Heartsease or Brother's Wife

by Шарлотта Мэри Йондж

  'Oh!' she exclaimed, and stopped short, with tearful eyes.

  'You know she wished some one to have it who would find comfort in it, as she did.'

  'No one will prize it more, but can you bear to part with it?'

  'If you will take it, as her gift.'

  'But just now, when I have been so naughty--so unlike her!'

  'More like her than ever, in struggling with besetting failings; you are learning to see in little trials the daily cross; and if you go on, the serenity which was a gift in her will be a grace in you.'

  They were interrupted: Brown, with beaming face, announced 'Mr. Fotheringham'; and there stood a gentleman, strong and broad- shouldered, his face burnt to a deep red, his dark brown hair faded at the tips to a light rusty hue, and his irregular features, wide, smiling mouth, and merry blue eyes, bright with good humour.

  'Ha, Percy! here you are!' cried John, springing towards him with joyful alacrity, and giving a hand that was eagerly seized.

  'Well, John, how are you?' exclaimed a hearty voice.

  'Arthur's wife:' and this unceremonious introduction caused her to be favoured with a warm shake of the hand; but, much discomfited at being in their way, she hastily gathered up her treasures, and glided away as John was saying, 'I had almost given you up.'

  'I walked round by Fowler's lodge, to bestow my little Athenian owl. I brought it all the way in my pocket, or on my hand, and I put him in Tom Fowler's charge while I am here. I could not think what fashionable young lady you had here. How has that turned out?'

  'Excellently!' said John, warmly.

  'She is a beauty!' said Percival.

  'She can't help that, poor thing,' said John: 'she is an admirable creature; indeed, she sometimes reminds me of your sister.'

  Then, as Percy looked at him, as if to be certain he was in his senses, 'I don't expect others to see it; it is only one expression.'

  'How are you? You look in better case.'

  'I am wonderfully well, thank you. Has your romance come to a satisfactory denouement?'

  'The happy pair were at Malta when I started.'

  'And where have you been?'

  'Oh! in all manner of queer places. I have been talking Latin with the folks in Dacia. Droll state of things there; one could fancy it Britain, or Gaul half settled by the Teutons, with the Roman sticking about them. But that's too much to tell, I have heard nothing from home this age. How is Theodora? I am afraid she has outgrown her antics.'

  'She is not too much like other people.'

  'Are you all at home, and in "statu quo"?'

  'Yes, except that my aunt is more aged and feeble.'

  'And Master Arthur has set up for a domestic character. It must be after a fashion of his own.'

  'Rather so,' said John, smiling; 'but it has done him a great deal of good. He has more heart in him than you and I used to think; and home is drawing it out, and making a man of him in spite of himself.'

  'How came she to marry him?'

  'Because she knew no better, poor thing; her family promoted it, and took advantage of her innocence.'

  'Is she a sensible woman?'

  ' Why, poor child, she has plenty of sense, but it is not doing her justice to call her a woman. She is too fine a creature to come early to her full growth--she is a woman in judgment and a child in spirits.'

  'So, Arthur has the best of the bargain.'

  'He does not half understand her; but they are very much attached, and some day she will feel her influence and use it.'

  'Form herself first, and then him. I hope Mark Gardner will keep out of the way during the process.'

  'He is safe in Paris.'

  'And how have you been spending the summer?'

  'I have been at Ventnor, getting through the Crusaders, and keeping house with Violet and her child, who both wanted sea air.'

  'What's her name?'

  'Violet.'

  'Well, that beats all! Violet! Why, Vi'let was what they called the old black cart-horse! I hope the child is Cowslip or Daisy!'

  'No, he is John, my godson.'

  'John! You might as well be called Man! It is no name at all. That Arthur should have gone and married a wife called Violet!!'

  Meanwhile Violet was wondering over the honour she had received, caressing the gift, and thinking of the hopes that had faded over it till patience had done her perfect work. She did not remember her other present till she heard sounds betokening the return of the riders. She placed it on her head, and behold! the cheeks had no more than their own roseate tinting, and she was beginning to hope Arthur would be pleased, when she became aware of certain dark eyes and a handsome face set in jet-black hair, presenting itself over her shoulder in the long glass.

