'AndBetty'spraised for Labours not her own.'"
'AndBetty'spraised for Labours not her own.'"
"InmyCase, the Reading might be—
'AndGatty'sblamed for Blunders not her own.'"
'AndGatty'sblamed for Blunders not her own.'"
"It cannot be helped. Good Night!"
"I hope," said I, "we shall never quite lose Sight of one another."
"Oh no! I hope not. You must write to me now and then."
"Perhaps you can come to us when you have a Holiday."
"I never have a Holiday. LadyBettyknows I had no Friends when I came toTown, and does not approve of my making any."
"No Friends! That does sound dreary!"
"Itisdreary."
I had now extinguished the Candle. She said no more; but I could hear her from Time to Time give a great Sigh.
"Gertrude," I at length said softly, "are you crying?"
She cleared her Throat a little, but made no Answer.
"Tell me, Dear, what's the Matter."
"I'm only a little low," she replied, huskily.
"How I wish I had given you some reviving Drops, before I put out the Candle! I will light it again."
"Oh no! Drops would do me no good—they would not give me what I want."
"Whatdoyou want?"
"To see my Mother once more, and my Brothers, and my Sisters, and every one at Home. I do pine for them all so, you can't think!"
And now she sobbed outright, though quietly. "It seems so long since I came away, and the Prospect before me is so forlorn; no certain Hope of going back; or ever, ever seeing them any more!"
"Gertrude, Ishallget up and give you the Drops. They will give you Strength."
"I'm afraid they won't."
"Yes, they will. You have over-tired yourself to-day; you are trying to get about too soon. The Drops will quiet you and set you to sleep, and to-morrow you will be better."
So I gave her the Drops, which she thankfully took; and in Half-an-hour or so I was glad to find she was asleep.
The next Morning, while we were dressing, as she had quite recovered her Composure, I took Advantage of what might be my last Opportunity to question her a little more than I had yet done on her Position at LadyBetty's.
"Well," says she, "'tis not good to complain, I know, but however, I willthis once say Somewhat of my Life behind the Scenes, with as few Notes and Comments as I can. My first Grievance is sleeping with thatFrenchwoman, a low Person whom it is impossible to like. I wake sooner than she does, and avail myself of it for a little quiet Reading or Needlework on my own Account before she is stirring. But first, I light the Fire in the little Closet beneath myLady'sChamber, put down the Irons, and warm some Coffee forPompon'sBreakfast and mine, which she takes in an uncomfortable Sort of Way, running in and out half dressed, without ever sitting down, so that my Breakfast is uncomfortable too. Then I have to iron out every individual Thing that LadyBettytook off Overnight, even to her Gloves; and to air her clean Linen. Having then fed her Parrots and cleaned their Cages, (Pompeyhas the Monkey and Lapdog in Charge,) I sit down to fine Work, and have scarce set a dozenStitches, when LadyBetty'sBell is pulled as if the Wire would crack, and her High-Heeled Slipper raps the Floor to let me know she is ready for her Chocolate.Pompeybrings it up to the Door, and I carry it in, and wait on her while she drinks it. After this, she remains in Bed two Hours, sometimes sleeping, but oftener sitting up propped with Pillows, doing any Fancy-Work she is in the Humour for, getting me to thread her Needle, change her Silks, hold her Scissors, and Sometimes to read a Novel to her. If she is very late, it may chance that one of her female Cronies arrives in her Chair, runs up to tell her some Piece of Gossip, and perhaps rouses her to get up and dress in a Hurry to go to some Auction; in which Case she needs not so much two Waiting Women as twenty. But oftener, she is uninterrupted, and after wasting half the Morning, rises to waste the other half in a lengthened, capricious Toilette; tryingon a dozen Things she does not mean to wear, and studying what Colours suit her Complexion. As she does not so much as put on her own Gloves herself, MadamePomponis on hard Duty all this While, I standing by and handing her the Pins and Everything she wants. If myLadythinks herself in good Looks, all the better for us; but