Louise ceased speaking, and Harland, who had with difficulty restrained
his impatience during the latter part of her relation, exclaimed--"And
think you, my Louise, I will not chastise the villain for his
conduct?--I should be undeserving the affection you have honoured me
with to let it pass unpunished!"
The Marchioness smiled.--"At present, Harland, we will think of your
marriage with Louise. You have sufficiently proved your knight-errantry
by her rescue: and as for Ferrand, I think he is punished enough, in the
loss of his mistress, for the steps he took to obtain her. Had you, my
young friend, been the rejected lover, I do not think your passions
would have been more under control than his have been."
Harland looked confused. The Captain returned the Marchioness's smile.
"Harland, I believe, Madam, feels the force of the words you have
uttered: and let their plain truth, George, recommend them to your
consideration. Your character for courage has been long established: but
that courage, if it lead you to revenge, degenerates to assassination;
nor could I then regard you in a more respectable light than the hired
Bravo! Too much blood has already been shed. Leave Ferrand then to the
dictate of his own conscience for what he has done, and yield to the
happiness which awaits you. Our stay here may be limited to a few hours,
and it is highly necessary your union with Mademoiselle St. Ursule
should take place before we part with the Marchioness."
The latter part of this speech reconciled George to its preceding
reproof; and he earnestly entreated the marriage might take place that
very evening.
"To-morrow morning it shall," said the Marchioness; "but some little
preparation is necessary: our worthy friend the Governor is not yet
acquainted with our Louise's return: and one piece of justice yet
remains to be performed: Rachel ought not, nor shall she escape
punishment, for her assistance toward the destruction of Louise."
The lovely girl here interceded for the guilty Rachel; who, she said,
had certainly been bribed by Ferrand to the action. "That very
consideration," the Marchioness replied, "added to her guilt; as it
proved her ingratitude to a generous mistress." And as Sir Henry and his
friends sided with the Marchioness, Louise was obliged to submit.
Rachel was therefore ordered to appear; but, after repeated summonses,
was declared to have absconded! On the return of Louise she indeed
became certain the part she had taken in betraying her to Ferrand must
be discovered; and, to avoid punishment, she secretly conveyed her
clothes to the house of a friend, and early in the morning departed for
the cottage. The Marchioness was therefore necessitated to leave her
punishment to the future vigilance and justice of the Governor; to whom
a servant was dispatched to acquaint him with Sir Henry and Harland's
success: and composure being once more restored, that lady reminded
Harland his evening adventures were yet to be related. George bowed, and
immediately began:
"I guarded the pass from the cottage, my dear Madam, till my Louise was
out of sight; when I endeavoured also to retreat, and should have
succeeded, had not Ferrand (recovered from the effects of our late
rencounter) come from the cottage. Perceiving my sweet girl was escaped,
he turned the effects of his rage against me, who did not patiently
receive the onset; and a far more furious contest than the former
commenced. Blinded by rage against my principal adversary, I too much
disregarded the number and power of his servants, who then found means
to surround me, and treacherously assailed me behind. In consequence of
this I was overpowered and dragged to the ground. 'Secure him!' was all
Ferrand uttered, as he darted past me, with some of his servants, to
pursue Sir Henry. His orders, however, were punctually obeyed by those
who remained, and I was in an instant effectually secured.
"You, my friends, who so well know my irritable temper, may judge of my
rage at the restriction and indignity I endured. The only power I
retained was that of speech, and I vented my passion in vain defiance
and imprecations against Ferrand. After some time I was carried into the
cottage; and thence again removed to a rude cave or grot in a retired
part of the plantation: a place apparently formed for murder and the
blackest deeds; and where I was left on a few rushes to exhaust the
residue of my rage.
"Some time elapsed, when Ferrand presented himself, with a light in one
hand, his sword in the other; fury and madness were depicted in his
countenance, and reflected with additional force by the red glare of the
torch.
"'You--scoundrel, at least, have not escaped me!' he vociferated as he
advanced, 'and shall now pay for the slights and indignities I have
endured! For you, Louise rejected me; and has placed a serpent in my
heart: but some of its stings shall yet reach her in the person of her
minion!'
"My satisfaction at the certainty of Louise's escape, was absorbed in
returning fury at this address. I struggled to shake off my fetters;
demanded to be free; and that our pretensions might be ultimately
decided by the sword!
