Rumour began, with bold and busy tongue, to talk more openly of
"scandalous reports" from the frontier concerning Mrs Rashleigh. Lady
Amabel, always charitable, put them down to the account of a little
"natural bitterness" on the part of weak, jealous people, who might
depend on Mrs Rashleigh's influence for invitations to the official
parties; but I heard otherwise, and from no other than Mr Lyle. So
far, he said, from people being desirous of the _entree_ at Sir Adrian's
official residence at Graham's Town, many persons objected to meet Mrs
Rashleigh, whose conduct with Fairfax had become notorious. Lyle
mentioned Clarence as though he was utterly unconscious of my interest
in him, and added, that he knew him slightly--they had been at
Westminster together. He did not tell me that Clarence and he had been
foes in one of those shocking stand-up fights so common in English
schools. Lyle had conquered Clarence, and the latter did not resent the
issue of what was declared a fair fight; but the former never forgot
that, though victory was his, there were few to cheer _him_, while the
vanquished boy was surrounded by friends.
In short, with many tastes and talents in common, these two men were
totally different.
Clarence was accustomed to talk to me chiefly of himself. I began to
think of this, as Lyle did homage to talents which he discovered I
possessed. Still there were the doubts about jest and earnest. Every
day I found out how difficult it was to understand the character of men.
Lyle became more marked in his attentions as the time drew near for Sir
Adrian's return; and I--I must confess that I was surprised at having
borne Clarence's absence with patience.
I had had my hours of sorrow and anxiety nevertheless. The dread of a
war was dissipated soon after the Governor and his troops had left Cape
Town; but diplomatic matters detained them for three months. During
that period I never left Lady Amabel; but Lyle made himself acquainted
with all the domestic history of Sir Adrian's proceedings, laughed at
the scandal about Mrs Rashleigh and Fairfax, but did not doubt it,--it
was too well authenticated; and when he discovered that my countenance
was clouded with dismay, affected bitter regret at having wounded my
feelings; but smiled incredulously at the idea of my entertaining a
serious passion for that young _roue_.
He did not dwell on this. He knew that in a disposition like mine love
reigned triumphant over pride.
Woe is me! I knew so too.
I have tried to detail some of the characteristics of this
deeply-designing man; but you would rather have them passed over, and I
shrink from the recital. He was determined on retrieving a tottering
reputation by an alliance with any one whose friends or fortune might
arrest the progress of ruin and disgrace; I was the victim he singled
out. My thoughts were far apart from his designs.
I was like a city besieged, with the enemy smiling before me in friendly
array, watching to stalk into the gates, awaiting the arrival of a
faithless ally.
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Lady Amabel and I were at Newlands, expecting tidings from the frontier,
and prepared to return to Cape Town to receive Sir Adrian. I was
awakened early one morning by the distant sound of guns--it was a
salute--it must be the Governor and his suite; they were expected to
return by sea. I threw on my dressing-gown, and ran to Lady Amabel's
room.
I met her in the passage; she was all joy. I trembled with agitation,
pleasure, and dread.
The carriage drove round within half an hour, and we hastened into Cape
Town. The bells were ringing, the ships in the harbour were decorated
with flags. Crowds lined the streets; the Governor had landed, and was
detained on the shore by a congratulatory deputation. We were received
by the throng with loud hurrahs. Peace had been proclaimed, and
treaties established, which people believed would be satisfactory.
Triumphal arches had been raised within a few hours. On we dashed. We
reached Government House just as the guard of honour passed us after
receiving Sir Adrian. Every one looked joyous; the mansion resounded
again with cheerful voices.
"Here they come! Here they come!" Carriage-wheels approached. Lady
Amabel and I ran into the hall. She threw herself upon her husband's
breast. Captain Walton and the military secretary advanced to shake
hands with me. They were laughing--quite happy to have escaped the
toils of an inglorious warfare. I could not speak.
Lady Amabel greeted them, and looking round, said, "But where is my
nephew? Where is Clarence Fairfax?"
And they both answered with another laugh, which Captain Walton checked
suddenly, as he caught a glimpse of my frightened face. "Oh! he is
quite safe, and very--happy," said the secretary. "Well," said Captain
Walton; "he is coming back overland with the Rashleighs."
"Yes," observed Sir Adrian, in a tone, partly of sarcasm and partly of
displeasure; "and he had much better have returned with us. I am by no
means satisfied with this arrangement of _Mrs Rashleigh's_."