_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Louisa Clifton_
_London, Grosvenor-Street_
Oh that I could write to my Louisa as formerly, with flattering and
generous hopes in favour of a brother! Would it were possible! I am
already weary of accusation, though I fear this is but its beginning. I
cannot help it, but I have strong apprehensions. Not that I will be the
slave of fear, or sink before danger should it happen to come.
The lad that copied the anonymous letter has left Wenbourne-Hill! Is
run away! No one knows whither! He went the very day on which your
brother left London, to be present with you at Mrs. Clifton's funeral;
and Clifton now denies, with pretended indignation, having had any
knowledge whatever of this letter!--Oh how audacious is he in error!
Had the same energy but a worthy object, how excellent would be its
effects!
It is a strange circumstance! And what is more strange and indeed
alarming, Frank has been to enquire for the lad's aunt, and she is
gone! No one can tell what is become of her, except that she went away
in a hackney-coach, after having as the people suppose received a
present; because she discharged all her little debts contracted during
the absence of Frank, and bought herself some necessaries.
What can this sudden and unaccountable removal of these two people
mean? They had both apparently the strongest motives to the contrary;
and Frank has a very good opinion of the lad, and not a bad one of the
aunt.
This is not all. We were yesterday invited to dine with Lord
Fitz-Allen; that is I and Sir Arthur, not Frank Henley, as you will
suppose. I had a dislike to the visit, though I did not suspect it
would have been half so disagreeable. My brother and my aunt Wenbourne
were likewise invited; we found them there.
Ever since the scene with Mr. Clifton I have been constantly denied to
him, and positively refused all his applications for an interview;
conceiving it to be just not to let him imagine there was any doubt on
my mind, relative to his proceedings and their motives. We had scarcely
sat down to table before he came in, as if by accident. This was a
subterfuge. To what will not error and the abandonment of the passions
submit?
After apologies for dropping in and disturbing so much good company,
and a repetition of--I am very glad to see you, sir; you do my table
honour, and other like marked compliments from Lord Fitz-Allen, Clifton
seated himself and endeavoured to assume his former gaiety and humour.
But it could not be--His heart was too ill at ease. His eye was
continually glancing toward me, and there as often met that steady
regard which he knew not how to support, and by which he was as
continually disconcerted. I did not affect to frown, and to smile would
have been guilt. I put no reproof into my look, except the open-eyed
sobriety of fortitude, springing from a consciousness of right. But
this was insupportable He talked fast, for he wanted to talk away his
sensations, as well as to convince his observers that he was quite at
his ease. I know not how far he was successful, for they laughed as
much when he failed, or more perhaps, than they would have done had his
wit preserved its usual brilliancy. His manner told them he intended to
be jocular, and that was their cue to join chorus.
Lord Fitz-Allen was very marked in his attentions to him, which were
returned with no less ardour. Clifton indeed evidently laid himself out
to please the whole table; but me least, because with me he had least
hope; and because he found his efforts produced no alteration in that
uniform seriousness on which I had determined.
As soon as the dessert was served up the servants withdrew, and not one
of them afterward came in till rung for; which I imagine had been
preconcerted. Looks then became more grave, and the conversation soon
dwindled into silence. At last Lord Fitz-Allen, after various hems and
efforts, for he has some fear of me, or rather of what he supposes the
derogatory sufferance of contradiction, addressed himself to me.
I am sorry to hear, niece, there is a misunderstanding between you
and Mr. Clifton; and as you happen now to be both together, I think
it is a proper opportunity for explanation. You know, Miss St. Ives,
that an alliance with the family of Clifton has always met my
approbation; and I suppose you will not deny me the favour of
listening with patience--Why don't you speak, niece?
You desired me to listen, sir, and I am silent--Let Mr. Clifton
proceed.
Clifton after some stammering hesitation began--I know, madam, you have
been prejudiced against me, and have been told very strange things;
very unaccountable things. I cannot tell what answer to make, till I
know perfectly of what I am accused. All I request is to be suffered to
face my accusers, and let Lord Fitz-Allen, or Sir Arthur, or this good
lady [My aunt Wenbourne] or your brother, nay or yourself, though you
think so ill of me, be my judge. I am told something of an anonymous
letter; I know not very well what; but if any good evidence can be
brought of my having written, or caused to be written, or had any
concern whatever in the writing of such a letter, I solemnly pledge
myself to renounce the blessing I so ardently seek without a murmur.
