Alcott, Louisa May - SSC 14 (40 page)

 
          
She
blushed and fluttered now, looked half angry, half beseeching, and altogether
lovely.

 
          
"How
much time shall I give? It cannot take long to read a heart like yours,
dear." And fancying her emotion a propitious omen, he assumed the lover in
good earnest.

 
          
"Give
me time till the New Year. I will answer then, and, meantime, leave me free to
study both myself and you. We have known each other long, I own, but, still,
this changes everything, and makes you seem another person.
Be
patient, Frank, and I will try to make my duty a pleasure."

 
          
"I
will. God bless you for the kind hope, Octavia. It has been mine for years, and
if I lose it, it will go hardly with me."

 
          
Later
in the evening General Snowdon stood examining the antique screen. In many
places carved oak was pierced quite through, so that voices were audible from
behind it. The musicians had gone down to supper, the young folk were quietly
busy at the other end of the hall, and as the old gentleman admired the quaint
carving, the sound of his own name caught his ear. The housekeeper and butler
still remained, though the other servants had gone, and sitting cosily behind
the screen chatted in low tones believing themselves secure.

 
          
"It
was
Mrs. Snowdon, Adam, as I'm a living woman, though I wouldn't say it
to anyone but you. She and Sir Jasper were here wrapped in cloaks, and up to
mischief, I'll be bound. She is a beauty, but I don't envy her, and there'll be
trouble in the house if she stays long."

 
          
"But
how do you know, Mrs. Benson, she was here? Where's your proof, mum?"
asked the pompous butler.

 
          
"Look
at this, and then look at the outlandish trimming of the lady's dress. You men
are so dull about such matters you'd never observe these little points. Well, I
was here first after Patty, and my light shone on this jet ornament lying near
where she saw the spirit. No one has any such tasty trifles but Mrs. Snowdon,
and these are all over her gown. If that ain't proof, what is?"

 
          
"Well,
admitting it, I then say what on earth should she and Master be up here for, at
such a time?" asked the slow-witted butler.

 
          
"Adam,
we are old servants of the family, and to you I'll say what tortures shouldn't
draw from to another. Master has been wild, as you know, and it's my belief
that he loved this lady abroad. There was a talk of some mystery, or misdeed,
or misfortune, more than a year ago, and she was in it. I'm loath to say it,
but I think Master loves her still, and she him. The general is an old man, she
is but
young,
and so spirited and winsome she can't in
reason care for him as for a fine, gallant gentleman like Sir Jasper. There's
trouble brewing, Adam, mark my words. There's trouble brewing for the
Trehernes."

 
          
So
low had the voices fallen that the listener could not have caught the words had
not his ear been strained to the utmost. He did hear all, and his wasted face
flashed with the wrath of a young man,
then
grew pale
and stern as he turned to watch his wife. She stood apart from the others
talking to Sir Jasper, who looked unusually handsome and debonair as he fanned
her with a devoted air.

 
          
Perhaps
it is true, thought the old man bitterly. They are well matched, were lovers
once, no doubt, and long to be so again. Poor Edith, I was very blind. And with
his gray head bowed upon his breast the general stole away, carrying an arrow
in his brave old heart.

 
          
 
* * * * *

 
          
"Blanche,
come here and rest, you will be ill tomorrow; and I promised Mamma to take care
of you." With which elder-sisterly command Rose led the girl to an immense
old chair, which held them both. "Now listen to me and follow my advice,
for I am wise in my generation, though not yet gray. They are all busy, so
leave them alone and let me show you what is to be done."

 
          
Rose
spoke softly, but with great resolution, and nodded her pretty head so
energetically that the holly berries came rolling over her white shoulders.

 
          
"We
are not as rich as we might be, and must establish ourselves as soon and as
well as possible. I intend to be Lady Treherne. You can be the Honorable Mrs.
Annon, if you give your mind to it."

 
          
"My
dear child, are you mad?" whispered Blanche.

 
          
"Far
from it, but you will be if you waste your time on Maurice. He is poor, and a
cripple, though very charming, I admit. He loves Tavie, and she will marry him,
I am sure. She can't endure Frank, but tries to because my lady commands it.
Nothing will come of it, so try your fascinations and comfort the poor man;
sympathy now will foster love hereafter."

