Newton Forster; Or, The Merchant Service

by Frederick Marryat

  VOLUME THREE, CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

  My dearest wife was like this maid, And such my daughter might have been. SHAKESPEARE.

  The reader may be surprised at the positive and dictatorial language ofMr John Forster, relative to Newton's marriage, as detailed in a formerchapter; but, as Mr John Forster truly observed, all the recompensewhich he had to expect for a life of exertion was to dispose of thefruits of his labour according to his own will. This he felt, and heconsidered it unreasonable that what he supposed a boyish attachment onthe part of Newton was to overthrow all his preconcerted arrangements.Had Mr Forster been able to duly appreciate the feelings of his nephew,he probably would not have been so decided; but Love had never been ableto establish himself as an inmate of his breast. His life had been alife of toil. Love associates with idleness and ease. Mr Forster waskind and cordial to his nephew as before, and the subject was not againrenewed; nevertheless, he had made up his mind, and having stated thathe would alter his will, such was his intention, provided that hisnephew did not upon mature reflection accede to his wishes. Newton oncemore enjoyed the society of Isabel, to whom he imparted all that hadoccurred. "I do not wish to play the prude," answered Isabel, "bydenying that I am distressed at your uncle's decision; to say that Iwill never enter into his family without having received his consent, issaying more than my feelings will bear out; but I must and will say,that I shall be most unwilling so to do. We must, therefore, as Madamede Fontanges did with the pirate captain, temporise, and I trust weshall be as successful." Newton, more rational than most young men inlove, agreed with Isabel on the propriety of the measure, and, satisfiedwith each other's attachment, they were by no means in a hurry toprecipitate their marriage.

  It may be recollected that Newton Forster felt convinced that thecontents of the trunk which he picked up at sea, when mate of thecoasting vessel, was the property of the Marquis de Fontanges, duringtheir passage home in the Windsor Castle, he had renewed the subject toMonsieur de Fontanges, and from the description which he gave frommemory, the latter appeared to be of the same opinion. The conversationhad not been revived until some time after their arrival in England,when Newton, anxious to restore the articles, desired Monsieur deFontanges to communicate with the marquis, and request that he wouldappoint a day upon which he would call at his uncle's and identify theproperty. The marquis, who had never been informed by Monsieur deFontanges, that any supposed relics of his lost wife remained, sighed atthe memory of his buried happiness--buried in that vast grave, whichdefrauds the earth of its inherent rights--and consented to call uponthe ensuing day. When the marquis arrived, accompanied by Monsieur andMadame de Fontanges, he was received in the drawing-room by Mr JohnForster, who had brought from his chamber the packet in question, whichhad remained locked up in the iron safe ever since Newton had firstcommitted it to his charge. After their introduction to each other, themarquis observed, in English--

  "I am giving you a great deal of trouble; unavailing indeed; for,allowing that the articles should prove to be mine, the sight of themmust be a source of renewed misery."

  "Sir," replied Mr John Forster, "the property does not belong to mynephew, and he has very properly reserved it until he could find out thelegal owner. If the property is yours, we are bound to deliver it intoyour hands. There is an inventory attached to it," continued the oldlawyer, putting on his spectacles, and reading, "one diamond ring--butperhaps it would be better that I should open the packet."

  "Will you permit me to look at the diamond ring, sir?" observed Monsieurde Fontanges. "The sight of that will identify the whole."

  "There it is, sir," replied Mr John Forster.

  "It is, indeed, that of my poor sister-in-law!" said Monsieur deFontanges, taking it up to the marquis. "My brother, it is Louise'sring!"

  "It is," cried the marquis, passionately, "the ring that I placed in thecentre of her _corbeille de mariage_. Alas! where is the hand whichgraced it?" and the marquis retreated to the sofa, and covered his face.

  "We have no occasion then to proceed further," observed Mr JohnForster, with emotion. "The other articles you of course recognise?"

  "I do," replied Monsieur de Fontanges. "My brother had taken hispassage in the same vessel, but was countermanded. Before he had timeto select all his own baggage, which was mixed with that of his wife,the ship was blown out to sea, and proceeded on her voyage. Theseorders of merit were left with her jewels."

  "I observe," said the old lawyer, "which I did not when Newton entrustedthe packet to my charge, that the linen has not all the same marks; thatof the adult is marked L de M, while that which belonged to the child ismarked J de F. Was it the marquis's child?"

