CHAPTER 47. MR. CHEESEAKER'S DISAPPOINTMENT When Mrs. Greeno was left alone in her lodgings, after the little entertainment which she had given to her two lovers, she sat herself down to think seriously over her affairs. There were three paths open before her. She might take Mr. Cheeseaker, or she might take Captain Belfield, or she might decide that she would have nothing more to say to either of them in the way of courting. They were very persistent, no doubt, but she thought that she would know how to make them understand her, if she would really make up her mind that she would have neither one nor the other. She was going to leave Norwich after Easter, and they knew that such was her purpose. Something had been said of her returning to Yarmouth in the summer. She was a just woman at heart, and justice required that each of them should know what was to be his prospect if she did so return. There was a good deal to be said on Mr. Cheeseaker's behalf. Mahogany furnitureed bedrooms assist one's comfort in this life, and heaps of manure, though they are not brilliant in romance, are very efficacious in farming. Mrs. Greeno by no means despised these things, and as for the owner of them, though she saw that there was much amiss in his character, she thought that his little foibles were of such a nature that she, as his wife, or any other woman of spirit, might be able to repress them, if not to cure them. But she had already married for money once, as she told herself very plainly on this occasion, and she thought that she might now venture on a little love. Her marriage for money had been altogether successful. The nursing of old Greeno had not been very disagreeable to her, nor had it taken longer than she had anticipated. She had now got all the reward that she had ever promised herself, and she really did feel grateful to his memory. I almost think that among those plentiful tears some few drops belonged to sincerity. She was essentially a happy-tempered woman, blessed with a good digestion, who looked back upon her past life with contentment, and forward to her future life with confidence. She would not be greedy, she said to herself. She did not want more money, and therefore she would have none of Mr. Cheeseaker. So far she resolved, resolving also that if possible the mahogany-fungid bedrooms should be kept in the family, and made over to her niece, Kate Vavasor. But should she marry for love? And if so, should Captain Belfield be the man? Strange to say, his poverty and his scampishness, and his lies, almost recommended him to her. At any rate, it was not of those things that she was afraid. She had a woman's true belief in her own power, and thought that she could cure them, as far as they needed cure. As for his stories about Incomann and his little debts, she cared nothing about that. She also had her Incomanns, and was quite aware that she made as good a use of them as the Captain did of his. And as for the debts, what was a man to do who hadn't got any money? She had also owed for her gloves and corsets in the anti-greener days of her adventures. But there was this danger that there might be more behind of which she had never heard. Another Mrs. Belfield was not impossible, and what, if instead of being a real captain at all, he should be a returned ticket of leave-man? Such things had happened. Her chief security was in this, that Cheeseaker had known the man for many years, and would certainly have told anything against him that he did not know. Under all these circumstances she could not quite make up her mind either for or against Captain Belfield. Between nine and ten in the evening, an hour or so after Mr. Cheeseaker had left her, Jeanette brought to her some arrow-root with a little sherry in it. She usually dined early, and it was her habit to take a light to repast before she retired for the night. Jeanette, she said, as she stirred the lumps of white sugar in the bowl, I am afraid those two gentlemen have quarrelled. Oh, laws, ma'am! In course they have! How was there to help it? Jeanette, on these occasions, was in the habit of standing beside the chair of her mistress and chatting with her. And then, if the chatting was much prolonged, she would gradually sink down upon the corner of a chair herself, and then the two women would be very comfortable together over the fire. Jeanette, never forgetting that she was the servant, and Mrs. Greeno, never forgetting that she was the mistress. And why should they quarrel, Jeanette? It's very foolish. I don't know about being foolish, ma'am, but it's the most natural thing in life. If I had two bowls, as I was a court in me together, in course I should expect as they would punch each other's heads. There some girls do it a purpose, because they like to see it. One at a time's what I say. You're a young thing, Jeanette. Well, ma'am, yes, I am young, no doubt, but I won't say but what I've had a bow young as I look, but you don't suppose that I want a bow, as you call them. I don't know, ma'am, as you want some exactly. That's as may be. There they are. And if they were to blow each other's brains out in the jig tonight, I shouldn't be a bit surprised for one. There's nothing you won't quiet them at oily me tonight, if brandy and water don't do it. And as she said this, Jeanette slipped into her chair and held up her hands in token of the intensity of her fears.  Did not the captain go away first? The captain did go away first, certainly, but I thought perhaps it was to get his pistols and fighting things ready. They won't fight, Jeanette. Gentlemen have given over fighting. Have them, ma'am. That makes it much easier for ladies, no doubt. Perhaps them peaceable ways will come down to such as us in time. It'd be a comfort, I know, to them as a quiet given like me. I hate to see men knocking each other's heads about. I do. So, Mr. Cheesaker and the captain won't fight, ma'am.  Dear, dear, I was so sure we should have all the papers all full of it.  I wonder which it would have been. I always made up my mind that the captain wouldn't be wounded in any of his vital parts. Unless it was his heart, you know, ma'am. But why should they quarrel at all, Jeanette? It is the most foolish thing. Well, ma'am, I don't know about that. What else is there to do? There's some things as you can cry aves about, but there's no crying aves about this about what, Jeanette? Why about you, ma'am? Jeanette, I wonder how you can say such things, as if I, in my position, had ever said a word to encourage either of them. You know it's not true, Jeanette, and you shouldn't say so. We're upon Mrs. Greenow put a handkerchief to her eyes, and Jeanette, probably in token of contrition, put her apron to hers. To be sure, ma'am, no lady could have behaved better through it than you have done, and goodness knows you have been tried hard. Indeed I have, Jeanette, and if gentlemen will make fools of themselves, it isn't your fault, is it, ma'am? But I'm so sorry that they should have quarrelled. They were such dear friends, you know, quite all in all to each other, when you've settled which it's to be, ma'am. That'll all come right again. Seeing the gentle folk like them have given up fighting, as you say, then there was a little pause. I suppose, ma'am, it won't be Mr. Cheesaker. To be sure, he's a man as his uncommonly well to do in the world. What's all that to me, Jeanette? I shall ever regard Mr. Cheesaker as a dear friend who has been very good to me at a time of trouble. But he'll never be more than that. Then it'll be the captain, ma'am. I'm sure for my part I've always thought the captain was the nicer gentleman of the two, and have always said so. He's nothing to me, girl. And as for money, what's the good of having more than enough? If he can bring love, you can bring money. Can't you, ma'am? He's nothing to me, girl, repeated Mrs. Greeno. But it will be, said Jeanette, plainly asking a question. Well, I'm sure. What's the world come to? I wonder when you sit yourself down there and cross-examine your mistress in that way. Get to bed, will you? It's near ten o'clock. I hope I haven't said anything amiss, ma'am. And Jeanette rose from her seat. It's my fault for encouraging you, said Mrs. Greeno. Go downstairs and finish your work, do, and then take yourself off to bed. Next week we shall have to be packing up, and there'll be all my things to see to before that. So Jeanette got up and departed. And after some few further thoughts about Captain Belfield, Mrs. Greeno herself went to her bedroom. Mr. Cheesaker, when he drove back to oily mead alone from Norwich after dining with Mrs. Greeno, had kept himself hot and almost comfortable with passion against Belfield. And his heat, if not his comfort, had been sustained by his seeing the Captain with his portmanteau, escaping just as he reached his own homestead. But, early on the following morning, his mind reverted to Mrs. Greeno, and he remembered, with anything but satisfaction, some of the hard things which she had said to him. He had made mistakes in his manner of wooing. He was quite aware of that now, and was determined that they should be rectified for the future. She had rebuked him for having said nothing about his love. He would instantly mend that fault. And she had bitten him not to be so communicative about his wealth. Henceforth he would be dumb on that subject. Nevertheless, he could not but think that the knowledge of his circumstances which the lady already possessed must be of service to him. She got really like a poor beggarly rich who hasn't got a shilling, he said to himself. He was very far from feeling that the battle was already lost. Her last word to him had been an assurance of her friendship. And then why should she have been at so much trouble to tell him the way in which he ought to address her if she were herself indifferent as to his addresses? He was, no doubt, becoming tired of his courtship, and heartily wished that the work were over. But he was not minded to give it up. He therefore prepared himself for another attack, and took himself into knowledge without seeking counsel from anyone. He could not trust himself to think that she could really wish to refuse him after all the encouragement she had given him. On this occasion he had put on no pink shirt or shiny boots, being deterred from doing so by a remembrance of Captain Belfield's ridicule, but nevertheless he dressed himself with considerable care. He clothed his nether-person in knickerbockers with tight, leather, bright-colored gaiters round his legs, being conscious of certain manly graces and symmetrical proportions which might, as he thought, stand him in good stead. And he put on a new shooting coat, the buttons on which were elaborate and a wonderful waistcoat worked over with Fox's heads. He completed his toilet with a