I had almost forgot to tell you by what means the widow Arnold carried
her suit against us. You may remember I informed you she had at the
beginning threatened to produce a witness, who could prove, that her
late husband had been with her on a particular night, a very little time
before his death. Who this witness was, had been kept an impenetrable
secret. She did, however, produce him, when the cause came to be tried;
and this witness proved to be Mrs Gerrarde's brother. That very brother
whom Mr Arnold had redeemed from a gaol and peril of hanging. This man
it seems had been very intimate with her during her husband's life-time,
while she was in a state of separation from him: but whether he was at
all acquainted with the late Mr Arnold, we have no other testimony than
his own. 'Tis however most certain, that she was suspected of an
intrigue with him, and in all human probability that child, which is to
inherit the Arnold estate, is his.
This concealed villain undoubtedly was the person who first suggested
this vile attempt to her, and secretly abetted her in all her
proceedings. It was after the commencement of the law suit that he was
put into gaol, and Mr Arnold little imagined, when under Mrs Gerrarde's
influence he obtained his liberty, that he was bestowing on this wicked
wretch power to ruin him.
I do not imagine Mrs Gerrarde was in this secret. I suppose she would
not knowingly have contributed to beggar the man by whom she was
supported in affluence. But be that as it will, the evidence of this
fellow, who was bred an attorney, together with that of Mrs Arnold's
maid, established the proof on which the issue of the whole affair
turned.
Unfortunately for us, we could find nobody capable of giving any
testimony which could overthrow theirs: and the irregularity of the late
Mr Arnold's life gave these evidences an appearance at least of truth.
God forgive those people the foul play they made use of! I would not
possess a king's revenue on the terms they now enjoy the Arnold estate.
'Tis whispered, that the widow is supposed to be privately married to
this attorney; she owes him a recompence; for I fear he has risqued a
great deal to serve her. The wretch had the affrontery to acknowlege his
obligation to Mr Arnold; and at the same time declared, that nothing but
the justice which he owed the widow, and the orphan of his late friend,
could have extorted a testimony from him to his prejudice.
I need not tell you in what light my poor Mr Arnold looks upon this
affair. He said to a gentleman, from whom Sir George had the account,
that he was justly punished for having furnished such a villain with the
means of undoing him, and execrates the memory of Mrs Gerrarde, who
prevailed on him to do it; for he scarce knew the fellow at that time,
having only seen him once or twice at her lodgings. But let me drop the
mention of such wretches at once. My heart is full of impatience to hear
something from Mr Arnold. Mrs Gerrarde's letter I fear has had no effect
on him; he must have received it long since. What can this dreadful
silence mean? My mother now expects the advances towards a
reconciliation should be on _his_ side. I would I were rid of my
suspence.
_December 20_
Lord and Lady V---- arrived in town last night. They sent a compliment
to me as soon as they alighted at their house, which was not till nine
o'clock; and this morning at the same hour I was agreeably surprized by
a visit from my lord: surprized I say, for he is seldom out of bed so
soon. I had him up to my dressing-room; my mother had never seen him,
and as she was undressed did not chuse to appear. Well, my good lady,
said he, after saluting me, have you heard any-thing from Mr Arnold
lately? I told him I had not. I don't know whether you are apprized,
said he, that I am in all your secrets: Mr Faulkland and I correspond,
and I know how all matters stand. You are not made acquainted, perhaps,
that I was aiding and abetting to a certain scheme. I told him that Mr
Faulkland had writ my brother the whole account, and that I was sure of
his kind participation in every thing that related to me. That you may
depend on, said he; the thing cannot be named that I would not do to
serve you. I understand from Mr Faulkland, that Mrs Gerrarde has writ to
Mr Arnold: have you heard of no effects produced by that letter? I told
him, I had never heard a word from Mr Arnold since he had received it. I
hope it will not be long before you will, answered he: I called on you
this morning on purpose to prepare you; for I suspect Arnold wants to be
reconciled: he wrote to me ten days ago, conjuring me in the strongest
terms to come to town, and to prevail on lady V---- to accompany me: he
said he had something of the utmost consequence to consult us upon, in
which our friendship might be of most material advice to him: he
concluded with telling me, that the whole happiness of his life depended
on our complying with his request. Now as this was immediately on his
receiving Mrs Gerrarde's letter, for I had regular intelligence of the
whole proceeding, I flatter myself that it was in consequence of that
letter he made this request, with a design, as I hope, of getting us to
mediate between you. As I could not just then attend his summons, having
business at V---- hall to detain me, I wrote him word, that I should
certainly be in town as on this day; and that lady V---- would be sure
to accompany me. I have not heard from him since till last night, when I
sent a message to his house to desire his company to breakfast with me
this morning; I expect him at ten o'clock. Now I had a mind to inform
you of this opening, which to me seems to promise very favourably for
you. I shall not mention my having seen you, so that I can say nothing
from you to him. I asked him, was my lady acquainted with the affair as
it really stood? He said she was; for that she had been so exasperated
against Mr Faulkland on his first going off with Mrs Gerrarde, whom she
thought he had run away with upon a very different design, that he was
very glad to undeceive her, and that she would presently have done the
same by me, after the letter she had wrote me about that affair, but
that he prevented her, thinking Mr Faulkland would be better pleased to
unravel the mystery himself. He added, that she was too much my friend,
not to enter warmly into my interests, and had been extremely impatient
to come to town. I thanked my lord for his and his lady's friendship. He
then asked me how our law-suit went on? I answered, it had been
determined some days ago, and we had lost our cause. He turned pale at
the news. Good God! what an unfortunate man your husband is, said he!
