RICHARD CARVEL

By Winston Churchill

Volume 2. 

VIII. Over the WallIX. Under False ColoursX. The Red in the Carvel BloodXI. A Festival and a PartingXII. News from a Far Country

CHAPTER VIII

OVER THE WALL

Dorothy treated me ill enough that spring. Since the minx had tastedpower at Carvel Hall, there was no accounting for her. On returning totown Dr. Courtenay had begged her mother to allow her at the assemblies, a request which Mrs. Manners most sensibly refused. Mr. Marmaduke hadgiven his consent, I believe, for he was more impatient than Dolly forthe days when she would become the toast of the province. But the doctorcontrived to see her in spite of difficulties, and Will Fotheringay wasforever at her house, and half a dozen other lads. And many gentlemenof fashion like the doctor called ostensibly to visit Mrs. Manners, butin reality to see Miss Dorothy. And my lady knew it. She would belingering in the drawing-room in her best bib and tucker, or strolling inthe garden as Dr. Courtenay passed, and I got but scant attention indeed. I was but an awkward lad, and an old playmate, with no novelty about me. 

"Why, Richard, " she would say to me as I rode or walked beside her, orsat at dinner in Prince George Street, "I know every twist and turn ofyour nature. There is nothing you could do to surprise me. And so, sir, you are very tiresome. "

"You once found me useful enough to fetch and carry, and amusing when Iwalked the Oriole's bowsprit, " I replied ruefully. 

"Why don't you make me jealous?" says she, stamping her foot. "A scoreof pretty girls are languishing for a glimpse of you, --Jennie and BessFotheringay, and Betty Tayloe, and Heaven knows how many others. Theyare actually accusing me of keeping you trailing. 'La, girls!' said I, 'if you will but rid me of him for a day, you shall have my lastinggratitude. '"

And she turned to the spinet and began a lively air. But the tauntstruck deeper than she had any notion of. That spring arrived out fromLondon on the Belle of the Wye a box of fine clothes my grandfather hadcommanded for me from his own tailor; and a word from a maid of fifteendid more to make me wear them than any amount of coaxing from Mr. Allenand my Uncle Grafton. My uncle seemed in particular anxious that Ishould make a good appearance, and reminded me that I should dress asbecame the heir of the Carvel house. I took counsel with Patty Swain, and then went to see Betty Tayloe, and the Fotheringay girls, and theDulany girls, near the Governor's. And (fie upon me!) I was notill-pleased with the brave appearance I made. I would show my mistresshow little I cared. But the worst of it was, the baggage seemed totrouble less than I, and had the effrontery to tell me how happy she wasI had come out of my shell, and broken loose from her apron-strings. 

"Indeed, they would soon begin to think I meant to marry you, Richard, "says she at supper one Sunday before a tableful, and laughed with therest. 

"They do not credit you with such good sense, my dear, " says her mother, smiling kindly at me. 

And Dolly bit her lip, and did not join in that part of the merriment. 

I fled to Patty Swain for counsel, nor was it the first time in my lifeI had done so. Some good women seem to have been put into this selfishworld to comfort and advise. After Prince George Street with its giltand marbles and stately hedged gardens, the low-beamed, vine-coveredhouse in the Duke of Gloucester Street was a home and a rest. In myeyes there was not its equal in Annapolis for beauty within and without. Mr. Swain had bought the dwelling from an aged man with a history, deadsome nine years back. Its furniture, for the most part, was of theRestoration, of simple and massive oak blackened by age, which I everfancied better than the Frenchy baubles of tables and chairs with spindlelegs, and cabinets of glass and gold lacquer which were then making theirway into the fine mansions of our town. The house was full of twists andturns, and steps up and down, and nooks and passages and queerhiding-places which we children knew, and in parts queer leaded windows ofbulging glass set high in the wall, and older than the reign of Hanover. Here was the shrine of cleanliness, whose high-priestess was Pattyherself. Her floors were like satin-wood, and her brasses lights inthemselves. She had come honestly enough by her gifts, her father havingmarried the daughter of an able townsman of Salem, in the Massachusettscolony, when he had gone north after his first great success in court. Now the poor lady sat in a padded armchair from morning to night, besidethe hearth in winter, and under the trees in summer, by reason of a fallshe had had. There she knitted all the day long. Her placid face andquiet way come before me as I write. 

My friendship with Patty had begun early. One autumn day when I was alittle lad of eight or nine, my grandfather and I were driving back fromWhitehall in the big coach, when we spied a little maid of six by theSevern's bank, with her apron full of chestnuts. She was trudgingbravely through the dead leaves toward the town. Mr. Carvel pulled thecord to stop, and asked her name. "Patty Swain, and it please yourhonour, " the child answered, without fear. "So you are the youngbarrister's daughter?" says he, smiling at something I did notunderstand. She nodded. "And how is it you are so far from home, andalone, my little one?" asked Mr. Carvel again. For some time he couldget nothing out of her; but at length she explained, with much coaxing, that her big brother Tom had deserted her. My grandfather wished thatTom were his brother, that he might be punished as he deserved. Hecommanded young Harvey to lift the child into the coach, chestnuts andall, and there she sat primly between us. She was not as pretty asDorothy, so I thought, but her clear gray eyes and simple ways impressedme by their very honesty, as they did Mr. Carvel. What must he do butdrive her home to Green Street, where Mr. Swain then lived in a littlecottage. Mr. Carvel himself lifted her out and kissed her, andhanded her to her mother at the gate, who was vastly overcome by thecircumstance. The good lady had not then received that fall which madeher a cripple for life. "And will you not have my chestnuts, sir, foryour kindness?" says little Patty. Whereat my grandfather laughed andkissed her again, for he loved children, and wished to know if she wouldnot be his daughter, and come to live in Marlboro' Street; and told thestory of Tom, for fear she would not. He was silent as we drove away, and I knew he was thinking of my own mother at that age. 

Not long after this Mr. Swain bought the house in the Duke of GloucesterStreet. This, as you know, is back to back with Marlboro. To reachPatty's garden I had but to climb the brick wall at the rear of ourgrounds, and to make my way along the narrow green lane left there forperhaps a hundred paces of a lad, to come to the gate in the woodenpaling. In return I used to hoist Patty over the wall, and we would playat children's games under the fruit trees that skirted it. Some instinctkept her away from the house. I often caught her gazing wistfully at itswings and gables. She was not born to a mansion, so she said. 

"But your father is now rich, " I objected. I had heard Captain Danielsay so. "He may have a mansion of his own and he chooses. He can betterafford it than many who are in debt for the fine show they make. " I wasbut repeating gossip. 

"I should like to see the grand company come in, when your grandfatherhas them to dine, " said the girl. "Sometimes we have grand gentlemencome to see father in their coaches, but they talk of nothing butpolitics. We never have any fine ladies like--like your Aunt Caroline. "

I startled her by laughing derisively. 

"And I pray you never may, Patty, " was all I said. 

I never told Dolly of my intimacy with the barrister's little girl overthe wall. This was not because I was ashamed of the friendship, butarose from a fear-well-founded enough--that she would make sport of it. At twelve Dolly had notions concerning the walks of life that most otherchildren never dream of. They were derived, of course, from Mr. Marmaduke. But the day of reckoning arrived. Patty and I were rompingbeside the back wall when suddenly a stiff little figure in a starchedfrock appeared through the trees in the direction of the house, followedby Master Will Fotheringay in his visiting clothes. I laugh now when Ithink of that formal meeting between the two little ladies. There was notime to hoist Miss Swain over the wall, or to drive Miss Manners backupon the house. Patty stood blushing as though caught in a guilty act, while she of the Generations came proudly on, Will sniggering behind her. 

"Who is this, Richard?" asks Miss Manners, pointing a small forefinger. 

"Patty Swain, if you must know!" I cried, and added boylike: "And she isjust as good as you or me, and better. " I was quite red in the face, andangry because of it. "This is Dorothy Manners, Patty, and WillFotheringay. "

The moment was a pregnant one. But I was resolved to carry the matterout with a bold front. "Will you join us at catch and swing?" I asked. 

Will promptly declared that he would join, for Patty was good to lookupon. Dolly glanced at her dress, tossed her head, and marched backalone. 

"Oh, Richard!" cried Patty; "I shall never forgive myself! I have madeyou quarrel with--"

"His sweetheart, " said Will, wickedly. 

"I don't care, " said I. Which was not so. 

Patty felt no resentment for my miss's haughty conduct, but only atearful penitence for having been the cause of a strife between us. Will's arguments and mine availed nothing. I must lift her over the wallagain, and she went home. When we reached the garden we found Dollyseated beside her mother on my grandfather's bench, from which strongholdour combined tactics were powerless to drag her. 

When Dolly was gone, I asked my grandfather in great indignation whyPatty did not play with the children I knew, with Dorothy and theFotheringays. He shook his head dubiously. "When you are older, Richard, you will understand that our social ranks are cropped close. Mr. Swain is an honest and an able man, though he believes in things I donot. I hear he is becoming wealthy. And I have no doubt, " the shrewdold gentleman added, "that when Patty grows up she will be going to theassemblies, though it was not so in my time. " So liberal was he that heused to laugh at my lifting her across the wall, and in his leisuredelight to listen to my accounts of her childish housekeeping. Her lifewas indeed a contrast to Dorothy's. She had all the solid qualities thatmy lady lacked in early years. And yet I never wavered in my liking tothe more brilliant and wayward of the two. The week before my nextbirthday, when Mr. Carvel drew me to him and asked me what I wished fora present that year, as was his custom, I said promptly:

"I should like to have Patty Swain at my party, sir. "

"So you shall, my lad, " he cried, taking his snuff and eying me withpleasure. "I am glad to see, Richard, that you have none of Mr. Marmaduke's nonsense about you. She is a good girl, i' faith, and moreof a lady now than many who call themselves such. And you shall haveyour present to boot. Hark'ee, Daniel, " said he to the captain; "if thechild comes to my house, the poll-parrots and follow-me-ups will bewanting her, too. "

But the getting her to go was a matter of five days. For Patty wassensitive, like her father, and dreaded a slight. Not so with MasterTom, who must, needs be invited, too. He arrived half an hour aheadof time, arrayed like Solomon, and without his sister! I had to go forPatty, indeed, after the party had begun, and to get the key to thewicket in the wall to take her in that way, so shy was she. My deargrandfather showed her particular attention. And Miss Dolly herself, being in the humour, taught her a minuet. 

After that she came to all my birthdays, and lost some of her shyness. And was invited to other great houses, even as Mr. Carvel had predicted. But her chief pleasure seemed ever her duty. Whether or no suchcharacters make them one and the same, who can tell? She became thelight of her father's house, and used even to copy out his briefs, atwhich task I often found her of an evening. 

As for Tom, that graceless scamp, I never could stomach him. I wonderedthen, as I have since, how he was the brother of such a sister. He couldscarce bide his time until Mr. Swain should have a coach and a seat inthe country with the gentry. "A barrister, " quoth he, "is as good as anyone else. And if my father came out a redemptioner, and worked his way, so had old Mr. Dulany. Our family at home was the equal of his. " All ofwhich was true, and more. He would deride Patty for sewing and baking, vowing that they had servants enough now to do the work twice over. Shebore with him with a patience to be marvelled at; and I could never getit through my head why Mr. Swain indulged him, though he was the elder, and his mother's favourite. Tom began to dress early. His openadmiration was Dr. Courtenay, his confessed hope to wear five-poundruffles and gold sword knots. He clung to Will Fotheringay with atenacity that became proverbial among us boys, and his boasts at KingWilliam's School were his father's growing wealth and intimacy with thegreat men of the province. 

