This was a little ambiguous; but before the young man had time to look into it his hostess put a bland question. Should you expect her to live in America?
Oh yes. Thats my home, you know.
Shouldnt you be living sometimes in England?
Oh yeswell come over and see you. He was in love, he wanted to marry, he wanted to be genial and to commend himself to the family; yet it was in his nature not to accept conditions save in so far as they met his taste, not to tie himself or, as they said in New York, give himself away. He preferred in any transaction his own terms to those of any one else, so that the moment Lady Canterville gave signs of wishing to extract a promise he was on his guard.
Shell find it very different; perhaps she wont like it, her ladyship suggested.
If she likes me shell like my country, Jackson Lemon returned with decision.
He tells me he has a plate on his door, Lord Canterville put in for the right pleasant tone.
We must talk to her of course; we must understand how she feelsand his wife looked, though still gracious, more nobly responsible.
Please dont discourage her, Lady Canterville, Jackson firmly said; and give me a chance to talk to her a little more myself. You havent given me much chance, you know.
We dont offer our daughters to people, however amiable, Mr. Lemon. Her charming grand manner rather quickened.
She isnt like some women in London, you know, Lord Canterville helpfully explained; you see we rather stave off the evil day: we like to be together. And Jackson certainly, if the idea had been presented to him, would have said that No, decidedly, Lady Barb hadnt been thrown at him.
Of course not, he declared in answer to her mothers remark. But you know you mustnt decline overtures too much either; you mustnt make a poor fellow wait too long. I admire her, I love her, more than I can say; I give you my word of honour for that.
He seems to think that settles it, said Lord Canterville, shining richly down at the young American from his place before the cold chimney-piece.
Certainly thats what we desire, Philip, her ladyship returned with an equal grace.
Lady Barb believes it; Im sure she does! Jackson exclaimed with spirit. Why should I pretend to be in love with her if Im not?
Lady Canterville received this appeal in silence, and her husband, with just the least air in the world of repressed impatience, began to walk up and down the room. He was a man of many engagements, and he had been closeted for more than a quarter of an hour with the young American doctor. Do you imagine you should come often to England? Lady Canterville asked as if to think of everything.
Im afraid I cant tell you that; of course we shall do whatever seems best. He was prepared to suppose they should cross the Atlantic every summerthat prospect was by no means displeasing to him; but he wasnt prepared to tie himself, as he would have said, up to it, nor up to anything in particular. It was in his mind not as an overt pretension but as a tacit implication that he should treat with the parents of his presumed bride on a footing of perfect equality; and there would somehow be nothing equal if he should begin to enter into engagements that didnt belong to the essence of the matter. They were to give their daughter and he was to take her: in this arrangement there would be as much on one side as on the other. But beyond it he had nothing to ask of them; there was nothing he was calling on them to promise, and his own pledges therefore would have no equivalent. Whenever his wife should wish it she should come over and see her people. Her home was to be in New York; but he was tacitly conscious that on the question of absences he should be very liberal, and there was meanwhile something in the very grain of his character that forbade he should be eagerly yielding about times and dates.
Lady Canterville looked at her spouse, but he was now not attentive; he was taking a peep at his watch. In a moment, however, he threw out a remark to the effect that he thought it a capital thing the two countries should become more united, and there was nothing that would bring it about better than a few of the best people on both sides pairing-off together. The English indeed had begun it; a lot of fellows had brought over a lot of pretty girls, and it was quite fair play that the Americans should take their pick. They were all one race, after all; and why shouldnt they make one societythe best of both sides, of course? Jackson Lemon smiled as he recognised Lady Marmadukes great doctrine, and he was pleased to think Lady Beauchemin had some influence with her father; for he was sure the great old boy, as he mentally designated his host, had got all this from her, though he expressed himself less happily than the cleverest of his daughters. Our hero had no objection to make to it, especially if there were aught in it that would really help his case. But it was not in the least on these high grounds he had sought the hand of Lady Barb. He wanted her not in order that her people and histhe best on both sides!should make one society; he wanted her simply because he wanted her. Lady Canterville smiled, but she seemed to have another thought.