What will become of him?
He put an end to his visit immediately, telling me, that either he or
his lady would call on me in the afternoon, to let me know the result of
their conference with Mr Arnold.
I flew to my mother, to tell her the joyful news. She offered up a
prayer that it might turn out as my lord V---- had suggested; and said,
she herself was of the same opinion.
With a heart elated with pleasure, my dear Cecilia, I have scribbled
over the occurrences of this morning. God grant I may be able to close
my journal of to-day with the happy wished-for event!
I never counted the clock with such impatience as I did this day,
waiting the promised visit of lord or lady V----, and I ordered myself
to be denied to all company but them. At one o'clock good lady V----
came, without my lord. When I heard the rap at the door, and saw from
the window it was her equipage, I was seized with such a trembling, that
when lady V----, who hurried up stairs, entered the room, I was unable
to speak, or salute her. She ran up to me, and taking me by the hand,
affectionately embraced me. My mother was present; I made a shift to
present her to lady V----. She then led me to a chair, and sat down by
me. Come, my dear Mrs Arnold, said she, recover your spirits; all will
be well. I began to apologize for giving her ladyship the trouble of
coming to me, when it was my duty to have waited on her. Do not mention
ceremony, said she, I was in too much haste to bring you good news, to
think of forms. We have had Mr Arnold with us till within this half
hour, and indeed he more deserves your pity now than your resentment.
Oh! I feared it, said I, and tears started into my eyes. If you are so
affected at the barely knowing this, said my lady, I must not tell you
the particulars of our conversation; it will be enough for you to know,
that your husband is convinced of the injuries he has done you, and
desires nothing more than your forgiveness.
Dear lady V----, said I, excuse me; my heart is really so softened by
sorrow, that I cannot command my tears. But I beg that may not deter you
from indulging me with the particulars of what passed between you and Mr
Arnold. If I do weep, as my tears no longer proceed from grief, do not
let them interrupt you.
My mother joined in begging lady V---- to inform us of all that passed
in that morning's interview.
Lady V---- obligingly complied, and gave the following account of it.
Mr Arnold came exactly at ten o'clock; my lord was just returned from
his visit to you, and had got in but a few minutes before him. Poor Mr
Arnold looked abashed upon seeing me; his countenance and his voice
discovered the humiliation of his mind. After the first compliments were
over, we sat down to breakfast; your husband drank a dish of coffee, but
eat nothing. We were in haste, that the servants should leave
the room, and dismissed them as soon as we could. My lord then opened
the conversation, by saying, 'Well, Arnold, here are lady V---- and I
come to attend your summons; now tell us what service you have to employ
us in, for I assure you, we are both ready to do you any act of
friendship in our power.'
My lord, I thank you, said Mr Arnold; the friendship you honour me with,
I flattered myself, some time ago, might have been serviceable to me; I
must not now think of making use of it. When I requested the favour of
lady V----'s presence and your's in town, I meant to intreat your
interposition between me and Mrs Arnold. I know I have wronged her so,
that were she any other than the woman she is, I could never hope for
forgiveness; but from _her_ I did hope it, and thought your good offices
might bring about a reunion. But that is all over, I neither desire nor
wish it now.
I am sorry for that, Mr Arnold, said I; I am sure nothing in this world
besides can ever make either your lady or you happy.
Do you know, madam, said he, (and the poor man really looked wildly)
that you see an absolute beggar before you? A man without a foot of
land, overwhelmed with debts, and who shortly will not have a house to
shelter himself in. _I_ deserve it all, but Mrs Arnold does not. Do you
think, that after all the wrongs I have done her, I will involve her in
poverty too? No, lady V----, no. I am not such an abandoned wretch. All
I desire now of your ladyship is, to tell my wife that I beg her
forgiveness, and request she will take care of our two children; though
the scanty pittance that her mother's scrupulous nicety retained for her
will hardly enable her to do it; but while lady Bidulph lives, I believe
she will not see them want.
He uttered all this with so much eagerness, that we never once attempted
to interrupt him.
As I did not know then of the loss of your cause, I was surprized to
hear him speak of his circumstances being so desperate, and really
feared his head was turned. But my lord soon explained the matter, by
saying, he had heard that morning of the Issue of his law-suit, yet
still hoped, that matters were not so bad as he represented them to be.
He then told Mr Arnold, he was extremely glad to find that his wife had
recovered his good opinion; adding, that _he_ always had the highest
one of your virtue. It amazes me, Mr Arnold, said I, that you ever could
entertain a doubt of it. So it does _me_ now, madam, said Mr Arnold; but
I have been for this year past in a dream, a horrid delirium, from which
that vile sorceress, who brought it on me, has but just now rouzed me.