Lord Fitz-Allen exclaimed nothing could be more gentleman-like. My aunt
Wenbourne owned it was a very proper proposal. Edward thought there
could be no objection to it. Sir Arthur was silent.
His insidious appeal to justice, and being brought face to face with
his accusers, revived the full picture of the flight of the lad, the
removal of the aunt, and the whole chain of craft and falsehood
connected with these circumstances. It was with difficulty I repressed
feelings that were struggling into indignation--I addressed myself to
Mr. Clifton.
Then, sir, you coolly and deliberately deny all knowledge of the letter
in question?
I have told you, madam, that I will suffer Lord Fitz-Allen, yourself,
any person to pass sentence, after having examined witnesses. Answer me
in an open direct manner, Mr. Clifton, without ambiguity. Were you not
the author of that letter?
I am sorry, madam, to see you so desirous to find me guilty; and I
would even criminate myself to give you pleasure, but that I know I
must then neither hope for your favour nor the countenance of this good
company. I assure you, Lord Fitz-Allen, I assure you, Sir Arthur, and
you, madam, and all, upon my honour I am incapable of what is
attributed to me.
Do not appeal to my uncle and aunt, Mr. Clifton, but turn this way. Let
your eyes be fixed here. Listen while I read the letter; and then,
without once shrinking from yourself, or me, repeat as you have done,
though in an equivocal manner, upon your honour you are not the author.
I took the letter from my pocket and began to read. When I came to the
following passage I again repeated--Look at me, Mr. Clifton--'She will
never have the man they mean for her, I can assure you of that; and
what is more, he will never have her.' I proceeded to the end, and then
added--Once more, Mr. Clifton, look at me and repeat--Upon my honour I
was not the inventor and author of those words.
Louisa--! He did look--! I hope I never shall see man look so
again!--He stared and forced his eyes to do their office, and
repeated--'Upon my honour I was not the inventor and author of
those words.'--He stabbed me to the heart, Louisa!--Can he do
this?--Then what can he not do? He even felt a complacency at the
victory he had obtained, and turning round to Lord Fitz-Allen and
the company again repeated--'Upon my honour I am not the inventor
and author of those words.'
Lord Fitz-Allen almost crowed with exultation. I am mistaken, niece,
said he, if you do not find there are other people who can write
anonymous letters: people of no honour; upstarts, mongrels, mushrooms,
low contemptible fellows, that would sully the mouth of a Fitz-Allen to
mention.
The tone of this lordly uncle was so high, Louisa, and his passions so
arrogant, loud, and obstinate, that it was with difficulty I could
recover the fortitude requisite to assert truth and put falsehood to
the blush. I again turned to my opponent.
Mr. Clifton, I feel at present you are a dangerous man. But I do not
fear you. Observe, sir, I do not fear you--[I turned to my uncle] Sir,
Mr. Clifton caused this letter to be written. But, if there were no
such letter in existence, I have another proof, stronger, more
undeniable of which I imagine you will not doubt when I inform you that
no third person was concerned. It was addressed to myself. It was a
strenuous, bold, unprincipled effort to seduce me. Let the gentleman
again look me in the face and tell me I am guilty of falsehood.
I spoke with firmness, and Lord Fitz-Allen's features relaxed, and his
eye began to enquire with pain and apprehension. His great fear was of
being convicted to want of penetration. Clifton perceived the feelings
of the company turn upon him with suspicion; but his art, must I add?
his hypocrisy did not fail him. He transformed the confusion he felt
into a look of contrition, and with as much ardour as if it had been
real replied--
It is that fatal error which has ruined me, madam, in your good
opinion, and has occasioned you to credit every accusation against me,
however improbable. I confess my guilt. Not guilt of heart, madam; for
honour be my witness, my views were as pure as the words in which they
were uttered. I was at that time dependant on the will of a mother,
whom I loved, and whose memory I revere. My passions were impatient,
and I wished to remove impediments to my happiness which now no longer
exist. I do not pretend to palliate what is unpardonable, and what I
myself condemn as severely as you do; except that I abjure all
dishonourable intentions, and meant as I said to be your husband. The
strongest proof I can give that this was my meaning I now offer, in the
presence of this noble and good company. I require no conditions, I ask
for no fortune except yourself, which is the only blessing I covet in
this life. I will joyfully attend you to the altar whenever you and
your worthy relations shall consent; next week, to-morrow, to-day, this
moment; and should think myself the most favoured, the most happy man
on earth!
