found herself quite deserted, her late com-
panions hurrying on in front, laughing, chat- |
ting, and happy on the arms of their ob-
sequious squires. However, she looked any-
thing but a member of the forlorn hope;
serene and lovely she followed in their wake,
dreaming no doubt that a protecting spirit
hovered over her to descend in the shape of
Colonel Freemantle, who soon appeared with
another gentleman, whom he introduced, and
then disappeared.
Augusta and her new acquaintance, the Lord
Chester of previous mention, proceeded on
their way, the latter doing his best to amuse
and draw out his fair companion. A man of
the world, in which he occupied a distin-
guished position, he was much interested by.
her fresh and guileless manner, without which
her beauty would scarce have charmed him,
or at any rate he thought so.
Arrived at the hall-door came the tug of
war; the crush of some hundreds of hungry
individuals, all eager to enter the land of
promise, yet forced, like fretful chargers, to
curb their impatience, and rest content with
indulging in an undercurrent of polite sar-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. A7
casm, mostly on the absurdity of human
, nature, the company present affording illus-
trations.
Having brought our guests to the door, 2.e.,
aS near as pressure of circumstances will
permit, let us avail ourselves of the privilege
accorded to us in our character of reporters,
free and untrammelled, to edge our way in-
side, and there take a survey of the hall,
made to do duty on this and most festive oc-
casions.
A spacious apartment, large enough for a
good-sized house; the hall occupied the centre
-of the mansion, behind lay the reception rooms,
atone end the billiard room, at the other the
library. In winter warmed, and ornamented
with orange trees and greenhouse plants, it
formed a good substitute for a jardin @ hwwer,
and much use was made of it during the in-
clement weather as a promenade by old and
young. |
To-day, however, right royal was its aspect.
In addition to its usual adornments of antlers,
bows, and weapons bespeaking the chase, it
was gaily decorated with banners and ever-
greens, while standing in recesses, and artis-
48 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
tically relieved by crimson drapery, from the
folds of which they appeared to issue, were
exquisite statues. Here peeped outa laugh-
ing nymph, the blooming Hebe, or sylvan
Diana, and there in loftier pride some stalwart
warrior or heathen god, or “man divine,”
mute, mystic spectators of the scene below.
“ Mais revenons a nos moutons,”’ that is to
our dinner, to which the aforesaid moutons
may reasonably be swpposed to bear some re-
lation. The farther end of the hall was
spanned by a long table, from which extended
two others, running almost the length of the
hall, a magnificent carved oak sideboard
against the wall completing the hollow square.
We know not to whom the management
and decoration of these tables was deputed,
perhaps to the far-famed Gunter; if so, he ~
surpassed himself.
The effect on entering was perfectly daz-
zling ; though day without it was night within:
night with her thousand lights blazing and re-
flected everywhere. It seemed as if nature and
art had combined to bewilder the spectator,
and incapacitate him from deciding as to which
the palm-branch should be awarded.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 49
Fruits, the choicest, half-hidden by leaves,
gleamed in juxtaposition with their crystallized
representatives, confectionary sparkled in
their crystal dishes, statuettes, vases, epergnes,
while surrounding all, flowers the loveliest, the
sweetest, shed their beauty and delicious
fragrance around.
The principal table differed from the others
only in its centre-piece, a wonderful trophy,
the gift of good old London, on presenting
our hero with the freedom of the city.
VOL. I. D
50 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER V.
‘¢ THE VOW OF THE PEACOCK.’ —D. MACLISE.
We left our company, it will be remembered,
waiting at the hall door, and beguiling the
tedium by lively sallies, everyone according
to his humour.
On entering each gentleman delivered up
his hat and received a ticket in exchange.
“ Highty !”’ said Lord Chester, Augusta’s
cavalier, looking at his “ tally’ as he called
it, ‘* fancy my being eighty. I hope you are
not disgusted.”
“ Not in the least,” she answered; “ gen-
tlemen of that age are often the kindest and
most agreeable,”’
“ Then,’ said he, “I will wear my tally
as a decoration, since it has already procured
me one point in your favour. Come; it’s
something worth living so long for.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. ol
** But that would be wearing false colours,”
she replied, ‘‘ and you would lose instead, by
pretending to what you are not.”
“To gain such a point, one would even
dare the escutcheon of presence. But facts!”
he continued, “to what else but my eighty
years can | attribute the honour of the prize
which all men covet? Do you know what
that 1s ?”’
* Scarcely,’ she answered innocently,
** they covet so many things.”
*¢ Indeed! Do tell me what they are.”
* They covet glory and honour and wisdom
and riches.”’
* Sensible fellows, wemen! And we des-
pise the grovelling process of eating and
drinking, and steel our hearts against the
fascinations of the fair (with a tinge of aspe-
rity) like my friend Freemantle, who prefers
to pay homage at the shrine of my excellent
mother, in preferenceto any other, to judge by
his manner; I never saw him in such spirits.”
*‘Genlemens will find as their places is on
the table!” was shouted in a stentorian voice
close to his ear.
* That means, gentlemen are to take their
D 2
52 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
places on the table; a new move, a rise in
the world; formerly their places were under
it. But there is our gallant colonel looking
for us, now he has disposed of my worthy
mamma to his satisfaction. We come! (ad-
dressing him) that is, if we can. ‘ But as to
Loretto! I shall never get there,’ at any rate
_to dinner, according to the present aspect of
affairs.”
In this way Lord Chester rattled on, while
clearing a passage for his liege lady to the
upper table.
“ T say, Freemantle!’ said he, on reaching
him, “ your man informs us that we gentle-
men are to stand on the table! Show us the
way up. Weare to figure as ornaments, I
suppose.”
“* Ag overseers, rather,’ was Freemantle’s
answer, ‘** to watch over the interests of the
ladies, our only real ornaments; all others
are counterfeits.”
Ticketing the. places is an excellent arrange-
ment for small parties, but was not successful
on this occasion; much confusion prevailed
and much laughter, but in time all settled
down to their apparent satisfaction.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 53
Soup, fish, and the entrées were handed
round in quick succession to the famishing
company by a staff of watchful attendants,
who moved about with noiseless tread, and
muttered out ‘ potty garden,’ ‘“ salmon
capers,” “ bully beef,” “sammy snipes,” &.,
presenting the savoury morsels to each guest.
The weighty responsibilities involved in
these important discussions had reduced to
gravity and silence the most thoughtless ; the
clatter of plates and plate was alone to be
heard, unless now and then a titter or sup-
pressed ejaculation, as a somersault of soup
or wine acted as cascade over some luckless
individual ; but
** When the rage of hunger was repressed,”
forthwith the tongues became loosened.
However much we may admire the vox
humani as a solo, its effect is certainly not
entrancing in chorus, especially at dinner
parties, where these wind instruments, not
being pitched in unison, produce anything
but a concourse of sweet sounds; on the con-
trary, they rather savour of discord, and may
properly be termed a din.
54 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The hubbub within completely destroyed
the harmony of the band without, which had
moved to the green sward in front of the
hall, and by way of contrast was performing
a selection of soft music, that divinest of airs
“<A teocara,’ from ‘ I Puritani,” telling on
the cornet-i-piston with matchless sweetness.
Augusta was tantalised by hearing only
snatches of the music. The bustle around
destroyed her dream and its enchantment.
From the moment of her entrance she felt as -
if in a new world; every sense was dazzled,
nothing was defined; the gorgeousness of the
room, the blaze of light, the decorations, the
flowers, and, beyond all, the statues, blended
together into a magnificent picture. She had
a dim perception of the colonel’s pointing out
the places she and her escort were to occupy
at the table, where she sat silently listening to
the music, and gazing at the military trophy
that graced the wall at the head of the room,
which had been drawn from Freemantle’s
own armoury, and included the grand pre-
sentation sword, the gift of the Horse Guards.
So absorbed, indeed, was she, that it was
long before she discovered her right hand
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 55
neighbour to be the colonel himself, a circum-
stance which tended to upset Lord Chester’s
surmises as to his friend’s total indifference
to youthful attractions.
Far above this Babel of tongues sufficient
in itself to startle the solemn statues from
their quiet proprieties, could be heard the
voice of Fred, laughing and shouting rather
than talking, in the peculiar style which alone
would have made him aremarkable character.
Owing to his accident he had not been pre-
sent at the assembling of the guests for dinner,
and when at length he bolted n—for he cer-
tainly did not enter any other way—he found
that not only the lady, but the seat intended
for him, had been appropriated.
His feelings were not in the least hurt; he
thought it—
““ Pwecious—fun—to—cut—all— the—eirls
—that—way. They’ll—bweak—their—little
—hearts.”
So he plunged head-foremost among the
crowd, making his head do the duty of other
people’s elbows, amid exclamations of ‘* Good
gracious!” ‘ He nearly knocked me down!’
Having headed his way to the table he‘first
56 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
reconnoitered the position of ‘* The—old—
party,” as he classically designated his affec-
tionate mother, on ascertaining which he with-
drew beyond her orbit of vision. “ She’ll-—
bother—my—life—out,’’ thought he.
Having selected his whereabouts he pro-
ceeded to take possession, to the utter dis-
comfiture of a couple, the gentleman at the
moment, like a duteous cavalier, being busy
arranging the lady in her place.
“Sir! said he to Fred, “I came here
first.”
“¢ P—plenty—woom — over — there,” was
blurted out in Fred’s fascinating style.
“Then go there yourself !’’ was the counter
charge; but the lady rose horrified at her
queer neighbour, and the gentleman led her
away, after giving Fred his opinion that “He ~
was a vulgar, insolent fellow, his proper place
being a horsepond.”
The events of the day, joined to the ex-
hilarating effects of the wine—Mr. Free-
mantle’s superb clicquot—he quaffed by tum-
blers full, so added to the natural vivacity of
Fred’s disposition, and gave such sparkling
brilliancy to his ideas, that he resolved not
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 57
to hide his light under a bushel, but to
give his neighbours the full benefit of them,
which they, properly appreciative, approved
in the following terms, sotto voce, as they say
in music—
“Heavens! what a voice! Did you ever
hear anything like it ?’ remarked one gentle-
man.
** Never, in all my life,’ was the answer.
** Tt’s like the crowing of a dozen roosters.”
** Who is he ?”
**’Pon my word I don’t know; I fancy he
has found his way out of the Zoological Gar-
dens.” .Turning to a clergyman, “I say,
Thorpe, do tell me the name of that extraor-
dinary—ahem—individual !”’
“ I wouldif I could,” answered Mr. Thorpe.
** He seems to be some new importation, a
new genus added to our species.”
‘“‘ A new genius, I should say; his oratory
is remarkable. He ought to be in the
church.”
*¢ At the bar, rather,’’ returned the clergy-
man, quietly, “pleading your cause. Wish
you joy, Lyons !” elOHiay
Mr. Lyons had a law-suit pending.
Do
58 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Ah! ha! ha! Beaten on my own ground,”
was the good-humoured rejoinder.
“What a strange young man,” remarked
Lord Chester to Augusta, after a long sur-
vey of him over his shoulder. ‘I wonder his
parents let him loose; he ought to have a
keeper.” (After a pause) “That is his
mother—”
‘“‘She is the dearest friend I have in the
world,” broke in Augusta, with a heightened
colour, and tears coming into her eyes.
She could hear Fred and the laughter he
occasioned, as well as the comments, albeit
subdued, as required by the laws of polite-
ness, and was alarmed lest they might reach
Mrs. Whynn’s ears.
“I must apologise if I have said anything
to wound,” returned Lord Chester, “and
trust my ignorance may not be held in remem-
brance against me.” He paused, she did not
answer. “I ought to feel for him,” he con-
tinued; “‘he is, I understand, an only son.
I also have the misfortune to be one, and
to that ascribe the many errors of my
youth.”
He spoke more for the sake of gazing ona
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 59
face whose varying expression fascinated him
at every turn.
** Perhaps Mr. Whynn will improve too, as
he grows older,” she replied, scarce knowing
what she said.
** When he is eighty like me,” he returned,
much amused at her simplicity. ‘I do not
forget that age is the passport to your good
opinion.”
“Yes,” said she, trying not to be beaten,
‘when it is a genuine passport, otherwise it
will not pass.”
“Good!” said he.
Augusta had not seen Mrs. Whynn since
parting with her in the garden till about to
take her seat at the table, when she saw in
the distance two eager eyes that lighted up
with pleasure at beholding her. Nods and
smiles were exchanged, till she dropped be-
hind Loudon’s golden Kaniphora, with its
trophies of fruits and flowers. For the last
half-hour she had been playing bo-peep, try-
ing to catch a glimpse of her dear friend’s
face, and gather from its expression whether
serene or troubled; but this the gods of war
and wine refused, by interposing this magni-
60 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ficent emblem of their double divinity between
her and the object of her anxious thoughts.
Through some mysterious agency, by which
we are enabled to divine the thoughts and
feelings of those in whom we are especially
interested, our friend Freemantle not only
saw, but guessed the cause of Augusta’s un-
easiness.
She was aroused to a sense of present re-
quirements by the unsentimental words—
“Miss Reynolds, you do not eat; allow me
to give you this —”
Ambrosia, Freemantle ought to have said,
not only in accordance with his humour, but
in justice to ice-pudding, which we protest
equals, if it does not surpass, that famed food
of the gods.
She looked up as she spoke, smiled, and
exchanged plates.
What bliss it was to the foolish man, grand
and wise in all else, he could scarce realize it,
to have her there sitting beside him, looking
up at, and smiling on him.
Augusta’s fears respecting her friend, Mrs.
Whynn, were but too well founded. From her
post of honour on Mr. Freemantle’s right,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 61
she could distinctly hear Fred’s riotous beha-
viour, and was a painful witness to the in-
tense amusement it created, not only at the
table, where he enacted the part of “ chief
fool,’ but also at the others, where heads
were turned to catch a glimpse of this curious
specimen of humanity, who, had he been ex-
hibited for the purpose, would have done more
to favour the theory of man’s descent from
the monkey than all the books that could be
_ written on the subject.
«© Why did I bring him ?” thought the poor
lady, who wrongly considered that the misery
his conduct had inflicted on her hitherto, had
reached its climax in the tortures of the last
hour. ‘“ Why did I bring him? I must have
been mad, knowing what he is! How can he
help his nature? Born a fool, he will never
be otherwise.”
Such were the unenviable thoughts that
coursed through the mind of her who called
him son! ‘Too oppressed to talk, she could
neither listen to, or take part in the conver-
sation. Silent and wretched, she sat longing
for the summons that would put an end to
this long and wearisome dinner.
62 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
But her troubles were not yet to end. The
tragedy of dinner over, the light comedy of
dessert followed, when glasses were re-
plenished, and the delicious fruits of the
earth took their turn to navigate the table.
The momentary lull during the saying of
‘after grace’ had been succeeded by a rush
of tongues, like unto that of many waters,
but not, like them, blending into one harmo-
nious whole. A sudden “ Hush!” more
nearly resembling “ Hiss!’ accompanied by —
a tapping on the table-cloth, brought every
voice to a full stop, and Mrs. Whynn, to her
utter dismay, beheld Frederick on his legs,
about to address the assembled company.
It is very certain that our friend Fred did
not place that low estimate on his abilities
other people did; in fact, he thought very
highly of them; but if there was one among
his superlative gifts that shone with peculiar
lustre, * the bright particular star,” that was
in his opinion, the great gift of eloquence.
To the intense delight of his friends he never
failed to treat them to specimens of it
whenever opportunities offered. It was like-
wise his benevolent intention, at no distant
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 63
day, to give the House of Commons the
benefit of his surpassing talents, where he
felt sure he would ‘* cw—eate—a—p—p—
erfect—s—s—ensation.”’
Knowing too well his propensity to spout-
ing, the last words of Mrs. Whynn before
starting were, “ Now, Frederick, no speeches
to-day !””
** D—on’t—be—fwightened—mother !”’ was
the filial response, ‘* not—going—to—thwow
pearls—to—swine !”
By which elegant expression it may be
opined that he did not expect to find the
company equal to his great capacities; but
somehow his opinions must have undergone
a change, since in spite of both caution and
promise, we find him signalising himself by
the following unique address :—
** Li—adies—and—gentlemen ! W—aise—
to—pwopose—toast,— w—ather —nervous—
how—to—begin, feelings—overpower, (hear,
hear). Fill—your—g—g—glasses, ladies and
gentlemen—f—f—fill—y our—glasses —t—t
—to—the—bwim! and — give— him—thwee
—times—thwee! Hip! hip! hooway! (laugh-
ter, and ‘ Remember the ladies’). Hang
64 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the ladies,” exclaimed the hon. member zn
futuro, (cries of “Treason!’) “ It’s not—
tweason! Not—going—to—say—anything
—to—fwighten—the—ladies! I say—again
hang — the — ladies! or— let—them—be—
dwowned, if — they—are—such—fools—lke
me (roars of laughter). Didn’t—mean—that,””
says the speaker, correcting himself, ‘‘ mean
— let —them—be—dwowned — like — me,—
and—let—Colonel—F weemantle—pull—them
—out, and they —’ll—know—how—to—be
—gwateful—like—me ! (tremendous cheers).
By Jove!” continued the orator, uproarious
at the sensation he created. “‘ By Jove!
he’s — the — gweatest — man —that—ever—
lived! He saved—my—life! (shouts of
laughter). And what—a—gwip—he—gave.
He’s — as — stwong—as—a—lion. Then —
there’s—his—old governor! He’s—atwump,
—a—wegular — bwick !—knows how to give
—a—jolly—good — dinner. 'Wines—first—
wate. When —he — hops —the — twig,—
leave—his—son—lots — of — tin—V1l— be—
bound! All—I—say—wish—my— governor
—was —like—him (peals of laughter). So—
fill— your glasses—ladies—and gentlemen ;
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 695:
dwink—the— health —of — Colonel — Fwee-
mantle! and afterwards (bowing to them with
creat gallantry) will—pwopose —the—ladies!”’
Fred’s delight at the reception given to his
oration knew no bounds; he felt he had
* electwified—the—whole—woom,” and every
tongue was sounding his praise, to wit, a
running commentary.
“ Good gracious! If that horrid creature
is not going to make a speech!’ whispered
the lady whom he had driven from her seat.
‘he fellow is mad, or tipsy,” returned her
knight. “ He ought to be turned out !—
(Addressing a gentleman the other side of
him)—It’s like the gibbering of baboons, and
it is my belief he is one.”’
“ The gorilla, perhaps! The first living
specimen brought to this country,” was the
reply.
* Ah! ha! Is Mr. Tabernacle here to give
_a lecture on him ?”
‘That would be a treat !”’
** Pray, sir,” enquireda lady, very deaf, ‘‘ did
IT hear you say that the gentleman speaking
was Mr. Tabernacle ?”
** Possibly you are right, ma'am,” was the
66 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
answer, and lowering his voice, ‘‘ we were
thinking he might be his gorilla.”
*‘ Indeed!” returns the lady with awe,
‘* he’s a wonderful man; I do so wish I could
hear what he is saying.”’
As we have seen, Mrs. Whynn’s position
was one of extreme grief and disgust. She
had sat in nervous dread, indeed terror, as to
what new freak Frederick might take in his
head, and which she felt she should sink
under, but, as in more momentous circum-.
stances of our lives, the reality is less into-
lerable than the anticipation, so when this
finishing stroke to the absurdity of his day’s
performance arrived, after the first impulse
to rush outof the room, she settled down
into comparative calmness, resolute that this
should be the last exhibition he made of him-
self, at any rate in her presence. Once or
twice she smiled as she thought ‘*‘ How much
more charmed are the children of light with
the follies and vices of their kind than with
even their most exalted virtues. Colonel
Freemantle, the hero of the hour, would fail
to create the interest that attends every word
uttered by that wretched idiot.”
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 67
But as the epithets her anger bestowed on
him did not pass her lips they must not be
held in judgment against her. In justice she
must have been more than mortal could she
always have borne unmoved the incessant
worry his conduct caused. ‘And after all,”
was her concluding reflection, “he has got a
scrap of what is usually termed a heart, and
means this rubbish for ‘ gwatitude.’ ”
As if to test her theory respecting the
claims of her son and Colonel Freemantle, to
the admiration of their fellows, on the con-
clusion of the honours done to the toast,
the latter, who had been intensely amused,
rose with becoming gravity to respond to it.
On rising he encountered the anxious eyes of
Mrs. Whynn, who was alarmed at she knew not
what, but theindescribable grandeur of the man
acknowledged involuntarily by all who came
in contact with him reassured her: she felt
that neither sorrow nor regret could come to
woman through him.
“Ladies and gentlemen,’ said he, “ I
should be wanting in all that constitutes
right feeling did I allow the speech of my
friend Mr. Whynn to pass unacknowledged.
68 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
In the warmth of his heart, he has over-rated
the slight service it has been my good fortune
and my great pleasure to render him, and
which I do not hesitate to declare he would,
with equal readiness, have performed for me
in a similar situation.”
“¢ Hooway !” shouts Fred, “ twy me!”
Freemantle smiled and resumed—
‘“‘ Opportunities come of themselves, and
I may yet need Mr. Whynn’s assistance
without tempting the river. But now he
apportions me the highest reward his de-
votion to the ladies assembled could inspire
him with, he assigns to me the post of their
deliverer from dangers—of floods if not of
fields. Coulda higher honour be conferred
on any one? Does not every man here envy
me? Will they not dispute my right to such
a crown? What do the ladies say? Will
they decide it? Will they dare the dangerous
wave to test our truth? Which amongst us
will be the hindermost? Which foremost P
Kven Mr. Whynn, perhaps to snatch away
the wreath he himself has placed upon my
brows—(Frantic shouts from Fred.) The
ladies hesitate. ‘ Look before you leap,’ they
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 69
say. Right ! Wemen will seek another flood,
and steeping our lips in rosy wine, will pledge
them to the brim, swearing for the guerdon
of their bright smiles—be water, be fire the
ordeal, our hands, our hearts, our lives are
theirs to save and defend them.”
Freemantle did not lack the smiles he
seemed to covet from the fairer portion of
his guests: but Mrs. Whynn was right; his
speech was not a Demosthenic oration like her
son's, and therefore was not received with the
‘same enthusiasm; but the toast he gave was
drank with the hearty goodwill it deserved by
every gentleman present.
The signal given the ladies rose to leave
the room.
‘“‘T hope you have been entertained ?”’ en-
quired a gentleman of his pretty neighbour
who had been convulsed with laughter.
““Tmmensely!”? was the answer. ‘“‘ The
clown was perfection.”
70 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER VI.
“¢rHmh FINALE OF A VENETIAN MASQUE AT THE
SUMMER § DAWN.’ —J. SEVERN.
Tue gentlemen were not long in following the
ladies ; coffee was handed round, and then a
general sally into the open air took place,
there to disport till darkness should permit
the display of fireworks, that formed part of
the day’s proceedings.
A large party composing the créme de la
eréme of the company promenaded the terrace. ©
Among these were the host and hostess, the
Lady Chester and her son, Lord Chester,
Mrs. Whynn, while conspicuous among the
younger portion were our heroine, Augusta,
and a certain’ Lady Evelyn: lovely, amiable,
and accomplished, this was the girl Lady
Chester desired to call her daughter, while
her son, with the perversity belonging to
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 71
human nature, though acknowledging her
claims to even more than the above qualities,
could not bring himself to look on her with the
eyes of love.
Lady Evelyn with her woman’s quickness
soon discovered who was the object of
attraction ; she became interested in Augusta,
and entered into conversation with her, and,
as she anticipated, Lord Chester soon joined
them, giving life and animation by his lively
wit to the charming group surrounding him.
His restless spirit did not allow them to
remain long on the terrace, and soon their
licht laughter made musical the soft breezes
of the twilight hour, as they threaded the
flowery mazes, or dived into the shadows of
the umbrageous walks. Here they encoun-
tered the Colonel and his party; his duties
and wishes were sadly at variance just now,
being forced to give his attentions otherwise
than his feelings dictated, and to behold his
lady-love in dangerous proximity to one of
the most seductive characters of the day.
The two parties united, and away they
went, a gay and laughing throng as ever
peopled dusky grove or bosky dell of classic
72 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
lore, giving themselves up to the allurements
of the moment, till the signal rocket announced
that the fireworks were about to commence.
A large concourse of the poorer people had
congregated on the outskirts of the meadow,
where the performance took place, and
testified their delight by vehement shouts of
applause as the various emblems blazed forth
in quick succession; especially when the grand
feu-de-jore that was to form the finale, by
some mishap came off in the middle, to the
immense disgust of Mr. Jones of pyrotechnic
fame. |
On the conclusion the guests returned to
the house, where they partook of light refresh-
ments, and those who did not stay for the
dance, with which the day’s festivities were to
conclude, took leave.
To the young this was the pleasantest part
of the entertainment, the dining-room had
been cleared and decorated, and lighted for
the occasion.
Freemantle did not dance much, his recent
wounds would not allow of violent exercise,
but he opened the preliminary quadrille with
the Lady Evelyn, Lord Chester and Augusta
f
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. re)
being their vs-a-ves. Afterwards his prin-
cipal occupation appeared to be providing
partners for those who had none, and watch-
ing the animated graces of Augusta as she
glided through the tangled mazes of valse or
galop, most frequently with her preux chevalier
already named, who quite appropriated her,
mounting guard over her when she sat, and
declining to do the agreeable when urged to
take pity on some unfortunate fair one.
Freemantle, when not on duty, took the
seat beside Mrs. Whynn, and bending forward
as is men’s wont when in conversation, con-
trived while conversing with that lady to
point his guns with more telling effect on his
fair foe the other side of Mrs. Whynn, than
did Lord Chester from behind her chair;
that is to say if rosy blushes, and the soft
response of heavenly eyes at every stolen
glance, could be taken as evidence.
Augusta was indeed all sparkle and anima-
tion ; she had been much excited by the novel
events of the day, and she surprised her kind
chaperone, who had never before witnessed the
shadow of coquetry in her.
To both women it was an hour of triumph ;
vou. I. E
74 JOHH FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the elder, still young enough to remember the
conquests of her youth, saw with inward
pride the contest of these two men—men of
first-rate character and position—for the good
graces of her darling at almost her frst
entrance into society.
“ She has been kept shamefully in the back-
ground,” thought she, “‘ but every evil has its
good; it is perhaps to that she owes her fresh
and guileless manner which charms as much
as her beauty dazzles. Ah! who knows, but
for that vile compact—”
And the cold shade of the woman who held
her to it, rose up to put to flight the brilliant
future that might otherwise have been the
portion of the girl she loved.
This brought Frederick to her mind, and -
she marvelled where he could be.
** At some mischief, [ am very sure,’”’ was
again her inward comment ; ‘“ well, anywhere
so a8 it 1s not in my sight.”
Mrs. Whynn’s thoughts were in utter igno-
rance of circumstances. At that moment he
was wrapped in profound slumber, to her
surprise and satisfaction on becoming cogni-
zant of the fact, though could she have fore-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 79
seen the consequences that were to follow
this seemingly prudent step on his part, it
might have been as well for all parties.
It would assuredly have required a much
stronger head than ever belonged to Fred, to
stand against the ‘‘ potations deep’ he so
largely indulged in during dinner; his joviality
at the time has been recorded, but on the
departure of the ladies, the wine passing round
more freely, he lost the small sense of pro-
priety their presence had imposed on him.
Colonel Freemantle momentarily expected
to see him sink under the table; the first
opportune pause that occurred he broke up
the party, and going to Fred invited him to
walk, figuratively,
“ Say, can he walk who cannot stand upright ?”
Our friend Fred could not at all events,
and there was no resource but to give him in
charge to his man, to convey him to his room :
a work of difficulty, for though submissive as
a child to the Colonel, the moment he was
gone we can say no more than that he was
himself again. He bullied the servants in
rather forcible language, threatened to ‘“ P—
p-pwosecute—p-p-wi-soning —f-fwee —b-born
BE 2
76 JOHN FORTESCUE. REYNOLDS, ESQ.
B-b-bwi-tons. ‘B-b-bwi-tons—w-will—b-be—
s-s-slaves.’ H-hip! H-hip—Hoo-way !” and
assuming a warlike attitude challenged them
to fight in the following heroic terms :—
C.c-come—one—c-c-come—all,—this—w-wock—shall—f-f-fl-y.”
And fly it did from beneath his slippery
feet, and down, down he went, to the bottom-
less pit it seemed, where he became a prey to
his tormentors, who forthwith conveyed him
to his apartment.
The dance was drawing to a close, when
Freemantle suddenly rose, and approaching
Augusta solicited her hand for the coming
valse. |
Lord Chester was puzzled; it had not oc-
curred to him that Freemantle would waltz,
and in his devotion to his fair enslaver he had
neglected to engage her for this dance. Then
he all at once remembered the duty he owed
to his mother’s guest, the Lady Evelyn, to
whom he went for the purpose of making the
amende honorable.
Mrs. Whynn sat still and pondered ; her
thoughts, late so buoyant, took a gloomy turn,
dark shadows flitted across her mind, and a
presage of coming evil took possession of her.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, #SQ. VE
*¢ Heaven forbid it should be my dear, dear
Admiral !”’ was her heart’s prayer. A faint-
ness stole over her; fearful of a scene, she
made a resolute effort to overcome it, and
rising from her chair her pale face caught
Lord Chester’s attention, who, pausing in the
dance, was watching Freemantle as he glided
past with his beautiful partner.
Struck by the change in Mrs. Whynn’s
countenance, he asked grace of Lady Evelyn,
whom he led to a seat, and hastened to offer
assistance.
“ [fear you are ill,” said he, gently. “ Pray
take my arm, and let me lead you into the air ;
the heat is overpowering: even I who have
had some experience of the tropics can scarce
stand it.”’
“ Thank you,” she answered, touched by
his kindness. ‘“ Already I feel better; a
glass of water will set me all right.”
-He led her into the hall, provided her
with a chair, and the next instant had brought
her a glass of wine, saying it would be more
reviving to her than water.
She smiled and took it, but with the
return of her strength the same vague dread
78 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
came back to her, pointing, as she imagined,
to her husband, though but a day or two
before she had heard from him, when he
wrote in his usual spirits, lamenting only his
long separation from her.
She shivered, as the thousand dangers at-
tending a life on the ocean waye flashed across
her mind, and proposed to Lord Chester to
return into the dancing-room to await her
protegée, when she would retire.
This arrangement did not meet Lord
Chester’s views, who had promised himself
the last dance with Augusta. On entering the
room he found it deserted, the company
having betaken themselves to the Terrace, by
way of cooling aie sa preparatory to the
next ‘‘ heat.”’
Freemantle, now. in possession, had no
intention of relinquishing his prize, nor
did he re-enter with his fair partner till
dancing had again commenced.
Having placed Mrs. Whynn beside his
mother, Lord Chester went in quest of Mrs.
Freemantle, whom he found deep in adieux
with friends about to depart.
She was not exactly the right person to apply
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 79
to when her son was in opposition; but this
she did not know, and readily promised her
aid in procuring him a last dance with Miss
Augusta Reynolds. The band again struck
up, and he hurried back. All was in motion,
he could recognise no one. When he did—his
feelings must be imagined.
Freemantle had flung wounds and dignity
to the winds, and with the witch who had be-
witched him, was rushing with electric speed
through the frantic evolutions of the “‘ Light-
ning Galop.”
“ Freemantle dancing agalop!” he doubted
his vision, and was standing in dumb amaze-
ment, when music and dancing suddenly
ceased, as if stayed by the wand of an en-
chanter, and the next instant the slow tones
of the National Anthem pealed out.
All rose and stood mute and motionless,
while the glories of the day dissolved into a
dream of the past.
80 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER VII.
THE AURORA.——GUIDO.
Tae darkling night of majestic summer was
approaching the dawn, ere Chillingham had
sank into its accustomed repose ; one solitary
step woke its echoes, unless it was the sudden
cry of some thrush, as startled by the un-
wonted sound it winged away from its leafy
covert.
This midnight disturber was no other than
Freemantle, who, restless and excited by the
events of the day, felt little inclined to sleep,
and strove to restore the equilibrium of his
mind by that sovereign remedy, “ for all the
ills that man is heir to,” a cigar, together
with a stroll in the calm and fragrant night
air.
By some strange coincidence, his steps led
him to a certain American walk, and certain
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 81
windows, which at this moment possessed
especial interest to him, looked down on this
same lovely parterre.
Of course it was but natural that his eyes
like his thoughts should be directed upwards
(men generally do look up when smoking): a
heht still ulumined one of those windows.
Somehow that light calmed him ; it shone in
his heart, the world passed away, and heaven
itself lay stretched out before him. He stood
still, and giving loose to his glowing fancy,
pictured to himself his goddess within—“ so
near and yet so far.”
By-and-bye a shadow interposed, and out
went the light, to be replaced by a brighter, —
for a hand drew aside the curtain, and a face,
lovely as Aurora’s, looked out upon the dawn
softly stealing over the landscape.
It was but transient, this vision of Hden,
too soon the curtain was lowered, and the
glory of his eyes vanished.
Freemantle’s expectations of his promenade
disposing him to sleep were not fulfilled, for
at the end he was wider awake than ever. As
he returned to the house he was struck by the
_ changed appearance of the sky ; the dawn had
EO
82 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
disappeared, dark lowering clouds had taken
its place, and the air was heavy and oppressive
as before thunder.
* There’s lightning!’ thought he; “but
what a glare! There must be a fire near.”
He was himself again ; his restlessness, his
depression disappeared; action was his ele-
ment and made him a god.
Swift as thought he was round the house.
It was all before him. His home was on fire!
_ Those he loved dearest on earth were within,
Death, in the most frightful of all shapes,
threatening them on every side.
It was but a moment, and he was battering
at the door, as if to wake the dead; the next,
and the alarm bell was scaring from their
peaceful slumbers the unconscious sleepers,
and pealing out its signals of distress to all
within earshot of its call.
Aid soon came in answer, the workpeople
of the place hastening with all speed to give
it. Some of these Freemantle despatched to
the town near for assistance, while others he
set to work to bring up the eagine, which
fortunately Chillingham possessed.
He then entered the house, where he en- .
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 83
countered sundry poor members of the house-
hold, half-clad, wild with fright. To these he
gave directions to unbar, and make ready for
dismantling the rooms, should the progress of
the fire render it necessary. Having appor-
tioned to each their work, he next mounted
the stairs, soon to descend, tenderly support-
ing his beloved mother.
Placing her in safety in the hall, he sped
on the wings of the wind to another quarter,
that inhabited by the Whynns, there to court
perils greater than any arising from fire, flood,
or field.
On the alarm being given, Augusta arose
and ran to open the door of her room, but the
dense smoke outside forced her to close it
again. She was hastening to arouse Mrs.
Whynn, when that lady entered, their rooms
communicating.
’ “ Tt’s fire, dear Mrs. Whynn!”’ exclaimed
Augusta. ‘It’s outside there—what shall we
do? we cannot escape that way.”
“We must find some other, my child,” was
Mrs. Whynn’s answer, ‘‘ and if not—”
“We will die together,’ returned Augusta,
and she threw herself into Mrs. Whynn’s arms.
84, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The lady clasped her to her heart.
‘¢ Death will be sweet,” said she. ‘ Yet,
oh! my Edward! my dear, dear husband!
Stay! disengaging herself, she rushed into
her room to snatch from her pillow the por-
trait of her husband, her inseparable com-
panion night and day. “We part not in
death, my darling!’’ She pressed it passion-
ately to her lips, and hid it in her bosom.
“¢ Mind, Augusta,” continued she, returning,
“you shall not die; but if I perish, hear my
last words; bear this message to my husband,
tell him how fondly, how devotedly I have
loved him; tell him my last thoughts were of
him, his dear name the last upon my lips.
Now to work!’ she continued more calmly,
“Tet me think of you; your innocent life
must not be sacrificed.”
Augusta, fertile in expedients, ran to the
window from which she had peered so short
a time before, to see if any hope of escape
remained to them there. She was about to
open it, when Freemantle’s voice was heard
at her door, and the next moment he entered.
The apartments occupied by the Whynns
lay off from the rest of the house, to which
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 85:
they had been added by Mr. Freemantle, who
objecting to an unsightly blank wall, threw
out these beautiful rooms, the views from the
windows taking in the walks and flower-
garden, and in the distance the river, winding
and losing itself amid the umbrageous foliage
of the hanging woods far off and away.
Beneath was the picture-room, as it was
called, and a choice collection of paintings
graced the walls; it contained little else ; cur-
tains, carpet, a few chairs, a table, and a
luxurious couch comprised the furniture, save
and except those quiet people, the grave and
solemn statues, now absent, dismounted from
their pedestals, doing duty in the hall.
Shut out but adjoining, was the billiard-
room, above which was the apartment occu-
pied by Mr. Frederick Whynn.
Now it did not require a second thought to
convince Freemantle, as he hurried along the
lobby to the rescue, that whatever the cause,
the fire had its origin in that selfsame
quarter appropriated to the use of this
redoubtable young gentleman.
He paused on his way to knock him up ;
the door being fastened he could not enter;
86 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
calling to him in a stentorian voice, and re-
ceiving some unintelligible reply in return,
Freemantle moved on.
* Oh! Colonel Freemantle, how good, how
kind of you to remember us!” were the
artless ejaculations of Augusta, who forthwith
placed herself under his protection absolutely, ©
her usual reticence banished by her fright.
Our hero’s nerves did not fail him even at
this trying moment; assisting them to wrap,
he was in the act of leading out his charges,
when the door of Fred’s room opened, letting
out into the passage such volumes of flame
and smoke, as would have daunted anyone
unused to stand fire.
* Shut the door instantly!” thundered
Freemantle, but to no purpose; a volley of
unearthly gibberish for answer, and a figure
in accordance, dashed through the thick smoke
and disappeared.
‘Indeed, Colonel Freemantle, we cannot
pass there—we cannot all pass there !” ex-
claimed Mrs. Whynn. “ Leave me, but save
my child !”
Freemantle darted forward to close the
door. Augusta shrieked. But the fiery
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 87
tongues drew back at the hero’s approach, as
in fairy tradition.
* Will you trust to me?’ gaid he, re-
turning. She gave him her trembling little
hand for answer. ,
The next moment his arm was round her,
and she was raised from the ground.
“Now, my dear Mrs. Whynn, indeed you
may trust me.”’
“Yes, yes,” pleaded Augusta, “trust to
Colonel Freemantle, he will save us.”
“Or perish too!” he answered emphati-
cally, and he hurried with them through the
suffocating smoke, fillime the lobby and con-
cealing the stairs.
Freemantle conveyed his fair friends safely
to the hall, where he placed them under the
care of his mother; his attention seemed
particularly directed to Mrs. Whynn: his
considerate manner confirmed her fearful
suspicions ;—suspicions they were not, she
knew who was the author of this calamity,
and felt he knew it too.
She fixed her searching eyes upon him, he
turned away to avoid answering them, and was
gone.
88 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
But even in this dire moment was born a
tie, a sympathy between them; she felt he
understood and would stand by and support
her. Happily she had done nothing that
could injure those who did so.
In the meantime Mr. and Mrs. Freemantle
had been attending to the safety of their other
guests, and the dependents of their house.
By this time it was. daylight, but a thunder-
storm that had been gathering broke in fury
over their heads, accompanied by a deluge
of rain, sufficient in itself to extinguish
the flames had water failed; which it
did not, nor assistance either. Fire is a mis-
fortune that may befal anyone, the peer or
peasant, and instinct or self-love, whichever
people like to call it, teaches men to give that
help they know not how soon they themselves
may require.
Almost as great a crowd had assembled to ©
witness this pyrotechnic display, as had done
honour to that of a few hours previous,
though now they came not as then mere idle
spectators.
The engine being brought to the scene of
action, a hundred hands strove for the post of
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 89
bringing it into play. As we said before,
there was no lack of water either from the
heavens above nor yet from the earth beneath
them, for the storm that raged was terrific,
the lightning being one continuous blaze, the
thunder one continuous roar.
But neither thunder nor lightning, nor yet
the tremendous downpour of hail, could make
the brave men labouring in another’s cause
quit their work ; with the indomitable courage
of Englishmen, they wonked on unfaltering
and undismayed.
Without detracting from the merits of
human nature, much may be attributed to the
good generalship of their leader, Freemantle.
There is something infectious in great and
exalted qualities, Prometheus-like they waken
into life the kindred virtue in others, till then
lying dormant and unsuspected.
In spite, however, of every effort, the fire con-
tinued to make progress: scorning barriers,
leaping over chasms, and vieing with the roar
of heaven’s artillery in the thundering tramp of
its fiery hosts rushing to the encounter.
A messenger had been despatched for the
parish engine, Chillingham’s pocket piece not:
90 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
being sufficient for the occasion, but the dis-
concerted envoy returned with the oft-told
tale.
“ As how it was not a bit-o’-use to bring
it, the wheels was off, the handle was broke,
and there was no hose.”
This was not satisfactory, but it nerved all
to still greater exertions. :
Freemantle’s attention was especially
directed to the preservation of the picture-
room, and the chambers above it, both in
dangerous proximity to the ferocious enemy.
To his father and brother-in-law, Mr.
Adamson, together with Lord Chester, as
much in his element as himself, when
prodigies were to be performed, he deputed
the task of removing the paintings to a place
of safety.
Good need it was, for while so doing, a
terrific clap of thunder directly overhead, -
was followed by a crash that shook the house
to its foundations. .
The floor of the apartment occupied by Mr.
Whynn had given way, and the unfortunate
bilhard-room beneath, with its splendid
billiard-table, a trophy of the quarter-deck of
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. OT
the ‘‘ Royal George,” became all at once as
ereat a wreck, as dire a scene of confusion as
did that gallant and ill-fated ship when she
succumbed to as fierce and relentless a foe.
But though the shock of the fall was like
unto that of an earthquake, and sent the
women congregated in the hall shrieking into
the open air, it was nevertheless the best
thing that could happen, for not only did it
bring down the great mass of flaming material,
but it opened a free passage for the ingress of
the water, which was poured into it with such
untiring zeal and perseverance by the good
people acting in the capacity of firemen, that
at the expiration of a couple of hours, all fears
respecting the fate of the rest of the mansion
were at an end.
Among those who most distinguished them-
selves on this auspicious occasion, not one
could equal Frederick, the unlucky author of
the catastrophe. He took the shine com-
pletely out of the Colonel, superseding him in
command, and directing the movements of
the men with all the air and authority of a
commander-in-chief. Indeed such was the
vigour with which he worked away at the
92 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
pumps, that he won for himself the applause
and approbation of his fellow-labourers, who
looked upon him as nothing less than one of
themselves, a want of discrimination on their
part not at all flattermg to Fred, who prided
himself on being one of Nature’s gentlemen.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 93
CHAPTER VIII.
‘6 A QREAT SUPPER. —-PAUL VERONESE.
Tue first person to announce the good news
of victory to the anxious hearts within doors
was our gallant Colonel, his face begrimed,
his clothes torn, and drenched with water ;
but black or white, he was alike grand without
and grand within.
He bore on his shoulder a spirited young-
ster, just four years old; his: nephew, the
youthful heir to the house of Adamson, who
had in his own opinion, with that giant arm
of his, materially assisted to put out the fire.
His mysterious disappearance from the
hall had caused no little alarm to his parents
and friends, who fied in all directions to
search for him, believing nothing less than
that his innocent young life had been the
first offering to Moloch.
94, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
He was as sooty as his uncle, and no
wonder, considering the work he had gone
through; busy and happy, chains could not
have kept him from the scene of action.
Our two heroes were greeted with tears
and laughter by the soft-hearted women,
mothers and relatives running to embrace
the bearers of such glad tidings.
Mrs. Whynn alone looked sorrowful.
Augusta stood aloof; her eyes suffused
and tender, were fixed on the darkened coun-
tenance of her deliverer, and he? His first
look was in search of her.
**My dear Miss Reynolds,” said he, ap-
proaching, ‘“‘may I deliver into your charge
this most wild and wilful little man P you will
have to chain him, I assure you,’ and he
placed the rosy urchin, beautiful as a Cupid,
in the arms of the nymph, who smilingly
promised to keep him close prisoner.
Turning to his mother, he urged a migra-
tion of the ladies into another room, and
again sallied forth to return at the head of
quite another sort of company, the guests as
in Scripture collected from the highways and
byeways. These, however, were neither the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 95
halt, the maimed, nor the blind; but men,
strong, active, and laborious, with wants and
wishes, and capacities for better things, in the
same ratio apportioned to their more fortunate
fellow-creatures ; but born to poverty, gaining
a scanty subsistence by the sweat of. their
brow; uncouth and uncultured, their claims
to virtue or wisdom are either ignored or
disallowed. |
But it cannot be denied that these are
the men whose energies are exhibited in
the display of those physical forces, which
may be called the foundation stones of a
nation’s greatness. It is such men as these
who execute the hard work of the country,
who build cities, lay the railways, sow the
corn, work the mines, build the ships—aye,
and man them too,—the men to whom
their country looks as the preservers of its
liberties, its defence in the hour of danger.
And what is the reward a grateful country
bestows, in return for this life of slavery
passed in her service? A coarse and scanty
subsistence to supply the waste of incessant
and exhaustive toil, the poison draught, deadly
and sure, the horrible Union, and the pauper’s
grave!
96 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The men then who accompanied Colonel
Freemantle into the hall were a portion of
the great unwashed, coarsely clad, with hard
faces and still harder hands, yet had they
hearts—hearts to be moved by the holy sensa-
tion of pity for the suffermgs of a fellow-
creature. |
Freemantle directed them to seats at the
table, still in its gala dress of the previous
day, and now replenished with everything the
stores and cellars of Chillingham could yield.
He took his place among them, as did also
the gentlemen guests, who assisted him in the
distribution of the refreshments.
The good people, without any demur, did
full justice to the cheer set before them ; they
ate and drank as those to whom plenty was a
novelty, at the same time conducting them-
selves with perfect decorum, and withal a
silence and gravity that formed a striking
contrast to the clamour and hilarity exhibited
by their more polished predecessors.
As soon as the repast was finished, Free-
mantle ordered each man a bumper of wine,
and then rose to address them.
‘‘ My friends,” said he, “I am not going to
inflict on you any long speech, but assembled
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 97
as all are here, I rise to thank you in the
name of my father for the great service you
have rendered to him and to his family. Ido
not exaggerate when I tell you that I never
before found language so completely fail me
as I do now, for never before did I feel my-
self so little; mine has hitherto been the
province to destroy; whether in defence
of our common country’s rights, or to resent
her wrongs ; whatever the cause, such it has
been, and in common with every other fighting
man, it has been my glory so to do. But
you have this day taught me another lesson—
you have taught me that there is something
higher than battling for fame or for glory.
Heroes are not always armed to the teeth, or
clad in shining mail; they are oftener found,
like yourselves, with only two strong hands,
and the breastplate of dauntless courage and
resolution. I have seen it before, seen these ~
great qualities as highly developed in men,
who came from the plough, as in him whom
accident placed at the head of their ranks.
I have seen it to-day, seen such battling with
the fiercest of foes, under circumstances that
might well daunt the boldest spirit, and this
VOL. I. F
98 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
not from personal motives, but highest of all,
in defence of a suffering fellow creature; not
once failing in action, or flagging in energy,
till the tremendous enemy, driven back and
defeated, yielded up the field to his determined
assailants (cries ‘We woulddo it again’). That
you would, again and again, for your zeal was
not prompted by preference for this or that
individual, but was the honest prompting of
genuine humanity. Do not think that we
count the obligation less for that reason.
Without your valuable help we should be in a
very different position to what we are now. Did
fire happen to any of you, our kind friends—
which Heaven forbid—it 1s to be hoped that,
saving the lives of those who may be dear to
you,. by the benevolence of your richer neigh-
bours, joined to your own industry, you would
soon be re-instated in your former position ;
but in our case, when poverty or adversity
overtakes the so-called gentleman, he cuts
but a sorry figure at the pickaxe and spade,
while to beg he is ashamed. I will not detain
you much longer; the assistance you gave to
us was priceless, it is a debt we can never re-
pay, but what is in our power we will do.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 99
The money I have by me I freely divide
amongst you; it will enable me to give each
man a guinea for this morning’s work. (‘We
do not want any money.’) We know youdo
not, we know you never thought of that; but
it is your due, and it will be some small
memorial of an action you may be proud of.
Let the remembrance of it be with you, to
cheer and comfort you with the reflection
that you have fulfilled the divine precept,
*That we love one another ;’ and remember
my last words, never be cast down because
your lot is not thrown among those you
deem rich and powerful—the higher a man
mounts, the farther he has to fall. So long
as you can stand among your fellow-men, as
honest and useful members of this great com-
munity, you are as worthy as though you
were kings and princes, in the sight of that
God in whose eyes all men are equal, and
who judges them not by their rank or their
riches, but by their actions.
« And now thanking you all sincerely, let
every man stand up, and drink with me ‘ The
Brotherhood of Man.’ ”
The toast haying been responded to with
F 2
100 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the strength of lungs for which John Bull is
proverbial, to give order and dignity to the
proceedings, one of the company, om Smith,
a short, thick-set man, at once the black-
smith and scholar of the village, replied to it
as follows :—
“ Mr. Curnel Freemantle and gen’l’m’n! I
ain’t going to keep you long, seeing as how it
is high time we was off t’work, so I only
means to say as how no one can gainsay a
word as Mr. Curnel has said; it’s all as true
as true can be, as how there ain’t a bit o’
difference in men’s minds when they comes
into the world. What the poors wants is
more liberty and edication as they grows up,
so as they may stand aginst the ’pressions of
the rich, and make ’em leave off drink and live
respectfully (hear, hear). There ain’t no shame
in a man’s gitting his living; we must have
wittels and drink, and precious bad stuff it is,
and little enough on it for the money, but it’s
the duty of our governours to see as a man
gets his living as Natur fitted him for it,
(hear, hear, from his admiring brethren).
With ’spect to what we done this mornin, we
only did our duty; Englishmens, if they was
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 101
well taught, would always do their duty, they
only want more edication and reform, which
we shall get some day, though it’s a precious
long time a-comin’. We are all as glad as
glad can be, as what we done was for Mr.
Curnel and his family. We didn’t do it for
money, but as he has offered it to us, we,
being poor men, hard up very often for a
crust of bread, as one may say, we should all
on us be fools not to take it. It will git us
many things as we wants, and some on us will
be able to give our poor womens and childrens
a jaunt by the ’cursion train that’s a-comin’
orf. We all thanks you, Mr. Curnel, for your
good breakfastis; we doesn’t often taste the
likes of it; we was wery pleased to help you
at such a misfortunate time, and if so be as
you ever has another fire, we will all on us be
very glad to come and put it out, and we all
thanks you hearty for the money as you are
going to give us” (hear, hear, from his com-
rades in chorus).
The speaker having finished, Freemantle
disappeared in search of his guineas.
There was one circumstance in his son’s
proceedings that the worthy Mr Freemantle
102 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
disapproved of, and that was the giving away
of the money. In the long run he was as
liberal and kindhearted as his son, but the
difference of age, and the vision of the heavy
expenses this unlucky féte entailed on him,
made him regard it as imprudent in the pre-
sent state of affairs, whereas Freemantle’s:
moderation in not giving each man a heavy
draft on his banker is much to be commended,
when we consider the ecstatic state of his
mind at that moment; its master-passion was
not gold, he recked little of it in his scheme
of happiness.
During his son’s absence Mr. Freemantle:
whiled away the time by a neat speech, ex-
pressive of his thanks to those who had
rendered him such signal service, and ending
thus—‘ But here comes my son, a man of
gold with his pockets running over with
silver, as the old lady said, but he must not
outdo his old father this way. I will tell you
what I will do, for every guinea he gives I
will put down another.”
Perhaps no one was so much surprised at
what he had said as himself, the last thing he
intended when he began, but the good old
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 103
oentleman had talked himself into the best
possible humour. The men stood with open
mouths, doubting their ears. Silence was
broken by a diminutive individual, in the shape
of the parish constable, Dick Strong by name.
Mr. Freemantle,” said he, “if you goes
for treating us the likes o’ this, all as I can
Say is as you'll have your house set fire to
every day o” your life.”
Mr. Freemantle looked somewhat alarmed
at the probable consequences of his bounty.
His guests received it with shouts of laughter.
and gave him “'Thwee times thwee,”’ at oe
Fred Whynn’s suggestion.
Although we have kept this hero of ours so
long inthe background, it must not be supposed
that he had done so likewise; he had gone to
rest the evening before in his costume of the
day, which he considered fortuitous respecting
his appearance during the scene of the fire
When that was over his first care was to
adorn: Fred was particular about his dress,
and he entered the hall during breakfast with
a killing air, and seated himself as near to his
great prototype, the Colonel, as possible.
His kindness and condescension to his im-
104 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, &SQ.
mediate neighbours were touching, yet some-
how his attentions did not meet with the
return they deserved.
They did not laugh or make their remarks
on his peculiarities, but they watched him,
some with bent brows and scrutinising looks,
as though they too considered his birth and
position a mistake on the part of Dame
Nature. |
We have elsewhere remarked on his propen-
sity to speechifying. As the war horse
pants to join the combat, so did Fred thirst
to enter the lists with the orators. ‘Thrice
had he started up, and with violent gesticula-
tions and convulsive crows, endeavoured to
give utterance to sentiments, which his agita-
tionand anxiety forbade, and thrice had he
resumed his seat with the big words unspoken.
But while Freemantle was distributing the
money to the men the spirit moved Fred, and
thus he spoke—
““My — fwiends !— Only—yesterday—had
— the — p—pleasure — to — pw—pwopose—
toast—in—honour— of — Colonel— F—wee-~
mantle,— who —sayed—my—life—in—the—
most— we—we—markable— manner — when
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 105
—I[—fell—into—the—wiv—wiver ;—what —
is—still—more—extwa—ordinawy,—he—has
— saved —my—lite—two— days — w—wun-
ning. Had—not—been—for—him,—sure—
as—you—are—born—I—I—should—have—
been — burned—to—death, — actually — w—
woasted — alive! Horwible !—Was—tfast—
asleep, — sound — as —top, — only — woke
—by—his—thundewing—and— wattling —at
—my—door — enough — to — shake — the—
house—down. Think—of—my— horwor —
wake—up—surwounded—by—flames! Jolly
— blaze — I — can — tell — you! — and —
wather —overcome — last — night, — with —
tumble—in—wiv—wiver,—and— my—ewati.
tude—and—and— ex—excitement ; — not —
able—to—sleep,—lighted—che—woot,—pop-
ped—off—then,—suppose — pipe—falls—out,
set —fire—to—bed—clothes. Don’t—know
— how — else — could — happen. It’s—
war—warning—to—all—you. Never—smoke
in—bed !— wun — wisk—being— wo—wo—
woasted — like — me, — and—no—Colonel—
F—fweemantle— wouse— you —up—with—a
—wow—de—dow—dow—’”
Fred was doomed never to finish this mas-
FO
106 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
terpiece of eloquence ; he was interrupted by
a “wow-do-dow-dow’”’ without, as though
a dozen mad engines had mistaken Mr. Free-
mantle’s grounds for a railway, and were
travelling express speed through them.
A simultaneous rush of everyone was made
to the hall door, and there, drawn up in im- |
posing array, stood a regiment of fire-engines
manned and accoutred, and which had travel-
led down might and main to the scene of
disaster. |
Mr. Freemantle’s heart sank within him.
‘‘Here’s another expense!” said he. “TI
shall go mad !”
Freemantle was greatly amused, and as soon
as he could speak with composure :—
“Friends,” said he, “I know nothing so
disheartening as to come a long distance to
visit a friend, and on your arrival to find that
he has just taken his departure. Thisis your
case, good people; the friend you came to see
was fire, our mortal enemy; he went out an
hour or two ago, for we treated him badly,
giving him nothing but cold shoulders and
wet blankets. He did not like it, so took
himself off. The brave men you see here
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, HSQ. 107
took your place as firemen, and first-rate fire-
men they have proved themselves, as well as
good Samaritans, helping us in our terrible
distress.
“Had we allowed your fiery friend to wait
your coming you would not be greeted with
the merry faces you see now. They have
driven him out, clapped the extinguisher on
him, and bid him good-night.”’
“My friends,” said lively little Dick Strong,
who had climbed up one of the columns of
the portico, ‘‘ lam sorry to see you so terrably
disappineted ; butall as I can say is, as it’s a
pity as you didn’t come a little sooner, for the
fires is out, the cellyears is dry, the break-
fastes is all eat up, and the money is all gived
away. ‘Three cheers for Mr. Curnel Free-
mantle! Hip! hip! hooray !”
‘Thus ended the grand féte champétre at
Chillingham, going off with éclat in the shape
of a blaze.
The demented fire engines filed before the
house, and then departed with a slow, heavy
swagger, like a useless reserve when the battle
is ended, while the victorious party marched
away with quick step and glad faces, as men
who had won the fight.
108 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘What a fine man our Colonel is,” said a
very deaf old man, to a friend on their way
out; ‘didn’t he make us a grand speech, a
noble discourse that; but I couldn’t hear a
word of it.”
“ Oh! he ain’t nothink to our Tom Smith,”
answered his comrade, bawling in his ear.
“You should a-heerd him, didn’t he pitch —
into ’°em about edication and reform? He
had ought to be a parli’mint man, he ought
to, our, Tom !”’
“JT say,” cried one of another group,
“what was that there gent a gabbling about
when the ingins comes? Take me as I could
make out a word as he was a saying on.”
“No more nor could I,” returned his
fellow worker; “all as I could make out was
as it was Mr. Curnel as saved his life two
days runnin’, ‘wunnin’ he calls it, and how
as it was him as set fire to the house, all
along smokin’ in bed.”
*‘ It was, was it ®” replied the first; “then
if I was Master Freemantle, if I wouldn’t tie
him up to this big tree here, and give him a
reg’ lar thrashing.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 109
CHAPTER IX.
FIRE WORSHIPPERS.-—T. SMIRKE.
Most of the Chillingham guests, on the con-
clusion of breakfast, called for their carriages
and departed.
We cannot say much in favour of the sub-
stantiability of this meal, confusion and scar-
city were its characteristics, each person had
to look out for him or herself, and take what
_ they could get; yet tempered with cheerfulness
and good feeling, the scene was one of un-
bounded mirth and amusement.
Lord Chester especially seemed loth to
leave, and lingered long on one pretext or
another, though his good sense told him that
fortune had decided in favour of his rival.
He obtained a merry laugh from the object
of his admiration, by his wicked fib of stand-
ing beneath her window with a rope ladder,
110 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
in anxious expectation of her descent, which
assistance she unkindly ignored, and then,
with a hearty grip of his friend’s hand, he
went away.
Mrs. Whynn’s stay was prolonged against
her will. Sad and ashamed, she was anxious
to return home and hide her grief and self-
reproach in the solitude of her chamber ;
but was forced to wait till access could
be gained to the apartments she had occupied;
from within it was impossible, the lobby
leading to it being unsafe, and on examin-
ation outside, it was found that the wall
adjoining Mr. Fred’s room had given way,
and therefore entrance by that means im-
practicable.
Augusta, whose déshabille possessed fasci-
nation in the eyes of the gentlemen, to her
dismay was compelled to the ignominy of
having her belongings conveyed per ladder
from her window. She knew not that
unseen hands within gathered them tenderly
up, and saved them from supposed sacrilege.
Perhaps this self-same good angel felt
scarce greater regret to see her go than did
that kind-hearted lady, Mrs. Freemantle. She
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 111
urged every argument friendship could dic-
tate to induce Mrs. Whynn to alter her de-
termination, and on failure held a private
conference with Augusta as to the practica-
bility of her staying without her friend.
The good girl’s countenance beamed with
delight at the bare thought of such happiness,
but her self-denial was great. She could not
leave her devoted friend in her present dis«
tress, and with artless grace expressed her
gratitude to Mrs. Freemantle for the kind
proposition, and gave her reasons for not
accepting it, raising herself higher in the
estimation of both mother and son when com-
municated to him.
Before starting, Freemantle took Augusta
on his arm to have a look at the ruins, a
proceeding which nearly proved fatal to one
or both, and consequently to this most re«
doubtable record of events.
Love’s blind, it is said, but he is only
colour blind ; everything comes to him wear-
ing the rosy hue of his own imagination. In
the same way he is object blind, looking too
much at one it becomes as it were photo-
graphed on the optic nerve, to the exclusion
112 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
of all other objects: hence the mistakes that
arise.
Freemantle and Augusta entered thought-
lessly within the charmed precincts of the fire
god. The girl stood with rapt and wondering
eyes, watching the play of the light flames
aloft, denizens of the air, darting from out-
the various crevices, flickering along as if in
sport, and vanishing into the element that
gavethem birth. But Freemantle gazed on
her and her only as the one palpable object,
_ heretofore a mockery and an illusion.
They were roused from their dreams by a
sudden crash, followed instantly by the fall
of a heavy beam, so close to them in falling
that it caught the girl’s dress and rent it.
She uttered no sound, but turned very
pale. Freemantle caught her up, and rushed
with her into the open air.
‘** 1 fear you are hurt!” said he, anxiously.
** Not in the least,” she answered, and they
stood looking at each other with beating
hearts; the effect of the fright, no doubt.
* All’s well that ends well.” It ended
in lively laughter, and a turn or two in
the garden to stay the hour of parting, and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 113
Augusta could have wept, as she thought,
despite the hopes he had expressed, that
the dark eyes fixed on her as the carriage
rolled from the door was the last she should
ever see of Colonel Freemantle. .
114 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER X.
‘‘ THE DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE. ’ — GAINS-
BOROUGH.
THE journey of the Whynns on their return
to town was not the pleasantest that could be
imagined. The sight of her Nemesis in the
shape of Fred on the coachbox irritated Mrs.
Whynn beyond measure.
“ Frederick, you do not go back with me
to-day,’ were her words to him before start-
ing, yet there he was.
It was not his custom to brave her anger,
so we must suppose that this plan suited his
convenience, for on reaching town, he got
down and walked away without speaking.
** And after all, whom have I to blame but
myself?’ was his mother’s consolatory re-
flection.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 115
She maintained rigid silence on all that had
passed, but Augusta, who, from habit and
affection, understood every expression of her
countenance, saw she was labouring under
intense excitement.
‘How slowly we are going!” said she.
«I wonder what makes Drayton drive such
a snail’s pace.”
The horses, young and fresh, were dashing
along at their usual speed.
“Tell the coachman, my dear,’”’ she con-
tinued, “to drive faster; he must be asleep.
I wish to be home.”
Dear Mrs. Whynn,”’ returned Augusta,
trying to divert her companion’s thoughts,
“if Drayton drives much faster we shall be
like the American on his fast trotting horse,
who passed the milestones with such rapidity,
that he took them for tombstones in a church-
yard. It is just seven minutes between this
milestone and thelast. I timed it.”
** Did you, my dearP He seems to me to
be going very slow.”
Such and similar exclamations testified to
much disturbance in the mind of one usually
calm and equable.
116 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
On reaching home, Mrs. Whynn alighted
in silence, and went direct to her room, where
she dismissed her maid.
As soon as she was alone, she divested
herself of her travelling attire, and mechani-
cally let down her hair, her long soft
hair, as yet untouched by Time’s silvering:
fingers.
Tis here,” said she, putting her hands to
her head, “ here, here I feel it. The cords of
my head ‘are strung to bursting; my brain
will give way! Wretch that I am—accursed
be the hour I saw the light! Oh, Job, Job,
with thee do I say may darknessrest upon it!
Why, why did I not perish in the flames that
monster kindled for me? (Casting herself
upon the ground.) Oh, God! take me! Be-
hold me at Thy feet—grovelling in the dust,
a very worm; strike and kill” (springing
up). No! He will not.—Death is too good
for so vile a wretch.—My husband, my dear
kind husband, to bring such misery on
him.—I shall go mad! ‘Live!’ He says,
* live and suffer the punishment your guilt de-
serves. Yes, live, abandoned by God. Live to
hear my husband curse me.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 117
She paused to realise the gloomy picture
her sensitive imagination presented.
Raising her eyes in abstraction they rested
on the awful words, *“* Thou God seest me,”
hanging in flaming characters high above
the artistic decorations of her room. Often
as she had gazed at them, often as she had
tried to associate herself with their divine
import, never had they assumed the signifi-
cance they did now.
“Thou God seest me,’ she said, humbly.
‘Thou seest me, seest me as I am, lowly and
stricken.—(Falling on her knees.) Thou
knowest all, all my guilt, all my woe.—Thou
knowest how sinful I have been; nothing
is hidden from Thee.—Thou gavest me
everything Thou couldst give—everything
that mortals could desire—and more than
all! Thou gavest me my dear, dear husband !
Yet I sinned. Father, I have sinned. I am
unworthy in Thy sight. Yet I come to Thee
still. To Thee, my God, just as I am, cast-
ing myself on Thy mercy; clinging to Thee,
praying Thee to forgive me! Father, forgive
me! Vouchsafe a sign, a ray of light that
Thou forgivest me !”
118 JOHN FORTESCUH REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The paroxysm had passed. With her face
buried in the settee before which she knelt,
Mrs. Whynn was sobbing convulsively.
Presently an arm stole gently round her,
a head was laid against her own, and a soft
voice spoke.
Starting up, she stood for a moment gazing
with dilated eyes on Augusta. “ The angel
God sends to comfort me!” said she, and
fainted away.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 119
CHAPTER XI.
“‘THE FIRST NIGHTINGALE.”-——-MISS BODDINGTON.
Avausta had felt uneasy at the symptoms
of suppressed emotion visible in Mrs.
Whynn’s manner during their drive home;
after anxiously waiting, finding she did not
appear, she went in search of her, and no
answer being given to her knock for admission,
she entered as described in the previous
chapter.
As was to be expected, Mrs. ‘Whynn was
much exhausted on recovering from her
temporary delirium, but calmness, even cheer-
fulness succeeded, and she endeavoured to
talk to and amuse her young guest.
She retired early, playfully combating
Augusta’s solicitations to let her act the part
of nurse for this night, with assurances that
she was quite herself again, but her little
120 ° JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
flower had lost its bloom, and stood much
more in need of care and rest than she did.
Augusta was glad to seek her chamber, to
be alone with her thoughts, to unravel and
bring them into some sort of tangible shape,
now they were vague, fanciful, and mysterious.
Let us peep at her in the pretty room
appropriated to her especial use, decorated
and supplied with all that love could devise
or art dictate: and never did mirror reflect a
‘purer or a lovelier being than she, who is
seated before it with loosened tresses, her
sweet face pensive, her thoughts—we learn
them from the following soliloquy.
“How little I thought last night while
doing my hair what was going to happen!
Was it only last night we were at Mr. Free-
mantle’s? Now I am here, in this dear
beautiful room, in a few days I shall go
home, and the! past will seem all a dream.
But I shall never forget hem, never, never!
That must be what is called happiness. I
never was so happy, in spite of my fright at
the fre. I must have looked a sad figure,
one of my slippers dropped off, and my hair
all came down. But he has been kinder than
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 121
ever, since. (After a pause) I wonder how
I look with my hair down ?”
She rose, and taking the light went to the
Psyche-glass to make a survey of herself.
Apparently the examination was satisfactory,
for she said at length—
* It’s nice and long, I could wrap myself in
it like the Lady Godiva. And when he bore
me through the fire how gentle, how tender he
was. Certainly I should not have minded
being burnt to death then.”
Tears rushed into her eyes ; placing her
hight on the table, she too fell on her knees,
and poured out her: innocent soul to God,
beseeching Him very earnestly to watch over
the one who had saved her life, to prosper
kim, and if there was one blessing greater
than another, that He would deign to bestow
it upon him. For herself she asked nothing,
only that he might be happy. She then arose,
finished her toilet, and soon was wrapped in
beauty’s slumber.
The next morning Mrs. Whynn was far
from well, she was seized with~ faintness
whenever she attempted to rise. She how-
ever rallied towards the afternoon, and
VOL. I. G
122 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
though Augusta used every persuasion to
the contrary, she resolved to dress, having
she said a visit of importance to make,
and ordered her carriage for three o’clock.
_ Augusta was not to accompany her.
While dressing, to her infinite Surprise,
Colonel Freemantle was announced.
Mrs. Whynn sent word that she would be
with him in a few minutes, and proceeded
with all possible despatch to finish her
toilette.
Colonel Freemantle was ushered into the
drawing-room, where he sat pondering and
listening for a footstep, that, however light, -
his heart told him he could distinguish from
all others.
Unconsciously his eyes, in wandering
among the paintings on the walls, rested on
a portrait opposite to him, and he rose to take
@ nearer view.
It was one of Mrs. Whynn, and taken
when a girl; a bright beautiful face, looking
out from long rippling hair that fell on her
bosom, and partially concealed a dress no
longer the taste of the day.
But it was not this which enchained the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 123
gazer’s attention, it was the countenance, so
familiar to him, yet he could not for his life
recall whose it was. |
‘“‘“Mrs. Whynn, evidently,” thought he, “but
how changed! scarcely to be recognized, yet
still a handsome woman. But it is not her I
-mean. Where have I seen a face the living
likeness of this? Where? where?”
He started, and completely lost his selt-
possession, for the answer, in bodily shape,
stood before him, smiling and looking up at
him with eyes of fascination.
For an instant he doubted the substantiality
of the vision, but it was Augusta nevertheless,
deputed by Mrs. Whynn to apologize, and
explain the cause of her delay. But so
absorbed had he been, that the step he had
listened for, and flattered himself he could
have told among a thousand, had been un-
heard.
** | must apologise for startling you,’
she timidly, and colouring deeply.
“ Not atall,’ he answered. ‘‘It is for me
to apologise for trespassing so soon upon you,
but I was anxious to learn how you and
Mrs. Whynn reached home; I came also to.
G 2
b]
said
124 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
offer my services, could I be so happy as to be
of use, either to you or to her.”
‘‘Thank you,’ she returned gratefully,
“Tam a messenger from Mrs. Whynn, who
will be down ina few minutes, she is far from
well; I think she received a shock the night
of the fire. JI never saw her so disturbed as
she was last evening.”
*“*T feared as much,” said he, ‘from her
manner when leaving us yesterday. And
you were alone, no one to support you.”
* Oh, Mrs. Whynn is so good and gentle,”
she replied earnestly. ‘‘ And to me has ever
been like a mother (he started), more than a
mother, for I have no claim on her for the
kindness she has always shewn me.”
Hxquisite moments to Freemantle to have
her there, speaking to him so confidingly, to
gaze upon her, and treasure in his heart of
hearts every look her soft eyes gave him.
“1 do not marvel that she does so,’ said
he, “IT am only surprised she can bring her-
self to part with you at all.”
He touched a painful chord; a shade
passed over her lovely face. She raised her
eyes to answer him.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 125
What was it in hig that shot electric
through her frame, suffused her face, with-
held her speech, and sent her eyelids slowly
down beneath his gaze?
Freemantle wished they could remain fixed
to the spot for ever.
But fate, in the likeness of Mrs. Whynn,
forbade such a species of enchantment. She
broke the spell by entering, and re-called
our visionaries to a sense of their connection
with this every-day world.
Freemantle advanced to meet her with
many regrets at her indisposition.
The lady was much pleased with his
coming, and an hour passed so pleasantly,
that insensibly it became too late for her
proposed visit. She therefore changed her
plans for a drive in the park.
To her enquiries as to the extent of the
mischief occasioned by the fire, the Colonel
assured her it might be considered trifling ;
the Insurance would cover all. They had
lost nothing to which they attached any
especial value.
The billiard-table,”’ said Augusta, ‘ Ad-
miral Whynn will be so sorry about that.”
Freemantle smiled, and said they in-
126 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, SQ.
tended to. make the fire a cause for rejoic-
ing; they had arranged that while the
repairs were going on, to take a house in
town ; when he trusted they would be nearer
neighbours. The business of house-hunting
had been deputed to him, on leaving them
he should go direct to a house-agent; could.
Mrs. Whynn recommend him to anyone in
particular? He should be grateful for any
advice, being perfectly ignorant of such
matters.
Mrs. Whynn named Mr. G , of Old
Bond Street, as a person whom she had heard
highly spoken of by her husband and friends,
both for his ability and the earnestness
with which he endeavoured to do justice to —
both parties. They were going out for a
drive, the carriage was at the door, would
Colonel Freemantle let them have the plea-
sure of driving him to Mr. G Ss.
He felt himself Mrs. Whynn’s slave at
once and for ever, for her kind proposition.
The two ladies were soon equipped, and
they set out.
“There was to him but one lov’d face on earth,
And that was shining on him.”
So thought Freemantle, who sat opposite
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 127
his idol, as they drove along. Augusta, on
her part, was certainly conscious of his
presence : but for the rest, all was a dream.
She heard, but scarce comprehended what all
this about fires and house-hunting had to do
with the new world she had just entered.
Freemantle’s last words to her, on getting
out at Mr. G——’s door, were a kind message
from Mrs. Freemantle, that she would come
as soon as they were settled in the new
house, and finish the visit that had been
brought to so abrupt a termination. His
mother would call on Mrs. Whynn, and her-
_ self solicit this favour on the score of past
friendship. |
Augusta gave a smiling assent, but she
was remarkably silent for the rest of the day,
making none of her usual lively remarks dur-
ing the drive; and giving no heed to the
admiring looks of the gentlemen who throng
the Serpentine drive of an afternoon, “ to see
the angels pass,’ as they gallantly express it.
This silence did not escape the quick eyes
of her dear friend, nor the paleness which
had supplanted the usual “ lively-red” of her
darling’s check.
128 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XIT.
‘mam HAPPY FAMILY. —SIR G. LANDSEER.
THE visit Mrs. Whynn was so earnest to make
was to Mrs. Reynolds, to whom some allu-
sion has been made in the commencement of
this history.
The origin of the Reynolds family is some-
what involved in obscurny. It is rea-
sonable to suppose that the paterfamilias
of that name had had a father and a mother,
but as no one ever heard of them, it will
not do to assert it as a fact.
There is a class of individuals, not the
highest nor the most enlightened certainly,
who speak with such awe and reverence of
** old families’’—prolonging the o—l—d to so
indefinite an extent that one would suppose
these same “‘ old families” to be a separate
creation, coeval with it perhaps, and who have
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 129
survived for the express purpose of refuting
the base calumny of beggars and nobodies,
that they too descend from the common
stock of Father Adam, and had grandfathers
and grandmothers as well as these same
venerable old families.
Lawyers, or rather barristers, donot usually
derive their origin from the old families afore-
said, at least they are not acknowledged by
that patrician body.
But when by virtue of their merits they
rise to justices, chief-justices, and lord
high chancellors, then are the genealogical
trees of said old families explored, in order to
ascertain, whether among their antediluvian
records, the names of the missing grand-
fathers and grandmothers may not somewhere
be inscribed.
Mr. Reynolds must have sprung into the
world in much the same way as did Minerva—
full-grown and armed—for we first find him
a barrister gifted with extraordinary elo-
quence and flow of language, conducting a
case with such consummate ability that the
accused, who has hitherto looked on himself
as a dead man, feels his pulses revive, and the
G 9
180 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
powers of life within him grow stronger every
moment.
It was not a good case Mr. Reynolds was
defending. It was one that human nature
shudders at—killing and slaying in its worst
form.
Everyone wondered how anyone could be ~
found to take up such a case. People often
do wonder on these and on many other oc-
casions. People always do wonder at things
they do not understand, consequently they will
never cease to wonder.
The world is full of wonders big and little.
Wonders savour of the mysterious. Sensible
people love them. They are an occupation
and a resource.
No one will deny that the law monopolises
the lion’s share of the wisdom and intellect of
the country. Lawyers use their tongues or
their pens, as other men do their swords, to
fight their way to fame and power.
The act of his life, wherein Mr. Reynolds
first appears upon -our stage, is, taking the
principle in the abstract, one which does the
highest honour to human nature. Here is a
being whose crimes have placed him without
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 131
the pale of humanity; his heart is black with
iniquity, his hands red with the life-blood of
his kind. Heis no longer a man, a mark is
set upon him. ‘Tracked like a wild beast to
his lair, he is brought to bay at last. Bound
hand and foot, he stands before his judges,
accursed as Cain. Every eye turns from him
with horror, every voice pronounces his sen-
tence—‘‘ Away with him, he shall die.”
Is there no one to pity him, no one to speak
for him ?
All hail to the eternal law of justice en-
eraven on man’s heart !
Even this monster, this outcast i his
species shall not go to his doom unheard and
undefended.
Men are to be found to whom honour is
dearer than life, who, stifling the man within,
will take their stand on the broad principle
of mercy, will make such a cause their own,
and wading through its harrowing details,
see if aught can be urged in defence or pal-
liation of a crime at which their whole nature
revolts.
I feel,’ said a barrister recently, during
the trial of a woman for the murder of her
132 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
child, “I feel an anxiety I cannot express. God
alone knows whether this unhappy creature
is guilty or not; but it is my duty to do
what I can for her, and here she is looking to
me as all powerful to save her, clinging to
hope with the tenacity of despair, though her
life hangs on the slenderest thread. These
cases are the dark side of our profession.”’
Words worthy of inscribing on a monu-
ment. Say ye wonderers and cavillers, in
the great day, on which side will this man
stand ?
But to return to Mr. Reynolds.
It has been attempted to be shown that his
taking up the case, wherein he is first pre-
sented to the reader, was a meritorious act, it
was propitious as regarded himself, for it laid
the foundation of his future success at the bar.
As he proceeded in his defence of the criminal
arraigned, such was his eloquence, that
carried away by their ears, those who had been
loudest in condemnation, gave way by degrees,
and ended in believing that if the accused
were not exactly innocent, yet there might
be “ extenuating circumstances.”
There was one of Mr. Reynolds’ hearers
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 1383
who was not to be swayed by his eloquence,
forcible as it was.
This was the judge. A masterly pleader
in his day, he knew well how often he had
carried away men’s understanding with the
magic of his tongue. He was not to be con-
vinced by any rhetoric that black was white,
and summed up so adversely to the prisoner
that great disapprobation prevailed in court,
followed next morning by severe comments
in sundry newspapers, coupled with significant
allusion to Judge Jeffries, unjust judges, &e.
The jury were not to be turned from their
better feelings, and returned a verdict of
manslaughter, instead of the high crime for
which the accused was arraigned. They
debated long whether to bring this in with a
recommendation to mercy, but with so an-
tagonistic a judge this would go for nothing,
and as they were not convinced on all points,
with British fairness, they gave the prisoner
the benefit of the doubt.
So much for this case, it bears not on our
story further than to say that from that day
Mr. Reynolds’ fortune was made. Briefs
poured in thick and fast, and when we intro-
134 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
duce him it was estimated that he spoke to
the tune of some £7,000 or £8,000 a year.
But he lived up to his income whatever 1
was. From a small house in the suburbs of
town he removed to an expensive place in
the country, to which a town house must be
added. He was chairman or director of
several companies, railways and others, be-
sides being shareholder in every undertaking
which savoured of success. He kept a stud,
and betted on the turf. He was known to play
high ; so high that he was often forced to raise
money to pay his * debts of honour.”
If Mr. Reynolds was extravagant, so was
that strong-minded lady, his wife. On this
one subject only was there concord, in all
others they took counsel to differ, and put in
an opposition. But as Mr. Reynolds’ pursuits
and profession gave him small opportunities
of interfering in his lady’s arrangements ;
their disunion did not come before the public.
There were eight children in all; some
grown up. The eldest was at Oxford, read-
ing for orders. Disgusted with all he saw at
home, he left it, and steadily refused to enter
the same profession as his father.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 1385
Mrs. Reynolds might bully her husband and
domineer over her neighbours, but in her own
house the lord of misrule reigned paramount.
The men servants drank, quarrelled, and
fought.
The women servants were idle, quarrelled,
and cried.
The animals were ill-used. ‘‘ Hay and corn
are uncommon dear!” so the coachman sold
it for drink purposes, and then threatened to
break the necks of his ladies as he drove them
about.
The bailiff milked the cows overnight to
save time in the morning, and sold it for the
benefit of his poor neighbours “‘ who hadn’t
got none of their own.”
The gardener sold the fruit and vegetables,
and the family innocently bought them again
of the greengrocer. Large as the Rey-
nolds’s garden was, yet it could not be ex-
pected to supply the whole parish, and there-
fore if anyone went without, it is next to alaw
that such should be the owner thereof, and
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds were true Christians
in this respect, though they did not know it.
The cook, ‘* charitable good creetur,” gave
136 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
away legs of mutton and whole loaves on
the score of benevolence to friends and rela-
tions, while butter, suet, and candles by whole-
sale made capital pot-pourrd in the shape of
kitchen stuff for her privy purse.
The butler, equally providentand far-seeing,
by way of bettering his condition, “ took time ~
by the forelock,” and set up a wine cellar of
hisown. like some of his master’s invest-
ments, it was very flourishing for an infant
concern, and already contained some dozens
of that master’s choicest wines.
Above stairs, affairs wore the same hopeful
aspect.
Arthur and Alfred, two fast young men,
twins of eight, kept the house alive.
They taught the black pony, wild as them-
selves, to go up and down stairs, and to find
his way into any room they bade him.
Not that the pony was the most irrational
creature that ever entered therein. He seemed
to have a perfect idea of the fitness of things,
and to consider the rooms queer stables for
men to live in.
The boys were sincere lovers of liberty, and
would open the prison doors of the feathered
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 137
favourites of their sisters, and give freedom
and the wide world to the little captives
therein.
On wet days these sportive lads played
cricket in the hall, and commenced actions for
damages on everything which came in their
way.
The hall lamp suffered spontaneous com-
bustion, since “it broke of itself,’ and the
Nubian lady who had, like patience on a
monument, stood for years in her recess,
quietly contemplating the glass globe she held
in her hand, suddenly lost her nose, while her
right arm, globe and all, dropped off in the
same mysterious way.
They likewise made targets of the paintings,
and shot their arrows into the bull’s-eyes of
the cattle pieces. They were also extremely
ingenious and scientific ; the tables and chairs
bore ample evidence of their talents for
carving in wood, while the windows and
mirrors formed excellent subjects for experi-
ments, in cutting glass with a penknife in
default of the diamond.
Of the girls, Augusta has already made
her début. Gertrude, aged seventeen, was her
138 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
mother’s darling, but the darling of no oneelse.
She had recently emancipated herself from
the discipline of the governess, which dis-
cipline consisted in letting her have her own
way in everything.
Sophy, a quiet obstinate child of six, in the
schoolroom, and Bessie, a sunny-haired, rosy- —
cheeked cherub, in the nursery, completed the
family at home. ‘The second son had found
his way into the army, where he rejoiced: in
the character of the wildest scapegrace of the
regiment. He was over head and ears in
_ debt, incessantly importuning his father for
money, with whom, strange to say, with the
exception of his little Bessie, he was his
greatest favourite.
Augusta, the most obedient and affectionate
to him, he also loved tenderly.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 139
CHAPTER XIII.
‘oman AMAZONS.”’—=ELGIN MARBLES.
It was to Mrs. Reynolds, this happy wife and
mother, that Mrs. Whynn contemplated
making the visit she had so much at heart,
and which Freemantle’s entrance had post-
poned.
On the following morning, however, she
drove to a certain house opposite Hyde Park,
of which the Reynolds had taken the lease.
On stopping at the door, a trio of youthful
heads appeared at the window of one of the
lower rooms, wherein a certain Miss White,
was engaged in the ungrateful task, of train-
ing the wilful minds of the rising generation
of the Reynolds’ family.
** Why, I declare,’ exclaimed Arthur, “if it
isn’t old Mother Whynn. What’s the row?”
* Arthur!” exclaimed the indignant gover-
140 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ness, ‘‘I told you before that you are not to
speak in that improper manner! Mrs. Whynn
is a most amiable lady—”
“The old cat! I hate her!” imterposed
Arthur’s double, Alfred.
« Alfred !” returned Miss White. “If
you say that again I’ll make you stand in the
corner till the lessons are over !”
“Do!” was the spirited reply, “‘ and you'll
see [ won’t stay there !”’
The engaging Sophy, at the window,
whispered to Arthur, that ‘ Miss White is
an old cat herself !”’
In the meantime Mrs. Whynn ascended the
stairs. On the top she was met by her God-
child, the rosy Bessie.
“Mitty Whynn! I so g’ad! Tiss me!
Dusta tum ?”
“No, my pet!” answered Mrs. Whynn,
taking her in her arms. ‘“ Dusta, as you call
her, is not come.”
“So sorye, ’ saidthe innocent, and toddled off.
Mrs. Whynn found Mrs. Reynolds at home
and disengaged, so she congratulated herself
on choosing the morning.
The lady of the house was not in the room
JOHN. FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 141
when she entered, but her daughter Gertrude
was lolling on one of the couches, reading
anovel. She took no notice of Mrs. Whynn
further than to give her a broad stare, and
then drawing up her feet, disposed herself as
a pose plastique, indicating that she was not
going to move for her.
Between this girl and Mrs. Whynn a de-
cided civil war existed, engendered, no doubt,
on the part of the former by the preference
shewn to Augusta.
Mrs. Whynn took little note of her be-
haviour to herself, though in any encounter
with her, a circumstance of not unfrequent
occurrence, owing to the long and intimate
relations of the parties, she would never allow
her to get the victory. But with the acute-
ness of the young, Gertrude early discovered
the art of tormenting her opponent by
incessantly teasing Augusta.
A speech Gertrude had made in her child-
hood often gave Mrs. Whynn subject for
much thought. In one of their youthful
squabbles Mrs. Whynn said to her—
“I wonder, Gertrude, that you are not
ashamed to behave so ill to your sister.”
142 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
T don’t believe she is my sister,’ was Ger-
trude’s reply. ‘She is not like any of us.”
On this, though a random shot, Mrs.
Whynn put a different construction. She
considered it as indicative of extraordinary
powers of observation in one so young, and
had, in consequence, passed over a thousand
impertinent speeches to herself; using what
influence she possessed with the mother to in-
duce her to train the girl differently.
Mrs. Reynolds entered, but received her
visitor coldly.
In her younger days Mrs. Reynolds had
been considered handsome rather than pretty;
her features were good, but strongly marked,
and wanted softness, as did her character.
A violent temper, the cares and crosses of life
had left their physical impress on her: she
had become hard-featured, large of figure,
loud of voice, domineering in manner.
After the usual commonplace greetings
were over, Mrs. Reynolds unconsciously
opened proceedings by asking for Augusta.
Mrs. Whynn said she was well, and then
asked to have a few moments’ conversation
with Mrs. Reynolds in private.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 143
Hearing these words, Gertrude resolutely
determined to remain.
“Must my daughter leave the room?
Surely it is not such a secret as to require
that,” said Mrs. Reynolds, knowing from ex-
perience the subject of the intended con-
ference.
“If it is not convenient for you now to
hear me,’ said Mrs. Whynn, “ I will come
when you are more at leisure. I wish to
speak to you bas? and came early on pur-
pose to do so.’
“‘ Gerty, my dear !”’ said ier mother, “take
your book and leave us a little while; Mrs.
Whynn wishes to speak to me.”’
Gertrude took her own time to obey, and
not till after much coaxing and many promises
did she consent to stir; then she took the
longest route to the door, and made the most
of it, saying, “I don’t want to hear your
paltry secrets.”
*‘Shut the door after you, my love!” says
mamma, and “ the love’? slammed to the door.
Mrs. Whynn suspected her, and before she
began to speak, went and opened it, and, as
she anticipated, found the young lady stand-
ing outside.
144, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“What ! Not gone yet, Gertrude? I
thought you did not care to hear paltry
secrets.”
“T was not listening,” said Gertrude.
* You had not begun to speak.”
“That was fortunate, for you might have
heard something you would not have liked.
Listeners, you know, never hear any good of
themselves.” |
“‘T was not listening, and it’s a story to say
I was.”
*“¢ My dear, your language is on a par with
your actions, and the sooner you correct both
the better,’’ and Mrs. Whynn closed the door
to prevent further reply.
‘‘ Sophia,” said Mrs. Whynn, re-entering
the room, ‘‘I find we cannot speak here on
the subject which brought me, much as I
wished it. Can you come home and lunch
with meP What I have to say lies so much
at my heart, that I cannot bring myself to
defer it any longer.”
‘It is impossible for me to Ho} so to-day,”
was the answer. “I suppose it is only the
old story about Augusta. I have always this
worry about her coming back whenever I let
her visit you. Why do you not marry her to
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 145
Frederick? You might keep her for ever,
and I should rejoice to be rid of her.”
© That cannot be! That can never be!”
said Mrs. Whynn, with energy. ‘Give that
up; it is not to be thought of.”
“Indeed! And why not?”
“Can you ask? Is Frederick a fit husband
for any respectable girl? Look at his habits
and tastes! You know as well as I do that
everything education could do has been tried,
yet see what he is!”
«That must be your admirable training !”’
* You know better than that ! You know
well what pains have been taken with him,
what sums squandered on him. How my hus-
band’s fortune has been sacrificed. It kills me
to think of it. The debts Frederick has con-
tracted, the bills he has drawn, the expense
his mad reckless nature has occasioned ! Two
nights ago he set fire to Mr. Freemantle’s
house, in return for his son’s risking his life
to save him from drowning.”
“Mere boyish pranks that time will cure.”
‘Time will never cure him. He was turned
out of Eton, that did not cure him; we have
not dared to send him to college, knowing the
VOL. I. | H
146 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
consequences, nor give hima profession ; and
can you ask why I do not marry him to
Augusta ? Had he the crown of Great Britain
to offer her, I would see her in her grave,
rather than the wife of such a compound of
mad folly and recklessness.”
Very well! then let Augusta return here! p
* Augusta does not return here !”’ said Mrs.
Whynn resolutely, ‘She stays with me !”
“Dare you refuse to fulfil your compact,
and defy me?”
“Tdare! Idareeverything! Sophia, my
mind is made up, I will no longer live this life
of deception. It haunts me! It weighs me
down. I feel the veriest wretch that walks!
I say nothing of the misery Frederick has
caused me from the hour he could speak;
that I accept as the punishment due to the
crime I have committed, but to go on deceiv-
ing my husband as I have done—I cannot!
I will not! I could not die in peace with so
great a sin upon my soul.”
** At your peril do so !”
““On my own head be the consequences.
Whatever they may be, they will be light to
those I now suffer from self-reproach.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 147
** Augusta has put you up to this!”
** How can you utter such a slander!”’ said
Mrs. Whynn, flashing withindignation. “If
she knows anything of this secret between
us, it must be you who have told her; from
my lips a word to her has never passed. But
come, Sophia,” she continued more calmly,
**Do not let us quarrel. Forgive my hasty
speech, and think what I must feel! God has
been merciful to you, and spared all your
children. From me he has taken all but this
one. Feel for me. Let me kneel to you,
!??
}??
and implore you to give me back my child
For a moment the woman’s heart relented.
It seemed very natural that Mrs. Whynn
should desire to have back her only child ;
and Mrs. Reynolds, on her part, would be
glad if she were out of the house. She
could not love her. She had too many
children of her own to care about another
person’s, and as it was, she could never
expect anything for her own daughter, while
that contemptible creature was by to act as a
drawback. Heaven only knew what the men
saw in her to rave about as they did.
All this coursed rapidly through Mrs. Rey-
H 2
148 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
nolds’ mind, and she almost yielded to the
prayers of her companion.
But then again—
What was to become of Frederick? They
could do nothing for him, and he could do
nothing for himself. She felt for him as a
mother. He was now provided for—did she
give in he would be a beggar. Besides, what
a talk it would make. What would people
say? She and Mrs. Whynn had changed
children. Deceived the world, all these
years. In theend they quarrelled, and the
truth came out! <A pretty scandal! Just as
she was rising in the world, her society
courted, and she in time certain to become
Lady Reynolds! It would never do! By
making Fred and Augusta marry, the two
would be off hand, and no one the wiser!
The touch of nature was but momentary.
Mrs. Reynolds, ‘unused to the melting
mood,” soon froze again.
“What do you mean todo for Frederick ?”
she asked. “ After bringing him up with such
extravagant habits, you surely would not
make a beggar of him, for a mere whim ?”
“You know, my dear Sophia, I have a for-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 149
tune of my own, and may be sure I will take
care of him; gratitude to you, and justice to
the boy himself, would make me secure what-
ever I could to him.”
** And the estate P”
Mrs. Whynn was offended.
“J have willd it to my husband to be
sure !”’ she answered.
“For his life only, I suppose? And
then—?”’
“To whom should it go,’ replied Mrs.
Whynn, with much emotion, “ but to her
who has next claim to it. I should be a
monster to rob my own child of her birth-
right !”
** And you have done this without consult-
ing me?”
“J assert my right to dispose of my pro-
perty without consulting anyone but my
husband. I could not do so in this case
without telling him all the circumstances,
which I heartily regret not having done; but
I was not going to ignore his existence quite.
He has suffered enough through me.”
“Of course it stands to reason that he will
ignore Frederick if all comes to light.”
150 JOHH FORTESCUB REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“That is to be expected. He has done
enough for him already, I think. A year or
two more of such drains upon his pocket and
he will be a beggar too.”
“You are positive Augusta knows nothing?”
“ Nothing whatever ; you may rest satisfied
of that. I came first to speak to you before
acting. Be assured no blame shall attach to
you.”
*T differ from you,” said Mrs. Reynolds,
ina hard voice. “At any rate let Augusta
return here before you speak to her.”
“ For what purpose?”
** I should like to interrogate her.”’
*‘Interrogate her? As to what?” an un-
easy suspicion taking possession of Mrs.
Whynn’s mind.
** As to her hatred and aversion to Frederick,
they were very good friends when she left
here.”
** Her liking or disliking him has been left
out of the question. They have neither of
them been consulted in the matter. Augusta’s
hatred and aversion, as you term them, are
not a bit greater than Frederick’s to the
arrangement ; the case always with cradle
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 151
betrothments. Frederick, to use the mildest
term, is not a fit husband for Augusta, and I
will not have her sacrificed to selfishness—a,
victim on the altar of Mammon and Un-
righteousness.”
** You have someone else in view for her.”
‘This is too bad, Sophia! I have done my
duty in coming to acquaint you of my inten-
tions. I shall now act for myself.”
Mrs. Whynn moved to the door.
“ T shali deny all,” said Mrs. Reynolds.
Do so; I can bring proofs.”
** Really P I shall refute them. I shall
declare she is not your husband’s child, and
my part in the affair was to save you from his
—vyengeance.”
Mrs. Whynn turned, her eyes blazing with
passion.
‘ You must be a fiend, not a woman,” said
she, “but I defy you!” and she left the
room.
152 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XIV.
‘¢ PERSEUS AND ANDROMEDA.’’—POMPEIAN.
On Mrs. Whynn’s return Augusta’s cheek
was no longer pale, but roseate as the morn.
She had her little story to tell—she had
had a visitor. Colonel Freemantle had
called.
“‘He only stayed a short time, dear Mrs.
