r ^L I B R.AR.Y OF THE UN or [VLRSITY ILLINOIS The person charging this material is re- sponsible for its return to the library from which it was withdrawn on or before the Latest Date stamped below. Theft, mutilation, and underlining of books ore reasons for disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from the University. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN L161 — O-1096 TINSLEYS' MAGAZINE, Sn illustratrtJ IHontljIg, Price One Shilling, CONDUCTED BY EDMUND YATES, BEEAKING A BUTTERFLY; OR, BLANCHE ELLEESLIE'S ENDING. By the Author of " Guy Livingstone," &c. A HOUSE OF CAEDS. A Novel. By a New AVriter. NOVELS: By Edmund Yates, Author of "Black Sheep," &c. ENGLISH PHOTOGRAPHS. By au American. THE LATEST PARIS FASHIONS {Illustrated). &c. &c. &c. The March to Magdala. By G. A. Henty, the Special Correspondent of The Standard. In 1 vol., 8vo. 15s. A Winter Tour in Spain. By the Author of " Dacia Singleton," "What Money can't do," &c. In 1 vol., 8vo. With Illustrations. 15s. The Life of David Garrick. Erom Original Family Papers and numerous Published and Unpublished Sources. By Percy Fitzgerald, M.A. 2 vols., 8vo., with Portraits. 36s. " Con Amore;" or, Critical Chapters. By Justin M'Carthv, Author of " The Waterdale Neighbours," &c. 12s. A Saxon's Bemedy for Irish Discontent. In 1 vol. 9s. The Law : What I have Seen, What I have Heard, and What I have Known. By Cyrus Jay. In 1 vol. 7s. 6d. TINSLEY BROTHERS, 18, CATHERINE STREET, STRAND. DIANA GAY; OBf THE HISTOEY OF A YOFNG LADY. BY PERCY FITZGERALD, M.A. F.S.A. AUTHOU OP "KEVEB FOBGOTTEN," "THE LIFE OP GABBICK,' ETC. EIC. ' For her 'tis one long summer's day; For her 'tis ever sun. Eound her do softest zephyrs playj Her do rude breezes shun. She knows no sorrow, knows not pain; 'Tis all a witching trance : For her 'tis all a sweet low strain, And life seems but a dance." John Maeshall (1690). IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL, I. LONDON: TINSLEY BKOTHERS, 18, CATHERINE ST., STRAND. 1868. (All rights reserved.) Oi'iginally published in ^' Belgravia." > 8£^ I. J 4^ INSCEIBED TO MES. CHAELES COLLINS, CONTENTS OF VOLUME I. BOOK THE FIRST. CHAP. PAGE 1. at school 1 2. the two boys 27 3. the great day 40 4. the prizes 71 5. gay court 98 6. "d'orsay" 115 7. mother and son 160 8. the rivals meet 182 9. first check 209 10. THE HUNT 230 11. THE DAY 254 12. CONGRATULATIONS 279 13. PLOTS 296 DIANA GAY. BOOK THE FIEST. CHAPTER I. AT SCHOOL. Peospect-House Academy — a seminary for young gentlemen of genteel birth — lay about four miles from the market-town of Cal- thorpe, and was known by a dignified entrance-gateway, always securely closed, and a general park-like air. It combined all manner of healthful advantages, and had formerly been the private residence of "Wil- liam Freeman, Esq., before that gentleman had broken down, and been compelled to retire to Boulogne. In this former residence the Eev. Doctor Wheeler entertained some 2 DIANA GAY. seventy young boarders, of unexceptionable connections, at the sum of ninety guineas a year eacb, witli extras — wbicli impaired the value of the limit — the Doctor himself looking after the morals and the higher mathematics, and, it must be added, the birch department, in the case of serious offenders only and the more abandoned criminals ; while the pre- sence of Mrs. Wheeler (it was almost plain- tively put forward in the prospectus) was a guarantee for *'the comforts of a home," cookery, and for the linen, &c., being kept in good preservation. It must be said, however, that the young gentlemen were not at all inclined to accept this pleasant deception, and used to speak of this kindly guardian of their interests most disrespectfully as '' Old Mother Wheeler." Doctor Wheeler was accustomed to have periodical exhibitions of his youths, to which neighbours and the few parents and guar- AT SCHOOL. 3 dians who lived within easy range, were invari- ably invited. At Christmas there was a play ; at Easter, Midsummer, and such seasons there were examinations, recitations, and premiums. The preparations for such dis- plays took up a vast deal of time and labour. Even the boys said they were all '' show-off" things, and merely " Wheeler's advertise- ments;" but still, when the parents and guardians came, and saw their charges per- forming such public marvels, they naturally, though illogically, assumed that such brilliant exercises were the spontaneous and habitual efforts of the daily life of the establishment, and went home singing the Doctor's praises. Plenty of fine meadows and some good old trees lay about the exiled Freeman's mansion, which was swept by healthful breezes, and had a view of a great spread of country. The mansion itself was good red brick, with a row of yellow stone vases on the top ; and B 2 4 DIAKA GAT. the head of the house, by knocking away partitions, &c.,had made everything airy and wholesome. Fresh air and exercise were not charged for in the extras, and the Doctor well knew that a reputation for a healthy school was most profitable, and could be had very cheaply indeed. One day the boys were out at their cricket on a well-shaven lawn close to the house ; the air was filled with the pleasant and jocund cries of youth — an eager buzz and chatter as spontaneous as that of busy bees. There was the zest, the sense of enjoyment, the delight in the blessings of the moment, the fresh air, the sense of mere living, which perhaps will pass away later. As there came the smart, quick "whack," and the ball was seen to fly, there rose the frantic and uproar- ious invitation to " Run ! run ! " or " Stay ! stay 1" and the two white figures kept cross- ing each other frantically, while a third AT SCHOOL. 5 seemed to bound and scud desperately after something, like a hare through the grass. The Doctor, in his academic gown (which he never laid aside, except when going out to ride, and which the boys said '' he slept in "), stood afar off at the edge of the garden, with his hands behind him, looking on with appro- bation. His Hps seemed to move, and say, " Now, there is no charge for all this — no extra. See what healthful advantages this Ease-tablishment combines 1" Mrs. Wheeler, with the whole linen of the whole house lying in perfect bales on her mind, is sometimes seen at the dormitory, when a roar of delight, aroused by some good stroke, draws her with uneasiness to the window ; for she is thinking how all this exertion would tell on her depart- ment. Mr. Whitty, the usher, waits about the ground, by courtesy acting as umpire, but ofi&cially present as a sort of policeman. Mr. Whitty had not time to read " Elia,'' or 6 DIANA GAT. he miglit have cried out, with the unique essayist, " What a pity to think that these fine generous lads will in a few years be stu- pid members of Parliament ! '' But there was a special reason for the air of joyous elation that was abroad. A day or so more had to run out, and then came "going home." That most delightful of festivals, breaking-up day — enjoyed more than ever shall be place or title won, money earned, estate bequeathed, or election into Parlia- ment — welcomed with a rapture never to be known later — was drawing nigh. Every- body was in delight and good-humour — in all but maudlin affection — with his neighbour. The Doctor was kindly and almost womanly tender in his manner and address, speaking to his charges with plaintive affection, with a "Richard, now!" or an " Ah, Alfred ! "—a rare honour, they being usually challenged by their surname in a blunt, surly tone. The AT SCHOOL. 7 Doctor came and mingled with his pupils, and almost seemed to be trying to impart an air of sentiment to their separation. ^' Well, you are going home, Richard, to en-jeeoy yourself. Well, we have tried to do all we could with you, — make you good and virtu- ous and learned. You are not sorry to go, I suppose, Richard — eh, now ?'* Richard, standing with a cricket-bat in his hand, answered off-hand, " Lord bless you. Doctor Wheeler, I am ready to jump out of my skin ! Only think — on Friday morning I shall be going round to the stable in the fresh morning to mount Sir Roger ! And then away — 'Yoicks!' — to the meet. How I long to be patting his fine coat ! Ah, very different that. Doctor, from turning in for morning prayers !'* The Doctor looked a little scared at this irreverent comparison ; but it was the time of saturnalia. 8 DIANA GAY. ** I hope you will say your prayers faith- fully, Richard," said the Doctor, " and let nothing on earth interfere with that most solemn and important duty. Tliink what would be your situation if you were brought home on a shutter or a gate ! How very small Sir Roger, and the meet, and all that-er sort of thing will appear at such a moment ! " It was Richard's turn to bowl or play, so he did not answer ; but he often boister- ously took off the Doctor's plaintive appeal — '' Think how I'd feel on a door ! I suppose I wouldn't feel at all ! " Indeed, it became a sort of standing joke among the hunting- men who were told the story, and who were vastly amused at Dick's imitation of the Doctor. Everything was enjoyment, and a flutter of delighted expectation. All the labour, the study, the hodman's work, was out of AT SCHOOL. 9 the way ; tlie examinations, conducted by two Oxford gentlemen brought down spe- cially, were over. The Doctor did anything that brought him into relation with the public in the most correct style. '' We have no second-class way here," he would say to the parents and guardians. The coming of these university gentlemen, who stayed nearly a week, was an awful solemnity. They went through their work with a cold austerity that chilled the victims. Even their encouragement was as the reassuring manner of dentists. But on the exhibition- day one of them usually made a speech before the ladies and gentle- men assembled, conceived in a tone of surprising warmth and commendation, and seasoned with many compliments to the Doctor and the '' efficiency of his esta- blishment." Earely in the course of a long university experience had he heard better 10 DIANA GAY. answering ; and his friend and brother examiner, Mr. Ferrier, who, as most of us know, was a little hard to satisfy in the direction of Greek — what scholar had not by heart " Ferrier on the Greek Theatre " ? — bade him say that the Greek answering and construing had really quite surprised him. And the speaker looked over with an amused air — and all the company also — at Mr. Ferrier, who was sitting, glasses on, and chin in the air, gazing sternly before him, as who should say, ''It's true. I admit it reluctantly. It has been wrung from me.'' Charming season — all joy, all recreation. To-morrow was what was known as '^packing-up day," when the seventy de- voted the whole morning to getting their property together, and putting it away in the great trunks which are in favour with schoolboys. A portmanteau will not hold AT SCHOOL. Jl jams, cakes, or bottles so conveniently. This was in itself a delightful pastime, and took some time. Mrs. Wheeler assisted, and indeed it was the great day of the year for that lady. A festival not, however, nntinged with sadness; for the linen, &c., was then fairly taken off her mind, and she liked the responsibility. During vaca- tion she wandered about purposeless, vacant — seeking something restlessly, she knew not what. It was her province, too, to restore goods of a contraband sort, seized at the frontier, and detained for the security of the house. For the young gentlemen had an almost stupid tendency to encumber themselves with articles — ^like fowling-pieces, hunting-whips, gunpowder, large meer- schaum-pipes, and such matters — which they knew could not be introduced surrep- titiously, and would be stopped by the authorities. It was perhaps with a view 12 DIANA GAY. to the remote luxury of holding them in their possession and displaying them publicly even for that single day. Mrs. Wheeler was going about restoring the seized pro- perty — every article being ticketed and carefully labelled. She had a staff of the maids under her, and with their aid was minutely accurate about the socks, shirts, &c. She often told what she went through on that day. The game was going on in this pleasant meadow of Prospect House — which the Doctor with prudent forethought '' grazed " during vacation — a sort of parting ''match" between eastern and western counties, and played once a year with all solemnity and immense spirit and vigour on both sides. One of the Oxford examiners generally took a bat. Mr. Ferrier always walked by him- self, and sat by a river making pencil- notes to his new edition of the " Greek Theatre." A AT SCHOOL. 13 gentleman from Bath, wlio came what was considered an enormous jom*ney to take home his son, also played, declaring "he was a western-counties man." The " par- son's son " from the village took another bat ; and the villagers were allowed to come up and stand gaping near the tent. " We must be keyind," said the Doctor, " to our neighbours and dependents. It is only a Httle thing, and costs nothing, eh, Richard ? " Eichard, with his eye on the bowling, answered, with his customary sudden and loud laugh — " To be sure, sir ; nothing like kindness where it comes so cheap." The Doctor smiled a little awkwardly. He stood rather in awe of this off-hand manner of his pupil. " A very high-spirited, bold, forward lad," he said to the gentleman from Bath, 14 DIANA GAY. whose performances could be called '' play- ing " by merest courtesy, lie being knocked out generally at the first bowl, unless indeed his wicket had been saved by the ball striking his person. '' Do you know, I am rather anxious about his future career ? I am indeed. He is impetuous. He is a son of Mr. Lugard, whom, by the way, you will see on our ex-hi-beetion day. A most por-lished, ac- complished, elegant man as you'd meet. I hope he will turn out well, I do. — Well done. Master Robert ; very well indeed ! — a very promising lad that — careful, stay-dy," the Doctor chanted in this way — as though he were pilot of a ship, — " staydy, sir, and will do. We have the highest opinion of him. Lugard is, perhaps, our most brilliant lad — carries all before him. Our friend Eobert is all study and good sense ; but not much parts, you know. For years AT SCHOOL. 15 Richard Lugard lias got everything we have to give, and with hterally no trouble to himself." It was now the beginning of the evening ; the sun was seen very low, through those dark trees where the rooks were cawing so noisily, and under which the late owner, W. Freeman, Esq., had often looked over- fondly at his residence. It would soon be time to go in, for the dew would be falling, and it would not do to be sending our boys back to parents and guardians with any- thing on the lungs. Prospect House was jealously careful about health; had the village apothecary conveniently at hand for his daily visit ; and, besides, Dr. M'Bean, in good practice at the great town ten miles off, came out regularly once a month. One of the lads had been "in" a long time, playing with a steady caution and wariness, never attempting a run unless 16 DIANA GAY, there was an ample margin for security. His partner, enthusiastically rushing to make fresh runs, was often abruptly brought up in his course, as by a jerk, by seeing his com- panion standing coolly at his wicket, and had to get back in disorder. " Confound you, Bligh ! " this aggrieved player would call out, having barely saved himself. "What are you afraid of? We might have made another there. He's no dash or pluck, and only thinks of saving himself." But the other was fortified in the approbation of his own side, and laughed very good-humouredly at any pettishness. One voice on the other side was very con- spicuous in its impatience, and came from a tall, light- haired, high-cheeked, impetuous youth, of about sixteen, who was now be- hind Bligh, stopping the balls. He was loud ^^ in his directions. *' Put him out ! Now then, butter-fingers ! I knew you'd miss AT SCHOOL. 17 that. Ton mj word. Syntax, you are playing a sneaking game ! Well done, my cautious Doctor ! " By wliicli it would seem tliat " Doctor Syntax " was tlie familiar sobriquet by wliicli Bligli was known to his friends. There was an almost gratuitous vindictiveness in the way he used to hurl the ball straight at the wicket, even when he was a little late, and not likely to do the player any mischief, as the ball would come low and stinging, and graze the player's leg. '* The Doctor" would remonstrate calmly: " Why do you do that, Lugard ? It don't help the game a bit." '* Never you mind," Lugard answers. '*You look after your stumps, or I'll have you out next time, for all your caution. Here, I'U bowl now. We must put a stop to this." " Going to bowl ? " said the Doctor, fixing I. 18 DIANA GAT. his blue eyes on Mm earnestly. " 0, I am so glad, Dick; I like your bowling." *' Do you, Doctor, really now ? " said tbe other. "I suppose you think you can do what you like with them. Look out, I tell you." And Dick Lugard began to bowl a series of "low level," plunging "balls," which came tearing and " ricochetting " along, and were quietly "blocked" away by Bligh, without any exertion. In this effort it was possible to see the figures of both boys to advantage, that of Lugard being long, wiry, and almost Indian in its suppleness, and not in the least robust or full. His face was long also, very sunburnt (at other seasons pale), and his light hair thick and heavy, which he had a habit of impatiently tossing back from his forehead. He carried his head very high as he came up to any group, walking always fast and as if for a purpose, with his arms swinging. He AT SCHOOL. 19 seemed to look downwards over them, with half-closed eyes, and an air of half-amused contempt, as who should inquire, " What folly is up now ? " He was ready of tongue ; said whatever came uppermost; did not measure his words when " put out." He had all the common attributes of a " fine fellow," and yet was not popular as the common fine fellows are. There was some- thing always hurtful or unpleasant in his jesting way of accosting his companions ; and when he joined a little coterie, some shy lad would find Lugard's eyes wandering up and down superciliously over his figure, with a smile of amused inquiry, preparatory to a question : " Well, my lady, where' s your veil on this warm day ; your complexion will ^be all spoiled, won't it ? " Then he would give a loud, hearty laugh. He would break into a discussion, after coming up suddenly, with a rough " Why, you big grown-up fool, what c 2 20 DIANA GAY. nonsense you are talking ! wliat a figure you'll cut in the world ! '' And they com- monly had to put up with this language ; for Lugard, with all these powers of sarcasm, had strong arms and an intrepid spirit, and on small provocation would fly back, and, with flashing eyes and squared arms, offer at once to settle the matter then and there. Once, indeed, when the Doctor himself was but a few yards away, Lugard on some pro- vocation had fiercely broken out into open battle, and in defiance of that awful au- thority, who with horror in face vainly strove to part the combatants. " Mr. Whitty !— Lugard ! stop, sir ! " the aghast Doctor was crying. " Do you know what you are doing ? stop, sir ! stop, sir ! " to which cries the excited Lugard paid not the least attention, but, tossing the hair out of his eyes, pushed away the Doctor, utterly unconscious of his presence, and rushed at AT SCHOOL. 21 his opponent again. Many councils were lield to consider '' wliat was to be done with Lugard ; " but his very audacity and indif- ference saved him. A stray blow from his enemy during that encounter had left a mark on his cheek, which the sudden interruption by the coming up of Mr. Whitty and others had prevented his revenging. And he never rested until he had arranged a private meet- ing under the trees behind the garden- wall, where, uninterrupted and at his leisure, his impetuous onslaught carried the day and wiped out his temporary disgrace. Lugard was now bowling away desper- ately, but without change of fortune. Be- tween his balls he was calling to Bligh in his usual taunting strain : '' You're a safe fellow ! You II never wet your feet. You'll get on, my boy — looking after every farthing, and picking up every pin. I'd be ashamed to make such a game as that ! " To which 22 DIANA GAY. the other only answered by a good-humoured nod and smile, and a " Fire away 1 Do your worst, Lugard; I'm ready for you." Until at last came the sound of the gong, hanging from the branch of a tree, and sounded in person by Mr. Whitty ; the play had to stop, and Bligh was not " out." Lugard had flung down the ball in a rage, and walked in with the rest, loudly declaim- ing all the while. " He calls that playing," he said, pointing to the other. "We ought all to live to Methuselah's age to play like that. Have you no dash or pluck, man, that you are afraid to give a fellow a chance ? What was that old Wheeler said about a boy being the father of the man ? Nice cautious, canny son you'll have, my lad ! " And as usual Dick Lugard finished with a loud, vigorous, scoff*- ing laugh, in which he invited every one around to join. AT SCHOOL. 23 Bligli laughed also, mucli more geiminely. " That's very good, though it's against me," he said. " If you were to say that when we get into the House of Commons — " " Lord, Lord ! you listen to the Doctor," said Lugard, stopping and leaning on his bat. *' When he gets into the House ! With that sort of batting you'll get there, never fear — ha, ha ! " Presently came supper in the large re- fectory, where all the seventy ate together, and performed such daily prodigies as boys only can do — in that direction transcending even ploughmen. There was a noisy ban- quet. Lugard loudly criticised the game in his accustomed tone. '' Ah, but Bligh is coming on," said one of them. ''You couldn't polish him off so readily." " Couldn't I, wiseacre ! " answered the other impetuously. "A precious deal you 24 DIANA GAT. know. I knocked you out in good style. As for him, if a man chooses to take the trouble of a safe sneaking game, why, well and good. I wouldn't do it for a salary, I know. I'm for getting everything with a dash, or letting it alone. It don't pay, either. That medal which I suppose they'll be giving me on the exhibition-day, I wouldn't cross the room for it, if I had to slave and creep and drudge for it. I declare no, seriously now, though it looks like, affec- tation. It won't pay me ; it takes too much time." " But, my dear boy," said Bligh, *' that's very well for you ; but what's to become of the poor dull fellows who have nothing to go on but their drudgery, and haven't your talents ? " " My talents ! " said the other, in high good-humour. " Come ! no sawdering me. Doctor. I declare I am in such spirits to- AT SCHOOL. 25 night I liave quite an affection for old Wheeler." '* Ah, you can be in spirits, Lugard," said another ; '* everything comes easy to you. You'll be walking up as usual to-morrow, and have a swell putting the great silver medal round your neck, while poor Bligh there, who has worked till he is blue in the face, will come up for a two-and- sixpenny prize for French and Catechism, or some- thing in that way." " Or good conduct," said Lugard, with a boisterous laugh ; " he beats me there. Not but that, if I set myself to shine in that line, I might do as well as another fellow. I suppose I should. — But keep up. Bob ; you'll get plenty, never fear, and deserve it. For I must say you do work hard, and I hope you'll succeed very well." And after this handsome speech every one looked with admiration at Lugard, and 26 DIANA GAY. said afterwards how nobly lie could behave. Robert Bligli was touched, and said — " Thank you, Lugard. You have always been generous. It is brains after all that is worth anything ; any common fellow can work. But when a man hasn't the other, he has only his labour to fall back on." " Modest fellow ! " said Lugard, laughing. " Listen to him ! Well, Doctor, I do hope you will get plenty to-morrow ; and I am sure you will. I don't care twopence about myself; it's only for the sake of my governor, who is always at me, and wants me to cut a figure in everything, if it's only in crossing the street." ( 27 ) CHAPTER 11. THE TWO BOYS. That last evening the boys were strolling about the playground, very happy, in parties of two and three. The sun had gone down, and there was a pleasant air of repose over the late W. Freeman, Esquire's, lawns, which that ejected proprietor had often enjoyed as its chief attraction. There was a sense, too, of quiet happiness in the minds of those who wandered about — a security in the sense of the grand coming enfranchise- ment of the morrow, the happiest day of the year. In that light the Doctor seemed almost angelic — the best of men — and there 28 DIANA fxAY. was compunction for various organized an- noyances towards him. Here lie was now at the door, with letters in his hand ; and presently Mr. Whitty called, for Lugard. and Bligh. " I find/' said the Doctor, in a gush of complacent agitation, " that to-morrow's solemnity will quite go beyond what we expected. We shall have the whole of Calthorpe here to-morrow : Mr. Bowman and Lady Mary — they are thinking of placing one of their sons here — Dr. Windle the rector your father Mr. Lugard, and Mr. Gay of Gay Court." Both boys started. " Mr. Gay, sir ! Has he come back ? " '' Yes ; just returned from his tour. — Now, Mr. "Whitty, what I was thinking, — we must expand our original programme a little, to do honour to all this people. I was thinking of — er — a little debate, eh, between THE TWO BOYS. 29 these two : sometliing dramatic and lively ? — Wliat do you say, young gentlemen ? " " I'm game ! " said Lugard. '' Whatever you like. And are you sure, sir, the squire's coming ? My father said nothing of it." " The squire," said the Doctor, dreamily ; " the squire — who ? " " Mr. Gay, of course, sir." " dear, yes ; here's his letter. You can take any subject, you know : ' Was Napoleon or Csesar the greatest warrior ? ' — Pitt or Fox ? Something that way, eh, Mr. Whitty ? " " Nothing better than the first, sir," said that gentleman obsequiously. " Dear me ! " said the Doctor dreamily, " I had no idea what curiosity seems to be excited about the ease-tablishment. I really think we must begin the alterations this year. And see here : send me little Brown, Mr, Whitty. I must put a complimentary line or so into his Prologue." 30 DIANA GAY. The two boys Avalked away together. ^' By Jove, this is news ! " said Lugard reflec- tively ; " and so sudden too." '' 0, we'll pick up the facts easily enough to-night. I know Caesar pretty well." "It's not that,^' said Lugard impatiently. " I mean the squire ; I am so glad he's come back. He's a good fellow ! " " I wonder/' said Bligh, looking over with great earnestness at two far-off boys who were walking together, '' will she — Miss Diana — come with him ? " The other turned and looked at him hastily. "Do you think she will ? 0, I wish she did ! And why not, if they're all — Lady Mary and the rest — coming ? " " She is sure to come, I thinh,^^ said his friend speculatively. " The squire wouldn't leave her. He wouldn't have any party without her." " My dear Doctor," said Lugard enthusi- THE TWO BOYS. 31 asticallj, ''you are right. I declare you have a world of good sense, wliicli will stand to you. You'll get on, after all, never fear ; I tell you so. Of course she'll come; I didn't think of that. By Jove, what a day it will be ! And, I say, think of my march- ing up there, before all the swells, to get the medals and prizes ; and the fellows clapping and cheering, and her bright little face looking on ! And I tell you what. Doctor ; I'll make my governor give Wheeler a hint to get her to put the ribbon round my neck. That will be a moment! I declare I am glad I studied now." Something grave and even rueful in the face of his companion struck Lugard, and he stopped. He did not relish this prospect of his glories not being joined in with all his own personal enthusiasm. "0, I see," he said, " what's in your cautious mind — count- ing my chickens, and all that. I don't deny it. But still, I think, for a fellow that has 32 DIANA GAT. got what lie wanted every year lie tried, and witli very little trouble to himself, it's not very great vanity, or arrogance, or whatever you may call it. Or," he added, with sudden suspicion, '' perhaps you think I am dispos- ing of your chance ? Have you put on extra labour, eh? or are you going to steal a march on me ? " '' I have no chance, Dick," said the other calmly. " I worked hard certainly, but am content to have my usual luck. It will add to your glory too." " I wonder how she is looking," said Lu- gard softly. "What a little charmer she was that Christmas ! Do you remember her that night at Gay Court, ordering us about as if she was an Eastern queen — sending us out of the room, and calling us back ? — that is yoii, I believe," added Lugard, with one of his loud laughs ; " she seemed she couldn't worry you enough ! " THE TWO BOYS. 33 Again that curiously wistful look came into tlie other boy's face. " She is a beauty," went on Lugard. " Who was it said of a girl she was a trmket — a charm to put at the end of your watch- chain ? jN'ot a bad description at all." " Eather free and easy, and not very re- spectful, I think," said the other, a little warmly. "I'd like to see the fellow say it of lier,'' said Lugard, with some inconsistency ; " I'd kick him while I could stand over him. An ass's head would be the thing for Ms watch- guard." JSTow came up Johnson, a companion and humble admirer of the Lugard despotism. '^ What's all this," he asked, '' about all the swells coming ? Is it true about old Gay ? " " Old Gay ! " said Lugard, his hp curling. " Do you hear him now ? Did you ever speak to the man, or stop at his house ? No, I. D 34 DIANA GAY. of course you didn't; nor is he likely to ask you. Well, what d'ye want to know about him?" " Nothing," said the other, a little abashed; '' only I thought—" " Only he thought ! Only, indeed ! Why, if fellows did think, we shouldn't have such foolish speeches so often ! Well, he is coming ; and so are lots more." '' ! and I say, Lugard, do you think will his daughter come ? — that nice girl you used to tell us of ? The other frowned. He did not relish '^ this making free with the name of a lady in public." But then he, in unguarded con- fidence, had on some dull evenings thrown out hints about this peerless young lady, and, on being rallied in a flattering way on standing high in her favour, had not at all repelled the compliment. The wisest and most philosophic, the oldest and most espe- THE TWO BOYS. 35 rienced, are seldom proof against this shape of adulation, if the censer be but adroitly swung. While other ineensings wdll have but poor success, and are received with a smile which shows that the '^ smnger's " object is seen through, this floats up gratefally into the innermost recesses of the nostrils. Who, then, shall blame a schoolboy ? **I am sure she'll come," said the other. '' I am dying to see her. — Don't you envy this lucky fellow, Bligh ? We shall see him walking up under her eyes to get his medals ! " Boys have no delicacy or feeling for each other's sensitiveness ; so he did not consider the toiling Bligh in this speech. " 0, I suppose she'll come," said Lugard, with a careless air, "though I don't think it's likely. My father knows hers, and hers knows mine ; and I've gone over there and shot, you know. And bless you, why, there's D 2 36 DIANA GAY. Ms keeper Mundy would just do anything for me, — sell me liis best dog, or horse, or gun, or anything I liked. I know every rood of the place. And so, you see, it comes all natural." Though the logic was a little imperfect here, and even the proof given of the keeper's regard not a very extraordinary one, still the explanation seemed to settle everything. And Johnson, deeply impressed, said with feeling (and illogically again), '' Jove ! she must be a charming creature." " 0, you don't know her," said Lugard, growing confidential; "how could you? I hope to Heaven she comes. I should like the fellov/s to see her ; and I am sure she is so improved by being abroad ; because she has, you see, a sort of foreign look." " Bligh here knows her too," struck in Johnson inconsequentially. '* yes ; I suppose he does, in a way." *' About the same time as Lugard," said THE TWO BOYS. S7 Bligh, in his quiet way. '' Perhaps not so intimately." '' Perhaps not," said Lugard, with a laugh. *' Knowing a person the same time means nothing — proves nothing. Give me a fort- night, and I'll know as much of a person as another — take Blioii here — would in six o months." As usual, every one was silenced, and Bligh seemed to accept this refutation and own his inferiority. ''Who is she like?" " How could I tell you ! " w^ent on Lugard. '' Is she as good-looking — as Betty who comes with the clothes ? I mean," added Johnson hastily, getting alarmed at the look in Lugard' s face, — ''I mean in her kclij.'" " In her way ! Why, Betty's the scum of the earth, compared to her ! Wliy, she's the most delicate little princess you could conceive. 