I wanted to draw Mr Arnold to this point. Have you heard any thing of
her since she left you, Sir, said I?
He drew a letter out of his pocket, and without answering me, put it
into my hands, and desired me to read it; then rose off his chair, and
walked about the room.
My lord and I read Mrs Gerrarde's letter together; we were both curious
to see it, Mr Faulkland having mentioned it in his correspondence. Mr
Arnold, said I, returning it to him, _without_ any such proof as this, I
believe nobody that knows your lady would think her guilty; nor could I
ever entertain so bad an opinion of Mr Faulkland: I have known him from
his boyish days, and never had reason to believe him capable of a
dishonourable action.
I believe him innocent, as to _this_, answered Mr Arnold, but you cannot
conceive the pains that were taken by that vile woman to make me think
otherwise; neither would her retracting all she said now work so much on
me, as other corroborating circumstances: her running away with the very
man, of whom she raised my jealousy, after having plundered me of almost
every thing I had to bestow, does not look like a sudden resolution: the
scheme must have been concerted for some time, and Faulkland, I suppose,
was _her_ paramour, at the very time she so basely slandered Mrs Arnold;
for I am not so blind, even to the personal charms of my wife, as to
imagine the greatest inconstant would grow tired of her in so short a
time.
Why, I must own, said my lord, that is a natural inference, which,
joined to the perfidy and falshood of Mrs Gerrarde, puts it out of
dispute, that she traduced Mr Faulkland and your wife, merely to gain
her own wicked ends; one part of which I am inclined to think she
confesses in her letter; that is to say, to have you intirely in her own
hands, though not for the reason she there gives. Her other motive, I
think, now plainly appears by the consequence: she thought, if you were
jealous of your wife, you would hardly suspect _her_ with the same
person, whose visits, to my knowlege, were pretty frequent at her house.
Then, said I, (throwing my weight into the scale) the unobjectionable
character of Mrs Arnold, her pious education, her modest and
affectionate behaviour to you for so long a time, and the recluse life
that she had led with her mother since you parted, makes the thought of
any ill in her quite incredible.
Lady V----, said your husband, impatiently, I am as conscious of it all
as you can possibly wish me. I know I am a blind infatuated monster:
What can you say more? Faulkland, I thank you for ridding me of such a
pest; Oh! that you had taken her before I was so curst as to see her
face! If you had, I should not now be the undone wretch I am! My lord,
my lady, will you do me the favour to tell my wife and lady Bidulph, how
contrite I am (and he laid his hand on his breast): while I had any
thing to offer her besides repentance, I could have thrown myself at her
feet for pardon, and conjured her to have returned to my bosom, and to
her own deserted house, from whence my madness drove her; but I have now
no house to bring her to, and do not desire even to see her face.
His manner was so vehement, that I really feared the agitations of his
mind might disorder his brain. My lord told him he was too desponding,
and said, he hoped all might be yet retrieved. He then enquired into the
particular situation of his affairs, which are, I am grieved to say it,
very bad indeed. We were told, when we were in Kent, that a part of
South-Park was mortgaged, but did not believe it, as we knew it was
settled on you. Upon being asked, Mr Arnold himself acknowleged it,
confessing at the same time, that he had been prevailed on to do this,
in order to deliver Mrs Gerrarde's brother out of gaol, and that it was
the other villainous brother who had transacted the affair for him. I
find, besides this mortgage, that, with the costs of his suit, he owes
near seven thousand pounds; to answer which, he says, he is not worth
six-pence, his plate and the furniture of his houses in town and country
excepted.
Though I had shed many tears, whilst Lady V---- was describing Mr
Arnold's behaviour at the beginning of her discourse, I heard this
latter part of her account with a composed attention.
Lady V---- took me by the hand: I am sorry, dear Mrs Arnold, said she,
that I am obliged to repeat such uncomfortable tidings to you, but you
must know all, soon or late, and it as well now as hereafter. I am sure
your patient temper and good sense will enable you to bear up against
misfortunes.
My lord then proceeded to ask Mr Arnold, if his friends could make his
circumstances a little easier, and Mrs Arnold would consent to live with
him again, had he any objection to it?
My lord, answered your husband, from the moment I heard of Mrs
Gerrarde's elopement, I flattered myself with the hopes of being
restored to my senses, and my peace, by a reunion with my wife; for I
own to you, her innocence from that very time became evident to me, and
it was mere shame that prevented me from making my application to lady
Bidulph, for the purpose of a reconciliation. The receipt of Mrs
Gerrarde's letter--(whether the wretch has _really_ felt compunction or
whether her cruelty to me, in order to make me more unhappy, has drawn
it from her I know not) the receipt of that letter, I say, wherein Mrs
Arnold's innocence is so entirely cleared, convinced me, I ought not to
delay making my wife all the reparation in my power. Though I was
shocked to think how much I had foolishly squandered away, I was still
in possession of an estate of nine hundred pounds a year; for though it
was then in litigation, my lawyers amused me to the last, with a belief
that I should carry my suit; and notwithstanding that the payment of my
debts would lessen it, I knew, with one of her contented and gentle
spirit, it would be sufficient to make us happy, and her jointure (which
I hoped soon to clear) added to it, would enable us to sit down in the
country in tolerable affluence, and I had come to a resolution to make
it the study of my life to render Mrs Arnold happy. I know she is an
admirable oeconomist; I resolved to imitate her, and hoped in time to
retrieve our circumstances. These were my sentiments, my lord, when I
wrote to you, to beg that you and my lady would come to town. I own I
had not courage enough to make any efforts towards the so much
wished-for reunion, without the interposition of friends, whose good
hearts I knew would rejoice, could their endeavours bring it about, and
whose influence over Mrs Arnold I was certain would make the
accomplishment easy. Do me the justice, my lord, to believe, that if I
had not thought it in my power, to have made Mrs Arnold amends for the
injuries I have done her, this hand should have been sooner employed to
send a bullet thro' my head, than to have endeavoured to procure your
mediation in this affair.
