Ridiculous! cried his son.
Ridiculous or not, youll find I shall be as good as my word.
Pshaw! The young lady wont accept you.
He was mistaken, however.
The young lady did accept the old gentleman, and so readily that it almost seemed she preferred him to his son. Within a month, they were married.
Before the marriage Chetwynd went abroad, and did not keep up any communication with his family. They ascertained, however, that he was at Bellagio, on the Lake of Como.
Apparently, Mr. Calverley had no reason to regret the extraordinary step he had taken. Teresa made him an excellent wife, and seemed quite devoted to him. She studied him in everything read the newspaper to him of a morning, chatted agreeably to him when they drove out together in the barouche, played and sang to him in the evening, and, in short, kept him constantly amused. She managed his large establishment perfectly better than it had ever been managed before. She quarrelled with none of his old friends even though she might deem some of them bores but always appeared delighted to see them. Above all, she continued on the most affectionate terms with Mildred, who had never disapproved of the match. Nothing could be more judicious than her conduct.
At first, everybody cried out Mr. Calverley was an old fool; but they soon said he was a very sensible man, and exceedingly fortunate.
He was not, however, destined to enjoy a long term of happiness. Hitherto, he had scarcely known a days illness; but a few months after his marriage his health began rapidly to decline.
Teresa tended him with the greatest solicitude.
III. MR. CALVERLEY
Repairing to the invalids chamber, we shall find Mr. Calverley seated in an easy-chair, his head supported by a pillow. For nearly a fortnight he had not left his bed, but he insisted on getting up that day.
He had been a fine-looking old gentleman; but he was now wonderfully reduced, and his attire hung loosely on him. Still his countenance was very handsome.
His young wife was seated on a tabouret by his side, watching him anxiously with her large black eyes. She was wrapped in an Indian shawl dressing-gown, which could not conceal her perfectly-proportioned figure.
Give me a glass of wine, Teresa, he said, in a scarcely audible voice. I feel that dreadful faintness coming on again.
She eagerly obeyed him.
With difficulty he conveyed the wine to his lips; but having swallowed it, he seemed better.
Taking his wifes hand, he looked at her earnestly, as he thus addressed her:
I must soon leave you, Teresa. Nay, do not interrupt me. I know what you would say. It must be, my love. I cannot be deceived as to my state. You have been an excellent wife, Teresa a great comfort to me a very great comfort. You are aware I have given my solicitor, Mr. Carteret, instructions respecting my will. I will now tell you what I have done. I have the most perfect confidence in you, Teresa, and I know you will carry out my instructions.
Be sure of it, my dear, she murmured.
Teresa, he continued, speaking very deliberately, I have left my entire property to you.
To me! she ejaculated, a slight flush tinging her pale cheek. Oh, love, it is not right you should do this! I am amply provided for already by the handsome settlement you made upon me, and I tell you at once, if you leave me your property, I shall not keep it. I shall divide it between Chetwynd and Mildred.
A faint smile lighted up the features of the dying man.
I had formed a correct opinion of you, Teresa, he said, looking at her affectionately. I know the goodness of your heart and the rectitude of your principles.
Then, slightly changing his manner, he added, I must now make an effort to explain myself, and I pray you to give strict attention to what I am about to say. I have left you the whole of my property, because I feel certain it will be placed in safe hands, and I mean you to represent myself.
I listen! she murmured.
First, with regard to Chetwynd. I do not exactly know how he is circumstanced, but I fear he is in debt. He has always been extravagant. I think it will be best to continue the allowance I have hitherto made him, of six hundred a year, for the present; and if he marries, or reforms, let him have thirty thousand pounds.
It shall be done exactly as you enjoin, said his wife, earnestly.
Beyond the sum I have settled on you, Teresa, continued the old man, I estimate my property at sixty thousand pounds. Of this one half is to go to Chetwynd, provided he reforms; the other half to Mildred, on her marriage, provided she marries with your consent. This house, with the plate, pictures, books, furniture, carriages, and horses, and all the lands attached to it, are yours for life.
Oh! you are too good to me! she exclaimed, her eyes filling with tears.
I have now told you all! he said. I leave you mistress of everything; and; since you know my wishes, I am sure you will act up to them.
I will! I will! she ejaculated, in broken accents.
Enough! I shall now die content!
He then closed his eyes, and his lips slightly moved, as if in prayer.
Teresa constrained her emotion by a strong effort; and, for a few minutes, perfect silence prevailed.
