TEN THOUSAND A-YEAR.
VOL. II.
[Illustration: JE LE TIENS
The Crest and Coat of Arms of
Tittlebat Titmouse Esq M P
according to the description of
Sir Gorgeous Tintack, Garter King at Arms]
TEN
THOUSAND A-YEAR.
BY
SAMUEL WARREN, F.R.S.
VOL. II.
BOSTON:
LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY.
1900.
University Press:
JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.
CONTENTS TO VOL. II.
CHAP. PAGE
I. After the battle.--The behavior of the belligerents;
and an adventurous project of Mr. Gammon's 1
II. The last chance; and some profitable reflections.--A
Quixote; and a friendly statesman, but with an
eye to business 31
III. Mr. Aubrey surrenders at discretion; and the opposing
generals hold a council of war.--A glimpse of the
Reverend Dismal Horror; and Mr. Quirk's entertainment
to Mr. and Mrs. Tag-rag 60
IV. Mr. Titmouse's magnificent kinsman, the Right Honorable
the Earl of Dreddlington, G. C. B.--Farewell to
Yatton! 89
V. Mr. Titmouse's first introduction to very high life
indeed.--A dinner with an Earl, in Grosvenor
Square 134
VI. Mr. Titmouse at Yatton, and the splendid festivities
attending his inauguration 170
VII. A gentleman in difficulties pondering his position and
prospects; never despair.--The Attorney-General,
and Mr. Weasel, special pleader.--Suspense and
trepidation 209
VIII. Mr. Aubrey's interview with Mr. Gammon; followed
by some philosophical reflections on life.--Messrs.
Yahoo and Fitz-Snooks _versus_ Titmouse; and Gammon
_versus_ them all.--Tippetiwink 251
IX. Titmouse become a great lion.--The Marquis Gants-Jaunes
de Millefleurs; and the Reverend Morphine
Velvet.--Mr. Titmouse presented at court after a
slight accident to the Earl of Dreddlington 304
X. A drop of the golden shower falls on Mr. Tag-rag, who
receives promotion.--Mr. Titmouse receives the
Earl of Dreddlington and Lady Cecilia, the Marquis
Gants-Jaunes de Millefleurs, Mr. Venom Tuft, and
Mr. Gammon, at Yatton.--Mr. Gammon and the
Earl of Dreddlington.--Sapping and Mining.--Lady
Cecilia and her three lovers; with her father's
masterly diplomacy in favor of one of them 345
XI. Mr. Aubrey in deep waters, where he meets with a
companion.--News from Dr. Tatham 399
XII. A communication from Messrs. Quirk, Gammon, and
Snap.--Mr. Gammon in Vivian Street, after the
manner of a snake in a dove-cote.--Mr. Quirk's
contemplated action for breach of promise of
marriage 429
XIII. How Mr. Titmouse courted the Lady Cecilia.--Mr.
Titmouse stands for the borough of Yatton, but
unexpectedly encounters a formidable opponent 461
NOTES 485
TEN THOUSAND A-YEAR.
CHAPTER I.
"The Attorney-General did his work very fairly, I thought--eh, Lynx?"
said Mr. Subtle, as arm-in-arm with Mr. Lynx, he quitted the
Castle-gates, each of them on his way to their respective lodgings, to
prepare for the next day's work.
"Yes--he's a keen hand, to be sure: he's given us _all_ work enough; and
I must say, it's been a capital set-to between you! I'm _very_ glad you
got the verdict!"
"It wouldn't have done to be beaten on one's own dung-hill, as it
were--eh? By the way, Lynx, that was a good hit of yours about the
erasure--I ought, really, if it had occurred to me at the time, to have
given you the credit of it--'twas entirely yours, Lynx, I must say."
"Oh, no!"--replied Lynx, modestly. "It was a mere accident my lighting
on it; the merit was, the use you made of it!"
"To think of ten thousand a-year turning on that same trumpery
erasure!"----
"But are you sure of our verdict on that ground, Mr. Subtle? Do you
think Lord Widdrington was right in rejecting that deed?"[1]
"Right? to be sure he was! But I own I got rather uneasy at the way the
Attorney-General put it--that the estate had once been vested, and
could not be subsequently de-vested by an alteration or blemish in the
instrument evidencing the passing of the estate--eh? that was a good
point, Lynx."
"Ay, but as Lord Widdrington put it--that could be only where the defect
was proved to exist after a complete and valid deed had been once
established."
"True--true; that's the answer, Lynx; here, you see, the deed is
disgraced in the first instance; no proof, in fact, that it ever _was_ a
deed--therefore, mere waste paper."
"To be sure, _possession_ has gone along with the deed"----
"Possession gone along with it!--What then?--That is to say, the man who
has altered it, to benefit himself and his heirs, keeps it snugly in his
own chest--and then that is of itself to be sufficient to"----
"Ay--but what I'm afraid of, is this: that the presumption of forgery
arising from the alteration, is overcome by the presumption to the
contrary, arising from long-continued and consistent possession!--On the
other hand, however, it is certainly a general rule that the party
producing an instrument must account for the appearance of erasure or
alteration, to encounter the presumption of fraud!--I must say _that_
seems good sense enough!"...
"It's really been a very interesting cause," said Mr. Subtle.
"Very. Some capital points--that of Mortmain's on the stamp act"----
"Pish, Lynx! there's nothing in it! I meant the cause itself has been an
interesting one--uncommonly."
Mr. Subtle suddenly paused and stood still. "God bless my soul,
Lynx--I've made a blunder!"
"Eh!"
"Yes--by Jove, a blunder! Never did such a thing since I've led a cause
before!"
"A blunder? Impossible!--What is it?" inquired Lynx, briskly, pricking
up his ears.
"It will be at least thirty or forty pounds out of our client's pocket.
I forgot to ask Widdrington for the certificate for the costs of the
special jury. I protest I never did such a thing before--I'm quite
annoyed--I hate to _overlook_ anything."
"Oh! is that all?" inquired Lynx, much relieved--"then it's all right!
While you were speaking to Mr. Gammon, immediately after the verdict had
been given, I turned towards Quicksilver to get him to ask for the
certificate--but he had seen a man with the new 'Times' containing the
Division on the Catholic claims, and had set off after him--so I took
the liberty, as you seemed very earnestly talking to Mr. Gammon, to name
it to the judge--and it's all right."
"Capital!--Then there isn't a single point missed!--And in a good two
days' fight that's something."
"D'ye think we shall keep the verdict, and get its fruits?"
