by Walter Scott
CHAPTER TENTH.
In the wide pile, by others heeded not, Hers was one sacred solitary spot, Whose gloomy aisles and bending shelves contain For moral hunger food, and cures for moral pain. Anonymous.
The library at Osbaldistone Hall was a gloomy room, whose antique oakenshelves bent beneath the weight of the ponderous folios so dear to theseventeenth century, from which, under favour be it spoken, we havedistilled matter for our quartos and octavos, and which, once moresubjected to the alembic, may, should our sons be yet more frivolous thanourselves, be still farther reduced into duodecimos and pamphlets. Thecollection was chiefly of the classics, as well foreign as ancienthistory, and, above all, divinity. It was in wretched order. The priests,who in succession had acted as chaplains at the Hall, were, for manyyears, the only persons who entered its precincts, until Rashleigh'sthirst for reading had led him to disturb the venerable spiders, who hadmuffled the fronts of the presses with their tapestry. His destinationfor the church rendered his conduct less absurd in his father's eyes,than if any of his other descendants had betrayed so strange apropensity, and Sir Hildebrand acquiesced in the library receiving somerepairs, so as to fit it for a sitting-room. Still an air ofdilapidation, as obvious as it was uncomfortable, pervaded the largeapartment, and announced the neglect from which the knowledge which itswalls contained had not been able to exempt it. The tattered tapestry,the worm-eaten shelves, the huge and clumsy, yet tottering, tables,desks, and chairs, the rusty grate, seldom gladdened by either sea-coalor faggots, intimated the contempt of the lords of Osbaldistone Hall forlearning, and for the volumes which record its treasures.
"You think this place somewhat disconsolate, I suppose?" said Diana, as Iglanced my eye round the forlorn apartment; "but to me it seems like alittle paradise, for I call it my own, and fear no intrusion. Rashleighwas joint proprietor with me, while we were friends."
"And are you no longer so?" was my natural question. Her fore-fingerimmediately touched her dimpled chin, with an arch look of prohibition.
"We are still _allies,_" she continued, "bound, like other confederatepowers, by circumstances of mutual interest; but I am afraid, as willhappen in other cases, the treaty of alliance has survived the amicabledispositions in which it had its origin. At any rate, we live lesstogether; and when he comes through that door there, I vanish throughthis door here; and so, having made the discovery that we two were onetoo many for this apartment, as large as it seems, Rashleigh, whoseoccasions frequently call him elsewhere, has generously made a cession ofhis rights in my favour; so that I now endeavour to prosecute alone thestudies in which he used formerly to be my guide."
"And what are those studies, if I may presume to ask?"
"Indeed you may, without the least fear of seeing my fore-finger raisedto my chin. Science and history are my principal favourites; but I alsostudy poetry and the classics."
"And the classics? Do you read them in the original?"
"Unquestionably. Rashleigh, who is no contemptible scholar, taught meGreek and Latin, as well as most of the languages of modern Europe. Iassure you there has been some pains taken in my education, although Ican neither sew a tucker, nor work cross-stitch, nor make a pudding,nor--as the vicar's fat wife, with as much truth as elegance, good-will,and politeness, was pleased to say in my behalf--do any other usefulthing in the varsal world."
"And was this selection of studies Rashleigh's choice, or your own, MissVernon?" I asked.
"Um!" said she, as if hesitating to answer my question,--"It's not worthwhile lifting my finger about, after all. Why, partly his and partlymine. As I learned out of doors to ride a horse, and bridle and saddlehim in cue of necessity, and to clear a five-barred gate, and fire a gunwithout winking, and all other of those masculine accomplishments that mybrute cousins run mad after, I wanted, like my rational cousin, to readGreek and Latin within doors, and make my complete approach to the treeof knowledge, which you men-scholars would engross to yourselves, inrevenge, I suppose, for our common mother's share in the great originaltransgression."
"And Rashleigh indulged your propensity to learning?"
"Why, he wished to have me for his scholar, and he could but teach methat which he knew himself--he was not likely to instruct me in themysteries of washing lace-ruffles, or hemming cambric handkerchiefs, Isuppose."
"I admit the temptation of getting such a scholar, and have no doubt thatit made a weighty consideration on the tutor's part."
"Oh, if you begin to investigate Rashleigh's motives, my finger touchesmy chin once more. I can only be frank where my own are inquired into.But to resume--he has resigned the library in my favour, and never enterswithout leave had and obtained; and so I have taken the liberty to makeit the place of deposit for some of my own goods and chattels, as you maysee by looking round you."