38 ])IANA GAY. Not SO little neither— a bit of china, you know, like the cup my father bought at Paris, for which he gave ten guineas. While as for poor Betty, you might as well think of the crockery washhand- stand jug or basin upstairs." Both listeners looked at each other in genuine admiration. This ready simile was often after retailed in the school as a proof of Lugard's genius. Even the Doctor smiled on it, and said it was " happy." " I know her so well," went on Lugard, encouraged and pleased with himself; " you see we are quite friendly and intimate. She often used to consult me on this or that thing, and I'd of course give her what advice I could — such as it was," added Mr. Imgard modestly, '' and my father knowing hers, and all that. And I can tell you she'll have all Gay Court and his Restates ; the squire will leave her every penny — no other child, THE TWO. BOYS. 39 you know ; and my father, who's a man of the world and picks up everything, says he knows he can't be worth a penny Jess than seven thousand a year clear, w^hich she will be able to do what she likes w4th." And Mr. Lugard nodded his head signifi- cantly, and, really without intending it, con- veyed to his hearers that all these desirable advantages had a deep reference- to him. Johnson was greatly impressed, and went away silent. Presently the gong rang out. It w^as time to go to bed. They all went into the chapel, where the Doctor performed night prayers — shortened in compliment to the holiday approaching. It was to be the last time. Then they all went to rest, in the sweetest anticipation, full of hope and good-will to all the world, finding it a little hard to force the eyelids to drop. There was a sort of flutter at their hearts. ( 40 ) CHAPTER III. THE GEEAT DAT. The next morning was a bright and hopeful one. They all came down betimes, buoyant and yet not noisy. The sense of happiness, overpowering almost, exercised a silent in- fluence. There was another more physical influence at work. For three weeks before, a delightful operation had been gone through of having private interviews with the au- thorized tailor of the establishment, and choosing "new clothes" from his card of patterns. There was something all but fascinating in this office — a link, as it were, between school and the world outside. It THE GEEAT DAY. 41 was being like men. Yet, in most instances, the taste was a little wild and extravagant, tlie selection of colours gaudy, in defiance of the artist's protest ; whose remonstrance, however, was cleverly silenced by Wells, known as '*' little Tops}"," who asked reason- ably, "Why he had 'em among his patterns, if they weren't to be chosen ? " A remark that left him, as it was said, '^ without a leg to stand on." Xow these o-lorious e^arments had all come home, and the boys were walking about resplendent in their finery. Lugard, whose taste had been often appealed to — but he would only assist a friend or two — was con- sidered perfect, and his "get-up" was looked at with the sort of admiring despair which might have attended the clothing of the late Alfred d'Orsay. Even the tailor had been influenced by his rnan-of-the-world manner, and had altered again and again, quite awe- 42 DIANA GAY. struck. "Witli tlie rest, lie dealt as though lie were measuring a company of soldiers for contract articles. There was great bustle, and a flutter that was delightful. The rustle of the Doctor's gown was heard down the passages, like the flapping of a mainsail. They were busy putting the last touches to the exhibition- room, where the strangers were to be received. Mrs. Wheeler, from off whose mind the linen, socks, &c., might now fairly be said to be lifted, was still not at peace, having the jellies, creams, &c., substituted. The lunch was laid out in the '' great refectory" (W. Freeman, Esq.'s, fine drawing- room, joined to the study by knocking down the party-wall), and was a splendid spec- tacle. The time had arrived, and some one, look- ing out from a top window, came rushing THE GREAT DAY. 43 down with the news that a carriage was coming over the hill with a gig behind it. Every one was ordered to his post — Mr. Whitty at the door to receive strangers and show the way ; the Doctor, in his gown, in the drawing-room ; Mrs. Wheeler, by her own particular desire, and without any ob- jection on the Doctor's part, was excused from meeting company. Besides, she had a sort of presentiment that unless she watched over the delicacies she had prepared, to the very last moment, there was no guarding against some sudden crash or cataclasm, which might whelm the whole in some in- distinct shape of ruin. Perhaps too she suspected that the unlicensed soldiery of the place, now about to receive their discharge, might take advantage of her absence, and sack the place. The first carriage had come. Mr. Bow- man and Lady Margaret, with their little son 44 DIANA GAY. Alfred. These august persons were received with much agitation by Mr. Whitty, who felt himself much more at home in dealing with boys than with ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Bowman was a tall bluff-looking, good- humoured gentleman; and his lady a fair- haired, fashionable-looking woman, well- dressed, and very stout. She was elaborately courteous to the usher. The Doctor came forward to meet them vath his hand out, and his head swinging and swaying as he walked, and a '' How do you do, sir ? " and witli deep obeisance, ''How do you do, my Lady Margaret ? " Then added : '' And so this is Master Alfred, who is to come to us by-and- by; by-and-by to become a great scholar, and at the same time a perfect gentleman.'* And with this indirect advertisement of what was the special feature of his school, the Doctor laid his hand on ''Master" Alfred's head in an ej^iscopal manner, to the young THE GREAT DAY. 45 gentleman's great alarm. More strangers began to pour in, worthy local people — of poor degree, as compared with Mr. and Lady Margaret Bowman — and wdio were quietly "waved" over to Mr. Whitty, while the Doctor resumed his interrupted worship of his august guests. Lady Margaret had a hearty air of interest in all about her, that quite charmed strangers ; titular friends, or " people that knew her long," which was her idea of friends, remarked that this was intermittent ; others called it honJiomie. Thus she would lay her hand on the Doctor's wrist, with a " Now tell me this, Doctor " — and " Be so good," &c. — or, " Now I have laid this out. Doctor Wheeler ; you must come over for a day to Bowman House — you must now. St. John, I want him to come to ns," &c. But another scout had come running down from an eerie in the roof — not unlike a rail- 46 DIANA GAY. way guard's look-out tower in a train — with news tliat an open carriage and four greys were coming over tlie hill, and that two gentlemen and a girl were sitting in it. '' That's Squire Gay," said Lugard, the colour coming into his cheeks ; " and my governor, and Miss Diana. By Jove ! it's coming close. I say, Bligh, how d'ye feel about the debate ? Mind you give me good cues, and don't interrupt me. For I intend to pour out eloquence, I can tell you." " But you'll give me a chance too; that's only fair." ** 0, you ! Why, you're to stick to the dry facts of the argument ; that's your line, — at least you always told me so." The large drawing-room was crowded and a kind of Babel going on, when Mr. Whitty came nervously leading the way before the new party which had arrived in the open carriage. This was a tall fresh-looking THE GREAT DAY. 47 gentleman of about fifty, very bald, and with great sandy whiskers, fresh and modern in his dress, and looking so clean and bright that he seemed as if he had just stepped from a bath. He was full of life and action, and had a way of throwing back his head to laugh at the end of a sentence. And one of those loud engaging laughs, finishing a re- mark to Mr. Whitty, made all the room look round at them, that is, at the young girl who leant upon his arm, and who was gazing round at every one with a smile of surprise and half-dehght. The description of Lugard was very faith- ful. She had that delicately-refined look which he had described as '^ trinket-like." She was not short, though she was '^ small " in size; a very pale skin, a delicately- cut face, small nose, and a long expressive mouth, black hair and eyes. Two little curls (belonging to a fashion now extinct) 48 DIAXA GAY. were on lier clieeks ; but in her eyes, dancing with that air of roguish surprise and inquiry noticed as she first entered, was all her charm. She had a tin}^ g^^^^y bonnet on, and a great many gold ornaments — earrings, lockets, &c. — about her ; in which it was plain she took great delight. So entered Miss Diana Gay, upon her father's arm. Those near them, gazing stupidly, as is the manner of country people, saw him jerk down his head, almost into her face, and ask with affection, '' What do you think, Doatsey ? " Behind them came a gentlemanly-looking man, almost dandified in his dress, of over fifty, but appearing, by the help of great care and lenitives, no more than about forty. He had glossy hair, a little thin ; a small tufted imperial, and a genteel unhealthiness in the colour of his skin ; his clothes were of a juvenile cut, and he had a soft sweet smile. THE GREAT DAY. 49 which he put on exactly at the moment he fixed his glass in his eye, the two motions always going together. This was Richard Lugard's father. He was whispering pleasantly to Miss Diana, who then gave a merry laugh at what he said ; for this young lady was so full of enjoyment in the pleasant gifts of this world, nay, in the very sense of mere living and seeing, and looking and listening, that this laugh of delight was quite a characteristic of hers : the crowd, the oddity of the scene, as it were, quite amused her. But in another moment there was a rustle, a flapping, as of cordage and canvas, and Lady Margaret Bowman had borne down on her, coming along side like a great argosy, and had carried away that light craft with her into port beside her on a chair, where she had much to say to her. '•' When did you come back, my dear ? You I. E 50 DIANA GAY. must tell me all about it ; and fix a day to come down to us at Bowman House. We must liave you there, and no excuse — " And with great rustling of ribbons and silks and shawl. Lady Margaret turned her chair so as to face the young girl beside her, and have a good '* purchase'* as it were for conversation, much as doctors sit before the patient when getting ready the stethoscope. More were coming in now, mainly good local people — Doctor Windle, the clergyman, and all the '' swells " were arrived ; the local apothecary, the county doctor, an honest gentleman-farmer or two, the dancing-master, &c., were all agreeably punctual. For to such the notion of the substantial lunch was very acceptable. And now Mr. Whitty ap- pearing, and whispering nervously to the Doctor, that gentleman roused, and, rubbing his hands softly, turned to his neighbours and said — THE GREAT DAY. 51 " I believe they are quite ree-ady in the exliibeetioii-room. What do you say ; — shall we, Lady Margaret ? " With great rustling, Lady Margaret rose and took his arm ; Doctor Windle smiling, as though he were doing something funny, offered his arm to Miss Diana Gay, who laughed herself at the notion that all the sport was now at last to begin. The Doctor thought it was at his wit. The rest fell into a sort of procession — the stout farming gentlemen, great county doctor, and others following behind, ''taking each other in;" thinking a little ruefully of the long probation to intervene between that time and lunch. The " exhibeetion " room was an addition which the Doctor had built out at the back of W. Freeman, Esq.'s, mansion, and which necessarily spread over a pet parterre in which Mrs. Freeman had taken great pride. It was a long and spacious apartment, with a E 2 ^^^mis 52 DIANA GAY. dais at one end, some scarlet hangings, and even a gilt chair or two — arrangements, as the CaUhoiye Mercury remarked a few days later, reflected great credit on the taste of Messrs. Higginbotham, " the eminent up- holsterers of our city." The seventy were all clustered at the other end on raised seats, and stood up while the august procession entered. At the same moment the select " orchestra " of the house, led by Mr. Jen- nings, consisting of piano {a quatre mains), flute (Master Halliday), cornet, and violin (Gill), struck up the well-known and in- spiring march from Norma. And at the same moment the best-dressed youth of the place, one who was noted for his address and ofl*- handjman-of-the-world manner, came forward boldly, and went round distributing pro- grammes. How the ladies admired the easy natural way he did this ! '' Look at my lad coming," said Mr. THE GREAT DAY. 53 Lugard rather loud, for he had to speak acrainst the march in Norma. '' I declare he looks very well." " Where, where ? " said Diana eagerly and in great excitement, for she was delighted with the spectacle. '' 0, there he is I Will he come this way ? " " I dare say he will notice his own father, Miss Diana," said Mr. Lugard sweetly ; " or perhaps cut me." " I say, how your Dick is grown!" said Mr. Gay ; *' why, he is a strapping grenadier ! I say, Lugard," he added, stooping over, *' he is the top one here, evidently — rules 'em all ; their best man, eh ? " " Isn't he to get all the prizes ? " said Diana, her eyes dancing. " That he is," said Mr. Gay hastily ; '' un- reasonable, greedy lad; and leave nothing for the other poor fellows. — Here, Dick, how are you, my man ?" 64 DIANA GAY. Dick, bright, handsome, resplendent in his new clothes, with a sudden colour in his cheeks, was certainly a fine fellow to look at. That colour deepened as he came up to Diana, and small white fingers, covered with rings, were put out hastily. '^ How do you do, Mr. Eichard ? " His larger hand was encumbered with the programmes, and in his eagerness to meet the small jewelled hand, the heap of papers fell, and fluttered over the floor. Diana laughed, and almost clapped her hands at this '^ bit of fun," then grew grave and very serious on a sudden, as if it was unbecoming to laugh at a misfortune. Already many eyes from the raised seats were turned wistfully to this enchanting creature — really most like the angels in the pantomime — their most per- fect idea of all that was celestial. Certain young hearts ached for some days afterwards ; and two or three unhappy wights, who had THE GREAT DAY. 55 " guardians " too busy to receive them at home, had, in addition to their private troubles, to endure the pangs of " hopeless love." " How many medals are you to sweep off, eh, Dick ? " said Mr. Gay heartily; '* leave something to the other poor devils. Sure of the general-merit, I'm told ; large silver medal — no less — and ten pounds money. Very handsome of the Doctor." " You will give me some of your winnings, Mr. Richard," said the young girl eagerly, '' for a bazaar — a charity ? " ''As much as you like — all of it," said Dick, promptly ; *' it would be a great honour if you would take it." " No, no, no ! " said she, delighted at this homage. '' I will say — ^let me see, now — ten shilhngs." '' Tell me, Dick, how's our friend Bligh ? I don't see him." 56 DIANA GAT. '' 0, lie's here, sir ! " said Dick, looking round ; '' working as hard as ever. — You remember Bob Bligh, Miss Gay ?" " dear, yes," slie said, with a little toss ; " indeed I do. He's very good, isn't he?" Mr. Lugard, the father, laughed very heartily at this, and said Miss Diana had picked up sarcasm abroad, which he was un- commonly sorry to see. To hit at that poor boy in such a way was not fair — really not. On which Miss Diana grew grave and half- serious ; then, looking sideways from the corners of her glistening eyes, laughed a laugh of roguish inquiry ; which sort of change from penitence to gaiety was a motion very habitual with her, and, indeed, one of her most piquant and dramatic changes. '* Will he get anything ? I hope he'll get something," she said earnestly ; 'Mie THE GREAT DAY. 57 does work so hard. And that poor good soul at home — his old mamma, who feels such a pride in any little book or honour he brings back." " 0, I know he'll do very fairly," said Dick, handsomely standing up for his friend. ''I'm sm-e of it, indeed ; at least, quite suffi- cient to please her. But what I get — that is, the medal and all that " — he added, dropping his voice, — '^ it would be such an addition if you were to give it — it would double the honour." Mr. Gay overheard some of this. " All right, Dick, my lad ; leave it to me ; I'll manage it with the Doctor." The march in Norma was done — exe- cuted, said the Mercunj, *' with a rare in- stinct and spirit, that would have done credit to a professional orchestra." There was a silence, and little Brown advanced out into the middle, made a bow, and began the 58 DIANA GAY. Prologue. " A little thing I put together for him," whispers the Doctor to Lady Mar- garet; ''just anything to lead off." But Mr. Whitty had, in truth, had all the labour of this composition — the '' putting together " being simply a few general remarks on the part of the Doctor. '' See, Mr. Whitty, some nice compliment to the company — glad to see familiar faces ; had been boys them- selves once ; this old place. I just give you the ideas." Accordingly, amid profound silence, the young Master Brown began — " Kind friends, we greet you once again ; A year lias gone, but not in vain." And his arm went up and down harmo- niously, according to the rules in Mr. Enfield's '' Speaker." And after dwelling on the delights of the place, and their anguish at parting from what he called " these 'appy 'alls " — a pronunciation that made Miss THE GREAT DAY. 59 Diana put down her head behind her fan — he retired amid loud applause. Then two young gentlemen came with books — led up by Mr. Whitty, who had to think of every- thing on this momentous day. At one of these Miss Diana looked eagerly as he drew near. There was nothing fashionable or elegant in the cut of his clothes, which were a good serviceable shooting-coat, roughly made, and which looked a little ill-fitting on his broad, square-made shoulders. The young girl had an amused, downcast look as he came up, and she put her hand out with a half-shy, half-patronizing air. " How do you do, Mr. Bligh ? " she said. '' Are they going to torture you ? " And she gave a laugh of delight at the notion. The other was not confused as Lugard had been. His calm full eyes looked at her, opening as they did so with inquiry, as though she was quite serious. 60 DIANA GAY. *' Torture me — no ! " lie said. '' I think I know this Horace pretty well." " Horace ! " said Mr. Lugard, turning over tlie leaves. " I declare, Dr. Wheeler, this is most unfair. My college learning is all rusty. — What do you say, Miss Diana ? I don't know how to examine, really." "0, give him a difficult bit," said Miss Diana, excitedly ; " we really must puzzle him." ''Would you be kind enough," said Mr. Lugard, in the politest tone of courtesy, and raising his voice so as to be heard by all, " to turn to the ode in the Second Book : — '^quam memento rebus in arduis.' ?" Robert immediately began to read sono- rously and firmly, declaiming the Horatian measure in good tones ; then translated fluently and correctly, and with a confident air that showed he knew his business. THE GEEAT DAY. 61 '' Stay, stay, stay ! " said Mr. Lugard ; '^ not so fast, sir. What did you give for ' inferiore nota FaJerni ' F " '^ With Falernian from the inner cellar, sir." Mr. Imgard looked up at a little cupola in the ceiling, and shook his head slowly and sadly. '• Inner cellar ! Wliere do you get that ? where is cellar? *' 0, there's no cellar, sir," said Bob calmly. '* There's no cellar ; well, don't let us have one, then. Xot that I object to one — a good one." There was a loud roar from the benches at this joke. '' Be good enough to take the words separately. Wliat's ' nota ' ? What's ' inte- riore'? What's 'FalernV ?'' Bligh did so at once. '' That, sir, con- veys no meaning, as you see. Wine of an 62 DIANA GAT. inner mark. But as the oldest wine was always put in the farthest bin, which was further inside, it becomes impossible to do without cellar or bin. Besides, all the com- mentators agree in it." There was such an air of quiet knowledge in the way this explanation was given that Miss Diana looked very grave and serious, as though here was a matter not to be treated with levity. Mr. Lugard said, " No doubt so ; possibly so. Where was Horace born, sir ? " He was told, as also many other matters which he inquired about. In truth, he did not feel very comfortable, as the eye of the Oxford man was on him. *'Very well, indeed," he said; ''Mr. Bligh, you have answered very creditably." Then came a scene from Moliere between two of the young gentlemen ; then a Latin poem by Mr. Whitty, though it was '' put THE GREAT DAY. 63 together " by the Doctor, on the same principle as the Prologue. And then we should have seen Dick Lugard step out into the middle, as into an arena, and, as if he was throwing down his glove, start off impetuously into the debate on the point '* Whether Ca3sar or Napoleon was the greater man ? " Bligh sitting at the other side of the round table covered with green baize, and watching him calmly. The father regarded him with a simpering air. " Richard will get his head now. I think we shall hear something lively. This is his line, you know." '' Oh, I hope so ! " said Miss Diana; "I am dying to hear." " I don't think our friend on the other side of the baize will make much of Dick. Listen to him ! " "He'll astonish them by-and-by in the House," said Mr. Gay. 64 DIANA GAY. " I am surprised/' said Dick, with flasliing eyes, '^ to liear sucli sentiments from my honourable friend. What can he be dream- ing of? Put Cgesar beside l^apoleon — that brilliant genius that could write, speak, fight, plan, do everything,— beside a mere rude fighting man ! The conqueror of the world beside the mere subjugator of a pro- vince, who lived in days when the world was young and unkempt, when the forests were unhewn, when the hearts were savage ! ' ' " I am sorry to interrupt," said Bligh, rising ; '' but what does all this mean ? Surely my friend must know that Csesar could write, speak, think, sleep, almost at the same time. The conqueror of a pro- vince ! Where is my friend's history ? Does he not know that Caesar overran Britain, France, Germany, what not? I ask him, what province does he mean ? " This was so unexpected, so sudden a THE GREAT DAY. 65 *' pull-up '' in the midst of his tide of elo- quence, that Lugard was disconcerted, and looked wondering at his opponent. " This will be interesting in a moment/' said the Doctor, smiling to Lady Margaret. " These two lads are the flower of our little fold." Dick resumed in a moment more calmly, but presently warmed up into generalities, and was again stopped. ''Now, Mr. Chairman," said he, as Bhgh rose quietly, '* I must protest against being interrupted in this way. I will not have it! What d'ye mean? " he said, under his breath across the table, with flashing eyes. '' Just as you please," said Bligh, smiling and sitting down ; '' only I appeal to every one, if he did not put the battle of Austerlitz six years too late ? " There was a titter ; and the flashing eyes of Richard Lugard saw Miss Diana's brilhant I. 1' 66 DIANA aAY. face quickening with enjoyment at the scene, and anxiously and eagerly looking for more. Then his lip curled with scorn. His fine periods and dashing eloquence to be inter- rupted by those wretched, mean, pettifogging quibbles ! But he also saw his father's simpering face growing bitter, and " twisted" with displeasure. Altogether he was put out, confused, disgusted, and he flung him- self into a chair at last, with his teeth set, and determined to pay off that fellow with the schoolmaster soul in the same way. He would keep a watch on him. But Bligh went on his way steadily, learned, full of his subject, — for it was a pet one with him, — and in a dry vein of sarcasm. He was specially pleasant on the putting forward of the battle of Austerlitz ; and then gave a picture of Caesar as he really was, so full of detail, so copious, and convincing • that ever yone there saw at THE GREAT DAT. 67 once how little Mr. Richard Lugard could have known of the matter, to have been so fluent and so flippant. The best part of the whole exhibition was Bligh's earnest- ness, his calm quiet purpose of vindicating his hero on public grounds only, and with very little reference to Lugard. This made his advocacy more natural and valuable. And all the strangers nodded to each other and said, " Upon my word, there's a shrewd, knowing fellow.'' '* No catching him." "He'll do, I can tell you;" with more such prophecy. Watching him with eager eye and scornful lip, Lugard waited for his turn, and then tried a rally. But he could not retrieve himself — ^he had the sense of failure over him. His grand periods could not supply him with facts, and he was afraid of more blunders, for which his opponent was watching with searching eye. The strangers F 2 68 DIANA GAY. said, " Plenty of talk in that fellow, but not overmucli ballast, I should say." The debate on Caesar and Napoleon at last ended. When the two had got down among their fellows, and Lugard heard the encouraging " Well done, old Bligh ! " ad- dressed to his companion, he turned round on him quickly, and with bitter reproach said, ''I don't call it well done; I call it shabby and tricky." " Shabby and tricky ! " said Bhgh, with wonder and pain in his face. " How ? " " Every how ! It was an unfair plant and a trap. You had made yourself up in all that, and thought you would have a pull on me." *'As I live, nothing of the kind; there were half a dozen others would have done as well. On my solemn word of honour, I spoke so, because I thought it would show you off; and so it did. Why, it seemed THE GREAT DAY. 69 to me it was so spirited, and went off so weU." "0, you're deep enough, wise Mr. Bligli!" said the other ; '' who knows what other surprises you have on hand ? Why, I dare say," — and Lugard, stopping suddenly, looked at him with a look of dislike and alarm, — " but if you thought of that — " " What do you mean ? " said Bligh, with the most perfect unconsciousness of his meaning. But now the " band" was commencing the '*' Prospect-House Waltzes, composed and respectfully dedicated to the Rev. Doctor Wheeler " — it must be said very inappro- priately — "by his obliged and humble ser- vant, Henry Jennings, Professor of Music to Prospect-House Academy." This interrupted the talk of the two youths. But up at the distinguished end, Mr. Lugard' s face wore the same " put-out " and angry air, which 70 DIANA GAY. contrasted oddly witli the smile lie would put on and fit into his mouth — like his glass. " What was over the man to-day, flounder- ing in that way ? think the other had an unfair pull over him; and I should say a very clerk-like sort of mind.'* ''0 yes," said Diana, "poor Richard; it was very hard. But the other/' she added wisely, with the popular respect for erudi- tion, *' he seemed to know such an immense deal!" ( 71 CHAPTEE IV. THE PRIZES. But now there was a flutter going on in the crowd, and eager restlessness, — the " spout- ing " was finished. Mr. Whitty was seen rushing to and fro, whispering to the Doctor, then spurring ofi" on missions, Hke an aide- de-camp at a review. A round table covered with a scarlet cloth, on which were some richly-bound books, a blue morocco case, and a large porte-monnaie, ostentatiously dis- played, was wheeled forward to the front. "Well, I think so, Mr. Whitty," said the Doctor; "it is about time. — Lady Margaret," he said plaintively, " would you honour these 72 DIANA GAY. young gentlemen by presenting tliem with their premiums ? How good of you ! — Now, Mr. Whitty, if you please." And that gentleman, with a large portfolio in his hand, went out into the middle — a signal for the whole house to stand upon its feet, and relieve its feelings by a cheer. '^ This has been the custom from time eemmemorial," said the Doctor, explaining to Lady Margaret — that is, from the fifteen or twenty years during which the school had been established. Then Mr. Whitty began to read out the list, beginning with the lowest class. As each name was called, there was a rustle and commotion in the ranks afar off, and some little fellow, sturdy, blushing, his eyes dancing in his head, would come tramp- ing up, with eyes of encouragement and even amusement bent on him, as he clutched from Lady Margaret's aristocratic hands the gor- THE PEIZES. 73 geous red-and-golcl book wliicli made him happy. Then a cheer broke out, sometimes merely conventional ; but when Charley or Johnny was popular, or had come up a second or third time, given forth with double animation. As the sun shines in brilliantly, and lights up those joyous faces, whose very hearts are seen through their eyes, some of the grown-up people sitting there wander back in thought to some such scene twenty or thirty years before, and think of the delightful summer morning, and the pure unsophisticated joy and exultation they felt then, when the strangers sitting there and listening^ seemed like deleo^ates from the nations — sovereign princes — as though the great world were looking on ; and they themselves walk up in that delicious pro- gress, feel the medal put about their necks, and hear slow and kindly words of praise and encourasrement from some venerable 74 DIANA GAY. guest of distinction, though their eyes are too dim with excitement and joy to see his face. They hear the great shout of approba- tion from their fellows — those dear, kind fel- lows ; — and they think, a little sadly, that no triumph since earned has ever brought them a tittle of the swelling delight and glory of that hour. The little procession went on ; Mr. Whitty declaring honours and titles sonorously, which the Doctor chose should run in Latin, as the Doctor explained to Lady Margaret : '* It gives a classical turn to their minds, and teaches them to aimmew-late the 'chieve- ments of Rome and Greece. The first we call imperator, the second jprcetor, the third consul, and so on — so on. By the way, Lady Margaret, I am greatly disappointed about a little matter — especially as our friend Mr. Lugard has come over expressly. But the Oxford gentlemen, it seems, say — " THE PRIZES. 75 and the Doctor dropped his voice into a widsper. They were now at the last and highest class. *' Now for a general sweep," said Mr. Gay cheerfully. " Look out, Lugard." Miss Diana turned restlessly to Mr. Gay : '' Don't forget, papa — you promised me." '' To be sure, duck ; I forgot it. — Doctor Wheeler, I say, as my Di and Dick yonder are in the same parish, why, I think it would look nice if she presented him with the medal and the what-d'ye-call-it." An expression of embarrassment came into the Doctor's face. " Why, my dear sir, I am so distressed ; but really — " and he dropped his voice into a whisper. *' My goodness ! you don't tell me so ! " Mr. Whitty iD^eanwhile was proclaim- ing— 76 DIANA GAY. ''Frencli : Construing, Composition in verse and prose — Eobert Bligh." And to tlie usual salvo of applause he advanced up calmly and leisurely, received his book from Lady Margaret, and made that lady a low bow. As he turned to go, he saw Diana smiling and laughing with pleasure, and made her a bow also. Far down at the other end Dick Lugard, panting, now grown doubtful and suspicious, saw him return. '^ Catechism and Morals," again pro- claimed Mr. Whitty— '^ Eobert BHgh." Eobert, standing by Lugard, heard him give an impatient stamp ; yet these were the poor prizes which Lugard would have thought beneath him, and which fell almost as of course to Bligh. But it was adding to the accumulating triumphs. Never mind, the next would redeem all. Lugard turned very pale as Mr. Whitty THE PRIZES. 