menu_book Chapter 28

CHAPTER IV. What Miss Lavinia Brought Home. Since then not suspicion but fondness has detected you. Let me not lose the advantage of my discovery. RASALAS.

CHAPTER XIV. If you feel, and feel rightly, that part of the glamour of mushrooms is the finding of them, then in any district where their habitat is known to others, you must get up early to secure this enjoyment and them. And that is why Miss Lavinia Barrington, who adored both, left her little house, armed

with a basket, at a quarter before six on this fine but misty September morning, and betook herself to the high dew-drenched meadows on the banks of the river. A couple of miles or so downstream, on the farther side, the port of Stowey still showed half asleep, though a few unwavering columns of smoke were beginning to testify to certain household activities.

In the next field, which had just been ploughed, gulls were walking along the furrows among the rooks, but these winged creatures, as intent upon their breakfast as Miss Lavinia upon hers, were the only signs of life. Nobody else, to her satisfaction, was out after mushrooms this morning. Or was there someone?

The meadow which she had selected was rather like a green sheet pinned out insecurely between its fringe of cobs at either end, and sagging into a hollow in the middle. And in the nearer cobs, which was also that nearer to Stowey, Miss Barrington distinctly heard sticks crack underfoot. She glanced towards it, and the crackling instantly stopped.

Probably a poacher, which she did not mind, because he would have ambitions above mushrooms. But some ten minutes later, when Miss Lavinia, who worked methodically, was harvesting at the other side of the field, though on the same slope, she saw a man come out of the cobs, at the point where she had already heard the sticks snap, and begin to descend the field, keeping close to the hedge which ran between it and its ploughed neighbour.

If he was a poacher, her thought Miss Barrington, looking at him idly across the width of the meadow, he was remarkably well dressed, for one, and he had no gun. No, he was no poacher. He was a gentleman, a young man, too, and his walk almost suggested that he was drunk, which was possible, though unlikely so early in the morning.

With this peculiar gait he proceeded down the slope, but when he was faced with the uphill gradient it was evidently too much for his legs. He stopped, lurched, and, catching sight of a stile in the hedge, went and sat down hastily on the lower step, leaning his head forward in his hands. And this Miss Barrington, deciding that he was not drunk, but indisposed, charitably

started across the field to him. But before she got very near he evidently heard her coming, and, leaving the stile, started as hard as he could up the slope in front of him. No, stop, cried Miss Barrington. Stop, I want to help you.

But despite his obvious difficulty in walking her quarry pushed on up the rise as though a fury were after him, and making his way through its sparse hedge, and disappeared in the thicket at the top. Miss Barrington had, however, gained on him so much that she was in this refuge the moment after, and there he was, leaning against the young sycamore, his back to her, gasping.

Are you ill, young man? asked Miss Lavinia, approaching him. Oh, let me. He half turned, as though to ward her off, and she saw who it was. Oh, heavens above!

Mr. Rowell! Mr. Rowell stared at her without speech. Oh, for God's sake, sit down, said Miss Lavinia hastily. She looked to see him pitch forward at her feet. His face was so ashy.

Oh, there, that's better. For, almost sliding down the trunk, he had let himself subside, and sat down on the dead leaves below, half supported by one hand. I, I am, he said, opening and shutting his eyes several times in succession. I'm trying.

His head drooped. Yes, never mind, said Miss Lavinia, wishing that she carried smelling salts. You're running away, I know. But you need not have run from me. Just sit there a little.

Very tactfully she supplemented the half support of the tree with an arm, so insensibly indeed that she flattered herself he did not know it, and at the same time she laid a speculative finger on the furiously bounding pulse in the nearest wrist. Oh, we must go on, said Helui, murmured the collapsed fugitive. Oh, I beg your pardon.

He had raised his head, and was now looking at his companion with startled eyes. Oh, how did I? How you came on your legs, said Miss Barrington, withdrawing her arm. Most unwisely, I should say. However, here you are.

You grew tired of Fairhaven, perhaps. Raoul shifted himself to get his shoulders fairly against the tree. He had discarded his sling, but was evidently cheery of using his left arm. I was afraid that Captain Barrington was in danger because of my presence, so I left. Admireably succinct, commented Miss Barrington, sitting back on her heels, and even in that

position retaining all her dignity. And may I ask where you are going? Raoul dropped his head. Oh, I don't very well know, he admitted, fingering the leaves on one side of him. I could not procure a map, and I find that I cannot walk far.

