She must have been very sorry to part with you, said he, looking at the fair girl sent so early into the world.
Oh, yes! and the tears started to the black eyelashes, though a smile came at the same time; she said I should be such a giddy young housekeeper, and she would have liked a little more notice.
It was not very long? said John, anxious to lead her to give him information; and she was too young and happy not to be confidential, though she looked down and glowed as she answered, Six weeks.
And you met at the ball!
Yes, it was very curious; and with deepening blushes she went on, the smile of happiness on her lips, and her eyes cast down. Annette was to go for the first time, and she would not go without me. Mamma did not like it, for I was not sixteen then; but Uncle Christopher came, and said I should, because I was his pet. But I can never think it was such a short time; it seems a whole age ago.
It must, said John, with a look of interest that made her continue.
It was very odd how it all happened. Annette and I had no one to dance with, and were wondering who those two gentlemen were. Captain Fitzhugh was dancing with Miss Evelyn, and heMr. Martindalewas leaning against the wall, looking on.
I know exactlywith his arms crossed so
Yes, just so, said Violet, smiling; and presently Grace Bennet came and told Matilda who they were; and while I was listening, oh, I was so surprised, for there was Albert, my brother, making me look round. Mr. Martindale had asked to be introduced to us, and he asked me to dance. I dont believe I answered right, for I thought he meant Matilda. But, said she, breaking off, how I am chattering and hindering you! and she coloured and looked down.
Not at all, said John; there is nothing I wish more to hear, or that concerns me more nearly. Anything you like to tell.
I am afraid it is silly, half-whispered Violet to herself; but the recollection was too pleasant not to be easily drawn out; and at her age the transition is short from shyness to confidence.
Not at all silly, said John. You know I must wish to hear how I gained a sister.
Then, as the strangeness of imagining that this grave, high-bred, more than thirty-years-old gentleman, could possibly call her by such a name, set her smiling and blushing in confusion, he wiled on her communications by saying, Well, that evening you danced with Arthur.
Three times. It was a wonderful evening. Annette and I said, when we went to bed, we had seen enough to think of for weeks. We did not know how much more was going to happen.
No, I suppose not.
I thought much of it when he bowed to me. I little fanciedbut there was another odd coincidencewasnt it? In general I never go into the drawing-room to company, because there are three older; but the day they came to speak to papa about the fishing, mamma and all the elder ones were out of the way, except Matilda. I was doing my Roman history with her, when papa came in and said, we must both come into the drawing-room.
You saw more of him from that time?
O yes; he dined with us. It was the first time I ever dined with a party, and he talked so much to me, that Albert began to laugh at me; but Albert always laughs. I did not care tilltillthat day when he walked with us in the park, coming home from fishing.
Her voice died away, and her face burnt as she looked down; but a few words of interest led her on.
When I told mamma, she said most likely he thought me a little girl who didnt signify; but I did not think he could, for I am the tallest of them all, and every one says I look as if I was seventeen, at least. And then she told me grand gentlemen and officers didnt care what nonsense they talked. You know she didnt know him so well then, said Violet, looking up pleadingly.
She was very prudent.
She could not know he did not deserve it, said the young bride, ready to resent it for her husband, since his brother did not, then again excusing her mother. It was all her care for me, dear mamma! She told me not to think about it; but I could not help it! Indeed I could not!
No, indeed, and painful recollections of his own pressed on him, but he could not help being glad this tender young heart was not left to pine under disappointment. How long ago was this?
That was six weeks agoa month before our wedding-day, said she, blushingly. I did wish it could have been longer. I wanted to learn, how to keep house, and I never could, for he was always coming to take me to walk in the park. And it all happened so fast, I had no time to understand it, nor to talk to mamma and Matilda. And then mamma cried so much! I dont feel to understand it now, but soon perhaps I shall have more quiet time. I should like to have waited till Lord Martindale came home, but they said that could not be, because his leave of absence would be over. I did wish very much though that Miss Martindale could have left her aunt to come to our wedding.
John found reply so difficult, that he was glad to be interrupted by Arthurs return. He soon after set out to call upon Captain Fitzhugh, who had been at Wrangerton with Arthur.