The offer is the offer of a gentleman, Sir Arthur, said Lord
Fitz-Allen. If Mr. Clifton had been guilty of any indecorum, niece,
[Turning to me] you could not require more honourable amends. This is
acting with that dignity which characterizes a man of family, Mrs.
Wenbourne; and as it is impossible for Miss St. Ives to see it in any
other point of view, here the affair will naturally end, and there is
no more to be said.
I immediately answered--If, sir, by the affair ending here, you
understand any further intercourse between me and Mr. Clifton, I must
not suffer you to continue in such an error. We are and ever must
remain separate. Habit and education have made us two such different
beings, that it would be the excess of folly to suppose marriage could
make us one.
Miss St. Ives--[My uncle collected all his ideas of rank and grandeur]
Miss St. Ives, you must do me the honour to consider me as the head of
our family, and suffer me to remind you of the respect and obedience
which are due to that head. The proposal now made you I approve. It is
made by a man of family, and I must take the liberty to lay my
injunctions upon you to listen to it in a decorous and proper manner.
I answered--I am sorry, sir, that our ideas of propriety are so very
opposite. But whether my judgment be right or wrong, as I am the person
to be married to Mr. Clifton, and not your Lordship, my judgment as
well as yours must and ought to be consulted.
Lord Fitz-Allen could scarcely restrain his anger within the bounds
of his own decorum. He burst into exclamations--Exceedingly well,
miss!--Very proper behaviour to a person of my rank, and your
uncle!--You hear, Sir Arthur!--You hear, Mrs. Wenbourne! You all
hear!--But your motives and inclinations are known, miss: I am sorry
that it would dishonour the tongue of Fitz-Allen to repeat them: and
I cannot help telling you, Sir Arthur, that you have been exceedingly
to blame to admit such a fellow to any familiarity with a woman of rank
and my niece; a fellow better entitled to be her footman than her--I
will not permit the word to pass my lips.
I felt the cowardice of suffering worth and virtue to be insulted
without a defender, from the fear that I myself should be involved in
the insult, and replied--
The gentleman, sir, to whom you have twice alluded in terms of so much
contempt, were he present would smile at your mistake. But there are
more people at this table than myself who have been witnesses how
little he deserves to be spoken of in the language of opprobrium.
Mr. Clifton appeared eager to be the first to acknowledge Mr. Henley
was a very worthy person. Edward muttered something to the same tune;
and Sir Arthur seemed very willing to have spoken out, but wanted the
courage. He began at Turnham Green, but could get no further. Lord
Fitz-Allen answered--
What tell you me of Turnham-Green, Sir Arthur? I was stopped once
myself, by a highwayman, and my footman fired at him, and sent him
packing; but I did not for that reason come home and marry my footman
to my daughter.
The full image of Frank and his virtues pervaded my mind, my heart
swelled, my thoughts burst from my lips, and I exclaimed--Oh, sir, that
you had a thousand daughters, and that each of them were worthy of such
a footman for a husband!
Had you beheld this uncle of mine, Louisa! The daughters of the peer
Fitz-Allen married to footmen! The insult was almost agony. The only
antidote to the pain which his countenance excited was the absurdity
and ridicule of the prejudice. But I perceived how vain it was to
expect that in this company the voice of justice should be heard, and I
rose. My aunt rose at the same time, to retire with me; but,
recollecting myself, I turned and thus addressed Lord Fitz-Allen and
Mr. Clifton, alternately:
That I may not be liable to any just blame from your lordship, or you,
sir, for want of being explicit, you must permit me to repeat--I never
will again admit of the addresses of Mr. Clifton. I have an abhorrence
of the errors in which he is now indulging. He himself has told me what
a mad and vicious act it would be to marry a husband in whom I could
not confide, and I never can confide in him. My persuasion at this
moment of his hypocrisy is such that, could I prevail on myself to the
debasement of putting him to the trial, by pretending to accept his
hand, I am convinced he would refuse. I read his heart. He seeks an
opportunity to revenge imaginary injuries; for I never did, do not, nor
ever can wish him any thing but good. I think I would lay down my life,
without hesitation, to render him all of which his uncommon powers are
capable: but I perceive the impossibility of its being effected by me,
and I here ultimately and determinedly renounce all thought of him, or
of so dangerous an attempt.