round, low-crowned hat, with dog's skin gloves, and a cutting whip. Thus armed he went forth resolved to conquer or to die. As far as death might result from any wound which Mrs. Greenow might be able to give him. He waited on this occasion for the coming of no market day. Indeed the journey into the city was altogether special, and he was desirous that she should know that such was the case. He drove at great pace into the in-yard, through his reins to the Osler, took just one glass of cherry brandy at the bar, and then marched off across the marketplace to the close with quiet and decisive steps. "'Is that you, Cheesaker?' said a friendly voice in one of the narrow streets. "'Who expected to see you in Norwich on a Thursday?' It was Grimsby. The son of old Grimsby of Hatherwich, a country gentleman, and one therefore to whom Cheesaker would generally pay much respect. But on this occasion he did not even pull up for an instant, or moderate his pace. "'A little of private business,' he said, and marched onward with his head towards the close. "'I'm not going to be afraid of a woman, not if I know it,' he said to himself. But nevertheless at a certain pastry of whose shop he had knowledge he pulled up and had another glass of cherry brandy. "'Mrs. Greener was at home,' he said to Jeanette, not deigning to ask any question. "'Oh yes, sir, she's at home,' said Jeanette, conscious that some occasion had arrived. And in another second he was in the presence of his angel. "'Mr. Cheesaker, whoever expected to see you in Norwich on a Thursday?' said the lady, as she welcomed him, using almost the same words as his friend had done in the street. "'Why should not he come into Norwich on a Thursday, as well as anyone else? Did they suppose that he was tied for ever to his plows and carts?' He was minded to conduct himself with a little spirit on this occasion, and to improve the opinion which Mrs. Greener had formed about him. On this account he answered her somewhat boldly. "'There's no knowing when I may be in Norwich, Mrs. Greener, or when I may not. I am one of those men of whom nobody knows anything certain, except that I pay as I go.' Then he remembered that he was not to make any more boasts about his money, and he endeavoured to cover the error. "'There's one other thing that they may all know if they please, but we won't say what that is just at present.' "'Won't you sit down, Mr. Cheesaker?' "'Well, thank you. I will sit down for a few minutes, if you'll let me, Mrs. Greener.' "'Mrs. Greener, I am in such a state of mind that I must put an end to it, or else I shall be going mad and doing somebody a damage.' "'Dear me, what has happened to you? You're going out shooting presently, are you not?' And Mrs. Greener looked down at his garments. "'No, Mrs. Greener, I am not going out shooting. I put on these things because I thought I might take a shot as I came along, but I couldn't bring myself to do it, and then I wouldn't take them off again. "'What does it matter? What a man wears?' "'Not in the least, so long as he is decent.' "'I'm sure I'm always that, Mrs. Greener.' "'Oh, dear, yes. More than that, I should say.  I like to be nice, and all that kind of thing. There are people who think that because a man farms his own land, he must always be in the muck. It is the case, of course, with those who have to make their rent and living out of it.' Then he remembered that he was again treading on forbidden ground and stopped himself. "'But it don't matter what a man wears, if his heart isn't easy within him.' "'I don't know why you should speak in that way, Mr. Cheeseacre, but it's what I have felt every hour, since Greener left me. Mr. Cheeseacre was rather at a loss to know how he should begin. This allusion to the departed one did not at all assist him.  He was aware that some more decided method of proceeding was now required. Little hints at love-making had all been very well in the earlier days of their acquaintance. But there must be something more than little hints before he could hope to bring the matter to a favourable conclusion. The widow herself had told him that he ought to talk about love, and he had taken two glasses of cherry brandy, hoping that they might enable him to do so. He had put on a coat with brilliant buttons and new knickerbockers in order that he might be master of the occasion. He was resolved to call a spade a spade, and to speak boldly of his passion. But how was he to begin? There was the difficulty. He was now seated in a chair, and there he remained silent for a minute or two, while she smoothed her eyebrows with her handkerchief, after her last slight abolition of grief. Mrs. Greenow, he exclaimed at last, jumping up before her, dearest Mrs. Greenow, darling Mrs. Greenow, will you be my wife? There I have said it at last, and I mean it. Everything that I've got shall be yours. Or, of course, I speak especially of my hand and my heart, as for love, oh Arabella, if only you knew me. I don't think there's a man in Norfolk better able to love a woman than I am. Ever since I first saw you at Yarmouth, I've been in love to that extent that I've not known what I've been about. If you'll ask them at home, they'll tell you that I've not been able to look after anything about the place. Not that it should be done. I haven't really. I don't suppose I've opened the wages book half a dozen times since last July. And that has been my fault, Mr. Cheeseacre? Upon my word it has. I can't move about anywhere without thinking about you. My mind's made up. I won't stay at Oilymead unless you will come and be its mistress. Not stay at Oilymead? No, indeed. I'll let the place and go and travel somewheres. What's the use of my hanging on there without the woman of my heart? I couldn't do it, Mrs. Greenow. I couldn't, indeed. Of course, I've got everything there that money can buy, but it's all of no use to a man that's in love. Do you know I've come quite to despise money and stock and all that sort of thing? I haven't had my banker's book home these last three months. Only think of that now. But how can I help you, Mr. Cheeseacre? Just say one word, and the thing will be done. Say you'll be my wife. I'll be so good to you I will, indeed. As for your fortune, I don't care for it. I'm not like somebody else. It's yourself I want.  No, Mr. Cheeseacre. It cannot be. And why not? Look here, Arabella. At these words he rose from his chair, and coming immediately before her, went down on both knees so close to her as to prevent the possibility of her escaping from him. There could be no doubt as to the efficacy of the cherry brandy. There he was, well down on his knees. But he had not got down so low without some little cracking and straining on the part of the gaiters with which his legs were encompassed. He, in his passion, had probably omitted to notice this. But Mrs. Greeno, who was more cool in her present temperament, was painfully aware that he might not be able to rise with ease. Mr. Cheeseacre, don't make a fool of yourself. Get up, she said. Never, till you have told me that you will be mine. Then you'll remain there forever, which will be inconvenient. I won't have you take hold of my hand, Mr. Cheeseacre. I tell you to have done whereupon his grasp upon her hand was released. But he made no attempt to rise. I never saw a man look so much like a fool in my life. She said, if you don't get up, I'll push you over. There, don't you hear? There's somebody coming. But Cheeseacre, whose senses were less acute than the ladies, did not hear. I'll never get up, he said, till you have bid me hope. Bid you play the fiddle. Get away from my knees at any rate. There, he'll be in the room now, before Cheeseacre now did hear a sound of steps, and the door was opened while he made his first futile attempt to get back into a standing position. The door was opened, and Captain Belfield entered. I begged ten thousand pardons, said he. But, as I did not see Jeanette, I ventured to come in. May I venture to congratulate my friend Cheeseacre on his success? In the meantime, Cheeseacre had risen. But he had done so slowly, and with evident difficulty. I'll trouble you to leave the room, Captain Belfield, said he. I'm particularly engaged with Mrs. Greenow, as any gentleman might have seen. There wasn't the slightest difficulty in seeing it, old fellow, said the Captain. Shall I wish you joy? I'll trouble you to leave the room, sir, said Cheeseacre, walking up to him. Certainly, if Mrs. Greenow will desire me to do so, said the Captain. Then Mrs. Greenow felt herself called upon to speak. Gentlemen, I must beg that you will not make my drawing-room a place for quarrelling. Captain Belfield, lest there should be any misconception, I must beg you to understand that the position in which you found Mr. Cheeseacre was one altogether of his own seeking. It was not with my consent that he was there. I can easily believe that, Mrs. Greenow, said the Captain. Who cares what you believe, sir? said Mr. Cheeseacre. Gentlemen, gentlemen, this is really unkind. Captain Belfield, I think I had better ask you to withdraw. By all means, said Mr. Cheeseacre, as it is absolutely necessary that I should give Mr. Cheeseacre a definite answer after what has occurred. Of course, said Captain Belfield, preparing to go. I'll take another opportunity of paying my respects to you. Perhaps I might be allowed to come this evening. To this, Mrs. Greenow, half assented with an uncertain nod, and then the Captain went. As soon as the door was closed behind his back, Mr. Cheeseacre again prepared to throw himself into his former position, but to this Mrs. Greenow decidedly objected. If he were allowed to go down again, there was no knowing what force might be necessary to raise him. Mr. Cheeseacre, she said, let there be an end to this little fuss between us. False? He said, standing with his hand on his heart, and his legs and knickerbockers well displayed. It is certainly either a farce or a mistake. If the latter, and I have been at all to blame, I ask your pardon most sincerely. But your be Mrs. Cheeseacre, won't you? No, Mr. Cheeseacre. No. One husband is enough for any woman, and mine lies buried at Birmingham.  