But as things have turned out, I would not for this earthly globe
involve her in my ruin; nor shall her family have it to say, I sought
their friendship when I was abandoned of every other hope.
As to that point, answered my lord, I can bear you witness, that your
first overture to me, in order to bring about a reconciliation, arrived
before there was any likelihood of your standing in need of assistance,
either from your wife's friends or your own; for I believe they all, as
well as yourself, were pretty sure of your carrying your suit, which,
if you had done, your affairs might, with a little care, have soon been,
in a great measure, retrieved. Therefore, if they should attempt to make
the ungenerous charge you apprehend, I can confute it, and will to all
the world; and for the rest, we must manage as well as we can.
My lord then proposed some methods to make his affairs a little more
easy; as I am sure his friendship for Mr Arnold and you will make him
endeavour to settle them to the best of his power.
My lady V----'s politeness and generosity would not suffer her to
mention the particulars of the methods proposed; but I have reason to
believe, my good lord V----, will interest himself rather farther than I
wish.
When my lord and Mr Arnold, she proceeded, had talked over these matters
for some time, in which my lord had much ado to get the better of Mr
Arnold's obstinacy, he told him, that I should undertake to explain his
situation to you and lady Bidulph. That he made no doubt of your
tenderness in forgetting all that was past, and being willing to embrace
his fortunes, let them be what they would; for, said he, I am sure Mrs
Arnold will think herself happier with you, on three hundred pounds a
year, than she would with twice so many thousands without you.
Oh! madam, said I, interrupting her, my lord has read my very heart.
My lady smiled and went on. Lady Bidulph, said my lord, is so good a
woman, that as she must look on you in the light of a repenting sinner,
you may be assured of her pardon and favour. That he may rest satisfied
of, answered my mother. My income is not considerable, and I have never
been able to lay any thing by; but if Mr Arnold can be extricated from
his present difficulties, so as to be able to retire quietly into the
country, I will share that little with him.
My lady V----'s eyes moistened, mine were quite suffused. I assure you,
said lady V----, it was not without abundance of arguments used by my
lord, and downright quarrelling on my side, that Mr Arnold could be
prevailed on to consent that any other application should be made on his
part, than that of acquainting you with his penitence, and communicating
his resolution, together with his motives for it, of never seeing you
more.
He says, Sir George Bidulph never was his friend; and, as he supposes
him more now his enemy than ever, he would be sorry to be under any
obligations to him.
My mother, who never conceals her thoughts, answered directly, of that I
believe he need not be apprehensive; Sir George is not very liberal; he
would have persuaded his sister against returning to her husband, and I
am sure will not be willing to contribute towards making their reunion
happy. Besides, as he is now going to be married, he troubles himself
with little else than his intended bride.
Lady V---- seemed shocked; I was sorry my mother had spoken so freely of
Sir George, to one who was an entire stranger both to him and her; but
she is so good, that even her errors proceed from virtue.
Well, said lady V----, we have now seen the worst side of the prospect;
let us turn our eyes towards the pleasanter view. What do you mean to
do, Mrs Arnold?
Mean, madam, said I! To go directly to my husband.
Well, well, replied she, smiling, _that_ I suppose; but how do you
purpose to settle your little household matters?
I think, said my mother, the best thing you can do, is, to go directly
down to my house in Wiltshire. You know _that_, and the furniture are
mine, during my life; they go to your brother afterwards. Send for your
two children and honest Martha; dispose of your house in town, and all
your effects here, as well as at South-park and in Essex--let the
produce be applied to the payments of debts, as far as it will go. You
will then have your jointure to receive, to which I will add two hundred
pounds a year, which will enable you, by degrees, to pay off the rest of
your debts, and I do not see why you may not live comfortably besides.
Extremely well, said my lady, with Mrs Arnold's good management;
especially as they will not have the expence of house-rent. I am sure my
lord will willingly undertake to manage Mr Arnold's affairs in town for
him, and I would have you both get into the country as fast as you can.
I am entirely of your opinion, lady V----, said my mother. What do you
think, child? Dear madam, I think that I am the happiest woman
breathing. Such a parent as you, such a friend as lady V----, and such a
husband, as I promise myself Mr Arnold will prove--How can I be
otherwise than happy? I am ready to do, to do joyfully, whatever you
direct. Dear lady V----, ought not I to see poor Mr Arnold immediately?
