The Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves
Page 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
THE KNOT THAT PUZZLES HUMAN WISDOM, THE HAND OF FORTUNE SOMETIMES WILLUNTIE FAMILIAR AS HER GARTER.
When the doctor made his next appearance in Sir Launcelot's apartment,the knight addressed him in these words: "Sir, the practice of medicineis one of the most honourable professions exercised among the sons ofmen; a profession which hath been revered at all periods, and in allnations, and even held sacred in the most polished ages of antiquity.The scope of it is to preserve the being, and confirm the health of ourfellow-creatures; of consequence, to sustain the blessings of society,and crown life with fruition. The character of a physician, therefore,not only supposes natural sagacity, and acquired erudition, but it alsoimplies every delicacy of sentiment, every tenderness of nature, andevery virtue of humanity. That these qualities are centred in you,doctor, I would willingly believe. But it will be sufficient for mypurpose, that you are possessed of common integrity. To whose concern Iam indebted for your visits, you best know. But if you understand theart of medicine, you must be sensible by this time, that, with respect tome, your prescriptions are altogether unnecessary.
"Come, sir, you cannot--you don't believe that my intellects aredisordered. Yet, granting me to be really under the influence of thatdeplorable malady, no person has a right to treat me as a lunatic, or tosue out a commission, but my nearest kindred.--That you may not pleadignorance of my name and family, you shall understand that I am SirLauncelot Greaves, of the county of York, Baronet; and that my nearestrelation is Sir Reginald Meadows, of Cheshire, the eldest son of mymother's sister--that gentleman, I am sure, had no concern in seducing meby false pretences under the clouds of night into the fields, where I wassurprised, overpowered, and kidnapped by armed ruffians. Had he reallybelieved me insane, he would have proceeded according to the dictates ofhonour, humanity, and the laws of his country. Situated as I am, I havea right, by making application to the Lord Chancellor, to be tried by ajury of honest men. But of that right I cannot avail myself, while Iremain at the mercy of a brutal miscreant, in whose house I am enclosed,unless you contribute your assistance. Your assistance, therefore, Idemand, as you are a gentleman, a Christian, and a fellow-subject, who,though every other motive should be overlooked, ought to interest himselfin my case as a common concern, and concur with all your power towardsthe punishment of those who dare commit such outrages against the libertyof your country."
The doctor seemed to be a little disconcerted; but, after somerecollection, resumed his air of sufficiency and importance, and assuredour adventurer he would do him all the service in his power; but in themeantime advised him to take the potion he had prescribed.
The knight's eyes lightening with indignation, "I am now convinced,"cried he, "that you are an accomplice in the villany which has beenpractised upon me; that you are a sordid wretch, without principle orfeeling, a disgrace to the faculty, and a reproach to human nature--yes,sirrah, you are the most perfidious of all assassins--you are thehireling minister of the worst of all villains; who, from motives evenbaser than malice, envy, and revenge, rob the innocent of all thecomforts of life, brand them with the imputation of madness, the mostcruel species of slander, and wantonly protract their misery, by leavingthem in the most shocking confinement, a prey to reflections infinitelymore bitter than death but I will be calm--do me justice at your peril.I demand the protection of the legislature--if I am refused--remember aday of reckoning will come--you and the rest of the miscreants who havecombined against me, must, in order to cloak your treachery, haverecourse to murder,--an expedient which I believe you very capable ofembracing,--or a man of my rank and character cannot be much longerconcealed. Tremble, caitiff, at the thoughts of my release--in themeantime, be gone, lest my just resentment impel me to dash your brainsout upon that marble--away"----
The honest doctor was not so firmly persuaded of his patient's lunacy asto reject his advice, which he made what haste he could to follow, whenan unexpected accident intervened.
That this may be properly introduced, we must return to the knight'sbrace of trusty friends, Captain Crowe and lawyer Clarke, whom we left insorrowful deliberation upon the fate of their patron. Clarke's geniusbeing rather more fruitful in resources than that of the seaman, hesuggested an advertisement, which was accordingly inserted in the dailypapers; importing that, "Whereas a gentleman of considerable rank andfortune had suddenly disappeared, on such a night, from his house nearGolden Square, in consequence of a letter delivered to him by a porter;and there is great reason to believe some violence hath been offered tohis life; any person capable of giving such information as may tend toclear up this dark transaction, shall, by applying to Mr. Thomas Clarke,attorney, at his lodgings in Upper Brook Street, receive proper securityfor the reward of one hundred guineas, to be paid to him upon his makingthe discovery required."
