Winifred receives two Proposals.
The tragical affair at Dollis Hill, it need scarcely be said, was a
dreadful blow to the family. Mr. Wood bore up with great fortitude
against the shock, attended the inquest, delivered his evidence with
composure, and gave directions afterwards for the funeral, which took
place on the day but one following--Sunday. As soon, however, as the
last solemn rites were over, and the remains of the unfortunate woman
committed to their final resting-place in Willesden churchyard, his
firmness completely deserted him, and he sank beneath the weight of his
affliction. It was fortunate that by this time Winifred had so far
recovered, as to be able to afford her father the best and only solace
that, under the circumstances, he could have received,--her personal
attentions.
The necessity which had previously existed of leaving the ghastly
evidence of the murderous deed undisturbed,--the presence of the mangled
corpse,--the bustle of the inquest, at which her attendance was
required,--all these circumstances produced a harrowing effect upon the
young girl's imagination. But when all was over, a sorrowful calm
succeeded, and, if not free from grief, she was tranquil. As to Thames,
though deeply and painfully affected by the horrible occurrence that had
marked his return to his old friends, he was yet able to control his
feelings, and devote himself to the alleviation of the distress of the
more immediate sufferers by the calamity.
It was Sunday evening--a soft delicious evening, and, from the happy,
_cheerful_ look of the house, none would have dreamed of the dismal
tragedy so lately acted within its walls. The birds were singing
blithely amid the trees,--the lowing of the cows resounded from the
yard,--a delicious perfume from the garden was wafted through the open
window,--at a distance, the church-bells of Willesden were heard tolling
for evening service. All these things spoke of peace;--but there are
seasons when the pleasantest external influences have a depressing
effect on the mind, by painfully recalling past happiness. So, at least,
thought one of two persons who were seated together in a small
back-parlour of the house at Dollis Hill. She was a lovely girl, attired
in deep mourning, and having an expression of profound sorrow on her
charming features. Her companion was a portly handsome man, also dressed
in a full suit of the deepest mourning, with the finest of lace at his
bosom and wrists, and a sword in a black sheath by his side. These
persons were Mr. Kneebone and Winifred.
The funeral, it has just been said, took place on that day. Amongst
others who attended the sad ceremony was Mr. Kneebone. Conceiving
himself called upon, as the intimate friend of the deceased, to pay this
last tribute of respect to her memory, he appeared as one of the chief
mourners. Overcome by his affliction, Mr. Wood had retired to his own
room, where he had just summoned Thames. Much to her annoyance,
therefore, Winifred was left alone with the woollen-draper, who
following up a maxim of his own, "that nothing was gained by too much
bashfulness," determined to profit by the opportunity. He had only been
prevented, indeed, by a fear of Mrs. Wood from pressing his suit long
ago. This obstacle removed, he thought he might now make the attempt.
Happen what might, he could not be in a worse position.
"We have had a sad loss, my dear Winifred," he began,--"for I must use
the privilege of an old friend, and address you by that familiar
name,--we have had a sad loss in the death of your lamented parent,
whose memory I shall for ever revere."
Winifred's eyes filled with tears. This was not exactly what the
woollen-draper desired. So he resolved to try another tack.
"What a very remarkable thing it is," he observed, applying to his
snuff-box, "that Thames Darrell, whom we all supposed dead,"--Kneebone
in his heart sincerely wished he _had_ been so,--"should turn out to be
alive after all. Strange, I shouldn't know him when he called on me."
"It _is_ strange," replied Winifred, artlessly. "_I_ knew him at once."
"Of course," rejoined Kneebone, a little maliciously, "but that's easily
accounted for. May I be permitted, as a very old and very dear friend of
your lamented parent, whose loss I shall ever deplore, to ask you one
question?"
"Undoubtedly," replied Winifred.
"And you will answer it frankly?"
"Certainly."
"Now for it," thought the woollen-draper, "I shall, at least, ascertain
how the land lies.--Well, then, my dear," he added aloud, "do you still
entertain the strong attachment you did to Captain Darrell?"
Winifred's cheeks glowed with blushes, and fixing her eyes, which
flashed with resentment, upon the questioner, she said:
"I have promised to answer your question, and I will do so. I love him
as a brother."
"_Only_ as a brother?" persisted Kneebone.
If Winifred remained silent, her looks would have disarmed a person of
less assurance than the woollen-draper.
"If you knew how much importance I attach to your answer," he continued
passionately, "you would not refuse me one. Were Captain Darrell to
offer you his hand, would you accept it?"
"Your impertinence deserves very different treatment, Sir," said
Winifred; "but, to put an end to this annoyance, I will tell you--I
would not."
"And why not?" asked Kneebone, eagerly.
"I will not submit to be thus interrogated," said Winifred, angrily.
"In the name of your lamented parent, whose memory I shall for ever
revere, I implore you to answer me," urged Kneebone, "why--why would you
not accept him?"