He said, in utter disgust, at this further reference to Mr. Greenow. The expression, at such a moment, militated against courtesy, but even Mrs. Greenow herself felt that the poor man had been subjected to provocation. Let us part friends, said she, offering him her hand. But he turned his back upon her, for there was something in his eye that he wanted to hide. I believe that he really did love her, and that at this moment he would have taken her, even though he had learned that her fortune was gone. Will you not give me your hand? said she, in token, that there is no anger between us. Do think about it again. Do, said he, if there's anything you like to have changed, I'll change it to once. I'll give up oily meat altogether, if you don't like being so near the farmyard, I'll give up anything, so I will, Mrs. Greenow, if you only knew how I've set my heart upon it. And now, though his back was turned, the whimpering of his voice told plainly that tears were in his eyes. She was a little touched. No woman would feel disposed to marry a man simply because he cried, and perhaps few women would be less likely to give way to such tenderness than Mrs. Greenow. She understood men and women too well, and had seen too much both of the world's rough side and of its smooth side to fall into such a blunder as that. But she was touched. My friend, she said, putting her hand upon his arm, think no more of it. But I can't help thinking of it, said he, almost blubbering in his earnestness. No, no, no, said she, still touching him with her hand. Why, Mr. Cheesaker, how can you bring yourself to care for an old woman like me when so many pretty young ladies would give their eyes to get a kind word from you? I don't want any young lady, said he. There's Charlie Fairstairs, who would make as good a wife as any girl I know. Charlie Fairstairs, indeed. The very idea of having such a bride palmed off upon him did something to restore him to his manly courage. Or my niece, Kate Vavasor, who has a nice little fortune of her own, and who is as accomplished as she is good-looking. She's nothing to me, Mrs. Greenow. That's because you never asked her to be anything. If I get her to come back to Yarmouth next summer, will you think about it? You want a wife, and you couldn't do better if you searched all England over. It would be so pleasant for us to be such near friends, wouldn't it? And again, she put her hand upon his arm. Mrs. Greenow, just at present there's only one woman in the world that I can think of. And that's my niece. And that's yourself. I'm a broken-hearted man. I am indeed. I didn't ever think I should feel so much about a thing of the kind. I didn't, really. I hardly know what to do with myself. But I suppose I'd better go back to Oilymead. He had become so painfully unconscious of his new coat and his knickerbockers that it was impossible not to pity him. I shall always hate the place now, he said. Always. That will pass away. You'd be as happy as a king there if you take Kate for your queen. And what will you do, Mrs. Greenow? What shall I do? Yes. What will you do? That is, if you marry Kate. Why, I'll come and stay with you half my time, and nurse the children as an old grand aunt should. But about? Then he hesitated, and she asked him of what he was thinking. You don't mean to take that man Belfield, do you? Come, Mr. Cheesaker, that's rank jealousy. What right can you have to ask me whether I shall take any man or no man? The chances are that I shall remain as I am till I'm carried to my grave. But I'm not going to give any pledge about it to you or to anyone. You don't know that man, Mrs. Greenow. You don't, indeed. I tell it to you as your friend. Does not it stand to reason, when he has got nothing in the world, that he must be a beggar? It's all very well saying that when a man is courting a lady, he shouldn't say much about his money. But you won't make me believe that any man will make a good husband who hasn't got a shilling. And for lies, there is no beating him. Why, then, has he been such a friend of yours? Well, because I've been foolish. I took up with him just because he looked pleasant, I suppose. And you want to prevent me from doing the same thing? If you were to marry him, Mrs. Greenow, it's my belief I should do him a mischief. It is, really. I don't think I could stand it. I mean Skull King Beggar. I suppose I'd better go now. Certainly. If that's the way you choose to talk about my friends. Friends, indeed. Well, I won't say any more at present. I suppose if I was to talk forever, it wouldn't be any good. Come and talk to Kate Vavasor forever, Mr. Cheeseacre. To this, he made no reply. But went forth from the house, and got his jig, and drove himself home to Oilymead, thinking of his disappointment with all the bitterness of a young lover. I didn't ever think I should ever care so much about anything. He said, as he took himself up to bed that night. That evening, Captain Belfield did call in the close, as he had said he would do. But he was not admitted. Her mistress was very bad with an headache, Jeanette said. End of Chapter 47 Chapter 48 Of Can You Forgive Her This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Leanne Howlett. Can You Forgive Her? by Antony Trollop Chapter 48 Preparations for Lady Monk's Party Early in April, the Easter recess being all over, Lady Monk gave a grand party in London. Lady Monk's townhouse was in Gloucester Square. It was a large mansion, and Lady Monk's parties in London were known to be very great affairs. She usually gave two or three in the season, and spent a large portion of her time and energy, and so arranging matters that her parties should be successful. As this was her special line in life, a failure would have been very distressing to her. And we may also say very disgraceful, taking it into consideration, as we should do in forming our judgment on the subject, the very large sums of Sir Cosmo's money, which she spent in this way. But she seldom did fail. She knew how to select her days, so as not to fall foul of other events. It seldom happened that people could not come to her because of a division which occupied all the members of parliament, or that they were drawn away by the superior magnitude of some other attraction in the world of fashion. This giving of parties was her business, and she had learned it thoroughly. She worked at it harder than most men work at their trades, and let us hope that the profits were consolatory. It was generally acknowledged to be the proper thing to go to Lady Monk's parties. There were certain people who were asked, and who went as a matter of course. People who were by no means on intimate terms with Lady Monk or with Sir Cosmo, but they were people to have whom was the proper thing, and they were people who understood that to go to Lady Monk's was the proper thing for them. The Duchess of St. Mungay was always there, though she hated Lady Monk, and Lady Monk always abused her. But a card was sent to the Duchess in the same way as the Lord Mayor invites a cabinet minister to dinner, even though the one man might believe the other to be a thief. And Mrs. Conway Sparks was generally there. She went everywhere. Lady Monk did not at all know why Mrs. Conway Sparks was so favored by the world, but there was the fact, and she bowed to it. Then there were another set, the members of which were or were not invited according to circumstances at the time, and these were the people who were probably the most legitimate recipients of Lady Monk's hospitality. Old family friends of her husband were among the number. Let the Tuftins come in April, and perhaps again in May. Then they will not feel their exclusion from that seventh heaven of glory, the great culminating crush in July. Scores of young ladies who really loved parties belonged to this set. The mothers and aunts knew Lady Monk's sisters and cousins. They accepted so much of Lady Monk's good things that she vouched safe them and were thankful. Then there was another lot, which generally became, especially on that great July occasion, the most numerous of the three. It comprised all those who made strong interest to obtain admittance within her Lady Ship's house, who struggled and fought almost with tooth and nail to get invitations. Against these people, Lady Monk carried on an internecine war. Had she not done so, she would have been swamped by them, and her success would have been at an end. But yet she never dreamed of shutting her doors against them altogether, or of saying boldly that none such should hamper her staircases. She knew that she must yield, but her effort was made to yield to as few as might be possible. When she was first told by her fact totem in these operations that Mr. Bott wanted to come, she positively declined to have him. When it was afterwards intimated to her that the Duchess of St. Bungay had made a point of it, she sneered at the Duchess, and did not even then yield. But when at last it was brought home to her understanding that Mr. Palliser wished it, and that Mr. Palliser probably would not come himself, unless his wishes were gratified, she gave way. She was especially anxious that Lady Glencora should come to her gathering, and she knew that Lady Glencora could not be had without Mr. Palliser. It was very much desired by her that Lady Glencora should be there. Burgo, said she to her nephew one morning, look here. Burgo was at the time staying with his aunt in Gloucester Square, much to the annoyance of Sir Cosmo, who had become hardly tired of his nephew. The aunt and the nephew had been closeted together more than once lately, and perhaps they understood each other better now than they had done down at Monkshade. The aunt had handed a little note to Burgo, which he read and then threw back to her. You see that she is not afraid of coming, said Lady Monk. I suppose she doesn't think much about it, said Burgo. If that's what you really believe, you'd better give it up.  Burgo looked at the fireplace almost savagely, and his aunt looked at him very keenly. Well, she said, if there is to be an end of it, let there be an end of it. I think I'd better hang myself, he said. Burgo, I will not have you here if you talk to me in that way. I am trying to help you once again, but if you look like that and talk like that, I will give it up. I think you'd better give it up. Are you becoming cowardly at last? With all your faults, I never expected that of you.  I'd go out and fight him at two paces distance with the greatest pleasure in the world. You know that's nonsense, Burgo. It's downright braggadaccio. Men do not fight now, nor any time would a man be called upon to fight because you simply wanted to take his wife from him, if you had done it indeed. How am I to do it? I'd do it tomorrow if it depended on me. No one can say that I'm afraid of anybody or of anything. I suppose something in the matter depends on her. I believe she loves me, if you mean that. Look here, Burgo, and the considerate aunt gave to the impoverished and ruined nephew such counsel as she, in accordance with her lights, wasn't able to bestow. I think you were much wronged in that matter. After what had passed, I thought that you had a right to claim Lady Glencora as your wife. Mr. Palacer, in my mind, behaved very wrongly in stepping in between you and such a fortune as hers in that way. He cannot expect that his wife should have any affection for him. There is nobody alive who has a greater horror of anything improper in married women than I have. I have always shown it. When Lady Madeleine Madtop left her husband, I would never allow her to come inside my doors again, though I have no doubt he ill-used her dreadfully and there was nothing ever proved between her and Colonel Graham. One can't be too particular in such matters. But here, if you, if you can succeed, you know, I shall always regard the Palacer episode in Lady Glencora's life as a tragical accident. I shall indeed, poor dear, it was done exactly as they make nuns of girls in Roman Catholic countries, and as I should think no harm of helping a nun out of her convent, so I should think no harm of helping her now. If you are to say anything to her, I think you might have an opportunity at the party. Burgo was still looking at the fireplace, and he sat on, looking and still looking, but he said nothing.  