_The Chinese Parlour._
Mrs. _Gatty's_ Fever having now turned, 'tis incredible the Gratitude
she expressed to me for all my Care of her during the course of it.
I may say that during the whole Term, the only Concern Lady _Betty_
shewed whether she were likely to sink or swim, was conveyed in a
single Message, and that of the briefest; to know, was she about yet?
a likely Thing, when the Girl was at that Moment in a Fever-Lethargy!
_Gatty_ took it mighty little to Heart, I must say for her, when she
learned how little Recollection of her had been intimated; and she
said, with a Smile, she was ready to wish they should forget her
altogether, so content was she to remain, and so loth to go back.
And now her Appetite mended apace, and she began to regain Colour and
Flesh, and the Chamber was fumigated, and she had a warm Bath, and Dr.
_Elwes_ pronounced that she might go below with Safety to herself and
others. We resolved to make a little Festival of it, and asked him to
sup with us, which he cheerfully consented to; and I had Pleasure in
combing out _Gatty's_ long fine Hair, which she was yet unequal to
doing herself, and arranging her Dress with some Air of Smartness.
After this, she reclined in the Arm-Chair by the Window, to repose
herself a little before she went down Stairs. Meanwhile, I tended a
Rose that grew in a Pot that stood in the Window-Sill, and had just
finished watering it, when, as Ill-Luck would have it, the Water,
filtering too quickly through the Pot, descended copiously on some one
who had got his Head out of the Window beneath.
"Hallo! Who's that, giving me a Shower-Bath?" cries Mr. _Fenwick_; at
the first Sound of whose Voice I drew my Head in quickly, and we both
fell a laughing.
"Don't let us answer," says _Gatty_.
"Let us both put our Heads out at the same Moment," said I, "and then
he won't know which it was."
It was a pert Thing to do, but we were just then in cheerful Spirits;
so we looked out, without looking down, quite unconcernedly.
"I am glad to see you so much better, Mrs. _Gatty_," said Mr.
_Fenwick_; "poor Mrs. _Patty_, though, looks all the worse for her
shutting up. You remind me of the two Damsels in _Don Quixote_, looking
through the Inn-Casement, and plotting Mischief."
"Oh no, Sir," says _Gatty_, so softly that I only heard her, and
immediately withdrawing and sitting down. I did the same, actuated
by that nameless Feeling which often tells Women what is seemly and
becoming for them to do, without enabling them to say why.
Mrs. _Gatty_ shyly begged me to go down first, because she said my
_Mother_ and _Sister_ would be glad to see me; which indeed they
were. _Prue_ had set out our little Parlour in the prettiest Way
imaginable.--My _Father's_ Arm-Chair was placed for _Gatty_ at the
little _Gothic_ Window wreathed with Jessamine; my _Mother's_ Chair
was in its accustomed Place. This Room was hung with a very expensive
_Chinese_ Paper, that had cost my _Father_ I am afraid to say how
much per Yard, and which was covered with Groups of _Chinese_ Figures
illustrating the Manners and Customs of that Empire, depicted with
extraordinary Liveliness and Verisimilitude; no two Groups alike. This
Paper-hanging had been _Prue's_ and my Picture-Gallery for many a Year;
and when we were Children, and my _Father_ had it by him in Pieces, we
had needed no other Entertainment on rainy Days; preventing the long
Rolls from curling up by setting a Caddy on one End, and a Work-Box
on the other. Corresponding with this Paper were sundry Josses and
Jars, much fitter for Lady _Betty_ than for us; and the Mantel-Shelf
was decorated with Nosegays of fresh Flowers; my _Mother_ having put
the Five Senses carefully away, for Fear they should share the Fate
of the Shepherdesses. As for the Tea-Table, never was such a Spread!
Fancy-Bread, Buns, and Cakes of all Descriptions, cold Fowl, marbled
Veal, delicate Slices of pink Ham, and a superb Dish of ripe Grapes.
Dear _Prue_, whom I had not seen for some Days, was blooming with
Health and Sprightliness. She had put on a pretty chintz Muslin over
her Pea-green silk Petticoat, with a Knot or two of pale pink Ribbon
to her Stomacher, and her best Muslin Apron worked with Pansies and
Sweet-Peas. A Sweet-Pea she was herself! so brightly, delicately tinted
with Colour! so pliant, slim, and debonnaire! When we were little
Girls, kind Dr. _Elwes_ had been wont to say we were as like as two
Peas,--two Sweet-Peas; but somehow, I fell off afterwards, lost my
Bloom and Freshness, grew lanky and angular, while _Prue's_ scarlet
Lips and carmine Cheeks, and violet-blue Eyes, grew brighter and deeper
every Day; only she stopped growing too soon, and, but for her neat
Make, would have been too round.
