"And then she herself actually once made proposals for Schinderhannes,
to a friend of mine, offering Howard, the philanthropist, Talma,
William Penn, and Fenelon for him--all commonplace enough, you
know--and Schinderhannes quite unique. My friend was indignant!"
{Schinderhannes = German bandit chief, executed in 1803. Howard = John
Howard (1726-1790), English philanthropist and prison reformer. Talma =
Francois Talma (1763-1826), popular French playwright. William Penn
(1644-1718), Quaker founder of Pennsylvania. Fenelon = Francois Fenelon
(1651-1715), French Archbishop and writer}
I ventured to excuse Lady Holberton by suggesting that probably at the
time her stock of notabilities was low.
Miss Rowley shook her head, and curled her lip, as if she fancied the
lady had only been seeking to drive a hard bargain.
"On one point, however, I have carried the day, Mr. Howard. Lady
Holberton is not a little proud of her Vidocq; but I have obtained one
far superior to hers, one addressed to myself so piquant and gallant
too. I called on the dear old burglar on purpose to coax him into
writing me a note."
{Vidocq = Francois Vidocq (1775-1857), French police detective who
turned robber, and was exposed in 1832.}
I wondered, in petto, whether I should meet any illustrious convicts at
Miss Rowley's party the next evening; but remembering to have heard her
called an exclusive, it did not seem very probable.
{in petto = silently, to oneself (Latin)}
After running her eye over the list again, Miss Rowley made another
inquiry.
"Mr. Howard, could you get me something from an American Colonel?"
I assured the lady we had colonels of all sorts, and begged to know
what particular variety she had placed on her catalogue--was it an
officer of the regular service, or one of no service at all?
"Oh, the last, certainly--officers who have seen service are so
commonplace!"
My own pen was immediately placed at Miss Rowley's disposal, as my
sword would have been, had I owned one. As I had been called colonel a
hundred times without having commanded a regiment once, my own name was
as good as any other on the present occasion.
"You are very obliging. Since you are so good, may I also trouble you
to procure me a line from a very remarkable personage of your
country--a very distinguished man--he has been President, or Speaker of
the Senate, or something of that sort."
To which of our head men did Miss Rowley allude?
"He is called Uncle Sam, I believe."
{Uncle Sam = "Uncle Sam" became a popular personification of the United
States during the War of 1812, replacing Brother Jonathan, and was
often used in contradistinction to the British "John Bull"}
This was not so easy a task, for though we have thousands of colonels,
there is but one Uncle Sam in the world. On hearing that such was the
case, Miss Rowley's anxiety on the subject increased immeasurably; but
I assured her the old gentleman only put his name to treaties, and
tariffs; and although his sons were wonderfully gallant, yet he himself
had never condescended to notice any woman but a queen regnant: and I
further endeavored to give some idea of his identity. Miss Rowley
stopped me short, however.
"Only procure me one line from him, Mr. Howard, and I shall be indebted
to you for life. It will be time enough to find out all about him when
I once have his name--that is the essential thing."
I shrunk from committing myself, however; declaring that I would as
soon engage to procure a billet-doux from Prester John.
{Prester John = Mythical ruler believed in the Middle Ages to head a
powerful Christian Kingdom somewhere in Asia; later identified with the
Christian Kings of Ethiopia in Africa}
"Prester John! That would, indeed, be quite invaluable!"
This Asiatic diversion was a happy one, and came very apropos, for it
carried Miss Rowley into China; she inquired if I had any Chinese
connections.
"Though altogether, I am pretty well satisfied with my Chinese
negotiations; as soon as the Celestial Empire was opened to the
civilized world, I engaged an agent there to collect for me. But, could
you put me on the track of a Confucius?"