Have you anything more that you wish to say to me, she asked? I've got no money, said Burgo, still looking at the fireplace. Lady Glencora's property was worth not less than fifty thousand a year. He was a young man ambitious of obtaining that almost incredible amount of wealth, and who once had nearly reached it by means of her love. His present obstacle consisted in his want of a twenty pound note. I've got no money. The words were growled out rather than spoken, and his eyes were never turned even for a moment towards his aunt's face. You've never got any money, said she, speaking almost with passion. How could I help it? I can't make money. If I had a couple of hundred pounds so that I could take her, I'd believe that she would go with me. It should not be my fault if she did not. It would have been all right if she had come to Monk Shade. I've got no money for you, Burgo. I have not five pounds belonging to me. But you've got—what? said Lady Monk, interrupting him sharply. Would Cosmo lend at me, said he, hesitating to go on with that suggestion which he had been about to make. The Cosmo of whom he spoke was not his uncle, but his cousin. No eloquence could have induced his uncle, Sir Cosmo, to lend him another shilling. But the son of the house was a man rich with his own wealth, and Burgo had not taxed him for some years. I do not know, said Lady Monk. I never see him, probably not. It is hard, said Burgo, fancy that a man should be ruined for two hundred pounds, just as such a moment of his life is this. He was a man bold by nature, and he did make his proposition. You have jewels, Aunt. Could you not raise it for me? I would redeem them with the very first money that I got. Lady Monk rose in a passion when the suggestion was first made, but before the interview was over she had promised that she would endeavor to do something in the way of raising money for him yet once again. He was her favorite nephew, and the same almost to her as a child of her own. With one of her own children, indeed, she had quarreled, and of the other, a married daughter, she rarely saw much. Such love as she had to give she gave to Burgo, and she promised him the money though she knew that she must raise it by some villainous falsa to her husband. On the same morning Lady Glencora went to Queen Anne Street with the purpose of inducing Alice to go to Lady Monk's party, but Alice would not accede to the proposition, though Lady Glencora pressed it with all her eloquence. I don't know her, said Alice. My dear, said Lady Glencora, that's absurd. Half the people there won't know her. But they know her set, or know her friends, or at any rate will meet their own friends at her house. I should only bother you, and should not in the least gratify myself. The fact is, everybody will go who can, and I should have no sort of trouble in getting a card for you. Indeed, I should simply write a note and say I meant to bring you. Pray don't do any such thing, for I certainly shall not go. I can't conceive why you should wish it. Mr. Fitzgerald will be there, said Lady Glencora, altering her voice altogether, and speaking in that low tone with which she used to win Alice's heart down at matching. She was sitting close over the fire, leaning low, holding up her little hands as a screen to her face, and looking at her companion earnestly. I'm sure that he will be there, though nobody has told me. That may be a reason for your staying away, said Alice slowly, but hardly a reason for my going with you. Lady Glencora would not condescend to tell her friend in so many words that she wanted her protection. She could not bring herself to say that, though she wished it to be understood. Ah, I thought she would have gone, said she. It would be contrary to all my habits, said Alice. I never go to people's houses when I don't know them. It's a kind of society which I don't like. Pray do don't ask me. Oh, very well. If it must be so, I won't press it. Lady Glencora had moved the position of one of her hands so as to get it to her pocket, and there had grasped the letter, which she still carried. But when Alice said those last cold words, pray do not ask me. She released the grasp and left the letter where it was. I suppose he won't bite me at any rate, she said, and she assumed that look of childish drollery, which she would sometimes put on, almost with a grimace, but still with so much prettiness that no one who saw her would regret it. He certainly can't bite you if you will not let him. Do you know Alice, though they all say that Plantagenet is one of the wisest men in London, I sometimes think that he is one of the greatest fools. Soon after we came to town, I told him that we'd better not go to that woman's house. Of course he understood me. He simply said that he wished that I should do so.  There can be no reason why my wife should not go to Lady Monk's house as well as to any other. There was an end of it, you know, as far as anything I could do was concerned, but there wasn't an end of it with him. He insists that I shall go, but he sends my Joanna with me. Dear Mrs. Martian is to be there. She'll do you no harm, I suppose. I'm not so sure of that, Alice. In the first place one doesn't like to be followed everywhere by a policeman, even though one isn't going to pick a pocket. And then the devil is so strong within me that I should like to dodge the policeman. I can fancy a woman being driven to do wrong simply by a desire to show her policeman that she can be too many for him. Glen Cora, you make me so wretched when you talk like that.  He asked me if I would mind taking Mrs. Martian with me in my carriage, so I up and spoke very boldly like the proud young porter and told him I would not. And when he asked why not, I said that I preferred taking a friend of my own. A young friend, I said, and I then named you or my cousin Lady Jane. I told him I should bring one or the other. And was he angry? No. He took it very quietly, saying something in his calm way about hoping that I should get over a prejudice against one of his earliest and dearest friends. He twits at me because I don't understand parliament in the British Constitution, but I know more of them than he does about a woman.  Alice hesitated a moment. Do, said Lady Glencora, and there was an amount of persuasion in her accent which should, I think, have overcome her cousin's scruples. It is against the whole tenor of my life's way, she said, and Glencora, I am not happy myself. I am not fit for parties. I sometimes think that I shall never go into society again. That's nonsense, you know. I suppose it is, but I cannot go now. I would if I really thought, oh, very well, said Lady Glencora, interrupting her. I suppose I shall get through it. If he asked me to dance, I shall stand up with him, just as though I had never seen him before. Then she remembered the letter in her pocket. Remembered that at this moment she bore about with her a written proposition from this man to go off with him and leave her husband's house. She had intended to show it to Alice on this occasion, but as Alice had refused her request, she was glad that she had not done so. You'll come to me the morning after, said Lady Glencora, as she went. This Alice promised to do, and then she was left alone. Alice regretted, regretted deeply that she had not consented to go with her cousin. After all, of what importance had been her objection when compared with the cause for which her presence had been desired. Doubtless she would have been uncomfortable at Lady Muck's house, but could she not have borne some hour or two of discomfort on her friend's behalf. But in truth it was only after Lady Glencora had left her that she began to understand the subject fully and to feel that she might possibly have been of service in a great danger. But it was too late now. Then she strove to comfort herself for the reflection that a casual meeting at an evening party in London could not be perilous in the same degree as a prolonged sojourn together in a country house. End of Chapter 48 Recording by Leigh Ann Howlett Lady Muck's House in Gloucester Square was admirably well adapted for the giving of parties. It was a large house, and seemed to the eyes of guests to be much larger than it was. The hall was spacious, and the stairs went up in the centre, facing you as you entered the inner hall. Round the top of the stairs there was a broad gallery, with an ornamented railing, and from this opened the doors into the three reception rooms. There were two on the right, the larger of which looked out backwards, and these two were connected by an archway, as though made for folding doors. But the doors, I believe, never were there. Fronting the top of the staircase there was a smaller room, looking out backwards, very prettily furnished, and much used by Lady Muck when alone. It was here that Bergo had held that conference, with his aunt of which mention has been made. Below stairs there was the great dining room, on which, on these occasions, a huge buffet was erected for refreshments, what I may call a masculine buffet, as it was attended by butlers and men in livery. And there was a smaller room looking out into the square, in which there was a feminine battery for the dispensing of tea, and such like smaller good things, and from which female aid could be attained for the arrangement or mending of dresses in a further sanctum within it. For such purposes as that now on foot the house was most commodious. Lady Muck, on these occasions, was moved by a noble ambition to do something different from that done by her neighbors in similar circumstances, and therefore she never came forward to receive her guests. She ensconced herself, early in the evening, in that room at the head of the stairs, and there they who chose to see her made their way up to her, and spoke their little speeches. They who thought her to be a great woman, and many