CONTAINS MUCH LEARNED ARGUMENT UPON BROAD BRIMS AND GARMENTS OF GREY--I
GET THE BEST OF IT--THE ONE GREAT WISH OF MY LIFE IS GRANTED--I MEET MY
FATHER, AND A COLD RECEPTION, VERY INDICATIVE OF MUCH AFTER-HEAT.
We arrived in good time at Reading, and, as soon as we alighted at the
inn, we ordered dinner, and then walked down to the shop, where we found
Timothy very busy tying down and labelling. He was delighted to see Mr
Masterton; and perceiving that I had laid aside the Quaker's dress, made
no scruple of indulging in his humour, making a long face, and
_thee-ing_ and _thou-ing_ Mr Masterton in a very absurd manner. We
desired him to go to Mr Cophagus, and beg that he would allow me to
bring Mr Masterton to drink tea, and afterwards to call at the inn and
give us the answer. We then returned to our dinner.
"Whether they will ever make a Quaker of you, Japhet, I am very
doubtful," observed Mr Masterton, as we walked back; "but as for making
one of that fellow Timothy, I'll defy them."
"He laughs at everything," replied I, "and views everything in a
ridiculous light--at all events, they never will make him serious."
In the evening, we adjourned to the house of Mr Cophagus, having
received a message of welcome. I entered the room first. Susannah came
forward to welcome me, and then drew back, when she perceived the
alteration in my apparel, colouring deeply. I passed her, and took the
hand of Mrs Cophagus and her husband, and then introduced Mr
Masterton.
"We hardly knew thee, Japhet," mildly observed Mrs Cophagus.
"I did not think that outward garments would disguise me from my
friends," replied I; "but so it appeareth, for your sister hath not even
greeted me in welcome."
"I greet thee in all kindness, and all sincerity, Japhet Newland,"
replied Susannah, holding out her hand. "Yet did I not imagine that, in
so short a time, thou wouldst have dismissed the apparel of our
persuasion, neither do I find it seemly."
"Miss Temple," interposed Mr Masterton, "it is to oblige those who are
his sincere friends, that Mr Newland has laid aside his dress. I
quarrel with no creed--everyone has a right to choose for himself, and
Mr Newland has perhaps not chosen badly, in embracing your tenets. Let
him continue steadfast in them. But, fair young lady, there is no creed
which is perfect, and, even in yours, we find imperfection. Our
religion preaches humility, and therefore we do object to his wearing
the garb of pride."
"Of pride, sayest thou? hath he not rather put off the garb of humility,
and now appeareth in the garb of pride?"
"Not so, young madam: when we dress as all the world dress, we wear not
the garb of pride; but when we put on a dress different from others,
that distinguishes us from others, then we show our pride, and the worst
of pride, for it is the hypocritical pride which apes humility. It is
the Pharisee of the Scriptures, who preaches in high places, and sounds
forth his charity to the poor; not the humility of the Publican, who
says, `Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.' Your apparel of pretended
humility is the garb of pride, and for that reason have we insisted that
he discards it, when with us. His tenets we interfere not with. There
can be no religion in dress; and that must indeed be weak in itself,
which requires dress for its support."
Susannah was astonished at this new feature of the case, so aptly put by
the old lawyer. Mrs Cophagus looked at her husband, and Cophagus
pinched my arm, evidently agreeing with him. When Mr Masterton had
finished speaking, Susannah waited a few seconds, and then replied, "It
becomes not one so young and weak as I am, to argue with thee, who art
so much my senior. I cannot cavil at opinions which, if not correct, at
least are founded on the holy writings; but I have been otherwise
instructed."
"Then let us drop the argument, Miss Susannah, and let me tell you, that
Japhet wished to resume his Quaker's dress, and I would not permit him.
If there is any blame, it is to be laid to me; and it's no use being
angry with an old man like myself."
"I have no right to be angry with anyone," replied Susannah.
"But you were angry with me, Susannah," interrupted I.
"I cannot say that it was anger, Japhet Newland: I hardly know what the
feeling might have been; but I was wrong, and I must request thy
forgiveness;" and Susannah held out her hand.
"Now you must forgive me too, Miss Temple," said old Masterton, and
Susannah laughed against her wishes.
The conversation then became general. Mr Masterton explained to Mr
Cophagus what he required of him, and Mr Cophagus immediately acceded.
It was arranged that he should go to town by the mail the next day. Mr
Masterton talked a great deal about my father, and gave his character in
its true light, as he considered it would be advantageous to me so to
do. He then entered into conversation upon a variety of topics, and was
certainly very amusing. Susannah laughed very heartily before the
evening was over, and Mr Masterton retired to the hotel, for I had
resolved to sleep in my own bed.
I walked home with Mr Masterton: I then returned to the house, and
found them all in the parlour. Mrs Cophagus was expressing her delight
at the amusement she had received, when I entered with a grave face. "I
wish that I had not left you," said I to Mrs Cophagus; "I am afraid to
meet my father; he will exact the most implicit obedience. What am I to
do? Must not I obey him?"