The porter who delivered the letter appeared accordingly, but could giveno other information, except that it was put into his hand with ashilling, by a man muffled up in a greatcoat, who stopped him for thepurpose, in his passing through Queen Street. It was necessary that theadvertisement should produce an effect upon another person, who was noother than the hackney-coachman who drove our hero to the place of hisimprisonment. This fellow had been enjoined secrecy; and, indeed, bribedto hold his tongue, by a considerable gratification, which, it wassupposed, would have been effectual, as the man was a master coachman ingood circumstances, and well known to the keeper of the madhouse, by whomhe had been employed on former occasions of the same nature. Perhaps hisfidelity to his employer, reinforced by the hope of many future jobs ofthat kind, might have been proof against the offer of fifty pounds; butdouble that sum was a temptation he could not resist. He no sooner readthe intimation in the Daily Advertiser, over his morning's pot at analehouse, than he entered into consultation with his own thoughts; and,having no reason to doubt that this was the very fare he had conveyed, heresolved to earn the reward, and abstain from all such adventures in timecoming. He had the precaution, however, to take an attorney along withhim to Mr. Clarke, who entered into a conditional bond; and, with theassistance of his uncle, deposited the money, to be forthcoming when theconditions should be fulfilled. These previous measures being taken, thecoachman declared what he knew, and discovered the house in which SirLauncelot had been immured. He, moreover, accompanied our two adherentsto a judge's chamber, where he made oath to the truth of his information;and a warrant was immediately granted to search the house of BernardShackle, and set at liberty Sir Launcelot Greaves, if there found.
Fortified with this authority, they engaged a constable, with aformidable posse, and, embarking them in coaches, repaired with allpossible expedition to the house of Mr. Shackle, who did not think properto dispute their claim, but admitted them, though not without betrayingevident symptoms of consternation. One of the servants directing them,by his master's order, to Sir Launcelot's apartment, they hurriedupstairs in a body, occasioning such a noise as did not fail to alarm thephysician, who had just opened the door to retire, when he perceivedtheir irruption. Captain Crowe conjecturing he was guilty from theconfusion that appeared in his countenance, made no scruple of seizinghim by the collar as he endeavoured to retreat; while the tender-heartedTom Clarke, running up to the knight, with his eyes brimful of joy andaffection, forgot all the forms of distant respect, and throwing his armsround his neck, blubbered in his bosom.
Our hero did not receive this proof of attachment unmoved. He strainedhim in his embrace, honoured him with the title of his deliverer, andasked him by what miracle he had discovered the place of his confinement.The lawyer began to unfold the various steps he had taken with equalminuteness and self-complacency, when Crowe, dragging the doctor still bythe collar, shook his old friend by the hand, protesting he was never sooverjoyed since he got clear of a Sallee rover on the coast of Barbary;and that two glasses ago he would have started all the money he had inthe world in the hold of any man who would have shown Sir Launcelot safe
at his moorings. The knight having made a proper return to this sinceremanifestation of goodwill, desired him to dismiss that worthless fellow,meaning the doctor; who, finding himself released, withdrew with someprecipitation.
Then our adventurer, attended by his friends, walked off with adeliberate pace to the outward gate, which he found open, and gettinginto one of the coaches, was entertained by the way to his own house witha detail of every measure which had been pursued for his release.
In his own parlour he found Mrs. Dolly Cowslip, who had been waiting withgreat fear and impatience for the issue of Mr. Clarke's adventure. Shenow fell upon her knees, and bathed the knight's hands with tears of joy;while the face of this young woman, recalling the idea of her mistress,roused his heart to strong emotions, and stimulated his mind to theimmediate achievement he had already planned. As for Mr. Crabshaw, hewas not the last to signify his satisfaction at his master's return.After having kissed the hem of his garment, he retired to the stable,where he communicated these tidings to his friend Gilbert, whom hesaddled and bridled; the same office he performed for Bronzomarte; thenputting on his squire-like attire and accoutrements, he mounted one, andled the other to the knight's door, before which he paraded, uttering,from time to time, repeated shouts, to the no small entertainment of thepopulace, until he received orders to house his companions. Thuscommanded, he led them back to their stalls, resumed his livery, andrejoined his fellow-servants, who were resolved to celebrate the day withbanquets and rejoicings.
Their master's heart was not sufficiently at ease to share in theirfestivity. He held a consultation with his friends in the parlour, whomhe acquainted with the reasons he had to believe Miss Darnel was confinedin the same house which had been his prison; a circumstance which filledthem with equal pleasure and astonishment. Dolly in particular, weepingplentifully, conjured him to deliver her dear lady without delay.Nothing now remained but to concert the plan for her deliverance. AsAurelia had informed Dolly of her connexion with Mrs. Kawdle, at whosehouse she proposed to lodge, before she was overtaken on the road by heruncle, this particular was now imparted to the council, and struck alight which seemed to point out the direct way to Miss Darnel'senlargement.
Our hero, accompanied by Mrs. Cowslip and Tom Clarke, set out immediatelyfor the house of Dr. Kawdle, who happened to be abroad, but his wifereceived them with great courtesy. She was a well-bred, sensible,genteel woman, and strongly attached to Aurelia by the ties of affection,as well as of consanguinity. She no sooner learned the situation of hercousin than she expressed the most impatient concern for her being set atliberty, and assured Sir Launcelot she would concur in any scheme heshould propose for that purpose. There was no room for hesitation orchoice; he attended her immediately to the judge, who, upon properapplication, issued another search-warrant for Aurelia Darnel. Theconstable and his posse were again retained, and Sir Launcelot Greavesonce more crossed the threshold of Mr. Bernard Shackle. Nor was thesearch-warrant the only implement of justice with which he had furnishedhimself for this visit. In going thither they agreed upon the method inwhich they should introduce themselves gradually to Miss Darnel, that hertender nature might not be too much shocked by their sudden appearance.