"We shall keep the verdict, I've no doubt; there's nothing in
Widdrington's notes that we need be afraid of--but of course the Aubreys
will put us to bring another ejectment, perhaps several."
"Yes--certainly--there _must_ be a good deal of fighting before such a
property as Yatton changes hands," replied Lynx, with a complacent air;
for he saw a few pleasant pickings in store for him. "By the way," he
continued, "our client's a sweet specimen of humanity, isn't he?"
"Faugh! odious little reptile! And did you ever in all your life witness
such a scene as when he interrupted me in the way he did?"
"Ha, ha! Never! But, upon my honor, what an exquisite turn you gave the
thing--it was worth more than called it forth--it was admirable."
"Pooh--Lynx!" said Mr. Subtle, with a gratified air; "knack--mere
knack--nothing more. My voice trembled--eh?--at least so I intended."
"Upon my soul, I almost believed you were for the moment overcome, and
going to shed tears."
"Ah, ha, ha!--Delightful! I was convulsed with inward laughter! _Shed
tears!!_ Did the bar take it, Lynx?" inquired Mr. Subtle; for though he
hated display, he loved _appreciation_, and by competent persons. "By
the way, Lynx, the way in which you've got up the whole case does you
vast credit--that opinion of yours on the evidence was--upon my
word--the most masterly"--here he suddenly ceased and squeezed his
companion's arm, motioning him thereby to silence. They had come up with
two gentlemen, walking slowly, and conversing in a low tone, but with
much earnestness of manner. They were, in fact, Mr. Aubrey and Lord De
la Zouch. Mr. Subtle and Mr. Lynx crossed over to the other side of the
narrow street, and quickened their pace, so as soon to be out of sight
and hearing of the persons they seemed desirous of avoiding. Mr. Subtle
was, indeed, unable to bear the sight of the man whom his strenuous and
splendid exertions during the last two days had tended to strip of his
all--to thrust from the bright domain of wealth, prosperity,
distinction, into--as it were--outer darkness--the outer darkness of
poverty--of destitution.
"It's rather a nuisance for the Aubreys--isn't it?" quoth the
matter-of-fact Lynx.
"It's quite frightful!"--replied Mr. Subtle, in a tone of voice and with
a manner which showed how deeply he felt what he uttered. "And it's not
only what Mr. Aubrey will lose, but what he will be liable to--the
mesne profits--sixty thousand pounds."
"Oh!--you think, then, that we can't go beyond the _statute of
limitations_?--Eh?--is that so clear?" Mr. Subtle looked sharply at
Lynx, with an expression it would be difficult to describe.
"Well"--continued the impenetrable Lynx--"at all events, I'll look into
it." He felt about as much _sentiment_ in the matter as a hog eating
acorns would feel interest in the antiquity of the oak from which they
fell, and under whose venerable shade he was munching and stuffing
himself.
"By the way, Lynx--aren't you with me in _Higson and Mellington_?"
"Yes--and it stands first for to-morrow morning!"
"I've not opened my papers, and--why, we've a consultation fixed for ten
o'clock to-night! What's it all about?"
"It's _libel_ against a newspaper editor--the POMFRET COCKATRICE; and
our client's a clergyman. They've slandered him most abominably: they
say he entered the church as a wholesale dealer in tithes--and as to
religion--is an unbeliever and hypocrite!"
"Ay, ay?--that sounds a little like substantial damages!--Do they
_justify_?"[2]
"No--they've pleaded not guilty only."
"Who leads for the defender?"
"Mr. Quicksilver."
"Oh!--very well. We must have the consultation to-morrow morning, at the
Robing-room--ten minutes before the sitting of the court. I'm rather
tired to-night." With this the great leader shook hands with his modest,
learned, laborious junior--and entered his lodgings.
As soon as Titmouse had been ejected from the court, in the summary way
which the reader will recollect, merely on account of his having, with
some slight indecorum, yielded to the mighty impulse of his agitated
feelings, he began to cry bitterly, wringing his hands, and asking every
one about him if they thought he could get in again, because it was
"_his_ case" that was going on. His eyes were red and swollen with
weeping; and his little breast throbbed violently as he walked to and
fro from one door of the court to the other. "Oh, gents, will you get me
in again?" said he, in passionate tones, approaching two gentlemen, who,
with a very anxious and oppressed air, were standing together at the
outside of one of the doors--in fact, Lord De la Zouch and Mr. Aubrey;
and they quickly recognized in Titmouse the gentleman whose claims were
being at that instant mooted within the court. "_Will_ you get me in?
You seem such _respectable_ gents--'Pon my soul I'm going mad! It's my
case that's going on! I'm Mr. Titmouse"----
"We have no power, sir, to get you in," replied Lord De la Zouch,
haughtily: so coldly and sternly as to cause Titmouse involuntarily to
shrink from him.
"The court is crowded to the very door, sir--and we really have no more
right to be present in court, or get others into court, than you have,"
said Mr. Aubrey, with mildness and dignity.
"Thank you, sir! Thank you!" quoth Titmouse, moving with an apprehensive
air away from Lord De la Zouch, towards Mr. Aubrey, "Know quite well who
you are, sir! 'Pon my solemn soul, sir, sorry to do all this; but law's
law, and right's right, all the world over!"
"I _desire_ you to leave us, sir," said Lord De la Zouch, with
irrepressible sternness; "you are very intrusive. How can we catch a
syllable of what is going on while you are chattering in this way?"
Titmouse saw that Mr. Aubrey looked towards him with a very different
expression from that exhibited by his forbidding companion, and would
perhaps have stood his ground, but for a glimpse he caught of a huge,
powdered, broad-shouldered footman, in a splendid livery, one of Lord De
la Zouch's servants, who, with a great thick silver-headed cane in his
hand, was standing at a little distance behind, in attendance on the
carriage, which was in the Castle-yard. This man's face looked so ready
for mischief, that Titmouse slowly walked off. There were a good many
standers-by, who seemed all to look with dislike and distrust at
Titmouse. He made many ineffectual attempts to persuade the doorkeeper,
who had assisted in his extrusion, to readmit him; but the incorruptible
janitor was proof against a sixpence--even against a shilling; and at
length Titmouse gave himself up to despair, and thought himself the most
miserable man in the whole world--as very probably, indeed, he was: for
consider what a horrid interval of suspense he had to endure, from the
closing of Mr. Subtle's speech, till the delivery of the verdict. But at
length, through this portentous and apparently impenetrable cloud burst
the rich sunlight of success.