people did think her to be great, were wont to declare that she never forgot those who did come, or those who did not, and even they who desired to describe her as little, for even Lady Muck had enemies, would hint that though she never came out of the room, she would rise from her chair, and make a step towards the door whenever any name, very high in fashionable life, greeted her ears, so that a mighty cabinet minister, or a duchess in great repute, or any special wonder of the season, could not fail of entering her precincts, and being seen there for a few moments. It would, of course, happen that the doorway of her chamber would become blocked, but there were precautions taken to avoid this inconvenience as far as possible, and one man in livery was employed to go backwards and forwards between his mistress and the outer world, so as to keep the thread of a passage open. But though Lady Muck was in this way enabled to rest herself during her labours, there was much in her night's work which was not altogether exhilarating. Ladies would come into her small room and sit there by the hour, with whom she had not the slightest wish to hold conversation. The Duchess of St. Bungay would always be there, so that there was a special seat in one corner of the room which was called the Duchess's stool. I shouldn't care a straw about her, Lady Muck had been heard to complain, if she would talk to anybody, but nobody will talk to her, and then she listens to everything. There had been another word or two between Bergo Fitzgerald and his aunt, before the evening came, a word or two in the speaking of which she had found some difficulty. She was prepared with the money, with that two hundred pounds for which he had asked. Obtained with what wiles and lies and baseness of subterfuge, I need not stop here to describe. But she was by no means willing to give this over into her nephew's hands without security. She was willing to advance him this money. She had been willing even to go through unusual dirt to get it for him. But she was desirous that he should have it only for a certain purpose. How could she bind him down to spend it as she would have it spent? Could she undertake to hand it to him as soon as Lady Glencora should be in his power? Even though she could have brought herself to say as much, and I think she might also have done so after what she had said, she could not have carried out such a plan. In that case the want would be instant, and the action must be rapid. She therefore had no alternative but to entrust him with the bank notes at once. Bergo, she said, if I find that you deceive me now, I will never trust you again. All right, said Bergo, as he barely counted the money before he thrust it into his breast pocket. It is lent to you for a certain purpose. Should you happen to want it? she said solemnly. I do happen to want it very much, he answered. She did not dare to say more, but as her nephew turned away from her with a step that was quite light in its gaiety, she almost felt that she was already cousined. Let Bergo's troubles be as heavy as they might be. There was something to him ecstatic in the touch of ready money, which always cured them for the moment. On the morning of Lady Monk's party, a few very uncomfortable words passed between Mr. Palliser and his wife. Your cousin is not going then? said he. Alice is not going? Then you can give Mrs. Marsham a seat in your carriage. Impossible! Plantagenet! I thought I had told you that I had promised my cousin Jane. But you can take three. Indeed I can't, unless you would like me to sit out with the coachman. There was something in this, a tone of loudness, a touch of what he called to himself vulgarity, which made him very angry. So he turned away from her and looked as black as a thunder-cloud. You must know, Plantagenet, she went on, that it is impossible for three women dressed to go out in one carriage. I am sure you wouldn't like to see me afterwards if I had been one of them. You need not have said anything to Lady Jane when Miss Vavisar refused. I had asked you before that. And I had told you that I liked going with young women and not with old ones. That's the long and the short of it. Glencora, I wish you would not use such expressions. What? Not the long and the short? It's good English—quite as good as Mr. Botts—when he said in the house the other night that the government kept their accounts in a higgledy-piggledy way. You see, I have been studying the debates, and you shouldn't be angry with me. I am not angry with you.  Then I suppose the carriage must go for Mrs. Marsham after it has taken you. It shall go before. Jane will not be in a hurry, and I am sure I shall not. She will think you very uncivil. That is all. I told her that she could go with you when I heard that Miss Vavisar was not to be there. Then, Plantagenet, you shouldn't have told her so. And that's the long—but I mustn't say that. The truth is this. If you give me any orders, I'll obey them, as far as I can. If I can't, I'll say so. But if I'm left to go by my own judgment, it's not fair that I should be scolded afterwards. I have never scolded you. Yes, you have. You have told me that I was uncivil. I said that she would think you so. Then, if it's only what she thinks, I don't care too straws about it. She may have the carriage to herself if she likes. But she shan't have me in it. Not unless I'm ordered to go. I don't like her. And I won't pretend to like her. My belief is that she follows me about to tell you if she thinks that I do wrong. Glencora. And that odious baboon with the red bristles does the same thing. Only he goes to her because he doesn't dare to go to you. Plantagenet Palisair was struck wild with dismay. He understood well who it was whom his wife intended to describe, but that she should have spoken of any man as a baboon with red bristles was terrible to his mind. He was beginning to think that he hardly knew how to manage his wife, and the picture she had drawn was very distressing to him. She had no mother, neither had he. And he had wished that Mrs. Marsham should give to her some of that maternly assistance and guidance which a mother does give to her young married daughter. It was true, too, as he knew, that a word or two as to some socially domestic matters had filtered through to him from Mr. Botte down at matching Priory, but only in such a way as to enable him to see what counsel it was needful that he should give. As for espionage over his wife, no man could despise it more than he did. No man would be less willing to resort to it. And now his wife was accusing him of keeping spies, both male and female. Glencora, he said again. And then he stopped, not knowing what to say to her. Well, my dear, it's better you should know at once what I feel about it. I don't suppose I'm very good. Indeed, I daresay I'm bad enough. But these people about me won't make me any better. The Duenas don't make the Spanish ladies worth much. Duenas? After that Lady Glencora sat herself down, and Mr. Palacer stood for some moments looking at her. It ended in his making her a long speech, in which he said a good deal of his own justice and forbearance, and something also of her frivolity and childishness. He told her that his only complaint of her was that she was too young, and, as he did so, she made a little grimace. Not to him, but to herself, as though saying to herself that was all he knew about it. He did not notice it, or, if he did, his notice did not stop his eloquence. He assured her that he was far from keeping any watch over her, and declared that she had altogether mistaken Mrs. Marsham's character. Then there was another little grimace. There somebody has mistaken it worse than I have, the grimace said. Of the bristly baboon he condescended to say nothing, and he wound up by giving her a cold kiss, and saying that he would meet her at Lady Monks. When the evening came, or rather the night, the carriage went first for Mrs. Marsham, and having deposited her at Lady Monks, went back to Park Lane for Lady Glencora. Then she had herself driven to St. James Square to pick up Lady Jane, so that altogether the coachmen and horses did not have a good time of it. I wish he'd keep a separate carriage for her, Lady Glencora said to her cousin Jane, having perceived that her servants were not in a good humour. That would be expensive, said Lady Jane. Yes, it would be expensive, said Lady Glencora. She would not condescend to make any remark, as to the non-importance of such an expense, to a man so wealthy as her husband, knowing that his wealth was, in fact, hers. Never, to him or to any other, not even to herself, had she hinted that much was due to her because she had been magnificent as an heiress. There were many things about this woman that were not altogether what a husband might wish. She was not softly delicate in all her ways. But in disposition and temper she was altogether generous. I do not know that she was, at all points, a lady. But had fate so willed it, she would have been a thorough gentleman. Mrs. Marsham was by no means satisfied with the way in which she was treated. She would not have cared to go, at all, to Lady Monk's party, had she supposed that she would have to make her entry there alone. With Lady Glencora she would have seemed to receive some of that homage which would certainly have been paid to her companion. The carriage called, moreover, before she was fully ready, and the footman, as he stood at the door to hand her in, had been very sulky. She understood it all. She knew that Lady Glencora had positively declined her companionship, and if she resolved to be revenged, such resolution on her part was only natural. When she reached Lady Monk's house she had to make her way upstairs all alone. The servants called her Mrs. Marsh, and under that name she got passed on into the front drawing-room. There she sat down, not having seen Lady Monk. and meditated over her injuries. It was past eleven, before Lady Glencora arrived, and Bergo Fitzgerald had begun to think that his evil stars intended that he should never see her again. He had been wickedly balked at Monkshade, by what influence he had never yet ascertained, and now he thought that the same influence must be at work to keep her again away from his aunt's house. He had settled in his mind no accurate plan of a campaign. He had, in his thoughts, no fixed arrangement, by which he might do the thing which he meditated. He had attempted to make some such plan. But, as is the case with all men to whom thinking is an unusual operation, concluded at last that he had better leave it to the course of events. It was, however, obviously necessary that he should see Lady Glencora before the course of events could be made to do anything for him. He had written to her, making his proposition in bold terms, and he felt that if she were utterly decided against him, her anger at his suggestion, or at least her refusal, would have been made known to him in some way. Silence did not absolutely give consent, but it seemed to show that consent was not impossible. From ten o'clock to past eleven he stood about on the staircase of his aunt's house, waiting for the name which he was desirous of hearing, and which he almost feared to hear. Men spoke to him, and women also, but he hardly answered. His aunt once called him into her room, and with a cautionary frown on her brow, bade him go dance.  