Why, said lady V----, I would not have you surprize him; he is to dine
with us to-day, and I will prepare him to receive you in the afternoon
at my house, if you chose it.
By all means, my good lady V----, I will come to your house at five
o'clock. Well, said she, bring a few spirits with you, and do not let
the interview soften you too much.
Lady V---- then took her leave, as she said she should hardly have time
to dress before dinner. My mother and I spent the interval between that
time and evening, in talking of our future scheme of life. Remember, my
dear, said she, that when I die, you lose the best part of your income,
as my house, together with my jointure, revert to Sir George; and you
have no great reason to expect that he will continue either to you; it
therefore behoves you to use oeconomy, as well for the sake of
_saving_ a little, as to accustom yourselves to _live_ upon a little. I
would myself accompany you down to the country, but as my son's marriage
is so near, he would have reason to take it amiss of me; and I know I
shall have his imperious temper to battle with, on our making up matters
between you and your husband; but I shall make myself easy, by
reflecting that we have both acted agreeably to our duty.
You never, my Cecilia, experienced such a situation as mine, and
therefore can have no idea of what I felt, in expectation of seeing the
person, whose presence I most ardently wished for, and yet was afraid of
the interview. My fears were not on my account: conscious as I was of my
innocence, I had no apprehensions on that head; but I could not bear the
thoughts of beholding poor Mr Arnold, in the state of humiliation in
which I supposed I should find him. I wished the first encounter of our
eyes over; and as the appointed hour approached, my anxiety increased: I
was faint, and seized with universal tremors. My mother did all she
could to encourage me, and a little before five o'clock, I was put into
a chair, and carried to Lord V----'s house.
My lady met me on the stairs; I could scarce breathe. She carried me
into her dressing-room, and made me sit down till I recovered a little;
she was affected herself, but endeavoured to raise my spirits. I wish,
said she, smiling, you had been in my lord's hands, he would have
prepared you better than Lady Bidulph has for this meeting; he has been
trying to make Mr Arnold drunk, in order to give him courage, he says,
to face you. Poor man, he could scarcely credit me when I told him you
were to come this evening. She proposed my taking a few drops, which I
agreed to; and bidding me pluck up my spirits, said she would send Mr
Arnold to me.
I catched lady V---- by the hand, and begged she would desire him, from
me, not to mention any thing that was past, but let our meeting be, as
if the separation had only been occasioned by a long journey.
She left me, and Mr Arnold in a few minutes entered the room. He
approached me speechless; my arms were extended to receive him; he fell
into them; we neither of us spoke; there was no language but tears,
which we both shed plentifully. Mr Arnold sobbed as I pressed him to my
bosom. My dearest Sidney, said he, can it be! Is it possible that you
love me still?
If lady V---- delivered my message to you, my dear Mr Arnold, sure you
would not speak thus to me.
I understand you, said he; Oh! my dear: I never wished for wealth or
length of days, till now--but what I can I will.
Forbear, my love, said I; remember my request. I wanted to give his
thoughts another turn. My mother longs to see you: When will you visit
her?
I will throw myself at her feet, said he; I want a blessing from her,
and she has sent me one, throwing his arms again round me.
How much are we obliged to good lord and lady V----, said I.
Oh! they have opened to me the path to Heaven, he answered--if it had
not been for them--I think we had better go to them, said I, they will
partake in our happiness.
He took me by the hand without answering, and led me into the
drawing-room.
I have, my sister, endeavoured to recollect our disjointed conversation,
in order to give it to you as well as I could. All that I can remember I
have set down, though I am sure a good deal more passed.
Lord V----'s eyes sparkled when he saw us enter together; but my lady
and he, I suppose, had agreed before hand to say nothing that could
recall any past griefs, for they only smiled at our entrance; and my
lord said, Arnold, you really hand your lady in with as gallant an air,
as if you were married within these three hours. And so I have been, my
lord, answered Mr Arnold. My lady presently called for tea, and we
chatted as if nothing had happened. The servants waiting in the room
made this necessary; though I could observe the two footmen, who had
lived a good while with Lord V----, looked with no small astonishment at
Mr Arnold and me.
When the servants were withdrawn, my lady introduced the subject of our
going out of town. She had before acquainted him with my mother's
proposal, and I repeated what she had said to me on that head, after
lady V---- had left us. My lord renewed the kind offers of his
friendship, and said, as we meant so shortly to part with our house in
St James's-street, that he thought it would be better for us not to go
into it at all, but make use of his house while we staid in town; as
perhaps Mr Arnold might not like to be at lady Bidulph's, on account of
Sir George coming there.
I readily assented to this proposal; and Mr Arnold said it would be most
agreeable to him. I told him, however, I should be glad of my mother's
approbation; and asked Mr Arnold if he did not think it would be right
of us both to wait on her together, to let her know of my lord's kind
invitation. My lady V---- said, by all means, and the sooner the better:
if you please, I will order you the chariot; I would have you see lady
Bidulph directly. Mr Arnold said, it was what he purposed doing that
very night.