"Mr. Titmouse!--Mr. Titmouse!--Mr. Tit"----
"Here! Here I am! Here!"--exclaimed the little wretch, jumping off the
window-seat on which he had been sitting for the last hour in the dark,
half-stupefied with grief and exhaustion. The voice which called him was
a blessed voice--a familiar voice--the voice of Mr. Gammon; who, as soon
as the jury had begun to come back, on some pretence or other had
quitted his seat between Quirk and Snap, in order, if the verdict should
be for the plaintiff, to be the very first to communicate it to him. In
a moment or two Mr. Gammon had grasped both Mr. Titmouse's hands. "My
dear, dear Mr. Titmouse, I congratulate you! You are victorious! God
grant you long life to enjoy your good fortune! God bless you,
Titmouse!" He wrung Titmouse's hands--and his voice trembled with the
intensity of his emotions! Mr. Titmouse had grown very white, and for a
while spoke not, but stood staring at Mr. Gammon, as if hardly aware of
the import of his communication.
"No--but--is it so? Honor bright?" at length he stammered.
"It is indeed! My long labors are at length crowned with
success!--Hurrah, hurrah, Mr. Titmouse!"
"I've really _won_? It a'n't a joke or a dream?" inquired Titmouse, with
quickly increasing excitement, and a joyous expression bursting over his
features, which became suddenly flushed.
"A joke?--the best you'll ever have. A dream?--that will last your life.
Thank God, Mr. Titmouse, the battle's ours; we've defeated all their
villany!"
"Tol de rol! Tol de rol! Tol de lol, lol, lol, rido!--Ah," he added in a
loud truculent tone, as Lord De la Zouch and Mr. Aubrey slowly passed
him--"done for you now--'pon my life!--turned the tables!--_that_ for
you!" said he, snapping his fingers; but I need hardly say that he did
so with perfect impunity, as far as those two gentlemen were concerned,
who were so absorbed with the grievous event which had just happened, as
scarcely to be aware of their being addressed at all.
"Aubrey, it's against you--all is lost; the verdict is for the
plaintiff!" said Lord De la Zouch, in a hurried agitated whisper, as he
grasped the hand of Mr. Aubrey, whom he had quitted for an instant to
hear the verdict pronounced. Mr. Aubrey for some moments spoke not.
"God's will be done!" at length said he, in a low tone, or rather in a
faint murmur. More than a dozen gentlemen, who came crowding out,
grasped his hand with fervent energy.
"God bless you, Aubrey! God bless you!" said several voices, their
speakers wringing his hands with great vehemence as they spoke.
"Let us go"--said Lord De la Zouch, putting Mr. Aubrey's arm in his own,
and leading him away from a scene of distressing excitement, too
powerful for his exhausted feelings.
"I am nothing of a fatalist," said Mr. Aubrey, after a considerable
pause, during which they had quitted the Castle-gates, and his feelings
had recovered from the shock which they had just before suffered;--"I am
nothing of a fatalist, but I ought not to feel the least surprise at
this issue, for I have long had a settled conviction that such _would_
be the issue. For some time before I had the least intimation of the
commencement of these proceedings, I was oppressed by a sense of
impending calamity"----
"Well, that may be so; but it does not follow that the mischief is
finally _done_."
"I am certain of it!--But, dear Lord De la Zouch, how much I owe to your
kindness and sympathy!" said Mr. Aubrey, with a slight tremor in his
voice.
"We are at this moment, Aubrey, firmer friends than we ever were before.
So help me Heaven! I would not lose your friendship for the world; I
feel it a greater honor than I am worthy of--I do, indeed," said Lord De
la Zouch, with great emotion.
"There's a great gulf between us, though, Lord De la Zouch, as far as
worldly circumstances are concerned--you a peer of the realm, I a
beggar!"
"Forgive me, Aubrey, but it is idle to talk in that way; I am hurt
beyond measure at your supposing it possible that under any
circumstances"----
"Believe me, I feel the full value of your friendship--more valuable at
this moment than ever!"
"That a serious calamity has fallen upon you is certain;--which of us,
indeed, is safe from such a calamity? But who would bear it with the
calm fortitude which _you_ have already evinced, my dear Aubrey?"
"You speak very kindly, Lord De la Zouch; I trust I shall play the man,
now that the time for playing a man's part has come," said Mr. Aubrey,
with an air of mingled melancholy and resolution. "I feel an
inexpressible consolation in the reflection, that I cannot charge myself
with anything unconscientious; and, as for the future, I put my trust in
God. I feel as if I could submit to the will of Heaven with
cheerfulness"----
"Don't speak so despondingly, Aubrey"----
"Despondingly?" echoed Mr. Aubrey, with momentary
animation--"Despondingly? My dear friend, I feel as if I were indeed
entering a scene black as midnight--but what is it to the _valley of the
shadow of death_, dear Lord De la Zouch, which is before all of us, and
at but a little distance! I assure you I feel no vain-glorious
confidence; yet I seem to be leaning on the arm of an unseen but
all-powerful supporter!"
"You are a hero, my dear Aubrey!" exclaimed Lord De la Zouch, with
sudden fervor.
"And that support will embrace those dearer to me than
life--dearer--far--far"----He ceased; his feelings quite overcame him,
and they walked on for some time in silence. Soon afterwards they
parted--for Lord De la Zouch perceived that his unfortunate companion
wished to be alone. He wrung Mr. Aubrey's hands in silence; and having
turned in the direction of his hotel, Mr. Aubrey made for his lodgings.
The streets were occupied by passengers, some returning from the Castle
after the great trial of the day; others standing here and there, in
little knots, conversing as he passed them; and he felt conscious that
the subject of their thoughts and conversation was himself and his
fallen fortunes. Several deep-drawn sighs escaped him, as he walked on,
the herald of such dismal tidings, to those whom he loved; and he felt
but for that which supported him from within, as it were, a fallen
angel, so far as concerned this world's honors and greatness. The
splendors of human pomp and prosperity seemed rapidly vanishing in the
distance. In the temporary depression of his spirits, he experienced
feelings somewhat akin to those of the heart-sickened exile, whose fond
eyes are riveted upon the mosques and minarets of his native city,
glittering in the soft sunlight of evening, where are the cherished
objects of all his tenderest thoughts and feelings; while his vessel is
rapidly bearing him from it, amid the rising wind, the increasing and
ominous swell of the waters, the thickening gloom of night--_whither_?