When they arrived at the house, therefore, and produced theircredentials, in consequence of which a female attendant was directed toshow the lady's apartment, Mrs. Dolly first entered the chamber of theaccomplished Aurelia, who, lifting up her eyes, screamed aloud, and flewinto the arms of her faithful Cowslip. Some minutes elapsed before Dollycould make shift to exclaim, "Am coom to live and daai with my belovedleady!"--"Dear Dolly!" cried her mistress, "I cannot express the pleasureI have in seeing you again. Good Heaven! what solitary hours of keenaffliction have I passed since we parted!--but, tell me, how did youdiscover the place of my retreat?--has my uncle relented?--do I owe yourcoming to his indulgence?"
Dolly answered in the negative; and by degrees gave her to understandthat her cousin, Mrs. Kawdle, was in the next room; that lady immediatelyappeared, and a very tender scene of recognition passed between the tworelations. It was she who, in the course of conversation, perceivingthat Aurelia was perfectly composed, declared the happy tidings of herapproaching deliverance. When the other eagerly insisted upon knowing towhose humanity and address she was indebted for this happy turn offortune, her cousin declared the obligation was due to a young gentlemanof Yorkshire, called Sir Launcelot Greaves. At mention of that name herface was overspread with a crimson glow, and her eyes beamed redoubledsplendour. "Cousin," said she, with a sigh, "I know not what to say--that gentleman, Sir Launcelot Greaves, was surely born--Lord bless me! Itell you, cousin, he has been my guardian angel."
Mrs. Kawdle, who had maintained a correspondence with her by letters, wasno stranger to the former part of the connexion subsisting between thosetwo lovers, and had always favoured the pretensions of our hero, withoutbeing acquainted with his person. She now observed with a smile, that asAurelia esteemed the knight her guardian angel, and he adored her as ademi-deity, nature seemed to have intended them for each other; for suchsublime ideas exalted them both above the sphere of ordinary mortals.She then ventured to intimate that he was in the house, impatient to payhis respects in person. At this declaration the colour vanished from hercheeks, which, however, soon underwent a total suffusion. Her heartpanted, her bosom heaved, and her gentle frame was agitated by transportsrather violent than unpleasing. She soon, however, recollected herself,and her native serenity returned; when, rising from her seat, shedeclared he would see him in the next apartment, where he stood in themost tumultuous suspense, waiting for permission to approach her person.Here she broke in upon him, arrayed in an elegant white undress, theemblem of her purity, beaming forth the emanations of amazing beauty,warmed and improved with a glow of gratitude and affection. His heartwas too big for utterance; he ran towards her with rapture, and throwinghimself at her feet, imprinted a most respectful kiss upon her lilyhand.--"This, divine Aurelia," cried he, "is a foretaste of thatineffable bliss which you was born to bestow!--Do I then live to see yousmile again? to see you restored to liberty, your mind at ease, and yourhealth unimpaired?"--"You have lived," said she, "to see my obligationsto Sir Launcelot Greaves accumulated in such a manner, that a whole lifespent in acknowledgment will scarce suffice to demonstrate a due sense ofhis goodness."--"You greatly overrate my services, which have been ratherthe duties of common humanity, than the efforts of a generous passion,too noble to be thus evinced;--but let not my unseasonable transportsdetain you a moment longer on this detested scene. Give me leave to handyou into the coach, and commit you to the care of this good lady,attended by this honest young gentleman, who is my particular friend."So saying, he presented Mr. Thomas Clarke, who had the honour to salutethe fair hand of the ever-amiable Aurelia.
The ladies being safely coached under the escort of the lawyer, SirLauncelot assured them he should wait on them in the evening at the houseof Dr. Kawdle, whither they immediately directed their course. Our hero,who remained with the constable and his gang, inquired for Mr. BernardShackle, upon whose person he intended to serve a writ of conspiracy,over and above a prosecution for robbery, in consequence of his havingdisencumbered the knight of his money and other effects, on the firstnight of his confinement. Mr. Shackle had discretion enough to avoidthis encounter, and even to anticipate the indictment for felony, bydirecting one of his servants to restore the cash and papers, which ouradventurer accordingly received before he quitted the house.
In the prosecution of his search after Shackle, he chanced to enter thechamber of the bard, whom he found in dishabille, writing at a table,with a bandage over one eye, and his head covered with a nightcap ofbaize. The knight, having made an apology for this intrusion, desiredto know if he could be of any service to Mr. Distich, as he was nowat liberty to use the little influence he had for the relief of hisfellow-sufferers.--The poet having eyed him for some time askance, "Itold you," said he, "your stay in this place would be
of short duration.--I have sustained a small disaster on my left eye, from the hands of arascally cordwainer, who pretends to believe himself the King of Prussia,and I am now in the very act of galling his majesty with keen iambics.--If you can help me to a roll of tobacco and a bottle of geneva, so;--ifyou are not so inclined, your humble servant, I shall share in the joy ofyour deliverance."