Well, I went up for Mrs. _Gatty_, and entering somewhat too softly,
surprised her on her Knees. She slightly coloured as she rose, but said
Nothing, and putting her Arm within mine, went down Stairs; having
doubtlessly vented her Gratitude for late Mercies received, in pious
Ejaculation, which made me love her all the better. My _Mother's_ and
_Sister's_ Reception of her was most cordial, to which she responded
with the utmost Cheerfulness; and we vied with one another in Alacrity
in conducting her to her Seat, and bolstering her up in it. "Of course,
you know," said I to _Prudence_, "that Dr. _Elwes_ is going to join
us by and by."--"Oh, yes," says she, "and Mr. _Fenwick_ too;" which
startled me a little, and made me cast a furtive Glance at myself in
a little oval Mirrour in a Shell-work Frame that hung by the Window.
The View was not satisfactory; in dressing _Gertrude_, I had neglected
bestowing Pains on myself: besides, my wan Look and heavy Eyes were
what no Pains could remedy. I suppressed a little Sigh, and looked
at _Gatty_. Pale as she yet was, even _Prue's_ Beauty faded before
hers, into the buxom Bloom of a Milkmaid. _Gertrude's_ Loveliness was
independent of red and white, though the delicate Muslin Kerchief
over her Neck was not purer than the lily Throat it enclosed. For
Convenience sake, I had tied her abundant Hair in a Club behind, low
down on the Poll, with a broad black Ribband; her Gown was of the
plainest mourning Stuff; yet there she sate, an enthroned Queen for
Beauty in its Glory, without being in the least conscious of it. Of
course, Angels are beautiful without being vain; I think _Gatty_ was as
removed from Vanity as an Angel, and almost as beautiful. There was a
Dignity, Repose, and Thought about her, that made you conclude her Mind
to be set upon Something high, even without her speaking a Word. As all
this struck me, I felt inclined to slip away and smarten myself; but
then thought, why should I? I'm trim and neat, though neither pretty
nor gay; to aim at matching _Gatty_ would be futile; and as for looking
wan, why, _she's_ my Reward; for, in nursing her into Health, I have
neglected my own.
So I remained as I was; and presently came down Mr. _Fenwick_, who,
_Prudence_ told me, had been quite another Man since Mr. _Caryl's_
Visit. Close on his Heels followed Dr. _Elwes_, in his best Wig and
Ruffles, with a Flower in his Button-Hole; so our gala Preparations
were by no Means in vain. Then our little Feast began: with two such
Men at Table, 'twould have been surprising if good Conversation had
been wanting, and every one seemed in happy Tune. As for the Doctor,
he was quite on the merry Pin, praised the Cream, Butter, and Cakes,
partook of Everything, and complimented us handsomely all round. I
believe my dear _Mother_ had not had such a tranquilly pleasant Evening
for many a Day. I presided at the Tea-Board, which was supplied with
fairy-like Cups without Handles, of real China, and the Tea-Caddy was
real Chinese too, one of my poor _Father's_ Purchases. _Prue_ tripped
off now and then into the Shop; but our Man _Peter_ was on Duty there,
as well as _Saunders's_ Daughter, so that we could leave the Business
pretty safely in their Charge.
All at once enters _Nanny Saunders_ from the Shop, with a Face as
red as Currant-Jelly; and, "Sir,--Mr. _Fenwick_!" says she, "here's a
Gentleman of Quality inquiring for you!" and without more ado, ushers
Mr. _Paul Caryl_ in upon us.
For my Part, I felt greatly confused; the rest expressed by their Looks
simple Surprise, all except Mr. _Fenwick_, who, upsetting his Cup
(which luckily was empty) in his Hurry to rise, and colouring very red,
hastened to meet his Guest.
"Faith, I find you pleasantly engaged, Sir!" were the easy, lively
Words first spoken by our Man of Fashion. "Don't let me disturb any
one, pray.--May I request to be presented to the Ladies?" And he bowed
upon my _Mother's_ Hand as if she had been a Duchess, saluted _Prue_
and me more distantly, and stood at pause for a Moment when he came to
_Gatty_, then bowed low, noticed the Doctor, and then turned to Mr.
_Fenwick_.
"I've good News for you," said he gaily, "so thought I would bring it
myself. I know how I should have liked it, had I been in your Place.
But suppose we postpone it a little, and enjoy the Goods the Gods
provide us. Why should we forget the universal Doom of Man--'_Fruges
consumere nati_'? Ha, Sir?"
I mutely offered him a Dish of Tea, which he immediately accepted; and,
as he sipped it, he addressed some trifling Remark to my _Mother_, who
cheerfully replied. Many Persons would have been completely fluttered
by the Entry of an unexpected Guest, of a Grade so removed from their
own; but my _Mother_ never lost her Self-Possession or Self-Respect;
which on this Occasion was so influential on all around her, that we
almost immediately regained our Ease, and became as cheerful and chatty
as we had been before.
"Upon my Life, this is a very pleasant little Interlude!" cried
Mr. _Caryl_. "What a lucky Fellow I am! Always falling on my Legs!
Here, now, have I dropped into the midst of a most agreeable little
Tea-Party, and am made welcome to all these good Things as if my
Presence were no Intrusion!"
"Don't name Intrusion, Sir," says my _Mother_.
"But I _must_ name it, Madam! Most abominable Intrusion! Hum,--hum,--I
can't help thinking I have seen that Lady's Face before"--with his Eyes
full upon _Gatty_.
"The Day Lady _Betty_ was here, Sir."
