CHAPTER XIX.
THE narrative returns to South Morden, and follows the events whichattended Isabel's marriage engagement.
To say that Miss Pink, inflated by the triumph, rose, morally speaking,from the earth and floated among the clouds, is to indicate faintly theeffect produced on the ex-schoolmistress when her niece first informedher of what had happened at the farm. Attacked on one side by her aunt,and on the other by Hardyman, and feebly defended, at the best, by herown doubts and misgivings, Isabel ended by surrendering at discretion.Like thousands of other women in a similar position, she was in the lastdegree uncertain as to the state of her own heart. To what extent shewas insensibly influenced by Hardyman's commanding position in believingherself to be sincerely attached to him, it was beyond her power ofself-examination to discover. He doubly dazzled her by his birth andby his celebrity. Not in England only, but throughout Europe, he was arecognized authority on his own subject. How could she--how could anywoman--resist the influence of his steady mind, his firmness of purpose,his manly resolution to owe everything to himself and nothing to hisrank, set off as these attractive qualities were by the outward andpersonal advantages which exercise an ascendancy of their own? Isabelwas fascinated, and yet Isabel was not at ease. In her lonely momentsshe was troubled by regretful thoughts of Moody, which perplexed andirritated her. She had always behaved honestly to him; she had neverencouraged him to hope that his love for her had the faintest prospectof being returned. Yet, knowing, as she did, that her conduct wasblameless so far, there were nevertheless perverse sympathies in herwhich took his part. In the wakeful hours of the night there werewhispering voices in her which said: "Think of Moody!" Had there beena growing kindness towards this good friend in her heart, of which sheherself was not aware? She tried to detect it--to weigh it for what itwas really worth. But it lay too deep to be discovered and estimated,if it did really exist--if it had any sounder origin than her own morbidfancy. In the broad light of day, in the little bustling duties of life,she forgot it again. She could think of what she ought to wear on thewedding day; she could even try privately how her new signature, "IsabelHardyman," would look when she had the right to use it. On the whole, itmay be said that the time passed smoothly--with some occasional checksand drawbacks, which were the more easily endured seeing that they tooktheir rise in Isabel's own conduct. Compliant as she was in general,there were two instances, among others, in which her resolution to takeher own way was not to be overcome. She refused to write either to Moodyor to Lady Lydiard informing them of her engagement; and she steadilydisapproved of Miss Pink's policy of concealment, in the matter of therobbery at Lady Lydiard's house. Her aunt could only secure her as apassive accomplice by stating family considerations in the strongestpossible terms. "If the disgrace was confined to you, my dear, I mightleave you to decide. But I am involved in it, as your nearest relative;and, what is more, even the sacred memories of your father and mothermight feel the slur cast on them." This exaggerated language--like allexaggerated language, a mischievous weapon in the arsenal of weaknessand prejudice--had its effect on Isabel. Reluctantly and sadly, sheconsented to be silent.
Miss Pink wrote word of the engagement to Moody first; reserving to alater day the superior pleasure of informing Lady Lydiard of the veryevent which that audacious woman had declared to be impossible. To heraunt's surprise, just as she was about to close the envelope Isabelstepped forward, and inconsistently requested leave to add a postscriptto the very letter which she had refused to write! Miss Pink was noteven permitted to see the postscript. Isabel secured the envelope themoment she laid down her pen, and retired to her room with a headache(which was heartache in disguise) for the rest of the day.
While the question of marriage was still in debate, an event occurredwhich exercised a serious influence on Hardyman's future plans.
He received a letter from the Continent which claimed his immediateattention. One of the sovereigns of Europe had decided on making someradical changes in the mounting and equipment of a cavalry regiment;and he required the assistance of Hardyman in that important part of thecontemplated reform which was connected with the choice and purchaseof horses. Setting his own interests out of the question, Hardyman owedobligations to the kindness of his illustrious correspondent which madeit impossible for him to send an excuse. In a fortnight's time, at thelatest, it would be necessary for him to leave England; and a month ormore might elapse before it would be possible for him to return.
Under these circumstances, he proposed, in his own precipitate way, tohasten the date of the marriage. The necessary legal delay would permitthe ceremony to be performed on that day fortnight. Isabel might thenaccompany him on his journey, and spend a brilliant honeymoon at theforeign Court. She at once refused, not only to accept his proposal, buteven to take it into consideration. While Miss Pink dwelt eloquently onthe shortness of the notice, Miss Pink's niece based her resolutionon far more important grounds. Hardyman had not yet announced thecontemplated marriage to his parents and friends; and Isabel wasdetermined not to become his wife until she could be first assured of acourteous and tolerant reception by the family--if she could hope for nowarmer welcome at their hands.
Hardyman was not a man who yielded easily, even in trifles. In thepresent case, his dearest interests were concerned in inducing Isabelto reconsider her decision. He was still vainly trying to shake herresolution, when the afternoon post brought a letter for Miss Pink whichintroduced a new element of disturbance into the discussion. The letterwas nothing less than Lady Lydiard's reply to the written announcementof Isabel's engagement, despatched on the previous day by Miss Pink.