The knight declined gratifying him in these particulars, which heapprehended might be prejudicial to his health, but offered hisassistance in redressing his grievances, provided he laboured under anycruel treatment or inconvenience. "I comprehend the full extent of yourgenerosity," replied the satirist; "you are willing to assist me ineverything, except the only circumstances in which assistance isrequired--God b'w'ye--If you see Ben Bullock, tell him I wish he wouldnot dedicate any more of his works to me.--D--n the fellow, he haschanged his note, and begins to snivel.--For my part, I stick to myformer maxim, defy all the world, and will die hard, even if death shouldbe preceded by damnation."
The knight, finding him incorrigible, left him to the slender chance ofbeing one day comforted by the dram-bottle; but resolved, if possible, toset on foot an accurate inquiry into the economy and transactions of thisprivate inquisition, that ample justice might be done in favour of everyinjured individual confined within its walls.
In the afternoon he did not fail to visit his Aurelia; and all theprotestations of their mutual passion were once more interchanged. Henow produced the letter which had caused such fatal disquiet in hisbosom; and Miss Darnel no sooner eyed the paper, than she recollected itwas a formal dismission, which she had intended and directed for Mr.Sycamore. This the uncle had intercepted, and cunningly enclosed inanother cover, addressed to Sir Launcelot Greaves, who was now astonishedbeyond measure to see the mystery so easily unfolded. The joy that nowdiffused itself in the hearts of our lovers, is more easily conceivedthan described; but, in order to give a stability to this mutualsatisfaction, it was necessary that Aurelia should be secured from thetyranny of her uncle, whose power of guardianship would not otherwiseexpire for some months.
Dr. Kawdle and his lady having entered into their deliberations on thesubject, it was agreed that Miss Darnel should have recourse to theprotection of the Lord Chancellor; but such application was renderedunnecessary by the unexpected arrival of John Clump with the followingletter to Mrs. Kawdle from the steward of Anthony Darnel, dated atAurelia's house in the country:--
"MADAM,--It hath pleased God to afflict Mr. Darnel with a severe strokeof the dead palsy.--He was taken ill yesterday, and now lies insensible,seemingly at the point of death. Among the papers in his pocket I foundthe enclosed, by which it appears that my honoured young lady, MissDarnel, is confined in a private madhouse. I am afraid Mr. Darnel's fateis a just judgment of God upon him for his cruelty to that excellentperson. I need not exhort you, madam, to take immediately upon thereceipt of this, such measures as will be necessary for the enlargementof my poor young lady. In the meantime, I shall do the needful for thepreservation of her property in this place, and send you an account ofany further alteration that may happen; being very respectfully, madam,your most obedient humble servant, RALPH MATTOCKS."
Clump had posted up to London with this intimation on the wings of love,and being covered with clay from the heels to the eyes upwards, heappeared in such an unfavourable light at Dr. Kawdle's door, that thefootman refused him admittance. Nevertheless, he pushed him aside, andfought his way upstairs into the dining-room, where the company was not alittle astonished at such an apparition.
The fellow himself was no less amazed at seeing Aurelia and his ownsweetheart Mrs. Dolly Cowslip. He forthwith fell upon his knees, and insilence held out the letter, which was taken by the doctor, and presentedto his wife, according to the direction. She did not fail to communicatethe contents, which were far from being unwelcome to the individuals whocomposed this little society. Mr. Clump was honoured with theapprobation of his young lady, who commended him for his zeal andexpedition; bestowed upon him a handsome gratuity in the meantime, anddesired to see him again when he should be properly refreshed after thefatigue he had undergone.
Mr. Thomas Clarke being consulted on this occasion, gave it as hisopinion, that Miss Darnel should, without delay, choose another guardianfor the few months that remained of her minority. The opinion wasconfirmed by the advice of some eminent lawyers, to whom immediaterecourse was had; and Dr. Kawdle being the person pitched upon for thisoffice, the necessary forms were executed with all possible despatch.
The first use the doctor made of his guardianship was to sign a power,constituting Mr. Ralph Mattocks his attorney pro tempore for managing theestate of Miss Aurelia Darnel; and this was forwarded to the steward bythe hands of Clump, who set out with it for the seat of Darnel Hill,though not without a heavy heart, occasioned by some intimation he hadreceived concerning the connexion between his dear Dolly and Mr. Clarke,the lawyer.
CHAPTER THE LAST
WHICH, IT IS TO BE HOPED, WILL BE, ON MORE ACCOUNTS THAN ONE, AGREEABLETO THE READER.
Sir Launcelot, having vindicated the liberty, confirmed the safety, andsecured the heart of his charming Aurelia, now found leisure to unravelthe conspiracy which had been executed against his person; and with thatview commenced a lawsuit against the owner of the house where he and hismistress had been separately confined. Mr. Shackle was, notwithstandingall the submissions and atonement which he offered to make, either inprivate or in public, indicted on the statute of kidnapping, tried,convicted, punished by a severe fine and standing in the pillory. Ajudicial writ ad inquirendum being executed, the prisons of hisinquisition were laid open, and several innocent captives enlarged.