"'They shall be!' he repeated with increased vehemence. His hand was
raised to plunge his sword into my bosom, when the old slave darted from
the entrance, and, before its point could reach me, arrested his arm! A
scuffle ensued: but Ferrand was by no means able to contend with his
slave; who soon wrested the sword from him.--
"'Villain! Degenerate wretch!' he exclaimed, nearly choked with rage,
'thy life shall answer for this interference!'
"'My life!' repeated the old man, grasping him firmly by the collar and
shaking him. 'Thine is now completely in my power!--and here may I
revenge the blows, the usage, thou hast unjustly dealt me: but I scorn
to embrue my hands in thy blood. Begone!--and thank the mercy of thy
slave, thou art not now grovelling in the dust!'
"He cast him to the entrance, and Ferrand, who had shrunk with terror
when in the hands of the stern negro, hastened toward the cottage,
calling for help, and vociferating the names of his servants. The old
man snatched up the torch, which lay burning on the ground, and, placing
it in the earth, hastily applied himself to extricate me from the
fetters with which I had been loaded. Fully sensible of the inevitable
death he had preserved me from, I endeavoured to express the gratitude
which swelled in my heart, and promised not only to join with Sir Henry
in procuring his liberty, but to add such a recompense as should evince
my sense of the obligation I owed him.
"'To Sir Henry, and the European woman,' he replied, 'you are indebted
for your preservation. From what I over-heard, I learned you were the
friend of one, the destined husband of the other: and, for their sakes,
was I coming to liberate you, when the haughty Ferrand passed me: and
let the danger you have been in teach you this lesson--never to scorn a
fellow-creature, or despise his afflictions, because he is beneath you.
The lowest weed you carelessly trample on, is not without its virtues;
and is equally the work of the Creator as the loftiest pine of the
forest. As men, we all are equal: nor are the circumstances of life so
certain, but the monarch may be indebted for his existence to the hand
of a slave!' He raised me from the ground; and, as a sentiment of shame
arose for the cause of this reproach, I accepted his proffered arm in
silence, for my limbs were at first too benumbed to admit of my walking
without assistance. The voice of Ferrand, directing his servants as he
again approached the recess, informed us not a moment was to be lost;
and my companion, dashing out the torch, with hasty steps conducted me
into the plantation. By paths well known to himself, he guided me across
the tangled wilderness to the high road, where he first broke silence,
by informing me we were out of danger. We, however, continued our way
with the utmost expedition, as my soul burned with impatience to be
convinced that my beloved Louise was not only freed from the power of
Ferrand, but that she was also safe under the protection of her amiable
benefactress."
The comments on this account of Harland, were interrupted by the arrival
of the Governor, who, after congratulating him on the recovery of
Louise, likewise requested to be informed of the particulars respecting
her disappearance and restoration. Louise and Harland therefore briefly
recapitulated the foregoing events; Harland only enlarging on those
circumstances wherein the old slave was concerned. The Governor listened
with attention to their relations, and with visible concern and
impatience to what had passed in the cave. When Harland concluded, he
appeared for some moments absorbed in reflection, and then desired to
see the slave. Sir Henry and Harland looked anxiously at each other, and
would have interceded in behalf of the old man, but were prevented by
his entrance; their apprehensions on his account, however, ceased, as
the Governor said--
"So, Carlo--I find you have been a principal actor in the adventures of
our European friends. You have undoubtedly acted right as a man, but not
with the obedience and respect due from a slave to his owner. I am,
however, so well pleased with the termination of this affair, I rather
wish to reward than punish you. For your preservation of this gentleman,
I therefore pardon your desertion: for your forbearance on the life of
my Ferrand, I give you your liberty!"
"Liberty--liberty!" shouted the old man; "oh, bless my ears with a
repetition of the word! Say again that I am free, and I will indeed
believe you!"
"From this moment," repeated the Governor, "I declare you free; and
these your friends are witnesses of that declaration."
Carlo sunk at the feet of his generous master; embraced his knees; and,
whilst the tears of gratitude rolled down his cheeks, in broken accents
breathed his thanks. The Governor appeared affected--
"At how easy a price," he cried, addressing the Captain, "might man,
would he reflect, dispense happiness on a fellow-creature. I declare,
till this moment I never felt the irresistible power of nature, or how
nearly allied the free man was to the slave. Rise, Carlo; I will make it
my business to provide for you in a manner more suitable to your
deserts."
