conversation had been heard byseveral of the servants and workmen. They were mostly creatures of Mr.Sleech, for he only patronised those he thought likely to serve him inany way he might require. They had collected in the hall as the captainpassed through it--some to gaze at him with curiosity, not unmixedperhaps with pity; others holding their hands to their mouths, as if tohide their laughter.
"I told you what was true, captain, although you did not believe me,"said the man who had admitted him. "I hope you won't be for doubting agentleman's word again when he speaks the truth."
The captain made no answer to the fellow's insolence; but, stepping intothe post-chaise, ordered the man to drive instantly to Lynderton.
Madam Everard received her nephew with an anxious countenance.
"Where is Mabel?" he exclaimed; "has anything, too, happened to her?"
"She is alive, and I hope well," answered his aunt. "The poor girl, herfeelings have been sorely tried, first by her anxiety about you, andthen by the fearful position in which Harry Tryon has been placed."
She then told him of the mutiny, and of the way in which Harry had beenimplicated.
"She knows also that he saved your life, and that of course has nottended to decrease her love for him."
"Harry Tryon saved my life!" exclaimed the captain. "I have not seenhim since I met him at Stanmore, that I am aware of."
"But you knew a young seaman called Andrew Brown; did you not recogniseHarry Tryon in him?"
"How extraordinary!" exclaimed the captain. "I several times saw thelikeness, but could not believe in the possibility of his having come tosea with me. Yes, indeed, he did save my life in a gallant way, and Ilonged to hear of the lad again, that I might show my gratitude."
"I fear that if he suffers, Mabel's heart will break," said MadamEverard. "Executions of the misguided men are taking place every day.She has, therefore, had no time to lose, for we know not how soon theunhappy young man may have to share the fate of his companions. Myheart sickens at having to utter such words. A week has passed sinceshe left me, and I have not since heard of her. I am very anxious as itis, but I should be still more so were she not under the charge of sotrustworthy an attendant as Paul Gauntlett."
Captain Everard had been so anxious to hear about his daughter that hehad not hitherto inquired of Madam Everard further particulars regardingthe circumstances which had compelled her and his daughter to leaveStanmore. They were briefly told.
"I must see Wallace," he said, "and ascertain whether any certificate ofmy father's marriage exists."
While he was speaking the servant entered, to say that two gentlemenwere at the door, and the Baron de Ruvigny and Captain Rochard wereannounced. The latter in his delight, as he entered, seized CaptainEverard in his arms.
"My dear friend, I am overjoyed to meet you!" he exclaimed. "What haveI heard? Ah! it is too true that you have been deprived of your estate;but though the sun be hidden by a thick cloud, it is sure to burst forthagain. Be not troubled about it; I have longed to show how deeplygrateful I feel to you for saving my life. Your daughter has told methat you require evidence of your father's marriage to my relative, andI trust that, even now, though so many years have passed, it may beobtained. It shall be my care, at every risk, to search for it. Youcould not possibly travel in my distracted country. There may be dangerfor me, but less danger than there would be for you. If I do not returnyou will know that I have fallen, and you must then get some one tosupply my place. Believe me, though, that it will be my joy andsatisfaction to serve you."
"I trust you, count; I feel sure that you will not fail to do yourutmost for me."