In the course of Shackle's trial, it appeared that the knight'sconfinement was a scheme executed by his rival Mr. Sycamore, according tothe device of his counsellor, Dawdle, who, by this contrivance, hadreconciled himself to his patron, after having deserted him in the day ofbattle. Our hero was so incensed at this discovery of Sycamore'streachery and ingratitude, that he went in quest of him immediately, totake vengeance on his person, accompanied by Captain Crowe, who wanted tobalance accounts with Mr. Dawdle. But those gentlemen had wisely avoidedthe impending storm, by retiring to the continent, on pretence oftravelling for improvement.
Sir Launcelot was not now so much of a knight-errant as to leave Aureliato the care of Providence, and pursue the traitors to the farthestextremities of the earth. He practised a much more easy, certain, andeffectual method of revenge, by instituting a process against them,which, after writs of capias, alias et pluries, had been repeated,subjected them both to outlawry. Mr. Sycamore, and his friend, beingthus deprived of the benefit of the law by their own neglect, wouldlikewise have forfeited their goods and chattels to the King, had notthey made such submissions as appeased the wrath of Sir Launcelot andCaptain Crowe; then they ventured to return, and, by dint of interest,obtained a reversal of the outlawry. But this grace they did not enjoytill long after our adventurer was happily established in life.
While the knight waited impatiently for the expiration of Aurelia'sminority, and in the meantime consoled himself with the imperfecthappiness arising from her conversation, and those indulgences which themost unblemished virtue could bestow, Captain Crowe projected anotherplan of vengeance against the conjurer, whose lying oracles had cost himsuch a world of vexation. The truth is, the captain began to be tired ofidleness, and undertook this adventure to keep his hand in use. Heimparted his design to Crabshaw, who had likewise suffered in spirit fromthe predictions of the said offender, and was extremely well disposed toassist in punishing the false prophet. He now took it for granted thathe should not be hanged for stealing a horse; and thought it very hard topay so much money for a deceitful prophecy, which, in all likelihood,would never be fulfilled.
Actuated by these motives, they set out together for the house ofconsultation, but they found it shut up and abandoned; and, upon inquiryin the neighbourhood, learned th
at the conjurer had moved his quartersthat very day on which the captain had recourse to his art. This wasactually the case. He knew the fate of Sir Launcelot would soon come tolight, and he did not choose to wait the consequence. He had othermotives for decamping. He had run a score at the public-house, which hehad no mind to discharge, and wanted to disengage himself from his femaleassociate, who knew too much of his affairs to be kept at a properdistance. All these purposes he had answered by retreating softly,without beat of drum, while his sibyl was abroad running down prey forhis devouring. He had not, however, taken his measures so cunningly, butthat this old hag discovered his new lodgings, and, in revenge, gaveinformation to the publican. This creditor took out a writ accordingly,and the bailiff had just secured his person, as Captain Crowe and TimothyCrabshaw chanced to pass by the door in their way homewards, through anobscure street, near the Seven Dials.
The conjurer having no subterfuge left, but a great many particularreasons for avoiding an explanation with the justice, like the manbetween the devil and the deep sea, of two evils chose the least; andbeckoning to the captain, called him by his name. Crowe, thus addressed,replied with a "Hilloah!" and looking towards the place from whence hewas hailed, at once recognised the necromancer. Without fartherhesitation, he sprang across the street, and, collaring Albumazar,exclaimed, "Aha! old boy, is the wind in that corner? I thought weshould grapple one day--now will I bring you up by the head, though allthe devils in hell were blowing abaft the beam."
The bailiff seeing his prisoner so roughly handled before, and at thesame time assaulted behind by Crabshaw, who cried, "Show me a liar, andI'll show you a thief--who is to be hanged now?" I say, the bailiff,fearing he should lose the benefit of his job, began to put on hiscontentious face, and, declaring the doctor was his prisoner, swore hecould not surrender him without a warrant from the Lord Chief Justice.The whole group adjourning into the parlour, the conjurer desired to knowof Crowe whether Sir Launcelot was found. Being answered, "Ey, ey, safeenough to see you made fast in the bilboes, brother"; he told the captainhe had something of consequence to communicate for his advantage; andproposed that Crowe and Crabshaw should bail the action, which lay onlyfor a debt of three pounds.
Crowe stormed, and Crabshaw grinned at this modest proposal; but whenthey understood that they could only be bound for his appearance, andreflected that they need not part with him until his body should besurrendered unto justice, they consented to give bail; and the bond beingexecuted, conveyed him directly to the house of our adventurer.
The boisterous Crowe introduced him to Sir Launcelot with such an abruptunconnected detail of his offence, as the knight could not understandwithout Timothy's annotations. These were followed by some questions putto the conjurer, who, laying aside his black gown, and plucking off hiswhite beard, exhibited to the astonished spectators the very individualcountenance of the empirical politician Ferret, who had played our herosuch a slippery trick after the electioneering adventure.