As I grew older, I took the cue of political knowledge, as I have said, from Mr. Swain rather than Captain Daniel, who would tell me nothing. Ifell into the habit of taking supper in Gloucester Street. The meal wasearly there. And when the dishes were cleared away, and the barrister'spipe lit, and Patty and her mother had got their sewing, he would talk bythe hour on the legality of our resistance to the King, and discuss themarch of affairs in England and the other colonies. He found me a readylistener, and took pains to teach me clearly the right and wrong of thesituation. 'Twas his religion, even as loyalty to the King was mygrandfather's, and he did not think it wrong to spread it. He likewiseinstilled into me in that way more of history than Mr. Allen had evertaught me, using it to throw light upon this point or that. But I neverknew his true power and eloquence until I followed him to the StadtHouse. 

Patty was grown a girl of fifteen then, glowing with health, and hadample good looks of her own. 'Tis odd enough that I did not fall inlove with her when Dolly began to use me so outrageously. But a lad ofeighteen is scarce a rational creature. I went and sat before my oracleupon the vine-covered porch under the eaves, and poured out my complaint. She laid down her needlework and laughed. 

"You silly boy, " said she, "can't you see that she herself has prescribedfor you? She was right when she told you to show attention to Jenny. And if you dangle about Miss Dolly now, you are in danger of losing her. She knows it better than you. "

I had Jenny to ride the very next day. Result: my lady smiled on me moresweetly than ever when I went to Prince George Street, and vowed Jennyhad never looked prettier than when she went past the house. This leftmy victory in such considerable doubt that I climbed the back wallforthwith in my new top-boots. 

"So you looked for her to be angry?" said Patty. 

"Most certainly, " said I. 

"Unreasoning vanity!" she cried, for she knew how to speak plain. "By your confession to me you have done this to please her, for shewarned you at the beginning it would please her. And now you complainof it. I believe I know your Dorothy better than you. "

And so I got but little comfort out of Patty that time. 

CHAPTER IX

UNDER FALSE COLOURS

And now I come to a circumstance in my life I would rather pass overquickly. Had I steered the straight course of my impulse I need neverhave deceived that dear gentleman whom I loved and honoured above any inthis world, and with whom I had always lived and dealt openly. After mygrandfather was pronounced to be mending, I went back to Mr. Allen untilsuch time as we should be able to go to the country. Philip no longershared my studies, his hours having been changed from morning toafternoon. I thought nothing of this, being content with the rector'sexplanation that my uncle had a task for Philip in the morning, now thatMr. Carvel was better. And I was well content to be rid of Philip'scompany. But as the days passed I began to mark an absence stillstranger. I had my Horace and my Ovid still: but the two hours fromeleven to one, which he was wont to give up to history and what he waspleased to call instruction in loyalty, were filled with other matter. Not a word now of politics from Mr. Allen. Not even a comment from himconcerning the spirited doings of our Assembly, with which the town wasringing. That body had met but a while before, primed to act on thecircular drawn up by Mr. Adams of Massachusetts. The Governor's messagehad not been so prompt as to forestall them, and I am occupied scarce thetime in the writing of this that it took our brave members to adopt thepetition to his Majesty and to pass resolutions of support to our sistercolony of the North. This being done, and a most tart reply penned tohis Excellency, they ended that sitting and passed in procession to theGovernor's mansion to deliver it, Mr. Speaker Lloyd at their head, and avast concourse of cheering people at their heels. Shutters were barredon the Tory houses we passed. And though Mr. Allen spied me in thecrowd, he never mentioned the circumstance. More than once I essayed todraw from him an opinion of Mr. Adams's petition, which was deemed a workof great moderation and merit, and got nothing but evasion from my tutor. That he had become suddenly an American in principle I could not believe. At length I made bold to ask him why our discussions were now omitted. He looked up from the new play he was reading on the study lounge, with aglance of dark meaning I could not fathom. 

"You are learning more than I can teach you in Gloucester Street, and atthe Stadt House, " he said. 

In truth I was at a loss to understand his attitude until the day in Junemy grandfather and I went to Carvel Hall. 

The old gentleman was weak still, so feeble that he had to be carried tohis barge in a chair, a vehicle he had ever held in scorn. But he wascheerful, and his spirit remained the same as of old: but for that spiritI believe he had never again risen from his bed in Marlboro' Street. Myuncle and the rector were among those who walked by his side to the dock, and would have gone to the Hall with him had he permitted them. He waskind enough to say that my arm was sufficient to lean on. 

What peace there was sitting once again under the rustling trees on thelawn with the green river and the blue bay spread out before us, andScipio standing by with my grandfather's punch. Mr. Carvel would have merehearse again all that had passed in town and colony since his illness, which I did with as much moderation as I was able. And as we talked hereached out and took my hand, for I sat near him, and said:

"Richard, I have heard tidings of you that gladden my heart, and theyhave done more than Dr. Leiden's physic for this old frame of mine. Iwell knew a Carvel could never go a wrong course, lad, and you least ofany. "

"Tidings, sir?" I said. 

"Ay, tidings, " answered Mr. Carvel. Such a note of relief and gladnessthere was in the words as I had not heard for months from him, and avague fear came upon me. 

"Scipio, " he said merrily, "a punch for Mr. Richard. " And when the glasswas brought my grandfather added: "May it be ever thus!"

I drained the toast, not falling into his humour or comprehending hisreference, but dreading that aught I might say would disturb him, held mypeace. And yet my apprehension increased. He set down his glass andcontinued:

"I had no hope of this yet, Richard, for you were ever slow to change. Your conversion does credit to Mr. Allen as well as to you. In short, sir, the rector gives me an excellent good account of your studies, andadds that the King hath gained another loyal servant, for which I thankGod. "

I have no words to write of my feelings then. My head swam and my handtrembled on my grandfather's, and I saw dimly the old gentleman's faceaglow with joy and pride, and knew not what to say or do. The answer Iframed, alas, remained unspoken. From his own lips I had heard how muchthe news had mended him, and for once I lacked the heart, nay, thecourage, to speak the truth. But Mr. Carvel took no heed of my silence, setting it down to another cause. 

"And so, my son, " he said, "there is no need of sending you to Eton nextfall. I am not much longer for this earth, and can ill spare you: andMr. Allen kindly consents to prepare you for Oxford. "

"Mr. Allen consents to that, sir?" I gasped. I think, could I have laidhands on the rector then, I would have thrashed him, cloth and all, within an inch of his life. 

And as if to crown my misery Mr. Carvel rose, and bearing heavily on myshoulder led me to the stable where Harvey and one of the black groomsstood in livery to receive us. Harvey held by the bridle a blooded bayhunter, and her like could scarce be found in the colony. As she stoodarching her neck and pawing the ground, I all confusion and shame, mygrandfather said simply:

"Richard, this is Firefly. I have got her for you from Mr. Randolph, ofVirginia, for you are now old enough to have a good mount of your own. "

All that night I lay awake, trying to sift some motive for Mr. Allen'sdeceit. For the life of me I could see no farther than a desire to keepme as his pupil, since he was well paid for his tuition. Still, the gamedid not seem worth the candle. However, he was safe in his lie. Shrewdrogue that he was, he well knew that I would not risk the attack adisappointment might bring my grandfather. 

What troubled me most of all was the fear that Grafton had reaped theadvantage of the opportunity the illness gave him, and by his insidiousarts had worked himself back into the good graces of his father. Youmust not draw from this, my dears, that I feared for the inheritance. Praised be God, I never thought of that! But I came by nature to hateand to fear my uncle, as I hated and feared the devil. I saw him with myfather's eyes, and with my mother's, and as my grandfather had seen himin the old days when he was strong. Instinct and reason alike made meloathe him. As the months passed, and letters in Grafton's scroll handcame from the Kent estate or from Annapolis, my misgivings were confirmedby odd remarks that dropped from Mr. Carvel's lips. At length arrivedthe revelation itself. 

"I fear, Richard, " he had said querulously, "I fear that all these yearsI have done your uncle an injustice. Dear Elizabeth was wont to pleadfor him before she died, but I would never listen to her. I was heartyand strong then, and my heart was hard. And a remembrance of many thingswas fresh in my mind. " He paused for breath, as was his habit now. AndI said nothing. "But Grafton has striven to wipe out the past. Sicknessteaches us that we must condone, and not condemn. He has lived areputable life, and made the most of the little start I gave him. He has supported his Majesty and my Lord in most trying times. And hisExcellency tells me that the coming governor, Eden, will surely rewardhim with a seat in the Council. "

I thought of Governor Sharpe's biting words to Grafton. The Governorknew my uncle well, and I was sure he had never sat at his Council. 

"A son is a son, Richard, " continued Mr. Carvel. "You will one day findthat out. Your uncle has atoned. He hath been faithful during myillness, despite my cold treatment. And he hath convinced me that yourwelfare is at his heart. I believe he is fond of you, my lad. "

No greater sign of breaking health did I need than this, that Mr. Carvelshould become blind to Grafton's hypocrisy; forget his attempts toprevent my father's marriage, and to throw doubt upon my mother's birth. The agony it gave me, coming as it did on top of the cruel deception, I shall not dwell upon. And the thought bursting within me remainedunspoken. 

I saw less of Dorothy then than I had in any summer of my life before. In spite of Mrs. Manners, the chrysalis had burst into the butterfly, and Wilmot House had never been so gay. It must be remembered thatthere were times when young ladies made their entrance into the world atsixteen, and for a beauty to be unmarried at twenty-two was rare indeed. When I went to Wilmot House to dine, the table would be always full, andMr. Marmaduke simpering at the head of it, his air of importance doubledby his reflected glory. 

"We see nothing of you, my lad, " he would say; "you must not let theseyoung gallants get ahead of you. How does your grandfather? I must paymy compliments to-morrow. "

Of gallants there were enough, to be sure. Dr. Courtenay, of course, with a nosegay on his coat, striving to catch the beauty's eye. And Mr. Worthington and Mr. Dulany, and Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Paca, and I know nothow many other young bachelors of birth and means. And Will Fotheringay, who spent some of his time with me at the Hall. Silver and China, withthe Manners coat-of-arms, were laid out that had not seen the light formany along day. And there were picnics, and sailing parties, and dancesgalore, some of which I attended, but heard of more. It seemed to methat my lady was tiring of the doctor's compliments, and had transferredher fickle favour to young Mr. Fitzhugh, who was much more worthy, by theway. As for me, I had troubles enough then, and had become used in somesort to being shelved. 

One night in July, --'twas the very day Mr. Carvel had spoken to me ofGrafton, --I had ridden over to Wilmot House to supper. I had littleheart for going, but good Mrs. Manners herself had made me promise, andI could: not break my word. I must have sat very silent and preoccupiedat the table, where all was wit and merriment. And more than once I sawthe laughter leave Dorothy's face, and caught her eyes upon; me with sucha look as set my beast throbbing. They would not meet my own, but wouldturn away instantly. I was heavy indeed that night, and did not followthe company into the ballroom, but made my excuses to Mrs. Manners. 

The lawn lay bathed in moonlight; and as I picked, my way over it towardthe stables for Firefly, I paused to look back at the house aglow, withlight, the music of the fiddles and the sound of laughter floating outof the open windows. Even as I gaped a white figure was framed in thedoorway, paused a moment on the low stone step, and then came on untilit stood beside me. 

"Are you not well, Richard?"

"Yes, I am well, " I answered. I scarcely knew my own voice. 

"Is your grandfather worse?"