The Minster clock struck ten as he passed one of the corners of the vast
majestic structure, gray-glistening in the faint moonlight. The
melodious chimes echoed in his ear, and smote his subdued soul with a
sense of peculiar solemnity and awe; they forced upon him a reflection
upon the transient littleness of earthly things. Then he thought of
those dear beings who were awaiting his return, and a gush of grief and
tenderness overflowed his heart, as he quickened his steps, with an
inward and fervent prayer that Heaven would support them under the
misfortune which had befallen them. As he neared the retired row of
houses where his lodgings were situated, he imagined that he saw some
one near the door, as if on the look-out for his approach; and who, as
he drew nearer, suddenly entered them, and closed the door. This was a
person whom Mr. Aubrey did not at all suspect--it was his worthy friend
Dr. Tatham; who, unable to quit Yatton in time to hear the trial, had
early that morning mounted his horse, and after a long and hard ride,
reached York soon after Mr. Aubrey had set off for the Castle. Though
many of the county people then in York were aware that Mrs. and Miss
Aubrey were also there, a delicate consideration for their exquisitely
distressing situation restrained them from intruding upon their privacy,
which had been evidently sought for by the species of lodgings which
Mr. Aubrey had engaged. On the second day, the excellent Dr. Tatham had
been their welcome and instructive guest, scarce ever leaving them; Mr.
Aubrey's groom bringing word, from time to time, from his master, how
the trial went on. Late in the evening, urged by Kate, the doctor had
gone off to the Castle, to wait till he could bring intelligence of the
final result of the trial. He had not been observed by Mr. Aubrey amid
the number of people who were about; and had at length fulfilled his
mission, and been beforehand with Mr. Aubrey in communicating the
unfortunate issue of the struggle. The instant that Mr. Aubrey had set
his foot within the door, he was locked in the impassioned embrace of
his wife and sister. None of them spoke for some moments.
"Dearest Charles!--we've heard it all--we know it all!" at length they
exclaimed in a breath. "Thank God, it is over at last--and we know the
worst!--Are you well, dearest Charles?" inquired Mrs. Aubrey, with fond
anxiety.
"Thank God, my Agnes, I am well!" said Mr. Aubrey, much excited--"and
thank God that the dreadful suspense is at an end; and also for the
fortitude, my sweet loves, with which you bear the result. And how are
_you_, my excellent friend?" continued he, addressing Dr. Tatham, and
grasping his hands; "my venerable and pious friend--how it refreshes my
heart to see you! as one of the chosen ministers of that God whose
creatures we are, and whose dispensations we receive with reverent
submission!"
"God Almighty bless you all, my dear friends!" replied Dr. Tatham,
powerfully affected. "Believe that all this is from HIM! He has wise
ends in view, though we see not nor comprehend them! _Faint not when you
are rebuked of Him! If ye faint in the day of adversity, your_
_strength is small!_ But I rejoice to see your resignation!"--Aubrey,
his wife, and sister, were for a while overcome with their emotions.
"I assure you all," said Aubrey, "I feel as if a very mountain had been
lifted off my heart! How blessed am I in such a wife and sister!" A
heavenly smile irradiated his pale features--and he clasped his wife,
and then his sister, in his arms. They wept as they tenderly returned
his embrace.
"God," said he, "that gave us all, has taken all: why should we murmur?
He will enable us, if we pray for His assistance, to bear with
equanimity our present adversity, as well as our past prosperity! Come,
Agnes! Kate! play the woman!"
Dr. Tatham sat silent by; but the tears ran down his cheeks. At length
Mr. Aubrey gave them a general account of what had occurred at the
trial--and which, I need hardly say, was listened to in breathless
silence.
"Who is that letter from, love, lying on the table?" inquired Mr.
Aubrey, during a pause in the conversation.
"It's only from Johnson--dearest!--to say the children are quite well,"
replied Mrs. Aubrey. The ruined parents, as if by a common impulse,
looked unutterable things at each other. Then the mother turned deadly
pale; and her husband tenderly kissed her cold cheek; while Kate could
scarcely restrain her feelings. The excitement of each was beginning to
give way before sheer bodily and mental exhaustion; and Dr. Tatham,
observing it, rose to take his departure. It was arranged that the
carriage should be at the door by eight o'clock in the morning, to
convey them back to Yatton--and that Dr. Tatham should breakfast with
them, and afterwards accompany them on horseback. He then took his
departure for the night, with a very full heart; and those whom he had
left, soon afterwards retired for the night; and having first invoked
the mercy and pity of Heaven, sank into slumber and brief forgetfulness
of the perilous position in which they had been placed by the event of
the day.
Somewhat different was the mode in which the night was spent by the
victorious party. Gammon, as has been seen, was the first to
congratulate Titmouse on his splendid success. The next was old
Quirk--who, with a sort of conviction that he should find Gammon
beforehand with him--bustled out of court, leaving Snap to pay the jury,
settle the court-fees, collect the papers, and so forth. Both Quirk and
Snap (as soon as the latter was at liberty) exhibited a courtesy towards
Titmouse which had a strong dash of reverence in it, such as was due to
the possessor of ten thousand a-year; but Gammon exhibited the tranquil
matter-of-fact confidence of a man who had determined to be, and indeed
knew that he _was_, the entire master of Titmouse.
"I--wish you'd call a coach, or something of that sort, gents.--I'm
devilish tired--I am, 'pon my soul!" said Mr. Titmouse, yawning, as he
stood on the steps between Quirk and Gammon, waiting for Snap's arrival.
He was, in fact, almost beside himself--bursting with excitement; and
could not stand still for a moment. Now he whistled loudly, and boldly;
then he hummed a bar or two of some low comic song; and repeatedly drew
on and off his damp gloves, with an air of petulant impetuosity. Now he
ran his hand through his hair with careless grace; and then, with arms
folded on his breast for a moment, looked eagerly, but with a would-be
languid air, at two or three elegant equipages, which, one by one, with
their depressed and disappointed occupants, rolled off. At length, Lord
Widdrington, amid a sharp impetuous cry of "Make way for the judge
there--make way for my Lord!" appeared in his robes, (holding his
three-cornered hat in his hand,) with a wearied air; and passing close
by Titmouse, was honored by him with a very fine bow indeed--his
Lordship not being, however, in the least aware of the fact--as he
passed on to his carriage. The steps were drawn up; the door was closed;
and amid a sharp blast of trumpets, the carriage drove slowly off,
preceded and followed by the usual attendants. All this pomp and
ceremony made a very deep impression upon the mind of Titmouse. "Ah,"
thought he, with a sudden sigh of mingled excitement and
exhaustion--"who knows but _I_ may be a judge some day? It's a devilish
pleasant thing, I'm sure! What a fuss he must make wherever he goes!