  "It was; the linen of the in other was some belonging to her previous toher marriage. The maiden name was Louise de Montmorenci; that of thechild has the initials of its name, Julie de Fontanges."

  "Humph! I have my reasons for asking that question," replied the oldlawyer. "Newton, do me the favour to step to my chambers and open thesafe. You will find in it, on the right hand side, another small bundleof linen: bring it here. Stop, Newton, blow the dust out of the pipe ofthe key before you put it in, and be careful that it is well insertedbefore you turn it, or you may strain the wards. In all other points,you may be as quick as you please. My Lord Marquis, will you allow meto offer you some refreshment?--a glass of wine will be of service.Brother Nicholas, do me the favour to call Amber." Newton and Nicholasboth departed on their respective missions. Amber made her appearance.

  "Papa," said Amber, "do you want me?"

  "Yes, my dear," said Mr Forster, handing her the keys, "go down to thecellaret and bring up some wine. I do not wish the servants to come injust now."

  Amber reappeared with a small tray. She first handed it to the marquis,who roused at her voice.

  "Papa requests that you will take some wine, sir. It will be of serviceto you."

  The marquis, who had looked earnestly in her face when she had spoken,took the wine, and drinking it off, bowed as he replaced the glass. Hethen sunk back on the sofa.

  When the rap at the door announced the return of Newton, Mr JohnForster requested Monsieur de Fontanges, in a low voice, to follow him,and directing Newton, whom they met on the stairs, to return, theyproceeded to the dining-parlour.

  "I have requested you to come down, sir," said Mr John Forster, "that Imight not, without being certain, raise hopes in your brother themarquis, which, if not realised, would create bitter feelings ofdisappointment; but I remarked the initials on the linen of the child;and if my memory, which is not very bad, fails me not, we shall findcorresponding ones in the packet now before us;" and the old lawyeropened the bundle and displayed the contents, which proved to be markedas he had surmised.

  "Most true," replied Monsieur de Fontanges. "They are the same, and ofcourse part of the property which was picked up."

  "Yes; but not picked up at the same time, or at the same spot, or by thesame person. Those above stairs were, as you know, picked up by mynephew; these by a brother, who is since dead; and in these clothes aninfant was also washed upon the beach."

  "His child!" exclaimed Monsieur de Fontanges. "Where was it buried?"

  "The child was restored to life, and is still living."

  "If it is," replied Monsieur de Fontanges, "it can be no other than theyoung lady who just now called you father. The likeness to Madame laMarquise is most astonishing."

  "It is as you suppose, sir," replied Mr John Forster. "At my brother'sdeath, he bequeathed the little girl to my protection; and I trust Ihave done justice to the deposit. Indeed, although an alien by blood,she is as dear to me as if she were my own daughter; and," continued theold lawyer, hesitating a little, "although I have the satisfaction ofrestoring her to her father's arms, it will be a heavy blow to part withher! When my brother spoke to me on the subject, I told him it wastrouble and expense enough to bring up a child of one's own begetting.I little thought at the time how much more
I should be vexed at partingwith one of another's. However, with the bundle she must be returned tothe lawful owner. I have one more remark to make, sir. Do me thefavour to look at that drawing of my poor brother's, which hangs overthe sideboard. Do you recognise the portrait?"

  "Triton!" cried Monsieur de Fontanges; "the dog which I gave my poorsister-in-law!"

  "You are indebted to that dog for the life of your niece. He broughther on shore, and laid her at my brother's feet; but I have all thedocuments, which I will send for your perusal. The facts I consider sowell established as to warrant a verdict in any court of justice; andnow, sir, I must leave you to make the communication as soon, and, atthe same time, as cautiously as you please. Newton, send Amber down tome."

  We will pass over the scenes which followed in the dining-parlour anddrawing-room. The Marquis de Fontanges discovered that he was blessedwith a daughter, at the same time that Amber learnt her own history. Ina few minutes Amber was led up stairs to the arms of her father, whosetears of sorrow at the loss of his wife were now mingled with those ofdelight, as he clasped his daughter to his heart.

  "What obligations do I owe to your whole family, my dear friend!" saidthe marquis to Newton.