From him more of the circumstances were gathered. Mr. Moss was the person universally given up to reprobation. A thorough schemer, said the Irish captain. As to the Miss Mosses, they were lady-like girls, most of them pretty, and everywhere well spoken of. In fact, John suspected he had had a little flirtation on his own account with some of them, though he took credit to himself for having warned his friend to be careful. He ended with a warm-hearted speech, by no means displeasing to John, hoping he would make the best of it with Lord Martindale, for after all, she was as pretty a creature as could be seen, one that any man might be proud of for a daughter-in-law; and to his mind it was better than leaving the poor girl to break her heart after him when it had gone so far.
Arthur himself was in a more rational mood that evening. He had at first tried to hide his embarrassment by bravado; but he now changed his tone, and as soon as Violet had left the dining-room, began by an abrupt inquiry, What would you have me do?
Why dont you write to my father!
Arthur writhed. I suppose it must come to that, he said; but tell me first the state of things.
You could not expect that there would not be a good deal of indignation.
Ay, ay! How did you get the news? Did Theodora tell you?
No; there was a letter from Colonel Harrington; and at home they knew the circumstances pretty correctly through a cousin of Wingfields, who has a curacy in that neighbourhood.
Oh! that was the way Theodora came by the news. I wish he had let alone telling her,I could have managed her alone;but there! it was not in human nature not to tell such a story, and it did not much matter how it was done. Well, and my aunt is furious, I suppose, but Ill take care of her and of my lady. I only want to know how my father takes it.
He cannot endure the notion of a family feud; but the first step must come from you.
Very well:and so you came to set it going. It is very good-natured of you, John. I depended on you or Theodora for helping me through, but I did not think you would have come in this way. I am glad you have, for now you have seen her you cant say a word against it.
Against her, certainly not. I have made acquaintance with her this morning, andand there is everything to interest one in her: and then, as Arthur looked delighted, and was ready to break into a rhapsodyHer simplicity especially. When you write you had better mention her entire ignorance of the want of sanction. I cannot think how she was kept in such unconsciousness.
She knows nothing of peoples ways, said Arthur. She knew you were all abroad, and her own family told her it was all right. Her father is a bit of a tyrant, and stopped the mothers mouth, I fancy, if she had any doubts. As to herself, it was much too pretty to see her so happy, to let her set up her little scruples. She did just as she was told, like a good child.
O Arthur! you have undertaken a great responsibility! exclaimed John.
But Arthur, without seeming to heed, continued, So you see she is quite clear; but Ill write, and you shall see if it is not enough to satisfy my father, before he sets us going respectably.
I cant answer for anything of that sort.
Something he must do, said Arthur, for my allowance is not enough to keep a cat; and as to the ninth part of old Mosss pickings and stealings, if I meant to dirty my fingers with it, it wont be to be come by till he is disposed of, and that wont be these thirty years.
Then, he let you marry without settling anything on her!
He was glad to have her off his hands on any terms. Besides, to tell you the truth, John, I am convinced he had no notion you would ever come home again. He knew I saw his game, and dreaded I should be off; so he and I were both of one mind, to have it over as soon as possible.
I only hope you will make her happy! said John, earnestly.
Happy! exclaimed Arthur, surprised, small doubt of that! What should prevent me?
I think you will find you must make some sacrifices.
It all depends on my father, said Arthur, a little crossly, and taking his writing-case from another table.
He was so well pleased with his performance that, as soon as he was alone with Violet, he began, There, Ive done it! John said it could not be better, and after the impression you have made, no fear but he will pacify the great folks.
She was perplexed. Who? said she; not Lord and Lady Martindale? Oh! surely I have not done anything to displease them.
You must have been ingenious if you had.
Pray, do tell me! Why are they to be pacified? What is the matter? Do they think they shant like me? Ought I to do anything?
My little bird, dont twitter so fast. You have asked a dozen questions in a breath.
I wish you would tell me what it means, said Violet, imploringly.
Well, I suppose you must know sooner or later. It only means that they are taken by surprise.
Violet gazed at him in perplexity, then, with a dawning perception, Oh! surely you dont mean they did not approve of it.