How you surprise me, remarked Miss Lavinia. At any rate, you're now coming home to my cottage to help me eat these mushrooms. The distance is not great. Oh, no, I could not do that, said Raoul quickly. I assure you I am not entirely unprotected, observed Miss Lavinia with great gravity.

I have a maid and a gardener. But Raoul looked at her without a smile. And I have not been hiding you, she went on, if that is what is troubling you. Are you not hungry? Yes, avowed the young man, and his glance fell on the basket.

You would let me go on afterwards. She talked as if I'd captured you. But I think you have, said the runaway, and his mouth did twitch a little. I must say that it is not easy to get away from your family, Miss Barrington. Oh, come, that's more like yourself, and thought his captures.

Yes, she said aloud, I expect you will soon have my brother on your track. Raoul shook his head. He does not know. Yes, he pursued, beginning to struggle to his feet. The explanation is that I am not very good at escaping.

Yet one way and the other, said Miss Lavinia, assisting him. You've certainly had enough practice. I think that for the peace of this country it is time you had your exchange. But I believe that I've got it, returned the young man casually. I heard yesterday.

A pardon, in fact. But I cannot claim it. And why not, pray? Because the authorities would be almost sure to find out where I'd been these last weeks. I would sooner, yes, sooner go back to the Hawks than bring disaster on Captain Barrington.

As it is, I'm afraid the Admiralty has got wind of something. A naval officer came demanding him yesterday when he was out, and is coming again this morning. So I got Jeremy to put me across the river before it was light, and I must get farther away.

I must, Miss Barrington. Perhaps I could hire a horse. Yes, yes, said the lady. We will see about all that after breakfast, and you shall tell me more about this officer. For you can't trust me to be alive to my brother's danger, can't you?

Yes, said Raoul, looking at her in a rather bewildered way. But for the rest of your life you will distrust women, you mean? No, no, said Raoul hastily, and no doubt it was to prove his confidence in the sex, as well as because the ground seemed so unstable that he took her arm with no more than a half-hearted protest, and they moved together out of the little wood.

Susan, Miss Barrington's maid, was a good deal surprised when she was told that there would be a young gentleman to breakfast, but as she never thought of questioning her mistress's orders it was with only a mild wonder why a visitor should arrive so early that she cooked the mushrooms. And when she had her first sight of him, lying back, very pale, in Miss Barrington's own

easy chair, she decided that the young gentleman had arrived by sea and had not yet recovered from that devastating experience. Raoul was indeed so much at the end of his tether by the time he arrived at Woodbine Cottage that his hostess forbade him to utter a word until he had eaten and drunk. Not till then did she ask how he had heard of his pardon.

"'Lord Falgrave has been good enough to interest himself in my case,' said her visitor with a slight increase of colour. He came to Fairhaven yesterday and—'Who?' asked Miss Barrington. "'Lord Falgrave of Frederick Forest?' "'I—yes, I suppose his name is Forest,' answered Raoul.

"'You know him, Miss Barrington?' "'Oh, I knew him,' said Miss Barrington, smiling at memories of her own. Oh, poor Frederick!' She was said to have broken his heart. "'Yes, I knew him.

A hundred years ago. And so he came down to Devonshire to call on you.' "'Oh, not exactly,' replied the young Frenchman. "'I think it was rather to erect a tombstone to me. They thought I was drowned, you see.'

"'Whose they?' asked Miss Lavinia like a shot. I thought Lady Falgrave was dead these twenty years.' "'Lord Falgrave was accompanied by his daughter,' explained Raoul, striving to give this announcement an air of small importance. "'Oh, indeed,' said Miss Barrington.

"'May I repeat your question? And do you know her?' The color in the face of her vis-à-vis was sufficient answer. "'I—she—what is she who—' "'I mean—'

"'You mean that you're betrothed?' Raoul nearly leapt from his seat. "'Miss Barrington, what are you saying? I mean that she has done for me—' "'No, there are no words to say all that she has done,' contrived my escape from the

Hawks, and poured out money on my behalf, and now has got me a cartel. "'How well, my dear Mr. Raoul,' said Miss Lavinia. And then I think there only remains one thing for her to do to complete her good work, and that is to marry you.' Instead of coloring, this time the young man on the other side of the breakfast table turned

rather white. "'I know that you're only jesting, Miss Barrington, but out of regard for Miss Forest, I would ask you—' "'Yes, yes,' interrupted his hostess. "'I have a vulgar wit, my dear Mr. Raoul.