  'You little piece of vanity! studying yourself in the glass, so that you never heard me come in? Well, you have done it to some purpose. Where did you get that thing?'

  'John brought it from Madeira.'

  'I did not think he had so much taste. Where have you bottled it up all this time!'

  'He forgot it till there was an opportunity for wearing it. Is it not pretty? And this is your silk, do you see?'

  'Very pretty, that's the real thing. I am glad to find you in good trim. I was afraid Theodora had taken you too far, and the heat would knock you up, and the boy would roar till you were all manner of colours.'

  'I was hot and tired, but John invited me into his nice cool room, and only think! he showed me Helen's picture.'

  'He has one, has he? She was nothing to look at; just like Percy-- you know he is come?'

  'Yes, he came while I was in John's room. He is not at all like what I expected.'

  'No, ladies always expect a man to look like a hero or a brigand. She had just that round face, till the last when I saw her in London, and then she looked a dozen years older than John--enough to scare one.'

  'See what he gave me.'

  'Ha! was that hers? I remember, it was that my aunt kicked up such a dust about. So he has given you that.'

  'Helen said she should like some one to have it who would find as much comfort in it as she did.'

  'Comfort! What comfort do you want?'

  'Only when I am foolish.'

  'I should think so; and pray what is to be the comfort of a bit of coral like that?'

  'Not the coral, but the thoughts, dear Arthur,' said Violet, colouring, and restoring the cross to its place within her dress.

  'Well! you and John understand your own fancies, but I am glad you can enter into them with him, poor fellow! It cheers him up to have some one to mope with.'

  CHAPTER 9

  P. Henry.--But do you use me thus, Ned; must I marry your sister? Poins.--May the wench have no worse fortune, but I never said so. --K. Henry IV

  Arthur met the new-comer, exclaiming, 'Ha! Fotheringham, you have not brought me the amber mouth-piece I desired John to tell you of.'

  'Not I. I don't bring Turks' fashion into Christian countries. You ought to learn better manners now you are head of a family.'

  Theodora entered, holding her head somewhat high, but there was a decided heightening of the glow on her cheek as Mr. Fotheringham shook hands with her. Lord Martindale gave him an affectionate welcome, and Lady Martindale, though frigid at first, grew interested as she asked about his journey.

  The arriving guests met him with exclamations of gladness, as if he was an honour to the neighbourhood; and John had seldom looked more cheerful and more gratified than in watching his reception.

  At length came the names for which Violet was watching; and the presence of Lady Elizabeth gave her a sense of motherly protection, as she was greeted with as much warmth as was possible for shy people in the midst of a large party. Emma eagerly presented her two friends to each other, and certainly they were a great contrast. Miss Marstone was sallow, with thin sharply-cut features, her eyes peered out from spectacles, her hair was disposed in the plainest manner, as well as her dress, which was anything but suited to a large dinne
r-party. Violet's first impulse was to be afraid of her, but to admire Emma for being attracted by worth through so much formidable singularity.

  'And the dear little godson is grown to be a fine fellow,' began Emma.

  'Not exactly that,' said Violet, 'but he is much improved, and so bright and clever.'

  'You will let us see him after dinner?'

  'I have been looking forward to it very much, but he will be asleep, and you won't see his pretty ways and his earnest dark eyes.'

  'I long to see the sweet child,' said Miss Marstone. 'I dote on such darlings. I always see so much in their countenances. There is the germ of so much to be drawn out hereafter in those deep looks of thought.'

  'My baby often looks very intent.'

  'Intent on thoughts beyond our power to trace!' said Miss Marstone.

  'Ah! I have often thought that we cannot fathom what may be passing in a baby's mind,' said Emma.

  'With its fixed eyes unravelling its whole future destiny!' said Miss Marstone.

  'Poor little creature!' murmured Violet.

  'I am convinced that the whole course of life takes its colouring from some circumstance at the time unmarked.'

  'It would frighten me to think so,' said Violet.