Whynn.”
“Very fine of you to receive gentlemen
visitors in my absence,” said Mrs. Whynn,
with an attempt at cheerfulness. “I ama
bad chaperone to leave my little girl so un-
protected. I shall find her stolen some day.”
Augusta shook her head.
**J was so surprised to see him,” she re-
turned. ‘‘I think he must have heard me
tuning the guitar, for Hrrington told him you
9
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 1538
were out, but he said he would step in to
leave a message with me; it would be better
than writing.”
Mrs. Whynn smiled at this specimen of
Love’s stratagems.
** And what, my love, was the important
message that none but you were to communi-
cate? Iam afraid you have forgotten it.”
“Oh, no! It was about a house. Mr.
G , the estate agent to whom we took
him yesterday, has given him the particulars
of a house he thinks would suit them
admirably, bit he wishes to have your
opinion before bringing up Mrs. Free-
mantle to look at it. So he called to ask if
you would go with him to see it at two o’clock,
if you have no other engagement. You see
IT remember every word.”
“ Delivered to the very letter, I plainly
perceive,” and then with a mocking, puzzled
air, Mrs. Whynn continued—‘I would go
with pleasure, but [am in a dilemma about
leaving you alone, twice in the same day; it
seems so very unkind.”
* Ah, dear Mrs. Whynn! I am sure you
would never be so cruel as to do that.”
H 5
154 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Why, you do not care to look at houses,
it is tiresome and quite out of your way.”
Augusta put her two arms round herfriend’s
neck, to hide her blushes.
“But if I was asked to go!” she whis-
pered.
‘Oh, indeed! That makes all the dif-
ference,” said Mrs. Whynn, embracing her.
“We will go, my love; I trust that all things
right may yet come to pass.”
At two o’clock Colonel Freemantle again
appeared, and found his fair friends ready to
accompany him. The house that had taken
his fancy was, strange to say, in close con-
tiguity to that of the Whynns, and was all
that could be desired, handsomely furnished,
the situation not to be surpassed, for it
commanded the park.
“Of course, these advantages could not be
had for nothing. They must be paid for, and
rather dearly too,’ Mrs. Whynn said; “at
thirty guineas a week. But,’ she continued,
“if it was taken for some months, no doubt a
reduction would be made, particularly as
several weeks of the season had been lost, and
the chances are it will remain on handif not
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 155
let now. Mr. G is a clever, sensible
man, and will see it in that light, and repre-
sent it to the parties in whose interest he is
acting. Perhaps it would be as well to go at
once to him.” |
Freemantle took all his counsellor said for
gospel, being ignorant on the subject. His
mind seemed made up that this was to be the
house, provided matters could be arranged ;
‘and they returned home for the carriage,
Bond Street being too far off for the ladies
to walk.
They were in momentary expectation of it,
when a thundering knock came to the hall
door, followed by a terrific peal at the bell.
Mrs. Whynn, whose nerves had been much
shaken, started violently.
J wonder !” thought she, “what Errington
means by behaving in that way. I hope he
has not been drinking.”’
But her surmises respecting the sobriety of
her servant were quickly dispelled, for the
next instant the door of the room was flung
open, and Mrs. Reynolds entered, followed Py
her interesting daughter Gertrude.
Mrs. Whynn was astounded at this intru-
156 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
sion, insult rather, after what had taken place
in the morning, and the first glance con-
vinced her that war, not peace was intended ;
Mrs. Reynolds entered with a haughty, de-
fiant air.
At the sight of Freemantle she was some-
what daunted. He and Augusta were at the
farther end of the room, deep in study of a
bronze pitcher, in which the gentleman felt
such extraordinary interest that his fair
cicerone was necessitated to give him a full,
true, and particular account of its birth,
parentage, and design.
Augusta was startled from her day-dream
at the sight of the new comers, but went
forward to greet them.
There was something in the face of Mrs.
Reynolds that sent the life-blood back to her
heart, and her first words did not tend to
restore it.
** [have come to take you home, Augusta;
go and put on your bonnet.”
_ The girl turned deadly pale, but made no
answer.
“ Mrs. Reynolds,” said Mrs. Whynn, ignor-
ing for appearance sake the affront put upon
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 157
her, ‘‘ I cannot part with Augusta just yet,
she has not completed the term of her visit 5
besides, I have not been well lately, and
should miss her extremely.”’
** My dear Mrs. Whynn!” was the reply, in
tones so marked that the most unobservant
could scarce fail to have been struck with
them, “you are so very, very kind to my
child ; you quite spoil her. I am apprehensive
lest she may forget her home, and regard you
as her mother instead of me, perhaps fancy
herself a Princess of the Blood, transferred in
infancy to my fostering care for some very
cogent reasons, and now thinks it high time
to assume her proper rank and station.”
Mrs. Whynn’s face grew black as the
thunder-cloud before the storm, but she
thought of her daughter, and was silent.
Augusta was shocked at the scene, and
before him too!
“Oh! mamma,” said she with energy,
“‘such nonsense never entered my head. I
will go home with you immediately.”
But here Freemantle, who had till now
been intent upon the pitcher, came forward,
the friend in need, his man’s instinct prompt-
158 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ing him to make a diversion, in favour of the
worsted and flying.
‘My dear Mrs. Whynn !” said he, “ I fear
I must forego the pleasure of your advice
and assistance in my difficulties this after-
noon. Will you permit me to take my
leave P”
* No indeed, Colonel Freemantle,” said she,
fixing her anxious eyes upon him. “TI can-
not think of your doing so, yours was a
prior ae and I hold myself bound
to keep it.”’
“* Heavens!” thought he, ‘ how ke the
eyes |”
‘* Allow me,” she continued, ‘“‘ to introduce
—Mrs. Reynolds, Colonel Freemantle, Miss
Gertrude Reynolds—”
Bows and acknowledgments followed.
Gertrude had been forced to accompany
her mother, sorely against her will; but the
former anticipated a violent collision, when
the purport of her visit became known, and
thought that Gertrude’s presence might be
some check against Mrs. Whynn’s o’erstepping
the bounds of reason.
Miss Gertrude, however, determined that
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 159
though she had been made to come, “ she
would shew Mrs. Whynn she was not going
to be made a slave of for her. She hated
her, and hoped she would come to the work-
house.”
In this amiable frame of mind she entered
the room, her head raised, and resolved not
to speak a word.
But the vision of Freemantle and Augusta
near the recess ‘excited her curiosity. Her
eyes came down from the ceiling, and she
began speculating as to who he was, whether
Augusta was in love with him, hoping he
would never like her. .
Later, on hearing that Freemantle was a
colonel, she decided that he must be an old
man. None but very old men were colonels ;
he did not look so, his hair was so black, and
so was his moustache, but they were always
obliged to dye their hair in the army. Lucy
Hicks (her nurse when a child), had told her
so, and she had a sweetheart, a soldier in the
Blues, and must know.
At Mrs. Whynn’s request they had taken
seats, all but Augusta, who doubtful and
irresolute still lingered in the hope that Mrs.
160 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Reynolds might change her mind and give
her another day. She feared returning with
her in her present frame of mind.
She went up to Gertrude—
‘* Gertrude dear, how are you? I hope all
are well at home.”
Gertrude looked up at her as she spoke.
*‘T hate you!’’ was the honest answer.
Freemantle was sitting near Mrs. Rey-
nolds, his eyes following his charmer in her
migrations from one to another; her face he
could not see, but he saw Gertrude’s.
“ Jealous of her,” thought he. ‘ A pretty
life she must lead between the two.”
Meeting with this rebuff, Augusta turned
away, and no one asking her to sit, she
moved to the door. Freemantle rose to
open it.
On reaching her room, she knelt beside her
bed, her arms above her head, she neither
spoke nor moved.
Never to see hem again was all she was
conscious of.
In the drawing-room the conversation be-
came general.
In spite of her suspicions, Mrs. Reynolds,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 161
like everyone else, could not help being
pleased with Colonel Freemantle’s frank
manners, and manly bearing. She knew his
name perfectly, and his politeness to her-
self she took to be indicative of his good
sense. |
As to Gertrude, so great a change had
been effected by a few kind words addressed
to herself, that she began to think that after
all, Freemantle might not be such a very old
man. He did not wear a wig she was
certain, for she could see the parting of his
hair, nor did it look purple, which it always
does when it is dyed. ‘‘ Uncle’s often looks
@ lovely purple !”
So successful was he, that though Mrs. Rey-
nolds waited in the expectation of Augusta’s
return, yet finding she did not appear, she
positively went away without again mention-
ing the object of her visit.
Freemantle did not lose sight of the ladies ;
he escorted them to the carriage, and had the
satisfaction of seeing them drive off.
“The sly hypocrite!’ exclaimed Mrs.
Reynolds. ‘‘Did I not say she had some-
body else in her eye for that creature? Tl
162 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
spoil her game yet. He’s a fine fellow, but
he sha’n’t marry Augusta, I can tell him. I'll
see him hanged first.”
In the meantime Freemantle returned into
the house, quite unconscious of the terrible
ordeal he was to go through before he should
marry Augusta.
It was now too late to go to Bond Street,
so, after lingering a short time, he took his
leave.
“She did not come down, poor darling,”
thought he, as he wended his way towards
home. “Upstairs, crying her lovely eyes
out, and no wonder after such treatment.
What did the woman mean with her my child
and your child, and that rhodomontade about
Princesses of the Blood. Only the ravings of
an angry woman, I suppose. ‘ Nonsense,’ as
the dear child called it. How sensible and
sweet she is.”
And he fell into a reverie on the perfections
of the poor little mortal, till she rose up before
him in so witching a guise, that she never
would have guessed the fancy portrait he was
designing intended for herself.
Augusta was roused from her reverie by
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 163
hearing the voice she dreaded on the stairs:
expecting a summons she started up and
hurried to her wardrobe to collect her traps.
Hearing them on the contrary drive away,
she heaved a pee ound sigh, and murmured
** A reprieve.”
She was too agitated to go down to where
he was; yet longing to see him once more,
the last look she knew she should ever have of
him, she opened the door, and finding the
coast clear darted like an arrow down the
stairs into a lower room; there she waited
with a beating heart till she heard him go out,
when she flew to the window, and unseen,
watched his retreating figure, till the winding
of the road hid him from her view.
Then, and not till then, did her courage
fail her, and she wept, with all the abandon,
the thorough outpouring of grief which
belongs only to the young.
Not so! There are separations belonging
to our riper years which, rending asunder the
strong ties of our natural affections, wring our
hearts as keenly, and unlock the springs of
feeling as fully, as do ever the griefs and
disappointments of our younger days.
164 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XV.
‘64 SHADY LANDSOAPE.’’—F. BR. LEE.
Avausta’s transport of grief brought on a
violent headache.
Mrs. Whynn discovered her in tears, and
was much affected. She was too sensible to
attribute them solely to parting from herself,
for though that was always accompanied with
more or less regret, yet to come and go had
been the practice of her life, and would not,
under any circumstances, call forth such an
ebullition of feeling as that she now witnessed.
Her first impulse was to tell her all, and give
life and hope to her injured daughter.
She was to her as a living sunbeam, and
she should not have the light of her youth
crushed out, her hopes destroyed, her pros-
pects blasted, and for nothing she had done
herself.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 165
Still it had been a fixed resolve that her
confession should first be made to her hus-
band. She felt that to bea duty, the only
reparation she could make. Besides, standing
alone as she did, she felt so very helpless,
there was positively no one to whom she
could make such a revelation, and then claim
their support and counsel. The éclazrcisse-
ment would be her own work, and did it take
place during his absence, the figure of his
wrath looming in the distance would have
tenfold terrors for her.
It was this made her hesitate and draw
back, when the words were on her lips;
Augusta was too dispirited to bear more
now: she would be better in the morning,
and in the interim she would think it over;
and decide, if possible, how to act.
When morning came, the girl appeared with
pale cheeks, swollen eyes, and holding a note
in her hand.
_ “T have received this from mamma,” said
she, trying to speak with composure. ‘She
desires—she wishes me to return home
immediately.” |
* Well, my dear, you know how wiiaveds I
166 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
am to part with you, but you are the best
judge of your own affairs.”
“Oh! dear Mrs. Whynn!” said Augusta,
almost choking, ‘‘ do not speak so to me, you
know how sorry”’— She could not get
farther.
Mrs. Whynn’s heart was wrung to the
quick. |
¢ Tell her!’ whispered her good angel.
Try her!’ urged the opposing spirit.
She obeyed. |
“It is in your power, my child, to live
always with me.”
“ There is my own dear, kind Mrs. Whynn,”
and she rose and went to her. “ Child! child!
I like to hear that word from you, it sounds
so very sweet !”
“Suppose I was to tell you that you weremy
child,” returned Mrs. Whynn.
“You? dear Mrs. Whynn! My mother?
You are joking !”
“You seem not to like the idea, notwith-
standing your professions,” said Mrs. Whynn,
coldly.
‘ Because I could not believe it. I could
not believe you would do such a thing.”
JOHN FORTESOCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 167
* Do what thing?’ said Mrs. Whynn, in
unfeigned astonishment.
*‘ Give up your child to another, who could
not love or care for her as you would. No, I
never would believe that you, whom all my
life I have loved and worshipped, would do so
great a wrong.”
“Such things have been done,” said Mrs.
Whynn, retreating.
“Do you really believe it? She must be
very wicked who would do so.”
Mrs. Whynn was beaten. It had never oc-
curred to her that she would meet with
obstruction in this quarter. She took it for
granted that Augusta, gentle and loving, on
the facts becoming known, would make an
instant transfer of her duty and obedience,
and rejoice at the change.
She did not know whether to admire or to
be angry with her.
“ Whatever wrongs parents may commit,”
said she, severely, ‘‘ their children are not to
be their judges.”
“Certainly not, if they know them to be
their parents; but I think there must be some
misunderstanding; you mean I could become
168 .JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
your daughter by marrying Mr. Whynn. Is
it not so?”
‘* And will you not ? We could live together
always then.”
“I shall offend you again, for he is your
son, and it is so kind of you to wish it.
Mamma’s heart, too, is so set upon it, she
never will hear of anyone else. But—No! I
could not,—now—less than ever,” dropping
her voice till it was all but inaudible.
Mrs. Whynn’s eyes were fixed on her.
“So I fear I must forfeit your love and
affection for ever.”
“Why, my darling? Do you think me so
blind or so ungrateful as to dislike you because
you cannot like—Frederick ? Do youthink I
do not know how to prize disinterested
affection ?”’
“And you will let me love you as before,
with all my heart and soul; and we are bound
together with a tie stronger than any earthly
one can give us.”
At these tender words, Mrs. Whynn was so
moved that she could not speak ; she could —
only fold her childin her arms, and keep her
close pressed to her heart.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 169
“Now, my love, we understand each
other,’ said she at last, “and this subject
is set at rest for ever, marriage without
affection is repugnant to the feelings. You
and Frederick are not at all suited to each
other ; I told Mrs. Reynolds so, and hence
the quarrel between us.”’
There is one thing,” said Augusta, as she
resumed her breakfast, “that no one ever
seems to think of, and that is, Mr. Whynn
has never yet proposed to me, and he never
will; he does not like me enough to do so.”
“When he does, perhaps you will change
you mind.”
** Perhaps so,’ she answered, jestingly.
But her mirth was transient, for presently
she added sorrowfully, ‘‘I must make haste,
for mamma is going to send early.”
‘The carriage has comefor Miss Reynolds,”
said the servant, entering, “‘and Mrs. Rey-
nolds wishes you, please, miss, to make
haste.”
It would be difficult to say which of the two
women was most affected.
“You are resolved to go P” asked Mrs.
Whynn.
vol. I. I
170 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“T must, dear Mrs. Whynn. Do not ask
me to stay; I dare not.”
The parting was a painful one.
Augusta wept unrestrainedly when she
thought of her brief span of happiness, and
how, on quitting those dear walls, the doors
tlosed on all that life and hope could offer
her. | | |
On reaching the door, she turned, and
seeing Mrs. Whynn watching her with sad and
sorrowful eyes, she ran back to embrace her
once more.
““T feel,” said she, “as if some dreadful
misfortune was hanging over me. I feel as
if the light of my life was going out for
overs:
Mrs. Whynn watched her drive off, and
then she returned into the room, which she
paced with the slow and wavy grace peculiar
to her.
“She is not like her brother, my dear, dear
lost boy!” said she musingly. “He would
never have said that to me. She can’t know
it? No! no! But hedid. ‘Mother!’ said
he, when in agony at the thought of losing
him I told him all, and begged him to for-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 171
give me, ‘Mother! I love you better than -
ever! He shall be my brother! and J
will be your second son!’ MHorror! And
IT lost him! God took him. He was too
good for me.” :
She paused, looking the embodiment of
erief and despair. Rousing up, “She feels
as if some dreadful misfortune was hanging
over her. And I could let her go. Deliver
her into the hands of that Philistine woman,
to be tortured to the death! Infamous! Why
did I not say—‘I am your mother! I com-
mand you to stay!’ She dared not have dis-
obeyed me !”
172 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XVI.
‘6H WAYSIDE INN.’—G. F. MORLAND.
Ir is high time for us to look after our
quondam friend Frederick, who, on dismount-
ing from the coach-box, as related, took
counsel with himself, and decided that it
would be better he should take a little
‘“‘welaxation,’”’ after the dangers and fatigues
he had undergone, by water and fire.
His “ Maternal—was—wed—hot, and would
—bully—him—to—death,—but—she—would
—soon—cool—down—when—she— found —
he wouldn’t—weturn. Only—sons— were—
too pwecious—for—Maternals—to—be—long
—in a—wage—with. He—would—let—the—
steam—blow—off,—and—fwighten—her—by
making — her—believe— he— was—never—
coming—back. P’waps— he—would—go
—for—a—soldier.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 173
With this sensible decision, he took his way
to one of the western suburbs. His first
call was at a certain pretty wayside inn,
called ‘‘ The Bell.”’ It was one of those snug
picturesque affairs still to be seen, in some
out-of-the-way spot, where that bane of our
times, ‘The Freehold Destructive Society,”
has not yet fixed its claws, laying waste
the fair face of nature, destroying her green
pastures, laying the axe to the root of every
tree, and stifling her pure breath, to rear on
the ruins the vile heaps of bricks and
mortar they presume to call dwellings,
flanked by those abominations, the gin-palaces,
We are loth to suggest the original purpose
of our “Bell Inn.” There is something
melancholy in the decline of things, as well
as of persons. like many a woe-begone
wight in his tatters and decay, it bore the
appearance of having seen better days. It
was not at its worst at this present moment,
it had the air of a well-to-do place of busi-
ness, and was much frequented by sporting
characters, betting-men, and gentlemen of a
like calling, who, within, found a large well-
furnished parlour, an “ordinary at six
174. JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
o'clock,” as well as “good stabling for man
and horse.’
These last qualifications were certainly on
a grand scale, and gave one the idea of its
having been originally a hunting box. It
stood back modestly from the road, like merit,
not boldly staring, and insolently defiant, like
its upstart competitors of the present day. |
The door was in the centre, with a large
bow-window on each side, above which was a
range of low but spacious apartments. The
front was shadowed by a grand old elm tree,
the last, evidently, of a long line of ancestors
once skirting the road. Onone of its gnarled
and withering branches, stood a queer little
warrior, who, armed with spears, did battle
with the winds, flinging them at the head
of his enemies in whatsoever quarter they
attacked him.
We are sorry to add that the brave little
man generally came to grief at last.
Sometimes appearing without an arm, then
twisting vigorously about without a head, and
finally lowering his remaining weapon in
token of defeat, would fall dead beaten on
the field of combat. In time, another as
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 175
valiant would be found willing to take his
place, but in spite of the most desperate
resistance, he, too, was certain sooner or
later to share the fate of his unfortunate
predecessor.
A pole, surmounted by a representative bell,
did duty for a sign. .
Within one of those same bow windows,
busily employed in satisfying the demands of
thirsty travellers, stood a plump, black-eyed
lass, with cheeks rivalling the very reddest of
red roses. Heat and anger combined, this
particular afternoon, to give additional force
to the native hue of this portion of her face.
Her voice was not soft, as beseemeth woman,
nor her manners gentle—not to be expected
in her station. But the one was louder and
the other rougher than usual. She made her
appearance in the world about the time her
father took possession of the “ Bell.” So
she was called “ Bell,” in honour of the
occasion. But though business increased
the family did not, and Bell remained “ sole
daughter of her father’s an and heart,’ and
heiress to the pewter pots that hung in shining
rows around her own especial domain—the
176 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
bar. This young lady was no other than the
successful rival of Augusta in the affections
of the redoubtable Mr. Frederick Whynn.
The neat little inn, peeping out from
beneath its shady tree, with its good frontage
and -inviting aspect, was a house of call to
many others besides the ordinary habitués of
such places. It had its share of life and fun,
as well as the lights and shadows of this
variable world.
Fred was not the only gentleman who,
either on business or amusement, visited it,
the route on which it lay being quiet and
countrified, and a favourite with gentlemen
who drove their thorough-breds.
Our friend had put up there once too often ;
he saw, and lost his heart, to the Bella-
donna within, who, from laughing at him and
his uncouth flattery, ended in believing it
sincere and to the purpose.
To promise the fair no end of delights on
an ‘“‘incompawable dwag,” and upset and
nearly kill her, when in full swing for the
* Derby,” is not the usual mode of “ running
for the plate ;”” but whether it was the drag,
or the grief and anxiety displayed by the un-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 177
fortunate Jehu we know not, but certainly
the young people became better friends after-
wards.
We rather suspect that in the hurry and
contrition of the moment, Fred preferred
certain petitions which tended towards the
pewter pots in reversion, and so compromised
matters that way. This was twelvemonths
ago, and Fred did not seem to be taking note
of time and promises. Latterly Bell thought
he had fallen off in his visits, and she was
not the girl to put up with affronts.
We will do Bell the justice to say that she
was not of the sweetest temper in the world,
but she had her good points nevertheless.
When things did not take the course she
wished, Miss Bell was apt to be unreasonable,
and to fling reproaches about like ninepins,
behaving decidedly, as her sensible mamma
averred, “ obstropolus.”” Bell had quarrelled
with her mother this same afternoon, who
had ventured to remind her, that “ hitytity”
treatment of their customers was not the
way to make sour beer sweet, and further
added some commendations in favour of “ that
there Jackanapes,” as she sagely designated
I 5
178 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Mr. Frederick Whynn, which it was quite as
well he did not hear; and as the two always
accompanied each other, like the Siamese
twins, she finished by a diversion, in the
interests of a certain individual, whom she
infinitely preferred for a son-in-law.
Mrs. Glass was a -portly, comely woman,
the very model of a landlady ; but she belied
her keenness in her calling for the bar, by
urging on a new love before the old was off.
On this particular day there was a grand
cricket match close by, and Bell’s work was
in proportion. |
Frederick arrived at the station close by.
He dearly loved cricket, and some of those
now at work were members of the club to
which he belonged. ‘
* [ll —just — step —in—and—have—a—
look—at—Bell, —and—then—Tll—twy—my
hand—at—cewicket,” thought he.
Bell did not expect him, and, busy and
heated, was not in her best trim, or humour
either. She would not see her recreant
knight when he entered: a toss of the head
as his shadow darkened the door, was the only
sign that she was aware of his presence.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 179
** Why—Bell !”’ said the discomfited swain,
who had waited patiently till there was a
clearance, “ What’s—the—wow? Don’t—
you—know—me ?”’
Bell would not ‘‘ draw it mild.”
** Ale or stout, sir ?”’ said she, ignoring his
existence, nor raising her eyes.
“ Cwuel—girl. Is—that—the—way—you
—tweat—me, after—being—dwowned ~ and
—then—woasted ?”
** Dwowning and woasting (mimicking
him) is too good for them as cheats honest
girls with promises and then laughs at e’m,”
says Bell, finding her volubility, “ but Pll
have nothing to say to them gents. I’m not
in wants of plenty as would be glad if I was
only to let *°em as much as touch the tips of
my fingers; and I’m not agoing to be cast off
like this here old pewter pot, I can tell you.”
‘ What—wubbish Who’s !—going—to—
cast —you—off P You-—don’t—mean—what
—you—say—Bell.”’
“‘ But I does, and a great deal more too!”
was the dauntless answer. “I ain’t got no
one as will stand up and take my part.
Father says, ‘Sarve you right, gal, for going
180 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
out of your spere,’ but for all that I can take
my own part, and I will.”
*¢ Why — Bell— What — a—peal— you're
winging! You’ll—bwing—the—cwicketers—
in to — hear —you— play —cwicket—with —
your tongue,” and he approached the damsel
with mollifying intentions. ‘‘ Do—be—wea-
sonable !””
“Tf you come near,” said Bell, who had
worked herself up to boiling point, and stood
next door to a scream, “ll fling this here
over you; see if [ don’t!”
“ What a viwago!” exclaimed the defeated
party, beating a retreat. ‘‘ She’s—waving—
mad—or—dwunk! What—wows—women—
kick—up! She’s—jolly—good—looking,—
wule—the—woast—&ec., &c.,”’ was his solilo-
quy, as he wended his way to the cricket field,
where he created the same “ sensation’’ that
attended his other presentations of himself in
public.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 181
CHAPTER XVII.
‘““ RUCLES ANNOUNCING THE VICTORY OF
MARATHON. ——B. R. HAYDON.
Tue first sight that met Augusta’s eyes on
her arrival at home, for such it must be con-
sidered, was Mrs. Reynolds at the window
laughing.
She had been anxiously watching the return
of the carriage, doubtful of her coming back,
but on beholding the forlorn occupant, she
could not restrain her mirth.
“Well,” said she, “that woman (Mrs
Whynn) is the greatest fool that walks.”
Mrs. Reynolds was not a refined lady.
** She has let the miserable creature come
after all. It did not take much to bring her
to her senses. Afraid of ‘dear Hdward’
(sneeringly). I’d have seen her at the Anti-
podes before I would have let her go. Well,
182 § JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ASQ.
possession is nine-tenths of the law. We'll
“gee who wins.”
Mrs. Reynold’s face somewhat reassured
Augusta, who had been sitting in nervous dread
of her reception the whole way, and which
for the time distanced the remembrance of all
she was leaving behind.
The moment the carriage door opened
Augusta sprang out and ran in, but the laugh
had evaporated, and a dreadful frown met
her.
“So you have chosen to return at last.
It’s well you have, for if you had not, never
again should you have darkened these doors.”
Mrs. Reynolds fixed her eyes on the duteous
recipient of this graceful welcome, who said
nothing, and turned to retire.
*¢ She has not told her,” was Mrs. Reynolds’s
inward congratulation.
At this moment she was startled by a .
hubbub without.
The little Bessie, in her hurry with her
*‘Dusta tum,’ had made short work of the
stairs, and came rolling down like a ball,
bumping on every step till she reached the
bottom, where she lay quite still, though the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 183
commencement of her descent had been accom-
panied with the usual childish outburst.
Augusta rushed out to pick her up.
“How dare you touch her,” said Mrs.
Reynolds, pushing her aside. ‘This is your
doing. If you had come back yesterday it
would not have happened.”
* Oh, mamma, forgive me; I did not mean
it,’ was the penitent appeal from quivering
ELpget
“Begone. If she’s killed her death will be
at your door.”
The child was certainly very quiet, with
closed eyes.
To avoid more insults before the rest of the |
family, who, with the servants, came throng-
ing in, Augusta fled to her little chamber at
the top of the house. Locking herself in she
flung herself on her knees, and prayed that
the child might not die. Sorrow, afflictions
of all kinds she could bear, but not that,—and.
there she remained with the feeling that ifshe
rose her last hope would leave her.
A distant noise roused her.
““They are going for the doctor,’ she
thought.
184 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
She arose, and opening the door went and
looked down the awful well staircase into
the passage below. She saw Miss White
running up, but trembled so violently that she
could not go down to meet her. |
“T have run up,” said the kind-hearted
governess, breathless with the haste she had
made, “to tell you that Bessie is all right
again. I think she was more frightened than
hurt.”
Augusta bursted into tears.
‘*T was afraid she was dead,’ she sobbed
out.
‘God forbid. But ifshe had been,” said
her consoler, “you would not have been to
blame. How could you help it ?”
“Qh, I could never have been happy
again.”
This was her reception home.
Miss White’s visit was short. A tremen-
dous racket on the stairs warned her to look
after her harum-scarum pupils, and she ran
down with the same precipitation she had
run up.
Augusta did not go down till luncheon.
The little falling star, Bessie, kept her com-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 185
pany. She had recovered all her innocent
vivacity, and would not stay away from “ dear
Dusta,”’ but ably assisted in turning all her
belongings topsy turvy. Though this fear
was removed, her heart was nevertheless ex-
ceedingly heavy ; and as she began to realize.
her situation, and to recollect that this was to
be her life, or a still worse one with Frederick,
that she was never to see him again, but
would go on day after day, thinking of him,
knowing it to be hopeless and he lost to her,
the prospect appeared so dreadful, that at the
mid-day meal she presented herself with a
face perfectly colourless.
“Why, Gussie! how-d-ye-do, aint you
well ?”’ says Arthur, the elder of the twins,
who had obtained his seniority by just ten
minutes. ‘ What a jolly blaze you had at
the Freemantle’s, I wish I had been there.”
* And so do I,” says Alfred, his second
self, “‘ I’d have poked the fire, and made it
burn up.”
* Alfred !”? says Miss White, timidly, ‘‘ you
‘ought not to put your knife in the salt, or
speak with your mouth full.”
*‘T sha’n’t mind you,” returns Alfred, heroic
when he dared.
186 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Sophy dived her fork into a dish of tempt-
ing roasted potatoes, and secured one.
“You ought not to do that,” said the
tormented governess, ‘you should wait till
you are helped.”
Hungry Sophy made a face aside to Ger-
trude, and commenced to eat off her fork.
Gertrude, who had been making her inward
comments on Augusta’s pale cheeks, suddenly
sald—
“ Are you going to marry Colonel Free.
mantle ?”
“No!” answered the indignant Augusta,
the sound of the loved name dying her cheeks
scarlet. |
*“How you colour! Just now your face
was aS white as a sheet, now it’s as red as
fire,” was Gertrude’s amiable rejoinder.
Mrs. Reynolds’ eyes were fixed on Augusta.
‘Arthur, you ought to be more careful,
and not knock your mug of ale off the table,”
says Miss White, quickly, with feminine tact,
trying to divert attention.
«My eye!” says Arthur, “‘ that’s what Fred
would call a ‘ wegular spill.’ ”
Miss White was horrified at the effect of
her scholastic skill.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 187
** Arthur—” she began.
But Mrs. Reynolds, who guessed the
motive of the move, caught her up majes-
tically.
“ Miss White, it is sufficient when I am at
table that J correct my children. You don’t
know your place.”
It was now Miss White’s turn to become
scarlet, but she bore the reproof with real
dignity, neither looking repelled nor defiant.
“Miss White,” whispered Alfred, “I will
be a good boy.”
**'W hat’s that you say, Alfred?” asked his
mother.
No answer.
** Do you hear me ?”
“ Alfred told Miss White he would be a
good boy,” said Gertrude, the mischief-maker.
‘And is that the way you bring up my
children, Miss White?” sternly asked Mrs.
Reynolds. ‘Teaching my children to rebel
against their mother! The sooner we part,
the better; you go this day three months.”
She paused. Miss White made no answer.
‘It was my fault, mother,” said Alfred,
the good in his nature called into action.
188 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Yes, mother,” says Arthur, with equal
generosity. “‘ Miss White is always preaching
to us our duty to parents, &c.”’
Arthur was the cleverest of the family.
“Be quiet this instant !’’ angrily returned
their mother. ‘‘ The more you say, the more
convinced I am of the necessity. Gertrude—
Sophy—bear witness that I give Miss White
notice to leave this day three months.”
“Yes, ma,” echoed the two delighted
daughters.
This was too much for Miss White’s dignity ;
the man-servant behind his mistress’s chair |
had been thrusting his handkerchief into his _
mouth. Toavoid an exposé of her feelings,
she rose from her chair and left the room.
** Ma! ma!” said the mystified Bessie in
her high chair, pulling her mother by the
sleeve. ‘‘ Mhitey! naughty durl ?”
*“‘'Yes, my dear,’’ was the answer, “she is
very naughty. JI hope you will never be so
naughty.” }
“No, ma; I be dood. Mhitey be dood,
She so, so sorye. ’Divey her, ma; tiss her.
She be dood.” |
* Are you going to be naughty, too ?”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 189
asked mamma. ‘I shall send for nurse to
put you to bed.”
At which poor Bessie put her finger in her
eye, and, dropping her wee mou’, set up an
incipient cry. :
‘“Mamma, dear,’’ says Arthur, with his
usual bluntness, the intuitive principle of
justice strong in his young heart, ‘ you
should not have floored Miss White before
company.”
“Leave the room instantly, Arthur!’ ex-
claimed his incensed mother. ‘‘ I'll teach you
that your first duty is to obey me. You boys
ought to be at school. I wonder what your
father means by keeping you at home.”
** So do I,” struck up the manly Alfred,
clearing off with his brother. ‘I hate being
at home, bullied by a pack of old women !”
** Gertrude,” observed Mrs. Reynolds, as
soon as the servant had left the room, ‘‘I do
not approve of your behaviour, you ought not
to look at Brown as you do. If I see it again
I shall not allow you to ride with him.”
*T did not !’’ answered Gertrude, colour-
ing. ‘I could not help laughing; I cannot
play the hypocrite like Miss—Whynn here!”
190 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
It was Mrs. Reynolds’ turn to colour, but
she was not going to strike her flag yet.
““What do you mean by that, Gertrude?”
said she.
“‘f mean what I say,” was the impertinent
answer.
“ So you are turning rebellious now! Quit
the room !”
“ Tm not going to be sent off like a
servant or Miss White, I can tell you, ma!”
Mrs. Reynolds was beaten, unless she
turned her refractory daughter out of the
room, which she felt inclined to do. But
Gertrude was stronger than herself, and she
did not wish to enter the lists with her.
So she turned upon Augusta.
This is your work again, Miss !”—Ger-
trude’s appellation rankling in her mind. She
very nearly called her ‘“‘ Whynn,” too. ‘‘ You
have been the plague of my life ever since
you were born, andunless you make amends
for your abominable conduct by marrying Mr.
Whynn, and taking yourself off that way, I
shall seek some other to get rid of you.”
Augusta, from experience, knew well
enough how it would end—on herself, and
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 191
had sat in nervous expectation of the coming
blow.
She wisely said nothing.
This last speech Mrs. Reynolds considered
a master-stroke of policy, sufficient to allay -
any suspicions on Augusta’s part, should they
have been aroused by Gertrude’s words.
Augusta had a fair share of sense, but with
her, as with many others in their relative
positions, she never dreamed of things being
otherwise than they seemed. Afterwards she
wondered at her blindness in not being alive -
to circumstances clear as the noon day.
But a suspicion did enter her mind.
*“What can Gertrude mean by calling me
_ Miss Whynn?” thought she, when alone. “ I
should consider it mockery but for its effects
on mamma and the strange words of Mrs.
Whynn this morning.”
She stood in deep abstraction.
*‘ There is a mystery I cannot divine. Am
I Mrs. Whynn’s daughter? But how can
that be? Why should she part with me?
It can’t be; I could not think so of her.
No ! It would be too dreadful! I could not
bear it If it were so, how could she and
192 JOHH FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
mamma wish me to marry Mr. Whynn?
That bears falsity on the face of it! Thank
Heaven, that thought sets it all right! Itis
not so. It was only Gerty’s temper !”
JOHN. FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 193
CHAPTER XVIII.
‘6 RXAMINING A WITNESS.’’—H. RICHTER.
Luncuron over, Mrs. Reynolds, apparently
forgetful of Gertrude’s rebellion, called her
into her room, saying she wanted to have a
few minutes’ conversation with her.
* Don’t be long, ma, pray !” was the im-
patient answer. “I want to have a good
long ride this afternoon.”
“Do so, my dear. It all depends upon
your answer to my question how long I de-
tain you. (Closing the door.) I perceive ©
that by some means you have discovered a
secret I believed was known only to myself and
one other. How did you find it out, my
love ?” |
*¢ Find out what, ma ?P”
“ The secret I mention.”
** What secret ?”
VOL. I. K
194, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ The secret I want you to tell me.”
« But unless you tell me what the secret is,
I cannot tell you whether I know it.”
“Yes you can. You know what I mean,
so tell me like a good girl.”
“‘But I cannot tell you unless you give
me a hint; I might be telling one of my
own.” |
“‘ Have you secrets from your mother ?”
© IT thought you had secrets, ma.”
* Sol have, but that is very different to
your having them.”
*‘ I cannot see any difference. I suppose I
may have little secrets of my own.”
“ Cease this nonsense, Gerty, and tell me
plainly what you know.”
** T don’t know anything.”
** Fie, Gertrude! Don’t tell stories. You
know you do.”
“ DoI? Iwish you'd tell me what it is,
then.”
“T’ll get your papa to cross-examine you ;
he is used to such work.”
“ He'd get it all out of me,” said Gerty,
making a false move; “ you would not like
that.” |
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 195
* Oh, then! there is something to be got
out of you, notwithstanding your declara-
tions P”
** But it’s my mother’s secret, not mine |”
Then you need not mind telling it to.
your mother.”
** But if you know it, ma, there is no occa-
sion for me to tell you.”
*‘ Yes there is! I want you to tell me who
told you.”
** Nobody told me.”
“ Gertrude! don’t be so wicked! How
could you say what you did at lunch if no-
body told you!”
What did I say at lunch ?”
** You know as well as I do.”
* No, I don’t. What did I say ?”’
** What you said about Augusta.”
“I said she had a very red face, that’s all
I remember.”
*« You said something else.”’
“Did ITP Oh, do let me go; I am losing
all this beautiful afternoon.”
* You must answer my question first,”
said her mother. ‘“ You called her—you
know what you call’d her.”
K 2
196 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ No, I don’t.”
« Yes, you do.”
‘© What was it, then ?”
‘© You called her—Miss Whynn! It could
not be accidental.”
“ J was joking.”
« You were not joking.”
‘«¢ T have often called her so before.”’
‘‘ Never in my hearing.”
You have not noticed it. Augusta is
very much like Mrs. Whynn, and not a bit like
you. The stupid old thing is so fond of her
too, that she ought to be her child, though
she is not.”
Mrs. Reynolds was staggered, especially as
she could not arrive at any just conclusion as
to Gertrude’s knowledge of this “ secret,” as
she called it. She felt certain of Mrs.
Whynn’s silence and of her own.
** Well, my dear, strange likenesses do
occur sometimes, for which there igs no ac-
counting.”
* But Frederick is not a bit like you, ma,”’
says Gerty, off her guard, and cunningly
thinking to hint a “ secret.”
“Very true, my love,” returned Mrs.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, Esq. 197
Reynolds, taking no notice of the mistake ;
* IT do not know why ; perhaps you, who are
so skilful in finding out, can tell me why I
desire him so much for my son-in-law ?”
* Because you love him. I think you.
love him as much as the old thing loves
Augusta.”
* Do you? It is not much to the credit of
my taste, and Augusta thinks the same; I
shall have to use force to make her obedient.”’
*‘ It is all the old creature’s doing; she
thinks she will try to get that stupid Colonel
Freemantle for her.”
*¢ What business has she to think about it?
What is my daughter to her ?”
*‘'That’s because she’s a nasty, officious,
meddling old creature, poking her nose into
every thing. Did you see her, ma, the other
day ?” Gertrude continued, firing up at the
recollection, ** how she accused me of listen-
ing at the door, when I wasn’t ?—but I de-
termined to be even with her, so I staid there
and heard every word she said.”’
The “ secret ” was out before the girl was
aware of it. She recollected herself too late,
but somewhat reassured by her mother’s
198 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
manner, she hoped she had not perceived this
slip of the tongue.
“You rebel! Rebellious to her as you are
to me, I have resolved that Augusta shall
marry Frederick, and I want you to assist
me ; I must think how.”
“ Oh, leave it to me, ma,” says the affec-
tionate daughter, “‘ I'll plague her life out, so
that she will be glad to have him. Now may
Teor”
“‘ Yes, my love; but let me give you one
word of caution about Brown. I do not like
his manner; you must keep him at greater
distance : make him ride behind you.”
“ Oh, mamma! Howcan I, when I am go
frightened at everything that comes up, and
want him to catch hold of my reins ?”
* Then you must not ride till your brother
comes home, and then he will go with you.”
‘ Oh,no mamma! I shall never ride at all
then. Tom don’t care for riding. I'll tell
you what I'll do, we will strike off into the
country, where there’s not so much traffic.
Will that do ?”
** Perhaps that will be better!’ said her
mamma, “* but I do not lke your going out
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 199
only with Brown, my dear; it brings you into
the habit of talking to low people.”
Miss Reynolds. struck into the country as
she promised, and was not near so much
interrupted by the traffic there, in the amusing
conversation she carried on with Brown
beside her.
200 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XIX.
* “ PORTRAIT OF A RABBI.”’——-REMBRANDT.
At dinner Mr. Reynolds appeared. His
pleasure was great on seeing Augusta. She
had always been even unto him as a
daughter.
“Why, my dear!’ said he, “I did not
expect to see you for many a long day, when
Mrs. Whynn once gets you she knows how to
keep you. How is she? Well, I hope. I
am glad to have you home again, the house is
always dull without you.”
** Papa!’ says his wife, severely, “ you
spoil Augusta with your ridiculous speeches,
she’s vain and stupid enough already, and
brought, as she always does, trouble and noise
into the house the moment she entered it.”
* This most magnificent of portraits, is in the collection of the Duke:
of Devonshire.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 201
** How was that my dear ?”’ said he, kindly,
“that’s a poor character to welcome you back
with, we must put the good against it.”
“ Bessie fell down stairs, papa dear,” said
Augusta, gratefully ; “‘ mamma was afraid she ©
was killed, and so was [.”
“My Bessie!” said he; “ where’s my
pet? Here she is all right!” as the sunny
little soul toddled in to kiss papa.
He tossed her up. She was the light of
his eyes, the joy of his heart, his hope, his
delight.
Nor hardly less dear to him were his Castor
and Pollux, the two rough little Britons, who
came dashing in like a couple of wild colts to
greet him. Disappointed in his other sons,
his heart involuntarily turned its future on
these. His two daughters were less demon-
strative.
The dinner table was gracefully adorned
by the addition of our amiable friend, Fred.
He was embellished by a splendid black
eye, which he stated was owing to his coming
to logeer-heads with a “* ewicket-ball.”
We have no wish to be libellous, and there-
fore only express a sincere hope that that
K 9
202 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
same “‘ cwicket-ball” was not a certain pewter-
pot propelled by the fair hand of Miss Bell,
of the ‘“ Bell Inn,” to which said missile
she alluded when rehearsing her wrongs to
her quondam admirer.
Fred had abandoned his home from motives
of policy; his funds just now were not
equal to the brilliant style he desired “ to
hang out in,” so he took refuge with the
Reynolds’, where, for certain reasons of their
own, both master and mistress gave him a
cordial welcome. |
“ Really, mamma!” said Mr. Reynolds,
** J do wish you would speak to cook ; yester-
day the dinner was done to rags, to-day it is
raw, and always an hour after the time. What
can be the meaning of it ?”’
*“ You had better ask her,” returned his
wife; “JI am tired of it. It is finding fault
from morning till night.”
“ But it isnot my business. I have enough
talking to do outside, and look to home as a
respite. You had better get rid of cook; you
have been told she drinks.”
_“Tdo not believe it,’ was the answer,
‘and I am not going to be at the trouble of
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 203
looking up any more servants. You are
always finding fault.”
‘“ And no wonder,” said Paterfamilias.
*‘ It is disgraceful the way things go on in
this house; we are pillaged and plundered
wholesale, and not the least stop or check put
to it.”
** You had better have the servants up at
the Old Bailey at once, since that’s the case,”
said Mrs. Reynolds.
* It’s no laughing matter,” returned her
husband. ‘“ I am ashamed to ask anyone to
my table. Is this a dinner to put before
Colonel Freemantle when he comes on Mon-
day ?”
If a thunder bolt had dropped among
them, it could scarce have startled the ladies
more ; each looked at the other.
“Colonel Freemantle coming? Here to
dinner ?”? exclaimed Mrs. Reynolds aghast.
“Yes! Why not ?” asked her husband.
*T do not want him here !”
** He’s coming for all that.”
** He shall noti!”’
“ But I have asked him !”
* You ought to have asked me first.”
204 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘Your reasons, pray ?”
* T don’t like him, and that’s enough !”
“You have never seen him.”
Yes, IT have. I saw him yesterday.”
You never told me of it.”
“Tt was not worth while. I never thought
to see him again, and see him I won't, if I can
help it.”
“You cannot help it, for coming he is to
dinner.”’
Then I'll go out.”
“You can do so, and Augusta shall enter-
tain him.”
“What do you mean by insulting me in
this way P Tl not have it! I'll leave the
table.”
“Tam not insulting you. Ihave aright I
think to ask whom [I like to my own house.”
*¢ Mamma is angry,” said amiable Gertrude,
“because she thinks Colonel Freemantle is
coming after Augusta !’’
“Oh, Gerty!” remonstrated ‘el guilty
Augusta, her countenance pelraying her with
its scarlet flag.
*“‘ Miss—Weynolds,”’ said Fred by way of
mending matters, ‘“ I—I— congwatulate —
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 205.
you. Hope— it— is— twue. Give — my
consent. O—o—ought—to,— saved— my—
life—two—days—wunning !”’
“ Did he!” said Mr. Reynolds, slily. ‘“ He
did not know what a valuable present he made
to me and my country when he did that. I
must thank him for it.”
*“‘ He’s—a—glowious—fellow !” says Fred.
*¢ He’s —here — there—evewywhere ! You—
should—have—seen—him—at—the—fire.”
* Ah! That was an unlucky affair for
him,” observed Mr. Reynolds, ‘ Don’t serve.
me so, pray, or perhaps I may not look
on you as I do now, the son aftermy own
heart.’
At these words Mrs. Reynolds burst into a
peal of laughter, and this somewhat restored
her ruffled temper.
“How came Colonel Freemantle to call
upon you ?” she asked, looking suspiciously at
Augusta: who had recovered the tone of her
mind, and sat apparently inattentive to every-
thing but her conversation with Fred, sitting
beside her, and whom she regarded with
more complacency, seeing that to him in part
she owed her few short hours of happiness.
206 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘He came upon business,” replied Mr.
Reynolds ; “ my friend King brought him.”
Tt is very strange he should go to you.”
“Not at all! Counsel are called upon to
give opinion on all subjects. Mr. King wanted
it on a case which I am certain to have.”
“But you need not have asked Colonel
Freemantle to dinner. If he wanted advice,
you might have given it, and let him go.”
** My dear you do not understand law. It
is our place to make friends with everybody,
always having an eye to possible cases in the
distance.” |
* With all this, I see no reason for asking
him here!” said his wife.
‘‘T chose to do so, and there’s an end of
it. You may be proud to have Colonel Free-
mantle put his footinside your door. Andas
for Augusta—(with a fatherly feeling to save
_ her from the reproaches of his wife)—she has
nothing to do withit. No! no! I mean her
for my friend Fred here !”’
The mercury of Augusta’s barometer
dropped below zero.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 207
CHAPTER XxX.
BANDITII NIGHT.—SALVATOR ROSA.
** REYNOLDS,” said Mrs. Reynolds that same
night, from out the downy depths of her
pillow, “I wonder how you could be so
imprudent as to ask that Colonel Freemantle
here! You know what a girl Augusta is,
wild to get married, and setting herself to
captivate every man that comes to the house.”
“JT think my dear you mistake about
Augusta,” returned her husband, who was
very apt to imagine that he felt pins and
needles among the down of fis pillow. “If
she was as wild as you say, to get married,
why has she not all this time taken young
Whynn? You have tried hard to make her.
Yet here she is still. Butfor your resolution
to the contrary, she would have been married
208 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
years ago. There was young Goodenough
who spoke to me when she was but sixteen,
and Nicoll of the Guards, and what grieved
me most, Beverly, the young curate, all good
fellows :—but you would not hear of one of
them.”
“She shall marry Fred directly, or pack
off, as I told her to-day, like Miss White.”
“Ts Miss White going ?”
“To be sure she is. I shall not put up
with her insolence.”’
‘Insolence! Miss White insolent ?”
‘To be sure she was, or I should not send
her away. Do you not call it insolence to
teach children to consider their governess
before their mother ?”’
‘That depends.—I am too sleepy to decide
upon so weighty a matter now.”
“‘There you are with your stupid law, the
merest question is a case for judge and jury
to decide. A feather cannot fall but one
must have counsel’s opinion on the propriety
of picking it up.”
“‘ Have it your own way, as you always do.
But with respect to Miss White, I advise you
not to act hastily. She seems to be anxious
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 209°
and energetic about the children, as well as a
modest and sensible young woman.”
“Young!” all but shrieked Mrs. Rey-
nolds. “Do you call her young? Why she
is twenty years older than Iam if she isa
day.”
“Is she indeed? She told you her age
then? Very candid of her. But itis natural
that you, with your large family and many
cares, should look older; though it is very
unjust. But you are always young to me,
my dear.” |
“ Well, those are the first kind words you
have said this age, and now I want some
money to prove you sincere.”’
** Money !”’ he exclaimed, in a pretty loud
key. “Why I gave you a fortune the other
day.”
“A fortune! Do you call a hundred
pounds a fortune? What have you done
with the large fortune of £500 you got for
your last case? I saw that in the paper.”
“No matter what I have done with it. I
have no money to give you. So you cannot
have any more at present.”’
_ “ But I cannot go on without.”
210 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Tt is impossible you can have spent all I
gave you.”
«That I have, and more.”
** For what, pray ?”
“No matter. How far do you think a
hundred pounds will go with so many mouths
to feed, and children to clothe? I want some
to pay Miss White her wages.”’
*‘ Salary is the proper word in her situ-
ation, my dear.”
“ Hang your proper words! We shall go
to law about them next. I want to pay the
old thing her wages, and send her about her
business.”
** Be more courteous and just, my dear.”
**T wish you would think more of your
family, and less of such nobodies as her.
You must send the boys to school; they are
quite old enough, and it’s a shame for them
to be snubbed by a governess at their age.”
“There is some truth in that, though I
know not how I shall part with them. I shall
miss their merry faces ofan evening. School
spoils boys for home.”
“They will be a great deal happier, for
they are always in mischief here. There’s
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 211
Alfred this afternoon has broken one of the
large windows in the drawing-room, and
Arthur, to keep him company, brought down
the flower stand, pots and all, in the wretched
conservatory. It’s a wonder he was not
lulled.”
** The boys are not worse tian the servants.
There was a tremendous clatter below in the
kitchen after you left the dinner table. It is
my belief, from the noise and Babel of
tongues, that the servants were either having
a dance or a fight, and upset the kitchen
table.”
*“T wonder you did not ring to enquire
what it was all about.”
“ So I did, and heard the old story of the
cat. Cats on two legs, and precious big ones
too. If I had had a cat-o-nine-tails, I promise
the cats they should have had a taste of it.”
*‘ You are always complaining of the ser-
vants. If I complain of any one you invari-
ably begin about them.”’
_ Tf you looked after them a little more I
should say less. The household expenses
altogether are so tremendous that I do not
know how to manage. Here’s Fortescue
212 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
(his second son) writing, as he always is,
for more money; he has a heavy bill he
must meet in the course of a few days,
which I do not believe, though his purse
is low no doubt; and then he wants the
money to purchase his promotion, which he
ought to have, spendthrift though he be. It
is all he will ever have. And these poor boys.
What will become of them, without friends,
without money, without education, if anything
happens to meP Yes, I will give them the
last if I bleed for it.” |
And he heaved a heavy sigh; and turned,
and lay awake half the night, listening to the
still small voice that urged—
“Retrace! retrace! whilst yet there’s
time |”
“Too late! too late! I cannot!”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 213
CHAPTER XXI.
‘¢ JULIET AND HER NURSE. —H. P. BRIGGS.
Let us turn our attention to Colonel Free-
mantle for a few minutes. He had gone
direct to Mrs. Whynn on his arrival in town
the next day, to claim her promise of assist-
ance about the house. He found the poor
lady desolate and melancholy, far too much
distressed for him even to mention the
ostensible object of his visit, had he been so
inclined, which he was not.
He was aman of strong and indomitable
will: the flood-gates of his heart had opened ;
Augusta was his object, and have her he would,
whatever obstacle or opposition might arise.
There was but one thing that could alter or
change him now, and that was herself.
Long as his love for her had endured, as
yet their acquaintance was new, and he could
214 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
not, on any pretence, speak to her at present ;
though the hurry and bustle of the last few
days, had done more to make them understand
each other, than all the years he had been
sighing for her.
On finding the bird flown, it did not take
him long to decide what course to pursuee
On leaving Mrs. Whynn, he went direct to
his solicitor, Mr. King, and made over the
house business to him, intending, like the
honourable, straightforward man he was, to go
thence to Mr. Reynolds’s office, and there
making a plain statement of facts, solicit a
brief of admission into his domestic circle, in
order to prosecute the suit he had at heart.
The awkwardness of this, the first step,
was much relieved by accidental circum-
stances.
After transacting his business with Mr.
King, he mentioned his intention of calling
on Mr. Reynolds, the well-known barrister,
and asked if he was acquainted with him,
what kind of man he was, if easy of ac-
cess, &c.
To all of which Mr. King replied satisfac-
torily, and further told him that he was about-
a
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 215
to consult Mr. Reynolds on a case of im-
portance, and that day would suit him as
well as any other. If Colonel Freemantle
was agreeable, he would be happy to accom-
pany him, and pave the way to an intro- .
duction.
Freemantle was but too happy to accept
the polite offer. The gentlemen started on
their expedition, and congratulated them-
selves, on finding the great man alone and
disengaged. ;
The interview proved most satisfactory,
the two gentlemen seemed mutually pleased,
and regarded each other with mingled esteem
and admiration.
There is a magnetic attraction in genius
towards genius. It is the electric current
passing from soul to soul, connecting men by
the mere force of sympathy, though dissimilar
from each other in every respect; as dis-
similar as were Mr. Reynolds and Colonel
Freemantle, in all save the kindred one of
transcendent talents.
Mr. Reynolds was too keen a lawyer to let
his wife into the mysteries of his prison-
house, especially in this case, where he knew
216 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
her antagonistic disposition would bring all the
vast machinery of her opposition to bear upon
the unfortunate Augusta.
His lady debated long with her daughter
Gertrude on the prudence of allowing Augusta
to appear on the important day that Free-
mantle was to dine with them. She had
some thoughts of sending her away for the
occasion ; but then Frederick was with them
and it would be defeating her own plans, for
she could never be sure of that wandering
star for one hour, and Augusta and he seemed
better friends than she ever remembered them.
Whispering and laughing! Augusta was posi-
tively turning obedient at last. But her high
spirits had other origin.
“He is coming, he is coming. TI shall
see him again,” for ever haunting her, brought
the rose to her cheek, lustre to her eyes, and
new life to her heart. |
Mrs. Reynolds decided that it would be as
well that Freemantle should see Augusta and
Fred together. She herself would drop hints
about their being engaged, and Gertrude
would assist in her scheme.
‘J will make her jealous! see if I don’t,”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 217
said that young lady. “I do not see that
she is so much handsomer than I am.”
“T say, nurse,” said Gertrude, next morn-
ing to Grace Williams, who acted in that
capacity to the youthful Bessie, and at the
present time added the duties of young ladies’ -
maid to her other vocations ; “I want you
to take great pains with me to-day. I
wish to look very nice this evening, so
you must pull me in, and you must iron
out and do up my white dress; I shall wear
that with my blue sash.”
“Why, miss, you can never be going for to
wear that if so be you wants to look nice.”
— Don’t say ‘ wants,’ nurse. It’s vulgar, and
seems as if you had never been used to young
ladies.”
‘1 always lived with young ladies before I
come here,” observed Grace, much offended,
**and nobody never treated me with the ‘dig-
nities as | puts up with in this here house,
letting alone waitin’ months and months for
one’s wage, expecting as how one may never
get a penny of it.”
“Well, you needn’t be cross with me,” re-
torted Gertrude, “It’s not my fault. Ive
VOL. I. L
218 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
got no money either, or I’d get you to go to
Restori’s and buy me a pot of that lovely pink
cream I saw the other day. She told me it
was made from the roses that grow on the
banks of the Red Sea, that’s why it is called
the Red Sea ; the water is a deep red, quite
dyed with the colour of the roses ODE
into it.”
«That may be, miss, and wonderful it is.
But that there rubbish never came from there,
T’ll be sworn, and Restori has the face to ask
two guineas for a mite of a pot with a double
bottom to it.”’
“You know nothing at all about it, nurse,”’
retorted Gertrude. ‘‘ The girl in the shop ex-
plained that it was coming such a long way
off—hundreds of miles—that made it so
dear.”’
« Then, miss, it’s positive as I am speaking
to you, that that there stuff never come
further than from the pig as ig at the next
door as one may say. It’s lard, and nothin’
else; I knows by the smell, and not all the
scents as they put into it can hide it, and
they. pinked it with some of the paint as they
dyes with.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 219
‘1 don’t believe it! The girl in the shop
had a lovely complexion.” |
“Lovely complexion, miss? Why she
looked for all the world like a speaking
- corpses, telling no end of lies.”
“That she didn’t. You say so because you
are old, and don’t care for such things.”
* That may be, but for all that I could see
as how she was painted up to the eyes, a
painted sepulcher, as they calls it.”
“It’s no use talking to you, Grace, who
contradict me in everything. Iam resolved
to go to Restori. She says she can make
people beautiful for ever, and I want her to
make me so.”’
“A picking of your pocket, miss, that’s
what she means.”
‘But I have not got the money. Could
you lend me two guineas ?”
Two guineas, miss! Me! ag has been
waitin’ this twelvemonths for my wages, and
am obliged to go with this here dirty ribbin
in my cap because I ain’t got no money to
buy ne’er another !”
** How can I help that?” asked Gerty.
“It’s a great pity as your ma don’t pay us
L 2
220 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
our wage, that’s the only reason as the
servants stays with her, a waitin’ and a waitin’
for the money as never comes. If so be as she
paid ’em proper, they’d all be off to-morrow
mornin’, but they wants the money to find
theirselves whiles they is a looking out for
another sitiation.”’
‘I wish ma would pay you yours.”
** And so do I, miss.”
“Do you think, nurse,” Gertrude said, at
her wit’s end to raise the money, ‘that
Brown would lend you two guineas if you
were to ask him? Don’t say who it is for.”
* Ask Brown, miss? A hinsolent hup-
start like him!” exclaimed nurse, making use
of her h’s to give full effect to her indignation.
“Why, miss, I wouldn’t be beholden to him,
no, not fora crust of bread the size of my
little finger nail—not if I was starvin’.”
** Why, what does he do P”
“* More than is proper in his sitiation, I
can tell you, miss, and more nor I would like
to tell you; but what is he but a hignorant
feller ? It goes agin me to sit down at the
table with him. He’s as vain as a peacock,
and treats me in a most unbecomin’ manner.’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 221
Gertrude laughed.
* Well, | don’t know what to do; I want
to look my best to-night. Do you think
Augusta so very handsome ?” |
** There’s no denying as Miss Guster is a
very pretty young lady; one as takes more
wi the gentlemen than the ladies, seeing as
how they last are jealous of her.”
** J am not jealous of her,” said Gertrude,
angrily.
*© T didn’t say as you was, miss, though it
wouldn’t be surprisin’ an’ you were.”
** You are very impertinent, nurse! jealous
of her indeed! For what, [I wonder! I don’t
see she’s so wonderful; she’s two inches
bigger than I am round the waist, and as she
is shorter, she looks stumpy.”
*‘There’s no gainsaying as you are the
thinnest of the two, miss; but some people
likes a girl with a little flesh on her bones ;
bare bones isn’t to my taste. The worst
thing as I finds about Miss Guster,” she
added, seeing wrath gathering in the face of
her young mistress, “is her hair; it’s such
twisty stuff, a coilin’ and a curlin’ like so
many serpenses.”’
22:2 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
«“ That,” said Gerty, “is precisely what
IT envy her for. That wavy hair is all the
rage; crépé they call it.”
“Oreepy, I calls it,” returns nurse; “ I
know I can’t do nothing withit. If I was
her, I’d shave it off, and see if it wouldn't
grow straight.”
“ Well, you must try and make the best of
mine to-night. I could go out with you to
the hair-dresser’s, and then on to Restori’s, if
T only had the money.”
*¢ Ask your ma!”’
“I have, and she only gave me a few
shillings, and told me I must wait till papa
gave her more; but I want it directly.”
“ Perhaps Miss Guster can lend you some,”
says nurse ; “‘ Mrs. Whynn takes care of her.”
‘So she does. I wish somebody would
take care of me.”
“Perhaps she would, if you was more
politer to her.”
“The old horror! NotI! I hate her!
and Augusta, like a stupid, gives all away
directly she’s got it.”
‘To my certain knowledge, miss, she
always goes shares with you.”
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 223
* So she ought. It would be very greedy
of her to keep it all to herself. Now you
must go and get my nie ironed ; it’s too
tumbled to put on as it is.’
*‘ Tronin’ or no ironin’, miss, you will never
be able to put that frock on till it?s washed.
The tail is that draggled as if you had been
sweepin’ the dirty streets with it ever since
you was born.”
294 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER. XXII.
‘Cm WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS.’ —M. E.
EDWARDES.
In pursuance of nurse’s advice, Gertrude
mounted the upper flight of stairs in search
of Augusta. She found her busy arranging
her dress for this important evening.
“ T hope you are not angry with me,
Gussie,” said Gertrude, going as wide of the
mark as possible, to throw the enemy off her
guard.
« Angry with you, Gerty-—why should I >”
“ T thought you might be angry with me
for what mamma said the other day.”
“ But ‘the other day is past,’ and we
should never carry the evils of one day into
another. Besides, I do not know what there
was to carry,” forgetting in present joy all
minor griefs.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 225
* Oh, yes, there was,” continued Gertrude;
for reasons of her own not wishing the con-
versation to drop justyet. ‘ Mamma was so
anery with what I said about you.”
And mamma had every right to be angry
if she thought she had cause, and it is our
duty to try and please her.”
*“How good you are!” said Gertrude,
old enough for satire. ‘I never heard of
anyone like you. Mamma ought to treat you
better ; one would suppose you were not her
daughter.”
A cold chill ran over Augusta; she re-
membered her recent fright, but ‘ Mr.
Whynn,” as she called him, reassured her.
** It is too bad the way mamma uses you,’
Gertrude went on, “‘ and you behave better to
her than any of us.”’
** [ do not think we can ever behave too
well to our parents,” said Augusta, firmly.
* But we will not speak more on this subject.
Is there anything I can do for you, Gerty ?”
guessing from experience that this was but a
preamble to some request on the young lady’s
part.
* Thanks, no! I don’t think I want any-
: LO
226 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
thing. But, let me see, there was something
I wanted to ask you yesterday. What was
it? Oh! I know. Did Mrs. Whynn give
you any money forme? She generally sends
me a present when you come home.”
“Tam sorry to say, dear Gertrude, that
she did not. In the.hurry and confusion of
my sudden departure she must have forgotten
it; but here is my purse, share with me.”
‘You dear kind old thing. I should be so
glad, for mamma has not ‘given me a shilling
these last twenty years.
Augusta laughed at the exaggeration.
‘* Then mamma has no money to give, or I
am ‘sure she would—to you especially.”
*¢Mamma’s stingy, that’s what she is,” said
Gerty.
“That she is not!’’ returned Augusta.
‘© Now how much will you have ?”
*¢ How much have you got ?”
Augusta counted.
“Three pounds ten in gold, three shillings
and sixpence in silver, and a five-pound note.”
“How rich you are! Will two sovereigns
be too much ?” asked Gertrude. |
“Take them and welcome.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 227
Thanks, you old darling, but—”
“ But what? Perhaps that is not enough.”
** You cannot spare it.”
“Yes, I will to you. Take the other
sovereign.”
* No, no; that’s too much. I can’t in-
deed,” answered modest Gerty. ;
*Yes,do. You should never refuse money,
wise people say.”
“Do they? It was not that exactly,” ob-
served Gertrude, as she took the sovereign,
“ but I’m ashamed to ask you.”
“Say it, dear; I will tell you if I cannot
do it.”
** Do—well, it was—could you lend me the
five-pound note? Jam so poor, and want so
many things.”
“No, I could not,” answered Augusta,
with a heart all love, ‘‘ but I will tell you what
T will do, I will give it you, and you shall
return me the three sovereigns.”
* Yes, that I will,” answered Gerty, “as
soon as ever mamma giyes me the money she
promises me.”
Augusta felt a sort of suspicion that she
had been ‘ done.” |
228 JOHH FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
*T.would give you that too,’ said she,
“only it is all I have, and I do not know
when I shall have any more. I should not
like to trespass on mamma.”
“You can goto Mrs. Whynn. I wish I
had such a friend.”
“Yes! dear, kind Mrs. Whynn; she is in-
deed goodness itself, but for that very reason ©
I should not like to appear to take advantage
of it.”
“Well, Gussie, dear!’ says the grateful
Gertrude, now that she had got all the money,
“it seems to me that you will never much
want money, for I don’t believe you will ever
be married.”
* Don’t you ?” said Augusta, with a look
of horror.
* No; because you are getting so dread-
fully old. Jam sure I hope I shall be mar-
ried before I am near your age.”
“IT hope you will, Gerty, as soon as you find
anyone you like; but I am not so very old,
most girls marry after they are twenty.”
** But you are twenty-one, and I call that
horribly old. You will have to marry Frederick
or else die an old maid.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 229
“Gerty dear,” answered Augusta, solemnly;
“it must be a dreadful thing to be an old maid,
but I would rather be that a thousand times
than marry Mr. Whynn.”’
“We shall see. What apretty dress! Is
that what you are going to wear to-night ?”’
“T thought of putting it on.”
*“Mrs. Whynn again; I suppose she gave
it you P”
“Oh! yes, I should never have dreamed of
getting anything so grand.”
** You are fortunate; I only wish mamma
was as grand to me.”
** Mamma has so many claims on her; she
does what she can for all of us.”
_“She’s a screw; pinching us and taking
good care of herself.”’
“Tt is too bad to say so, Gertrude,” re-
turned Augusta, with spirit.
It was not the girl’s policy to offend her
sister just now.
Well,” said she, “‘I only wish she would
dress me to look more like your sister. Iwas
going to put on my white dress, but it is such
atrumpery thing, I can’t possibly wear it with
you in that.”
230 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘‘Mave you nothing else? Let’s have a
look.in your wardrobe.”
My wardrobe indeed! Let’s have a look
at yours, and see if you have not something
to lend me.”
“Doso. You are welcome to anything of
mine.”
“1 know I am, and so I always come to
you in my distress. What heaps of things!
and here is a little lace frock, are you going
to wear that ?”’
“Tt is Mrs. Whynn’s present to Bessie;
perhaps mamma will not mind her putting it
on this evening when she comes down to
dessert. She will look so pretty in it. I did
not guess the occasion when we bought it.”
“Then mamma will not let her do anything
of the kind,” says sharp Gertrude. ‘* Why
should she wear it to-night in particular ?”
“ Because we have company coming.”
“But no one for whom you should care
about her looking well.”
“Have you found anything you like?” asked
Augusta, not desirig to debate the question.
“No; I see nothing that will do for me
but the one on the bed.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 231
“Oh, my beautiful blue! and gentlemen
are ‘so fond of that colour,” was the inward
’ remonstrance of Augusta.
‘There is the white,’ said she; “it ig
nearly new, but you would not like to wear a
dress after me, perhaps ?”’
**T don’t think I should,” was the grateful
answer. ‘* But can’t you put on the white?
You always look so well in white, and there’s
the mauve thing.”
“Oh, no! I could not put on my dear
violet.”
«Why not?” enquired Gerty, inquisitively.
*“Because—because it is not an evening
dress.”
Augusta had become too much of a poli-
tician to give the real reason, ‘‘that some-
body had already seen her in it.”
“Tt does not matter what you put on!”’ said
Gerty, with great feeling, ‘‘ for Colonel Free-
mantle is not coming here after you. He was
extremely polite and kind to me when you left
the room that day at Mrs. Whynn’s, and
actually came down stairs with us to the
carriage, and waited till we drove off.”
A spasm of jealousy shot through the
232, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
listener’s little heart. She was but mortal,
but with a touch of divinity too, and it passed
as the glance of an arrow, near, yet not near ~
enough to wound.
“So I advise you,” continued Gertrude,
“not to think of him or anyone else, for
you know you are as good as engaged to
Frederick.”
*‘ How can you say so!” returned Augusta,
“You know better than that. Never in all
these years has Mr. Whynn ever asked me
to have him, or spoken one word of love to
me.”
‘Well, that’s not my fault! You need
not be in such a rage with me because he
won't have you. But I can tell you that
mamma will never let you have anyone
else, and more than that, she will never let
you wear that smart dress, and me in my
shabby white.”
“That is true,’ replied Augusta. “It is
more than probable she will not; I did not
think of that. You want it, I suppose,
Gerty ? Take it, if it will be of any use to
you.”
“Won't it? you shall see. Thanks. Now
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 233
I will run and get nurse to take it in, for you
are ever so much fatter than me. It’s sure
to be long enough, As nurse says (mimick-
ing her) ‘seeing as how Mrs. Whynn never
skimps Miss Guster in stuff,” and Gerty
hurried off with her forage. |
“My poor dress,’ thought Augusta; “I
hoped to look so nice. But it would spoil all
if mamma was angry, and she would very
likely send me up to take it off. I must make
what I can of the white. Oh, you dear violet!
I shall always love you! I wore you that
day, the happiest of my life !”’
Gertrude went out and had her hair dressed.
She would not let the man come to the
house, lest Augusta might wish to have hers
dressed too.
By-and-bye nurse presented herself.
‘¢ I’ve been and tooked the ’bus, miss,” said
she, ‘‘ and goned all that way to Restory’s for
nothink ; she won’t let me have none of her —
*Rabian red, which she has the impidence to
say is what the Israelite maidens washed
their faces with as they went through the
Red Sea, and come out ‘beautiful for ever,’
which they is, and no mistake.”
243 § JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
*‘ Did you offer her the two guineas ?”
‘“¢That I did, and she wouldn’t let me have
none, for love nor money. She says as how
you must go to her, and put yourself entirely
into her hands, if so be you wishes to be ©
made beautiful for ever, and a pretty penny
she will make of you, the old humbug. I
tried hard for a pot of her ‘ Bloom of Sarah.’”
’ “Bloom of Sarah!” asked Gertrude. “ What
is that ?”
“One of them messes as she puffs away
at. She means to say, I suppose, as she stole
it off old Sarah’s cheeks: she was the only
Sarah as ever I heerd tell of in particular.”
“ It’s very provoking,” said Gertrude.
‘You see [I have had my hair dressed, and
Augusta has given me that beautiful dress,
without my even asking her for it.”
*¢ And what may she be agoing to wear her-
self?” asked Grace. ‘‘ But she’s no call tobe
particular, it’s beauty as don’t want no
*dornment as is best for her.”
* Be quiet, nurse! It does not matter how
Augusta looks, she’s engaged to Mr. Whynn,
and he sees her every day, and doesn’t care
what she puts on.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 235
‘Then has that come about at last, miss P
It’s been a long time a comin’ to the pinte.”
Gertrude did not choose to answer; she
turned the conversation by lamenting Restori’s
obduracy, and wondered what could be the -
reason of it. |
*‘The reason is,” said sensible nurse,
“that she wants to get you in her power,
and make a good round sum out of you.
She thinks, if so be as you can afford to pay
two guineas for that there sham of hers,
which isn’t worth a farthin’, she'll make you
pay hundreds before she lets you out of her
hands.”
‘¢ T don’t believe it, nurse !”’
‘*No, miss! nor never will, till she’s
cleaned you out of every shilling, and made
you look ten times worser than you was
before ; like that painted creature, her
daughter, I s’pose. There she was with her
carrotty hair, and her dead eyes, and her
narsturtium cheeks—”
* Carnation, you mean,” says Gerty,
laughing.
Nurse was too proud to own to the blunder.
‘No, miss! it’s narsturtium, [ means, for
236 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
she looks that nasty, that I would as soon go
agin a sweep as her, and betterer too, for you
might brush the sut off, but her grease and
_pison would stick to you. I see the old
lady herself to-day, and all as I can say is—
and I’d a good mind to say it too, ‘ Marm,
why don’t you make yourself beautiful P
For you’re about as ugly as ever I see any--
body.’ ”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 237
CHAPTER XXIII.
“8, M. I. L’EMPEREUR NAPOLEON.’ ——-F. GERARD.
GurtruDE had arrayed herself to some pur-
pose, for by the aid of the hair-dresser, and
Augusta’s plumage, she looked much better
than anyone could have expected who saw
her on ordinary occasions. But she spoiled
all by her vain and triumphant airs.
Gertrude’s behaviour on assuming the
purple, or rather the blue, was such as to make
her benefactress regret that she had herself
placed those weapons in her hands, which
were now used to worry and torment her.
Augusta was not in the room to witness
the effect of Gerty’s “get-up” on our friend
Colonel Freemantle, for whose especial benefit
it was intended.
Gertrude, if not exactly ill-looking, was
certainly not a handsome girl, to the regret
238 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
of her mother, and no man in his senses
would look at her when Augusta was by.
After the usual commonplace phrases, Free-
mantle forgot Gertrude a toto, and looked
only for the coming of one, whose entrance
brought light mto the room. He went for-
ward to meet her, looking down into the
depths of her loving eyes, to see himself alone
reflected there.
She wore the white dress, which rose and
fell around her perfect form; lending such
softness and purity to her beauty, that as she
took her seat, and sank into its graceful folds,
Freemantle thought that even the famed
goddess herself, could not have desired a
fairer representative.
Mr. and Mrs. King had accepted a short
invitation. They brought with them a hand-
some young lady, their daughter; and one or
two others made up a party of twelve, who
took their places at the table.
Colonel Freemantle, as the greatest stranger,
had the honour of taking in the lady of the
house. She had given strict orders as to
places, which, to her great disgust, were all
ignored. She had intended Gertrude to sit
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 239
opposite the Colonel, as the young lady was
gifted with a rather voluble tongue, and was
apt to weary those who had the misfortune to
be next to her.
Mrs. Reynolds was too sensible to admit a
thought of her daughter’s making a conquest
of such a man; but, mother-like, she wished
her to appear to [the best advantage, and
decided that she was better to look at than
to listen to. Augusta was to be placed com-
pletely out of sight of the dreaded Colonel.
Gertrude entirely set at nought mamma’s
plans by following, with her escort, in her
wake, and taking the chair beside Freemantle,
while Fred, her evil genius, led his gentle
partner, Augusta, to the head of the table,
thereby inducting her into dangerous opposi-
tion to the storming party.
Mrs. Reynolds attempted a remonstrance,
but could get no other satisfaction than
_* Thanks ! —do—vewy — well—here”’ from
Fred. As she frequently said, ‘‘ she was born
to be vexed.” The dinner was one tissue of
mistakes ; the soup was burnt, so were the
roasts, the entrées were failures, coming up at
long intervals, and at wrong times; and all
240 JOHN FORTESCUB REYNOLDS, ESQ.
this was owing to the quarrels of the servants,
who did what they could to spite each other,
and would neither ask for nor give informa-
tion, and thus the family became the victims
of the misconduct of those whom they housed
and fed.
The only part that did not fail was the
wine ; Mr. Reynolds kept a good supply of
the best quality. But in wine Freemantle
was as abstemious as he was in his eating, he
neither noticed nor cared for the mistakes
made. It was sufficient for him that he was
there; the vision opposite answering his tele-
graphy by signs eloquent in Love’s calendar.
Mrs. Reynolds saw the deepening glow ; the
downcast eyes, the light laugh,and soft voice,
as Augusta conversed with Fred; theantipodes
of Gerty, who found no other way of attracting
attention but by an endless string of frivolous
questions, which the Colonel answered with
much politeness and good humour, though
not in the mood just then for any other study
but the subject before him.
Mrs. Reynolds’ countenance was apt to
betray her feelings, and seeing all that passed
with her sharp eyes, she knitted her brows,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 241
and looked what she was—exceedingly angry.
To Freemantle’s polished conversation, she
unwittingly answered with so much asperity
and abruptness, that she struck him as being
one of the least attractive women he had met
with in her rank of life.
With the dessert came the children, all of
them, for papa would not have suffered one to
be absent; 1t was a rule he was rigid in, to
have all together at one portion of the social
meal. They brought in with them mirth and
sociability ; the little Bessie took her place
on mamma's lap ; Freemantle, who was fond
of children, endeavoured to make friends with
her. She exhibited becoming maidenly
bashfulness and hesitation to his first ad-
vances, but in time yielded so far as to accept,
with averted face, the Lady apple he awarded
her off his own plate, as due to the fairest as
well as the youngest of the company.
The two boys made up to him immediately.
* T say !” cried Arthur, “ are you Colonel
Freemantle, whom Gussie” (pointing to his
informant) ‘‘ has been telling us about ?”
“ Gussie’ was ready to sink under the
table at the success of her endeavours to make
vor. I. M
249. JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, £&SQ.
them behave well to him, by a relation of his
adventures.
** My name is Freemantle,” replied our
hero, veiling his secret delight under the mask
of a quiet answer.
“Qh! he thinks me so bold to talk about
him. He will hate me for it !”” was the agonis-
ing thought of his idol.
** How I should have liked to have seen
your house blazing ! Was it all burnt
down ?”
*‘ No,” was the answer; “it was a poor
fire !”’
“How did Fred -do it?” asked Alfred,
pushing in between Freemantle and Ger-
trude.
That was a poser for our hero, but Fred
relieved him.
“* B — by — smoking—in—bed. Don’t—
you—do—so,—Alfred.”’
“ Do get away!” cried Gerty, forgetting
her company manners; “‘ you are spoiling my
dress.”
It’s not yours, it’s Gussie’s.”
** No it’s not, for she has given it to me.”
‘What a cross-patch you are!” says the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 243
lesser star. “Gussie wouldn’t mind if I
tore her things to pieces. |” _
“© Oh! Alfred, I should indeed!’ exclaimed
Augusta. ;
** No, you wouldn’t ; for ve often done it,
and you never gave me the wigging Gerty
does, if I only touch her.”
“ve a great mind to box your ears,”
whispered Gertrude.
** You daren’t,” was the defiant answer.
*¢ Come here, my boy !”’ says papa. “ Those
two can never agree (addressing the com-
pany). At his age I was always quar-
relling with my sister, though I loved her
dearly, and do so still, and wish she was here
to hear me say so; but Gertrude” (his
sister) “‘ has too many Jacky Troublesomes
of her own to spare time for me or mine.”
** Let me go,” says Bessie, scrambling down
higgledy-piggledy ; tabooing Colonel Free-
mantle and his attentions, she set off full trot
to papa. Her feminine jealousy could not
bear a rival in his affections. Alfred must
not take her place.
Papa saw the weakness, but he was the
object of it; so he forgave and loved her the
M 2
244, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
better for it, and she must sit°on his knee
and eat of his plate, and drink of his cup,
and all her little wants and wishes were to be
attended to and gratified.
On entering the drawing-room the ladies
found Miss White, looking lady-like at least,
as she sat quietly poring over the books on
the table. 7
After coffee she was called on to lead the
way to some sort of liveliness, by showing off
the piano.
Augusta stood by to turn over the leaves
of the music book. She was not in good
spirits; Mrs. Reynolds had found an op-
portunity of conveying to her privately, the
unpleasant information that she considered
her behaviour scandalous. But as she did
not say for what reason, the unfortunate
culprit was left in the dark as to the extent of
her misdemeanours.
Gertrude found no other way of entertain-
ing the guests except by making the most
foolish, ill-natured remarks on the praniste
whom she denominated “a Quiz” and “a
guy,’ pointing out for especial admiration
her toilet—patch-work, she called it, made
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 245
up of odds and ends, her thin arms and lean
fingers doing battle with the piano—(Gertrude
did not see her own)—and jes POMBE t a
beautiful riddle in honour of her—
Q. “ Why is Miss White like an owl ?”
A. ‘* Because she only comes out at night.”
The ladies laughed, certainly, but did not
like her the better for her ill-nature. On the
conclusion of the piece Mrs. King thanked the
musician, and kindly rose to look at the music,
which she said she admired very much.
Augusta, always gentle-hearted, sat down
beside Miss White, and Miss King, who had
taken a great fancy to our little heroine, went
and made the trio, and thus they were sitting
when the gentlemen entered.
Fred looked dreadfully bored; he was not
equal to the conversation of the older men.
He went to the piano and sang a comic song,
inimitable in the style he gave it. The re-
frain of ‘* Hoop-de-doo-den-doo”’’ must have
been written for a crow like his, and set the
whole room in—They were ladies and gentle-
men who were present, so we must not
characterise their excess of mirth as a roar.
Having refreshed his depressed faculties,
246 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Fred took his stand behind Augusta’s chair ;
Freemantle approached, when a lively con-
versation ensued, till Mrs. Reynolds broke
up this pleasant séance by requesting Miss
King to favour them with a song, which
she did with much taste and feeling. On
her departure Freemantle took possession of
her chair, and did his best to draw out and
entertain his enchantress, kindly including
the poor governess, who forthwith set him
down not only as the handsomest, but the
most perfect gentlemen she had ever met.
On his petition for a song, Augusta was
forced to ignore her powers, for Mrs. Rey-
nolds, scowling on her in the distance,
rendered her so nervous she could not have
uttered a note ; though she had a pretty con-
tralto voice, and sang well enough for the
drawing-room.
And so the evening passed on, tea and a
round game diversifying it. In this same
round game unkind fate cast our two planets
in opposition. We are sorry to say that in
the opinion of Freemantle, Augusta played so
very badly that he was necessitated to come
round and mount guard over her, to see that
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 247
she played fairly ; and such was the success
of his severity in making her attend to every
rule and regulation—censorious lookers-on
said he did not attend to them himself. Be
that as it may, in the end, like the great
Napoleon Bonaparte, he taught his enemy to |
beat him. ‘ Hnemies” was the deathless
hero’s word: he, however, had but one, as
he stood single in majesty, with all Europe
for his enemy. |
A showy piece of music from Gertrude, who
mistook thumping for harmony, completed the
evening.
Freemantle departed, feeling in the seventh
heaven ; not so Mrs. Reynolds to her
couch. She had been cruelly prevented the
happiness of informing him of the engage-
ment of Fred and Augusta, and pointing out,
indirectly of course, how extremely improper
it was in her to be misleading an honourable
man, if she was not basely intending to break
her engagement, merely from caprice, not to
say corrupt motives.
Mr. and Mrs. King were earnest in their
praises of our hero, as they drove home with
their daughter, and the last expressed her
248 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
belief in his aspirations after “ Miss Rey-
nolds,”’ as she called Augusta, and ventured
a hope that it might be so, for she was a
“lovely, unaffected girl,” much too good for
that strange young man, Mr. Whynn.
“He is, indeed, a rare specimen of the
genus homo!” said Mr. King.
‘“‘ He seems good-natured,” said the young
lady; ‘‘ but I cannot believe in any girl’s
preferring him to Colonel Freemantle.”
And she launched out into such eulogy
that her papa jokingly told her to take care,
‘for if Lewis Evans (his son-in-law that was
to be) heard her, he might be jealous.”
“‘ My Lewis, papa darling ?’ was the ready
response. ‘“‘I would not give up my dear
Lewis for all the Colonel Freemantles in
Christendom!” _ |
‘ Right, my own girl!” said her father.
“YT will tell you of what I am thinking,”
said the young lady, addressing her mother.
“Miss Gertrude Reynolds told me their
governess is going to leave them. Do you
not think she would do for our Caroline (her
married sister)? She wants one, and Miss
White seems a very nice quiet young woman.”
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 249
“So she does, my dear,” answered Mrs.
fone. “Its not her fault, I dare say, that
her pupils do not bring her credit; the little
girl they call Sophy behaves very well, but
the boys are terrible, I never saw such rough
subjects. ' But boys at their age are difficult
for women to manage, they are big enough to
go to school.”’
“They are going, and that is why Miss
White is leaving; the little girl is to have a
daily governess now they are in town.”
**T will make enquiries,’ said Mrs. King,
“and then talk to Caroline about it.”
MO
250 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXIV.
‘““THE BATTLE OF THE FROGS AND THE MICE.’ —
HOMER.
F'REEMANTLE called a few days after the dinner-
party, but Mrs. Reynolds had gone for a drive
with Gertrude.
He thought of his more propitious visits to
Mrs. Whynn, when fortune smiled on him.
He left his card, and had retraced his steps
some distance, when he came upon the object
of all his thoughts, returning from a walk in
the Park with Miss White and the young
people. |
He greeted them all kindly, made fifty
enquiries, and at length, telling them he would
not keep them standing, turned back and
walked beside Augusta to the door, the two
boys on the other side of him keeping up a
series of dives with each other in order to get
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 251
next to him ; like birds at roosting time, each
resolving not to be the outer one on the
perch.
Sophy kept in the rear with Miss White,
whose organ of benevolence was large. She
was not happy herself, but she tried to make
herself so, in contributing to the happiness
of those she loved, and she did love Augusta.
On reaching the house, Augusta mustered
up her courage; and with becoming dignity
invited Freemantle to enter, but he told her
he had called before, and found Mrs. Rey-
nolds was from home, and with a last look
departed.
On entering, the first object Augusta
descried was his card on the hall table.
Somehow or other that same card must have
taken unto itself wings, and flown away, for
it was not to be found afterwards; though
Brown, on its being enquired for by Gertrude,
made a diligent search for it; he declared—
“He see it with his hown eyes, when he
went for to open the door, and he serposed
as how the wind must have beened and goned
and blowed it away, or else the young gents,
as makes free with everythink, must have
2.52 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
beened and goned and tooked it away. He
couldn’t discern it no other how.”
Mrs. Reynolds returned almost immediately.
Her first words were to enquire if Colonel
Freemantle had called; she had seen him
coming from their direction, walking along in
lofty abstraction, neither heeding her nor any
one else, his thoughts apparently far away.
Her mind was greatly relieved on finding
that he did not come in, and strange to say,
so absorbed was Augusta, that she quite for-
got to tell that she had been out and met and
conversed with him.
A severe skirmish between Gerty and her
brothers likewise prevented that young lady
making her usual enquiries of the children
and servants respecting Augusta’s movements
during her absence.
Those active youths had entered Gerty’s
chamber, and with the aid of Sophy, dressed —
up a big doll in Gerty’s trappings, and smear-
ing its face with a “‘ compot,” as nurse called
it, of powder and pomade, seated it before the
looking-glass as Gerty’s representative.
Flesh and blood, much less Gerty’s, could
not stand such liberties taken with the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 253
treasures of her toilet. She was cross, too,
at being out when Freemantle called; so she
bore down upon the chief actors of the per-
fume tragedy with such strength of hand and
power of lungs that, overpowered, they rushed _
to their mother for protection.
She, Medea-like, with her boys clinging to
her skirts, poured out the vials of her wrath
on the injured Gerty, who followed, for
taking the law into her own hands.
Gerty, neither convinced nor disarmed,
turned upon Medea, and gave expression to
her feelings in terms more forcible than polite,
and informed Medea that she knew a “‘secret’’
which she would tell her papa the moment
he came home.
On this, Medea took the law into her
hands, and delivered to the rebellious Gerty
a certain box suggestive of ear-rings, and
further informed her that for her violent, un-
dutiful conduct she would not let her ride
again, she would write to Mr. Ryder to tell
him not to send the horses.
This wise threat brought Miss Gerty to her
senses. She vowed “she was not going to be
beaten and ill-used like a slave—or—Miss
254 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
!’? and beat a re-
Whynn, see if she would
treat.
Augusta was up in her sky-parlour, dream-
ing of Heaven. She had shut the door to
keep out the sound of the tornado going on
below, which, from endless recurrence, she
looked on as part and parcel of our condition,
as soldiers of fortune on our way through this
warring world. But at this moment it seemed
to jar more painfully than usual on her
‘nerves.
Gertrude broke in upon her quietude, and
with a volley of invectives and ejaculations,
poured forth her opinion upon people and
things below, interspersed with remonstrances
from Augusta of—
“Don’t! pray don’t, Gertrude! You don’t
mean what you say! You will be sorry
presently !”’
** Me sorry! No, that I sha’n’t! Iknow
something that would make you open your
eyes |”
‘Then I don’t wish to hear it.”
“Yes, but you shall! She thinks I don’t
know her secret, but I do, and I’ll tell it!”
“For shame, Gertrude! Ifit is mamma’s
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 255
secret, you ought to keep it with your life,” a
prophetic shadow stealing over the speaker as
she spoke.
*‘ She’s not your mother! There!’
Augusta stood transfixel, and a fearful
whiteness spread over her face.
“What do you say to that ’ asked Ger-
trude, surveying her attentively.
Augusta stood trying to put two and two
together, but Fred’s figure would intervene,
and prevent her summing up correctly.
“T do not believe you, Gerty,” was the
answer. |
‘Then you area f—oo—l !”’ cried the polite
Gertrude, and disappeared.
256 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXV.
‘© WOOD NYMPHS AND OUPID.’——-W. HILTON. —
For a week or two things went on more
smoothly. Fred came and went, and brought
kind messages from Mrs. Whynn to Augusta,
but seemed no nearer to the fulfilment of Mrs.
Reynolds’ wishes than ever, and that lady
began to lose all patience with him, and as
she was a bad dissembler, Fred took umbrage,
and threatened to stay away altogether.
He was an unmanageable subject, that young
man, as obstinate and self-willed as the wiser
portion of his kind, and quite as difficult to
manage, was Mrs. Reynolds’ opinion. She
was often tempted to pity Mrs. Whynn.
Augusta, the lighthearted, the hopeful, the
cheerful, had become absorbed and dreamy ;
she had put away the story told her by
Gertrude as incredible, but it had given her a
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 257
shock, and a cloud, the shadow of which
seemed deepening, hung over her spirits.
She had seen nothing of Colonel Freemantle
lately, but she did not expect him ; for in the
unclouded sunshine of their last walk he had
told her his plans, and the reason of his in-
tended absence for a short time.
He had come to terms about the house, and
his family would remove into it next week if
Mr. G could let them have it so soon, and
then he hoped she would often call to see his
mother. He was sure Augusta would like her
when she came to know her.
He would be there as much as possible, but
he had work on his hands. It was his father’s
desire that he should undertake the manage-
ment of the repairs at Chillingham. He would
be away more than he wished, but should be
all the time counting the days till he should
see her again.
Augusta listened and promised. She for-
got Mrs. Reynolds and Gerty, and Fred, and
even Mrs. Whynn; forgot everything but
that he was by her side, looking down upon
her, talking to her, and including her in the
programme of his proceedings.
258 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Mrs. Reynolds knew nothing of all this, and
as Freemantle did not appear, she began to
relax a little of her vigilance, and to believe
that the danger had not been so imminent as
she apprehended. |
“A passing fancy, nothing more !”’ was her
conclusion.
And she went out to parties and dinners,
the opera, &c., and in furtherance of her
designs, left Augusta at home, and took
Gertrude instead; and Gertrude created no —
sensation. |
One evening chance threw them into com-
pany where they met Freemantle. Gertrude
implored her mother not to tell Augusta, but
such was the pride of her victory over the
poor stay-at-home, that she could not help
exulting at her misfortune.
For some time Augusta manifested neither
surprise nor curiosity as to the cause of Miss
Gerty’s significant looks and gestures, who at
last, vexed by her insensibility, flatly told her
she did not know whom she saw last night.
Augusta’s heart jumped to a conclusion at
once; but with the reticence natural to a
young girl when her heart is engaged, she
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 259
shrank from light mention of the subject to
her sacred, and made many guesses, wide of
the mark; but Gertrude, cunning to the last
degree, and suspecting her, tried hard to
make her pronounce the ‘‘ Sesame” of.her
heart’s secret portal.
“No!” said she, “ It’s not her, it’s no she
at all; it’s a gentleman. Now guess!”
“Mr. Whynn, perhaps !” suggested the art-
ful Augusta.
*“No! It’s somebody you like better than
Mr. Whynn.”
“There are a good many I do not like so
well,’ was the answer, “ Mr. Whynn can be
both kind and polite.”
“It’s not him! It’s somebody he knows,
though ; who has been here to this house, and
dined when Fred was staying with us.”
** Mr. Whynn has not been here this month,
and it seems much longer than that.”
*¢ You know as well as I do whom I mean,”
said Gertrude, losing all patience. “ You saw
him before I did. A gentleman, tall, not too
tall. A fine figure, very handsome, dark
eyes, black hair, beautiful features, someone
said he was a perfect Apollo.”
260 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“I know whom you mean now,” exclaimed
Augusta, carried away by the description.
«¢ And he was there last night, Gerty, dear ?”
“That he was! And he talked a great
deal to mamma and me ?”
“Tam glad he did, dear,” says Augusta.
‘«¢ And did he ask after me ?”
“No!” says the unblushing Gerty, who
would have asserted that the negative was
no falsehood, seeing that he asked after “ her
sister,’ which Augusta was not, and there-
fore the message that he sent to the said
‘sister,’ of his mother’s arrival in town, and
hopes of soon seeing her, could not be in-
tended for her. |
Augusta looked disappointed, but Gertrude
was not yet sufficiently experienced to do full
justice to the diplomatic character she aspired
to, and generally contrived to set at nought
all the strategy her last speech had effected.
“They have come up to town,” said she,
with great importance, ‘‘ and he said he hoped
I would call and see them, his mother was
wishing to be acquainted with me.”
Augusta was not altogether blind, and
decided that the interesting Gertrude, though
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 261
an object of intense admiration to herself,
was scarce likely to be so to a lady who had
never seen her, and in all probability had
never heard of her.
*¢ Where are they staying ?” asked Augusta,
*T do notknow. He did not say.” Then
recollecting herselfi—‘* Why do you want to
know ; you think to go there first ?”
YT did not think of that,” replied Augusta,
laughing.
** Then what consequence is it to you? but
I shall soon know, for he is coming here
shortly, and then I can ask him, for I don’t
mean to be out when he comes, as I was last
time.”
262 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXVI.
‘SHE WOLF AND THE LAMB. —-MULREADY.
Bztwken Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Whynn so
great a feud now existed that the latter
could not bring herself to cross the threshold
of her enemy, not even to satisfy the longing
she felt to see her darling once more.
Mrs. Whynn knew she had been worsted in
the combat by her own weakness and in-
decision, and was proportionately humbled and
miserable.
While waiting the return of her husband to
make her confession, she had thrown away
the power that seemed to have been purposely
placed in her hands.
