THE CONSERVATORY.
"All other ills, though sharp they prove,
Serve to refine and perfect love:
In absence, or unkind disdaine,
Sweet hope relieves the lovers' paine:
But, oh, no cure but death we find
To sett us free
From jealousie,
Thou tyrant, tyrant of the mind.
False in thy glass all objects are
Some sett too near, and some too far;
Thou art the fire of endless night
The fire that burns, and gives no light.
All torments of the damn'd we find
In only thee,
O jealousie!
Thou tyrant, tyrant of the mind."
DRYDEN.
January had drawn to an end, and with Charles Linchmore had gone all the
visitors from Brampton, save the Stricklands and Bennets, and they being
cousins remained on, as Mrs. Linchmore said it would be wretchedly dull
to be entirely deserted when Robert Vavasour was too weak to be moved,
and kept her and Mr. Linchmore tied to Brampton. This plan appeared to
please everybody but Frances, who seemed to require a great deal of
persuasion before she would consent to remain, though at heart she was
only too glad to stay; but Julia and Anne acquiesced at once.
Robert Vavasour's illness was of longer duration than was at first
expected; even when the pain from the severe blow on the head abated,
there was still the wound in his leg with the inflammation attending it,
so that he could not leave his room for some few weeks after Charles's
departure, and then only to come down of an evening and recline on a
sofa in the dining-room, where all in turn tried, or did their best
endeavours to amuse him, save one--Miss Neville.
As he lay there, evening after evening, with nothing better to do than
watch those around him, he soon became aware that his eyes and thoughts
were ever constantly with the governess, He watched her with no common
interest. He who had vowed his heart should never soften towards any
woman now found himself listening eagerly to catch the faintest sound of
her voice, or the outline of her figure reflected in the glass as she
moved across the room. As he noted her quiet ways, so different from the
haughty Frances, or the bustling Anne, or the numbers of other girls he
had known, he grew more in love with her than he liked to acknowledge to
himself, and determined she should be his if she was to be won. If she
loved him what to her would be the shade and mystery of his birth; for
he would make no secret of it, but tell her all he knew, all that made
him so reserved, and at times impatient.
Mr. Linchmore was wrong in the opinion he had given Amy of his
character, for, although Robert Vavasour was ready to flirt with every
girl or woman in the room, his hostess included, yet he had long felt
Miss Neville was not to be so trifled with; she was superior to them
all. A being to be reverenced and loved with all a man's heart. She
must be his wife--if she so willed it--and if she did not, none other
ever should. How he chafed with impatience at being obliged to lie so
utterly useless and idle, when he would have given worlds to be at Amy's
side pouring soft nothings--as men only know how to--into her ear and
striving to win her love and make her his own.
Meanwhile Anne watched Frances as the spider watches the fly, but as yet
had found out nothing likely to unravel the mystery shrouding Charles's
hasty departure. She had sought out Amy almost immediately, and
delivered the message and hurried adieux entrusted to her; had noted the
agitation vainly attempted to be suppressed, the quick flushing of the
face and trembling of the lips before the studied words came slowly
forth expressing her thanks at his kindness in remembering her. Anne's
heart opened to her, even as it had done but a short half-hour earlier
to her cousin; and she pitied Miss Neville, and was more than half
tempted to tell her all she knew--all he had said--but there was a
something in Amy's manner that day which forbade Anne's communication;
and she remained silent, yet waiting and watching ready to seize the
very first opportunity of discovering and unravelling the plot, which
seemed so persistently to baffle her; and then not only could she make
two people happy, but what pleasure in being able to defeat Frances!
What a triumph it would be!
Frances went on silently and secretly. Her wishes were only half
fulfilled. The end was yet to be worked out.
She felt Anne suspected her the moment Charles drove away from the door;
but what signified that? What could the simple Anne Bennet do? She was a
mere worm in her path. A nobody. Still Frances was more cautious than
ever and more wary. Anne was to be avoided, not openly, but secretly,
while others of far more consequence were to be gained over, so as to
drag Amy more completely into the snare, from which there was to be no
escape.
There was no need to urge Robert Vavasour on now. Frances saw plainly
enough that he was ready to sacrifice everything and anything to gain
Amy's love; and she must be his wife; even if it broke her heart.