"That," said Harland, "shall be my care. The obligations I am under to
Carlo, can never be repaid; but I will instantly assign over to him,
property to the value of two thousand pounds, as an acknowledgment for
the services he has rendered me, and as a peace-offering for the
sentiments I once expressed; and if he will go with me to England, I
will settle him to his satisfaction, either in a mercantile or
agricultural situation."
Carlo rose from the feet of his late master, and grasping Harland's arm,
said energetically--"I thank you!--my heart feels your bounty, but I
cannot speak its sentiments. Not to England, however, do I wish to go.
Give me half the wealth you have named, and let me return to Coromandel;
the land where first I drew my breath; the land whence, ere fourteen
revolving seasons had marked my life, I was basely torn from freedom,
friends, and kindred!--but I beg your pardon; in this moment when my
soul is overflowing with joy--with gratitude--I ought not to intrude a
tale of misery, or vex your ears with woes which no longer exist."
"I have often, Carlo," said the Governor, "thought you superior to a
common slave; but the duties of my situation, and my own more immediate
concerns, prevented my ever questioning you on the subject; but as the
late events have introduced you more particularly to our notice, these
your friends, I doubt not, will excuse my inquiring by what accident you
were forced into slavery?"
"Forced indeed!" ejaculated Carlo. "For till then I was gay and free as
the breeze which lightly fanned my native groves.--I had one day, Sir,
been with some of my youthful companions, laving my limbs in the
expanded ocean, when a party of European sailors came to the spot where
we were: they found us unarmed--an easy prey; and, seizing us in spite
of resistance, forced us on board their vessel, and brought us to this
island, where we were consigned to slavery! It is true, my chains for
years were formed with flowers. The late Governor became my master; and
when memory brought to mind the past, or painted the distraction of my
parents for my loss--if I madly reprobated the hand that tore me from
them, or sunk in despondence, wept, and sighed for liberty; he would
deign to soothe my sorrows; on hearing my tale, he did more: he promised
to restore me to my friends and country! But alas--grief for the loss
of her offspring, had closed the number of my mother's days; my father
sought his child, to redeem him--and perished in the search!
"My generous benefactor, on being informed of these events, declared he
would in future supply the place of the parents I had lost; I should be
the child of his adoption, and as such he would provide for me. I was
accordingly instructed in those sciences by which Europeans claim
superiority over ruder climes; and never had he cause to regret his
beneficence. At his death, he said, I should be free and affluent; nay,
would then have given me liberty, but that he feared to lose me. Ah! he
knew not, that the strongest chains which can be forged, are those of
gratitude and affection!
"His death happened too suddenly for him to fulfil his intentions in my
favour; and his sordid relations, who had long regarded me with jealous
envy, sold me with the rest of his slaves!
"Then indeed I first experienced the horrors of slavery: those who had
courted my acquaintance in the days of prosperity, when it was no longer
in my power to render them services, ceased to know me: my friendship
was no longer sought--I was disregarded--forgotten! Till then, hope had
cheered my days and shed her influence on my slumbers; she then deserted
me--and each succeeding day was marked with misery!
"Many, indeed, have been my afflictions: nor do I count the loss of an
humble, but faithful companion, who was rudely torn from my arms, the
least I have endured. After twenty years absence, I was once more
brought to St. Helena, and bought, my noble master, by you. But far
different was I from what I had been in the days of my youth: affliction
had gradually marked my brow with gloom, and deadened the milder virtues
of my heart! I was appointed by you, to attend on your nephew; who--but
he had never experienced woe; how then could he judge of that, he
wantonly inflicted on others!
"By him I was commanded, with his favourite valet, to force Mademoiselle
de St. Ursule to the cottage; which was easily effected with the
assistance of Rachel. The sight of her, I could not but regard as a
victim, rekindled a spark of pity in my bosom: that she disliked your
nephew and loved another, I had discovered in his moments of passion; I
thought of the wife who had been forced from me: a pang shot through my
heart, and I wished if possible to save her: but Marguerite too well
knew the duties of her office, to entrust the keys of her chamber in my
possession.