These unpleasant reflections for ever pre-
sent, and for ever tormenting her, enfeebled
both body and mind. She was seized with a
nervous dread of the coming of her husband ;
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 263
his just indignation when he should know of
the deception practised on him, assumed, by
delay and anxiety, an appalling shape. It was
certain to be the climax to the tender re-
lations that had existed for nearly a quarter
of a century ; and instead of attaching to her
the heart of her child as she had anticipated,
she felt more than certain that it would
have the opposite effect, and sever the tie
that linked them together under the name
of friendship. Augusta would look on her
mother as cruel and unnatural, as one who
had deprived her of her just rights, and
doomed her to a life of suffering.
Mrs. Whynn lived desolate and forlorn,
clinging the more fondly and tenaciously to
the two objects of her love, inasmuch as she
feared she was about to lose them for ever.
In the forlorn hope of catching a glimpse or
exchanging a word with Augusta she would
wander about the shady retreats that bore the
footprints of her child, and could custom
have allowed, joyfully would she have enacted
the part of watchman, to be near her in her
sleeping as in her waking hours.
Augusta was much affected by some, to
264 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
her, chance rencontres. But though tears
would spring into her eyes, and the fond pres-
sure and lingering farewell would prove the
more than common tie between them, yet so
wrapped up was the girl in her new thoughts
and feelings, that the love, pure and unselfish,
failed to cause the gratitude, the delight, the
after thought; that did the appearance of her
lover in the church they attended, the Sunday
following the conversation related with Ger-
trude.
He came, heathen that he was, to worship
her, making the most reprehensible efforts to
catch her eyes, and she, instead of discoun-
tenancing such unseemly conduct, absolutely
appeared to sanction it, and even smiled upon
him when he waylaid them on coming out.
Not so Mrs. Reynolds. She showed her
disapprobation. If she could have had her
way she would have put him into the ecclesi-
astical court for misbehaviour in church, and
misplacing his devotions; but that not being
possible, she punished him by refusing
Gerty’s entreaties to ask him to luncheon ;
and the poor sinner went away with nothing
but the recollection of his lady-love’s smiles,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 260
and Gertrude dutifully informed Mamma,
that she knew her refusing to invite him was
because there was nothing fit to eat in the
house.
One bright spot, and one only, lighted the
dim horizon of these, Mrs. Whynn’s dark
days, and that came from no other than the
great luminary Fred.
Mrs Reynolds, as we have said, took him
in hand, and, with sweet persuasive eloquence,
instilled into his obtuse mind, her belief as to
its being now quite time that he should fulfil
the wishes of both families, and marry the
young lady fixed upon for him from his
cradle.
°° But,— Mrs. Weynolds,” says Fred, ‘ I—
{—I—don’t—ap-pwove—of—your—pwoviding
—for—me—from—my—cwadle. I—I’m—a
—fwee — born — Bwiton, — and — won’t—
marwy—anybody—I—don’t—choose.”’
Mrs. Reynolds was beaten.
“Very pretty,’ said she. ‘‘ You ought to
have told us so before.”
* How—could—I—tell—you when—I—was
—in my—cwadle? I—I—couldn’t—say—No
—before—I—could—speak,—could I ?”
Vol. I. N
266 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Grant me patience,’ exclaimed the lady.
** Did I ever come across such a booby ?”
*‘ Booby,” repeated Fred, much offended.
*“Pway—Mrs. Weynolds—be—more —wespect-
ful.”
“ Respectful ? Upon my word! the world’s
turned upside down.” 7
“So it is,’ cried Fred. ‘* I—don’t—know
— whether — I — am—standing—on—my—
head—or—my—heels, — you—fwighten—me
—s0.””
“But you shall know before I have done
with you. Do you think I will allow you to
treat my daughter in the shabby manner you
are doing ?”
‘““Shabby—manner? You’re—dweaming
—Mrs. Weynolds. Why — did—you—pwo-
pose—such—nonsense ?”
“ He'll drive me wild!’ cried the unfor-
tunate lady. ‘‘ One might as well attempt to
reason with a baboon.”
“Baboon !”’ exclaimed Fred in horror.
‘‘Weally,—Mrs. Weynolds,—your—yocabu-
lawy—is wemarkably—extensive. A—
baboon,—come! That’s—too—good.”
“It is, a great deal too good for you,” said
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 267
she, vehemently. ‘‘No words can be too
strong to express my indignation at your con-
duct. What business had you to come here,
to go about with my daughter, stay weeks
and months in the house, making it apparent
to every one that she was your object ? “And
now you have the assurance to tell me that
you mean nothing. What do you mean
by it?”
“ What—a—wigmawole—to—be—sure,”’
said Fred, ‘‘ Miss Weynolds—knows—hetter
—than—that. She’s—a—vewy—charming
— young — lady, — vewy — beautiful, —and
vewy —sensible—a—gweat—deal—too—good
—for—me.”’
** Not at all,” says the lady, mollified, and
hoping yet to bring him round. ‘‘ You have
too poor an opinion of yourself; she is not a
bit too good for you.”
« T—thought—that—I—was—a—baboon
—and—a—booby.”’
“You must not think any more of such
foolish words; I did not mean them; it was
the fear of losing you for my son made me
Say so; my heart is set upon this matter;
and so is Mrs. Whynn’s.”
L 2
968 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
« Sorwy—for—it,” observed Fred.
« Sorry? Why?’ asked Mrs. Reynolds,
her fears reviving.
“¢ Won’t—do.”’
* But you must. You have gone too far
to recede.”
‘‘ T’]]—wecede—now, says Tred, deter-
minedly.
“ It’s too late. Do you know what your
—your mother threatens to do ?”’
No answer.
*‘ To disinherit you, if you refuse.”
* Whew! Disinher—wit? That—would—
be—a—bad—job.”’
“ ‘You would look foolish, then, I fancy.”
** Never—said—a—word—to—me—about—
ite
‘¢ She has to me, then.”
“ No—matter,—I—can’t,—and—I—won’t.”’
“And is that your answer to me?” says
Mrs. Reynolds, aghast.
** Yes, it is.”
“And do you think I will allow my
daughter to be jilted ?”
*« Miss—W eynolds — knows — something—
worth — two—of—that. She—is—pwettier—
—
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 269
than—ever, and—as— to—mopey,—why—
she—’s—merwy—as—a—cwicket.”’
* That’s because she looks upon you as
engaged to her; and if you persist in your.
dishonourable conduct, I shall go to my dear
friend, Mrs. Whynn, and speak to her about
a
*¢ You're — all— in —the—wong,—Mrs.—
Weynolds, — and — can’t — see — what’s—
starewing—you—in—the—face—as—plain—as
—my—two—eyes. But—lI’m—not—going—
to—stand —any —more — wows, — so — P’ll—
hook—it.”
And take himself off Fred did, declaring
that ‘‘he was not going to cut out old Free-
mantle, who saved his life two days running ;
Mrs. Reynolds must be as blind as a bat not
to see what he was after.”
He went away with a light heart, and sooth
to say a heavy pocket. During his stay with
the Reynolds’ he transacted negociations
with the gentleman of that name, who gener-
ously undertook to furnish him from time to
time with certain moneys, in consideration of
post-obits on the life of the unsuspecting
Mrs. Whynn, and which deeds represented
270 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
property worth ten times the sum he received
for them.
Fred betook himself to his home. His
motto should have been “ Let bygones be
bygones;” he acted on this principle, and
decided that by this time his “‘ maternal”
had done the same, and the fire and its effects
were bygones with her. She was no doubt
mourning his absence and looking for the
return of the Prodigal.
The unhappy lady, whose self-reproaches
made her more indulgent to the failings of
others, received him kindly, and considered
she might indeed have been worse off, when
he, on the faith of Mrs. Reynolds’ represent-
ations, assured her that “* he was vewy sorwy
to cause her any more vexation.. She had
been a good mother to him, and he would
obey her wishes if he could; but he couldn’t
marwy Miss Reynolds, who was a charming
young lady, and he hoped she would be happy
with somebody else. He hoped she would
not be angwy, when he told her he liked
another person b-b-better. He was not going
to marwy for a oweat many years; p waps
never. Mrs. Weynolds had been telling him
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 271
how he was to be disinherwited, but he couldn’t
marwy Miss Weynolds for all that.”’
Mrs. Whynn took him to her heart, and
felt she loved him almost as much as if he
had been her son. Her daughter was free
from him. She forgave him all the anxiety,
all the expense and worry he had ever caused
her. She could give him anything but her
child for his wife, and experienced something
very like remorse for what would be a terrible
change in his fortunes, when she put her
resolve into execution. But she also resolved
to make it up to him by every means in her
power, if she beggared herself for the rest of
her days.
272 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXVILI.
‘C THE MONEY-LENDER.’ —R. MO’ INNES.
Hap Mr. Reynolds been at church with his
wife and family things would have turned out
differently, and Freemantle would not have
gone away without his luncheon. But Sunday
was usually a remarkably busy day with him,
anything but a day of rest. Occupied the
rest of the week with public matters, he was
obliged, so he considered, to keep the seventh
for his own private, but not less urgent
affairs. |
Sometimes he went out to Tattersall’s,
looked over the books, settled accounts, or
gave his I. O. U.’s. He would pay visits to
certain persons, who, though hand in glove
with them outside, yet, like the spirits of Hvil,
they crossed not the sacred boundary of his
threshold.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 273
When not paying visits of that kind, he
generally stayed at home, and took his accounts
in hand, reviewed his losses, his gains, eae
lent, &c.
But there was one remarkable peculiarity
about these arithmetical proceedings ; he
always forgot to make note of the heavy loans
he obtained from the various companies of
which he was either chairman or director.
To have judged by his books, the tremen-
dous sums he paid out of the minimum he re-
ceived, might have induced the superstitious
to believe that he was no other than a dealer
in the black art, and understood the transmu-
tation of metals; or, the more malicious, to
infer that he kept a private mint of his own,
and was a dealer in base coin. |
From any mention he made of it in his
cash accounts, no one would have guessed that
he belonged to that startlingly successful
concern, “ The Bubble-and-Squeak Company;”
though daily advertisements in the news-
papers always mentioned John Fortescue
Reynolds, Hsq., Q.C., of Lincoln’s Inn, as its
deputy-chairman. And there could be no
mistake, as this same gentleman attended the
NO
274 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
meetings of the Board, signed. certificates,
bonds, drafts, &c., and his interest in it
was said to be fully worth twenty thousand
pounds.
But whether he made note of it or not, the
company had ample reason to take note of
him ; their interest in him they considered to
be worth at least a hundred thousand. !
So there can be no doubt now as to where
the private mint was situated, by which he
contrived to square his Cr. and Dr. accounts.
‘* Mamma !” said Mr. Reynolds, at lunch,
it was a mistake on your part not to ask
Colonel Freemantle to partake of our cheer
here.”’ |
“It was no mistake at all,” returned his
wite; “ I thought of it, but had my reasons
for not doing so.”
“ Feeman tuming ?” asked Bessie, who, in
some mysterious way, seemed to know as
~ much about him as anyone.
Papa laughed. ‘“ Yes, he’s coming to see
my pet, to carry her off from me.”
“ Won’t do (go),” says Bessie, resolutely.
“ "Tay with pa.”
Papa was touched.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 275
“‘ Come, Sophia, dear,’ he said kindly to
his wife, “* we must not draw the sword about
Colonel Freemantle, that’s his work. I want
you to go this week, and call upon his mother.
I owe him a visit, and will find an afternoon
to go with you.”
* Then I will not do anything of the kind,”
replied Mrs. Reynolds. “TI have seen enough ~
of him, and his mother may go to the bottom
of the Black Sea before I go near her.”
_ My dear! What has changed you? I do
not know you of late. What has made you
take such a violent dislike to Colonel Free-
mantle of all men in the world ?”
“‘ He’s a designing fellow,” was the answer,
© » fortune-hunter, if no worse. And what's
the matter with you >’ turning on Augusta,
whose Paradise invaded by such libellous
words was looking the distress she felt. “If
you cannot behave yourself properly, leave
the room.”
* Take this, my dear,” said Mr. Reynolds,
giving his glass of wine to Augusta.
_ The tears rushed into her eyes as she took
the “cup o’ kindness” and raised it to her
lips. Papa felt for her.
276 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Tf he comes here to seek his fortune,”
he continued, “his views must be very limited.
He will not get much here, will he, Gerty ?”’
T think, papa,” said Gerty, “ that you will
be able to give me a very good fortune; he
may go farther and fare worse.”
Her father laughed immoderately.
“‘ But he isn’t coming to marry you!” ex-
claimed the sharp Arthur, with more truth
than politeness.
‘“ How do you know?” asked Gertrude,
angrily.
‘‘ Because he likes Gussie best,’ answered
Alfred, taking up the cudgels.
“Hush! Hush! boys,” interposed Mr.
Reynolds, amused beyond measure, “‘ you
don’t know anything about it. Little boys
must be seen and not heard; is not that it,
Miss White ?”’
“It is,” answered Miss White, “and they
must only speak when they are spoken to.”
‘“‘There, my dears, you hear what Miss
White tells you, and I hope you will re-
member it, and behave like good Sophy there,
whose mouth is so full of cherry pie that
there is not room for a word to come out,
ae
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 277
Now we will have a glass of wine all round,
and drink to a flag of truce between dear
mamma and Colonel Freemantle.”
Mrs. Reynolds frowned defiance, and
silently drank ‘“‘ War to the knife !”’
278 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE BALCONY ‘* SIGNAL.’ —-JOHN PHILLIP.
Mrs. Ruynoups prided herself on being a
woman of superior character. She was not
singular in this respect; we are all apt to
estimate ourselves above the average, and
‘instead of wishing for the gift “ to see our-
selves as others see us,’ we should rather
desire for our happiness that others might
have the gift to see us as we see ourselves.
Certain it is that no one regarded Mrs.
Reynolds in the hight she sawherself. Talented
and refined, formed to rule and govern, a little
imperious perhaps, but to be led by her affec-
tions: this was what she considered herself
to be. But the reality was not so attractive.
She did not want for sense or judgment, but
her violent temper, her domineering manner,
counterbalanced these qualities. She was
s
“Ss
——~ ~-
ge i _- _ -
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 279
cruel and unjust when she took a dislike, and
obstinate to the last degree. She hated her
superiors, strove for supremacy with her
equals, and was a very despot towards her
inferiors.
Few women, either at home or abroad, were
less generally liked than Mrs. Reynolds.
If there was one quality more than another
she prided herself on, it was her strong and
resolute will; her resolution when once taken
was not to be altered, like the laws of the
Medes and Persians. Yet how wasit, that in
the very same week, following the Sunday,
upon which she declared it her fixed deter-
mination not to call on Mrs. Freemantle; we
find her on her way thither, in company with
her caro sposo, and not only Gertrude, but
strange to tell, Augusta also.
Tt had not been without a fierce battle that
such wonders had been achieved. It was
* war to the knife’ between husband and
wife, he resolving she should go, she equally
resolute she would not. Yet she did.
How did it come about ?
We are sorry to testify to this terrible flaw
in human nature: it cannot resist gold.
980 JOHH FORTHSCUR REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Gold is the touchstone by which virtues
must be tried: if they resist that, they are
incorruptible. But, alas! who ever found it
fail? The silver key opens all locks. The
gold key opens all hearts. And Mr. Reynolds
finding his lady intractable, and forgetful of
her vows, to love, honour, and obey him—
that was nothing new—had no resource left
but to try the effect of gold, and applying
the key of that precious, all-conquering metal,
found that the strong box of his wife’s resist-
ance was to be opened.
He had reserved this as a last resource,
when all other means should fail, for sooth to
say his money-chest was rather low, and so
was his mint, “ The Bubble-and-Squeak Com-
pany.” The shares were at a discount, and
looked rather ominous of a defalcation of
dividend next pay-day, and for that reason he
did not wish to call unpleasant attention to
“‘moneys borrowed”’ by him.
After much deliberation he decided on
making a call upon another mint of his,
“The Unparalleled Assurance Company,”
guaranteed long life, health and wealth, as
well as perfect immunity from all diseases,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 281
dangers or accidents from fire or water, road
or rail, to all, who assured themselves in that
*‘ promising’ concern, and hastened to place
their purses at its disposal.
To this inestimable treasure of a company,
he forthwith posted, and on: the strength of
his position in the flourishing “ Bubble-and-
Squeak,”’ and the minor recommendation of
his being one of the most prosperous men at
the Bar, he obtained a loan of four thousand
pounds, as many hundreds of which he
offered to his Tarpeia, who opened the gates
of her citadel, or, in other words, consented
to do the requisite by calling on Mrs. Free-
mantle. To do the agreeable she could not,
we verily believe, for the whole of the four
thousand which her husband received, but
said nothing about.
The recipient of her ill humour, according
to custom, was the unlucky Augusta, on whose
account she judged the disagreeable visit was
to be made.
She worried and tormented the poor girl
even to tears, and by the time they arrived at
their destination she looked so pale and dis-
tressed, that Mrs. Freemantle informed her
friend, Mrs. Whynn, when next they met,
282 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
she never saw anyone so changed as Augusta
Reynolds; she was looking ill and unhappy.
We may imagine how agreeable this was to
Mrs. Whynn.
In spite of herself Mrs. Reynolds could
_ not help being pleased with the visit, and she
thought it would be a credit to have Mrs.
Freemantle among the number of her friends.
Both by birth and education she was beyond
the general run of her visitors’ set, while her
calm manners, her dignified presence, and
her English reserve towards strangers, made
Mrs. Reynolds instinctively feel that she was
not a woman with whom she could ever be on
intimate terms, and therefore she desired the
acquaintance still more. She was also grati-
fied, for Mrs. Freemantle was kind to Gertrude.
Mr. Freemantle gave all his heart to
Augusta. Men, the wisest of them, like to
look on a fair face, and she cheered up under
his kindly influence.
Mr. Reynolds and he talked of the events
of the day; they were glad to find that they
had some feelings in common with respect to
politics. The old gentleman was less a Liberal
than formerly.
In answer to enquiries, he told Mr. Rey-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 283
nolds his son was at Chillingham for a few
days, but he expected him back by the end
of the week.
The visit was satisfactory, and they all
parted good friends, Mrs. Reynolds in a better
humour, as the enemy did not appear. But
an evil star presided over that lady’s destiny.
She and Gertrude decided,as this was Thurs-
day, it was not likely the visit would be re-
turned before Monday, and they, therefore,
could with safety go to a grand morning con-
cert, to be given at St. James’s hall, for
which they had tickets.
Gertrude did not like Augusta to go, be-
cause people always looked at her and took
no notice of herself. ‘* And suppose they did
come, Colonel Freemantle would be sure not
to be with them, as he was at Chillmgham,
and she did not care for anyone else. Mr.
Freemantle was an old Fogrum; and Mrs.
Freemantle was an old Fogrum too, who
looked as prim and queer as some of those
funny figures you see in old churches, stand-
ing in their niches, with their heads stuck on |
one side, and looking as grave as old owls.”
To make all things sure she gave particular
284, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
directions that if anyone called they were to
say nobody was at home.
This same ‘nobody’ must have been
Augusta.
Gertrude was incensed on her return to find
that her orders had been disobeyed. Not only
Mr. and Mrs. Freemantle, but the Colonel,
had called, and, moreover, had come in, and
only Augusta at home to receive them! She
‘could see from her look how happy the thing
was, while she herself had been tired to death
listening to the horrid music, and wishing all
the time that everybody might drop down
dead. She called up the housemaid, to give
her a scolding, but the housemaid informed
her—
** As how she was a upstairs, a cleanin’ of
herself when they comes, and had got no
gownd on nor nothink, and the cook must a
forgot as she told her she wasn’t to let no
gents come in as come.”
And the cook declared ‘‘as how she never
heer’d no word about it, and they askes for
missus, and she told ’em she wasn’t in, and
then the ‘black one’ (the Colonel) askes if
there bee’nt any of the famerly at home, and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 285
she tell him as how Miss Gusta was; and so
they come in, and she couldn’t a shut the
door in their faces, and that’s all she knowed,
for they let theirselves out.”
It was quite true, as Gerty surmised,
Augusta had been exceedingly happy.
Mr. and Mrs. Freemantle remained a long.
time; “they would like much to see Mrs. Rey-
nolds,” and stayed on and on, and only went
away afew minutes before her return. Five
minutes later, and they might have seen her.
As it was, the visitors amused themselves
as best they might. Mr.and Mrs. Freemantle
looked over books, examined curiosities, and
visited the conservatory; the lady loved
flowers; and the young people were left to
keep one another company, an arrangement
they did not seem to object to.
Mr. Freemantle at last came out of the
conservatory, and said it was getting late, he
was sure Augusta must be tired of them, and
his son was keeping her standing.
Augusta felt she loved the kind man for
calling her by her Christian name.
Upon this Freemantle took her hand as if
to bid her adieu, and held it fast in his, and
286 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
looking at her through and through all the
time, said it was very wrong, and was she
very, very angry with him?
But Augusta, perfectly astounded at having
her treasure-house ransacked that fashion,
hurled defiance at him, and braving his scru-
tiny, with soft eyes, refused then and there to
forgive him. |
Freemantle’s spirit at this rose, and quite
forgetting that the little hand he held in his
was not made of iron, while his great one was,
grasped it still harder, and expressed his in-
tention of staying till she did.
It is truly dreadful that men always gain
the victory over poor women, even in such
small matters as the one in question, as if it
was not punishment sufficient that Augusta
as a woman, was born to be ruled, tyrannized
over, trampled under foot, made a slave of, as
Gerty said she was.
Even at this early period, Augusta learned
that man was her master, and in the end was
forced to obey, for the sole purpose of releas-
ing her hand out of prison, and hiding her
tell-tale blushes from the searching eyes of
the invader of her peace.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 287
. But as it was upon compulsion, it went for
nothing in law.
They parted, having read each other’s
hearts, and strong in the love which, whether
it be “ first love”’ or last love, is the strongest
of all, absorbing being into being, till the two
become one in name as in feeling.
A truce to the sentimental rubbish of
** First love |”
Women, if they have any real sense or
superiority of character, would prefer to be
the object of a man’s last love—the love of
his prime, standing out clear and strong in
the light of reason and experience, rather
than that of the rushlight of his early flames,
most commonly, like matches, going out the
moment they are lighted.
The Freemantles departed: at least they
went down stairs, Augusta forgetting to rmg
for the servant to let them out, and when
they reached the hall, the Colonel remembered
he had forgotten to leave a message for Mrs.
Reynolds, and making two steps of the stairs
was again in the drawing-room; but arrived
there, he forgot all about that lady, and only
remembered that he had forgotten to tell
988 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Augusta that he was going down to Rochester,
The member for that borough being about to
retire, had invited him to stand as a candi-
date under his auspices. The election would
not take place yet, but he was going down
to make acquaintance with the good people
of the town, and he wanted her to promise
him her vote and support.
This took some time in the telling, and he
seemed full of forgets, for he forgot that his
father and mother were waiting in the passage,
and Mr. Freemantle, being a humourous man,
told his wife this was a proof of the sins of
one’s youth being visited on us inage. He
could remember how in his young days the
remembrance of his old folks went direct to
the winds when she was by. Did she re-
member that ?
And the lady looked up at him in answer
with the love that is divine, shining on
through all changes with the same steady un-
speakable brightness, and the hand that
grasped hers as he led her to the carriage,
gave back to her its reply in language as
eloquent, as when it pledged its troth to her
young, and loving, and guileless heart.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 289
Augusta would have been fortunate deed
could she have looked into futurity, and seen
that the same unswerving faith would be hers.
But she saw no future, no past; it was all
present, all light, and shone round her with
such radiance as she stood there, that Free-
mantle gazed on her with a sort of awe: he
tore himself away, for youthful voices below
warned him of interruption.
He looked up at the windows on getting
into the carriage, and at one, saw a beautiful
face looking out from under the pink and
white Spanish blinds ; it was all among the
flowers in the painted boxes outside—a pic-
ture that lamented artist, John Phillip, would
have joyfully hailed as companion to the
charming one which graces our gallery here.
The enchanting vision was trying to attract
Mrs. Freemantle’s notice; her son directed
her attention to it, and all looked up and
smiled. They drove off; but Freemantle,
from his seat, gazed at the spot till he could
see it no longer.
VOL. I. O
290 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXIX.
‘ PAUL PREACHING AT ATHENS.’’—RAFFAELLE.
Berore reaching his house, Freemantle called
to the coachman to put him down, and
telling “his people” not to wait dinner
for him, he, in order to bring his dazed
senses into something like working order,
betook himself to one of those “ good
walks’? Hnglishmen delight in, wanderers
that they are, their “ constitutionals” and
their cigars dividing their affections, and
doubling their joys.
In one thing he differed from his country-
men; he did not set out with the intention of
sport, 2.¢., killing something —time, if nothing
else. He did not valiantly plant his foot on
some wretched insect, hurrying to get out
of his way ; nor did he stone frogs or fishes,
leaping out of river or pond, in thecr sport of -
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 291
a gnat supper, nor “shie” brickbats at some
impertinent bird, which presumed to enjoy the
lovely evening as well as himself, and was
warbling his sentiments to the setting sun.
Freemantle’s walk led him along the Wes-
tern Road, into the classic region of Ham-
mersmith, avoiding the town and seeking the
river; this he left at Chiswick, and took his
way cross country, with here a meadow and
there a brook, and now a “rail,” grandeur
on his right hand and anon poverty on his
left, till he came out on the high road again.
As he proceeded, he caught sight of a turning
on the opposite side, and into that he plunged,
keeping in his mind’s eye the pole-star of his
existence, shining in the east.
He turned to his right, and in time came
to a certain primitive village, that looked as
if it had timidly got up in troubled times, and
had made itself as insignificant as it could to
escape notice.
The children stopped in their play to look
at him, the shop-keepers looked out of their
windows, their customers out of the doors, as
he passed along.
The gossips ceased their gabble.
292 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Don’t he look no—ble!” they whisper,
with admiring awe.
*¢ Ah! he’s a deal grander nor any on them
as lives about here,” is the answer.
Freemantle neither saw nor heard; pre-
ferring lanes to roads, he struck into one
on his left. On he went by tortuous paths,
through fields and brake, till at last he found
himself on Wormwood Scrubs, and here he
paused to rest.
The route he took was not the most pic-
turesque in England. The western suburbs
cannot set up their attractions against the
eastern. Nature has befriended these, but
Freemantle trod enchanted ground. It was
all Fairyland to him. There was but one
spot more beautiful. Like the pilgrims to
Mecca, he kept his face towards it; it lay in
the east.
He stopped, as we said, at Wormwood
Scrubs, of duelling memory. Its peaceful
glades still echo back the crack of the rifle,
but it tells not the dark tale of human pas-
sions and theiravenge. No! young England,
thirsting for glory, points here its harmless
guns, at imaginary foes since no real ones are
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 293
to be found, and lets off the superfluous steam
in so much waste powder and shot.
The miniature earthworks, the puny en-
campment, Freemantle did not disdain, though
memories of warfare real came o’er him.
As the war-horse rears his crest at the sound
of the trumpet, so did his heart leap at the
recollection of the tremendous conflicts in
which he had been engaged, when armies
closed on armies, and kindling with rage and
hate, death was in every blow, “ HExtermina-
tion’ the war-cry of every heart.
He stood in abstraction. The modern
Babylon lay stretched out before him, flash-
ing back the parting rays of the descending
sun. It looked a city of temples and palaces,
the sin and misery ; the hollowness of a nearer
view were hidden away in the distance.
Yet he knew such to exist; the vastness
and magnificence of the panorama sank into
insignificance and imposture when compared
with the immensity of guilt and woe that
dwelt within its boundaries. Resting against
a stile, he began to philosophise on the mystery
attending our being, the reason of suffering,
the aim and end of all our actions, having ap-
03
294, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, #SQ.
parently but one end as regards this life—
extinction.
While pondering thus he was seized with
intense longing to be of some use in the world.
“Help me!” he exclaimed, in the energy
of the moment, “to find a remedy. Let me
not go down to the grave without one wrong
redressed—one good purpose achieved! But
what can the arm of one man ayail ?” thought
he, presently. ‘‘ How shall one voice make it-
self heard amid the din and uproar of con-
tending natures? As well attempt to enter
the lists with the roaring monster thundering
over the viaduct there, as seek to stem
the tide of evil which threatens to swamp
good and bad in common ruin. I feel like
the wretch on the pinnacle of some rock,
watching the wave that is approaching to
engulph him.”’ |
As he stood gazing on the distant city the
boundless love for one object that filled his
heart extended to all his fellow-creatures.
“Tears such as angels weep” stole into his
eyes as he wished for the giant’s strength to
help them to better things.
He thought of the great Founder of our
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 295
religion, and if a human feeling, pure as it
was at that moment in him, could claim
kindred with sublime love, assuredly it was
then, as his vivid imagination in sympathy
wrought the picture of the suffering Saviour
weeping over the beloved city whose doom he
saw approaching.
He stood in the gloaming, lost in thought,
when his ear was arrested by a chorus of
voices, ringing out a hymn in clear and
sonorous cadence upon the calm and tranquil
summer air. He looked from whence the
sound proceeded, and saw a body of men as-
sembled in the distance ; and on a rising knoll
immediately in front stood a figure, whose
white robe of his sacred calling, stood out in
relief, and distinguished him from the mass
gathered around him.
But for this same white garment, Freemantle
would have considered him one of those wan-
dering missionaries, who make the field and
the highways the scene of their labours. But
this was no common man.
He saw an apostle of Christ, casting aside
the insignia of his rank, counting the gewgaws
of the world at their worth, was going forth
296 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
to tread in the footsteps of the Divine Master,
to teach the children of the mist the way to a
more virtuous life here, and a happier one here-
after.
Freemantle approached with reverence, and
took his place as one of the congregation,
kneeling with the people, and sitting with them
on the grass to hear the words of the preacher.
As he gazed on the countenances around
him, he became more than ever convinced of
the complete unity of nature in all her
works.
The men here belonged to the class, who in
his own neighbourhood had so signalized
themselves, on behalf of his family at the
recent fire, yet of a still rougher mould, whose
forms, while exhibiting the highest develop-
ment of physical strength, Herculean as their
tasks, were 1n manner, thought, and feeling,
as rude, hard, and unpolished as the blocks
of stone on which they exercised their skill.
But even here were symptoms of faculties
that wanted but time and culture to bring
into life and action. Most of them had
brought their wives and families, and many a
hard and horny hand held within a grasp as
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 297
tender as a woman’s, the child of his love close
pressed to his breast, and so humanizing is
natural affection, that Freemantle remarked
_ these were the men who best understood and
felt the words of the preacher.
To him Freemantle turned his attention
and felt that he too sawit all. His voice, har-
monious and impressive, penetrating to the
furthermost of the immense crowd, now sooth-
ing, now beseeching them to be good, spoke
the language of inspiration and truth, while
his countenance, varying with the words he
uttered, told of sympathy with his subject and
his hearers.
Freemantle envied him.
“ Would!” thought he, ‘* that I too were a
soldier of Christ, my mission, to go forth to
heal, and bind up the wounds; instead of
plunging the dagger into the breasts of the
weak and defenceless, hurling to destruction
masses of one’s fellow-creatures, too often for
the mere thirst of gain, or love of slaughter.”
Evening drewon. ‘The preacher’s form was
lost in gloom, but his voice was still heard,
calling on his hearers to awake, to remember
that though their lives were one of toil and
298 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
privation, yet it was not for a permanence.
They were but as sojourners in a strange
land, their home was in that blissful region
where sin and sorrow come not, where those
who were parted would meet again, tears be
dried from all eyes, and love and peace be
their portion for ever.
The giant city lay solemn and majestic in
her repose, the thousand lghts of her firma-
ment shone down upon her, the watch-fires
of her immediate world illumined the dark-
ness of her physical aspect, and sent the
gnomes and demons of her moral one into the
obscurity of their fastnesses.
‘<The Lord bless you and keep you. The
Lord lift up the light of His countenance
upon you, and give you His peace, now and
for evermore,’ came out of the darkness, and
all was still. —
The crowd dispersed, with bowed heads
and subdued steps, feeling, though they might
not express it in the glowing language of the
disciple,—‘‘ Did not our hearts burn within
us, while he talked with us by the way, and
expounded to us the Scripture ?”
Freemantle, who knew nothing of the
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 299
locality he was in, followed, and came out as
he anticipated on to the high road, and soon
was retracing the route from which he started
with as light a heart, and brighter hopes,
seeing what good could be effected by a single
man, and how powerful one voice can be,
when raised in the cause of truth and virtue.
300 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXX,
‘6 mH FOREST PORTAL. —-R. REDGRAVE.
On the departure of Freemantle for Rochester,
Augusta took to her geography, and in a
short time had made herself perfectly ac-
quainted with its history from time im-
memorial. She then looked for it on the
map, and studied its situation; then she
searched ‘*‘ Bradshaw,” and learned all about
the time it took to make the journey, and
became, as one might say, a perfect guide as
regarded that locality in every particular.
It was in sooth her only consolation, to
think of him by night and by day, to recall
his every word, look, and action, and store
these up as her staff and support against the
trials and tribulations thickening around her.
She tried hard to hope for better things in
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 9301
the good time coming, to bear all patiently,
and to think that she ought to be, and was
the happiest girl in the world, since he loved
her. Hvery one had troubles of some kind
or other, and why should she be exempted ?
But with all her philosophy, she found it
difficult to stand up against the incessant
warfare she was destined to encounter.
Gertrude’s heart was torn by two contend-
ing passions—joy and anger. She rejoiced
that Colonel Freemantle did not seem to care
for Augusta, as she at one time feared. She
was angry that he did not care for herself,
and angry that her rival did not seem as dis-
appointed as herself, and she was sharp
enough to suspect there was some secret con-
nected with the supposed desertion with
which she was not acquainted.
Augusta, with the devotion that makes a
good girl’s love too sacred for trifling talk,
did not speak of her lover. to Gertrude,
though she tried all means to soften and
bring her to reason. But to no purpose.
Gertrude, now that she knew her rival not to
be her sister, threw aside the little restraint
that supposed tie had hitherto enforced, and
VOL. I. P
302 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
not only worried her, but her mother also to
send Augusta away.
Another cause of regret was the loss of the
two boys, who were sent to school at High-
gate. Augusta felt their departure extremely.
They were her staunch supporters in her
battles with Gertrude. |
“ Never mind, Gussie!” Arthur would say.
“She is only jealous because he likes you
best.”
Augusta was left to infer as to whom
belonged the mysterious pronoun.
** Yes !’* would add Alfred, accepting all
his brother propounded, and echoing it.
*« Tf he liked her she wouldn’t pitch into you
as she does, but you know where to come to
when she comes out too strong.”
We do not accord to children the credit
they deserve for their sagacity. Their clear-
ness of vision and sound judgment on persons
and things coming within their own sphere of
observation is marvellous. They may be
ignorant as to first causes, but motives and
actions they will perfectly understand, and,
putting two and two together, will give a
more just verdict in their youthful inexperi-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 308
ence than in maturer years, when the press of
multifarious duties, and constant intercourse
with the world blunt the powers of observation.
Most persons will acknowledge this to be
true, looking back into their childhood, and
remembering how vain it was for any sophist
to blind their eyes, or deceive them. |
So these two staunch little champions took
their departure, speaking many words of
comfort to Augusta, and promising her, in
their manly patronising way, that ‘ when
they came home for the holidays they would
look up Colonel Freemantle, and take him in
tow.
Miss White went away before her pupils,
and many tears were shed on both sides
99
when the hour of separation came. She felt
much affection for the two rough little
fellows, who bullied and braved her certainly,
bnt in spite of all, like a diamond in the
rough, at the bottom of their hearts lay the
germ of any tenderness for her as a
woman.
They both kissed her, and begged her to
forgive them, as they presented their keep-
sakes: Castor, a very respectable boat he
304 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
had himself carved out of a block of deal
with his pocket-knife: Pollux, a mortar he
very much prized. Unfortunately, a bullet
too big for it had been forced into its muzzle,
and become such a fast friend that all attempts
to disloge it were fruitless.
Miss White’s heart was large; she saw
only the spirit in which they were given, and
valued these treasures accordingly.
Gertrude stigmatised Miss White’s tears as
* crocodile’s tears,’ and said she knew she
would never be so well off again. She called
weeping Sophy, who was not usually demons-
trative, a hypocrite, and Bessie, who cried for
sympathy, she threatened with ‘* Old Bogey,
who would carry her off to his horrid dark
place,’ upon which Bessie considering it
better to make a hubbub before than after
such a catastrophe, set up such a terrific
outcry, that mamma came rushing up, and
learning that ‘“ Old Bogey” was the cause,
despatched Miss Gerty herself to that fascin-
ating individual.
No one felt the loss of his boys’ society
more than their father. We scarcely think
he would have parted with them, but for the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 3805
extraordinary development of their talent8
for mischief when left to their own guidance.
Their final performance of a rushing cataract
down the well staircase, effected by forcing
down the ball of a cistern at the top of the
house, and then forgetting to turn it off,
whereby a temporary inundation was pro-
duced in the hall below, brought matters to a
erisis.. But he missed their merry faces and
boisterous mirth, and went the next week for
the purpose of bringing them back, if they felt
as miserable as himself.
But their troubles had not yet ‘com-
menced. He found the youthful ingrates ‘so
full of life and fun, that they treated their
father as one of themselves, and only asked
him for money, which he gave them and de-
parted; consoling himself with the reflection
it was time their education began. So he
turned to his toy Bessie for company, and
spoiled her more than ever.
About this time his eldest son Hone:
came home for the “ Long.” “He had taken
both honours and orders at Oxford, and had
just succeeded in obtainmg an excellent
Fellowship. This pleased his father greatly,
306 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
and a more cordial understanding took place
between them; and as a proof, he took
counsel with this son as to making provision
for his wife and children in the event of any-
thing happening to himself.
Nor were they words only.
Thomas was surprised at the prudence and
earnestness exhibited by his father in this
transaction which a few weeks before he
would not have credited, and some sort of
misgiving as to the position of affairs crossed
his mind with the suddenness thoughts often
do, and which passing away with the speed
they came, are afterwards remembered as the
prophetic warnings of events to come.
Mr. Reynolds likewise sent his second son
the money wherewith to purchase his promo-
tion, and was glad to hear that his regiment
was ordered to Canada, where he trusted
that the son most like himself would be
free of companions, whose pernicious example
he followed but too closely, and be exposed
to fewer temptations.
END OF VOL. I.
C. Newsy, 30, Welbeck Street, Cavendis Square, London.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, Q.,
OF LINCOLIN’S INN;
OR
“THE BUBBLE AND SQUEAK COMPANY.”
A NOVEL.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
BY
Smet eye le Os Rah:
‘)srEK AND YE SHALL FIND.”
VOL, IT.
Lonpon :
T. CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER,
30, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE.
1873.
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. }
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JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ,
OF LINCOLN’S INN.
CHAPTER I.
‘¢ THE SOUTH SEA BUBBLE.’’—-G. M. WARD.
Or all the Joint Stock Companies that have
sprung into existence during these last twenty
years, not one has come forth with fairer
prospects than did the famous “‘ Bubble-and-
Squeak,” of philanthropic memory.
It was a success from the beginning. The
name was sufficient to recommend it. People
ask—‘ What’s in a name ?”
We answer—‘ A great deal!” and the
proverb, ‘“ Give a dog an ill name, and hang
him,” proves its importance.
VOL. II. B
2 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Now, ‘“* Bubble-and-Squeak”’ has a fascina-
tion about it; itis redolent of a savoury mess
for hungry travellers. You fancy you can
hear the hissing and sputtering going on
hotly in the seething frying-pan. <As Dr.
Kitchener, “the oracle,’”’ poetically apostro-
phizes i1t— |
** When ’midst the frying-pan, in accents savage,
The beef so surly quarrels with the cabbage.”
Think of this couplet, ye lovers of Bubble-
and-Squeak, compare it with the bull-fights
of romantic Spain, and rejoice that you can
have one any day in your own kitchen without
making along harassing journey, to be bullied
in the end for your pains.
But if the name of the company obtained
for it popularity, still greater favour did it
gain when its principles became manifest.
Pure, disinterested benevolence was the sole
object of its formation !
According to the prospectus (too long for
entire insertion in these pages), its origin
was due to the philanthropy of twelve gentle-
men who were sufferers to a ruinous extent
by the wholesale pillage and plunder outside
and inside their houses, by their servants ;
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 3
which pillage and plunder consisted in the
appropriation of what is called “ broken
victuals,” a most extensive range, taking in
unbroken bread, uncut joints, pounds of butter,
pots of jam, tea, sugar, and the hundred and
one things that come under the denomination
of *‘ household stores.”’
The gentlemen in question considered
themselves qualified to take the matter in
hand, and to try and seek a remedy for this
plague spot of England. But they found it
to be a system so thoroughly organized, so
tenaciously upheld, and so rigidly enforced,
that they came to the conclusion they might
as well attempt to upset the monarchy as try
to put it down.
After mature deliberation, they decided
(so the prospectus states) that opposition was
useless.
** What can’t be cured, must be endured.”
And the only means of coping with this
growing evil, was to legalise the foul robberies
committed, in fact to wink at them, go partners
in, and help their remorseless domestics in
their plunder of themselves.
Thus these twelve gentlemen instituted a
B 2
4 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
new code of morals, whereby gentlemen,
masters of households, men of all conditions,
keeping a servant or servants, should, from
motives of private duty, and public charity,
buy of their servants the personal property
which they appropriated to themselves as
“* perquisites.” |
It further stated that, by moderate compu-
tation, for every mouth a man undertook to
feed, he fed half-a-dozen others which he
never undertook to do. Since it was so, and
there was no help for it, he might as well do
it voluntarily, and get the credit. This
Bubble-and-Squeak Company was therefore
formed for the purpose of turning these
victualling farms to some use.
It was proposed to provide dining-halls, re-
freshment-rooms, and eating-houses for the
million; who would thus be able to obtain
cheap and wholesome, nay, luxurious dinners
off those comestibles which otherwise went to
fascinate policemen, propitiate “ cousins,” or
entertain ‘ followers.”
The title page of the prospectus bore an
enticing chart of the plan and intentions of the
‘* Bubble-and-Squeak Company, Limited.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 5
Shares, £100. Capital, £4,000,000. Of which
it was not intended to call up more than half
at present.
Then came the names of the principal
personages attached—
The Right Honourable Sir Richard Ruinall,
M.P., Chairman.
John Fortescue Reynolds, Hsq., Q.C., Lin-
colns-Inn, Deputy-Chairman.
There was also a Board of Directors,
prominent among which were the euphonious
names of Gammon and Humbug, and the
scarcely less significant one of Mr. Story and
Mr. Thiever.
So popular at the outset did the “‘ Bubble-
and-Squeak ” become, that it might fairly be
termed the “Infant Prodigy.” The shares
were at a premium before they came into the
market, and on the day of allotment the whole
were disposed of.
The first dividend was startling, the next
*“‘would be overpowering,’’but it wasn’t. How-
ever, it was so very good that ‘‘ Bubble-and-
Squeak ’’ became the rage inside houses, as
well as outside.
Great names became attached thereto, and
6 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.°
the fairy fingers of rank and fashion hemmed ~
the tablecloths and towels of the company, and
embroidered ‘‘ Bubble-and-Squeak Company ”
in the corners in beautiful illumination letters,
giving it all the prestige possible. |
But in spite of all a change had taken place
in the position of affairs with poor ‘‘ Bubble-
and-Squeak ;” the shares kept drop, drop,
dropping, the dividends steadily represented
the three degrees of comparison, small,
smaller, smallest, a problem difficult of
solution, seeing that at each half-yearly meet-
ing the report certified “that never before
had the company been in such flourishing cir-
cumstances. Receipts were daily increasing ;
debts nil; capital intact. Shameful reports
were in circulation as to the stability of the
company, but they (the Board) could lay their
hands on their hearts and declare they were
without foundation. They were due solely to
the machination of interested speculators on
the Stock-exchange, who were desirous of
running down the shares for the purpose of
purchasing, knowing, as they well did, they
would soon rise to afabulous height, &c., &ec.”
But the fabulous height was notin sight as
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 7
yet; on the contrary, things were looking so
very blue that the shareholders—those lay-
men or pawns of a company, who are ex-
pected to do only as the Board directs, and to
ask no questions if they wish to be told no
stories—these nonentities, we say, had abso-
lutely woke up, as nonentities will sometimes,
and turning restive and disobedient, were
selling out their shares for a mere song, a
senseless proceeding, bringing with it its own
punishment, for they fairly picked their own
pockets, whereas, by patiently waiting till the
fabulous height predicted was reached, a
fabulous fortune would be secured.
Strange to say, Mr. Reynolds’ views re-
garding the aspect of affairs were scarcely less
reprehensible than those of the misguided
shareholders, and he certainly ought to have
known better, but he didn’t, and though they
were mad to sell out as they did, yet was he
madder, inasmuch as he would but couldn’t.
Mr. Reynolds, with whom alone we have busi-
ness, had agreed fully in the sentiments that
actuated the movements of his co-adjuters,
sentiments very generally entertained by man-
kind, viz., that “‘ Number one is the first law of
Nature.”
8 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
His object was to resign his post, if possible,
with all the honours and dishonours attached,
to sell his shares, realize and invest the money
in some other name, and hold himself ready
to start off as soon as the blow-up took place,
which it was sure to do sooner or later.
Come we now to the point where this
preamble leads. He had for some time been
looking out for a fit and proper person as his
successor, some neophyte of consequence,
who would give credit to his judgment, éclat
to the dignity of vice-chairman, and at the
same time be so utterly blind and ignorant as
never to dream that he sat on the top of a
powder magazine. }
Fortune so far took him into her favour
that she threw our friend Colonel Freemantle
in his way, the one of all others best suited to
his peculiar views. Hence his ready assent
to the proposal of a man whom he knew
nothing of save in name, for his daughter ; and
his resolution to have his own way in this
matter in opposition to his wife.
In furtherance, therefore, of the principles
aforesaid as to number one being the first law
of Nature, he set diligently to work to culti-
vate Freemantle’s acquaintance ; he believed
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 9
it to be his duty to bring our hero more
prominently before the public, to drag him
out from his present retirement, nor suffer
him any longer to hide his light under a
bushel.
Mr. Reynolds had consented to his addressing
his daughter ; but before fully accepting him
for a son-in-law, he must prove himself worthy,
by casting off all prejudice, more especially
that relating to Joint-stock Companies; and
if anyone belonging to that patriotic, in
telligent, self-sacrificing body of men which
formed the Board of the immaculate “ Bubble-
and-Squeak,’’ were willing to yield up to him
the honours, emoluments, and advantages
accruing from so exalted and profitable a
position, for the disinterested purpose of ad-
vancing him in the world, why Freemantle
must accept the obligation, and shew his sense
of it accordingly.
Colonel Freemantle was not a rich man in
the common acceptation of the word; his
expectations were fair but distant. At pre-
sent his pay and some few thousands were
sufficient for him and his needs. |
He was not straightlaced, but to put his
BO
10 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
money out to usury, or to embark in any of
the hazardous speculations of the day, was
contrary to his principles, and what he would
have considered derogatory to his position
as an officer, holding a commission in Her
Majesty’s service.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. aE
CHAPTER II.
‘STHETIS ENTREATING JUPITER IN BEHALF OF HER
SON.’ —-FLAXMAN.
FREEMANTLE’S stay with his new friend, the
M.P. for Rochester, was prolonged some
weeks; he ran up to town in the interim,
and, as may be supposed, his first visit was
to the Reynolds’.
There must have been some prescience or
secret telegraphy between him and his en-
chantress, or why did all Mrs. Reynolds’ and
Gertrude’s endeavours to prevent a meeting
prove of no avail? Or how was it that
Augusta at the precise moment of his coming,
should be in the conservatory over the door,
see him, and be so overcome at the sight, that
it was not till he was in the room, that she
remembered there was no escape for her.
The white and red roses in her cheeks,
12 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
which had at first battled for mastery, having
blended into perfect harmony, she turned to
enter the room with the vase of flowers she
had been arranging for the table in her hand.
Time was precious; he hastened to greet
her, looking at her as if he had not seen her
for—years. Lovers measure time by feelings,
not facts. He had hold of her hand, and she
had hold of the vase, when in came the war-
like Mrs. Reynolds and Gertrude.
The expression of the lady’s face was not
encouraging. The Colonel went forward to
meet her, and Augusta put the vase on the
table. Mrs. Reynolds’ manner did full justice
to her looks: the frozen regions could not
have appeared less inviting.
But really he had not willingly offended
her; surely 1t could be no crime in her eyes
to admire a daughter, of whom any mother
might be proud.
Perhaps she had the toothache. Any one
would look savage under that infliction.
Perhaps the rheumatism—that was enough
to try the patience to the utmost; or the cook
may have sent up sour milk for breakfast ;
or her maid brushed her hair the wrong way
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. Ts
—that tries the temper of ats; a thousand
such misfortunes might have occurred, but
he never could be the cause of the double-
distilled vinegar so legibly written on her
countenance.
Mrs. Reynolds did not invite her guest to
be seated, but Gertrude did, whilst Augusta
moved about expecting every moment, on
some trivial pretext, to be sent from the room.
Colonel Freemantle opened conversation
by expressing a hope that Mrs. Reynolds was
well.
* She was quite well.”’
*“* He had been away in the country.”
*¢ Had he P”
** He had not seen Mr. Reynolds lately.”
** Had he not ?”
“ Freemantle trusted he was well.”
*“* He was well.”
“* The country was looking beautiful.”
© Was it ?”
“And he was glad there was every pros-
pect of a good crop.”
‘“* Was there?”
* Town was thinning.”
*¢ Indeed !”’
14 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The visitor was so amused he could barely
keep his countenance.
“He hoped the young people were well,”
thinking this might be an agreeable subject.
** Yes, they were quite well.”’
* And the youngest little girl? He had
not forgotten her, nor how cavalierly she had
treated him the pleasant evening he dined at
her hospitable table.”
Symptoms of a thaw.
_ © She was rather shy with strangers.”
‘*¢ She was a fine little girl; and how were
his friends, Arthur and Alfred.”
A rapid thaw.
‘The two boys went to school last week,
and they missed them very much; their
father, she expected, would be going to school
with them, he felt their absence so.”
“* Freemantle asked where the school was
situated; with her permission he would like
to go and see them. He had rarely seen
more intelligent children, and he should not
forget their amiability towards himself.”
The ice disappeared.
** Mrs Reynolds said she would give him
the address, and feel his going a kindness. If
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 15.
he could make it convenient to look in on
them it would please them so much, and sive
them more importance in the eyes of their
principals. Would he like to see ‘ Bessie ?”’
Freemantle said nothing would please him
more, and he was rewarded by a look of such
eratitude, shining out of certain orbs in the
distance, that he would fain have gone up
even to the nursery, and fetched down the
little Hebe in his arms; or have performed
any other equally unsuitable employment, for
the reward of such a smile.
The visit turned out better than it promised.
Gertrude was especially happy, she sat herself
down beside him, and talked to him, and paid
him so much attention that she was certain
Augusta was dying with jealousy.
It might be so—for when Colonel Free-
mantle took leave of her, the wistful look she
gave him struck on his heart, and haunted
him perpetually. He was quite capable of
putting two and two together on this and
every other occasion, and fully agreed with his
mother in her belief, that ‘* Augusta was —
not happy at home, and the family were not
kind to her.”
16 JOHN FORTESOCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Some short time after the visit of Free-
mantle his mother called. Mrs. Reynolds
was out, but Augusta was at home, and it
was her Mrs. Freemantle wished to see.
She came to invite Augusta to stay a while
with her, reminding her of her promise to do
so when circumstances brought her former
visit to an untimely conclusion.
Augusta’s heart echoed the wish, but she
thought of “‘ her mother,” and hesitated.
“She would lke it of all things,” she
answered.
** Then why not come, my dear P”
‘ T wouldif I could, dear Mrs. Freemantle.”
** And can you not? I am sure you do
not doubt me ?”
‘¢ No, indeed !”’
** And you know what a favourite you are
with Mr. Freemantle, and”—regarding her —
fixedly—* there is some one to whom it would
give greater pleasure still.”
Mrs. Freemantle had no reason to doubt
her ; the conscious rosy flush, “‘ Love’s proper
hue,” spread over her lovely countenance.
*‘ I can never forget your kindness,” said
she, softly kissing her.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 17
** Then why hesitate ; perhaps mamma does
not like to part with her dear daughter.”
Augusta, like the good girl she was, took
it literally, as the speaker intended.
* If she will give her consent I shall be
overjoyed to come,” she answered.
* Then I will ask her to spare you to me
for a short time.”
“ Thank you. It will be kind.”
And so it was agreed.
Mrs. Freemantle kept her word, and waited
patiently for the return of Mrs. Reynolds,
conversing with Augusta on various topics.
She was pleased to discover in her talents
of a very high order, and to sound good
sense she united great enthusiasm.
Mrs. Reynolds was long before she re-
turned, but the time did not appear so to
Mrs. Freemantle, who, in the cause of her
son’s happiness, was interested in the study
she was making.
Augusta left the room, with very small
hopes as to the success of Mrs. Freemantle’s
petition. The lady explained it in a few words;
she told Mrs. Reynolds, playfully, the purport
of her visit was to beg the loan of her
18 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
daughter Augusta for a short time; it was
an old engagement, her former visit being
shortened by accident.
Mrs. Reynolds paused before making a
reply, and then she said, “‘ Have you spoken
to Augusta ?”’
‘* T have,’ was the answer, ‘* and she re-
ferred me to you.” |
“That was very proper. So the decision
rests with me P”
** It does,” said Mrs. Freemantle. <“ I fear
you may consider that the shortness of our
acquaintance does not entitle me to the privi-
lege of asking a favour, or I would request
your sympathy in behalf of a lone woman,”
she continued cheerfully, “who has been
deserted by her family in her old days. My
two daughters are both married, and now my
son has taken himself off, so 1t really will be
an act of charity.” She laid particular stress
on “my son,’ that Mrs. Reynolds’ delicacy
might have no scruples.
‘* The wording of your request is so flat-
tering,’ said Mrs. Reynolds, after some deli-
beration, ‘‘ that I feel it most trying not to
be able to comply with it. My refusal must
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 19:
lay me open to the charge of selfishness and
ill-nature, yet I consider it my duty not to let
Augusta go.”
*‘ That is a different thing,’ returned Mrs.
Freemantle. ‘ Duty before all things ; forget
that I asked you; and now I must be going.”
* You think me unreasonable,” said Mrs.
Reynolds.
* T do not give it a second thought,” was
the answer; “ you have every right to act,
as you see fit.”
** T think it right to hold my daughter to an
engagement which she seems to have for-
gotten.”
Mrs. Freemantle was astounded. ‘“ An en-
gagement !’’ she exclaimed.
*« An engagement,” repeated Mrs. Reynolds,
“so binding, so complete, that I will never
countenance my daughter in the efforts I am
shocked to find she makes to ignore it.”
** Oh, my poor son!” was the inward eja-
culation of Mrs. Freemantle. ‘“‘ Engagements
are solemn things, said she.”’
“ T look upon them as such,” returned the
lady loftily, ‘‘ though young people of the
present day seem to consider that neither
vows nor promises are binding.”
20 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
*‘ A change for the worse,’ said Mrs. Free-
mantle, as she rose to go, “I had thought
till now mankind were neither better nor
worse in that respect; that the heart of the
world stood still, if not its pulse.”’
‘Oh no!”’ returned the experienced Mrs.
Reynolds, ‘ girls have become so ‘ fast’ in
their habits and ideas, that they want prison
discipline and bread-and-water diet to keep
them within bounds. No doubt you have
thought me severe and unkind in keeping my
daughter so much in the background, but she
requires restraint.’
** Is it possible! I could not have supposed
it,’ said Mrs. Freemantle. ‘ There must be
something very wrong somewhere; I do not
like to hear you speak of her as you do,”
thought she, as she entered her carriage.
** Oh, how shall I tell my poor Maximilian ?”
She went home sorrowfully, wishing that
she had never made the visit, since it had
compelled her to be the bearer of ill tidings
to one in whom, in this life, all her hope was
centred.
Her silence and abstraction at dinner at-
tracted the notice of her worthy spouse, who
good-humouredly asked her if her banking
ra
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 21
account had run out, that she was looking so
glum.
She told him it was worse than that.
And he said, ‘‘ Then it is bad, yet he hoped
not so bad but what he could help her in this
case, aS he would readily have done in the
other.”
The tears came into the lady’s eyes, and
she said ““I am sure of that; but I grieve
for Maximilian, you will be sorry to hear
that Augusta Reynolds, on whom he had set
his heart, is engaged.”
*“Hngaged? ‘To himself, perhaps, or some-
thing very like it, and report has only pre-
ceded the fact.”
Mrs. Freemantle said, “I wish it was
so, but that ig not the case; she has long
been engaged to another; and | cannot
doubt it, for it was the mother herself who
told me.”
Upon which the old gentleman fired up, and
declared that Augusta Reynolds was a good-
for-nothing hussey, to deceive an honourable
man in the way she had done, enticing his
attentions, and leading him on with the
intention of treachery towards one of the
22 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
two. She was like sin, fair without and
foul within; and since that was her character,
much as he sympathised with Max., the
sooner he knew it the better.
But the mother lay awake the whole night,
planning how she should break the news to
her son. It was best to come from her, for
she would do it tenderly, if any one would.
Should she go down tohim? But he might
not wish it. Men were not like women, who
go open-mouthed and with streaming eyes
pouring out the tale of their wrongs to every
one they meet. Men swallow the bitter pill
in silence, and scornsympathy. They prefer
to let time effect what words cannot.
Mrs. Freemantle resolved to write, and
conned over her letter, trying, without saying
too much, to convey to him the assurance of
her love and tenderness; and with the tact of a
superior woman, forbore to blame the traitress;
soothing his wounded pride with her belief
that it arose more through involuntary ad-
miration and appreciation of himself, than
from premeditated wrong towards another.
She wrote her letter, every word instinct
with love and solicitude for his happiness.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 23
CHAPTER III.
‘DISTANT VIEW OF MONT BLANO.”’
THINGS went on in the usual manner with the
Reynolds’ family. Parliament came to an
end; summer was dissolving into the golden
tints of autumn, and the law courts were no
longer sitting.
Mr. Reynolds no longer reaped the rich
harvest, or rather the golden fruit of his
eloquence. His brain was weary, his mind
and body alike harassed, and the end of his
labours was exhaustion, disgust, and increas-
ing inability to cope with evils thronging
thick and fast upon him.
At this present moment he knew not what
todo. Bills he had drawn were becoming
due, and if not renewed, must be dishonoured.
He was not fortunate in his speculations, and
the investments in which he had most largely
24 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
embarked had turned out failures. One or
two of the principal companies were at such
discount, that the most alarming reports were
in circulation, and Mr. Reynolds knew but
too well that, in the event of their coming to
erief, his share in their transactions could
scarce brook enquiry, nor his name escape
opprobrium, any more than his person the
precincts of the bankruptcy court.
Yet in many instances he was a far better
man than in his younger days. He felt now
both regret andshame. He was besides more
steady, a kinder husband ; an affectionate
father he had always been, but never the
playmate of his elder, as he was now of his
younger children.
In the midst of troubles and debts, past,
present, and to come, the proof of a better
nature was the inward and real satisfaction
he experienced, that though small as the sum
was in comparison to their expectations, yet
he had secured something to his wife and
family in case of misfortune, and this not the
produce of misappropriation, but the honest
gain of his energy, and superlative talent in
speaking.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 25
This gift is perhaps the greatest that can
be bestowed upon man; it gives to him the
master-key to the passions and understandings
of his fellow men, taking captive their reason,
and rendering them the mere puppets of his
will.
But even this great faculty, by which he
might have risen to the height of his pro-
fession, came too late to help him out of his
difficulties. Like the talent hid in a napkin,
it had laid useless and inert, wanting oppor-
tunity. Accident had evoked the latent fire,
but instead of lighting him on the path to
dignity and honour, it proved a Will-o’-the-
Wisp, to delude and betray him; serving
but to increase the natural sanguineness of
his disposition, and as it brought him more
publicly forward, so was certain to end in
making his downfall the more conspicuous.
'-Mr. Reynolds, on reviewing his home
circuit, came to the decision that he could
not go on much longer, and must therefore
prepare to throw up his brief.
To please his lady in the commencement of
his rise, he had taken ‘ Beaulieu,” an ex-
tensive and most beautiful place, as its desig-
Vor. I. 3 ©
26 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
nation implied, in the county of Surrey ; to
this still later must be added a town house,
which for the sake of his children must be
situated near one of the Parks, and Mrs.
Reynolds’ tastes being aristocratic, decided
that Hyde Park was best suited to her views,
and the requirements of her family.
In the present aspect of affairs Mr.
Reynolds considered the two houses a
mistake, and next to impossible to keep up.
He tried first by every means to part with
his Surrey estate ; Mrs. Reynolds considered it
dull, and too far removed from the gaiety and
dissipation of London society. Being unsuc-
cessful, he came to the conclusion it would be
best to give up the one in town, and return
to live at Beaulieu.
This case he put before his wife at
chambers,—to wit the court of curtain
lectures, where matters of private enquiry
are argued with closed doors.
Mrs. Reynolds filed a bill in return, contain-
ing such a weight of recriminatory charges,
together with refusals of hearing, that the
unfortunate pursuer was forced to an adjourn-
ment till circumstances should procure him a
more favourable opportunity.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 27
The fact was that lady had resolved on a
tour of a somewhat extensive character.
Switzerland had become the fashion, there-
fore Mrs. Reynolds imust do as other people
did ; besides, she had especial reasons for
making it just now. She would use it asa
means to sever the acquaintance with the
Freemantles, and put an end to the matri-
monial projects she plainly perceived they
had in view.
Of course she said not a word of this to
her husband as the reason of her opposition, ©
when Mr. Reynolds again urged the necessity
of their returning to live at Beaulieu.
The attractions of this place were not,
according to her, commensurate with its
_ extreme drawbacks; which she set forth in
her own forcible language ; and furnished so
many surprising instances of its total unfit-
ness ag a residence for any human being,
especially for a constitution so delicate as
hers; that Mr. Reynolds, fairly overpowered,
at last proposed a compromise—that if he
consented to the Swiss tour she must consent
on her return to reside at Beaulieu for the
winter.
0 2
28 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Even to this reasonable proposition Mrs.
Reynolds set up a strong protest, but finding
herself reduced to the disgraceful alternative
of remaining where she was, during that
nameless portion of the calendar, when Lon-
don is out of town, and thereby losing caste
with certain individuals, who cared not
whether she lived or died; she abandoned
further opposition out of pure policy.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 29
CHAPTER IV.
SOULPTURE, ‘“‘THE HAPPY MOTHER. —-WESTMACOTT.
‘The Shire Hall.
‘My Dear MoraEer,—
** As you will have imagined, the letter
I received from you yesterday was a great
surprise; but it has not had the effect that
you in your anxiety anticipated. I donot for
one moment give any credence to the report.
I have sufficient discernment to see that Mrs.
Reynolds regards me with anything but
favour as a suitor to her eldest daughter, and
I hope I do not wrong her in saying that, as
far as my own observation goes, she is
a lady who would not stop at trifles to
further her own views and plans.
*« She may have other designs for Augusta,
and means perhaps to dispose of her to the
highest bidder.
30 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ;
‘We men know one another pretty well,
and I am not so ignorant as to suppose that
a girl like Augusta Reynolds has not en-
thralled other men, even as she has done
myself, or that she—and still: less now that I
know her—has remained blind and insensible
to the homage and devotion her beauty in-
spires. |
‘¢ But, still, she has not been won. I will
pledge all my hopes upon earth on the stake;
and, moreover, I will never believe her to be
capable of betraying any poor honest fellow,
who, like myself, has sold himself for her
slave, and whom circumstances or want of
means, may have sent into forced exile. This
one supposes to be the version of the affair,
as ro one has appeared to claim her during
our acquaintance with the Reynolds’.
* Such things are done by women too
often, and she who is false to her lover finishes
by being false to her husband. Such a
woman is not for me; I could never trust her.
Be she this—but I will not believe it,—yet
even Augusta—you see, I still think of her
and see her as I saw her last, standing in her
loveliness and innocence before me. But,
JOHN FORTHSOCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 31
were it otherwise, even she shall not destroy
my faith in the truth and purity of woman:
No, not so long as my mother remains a
living example of all that is good and loveable
in human nature.
**T will have no donbt about the matter, I
will not rest till 1 have made assurance donbly
sure, by hearing Augusta’s own lips pro-
nounce my doom. Should the tale be true, I
give up my country, my hopes, and prospects,
and returning to my brave comrades in India,
will share with them their gvod and evil fur-
tunes, till death shall sever the tie of brother-
hood between us.
*T shall be with you next weck, and will
ask you to help me to the opportunity I seek
of speaking to Augusta. Wo must make
opportunities, if they will not como of them-
selves ; and in her own house I find it difficult
to exchange a word with her, much less cou-
verse on the subject most: at heart.
“ Hyer, my dear mother,
‘Yours,
MAXIMILIAN F'REEMANTLE.”’
On the receipt of this letter, Mrs. Freemantle
o2 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
felt much relieved, and like a true devotee
clung to the belief of its writer as to faith in
the object of its worship. The alternative to
her of his being again a wanderer, without the
hope of his return, even to close her eyes,
was worse to her maternal love than death
itself. She could die happy, 1f he were °Y
but not if he were absent.
So she bent her mind to the discovering a
clue, by which she could ascertain, before he
came home, the amount of credit to be given
to Mrs. Reynolds’ assertion.
It was true that to any appearance he put
in, or anything to be gained from Augusta’s
manner, that young lady’s engagé might be a
myth. And she thought it strange likewise,
that Mrs. Whynn, in the many conversations
that had taken place about her, should never
have mentioned it, though so interested in all
that concerned her.
It was too soon to make another call on
the Reynolds’, if she had been so inclined.
The only one she had cared to see was
Augusta, but her last visit had so shocked
and pained her, that with the unpleasant
doubt still perplexing her mind, she felt she
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. Bs)
could not bear to have it made certainty; at
any rate while her son was away.
Prompted by this passing thought of Mrs.
Whynn, she decided on going to er, and try
what information could be obtained. While
in the act of dressing for the purpose, a ser-
vant came to say that lady was in the house.
Mrs. Freemantle hurried down.
> gaid she;
‘It is a strange coincidence,’
*‘] was putting on my bonnet to visit you.
J am very anxious to find out the truth or
falsehood of a certain report, and you, I think,
are as likely as anyone to know.”
“Say on, my dear,” was the answer of
Mrs. Whynn. “I will answer, if it is in
my power.”
“ Well, it relates to Augusta Reynolds.”
Mrs. Whynn gave a visible start.
** Did you know she was engaged P”
‘No,’ was the answer; “ she was not
when I last saw her, for I am sure she would
have told me.”
«Then it must have been since. How long
Is it since you saw her ?”
** About a month ago ; Mrs. Reynolds and
I are not friends.”
(ome)
34: JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“So recently as that? Strange that so
often as we have met, the intended should
never appear, nor be mentioned.”
Mrs. Whynn had her secret surmise, that
the invisible prince might be no other than
the lady’s own son, who had not yet thought
proper to reveal himself, but she made no
answer. !
“IT am more interested than you can
imagine,’ went on Mrs. Freemantle, “ in
what I speak of. The girl, as far as my own
observation goes, 1s everything we could
desire for our son, whom we are most anxious
to see settled. I cannot say the same of the
family. Mrs. Reynolds 1s an unpleasant per-
son, and that other daughter of hers my
aversion. Mr. Reynolds himself is a gentle-
man; but I assure you, in confidence, that
strange reports are in circulation respecting
his transactions as a man of honour.”
“Indeed!” answered Mrs. Whynn, whose >
uneasiness was visible.
“Yes; a friend of my hushand’s told him
the other day that notwithstanding the ap-
pearance Mr. Reynolds keeps up, he is literally
a man of straw, and not long ago he drew out
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 35
of his bank the last available sum he possessed,
and made it over to his wife and children.
That does not look well, does it ?”’
*““{ think it looks well for him, in his
domestic relations, and from what I have
heard he has large stakes in various flourish-
ing concerns, besides his lucrative practice at
_ the bar.”
“It is to be hoped it is so; I should be
sorry if only for Augusta’s sake, for anything
to be wrong—she is a nice girl (provided that
report about her is not true). I only wish
that she had been your daughter,” she con-
tinued, innocently ; ‘‘ we could have desired
nothing better for Maximilian. But as it is,
we must make the best of it.”
*“Who told you she is engaged?” asked
Mrs. Whynn, a light breaking in upon her
troubled mind.
“Mrs. Reynolds! I went there to ask Augusta
to come and stay a few days with me; I am
sure she wished it, but hesitated to give an
answer, till she had spoken to her mother,
which, between you and me, she seemed half
afraid to do; so I offered to speak, when Mrs.
Reynolds told me this story, and spoke of her
36 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
daughter in terms that I did not like to hear
come from a mother’s lips; though, if Augusta
be trifling with, and encouraging the honest
passion of one man, while her faith is pledged
to another, I could not feel very well disposed
towards her.”’
“TI solemnly declare!’’ said Mrs. Whynn,
with energy, ‘“‘ that such conduct in Augusta
is impossible! J know her too well, her
uprightness in all things, and will stake my
life on her truth and sincerity.”
*‘ The same words my son uses; she has not
yet forsworn herself, as he has not formally
proposed to her, but she must know he means
it, and we are all her friends.”
Mrs. Whynn was much agitated.
“T suspect,” she said, “Mrs. Reynolds
alludes to a match she has set her heart on
between Augusta and Frederick—but that can
never be !”
Mrs. Freemantle was astonished, and could
scarcely understand.
“Tf it is that,” eontinued Mrs. Whynn,
* all I declare is, that it never has been, nor
ever will be an engagement. Mrs. Reynolds
and I made a foolish compact for our children
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 36
in their cradles, expecting them to be more
docile than we ourselves should have been
under like circumstances; but it has turned
out like most other projects that man pro-
poses, and shews the utter uselessness of
attempts to force the inclinations. The in-
separable distaste of the parties themselves
to such an arrangement, and the resolution
of Mrs. Reynolds to enforce it at all hazards,
is the cause of our dispute, and her illusage
of—my—my— But I will not suffer it!”
said she vehemently, quite forgetting herself
in her maternal feelings.
** T do not certainly think them adapted to
each other,” observed Mrs. Freemantle, trying
to sooth her friend, in whom she saw a spirit
she did not suspect. ‘“ But you could not
foresee that at the time you made the agree-
ment; it was not, | suppose, given under bond
and seal P”’
** No, not exactly that, but there were cir-
cumstances attending it at the time it was
made which gives Mrs. Reynolds a power
she would not otherwise possess. But, as
far as the two young people are concerned,
they are innocent of all complicity; know-
38 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ing the perversity of human nature, we kept
secret from them our intentions respecting
their destinies, till they grew up. Our un-
success is a warning to matchmakers ;
Frederick has made his choice elsewhere.”
** But surely Mrs. Reynolds cannot call that
an engagement P”’
‘That is what she means, and no other,
depend upon it,’’ was Mrs. Whynn’s answer.
“She may not know that Frederick has
bestowed his—affections on another. I only
knew it myself a week or two ago, when he
came penitently to tell me why he could not
be a good boy, and do as Mrs. Reynolds bid
him, and make us all happy,” the all consist-
ing of that lady.
“ All this makes her conduct appear in a
very bad light. Who has won the affections
of your son ? if I may ask as a friend.”
‘** T am completely in the dark as to her and
her belongings. Someone he does not care to
tell: me of. He has the grace to say that he
does not intend to marry yet awhile, but I
would not say that he is not married already ;
he has been more steady of late.”’
‘‘ Thanks, my dear friend, for your kind-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 39
ness In answering so many seemingly un-
warrantable questions, but it was in my son’s
interest and happiness that I made them. I
shall feel more satisfied now, in the hope and
belief that Mrs. Reynolds may see in my son
some compensation for what she loses in
yours.”
The two ladies broke into hearty laughter
at this speech, which unintentionally savoured
of irony.
** Don’t be wicked !” said Mrs. Whynn.
** Tt would slip out,” answered Mrs. Free-
mantle.
“Worse and worse; out of the frying-pan
into the fire,’ retorted Mrs. Whynn.
*‘ Where I shall have a good roasting,” and
they parted, as they met, the best of friends ;
Mrs. Freemantle treading on air.
40 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER V.
°© SKIRMISH OFF HELIGOLAND.’’—-CLARKSON
STANFIELD.
Mrs. Freemantite having obtained this desir-
able piece of information for her son, longed
to write and tell him of it, but then she
reflected, that men did not wish every
thing forestalled for them, they like to
find out things for themselves. So, as her
mind was more at ease, she set about, like a
true woman, who likes to have a finger in
every pie; to discover some way of bringing
about a meeting between the crossed lovers ;
remembering with delight that it was she who
first brought about the introduction.
In a few days she called again on Mrs.
Reynolds, who was out. Augusta was at
home, but invisible.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. Al
** What is that woman always coming here
for?” was the graceful query of Mrs. Rey-
nolds, on being informed of the attempted
visit. “I thought I put the stopper on her
last time, but it does not much matter, there
will soon be some leagues of cold water
between us.”
That very day at dinner, Mr. Reynolds by
chance asked her if she had seen anything of
the Freemantles lately, and she with a quibble
answered ‘‘ No!”
*“‘ She came to-day!” said Gertrude.
*T forgot!” said her mother, “I was out
at the time, and did not see her.”
*‘T am glad she called, however,” said Mr.
Reynolds. ‘“ What has become of the gallant
Colonel? I have not seen him this age.”’
‘Gone to the Antipodes!” was the reply
of the autocratess of the Reynolds family,
who was very fond of sending her enemies
into exile.
“That's a long way off,’ answered her
partner, “ we must recall him, for I want his
assistance.”
Then you must do without mine,” re-
turned his better half, “for I am not going
42, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
to be bothered any more about him or his
precious family, I can tell you.”
**My dear!’’ said her lord and master,
“our going to Switzerland depends upon hin.
I want him to take my place in my absence,
and see him I must before I go. Augusta,
my dear (turning to her), I thought you and
he understood each other. Have you been
giving him the cold shoulder P”
We cannot say whether or no Augusta’s
shoulder was cold, but her face was not, it
really looked red-hot.
*‘ Augusta, indeed!” exclaimed the lady.
“Ag if Colonel Freemantle ever thought
of such a poor, contemptible creature. <A
likely thing to be sure.”
* Hush! hush! my dear!” said Mr. Rey-
nolds. ‘‘She is as God made her, and every
one may not see her with your eyes.”
*“‘ But every one does see her with my eyes,
and if she goes on making mischief between
you and me, as she is always doing, she shall
not stop in the house. Hither she or I must
quit.” And Mrs. Reynolds rose majestically
as if to leave the table.
* Come, come mamma, sit down pray,” said
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 43.
Mr. Reynolds. ‘I did not mean to vex you.
What a home this is!” with a sigh.
For once Gertrude had kept silent. Thomas
was there, and his clerical character invested
him with some sort of power, pertaining to
justice and retribution ; she looked at him with
@ species of awe.
But as soon as this duel with small arms
had ended, she found it absolutely necessary -
to step in as mediatrix.
“Papa, you are quite mistaken about
Colonel Freemantle; he does not come after
Augusta, for mamma told him she was
engaged !”’
Augusta looked aghast.
‘Told him what ?” cried her father.
“That she was engaged to Frederick,’’
answers Gerty.
“T did not, Gertrude,” said Mrs. Reynolds.
“Then you did to Mrs. Freemantle, and
it’s all the same thing,” returned her dutiful
daughter.
“Gertrude! How dare you?’ exclaimed
her mother.
** But I told Freemantle she was not, when
he came and spoke to me at my chambers,”
said Mr. Reynolds.
44, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
** Spoke to you >’ cried his wife.
* Spoke to you, papa?” echoed his
daughter.
“Did he speak to you, papa dear?”
timidly enquired Augusta.
*‘ Yes, my dear, he did. He asked me if I
would permit him to try his chance here, and
T gave him leave.”
“ Dear, kind papa! How good of you!”
and Augusta got up and put her arms tenderly
round his neck.
«© And never to say a word of it to me!”
said the enraged lady.
* And I thought he was coming after me,”’
added the disappointed daughter.
“Dear Gerty,’ said Thomas, solemnly,
‘you are in advance of your age. Do cease
this disputing, it’s like Bedlam broke loose.”
“T will not forgive it,” protested Mrs.
Reynolds. ‘‘ This accounts for his insolence
in persisting to thrust himself into this house
when he knew it was contrary to my wishes.”
** My dear, remember you are speaking of
a gentleman.”
“TI do not forget that you have been
behaving unlike one,” retorted his spouse.
** What do you mean by that, madam >”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 4S
‘Madam, indeed!” cried the indignant
Mrs. Reynolds. ‘* What next, I wonder ?”
* As the frogs said when their tails
dropped off,’ quietly observed Tom, who
loved humour.
“It means, that I intend to be master!”
said warlike Mr. Reynolds.
*‘ It means that I mean to be master too,”
said warlike Mrs. Reynolds.
“When Greek meets Greek, then comes
the tug of war,’ again observed Thomas,
sotto voce.
“You have been king regnant too long,
Mrs. Reynolds !”
‘1 mean to be king-regnant as you call it,
some time longer, Mr. Reynolds.”
‘Then I will abdicate in your favour, and |
leave you to govern—yourself ; the hardest
task you ever undertook.”
**There’s a harder still !”’
“Is there, indeed? I should be glad to
know what it is. You would drive a man
mad.”
** And you are enough to drive a woman
mad. Your conduct is of a piece from be-
ginning to end ; and all I can say is, if that
46 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
man Freemantle dares to show his face here, I
will order the servants to turn him out!”
_ “T£T know you give such an order,” said
Mr. Reynolds, transported with anger, “ as
sure as I am speaking I will leave you with-
out a shilling.”
Mrs. Reynolds did not lke that prospect ;
her own fortune of two hundred a-year had
been settled on herself, and barely sufficed
her as pin-money. She turned white with
anger, and wanting an object, showered down
her hailstones on the luckless Augusta.
** As for you, miss, if I know you to hold
any correspondence with that man, I willturn
you out of the house that instant.”
“Woman, you have lost your senses!”
exclaimed Mr. Reynolds, then turning to
Augusta— You had better leave the room,
my dear; your mother has gone into ‘ ecsta-
tics !’—She will recover presently.”
“* Don’t turn her out of the house, mamma,”
said Gertrude, “ or she will be running off to
him 1”?
“Gerty,” says Thomas, “ Augusta is not
like you, who run after the men; they run
after her.’’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 47
* You are as nasty and spiteful as ever |”
returned the disgusted Gertrude, forgetting
her reverence. ‘‘ She would be sure then to
go to—to— Mamma, shall I say ?”
“Say what you like, miss,” said her
mother, authoritatively.
She will run then to her dear—M—M—
Mrs. Whynn.”
“Ts that all?’ returned Thomas. ‘She
could not go to a better person; I shall pay
a visit to Mrs. Whynn myself. I am very
partial to her.”
** You had better not; mamma hates her,
and so do I.”
“ Be silent, Gerty !” said herfather. ‘It’s
a wonder the police have not come to the
door, thinking by the noise and uproar some
deed of violence was being committed.”
“ Better is a dry crust where love is,”
said Thomas, with feeling, “ than the stall’d
- ox and hatred therewith.”
“True, my son!” returned Mr. Reynolds.
**“ So Pll leave off where I began,
And tak’ my auld great cloak aboot me.’ ”
48 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER VI.
‘> DARK AND FAIR.’—-COMTE DE JARNAO.
DIFFERENT roads may lead to the same locality,
and different persons, with far other interests
and views at heart, may yet desire the same
thing, and seeking to attain it, may, in the
end, achieve the same purpose.
Mrs. Freemantle and Mr. Reynolds, opposite
to each other as the poles, had yet the same
object in view at the present moment—to
wit, to bring our hero and heroine together
once more. The lady tried various plans,
in her desire to avoid inviting the whole
family of the Reynolds to her house, but
gave it up at last as impossible. She had
no means of seeing and conversing with
Augusta without her relations, and her
recent visit turned out a fruitless errand.
She had no resource left but to write, which
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 49
would have been equally unsuccessful, had
not chance, for once propitious, brought her
in contact with Mr. Reynolds at the house of
a friend.
Few people carry in their bearing and
manners a more decisive letter of recommen-
dation than did Mr. Reynolds; his greatest
enemies must have allowed him that charm.
Courteous and polished, he was the perfect
gentleman, while a remarkably musical voice,
and a fund of lively conversation, made him
an acquisition in every society. ‘To women
especially, his politeness and deference, the
perfectly happy medium, recommended him
at all times and at all seasons.
Mrs. Freemantle, a gracious and dignified
lady, with rigid ideas of honour as regarded
men and women, liked him excessively, and
as he advanced to meet her, and stood con-
versing in his own cheerful, pleasant way, the
tears fairly started into her eyes, as the recol-
lection rose in her mind of the reports con-
cerning him and his embarrassed position—
his want of principle and good faith in his
dealings with the world.
** T hope it is not true,” thought the kind-
VoL. Il. D
50 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
hearted woman ; ‘*‘ I should be very, very sorry
to hear of ill coming to him.”
“T have been wishing to see Mrs. Rey-
nolds,’ said she, ‘“‘ but was unfortunate
enough to miss her, and now I hear that you
are all going to Switzerland for the autumn.
We shall be left alone soon, to watch the
process of the grass growing in the streets of
London.”’
Mr. Reynolds laughed, and said he was
going to do the same; but all his duties were
marked out for him, and he had nothing to do
but to follow his leader, Mrs. Reynolds. She
had made a sime quad non of Switzerland.
They only intended visiting the lakes there ;
but did she change her mind and make the
top of Mont Blanc her destination, he must
do as she bid him, and pitch his tent there.
Mrs. Freemantle laughed in her turn, and
told him her travelling days were over;
Brighton formed the sum total of her latter-
day experiences. And then she asked when
they intended to start.
“* Next week,” he answered ; “if I can get
away so soon.”
“Is all the family going?” she asked, with
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. d1
a hope that one might be left behind—the
one, who was the sole cause of the proposed
trip.
He answered, all who were at home, and
they would make a formidable party; it was,
perhaps, the only chance of the girls seeing —
a little of foreign life, and he could not leave
his little one behind ; he would have liked to
take his two boys who were at Highgate, but
he found it impossible.
Mrs. Freemantle said sensibly, she did not
think so much of the number of people in
travelling as in the quantity of luggage.
At this he begged her not to recall to his
mind the frightful vision he had been trying
to force into the background. He was
speaking to a lady who was indulgent as she
was experienced, and felt she would agree
with him, that the real cause of the aversion
to matrimony in the young men of the present
day, was not really the want of dowry, but
the enormous amount of finery that supplied
the place of it. |
Mrs. Freemantle agreed that this was a
growing evil, and in travelling became a
mountain of miseries to the gentleman of the
D2
52 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
party ; then she said she should regret not
seeing them before they went. ‘* Would he
and Mrs. Reynolds come and dine with them
next week, and bring the two young ladies ? she
was going to havea few friends to dinner, and
a musical party in the evening ; perhaps they
would assist, and it was for this purpose she
had called; she knew, too, that he liked
music.”
Mr. Reynolds said it was the only one of
his early friends that remained to him; he
dearly loved music, and would gladly accept
her kind invitation for himself and girls.
What day was it P”
She said Friday.
He answered they were intending to start
on Saturday; but never mind, they were not
chained to a day. He would put it off till
Monday rather than lose so pleasant an even-
ing. And then he asked, jokingly, if the
Colonel had returned to India, it was so long
since they had seen him.
Mrs. Freemantle told him they had seen
very little of him either; he had been down
on a visit to Sir George Goodwin ; that, and
Chillingham, had divided his time. Mr. Free-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. a3
mantle was anxious the repairs should be
finished ; he was tired of town, and longed to
return to his home and his hobbies once more.
They parted, and Mrs. Freemantle sent a
formal invitation to Mrs. Reynolds, which was
the signal for a second pitched battle on the
same subject, the first having taken place on
Mr. Reynolds acquainting his affectionate
partner of his proceedings with the above
lady—the invite given and. accepted.
54, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER VII.
FAUST AND MARGUERITE.—ARY-SCHEFFER.
Noraine but the assurances of her husband as
to the absolute necessity of their being friends
with the Freemantles, and his inability other-
wise to take them on their tour, prevented
Mrs. Reynolds withdrawing from her agree-
ment to attend the detestable soirée, even at
the eleventh hour; or retract from her prohi-
bition of Augusta’s appearance at it, but the
positive assertion, one hundred times reiter-
ated by him, that Freemantle would not and
could not be there.
Augusta was worn out with the changes of
temper of which she was the victim, and but
for the express commands of “ her father”
would have decided not to go, especially as
* somebody” would not be home.
The tortures and trials of the last few
JOHN FORTESCUE’ REYNOLDS, ESQ. 55
months, increased tenfold by the cause, had
wrought a great change in her. She was
more womanly, more self-reliant, less buoy-
ant, less wayward, but not less lovely, nor
less lovable. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds
looked wonderingly at her as she sat opposite
to them on their way to the Freemantles’ ; men
gazed on her as she passed along, and every
eye turned upon her when she presently
entered the guest-room, her mass of white
drapery surging round her, a sea of foam.
He was not there, remember, why should
she not be calm P
She was the last to enter. Some one ap-
proached her, held out his hand and spoke.
She looked up. It was her heart’s secret
idol! His faith in her was rewarded. The
quiet eyes flashed delight. The crimson flood
suffused neck, cheek, and brow, in answer to
the kindling spirit.
No need of words. The tale was told
without them.
Freemantle led her, all glowing and smiling,
to his mother, and she, who had with
beating heart watched for him to turn round,
and who knew every turn of that beloved
56 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
face, read content therein. She greeted the -
girl lovingly, kissed her before all the com-
pany, and made her sit down beside her.
Mrs. Whynn was present, a quiet, anxious
observer, and so pleased was she, so grateful
to Mrs. Reynolds did she feel, for what she
considered was her part in bringing her, that
in the warmth of her heart she thought, * I
have wronged her!’ And she rose, and went
to that lady, holding out the hand of peace.
At this moment, for the first and only time,
she wavered in her purpose. Augusta so
well and happily married, what could she do
better for her? To what purpose rake up
this old story P ruin themselves in the good
opinion of their husbands, open the eyes of
their children to follies committed by their
mothers, and make themselves and their ~
actions the common talk of everyone they
knew ?
Mrs. Reynolds did not accept the olive
branch in the spirit with which it was offered.
She was disgusted to find her there, and no
less so that Freemantle was at home ; never-
theless it was he who led her to dinner, and
Mrs. Whynn fell to the care of Mr. Reynolds.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 57
_ Augusta took to dreaming, as usual. She
went down to dinner on somebody’s arm, she
did not know whose. She fancied that she had
heard the voice before, and the one glance she
took revealed a face not altogether strange ;
but never mind, it did not signify who he was,
it was not him. So she said “‘yes” and “no”
to everything in its proper place—albeit me-
chanically—till at last the object of such un-
feeling indifference said mischievously—
*‘ However captivating gentlemen of eighty
may be to young ladies, their grey hairs I see
are soon forgotten.”’
The charm was broken: Augusta looked
up, and in the fair and handsome man beside
her, with the wicked eyes and bewitching
tongue, she remembered her gallant cavalier,
the Lord Chester, who had played second at
Chillingham on that ever memorable epoch of
her life.
Now as then, either by accident or design,
her place at table was between the two, and
if ever fair lady had reason to be proud of
homage paid at her shrine, assuredly Augusta
was that favoured one, though her sex are sad
greedy creatures at best—greedy of praise,
DS
58 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
greedy of power, greedy of gain, with a host
of other greedinesses in their store-closets.
The two gentlemen did their best to outvie
each other in tending her, but she was Lord
Chester’s parte, and Freemantle found he sat
between two fires—the one soft and entranc-
ing, the other so fierce and withering, that it
required his utmost care and skill to avoid
burning his fingers; but he seemed in first-
rate spirits, and joined in the light laugh
elicited by his rival’s witty tongue.
Gertrude, not old enough nor yet striking
enough to take precedence in company, had
been paired off with a gentleman, “ older
than papa,” she thought, with great disgust,
and she looked cross, and laid the blame on
mamma for bringing that “ nasty Augusta,
whose place she would have had she knew,
with that love of a darling, Lord Chester, to
talk to and pay her so much attention. She
liked him a great deal better than that stupid
Colonel Freemantle, who hardly spoke to
her. She hated him, and would like to
scratch Augusta’s face, and make her ugly for
ever.”
_ Mrs, Reynolds, on her part, was perfectly
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 59
amazed at Augusta’s indelicate behaviour,
laughing and talking in that bold manner to
a perfect stranger; she could not care much
for Colonel Freemantle, that was one comfort,
nor he for her, that was another, she was glad
shetold that—that—well,—she told his mother
of the engagement. Mrs. Freemantle will
see it is quite true about her requiring re-
straint. He never cared for her !
If that was the case, why was Mrs. Rey-
nolds for ever assuring herself of it ?
Lady Chester occupied the post of honour
on Mr. Freemantle’s right, and thought—
“What a beautiful girl! I hope my son
will not fall in love with her. Oh, Evelyn!
How perverse men are !”’
And Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Whynn hiiyches
together once more, talked like the good
friends they were. She knew him to be all a
kind father could be to her daughter, and re-
spected him accordingly.
He asked much about the movements of
Fred, told her that young man had quite for-
gotten his friends, and attributed it to attrac-
tionselsewhere. It was allright and natural,
he expected to hear soon of Mr..Whynn’s
60 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
clearing off old scores, becoming steady and.
domestic; and, “ Lo! Benedict, the married
man appears !”
Mrs. Whynn was much amused, and said
stranger things than that happened every
day of the year.
Mr. Reynolds jocosely remarked that there
was nothing strange that Dan Cupid could
not do; he should call him the great re-
former !
The gentlemen in his vicinity laughed, and
Fred, according to custom, the cynosure of all
eyes, at his end of the table; whose small
stock of acuteness had centred in his ears,
understood himself to be in some sort of way
the promoter of general mirth at the other
end, a circumstance he did not approve, so
with an elegance characteristic of him, de-
manded—
¢ W—w—what’s—the—wow ?”
Upon which wicked Mr. Reynolds answered,
that he had been examining Mrs. Whynn as to
the state of his (Fred’s) health, who he could
see was suffering from what 1s called an affec-
tion of the heart—a dangerous complaint,
since it was sure to attack the head too. It
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 61
had already made him oblivious of even his
best friends, as it always did, and taken away
his appetite, for Mr Reynolds saw, with pain,
that he was eating nothing!
Fred blurted out ‘‘B—bosh!” but he
coloured to the roots of his hair, and everyone
laughed, and wicked Mr. Reynolds said—
*« A guilty conscience needs no accuser !”’
And Fred turned to a lady next him, a
perfect stranger, and asked her if ‘ she did
not think old Weynolds wemarkably stupid !””
The lady answered ‘she did not know,”
but thought “ she knew that he (Fred) was.”
Mrs. Reynolds rather subscribed to Fred’s
opinion of her husband, and felt that she would
like to pull his whiskers for talking such non-
sense, and rendering, as he always did, her
machinations nugatory. But Mrs. Whynn
rejoiced to hear him, as it confirmed her state-
ment to Mrs. Freemantle, as to there being
no engagement between Fred and Augusta ;
and Mrs. Freemantle looked towards her
friend and smiled, signifying that she read
her thoughts.
This lady felt otherwise extremely uneasy,
as she always did when Mr. Frederick
62 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Whynn entered her dwelling. She associated
him with dangers innumerable, dangers by
fire, dangers by water; she looked upon him
as her Nemesis, the forerunner of evil—like
Mother Cary’s chicken—a bird of ill-omen,
and shuddered when she saw him, nor felt
safe till at least a week had elapsed without
the apprehended scourge his presence por-
tended.
She had her reasons for inviting him to-
day, and they had just been certified.
On the reassembling of the ladies in the
drawing-room, the same play was enacted as
on similar occasions. They betook them-
selves to the conventional small talk that
forms the staple of their intellectual converse.
They discussed the court, the fashions, dress,
fancy-work, their neighbours, whose Who’d it,
their appearance, what they wore, what So-
and-So said, what So-and-So did. They dis-.
coursed on domestic grievances, domestic
joys, domestic disappointments, pitied some,
ridiculed others, laughed at all, and inwardly
commented on present company. :
Mrs. Whynn, who had scarce spoken to
Augusta, went and sat down beside her,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 63
and told her what happiness it was to see
her. How well she was looking! She must
never wear anything but white and her gold
ornaments ; 1t was so becoming, and some one
else thought so too, Mrs. Whynn was sure.
Oh, that some one! What a powerful per-
sonage he is! Huis mythical appellation only
can raise blushes, lower eyes, and make hearts
beat !
Augusta mechanically glanced towards
Mrs. Reynolds. The brightness of her look
vanished, her countenance fell, for she read
fines and imprisonments in the eyes that met
her own. She presently moved away, and,
taking a seat at a table apart, occupied herself
with one of those hundred and one splendidly
illustrated drawing-room table-books, pub-
lished expressly for company to kill time
with.
Mrs. Freemantle, a quiet observer, saw it
all—the look given, and its effects. She like-
wise thought something else.
** How alike they are! They might pass
for mother and daughter,” meaning Mrs.
Whynn and Augusta.
The gentlemen did not stay long in the
64, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
dining-room. They soon made their way up-
stairs, Colonel Freemantle among:the first.
His first look was in search of Augusta,
whom he found surrounded by a goodly array
of the young and fair, like her, dividing their
time between coffee and books. The group
was most attractive, and he took a chair, and
sat down among them.
“Why, Freemantle, you are to be envied
said the Lord Chester, coming up, and placing
his hand on his friend’s shoulder. ‘It’s
Apollo and the muses !” |
1?
“Come and join us,” replied Freemantle ;
“we shall enjoy the music better here than
nearer.”
* With all my heart, and [ll help you to
entertain ; and Miss Reynolds, being the odd
lady, I hope she will do me the honour to
accept me for her knight.”
Augusta had been so thoroughly absorbed
in her book that it is doubtful if she were
aware of the addition of the gentlemen to
their coterie; but as she was pointedly ad-
dressed, she looked up and said she would
accept his services with pleasure.
But Freemantle’s eyes, as he sat opposite,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 65:
were upon her, and positively she looked at
him as she spoke, and hung out her red flag,
as though she intended that ensign for him.
We will not, however, accuse her of being
two-faced, saying one thing and meaning
another.