  'For instance, I am convinced that a peculiar bias was given to my own disposition in consequence of not being understood by the nurse and aunt who petted my brother, while they neglected me. Perhaps I was not a prepossessing child, but I had deeper qualities which might have been drawn out, though, on the whole, I do not regret what threw me early on my own resources. It has made me what I am.'

  Violet was rather surprised, but took it for granted that this was something admirable.

  'Your dear little boy, no doubt, occupies much of your attention. Training and instruction are so important.'

  'He is not five months old,' said Violet.

  'You cannot begin too early to lead forward his mind. Well chosen engravings, properly selected toys, the habit of at once obeying, the choice of nursery songs, all are of much importance in forming these dear little lambs to the stern discipline of life.'

  'You must have had a great deal to do with little children,' said Violet, impressed.

  'Why, not much personally; but I believe Emma has sent you my little allegory of the "Folded Lambs", where you will find my theories illustrated.'

  'Yes, Emma gave it to me--it is very pretty,' said Violet, looking down. 'I am too stupid to understand it all, and I have been hoping for Emma to explain it to me.'

  'Many people find it obscure, but I shall be delighted to assist you. I am sure you will find some of the ideas useful to you. What were your difficulties?'

  It made Violet so very shy to be spoken to by an authoress in public about her own books, that she was confused out of all remembrance of the whole story of the "Folded Lambs", and could only feel thankful that the announcement of dinner came to rescue her from her difficulties. She was not to escape authors; for Mr. Fotheringham took her in to dinner, Lady Martindale assigned Miss Brandon to John; but Arthur, with a droll look, stepped between and made prize of her, leaving John to Miss Marstone.

  Violet trusted she was not likely to be examined in the "Track of the Crusaders", of which, however, she comprehended far more than of the "Folded Lambs". Presently her neighbour turned to her, asking abruptly, 'Who is that next to Theodora?'

  'Mr. Wingfield, the clergyman here.'

  'I know. Is he attentive to the parish!'

  'O yes, very much so.'

  'Does Theodora take to parish work?'

  'Indeed she does.'

  'What, thoroughly?'

  'She goes to school twice a week, besides Sundays, and has the farm children to teach every morning.'

  'That's right.'

  'And she is so kind to the children at the Lodge.'

  'Let me see, they were afraid the boy was deaf and dumb.'

  'Yes, he is, poor little fellow, and Theodora teaches him most successfully.'

  'Well done! I knew the good would work out. How tall she is! and she looks as full of spirit as ever. She has had a season in London, I suppose!'

  'Yes, she went out a great deal this spring.'

  'And it has not spoilt her?'

  'O no!' cried Violet, warmly, feeling as if she had known him all her life, 'she is more eager than ever in her parish work. She spares no trouble. She got up at four one morning to sit with old Betty Blain, that her daughter might get a little rest.'

  'That head and brow are a fine study. She has grown up more striking than even I thought she would. Curious to see the difference between natural pride and assumed,' and he glanced from Theodora to her mother. 'How well Lady Martindale preserves! She always looks exactly the same. Who is that chattering in John's ear?

  'Miss Marstone, a friend of Miss Brandon's.'

  'What makes her go about such a figure?'

  'She is very good.'

  'I trust, by your own practice, that is not your test of goodness?'

  'I should not think it was, said Violet, blushing and hesitating.

  'What crypt did they dig her out of? Is she one of the Marstones of Gothlands?'

  'I believe she is. She has two sisters, gay people, whose home is with an uncle. She lives with a lawyer brother.'

  'Sam Marstone! I know him! I pity him. So Emma Brandon is come out? Which is she?'

  'She is next to Arthur, on this side the table where you cannot see her.'

  'What sort of girl is she!'

  'Oh!' said Violet, and paused, 'she is the greatest friend I have in the world!'

  He looked surprised, laughed, and said, 'So I must ask no more questions.'

  Violet felt as if she had spoken presumptuously, and said, 'Lady Elizabeth has been so very kind to me. Emma is my baby's godmother.'

  'And John its godfather.'

