"Blast you," cried he, "whoever you are; but I've another," and he
attempted to draw it out of his belt; but before he could effect it I
blew out his brains with the pistol which I had ready cocked in my hand.
His companions started back, and I pointed my second pistol at them,
saying, "The man who comes forward this way dies."
As I said this the crew of the corvette, who had cleared the decks,
charged down below, and the pirates ran away and secreted themselves.
Perceiving them coming forward, I said to them, "Put a guard over the
magazine; they have attempted to blow up the vessel already."
"Who are you?" said an officer.
"A prisoner," replied I.
"Well, then, lead him on deck, and stay here, two of you; shut down the
magazine scuttle and keep guard."
"Thank Heaven," thought I, "that this affair is over," as a seaman led
me by the collar on deck, and handed me to others, who took me on board
of the corvette.
We were all put down below that remained out of the schooner's crew,
about eighteen or nineteen, not more, and I was glad to find Captain
Toplift, although badly wounded with a splinter, was among the number.
We remained there huddled together with a guard of ten men over us for
more than an hour, when we heard, from the conversation on deck, that
the schooner had sunk. After that the guns of the corvette were
secured, and the men had an allowance of liquor served out to them, the
watch was called, and all was quiet during the remainder of the night.
For some time I was in a state of excitement from the events of the last
twenty-four hours crowding so rapidly, but by degrees I became calm. I
asked one of the guard who was the captain of the corvette.
"What's that to you, you gallows-bird?" replied he. "A civil question
might receive a civil reply," answered I.
"So it might with any one else; but if you don't want the hilt of my
cutlass down your throat, you will hold your tongue."
But I did not require to repeat the question, as I heard one of the
officers on deck say, "It's Captain Musgrave's orders."
This satisfied me, and I lay down with the rest of the prisoners,
waiting for daybreak, when I trusted my troubles would soon be over.
They were all sound asleep. Strange that men who knew that they would
be hanged in a few days, if not the next morning, should sleep so
sound--but so it was--while I, who had every reason to believe that my
sufferings were over, could not sleep one wink. I was, however, fully
satisfied with my own castle-buildings during the night, and more
satisfied when it was again broad daylight. After the men had had their
breakfast, an order came down for all the prisoners to be brought on
deck. We were led up under guard, and made to stand all in a row. I
looked round for my brother, but he was not on deck. It was the
first-lieutenant who was there, with several other officers, and the
clerk, with pen and ink, to take down the names of the prisoners.
"Who was the captain of this vessel?" said the first-lieutenant.
"I was, Sir," replied Toplift; "but much against my will."
"Oh, of course; every man was on board of her against his will. What is
your name? Put him down, Mr Pearson. Any other officers alive?"
"No, Sir," replied Toplift.
The name of every man was then asked and put down, and it so happened
that I was the last; for, anxious to see my brother, I had walked up the
foremost, and they had commenced their interrogation at the other end of
the line.
"What is your name?"
"I do not belong to the schooner," replied I.
"Of course not: you dropped on board her from the clouds."
"No, Sir, I did not; I swam on board of her to save my life."
"Then you went out of the frying-pan into the fire, I reckon, my good
fellow, for your life is forfeited now."
"I rather think not, Sir," replied I. "On the contrary, I feel it is
quite safe."
"Give us none of your jaw, my good fellow, but give us your name."
"Certainly, Sir, if you require it. My name is Alexander Musgrave,
Sir," replied I; "I am the elder brother of your captain, Philip
Musgrave, and I will thank you to go into his cabin and inform him that
I am here."
The first-lieutenant and officers started back in astonishment, and so
did Captain Toplift and the pirates. The first-lieutenant hardly knew
whether to consider it as a pretence on my part or not, and was
undecided how to act, when Captain Toplift said, "I do not know whether
the gentleman is as he says, but this is certain, and all the men can
prove it as well as myself, that he did swim on board, as he said, to
escape from the Indians, and that he has never joined the crew. They
offered to make him captain in my stead, and he positively refused it."
"Yes," said all the pirates; "that's true enough."
"Well, Sir," replied the first-lieutenant, "I will certainly carry your
message."
"To make all certain," replied I, "I will write my name on a slip of
paper for you to take in to the captain. He knows my signature."
I did so, and the first-lieutenant took the paper, and went into the
cabin. In a minute he returned, and requested me to follow him. I did
so, and in another minute I was in the arms of my brother. For some
time we neither of us could speak. At last Philip said, "That you are
alive and well let me thank Heaven. I have considered you as dead, and
so have others; and to find you on board of a pirate--on board of a
vessel which I have been riddling with shot, any one of which might have
caused your death! Thank God I was ignorant that you were on board, or
I never could have done my duty. I will not ask how you came on board
of this vessel, for that must be the end of your narrative, which I must
have from the time that you first left Rio, and afterwards in detail the
whole from the time that you left the Coast."
"Then they received my letters from Rio?"
"Yes, after imagining you were dead, they were rejoiced by those
letters; but I will not anticipate my story, nor will I now ask for
yours; it is sufficient at present that you are alive, my dear
Alexander, and once more in my arms."
"Let me ask one question," replied I.