"Because our positions are different," replied Winifred, who could not
resist this appeal to her feelings.
"You are a paragon of prudence and discretion," rejoined the
woollen-draper, drawing his chair closer to hers. "Disparity of rank is
ever productive of unhappiness in the married state. When Captain
Darrell's birth is ascertained, I've no doubt he'll turn out a
nobleman's son. At least, I hope so for his sake as well as my own," he
added, mentally. "He has quite the air of one. And now, my angel, that I
am acquainted with your sentiments on this subject, I shall readily
fulfil a promise which I made to your lamented parent, whose loss I
shall ever deplore."
"A promise to my mother?" said Winifred, unsuspiciously.
"Yes, my angel, to _her_--rest her soul! She extorted it from me, and
bound me by a solemn oath to fulfil it."
"Oh! name it."
"You are a party concerned. Promise me that you will not disobey the
injunctions of her whose memory we must both of us ever revere. Promise
me."
"If in my power--certainly. But, what is it! What _did_ you promise?"
"To offer you my heart, my hand, my life," replied Kneebone, falling at
her feet.
"Sir!" exclaimed Winifred, rising.
"Inequality of rank can be no bar to _our_ union," continued Kneebone.
"Heaven be praised, _I_ am not the son of a nobleman."
In spite of her displeasure, Winifred could not help smiling at the
absurdity of this address. Taking this for encouragement, her suitor
proceeded still more extravagantly. Seizing her hand he covered it with
kisses.
"Adorable girl!" he cried, in the most impassioned tone, and with the
most impassioned look he could command. "Adorable girl, I have long
loved you to desperation. Your lamented mother, whose loss I shall ever
deplore, perceived my passion and encouraged it. Would she were alive to
back my suit!"
"This is beyond all endurance," said Winifred, striving to withdraw her
hand. "Leave me, Sir; I insist."
"Never!" rejoined Kneebone, with increased ardour,--"never, till I
receive from your own lips the answer which is to make me the happiest
or the most miserable of mankind. Hear me, adorable girl! You know not
the extent of my devotion. No mercenary consideration influences me.
Love--admiration for your matchless beauty alone sways me. Let your
father--if he chooses, leave all his wealth to his adopted son. I care
not. Possessed of _you_, I shall have a treasure such as kings could not
boast."
"Pray cease this nonsense," said Winifred, "and quit the room, or I will
call for assistance."
At this juncture, the door opened, and Thames entered the room. As the
woollen-draper's back was towards him, he did not perceive him, but
continued his passionate addresses.
"Call as you please, beloved girl," he cried, "I will not stir till I am
answered. You say that you only love Captain Darrell as a brother--"
"Mr. Kneebone!"
"That you would not accept him were he to offer--"
"Be silent, Sir."
"He then," continued the woollen-draper, "is no longer considered--"
"How, Sir?" cried Thames, advancing, "what is the meaning of your
reference to my name? Have you dared to insult this lady? If so--"
"Insult her!" replied Kneebone, rising, and endeavouring to hide his
embarrassment under a look of defiance. "Far from, it, Sir. I have made
her an honourable proposal of marriage, in compliance with the request
of her lamented parent, whose memory--"
"Dare to utter that falsehood in my hearing again, scoundrel,"
interrupted Thames fiercely, "and I will put it out of your power to
repeat the offence. Leave the room! leave the house, Sir! and enter it
again at your peril."
"I shall do neither, Sir," replied Kneebone, "unless I am requested by
this lady to withdraw,--in which case I shall comply with her request.
And you have to thank her presence, hot-headed boy, that I do not
chastise your insolence as it deserves."
"Go, Mr. Kneebone,--pray go!" implored Winifred. "Thames, I entreat--"
"Your wishes are my laws, beloved, girl," replied Kneebone, bowing
profoundly. "Captain Darren," he added, sternly, "you shall hear from
me."
"When you please, Sir," said Thames, coldly.
And the woollen-draper departed.
"What is all this, dear Winny?" inquired Thames, as soon as they were
alone.
"Nothing--nothing," she answered, bursting into tears. "Don't ask me
about it now."
"Winny," said Thames, tenderly, "something which that self-sufficient
fool has said has so far done me a service in enabling me to speak upon
a subject which I have long had upon my lips, but have not had courage
to utter."
"Thames!"
"You seem to doubt my love," he continued,--"you seem to think that
change of circumstances may produce some change in my affections. Hear
me then, now, before I take one step to establish my origin, or secure
my rights. Whatever those rights may be, whoever I am, my heart is
yours. Do you accept it?"
"Dear Thames!"
"Forgive this ill-timed avowal of my love. But, answer me. Am I
mistaken? Is your heart mine?"
"It is--it is; and has ever been," replied Winifred, falling upon his
neck.
Lovers' confidences should be respected. We close the chapter.