My brother implied the same on the night of your first arrival. "'But I can appreciate your delicacy. We will not consider then the procurer of the cartel, only the fact. May I ask what it is for?' Raoul briefly told her.

"'But, as I say, I cannot claim it.' "'How did you say that to Miss Forest? It would be encouraging news for her, after all her efforts.' No doubt Miss Barrington told herself that she was being cruel only to be kind, for she must have known from Raoul's face that she was being cruel.

"'I did not think of it at the moment,' he said. He was pricking the tablecloth with a fork. "'But I cannot bring ruin on Captain Barrington, even—' He stopped, and the prongs of the fork ran right through the damask. "'How, my dear boy,' said Miss Lavinia warmly.

You must pardon the term, for you might well be my son, you know. I assure you that I appreciate your self-sacrifice on my brother's behalf. But I think so much abnegation is not, perhaps, necessary. Listen. I suggest that you present yourself at the transport office, either not saying a word of where you have been since your supposed drowning,

or making up a story of having been, let us say, cast up at some lonely spot on the coast and cared for there by some unnamed poor people whom it is not worth the government's while to prosecute. And besides, it is no crime to care for a half-drowned man, and they in no way helped you to escape from the country. As soon as you were well enough to do so you left them. You don't look so robust.

With that bandaged wrist, too, that doubt can be cast on that statement. How is the transport office going to disprove any part of that story?' Raoul, with an elbow on the table, had been listening attentively. I should also have to account for the manner in which I first heard of my good fortune. Yes, perhaps. But it depends a great deal on what errand this officer has come to Fairhaven.

Well, that I can soon find out, returned Miss Barrington, getting up. I will drive over to Stowey at once and see if you will give me your word to remain here. Parole de neuf, Monsieur le capitaine, or else the coal seller. A brief smile flickered over her prisoner's face. How you leave me no choice, Miss Barrington. I give you my parole until you return.

Yes, he added meditatively. I could always refuse to accept the cartel unless they promised not to make investigations about my whereabouts. I am glad, said Miss Barrington, to see that you are open to reason. Our first step is certainly to find out about this messenger of doom from the Admiralty. I will order my pony-cart. Incidentally, my brother will be glad to hear where you are, I fancy. You say you made John Jeremy put you across the river. I am sorry for

him. Jeremy is a faithful soul, said Gaulle. All along he has thought of his master's interests, not of mine, and quite rightly too. Yes, but you may be sure that his master won't hold that an excuse. There seem to be a good many martyrdoms over this affair of yours, Mr. Rowle. Gaulle sighed and studied the carpet. He was much depressed. Miss Lavinia looked at him keenly and

at it. Nor are martyrs always of the male sex, you know. He looked up, startled. Oh, Miss Barrington, but you know that it is not my wish to stay here, and perhaps involve you, too. Give me back my parole. Never in life, said his hostess, tugging at the bell-pull. You're too slippery. But you did not really think I was referring to myself, did you? Susan told Jacob to harness the pony. At once. Now come back to this comfortable chair, Mr. Rowle. By the way, have you the address of this

major who owes you his life and must needs identify you? He's quartered, I believe, at Canterbury. You will have to communicate with him. Yes, I suppose so. Unless Miss—Lord Fulgrave does so. Why, I cannot expect Lord Fulgrave to take any further trouble when I've behaved in what must seem to him such an extraordinary way. No, perhaps you can't, said Miss Lavinia uncompromisingly. She studied him again as he stood before her, and between her liking for him and her feeling that she owed him some reparation for the past, resolved to take a hand in his destiny to better purpose than last time. For all that, she went on to point out that, since he could find Major Brackenbury, he was in a position to carry through the business of the cartel without Lord Fulgrave's assistance at all.

But this truth seemed very little to exhilarate her visitor. Biting his lip, he merely looked broodingly at her. Well, I'm going to put on my bonnet and set off, said Miss Barrington. I propose that you sit quietly in this chair with a book till I return. Now, remember that I have your word of honour, that you will not give me the slip. Oh, you don't think surely, Miss Barrington, said poor Raoul in a tone of anguish, that I wanted to give anybody the slip. Oh, except your friends in the Ganges. No, I don't. But you have an uncontrollably quixotic turn of mind, I'm afraid. She patted his arm as if, however, this quality did not displease her, put cushions in the chair, a book in his hand, and departed.