77 began to read. Looking to the end of the room, he saw a little seriousness on Miss Diana's face. It was coming now. " General merit : the large silver medal, with ten pounds in specie — Imperator^^ — and Mr. Whitty paused a second — "Eobertus Bligh." There was silence for a moment from surprise ; then from the fickle crowd rang out a tremendous cheer. Bligh, bewildered, really confounded with delight and genuine astonishment, remained immovable ; for he had heard a deep groan come from one who was beside him. "0, Dick," he said hurriedly, '' I never thought this. I did not, indeed." He went up, the applause continuing — some clapping their hands into his face ; Mr. Whitty smiling with excitement ; every eye bent on him and enjoying the spectacle. Alas ! such moments are all the victor's — 78 DIANA GAY. the triumpli is displayed without any regard for the feehngs of the vanquished. " Here he comes," said Mr. Gay, sharing in this feeling, " I declare ! — Well done, my boy ! — Doctor, I think if my Di were to give it to him — " " ! Certainly. Lady Margaret will ex- cuse." That delicate and refined face was all a-glow with agitation at this publicity. Mr. Whitty came with the prize. She had nearly let fall the great medal and its ribbon. Here was the ten-pound bank- note, new, crisp, and clean, all but fluttering away. She was laughing over the import- ance of the duty. "What am I to do?" she said. '^ 0, tell me ! " for poor Dick, afar off, seeing his rival going down on one knee, and the brilliant young lady stooping over to put the ribbon THE PRIZES. 79 round his neck I Then Mr. Jennings and the " orchestra " — a httle courtesy surely at such a season, for they meant well, and did their best — struck up ^' See the conquer- ing hero," not very much out of tune. ISTo one thought of Dick ; perhaps not even Miss Diana ; for with every one success succeeds, and makes us all brave, handsome, and interesting. But hush for one moment. One of the Oxford gentlemen wishes " to say a word " — namely, that the answering for this prize has been very good ; and that the second in merit, Mr. Lugard, had done very fairly also ; and that therefore they had adjudged him " a copy of Macaulay's ' Essays.' " But no one came up to receive this solatium, and Diana, with some trepida- tion, saw her friend Dick tramping hastily from the hall. " No matter," said the Doctor plaintively ; " Mr. Whitty will take care of it for him." 80 DIANA GAY. Then the '' band " — we must be compli- mentary to the end — struck up our familiar National Anthem, which even the Doctor, though he had no ear, knew by the shape. Out in the garden, groaning aloud and half out of his wits, Lugard was pacing furiously round. He did not know where he was going, what he was doing. " My God ! I'm disgraced ! " he was saying : " ruined before them all ! What am I to do ? — what shall I do ? What is to become of me ? " He heard a step and looked round ; then drew himself up. ''0, Lugard, this is dreadful ! I never expected it — I never intended it, I call Heaven to witness — " ''You should be proud of yourself— you planned it finely," said the other, breathing hard. '' Don't be alarmed ; I wouldn't touch you. You mean, unworthy fellow. THE PEIZES. 61 to throw me off my guard and creep in before me in that way ! " " I didn't, I didn't," repeated Bligh dis- stractedly. '' I tell you I did not. I thought I had no chance; but I worked hard, just as I have always done, for the spirit of the thing, to come in after you, and learn as much as I could ; or indeed, thinking there might be some chance — " "Yes, I understand," said the other, looking at him wildly. '' You are at no loss for reasons. What do I care for your reasons ! You have undone me, disgraced me before them all — before my father and before her, the girl I was foolishly telling you of last night. I'll never forgive it to you, never ! Not if I was to grow up and live a hundred years. If I had a medal round my neck, and got it the way you did, I'd take it off. N"o honest fellow but would be ashamed to wear such a thing. Your 82 DIANA GAY. medal and your money, indeed ! I don't envy you. I wouldn't take them and your mean heart together." Yet his trembling voice and wistful glance at the decoration contradicted this speech, and showed how he envied the happy winner of those honours. Bligh was changing colour at the conti- nuance of this personal language. '' I say," he said, '' you do me injustice, Lugard. You should know me better than to charge me with such a thing. From any other fellow in the school I could not bear what I have heard from you to-day. It is not fair of you — indeed it is not." " What 1 " said Lugard, his eyes lighting up with a sort of joy. " Do you suppose I want any privilege or protection beyond the other fellows ? Indeed I do not. Pray get that notion out of your head, sir. I can answer for my words as well as another. THE PRIZES. 83 and can stand by tliem, and back tliem up too. So if you think yourself aggrieved — " " Aggrieved ! " said the other, looking at him sadly with his clear open blue eye. - No." '* Ahj I thought not," said Lugard, with a loud laugh of scorn. *' You can hardly be serious, Lugard," Bligh said in the same tone. '' Think what would be said of you if anything of that sort took place between us, and what motives would be imputed to you. I care for your- honour too much, Lugard, to let any provo- cation help you into such a mistake." " This is outrageous ! " said the other, walking backwards and forwards in a fury. '* 0, what am I to do with this fellow ? " Bligh laid his hand on his arm and pressed it kindly. " See, Lugard," he said. " The other fel- lows would laugh at me if I told them what G 2 84 DIANA GAY. I am going to tell you. I had a motive which made me work this time, and about three weeks ago, made me labour to try" — ■ here he hesitated — '' and beat you. I con- fess it." '' 0, it's coming now, is it ? " said Lugard. '' So what you said before was not quite — " '' I'll tell you all. At home I have a poor mother who lives by herself all the year nearly, and all that time lives, I may say, for me. I do not think she enjoys or cares for life in the least, except to keep herself alive for the day when I shall rise in the world. Well, only a month before she wrote to me, saying that she was beginning to be disap- pointed after all, and she feared she should not live to see her heart comforted by any success of mine. And I was so ashamed, Lugard, and felt so what she meant, that I set to work, and got up earlier, and sat up a little later, and so far took that advantage. THE PRIZES. 85 Otherwise you would have been sure to have it as before." Lugard broke out with a loud and mocking laugh. '' So now it's out ! So you must introduce our old mammas on the scene. All to oblio-e her — poor old lady ! " Bligh turned quickly on him. '' Don't speak in that way," he said ; ''it's not fair nor gentlemanly. I see I made a mistake in telling you. But it is not generous in you to — to — " "To bring in an old lady and get behind her petticoat," said Lugard, sneering. '' So we did it to get a prize for its mammy ! " '' I told you before not to speak in that way," said Bligh, with a voice that trembled in its turn ; '' so let it drop, I advise you. I got the medal because I worked for it and won it fairly, and others couldn't ; so that's all about it." 86 DIANA GAY. He was turning away ; but this tone had stung Lugard, and lie called out — " Well, go home, and mammy will show it to all the visitors — poor old soul ! — and cry for joy over her clever darling." " Stop that ! " said the other calmly, and coming back to him. '' I told you before — " "Don't give me any orders!" said the other in a tone of fury. ''I'll take none from you, and I'll say what I please." '' Not about her. You are welcome to me." " What ! must we reverence the old mammy?" In a second feet were shuffling and scram- bling on the gravel, — two flushed faces flash- ing forward and backward, and arms whirling excitedly. Dick had now forgotten every- thing — defeat, mortification, everything. Here was an opportunity; and on honour- able terms he would have some sort of in- demnification. And yet the same quality THB PRIZES. 87 which served Robert intellectually, served him now. He did indeed feel a burning rage, mixed with grief, to think his friend could have been so ungenerous. And that insult to one he so loved made him forget all else. Down came his enemy's blows fast and furious. After the delightful holiday of the morning, was all going to end in this ! At that moment the galleries of the house were re-echoing to the thundering of heavy shoes ; delighted wearers rushing along, shouting with joy, to get their things ; for the car- riages were waiting below. And here, at the back of the house, were two boys, with all the deadly and unholy passions which fighting rouses, striving to mark, maim, or even kill each other. They did not hear a light step on the gravel. The calm and wary Bligh had at last found the opening he waited for, and one of his strong blows had de- scended full on the fair cheek-bone of Lugard, 88 DIANA GAY. By-and-by that would become a *' black eye," fatally proclaiming tlie story of another de- feat ; and this thought lent a frantic fury to his blows. But a scream of terror inter- rupted both. Eeluctantly stopping and glaring round, Lugard saw the slight figure of Miss Diana Gay, with her bright face filled with terror, and her hands clasped, beside them. Covered with dust, with faces scarlet (and Lugard' s already swelling up angrily), the combatants' arms dropped, and their heads hung down. "0, what are you doing ? " cried the young lady distractedly. '' What a dreadful thing this is ! You want to kill each other 1 0, what shall I do ? Will no one come ? " She was quite scared, as she might have been by the sight of real wounds and blood. Then, more distracted, " What a dreadful thing ! " she went on. " Will no one come ? " Bligh, always collected, went up to her. THE PRIZES. 89 " It is over ; indeed it is, Miss Gay. I am ashamed of myself; I am, indeed." Miss Diana drew back a little. for poor Dick ! at that moment held back by the conscious- ness of the tingling swelling, and the worse consciousness of being detected in what must seem this humiliating attempt to revenge his intellectual defeat by this appeal to brute violence. " It was a mistake, indeed it was," said Bligh, feehng acutely for him ; '' and it was all about something else than what you know. — Lugard," he said, " we have been very hasty, and I took you up too hastily. Come, make it up before Miss Gay. Do ! " Miss Diana, beside herself with excitement, felt herself quite a little heroine at the moment. The glory of reconciling the two heroes flashed on her mind. Bligh' s hand was out, but Dick remained passive. *' This must all end," she said. " And O, you will for ever oblige me, if you will be 90 DIANA GAY. friends, and not let the matter go farther.*' She had heard her father use this phrase to gentlemen. " 0, promise, if you would ever wish to oblige me. It is dreadfal to see this going on." And, approaching Dick softly, she looked into his face with a winning ex- pression, timidly ; then, with sudden motion, half mischievous, half kindly, she darted over, seized upon his hand, and, placing it quickly in Bligh's, said, " Now I insist ; you must be dear friends again." " Never!" said Lugard, drawing his away. The young lady coloured. She drew her- self up. ^' Indeed you must. I ask you." '* With all my heart," said Bligh warmly ; " and I own I was a little wrong." "Yes," said Lugard, " you are going to be generous and noble now. We can leave the thing as it is. We want no heroics. I am not offended, only I must say, of all the — " "It's no matter, then," she said coldly. THE PRIZES. 91 "Do as you like, Mr. Richard Lugard. No other lady would have been refused such a thing — Mr. Bligh, would you take me to my father ? " She turned away. Robert Bligh went with her. Then Lugard called out — a little un- graciously in tone, it must be said ; but only think what a storm was raging in that school- boy's heart — *' Well then, there, since you wish it — but — " The other seized it eagerly. '^ My dear Lugard, I am sorry all this has happened. But — but I'll only make it worse if I say anything." The little lady looked on triumphantly. This was her handiwork. She felt herself a little peacemaker ; it seemed as if she had hindered some dreadful scene of bloodshed. She seemed to discover in herself immense diplomatic gifts. '' Now hsten to me," she went on wisely. 92 DIANA GAY. " Some one will be coming, I know. Now that you are friends again, and that I have made you so, you may depend on me. I shall be as silent as the grave on this dreadful business. No one shall ever know it except us three. There you promise me ? " And having made this really diplomatic declaration, — the best that could be given under the circumstances, — she looked on her work in triumph. And yet poor Richard, if we only consider his position — under any attitude how humiliating ! — nothing that could be done for him could repair it. *' Where on earth is she ? "Where is m^^ little lady ? " *' Hush, hush ! Now, mind," said Diana. '' Ah ! so here she is, with the gentlemen. Nice work," said Mr. Gay. " We've been hunting for you everywhere, boys. Come, what are you about here ? We can't have THE PRIZES. 93 C^sar and Xapoleon going on in tliis way. I want you both to fix a day to come and stay at Gay Court." Later Mr. Gay said he sav»^ the whole business, — Dick's coming black eye, ^c, — but was discreetly silent. " I am sorry I cannot go to you, sir," said Dick, shortly, breathing fast. '' I have to be with my father." ''But your father agrees. There's the thing, you see." '' He can do as he likes," said Dick, bluntly. '• I can't go. I am not in spirits. I want to go away somewhere — anywhere." '' 0, nonsense, my dear boy I What hum- bug I A clever, brilliant chap like you — " " Clever — brilliant ! 0, very ! " repeated Dick scornfully. " Why, you know you have twice the genius of our friend here ! He won't be angry with me for saying so. But you have ; you know you have." 94 DIANA GAT. ''Indeed lie has," said Bligli earnestly. " yes, yes," said Miss Diana, with en- thusiasm. Mr. Gay walked a little on with Bligh, taking his arm, and calling him " my gallant Imperator.^^ 0, the cruel world ! " Our friend is a little down, you know, — it's most natural. Who can blame him ? Between ourselves," he added confidentially, " I want our little lady there to give him some com- fort. She knows how, I can tell you. So, Master Bligh, you have had to stand up and do a bit of pugilism to hold your medal, eh? Well, well ; boys are queer fellows." The way in which Miss Diana comforted the defeated hero was this : " 0, I am sorry for you, Mr. Richard ; I feel for you, I do indeed." ''It is very good of you," said Richard gloomily ; " and does me too much honour. But I don't care about anything now. Feel THE PRIZES. 95 for me ! Yes, you have a contempt for me ! You must have it ; I know it. Beaten in every way ! ' ' He said this so forcibly that Miss Diana, who had not dreamt of such a thing, began to doubt whether she should not entertain some such thought. Perhaps it is even a httle impohtic, to try and convince people of our own humiliation ; very little argument is sure to do it. Diana knew not what to say next; she was not ready. In serious and grave crises she was only good for a few seconds, where dramatic action was wanting. Then she got a little aground. Suddenly she called out in alarm, ''0, 0, how dreadful ! " Her eye had fallen for the first time on the swelling, growing more hot and fierce every moment, changing fi:'om pale pink to deeper purple. ** What is that shocking thing?" she said, retreating from him. '' 0, how 96 DIANA GAY. dreadful ! Why did you let that be done to you ? " Worse and worse humiliation. Poor Dick looked at her steadily with trembling lips. The speech was in the kindest tone ; but it showed what was behind. There was a dancing light, of buoyancy of heart, and per- haps mischief, in Miss Diana's eyes. She came on the earth merely to have to do with the sun, and the flowers, and the colours, and all the delightful things. And this Dick saw in a moment, and with an abrupt turn he walked away. The young girl was scared. " come back," she said, " I am so sorry — indeed I am. And I so feel it; and I know you will beat him another time." But Dick never looked round. Miss Diana tossed her head, and glanced over to the other side of the garden, where her father was walking with his arm in the arm THE PRIZES. 97 of tlie conquerer. On the neck of tlie con- queror the blue ribbon was glistening in tlie sun. After all, maundering with beaten people who are **down" — proverbially a selfish class — is dreary work : to not being successful, the next best thing is to be with the successful. And so Miss Diana walked over to join them. Presently all the carriages were going away; there were whole strings of them drawn up. Trunks were being carried downstairs. Delighted and exultant boys were bounding up and down to fetch some last articles of property, for the parents and guardians were waiting. The Doctor was standing, with a tender and pathetic face, out on the steps, and saying, " God bless you, Edward ! " or " Weehum ! " I don't know how many times over. And from every carriage as it drove away came a cheer. I. H ( 98 ) CHAPTEE y. GAY COURT. On the Calthorpe Eoad there was a handsome red-brick archway, well covered with ivy, with a good sweep in front, and a semi- circular wall, with pillars and chains. To the traveller passing by, and thinking of his dull inn and coffee-room at Calthorpe, the next town, the glimpse through the great gate of the fair open meadows, the noble trees scattered about, and the patch of the mansion itself afar of, nestling in a warm clump, and, like a Spanish beauty, lifting the corner of her veil to show a little of her face, such glimpse gives the best sensation of GAY COUET. 99 luxury and enjoyable pleasure — beyond even the solemn grandeurs of a palace. Every one passing Gay Court had this thought in his mind : " What a fine place it was ! " and the flyman always said, " It well might be, for there was lots o' money to back it ; and all this here a both sides of the road, as far as yer could see, was his'n." And, further, that it all went, " every shilling on it, to young Miss Dinah" at the old man's death. Is it one of the mysterious hints repeated over the world in many shapes, that man should look to a future state, that the vulgar should have this profound interest in the reversioner rather than in the person in possession ? On the two piers of the gateway rose two large carved larks, with the inscription underneath, " Toujoues Gai," the family motto. Any one asking at the gate was allowed, almost invited, to go up and see the H 2 100 DIANA GAY. place. Indeed it was open in tlie summer for two days in the week to picnic parties ; and Mr. Gay liad built a little pavilion close to tlie lake for tlieir special use and advan- tage, where they dined, and could afterwards have their dance. It was not an old place, or indeed a ''place" proper. Mr. Gay had found it a good, square-built, brick house ; and having met the well-known adapting architect Jen- kinson, who knew what could be "made" of a house without pulling down, and whose devotion to a peculiar style had procured him the name of " Middle-aged Jenkinson," he had secured this gentleman's services, who had put out a gable or two, " run up " a campanile, and laid out a terrace. These small additions had '* warmed up " the place a good deal, and did not interfere with the old air of comfort. Mr. Gay, though a pure country squire, had nothing to do with the GAY COUET. 101 old notion of the " country squire/' but went with the times, and enjoyed everything of the present day. He was fond of traveUing, spoke languages, read German a good deal, and enjoyed " life ; " that is, even the ordi- nary blessings of living — a fine day, a pretty view, a good walk, the mere sense of draw- ing-in the fresh air vigorously — filling his broad chest, and saying, '^I never have a day's sickness," — ^blessings not known or considered until the demi-jour of old age has set in, and the night is drawing on fast. Some day we may learn the art of discount- ing the cheap pleasures of life, now thought of poorly because so universal. Four miles ofi* was Calthorpe, the usual country town, into which drove the ladies from the country seats round, to buy* at M'Williams & Co.'s, General Drapery House, " From London,'' (It was common to stand by M'Wilhams & Co. and say 102 DIANA GAY. we got things as good from him as from a West-end shop.) At directly the opposite quarter, and about six miles off, was the great town, the metropolis of the district, Ironston, or Irnston as it was called, a huge manufacturing centre, which seemed to live, and thrive too, in a great yellow mist of its own; where, as we went flying through it for a mile or so on a line of heavy arches over its streets, we saw tiers of dull red houses, and great red monster buildings, with a gap open, as it were, where were seen flames, and from whence came the ring and ding-dong of metal ; marked out, too, with chimneys, thick as posts, pouring out fumes of black smoke with vigour and earnestness. Looking down below into the street, we saw heavy wains with four and six horses, sauntering, as it were, along with an easy pull, and on every wain a great boiler, or a huge girder, all over rivets, as with metal GAY COURT. 103 buttons. Here was a grand town-hall, stately and huge, and even magnificentj but gaunt, and stiff, and inelegant, like the iron- workers themselves. Here a great organ thundered ; here, when the festival came on, iron-throated, stiff-chested men gathered by the hundred, and roared Israel in Egypt from throats like ophicleides. And here, in red-brick barracks at the edge of the town, were now quartered the 1st (Du Barry's) Hussars. Every one drove into Calthorpe at half-an-hour's notice, but to drive into Ironston was made a more serious business. It was arranged the day before : there was due dressing, and a regular expedition planned. There was a set of houses, all at pretty nearly the same distance from Calthorpe : Gay Court, as we have just seen ; Bowman House, " the scat of Mr. and Lady Margaret Bowman ; " and the Crowders, owners of a 104 DIANA GAY. place called tlie Priory, wliicli had belonged to a ruined squire, in whose family it had been since the old Priory days. The Orow- ders were in the "iron" line, and some of the great boilers seen from the railway bridge lying helpless on the waggons were travelling from their great yards. There was Dr. Windle's, the rector's, house; Mrs. Bligh's neat road-side villa ; and Burton, Mr. Lugard's, M.P., a gentlemanly place, quiet, well cut, and well kept — like his own clothes. These families were grouped together. How they " saw each other," how wealth pre- vailed in the case of Gay Court, political position at Burton, and how often we could meet the livery servant going up the avenue at Bowman House with the note, in which the '' Honour of Mr. and Lady Margaret Bowman's company at dinner" was en- treated, we may well imagine. Such a bit of quality will keep a whole district sweet GAT COURT. 105 and wholesome, and goes from house to house hke the old Irish sacred bell, which was sent for all through the parish and sworn upon, for a small fee, in the case of conflicting testimony. Such is the homage rank must pay to society, and every family in the kingdom hath a right to have its joss, or splendidly gilt image, which it can bow before, and — have to dinner. Thus much for a little disposition of the characters, and the clearing of the ground, as it were. School-boy days are over ; and some years have passed since Dr. Wheeler had his exhibition-day at Prospect House. The lodge-gates of Gay Court are wide open this fine February morning, and the fourth carriage of a series has swept in with that centrifugal turn which is so agreeable to a driver, and which, perhaps, is not unwelcome to the horses. The soft rumbling up the smooth avenue comes gratefully after the 106 DIANA GAY. rougli road ; and thej pull up with, a clatter and scattering of gravel under the light glass-and-iron porch, which Middle-aged Jenkinson has thrown out from the door. Mr. Lugard was the last to arrive on this occasion, riding over from Burton on a fine horse, with a smart, correct, and gentlemanly groom behind. There must be some little festival at the Court that morning. For the men were standing about and waiting, with many a speech of approbation — ''Well, and he deserves it, sure enough. Where' d there be a fox only for him ? " This was the view of a certain interest. '' And a large-minded, liberal- 'arted man, — none of your sixpenny gents as will take a hard-working man's suvvises gratuitous!"^ — which stood for popularity in the dining-room. We go up with Mr. Lugard, who is dressed as though he were going to a London flower-show, in GAY COURT. 107 an elegant frock-coat, pale trousers, — a scarlet geranium in his button-hole. As he followed the servant up very fast, for he was a little late, he settled his hair, put on a dehcate-tinted glove, and looked sur- prisingly young indeed. The large drawing-room was quite full. There was a buzz of voices ; but above them all was heard the hearty laugh of Mr. Gay. There were ladies and gentlemen present ; and beside her father, her hand on his arm, looking up into his face, and laughing as he laughed, was Miss Diana Gray, now grown taller, but a little " filled out," as one of the squires would say, and in face more refined and brilliant than ever. She was all excited. The prettily-shaped mouth was yet more marked ; the skin paler and firmer. And there were the little side accroche-coeitrs, and the trinkets in which she delighted clinking about her neck and wrists. She had on a 108 DIANA GAT. white morning jacket, with "a tiny frill that stood up about her neck. Every moment that she turned her face to look at some one, or to listen, a bright flush seemed to pass across it. She gave a start and a clap of her hands as she saw Mr. Lugard enter. " Here he is at last ! " she said. Leaning solemnly against the wall was a large flat object covered up in baize. The squires were looking at it with a sort of veneration. It seemed like a picture. Mr. Lugard, conferring with two or three gentlemen and taking some papers from them, said, " I think so — quite right." And then, smoothing his hair and stretching his arm so as to have his shirt-sleeve com- fortable, he advanced in the middle, and everybody fell away for hi.m He began, in a clear voice, "Mr. Gay, — Sir, I have been deputed by a number of gentlemen and — GAY COURT. 109 wliat is far more important — ladies of this district — ladies and gentlemen who have known you long, sir, and esteem you more the longer they know you — to present to Miss Diana Gay, the charming young lady beside you, whom we all admire, a portrait of her father in — er — hunting costume. We all know what this district was before, sir, yoic took up the hounds, and we know what it is now,^' And repeated "Hear, hears," low and growling, like hounds, indorsed this sentiment. Mr. Lugard went on to dwell on Mr. Gay's virtues, the charm of his manner (it had been agreed among the donors that no one could do a thing of this sort so happily as Lugard), and, he might add, his hos- pitality and friendliness. And there was a certain appropriateness, he said, in making such a present to Miss Diana Gay. The Calthorpe Hunt knew pretty well where her 110 DIANA GAT. place was, whether at the death or at the find. And, in conclusion, Mr. Lngard, going over to the picture, drew the green baize aside, and presented it formally to Diana. She looked down ; looked up at her father; then, with great embarrassment, felt her earring. In a low voice she said, " I do thank you all very much for this beautiful picture of my dear father, which I shall promise to like nearly as much as I do himself. And I can answer for him, he will always keep up the old Calthorpe Hunt as well as he does now. Thank you, indeed." This little speech was greeted with im- mense applause. Then every one crowded round to look at what they had given. There, in a rich broad gold frame, stood John Gay, Esq., of Gay Court, as his name would be read in the next Academy Exhibi- tion, to which it would be sent. There he GAY COURT. Ill stood, in a hot scarlet coat and very yellow buckskins, witli his heavy whip held across his thighs ; there he stood, looking fixedly and stonily out — certainly as John Gay of Gay Court, a man most mercurial and changeable of face and motion, never looked. There were three of his black-and-white hounds — painted-in very " hard," with their tails like so many stiJS* notes of admiration — clustered about his boots. In the distance, a faint little glimpse of Gay Court. Saltmarshe had received five hundred guineas. A ''clever fellow" — a kind of "hunting" artist, who was a half-gentleman and asked to country houses. He kept a sort of " screw " himself, rode to hounds, as, he said, " to pick up bits of character, you know ;" which he did, in a certain sense, as he contrived to pick up an order now and then to paint a hunter or a hunter's horse. Hunting-men would have but a poor 112 DIANA GAY. opinion of your artist fellow ; but when lie had done " Nero " and "Peppercorn/' and a few more equine portraits — "you'd see the very hairs in his mane/' the delighted admirers would cry — his name was made. "My God ! " cries another, with his glass close to the picture ; " and the very letters on the button ! Never saw anything like it. And the coat ! " Saltmarshe, the "hunting" artist, would have been delighted had he heard all these compliments. And yet, after all, these hunting-pictures are a little awful, and but a gaunt nightmare- shape of memorial. Mr. Gay then said a few hearty words. He thanked them from his heart ; he did indeed. His face and figure, he was afraid, was not worth all that fine colour. But they would have it, and his daughter there was content. And he would say he believed it was the most acceptable present she ever GAY COUET. 113 got. (And Miss Diana's eyes, fixed on his face, began to glisten, and her classic mouth spread into a smile of delighted affection.) As for what he had done for their hunting, it was all purely selfish. It was a fine manly Enghsh sport ; and he should be ashamed to be a fellow — and he believed there were such — who would not encourage it. (Every one knew that this allusion pointed to an odious Mr. McGregor, against whom insinuations went about of foul and dark crimes in relation to foxes.) The man that would harm a fox, Mr. Gay went on warmly, he would be on his guard against. He would not trust him ; and he would end badly. Some poet said something about no one's laying his hand on a woman save in the way of kindness. And so he said about the foxes, who should always, as long as he drew breath, have a home and hospitality at Gay Court, and not be dis- 114 DIANA GAY. turbed save by fair, honourable, open, manly hunting. This speech was received v^ith tremendous approbation. And presently all were invited downstairs to what, to the local reporter, poor soul, was ''a sumptuous repast," but which was indeed only the common shape of entertainment at Gay Court when guests were present. Lady Margaret, large and rustling, and her satin mantle and laces gathered about her, '' beat down " the stairs with Mr. Gay. She was, of course, the woman of honour ; and at every dinner in the district, at the solemn moment of announcement, the host had to present a crooked arm to her lady- ship, who, as of course, rustled away and led the procession. ( 115 ) CHAPTER VI. " d'oesay/' Dows in the large dining-room slie looked round. '* Where is that dear girl ? She must really come next me, I have so much to say to her. Pretty bright thing she is, she is so happy to-day ! " " Ah, so she does ! " said the delighted papa. — '' Ducky, won't you come here next Lady Margaret ? " Miss Diana was in charge of Mr. Lugard, the important person of the day, and was sitting down at the other end of the table when she heard her father's voice. " Yes, yes, Widge " — a name she had for I 2 IIG DIANA GAY. him — " I'm coming. — INTow, Mr. Lngard, you must come ; I couldn't stay for the world.'