He was better now, able to walk about again, and generally devoted part
of the evenings to Amy. Poor Amy! who saw not his love--wanted it
not--yet felt grateful at his kindness in talking to her when nobody
else did; besides, did it not keep him away from Mrs. Linchmore, with
whom she could not bear to see him, fancying Mr. Linchmore always looked
sad and dejected while he was at her side. Little did Amy think that
while there was no fear of her losing her heart, Mr. Vavasour was fast
becoming enslaved to herself for ever.
It was true Mr. Linchmore did not like Vavasour's attentions to his
wife, but he liked his attentions and devotion to his governess far
less. He felt his warning had been of no use, and that Miss Neville was
falling into the snare he had essayed to lead her from. As he sat one
evening resolving it all over in his mind for the twentieth time,
Frances joined him.
There was no knowing how soon they might be interrupted, so she went to
the point at once without hesitation.
"Mr. Vavasour has quite recovered from his recent illness, and appears
to be making up for lost time in Miss Neville's good favour."
"He will hardly make good his footing there," replied Mr. Linchmore.
"Miss Neville is too sensible a girl to be won over by a little fulsome
flattery, however adroitly administered."
"But there seems more than flattery here; at least, I hope so."
"Why should you hope it?"
"For Miss Neville's sake, as I think--nay, am sure he is winning her
heart."
"Impossible!"
"He does not think it so impossible, otherwise he would not be so
devoted; men never are when the one object is proved to be
unattainable."
"I trust you are mistaken, Frances. For if she loves him he will break
her heart," replied Mr. Linchmore, sorrowfully.
"It is you who are mistaken. That she loves him I am certain, or she
would never have fainted like dead when she heard he was wounded; and as
for him, I believe he loves her with all his heart, only he is afraid to
tell her so. At all events, her fate rests in your hands, to make or mar
as you please." And having said all she wished, Frances left him to
dwell and ponder on it as much as he liked.
Was it so? Did Miss Neville's fate, indeed, rest in his hands? If so,
then, he must no longer remain inactive, but must bestir himself. He
looked around, but during his conversation with Frances, short as it
was, Miss Neville had disappeared. As Frances and the rest adjourned
into the billiard-room for a game he again sought Amy; surely she had
not gone with the rest? No; there she sat alone in the inner
drawing-room.
"You are almost in total darkness, Miss Neville," said he, drawing a
chair near her, as she sat within the shade of the alcove or arch
dividing the two rooms.
The fire burnt low in the grate, while the lamps were all out save one,
which threw a strange, fitful light every now and then across the room.
"Mrs. Linchmore likes this room kept dark; she says it is sometimes
pleasant to come into, and a relief to the eyes after the brilliant
glare of the other rooms," replied Amy.
"Perhaps she is right; it certainly is a pleasant rest for the eyes
after the intense glare of the many lamps out there."
"Yes; and then one is almost sure of being quiet and alone late in the
evening, as no one cares for this dull room then; the lamps are never
trimmed after being once lit, but are allowed to die out as they like."
"Slowly, like the hopes of our hearts."
Amy looked up surprised.
"It is best to have no hopes," she said.
"That would be contrary to human nature. We all hope, even the most
satisfied mortal, and sometimes our hopes last a life time, and only
fade with our lives."
"It is true; but perhaps our hopes, if realised, would only render us
miserable. It is best after all to go hoping on."
"It is best," he replied, quietly.
Amy thought what a strange mood Mr. Linchmore was in. Why did he speak
and talk so gloomily? Had Mr. Vavasour vexed him again by devoting
himself too much to his wife? or she been flirting more than usual?
This inner room they now sat in was not so large as the drawing-room,
part of it being taken off for the conservatory, which ran its entire
length, and then adjoined the drawing-room at the point where the arch
which separated the two rooms terminated. In the day time the smaller
room was the prettiest and most cheerful, as the windows at the end
commanded a fine view of the magnificent woods and country beyond, with
the lawn sloping down in front almost to the banks of the lake, whereas
the view from the drawing-room on that side was entirely concealed by
the conservatory.