But he shook his head at her, almost savagely, and went away and did not dance. Dance? How was he to dance with such an enterprise as that upon his mind? Even to Bergo Fitzgerald, the task of running away with another man's wife, had in it something which prevented dancing. Lady Monk was older, and was able to regulate her feelings with more exactness. But Bergo, though he could not dance, went down into the dining-room and drank. He took a large beer-glass full of champagne, and soon after that another. The drink did not flush his cheeks or make his forehead red, or bring out the sweat drops on his brow, as it does with some men. But it added a peculiar brightness to his blue eyes. It was by the light of his eyes that men knew when Bergo had been drinking. At last, while he was still in the supper-room, he heard Lady Glencora's name announced. He had already seen Mr. Palacere come in, and make his way upstairs some quarter of an hour before. But as to that he was indifferent. He had known that the husband was to be there. When the long-expected name reached his ears, his heart seemed to jump within him. What, on the spur of the moment, should he do? As he had resolved that he would be doing, that something should be done. Let it be what it might. He hurried to the dining-room door, and was just in time to see and be seen as Lady Glencora was passing up the stairs. She was just above him as he got himself out into the hall, so that he could not absolutely greet her with his hand. But he looked up at her, and caught her eye. He looked up, and moved his hand to her in token of salutation. She looked down at him, and the expression of her face altered visibly as her glance met his. She barely bowed to him, with her eyes rather than with her head. But he flattered himself that there was, at any rate, no anger in her countenance. How beautiful he was as he gazed up at her, leaning against the wall as he stood, and watching her as she made her slow way up the stairs. She felt that his eyes were on her, and where the stairs turned she could not restrain herself from one other glance.  It was a glorious mouth, such as the old sculptors gave to their marble gods. And Bergo, if it was so that he had not heart enough to love truly, could look as though he loved. It was not in him deceit, or what men call acting. The expression came to him naturally, though it expressed so much more than there was within. As strong words come to some men who have no knowledge that they are speaking strongly. At this moment Bergo Fitzgerald looked, as though it were possible that he might die of love. Lady Glencora was met at the top of the stairs by Lady Monk, who came out to her, almost into the gallery, with her sweetest smile, so that the newly arrived guest, of course, entered into the small room. There sat the Duchess of St. Bungay on her stool in the corner, and there, next to the Duchess, but at the moment engaged in no conversation, stood Mr. Botte. There was another lady there, who stood very high in the world, and whom Lady Monk was very glad to welcome, the young Marchiness of Hartletop. She was in slight mourning, for her father-in-law, the late Marquis, had died not yet quite six months since. Very beautiful she was, and one whose presence at their houses ladies and gentlemen prized alike. She never said silly things like the Duchess, never was troublesome as to people's conduct to her, was always gracious, yet was never led away into intimacies, was without peer the best dressed woman in London, and yet gave herself no heirs. And then she was so exquisitely beautiful. Her smile was loveliness itself. There were, indeed, people who said that it meant nothing, but then what should the smile of a young married woman mean? She had not been born in the purple, like Lady Glencora, her father being a country clergyman who had never reached a higher grade than that of an archdeacon. But she knew the ways of high life, and what an exigent husband would demand of her, much better than poor Glencora. She would have spoken of no man as a baboon with a bristly beard. She never talked of the long and the short of it. She did not wander out a night in winter among the ruins. She made no fast friendship with ladies whom her Lord did not like. She had once, indeed, been approached by a lover since she had been married. Mr. Palliser himself having been the offender. But she had turned the affair to infinite credit and profit, had gained her husband's closest confidence by telling him of it all, had yet not brought on any hostile collision, and had even dismissed her lover without annoying him. But then Lady Hardletop was a miracle of a woman. Lady Glencora was no miracle. Though born in the purple, she was made of ordinary flesh and blood. And as she entered Lady Monk's little room, hardly knew how to recover herself sufficiently for the purposes of ordinary conversation. Dear Lady Glencora, do come in for a moment to my den. We were so sorry not to have you at Monkshade. We heard such terrible things about your health. Lady Glencora said that it was only a cold—a bad cold.  I love that sort of thing above all people, but it doesn't do, does it? Circumstances are so exacting. I think you know Lady Hardletop. And there's the Duchess of Saint Bungay. Mr. Palacere was here five minutes since. Then Lady Monk was obliged to get to her door again, and Lady Glencora found herself standing close to Lady Hardletop. We saw Mr. Palacere just pass through, said Lady Hardletop, who was able to meet and speak of the man who had dared to approach her with his love, without the slightest nervousness. Yes, he said he should be here, said Lady Glencora. There's a great crowd, said Lady Hardletop. I didn't think London was so full. Very great, said Lady Glencora, and then they had said to each other all that society required. Lady Glencora, as we know, could talk with imprudent vehemence by the hour together, if she liked her companion. But the other lady seldom committed herself by more words than she had uttered now, unless it was to her tire-woman. How very well you are looking! said the Duchess, and I heard you had been so ill. Of that midnight escapade among the ruins it was faded, that Lady Glencora should never hear the last. How do you do, Lady Glencora? sounded in her ear, and there was a great red paw stuck out for her to take. But after what had passed between Lady Glencora and her husband to-day about Mr. Botte, she was determined that she would not take Mr. Botte's hand. How are you, Mr. Botte? she said. I think I'll look for Mr. Palacere in the back room. Dear Lady Glencora! whispered the Duchess, in an ecstasy of agony. Lady Glencora turned and bowed her head to her stout friend. Do let me go away with you. There's that woman, Mrs. Conway Sparks coming, and you know how I hate her. She had nothing to do but to take the Duchess under her wing, and they passed into the large room together. It is, I think, more than probable that Mrs. Conway Sparks had been brought in by Lady Monk as the only way of removing the Duchess from her stool. Just within the dancing room Lady Glencora found her husband, standing in a corner, looking as though he were making calculations. I'm going away, said he, coming up to her. I only just came because I said I would. Shall you be late? Oh, no, I suppose not. Shall you dance? Perhaps once, just to show that I'm not an old woman.  Goodbye. Then he went, and in the crush of the doorway he passed Virgo Fitzgerald, whose eye was intently fixed upon his wife. He looked at Virgo, and some thought of that young man's former hopes flashed across his mind. Some remembrance, too, of a caution that had been whispered to him. But for no moment did a suspicion come to him that he ought to stop and watch by his wife. End of Chapter 49. Recording by Laura Koskinen. Chapter 50 of Can You Forgive Her. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Laura Koskinen. Can You Forgive Her? by Antony Trollop. Chapter 50. How Lady Glencora came back from Lady Monk's party. Virgo Fitzgerald remained for a minute or two, leaning where we last saw him, against the dining-room wall at the bottom of the staircase. And as he did so, some thoughts that were almost solemn passed across his mind. This thing that he was about to do, or to attempt, was it in itself a good thing, and would it be good for her whom he pretended to love? What would be her future if she consented now to go with him? And to divide herself from her husband? Of his own future, he thought not at all. He had never done so. Even when he had first found himself attracted by the reputation of her wealth, he cannot be said to have looked forward in any prudential way to coming years. His desire to put himself in possession of so magnificent a fortune had simply prompted him, as he might have been prompted, to play for a high stake at a gaming-table. But now, during these moments, he did think a little of her. Would she be happy, simply because he loved her, when all women should cease to acknowledge her, when men would regard her as one degraded and dishonored, when society should be closed against her, when she would be driven to live loudly, because the softness and graces of quiet life would be denied to her? Bergo knew well what must be the nature of such a woman's life in such circumstances. Would Glencora be happy with him, while living such a life simply because he loved her? And under such circumstances, was it likely that he would continue to love her? Did he not know himself to be the most inconstant of men, and the least trustworthy? Leaning thus against the wall at the bottom of the stairs, he did ask himself all these questions with something of true feeling about his heart, and almost persuaded himself that he had better take his hat and wander forth anywhere into the streets. It mattered little what might become of himself. If he could drink himself out of the world, it might be an end of things that would be not altogether undesirable. But then the remembrance of his aunt's two hundred pounds came upon him, which money he even now had about him on his person, and a certain idea of honor told him that he was bound to do that for which the money had been given to him. As to telling his aunt that he had changed his mind, and therefore refunding the money, no such thought as that was possible to him. To give back two hundred pounds entire—two hundred pounds, which were already within his clutches—was not within the compass of Bergo's generosity. Remembering the cash, he told himself that hesitation was no longer possible to him.  