"I know what it will be. She was in good health, but suffering much in
mind from having no account of you. Her father and others have reasoned
with her, and painted the impossibility of your being in existence, as
the xebeque you sailed in had never been heard of. She still adheres to
the opinion that you are alive, and will not abandon the hope of seeing
you again; but hope deferred has paled her cheek even more pale than it
usually is, and she evidently suffers much, for her life is wrapped in
yours. Now, having told you this, you must come into my state-room, and
allow me to enable you to appear as my brother ought to do. I do not
think that there is any difference in our size now although there was
when we last parted."
"Many thanks, Philip, but before I adonise my outward man I should wish
to satisfy my inward cravings; and, to tell you the truth, I'm so hungry
from not having broken my fast for nearly twenty-four hours, that if you
could order something to eat while you are looking out the clothes, I
should feel in no small degree grateful."
Philip rang the bell and ordered the steward to bring something to eat
and drink, and after eating I occupied a quarter of an hour more in
getting rid of the pirate smoke and dirt, and putting on one of his
uniforms, for he had no other clothes on board, when I came out looking
not at all like a pirate.
"Now, then," said Philip, "before we have our _tete-a-tete_, come out
with me, and let me introduce you to the officers as my brother."
I went out with him, and was formally introduced. The first-lieutenant
apologised for his rough speech, but I told him that there was no
occasion for any apology, as I had no doubt that I looked very much like
a pirate at the time.
"More than you do now, Sir, at all events," replied he.
"By the bye, brother," said I, "there is one man among the prisoners
who, although compelled to act as captain by the men, is no pirate. His
conduct I will explain to you. May I request him to be kindly treated?
His name is Toplift--and also two Portuguese, my former companions."
"Certainly," replied Philip, "your word is sufficient. Let those
persons be released and taken care of," said he to the first-lieutenant.
"We will wait for the particulars by-and-by."
I remained on deck about ten minutes, and then returned to the cabin
with my brother.
"What is this which you have left on my dressing-table?" said Philip,
surveying the leather bag which contained the diamond.
"That, Philip," said I, "is a portion of my narrative, and eventually
may prove a very important one. I don't think that I can afford to make
you a present of it, but I shall see."
"It does not look very valuable," replied he.
"At all events, do me the favour to lock it up carefully," replied I.
"Well, if you are in earnest I will," he said, and having put it in a
drawer and locked it up, he said, "Now, Alexander, let me have your
history."
I commenced, and told him all that the reader is now acquainted with.
Dinner broke off my narrative, and as soon as it was over I resumed it.
When I had finished, he expressed his astonishment, and asked many
questions. Among others he said, "And that little wretch Peleg, the
captain of the Transcendant's son, is he on board?"
"I have not seen him," replied I, "and therefore presume that he was not
able to move, and went down in the schooner." Which was the case.
"You have indeed told me a strange tale," said Philip, "and you have had
some extraordinary escapes. You must have a charmed life, and you
appear to have been preserved to prove that Amy's persuasion of your
being still alive was just and well-founded; and now it is my turn to
talk, and yours to listen. When I left you as lieutenant of Captain
Levee's schooner, we very shortly afterwards had an action with a
Spanish vessel of very superior force, for she mounted thirty guns.
Having no chance with her, from her superior weight of metal, we threw
ourselves on her bow and boarded. The Spaniards did not relish this
kind of close fighting, and gave us immediate possession of their deck.
Captain Levee, when he brought in his prize, was appointed to a frigate
of thirty-six guns, and I followed him as his first-lieutenant. We had
another combat with a vessel of equal force, in which we were the
victors, and I was sent in the prize. Captain Levee wrote very kindly
in my behalf and I was made a captain, and given the command of a small
brig. But let me first finish with Captain Levee. He captured a
galleon, which gave him a large fortune, and he then gave up the command
of his ship, and went on shore, telling me in a letter that he had
hitherto squandered away all his money, but now that he had got so much,
he intended to keep it. He has done so, for he has purchased a large
landed property, is married, and, I believe, is very happy."
"He deserves it," replied I; "and long may he be so."
"Well, to continue. I was sent out on this station, and, having
information that the vessel which you are now on board of was at anchor
in a bay close to the Havannah, I ran in and reconnoitred. She hoisted
Spanish colours, and I did the same. It fell calm, and I lay about four
miles outside. I was mistaken for another Spanish vessel, and the
captain of this vessel, or, to speak correctly, the Spanish captain of
the Spanish brig, came out to see me, and did not discover his mistake
till he was on board. I detained him and his boat's crew. It continued
calm till the evening, when the breeze sprung up, and I put the head of
the brig right for the bay, as if I were going to anchor. The breeze
being light, it was dark before I got in and alongside this vessel.