"No, Dorothy; he seems better to-day. "

She stood seemingly irresolute, her eyes new lifted, now falling beforemine. Her slender arms bare, save for the little puff at the shoulders;her simple dress drawn a little above the waist, then falling straight tothe white slipper. How real the ecstasy of that moment, and the pain ofit!

"Why do you not coarse over, as you used to?" she asked, in a low tone. 

"I am very busy, " I replied evasively; "Mr. Carvel cannot attend to hisaffairs. " I longed to tell her the whole truth, but the words would notcome. 

"I hear you are managing the estate all alone, " she said. 

"There is no one else to do it. "

"Richard, " she cried, drawing closer; "you are in trouble. I--I haveseen it. You are so silent, and--and you seem to have become older. Tell me, is it your Uncle Grafton?"

So astonished was I at the question, and because she had divined so, surely, that I did not answer. 

"Is it?" she asked again. 

"Yes, " I said; "yes, in part. "

And then came voices calling from the house. They had missed her. 

"I am so sorry, Richard. I shall tell no one. "

She laid her hand ever so lightly upon mine and was gone. I stoodstaring after her until she disappeared in the door. All the way homeI marvelled, my thoughts tumultuous, my hopes rising and falling. 

But when next I saw her, I thought she had forgotten. 

We had little company at the Hall that year, on account of Mr. Carvel. And I had been busy indeed. I sought with all my might to master abusiness for which I had but little taste, and my grandfathercomplimented me, before the season was done, upon my management. I was wont to ride that summer at four of a morning to canter beside Mr. Starkie afield, and I came to know the yield of every patch to a hogsheadand the pound price to a farthing. I grew to understand as well asanother the methods of curing the leaf. And the wheat pest appearingthat year, I had the good fortune to discover some of the clusters in thesheaves, and ground our oyster-shells in time to save the crop. Many along evening I spent on the wharves with old Stanwix, now toothless andliving on his pension, with my eye on the glow of his pipe and my earbent to his stories of the sea. It was his fancy that the gift ofprophecy had come to him with the years; and at times, when his lookwould wander to the black rigging in the twilight, he would speakstrangely enough. 

"Faith, Mr. Richard, " he would say; "tho' your father was a soldier aforeye, ye were born to the deck of a ship-o'-war. Mark an old man's words, sir. "

"Can you see the frigate, Stanwix?" I laughed once, when he had repeatedthis with more than common solemnity. 

His reply rose above the singing of the locusts. 

"Ay, sir, that I can. But she's no frigate, sir. Devil knows what sheis. She looks like a big merchantman to me, such as I've seed in theInjy trade, with a high poop in the old style. And her piercin's be notlike a frigate. " He said this with a readiness to startle me, and littleenough superstition I had. A light was on his seared face, and his pipelay neglected on the boards. "Ay, sir, and there be a flag astern of hernever yet seed on earth, nor on the waters under the earth. The tide issettin' in, the tide is settin' in. "

These were words to set me thinking. And many a time they came back tome when the old man was laid away in the spot reserved for those whosailed the seas for Mr. Carvel. 

Every week I drew up a report for my grandfather, and thus I strove byshouldering labour and responsibility to ease my conscience of that loadwhich troubled it. For often, as we walked together through the yellowfields of an evening, it had been on my tongue to confess the lie Mr. Allen had led me into. But the sight of the old man, trembling andtremulous, aged by a single stroke, his childlike trust in my strengthand beliefs, and above all his faith in a political creed which he nighdeemed needful for the soul's salvation, --these things still held meback. Was it worth while now, I asked myself, to disturb the peace ofthat mind?

Thus the summer wore on to early autumn. And one day I was standingbooted and spurred in the stables, Harvey putting the bridle uponFirefly, when my boy Hugo comes running in. 

"Marse Dick!" he cries, "Marse Satan he come in the pinnace, and youngMarse Satan and Missis Satan, and Marse Satan's pastor!"

"What the devil do you mean, Hugo?"

"Young ebony's right, sir, " chuckled Harvey; "'tis the devil and hisfollowing. "

"Do you mean Mr. Grafton, fellow?" I demanded, the unwelcome truth comingover me. 

"That he does, " remarked Harvey, laconically. "You won't be wanting hernow, your honour?"

"Hold my stirrup, " I cried, for the news had put me in anger. "Hold mystirrup, sirrah!"

I believe I took Firefly the best of thirty miles that afternoon andbrought her back in the half-light, my saddle discoloured with her sweat. I clanked into the hall like a captain of horse. The night was sharpwith the first touch of autumn, and a huge backlog lay on the irons. Around it, in a comfortable half-circle sat our guests, Grafton and Mr. Allen and Philip smoking and drinking for a whet against supper, and Mrs. Grafton in my grandfather's chair. There was an easy air of possessionabout the party of them that they had never before assumed, and the sightmade me rattle again, the big door behind me. 

"A surprise for you, my dear nephew, " Grafton said gayly, "I'll, lay apuncheon you did, not, expect us. "

Mr. Carvel woke with a start at the sound of the door and saidquerulously, "Guests, my lord, and I have done my poor best to make themwelcome in your absence. "

The sense of change in him stung me. How different would his tone havebeen a year ago!

He tattooed with his cane, which was the sign he generally made when hewas ready for bed. Toward night his speech would hurt him. I assistedhim up, the stairs, my uncle taking his arm on the other side. Andtogether, with Diomedes help; we undressed him, Grafton talking in lowtomes the while: Since this was, an office I was wont to perform, mytemper was now overwhelming me. But I kept my month closed. At last hehad had the simple meal Dr. Leiden allowed him, his candles were snuffed, and my uncle and I made our way to the hall together: There my aunt andMr. Allen were at picquet. 

"Supper is insupportably late, " says she; with a yawn, and rings thehand-bell. "Scipio, " she cries, "why are we not served?"

I took a stride forward. But my uncle raised a restraining hand. 

"Caroline, remember that this is not our house, " says he, reprovingly. 

There fell a deep silence; the log cracking; and just then the door swungon its hinges, and Mr. Starkie entered with the great bunch of keys inhis hand. 

"The buildings are all secure; Mr. Richard, " he said. 

"Very good, Starkie, " I replied. I turned to Scipio, standing by thelow-boy, his teeth, going like a castanet. 

"You may serve at the usual hour, Scipio, " said I. 

Supper began stiff as a state banquet. My uncle was conciliatory, withthe manners of a Crichton. My aunt, not having come from generations ofsilver and self-control, flatly in a bad humour. Mr. Allen talked fromforce of habit, being used to pay in such kind for his meals. Butpresently the madeira, warmed these two into a better spirit. I feltthat I had victory on my side, and was nothing loth to join them atwhist, Philip and I against the rector and my aunt, and won somethinglike two pounds apiece from them. Grafton made it a rule never to play. 

The next morning, when I returned from my inspection, I found the rectorand Philip had decamped with two of our choice horses, and that my uncleand aunt had commanded the barge, and gone to Mr. Lloyd's. I sent forScipio. 

"Fore de Lawd, Marse Richard, " he wailed, "'twan't Scipio's fault. MarseGrafton is dry fambly!" This was Scipio's strongest argument. "I jes'can't refuse one of de fambly, Marse Dick; and old Marse he say he tooold now for quarrellin'. "

I saw that resistance was useless. There was nothing for it but to bideany time. And I busied myself with bills of cargo until I heard thehorses on the drive. Mr. Allen and Philip came swaggering in, flushedwith the exercise, and calling for punch, and I met them in the hall. 

"A word with you, Mr. Allen!" I called out. 

"A thousand, Mr. Richard, if you like, " he said gayly, "as soon as thisthirst of mine be quenched. "

I waited while he drained two glasses, when he followed me into thelibrary, closing the door behind him. 

"Now, sir, " I began, "though by a chance you are my mental and spiritualadviser, I intend speaking plain. For I know you to be one of thegreatest rogues in the colony. "

I watched him narrowly the while, for I had some notion he might run methrough. But I had misjudged him. 

"Speak plain, by all means, " he replied; "but first let me ask for sometobacco. "

He filled the bowl of his pipe, and sat him down by the window. For themoment I was silent with sheer surprise. 

"You know I can't call you out, " he went on, surrounding himself withclouds of smoke, "a lad of eighteen or so. And even if I could, I doubt whether I should. I like you, Richard, " said he. "You arestraight-spoken and commanding. In brief, sir, you are the kind of lad Ishould have been had not fate pushed me into a corner, and made me squirmfor life's luxuries. I hate squirming as much as another. This is primetobacco, Richard. "

He had come near disarming me; I was on the edge of a dangerousadmiration for this man of the world, and for the life of me, I could nothelp liking him then. He had a fine presence, was undeniably handsome, and his riding clothes were of the latest London cut. 

"Are there not better methods for obtaining what you wish than those youpractise?" I asked curiously. 

"No doubt, " he answered carelessly; "but these are well enough, andshorter. You were about to do me the honour of a communication?"

This brought me to my senses. I had, however, lost much of my heat inthe interval. 

"I should like to know why you lied to Mr. Carvel about my convictions, Mr. Allen, " I said. "I am not of the King's party now, and never shallbe. And you know this better than another. "

"Those are strong words, Richard, my lad, " said he, bringing his eyebrowstogether. 

"They are true words, " I retorted. "Why did you lie, I say?"

He said nothing for a while, but his breath came heavily. 

"I will pass it, I will pass it, " he said at length, "but, by God! it ismore than I have had to swallow in all my life before. Look at yourgrandfather, sir!" he cried; "behold him on the very brink of the grave, and ask me again why I lied to him! His hope of heaven is scarce lesssacred to him than his love of the King, and both are so tightly wrappedabout his heart that this knowledge of you would break it. Yes, breakhis heart, I say" (and he got to his legs), "and you would kill him forthe sake of a boyish fancy!"

I knew he was acting, as well as though he had climbed upon the table andsaid it. And yet he had struck the very note of my own fears, and hitupon the one reason why I had not confessed lung ago. 

"There is more you might have said, Mr. Allen, " I remarked presently;"you have a cause for keeping me under your instruction, and that isbehind all. "

He gave me a strange look. 

"You are too acute by far, " said he; "your imagination runs with you. I have said I like you, and I can teach you classics as well as another. Is it not enough to admit that the money I get for your instruction keepsme in champagne?"

"No, it is not enough, " I said stoutly. 

"Then you must guess again, my lad, " he answered with a laugh, and leftthe room with the easy grace that distinguished him. 

There was armed peace the rest of my uncle's visit. They departed on thethird day. My Aunt Caroline, when she was not at picquet with Mr. Allenor quarrelling with Mrs. Willis or with Grafton himself, yawned withoutcessation. She declared in one of her altercations with her lord andmaster that she would lose her wits were they to remain another day, athreat that did not seem to move Grafton greatly. Philip ever maintainedthe right to pitch it on the side of his own convenience, and he chose inthis instance to come to the rescue of his dear mamma, and turned thescales in her favour. He was pleased to characterize the Hall asinsupportable, and vowed that his clothes would be out of fashionbefore they reached Rousby Hall, their next stopping-place. To do Philipjustice, he was more honest a rascal than his father, though I am of theopinion that he had not the brain for great craft. And he had drawn fromhis mother a love of baubles which kept his mind from scheming. He hadlittle to say to me, and I less to him. 

Grafton, as may be supposed, made me distinct advances before hisdeparture, perceiving the unwisdom of antagonizing me unnecessarily. Hehad the imprudence once to ask of me the facts and figures of the estate;and tho' 'twas skilfully done by contrasting his own crops in Kent, youmay be sure I was on my guard, and that he got nothing. 