{opened to the civilized world = following the so-called Opium War,
Britain had in 1842 forced China to open trade with her}
I was obliged to admit my inability to do so; and at the same moment
the collecting instincts of Lady Holberton and Mr. T----, drew their
attention to the corner where Miss Rowley and myself were conversing;
as they moved toward us, Miss Rowley pocketed her list, throwing
herself upon my honor not to betray the deficiencies in her role
d'equipage, or the collecting negociations just opened between us. Lady
Holberton, as she advanced, invited Miss Rowley, with an ill-concealed
air of triumph, to feast her eyes once more on the Lumley autograph,
and not long after the party broke up.
{role d'equipage = muster roll (French); here, Miss Rowley's list of
her autographs}
The next day, in passing Holberton-House, I observed the chariot of a
fashionable physician before the door; and at Miss Rowley's party in
the evening learned from Mr. T---- that Lady Holberton was quite
unwell. The following morning I called to inquire, and received for
answer that "her ladyship was very much indisposed." It was not until a
week later that I saw Lady Holberton herself, taking the air in Hyde
Park. She looked wretchedly--thin and pale. I inquired from the English
friend with whom I was riding, if there was any probability of a change
of ministry? He looked surprised; and then catching the direction of my
eye, he observed,
"You ask on Lady Holberton's account; but Sir A---- B---- tells me her
illness was caused by the loss of the Lumley Autograph."
This unexpected intelligence proved only too true. On returning to my
lodgings, I found a note from Lady Holberton, requesting to see me,
and, of course, immediately obeyed the summons.
"Lost!--lost!--lost! Mr. Howard!" said the lady, endeavoring to conceal
her emotion, as she gave me the details of her affliction.
"It must have been stolen--basely stolen--on the evening of my party.
Oh! why did I so foolishly exhibit it among so many people, and
collectors among them, too! Never again will I admit more than one
collector at a time into the room with my album!" she exclaimed with
energy.
I was shocked; surely Lady Holberton did not conceive it possible that
any of her guests could be guilty of such base conduct?
"How little you know them! But it is that, Mr. Howard, which has
interested me in your favor--you have so much naivete, and ignorance of
the moral turpitude of the old world, that I feel convinced you never
could be guilty of such an action yourself."
I assured Lady Holberton that in this respect she only did me justice;
and, in fact, a theft of the kind she alluded to appeared to me all but
incredible.
"Remember that it was only the other day that ---- lost his invaluable
album; remember that last winter Madame de ---- had all her notes on
botanical subjects stolen from her own portfolio--and I could mention a
dozen instances of the same wickedness."
These facts were already known to me, but I had forgotten them. I
remarked with a glow of national pride, that we certainly were much
more virtuous in these matters across the ocean; in America we are much
above pilfering autographs; when we do steal, it is by the volume--we
seize all an author's stock in trade at one swoop, and without
condescending to say even, thank ye, for it.
{author's stock in trade = though ostensibly referring to the stealing
of autographs, Susan Fenimore Cooper is also clearly referring to the
widespread pirating of British and other foreign literary works by
American publishers, in the absence of international copyright
laws--which not only cheated the authors, but made life difficult for
American authors expecting to be paid for their creations}
"So I have always understood, Mr. Howard--and I felt that my album was
safe with you," observed Lady Holberton, with tears in her eyes.
Wishing to relieve this distress, I proposed advertising for the lost
treasure--applying to the police.
Lady Holberton smiled through her tears, as she assured me that the
police, old and new, had been enlisted in her service an hour after the
discovery of her loss, while communications had been opened with the
municipal governments of Brussels, Paris, and Vienna, on the same
subject.
{police, old and new = the first modern English police force had been
established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel -- from which the British
nickname of "bobby" for policeman.}
"And have you no clue, no suspicions?--your servants--your maid?"
The aspersion on her household was indignantly repelled.
"You will readily believe, Mr. Howard, that a collector, the owner of
such an album as I have the honor of possessing, is particularly
careful as to whom she admits into her family. I will vouch for all
about me; still I have suspicions--but--"
I begged her to speak, if she thought I could be of the least
assistance.
"Yes, I will trust my son's friend. Mr. Howard, I here solemnly accuse
Theodosia Rowley of having stolen the Lumley Autograph!"