Nobody asked them, said Arthur, carelessly, then as she turned away, covering her face with her hands, But it is nothing to take to heart in that way. I am my own master, you know, you silly child, and you had plenty of consent, and all that sort of thing, to satisfy you, so you are quite out of the scrape.
She scarcely seemed to hear.
Come, come, Violet, this wont do, he continued, putting his arm round her, and turning her towards him, while he pulled down her hands. This is pretty usage. You cant help it now if you would.
Oh! Mr. Martindale!
Ah! you dont know what I have saved you. I was not going to see all that pink paint worn off those cheeks, nor your life and my own wasted in waiting for them to bring their minds to it. I have seen enough of that. Poor John there
How?what? said Violet, with alarmed curiosity.
She died, said Arthur.
How long ago? What was her name?
Helen Fotheringham. She was our old parsons daughter. They waited eight years, and she died last summer. I see he wears his mourning still.
Violet looked aghast, and spoke low. How very sad! Helen! That was the reason he looked up when he heard it was my name. Poor Mr. John Martindale! I saw the crape on his hat. Was that what made him so ill?
It nearly killed him last year, but he never had lungs good for anything. First, my aunt set my father against it, and when he gave in, she had a crabbed decrepit old grandfather, and between them they were the death of her, and almost of him. I never thought he would rally again.
Only last year? exclaimed Violet. O dear! and there have I been telling him all aboutabout this spring. I would not have done it, if I had known. I thought he looked melancholy sometimes. Oh! I wish I had not.
You did, did you? said Arthur, much amused. You chatterbox.
Oh! I am so sorry. I wish
No, no, he only liked you the better for it. I assure you, Violet, he almost said so. Then that was what made him lay such stress on your being an innocent little victim.
Would you be so kind as to explain it to me? said Violet, in such serious distress that he answered with less trifling than usual, There is nothing to tell. I knew how it would be if I asked leave, so I took it. Thats all.
Andand surely they didnt know this at home?
The less said about that the better, Violet, said Arthur. You are all right, you know, and in great favour with John. He can do anything with my father, and I have written. We shall be at home before the end of another month, and set going with a decent income in London. A housewhere shall it be? Let me see, he cant give me less than £1000 a year, perhaps £1600. I vow I dont see why it should not be £2000. John wants no more than he has got, and will never marry now, and there is only Theodora. I was always my aunts favourite, and if you mind what you are about we shall have our share of the old sugar-planters hoards, better than the Barbuda propertyall niggers and losses. I wash my hands of it, though by rights it should come to the second son.
Neither understanding nor heeding all this, Violet interrupted by gasping out, Oh! I am so grieved.
Grieved!say that again. Grieved to be Mrs. Arthur Martindale?
O no, no; but
Grieved to have found such a fool as to risk everything, and run counter to all his friends for the sake of that silly little ungrateful face?
She was coaxed out of vexation for the present; but she awoke the next morning with a feeling of culpability and dread of all the Martindale family.
John could not understand her altered manner and the timid bashfulness, greater than even at their first meeting. In fact, the history of his grief inspired her with a sort of reverential compassion for him, and the perception of the terms on which she stood, made her laugh of yesterday seem to her such unbecoming levity, that upon it she concentrated all her vague feelings of contrition.
When he came as before, to borrow some ink, as she gave it to him her hand shook, and her colour rose. After standing musing a little while, she said, mournfully, I am very sorry!
What is the matter? said he, kindly.
I am so vexed at what I did yesterday!
What do you mean?
For laughing, said she, in a tone of distress. Indeed, indeed, I did not know, and though she averted her face, he saw that the crimson had spread to her neck. He did not at once reply, and she went on incoherently. I did not knowI could not guess. Of courseI wondered at it all. I knew I was not fitbut they never told meO, I am so much grieved.
Most soothingly did John say, coming towards her, No, no, you need not distress yourself. No one can blame you.
But Lord Martindaleshe murmured.
He will look on you like a daughter. I know I may promise you that. Yes, indeed, I have no doubt of it, my dear little sister, he repeated, as she looked earnestly at him. I have told him how entirely you deserve his kindness and affection, and Arthur has written, such a letter as will be sure to bring his forgiveness.