I was near forgetting an incident of their visit which I afterwards hadgood cause to remember. The morning of my talk with Mr. Allen I went tothe stables to see how he had used Cynthia, and found old Harvey wipingher down, and rumbling the while like a crater. 

"What think you of the rector as a representative of heaven, Harvey?" Iasked. 

"Him a representative of heaven!" he snorted; "I've heard tell of rottenboroughs, and I'm thinking Mr. Allen will be standing for one. What behim and Mr. Grafton a-doing here, sir, plotting all kinds o' crime whilethe old gentleman's nigh on his back?"

"Plotting?" I said, catching at the word. 

"Ay, plotting, " repeated Harvey, casting his cloth away; "murder and allthe crimes in the calendar, I take it. I hear him and Mr. Grafton amongthe stalls this morning, and when they sees me they look like Knipe, here, caught with a fowl. "

"And what were they saying?" I demanded. 

"Saying! God only knows their wickedness. I got the words 'UpperMarlboro' and 'South River' and 'next voyage, ' and that profligate rectorwanted to know as to how 'Griggs was reliable. '"

I thought no more of it at the time, believing it to be some of the smallrascalities they were forever at. But that name of Griggs (why, thepowers only know) stuck in my mind to turn up again. 

CHAPTER X. 

THE RED IN THE CARVEL BLOOD

After that, when we went back to Annapolis for the winter, there was nolonger any disguise between my tutor and myself. I was not of a mind tofeign a situation that did not exist, nor to permit him to do so. I gavehim to understand that tho' I went to him for instruction, 'twas throughno fault of mine. That I would learn what I pleased and do what pleasedme. And the rector, a curse upon him, seemed well content with that; norcould I come at his devil's reason far wanting me, save for the money, as he had declared. There were days when he and I never touched a hook, both being out of humour for study, when he told me yarns of Frederick ofPrussia and his giant guard, of Florence and of Venice, and of the courtof his Holiness of Rome. For he had drifted about the earth like alog-end in the Atlantic, before his Lordship gave him his present berth. We passed, too, whole mornings at picquet, I learning enough of Horace toquote at the routs we both attended, but a deal more of kings and deuces. And as I may add, that he got no more of my money than did I of his. 

The wonder of it was that we never became friends. He was two men, thisrector of St. Anne's, half of him as lovable as any I ever encountered. But trust him I never would, always meeting him on the middle ground; andthere were times, after his talks with Grafton, when his eyes were like acat's, and I was conscious of a sinister note in his dealing which put meon my guard. 

You will say, my dears, that some change had come over me, that I was nolonger the same lad I have been telling you of. 

Those days were not these, yet I make no show of hiding or of palliation. Was it Dorothy's conduct that drove me? Not wholly. A wild red was everin the Carvel blood, in Captain Jack, in Lionel, in the ancestor of KingCharles's day, who fought and bled and even gambled for his king. And mygrandfather knew this; he warned me, but he paid my debts. And I thankHeaven he felt that my heart was right. 

I was grown now, certainly in stature. And having managed one of thelargest plantations in the province, I felt the man, as lads are wontafter their first responsibilities. I commanded my wine at the CoffeeHouse with the best of the bucks, and was made a member of the SouthRiver and Jockey clubs. I wore the clothes that came out to me fromLondon, and vied in fashion with Dr. Courtenay and other macaronies. And I drove a carriage of mine own, the Carvel arms emblazoned thereon, and Hugo in the family livery. 

After a deal of thought upon the subject, I decided, for a while atleast, to show no political leanings at all. And this was easier ofaccomplishment than you may believe, for at that time in Maryland Toryand Whig were amiable enough, and the young gentlemen of the firstfamilies dressed alike and talked alike at the parties they bothattended. The non-importation association had scarce made itself felt inthe dress of society. Gentlemen of degree discussed differences amicablyover their decanters. And only on such occasions as Mr. Hood's return, and the procession of the Lower House through the streets, and thearrival of the Good Intent, did high words arise among the quality. Andit was because class distinctions were so strongly marked that it took solong to bring loyalists and patriots of high rank to the sword's point. 

I found time to manage such business affairs of Mr. Carvel's as he couldnot attend to himself. Grafton and his family dined in Marlboro' Streettwice in the week; my uncle's conduct toward me was the very soul ofconsideration, and he compelled that likewise from his wife and his son. So circumspect was he that he would have fooled one who knew him a whitless than I. He questioned me closely upon my studies, and in mygrandfather's presence I was forced to answer. And when the rector cameto dine and read to Mr. Carvel, my uncle catechised him so searchingly onmy progress that he was pushed to the last source of his ingenuity forreplies. More than once was I tempted to blurt out the whole wretchedbusiness, for I well understood there was some deep game between him andGrafton. In my uncle's absence, my aunt never lost a chance for anill-natured remark upon Patty, whom she had seen that winter at theassemblies and elsewhere. And she deplored the state our people offashion were coming to, that they allowed young girls without family toattend their balls. 

"But we can expect little else, father, " she would say to Mr. Carvelnodding in his chair, "when some of our best families openly espouse thepernicious doctrines of republicanism. They are gone half mad over thatWilkes who should have been hung before this. Philip, dear, pour thewine for your grandfather. "

Miss Patty had been well received. I took her to her first assembly, where her simple and unassuming ways had made her an instant favourite;and her face, which had the beauty of dignity and repose even so early inlife, gained her ample attention. I think she would have gone but littlehad not her father laughed her out of some of her domesticity. No longerat Sunday night supper in Gloucester Street was the guest seat empty. There was more than one guest seat now, and the honest barrister himselfwas the most pleased at the change. As I took my accustomed place on thesettle cushion, --Patty's first embroidery, --he would cry:

"Heigho, Richard, our little Miss Prim hath become a belle. And I musthave another clerk now to copy out my briefs, and a housekeeper soon, i'faith. "

Patty would never fail to flush up at the words, and run to perch on herfather's knee and put her hand over his mouth. 

"How can you, Mr. Swain?" says she; "how can you, when 'tis you andmother, and Richard here, who make me go into the world? You know Iwould a thousand times rather bake your cakes and clean your silver!But you will not hear of it. "

"Fie!" says the barrister. "Listen to her, Richard! And yet she willfly up the stairs to don a fine gown at the first rap of the knocker. Oh, the wenches, the wenches! Are they not all alike, mother?"

"They have changed none since I was a lass, " replies the quiet invalid, with a smile. "And you should know what I was, Henry. "

"I know!" cries he; "none better. Well I recall the salmon and whiteyour mother gave you before I came to Salem. " He sighed and then laughedat the recollection. "And when this strapping young Singleton comes, Richard, 'twould do you good to be hiding there in that cupboard, --and itwould hold you, --and count the seconds until Miss Prim has her skirt inher hand and her foot on the lower step. And yet how innocent is she nowbefore you and me. "

Here he would invariably be smothered. 

"Percy Singleton!" says Patty, with a fine scorn; "'twill be Mr. Eglinton, the curate, next. "

"This I know, " says her father, slapping me on the shoulder, "this Iknow, that you are content to see Richard without primping. "

"But I have known Richard since I was six, " says she. "Richard is oneof the family. There is no need of disguise from him. "

I thought, ruefully enough, that it seemed my fate to be one of thefamily everywhere I went. 

And just then, as if in judgment, the gate snapped and the knockersounded, and Patty leaped down with a blush. "What said I say?" criesthe barrister. "I have not seen human nature in court for naught. Run, now, " says he, pinching her cheek as she stood hesitating whether to flyor stay; "run and put on the new dress I have bought you. And Richardand I will have a cup of ale in the study. "

The visitor chanced to be Will Fotheringay that time. He was not theonly one worn out with the mad chase in Prince George Street, andpreferred a quiet evening with a quiet beauty to the crowded lists ofMiss Manners. Will declared that the other gallants were fools over therare touch of blue in the black hair: give him Miss Swain's, quoth he, lifting his glass, --hers was; the colour of a new sovereign. Will wasnot, the only one. But I think Percy Singleton was the best of them all, tho' Patty ridiculed him--every chance she got, and even to his face. So will: the best-hearted and soberest of women play the coquette. Singleton was rather a reserved young Englishman of four and twenty, who owned a large estate in Talbot which he was laying out with greatsuccess. Of a Whig family in the old country, he had been drawn to thatparty in the new, and so, had made Mr. Swain's acquaintance. The nextstep in his fortunes was to fall in love with Patty, which was naturalenough. Many a night that winter I walked with him from GloucesterStreet to the Coffee House, to sit an hour over, a battle. And thereMaster Tom and Dr. Hamilton, and other gay macaronies would sometimesjoin us. Singleton had a greater contempt for Tom than I, but bore withhim for his sister's sake. For Tom, in addition to his other follies, was become an open loyalist, and never missed his Majesty's health, though he knew no better than my Hugo the question at issue. 'Twas notzeal for King George, however, that made him drunk at one of theassemblies, and forced his sister to leave in the midst of a dance forvery shame. 

"Oh, Richard, is, there not something you can do?" she cried, when, I hadgot her back in the little parlour in Gloucester Street; "father hasargued and, pleaded and threatened in vain. I thought, --I thoughtperhaps you might help him. "

"I think I am not one to preach, or to boast, " I replied soberly. 

"Yes, " said she, looking grave; "I know you are wilder than you used tobe; that you play more than you ought, and higher than you ought. "

I was silent. 

"And I suspect at whose door it lies, " said she. 

"'Tis in the blood, Patty, " I answered. 

She glanced at me quickly. 

"I know you better than you think, " she said. "But Tom has not yourexcuse. And if he had only your faults I would say nothing. He does notcare for those he should, and he is forever in the green-room of thetheatre. "

I made haste to change the subject, and to give her what comfort I might;for she was sobbing before she finished. And the next day I gave Tom around talking-to for having so little regard for his sister, the hem ofwhose skirt he was not worthy to touch. He took it meekly enough, with abarrel of pat excuses to come after. And he asked me to lend him myphaeton, that he might go a-driving with Miss Crane, of the theatricalcompany, to Round Bay!

Meanwhile I saw Miss Manners more frequently than was good for my peaceof mind, and had my turn as her partner at the balls. But I could notbring myself to take third or fourth rank in the army that attended her. I, who had been her playmate, would not become her courtier. Besides, Ihad not the wit. 

Was it strange that Dr. Courtenay should pride himself upon the discoveryof a new beauty? And in the Coffee House, and in every drawing-room intown, prophesy for her a career of conquest such as few could boast?She was already launched upon that career. And rumour had it that Mr. Marmaduke was even then considering taking her home to London, where thestage was larger and the triumph greater. Was it surprising that theGazette should contain a poem with the doctor's well-known ear-marks uponit? It set the town a-wagging, and left no room for doubt as to who hadinspired it. 

 "Sweet Pandora, tho' formed of Clay, Was fairer than the Light of Day. By Venus learned in Beauty's Arts, And destined thus to conquer Hearts. A Goddess of this Town, I ween, Fair as Pandora, scarce Sixteen, Is destined, e'en by Jove's Command, To conquer all of Maryland. Oh, Bachelors, play have a Care, For She will all your Hearts ensnare. "

So it ran. I think, if dear Mrs. Manners could have had her way, Dollywould have passed that year at a certain young ladies' school in NewYork. But Mr. Marmaduke's pride in his daughter's beauty got the betterof her. The strut in his gait became more marked the day that poemappeared, and he went to the Coffee House both morning and evening, taking snuff to hide his emotions when Miss Manners was spoken of; and hewas perceived by many in Church Street arm in arm with Dr. Courtenayhimself. 