They were completely surprised, for they imagined that their captain was
dining with his old friend, and, having no idea that we were anything
but Spanish, had not the least preparation for resistance. We had
possession of her decks before they could seize their arms, and I
brought her out without any one knowing that she had been captured. On
my arrival, the admiral gave me the command of her, which I have held
for nine months; but she is very defective, and I was ordered home, and
should have sailed, had it not been that that scoundrel, the captain of
the Transcendant, gave me the information which induced me to come round
to the back of the island. Little did I think what happiness awaited
me. So much for myself. Do not think me an egotist for speaking of
myself, I am only clearing away the less important information to arrive
at that which most interests you. The Amy arrived safe with her
valuable cargo. The captain reported that he had remained at the
rendezvous until blown off by a sort of hurricane, and that, finding
himself a long way off, he considered, when the gale had ceased, that he
was not justified in remaining with so valuable a cargo, but was bound
to make the best of his way to Liverpool. He was right, and his conduct
was approved of by Mr Trevannion, who looked for your arrival every
hour. At last a week passed away and you did not make your appearance,
and great alarm was entertained for your safety. The weeks grew into
months, and it was supposed that you had been upset in the same
hurricane which had driven the Amy so far off from her rendezvous. The
poor girl Whyna was, as you may suppose, kindly received by Mr
Trevannion and his daughter, and soon gained their affection; but she
pined for your return, and when she was told that you were dead she
never recovered it. The climate certainly did not agree with her, and
she contracted a very bad cough during the winter, but I believe from my
heart that it was your loss which affected her the most severely. After
she had been about eighteen months in England, she fell into a
consumption and died."
"Poor Whyna!" said I, with a sigh.
"Alexander," said Philip, "perhaps it was all for the best, for that
poor girl loved you sincerely, and, supposing that she was now still
alive and living with Miss Trevannion, and on your return your marriage
should (which, of course, unless Heaven decrees otherwise, it will) take
place, that poor creature would have been very unhappy; and although the
idea of her being a rival to Miss Trevannion is something which may
appear absurd to us, yet she had the same feelings, and must have
endured the same pangs, as any other woman, let her colour be what it
may. I think, therefore, that her removal was a blessing and a happy
dispensation. I saw Mr Trevannion and his daughter but once previous
to their receiving your letters from Rio, acquainting them with your
misfortunes and happy deliverance from slavery. They were both very
dejected, and Mr Trevannion talked of retiring from business, and
living upon his property near Liverpool. As I corresponded regularly
with Amy, I learnt that he had done so, and had just wound up his
affairs when your letters arrived from Rio with an order on the
Portuguese Exchequer for a considerable sum. I hardly need say that the
joy occasioned by this intelligence was great. Amy recovered her good
looks, and her father bitterly lamented his having retired from
business, as he had wished to have made the whole over to you. The
money you remitted from Rio he considered as your own, and he also set
apart your share of the business from the time that you were admitted as
a partner. He was not aware that you could carry a diamond of such
immense value about your person, exposed to the view of every one; among
Indians, settlers, and pirates. That my delight was equal to theirs you
will, I am sure, give me credit to believe; and although I was obliged
to sail for the West Indies, every day I anticipated receiving a letter
informing me of your arrival in England. Judge then my distress at
first receiving letters stating that you had not been heard of for three
months after your leaving Rio, and expressions of fear that some
accident had happened, and then month after month many more and more
desponding letters, in which Mr Trevannion plainly stated that the
xebeque must have foundered; and only Amy clinging to the hope that you
were still alive. I acknowledge that I considered you dead, and you may
therefore imagine my surprise and delight when your signature on the
slip of paper proved that you were not only in existence, but on board
of the same vessel with me."
Such was the narrative of my brother Philip in return for mine, and it
was late at night when we parted. Oh! How sincerely did I pray that
night, thanking heaven for all its mercies, and entreating that the cup
might not be again dashed from my lips. When I arose next morning I
found that Philip was on deck, and I followed him.
"We shall soon be in Port Royal with this wind," said he, "and I hope to
find the admiral still there."
I had some conversation with the officers, and then went below to see
Toplift. He was in his hammock, for he had much fever and suffered from
his wound, but the surgeon said that he would do well.
"Toplift," said I, "you must keep your mind at ease, for my brother has
promised me that you shall not be tried with the others, and has no
doubt that when he explains the whole to the admiral you will be thanked
for your service."
"Thanked!" said Toplift, "if I am not hanged, I shall be fortunate
enough."
"No fear of that," replied I, "so keep your mind easy and get well as
fast as you can."
"Well then, Sir, you have saved my life, at all events, for had you not
come on board, no one would have ever spoken for me, or believed that I
was not a pirate in heart like all the others, except the two
Portuguese."
"If necessary, they will be evidence in your favour, but I do not think
any evidence will be required except mine, and that will be sufficient
with the admiral. I promised you that you should never want the means
of getting your livelihood, and I repeat that promise now."
"Thank you, Sir," replied he, and I then left him and went up to the
cabin to breakfast.
The following day we were at anchor at Port Royal; my brother reported
what had occurred, and the admiral sent for all the pirate prisoners
except Toplift, whose case was so fully represented by me and my
brother, that he was permitted to go at large, and to take a passage
home to England free of expense if he wished it. It is hardly necessary
to say that Toplift accepted this offer, and remained in the vessel with
me. The two Portuguese were also liberated. Three days after our
arrival we sailed for England, and after a quick run of between five and
six weeks, we anchored at Spithead. My brother could not leave his
ship, and I therefore requested him to write to Liverpool, stating that
he had intelligence of me, and that I was alive; that I had been wrecked
and had fallen into the hands of the Indians near the English
settlements in Virginia, and that I had escaped and was, he believed, at
James Town.