The chariot was presently at the door: lady V---- said, I have an
apartment ready, and shall, with lady Bidulph's permission, expect you
back to-night. We promised to return, and drove to my mother's.
I left Mr Arnold in the parlour, whilst I ran up stairs to inform her of
his being come to wait on her.
Unluckily, as well as unexpectedly, I found my brother with her. I
judged by his voice, as I came up stairs, that he was talking warmly to
my mother; he stopped, however, when I came into the room. He was
standing, and had his hat under his arm. I concluded he was going, and
was not sorry for it; he cast a cold look at me, and, with an ironical
smile, I wish you joy _Mrs Arnold_, and he pronounced my name with an
emphasis. Tho' I was stung at his manner, I would not let him see it.
Thank you brother, said I, God be praised I _have_ cause to rejoice. Oh!
no doubt on't, said he, so have we all, that your husband has been
graciously pleased, after beggaring you and your children, turning you
out of doors, and branding you with infamy, to receive you at last into
his favour.
Sir George, said I, you shock me exceedingly: where is the need of those
cruel repetitions? Indeed you are very unkind; and I could not refrain
from tears.
The more blameable Mr Arnold's conduct has been, said my mother, the
more cause have we to rejoice in his amendment. We must make allowances
for human failings.
Ay, madam, I wish you had thought of that in Mr _Faulkland_'s case,
cried my brother.
My mother seemed disconcerted at the rebuke. Sir George looked and
smiled, with an air of ill-natured triumph. As my mother was not quick
in answering, I replied, the cases are very different, brother; what
duty obliges us to pass by in a husband, it is hardly moral not to
discountenance in another man.
You say true, child, said my mother; a woman certainly ought not to
marry a loose man, if she knows him to be such; but if it be her
misfortune to be joined to such a one, she is not to reject him, but
more especially if she sees him willing to reform. Where is your husband
my dear? Madam, he is below in the parlour: he is come to receive your
forgiveness, and your blessing. He shall have both, said my good mother,
and my prayers too. Sir George looked a little surprized: I will not
interrupt so _pious_ a ceremony, said he, but I hope you will give me
leave to withdraw before you desire him up stairs; saying this, he bowed
slightly to my mother, and left the room: we neither of us said any
thing to stop him; my mother rang the bell, but before a servant could
attend, he went out, and clapped the door violently after him.
Go bring your husband up to me, said my mother. I begged she would not
mention any thing of Sir George's behaviour. I found Mr Arnold impatient
at my stay. Poor man, his situation made him jealous of every thing that
looked like a slight. I told him, my brother had been above stairs, and
as I did not think a meeting would at that time have been agreeable to
either of them, I waited till he was gone. I perceive he knew _I_ was in
the house, said Mr Arnold, by the blustering manner of his departure. I
made no reply; but taking him under the arm, led him to my mother.
That best of women received him with a tenderness that delighted me; he
put one knee to the ground while she embraced him with maternal love,
then raised him, and taking his hand and mine, joined them, holding them
between her own. God bless you my children, said she, and may you never
more be separated, till God, who joined you, calls one or other of you
to himself. Amen, cried I fervently. Amen, repeated Mr Arnold.
He then besought my mother to forgive him for all the affliction he had
occasioned both to her and me; assuring her that his veneration for her,
and his tenderness for me, were augmented a hundred-fold, and should for
the future influence his whole conduct.
After this, we fell on the subject of our domestick affairs: we informed
my mother of my lord V----'s proposal, and said, as we should stay in
town but two or three days, we had accepted of the offer of being at his
house, rather than by our presence banish my brother from her's.
He is an untractable man, said she; but as I do not wish to quarrel
with my children, I think it will be prudent for you to stay at my
lord's rather than here. Mr Arnold said his obligations to lord V----
were unspeakable; for that he had promised not only to see all our
affairs properly settled, but to take the mortgage of South-Park into his
own hands, as he fears the person who now has it will not be so tender a
creditor as himself. He also proposes (as the sale of my effects cannot
amount to what my debts come to) to pay what may be deficient, and make
himself my sole creditor. If it had not been for such a prospect as
this, added my dear Mr Arnold, notwithstanding your goodness and lady
Bidulph's, I had resolved never to have appeared before either of you.
We determined to set out for Sidney-castle in three or four days at
farthest; and took leave of my mother for this night.
_December 21_
I told lady V---- this morning, that though I was determined never to
mention our past misfortune to Mr Arnold, yet I owned I had a great
curiosity to know what means Mrs Gerrarde had made use of, to work up
his suspicions to the high pitch she had done; but I would rather remain
unsatisfied, than mortify him by the recollection of this particular.
I can inform you of her whole proceedings, answered lady V----, as I had
it from Mr Arnold himself; for to tell you the truth, I was as curious
about that as you, and took the liberty to ask your husband concerning
it yesterday, when we had him to ourselves. It was the interval between
dinner, and the hour that you were expected here in the evening, that I
laid hold of for this purpose, as I found him then composed enough to
bear the enquiry.