It was with somewhat painful feelings, not unmixed with contempt, thatMadam Everard watched the carriages proceeding down the street towardsStanmore, on the evening of the ball. The spinster ladies had either towalk or to club together to hire the only public vehicle in the place,which was constantly kept moving backwards and forwards, from the firstmoment at which they could with decency appear at the hall, till a latehour in the evening. Miss Sleech, and Miss Anna Maria Sleech and hersisters, of all ages, were dressed out in what they conceived the heightof fashion to receive their guests. A few ladies in pattens and highhoods, attended by their maid-servants with umbrellas and lanterns,arrived at an early hour. The Misses Sleech were not afraid of them, asthey were their old acquaintances, and they now treated them with thatcondescending kindness which they felt was due from themselves in theirposition. Their dresses were admired; the roses on their cheeks and thepatches which they had stuck on their faces. They had time also toexhibit the decorations, and the alterations which they had made in therooms. Mr. Sleech, in small clothes and pumps, his hair freshlypowdered, a huge frill to his shirt, and the neck-cloth of many turnsround his throat, with a coat, put on for the first time, with a highcollar, almost hiding his ears, stood ready to make his bows to those heconsidered worthy of receiving them. For a few minutes he stoodpractising flourishes with his cocked hat, having received lately a fewprivate lessons from his daughter's dancing-master, to fit him, as hehoped, for his exalted situation. One thing only was wanting to fill uphis cup of happiness, his satisfaction, and pride. He could not helpwishing that the eldest scion of his house--the heir of Stanmore--hadbeen present. Even now he thought it possible he might come. At lengthsome guests of greater distinction began to arrive. The officers of theforeign legion of course came, although they were perfectly well awareof the difference between the old and new families; but there was noreason why they should lose an evening's entertainment. The MissesCoppinger also came with an aunt, a Mrs. Simmons, who always went out astheir chaperone. They were not aware of the connection between theirhost and their father's clerk. It is just possible, had they been so,they might have declined the invitation, that gentleman not standing inany way high in their estimation. Before long, Admiral Wallace hobbledin, his voice sounding loud and cheery through the half-filled rooms, asMr. Sleech bowed and salaamed to him with due respect, and the MissesSleech performed the courtesies they had learned from Mu Millepied,their dancing-master.
"Well, Sleech, you have done the thing well," cried the admiral. "Ilittle thought to see anybody else than an Everard in this house.However, the world's turned upside down; rogues get into honest men'splaces, and honest men come to the wall--that's the way affairs go atpresent."
"I am obliged to you for the compliment, Sir James," answered Mr.Sleech, again bowing, and not knowing whether to take offence.
"I don't mean to call you a rogue, Sleech, of course," answered theadmiral, intending to exculpate himself. "Never think of calling a mana rogue in his own house, whatever I may think about the matter."
Happily for both parties, the conversation was cut short by the entranceof General and Mrs. Perkins, whose tall figures completely overwhelmedthat of the somewhat diminutive lawyer. Again he bowed as before, nowto the lady, now to the gentleman, who returned his salutations in asomewhat cold manner, and passed on, looking round the rooms withinquisitive glances, and making remarks as they passed along. TheMisses Sleech curtseyed as before. Mrs. Perkins returned their saluteswith one of her stiffest bows. Now the people came trooping in morerapidly, and the music at length struck up, to call the dancers into theball-room, where Mu Millepied had been engaged as master of theceremonies. Bowing to the guests, he assumed his responsible office.Still Mr. Sleech looked round in vain for those he would most havedelighted to see. There were several whose names he would not havevalued much at the back of a bill, and not a few ladies whose characterswould certainly have ill borne any very minute examination. Still hehoped that they would not be observed in the crowd, or attempt to makethemselves conspicuous. Vain hope. Their names were quickly buzzedabout, and they took good care to be seen dancing with the most dashingof the officers, while they paid constant and especial attention to theMisses Sleech.
At length a real English countess arrived.
She had lately come to Lynderton, and knew very litt
le of the politicsof the place, but having received the Misses Sleech's card and aninvitation to Stanmore, which she knew to be the principal house in theneighbourhood, her ladyship had accepted the invitation. It is possiblethat she might have been surprised at the appearance of Mr. Sleech andhis family, but was certainly too well-bred to exhibit her opinion. Shepassed on with her daughters, hoping to take up a retired position,where she could observe what was going on without herself attractingattention. Mr. Sleech, however, was far too delighted at the honourdone him to allow her to carry out her intention, and every instant hewas coming up and making one of his flourishing bows, either with offersof refreshment, or with a request of being allowed the honour ofintroducing most eligible partners to Lady Mary and