CHAPTER XX.
Venetia passed a restless night. She was so resolved to be awake intime for Plantagenet's departure, that she could not sleep; and atlength, towards morning, fell, from exhaustion, into a light slumber,from which she sprang up convulsively, roused by the sound of thewheels of the postchaise. She looked out of her window, and saw theservant strapping on the portmanteaus. Shortly after this she heardPlantagenet's step in the vestibule; he passed her room, and proceededto her mother's dressing-room, at the door of which she heard himknock, and then there was silence.
'You are in good time,' said Lady Annabel, who was seated in an easychair when Plantagenet entered her room. 'Is the Doctor up?'
'He is breakfasting.'
'And have you breakfasted?'
'I have no appetite.'
'You should take something, my child, before you go. Now, come hither,my dear Plantagenet,' she said, extending her hand; 'listen to me, oneword. When you arrive in London, you will go to your guardian's. Heis a great man, and I believe a very good one, and the law and yourfather's will have placed him in the position of a parent to you. Youmust therefore love, honour, and obey him; and I doubt not he willdeserve all your affection, respect, and duty. Whatever he desires orcounsels you will perform, and follow. So long as you act according tohis wishes, you cannot be wrong. But, my dear Plantagenet, if by anychance it ever happens, for strange things sometimes happen in thisworld, that you are in trouble and require a friend, remember thatCherbury is also your home; the home of your heart, if not of the law;and that not merely from my own love for you, but because I promisedyour poor mother on her death-bed, I esteem myself morally, althoughnot legally, in the light of a parent to you. You will find Eton agreat change; you will experience many trials and temptations; but youwill triumph over and withstand them all, if you will attend to thesefew directions. Fear God; morning and night let nothing induce youever to omit your prayers to Him; you will find that praying willmake you happy. Obey your superiors; always treat your masters withrespect. Ever speak the truth. So long as you adhere to this rule,you never can be involved in any serious misfortune. A deviation fromtruth is, in general, the foundation of all misery. Be kind to yourcompanions, but be firm. Do not be laughed into doing that which youknow to be wrong. Be modest and humble, but ever respect yourself.Remember who you are, and also that it is your duty to excel.Providence has given you a great lot. Think ever that you are born toperform great duties.
'God bless you, Plantagenet!' she continued, after a slight pause,with a faltering voice, 'God bless you, my sweet child. And God willbless you if you remember Him. Try also to remember us,' she added, asshe embraced him, and placed in his hand Venetia's well-lined purse.'Do not forget Cherbury and all it contains; hearts that love youdearly, and will pray ever for your welfare.'
Plantagenet leant upon her bosom. He had entered the room resolved tobe composed, with an air even of cheerfulness, but his tender heartyielded to the first appeal to his affections. He could only murmurout some broken syllables of devotion, and almost unconsciously foundthat he had quitted the chamber.
With streaming eyes and hesitating steps he was proceeding along thevestibule, when he heard his name called by a low sweet voice. Helooked around; it was Venetia. Never had he beheld such a beautifulvision. She was muffled up in her dressing-gown, her small white feetonly guarded from the cold by her slippers. Her golden hair seemed toreach her waist, her cheek was flushed, her large blue eyes glitteredwith tears.
'Plantagenet,' she said--
Neither of them could speak. They embraced, they mingled their tearstogether, and every instant they wept more plenteously. At length afootstep was heard; Venetia murmured a blessing, and vanished.
Cadurcis lingered on the stairs a moment to compose himself. He wipedhis eyes; he tried to look undisturbed. All the servants were in thehall; from Mistress Pauncefort to the scullion there was not a dryeye. All loved the little lord, he was so gracious and so gentle.Every one asked leave to touch his hand before he went. He tried tosmile and say something kind to all. He recognised the gamekeeper,and told him to do what he liked at Cadurcis; said something to thecoachman about his pony; and begged Mistress Pauncefort, quite aloud,to take great care of her young mistress. As he was speaking, hefelt something rubbing against his hand: it was Marmion, the oldbloodhound. He also came to bid his adieus. Cadurcis patted him withaffection, and said, 'Ah! my old fellow, we shall yet meet again.'
The Doctor appeared, smiling as usual, made his inquiries whether allwere right, nodded to the weeping household, called Plantagenet hisbrave boy, and patted him on the back, and bade him jump into thechaise. Another moment, and Dr. Masham had also entered; the door wasclosed, the fatal 'All right' sung out, and Lord Cadurcis was whirledaway from that Cherbury where he was so loved.
BOOK II.
Venetia Page 20