He told me, that from the time of his going down to South-Park, Mrs
Gerrarde had begun to throw out insinuations concerning you, that had a
little alarmed him. She asked him, Whether you made a good wife? which
he answering in the affirmative, she replied, she was glad of it; for
that she had been told your affections were formerly deeply engaged to a
very fine young gentleman, who, as his fortune was very much above your
expectations, your mother, fearing your violent fondness for him might
lead you into some act of indiscretion, had carried you out of town on
purpose to avoid him; and was glad to marry you as hastily as she could,
to put you out of the reach of harm.
Your husband acknowleges, that he believes he had himself casually
informed Mrs Gerrarde of the manner of his first becoming acquainted
with you, and the suddenness with which his marriage was concluded; yet
she pretended to him, she was before apprized of these particulars.
He owns that those hints, though far from giving him any suspicion of
your virtue, had nevertheless made some impression on him. You know,
Madam, added he, that, madly devoted as my affections were to Mrs
Gerrarde, I had always behaved to my wife with great tenderness and
respect. This I suppose it was which raised Mrs Gerrarde's jealousy, and
made her leave no method unattempted to part us. Mr Faulkland had not
been long at V---- hall, when she asked me, with uncommon earnestness,
whether he visited at my house; I told her he did not, and asked the
meaning of her enquiry. She affected to turn it off, and said, she had
no particular reason for her question; but her manner was such, as the
more excited my curiosity. At length she was prevailed on to tell me,
that Mr Faulkland was the man (for she had not yet named the person),
whom my wife had so passionately loved. Prepossessed as I was with
jealousy, I now took the alarm. I recollected that Mrs Arnold had told
me at lord V----'s, upon my first seeing him there, that she _had_ been
very well acquainted with him; and I even thought that I had observed
something particular in his countenance when he addressed her. I was now
sure that he had come into the neighbourhood merely on her account. The
hell that I suffered is not to be described; for though I really fancied
that I had conceived almost an aversion to Mrs Arnold, I yet could not
bear the thoughts of being dishonoured. An accident happened which
served to strengthen my suspicions: he then related the circumstance of
his seeing you at the public house on the night of the fire; and of his
finding Mr Faulkland putting you into your chariot. He owned at the same
time, that he was there with Mrs Gerrarde, whom he had conducted out of
the play-house, having called for her there in his return from making a
visit, as he had promised to sup with her that night. Mrs Gerrarde, when
she had him at her house, affected to speak with some surprize of your
imprudence, in suffering a young man of Mr Faulkland's _known_ turn for
gallantry, to attend you to _such_ a place, and at that hour. Though,
added he, Mrs Arnold's own account of this had satisfied me at the time,
yet Mrs Gerrarde's insinuations blew up the fire anew in my breast. She
pretended to sooth me; but the methods she took rather increased my
uneasiness. She told me, she believed my honour as _yet_ had received no
injury; and to preserve it effectually, she thought I could not do
better than to forbid my wife to see Mr Faulkland. The designing vile
woman, continued your husband, knowing that this prohibition would cut
off her visits at V---- hall, no doubt apprehended my wife would not so
readily acquiesce under it; and she was sure any resistance on her part
would but the more inflame me. But in this she was disappointed; for I
no sooner required Mrs Arnold's promise on the occasion, than she,
without the least hesitation, made it. My requiring so extraordinary a
proof of her obedience, induced Mrs Arnold to enquire into the cause;
and upon my explaining it, she acknowleged that Mr Faulkland had once
been her lover, and that the match was broken off by her mother, who had
conceived some dislike to him. This was so far from gaining credit with
me, that it only served to corroborate what Mrs Gerrarde had told me. I
was, however, contented for the present with the promise that my wife
had made me; of which I informed Mrs Gerrarde.
He then proceeded to tell me of his finding you and Mr Faulkland
together one evening at the house of Mrs Gerrarde. I must confess,
continued he, this unexpected incident transported me beyond the bounds
of patience: I suffered, notwithstanding, Mr Faulkland to go quietly out
of the house, more for Mrs Gerrarde's sake than any other consideration,
and permitted her to go home with my wife (who I then thought
_pretended_ illness,) waiting in the mean time at her house for her
return, in order to have this extraordinary and unexpected meeting
explained.
Mrs Gerrarde, on her return expressed the utmost concern and resentment
on the occasion. She told me, that as she had expected me that evening
(which was really the case), she had sent to my wife to engage her for
the next day, in order to prevent her coming to interrupt us, which was
not unlikely, as Mrs Arnold had not been to see her from the time she
was laid up by the hurt she received; and she said, she did not care to
lay herself so open to her servants, as to have herself denied to the
wife, whilst she entertained the husband.
I myself, continued he, having the same apprehensions, had asked Mrs
Arnold, on my going abroad in the morning, how she purposed to dispose
of herself for the day; and she had told me she intended to stay at
home. Mrs Gerrarde said, that notwithstanding her message, she was
surprized with a visit from Mrs Arnold just as she was sitting down to
dinner; that she however put a good face on the matter, and received her
very cordially; but in order to get rid of her soon, told her, she was
engaged abroad in the afternoon. Mrs Arnold, she added, however thought
proper to stay, and I could not avoid asking her to drink coffee. While
we were at it, behold, to my very great surprize, Mr Faulkland sent in
his name, and immediately entered the parlour.