"Bless my Soul, yes! I remember all about it now. Most unlucky
occurrence! You're quite recovered, Ma'am, I hope?"
And he seemed all at once to reflect, that, whereas he had been here
on a previous Occasion with my _Lady_, he was now taking Tea with the
Lady's Maid. Too well-bred to behave superciliously, he nevertheless
said not another Syllable to _Gatty_, but kept eyeing her continually
like a fine Picture. For her Part, _Gatty_ looked so little towards
him, that I believe she was quite unconscious of the Attention.
A Physician is fit Company for Anybody; and Dr. _Elwes_ put some
Question about the News of the Day, which soon led to general and
fluent Conversation. Mr. _Caryl_ was evidently not aiming to shine,
as when at Lady _Betty's_ Table. I cannot recall one witty Thing
that he said; but, on the other Hand, there was a racy, genial flow
of small Talk, in which all could take their Share, and no one felt
distanced or outshone, that was even better than _Bon-mot_ or Repartee.
Mr. _Fenwick_ was, I believe, on the Tenter-Hooks, at first, for Mr.
_Caryl's_ good News; but soon making out that it was not immediately
forthcoming, he gave himself up to the Enjoyment of the passing Moment.
Ere Tea was well over, they fell to some amusing Play upon Words, that
must be shown upon Paper. Writing Implements were immediately found
Room for; and from one ingenious Puzzle to another they went on, now
giving us Anagrams to make out, now sending round Quips and Queries
that each was to answer in their own Fashion, till Doctor _Elwes_
exclaimed, "Oh, Brag and Loo! how well we can do without you!"
I whispered to him softly, "Shall I fill your Pipe, Sir?"
"No!" returns he, with equal Quietness, "I meant to have had one, but
these young Sparks keep me awake without it. They're monstrous good
Company, Mrs. _Patty_."
And so we went on as merry as Crickets, till I began to think of two
Things at once; that is to say, of two Dozen--the Anagram before
me--and Sausage Rolls, Oyster Patties, stewed Sweetbreads, and so forth
for Supper; and to be sensible that I must go and look after them. Just
then, I noticed a distressed look cross _Prue's_ Face at some little
Attention Mr. _Fenwick_ paid Mrs. _Gatty_. "Dear me, how foolish of
you, _Prue_," thought I, "to be vexed by Anything like that! Why, he
cares very little about _you_, and Nothing at all for _her_!" And,
stealing from my Seat, I was about to withdraw quietly to the Kitchen,
when suddenly the Parlour-Door flies wide open, and on the Threshold
stands my poor _Father_, with a Face as red as his Waistcoat, who after
giving an amazed Glance round about him, exclaims:
"Hoity-toity! Who are all these young Fellows, amusing themselves in my
_Chinese_ Parlour?"
I thought Mr. _Caryl_ would have gone into Fits with suppressed
Laughter. "Sir," said he, advancing and bowing, "I as the chief
Intruder, beg to introduce myself by the Name of Mr. _Paul Caryl_,
of the _Inner Temple_, at your Service; and this is my Friend and
your Lodger, Mr. _Fenwick_, whom I have made a Call upon. The other
Gentleman, you will perceive, is your Family Physician."
"You seem all monstrous merry and mightily at Home with one another,"
says my _Father_, who evidently had, as was but too common, taken a
little too much; "I almost seem like an Interloper in my own House;
however, I don't care if I have a cheerful Glass with you to improve
our Acquaintance. Hallo! where's my Chair gone? I had like to have sat
down upon the Floor."
"Here, Sir," said _Gatty_, hastily rising.
"Here, Sir? and who are _you_, Madam? I don't remember ever to have
seen your Face before; not an ugly one, neither! Pray, are you Mrs.
_Paul Caryl_?"
"Oh no, Sir!"
"Who then? Mrs. ... Mrs. ... I shall forget my own Name next; hum!
Hallo! Why, where are my Senses?"
Mr. _Caryl_ and Mr. _Fenwick_ looked at him in Amazement; while _we_
knew what he missed, well enough.
"Where are they?" reiterated he, raising his Voice very loud, and
stamping the Floor. "Woman!" addressing my _Mother_, "where, I say, are
my Five Senses?"
"Dear Mr. _Honeywood_, they're safe in the China Cupboard," began my
_Mother_, which set Mr. _Caryl_ off in an inextinguishable Fit of
Laughter.
"Are these your Manners, Sir?" cries my _Father_, fiercely turning upon
him.
"'Pon my Honour, I'm ashamed of them," says Mr. _Caryl_, covering his
Face in his Cambric Handkerchief.
"Where are my Senses, I say?" recommences my _Father_; on which Mr.
_Caryl_, unable to stand it any longer, rushes into the Shop, and Mr.
_Fenwick_ after him. There we hear them, while my poor _Father_ still
continues raging, giving way to fresh Peals of Laughter, which they
vainly attempt to smother; and at length Mr. _Caryl_ departs, without
returning to wish us good bye; and Dr. _Elwes_ shortly goes also,
giving us knowing Looks, and advising _Gatty_ and me to go immediately
to Bed. And so ended the Evening.
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