As Mr. Linchmore silently revolved in his mind how he should begin about
Mr. Vavasour; how broach the subject so as to find out how far her heart
had been won--or as he thought, lost--thrown away on so unworthy an
object; given to one who neither cared for or valued the rich treasure
he had won, and Amy sat in silent wonderment as to what he would say
next; the rustle of a silk dress was heard, and in another moment two
forms were indistinctly seen through the flowering shrubs and exotics of
the conservatory.
Amy's breath was hushed, her very pulse was stilled, as she
distinguished Robert Vavasour and Mrs. Linchmore.
Yet why should they not have separated from the rest? There was nothing
so very strange in it. But Amy felt as if some impending calamity hung
over her, or was near, and she without the power of averting it; and
would have given worlds to have turned and fled. Brave as she was, she
felt a very coward now, and would have warned them how near they were to
others if she could; but it could not be, the windows were closed, no
sound might reach them.
And now Mr. Linchmore's eyes were fixed in the same direction. He had
seen them, too.
Amy rose as if to go. She would leave him and join them, come what
would, but--
"Sit still, Miss Neville," he said, sternly, and in a tone that
compelled obedience, and Amy sank down again without a word; in dread
and fear; feeling more utterly helpless than ever to avert the coming
storm her heart suggested.
Once more she looked through the evergreens and tall dark plants. They
were still there, close to one of the doors now, and almost opposite.
He gathered and offered a flower.
That she received it with a flush of pleasure, could be surmised by the
gentle bend of the proud head, and the soft smile which could almost be
distinguished flitting across her features.
They came nearer still. Oh! when would they go away? What could interest
them so deeply, and why did he look so earnestly in her now averted
face? What could he be pleading that she would not--did not wish to
grant?
She has turned her head towards him now, and is looking down on the
ground as though loath to meet his gaze--is speaking--has granted his
request, whatever it is, and he has seized her hand and is kissing it
again and again.
A hasty, passionate exclamation from Mr. Linchmore, as he suddenly
sprang to his feet, and in another moment would have dashed into the
conservatory, shivering the slight glass door into a thousand fragments,
but Amy threw herself in his path.
"Oh, stay, stay!" she said. "Don't go, please don't!"
"Away!" he said. "Out of my way! He shall rue this deeply!" and he tried
to shake her off, but in vain; she clung more firmly to him than before,
beseeching him to stay.
"Don't, don't go," she continued, imploringly. "I must not let you go!
Pray, pray, listen to me; you will be sorry if you don't. Oh! Mr.
Linchmore, be advised. You cannot tell why he has taken her hand."
"Villain!" he muttered, between his clenched teeth. "Scoundrel!"
"No, no! you are mistaken," said Amy, hurriedly, "indeed you are. How
can you guess at anything? He may be entreating her good will, may be
telling her of his love for another. Oh! Mr. Linchmore, be yourself
again; don't give way to this sudden anger until you are certain you are
right, and you may be wrong. Believe me, you _are_ wrong. Oh, don't harm
him, pray don't!" and Amy's eyes filled with tears, as she felt she
could urge nothing more; was powerless if he would go.
But as her voice grew hushed, and she relaxed her hold, he turned and
said,
"Miss Neville, you love this man?"
"Oh, no, no, no!" replied Amy, now fairly sobbing.
"Then why this interest in him? Why seek to palliate his conduct, base
as I believe it to be?"
"I would not, if I thought it base, but--but I do not. I am but a poor
ignorant girl, but I implore you, for your wife's sake--your own sake,
do nothing rashly."
"I will not. I am calm again--as calm as you wish; but this must be
sifted to the very core, must be explained till all is as clear as the
moon, which shines so brightly through that half-darkened window. No
half measures will satisfy me. I must not only be convinced, but feel
so. You say he is pleading his love for another--entreating _her_ good
will in his behalf. Be it so. Then who is this other?"
He was quiet now, very quiet; with a firm, gloomy determination from
which there could be no escape, no loophole to creep out of. All must be
as clear as day. He had stood his wife's heartless conduct too long, he
would stand it no longer. No half measures, as before, would now satisfy
that angry husband, with the demon jealousy roused in his heart--that
stern yet loving heart.
Alas! this jealousy, what mischief it causes. What hearts it sunders and
wounds with its fierce stabs; and how powerless are most to rise above
it or shake off its strong iron grasp. If once allowed to enter our
hearts it is an enemy difficult to contend with; still more difficult to
get rid of, for although only a small corner may be taken possession of
or unwillingly granted it at first, yet in time what a much larger
portion becomes its share.
