WHERE IS EVAN?
The difference between a full-face portrait and a profile is not so
great as the different aspect the same individual may present to
different people. To his noble employer, Mr. Pryse was the very
beau-ideal of a shrewd business man,--clear-headed, active, and
indefatigable in his interests and that of the large estate under his
control,--a man on whom he could rely, for dealing conscientiously alike
with himself and his tenants, in his absence.
Those tenants saw only a hard, grasping, unscrupulous agent, who
extorted high rents, made no allowance for bad seasons or failing crops,
and who stifled complaints with an extra turn of the screw. They knew
that all repairs and improvements, made at their own cost, would be
wrested to the advantage of the noble landowner in the long-run, and
were disheartened. There was an unwhisperable suspicion afloat that
these said repairs went down as deductions from rents in the accounts
submitted to his lord; but who ever had a chance of overhauling those
accounts, or questioning crafty Mr. Pryse's unimpeachable integrity?
And about the time when William Edwards first found his way to
Caerphilly Castle, which was in the year after George II. ascended the
throne, the first faint breaths of a graver suspicion were wafted
northwards, from Cardiff, in unaccountable and mysterious undertones.
Cardiff, now a flourishing and busy seaport, was then, in spite of its
great castle, but a small, mean, and unimportant town, hardly to be
called a port, its ancient prestige having fallen away like its gates
and walls.
But about this period Mr. Pryse ceased to collect his lord's rents
regularly at Caerphilly, and required that they should be brought to his
office in Cardiff. This was a woful grievance to the bulk of the
tenants, especially to elderly or infirm persons, or others remote from
the county town. Had his lordship been at the Castle, no doubt his irate
tenants would have sought his presence in a body, and made common cause
against the common oppressor; but no such opportunity occurred.
Neighbours who dreaded the toil of a nineteen or twenty miles' journey
along bad roads in bad weather, with Mr. Pryse at the end, and as
wearisome a return, would meet and agree to trust the bravest of the
party with the separate rents of two or three, having no fear of robbery
by the way, whilst so many other travellers would be fallen in with, all
bent on the same errand.
Some of these adventurous wights, who had never been so far as Cardiff
in their lives before, brought back the news, either gathered on the
spot or on the road, that a strange craft had begun to frequent the
river, and to anchor off the old sea-wall. It was said that the vessel
had been a privateer during the wars of the previous reign, and that
although she came thither ostensibly for coal from his lordship's
collieries, and Mr. Pryse was in close communication with the captain,
there was something rather mysterious about her cargo.
[Illustration: THERE WAS SOMETHING RATHER MYSTERIOUS ABOUT HER CARGO.
--_See page 164._]
It was darkly hinted that the barrels which came pannier-wise on long
strings of horses from the Caerphilly colliery laden with coal, and were
hauled on board to be emptied, were not returned empty, but, when again
slung across the backs of the patient beasts waiting on the old quay,
seemed no lighter than before; and knowing ones surmised, from the care
with which they were handled, that smaller kegs were slipped inside the
open coal barrels. At all events, it was whispered that the teamsters
lingered long at roadside inns, and that some of them struck into
by-ways instead of making direct for the colliery with their empties.
And it was certain that foreign spirits could be procured by the
initiated where only _cwrw da_ or cider had been hitherto obtainable.
This had been going on for three years when Evan, the
bridegroom-expectant, prepared for his journey to Cardiff, whence he
proposed to bring Ales her golden wedding-ring, as well as a number of
small articles--not included in the 'furnishing list' of cumbrous
goods--to be ferried across the river for after-conveyance to his new
cottage.
To Mrs. Edwards the enforced journey to Cardiff for the payment of rent
had been a trouble and a grievance. She had not cared to send hot-headed
Rhys by himself into a town which she pictured as full of temptations
for young men, neither had she cared to go thither alone. Twice had she
taken her son with her; once she had made the toilsome journey in
company with Owen Griffith; at other times she had entrusted him with
the rent-money. But now that Evan was bent thither on business of his
own, her natural thrift suggested the employment of him as her deputy,
so as to save the toil of the journey, and innkeeper's charges for
herself and her beast.
Owen Griffith, too, was glad of a trustworthy substitute; so that when
Evan kissed Ales, and shook hands with the rest as he bestrode good old
Breint at the farmhouse gate, he carried a goodly sum under his new
frieze riding-coat, in one pocket or other, nearly all the savings of
Ales, in addition to his own, and the two rents.
His departure was quite an event. Owen Griffith and Cate had walked up
the hill to hand him the money and see him off, though the hour was
early, and a drizzling rain had begun to fall. But rain was no new thing
among the mountains, and nobody cared for that, though, doubtless, they
would have preferred fair weather as more auspicious.
However, Ales flung an old shoe after him, and called out--
'For luck, Evan!'
He looked back over his shoulder to nod his thanks in reply; whereupon
she threw her apron over her head and ran into the house ready to cry
because he had 'spoiled his luck' by looking back.