 
          
"Don't
talk so here, Rose, someone will hear us," began her sister, but the other
broke in briskly.

 
          
"No
fear, a crowd is the best place for secrets. Now remember what I say, and make
your game while the ball is rolling. Other people are careful not to put their
plans into words, but I'm no hypocrite, and say plainly what I mean. Bear my
sage counsel in mind and act wisely. Now come and begin."

 
          
Treherne
was sitting alone by one of the great fires, regarding the gay scene with
serious air. For him there was neither dancing nor games; he could only roam
about catching glimpses of forbidden pleasures, impossible delights, and
youthful hopes forever lost to him. Sad but not morose was his face, and to Octavia
it was a mute reproach which she could not long resist. Coming up as if to warm
herself, she spoke to him in her usually frank and friendly way, and felt her
heart beat fast when she saw how swift a change her cordial manner wrought in
him.

 
          
"How
pretty your holly is! Do you remember how we used to go and gather it for
festivals like this, when we were happy children?" he asked, looking up at
her with eyes full of tender admiration.

 
          
"Yes,
I remember. Everyone wears it tonight as a badge, but you have none. Let me get
you a bit, I like to have you one of us in all things."

 
          
She
leaned forward to break a green sprig from the branch over the chimneypiece;
the strong draft drew in her fleecy skirt, and in an instant she was enveloped
in flames.

 
          
"Maurice,
save me, help me!" cried a voice of fear and agony, and before anyone
could reach her, before he himself knew how the deed was done, Treherne had
thrown himself from his chair, wrapped the tiger skin tightly about her, and
knelt there clasping her in his arms heedless of fire, pain, or the incoherent
expressions of love that broke from his lips.

 
          
Great
was the confusion and alarm which reigned for many minutes, but when the panic
subsided two miracles appeared. Octavia was entirely uninjured, and Treherne
was standing on his feet, a thing which for months he had not done without
crutches. In the excitement of the moment, no one observed the wonder; all were
crowding about the girl, who, pale and breathless but now self-possessed, was
the first to exclaim, pointing to her cousin, who had drawn himself up, with
the help of his chair, and leaned there smiling, with a face full of intense
delight.

 
          
"Look
at Maurice! Oh, Jasper, help him or he'll fall!"

 
          
Sir
Jasper sprung to his side and put a strong arm about him, while a chorus of
wonder, sympathy, and congratulations rose about them.

 
          
"Why,
lad, what does it mean? Have you been deceiving us all this time?" cried
Jasper, as Treherne leaned on him, looking exhausted but truly happy.

 
          
"It
means that I am not to be a cripple all my life; that they did not deceive me
when they said a sudden shock might electrify me with a more potent magnetism
than any they could apply. It
has
, and if I am cured I owe it all to
you, Octavia."

 
          
He
stretched his hands to her with a gesture of such passionate gratitude that the
girl covered her face to hide its traitorous tenderness, and my lady went to
him, saying brokenly, as she embraced him with maternal warmth, "God bless
you for this act, Maurice, and reward you with a perfect cure. To you I owe the
lives of both my children; how can I thank you as I ought?"

 
          
"I
dare not tell you yet," he whispered eagerly, then added, "I am
growing faint, Aunt. Get me away before I make a scene."

 
          
This
hint recalled my lady to her usual state of dignified self-possession. Bidding
Jasper and the major help Treherne to his room without delay, she begged Rose
to comfort her sister, who was sobbing hysterically, and as they all obeyed
her, she led her daughter away to her own apartment, for the festivities of the
evening were at an end.

 
          
At
the same time Mrs. Snowdon and Annon bade my lady good-night, as if they also
were about to retire, but as they reached the door of the gallery Mrs. Snowdon
paused and beckoned Annon back. They were alone now, and, standing before the
fire which had so nearly made that Christmas Eve a tragical one, she turned to
him with a face full of interest and sympathy as she said, nodding toward the
blackened shreds of Octavia's dress, and the scorched tiger skin which still
lay at their feet, "That was both a fortunate and an unfortunate little
affair, but I fear Maurice's gain will be your loss. Pardon my frankness for
Octavia's sake; she is a fine creature, and I long to see her given to one
worthy of her. I am a woman to read faces quickly; I know that your suit does
not prosper as you would have it, and I desire to help you. May I?"