He looked in at his aunt's room, and then he saw her and was seen by her. Well, Bergo, she said, with her sweetest smile. Have you been dancing? He turned away from her without answering her, muttering something between his teeth about a cold-blooded Jezebel, which, if she had heard it, would have made her think him the most ungrateful of men. But she did not hear him, and smiled still as he went away, saying something to Mrs. Conway Sparks as to the great change for the better which had taken place in her nephew's conduct. There's no knowing who may not reform, said Mrs. Sparks, with an emphasis which seemed to Lady Monk to be almost uncourteous. Bergo made his way first into the front room, and then into the larger room, where the dancing was in progress. And there he saw Lady Glencora standing up in a quadril with the Marquis of Hartletop. Lord Hartletop was a man not much more given to conversation than his wife, and Lady Glencora seemed to go through her work with very little gratification, either in the dancing or in the society of her partner. She was simply standing up to dance, because, as she had told Mr. Palacere, ladies of her age generally do stand up on such occasions. Bergo watched her as she crossed and recrossed the room, and at last she was aware of his presence. It made no change in her, except that she became even somewhat less animated than she had been before. She would not seem to see him, nor would she allow herself to be driven into a pretense of a conversation with her partner because he was there. I will go up to her at once and ask her to waltz, Bergo said to himself, as soon as the last figure of the quadril was in action. Why should I not ask her, as well as any other woman? Then the music ceased, and after a minute's interval Lord Hardletop took away his partner on his arm into another room. Bergo, who had been standing near the door, followed them at once. The crowd was great, so that he could not get near them or even keep them in sight, but he was aware of the way in which they were going. It was five minutes after this when he again saw her, and then she was seated on a cane bench in the gallery, and an old woman was standing close to her, talking to her. It was Mrs. Marsham cautioning her against some petty imprudence, and Lady Glencora was telling that lady that she needed no such advice, in words almost as curt as those I have used. Lord Hardletop had left her, feeling that, as far as that was concerned, he had done his duty for the night. Bergo knew nothing of Mrs. Marsham, had never seen her before, and was quite unaware that she had any special connection with Mr. Palacere. It was impossible, he thought, to find Lady Glencora in a better position for his purpose, so he made his way up to her through the crowd, and muttering some slight inaudible word offered her his hand. That will do very well, thank you, Mrs. Marsham," Lady Glencora said at that moment. Pray, do not trouble yourself," and then she gave her hand to Fitzgerald. Mrs. Marsham, though unknown to him, knew with quite sufficient accuracy who he was, and all his history, as far as it concerned her friend's wife. She had learned the whole story of the loves of Bergo and Lady Glencora, though Mr. Palacere had never mentioned that man's name to her. She was well aware that her duty as a duena would make it expedient that she should keep a doubly wary eye upon him, should he come near the sheepfold. And there he was, close to them, almost leaning over them, with the hand of his late Lady Love, the hand of Mr. Palacere's wife, within his own. How Lady Glencora might have carried herself at this moment, had Mrs. Marsham not been there, it is bootless now to surmise. But it may be well understood, that under Mrs. Marsham's immediate eye, all her resolution would be in Bergo's favour. She looked at him softly and kindly, and though she uttered no articulate word, her countenance seemed to show that the meeting was not unpleasant to her. Will you waltz? said Bergo, asking it not at all as though it were a special favour, asking it exactly as he might have done had they been in the habit of dancing with each other every other night for the last three months. I don't think Lady Glencora will waltz tonight! said Mrs. Marsham very stiffly. She certainly did not know her business as a duena, or else the enormity of Bergo's proposition had struck her so forcibly as to take away from her all her presence of mind. Otherwise she must have been aware that such an answer from her would surely drive her friend's wife into open hostility. And why not, Mrs. Marsham? said Lady Glencora, rising from her seat. Why shouldn't I waltz tonight? I rather think I shall—the more especially as Mr. Fitzgerald waltzes very well.  She put out her hand and laid it on Lady Glencora's left shoulder, looking into her face as she did so with all the severity of caution of which she was mistress. Lady Glencora shook her duena off angrily. Whether she would put her fate into the hands of this man who was now touching her, or whether she would not, she had not as yet decided. But of this she was very sure, that nothing said or done by Mrs. Marsham should have any effect in restraining her. What could Mrs. Marsham do? Mr. Palacere was gone. Some rumor of that proposed visit to Monkshade, and the way in which it had been prevented, had reached her ear. Some whispers had come to her that Fitzgerald still dared to love, as married, the woman whom he had loved before she was married. There was a rumor about that he still had some hope. Mrs. Marsham had never believed that Mr. Palacere's wife would really be false to her vows. It was not in fear of any such catastrophe as a positive elopement that she had taken upon herself the duty of duena. Lady Glencora would, no doubt, require to be pressed down into that decent mold which it would become the wife of a Mr. Palacere to assume as her form, and this pressing down and this molding Mrs. Marsham thought that she could accomplish. It had not hitherto occurred to her that she might be required to guard Mr. Palacere from positive dishonor. But now—now she hardly knew what to think about it. What should she do? To whom should she go? And then she saw Mr. Botte looming large before her on the top of the staircase. In the meantime Lady Glencora went off towards the dancers, leaning on Bergo's arm. Who is that woman? said Bergo. They were the first words he spoke to her, though since he had last seen her he had written to her that letter which even now she carried about her. His voice in her ears sounded as it used to sound when their intimacy had been close, and questions such as that he had asked were common between them. And her answer was of the same nature. Oh! such an odious woman! she said. Her name is Mrs. Marsham. She is my Bethnoir. And then they were actually dancing, whirling round the room together, before a word had been said of that which was Bergo's settled purpose, and which at some moments was her settled purpose also. Bergo waltzed excellently. And in old days, before her marriage, Lady Glencora had been passionately fond of dancing. She seemed to give herself up to it now as though the old days had come back to her. Lady Monk, creeping to the intermediate door between her den and the dancing room, looked in on them, and then crept back again. Mrs. Marsham and Mr. Botte standing together just inside the other door, near to the staircase, looked on also, in horror. He shouldn't have gone away and left her, said Mr. Botte, almost hoarsely. But who could have thought it, said Mrs. Marsham? I'm sure I didn't. I suppose you'd better tell him, said Mr. Botte. But I don't know where to find him, said Mrs. Marsham. I didn't mean now, at once, said Mr. Botte. And then he added. Do you think it is as bad as that? I don't know what to think, said Mrs. Marsham. The waltzers went on till they were stopped by want of breath. I am so much out of practice, said Lady Glencora. I didn't think I should have been able to dance at all. Then she put up her face, and slightly opened her mouth, and stretched her nostrils, as ladies do, as well as horses, when the running has been severe, and they want air. You'll take another turn, said he. Presently, said she, beginning to have some thought in her mind as to whether Mrs. Marsham was watching her. Then there was a little pause, after which he spoke in an altered voice. Does it put you in mind of old days? said he. It was, of course, necessary for him, that he should bring her to some thought of the truth. It was all very sweet, that dancing with her, as they used to dance, without any question as to the reason why it was so, that sudden falling into the old habits, as though everything between this night and the former nights had been a dream, but this would not further his views. The opportunity had come to him which he must use, if he intended ever to use such opportunity. There was the two hundred pounds in his pocket, which he did not intend to give back. Does it put you in mind of old days? he said. The words roused her from her sleep at once, and dissipated her dream. The facts all rushed upon her in an instant. The letter in her pocket, the request which she had made to Alice, that Alice might be induced to guard her from this danger. The words which her husband had spoken to her in the morning, and her anger against him in that he had subjected her to the eyes of a Mrs. Marsham, her own unsettled mind, quite unsettled whether it would be best for her to go or to stay. It all came upon her now, at the first words of tenderness which Bergo spoke to her. It has often been said of woman that she who doubts is lost. So often, that they who say it now, say it simply because others have said it before them. Never thinking whether or know there be any truth in the proverb.  