And Raoul sat in her chair, leaning his head against the back, a frankly wretched. Once again he had made a mess of his affairs, a supreme mess. But once again he did not see how he could have done differently. Yet, if only he could see Juliana for five minutes to explain. A letter was so doubtful, an ambassador. But it seemed to him that she would never listen to an explanation after such an affront. He knew none better of what she was capable with regard to a man who had displeased her.

But if he did see her for five minutes, if she did listen, yes, even if the arrangement shadowed forth yesterday in the Garden of Eden were carried out, and he went up to London with her and her father to claim the cartel, what would be the result? Only more heartache for him. No, the sooner he got out of England the better. For other reasons than because of a distaste for captivity. Over there he could throw himself body and soul into the following of his emperor's paling star.

For how it had paled in the last twelve months. For a time he sat staring moodily into the empty hearth and absentmindedly stroking the black kitten which had come in with Susan when she cleared the breakfast table and which had established itself on his knee. Then they both fell asleep. And being pretty well exhausted and having had practically no sleep the night before,

Raoul, for his part, slept the minute hand twice round Miss Lavinia's ormulo clock. Though if he had known the full extent of Miss Lavinia's activities meanwhile it is probable that his slumber would have been less profound. The door opening smartly woke him with a jump. Raoul, are you there? It was Hervey Barrington's voice.

A miserable lad. What a morning I've spent. How dared you do such a thing? He was over him, shaking him, and the kitten, frightened and indignant, sprang from Raoul's knee to his father's shoulder. You've seen Miss Barrington, I suppose, inquired the culprit, looking up at him rather shame-facedly. I meant to get much farther than this. May...

He gave a shrug, and the kitten promptly scratched his cheek. But for God's sake, tell me what the officer from the Admiralty wanted. If you know by this time. Captain Barrington, apparently in a most unusual state of excitement, took a turn down the room, flung his riding whip with a clatter onto the table, and said, I do know. And never, never, as I am a living man, did a messenger bring news more ironical.

He laughed. Raoul was rather alarmed, and twisted in the chair to look at him. Tell me quickly. Barrington, if I've harmed you. Harmed me? You've given me the wish of my heart, said Hervey. And at that, Raoul almost began to fear for his sanity.

Oh, listen, said Captain Barrington more calmly, and don't look so apprehensive. That naval officer yesterday who so terrified the timid Jeremy. And, by the way, he added rather grimly, I think Jeremy is timid with more reason this morning. Merely came to deliver to me a letter of introduction from a friend of mine in London. The letter, however, happens to contain some news as well.

Would you like to see it? And without waiting for a reply, he threw a missive onto Raoul's knee. Raoul unfolded it and read, My dear Barrington, this is to make known to you Lieutenant Fanshawe, late of the Saffol Frigate, a promising young officer whom, as he has occasioned to spend a few days in Stowe on private matters,

I desire to introduce to your notice. He is, in some sort, a cousin of my wife's, so we shall be grateful to you on his behalf, for the light of your countenance. Raoul gave an exclamation. Then the visit of that lieutenant yesterday was quite harmless.

He only wished to present this letter of introduction. That was all. The rest was Jeremy's guilty imagination. You fled from a shadow, you see, you scoundrel. But why then did he question the Coast Guard about my drowning? From curiosity or zeal, I suppose.

He said nothing about it to me this morning. But go on. And now, my dear fellow, I seize this opportunity of giving you a piece of good news. You may take it from me, or better still, from Charles Denison of the Admiralty, that the son of official approval is about to shine on you once more from behind that damnable black cloud,

which ought never to have obscured it, and that when the new first-rate Thetis, ninety guns, is commissioned and she's all but ready, as you probably know, her captain will be one George Hervey Barrington. Raoul sprang up, his face alight.

Oh, Hervey! He was unconscious that he had used his Christian name. Oh, is it true? Oh, I suppose so, said Hervey, half sitting on the table like a boy. Oh, but go on. The cream is yet to come.

Have read why I am thus to be reinstated. Raoul obeyed. You will naturally wish to know why their lordships have at last realized what they were throwing away by not employing you. It appears that, although your friends believed them to have your case continually under their benign consideration, they had really forgotten all about you.

But you may remember, about a month ago, sending to the commander of one of the Plymouth Hawks a report on the drowning of an escaped French prisoner at Stouye. This report was forwarded in due course to the transport office, and came up in its turn at a meeting of the board. As chance and your good star would have it, my dear Barrington, that meeting happened.

I don't quite know why. To be attended by Admiral Clutterbuck of the Navy Board. When it came to your name in connection with this document, it appears that he nearly lifted the roof off. Of what? Is that fellow still kicking his heels in Devonshire, reporting on escaped prisoners, when he ought to be making them?