"I perceive," said he, "you are preparing to expostulate, and upbraid mefor having given a false information against you to the country justice.I look upon mankind to be in a state of nature; a truth, which Hobbes hasstumbled upon by accident. I think every man has a right to availhimself of his talents, even at the expense of his fellow-creatures; justas we see the fish, and other animals of the creation, devouring oneanother. I found the justice but one degree removed from idiotism, andknowing that he would commit some blunder in the execution of his office,which would lay him at your mercy, I contrived to make his folly theinstrument of my escape--I was dismissed without being obliged to signthe information I had given; and you took ample vengeance for his tyrannyand impertinence. I came to London, where my circumstances obliged me tolive in disguise. In the character of a conjurer, I was consulted byyour follower, Crowe, and your squire, Crabshaw. I did little or nothingbut echo back the intelligence they brought me, except prognosticatingthat Crabshaw would be hanged; a prediction to which I found myself soirresistibly impelled, that I am persuaded it was the real effect ofinspiration. I am now arrested for a paltry sum of money, and, moreover,liable to be sent to Bridewell as an impostor; let those answer for myconduct whose cruelty and insolence have driven me to the necessity ofusing such subterfuges. I have been oppressed and persecuted by thegovernment for speaking truth; your omnipotent laws have reconciledcontradictions. That which is acknowledged to be truth in fact, isconstrued falsehood in law; and great reason we have to boast of aconstitution founded on the basis of absurdity. But, waiving theseremarks, I own I am unwilling to be either imprisoned for debt, orpunished for imposture. I know how far to depend upon generosity, andwhat is called benevolence--words to amuse the weak-minded; I build upona surer bottom. I will bargain for your assistance. It is in my powerto put twelve thousand pounds in the pocket of Samuel Crowe, that theresea-ruffian, who, by his goodwill, would hang me to the yard's arm"----
There he was interrupted by the seaman. "D--n your rat's eyes! none ofyour--hang thee! fish my top-masts! if the rope was fairly reeved, andthe tackle sound, d'ye see"--Mr. Clarke, who was present, began to stare,while the knight assured Ferret, that if he was really able and willingto serve Captain Crowe in anything essential, he should be amplyrewarded. In the meantime he discharged the debt, and assigned him anapartment in his own house. That same day Crowe, by the advice of SirLauncelot and his nephew, entered into conditional articles with thecynic, to allow him the interest of fifteen hundred pounds for life,provided by this means the captain should obtain possession of the estateof Hobby Hole in Yorkshire, which had belonged to his grandfather, and ofwhich he was heir of blood.
This bond being executed, Mr. Ferret discovered that he himself was thelawful husband of Bridget Maple, aunt to Samuel Crowe, by a clandestinemarriage; which, however, he convinced them he could prove by undeniableevidence. This being the case, she, the said Bridget Maple, aliasFerret, was a covert femme, consequently could not transact any deed ofalienation without his concurrence; ergo, the docking of the entail ofthe estate of Hobby Hole was illegal and of none effect. This was a veryagreeable declaration to the whole company, who did not fail tocongratulate Captain Crowe on the prospect of his being restored to hisinheritance. Tom Clarke, in particular, protested, with tears in hiseyes, that it gave him unspeakable joy; and his tears trickled thefaster, when Crowe, with an arch look, signified, that now he was prettywell victualled for life, he had some thoughts of embarking on the voyageof matrimony.
But that point of happiness to which, as the north pole, the course ofthese adventures hath been invariably directed, was still unattained; wemean, the indissoluble union of the accomplished Sir Launcelot Greavesand the enchanting Miss Darnel. Our hero now discovered in his mistressa thousand charms, which hitherto he had no opportunity to contemplate.He found her beauty excelled by her good sense, and her virtue superiorto both. He found her untainted by that giddiness, vanity, andaffectation, which distinguish the fashionable females of the presentage. He found her uninfected by the rage for diversion and dissipation;for noise, tumult, gewgaws, glitter, and extravagance. He found her notonly raised by understanding and taste far above the amusement of littlevulgar minds; but even exalted by uncommon genius and refined reflection,so as to relish the more sublime enjoyments of rational pleasure. Hefound her possessed of that vigour of mind which constitutes truefortitude, and vindicates the empire of reason. He found her heartincapable of disguise or dissimulation; frank, generous, and open;susceptible of the most tender impressions; glowing with a keen sense ofhonour, and melting with humanity. A youth of his sensibility could notfail of being deeply affected by such attractions. The nearer heapproached the centre of happiness, the more did the velocity of hispassion increase. Her uncle still remained insensible as it were in thearms of death. Time seemed to linger in its lapse, till the knight wasinflamed to the most eager degree of impatience. He communicated hisdistress to Aurelia; he pressed her with the most pathetic remonstrancest
o abridge the torture of his suspense. He interested Mrs. Kawdle in hisbehalf; and, at length, his importunities succeeded. The banns ofmarriage were regularly published, and the ceremony was performed in theparish church, in the presence of Dr. Kawdle and his lady, Captain Crowe,Lawyer Clarke, and Mrs. Dolly Cowslip.