  "I will not deny it, sir," replied Newton; "but allow me to observe,that for the recovery of your daughter you are equally indebted to thegenerosity of your own relatives and your own feeling disposition. Hadnot Monsieur and Madame de Fontanges protected and assisted me in mydistress; had not you, instead of throwing me into prison, set me atliberty, you never would have known where your daughter was to be found.Had not one of my uncles hastened to the relief of the vessel indistress, and the other protected your little girl after his death, shewould not have been now in existence. My gratitude for your kindnessinduced me to remain by your ship, and subsequently to rescue you fromthe pirate, or you would not have now been a prisoner in this country--an evil which, under divine Providence, has been changed to a blessing,by restoring to you your daughter. We have all, I trust, done our duty,and this happy issue is our full reward."

  "Humph!" observed the old lawyer.

  VOLUME THREE, CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

  Thus far our chronicle--and now we pause, Though not for want of matter, but 'tis time. BYRON.

  Amber, or Julie de Fontanges, as we must now call her, quitted the abodeof her kind protector, in such distress, that it was evident sheregretted the discovery which had been made. She was too young to beaware of the advantages of high birth, and her removal was for some timea source of unfeigned regret. It appeared to her that nothing couldcompensate for the separation from her supposed father, who doated onher, from Mrs Forster, who had watched over her, from Nicholas, whoamused her, and from Newton, whom she loved as a brother. But the ideaof going to a foreign country, and never seeing them or William Aveleynagain, and, though last, not least, to find that she was not anEnglishwoman, and in future must not rejoice at their victories over herown nation, occasioned many a burst of tears when left alone to her ownmeditations. It was long before the devotion of her father, and thefascinating attentions of Monsieur and Madame de Fontanges, could induceher to be resigned to her new condition. Mr John Forster felt hisbereavement more deeply than could have been supposed. For many daysafter the departure of Julie, he seldom spoke, never made hisappearance, except at dinner-time, and as soon as the meal was finishedhastened to his chambers, where he remained very late. Intenseapplication was the remedy which he had selected to dispel his care, andfill up the vacuum created by the absence of his darling child.

  "Newton," said he, one evening, as they discussed a bottle of port,"have you considered what I proposed? I confess to you that I am morethan ever anxious for the match; I cannot part with that dear child, andyou can bring her back to me."

  "I have reflected, sir; but the case must be viewed in a very differentlight. You might affiance your adopted daughter at her early age, butthe Marquis de Fontanges may not be so inclined; nay, further, sir, itis not impossible that he may dislike the proposed match. He is of avery noble family."

  "I have thought on that subject," replied Mr John Forster; "but ourfamily is as well descended, and quite well enough for any Frenchman,let him be a marquis, or even a duke. Is that the only obstacle youintend to raise--or, if this is removed, will you again plead yourattachment to another?"

  "It is the only one which I mean to raise at present, sir. Iacknowledge Julie de Fontanges to be a sweet girl, and, as a relation, Ihave long been much attached to her."

  "Humph!" replied the old lawyer, "I always thought you a sensible lad--we shall see."

  Now, be it observed, that there was a certain degree of the jesuiticalon the part of our friend Newton on this occasion, excusable only fromhis wish that the mortification of his uncle at the disappointment ofhis hopes should not be occasioned by any further resistance on hispart.

  To Monsieur de Fontanges, who was aware of Newton's attachment toIsabel, he had, previous to the discovery which had taken place,communicated the obstacle to his union, raised by the pertinacity of hisuncle. After the removal of Julie, Monsieur de Fontanges acquainted hisbrother with the wishes of Mr John Forster, and explained to him howmuch they were at variance with those of Newton.

  The first time that Newton called upon the marquis, the latter shakinghim warmly by the hand, said,--"I have been informed, my dear Newton, bymy brother, of the awkward predicament in which you are placed by thewish of your uncle that you should marry my Julie when she grows up.Believe me, when I say it, there is no man to whom I would soonerconfide the happiness of my daughter, and that no consideration wouldinduce me to refuse you, if you really sought her hand; but I know yourwishes, and your attachment to Miss Revel, therefore be quite easy onthe subject. Your uncle made his proposition when Julie had no fatherto be consulted; the case is now different, and, for your sake, Iintend, for a time, to injure myself in the opinion of your goodrelation. I shall assume, I trust, what, if ever I had it, would beimmediately sacrificed to gratitude--I mean high aristocratical pride;and should your uncle make the proposal, refuse it upon the grounds thatyou are not noble by _descent_. No one will deny your nobility on anyother point. Do you understand me, Newton? and will my so doing beconformable to your wishes?"