There was no misunderstanding Gertrude ;
she chose both Lord Chester and Colonel
Freemantle for her knights, without their even
soliciting the favour, and tried to make them
jealous of each other by the gracious liberality
of her attentions to each.
Freemantle seemed as if he would prefer
to borrow a little of Augusta’s’ silence, and
took up a book. It was on Spain, and
Gerty immediately became interested in the
affairs and prospects of that romantic land.
So thrilling were her enquiries and satis-
factory his replies, that curiosity seized the
band of listeners. Augusta even put down
her book, and took to a puzzle—it was one
of a ring—from among some nick-nackeries,
by way of employment while attending to the
conversation.
Lord Chester found himself of no account,
so he decided on leaving for the present, in
66 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
order to seek adventures in the land of song
going on in the next room, to prove himself
worthy of the “fairest of the fair” before
again appearing in her presence. :
Fred came upon the scene; he was a fish
out of water in such refined society. He
would gladly have talked to Augusta, “‘ who
—never—laughed—at—him ;” but “ Gerty—
was—makine—twe-twemendous—wow,—that
—he—couldn’t—stand—it.” And ‘“ then—
there—was— such—ca—caterwauling—going
—on—in—the—next—woom, (the concert) ;—
no—chance—of—his—being—able to—elec-
twify — them — all—with— ce-celebwated—
‘ Hoop-de-dooden-do !’”
So he determined to go down-stairs, and
have asmoke. On his way, he encountered a
trim damsel of the household, whom with a
grace and politeness all his own, he requested
to show to him the smoking-room, begging
the honour of her company, to keep him awake
while he smoked his ‘‘ che—woot,—he—was
—pw-pwecious — sleepy — he — was— afwaid
—he—might—pop—off—again,—and—set—
fire—to—the—house.”’
The young lady modestly declined an office
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 67
not included in the list of her daily duties,
and assured him that she “had a deal to do
yet;” and then she showed the way to a door
which opened on to the leads above the
kitchen, ‘“‘ where he could smoke if so be he
wished.”
So Fred went out on to this same spacious
promenade, which extended the whole length
of the kitchen: surrounded by the lofty walls
of the adjacent houses, and viewed from above
it appeared a pit of some pretension. As
Fred marched up and down, with his cheroot
in his mouth, he looked like poor Truth, en
travestie, at the bottom of her well. He had
to turn every half-dozen steps, or else he went
round and round for variety’s sake ; and one
time on trying to look up from out the bricky
depths of his well, to catch a glimpse of the
stars, which are said to be visible at noon-day
to persons in similar situations, his heel came
in contact with the sky-lght, that made dark-
ness visible in those nether regions ; and before
he could recover himself, he had gone plump
through, all among Mrs. Freemantle’s best
china, standing on the kitchen table.
Up sprang tureens, dishes, and plates, and
68 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
with a hideous outcry flew hither and thither,
when yielding to superior force, they fell like
so many falling harlequins into a thousand
pieces. |
Cook shrieked, and her crew came rushing
in, yelling at the top of their voices, thinking
that burglars had got into the wrong box, and
were paying for it.
Our unlucky hero came out of the fray a
fearfulspectacle; his coat split in all directions;
and himself so plastered over with the remains
of the feast, that he looked as if he had
been sailing about in a sauce-boat, which had
become a wreck, and turned bottom upwards
over him.
Fred was a living wonder; he picked him-
self up with incredible agility, declaring he
was ‘all wight!” and politely told them “ to
hold—wow ; — no —harm — done, — only—
smash; and ere the terrified screamers
could recover their scattered senses, and be
certain that the evidence before them of a
dreadful onslaught with china was a reality,
and no nightmare, the victorious Briton, de-
testing a public parade of his triumphs, had
modestly retired from the field of combat, and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 69
taken himself home, there to examine the
extent of his wounds.
Return we to our company, and to where
we left Miss Gertrude and Freemantle deep
on the subject of Spain, the demozselles round
listening with breathless attention.
Among other things the young lady desired
to be informed of, was, whether the ladies of
Spain were very pretty ?
“Which are the prettiest—Spanish or
English ?”
“Who was the most beautiful lady Free-
mantle ever saw ?”’
** Was she dark or fair ?”
“Was she tall or short ?”’
Was it in London ?”
‘Tt must have been in the country then ?”’
*‘ Whereabouts was she ?”
*‘ Was he on the bridge too ?”
“Oh! then was he on the water ?”
‘In a boat ?”
«¢ Who did he take her for ?”
“ T took her for a visitant from some other
world,’ answered Freemantle, ‘* as she stood
looking over the bridge, with her rippling hair
streaming over her shoulders.”
70 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Augusta looked suddenly up from her
puzzle of the ring; her eyes met his in con-
firmation.
“Tt was [!—it was I!” was the voiceless
exclamation of her heart. ‘‘ He loves me!”
The paleness of ecstasy spread over her
cheek, her eyelids dropped, and all dreamingly,
she sought refuge once more in the compli-
cated, and significant riddle of the ring.
‘Then she must have been very young to
wear her hair down ?” said the pertinacious
Gerty, thinking at the same time if her hair
only rippled, she would let it down too.
‘*She was,’ answered Freemantle, who all
this time had to undergo the trying ordeal of
half-a-dozen pair of eyes at least.
*“* Dear me!” said the reflective Gerty, “ it’s
just like our place; we have a river and a
rustic bridge too.”
Freemantle coloured; he was_ positively
afraid she might next ask whether the young
lady was Augusta.
He turned quickly towards her.
* Now, Miss. Reynolds, I hope I have ac-
quitted myself to your satisfaction in the
examination I have undergone. May I ask
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 71
you a few questionsP Who was the hand-
somest man you ever saw P”
“T should say you were,’ was the daunt-
less answer.
The laughing chorus succeeded, Augusta
joining in it as heartily as anyone.
“You do me too much honour!” gaid
Freemantle amused. “You have not seen
the world yet, or I am afraid you would
tell a different story.”
‘Perhaps so,” replied Gerty, who thought
it right to assent to everything he said, and
did not observe that she was qualifying her
Own opinion. On the contrary, she thought—
‘** He will see now that I admire him, and
Augusta will have no chance.”
Augusta’s mind at this moment was deep
in memories of the past. She saw herself a
girl, a few years back, standing on what was
the keystone of the arch of her life. She
had been rambling in the grounds of Beau-
lieu, and crossing the river therein, had
paused to look over the rustic bridge into
the water, clear and transparent, under the
unclouded sky. She was lost in admira-
tion of the brightness and redundancy of
12 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
nature, while revelling in the glory of majestic
summer, when she was roused by the plash
of oars, and a boat shot out from beneath
the bridge. It had only one person in it, a
gentleman, who looked up at her, and so in-
tently, that she blushing deeply at last moved
away.
She saw him about very often afterwards,
sometimes in the lane that bounded their
dwelling, and nearly always at church; he
seemed to watch for her coming in and wait
for her coming out, and she in time felt very
disappointed if he was not there.
By-and-bye the day came that she saw no
more of him; she knew his name then, and
whither he had gone; but India was so very
far off: she would never see him again; but
she would ever remember this time as a beau-
tiful dream of the past.
Yet here he was, back again, speaking to
her, loving her she was sure; and looking at
her, as he had never looked before.
Now she was to go away from her Paradise;
out into the world of sorrow and care; to
bleak, cold, cheerless Switzerland, where the
mountains were all snow, and the plains all
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 73
ice! And she should feel so wretched and
miserable, longing to return home, perhaps
to find that he—but no, she could not bear
that; she would that moment die.
And the music sounded so sweet, and a
lady who had dined with them, whose gift
of song enthralled the world, was pouring
out ‘‘ Robert, tol que j’aime,’ with such
ravishing sweetness, that it seemed like the
voice of an angel.
Augusta felt it too much. She made a
movement to leave the table; there had been
a clearance on one side; when Freemantle
came and took the seat beside her, and asked
if she had overcome the mystery of her
puzzle, and then he took it from her, and
worked away at it, and talked to her, till her
Spirits seemed quite restored.
The only drawback was the fierce looks of
Mrs. Reynolds in the distance, and the con-
stant interruption of the jealous Gertrude
close by.
Presently he pulled off the ring, and laid it
down before her, which so excited her
curiosity that he put it up again, in order to
show her the way to take it off.
VOL; Il. E
74 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
A movement of the young ladies at the
table made Augusta rise too, and Freemantle
offered his arm to conduct her to the music
room.
« What a lovely night,” said he, stopping
at one of the windows looking over the park,
it tempts one to wander,” and he drew her
with him out on the balcony.
Mrs. Reynolds was not in the room when
this took place; Mrs. Freemantle had carried
her out of harm’s way, but Gertrude hast-
ened to her, and by significant signs drew
her attention to what was going on.
Her mother instantly took the hint, and
glanced hastily round in search of the
offenders. They were not visible, and she
turned to Gertrude for further information.
Gertrude never looked at her, but kept her
eyes fixed on the fateful window.
Mrs. Reynolds walked towards it. -
She could not see them at first, but when
she did, they were very lover-like in attitude ;
his head was bent towards Augusta, and he
was speaking in a low voice.
“ Augusta,” said she, her voice modulated
to the extreme of sweetness, ‘how can you
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 79
be so imprudent, my dear, as to go into the
night air withoutanything overyour shoulders?
You know you have a severe cold.”
“It’s quite well now, mamma,” says the
poor girl, apologetically.
Colonel Freemantle, in his heart, voted Mrs.
Reynolds the evil genius of his Pantomime.
The two came in from the balcony, and
mixed among the throng surrounding the
piano, where the kind Lord Chester came up
and talked to Augusta in his own light and
cheerful manner.
He admired her excessively, the little he.
had seen of her; and felt that he could envy
Freemantle the possession of such ajewel: but
with the code of honour imstinct among men
with reference to each other’s affacres de
ceur, he was incapable of trespassing on the
rights of his friend. ‘ He loved her first, and
she ought to be his if he could win her.”
The good-for-nothing Gertrude was sorely
aggrieved. Neither Freemantle nor Lord
Chester took the smallest notice of her,
though the former knew that she admired
him, ‘And Mrs. Freemantle has never once
asked me to play,” she soliloquised, “‘ though
| E 2
76 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, #SQ.
that was what she wished me to come for,
and I have been practising ever since the
‘Harthquake Gallop,’ till everything in the
room danced like fun: and that beautiful
vase on the cheffonier came tumbling off,
and was broken to smash. I thought I
should have killed myself with laughing.
How I hate everybody here! I wish they
were all dead |”
Some slight refreshments were handed
round, and Augusta still stood between her
two cavaliers, when the summons was given
to depart, and the ceremony of leave-taking
commenced.
‘“‘T am sorry to lose you so soon, my dear,”
said Mr. Freemantle to her. “I hear you
start for Switzerland to-morrow. If you do
go up Mont Blanc,” he continued, jestingly,
“don’t forget to come down, or we shall be
after to fetch you. Thanks for coming.”
Freemantle was thunderstruck to hear of
their going so immediately. He had only re-
turned from Rochester that afternoon.
Mrs. Whynn bid her adieu with a look that
dwelt in her remembrance long, long after.
On releasing her hand, she made a movement
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. pry
to give it to Freemantle, who was waiting to
conduct her to the door, whence they mounted
the stairs for their wrappers.
*“‘ Help me, my dear Chester,” said he, ‘* to
two minutes’ conversation with Augusta; take
the mother under your wing.”
** 1 do not know her; point her out to me.”
And the two men waited within sight of the
stairs for the descent.
Atasign from Freemantle, Lord Chester
moved forwards.
** Allow me, madam,” said he, to Mrs.
Reynolds, “to have the pleasure ’’—offering
his arm.
She looked at him suspiciously, but could
not refuse ; and turning her head towards her
husband, told him that he could take Augusta.
Mr. Reynolds had reasons of his own for
not obeying.
“Here, Gerty,’ said he, “take my arm,”
and they followed in the press.
Freemantle hung back, with the arm of his
idol close pressed to his heart.
On reaching the foot of the stairs, he drew
her within the angle of the inner door.
* Augusta,” said he, excitedly, “I have
é8 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
only this moment to tell you that I love you
to distraction. Can you ever bring yourself
to like me sufficiently to marry me? Only
give me that hope to live on.” |
The girl reeled at the suddenness of it all;
he felt the little hand within his own tremble ;
she looked up and saw the strong man
strangely moved, the muscles of his face
working with the anxiety he felt.
She was of too sympathetic a nature to
have witnessed emotion in anyone unmoved.
Here her whole soul responded to the appeal.
She was as pale as death, but her eyes
shone out like two stars, as she gazed up
at him, and putting her hand into hig,
murmured—
‘‘ The first to whom it has been given.”
‘¢ Mine, and mine only for ever!” he whis-
pered, and grasped it with the force of his
nature. They looked into each other’s eyes,
as though they were looking their last; and
all who saw them knew them to be lovers.
Mrs. Whynn came down on Mr. Free-
mantle’s arm; her eyes pierce the crowd in
search of one loved form; presently she des-
cries the beatified pair, and turns away her
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 79
head quickly. She knows not how she gets
into her carriage, and cries the whole way
home for joy.
_“ Mr. Reynolds’ carriage stops the way !”
shouts the link-man in a stentorian voice.
Lord Chester looks towards the stairs; he
has been playing a most conspicuous part as
Mrs. Reynolds’ cavalier, at the front door.
Freemantle comes forward with his beloved
charge, and feels he would like to keep her
with him for ever, and he whispers her not to
forget him, and she answers “ Never, never!”
** Can I speak to you to-morrow >” he said
to Mr. Reynolds, who placed his hand on
Freemantle’s arm in token of assent.
A fond pressure of the little hand he can
now call his own, and a loving look at the
dear face that looks out on him in return; and
night has come to Freemantle.
“Ts it all right, old fellow >’ enquired Lord
Chester, cheerily, as they re-enter the house.
*‘ It is, so far as she is concerned. ‘hanks to
your good fellowship, my dear Lord Chester.”
* Wish you joy with all my heart!” re-
turned his generous friend; extending his
hand, with something very like a sigh.
80 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER VIII.
SCULPTURE—‘* NIGHT AND MORNING.”’
THE scene on the return home from the
Freemantles was one not easy to describe.
During the whole of the drive Mrs.
Reynolds kept up a running fire on the
luckless Augusta, who, with heaven in her
heart, and tears of treble distilled joy in her
eyes, took it very quietly ; she was used to it.
Mrs. Reynolds’ anger was excited by
Augusta’s keeping in the background, instead
of following her. She called her a bold
creature, making up to the men, who saw
what she was, and despised her accordingly.
If she thought Colonel Freemantle did not
see through her, she was egregiously mistaken,
Mr. Reynolds told his wife she was deceived.
Augusta was the last girl to deserve such
accusations. If she did not follow, it was
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 81
owing to the crowd on the stairs; he could
scarcely move.
The little one was touched, and put her
hand into her father’s—for such he had ever
been to her. She resolved to tell him what
had occurred the moment she reached home,
and ask him to break it to mamma, for she
had not the courage to do so herself.
‘7 have something to tell you, papa dear,”
said she, as he handed her out of the carriage.
He knew well enough what that something
was, and replied, ‘‘ My own girl.” She waited
in the passage for the purpose of following
him into his room, but Mrs. Reynolds called
her upstairs.
‘There is something behind the curtain,”
said she, closing the door of the room; “I
see it by your manner, and insist upon know-
ing what itis. What made you stay behind
with that man ?”’
Augusta’s heart revolted at having the
secret of her happiness wrenched from her
by such coarse language, and was silent.
“Do you hear? I insist upon knowing
what you and the Colonel were talking about.”
‘*] have no cause to be ashamed,” gaid
EO
82 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Augusta, excitedly. ‘“ Colonel Freemantle
asked me to marry him.” |
*¢ And pray what was your answer ?”
“T have agreed to do so,” she answered,
a burning blush suffusing her face at the
recollection of that entrancing moment.
“Then hear my words! Ill see you dead
before I will suffer you to break your engage-
ment with Frederick. You marry him and
none other.”
““Mr. Whynn has never spoken to me;
Colonel Freemantle has, and I have given him
my promise ”’
‘“‘ Retract your promise,’ said Mrs. Rey-
nolds. |
‘IT cannot—I cannot, indeed !” was the
poor girl’s protest.
«* You refuse P”
Augusta made no answer.
“Where we are going,” said Mrs. Reynolds,
‘“‘ there are such places as convents for refrac-
tory daughters, and prisons and madhouses.”
Still Augusta said nothing. ‘T’o combat
with her mother was unnatural as well as
useless ; she felt wretched, and turned to
leave the room.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 83
“You know my determination, and I
expect obedience. I shall write and tell
that man I will not listen to his proposal.”
“ Pray do not, dear mamma! it would kill
me. Am I not your child? Think how
unhappy I should be, and how very wretched
' it would make him !”
* You miserable idiot! you are more con-
temptible even than I thought. He care for
you! He wretched! A vain, conceited,
unprincipled fellow !”
Augusta went hastily to the door, lest she
should forget her duty.
** How dare you turn away when I am
_ speaking >’ continued the voluble lady. “ Pll
teach you better manners. He cares for
nothing but himself. He thinks you will
have a fortune, and will laugh at you for your
folly when he finds you are a beggar.”
“‘ Indeed ! indeed, it is not go !”
“You dare to contradict me !”
At this juncture Mr. Reynolds appeared.
“Why, mamma, what on earth is the
matter? I heard your voice at the bottom of
the house |”
“The matter, indeed! Do you see that
84, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
creature? She has had the assurance to
engage herself to that Colonel Freemantle,
without consulting me, her mother; and
knowing herself to be engaged to Frederick
all the time !”
Mrs. Reynolds was doubly enraged with
Freemantle for gaining the victory over her,
and proposing, despite her endeavours to
prevent him.
* Why, Augusta,” said her father, sharply,
** how could you be so undutiful? You ought
to have said, ‘ Please, sir, Pll ask my ma!’
Go to bed, my dear; leave mamma to me,”
Augusta bounded towards him, left her
tears upon his cheek as she kissed him, and
quitted the room.
“What is the use, Sophy,” said Mr. Rey-
nolds, gravely, ‘‘ of this noise and dissension,
when troubles of all kind are coming upon
us? You ought to be glad that one of your
family is likely to be so well provided for.
Do you know that the ‘Clod-Hopping Com-
pany’ has stopped payment ?”
‘* And what have the Clod-Hoppers to do
with this business ?”’
** A great deal. JI am a director, holding
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 85
some hundreds of shares ; if these are called
up, as I suppose they will be, I shall look
foolish, that’s all !”’
“You need not do anything of the kind.
Who ever heard of a director paying anything
for his shares? They were given to you for
the honour of your name ; you gave them that,
and are quits |”
** My dear, you are a first-rate financier,
and ought to be chairman and board all in
one. The loss may be insignificant to what I
should suffer, did some other undertakings of
mine turn out failures; but this I take as a
warning.”
‘You are always looking out for squalls!
We must not do this, and we must not do
that, and we must not go here, und we must
not go there, merely because you will persist
in going to meet troubles that may never
come.”
‘7 wish it were so, but it is not. I tell
you the storm is brewing, and mine will be a
heavy reckoning when it bursts |”
* Rhodomontade !” returned his unsenti-
mental wife.
And here let us remark how impossible it
86 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
is for anyone, however great his gifts, to be
superlative in his own family, the members of
which, see genius in his every-day life, actuated
by the same motives and possessing the same
foibles as themselves, and to whom the especial
quality of the gifted one is neither a surprise
nor novelty.
Genius is simply a development of some
particular faculty in a greater degree than is
common to mankind, but this excess does not
exempt its possessor from the weakness and
frailty incident to humanity. Were it other-
wise he would be a sort of lusus nature, a
post Adamite perhaps, the specimen type of
being who is to succeed man when his race is
run out.
Men regard with wondering eyes the in-
firmities of genius—enlarge on them, draw
precepts, deduce morals. They who argue
thus are in error, and blind to the fact that
these same infirmities are equally their own
portion; but which are nevertheless hidden
from the world in the boscurity of their exist-
ence, wanting the transcendent lustre of
genius, that, like the sun, illumines all parts
—good and bad—yet, do we rejoice in it;
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 87
kindle into enthusiasm, and warm ourselves
in its beneficent beams.
Mr. Reynolds’ speeches in public were not
only always reported, but read with avidity.
** There is a speech of Reynolds’ !”’
“Is there? Then let us hear it by all
means!” was the common parlance in the
world outside, yet neither wife nor + family
ever took heed of them.
Mr. Reynolds forbore to speak more of his
apprehension to his wife, and turned the con-
versation on the subject of the trip, gently
hinting his wish that she would give up the
Continent for this year.
The lady turned livid at the bare idea. It
was the last desperate throw for a break-up
between Freemantle and Augusta.
* She could not and would not,” she said,
listen to such a proposal; he must give her
some much more substantial reasons than he
had yet done, before she could listen to any-
thing so absurd; those he had brought for-
ward were too nonsensical to be listened to
fora moment. She had told all her friends
where they were going; to give it up now
would be disgraceful. People would say they
88 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
had become beggars, and could not afford the
expense of the journey.”
And Mr. Reynolds answered—‘ People
would be very near the truth if they did say
so; he had neither time nor money to throw
away on such follies, and she must wait till he
had.”
Mrs. Reynolds said “she would not! Tom
could go with them, and as to want of means
it was horrible to hear him tell such things,
when he was making money like hay. He was
like the rest of men, who the more money
they get the more niggardly they become.”
He told her he would give her the money
if he had it to give, but that he had not; it
was all locked up in securities, and she must
at any rate wait a few days till he sold out.
That did not suit her views either; it would
be ruin to her scheme if she waited another
day.
After a sharp warfare of words a compro-
mise was effected, and Mr. Reynolds consented
to let his wife make the first stage of her
journey, their packing being as far advanced
as it was likely to be, did they wait
another month. It was settled they should
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 89
start on the next day by the first train for
Dover, and there wait till he could join them.
Augusta went to her chamber—a _ blue-
chamber indeed now, filled with dire images
of tortures preparing for her by the resolute,
unsparing, relentless Mrs. Reynolds.
Going away! His and not his! Loving
and beloved! Torn from each other as they
stood on the threshold of Paradise! Ship-
wrecked on the shores of the illimitable sea!
She paced the room like a perturbed spirit ;
now she was flinging herself on her knees
praying incoherently ; anon shivering with
dread, she would creep into bed, terrified at
every sound, terrified at her own shadowy
figure as it crossed her mirror in the dim
twilight.
Excitement and terror produced transient
delirium. Sleep was impossible; starting
from her couch she whirled along the room
rather than walked, and at length fell heavily
on the floor.
When she recovered consciousness she was
being raised from the floor; neither sight nor
speech had returned, but hope was strong
within her. It might be “ mamma” relenting ;
90 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
but the voice she heard was not that of Mrs.
Reynolds,
* Pretty dear!’ were the words, which she
recognised as those of nurse. ‘ Pretty dear!
What would her wicked Ma say if she see her
now ?”
“ If [ was a standin’ in your shoes I’d go and
tell her,” and cook was the spokes-woman.
‘‘ But she ain’t my missus,” returned Grace
Williams, “and it ain’t no bigness o’ mine to
interfere. She may a’ had private reasons
for actin’ as she has done, and this here poor
sufferin’ lamb has it all wisited on her.”
“TI always thought as how there was a
something strange in the way they treated
her. She and Gerty—I hates that girl, and
she hates this one.”
‘It was she as told me, and tells me not to
tell, and I says no: but lor, it was sich a
norrible tale, as | couldn’t ha’ kep’ it to my-
self no how. So be pertickler as you don’t
let the cat out o’ the bag.” }
You knows as I ain’t a bit of a gossup.”
‘Hush!’ said nurse, ‘‘ she’s a comin’—to.
Heigho! she’s a shiverin’ as if she’d got the
shakin’ Invitus-to-dance-polka.”’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 9]
But notwithstanding these women’s unre-
fined conversation they had hearts, and did
their best for the poor child, whose only sin
was giving her love when asked for it, and
thinking the object of it first in the universe,
as he was to her. Could he have seen her now
he would have gone frantic ; he was picturing
a pair of loving eyes, a soft hand, and two lips
which murmured back his vows.
The good women, more clever and ready in
such a case than most of their more highly
educated sisters in the world, managed to
bring Augusta to her senses. Nurse chafed
her hands, and cook bathed her temples with
Hau-de-Cologne, as tenderly, with as much
love and care, as she would have tended the
delicate Ortolan that was to test her gastro-
nomic skill.
Augusta put her soft little hand into the
rough, honest one of nurse’s, who in a voice
that tried to speak calmly asked if she should
fetch up master or missus.
The little one shook her head, and then
asked nurse if she thought she was going to
die, if so she would like to see him.
By some inscrutable agency the two women
92 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
perfectly understood who was the proprietor
of that mysterious pronoun ; they looked at
one another; and cook’s heart became soft as
butter when undergoing manipulation at her
hands. She fairly broke down, but nurse,
more heroic, drove back her tears and turned
fortune-teller ; told her not to think of dying,
she would live a great many years yet, and
marry the gentleman she liked, and be a happy
young lady after all.
- The poor listener grasped eagerly at this
straw of comfort, and smiled faintly in
answer; turning to the soft-hearted cook, she
thanked her for her sympathy, and said she
would never forget her kindness.
Nurse said she must now try to sleep, she
would feel so much better.
“ Yes,’ she answered, “if I could only
sleep, but I cannot !”’
But youth is strong and love is hopeful;
with daylight came brighter prospects, and no
one who saw Augusta in the morning would
have guessed her sufferings of the night, save
in the whiteness of her usually blooming
cheek.
With the morning came a scene of the most
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 93
indescribable confusion; it was something
terrific. Mr. Reynolds calling, Mrs. Rey-
nolds scolding, the little Bessie, huffed and
pushed about, amused herself by cutting her
fingers with the bread knife, and then scream-
ing at the top of her voice. The hall was
piled to the ceiling with trunks, boxes, and
baskets; cabs came to the door, cabmen
seized hold of everything they saw, and
hurried to their vehicles midst shrieks that
they were either not packed, or not locked.
Mr. Reynolds rushing out, nearly broke his
neck by tumbling over the little one’s bath,
and expressed himself thereon in language
not savouring of his usual eloquence, and
which we should not dare to record here.
Augusta tried hard to hope for the best ;
Freemantle would try to see her, and bring
mamma round, and she really was happier than
if he had not spoken to her.
Gertrude looked spiteful. She had listened
at her mother’s door the previous night, and
had thereby learned all particulars, and re-
joiced exceedingly: and she told Augusta how
glad she was they were going to Switzerland ;
she hoped they would stay there a long time;
94, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
she would persuade Ma not to come back
again. She hated England, a nasty dull
place; whereas everything was so beautiful
abroad. Did Augusta not think so?P
To which the other replied, ‘“‘ She did not
know. She had never been abroad, but she
knew she should never love any place like
dear old England.”
“Oh, that is because Colonel Freemantle
will be left behind,” returned Gerty. ‘ It
will be of no use Azs coming after us, for he
will never find out where we have gone to.”
Augusta did not like Ads name batted from
one to the other; and merely observed that
Gertrude would miss the rides she was so
fond of.
Gertrude fired up.
‘That I shall not,’? she answered, “ for
Brown is going with us, as he can speak
French like a Francis, for he has been to
Bouillon, and stayed there a whole week;
besides, everybody speaks English, so we are
going to take him to speak French for us ;
and you need not be spiteful, and think to
cheat me of my rides, for I shall ride all the
same. ladies never ride abroad, so I shall
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 95
set the fashion, and everybody will look at
me.”
Augusta said she only spoke to put Gerty in
mind of one little loss she would have in
quitting their dear, dear home, and did not
see what Brown had to do with her riding.
And Gertrude returned, “A good deal;
for we shall go up Mont Blanc on donkeys ;
people always go up on donkeys, because
donkeys are so sensible, and know better
. than anybody what to do, and where to go
to ; and then they never fall down: you could
not make a donkey fall, not if you were to
beat and pinch and poke him till your arm
dropped off. And I do not think it a dear
home at all. I hate it, and wish England was
dead.”
The carriage at last came to the door to
take them to the station. They were in the
act of stepping in when our friend Freemantle
appeared on the scene, in order to get one
more look at his Augusta, who was already in
the carriage. |
“Glad to see you,” said Mr. Reynolds;
*“ not a moment to lose. Go with us to the
station. Jump in.”
96 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
He obeyed with alacrity, and seated him-
self beside his beloved.
Mrs. Reynolds looked daggers at him. It
was with difficulty she restrained herself from
telling him what she thought of his conduct ;
but Switzerland was her revenge! and her
husband wanted him only as a tool. This
kept her within bounds, though she was not
the less resolute.
They were not a moment too soon at the
station. The porters were about to close the
doors. ‘ The train was just going to start !”’
The luggage, hastily labelled, was thrust into
the van. Freemantle came down the plat-
form, carrying no end of wrappers for Mrs.
Reynolds, walking beside Augusta, saying
funny things, and asking all manner of ques-
tions, for the sake of hearing her voice and
seeing her smile.
He lifted her tenderly into the carriage,
and told her he would soon be after her.
The signal was given, and the train moved
on. His soul went with it as he watched it
gliding out of the station, and something like
@ foreshadowing of evil crept over him, but
whether that evil pointed to her or to himself,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 97
he had not time to enquire, for a touch on his
arm re-called him to the reality of existence.
He then saw that Mr. Reynolds had not ac-
companied his family.
He looked so surprised, that Mr. Reynolds
laughed, and said—
“It is all right! My son Thomas will
take charge of them till I can join them.
Have you breakfasted ?”’
Freemantle replied that he had not.
‘Then breakfast with me,” said Mr. Rey-
nolds ; ‘*‘ I have had none either.”
vou. II. Fr
98 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER IX.
‘TEMPTATION OF ST. ANTHONY.’ —TENIERS, THE
ELDER.
Tue house to both men on entering seemed
strangely silent and altered. But, with the
romance of passion, Freemantle felt that the
halo of her presence still lingered around the
deserted dwelling.
Mr. Reynolds ordered a fresh relay of
breakfast, and then opened proceedings by
saying, that this reminded him of his happy
bachelor days, and warned his companion to
look before he took the fatal leap.
Freemantle laughed, and said the warning
came too late.
Mr. Reynolds replied that it was like pro-
phecies, which foretold after the events had
taken place, to use an Irishism, so it would
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 99
be of no use to offer himself up as a living
example of the woes of matrimony.
The Colonel returned for answer that such
is the infatuation of mortals on this subject,
that could they be brought to see effects, they
never would admit the causes.
To which the man of many burthens
answered, that he could bear witness to the
truth of that, for he knew not to what cause
to attribute the striking effects of living
always in uproar and confusion, with expenses
daily increasing, and demands on his pockets
so pressing and numerous, that he often felt
inclined “to shut up shop,” and run to the
world’s end. But,no! That was impossible!
Whatever drags his domestic ties entailed on
him, it was too late to withdraw; he would
not break his bonds if he could. They were
too strong for him ; he hugged his chains, and
would be the most miserable of men without
them. |
And Mr. Reynolds spoke truth.
Freemantle said he entirely believed him ;
the burthens of married life were more than
counterbalanced by its joys. It gave fixed
purposes and higher motives than the selfish
F2
100 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ones of a solitary life. Men did not marry
without reckoning up the costs and risks they
incurred, but for the honour of human nature
he was glad to say, that the better part of
our race were as eager to run for this great
stake of happiness, as they were to enter the
lists whether in pursuit of wealth, honour,
or fame; where the chances were more fre-
quently loss, defeat, and even death.
“True, oh, king!” returned Mr. Reynolds.
** And it is also true that the man who talks
thus is running that same race, and has
nearly reached the goal.”
Freemantle laughed and coloured, and said
that the man who spoke thus had run the
race, he had reached the goal, and now came
to receive the prize at his hands.
Mr. Reynolds considered himself fortunate
in being selected for the honour of placing
the wreath on Colonel Freemantle’s brows ;
for was it not said that a virtuous woman was
a crown of glory to her husband : and though
Augusta was his daughter, he could truly
say, without partiality, that she was worthy
even of Colonel Freemantle.
Freemantle was moved, and sgaid with
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 101
humility, that never could he think himself
worthy of the inestimable treasure bestowed
on him. He could not express his feelings;
but this much he could say, that all the hap-
piness, all the anticipation experienced by
him in the race, had been as nought compared
to what he now felt in this his hour of victory.
Silence ensued. The lover was far away
in the land of enchantment; Mr. Reynolds,
while discussing breakfast, seemed occupied
with his thoughts. He was meditating how
he should begin his subject. It really went
against him, for he had great regard for Free-
mantle, and was elated at having a man so
distinguished for his son-in-law.
“You will be looking out for quarters
soon,’ said he. ‘‘ Here is a house already for
you. I was thinking of letting it, but it will
do capitally for you and Augusta; I will take
you over it after breakfast.”
Freemantle was enraptured at the thought
of beholding the haunt of his Nymph, and
said it would give him great pleasure to look
over the house, but he was afraid his circum-
stances would scarce allow of his launching
out with such dignity as that house an-
nounced.
102 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“What! and you going to turn M.P.?
Why, man, you will want a castle at least
to put your new dignity in. And here is
our observatory, eke conservatory, the same
thing, from whence you may watch over the
interest of your pocket-borough.”’
Freemantle was much amused.
“T think,’ said he, “I had better not
make too sure of my pocket-piece. Suppose
I should not get it? ThenI shall, mm all
probability, rejoin my regiment; and Augusta,
I trust for my sake, will consent to share
with me the trials and hardships of a soldier’s
life, and go—”
“Where glory waits thee,’ added Mr.
Reynolds. ‘“‘ Butthere is no doubt of your
getting in, is there? When does the election
come off P”
‘“¢ Not for another month.”
“Wheugh! That’s rather a long time to
be kept on the tenter-hooks. ‘There’s no
chance of opposition. You will have nothing
to do but walk over the course ?”’
“It seems so at present. But one does
not know what may turn up between this and
then. The present member may recover his
health at Homberg, where he has been ordered
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 108
for change of air. I hope he may, for he
seems an honest-hearted old man, and I
should be sorry to step into his shoes too
soon.”
*“'There’s no chance of that, I think; but
you can never be sure of these petty places ;
some of the electors may put up an opposi-
tion candidate, merely to show themselves of
importance ; they make as much of their
small privileges as all London put together.
We are more magnanimous, and can afford to
waive a few of the ceremonies.”
For the first time Colonel Freemantle
observed that his future father-in-law, who
always said that law and justice had no
politics, might be a Conservative. But it
made no difference to him. Upright men are
to be found among them as in any other class
of politicians. They only see things from a
different point of view. Progression they
look on as destruction, subversive of those
laws and institutions which time has con-
secrated, and which are sometimes succeeded
by others mischievous and impolitic. But
did any vital question arise pertaining to the
honour and dignity of the nation, who more
104. JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
- ready than they to sink difference of opinion,
join hands with their opponents, and fight
to the last in its defence P
All was couleur-de-rose with Freemantle.
An awkward pause ensued, which Mr. Rey-
nolds broke by saying that if Freemantle
would take counsel’s opinion of him, as some
others did in the way of business, he could
point out a road to fortune, independent of
election or army service.
Our hero opened his eyes, and thought
why did not Mr. Reynolds take that road
himself, and replenish his exhausted stores,
which according to his own account were at
a very low ebb, but he only remarked, ‘‘ That
he was contented with his lot, which had given
him the only jewel he ever coveted. He
would be ashamed to ask further of fortune.’
“But, my dear fellow, that is because you
are in love; by-and-bye, you will find, like
myself, that you have a great many favours
to ask of fortune.”
The other laughingly said he must cut his
coat according to his cloth.
“But you will find that there will be no
squaring your cloth to suit the growing
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 105
capacity of some dozen strapping boys and
girls, letting alone yourself and wife!”
Freemantle answered “‘ that Mr. Reynolds
was providing him with plenty of occupation.”
“He jests at scars who never felt a wound,’”
said Mr. Reynolds. “If it was not for an
income derived outside my profession, I
certainly could not hold on. But you are not
a business-man, and do not patronise, I
believe, joint stock companies ?”’
“No!” answered Freemantle, ‘‘ I cannot
say that I do; the fact is, I have not cared
to enquire into them, having always looked
upon them as dangerous concerns; more, I
will own from hearsay, than from actual
experience. J have, however, heard lately
of one or two that have turned out great
successes.” |
Unlucky speech! Mr. Reynolds was down
upon him instantly.
He said it was one of those same successes
he was intending to propose to Freemantle.
A position in one which would bring him pro-
minently before the public, stamp him as a
public man, and do more to favour his election
than anything else.
FO
106 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. |
To which Freemantle replied that he was.
content to waive all those advantages, work
for them, earn them, anything, in preference
to the worry and anxiety attending these sort
of undertakings.
“But wherefore worry and anxiety? The
post I design for you is the ornamental part,
simply as a looker-on, whose name alone will
be all that is required.”
Freemantle replied that he could not under-
stand a post that involved all pay and no
work; nor could he feel peace while the
fortunes of others were dependent on him.
What he possessed was sufficient for his
wants, and he preferred a moderate com-
petence with quiet and security, to affluence
accompanied with anxiety and risk.
“But there is no risk whatever attending
it,’ returned his relentless pursuer. “ Ifevery
one acted on that principle, what would
become of the monetary interests of the
country P Nothing venture, nothing have!”
“Tt is all very well for men who have been
brought up to understand the principles of
commercial affairs,” returned Freemantle,
“and who understand the workings of the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 107
system, to embark in them: but I think it
imprudent for men, like myself, either in the
army or navy, to gointo speculations ; ignorant
as they are, to speak metaphorically, of the
common rules of arithmetic.”
“They are precisely the persons who are
required to give strength and importance to
these companies in the eyes of the public.
Did you enquire into the cause of the suc-
cesses of those now so popular, you would
find it was owing mainly to the presence of
such men as yourself; whose names and posi-
tions are a tower of strength, and a sufficient
guarantee of their respectability.”’
‘You are very good to rate me at such a
high interest,” Freemantle answered, “‘but not
all the recommendations you urge personally
would influence me; you only have the power
to do so, belonging to them as you do, and
wishing to associate me with yourself, now
that I have the happiness to form part of your
family, I feel it a bond, and earnest of the
good faith and meehng that is to unite us
in still closer ties.”
Mr. Reynolds said that he had been pili
to listen to logic at last. He would be a
108 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
millionaire some day, though he as his father
in future, would tell him it was more than he
deserved, having been so hard to convince.
The Colonel accepted the reproof, and
replied that now he must come to him for
counsel and instruction in his new studies,
and the first question he would ask, was the
name of the company with which he was to
enter into partnership.
He was rather struck by the singularity of
the cognomen, and seemed to consider it not
high flown and sentimental enough for his
present mood. ‘‘ Colonel Freemantle, Bubble-
and-Squeak Company,’ somehow or other
did not appear congenial.
But Mr. Reynolds said truly, ‘ What’s
ina name?’ This one had taken with the
public, but it was very possible it would be
altered shortly, there were rumours of an
amalgamation with another and an older
concern, whose name was sure to take pre-
cedence, unless Bubble-and-Squeak should
object, which was not very likely.
Freemantle took all for gospel, and let him
not be accused of weakness, in yielding to the
solicitations of aman whom he admired for
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 109
himself, and loved, as the father of the girl
for whom, we fear, in the infatuation of his
passion, he would have gone a great deal
further than just purchase a few shares in a
company, to please that girl’s father, whom
he saw only through the medium of his own
honest, upright heart.
Mr. Reynolds having gained his point so
far, felt sure of no difficulty in getting him to
take his place at the Board, which was to meet
the next Tuesday; then he would make
mention of his intention to withdraw, and
propose his successor ;, this he knew would
give great satisfaction; though he himself was
deservedly popular on account of his talents
and activity.
Freemantle demurred even more at taking
a place at the Board than the shares, but Mr.
Reynolds threw himself on his mercy.
“He really was so overpowered with busi-
ness, that he was not able to devote the time
and attention to the affairs of the company
that they required. When he first joined it,
he was, comparatively speaking, an idle man,
with plenty of time to work the mischief idle
hands are prompt to do,” he said, with a
hight laugh.
110 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
But, though he told his friend that it was
an excellent time to go in, the shares being
at a slight discount; for the mere purpose of
rising presently to the fabulous height pre-
dicted; yet he did not tell him of the heavy
liabilities of the company, nor of the mysteri-
ous disappearance of its funds, nor his own
share in certain transactions.
Probably he thought it too much to tell at
one time. Freemantle had better come to it
by degrees.
‘ That business settled, let us,’ said he,
“take a look over the house,” and rising from
his seat, Mr. Reynolds led the way.
Only two servants remained, and not having
had time to clean up, the rooms presented
that disturbed appearance, which suggested the
idea that thieves had been ransacking the
house, and turning out drawers, cupboards,
&c., selected what they felt inclined to, and
scattered abroad the remainder; in order that
the disgusted proprietors might see at one
glance, what the benevolent freebooters had
been so generous as to leave them.
Freemantle’s heart told him that none of
the chambers in this condition could possibly
belong to Augusta.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 111
“ Hardly right to show you rooms in this
state,’ said Mr. Reynolds, apologetically.
‘However, it is as well to enlighten you a
little, that you may know what to expect by-
and-bye.”’
Freemantle again opened his eyes.
“Is confusion and disorder such as this a
necessary condition of married life P”’ thought
he. : |
They mounted to the top flight.
*“‘ Here's Gussie’s room,”’ said Mr. Reynolds,
entering ; “in apple-pie order, like herself.
We may say with Faust—
‘¢*¢ Hew maidens’ chambers are so neat,’’
“Come, that’s @ propos. You and I will
do very well for Faust and Mephistopheles !
Of course I play the enviable part of the old
gentleman !”
And he laughed as he thought that his
morning’s work did bear some slight resem-
blance to the machinations of that Machia-
velian personage.
Freemantle gave a glance round, and re-
mained near the door. He felt he trod on
hallowed ground, and in answer to Mr. Rey-
112 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
nolds’ quotation, he inwardly repeated another
from the same source—
“What doest thou here P”
Not that he was a bit like Faust, or we
would not have anything to do with him.
Mr. Reynolds said it was too bad to poke
Augusta up here, but the girls wanted separate
rooms, and mamma, like a prudent woman,
kept Gerty under her maternal eye.
It is to be hoped that the lover was not dis-
enchanted by this nearer view of his lady’s
bower. He did not appear so; on the contrary,
he seemed excessively anxious to take a run
down by the evening train, in order to pass
the next day (Sunday) with his fiancée.
Mr. Reynolds, however, thought he had
better be present at the first interview between
him and the amiable lady he called his wife,
who still had the golden apple in her posses-
sion.
She had vowed to see the Colonel hanged
before he should have Augusta. Therefore
Freemantle had better not be fool-hardy, and
run his neck into the noose, and no one by
to rescue him. So he said he had not the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 113
slightest idea of where they would rest. He
did not expect to hear from them before the
next morning, and till then was in happy
ignorance of their whereabouts.
The happy ignorance of Mr. Reynolds did
not accord with the feelings of the impatient
lover, and he left him looking more “the
knight of the rueful countenance,”
than any
one would have supposed possible. —
114 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER X.
‘S7HE GAMESTERS. —CARAVAGGIO.
Mr. Reynotps resolving not to let the grass
grow under his feet, set to work to réalize his
plans with all possible dispatch.
Accordingly, at the meeting of the “‘ Bubble-
and-Squeak”’ Board the following Tuesday,
he announced his intention of retiring from
the active duties of the company.
“‘ Tt was with grief and regret that he did
so,’ he said; “but owing to his increasing
professional engagements, he found it utterly
impossible to devote the time and attention
the high position of deputy chairman impera-
tively demanded. He would remain a share-
holder, and would be happy to give Counsel’s
opinion if they would do him the honour to
seek it in any case of difficulty that might
arise ; and to show how close the interest and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 115
welfare of the company lay at his heart, he
had, before resigning his seat, looked about for _
one whom, with all due deference, he might
propose as his successor.
‘He had been fortunate beyond precedent,
for he had found a man whose equal he verily
believed they would scarce find; one who,
he was certain they would all acknowledge,
was not only calculated to adorn the elevated
position of deputy-chairman to this most
honourable company, but to be a worthy
coadjutor to their distinguished chairman,
Sir Richard Ruinall, with whom he would
with gratitude declare, that during the time
they had been associated together as fellow-
workers in this great undertaking, the most
perfect concord had subsisted ; in every in-
stance the same views, the same motives, the
same anxious desire to fulfil the purposes of
the company had actuated both.”
Sir Richard Ruinall, Bart., M.P., was not
present to be edified by this testimony of
affection bestowed upon him by his colleague.
It is probable that had he been so, Mr.
Reynolds might not have been quite so
earnest in asserting the perfect unanimity of
116 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the two, true to the letter though it was, and
borne out by the books of the company.
The Baronet did not reciprocate Mr.
Reynolds’ sentiments, on the contrary, he
often thought his “ fellow-worker’’ made him-
self too conspicuous for one who was nota
Bart., nor an M.P. He took the shine com-
pletely out of him (Sir Richard) in the talking
part, and grasped so greedily at the loaves
and fishes, that he got more than his share.
In conclusion, Mr. Reynolds begged to
propose his man, no other than the cele-
brated Colonel Freemantle of Indian fame,
as a fit and proper representative (cheers).
‘Did he not say they would approve his
choice ?”” continued Mr. Reynolds. ‘ Already
he himself had sunk into insignificance before
the magic of that name, his light had paled,
_ his occupation, like Othello’s, was gone, and
he must hide his diminished head before the
lustre of this rising star.”
Then he launched out into such a dazzling
eulogium on the hero’s character, his prowess,
his abilities, his expectations as M.P., certi-
fied and sure, giving loose all the while to his
own gifted tongue, that, carried away by the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 117
general enthusiasm, Mr. Gammon started up
and proposed a resolution, “‘ That this Board
do call and convene an extraordinary general
meeting of the shareholders of this company,
to confirm and approve the election of the
incomparable Colonel Freemantle to the
post of deputy-chairman, vice John Fortescue
Reynolds, resigned.”
Mr. Humbug seconded the resolution,
which was carried unanimously.
Mr. Thiever proposed a vote of thanks in
the name of the Board, to Mr. Reynolds,
for having provided so irreproachable a
substitute to compensate them for the loss of
his own great services; which he could
honestly declare had ever been distinguished,
as much by unswerving honour, disinteres-
tedness, and integrity, as by untiring zeal
and ability ; and he did further propose that
they should get up a testimonial other than in
words, expressive of their grief and regret:
which testimonial should consist of a valuable
piece of plate; to be paid for out of the funds
of the company. .
Mr. Story seconded the second proposition,
and said, “‘ Were it not that he was a poor
118 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
man, whose only riches consisted in the pos-
session of a wife and large family, whose
interests he was in duty bound to make his
first consideration, he would himself have
added considerably to the gift out of his own
pocket ; but this being out of his power, he
trusted that no expense would be spared by
the company to make the present as splendid
as possible, worthy alike of the giver and
receiver.”
Mr. Story was a man of lively imagination : '
the wife and family were impromptus got
up for the occasion, to make the speech
more piquant, he being a bachelor, living
‘‘ splendiferous,”’ as his man termed it; he
had splendiferous apartments, rode splendi-
ferous horses, and drove a splendiferous
brougham. He had his opera-stall, and his
shooting-box, (shouting-box “ Friday’’ called
it), where he was known to be the cleverest
hand at drawing the long bow of any sports-
man round.
Mr. Reynolds’s sun shone very bright
indeed just now, so he proceeded to make
hay as fast as he could, which proceeding
consisted in “rigging the market ’’ for the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 119
purpose of selling out his shares to the best
possible advantage.
This gentleman was born a genius ; put
him on his mettle, and he would have talked
the old lady of Threadneedle Street into
making over all that valuable proprietary
and mountain of wealth she calls her “ Bank
Stock,” into his keeping, and appointing him
her heir.
His first care was to have the minutes of
this extraordinary meeting inserted in the
newspapers,—proceedings, speeches, plate
and all. ‘They were then placarded on the
Stock-Exchange, emblazoned on the boards,
proclaimed at the different railway-stations.
“Second ‘Dish’ Times! Hven-Star !
Stannard ! ’stronary eatin’ o’ Bubble-and-
Squeak! by Curnel Freeman—Mr. Ren-
nards!’’ was the announcement made by
hungry boys to hungry travellers, as they took
train en route to Bubble-and-Squeak of their
own.
Mr. Reynolds’s next move was to the
Telegraph Office, S.H. Line.
His affectionate wife at Dover would be
anxious to hear the good news of his success.
120 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
What so rapid as lghtning? Telegrams
ought to be quicker in their transit of
messages than the post, if they are not ; and
if they should be a day or so longer in
delivery, why it would not be his fault. Mr.
Reynolds had done his best to let Mrs.
R. know as soon as possible.
He therefore ordered the following message
to be dispatched forthwith :—
** Good news! Bubble-and-Squeak! Indian
business secured! Cheer, boys, cheer! Shares
rising! Here we go, up, up, up! Huzza!
squeak for joy!”
Changes took place in the transmission of
this important document: Jee Jeebhoy’s name
got substituted for the ‘ Cheer Boys,’ and the
public understood that this merchant prince of
India had joined ‘* Bubble-and-Squeak,”’ with
the apocryphal addition that he had opened
Bubble-and-Squeak houses in the country
where no frying-pans are required for the
cooking of it.
And the way the affectionate wife received
this jeu d’esprit was this—
‘“‘ What does your father mean by sending
such stuff and nonsense as this? frightening
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 121
me out of my senses with his stupid telegrams.
I thought something had happened to him.
It’s like one of Fred’s pranks! (sotto voce).
One may easily see whom he takes after. I
‘shall tell him to send me a telegram about the
money he promised me!”
And the shares rose surprisingly in grati-
tude to Mr. Reynolds for his unwearied ex-
ertions in their behalf, and he then urged
Freemantle, as a friend, to go in for them
before they reached the fabulous height;
Freemantle did as he was bid, and Mr. Rey-
nold sold his shares under the name of
‘* Walker,” to his future son-in-law, and
netted a round sum of £5,000, seeing that
he had never paid one sixpence for them,
they haying been allotted to him as his por-
tion, for assisting to bring into existence
this most popular, disinterested, philan-
thropic, and immaculate Joint Stock Com-
pany.
In the meantime, while all this was taking
place, Mrs. Reynolds, from her Dover station,
cast many a longing eye at the shores of the
great Empire opposite, looming now clear,
now indistinct, but always perceptible to her
VOL. I. G
122 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
mind’s eye, if not to her actual vision in the
distance.
She wrote frequently to her husband to
reproach him with his want of good faith m
sending them to Dover on pretence; for, re-
calling his manner, she did not believe he
ever intended them to go to Switzerland at
all. ‘Could not Tom take them?’ Mr.
Reynolds, in answer, said—** Decidedly not;”
and Tom said—‘ Decidedly not,” too, as he
was bound for a walking tour with some
college friends.
Freemantle, denied access to his betrothed
by the plausible pretexts of Mr. Reynolds,
sought to recompense himself by taking to his
pen and writing to his Augusta.
In the rapture of receiving her first love-
letter, one of the brightest eras in a woman’s
life, she forgot her trials, and, in compliance
with his request, wrote in return, sending
lively, tender little epistles all about herself
and her occupations, as he wished.
This correspondence Augusta considered as
a part of her engagement, and without exactly
making a secret of it, yet she acted on the
principle of that most elegant of all conun-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 123
drums, ‘“‘In what perfume should a girl
preserve her love-letters?” and kept hers
** In violet.”
The discovering of them was due to the
prying, artful Gertrude, and Mrs. Reynolds’
horror at Augusta’s conduct was expressed
in her usual forcible language, accompanied
by ‘a strict prohibition of any further cor-
‘respondence, and threats of vigorous measures
in the event of disobedience.
124 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XI.
‘“‘ THE FALL OF PHAETON.”
Waat has become of Mrs. Whynn and her
remarkable boy? who, like Sir Thomas
More’s son, was destined to be a boy all the
days of his life?
We left that lady on her way home from
Mr. Freemantle’s, the night of the party,
crying for joy at the happy prospects of her
beloved daughter, revealed to her in a vision
as she descended the stairs of that gentle-
man’s house; which vision so “ dazzled her
eyes and bewildered her brain’ that, till
she arrived at her own door, she never
perceived that the millstone she had hung
round her own neck, was not to be found
either inside or outside the carriage.
She was too well used to the freaks that
marked the evolutions of this phenomenon to
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 125
be much surprised at any course it took, but
was certainly not prepared for the alarming
announcement which greeted her arrival.
“If you please, mum, Mister Frederick
come home a good bit ago, and if you please,
mum, he’s been and broked his arm, and cut
hisself all to pieces !”’
It was quite true. The incensed Chinamen
who paid fealty to Mrs. Freemantle had not
suffered their ruthless assailant to escape with
whole bones, any more than themselves. Not
only was he sorely bruised and cut, but his
arm was broken; notwithstanding, the mischief
was not to the extent such a leap in the
dark portended.
He bore the effects of his campaign like the
hero he was, assuring his terrified ‘* maternal ”
that ‘ it—was—all—wight, as—it—wasn’t
—his—wight—arm ! And—he—hadn’t—a—
scwatch—on his face !”’
Narcissus-like, he rather admired his face.
Mrs. Whynn made the one step from the sub-
lime to the ridiculous, she came down from
the clouds to the kitchen. In the former she
had beheld Freemantle and Augusta, like two
enchanted figures, gazing at each other. It
126 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
was a reality, nevertheless ; but Fred dashing
through the skylight like a shell on to the
kitchen. table, dealing death and destruction
to the peaceable Chinamen thereon, was a
picture she tried to realise, but could not.
“ You may congratulate yourself that it is
no worse,’ she said, consolingly, and she sat
down with the comfortable conviction of a
long trial to suffering humanity, as gaoler to
Fred, and a long pull on her purse in the
shape of a doctor’s bill. But the light from
those same clouds was reflected around her,
and her self-imposed burthen rested the
lighter on her shoulders.
If Mrs. Whynn had been astonished at
Fred’s vagaries, not less a little later was Mr.
Reynolds on coming to the knowledge of
those of his wife.
She waited many days at Dover in the ex-
pectation of her husband’s joining them in
fulfilment of his promise. He did not appear,
and if he did she knew very well he would
bring “that man” with him. Augusta was
in correspondence with him, and not a word
would she have heard of it, but for Gertrude,
who so worried her unfortunate mother, that
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 127
she was more than half-tempted at times to
give up her opposition, and make a present to
“that man” of the apple of discord he was
so desperate to obtain.
With all her faults Mrs. Reynolds had a
strong love for her children, but true to the
maternal instinct, if there was one to whom
her heart turned more than the others, it was
Fred, the one least gifted by nature—the one
whom she had abandoned to the care of
another.
Her fears for his future were all aroused
by Mrs. Whynn’s declaration of revealing
“the secret’? which had lain hidden and un-
suspected upwards of twenty years, while the
disposition she had made of her estate would
leave this hopeless young man totally un-
provided for. The more Mrs. Reynolds
reflected on it, the more furiously angry she
became with her opponent, the more resolved
that she should not gain the victory over her.
In her wrath, she never thought of—nor
would perhaps her pride have allowed Hor
proposing a compromise.
“Tf I consent to Augusta’s marrying Free-
mantle, will you be contented ?”
128 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Had she done so, we think it very likely
that Mrs. Whynn, in consideration of the
happiness of her daughter, would have
yielded, and allowed events to take their
course.
But she did not, and her temper, a some-
what stormy one, was doomed to be tried still
further.
Augusta’s heart revolted at the tyranny
exercised as regarded her letters. She dared
not rebel, for Mrs. Reynolds threatened, on
disobedience to her commands, to write to
Freemantle, and give him her opinion of his
conduct, which would not have been ex-
pressed in flattermmg terms. That was too
terrible. Yet how was she to act? she had
better write and beg him not to send her any
more letters. But what reason could she
assign for such a request? Could she tell
him of her mother’s hatred to him, her reso-
lution to break off their engagement, sever
them from each other? Impossible! She
had, too, another great dread, that he might
come down—he talked of doing so in his last
letter.
She shivered at the thought. Thomas was
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 129
away, who was her friend; should she write
and tell him of her dilemma, and ask his
advice ?P
She was hesitating, from the certainty she
felt that whatever she did Mrs. Reynolds
would discover it, and turn it to her disad-
vantage, when accident, which does some-
times deign to take note of circumstances,
befriended her.
Mrs. Reynolds was standing one afternoon
at the window of the hotel, lost in thought,
when a person passed as if just arriving from
the train. She started. At the first glance
she took him to be her Nemesis, but a second
look convinced her she was mistaken.
** Not so distinguished looking,” she silently
confessed.
“We shall have him coming next!” said
she, speaking out her thoughts. “That I
won't stand !”’
Augusta was in the room, her heart told
her to whom the mysterious pronoun referred.
But from that moment Mrs. Reynolds’s
mind was made up; she would not stay there
any longer. ‘Tom had deserted them, driven
fairly away by the incessant wrangling and
GO
180 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
scolding, ‘‘ perpetual hot water’’ he called it.
She would do without his assistance. She
would cross over to Calais, and leave her
husband to find out whither they had gone.
And like the heroic lady she was, finding all
were arrayed against her, she buckled on her
armour and went forth, resolving not to suffer
defeat; and Augusta, that night, the last of
their stay in Hngland, while Gertrude was
doing the sentimental with the moon, wrote ©
off a little billet:to her lover, expressive of
her changeless affection, her happiness at
receiving so many touching proofs of his love
for her, and beseeching him not to write
again till he heard from her, as they were
going to cross over to Calais next morning.
Mrs. Reynolds did as Augusta had said,
she took the packet to Calais, and then the
chemin-de-fer to Boulogne. She feared her
means would not permit of her going further,
or assuredly she would not have come to a
halt there.
Her husband was not informed of this
*‘ bold stroke for a wife’ for some days, and
then it was through Freemantle, who, how-
ever, did not mention his informant, and the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. I31
two laughed heartily, and Mr. Reynolds said
it was his own fault for not having clipped his
wife’s wings sufficiently ; but in his heart he
was equally surprised and displeased, and told
himself he did not care what she did, or
where she went, she might stay at Boulogne
as long as she liked. He was sure to hear
when she wanted money, unless she turned
to and begged, or else raised the wind by
drawing a bill on Bubble-and-Squeak in his
name.
132 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XII.
“BOULOGNE HARBOUR. —CLARKSON STANFIELD.
Mr. Reynoips’s expectations as to the know-
ledge of his wife’s whereabouts, when she
would require his services, were fully realized ;
it came sooner than he anticipated, for at the
end of a week, she beheld the end of her
resources, and though excessively angry, she
was reduced to the necessity of applying to
him for fresh supplies.
Poverty makes one eat humble-pie, and so
apprehensive was the lady of the quantity she
might have to partake before riches were her
own again, that she brought her poverty to
hope ‘‘ that he did not mind her having made
this little trip across the water, just to please
the girls, who were literally dying to see
something of a foreign country: and moreover,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 133
if he wished them to return, she was willing
to do so.”
Mr. Reynolds was a fortunate man in some
things ; he was clever at expedients, and had
a happy knack of seizing the bull by the horns,
to use a trite saying: he did so in this
instance, and instead of reproaching her with
the thousand and one proofs of her utter dis-
regard of his feelings and wishes, he deter-
mined to strike while the iron was hot; and
turn his wife’s penitence to good account by
inducing her to return to her home and do-
mestic duties—the last thing she had intended
doing, at any rate, for some time.
He wrote, therefore, a most loving letter
to her, telling her he did not doubt she
thought to act for the best, though it was im-
prudent to go so far without first reckoning up
the cost. He was rejoiced to find she thought
of returning; he admired her wisdom and
good sense; for the more he reflected on it the
more convinced he became of the impractica~
bility of a journey to Switzerland this year.
He could not leave town, and it was much
too late for such a trip. ‘‘ Had she not seen
in the papers accounts of the unsatisfactory
134 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
state of everything connected with travelling
there this season? He had received a letter
from the So-and-So’s, old friends of his, filled
with grumblings and discontent — Hnglish
fashion, of course—but after what he had
heard he could not believe their complaints
to be entirely without foundation. 7
How glad he would be to have them all safe
home again; he would forward the money for
that purpose, and if she would consent to go
to Beaulieu and wait a little while till he could
travel with her, he would promise she should
not be disappointed ; for he would go with her
to Brighton, or Paris even, for a few weeks ;
as they did on the happy day that made them
one. He did not propose town, as, thanks to
Mr. G——, he had let the house for a couple
of months to a merchant prince of Manchester,
who could pay his thirty guineas a day as
easily as thirty guineas a week, and be glad
of the opportunity of relieving his pockets of
a superabundant cargo of gold. Hapvy man! -
‘How he envied him !”
It is odd that Mrs. Reynolds, not wanting
in judgment, and sharp-sighted and suspicious
to a degree, who loved contradiction for con-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 135
tradiction’s sake, and prided herself on being
master of her husband, never perceived that
he was the dominant power, and without force
or violence generally obtained his ends when
he cared to achieve a purpose.
And he did achieve it this time. His wife,
pleased with his letter and promises, was more
tractable, and consented to return.
She had also another reason for returning
to Beaulieu so quietly. She wished to make
one other effort for the furtherance of her
favourite scheme respecting Fred and Augusta.
At Beaulieu she would have the former more
under her control than in Town, and she
could better keep Freemantle at bay.
The girls were in raptures at the thought
of returning to England. Gertrude, girl like,
desired anything in the shape of a change.
“She hated France. What quizes the
people all are! Did you ever see such
guys ?” addressing her sister.
“T am sorry to say,” returned Augusta,
‘that those guys, as you call them, are dear,
honest English people, as thoroughly English
as is the word guy. More than half the people
in Boulogne are English.”
136 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“I don’t believe it,” said Gerty, ‘ and if
true, it is all because they try to be like the
French that they look such vulgar frights.”
“‘That’s quite true. It is because they try
to be like the French and cannot succeed, that
they make caricatures of themselves. They
want the graceful air of the French and their
gift of adaptation to circumstances.”
“T am sure I don’t want to be like the
French. I hate them. ‘With all their bows
and politeness they mean nothing all the
time.”
“They mean quite as much as the English
do with less courteous manners. The French
are an amiable people, always ready to help
you. If all are like those we see here, no
wonder they are so much beloved. I like the
French excessively.”
“ That’s because you are a hypocrite, like
them,’ remarked Gertrude, with honest Eng-
lish sincerity.
«Am Ia hypocrite?’ asked the dear girl,
reflectively. ‘* Many English girls are dread-
fully insincere. I have seen young ladies kiss
each other, call one another dears and darlings,
and make great demonstrations of friendship;
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 187
yet scarcely were they out of sight when
they would mimic their dears and darlings,
and make such fun of them that I could not
help laughing, though I hated myself for do-
Ing so.”
* What fun!” exclaimed Gertrude. “How
I do like to take people off.”
Augusta and Gertrude looked at the modi-
cum of France, of which they had experience,
from different points of view, each according
to her character.
To Augusta it brought associations of love
and kindness, even in her hour of gloom,
when her heart was torn by fear and anxiety,
longing, dreading to hear from her lover,
uncertain of his movements, uncertain how
he might take her last communication, its
prohibition to write to her.
Now, however, she was to return, she would
inhabit the same blissful region, no longer
separated by that stern power, forceful and
resistless, rolling its huge bulk between them,
saying, ‘* From henceforth be divided !”
Quitting Gertrude, with bounding heart,
she flew away like a bird. Away! to the
east! Away from the pier, its laughing, ,
138 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
chattering throng. Away to her quiet haunt,
lonely and dear, where she was wont to
watch the blue waves roll in, advance to meet
them, stoop to greet them, mayhap they
came laden with the breath of ‘“‘ Araby the
blest,” her own dear native land.
Here she sat, radiant in expectancy on the
shingly beach, the fresh breezes playing
round her, the enamoured wavelets kissing
her feet ; she whispered them her tale of love,
and bade them bear it on their crested wings
back to him who watched and waited her
return.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 139
CHAPTER XIII.
‘“‘ THE LETTER WRITER, SEVILLE.”—JOHN PHILLIP.
THe morrow came. Augusta, restless and
expectant, rose early, and, while Gertrude
performed her toilet, she bethought her of the
books they had belonging to the Library, and
went out to return them, as they were to
start by the early boat. On re-entering the
sitting-room, she saw some letters on the
breakfast table; delivered in during her
absence. She glanced at them with a care-
less eye, which the next instant flashed trium-
phant. There was one for herself, traced in
the characters of the beloved hand. She
caught it up, gazed at it with delight, and
then pressed it to her lips. |
The next moment her joy vanished, she
remembered her mother! She did not hesitate
140 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
a moment, but, taking up the letters, went
direct to Mrs. Reynolds’ room.
‘ Mamma,” said she, “ here are letters for
you, and one for me from Colonel Free-
mantle.”
“Then give it to me,” said Mrs. Reynolds.
‘I thought I had forbidden you to corres-
pond.”
Augusta held her letter firm.
‘This is the first I have received since you
did so,” she answered, gently.
*‘But you must have written to him, or
how could he know our direction >”
“Papa must have told him; I have only
written once, and that was to tell him not to
write again.”
*‘ And what reason did you give him?
That you were so cruelly ill-treated by your
mother, who threatened you with prison and
prison fare, like the cruel witches in fairy
tales P”’
‘‘T should not have told him that, if it had
been so. I wrote to tell him we were going
abroad, and our stay in any place so uncer-
tain, it was better not to write till he heard
from me again, and I have not written since.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 141
Mrs. Reynolds never doubted her.
** Mind you do not write,” was all she said.
Augusta understood she was to keep her
letter. She kissed her mother affectionately,
and then hurried away with her treasure.
As the sitting-room was empty, she went
back to it in order to con over her precious
document without witnesses.
“My Dartine!” began the enamoured
writer, ‘‘why have you been so long silent?
Am I forbidden to hear from you as well as
see you P”
Tears rushed into the sympathetic little
reader’s eyes. She heard a movement out-
side the door, and fearful of being seen, she
went to the open window, intending to finish
her billet-dowx on the balcony of the hotel.
The letter was still in her hand, and as she
looked down in stepping out, it was suddenly
snatched from her, by some one on the balcony,
who, crushing it up into a ball, flung it into
the street below. |
This was the work of the amiable Gerty,
who had been peeping at. the unconscious
142 . JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
performer during her little pantomime of
delight, and now veiled her spite under the
mask of “ fun,’’ and then laughed with playful
malice at Augusta’s discomfiture. She
(Augusta) stood stupefied for a moment,
doubting the truth of what she saw, and then
with sudden energy ran down to try to re-
cover her lost property.
In vain! She could see nothing of it;
whether the wind, which was fresh, blew it
away, or whether a man in the distance had
picked it up, she could not tell ; he appeared
to be looking at something in his hand. She
ran after him, but he turned a corner, and
when she reached it, he was nowhere to be
seen.
The poor girl felt as if she could die. The
light had gone out of her heart. Words he
had written, words never intended for other
eyes than her own, were to be betrayed, °
looked at, commented on, perhaps laughed at,
by the idle, the thoughtless, or the ignorant.
During the journey home she felt like a guilty
creature, trying to collect her courage to
meet Freemantle at the London Bridge Sta-
tion, where she felt certain of seeing him
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 143
with “loss of his dear letter’? written on her
brow.
But there he was not, and a cold chill came
over her. What could be the reason? Had
he heard of the disaster, and bid her adieu for .
ever ?P |
And this was London, delighting, as it too
often does, to welcome back travellers, by
putting on its most forbidding aspect. What
a dreary place it was! Wet, cold, dirty,
smoky, sooty, foggy, cheerless, racketty Lon-
don! Surely it was not the same place she
had started from! But then, he was there,
looking at her, watching her departure with
tender and regretful eyes ; now he was not,
and that made all the difference in the
world.
Mr. Reynolds came to meet his family, and
to look to the comforts and well-being of
those he loved. His little pocket-piece, Bessie,
shrieked with delight at the sight of papa.
Gerty tried the effect of her French-polish on
her fellow-travellers, and did not meet with
success, and so disgusted was she that she
declared the English stupid, vulgar, wretches.
She hated them. The French were worth
144 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
millions of them; she loved the French, and
wished the English were all dead !
Thanks to the good management of pater-
familias, they reached Beaulieu without misad-
venture; he seemed .cheerful and glad to have
them home again.
It was not till dinner time that Augusta
could obtain the opportunity of speaking to
him, and then she asked timidly if he had
seen Colonel Freemantle lately.
‘Only three or four days ago, when I gave
him your address,” was the answer. ‘“ Has
he not written to you P”’
She answered that he had done so, but she
was prevented reading the letter, as Gertrude
had snatched it from her hand.
At this moment that young lady entered
the room, when her father said to her, kindly—
“‘Gerty, my dear, you must give Augusta
back her letter. A woman’s love-letters are
inviolate, and should never be made fool’s
play of.”
“T have not got her letter,” said Gertrude,
sulkily.
“No!” said Augusta, sadly; “but you
took it from my hand as I was reading it.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 140
© T did not!”
“Oh! Gertrude; did you not snatch it
away, and throw it over the balcony ?”
‘You said just now you were reading it,’
said precise Gerty.
“* Leave off this,” says papa. “ Gerty, give
your sister her letter; you would not like it
yourself if you had one.”
“ T have not got it.”
“ But you know where it 1s P”
“Who told you so, papa ?”’
“T tell you so; and if you do not cease
this prevarication, and give up the letter, I
will take means to make you.”
“ Mamma, mamma!” said she, addressing
her mother, as she entered, “‘ here’s Augusta
tellmg papa that I have got a letter she
received from that stupid fellow Freemantle
this morning.”
Augusta’s colour rose to indignation point
at such insufferable impertinence.
** T did not say you had the letter, Gertrude,”
said she, with spirit.
“ She’s angry because I called him stupid,”
said Gertrude, laughing spitefully.
* And so am J,” said her father; “ and if
VOL, Il. H
146 JOHN FORTHESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
you do not produce the letter I will not allow
you to come to the table.”
Augusta essayed to tell the fate of this
brand cast among them, but was silenced by
Mrs. Reynolds.
This is owing to your duplicity in cor-
responding with ‘that man,’ and my folly in
allowing you to keep the letter; but I will not
bear with you any longer; you are the cause
of all the strife in the house; if it was not
for you we should be as happy and quiet as
possible.”
Augusta made no answer.
She did indeed look a dangerous character ;
her glowing cheeks, her kindling eyes, her
matchless features might have caused another
siege of Troy.
Mr. Reynolds felt proud of the beauty of
his daughter.
“Come, Poppy” (his pet name for his wife),
‘do not be too hard on poor Augusta. Many
a letter did I send you in spite of father and
mother. Have you forgotten our little bet
of making good old mother the bearer of one
in the furbelow of her hat, and how I won P”
Mrs. Reynolds did not approve of her
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 147
youthful frolics being held up for the example
of her family.
“ What stuff you talk,” said she. ‘“ Idon’t
recollect anything of the kind, and beg you
will not put such ideas into the children’s
heads. I know what is best for them, as my
mother did for me. If I had followed her
wishes, I should not be the unhappy woman I
am now.”
** You did not think so then.”
“‘ Because I was young and foolish.”’
** Make the same excuse for your children.”
“JT daresay. You will ask me next to make —
the same excuse for you, who are always
teaching them to disobey their mother.”
‘Do not repeat that,” exclaimed Mr. Rey-
nolds ; “‘and.do you” (addressing Gertrude)
“ give up that letter instantly.”
*‘ Shall I give it to you, papa? It has
something about you in it.”
“Have you the letter, then?’ exclaimed
Augusta, with surprise.
« Sha’n’t answer you,” retorted Gerty.
«* But you shall answer me,” said her
father. ‘‘ Have you that letter ?”
« No, I have not.”
H 2
148 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
*¢ What have you done with it ?”
**T have not done anything with it.”
«Then what has become of it P”
* T don’t know.”
“‘ Have you lost it ?”
**T did not lose it; it was not mine.’
“Then Augusta lost it ?”
Ben O8.:
“© How P”
“‘ Over the balcony at the hotel.”
‘“¢ How came she to do that ?”
*“‘ Because she was stupid !”
“Oh, Gertrude!” cried Augusta, with a
look of agony, “you tore it from my hand,
and threw it away.”
* Served you right !”’ she answered, with a
laugh.
“You read it before you threw it away ?”’
questioned her father.
‘No, I did not; I had not time.”
“ You found it afterwards ?”’
“No, I did not.”
“What was it he said about me in it, my
dear P”’
Here his wife interposed.
‘“‘ What does it matter about the trumpery
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 149
letter? As if anyone cared a straw about
such trash! I wonder when we are to have
dinner.”’
The dinner is a-gettin’ cold
entering on the instant.
** Listening,” thinks sharp Gerty.
Mr. Reynolds, the astute, keen cross-
examiner, whom at the bar of justice there
was no deceiving, who would have the truth
and the whole truth out, however hidden, was
fairly blindfolded by his own daughter !
Tired and hungry, he put the whole affair
aside as a mistake, arising from Augusta’s
natural disappointment at the loss of her
letter. Gertrude could have no reason for
keeping it. It was gone, and there was an
end of it.
Not so Augusta. She had seen the words
‘your father,” as she opened her billet, but
had not divined their meaning when the fracas
took place. Gertrude must have seen them
likewise ; but the whole transaction had been
the work of a moment. She had rushed
down stairs immediately, leaving Gertrude
laughing on the balcony. It was impossible
she could have read the letter, and must have
}??
said Brown,
150 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, FSQ.
spoken at a venture about the words. These
thoughts occupied her all dinner, and she sat
silent and dispirited, longing for the peace
and quiet only to be obtained in her own room.
On entering it, Augusta found the windows
still unclosed, and the rays of a brilliant full-
moon streaming in. Shading her light, she
sat down by the casement, and as her eyes
wandered over the lovely landscape, she sank
into reverie.
Since last she sat there what changes had
been wrought. Love, the enchanter, had
waved his wand; a new world, a new exist-
ence had opened to her, and she exulted in
the delightful certainty of a new life. Was
not that sufficient for happiness? It ought
to be, and yet it was not. The pressure from
without was too strong.
True, it was all from without; but human
nature cannot divest itself of outward in-
fluence, nor view unmoved the thunderbolt
launched at the devoted head.
While pondering thus, dark shadows stole
over the landscape, and in sympathy with the
changes of physical nature, her thoughts
became clouded likewise.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 151
Her mother’s fixed resolve to break off her
engagement with Freemantle; his absence at
this trying moment ; her fears lest the sinister
influence might prevail; Gertrude’s un-
sisterly conduct ; the treatment she was sub-
jected to in her own home; the language
addressed to herself; the invectives against
him, who was dearest on earth to her, out-
raging all laws of good breeding; and then
her letter, which would have told her, no
doubt, the reason of his not coming to meet
her—all these thoughts came thronging upon
her with so much of painful foreshadowing,
that she shivered with the prescience of com-
ing evil.
She rose up to close the window, to shut
out the darkness; thick banks of clouds tra-
velling up had veiled the moon in huge
eclipse. As she did so she was struck by the
contrast between the two evenings, yester-
day’s and the present, the visions of the one
and the reality of the other. Last night she
stood on a pinnacle, nearer to heaven, nothing
of earth but the spot on which the soles of
her feet rested. It was all a dream, and
vanished with the night. In the morning she
awoke to see herself as she really was, mocked
152 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
and ill-used, her vision destroyed, her letter
torn from her hand and cast to the mercy of
any rudejester passing along the highway.
She was roused by a violent wrenching of
the handle of her door, and an imperious
demand for admittance.
“ Not to-night, Gertrude, please,” said
Augusta. ‘ Iam not well, and am going to
bed immediately.”
‘‘ Let me come in,’ was the answer, “ or
I will burst the door open.”
As the speaker seemed about to put her
threat into execution, Augusta opened it.
“* What is it, Gerty P”’ said she.
“ You are a mean thief!’’ cried Gertrude,
forcing herself into the room, “ and I'll tell
Colonel Freemantle of your going and pick-
ing my pocket.”
“‘ Hxplain yourself,” said Augusta, “ and
do not make false accusations !”’
*‘ It’s not false! You know you have been
into my room and rummaged my pockets.”
** Have you lost your purse, then ?”
**As if I should mind losing that, when
there’s nothing in it! You are a deceitful
creature, as mamma says.”
“‘ If there is one spot on earth, Gertrude,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 158
that I can call my own, it is this room. Go,
and leave me in peace.”’
I sha’n’t stir till you return it.”
“I have nothing of yours.”
** Yes you have. It’s mamma’s, and that’s
all the same.”
** | have nothing of mamma’s either, but
what she has given me,” said Augusta.
** You are telling falsehoods, and I'll write
and tell Colonel Freemantle that you area
story teller, and he will not write you any
more letters.”’
** Have you lost his letter, then?’ ex-
claimed Augusta, as it flashed on her that
Gertrude spoke of her lost treasure.
** How could you have guessed that if you
had not stolen it?’ asked the girl, not yet
awake to the inspiration of love’s politics, nor
ever likely to be. |
“ T know nothing about it, and will never
forgive your unkindness ; and to lose it a
second time.”
“ T have not lost it. It was in the pocket
of my dress when I changed it for dinner, and
now it is gone.” |
“Oh! Gerty. Howcould you? I have
HO
154 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
not deserved this treatment. Have I not
always been a kind sister to you?”
«That you have not!”
Augusta was silent, trying to imagine into
whose hands her letter had again fallen,
though none could be worse than those
through which it had already passed.
“ You have gotit all the time!” said Gerty,
with her usual persistence. “ And if you do
not tell me where it is, I will go down to
mamma, and let her know what you have
done.” |
“ Do you know what you have done, Ger-
trude? Letters are sacred, and you have
tampered with one that did not belong to
you, and which you had no right to interfere
with.”
“IT dare say! and I was to let you go on
with your sly tricks.”
‘“‘ Be more polite, at any rate.”
“Tam not going to mind you. Who are
you to order me, I should like to know?
Just tell me that!”
‘“‘ There is no occasion to answer such a
childish question,” returns Augusta, wearied
out.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 155
** Because you can’t.”
‘Be it so—only leave me. I have a head-
ache, and shall be glad to go to bed.”
“Indeed! Then I sha’n’t, because you tell
me. Iam not going to be the slave of such
a thing as you!”
** Remember, Gertrude, I am still your
sister.”
** That you are not, and that’s why I hate
you !”
** Then who am I?”
** You are nobody.”
“You are talking nonsense !””
“Tamnot. I have told you before, you
are a beggar, and will die in the streets |”
** How can you use such language, Ger-
trude? If you do not leave the room, you
will compel me to go down to papa.” |
* Let me catch you telling tales to
papa again! He’s my papa, and not yours; -
and she’s my mamma, and not yours.”
* And who am I, then?” asked Augusta,
with a face of ashy whiteness. .
“ A beggar, I tell you, and none of ours!
Now you believe me!” and Gertrude left the
room.
156 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XIV.
‘¢ RHADING THE NEWS. —-D. WILKIE.
Aveusta did believe; believed, when she
would have given worlds for the resolute un-
belief of a few months ago, when Gertrude
first suggested the idea to her mind.
On Gertrude’s leaving her she remained for
a time, trying to make all clear. All her
hopes, all her love, all its enchantments, passed
as in areview before her, and then vanished
into darkness.
Who was she? <A beggar! To die in the
streets! How cold it is! To lose him!
To give him up! dHe so dear! her life
bound up in him! Why had she been so
wilfully blind? shut her eyes to the truth,
when Gertrude spoke in language as forcible
as it was unjustifiable. But then Gertrude’s
statements were rarely to be relied on, she
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 157
would say anything. But if this strange story
were true, it would account for “ mamma’s”’
not loving her. How could she if she was
not her daughter ? Whose was she then? a
poor relation ? But why amystery? People
did not usually bring up their poor relations
as their own children. Did papaknow? He
was not her father, if what Gertrude said was
true. Yet he was always kind and affec-
tionate as one to her. If he did not know,
then there was some mystery connected with
her birth. How could she be so blind! Had
she been sharp, like Gertrude, things would
have been so different. But she had been so
happy, thinking always of dam, that nothing
else held place in her mind, and she had gone
on loving him when she ought not, and now
misery would be her portion.
‘‘'Who were her father and mother? She
must have had them, though Gertrude said
she was a nobody.”
The image of Mrs. Whynn rose to answer.
“No! Tl not believe it. Never! Never!
She could not do such a thing! Abandon
her own child ? Give her over to wretched-
ness and misery? I'll never believe it!
158 | JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Away with such a thought! And then there
ts Frederick, Admiral and Mrs. Whynn’s son!”
She took these words to her heart, and
clung to them with a tenacity which refused
to admit of another interpretation reason
and instinct combined to urge; because
utterly distasteful to her feelings.
She was about to descend next morning to
breakfast, when nurse presented herself, and
bustling in with an air of mystery, took a
letter out of her pocket, and put it into her
young mistress’s hands.
‘“‘[ found this, miss,” said she, ‘‘ please
don’t say anything about it, no one has
seen it.”
Augusta looked at it, and then threw her
arms round nurse, who quickly withdrew.
She was awake !
It was her letter—mangled and torn, it is
true, but still her letter.
Joy for the time overpowered every other
sensation, as she read the glowing effusion,
her heart responding to its every impassioned
word.
The mystery of its disappearance was
easily solved. She put two and two
. JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 159
together, and by that means arrived as
near to fact as circumstantial evidence per-
mitted.
In her eagerness to regain possession of
her letter, when cast to the winds by the
playful Gerty, she failed to make note of
things significant enough; but now she re-
membered that in her headlong fight down
the stairs, she saw the head of that self-im-
portant individual, Brown, passing along the
vestibule below. He had evidently come from
the door of the Hotel. She hkewise remem-
bered hearing Gertrude running after her, and
thinking she was in pursuit, quickened her
steps. And thus it was. Brown, with the
free-and-easy superciliousness which distin-
guishes the British “‘ Jeames’’ when doing the
*‘ Conternent,” as he called it, was, according
to custom, lounging away his time at the
door of the “ Lertell,’’ as he denominated
Vhotel, when the unfortunate missive came
flying down into the road; the laughter
and confusion in the balcony above informed
him of its importance, and he condescended
so far as to go out, and stoop to pick it up.
He was rewarded for his condescension on.
160 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
finding that it came from the “ Curnell.” He
improved the pronunciation of this word, by
transferring the accent to the last syllable.
The Colonel was rather a favourite of his,
he admired him so far as to condescend to
take him for his model. ‘“ He is my
merdell !” he would say. He was known
to practise assiduously the Colonel’s style of
walking, and to wear his hair parted in the
same way. He attempted likewise the bouquet
in his button-hole, but Mrs. Reynolds’s tower-
ing anger at his presumption, effectually pre-
vented his trying it a second time.
Had Augusta been patient like Gertrude,
she would have been like her a witness to
Brown’s condescension in stooping to pick
up the Colonel’s letter, but she was so im-
petuous, had dashed from the room with such
unladylike haste, that she lost all the fun, and
was very properly punished.
Whereas Gertrude did things much better,
for she re-entered from the balcony with less
haste and more dignity, and when Augusta
had gone, she went down and demanded the
letter from Brown, before the poor wretch
could master its contents. He could not
a
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, HSQ. 161
read writing quite so well as print, and the
Colonel’s handwriting was somewhat hiero-
glyphical, rather rapid, with some of the
letters left out, but Love never found any
difficulty in deciphering the enigmas, or sup-
plying the missing links.
Augusta’s unhappiness returned with ten-
fold sense for its temporary suspension. |
“Tf she could but feel as she did yesterday
morning, when the fate of this letter seemed
the heaviest calamity that could befal her.
What was she now P What had twenty-four
hours made her ?””’
A beggar indeed !
A bankrupt in life, love, and happiness !
She must give himup! Tear his image
from her heart! He loved her! Look at
his letter! Was there ever such love before !
And she loved him better—But no! God
comes first. She must goto Him! Carry her
eriefs to Him! Lay them down before His
Mercy-seat! Perhaps He might see fit to help
her out of her difficulties. She could not bear —
that he whom she loved should turn from
her, cease to regard her, look elsewhere!
She a beggar, a wanderer through the world,
162 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
forlorn and miserable, without home, without
friends, to die in the streets!
At breakfast she appeared as white as
marble.
** How pale you look, my dear,” said Mr.
Reynolds, ‘‘ no bad news I hope.”
“How kind he is! He must be my
father |!” thought Augusta, strugeling to con-
ceal her emotion.
“She knows now he will never have her.
I am so glad,” says affectionate Gertrude,
beneath her breath.
But Gertrude’s cogitations were cut short
by an exclamation from Mr. Reynolds, who
had been conning over his ‘* Times.”
“The deuce take him!” he exclaimed,
violently ; ‘‘ ll make him pay for this!”
And he dashed down the journal, ill-used
according to custom when it conveys un-
pleasant intelligence, as though it were the
offending party, instead of the unconscious
medium. }
Mr. Reynolds quitted the room, and then
his wife took up the paper im order to find
out the cause of the explosion on the part
of her husband. She was not successful,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 163
though she examined, as she thought, every
paragraph.
‘Not worth the trouble, I daresay,” she
muttered, as she laid it down, and betook
herself to her morning’s avocations.
As soon as she had departed, Augusta took
her turn to solve the enigma. “The Money
Market and City Intelligence’’ lay uppermost,
and the first word that caught her eye was
the name of him who was dearest of all to her
The sentence wherein it appeared ran thus—
“We understand that Colonel Freemantle
has resigned his post of Vice-Chairman of
the Bubble-and-Squeak Company.”’
“My darling in that?’ murmured Augusta ;
**T thought papa was Vice-Chairman.”
164 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XV.
‘6 THESEUS ADMIRING HIS FATHER’S SWORD.’’—
POMPEIAN.
Our lively young friend Fred, when we last
had news of him, was “chewing the cud of
sweet and bitter fancy,” in the dolce far niente
imposed on him by a broken arm, and “ no
end of scwatches and bwuises.”’
There was this difference between him and
his great prototype the Colonel, he was proud
of having so few wounds, and the latter of
having so many ; but if the Chinese hero was
not so thoroughly cut up as the Indian, he
had, to do him justice, wreaked his vengeance
to more purpose on his enemies; he had
smashed them to atoms, they never could rise
again; whereas the Indian Hydra is growing
his heads again, and may any day show his
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 165
forked tongue, and send fire and fury on his—
Well! Not greedy, grinding, rapacious,
insolent, overbearing keepers. Oh, no!
Fred sent for his friend to come and condole
with him, a prisoner; and the magnanimous
Freemantle, who, like the valiant Henri LV. of
France, was as generous as he was brave, and
could bear a rival near his throne, came and
did what he could to beguile the tedium of his
imprisonment.
We know not whether the change which
took place in Fred’s mode of thought at this
time was due to the influence of his friend, or
to that of a still greater magician. But a
change certainly had taken place, and he
startled his visitor not a little, by telling him
on one occasion ‘“ that—he—had—been—
serwiously—thinking.”’
Freemantle was glad to hear of so decided
an improvement in the patient.
“Yes,” says Fred, ‘‘ [—have—been—vewy
—serwiously—thinking.”’
“ That’s right, my boy! Go on!” said his
kind friend.
“ Well! ’ve—been—sewiously thinking !”
and again Fred stopped short.
166 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ Out with it! Let me see if I can help
you in your thoughts.”
“* [’ve—been — sewiously—thinking,—but
—you ll—laugh—at—me.”
“ No, I won't,” said Freemantle, laughing.
*¢ You—re—laughing—now !”
‘You go on, and I shall leave off.”
“ Well! I was sewiously — thinking —
of—”
“‘ Getting married? Is that the rock you
are splitting on?’ asks Freemantle.
*¢ Not—at—pwesent.”’
“ Something else, then; it must be very
serious to set you so seriously thinking.”
“ Well, I was sewiously thinking—of—”
“A profession, perhaps, as a preliminary
to getting married. Is that it?”
“ Well !—I—was—sewiously—thinking—of
—a—pwofession.”’
“Tt’s out now!’ answered Freemantle.
‘“‘ That is a serious subject.”
* Yes! I—want— you — to—tell—me—
sewlously — what—you—sewiously—think—
me—fit—for.”
The hardest question ever put to our friend ;
he sat in a brown study, trying to think
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 167
what the good-natured, wrong-headed, rough-
handed fellow before him was fitted for, what
occupation was best adapted to his peculiar
capacities, the least dangerous to himself and
his neighbours.
Fred beat his friend all to nothing in
jumping to conclusions ; he left off seriously
thinking, and solved the problem by telling
Freemantle that his mind was made up, his
inclinations tended towards the Church.
‘** He wished to weform,” he said, “‘ and the
best—way — was — to — become—weligious.
There—was — nothing — like—weligion—tfor
keeping —one—in—the—wight—woad.”’
Freemantle approved the reasoning, but
scarcely considered the young man adapted
to the sacred profession, either personally or
intellectually: he could not-however hint this,
and represented the difficulty by asking if he
felt equal to the great reading required in the
candidate for Holy Orders.
“ Weading, is it ?”’ exclaimed Fred, aghast.
« Shall — I — have — to—wead? Hate—
w—e—ading. Have—n’t—looked — at—a—
book—since—I—was—a boy !”
His counsellor forbore to ask him how long
ago that was.
168 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ Then we must give up the Church, since
book lore is not to your taste.”’
“* C-can’t— you — get — in—any—other—
way ?”
“ You may do it by coach,” says wicked
Freemantle.
“ Jolly !’ shouted Fred, “ and horses—
too? lLike—dwiving—better — than — any-
thing.”
** How would you like driving before the
wind, then? Would a sailor’s life do for
you P”
‘““W—hat! Gotosea? P—itch—and—
toss—all—day—long ? Not—if—I— know
it! Could—n’t — stand—the—wo—lls, the—
howwible—wo—lls. Went — to—Thames—
Wegatta, — wetchedly —ill, —down— in —
—cabin—whole— time. Splendid — wace,—
saw—nothing.”
“You would soon get over all that.’’
“ ’m—not going—t—twy,” says Fred, de-
cidedly. ‘‘ My—bwains—wouldn’t—stand—
the—wo—lls”’ (shuddering at the recollec-
tion), and—the—wows—the—winds—and —
waves—kick—up. 1I—tell—you—what—I'll
do—I’ll—go—in—for—physic |—pwecious—
nasty—stuff,” |
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 169
Freemantle’s duty to his country interfered
here. He could not become accessory to the
sacrifice of life that must inevitably take place
did Fred undertake to administer to suffering
humanity.
“Tf books are stumbling-blocks in your way
to the Church,” said he, “ you would find
them mountains in your road to the hospital.
There is no profession that involves such an
“amount of book-drudgery as the medical.”
** B—b—books again! [—hate—books !
A B C was—enough—for—me.”’
** And you must write them too.”
* That’s—a—pwetty—go! I— hate —
wighting—w—worse—than—weading.”’
** And walking the hospitals would not be
to your taste either, nor to attend dissecting
rooms. How would you like setting broken
limbs, like this poor arm of yours, that
snapped in two, with the heavy blows you
were dealing about ?”’
“Hallo!” says Fred, sensitive on some
points; ‘‘ and—I—shouldn’t—welish—being
—a—target—for—any—fellow—t—pull—his
twigger at, and—spoil—my—wed—coat !”
(A slap at Freemantle.)
VOL. I. I
170 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“No! no! You shall only be a target for
Dan Cupid to fire his arrows at. He has
shot you already; perhaps this is his work,
the rogue |”
** B—bosh !”’ blurts out Fred. ‘ I—should
—]—lhke—to—pwactice—or—or—watowy—
best. There’s—no—weading—nor—wighting
—there. J—lke—m—making—s—s—spe—
eches! I—say—isn’t—old—W eynolds—a—
hand—at—it ?”
A sudden gravity overspread Freemantle’s
face.
© There is no doubt about that,’”’ said he. “I
wish I was as certain of him in other things,”
was his unspoken addition.
It was about this time that misgivings as
to Mr. Reynolds’ genuineness forced them-
selves upon his mind, in spite of all his en-
deavours to drive them into the background.
Mrs. Whynn began, likewise, to have hers
as to the perfect course of that river which
never does run smooth, it is said.
She did not see much of Colonel Free-
mantle, being usually out paying visits when
he called.
The first time that she saw him, she ob-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 171
served with delight that he was in the wildest
spirits, looking at everyone and everything
through an enchanted glass, and speaking of
the Reynolds’ family as the people who held
it. But latterly a change had come over him,
he looked grave, and to her anxious eyes de-
pressed, while he was silent on the subject
nearest his heart, and her own too; so much
so that her courage failed her, when she tried
to speak of Augusta.’
“If ali were right,” she argued, “ why did
he not join the family in their peregrinations,
as an affianced husband would do ?”
Her maternal anxiety took alarm; she
could gain no intelligence save through him.
Augusta, too honourable to carry on a cor-
respondence unknown to her parents, was
prohibited by Mrs. Reynolds from holding any
communication with Mrs. Whynn, and chance
meetings could not befriend her now. Her
uneasiness increased, and she resolved to speak
to Freemantle on his next visit.
She saw him but once afterwards; it was
in the city. She was on her way to visit the
celebrated lady of Threadneedle Street, in her
dingy old “fixing” there. Freemantle was
I 2
172 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
returning from a visit to the equally celebrated
one of the Bubble-and-Squeak Company, in
their splendid new architectural Parthenon of
a palace, hard by. |
He did not see Mrs. Whynn, though, blocked
up and at a standstill, her carriage stood
almost on the kerb stone; she could have
spoken to him, even touched him, but there
was that in his countenance which made her
heart sink. |
His eyes looked darkly out on the distance,
his teeth were set, the lines of his face rigid,
and he so changed, she thought so fierce in
aspect, that she could have doubted his identity.
But the indescribable majesty of his bearing
could not be mistaken. He had scarce his
peer in that vast city, teeming with life, tossed
by contending passions, swaying to and fro,
like the tumultuous heaving of the world of
waters engirdling our rocky shores.
Such signs Mrs. Whynn felt boded no good.
She could not of course surmise their cause,
so of course attributed them to circumstances
which bore reference, if not exactly to herself,
at any rate to one in whom she took especial
interest—an adaptation very popular with
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 173
mankind, in respect to signs and symbols, and
she, with her daughter’s happiness uppermost
in her mind, regarded these appearances as
ominous to the peace of her darling.
174 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XVI.
‘ oTp JOHN ROSS DISCOVERING THE TRUE MAGNETIO
POLE.”
Mr. Reynotps never made a greater mistake,
than when he soothed his conscience with the
flattering belief that he had built up the
broken fortunes of his company, and staved
off the day of reckoning as to his own per-
sonal liabilities, by the introduction of Free-
mantle, or Jee Jeebhoy, the great Indian
Billionaire, as transposed per telegraph.