  'Yes. Did he tell you so?'

  'Ay! he spoke as if it was very near his heart.'

  'He has been--O, so very--I believe he is very fond of baby,' hastily concluded Violet, as her first sentence stuck in her throat.

  'I am heartily glad he has something to take interest in. He looks better and less frail. Is he so, do you think?'

  'O yes, much better. He hardly ever coughs--'

  'Does he get those bad fits of cough and breathlessness?'

  'Very seldom; he has not had one since the day we heard you were coming home, and that, Brown thought, was from the excitement.'

  'Ay! ay! he seems stronger every way.'

  'Yes, he can bear much more exertion.'

  'Then I hope he will be stirred up to do something. That's what he wants.'

  'I am sure he is always very busy,' said Violet, displeased.

  'Ay? Cutting open a book was rather arduous. If he was not at his best he left it to Brown.'

  'No! no! I meant going over parchments; writing for Lord Martindale;' she did not know if she might mention the West Indian scheme.

  'Ho! there's something in that. Well, if he comes to life after all, there's no one so capable. Not that I am blaming him. Illness and disappointment broke him down, and--such a fellow seldom breathed. If I had not had him at Cambridge it might have been a different story with me. So you need not look like his indignant champion.'

  'I don't know what Arthur and I should have done without him,' said Violet.

  'Where's the aunt? I don't see her.'

  'She never comes down to dinner, she is only seen in the evening.'

  There was a sound in reply so expressive of relief that Violet caught herself nearly laughing, but he said, gravely, 'Poor woman, then she is growing aged.'

  'We thought her much altered this year.'

  'Well!' and there was a whole sentence of pardon conveyed in the word. Then, after an interval, 'Look at John and his neighbour.'

  'I have been trying to catch what they are saying.'

  'They! It is all on one side.'

  'Perhaps,' said Violet, smiling, 'it was something about chants
.'

  'Yes. Is it not rare to see his polite face while she bores him with that kind of cant which is the most intolerable of all, and he quietly turning it aside?'

  'Is it cant when people are in earnest?' asked Violet.

  'Women always think they are.'

  'How are they to know?'

  'If they hold their tongues'--a silence--Well!'

  'Well,' said Violet.

  'Where's the outcry?'

  'Did you mean me to make one!'

  'What could you do but vindicate your sex?'

  'Then you would not have thought me in earnest.'

  He made a funny pleased face and a little bow.

  'The truth was,' said Violet, 'I was thinking whether I understood you.'

  'May I ask your conclusion?'

  'I don't exactly know. I don't think you meant we should never talk of what interests us.'

  'When they know when to hold their tongues, perhaps I should have said.'

  'O, yes, that I quite think.'

  Another silence, while Violet pondered, and her neighbour continued his malicious listening to Miss Marstone, who spoke in a key too audible for such a party. Presently, 'He has got her to the Royal Academy. She has gone forthwith to the Prae-Raffaelites. Oh! she is walking Prae-Raffaelitism herself. Symbols and emblems! Unfortunate John! Symbolic suggestive teaching, speaking to the eye! She is at it ding-dong! Oh! he has begun on the old monk we found refreshing the pictures at Mount Athos! Ay, talk yourself, 'tis the only way to stop her mouth; only mind what you say, she will bestow it freshly hashed up on the next victim on the authority of Mr. Martindale.'

  Violet was excessively entertained; and, when she raised her eyes, after conquering the laugh, was amazed to find how far advanced was the state dinner, usually so interminable. Her inquiries after the Athenian owl led to a diverting history of its capture at the Parthenon, and the adventures in bringing it home. She was sorry when she found Lady Martindale rising, while Mr. Fotheringham, as he drew back his chair, said, 'How shall you get on with Prae- Raffaelitism? I should like to set her and Aunt Nesbit together by the ears!'

  Certainly it was not convenient to be asked by Emma what made her look so much amused.

  She felt as if it would be much pleasanter to show off her babe without the stranger, and was glad to find that Miss Marstone had fallen into a discussion with Theodora, and both looked much too eager to be interrupted.