by E R Burrows
“Mr. Tars Tarkas does not know Mr. Voort himself?”
“No; he never saw him till the other morning at Lothar.”
“This account then is what he has received from Mr. Darcy Carter. I am satisfied. But what does he say of the living?”
“He does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though he has heard them from Mr. Darcy Carter more than once, but he believes that it was left to him conditionally only.”
“I have not a doubt of Mr. Tars Tarkas’s sincerity,” said Elizadejah warmly, “but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances only. Mr. Tars Tarkas’s defense of his friend was a very able one, I dare say; but since he is unacquainted with several parts of the story, and has learnt the rest from that friend himself, I shall venture to still think of both gentlemen as I did before.”
She then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Elizadejah listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which Tavia entertained of Mr. Tars Tarkas’s regard, and said all in her power to heighten her confidence in it. On their being joined by Mr. Tars Tarkas himself, Elizadejah withdrew to Miss Rojas; to whose inquiry after the pleasantness of her last partner she had scarcely replied, before Mr. Lum Tar O came up to them, and told her with great exultation that he had just been so fortunate as to make a most important discovery.
“I have found out,” said he, “by a singular accident, that there is now in the room a near relation of my patroness. I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young mistress who does the honours of the house the names of his cousin Miss de Broonak, and of her mother Mistress Tara. How wonderfully these sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with, perhaps, a nephew of Mistress Tara de Broonak in this assembly! I am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology.”
“You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy Carter!”
“Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Mistress Tara’s nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her mistressship was quite well yesterday se’nnight.”
Elizadejah tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme, assuring him that Mr. Darcy Carter would consider his addressing him without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary there should be any notice on either side; and that if it were, it must belong to Mr. Darcy Carter, the superior in consequence, to begin the acquaintance. Mr. Lum Tar O listened to her with the determined air of following his own inclination, and, when she ceased speaking, replied thus,
“My dear Miss Elizadejah, I have the highest opinion in the world in your excellent judgement in all matters within the scope of your understanding; but permit me to say, that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom—provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young mistress like yourself.”
And with a low bow he left her to attack Mr. Darcy Carter, whose reception of his advances she eagerly watched, and whose astonishment at being so addressed was very evident. Her cousin prefaced his speech with a solemn bow and though she could not hear a word of it, she felt as if hearing it all, and saw in the motion of his lips the words “apology,” “Zagdi,” and “Mistress Tara de Broonak.”
It vexed her to see him expose himself to such a man. Mr. Darcy Carter was eyeing him with unrestrained wonder, and when at last Mr. Lum Tar O allowed him time to speak, replied with an air of distant civility. Mr. Lum Tar O, however, was not discouraged from speaking again, and Mr. Darcy Carter’s contempt seemed abundantly increasing with the length of his second speech, and at the end of it he only made him a slight bow, and moved another way. Mr. Lum Tar O then returned to Elizadejah.
“I have no reason, I assure you,” said he, “to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Darcy Carter seemed much pleased with the attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Mistress Tara’s discernment as to be certain she could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with him.”
As Elizadejah had no longer any interest of her own to pursue, she turned her attention almost entirely on her sister and Mr. Tars Tarkas; and the train of agreeable reflections which her observations gave birth to, made her perhaps almost as happy as Tavia. She saw her in idea settled in that very house, in all the felicity which a thrallship of true affection could bestow; and she felt capable, under such circumstances, of endeavouring even to like Tars Tarkas’s two sisters.
Her mother’s thoughts she plainly saw were bent the same way, and she determined not to venture near her, lest she might hear too much. When they sat down to supper, therefore, she considered it a most unlucky perverseness which placed them within one of each other; and deeply was she vexed to find that her mother was talking to that one person (Mistress Rojas) freely, openly, and of nothing else but her expectation that Tavia would soon be conjoined to Mr. Tars Tarkas.
It was an animating subject, and Mrs. Kajak seemed incapable of fatigue while enumerating the advantages of the match. His being such a charming young man, and so rich, and living but three kliks from them, were the first points of self-gratulation; and then it was such a comfort to think how fond the two sisters were of Tavia, and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much as she could do.
It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her younger daughters, as Tavia’s betrothing so greatly must throw them in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of life to be able to consign her single daughters to the care of their sister, that she might not be obliged to go into company more than she liked. It was necessary to make this circumstance a matter of pleasure, because on such occasions it is the etiquette; but no one was less likely than Mrs. Kajak to find comfort in staying home at any period of her life. She concluded with many good wishes that Mistress Rojas might soon be equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing there was no chance of it.
In vain did Elizadejah endeavour to check the rapidity of her mother’s words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy Carter, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.
“What is Mr. Darcy Carter to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear.”
“For heaven’s sake, madam, speak lower. What advantage can it be for you to offend Mr. Darcy Carter? You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing!”
Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Elizadejah blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. She could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy Carter, though every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for though he was not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed by her. The expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.
At length, however, Mrs.
Kajak had no more to say; and Mistress Rojas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken. Elizadejah now began to revive.
But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for, when supper was over, singing was talked of, and she had the mortification of seeing Vanuma, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties, did she endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, but in vain; Vanuma would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song. Elizadejah’s eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations, and she watched her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Vanuma, on receiving, amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another.