Her Ladyship's answer was a surprisingly short one. It only containedthese lines:
"Lady Lydiard begs to acknowledge the receipt of Miss Pink's letterrequesting that she will say nothing to Mr. Hardyman of the loss ofa bank-note in her house, and, assigning as a reason that Miss IsabelMiller is engaged to be married to Mr. Hardyman, and might be prejudicedin his estimation if the facts were made known. Miss Pink may make hermind easy. Lady Lydiard had not the slightest intention of taking Mr.Hardyman into her confidence on the subject of her domestic affairs.With regard to the proposed marriage, Lady Lydiard casts no doubt onMiss Pink's perfect sincerity and good faith; but, at the same time,she positively declines to believe that Mr. Hardyman means to makeMiss Isabel Miller his wife. Lady L. will yield to the evidence of aproperly-attested certificate--and to nothing else."
A folded piece of paper, directed to Isabel, dropped out of thischaracteristic letter as Miss Pink turned from the first page to thesecond. Lady Lydiard addressed her adopted daughter in these words:
"I was on the point of leaving home to visit you again, when I receivedyour aunt's letter. My poor deluded child, no words can tell howdistressed I am about you. You are already sacrificed to the folly ofthe most foolish woman living. For God's sake, take care you do not falla victim next to the designs of a profligate man. Come to me instantly,Isabel, and I promise to take care of you."
Fortified by these letters, and aided by Miss Pink's indignation,Hardyman pressed his proposal on Isabel with renewed resolution. Shemade no attempt to combat his arguments--she only held firmly to herdecision. Without some encouragement from Hardyman's father and mothershe still steadily refused to become his wife. Irritated already byLady Lydiard's letters, he lost the self-command which so eminentlydistinguished him in the ordinary affairs of life, and showed thedomineering and despotic temper which was an inbred part of hisdisposition. Isabel's high spirit at once resented the harsh terms inwhich he spoke to her. In the plainest words, she released him from hisengagement, and, without waiting for his excuses, quitted the room.
Left together, Hardyman and Miss Pink devised an arrangement whichpaid due respect to Isabel's scruples, and at the same time met LadyLydiard's insulting assertion of disbelief in Hardyman's honor, by aformal and public announcement of the marriage.
It was proposed to give a garden party at the farm in a
week's timefor the express purpose of introducing Isabel to Hardyman's family andfriends in the character of his betrothed wife. If his father and motheraccepted the invitation, Isabel's only objection to hastening the unionwould fall to the ground. Hardyman might, in that case, plead with hisImperial correspondent for a delay in his departure of a few days more;and the marriage might still take place before he left England. Isabel,at Miss Pink's intercession, was induced to accept her lover's excuses,and, in the event of her favorable reception by Hardyman's parents atthe farm, to give her consent (not very willingly even yet) to hasteningthe ceremony which was to make her Hardyman's wife.
On the next morning the whole of the invitations were sent out,excepting the invitation to Hardyman's father and mother. Withoutmentioning it to Isabel, Hardyman decided on personally appealing tohis mother before he ventured on taking the head of the family into hisconfidence.
The result of the interview was partially successful--and no more. LordRotherfield declined to see his youngest son; and he had engagementswhich would, under any circumstances, prevent his being present at thegarden party. But at the express request of Lady Rotherfield, he waswilling to make certain concessions.
"I have always regarded Alfred as a barely sane person," said hisLordship, "since he turned his back on his prospects to become a horsedealer. If we decline altogether to sanction this new act--I won't say,of insanity, I will say, of absurdity--on his part, it is impossible topredict to what discreditable extremities he may not proceed. We musttemporise with Alfred. In the meantime I shall endeavor to obtain someinformation respecting this young person--named Miller, I think yousaid, and now resident at South Morden. If I am satisfied that she isa woman of reputable character, possessing an average education andpresentable manners, we may as well let Alfred take his own way. He isout of the pale of Society, as it is; and Miss Miller has no father andmother to complicate matters, which is distinctly a merit on her partand, in short, if the marriage is not absolutely disgraceful, the wisestway (as we have no power to prevent it) will be to submit. You will saynothing to Alfred about what I propose to do. I tell you plainly Idon't trust him. You will simply inform him from me that I want time toconsider, and that, unless he hears to the contrary in the interval, hemay expect to have the sanction of your presence at his breakfast, orluncheon, or whatever it is. I must go to town in a day or two, and Ishall ascertain what Alfred's friends know about this last of his manyfollies, if I meet any of them at the club."
Returning to South Morden in no serene frame of mind, Hardyman foundIsabel in a state of depression which perplexed and alarmed him.