  "It will, Monsieur le Marquis, and I thank you most sincerely."

  "Then make no objection when he proposes the match a second time; leaveall the obloquy on my shoulders," said the marquis, smiling.

  This arrangement having been made, it was not surprising that Newtonheard his uncle's renewal of the proposition with such calmness andapparent acquiescence.

  "We dine with the marquis to-morrow, Newton," observed Mr John Forster;"I shall take an opportunity after dinner of requesting a few minutes'interview, when I shall put the question to him."

  "Certainly, sir, if you think right," replied Newton.

  "Well, I'm glad the dear girl has changed that foolish name of Amber.What could possess my brother! Julie is very fine, nevertheless; butthen she was christened by French people."

  The next day the parties met at dinner. Isabel Revel had been asked;and, having heard from Madame de Fontanges of the plan agreed upon, andanxious to see the old lawyer, she had consented to join the party. Thedinner passed off as most dinners do when the viands and wines are good,and every body is inclined to be happy. Isabel was placed next to MrForster, who, without knowing who she was, felt much pleased with thedeference and attention of so beautiful a young woman.

  "Newton," said his uncle, when the ladies retired, and the gentlemenpacked up their chairs, "who was that young lady who sat next to me?"

  "The young lady, my dear uncle, whom I did wish to introduce to you asmy intended wife--Miss Isabel Revel."

  "Humph!--why, you never spoke to her before dinner, or paid her anycommon civility!"

  "You forget, sir, your injunctions, and--"

  "That's no reason, nephew, why you should forget common civility. Irequested that you would not m
arry the young lady; but I never desiredyou to commit an act of rudeness. She is a very nice young person; andpoliteness is but a trifle, although marriage is a very serious thing."

  In pursuance of his plans, when the gentlemen rose, Mr John Forsterrequested a few minutes' conversation with the marquis, who, bowingpolitely, showed the way to a small study on the same floor.

  Mr Forster immediately stated his wish that an engagement should beformed between his nephew and Julie de Fontanges.

  "Mr Forster," replied the marquis, drawing up proudly, the obligationsI am under to your family are so great, that there are but few points inwhich I could refuse you; and I therefore am quite distressed that, ofthis proposal, I am obliged to decline the honour. You may be ignorant,Mr Forster, that the family of the de Fontanges is one of the oldest inFrance; and, with every respect for you and your nephew, and allgratitude for your kindness, I cannot permit my daughter to form a_mesalliance_.

  "A _mesalliance_!--humph! I presume, sir, in plain English, it meansmarrying beneath her rank in life?"

  The marquis bowed.

  "I beg to observe, sir," said Mr John Forster, "that our family is avery old one. I can show you our pedigree. It has lain for some yearsby the side of your daughter's bundle in the iron safe."

  "I have no doubt of the excellence of your family, Mr Forster. I canonly express my deep regret that it is not _noble_. Excuse me, MrForster; except you can prove that--"

  "Why, I could prove it by purchasing a dozen marquisates, if I thoughtproper!"

  "Granted, Mr Forster. In our country they are to be purchased; but wemake a great difference between the _parvenus_ of the present day andthe _ancienne noblesse_."

  "Well, Mr Marquis, just as you please; but I consider myself quite asgood as a French marquis," replied Mr Forster, in a tone of irritation.

  "Better than many, I have no doubt; but still, we draw the line. Nobleblood, Mr Forster."

  "Noble fiddlestick! Monsieur le Marquis, in this country, and theinhabitants are not fools, we allow money to weigh against rank. Itpurchases that as it does everything else, except heaven. Now, Monsieurle Marquis--"

  "Excuse me, sir; no money will purchase the hand of Julie de Fontanges,"replied the marquis.

  "Well, then, Monsieur le Marquis, I should think that the obligationsyou are under in restoring your daughter to your arms--"

  "Warrants your asking for her back again, Mr Forster?" replied themarquis, haughtily; "a labourer might find this diamond _solitaire_that's now upon my finger. Does it therefore follow that I am to makehim a present of it?"