As I guessed, continued Mrs Gerrarde, that this was a settled
assignation, I own I was extremely provoked at it. Mr Faulkland, with
whom I formerly had a very slight acquaintance at Bath, _so_ slight
indeed as never to be visited by him, now very audaciously made an
apology for not having waited on me sooner; but said, that he did not
hear of my being in the neighbourhood, 'till a day or two before, and
hoped I would allow him the honour of renewing his acquaintance. I had
hardly temper enough to make him a civil answer; but said, I was sorry I
was engaged that evening, and must be obliged to go out immediately. I
thought this hint was enough for Mrs Arnold; and that she would have had
the discretion to have taken her leave. She asked pardon for having kept
me at home so long, protesting she had really forgot that I told her I
was engaged. She begged she might not detain me any longer, saying, she
had ordered her chariot to come for her in the evening, and that she
would wait for it, as she found herself not very well, and therefore not
able to walk home. I now saw into the whole scheme: Mr Faulkland would
naturally stay to keep her company, and they would have my house to
themselves; but I resolved to disappoint them both; and telling Mrs
Arnold I would leave her at home, ordered the chariot to the door. Mrs
Arnold opposed this, under pretence of not giving me so much trouble,
and pretending to be sick and faint, said she would step to the door, in
order to get a little more air; I followed her hastily, and your coming
in the instant, I suppose, detained Mr Faulkland in the parlour, for he
could not but see you from the window. You know the rest, added Mrs
Gerrarde; and I leave you to judge, whether Mrs Arnold be inclined to
keep her word with you, in regard to Mr Faulkland.
Can you blame me, Madam, proceeded your husband, if, after what I now
saw and heard, I was enraged almost to madness against my wife? The base
woman, who had now accomplished her wicked purpose, encouraged me in my
desperation. In the midst of my fury, however, I could not help making
one observation, which was, that as Mrs Gerrarde's going, or pretending
to go out that evening, was a casual thing, they could hardly have
expected an opportunity of being _alone_ at her house, even though the
meeting was concerted. Mrs Gerrarde answered, That was very true; and
she supposed there was nothing at first farther intended, than that the
_lovers_ should have the pleasure of seeing and conversing together, as
they had been so long separated; the other, to be sure, said she, was an
after-thought, which the opportunity suggested. She then, after making
me swear secrecy, told me, that Mrs Arnold had, when she followed her
out to the door, conjured her not to tell me that Mr Faulkland and she
(Mrs Gerrarde) were acquainted; for, said she, as Mr Arnold is of a
jealous temper, and has heard that Mr Faulkland formerly courted me, he
would not suffer me to come near your house, if he knew that Mr
Faulkland visited you. I promised her I would not, added Mrs Gerrarde;
and I make no doubt but that she hoped in time (relying on my good
nature, my seeming fondness for her, and the easiness of my temper) to
engage me as the confidant and abettor of her loose amour.
Mrs Gerrarde concluded with saying, that she believed nothing criminal
had as _yet_ passed between Mr Faulkland and my wife, at least since his
coming to V---- hall; but as there was no with-holding a woman from her
will, it was very probable that Mrs Arnold would contrive the means of
meeting, though not at _her_ house, yet somewhere else. I raved,
threatened, talked of fighting Faulkland, and locking up my wife. She
artfully dissuaded me from such violent measures by a number of
arguments, which I will not trouble you with repeating: Amongst other
things, she said, that I had no right to call Faulkland to an account
merely from surmise, which was all I had to ground my charge on; and
though there was the strongest reason to believe he had dishonourable
designs on Mrs Arnold, yet as I could not directly accuse him of them, I
should be laughed at for engaging in a quarrel, which to the world would
appear to be so ill-grounded. As to what I threatened in regard to my
wife, she said, such measures only make a woman desperate, and would be
far from preventing the evil; in short, that it would be better to part
quietly, without embroiling myself with her friends, or undertaking the
hateful office of becoming gaoler to my wife. She found me but too well
disposed to follow her fatal counsel. I wrote that cruel letter to my
wife, which turned her from her home, at Mrs Gerrarde's house. She kept
me with her till midnight, and had worked up my resentment to such a
pitch, that I determined not to see Mrs Arnold any more. To avoid
expostulations, I went to a friend's house, at the distance of several
miles. When I came back, Mrs Gerrarde told me that Mr Faulkland was
absent from V---- hall, and she concluded the lovers were now together.
I interrupted your husband at this part of the story, pursued Lady
V----, and told him, that to _my_ knowledge Mr Faulkland had gone to
Sidney-Castle, to see Sir George Bidulph, before you left your own
house; and did not set out from thence on his return 'till about three
weeks after your separation; at the account of which he was exceedingly
surprized.
Dear Lady V----, said he, do you think I _now_ want any farther
arguments to convince me what an injurious wretch I have been to the
best of women?
I have one observation to make to you, Mr Arnold, added I; which is,
that your lady's misfortune was intirely owing to her great delicacy,
and the nice regard she had to your peace and honour.