"I beg pardon, Miss Vernon, but I really see nothing around these wallswhich I can distinguish as likely to claim you as mistress."
"That is, I suppose, because you neither see a shepherd or shepherdesswrought in worsted, and handsomely framed in black ebony, or a stuffedparrot,--or a breeding-cage, full of canary birds,--or a housewife-case,broidered with tarnished silver,--or a toilet-table with a nest ofjapanned boxes, with as many angles as Christmas minced-pies,--or abroken-backed spinet,--or a lute with three strings,--or rock-work,--orshell-work,--or needle-work, or work of any kind,--or a lap-dog with alitter of blind puppies--None of these treasures do I possess," shecontinued, after a pause, in order to recover the breath she had lost inenumerating them--"But there stands the sword of my ancestor Sir RichardVernon, slain at Shrewsbury, and sorely slandered by a sad fellow calledWill Shakspeare, whose Lancastrian partialities, and a certain knack atembodying them, has turned history upside down, or rather insideout;--and by that redoubted weapon hangs the mail of the still olderVernon, squire to the Black Prince, whose fate is the reverse of hisdescendant's, since he is more indebted to the bard who took the troubleto celebrate him, for good-will than for talents,--
Amiddes the route you may discern one Brave knight, with pipes on shield, ycleped Vernon Like a borne fiend along the plain he thundered, Prest to be carving throtes, while others plundered.
"Then there is a model of a new martingale, which I invented myself--agreat improvement on the Duke of Newcastle's; and there are the hood andbells of my falcon Cheviot, who spitted himself on a heron's bill atHorsely-moss--poor Cheviot, there is not a bird on the perches below, butare kites and riflers compared to him; and there is my own lightfowling-piece, with an improved firelock; with twenty other treasures,each more valuable than another--And there, that speaks for itself."
She pointed to the carved oak frame of a full-length portrait by Vandyke,on which were inscribed, in Gothic letters, the words _Vernon semperviret._ I looked at her for explanation. "Do you not know," said she,with some surprise, "our motto--the Vernon motto, where,
Like the solemn vice iniquity, We moralise two meanings in one word
And do you not know our cognisance, the pipes?" pointing to the armorialbearings sculptured on the oaken scutcheon, around which the legend wasdisplayed.
"Pipes!--they look more like penny-whistles--But, pray, do not be angrywith my ignorance," I continued, observing the colour mount to hercheeks, "I can mean no affront to your armorial bearings, for I do noteven know my own."
"You an Osbaldistone, and confess so much!" she exclaimed. "Why, Percie,Thornie, John, Dickon--Wilfred himself, might be your instructor. Evenignorance itself is a plummet over you."
"With shame I confess it, my dear Miss Vernon, the mysteries couchedunder the grim hieroglyphics of heraldry are to me as unintelligible asthose of the pyramids of Egypt."
"What! is it possible?--Why, even my uncle reads Gwillym sometimes of awinter night--Not know the figures of heraldry!--of what could your
father be thinking?"
"Of the figures of arithmetic," I answered; "the most insignificant unitof which he holds more highly than all the blazonry of chivalry. But,though I am ignorant to this inexpressible degree, I have knowledge andtaste enough to admire that splendid picture, in which I think I candiscover a family likeness to you. What ease and dignity in theattitude!--what richness of colouring--what breadth and depth of shade!"
"Is it really a fine painting?" she asked.
"I have seen many works of the renowned artist," I replied, "but neverbeheld one more to my liking!"
"Well, I know as little of pictures as you do of heraldry," replied MissVernon; "yet I have the advantage of you, because I have always admiredthe painting without understanding its value."
"While I have neglected pipes and tabors, and all the whimsicalcombinations of chivalry, still I am informed that they floated in thefields of ancient fame. But you will allow their exterior appearance isnot so peculiarly interesting to the uninformed spectator as that of afine painting.--Who is the person here represented?"
"My grandfather. He shared the misfortunes of Charles I., and, I am sorryto add, the excesses of his son. Our patrimonial estate was greatlyimpaired by his prodigality, and was altogether lost by his successor, myunfortunate father. But peace be with them who have got it!--it was lostin the cause of loyalty."
"Your father, I presume, suffered in the political dissensions of theperiod?"