I considered it wise to make a communication like this at first, as too
sudden an announcement might be dangerous to one in so weak a state of
health as Philip stated my Amy to be from the letter he had received
from her father. I remained with him at Portsmouth until the reply
came. Mr Trevannion wrote and told Philip that his communication had,
as it were, raised his daughter from the grave--as she had fallen into a
state of profound melancholy, which nothing could remove--that he had
very cautiously introduced the subject, and by degrees told her what was
reported, and eventually, when he found that she was more composed, that
he had put Philip's letter into her hand.
He concluded that he trusted that I would arrive, and soon, for if any
accident was now to happen to me it would be the death of his daughter,
who had not strength enough left to bear another reverse. At my request
Philip then wrote that he had received a letter from a brother officer
stating that I was well and safe on board, and that they would be in
England a few days after the receipt of the letter.
Leaving directions to Philip how to proceed, I now went off to London,
and, having fitted myself out with every requisite of dress and toilet,
I called upon a celebrated Jew diamond merchant and showed him my
diamond, requesting that he would weigh it and then estimate its value.
He was much astonished at the sight of such a stone, as well he might
be, and after weighing it and examining it he pronounced it worth 47,000
pounds, provided a purchaser could be found for an article of such
value.
I told him that I was not a merchant, and could not be travelling about
to show the diamond to crowned heads; but if he would give me a liberal
price for it, I would abate a great deal, that he might dispose of it to
his own advantage, he requested that he might call upon me with two of
his friends, that they might see the diamond and consult with him; and
then he would give me an answer. We fixed the time for twelve o'clock
on the following day, and I took my leave.
The next day he called at the time appointed, accompanied by two
gentlemen of his own persuasion. They weighed the stone again very
carefully, examined it in the light of a powerful lamp to ascertain its
water, and to see if there were any flaws in it, calculated the
reduction of weight which would take place in cutting it, and, after a
consultation, I was offered 38,000 pounds. I considered this an offer
that I ought not to refuse, and I closed with them. The next day the
affair was settled. I received money and bills on government to the
amount, and wrote to Philip telling him what had taken place. Strange
that from two slaves in the mines I should have received such valuable
legacies; from poor Ingram a diamond worth so much money, and from the
other Englishman a tattered Bible which made me a sincere Christian--a
legacy in comparison of which the diamond was as dross.
Philip replied to my letter congratulating me on the sale of the
diamond, and informing me that to his letter he had received a reply
containing so satisfactory an account of Amy's restored health, that he
had written to tell them that I had arrived safe in England, and would
be very soon with them. He recommended my going immediately, as the
anxiety and suspense would be very injurious to Amy's health. I
therefore made every arrangement for my departure, purchased horses, and
procured four stout serving-men, well armed, to accompany me, and wrote
a letter, which I sent by an express courier, stating the exact day
which I expected to arrive at Mr Trevannion's country-seat.
I waited in London two days to wind up all my affairs, and to give time
for the express to arrive before me, as I intended to travel very fast.
My stay in London was the occasion of an important discovery. I was at
the coffee-house at Saint Paul's, and was talking with one of Captain
Levee's officers, with whom I had picked up an acquaintance, when, on
his calling me by the name of Musgrave, a pinched-up sort of looking
personage, in a black suit, who was standing at the bay-window, turned
round, and coming up to me said, "Sir, as a stranger I must apologise,
but hearing your friend call you by the name of Musgrave, may I venture
to ask if you are any relative to Sir Richard Musgrave, Baronet, who
lived in Cumberland?"
"Lived, did you say, Sir? Is he then dead?"
"Yes, Sir; he has been dead these last seven months, and we are looking
out for his heir and cannot find him."
"I knew the family very well," replied I, "for I am connected with it.
His eldest son, Richard, of course, must be his heir, as all the estates
are entailed."
"His eldest son, Richard, Sir, is dead. We have authenticated documents
to prove that; and, moreover, his second son, Charles, is also dead. He
came home very ill and died, not at his father's house, but at the house
of one of his tenants on the estate. It is his third son, Alexander
Musgrave, whom we seek, and seek in vain. He is now the heir to the
baronetcy and estates, but we have lost all clue to him. We understand
that a Captain Philip Musgrave is just arrived from the West Indies. He
is, we presume, the fourth son. But until we can find out what has
become of Alexander Musgrave, and whether he is dead or alive, we cannot
act. I have written this day to Captain Musgrave, requesting any
information he can give, but have received no answer. I presume, Sir,
it is useless to inquire of you?"
"Not exactly, Sir, for I am the Alexander Musgrave you seek."
"Indeed, Sir, but what proof have you of your identity to offer to us?"
"The evidence of my brother, Captain Philip Musgrave, in whose ship I
have just arrived from the West Indies; that his answer to your letter
will be satisfactory enough, I have no doubt. Here is a letter from him
to me, in which you see he addresses me `dear Alexander,' and concludes
with `your affectionate brother, Philip Musgrave.'"
"This is indeed satisfactory, Sir," replied the gentleman, "and I have
only to receive an answer from your brother to make all right and clear.
Allow me, Sir, to congratulate you upon your accession to the title and
property. I presume you will have no objection, as soon as the
necessary proofs are obtained, to accompany me down to Cumberland, where
I doubt not, you will be recognised by many."
"Of that, Sir, I have not the slightest doubt," replied I, "but I cannot
go down with you to Cumberland at present. I leave London for Liverpool
the day after to-morrow on important business, and cannot disappoint the
parties."