* And, much to that gentleman's annoyance, they had to change their places. The table was very crowded. It was a long, large, spacious, sombre room, with a crimson-and-gold paper, and many family pictures hung round. There were a great many guests — all the hunt and the neigh- bours, except, indeed, the abhorred M'Gregor, agfainst whom the unnatural crime was whispered about, and who was, of course, not fit company for gentlemen. There was a large, red-faced gentleman, very stout, coarse in his voice, whom we have not seen before, which was Mr. Crowder, from the Priory, who was so wonderful in the '^ iron " way, and who had a vulgar wife and a large daughter, and who went about in the morn- ings in a broad-tailed dress-coat. But he was good in the field, rode on a great strong '^d'orsay." 117 brown horse with enormous quarters and a white star on the forehead, who carried him over, and through, alL This redeemed the wife, broad-tailed coat, vulgarity — everything. He was an " arrant snob " until he was seen one day on the great horse. Mysterious hunting, that levels all distinctions, or rather that raises the lowest to the highest ! The remarkable hunting-man, no matter what his degree, wins respect and homage ; his words are wisdom ; and, though but a chandler, his lordship is proud to have his opinion. ''Ah ! " said Mr. Gay, looking down the table, " I don't see Mrs. Bligh ; I want to talk to her. Di, pet, can you find her out ? " Xot every one had yet been seated. In a moment Miss Diana had flown awav, and returned with the lady. " Come here, Mrs. Bligh," said the host ; ''sit yourself down next me, on this great day for Gay Court. I declare I feel quite proud 118 DIANA GAY. when I think of myself leaning against the wall upstairs in my gold frame." The lady, whom we know to be Robert Bligh's mother, was a woman wdtli a very remarkable face, with dark hair turning iron- grey, eyes not brilliant, but deep-set and burning with a slow and steady light. All her features were firm, well cut, and almost manly, yet were fine-looking, and had been handsome. She was dressed quietly and even richly, but in a sort of half-mourning ; at least with velvet set ofi* with mauve. She spoke with a firm clear voice. '' So Robert is coming down to you," said Mr. Gray ; " I am very glad of it. I told him long ago this overworking won't do ; and a man gets nothing by it, for in the end he has to give in. It is like drawing bills : you get the money down, but have to take it up later with heavy interest, commission, and what not." «C ^^»r^TiCAAr '» d'oksay." 119 " I tell him so, too," said she, '' but he is ambitious. I am afraid I am a little responsible, for I encouraged him at the moment ; for a day's success in youth is worth a year's in after-life." " You're right there, Mrs. Bligh ; youth is the time. To hear a young fellow talking of poverty! Why youth is money, beauty^ health — everything ! Listen to that,, Doatsey." That young lady gave a laugh. '' I should like to be always young ; at least, never older than papa." Then she coloured, for she thought of Mrs. Bligh, who was smiling at her. '' Or, I mean, Mrs. Bligh, too." Mr. Gay threw himself back and laughed very loudly. " See how Di gets herself out of a scrape ! " Mrs. BHgh went on : ''I knew all this, and what he could do with his great abilities, and am afraid I pressed him too much ; but I did 120 DTANA GAY. it all for the best. I want to see liim a veiy great man." Tlie slow fires in her eyes brightened up as she spoke this. She spoke so fervently, Diana looked over at her with interest. The young girl had the greatest reverence for '' mind " and talent. " He is getting on wonderfully, Mrs. Bligh, is he not?" she asked. "Do you recollect the day at the school ? We all thought him so stupid up to that. When Mr. Lu " Miss Diana's mouth took the shape of an from a feeling of fright, having forgotten Mr. Lugard, his father, who was listening. " ! I never meant it," said Diana earn- estly, and even solemnly; ''I am only joking." •' I know what you mean. Miss Diana ; and it's not fair of you to your old friend Dick. It was a mere accident ; he had got the spelling or Latin-grammar prize ever so "d'oesay." 121 often before. — Your son, Mrs. Bligli, who is a very sharp fellow, cleverly threw him off his guard, and I don't blame him. — All's fair, Miss Diana, in love, war, or examina- tions." "Nothing of the kind," said Mrs. Bligh, firmly. '"' Every year, as Dr. Wheeler told me, he worked up nearer and nearer, and that year he succeeded ; he was the best man in the school." " He'll make a figure, I know," said Mr. Gay. 'a had Buller, the Q.C., to dinner when he came down on his circuit ; and he says, for the time he has been at it, he is the most wonderful junior he knows. Mind^ he comes over here as soon as he arrives. We shall all be glad to see him. Lord Bellman is coming, and bringing his horses; and my little lady here wants to fill lier house and have some fun. — And Lugard, — I'll write to Dick; he is engaged already." 122 DIANA GAY. ''0, Dick knows," said Mr. Lugard, with one of his sweet smiles. '' E^e wouldn't miss it. Though, indeed, how he manages to dispose of all the invitations they shower on him ! He has a wonderful tact for getting on. I never told you — did I ? — how he got on General Bateman's staff." ''• I suppose the general put him on it— ha, ha, ha ! " " Yes ; but what made the general put him on it ? Why, Dick himself, simply by having tact and being a gentleman. He was walking with Harrington through the town, and he saw a shabbily-dressed woman, with a cur-dog biting at her dress. She seemed frightened ; and Harrington, whose father, by the way, is a leather man, laughed heartily, and was passing on when she appealed to him. But Dick recollected a bit of advice I gave him, always to be gen- tlemanly to every woman — for it might be a <« T.'^T,0,A- " d'oesay." 123 rich old woman, who would leave him a fortune ; no one could tell — and Dick went up, beat the dog away, took oflf his hat, and was greatly laughed at by the leather fellow. But who do you suppose this was ? Xo other than Mrs. Bateman, the general's wife, come to look out for a house. And within a month Dick, who knows how to build for himself if you give him any sort of a foun- dation, was on the general's staff. I assure you," added Mr. Lugard, raising his voice, '•' a little of that tact and readiness is worth all the drudgery and learning in the world ; because, you see, it does more in a minute than the other would do in years." This view certainly did impress the com- pany, and Diana looked round at Mr. Lugard with a little mysterious air of awe habitual to her when she heard anything verij wise. Who does not admire an instance of the exquisite science of ^' getting on in the 124 DIAXA GAY. world," or ratlier the charm of ''manner" which acts so magically and yet so cheaply — and the want of which is so fatal ? Mr. Lngard, who always talked in a sweet and luscious way, which gives quite a young air, then told them more about his son. '' He's uncommonly extravagant though," he said. ''For a mere lad as he is, it's outrageous." (He always impressed on his hearers this fact of "being a mere lad;" and certainly people meeting them in the street had taken them for elder and younger brothers). "But I can't complain, for he has paid his way hitherto. He has a horse this moment, which we'll see him turn out on some morning, worth three hundred, and for which he paid forty. There, again, you see, judgment is worth money." Lady Margaret had been busy all this while with her lunch — for she had an admirable appetite, and liked her " glass of (( T^»^T,o*^^ >> D OESAY. 12o wine," as slie said ; a mere euplmism, which it would be discourteous to test by cross- examination — and had been very busy with soup, chicken, tongue, salad, and other good things. As has been said, she was inclined to a full habit of person, which seemed clamorous for nourishment. At the first lull she turned to Diana and took possession of that young lady, absorbing her with speech, lips, hands, and rustling shawl, as though she had been a tender bit of the breast of a chicken. ''And now tell me about yourself," said Lady Margaret in a quite confidential way that was her characteristic. ''What day will you come over and stay ? I heard your father talk of Lord Bellman. We know them, my dear child, as well as you do me. Met them at Aix-la-Chapelle, both of us at Dremel's — poor Bowman screaming with his liver — and that nice youth that was with 126 DIANA GAY. bim. Poor Lady Bellman ! slie used to walk with me and tell me lier troubles ; for he wasn't the best of — you know. I must tell your father to bring them over to see us." '' yes," said Diana, listening gravely to this stream of talk. "I'll tell papa, and I am sure he will be delighted." '^ You must come, my dear," went on Lady Margaret, affecting not to see her glass being filled again with champagne, and then starting with horror ; '' and stay a long, long time. I want you to know our Canning, who will be with us. He has promised to get some time from his duties. He is getting on so. I could show you letters from Lord Cumberley at the Foreign Ofiice. Such letters ! They can do nothing without him. Ah, my dear, I wish we had all such a head as our Canning. I assure you," and Lady Margaret nodded her head "d'orsay." 127 significantly, ^' there's many a girl in town would be glad to get him." Our Diana, as mentioned, was always impressed by the influence of great intel- lectual gifts, and listened with that little air of awe and mystery which became her so much. " And he is so clever/' she said. " They say so." "I don't like repeating these things," said her ladyship, looking round ; '' but I will show you letters when you come to Bowman House that will astonish you. Lord Cum- berley came in the other day to the oflice. and said, 'Who's doings this?' and they told him one of the ordinary people of the place. And he said at once, ' Send down for Mr. Canning Bowman.' My dear, I wish we could all do ^as well as Canning. Only wait, and we shall see." And Miss Diana was greatly impressed by the meaning of this rather trite remark, which, indeed, 128 DIANA GAY. may be a propliecy of failure as well as of success ; and by waiting we may see the one as well as tlie other. Now the company broke out into the great good-humour that early luncheon al- ways induces. ]^ow the conversation had taken a special and characteristic turn, and the air was filled with lumbering scraps and fragments of incidents. Could the sounds in that sombre dining-room have frozen up, as in the Munchausen legend, and thawed again in a new generation, such sounds as ''off-hock," ''pounded," "got a cropper,'* "hard over the fence," "finished at the covers," and such phrases, would have been floating about. Then some went away, others went out to the garden, and a few amateurs were told by Mr. Gay that by-and- by, when he had " settled the ladies," he would show them the horses ; and no con- noisseurs relished the pictures, books, " d'oesay." 129 gardens, &c., with tlie zest witli wliicli the horse gentleraen do a visit to that " choice and rare gallery," the stable. Mr. Gay, going up to the drawing-room, found the ladies there, looking at his picture ao'ain. "There I am again," he said. " Between ourselves, I shall begin to hate myself, I look so stiff and fiery. Surely I never stood that way, simpering, with my leg- bent, and those poor wooden dogs staring at me. If I was on the ground, I was always calling to some one, or patting their heads, or looking out over the hills. But I suppose Saltmarshe knows his trade best. Between ourselves, I think he ain't much on a horse's back, whatever he is off of it; though he talks plenty about setting his beast at this jump and that jump. — -Eh, ducksy," he added, putting his arm about Miss Diana, who had come up, " do you I. K 130 DIANA GAT. remember wlien you pulled up Saltmarshe ? He said he'd been out with the Linkwater hounds the last week ; and he and old Mon- boddo, and two other fellows, had stuck on to the end ; and he was dead-beat, and all that. And what did you say to him, Di, in your own quiet, sly way, — come ? " " I told him, pa," said Diana, laughing, but with her eyes on the ground, " that he must have been out hunting by himself; for the last hunt of the season was in BelVs Life a fortnight before. And he got so red that I think he'd have' chopped me in two. But," she said, becoming grave, '' I must go and speak to the rector's wife and her daughters." " There's a knowing young lady," said her father, looking after her with great pride. " She'll get on. I declare it was as good as a play, the way she plagued the fellow. And I wasn't a bit sorry. You a T^»^T>OATr " D OBSAY. 131 know he was by way of being fine and at the nobility's parties — Lady Jane and this, and ' Tumbletowers said to me ' — that is, the Earl of Tumbletowers, you know. And I do believe he was trying the romantic with my little girl, coming down in his velvet jacket and a Raphael sort of look on. But she was up to him ; and I must say it was rich to listen to her. The first time he came down in these togs, she was looking at him very steadily, and he was languishing, when she says gravely, ' I de- clare, Mr. Saltmarshe, you're so like Lady Margaret's fine postilion.' Very rude, and all that, but uncommon good, you know. But when he found her one day putting a pair of moustaches in my picture, it was going too far, and he threatened to leave the house. Between ourselves, I had to blow her up. 0, he's a humbug; but the hunting-fellows here would have him. There's a very dif- 132 DIANA GAY. ferent style at the end of tlie room. You know this one, of course. Lady Margaret. That poor fellow George ! " This was a picture of a fair-haired young man, in old-fashioned regimentals, with a high, choking collar. ''So it is ; he was in the army. Yes." And having supplied this information, which was indeed surplusage, she gazed steadily at it. '' I always feel as if I was in his shoes, where I had no right to be," said Mr. Gay, with great feeling ; '' and only for my little woman there, I would as soon be where I was. He was foolish, but a good fellow. He was spoiled by being an elder son. Thej gave him his own way in everything; and when he was over twenty, he of course wanted to have it in an important matter, and they wouldn't give it to him, so he took it himself." (( -r^'r^-noAir " d'oesay." 133 He was looking steadily at tlie picture of the young officer. Lady Margaret listened with deep reverence. " 0, indeed ; yes. I remember it well. As fine a young man as I ever saw. And his taking out Lord Polehampton's daughter at the county ball, and every one saying what a pair they were. Melancholy business his throwing himself away on such a marriage.'* " Poor lad ! " said Mr. Gay, now in a reverie : '' I stayed at Boulogne as we came through, to see that they took care of his grave." The group w^as but of three — Lady Mar- garet, Mrs. Bligh, and Mr. Gay. All were looking at the picture — Lady Margaret^ with a sort of tearful air, and Mr. Gay with deep affection. But the sun, as it poured in through the window and lit up the mellowed crimson of the young officer's coat, passed across Mrs. BHgh's cold face. 134 DIANA GAY. In that face was neither sympathy nor affec- tion, but a smile almost of exultation, it seemed, at least satisfaction. Mr. Gay, turn- ing away his eyes slowly from the picture, saw it, and started. "Ah, to be sure!" he said quickly; " you knew the whole story. My poor wife told you everything." '' Yes," said Mrs. Bligh, '' I knew it all ; I dare say more than you did, Mr. Gay. But it had best be all forgotten." "To be sure," he said. "Look over there, now," he added suddenly, " the little heiress ! How she walks with dignity, as if she was married twenty years. I don't know how she picked up that air. She's shy, though she can fool and tomboy it with the youngest. But she'd walk into a room full of company like a little queen, and go up to the lady of the house with her train sweeping behind her. But I've forgotten ei T^'/^r,o»^' " d'orsay/' 135 the squires all out. Those gentry know how to swear. Come along. No ? Well, where is her highness ? Bring Mrs. Windle, dear, — she must come, — and show her our nags." The party went round to the stables, which were archibectural. Even here the spirit of '•' Middle-aged Jenkinson " had ruled, and that splendidly, showing that the noble animals who occupied them were in a county where they were held in the highest honour, and lodged and boarded quite luxu- riously. Their houses — '' boxes " — were warmed in the winter and ventilated in the summer; they had a whole train of upper and lower servants to wait on them, and lived a sort of Turkish existence after their day's professional exertion, taking their baths, and being shampooed and elegantly coiffeed by trained hau"dressers. There were five hunters in the stables, besides hacks, and nags, and many carriage-horses. These ladies and 136 DIANA GAY. gentlemen were disturbed at their dinner •without apology, and led out just as they were, in their stylish, red-bordered dressing- gowns, to be gazed at and admired. They w^ere not at all pettish or ill-tempered, as other noble persons might have been at being so disturbed ; nay, were not even put out when the servants swept the dressing- gowns off their backs, and left them Eve- like, and not in the least ashamed. *'' Walk the Don, John," Miss Diana cried in excitement, for she was directing the whole operations. " Isn't he a noble fellow? That's papa's own horse, and no one else can ride him — and — I wish lie didn't." '*But he stands for a great deal of money, popsey," said her father ; "I am ashamed to tell all he cost me. He's not wicked." Admiring hands were being passed down over the flanks and quarters of the animal, with the skilful touch of which horse ad- «CT^'r^T.c,A^ " d'oesat." 137 mirers have the knack, so that, though the Don lunged out with his hind feet, there was no danger to the connoisseurs, who kept out of his way adroitly. Heads were put back and on one side, as the great tall creature ambled slowly by, and arched his great neck, and seemed to expostulate with his groom — ''What is the use of holding me down so tight ? " and then continued his progress in a sort of stately and springing prance. " There's a fellow to take one over the stiff Garrow countrv — when he's in o-ood- humour, of course, for he has a trick or two." Horse connoisseurs find great delight in what seems fault-finding, but is indeed only a kindly wishing that certain fancies of their own were present : '' Runs off ever so little too fine here:" ''miofht be a trifle closer." But these were but faint objections. There was one just man, of stern authority, and 138 DIANA GAY. whom every one, and Mr. Gay especially, was anxious to hear, — a low, black-whiskered, thick-set little man, who carried the stick of a hunting-whip in a side pocket, and whose rigid adherence to the ground seemed to figure his moral adherence to his hunting- creed. Every one knew Pratt, the county- town solicitor, who had a good business, which he mysteriously contrived to combine with the real profession to which he was articled, namely '^ horses." We all knew those inimitably racy pictures of hunting- days, which came out but too rarely, in the Calthorpe Mercury, and were signed '' Buck- skin," and headed, perhaps, ''A Clipping Day with the Calthorpe Hounds," in which we saw "Reynard," and had "Yoicks, hark for'ard ! " and all the dramatic incidents. It was universally agreed in the hunt that Pratfc could earn a sum, fixed at about two thousand a year, up in London, by writing "d'oesay." 139 these vigorous hunting letters ; which, if founded in truth, seemed hke fatuity on his part, as he was certainly giving them gratis to the Calthorpe Mercury. This gentleman would not say much, though often appealed to, and even eagerly, by Mr. Gay. " Ay I ay ! a fair 'orse. I know him well," was his highest praise. But later he was heard to say to a friend in an undertone, ''A little too much sealin'-wax in the foreleg;" which seemed to hint at a slightness or brittleness in the limb of the Don ; a speech that was overheard by Mr. Gay, whose eye often afterwards settled rue- fully, and with misgiving, on the part alluded to. Other horses were then led out ; and then Diana ran over to the head groom. " Now then," said she, " forward with D'Orsay." And in a moment a fine, delicately-made, satin-coated bay came out, tripping daintily 140 DIANA GAY. with Ms refined limbs, like an elegantly-made dandy as he was. This was D'Orsay — Miss Diana's own horse. She ran up to him. She had on a tiny hat, all over flowers, called to him, patted him, and laid her cheek against his soft coat. The fine creature knew her, and turned his head round to look at her Avith the strange glance which horses give. The two faces — his great and gaunt and solemn, hers small and delicate and laughing — were a contrast. '' He is the best of them all, Mr. Pratt," she cried. " He can do anything. He is my pet, my king of dandies, Mr. Pratt." That gentleman nodded in reply, and sucked the bone top of his stick. '' He'd put your fine horse, John Bull, Mr. Pratt," said she, still speaking from the neck of the favourite, " to all his paces." Mr. Pratt became enthusiastic in a moment, and walked forward. '^d'oesay." 141 '' He won't last, you see, Miss Gaj," he said mysteriously. ''He'll give here," he added, laying his hand on his own calf. "And he a'n't tight enough to lift himself high and together, over things. Xo, no, Miss Gay." '' But you've not seen him out, Mr. Pratt," Diana said, less daring. '' I tell you you are jealous — I know you are — after that dreadful John Bull, which you think nothing can match." '' See here. Miss Gay," said Mr. Pratt, again gi^owing excited (there were two things only his friends said had that effect — a horse and a glass of something) — '' see here. Miss Gay. There a'n't such a 'orse in England. No ; nor in the northern nor in the southern counties all put together. And as for D'Orsay there, he can't put him- self together so as to get over clean." Diana's eyes brightened. " Get the bar, 142 DIANA GAY. then ! Get tlie bar ! Bring out my saddle ! — D'Orsay darling, they're slandering you." The grooms in a moment were fitting D'Orsay with his saddle of servitude, and elegant fetters were bound about his noble head. " Diana dear," her father said gravely, yet amused, " what are you about ? " "You'll see," she said putting her face close to his. '' Poor dear D'Orsay has a fine opportunity now, and I want to show him off — the handsome creature. Do let me. I'll get my habit." She had tripped away in a second. D'Orsay lifted his head and looked after her fearfully and doubtfully. Had he been " tricked ? " — if so, perhaps he was making up his mind to plunge and kick off the first fellow that should dare profane his noble back. They moved on to the lawn. Mr. Pratt, examining D'Orsay more critically, travelling i( T^'^-noATr " d'orsay." 143 up his handsome legs with his eye, and then crossing the chest to his quarters, was now quite convinced he never could put himself together. But here was Miss Diana in a new costume, which, as she is the heroine of this little piece, and whom as such we should naturally hke to set in as many engaging lights as possible, may be described in this place. She had put on a little grey-felt hat with a green feather, and her habit fitting her like a French glove. Then we could see what a tiny yet graceful figure hers was. From the excitement a tinge of colour had come into her cheeks. D'Orsay, relieved in his mind, welcomed her by steadily pawing a hole in the grass. '' Papa is to put me up," she cried ; "no one else ! " And her father performed that office. " You are a funny child," he said. Funny she might be ; but the combination 144 DIANA GAY. of tlie two figures — hers and D'Orsay's, both so refined and " well-bred "• — was delightful. She was now at home ; just as a pretty yacht is at home when the sails fill and she begins to move ; and here was D' Or say ambling softly over the grass, just to get himself into comfortable warmth. Her soft voice called out as she went by, '' Put up the bar as high as Mr. Pratt wants." And that gentleman, calmly eager for the investigation of truth, pointed critically with his hunting- stick to a particular height, and said that would try him fairly. Eound swept D'Orsay and his light mistress, swaying in as they did so. One touch of a little whip, both were bound- ing along, and D'Orsay was over in a second, landing lightly and airily. Yet the critical audience saw at that select trial that there was justice in what Mr. Pratt had said, and that D'Orsay had the tendency common to other beaux and dandies — '* not to put him- (C T^'/M^CA^r " DOESAY. 145 self together " wlien lie made an exertion. Mr. Pratt, however, graciously allowed the horse had done fairly. "But I tell you what, Miss Diana," added he with an unusual energy, and digging in the ground with his hunting-handle, 'Mie's got a wild touch in his eye. You wouldn't hold him in if he took it into his head to bolt one fine mornino^. Your wrist a' n't strong^ enough: I couldn't hold him. And see here. Miss Diana. If this 'orse should be wanting his head one fine morning — see here," and he pointed without much illustrative mean- ing to a hole in the grass, recently made with his whip, " you'd have to give it to him." Miss Diana looked a little alarmed at this prophecy, then suddenly recollected herself, and, patting the satin neck, said, " Well, and I should give him his dear old head if he wanted it. And why shouldn't I ? " ''Well then. Miss Diana," continued Mr. I. L 146 DIANA GAY. Pratt, gathering fervour in his vaticination, " if ever that 'ere 'orse should once get his head—" '' ! stop Mr. Pratt — stop him saying these dreadful things ! " said Diana. " I don't care ; D' Or say is a nobleman, and has gentle blood, and is not to be compared to John Bull such-like creatures." And, with a toss of her head, Miss Diana v\ralked away beside D'Orsay, with his bridle in her hand. Now the company had scattered a good deal and dropped away. The manufacturer's family were among those looking on, — Mr. Crowder and his wife, and Miss Kitty Crow- der, the tall young lady, who had been about the grounds and gardens with a young gen- tleman of good fortune. She was a fine girl — as mentioned, tall, strong, aggressive, and overpowering to timid natures. But one rude-spoken and elderly colonel, hearing this ii T^»r^Tlc*Tr '» d'oesay." 147 praise, put up his glass — '' Fine girl, d'ye say? Fine fifteen 'stun,' I say;" which coarse language was indeed an exaggeration of some private views about her. She came to the front pushing, and stooped forward. "What's all this ? "What's going on ? 0, look, Mr. Wilson, they're showing the horses. Well, I can tell you, we don't see this always. What I admire in Miss Diana is her perfect self-possession, and what would I give for such a gift ? Now I could no more bring myself to get up on a horse in that way and jump before people than I could fly." As a matter of comparison, the " fine girl" would have appeared to infinitely greater ad- vantage mounted on a spirited charger than in suspending the laws of nature and soaring through the air in the way she spoke of. But^no one knew better than Kitty Crowder that the amount of pubhc attention and ad- miration is constant and invariable, and that L 2 148 DIANA GAY. where any favoured object attracts a greater portion, it is only drawn from the shares of others who suffer in proportion. As he or she ascends, so we go down. Miss Kitty, having many disadvantages to struggle against — the hated iron-foundry to begin with, the more plebeian airs of her parents, the dress-coat in the morning, &c. — had found that she could not afford to lose a point, and could only hold her own by being a sort of " Garibaldian " in society. She always went as it were with her musket slung behind her, which she had cocked, and presented on a moment's provocation. Need it be said that she was a true '' officer's girl," ranging among the warriors, delighting in their company with an almost manly frankness, and admitting them to a charming freedom of speech ? As the regiments came and stayed and went away again, with that economical fitfulness which characterizes the 149 mind of the British War-office, they bore away with them legends and stories of Miss Crowder ; and over many a mess-table in the United Kingdom the name of '' Kitty Crow- der" was mentioned with affection — nay, rather too familiarly. So do the warriors distinguish those whom they delight to honour. And yet the spectacle of a woman thus fighting her battle gallantly and single- handed, all up the hill, dragging after her such burdens as a vulgar father and mother, and battling on, it may be a little unscru- pulously, may challenge our admiration, and, in a sense, our respect. When Diana came back, in great delight at having vindicated her friend. Miss Kitty re- ceived her with the delig:ht and excess of warm and admirino' wonder which is one of the happiest light- skirmishing weapons known to our young ladies. Diana had at first liked Miss Kitty, and was inchned to 150 DIANA GAY. make lier into a bosom friend, with all the effusion which gentle, timid natures have for such grand she- captains. But as there was a certain honesty and candour about the other which could not take the trouble to conceal any little spite or jealousy, Diana soon came to regard her with an undefined feeling of suspicion and discomfort in her company ; symptoms by which the Gari- baldian was not in the least disturbed, for she knew her own power and the other's delicacy, and was secure of getting all ad- vantages to be drawn from Gay Court, with- out the slightest risk of check or coolness on the side of her friend. Besides, Mr. Gay had joined in the cry of her being so '' fine a girl," and rather pitied the social condition of her father and mother, who he said were " good, coarse, worthy people," whom he was determined to stand by and back up. Now she was standing over our little <«■r^»^T,o.Tr '» d'orsay. 151 Diana, overwhelming her with voluble com- pliments. '•' I could not make out what was going on. It seemed to me and Mr. Wilson like people at a circus. — Didn't it, Mr. Wilson ? — And such courage too, dear. To see your little figure on that great horse in the middle, and all those people standing round and looking on. I should have fainted. Don't you think so, Mr. Wilson ? " " Not at all," said that gentleman, with the frankness which all Miss Kitty's friends maintained towards her ; " indeed you wouldnot. I've seen you go through more than that." The Garibaldian, to do her justice, had no hypocrisy, and had her musket unslung in a moment. '' You'll do the fainting for me," she said. " Wliat was that story about Mr. Wilson and the sunk fence ? G-ates are a delightful invention, Mr. Wilson ? " That grentleman coloured. '' No man in 152 DIANA GAY. liis senses would have taken it," he said, colouring, "at least — " " Then Mr. Gay and lialf the hunt were out of theirs," she said, laughing, " for they got over. — Tell me, my dear, what's all this about the lord who is coming — and the lord's son ? When are they coming — are they to stay long ? What's to be the divarshion, as the Irish say ? Who are they at all ? — tell me about them, do, dear." And now, grown affectionate. Miss Kitty's arm was round Diana's slight waist. This endearment for the time quite won Diana's heart. She always felt for her sisters when she saw them suffering from strokes such as Mr. Wilson had so unkindly given. " He is an old friend of papa's, and he has been obliged to live an immense deal abroad on account of his wife. She has got well at last, and papa has not seen him for years ; and as my birthday is coming on, why, he thought we should have a Httle fun here. And you know papa is so good to me, he will do whatever I ask or propose. And he says you're to come and stay also." Mr. Pratt's tax-cart now came round. " Good-bye, Miss Gay," he said, as he took the reins ; ''but D'Orsay's no 'orse, I must tell you." Mr. Gay was coming up. " What, taking away D'Orsay's character ? What's wrong with him ? What d'ye mean, Pratt?" Diana tossed her head. ' Mr. Pratt has been at this all daA'. He's quite jealous of my poor horse, compared with his own enormous, dreadful crea- ture." "What I "cried Mr. Gay. '^ Wh}^ he'd beat his head off, over any country I Pratt, are you serious in such a criticism, and 154 DIANA GAY. putting your Flemish dray-horse against my Diana's Arabian ? " Mr. Pratt swung himself up into his cart — what indeed seems to be part of the enjoy- ment of that vehicle — and, drawing on what looked a pair of metal gloves, said slowly — '^ There's to be a drag-hunt at Badgerly next week. If you think all that, Mr. Gay, you can see then." Diana laughed with delight. '' A drag-hunt ! — charming ! The very thing ! " " Then I tell you what, Master Pratt : if you come on the back of your great animal, I'll match him for a fifty on the back of D'Orsay, the stakes to be handed over to the owner of the horse — there, duckseycums ! " and he looked at her with fondness. "Done, Mr. Gay! " said the other, taking out his book and pencil. " It's down." Then he took his " ribbons " and drove away. i( T-'r^-nc*TT " D OKSAY. ' 155 *' 0, what fun — what fun ! " said Diana. *' A race, a real race ! I sha'n't sleep for thinking of it. Poor darling D'Orsay to be talked of in that way ! " ''Yes," said Mr. Gay; ''and I've heard the fellow goes about the country talking of me, saying I have no eye for a horse, and all that. I don't believe he's a judge himself at all. I wish I'd made it a hundred now. — "Well, you'll come to us. Miss Crowder ? " "0, how kind, how nice ! " said the Garibaldian, pressing her friend's smaU waist in a rapture of gratitude. " I don't know what to say to you. I shall be so glad to get away from our dungeon, l^o one ever comes near us. We have always to be running after them, and writing, and fixing days. Now I like people pouring in of themselves, coming spontaneously — like here. Do ask the officers, dear ; lots of them. They'll be 156 DTANA GAY. only too liappy to come. I'll get you Major Spring, and Captain Gilpin. They are all charming ; and Captain Gilpin so funny. I'll ask him to be bring his dress, and do the knife-grinder." Diana's eyes began to sparkle. '' 0, how nice that will be ! And what dress ? " '' Of course the real rags. He saw it on a real grinder in the street, and got him up to the barracks and gave him ten shilhngs for the whole. They weren't worth sixpence ; but, as Captain Gilpin says, they were worth pounds to him; as he couldn't have got anything hke them made for ten times the money. And he had them boiled down in a copper by the mess-man — only think ! And it will make you die laughing. But you must tell me beforehand, to secure him in time." This splendid programme quite impressed Diana, who looked with some awe at her "d'orsay." 