'Pon my life, quite delightful!" As there was no coach to be had, Mr.
Titmouse was forced to walk home, arm-in-arm with Mr. Quirk and Mr.
Gammon, and followed, at a little distance, by a knot of persons,
acquainted with his name and person, and feeling towards him a strange
mixture of emotions--dislike, wonder, contempt, admiration. Goodness
gracious! that strange little gentleman was now worth, it was said, ten
thousand a-year; and was squire of Yatton!! Old Quirk shook Titmouse's
hand with irrepressible enthusiasm, at least a dozen times on their way
to the inn; while Gammon now and then squeezed his arm, and spoke, in an
earnest tone, of the difficulties yet to be overcome. On reaching the
inn, the landlady, who was standing at the door, and had evidently been
on the look-out for her suddenly distinguished guest, received him with
several profound courtesies, and eager and respectful inquiries about
his health, as he had had no luncheon--and asking what he would be
pleased to have for his supper. She added, moreover, that fearing his
former bedroom might not have been to his mind, she had changed it, and
he would that night sleep in the very best she had.
"We must make a night on 't, eh?" quoth Mr. Quirk, with an excited air.
His partners assented to it, as did Mr. Titmouse; and cold beef,
sausages, fowl, ham, beefsteaks, and mutton-chops, were ordered to be in
readiness in half an hour's time. Soon afterwards Mr. Titmouse followed
the chambermaid to his new bedroom.
"This is the room we always give to quality folk--when we get them,"
said she, as she set his candle on the drawers, and looked round the
apartment with a little triumph.
"Ah--yes!--'pon my soul--quite right--always do your best for
quality!--Lovely gal--eh?" Here he chucked her under the chin, and
seemed disposed to imprint a kiss upon her cheek; but, with a "Lord
sir--that's not the way quality folks behave!" she modestly withdrew.
Titmouse, left alone, first threw himself on the bed; then started off,
and walked about; then sat down; then danced about; then took off his
coat; then threw himself on the bed again; hummed, whistled, and jumped
up again--in a sort of wild ecstasy, or delirium. In short, it was plain
that he was not master of himself. In fact, his little mind was agitated
by the day's event, like as would be a small green puddle by the
road-side, for a while, on a stone being suddenly flung into it by a
child. While Messrs. Quirk and Snap were, after their sort, as excited
as was even Mr. Titmouse himself, Gammon, retiring to his bedroom, and
ordering thither pens, ink, and paper, sat down and wrote the following
letter:--
"York, 5th April, 18--.
"MY DEAR SIR,--The very first leisure moment I have, I devote to
informing you, as one of the most intimate friends of our highly
respected client, Mr. Titmouse, of the brilliant event which has
just occurred. After a most severe and protracted struggle of two
days, (the Attorney-General having come down special on the other
side,) the jury, many of them the chief gentlemen of the county,
have within this last hour returned a verdict in favor of our
friend, Mr. Titmouse--thereby declaring him entitled to the whole
of the estates at Yatton, (ten thousand a-year rent-roll, at least,)
and, by consequence, to an immense accumulation of bygone rents,
which must be made up to him by his predecessor, who, with all his
powerful party, and in spite of the unscrupulous means resorted to
to defeat the ends of justice, is dismayed beyond expression at
the result of this grand struggle--unprecedented in the annals of
modern litigation. The result has given lively satisfaction in
these parts--it is plain that our friend Mr. Titmouse will very
soon become a great _lion_ in society.
"To you, my dear sir, as an early and valued friend of our
interesting client, I sit down to communicate the earliest
intelligence of this most important event; and I trust that you
will, with our respectful compliments, communicate the happy news
to your amiable family--who, I am persuaded, must ever feel a
warm interest in our client's welfare. He is now, naturally enough,
much excited with his extraordinary good fortune, to which we are
only too proud and happy to have contributed by our humble, but
strenuous and long-continued exertions. He begs me to express his
cordial feelings towards you, and to say that, on his return to
town, Satin Lodge will be one of the very first places at which he
will call. In the mean time, I beg you will believe me, my dear sir,
with the best compliments of myself and partners, yours most
sincerely,
"OILY GAMMON.
"THOMAS TAG-RAG, ESQ.
&c. &c. &c."
"That, I think, will about do"--quoth Gammon to himself, with a
thoughtful air, as, having made an exact copy of the above letter, he
sealed it up and directed it. He then came down-stairs to supper, having
first sent the letter off to the post-office. What a merry meal was that
same supper! Mr. Titmouse, Mr. Quirk, and Mr. Snap, ate almost to
bursting; Gammon was more abstinent--but, overpowered by the
importunities of his companions, he took a far greater quantity than
usual of the bouncing bottled porter, the hard port, and fiery sherry,
which his companions drank as if they had been but water. Then came in
the spirits--with hot water and cold; and to these all present did ample
justice; in fact, it was very hard for any one to resist the other's
entreaties. Mr. Gammon in due time felt himself _going_--but seemed as
if, on such an occasion, he had no help for it. Every one of the
partners, at different stages of the evening, made--_more suo_--a speech
to Titmouse, and proposed his health; who, of course, replied to each,
and drank the health of each. Presently old Quirk sang a comic song, in
a very dismal key; and then he and Snap joined in a duet called,
"_Handcuff_ v. _Halter_;" at which Gammon laughed heartily, and listened
with that degree of pleased attention, which showed that he had
resolved, for once at least, to abandon himself to the low enjoyment of
the passing hour. Then Titmouse began to speak of what he should do, as
soon as he had "touched the shiners"--his companions entering into all
his little schemes with a sort of affectionate enthusiasm. At length old
Mr. Quirk, after by turns laughing, crying, singing, and talking, leaned
back in his chair, with his half-emptied tumbler of brandy and water in
his hand, and fell fast asleep. Gammon also, in spite of all he could
do, began--the deuce take it!--to feel and exhibit the effects of a
hasty and hearty meal, and his very unusual potations, especially after
such long abstinence and intense anxiety as he had experienced during
the previous two days. He had intended to have seen all his companions
under the table; but he began gradually to feel a want of control over
himself, his thoughts, and feelings, which a little disquieted him, as
he now and then caught glimpses of the extent to which it was
proceeding. "_In vino veritas_," properly translated, means--that
when a man is fairly under the influence of liquor, you see a strong
manifestation of his real character. The vain man is vainer; the
voluble, more voluble; the morose, more morose; the passionate, more
passionate; the detractor, more detracting; the sycophant, more
sycophantic, and so forth. Now Mr. Gammon was a cold, cautious,
long-headed schemer, and as the fumes of liquor mounted up into his
head, they did but increase the action and intensity of those qualities
for which, when sober, he was so pre-eminently distinguished; only that
there was a half-conscious want of coherency and subordination. The
impulse and the habit were present; but there seemed also a strange
disturbing force: in short--what is the use of disguising matters?--Mr.