 
          
"Indeed
you may, and command any service of me in return. But to what do I owe this
unexpected friendliness?" cried Annon, both grateful and surprised.

 
          
"To my regard for the young lady, my wish to save her from an
unworthy man."

 
          
"Do
you mean Treherne?" asked Annon, more and more amazed.

 
          
"I
do. Octavia must not marry a gambler!"

 
          
"My
dear lady, you labor under some mistake; Treherne is by no means a gambler. I
owe him no goodwill, but I cannot hear him slandered."

 
          
"You
are generous, but I am not mistaken. Can you, on your honor, assure me that
Maurice never played?"

 
          
Mrs.
Snowdon's keen eyes were on him, and he looked embarrassed for a moment, but
answered with some hesitation, "Why, no, I cannot say that, but I can
assure you that he is not
an
habitual gambler. All
young men of his rank play more or less, especially abroad. It is merely an
amusement with most, and among men is not considered dishonorable or dangerous.
Ladies think differently, I believe, at least in
England
."

 
          
At
the word "abroad," Mrs. Snowdon's face brightened, and she suddenly
dropped her eyes, as if afraid of betraying some secret purpose.

 
          
"Indeed
we do, and well we may, many of us
having
suffered
from this pernicious habit. I have had special cause to dread and condemn it,
and the fear that Octavia should in time suffer what I have suffered as a girl
urges me to interfere where otherwise I should be dumb. Mr. Annon, there was a
rumor that Maurice was forced to quit
Paris
, owing to some dishonorable practices at
the gaming table. Is this true?"

 
          
"Nay,
don't ask me; upon my soul I cannot tell you. I only know that something was
amiss, but what I never learned. Various tales were whispered at the clubs, and
Sir Jasper indignantly denied them all. The bravery with which Maurice saved
his cousin, and the sad affliction which fell upon him, silenced the gossip,
and it was soon forgotten."

 
          
Mrs.
Snowdon remained silent for a moment, with brows knit in deep thought, while
Annon uneasily watched her. Suddenly she glanced over her shoulder, drew
nearer, and whispered cautiously, "Did the rumors of which you speak
charge him with—" and the last word was breathed into Annon's ear almost
inaudibily.

 
          
He
started, as if some new light broke on him, and stared at the speaker with a
troubled face for an instant, saying hastily, "No, but now you remind me
that when an affair of that sort was discussed the other day Treherne looked
very odd, and rolled himself away, as if it didn't interest him. I can't
believe it, and yet it may be something of the kind. That would account for old
Sir Jasper's whim, and Treherne's steady denial of any knowledge of the cause.
How in heaven's name did you learn this?"

 
          
"My
woman's wit suggested it, and my woman's will shall confirm or destroy the
suspicion. My lady and Octavia evidently know nothing, but they shall if there
is any danger of the girl's being won by him."

 
          
"You
would not tell her!" exclaimed Annon.

 
          
"I
will, unless you do it" was the firm answer.

 
          
"Never!
To betray a friend, even to gain the woman I
love, is a thing I cannot do; my honor forbids it."

 
          
Mrs.
Snowdon smiled scornfully.

 
          
"Men's
code of honor is a strong one, and we poor women suffer from it. Leave this to
me; do your best, and if all other means fail, you may be glad to try my device
to prevent Maurice from marrying his cousin. Gratitude and pity are strong
allies, and if he recovers, his strong will will move heaven and earth to gain
her. Good night." And leaving her last words to rankle in Annon's mind,
Mrs. Snowdon departed to endure sleepless hours full of tormenting memories,
newborn hopes, and alternations of determination and despair.