157 friend. Any little plan brought out suddenly in this fashion became bathed in golden clouds on the instant, and quite dazzled her. *' What fun we shall have ! " she said. "0, he comes to us again and again," said the Garibaldian. '* You are sure young Chimeleigh is to be with you ? " '' 0, certain ! His father is to bring him. Why ? " '' Because, dear," said the Garibaldian, with an air of mock innocence, '' I have marked him down as my property. I have a feeling that he is charming ; and that we should get on dehghtfuUy. But you wouldn't help a poor girl, that has no advantages at home, and who, if she had such advantages as others have, would do as well, my dear. But your mamma and papa don't know papa would marry me to one of his great girders or marine engine-boilers, and think me 158 DIANA GAT. splendidly off. But no, you would not ; no girl ever helps a friend." Was not this an artful challenge ? It was touching our Diana in the most sympathiz- ing corner of her gentle heart ; and at once another dazzling plan suggested itself — to make the splendid young Chimeleigh the captive of her dear friend Kitty's charms — not of the Kitty beside her, but of the romantic helpless girl, " who had no advan- tages at home," drawn so skilfully by Kitty herself. The arrangement was sealed on the spot by some fervent kisses. Now the party began to disperse. The agricultural faces of the " squires " were rather flushed with the unaccustomed cham- pagne so early. But it was time to go. Gigs and horses were coming round. The iron-master's carriage — a gaudy, glittering, canary- coloured edifice on wheels, with ser- vants in a very glowing crimson livery (Mr. a T^'/XTJOA-t' »» d'oksay." 159 Lugard liad said to Diana it was like " a broken damson-tart ") — came heavily up. Mr. Crowder heaved himself in heavily, as though he were a Lord Mayor. Every one had had a most dehghtful morning. ( 160 ) CHAPTER VII. MOTHER AND SON. On that high road along which indeed were disposed most of the residences of our characters, and at about a mile's distance from Gay Court, was the little villa where Mrs. Bligli lived — a small unpretending house, bright as new cream, kept without a speck, close to the road, with its top story peeping warily over the edge of a low wall, much as one of her '' nice " maids did when the coach was heard passing by. It had been an old house, altered, modernized, and beautified, much as our thrifty housewives will shape and decorate a dress of an old MOTHER AND SOX. 161 cut ; but, like such remodelled garments, tlie little piecing and stretching here and there betrayed the old date. There were pretty greenhouses (which, when the sun shone, glistened like a fountain petrified), pretty little gardens, orchards, &c. — all on a small scale. There she lived all the year round by her- self, not by any means a recluse, dressing handsomely and with taste, and always look- ing forward to the visits of her son, who came down some three or four times in the year. Clergyman, squire, and other neigh- bours said she was a wonderfully clever, " long-headed " woman. Mr. Gay wished he knew about as much of the world as was in her little finger. *^ I declare she's as fond of that son of hers as I am of my little dame at home ; but my lord up there in town at his briefs, he don't Hke her as much as my poppet does I. M 162 DIANA GAY. her daddy — that couldn't be beaten. Why don't he have her to hve with him in town, and make his breakfast for him hke a gentle- man ? He's some calculation about that in his head, depend upon it ; for he is a deuced knowing fellow. It's very odd." But by-and-by a nearer acquaintance with the .lady spoken of will show that injustice was done to the son, and that the mother had excellent reasons for remaining down in the country. On this evening she was walking up and down her garden, with her eyes on the ground, her hands joined behind her, and her feet stepping forward with a firm regi- mental tread. The time was about six o'clock. She was dressed in her velvet, which so became her, and her figure was picturesque. At times she stopped, and would call to a. window, "Hannah, look again, and see is he coming." MOTHEE AND SOX. 163 After one of these orders, Hannali called suddenly, '' Here lie is ! I see a fly at the top of the hill." In a few seconds more a fly with a port- manteau was at the railed gate, and a young man had jumped out, and the lady, when she heard the news, had gone hastily into her drawing-room and sat down. She had time to look in the glass and settle her iron- grey hair, and then sit queen-like on the sofa to receive her son. In a moment a voice was heard outside, and a young man, entering hastily, was embracing her. He was broad-shouldered, strongly-built, with fair hair, a broad, high forehead, pale blue eyes that wandered thoughtfully over to the face of any one who made a remark, and rested on that face as if weighing the force of what had been said. He had a Hght moustache and small beard, and cer- tainly looked an experienced man of about M 2 16-i DIANA GAY. thirty years of age ; and yet he was no more than two or three and twenty. They talked long on the sofa, until Hannah came to say dinner was ready ; and then mother and son walked in with some cere- mony. It was very choice ; each dish was small, and had been prepared with care. " I have got you all your favourite things, Robert. I know what you always liked ; and there is your favourite wine." Robert shook his head. '' I have to give up all those good things now, mother," he said; ''Doctor Saunders has issued orders — the plainest of the plain for me in future." "Ah, I had forgot," she said; ''how stupid ! Then Hannah shall do a chop for you, and you shall eat, and we shall not speak until you have done." " But that will be so stupid for you ; and you are taking nothing." '* I like to sit in this way and see you MOTHER AND SOX. 165 oat, provided you enjoy it. Go on — do, Robert. Take some more of this ; you must be hungry after tliat long journey." At niglit, when the lamp was lighted, mother and son were seated in the drawing- room talking together. They did not rise till past midnight. They consulted very seriously together. What they said will show the character of both. After some preface she came to a point that seemed to be on her mind. " And now about your getting on, Robert. You are really doing: so well ? " " Xothing could be better. They tell me there is no junior of my standing so forward. I am so thankful. I assure you, mother, the day and niofht toofether is not long enough for all I have to get through. It is so delightful to be in full, swinging work. To start with exhilaration in the morning — finish off this — finish off that — then snatch 166 DIANA GAT. breakfast — then on again — more work — snatch dinner, and light the lamps for a good, comfortable, quiet, delicious study — and all the time know that for every hour golden guineas are coming in, or rather gold and silver guineas — shillings and sove- reigns. I wouldn't give up the shilling, mother. BuUer, my Q.C., I assure you, my dear mother, I know can do nothing without me. That is such a back to me; for the solicitors know it, and he is so run on, a word from him to them — ^ Send that to Mr. Bhgh, he knows the papers ' — is quite enough." " But, my dear Eobert, take care of what you have done in interrupting all this run of good fortune. You know I would give my health for yours any day, or my life either; but you look strong and well, and take care this is not fanciful." The young man paused a little, and an- MOTHER AND SON. 167 swered gravely, *' Do you know I was afraid " of that myself for a long time ; but at last it came to symptoms there was no mistaking — so queer about the head, you know ; and once that went, mother, then indeed all would be up. But I shouldn't have minded myself, only for Saunders, the doctor, a good friend, who said, as sure as I lived, in six months I must break down. He is a barristers' doctor, and has known so many do the same. You know I have some self- denial, and so I rationally agreed with him to stop in time and take a month or two's rest, which will quite set me up." Mrs. Bligh looked at him thoughtfully. ''You are always sensible, Eobert. I wonder where you got that command of yourself. Another, ' getting on ' like you, would not have power to stop in his full course — and would have worked himself into softening of the brain or blindness." 168 DIANA GAY. "There is no merit/* said he, smiling; " better to lose a little than lose all. I tell them it is drawing bills on your life. I felt a little ashamed about BuUer, who is fagging himself for a wife and family in the regular style — takes his dinner standing, and all that. By the way," he added with a little hesitation, '' I wanted to tell you about tliat also." " About what, dear ? " she said. *' About Buller and his family. He has three sons and" — with hesitation — ''one daughter. He is sure to be a Yice-chan- cellor one of these days." Mrs. Bligh's brows contracted into a frown and she drew herself up. " Surely—" ''No, no, no," he said good-humouredly ; " don't think of such a thing, mother. I was only wishing to consult you. People tell me it would be a very good thing — that MOTHER AND SON. 169 a hundred others would give their eyes for the same chance ; and that it would bind BuUer to me securely; that if he were made Yice- chancellor, I should come in for something very good too ; and in short, you see, mother — it might be considered." Mrs. Bligh remained silent ; drawn up rigidly, with her eyes on the carpet reflec- tively. "Well," she said at last, ''you have men- tioned all the advantages — the business ones — but you have said nothing about the girl; — what about her ? Do you like her ? Does she care for you ? " Bligh slowly raised his shoulders. '' Well," he said, '' it has not come exactly to that. She's a good girl enough — a barrister's daughter. But there is the dif- ficulty — I do not'' " Then," said his mother quickly, '' you must not. Don't let it near you. Dismiss 170 DIANA GAY. it altogether. A man of your genius and talents must look liigher than that. There is a great game before you, if it is played properly. You have all the qualities for it, and that which is the rarest and most precious — caution and self-restraint ; for every one breaks down on that. I know that you have learned how to wait for the right moment, and to know it when it comes." '' But, my dear mother, what do you mean ? " " A humdrum lawyer's daughter," she went on, " with a beggarly few thousand pounds ! A wretched place, and broken-down health, going down to a dark office every day ! Would you get to know people of rank and influence ? Would they come to you in your office? My dear Robert, money is getting so plenty, and will be getting so plenty by-and-by, and those comforts which MOTHEE AND SON. 171 money brings are so common, that talent is every day rising in tlie market, and is getting scarcer too. They'll discover no gold-fields of that article." '' Very jnst, mother," he said thoughtfully ; '' but what would you have me do ? " She went on quickly — " I have been laying out plans for you. It is most fortunate you are down here. I know what can be done, and what you must do. Gay Court is the place.^^ "What, Diana! — 0, nonsense !" " Sense, though. I know it, and I know how it can be done. What is your difficulty, Eobert — flying too high?" '' Yes, I thought so." " My dear Robert, that is the most fatal delusion of all in the world ; and the best advantage for the wise man. Nothing is too high, provided you only show you thinJc yourself high enough for it. If you are 172 DIANA GAY. timorous and apologetic, you will be taken at your own worth., and set down as pre- sumptuous. Am I right ?" He was listening thouglitfully. ''It is quite true," he said; "but — *' "No people are so accessible as great people — people of rank. So with people whom you think are above you and ' will not think of you.' My dear Robert, I know wom^en. The determined perseverance of a man, even if he be every way inferior, is not at all so disagreeable. They think a compli- ment a homage ; and with this basis for a man of genius to work on, you see — " " Xo one knows and admires your sense more than I do, mother," he said ; " but I confess in this matter I don't see anything. You know how I used to admire her. She is a brilliant creature. Even when I was thinking^ of Buller's dauo^liter her imao^e used O CD CD to rise. But to think of this bright girl MOTHER AND SON. 173 clioosing a Digest, a Book of Eeports, for a liusband ! She who was accustomed to every- thing dehghtful, cheerful ! And her father — ' * "What folly!" broke in Mrs. Bligh warmly. '^ You say, Robert, there is sense in what I say, and yet you donH think so. Look at me. You know what I was. Your mother. I was Avliat is called ' poor.' But I was a born lady in mind, Eobert. We were twelve brothers and sisters — my father a poor, broken man, my mother a helpless woman, overwhelmed with her cares and responsibilities, — sisters and brothers a per- fect herd, that could do nothing for them- selves but eat and walk. I had the only head among them ; and I determined I would work for myself and rise. I never told you, Robert, how I did it. But you will say the difl&culties were insurmountable. Think of a poor girl struggling out of a slough like that. But I did." 174 DIANA GAY. Her son took lier hand kindly. '' It was no sclieming, or from no adventurous views, but self-preservation. I should have sunk. Some charitable uncle had left us fifty pounds a-piece. They spent all theirs out of hand ; but I kept mine. And when theirs was gone, they came on me for my wretched scrap. But I refused. I wanted it for what would benefit them as well as me ; but of course, being a herd, they could not understand that. We had an aunt who knew some 'nice' people, and used to go to Bath now and then, — a cold, selfish old maid. For years I had tried to get her to take me; for I knew I had good looks and good sense, and that once there I would have a chance. At last with some little money I had saved I had to bribe her, and she agreed. You know the rest. I triumphed over all diffi- calties, and got to Bath. Your father saw MOTHER AND SOX. 175 me, and I married a gentleman. I did it myself, and in spite of all difficulties. He was ricli then, tliough lie died poor. For a poor helpless girl without money to carry out a plan of that sort and succeed seemed more impossible than what I want 7joib to do." Robert Bligh remained silent and thought- ful. "Now will you make me a promise," she went on — " or two or three promises — that you will give up the BuUer girl, as you call her, for the present?" " My dearest mother," he said, cheerfully, '* to be sure." " Then, that you will work yourself with all your will and help me as far as you can in what I propose, I have prepared the way already. You know what privileged people mothers are. They are the only people tolerated in puffing their relations : they are admired for doing so. I have 176 DIANA GAY. talked to 'her about you ; and — Do you remember that business at the school ?'' ''With Dick Lugard ? — to be sure." '' She was always a little curious about that — of course flattered, as any girl would be, to have even two boys fighting for her. I told her what was the real cause — namely, that you had taken up the cudgels for your poor old mother. Ah, Eobert, I cannot tell you how I felt that, my dear child ! " Eobert took her hand, and kissed her cheek. " Old mother, indeed ! " he said. '' What folly ! You want a compliment. BuUer says you're the handsomest woman of your time he has ever met." " Foolish ! " said she ; but by an instinc- tive motion her hand went up to her head and smoothed her hair. Who shall talk of such as vanity ? Men's conceit is the vanity of monkeys, and purely selfish ; women's, in the main, is but one MOTHER AND SON. 177 more token of affection and homage — decking themselves, and keeping their charms fresh, but to retain the affection of the grand creatures who own and control them. *'Lugard," she went on softly, "or his father, I suspect, contrived to make her believe that it was all your triumph and overbearing manner on the victory. That was artful. But I told her the other day how nobly you had behaved. She was very curious, and comes back to it often. She is just the same ; but you will have to struggle for it. Young Lugard will be here himself." " He will ! " said Bligh, starting. '' Yes ; with all the tinsel of the army on him. His father, I can see, is bent on it, and means to find him the brains ; but they are both fools." " Dick Lugard coming ? " repeated Bligh, thinking to himself very earnestly. " Is he going to stop with them ? " I. N 178 DIANA GAT. " Yes. You think that is a great and un- fair advantage ? " '' Well — " began Robert, smiling. " Well, it is one you shall have also. Mr. Gay has asked you. There is a lord coming down — a man of great influence; and your wise head, Eobert, can do something there incidentally. The time won't be thrown away, you'll see. One day in the world does more than months in a study. 0, — and this is another difficulty : Lord Bell- man's son is coming — that young Chime- leigh — and I know that is what Mr. Gay is thinking of." " And, mother, you want me to struggle against all these influences. Absurd ! " " Let me hear of no difficulties," she said, rising and beginning to light her lamp. "In the number of candidates is safety. With all the love of folly, girls of our time have nature in them still. As I told you, I can MOTHER AND SON. 179 see the reign of money will go by. The thing is not such a rare or wonderful thing after all. Penniless girls are married for their beauty ; why not penniless men for their wit or talents?" Her lamp was now in her hand, and its light played on her face, showing its rather stem lines all lit up with a soft pleasure. '' I feel happier and lighter to-night than I have done for long. Do you know, I feel as I did at the hotel on the night I entered Bath. Others would have felt dismal and low-spirited ; but I was full of heart ; and, my dear Robert, I am so happy you are with me. Do you think your old mother — for I am your old mamma — a dreadful schemer ? No, you don't. Getting on in the world is not scheming: it is living honourably, and getting the fruit of the talents God has given us. The fools and propriety-people — who canH get on, but would if they could — turn N 2 180 DIANA GAY. up tlieir eyes. Good-niglit, my dear boy. We shall liave Diana yet ! " And she walked solemnly, as she always did, to the door. Then she looked back, and nodded to him full of confidence. The clock on the chimney-piece had ''tinged" twelve with no solemnity of chime. It was like a crying child wanting to be taken to bed. Robert Bligh remained behind, and began to walk up and down and think — a habit of his every night before he went to bed. With this motion he had grown to like thinking over everything, planning things for the next day, and, besides, giving himself a little divertissement at the close of the day's hard labour by setting little pictures from memory before himself, and, what was better, paint- ing in more gorgeous scenery for the future — the next best entertainment to dreaming. Many an hour had he given to this little relaxation, and had seen himself high in MOTHEE AND SOX. 181 glory on the bencli, or lower, pleading and gaining dramatic causes ; and very often too the dust-clouds rising from the law-books cleared away, and a delicate and bright figure rose up before and entertained him, for the boy's love still lingered. But, as the reader will have guessed, there was a greater passion than love in this gentleman's heart. His mind was of a highly Scotch turn, and to the belief that advancement in the world was his inherited creed everything was to bend. In this waking dream he heard the clock give a smart ting — '' one I " Then he took his lamp, and walked away softly to bed. ( 182 ) CHAPTEE VIII. THE RIVALS MEET. The Galthorpe Mercury, which had many subscribers in that and other adjacent towns, and kept its eye a good deal on the movements of the gentry, soon discovered what was going to take place at Gay Court. '*"We understand," said the Mercury, " that the spirited proprietor of Gay Court intends shortly celebrating the birthday of his ac- complished daughter and heiress, Miss Diana Gay, by a series of festivities at his hospit- able mansion. Several guests of distinction are expected : among others, the Right Hon. the Lord Bellman and his son. Viscount THE RIVALS MEET. 183 Chimeleigli ; Mr. and Lady Margaret Bow- man; Mr. Lugard and Ricliard Lugard, Esq., 1st (Du Barry's Own) Hussars; Mr. and Mrs. Crowder ; Mr. Bligli, barrister-at- law ; and others. We understand tliat Mr. Gay purposes tlirowing open his princely mansion for a grand ball to tlie neighbour- hood in honour of this most interesting oc- casion." The Mercury '' understood " all this, and much more, almost as soon as the scheme had been conceived in the mind of the princely owner. We may wonder how Mercuries discover these things ? Have they an instinct ? or through what channel, above or below, do they attain to their mysterious knowledge ? It is known, how- ever, that Mr. Dawkins, footman at Gay Court, on a recent visit to Calthorpe, had been met by a shorthand gentleman, and handsomely treated at the Greyhound Inn. Miss Diana was in great delight at the 184 PIANA GAY. prospect. She spent a good deal of time planning and superintending arrange- ments. A careless remark of lier father's, to the effect that there was a good deal of responsibility on her little shoulders noiu, had sunk deep into her mind. The bedrooms lay a good deal on that mind and shoulders ; and her forehead contracted a little as she thought, with almost painful anxiety, how so many were to be fitted up with becoming magnificence. Her difficulty was with Mrs. Simms the housekeeper, a lady of generally tightened aspect — in face, figure, and dress ; and the tip of whose nose, at moments of contradiction, quivered like a dog's. Of this person our Diana stood in awe, feeling utter helplessness in her presence ; and, knowing the lady's indisposition to recognize or even see any responsibility on Miss Diana's side, that young lady, with much diffidence, pre-^ faced all her wishes with a " Don't you think, THE TvIVALS MEET. 185 Mrs. Sims — " wliicli, according to all known laws of woman, was but inviting cold shak- ings of hea.d, and a plain '^ not thinking," from a person consulted. She was allowed her way as far as suggestion went ; and then the familiar, with a smile of pity, said, '^0, never do, miss ! You may leave it hall to me, miss." Very grand and extensive preparations were made under more competent super- intendence ; but her father, carrying out the good-natured fiction of Miss Diana's labours, would say as she came down, '' Working on still ? — another hard day for my little poodums" — he had a whole voca- bulary of these terms of endearment — " she is doing wonders, and becoming quite the mistress of the house." Kisses were of course freely lavished in return for this com- pliment. Her father showered guineas on her; but her current coin with which she 186 DIANA GAY. repaid him were kisses ; and these payments were given with the abundance with which a sultan would bestow purses of gold. Still there were matters which Mr. Gay did not exactly trust to that " little head." The two or three best bedrooms were handed over to Messrs. Debenham, the eminent London upholsterers, for redecora- tion in sumptuous style, not at all in snob- bish compliment to the lord who was to occupy them ; but such restoration had been put off and off since the days of the late owner, who had partially taken the matter in hand, and then let all decay a good deal, and this seemed a good opportunity. A cooh of eminence — a perfect Knight of the Bath, if that answers to a cordon hleu — was coming down, with an aide-de-camp or two ; and it seemed also a suitable occasion to inaugurate the services of the new butlee, vice an ancient, useless, and hitherto irre- THE RIVALS MEET. 187 movable retainer, who had held office during the last forty years. That tyrant, for such he was, was aghast at this characteristic in- gratitude ; made no remark on the matter to Mr. Gray, but excited much terror in Diana's heart, by repeating, half to himself, half to her, " Wait until to-morrow — or next day ! " One morning, when Mr. Gay was out, Diana was told that there was a gentleman wishing to see her in the drawing-room ; and that annoimcement obliging her, as it always did, to dart to the glass, adjust hair- bows, &c., with a hasty but sufficient adorn- ment, she fluttered down to see the stranger. It was a tall banker-hke-looking gentleman with a gold guard-chain. He was carelessly turning over a photograph-book. He bowed to her. " Miss Gay, I believe ? Mr. Chew- ton, please." Diana remembered the name, and started 188 DIANA GAY. witli surprise and a little alarm. This caused lier to '' blurt out " a little ungraciously, '' 0, the new butler ! " He shivered a little at this calling a spade a spade, but bowed with dignity as one who would have said, " I see you don't mean it." He said, '' I have jest come from Sir Wilson Towers, and I left the kessel this morning." He saw that this had great effect on Diana; but it was only his manner. "And — and," she asked in embarrass- ment, '•' what would you wish to do ? — what do you want?" " 0, I have jest come — I wished to pay my dooties to the lady of the 'ouse on arrivin', — only the usewl thing; the 'ousekeeper all in good time, m'm. With your leave, we shall put over business till to-morrow. I should be 'ardly equal to dooty to-day, after the journey and all that. I a-sewer you, miss, I felt it a good deal, parting with Sir Wilson THE KIVALS MEET. 189 and his family. He came down with me to the door, and his last words was, * Chewton, we part as man and man, with feelings of mewtewl respect on both sides.' " Diana, as this gentleman withdrew, felt a little chill. She to be mistress ! — give Mm orders ! Alas ! at best she felt she conld but submit propositions to him for his opinion and discretion. Later on that day, which was about a week after the portrait had been presented, Mr. Gay came home boisterously. His hearty voice was heard in the hall, and rang upstairs like a bell. ''Where is she? — where's popsy ? Are you there, duck ? Come down ; I have got something here for you." Diana came running, and saw a strongly- built gentleman, with a fair beard, standing beside her father. "Who's this fellow?" he said, laughing. 190 DIANA GAY. " Guess him as you would a riddle. Come, popsy, you know liim." " Ah, to be sure ! " said Diana gaily, and putting out her hand ; '' Eobert Bligh ! But you're so altered ! " '' 0," said her father, " there's a cut-and- thrust for you ! — unless you add, for the better, eh ? Come, say that, or you'll make the man miserable." "Well," said Diana reflectively, "I do think for the better — a little for the better." " There's for you ! He's to dine with us ; so see that we have enough to eat, poppet ; we depend on you. I assure you, Bligh, this young lady is beginning to keep the house in order. Only for her, we'd be all at sixes and sevens." This reminded Diana. " By-the-bye, papa," she said, " there was a gentleman — I mean the new butler — here." " A gentleman ! — the new butler ! Ha, THE RIVALS MEET. 191 lia, ha ! " And Mr. Gay burst into one of his rough laughs. " Where's the fellow ? Towers wrote me he was a bit of a swell, but a good servant. Where's the fellow ? Bligh was looking at her with his thought- ful look. It was some years since he had seen her, and he could not but be struck with the change — the ripening and more womanly air, the little tinge of colour in the cheek. As usual, she had on her trinkets. ''What are you looking at me so for?" she said, half seriously. " Do you know, I think you have forgotten me ? " He laughed. "No; only so much has happened since ; that is, so much laiv has happened, for that has been my life." '' And you are coming to stay with us ? I hope so. There is going to be all sorts of fun." " Yes," he said ; '' I came over to say that I would." 