Gammon was getting very drunk; and he felt very sorry for it--but it was
too late. In due time the dismal effort _not to appear drunk_, ceased--a
vast relief! Silent and more silent he became; more and more observant
of the motions of Snap and Titmouse; more and more complicated and
profound in his schemes and purposes; and at length he felt as if, by
some incomprehensible means, he were attempting to take _himself_
in--inveigling himself: at which point, after a vain attempt to
understand his exact position, with reference to himself, he slowly, but
_rather_ unsteadily, rose from his chair; looked with an unsettled eye
at Titmouse for nearly a minute; a queer smile now and then flitted
across his features; and he presently rang the bell. Boots having obeyed
the summons, Gammon with a turbid brain and cloudy eye followed him to
the door, with a most desperate but unavailing effort to walk thither
steadily. Having reached his room, he sat down with a sort of suspicion
that he had said or done something to commit himself. Vain was the
attempt to wind up his watch; and at length he gave it up, with a faint
curse. With only one stocking off, conceiving himself to be undressed,
after trying four or five times ineffectually to blow out his candle, he
succeeded, and got into bed; his head, however, occupying the place
assigned to his feet. He lay asleep for about half an hour--and then
experienced certain insupportable sensations. He was indeed miserable
beyond description; and lost all thoughts of what would become of
Titmouse--of Quirk and Snap--in his own most desperate indisposition.
"I say, Snap," quoth Titmouse, with a grin, and putting his finger to
his nose, as soon as Gammon had quitted the room in the manner above
described--"Mr. Quirk a'n't much company for us just now, eh? Shall we
go out and have some fun?"
"Walk will do us good--yes. Go where you like, Titmouse," replied Snap,
who, though young, was a thoroughly seasoned vessel, and could hold a
great deal of drink without seeming, or really being, much the worse for
it. As for Titmouse, happily for him! (seeing that he was so soon to
have the command of unlimited means, unless indeed the envious fates
should in the mean time interpose to dash the brimful cup from his eager
lips,) he was becoming more and more accustomed to the effects of drink;
which had, up to the moment I am speaking of, had no other effect than
to elevate his spirits up to the pitch of indefinite daring and
enterprise. "'Pon my life, Snap, couldn't we stand another tumbler--eh?
Warm us for the night air?" "What shall it be?" quoth Snap, ringing the
bell--"whiskey?"
"Devil knows, and devil cares!" replied Mr. Titmouse, recklessly; and
presently there stood before the friends two steaming tumblers of what
they had ordered. Immediately after disposing of them, the two
gentlemen, quite _up to the mark_, as they expressed it--each with a
cigar in his mouth--sallied forth in quest of adventures. Titmouse felt
that he had now become a gentleman; and his tastes and feelings prompted
him to pursue, as early as possible, a gentlemanly line of
conduct--particularly in his amusements. It was now past twelve; and the
narrow old-fashioned streets of York, silent and deserted, formed a
strong contrast to the streets of London at the same hour, and seemed
scarcely to admit of much sport. But sport our friends were determined
to have; and the night air aiding the effect of their miscellaneous
potations, they soon became somewhat excited and violent. Yet it seemed
difficult to get up a _row_--for no one was visible in any direction.
Snap, however, by way of making a beginning, suddenly shouted "Fire!" at
the top of his voice, and Titmouse joined him; when having heard half a
dozen windows hastily thrown up by the dismayed inhabitants whom the
alarming sounds had aroused from sleep, they scampered off at their top
speed. In another part of the town they yelled, and whistled, and crowed
like cocks, and mewed like cats--the last two being accomplishments in
which Titmouse was very eminent--and again took to their heels. Then
they contrived to twist a few knockers off doors, pull bells, and break
a few windows; and while exercising their skill in this last branch of
the night's amusement, Titmouse, in the very act of aiming a stone which
took effect in the middle of a bedroom window, was surprised by an old
watchman waddling round the corner. He was a feeble asthmatic old man;
so Snap knocked him down at once, and Titmouse blew out the candle in
his lantern, which he then jumped upon and smashed to pieces, and
knocked its prostrate owner's hat over his eyes. Snap, on some strange
unaccountable impulse, wrested the rattle out of the poor creature's
hand, and sprang it loudly. This brought several other old watchmen from
different quarters; and aged numbers prevailing against youthful
spirit--the two gentlemen, after a considerable scuffle, were
overpowered and conveyed to the cage. Snap having muttered something
about demanding to look at the _warrant_, and then about an action for
malicious arrest and false imprisonment, sank on a form, and then down
upon the floor, and fell fast asleep. Titmouse for a while showed a very
resolute front, and swore a great many oaths, that he would fight the
Boots at the inn for five shillings, if he dared show himself; but all
of a sudden, his spirit collapsed, as it were, and he sank on the floor,
and was grievously indisposed for some hours. About nine o'clock, the
contents of the cage--viz. Snap, Titmouse, two farmers' boys who had
been caught stealing cakes, an old beggar, and a young pickpocket--were
conveyed before the Lord Mayor to answer for their several misdeeds.
Snap was wofully crestfallen. He had sent for the landlord of the inn
where they had put up, to come, on their behalf, to the Mansion-house;
but he told Quirk of the message he had received. Mr. Quirk, finding
that Gammon could not leave his room through severe indisposition--the
very first time that Mr. Quirk had ever seen or heard of his being so
overtaken--set off, in a very mortified and angry mood, in quest of his
hopeful client and junior partner. They were in a truly dismal pickle.