"In all things lawful," replied Susannah, "most certainly, Japhet."
"In all things lawful, Susannah! now tell me, in the very case of my
apparel: Mr Masterton says, that he never will permit me to wear the
dress. What am I to do?"
"Thou hast thy religion and thy Bible for thy guide, Japhet."
"I have; and in the Bible I find written on tablets of stone by the
prophet of God, `Honour thy father and thy mother;' there is a positive
commandment: but I find no commandment to wear this or that dress. What
think you?" continued I, appealing to them all.
"I should bid thee honour thy father, Japhet," replied Mrs Cophagus,
"and you, Susannah--"
"I shall bid thee good night, Japhet."
At this reply we all laughed, and I perceived there was a smile on
Susannah's face as she walked away. Mrs Cophagus followed her,
laughing as she went, and Cophagus and I were alone.
"Well, Japhet--see old gentleman--kiss--shake hands--and blessing--and
so on."
"Yes, sir," replied I; "but if he treats me ill I shall probably come
down here again. I am afraid that Susannah is not very well pleased
with me."
"Pooh, nonsense--wife knows all--die for you--Japhet, do as you please--
dress yourself--dress her--any dress--no dress like Eve--sly puss--won't
lose you--all right--and so on."
I pressed Mr Cophagus to tell me all he knew, and I found from him that
his wife had questioned Susannah soon after my departure, had found her
weeping, and that she had gained from her the avowal of her ardent
affection for me. This was all I wanted, and I wished him good night,
and went to bed happy. I had an interview with Susannah Temple before I
left the next morning, and, although I never mentioned love, had every
reason to be satisfied. She was kind and affectionate; spoke to me in
her usual serious manner, warned me against the world, acknowledged that
I should have great difficulties to surmount, and even made much
allowance for my peculiar situation. She dared not advise, but she
would pray for me. There was a greater show of interest and confidence
towards me than I had ever yet received from her: when I parted from her
I said, "Dear Susannah, whatever change may take place in my fortunes or
in my dress, believe me, my heart shall not be changed, and I shall ever
adhere to those principles which have been instilled into me since I
have been in your company."
This was a phrase which admitted of a double meaning, and she replied,
"I should wish to see thee perfect, Japhet; but there is no perfection
now on earth; be therefore as perfect as you can."
"God bless you, Susannah."
"May the blessing of the Lord be on you always, Japhet," replied she.
I put my arm round her waist, and slightly pressed her to my bosom. She
gently disengaged herself, and her large eyes glistened with tears as
she left the room. In a quarter of an hour I was with Mr Masterton on
the road to London.
"Japhet," said the old gentleman, "I will say that you have been very
wise in your choice, and that your little Quaker is a most lovely
creature: I am in love with her myself, and I think that she is far
superior in personal attractions to Cecilia de Clare."
"Indeed, sir!"
"Yes, indeed; her face is more classical, and her complexion is
unrivalled; as far as my present knowledge and experience go, she is an
emblem of purity."
"Her mind, sir, is as pure as her person."
"I believe it; she has a strong mind, and will think for herself."
"There, sir, is, I am afraid, the difficulty; she will not yield a point
in which she thinks she is right, not even for her love for me."
"I agree with you that she will not, and I admire her for it; but,
Japhet, she will yield to conviction, and depend upon it, she will
abandon the outward observances of her persuasion. Did you observe what
a spoke I put in your wheel last night, when I stated that outward forms
were pride. Leave that to work, and I'll answer for the consequences:
she will not long wear that Quaker's dress. How beautiful she would be
if she dressed like other people! I think I see her now entering a
ball-room."
"But what occasions you to think she will abandon her persuasion?"
"I do not say that she will abandon it, nor do I wish her to do it, nor
do I wish you to do it, Japhet. There is much beauty and much
perfection in the Quaker's creed. All that requires to be abandoned are
the dress and the ceremonies of the meetings, which are both
absurdities. Recollect, that Miss Temple has been brought up as a
Quaker; she has, from the exclusiveness of the sect, known no other form
of worship, and never heard any opposition to that which has been
inculcated; but let her once or twice enter the Established Church, hear
its beautiful ritual, and listen to a sound preacher. Let her be
persuaded to do that, which cannot be asking her to do wrong, and then
let her think and act for herself, and my word for it, when she draws
the comparison between what she has then heard and the nonsense
occasionally uttered in the Quaker's conventicle, by those who fancy
themselves inspired, she will herself feel that, although the tenets of
her persuasion may be more in accordance with true Christianity than
those of other sects, the outward forms and observances are imperfect.
I trust to her own good sense."
"You make me very happy by saying so."
"Well, that is my opinion of her, and if she proves me to be correct,
hang me if I don't think I shall adopt her."
"What do you think of Mrs Cophagus, sir?"
"I think she is no more a Quaker in her heart than I am. She is a
lively, merry, kind-hearted creature, and would have no objection to
appear in feathers and diamonds to-morrow."