I quite appreciate what my husband says, but I dont see why poor Barb should be the one to begin.
I daresay shell like it, said his lordship as if he were attempting a short cut. They say you spoil your women awfully.
Shes not one of their women yet, Lady Canterville remarked in the sweetest tone in the world; and then she added without Jackson Lemons knowing exactly what she meant: It seems so strange.
He was slightly irritated, and these vague words perhaps added to the feeling. There had been no positive opposition to his suit, and both his entertainers were most kind; but he felt them hold back a little, and though he hadnt expected them to throw themselves on his neck he was rather disappointedhis pride was touched. Why should they hesitate? He knew himself such a good parti. It was not so much his noble hostit was Lady Canterville. As he saw her lord and master look covertly and a second time at his watch he could have believed him glad to settle the matter on the spot. Lady Canterville seemed to wish their aspirant to come forward more, to give certain assurances and pledges. He felt he was ready to say or do anything that was a matter of proper form, but he couldnt take the tone of trying to purchase her ladyships assent, penetrated as he was with the conviction that such a man as he could be trusted to care for his wife rather more than an impecunious British peer and his wife could be supposedwith the lights he had acquired on English societyto care even for the handsomest of a dozen children. It was a mistake on the old ladys part not to recognise that. He humoured this to the extent of saying just a little dryly: My wife shall certainly have everything she wants.
He tells me hes disgustingly rich, Lord Canterville added, pausing before their companion with his hands in his pockets.
Im glad to hear it; but it isnt so much that, she made answer, sinking back a little on her sofa. If it wasnt that she didnt say what it was, though she had looked for a moment as if she were going to. She only raised her eyes to her husbands face, she asked for inspiration. I know not whether she found it, but in a moment she said to Jackson Lemon, seeming to imply that it was quite another point: Do you expect to continue your profession?
He had no such intention, so far as his profession meant getting up at three oclock in the morning to assuage the ills of humanity; but here, as before, the touch of such a question instantly stiffened him. Oh, my profession! I rather wince at that grand old name. Ive neglected my work so scandalously that I scarce know on what terms with it I shall bethough hoping for the best when once Im right there again.
Lady Canterville received these remarks in silence, fixing her eyes once more upon her husbands. But his countenance really rather failed her; still with his hands in his pockets, save when he needed to remove his cigar from his lips, he went and looked out of the window. Of course we know you dont practise, and when youre a married man youll have less time even than now. But I should really like to know if they call you Doctor over there.
Oh yes, universally. Were almost as fond of titles as your people.
I dont call that a title, her ladyship smiled.
Its not so good as duke or marquis, I admit; but we have to take what weve got.
Oh bother, what does it signify? his lordship demanded from his place at the window. I used to have a horse named Doctor, and a jolly good one too.
Dont you call bishops Doctors? Well, then, call me Bishop! Jackson laughed.
Lady Canterville visibly didnt follow. I dont care for any titles, she nevertheless observed. I dont see why a gentleman shouldnt be called Mr.
It suddenly appeared to her young friend that there was something helpless, confused and even slightly comical in her state. The impression was mollifying, and he too, like Lord Canterville, had begun to long for a short cut. He relaxed a moment and, leaning toward his hostess with a smile and his hands on his little knees, he said softly: It seems to me a question of no importance. All I desire is that you should call me your son-in-law.
She gave him her hand and he pressed it almost affectionately. Then she got up, remarking that before anything was decided she must see her child, must learn from her own lips the state of her feelings. I dont like at all her not having spoken to me already, she added.
Where has she goneto Roehampton? I daresay she has told it all to her godmother, said Lord Canterville.
She wont have much to tell, poor girl! Jackson freely commented. I must really insist on seeing with more freedom the person I wish to marry.