Mrs. Edwards, too, would have been better pleased had he gone on with
face set forward, but she cried, 'God keep him, and bring him safe
back!' as if to counteract the untoward prognostic. Yet a cloud was
gathering on her own brow, for though Owen Griffith walked beside the
horse down the stony incline, Cate remained leaning against the stone
gate-post talking earnestly with Rhys, the flush on her countenance
deepening as he bent his head and lowered his voice to meet her ear
only.
'The bold-faced huzzie!' the mother ejaculated to herself, as she turned
to go indoors. 'Can she not let Ales get out of the house before she be
coming a-seeking Rhys to worm herself in! Sure, and she do be in a
mighty hurry to make up the old quarrel, and secure Rhys, and Owen do be
as bad as his girl. But Ales is not gone yet!' she jerked out
half-aloud, then checked herself, wondering what could have put those
ill-timed words into her head.
She was mistaken. Cate Griffith was not quite so bold as she imagined.
The quarrel had been made up some weeks, and, what was more, made up by
Rhys, with a plain-spoken offer to make her his wife when Ales was
married and gone away.
What he had been saying, as Evan rode away down hill, was singularly
enough, 'We shall not have long to wait now, Cate, darling. Ales will
soon be gone, and mother will be missing her so much she will be glad to
see me bring so clever and smart a wife home to fill the vacant place.
Jonet could not do it. No, really! We shall not have long to be waiting,
Cate, _fach_.'
'The best laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley.'
Centuries before Burns crystallised the sentiment into verse its
profound truth had been established. Who, besides Noah and his family,
calculated on the Deluge?
Were the tears Ales shed, when her long-loved Evan turned his head,
premonitory of another deluge?
She was a strong, healthy young woman, not a puling sentimentalist
afflicted with 'nerves.' She might well cover her face, ashamed of her
starting tears, when he would be back with her in four days--or five, at
the furthest!
Yet she was unaccountably restless those days. The outdoor work of the
farm went on pretty much as usual, though the weather was unsettled.
Rhys and Davy were thrashing and winnowing in the barn, and William,
endeavouring to do the work of two, fed and foddered the cattle, and
took the place of Ales at the churn, whilst she washed and ironed, and
put little finishing touches to her simple wedding finery, sighing,
every now and again, for the Evan she missed every hour of the day. When
candles were lit, and at meal-times, the blank caused by the absence of
his smiling face and good-humoured observation, was felt by all, from
Mrs. Edwards down to William.
And somehow, as the days went by, Jane Edwards began to share the
fidgetiness of Ales, and, when the fourth passed, and the fifth wore
slowly away, could not help frequent ejaculations, such as, 'It's time
Evan was here!' 'What do be keeping Evan so long?' 'Sure to goodness
nothing's gone wrong!' Ales growing still and white, with a strange fear
that began to creep about her heart.
Evan had gone away on the Monday morning. Ere nightfall on Friday,
William slipped out and hurried to the ford, as if to meet him, passing
Owen Griffith at the foot of the hill, on his way to the farm to express
his own surprise at the messenger's delay.
William waited and waited, but there was no sign of Evan. He got back to
hear Griffith questioning Ales as to the various business her sweetheart
had on hand, the conclusion being that he had not been able to make all
his purchases, or get them conveyed to Castella, as readily as he had
calculated, and that he must be allowed another day.
But Saturday came and went without a sign of the traveller, and Ales
seemed to feel the alarm of all in her own aching heart.
Neither Evan nor Ales was at church on the Sunday to hear the banns read
the second time.
But people were there to testify that Evan Evans had reached Cardiff in
safety, and had been seen to enter the office of Mr. Pryse.
On that, Owen Griffith and Mrs. Edwards breathed more freely. Their
fears that he had been waylaid and robbed were set at rest. It was clear
his own affairs had alone detained him.
William, on his own inspiriting, had betaken himself to Caerphilly, and
brought Ales back the comforting news that her Evan had carried the
basket of butter and cheese to her old mother, and arranged for her
removal to Castella with them.
So far all was right. But when another week went by, and no Evan came to
claim her, or to bring the rent receipts, the heart of Ales sank lower
and lower; every whisper in the house was suggestive of doubt, and
pierced her bosom like a stab.
Owen Griffith was there nightly making fresh inquiries, often bringing
Cate along with him, when Ales' heart was wrung with undertoned
suspicions of her true love's fidelity--not to say his honesty.
At the three weeks' end, when the poor tortured girl had resolved on
walking all the way to Cardiff, to set doubt at rest, the climax came.
It came like a thunderbolt, in the person of Mr. Pryse, to make an
authoritative demand for the half-year's rent, then overdue.
It was in vain Mrs. Edwards declared it had been paid; that she had sent
the money by Evan Evans.
'In that case you will have the receipt. Produce it,' said he, with a
sneer.
'I cannot,' replied she, in much perplexity. 'Evan has not yet returned.
But he was seen to enter your office; yes, indeed!'