192 DIANA GAY. ^' Then it is a long time since you have been here. Would not you like to see the garden and improvements, and my garden and new summer-house ? " . " 0, immensely," said he. She cast down her eyes demurely. " Then shall I ring and tell them to send the gardener to take you round — he knows all the names, you see, so much better than I do ? Or, if you would prefer it, I could get my bonnet — " The reader will see that our heroine had a kind of faintly mischievous turn, and was subject to little fits of this sort — most per- fectly natural — which gave her all the piquancy that was her charm. Mr. Bligh, looking at her in his thoughtful way, answered her after a moment : "I should like the gardener — and Miss Diana also." Mr. Bligh therefore, for all his learning THE RIVALS MEET. 193 and bookisliness, did not take everything an jpied de la lettre. The young lady got her bonnet, and presently both went away with all that old *' common form" of conversation known so long as '' going to look at the garden." Bligh then went home to dress for dinner. As he entered the drawing-room he saw there were others present ; and Mr. Gay, greeting him heartily, as though it was a month since they had parted, took him by the arm with both hands, and led him up. '' There's some one here you should know," he said. " This is a day for old friends. Xow, who's this ? Look at him." A shght, fair, good-looking young man Avas standing by Diana, and looked up. '' How do you do, Bligh ? " he said warmly. " You remember me ? " Bligh said, '' What, Lugard ! I am so glad." ■ 194 DIANA GAY. Mr. Gay, with Bligh's arm still captured, stood listening to the greeting. '' I say, popsy," he said, '' shall we ever forget the last time these two gentlemen met ? — I say, Doctor, come over, and I'll tell you as good a thing as you ever heard." This was to a clergyman, who, to such an appeal and to such a treat held out, could scarcely grudge the trouble of walking across. Mr. Gay had him by the arm too. '•The best thing, Doctor, — as good as a play. Five or six years ago we were at a school on the day when the lads were showing off. You know what they do at Wheeler's ? " " To be sure," said the Doctor ; '^ the exhibition-day." " Well, Di was in the garden after all was over, and she came on these two, at it ding- dong — a regular duel. High words had passed, and they were giving each other the THE EIVALS MEET. 195 satisfaction gentlemen expect. Ha, lia! That was the way they parted." Bligh smiled. " I have often laughed over that," he said. Mr. Lugard smiled and laughed ; but the laugh was a little forced. " I believe it has been said again and again that college victories or defeats are no signs of success in after-life. But it tvas funny, Miss Diana catching us at it so hard and fast. Boys will be boys, you know." " That used to be the case," said the Doctor ; " but boys will be men, is the new version, it seems to me." '' I can guess what the battle was about," said Mr. Gay in good-humour : " that little coquette there, as she was then, had been trying on some of her tricks — this end of the plank up, then down. 0, don't tel] me; I was watching — eh ? " Bligh struck in eagerly, '* No, no ; 2 196 DIANA GAY. she had. nothing to do with it ; no, indeed ! " Lugard laughed. "I see BHgh is just the same downright fellow he was — blurts out the truth always, and nothing but the truth." Dinner was now announced. As they went down, Lugard took the other's arm. *' Well," he said, " so we meet again here. I am so glad. To tell you the truth, I did not expect to find you here. I was told you were grinding away up in town, and that you could not spare half an hour." ''It is very kind of you," said the other warmly, *' to say so ; and you are not more glad than I am. I was obliged to come here to re-fit. I had been overdoing it a little." '' Sit yourself there, Lugard," said Mr. Gay ; '' and you, Bligh, on this side. Now we'll see what Mons. Frangsay has done for us. But now, what ivas at the bottom of THE EIVALS MEET. 197 those fisticuffs ? for there is a mystery among you all." Diana tittered, quite delighted. '•' Yes, papa, there is ; and you are not to know." '* I was just going to tell him," said Lugard ; " but shall not now, without your leave." ^' Come, popsy, say the word ; don't let the poor old man famish for want of a secret." "Well, then," said Miss Diana, with an air of reflecting anxiously, "he may know." " Why, then," said Lugard, splendidly, " it was all my fault, every bit of it. The fact is, when he said he had got the prize to give pleasure to Mrs. Bligh, I said some- thing about running to his mammy and an old woman. I had never seen Mrs. Bligh then, who, as I have heard, is anything but an old woman, and is a very charming person. So it was a mere general bit oi 198 DIANA GAY. impudence on my part; and I mean to go over to-morrow to pay my respects, and in that way make as handsome an apology as I can.'^ This generous amende excited great ad- miration. Diana looked over with a little awe, as she always did when there was any chivalry displayed ; and Eobert Bligh's face glowed with pleasure. " Indeed you must come," he said ; '' and I know you will like her." The dinner Was very good and dainty. The artist had not put forth all his strength. He had just given a hint of what he could do, as Meissonier would take up a pen and sketch on a napkin. His palette was not spread as yet. ''I declare," said Mr. Gay, our friend the chef has done very well. Try some of this, Doctor." Such a delicate dinner, with nothing in the THE EIVALS MEET. 199 gross, no joints that should have cranes to swing them on the table, but with everything choice. How it stimulated spirits, conversa- tion, everything ! There was an alacrity, a spontaneousness. Every eye glanced round the table joyously. In every heart there is that epicure corner. Lugard was in glowing spirits. He began to tell of his regiment — its doings, not in the official way with which the dining- out story-teller unfolds his stores, but with an easy rambling. Little descrip- tions and sketches are more entertaining than legends with ''points" and "jokes," even though they be *' uncommonly good things," or with more vainglorious people, "the best thing you ever heard." He told them of Spring, and of Gilpin, their inim- itable regimental humorist. "0," said Diana enthusiastically, " I am told he is the most diverting creature — that he can make you die laughing." 200 DIANA GAY. " He ! On tlie contrary, he is tlie most wearisome fellow. I wish to Heaven we had him out. He's got a suit of old clothes he bought from a man in the street, and he goes about doing a knife-grinder at houses, the stupidest exhibition — really, I am always ashamed of the man." Diana looked grave at this account, which differed a good deal from the more en- thusiastic one given by her friend '' Kitty." So differently do things strike different minds. " That was the man you were talking of having here, dear,*' said her father. " Never mind, we'll have him over ; he'll amuse the servants." Then Mr. Lugard gave other sketches and details of their barrack-life, which were gay and interesting : how they were still going on persecuting that young child Poole, filling his boots with wet sand, making apple-pies in THE RIVALS MEET. 201 his bed, and other such annoyances. The last and most ingenious device was perching a small tin can of T\'ater just over his door, with a stringy connectino- it with the door- handle ; so that when he came home at night in the dark, a watery Jupiter descended on his head in a shower of block-tin, and hurt him severely. This was Mr. Blio-li's classical illustration, which, however, was only ''taken " by Mr. Gay and the Doctor. " That," said Lugard, " was pushing things too far; for the poor boy's head was all cut and bleeding, and he was quite stunned, and, though I had put sand, and his own tooth- brushes mixed, in his boots, I think this was not fair ; and so I told the fellows. But Spring and Cadby are always at this childish work; and last night the poor lad came running in to me for protection. So I told them I wouldn't have it, and it must be 202 DIANA GAY. stopped, or I'd bring it before the colonel ; and so I shall." Magnanimous Lugard ! protecting the weak, helping the helpless ! — so we may sup- pose he appeared to our Diana. And it must be said he told his little narrative, not with any view of showing off, but just to amuse the company. ^'A most proper feeling on your part, sir," said the clergyman warmly, '' and does you great credit. The young man might have been driven to self-destruction." liUgard then continued rambling pleasantly. Now about Colonel Rigby, a youngish colonel, who presumed on his good looks, and fancied the ladies were sighing for him. '' Which indeed they are, I believe," added Lugard. And Mr. Gay says on that : "I don't know a pleasanter berth than that of an un- married colonel. He is positively hunted, my dear. Even the married old stout weather- THE RIVALS MEET. 203 beaten fellows with great (I beg their pardon) * whacking ' wives, like big troopers in their own regiment — you remember ' Mrs. Mac- Phairson' popsykins ; I think she could swallow up my little woman altogether — we know what swells they are." So Lugard went on, bringing out his little mihtary figures and scenery with very good effect. The scarlet side of society is seduc- tive enough : it has a theatrical air ; its gold and colours smd fanfares are grateful to the eye ; and the air which the consciousness of their trappings inspires, the haughtiness, in- souciance, or superiority which is de rigueur with the military all the world over, excites curiosity and respect, if it does not attract. It is the most spectacular of professions, and beside it the colours of the others seem to fade and grow dull. Robert Bligh listened for a long time with great interest to these details. Lugard rose 204 DIANA GAY. in his spirits, grew more voluble and com- municative in liis way, laughed loud and long, and became exuberant. Ko wonder the Doctor said, as he was going that night, that there was a fund of nature in that young man that was sure to carry him over every difficulty in life. '' And he will fly them, too," said Mr. Gay, '•'without touching a stone." But suddenly Bligli, who was naturally a silent man, and always required a sort of privacy and encouragement to bring out his gifts, looked over at Diana, and saw her stealing one of her half- shy, half-reverent looks at Lugard ; and this look, so full of admiration for such gifts, roused him from his inaction. The image of Mrs. Bligh, sitting up at home, with her lamp beside her, waiting for him to enter and tell the whole progress of the night, presented itself. He knew that even that moment, THE EIVALS MEET. 1.0 •:> thougli she was with her book, her thouglits were wandering over to that httle dinner, and speculating " how Eobert was getting on ; " or she had put her book away, and was walking up and down impatiently, with her hands joined behind her. So, waiting for the next opening, he struck iu with something about his oitii profession. But our Bligh had not that taste for " shunting " conversation off on to another line, which indeed requires a pointsman of the very neatest touch. '•' I don't know wlw," he said at last, " that taste for practical joking should belong- to the army alone. We don't find it in either of the other professions. There must be some special reason." Lugard was just opening off with a sketch of a certain major who had dined with them not long before, but was checked by this remark. " A bit of philosophical inquiry," he said. *' I see, Doctor Syntax still goes on." 206 DIANA GAY. '' Doctor Syntax ! " said Mr. Gay ; " what about him ? " Diana knew the name and tittered ; and the Doctor saying it was a most humorous bit of buffoonery, though a httle profane in parts, she laughed still more. " Only a bit of old school-days," said Lugard, smiling from the feeling that he was ^'leading the house" still. ''Shall I tell? We used to call our friend there Doctor Syntax, he was so much wiser than any of us, — a term of respect, you see, — and from all the little boys who were behindhand with their lessons running to him to help them." " Well, and I think it was uncommon good-nature of him to do so," said Mr. Gay heartily ; '' and if so, it was a compliment." Miss Diana's face, which was like a delicate weather-glass during a conversation, and reflected every change, was here turned to Bhgh with deep sympathy. For with THE RIVALS MEET. 207 this young lady the story of anything gene- rous or good had always the deepest interest, and stirred her heart. Then Lugard said quickly, ''Indeed that's true, and I myself have come to him in my distresses and difficulties ; though I helieve,^^ added he, with a sly look round the table, " I showed him a little too much of the weak points, especially during the last quarter — eh, Bligh ? He was so quiet and shrewd, we never dreamed he was using his eyes all the time." There again was a point against that gentleman ; for though the speech was in jest, somehow it seemed to help to explain that old defeat a little. Bligh coloured. '' I should scorn such conduct," he said warmly; ''even as a school-boy I always told the little I knew with just the one object — just to help those who came to me." 208 DIANA GAY. " Surely I said so," said Lugard, " and said it as handsomely as I could. My dear fellow, you don't want it illuminated and engrossed on vellum, and signed and sealed — I admit the old obligations. Mr. Gay, you didn't meet Bateman the general ? That reminds me. He requires everything by letters : in fact we call him Old Put-it-in- writing. I assure you I have asked him a thing, and he has agreed ; and when I was going away he calls out, ' By the way, you'd better put that in writing.' And if you didn't, he'd say afterwards he had no official knowledge of it. It is quite common to hear our fellows : 'Where are you going, Cadby?' ' Only just up to Old Put-it-in-writing.' Ha, ha ! I beg your pardon, Bligh ; you're not a bit like him ; and I didn't mean to say you were. But somehow, what we were saying just suggested Bateman." ( 209 ) CHAPTER IX. riEST CHECK. Now the young officer caracoled gaily and pleasantly on liis liglit pony, and Robert Bligh saw tliat liis solid conversational cob could not do more than amble heavily after. So with a sigh he felt he must be con- tent with this indifferent progress. After all, " Common Sense " and " Very-w^ell- informed '* are dowdy, housekeeper-looking women, whom we may respect for^ their virtue and propriety; but they are dull company compared with the flashy grisettes whom we call Nonsense and Fun. '' Come, Lugard," said Mr. Gay, '' what I. V 210 DIANA GAY. name did they give you? You had one as well as the rest — out with it. At my school we had a fellow they called Bats- tails,^^ Diana laughed at this notion. " papa!" she said. '*No invention, I assure you, popsy. — Gome, Mr. Bligh, what was his ? " " Not a very pleasant one," said Lugard in a sort of affected confusion. " Pan — what do you think of that. Miss Diana ? " " Odious ! " said the young lady. ''' What does it mean ? " "You remember that," said Lugard, ap- pealing to Bligh. " It was Pan at this end of the playground — Pan here. Pan there. I used to be sick of it." '•' But what was the fun of it ? " said Mr. Gray; "was it after the god — the fellow with the pipes ? " "No: — short for Panther, The fellows FIRST CHECK. 211 said I used to spring like one. Absurd ! " Here, again, he affected deprecation. But still the epithet was complimentary and even romantic, holding the associations of the glossy, brilliant coat, his lithe figure, and graceful spring. So here Lugard "scored" once more. Now the ladies retired; that is, Diana rose and fluttered to the door, smiling and tittering, and then passed Mr. Lugard, who was holding it open, and who had a mys- terious interview with her — his head outside in the hall, his figure inside with the gentle- men, and who came back to his seat smiling. Then the wine went round, and they talked wisdom and politics — which are of course wisdom — and soon introduced " the finest horse in the kingdom," an animal surpris- ingly common, and which every one has seen or heard of a good many times in his life. On the shaking out the folds of this p 2 212 DIANA GAT. equine banner a cordiality and unanimity set in which no other subject could have invited. "Bellman and I were schoolfellows/* said Mr. Gay ; " and I am so glad to have him here. I want to show him we have a horse in these parts ; for he is rather sore about a couple he got from a dealer, and Avhich belonged to poor Freeman before he broke up. With all his money — and he was liberal enough of it, God knows — poor Freeman would do you in a horse if he could." " Lord bless you ! " cried Lugard in his impetuous way, " every man — the greatest saint among us — feels inclined to do that, if the opportunity comes." " Dear me ! " said the clergyman in a soft surprise, " how amazing that is I The old Adam, I suppose — always the old Adam." Bligh had his brow bent and his expres- sion of thought on. ''It is very curious, all that," he said ; FIRST CHECK. 213 *' and I am sure quite just. I wonder could it be explained in this way, that defects in a horse are so much of a moral sort that the warranty can be stretched a good deal ; just as about human ciiaracter, and — " *' 0, listen to Doctor Syntax!" said Lugard boisterously, and standing up to put his hands on Bligh's shoulders. '' See him coming down on us with his hard logic. Now he was going to say, like the way mammas will tell nothing about the temper, &c., of their daughters, but warrant them to any extent. For shame, Bligh." '' Indeed — " began Bligh, smiling gravely. '^ Putting ladies and horses on a level — such a coarse idea ! I suppose, sir, the next thing will be to have regularly-ap- pointed ' Yets ' — matrimonial vets — who for ten-and-six will lift up girl's lips, put their fingers on their teeth — shame ! Ha, ha, ha ! " 214 DIANA GAY. "Ha, lia, ha!" laughed Mr. Gay, with his strong lusty laugh of enjoyment. But Lugard was gone. This was a specimen of his '' spirits," and he was fond of boisterously constructing such far-fetched sets of opinions for friends and giving them some such absurd development. " A cheerful fellow," said Mr. Gay. " No fear of his not getting on. He'd walk up to the biggest swell of them all, just as he'd walk up to a cannon ; and the first requires more courage, I can tell you. The two of them upstairs will be knocking up 3ome fun, I can tell you." Bligh had looked uneasily after him as he left the room. He could not do the same. Mr. Gay would have stopped Jiim, and brought him back ; or, if he had persisted, would have thought it " free and easy rather, in another man's house." There are happy people in the world, who have the FIRST CHECK. 215 art of getting doors opened, obtaining admission into private grounds, reserved seats, &c. : they have manner, which is better than a purse, and saves certainly fifty per cent, of their income. But now Bhgh joined in these praises with infinite warmth. " 0, he is sure to get on ; he is so ready — never at a loss. It was just the way at school. N'ot one of us could say the things to the Doctor he could." " Ah, yes ; ah, yes," said the clergyman in his plaintive voice; ''very true. There are persons in our profession of — er — that sort, who, I am afraid, use those means to push themselves." '*Ah, we could name a few, eh? " said Mr. Gay — " Doctor P., and our friend A., the vicar of M ? Help yourself : — no more ? Come, come, we must finish this, and no excuse." When they at last went up to the draw- 216 DIANA GAY. ing-room, they saw Miss Diana and Mr. Lugard far off in the next room at the piano. She was busy teaching that gentleman to play a little patois air she had picked up abroad. Lugard was playing, and the 3^oung lady was standing by, correcting and chiding with mock impatience. Lugard, indeed, knew little more than his notes, and could only " strum." '' Here," he said, starting up, " sing it for the company — come." The Doctor came softly and slowly gliding in, with that smiling difl&dence which gentle- men assume after dinner. "0, do let us hear it," he said. " Come, popsy, tune that sweet little fiddle of yours," said her father. " Sing us the Sarahande,^^ " 0, papa," said Diana, "you know I don't sing before people, and Mr. Robert Bligh such a judge." FITtST CHECK. 217 But she began nevertheless, with a very small, child-like touch, and, it must be said, a little straggling in the harmonies ; but still the air was pretty, and the voice very sweet : " O, la Sarabande, J'ai la vu clanser ! " At the end Lugard good-humouredly took Bligh by the shoulders. '' Come, you severe fellow, what have you to find fault with in that ? Can you pick a flaw, a demurrer — anything against the rules, eh ? If you only saAV him, Miss Diana, with his judicial eye on you, Avaiting for a false note." Diana tossed her head until her trinkets jingled again. '' He is quite welcome, I am sure," she said. At last they were going away. '' Recollect, Doctor, you are booked to us on Monday — our first day — no excuses. We 218 DIANA GAY. shall have a little fun. Of course I only say it in the name of popsy here, who is mistress and empress, and all that. — Eh, Dinah duck, won't you invite the Doctor ? " Diana made him a very graceful and queen-like curtsey, and said gravely, ^' I hope the Doctor will honour us with his company on Monday next." Lugard and Bligh went home together part of the way. Lugard had his ''trap," and would drop his friend. " Here is a good cigar for you too," he said ; '' and I want to talk to you as we go along. I can drive and talk. What did you think of this evening ? Charming house. I like the very atmosphere of it — even that rough, good-natured, and genuine father. Nothing old-fashioned about him too, except his heartiness and kind- ness. And that piquant lively little Diana ; though I don't know why we call her little FIRST CHECK. 219 — she's not little. Bj the way, I don't think you enjoyed the night so much. You had some Contingent Remainder or knotty point running through your head. I watched you several times. She said so too." '' ]^ot at all," said Bligli, a little warmly. ''You are always saying something of that sort — that I am judicial, or wise, or full of common sense, when I am not thinking of such a thing." Luo:ard lauo^hed and touched his horse complacently with his whip. " I thought that was all in your way, and that it was the highest compliment. Well, I must mind for the future. Don't you find her improved, and yet much the same as she was when we saw her last ? I am glad she has not lost that native — that naivete. Native naivete : come now, you're going to say that's cacophonous — isn't that the word ? But I forgot. Do you know, my dear 220 DIANA GAY. Syntax — you must let me call you that for old times and old sclioolfellowsliip — " '*To be sure," said Bligli, good-liumour- edly ; " only not before people. It makes one a little absurd." " But it will slip out. I say, what an enviable position that girl has ! — not a trouble, not a shadow of a care — everything is happiness, everything at her feet — a de- voted father ; houses, horses, happiness ; lands, tenements, and hereditaments, eh, Doctor ? — all hers. Do you know," he said suddenly — *' shall I tell you a little secret ? My father, who is as clever a man as there is in the three kingdoms, has laid it out ; and I believe will manage it. There, sir." " Manage what ? — not Miss Diana ! " ''Yes, the very thing. I shouldn't object seriously, if I laid my mind to it regularly — in fact, the foundation is laid. Girls of her nature — light, airy — they flutter on to us, FIRST CHECK. 221 and our gaudy leaves aud petals, like butter- flies on to flowers. There's poetry for you. I mean we soldiers, with our golden clothes, &c., have a pull — you know it. I confess I should like a pretty trinket." Lugard felt his companion move impa- tiently beside him. '' But are you so sure, Lugard ? " he said. " I don't think you quite know her cha- racter. Under all that w^hich you call lightness I see a great deal of sense and principle, which only wants the occasion to come out. A pretty trinket I — she is much more than that, Lugard. I never like to hear girls spoken of in that way." ''0 my!" said Lugard; "this is quite heroic. Pray who spoke of them in that way ? You see I was right in saying to her that you are so practical ; you do take things ail pied de la lettre. I see I must weigh my words with you, Master Bligh." 222 DIANA GAY. " No, I didn't mean that," said Bligh. *' Only I think you suppose the thing to be easier than it is." " That of course is to be seen," said Lugard, coldly. -"I may as well tell you that I intend taking up the business seriously ; so I warn off all intruders. Ha, ha ! Tell your friends, my dear Doctor. I know what Gay's notion is in getting Bellman here, and his donkey of a son. But still, if mademoiselle set her heart on a thing, I rather think he must let her have her own way. My father has managed more difficult things than that. Here's your gate, and I see a light over the wall. Your good mother is sitting up for you — to hear all about it, ha, ha ! But mind, not a word about our secret. Mind, I'll count on your help a little, old boy. Good- night, old fellow; take care of yourself! " Robert Bligh was set down at the gate, and as he rang, one of those rapid sweeps of riEST CHECK. 223 thought, which stretch as far as what the Eastern saw in the tub of water, passed through his mind. The conclusion was, as the door opened, '^ It is absurd, hopeless, ridiculous 1 — a mere mother's dream ; the idea of my slow- moving mind hobbling after his brilhant soul. It is the most childish notion in the world." As the door opened, he saw his mother standing in the hall, tall and shadowy. " Come in, dear," she said ; "sit down and tell me all about it — about the first move.'' Robert felt a twinge at his heart. Mother and son sat down together on the sofa. '' This is new life to me, waiting for you in this way. After all, what is there like life and affection, and flesh and blood ? I used to try and persuade you that books were the only things having no malice, hatred, or unkindness. The worst is, I only find this 224 DIANA GAY. out witli every day I grow older. Now, E-obert dear, report." She was looking at liim anxiously. '' Well, you know, motlier," lie said, taking her hand, " nothing could be done on a first night." ''Nothing?" she said quickly; '' every- thino- ! It is tlie thins^s that take time which never succeed. That pottering is the sure way to fail. You have double the chance when you go at it at once. But you have not lost time. I know your quiet, sure way when you have the ground to yourself. Come, begin at the beginning ; tell me the dinner — I always like to hear that." Bligh turned slowly to her. '' You see," he said softly, " I had not the ground to myself." "Why who — " she said, starting, ''who was there ? tell me — quick." FIRST CHECK. 225 " Only Lugard — Dick, my old scliool- fellow." '' What, the officer ? 0, I see ! Well, of course it couldn't be helped. Now tell me about it." '^My dear mother," he said quickly, *'you know what you were talking of before I went out. I did not take it up perhaps so warmly as you wished. But I see now it is hopeless — not to be thought of in any way." She rose up slowly from the sofa, and said hastily — " So I see you have done nothing — attempted nothing ! Is that your spirit ? Is that what you would dare tell a client in a desperate case ? I am ashamed of you, to come back to me with such a child's story. What are you good for ? Wliom are you afraid of? An empty-headed subaltern — because he is dressed up like any strolling I. Q 226 .DIANA GAT. actor, and is daubed over witti gold lace ? Heaven help us !" She was walking up and down, stamping about with her hands joined behind her. Her son was not at all surprised at this burst ; he was accustomed to it. "You know, mother," he said, "I have not the gifts for this line. As far as a brief goes — " '' Yes, a wretched, few guineas — yes, there is the narrow view ! When can I teach you to get rid of this miserly view ? Precious years of your life wasted in scraping a pittance, when you might by a single stroke win all. What does your history tell you ? Has it not been the game of all the great men ? Your wretched tradesmen and manufacturers like Crowder, this money-grubbing spirit may do for them. But where are they at the end of their life ? My dearest Robert," she said, her tone softening, as she seated herself FIEST CHECK. 227 beside him, '' I seem to speak harshly, but it is for your good ; I want to rouse you. So I suppose you were put back by that cox- comb ? TeU me the truth." "Why," said he, "it was so, mother. I have not the knack. He is so much readier. I am too ' heavy,' and — and — I can see she cares for him." " And you are imposed on by such things ! I am astonished at you," she said, again starting up and beginning to walk; "why a skilful man would — Ah, I see what I must do ! My great lawyer-son wants confidence out of his court or chambers. He must have his old mamma at his elbow to whisper him. I must take it in hand myself, I see." He smiled. " That would be no use either, mother." " You don't know ; you must try, my dear boy. You don't know the first principles. Q 2 '228 DIANA GAT. Whatever the woman may be, whatever she thinks of you, she will be flattered by a man's preference, whatever that man maybe. Is not that something to start with ? Fools at a ball skulk by the wall, and say, ' She has too grand partners. She will not look at me if I ask her.' If she sees you think so, slie will think so. The wise fellow goes up straight and confidently, and is taken. I tell you, Robert, we have a basis here, which no one else has, and which I cannot tell you, at least for some time — There !" He started. " Yes," she said, " an advantage over all comers. But I see the old mamma must step in. I suppose I must go to Gay Court, and stop there a while." "Do, mother," he said eagerly; "we should be all so glad." " Not all," she said, smiling, " as you shall see. At any rate, we must start again. Now to your bed." FIEST CHECK. 