The bride, instead of being disguised in tawdry stuffs of gold andsilver, and sweating under a harness of diamonds, according to theelegant taste of the times, appeared in a negligee of plain blue satin,without any other jewels than her eyes, which far outshone all that everwas produced by the mines of Golconda. Her hair had no other extraneousornament than a small sprig of artificial roses; but the dignity of herair, the elegance of her shape, the sweetness and sensibility of hercountenance, added to such warmth of colouring, and such exquisitesymmetry of features, as could not be excelled by human nature, attractedthe eyes and excited the admiration of all the beholders. The effectthey produced in the heart of Sir Launcelot was such a rapture as wecannot pretend to describe. He made his appearance on this occasion in awhite coat and blue satin vest, both embroidered with silver; and all whosaw him could not but own that he alone seemed worthy to possess the ladywhom Heaven had destined for his consort. Captain Crowe had taken off ablue suit of clothes strongly guarded with bars of broad gold-lace, inorder to honour the nuptials of his friend. He wore upon his head abag-wig, a la pigeon, made by an old acquaintance in Wapping; and to hisside he had girded a huge plate-hilted sword, which he had bought of arecruiting serjeant. Mr. Clarke was dressed in pompadour, with goldbuttons; and his lovely Dolly in a smart checked lutestring, a presentfrom her mistress.
The whole company dined, by invitation, at the house of Dr. Kawdle; andhere it was that the most deserving lovers on the face of the earthattained to the consummation of all earthly felicity. The captain andhis nephew had a hint to retire in due time. Mrs. Kawdle conducted theamiable Aurelia, trembling, to the marriage-bed; our hero, glowing with abridegroom's ardour, claimed the husband's privilege. Hymen lighted uphis brightest torch at Virtue's lamp, and every star shed its happiestinfluence on their Heaven-directed union.
Instructions had been already despatched to prepare Greavesbury Hall forthe reception of its new mistress; and for that place the new-marriedcouple set out next morning, according to the plan which had beenpreviously concerted. Sir Launcelot and Lady Greaves, accompanied byMrs. Kawdle and attended by Dolly, travelled in their own coach, drawn bysix dappled horses. Dr. Kawdle, with Captain Crowe, occupied thedoctor's post-chariot, provided with four bays. Mr. Clarke had thehonour to bestride the loins of Bronzomarte. Mr. Ferret was mounted uponan old hunter; Crabshaw stuck close to his friend Gilbert; and two otherhorsemen completed the retinue. There was not an aching heart in thewhole cavalcade, except that of the young lawyer, which was by turnsinvaded with hot desires and chilling scruples. Though he was fond ofDolly to distraction, his regard to worldly reputation, and his attentionto worldly interest, were continually raising up bars to a legalgratification of his love. His pride was startled at the thought ofmarrying the daughter of a poor country publican; and he moreover dreadedthe resentment of his uncle Crowe, should he take any step of this naturewithout his concurrence. Many a wishful look did he cast at Dolly, thetears standing in his eyes, and many a woful sigh did he utter.
Lady Greaves immediately perceived the situation of his heart, and, byquestioning Mrs. Cowslip, discovered a mutual passion between theselovers. She consulted her dear knight on the subject, and he catechisedthe lawyer, who pleaded guilty. The captain being sounded as to hisopinion, declared he would be steered in that, as well as every othercourse of life, by Sir Launcelot and his lady, whom he verily revered asbeing of an order superior to the ordinary race of mankind. Thisfavourable response being obtained from the sailor, our hero took anopportunity on the road, one day after dinner, in presence of the wholecompany, to accost the lawyer in these words: "My good friend Clarke, Ihave your happiness very much at heart--your father was an honest man, towhom my family had manifold obligations. I have had these many years apersonal regard for yourself, derived from your own integrity of heartand goodness of disposition--I see, you are affected, and shall be brief--Besides this regard, I am indebted to your friendship for the liberty--what shall I say?--for the inestimable happiness I now enjoy, inpossessing the most excellent--But I understand that significant glanceof my Aurelia, I will not offend her delicacy--The truth is, myobligation is very great, and it is time I should evince my gratitude--If the stewardship of my estate is worth your acceptance, you shall haveit immediately, together with the house and farm of Cockerton in myneighbourhood. I know you have a passion for Mrs. Dolly; and believe shelooks upon you with the eyes of tender prepossession--don't blush, Dolly--Besides your agreeable person, which all the world must approve, youcan boast of virtue, fidelity, and friendship. Your attachment to LadyGreaves neither she nor I shall ever forget--If you are willing to uniteyour fate with Mr. Clarke, your mistress gives me leave to assure you shewill stock the farm at her own expense, and we will celebrate the weddingat Greavesbury Hall"--
By this time the hearts of these grateful lovers had overflowed. Dollywas sitting on her knees, bathing her lady's hand with her tears, and Mr.Clarke appeared in the same attitude by Sir Launcelot. The uncle, almostas affected as the nephew by the generosity of our adventurer, criedaloud, "I pray God that you and your glorious consort may have smoothseas and gentle gales whithersoever you are bound; as for my kinsman Tom,I'll give him a thousand pounds to set him fairly afloat; and if he provenot a faithful tender to you his benefactor, I hope he will founder inthis world, and be damned in that which is to come." Nothing now waswanting to the completion of their happiness but the consent of Dolly'smother at the Black Lion, who they did not suppose could have anyobjection to such an advantageous match for her daughter; but in thisparticular they were mistaken.