"Well, Sir, it must indeed be an important business which will prevent
you from taking possession of a title and 4000 pounds per annum,"
replied he; "but here is my address, and I hope I shall hear from you as
soon as possible, as I shall remain in town till I can bring the heir
down with me."
The man now looked as if he doubted me. He could not imagine that I
could neglect the taking possession of the estate for any other
business, and it did appear singular, so I said to him, "Sir, I have
been long out of England, and am affianced to a young lady who lives
near Liverpool. She has been waiting to hear from me for some time, and
I have sent an express to say that I will be with her on such a day. I
cannot disappoint her, and I tell you more, that, without I possess her,
the possession of the title and estates will give me very little
pleasure."
"Sir," replied he, making a bow, "I honour your sentiments, and she must
be a worthy lady who can inspire such feelings. I only hope that you
will not remain too long at Liverpool, as London is expensive, and I am
anxious to return to Cumberland."
I then wished the gentleman farewell, and went home to my lodgings. I
had given him my address in case he wanted to see me before my
departure.
The next day I received a letter from Philip enclosing the one written
to him by this gentleman, whose name was Campbell, and who was a lawyer.
Philip told me what reply he had made to him, and congratulated me on
my accession to the title and estates. Almost an hour afterwards Mr
Campbell called upon me with Philip's letter, which he declared to be
highly satisfactory, and sufficient in any court of justice.
"But," said he, "I would wish to ask you a few particulars."
"And I also would wish to make a few inquiries, Mr Campbell. I have
heard your name in my youth, although I cannot recollect ever having
seen you."
"I was the confidential adviser of your father at one time, Sir,"
replied he, "but latterly all intercourse had ceased; it was not until
he was on his death-bed, and fully repented the foolish step which he
had taken, and the injustice he had been guilty of, that he sent for
me,--much to the annoyance of Lady Musgrave, who would have prevented me
from coming into the house even when I arrived, had it not been for the
servants, who disobeyed her."
"And my sisters, Sir, Janet and Mabel?"
"Are both well, and have grown up very fine girls. Your father
destroyed the deed by which Lady Musgrave was to have had a large
jointure upon the estate, and she is now entirely dependent upon you for
what she may receive. When do you expect to be able to come up from
Liverpool?"
"I can hardly say, but of course as soon as I can."
"Well, Sir, my own affairs will require my presence in the metropolis
for a month. In the mean time, although I should have preferred to have
gone down with you to Faristone Hall, and have at once put you in
possession, yet affairs may remain as they are (for everything is under
seal, and Lady Musgrave has been compelled to remove) till it suits your
convenience. I shall, however, write to let them know that you have
been found and will soon come down and take possession."
Mr Campbell then asked me a few questions, to which I replied
satisfactorily, and then for the first time he saluted me with my title,
saying, "Sir Alexander, I will now take my leave."
The next morning I set off on my journey, and travelled with as much
speed as the horses would permit. I arrived on the fifth day at Mr
Trevannion's seat, about nine miles from Liverpool. As I rode up the
avenue of chestnut trees, I perceived a female form looking out from an
upper window, which soon afterwards made a precipitate retreat. I
alighted, and was received at the door in the embrace of Mr Trevannion,
who welcomed me with tears, and taking me by the hand he led me into an
apartment where I found my adored Amy, who threw herself into my arms
and wept as if her heart would break; but her sobs were the sobs of joy,
and when she did raise her head and look at me, it was with eyes beaming
with pleasure, and with smiles upon her beautiful lips. I clasped her
to my bosom, and felt that I was more than repaid for all I had
suffered, and my heart was throbbing with gratitude and love.
It was some time before we could sufficiently compose ourselves to enter
into lengthened conversation, and then Amy inquired what had occurred to
me to occasion such lengthened absence. We sat down on a sofa, and with
Amy on one side of me and her father on the other I entered into my
narrative.
"And so you have been married since we last heard from you?" said Amy,
smiling, when I had finished my history.
"Yes," replied I, "I have been; but I hope I shall treat my second wife
a little better than I did my first."
"I hope so too," replied Amy; "but I have great fear that your Virginian
mistress may come over and claim you."
"I do not think that likely. From the Indians having followed me to the
beach, they must have fallen in with her."
"And what do you think became of her?"
"Of course I cannot exactly say; but I presume she died gallantly, and
fought with her axe to the last."
That evening I had a long conversation with Mr Trevannion. He told me
what he had done with the money, which he considered as mine, and I put
into his care the sum I had received for the diamond. I then spoke to
him about our marriage, and requested that it might not be postponed.
"My dear Musgrave," said he, "my daughter's happiness so depends upon
her union with you, that I can only say I am willing that it should take
place to-morrow. For yourself you know that I have the highest esteem,
and that you must be convinced of when I have consented to the match
without even making inquiry as to your family and connexions. Now,
however, is the time that I should wish to have some information about
them."
"My dear Sir, if you will only make inquiries, you will find that the
family of Musgrave is one of the most highly connected in the north, and
that the head of it is, or was, a Sir Richard Musgrave, Baronet, of
Faristone Hall, in Cumberland. I am a near relative of his, as I can
satisfactorily prove."
"That is sufficient," replied Mr Trevannion. "I shall leave you to
plead your cause with Amy to-morrow; so now, good night."