The dignity of manner, the concentrated passion of expression, the
strength of emphasis with which Lady Holberton spoke, would have done
honor to a Siddons. The natural start of horror and amazement on my
part, was also, no doubt, very expressive--for I was speechless with
surprise.
"I see you do not credit this," continued the lady.
But thought, like a flash of lightning, had already recalled some
circumstances of the last evening at Holberton-House. I did credit the
accusation, and immediately informed Lady Holberton of what I had
observed, but forgotten, until reminded of the facts by her own
remarks. I had seen Miss Rowley, bending low over the album at a moment
when some one was telling an exceedingly humorous story which engrossed
the attention of the rest of the company.
"Could she have had an accomplice?" cried the lady, with dashing eyes.
I knew nothing on that point. But, I added, that soon after Miss Rowley
had left the room very quietly; and as I followed her to fulfill
another engagement, she had started, turned pale, and betrayed much
nervousness, scarcely allowing me to assist her to her carriage,
although we left the house at the same instant.
Lady Holberton's suspicions were now confirmed beyond a doubt.
"And yet it seems incredible that any lady should be guilty of such
conduct!" I exclaimed, almost repenting having allowed the previous
remarks to pass my lips. "Miss Rowley is undoubtedly a woman of
principle--or good moral standing."
"Moral standing!--principle!" exclaimed Lady Holberton, bitterly. "Yes,
where an autograph is concerned, Theodosia Rowley has all the principle
of a Magpie."
{Magpie = European bird known for stealing and hiding small bright
objects.}
Whatever might have been the fact, it was clear at least that Lady
Holberton's opinion was now unalterably made up.
"Remember, she is a Butlerite!" added the lady, thus putting the last
touch to the circumstantial evidence against Miss Rowley.
Weeks passed by. The advertisements remained unanswered. The police
could give no information. Lady Holberton was in despair; the
physicians declared that her health must eventually give way under the
anxiety and disappointment consequent upon this melancholy affair. Much
sympathy was felt for the afflicted lady; even Miss Rowley called often
to condole, but she was never admitted.
"I could not see the crocodile!" exclaimed Lady Holberton, quite thrown
off her guard one day, by the sight of Miss Rowley's card which she
threw into the fire.
Some consolation, however, appeared to be derived from the assiduous
attentions of Mr. T----, who personally admired Lady Holberton; at
least he professed to do so, though some persons accused him of
interested views, and aiming at her album rather than herself. But
although his attentions were received, yet nothing could afford full
consolation. At length, all other means failing, at the end of a month,
it was proposed that two persons, mutual friends of Lady Holberton and
Miss Rowley, should call on the latter lady, and appeal privately to
her sense of honor, to restore the autograph if it were actually in her
possession. This plan was finally agreed on; but the very day it was to
have been carried into execution, Miss Rowley left town for an
excursion in Finland.
As for myself, I was also on the wing, and left London about the same
time. The parting with Lady Holberton was melancholy; she was much
depressed, and the physicians had recommended the waters of Wiesbaden.
Mr. T---- was also preparing for an excursion to Germany; and he was
suspected of vacillating in his Butlerite views, brought over by Lady
Holberton's tears and logic.
Returning to London, some three months later, I found many of my former
acquaintances were absent; but Lady Holberton, Miss Rowley, and Mr.
T---- were all in town again. The day after I arrived--it was Tuesday
the 20th of August--as I was walking along Piccadilly, about five
o'clock in the afternoon, my eye fell on the windows of Mr. Thorpe's
great establishment. I was thinking over his last catalogue of
autographs, when I happened to observe a plain, modest-looking young
girl casting a timid glance at the door. There was something anxious
and hesitating in her manner, which attracted my attention. Accustomed,
like most Americans, to assist a woman in any little difficulty, and
with notions better suited perhaps to the meridian of Yankee-land than
that of London, I asked if she were in any trouble. How richly was I
rewarded for the act of good-nature! She blushed and courtesied.