The news that his mother might be expected to be present at the gardenparty failed entirely to raise her spirits. The only explanation shegave of the change in her was, that the dull heavy weather of thelast few days made her feel a little languid and nervous. Naturallydissatisfied with this reply to his inquiries, Hardyman asked forMiss Pink. He was informed that Miss Pink could not see him. She wasconstitutionally subject to asthma, and, having warnings of the returnof the malady, she was (by the doctor's advice) keeping her room.Hardyman returned to the farm in a temper which was felt by everybody inhis employment, from the trainer to the stable-boys.
While the apology made for Miss Pink stated no more than the plaintruth, it must be confessed that Hardyman was right in declining to besatisfied with Isabel's excuse for the melancholy that oppressed her.She had that morning received Moody's answer to the lines which she hadaddressed to him at the end of her aunt's letter; and she had not yetrecovered from the effect which it had produced on her spirits.
"It is impossible for me to say honestly that I am not distressed (Moodywrote) by the news of your marriage engagement. The blow has fallen veryheavily on me. When I look at the future now, I see only a dreary blank.This is not your fault--you are in no way to blame. I remember the timewhen I should have been too angry to own this--when I might have said ordone things which I should have bitterly repented afterwards. That timeis past. My temper has been softened, since I have befriended you inyour troubles. That good at least has come out of my foolish hopes,and perhaps out of the true sympathy which I have felt for you. Ican honestly ask you to accept my heart's dearest wishes for yourhappiness--and I can keep the rest to myself.
"Let me say a word now relating to the efforts that I have made to helpyou, since that sad day when you left Lady Lydiard's house.
"I had hoped (for reasons which it is needless to mention here) tointerest Mr. Hardyman himself in aiding our inquiry. But your aunt'swishes, as expressed in her letter to me, close my lips. I will onlybeg you, at some convenient time, to let me mention the last discoveriesthat we have made; leaving it to your discretion, when Mr. Hardymanhas become your husband, to ask him the questions which, under othercircumstances, I should have put to him myself.
"It is, of course, possible that the view I take of Mr. Hardyman'scapacity to help us may be a mistaken one. In this case, if you stillwish the investigation to be privately carried on, I entreat you to letme continue to direct it, as the greatest favor you can confer on yourdevoted old friend.
"You need be under no apprehension about the expense to which you arelikely to put me. I have unexpectedly inherited what is to me a handsomefortune.
"The same post which brought your aunt's letter brought a line from alawyer asking me to see him on the subject of my late father's affairs.I waited a day or two before I could summon heart enough to see him, orto see anybody; and then I went to his office. You have heard thatmy father's bank stopped payment, at a time of commercial panic. Hisfailure was mainly attributable to the treachery of a friend to whomhe had lent a large sum of money, and who paid him the yearly interest,without acknowledging that every farthing of it had been lost inunsuccessful speculations. The son of this man has prospered inbusiness, and he has honorably devoted a part of his wealth to thepayment of his father's creditors. Half the sum due to _my_ father hasthus passed into my hands as his next of kin; and the other half is tofollow in course of time. If my hopes had been fulfilled, how gladlyI should have shared my prosperity with you! As it is, I have far morethan enough for my wants as a lonely man, and plenty left to spend inyour service.
"God bless and prosper you, my dear. I shall ask you to accept a littlepresent from me, among the other offerings that are made to you beforethe wedding day.--R.M."
The studiously considerate and delicate tone in which these lines werewritten had an effect on Isabel which was exactly the opposite of theeffect intended by the writer. She burst into a passionate fit of tears;and in the safe solitude of her own room, the despairing words escapedher, "I wish I had died before I met with Alfred Hardyman!"
As the days wore on, disappointments and difficulties seemed by a kindof fatality to beset the contemplated announcement of the marriage.
Miss Pink's asthma, developed by the unfavorable weather, set thedoctor's art at defiance, and threatened to keep that unfortunate ladya prisoner in her room on the day of the party. Hardyman's invitationswere in some cases refused; and in others accepted by husbands withexcuses for the absence of their wives. His elder brother made anapology for himself as well as for his wife. Felix Sweetsir wrote, "Withpleasure, dear Alfred, if my health permits me to leave the house." LadyLydiard, invited at Miss Pink's special request, sent no reply. The oneencouraging circumstance was the silence of Lady Rotherfield. So long asher son received no intimation to the contrary, it was a sign that LordRotherfield permitted his wife to sanction the marriage by her presence.
Hardyman wrote to his Imperial correspondent, engaging to leave Englandon the earliest possible day, and asking to be pardoned if he failed toexpress himself more definitely, in consideration of domestic affairs,which it was necessary to settle before he started for the Continent.If there should not be time enough to write again, he promised to senda telegraphic announcement of his departure. Long afterwards, Hardymanremembered the misgivings that had troubled him when he wrote thatletter. In the rough draught of i
t, he had mentioned, as his excusefor not being yet certain of his own movements, that he expected tobe immediately married. In the fair copy, the vague foreboding of someaccident to come was so painfully present to his mind, that he struckout the words which referred to his marriage, and substituted thedesignedly indefinite phrase, "domestic affairs."