 
          
Treherne's
prospect of recovery filled the whole house with delight, for his patient
courage and unfailing cheerfulness had endeared him to all. It was no transient
amendment, for day by day he steadily gained strength and power, passing
rapidly from chair to crutches, from crutches to a cane and a friend's arm,
which was always ready for him. Pain returned with returning vitality, but he
bore it with a fortitude that touched all who witnessed it. At times motion was
torture, yet motion was necessary lest the torpidity should return, and
Treherne took his daily exercise with unfailing perseverance, saying with a
smile, though great drops stood upon his forehead, "I have something
dearer even than health to win. Hold me up, Jasper, and let me stagger on, in
spite of everything, till my twelve turns are made."

 
          
He
remembered Lady Treherne's words, "If you were well, I'd gladly give my
girl to you." This inspired him with strength, endurance, and a happiness
which could not be concealed. It overflowed in looks, words, and acts; it
infected everyone, and made these holidays the blithest the old abbey had seen
for many a day.

 
          
Annon
devoted himself to Octavia, and in spite of her command to be left in peace
till the New Year, she was very kind—so kind that hope flamed up in his heart,
though he saw that something like compassion often shone on him from her frank
eyes, and her compliance had no touch of the tender docility which lovers long
to see. She still avoided Treherne, but so skillfully that few observed the
change but Annon and himself. In public Sir Jasper appeared to worship at the
sprightly Rose's shrine, and she fancied her game was prospering well.

 
          
But
had any one peeped behind the scenes it would have been discovered that during
the half hour before dinner, when everyone was in their dressing rooms and the
general taking his nap, a pair of ghostly black figures flitted about the
haunted gallery, where no servant ventured without orders. The major fancied
himself the only one who had made this discovery, for Mrs. Snowdon affected
Treherne's society in public, and was assiduous in serving and amusing the
"dear convalescent," as she called him. But the general did not
sleep; he too watched and waited, longing yet dreading to speak, and hoping
that this was but a harmless freak of Edith's, for her caprices were many, and
till now he had indulged them freely. This hesitation disgusted the major, who,
being a bachelor, knew little of women's ways, and less of their powers of
persuasion. The day before New Year he took a sudden resolution, and demanded a
private interview with the general.

 
          
"I
have come on an unpleasant errand, sir," he abruptly began, as the old man
received him with an expression which rather daunted the major. "My
friendship for Lady Treherne, and my guardianship of her children, makes me
jealous of the honor of the family. I fear it is in danger, sir; pardon me for
saying it, but your wife is the cause."

 
          
"May
I trouble you to explain, Major Royston" was all the general's reply, as
his old face grew stern and haughty.

 
          
"I
will, sir, briefly. I happen to know from Jasper that there were love passages
between Miss Dubarry and himself a year or more ago in
Paris
. A whim parted them, and she married. So
far no reproach rests upon either, but since she came here it has been evident
to others as well as
myself
that Jasper's affection
has revived, and that Mrs. Snowdon does not reject and reprove it as she
should. They often meet, and from Jasper's manner I am convinced that mischief
is afloat. He is ardent, headstrong, and utterly regardless of the world's
opinion in some cases. I have watched them, and what I tell you is true."

 
          
"Prove
it."

 
          
"I
will. They meet in the north gallery, wrapped in dark cloaks, and play ghost if
anyone comes. I concealed myself behind the screen last evening at dusk, and
satisfied myself that my suspicions were correct. I heard little of their
conversation, but that little was enough."

 
          
"Repeat
it, if you please."

 
          
"Sir
Jasper seemed pleading for some promise which she reluctantly gave, saying,
'While you live I will be true to my word with everyone but him. He will
suspect, and it will be useless to keep it from him.'

 
          
"'He
will shoot me for this if he knows I am the traitor,'
expostulated
Jasper.

 
          
"'He shall not know that; I can hoodwink him easily, and serve
my purpose also.'

 
          
"'You are mysterious, but I leave all to you and wait for my
reward.
When shall I have it, Edith?' She laughed, and answered so low I
could not hear, for they left the gallery as they spoke. Forgive me, General,
for the pain I inflict. You are the only person to whom I have spoken, and you
are the only person who can properly and promptly prevent this affair from
bringing open shame and scandal on an honorable house. To you I leave it, and
will do my part with this infatuated young man if you will withdraw the
temptation which will ruin him."