Freemantle turned out a perfect hornet
among the poor bees, all hard at work, storing
their hives as long as the last rose of sum-
mer afforded a drop of honey to be added
thereto. As hesaid, he was not aman to hold
a sinecure, to receive pay for doing no work.
The activity natural to his character was
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 175
much increased by the consternation of his
father.
So little did Freemantle approve of his
position, that he forbore to make mention
of it at home, and the first intimation of it
to the elder Freemantle was seeing his son’s
name quoted as ‘“‘ Deputy-Chairman to the
Bubble-and-Squeak Company, vzce John For-
tescue Reynolds, resigned,’ in the various
advertisements of joint-stock companies always
to be found in the advertising columns of the
daily journals.
** It cannot be true,’ said Mr. Freemantle
to his wife, as they sat at breakfast one
morning. ‘‘ Maximilian can never have been
so mad as to give his name to such a swindle
ag that.”
“It must be some mistake,’’ answers the
lady; ‘‘I am sure it would be the last thing
he would do with his eyes open, and if it is
so, he has been persuaded into it by the cap-
tivating rhetoric of Mr. Reynolds. There is
no peowing, what he would not persuade une
into doing.”
*‘He may persuade women, my dear, into
doing foolish things, no doubt; but I never
176 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
would have believed Max would be such a
goose. It is the first stupid thing I have
known him do, and he will rue it as long as he
lives.”’
“Oh! pray do not say so,” said his wife.
‘* Whether right or wrong, there is but one
path Maximilian ever trod, and that is the
path of honour. This I know well,” con-
tinued she, with energy; ‘‘ but I cannot bear
he should have cause to regret a thing he has
done, he would feel it so keenly.”
‘You are a famous advocate,” replied her
admiring husband. “TI shall appoint you my
special pleader when I want one.”
“Do,” returned the lady; “‘ you shall not
lose your cause if love and will can win it.”
Mr. Freemantle’s silence spoke more elo-
quently than words, and the lady arose and
kissed him.
‘¢ Maximilian,”’ said he, when he next saw
his son, *‘ I hope it is not true that you have
put your name down as director or something
in that conglomeration of knaves, the Bubble-
and-Squeak Company.”
“Ts it anything so reprehensible?” said his
son.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 177
** Reprehensible ! How could you do such
a thing? It is one of the most impudent
takes-in that has been foisted upon John Bull,
or John Gull rather, this century.”
‘‘ Whatever it is, 1 am in for it. I have
bought and paid for the shares, and beenduly |
elected to sit at the Board.”
“Get out of it then! That Ruinall is the
greatest cheat that ever lived, and the Board,
as you call it, a nest of vampires. The whole
affair is a juggle, unsound to its foundation,
ready to fall on the heads of the fools who
have given their money to it. Get out at all
hazards, you must, indeed; lose anythinge—
lose everything ; but get out. It only shows
how hare-faced imposture will succeed, for this
to stand as long as it has done.”’
“‘T promise you [ will, if, on examining the
books, I see reason for it. I do not mean to
act the part of lay figure to the company.”
“You are Joey Reckless !” said the father,
laying his hand on the shoulder of his beloved |
son. “I will make up to you whatever you
lose. Why did you go in without consulting
me? Love! love! is making you play sad,
fantastic tricks.”
Tid
178 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
In pursuance of his promise to his father,
whom he knew to be a much better man of
business than himself, he made a rigid exam-
ination of the books of the company.
Day after day he went, Board or no Board.
He had not taken honours in mathematics,
seeing he never went to either of the Univer-
sities, though brave old Oxford gave him its
grand degree all the same. Hton was as far
as he ever got, but he was well up in addition
and subtraction, and in his progress through
the Hleusinian mysteries of the logarithms of
the Bubble-and-Squeak tables, he fathomed so
far as to discover that the monetary subtrac-
tion exceeded the addition in about the same
ratio, as thousands of volumes are subtracted
out of twenty-six letters of the alphabet.
Freemantle was astounded at the tremen-
dous fraud and deception, though but in part
disclosed by his researches ; the full develop-
ment was reserved for the stern dispensers of
justice belonging to the Court of Chancery,
into whose hands the liquidation of its affairs
was deputed a few months later.
Freemantle would not wait till then; he
took his father’s advice, sold out his shares at
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 179
the sacrifice of two thirds what he paid for
them, only too glad to be rid of them, and
he likewise resigned his post of deputy-
chairman.
This affair was the reason of his absence at
this particular time.
No man, especially such a one as our hero,
likes to find out that he has been made
a dupe, and that too by one whom he, in his
own upright heart, believed to be as genuine
and honest as himself. Still worse, the whole
of the circumstances of his acquaintance, and
the use made of it, arose entirely out of his
love for that man’s daughter.
On Augusta’s account Freemantle did not
wish to quarrel with Mr. Reynolds, but he
felt he could not be friendly to him as yet;
so he went away for a short time, to take
“ constitutionals’’ no doubt, his English
habit of restoring the tone of his mind.
Still he would not allow it to make any
difference in his affection towards her he
loved. He would trust her in spite of her
father, and in this mood he gave the reins
to his full heart in the letter of the balcony,
charged with the fate of Augusta.
180 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
He was too kind and considerate, and far
too much in love, to hurt her who was so dear
to him, even by a hint of any misunderstand-
ing having taken place. He tenderly re-
proached her for not writing to him, and
lamented his inability to obtain from her
father the clue to her whereabouts at
Boulogne, and concluded by expressing his
intense longing to see her, charging her to
place that trust in him which he did in her.
His feelings towards her could know no
change, he only asked her to love him, and
wound up with the most endearing terms
that love like his could dictate.
Mr. Reynolds’ wrath knew no bounds when
Freemantle’s recreancy became known to
him.
He was a man of strong feelings, and could
express them strongly, and he did so on this
occasion, so strongly, that any one to have
heard him, would have supposed him to be
the injured party.
It was very quickly known to all the
reading world that Freemantle had resigned
the important post of deputy-chairman, and
the unsettled state of Bubble-and-Squeak’s
JOHN FORTESOCUE REYNOLDS, uSQ. 181
shares, like the barometer in windy weather,
showed that there was a deal of business
going on in them, of a decidedly downward
tendency.
The virtuous company was excessively
indignant at the discredit cast on it by the
secession of Freemantle, and Mr. Reynolds
thought things looking very blue, when he
found himself accused of playing practical
jokes for the purpose of ratting, and Colonel
Freemantle, his intended son-in-law, of aiding
and abetting him !
Mr. Reynolds was so incensed at these
scandalous accusations, backed as they were
by threats of calling on him for a restitution
of moneys lent, that he forthwith declared
open war with his opponent. At the next
meeting of the Board he avowed his deter-
mination, in the presence of that upright,
honourable and disinterested body of men
constituting the direction, of calling that.
arch deceiver Colonel Freemantle to account
for his conduct.
Had he not solicited, nay implored him
(the speaker) to use his interest to get him
admitted into that wise and most honourable
182 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
company? Did he not urge the importance
it would give him in the eyes of the electors
of Rochester, could such a dignity as director
be added to his other qualifications P
He himself had been most unwilling to
accede to the request, but every post was
filled up, worthily filled up, he would add
(hear, hear). Ashe said at the time, he really
did feel that he had too many irons in the
fire, but this, he could lay his hand on his
heart and declare, was the last post he ever
thought to resign. He always intended that
he and his dear Bubble-and-Squeak, like
husband and wife, should jog on together,
through good report and evil report, till he
made that unwilling journey from whence no
traveller returns.
But men. like them, many of whom no
doubt had sons and daughters grown up,
would feel for him, and acknowledge how hard
a thing it was to refuse the prayers, and he
would add the tears of a wife and family, who
on bended knees besought him not to turn a
deaf ear to their petition in favour of the
happiness of one of themselves! It was
dependent on his decision,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 183
They, men of large parental affections,
would know how difficult it was to act always
a3 one’s reason and judgment dictate, and
to refuse point blank so delicate and trying a
request.
He would confess that he was not equal
to it, he did not possess that brute-like,
Brutus-firmness and cruelty. In a moment
of weakness he listened, and listening was
betrayed into resigning his post to one
whom he really deemed fitted for it; the
best calculated to promote and advance the
interests of all parties, seeing the high position
the traitor held. He had acted with the very
best intention, but he had been grossly de-
ceived, nor would he let the matter rest there.
He would take Colonel Freemantle to task
for the slur cast upon them all by his sudden
and unaccountable proceedings; he would tell
that man to his face that no daughter of his
should he have, and as he had taken his stand
on the score of the election, so should he fall —
by it (hear, hear).
The election would take place very shortly,
no opponent was in the field, it was nearing the
eleventh hour certainly, and he (Mr. Reynolds)
184 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
was a stranger to Rochester ; but nevertheless
he would risk it. He would go down there and
contest the election (tremendous cheers from
Messrs. Gammon, Humbug and Co.). Aye,
and would win it too! (renewed cheers), and
all he asked them was, to keep open the
vacant post a little longer, when, crowned
with laurels, he should again present himself
to their notice, and esteem ita greater honour
to be chaired by them, as member of their
honourable body, than of even the proudest
constituency of England.
And the Board believed in him, and con-
trived statements to the effect that Freemantle
had withdrawn solely for the purpose of
joining his regiment in India, and that the
post of deputy-chairman would be refilled by
no other than their late tried, popular
coadjutor, John Fortescue Reynolds, Esq.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 185
CHAPTER XVII.
‘6 PETS.—MONKEY AND PARROT.’’—SIR EDWIN
LANDSEER.
On, the return of Mr. Reynolds’ family to
their pretty domicile, ‘ Beaulieu,” their
neighbours testified their pleasure by warm
and cordial greetings.
Mr. Reynolds had taken flying leaps in
public estimation during the last year or two,
proving the fact that human nature rejoices
heartily with them that rejoice, and to give
even a very distinguished elderly gentleman
his due, it can weep with them that weep
also.
Augusta could not subscribe to this last in»
her case, for though her heart was torn and
bleeding, yet as she made no outward show of
it, poor human nature had not an opportunity
of shewing sympathy, unless it put on pale
186 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
cheeks to match her own, but as Nature is
feminine, whatever sacrifices she may bring
herself to make, that of her beauty she never
will. |
Mrs. Adamson, the sister of Freemantle,
and wife of the vicar of the parish, had
. always been friendly to PR she was
now more so than ever.
Augusta loved her to adoration. She was
the living likeness of her brother, in mind
as in features, and it was momentary sunshine
to have the reflex of himself shining on her,
and tears of gratitude welled up. into her
eyes as the graceful lady of the church
hastened after her, to tell her what pleasure
it was to see heragain. Augusta,—calling
her by her Christian name,—must come fre-
quently to the Vicarage, she must help in the
parish work, she would call for her to come
and walk with her.
These demonstrations of love and good
will did not please Mrs. Reynolds, and for the
first time the good lady remembered. that in
returning to Beaulieu she had thrown herself
into the enemy’s camp. Colonel Freemantle
was in close proximity ; he could, if he chose,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 187
enter the garden of the Hesperides! He could
come down any day to gaze at the golden
apple he had tried so hard to gain possession
of; he might now defy the dragon, and pluck
it off the tree before her very eyes.
Mrs. Reynolds was prompt to act; the foe
had not yet appeared. Why, she could not
understand, nor could she understand the
change that had taken place in her husband’s
sentiments respecting him. He spoke but
little of Freemantle, and that little was not
to his advantage.
Mr. Reynolds did not keep his wife aw fact
respecting all his proceedings, and she was
left to infer that a disagreement had taken
place between him and his expectant son-in-
law. Now was the time to strike while
her iron was hot. She would make another
ereat effort to bring that most unruly, in-
tractable of all human beings, Frederick, to
listen to reason.
She was, besides, completely done up her- »
self; she felt that so long as Augusta was on —
her hands she would never know a moment’s
peace. Gertrude tormented her with her
jealousy, while her own sharp-sightedness
188 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
discovered a change in the behaviour of
Augusta, who, till the advent of Freemantle,
had been the brightest, the liveliest, the most
loving of daughters, taking the squalls of a
rather stormy atmosphere as passing breezes,
and using redoubled energy and devotion to
restore peace and order. |
Mrs. Reynolds sometimes repented of her
harshness and injustice, not that she would
have confessed to such a feeling, and least of
all allowed her victim to suspect it.
“She brought it on herself by her own
obstinacy; if she married Frederick as I
wished there would be an end of it, I should
love her well enough then,” was the soothing
syrup she administered to her conscience.
Mrs. Reynolds took her pen, and wrote
a kind letter to Fred (and she could write a
kind one), expressive of her sorrow for his
accident, which had deprived her, his friend
and well-wisher, of the pleasure of his visits
so long; she trusted he was better, and would
come down to Beaulieu to see them. A change
would do him good, and they would all be
delighted to see him.
In spite of Fred’s obtuseness his weak
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 189
brains would often jump to right conclusions
quicker than wiser ones burdened with
weightier matters.
“Won't do, old girl!” says this son in a
mist, on reading the affectionate epistle.
“* Not—going—to be—bullied—into—cutting
—out—old—Fweemantle! Saved—my—life
—two—days—wunning ;—must—show—my
—gwatitude.”
After a pause—
** Better—keep—fwiends—with—the—old
—wogue—though ! He’s—a—ware—gwiper!
Sixty— per —cent.! Wather — hot—and—
stwong —that, —and— pwecious — gweedy !
As—to—the—V enewable (Mrs. Reynolds),—
hasn’t—she—a—bow-wow— of —a—tongue !
Be—flinging—her—bwutes—and—ba-baboons
—at—me—again! She’s—fw-fwee—with—
her — vocabulawy — as — old—pickpocket—
is — with —my — purse! No, no,—Mrs.—
Weynolds,—baboons — are—not — going—to
—marwy—just—as—you—please ! ’m—not.
—a—parwot—to—say, ‘ What’s—o’clock ?
(mimicking Polly to the life) just—because—
you—tell—me,—am—I—Polly ?” addressing
Mrs. Whynn’s grey parrot in the window.
190: JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Who are you?” said Polly, roused from
her quiet contemplation of this “ singular,”’ to
speak d@ la mode of the present day.
“ Who are you >” returned Fred, in Polly’s
voice. ‘“ Why—I’m—a—baboon,—Polly,—
—a-—fwee-born—baboon ! Bwitons—turned
—into—baboons!”’ Sings— 7
“For Baboons—never—will—be—slaves !””
“Tsn’t — that —dwoll,—Polly P Come,—
say — You’re—a— baboon! You're —a—
baboon! Say—so,— Polly. You’re—a—
baboon !”” |
“You're a booby !”’ says Polly.
“ 'You’re—a—booby !”’ echoes Fred. ‘* By
—Jove |—if—she—didn’t—call—me—that—
too! You —must—be—the— Venewable—
herself! No,—Polly ! It’s baboon! Baboon
—is—the— word! You're —a— baboon !
What—would—Bell—say P ‘Bell,— will—
you — marwy — a— baboon ?’”’ walks about
practising, ready for performance, sings—
** Bell, will you marwy me, your own baboon ?”
Poll gets excited, and bobs up and down,
till he nearly falls off the perch.
‘* Pot o’ beer!’ says he, confidentially.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 191
** Pot—o’— beer !”” echos Fred. ‘ Wich
—that! You’re—coming—out—stwong,—
Poll!”
“Draw it mild !’’ says Poll, facetiously.
“ Dwaw—it—mild! Ah! ha!ha! You're
—a—public—chawacter, Poll !—a—wegular
—bwick !”
Poll nods furiously in confirmation, and
exhibits his accomplishments.
“ Bet you twenty guineas!” says. Poll.
“ Twenty—guineas! That’s—jolly—lot !
Hard—up ! Maternal—shall—pay !—Done !”’
* Do so,” says Poll, and diving into his
sop, drags out a piece, and eats from his
claw delicately.
* Stand — upon—one—leg —and—eat —
with—the—other,—it— means!” says Fred.
*¢ Pwecious—hard—work—that! Twy-—with
—your—sop ?”’ (Places a piece on the toe of
his boot, and makes the essay.) ‘‘ Widicu-
lous!” says Fred, failing to accomplish the
sop-feat. ‘Done!’ he exclaims cheating.
“Come! fork out!”
* You’re a muff!’”’ says Poll.
“ M—uff—is—it ?” returns Fred. “‘ You’re
—a—pwecious—hand—at—calling—names.”’
192 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Poll wound up—
‘Turn about, wheel about, jump Jim
Crow !”’ capering fantastically.
** Can —do —that,” says Fred. “ Turn
about, wheel about, jump—Jim—Cwow!”
' capers fantastically. :
** Ah! ha! ha! You’re a baboon!” says
sapient Poll.
“ Ah! ha! ha! You’re a baboon! Well
—done—old—boy! It’s—out—at—last.
You—make—me—woar—with—laughter.”’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 193
CHAPTER XVIII.
** HAROLD AND GURTH BEFORE THE BATTLE OF
HASTINGS.’’——-D. MACLISE.
We will leave our interesting friend Fred,
roaring with laughter, to look up our other
great card, Colonel Freemantle, the second in
our pack. He was at Rochester, looking
after his interests there. The election was
settled to take place in a fortnight. It had
been delayed, owing to the unwillingness of
the constituency to part with one who for
more than forty years had been its representa-
tive.
The fatigue of the session over, it was
hoped Sir George Goodwin might so benefit
by change and rest, as to be enabled to stand
out, at least till the dissolution of Parliament
—almost certain to take place in the next
Ole Il; | K
194 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
spring, and thus the borough be saved the
expense of a contest now.
But Sir George had not benefited as his
friends desired. He had returned to his
beloved constituency, trusting only that
strength might be permitted him to fulfil the
wish of his heart, that of assisting the man
whom, like the good Antoninus Pius, he had
selected, in preference to all others, as most
worthy of the sceptre he himself could no
longer wield.
Our young Marcus Aurelius— Readers,
pray do not laugh, nor accuse us of turning
great men into little ones. The virtues have
not retrograded. Human nature remains the
same as it was in the golden age; it may
adopt new forms, new habits, but it is the
same under every mask—the same as when
it stood confessed and unadorned, in the
majesty of truth and virtue.
The Antonines, and all that we most
admire and reverence in them, still exist in
our own day; but times are changed, not
mankind, and the former foster not the dis-
play of exalted virtues, or heroic patriotism.
Colonel Freemantle could not have started
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 195
under better auspices. The electors were
quite willing to accept him on the recom-
mendation of their revered representative.
He accepted the invitation of Sir George to
make headquarters of his residence during
the forthcoming nomination, for it promised
to be nothing more. <A committee-room
seemed a mere matter of form.
Nevertheless he engaged a room at the
Angel Inn, close to the Town Hall, the one
usually chosen for the purpose by one or
other of the contending parties. |
Freemantle was accompanied by his rest-
less, lively friend, Lord Chester, who had
been absent yachting during the season, and
now looking up Freemantle, in the expectation
of his services being required as ‘* best man,”
found they would be invaluable in that capacity
on quite another ceremonial.
Our M.P. expectant was but too happy to
avail himself of the zeal and friendship of one
who was unto him even as a brother. His
name and position, his untiring activity, his
inexhaustible fund of wit and good humour,
were in themselves sufficient to carry the day
in any cause he undertook.
K 2
196 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
But there promised to be small space for the
display of these graceful adornments of life—
the beautiful carved capitals of the solid, un-
yielding columns—for no opponent appeared,
or seemed likely to appear, and it was settled
to be a mere walk-over-the-course affair, end-
ing in Do! and he did it.
On this second visit to the good old city of
Rochester Freemantle’s spirits were depressed,
and he took much less interest, and exerted
- himself less to secure the good graces of the
electors than he had done at first, but his
friend’s warmth and kindness infused them-
selves into his sympathies, and he cheered
up wonderfully. |
he world began to brighten again. Mr.
Reynold’s treachery he now saw was an
organised plan. His own blindness and
credulity vexed him, but he resolved to put
all aside as an irrevocable past, and in his
new career begin afresh. As soon as the
election was over he would seek a reconcilia-
tion with Mr. Reynolds, marry his Augusta,
and carry her away before any more hoaxes
could be played off upon him.
He had been anxiously expecting to hear
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 197
from Augusta; he had received no answer to
the letter he wrote last, and was uncertain if
it had reached her. He doubted Mr. Reynolds
thoroughly, even his sincerity in his conduct
towards himself as regarded his daughter.
He gave directions on leaving home that all
letters should be forwarded to him at Roches-
ter, and among those thus coming to hand
was one which moved him to the extreme of
surprise.
It had been such pleasure to the dear,
foolish man, to recerve Augusta’s loving little
feminine ebullitions, with their tender expres-
sions, fearful alike of saying too much or too
little.
He opened this one carefully, as though it
were a flower he would fain deal tenderly by,
and was certainly not prepared for the entire
change its pages portended to all his rela-
tions entered into with his dear correspondent.
It ran as follows :—
“Dar Cotons, FREsMANTLE,
_ Since [ last wrote to you cir-
cumstances have come to my knowledge which
force on me the painful task of writing to tell
198 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
you, that they are such as must put an end to
the engagement existing between us. I have
waited longer than I should have done, in the
vain hope that I might have been deceived, but
each day confirms the truth of the statements
made to me. It grieves me to giveyou pain, but
I feel that it is right to let you know without
delay. If I could tell you the reasons of my
acting as I do you yourself would approve
them ; but that I cannot, without compromis-
ing those for whose sake I am bound in duty
to keep silent. However distressing the
knowledge of it is to me, the greatest trial
is in obeying the dictates of my conscience,
and releasing you from your engagement.
In doing so I beg you to believe that I have
misled you unwittingly, and in utter ignorance
that things were other than they seemed to me.
‘‘ Beseeching your forgiveness, and praying
for your happiness and success,
“ T remain,
‘Very sincerely yours,
** AuGuSTA.”’
Freemantle’s countenance, as he read, did
not express either forgiveness or satisfaction.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 199
At first he considered he was the offending
party, that Augusta had taken umbrage at his
seeming neglect, and given him up. But on
a second perusal, he clearly discovered that
‘the circumstances,’ whatever they were,
arose out of home troubles, and set it down
at once to delicacy of feeling towards himself,
and to relieve him of the dilemma he wasin
arising out of his quarrel with her father.
“Was there ever such sweetness and sen-
sibility,” said he, laying the flattering unction
to his soul, and he wrote immediately to tell
her of the grief and surprise her letter had
been to him. ‘“ He had been kept from her
presence solely by the prohibition of her
father, for which he could in no way account.
She was no doubt aware that a misunder-
standing had arisen between them. If that
was the cause of the terrible letter, he would
solemnly assure her, that it made not the
slightest difference in his feelings towards
herself. He looked upon her as his affianced
wife, bound to him by a tie that could not be
broken. As soon as this election was over
he would hasten to her, and casting himself
on her mercy, trust to her love for forgiveness,
if he had been so unfortunate as to offend her.
200 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Could he believe the sentiments she expressed
to be lasting and serious, it would unhinge
him entirely ; he should care no longer for
his election, or take interest in anything else
in the world. He would look anxiously for
an answer, and in spite of that painful letter,
he would still hope for better things. He
liked to feel that she would rejoice in his
success, or be sorry for his defeat. As yet
his election was all but sure. |
“Yesterday there were rumours of a rival in
the field; it did not seem probable at this late
hour, but he would be glad when it was all
over, and he once more free, again behold
the chosen of his heart, for whom he would
rejoice to lay down his life.”
The rumours alluded to, of an opponent,
became trumpet-tongued next day, and left
no doubt about the matter. First came envoys
from town, who made surveyings and sound-
ings. These were apparently satisfactory,
for they were quickly followed by addresses,
notices of meetings, &c. A committee was
formed, a committee-room engaged, and every
preparation made for an active canvas, and a
resolute opposition.
‘‘Gammon and Humbug!”
said Colonel
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 201
Freemantle to his friend Lord Chester, before
things had arrived at this point, “‘ Those two
men were in the ‘direction’ of that ‘ Bubble-
and-Squeak |’ They can never have the hardi-
hood to put forward anyone belonging to that!
Who can it be? If Reynolds was in it, I.
should be tempted to consider he might be the
person ; he may feel himself aggrieved by my
throwing over the Company, as I did by his
treatment of me as a griffin. But he is not
in it, at any rate not sufficiently to entitle him
to the especial patronage of those upright
gentlemen. Any one but him ; it would grieve
my darling so.”
Freemantle was right in theory and reason :
it was Mr. Reynolds’s name and no other,
that signed those same addresses to the elec-
tors of Rochester, and besought their con-
fidence in and support of a man whom they
had never set eyes on, and knew about as
much of as of the man in the moon.
Freemantle was more than aggrieved, he
felt outraged when the fact became known
to him. For a moment, disgust and hatred
at the blackness and perfidy of one whom he
had hoped to be connected with by the closest
K 9
202 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ties made him waver and distrust his race ;
he felt he could readily withdraw to some
remote corner of the universe, where nothing
human should remind him of his kinship to
the degraded being called man.
But honour forbade. Justice to those who
had given him their friendship and support,
demanded the sacrifice of every personal
feeling in return. He had no reason to doubt
his friend, Lord Chester; whose indignation
was unbounded, and expressed in language
more forcible than his own.
The concern of both was for the poor girl,
who, helpless and innocent, would suffer the
most.
Freemantle had never to his friend, nor yet
to father or mother, breathed a syllable as to
his reasons for withdrawing from the company
of Reynolds and “ Bubble-and-Squeak and
Co. ;” but now he mentioned to Lord Chester
the cause of the rupture between them, as also
the letter he had received from Augusta, and
both ascribed this last to the affair with the
father coming to her knowledge, and Free-
mantle more resolute, as chances grew against
him, declared that in spite of the new insult,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 208
he should consider himself bound as strongly
as ever.
© Right!’ said Lord Chester, ‘But you
must not give up your Borough even for her.”
‘That would be unworthy,” returned Free-
mantle. ‘ We will struggle for it to the last !”
«We must look up our cards, and begin the
game at once,” rejoined his lordship, “‘if we
mean to gain the day. Let us make interest
with the women, they are the trumps.”
*‘T will leave that to you, my dear Chester ;
you know how to talk to and bewitch them.”
“Dol? Would that I, like you, felt the
influence of one so fully on me that all others
were bores.”
“You complain? You, Chester, of all
men in the world, sighing like Alexander for
more worlds to conquer? Iam but a rough
soldier, unused to the ways of woman, but
have set my heart on this one: and it is her
and her only.”
‘Tt was so with me once,” observed his
lordship. ‘‘I pinned my faith on one, and
was deceived where most I trusted; found man
and woman false’ (grinding his teeth). * Yet
why recall it? It’s passed and done with.”
204 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Not entirely,” remarked his friend. “The
effect remains long after the causes themselves
are done with; but surely the sacrifice of a
whole life is too much to be given to the
turpitude of one woman: with men we are on
equal terms.”
“We pay them in sterling coin,” said Lord
Chester, savagely. ‘But tell me; did the
cynosure of your eyes prove a basilisk? Re-
member, it is only a case in point. Did she
lure you on with lying lips, fascinate you with
her baleful eyes, till you fell senseless at her
feet, a stepping-stone for the treacherous
fiend to mount her throne? Would you—”
‘That throne she should not mount,” ex-
claimed Freemantle, resolutely ; yet stedfast
in his faith. ‘* But it does not come home to
me,’ he added; “I could not realise it.”
And each lapsed into a reverie as they
pursued their way.
‘In this one case only,” said Freemantle,
breaking silence, ‘‘ have women the victory
over us, and a heavy reckoning is ours when
they choose to exercise their prerogative ;
however merciless and tyrannical, we men
are without redress. It is right, I suppose,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 205
that they should have this one power—in all
else we are their masters.”
“One too much,’ said Lord Chester,
gloomily.
“Hush! my dear fellow,’ returned the
colonel, the war-spirit evoked in him. “Wewill
swear a truce to women and wrongs! Friend-
ship shall be our pledge; I claim yours! The
foe is on us; we must make ready for
battle !”’
* Glorious!’ exclaimed Lord Chester, his
own grand self again; “and by God’s help
we will win !”
“Amen!” answered Freemantle, with
kindling eyes. “His! and yours! He
leaves so much to us, or where would be our
victory ?”
206 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XIX.
TRUTH UNVEILING.
No event had caused such commotion in the
Reynolds family as did the prospect of its
chief becoming M.P.
That chief had lately appeared sadly
changed. There was a screw loose some-
where; he talked strange language, used
strange words pertaining to poverty, beggary,
bars, prisons, workhouses, and otherwise acted
so unreasonably in the opinion of the fair
head of his table that she considered, if he
grew much more irrational “lunatics” and
‘keepers’? would be added to the nouns he
made so free with.
The servants likewise added some nouns of
their own to the list, when holding their
councils in their underground retreats.
Cook decided that ‘“ Master would have the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 207
smatica all alone a-eatin’ of them French
dobbleries, as they christens with fine names
for the purpose of hiding their unwholesome-
nesses ; they was a pisinin’ of him, and no
wonderment, seein’ what a deal o’ time and
trouble they tooked in the cookin’ of ’em.”
Nurse said, “As how his eatin’ of them
hadn’t nothink at all to do with it. Master
had the neralga in his head, and was droved
wild with it. She liked them French furbe-
lows, they was a deal more savoury than this
here biled beef, which was that hard, as there
was no gettin’ one’s teeth through it, and
that raw, as if cook had clean forgot to put it
in the pot.”
- Cook considered her skill was called in
question, and gave it as her opinion * As
them French frigates spiled people’s agree-
ablenesses, as it did their tastesses. They
wolleys and gallants warn’t no more fit for a
Christian dog to eat, no more nor it was for
her.”
And Brown said “As how it was his
erpinion as cook knowed nothin’ about the
thing, seein’ as how she hadn’t never beened
and goned to furrin’ parts; but had beened
208 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
and goned and lived of a steamin’. and a
stewin’ away at nashes and messes, as if there
hadn’t beened ne’er such a thing as a furrin’
conternent next door.”
Cook boiled over with indignation.
‘She didn’t want no furrin’ conternint to
teach her. Hang their rag-outs! and their
Jrogisees, and toadisees, as wasn’t fit for gram-
pusses to swaller, and as for Brown he was
that jackanapes as didn’t know a cow from a
cowcumber.”’
Brown did not wish to quarrel with cook
as she kept the keys of the larder; so ‘he
swallowed the jackanapes, and the cow and the
** cowcumber,” and replied that “ cook must
take a nexcursion ticket and go to furrin’
parts, and then she would see as the quezzen
dishes as she dished up, warn’t a mossel like
the guizzin dishes as they dished up at them
furrin’ Lertells. Master was allers a swearin’
at his dinner, and a sayin’ as how she warn’t
fit to cook for nold Nick.”
And cook, with bitter irony, said ‘‘ As how
she hadn’t no call to look after the cook’s
place in his kitching, for she had been a cookin’
of his dinner for him for more nor twelve,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 209
months, and he was the most difficultestest
master to please as ever she come nigh, always
rampin’ and a roarin’, and makin’ of her
kitching that hot, as she couldn’t abide it no
longer.”
Mrs. Reynolds was excessively elated on
learning of her lord’s intention respecting
a constituency. The coveted title of ‘* Lady
Reynolds’? seemed to be approaching very
near, and her husband rose so high in her
estimation that her nouns became nouns of
quality, not reflective.
A great change had taken place in her
husband’s sentiments towards Freemantle,
once the preux chevalier, sans peur et sans
reproche: he (her husband) had become his
open and avowed enemy, exceeding her-
self, if that were possible, in the strength of
nouns superlative, and now publicly entered
the lists against him as competitor in a field
supposed to be all his own.
It was not that Mrs. Reynolds had any
personal dislike to our unfortunate hero; in
her heart she rather admired him, but she did
not choose he should have Augusta, and
though he saw her distaste to him for a
>
210 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
son-in-law, yet backed by her weak-minded
husband, whose infatuation was a proof of
the disorder of his intellects, Freemantle had
managed to make his way, and in spite of
every means to prevent him, had actually
carried his point so far as to propose.
But it turned out to have been worse than
useless ; Augusta and he were separated now,
this last affront Freemantle could not possibly
pass over.
Gertrude’s anticipations, natural to youth,
exceeded father’s and mother’s combined ; she
climbed to the top of the tree at once.
‘“‘ Papa is going to be made a member of
Parliament,” said she, in her gossipping com-
munications to Brown, that usually took
place in her rides, having no one else to
chatter to. “I don’t know what itis, but
something very grand, and I shall then be
able to sit in the House of Lords, all among
the duchesses and countesses, and papa will
be made a lord, and mamma will be a lady,
and I shall be ‘ Lady Gertrude!’ Won’t
that be fine? And I shall see Her Majesty
open Parliament, the grandest sight you ever
saw; and mamma is going to ask one of the
\
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 211
grand duchesses to present me at Court, and
I shall have one of the most beautiful dresses
you ever set eyes on; and Isidore will dress
my hair, and mamma will hire some magni-
cent pearls for me to wear (pearls are what
young ladies wear at their first drawing-
room), and I shall coax ‘ma’ to let Ristori
come and paint my face; and then, Brown,
I mean to ask papa to let you and coachman
wear wigs, and no one will know but that
you belong to Her Majesty’s carriage.”
Upon which Brown sulkily answered, “ As
he only wished as he did; he was clean a
throwin’ hisself away; for what with his
genteel figeer and his amenableness, and his
having beened and goned to furrin parts so
much, he would be a most walarable acker-
sition to a gent as knowed nothink, and was
in wants of a nuncommon nice young man as
knowed everything, to take him about to
them furrin Lertells, with their nice quizzin
dishes, and show him the grand sights, which
was a deal grander than any Nouse of Lords
in England.”
Then Gertrude informed Brown that he
was getting as cross as that speteful old thing,
212 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
nurse, who was always saying (mimicking
her) ‘Weis as we is, and it’s ’andsome is
as ’andsome does, and it’s a spiling of the
complexion, miss, to use them pigmies and
painties as you does. You'll be as yalleras
a orange by the time as you're twenty.’
I don’t believe it. Do you?”
“ Can’t say, miss; I ain’t gived no heed
to them sort of comportments: they isn’t in
my line. Nurse has had some experence, I
should say, for she’s as yaller as a norange
herself, may be from a usin’ on them. I
adwises Restory to try it on her.”
This description of conversation usually
took place when Gertrnde rode, and people
who chanced to see her lifted up their eyes,
and said, “It was too bad! What could
parents mean by sending out a girl to ride
with no one but a servant. They must be
low people,” &e. &c.
Those who made such remarks must have
been antediluvians, more reflective than
agreeable, far too slow-coached to keep pace
with the galloping times we live in; and
therefore they and their notions of propriety
are “ Bosh!” to use the favourite term of
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 218
our friend Fred: and a very comprehensive
one it is, carrying a weight of words with it,
and saving no end of time and breath; all
wasted in the prosy utterances of useless
forms of speech.
As Lord Chester and Freemantle an-
ticipated, Augusta was the one to suffer
the most. It had not been without a
struggle that she brought herself to write
the letter she did to Freemantle; the answer
she received through the hands of nurse,
whose skin might be wrinkled and yellow,
hike that of the Arabian poet, but who pos-
sessed a heart, human and frail, it is true, yet
genuine in its sympathy with suffering of all
kinds, in its honesty, its sound judgment, and
good sense.
This gem in the rough felt excessive pity
for the ‘* motherless girl,’ whose ‘“ wicked
ma’ had condemned her to sorrow and
wretchedness ; she knew, too, that Augusta
was cognizant of the secret of her birth.
Nurse would have guessed that, even if Ger-
trude had not told her, about the eventful
letter, ‘“‘ how she missed it from her pocket;
how the mean thing must have taken it out;
214 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, BSQ.
and how she (Gerty) gave her ‘ a good set
down’ for it, and told her something she did
not like. Did not Nurse see what an ugly
white thing she looked ?”
Nurse kept her own counsel, nor thought
fit to enlighten the young lady to the fact,
that she herself, acting on Gerty’s own infor-
mation, was the guilty abstractor of that
letter, from the pocket of the dress, which on
changing for dinner the young lady left lying
on the floor for (nurse) to put away.
Augusta was grateful for the kindness and
sympathy shewn to her. Not that she would |
have breathed a word on the subject which
rent her heart in twain; she sought neither
for consolation nor information, she kept the
unfeeling Gertrude at a distance. “If I am
not your sister,”
she would say, ‘‘ you have
no right to interfere with me, and you must
not.”’
Nature gave way to a paroxysm of grief
on reading her lover’s letter; it was balm
in Gilead to find that he loved her so dearly ;
and for her sake would seek a reconciliation
with Mr. Reynolds. ‘But would he love
me if he knew all, if he knew who I am?P
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 215
Who am I? How was it? Why this
mystery? What could be the reason of it?”
These thoughts recurring incessantly were
sure to arrive at truth sooner or later. She
hardly knew at what time the idea of Fred’s
being the son of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds first
dawned upon her; but come it did, and once
entertained, it was not to be thrown off;
and this conclusion Augusta thought would
account for everything, but her feelings
revolted at the supposition.
It was too humiliating! Cast off and
abandoned at her birth by her natural pro-
tectors. A being unclaimed, uncared for, a
waif on the stream, left to the mercy of the
driving current.
She was in this state of mind, when Fred,
in pursuance of the invitation which he decided
it would be best to accept, came down to
Beaulieu to pay a short visit.
* Could—not—stop—long,”’ were his first
words, ‘* for—he—had—pwomised —F wee-
mantle—to—go—and—pwopose—him—at—
the—Hlection, and—he—was— going —to—
make—a—gwand—s—s—speech !—and—he
—had—only—got—to—‘ ladies —and— gen-
]
216 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
tlemen’ yet. It—was— pwecious—hard—-
work.”
Mr. Reynolds returned the same day from
his canvass of the electors of Rochester, and
so pleased was he with the success of his first
essay, that though looking pale and haggard,
_he was in first-rate spirits, laughing and talk-
ing with the sparkle and animation natural
to his excitable temperament.
He forbore to say one word as to where he
had been, and with the exception of his wife,
not one of his family were aware that he had
set up in opposition to Freemantle.
Both host and hostess were earnest 1n their
attentions to their interesting guest, so earnest
indeed, that it might easily have been sup-
posed that both had designs upon him.
“* Upon—my—word !” thought the graceful
recipient of their hospitality. ‘‘ They—tweat
me—as—if—I—was—their— prodigal— son,
weturned—from— sowing — no—end— of —
wild—oats. Gweat—mind—to—ask—old—
Gwiper—for—more—money ! Gussie—looks
—pale! KFweemantle—been—blowing—her
—up. Bell—blows—me—up, there’s—the—
diffewence,—like—Bell—hbest.”’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 217.
Their extreme politeness to the “ prodigal ”
struck Augusta forcibly this evening; she
roused up from her dreams about Freemantle,
his unconsciousness of her position, the bar
that for ever separated them.
She sat silent and erect, her glorious blue-
eyes looking out from the depths of their
black lashes, her short upper lip, still more
curved and compressed, in the suppression
of all outward sign of the conflict within
her.
Frederick, as we have so often said, had
always been her stumbling block. If she was
Mrs. Whynn’s daughter, he could not be her
son.
*“Whose was he then?’ was the eternal
prompting of the inquisitive spirit.
Why should the Reynolds care so much for
him, the least interesting person to be met
with between John o’Groats and the Land’s
End? Why should “mamma” make it such
a point that she should marry him, when in
doing so unhappiness must be her portion ?
Why was her mother so partial to him? in-
viting him to come, petting him, providing
for his comfort, when all communication, per-
VOL. Il. L
218 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
sonally or otherwise, had ceased between her
and Mrs. Whynn?
“Papa!” says Miss Gertrude. ‘Do you
think you will be a member of Parliament ?”’
“How can I tell? ‘There’s many a slip
*twixt the cup and lip.’ ” |
** When will the election be ?”
“ When you grow wiser!’’ answered her
papa. ‘* There, there, say no more; that will
do.”
Gertrude scorned obedience; it was a sign
of slavery. Turning to Fred as the ignor-
amus of the circle—
“Do you know papa is going to be so
erand. He is going to be a Member of
Parliament.”
* By Jove!” says Fred; ‘‘ and—so—is—
my—fwiend—Fweemantle !”
Augusta starts; a sudden glow suffuses
her face. Allis not dead within her, though
she had been hitherto still as a statue.
And — I—m— going —to—Wochester !”
continued the man of business, ‘‘to—pwopose
—him—next— week.” Augusta’s eyes opened
* wider and wider. Her father surveyed her
furtively. “ I—m— going—to—make—a—
a
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. . 2]9
gwand—s-s-speech! How he saved my
—lte—two—days—wunning !”
“And be sure you tell them all about the
bonfire you made in honour of your aquatic
performance,” remarked Mr. Reynolds; “ the
electors will enjoy that immensely.”
** Ware — fun !|—and I’ll — wepeat — it—
when—I—pwopose—you,”’ says this genius,
who was both sides in politics.
Mr. Reynolds was tickled at the idea.
* Do!” said he, “that speech will carry
the day.”’
© And — I[’ll—wite — it— out—too! hate
—witing (crowing convulsively). And— it
—will—do—when—1—pwopose—myself !”
Mr. Reynolds roared with laughter.
‘Then I advise you to go down to Rochester
next week; it will do for all three of us,” said
Mr. Reynolds, off his guard.
** Rochester!’ exclaimed Fred, ‘“ are—you
—going —against—Fweemantle !”’
“Are you going to be Member of Parlia-
ment for Rochester, papa?’ asked Gertrude.
“As bad as Frederick,” thinks Mrs. Rey- |
nolds. ‘‘ Anyone may see whose son he is.”
| L 2
220 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Augusta lost not a word. Mr. Reynolds
was master of the occasion.
‘* Rochester sends two members,” said he ;
“two members always put up, and if my
friend Whynn here comes down with his grand
speech they will send three.”
This piece of sophistry sufficed for his
hearers, all save one. Augusta doubted Mr.
Reynolds; he was not her father, so she be-
gan to judge him. Hitherto she had accepted
his every word with the unhesitating confi-
dence of filial faith. Freemantle, in his letter,
had spoken of an opponent to him. It was
not a general election, Sir George Goodwin
had retired from ill health. She had it all
by heart.
If Mr. Reynolds was in tip-top spirits, not
less so was Fred, who, amid a series of crows
and chuckles, related some startling adven-
tures, almost as marvellous in their way as
those of the renowned Baron Munchausen.
Certain points of resemblance between
the two (Mr. Reynolds and Fred) existed
beyond a doubt; scarcely to be defined, yet
patent to those who possessed the key to the
relationship, the claim to good looks was not
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 221
in favour of Fred. The likeness came with
the force of conviction on Augusta this even-
ing.
Fred was telling a story of a “ Do.”
It was an election “ Do,’’ which the incom-
parable narrator considered so applicable to
his entertainer’s position, that he gave it aloud
for his especial benefit, together with his own
advice in full.
This ** Do” which so delighted Fred was
the sending of a messenger the night before
an election to inform one of the candidates,
that his house was on fire. The terrified
gentleman rushed off to look after his pro-
perty, and in his hurry he took a wrong train.
This was run into by another, and he was so
seriously hurt as to be unable to rectify his
mistake by returning, while his adversaries
finished the “‘fun’’ by giving out his with-
drawal from the contest on the’ score of
* arrested for debt.”
* [t—was—only—a~—stack,”’ went on Fred,
** which — some — one — had — set—fire—to !
Couldn’t — find — out—who — did—it,—nor—
who—sent—telegwam! Wich !—wasn’t it ?”
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds laughed excessively,
e
222 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the latter at the queer story-teller, the former
at the story itself. He said—
“The fire engine was admirable; it was
just the thing for Fred, who had better go
and do Chillingham over again.”
Augusta, whose nerves were terribly un-
strung, writhed at the whole scene, the laughter
seemed to her unworthy and discordant.
She was struck by the similarity of the
laughs of Mr. Reynolds and Fred; they
seemed echoes of eachother. She looked up.
Fred sat opposite to her, on the left of Mr.
Reynolds, she on his right. The general
contour of the faces, the black eyes and hair
of both flashed upon her.
‘The Admiral and Mrs. Whynn were Saxons.
She felt as if she had received a blow.
** How wicked the world is! ’’ thought she.
** No, I will never marry.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 223
CHAPTER XxX.
‘© THE MAID OF SARAGOZA. —SIR D. WILKIE.
Tux next morning Mr. Reynolds left his family
for the purpose of returning to Rochester till
the election was over; he made rapid progress
in the good graces of the worthy townspeople,
as he could scarce fail of doing, when he
brought the persuasion of his tongue to bear
upon his cause.
In his absence, his two envoys extraordinary,
Messrs. Gammon and Humbug, had madegood
use of the “‘available resources,’ submitted
to their protection by a too confiding public.
These talents they did not lay by in a napkin,
but invested them in no end of promises and
purchases, of no use whatever to the share-
holders of the ‘* Bubble-and-Squeak’’? Com-
pany, whose money it was.
224, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Their choice of a committee-room was a
master-stroke of policy.
They chose the “ Wheatsheaf Inn,” kept —
by one Gabriel Lyons.
It was not so imposing looking, nor yet of
such standing as the “ Angel Inn,” because
further removed from the bustle and turmoil
of the town, but at a time like the present, it
possessed an importance no other house of
such resort could aspire to.
Mr. Lyons was of the Jewish persuasion,
and from his respectability, his probity, and
his energetic disposition, possessed much
influence, not only with his own people, but
in the local business of the town, and the
Messrs. Gammon and Humbug, from long
experience in the art of manceuvering,
knew, that in making his hostelry their
head quarters, they secured the favour of
the Jewish electors of the city of Rochester,
to whom, of course, both candidates were
strangers; and except for the words, ‘‘Liberal’
and ‘ Liberal Conservative,” either would
have stood equal chances of winning their
good graces.
Mr. Lyons professed Liberal views himself,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 225
and till the present time had always acted in
accordance with them; and let it not be held
against him that he refused not the offer so
advantageous to the worldly wisdom of
making hay while the sun shines. Where is
the Christian that would have rejected it?
Christians are prone to say that such and
such a thing is Jewish. This is a reproach
only to him who utters it, and worthy of the
soul that entertains it, unchristian, un-
charitable, oblivious of his own shortcomings,
seeing not that this creed, ‘‘ Do everybody !
and do not let yourself be done!” is te uni-
versal one of mankind.
Love of Mammon is not by any means
especial to the Jewish people; but if it were
so, who are we to judge them by this one
alloy, and not by the multitude of their
adorable virtues?
The Freemantle party were much dis-
concerted at this unlucky contretemps, and in
their active canvass of the town, laid par-
ticular stress on this same Mr. Lyons and his
people. The gentleman himself they found
“as hard as a rock.
“What! take them in, and then betray
LO
>
226 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
them ?” was his answer. “It was not the part
of Gabriel Lyons to enact the role of traitor.
He could not refuse his house when applied
for; he did not seek them, they sought him ; he
was a man with a large family, and must look
to his calling for support.”
All he would promise was, that he would
not vote for either candidate, or influence his
people one way or the other.
A reasonable answer, but it did not satisfy
Lord Chester, who set his heart on foiling the
Messrs. Gammon and Humbug with their own
weapons, and converting their artifices with
this man into an engine for their own defeat.
Finding Gabriel impenetrable to the argu-
ment that he should sacrifice all personal
interest for the good cause, Lord Chester
undertook the conversion of him through the
medium of his wife and family, or rather
daughter, the only one of his children grown
up. :
This was by no means an unpleasant task,
the pretty Rachel with the lustrous eyes, and
magnificent ebon locks, peculiar to her race,
being quite a belle. Sooth to say she was a
perfect adept in the art of coquetry, and knew
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 227
how to wield her black orbs with consummate
effect. She had not the smallest objection to
try their power on the handsome man, who
pleaded the cause of hig friend with such
earnestness, detailing his deeds, his virtues,
the injuries he was receiving at the hands of
the unscrupulous Mr. Reynolds, who was not
actuated in his opposition by sincere and
honest motives, but by the unworthy desire
of revenging himself on one who had un-
wittingly offended him.
The two women were moved to tears at the
recital, and promised to try their utmost to
brine about the subjugation of that impor-
tant personage of their household, the pro-
prietor of the ‘* Wheatsheaf.”
The wily canvasser completed his subjuga-
tion of the beauteous Rachel by the gift of
his friend’s portrait, and she forthwith set
out and commenced an active canvass on
his behalf among her people.
228 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXII.
‘VENUS AND CUPID.’’—CORREGGIO.
Te lord and master of Beaulieu having de-
parted, the unlucky Fred remained sole
guardian of the ladies, and so onerous on him
were his duties as such, that the fair mistress
of the house decided there was no time to
lose: he might make his bow to her, and set
off on his travels again, before she had put
into execution the plan for which she had
invited him.
Her first act was to send him off to fish, then
she despatched Gertrude dn an errand into the
village, Sophy and Nurse to keep her company,
with the little Bessie trundling along in her
- go-cart—perambulator is more refined.
Augusta was deep in her favourite employ-
ment of transferring her view of nature—
rather sombre just now—to canvas.
The coast clear, Mrs. Reynolds betook her-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 229
self to the garden, the river her destination.
Arrived there she skimmed its banks with her
eye, and through the arch of that rustic
bridge on which the rapt Freemantle first
beheld his fate, as he pursued his course up
stream, she beheld hers. in the person of Fred
down stream, casting in his line in search of
booty ; so she turned into the little path that
skirted the river, till she came within ear-
shot of his lair, when she coughed to give
token of her presence.
What’s—-the—wow ?” Fred’s usual figure
of speech for surprise, curiosity, &c. “ Beg
—pardon,—Mrs. Weynolds ; didn’t—know—
it—was—you.”’
“Who did you think it was?’ asks his
hostess. ‘‘ Your—lady-love ?”
She—isn’t—here,” was the honest answer,
“Then you are provided?” in an altered tone.
“ P—_whaps—I—am.” ote Nigga
“Ts it only perhaps? You are not certain
about it?’ And she seated herself beside
him on the heap of stones which formed his
‘settee. “May I ask who the happy fair one
is, that has gained the heart of my friend,
Mr. Whynn ?”
230 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ ?m—up—to—your—game,—old girl !”
thought Fred. ‘“ Somebody—you—wouldn’t
—care—to—know,” said he, aloud.
“ But, indeed, I should; I have known you
from an infant, met take great interest in all
that concerns you.”
“ That’s—vewy— good — of — eens
Weynolds.”
“‘T have more reasons than one for caring
to know.”
Fred did not vouchsafe a reply.
“Commend me to an idiot for trying one’s
temper,” thought the discomfited lady.
“Does your— Does Mrs. Whynn know of
your attachment P”’
It went against her to apply so dignified a
term to Fred’s petites affaires de coeur.
** Does — your—mother—know— you’re—
out? it—means. I—wather—think—she—
does,” answers this refined specimen of our
progressive age.
** And what is her opinion ?”
** Don’t—ask—her.”
“Does not care what becomes of you,
(aside) and no wonder.”
** Yes ; but—she—does,’”? answered Fred,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 231
with dignity. ‘* She’s—been—pwecious—
fond—of—me—lately.”
‘IT see her art,’ thought Mrs. Reynolds,
* but I'll defeat her yet.”
‘Indeed !”” said she. ‘‘ She wants to get
rid of you; any excuse to throw you over-
board.”
“ M—others — are—not —so—fond—of—
thwowing — only — sons — overboard,” re-
turned Fred, with excessive importance.
** They re—pwecious—pw—oud—ot—their—
heirs.”
(Aside) “* You are enough to make anyone
throw you overboard in good earnest !”’
(Aloud), “ You are thoroughly mistaken in
what you say. I have good reasons for
knowing that she is only waiting till you
commit yourself by some foolish imprudent
marriage to cast you off.”’ |
* Can’t—believe—it,” says Fred. ‘“ Where
—would— she—find —another— son—like—
me |”
Mrs. Reynolds was fairly confounded.
“ Well, of all the conceited puppies I ever
heard of,’’ said she, “‘ you are the greatest !”’
** Hallo ! P—p—p—uppies—is—it P The
232 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
bwutes and the b—aboons—are—coming—
next. The—ba—boons—are—coming! Oh!
ho! oh, ho!” sang Fred.
** Was there ever such a dolt?” cried the
poor lady in despair: “ Will nothing bring
him to reason? Do you know that Mrs.
Whynn has already disinherited you, left her
estate, the only thing of consequence, to
another person: that she told me herself.”
“By Jove!” exclaims Fred, dropping his
fishing-rod. ‘ That’s a pwetty go!”
“It’s a fact, I assure you; and, moreover,
I know to whom she has willed it!”
*¢ There’ ll—be—a—ware—blow—up—some
—day !”
*“You may well say that; and as sure as
you are born, you will be the one to suffer !”
Fred shook his head like Polly.
“No? Then who will, pray ?”
“© Not—I |”
“Not you? You are mad! You not
suffer’ Lose such a fine property as that,
and not suffer ?”’
* Sold—my—wig ht—long—ago !”
Mrs. Reynolds sprang to her feet with the
alacrity of childhood.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, HSQ. 233
‘‘ And what have you done with the money?”
« Mrs. — W—eynolds,” returned Fred,
you—’ ve—no—w— ight—to—ask—such—
wude—dquestions.”
*T have a right, a greater right than your
thick skull dreams of.”
* My — th — ick — skull !’ echoed Fred.
** P — uppies, — bw — utes, — b—aboons,—
d—olts,—th—ick—skulls ! A—pw—ecious
—cargo! Mrs. W—eynolds, I—tweat—you
—lke—a—lady ; you—don’t—tweat—me—
lhke—a—gentleman !”’
“A gentleman! Youagentleman! You'll
be a beggar all the days of your life !”’
«¢ Then—I—beg—you’ll—not—-ask—me—
to—come—here—again ; for—I—won’t,—and
that’s—flat! Tm —off !”
‘Stay!’ exclaimed Mrs. Reynolds, in a
peremptory voice.
“‘Can’t, by Jove! You’re—driving—too—
fast,—Mrs.—W—eynolds. Have—my—neck
—bwoke!”’
‘But [insist upon your stopping to hear
what I have to say.”
** l’m—bless’ed—if—I—do !”’ was the polite
answer, and Fred began to run.
234: JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Turn instantly !’ she exclaimed, “ or
tremble at the consequences !”’
There was that in her voice which arrested
him, wilful and headstrong as he was.
He stopped and turned, and then stood
fascinated. Mrs. Reynolds walked towards
him with an imperious air, her eyes flashing fire.
“ You dare to tell me that I have no right
to interfere with you!” said she, with a
vehemence that stupefied her amazed listener.
‘You dare to treat me with insolence and
disobedience! Do you know who I am ?”
** Mrs.—Weynolds — gone — cwazy!”’ said
Fred, speaking his thoughts.
“‘ Mrs. Reynolds, and your mother !”’
“My mother!” exclaims Fred. ‘ Come,
that’s—no—go !”
“Ttisa go!” said she, adopting his own
style to make it more comprehensive.
** Mrs. — Weynolds, you’ve — come—out—
of— the — mad-house — over—yonder, and—
better—go—back—again !”
She sprang forwards, Fred thought to
strike him, but seizing him by the two
shoulders, she held him in a grip of iron.
**'You—pinch !”’ cried he.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 230
*‘T’ll pinch you still harder, before I have
done with you !”
“Help! Murder ! P—olice!”’ shouted Fred.
** Be quiet, you fool! [Pm not going to
kill you, though you are enough to make one
do anything. It’s true what I tell you, Iam
your mother !””
** Not—possible !”
“It is possible! That woman Whynn and
I changed children, and you are my son and
Augusta is her daughter !”’
Fred’s mouth flew wide open, and so did
his round black eyes.
His mother could scarce refrain from
laughing at the ludicrous picture of stupid
surprise he exhibited.
‘That is why I have been so anxious you
should marry Augusta; it is to her that she
has left Sherwood, so go and marry her.”
“Tl be hanged if Ido!” says the newly-
awakened gon. ‘I'll marwy Bell!”
*¢ And who is Bell P”’
*¢ A—young—lady,” answered Fred.
“« A young lady !”’ repeated Mrs. Reynolds,
mechanically.
“ Yes,’ said Fred, “a young—lady—you
wouldn’t—appwove—of !””
236 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
*« And you refuse to obey your mother ?”
** Engaged—to—Bell! She’s been—at—me
——a—pwecious— long — time —to—marwy—
her ;—but—public-house—stuck—in—my—
thwoat! Did—n’t do—for—only—-son !”’
Mrs. Reynolds nearly fainted.
© Public-house!”’ she gasped out.
“VY es,—a—vewy—pwetty — one — it —is —
too!” returned Fred, ‘and she’s—a—vewy—_
pwetty—girl, and—calls—names—just like—
you.”
Mrs. Reynolds recovered the use of her
tongue.
“ Get out of my sight,” said she; “a
wicked,.undutiful son. Augusta, whom I
have ill-used and injured on your account, has
behaved like an angel.to me, and I am glad
she will have the estate.” |
“So—am—I,”’ said Fred; ‘* she—ought—
to — if—it’s—her — wight. And —the—old
—bwick has — behaved — like— a—mother—
to — me, — when — she — wasn’t!” and he
turned to depart.
** [—say,” said he, righting about face, “ is
—old—W—eynolds—my—father—too !”’
“ How dare you ask such a question ?”’ says
the indignant wife.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 287
** No—harm,” answers Fred, aggrieved ;
** only—wanted—to—know.”
** Begone !”’ said she furiously, “ and let
me have no more of your insolence.”
** All—I—can say is,—you’ve—made—a—
pwetty—mess! Weynolds—has —bought—
the—estate |”
** Bought the estate? Reynolds bought the
estate?’ shricked Mrs. Reynolds. |
* Aye! And—got—no—end—of—I—O—
U’s—and—post—obits. Pw—ecious—shindy
—when—it—all—comes—out. Cut—and—
“SS,
wun.
Mrs. Reynolds was dumbfounded; she
looked the picture of bewilderment.
*There’s one thing I command you,” said
she at last; “and that is, you say nothing
about what has passed. Do you hear ?”’
**[—-hear,” he answered; ‘‘won’t—pwomise.
Pwomises—and—pie—cwusts — made—to—
be—bwoken. Never — could —keep—a—
secwet—in—my—life.””
So.saying he returned to the house, sing-
ing, or rather crowing—
“ The—bab— oons—are—coming—Oh, oh! Oh, oh!
The—bab—oons—are—coming—Oh, oh! Ob, oh!”
238 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXII.
“ran FIELD OF THE OLOTH OF GOLD.’—
HOLBEIN.
Tus day of nomination at length arrived, and
with it the first meeting of Mr. Reynolds and
Freemantle.
Thrown together in the melée of assembling
their forces, it was not possible to avoid a
formal recognition, to which the latter in-
tended to confine himself; not so his un-
scrupulous opponent.
At this time Mr. Reynolds was certainly
not rational; the desertion of Freemantle had
involved him in serious difficulty with the
Bubble-and-Squeak. His mterest in it was
now so slender that he was not entitled to
the honour of a seat in its cabinet, and unless
he brought fresh grist to the mill, in the shape
of emolument or dignity, he stood at the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 239
tender mercy of those Minoses, the Board, to
call on him for a restitution of the large
sums which they had so generously lent him
out of other people’s pockets.
So blind was he in his wrath that he never
once considered his own conduct as wrong
and utterly opposed to everything that con-
stitutes the law of honour among men; he
only saw himself as an injured party, deceived
by the man whom he had selected for an ally,
and positively brought himself to believe
that Freemantle would be the cause of his ruin.
* You are no doubt surprised to find me
your opponent, Colonel Freemantle,” said he ;
‘but all is fair for the good of one’s country.
I did not know till now that you ranked
_ yourself among the demagogues, and mob-
orators of these fire-and-fury days; I own I
am surprised.”
‘Surprises do not belong to your profes-
sion, Mr. Reynolds,’ returned Freemantle,
with manly scorn; “‘ you should leave them
_ to people who, like myself, mistake enemies
for friends.”
“Whoever is the enemy of my country I
hold to be mine,”’ said Mr. Reynolds, with his
240 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
usual fluency. ‘It is my duty to rescue her
from the hands of blood-thirsty men.”
“It is the duty of every honest man to
rescue her from the still worse hands of
blood-suckers, who prey on her vitals, cripple
her resources, and degrade her in the eyes of
the world,” said Freemantle turning away.
This did not promise well for the begin-
ning; the crowd below the hustings took
their cue, one might fancy, from the senti-
ments animating the two candidates, for
more riotous or disorderly an assemblage
could scarce have been found, even at an
election. |
The rival candidates took their stand in the
pens provided for their accommodation in
front of the town hall ; the Freemantle party
right, the Reynolds left.
Hach candidate was accompanied by a large
body of friends and supporters. With Free-
mantle came likewise his father and brother-in-
law, Mr. Adamson, Sir George Goodwin, the
late member, his proposer, and Lord Chester,
his seconder; these stood beside him, and
what augured well, several gentlemen of the
Jewish persuasion.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 241
The fair Rachel Lyons had worked to some
purpose ; she had no objection to reckon the
handsome Lord Chester among her admirers,
but true to her sex, her woman’s sympathies
were all on the side of the injured and perse-
cuted Freemantle, the one to whom she could
be of real service, whom she could work for,
plead for, and move heaven and earth to help
_ In his need.
For this purpose she entered into his cause
_ with the energy and devotion of her sex, made
over the care of her department in her father’s
house to the keeping of her mother, solicited
the votes of her friends and neighbours,
worked her fingers to the bone in the manu-
facture of her hero’s colours, hung on his
words, deeming them inspired, and finally lost
her heart to him.
Below the hustings was a heterogeneous
mass of human beings, bearing a close re-
semblance to the rosary by which the “‘ sweet
sixteens,” or still more youthful innocents,
prophesy their future, to wit, ‘‘ Tinker, tailor,
Soldier, sailor, gentleman, highwayman,
ploughboy, thief.”
Some electors certainly attended, but they
VOL. IL. M
242 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
were the units: the hundreds having no in-
terest in the matter resolved to have a voice
and a hand likewise. Among these was a
body politic, called the ‘‘ the Larks,” incor-
porated by the Messrs. Gammon and Hum-
bug. They carried banners bearing the
praiseworthy inscriptions of “ Reynolds and
no dishonesty,” ‘‘ Reynolds and no deception,”
‘Reynolds and no bribery,’’ which would
have been singularly appropriate had they
only left out the negative.
The opposition banners were scarcely be-
hind in interest and significance : “Freemantle
and no gammon,” “ Freemantle and no hum-
bug,” ‘Freemantle and no pigs,’ ‘“ Free-
mantle and no squeaks,” no doubt in allusion
to the Bubble-and-Squeak, which they had got
hold of by the tail.
The Mayor of Rochester opened proceed-
ings with an eloquence suitable to so stirring
an occasion; he begged to introduce to the
consideration of the influential gentlemen
assembled the two candidates who presented
themselves as competitors for the honour of
representing the great city of Rochester in
Parliament, one of the most important cities
in the world! (hear, hear). He, therefore,
4 -
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 243
implored the said influential gentlemen of
Rochester, on whose decision the weight of
empires might be said to rest, to give to each
a patient hearing in order to enable them to
decide which of the two candidates was best
adapted to make known the wants and wishes
of the said influential gentlemen in that first
assembly of gentlemen in the world, the
House of Commons.
** We be gentlemen now,” says a wag.
**Where’s the difference?” returns. a
bumpkin. ‘‘ They eats and drinks the same
as we does.”
Sir George Goodwin then came forward to
propose Freemantle as his successor.
He looked lke the lofty pillar of some
ruined temple, rugged and seamed by the de-
facing hand of time, yet venerable and dear,
the record of a glorious past.
At sight of him the uproariousness of the
influential gentlemen, induced by the gaiety
of the “ Larks,”’ wound up into one long re-
verberating cheer, proving that the “ influen-
tial gentlemen”’ possessed lungs and _ hearts,
two very necessary ingredients in the manu-
facture of human nature.
mM 2
244, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Sir George was not a man of many words;
his were deeds, and he took his stand on them
and won.
He rarely spoke in the “ House,” and by
the wits of the “ first assembly of gentlemen
in the world,” he had been designated as the
“Silent Member; and on _ extraordinary
occasions bets were well known to have been
laid as to the number of words to be com-
prised in his reasons for his ‘*‘ Aye”’ or “ No,”
twelve being the maximum.
But whether his words were many or not,
his party were sure of him, and all sides
acknowledged him to be a thorough English
gentleman.
On this last act of his public life, however,
speech was given to him, eloquent of grief
and regret at parting from those with whom
he had gone hand-in-hand nearly half a cen-
tury.
“In that long period of time,” he said,
“scarce once has harmony been disturbed,
nor is the tie broken now. The happiness
and prosperity of those whom I have so long
represented is the first and dearest wish of
my soul; like Mary of England, when she
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 245
lost Calais, ‘ Rochester’ will be found graven
on my heart after death. Nor is it by words
only I desire to prove to you my affection.
For this have I nerved myself to meet you at
this trying hour, for this have I braced up my
arm, in order to bring forward one whose
worth I feel so thoroughly assured of, that I
feel not the slightest hesitation in proposing
Colonel Maximilian Freemantle as a fit and
proper representative for the ancient and im-
portant city of Rochester.”
The respectful silence which had attended
the delivery of the speech thus far, the
homage of even the rude and ignorant to
assured worth, here received its first inter-
ruption.
** We won’t have none on him!”
“We won’t have no soldiers !”’
‘We won't have no Popery!” were cries
answered by counter-cries of, ‘‘ No humbug!”
*No squeaks!” more significant than
graceful.
«You must not say so!” said Sir George.
Do you. not believe in me? Have I, with
the resignation of my seat, lost all influence
with you, all claim to your confidence and
246 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
esteem? Have you not given me the highest
proof of both by sending me free and untram-
melled to the proudest seat a subject can oc-
cupy? What higher than to be chosen head
by the united voice of a people ?
“We, your representatives, feel it so.
Hach province, each borough, is a state in
itself; it may be a small one, but still it is a
state, and collected they form a great empire.
Hach head of these divisions has a great trust
reposed in him. Have I[ ever betrayed yours?
Have I falsified your interests in one in-
stance? (‘No, no.’) No! Then why a
change? What have I done to forfeit your
good opinion? Has old age dimmed my
patriotism, or blasted my reason, that you no
longer believe in me—no longer trust me?
(‘We do! We do!’) Prove it then. Elect
this man (bringing Freemantle forward) !
Choose him for your representative! I, your
chief, your tried friend of more than forty
years, demand this of you, as the price of
my long services—as the meed due to
patriotism, that withstood the proffered temp-
tations of wealth and power, to remain true
to the principles for which you chose me. I
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 247
claim your suffrages for this man as a test of |
your gratitude to myself. By-and-bye you will
give them to him for his own sake. Be true
to yourselves, be worthy of your privilege, of
a voice through him in the council chamber of
your country! Degrade not yourselves by
proclaiming in your choice of a leader, that.
you are destitute of reason and common sense
—less intelligent, less worthy of sympathy
and protection than the cattle that graze on
the outskirts of your city. In choosing
~ Colonel Freemantle, you will reflect credit on
your good sense and discernment. Has he
not won for himself the esteem and admira-
tion of his country? Whynot yours? Was
he not solicited to come forward? Did he
come unsought ? Was not the post assured
to him? Why should you withdraw from the
compact at the bidding of another man, who
at the eleventh hour starts up, a stranger un-
thought of, unknown to you; for the mere
purpose of certifying the fact that while the
rest of mankind -are rising in the scale of
civilization, you men of Rochester are retro-
grading : too debased, too ignorant for the
exercise of the power deputed to you as free
248 JOHN FORTESCUEH REYNOLDS, HSQ.
and enlightened citizens? You have before
you the address of each candidate: Colonel
Freemantle avows himself the advocate of
those principles by which men advance in the
moral and intellectual world, and promises to
further them by every legitimate means in
his power. Mr. Reynolds professes the same
views, but abjures the only means by which
they can be attained.
‘“‘ Beware of the sophist! Be not deluded
by the false colouring, though depicted in the ©
most glowing rhetoric of the day! Remem-
ber, though he stands forth the champion of
guilt or innocence, his eloquence availeth
nought in the decision: that is left to the plain
good sense of common men called a jury. Be
you the jury! I will not doubt your verdict ;
I will not believe that the end of my long
career is to find you.less enlightened than at
the commencement.
** Let me beseech your confidence in this
last momentous question of my life. If I
have deserved aught of you, repay it now!
I have grown grey in your service; I came to
you in the vigour of youth and manhood, I
leave you only when the threescore years and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 249
ten of man’s existence warn me to retire.
The sands of life are running out; let us part
in peace, dear friends; let me go to my rest
with the blessed thought that I die in your
service—that in securing for you the services
of such a man as Colonel Freemantle, which
one day you will glory in, I have done my
duty, and to the best of my ability secured
the happiness and prosperity of my beloved
townspeople of Rochester !”
A perfect storm of applause ensued in
answer to the speech of their former in-
estimable representative. He was much
touched, and came forward again and again
to thank them.
Lord Chester appeared to second the nomi-
nation. He rattled off a lively speech amidst
an indescribable confusion and uproar. “The .
Larks,’’ who seemed to have been imbibing
too freely of the morning, or rather moun-
tain dew, conducted themselves as larks never
did before, while “‘ the blackbirds,” an opposi-
tion faction, defiantly answered charge with
charge, among which ‘“‘No Popery!” and
** No Piggery !” strove for mastery.
It was difficult to make anything out of
M O
250 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
such materials, but Lord Chester did. Find-
ing that the unconscious Pope had been em-
panelled for bugbear, he finished off with that
potentate as his theme.
“‘He earnestly assured the mobocracy that
Colonel Freemantle was not the Pope, neither
in nor out of disguise; he could answer for
that, as he had lately returned from Rome,
where he was introduced to, and held converse
with his Holiness, who never once asked him
to become a Catholic, nor even offered to make
him a cardinal. But he would do him the
justice to say, that he seemed a sensible
honest, and benevolent gentleman, in all of
which points Colonel Freemantle resembled
him, but he was not the Pope for all that. The
sovereign Pontiff was a very handsome man,
but then he was advanced in life, as all popes
ought to be; his friend Colonel Freemantle
was a very handsome man too, but then he
was a young one. Was that a fault in him?
If so, he (Lord Chester), his life-long friend,
could tell them that it was his only fault, and
one of which time was certain to cure him. So
_ there the likeness ceased, and the candidate
whose cause was so warmly espoused by their
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 201
amiable and respected member Sir George,
was not the Pope; but since they appeared to
think so much of his Holiness, he was happy
to tell them that there was a chance of his
coming over to Hngland, if things turned out
as expected. And should he then take it
into his head to set up as member
for Rochester, why every man of them
would vote for him! (No! no! and much
laughter and confusion). What! Not
if he set up against Colonel Freemantle ?
(No! we wouldn’t!) Not if he came as
some one said, a man of gold, and his pockets
running over with silver? (We won’t have
no gold, nor no silver, and we won’t have no
Pope!) Well then, if he offered every man
a guinea for his vote? (No, and laughter.)
Say five ! ten! twenty! Would you for fifty ?
a hundred ? (no answer). Shall I answer for
you >” continued Lord Chester, with all his
own lively manner. ‘“‘ No, you would not!
(a tremendous cheer). You are Britons! Not
to be bought with silver or gold! (a deafen-
ing peal in which all the ‘Larks’ joined). Out
with the wretch that would bribe you to
betray your country. You would fling it
252 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
back in his face. (The “ Larks” and all go
frantic). You are Englishmen, and would
scorn to sell your rights and liberties! ‘No!’
you would say, ‘the man who would tempt
us is a coward, and will never do his duty
by us. He thinks we are slaves; we are not.
We will vote like free men for him who takes
his stand on freedom and justice. We believe
in Colonel Freemantle, we believe him to be
in the right. He believes in us; he knows us to
be honest and true, and trusts to us to carry
him through. We will do so, we will follow
the advice of our dear friend Sir George
Goodwin, and in gratitude to him who has
stood by us, faithful and unswerving for so
many years, we will have Colonel Freemantle
for our member and none other.”
It was a pity that the poll did not take
place there and then, for on this appeal to
their better feelings, Freemantle would have
carried all before him.
The benighted ‘ Larks”’ entirely forget
the parts set down for them, and thinking it
was morning, tuned their pipe to songs of
liberty. Colonel Freemantle then came for-
ward. He had been so moved by the devo-
' JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 203
tion of his friends to his cause, that he was
scarcely up to the mark of a public speech.
On his appearance, a terrific hubbub
ensued ; the misguided “‘ Larks”’ all at once
recollected themselves, and disgraced their
very name.
“We won't have no soldier,’ says an
ignorant cageling, who had never soared on
freedom’s wing into the blue sky, ‘“ We likes
sailors best, doesn’t we?” to a jack tar.
** Aye, them’s the fellers to tackle the big
ship, and clear her o’ the breakers,” says the
son of Neptune.
The ‘candidate bemg a soldier was not
without supporters ; the garrison of the town
had turned out to do him honour. They did
not enforce order and harmony at the point
of the bayonet, they took more effectual
means by pouring forth a volley of sweet.
sounds from the accompanying band, and by
way of heartening up their favourite ‘The
girl I left behind me,’ was the appropriate
tune.
_For the moment associations past and
present unmanned him, but with a resolute
effort he dashed them aside.
254 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘‘Hlectors of Rochester,’ said he. ‘“‘ Did
I follow the dictates of prudence, I should
certainly remain silent, and rest my claims to
your support and esteem on the testimony of
my kind friends, and powerful advocates, Sir
George Goodwin and my Lord Chester.
“Tt is acommon saying, ‘Shew me a man’s.
friends, and I will tell what character he
bears.’ I dare not ask you to apply this
entirely to my own case, knowing my many
imperfections; I dare not ask you to accept
literally what mine, in their partiality for me,
their zeal for your interests, have urged on my
behalf. But this I will say, that even the
belief in a man’s virtues is sufficient to en-
noble him, to create them in him, and make
him bend every purpose of his soul to prove
himself worthy of the priceless esteem of his
fellow men.
“On my first coming among you as a
candidate for the honour of representing this
important Borough in Parliament, in com-
pliance with the wishes of some of the most
influential of the electors, headed by your
esteemed member, Sir George Goodwin, the
path before me appeared not more flattering
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 258
and agreeable than smooth and easy. But,
as in the physical, so in the moral world, the
storm ariseth, and no man knoweth whence it
cometh ; the relations between us, promising
perfect peace and unity, have all at once been
rudely assailed, disunion has arisen, opinions
divided, and parties ranged under separate
banners; differences only to be settled by an
appeal, not to arms, as in disputes between
nations, but to the bloodless, yet glorious
decision of a Polling Booth.
** You see before you two men, each solicit-
ing the honour of representing you in Parlia-
ment; the one says, ‘ Forward!’ The other
says, ‘Stop! Which ofthem isin the right?
I say, ‘ Stop,’ you cannot; all is action, all is
progression in these days ; if you stop it is at
your peril. You will, in all probability, be
thrown down and trampled under foot by the
hurrying masses in your rear. I say you
have not gone far enough ; my opponent says,
you have gone too far, at least that is the
argument on which he takes his stand against
me. He says that you are not yet sufficiently
advanced to be entrusted with the small por-
tion of liberty placed in your hands ; it ought
only to be in those of educated men. ThenI
256 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
say, give education likewise. It is that
alone which can make men of men. What
accords to your two candidates the right of
soliciting your favour as electors? Is it
not education decreed to us by the mere
accident of birth? ‘ Butif you educate the
people,’ they ask, ‘ Who is to do the hard
work of the country ? Why they will, and
better than they ever did it before. Is a
man a worse workman, a worse subject, a
worse member of society for being trained
and educated, for having a stake of some kind
or other in his country? for holding a posi-
tion, albeit, small and humble, in the affairs
of his town or country? Who is it fills our
prisons, our hulks, our convict-ships, but the
ignorant, the barbarous, and the savage—
barbarous and savage because ignorant? If
we, who now address you, feel the blessings
of education, its enlarged and elevating in-
fluence, why should we deny it to others?
Is it the part of education to make men selfish
and covetous? Does it not enforce to the
full the doctrine of Christian charity, and the
participation of our abundance to those who
stand in need of it ?
** Let us labour then to improve the social
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 257
condition of our fellow-creatures ; no fear that,
in so teeming a population as ours, labour
will fail. Wherever there is a demand there
will always be a supply, and in improving the
mind, you will promote the development of
the moral qualities also. In his leisure, the
poor man will find other resources than in
intoxication, the betting club, and prize-ring.
«And what if all your schemes for the
regeneration of mankind fail ? they ask again.
That they will scarce do, if we set about them
earnestly and steadily, a great work on our
hands, a great purpose in our hearts; and if
we should not succeed, still it is something
to feel that we have endeavoured to do our
duty honestly, and that it is not our faultif we
do not leave things better than when we
found them.
** And now let me impress on your minds
that in the trial of strength which takes place
to-morrow, it 1s not a contest as to which
man shall represent you in Parliament. Itis
the principles which he advocates, your honour
and dignity abroad, your present good and
future welfare are all involved in the votes
you will give.
258 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
** Let these sacred causes weigh well with
you. Let it be a fair stand up fight, man to
man, becoming bold Britons. No rancour !
No strife! Nocoercion! Nobribery! Let
each man vote according as his conscience
shall dictate, ‘ God and the right’ his rally-
ing cry, and ‘ Truth to win!’” |
We have forborne to break the thread of
our hero’s discourse by the introduction of
those ingredients from without which helped
to season his pie, a lark-pie no doubt, since
when it was opened, the birds began to sing
most discordantly, whilst the resolute efforts
of the opposition blackbirds and red coats to
drown them in a chorus of their own, sent
harmony shrieking into space.
It was now Mr. Gammon’s turn to appear
as the proposer of the opposing candidate, Mr.
Reynolds. He was a soft-spoken individual,
with a sweet smile on his smooth face; he
minced his words, and interlarded them with
innumerable small laughs and coughs.
He began by assuring them “that he was
so overpowered (a laugh) by the honour (a
cough) done him, a humble individual (a
sweet smile), whose only merit (ahem) was
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 209
the proud position (looking very grand) of
belonging to that (ahem) most incomparable
body (so long a smiling pause that his own
side set it down that he was too much amused
to say more, and gave signs of impatience).
Well then! body of Liberal Conservatives,
the Bubble-and-Squeak Company (a long fit
of coughing, interspersed with smiles and
httle laughs, and most unfeeling laughter
from the Freemantleites). They might laugh
(ahem), but before another day closed over
their heads, their laughter would be turned
into crying (a roar of laughter from all
sides, renewed on Mr. Gammon’s taking
out his handkerchief and applying it to his
eyes. Mr. Reynolds looked black as night.
He supposed they were laughing (a small
laugh) at him; he did not mind it (look-
ing very heroic), it showed people were
sweet tempered (smiling blandly), just like
himself; he was very sweet tempered (ahem);
nothing ever put him out (ahem, ahem,
ahem). So laugh on; he hoped they were
laughing at him (a cough). To-morrow they
would laugh with him (ha! ha! ha!). He
felt himself in the position of the mouse (a
260 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
laugh) in the fable—the mouse that set free
the great lion. Yes. He was going to set
free the great lion among them (great roaring
from the opposition in imitation). He was
the mouse (smiling) that was going to intro-
duce to their notice and support the great
lion of the day, Mr. Reynolds. (Mr. Rey-
nolds at this moment looked very much like
a caged lion that was longing to get at the
mouse). Yes, to him, a mouse (smiling
humbly), had been given the high honour
(ahem) of proposing a noble lion (a cough)
to represent a noble city (a broad smile) in
Parliament (ah! ah!). He would not detain
them any longer (bowing and smiling right
and left). He trusted he had explained every-
thing (ahem) to their satisfaction (smiling
killingly;) and in conclusion (a cough) he
would wish them many happy returns of the
day (ah! ah! ah!).
“Well,” remarked one of the roughs, “ if
that there Gammon isn’t one of the biggest
humbugs I ever heard tell of! Why, he
hasn’t said nothink at all!’’
“ He shan’t sweep none of my chimbleys,”
returns a sweep, the leader of the Blackbirds,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 261
who, mounted on an empty barrel, made him-
self especially conspicuous among the ‘“in-
fluential gentlemen” below the hustings.
“ Here comes old Humbug hisself,’”’ says
another ; ‘‘ he’s bigger nor any humbug as
ever I set eyes on.”
* Aye, he looks as if he had eaten the
Gammon for his breakfastis, and could swear
to anythink,” was the answer.
These remarks were not altogether without
foundation, for Mr. Humbug’s appearance
was a striking example of the nutrifying
effects of bubble-and-squeak; therefore he was
very proper person to represent its virtues.
He seconded the nomination of Mr. Rey-
nolds by stating “‘it as one of the most remark-
able instances of spontaneous combustion of
affection, his being deputed to second the
nomination of the most extraordinary man
who ever lived ; and he could assure them,
without the smallest particle of vanity, that
had they searched the world, candle in hand,
they could not have found a person so fitted
for the post of seconder, so lkely to inspire
love and confidence, and win the hearts and
suffrages of the electors as himself. His
‘262 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
adversaries were pleased to laugh; he could
afford to let them do so, for no one could
deny that he was the most popular man of
the day, and ought to be in Parliament, where
a deal of humbugging was always going on.
Yes, that was his name; he was proud of it.
What would people do without their Humbug?
His was a household word, to be found in
everyones mouth; it was the sceptre with
which every man ruled his little world. From
henceforth these two names, Reynolds and
Humbug, would be associated together (great
laughter). He rejoiced to find them so good-
humoured and sensible; he took it as a com-
pliment; they still loved and believed in their
dear Humbug.”
_ * We’s often heerd tell of Mr. Humbug,”
says Mr. Sootikin from his rostrum, the beer
barrel, ‘“‘ and now we sees him.”
Mr. Humbug scorned to take note of the
interruption.
‘“‘He would prove the truth of his words that
both he and Mr. Reynolds were of world-
wide fame, and first of all he would ask “ If
there lived a man so mean, so abject, so des-
picable, as not to read the ‘ Times ?” ”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 263
A voice—* Weallon us reads the ‘ Times;’
we isn’t so despisable as that comes to.”
“ Mr. Humbug was glad to hear it, for what
he was going to say was, if there did exist so
guilty a creature, hang him at once!
Mr. Sootikin—“‘ Alongside old Humbug!”
Mr. Humbug totally ignored the sentence
of excommunication passed upon himself, and
went on—
** Well, then, since no one was to be found
guilty of the crime of not reading the
‘Times,’ they must have seen day after day
Mr. Reynolds’ name therein. He did not
mean in the Law-court proceedings, though
there it always was; many persons passed
them over as too dry reading; but everybody
read the advertisements, and there among
them would be found the name of John
Fortescue Reynolds, HEsq., Q.C., Deputy-
Chairman of that most wonderful of all insti-
tutions, the Bubble and Squeak Company.”’
Here “the swinish multitude” set up a
hideous chorus of squeaks, in imitation of
their brethren of the pigstye.
Mr. Reynolds was in a state of suppressed
frenzy. He would have liked to have pitched
264 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Mr. Humbug over the pen, for the porkers
below, to make “ bubble and squeak”’ of, and
to have joined in the cooking.
“Save me from such rascals as these my
friends!” was the cry of his soul. “ Say
nothing of the Bubble and Squeak!’’ said he
to his seconder. “ They don’t understand
it |”
Mr. Humbug was hurt at being lectured ;
he had a great deal more he intended to say
about the glorious institution and his own
glorious self; now he must leave that out, and
let the wretches think they were a joint stock
pig company.
“He trusted that he had proved to their
satisfaction that the gentleman now offering
himself for their representative in opposition
to Colonel Freemantle was of world-wide
fame, known everywhere through the medium
of the ‘Times.’ He went journeying along
with it to the north, to the south, and to the
east, and the west. The ‘Times’ visited
every part of the globe, and consequently Mr.
Reynolds also”’ (uproarious cheers from the
“larks”’). Mr. Humbug was gratified ; he
became quite elevated. ‘* Could they look
JOHN FORTESCUR REYNOLDS, ESQ. 265
through the solid substance of the ground on
which they were standing, right through
into—’”
Mr. Humbug stopped short, and put him-
self into a thinking attitude. His geography
was all abroad; for the life of him he could
only remember “ South Sea House,” hard by
** Bubble and Squeak.” .
** Now we have it!” said he presently.
** It’s the Scilly Islands! those far-off cannibal
lands, where the people eat one another up,
and walk about without their heads. I say,
if you could look through all this rubbish
and dirt we are standing on—I say, you
would see at this moment every man of them
with a ‘Times’ in his hand, reading about —
Mr. Reynolds !”
‘Good lawk-a-day !”” exclaims Molly, in the
crowd, “to think of them ignorum savages a
readin’ of the ‘ Times!’ ”
“It’s wondersome!”’ returns Patty, her
gossip. ‘ Why, theyll be knowin’ of what
you and me is sayin’ on next !”’
*¢ And got no heads neither !’’ says Susy, of
the trio. “It’s a strangeness how they
reads |”
VOL. II. N
266 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Ain’t you got no drorin’ of it ?’’ demands
Mr. Sootikin. “Show us the fortygruff as
was tooked when you was at them Sillies !’’
Mr. Humbug disdained to comply. He
told them instead “that he quite differed
from the opinion expressed by the noble lord,
who had seconded the nomination of the other
candidate, as to the absurdity of the two
members being different sides in politics.
They might just as well have only one mem-
ber; all these years, indeed, they had only
had one member! Rochester, the greatest
city in the world—he must and would say it
—with only one member, and yet they were
saying that it sent two. It was a perfect
Hum?
He suddenly recollected himself, and
stopped. :
‘“‘ Humbug !’”’ shouts a voice.
“ Well, so it was! a downright humbug !
He had forgotten it was his own name. Just
fancy, it was like sending a man and his wife
to Parliament! One of the most barefaced
things he ever heard of! A place like
Rochester, with only one member, yet saying
she had two! Both represent the same side
of the question ; the other, by far the largest,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 267
the most important, the most influential, were
utterly without a voice in anything that con-
cerned them or their interests! It was time
such an injustice as that should be reformed.
Yes, Reform was their motto—reform of all
such abuses as that—and it would be reformed
he was as certain as that he was speaking.
The first reform would take place at Roches-
ter! They would send Mr. Reynolds with
an overwhelming majority to represent them
in Parliament. His friend Mr. Gammon had
called him a lion, and so he was, a regular
British lion, and they would send this lion to
that den of lions!—Ah! ha!—the House of
Commons! in spite of all the machinations
and ridiculous threats of the Freemantle
party; and he would tell them a little secret
too, they would find him a true prophet, very
shortly they wonld see their lion sitting on
the woolsack !’’
“ A woolsack !’? exclaims a woolly-headed
individual. ‘*‘ What may that be ?”
“ A bag of wool as they cuts off the sheep
to be sure |!” answers a Solon.
“ And what may be the use of his a sittin’
on that ?”
N 2
268 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
~ © ?’Cog as how he’s tired a killin’ so many
sheep
“Talwers thought as it was a thing they
lords wore a top o their heads!’ says
another, equally enlightened. |
}??
“So they does,” answers a wag; “ when
they wants to look like lions, they puts their
manes on!”
Fancy!’ says Mr. Humbug, getting up-
roarious. ‘* You have heard of the British
lion standing beside the throne, now you will
see him sitting on the woolsack! Won’t you
be proud of him then? He would say no
more. They would now have the pleasure of
hearing Mr. Reynolds—(‘ No!’).—Yes, they
should—(‘ No, the lion !’)—well, the lion
speak (‘ No, roar!’)—hear the lion roar (imita-
tion roaring), and when they did, why, they
would all roar too—ah ! ah! (great uproar)—
and go roaring like lions to the poll to vote
for him! Ah! ha!”
This told immensely, and the roaring and
shouting and laughing continued for several
minutes. | |
It was now Mr. Reynolds’ turn to appear.
He was feeling very like a lion—fierce, savage,
JOHN FORTESCUB REYNOLDS, ESQ. 269
and cruel,—under the infliction of the Messrs.
Gammon and Humbug, whom he despised with
his whole soul; yet he was forced to endure
them and their odious patronage.
“My friends,” said he, “ from the flourish
of trumpets heralding my approach you would
not be unreasonable did you expect His Royal
Highness the lion of England himself to ap-
pear; but fame is a liar, trust her not, she is
a deceiver—false to the heart’s core! Does
she know the inner life of that man, whom,
tricked out in the tawdry trappings of her
adulation, she has the hardihood to hold up
tohuman worship. Her historian is a babbler
and an egotist! Can he fathom motives, or
weigh actions? Her patriot isaknave and a
cheat ! It’s a throne for himself, and a
dungeon for the people! Her warrior, her
hero, is a thief and a murderer, as much as he
who, arraigned for his one paltry crime, swings
in air for it! I thank my stars fame hath
not me in her toils; unknown to her, un-
assisted by her, I owe her nothing, and scorn
her! No, I am not a lion, nor yet a unicorn,
though as right loyal a supporter of the throne
as either of them. I am a man, plain and
unadorned as yourselves; have sprung from
270 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
your ranks, tugged at the same oar with you,
therefore know you, know your needs, feel for
you, sympathise with you, as he cannot, who,
born in the purple (sneeringly) assumes the
hero, and comes with a lion and a unicorn of
his own, to sound his trumpet, and proclaim
his deeds of arms !”
Mr. Reynolds was interrupted by a furious
outburst, as well as a fierce passage of arms,
between the rival factions, in which the
valiant Sootikin was deposed ; his throne, the
empty beer-barrel, became lke other vacant
thrones, the object of dispute to so many
lawless aspirants, that, too weak to support
itself, 1ts understanding gave way, involving
Larks and Blackbirds in one common melée,
proving itself a veritable barrel of gunpowder,
explosive and violent.
Freemantle frantically waved peace to the
incensed partisans of his cause.
Mr. Reynolds was in his element, the
energy of his nature was concentrated in
his tongue, it was his gift. In the inspiration
of his genius, meaner passions were forgotten,
as was the man himself by those who lay
under the spell of his harmonious tongue.
Will you be dictated to?’ he was at
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 271
length heard to say. “Are you serfs and
bondsmen, to be at the bidding of one man,
harnessed to his chariot, and driven to the poll,
there to vote as he only shall direct ? Is this
your progressive state P Is this your vaunted
civilization P This exercising the power
placed in your hands as freemen? As well
build your ships, and say they are for orna-
ment; as well give the brief to the counsel,
and tell him he must not speak from it; as
well place the pickaxe and spade in the hands
of the labouring man, and forbid him to make
use of them.
‘‘ The visionary, the sophist, I give him
back the word, says ‘ Educate the people.
Knowledge is power; knowledge is happi-
ness.’ He who preaches this doctrine is either
a fool or an impostor. Are you happier than
were your forefathers, who, born on the soil,
tilled the soil, knew nought beyond that soil,
content with their lot, arose jocund as the
morn, and laid them down to their rest, even
as the sungoeth down. Wherefore the lament
of those good old times, if you in your
generation be so much wiser and happier?
Knowledge is happiness! — Knowledge is
272. JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
misery ; knowledge is destruction. To him
who has nought else it is the tree of the for-
bidden fruit—sin in the plucking, death in the
tasting. Who that hath knowledge is con-
tent? Who hath not felt its thirst ?—its
penal judgment? ‘To die ere we can com-
prehend—or comprehending but in part, too
vast the encumbrance for the finite brain,
Reason lies prostrate, or the hard earth
claims as a usurer back the loan she gave.
‘Away then!” continued Mr. Reynolds,
with increasing vehemence, “ away with the
cant that education is the goal. Say! will your
demagogues giveit you! Willthey give it you
any more than they willthat reform, which they
raise as a bubble cry, (haughtily) to amuse .
and divert the gaping multitude (I use their
own words) from weightier matters. Yet
are there things deeper, less harmless than
bubbles. ‘There are snares and pitfalls to
entrap you unthinking and misguided men,
into the commission of crimes for which your
leaders, not you, should suffer the penalty. Is
it your happiness they seek? It is their own!
Is it your aggrandisement they desire? It is
their own! Do they strive that you shall be
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 273
rich and enlightened (mockingly) as them-
selves? It’s false! Raised by your shouts
to the ephemera of heroes, their poimt is
gained. Theirs is fame, yours is infamy !
“Tt is to combat the sophist (with em-
phasis) and the revolutionary that I take this
as my vantage ground, to fight him with his
own weapons.
*‘ It is to counteract his pernicious doc-
trines, by laws which he shall not controvert,
that I appear here to solicit your suffrages.
It is to unmask the hypocrite, the traitor to
his Queen and his country” (fixing his eyes
upon his opponent).
The hot blood fiew into Freemantle’s face ;
roused like a lion at the unprovoked attack,
he sprang forward; involuntarily he made a
movement as if to grasp his sword, which for-
tunately belonged not to his uniform of peace.
‘* Whoso asserts,”’ said he in a voice of con-
centrated passion, ‘‘ that- | am a traitor to
my Queen and my country (turning darkly
on Mr. Reynolds), before God he lies! I
fling it back im his teeth, and defy him to the
proof ;”’ and he flung down his glove, which
he held in his hand, as men are wont to do.
NO
274 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
For a moment there was a dead silence.
Freemantle’s voice sounded like a trumpet,
and was heard to the outermost man of the
crowd.
Mr. Reynolds looked as if he was about to
spring on him en caractére of lion, we suppose:
but Freemantle was pulled back by Lord
Chester, who gave the watchword ‘“ Augusta”
in his ear, while Mr. Freemantle interposed
his athletic proportions between the two
vengeful spirits.
‘It is such a scene as this,’ resumed Mr.
Reynolds, with his usual tact, taking advan-
tage of circumstances, “‘ that proves the truth
of one’s arguments. But now your two im-
maculate candidates, peacefully demonstrating
their superlative claims to your especial ad-
miration, the most perfect harmony—nay,
love—subsisting between them—
“© Alas ! how light a cause may move
Dissension between hearts that love.
* * * * * *
A something light as air—a look,
A word unkind or wrongly taken,’
And lo, the sword leaps from the scabbard,
the random shot tells so keenly, it can only
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 275
be repelled by appeals to heaven; only be
atoned for by the blood of the unwitting
marksman.
‘* See what a gash the furious Hotspw made.”
Freemantle’s breast heaved, the blood
started from his lips in the suppression of his
fury at the insulting parody.