"Who is this other?" again asked Mr. Linchmore, more gently.
"I cannot tell," replied Amy.
"I am willing to believe, Miss Neville, it is as you say; but there must
be no more trifling or prevarication, matters have become too serious
for that. This other you speak of. Who is she? I _must_ know; and if
this man's heart is capable of love, and she loves him," and he looked
fixedly at Amy, and spoke more slowly as if wishing her to weigh well
every word, "then let her be his wife; if she wills it so; but--it will
be to her sorrow."
"You cannot tell that," replied Amy, seeing he waited for her to speak.
"He may love her with all his heart."
"He may. But what is all his heart when he is so ready to trifle with
others? Miss Neville," and his voice was still more gentle, and very
pitying in its tone; "you are alone, perhaps feel alone in this house,
and are young, very young to be so thrown upon the world, which you find
a cold and desolate one, I have no doubt. _He_ has been ever kind and
courteous. I fear too much so, and I do not wonder he has created an
interest in your heart, and at last won it. But he must not be allowed
to trifle with it while I stand by. No. It shall never be!"
"Oh! Mr. Linchmore!" exclaimed Amy, now indeed feeling utterly desolate
at this continued accusation, and belief in her love for Robert
Vavasour.
"Hush!" he rejoined, gently placing his hand on her soft hair, as she
sat with her face bowed in her hands. "Poor girl; poor desolate young
creature; your happiness shall be my first care, you shall no longer
feel alone; there is no need to tell me anything. I know all that your
heart cannot speak, even to your fainting when you saw him brought home
the other evening."
Amy's sobs burst out afresh; she felt totally unable to stay them or
convince Mr. Linchmore he was mistaken.
"Well, well," he continued with a sigh, "it cannot be helped now, things
must take their course; but with him I _will_ have a reckoning," and the
old stern look once more flitted across his face. "But fear not, Miss
Neville; for the sake of your love for him, I will be calm and control
my anger."
"You will not tell him I care for him--love him, Mr. Linchmore? Oh! no,
no, you could not do so!" said Amy, with fear.
"I will not; that must rest with you alone, with that I can have nothing
to do, your future happiness must be made or marred by yourself alone.
You need have no fear, but trust; only trust in me, Miss Neville."
"And I shall see him, shall speak to him myself--alone?"
"You shall do so. He shall hear no word of your love from me."
"You promise it, Mr. Linchmore," said Amy, now for the first time
raising her eyes to his.
"I promise it, Miss Neville, most faithfully."
"Thank you! thank you; then all will be right."
"I wish, oh! how I wish it could be otherwise," sobbed Amy, as he left
her; "but I must not murmur, I must be thankful,--thank God it is no
worse than it is; but how can he think that I love him?"
Amy felt utterly miserable. Did she deny Vavasour's being the cause of
her fainting, would not Mr. Linchmore naturally enough wonder what had
been the occasion of it? or perhaps in the end guess of her love for his
brother, even as he had supposed it to be for Mr. Vavasour? No, rather
let him think anything than that! a thousand times rather.
Mr. Linchmore had promised she should see Mr. Vavasour--there was some
comfort in that; she could appeal to him, he would be reasoned with,
would listen and believe her even if he loved her--if?--Amy began to
think there was no need of a doubt, and that it was true he loved her.
Why should Mr. Linchmore be deceived? All the latter's warnings, and Mr.
Vavasour's kindness were accounted for now; but love her as he would,
she could not be his wife. No--even if she had never had a thought for
another, it could not have been, and now?--now she would never be any
man's wife.
Alone? Yes, hopelessly alone. Alone with that one secret love in her
heart, that no one must know or guess at, not even her mother. Yes, it
was hard, very hard. Was she not striving hard to forget him? Perhaps
she would die in the struggle, she felt so hopelessly unequal to face
the storm; perhaps it was best she should die. But then her mother? Yes,
she must live for her, and forget him. It would not be so difficult,
seeing he loved her not, would perhaps never see her again. She was glad
_he_ had not known of her fainting. And who could have told Mr.
Linchmore? Was it Frances?