229 And with a smile and an air of exultation slie passed out of the room, leaving her son, who, as usual, remained a long time in thought. ( 230 ) CHAPTER X THE HUNT. Now at last had come round the great even- ing, and the GaltlioT]3e Mercury was able to announce, — could there have been a decent excuse it would have added, " By Special Telegram," — that the distinguished visitors had arrived at Gay Court. Previously they had been "favoured" by a private view of the new state bedrooms, now being got up " in the most costly manner and the most exquisite taste," by that enterprising monster firm, Messrs. Debenham. The chief one had been '^ sumptuously upholstered" in what they described as bleu-de-roi tabouret — THE HUNT. 231 another in diintz ''of the rarest finish." In short, our reporter — who had been intro- duced surreptitiously and shown over the whole by a pantry-friend — was quite dazzled. Mr. Gay laughed loudly as he read his Mercury, " These poor devils must earn their crust, I suppose. But where do they get their fine names ? Bleu de roi ! — why, it is only the ordinary blue stuff they hang up. Of course, I shall have a fine bill to pay." At last the Mercury was enabled to announce, ''All the distinguished persons who have been invited to Gay Court to cele- brate an interesting anniversary have arrived. Among those at present enjoying the sump- tuous hospitality of the large-hearted host are, the Right Hon. Lord Bellman ; the Hon. Mr. Chimeleigh and suite ; Mr. and Lady Margaret Bowman, Canning Bowman, Esq., of the Foreign Ofl&ce ; Lugard, Esq., 232 DIANA GAY. of Burton, Ricliard Lugard, Esq., of lier Majesty's Hussars; Eobert Bligli, Esq., Mrs. Bligli ; Major Spring, and Miss Crowder of the Priory. It is rumoured that still more distinguished company is expected, and that Gay Court will be the scene of festivities rivalling in brilhancy and beauty the most gorgeous dreams of the 'Arabian Nights.' " '' Pish ! — gorgeous dreams of my grand- mother!" said Mr. Gay impatiently, as he read. " I wish to goodness they'd leave us alone." The reader will see that this quotation, though it does come from a country-town ''print," saves us a world of description, narrative, &c., and has, in fact, carried us over a handsome space of ground. Gay Court was really bright with all its new finery; the hleu-de-roi tabouret was hung ; the French cook was ready ; Mr. Chewton was, as it were, standing to arms ; THE HUNT. 233 and that Monday evening Mr. Gay's private omnibus had taken away from the station the noble persons. Lord Bellman and his son, Mr. Chimeleigh and suite (no more than a single valet). The select and distinguished party had assembled at dinner to meet them, though not the full strength of the company, who were to come and dine on the next day, after the hunt was over. What was the secret of this excitement about my lord ? He was but a very ordinary pattern of peer, and in the county we had already the Earl of Cumberley, Lord Killeries, and Lord Bays water, whom we might draw on again, discount, and cash when the occa- sion served. The truth was, that now, after a long term of receivers, Court-of- Chancery trustees, the Freeman estates had come into the market. For a long time back, the Mer- cunj had been hearing that " a distinguished nobleman, remarkable for his success in 234 DIANA GAT. bucolic pursuits," liad been making inquiries about the Freeman lands ; and presently the Mercury began to bint that, though matters were not " ripe," and it might be " prema- ture" to ventilate the name, there could be no harm to say that it was Lord B n whom popular rumour pointed to as likely " to come among us " very soon. And very soon the same authority had discovered that all was well-nigh complete, and that the Freeman estate was about to change hands. The only drawback was, that there was no residence on the estate ; so that there was no prospect of having so desirable a resident as Lord Bellman for a neighbour. But they did not know that Mr. Gay was equally eager to secure the new-comer ; and this might have been a good deal of the secret of all this fuss and preparation ; for he knew that if his lordship was pleased with the hunting, and fancied the place, he was just the man to THE HUNT. 235 give orders to have a good house built, and come and live there. It was Tuesday morning, and the company were dropping down to an early breakfast, spread festively and artistically under Mr. Chewton's own eye. That gentleman had stood many minutes at the bottom of the table, with his head on one side, and that '' hown hye " closed as if he was looking through a telescope, but was satisfied. In its own way, he thought a table was a thing of beauty, which, indeed, everything done on the most perfect principle is, to a certain extent. It was early — a fine fresh hunting-morn- ing. It had rained a little overnight, as his lordship made his august progress in the private omnibus. Hunting-men had gone to bed uneasy lest this might turn to a sharp frost; for the glass was not satisfactory. However, here was the morning itself — a 236 DIANA GAT. gentlemanly, well-behaved, proper sort of morning, with the ground just soft enough to be velvety, and not soaked into a fatal bog condition. From the row of tall parlour- windows the thick evergreens and the rolling banks of grass looked rich and green and re- freshed after their pleasant bath. The meet was to be at eleven o'clock, on the lawn ; for his lordship wished to have a long, hearty, and satisfactory day. Both sides of the table were lined, and it was a gay, cheerful, inspiring scene, a little different from the interment-like gloom that sometimes attends a country-house breakfast. What would the reporter of the Mercury have given to be allowed to peep in, even to enter now and again with the cream, game, &c., in the undignified disguise of a waiter ! — a thing no pantry interest could accomplish. Yet he was not a hundred yards away, hanging about the lawn with the rest THE HUNT. 237 of the crowd. A whole column in the 3Ier- ciiry will by-and-bj give us ample details of " The Meet at Gay Court." Now we see Lord Bellman beside Diana, who is presiding with infinite grace, and not a little confusion, and looks so tiny and quite fairy -like in her habit, as she stands up and fills out tea for every one : for Mr. Gay, in defiance of Mr. Chewton's respectful protest, will not have that cheering beverage made wholesale, hotel-fashion, at a neighbouring side-table, and served round as if it was an entree, Mr. Chewton faintly introduced the name of a " Lord Northfleet," when he had '' gone down special for one of his lordship's open- 'ouse parties ; " but without efiect. '' I like that putting away the joints out of sight," said Mr. Gay to Lord Bellman; " though, mark my words, we'll be coming back to that as a fashion ; and we'll have the 238 DIANA GAT. ladies crying out, ' How nice it is to see tlie saddle of mutton, and liave your slice cut off before your eyes ! ' But the tea-making is the only link between the host and his guests ; and my little pootens there wouldn't give it up for the world, would she, popsy ? " '' I think it such fun, papa," said Miss Diana, filling away hard. '' Come here, Mr. Bligh, and hand that down yourself to Lady Margaret ; and if you spill a drop — " Lord Bellman was a tall, good-looking nobleman of about fifty, with black sleek hair divided in the middle, and a pointed American beard. He had been a very hand- some man in his time, and was still remark- able for his fine even rows of teeth. He was a country lord ; ardent about stock, butter, and turnips, with which he mixed up hunting and Whig politics. Every farming man re- members the year when his lordship's brindled bull, " Great Tom," took the cup at the All- THE HUNT. 239 England Show, beating the Earl of Wick- field's beast — considered unmatched in size, weight, and all brutish qualifications. Every one will remember his lordship's speech on the Labouring-Classes Dwelling Bill, which he brought in himself, and passed through the House of Peers, but which, when it went down to another place, was strangled. He had at one time formed part of a Ministry, and had been at the Board of Trade ten months. But the short-horns and the fine hunting country in which he lived drew him irresistibly away; and no man can serve those three agreeable masters, sporting farming, and politics, at the same time. Politics is the narrowest-minded and most greedily selfish of the three. But he took them up fitfully and almost alternately : his present hope and aim was to get an earldom ; it being said " he had strong claims on the party;" and he would have been very 240 DIANA GAY. well content had he become Earl of Bell- towers. Mr. Chimeleigli was also present — of about five-and-twenty-years old ; an unhealthy-look- ing youthj with a very sharp pink nose, of which some of his friends, with more liveli- ness than courtsey, said ''he could slice melons with." He, too, was a politician — a " sucking " one, those same free friends remarked — and did not care in the least for the short-horns or the farming. He could hunt genteelly ; and his father said '' he was a knowing young Whig, and would feather his nest one of these days." Older members of the party were accustomed to prophesy wisely in the same spirit ; and the country paper, in a sort of divine afflatus, said it was easy to see that he was " marked out " as one of the rising men who would be at the helm of the State. Poor helm ! how many clumsy fingers have closed upon that well- THE HUNT. 241 worn piece of timber ! He spoke very little, eating his breakfast in a measured business- like way, as through a small section of public affairs ; and was fond of taking senator-like airs. He was to go into Parliament; and there was a little borough in the great hunting country, where it was thought his father's interest could have placed him ; but his health was bad, and doctors had pre- scribed a two-years' voyaging and travelling to make him strong, before entering on political life. Some of the friends said of him, *' Clever young man ; head like a book ; chapter and verse for everything ; Hell cut a figure." While others — the free friends — said, *'You might put all Chimeleigh's brains into a little gallipot, and have room to spare ! " Both opinions were extreme and a little extravagant. Lord Bellman was a most voluble talker. Conversation with Mm was practically I. B 242 DIANA GAY. making a speecli. He had his glass to his eye. "That's you, I see, Gay. Who did it? Too much of the red, I should say. Do you know it's uncommonly hard to get a coat done ? — because it is the coat merely that is done. I know a young fellow, exceedingly promising, who is coming up in this hunting way, and knows how to do a horse's head. If I had known, I could have got him, and he'd have been about the same price. He did Pownall for the Crewe Hunt, on his black cob; quite a Vandyke thing, I assure you." '^Well, I'll tell you the reason they had him to do my figure," began Mr. Gay. ''Not but that's very fair," went on his lordship, screwing his glass into his eye ; '' very fair indeed, too fiery though — far too fiery ! What's this— post, eh ? " Mr. Chewton was entering with a beadle- liKe air; his hands full of letters carefully THE HUNT. 243 sorted, and whicli he considered lie dis- tributed witli infinite grace and courtly effect. He came formally to tlie top of the table, where he laid down a packet, nicely assorted in sizes, beside Lord Bellman, with a half- whispered! and most obsequious '' My lord." He looked round the table, doing the same to every one. In this office he was con- sidered, by his dependents and admirers, to be unmatched. Lord Bellman glanced at them one by one, finishing his tea, toast, &c., as he did so ; and only indicating the probable contents by side-long looks, pursings of his mouth (tea- cup being suspended), and upliftings of his eyebrows. At last he pitched on one, opened it, and read it. ''Well," he said, "this is from Stephen- son ; everything clear, all plain-sailing ; sub- mitted it to counsel, made searches, and all that. We're to sign at once." R 2 244 DIA^'A GAY. "What? Freeman's estate?" said Mr. Gay, heartily. '* I'm so glad ; I'm dehghted to hear it. I didn't like asking you, for I was afraid; and I was wanting to see how you'd like the place. — Di, popsy, listen to this !— May I tell her ? " '' JSTow, what is it, papa? If it's a secret, I won't keep it." '' Only about Freeman's estate, Miss Diana, which is all virtually my property now. I am to be one of the powers that be of this county." I am so glad. Lord Bellman ; but you must promise to build a house, or we sha'n't care for you at all." ''0, I shall come down occasionally to look after the people, get in my rents, and all that." " Indeed you must do no such thing. Lord Bellman. We won't have any absentee people spoiling our county, getting all they THE HUNT. 245 can out of it, and doing* nothing. N'o, no," said Diana, tossing lier head ; " we won't have you on those terms at alL" " Diana, popsy ! D'ye hear her lecturing his lordship — bringing him to book, like the—" *' I am quite serious, papa," she went on, composing her lips into a grave expression ; " I don't approve of it at all. Property has its duties as well as its rights ; and you know those poor people in Ireland — " " 0, what have we here? " said his lord- ship in great good-humour. " A Ptadical — a real Radical ! For shame. Gay, to bring up your children in this way ! " " I think," said Miss Diana, " the Radicals are the nicest people in the world. I hope we shall have a republic in England before- long; it would be such fun. Do 3^ou re- collect, papa, the handsome young man we met in the train going to London, and who 246 DIANA GAY. told sucli pleasant stories ? He said lie was a Radical." '' Yes," said Mr. Gray, wlio was inclined to run into grave narrative on any hint; ''I assure you, as agreeable and pleasant a fellow as I'd ask to see ; quite a gentleman, I assure you, Bligli — manner, dress, bearing, information — everything. ' ' '' And he had eyes, hair, nose, mouth, and a real head, hadn't he, papa ? " said Miss Diana, with a sly look to both sides of the table. " Just listen to her ! " said Mr. Gay, delighted. " Did you hear that — hitting at her poor old daddy? Well, after that I'll say no more. God bless me, it's getting late ! See the country fellows looking in the window? — hang their impudence! Diana, my pet, you should keep your friends in order." "They're very forward," she said, and THE HUNT. 247 fluttered over to the window, which she opened. The company followed her slight figure and the folds of her habit, which streamed behind her. '' Go away, Tom Holden," she said. ^" am very angry with you ; you have no business to be there; I won't have it!" Then she came back again. " See how they obey me ! " she said. The party broke up. In a half-hour there was a curious scene in front of the house. It seemed as if there was to be a meeting, and people were assembled to hear ad- dresses. There were a couple of open carriages drawn up ; an Irish outside car ; at least a dozen horses being walked to and fro ; and a whole crowd of retainers, who pretended to be of use in some way. From the windows of Gay Court looked out many faces, gentle and simple — but more simple 248 DIANA GAT. — whicli, witli white cap and a broom or two faintly visible behind, betrayed tlie sus- pended labour of tlie housemaid. There was plunging of hoofs and crunching of gravel ; the broad steps were crowded with many figures, and lighted up with abundant and cheerful scarlet ; while the air was per- fumed with the morning cigar, and made melodious with the light chatter of voices. The meet was half a mile away, at what was called '' t'ould Garse Cover." The young men are pleasantly leaning against the piers of the steps, when suddenly out strides Mr. Gay, in his scarlet coat and white breeches and shining boots, to take the command. Behind him come the distin- guished guests ; and our Diana told later with many a titter how she had distinctly heard from the crowd, '' Theer, thot be the lard." That nobleman was considered to affect an almost unsportsmanlike appearance THE HUNT. 249 in his dress, which was only a black cut- away coat, with buff-leather breeches and short black boots. Mr. Gay on public occasions became enero-etic and visforous. '*Xow, look alive," he said, "and bring* forward Father John I " And in a moment a strong brown creature appeared, well drawn together, short legged, and with small head, but fast solid quarters, and the well-bent hock which is the true merit of the hunter. A c^room led Father John forward, who advanced with a wise and composed demeanour, with no pricking of the ears or startings — a sober and a wise man, who knew he must reserve himself for the day's work before him. In his own native land Father John would have been attended as he walked with many a mut- tered "Ah, begorrah I see that, now I — that's the fine crather intirely I " "0, indeed! " said his lordship, drawing 250 DIANA GAY. on his gloves and measuring him critically " He promises well." In a moment he was in the saddle, sitting '^like a true man," said some one in the crowd ; then gathering up the reins and ambling off in the regular hunter's jog-trot. Then came D'Orsay, very satiny in his coat, but wild-eyed as usual, and foolishly pricking up his ears and starting at every sound. Diana tripped down the steps, daintily holding her habit. Bligh was at the door, looking with interest at the pro- portions of Father John — for he had an eye for a horse as much as for a point of law. He did not see Miss Diana looking back for the expected attention. Suddenly she whipped her skirt a little impatiently. " Mr. Bligh !- — well, sir, am I to climb up myself? " He started and came down. Miss Diana laid her hand on the saddle. Bligh stooped ; THE HUNT. 251 but D'Orsay was fretful and out of humour that morning — the bustle and arriving of horses during the night had disturbed him and put him out, as it would have a human dandy who had come home from a ball. Bligh in his eagerness, and perhaps awk- wardness, to retrieve his inattention, swung up Miss Diana a little too quickly, and D'Orsay swerving away, she came to the ground again. "You did that on purpose," she said; " you are thinking, of something else." A cheery voice called out behind, "My dear good Bhgh, I saw you do that. One would think it was a volume of Chitty you were putting up on a shelf. But let me now; please do. Don't be restive." There is a precious sort of obstructive manner which will be good-humouredly obstinate, and puts away such pressure as this. Others without this charm have to 252 DIANA GAY. give way or liolcl possession in a rude boorish way. Bligli made a faint protest, and cliose the former. '' That's a good man. Now we'll try again. D'Orsay is scared with all this company. Poor fellow ! Let us soothe him first. Poor fellow ! " And Diana's delicate hand and a great buckskin glove were travelling over the dandy's neck with most grateful effect. '' Notv we'll try." And in a second Diana had fluttered up like a bird, and had perched ever so lightly on the small saddle. Bligh admired her thus, when D'Orsay, now in good-humour, began to move off in a playful canter. *' That's the way to do it," called out Lugard. " We'll teach this lawyer in time. Now," he added, taking his friend affec- tionately by the arm, '' to get our own nags. At these show-gatherings they potter away THE HUNT. 253 sucli a lot of valuable time." This was a favourite metliod of treatment witli Mr. Lugard : after lie bad, as lie called it, put aside liis man, lie made up for it by a pro- fusion of almost blandishments. They were up in a moment. The ladies had got into the carriages and on cars with the non- hunting gentlemen, and presently every one drove away. ( 254 ) CHAPTER XL THE DAY. '' T'ouLD Garse Cover " was in a very pic- turesque corner of the park, and a green grass coasted by it. AH the rustics had taken a short cut over the fields to see the great meet ; and as Lady Margaret Bowman's carriage rolls along the soft green lane, of which there were some miles in the demesne, she sees among the old trees patches of scarlet flashing brightly, and a general shift- ing and flutter of colours. It seems as though there was to be a race. The Calthorpe Hunt has mustered some forty strong — considered a very great meet THE DAY. 255 for that time of the year. It is a perfect cluster of open carriages, with a couple of drags which have "bowled" over from Iron- ston, and are laden with the ladies of the hunting officers of the Du Barrys, and from beneath the white overcoats of these gallant gentlemen many a shining top-boot emerges. Scarlet gentlemen are tramping to and fro from one carriage to the other ; and here is Miss Diana looking down from D'Orsay, the' dandy's back, on a whole group. She is not unsupported ; for Miss Crowder, with a scarlet feather in her hat and a " stand-up " man's collar, has cantered up beside her on a handsome horse, which, though of exceeding- price, has a manufacturing air, as though he but represented money, and money alone. Beside him D'Orsay seemed a crea- ture born in the purple. As she cantered up, she must almost have heard from the drag- roof the rather free-and-easy sobriquet "Kitty 256 DIANA GAY. Crowder " said all but aloud ; for such a penalty does tliis ^Dleasant familiarity with the warriors entail. " Kitty " was in high spirits. '^ Where is the lord's son, dear ? " she said, looking round. '' What ! doesn't he hunt ? Is he a sneak ? 0, I must know him ; indeed I must. You must — there he is with the sharp face. Let's ride over to him, and you intro- duce me." Diana hesitated. She had great dignity, and though liking '' fun," would speak and draw herself up in defence of the smallest of the proprieties. ''Indeed, I can do no such thing," she said. '^ He would think it very odd. I hardly know him myself." " Indeed he would not, now," said Kitty in a loud voice. " You never were more out in your life. Never mind ; I'll manage it somehow during the hunt. I'll speak to him THE DAY. 257 myself, and tell him you wouldn't introduce me. You must learn not to keep all the men to yourself, Miss Diana." Diana smiled. She knew her friend's ways, and was not offended. Kitty had for- gotten the matter in a moment, and was scouring the field with her large eyes. Then Lugard rode up, with his father by his side, who was exquisitely appointed, as though he were going to a ball, the delicate feminine toilette and eternal simper being marked on his face. His horse looked as if Ms coat had been carefully brushed and left without a speck. Mr. Lugard looked almost as gay as his son ; and when he took off his hat to Miss Diana, his thin hair seemed smoothed and parted elegantly, as if on a lady's forehead. '' This eager man is like a schoolboy, and would not let me lose a minute." *'I am so glad you have come, Mr. Lugard,'^ said Diana; ''but look at darling I. • s 258 DIANA GAY. D'Orsay ; lie is the handsomest creature on the ground." Mr. Lugard looked down on himself with a simper, as who should say, " You don't count me, I suppose." Every face was there, from the straw- coloured terrier-dog faces of the military to Mr. Pratt, the gentleman who had pro- nounced on D'Orsay, and from whose pen the Mercury led its readers to expect a graphic account of the day's run. "We may promise our readers," said that journal, " that our valued Yenator will limn Eey- nard's course with more than his usually graphic pen." He came rocking and jog- ging up to Diana, and said solemnly, " Well, miss, I see you've Mm out to-day. No, no, no ! won't do, miss — want's a little sense." "You're jealous, Mr. Pratt," said Diana, laughing ; then to her friend : "He thinks nothino: like that cart-horse of his." THE DAY. 259 Here now was Featherston, our esteemed M.F.H., coming up with a quick business air, attended by liis two aides-de-camp, as though he were about to clear the course. Featherston was the name in every mouth : we had drank his health ; we had found fault with him; we had not supported him with the subscriptions. Featherston had again and again said that after " this year " he would resign the hounds to a better man ; and again and again, feehng deep compunc- tion for so treating a man who had stood by the sport so nobly, we had conjured him to retract ; and Featherston had given way. The probabihties were he would " hunt *' the Calthorpe pack till he died or was killed. '' jSTow, Gay," he said, " time's up — we'll turn the hounds in. — Now, gentlemen, look out ; it won't be a second's business, for the place is alive with them ; and for God's sake, gentlemen, let's have no tailor-riding here, or walking over my dogs, as we had last day s 2 260 DIANA GAY. with that man-miUiner. — Now Tom, in with them." In a moment the Calthorpe pack, that seemed all wooden tails and ears, and who were the hereditary Sweetlips, Boxers, Nip- pers, &c., who had an air of eager business, plunged into the cover. Instantly the talk- ing ceased, reins were gathered up, and his lordship was seen by the Mercim/s reporter, who never had his eye off him a moment, to throw away a cigar. There was a crackling and rustling in the underwood of the covert ; the white sterns of the hounds are seen among the leaves; Sweetlips, known for ''a true note," gives a cry, and we know for certain that the fox is at home. Sud- denly, from far to the left comes the cry, " Gone away ! " but from a throat as foolish as some^of the younger dogs ; and at once a "counter-jumper" and some *' tailors" — so our M.F.H. described them later — plunged away frantically. Some of the '' tailors " THE DAY. 261 proved later to be Major Spring and Mr. Collins. "Look at those donkeys," said Dick Lu- gard to Diana ; " they've ruined everything!" So they had nearly, for the field was undecided. Some had gone on, and " Rey- nard " — his conventional title in all hunting descriptions — having made up his mind to escape, and rushing out through one of his private corridors, had suddenly turned back into his castle. Our M.F.H. was furious. He came riding up like a general to some cohort that has not done its duty. His words were sharp and sarcastic. Then he collects his hounds, and again puts them in. A sudden roar of delighted agony from the whole pack. There is no mistake this time. General M.F.H. is looking round with his hand up and his eye on the ''tailors," who but for that restraint would be at it again. There they go, in a bright dappled stream, pouring, as 262 DIANA GAY. it were, from an opening in tlie hedge, spreading over tlie green grass country, heads down, tongues out, tails up. Now our M.F.H. settles well down in his saddle at the tail of the pack, with his two aides -de- camp ; and now the theatrical huntsmen are seen making quietly for the highroad. The carriages begin to roll along the high- way, the coachmen flogging their horses to keep up or '* head " the hounds off by some short cut. It was a ruck, a delightful rout — schoolboys on ponies, ladies on horses, and bumpkins on nothing at all, scouring along laughing and eager. Now sounded out the cry of the dogs, as they were full on the open country ; now rang out the horn ; now the cheerful scarlet vanished in a flash, as all — fox, hounds, riders — disappeared round a plantation. His lordship kept well up, and was beginning to be pleased ; only the Irish horse, coming to a low wall, proceeded to take it after the manner he was accustomed THE DAY. 263 to in his own land — "with a top and a drop," which almost discomposed him. The country was stiff, and yet not dangerous; and his lordship found himself taken over everything successfully, and grew exhilarated under such circumstances. We admire and are pleased with every- thing when in reality we are only pleased with ourselves. Even the praise which in strict fairness was owing to his horse, his lordship took to himself. " I brought him over that fence in good style, I think." There was a pink flush in Diana's cheek, and a brightness in her eye, as she flew along on D'Orsay. D'Orsay took her over everything. Often her father's voice was heard beside her, gently warning — " Now, now, tootsums ! Do take care, petsy ! " But when she ivoulcl go on, and, flying over, look back with a laugh, he could only say to his neighbours — 264 DIANA GAT. " Well, well, she is a wild child ! " Dick Lugard, mounted on a handsome horse, kept near her the whole day ; he rode well, but, according to his character, "going" at everything, and succeeding from sheer recklessness. He got one good ''shaking" fall, and rose up, pettishly resenting the affront. As he remounted, he could see Robert Bligh riding steadily on a round-built, close-knit cob ; calmly hunting, measuring everything, and " taking" every jump with a sure and calculated pre- cision that irritated his friend. ''Look at Doctor Syntax; he's managed to pick up a horse like himself. Wonderful fellow I He's as canny as any born Scotch- man. There he goes again ! See, he won't take that — there! That's a more com- fortable bit." Diana, cantering along and looking back, said — " Well, I don't know ; that seemed a THE DAY. 265 stiffer part where he did take it. Dear me, what are they doing now ? " They galloped forward; they had been coming down a hill, at the bottom of which ran a httle stream, which a mile or so farther on widened into the great Cale river, famous for its fishing. All had clustered at its edge ; some were cantering up and down its side wildly; the dogs were running back- wards and forwards in deep agitation, with their noses to the ground. Our excellent M.F.H. is cantering this way and that. Had a fellow- creature fallen in, and was he then struggling in drowning agonies, there could not have been so much excitement. Alas, it was a far greater misfortune ! That fatal stream — of which some had had their fore- bodings — had undone them. The crafty Eeynard had either got across, or found a drain, or earth-hole. He was gone : faces lengthened. His lordship looked as he had looked three years before, when news was 266 DIANA GAY. brouglit him that his under agent had gone off with two thousand pounds. Even Diana began to pout prettily. '' Nasty perverse thing," she said, " he does it on purpose." A speech that made her father laugh loud, and which he often retailed at dinners. '' Look at our friend Syntax," said Lugard to her, smiling ; "he has gone off there on a quiet trot, for fear his horse should get chilled. Never forgets the main chance. At school they used to call him Praise- worthy Bob." Mr. Lugard did not say '* we," for he never affected any air of familiarity with his friend. Praiseworthy Bob had in effect ridden slowly up the river, with his eye on the ground, and had turned the corner of a plantation. Suddenly they heard a cry — a cheerful note. Every one started the dogs pricked THE DAY. 267 up their ears. In a second tliey saw Bligli afar off, and waving his cap. What joy, what dehght, what winding of the horn ! It was all scamper and rout. Every one was gone in a second save Miss Diana, who had dismounted to have her saddle-girths tightened. " Now, Di," said her father, gathering up his reins, and looking out wistfully, for nothing abated his paternal instincts ; " do look sharp." Lugard did look sharp. '' I declare our friend Syntax is quite coming out," he said, as he remounted ; " look at him jogging on in front.'* They were not very much behind, but Mr. Gay, on his great strong horse, had gone forward to join his lordship. The course was still by the river, which was widening gradually. Lugard was behind, but making way up ; and Miss Diana said, a little fret- fuUy:~ 268 DIANA GAY. '* I can't make D'Orsay go, somehow. He's in one of liis humours to-day." Suddenly he pricked up his trembhng ears, and gave a half swerve. "All right," said Lugard, "it's that bumpkin with the gun in the plantation. But why on earth should he be — " By the next second the bumpkin with the gun had fired it at some sparrows. There was a plunge, a scattering of clay and stones, and D'Orsay had ]3lunged away like a demon — head down — heels out. He had gone like an arrow. And there on his back — as on some poor shelf — was resting the frail figure of Diana. Lugard saw this with a sort of agony, and in his agitation actually reined-up his horse. In another moment she was lost to view. Fox and hunters and hounds were far away by this time. When he could see her no more, he put spurs to his horse, and THE DAY. 269 plunged frantically forward. Another horse- man was coming across tlie field in a diagonal line. He knew it was Bligli, but riding at a pace tliat the cob-hunter had not exhibited before on that day. Even at that moment of excitement Lugard's lip curled. " He wants 'to overtake her, the fool ! " he said ; then called out, waving his hand, " Keep back ; it will only make her horse go faster 1 Do you hear ? " But Bligh did not pay the least attention. '^ The donkey !" Lugard said aloud. Meanwhile he had now got to the top of a hill, and could look down. To his horror he saw that the horse and rider were gone; and looking down, he could see a small dark object struggling in the river — for into a river the little Cale stream had widened at this place, with a strong violent current. Trees overhung it with crooked branches, seated on which the fisherman watched his line for hours. Hounds were far away 270 DIANA GAY. across the country after Reynard, who was beginning to show signs of weariness, as well he might, poor wretch. Even Mr. Gay, exhilarated and excited, was shouting " Yoicks ! " or " Hark for'ard ! " or some such proper cry. For the moment he had forgotten his little Diana. Before Lugard had recovered, Bligli was halfway down the hill. The other followed. In a moment both were at the edge ; and there, far out in the strong waters, flowing steadily, was seen D'Orsay plunging franti- cally, with one paw entangled in the habit, and our Diana, her cheek blanched with terror, clinging to his neck with both arms. " My God I What shall we do ? I can't swim ; but this horse can." " Don't think of it," said the other, hastily. "You will only be in danger: the current is too strong." " And what can we do ? — what folly you talk ! " THE DAY. 271 " Leave it to me," said the other, quietly; '' I can save her ; but not here : I must get far lower down. Hold on," he shouted ; " I'll save you ! Cling to the horse for your life ! " In a moment he had his coat off, and was running hard along the bank. The wretched D'Orsay was still plunging ; but not a cry came from Diana, whose little figure seemed to be now ghding slowly away out of life. But Lugard's nature was the same under all circumstances. His lip was curling ; and as his friend rushed away, he said aloud, "O, tJmt^s his game, is it ? We'll see ! " and putting spurs to his horse, he walked him into the water, and in a second he was up to his middle. Rushing along the river- side, Bligh got past the point where Diana was still strug- ghng. At that instant she turned her pale face, and as she saw him pass by — only then — ^uttered a cry, a scream of despair, at such 272 DIANA GAY. abandonment. But Bligli had observed a rugged point of the shore which jutted out farther on, and from this he had determined to make his start. He ran out on this, and stripping off his shoes, was in the water in a moment. So cleverly had he calculated the force of the current, against which he could only make way a very little, that it was sure to carry him close to the struggling horse ; but almost as soon as he started, another cry came from the unhappy maiden, who saw her coming deliverer turn back and make for the land again. Almost as soon as he started, he had seen, lying snugly sheltered in a little creek, a tiny flat-bottomed boat, with paddles at- tached, which was indeed a boat of salvation. After this the rescue came easy; though even here he showed his surprising restraint and thought, for he saw the force of the current, and waited until the unhappy Diana, now releasing D'Orsay's neck and tossing THE DAY. 273 her arms vrildly, liad passed by some twenty yards ; then lie let go, and rowing hard, was borne down riglit upon them. He called to her firmly and decidedly: "You must do exactly what I tell you, and at the exact moment." D'Orsay was grow- ing helpless, and giving over his plunging. She was saved. Heaven be praised, here was the bank ; and at the same moment as he drew his last stroke he heard a faint shout from the bank he had left behind, and saw the whole crest lined with scarlet coats and horses and dogs. When he had lifted Diana ofi*, and got her safely on shore, she sank down sobbing and wringing her hands. D'Orsay stood there tremblino' and shrinking^, and much cowed and exhausted. It was pronounced in the stables that that wetting had done him a world of good. Bligh tied him quietly to a tree, and then pulling out his little flask from his pocket, put some of the spirit on a I. T 274 DIANA GAY. handkerchief, and pressed it to lier. Sud- denly lie recollected Lugard, and looked up and down the river, but could not see him. Then he heard a clatter of hoofs, and Mr. Gay, who had galloped desperately half a mile, raced across the broad country bridge, flung himself to the ground, and had his darling Diana in his arms. A carriage soon came up ; but Diana, every moment recover- ing from her fright, all wet as she was, in- sisted on riding home, not on the faithless D'Orsay, who was condemned to disgrace, but on Mr. Bligh's steady cob-horse, who, like his master, would make no mistake. Every moment our Diana was recovering her spirits. She began to laugh at her limp habit, and put out her small hand to Bligh, with a '' Dear Mr. Bligh, how shall I ever acknowledge your kindness ! " Mr. Gay wrung him as a terrier would a rat. " My dear, dear old fellow, you are a hero, and you've laid us under an eternal THE DAY, 275 obligation. Sucli a cool, dashing, gallant exploit ! My God ! to tliink of my little girl being so near danger ! It makes me tremble all over. I must keep a tiglit rein on her, for slie is a little too brave. Did you ever see sucli a spirit ? No shrieking or roaring, but kept her head all the time. My dear boy," — and he wrung him again, — " what can I say or do for you ? " Now came cantering over the bridge our friend Dick Lugard, who, however, slackened his pace into a walk as he drew near thQ party. Indeed, Mr. Lugard had a very downcast air, and seemed only half pleased. Only then Bligh recollected about him. '' How did you manage, Lugard ? " he said, eagerly. '' What became of you ? You were wise enough not to try the water with your horse ? " " I beg your pardon, I did," said the other, sharply ; '' but I found the current too strong. We had hard work to save ourselves." T 2 276 DIANA GAY. A coimtryman was standing by, and struck in : " Oi, oi ! we pull out t' horse ; and 'ard wark it wer. 