Oh, by blank, I never heard of such a scandal. Et cetera, et cetera, all the more vigorously, no doubt, that he was partly responsible for the scandal himself. The upshot of it was, I believe, a stiff breeze of the Admiralty, terminating in their lordship's resolution to appoint you to the Thetis, a piece of news, obligingly communicated to me, as I say, by Charles Denison,

who knew of what interest and pleasure it would be to me. Nota bene. If I did not know C.D. to be an absolutely trustworthy informant, I should not be so cruel as to pass on the statement. As it is, I've no hesitation in offering you, my dear Barrington, my warmest congratulations.

A little antedated, perhaps, but not much. Indeed, I fancy you had better be looking over your kit. Hagoel dropped the letter and seized Hervey's hands. Oh, Hervey, he said again, with tears in his eyes. Oh, my dear friend, let me congratulate you, too.

Why, said Hervey, smiling and not unresponsive to the grip, it is I who ought to thank you for bringing this about. If I had not sent in that lying report, it would never have happened. A strange reward for something like felony, isn't it? I did a better day's work for myself than I thought when I hauled you into the Kestrel

in spite of your efforts. But you'll admit that it is a little ironical. Oh, I'm so delighted that I won't admit anything, cried Hagoel. Between this and the kind intentions of the transport board towards me, all my thoughts of your admiralty are rosy just now.

I would decree them all halos, des orioles bien doucées, ninety guns and new. With so large a vessel, Barrington, you will surely have to be made an admiral. Oh, it is a pity that she will not be allowed to take you over to Mourley. It would only be fitting.

Hagoel thrust a hand into his pocket and turned a little away. Oh, I'm not so sure that I am going to Mourley, he observed nonchalantly. But Harry caught him by the shoulder and spun him round again. Oh, Hagoel, you've done enough in that line. And to think that I wondered yesterday if any thought of my position would ever strike you.

I could have kicked myself for it this morning when Mrs. Jeremy brought me your letter. Now, if you hesitate to claim your freedom because of any scruples about me, I... He paused as if selecting a threat. What will you do? asked Hagoel with levity.

You can't make me if I don't choose. I am my own master, parbleu. How I can take the matter out of your hands by going up to the transport office and telling them everything. How I lied about you and hid you. How would you like that, you crazy young runaway?

But my sister has been talking the matter over with me this morning, as I understand she has already done with you. And I think, as she does, that if you do not object to telling the commissioners a few lies, the matter can be put through without involving me at all. You see, by successfully removing yourself from Fairhaven,

you have already severed the link between us to a certain degree. But perhaps, since you abandoned female attire, you've sworn a vow never to tell anything but the strict truth. Hagoel made a face at him. If I tell any more lies, they shall be the lies of Miss Barrington,

who is a lady of great resource. I will trust her, perhaps, with my conscience. Oh, tiens, I think I hear the wheels of her chariot returning. Herve listened a moment. The window was open.

Yes, I hear them too. Hagoel, he said, with a change of voice. I have scolded you for this escapade, though not nearly as much as you deserved. But I have not told you what I think of you for sacrificing yourself for my sake. But, said Hagoel, with a little shrug, there is no need.

As it fell out, voyez-vous, it was silly of me to run away. And all that I sacrificed was a night's rest. Was that really all? asked Hagoel. Hagoel either could not or would not meet his eyes. He avoided them by the expedient of dropping suddenly down into his former chair.

Ma foi, was not that enough, he asked perversely. A whole good night's sleep. That was why you found me asleep just now. Like the little cat, who had perhaps lost hers too. Where is she, then?

He stooped from the chair to search for the kitten. Herve standing and looking at him, wondering if his half-suspicion of a far greater sacrifice made for him were correct. From Miss Forrest's demeanour, indeed, when he had conveyed the letter left for her in the news to the dolphin this morning, he had been able to deduce nothing. Suddenly Miss Lavinia's head appeared at the window. Oh, Herve, come and take the pony round to the stables for me, and there's a good soul, she said.

I don't know where Jacob has got to. No, not you, Mr. Rowell. You stay where you are, please. Obediently Herve went to the window, put one leg over the sill, and vanished. Hagoel scrambled out of the chair again, took up the letter of good news from the table, and began to re-read it. But he had not got through the first paragraph, before he was aware of the door opening.

The voice of Susan thereupon murmured, Miss Barrington sat in here, if you please, Miss. And someone came in, a lady.