Titmouse pale as death, his clothes disordered, and a part of his
shirt-collar torn off; Snap sat beside him with a sheepish air, seeming
scarce able to keep his eyes open. At him Mr. Quirk looked with keen
indignation, but spoke neither to him, nor on his behalf. For Titmouse,
however, he expressed great commiseration, and entreated his Lordship to
overlook the little misconduct of which he (Titmouse) in a moment of
extreme excitement, had been guilty, on condition of his making amends
for the injury, both to person and property, of which he had been
guilty. By this time his Lordship had become aware of the names and
circumstances of the two delinquents; and after lecturing them very
severely, he fined them five shillings a-piece for being drunk, and
permitted them to be discharged, on their promising never to offend in
the like way again, and paying three pounds by way of compensation to
the watchman, and one or two persons whose knockers they were proved to
have wrenched off, and windows to have broken. His Lordship had delayed
the case of Messrs. Snap and Titmouse to the last; chiefly because, as
soon as he had found out who Mr. Titmouse was, it occurred to him that
he would make a sort of a little star, at the great ball to be given by
the Lady Mayoress that evening. As soon, therefore, as the charge had
been disposed of, his Lordship desired Mr. Titmouse to follow him, for a
moment, to his private room. There having shut the door, he gently
chided Mr. Titmouse for the indiscretion of which he had been guilty,
and which was not to have been expected from a gentleman of his
consequence in the county. His Lordship begged him to consider the
station which he was now called to occupy; and in alluding to the signal
event of the preceding day, warmly congratulated him upon it; and,
trusted by the way, that Mr. Titmouse would, in the evening, favor the
Lady Mayoress and himself with his company at the ball, where they would
be very proud of the opportunity of introducing him to some of the
gentry of the county, among whom his future lot in life was likely to be
cast. Mr. Titmouse listened to all this as if he were in a dream. His
brain (the little of it that he had) was yet in a most unsettled state;
as also was his stomach. When he heard the words "Lady Mayoress,"
"ball," "Mansion-house," "gentry of the county," and so forth, a dim
vision of splendor flashed before his eyes; and, with a desperate
effort, he assured the Lord Mayor that he should be "very uncommon proud
to accept the invitation, if he were well enough--but, just then, he
was uncommon ill."
His Lordship pressed him to take a glass of water, to revive him and
settle his stomach; but Mr. Titmouse declined it, and soon afterwards
quitted the room; and leaning on the arm of Mr. Quirk, set off
homeward--Snap walking beside him in silence, with a very quaint
disconcerted air--not being taken the least notice of by Mr. Quirk. As
they passed along, they encountered several of the barristers on their
way to court, and others, who recognized Titmouse; and with a smile,
evidently formed a pretty accurate guess as to the manner in which the
triumph of the preceding day had been celebrated. Mr. Quirk, finding
that Mr. Gammon was far too much indisposed to think of quitting York,
at all events till a late hour in the evening, and, indeed, that
Titmouse was similarly situated--with a very bad grace consented to
their stopping behind; and himself, with Snap--the former inside, the
latter outside--having paid most of the witnesses, leaving the
remainder, together with their own expenses at the inn, to be settled by
Mr. Gammon--set off for town by the two o'clock coach. It was, indeed,
high time for them to return; for the oppressed inmates of Newgate were
getting wild on account of the protracted absence of their kind and
confidential advisers. When they left, both Gammon and Titmouse were in
bed. The former, however, began to revive, shortly after the wheels of
the coach which conveyed away his respected copartners, and the sound of
the guard's horn, had ceased to be heard; and about an hour afterwards
he descended from his room, a great deal the better for the duties of
the toilet, and a bottle of soda-water with a little brandy in it. A cup
of strong tea, and a slice or two of dry toast, set him entirely to
rights--and then Gammon--the calm, serene, astute Gammon--was "himself
again." Had he said anything indiscreet, or in any way committed
himself, over-night?--thought he, as he sat alone, with folded arms,
trying to recollect what had taken place. He hoped not--but had no means
of ascertaining. Then he entered upon a long and anxious consideration
of the position of affairs, since the great event of the preceding
evening. The only definite object which he had ever had in view,
personally, in entering into the affair, was the obtaining that
ascendency over Titmouse, in the event of his becoming possessed of the
magnificent fortune they were in quest of for him, which might enable
him, in one way or another, to elevate his own position in society, and
secure for himself permanent and solid advantages. In the progress of
the affair, however, new views presented themselves to his mind.
Towards the close of the afternoon Titmouse recovered sufficiently to
make his appearance down-stairs. Soon afterwards, Gammon proposed a
walk, as the day was fine, and the brisk fresh country air would be
efficacious in restoring Titmouse to his wonted health and spirits. His
suggestion was adopted; and soon afterwards might have been seen,
Gammon, supporting on his arm his languid and interesting client Mr.
Titmouse, making their way towards the river; along whose quiet and
pleasing banks they walked for nearly a couple of hours in close
conversation; during which, Gammon, by repeated and various efforts,
succeeded in producing an impression on Titmouse's mind, that the good
fortune which seemed now within his reach, had been secured for him by
the enterprise, skill, and caution of him, Mr. Gammon, only; who would,
moreover, continue to devote himself to Mr. Titmouse's interests, and
protect him from the designs of those who would endeavor to take
advantage of him. Mr. Gammon also dropped one or two vague hints that
his--Titmouse's--continuance in the enjoyment of the Yatton property,
would always depend upon the will and power of him, the aforesaid Mr.
Gammon; in whose hands were most unsuspected, but potent weapons. And
indeed it is not at all impossible that such may prove to be really the
case.
What a difference is there between man and man, in temper, and
disposition, and intellect! Compare together the two individuals now
walking slowly, arm-in-arm, beside the sweet Ouse; and supposing one to
have designs upon the other--disposed to ensnare and overreach him--what
chance has the shorter gentleman? Compare even their countenances--ah
me!--what a difference!
Gammon heard with uneasiness of Titmouse's intention to go to the Lady
Mayoress's ball that evening; and, for many reasons, resolved that he
should not. In vain, however, did Gammon try to persuade him that he was
asked only to be turned into ridicule, for that almost everybody there
would be in the interest of the Aubreys, and bitterly opposed to him,
Mr. Titmouse; in spite of these and all other representations, Titmouse
expressed his determination to go to the ball; on which Gammon, with a
good-natured smile, exclaimed, "Well, well!"--and withdrew his
opposition. Shortly after their return from their walk, they sat down to
dinner; and Gammon, with a cheerful air, ordered a bottle of champagne,
of which he drank about a glass and a half, and Titmouse the remainder.
That put him into a humor to take more wine, without much pressing; and
he swallowed, in rapid succession, a glass of ale, and seven or eight
glasses of red-hot port and fiery sherry. By this time, he had forgotten
all about the ball, and clamored for brandy and water. Gammon, however,
saw that his end was answered. Poor Titmouse was soon reduced to a state
of helplessness and insensibility; and within half an hour's time was
assisted to his bedroom in a truly deplorable condition! Thus Gammon had
the satisfaction of seeing his benevolent design accomplished, although
it pained him to think of the temporary inconvenience occasioned to the
unconscious sufferer; who had, however, escaped the devices of those who
wished publicly to expose his inexperience; and as for the means which
Gammon had resorted to in order to effect his purpose,--why, he may be
supposed to have had a remoter object in view, viz. early to disgust him
with intemperance.