As you may have imagined before now, the doctor's profession was leisure, not medicine. He had known ambition once, it was said, and with reason, for he had studied surgery in Germany for the mere love of the science. After which, making the grand tour in France and Italy, he had taken upthat art of being a gentleman in which men became so proficient inmy young days. He had learned to speak French like a Parisian, hadhobnobbed with wit and wickedness from Versailles to Rome, and then hadcome back to Annapolis to set the fashions and to spend the fortune hisuncle lately had left him. He was our censor of beauty, and passedjudgment upon all young ladies as they stepped into the arena. To benoticed by him meant success; to be honoured in the Gazette was to becrowned at once a reigning belle. The chord of his approval once seta-vibrating, all minor chords sang in harmony. And it was the doctor whoraised the first public toast to Miss Manners. Alas! I might have knownit would be so!

But Miss Dorothy was not of a nature to remain dependent upon a censor'sfavour. The minx deported herself like any London belle of experience, as tho' she had known the world from her cradle. She was not to bedeceived by the face value of the ladies' praises, nor rebuffedunmercifully by my Aunt Caroline, who had held the sceptre in the absenceof a younger aspirant. The first time these ladies clashed, which wasnot long in coming, my aunt met with a wit as sharp again as her own, andnever afterwards essayed an open tilt. The homage of men Dolly took asCaesar received tribute, as a matter of course. The doctor himself rodeto the races beside the Manners coach, leaning gallantly over the door. My lady held court in her father's box, received and dismissed, smiledand frowned, with Courtenay as her master of ceremonies. Mr. Dulany wasone of the presidents of the Jockey Club that year, and his horse winningthe honours he presented her with his colours, scarlet and white, whichshe graciously wore. The doctor swore he would import a horse the nextseason on the chance of the privilege. My aunt was furious. I havenever mentioned her beauty because I never could see it. 'Twas a coarsertype than attracted me. She was then not greatly above six and thirty, appearing young for that age, and she knew the value of lead in judiciousquantity. At that meet gentlemen came to her box only to tally of MissManners, to marvel that one so young could have the 'bel air', to praiseher beauty and addresse, or to remark how well Mr. Durlany's red andwhite became her. With all of which Mrs. Grafton was fain to agree, andmust even excel, until her small stock of patience was exhausted. To addto her chagrin my aunt lost a pretty sum to the rector by Mr. Dulany'shorse. I came upon her after the race trying to coax her head-dress, through her coach door, Mr. Allen having tight hold of her hand thewhile. 

"And so he thinks he has found a divinity, does: he?" I overheard hersaying: "I, for one, am heartily sick of Dr. Courtenay's motions. Werehe, to choose, a wench out of the King's passengers I'd warrant ourmacaronies to compose odes to her eyebrows. " And at that momentperceiving me she added, "Why so disconsolate, my dear nephew? MissDolly is the craze now, and will last about as long as another of thedoctor's whims. And then you shall have her to yourself. "

"A pretty woman is ever the fashion, Aunt Caroline, " I said. 

"Hoity-toity, " returned my aunt, who had by then succeeded in getting herhead-gear safe within; "the fashion, yes until a prettier comes along. "

"There is small danger of that for the present, " I said, smiling: "Surelyyou can find no fault with this choice!"

"Gadzooks! If I were blind, sir, I think I might!" she criedunguardedly. 

"I will not dispute that, Aunt Caroline, " I answered. 

And as I rode off I heard her giving directions in no mild tone to thecoachman through Mr. Allen. 

Perchance you did not know, my dears, that Annapolis had the firsttheatre in all the colonies. And if you care to search through the heapof Maryland Gazettes in the garret, I make no doubt you will come acrossthis announcement for a certain night in the spring of the year 1769:

 By Permission of his Excellency, the Governor, at the New Theatre in Annapolis, by the American Company of Comedians, on Monday next, being the 22nd of this Instant, will be performed

 ROMEO AND JULIET. 

 (Romeo by a young Gentleman for his Diversion. ) Likewise the Farce called

 MISS IN HER TEENS. 

 To begin precisely at Seven of the Clock. Tickets to be had at the Printing Office. Box 10s. Pit 1s 6d. No Person to be admitted behind the Scenes. 

The gentleman to perform Romeo was none other than Dr. Courtenay himself. He had a gentlemanly passion for the stage, as was the fashion in thosedays, and had organized many private theatricals. The town was in aferment over the event, boxes being taken a week ahead. The doctorhimself writ the epilogue, to be recited by the beautiful Mrs. Hallam, who had inspired him the year before to compose that famous poembeginning:

 "Around her see the Graces play, See Venus' Wanton doves, And in her Eye's Pellucid Ray See little Laughing Loves. Ye gods! 'Tis Cytherea's Face. "

You may find that likewise in Mr. Green's newspaper. 

The new theatre was finished in West Street that spring, the old onehaving proven too small for our gay capital. 'Twas then the best in theNew World, the censor having pronounced it far above any provincialplayhouse he had seen abroad. The scenes were very fine, the boxescarved and gilded in excellent good taste, and both pit and gallerycommodious. And we, too, had our "Fops' Alley, " where our macaroniesogled the fair and passed from box to box. 

For that night of nights when the doctor acted I received an invitationfrom Dolly to Mr. Marmaduke's box, and to supper afterward in PrinceGeorge Street. When I arrived, the playhouse was lit with myriadcandles, --to be snuffed save the footlights presently, --and the tierswere all brilliant with the costumes of ladies and gentlemen. MissTayloe and Miss Dulany were of our party, with Fitzhugh and Worthington, and Mr. Manners for propriety. The little fop spent his evening, by theway, in a box opposite, where my Aunt Caroline gabbled to him and Mr. Allen during the whole performance. My lady got more looks than any inthe house. She always drew admiration; indeed, but there had been muchspeculation of late whether she favoured Dr. Courtenay or Fitzhugh, andsome had it that the doctor's acting would decide between the two. 

When Romeo came upon the stage he was received with loud applause. Butmy lady showed no interest, --not she, while the doctor fervently recited, "Out of her favour, where I am in love. " In the first orchard scene, with the boldness of a practised lover, he almost ignored Mrs. Hallamin the balcony. It seemed as though he cast his burning words andlanguishing glances at my lady in the box, whereupon there was a deal ofnudging round about. Miss asked for her smelling salts, and declared theplace was stifling. But I think if the doctor had cherished a hope ofher affections he lost it when he arrived at the lines, "She speaks, yetshe says nothing. " At that unhappy moment Miss Dorothy was deep inconversation with Fitzhugh, the audible titter in the audience arousingher. How she reddened when she perceived the faces turned her way!

"What was it, Betty?" she demanded quickly. 

But Betty was not spiteful, and would not tell. Fitzhugh himselfexplained, and to his sorrow, for during the rest of the evening shewould have nothing to do with him. Presently she turned to me. Glancingupward to where Patty leaned on the rail between Will Fotheringay andSingleton, she whispered:

"I wonder you can sit here so quiet, Richard. You are showing a deal ofself-denial. "

"I am happy enough, " I answered, surprised. 

"I hear you have a rival, " says she. 

"I know I have a dozen, " I answered. 

"I saw Percy Singleton walking with her in Mr. Galloway's fields butyesterday, " said Dolly, "and as they came out upon the road they lookedas guilty as if I had surprised them arm in arm. "

Now that she should think I cared for Patty never entered my head. I wasthrown all in a heap. 

"You need not be so disturbed, " whispers my lady. "Singleton has acrooked mouth, and I credit Patty with ample sense to choose between you. I adore her, Richard. I wish I had her sweet ways. "

"But, " I interrupted, when I was somewhat recovered, "why should youthink me in love with Patty? I have never been accused of that before. "

"Oh, fie! You deny her?" says Dolly. "I did not think that of you, Richard. "

"You should know better, " I replied, with some bitterness. 

We were talking in low tones, Dolly with her head turned from the stage, whence the doctor was flinging his impassioned speeches in vain. Andthough the light fell not upon her face, I seemed to feel her looking methrough and through. 

"You do not care for Patty?" she whispered. And I thought a quiver ofearnestness was in her voice. Her face was so close to mine that herbreath fanned my cheek. 

"No, " I said. "Why do you ask me? Have I ever been one to makepretences?"

She turned away. 

"But you, " I said, bending to her ear, "is it Fitzhugh, Dorothy?"

I heard her laugh softly. 

"No, " said she, "I thought you might divine, sir. "

Was it possible? And yet she had played so much with me that I dared notrisk the fire. She had too many accomplished gallants at her feet tothink of Richard, who had no novelty and no wit. I sat still, barelyconscious of the rising and falling voices beyond the footlights, feelingonly her living presence at my side. She spoke not another word untilthe playhouse servants had relighted the chandeliers, and Dr. Courtenaycame in, flushed with triumph, for his mead of praise. 

"And how went it, Miss Manners?" says he, very confident. 

"Why, you fell over the orchard wall, doctor, " retorts my lady. "La!I believe I could have climbed it better myself. "

And all he got was a hearty laugh for his pains, Mr. Marmaduke joining infrom the back of the box. And the story was at the Coffee House early onthe morrow. 

CHAPTER XI

A FESTIVAL AND A PARTING

My grandfather and I were seated at table together. It was early June, the birds were singing in the garden, and the sweet odours of the flowerswere wafted into the room. 

"Richard, " says he, when Scipio had poured his claret, "my illnesscheated you out of your festival last year. I dare swear you deemyourself too old for birthdays now. "

I laughed. 

"So it is with lads, " said Mr. Carvel; "they will rush into manhood asheedless as you please. Take my counsel, boy, and remain young. Do notcross the bridge before you have to. And I have been thinking that weshall have your fete this year, albeit you are grown, and Miss Dolly isthe belle of the province. 'Tis like sunshine into my old heart to seethe lads and lasses again, and to hear the merry, merry fiddling. I willhave his new Excellency, who seems a good and a kindly man, and Lloyd andTilghman and Dulany and the rest, with their ladies, to sit with me. Andthere will be plenty of punch and syllabub and sangaree, I warrant; andtarts and jellies and custards, too, for the misses. Ring for Mrs. Willis, my son. "

Willis came with her curtsey to the old gentleman, who gave his orderthen and there. He never waited for a fancy of this kind to grow cold. 

"We shall all be children again, on that day, Mrs. Willis, " says he. "And I catch any old people about, they shall be thrust straight in thetown stocks, i' faith. "

Willis made another curtsey. 

"We missed it sorely, last year, please your honour, " says she, anddeparts smiling. 

"And you shall have your Patty Swain, Richard, " Mr. Carvel continued. "Do you mind how you once asked the favour of inviting her in the placeof a present? Oons! I loved you for that, boy. 'Twas like a Carvel. And I love that lass, Whig or no Whig. 'Pon my soul, I do. She hathdemureness and dignity, and suits me better than yon whimsical baggageyou are all mad over. I'll have Mr. Swain beside me, too. I'll warrantI'd teach his daughter loyalty in a day, and I had again your years andyour spirit!"

I have but to close my eyes, and my fancy takes me back to that birthdayfestival. Think of it, my dears! Near threescore years are gone sincethen, when this old man you call grandfather, and some--blessme!--great-grandfather, was a lusty lad like Comyn here. But his hand issteady as he writes these words and his head clear, because he hath notgreatly disabused that life which God has given him. 