The door was then softly opened by an elderly manservant, out of livery, who came to inform his master that Mr. Carteret had returned.
Show him up at once, Norris, said Mr. Calverley, opening his eyes.
His clerk is with him, said the butler.
Show the clerk up as well, rejoined the old gentleman.
Shall I withdraw? asked Mrs. Calverley, as the butler retired.
Perhaps you had better, my dear, till the will is signed, replied her husband.
Mrs. Calverley remained till the attorney appeared, and having exchanged a word in a low tone with him, left the room.
IV. FATHER AND SON
Tall and thin, and very business-like in manner, was Mr. Carteret. Sitting down quietly beside the old gentleman, and taking the will from his clerk, he proceed to read it.
Though conducted with due deliberation, the ceremony did not occupy many minutes, and when the attorney had finished reading the document, Mr. Calverley declared himself perfectly satisfied.
All you have to do is to sign it, sir, said the attorney.
Accordingly, a small table was placed beside the invalids chair, and the will was duly executed and attested.
Pray call in my wife, said Mr. Calverley, as soon as this was done.
When Mrs. Calverley re-appeared, she was informed by her husband that the will was executed.
Yes; the business is done, madam, observed Mr. Carteret, with a very singular expression of countenance.
Shall I leave the document with you, sir?
No; take charge of it, replied Mr. Calverley.
Well, perhaps, it will be best with me, observed the attorney, glancing at the lady as he spoke.
He was in the act of tying up the instrument preparatory to consigning it to his clerk, when the door opened, and Chetwynd and his sister came in.
The old gentleman looked greatly startled by the unexpected appearance of his son, and did not, for a few moments, recover his composure.
Scarcely knowing what might ensue, Mrs. Calverley stepped between them.
I was not aware of your return, Chetwynd, said Mr. Calverley, as soon as he was able to speak.
I have only just come back sir, replied his son, regarding him steadfastly. I hope I have arrived in time to prevent you from doing an act of injustice to me and my sister?
You will have much to answer for, Chetwynd, if you agitate your father at this moment, interposed Mrs. Calverley. You see what a critical state he is in!
I cannot help it, madam, rejoined the young man. I must and will speak to him while he is able to listen to me. Pray, dont go, I beg of you, Mr. Carteret, he continued, to the attorney, who was preparing to follow his clerk out of the room. It is proper you should hear what I have to say. I have reason to believe, sir, he added, to his father, that you have left your entire property to your wife, and have made my sister and myself entirely dependent on her. If this is really the case, I entreat you to alter your determination
I dont understand why you permit yourself to talk to me thus, Chetwynd, interrupted the old gentleman, his anger supplying him with strength. At all events, I shall not tolerate it. Even supposing it were as you state, I have a perfect right to bequeath my property as I see fit, and you have not proved yourself such a dutiful son as to merit consideration on my part. Wait till the fitting season, and you will learn what I have done.
No, sir; I wont wait till your ears are deaf to my prayers! I will speak while you are able to listen to me. I may have given you some offence, but do not carry your resentment to the grave. Bethink you that whatever you do now will be irreparable.
I cannot bear this! cried the old man. Take him away! He distracts me!
Mr. Chetwynd, said Carteret, I am extremely reluctant to interfere; but your presence certainly disturbs your father very much. Let me beg you to retire!
The young man showed no disposition to comply.
Perhaps, Chetwynd, when I have spoken, said Mr. Calverley, trying to calm himself, you will either go or keep silence. I have done what, on mature consideration, and with the prospect of death before me, I deem best for you and your sister; and I am certain my wishes will be most faithfully carried out.
What you say, sir, seems to intimate that you have placed us entirely in the hands of your wife, cried his son. Why should you compel us to bow to her will and pleasure?
Because she will take care of you, rejoined the old man; and, though you are two-and-twenty, you have not come to years of discretion.
That is your opinion, sir. But, granting it to be correct, does it apply to my sister?
Your sister makes no complaint, said his father, looking affectionately at her. She knows I have done all that is right. She is in good hands.
Yes, I am quite sure of that, papa! cried Mildred. Pray dont think about me!
Chetwynd, she added to him, in a low tone, I wouldnt have brought you here had I imagined you would make this terrible scene!
I really must interfere to prevent the continuance of a discussion which I am aware can lead to no beneficial result, interposed Mr. Carteret. I would again beseech you, Mr. Chetwynd, not to trouble your father! I know he has good reasons for what he has done. Have you anything further to say to me, sir? he added to Mr. Calverley.