Mr. Clifton eagerly started up, and with a momentary softening of
countenance, a pleading voice, and something like the tone of returning
virtue exclaimed--Hear me, madam!--I conjure you, hear me! My appeal is
to the benevolence, the dignity of your heart! Remember the virtuous
plan you had formed--!
The combat in his mind was violent but short. Truth made a struggle to
gain the mastery, and hope raised up a transient prospect of success,
which was as quickly overclouded by anger and despair, and he stopped
abruptly. At least his voice and features were so impassioned that, if
these were not his sensations, I have no clue to the human heart.
Perceiving him pause and doubt, I replied--
It cannot be, Mr. Clifton! You this moment feel it cannot! You have
begun a course of fraud, and which the whole arrangement of to-day is
only meant as so much pitiful machinery to effect. You are conscious,
Mr. Clifton, you are conscious, Lord Fitz-Allen, that our meeting was
not, as you have both pretended, accidental. And I here call upon
you--you, Mr. Clifton, to tell for what purpose or where you have sent
the lad who wrote the letter, and to what place you have removed his
aunt? Such an artifice is vile, sir! And to challenge your accusers to
stand forward, and with a look such as you assumed to affirm, 'Upon
your honour you were not the inventor and author of the letter,' is so
much more vile that I shudder for you! Your own proceedings have
conjured up a train of recollections that speak a concerted plan of
perfidy. You mean mischief! But I once more tell you, sir, I do not
fear you! I will not fear you! My fears indeed are strong, but they
are for yourself. Beware! The more guilt you have committed, the more
you will be driven to commit. Turn back! You are in a dreadful path!
It is unworthy of you, Mr. Clifton! It is unworthy of you!
I instantly withdrew, and was followed by Mrs. Wenbourne, who began to
express something like blame of the positive manner in which I had
spoken, and the high language I had used to Lord Fitz-Allen; but it was
too feeble to incite an answer in my then state of mind. I requested
she would order her carriage, and set me down. She asked if I would not
first pay my respects to my uncle. I answered yes, when my uncle should
be more deserving of respect. She said I was a strange young lady. I
replied I sincerely hoped there were many young ladies stranger even
than I.
She took offence at these retorts upon her words, and I perceived that,
though the spirit of my answer was right, the manner was wrong; and
explained and apologised as became me. She was appeased, and when the
carriage came again asked if I would not go with her to take leave. I
answered I imagined my uncle would be glad to wave the ceremony; and,
as I thought he had acted very improperly, curtsying and taking leave
would but be practising the customary hypocrisy of our manners, which I
hoped I should on all occasions have the firmness to oppose.
Accordingly my aunt went herself; and his lordship, still preserving
his dignity, pretended to forbid me his presence, till I better
understood what was due to the relationship and rank in which he stood.
This my aunt reported, and I returned no answer, but left her to make
her own reflections.
Thus ended this painful interview--Tell me, what ought I to think? What
can be the purport of a conduct so very wrong? Such a string of
falsehoods! How different would the behaviour of Mr. Clifton have been,
had not conscious criminality oppressed and chained up his faculties!
Such persistence in duplicity must have some end in view. Could I
consent to marriage, which is now utterly impossible, he has certainly
no such meaning. If he had he could not have written, he could not have
acted as he has done; and even less in this last instance since his
writing than before, for he could not but know that, though he could
appear this generous man of honour to Lord Fitz-Allen, he must stand
detected by me. It was not possible he should suppose otherwise.
Well! Let him mean me all the harm he pleases; only let me find some
opportunity of convincing him what a depraved, unmanly, trivial turn
his mind has taken, and let me but give it a different bent, and I will
willingly suffer all he shall have the power to inflict. I do not find
myself, Louisa, disposed to stand in that dread of baseness and
violence which they generally inspire. Virtue is not a passive but an
active quality; and its fortitude is much more potent than the rash
vehemence of vice.
Adieu, dear Louisa. Peace and felicity guard you!