The following day I told Amy that, since my arrival in England, I had
heard of the death of my father, and that it was necessary that I should
go to the north, as family affairs required my presence.
"Are you serious?" replied she.
"Never more so in my life. My presence is absolutely necessary, and I
made arrangements with the legal adviser of our family that I would be
there in less than a month."
"It is a long journey," said Mr Trevannion, "and how long do you stay?"
"That I cannot possibly say," replied I; "but not longer than I can
help."
"I do not think that I shall let you go," said Amy; "you are not to be
trusted out of sight. You are so born for adventure that you will not
be heard of again for another two years."
"Such is my misfortune, I grant," replied I; "but, Amy, you look pale
and thin; change of air would do you much service. Suppose you and your
father were to come with me. Indeed, Mr Trevannion, I am in earnest.
At this delightful time of the year nothing would prove so beneficial to
her health; and, Amy, then, you know, that I shall not be out of your
sight."
"I should like the tour very much," replied she, "but--"
"I know what you would say. You do not like the idea of travelling with
me as Amy Trevannion. You are right. Then let me propose that you
travel with me as Amy Musgrave."
"I second that proposal," said Mr Trevannion.
"Consent, Amy; let our marriage be quite private. I know you will
prefer that it should be so, and so will your father. You will then
travel with me as my wife, and we never shall part again."
Amy did not reply till her father said, "Amy, it is my wish that it
should be so. Recollect it will be the last time that you have to obey
your father, so do not annoy me by a refusal."
"I will not, my dear father," replied Amy, kissing him. "Your last
command I obey with pleasure. And oh! If I have sometimes been a
wilful girl, forgive me everything at this moment."
"My dear child, I have nothing to forgive. May God bless you; and, Mr
Musgrave," said he, putting her hand in mine, "if she proves as good a
wife as she has been a daughter, you now receive a treasure," and I felt
that the old man stated what was true.
It was arranged that the marriage should take place on that day week,
and that it should be quite private. There was no parade of bridal
clothes; in fact, no one was invited, and it was, at my request, quite a
secret marriage. A clergyman had been engaged to perform the ceremony,
and, on the day appointed, I received the hand of my Amy in the
drawing-room, and in the presence only of Humphrey and two other
confidential servants.
After the ceremony was over, the clergyman requested me to come with him
into the adjoining room, and said, "it was necessary that he should give
a certificate of the marriage, which must be inserted in the parish
register." He had called me aside for that purpose, that I might give
him my exact name, profession, etcetera.
"My name is Alexander Musgrave, as you have heard when you married us."
"Yes, I know that, but I must be particular. Have you no other name?
Is that the name that you have been and will be in future known by?"
"Not exactly," replied I; "I have been known by that name, but in future
shall not be."
"Then what am I to say?"
"You must say, Sir Alexander Musgrave, Baronet, of Faristone Hall,
Cumberland."
"Good," said he, "that is what I required; and the lady your wife, has
she any other name but Amy?"
"None, I believe."
The clergyman then wrote out the marriage certificate and signed it,
taking a copy for registry, and we returned into the drawing-room.
"Here is the certificate of marriage, Madam," said he; "it ought to be
in the care of the lady, and therefore, my lady, I hand it over to you."
"My lady is much obliged to you for your kindness," replied Amy, for she
thought that the clergymen was only facetious.
She held the certificate in her hand folded as it had been given her for
some time. At last curiosity, or, perhaps, having nothing else to do,
induced her to open it and read it. I was at this time talking with the
clergyman, and presenting him with a handsome douceur for his trouble;
but, perceiving her to open the certificate, I watched her countenance.
She read and started. I turned away as if not observing her. She then
went up to her father and desired him to read it.
The old gentleman took out his glasses, and it was amusing to see the
way in which he looked at his daughter with his spectacles falling off
his nose. He then came up, and pointing to the certificate said, "Pray
how am I in future to address my daughter?"
"As Amy, I trust, Sir, unless you wish to scold her, and then you must
call her Lady Musgrave. I am, my dear Sir, as the certificate states,
Sir Alexander Musgrave, of Faristone, with a handsome property descended
to me. I did not know it till I arrived in London; and if I concealed
it from you till now, it was only that; my Amy should have the
satisfaction of proving to me that she wedded me in pure
disinterestedness of affection."
"It was very, very kind of you, Alexander, to do as you have done, and I
thank you sincerely for it."
"And now, my dear Amy, you understand why I wished you to come with me
to Cumberland, that you may take possession of your future abode, and
assume that position in society which you will so much grace. I trust,
Sir," continued I, "that you will not part from us, and that one roof
will always cover us, as long as Heaven thinks fit to spare our lives."
"May God bless you both," replied Mr Trevannion, "I cannot part with
you, and must follow."