"He did indeed;--he lost his all. And hence is his child a dependentorphan--eating the bread of others--subjected to their caprices, andcompelled to study their inclinations; yet prouder of having had such afather, than if, playing a more prudent but less upright part, he hadleft me possessor of all the rich and fair baronies which his family oncepossessed."
As she thus spoke, the entrance of the servants with dinner cut off allconversation but that of a general nature.
When our hasty meal was concluded, and the wine placed on the table, thedomestic informed us, "that Mr. Rashleigh had desired to be told when ourdinner was removed."
"Tell him," said Miss Vernon, "we shall be happy to see him if he willstep this way--place another wineglass and chair, and leave the room.--You must retire with him when he goes away," she continued, addressingherself to me; "even _my_ liberality cannot spare a gentleman above eighthours out of the twenty-four; and I think we have been together for atleast that length of time."
"The old scythe-man has moved so rapidly," I answered, "that I could notcount his strides."
"Hush!" said Miss Vernon, "here comes Rashleigh;" and she drew off herchair, to which I had approached mine rather closely, so as to place agreater distance between us. A modest tap at the door,--a gentle mannerof opening when invited to enter,--a studied softness and humility ofstep and deportment, announced that the education of RashleighOsbaldistone at the College of St. Omers accorded well with the ideas Ientertained of the manners of an accomplished Jesuit. I need not add,that, as a sound Protestant, these ideas were not the most favourable."Why should you use the ceremony of knocking," said Miss Vernon, "whenyou knew that I was not alone?"
This was spoken with a burst of impatience, as if she had felt thatRashleigh's air of caution and reserve covered some insinuation ofimpertinent suspicion. "You have taught me the form of knocking at thisdoor so perfectly, my fair cousin," answered Rashleigh, without change ofvoice or manner, "that habit has become a second nature."
"I prize sincerity more than courtesy, sir, and you know I do," was MissVernon's reply.
"Courtesy is a gallant gay, a courtier by name and by profession,"replied Rashleigh, "and therefore most fit for a lady's bower."
"But Sincerity is the true knight," retorted Miss Vernon, "and thereforemuch more welcome, cousin. But to end a debate not over amusing to yourstranger kinsman, sit down, Rashleigh, and give Mr. Francis Osbaldistoneyour countenance to his glass of wine. I have done the honours of thedinner, for the credit of Osbaldistone Hall."
Rashleigh sate down, and filled his glass, glancing his eye from Diana tome, with an embarrassment which his utmost efforts could not entirelydisguise. I thought he appeared to be uncertain concerning the extent ofconfidence she might have reposed in me, and hastened to lead theconversation into a channel which should sweep away his suspicion thatDiana might have betrayed any secrets which rested between them. "MissVernon," I said, "Mr. Rashleigh, has recommended me to return my thanksto you for my speedy disengagement from the ridiculous accusation ofMorris; and, unjustly fearing my gratitude might not be warm enough toremind me of this duty, she has put my curiosity on its side, byreferring me to you for an account, or rather explanation, of the eventsof the day."
"Indeed?" answered Rashleigh; "I should have thought" (looking keenly atMiss Vernon) "that the lady herself might have stood interpreter;" andhis eye, reverting from her face, sought mine, as if to search, from theexpression of my features, whether Diana's communication had been asnarrowly limited as my words had intimated. Miss Vernon retorted hisinquisitorial glance with one of decided scorn; while I, uncertainwhether to deprecate or resent his obvious suspicion, replied, "If it isyour pleasure, Mr. Rashleigh, as it has been Miss Vernon's, to leave mein ignorance, I must necessarily submit; but, pray, do not withhold yourinformation from me on the ground of imagining that I have alreadyobtained any on the subject. For I tell you, as a man of honour, I am asignorant as that picture of anything relating to the events I havewitnessed to-day, excepting that I understand from Miss Vernon, that youhave been kindly active in my favour."
"Miss Vernon has overrated my humble efforts," said Rashleigh, "though Iclaim full credit for my zeal. The truth is, that as I galloped back toget some one of our family to join me in becoming your bail, which wasthe most obvious, or, indeed, I may say, the only way of serving youwhich occurred to my stupidity, I met the man Cawmil--Colville--Campbell,or whatsoever they call him. I had understood from Morris that he waspresent when the robbery took place, and had the good fortune to prevailon him (with some difficulty, I confess) to tender his evidence in yourexculpation--which I presume was the means of your being released from anunpleasant situation."
