Proceeds for the Capital--Takes up his Lodging at Bernay, where he is
overtaken by Mr. Hornbeck, whose Head he longs to fortify.
During this day's expedition, Mr. Jolter took an opportunity of
imparting to his pupil the remarks he had made upon the industry of the
French as an undeniable proof of which he bade him cast his eyes around,
and observe with what care every spot of ground was cultivated, and from
the fertility of that province, which is reckoned the poorest in France,
conceive the wealth and affluence of the nation in general. Peregrine,
amazed as well as disgusted at this infatuation, answered that what he
ascribed to industry was the effect of mere wretchedness; the miserable
peasants being obliged to plough up every inch of ground to satisfy
their oppressive landlords, while they themselves and their cattle
looked like so many images of famine; that their extreme poverty
was evident from the face of the country, on which there was not one
inclosure to be seen, or any other object, except scanty crops of barley
and oats, which could never reward the toil of the husbandman; that
their habitations were no better than paltry huts; that in twenty miles
of extent not one gentleman's house appeared; that nothing was more
abject and forlorn than the attire of their country people; that the
equipage of their travelling chaises was infinitely inferior to that
of a dung-cart in England; and that the postilion who then drove their
carriage had neither stockings to his legs, nor a shirt to his back.
The governor, finding his charge so intractable resolved to leave him
in the midst of his own ignorance and prejudice, and reserve his
observations for those who would pay more deference to his opinion: and
indeed this resolution he had often made, and as often broken in the
transports of his zeal, that frequently hurried him out of the plan of
conduct which in his cooler moments he had laid down. They halted for
refreshment at Montreuil, and about seven in the evening arrived at a
village called Bernay, where, while they waited for fresh horses, they
were informed by the landlord that the gates of Abbeville were shut
every night punctually at eight o'clock, so that it would be impossible
for them to get admittance. He said there was not another place
of entertainment on the road where they could pass the night; and
therefore, as a friend, he advised them to stay at his house, where they
would find the best of accommodation, and proceed upon their journey
betimes in the morning.
Mr. Jolter, though he had travelled on that road before, could not
recollect whether or not mine host spoke truth; but his remonstrance
being very plausible, our hero determined to follow his advice, and
being conducted into an apartment, asked what they could have for
supper. The landlord mentioned everything that was eatable in the house;
and the whole being engrossed for the use of him and his attendants,
he amused himself, till such time as it should be dressed, in strolling
about the house, which stands in a very rural situation. While he thus
loitered away the time that hung heavy on his hands, another chaise
arrived at the inn, and upon inquiry he found that the new-comers were
Mr. Hornbeck and his lady. The landlord, conscious of his inability to
entertain this second company, came and begged with great humiliation
that Mr. Pickle would spare them some part of the victuals he had
bespoken; but he refused to part with so much as the wing of a
partridge, though at the same time he sent his compliments to the
strangers, and giving them to understand how ill the house was provided
for their reception, invited them to partake of his supper. Mr.
Hornbeck, who was not deficient in point of politeness, and extremely
well disposed for a relishing meal, which he had reason to expect from
the savoury steam that issued from the kitchen, could not resist this
second instance of our young gentleman's civility, which he acknowledged
in a message, importing that he and his wife would do themselves the
pleasure of profiting by his courteous offer. Peregrine's cheeks glowed
when he found himself on the eve of being acquainted with Mrs. Hornbeck,
of whose heart he had already made a conquest in imagination; and he
forthwith set his invention at work, to contrive some means of defeating
her husband's vigilance.
When supper was ready, he in person gave notice to his guests, and,
leading the lady into his apartment, seated her in an elbow-chair at the
upper end of the table, squeezing her hand, and darting a most insidious
glance at the same time. This abrupt behaviour he practised on the
presumption that a lady of her breeding was not to be addressed with
the tedious forms that must be observed in one's advances to a person
of birth and genteel education. In all probability his calculation was
just, for Mrs. Hornbeck gave no signs of discontent at this sort of
treatment, but, on the contrary, seemed to consider it as a proof of
the young gentleman's regard; and though she did not venture to open
her mouth three times during the whole repast, she showed herself
particularly well satisfied with her entertainer, by sundry sly and
significant looks, while her husband's eyes were directed another way;
and divers loud peals of laughter, signifying her approbation of the
sallies which he uttered in the course of their conversation.
Her spouse began to be very uneasy at the frank demeanour of his
yoke-fellow, whom he endeavoured to check in her vivacity, by assuming
a severity of aspect; but whether she obeyed the dictates of her own
disposition, which, perhaps, was merry and unreserved, or wanted to
punish Mr. Hornbeck for his jealousy of temper; certain it is, her
gaiety increased to such a degree, that her husband was grievously
alarmed and, incensed at her conduct, and resolved to make her sensible
of his displeasure, by treading in secret upon her toes. He was,
however, so disconcerted by his indignation, that he mistook his mark,
and applied the sharp heel of his shoe to the side of Mr. Jolter's foot,
comprehending his little toe that was studded with an angry corn, which
he invaded with such a sudden jerk, that the governor, unable to endure
the torture in silence started up, and, dancing on the floor, roared
hideously with repeated bellowings, to the enjoyment of Peregrine and
the lady, who laughed themselves almost into convulsions at the joke.
Hornbeck, confounded at the mistake he had committed, begged pardon of
the injured tutor with great contrition protesting that the blow he
had so unfortunately received, was intended for an ugly cur, which he
thought had posted himself under the table. It was lucky for him that
there was actually a dog in the room, to justify this excuse, which
Jolter admitted with the tears running over his cheeks, and the economy
of the table was recomposed.
As soon, however, as the strangers could with decency withdraw, this
suspicious husband took his leave of the youth, on pretence of being
fatigued with his journey, after having, by way of compliment, proposed
that they should travel together next day; and Peregrine handed the
lady to her chamber, where he wished her good night with another warm
squeeze, which she returned. This favourable hint made his heart bound
with a transport of joy: he lay in wait for an opportunity of declaring
himself; and seeing the husband go down into the yard with a candle,
glided softly into his apartment, where he found her almost undressed.
Impelled by the impetuosity of his passion, which was still more
inflamed by her present luscious appearance, and encouraged by
the approbation she had already expressed, he ran towards her with
eagerness, crying, “Zounds! madam, your charms are irresistible!” and
without further ceremony would have clasped her in his arms, had she not
begged him for the love of God to retire; for should Mr. Hornbeck return
and find him there, she would be undone for ever. He was not so blinded
by his passion, but that he saw the reasonableness of her fear; and as
he could not pretend to crown his wishes at that interview, he avowed
himself her lover, assured her that he would exhaust his whole invention
in finding a proper opportunity for throwing himself at her feet; and in
the mean time he ravished sundry small favours, which she in the hurry
of her fright, could not withhold from his impudence of address. Having
thus settled the preliminaries, he withdrew to his own chamber, and
spent the whole night in contriving stratagems to elude the jealous
caution of his fellow-traveller.