How can I, tho' her face and form are painted on my memory, tell you whatfair, pert Miss Dorothy was at that time'! Ay, I know what you wouldsay: that Sir Joshua's portrait hangs above, executed but the year after, and hung at the second exhibition of the Royal Academy. As I look uponit now, I say that no whit of its colour is overcharged. And there islikewise Mr. Peale's portrait, done much later. I answer that thesegreat masters have accomplished what poor, human art can do. But Naturehath given us a better picture. "Come hither, Bess! Yes, truly, youhave Dolly's hair, with the very gloss upon it. But fashions havechanged, my child, and that is not as Dolly wore it. " Whereupon Bessgoes to the portrait, and presently comes back to give me a start. And then we go hand in hand up the stairs of Calvert House even to thegarret, where an old cedar chest is laid away under the eaves. Bess, the minx, well knows it, and takes out a prim little gown with the whitefading yellow, and white silk mits without fingers, and white stockingswith clocks, and a gauze cap, with wings and streamers, that sits saucilyon the black locks; and the lawn-embroidered apron; and such dainty, high-heeled slippers with the pearls still a-glisten upon the buckles. Away she flies to put them on. And then my heart gives a leap to see myDorothy back again, --back again as she was that June afternoon we wenttogether to my last birthday party, her girlish arms bare to the elbow, and the lace about her slender throat. Yes, Bess hath the very tilt ofher chin, the regal grace of that slim figure, and the deep blue eyes. 

"Grandfather, dear, you are crushing the gown!"

And so the fire is not yet gone out of this old frame. 

Ah, yes, there they are again, those unpaved streets of old Annapolisarched with great trees on either side. And here is Dolly, holding herskirt in one hand and her fan in the other, and I in a brave blue coat, and pumps with gold buttons, and a cocked hat of the newest fashion. I had met her leaning over the gate in Prince George Street. And, whatwas strange for her, so deep in thought that she jumped when I spoke hername. 

"Dorothy, I have come for you to walk to the party, as we used when wewere children. "

"As we used when we were children!" cried she. And flinging wide thegate, stretched out her hand for me to take. "And you are eighteen yearsto-day! It seems but last year when we skipped hand in hand to Marlboro'Street with Mammy Lucy behind us. Are you coming, mammy?" she called. 

"Yes, mistis, I'se comin', " said a voice from behind the golden-rosebushes, and out stepped Aunt Lucy in a new turban, making a curtsey tome. "La, Marse Richard!" said she, "to think you'se growed to be afine gemman! 'Taint but t'other day you was kissin' Miss Dolly on deplantation. "

"It seems longer than that to me, Aunt Lucy, " I answered, laughing atDolly's blushes. 

"You have too good a memory, mammy, " said my lady, withdrawing herfingers from mine. 

"Bress you, honey! De ole woman doan't forgit some things. "

And she fell back to a respectful six paces. 

"Those were happy times, " said Dorothy. Then the little sigh became alaugh. "I mean to enjoy myself to-day, Richard. But I fear I shall notsee as much of you as I used. You are old enough to play the host, now. "

"You shall see as much as you will. "

"Where have you been of late, sir? In Gloucester Street?"

"'Tis your own fault, Dolly. You are changeable as the sky, --to-daysunny, and to-morrow cold. I am sure of my welcome in GloucesterStreet. "

She tripped a step as we turned the corner, and came closer to my side. 

"You must learn to take me as you find me, dear Richard. To-day I am ina holiday humour. "

Some odd note in her tone troubled me, and I glanced at her quickly. Shewas a constant wonder and puzzle to me. After that night at the theatremy hopes had risen for the hundredth time, but I had gone to PrinceGeorge Street on the morrow to meet another rebuff--and Fitzhugh. So Ihad learned to interpret her by other means than words, and now her moodseemed reckless rather than merry. 

"Are you not happy, Dolly?" I asked abruptly. 

She laughed. "What a silly question!" she said. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I believe you are not. "

In surprise she looked up at me, and then down at the pearls upon hersatin slippers. 

"I am going with you to your birthday festival, Richard. Could we wishfor more? I am as happy as you. "

"That may well be, for I might be happier. "

Again her eyes met mine, and she hummed an air. So we came to the gate, beside which stood Diomedes and Hugo in the family claret-red. A coachwas drawn up, and another behind it, and we went down the leafy walk inthe midst of a bevy of guests. 

We have no such places nowadays, my dears, as was my grandfather's. Theground between the street and the brick wall in the rear was a greatstretch, as ample in acreage as many a small country-place we have inthese times. The house was on the high land in front, hedged in by oldtrees, and thence you descended by stately tiers until you came to thelevel which held the dancers. Beyond that, and lower still, a liliedpond widened out of the sluggish brook with a cool and rusticspring-house at one end. The spring-house was thatched, with windowslooking out upon the water. Long after, when I went to France, I wasreminded of the shy beauty of this part of my old home by the secludedpond of the Little Trianon. So was it that King Louis's Versailles hadspread its influence a thousand leagues to our youthful continent. 

My grandfather sat in his great chair on the sward beside the fiddlers, his old friends gathering around him, as in former years. 

"And this is the miss that hath already broken half the bachelor heartsin town!" said he, gayly. "What was my prediction, Miss Dolly, when youstepped your first dance at Carvel Hall?"

"Indeed, you do me wrong, Mr. Carvel!"

"And I were a buck, you would not break mine, I warrant, unless it weretit for tat, " said my grandfather; thereby putting me to more confusionthan Dolly, who laughed with the rest. 

"'Tis well to boast, Mr. Carvel, when we are out of the battle, " criedMr. Lloyd. 

Dolly was carried off immediately, as I expected. The doctor andWorthington and Fitzhugh were already there, and waiting. I stood by Mr. Carvel's chair, receiving the guests, and presently came Mr. Swain andPatty. 

"Heigho!" called Mr. Carvel, when he saw her; "here is the young ladythat hath my old affections. You are right welcome, Mr. Swain. Scipio, another chair! 'Tis not over the wall any more, Miss Patty, with ourflowered India silk. But I vow I love you best with your etui. "

Patty, too, was carried off, for you may be sure that Will Fotheringayand Singleton were standing on one foot and then the other, waiting forMr. Carvel to have done. Next arrived my aunt, in a wide calash and awider hoop, her stays laced so that she limped, and her hair wonderfullyand fearfully arranged by her Frenchman. Neither she nor Grafton wasslow to shower congratulations upon my grandfather and myself. Mr. Marmaduke went through the ceremony after them. Dorothy's mother drew measide. As long as I could remember her face had been one that revealed alife's disappointment. But to-day I thought it bore a trace of a deeperanxiety. 

"How well I recall this day, eighteen years ago, Richard, " she said. "And how proud your dear mother was that she had given a son to CaptainJack. She had prayed for a son. I hope you will always do your parentscredit, my dear boy. They were both dear, dear friends of mine. "

My Aunt Caroline's harsher voice interrupted her. 

"Gadzooks, ma'am!" she cried, as she approached us, "I have never in mylife laid eyes upon such beauty as your daughter's. You will have totake her home, Mrs. Manners, to do her justice. You owe it her, ma'am. Come, nephew, off with you, and head the minuet with Miss Dolly!"

My grandfather was giving the word to the fiddlers. But whether a desireto cross my aunt held me back, or a sense of duty to greet the guests notalready come, or a vague intuition of some impending news drawn from Mrs. Manners and Dorothy, I know not. Mr. Fitzhugh was easily persuaded totake my place, and presently I slipped unnoticed into a shaded seat onthe side of the upper terrace, whence I could see the changing figures onthe green. And I thought of the birthday festivals Dolly and I had spenthere, almost since we were of an age to walk. Wet June days, when thebroad wings of the house rang with the sound of silver laughter andpattering feet, and echoed with music from the hall; and merry June days, when the laughter rippled among the lilacs, and pansies and poppies andsweet peas were outshone by bright gowns and brighter faces. And then, as if to complete the picture of the past, my eye fell upon our mammiesmodestly seated behind the group of older people, Aunt Hester and AuntLucy, their honest, black faces aglow with such unselfish enjoyment asthey alone could feel. 

How easily I marked Dorothy among the throng!

Other girls found it hard to compress the spirits of youth within thedignity of a minuet, and thought of the childish romp of former years. Not so my lady. Long afterwards I saw her lead a ball with the firstsoldier and gentleman of the land, but on that Tuesday she carriedherself full as well, so well that his Excellency and the gentlemen abouthim applauded heartily. As the strains died away and the couples movedoff among the privet-lined paths, I went slowly down the terrace. Dorothy had come up to speak to her mother, Dr. Courtenay lingeringimpatient at her side. And though her colour glowed deeper, and the windhad loosed a wisp of her hair, she took his Excellency's complimentsundisturbed. Colonel Sharpe, our former governor, who now made his homein the province, sat beside him. 

"Now where a-deuce were you, Richard?" said he. "You have missed aspleasing a sight as comes to a man in a lifetime. Why were you not hereto see Miss Manners tread a minuet? My word! Terpsichore herself couldscarce have made it go better. "

"I saw the dance, sir, from a safe distance, " I replied. 

"I'll warrant!" said he, laughing, while Dolly shot me a wayward glancefrom under her long lashes. "I'll warrant your eyes were fast on herfrom beginning to end. Come, sir, confess!"

His big frame shook with the fun of it, for none in the colony could bejollier than he on holiday occasions: and the group of ladies andgentlemen beside him caught the infection, so that I was sore put to it. 

"Will your Excellency confess likewise?" I demanded. 

"So I will, Richard, and make patent to all the world that she hath theremains of that shuttlecock, my heart. "

Up gets his Excellency (for so we still called him) and makes Dolly a lowreverence, kissing the tips of her white fingers. My lady drops a mockcurtsey in return. 

"Your Excellency can do no less than sue for a dance, " drawled Dr. Courtenay. 

"And no more, I fear, sir, not being so nimble as I once was. I resignin your favour, doctor, " said Colonel Sharpe. 

Dr. Courtenay made his bow, his hat tucked under his arm. But he hadmuch to learn of Miss Manners if he thought that even one who had beengovernor of the province could command her. The music was just begunagain, and I making off in the direction of Patty Swain, when I wasbrought up as suddenly as by a rope. A curl was upon Dorothy's lips. 

"The dance belongs to Richard, doctor, " she said. 

"Egad, Courtenay, there you have a buffer!" cried Colonel Sharpe, as themuch-discomfited doctor bowed with a very ill grace; while I, in no smallbewilderment, walked off with Dorothy. And a parting shot of thedelighted colonel brought the crimson to my face. Like the wind or Aprilweather was my lady, and her ways far beyond such a great simpleton as I. 

"So I am ever forced to ask you to dance!" said Dolly. 

"What were you about, moping off alone, with a party in yourhonour, sir?"

"I was watching you, as I told his Excellency. "

"Oh, fie!" she cried. "Why don't you assert yourself, Richard? Therewas a time when you gave me no peace. "

"And then you rebuked me for dangling, " I retorted. 

Up started the music, the fiddlers bending over their bows with flushedfaces, having dipped into the cool punch in the interval. Away flung mylady to meet Singleton, while I swung Patty, who squeezed my hand inreturn. And soon we were in the heat of it, --sober minuet no longer, butromp and riot, the screams of the lasses a-mingle with our own laughter, as we spun them until they were dizzy. My brain was a-whirl as well, andpresently I awoke to find Dolly pinching my arm. 

"Have you forgotten me, Richard?" she whispered. "My other hand, sir. It is I down the middle. "

Down we flew between the laughing lines, Dolly tripping with her headhigh, and then back under the clasped hands in the midst of a fire ofraillery. Then the music stopped. Some strange exhilaration was inDorothy. 