{Tuesday, 20th of August = does this date the final composition of "The
Lumley Autograph" or of its setting? August 20 fell on a Tuesday in
1844 and 1850}
"Please, sir, is it true that they pay money for old letters at this
place?"
"They do--have you any thing of the kind to dispose of?"
Judge of my gratification, my amazement, when she produced the Lumley
Autograph!
Of course I instantly took it, at her own price--only half a
guinea--and I further gave her Lady Holberton's address, that she might
claim the liberal reward promised far the precious letter. Tears came
into the poor child's eyes when she found what awaited her, and I may
as well observe at once that this young girl proved to be the daughter
of a poor bed-ridden artisan of Clapham, who had seen better days, but
was then in great want. It is an ill-wind that blows no good luck, and
the contest for the Lumley Autograph was a great advantage to the poor
artisan and his family. The girl had picked up the paper early one
morning, in a road near Clapham, as she was going to her work; Lady
Holberton gave her a handful of guineas as the promised reward--a sum
by the bye just double in amount what the poor poet had received for
his best poem--and she also continued to look after the family in their
troubles.
But to return to the important document itself. Never can I forget the
expressive gratitude that beamed on the fine countenance of Lady
Holberton when I restored it once more to her possession. She rapidly
recovered her health and spirits, and it was generally reported that
seizing this favorable moment, Mr. T---- had offered himself and his
collection, and that both had been graciously accepted. Miss Rowley
called and a sort of paix platree was made up between the ladies. A
cargo of American autographs arrived containing the letter of the
Cherokee editor, the sign-manual of governors and colonels without
number, and I even succeeded in obtaining epistles from several noted
rowdies, especially to gratify the ladies. Lady Holberton made her
selection, and the rest were divided between Miss Rowley and Mr. T----.
Joy at the recovery of the Lumley Autograph seemed to diffuse an
unusual spirit of harmony among collectors; many desirable exchanges
were brought about and things looked charmingly. Alas, how little were
we prepared for what ensued!
{paix platree = patched-up peace (French)}
On the occasion of the presence in London of two illustrious royal
travelers, Lady Holberton gave a large party. So said the papers at
least; but I knew better. It was chiefly to celebrate the recovery of
the Lumley Autograph, and its restoration to her celebrated Album that
the fete was given. The Album was produced, in spite of a half-formed
vow of Lady Holberton to the contrary, but then His Royal Highness
Prince ---- ---- had particularly requested to see the letter of the
poor poet, having heard it mentioned at dinner. The evening passed off
brilliantly, their royal highnesses, came, saw, and departed. The crowd
followed them to another house, while a favored few, chiefly
collectors, remained lingering about the table on which lay the Album.
I should have said earlier, that Lady Holberton had appointed a new
office in her household the very day after the loss of the Lumley
Autograph; this was no other than a pretty little page, dressed in the
old costume of a student of Padua, whose sole duty it was to watch over
the Album whenever it was removed from the rich and heavy case in which
it usually lay enshrined. He was the guard of the Album, and was
strictly enjoined never, for one instant, to remove his eyes from the
precious volume from the moment he was placed on duty, until relieved.
Well, there we were, some dozen of us, collected about the table; Lady
Holberton looking triumphant, Mr. T---- very proud; and there stood the
page of the Album, dressed in his Paduasoy gown, with eyes fastened on
the book, according to orders, while he supported its gorgeous case in
his arms. Some remark was made as to the extraordinary manner in which
the precious Autograph had been lost, and then found again. My blood
actually boiled, as one of the company turned to me and asked in a
suspicious tone, if I did not know more of its history than I chose to
confess? My indignation was boundless; fortunately I could produce the
friend walking with me in Piccadilly, and the artisan's family at
Clapham, as witnesses in my favor. Miss Rowley was standing near me at
the moment.