'Oh yes, he did come to my office to pay your neighbour Owen Griffith's
rent, and to beg a fortnight's grace for you. I have been good enough to
give you three weeks, and now I _must_ have the rent--one way or other.'
The evil smile of triumph on his wicked old face, as he said this, was
lost on Mrs. Edwards in her consternation.
'Beg _what_? I did want no fortnight's grace. I did send the golden
guineas!'
Mr. Pryse's thin lip curled. 'Then your man kept them. And it is rather
strange he should pay Griffith's rent if he meant to make off with
yours. There must be lying and dishonesty somewhere.'
'Yes, indeed,' broke from Ales, in a passion of indignant wrath. 'But
not from my mistress or Evan Evans; they do both be God-fearing and
true.'
An ominous scowl drew down the brows under the English three-cornered
hat.
'Silence, you impudent jade, or I'll have you cast into jail for your
vile insinuations. Wait until your _honest_ Evan comes back before you
venture to asperse his lordship's deputy.' And he raised his
riding-whip as if to strike her.
Rhys had come upon the scene in the midst of this altercation, brought
thither by a word from Lewis, who had seen the agent ride up the hill,
with a sinister smile upon his face, and a ruffianly fellow in his rear.
At once the hot-blooded young farmer, in a smock-frock showing many an
earthy stain, interposed between his mother's faithful domestic and the
steward, unawed by the gold lace or ruffles visible under the open
riding-coat.
'Nay, nay, we don't take whips to women in Eglwysilan, Mr. Pryse. What
is all this uproar about? And what do be your business here, sir?'
His mother attempted an explanation. Ales had shrunk back overawed.
'I have come for the unpaid rent, and the costs attending this
application,' Mr. Pryse thrust in, heedless of Rhys' disclaimer that
'nothing was owing'; 'and, as no cash appears to be forthcoming, I take
possession of the farm in the name of his lordship, and leave this man
in charge of the premises, and I warn you against removing stock or
stone. Take the inventory, Morgan'--to the man who had edged himself
into the kitchen, and now put on a truculent air.
William had come rushing in from the potato-field, but he stopped short,
as much paralysed as his elders.
His mother was the first to break the spell.
'Paid or unpaid,' she cried, with the dignity of truth and honesty,
'that wretch shall take no inventory here, whatever. I do not be without
the means to pay your demand, though I protest that it is unjust, and
will have to be returned to me when Evan returns with the receipt, look
you.'
'Ah, _when he does_. But you may take my word for it, the bird has flown
away with your golden feathers, and is far enough from Wales by this
time.'
And again the sinister smile lighted the evil face, much as if he had
good reason for knowing that Evan was far away, and that his word might
therefore _be_ taken.
'I am glad to see you are so well provided,' he added, as the widow
proceeded to count out upon the table the sum demanded, leaving still a
nest-egg in the grey stocking-foot. 'Your farm must be flourishing, and
I herewith give you notice, in the presence of my man, Morgan, that your
rent will be advanced ten pounds per annum after this date.--I will send
you a receipt.'
[Illustration: 'YOUR RENT WILL BE ADVANCED TEN POUNDS PER ANNUM AFTER
THIS DATE,' HE SAID.--_See page 174._]
'No, sir,' put in Rhys promptly, 'you will give my mother one now. I see
your follower there has an inkhorn and paper.'
Mr. Pryse bit his under lip, but thought well to take the hint.
'And now, sir,' said Rhys, when he had assured himself the receipt was
correct, 'you do be threatening to raise the rent. You cannot do that
until the lease expires.'
'Show me your lease,' demanded the agent loftily.
'We can do that when necessary, sir. His lordship will be having a copy
you can consult,' replied Rhys quite as loftily.
And, seeing that he had a full-grown man to deal with, not a woman he
could intimidate, Mr. Pryse turned on his heel, and mounted his horse,
muttering something surly as he went, his disappointed functionary
following at his heels.
Once again he bit his nails as his horse carried him down the stony
track, for even the coin he bore away did not cover his baffled rage at
defeat. Presently his thin lips spread into a smile of
self-congratulation, and his eyelids nearly met as he communed with
himself.
'It was lucky I did not call on Griffith for _his_ rent first. I
clinched the nail on Evan's dishonest flight in acknowledging _that_. A
clever idea of mine his begging grace for Edwards' widow. Covers his
call at my office. I suppose that forward jade is the woman he was going
to marry. She will wait a long while for a husband if she waits for Evan
Evans, look you. And as for that cock-crowing Rhys, I'll cut his comb
before I've done with him. He shall not crow over me with impunity; no,
indeed. I've bled the old woman pretty freely this time. She'll not get
over it in a hurry. The farm will go to the dogs now that long-headed
farming-man is gone. Lease, indeed! I defy any power in earth or heaven
to keep them on their farm when I am ready to turn them out. Yes,
indeed!'
A strong defiance _that_, Mr. Pryse, crafty and potential though you may
be!