About half an hour after this, I requested Amy and Mr Trevannion to sit
by me, as I had now another narrative to give them, which was an
explanation why and how it was that they found me in the position that
they had done; in short, what were the causes that induced me, and
afterwards my brother Philip, to quit our parental roof, and to come to
the resolution of fighting our own way in the world. It was as follows:
"Sir Richard Musgrave, my father, married a young lady of high
connexion, a Miss Arabella Johnson, and with her lived, I have every
reason to believe, a very happy life for nearly twenty-five years, when
it pleased God to summon her away. I have a good recollection of my
mother; for although I lived with my brother at a private tutor's, about
six miles off, I was continually at home, and she did not die till I was
nearly sixteen; and I can only say that a more elegant, amiable, and
truly virtuous woman, as I believe, never existed. By this marriage my
father had four sons and two daughters; Richard, the eldest; Charles,
the second; myself, the third; and Philip, the fourth; and my sisters,
who came last, were named Janet and Mabel. At the time of my mother's
death, my eldest brother was serving with the army, which he had entered
from a love of the profession, although, as heir to the baronetcy and
estates, which are a clear 4000 pounds per annum, he of course had no
occasion for a profession. My second brother, Charles, being of an
adventurous turn, had gone out to the East Indies in a high position, as
servant to the Company. I was still at home, as well as Philip, who is
four years my junior, and my sisters were of course at home. I pass
over my regrets at my mother's death, and will now speak more of my
father. He was a good-tempered, weak man, easily led, and although,
during my mother's lifetime, he was so well led that it was of little
consequence, the case proved very different at her death. For a year my
father remained quiet in the house, content with superintending his
improvements on his property, and he had lately become infirm, and had
given up the hounds and rural sports in general. The dairy was one of
his principal hobbies; and it so happened that a young girl, the
daughter of a labourer, was one of the females employed in that part of
the establishment. She was certainly remarkably good-looking; her
features were very small, and she did not show that robust frame which
people in her class of life generally do. She was about seventeen years
old, slight in figure, and certainly a person that you would not pass
without making some commendatory remark upon her good looks and modest
appearance. She was not, however, what she appeared; she was beyond
measure cunning and astute, and, as it proved, inordinately ambitious.
My father, who was naturally of an amorous disposition, was attracted by
her, and very soon was constantly in the dairy, and his attentions were
so marked, that the other servants used to call her `my lady.' A few
months after my father had shown a preference for this girl, he was
seized with his first attack of gout. It did not last him long, and in
six weeks he was about again, and resumed his attentions to her. Philip
and I, who were at our tutor's, when we came home, heard from others
what was going on, and very foolishly played the girl many tricks, and
annoyed her as much as we could. After we returned, my father had
another fit of gout, and when he was confined to his room, he desired
this girl to be sent for to attend upon him. I cannot say what took
place, but this is certain, that my father's unfortunate passion became
so great, and I presume the girl's ambition rose in proportion, that
about six months afterwards this daughter of a menial was raised to the
dignity of Lady Musgrave--she being at that time about eighteen, and my
father verging on seventy.
"When this ill-assorted and disgraceful connexion was known, the gentry
and aristocracy of the country refused any longer to visit my father,
and all communication was broken off. In a short time the ascendency
which this artful girl gained over the old man was most wonderful. He
lived but in her sight, and knew no will but hers. Her father and
family were removed to a good house in the neighbourhood, and gave
themselves all the airs of gentlepeople. The good old steward was
dismissed, and her father established in his room, although the man
could not read or write, and was wholly unfit for the office. The
expense which she launched out into, by his permission, was excessive.
New liveries, new coaches, diamonds, and dresses fit for the court--
indeed, every kind of luxury that could be conceived, and much greater
than my father could afford. She now showed herself in her true
colours; vindictive and tyrannical to excess, she dismissed all the old
servants, and oppressed all those to whom she owed a grudge; yet my poor
father could see nothing but perfection in her. It was not till four
months after the marriage that Philip and I came home, and our new
step-mother had not forgotten our treatment of her. She treated us with
great harshness, refused our taking meals at my father's table, and
ordered us the coarsest fare; and when we complained to my father,
denied everything that we said. As we found that we could not induce
our father to listen to us or to believe us, we tried all we could, and
retaliated and annoyed her as much, if not more, than she annoyed us, by
talking of her mean origin and her former occupation; we defied her,
and, in so doing, we ruined ourselves; for, after a useless struggle on
my father's part, he gave way to her imperious commands, and sending for
me told me that I had become such a reprobate that I was no longer a son
of his. He threw me a purse, telling me that it was all I might expect
from him, and that I was instantly to leave the house, and never show my
face in it any more. I replied, with more spirit than respect, that it
was high time that the son of a gentleman and lady should leave the
house, when such low-born creatures were installed in it as the
mistress. My father, in a rage, flung his crutch at my head, and I left
the room.
"As I went out I met her in the passage; she had evidently been
listening to what had passed, and she was full of exultation.
"`It is your turn now, you she-devil,' said I, in my rage; `but wait
till my father dies. You shall go a-milking again.'
"I do not mean to defend my conduct, but I was then not seventeen, and
that must be my excuse. I little thought, when I said so, that it would
be from my hands that she would have to receive bounty; but so it is, as
Mr Campbell informs me that my father destroyed, previous to his death,
the papers which he had signed to secure her a large jointure on the
estate. I set off with my wardrobe and the purse of twenty guineas,
which my father had given me, and, having a desire to see the world, I
went on board of a merchant vessel. Six months afterwards, when we were
at Liverpool, I went on board of a privateer. The remainder of my
history you are already acquainted with.