'Twer lucky for he, lie got on tliot tree." "0 yes," said Bligli; ''I saw that very projecting tree which you got on, and left the horse to swim." '• Iso horse could have made way against such a stream," said Lugard, petulantly ; " impossibilities are not to be done nowa- days. It was all very well for you, who could swim." '^~No matter, my dear fellow," said Mr. Gay; ''you iciU do it the next time. N"ow we must get along. Just go to Lord Bellman, and tell him they will have another fox pre- sently. I must go home with my pet. I hope to heaven she won't get cold now." And he cantered off; and the hunting-men, seeing it was no more than 'Hhat the girl had got a ducking," soon were at work at another famous covert, where Eeynard — THE DAY. 277 aiiotlier Reynard — showed himself ahnost at once, and was " run into " about three fields otT. This was scarcely satisfactory; but there was another covert close by, and there, with equal promptness and courtesy, another showed himself — Keynard the third — a strong- enduring fellow, who got slyly away, and was seen going over the hill. Then followed a run indeed, well 'cross country, far away from brooks and rivers, nothing but good straight hard riding, and hard riders. The pace was stiff, many '' tailed" off; and after fifteen miles there was only his lordship, Bligh, the clever "^limner," the ''profes- sionals," and our admirable M.F.H. close up. Ah, we should have read the " limning " that appeared in the Mercuri/ : it was con- sidered Mr. Pratt's best effort. Indeed that number of the Mercury was a very remark- able one ; for it besides gave full details of " what had nearly proved a melancholy casualty, and had wellnigh cast a gloom 278 DIANA GAT. over that auspicious day." It was, indeed, a great hunting-day, and towards eight o'clock a couple of splashed elongated horses came walking wearily to Gay Court, bearing his lordship and Bligh — the former in great good-humour, and protesting that he had not had such a day for a long time. ( 279 ) CHAPTER XII, CONGEATULATIONS. OuE Diana was not in the least affected by her accident. She resisted all attempts at making her go to bed and other " coddling ;" and I hope that the delicate estimate which may have been formed of her character will not be impaired when it is known that she was induced to take a small glassful of very hot brandy- and- water. She indeed felt her- self a heroine, and could but be pleased with the infinite and tender interest her escape excited. Lady Margaret devoured, absorbed her into the folds and windings of the laces, silks, and ribbons which lay about that lady's capacious bosom. 280 DIANA GAY. "My dear child," slie said, "you are too foolisli ; so full of spirits and courage — you run your little liead into miscliief. my ! only to tliink ! It gives me a tremble ! " And tlie lady put up lier fat liand, with a rustle about her sleeve, to keep out the dreadful prospect. " Now, dearest, you must promise me, when we get you over to Bow- man — . I tell you beforehand, I won't leave you. I tell you what," Lady Margaret added wdth great confidence — "whisper, darling — I'll get the political man to speak to you — our Canning. If he once brings that Foreign Office on ^^ou, there's no op- posing him." "0," said Diana, "don't, then! for I should be dreadfully afraid of him and his Foreign Office." " Indeed, you need not," said Lady Mar- garet; "he's as gentle as a girl — to girls. To men, of course — whisper, dear — I'll tell you what he said of you to-day — that you CONGRATULATIONS. 281 were so like Madame Brenner's daugliter — tlie Belgian minister's, you know." Diana looked awestricken at this compa- rison. This was just before dinner — the " first state dinner," as the Mercury called it. Again I say, what would that organ have given to have been present ? or even had a glimpse from the far-off door ? How it would have revelled in pictures of the Gay Court plate, the Gay Court buffet, the flowers, rarest exotics, superb liveries, and delicious dishes ! Above all, everything characterized by the most refined and exquisite taste — for which department ouv Mercury was a pledge. It was indeed a handsome spectacle; and Diana had found time in her own calm way to overlook and direct matters to her father's infinite satisfaction. Her department was the flowers — and no lady, with such trea- sures at her command, need disdain the elesrant task of so decoratino- her table. 282 DIANA GAY. Diana had been led in, triumphantly stepping out. She knew the precious value of dear life now, which she had never done before, and she regarded all these choice things with a sort of affection. We need, indeed, a little penal servitude and prison fare to teach us the exquisite value of the cheap blessings of light, sun, air, and moving our limbs, even. But she had come up almost with a little theatrical effect to Bligh, and said — ■ '' Mr. Eobert, won't you come and sit near me at dinner ? I want to talk to you, and have not thanked you half enough." Mrs. Bligh was close enough to hear this, and drew herself up with pride. She went up to Diana, and took her hands : " My dear child, you — you don't know what a happy day this has been for Mm. He may go back to his law now, quite content to plod on. For he will always be looking back to this day — " CONGRATULATIONS. 283 " So shall I," said Diana warmly, " and shall always think of him." Indeed, Mrs. Bligh noticed a seriousness and an older manner about her face. And now Richard Lugard was looking on from a distance. He, too, had changed since the afternoon, and was openly ill-humoured. Bligh saw the old look of sneering on his face, which recalled their schooldays. Lugard heard Diana's grateful invitation to Bligh. '' Ton my word," he said at dinner, '' he ought to have the Legion of Honour, Grand Cross, and all that ! " "I hope," said Bligh, "we shall hear no more of the grand achievement after this. It was nothing wonderful, after all." "Well, you know you had a punt," said Lugard, " and I must say rowed hard to get up." " But you forget," said Diana, with some excitement, "that he plunged in first, and swam some time asfainst the current." 28^ DIAXA GAY. " Well, I suppose a man that swims will swim. I don'fc want to disparage our friend or his glory ; but as tlie point lias been raised — " Mrs. Bligli was at the other side, and listening. ''But we must give all credit where it is due," she said, in her low, quiet voice. "What was Mr. Lugard's share? — I have not heard it distinctly; but I hear it was most gallant — swimming across on horse- back, and arriving just a minute — " " ^o, no," said her son, laughing. ''Where did you pick up that, mother ? 'No, Lugard would have been drowned if he had; and wisely took my advice, and stayed where he was." The look Lugard gave her, Mrs. Bligh did not soon forget. She looked back at him steadily. At that moment a sort of chal- lenge had passed between them ; and Lugard understood that he would find what was wanting in the son made up by the mother. CONGRATULATIONS. 285 His lordship was in high good-humour with his day ; and repeatedly said it was as o-ood a day's huntino- as he had ever had. He considered Diana's misha^o merely a little coiitretemjjs. It reminded him, he said, of what happened to him once when hunting in Datchley country, and which he related very fluently. Though, indeed, there was no river in this instance, public interest and approba- tion seemed to consider the cases exactly parallel. That reminded him of the Furley Common business, at which his neighbour, that old greedy Kelpie (the Eight Honour- able Angus Waters, Earl of Kelpie) had been nibbling for years back. He had tried to get an act ; but he. Lord Bellman, had met him there. Then he had tried wheedling, and offered to go shares ; but he had been met there ; he had encroached a little — not much to speak of ; but he meant to go on gradu- ally ; but if he took in a rood more. Lord Bellman would meet him in the law courts. 286 DIANA GAY. We all know how pleasantly discursive a person of influence can be on such, grievances, and how interested we become in his wrongs, and at what length he can pursue his story ; whereas if the ''benevolent reader," or the present more humble narrator, be so prolix — but this is a very trite observation. Being in high good-humour, his lordship then came back to the incidents of the day — hunted the hunt over again, as the manner of true sportsmen is ; showed how, at the ten- acre field, he knew the game was heading off to the right, and he rode up and told the huntsman so ; who said, '' I believe your lordship is right ; but Mr. Featherstone will take his own way." And sure enough, after a quarter of an hour lost, a bumpkin waved his hat, and they had all to tail back in the very direction he had said. ''You lost all that, Mr. Bligh; you were so busy pulling ladies out of the water — a very dashing thing, though, in its way." CONGRATULATIONS. 287 Mr. Lugard (tlie father) was not far off; but lie liad not been in good-liumour from the beginning of dinner, though he showed his fine and symmetrical teeth very often : " What I admire in Mr. Bligh is his cool, measured way of going about the business — looking round to mark every point in the game, as if he was in his chambers at home. I am sure, if there was a fire, he would dress, and perhaps shave, write a note for the engines, put it in an envelope, and gum it down. I can't tell you how I admire that faculty, Mrs. Bligh. Your son is sure to get on. Still, Mrs. Bligh," said his lordship laughing, '' I shouldn't like that caution in my case. While he was sealing his envelope, Bellman Towers might be burnt." "Yes," said Mr. Lugard, showing all his very even teeth, '' the vulgar way is to obey the first impulse, and run and get a bucket of water. My stupid Kichard would have plunged in at once, without thinking whether 288 DIANA GAY. he could swim; and your keeper. Gay, tells me lie never saw such a place. There's a hole twenty feet deep there ; so he might be near paying for his folly." Diana's eyes wandered with a new mterest over to Dick, who sat dejected and sulky, and was not speaking to his neighbour. It seemed that here was injustice ; and for the first time Diana thought she had scarcely acknowledged the well-meant attempt, whose only fault was that it had wanted success. Her soft eyes rested on him with encourage- ment ; and indeed, with all the public, it might seem that of the two portraits just drawn his was the most interesting. Mrs. Bligh perceived this impression. '' What Robert has done seems to be grow- ing smaller and smaller. It now seems to be a blunder." '' And perhaps will end by being a crime," said Mr. Gay, warmly. " No, no. No politi- cal economy in this house, my dear Bob. I CONGRATULATIONS. ' 289 know tlie full value of what you have done, and I shall never forget it to you ; and I thank you here, heart and soul, for your gallant behaviour. Else,'* he continued in a lower voice, '' I might have been this night what I daren't think of. God Almighty bless you ! and I'll be old-fashioned enough to give your health in a bumper." Every one filled and drank to him. Diana, her eyes kindling with enthusiasm, looked to Bligh, and, smiling to him, put her glass to her lips. Dick had to stand up and drink with the rest. Mr. Gay, had he heard the first part of the little discussion, might have included E-ichard Lugard in some way. Mrs. Bligh looked over with calm triumph at Mr. Lugard. Miss Kitty Crowder, who had more tact in small matters, saw by this time that nothing was to be done with the "lord's son," who was dyspeptic, and whose sharp nose seemed to crease with suspicion as he I. TJ 290 DIANA GAY. turned to lier. She had secured her intro- duction, to his infinite alarm at this tremen- dous coming-down on him — so might a yacht be scared by a huge three-decker. She tried him on his ''tastes." Hunting — he hated it; balls— he couldn't bear them; country- houses— he didn't care for them; books — they made him ill. And when she was think- ing of what on earth she could try him next with, he had abruptly slipped his moorings and got well out to sea in the middle of the room, looking back to her with almost terror. " What a donkey he is ! " said Miss Kitty to herself; and to her private friends later. "What an unlicked oaf!" To Diana and Lady Margaret she said, '' He seemed so absurdly shy. What a pity it was ! How did he get on in society at all ? " &c. ; with more of such comments, — sour grapery, as it might be called. Indeed, it was surprising what a net of contending little intrigues was being spread CONGKATULATIONS. 291 that niglit in that drawing-room, which, to Mr. Gay's honest eyes, seemed the seat of pure and pastoral enjoyment. Lady Mar- garet was ''enthroned" far off on the sofa; and it was a pity that her busy mind was hampered by that physical unwieldliness of person. She was, as usual, telegraphing mysteriously to Diana to come over and have private interviews. ''Sit down beside me, dearest; I want to tell you something, and we'll get Canning over here." And that gentleman— called away also mysteriously — had to leave a circle of gen- tlemen with coffee-cups in their hands, to whom he was explaining the critical state of our foreign relations. He was a white-faced gentleman, with small round black whiskers and a very large and bald forehead, with a small tuft of verdure growing by itself in the middle with an almost comic effort. He had always " on " a sort of perky smile, from a u 2 292 DIANA GAT. twist in liis moutli, as thougli, one of his friends said, tlie upper jaw had been lifted off, like the lid of a china box, and wouldn't' fit close again. *' Come here, Canning," said Lady Mar- garet with fresh mystery ; " come close. I have been telling Diana here what you said about Mdlle. Brenner." " 0, quite so," said Mr. Canning fluently. " Really, most remarkable, in a room I should have gone up straight to her. I was quite startled — was, indeed. Miss Gay." " There, I told you so, my dear," Lady Margaret said, with a half-mournful shake of her head. " That was at the dinner ; Can- ning said so to me this morning. She goes into the first circle in town ; isn't it so, Canning? " " dear, yes," said that gentleman, with a smile. "Of course : her father's the minister, you know." "Wonderful, isn't it!" said Lady Mar- a;;i^. CONGEATULATIONS. 293 garet, still mournful. " Canning's so inti- mate. He was at tlieir last grand concert. They tell him, dear, all about peace and war, and all tliat : or I suppose he gets it out of them. They'll make him secretary or mi- nister one of these days." " dear no," said her son, pulling Ms tuft a little nervously; ''but I suppose I'll get something." Diana was looking from one to the other with her old expression of awe, and not knowing what to say. Mr. Canning then took up the Brenners again, and spoke very fluently on them. We all have thus a pet '' family of distinction," whom we quote and take out to show round, and whose " din- ners " we retail conversationally. And so Mr. Canning Bowman continued to tell of the Brenners and the concert again, and of " Christine Brenner," all at great length ; Lady Margaret waving lier head in wonder, and all but making that " choking " sound 294 DIANA GAY. of admiration whicli tlie lower Irisli do in country cliapels at powerful passages of the sermon. Bj this dwelling on his friends he felt he must have satisfactorily impressed Diana that he was a most agreeable man of the world, and as clever and important as the Brenners. But it was now time to break up. The rest of that night was languid. It was the night of a hunting-day, and the gentlemen were tired. His lordship could scarcely keep his eyes open, and was presently seen with his candle in his hand. People were wishing good-night. Lugard's eyes were wandering round the room, when he heard a whisper : *' I am sure you are angry with me ; and indeed I deserve it a little." "For what, pray?" said he, still looking at a photograph. " 0, for not thanking you as I ought. You tried to do so much for me, and I seemed so — " aMm CONGEATULATIONS. 295 "What nonsense!" said he impatiently. " I did nothing. I wanted cool Scotch cau- tion, or I could have made as good a sJiow as others ; and yet, I can tell you, would have saved you to-day at the risk of my life, only I didn't know how to go about it. I can't make a horse swim." " I hnoiv that, indeed," said Diana, now filled with the deepest interest — even com- punction. '' I wish I could get you to be- lieve me ; but you won't." After all, our sympathies must go with the warm flesh and blood. The intellect is very well in its way. We may respect the colder and nobler virtues ; our hearts are with the stage more than with the senate. And when Diana went up thoughtfully to bed that night, of the images that had figured in that exciting day, her eyes fol- lowed the image of the dejected " pouting " Lugard, rather than that of his calm, reflect- ing, and sagacious friend. ( 296 ) CHAPTER XIII. PLOTS. LoED Bellman was down betimes, as indeed tlie older huntsmen always were. He had stepped out of tlie breakfast-room window on to the lawn, and was walking on, when he met Mrs. Bligh. To that lady he wished a cheerfal good-morning. He had expressed a high opinion of her sense and wisdom the night before : " Eeally an uncommon woman, now — a head like a man's ! " He was in a very good-humour, and talked to her very cheerfully about that centre of interest to all mothers — a son. Even at that early hour of reticence, with the sun shining brightly, it loosed her tongue, and she told of his deep PLOTS. 297 sense, his thouglit, and his *' law." *' No better opinion for his age, they say, in the Temple — which may mean, too, no better opinion for any age — not one of those tech- nical, unintelligible things they write on law- paper; but friends come to him to know what to do, as in a case like the common you were speaking of last night." His lordship started. " Ah, indeed, now — you don't tell me so ! Here he is himself" And Eobert Bligh appeared, walking eagerly, to join his mother. She, however, left them very soon ; and presently Lord Bellman, with some " hems," had introduced his " common." One of the most curious corner-cupboards in the human heart is that where we keep our private stinginess. The richest or the noblest among us, who will draw a cheque for hundreds without a thought, will yet be eager in some circuitous way to ^' save a guinea." 298 DIANA GAY. " "Would you tell me all about it, now, from tlie beginning ? " said Bligh ; and for half an hour his lordship " ran on " with many details. Bligh thought a few minutes, and said promptly, '^ He has no title. The best thing would be to enter on his enclosure and level it. If he goes for redress, he can show no title : he cannot say you have levelled his enclosure." This idea, which at that time was a little new, burst upon his lordship, and was re- ceived with delight. He went away, won- dering and filled with admiration. Now the breakfast-room was filled again, the hum of cheerful morning chatter re- sounded. There was to be no hunt that day; but there was to be driving out, and an expedition to Calthorpe. Mrs. Bligh, vigilant always where her affection was, could hear his lordship, almost aloud, talking with infinite satisfaction of '^ that clever young man down there," who PLOTS. 299 had given him a plain and practical opinion that morning, which was really worth all that ''my professional fellow" would tell him in a week — such a capital plan ; and Mr. Gay stooped to one side to get a view of Bligh under this new glory, a most natural motion in a host who feels that a guest's credit reflects a good deal on himself. Again was Diana, fresh as the morning itself, enthroned at the teapot. Somehow she had nursed her sympathy for " that poor wounded fellow " Lugard during the night, and had come down determined to make it up to him. It seemed hard to resist her, as her deli- cate little throat, rising out of the daintiest little collar in the world, seemed to convey the notion of the most perfect refinement. She was nodding to him : but Lugard was still ''dark" and indifierent. " We are to ride to-day, Mr. Eichard. Ee- collect you are engaged to me at two o'clock." 300 DIANA GAY. He rose, with an affectation of indifference, to lielp himself at the sideboard. "I am so sorry," he said; '^bnt I shall have to go home to barracks to-day." "Go home," said Diana, "at my festival, and no ride, and the servants' dance to- night ? I won't hear of it." Mr. Lugard senior caught this proposal, and frowned. "Nor will I," he said, "Miss Diana. Master Richard and I will talk this over after breakfast." " That can't make any difference," said Lugard, with certainly a want of paternal respect. "I must; the Colonel requires me. " Ha, ha, ha ! " laughed Mr. Gay, with his rather blunt laugh, but he could not restrain himself when he enjoyed a thing. " I know ; we understand — sore about yes- terday still. I say, Robert, he'll have you out before he has done with you." PLOTS. 301 Lugard coloured. '^ I don't understand/* lie said ; " I want to liave no one out." '' 0, you stay here," said liis fatlier, curtly. " I wisli you, and I want you. I'll settle it witli tlie Colonel. These are officers' ex- cuses," he added, lifting up the jalousies from his fine teeth ; " they are always ' on guard ' when they want it." ''Ha, post!" said Mr. Gay. "A heavy bag this morning." Again Mr. Chewton distributes the letters with exquisite propriety and neatness, as though he had been brought up to being a sorter from his childhood. Everybody is busy in a moment. *'I declare," said Mr. Gay, "here's news from the borough." Every one looked. " Poor old Hodges ! I am so sorry." " 0, papa ! " said Diana, with the teapot suspended in the air from sympathy ; *' not dead ! — poor old man ! " 302 DIANA GAY. '^ As good as dead, I fear, my child. Yes, liere it's all, from his nephew at Vichy. Got a stroke when taking the waters, — can only last a few months. Poor Hodges ! — a true gentleman and a good fellow." Lord Bellman had been listening, with eyes raised from off his own letter, with some eagerness. ''Can't last long ? Then you'll have an election here ? " There was a pause. " Do you know what, my lord," said Mr. Gay — " that makes the Freeman estate some- thing more valuable than it was a week ago. I put in poor Hodges ; but Freeman had gone to pieces then. He could always put in his man — always." " So Lord Bellman," said Diana, " can put in his man. 0, but I am so sorry for poor Mr. Hodges." " He often had you on his knee, popsy. But come," said Mr. Gay, dropping his PLOTS. 303 voice, ** there's a chance for our young poli- tician, Master Chimeleigh." " I Avas thinking of that — the very thing ! But, you see, it's so awkward ; it comes too soon. Chimeleigh must go abroad, and refit for a couple of years. And if 3'oar friend resigns or dies, he could not come back. I'll talk with you after break fast in the study." Mrs. Bligh had been listening eagerly. Her dark eyes quickened with intelligence as they rose from the table. She went over to Lord Bellman. " I hope Robert was of some use," she said. " He has a wonderful head about such matters — in real property, as he calls it — and I am sure, even in this Freeman-estate business, he could give a hint that might be useful." ** God bless me, yes ! I have all the papers here ; and those lawyers are such rogues ! But really you are too kind. He 804 DIANA GAY. is a young man of remarkable ability : lie surprises me for liis years." '' An old woman like me," said Mrs. Bligli abstractedly, "is privileged to talk about her hobby. He is my hobby : he will cut a figure one of these days. I have put by a little money to help him in a way he don't know of. No lawyer gets on now without a seat in parliament." " Ah, yes," said the peer, starting ; then, looking at her steadily, "By the way — " Mr. Gay's hand was on his arm. '* Now, my lord, at your service. A cigar in my study, where we shall be more comfortable." His lordship looked again at her irre- solutely, and then went with his friend. He enjoyed his cigar in the study for nearly an hour, and then went to his room. Later, Mr. Gay, with an excited face, went tramping through the house, asking those he met, "Where's Bligh? — where's Bligh's mother ? " At last he met them. " Come PLOTS. 305 here, botli of you," he said. "A bit of news, in confidence, that will warm the cockles of your heart. "What do you say to Master Bligh's becoming a senator, eh ? — too busy eh ? But mum's the word. It's all with his lordship. Hush, hush, now ! There's Chimeleigh going to be sent abroad to be tinkered up ; and if a smart, clever fellow could be got — discreet, and all that — why, in two or three years he might win a name and character, and end solicitor- general. Such things have happened before now." Mrs. Bligh's eyes sparkled. '' This is kind. Why, this is the very opening we were wishing for." Eobert Bligh was reflecting. '^ It is very kind," he said ; "but as to principles, I am afraid that mine and Lord Bellman's — " " Absurdity ! " said his mother, with brows contracting. *' There is time enough for all that." I. X . 306 DIANA GAY. " To be sure," said Mr. Gay. " Put your principles in your pocket, my dear fellow. But nothing's decided. I only give you the hint — you must work it." When he was gone, Mrs. Bligh turned almost fiercely on her son. " Surely you have a name for wit and sense, and are not going to raise such stupid points as those ! For God's sake, I conjure you, be rational, and, as that man said, put your principles in your pocket untill some one asks to see them. You go to Lord Bellman straight, and say, ' My lord, I regret my principles prevent my being a member for your borough,' and what will he say ? " My good sir, I am sorry too, but really I was not thinking of you.' How would you look then ? But I hope, my dear boy, we are not to have any follies about political honour, and all that, in these days, when every one is allowed to play fast-and-loose in such matters. Be as honourable and true as you like in private, PLOTS. 307. like a gentleman; but in these wretched politics — no, no." Her son was silent. She saw she had pro- duced an effect. " My dear, clever boy," she said, taking his arm, " how proud I was — how I admired you yesterday ! You fol- lowed out all your poor old woman's instruc- tions to the letter. The girl is thinking of you. I know girls. She will have a romantic interest in you all the days of her life — her preserver. God bless you ! — and may I live to see it." During^ these hours Mr. Luo-ard senior had CD O been a little restless, and even nervous. He had been unfortunately placed at the end of the table, and could not well "catch" the election news that was being talked of so far away ; but when Lord Bellman came from the study with a specially pompous air, feel- ing himself now, indeed, about to possess the true touchstone of territorial influence, he met him in the hall, talked a few moments, 308 DIANA GAY. and tlien went out with, "him for a stroll in the garden. Diana, when breakfast was over, went up to Dick Lugard with the demure, half-guilty manner which sat so well upon her. " You are not going away from us?" she said. " We should be all so sorry." "That is all very well," said Mr. Lugard. " Much they would miss me ! " " I don't know about that," said Miss Diana, innocently. " I can only guess. But J wish you to stay." '' I suppose I shall have to do so," said he; " and you know that I don't choose to get up a row with my father, who has his reasons, whatever they are." " I know them," said Diana smiling. Lugard coloured. " You do ? No, you can't." " But I do. He is thinking of that seat in Parhament. And do you know," added she, with great wisdom, " I think it would be a PLOTS. 309 very nice tiling ; and 0, what fun to liave you for our member ! I should ask you for ever so many places — I should indeed." Lugard was growing eager. ''Ah, that indeed ! — that would be something. "Was that what they were talking of at breakfast ? I wonder would Lord Bellman do it, though ? Dear me, what a thing it would be ! I could always have leave of absence from that odious regiment." " Yet you were so anxious to get back there this morning," said Diana, with fresh innocence. ''My dear Miss Diana, forgive me. I have been unwell ; I have been sulky. Yes ; I saw my governor and Lord Bell- man going to walk together. They are plotting that, I am sure. The only thing is that — " and his mouth began to look sour. " What ? " said she anxiously. " The wise man — your preserver — our 310 DIANA GAY. friend Syntax, who seems now the centre of all attraction, since he put off in his boat to save you. Ha, ha ! " Diana smiled. "You can't forgive him that." "No,"' said Lugard, now in good humour, " because I can see he takes airs on it ^ and I can't forgive myself for not being sharper and more wide awake. Come, now, you hiotv he is a sober, book-learning fellow, and that I could buy and sell him in the world ? " "0, you mustn't abuse him now,^^ said Miss Diana, with infinite coquetry ; "I can't have it. I am to be eternally obliged to him, as I owe him my life." " Exactly," said Lugard, impetuously ; " and such an obligation would make me loathe it perpetually. Depend on it he will keep you in mind of it. Yet," said he, despondingly, '' the slow tortoise always wins. I am the hare, and will be made a PLOTS. 311 hare. Perhaps they will make him a member. I shouldn't be at all surprised if he took that into his head, and used your interest with the lord. You know you are now, as you say, under eternal obligation to him, and must do everything for him." '' 0, not at all," said Miss Diana, tossing her head. " Dear, no." *' And yet, what would I not give to be in Parliament ! " said Lugard, with a very natural enthusiasm. Suddenly he turned round — " There is that girl. Miss Crowder. What a handsome thing she is ! Such a fine creature ! I admire Kitty — I do, indeed. I must go and talk to her." And he went off, leaving Diana a little mystified by the change. But she thought very often, with pity, of his natural burst of enthusiasm, and before long had devised a little scheme to benefit him. END OF VOL. 1. LONDON : wyman and sons, peintees, geeat queen stbekt, i.ncoln's inn fields, W.C. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA illiliiili 3 0112 045838551