"Well, sir, I can tell you that Mr Cophagus still sighs after his blue
cotton net pantaloons and Hessian boots."
"More fool he! but, however, I am glad of it, for it gives me an idea
which I shall work upon by-and-by; at present we have this eventful
meeting between you and your father to occupy us."
We arrived in town in time for dinner, which Mr Masterton had ordered
at his chambers. As the old gentleman was rather tired with his two
days' travelling, I wished him good night at an early hour.
"Recollect, Japhet, we are to be at the Adelphi hotel to-morrow at one
o'clock--come in time."
I called upon Mr Masterton at the time appointed on the ensuing day,
and we drove to the hotel in which my father had located himself. On
our arrival, we were ushered into a room on the ground floor, where we
found Mr Cophagus and two of the governors of the Foundling Hospital.
"Really, Mr Masterton," said one of the latter gentlemen, "one would
think that we were about to have an audience with a sovereign prince,
and, instead of conferring favours, were about to receive them. My time
is precious: I ought to have been in the city this half hour, and here
is this old nabob keeping us waiting as if we were petitioners."
Mr Masterton laughed and said, "Let us all go up stairs, and not wait
to be sent for."
He called one of the waiters, and desired him to announce them to
General De Benyon. They then followed the waiter, leaving me alone. I
must say, that I was a little agitated; I heard the door open above, and
then an angry growl like that of a wild beast; the door closed again and
all was quiet. "And this," thought I, "is the result of all my fond
anticipations, of my ardent wishes, of my enthusiastic search. Instead
of expressing anxiety to receive his son, he litigiously requires
proofs, and more proofs, when he has received every satisfactory proof
already. They say his temper is violent beyond control, and that
submission irritates instead of appeasing him: what then if I resent? I
have heard that people of that description are to be better met with
their own weapons:--suppose I try it;--but no, I have no right:--I will
however be firm, and keep my temper under every circumstance: I will
show him, at least, that his son has the spirit and the feelings of a
gentleman."
As these thoughts passed in my mind the door opened, and Mr Masterton
requested me to follow him. I obeyed with a palpitating heart; and when
I had gained the landing-place up stairs, Mr Masterton took my hand and
led me into the presence of my long-sought-for and much-dreaded
_parent_. I may as well describe him and the whole tableau. The room
was long and narrow, and, at the farther end, was a large sofa, on which
was seated my father with his injured leg reposing on it, his crutches
propped against the wall. On each side of him were two large poles and
stands, each with a magnificent macaw. Next to the macaws were two
native servants, arrayed in their muslin dresses, with their arms
folded. A hookah was in advance of the table before the sofa; it was
magnificently wrought in silver, and the snake passed under the table,
so that the tube was within my honoured father's reach. On one side of
the room sat the two governors of the Foundling Hospital, on the other
was seated Mr Cophagus in his Quaker's dress; the empty chair next to
him had been occupied by Mr Masterton. I looked at my father: he was a
man of great size, apparently six feet three or four inches, and stout
in proportion, without being burdened with fat: he was gaunt,
broad-shouldered and muscular, and I think, must have weighed seventeen
or eighteen stone. His head was in proportion to his body, and very
large; so were all his features upon the same grand scale. His
complexion was of a brownish-yellow, and his hair of a snowy white. He
wore his whiskers very large and joined together under the throat, and
these, which were also white, from the circle which they formed round
his face, and contrasting with the colour of his skin, gave his _tout
ensemble_ much more the appearance of a royal Bengal tiger than a
gentleman. General De Benyon saw Mr Masterton leading me forward to
within a pace or two of the table before the general.--"Allow me the
pleasure of introducing your son, Japhet."
There was no hand extended to welcome me. My father fixed his proud
grey eyes upon me for a moment, and then turned to the governors of the
hospital.
"Is this the person, gentlemen, whom you received as an infant and
brought up as Japhet Newland?"
The governors declared I was the same person; that they had bound me to
Mr Cophagus, and had seen me more than once since I quitted the Asylum.
"Is this the Japhet Newland whom you received from these gentlemen and
brought up to your business?"
"Yea, and verily--I do affirm the same--smart lad--good boy--and so on."
"I will not take a Quaker's affirmation--will you take your oath, sir?"
"Yes," replied Cophagus, forgetting his Quakership; "take oath--bring
Bible--kiss book--and so on."
"You, then, as a Quaker, have no objection to swear to the identity of
this person?"
"Swear," cried Cophagus, "yes, swear--swear now--not Japhet!--I'm
damned--go to hell--and so on."
The other parties present could not help laughing at this explosion from
Cophagus, neither could I. Mr Masterton then asked the general if he
required any more proofs.
"No," replied the general discourteously; and speaking in Hindostanee to
his attendants, they walked to the door and opened it. The hint was
taken, Mr Masterton saying to the others in an ironical tone, "After so
long a separation, gentlemen, it must be natural that the general should
wish to be left alone, that he may give vent to his paternal feelings."