- The passions of men,” said Mr. Reynolds,
‘are as the powder stored away in the
magazines of your neighbour, Chatham. A
spark misapplied, and what becomes of
your towns, your fortresses, your magnificent
arsenals P shaken to their foundations, blown
to atoms ; ruin more vast and desolating than
the fiercest hurricane. It is the work of man,
not of nature; centuries shall not recover the
one ill-fated hour of war and rebellion.
* Let us beware, then, that in our well-
meaning desire for the improvement of our
less favoured fellow-creatures, we waken not
into life the slumbering fires of such terrific
agencies as these. Restrained, directed, pro-
perly appropriated, they are at once the pride
and boast of mankind, the glory of the
world.
276 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“‘T will now conclude, having pleaded my
cause as it behoveth counsel. I leave it to
you, the judges, to decide on its merits. If
your decision is in my favour, I shall make it
my ambition to prove myself worthy of the
trust reposed in me, my aim to identify my-
self with the good people of Rochester in
thought, word, and deed. I know of no place
presenting equal claims to our love and
veneration: to the historian, the antiquary, it
is an epitome of our past history, every stone
has its tale. See her now, begirt with the
tall masts of her vessels, as a pine-forest!
They are the feet of the messengers bringing
glad tidings of peace and good-will among
men. ‘To be the representative of such a
place, her champion, where my zeal could
most avail her, is the highest honour I could
aspire to, and one I would not exchange—no,
not to be the lion of the woolsack !”
“‘ Well,” says the ex-king of the beer-barrel.
“that’s what I calls perlavy. He hasn’t said
nothink about giving us more wotes, and all
as I can say is, as a man who knows how to
sweep chimbleys, and keeps the sut from a
injurin’ his neighboursis, and is a clean, tidy,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 277
conformable person, a knowin’ how to speak
tollolable, he had ought to have a wote, which
he aint got, and more shame to ’em !”
A show of hands being taken, it was de-
cided in favour of Mr. Reynolds, he being
the last speaker. A poll was, therefore,
demanded on behalf of Colonel Freemanile,
and the election fixed for the following day.
rp
278 JOHN FORTESOCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXIII.
‘SAVE OCASAR.’—F. GEROME.
Te election morning was ushered in by a
carol of the “ larks,”’ expressive of a determi-
nation to make the day their own. The
* blackbirds,”’ headed by the dethroned Sooti-
kin, in his war-chariot, armed with the in-
signia of his office, answered in lays as
boisterous and defiant, significant of a re-
solution to soar higher than the benighted
larks, however high their flights.
The first person to record his vote was the
member 2m esse; he, having interest in his
borough, had sped over from travels in
Austria, to give his adhesion to the Liberal
cause on the first whisper of a contest.
From an early hour, the partisans of the
rival factions might be seen looking up their
forces, and marshalling them to the polling-
‘ .
ae
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 279
booth, round which throughout the day were
stationed eager groups, as if waiting for
the exciting summons, “ Walk in, ladies and
gentlemen, and you shall see what you shall
see |”’
The town itself was all alive, and Roches-
ter, usually too much occupied with business
in hand to make note of politics, gave busi-
ness a holiday, and threw herself into the
heat and turmoil of this, to her, important
business, with the spirit indicative of her
consanguinity to that boisterous element to
which the work of her hands is more especially
devoted.
Surpassing the “larks” in the fun and
frolic to be got out of the hour, were the blue-
jackets of the port; to a man they joined the
Reynoldite party.
It is a strange anomaly in human nature
that sailors and sea-faring men are ninety-
nine out of a hundred despots at heart.
Born to the sea, bred to the sea, imbibing the
free spirit of the freest of all created bodies,
they love freedom to fanaticism, will respond
to her call, defend her to the death while
breasting her untrammelled waves ; but strip
280 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
her of her nationality, they stigmatise as
treason and rebellion the assertion of her in-
dividual independence, her resistance to op-
pression, her defence of her rights and
liberties. |
It may in part be due to the rigid laws (in-
separable from the system under which they
live,) rendering them, as the inevitable con-
sequence, the more severe exactors of submis-
sion and obedience in others. |
Itis the same with the army, which is con-
servative likewise, though certainly much less
so than the navy.
Freemantle was an exception to the rule,
and to him and his affairs we turn our atten-
tion. — |
Till noon his star at the poll had been in
the ascendant, his supporters had polled
vigorously, and he was considerably a-head,
and whether it was to the irresistible persua-
sion of the fair Rachel, or to their own innate
sense of right, the Jewish electors had all,
save one man, recorded their votes in his
favour. Freemantle and Lord Chester had
scoured the town, preaching peace to the
belligerent multitude, and by dint of argu-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, BSQ. 281
ment and persuasion brought many wavering
souls to the sticking point.
At the turn of the day, however, a change
took place, Mr. Reynolds having in the one
hour given to rest and recruiting, accom-
plished fully half the distance between him
and his adversary.
Freemantle and his friends became aware
of this fact on their return from Sir George
Goodwin’s, to whom they had gone in the joy
of their hearts to communicate the happy
prospects of their poll. Sir George gave them
a feast of a luncheon, and drove them back
into the town.
They found it in a state of civil, or rather
uncivil war, a pitch-battle going on between
blue-jackets and red-jackets, all regular as
orderlies, the larks and blackbirds going at
one bills and claws as disorderlies, and rais-
ing a hue and cry, as though an enemy were
a second time sailing into port.
“The Angel,’ Freemantle’s head-quarters,
no longer held the olive-branch. She was the
angel of discord; the polling-booth about as
ornamental as the pens doing duty for hust-
ings, appeared likely to be carried by assault,
282 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
no difficult task to look at, yet firm as a rock
in its moral influence, more secure than the
town-hall itself, looking down with disdain on
the puerile struggle going on below. |
The head-quarters of the strife, however,
was the “ Wheatsheaf :” that pastoral ensign
belied itself. The Reynoldites, downcast
and quarrelsome under adverse gales, be-
came demonstrative, and insulting under
favourable ones, in which the ‘‘ Barleymow,”’
flowing in one continual stream, and where
he who was. thirsty might drink at his
pleasure, had no inconsiderable share.
The Freemantleites were not behind their
opponents in reciprocating the entente non
cordiale; when such fierce grinding and pound-
ing took place, that in the end justice inter-
fered, larks and _ blackbirds were made
prisoners, and secured in cages, where “ their
native wood-notes wild” created no sensation.
Sootikin, the chief of the blackbirds, fared
no better than the rest of them; his chariot
came to grief, its poles were turned into
batteringrams, its wheels became rollingpins
to crush him; his sceptre, the broom, after
blacking right and left the faces of the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 283
enemy, was wrested from his grasp, and
with such right good will applied to his
own sable visage, that the red and white of
anger and rage became perfectly visible
through the black cloud obscuring it. He
was pounced upon as a ringleader, suffered
imprisonment that day, fines the next, which
we are happy to add were paid for him, his
old weapons converted into new, and he
released from durance vile, resumed his high
position as head sweep of Rochester, and live
to fight another day.
Freemantle was coursing like a whirlwind
through the town, exhorting, commanding,
beseeching ; his blood was up, he resolved to
win this battle, if human means could avail;
he knew it to be his by right, but he set his
soul on gaining it despite bribery and
corruption.
Nearly all those promised had polled, it
was near three, his competitor was close on
his heels, a number sufficient to turn the scale
hung back, they could not make up their
minds, they were doubtful, they wanted
direction, Mr. Reynolds would give it, z.e., if
there was any direction left in his strong box.
284 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
While turning a corner into the hich street,
Freemantle was run into by some one, who
nearly threw him off his balance.
“Why, Whynn!” he exclaimed. “Is it
you? so you have turned up at last. I
thought you were coming down to propose
me!”
«¢ [—J—-was,”’ returns Fred, “ but-——the—
horwible—stowy ! ”
“‘ Nothing very bad I hope.”’
“‘Tsn’t—it—though? It’s — fwightful!
W here’s—that—-old—gwiper—Weynolds ?”
‘* T do not know, somewhere in the town.
At the Wheatsheaf most likely.”
“¢ He—can’t—hear—me. [—say—can—
you—keep—a—secwet ?”
“Tt is not a very formidable one I dare
say, I shall forget it the next minute.”
« All—wight!” says Fred. “ Do—you—
know—that— horwible— old — wogue—is —
my—father !”’
It was a formidable secret, it took Free-
mantle’s breath away. He looked as amazed
as did Fred himself when first made ac-
quainted with the astonishing circumstances.
“ Tt’s—all—twue!” continued Fred, “‘ the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 285
—venewable—old — parwient — told —me—
herself ! ”’
“Your mother told you that?” exclaims
again Freemantle, more and more astounded.
“* Aye,—and—a—gweat—deal—more. By
Jove! Here—comes—old — gwiper—wound
—the—corner! Speak—of—old—Harwy—
you ll—see—his—horns ! Cut—and—wun !”
says the hero.
Freemantle found himself by the river, he
was standing staring into it, forgetful for the
moment where he was.
“Tt’s catalepsy!’’ says Lord Chester,
rousing him up with a slap on the back.
“Tt’s dogalepsy!’’ returns Freemantle.
*‘Hvery dog has his day, and I have had mine
of surprises.”
* You look as if you had lost your elec-
tion.”
“Tt’?s a greater surprise than that, for I
should believe in it. I say, can you keep a
secwet P”
“JT think I can answer in the affirmative,
seeing how many I keep of my own,” returned
Lord Chester, jocosely.
“All wight,” answered naughty Freemantle.
286 JOHN FORTESOUK REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘Fred has just volunteered the extraordinary
piece of information that our fierce lion of
the woolsack is his father !”’
Lord Chester laughed his wickedest: ‘‘ That
accounts for his being such a cub,” said he.
“Of course such a story as that 1s not to
be credited an instant. It’s one of Fred’s
ridiculous blunders, characteristic of him.”’
“IT suspect he read it at the bottom of
those wine cups, which he has been tossing off
to the health of the pretty daughter of the
Wheatsheaf,” returned his lordship. ‘‘ I saw
him coming out not long ago—that ‘ Boule
dogue’ the father, is as obstinate as ever; he
has worked himself into a fury; and silenced
his women by vowing to vote for Reynolds if
they utter another word.”
‘““ If he does not,’’ said Freemantle, “ he is
a gallant fellow. We cannot expect him to
do otherwise, situated as he is, his house the
depot of the oppositionists, who do the thing
as we would not, and could not; not having a
Bubble-and-Squeak surety for payment of all
expenses ; few I fancy would be as patriotic
as he, in not voting.”
‘1 shall not be satisfied, unless he carries
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 287
his patriotism a little further, and votes for
my friend,” said Lord Chester. ‘‘ That man
Reynolds has ruined the honesty of the place
with his wholesale bribery,’ he went on,
indignantly ; “so corrupt has he made it,
that the answer of numbers to my petition
for votes is, ‘ How much will you give me »
At this moment a group stands outside the
Town Hall, declaring they will only vote as
a whole, and demanding a hundred each as
their price !”’
“ And they will have it,” answers Free-
mantle. ‘‘ Reynolds will not let the chance
escape, and the game so close. The money is
not his own. What cares he, so as he gets
inf.
“But he shall not get in, now nor ever,”
exclaims Lord Chester, with energy. ‘‘ What,
connive at dishonour? If he gains, we will
have him out, and the Borough disfranchised
for its sins.”
“ We won’t do that, my dear Chester, for
the sake of those patriots who are proof
against gold.”
Lord Chester’s outburst was fully justified.
At the very moment he was speaking, the
288 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
following colloquy was going on at the shop —
of a “ well to do” tradesman of the town, a
cutler he called himself.
Enter Gentleman.
Gent.—“‘ Good day, Mr. Cutler!”
Mr. Cut.—* Good day, sir.” |
Gent.—‘ A fine day.”
Mr. Cut.— A fine day itis, sir, a very fine
day.”
Gent.—‘ You seem very lively ?”
Mr. Cut.—* We are lively to-day.”
Gent.— Are you always so gay ?”
Mr. Cut.—* No, sir! We are not always
SO gay.”
Gent.—‘ What’s in the wind. There’s an
election going on, isn’t there ?”
Mr. Cut.—*‘ There is an election, I believe,
but I never take heed of those sort of things,
they are not in my line.”
Gent.—* That is a pity, Mr. Cutler. It is
the duty of every man to look after the
welfare of his town or country, as the case
may be.”
Mr. Cut.—* It won’t make a bit of difference
to me or mine, whichever of them gets in.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 289
Gent.—“ I suppose you think there’s no
difference between them ?”
Mr. Cut.—‘“ It’s not that, sir; but I can’t
aliord to pay the difference. How goes the
poll, sir?”
Gent.—‘“‘ Undecided.”
Mr. Cut.—‘‘ Colonel Freemantle has been
a-head all day, hasn’t he, sir?”
Gent.—“ I suspect he is not so now.”
Mr. Cut.—‘* They seem both nice sort of —
gentlemen ; it’s a pity as they can’t both get
athe :
Gent.—“ That is your opinion. I was
thinking that 1f you threw in your powerful
opinion it might turn the fortunes of the day.”
Mr. Cut.—‘‘ My mind misgives me as it
might not be the right one.”’
Gent.— Toss up, and-decide that way.”
Mr. Cut.—* Pray, sir, if] may be so bold,
which side may you have voted on ?”
Gent.—“I am a stranger, but a friend
and well wisher to you and your good town.”
Mr. Cut.—‘ That’s very handsome of you,
sir. Can I serve you with anything ?”
Gent.—To héip Colonel Freemantle along?
I cannot say that I need that.”
VOL: Il. _ 0
290 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Mr. Cut.—“‘ I don’t say so, sir, either. It’s
im’terial to me which of them wins, I’d as
lief one as the other.”
Gent.—‘‘A sensible, cautious man, I plainly
perceive.”
Mr. Cut.—‘‘ One can’t be too cautious in
business. I hesitate for want of advice.”
Gent.—‘‘ Which you expect me to give
woud |
Mr. Cut.—‘“‘ I’m open to correction if I
play wrong.”
Gent. (slily).— And open to an offer like-
wise, I plainly perceive. What do you ask
for this knife ?”’
Mr. Cut.—‘‘ How much will you be pleased
to give for it?”
‘Gent.—‘ Oh, you must make the charge, of
course.”
Mr. Cut.— These things varies in price;
T leave it to you to name the terms.”
Gent.—“I couldn’t indeed! You must
say something. Ihave not the least idea of
the value of such articles at times like this.”
Mr. Cut.— Well! say fifty guineas!”
Gent.— Fifty guineas! That is a price
to pay for a vo—”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 291
Mr. Cut.—‘ No occasion to take it, sir;
it’s not half what I should have asked if you
hadn’t been on our side. I refused a hundred
not half an hour ago, because it was on the
opposite side.”
Gent.—‘ Such a noble eres on your
part ought to be chalked upon the walls of
your town, Mr. Cutler. I think you had
better recall the other side, and tell them you
have changed your mind. You will never
get such another offer.”
Mr. Cut.— That may be, sir; but I never
will sell a thing to a man as I don’t set
horses with in politics. Id rather sell ata
loss to them as I does.”
Gent.—* That is the cause of your asking
such high prices of your own side, more than
T can think of giving. You know it is of no
earthly use after to-day, and we shall do very
well without it, [ have no doubt.”
Mr. Cut.—*‘ No doubt, sir, but everyone is
a catch, and goes towards completing your
number.”’
Gent.—‘‘ Very true, but there are others
in the market, and we may Tigildcd find
them more reasonable.”
0 2
292 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Mr. Cut.—“‘I doubt that, sir, at this late
hour of the day.”
Gent.—‘ We can but try. When it’s all
over, we may possibly look in to see if you
have made a better .bargain with your fifty
guinea pocket knife.”
Mr. Cut.—* Stay, sir! It’s you who ie
never told me, how far you were inclined to
go to.”
Gent.—‘‘ Because it would be of no use: we
could not think of giving that money for a
thing of no real use whatever.”
Mr. Cut.—“ I beg your pardon, sir; you
would find it the greatest use.”
Gent.—‘‘ Indeed! Prove it.”
Mr. Cut.—‘ Well, sir. Here’s a blade that
Pll be bold to say you would not find its like
anywhere. I warrant it to cut both ways,
will bend backwards and forwards. It’s as
supple, as supple as—”
Gent.—‘ As your conscience.”
Mr. Cut.— Ah, sir, you are keen, as keen
as—’” )
Gent.—‘ Your blade.”
Mr. Cut.—* Mr. Reynolds is a lawyer, —
isn’t he, sir ?”
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 293
Gent.—< You know him then ?”
Mr. Cut.—*‘ Can’t say as I do, but he’s a
sharp one I hear.”
Gent.—“< But you are a sharper, by the
way you do business. How much do you ask
for this villain of a blade ?”
Mr. Cut.—‘‘ Ten guineas, sir!”
Gent.—‘ Ten guineas! Villainy always
costs dear. Here’s the money!”
Mr. Cut.—‘ Stay, sir; I couldn’t, sir, do
such a thing! You haven’t seen half. Why
here’s a corkscrew that would give you a
vote for every cork you drew.”
Gent.—‘‘ Famous! We will draw all the
corks in Rochester with it.” |
Mr. Cut.—‘‘ Aye, that’s worth another ten ;
and here’s a lancet worth fifty guineas of
itself, it would make a man bleed at every
pore.”
Gent.— That’s what I am doing without
your fifty guinea lancet, so it’s of no use.
Good day !”
Mr. Cut.— Don’t go, sir! You shall have
the knife, the corkscrew, the lancet, picklock,
skeleton-key, and all for twenty guineas.
Not one shilling less.”
294, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Gent.—“ Mr. Cutler! If I was not in want
of the knife, corkscrew, lancet, picklock,
skeleton key for this day’s use, I would give
the hundred guineas for the pleasure of seeing
you cutting your own throat with the whole
of them. Here’s your twenty guineas! Just
twenty pounds, nineteen shillings, eleven pence
halfpenny, two farthings too much. May I
have the pleasure of accompanying you on
your way to the poll—part of it at any rateP—
my way lies in that direction. We may pos-
sibly meet Mr. Reynolds himself on our way,
and uf he does not know it already, I shall
take care to tell him of your disinterested
devotion to his cause.”
At three o’clock the real game began. It
was said Mr Reynolds headed the poll.
“The battle is lost!’ said Freemantle,
‘‘Who can control fate? It is written!”
“It is not written that he shall win!” said
Lord Chester. ‘‘ There is one half hour yet
remaining, and defeat him we will.”
‘A hero to the backbone!” said Free-
mantle with emotion, “let me be your sword-
bearer |”
They repaired to the committee-room at
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 295
the Angel: the members they despatched
right and left to look up the laggards. Lord
Chester was more than ever bent on the
conquest of mine host of the Wheatsheaf.
The two Freemantles, father and son,
betook themselves to the hustings, where the
former addressed the concourse gathered
below, awaiting the close of the poll. |
‘¢ Men of Rochester!” said he, “this scene
reminds me of some in which it was my
fortune to take part some thirty years ago.
It was one of those epochs, those tides in the
affairs of men, when their minds undergo a
change ; to counteract it would be useless, for
it is the culmination to which past events
have all been tending. A change must take
place. Hngland was in the throes of a revo-
Intion, on the eve of the very worst of revo-
lutions, a civil war, where a nation 1s armed
against itself, and feelings more deadly and.
savage are called into action than can be
found in anygwars between nations. Many
of you men standing around will remember
it, many will have heard their fathers tell of
it. The people asked for reform, it was
withheld. The inevitable period had arrived
296 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
for it; it was not an impulse only, it was a
want, a principle, a vital necessity, and must
be accorded, or fearful the consequences.
Men banded together, men good and moral,
loving peace, loving order; but this same
necessity roused them up, and they swore
never to rest till their prayer. was granted.
It was not alone for themselves they demanded
this reform, it was that you and your children
might be freer, wiser, happier than them-
selves. Did they think the blessings they
obtained for you at a price would render you
so base that you would stand in the market-
place to cry your vote to the highest bidder P
Did they think that the struggle they made
for your liberties would make you but slaves
more despicable? I see before me men who,
as freemen of this beautiful city, are ranked
independent, honest, and respectable citizens;
yet there they stand, like negroes waiting the
slave-master’s coming.”
The saleable electors wince.
“Yet will they tell us they love liberty,
they love their country, but for gold would
sell both. If true men, why have they not .
voted before? Why stand idly watching
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 297
when their fellows are hurrying to the poll?
They love not freedom, or they would long
ere now have repaired to her shrine, not be
waiting here for her. There was a king who
sold his country, and the Dutch came to your
ports and burned your ships, and Rochester
fled in terror and dismay. Will you sell your
liberties P Will you sell your country? Will
you open your doors to the invaders of your
rights and liberties? Let the dead arise and
ery shame on you! Let the mothers who
bore you cry shame on you! Let the little
ones who cluster round your knees cry shame
on you! Let the country which owns you
cry shame on you! Let the voice at the
judgment pronounce your doom, “ Depart
from me, I know you not, workers of iniquity.”
The saleable electors, who had been waxing
more and more excited, here disappeared into
the polling-booth.
The clock of the Town Hall approached to
four. Expectation and uncertainty had
hushed into silence the busy, boisterous,
brawling crowd; the polling had ceased, and
the finger of time moved steadily to the hour,
when the strange stillness was broken by the
0 5
298 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
clang of horse’s hoofs in the distance, speed-
ing along as though the animal bore the wild
huntsman on his back. It came nearer and
nearer; every eye turned in the direction, but
no one moved, all seemed spell-bound.
“A runaway horse!” were the unspoken
words of every heart.
But no, the animal dashed through the
crowd, and drew up at the polling-booth with
a suddenness that threw him on his haunches.
The rider flung himself ffo and rushed in.
‘* Too late P”’ he asked, breathless.
“One minute to the closing,” was the
answer.
“Then I, Gabriel Lyons. of the Wheat-
sheaf Inn, give my vote in favour of Colonel
Freemantle, and God bless him !”’
Hurrah for the staunch Briton, the lion of
the Wheatsheaf.
That last vote carried the day.
Freemantle had won, and by one only.
Lord Chester’s rhetoric, his wife’s entreaties,
the tears of his daughter as she rushed in,
“Oh! father dear, Colonel Freemantle has
lost,’ were too much for the honest innkeeper.
Without these powerful adjuncts he could not
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 299
have borne to see his favourite lose. Through-
out the contest a perfect civil war had raged
between his feelings and interests.
He stays to see who wins.
Who so glad as he? Who so earnest and
vociferous as he in acclamation? ’*Twas he
who won the day.
His beautiful daughter hangs on his arm,
her glorious black eyes are humid with feel-
ing, as she looks up at Freemantle, the idol
of women, and tries with simple earnestness
to tell him how glad she 1s he has won.
The victor, with her hand in his, tells her
that he owes it all to her; it is her zeal and
energy that has gained it for him. He can
never forget it, he will call and see her before
leaving Rochester, and beg of her some little
memorial—her portrait, which he will keep in
remembrance of the debt he owes to her and
her father.
Madness seizes the crowd, it is one vibrat-
ing peal of shouting welcome.
“To Bacche! Evoe Bacche !” in which the
traitors who sold themselves, treacherous to
the last, join loudest of all.
The tumultuous crowd moves on, the band
300 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
strikes up, they approach “‘ The Angel,” the
angel soaring aloft, trumpet in hand. They
round the corner, and draw up in the open
space fronting the victor’s committee-rooms.
He is above. He stands at the window, he
and his friends, radiant and triumphant, as
men who have fought a good fight and
won.
** Hurrah for Freemantle !”
*“‘ Freemantle for ever !”’
Who can pierce this thronging crowd, this
surging mass of human life; traffic stopped,
men and things hemmed into one dense
phalanx; horses share the excitement, and be-
come unmanageable; two greys in a carriage
spring up and dance frantically to “Rule,
Britannia,’ volleyed forth by band and the
people. Charitable hands seize the bits and
hold down the heads of the horses; the lady
within the vehicle is alarmed, little children
therein shriek with delight; one other, mute
and wondering, surveys the scene, to be evoked
out of the ashes of a buried and forgotten past.
The father looks out to see how fared the day,
Freemantle sees him, crushes up the poll-list
in his hand, and with dexterous aim flings it
i -
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 301
into the carriage window.* It falls on the
girl’s dress.
The gentleman reads, looks out, lifts his hat
in salutation, then waving it, cries—
‘¢* Hurrah for Freemantle !’’
* Hurrah for Freemantle!’ deafens the
alr.
The horses are backing into the band.
They give them their heads, the crowd
opens, and the animals dash with the speed of
racers to their well-known destination.
“ Hurrah for Freemantle !’’
*“‘ Freemantle and liberty for ever !”’
‘*¢ Hurrah for Freemantle and the unbought
electors of Rochester !”
** Hurrah for Gabriel Lyons the patriot of
Rochester !’
Let the angel soaring aloft voice her
trumpet.
** Let her call be heard o’er land and sea.
Freedom, all hail!
Freedom to all men !
Freedom to all God’s creatures !
Let freedom triumphant govern the earth!”
* A fact.
302 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXIV.
‘© 4 SHADY LANDSOAPE.’’——-F. R. LEE.
We left Mrs. Reynolds standing in the
meadow where her son, Fred, had left her on
the discovery of his new belongings.
Her thoughts were not enviable, and she
heartily wished that she had left unsaid the
words she had said.
But what she had learned from that hopeful
subject so surprised her, that she walked up
and down in a state of excitement that over-
powered her disgust at the utter uselessness
of the interview she herself had sought.
It was not that she was shocked at the
want of principle displayed by her husband,
for she really felt he had made a clever
negotiation in getting the Sherwood Estate
into his own hands. 7
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 303
What enraged her was the secresy he
had practised, owing to which she had been
working in the dark, and in entire opposition
_ to their mutual interests.
Had she possessed the least knowledge of
the facts now brought under her notice, she
would certainly never have made a confidant
of that booby, the most dogged, intractable
being that ever came within the sphere of her
experiences.
She really pitied Mrs. Whynn, and felt that
had she been in her place, she would have
thrown him over-board long ago.
She was now convinced that it would have
been far better policy to have married Augusta
_ to Freemantle, and so have given Mrs. Whynn
no excuse for revealing the secret. They
could have fought it out about the will, when
the time arrived for doing so.
At present the life of Mrs. Whynn was
good, and a thousand changes might occur
before the question arose as to her right to
will away her estate from her own son. She
(herself) had been very short-sighted indeed.
And, after all, what was the use of her
efforts to provide for the welfare of that—?
304 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Mrs. Whynn, in all the trouble he had
caused her, felt not greater irritation against
him than did his own mother as she thought —
of his total disregard of her wishes and com-
mands, and his resolute determination to have
his own way in spite of her.
Had he not the assurance to tell her that
he would not marry Augusta! He would
marry Bell!
The daughter of a public-house keeper ! not
good enough to be Mrs. Whynn’s daughter-
in-law, but good enough to be hers! The
greatest piece of impudence she ever heard of !
And all through her hushand’s duplicity
she had been betrayed into the folly of telling
him the secret of their relationship ! for him
to go and blab it everywhere.
She never would forgive Reynolds, nor yet
overlook his wickedness in inducing Fred to
give post obits on the lives of his father and
mother, who were none other than their own
two selves.
In all her inward revilings she never once
felt a shadow of self-reproach for the treachery
she, on her part, had practised in passing off
another than their own child on her husband,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 3095
_nor did it seem to strike her that whatever
mischief or unhappiness ensued in conse-
quence of this act, was due to herself, in
conjunction with Mrs. Whynn.
When she returned to the house she found
Fred packing up his traps, preparatory to
departure. Not desiring another contest,
she decided to let him go to his “ Bell ;’’ she
did not care what became of him.
One effect of the eclarrczssement was, she
became kinder to Augusta.
Too late.
Things had reached a point, at which kind-
ness or severity made little impression.
Anxiety respecting Freemantle and his
election had for the time superseded all other
subjects: Augusta had come to aclear under-
standing as to who was his opponent, and the
animosity betokened filled her with grief and
~ indignation.
It was more than she could bear.
What if she wrote to Freemantle?
But then it would seem so strange, so un-
natural for a daughter to take part against
her father, to wish that her father might not
win.
306 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
He was not her father.
But Freemantle did not know that, and she
could not tell him.
The very circumstance, to all appearance, —
that presented a loop-hole of escape, was in
reality an insuperable barrier.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 307
CHAPTER XXV.
SCULPTURE.—‘* THE VEILED VESTAL.”’
No need to tell how fared the day with Mr.
Reynolds on his return home, even if it had
not been heralded by the great luminary of
the age, whose coming had been longed for by
our heroine Augusta, as is the day-spring by
the benighted denizens of the Pole.
Light out of darkness. Freemantle had won !
Mr. Reynolds appeared in the evening of
the same day like one bereft, and with cause
too, for he had lost his election, and much
more than the sum he had made on the sale of
his shares of that delicious compound,
* Bubble-and-Squeak:’” he had hoped _ to
choke Freemantle with his own mess of
pottage; it had turned to poison, and he him-
self had partaken of the dish his own hands
had prepared.
The Messrs. Gammon and Humbug—whom
he would gladly have seen in the dock of the
308 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Old Bailey, arraigned for high crimes and
misdemeanours, he counsel against them—
had tortured him to insanity with their
disgusting condolence on the untoward ter-
mination of the contest, hoping he-did not
attribute it to any lack of zeal or energy on
their part. They had left no stone unturned
to secure the election, not only for his sake,
but for the sake of dear ‘‘ Bubble-and-Squeak,”’
whose interests, next their own, lay closest to
their hearts. It would have been so much
more honourable to have an M.P. for their
second, as well as their head-chairman.
Mr. Reynolds, while inwardly desiring that
the talents and devotion of the Messrs.
Gammon and Humbug might meet with
their just reward, in those active, enterpris-
ing, flourishing joint-stock companies, called
penal settlements, expressed nevertheless his
perfect conviction that all had been done
that could be done, and failure had arisen
solely from the unscrupulous and corrupt
means made use of by the opposite party.
Indeed, so satisfied was he of it that he had
no hesitation in acceding to the wishes so
flatteringly urged by the whole Board, that
he would again resume his place among them,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 309
promising that it should not be his fault if
the shares of this most patriotic of all institu-
tions did not attain to the fabulous height
predicted of them.
Mr. Reynolds made up for the restraint
imposed upon his feelings abroad, by letting
them have full sway in that enchanted region
called ‘* Sweet Home !”’
His wife did the very same thing whenever
the fit took her, which was very often. We
will do her the justice to say, that not only
were her explosions more frequent than her
husband’s, but they exceeded them in weight
and quality ; yet so surprised was she at an
equal show of violence in him, that she
decided his mind was affected; he was
suffering from pressuré on the brain ! |
Mrs. Reynolds was right ; her own irration-
ality arose from pressure on the temper, , but
different causes produce often the same effects.
She became not only surprised, but rather
‘subdued. It would not do to irritate him,
and’ she forbore to deal so liberally in re-
proaches at the loss of those brilliant expec-
tations she had indulged in.
The “‘ Lady Reynolds” had loomed large
and near.
310 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Everything had turned out a Fata-Morgana,
all upside down.
Gertrude was less reserved in her disap-
pointment.
“‘ No drawing-room! No royal salutation !
No Isidore ! No Ristori ! No wigs for coach-
man and Brown! She wished she was dead !”’
Mr. Reynolds became changed outwardly
and visibly. He looked years older; so
marked was it, that on his appearance at the
hustings the day after the election, to
thank those who had not been paid for their
support, Freemantle was surprised, his re-
sentment vanished, and in the midst of his
triumph he felt regret that it should be at the
price of suffering Mr. Reynolds’ whole bear-
ing but too clearly indicated.
Towards Augusta Mr. Reynolds became
harsh and cruel. She felt it keenly. Women
do feel injustice and ungenerous conduct in
men far more deeply than in their own sex.
Augusta had borne Mrs. Reynolds’ oppres-
sion with the fortitude of a martyr; Ger-
trude’s spite and jealousy with the indiffer-
ence it deserved; but the change in Mr.
Reynolds was a bitter outrage to her feelings,
separated as she was from her lover by the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 311
man who, under the name of father, swore at
her as the cause of his misfortunes, and
threatened if she did not instantly return
Freemantle his letters, and break off all com-
munication with him, he would turn her into
the streets, a beggar !
** How strange!” thought she. ‘A beggar!
To die in the streets! Those are the words
Gertrude makes use of. Does he know I
am not his daughter ?”’
But what todo? Whither go?
“To Mrs. Whynn,” whispers her good angel.
“That cannot be!” answered Augusta,
battling against nature. ‘‘ Can I bring
trouble on her? I cannot make it out;
Frederick I do not believe to be her son. He
cannot be if I am her daughter, and every
pulse tells me I am. Poor darling, what a
heritage of misery she bestowed on me when
she gave me life! Why did she not tie a
millstone round my neck, and drop me into
the nearest pool? ‘ Return his letters !’ he
says. Has it come to that? Is all at an
end, and to end in such darkness? Better
never to have loved. Oh, life! life! compound
of mockery and delusion! Real only in
312 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
misery! Yet wherefore murmur? Is it not
the portion of allP Why should I be ex-
empted? WhoamI? Of what consequence
in creation? Does the sun shine less bright
because £ am wretched? Will he withdraw
his beams in huge eclipse because he casts no
longer my shadow on this reflected earth?
No, still will he burn—still will our globe
pursue its ceaseless whirl, though man and
his contemporaries be blotted from it as use-
less machines. Nature reverses not her
stern laws at mortals’ bidding. Hnough ;
silence best becomes us. Suffer and be still!
He who has apportioned the meed, alone
knows the wherefore. ... . . . ‘Send
back the letters! ’*Tis death to me to do so.
Will He accept the sacrifice of my life, and
save her from further suffering. How ten-
derly she loved me! How anxiously she
watched over me! I knew not it was my
mother; but now I know. Now I know why
1 loved her with such entire affection. Do
love her. Yes, yes, my own dear mother,
through all!”
END OF VOL. Il.
T. C. Newsy, 30, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, Q.C.,
OF LINCOLN’S INN;
OR
“THE BUBBLE AND SQUEAK COMPANY.”
A NOVEL.
BY
C. STORM.
‘* SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND.”
VOL. III.
Lonpon : |
Pete a EY NEWBY, PiU BLISS Baie
30, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE.
1873.
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ]
ee
A Vag bite
Hy &f ; ‘ ; ee
eas ¥
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ,
OF LINCOLN’S INN.
CHAPTER LI.
‘SHOME AFTER VICTORY.’ —-CALDERON.
Avausta sent back the letters she had re-
ceived from Freemantle, and her engagement
was as if it had never existed.
She received no answer; not a line in ac-
knowledgment. She did not expect it, yet
somehow his silence wounded her. It seemed
as if he had ceased to care for her, perhaps
had never loved her very deeply. It was true
he had written those letters to her—letterg so
loving and tender that she lost half her being
in parting with them.
VOL. III. B
2 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Notwithstanding his professions, not once
had she seen Freemantle during that long
period of her engagement preceding the rup-
ture with Mr. Reynolds. The last time she
saw him was on the platform of the South-
Eastern Terminus, when they undertook that
miserable and to her ill-fated journey to
Dover. 7
Now that all was at an end, and she could
reflect on the past, it did seem very luke-
warm behaviour. in one who had appeared
before certainly very much in earnest.
As she pondered on this, womanly pride
mingled with her feelings of abandonment.
It gave also an edge to the weapon of playful
malice, which the amiable Gertrude wielded
with so much dexterity.
‘“* He had been making fine fun of her.
She thought herself a beauty, and everybody
was in love with her; but they were not, nor
Colonel Freemantle either. He never cared
for her; he was only making game of her.
She (Gertrude) had seen him looking at plenty
of other girls, a great deal prettier; not
near so fat! Twenty-two inches round the
waist! She would not have such a waist as
2"
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 3)
that for all the world; she was determined
her waist should never be more inches than
she was years old. Sometimes she could
hardly breathe, she was laced so tight, and
‘that nasty old thing,’ nurse, was always say-
ing ‘as how (mimicking her), Miss Gerter,
your shoulders is shoved right up to your
ears, all along o’ your cutting yourself a-two,
lacing so tight; just like a wasp!’ She did
not believe nurse, and she did not care either.
Gentlemen liked small waists they could span,
like this (making a circle with her finger and
thumb). Colonel Freemantle did, she knew,
for he as good as said so, when she asked
him if he liked Miss Mclean’s figure, who’s
as thin—as thin as a skeleton, and he said
she seemed a very charming young lady.
Augusta need not think he admired her so
much ; he had got eyes for other girls besides
her, and she knew something, she should not
tell her what it was. She could have him
herself if she chose!”
To this hallucination on the part of the
inventive Gerty Augusta failed to attach the
importance that was expected. But she
did, as we say, experience some wounds to
B 2
4, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
her love and pride at the seeming neglect of
the man to whom she had so rane eae
pledged her faith.
There were others who would not have
treated her thus: others who had haunted her
footsteps, who, still constant, would go to the
world’s end to prove their devotion; yet to
these she had never given her hand but in
friendship, nor her heart but in acknowledg-
ment of homage, as unsought by her as she
believed undeserved. Perhaps he had seen
another, and while she was suffering the
keenest misery, and holding back in the un-
willingness to inflict an equal pang, he had
been longing to be released.
At the thought of another, the life-blood
would rush back to her heart; but she must
bear this cross likewise, if He so willed it.
So she turned from earth and earthly
things. Had she been a Catholic she would
have hidden herself and her sorrows in the
seductive gloom of a convent, but not being
such, the thought did not present itself.
Augusta did better, she took refuge in that
glorious world where man’s image comes
not. She sought nature—nature who opens
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 4)
wide her portals to admit her votaries, un-
locking for them her secret treasure-caves,
and lavishing her exhaustless wealth of know-
ledge on those who hold communion with her.
Augusta became an enthusiast, her books
were her world, her companions by night and
by day, in her solitary wanderings by the river
side, as in the quiet watch hours of the night.
What was poverty? What were the suffer-
ings and strifes of this battling world, if
her soul was wrapped up in her God and His
works ?
The two boys, Arthur and Alfred, came
home for their holidays, grown prodigiously,
and as merry and mischievous as ever. They
drove their unfortunate mother wild, but they
were dashing, warm-hearted little men, and
Augusta’s staunch friends. They tried her
sorely with their innocent questions as to
what had become of Freemantle. Why did
he not come to see them as he used to do?
What made papa so angry with him P
Mr. Reynolds’ hostility did not subside, his
invectives and denunciations were not less
ill-advised than causeless, seeing they kept
alive the flame Augusta tried so hard to
6 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
smother. She had given Freemantle up, but
her love, though driven from the field, was
not conquered, and to hear him disparaged
or condemned, drove her to the verge of re-
bellion. Otherwise, Mr. Reynolds was per-
sonally less severe to her, though eternally
telling her she was no daughter of his; he
washed his hands of her! ;
She never could determine whether he
spoke from fact or figure, though it seemed
improbable that a child, an infant, should be
introduced into his family, adopted, and he
know nothing of it.
Mrs. Reynolds, likewise, abated some of
her rigour, and. Gertrude went out for her
rides, and paid her visits, and made her little
mischiefs, and tried her hand at remodelling
the poor, which shoe did after her own fashion ;
telling them how grateful they ought to be
that she, a young lady who wore fine clothes,
and rode in her carriage, and had servants to
wait upon her, who never did a thing for her-
self, nor knew how to sew a button on, or
mend a hole in her gloves, and who kept
company only with the highest ladies, should
condescend to come and visit such a set of
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 7
dirty, wretched looking objects as they were,
and of all the vulgar things she ever heard of,
she thought the worst was, having only one
room to eat, drink, and sleep in; it made
ladies like herself thoroughly disgusted with
them and their poverty-struck ways.
And the poor, wonderfully apt pupils,
mended their manners surprisingly, they
dashed at once into ladies’ habits and
customs, and gave out—‘‘ As how we ain’t
at home when that there preaching Miss .
Reynoldses calls,” or else adopted the largesse
style, “ We ain’t got nothink at all to give
you, miss ; we gave our last farthen for coals
this mornin’.”
Gertrude’s visitations were not sanctioned
by the church; since the election fracas, all
intercourse had ceased between the Vicarage
and Beaulieu, but the graceful lady of the
church had still a kind greeting for Augusta
when chance accorded a rencontre.
It was on a Sunday, early in the new year,
that, turning her eyes when in church in that
direction, Augusta beheld in the Vicarage pew
a person, the sight of whom so discomposed
her that the present became confused, and
she was lost in memories of the past.
8 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
On coming out behind the others, still
dreaming; as she quitted the porch, someone
stepped from the side and confronted her.
She looked up, and the largest and wickedest
blue eyes ever given to man were gazing
into her own.
She was face to face with on Chester.
Before she knew what she was about, her
hand was within his, and he was talking in his
own lively, irresistible manner, hoping she
had not forgotten her old friend of eighty; it
was so long since he had seen her, that he
now numbered a hundred.
His kind voice, the associations his presence
conjured up, affected her painfully ; the richest
crimson suffused her face, and tears welled
up into her eyes.
He saw and felt, but was true as steel to
his absent friend.
She murmured something inaudible about
the Lady Chester. |
‘‘Thanks! my mother is very well; she
is staying with the Freemantles, they have
been in trouble. You heard of the wreck of
the Cyclone off Liverpool last month? Mr.
Freemantle’s youngest daughter and her
children were in her, returning from the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 9
Cape. My friend, Freemantle,’ he con-
tinued, daring the gaze of the loveliest
eyes in the world, which had forgotten
their bashfulness, and wide open were
fixed on his face with an intensity that en-
thralled this man of the world; “my friend
had gone down to meet her. You know what a
brave fellow he is; the Cyclone was firing her
minute guns; he helped to man the lifeboat.
Perhaps you read how she was upset on her
return, by a steamer driven foul of her by the
fury of the gale. But he saved his sister;
one of the poor little ones was lost though,
and he himself has been laid up ever since.
No danger, but exposure and cold struck in,
for of course he never thought of himself,
and there he hes as stiff asatree. He was
coming here to pay the good people at the
vicarage a visit, but cannot stir; so I have
run dow:. with a message to them. I am
going back to Chillingham this afternoon;
can I be the bearer of any kind wishes or
message?» They will rejoice that I have seen
you,” looking fixedly at her.
Augusta said she ‘‘ was grieved to hear of
such misfortune coming to friends, whose
BO
10 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
kindness she could never forget. She had
not heard of it; she trusted ——- would soon
recover.”
Who was the mysterious person to recover
Lord Chester could not for the life of him hear,
though he bent forward to catch her words.
Here Mrs. Reynolds advanced majestically.
She had made one of the social throng ac-
customed to gather without the church gates
after morning service, for the interchange of
friendly greetings, ere they dispersed in their
different directions. Gertrude had been deep
in flirtation with a young man she patronised,
but whose abstracted manner made her look
in the direction.of his eyes, which rested on
Lord Chester and Augusta.
“© Oh! look at that bold thing!” she ex-
claimed; ‘actually trying to hook in that
dear Lord Chester. Is he not handsome ?”
‘Tt is not Colonel Freemantle then?” o
served the young man.
“Oh! you naughty, naughty creature!”
answered the fascinating young lady; “ you
must not mention that horrid, horrid man!
b-
Papa would never, never forgive you; never,
never let you come to see us again.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 11
* What has he done? Admired your sister
like others, I suppose ?””
** Admired her, indeed |” scornfully. ‘* He
never cared for her a pin more than you do.”
The young man opened his eyes at this in-
formation.
** But, oh! he has behaved so ‘ill to papa;
actually went and took away the election from
him. He only got it by one though. Tl go
and tell Ma.”
Mamma had seen, but the lady with whom
she was conversing was of some importance
in the place, and she did not like to cut short
the interesting conversation..
Lord Chester had been enjoying the scowls
and glances of anger and indignation she cast
on him in the backeround. At first she
wondered who he was; but when she remem-
bered him as the aider and abettor of Free-
mantle, the Mephistopheles who had intruded
his presence on her the night of the Freemantle
party, and drawn her out of the way, while
* that man” and Augusta performed the gar-
den scene in Faust at the foot of the stairs—
- he was after no good; though it was Sunday,
and they had just come out of church, she
would—
12 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
But Lord Chester did not wait: telling
Augusta that he would not fail to deliver her
message, and expressing his pleasure at meet-
ing with her, this gallant-hearted Englishman
took her hand, and then went his way.
Freemantle, since his election, had stepped
out of one loss into another.
The first was the death of Sir George
Goodwin. “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy
servant depart in peace”’ was the veteran’s
pious ejaculation on the issue of the contest :
and he had gone to his rest in perfect peace,
his friends and relatives standing round him,
his hand in Freemantle’s.
His wife and only son had preceded him, and
in these, his last days, he had turned to our
hero as some faint shadow of his last lost
treasure.
Rochester had but one voice at his decease.
Death hath neither creed nor politics. Men
think not of the one or the other when they
speak of the dead, who are judged only as their |
actions bore good or evil fruit. Sir George’s
balance was in favour of the former, and those
who had most opposed him, lamented not the
least that there was one good man less in the
world.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 13
From Rochester Freemantle had gone to
Liverpool to receive his sister on her return
to England in ill-health, leaving her husband
at the Cape. It was a winter of storm and
wreck; the loss of the Cyclone on sighting
Liverpool, with nearly three hundred living
souls, filled evey heart with grief and dismay.
Freemantle, as Lord Chester said, had taken
his part in the rescue of those who survived ;
he had secured his sister and her two children,
but in the upset of the lifeboat one innocent
life had been sacrificed. The infant in arms
and its mother he saved; nor her alone ; others
owed their lives to his unceasing exertions.
The wave that engulphed his little relative
gave back its helpless prey: to him it was
given to receive it, and to be the protector
and consoler of his distressed sister.
Ill himself, suffering alike in mind and body,
he had brought them to Chillingham, there to
find the letters he had written, in the fulness
of hope, returned to him, the charm of his life
destroyed, the last link that bound him to the
girl he adored, broken asunder, and by her
own hand.
14 JOHN FORTESOUK REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER II.
‘C7HE ENRAGED MUSICIAN.’ —HOGARTH.
Mrs. Reynotps did not allow Augusta’s “un-
heard of indelicacy of conduct” to pass un-
noticed. ‘‘ Scarcely had she broken with that
man than here she was with another; and
such an one, too! You could see what he
was with half an eye. He marry her! He
make her Lady Chester! She laughed at the
idea. With all his faults, there was some
truth and earnestness about, that man Free-
mantle, but as to Lord Chester, if there ever
was a person she thoroughly disliked and
despised it was he. She would not permit
such behaviour. '’o go to church for the mere
purpose of carrying on abominable flirtations
was something so horrible that she wondered .
she (Augusta) was not afraid of being struck
dead in the pew, and then to come out, and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 15
in the face of everybody stand there and pub-
licly disgrace herself! She would not suffer
it! If she saw him again she would put the
creature under lock and key before she should
stir out to church or anywhere else!”
‘Mr. Reynolds was duly informed of the
whole proceedings, as seen through the nar-
rator’s own distorted vision. He was as much
surprised as his wife, not that he took the
same view ; he put quite another construction
on Lord Chester’s appearance; all his ani-
mosity against Freemantle was again brought
into play, and he vowed deadly vengeance if
he knew him to set a foot within a yard of
his grounds.
Augusta’s faith was sorely put to the test
at this time; it needed all her trust to sup-
port the anxiety that tortured her. Free-
mantle ill, perhaps dying! she had behaved
cruelly towards him ; he loved her, and while
he was in trouble, battling with the waves, she
had been inwardly reproaching him, and had
added.to his griefs. She could not forgive
herself, her love returned as his character
rose in its grandeur before her.
Lord Chester came not again, and from
16 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
dreading she turned to longing to see him,
as the only means of obtaining intelligence of
his friend.
Mr. Reynolds’ antagonistic feelings can
only be attributed to a mind diseased, Free-
mantle was the peg whereon to hang the
miseries his own recklessness and mistakes
in his past career had entailed upon him.
Neither the election at Rochester nor the
affairs of the Bubble-and-Squeak had as yet
acted to his prejudice in the eyes of the public.
He stood higher than ever in its estimation,
his practice at the bar increased, briefs poured
in, and many a hard working toiler at the law
put in a demurrer at fortune’s blind and unjust
favouritism, in not making a more equal dis-
tribution of her gifts; instead of showering
them with such profusion on the head of one
favoured individual; proving to the letter that
—* T'o him that hath shall be given.”
Yet few of those who naturally enough
reasoned thus would have cared to change
places with ‘the most rising man in the
profession.”
We see only the surface, not the under-
current of black and turgid water. Mr. Rey-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 17
nolds’ heart was heavy with care, and the
more promising his prospects, the more
gloomy was the view he took of them.
His interest in the Bubble-and-Squeak was
really only nominal, yet on the half-yearly
meeting in January, when no dividend was
declared, he talked as if ruin and disgrace
were waiting at his gate.
*‘ There was no reason whatever for this
failing of dividend but the noble one of secur-
ing the future fabulous fortune of the share-
holders.”
So said the half-yearly report.
Its statistics proved the most unexampled
prosperity. ‘“‘ The company had passed through
a most trying ordeal in the recent panic, but,
contrary to all precedent, it had not only
escaped the immersion attending so many
institutions of the kind, but had actually
derived fresh strength and vigour from the
terrific pull on its finances.”
Such were the beneficial effects of panics,
—and it could not be doubted since the
report said it, and moreover it was confirmed
in every particular on the word and honour
of the honourable and worthy chairman, Sir
Richard Ruinall, at the general meeting.
18 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“‘ How comes it that there is no dividend ?”’
asks a thick-headed shareholder, who was so
obtuse of intellect that he could not, or would
not—the same thing—see that it was all right
andjust under such flourishing circumstances
not to receive any interest for his money.
Sir Richard condescended to answer this
unreasonable person, merely from politeness.
“Though they had had the good fortune to
pass through the crisis,” Sir Richard replied,
‘not only with credit but éclat, yet 1t was not
to say that they would always be so fortunate.
There might come a time when all the care
and skill bestowed might not bring the same
success. The storm, he feared, was not
blown over, but they had resolved to defy it
by providing a reserve fund which should
enable them to meet any contingency that
might arise, and as the first instalment the
Board had resolved to appropriate the profits
of the last half-year to that purpose! If the
receipts had not been quite so great this time,
he would beg to remind the shareholders
that it was the winter quarter, when the ap-
petites of the poor were rendered more keen
by the invigorating effects of sharp winds
and frosts: not only did they eat more, but
JOHN FORTESCUR REYNOLDS, ESQ. ED,
they came in greater numbers. He assured
them that it was the wind that did all the
mischief ; that cutting, biting wind ate up all
their Bubble-and-Squeak, ate up all the
profits.
This explanation was very satisfactory, and
was received with much applause.
The rabid shareholder endeavoured to ad-
dress the meeting, but so great was the
hubbub that though he sawed the air, and
flourished and pirouetted asif about to spring
on the poor chairman and directors, yet all he
said was in dumb show, lost for ever to
futurity and these pages.
While the amiable chairman magnanimously
claimed for this lunatic a patient hearing, he
eifectually prevented it by his playful appeal
to the common sense of the gentleman in
question, whom he considered to be blind to
his own interests. The books of the company
were open for his inspection ; if they failed to
convince him, the remedy was in his hands.
What prevented him going and selling out
his shares P
Upon which themiseuided individual thanked
Sir Richard for nothing, as it was what he in-
20 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
tended doing without asking his permission.
He had only waited to give him (the chairman)
a piece of his mind first, and he quitted the
room amid a scene of tremendous uproar and
laughter, mingled with shouts of “ Turn him
out!” which last was not uncalled for, seeing
that in terms not to be recorded, he was
stigmatizing the whole concern as a swindle,
the chairmen highwaymen, the directors pick-
pockets, and the shareholders as thorough a
body of dupes as sharpers could desire !
And while the whole room was negativing
this charming effusion by a vote of thanks,
and confidence in these much-maligned men,
this besotted person, resolute to cut off his
nose to be revenged on his face, gave direc-
tions to sell out his shares without delay: a
stupid action, for they were at a fabulous dis-
count, and he cut himself off from all chance
of sharing in the fabulous fortune to be made,
when the shares attained to the fabulous
height as prophesied in the good time coming.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 21
CHAPTER III.
BRONZE GROUP, “ THE AMAZON.’ —A. KISS.
True passed, and affairs went on in the Rey-
nolds’ family, to all appearance, exactly the
same as they had done for the last dozen
years.
But with them, as with others, events were
imperceptibly drifting to a crisis, as surely as
in looking back into past histories, whether
of animate or inanimate nature, we see that
every movement, every variation, however
shoht, had a meaning, a significance, and
tended to some end—aye, as much as the
silent march of our system through the
heavens, is steadily pursuing its course to a
determinate point in space.
To descend from great to trivial things,
Mrs. Whynn’s great trial was approaching
its end as well as her husband’s wanderings.
22, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Through the long, dreary months of winter
she had been chewing the cud of bitter fancy
only, the sweet, the minor portion always,
had evaporated long ago, the last flavour with
the loss of her hopes respecting the happiness
of her daughter. Through her acquaintance
with the Freemantles, she became fully aware
of the rupture between the lovers, Mr. Rey-
nolds’ strange violence, and the consequent
unhappiness it caused to her child.
In all ways the wrong she had been guilty
of was returned upon her. She often felt she
could not wait the return of her husband,
which some cause or another seemed to
lengthen to an undeterminable period; and
could she have seen Augusta, she would, on
witnessing the effect of her own work, have
instantly made reparation by confessing
publicly the deed she had done.
But Augusta was as much separated from
her as though neither blood nor friendship
existed between them. Looking to the latter
alone, she was inclined to charge the girl with
neglect and ingratitude, forgetful of past
kindness and anxiety to promote her welfare
and happiness.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 23
“She could not treat me worse, did she
know the whole story!’’ was her usual con-
cluding comment.
It would require wiser heads than ours to
determine to what point in Fred’s hemisphere
his star was tending; self-immolation common-
place people would have pronounced it, but it
was something more mysterious than that; he
was a phenomenon, a comet; erratic, distanc-
ing all calculation, appearing when given up
for lost; after ages could alone decide his
evolutions ; he does not belong to the planets
of our system, whose progress can be traced
from their rising to their setting.
Whatever may be deduced to the contrary,
he really had some sense in his composition,
for he never said a word to “ the old bwick!’’
as he figuratively denominated Mrs. Whynn,
about the ‘“‘ wemarkable stowy”’ told him by
the “‘venewable—old—pawient,’ as he figura-
tively denominated Mrs. Reynolds, and he
fought ‘“‘ pwecious shy of the old wogue,” as
he figuratively denominated Mr. Reynolds.
Some glimmerings of the disastrous change
to his fortunes, ‘ should—the—old—bwick—
b— weak — up,— as—the—venewable — old
24 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
pawient —said—he would” did enter his
head.
“* W ould—it—be — pwudent—to— marwy
Bell?”
He consulted his grey friend, the sapient
Polly on the subject, who pronounced—
** A pot of beer, no go!”
Fred was not-satisfied, so he tossed up a
penny. It was not so elegant as the decision
of the flower, but quite as efficacious, no
doubt.
It came down tails.
“'T'wy again,” says Fred.
He tried again, and tails came down again.
“ All wight,” says Fred, “ It is no go, twy
another time !”’
But, Miss Bell, like the sensible girl she
was, at that very time was tossing up in her
own mind, as to the prudence of transferring
her troth from the phenomenon of blunders,
Fred, to a certain honest, active young man,
the son of the Windmill, much affected by
her father and mother.
In spite of his faults, Fred was very warm-
hearted where he loved. Perhaps that may
have been the reason Bell thought so much
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 25
of him, there is no accounting for tastes,
women’s especially. Bell was ambitious, and
Fred was a gentleman, but the other would
make her a good husband ; her mother wished
it, and her father would not be always taunt-
ing her, with going out of her “ spere.”’
Her toss went up a very long way, but it
finally came down—heads !
The defalcation of the ‘“ Bubble and
Squeak” at pay day, acted deterioratingly
on Mr. Reynolds’ spirits, but the constant
occupation of his mind in the exercise of his
profession kept him up to the mark, and
he was so little at home, that his excessive
irritability had not its full sway there.
At Haster, a late one, he gave himself a
holiday.
Whatever the reason, Freemantle was still
his bugbear. Augusta, sensitive on everything
concerning her lover, often found Mr. Rey-
nolds’ unjust abuse of him too much for her
patience, and would quit the room, lest she
might be hurried into expressions she might
afterwards regret. She knew Freemantle
lived, for she had seen his name in divisions
vol. II, 0
26 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
in Parliament, but could not ascertain whether
Mr. Reynolds had come in contact with him.
It was early in the week, that one morn-
ing she was surprised by Mr. Reynolds call-
ing her into his study, and accusing her of
keeping up a correspondence with our hero
in spite of his prohibition, his positive com-
mands to the contrary.
*‘ T do not understand !” returned Augusta.
‘* Don’t play the hypocrite with me !” said
he fiercely. ‘* You know well enough what I
mean, and mark my words, what I say I will
do, I will perform, so help me Heaven! And
if after this I know you to exchange words
with him, or find that he sets foot in this
place, as sure as he lives, I will shoot him.”
“Then, Mr. Reynolds,” said Augusta,
roused to rebellion, “if you do, it will be at
your peril? I myself will denounce you!’
“This to me?’ he exclaimed, ‘“ Your
father! You dare to threaten your father P”’
“Tf you had been my father,’ she
answered, exculpatorily, ‘‘I should not have
done so.”
«© And am I not ?”
She was silent.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. ‘27
“Not your father?’ he reiterated, “the .
fool has gone mad! Out of her senses about
that fellow ! Another mad Ophelia!’
Her doubts were at an end, he did not
know it.
* Who is then ?”’
“Tt is all a mistake !” gaid she, and she
turned to leave the room, but Mr. Reynolds
stopped her.
“ You shall not go till you have explained
this mistake of yours.”
** I spoke hastily. Forgive me!”
“Twill not forgive you! What? A gil
threaten her father, then deny heis her father,
and finish off by saying it is all a mistake!
The strangest mistake I ever heard of.”
Augusta was silent ; it was so abhorrent to
her to make mischief, that she felt her lhberty
would be dearly purchased at the price of the
denouement such a discovery would cause
between those who she had been brought
up to believe were her parents.
“‘ Well!’ said he, ‘‘ How do you mean to
account for such a mistake ?”’
“People make strange mistakes, some-
times |!” said she.
C2
28 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
In spite of his wrath, and the names he
called her, Mr. Reynolds loved her from the
bottom of his heart, as much from apprecia-
tion of her high moral qualities, as from her
personal charms.
‘¢ This won’t do,” said he, fiercely. ‘* How
often have I praised you as the one of my
children who never told me an untruth. Do
you remember P””
“IT do!” she answered.
“And are you going to begin that mean
vice, at the age others leave it off P”
An indignant protest was her answer.
“Then tell me with the truth I have always
found in you, why you said | was not your
father ?”
“You have often told me I was no daughter
of yours,” answered she, driven to despera-
tion.
“You knew I spoke figuratively !’’ said he,
violently.
“Did you? Pray think no more of it !”
“ Likely that! Do you think that 1 am
blind to the wiles you are practising to de-
ceive me? I have not been all my life search-
ing for truth in my fellow men not to know
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 29
when I have found it. Do you refuse to
answer me ?”’
*‘T have nothing to answer!” she returned. °
And she ran out of the room, up to her own,
though now she considered nothing her own.
The time had come! She must go! Leave
the home, such as it was, that had sheltered
her. Leaving it she would be a lost wretch,
a wanderer on the face of the earth, without
a rest for the sole of her foot. Anexile! a
beggar !
It was true.
She had not a sixpence of her own. Mr.
Reynolds had, of course, included her in the
settlement he madeon hischildren. Butnow
she had no right to that.
Her small stock of jewellery was all she
possessed. It had been given to her in
happier times by Mrs. Whynn. She shrank
now at the thought of her gifts.
A wish, born of the bitterness of the hour,
was wrung from her.
‘* Would she could see me now! crushed,
broken, run to earth !”
She stood for a few minutes lost in thought.
“Tt must be so!” said she musingly. “JI
30 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
see no other way. They changed children,
and Mrs. Reynolds has held the rod over her
and over me ever since. Theirreasons I may
not enquire, suffice for me it is so. Poor,
despised, forsaken, like him the dear Christ, in
this wide world I have no friend. Yet my
courage shall not fail me. God will never
forsake me if I stand fast.’ Presently with
a touch of earth, ‘“‘ he loved me once!’’
She took her lover’s portrait from out its
sacred resting place next her heart, and gazed
at it long and attentively. The dark eyes,
the matchless features, pierced her to the
soul. Recollecting herself—
“What! tears? Halting at the first step ?P
This may not be. (Tenderly to the portrait.)
You must not turn me from my purpose.
(She lights a taper, and then gazes mourn-
fully at her picture.) ‘ Eyes look your last,’
the last, long sad farewell of one, who, lone
and lost, beholds the day-god set, and the
dark night before her. (Presses the por-
trait passionately to her lips, and then holds
it in the flame.) My life, my love, my all.
(Walks to the window, the light embers are
borne away by the breeze.) Oh, that I, too,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 31
could mount! wafted like you into upper air,
mingling with the atmosphere, dissolved into
the elements. But mine is earth—No more!
I go my way—solitary and alone. None but
God. No shade between my God and me!”
32 JOHN KORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER IV.
‘© SOORATES AND HIS WIFE XANTIPPE.’’—
W. V. HERBERT.
Mr. Reynotps, by nature a clear-sighted man,
‘by profession had had this gift matured to
perfection.
Looking from his own point of view, he, in
his dealings with Colonel Freemantle, con-
sidered himself an ill-used man, by which con-
clusion he proved that no one is ajust judge
in his own cause, however much he may be in
that of others. What vexed him most was
that his perspicacity, to use a hard word,
upon which he prided himself, had been at
fault in not seeing at once that Freemantle
was not one to be trusted—by him.
Of all his children, and, truth to say, of
pretty well all he knew, he would have placed
the firmest reliance on his daughter Augusta,
as he with some pride considered her.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. ai.
He knew her to be incapable of falsehood,
or of disobedience to his wishes, save in the
instance of Freemantle, and, man-like, he
thought that natural, and forgave her.
He knew her, likewise, to be firm to a fault
in what she thought right, and to be capable
of sacrificing her life in defence of a trust.
That there was some reason for her saying
what she did he was convinced. It was so
unlike her to put forward so strange a
theory, or take his angry figure of speech for
fact.
He let her go, for she looked thoroughly
exhausted, and he felt the utter uselessness of
attempting to force anything more from her.
But he was not going to let the matter rest
while a doubt remained on his mind.
He therefore went in search of his wife.
*“* Woman!” said he abruptly, “‘ what is
this ? Augusta has had the face to tell me I
am not her father! Whois? [Ill never stir
from this spot till I know!”
Mrs. Reynolds stared aghast.
‘‘ How did the creature find that out?’ she
exclaimed, completely off her guard.
«Then it is true! My God! Who isP
© 5
34 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
T’ll know before another hour passes over
your head ; off both of you shall pack !”
Mrs. Reynolds burst out laughing.
“ Do so!’ said she, “ and make a fool of
yourself !”’
** Dare you jest after perpetrating such a
crime P”’
‘¢ A crime, indeed !”
** Who is he ?”
“ That you must find out! It is your
department to clear up mysteries.”
“Is it possible! first wronging your hus-
band and then laughing at him! It’s out-
rageous !”’
“Who are you to accuse me of such con-
duct ?’ returned his wife, her mirth all gone.
“Then what do you mean? Who is
Augusta’s father ?”
“« That you must find out, and her mother
too. She is none of mine either !” |
** Do you mean to say that all these years
you have hoodwinked me, palmed off some
beggar’s brat on your husband? Do you
know that it’s a fraud punishable— ?
* Qh! it is not the worst case you have
had to deal with.”
“Itis! I never heard of one like it.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 30
** Because people are not such fools as to
make the fuss about trifles that you do.”
“ Trifles! Trifles do you call itP <A
fraud, a cheat practised on your husband!
Can anything be worse ?”
** Oh, yes! a great many things.”
* Indeed! I consider it worse than
murder |”
“‘ That’s because it has happened to you.
No one else would !”
“And what did you do with your own
child? for I suppose you had one.”
‘‘ How can you be so cruel?’ said she,
with mock gravity. ‘‘ Let well alone !”
** Now the murder is out,” said her husband,
‘“‘why have you treated Augusta in the
manner you have done? And the best of the
lot turns out not to belong to us.”
“ The best of the lot indeed!” cried Mrs..
Reynolds. |
“ Yes! the best of the lot! And what
was your motive? You must have had
some reason for acting so. I insist upon
knowing !” |
** And you may insist, and get nothing for all
your insistance. That’s anew word for you.”
36 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
** But I will know. Why did you do soP
You had children of your own, and to spare.”
** You will come to it by degrees no doubt,
but I would advise you to keep quiet and not
make yourself ridiculous.”
‘“‘ You take it very easy. But I will never
forgive you! And do youthink I shall remain
quiet ? I'll not be satisfied till I know to
whom Augusta belongs! I believe she is not
yours, for two beings more unlike you may
search the world through and not find !”’
“Upon my word! Out of this house she
goes |”
** And you may march too; I never wish to
see your face again.”
“ Nor I yours,” returns the loving, honour-
ing, and obeying wife. ‘One word of advice
before we part. If you are wise, you will for
your own sake let the matter drop. Leave
me to manage. But if you will go poking
your nose into what does not concern you,
you may chance to stumble on something it
would have been as well you should have left
in the dark.”
“ Thank you. You rouse my curiosity !’’
and Mr. Reynolds left the room.
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 37
CHAPTER V.
“on ! WILLOW, WILLOW.’——G. D. LESLIE.
As soon as Mrs. Reynolds heard her husband
close his study door, she went to the foot of
the stairs and called Augusta.
She was in the act of penning a note to
Freemantle before setting out on her in-
tended journey, to warn him of danger, of
malevolent intentions on the part of an
enemy.
She did not mention names, nor did she
complete her letter, for her brain was con-
fused, and her hand shook so that she tore up
some half-dozen illegible attempts.
On Mrs. Reynolds summoning her, she put
away her writing, and descended ; all fear, all
anxiety had left her. Her path lay clear
before her.
*« T have seen the worst,” thought she. “ I
38 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
have lost fem: death itself could not be so
terrible.”
“Shut the door,” said Mrs. Reynolds
sternly.
* She will not dare to kill me,” thinks
Augusta.
*“ T understand,” continued the amiable
lady, ‘‘ that you have had the assurance to
trump up an abominable story and go and
tell it to your father.”’
“ What I said was accidental, in the belief
that he knew—”’
“ Knew what ?”
** About the change.”
** What change ?”
Augusta was inadilemma. She must con-
fess all she knew.
“Do you mean to answer?” asked Mrs.
Reynolds.
‘You will be angry.”
“ Tell, I desire.”’
‘ You wish me to do so, and therefore I
hope you will not be offended. I understand
that I am not your daughter.”
** And pray who gave you this piece of in-
formation ?”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. oF
“Gertrude. More than once, though I did
not notice it at first.”’
** And who may be the rightful owners of
such a precious piece of property ?”
* She did not tell me,’’ Augusta answered,
calmly.
** Of course you have found out ?”
*‘T have made no enquiries.”
‘*‘ There was no occasion, you knew ?”’
** I may guess from past circumstances.”
** And where may your wise guesses lead
toP Do you mean to answer P”’
* It is of no consequence,” Augusta an-
swered, gently. Jt will not make the slighest
difference to me inthe future. I have waited
till you spoke to me, and now that you have,
I beg of you tolet me go. I wish to try and
get my own living.”
** Have you decided in what way you
intend to perform that arduous undertaking ?”
‘ T must look about, and consider what I
am fit for.”
* You do not know what a young woman
takes upon herself when she leaves her home;
though much younger women than yourself
do so; but then it is with the consent of
40 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
friends; and I tell you plainly, I never will
consent to it. You were given in charge to
me, and I shall not permit you to leave me
for the mere frivolous pretext of being an en-
cumbrance to us. Why should you be more
so now, when you have been that all your
life? But if the bread of charity sits so heavy
on your soul, I can help to relieve you. I
will make over Sophy and Bessie into your
hands; it will be an introduction into your
future career of governess, which I suppose
is what you aspire to.”
‘‘T am not at all adapted for a governess,”
answered the poor girl, feeling the insult
keenly. ‘ Itis the last employment I should
ever undertake.”
** Needlewoman, then! or shop-girl might
suit you better. Women are forced some-
times to turn their hands to strange em-
ployments. At any rate, you can think over
what [I have proposed. Promise me you will
not take any step without first consulting me.”
Augusta promised, in her desperate desire
to escape from this harassing conversation.
She wanted air—she was suffocating—her
brain was dizzy—her heart was bursting.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. AT
She went out into the grounds—the beauti-
ful grounds—away down the path to the
river.
« A governess!” thought she. ‘* Miss
White’s life was enough to decide me against
that.”
She reached the river, and mounting the
rustic bridge, stood looking over it into the
stream, swollen and turgid with recent rain.
‘‘It was on this spot,’ she murmured,
“that I first saw ham! How changed every-
thing is; yet pot more changed than I! Dark!
dark ! all is dark, as is this dear river, hurrying
like me to its eternity ; like me chafed and
driven, its course troubled, and broken by
contending passions. I[riend, confidante, and
consoler: thou first beheldest the beams of
morning, see thou the close of night ;. let the
firm pressure of thy merciful waters blot out
the light from these sorrowful eyes. My voice, .
mingling with thine own, shall murmur with
thee its tale of love and woe—for ever !”’
Such thoughts are too often the offspring
of sensitive, suffering natures. Augusta’s
nerves were firm enough certainly at that
moment to have committed the act her words
A, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
portended, wrought up as they were to the
extreme of tension.
She raised her eyes to heaven.
The sky was dark and lowering, but through
a cleft in the clouds the rays of the sun were
streaming as a veil to the earth.
She was a close interpreter of the signs
and symbols of the material world, of which
we are but component parts.
She read anger and rebuke.
“Forgive, my God,’ said she humbly,
“these sinful thoughts. T'each me to do Thy
will. Thine only, first, last: Thine, and
Thine only.”
The cloud lifted. The glorious spring sun
bursting forth enveloped her lovely form in his
beams.
“Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 43
CHAPTER VI.
‘6 THE HUGUENOT.’’—J. E. MILLAIS.
AvcGusta came off that bridge a new creature.
Her God had spoken to her; nor voice, nor
sound— |
“The God within the mind.”
She would return to the house; she would
do as Mrs. Reynolds proposed. She had been
a severe trainer, but still she had sheltered
and protected her when her own mother had -
cast her off. She would take the little
children ; she loved them dearly as her sisters
and it was better than to go out into the
desolate world, she knew not whither.
However unhappy she might be, it was
not her fault; she had been placed where
she was, why, she could not tell: but on quit-
ting those walls, whatever evils might be her
44, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
portion, they would be the consequences of
her own actions, and she would be re-
sponsible. y
Mr. Reynolds was still her bugbear ; he
was dreadful! But surely he was not in
earnest about shooting Colonel Freemantle.
He never could commit so great a crime.
Then there was Gertrude !
Coeval with the thought was the subject her-
self. Augusta saw her inthe distance directing
her steps in her own direction. Not wishing to
have all her good resolves forced into nothing-
ness by any trial of her temper, she turned
aside, and opening a gate, entered the meadow
which had been the scene of encounter be-
tween Mrs. Reynolds and Fred. It was belted
with trees and quickset, and bounded by the
lane that skirted Beaulieu.
She struck into the path by the river, look- —
ing at the bubbling water with a feeling of
companionship, as with passionate haste it ran
along beside her.
At the end of the path was another gate
opening into the lane ; the meadow was shut
up for the crop, but lower down men were
repairing the bank, and the gate was very
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. Ad
likely to be open. The workpeople were
away at their dinner; she would return home
by the lane. She found the gate open; she
closed it after her, and had gone but a very
few paces when she saw two gentlemen ad-
vancing with rapid steps towards her. They
had seen her in the meadow through the
hedge; she recognised them instantly. Start-
ing as though she had trodden on a serpent,
she turned to fly, but Freemantle’s hand ar-
rested her.
Lord Chester, his companion, disappeared.
to keep watch in the lane.
“Oh! go-go, for Heaven’s sake, go!
Your life is in danger!’ said Augusta, ex-
citedly, and trying to disengage herself.
“T do not mind!’ said Freemantle. “I
do not stir till I have spoken to you. You
are bound to me, and I will not take your
release! I hold you to your promise !”’
“ But it cannot be !” she answered. ‘“ You
do not know what I do, or you would not
say so (earnestly). There is nothing true in
this world! I cannot tell you more ; but
when I found it out I wrote to you. There,
go! Forget you ever saw me !”
46 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘‘T shall be cold indeed, when I do that,”
said he, tenderly.
Her firmness of mind forsook her.
“Oh! If you knew—”
“YT do know,” said he, “and love you
dearer than ever !’’
“You know ?”’ Augusta exclaimed in the
extreme of astonishment.
“ All, I believe, and that is why I am
here |”
*¢ You know they are not my parents ?”’
‘“* Do I indeed hear you say those blissful
words P”
“‘ Incredible!’ returned Augusta. ‘* And
do you know that Iam a beggar P”
This awful announcement had not the
effect anticipated. Freemantle did not vanish
in a whirlwind ; on the contrary—
“A beggar!” said he. ‘‘Beitso! Dearer
will my darling be, does she come to me
without a shoe to her foot, than if she brought
the Koh-i-noor for her dowry !”
The little beggar trembled like an aspen.
“There are some things worse than being
a beggar !” she faltered out.
“T will take that worse whatever it is!”
a as
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 4,7
said the infatuated Freemantle, gazing with
rapture on the perfect lineaments before him.
In spite of herself, love and hope once
more entered Augusta’s heart,
‘¢T am not at all clear about it,’ said she,
more cheerfully. “‘ I doubt myself, I doubt
everybody, and do you know,” very archly,
“| have sometimes doubted—even—you !”
** Horrible!’ exclaimed Freemantle, clasp-
ing her in his arms. ‘I will never forgive
you till you have paid the penalty of your
offence !”’
The lane, silent and sequestered, over-
arched with trees, clad in their graceful garb
of spring, formed a fitting resort for lovers.
For a few moments neither spoke ; excess
of happiness is silent. Augusta forgot all
her griefs\; Freemantle was beside her, and he
felt that the world could give him nothing
further.
Tell me,’ said he, breaking silence,
“‘ when and where I can see you again.
Have you no kind friend to go to till you
come to me ?”
A cold chill ran over her, as she remembered
Mrs. Whynun; it brought back all her trouble,
so soon does sorrow follow on the heels of joy.
48 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
She could not betray her mother.
‘There is my sister,” he said; “ Matilda
loves you dearly, and would rejoice to have
you with her.”’
Augusta was about to answer when she
caught sight of two gleaming eyes peering at
them through a gap in the hedge: she knew
them to belong to Gertrude; whohad crouched
down, the better to see and hear.
“‘'There’s Gertrude !’? said our heroine, in
a fright.
“¢ Where P”’
‘There ; on the other side of the hedge.”
Freemantle looked in the direction ; but
Gertrude had risen on being discovered, and
called out—
“‘ Augusta, mamma wants you! She says
you are to come in directly ” (an impromptu
for the occasion). ‘I have been looking
everywhere for you !”
‘““You must not stay here,” said Augusta
to her lover, as they’ walked up the lane
en route to the house; * you do not know what
Mr. Reynolds threatens.”
‘Threatens you?” exclaimed Freemantle,
violently.
‘“No, not me! Worse, worse!’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 49
“There could be nothing worse! Haveno
fear for me, my angel.”
‘“* But I do fear,’ she answered, tears spring-
ing into her eyes.
Freemantle tried to soothe her. Gertrude,
whom they had distanced, still lingered,
jealously watching ; Lord Chester, at the end
of the lane, remained on duty as sentinel.
“You must promise me!”’ said Augusta,
“that you will not on any account come here
or near here.”’
‘T will promise anything if you will only
tell me where else I shall see you,” answered
Freemantle. ‘‘ Remember you must look to
me for everything. Think of me as your pro-
tector !”’
“And you give me your word that you will
not come, or try to see me, till you hear from
me?” said Augusta.
“ Ah! that depends; if youare not quick J]
may possibly forfeit my parole.”
* You must not, indeed; I will try to think
what is best to be done, and then write to
you. I must go now.”
“Why? Why ?” was the lover’s protest.
Lord Chester, seeing them advance, joined
VOL. Ill D
50 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
them; he greeted Augusta in his kind, cheerful
way, and she walked between the two gentle-
men out of the lane, to thegate of Beaulieu,
when she bade them adieu.
“‘ Remember your promise,’ said she,
anxiously, to her lover.
‘*¢ And remember yours to write soon. The
one depends on the other.”
She left them. On reaching the gate she
looked back; they were both watching her.
Freemantle made a movement as if he would
have darted after her, but smiling, she disap-
peared, and the envious gate hid her from his
eyes.
JOHN FORTESOCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 5]
CHAPTER VII.
“© WHAT SHALL HE HAVE WHO KILLED THE DEER ?P”’
GERTRUDE, on leaving the lovers, took the
shortest route to the house. She could not
jump over the hedge into the lane, so she
rushed across the meadow through the long,
wet grass, cutting off all angles, and then
climbed over the ornamental fence, rather
than lose a moment by going lower down to
the gate.
She won the race, for she arrived at the
house before Augusta, not having a lover to
make a hundred little pretexts for detaining
her.
Augusta returned soon after, and entered
with a beaming countenance.
“Very welll!’ were the words of Gerty,
who was awaiting her, “I have been even
with you; I have told Pa and Ma of you.”
D2
52 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Why should you not ?” returned Augusta.
“You did not think I saw you,” said
Gertrude.
“1 did not, indeed,” was Augusta’s answer.
«¢ And I heard what you said to him.”
**Do you not think it was very wrong to
listen P”’
“Who cares for you?” answered Gertrude.
“ T don’t, and I am not going to be preached
to by such a thing as you.”
“Tet me pass, Gertrude, please,’ said
Augusta. ‘* You have no right to interfere ; I
never interfere in your concerns.”
«Yes you do, you story-teller,’ returned
Gertrude.. “ Did you not tell Ma what I told
you about your being the old thing’s (Mrs.
Whynn) daughter P”
**No, Gertrude, I could not say that, for
this is the first time you have said whose
daughter I am.”
“But you told her that I told you she was
not your mother ?”’
“1 did so, for mamma asked me.”’
“You mean tell-tale! And I have had
such a row about it; but now I will pay you
out for it.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 53
“Do so,” replied Augusta “ only let me
go upstairs.”
“Tshan’t! Ill tell every one of your
meeting Azm in the lane.”
*‘ If it had only been you instead of me,”
said Augusta laughing; “ but I hope, Ger-
trude dear, that you will find some one to
love you too; forgive and forget,’ and she
offered her hand.
* But I shan’t, because you pointed me out
to him.”
‘‘It was in the surprise of the moment;
if you had not been there I should not have
done so.”
‘Then how should I have known what you
were saying? I was not going to let you tell
him all about our secrets.”
“Why did you tell them to me?” asked
Augusta.
‘¢ Because I chose; but that was no reason
you were to tell them to other people, How-
ever, I have told papa, and he has gone out
with his pistols, and declares he will shoot
both of them.
Augusta had that morning seen Mr. Rey-
nolds arranging his pistols, and he was a first-
a4 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
rate shot. Distracted at the news she turned
to run out of the house, but was called back
by Mrs. Reynolds, who appeared at that
moment.
*‘ Follow me,” said she severely, as she led
the way to the library. ‘I understand,” she
continued, ‘‘ that you have had the indelicacy
to meet ‘ that man’ in the lane in spite of my
express prohibition, and regardless of what
people may say of you.”
** The meeting was quite accidental,” replicd
Augusta, in tears.
‘‘ IT shall take care to prevent such accidents
in future,” returned Mrs. Reynolds; “I will
not permit such goings on while you are under
my roof.”
Augusta’s cheek grew alternately pale and
red, her breathing was short.and quick.
“Let me go away, dear mamma,” said she.
**T shall do nothing of the kind,” replied
Mrs. Reynolds. ‘‘ You were given into my
keeping, I have done my duty towards you,
and will do so till you are formally claimed by
those who committed you to my care; and,
moreover, since you are ignorant of the com-
mon forms of propriety, I shall keep a stricter
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 59
watch over you, nor suffer you to stir out
alone, nor yet without my permission.”
Augusta left the room in silence, and ran
up to her own.
‘A prisoner!” she murmured, “ watched
and guarded like a felon, cut off from him,
surrounded by spies, buffetted and driven.
Hark! A shot!”
There was one.
She stood rooted to the spot, her eyes dilat-
ing, her cheek death-pale.
A second shot was heard.
‘Dead! dead!’ she shrieked, and rushing
out she fled the house.
56 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER VIII.
‘oro RAILWAY STATION.”’—E. P. FRITH.
In spite of all she had said to Augusta, Mrs.
Reynolds felt so much confidence in her that
she had not the least hesitation in leaving her,
in order to take a drive with Gertrude in
the pony chaise that same inviting afternoon.
Brown was to accompany them.
This gentleman had a very great dislike to
this sort of conveyance ; he had to ride dog-
cart fashion in the pretty little blue basket
carriage.
“‘ Tt was low, very low,” in his opinion.
And so it was—so low, and so near the
ground that was there an upset the ladies could
scarce do more than break their noses.
Mr. Brown fancied it made him look
‘“*numble, and there was never no discernin’
of things that way but as was passed and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 57
gone,and wasn’t worth the discernin’,and Miss
Gerter was that there bad driver as riled the
pony no end, a makin’ him to fling up, and a
shootin’ from side to side,as he was like to be
shooted out of that there norrible little dickey
as was turned nind part before, and as forced
- him to hold on that tight as spiled his hands
for the droring room.”
The ladies, however, enjoyed their drive
excessively this soft spring afternoon, the
harbinger of brighter days to come; they pre-
ferred the green lanes, green indeed with that
loveliest of all greens, the first tender tints
of opening leaves. By-and-bye they came to
the station, which was about a mile from their
home; an uptrain was in waiting, so the gates
were shut; they could not cross the line, and
must wait, since trains, like time and tide,
wait for no man.
The pony was obstreperous, envious perhaps
of his tremendous rival, and did not choose
to pay deference to trains, or to be stopped in
his progress for them, and manifested his.
disapproval in a way that Mr. Brown, in the
horrible little dickey, turned hind part before,
feared his face might be spoiled for the draw-
DO
98 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ing room as well as his hands; so he jumped
out to hold the head of the fiery little black
charger.
The conqueror sped on his way, the gates
were opened, and the humbled little blacka-
moor passed through.
“Did you see Augusta before you came
out ?’ asked Mrs. Reynolds of Gertrude.
“© Didn’t I?’ answered the young lady. “I
gave the nasty mischief-maker a famous ‘ wig-
ging’ for going and telling papa of you.”
*“* | have done very wrong I think to come
out, and leave her so soon after meeting ‘ that
man. She is too good to run off with him.”
“Oh, she’s safe enough; we should have
seen him if he had been about. She’s poring
over her stupid books, or daubing away at
her seascapes, that make me sick to look at
them—they smell so nasty—or else she’s
twinkling, twankling away at that horrid
guitar the old thing gave her. I'll burn it if
I get hold of it.”
‘Well, my dear, I do wish you would only
take up some occupation; but at any rate
you must keep your eye on Augusta, and not
let her out of your sight.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 59
** Leave her to me, Ma dear. I'll take good
care she shan’t meet him again.”
The ladies prolonged their drive by making
a visit ortwo. Mrs. Reynolds became silent,
but at the end she pronounced it ‘‘a charm-
ing drive.”
Her first words on arriving home were to
ask if “* Miss Reynolds had been seen lately.”
The answer was “not very lately ;” the
servant believed she was in her room.
*¢ Then tell her I wish to speak to her.”
Augusta was a very long time coming.
Mrs. Reynolds rang to enquire the reason,
and was answered that they could not find
‘* Miss’ anywhere.
“ She is very likely to be in the garden.
Tell Brown to go and look for her,’”’ but Mrs.
Reynolds disbelieved her own words.
“Oh!” exclaimed Gertrude, ‘ she’s all
right ; she'll come in fast enough when she’s
hungry.”
** T do not know that. You had better go
and look for her.”
According to custom, Gertrude dutifully
informed her mother that she was not a slave
to wait upon Augusta, whom she hated, and
wished she was dead.
60 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Go directly,” said Mrs. Reynolds, be-
coming more and more uneasy, ‘‘ and let me
have no more of this impertinence.”
Gertrude took her own time to obey, de-
claring she was tired to death. On leaving
the room she contented herself with ringing
the housemaid’s bell, and desiring the girl to
go and look for her sister, who must be
somewhere.
“* Have you looked in her room ?”’ she
asked.
4 o yes, miss, all over it, again and
again.”
“ Very strange!” observed the young ne
*¢ What can have become of her!”
‘“‘ Perhaps, miss, she’s been and drownded
herself; there’s many a girl has drownded her-
self for love. I knowed a—”’
“You talk stupidly |’ exclaimed Gertrude,
interrupting. ‘* She’s in the lane, or walking
up and down by the river, or sketching the
moon, or painting the sky; she’s always at
some rubbish of the kind. Has she got her
hat on ?”
* [ didn’t discern her rat hanging up in
her room, miss.”
“Then she’s in the garden. She would
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 61
not put on her hat to drown herself. She’ll
be here presently, and get a rare scolding for
frightening us so.”
Gertrude was mistaken. Augusta did not
come in to have the rare scolding; Brown
was so long gone that it seemed as if he had
taken French leave too—a thing he very often
did, liking everything French even to that.
But he came back, as he always did, and in-
formed his mistress as how—
** He had beened and goned and nunted
everywhere for ‘ Miss.’ He had nunted in the
narbor, and the cow-house, and the pottin’
shed, and in the pine pits, and nunder the
villers, and the veepery-hash, and the cuppers
beech, and in the medder, and all along of the
river, and up and down of the lane, and he'd
beened and goned and asked scores of pussons
if so be they had beened and goned and dis-
cerned anythink of his young lady, and they
hadn’t beened and goned and discerned
nothink of her.”
Mrs. Reynolds said she did not wish him to
make such a stiras that ; Miss Reynolds was
very likely in the conservatory, or sitting
under some tree with a book.
62 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Brown answered that ‘‘ he had beened and
goned and nunted in every nole and corner
and under all the trees and srubs, he verily
believed, as beened and goned and growed in >
the garding.”
His mistress told him that would do. But
it did not do for her; she ordered the pony
to be put into the chaise again, and the coach-
man to attend her.
She then ran frantically upstairs into the
room the fugitive had occupied.
It was all arranged ; the things in their
usual places. Her keys hung in the ward-
robe ; she opened it. There were her clothes,
her dresses still hanging on their hooks.
Wherever she turned, there was the belong-
ings of the poor girl whom she had ill-treated
and driven from her home; everything be-
spoke the neatness and sanctity of a maiden’s
chamber.
Among the pictures and texts on the walls
hung two lithographs, of herself and Mr. Rey-
nolds. They were placed there when Augusta
believed them to be those of her parents; she
knew differently now, but, through injustice
and cruelty, they kept their places still.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 63:
Mrs. Reynolds was touched, and certainly
the strongest feeling of her heart at that
moment, was the desire that no harm might
come to Augusta.
On leaving the room she met Gertrude.
“This is your doing,” said she. “ If you
had not wickedly betrayed your mother this
would never have happened. Augusta was a
eood daughter to me till then, which is more
than you have ever been. Begone!”’
Gertrude declared she was not a slave to
be abused for nothing; she hated Augusta,
who wasn’t her sister, and she was glad she
was gone.
As soon as her mother had descended, she
forthwith commenced a diligent inspection of
Augusta’s property, examining every article,
and debating as to how it could be turned to
account, if worth appropriating, now the
opportunity offered.
Every article passed in review; she tried
on her bonnets and mantles, her boots and
gloves, pinching her feet with the former,
and bursting the latter trying to force her
hands into them. Atlast she came to a case,
which she opened with much empressement.
64, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
It was the one in which Augusta kept her
stock of trinkets and valuables.
“The nasty, mean creature!’ said she.
‘‘ If she hasn’t emptied it. Not left a thing.
Not even the lovely carbuncle locket the old
thing gave her on her birthday. I grudged
her that !”
Searching a little further she came upon
the jewellery. ‘* But she has not taken away
the locket, though! It has got fis horrid
hair in it!”
In the meanwhile Mrs. Reynolds was driv-
ing with all speed to the station. It was quite
dark. She was very thoughtful mdeed, re-
proaching herself as the cause of Augusta’s
flight, now, when the circumstances of the
Sherwood Estate made it of vital importance
to keep her with them. Had she been more
kind, more tender, she felt, from the know-
ledge of Augusta’s affectionate disposition, her
long years of obedience, her unflagging duty
to herself as her mother, she could have
moulded the girl to her will; but she had
drawn the cord so tight that it had snapped
from excessive tension.
Greatly distressed she alighted at thestation.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 65
“Mr. Spinks,’ said she in a low voice to
the station-master, “* did Miss Reynolds take
the train for London this afternoon ?”
Mr. Spinks did not see the young lady ;
he called one of the porters.
“A young lady in a light dress, black
jacket, and brown hat,” said Mrs. Reynolds.
«A young lady dressed like that,” the man
said, “ went up by the 4 train.”
*¢ Was she alone ?”
‘* No one went with her, that he saw.’
Mrs. Reynolds left the station and returned
home.
“It was she! Fool! fool! To be at the
station ; to see her pass, and not stop her!
She might have telegraphed to detain her.”
It was Augusta Mrs. Reynolds had seen,
when, in her afternoon’s drive, she was waiting
for the train to proceed. As it cleared the
gate, she caught sight of a wan face looking
out of one of the carriages, with the far-off
gaze of eyes that look beyond the world.
It was but a partial view, for the line was
raised and the train was moving, but Mrs.
Reynolds thought to herself, ‘“* How like
Augusta,” and hence her question to Gertrude.
66 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
There was great excitement in the servants’
hall that evening. The flower of the flock,
the belle of the place, “ the most proper of
young ladies,” as she was termed by the
household, had run away from her home,
nobody knew where to.
Grace Williams, the nurse, was more dis-
tressed than anybody, and declared her darl-
ing “hadn’t done nothink of the kind; she
loved her home a great deal too much to run
away from it. It was her belief as how she
was all amonged the fishes in that there
wabbling river as she was always a looking
into, as if it was her looking-glass. Missus
had ought to have it draggled.”’
And nurse had been most urgent to have
it “‘ draggled”’ the moment her disappearance
became certified, and had received a rebuff
for her importunity from Mrs. Reynolds, who
told her ‘‘not to talk nonsense; Augusta was
not there.”
‘“ Ah!” remarked Gardam, the coachman,
‘‘T guessed how it would be, when I see
that spark p’rading up and down the lane,
morning, noon, and night, from week’s end
to week’s end.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 67
*¢ Why didn’t you tell us?” asked nurse.
‘I wasn’t going to tell the young lady’s
secrets |”
*¢ May be I would a told her.”
* As if she did not know,” returned Gardam;
‘¢ girls likes to keep their sweethearts on the
tender-hooks.”
** How sweet!” says Martha, with a lan-
guishing look at Mr. Brown, “ to have a
young man a comin’ like that.”
}??
** He was a fine hindrance to Joe and me
digging that ditch!’ continued Gardam;
“Joe had to stop every time in case of
throwin’ the mud over him, and I had to turn
my horse and cart to ‘low him to pass.
“Don’t move!’ says he, speaking most polite.
But how could he a gotted by in that narrer
lane, as the horse was a grabbing at the
hedge opposite? So Joe and me had to
stand still and talk till he’d done going his
rounds.” ‘ Why don’t he go in? says Joe..
‘ He’s coming to it presently,’ says I, and
so he has, and beened and goned (winking at
Brown) and cut off with my young missus.”
‘* He’d never a got her no other way,”
said cook. ‘“ Law, bless you, they'd never a
68 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
let her marry. She’s a sweet creetur, she is ;
never give one a cross word; the most
genteelestest, the most amuablestest, the
most becomingestest young lady as ever
I come across, and I hopes as how he will
make her a good husbind.”
“ She ain’t gone off with him !” says nurse.
** Then where may she a beened and goned
to then ?” asked Brown.
“Into the river; it had ought to be
draggled. I’ve a great mind to go and
dragele it myself.”
“It ain't no fault of mine,’ observed
Gardam, “‘ as the ditch has tooked so long
a cutting if master comes down upon us
about it! There were two of them to-day !’’
*¢ Two ?”
“Yes! one come to help the other to be
sure !”
Mr. Reynolds did not return that night,
and Mrs. Reynolds paced her room the
greater part of it, ejaculating, “* Fool! fool!
To see her going and not telegraph to have
her detained !”’
JOHN FORTESCUR REYNOLDS, ESQ. 69
CHAPTER, IX.
‘* OTHELLO RELATING HIS ADVENTURES.’’—
D. COWPER.
“Tue Cortacs,” the name given to the
Whynns’ residence at Kensington, was so
very unlike its synonym of the country, so
spread, so roomy, so incompatible with the
modest position of £300 a-year associated
with its name that it was really a shame to
call it a cottage.
The garden attached to this cottage was an
oasis in the desert of our modern Babylon.
It boasted its lawn, its mound, its walks, its
trees, those glories fast disappearing from
once woodland Hnegland.
Mrs. Whynn was seated one evening in her
pretty sitting-room, alone at work, chewing
the cud of bitter fancy as she went on with
her employment.
70 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
It was not her custom to mix much in
society during her husband’s absence, still
less now when she feared she was on the
point of disunion with him. She had so many
resources in herself, that it was not her
present dull life that imprinted its gloom
on her countenance.
That morning she had received a letter
from her husband, written in excellent spirits.
Tt stated when she received his letter that he
should be on his way home, and he promised
himself a good long holiday, and spoke of his
projects for the benefit and amusement of his
** dear wife.”
His ‘* dear wife’? had the most unbounded
affection for him. She wept bitterly over his
words of love and tenderness, and at the utter
unconsciousness of the home awaiting him.
But whatever the consequences, the tale must
be told, even if he were to kill her in the first
moments of hisrage. It was the right course,
and the only reparation she could at, 2 for
her folly. ‘‘It was more folly than wicked- ’
ness : but it comes to the same thing,”
thought she. ‘‘ What an absurd idea filial
love being an instinct. It is nothing of the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. at
kind ; with children, as with animals, it is the
hand which feeds them!