"Do you remember the place where I used to play fairy godmother, and windthe flowers into my hair?" said she. 

What need to ask?

"Come!" she commanded decisively. 

"With all my heart!" I exclaimed, wondering at this new caprice. 

"If we can but slip away unnoticed, they will never find us there, " shesaid. And led the way herself, silent. At length we came to the dampshade where the brook dived under the corner of the wall. I stooped togather the lilies of the valley, and she wove them into her hair as ofold. Suddenly she stopped, the bunch poised in her hand. 

"Would you miss me if I went away, Richard?" she asked, in a low voice. 

"What do you mean, Dolly?" I cried, my voice failing. "Just that, " saidshe. 

"I would miss you, and sorely, tho' you give me trouble enough. "

"Soon I shall not be here to trouble you, Richard. Papa has decided thatwe sail next week, on the Annapolis, for home. "

"Home!" I gasped. "England?"

"I am going to make my bow to royalty, " replied she, dropping a deepcurtsey. "Your Majesty, this is Miss Manners, of the province ofMaryland!"

"But next week!" I repeated, with a blank face. "Surely you cannot beready for the Annapolis!"

"McAndrews has instructions to send our things after, " said she. "There!You are the first person I have told. You should feel honoured, sir. "

I sat down upon the grass by the brook, and for the moment the sap oflife seemed to have left me. Dolly continued to twine the flowers. Through the trees sifted the voices and the music, sounds of happinessfar away. When I looked up again, she was gazing into the water. 

"Are you glad to go?" I asked. 

"Of course, " answered the minx, readily. "I shall see the world, andmeet people of consequence. "

"So you are going to England to meet people of consequence!" I criedbitterly. 

"How provincial you are, Richard! What people of consequence have wehere? The Governor and the honourable members of his Council, forsooth!There is not a title save his Excellency's in our whole colony, andVirginia is scarce better provided. "

"In spite of my feeling I was fain to laugh at this, knowing well thatshe had culled it all from little Mr. Marmaduke himself. 

"All in good time, " said I. "We shall have no lack of noted menpresently. "

"Mere two-penny heroes, " she retorted. "I know your great men, such asMr. Henry and Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams. "

I began pulling up the grass savagely by the roots. 

"I'll lay a hundred guineas you have no regrets at leaving any of us, myfine miss!" I cried, getting to my feet. "You would rather be a lady offashion than have the love of an honest man, --you who have the hearts oftoo many as it is. "

Her eyes lighted, but with mirth. Laughing, she chose a little bunch ofthe lilies and worked them into my coat. 

"Richard, you silly goose!" she said; "I dote upon seeing you in atemper. "

I stood between anger and God knows what other feelings, now startingaway, now coming back to her. But I always came back. 

"You have ever said you would marry an earl, Dolly, " I said sadly. "I believe you do not care for any of us one little bit. "

She turned away, so that for the moment I could not see her face, thenlooked at me with exquisite archness over her shoulder. The low tones ofher voice were of a richness indescribable. 'Twas seldom she made use ofthem. 

"You will be coming to Oxford, Richard. "

"I fear not, Dolly, " I replied soberly. "I fear not, now. Mr. Carvel istoo feeble for me to leave him. "

At that she turned to me, another mood coming like a gust of wind on theChesapeake. 

"Oh, how I wish they were all like you!" she cried, with a stamp of herfoot. "Sometimes I despise gallantry. I hate the smooth compliments ofyour macaronies. I thank Heaven you are big and honest and clumsy and--"

"And what, Dorothy?" I asked, bewildered. 

"And stupid, " said she. "Now take me back, sir. "

We had not gone thirty paces before we heard a hearty bass voice singing:

 "'It was a lover and his lass, With a hey, with a ho, with a hey nonino. '"

And there was Colonel Sharpe, straying along among the privet hedges. 

And so the morning of her sailing came, so full of sadness for me. Whynot confess, after nigh threescore years, that break of day found mepacing the deserted dock. At my back, across the open space, was theirregular line of quaint, top-heavy shops since passed away, theirsightless windows barred by solid shutters of oak. The good shipAnnapolis, which was to carry my playmate to broader scenes, lay amongthe shipping, in the gray roads just quickening with returning light. How my heart ached that morning none shall ever know. But, as the sunshot a burning line across the water, a new salt breeze sprang up andfanned a hope into flame. 'Twas the very breeze that was to blow Dorothydown the bay. Sleepy apprentices took down the shutters, and polishedthe windows until they shone again; and chipper Mr. Denton Jacques, whodid such a thriving business opposite, presently appeared to wish me abright good morning. 

I knew that Captain Waring proposed to sail at ten of the clock; butafter breakfasting, I was of two minds whether to see the last of MissDorothy, foreseeing a levee in her honour upon the ship. And so itproved. I had scarce set out in a pungy from the dock, when I perceiveda dozen boats about the packet; and when I thrust my shoulders throughthe gangway, there was the company gathered at the mainmast. They made agay bit of colour, --Dr. Courtenay in a green coat laced with fineMechlin, Fitzhugh in claret and silk stockings of a Quaker gray, and theother gentlemen as smartly drest. The Dulany girls and the Fotheringaygirls, and I know not how many others, were there to see their friend offfor home. 

In the midst of them was Dorothy, in a crimson silk capuchin, for we hadhad one of our changes of weather. It was she who spied me as I wasdrawing down the ladder again. 

"It is Richard!" I heard her cry. "He has come at last. "

I gripped the rope tightly, sprang to the deck, and faced her as she cameout of the group, her lips parted, and the red of her cheeks vying withthe hood she wore. I took her hand silently. 

"I had given you over, Richard, " she said, her eyes looking reproachfullyinto mine. "Another ten minutes, and I should not have seen you. "

Indeed, the topsails were already off the caps, the captain on deck, andthe men gathered at the capstan. 

"Have you not enough to wish you good-by, Dolly?" I asked. 

"There must be a score of them, " said my lady, making a face. "But Iwish to talk to you. "

Mr. Marmaduke, however, had no notion of allowing a gathering in hisdaughter's honour to be broken up. It had been wickedly said of him, when the news of his coming departure got around, that he feared Dorothywould fall in love with some provincial beau before he could get herwithin reach of a title. When he observed me talking to her, he hurriedaway from the friends come to see his wife (he had none himself), andseizing me by the arm implored me to take good care of my deargrandfather, and to write them occasionally of the state of his health, and likewise how I fared. 

"I think Dorothy will miss you more than any of them, Richard, " said he. "Will you not, my dear?"

But she was gone. I, too, left him without ceremony, to speak to Mrs. Manners, who was standing apart, looking shoreward. She started when Ispoke, and I saw that tears were in her eyes. 

"Are you coming back soon, Mrs. Manners?" I asked. 

"Oh, Richard! I don't know, " she answered, with a little choke in hervoice. "I hope it will be no longer than a year, for we are leaving allwe hold dear for a very doubtful pleasure. "

She bade me write to them, as Mr. Marmaduke had, only she was sincere. Then the mate came, with his hand to his cap, respectfully to informvisitors that the anchor was up and down. Albeit my spirits were low, 'twas no small entertainment to watch the doctor and his rivals at theiradieus. Courtenay had at his command an hundred subterfuges to outwithis fellows, and so manoeuvred that he was the last of them over theside. As for me, luckily, I was not worth a thought. But as the doctorleaned over her hand, I vowed in my heart that if Dorothy was to begained only in such a way I would not stoop to it. And in my heart Idoubted it. I heard Dr. Courtenay hint, looking meaningly at her cloak, that some of his flowers would not have appeared amiss there. 

"Why, doctor, " says my lady aloud, with a side glance at me, "the wisdomof Solomon might not choose out of twenty baskets. "

And this was all the thanks he got for near a boat-load of roses! Whenat length the impatient mate had hurried him off, Dolly turned to me. Itwas not in me to say more than:

"Good-by, Dorothy. And do not forget your old playmate. He will neverforget you. "

We stood within the gangway. With a quick movement she threw open hercloak, and pinned to her gown I saw a faded bunch of lilies of thevalley. 

I had but the time to press her hand. The boatswain's pipe whistled, andthe big ship was already sliding in the water as I leaped into my pungy, which Hugo was holding to the ladder. We pulled off to where the otherswaited. 

But the Annapolis sailed away down the bay, and never another glimpse wecaught of my lady. 

CHAPTER XII

NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY

If perchance, my dears, there creeps into this chronicle too much of anold man's heart, I know he will be forgiven. What life ever worth livinghas been without its tender attachment? Because, forsooth, my hair iswhite now, does Bess flatter herself I do not know her secret? Or doesComyn believe that these old eyes can see no farther than the spectaclesbefore them? Were it not for the lovers, my son, satins and broadclothshad never been invented. And were it not for the lovers, what joys andsorrows would we lack in our lives!

That was a long summer indeed. And tho' Wilmot House was closed, I oftenrode over of a morning when the dew was on the grass. It cheered me tosmoke a pipe with old McAndrews, Mr. Manners's factor, who loved to talkof Miss Dorothy near as much as I. He had served her grandfather, andpeople said that had it not been for McAndrews, the Manners fortune hadlong since been scattered, since Mr. Marmaduke knew nothing of anythingthat he should. I could not hear from my lady until near the first ofOctober, and so I was fain to be content with memories--memories and hardwork. For I had complete charge of the plantation now. 

My Uncle Grafton came twice or thrice, but without his family, AuntCaroline and Philip having declared their independence. My uncle'smanner to me was now of studied kindness, and he was at greater painsthan before to give me no excuse for offence. I had little to say tohim. He spent his visits reading to Mr. Carvel, who sat in his chair allthe day long. Mr. Allen came likewise, to perform the same office. 

My contempt for the rector was grown more than ever. On my grandfather'saccount, however, I refrained from quarrelling with him. And, when wewere alone, my plain speaking did not seem to anger him, or affect him inany way. Others came, too. Such was the affection Mr. Carvel's friendsbore him that they did not desert him when he was no longer the companionhe had been in former years. We had more company than the summer before. 

In the autumn a strange thing happened. When we had taken my grandfatherto the Hall in June, his dotage seemed to settle upon him. He became atrembling old man, at times so peevish that we were obliged to summonwith an effort what he had been. He was suspicious and fault-findingwith Scipio and the other servants, though they were never so busy forhis wants. Mrs. Willis's dainties were often untouched, and he wouldfrequently sit for hours between slumber and waking, or mumble to himselfas I read the prints. But about the time of the equinoctial a great galecame out of the south so strongly that the water rose in the river overthe boat landing; and the roof was torn from one of the curing-sheds. The next morning dawned clear, and brittle, and blue. To my greatsurprise, Mr. Carvel sent for me to walk with him about the place, thathe might see the damage with his own eyes. A huge walnut had fallenacross the drive, and when he came upon it he stopped abruptly. 

"Old friend!" he cried, "have you succumbed? After all these years haveyou dropped from the weight of a blow?" He passed his hand caressinglyalong the trunk, and scarce ever had I seen him so affected. In truth, for the instant I thought him deranged. He raised his cane above hisshoulder and struck the bark so heavily that the silver head sunk deepinto the wood. "Look you, Richard, " he said, the water coming into hiseyes, "look you, the heart of it is gone, lad; and when the heart isrotten 'tis time for us to go. That walnut was a life friend, my son. We have grown together, " he continued, turning from me to the giant andbrushing his cheeks, "but by God's good will we shall not die so, for myheart is still as young as the days when you were sprouting. "

And he walked back to the house more briskly than he had come, refusing, for the first time, my arm. And from that day, I say, he began to mend. The lacing of red came again to his cheeks, and before we went back totown he had walked with me to Master Dingley's tavern on the highroad, and back. 