You shall have all the freedom you want in two or three days, said Lady Canterville. She irradiated all her charity; she appeared to have accepted him and yet still to be making tacit assumptions. Arent there certain things to be talked of first?
Certain things, dear lady?
She looked at her husband, and though he was still at his window he felt it this time in her silence and had to come away and speak. Oh she means settlements and that kind of thing. This was an allusion that came with a much better grace from the father.
Jackson turned from one of his companions to the other; he coloured a little and his self-control was perhaps a trifle strained. Settlements? We dont make them in my country. You may be sure I shall make a proper provision for my wife.
My dear fellow, over herein our class, you knowits the custom, said Lord Canterville with a truer ease in his face at the thought that the discussion was over.
Ive my own ideas, Jackson returned with even greater confidence.
It seems to me its a question for the solicitors to discuss, Lady Canterville suggested.
They may discuss it as much as they pleasethe young man showed amusement. He thought he saw his solicitors discussing it! He had indeed his own ideas. He opened the door for his hostess and the three passed out of the room together, walking into the hall in a silence that expressed a considerable awkwardness. A note had been struck which grated and scratched a little. A pair of shining footmen, at their approach, rose from a bench to a great altitude and stood there like sentinels presenting arms. Jackson stopped, looking for a moment into the interior of his hat, which he had in his hand. Then raising his keen eyes he fixed them a moment on those of Lady Canterville, addressing her instinctively rather than his other critic. I guess you and Lord Canterville had better leave it to me!
We have our traditions, Mr. Lemon, said her ladyship with a firm grace. I imagine you dont know! she gravely breathed.
Lord Canterville laid his hand on their visitors shoulder. My dear boy, those fellows will settle it in three minutes.
Very likely they will! said Jackson Lemon. Then he asked of Lady Canterville when he might see Lady Barb.
She turned it spaciously over. Ill write you a note.
One of the tall footmen at the end of the impressive vista had opened wide the portals, as if even he were aware of the dignity to which the small strange gentleman had virtually been raised. But Jackson lingered; he was visibly unsatisfied, though apparently so little conscious he was unsatisfying. I dont think you understand me.
Your ideas are certainly different, said Lady Canterville.
His lordship, however, made comparatively light of it. If the girl understands you thats enough!
Maynt she write to me? Jackson asked of her mother. I certainly must write to her, you know, if you wont let me see her..
Oh yes, you may write to her, Mr. Lemon.
There was a point, for a moment, in the look he returned on this, while he said to himself that if necessary he would transmit his appeal through the old lady at Roehampton. All rightgood-bye. You know what I want at any rate. Then as he was going he turned and added: You neednt be afraid I wont always bring her over in the hot weather!
In the hot weather? Lady Canterville murmured with vague visions of the torrid zone. Jackson however quitted the house with the sense he had made great concessions.
His host and hostess passed into a small morning-room andLord Canterville having taken up his hat and stick to go out againstood there a moment, face to face. Then his lordship spoke in a summary manner. Its clear enough he wants her.
Theres something so odd about him, Lady Canterville answered. Fancy his speaking so about settlements!
You had better give him his head. Hell go much quieter.
Hes so obstinatevery obstinate; its easy to see that. And he seems to think, she went on, that a girl in your daughters position can be married from one day to the otherwith a ring and a new frocklike a housemaid.
Well that, of course, over there is the kind of thing. But he seems really to have a most extraordinary fortune, and every one does say they give their women carte blanche.
Carte blanche is not what Barb wants; she wants a settlement. She wants a definite income, said Lady Canterville; she wants to be safe.
He looked at her rather straight. Has she told you so? I thought you said And then he stopped. I beg your pardon, he added.
She didnt explain her inconsequence; she only remarked that American fortunes were notoriously insecure; one heard of nothing else; they melted away like smoke. It was their own duty to their child to demand that something should be fixed.