In the meantime they arrived at the village where the knight hadexercised the duties of chivalry; and there he received the gratulationof Mr. Fillet and the attorney who had offered to bail him before JusticeGobble. Mutual civilities having passed, they gave him to understandthat Gobble and his wife were turned Methodists. All the rest of theprisoners whom he had delivered came to testify their gratitude, and werehospitably entertained. Next day they halted at the Black Lion, wherethe good woman was overjoyed to see Dolly so happily preferred; but whenSir Launcelot unfolded the proposed marriage, she interrupted him with ascream--"Christ Jesus forbid--marry and amen!--match with her ownbrother!"
At this exclamation Dolly fainted; her lover stood with his ears erect,and his mouth wide open; Crowe stared, while the knight and his ladyexpressed equal surprise and concern. When Sir Launcelot entreated Mrs.Cowslip to explain this mystery, she told him, that about sixteen yearsago, Mr. Clarke, senior, had brought Dolly, then an infant, to her house,when she and her late husband lived in another part of the country; andas she had then been lately delivered of a child which did not live,he hired her as a nurse to the little foundling. He owned she was alove-begotten babe, and from time to time paid handsomely for the boardof Dolly, who he desired might pass for her own daughter. In his lastillness, he assured her he had taken care to provide for the child; butsince his death she had received no account of any such provision. Shemoreover informed his honour, that Mr. Clarke had deposited in her handsa diamond ring, and a sealed paper, never to be opened without his order,until Dolly should be demanded in marriage by the man she should like,and not then, except in the presence of the clergyman of the parish."Send for the clergyman this instant," cried our hero, reddening, andfixing his eyes on Dolly; "I hope all will yet be well."
The vicar arriving, and being made acquainted with the nature of thecase, the landlady produced the paper; which, being opened, appeared tobe an authentic certificate, that the person commonly known by the nameof Dorothy Cowslip, was in fact Dorothy Greaves, daughter of JonathanGreaves, Esq., by a young gentlewoman who had been some years deceased.
The lovers were now overwhelmed with transports of joy and gratitude, andevery countenance was lighted up with satisfaction. From this place tothe habitation of Sir Launcelot, the bells were rung in every parish, andthe corporation in their formalities congratulated him in every townthrough which he passed. About five miles from Greavesbury Hall he wasmet by above five thousand persons of both sexes and every age, dressedout in their gayest apparel, headed by Mr. Ralph Mattocks from DarnelHill, and the rector from the knight's own parish. They were preceded bymusic of different kinds, ranged under a great variety of flags andensigns; and the women, as well as the men, bedizened with fancy knotsand marriage favours. At the end of the avenue, a select bevy of comelyvirgins arrayed in white, and a separate band of choice youthsdistinguished by garlands of laurel and holly interweaved, fell into theprocession, and sung in chorus a rustic epithalamium composed by thecurate. At the gate they were received by the venerable housekeeper,Mrs. Oakley, whose features were so brightened by the occasion, that withthe first glance she made a conquest of the heart of Captain Crowe; andthis connexion was improved afterwards into a legal conjunction.
Meanwhile the houses of Greavesbury Hall and Darnel Hill were set openfor the entertainment of all-comers, and both echoed with the sounds offestivity. After the ceremony of giving and receiving visits had beenperformed by Sir Launcelot Greaves and his lady, Mr. Clarke was honouredwith the hand of the agreeable Miss Dolly Greaves; and the captain wasput in possession of his paternal estate. The perfect and uninterruptedfelicity of the knight and his endearing consort, diffused itself throughthe whole adjacent country, as far as their example and influence couldextend. They were admired, esteemed, and applauded by every person oftaste, sentiment, and benevolence; at the same time beloved, revered, andalmost adored by the common people, among whom they suffered not themerciless hand of indigence or misery to seize one single sacrifice.
Ferret, at first, seemed to enjoy his easy circumstances; but the noveltyof this situation soon wore off, and all his misanthropy returned. Hecould not bear to see his fellow-creatures happy around him, andsignified his disgust to Sir Launcelot, declaring his intention ofreturning to the metropolis, where he knew there would be always foodsufficient for the ravenous appetite of his spleen. Before he departed,the knight made him partake of his bounty, though he could not make himtaste of his happiness, which soon received a considerable addition inthe birth of a son, destined to be the heir and representative of twoworthy families, whose mutual animosity the union of his parents had sohappily extinguished.
THE END