"Indeed?--I am much your debtor for procuring such a seasonable evidencein my behalf. But I cannot see why (having been, as he said, afellow-sufferer with Morris) it should have required much trouble topersuade him to step forth and bear evidence, whether to convict theactual robber, or free an innocent person."
"You do not know the genius of that man's country, sir," answeredRashleigh;--"discretion, prudence, and foresight, are their leadingqualities; these are only modified by a narrow-spirited, but yet ardentpatriotism, which forms as it were the outmost of the concentric bulwarkswith which a Scotchman fortifies himself against all the attacks of agenerous philanthropical principle. Surmount this mound, you find aninner and still dearer barrier--the love of his province, his village,or, most probably, his clan; storm this second obstacle, you have athird--his attachment to his own family--his father, mother, sons,daughters, uncles, aunts, and cousins, to the ninth generation. It iswithin these limits that a Scotchman's social affection expands itself,never reaching those which are outermost, till all means of dischargingitself in the interior circles have been exhausted. It is within thesecircles that his heart throbs, each pulsation being fainter and fainter,till, beyond the widest boundary, it is almost unfelt. And what is worstof all, could you surmount all these concentric outworks, you have aninner citadel, deeper, higher, and more efficient than them all--aScotchman's love for himself."
"All this is extremely eloquent and metaphorical, Rashleigh," said MissVernon, who listened with unrepressed impatience; "there are only twoobjections to it: first, it is _not_ true; secondly, if true, it isnothing to the purpose."
"It _is_ true, my fairest Diana," returned Rashleigh; "and moreover, itis most instantly to the purpose. It is true, because you cannot denythat I know the country and people intimately, and the character is drawnfrom deep and accurate consideration--and it is to the
purpose, becauseit answers Mr. Francis Osbaldistone's question, and shows why this samewary Scotchman, considering our kinsman to be neither his countryman, nora Campbell, nor his cousin in any of the inextricable combinations bywhich they extend their pedigree; and, above all, seeing no prospect ofpersonal advantage, but, on the contrary, much hazard of loss of time anddelay of business"--
"With other inconveniences, perhaps, of a nature yet more formidable,"interrupted Miss Vernon.
"Of which, doubtless, there might be many," said Rashleigh, continuing inthe same tone--"In short, my theory shows why this man, hoping for noadvantage, and afraid of some inconvenience, might require a degree ofpersuasion ere he could be prevailed on to give his testimony in favourof Mr. Osbaldistone."
"It seems surprising to me," I observed, "that during the glance I castover the declaration, or whatever it is termed, of Mr. Morris, he shouldnever have mentioned that Campbell was in his company when he met themarauders."
"I understood from Campbell, that he had taken his solemn promise not tomention that circumstance," replied Rashleigh: "his reason for exactingsuch an engagement you may guess from what I have hinted--he wished toget back to his own country, undelayed and unembarrassed by any of thejudicial inquiries which he would have been under the necessity ofattending, had the fact of his being present at the robbery taken airwhile he was on this side of the Border. But let him once be as distantas the Forth, Morris will, I warrant you, come forth with all he knowsabout him, and, it may be, a good deal more. Besides, Campbell is a veryextensive dealer in cattle, and has often occasion to send great drovesinto Northumberland; and, when driving such a trade, he would be a greatfool to embroil himself with our Northumbrian thieves, than whom no menwho live are more vindictive."
"I dare be sworn of that," said Miss Vernon, with a tone which impliedsomething more than a simple acquiescence in the proposition.
"Still," said I, resuming the subject, "allowing the force of the reasonswhich Campbell might have for desiring that Morris should be silent withregard to his promise when the robbery was committed, I cannot yet seehow he could attain such an influence over the man, as to make himsuppress his evidence in that particular, at the manifest risk ofsubjecting his story to discredit."
Rashleigh agreed with me, that it was very extraordinary, and seemed toregret that he had not questioned the Scotchman more closely on thatsubject, which he allowed looked extremely mysterious. "But," he asked,immediately after this acquiescence, "are you very sure the circumstanceof Morris's being accompanied by Campbell is really not alluded to in hisexamination?"
"I read the paper over hastily," said I; "but it is my strong impressionthat no such circumstance is mentioned;--at least, it must have beentouched on very slightly, since it failed to catch my attention."