{Paduasoy = a strong corded or gros-grain silk fabric, traditionally
associated with Padua, Italy}
"Still, Mr. Howard," observed that lady; "I really cannot see why you
should resent the insinuation so warmly. Now, do you know, I am not at
all sorry to have it in my power to declare that I have some knowledge
of the fate of that paper during its eclipse."
All eyes were instantly fixed on the speaker. The lady smiled and
continued:
"Lady Holberton thinks the Lumley Autograph was stolen--I understand
she even thought it was stolen by myself--"
She here turned deliberately toward our hostess, who looked uneasy.
"If such were your suspicions, Lady Holberton," continued Miss Rowley,
speaking with great deliberation--"I am happy to say they were quite
correct--you only did me justice--I am proud to declare the deed was
mine--"
We were all speechless at hearing this sudden and bold avowal.
"It was I, Theodosia Rowley, who carried off--the word is of little
consequence--who stole, I repeat, that precious paper. So long as the
treasure was mine, the consciousness of possessing it was sufficient in
itself--but having afterward lost it from my pocket by unpardonable
carelessness, I shall at least now glory in the daring deed which made
it once my own."
Conceive the amazement which these remarks--delivered with calm
enthusiasm--produced among the listening circle. We all know that high
crimes and misdemeanors enough are committed by men, and women too; but
somehow or other the delinquents are not often given to talking of
them; they would just as lief in general that the act should not be
known. The effect of Miss Rowley's words was different on different
individuals. As for myself, I involuntarily felt for the handkerchief
in my pocket. The page of the album drew nearer. Lady Holberton looked
aghast, as though she had seen a cannibal. Some bit their lips; others
opened their eyes. Mr. T----, however, who held the album at the
moment, and was bending over it when Miss Rowley began her
extraordinary disclosure, raised his eyes, fixed his glasses on the
fair speaker, and sent through them such a glance as no words can fully
describe. It was a glance of intense admiration.
"What exalted views! What sublime sentiments!" he exclaimed in an
ecstasy.
But Mr. T----'s blaze of admiration was not the only flame at work,
while he was gazing at the heroine of the moment. In the sudden burst
of enthusiasm roused by the fair purloiner, he forgot all else; the
precious volume in his hand drooped, touched the flame of a wax-light
on the table, and in another instant the great Holberton Album, that
Album of European reputation--was burning before our eyes--its
invaluable leaves were curling, and blackening, and smoking under the
devouring flame!
A shriek from Lady Holberton--an unearthly cry from the page of the
Album--both echoed by the spectators, came too late. The volume was
half consumed. Of the Lumley Autograph not a line remained!
Such was the ill-fated end of the letter of the poor starving poet. It
was written amid gloom and distress; its career closed in a stormy
hour. The loss of the Album of course broke off the engagement between
Lady Holberton and Mr. T----. This however could scarcely have been
regretted under the circumstances, for their union, after the
catastrophe must have been one long series of miserable reproaches. The
sudden change in Mr. T----'s feelings toward Miss Rowley was not a
momentary one; the admiration first kindled by that lady's bold
declaration, grew to be the strongest sentiment of his heart, and only
a few weeks later he was made the happiest of men by receiving as his
own the fair hand which accomplished the deed. Miss Rowley and Mr.
T---- were united in the bands of matrimony and collectorship. Lady
Holberton was still inconsolable when I left London; she was thinking
of traveling among the Hottentots, or in any other clime where albums
are unknown and her loss could be forgotten. The journey to Kaffirland
was however postponed until the next change of ministry, and I have
learned recently that the lady has so far recovered her spirits as to
be thinking of an 'Omnibus.' The very last packet, indeed, brought a
flattering application to myself; Lady Holberton graciously declaring
that the name of Jonathan Howard is not only valued by herself, as that
of a friend, but interesting to collectors generally, as having been
once connected with that much lamented document, now lost to the world,
the letter of the poor starving poet, known as the Lumley Autograph.
{"Omnibus" = in this context, an "omnibus bill" (i.e., one dealing with
a variety of subject) in Parliament}