"As soon as she had wreaked her vengeance upon me, my brother Philip was
the next; but he was too young at that time to be turned adrift, so she
put it off till the time should come, irritating and weaning my father
from him by every means in her power. Three years afterwards she
succeeded in having him dismissed, also, and you know how I found him
out. All these circumstances were very well-known in the neighbourhood
and to our own relations; and one only, my aunt, called upon my father,
and, after a long conversation, my father consented that my sisters
should go away, and remain under her charge. My step-mother's violent
temper, her exactions, her imperious conduct, which was now shown even
towards him, with what my aunt had advanced, had to a certain extent
opened my father's eyes. He perceived that she had no other view but
her own aggrandisement, and that she cared little for him. Her repeated
attempts, however, to make him sign in her favour, in case of his death,
were successful, and it was not till after her conduct had alienated him
from her, and he deplored the loss of his children, that he committed
the deed to the flames. About three years after I had quitted the
house, my eldest brother, who had information of all that had passed,
and who remained in the army because he declared that he never would go
home till after his father's death, was killed by a cannon-ball; and my
second brother died of a fever about a year ago, when resident at the
court of a native prince. I had heard nothing of these deaths, or of my
father's, until my arrival in London; of course, I was most anxious to
go down to Cumberland, if it were only to undo the wickedness which this
woman had done, and to make amends to those whom she had so cruelly
treated. I do not feel any spirit of revenge, but I feel that justice
demands it of me."
"And I shall go with you with pleasure, to help you in your good work,"
said Amy, "and also because I want to see how she will now behave to one
whom she has so persecuted, and who has become the arbiter of her fate."
"Well, Amy, I will not trust myself on this question. You shall be the
arbitress of her fate, and what you decide shall be irrevocable."
"I fully appreciate the compliment you pay me," said she, "but I prefer
that it should be decided in council, and we will call in my father to
our assistance."
A fortnight after our marriage, we set off for London, in a coach with
six handsome black horses, and eight armed servants in liveries on
horseback. We arrived safely on the seventh day, and there we reposed
for a time previous to setting out for Cumberland. My aunt was in
London and attending the court, which I was not aware of, and with her
were my two sisters, Janet and Mabel, whom I had not seen for years, and
who warmly embraced me, promising that they would soon come down and
take up their abode at the hall. They expressed their admiration of
Amy, but, in so doing, they only followed the general opinion, for it
was impossible to see and not admire her elegance and beauty. My aunt
showed us every attention, and we were presented to his Majesty, who was
pleased to compliment Lady Musgrave in very flattering terms. We were
joined in London by my brother Philip, who had paid off his ship, and
the day after he joined us I said:
"Philip, there are only you and I left. Do you recollect when you
inquired about the diamond, the day we met on board of your ship, what
reply I made to you?"
"Yes; you said that you were afraid that you could not afford to make me
a present of it."
"At that time I did not think so, Philip, but now I know that I can, and
I have desired Mr Trevannion to put out to good security the 38,000
pounds that the diamond was sold for, in your name, and for your use.
You'll not hesitate to accept it, Philip, for you know that I can afford
it."
"I do not hesitate, my dear Alexander, because I would do the same to
you, and you would not refuse me. At the same time, that is no reason
that I should not thank you kindly for your generous behaviour."
Philip accompanied us on our journey to Cumberland. It was tedious, for
the roads were anything but good, but the beauty of the scenery
compensated for the ruggedness of the way. In six days we arrived at
the Hall, where Mr Campbell, who had called upon me on my arrival in
London, had preceded me to make preparations for our reception, which
was enthusiastic to the highest degree. We were called upon and
congratulated by all the county, who were delighted to find that such a
personage as Amy was to be the future mistress.
As soon as all this bustle and excitement was over, I sat down with Mr
Campbell to look over the state of affairs, and to set things to rights.
After having done justice to many claimants, engaged again the old
servants that had been discharged, promised farms to the tenants who had
been unfairly turned out, etcetera, we then proceeded to decide upon
what was to be done to the Dowager Lady Musgrave. It appears that at my
father's death, when she found that the deed had been destroyed by his
own hands in presence of others, she became frantic with rage, and
immediately hastened to secure the family jewels, and every article of
value that she could lay her hands upon, but Mr Campbell, having due
notice of what she was about, came in time to prevent her taking them
away, and, putting seals upon everything and leaving careful guards in
the Hall, my lady had gone to her father's house, where she still
remained. She had, on my arrival, sent me a message, imploring my
mercy, and reminding me that whatever might be her errors, she was still
the lawful wife of my father, and she trusted that respect to his memory
would induce me to allow her sufficient to maintain her as Lady Musgrave
should be. We had the consultation that Amy proposed, and called in Mr
Campbell as a fourth, and it was at last decided, that, on consideration
that she removed with her family to a distance of fifty miles from
Faristone, she should have an income of 300 pounds per annum, as long as
she conducted herself with propriety and did not marry again. The last
clause was the only one which she complained of. Mr Campbell had, at
the request of my father, discharged Lady Musgrave's parent from the
office of steward and called in the old steward to resume his situation,
and before dismissal he had to refund certain sums of money not
accounted for.
I have now told my eventful tale; I have only to add, that after all
that I have passed through I have been rewarded by many years of
unalloyed happiness. My two sisters are well married, and my three
children are all that a father could wish. Such, my dear Madam, have
been the vicissitudes of a "Privateersman" and I now subscribe myself,
Your most obedient,