  "Humph!" ejaculated Mr Forster, much affronted with the comparison.

  "In short, my dear sir, any thing which you or your family can think of;which it is in our power to grant, will make us most happy; but to_sully_ the blood of the most ancient--"

  John Forster would hear no more; he quitted the room and walked upstairs before the marquis had completed his speech. When he entered thedrawing-room, his countenance plainly expressed his disappointment.Like all men who have toiled for riches, he had formed plans in which heconsidered his wealth was to command success, and had overlooked everyobstacle which might present itself against the completion of hiswishes.

  "Newton," said he, as they stood apart near the window, "you have been agood lad in not persisting to thwart my views, but that French marquis,with his folly and his `ancienne noblesse,' has overthrown all my plans.Now, I shall not interfere with yours. Introduce me to Miss what's hername; she is a very fine girl, and from what I saw of her during dinner,I like her very much."

  Isabel exerted herself to please, and succeeded. Satisfied with hisnephew's choice, flattered by his previous apparent submission, anddisgusted with the marquis, Mr John Forster thought no more ofMademoiselle de Fontanges. His consent was voluntary, and in a shorttime Isabel Revel changed her name.

  It was about five months after Newton's marriage that he received aletter from the Board, appointing him to the command of a ship. Newtonhanded the letter over to Mr Forster.

  "I presume, sir, it is your wish that I should accept the offer?"

  "What offer?" said the old lawyer, who was reading through a case forcounsel's opinions. "Melville--for Madras and China.--Why, Newton, Ireally do not see any occasion for your going afloat again. There is anold proverb--`The pitcher that goes often to the well is broken atlast.' You're not tired of your wife already?"

  "I hope not, sir; but I thought it might be your wish."

  "It's my wish that you should stay at home. A poor man may go to sea,because he stands a chance to come home rich; but a man who has money inhand and in prospect, if he goes to sea, he is a fool. Follow yourprofession as long as you require it, but no longer."

  "Why then do you work so hard, my dear sir," said Isabel, leaning overthe old gentleman, and kissing him, in gratitude for his decision."Surely you can afford to relax a little now?"

  "Why do I work so hard, Isabel?" replied Mr Forster, looking up at herthrough his spectacles. "Why you expect to have a family, do you not?"

  Isabel blushed; the expectation was undeniable.

  "Well, then, I presume the children will have no objection to find a fewthousands more to be divided among them by-and-bye--will they,daughter?"

  The conversation was interrupted by the entry of a servant with aletter; Mr Forster broke the seal, and looked at the signature.

  "Humph! from the proud old marquis. `Very sorry, for a short period, tohave fallen in your good opinion--should have rejoiced to have calledNewton my son-in-law!'--Humph! `Family pride all assumed--Newton'shappiness at stake--trust the deceit will be pardoned, and a renewal offormer intimacy.' Why, Newton, is all this true?"

  "Ask Isabel, sir," replied, Newton, smiling.

  "Well, then, Isabel, is all this true?"

  "Ask Newton, sir," replied Isabel, kissing him. "The fact is, my dearsir, I could not afford to part with Newton, even to please you, so wemade up a little plot."

  "Humph!--made up a little plot--well--I shan't alter my will,nevertheless;" and Mr Forster recommenced the reading of his brief.

  Such is the history of Newton Forster, which, like most novels or plays,has been wound up with marriage. The last time that I appeared beforemy readers, they were dissatisfied with the termination of my story;they considered I had deprived them of a happy marriage, to which, as anundoubted right, they were entitled, after wading through three tediousvolumes. As I am anxious to keep on good terms with the public, Ihasten to repair the injury which it has sustained, by stating thatabout three years after the marriage of Newton Forster, the followingparagraph appeared in the several papers of the metropolis.

  "Yesterday, by special license, the Right Honourable William LordAveleyn to Mademoiselle Julie de Fontanges, only daughter of the Marquisde Fontanges, late governor of the Island of Bourbon. The marriage wasto have been solemnised in December last, but was postponed, inconsequence of the death of the late Lord Aveleyn. After the ceremony,the happy couple," etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

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  And now, most arbitrary public, I consider that I have made the _amendehonorable_, and that we are quits; for, if you were minus a happymarriage in the last work, you have a couple to indemnify you in thepresent.

  THE END.