"True, true," answered Rashleigh, forming his own inference while headopted my words; "I incline to think with you, that the circumstancemust in reality have been mentioned, but so slightly that it failed toattract your attention. And then, as to Campbell's interest with Morris,I incline to suppose that it must have been gained by playing upon hisfears. This chicken-hearted fellow, Morris, is bound, I understand, forScotland, destined for some little employment under Government; and,possessing the courage of the wrathful dove, or most magnanimous mouse,he may have been afraid to encounter the ill-will of such a kill-cow asCampbell, whose very appearance would be enough to fright him out of hislittle wits. You observed that Mr. Campbell has at times a keen andanimated manner--something of a martial cast in his tone and bearing."
"I own," I replied, "that his expression struck me as being occasionallyfierce and sinister, and little adapted to his peaceable professions. Hashe served in the army?"
"Yes--no--not, strictly speaking, _served;_ but he has been, I believe,like most of his countrymen, trained to arms. Indeed, among the hills,they carry them from boyhood to the grave. So, if you know anything ofyour fellow-traveller, you will easily judge, that, going to such acountry, he will take cue to avoid a quarrel, if he can help it, with anyof the natives. But, come, I see you decline your wine--and I too am adegenerate Osbaldistone, so far as respects the circulation of thebottle. If you will go to my room, I will hold you a hand at piquet."
We rose to take leave of Miss Vernon, who had from time to timesuppressed, apparently with difficulty, a strong temptation to break inupon Rashleigh's details. As we were about to leave the room, thesmothered fire broke forth.
"Mr. Osbaldistone," she said, "your own observation will enable you toverify the justice, or injustice, of Rashleigh's suggestions concerningsuch individuals as Mr. Campbell and Mr. Morris. But, in slanderingScotland, he has borne false witness against a whole country; and Irequest you will allow no weight to his evidence."
"Perhaps," I answered, "I may find it somewhat difficult to obey yourinjunction, Miss Vernon; for I must own I was bred up with no veryfavourable idea of our northern neighbours."
"Distrust that part of your education, sir," she replied, "and let thedaughter of a Scotchwoman pray you to respect the land which gave herparent birth, until your own observation has proved them to be unworthyof your good opinion. Preserve your hatred and contempt fordissimulation, baseness, and falsehood, wheresoever they are to be metwith. You will find enough of all without leaving England.--Adieu,gentlemen, I wish you good evening."
And she signed to the door, with the manner of a princess dismissing hertrain.
We retired to Rashleigh's apartment, where a servant brought us coffeeand cards. I had formed my resolution to press Rashleigh no farther onthe events of the day. A mystery, and, as I thought, not of a favourablecomplexion, appeared to hang over his conduct; but to ascertain if mysuspicions were just, it was necessary to throw him off his guard. We cutfor the deal, and were soon earnestly engaged in our play. I thought Iperceived in this trifling for amusement (for the stake which Rashleighproposed was a mere trifle) something of a fierce and ambitious temper.He seemed perfectly to understand the beautiful game at which he played,but preferred, as it were on principle, the risking bold and precariousstrokes to the ordinary rules of play; and neglecting the minor andbetter-balanced chances of the game, he hazarded everything for thechance of piqueing, repiqueing, or capoting his adversary. So soon as theintervention of a game or two at piquet, like the music between the actsof a drama, had completely interrupted our previous course ofconversation, Rashleigh appeared to tire of the game, and the cards weresuperseded by discourse, in which he assumed the lead.
More learned than soundly wise--better acquainted with men's minds thanwith the moral principles that ought to regulate them, he had stillpowers of conversation which I have rarely seen equalled, never excelled.Of this his manner implied some consciousness; at least, it appeared tome that he had studied hard to improve his natural advantages of amelodious voice, fluent and happy expression, apt language, and fervidimagination. He was never loud, never overbearing, never so much occupiedwith his own thoughts as to outrun either the patience or thecomprehension of those he conversed with. His ideas succeeded each otherwith the gentle but unintermitting flow of a plentiful and bounteousspring; while I have heard those of others, who aimed at distinction inconversation, rush along like the turbid gush from the sluice of amill-pond, as hurried, and as easily exhausted. It was late at night ereI could part from a companion so fascinating; and, when I gained my ownapartment, it cost me no small effort to recall to my mind the characterof Rashleigh, such as I had pictured him previous to this_tete-a-tete._
So effectual, my dear Tresham, does the sense of being pleased and amusedblunt our faculties of perception and discrimination of character, that Ican only compare it to the taste of certain fruits, at once luscious andpoignant, which renders our palate totally unfit for relishing ordistinguishing the viands which are subsequently subjected to itscriticism.