We moved into Marlboro' Street the first part of November. I had seen mylady off for England, wearing my faded flowers, the panniers of the finegentleman in a neglected pile at her cabin door. But not once had shedeigned to write me. It was McAndrews who told me of her safe arrival. In Annapolis rumours were a-flying of conquests she had already made. Ifound Betty Tayloe had had a letter, filled with the fashion in caps andgowns, and the mention of more than one noble name. All of this being, for unknown reasons, sacred, I was read only part of the postscript, inwhich I figured: "The London Season was done almost before we arrived, "so it ran. "We had but the Opportunity to pay our Humble Respects totheir Majesties; and appear at a few Drum-Majors and Garden Fetes. Nowwe are off to Brighthelmstone, and thence, so Papa says, to Spa and theContinent until the end of January. I am pining for news of Maryland, dearest Betty. Address me in care of Mr. Ripley, Barrister, of Lincoln'sInn, and bid Richard Carvel write me. "

"Which does not look as if she were coming back within the year, " saidBetty, as she poured me a dish of tea. 

Alas, no! But I did not write. I tried and failed. And then I tried toforget. I was constant at all the gayeties, gave every miss in town ashare of my attention, rode to hounds once a week at Whitehall or theSouth River Club with a dozen young beauties. But cantering through thewinter mists 'twas Dolly, in her red riding-cloak and white beaver, I sawbeside me. None of them had her seat in the saddle, and none of them herlight hand on the reins. And tho' they lacked not fire and skill, theyhad not my lady's dash and daring to follow over field and fallow, streamand searing, and be in at the death with heightened colour, but never alook away. 

Then came the first assembly of the year. I got back from Bentley Manor, where I had been a-visiting the Fotheringays, just in time to call forPatty in Gloucester Street. 

"Have you heard the news from abroad, Richard?" she asked, as I handedher into my chariot. 

"Never a line, " I replied. 

"Pho!" exclaimed Patty; "you tell me that! Where have you been hiding?Then you shall not have it from me. "

I had little trouble, however, in persuading her. For news was a rareluxury in those days, and Patty was plainly uncomfortable until sheshould have it out. 

"I would not give you the vapours to-night for all the world, Richard, "she exclaimed. "But if you must, --Dr. Courtenay has had a letter fromMr. Manners, who says that Dolly is to marry his Grace of Chartersea. There now!"

"And I am not greatly disturbed, " I answered, with a fine, careless air. 

The lanthorn on the chariot was burning bright. And I saw Patty look atme, and laugh. 

"Indeed!" says she; "what a sex is that to which you belong. How readyare men to deny us at the first whisper! And I thought you the mostconstant of all. For my part, I credit not a word of it. 'Tis one ofMr. Marmaduke's lies and vanities. "

"And for my part, I think it true as gospel, " I cried. "Dolly alwaysheld a coronet above her colony, and all her life has dreamed of a duke. "

"Nay, " answered Patty, more soberly; "nay, you do her wrong. You willdiscover one day that she is loyal to the core, tho' she has a fop of afather who would serve his Grace's chocolate. We are all apt to talk, my dear, and to say what we do not mean, as you are doing. "

"Were I to die to-morrow, I would repeat it, " I exclaimed. But I likedPatty the better for what she had said. 

"And there is more news, of less import, " she continued, as I was silent. "The Thunderer dropped anchor in the roads to-day, and her officers willbe at the assembly. And Betty tells me there is a young lord amongthem, --la! I have clean forgot the string of adjectives she used, --butshe would have had me know he was as handsome as Apollo, and so dashingand diverting as to put Courtenay and all our wits to shame. She dinedwith him at the Governor's. "

I barely heard her, tho' I had seen the man-o'-war in the harbour as Isailed in that afternoon. 

The assembly hall was filled when we arrived, aglow with candles anda-tremble with music, the powder already flying, and the tables in therecesses at either end surrounded by those at the cards. A lively scene, those dances at the old Stadt House, but one I love best to recall with apresence that endeared it to me. The ladies in flowered aprons and capsand brocades and trains, and the gentlemen in brilliant coats, trimmedwith lace and stiffened with buckram. That night, as Patty hadpredicted, there was a smart sprinkling of uniforms from the Thunderer. One of those officers held my eye. He was as well-formed a lad, or man(for he was both), as it had ever been my lot to see. He was neithertall nor short, but of a good breadth. His fair skin was tanned by theweather, and he wore his own wavy hair powdered, as was just become thefashion, and tied with a ribbon behind. 

"Mercy, Richard, that must be his Lordship. Why, his good looks are allBetty claimed for them!" exclaimed Patty. Mr. Lloyd, who was standingby, overheard her, and was vastly amused at her downright way. 

"I will fetch him directly, Miss Swain, " said he, "as I have done for adozen ladies before you. " And fetch him he did. 

"Miss Swain, this is my Lord Comyn, " said he. "Your Lordship, one of theboasts of our province. "

Patty grew red as the scarlet with which his Lordship's coat was lined. She curtseyed, while he made a profound bow. 

"What! Another boast, Mr. Lloyd!" he cried. "Miss Swain is the tenthI have met. But I vow they excel as they proceed. "

"Then you must meet no more, my Lord, " said Patty, laughing at Mr. Lloyd's predicament. 

"Egad, then, I will not, " declared Comyn. "I protest I am satisfied. "

Then I was presented. He had won me on the instant with his open smileand frank, boyish manner. 

"And this is young Mr. Carvel, whom I hear wins every hunt in thecolony?" said he. 

"I fear you have been misinformed, my Lord, " I replied, flashing withpleasure nevertheless. 

"Nay, my Lord, " Mr. Lloyd struck in; "Richard could ride down the devilhimself, and he were a fox. You will see for yourself to-morrow. "

"I pray we may not start the devil, " said his Lordship; "or I shall becontent to let Mr. Carvel run him down. "

This Comyn was a man after my own fancy, as, indeed, he took the fancyof every one at the ball. Though a viscount in his own right, he gavehimself not half the airs over us provincials as did many of hismessmates. Even Mr. Jacques, who was sour as last year's cider over thedoings of Parliament, lost his heart, and asked why we were not favouredin America with more of his sort. 

By a great mischance Lord Comyn had fallen into the tender clutches of myAunt Caroline. It seemed she had known his uncle, the Honourable ArthurComyn, in New York; and now she undertook to be responsible for hisLordship's pleasure at Annapolis, that he might meet only those of thefirst fashion. Seeing him talking to Patty, my aunt rose abruptly fromher loo and made toward us, all paint and powder and patches, her chin inthe air, which barely enabled her to look over Miss Swain's head. 

"My Lord, " she cries, "I will show you our colonial reel, which is aboutto begin, and I warrant you is gayer than any dance you have at home. "

"Your very devoted, Mrs. Carvel, " says his Lordship, with a bow, "butMiss Swain has done me the honour. "

"O Lud!" cries my aunt, sweeping the room, "I vow I cannot keep pace withthe misses nowadays. Is she here?"

"She was but a moment since, ma'am, " replied Comyn, instantly, with amischievous look at me, while poor Patty stood blushing not a yarddistant. 

There were many who overheard, and who used their fans and their napkinsto hide their laughter at the very just snub Mrs. Grafton had received. And I wondered at the readiness with which he had read her character, liking him all the better. But my aunt was not to be disabled by this, --not she. After the dance she got hold of him, keeping him until certaindesigning ladies with daughters took him away; their names charityforbids me to mention. But in spite of them all he contrived to getPatty for supper, when I took Betty Tayloe, and we were very merry attable together. His Lordship proved more than able to take care ofhimself, and contrived to send Philip about his business when he pulledup a chair beside us. He drank a health to Miss Swain, and another toMiss Tayloe, and was on the point of filling a third glass to the ladiesof Maryland, when he caught himself and brought his hand down on thetable. 

"Gad's life!" cried he, "but I think she's from Maryland, too!"

"Who?" demanded the young ladies, in a breath. 

But I knew. 

"Who!" exclaimed Comyn. "Who but Miss Dorothy Manners! Isn't she fromMaryland?" And marking our astonished nods, he continued: "Why, shedescended upon Mayfair when they were so weary for something to worship, and they went mad over her in a s'ennight. I give you Miss Manners!"

"And you know her!" exclaimed Patty, her voice quivering with excitement. 

"Faith!" said his Lordship, laughing. "For a whole month I was her mostdevoted, as were we all at Almack's. I stayed until the last minute fora word with her, --which I never got, by the way, --and paid near a guineaa mile for a chaise to Portsmouth as a consequence. Already she has hadher choice from a thousand a year up, and I tell you our English ladiesare green with envy. "

I was stunned, you may be sure. And yet, I might have expected it. 

"If your Lordship has left your heart in England, " said Betty, with asmile, "I give you warning you must not tell our ladies here of it. "

"I care not who knows it, Miss Tayloe, " he cried. That fustian, insincerity, was certainly not one of his faults. "I care not who knowsit. To pass her chariot is to have your heart stolen, and you must needsrun after and beg mercy. But, ladies, " he added, his eye twinkling;"having seen the women of your colony, I marvel no longer at MissManners's beauty. "

He set us all a-laughing. 

"I fear you were not born a diplomat, sir, " says Patty. "You agree thatwe are beautiful, yet to hear that one of us is more so is smallconsolation. "

"We men turn as naturally to Miss Manners as plants to the sun, ma'am, "he replied impulsively. "Yet none of us dare hope for alliance with sobrilliant and distant an object. I make small doubt those are Mr. Carvel's sentiments, and still he seems popular enough with the ladies. How now, sir? How now, Mr. Carvel? You have yet to speak on so tendera subject. "

My eyes met Patty's. 

"I will be no more politic than you, my Lord, " I said boldly, "nor willI make a secret of it that I adore Miss Manners full as much. "

"Bravo, Richard!" cries Patty; and "Good!" cries his Lordship, whileBetty claps her hands. And then Comyn swung suddenly round in his chair. 

"Richard Carvel!" says he. "By the seven chimes I have heard her mentionyour name. The devil fetch my memory!"

"My name!" I exclaimed, in surprise, and prodigiously upset. 

"Yes, " he answered, with his hand to his head; "some such thought was inmy mind this afternoon when I heard of your riding. Stay! I have it! Iwas at Ampthill, Ossory's place, just before I left. Some insupportablecoxcomb was boasting a marvellous run with the hounds nigh acrossHertfordshire, and Miss Manners brought him up with a round turn and ahalf hitch by relating one of your exploits, Richard Carvel. And take myword on't she got no small applause. She told how you had followed afox over one of your rough provincial counties, which means three ofHertfordshire, with your arm broken, by Heaven! and how they lifted youoff at the death. And, Mr. Carvel, " said my Lord, generously, looking atmy flushed face, "you must give me your hand for that. "

So Dorothy in England had thought of me at least. But what booted it ifshe were to marry a duke! My thoughts began to whirl over all Comyn hadsaid of her so that I scarce heard a question Miss Tayloe had put. 

"Marry Chartersea! That profligate pig!" Comyn was saying. "She wouldas soon marry a chairman or a chimneysweep, I'm thinking. Why, MissTayloe, Sir Charles Grandison himself would scarce suit her!"

"Good lack!" said Betty, "I think Sir Charles would be the very last forDorothy. "