“There is Augusta giving to Mrs. Reynolds
all that parental duty can exact, while to me,
her real mother, who have loved her with an
intensity that but for these circumstances I
should searce have felt, she shews not even
common gratitude, has ceased to feel the little
regard she once had for me, never writes,
makes no sign of her existence, cares not
whether I live or die.”
This was the usual tenour of Mrs. Whynn’s
thoughts respecting Augusta, and such they
were at the moment of which we are speaking.
They were put to flight by the entrance of
her maid, who whispered something myste-
riously, as though walls had tongues as well
as ears, and might go and tell it.
Whatever it was, its effect on Mrs. Whynn
was electrical. She jumped up and rushed
into the hall, upsetting a table in her progress.
_A slight figure in a brown straw hat, light
dress, and black silk jacket sprang towards
her. It was Augusta.
‘¢ Oh, mamma,” said she, in wrung accents,
“© He is—dead !”’
*
12 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Her strength was exhausted, the strung
nerves relaxed, and the next moment the poor
child lay helpless and unconscious in the arms
of her mother. Mrs. Whynn clasped her to
her heart.
“Father!” said she humbly, “I thank
Thee! Thou restorest to me my child!”
Augusta neither saw nor heard. She was
conveyed senseless into an adjoming room
and placed upon a couch.
Mrs. Whynn gazed at her with terror ; cold
drops stood upon her brow; her face was
rigid, her pulse still.
Mrs. Whynn thought her dead, and rushed
wildly out, calling for help.
On her return she found Augusta risen on
the couch, looking white and scared as Juliet
may have done when she rose from her tomb.
‘* God sent me!’’ was all she said, and fell
back.
“Yes, God,” returned Mrs. Whynn, with
overpowering emotion, ‘‘ the good, the dear,
the merciful God !”
Augusta’s troubles, however, were not so
soon toend. Assistance did not come too
soon; the whole of that night she was ina
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 73
delirium, raving of oppression and cruelty,
till her stricken hearer was filled with horror.
Augusta’s only idea appeared to be a strong
belief that Colonel Freemantle was dead—
shot through the heart by Mr. Reynolds in
the lane that had been her Eden.
He must have died a thousand deaths, for
every sound to her was a shot charged with
his death. This was the beginning only.
In spite of the watchful care of her mother,
in spite of the skill of the talented physician,
Augusta did not improve; each day she
became worse, each day did he look more
grave, appear more doubtful about the ter-
mination of this dire attack, which promised
to be a fierce battle between life and death.
Mrs. Whynn took up her post beside the
sick bed, and tried to decide on the line of
conduct to be pursued; half her difficulties
she thought were overcome by this voluntary
recognition of herself by her daughter.
’ It was before the illness had assumed so
alarming a character that a message was
brought to Mrs. Whynn that a stranger was
below and desired to speak to her.
The stranger proved to be Freemantle.
VoL. III. E
74 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, BSQ.
He advanced to meet Mrs. Whynn with his
usual friendliness, and as soon as the cus-
tomary salutations were over, apologised for
trespassing on her time, and then begged a
few moments’ conversation with her.
She led the way into an inner room, the
door of which he closed.
‘Mrs. Whynn,” said he, ‘ you see before
you a man whose fate, for good or ill, seems
trembling in the balance, and I come to you
for counsel and assistance.
“ For years I have loved Miss Reynolds.
I saw and loved her before going to India,
and I was on the point of gaining an intro-
duction to her father; the day was even
settled on which a friend was to introduce
me, when news of the fearful outbreak in
India reached Hngland and my regiment was
ordered to embark forthwith.
‘‘ Duty to one’s country in such cases is
paramount; short time was given for pre-
paration ; but though foiled in my purpose,
I still felt Miss Reynolds was my fate. It
_ was the hope of her that nerved my arm, and
bore me up through the hardships, to which so
many gallant fellows succumbed.
xy
pag
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. (a
“IT speak soberly. You know my story:
snatched from the jaws of death, I returned
to life and my country. I meet her again, to
find every promise of her youth more than
fulfilled. Fortune favours me. Through
you I become acquainted with her family ;
the prize I so long coveted is all but in my
grasp.
** Dear Mrs. Whynn,”’ he continued, in low
vehement tones, “ pity me. Tell me what a
man is to do when honour, virtue, reason, all
we most prize interpose, and raise an insur-
mountable barrier to the fulfilment of the
compact he has entered into?
*« Pity that man; he loves to distraction ;
is bound to her he loves; he is slandered and
vilified, and for a time even trembles for his
good name.
“But, as you know, there is a love that
comes but once in our lives; it is the last, for
it tinctures our future, as light or dark its
renderings ; few feel it in its intensity ; woe
to those who do !
«Such was mine for Miss Reynolds. It
never died. I have never lost the hope that
in the thousand changes of this varying
E 2
f . :
i i ll a EE
76 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
world, something might occur to extricate
her and me.
‘Tt has come, and so suddenly that I feel
lost. I hear that, driven by cruelty and op-
pression, she has fled from her home. Is my
heart a traitor, or does it speak true, that she
has sought refuge with you who loved her so
tenderly.”
*‘ She has done so,” replied Mrs. Whynn,
in a low voice.
“My heart told me this, the moment I]
heard of her flight. Is there any hope? Lend
me your assistance, dear Mrs. Whynn. Give
her to me. I swear you shall never repent
it! I will seek with her a home in another
country. Secresy is all that is necessary.”
The lady was much affected, and there was
a long pause, but she spoke at last with firm-
ness and decision.
“ Secresy,” said she, “I rejoice to say,
will not be necessary. If circumstances have
taken you by surprise, not less have they
me, and force a confession I intended to
make only to one now absent. You have
told me a story, I will tell you another: it is
rather a long one; can you hear it now ?”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. rive
He made a gesture of assent.
‘I will make it as concise as possible.
“There were two girls who had been play-
mates in infancy, and afterwards school-
fellows; their friendship for each other was
more than that of sisters, it also endured
longer than girls’ friendships usually do, and
was not broken when they married.
‘The one was united to a lawyer; the
other to as noble and gallant a man as ever
drew his sword in defence of his country: he
was in the navy.
** But the girl he married was utterly un-
worthy of him, or she could never have com-
mitted the sin she did, the consequences of
which she did not foresee; sooth to say she
was too frivolous to trouble herself about
anything beyond the humour of the moment.
But this in excuse. She was the only child
of parents who idolised her. From the hour
of her birth she had never known a grief or a
care. She did not exactly disbelieve in such,
but certainly she could not realize them,
and till she left the fostering roof could truly
say she had never shed a tear.
* At the period I am about to mention this
78 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
woman had one little girl, her friend, the wife
of the lawyer, two boys. As fate would have
it, these two women were one evening thrown.
together in the same company: it so hap-
pened the conversation turned on a work
recently published ; in it reference was made
to the well-known story of a duke, who was
no duke, if it be true that he was a changeling.
“‘ Curiosity was expressed as to how the
change was effected, and surprise that the
secret should have been kept so long and so
well. From thence a discussion arose as to
filial affection being an instinct or a senti-
ment. As on other subjects, there was much
diversity of opinion, the friends of the latter
(sentiment) deducing as a proof, the young
man’s behaviour on the subsequent marriage of
his mother to his reputed father, his aversion
to the lady, till, stung by his conduct, she re-
vealed the secret of the relationship, when he
became ali that could be desired in a son.
“The other side were equally strong in
favour of instinct, instancing the slight hold
on children’s affections made by nurses and
dependents, how readily they give these up
for their parents; though this may be
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 79
answered by the countersign of their being
brought up with the knowledge of relative
positions.
*“‘ Pardon my prolixity ; 1 am thus diffuse, for
the argument proved the foundation of what
followed ; it made a great impression on the
women mentioned. How it came about one
scarce knows, but they afterwards agreed to
put the question to the test on the birth of
their next children, expected much about. the
same time, provided that the child of the
officer did not prove a son: which it did not.
“The children were both born abroad—at
Boulogne—whither the lawyer had taken his
wite, as if to further a scheme of which he was
in utter ignorance. He went thither on busi-
ness connected with his profession, and meet-
ing friends, he joined them in an excursion,
leaving his wife properly cared for.
‘ Both children, as I said, were born at
Boulogne, for the wife of the officer accom-
panied her friend. The time favoured their
project. On frivolous pretexts they parted
with their English servants and engaged
French ones for the rest of their stay, and it
was on the journey home that the change of
80 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
their children was effected. I, to my shame
and disgrace, exchanged my little daughter
for Mrs. Reynolds’ son, Frederick !”’
“Augusta is that daughter?” said Free-
mantle.
“She is! she is! The child, the dear child
God gave me, and which I wickedly abandoned
and sacrificed !”
Freemantle rose and walked to the window ;.
he opened it for air; his heart seemed too
full for action. |
He came back presently, and then entreated
Mrs. Whynn to continue, as every word
teemed with interest.
‘“‘ My story,” she went on, ‘‘ contains a
moral which is not the case with every one.
Augusta is my child, and there are those
still living among the kindhearted French
people who sympathised so warmly with ‘ the
poor English ladies,’ deserted at such a time
by their husbands and unfeeling domestics,
who will prove that Mrs. Whynn’s child was
a daughter.”
“No proof is required,” said her delighted
auditor. ‘“ Augusta is a living witness in her-
self. On first becoming acquainted with her
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 81
I was surprised at a likeness, irreconcilable
with no relationship.”
“She is very like me ; what I was rather,
for grief works outwardly as inwardly, and I
am not more changed in mind and feeling
than in person. My punishment began on
the birth of my own son, whom [ had robbed
of his birthright, and made over to another :
then it was I woke to a sense of the crime I
had committed, to the fraud practised on the
best of men, my kind and trusting husband.
Mrs. Reynolds and I, by way of making
amends, entered into an agreement that our
two changelings should marry at suitable age.
This was to be kept secret on account of the
natural perversity of young people. I was
goon conyinced of the mistake we had made ;
two people more unsuited to each other could
not be found, and both equally opposed to the
plan when it was made known to them. My
daughter in this case has proved herself
possessed of a strong will, and that woman
has goaded both her and me to madness
by her resolution to enforce it. Neither
prayers nor entreaties nor any offer of sacri-
EO
82 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. -
fice on my part have availed to alter her
determination. |
“Yes, my punishment has been signal.
Twenty long years of remorse and suffering!
Will they not atone? My children left me,
one by one, desolate and bereaved !”’
Freemantle endeavoured to soothe the
afflicted lady, whose wounds bled afresh at
the recital.
“Twenty years has this lain hidden and
unsuspected. But ‘there is nothing hidden
that shall not be revealed’ is verified as much
in the small concerns of life as in the unfold-
ing of the mysteries of the universe. And it
has been written that, all other means failing,
the mothers who worked so successfully in
secret shall themselves be the instruments to
bring it to light.
“Till now I fancied that we had decided
that the love of children towards their
parents was a sentiment only, like other
movements of the mind, depending on first
causes, not a principle in itself. But the
spring of action that moved my daughter to
fly to me in her distress almost decides me in
favour of unerring instinct.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 83
“ However that may be, there cannot be a
doubt as to the instinct in mothers. To
them and their jealous interference in each
other’s management of their own children is
due the discovery.
** Notwithstanding his eccentricities, Fred-
erick has not been the worst sonin the world
tome; I know many worse. Had he been
my own, I should no doubt have looked with
different eyes on him, but my daughter has
submitted to tyranny with a patience and
gentleness beyond that of most daughters.”
* Dear Mrs. Whynn!” said Freemantle,
“your daughter is here; she is yours. Our
fates are in your hands, unite them, put it out
of the power of anyone to separate us. To-
morrow let it be! Let me speak to her!
One word only |”
“You know not what you ask. Her
tormentors have brimmed up the measure of
their iniquity. She is unconscious, and has
been so from themoment of hercoming. Tell
me, have you seen her lately ?” |
“Yesterday only did churlish fortune
favour my prayer ?”’
“ You left her well ?”
84, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“‘ Perfectly ; we parted in doubt as to our
future movements. She was to write to me.”
“Then your meeting has been discovered,
and some new persecution devised.”
** The daughter was there, a witness to our
interview.”
“That dreadful girl!” ejaculated Mrs.
Whynn.
‘She no doubt informed her parents,” con-
tinued Freemantle; ‘‘ and some cruelty has
been devised, which must be atoned for.”’
“Thanks be to Heaven!” said Mrs.
Whynn. ‘‘My dear child has eS them.
She believes you dead !”’
“Me dead !” exclaimed Freemantle.
“‘ She is haunted with the idea that you have
been shot by Mr. Reynolds.”
“Permit me to see her. All may be well,
and she saved from further suffering.”
“Too late! She would not know you: and
were it otherwise I fear that I could scarce
grant your request. You must be patient.
I have told you the story I thought to confess
to my husband alone, as the one most injured.
My mind has long been made up, but I have
waited for his return. He comes homeinaweek
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 85
or two, but till he does and acknowledges his
daughter I wish things to remain as they are.
Whatever may be his anger towards me, I
feel sure he will not extend it to his guiltless
child, though he may be forgiven does he
doubt the story altogether.”
“Tf he does it will make not the slightest
difference to me.”’
“I believe you, and for that reason grieve
to oppose your wishes. Had it been at an
earlier period [ might have listened to you
more readily; but with the knowledge of my
husband’s speedy return, I think, if love can
listen to reason, you will see I could scarce do
otherwise than wait till he is made acquainted
with the circumstances.”
‘““Hard terms,” said Freemantle, “ but
Jacob worked fourteen years to gain his
Rachael. I must not be outdone.”
*“ Good comes sometimes out of evil,” re-
turned Mrs. Whynn, extending herhand. “I
think it must be given to you to redeem the
past. Could anything justify so unjustifiable
a proceeding, it must be that through it my
daughter became the object of affection to
Colonel Freemantle.”
86 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ And think what his happiness must be to
find that those whose esteem and friendship he
most valued, with whom he would, beyond —
all others, have desired to be connected, should
be the parents of her on whom his affections
are unalterably fixed.”
The force of language could no further go.
He was obliged to prove his sincerity by sub-
mitting to Mrs. Whynn’s tyrannical decision.
The refractory soldier attempted a revolt,
but the lady was inexorable—as inexorable as
was Sir. William, the physician, whose fiat
was—
‘Silence and darkness! He feared brain
fever.”’
Freemantle’s love was doomed to be put
to some severe tests; fortunately these hard
knocks were not dealt by the hand he loved.
She remained intact in her entirety and single-
ness of heart, while the exceeding small
stock of love-making allotted to them, kept
alive the flame which is often extinguished by
too much fuel.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 87
CHAPTER X.
‘“mam CHANGELING.’’—SIR NOEL PATON.
Wuatever might be Mr. Reynolds’ motives —
for the examination of his pistols, the doing
so had not the slightest reference to Free-
mantle.
A crime like murder he was incapable of.
His surroundings were dark, but there was
light in his soul yet.
And furthermore, the law of equity in-
stilled into him in the daily practice of his
profession, decided him that he had no right
to interfere between Freemantle and Augusta;
she not belonging to him.
He certainly went out with his pistols, but
they were in his travelling bag, and to have
used them against Freemantle he must have
stopped to unpack it, take out the case, and
make ready the fateful weapon, all in the face
88 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
of the human target, that was to be, whom
we may suppose to stand watching opera-
tions with breathless interest. |
Mr. Reynolds took the wrong road to ac-
complish his intentions, if such they had been,
for he went direct to the station, and thence
to his den in the Temple, where he took up
his abode, brooding and solitary.
So Gertrude’s announcement of warlike in-
tentions on the part of her papa were drawn
from figures, not facts; and the shots that
slew our little heroine were intended for some
other deer.
Mrs. Reynolds, finding that Mr. Reynolds
did not return, went up to see him.
Beaulieu being too far from town to drive
in she took the train, her young daughter,
Sophia, accompanying her.
Gerty decided to stay at home, for reasons
of her own. |
They were lane projects.
An accidental meeting of the two gentlemen,
who would be sure to be found walking there
again, waiting for “‘ that thing Augusta.”
The sentimental Martha, while dressing her
young mistress’s hair that morning, had in-
. JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 89
formed her all about “them two bewtiful
Ossifers, as Gardam see, a prancin’ up and
down this loverly lane, all day, and all night
the winter through. One was dark like a
Spaniel; the other had loverly blue. eyes
and curly hair like a polly (Apollo). Oh,
miss! it’s just like one of them sweet things
we reades of in the books they callsnoveleys.”
The sensible Gertrude decided that Augusta
could not have both “the beautiful officers,”
and her fertile fancy immediately took wings,
and soared, soared away up into the seventh
heaven, where it rested on the coronet of the
Lady Chester that was to be.
At the station her mamma encountered
Freemantle and Lord Chester, bent on the
same errand as herself, to wit, the search for
Augusta.
They had heard of the lost Pleiad, before
even rumour with her thousand tongues had
conveyed it in the usual way.
Mr. Brown, on the evening of that event-
ful day, took his favourite French leave, and
went to the vicarage to ask, “ Ifso be, they’d
beened, and goned, and seened anythink of
‘Miss,’ as had beened and gooned and tooked
90 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
a walk and forgotted to come back; and he
had beened and goned and nunted for her in
his cow-house, and his piggery, and his pot-
tin’s-hed, and his pine-pits, and in his narbor,
and his medder, and all along of his river, and
up and down of his lane, and he had beened
and goned and nunted for her under his
villers, and his veepery-ash, and his cupper’s-
beech, and under all his trees and srubs, as
had beened and goned and growed in his
gardings, and he hadn’t beened and goned
and discerned nothink of her in all his nunt-
ings.”
“Did I not tell you,” said Lord Chester,
on hearing the news, “‘ that I saw her ghost,
or an angel in her likeness, since it could not
be the other party; and you set it down as an
optical delusion on my part.”’
He was at the post-office in the village,
through which the Beaulieu folks had to pass
to reach the station, he thought it was Augusta
whom he saw flit by the window, and went to
the door to assure himself. The dress was the
same he had seen her in shortly before—the
form, the gait belonged only to her.
“You are my good genius,’ said Free-
=
Rea @r | css
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. OT
mantle. “She was going towards the sta-
tion ?”’
“She was! sailing along as though you
were in port there.” Lord Chester was a
great yachter.
* Would that I had been! The darling.”
Freemantle remained quiet in the hope of
a letter next morning, but none came, and he
set out with his friend to make those en-
quiries, where his knowledge of circumstances
induced him to believe they would most likely
meet with success.
It may possibly be asked how he came to
his knowledge of circumstances.
It may, perhaps, be recollected, that Fred
opened the door to a partial discovery on the
day of the election: not that Freemantle in
any way believed the door worth opening, till
the same generous hand giving him a key,
bade him open the skeleton cupboard for him-
self.
Among other far-sighted views of prudence
and policy possessed by our friend Fred, he
had the sensible one of always siding with the
victor when the battle was over. |
Therefore, on the declaration of the poll at
92 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Rochester, where Freemantle won the hard-
fought fight, that young gentleman all at once
found himself standing in the ranks of his
supporters ; occupying at the Angel Inn so
prominent a position, that one would have
thought he was at least the new M.P.
** 'What—a—wage—the—venewab]e—old—
pawient—will—be—in,” said he, to our hero
at his side, ‘“‘ when—the—old—wogue—goes
—back—without—his—M.P. !”
* Why should Mrs. Whynn mind?” en-
quired his friend.
“Mrs. W—hynn!” returned Fred, opening
his round black eyes. ‘‘ She—isn’t—the—
venewable,—she’s—the—old—bwick.”’
“Then who is the other titled lady >”
asked Freemantle, opening his black eyes
too.
** Mrs. W—eynolds,—my—mother.”’
*¢ Your mother ?” exclaimed Freemantle.
“Yes !” says Fred. ‘‘ A—p—wetty—kettle
—of—fish, isn’t—it ?”
Freemantle was bewildered. The Admiral
had always spoken of Fred as his son, though
certainly not as if he was proud of him.
“ Then Admiral Whynn adopted you ?”’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 93
“The—Admiwal! Forgot—him! w-ather
think —not,— toppled — me—over— long —
ago.—A—secwet,—mustn’t—weport !”
“Very strange of Mrs. Whynn,’”’ remarked
Freemantle.
*“* Not—st—wange—at—all.”’
“What could be her reason ?”
Fred was much hurt.
**'W —was —w— we—markably — pwetty
baby.”
* But she had: children of her own,’ said
Freemantle, who had often heard the Admiral
lament his lost children.
Fred was offended; he felt himself under-
valued.
‘‘ Fair — exchange — no — wob—bewy !”
said he; and he moved away to signify his
distaste to a further continuance of this
most depressing conversation.
- That last was the key.
Our hero desired no more; he unravelled
the tale for himself, though he was sometime
doing so.
“You remember Augusta?” said he, to his
second self Lord Chester, on arriving at what
he thought the truth.
‘94, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“‘ Perfectly |’? was the reply.
“ Whom do you think she resembles P”
“ Herself, and none other, I should say,”
replied his lordship; ‘‘but you have fre-
quently remarked on her likeness to Mrs.
Whynn; my mother has done so likewise.
She was surprised to find they were not
mother and daughter.”’
“She is mine! Wish me joy.”
“Ido! And willsee you turned off before
starting on my American tour.”
Mrs. Reynolds, on seeing Freemantle at the
railway station, guessed his move by her own:
but her power was gone ; she could not prevent
it, should the good genius of the pantomime
destroy the wicked spell cast over this poor
harlequin and columbine, and take them
under her especial protection.
She was woman still, cast down, but not
vanquished, and she frowned defiance at him.
On reaching town she went direct to her
husband’s chambers in the Temple.
He was out, so she drove to Kensington, to ~
Mrs. Whynn’s.
‘Will you have the goodness,” she said to
the servant who answered her summons, “ to
y]
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 95
tell me if a young lady of the name of Rey-
nolds is here ?”
“A young lady of that name came here
last night, ma’am.”
** Do you think I couldsee her? I wish to
speak to her.”
** Nobody can’t see her, ma’am; the doctor
has forbid speaking. She’s mortal ill with a
lumberin’ in her head.”
«A what ?’ asked Mrs. Reynolds.
‘* A lumberin’, as she doesn’t know what
she’s a sayin’ of. She talks all of pistols and
shots, and even acreak or a crack is a shot
goin’ through her poor head or heart.”
Mrs. Reynolds stood thinking awhile. The
maid knit her brows, and seemed disposed to
close the door.
‘Is your mistress disengaged P”’.
“No, ma'am; she’s busy speakin’ to a
gentleman.”
‘* The doctor, I suppose ?”
‘‘No, ma’am, the doctor has beened; we
thinks as he’s a’—-— and she executed some
grimacial telegraphy with which to finish her
speech, significant of more than was meant
for the ear.
‘96 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Ts he often here, then?’ says suspicious
Mrs. Reynolds.
‘* T never see him before,’ was the answer.
“Thank you,” and sighing, Mrs. Reynolds
departed.
She was afraid after this to go again to her
husband’s quarters, for if he should learn of
Augusta’s place of refuge, and she could
scarce resist his cross-examination when he
set about it, he would discover the whole plot,
and, in his present mad mood, she feared the
consequences. He had better learn it by
degrees, it must come out sooner or later.
She wrote to him when she returned home,
which she reached in far worse spirits than
when she ieft it. Then she hoped—against
hope it 1s true—but the feeling was)joy, bliss to
hat of mortification which she experienced
now.
To allay doubt, and prevent further inquiry,
she explained that in consequence of a quarrel
with her father, Miss Reynolds had been so
ill-advised as to leave her home and go to stay
with Mrs. Whynn,—a step she would never
have taken but for the unfortunate influence
obtained over her by that lady.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 97
In due time his wife’s letter reached Mr.
Reynolds. It ran thus—
‘“ DrarR REYNOLDS,
“ Augusta has run away, bolted
properly. Have you seen anything of her?
She is a good-for-nothing, ungrateful creature,
after all the kindness and tenderness with
which she has been treated.
‘* Your affectionate wife,
‘* SopHia REYNOLDS.”
“Pshaw!’’ said her husband, on reading
the note, “does the woman take me for a
fool? Glad the girlhas! A rat running away
from a falling house. The wisest of the lot!”
Two days later the flourishing Bubble-and-
Squeak Company, that which derived fresh
vigour from panics, and was like
* The man, some people thought him mad,
For the more he gave away the more he had.”’
Yet in the face of such wondrous necro-
mancy, this infant prodigy, with the blind
wilfulness and foolhardiness of childhood,
actually closed its doors.
The bubble had burst, and nothing was
heard but the squeaks of its duped and
famishing shareholders.
VOL. Il. EF
98 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XI.
‘“‘THE ORDER OF RELEASE.’—J. G. MILLAIS. ,
Time sped on; Freemantle called daily to
make enquiries at Mrs. Whynn’s respecting
Augusta, only to receive answers that in-
creased his anxiety.
Augusta was either “much the same” or
else ‘* not quite so well to-day.”
Mrs. Whynn never left her, and saw no
one.
Our hero’s time was one round of businegs ;
he must run down to his borough to attend
meetings, and a general election seemed pro-
bable, and he must preside at complimentary
dinners; he must show himself at the War
Office ; Parliament was sitting, he must attend
he duties there ; he must be ubiquitous, in fifty
places at once, and all the time he was suffer-
ing the cruelest anxiety and depression.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 99
He was sitting one evening in his place in
“‘the House.” <A question of vital import-
ance to the interests of the country, to
adopt Parliamentary phrasing, was under
discussion. He had not as yet spoken, but
it was thought he would do so_ to-night,
for every member was expected to “do his
duty.’ An “aye” or “no” might determine
the position Hngland was to occupy among
Huropean powers.
It was at a stirring point of the debate,
that a message found its way to him.
“He was wanted.”
No little amusement was created by the
significance of the announcement.
“Unfortunate just now,’ said an hon.
member; “‘ you come back !”
“Not if he is going to quod,” returned
another.
«They have made a mistake, man!” saida
third, ‘‘ claim the privilege of the House !”
“T will if I find it necessary,” answered
Freemantle, in the same spirit; as he rose to
leave. |
“And promise them the abolition: of im-
prisonment for debt,’ returned another.
F 2
100 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Freemantle laughed.
“No chance of a division to-night ?” he
asked of one of the officials.
“No, not yet for many nights to come,
according to appearances. But you return !”
“Oh, certainly.”
“Some lady, I suspect,” whispered a
member to a neighbour.
“ A fair Indiana, perhaps !”
other.
“Ah! returned the first, ‘‘ and when a
lady’s in the case I forget the rest.”
“No wonder; it’s antideluvian. Things
don’t give place to ladies now-a-days, they
give place to things.”
‘‘A reformation! Ah! ah!”
But weleave them to their mirth, and follow
the Colonel to the ante-room, where the
messenger, a sharp lad, not the least like a
Cr. envoy, awaited him.
He presented a letter.
“‘T was told to put this into your hands, sir,
and I have been to your lodgings, and to your
club, and at last they told me to come here.”
With some misgiving, Freemantle took the
letter, and glanced at the superscription.
suggested the
-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 101
It was in a woman’s hand. He guessed
the writer by inspiration.
*¢ Dear CoLoneEL FREEMANTLE,
“Come to see the last of my child,
my darling Augusta; come immediately, or
you may be too late.
‘* Your miserable friend,
‘* HLIZABETH WHYNN.”’
It was enough.
His country, the House, the debate, van-
ished, and he hurried out.
*¢ Will you be back again to-night ?”’ asks
the porter.
** No!” and away he went.
The lad had guessed the need of a hansom ;
rewarding him for his readiness, and desiring
the driver to make haste, Freemantle flung
himself in and was soon at Mrs. Whynn’s
door.
He was expected, for it opened the moment
the vehicle stopped.
He sprang out, and looked fixedly at the
servant who opened it. His tongue refused
to frame those terrible words, “‘ Is she alive ?”
The girl had been weeping.
102 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“All is over! thought he, “and I too
late !’’
“‘Mistress said I was to show you up
directly you came, sir,’ said the young
woman, and led the way upstairs.
Freemantle mounted mechanically after her.
He seemed like a child, and would have done
anything he was told.
Augusta was still alive. Mrs. Whynn had
been kneeling beside her, but rose on his
entrance; her face in its deadly paleness be-
tokened a tenure as fragile as her daughter’s.
At a sign the other women left the apart-
ment.
She then went to Freemantle, and taking
him by the hand, led him to the sick couch.
Still he did not speak.
It was some frightful dream. He could not
realise it.
He gazed in agony, as hovering between
earth and heaven, Augusta lay there in her
beauty, her waving hair thrown back from her
face, her eyes dilated and lustrous, shining with
the supernatural brightness of fever.
He took her hand, the little hand he had
hoped to hold in his own for ever.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 103
Busy thought, like a demon, rose up to
taunt him with hopes blasted, blissful visions
unfulfilled, the cup of happiness dashed from
his hand ere his eager lips could taste it.
Too much! too much!
He, the strong man who had faced death
with a dauntless eye; he who in conflict
of battle had seen, unmoved, friends, com-
rades fall like leaves around him,—god-like
in all else was weak only where his affections
were concerned; crushed at the sight he
beheld, his firmness gave way. He fell on
his knees and groaned aloud.
“What have I done?” said he. ‘“ What
has she done that her guiltless life should be
required ofher? Why not mine? Why this
one of allothers? Death, thou fell destroyer !
will nought but an angel satisfy thee? In
vain, in vain! Thou knowest not mercy or
pity. Already thy gloomy portals are opened
to receive her. And shall she enter alone?
We will enter the Eternal Presence together.”
Such were some of the all but inarticulate
utterances that broke from the lips of the
wounded man, as grasping the little hand
that lay on the coverlet, he prayed to die with
her.
104 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, FSQ.
A ring announced the doctor. Mrs. Whynn,
who had been kneeling beside Freemantle, rose
and touched him; he got up, and then stooped
to kiss the burning brow of his love: as he
did so, amid the low mutterings of her de-
lirium, he distinctly heard her pronounce his
name. It was as a flash of ight amid sur-
rounding gloom: but insensibility returned,
and Augusta answered not again to the out-
pourings of her lover’s tenderness.
“Ts there any hope?’ he asked of Sir
William,— whom he met on the stairs.
** While there is life there is hope,” Sir
William answered, with feeling, and a gravity
which expressed that he himself entertained
none.
Darkness returned to Freemantle.
He went into the garden; the quiet stars
looked down upon him; the din and bustle
of the city was subdued by distance, and
blending with the strains of far off music, sug-
gested peace, and love and harmony. He
only was unhappy; he only at war with Fate,
questioning her right and rebelling against her
decree.
He paced the terrace with impatient steps.
‘** Maximilian, my dear fellow; how are
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, Esq. 105
you?” said a voice, and his brother, Mr.
Adamson, stood before him. “ This is a sad
trial.”
“When did you come ?”’ asked Freemantle.
** A few minutes ago. I came in with the
doctor. Being in town to-day, I thought I
would call and ask after the poor girl, who we
were all grieved to hear wasill. Mrs. Whynn
asked me to come again, and here I am, to
offer what consolation I can; it 1s my pro-
vince, and a painful one very often.”
Freemantle did not speak, and Mr. Adamson
went on with his task of soothing with the
holy balm of sympathy.
“* We clergymen have our fortitude put to
some severe tests, and need all our strength to
lay aside the man and apply ourselves to the
duties of our vocation. The various forms
that grief assumes at trials of these kinds are
so harrowing, that one is often tempted to
echo the agonising cry of ‘ wherefore ?’ ”
‘‘ Wherefore, indeed,” returned poor Free-
mantle. ‘“ Wherefore this suffering, this
torture of mind and body? What use is
it? What good does it effect? Why should
a creature be born into the world endued
FO
106 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
with feelings, passions, sympathies, bestowed
for no purpose, apparently, but to torment
him in every conceivable shape ? And then he
is told that his happiness is to consist in com-
bating his LACE eee) and paca to the
evils imposed on him. ’
‘Hush! hush!” implored Mr. Adamson.
‘* In the light you regard them, these certainly
do seem hard conditions, and difficult to be
accounted for. But consider, what would be
the use of reason if passions were not given
for that reason to act upon, to bring out and
prove its superiority ?”’
“‘ You speak of mankind only,” said Free-
mantle, ‘‘but animals, every creature that
draws the breath of life, however insignificant,
has an equal share of suffering and misery, yet
you deny them a soul for their reward here-
after, and reason here to teach them wisdom
and philosophy. I cannot understand it.”
“°* Ce que nous savons est peu de chose, ce
que nous wgnorons est immense,” said Mr.
Adamson, quoting the words of the wisest of
men, Laplace. ‘In those words are com-
prised the sum total of man’s wisdom and
philosophy as you call it, and proves that
i
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 107
there are mysteries beyond man’s capabilities
tofathom. Yet the longer I live, the more
convinced am I that there is a meaning, a
purpose, and a good in everything, though
hidden from our eyes, which now but see
through a glass darkly.”
“Why darkly, if knowledge would make
us better and happier?” argued Freemantle.
“What boots it to us that another race
shall see the light? Will it constitute their
happiness? If so, why not given to us ?”’
“I sympathise with you, my dear brother,
fully,” returned Mr. Adamson, with emotion.
‘* Your feelings at this moment must make ex-
cuse for even such heathenism as this; the
sight_of that poor girl has unmanned even me,
who am more used to such scenes. To see a
young creature cut off in this way, with love
and happiness in sight, is indeed grievous.”
‘‘ T will never survive her,” said Freemantle.
“ Tt is a heavy trial, my dear, after having _
loved her so long and so faithfully; but still
you must nerve yourself to bear it. Remember
you are a man.” |
‘“‘T am but a man,” answered Freemantle.
“We must seek for strength from a
108 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
higher source. It comes to those who seek
it; let us go in and pray that it may be vouch-
safed to us.”
“Pray? Icannot! I could not frame a
sentence, though her life hung on my words.
Let her recover! I will pray then, and my
life shall attest my sincerity.”
Mr. Adamson was silent. He grieved alike
for his friend and his young parishioner,
whose gentleness had interested him even
more than her beauty. He felt almost as
incapable of imparting consolation as_ the
other of receiving it. Besides, he knew that
it is not during the agony of suspense, that
either religion or philosophy can be brought
to bear upon the mind. It is when Fate has
fulfilled the decree, and Hope has dashed her
victim to the ground, that the lost wretch
flies for refuge and support, to what he be-
fore turned from as the sickening warning of
woe to come.
Night wore on, and the two men still paced
the terrace, Mr. Adamson trying to divert
the conversation into channels, that might
arouse the other from the stupor into which
he was perpetually sinking.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 109
Nothing availed, till in the grey of the
early dawn Freemantle saw the curtain of a
window he guessed belonged to the sick room,
withdrawn, and a face look out into the
garden.
‘Look !” said he, with a groan, “all is
over.”
“Do not be too sure,” said his brother.
“Perhaps she is better,” but the tremor
of his voice belied the suggestion. “I will
go in and ask how she is; wait till I come,”
and Mr. Adamson departed.
“Wait!” repeated Freemantle, “ yes, wait
for assurance to be made doubly sure! I
know it, or why so calm! Fate do your
worst! JIfear you not! Robber, despoiler,
that you are! Take her! Snatch from me
the jewel of my life! I too can follow!
Craven as is the coward, you are bold only
to those who fear you, but shrink into your
nothingness before the eyes that dare to look
on you.”
Dawn with her warbling choir had ushered
in the rising day when Mr. Adamson again
appeared.
Freemantle made a step forward, and
110 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
then stopping short, surveyed him with a
penetrating eye.
His face was pale, and tears were in his
eyes, but he held out his hand and smiled,
the harbinger of good tidings.
Freemantle read aright, Augusta lived.
Springing forwards, he clasped the benign
herald to his breast, and then rushed away.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. I11
CHAPTER XII.
e
‘¢ BADEN-BADEN.’ —-GUSTAVE DORE.
Or course when ‘“ Bubble-and-Squeak” was
so insane as to close its doors, not a human
being was surprised at it. Hvery one saw
how it would be from the first ; their only
wonder was that it had held up its head so
long.
‘‘An extraordinary general meeting” was
early convened, for the purpose of taking
into consideration the best means of provid-
ing for the exigencies of the case. The room
was crammed to suffocation.
The whole of the Honourable Board
attended, headed by the worthy chairman, Sir
Richard Ruinall. |
The applause which greeted their appear-
ance was pitched in a different key to what
is usually understood by the term, and could
112 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
a storm of uproar, accompanied by a volley
of hisses, be accepted as a salute, those same
gentlemen had reason to be proud of theirs.
The dignified chairman held up his head in
lofty disdain of the swinish multitude in the
room; they might squeak and squeal to their
heart’s content, as he gracefully hinted to
them, on opening proceedings—they had only
themselves to blame, if they had been
deceived.
‘“‘Had they the folly to suppose that this
company was formed for their benefit, a set
of greedy money-lenders, who in their thirst
for gold, would have sold their own souls,
could anyone have been found to buy them ?
He would tell them candidly, he looked upon
them as so many sponges, to be squeezed and
wrung till they were dry.”
The dry sponges became here so harsh and
demonstrative, that if Sir Richard had been
within reach of their tentacula, he would have
been wrung as dry as they.
Sir Richard and his coadjutors had been
wide awake to the ‘ tomfooleries’”’ to be en-
acted at this meeting. However innocent, they
did not choose to be made cat’s-paws of in
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 113
their turn, and come in for shares of claws
and scratches. Thanks to the precautions
taken beforehand, the chairman was enabled to
maintain his calm, supercilious smile, and to
fix his earnest gaze upon the ceiling, in con-
templative philosophy, whilst rage and tempest
were boiling below.
‘Give us back our money !”’
‘‘We won’t be swindled out of it!”
“We will have you in Newgate for this!”
Sir Richard smiled still more benignly,
exhibiting a set of faultless white teeth; a
triumph of dental skill as well as a mouthful
of ** Bubble-and-Squeak.”’
** He could scarcely believe that in this en-
lightened age such ignorance and stupidity
could exist. Was it not a fact, clear as the
noon-day sun, that in these times of perfect
equality, where the door was open alike to every
man to go in and win his way to fortune—
was it not an acknowledged fact that only
fools would, for politeness’ sake, draw back
to let another pass? He only won, who
elbowed and kicked his way in through the
struggling mass, caring not if he trampled on
his own brother, as desperate, but less active
114 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
than himself. In these hard times, it was
every man for himself. He was grateful to
say that had been his plan; he had been one
of the fighters at Fortune’s door, he had fought
his way in, and must be content to bear the
malice and ill-will, that was ever the portion
of successful merit.
“‘ Those before him were still battling to get
in; their time would come no doubt, when like
him they would net some thousands a year,
to support them in a serene and happy old
age. He did not intend to tell them where his
thousands were invested, but this far he would
say, 1t was not in a Bubble-and-Squeak com-
pany. Not that he meant to speak disre-
spectfully of his dear old friend ; that would
be ingratitude; a vice he hated ; and he did
not hate the poor old darling, for had it not
bestowed on him a handsome estate in ——
ahem! No matter! and so thanking them
all the same, he was grateful to say he was
not at all in need of the board and lodging a
loving country provides for the poor and
destitute, who in their ignorance take a wrong
way of picking pockets. He should be sorry
to part on bad terms with those whom till now
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 115
~ he had been on such a good understanding,
and in conclusion, while bidding them fare-
well, he would give them one word of ad-
vice; it was a golden rule with him—‘ Make
hay while the sun shines!’ If they had any-
thing to ask him, he begged they would make
haste about it, since on leaving them, he
should start immediately for the Continent,
where his affectionate wife and family
anxiously awaited him, thence to proceed
on a tour, which he anticipated would take
some little time in the making.”
We spare a description of the running fire
accompanying the worthy baronet’s most
sensible and candid address; but so absurd,
unreasonable, and unjust were his hearers,
that they not only refused to listen to plain
common sense, accept the baronet’s expla-
nation, and wish him a pleasant journey, but
manifested a strong disposition to execute
summary vengeance on him, after the manner
of free people, who take the law into their
own hands, and lynch offenders.
Mr. Reynolds rose to essay his powers to
quell the uproar, but eloquence is best ap-
preciated by full pockets, minds at ease, and
ears attuned to harmony.
116 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
A shareholder wished to put a question.
_ He wished to know what was meant by the
word “ offal,”
item in the accounts of the company?
Mr. Story, another member of the Board,
deemed himself qualified to answer the ques-
which formed so enormous an
tion.
‘*The word,” he said, “‘ was simple enough,
and expressed what it meant, viz.: the pur-
chase of what is usually termed offal, or the
leavings in the kitchens of large families,
usually sold by servants, or appropriated by
them as perquisites, as set forth fully in the
prospectus—in reality, good wholesome food,
which could be coined into money.
“‘Not that they (the Board) had anything to
do with the management of that part of the
concern. That was all left to the care of
Mr. Scapegoat, the manager. Perhaps they
had been too credulous and confiding, they
had trusted themselves and their interests too
much to the individual in question. They
had been totally deceived ; if they had erred in
their judgment, he begged to tell them that
they were bitterly punished, for through him
they were all ruined men.” (Cries ‘‘ Where is
Mr. Scapegoat ?”’)
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 117
Mr. Story believed he was somewhere.
“Bring him here! We'll tear him limb
from limb !”
Mr. Story said he had sent for him.
To India it must have been, seeing he was
there, or very near there by this time.
‘““He would be here in a minute,” Mr.
Story said, “‘and then they could call him
to account, as the Board had done for his
eross mismanagement of the affairs of the
Company. All had been left to him; he had,
as he (Mr. Story) told them, utterly ruined
them all; all it seems but their chairman.
The Board had not been so fortunate,
for on leaving those rooms, they would
walk forth beggars, absolute beggars, in a
condition to solicit alms even of a beggar!
Yes, that same offal had been their ruin ; they
might even be glad soon to eat of it them-
selves, so much had they sacrificed them-
selves for the good of the shareholders.”
(«* Shame ! shame !’’)
Mr. Story was delighted, and went on—
“In purchasing this same offal, his eyes
had been opened to the enormous plunder
families were subjected to by the servants of
118 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
their household. It would scarcely be believed
that his own cook had offered to him last
Haster Monday the quarter of a house-lamb
for sale, which went down from his table the
previous day. It was scarcely touched, for
having had a dinner party, there were plenty
of other dishes! (Did you ever hear anything
like that ?)”’
Mr. Story mistook.
*‘ It was horrible, for positively 1t was 2s.
per pound, while its asparagus accompaniment
was a guinea the bundle !”
Mr. Story overshot the mark; he was too
communicative. Beggars eating quarters of
lamb at 2s. the pound and asparagus at a
guinea the bundle, while Bubble-and-Squeak
was closing its doors!
It was difficult to say which party viewed
the offence in the severest light : his own side
was enraged at his opening the door of the
room marked “ private,’ and revealing to
shareholders the mysteries of the prison house.
Mr. Story was forced to beat a retreat, to
escape the fate threatened to Mr. Scapegoat.
Mr. Gammon got up amidst confusion
that would have rivalled Bedlam ; he hemmed
JOHN FORTESCUR REYNOLDS, ESQ. 119
and hawed, and bowed and smiled, and begged
to be granted the honour of addressing to
them a few words. ‘‘ It was all a mistake from
beginning toend. There was not the smallest
reason that they should excite themselves.
He implored them to listen to reason, to be
patient and quiet, like good boys. Perhaps
they had over-run the constable a little, but
all would come right in time, if they would
only take it easy, and leave the management
of affairs to himself and his dear friend Mr.
Humbug.”
Mr. Humbug was the most popular man
of the Board ; his easy, off-hand manners, his
gracious condescension, his lofty bearing, and
striking appearance, won for himself esteem
and admiration.
A murmur of something like approbation
attended his rising.
Mr. Humbug quite agreed with his friend,
Mr. Gammon, that there was not the least
reason for all this bluster on the part of the
shareholders : it was unseemly and degrading,
and made them look ridiculous in the eyes of
the world. It was true that Bubble-and-
Squeak had closed its doors; and why?
120 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
_ Because of the offal, which had turned out an
unlucky investment. The fact was, the poor
had been too well fed; they had so thrived
and fattened on it that now they had turned
dainty, and what the starving wretches seized
on at first with the greediness of pigs, they
now refused to eat as only fit for their
brethren of.the stye. Hunger would teach
them a different lesson ; they would be glad
to eat of it yet, and the cry would be ‘ Offal !
Offal ’ when there was none. Let them be
warned in time; now there was enough and
to spare. Yes, he was happy to say that in
the store cellars of the Bubble-and-Squeak
there was so enormous a quantity of offal
stored away, that when it came into the
market, as it would do shortly, to be sold,
such would be the yield, that not only would
every shareholder’s money be found in his
sack, but likewise a handsome addition in the
_ ghape of a bonus.
This happy impromptu was an immense
success; it turned the tide, and deafening
cheers ensued.
‘“And, moreover, he (Mr. Humbug) could
honestly assure them, that, on examination,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 121
they would find that never had there been an
undertaking where the interests of every
shareholder, from the largest to the least, had
been so fully watched over and protected.
He was ashamed, really, to do so, but he
would instance that one article, ‘ washing!’
If they would look into the accounts, they
would see what care and economy had been
practised there. No; they had not wasted
their soap. People had complained, and even
the papers asserted, that the table-linen was
never washed from one year’s end to another,
that it was impossible to tell what the colour
really was, for grease and stains; but it did
not do to wash things too often, they wore
out more in the washing than in the wearing :
he found it so in his own clothes, which were
constantly wearing out, and he and Mrs.
Humbug were always having words about it.
They who complained were those who, to
their shame, refused to eat of the delectable
offal prepared for them, and so brought ruin
on the company (hear, hear), and accused
them of extravagance (shame, shame). So ib
was. He would hold up the table-cloths, in
answer to that charge; they would speak for
VOL. Ill. G
122 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
them, and so would the cobwebs! Look at
them.”’
All turned their eyes up to the ceiling.
“Yes, there they were, hanging in massy
drapery all round the room, far more curious
and interesting than your gobbling tapestry,
as he would call it, for it gobbled up more
money than any Bubble-and-Squeak. They
did not want such decorations when they had
such hangings as those. Besides, they served
for fly-traps. The flies were dreadful, nearly
as bad, not quite, as at the pastry-cook’s shops,
where buns, cakes, biscuits, pastry, &c., were
so covered with flies, that you could not for
your life see what was underneath. No, they
had not misused their brooms; nor had they
wasted the money of the company in replacing
the crockery. There was not a plate, nor a
dish, nor a mug, nor a glass, but what was
broken or cracked. He never bought others
at home when they were broken, but gave
Mrs. Humbug a scolding for letting the ser-
vants break them ; and, in fact, if they would
just step into Messrs. Cookit and T'wist’s, the
solicitors for the Bubble-and-Squeak, they
would with reason rejoice that they had been
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 1238
associated with an institution, which, for
honesty, economy, fair-dealing, and pure
philanthropy, had never been equalled.”
Mr. Humbug received a perfect ovation,
and Mr. Dupem raised the feelings of the
meeting to the highest pitch of enthusiasm
by stating as next to a certainty the resus-
citation of the defunct body, his argument,
incontestible, being that “‘ People must eat !”
Hunger eats strange victuals, and they would
return to their nice offal, and eat it with
gratitude.
Struck with the sagacity of Mr. Dupem’s
remarks, quite new to them, the delighted
shareholders not only suffered the Board to
escape with whole bones, but supported a
resolution promising further supplies to assist
in setting Bubble-and-Squeak upon its legs
again, and went away, firmer believers than
ever in the golden dreams of the land of Nod.
124 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XIII.
DIOGENES IN HIS TUB.
Mr. Reynotps, on the downfall of the Bubble-
and-Squeak, broke up his establishment at
Beaulieu, laid down his carriage, and took a
house at Bayswater, to which he brought up
his family.
In this arrangement he seemed doubly
studious of the comfort and convenience of
those dear to him, fitting up their abode like a
small palace, and fixing on the site as health-
ful and pleasant for the children in its con-
tiguity to Hyde Park, where Gertrude he said
would win admiration for herself in her won-
derful mastery of the little go-ahead black
steed, as she drove along in her basket equi-
page, attended by a pretty page in green and
gold; her big dog running beside her, and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 125
she was also to have no end of rides in Hyde
Park, and be as happy as the days were long.
Upon which Gertrude became enraptured,
and informed her friends that she considered
the country as the dullest, the ugliest, the most
disagreeable place on earth; the people round
were all stupid, and looked as if they were fast
asleep ; she hated the country, the grass was
always wet, the trees dripping, and the lanes
always up to one’s ancles in mud. That was
In summer; in winter you could never stir
out without tumbling down, it was always
freezing, and the snow lay on the ground
from one year’s end to another, and the
people looked such guys with their blue
cheeks, their red noses, and watery eyes.
When she went out she was ready to die
laughing at them; it was such fun. She
loved London ; she never saw fogs, and as to
trees and grass, what there was went for
nothing, for all was dried up to cinders, and as
black as coals directly 1t came out, so could
not hurt anybody.
Mrs. Reynolds herself was not loth to leave
the country, but she objected to everything,
as was her custom; she did not like the house
126 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
nor yet the situation, nor yet the loss of her
carriage, but she had no opportunity of ap-
pealing against her husband’s decision, for she
saw little of him. |
He had returned to his bachelor life at the
Temple, angry and unforgiving. She could
not tell how much he knew of the little
comedy in which she had taken part; broad
farce she termed it now, to take it in the way
he did.
Did he know all P
His tragic countenance seemed to answer
in the affirmative. If he did not, she feared
that in spite of his coming to it by degrees it
might end in tragedy real and true.
It may be imagined that the changes in Mr.
Reynolds’ establishment did not accord with
the notions of right and justice belonging to
the ladies and gentlemen of the basement
story.
Councils were convened, and animated dis-
cussions took place previous to the departure
of the family for London.
Cook “sposed as how, if so be as the
carridge was agoin’ to be took off the line,
her kitching girl would be took away. She
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 127
warn’t agoin’ to stand that sort of thingummy.
She hadn’t never been used to wash no dishes,
nor saucepins, and she warn’t agoin’ to begin
now, and if so be they tooked her girl off,
though a useless harum-scarum creetur as
ever was born, she’d let *em know as she'd
take her department too,”’
Gardam hoped there was no special reason
for master’s laying down his carriage. He
was a good master in the long run, though
he’d got a knack of holding the reins pretty
tight. But he was very conversable some-
times, and there wasn’t a question that you
could ask him, in or out of a book, but what
he could answer you.
Mr. Brown argued “as he fede beened
and goned and knowed nothink about books,
they wasn’t in his line, but he knowed this,
as he wasn’t goin’ to stand his carridge tooked
off the nooks. He had rided in his carridge
ever since he was a nurchin of neight, and if
so be it was to be beened and goned and
discerned as how he had beened and goned and
laid down his carridge, he wouldn’t never be
abled to hold up his head in rerspectabil
socierty agin.”
128 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Cook said “it was jist so with her. If so
be they was to go and take off her kitching
girl she wouldn’t be of no more vally nor
laders without their lader’s maids, and she
couldn’t abide to go anigh any of her friends
agin, as she’d always used to hold her head
that high amongst the highestestest of ’em.
“And [ll tell you what,” said Brown,
“vou may lay your kitching stuff, as the
quizzin will be conspicously different to as it
stands now; we sha’n’t have none on them
quizzim dishes as you never could make
nothink of, if so be you was to try your whole
life at it; it’s only the Prancises as knows how.
The English cooks thinks theirselves clever,
and quizzes of the French quzzin, but they
aint fit to wash their sercepens.”
Upon which cook stood up for the honour
and dignity of her on the question of country
cookery, and informed Brown, that “ he was
the most vulgarestestest urchin as she’d ever
discerned in all her born days, a settin’ of
hisself up for a judgmint, as was more of a
gooseberry fool nor any as she dished up.”
The admiring Martha said, “as how Mr.
Brown was more of a judgment nor a goose-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 129
berry :” she left out the other word as not
proper for ladies to use. ‘‘ He knowed a
numberer of things more nor theirselves; he
_ had travelled on the Consonent, as he was
always a saying to them constintly, and that
made him more fastidous-like, nor any a
them, as hadn’t beened and goned and dis-
cerned so much.”’
Nurse said, ‘“ There was one thing as cer-
tain, the furriners had got the better of us,
and the cookery was one. But though master
had laid down his carriage, and the qwzzin
might be conspicously changed, as Brown said,
yet she wasn’t going to make a changement
herself. Missus was in a good deal of trouble
just now, and didn’t want more to worrit her.
She had disproved her goings on with Miss
Guster, but that was past and gone; she had
been paid her wages honourable, so she’d got
the means to live on, while she bettered her-
self; but she wasn’t going to doit; she should
stay by her missus, as wanted someone to
stay by her.”
Cook had a high opinion of her friend
nurse’s principles, so she listened attentively,
and then put on her considering cap.
GO
130 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘‘ Plain roast and biled, I know it will be,”
said she. ‘It won’t do; I’m ruined for the
perfession. Law, bless you! there’s never
nobody as will have me when my hand gits
out! And (with great practical good sense)
you had ought jist as much to keep your hand
in for cookin’ as playin’ the pianner, or any
other of them fallallogrumps.”
*‘Pianner !” says nurse. ‘I misses her at
the pianner. I used to hear her wabbling so
sweet and low, as often made me think it was
a angel; and she will be one, if what they
say is true, as she’s so ill.”
“Is she worse, then ?”’ asked Gardam.
“ Aye! and like to die, and wicked Gerty
is hoping as she will.”
** All girls nates one another as is serpeerer
to theirselves in beauty,’ remarked senten-
tious Brown.
** T didn’t think as it would come to this,”
continued Grace, ‘‘ when I see her rushin’
like a wildwind out of this here gate, just like
Cind’rella when the clock strikes twelve.”
Nurse was up in fairy lore. |
** You see her goin’ ?”’ asks Mr. Brown.
“To be sure I did; she nearly run over
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 131
me as I was a comin’ in. ‘Don’t stop me,
nurse, said she, ‘I shall lose the train.’ I
see how it was. ‘God bless you, my dear,’
I calls out, when she was ever so far off.
The words was scarce out of my mouth, when
her two arms was flinged round my neck, and
she was kissing of me, and before the tears
was out of my eyes she was goned.”’
Brown boiled over with indignation.
“And yet you went cryin’ and nowlin’
about the house, and kep on a sayin as she’d
beened and goned and drownded herself, and
the river was to be draggled (mimicking her),
and all that stuff, and you knowed where she
was all along, and (waxing more and more
wrathful) you kep’ me nigh half the mght
nuntin’ about after her, all in my narbour,
and my cowhouse, and my pottin’ shed, and
in my pine pits, and my medders, and all
along of my river, and up and down of my
lane, and nunder my veeping villers, and my
cuppers beech, and in my greenhouse, and my
nothouse, and nunder all my trees and srubs,
as has beened and goned and growed in my
gardings. Besides that norrible nanxious lest
132 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
somethink had nappened to her, as forced me
to tell everyone as I come across.”
Nurse laughed wickedly.
‘Did you good,” said she. ‘I wanted to
give the poor thing time to get to her home.
And as for cryin’ and nowlin’, as you calls it,
you'd a cried and nowled too, if so be you'd
been me, which you isn’t, thank goodness.”’
Nurse made a mistake in her parts of speech,
but Brown took her at her word, and said,
“‘ As how he was glad as he wasn’t, for of all
the norriblest old things as he’d been and
goned and discerned, nurse was that there,
and he wasn’t a goin’ to be rided over by no
old nag like her.”
A terrific explosion was about to ensue,
but Gardam touched nurse’s sympathies by
expressing a hope that his young mistress
would soon recover, and live to marry her
‘Spaniel,’ as Martha called him, “and if so
be he sets up his carriage, which in course he
will do, Pll go in and bid for the place, for I
like the look of him.”
On Mr. Reynolds’ next visit to his home,
in pursuance of the changes in contemplation,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 133
Mr. Brown presented himself, and “ if so be
he was not conspicously engaged, he would
be glad to have a few words with him.”
Brown was somewhat of a favourite with
his master, who looked upon him as an
original, and he told him to say on.
Thereupon Mr. Brown proceeded to inform
his master, ‘‘as how he’d no call to find fault
with him or his missus, who were mostly
conformable to live with, while the young
ladies and gents was the naffablest of the
naffable. So it wasn’t no fault of his, as he
felt called on to part with them, but a hold
lady, who must have beened, and goned, and
discerned him, when he was a-ridin’ in Ais
carridge, had beened and goned and tooked a
fancy to him, and had roted to ask him to
come and live with her.”
« And what answer did you give her ?”
“T aint beened and goned and gived her
none at all, sir. JI was a-waitin’ to speak to
you first.”’
“Of course, you could not do otherwise,
unless you did not wish me to give you a
character. She wrote to you first P”
«Yes, sir; I shouldn’t never have beened
134 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
and goned and discerned her, if so be she
hadn’t beened and goned and discerned me
fust, sir.”
** Where does the lady live ?”
“In Belgravy, sir.”
“The lady must have remarkably good
eyes, to see you riding in my carriage all that .
way off !”
“She may have comed here on a visit, sir;
and maybe that’s how she beened and goned,
and comed to discern me.”
* You have seen her then ?”
‘Not as at present, sir, bein’ all along a-
waitin’ to discern you; but I had ought to be
quick, or she may be off her bargin.”
“A bargain! How is it a bargain, if you
have neither written or spoken to her ?”
“‘T may have thought to try and keep the
place open, while waitin’ to speak to you,
sir.”
‘“‘ How did you manage that ? Jam curious
to know.”
Mr. Brown was in a fix.
There is many ways of doin’ things, sir.
I may have beened and goned and sented a
friend to hact for me !”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 135
“You are more clever than I thought,”
said Mr. Reynolds. ‘“ What is the lady’s
name ?”
foiien, aw."
* Living in Belgravia ?”
** Yes, sir.”
*‘ Perhaps there are two ladies of the name
of Rich living in Belgravia, that have taken a
fancy to you through seeing you ride in our
carriage! Which is it? for here is a letter
from one of them, received by me this morn-
ing (taking it out of his pocket), requesting
your character, you having applied to her for
the vacant place in her household, and further,
politely expressing a hope that your going to
her so soon as Friday may not put me to in-
convenience, though you tell her I am willing
to let you do so. Now, which tells the false-
hood? ‘The lady or you ?”
Mr. Brown’s great genius did not desert him.
“I serpect, sir,’ said he, “as my friend has
beened and goned and telled a wrong mis-
take !”’
“Then, Mr. Brown,” said Mr. Reynolds,
‘I suspect that I shall not tell a wrong mis-
take, when I inform the lady that you have
136 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
told me a confounded untruth, and, therefore,
whether she takes you or not, you have my
express permission to go where you like next
Friday, for I do not intend you to ride in my ~
carriage any more, for ladies to take a fancy
to you.”
But though Mr. Reynolds had returned to
his bachelor life at the Temple, he could not
bring back the glory of those halcyon days
of his youth, their pristine freshness, their
fervid imaginings. His horizon now? He
could not see it: the deepening shadows of
his fifty years hid it from his eyes. Yet, to
other people, he seemed to have entered on
a career, dazzling as youthful ambition could
aspire to.
It was true that the self-sacrificing body
composing the Board of the Bubble-and-
Squeak had, thanks to the soft-sawder of
Messrs. Gammon and Humbug, escaped sum-
mary justice at the hands of the wrathful
shareholders at the recent meeting : but it was
not to be supposed that they would be equally
fortunate when the appointed liquidators,
with the law on their side, set about their
hard task of bringing order out of chaos.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 137
Not that there was anything wherewith to
liquidate. The shareholders themselves were
mostly men without means, who bought their
shares when at very low ebb.
The most singular part of the affair was
the immense sums advanced by various banks
and companies to so palpable a deception, and
a still greater mystery had to be unravelled
as to what had become of them.
The Delphic priestess herself could have
failed to answer this question, among the
garbled statements and misstatements, and
miscalculations, and alterations, that made up
what were called the books of the company, of
which the most important some Cumezan
sibyl must have burnt, for they were not
to be found.
Mr. Reynolds, in proportion as his name
increased in reputation, became the more
solicitous to preserve it from opprobrium.
His more sensitive organization, which made
him a genius, rendered him more keenly alive
to the voice of public opinion ; he could not
have stood what men of a rougher cast would
have turned a deaf ear to, or carried off with
becoming nonchalance.
138 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The disagreeable allusions to Newgate and
prisons at the recent meeting, which amused
Sir Richard Ruinall so much, grated harshly
on his ears.
From constantly dwelling on these subjects,
when away from his family and in the soli-
tude of his chambers, his mind became un-
hinged ; small annoyances irritated him, great
ones rendered him furious, every fresh griev-
ance became a huge block, which he added to
his ‘‘ mountain of miseries.”
The deception practised on him by his wife,
he felt to the fullest extent, and though he
provided amply for the comfort and welfare
of her and his family, yet he refused to make
his home with her, and if he forbore to re-
proach her with words, it was because he felt
that worse than those would be her portion
by-and-bye.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 1389
CHAPTER XIV.
THE ROOK A-HEAD.
Tue submergence of the ‘“ Bubble-and-
Squeak ’’ Company was followed very quickly
by that of its bank.
It disappeared all of a sudden, exactly as if
it stood on a quicksand, and sank down into
it all at once, leaving only an ugly dangerous
swamp exposed to view.
Poor Bubble-and-Squeak, because it could
not stand up to defend itself, was made the
scape-goat here.
It was all Bubble-and-Squeak’s fault!
To Mr. Reynolds it was another blow. He
banked there. He did so for Bubble-and-
Squeak’s sake, and when he made choice of
it, shares, reputation, dividends, bonuses,
140 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
credit, and business, had reached a fabulous
height.
Mr. Reynolds was a loser to some extent,
just at a time when he was making desperate
efforts to retrieve the past, clear his credit,
and start a new man.
It was then that Mr. Reynolds congratu-
lated himself that Mr. Frederick, a consider-
able creditor, had not yet put in an appearance,
though summoned to do so, in language not
to be misunderstood even by that young gen-
tleman.
The fact was, the two had been playing at
hide-and-seek for some time past.
Mr. Reynolds did not intend to play that
game any longer, and he therefore sent him a
bond-fide lawyer’s letter, requiring immediate
payment of certain sums advanced to him,
and threatening coercive measures if not at
once attended to.
Mrs. Reynolds proved a true prophetess,
for her husband was coming to the whole
story by degrees. Had he not been so beset
by the antics with which Dame Fortune was
amusing herself at his expense, it is certain
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 141
he would have gone full tilt to learn the story
from its A B C, and not have waited for those
letters to come to him. H
in spite of all, he did retain some interest
in the well-being of the sensible rat that ran
away from the falling house, and even remem-
bered, in the midst of his troubles, to enquire
if her whereabouts had been found; and on
learning that she had betaken herself to the
protecting care of her friend Mrs. Whynn, he
decided that she had proved herself a pattern
of worldly wisdom; he might now wash his
hands of her in good earnest, since she was
no daughter of his, and could not be in better
keeping.
But in his search after that lost treasure,
Fred, he contrived, as his sage wife truly
foretold, to stumble upon something it would
have been quite as well he should have
missed.
Finding himself to be the veritable author
of “‘ Rejected Addresses,” he went direct to
headquarters, z.e., Fred’s paternal home, to
clear up the mystery of his disappearance.
From Mrs. Whynn’s cook, who answered to
142 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
his enquiries, he received three pieces of in-
formation.
Ist.—‘* That Master Fred had just comed
home from a tower.
2nd.—‘ That Admirable Whynn was com-
ing home from a tower.
3rd.—* That Mrs. Whynn had gone on a
tower, and nobody knowed where to; and
what was a most remarkable extraordinary,
jist as the Admirable was a comin’ home
from the longed tower as he’d beened so
longed in the makin’ on.”
Mr. Reynolds made the cursory remark that
Mrs. Whynn had, no doubt, gone on a “ tower
to meet the Admirable.” |
But his informant ‘‘ didn’t think as it was
percise that ; it had somethink to do with the
changement of her daughter, as tooked place
when she was in her infantry.”
“Her daughter! Who is her daughter P”
“The young lady, sir, as comed here a
calling herself Miss Reynoldses; she’s been
mortal ill, sir, as we were obligated to put
they straws down, her head was that rampant ;
we gived her up, all on us servants.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 1493
«¢ And she is Mrs. Whynn’s daughter ?”
“Yes, sir! And all along she’s been passed
onus as other peopleses. You ain’t heerd
on it then, sir? Hveryone knows on it now.
It’s as much as Meely and me can get through
the telling on it to everybody as comes.”’
Mr. Reynolds kept his counsel.
“Then the Admiral, you say, does not
know it ?”
“Not a bit, sir! The Admirable was a
roman capting at the time, a pullin’ anda
haulin’ in of Jim Akers. And they dew say
as he’s a most temperestuous gentleman when
so be his choleray is up, and Meely and me is
afeered as he may be a wringin’ of our necks
when so be we comes to tell him.”
During this harangue, Mr. Reynolds looked
very much as if he was wringing somebody’s
neck.
“When do you expect the Admiral P”
‘We serspectes of him to-day, or to-morry-
day ; we serspectes of him any day, when so
be the windes changes.”
‘*Your mistress then is not here, nor the
young lady ?”
144, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ Lawks! no, sir; my missus has cleared
off, now she’s got her daughter back, she’s
that feared of his choleray.”’
“You do not know where Mrs. Whynn has
gone to P”
“ Not percise, sir; but they dew say
(lowering her voice), as she’s goned to Jericho,
but it’s a great secret.”
“Ts Mr. Whynn at home ?”’ .
“Not now, sir. He may or may not be
comed in to see after his dinner; but he’s a
roman like his pa.”
“Then will you give him my card, and
tell him I expect him to come and lunch
with me to-morrow, at the place mentioned,
and tell him also I shall wait luncheon for
him.”
Mr. Reynolds took his departure in a frame
of mind by no means favourable to Mrs.
Whynn, the last person he would ever have
suspected of such a proceeding as the trans-
ferring her daughter to him.
He had always held her in the greatest
esteem, admired her unfeignedly for her many
graces of mind and person, and with the in-
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 145
stinctive perception that she equally appre-
ciated him.
Deceived and wounded on all sides, he felt
very bitter indeed.
“What could the creatures mean by such
conduct ?’ was the question he asked himself
the whole way back.
VOL. Ill. H
14.6 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XY.
‘‘ UPON THE BREAKERS. ’—-RUYSDAEL.
ApuiraL Wuynn had been long in reaching
the shores of his native country; but the
longest journey will come to an end at last,
even a life-long one, and he once more stood
on terra firma.
His vessel came into harbour in the first
watch of the night, too late for notice in the
* Naval Intelligence’’ next morning, and
he therefore hoped to surprise his wife by his
appearance, without warning or herald.
On the evening of the following day, it was
with more than his usual buoyancy of spirits
that he stood at the door of his house at Ken-
sington.
He knocked and rang three or four times.
“A sure sign,” thought he, “ Elizabeth is
out, and ‘ when the cat’s away—’ ”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 147
The door opened.
Hallo!” said he, cheerily. ‘‘ Here have I,
your master, been knocking and ringing this
half-hour ; I had half a mind to commit
burglary, and break in at the windows of my
own house.”
The servant stood gaping at him with open
mouth and eyes, as though she indeed saw a
burglar. |
“Why, what’s the matter with the girl P
She looks as if she saw a ghost. You need
not stare so; I’m flesh and blood, and no mis-
take! Where’s your mistress ?”
*‘ Mistress, sir ?”’
Yes, your mistress! The ghost desires
to see your mistress |”
‘Mistress is out, sir.”
“ The ghost could have told you that, by the
time you kept him waiting at the door. He’s
not a welcome guest. Where’s your mistress
gone ?”’
« TT don’t know, sir.”
“You don’t know? Only to some party, J
suppose.”
“No, sir.”
«No, sir,’ and ‘I don’t. know, sir! You
H 2
148 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
are a know-nothing! Don’t stand there
mumbling, as if your tongue was tied. Can’t
you give a plain answer to a plain question ?
When did your mistress go ?”
“ She went—yes, sir, she went away—’’
*‘ She went away—when ?”’
“Yes, sir; it was last Saturday.”
« And do you mean to say you don’t know
where she’s gone? Shut that door, and come
here.”
He walked into the library.
‘* Now, girl, 1t is no use beating about the
bush. I have been knocking about nearly
fifty years, hardly knowing sometimes whether
I stood on my head or my heels, and, faith !
here on shore, I’m more at sea than ever.
There’s something I don’t understand. You
must be telling a falsehood to say you don’t
know where your mistress is.”
“ Indeed, sir, I don’t, sir! She went away
Saturday.”
“How many more Saturdays? She did
not expect me so soon?”
“Yes, sir, she did, sir; that’s why she
went away.”
‘Then she’s gone to Portsmouth to meet
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 149
me; I told her I should come to anchor
there.”
The girl shook her head.
* No? You know where she is not, but
not where she is, it seems.”
**lhat’s what we hasen’t been able to find,
sir, though we have made every inquiry
possible; but they does say as she’s never
comin’ back again! Oh, I forgot as she
leave a letter,’’ and she ran out of the room.
The Admiral stared aghast; a frightful
suspicion took possession of him.
The grand old man, whose heart was as
adamant, as impervious to fear, quailed like a
coward before even the semblance of dis-
honour.
For some minutes he stood as if im a
stupor.
He was roused by the return of the young
woman, with a letter, which, owing to the
anxious desire of the poor benighted servants
to fathom its contents through the envelope,
had been mislaid.
“Put it down,” said the Admiral. ‘** Did
your mistress go alone ?”
“ No, sir; she took Lucy Hicks (her maid),
150 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
and the young lady she told us as was her
daughter.”
‘“‘ Her daughter ? Thegirl’s mad! stark star-
ing mad! How could she be her daughter ?”
‘Some things is very strange, sir ; but they
does say as she is her daughter, and you
knows nothink about it, sir.”
A cold shiver ran over him.
“How dare you utter such lies to me?”
said he, violently. ‘‘ Begone! or I will turn
you out of the house !”
The girl beat a retreat, declaring—
‘‘ Master was stark, staring mad hisself;
she hated those sailor-men, they bee’s sich a
rough lot!”
This was her winding-up; not so the poor
_ Admiral’s.
Her daughter! He could have laughed at
such an absurdity, but somehow it seemed a
link of the terrible chain girding round him.
Her flight! The child! He froze. But here
was her letter :—
‘“¢ KDWARD,—
“JT am utterly unworthy of your
affection. I have deceived you, perpetrated
JOHN FORTESCUR REYNOLDS, ESQ. 151
so shameful a fraud, that when it becomes
known, I feel you will hate me. I wished to
tell you myself, but my heart fails me—
Frederick is not your son!”
A mistake on the part of Mrs. Whynn of
one letter only : she did not perceive it in her
agitation when writing.
The effect on the Admiral was complete,
the letter fell from his hand, he felt his senses
leaving him.
A thousand lights flashed before his eyes.
A thousand scenes dear to his remem-
brance, depicted in dazzling colours, danced
as in the wizard’s glass before his mental
vision, to end like them in utter darkness.
Reeling to a chair, he dropped into it.
By degrees his temporary suspension gave ©
way, and life still strong within-him resumed
her empire.
* Hate you!’ were his first words, ‘‘ that
I do, heart and soul! If I had you here, I
would string you up to the yard-arm—a
spectacle for gods and men! ‘To bring such
disgrace upon me! Great Heaven, I cannot
stand it! I must leave the service! [
152 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
thought to die in it! To become the scoff
of men! The finger of derision pointed at
me! Out wretch! and to tell me that! Not
waiting to let me find it out! Not my son!
Thank goodness for that! I need not pay
any more of his debts! But whose is he?
You filthy scrawl—I’ll not touch it! She tell?
Catch her doing that! A woman betrays
her husband as readily as she eats her
dinner! but screens her lover to the death!
(working himself into fury) Pll find him out!
Ill have his life as sure as there’s a sun in
the heavens! And you, madam! I’ll drag
you neck and crop through the Divorce
Court.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 153
CHAPTER XVI.
‘OTHE LIFHBOAT OFF TYNEMOUTH BAR.’’—
G. DUNCAN.
THE next morning Freemantle was sitting at
breakfast.
Of course no Englishman deserving of tha
name could possibly breakfast without his
“ Times,” least of all our friend, who had in
India considered the loss of this necessary
adjunct to his morning’s repast the greatest
privation, and therefore held in due reverence
this wondrous engine of human intelligence
and civilization.
His usual mode of seasoning his appetite
was, to devour the leaders before commencing
his meal.
H O
154 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Latterly, however, the ‘‘ Naval and Military
Intelligence” had claimed his first notice, and
on this particular morning he read—
“<The St. George,’ Flag-ship, Aaniea
Whynn, anchored last night off Spithead.”
This paragraph did not tend to increase
his appetite; he glanced over the Journal to ©
see what news of interest, and then went out,
took a hansom, and was soon at Admiral
Whynn’s door.
He had formerly been on intimate terms
with this gentleman, his regiment being
stationed some months at Portsmouth; in
fact, it had sailed from thence to India.
At that time the Admiral was in port, and
the two men met frequently, and like all who
came in contact with the young soldier, the
sailor conceived a warm regard for him.
The two were kindred souls in many
respects, differing in their views as to politics,
the elder man being a staunch Conservative,
and Freemantle as firm a Liberal.
But this difference may be attributed to their
ages. Admiral Whynn came into the world
in the halcyon days of Ultra Toryism, while
at See
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 155
the other made his débdt some thirty years
later, when men began to ask themselves for
what purpose eyes were given, if they were
not to see with them.
Thirty years is a generation, and, in this
country, civilization has in that period of time
advanced with gigantic strides.
Freemantle’s politics were the only flaw the
Admiral could find in him, but he generously
attributed it to the fact of having been born
too late, and consoled himself with the con-
viction, that experience would cure the young
man of his one error.
Setting this aside, he loved him with all
the warmth of his honest heart, and admired
as much as he loved him, for his sterling
worth, his modesty, his superior intellect,
his appreciation of the good and great in
others.
He cultivated his acquaintance, invited
him to his ship, and gave him the highest
proof of his confidence by introducing him
into the bosom of his family.
Freemantle felt flattered by this preference,
heinterested himself in the Admiral’s pursuits,
156 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
and listened with due respect to the endless
tirades of the dear old man against the
horrible insubordination of the times, which,
after uprooting all that was wise and good
in our venerable institutions, would eventually
find its way into the Navy, lay England open
to foreign invasion, and compass her down-
fall.
- But the effervescence of his valorous spirit
over, he generally ended by wishing in his
innermost heart that heaven had given him
such ason. Faith! he would turn Radical
too |
Perhaps there was not another man whom
the Admiral would have admitted to his pre-
“gence in this his hour of degradation, as he
felt it. He knew by instinct the reason of Free-
mantle coming—to offer him sympathy, that
balm of sorrow, that sting of misfortune. It
proved in no small degree his high opinion of
his visitor that he was willing to receive him. —
Since these two last met, both had, what is
called, risen in the world; the one in the
common course of events, by virtue of his
seniority only, and this solely because he lived
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 157
in wrong times; opportunity had not been
given to him for the display of his virtues :
or for skill, courage, and daring, Admiral.
Whynn would as undoubtedly have won for
himself the first prize, as gained the esteem
and gratitude of his country.
But opportunity had been accorded to our
hero; he had taken advantage of it, and
came forth laden with Indian honours, and
wounds likewise, received, we must not say
in a righteous cause, seeing that the sword
was drawn against those who were goaded to
resistance and rebellion by the wrongs and
insults inflicted on them by their Christian
conquerors and oppressors: let those deny it
who can!
On the entrance of Freemantle, the Admiral
rose with manly dignity to meet him. But
those who had seen the latter the evening be-
fore, would have been struck with the change
a few short hours of suffering such ag his had
wrought. His honest, weather-beaten face, that
bore at all times the impress of the hardships
endured in the most hazardous, as it is the
most honourable, of all the professions, looked
more rigid, and older by ten years.
158 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
For a moment he gazed with a species of
wonder on the man who stood before him,
glorious in aspect, in his strength, and in the
grander qualities of our race.
Admiral Whynn was moved. The reserve
he intended to maintain gave way.
“You are welcome, Colonel Freemantle,”
said he. ‘* Times are changed since we
parted. You have advanced; I retrograded.
I bow before the representative of ‘ The rising
power of England,’ ” alluding to a pamphlet
of which Freemantle was the author.
** You are unjust to yourself and to me,”
returned his guest. ‘‘I see we are to fight
our old battles over again.”
“NotI; my fighting days are over. I lay
down my arms.”
“That, Admiral Whynn will never do, so
long as he has an arm to wield them.”
The Admiral was touched in the tenderest
_ point.
“IT thought so once myself; I thought so —
till last evening.”’
*¢ And you will declare so before the day is
over, in the face of all the world.”’
“‘ My friend, before the day is over my place
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, HSQ. 159
will no longer know me. My name, hitherto
untarnished, will be blotted from the
‘ Navy List,’ and be held up to scorn and
derision !”
** You dream!” exclaimed Freemantle.
* Would to heaven I did! Freemantle,
you aresingle; I envy you. ‘Take the advice
of your old friend—keep so. Never marry;
or, if it must be, go to the streets, pick up
the worst you can find there; you will know
what you have got; you will not be deceived !
But wiser still, give your honourable name to
no one, lest you live, as I do, to curse your
folly.”
Freemantle doubted if he heard aright.
“You have lost your senses !’’ said he.
‘You speak as if your wife had wronged you,
had been unfaithful to you!” |
“ Oh no! Not she! (contemptuously) ;
such a pattern of virtue and propriety never
man was blessed with! I held her up as the
model wife to the whole navy.”
“ Who has done thisP Who has dared to
slander your wife to you ?”
‘* None other than herself, in her own in-
160 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
fernal letter ; by her own words do I condemn
her !”’
*“« Where is the letter ?”
*‘ Where it ought to be—in the fire! I
ought to have kept the puling rubbish, though,
as proof positive in the Divorce Court.”
“ It’s false! LEvery word of it is false! I
know all, and will pledge my word that your
wife is as virtuous as when she gave her hand
to you.”
As the drowning man catches at the straw,
so, in spite of his conviction, did the Admiral
erasp at the unhesitating assertion of his
friend.
** Then how do you account for the words,
“‘ Frederick is not your son? ”’
** Nor hers either.”
The Admiral trembled visibly.
** Beware, Colonel Freemantle, what you
say! If woman mocks me with impunity,
man shall not !”’ ; }
“* T stake my life, my honour on the truth
of what I say,” said Freemantle solemnly.
“* And if it be not so, may I die the death of
a coward !”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 161
The Admiral believed. ‘* Thank God,” he
exclaimed with great emotion, “ I need not
leave the service !”’
He turned away, and Freemantle left the
room.
It was long before the Admiral came to him.
*“ Freemantle,’ said he, * I cannot trust
myself to say what I feel. Noman ever owed
another such a debt as I owe to you. But
for your friendship, I should this day have
ceased to belong to the Navy. But such is
my faith in you, that I no longer entertain
such an idea.”
*« You may rely on the truth of my words,”
was the answer. ‘‘ When shall I see you
again P”” |
* Can you dine with me this evening? I
shall be better able to talk then. NowlI
cannot.”
162 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE RAINBOW.—J. BRETT.
At dinner, Freemantle found the Admiral in
much better spirits than he anticipated. He
spoke much of his old sea life, which he had
entered upon with the enthusiasm natural to
boys, and told how years of weariness had suc-
ceeded at its uniformity, its seeming want of
purpose, its slowness of promotion; but enter-
ing upon command, these drawbacks. disap-
peared ; now time had endeared it to him, his
sole wish was to die as a sailor should, on
board his ship; if not in action, then in mid
ocean, his faithful crew surrounding him,
while his body was committed tothe deep.
Freemantle regretted to hear him talk thus,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 1638
and began to fear that his task of bringing ©
about a reconciliation would be a difficult one.
** Take soldiers,” said he, ‘* whose ambition
is to die on the field! But such aspirations
belong only to the young and enthusiastic,
your single men; and even then only in ima-
gination. JI am convinced from experience,
that when their desire, is granted they think
little of the glory attending their end. Some
relative far off,—father, mother, sister, some
other even dearer, claims their last thoughts ;
while, with married men, it is agonising to
witness their anxiety for the welfare of the
wives and children dependent on them.”
‘“ Be warned, then,’ said the Admiral.
‘“¢ Let your experience teach you to keep clear
of those shallows. Remain single. Let your
country be your only love, and live and die
for her alone.”’
** My own experience teaches me, that we
never fight so well for our country, as when
it contains a jewel which above all others is
precious to us. In my own case, the thought
that there lived one to whom my good or evil
fortune might be a joy or a grief, filled me
164 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
with a daring, a. resolution, that I scarcely
think my country alone would have inspired,”
Here the conversation came to a full stop,
and our soldier sat revolving in his mind the
length and breadth of his tactics, which
seemed all of a sudden useless, and he was
doubtful how to proceed, when the Admiral
exclaimed—
‘What are those servants about that they
keep us in the dark like this? I have never
been so badly attended in my life. Do you
know I had to answer the door myself this
afternoon ? Someone was pealing away at the
bell, enough to pull the house down. I called
to the lazy creatures ; cook was out, the others
nowhere. I expect to have to clean my own
boots to-morrow morning! What do you
think of that for an Admiral in Her Majesty’s
service P”
Freemantle smiled and said—‘‘ Why, I
think you will never be able to return to your
bachelor ways, on shore at least; you have
been too long used to the luxury and idleness
of civilised life, ever to become again a member
of the Barbarian Brotherhood.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 165
‘‘ My friend, I see where you are steering
to! It will not do! I will never forgive
her! ‘T'o deceive me as she has done all these
years, she must be the most heartless hypo-
crite that ever went by the name of woman,
and that is saying a great deal.”’
“But when you think how many deceive
their husbands in another way !’’
*¢ It would have been more natural, leaving
her so much as I did.”
“Yet you will confess to being rather
more composed than when you fancied dif-
ferently.”
“That is true! But itis allthe same. A
woman who deceives in one thing will do so
in another, and how do I know she has not ?
if she hasn’t, itis only because temptation did
not come in her way.”
“Pardon me! from what you formerly told
me, she must have been as lovely as she was
engaging.”
“So she was! I must do her the justice to
say that : she was as trim a little craft as ever
fell in with a man-of-war. I struck my flag at
her first broadside, like a fool. I slipped my
166 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
cables once, and ran for it, but she was on
me, and fairly ran me ashore.”
He paused.
Freemantle saw that, at the recollection of
the past, the ice was giving way.
“ How old was Mrs. Whynn then ?”
“ Not eighteen! And yet had had the most
brilliant offers, all of which she refused for
an old fellow like me. She fooled me then,
and has fooled me ever since. I had the most
unbounded faith in her—lI trusted her, as I
thought she trusted me. We are men, and
as you know, on some of us the marriage-vow
sits hghtly. But I swear I never wronged
her even in thought, she was the dearest
object in the world. Often, when pacing the
decks at night, 1 have looked up at the stars
shining aloft, and thought if God would have
given me one in exchange for her, I would
not have taken it.”
“You are acquainted with the circum-
stances !”’
“T think Tam. She changed her daughter
for that idiot! Committed a fraud, a down-
right cheat, for which she richly deserves to
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 167
be punished ; she, and that woman Reynolds:
there’s another of the same cast—hail fellows
well met !—and to palm off upon me sucha
Caliban as that !”’
*‘ But she could not foresee he would turn
out such a—”’ he failed for a simile.
“A baboon!” said the Admiral, finding
one for him. “Serve her right! I have often
wondered what I had done to be the father of
such a lout! Thank heaven! he is none of
mine ; I am quit of him, though I have paid
dearly for her tricks. Do you know he has
cost meafortune! His debts! the money I
have had to pay for the tomfooleries of his
mischievous life! No! I will never forgive
her |”
‘You have reason to rejoice at the ex-
change then instead ; of this young man, you
find a daughter whom any one might desire to
call his own.”
‘She may be all very well, but—”’
“ Very well!’ said Freemantle, “ Good as
she is sensible, lovely as she is sensible and
good, a perfect gem.”
‘ With flaws enough in her, I’ll be bound ;
168 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
like the rest of her sex, to be trusted only as
far as you can see her.”
‘‘ The faults of women are due to men,”
returned Freemantle, resolutely, “ their vir-
tues are all their own.”
‘You speak with the blind confidence of a
lover. Be wise! By-and-bye your eyes will
be open to the tinsel and trash you have been
worshipping.”
“Never! I know her too well. I have
loved her long, before I went to India. She
has been the lode-star of my existence.”
“Was my daughter, then, the heroine of
your Indian prowess ?”’
“She was !””
Not another word was spoken.
But the Admiral had called her his daughter.
=e
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 169
CHAPTER XVIII.
‘MOTHER CAREY § CHICKENS.’ —COOKE.
Mr. FREDERICK, on coming home to look after
his dinner, was not at all overjoyed at the in-
vitation to luncheon next day.
He had not passed his time disagreeably since
his secession from public affairs. He nearly ~
** bwoke his neck”’ inasteeplechase. He had
his nose pulled for his admirable performance
of the part of ‘“‘ William Tell,” in the firing
off of a gentleman’s whisker with his gun. He
had been the dupe of all his sharp friends, the
jest of all his flat ones, for whose edification
he played the part of ‘‘ Thalaba the Destroyer”
with such astonishing success, that they one
and all declared the stage to be the only fit-
VOL. Il. I
170 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ting place for a being endowed with such
natural gifts for fools’-play.
Of course his popularity was much in-
creased by the greatness of his expectations ;
as the only son of rich parents, with a fine
estate and fortune, variously estimated by a
generous public from a million to a billion a
year.
This was very hard on our poor friend, who,
on the strength of this fortune, had to pay so
largely, that he sometimes stood next door to
beggary. It was the emptiness of his purse,
that made him at this time seek the paternal
halls, which he found to his disgust deserted
by their liege chatelaine, ‘‘ the—old—bwick,”’
through whose aid he hoped to replenish his ex-
hausted coffers, but instead, he found another
brick of a harder, rougher texture, down upon
him with a force he could not resist.
Fred would have gone to the world’s end
rather than have obeyed Mr. Reynolds’s sum-
mons; he feared him; yet a singular fascina-
tion, at once attracting and repelling, forced
him to the meeting appointed.
Mr. Reynolds had scarcely expected him,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 171
and was preparing for more active measures ;
he had no longer any hesitation on Mrs.
Whynn’s account.
He received him courteously, however,
treated him royally, and then opened pro-
ceedings by asking if he had received the
several letters despatched to him.
Fred answered evasively that he had been
away from home.
“Hiding yourself,’ said Mr. Reynolds,
“from the searching eyes of the law. But it
won't do; the law would find you out though
buried fathoms deep in earth. ‘There is no
dog with so keen a scent as a creditor.”’
Fred was silent.
‘¢ But here you are,’ went on his merciless
U O Me, “all ready to make things square ;
set duns at defiance by being beforehand with
the ready.”
Fred made the sage reply, ‘“ Ilt—was—
easier— said — than—done,— had —not--got
w—eady—with—him.”
‘Perhaps not in your pocket, but in your
cheque-book. All the same. Come, let us
see it.”
12
172 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘“* But—I—I—I—haven’t —got—a—cheque
—book. Not—wich—enough,” replied poor
Fred.
‘Not rich enough? Why your father is a
Croesus.” |
“Cwoesus! Who’s Cwoesus P”
““He was a king; the richest man of his
time, and so is your father.” |
“ Glad — to—hear—it,” said Fred, with a
peculiar chuckle.
“Why you know he is.”
“¢ No !—I—didn’t.”
“Come, young man, this won’tdo; you are
trifling. You know as well as I do that your
father is a millionaire.”
“Is—he? W —why—does— he— bully
—me—for—money ?”
“Your father bully you for money ? You’ve
been drinking, sir.”
“ Dwinking ! What a wogue he is,” thought
Fred. |
“Come, this is too much; we will see if a
prison will not sober you.”
““Pwison?P You— could—not—put—me ~
—in—pwison.”’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. b73
“Could I not? That’s news.’
* What — would — eee pUrmaen
ting—me—in —pwison ?”
“To get back the money I advanced you.
Enormous sums, which you or your father
must pay.”
*¢ 'You—wouldn’t—wecover.”’
* Indeed! will you be good enough to tell
me how you make that out >”
** Because—you—are—:iny—father.”
Mr. Reynolds was certainly not in a laugh-
ing mood, but laugh he did at this announce-
ment, till the tears rolled down his cheeks.
“‘Upon my word,” said he, ‘‘ youdo me too
rauch honour; I am quite proud of you.”
“‘ Hvewy—body—is—fond—of — me,” ob-
served Fred.
‘Perhaps so!” said Mr. Reynolds, “ every-
body is fond of an original.”
« |—like—to—be—owiginal.”’
“Tt is something original,’ said Mr. Rey-
nolds, musingly. ‘‘ The other day I found I
had a daughter the less, to-day I find I have
a son the—”
“ More” was the word, but even as he spoke
174 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the light fell on him, and he read the story
from beginning to end.
He turned ashy white, and his two luminous.
eyes glared out on Fred with such savage fury
that the lad was frightened. |
“¢ Pray who told you that you were my son ?”
** The — venewable —old —pawient,” Fred
answered, trembling.
‘* And pray who is the proprietor of that
exquisite title P”
*¢ Mrs.— Weynolds !—~—my—mother,—when
—she — wanted — me—to—marwy—Miss—
Weynolds,”’ making ae usual blunders in his
affright.
“But if you were my son, how could you
marry my daughter ?”
*‘ She—isn’t—your—daughter,——she’s-~--the
Admiwal’s !”
Mr. Reynolds could contain himself no
longer ; he started up—
‘‘ Perdition seize you, vile traitress!’’ he
vociferated. “If I had you here, I would
strike you tothe earth!” (furiously to Fred)
‘* Begone this instant! lest I murder you on
the spot.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 175
Fred did not wait for a second bidding, but
took to his heels, exclaiming —
** Horwible—monster ! First — wob — his
— son, — then — thweaten — to — murder —
him.”
Hearing the door of the chambers he had
just quitted banged to with violence, and their
proprietor performing the same headlong
flight as himself, Fred took it for granted his
last hour was come, and commenced a tre-
mendous outcry of ‘‘ Help! Murder! Police !”’
dashed along the court as though pursued
by the furies, when, catching his foot in
a flagstone, he came tumbling higgledy-
piggledy, just like the clown in a pantomime,
into Middle Temple Lane, where he lay
rolling, and kicking, and yelling, as if under-
going the summary process of division at the
hands of the infuriate Mr. Reynolds.
He was, however, saved from such a fate
by the timely interference of the police, who
answered to his appeal for help ; and who, no
doubt for the better assurance of his personal
safety, placed him under lock and key in the
prison Mr. Reynolds could not put him into,
176 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
from whence he was brought before a magis-
trate, who charged him five shillings for lode-
ing without board, and forty shillings for the
kind care and attention bestowed upon him
by the police ; all of which was cruelly trans-
posed by the newspapers next day into five
shillings for beg drunk and disorderly, and
forty shillings for assaulting and obstructing
the police in the discharge of their duty; to
be imprisoned till the fines were paid.
The imprisonment was no joke, for most
unjustly he was kept in durance vile, not
having more than threepence in his pocket
to pay the heavy bill filed against him ; he
did not know what to do.
His friends knew nothing of his where-
abouts ; he might as well have been in the
Bastile, had it been existing, so dead was he
to his world of friends.
_He could not send to the ‘* Admiwal,’’ for
fear he might bring the “‘ cat”’ as a set-off to
the payment.
He could not send to the “ Old Bwick,”
for he did not know where she had flown
to.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 177
He dared not send to his new father, “ the
horwible monster,”’ for he felt he should drop
down in another fit at the sight of him, and
have another two pounds five shillings to pay.
He could not forward his complaint to his
mother, ‘‘ the—venewable—old — pawient,”’
for fear of the accompanying baboons.
His many friends he knew to be as destitute
of the ‘‘ weady ”’ in their pockets as himself.
But Fred did not want for expedients,
where number one was concerned; he be-
thought him of his ‘ fwiend Fweemantle, who
—saved—his — life—two—days —wunning,”
and he thereupon wrote to him a plaintive
ditty, though ‘‘ he hated witing worse than
weading,’ and setting forth his distressing
case, sent it to his club.
It did not come to hand mmediately, his
friend in need having deserted his club for the
society of his dear friend, the Admiral, who
would not dine without him; but as soon as
he received it, he went post haste, paid the
fine for him, and the poor prisoner was set at
liberty, just as the prison authorities had
made him turn his hand for the first time in
a)
178 JOHN FORTESOCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
his life to something useful—picking oakum,
which elegant occupation Fred declared was
“the most detestable pwofession ever in-
vented for a gentleman.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 179
CHAPTER XIX.
“mHR STORM.’—LOUTHERBOURG.
We left Mr. Reynolds rushing down the stairs
of his chambers, as Fred thought, knife in
hand, to make cold pie of him.
But he was mistaken in that, as in most
things; his father had other intentions than
the manipulation of this unlikely subject
into a reasonable being.
He saw him performing his antics in the
road, and saw him with such loathing and
disgust, that he longed to give him a foot-
croquet into the next century, but he passed
on, too eager in his irrepressible wrath to
spare time even for so short an operation.
If there was a creature on earth whose
180 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
claims upon him as a father could have been
utterly odious and distasteful to him, it was
Fred.
The young man’s shortcomings were patent
to all the world; he made use of no disguise ;
he had not wit enough to cover, as many do,
the bad qualities he possessed, by the assump-
tion of virtues he did not possess. His
shallow understanding, his weakness of mind,
his selfishness, his stupidity, his recklessness,
were open to the inspection of everybody.
Gifted as Mr. Reynolds was with a super-
abundance of mental force, beyond what his
feebler virtues could cope with, he was quick
to discover its presence or absence in others.
In Fred’s composition every particle of this
higher power had been left out, and in con-
formity with the laws of nature, this was
balanced by an extra supply of stupidity,
which, while it rendered him a more easy prey,
acted excessively to his prejudice in the eyes
of Mr. Reynolds, who now saw himself, owing
to the deception practised on him by his wife,
a dupe, and a loser to the extent of a fortune.
The post-obits and I.0.U.’s, on which he had
Oe
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 181
advanced such large sums, albeit inadequate
to their value, were now so much waste paper,
while, by his own machinations, he had con-
trived to reveal his true character, and render
himself the laughing-stock, not only of the
world, but of the creature he most despised in
get
With these feelings at work, he made his
way to the home of his wife and children,
and arrived there in a state of mind resem-
bling a volcano on the eve of an eruption.
Mrs. Reynolds happened to be alone; her
family being out on their afternoon excur-
sions. Gertrude was dashing along the Park
in her big basket, Sophy beside her, little
page in green and gold behind, and the big
dog running a race with the little go-a-head
black steed, who, with the bit between his
teeth, was getting through his work with
all possible despatch ; whether his fair driver
willed it or not.