Alas! how disappointed were the mayor and mayoress, that their queer
little lion did not make his appearance in the gay and brilliant scene!
How many had they told that he was coming! Their three daughters were
almost bursting with vexation and astonishment. They had been disposed
to entertain a warmer feeling than that of mere curiosity towards the
new owner of an estate worth ten thousand a-year--had drawn lots which
of them was first to dance with him; and had told all their friends on
which of them the lot had fallen. Then, again, many of the county people
inquired from time to time of the chagrined little mayor and mayoress
when "Mr. Ticklemouse," "Mr. Tipmouse," "Mr. Tipplebattle," or "whatever
his name might be," was coming; full of real curiosity, much tinctured,
however, with disgust and contempt, to see the stranger, who had
suddenly acquired so commanding a station in the county--so strong a
claim to their sympathy and respect! Then, again, there was a very great
lion there, exhibiting for a short time only, who also had wished to see
the _little_ lion, and expressed keen regrets that it was not there
according to appointment. The great lion was Mr. Quicksilver, who had
stepped in for about half an hour, merely to show himself; and when he
heard of the expected arrival of his little client, it occurred to Mr.
Quicksilver, who could see several inches beyond by no means a short
nose, that Mr. Titmouse had gained a verdict which would very soon make
him _patron of the_ _borough of Yatton_--that he probably would not
think of sitting for the borough himself, and that a little public
civility bestowed upon Mr. Titmouse, by the great Mr. Quicksilver, one
of the counsel to whose splendid exertions he was indebted for his all,
might be, as it were, _bread thrown upon the waters, to be found after
many days_. It was true that Mr. Quicksilver, in a bitter stream of
eloquent invective, had repeatedly denounced the system of close and
"rotten" boroughs; but his heart, all the while, secretly rebelled; and
he knew that a snug little borough was a thing on every account not to
be sneezed at. He sat for one himself, though he had also contested
several counties; but that was expensive and harassing work; and the
seat which he at present occupied, he had paid far too high a price for.
He had no objection to the existence of close boroughs in the abstract;
but only to so many of them being in the hands of the opposite party;
and the legislature hath since recognized the distinction, and acted
upon it. Here, however, was the case of a borough which was going to
change hands, and pass from Tory to Whig; and could Mr. Quicksilver fail
to watch it with interest? Was he, therefore, to neglect this
opportunity of slipping in for Yatton--and the _straw moving_, too, in
town--a general election looked for? So Mr. Quicksilver really regretted
the absence of the little lion--his little friend and client, Mr.
Titmouse.
Thus, and by such persons, and on such grounds, was lamented the absence
of Mr. Titmouse from the ball of the Lady Mayoress of York; none,
however, knowing the cause which kept him from so select and
distinguished an assembly. Mr. Gammon, as soon as he had seen Mr.
Titmouse properly attended to, and had expressed an anxious sympathy for
him, set out for a walk--a quiet solitary walk round the ancient walls
of York. If on a fine night you look up into the sky, and see it
gleaming with innumerable stars, and then fix your eye intently,
_without wavering_, upon some one star; however vivid and brilliant may
be those in its immediate vicinity, they will disappear utterly, and
that on which your eye is fixed will seem alone in its glory--sole star
in the firmament. Something of this kind happened to Mr. Gammon when on
the walls of York--now slowly, then rapidly walking, now standing, then
sitting; all the objects which generally occupied his thoughts faded
away, before one on which his mind's eye was then fixed with unwavering
intensity--the image of Miss Aubrey. The golden fruit that was on the
eve of dropping into the hands of the firm--ten thousand pounds--the
indefinite and varied advantages to himself, personally, to which their
recent successes might be turned, all vanished. What would he not
undergo, what would he not sacrifice, to secure the favor of Miss
Aubrey? Beautiful being--all innocence, elegance, refinement:--to
possess her would elevate him in the scale of being; it would purify his
feelings, it would ennoble his nature. What was too arduous or desperate
to be undertaken in order to secure a prize so glorious as this? He fell
into a long revery, till, roused by a chill gust of night air, he rose
from his seat upon one of the niches in the walls;--how lonely, how
solitary he felt! He walked on rapidly, at a pace that suited the heated
and rapid current of thoughts that passed through his mind.
"No, I have not a chance--not a chance!" at length he thought to
himself--"That girl will be prouder in her poverty, than ever she would
have been in her wealth and splendor. Who am I?--a partner in the firm
of Quirk, Gammon, and Snap; a firm in bad odor with the profession;
looking for practice from polluted sources, with a host of miscreants
for clients--faugh! faugh! I feel contaminated and degraded! My name
even is against me; it is growing into a by-word!--We must push our
advantage--they must be driven from Yatton--he, she--all of them; yes,
all." He paused for a long time, and a sort of pang passed through his
mind. "They are to make way for--Titmouse!--for Titmouse!! And he, too,
loves her--_bah!_" He involuntarily uttered this sound fiercely, and
aloud. "But stay--he really is in love with Miss Aubrey--that I
know;--ah! I can turn it to good purpose; it will give me, by the way, a
hold upon the little fool; I will make him believe that through my means
he may obtain Miss Aubrey! Misery may make her accessible; I can easily
bring myself into contact with them, in their distress; for there are
the mesne profits--_the mesne profits!_ Heavens! how glorious, but how
dreadful an engine are _they_! They will help to batter down the high
wall of pride that surrounds _them_ and _her_; but it will require
infinite care and tact in the use of such an engine! I will be all
delicacy--gentleness--generosity; I will appear friendly to her, and to
her brother; and, if needs must be, why he must be _crushed_. There is
no help for it. He looks decidedly, by the way--a man of intellect. I
wonder how he bears it--how they all bear it--how _she_ bears it!
_Beggared beauty_--there's something touching in the very sound! How
little they think of the power that is at this moment in my hands!" Here
a long interval elapsed, during which his thoughts had wandered towards
more practical matters. "If they don't get a rule _nisi_, next term, we
shall be in a position to ask them what course they intend to pursue:
Gad, they may, if so disposed, hold out for--how very cold it is!"--he
buttoned his coat--"and, what have I been thinking of? Really I have
been dreaming; or am I as great a fool as Tittlebat?" Within a few
minutes' time he had quitted the walls, and descended through one of the
turreted gateways, into the town.