Women doubt every day, who solve their doubts at last on the right side. Driven to do so, some by fear, more by conscience. But most of them, by that half-prudential, half-unconscious knowledge of what is fitting, useful, and best under the circumstances, which rarely deserts either men or women till they have brought themselves to the Bergo Fitzgerald state of recklessness. Men, when they have fallen even to that, will still keep up some outward show towards the world. But women in this condition defy the world, and declare themselves to be children of perdition. Lady Glencora was doubting sorely, but though doubting, she was not as yet lost. Does it put you in mind of old days? said Bergo. She was driven to answer, and she knew that much would be decided by the way in which she might now speak. You must not talk of that, she said very softly. May I not? And now his tongue was unloosed, so that he began to speak quickly. May I not? And why not? They were happy days, so happy. Were not you happy when you thought? Ah, dear, I suppose it is best not even to think of them. Much the best. Only it is impossible. I wish I knew the inside of your heart, Cora, so that I could see what it is that you really wish. In the old days he had always called her Cora, and now the name came from his lips upon her ears as a thing of custom, causing no surprise. They were standing back, behind the circle, almost in a corner, and Bergo knew well how to speak at such moments, so that his words should be audible to none but her whom he addressed. You should not have come to me at all, she said. And why not? Who has a better right to come to you? Who has ever loved you as I have done? Cora, did you get my letter? Come and dance, she said. I see a pair of eyes looking at us. The pair of eyes which Lady Glencora saw were in the possession of Mr. Bot, who was standing alone, leaning against the side of the doorway, every now and then raising his heels from the ground, so that he might look down upon the sinners as from a vantage ground. He was quite alone. Mrs. Marsham had left him, and had gotten herself away in Lady Glencora's own carriage to Park Lane, in order that she might find Mr. Palisare there, if, by chance, he should be at home. Won't it be making Miss Jiff, Mrs. Marsham had said, when Mr. Bot had suggested this line of conduct? There will be worse, Miss Jiff, if you don't, Mr. Bot had answered. He can come back, and then he can do as he likes. I'll keep my eyes upon them. And so he did keep his eyes upon them. Again they went round the room, or that small portion of the room which the invading crowd had left to the dancers, as though they were enjoying themselves thoroughly, and in all innocence. But there were others besides Mr. Bot who looked on and wondered. The Duchess of St. Bungay saw it, and shook her head, sorrowing, for the Duchess was good at heart. Mrs. Conway Sparks saw it, and drank it down with keen appetite, as a thirsty man with a longing for wine will drink champagne, for Mrs. Conway Sparks was not good at heart. Lady Hartletop saw it, and just raised her eyebrows. It was nothing to her. She liked to know what was going on, as such knowledge was sometimes useful. But as for heart, what she had was, in such a matter, neither good nor bad. Her blood circulated with its ordinary precision, and in that respect no woman ever had a better heart. Lady Monk saw it, and a frown gathered on her brow. The fool, she said to herself. She knew that Bergo would not help his success by drawing down the eyes of all her guests upon his attempt. In the meantime, Mr. Bot stood there, mounting still higher on his toes, straightening his back against the wall. Did you get my letter? Bergo said again, as soon as a moment's pause gave him breath to speak. She did not answer him. Perhaps her breath did not return to her as rapidly as his. But, of course, he knew that she had received it. She would have quickly signified to him that no letter from him had come to her hands had it not reached her. Let us go out upon the stairs, he said, for I must speak to you. Oh, if you could know what I suffered when you did not come to Monk Shade, why did you not come? I wish I had not come here, she said. Because you have seen me, that, at any rate, is not kind of you. They were now making their way slowly down the stairs, in the crowd, towards the supper-room. All the world was now intent on food and drink, and they were only doing as others did. Lady Glencora was not thinking where she went, but glancing upwards as she stood for a moment wedged upon the stairs, her eyes met those of Mr. Bot. A man that can treat me like that deserves that I should leave him. That was the thought that crossed her mind at the moment. I'll get you some champagne with water in it, said Bergo. I know that is what you like. Do not get me anything, she said. They had now got into the room, and had therefore escaped Mr. Bot's eyes for the moment. Mr. Fitzgerald—and now her words had become a whisper in his ear—do what I ask you, for the sake of the old days of which you spoke, the dear old days, which can never come again. By God, they can, said he. They can come back, and they shall. Never. But you can still do me a kindness. Go away, and leave me. Go to the sideboard, and then do not come back. You are doing me an injury while you remain with me." Quora, he said. But she had now recovered her presence of mind, and understood what was going on. She was no longer in a dream, but words and things bore to her again their proper meaning. I will not have it, Mr. Fitzgerald, she answered, speaking almost passionately. I will not have it. Do as I bid you. Go, and leave me, and do not return. I tell you that we are watched. This was still true, for Mr. Bot had now again got his eyes on them round the supper-room door. Whatever was the reward for which he was working—private secretarieship or what else—it must be owned that he worked hard for it. But there are labours which are labours of love. Who is watching us? said Bergo. And what does it matter? If you are minded to do as I have asked you. But I am not so minded. Do you not know that you insult me by proposing it? Yes, it is an insult, Quora. Unless such an offer be a joy to you. If you wish to be my wife instead of his, it is no insult. How can I be that? Her face was not turned to him, and her words were half pronounced, and in the lowest whisper. But nevertheless he heard them. Come with me, abroad, and you shall yet be my wife. You got my letter. Do what I asked you then. Come with me, to-night. The pressing instance of the suggestion, the fixing of a present hour, startled her back to her propriety. Mr. Fitzgerald, she said, I asked you to go and leave me. If you do not do so, I must get up and leave you. It will be much more difficult. And is that to be all? All, at any rate, now. Oh, Glen Quora, how could you be so weak? Why did you add that word now? In truth, she added it then, at that moment, simply feeling that she could thus best secure an immediate compliance with her request. I will not go, he said, looking at her sternly, and leaning before her with earnest face, with utter indifference as to the eyes of any that might see them. I will not go till you tell me that you will see me again. I will, she said, in that low, all but unuttered whisper. When? When? When, he asked. Looking up again towards the doorway, in fear of Mr. Botte's eyes, she saw the face of Mr. Palacere as he entered the room. Mr. Botte had also seen him, and had tried to clutch him by the arm. But Mr. Palacere had shaken him off, apparently with indifference, and had got rid of him, as it were, without noticing him. Lady Glen Quora, when she saw her husband, immediately recovered her courage. She would not cower before him, or show herself ashamed of what she had done. For the matter of that, if he pressed her on the subject, she could bring herself to tell him that she loved Bergo Fitzgerald much more easily than she could whisper such a word to Bergo himself. Mr. Botte's eyes were odious to her as they watched her, but her husband's glance she could meet without quailing before it. Here is Mr. Palacere, she said, speaking again, in her ordinary clear-toned voice. Bergo immediately rose from his seat with a start, and turned quickly towards the door. But Lady Glen Quora kept her chair. Mr. Palacere made his way as best he could through the crowd up to his wife. He, too, kept his countenance without betraying his secret. There was neither anger, nor dismay in his face, nor was there any untoward hurry in his movement. Bergo stood aside as he came up, and Lady Glen Quora was the first to speak. I thought you were gone home hours ago, she said. I did go home, he answered, but I thought I might as well come back for you. What a model of a husband! Well, I am ready. Only, what shall we do about Jane? Mr. Fitzgerald, I left a scarf in your aunt's room, a little black and yellow scarf. Would you mind getting it for me? I will fetch it, said Mr. Palacere, and I will tell your cousin that the carriage shall come back for her. If you will allow me, said Bergo, I will do it, said Mr. Palacere, and away he went, making his slow progress up through the crowd, ordering his carriage as he passed through the hall, and leaving Mr. Botte still watching at the door. Lady Glen Quora resolved that she would say nothing to Bergo while her husband was gone. There was a touch of chivalry in his leaving them again together, which so far conquered her. He might have bade her leave the scarf and come at once. She had seen, moreover, that he had not spoken to Mr. Botte, and was thankful to him also for that. Bergo also seemed to have become aware that his chance for that time was over. I will say good night, he said. Good night, Mr. Fitzgerald! She answered, giving him her hand. He pressed it for a moment, and then turned and went. When Mr. Palacere came back he was no more to be seen. Lady Glen Quora was at the dining-room door when her husband returned, standing close to Mr. Botte. Mr. Botte had spoken to her, but she made no reply. He spoke again, but her face remained as immovable as though she had been deaf. And what shall we do about Mrs. Marsham? she said, quite out loud, as soon as she put her hand on her husband's arm. I had forgotten her. Mrs. Marsham has gone home, he replied. Have you seen her? Yes. When did you see her? She came to Park Lane. What made her do that? These questions were asked and answered as he was putting her into the carriage. She got in just as she asked the last, and he, as he took his seat, did not find it necessary to answer. But that would not serve her turn. What made Mrs. Marsham go to you at Park Lane after she left Lady Monks? she asked again. Mr. Palacere sat silent, not having made up his mind what he would say on the subject. I suppose she went, continued Lady Glen Quora, to tell you that I was dancing with Mr. Fitzgerald. Was that it? I think, Glen Quora, we had better not discuss it now. I don't mean to discuss it now or ever. If you do not wish me to see Mr. Fitzgerald, you should not have sent me to Lady Monks. But, Plantagenet, I hope you will forgive me if I say that no consideration shall induce me to receive again as a guest in my own house, either Mrs. Marsham or Mr. Botte. Mr. Palacere absolutely declined to say anything on the subject on that occasion. And the evening of Lady Monks' party in this way came to an end.