The little Bessie was trundling along by
the Serpentine in her chariot, propelled by
nurse, her rosy cheeks and sunny locks at-
tracting much admiration.
182 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Their mother, no longer young, could not,
like her children, find happiness in rides and
drives. She had not like them a future to
look forward to ; her future, to use a paradox,
lay behind her, the farther she advanced, the
more it retrograded; if happiness was to be
hers, it must be in the present, and the
present was not propitious. Separated from
her husband, her friends at a distance verify-
ing the proverb, ‘ Out of sight out of mind,”
and with the unsociability of London and its
environs, she had no society in the neighbour-
hood to compensate her, or beguile the mo-
notony of her present life.
The time hung heavy on her hands and
spirits ; and in the absence of her children,
she sat down, as she did twenty times a day,
to ask herself, how long this state of affairs
was to last; when lost in melancholy medita-
tion, according to custom she fell asleep
over it.
She was awakened by the violent closing of
the room door in which she sat, and presently
became conscious of the presence of someone
near her.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 183
She started up in terror.
“Who are you? What do you want ?”
she exclaimed, and then she saw her hus-
band.
His appearance transfixed her, and sent
the life-blood back to her heart, he looked so
fierce and vengeful.
For amoment they stood looking at each
other, and then witha cry she ran to ring the
bell.
She thought him mad.
“ At your peril touch that bell!” said he,
breaking the fearful silence.
His wife stopped short.
““Who are you to speak to me in that
manner ?”
“Your master! Dare to disobey me !”
“Dare! dare! Thistome? Ill not bear
it. Ill leave the house.”
“Do so! I have come to turn you out
of it!” and he planted his back against the
door.
She flew to the window.
“ T’ll scream for help !”
“ You shall go out there to seek it, if I
184, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
1?
swing forit!’? and he ran towards her and
seized her with a grasp of iron.
“‘ Oh spare me! Have mercy! Don’t kill
me! Think how you loved me once! Am
not I your wife? the mother of all your
children >” and she tried to slide down to
his feet.
** Loved you! loved!” said he furiously,
‘ves, loved the viper that darted its fangs
into the breast that warmed it! Traitress
that you are! I loathe the hour I set eyes
on you!”
Mrs. Reynolds moved from her supplant
posture.
‘*Upon my word !”’ said she.
He still held her firmly.
“* Let me go!” she exclaimed, struggling
to disengage herself. ‘“ Pll rouse the neigh-
bourhood !”’ 7
‘Do so! and the neighbourhood shall see
the wretch that gave to the world a wretch
like herself, and made a devil of her husband.
Aye! get free if you can! dig your fangs
into the hand that fed you; it does not hurt
me there! Youa wife? Youwho have bullied
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, £8Q. 185
and tortured your husband to the death!
you who have duped him! you who have
laughed at him ! you who have jeered at him!
met him and crossed him at every turn ! you
who have paid back the love you own he gave
you with deceit and lying!”
“Oh forgive! forgive me! indeed! in-
deed—”’
“Forgive you! I think I see myself! I
was to come to it by degrees! I have done
so, and you shall rue the hour, the longest
day you have to live! Forgive you! Yes,
[ will forgive you, when I stand a criminal at
the Bar of Justice! I will forgive you when
under the goad and lash of the convict! I
will forgive you when the rope or the knife
shall finish the work that you have begun !
I will send you my forgiveness in characters
that not all your tears shall blot out!”
He flung her from him and moved to the
door.
“Stay!” cried his wife, catching hold of
him, “don’t go; hear me, for God’s sake
hear me!” |
* Too late! Stand back! I’m dangerous!”
186 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
* You must, indeed you must! Hear me;
T didn’t mean it !”’
“TT will not, now nor ever!” gaid he,
tearing himself from her grasp. ‘‘ You have
opened a gulf between us that can never be
bridged over. ‘Till now I thought you loved
me, despite your infernal tongue.”
“ Sol did. Heaven is my witness that I
loved you!”
“ Don’t tempt me to strike you! Such
love as that! The love of a Jael! No, no!
‘You did not mean it; and I did not know it!
Can you undo the woof your iniquity has
wrought? ‘The consequences are approach-
ing with terrible retribution. Go to the imp,
born in the hour such a devilish scheme
entered your head. Go to him, he is your
familiar, your confidant, to be entrusted with
the ‘ secwet’ (sneeringly) that your husband
is to stumble upon in the darkness of his
ignorance—he is the ass that trumpets his
own disgrace and his mother’s misdeeds,
(furiously) and flings them in the face of—your
husband! Yes, he is yours, notmine! Ido
notown him. He is the jewel in the swine’s
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 187
snout! I congratulate you on your son—a
son worthy of his mother.”
‘“‘Hnough!” said Mrs. Reynolds. ‘ Your
conduct is outrageous, and beyond the occa-
sion. Ihave humbled myself and implored
your forgiveness: it 1s for the last time. You
may do what you like; you may go where
you will. Icare not. I was sorry for what
I had done, but Iam so no longer. If I was
dying of want in the streets, I would not take
a shilling from your hands.”’
“IT rejoice to hear it, for you should die
before I would give you one. But I know
you better. Insolent and defiant where you
dare, you are humble and servile to those who
hate you. But it matters no more to me;
we part on this side of the grave; and, be it
long or short, I see your face no more.”
He looked sternly at her as he spoke, and
then hurried from the house.
188 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. -
CHAPTER XX.
‘*THE RECONCILIATION OF OBERON AND TITANIA.”
—SIR NOEL PATON.
Mrs. Wuynn chose for her retreat that
charming locality on the south coast, St.
Leonards, a favourite resort of hers from past
associations, and in the present instance the
easiest of access and the most desirable for
Augusta, who, though recovering fast, was
not equal to a longer journey.
To be quite alone she took a house in
Hiversfield Place, which they who have made
St. Leonards their sojourn acknowledge to be
unsurpassed for the comfort and convenience
of its houses, its beautiful Esplanade, and its
glorious sea view.
Time sped on; the mother and daughter, if
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 189
not happy, were as quiet and solitary as they
could possibly desire, passing most of their
days watching the restless, rolling tide, whose
every wave brought health and vitality to the
younger visitant.
Nor did they, as they supposed, pass wholly
unnoticed ; to the few visitors who made this
charming spot their temporary resting-place
for the purpose of fortifying themselves for the
fierce trials of a London season, they became
objects of much interest ; the loveliness and
delicacy of the girl excited general sympathy
and admiration. |
But in spite of appearances, both were a
prey to the liveliest anxiety.
Woman-like, now that there was no help
for it, Mrs. Whynn regretted the course she
had taken.
At the time of her departure from town,
Colonel Freemantle was absent, ‘‘ walking
the course” at Rochester, in obedience to “an
appeal to the country” on the part of minis-
ters. She had not, when she last saw him,
decided when she would leave, or where she
would go to, since then she had neither written
190 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
to, nor yet left him the smallest clue as to her
destination.
We require our errors and mistakes to be
brought home to us personally, before we can
really see or acknowledge them to be such.
Mrs. Whynn felt she had acted ungener-
ously towards Freemantle, who had proved
himself so true a friend. She had tampered
with his feelings and her daughter’s happi-
ness, quite as much and with less excuse
than Mrs. Reynolds ; and if he took it ill, the
blame would rest with herself: as it was,
she lost his sympathy and support at the
time she felt most in want of a stronger mind
than her own, to counsel and advise her.
Augusta, too, had her fears, but she kept
them to herself, and bore up bravely, as she
had done all her life.
They had been some weeks at St. Leonards,
hopeless of tidings of those so dear, doubly
dear, from the circumstances attending the
separation. |
Mrs. Whynn resolved to make every atone-
ment that lay in her power, no sacrifice could
be too great; but she was woman still, and
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 191
could not all at once divest herself of those
feelings and principles of action, that had
hitherto made part and parcel of her life.
Her fears respecting her husband reached
a pitch of agony. It was not his anger
towards herself she dreaded, he might hate
her, load her with reproaches, slay her! She
would love him still. Death would be sweet,
if only his dear hand dealt the blow.
It was the shock to himself, when he should
discover the deception, the hasty, violent, im-
petuous man, like his own great element,
the sea; furious in his wrath, as uncontrol-
lable and resistless, yet calm and gentle under
favouring winds and skies.
Mrs. Whynn worked herself up to frenzy.
Her husband was dead! ‘The blow had
killed him! She was his destroyer! She
would not live an hour longer!
Augusta’s own anxiety was absorbed in en-
deavours to soothe her mother. She revolved
in her mind a thousand plans, practicable and
impracticable, on the best means of obtaining
information as to the welfare of those so
necessary to their happiness.
192 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The simplest seemed the best, that Augusta
' should take Lucy, or the good Miss F ‘
the owner of the house, to London with her,
to prosecute enquiries, either at the Cottage
or in the neighbourhood. This was to be
done as soon as the weather permitted, but
the weather did not permit ; it set its face re-
solutely against schemes, however excellent, by
blowing a tempest and then drowning it in a
deluge; and Mrs. Whynn was fain to wait till
brighter days should come, each morning
turning away with sickening dread at the
entrance of the daily journal, till assured
that the name she best loved was not in it to
blast her with the saddest of all announce-
ments.
Setting this cruel anxiety aside, it is doubt-
ful whether Mrs. Whynn had ever been a
happier woman: at any rate, since she com-
mitted the act which had entailed on her so
much misery.
Her daughter restored to her, the deed of
so many years past and seemingly irrevocable
undone in a moment, she was now a free
woman, no longer under bondage or conceal-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 193
ment. Come what would, she could never
regret this last act of her drama.
Youth, prophetic of good, as age of evil,
lent its rainbow of hope to Augusta. With
renewed health came better promise, brighter
thoughts. She could not but confess that
appearances looked ominous, but there is a
light as well as a dark side to every picture ;
the latter was the present view ; she reasoned
on her past life, and deduced from it such
extraordinary and abstruse calculations in
favour of purpose and design, that had any of
the great philosophical writers of our day been
aware of, they would have fallen in love with
the inside of her head, as other men did with
the out, and appointed her a seat in their
grand synod of learning.
It was one evening after a visit to Battle
Abbey that, seeing the invalid look pale and
fatigued, Mrs. Whynn made her lie down on
the couch to rest herself. Augusta was all
obedience, and lay listening to the grating
of the waves as they broke languidly on the
pebbly beach, till she sank into slumber.
The mother sat by her for some time, twi-
VOL. III. K
194 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
light deepened into evening, the full moon
rose, and threw a flood of radiance upon the
shimmering sea. Mrs. Whynn would not
shut out the seductive scene, but drawing
the curtain to shield her daughter from the
draught, she, wanting occupation, descended
to the dining-room for her work.
She had been but a few minutes in the.
room when a visitor was announced, and to
her amazement Colonel Freemantle entered.
Strange to say, after the first surprise all fear
vanished, and a dead calm stole over her—
Mrs. Whynn felt that the crisis had arrived.
“ Pardon me, my dear Mrs. Whynn,”’ were
Freemantle’s first words, “ my visit must ap-
pear to you very unseasonable.”’
She was moved by his words, and the wel-
come face of a friend.
“The visits of Colonel Freemantle,’ she
answered, “‘must always be a pleasure to
those, who have the happiness of knowing
him. How long have you been here ?”’
“‘T have only just arrived.”
“Yet found us so quickly ?”
He smiled.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 195
“Forgive my curiosity in consideration of
my frankness, when I confess that I very soon
made myself acquainted with the place of
your abode: I could not have rested an hour
while in ignorance of the fate of those so very
_ dear to me,” dropping his voice till the words
became almost inaudible.
“Your cheerfulness,” said the poor lady,
trembling, “‘ gives me courage to put a ques-
tion on a subject that greatly distresses me.
Have you seen the Admiral lately.”
“¢ Yes, very recently.”’
“Is he well?”
*‘T never saw him in better health.”
“God be praised !’’ said she, with grateful
emotion. ‘‘ You restore me to life. I can
bear anything now. He is so sensitive on
everything connected with his good name, that
I have endured much lest his health should
suffer from his wounded feelings.”’
*“{ am happy to be able to assure you on
that point. Circumstances have turned out
better than was anticipated. His joy is so
great to find that Mr. Frederick is not his son,
that he is really in high spirits.”
K 2
196 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“T rejoice to hear it. I will call my
daughter; she is only in the room above us.
You yourself shall tell her the good news, for
she has suffered almost as much anxiety as
myself.”
*“One moment, I entreat you,’ said he,
earnestly. ‘I am a messenger from the
Admiral, and have brought a friend whom he
wishes you to see, and I think you will notbe
sorry that you granted his request.”’
**T will do so,” said she, trying hard to be
calm. ‘‘Heis well. God has been merciful
tome, and I rely upon Him. I know my
husband too well not to feelsure that however
much and justly incensed he may be, yet he
would not desire anything derogatory to my
position as his wife.”
“As little,’ returned Freemantle with
emphasis, ‘“‘as I would be a party to any-
thing so reprehensible.”
“1 know it, and therefore, however un-
pleasant to me, I will for his sake see this
stranger.”
Freemantle disappeared.
“Some lawyer, no doubt,” thought she.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 197
‘He wishes me to make an affidavit about the
boy, or perhaps Sherwood. Be it so. Any-
thing as long as he is well and satisfied.”
Her visitor returned presently, ushering in
the stranger.
At sight of him Mrs. Whynn uttered a cry,
and fell fainting—on the floor it would have
been, had not her husband rushed forward
and caught her in his arms.
Yes, it was, indeed, her husband—her kind,
forgiving husband—whose heart was as soft
and tender as it was brave and true.
Freemantle ran to the sideboard, and poured
out a glass of water, the only remedy he could
think of in such a case.
Men are dreadfully at a loss at times like
these, their usual presence of mind forsakes
them, and curious tales are recorded of their
means of restoration—to wit, the hot dash
from the boiling urn, prevented by the inno-
cent enquiry of another “ whether the water
was not a little too warm! It had scalded
his fingers only trying it!”’
Our two gentlemen did the best they could,
not wishing to summon the servants.
198 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
As soon as Mrs. Whynn showed signs of
reviving, Freemantle withdrew, to mount
guard outside, and prevent intrusion.
“Oh, Edward! can you ever forgive me P”
were the wife’s first words.
““Tcan! Ido!” was the answer, “‘ forgive
you, with all my heart and soul. I cannot
live without you; the house is so wretched
and desolate, that if you do not come home,
I shall go off to sea, and never come back
again.”
“Was there ever such goodness in this
world P” | |
‘“< Yes, plenty of it!” said he, laughing.
“*No,no! Let me kneel and implore your
>?
forgiveness.”
“Not so, my dear Hlizabeth! You have
erred, not sinned. I cannot forget that
though it was another man’s bantling you
passed off upon me, yet it was another
woman’s too, and a man ought and can for-
give his wife anything so long as she is
faithful to him, and I know, too, that your
fault has been its punishment.”
‘Indeed, it has; from that hour I have
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 199
never known peace, and every kind word
from you was a dagger to my heart.”
““T believe it, and I believe and know that
it was done in the first instance to please me,
and it has been your repentance which trans-
formed the most self-willed of girls into the
most loving and tender of women.”
He spoke truth, and peace was restored,
and Mrs. Whynn felt that her cup of happi-
ness was full to overflowing.
200 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXTI.
‘STHE SLEEPING BEAUTY.’ —D. MACLISE.
A HEARTY laugh from the worthy Admiral
aroused Freemantle from his contemplation
of the ‘sad sea waves” at the open _hall-
door; he knew that. laugh related to Fred,
and his services as mediator had ended well ;
he became impatient to pay his respects to the
other fair inmate of the house, whom he had
not yet seen.
While pondering as to how he should gain
access to the room where Mrs. Whynn had
told him Augusta was to be found, Lucy
Hicks, who had been out, entered.
She doubted her eyesight on seeing Free-
mantle; but, finding it to be him and no
mistake, she complied with his request to
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 201
show him upstairs with much alacrity, ushered
him into the drawing-room, turned on the gas,
placed a chair, all noiseless as becoming, and
left him to himself.
For a moment he was blinded by the
sudden glare. |
“Fate, thou art not propitious !” thought
he; but the next instant his heart ceased
to beat, only to vibrate again with tenfold
force, for there, on the crimson couch, half
shadowed by the drapery of the window, lay
his earthly idol—his darling Augusta.
He stood aloof, gazing at her spell-bound,
scarcely daring to breathe, lest the enchanting
vision should vanish.
The twanging of a guitar, preparatory to
some street serenade, recalled him to time and
place. Here was the opportunity so ardently
desired, so pertinaciously withheld, in which
he could—free and unfettered—pour out the
long pent-up feelings of his heart.
He moved away, and walking to the side of
the room, took refuge in the prints that hung
on the walls.
His footsteps awoke her; starting up, she
K 9
202 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
stood looking at him with frightened eyes.
Assuredasto his identity, she was about totake
flight; but he was before her, at her feet,
making fast prisoner the poor bird, doomed
to the cage at last.
“* Am Tawake?”’ saidshe. ‘* Let me reflect :
we went to Battle Abbey, I was tired, and as
I lay listening to the waves, I fell asleep.”
“And since you slept,’ he replied, “a
century of events have transpired. The
parted have met, peace is restored, and they
bound faster than ever in the bonds of love
and harmony. Your father is below !”
“My father! Admiral Whynn !” she said.
‘It must be a dream !”
‘* A dream then let it be! I, too, have had
a dream! For three long years I have wor-
shipped a phantom—the brightest, the purest !
It has been my guiding star, my beacon-light,
leading me on, haunting me ever! To its
promptings do I owe the good in me, if there
be any, the spirit to strive after better things !
Yet has it been to me hitherto a very delusion
and a mockery, placing me on the pinnacle of
hope, but to plunge me into an abyss of dis-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 208
appointment. But my phantom descends! I
hold it fast! It is a substance—a reality !
Will it abide here? Will it fold its wings,
make love its resting place, nor seek again its
native Heaven ?”’
He fixed his eyes upon her.
“Can I ever forget?” said she. “To you
do I owe my life! I thought you dead, and
wished to die; but your lamentations brought
me back, and I prayed God to spare me for
your—”’
‘“‘ Sake,’’ was the word, but she was folded
to his heart, and Freemantle, in the elevation
of the hour, felt that man’s true crown of
glory was woman’s gift of true and virtuous
love.
204 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXII.
“¢mHR LOVER’S WALK.’ —DANBY.
We know not how to account for so strange
an anomaly, but certain it is that the young
couple in the drawing-room were the first to
tire of each other’s company.
They made the first move by descending to
the lower room, where they found the Admiral
and his wife in high spirits, taking their tea.
Freemantle entered the room with a radiant
countenance, Augusta hanging on his arm, her
lovely face suffused with rosy blushes.
** Admiral Whynn!” said our hero, “ you
did me the honour of appointing me Master
of the Ceremonies; I bring to you your
daughter, and will you think me too presump-
tuous if I implore you to admit me into your
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 205
domestic circle, to be unto you as a son? on
this earth I ask no more.” |
‘* Nor do I,” returned the Admiral, as the
two knelt before him; “ God has given me a
son, I desire no other; did I search the world
through, I should not find his equal. And
you, my daughter (raising her, and tenderly
embracing her), how could I ever dream
that my little mermaid (his pet name for her
as a child) was none other than my own
flesh and blood ? Ah! now I know why you
took as fast hold of my heart as you did of my
coat. Don’t cry! I have plenty of salt water
on board ship. Why if I hadn’t been as
blind as a bat, I should have found it out
long ago !’’(holding her outbefore him). ‘Yes,
I declare she is! Often when looking at my
ugly mug of a morning I have wondered who
it was I was so much like, and do you know,
my dear” (turning to his wife), “‘ it was only
the other day I discovered it was Augusta ?
You may laugh! but it’s true for all that,
though it may not be a compliment to her to
say so.” :
“It is a compliment, papa dear
!>?
said
206 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Augusta. ‘I would rather be like you than
anyone else in the world.”
‘* Then God bless you, my darling ! and do
not think because I part with you, that I am
tired of your company, but I have no other
way of rewarding the noblest fellow that ever
lived. You are fortunate, my dear; but I
know you are deserving of him, and will make
him a good wife as your mother has been
to me.” |
Will be!” murmured Mrs. Whynn.
‘Has been, and will be!’’ returned the
good man, resolutely.
Mrs. Whynn was overpowered ; Freemantle
and Augusta then turned to her.
‘¢ My blessing on both my children,” said
she, aS soon as she could command her voice.
‘¢ I can but echo your father’s words, he has
told me all, all we owe to you, my dear son.
Augusta! you must repay him! we cannot!
and, mind, if you do not love him with all
your heart, if you ever deceive him, or swerve
from him even in thought, you will heap coals
of fire on your mother’s head! Never should
I forgive myself, never should I forgive you!
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 207
Like all who sin, I should be most severe on
those errors I myself have committed.”
** Do you think I could ever do so ®” asked
Augusta, turning to her lover, and placing
her hand in his.
He looked fondly down on her upturned |
face. ©
* As little,’ said he, ‘ as I should believe
it, though all the world told me otherwise.”
Mrs. Whynn sighed as she thought, “ How
ttle do we know ourselves! Could I have
believed that I—”
A happier group than that which sat round
the table in those same pleasant quarters, 41,
Hversfield Place, was not to be found in the
three kingdoms. The loves and graces pre-
sided, the former in the shape of our laughing
lovers, the latter in the person of Mrs.
Whynn. Young in heart, thought and feeling,
as she was fair to look upon, happy in herself,
her youth and beauty came back. She was
all animation, and Freemantle thought that
it was easy to see where his dear Augusta’s
loveliness, as well as her liveliness had
birth.
208 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
So ended this memorable day to the
personages herein named, which the young
couple finished with a stroll on the beautiful
lisplanade by the light of a cloudless moon.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 209
CHAPTER XXITI.
“© SCENE AT THE TEMPLE GARDENS.’’—J. PETTIE.
Tue Whynn family did not stay long at St.
Leonards, though loth to leave their haven of
love and peace, and promised themselves and
the worthy proprietress to make her com-
fortable abode their especial place of resort
whenever times and seasons should permit.
Freemantle had duties in town, and was
anxious to make Augusta his own, lest
some new freak of Miss Fortune should again
conjure her out of sight.
The Admiral, too, was likewise anxious to
settle about Frederick; he had consulted his
wife as his oracle, but it was himself who pro-
posed making a settlement on him in con-
210 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
sideration of the expectations with which he
had been brought up.
His father, Mr. Reynolds, refused to have
anything to do with him.
A regular enquiry had been instituted, evi-
dence collected, witnesses examined, even to
the obtaining proofs at Boulogne, so that no
cause for future doubts or law-suits should be
possible. |
Mr. Reynolds took no part in these pro-
ceedings. He turned a deaf ear to all over-
tures of reconciliation and compromise. ‘ He
had had nothing to do with the transfer of
such a bill of exchange; let those who had
look to it ; they had taken him off his hands,
and they must provide for him, he would not.”
The reason came out by degrees, as cir-
cumstances one after another disclosed the
nature of the transactions between himself
and the supposed heir.
It was difficult to say whether the unfor-
tunate gentleman had behaved worse to
others than to himself, acting as he had
been in entire ignorance of matters so im-
portant.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, RSQ. 211
Since the young man had comé of age,
Mr. Reynolds had lost considerably by him.
The money advanced on the real and
personal property was lost to him and his
heirs for ever ; and worse still, on the failure
of his bank he not only lost the money lodged
in it, but was forced to sell the post obit he
held on the Sherwood Hstate to pay up the
calls as shareholder therein. The money had
been received, but when the facts of Fred’s
birth became public he would either have to
refund it or stand a law-suit.
It was this that drove him to desperation
when he learned the deception practised
and kept up so many years. Neither the
Admiral nor anyone else knew this part of the
business at present, but the worthy man was
so tickled at the untoward fate of the I.0.U.’s
and post obits that it contributed as much as
anything to the reconciliation with his wife.
*“‘ It was such a capital joke to find the fellow
advancing money and making bargains which
pertained to his own death.”
Before the lad came of age, however, his
dealings with the young spendthrift were
212 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
beyond a joke, and the Admiral looked dark
on finding that the large sum which he had
placed in Mr. Reynolds’ hands, as friend and
guardian to his son, for the purpose of clearing
him from debt on his coming of age, must have
gone on its travels with a certain inestimable
gentleman named ‘ Walker,”’ since the debts
were unpaid and the money was nowhere.
Admiral Whynn forbore, for his wife’s
sake, to call Mr. Reynolds to account for this.
Fred proved not to be his son, he had no
further claim on him, and “ he and his
vagaries might go to Davy Jones as fast as
they liked.”
This was spoken when the Admiral was
dreadfully angry, otherwise he was not hard-
hearted even to the “lubberly lout,’ as he
gracefully designated Fred, who, not behind-
hand in his remarks on other people, with the
wisdom of a Solon and the wit of a Talley-
rand, and surpassing both in force and dignity
of expression, pronounced that ‘‘ the—hor—
wible—monster—had—made—a—pw—etty—
kettle — of —f—f—ish,—and—bwought—his
—pigs—to—a—fine—market.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 213
The enquiries necessary had taken time,
and it was to save the feelings of Mrs.
Whynn that she was so long left to rusticate.
On their return to town active preparations
commenced for the marriage of Freemantle
and Augusta.
To her this joyous time was one long
summer’s day, a day without a night. Like
a bee she revelled in sweets; each flower
gave its share of honey, but at the bottom of
each calyx a bitter drop marred its perfect
flavour.
She could not forgive herself for: having
said what she did to Mr. Reynolds, who had
been, till his quarrel with Freemantle, all
that an affectionate parent could be,and whose
mind at the time, must have been worried
and harassed by the knowledge of coming
trouble, sufficient to account for his excessive
irritability. She did not know it then, but
now she did, and felt she had been ungrateful,
and, to all appearances, selfish.
All intercourse having ceased, Augusta
knew nothing beyond the fact that the Rey-
nolds had broken up their establishment at
214 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Beaulieu, laid down their carriage, and gone
to live in a small house at Bayswater, which
seemed to her something hke coming to ab-
solute poverty, forgetting how many steps
there are between affluence and beggary.
The nearer her star approached to its
culmination, the greater became her desire
that her wedding day should be unclouded
by regret or self-reproach, which she felt
would not be wholly so, were she still
unreconciled to Mr. Reynolds. Should he
refuse to be friends, 1t would be a satisfaction
to her that she had tried to bring about a
reconciliation.
She devised many projects for the purpose
of meeting him: to his house she dared not
venture ; her courage was not equal to facing
the dragon that presided there.
Of old she knew pretty well the time he
was to be found at his chambers in the
Temple, and thither, the morning before her
marriage, she bent her steps with the
intention of waylaying him on his sortie
from his den.
She acted with perfect concurrence of her
JOHN FORTESCUR REYNOLDS, ESQ. 215
mother, but—Hear it, ye lords of creation!
not with the sanction or even the knowledge
of her lover. He was as much in the dark
about her proceedings, as was the Admiral of
his wife’s or any other unfortunate wight
against whom conspiracy is at work.
Hypocrite like the rest of her sex, while
she was caressing, and consulting him about
the merest trifle, and making herself out the
veriest nonentity, she was lording it over her
slave, acting, if not in defiance, at least
independently of him, while so abject had he
become, that he would have gone to the moon
fora slice of the green cheese sold there, had she
only remembered to wish for it, or for her dear
sake he would have performed a still more
herculean task—been reconciled to Mr. Rey-
nolds.
But Augusta reconciled it to her conscience
that she could not do otherwise, as things
were between Freemantle and his opponent,
and she claimed this as the last act of a free
woman; he was not her lord and master yet.
To-morrow positions would be reversed ; she
—chained to the oar, a galley slave, forced to
love, honour, and—obey ! 7 :
216 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The men will think it very naughty of her.
But who knows? perhaps, like her mother,
she repented in time, and made a clean breast
of it.
Augusta drove to the entrance of the
Temple, where she got out, and with becoming
dignity proceeded to thread the mysterious
labyrinths of His Majesty the Law.
She had not proceeded far, when she dis-
covered that she was the only damsel, gentle
or simple, to be seen therein. There were
plenty of gentlemen hurrying to and fro, who
looked at her, certainly; some thinking
that a stray Peri, wandering by, had mis-
taken the beauty of their Temple Gardens for
her lost Paradise, and was making her way into
them; others, that the Red and White Roses
had once more come among them to set them
together by the —— eyes, and transform their
rolls of parchment, offensive and defensive,
into weapons with which, like the battleaxes
of their predecessors, the Templars, they
might belabour each other to their hearts’
content.
Augusta was not vain enough to read sur-
prise at her wondrous beauty in the looks of
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 217
the gentlemen; she feared they might think
ill of her, and at the bare supposition the
red rose triumphed over her fairer rival,
and usurping her throne reigned paramount.
She had some thoughts of retracing her
steps, when she caught sight of Mr. Reynolds
coming towards her. The long habit of years
returned in a moment; she bounded towards
him.
“ Oh, papa!” she exclaimed, ‘‘ pray forgive
me !””
“ Forgive you, my dear!” said he, kindly.
‘Ror what? It is we rather that ought to
ask forgiveness, for having cheated you out of
your rights, and then ill-used you; but you
know, I had no hand in it.”
“Tndeed! indeed! I know it. If it had
not been for that I should never have been so
happy as I am now, never have had you to
love and be so kind to me.”
Mr. Reynolds was silent for afew moments,
and then he said—
“Tt has been a sorry change for me, my
dear. I miss my daughter’s thoughtful care
of me every hour of my life.”
von. Ill. L
218 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The red rose of Augusta’s cheek is brighter
for the ready dew which glistens there.
“ Frederick is a good boy at heart,’ said
she, consolingly.
“ Boy!” he exclaimed with sudden toro
“‘ There you have it, a boy he is, and a boy he
will be to the end of his days,” and Mr. Rey-
nolds relapsed into silence. }
“ Are they all well at home?” Augusta
asked, timidly; “mamma and my brothers
and sisters? I shall never think of them but
as such, as long as I live.”
** Augusta,” said Mr. Reynolds, stopping
short, and fixing his eyes upon her, ‘‘I know
you to be truth itself. You mean what you
say, and will keep your word.”
*¢ T will, indeed.”
““T never doubt you. I know you will be
a friend to them when— UHow did you
come ?”’
“I drove here. The carriage is in the
street.”
** Are you alone ?”
‘Yes, quite.”
He accompanied her out.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 219
**So you came all this way to speak to
me,” handing her in.
‘I did, indeed. I felt I could not be happy
to-morrow without your blessing.”
* Then God bless you, my dear, and I hope
you may be as happy as a father can wish his
daughter to be.”
She kissed him for answer, for she could
not speak.
** Remember me to your mother,” were his
last words as she drove off; almost blind with
her tears, she looked out to catch a last
glimpse of him. He saw her, and waved his
hand, smiling sadly.
The crowd interposed, and Augusta had
seen and spoken her last to Mr. Reynolds.
220 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXIV.
‘SMHE MARRIAGE FEAST.’’—PAUL VERONESE.
THE marriage of our hero and heroine was
celebrated with great splendour, the only
drawback in the opinion of those for whose
honour it was designed.
Had their wishes borne the weight we think
they were entitled to, it would have been a
quiet affair, taking place in some out-of-the-
way hamlet, Rottingdean we will say as coming
first to hand, the banns for three successive
Sundays previously announced to a congre-
gation, composed of the clergyman’s family,
the squire, one or two strangers, and the rest
very humbletarians indeed.
‘“‘T publish the banns of marriage between
Maximilian Freemantle, of Chillingham,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 221
bachelor, and Augusta Whynn, spinster,
&c., &c. If any of you know cause or just
impediment why these two persons may not
be joined together in holy matrimony, ye are
now to declare it.”
This would have been quite sufficient re-
nown for our pair, and they would have gone
to that quiet little church, with its large head
and small body, she with her one bridesmaid,
he with his *“* best man,” the lame old clerk
with his resolute ** Hr—men,”’ to officiate as
master of the ceremonies, and they would
have been as happy and contented as possible.
But the rulers decided otherwise. Owing
to the circumstances detailed in this history,
it was deemed advisable to make it as public
as possible; and Augusta had her eight
bridesmaids arrayed in vestal attire like
herself, looking so like brides that really it
was a reflection on the cavaliers deputed to
them, that there were not nine brides instead
of only one.
The age of chivalry has departed.
The fair and graceful Lady Evelyn per-
formed the part of chief bridesmaid, pre-
222 JOHN .FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
paratory, we may hope, to following her
friend’s example. That she had not led the
way, was not due to any insensibility of the
men in that rank to which she belonged.
They are not wont to be backward in the
acknowledgment of merit in their fellow men,
still less can they be accused of blindness to
the attractions, either mental or personal, in
those of the opposite sex.
The numerous offers made to the Lady
Hivelyn proved their genuine admiration and
appreciation of qualities that would have
adorned any coronet, aye, even a crown,
which she would equally have refused, had a
doubt existed in her own mind ag to the
purity of the feelings that might move her to
its acceptance.
Weare sorry to have to record that at this
important moment the Damon and Pythias-
_ like friendship which had existed between our
two heroes, Fred and Freemantle, threatened
dissolution.
One swallow does not make a summer, nor
two either, any more than the vaunted friend-
ships of antiquity, the maternal pride of a
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 223
Cornelia, or the virtue of a Lucretia, prove
the superiority of the age in which they lived :
nay, rather the converse.
We love to dwell on the past, its associa-
tions, its romance, its doubtful traditions, and
we ignore the present, or, recording only the
exceptions to the rule of virtue, leave to
oblivion the countless instances of individual
heroism of our own times, of womanly virtue,
maternal love, or, grander still, the sublime
devotion of men towards each other, beside
which the light of other days would pale.
Our friend Fred very nearly came to logger-
heads with the friend who saved his life two
days “ wunning,” but who did not fill up the
measure of his obligation by appointing him
his “‘ best man’”’ in the important ceremony of
taking unto himself a wife.
_This post had been claimed by Lord
Chester, who, to adopt his own phrasing,
“ only waited to see his friend turned off,
before going on an expedition to look up the
Kast.”
Fred, as we say, felt himself slighted, and
took it so seriously, that he announced his
224 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, FSQ.
intention of not “ cweating a sensation” at
the breakfast, and prophesied that it would
turn out a “no go!”
We agree with him. Weddings, after all,
are but slow affairs, and ours would have been
very flat without him.
Fred was not one to bear ill-will long. A
vision of beauty that haunted the ‘‘ Cottage’
during the preliminaries of the interesting
ceremony, decided him, and he consented to
‘‘ owace” the day with his lively presence.
The Lady Evelyn was the enchantress that
wrought this change.
For her sake he forgave “* Fweemantle—his
—ingwatitude,—in—weturn—for—helping—
him—to—marwy—Augusta. If—he—hadn’t
—hbeen—so—anxious— to—show—his—egwa-
titude—for—saving — pwecious—life—two—
days — wunning — might— have—marwied—
the — young — lady —himself ; — she — was
—always—pwecious—sweet— to—him,—and
—then—all—the—¢ood—things—of — her—
inhewitance — would — have—been—his—in-
stead—of — Fweemantle’s, —who—didn’t —
want—them.”’
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 220
Freemantle and Augusta were married in
the grand old Abbey of Westminster, which
pleased Admiral Whynn beyond measure, for
he had been a Westminster boy, and loved
every stone hallowed by its sacred shade: he
did not fail to record the history of many a
mimic battle fought in the days of old on the
tombstones of St. Margaret’s Churchyard by
him and his comrades, in boyish anticipation
of the tremendous ones that were to make
heroes of the aspiring lads in their manhood.
Though the fervid desire of his youthful
ambition had not been fulfilled, yet here in
his old days his great soul did not regret it.
Peace is for the happiness of mankind.
Peace! the benefactress of the human race,
holding out the right hand of fellowship to all
nations. To thee, O Peace, let all hearts offer
up their grateful homage, and pray that thy
reign of love may endure for ever !
So thought our gallant sailor, as he led his
beautiful daughter up-the long aisle to the
altar, through a file of his gon-in-law’s faith-
ful soldiers, drawn up in array, here, in the
Temple of Peace, acknowledging her their
Lo
226 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
sovereign, grounding their arms, and bending
the knee in reverence and submission.
Nothing was wanting to give solemnity to
the ceremony. “Sie getreu bis an den Tod,”
in soft and solemn cadence, greeted the bridal
party on its entrance, and swelled into the
“ March” on its departure. 7
A lovelier bride, or one more worthy of
plighting her troth within those venerable
walls could not be found, or one more worthy
of her good fortune in being united to such a
man as Colonel Freemantle, who, as he led
her in smiling triumph through the throng
within and without, and took his place beside
her as her husband, felt that He who had
granted him his heart’s desire claimed his
future for Himself and His people.
The breakfast was in keeping with the
splendour of the other appointments, and
crowned by the great Gunter with a cake that
was a perfect triumph of art. |
Fred, now our only hero, Freemantle being
married and done for, resolved to have a
finger in the dispersion of that same cake.
Throughout the whole proceedings he made
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 227
himself conspicuously agreeable to everyone,
especially to the ladies, knocking them about,
treading on their dresses, and tearing no end
of their finery. His chief desire, however,
seemed to aim at effacing from Mrs. Free-
mantle’s mind certain disagreeable reminis-
cences which she too plainly held against him.
To further this object he was always at
hand to proffer polite attentions, enacting
the part of her “ pretty page” to perfection,
holding down the train of her beautiful silver-
grey moiré with his feet, and constantly bring-
ing the lady’s perpendicular into a more hori.
zontal inclination than she inclined to.
His attempted elopement with her on quit- —
ting the Abbey, by rushing off with her, not
by the scrough of the neck, but by her lovely
lace shawl, which became reduced to most
unreasonable wear and tear, besides nearly
garotting the poor lady.
This, however, is a heartless interpretation
of a benevolent intention, as Fred was simply
dashing wildly out to do homage to the Lady
Evelyn, about to enter her carriage.
Return we to our cake.
228 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The bride sprung the mine, and then her
charming tirewoman proceeded to lay bare the
riches hidden beneath its snowy surface, upon
which Fred, her adorer, rose with alacrity to
assist her, knocking over his chair, but, to do
him justice, unnaturally prudent and careful
in all things concerning the Lady Evelyn.
She gracefully delivered the weapon to her
slave, smiling kindly at the bluntness of the
honest wish that he were that cake to be cut
to pieces by her fair hand, and then he set to
work about the distribution with extraordi-
nary spirit and energy, dispatching it right
and left in the company’s faces, cutting his
fingers, and nearly poking a gentleman’s eye
out with his elbow.
This last was the cause of disaster to that
most adorable of women, Mrs. Freemantle,
sitting beside the Admiral.
Fred, with graceful assiduity, was handing
her the cake, when the inconsiderate gentle-
man rudely pushed poor Fred’s elbow out of
his eye, and thereby sent the plate, with an
avalanche of cake, right into Mrs. Freemantle’s
lap, together with her glass of wine and the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 229
strawberry ice she was at that moment dis-
cussing.
Fred dived under the table to repair errors,
wiped off the ice with his handkerchief, and
consoled the fair wearer with the assurance
that her ‘‘ Dwess — was—all—wight,— no—
harm—done,—wather—spoiled,— good —for
twade!”’ applied his ice-cream handkerchief to
his own heated face, and reappeared above
board, looking as if he had been slily beautify-
ing with some celebrated cream of roses, and
had forgotten to wipe it off.
Mrs. Freemantle was far too much engrossed
to-day with her son’s happiness to be easily
upset, she left that to the cake-plate, the
wine, and the ice; laughing heartily, she
thanked Fred for the kind care he took of
her.
Not thus did the day end, his great triumph
was to come. |
Lord Chester, as usual, the life and soul of
the circle round him, was shining outra-
geously, quite cutting out Fred, in that
peculiar gift of his, viz., speech making.
‘«‘ The health of the Bride and Bridegroom”
230 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
haying been drunk, and duly responded to, in
good time followed that of ‘‘ The Brides-
maids.” The honour of replying was assigned
to Lord Chester, which he did with a grace
and a wit unrivalled, winning for himself so
much applause, and so many beaming smiles
from the hourts he was celebrating, that poor
Fred nearly cried with vexation.
He was resolved, though, not to be outdone;
the moment his enemy ceased, he started up
and delivered an opposition oration, unique
in style, and not to be surpassed for graceful
allusion and delicate flattery.
He assured the young ladies that they
** Looked like—a—bed—of—woses,—weal—
woses—woses—without — thorns,—which —
were — horwible—things,—scwatched—one’s
fingers,— and — made — one—make—wy—
faces,—but—any—man—would—be—pwoud
—to —wear— such—beautiful—woses—as—
they — were — in — their — button — holes!
They—were—enchantwesses—sy wens,— who
_ —-would—delude—poor—men—like—him,—
make — pwisoners—of—them,—and—lead—
them—off—by—the—halter—to—the—altar,
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 231
—and—make—slaves—of—them,—as—Miss
—Augusta—had—done—his—fwiend—F wee-
mantle !”’
The smiles became laughter at Fred’s bril-
lant address, the bride blushed “ celestial
rosy red,’ and Freemantle said he could wish
his kind friend no greater happiness than to
be led to the altar by the hand he loved best,
there to lay down his past dreary life, and
wander in the thornless rose garden he had
been describing, with the one loved rose at
his side for ever. |
Fred shouted ‘“* Hooway! hooway!’’ the
gentlemen applauded, the ladies smiled, the
bride looked like the bride of the young
Lochinvar—
*¢ With a smile on her lip, and a tear in her eye,”
And her heart whispered her, “ he is mine—
~ mine for ever, and death alone can divide us.”
A word more, and Mrs. Whynn’s tears
would have been as overflowing as was her
happiness. Fred, however, kept her from
giving way to too great sensibility; he
amused her, she laughed at his blunders,
232 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
assisted in rectifying them, tried to show off
his good points, and thought to herself, “ he
will be wiser by-and-bye,”
He was wiser already than she, for he read,
he was sure, jealousy of him in Lord Chester’s
eye; that speech of his had done for his lord-
ship, it very nearly decided the noble lord in
favour of matrimony, in order to put an end
to all future possibilities of his again suffering
so signal a defeat in the character of the
bridesmaid’s Toastrack.
The Lady Evelyn, with heavenly pity for
Fred, unkindly treated both by nature
and fortune, certainly distinguished him by
marked kindness.
She fulfilled her part of chief bridesmaid to
perfection, and saw her dear friend the bride
depart with loving regret; Lord Chester
assisted her in performing the incantation of
the magic slipper, and then she turned into
the house.
Her own departure soon followed: on the
announcement of her carriage, red sprang
forward to assist in the cloaking operation:
Lord Chester did likewise, but she, with the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 233)
same benign purpose at work within, accepted
the arm of the former, chatting and talking to
him so pleasantly on their way out, and taking
leave of him with such graceful sweetness,
that the happy Fred felt he would dearly like
to be led by the halter to the altar, if it was
the hand of the lovely Lady Evelyn G
that held the reins.
234 JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXV.
‘SC WAITING FOR THE VERDICT.’ —S. SOLOMON.
Mr. Reynoxps, notwithstanding his kettle and
pigs, as his son Frederick termed his proceed-
ines, was toiling away at a prodigious rate;
to think, or to turn his attention to his own
affairs was impossible, it was work, work,
incessant work, that made the solitude and
silence of his chambers a relief to him.
He still nursed his wrath against his wife,
who made many attempts to mollify him. At
last, her letters were returned unopened, with
the intimation that if she continued to molest
or worry him, it would end in his taking steps
towards a formal separation.
To do him justice he took care that néither
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 235:
she nor his family should need aught he
could provide them, and Mrs. Reynolds was
forced to confess that in her palmiest days of
youth and happiness, never had she been so
completely without a want, or so free to
exercise her will.
Yet she was neither happy nor contented,
and she sat down twenty times a day to com-
mune with herself.as to whether she would
not prefer beggary with her husband to
affluence without him.
Things went on in this manner pretty well
throughout the summer, till Mrs. Reynolds
fretted herself ill: she could not enter into
the spirit of her duties and domestic arrange-
ments as usual, and became woefully discom-
posed. Her twin-stars, home for the holidays,
made ample amends for the rigid laws laid
down for them in their pathway through the
classics by the effervescence of their youthful
enthusiasm, which extended itself to the little:
Blackamoor pony, as wild and frolicsome as:
his young masters, who testified his delight.
at this reunion of congenial spirits, by
scampers worthy of the wild huntsman, end-
&
236 JOHN FORTESCUB REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ing with the playful coldpigging of the manly
Alfred into the canal, and then rushing off
like the wind.
Pollux very nearly disappeared like the lost
Pleiad from our hemisphere, and Castor
would have had to perform his journey to his
setting as the Solitary Twin, had not a charit-
able lighterman, slowly pursuing his heavy
course down the tideless stream, taken pity
on him, and restored Pollux once more to the
gaze of admiring astronomers.
Mrs. Reynolds found the required manage-
ment too much for her, though her good son
Thomas stood by her and endeavoured to
lighten her burthen as much as possible.
The little one became ill, and Gertrude,
always at war with everybody, in one of her
tantrums took herself off, saying nothing of
her whereabouts, and kept her mother, a good
one at least to her, in a state of distraction,
till Mrs. Reynolds received notice that she had
taken up her quarters with an uncle and aunt,
who, well off and without encumbrance, she
considered wanted a spirited girl like herself
to keep them awake.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 257
With them, Gertrude gave full play to her
talents for invention. She told a clever
story how she was ill-used and abused at
home, made a slave of, and put upon; how
Augusta, whom her mother had passed off
upon her as her sister, had been preferred
before her, how she had tyrannized over her,
made a slave of her, and tried to take away
all her lovers from her, and would have
driven her from her home, but when she
found out Augusta was not her sister, she
forced her to go instead, &c., &c.
Mrs. Reynolds felt that she could endure
this state of affairs no longer, and she
resolved to make a last effort to bring her
intractable husband once more to reason.
Finding that all private overtures of peace
were of no avail, she determined to make a
public one, and where could it be better tried
than in the Court of Appeal then sitting?
She felt certain of finding him therein on
this day, as he was engaged in a very singular
case, Norman vy. Hole.
It was an appeal against a decision of the
Vice-Chancellor’s Court, and related to the
238 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
supposed fraudulent conveyance of a certain
estate, and the defendant had been cast with
costs.
Against this an appeal was made on the
plea of entire ignorance of any legal impedi-
ment, more for the sake of clearing his
character than for the costs of the suit.
Mr. Reynolds was the counsel.
He usually was chosen for the defence,
and nine times out of ten he won.
Strange as it may appear, during the whole
of her married life, his wife had not once
heard him speak in Court ; few wives, per-
haps, are ever present on these momentous
occasions.
She had certainly seen him in his wig. and
gown, but not lately, not since he had been
made Q.C.
On entering she looked anxiously round
for her husband. She could not see him, nor
yet distinguish him among any of the many
barristers, listening with rapt attention to
one of their number then addressing the
Court.
Mrs. Reynolds only wished “she could
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 289
make that talking fellow hold his tongue, so
that the others might turn their eyes towards
her, and read in the anxiety of her counten-
ance who it was she sought.”
The speaker’s face was turned from her,
towards the two handsome Lords Justices,
T. and B., since passed from among us,
leaving each a reputation as to which, whether
within the precincts of courts, or the still more
searching enquiries of private life, Justice
herself has declared her balance was never
found wanting.
In the sudden subsidence of Mrs. Reynolds’
anxiety into disappointment, the speaker’s
voice arrested her attention. She could not
mistake it, that voice so harmonious, so full
and resonant.
She nearly dropped with the suddenness of
her surprise and delight on discovering her
husband, but admiration triumphed over all
inferior feelings.
Mr. Reynolds had the great gift of identi-
fying himself with the cause in which he was
engaged; he made it his own; circumstances
in this case came peculiarly home to him, and
240 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
_ he spoke with all the force and energy per-
sonal sympathy could dictate.
It is this power of identification with the
character he represents which ranks Mr.
Fechter as the first actor of the day, if not
the only true one. He may be violent and
impulsive, perhaps at times going beyond the
occasion ; but it is all genuine, the wrath of
a man carried away by the impetuosity of his
own passions. The quiet spectators become
excited in their turn, and are cheated into the
belief of the reality of what they witness.
Mrs. Reynolds stood gazing at her husband
breathless and motionless; she saw him as
she had never seen him; heard him as she
had never heard him. She had experienced
the energy of his feelings when directed
against herself, and trembled. This was
different. She saw deference and admiration
exhibited towards him by his fellow men;
she saw with what marked attention the
Lord Justices themselves listened to him, and
read approval in their looks, courteous kind-
ness in their manner of addressing him. She
saw it all; a thousand instances of past love
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 241
and forbearance came trooping on her re-
membrance, and she owned his very wrath and
violence proved the depth of the wound he
had received.
“* How could she P How could she do so?”’
Mrs. Reynolds pulled her veil over her face,
and hurrying out of court, gave way to a
passion of tears.
The suit concluded that day, and suffice it
that the Justices confirmed the decision of
“the Vice-Chancellor’s Court against the
validity of the conveyance, but Mr. Reynolds
so far gained his point, that they cleared
Mr. Hole honourably of all knowledge of
the existing bar to the deed, and as a proof
reversed the direction as to costs.
It was late in the afternoon of the day in
question, when Mr. Reynolds came out of
court; he was in the act of passing through
the curtain which separates it from the dark
little corridor, when .a hand was laid on his
arm.
“Oh, Reynolds, dear!” said a broken voice,
«kill me, kill me! but do forgive me !”’
The voice brought him back to the world
VOL. IIL M
242 ‘JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
again, out of his own grand supernal world,
where he stood pre-eminent in the majesty of
intellect and the power of its expression.
He came back again to this nether region,
with its crimes and its vices, its strifes and
tumults, its harassings, its petty worries and
cares, 1t8 meannesses, its unworthy pursuits
and disputes; but the charm of that other
world was on him still.
His wife had hold of his hand, and was .
pressing it to her lips.
He stood for a few moments in the dark,
‘looking out into the future, darker still.
“Be it so,’ said he at last gently, “ let
bygones be bygones! We will say no more
of the past.”
. And he drew her arm within his own, and
they went home together.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 243
CHAPTER XXVI.
‘¢@HB SHRINE OF THE ALHAMBRA.’’-—R. ANSDELL.
FREEMANTLE and Augusta made the west coast
of France the scene of their hymeneal trip;
they passed some weeks at Biarritz, then —
sunning itself in the smiles of Imperialism,
which disdained not to regard with especial
favour these happy pilgrims from the note
bouring isle.
They soon became exceedingly popular
among all classes, and lacked neither society
nor amusement.
“Ah! comme il est beau cet Anglais! et
quant 4 Madame, elle est belle 4 ravir!”’
© Oui, Pamour est joli, ils sont de nouveaux
mariés, c’est facile a voir.”’
M 2
244, JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ Doux et amiable, n’est-ce-pas quils sont
heureux, ces gens la?”
And a hundred other such approving re-
marks testified to the impression made on our
lively and kind-hearted neighbours across the
water.
From Biarritz they passed into Spain, paid
a flying visit to Madrid, and then directed
their course southward to look up the land
of the Moor.
The romance which still clings to the
memory of that brave, polished, and learned
people, invests each spot they inhabited with
a strange fascination, mingled with tender
regret for their fate.
It threw its enchantment over our two
wanderers, and drew them closer together, as
they gazed with dazzled vision on the glorious
emanations of past genius, or lingered in the
moonlight gardens of some former Alcanzor
and Zayda, happy as themselves, and sipping
at their fountain, drank deep of the inspiration
of the place.
Strange, that after so many centuries of
still advancing civilization, with all our
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 245
boasted progress of the arts and sciences,
with all their appliances, with the examples
of the past to inspire us, we still lament-
ably fail in all that pertains to architecture,
are utterly wanting in the grandeur of
conception that fashioned the temples of
heathen or Mahommedan worship. We cannot
attain to that exquisite grace and symmetry,
that aérial lightness, that poetry, that fanciful
imagery, which the luxuriant imagination of
the Moor has bequeathed to posterity in
characters of stone, be it temple, palace, or
fort. |
It was while threading the mysterious
recesses of that matchless Moorish maiden,
the Alhambra, that they stumbled on their
restless. friend, Lord Chester, whom they
supposed to be as diligently pursuing his re-
searches in the Mahommedan world of the
present, as they in the past.
The expedition had been postponed for a
short time, and he had yachted it in the
interim to Cadiz, whither his tourist friend
was to look him up to proceed on their
travels.
246 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Not without some hope of falling in with
our travellers, he seized the opportunity to
perform a pilgrimage to this celebrated shrine
of beauty, which he was quite as capable of
appreciating, as the more ephemeral if more
enthralling one of animated nature.
He was joyfully welcomed by his two dear
friends, with whom the rosy hours: still
danced along with winged feet.
He was as gay and irresistible as ever, his
large blue eyes and Saxon beauty committing
wherever they went, terrible havoc among
the dark-eyed daughters of Andalusia.
After visiting every place, and seeing all
that was to be seen, our joyous trio turned
their steps towards Seville, looking back with
loving, lingering gaze, as did the ill-starr’d
Boabdil, when he looked his last on the re-
treating form of his beloved city. 7
At Seville they trod enchanted ground,
inventing like lovers excuses for delay, and
adding yet another and another day in their
unwillingness to separate.
They reached Cadiz, the queen of the sea,
at last, they knew not how, so merrily they
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. DAT
tripped it along, but here they were to part,
with very much more than regret on both
sides. Freemantle and Augusta took the
steamer for England, Lord Chester accom-
panied them on board, and bade them adieu
in his own cheerful, rattling manner. The
tears stood in the eyes of the tender-hearted
Augusta; happy herself beyond compare, she
could yet think of others, his lordship’s per-
sonal kindness to herself, his devotion to
Freemantle—dearest on earth to her,—she
could not bear to see him go out into the
far future, a desolate man, when happiness
she knew might be his.
“The grandest soul God ever created,”
said Freemantle, as they stood at the side of
the vessel, and watched the boat returning
with Lord Chester to shore.
« And the kindest and gentlest,’ returned
Augusta.
‘Wanting but opportunity, or force of
circumstances,” added her husband, “ to
make the whole world echo his name.”
*¢ Perhaps when he returns from this expe-
dition,’ said Augusta, very confidentially,
‘he may see things with different eyes.”
248 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘“ Heaven grant it, my darling, and we will
set out on another travel, to see if there is
such a thing to be found as an Augusta for
him.”
Our travellers returned to England, all in
good time to make merry Christmas at Chil-
lingham, where the yule-log blazed, and such
festivities took place, that if his fortunes were
diminished as his friends tenderly suggested
by the display which opened our history, it
must end by announcing him a beggar.
But that it did not, and in good time, he
and his dear wife settled down like other
sensible married couples, to the duties and
sober realities of every-day life.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, B8SQ. 249
CHAPTER XXVIII.
‘© BHLSHAZZAR S FEAST.’’—THE WRITING
ON THE WALL.
Tuus happily passed the winter with the
Freemantles, nor was it altogether unsatis-
factory to our other friends, the Reynolds
family.
The lord and master of the house, as we
said, returned to his home, and he and his
wife lived on very amicably, all the better
for the tempest of rage which preceded their
reunion.
Mr. Reynolds having forgiven his wife, said
no more; he forgave her thoroughly, and she
in gratitude, was all love and tenderness
towards him.
M 9
250 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
The family met round the social board at
Christmas, as it used to do in more preten-
tious days. Tom, a perfectgem, came home
from Oxford, and he and his father became
such fast friends and companions, that the
latter felt half his life go from him when
duties recalled his son from home.
It was early in the spring that a brief was
put into his hands, the sight of which stunned
him as if by a blow.
This same brief was for the defence of Sir
Richard Ruinall, his old coadjutor in the
defunct ‘‘ Bubble-and-Squeak,”’ the troubles
connected with which philanthropic institution
promised to be a perpetual fountain of em-
ployment and profit to the gentlemen of the
Bar.
Sir Richard’s cavalier treatment of the un-
fortunate shareholders added insult to injury, .
and so aroused their indignation that they
resolved he should not escape, if the smallest
opportunity presented itself of bringing him
to condign punishment.
An opportunity did present itself. It was
considered, on examination of the books of the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 251
company, which, by-the-bye, resembled its
funds, and proved an enormous deficit—like
the Sibylline volumes, many were wanting,
and the writings of the remainder were so
mystical and erratic, that the deciphering
thereof was not a labour of love.
But the interpreters of these Abracadabras
managed, however, to elucidate, they thought,
two distinct charges of misappropriation of
the funds of the company, evidenced by two
heavy drafts on its bankers, purporting to
be signed and drawn by Sir Richard Ruinall.
On the dissolution of Parliament, he had
decided on not renewing his ticket-of-leave,
but to keep out of harm’s way, and like a
soldier tired, live abroad on the comfortable
independence his fight at Fortune’s door had
secured to him. ;
But as Mr. Reynolds said, the law will
find you out, though buried fathoms deep in
earth.
Sir Richard heard its voice, even in the
calm depths of his retreat, and was compelled
to answer its summons, or be disgraced for
ever.
252 JOHN FORTESCUK REYNOLDS, ESQ.
As we said, Mr. Reynolds was much shocked
at this proof of the near presence of the
‘sword of Justice. A mortal pallor over-
spread his face, and he stood rooted to the
spot.
“This shall not be!” said he, at length
awakening, ‘‘ He is innocent! and I will clear
him, though it be (with a look of high and
fixed resolve), that I stand in his place !”’
The trial of the hon. baronet on a criminal
charge was not long in coming to pass, the
prosecution was marked by especial rancour,
charges were preferred, and transactions de-
tailed, that if substantiated, would go far to
prove that no man should be trusted with the
interests of another ; with power of any kind,
rises the temptation to use and misuse ;
honour, disinterestedness, good faith become
empty sounds, and are powerless to oppose
the promptings of greed, tyranny, or self-
agorandisement. |
Mr. Reynolds, on rising for the defence,
appeared to be suffering in bodily health, but
his manner was calm, and as was his wont when
he plunged into his subject, the energy of his
JOHN FORTESOUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 253
nature burst forth in a stream of such pas-
sionate eloquence that judge, jury, all who
heard him, regarded him as one inspired.
He threw back with scorn and indignation
the base assertion of the pleadings, and swore
in the presence of his Maker to prove its
falsehood. ‘* He had been chosen for the
defence, and why? Not from personal mo-
tives, not from friendship, but because they
who chose him knew well that associated as he
and Sir Richard had been as fellow-workers
in the same cause, he could speak with truth
and perfect knowledge of his character, and he
hesitated not to declare thata blacker calumny
never entered the mind of man to put forth.
Had he himself been summoned as a witness,
he would have stated circumstances that must
have utterly annihilated the base slanderers ;
would have related circumstances so con-
vineing and incontrovertible, that the counsel
for the prosecution would at once have laid
down their briefs in shame and contrition,
that they, however unwittingly, had stood up
the false accusers of an innocent man.
‘‘He would call witnesses, impartial wit
254 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
nesses, who would prove to the satisfaction of —
everyone present that the Hon. Baronet was
incapable of the offence imputed to him, and
who would unhesitatingly pronounce the sig-
nature attached to those documents to be for-
gerles.
“‘ He would call one whose name was as the
broad stone of honour in the eyes of his
countrymen—that name was Colonel Free-
mantle! He (Mr. Reynolds) read approval in
the looks of his auditors, he anticipated their
verdict ; they knew that name could never be
associated with aught save what was upright
and admirable. He (Colonel Freemantle) had
been associated for a short time with the com-
pany now prosecuting; too short had it been
for the welfare of that institution, which, with
his name attached to it, he (Mr. Reynolds)
boldly affirmed, would have withstood the
shocks which had since levelled it to the
ground. But he had resigned, to obey the
eall of his country ina wider field of action,
one more adapted to his great talents and
rising fame. Colonel Freemantle would speak
for his former colleague, he would bear witness
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 255
to his truth and probity, he would swear
to the falsity of those signatures—for him-
self, he would never rest till this stigma, this
foul blot should be removed from the fair
fame of ohe of the most honourable men that
ever existed, till he walked forth with his
good name as spotless as his life.”
Friendship, like love, is blind; but Mr.
Reynolds must have been very blind indeed if,
with the knowledge of the doings of his
friend in his public capacity, he could in
calmer moments flatter himself he spoke the
truth; yet carried away by the warmth and
earnestness of his feelings, and knowing the
falsity of this accusation, he at the time really
and truly believed what he said.
Mr. Reynolds fulfilled his promise, and
proved, to the satisfaction of judge and jury,
that the names appended to the two drafts in
question were not those they purported to be,
though so close a counterpart was one, that
the Baronet himself rather suspected some
necromancy with the document than with his
name, tilla hint was conveyed to him from
unknown quarters, relative to his being at the
256 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the date thereof manacled by gout, chained
hand and foot, and, therefore, incapacitated
from signing his name.
It was quite true that Freemantle had been
subpoenaed as a witness for the defence—a
hazardous step after what had taken place—
but the question was a simple one, and did
not enter into the merits or demerits of the
management, and Mr. Reynolds knew well,
none better, the value of such a card in his
pack.
Freemantle was much surprised at the bold-
ness of such a stroke, and scarce knew whether
to admire or condemn ; but he obeyed the
summons, however, readily, only hoping the
opposing counsel might not probe his opinions
too deeply.
He listened like the rest to the force of the
defence, and if somewhat doubtful of the sin-
cerity of the tribute paid to himself, highly
coloured as it was, still he knew the impres-
sionable nature of the speaker, how when
under fire his very reason became the sport of
his tongue.
He decided against the genuineness of the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 257
signature, and if, as in stirring times when
our faculties are more keenly acted on by the
excitement of our surroundings, a certain
similarity struck him as peculiar, he pushed
it aside as the suggestion of an evil spirit, nor
gave it a second thought.
258 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXVIIT.
DRIFTING TOWARDS THE OCEAN.
Tue Baronet was acquitted of the charge of
misdemeanour, the only one on which the
prosecution could have failed, and yet it was
the only one on which it was considered there
was sufficient ground to frame a bill of indict-
ment.
But he was still in the hands of the law,
and if he left the dock of the Old Bailey with
some of the mire washed off, he was not yet
whitewashed, and the snug quarters he had
provided for himself in his old age must have
been those of the Queen’s Bench, since that
was the domicile decreed to him, at any rate,
till he had squared accounts with the Bubble-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 259
and-Squeak, to the satisfaction of the liquida-
tors.
Mr. Reynolds gained additional laurels, not
only for his eloquence, but for the energy and
good feeling he had displayed in the cause of
friendship.
But he thought not of ae: he thought
more of the probability of the real offender
being discovered, who would not only be
arraigned on the charge of fraudulent misap-
propriation, but of forging the name of the
chairman, doubling the crime by causing, if.
not an innocent man in the general accepta-
tion of the word, at least one innocent of this
charge to be brought before the bar of justice.
On these things he pondered long and
deeply, and the more he did so, the more
terrible appeared to him would be the conse-
quences of discovery.
If Sir Richard had not committed the lesser
offence,—and in this instance he was proved
not guilty, and he (Mr. Reynolds) had done all
he could, and successfully too, to clear him,—
someone must have committed a greater.
The matter would not be allowed to rest,
260 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
and how terrific would be the fate of the
guilty party.
What if he was a man like himself, a mem-
ber of a noble profession, a rising man, who,
through his own talents and perseverance,
had raised himself from comparative obscurity
to a prominent place in public estimation, and
whose prospects pointed to a much higher
position !
To be arraigned as a felon! To stand a
criminal before that awful tribunal, whose
voice could pronounce life or death! Who
would speak for him? Who plead his cause
before those ministers of fate, that would
look with sterner eyes on one, who, knowing
the right, yet chose the evil, and disgraced his
calling ?
Stripped of his honours! Disbarred! His
name held up to scorn! His children
marked !
** Never!” would he exclaim, starting from
his trance, ‘‘ Before man should lay a finger
on me—”
The next day Mr. Reynolds was singularly
cheerful; the principal journals had given full
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.- 261
reports of the trial of Sir Richard, and were
highly eulogistic of the talent displayed in
the defence. One of them in particular had
devoted a masterly pen to a leader on the
subject ; but, while equally commendatory,
unconsciously subscribed to the very tenour
of Mr. Reynolds’ thoughts, as to the discovery
sooner or later of the author of the mysterious
signatures.
Mrs. Reynolds, in the hope that through the
increasing prosperity of her husband, their
withdrawal from what is termed “society ”’
‘was only temporary, was much gratified by
the respect and admiration paid to her hus-
band’s talents, and if ever harmony had been
full and perfect between them, it was now.
Mr. Reynolds was busy the whole morning,
sorting, arranging, and burning papers ; he
wrote letters, romped with his little ones, and
affectionately kissing them, went out, to see
what was doing at his chambers, and to return
the three hundred guinea fee. For this case.
he would take nothing.
On his way thither, his gloom returned, and
was so perceptible that he scarce looked the
same man.
262 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“ Disbarred! Disbarred!”? It haunted him
like a hideous spectre; it rang in his ears, as
the death knell of his fame.
He was but a few steps from the Temple,
when, raising his eyes, he saw standing on the
kerbstone before him, waiting to cross, his
old friend—yes, friend through all—Free-
mantle.
The recognition had been simultaneous, as
the latter had glanced aside previous to cross-
ing.
Mr. Reynolds was quick and impulsive in
all his actions, the effect of temperament, and
the cause of most of his errors.
On seeing the Colonel, he darted forward,
and holding out the hand of peace, said with
warmth and feeling—
“‘[ wronged you, Colonel Freemantle! It
was not successful, and no one rejoices in
your good fortune more than myself.”
“ By-gones have long been by-gones with
me,” ‘returned our hero. ‘*‘ Where do you
think I come from P”
“YT cannot imagine. Perhaps from my
chambers!” answered Mr. Reynolds, venturing
the most improbable place.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 2638
“You are right! you will find my card
there when you go in.” |
“ It is the strangest coincidence,” returned
the other, secretly moved. ‘‘ I was at the
moment thinking of you, and wishing I could
see you, when on looking up, you stood before
me!”
‘‘ Guess my errand! for you seem gifted
with inspiration,’ said Freemantle.
Mr. Reynolds cast again.
“To offer your assistance in making an
M.P. of me, inreturn for my help in securing
your election,” said he, with a smile.
Freemantle puckered up his face into the
most comical of expressions.
‘‘ T shall look for the cloven foot next! I
did come to propose your putting up for some
place: such gifts as ue should have a
wider \sphere for action.”’
“Too late! Too late!’ said, Mr. Rey-
nolds, with sudden gloom.
‘Why too late? Youare in your zenith!
Whose future promises like yours? Itis in
your power to make it unapproachable.”’ |
Mr. Reynolds was deeply affected.
264 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘Too late, I say again! We cannot re-
call the past.” |
“* Lay it aside! Can I help you? Tell
me, as man to man, in what way I can serve
you!” | |
“You are resolved to make a child of me.
Perhaps some day I may call on you to make
good your words, but not now.”
They had entered the Temple, and were
pacing the terrace, below which the river
rolled darkly.
‘* You see this river,’ pursued Mr. Rey-
nolds, with increasing earnestness. “ Its
destiny has been marked out from the begin-
ning of time, not more clearly and de-
cisively yours and mine. It runs its course
of sun and shade, to end as we do in
oblivion.”
‘“¢ But—” began Freemantle.
Mr. Reynolds stopped him, saying—
‘“‘ How is AugustaP Does she ever speak
of her deputy father ?”’ ;
“ Constantly! She is faithful to her old
love, always longing to see you.”
“God bless her, I loved her as my own
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 2605
child, and she deserved to be so, for she was
always affectionate to me.” |
*¢ I will tell her what you say, it will delight
her beyond measure.”
* Do! and give her my love, and tell her I
rejoice she hag fallen into such good hands ;
that her river runs so clear,” he added, as if
musing. —
His voice and manner struck Freemantle,
who then observed how changed he was, yet
not more so in appearance than in thought —
and feeling.
“ Are you engaged this afternoon?” said
he. “Can you spare half-an-hour to come
home with me ?”
“ Do not tempt me!’ answered Mr. Rey-
nolds, ‘“ lest I turn from my purpose; I have
urgent business this afternoon. Another
time.”
“Then I must not detain you. I hope all
are well at home ?”
“Yes, all well. Thanks for your visit,
it has been most consolatory to me—time
may perhaps tell you why.”
Again Freemantle was struck by his
manner, and a peculiar and undefined feel-
VOL: II. N
266 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
ing made him turn, after parting, to renew
his offer of assistance, should it be needed.
But he saw Mr. Reynolds entering the door
of his chambers, and delicacy made him shun
anything approaching to intrusion, so he
retraced his steps, and went to the home
whose enchantment still held captive his
heart.
JOHN FORTESCUR REYNOLDS, ESQ. 267
CHAPTER XXIX.
‘‘THE SUNSET GUN. ’—F. DANBY.
Mr. Reynoups had never been what is called
a church goer, as has before been remarked.
It may be charitably attributed to a rem-
nant of grace in him that he was not so. He
had justly deemed it incompatible with the
pursuits of gambling, betting on the turf, &ce.
But these pursuits, and many others even
more reprehensible, are often indulged in by
religiously disposed church-going Britons.
Mr. Reynolds was not a hypocrite. He
gave no utterance to professions of religion,
nor made a mockery of it by subscribing to,
and then acting in defiance of, its precepts.
However, so great a change had taken place _
in him, that latterly he had always accom-
panied his family to church.
N 2
268 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
On the Sunday we are about to speak of,
he went with them as usual.
The sermon was one peculiarly adapted to
the frame of mind in which he was. It was
delivered by one, whose memory is still
revered by those who had the blessing of his
guidance ; one whose benignity of disposition,
whose ready hand, and open heart, endeared
him to all from the highest to the least of his
flock, and fitted him to adorn the sacred
office, of which he was so true and worthy a
disciple.
On this day the sermon, a funeral one, told
of the mercy and goodness of God to his
creatures, the preacher’s favourite theme. He
was not wont to represent Him as the God
of Vengeance and Wrath, more ready to
_ punish and slay than to pity and forgive; the
preacher loved rather to plead the cause of
religion and virtue with earnest and eloquent
lips. | |
To-day he spoke of the uncertainty of life,
how death’s thousand doors stand always
open, how constantly we see our fellow
creatures cut off without warning, or time
given for preparation, how worse than mad-
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 269
ness to indulge in the vain hope that a death-
bed repentance could atone for a life of sin.
Yet even here his amiable nature would
not permit him to send away the sinful and
weak comfortless, were there such among his
hearers.
He endeavoured to impress upon them
that sorrow for past offences, real and sincere,
however late, were better than to leave the ~
world in the hardness and disbelief in which
they had lived.
“And who?” said he, in conclusion,
‘‘ blind and erring as the best of us are, shall
presume to say that even at the eleventh hour,
the humble petition ‘ God be merciful to me a
sinner!’ may not avail to open the gates
of mercy, and find favour with Him, who is
a God of love, who knoweth all our weak-
nesses, and pitieth us even as a father pitieth
his children.”’
The preacher’s voice was in unison with
his words, his congregation was moved, not
one more deeply than Mr. Reynolds, whose
sympathetic soul vibrated to the kindred
voice of harmony.”
He wept, nor was ashamed.
2970 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
A wonderful calm came over him; he
looked around with the loving tender regret
of those to whom the inward monitor whis-
pers, “ It is your last!”
‘“‘ How lovely the world looks!’ said he to
his wife, on their way home, “and what a
beautiful sermon was ours.”
He sighed as he spoke, but rallying, he
continued—
“* And how charming you look my dear!
too young a great deal to be the mother of
such a troop of big ones; you ought by
rights only to have this little pet, who has
fast hold of papa’s hand, and slept away the
sermon on his breast.”
He held the small hand still tighter in his
own, and looked down tenderly on the
innocent face, smiling, and looking up at
him with the clear unclouded eyes of child-
hood.
“It is like our early days, John, dear,”
said his wife, strangely sympathetic. ‘“ Those
dear old happy days, before the big ones, as
you call them, came between us to add to our
cares and distract our attention from each
other.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 2/71
He pressed her arm still closer to his side,
and kept it there the rest of the walk.
Later in the afternoon he went out, telling
his wife he would run down and have a look
at the boys, who were still at Highgate,
where they encountered the ups and downs >
of school-life, but were not on the whole
unhappy.
Their father with the one very green spot
in his heart, loved his wife and children
dearly, but his Castor and Pollux, as we said
before, with their rollicking fun, their bound-
less spirits, and their love for himself, were
dear beyond expression.
With the devotion of that other love ‘of
his youth, he would count the days for his
next visit to them, carry them out, loiter
along the green lanes, listening to their lively —
prattle, and delay the hour of parting, even
as he did in his early days, when another love,
scarce stronger, claimed the homage of his
heart.
Latterly his visits had been more frequent,
and each time he parted with them it was
associated with keener regret, with tenderer
solicitude, and withal so sad a face, that the
272. JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
lads, merry and thoughtless as they were, had
been struck with it.
So it was this day.
“T say, Alfred,” observed Castor, on their
father’s quitting them, “it doesn’t look all
right with dear old pater, does it ?”’
“No!” replied his second, ‘he looks as if
he had got the mullygrubs in his big toe. He
would be jolly enough here.”
‘‘ So he would !”’ said number one, admir-
ing his brother’s good sense. ‘I tell you
what it is, he misses us, he says it is not like
home without us.”
‘No more it is,” answered Alfred, de-
cidedly. ‘‘ Everything is topsy-turvy, Pll be
bound ; no life or fun, nothing but growling
and scolding all day long.”
““When we go home for the holidays,” re-
turned Arthur, “‘ we will take him about with
us, and talk to him.”
*‘ Aye, that we will; he shall play cricket,
and pitch-and-toss with us. We’ll shew him
what life is; he wouldn’t be dull if he was
here with us.”
“ T wish he was,” said Arthur; ‘* There’s
the bell for prayers.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 273
In the meantime the father, after parting
with his boys, paced the precincts of their
dwelling lost in gloomy reverie, till too op-
pressed, dark without, dark within, he took
his solitary way home, feeling sure that his
darlings were wrapped in their innocent
slumbers, and praying God that they might
never know the heavy heart of their father.
On his return he found his young ones
safely ensconced in their downy nests; Sophy
already slept; he bent over her, in mute dis-
tress, kissed her softly and tenderly, and then
went to his little one, Bessie, who occupied a
crib in the room with her parents. She was
still awake. She had not ‘“ tiss’d pa,” and
would not sleep, but lay listening for his
step; she rose up as he entered, and flung
her round arms about his neck.
He took her up in his arms.
** My darling not asleep ? could not without
bidding papa good-night. God bless my little
angel. To Him I commend her! He will
protect her !”
“Are you sorye, papa?’ asks the inno-
cent, seeing something in the workings of his
countenance that passed her understanding.
N 90
274 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
“Sorry for many things, my pet. How
did you find that out ?”
“There's a dop o’tear on you cheek,” and
she wiped it off with her night dress, and
then kissed him.
He clasped her convulsively to his breast.
At length he laid her down.
‘“‘ My darling must go to sleepnow. Sleep,
and dream of papa. My Bessie must promise
never to forget me, but to love me as long as
she lives.”
** Are you doing away ?”’ she asks with the
quickness that marked her for his own child.
“Going ? ah, whither ?” he answered me-
chanically.
“Then I will do too! I will do with you!’
and she rose up in her cot.
Mr. Reynolds rushed from the room.
Later he joined his wife, and passed with
her an hour in cheerful conversation; he
talked lightly, and even gaily ; told her .how
pleasant the day had been to him, that she had
always been a loving and tender wife, and was
now more so than ever; said it was a great
satisfaction to him that he and Freemantle
were again friends, he was a generous fellow.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 275
Mrs. Reynolds could not subscribe to this
quite so readily as to the commendation of
herself, but she only looked her negative.
Her husband laughed, and said she would |
be taking Freemantle and Augusta to her
heart yet.
Mrs. Reynolds gave a negative in words to
this last ; Augusta triumphant, she could not
forgive.
“Yes you will, for my sake,” returned Mr.
Reynolds. ‘Ill bribe you to it; I know you
to be open toone.”” And he placed his pocket-
book in her hand.
** You are above your sex if you resist that.
You will be careful of it for my sake again.
I know you love me.”
“‘ Love you, Reynolds, dear ?”’ said she, with
feeling, ‘ you know I do; better than anybody
in this wide world—better than myself.”
He clasped her in his arms. |
A sudden suspicion of something wrong
flashed through her brain, and she turned
deadly pale. But the instant resumption of
his natural manner reassured her; he told
her jestingly to be off, for he wanted to be
quiet, he had business papers of importance
276 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
that must be attended to, he did not know
when he should get to bed, not at all he sus-
pected. There was a sofa in his den, and he
would lie down upon that if he was over-
powered, so she was not to be uneasy or let
anyone disturb him. He held the light while
she mounted the stairs, called out good-night
~ to her, and then went into the study, the door
of which he locked.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 277
CHAPTER XXX.
‘‘QMSAR DEAD. —F. GEROME.
Her husband’s last words prevented Mrs.
Reynolds from feeling any surprise next
morning that he had not been to rest.
She enquired of the maid who came in to
assist her, if Mr. Reynolds was within, and
was answered that he was in his room, for
the door was locked, but they could hear him
moving about when they tried it ; a statement
not corroborated by after circumstances.
Mrs. Reynolds was satisfied, and continued —
her dressing ; the golden-haired little Bessie,
fresh as a rose from her morning’s bath,
trotted in, according to custom, to greet her,
and, not seeing her father, asked if “‘ Pa was
dorn away ?”
‘‘ No, my sweet,” answered her mamma,
278 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
‘he is busy in his room, and Ou must not
disturb him.” |
“Oh!” says the little one, brightening, and
away she ran down to the room, the door of
which, if closed to all others, was always
opened wide to receive her, and many a merry
gambol took piace therein.
“Pa! pa!’ whispers the youthful Peri,
“JT want totum in! Open d-door!”
But the door does not open, and, after ex-
hausting her small efforts with the handle,
she sits down on the mat a patient little
watch-dog, waiting for the step that will never
again be heard by mortal ears.
By-and-bye the mother descends; Bessie
gets up, and whispers her mysteriously
that “‘Pa has dorn away; it’s all dark
there.”
And so 16 was—dark fey silent, yet filled
with an awful presence which cast its dread
shadow on those standing without.
Mrs. Reynolds tried the door, and called to
her husband.
In vain !
The door was locked, the key inside.
Terror seized her. She ran out into the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 279
back to survey the windows; the shutters
were closed.
Pale with affright she called aloud for help.
Help came but too soon for her, poor
woman.
The door is forced, and in the half-lght a
figure was seen lying on the floor.
Mrs. Reynolds sprang forward, her eyes
starting from their sockets.
‘“* Reynolds! My dear, dear Reynolds
Someone opens the shutters, and lets in the
dreadful day. |
A piercing shriek from Mrs. Reynolds rang
through the house, and she fell senseless on
the dead body of her husband.
“Papa! Papa! Detup! Det up,” cries
the little one.
Nurse snatches her up, and carries her
??
shrieking from the room.
With tender hands the attendants raise the
unhappy lady, and convey her to her chamber,
and then they busy themselves about him, the
partner of her life, the silent occupant of that
sorrowful room.
He must have been dead hours; beside him
lay the instrument of destruction, a razor,
280 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
scarce fallen from the hand, which relaxed its
hold only with life.
And here was the pang. Mr. Reynolds’
own hand had set free the floodgates of life,
and, bathed in the crimson tide, lay the man >
of surpassing talents, of liveliest sympathies ;
whose heart was warm, whose sensibilities
were keen ; yet lacking principle, the one
thing needful, his very virtues became goads
to urge him on to greater excesses, till,
hemmed in and beset, he saw no escape but to
offer himself up as a sacrifice on the altar of
atonement.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 281
CHAPTER XXXII.
SOULPTURE, ‘‘ PEACE.’’—-CANOVA.
Mrs. Rynotps was not deserted by her
friends in the hour of her tribulation.
Friends !
We do not know our friends, we do not
know human nature—its large heartedness,
the self-sacrifice, the devotion of which it ig
capable, till its spirit of good is called into
action.
We may go on year after year, some to the
end of their days, scarcely knowing those
with whom we are on terms of acquaintance-
ship; often misjudging, perhaps speaking
lightly of them. Yet in the hour of mis-
fortune these may be the first to extend to us
282 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
the ready hand of support and assistance,
as if in condemnation of our own sins of
injustice and uncharitableness.
It was long ere the bereaved lady could be
brought to listen to the voice of sympathy, or
even religion, dead as she was to everything
but the one overpowering affliction that had
befallen her.
It is said, and those who have experienced
it must know, that the return to conscious-
ness after drowning 1s accompanied by pain
and suffering unknown in the passage to ex-
tinction.
So in cases of life and death.
Death is in the awakening, death in the
fearful sense of desolation, death in the
vacuum the future shall never fill up.
The dead die not.
“‘ The dead shall live! The living die!”
Mrs. Reynolds lay long in insensibility, and
heartrending shrieks were the only signs she
gave of returning consciousness.
The first person to enter her doors was the
good pastor, the shepherd of his flock, the |
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 283
consoler, the comforter, he whose words of
divine import had but yesterday spoken to
the heart of her suffering husband.
Passing the house he heard the voice of
lamentation and woe; he knew his place was
there. He entered in, beheld the sorrow,
spoke words of peace to the afflicted lady,
nor left her till, clinging to his words, she
promised to remember, and act upon them.
Freemantle, whose kindness of heart would
have fitted him for the sacred calling, came,
and comforted her by the promise of his
assistance in this her time of need.
From the moment of parting with Mr.
Reynolds the previous Saturday, Freemantle
had been haunted by a presentiment he could
not shake off.
Certainly it did not point to the frightful
reality, but his short connection with the
Bubble-and-Squeak Company had given him
an insight into its proceedings. He felt sure
that Mr. Reynolds was largely involved, and.
was apprehensive that the law having secured
the head-offender, the next move would be
towards the second in command. His anxiety
284 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
was great to save Mr. Reynolds from the
Bankruptcy Court, where the death blow
would be given not only to his hopes of rising
to the height his talents entitled him, but
likewise to the prospect of his clearing him-
self honourably from his encumbrances by
means of the increasing practice his popu-
larity brought him.
This feeling prompted the Colonel’s desire
to get him into Parliament: a borough was
vacant, he was confident of success, and,
wanting only credentials to canvass for him,
he sallied to the Temple on the Monday for
the purpose of obtaining them, and to assure
himself of Mr. Reynolds well-being.
The clerk had just entered; his white face
full of horror, his tongue full of the tale of woe.
A brief of consequence had come in; Mr.
Reynolds not appearing as usual, he had run
down with it to his house, and had thence re-
-turned, laden with the news.
Freemantle did not hesitate a moment; he
went direct on his charitable errand, and
Mrs. Reynolds wept her first tears at sight of
him.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 285
Nor were his empty offers; though almost
unmanned himself, he was the moving spirit
that shielded the character of Mr. Reynolds
from blame as muchas possible; the son
(Thomas)—absent and ignorant of all affairs
at home—knew nothing but the terrible fact
which had stunned him.
To Freemantle, the last of his friends who
had seen him, and to the evidence he gave of
the gloom and depression observable in Mr.
Reynolds, was due the unhesitating verdict of
“Temporary Insanity.”
The blame was laid on Bubble-and-Squeak ;
he had been worried and harassed by the
complication of evils attending it ; the excite-
ment consequent on the trial of his colleague,
together with the delivery of his splendid
address, had been too much for his over-
worked brain.
The two boys were brought from Highgate
to look on their dead father’s face—the father
from whom they had so lately parted, whose
grave tenderness had touched with sadness
even their light hearts.
No! The dead cannot hear! The dead
286 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
cannot feel! orit was not he to le so still,
deaf to the lamentations of those whom he so
dearly loved, nor rise to comfort them.
It must not be supposed that loving,
amiable Mrs. Whynn would stand aloof ata
period of such suffering. She was out of
town; but no sooner did the terrible news
reach her than she was on her way to the
house of mourning.
At sight of her, some remnant of Mrs. Rey-
nolds’ old spirit flashed up.
*¢ You here!” said she, haughtily. “ Have
you come to triumph over me? To
gratify your hate by the sight of my
misery ?””’
“ May God visit me,” replied Mrs. Whynn, .
“with the punishment due to such a crime,
could Ibe so inhuman. No, Sophia, I come
to you in your trouble, I come to you in my
trouble, for yours is mine. Let us be friends
my dear! and be to each other what we once
were.”
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 287
The afflicted woman laid her head on the
breast of her friend.
“ Yes!’ she murmured, “ let us be friends !
The hand of God is heavy on me.”
And they wept together.
288 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
CHAPTER XXXII.
‘“ MOTHER AND CHILD.’ —JAN DE MABUSE.
Ovr tale is told.
The few more last words belong quite as
much to the writer as to the orator, and we
avail ourselves of our privilege to say a few
more last words about those with whom we,
the writers, have journeyed long, and part
from regretfully.
Some few years have elapsed since the cir-
cumstances took place as detailed in this his-
tory, and we regret to record that Freemantle
has not fulfilled the destiny usually accorded
to heroes, who survive the dreadful ordeal of
three volumes.
Fortune has not made him a Duke, nor yet
the master of untold gold.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 289
It really seems a remarkable instance, of’
shortsightedness in the heads of the two great
parties in politics, not to have secured so
valuable an acquisition to their ranks, for he
is considered the most rising man of the day ;
being a first-rate speaker, and held in much
esteem by both sides as a man of incor-
ruptible integrity.
Freemantle, with all these advantages,
ought really to have done better—been Prime
Minister at least. We cannot think what he
has been about; nor the Prime Ministers
either, not to have given him the: strawberry
leaves—and some strawberries too of course;
he could not eat the leaves, they are for
ornament.
Still he is wonderfully happy and con-
tented. Adored by his constituents, it will
not be their fault if his reign is not as
extended as his predecessor’s, Sir George
Goodwin.
We leave him now, his horizon is cloudless,
the prospect before him clear and promising.
At home the most perfect harmony exists, he
and his dear wife are all in all to each other.
VoL. ll. 0
290 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
They have children who are dreadfully spoiled
by their grandparents.
As regards the future of Castor and Pollux,
we rejoice to say it is not unpromising. Their
brother, the upright Tom, has done his best
to supply the place of their lost father to them.
He placed everything in the hands of Mr.
King, who in the wreck that ensued on exam-
ining into affairs, strove to save his dead
friend’s name from reproach, and to secure
what was possible for his children.
Tom gave up whatever he himself possessed,
but true to the sacred trust reposed in him as
their guardian, he would not send his brothers
and sisters helpless and guiltless, beggars into
the world. He has fought the good fight and
paid his father’s creditors to the utmost farth-
ing.
The two boys went back to their school at
Highgate; their abilities were good, and so
were their dispositions; they found friends,
and the hand of severity when necessary was
lighter on them in consideration of their
misfortunes.
The only difference of opinion, if such it
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 291
may be called, between Freemantle and his
father-in-law, was in reference to the future
career of these two lads.
The Colonel set his heart on getting them
commissions in his own regiment, but the .«
Admiral interfered.
They were fine, high-spirited lads, just the
sort for the Navy, which wants reinforcing.
He would procure them admission into it,
look after them, and do his best for their pro-
motion.
The Admiral was right, and Freemantle
acquiesced, it being his happiness to act ever
in concert with his father-in-law, to whom
he is indeed as a son.
The good Admiral, if not provided with a
large family, makes up forit by additions
from other quarters ; he and his wife have
charged themselves with the future of the
little Bessie.
This darling child was long inconsolable
for the loss of her tender and affectionate
father, but the loving kindness of all about
her restored at last the rose to her innocent
cheek, and the joyous laughter of childhood
292 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
once more cheered the heart of her bereaved
mother, if aught can be said to cheer a heart
so broken, whose only solace is in the care
and companionship of her two little girls, the
‘youngest of hzs children.
Soon after the death of Mr. Reynolds
a letter of his addressed to Mrs. Whynn came
to light. It had been written the night of
the fatal deed, and was instinct with the
character of the writer.
It made no allusion to the act he was about
to commit, further than to beseech her to
listen to the words of a dying man. ‘Trouble
was coming, beyond what could be conceived.
He implored her by the long friendship of
the years, by the kindness and gentleness of
her nature, to put aside the remembrance of
the misunderstanding, which had separated
the families from each other, and give back
to his wife the affection of their early days.
She had done nothing to forfeit the esteem of
her friends, she had had no participations or
even knowledge of actions, which brought
consequences in their train that would in-
volve the innocent in the same ruin as the
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 293
guilty. He could not say more, but he felt
sure that even when all was known, she
would still remember and pity him, and bea
friend to those he loved and left behind.
All he asked was her countenance and
sympathy, and knowing her as he did, he felt
so certain of it, that with his last breath, he
prayed God to bless and protect her.
The Admiral and his wife were touched by
the melancholy address, and Mrs. Whynn
had the satisfaction of knowing that she
had fulfilled to the very letter his request,
before this mute appeal to her sympathies
was discovered.
On Fred was settled a handsome annuity
for his life: his father had acknowledged him
by leaving directions, that the sum of money
standing in Augusta’s name, as his daughter,
should be transferred to his son “ Frederick
Reynolds,” hitherto called Frederick Whyan,
which was executed in due legal form.
So Fred the erratic did not come badly off.
He made his home with the * Old Bwicks,”
for there were two now, to shew his
“ owatitude:’ besides, “they—were—so—
03
294 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
pwecious—fond—of—him,—they’—d—bweak
—their—hearts if—he— was—to—thwow—
them—overboard. Miss—Augusta—had wun
off—like—the— west—of— the—fwivolous—
girls, —he—must— stay —and— look — after
— their — intewests. — Pity — wasn’t —their
were—tweasures, girls—were
son! Boys
boobies,—make—nothing—of—them !”’
He proved a faithless swain to poor Bell:
he promised ‘“ to— twy—another— time,”
on finding the fates unpropitious in a toss-up
with the gifted penny-piece.
But he never did try again.
Bell, whose mental toss-up persisted in
coming down “ Heads” in favour of the
Miller’s Son, nevertheless waited long in
hopes of a change of behaviour in her knight-
truant. She was concerned to hear of the
change in his fortunes, and would have for-
given him if he had shewn the smallest
symptoms of repentance. But he making no
sign, like a sensible girl, she voted him a bad
bargain and gave her honest hand to one
more suitable to her in every way.
That Fred lives is a marvel. And of what
use it 1s his doing so is a greater marvel still.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 295:
The only solution we can arrive at is that
he and his ‘* miwaculous escapes,” are required
to fill up certain blank spaces in the news-
papers, by which means he confers a boon
on them, and keeps himself before the eyes
of an admiring public.
And what of Gertrude his sister? so like
him in many respects, yet unlike him ina
certain warmth of heart and right feeling,
which made its way with people, despite his
very long lst of shortcomings.
Gertrude possessed a keen eye for the main
chance. Affairs at home, as we have said,
not being to her liking, she took herself off to:
very comfortable quarters, to an uncle and
aunt, to whom she related the tale of her
wrongs and sufferings, and gained much
sympathy and solid pudding into the bar-
oain.
But no one could be with Gerty and love
her. She possessed the antidote to affection,
-and disgusted her best friends by her hard-
ness of heart and unnatural conduct when the
terrible crisis took place.
To use her own words—*“ She was glad to
be out of the bother, she did not care what
296 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
they did. Thank goodness, she had some-
thing to live on; if she went home they would
be taking it from her to pay some nasty debts.”
But finding neither friends nor help were
wanting them in the hour of their desolation,
she deemed it prudent to put in an appear-
ance, to share the loaves and fishes deal-
ing out. ‘There was, however, not much to
spare for her, or any. of them indeed, and
soon wearying she took herself back again,
till a fracas with a cousin, who shared with
her the bounty of childless, kind-hearted rela-
tives, sent her home again, and so on
till she reached the age of twenty-one, when
she informed her tyrants that she was now her
own mistress, and she was not going to be
put upon, or madea slave of any longer. She
had some money; it was not much ofa
fortune, but it was better than nothing, and
there were many who would be glad to have
her for the sake of it!
She made a miserable marriage, cutting
herself off en toto from the society in which
she had been brought up, and sending her un-
fortunate mother into hysterics when she
heard of it.
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 297
Violent and incapable, yet maintaining in
her lower sphere all her appreciation of the
better things of this life, impatient of priva-
tion, she and her children would have often
fared badly but for the ready hand of her
foster sister, Augusta Freemantle.
In this light does our heroine ever regard
herself in relation to the companions of her
childhood. She never forgets that she made
part and parcel of their daily lives, was:
nourished at the same source, sat at the same
board, and shared their sports and pastimes. ~
She and Mrs. Reynolds are the dearest
friends in the world.
“ Yes you will, for my sake!” speaking
from out the grave, would fall as a mournful
injunction none could disregard.
But with Mrs. Reynolds, fraught with the
saddest of memories, hallowed by the tender-
ness of that parting hour, they crushed out
of her the remembrance of everything but
that they were fzs words, Azs last wish, which
she would have died rather than not have ful-
filled.
Augusta is the last of our biographical
sketches. |
298 JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ.
Will you care to know that her life is one
of rare felicity ? Loving and beloved, she has
not a care nor a wish, but the pic ~ one to be
more worthy of the blessings vouchsafed to
her. | |
And here lies the secret of her happiness,
the charm of her loving, earnest, active
spirit. :
It is the well-spring of gratitude to God,
in her heart; it is the sense of His presence
everywhere, her boundless trust, and faith in
His ruling and ordering of all things.
It is this that suffuses her eyes as she gazes
with rapture on the sleeping beauties of her
infant son, and implores grace for him.
“ Oh, God! I ask Thee not for wealth or
power for this darling little treasure, which
Thou hast given me. I only pray Thee that he
may be good. Grant that no base or un-
worthy desires may sully the spotless soul,
which Thou hast created. May his heart
swell with high and noble purpose. May it
be the sanctuary of virtue and honour, worthy
of that celestial spark which emanates from
Thee.”
Thus saying, the young mother presses still
JOHN FORTESCUE REYNOLDS, ESQ. 299
closer to her bosom the innocent object of her
love and devotion.
“Tears, *‘ ugusta?’ says her husband enter-
ing: she rises and holds up the child to him.
“He is like you! Your eyes! He must
be like you in everything. Thatis all I ask.”
Freemantle folds his two idols ina loving
embrace.
“« My world !” says he.
‘‘And mine,”’ she softly answers, ‘“ God,
and you.”
THE END.
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T. C. Newsy 30, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London.
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