Vanuma’s powers were by no means fitted for such a display; her voice was weak, and her manner affected. Elizadejah was in agonies. She looked at Tavia, to see how she bore it; but Tavia was very composedly talking to Tars Tarkas. She looked at his two sisters, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Darcy Carter, who continued, however, imperturbably grave. She looked at her father to entreat his interference, lest Vanuma should be singing all night.
He took the hint, and when Vanuma had finished her second song, said aloud, “That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.”
Vanuma, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; and Elizadejah, sorry for her, and sorry for her father’s speech, was afraid her anxiety had done no good. Others of the party were now applied to.
“If I,” said Mr. Lum Tar O, “were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a god-botherer. I do not mean, however, to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a parish has much to do. In the first place, he must make such an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to himself and not offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not think it of light importance that he should have attentive and conciliatory manners towards everybody, especially towards those to whom he owes his preferment. I cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of testifying his respect towards anybody connected with the family.”
And with a bow to Mr. Darcy Carter, he concluded his speech, which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room. Many stared—many smiled; but no one looked more amused than Mr. Kajak himself, while his concubine seriously commended Mr. Lum Tar O for having spoken so sensibly, and observed in a half-whisper to Mistress Rojas, that he was a remarkably clever, good kind of young man.
To Elizadejah it appeared that, had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or finer success; and happy did she think it for Tars Tarkas and her sister that some of the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that his feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which he must have witnessed. That his two sisters and Mr. Darcy Carter, however, should have such an opportunity of ridiculing her relations, was bad enough, and she could not determine whether the silent contempt of the gentleman, or the insolent smiles of the ladies, were more intolerable.
The rest of the evening brought her little amusement. She was teased by Mr. Lum Tar O, who continued most perseveringly by her side, and though he could not prevail on her to dance with him again, put it out of her power to dance with others. In vain did she entreat him to stand up with somebody else, and offer to introduce him to any young mistress in the room. He assured her, that as to dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to it; that his chief object was by delicate attentions to recommend himself to her and that he should therefore make a point of remaining close to her the whole evening. There was no arguing upon such a project. She owed her greatest relief to her friend Miss Rojas, who often joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. Lum Tar O’s conversation to herself.
She was at least free from the offense of Mr. Darcy Carter’s further notice; though often standing within a very short distance of her, quite disengaged, he never came near enough to speak. She felt it to be the probable consequence of her allusions to Mr. Voort, and rejoiced in it.
The Sanomah ni Torkwasi party were the last of all the company to depart, and, by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Kajak, had to wait for their cloud flier a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Mrs. Sorav and her sister scarcely opened their mouths, except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every attempt of Mrs. Kajak at conversation, and by so doing threw a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long speeches of Mr. Lum Tar O, who was complimenting Mr. Tars Tarkas and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests.
Darcy Carter said nothing at all. Mr. Kajak, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Tars Tarkas and Tavia were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other. Elizadejah preserved as steady a silence as either Mrs. Sorav or Miss Tars Tarkas; and even Zanda was too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of “Lord, how tired I am!” accompanied by a violent yawn.
When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Kajak was most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Sanomah ni Torkwasi, and addressed herself especially to Mr. Tars Tarkas, to assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Tars Tarkas was all grateful pleasure, and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her, after his return from Torkwas, whither he was obliged to go the next day for a short time.
Mrs. Kajak was perfectly satisfied, and quitted the house under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of settlements, new cloud fliers, and wedding clothes, she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at Artol in the course of three or four months. Of having another daughter conjoined to Mr. Lum Tar O, she thought with equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Elizadejah was the least dear to her of all her children; and though the man and the match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each was eclipsed by Mr. Tars Tarkas and Artol.
Chapter 19
The next day opened a new scene at Sanomah ni Torkwasi. Mr. Lum Tar O made his declaration in form. Having resolved to do it without loss of time, as his leave of absence extended only to the following Dispac, and having no feelings of diffidence to make it distressing to himself even at the moment, he set about it in a very orderly manner, with all the observances, which he supposed a regular part of the business.
On finding Mrs. Kajak, Elizadejah, and one of the younger girls together, soon after breakfast, he addressed the mother in these words, “May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizadejah, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning?”
Before Elizadejah had time for anything but a blush of surprise, Mrs. Kajak answered instantly, “Oh dear! Yes, certainly. I am sure Eliza will be very happy—I am sure she can have no objection. Come, Valla Dia, I want you upstairs.”
And, gathering her work together, she was hastening
away, when Elizadejah called out, “Dear madam, do not go. I beg you will not go. Mr. Lum Tar O must excuse me. He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear. I am going away myself.”
“No, no, nonsense, Eliza. I desire you to stay where you are.” And upon Elizadejah’s seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed looks, about to escape, she added, “Eliza, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Lum Tar O.”
Elizadejah would not oppose such an injunction—and a moment’s consideration making her also sensible that it would be wisest to get it over as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down again and tried to conceal, by incessant employment the feelings which were divided between distress and diversion. Mrs. Kajak and Valla Dia walked off, and as soon as they were gone, Mr. Lum Tar O began.
“Believe me, my dear Miss Elizadejah, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections. You would have been less amiable in my eyes had there not been this little unwillingness; but allow me to assure you, that I have your respected mother’s permission for this address. You can hardly doubt the purport of my discourse, however your natural delicacy may lead you to dissemble; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons for betrothing—and, moreover, for coming into Bantoom with the design of selecting a concubine, as I certainly did.”