"The offers of your nephew were rejected by that lady; and on the third
day of her confinement, he vowed, by force or stratagem, to effect his
purpose. The sibyl of his pleasures proposed drugs, which she
accordingly prepared, and mixed in a beverage for the lovely prisoner.
The indignation of my soul could then be no longer restrained. I dashed
the vessel to the floor, and, forgetting I was his slave, reproved him
for his ungenerous proceedings!
"What followed, I scarcely need relate: he struck me, and, summoning my
fellow slaves, ordered me to be punished--even to death! But indignation
gave me strength, I broke from them, and sought refuge among the rocks.
My enraged master, as I yester-evening learned, joined himself in the
fruitless pursuit, he ordered after me.
"The remembrance of the lady whom I wished to save, returned with the
morning; I thought I might perhaps be able to effect her deliverance, or
at least inform her friends where she was; and for that purpose was,
toward the close of the day, retracing my steps to the plantation which
surrounds the cottage, and where I thought I might lie concealed, when I
was suddenly attacked by four of my late companions, and but for the
assistance of these gentlemen, should there have resigned my being!
They, however, preserved me, and with you, have this day restored me to
life--to hope--to happiness! My faithful Mella bears her bonds in my
native land, and thither would I return, that she too may be free; and
with me hourly offer up her prayers for those, whose beneficence had
unbound the chains of our slavery!"
"And you shall return, Carlo," said the Marchioness, "if I have any
influence with these gentlemen. I am going to Pondicherry; and you shall
return with me. The present of your generous young friend will be
sufficient to establish you; and under the protection of my husband, the
Governor, you yet may experience the happiness you so truly deserve."
The Governor and Harland readily agreed to the Marchioness's
arrangement; and Carlo retired, anticipating with impatience the hour
which would restore him to his native land, and his long-lost Mella.
The Governor soon after took his leave, as did the Captain, who, with
Frederick and Sir Henry, returned on board: Harland only remaining at
the Marchioness's.
At last the hour so ardently wished for arrived, which was to unite the
lovely Louise to Harland. Sir Henry and his friends attended: the
Governor likewise honoured the ceremony with his presence, and by his
generous behaviour endeavoured to atone for his former restriction on
George, which the well-known disposition of his nephew (who had shut
himself up in gloomy discontent at the Grove) rendered highly necessary.
A numerous company had been invited to pass the day at the
Marchioness's, not only in honour of Louise's nuptials, but also as a
farewell visit, the next day being appointed for their embarkation. The
thoughts of separation, however, were superseded by the pleasure which
prevailed, and animated every countenance.
In the course of the evening, Sir Henry, who by the friendship of the
Captain had procured a draft on a merchant at Pondicherry, for a
thousand pounds, sought Carlo, and, taking him into a private room,
presented him with it, saying--"I must beg your acceptance, Carlo, of
this mark of my friendship. I believe I possess a place in your esteem,
and I wish you not to forget me. With part of this, procure the liberty
of your Mella; and may the rest add to the comforts of your age."
"Forget you!" repeated Carlo emphatically. "Never, Sir Henry! You were
the first who spoke peace to my wounded spirit.--Yes, from this I will
indeed redeem my Mella; and her presence shall prove a perpetual memento
of your friendship. A few hours, Sir Henry, and I shall behold you no
more: here, then, take an old man's blessing; and may you experience
happiness equal to that you have conferred on me!"
Sir Henry shook his hand, and Carlo, sinking on his knee, pressed that
of his youthful benefactor to his bosom and his lips, and, repeating his
blessing, hastily withdrew. Sir Henry then returned to the Captain; who
soon after took his final leave of the amiable Marchioness and the
Governor.
The next morning Sir Henry and Frederick attended to conduct Harland and
his bride on board. The painful moment of separation was arrived: the
Marchioness and her daughters endeavoured to appear cheerful and
collected; but the respectful and affectionate behaviour of Louise had
too much endeared her to them to permit them to part without regret; nor
could the obtrusive tear be restrained.
"We may meet again, my dear girl!" said the Marchioness, as the
signal-gun warned them to depart. Harland gently forced his Louise from
the arms of her early friends, and, placing her in the barge, they were
soon conveyed on board. The signal was given to weigh--Louise faintly
murmured the name of her benefactress; who with her daughters still
sighed a blessing and adieu, as the unfurled sails swelled with the
breeze which conveyed them from the romantic cliffs of St. Helena.