if she spies out so much as a Freckle, woe unto us! we are sure to suffer for what we can't help. To put her in good Humour,Pomponflatters her to a Degree that is nauseous to me, and sometimes gets a Rebuff for her Pains: then I am set to write half-a-dozen trivial Notes to her Dictation, or perhaps the Invitations to a Rout or a Drum, whichPompeyis then summoned to carry out. Then, my Work is called for to be examined; I am chidden if I have not done enough, and receive numerous Orders and Counter-Orders about it. At last, myLadygoes out in her Chair, during which TimeI keep close to my Needle, and thenPomponand I dine together. LadyBettyreturns, receives Visitors, and I am on Duty as Woman in waiting, to bring her Scent-Bottle, hold her Handkerchief, her Gloves, and hear the News and Gossip of the Day and a thousand Impertinences. At length myLadydines: then I resume my Needle; then she dresses for the Evening, which is as tedious a Transaction as her Morning Toilette. Her Dressing-Room is the loveliest, most luxurious Apartment you ever saw; at first I thought it Fairy-Land, and did not mind being shut up in it; but oh, how tired I am of it now! Its Silken Draperies, polished Mirrours, Spider-Tables, Ivory Caskets, Alabaster Vases, Silver Footbath, old Porcelain, grotesque Toys and delicate Trinkets give me no more Entertainment than so much Rubbish. Elaborately dressed, she goes forth not to return till two, three, or four o'Clock in the Morning. MadamePompongoes down Stairs to play Cards, or puts on her Calash and goes out to see her Friends, or if she stays with me, nods over aFrenchNovel, or babbles all kinds of Nonsense while she manufactures some Piece of Finery. Meanwhile, I sew and sew at that eternal Embroidery, or try to keep myself awake with a Book, if I can find one to my Mind, till myLadyreturns jaded or excited from the Ridotto, to be undressed and have hot Soup in Bed. Thus, you see, I have no Change, no Exercise; and what is worse, no Food or Medicine for the Mind; and oh,Patty! isthis a Life for an accountable Creature?"
"Howeverthat may be,Gatty," said I, "'tis certain you and I have not the Power of rectifying Abuses, and must take Things as we find them; but you must console yourself with thinking your Trial will probably not be long, for I'll wager a Pound you'll be married within the Twelvemonth."
"Who to?" says she, opening her Eyes wide.
"Nay, I can't tell that," said I, "but you are not the Sort of Girl to be overlooked."
She smiled sadly and said, "You are only speaking at Random, nor have Iany Wish to be married, any further than I should like almost any Condition better than my own. But now, tell me,Patty, is it not a bad State of Things when young Women are so placed as that they are tempted to look to Marriage as an Escape?"
"Certainly it is," said I; "but yet,Gatty, let me tell you, your Condition might be many Degrees worse than it now is. Nay, if you had been born and bred to Servitude, you might even consider you had a tolerable Place; 'tis your gentler Birth and Bringing-up that makes the Collar so hard to wear. Suppose, for Instance, LadyBetty, in addition to her Caprice and Frivolity, had the Sufferings, Infirmities, and confirmed Ill-Humours of old Age? Or suppose she were married to a troublesome Husband? Or, even as she is, that she were a Martyr to some irritating Complaint?"
"Then I would nurse her with Pityand Patience," saysGatty. "However, 'tis no use supposing this and the other—I must take my Lot and make the best of it; only I sometimes envy the Shop-Girls behind the poorest Counter, for methinks they have more Exercise and Variety, and have at least their Sundays to themselves; whereas, 'e'en Sunday shines no Sabbath-Day to me.'"
I had a Word on my Lips as to what the Shop-Women might have to say on the other Side of the Question; but Time pressed, and I was obliged to run down Stairs to see the Milk sent out.
After Breakfast, Mr.Jamesthe Footman made his Appearance in Undress Livery, carrying a small Trunk, and requested to see Mrs.Gatty. When she appeared, "Mrs.Gatty," says he—"dear me, how you've fallen away! you must have been ill indeed!... I was about to say, your Billet to myLadythrew us into sad Confusion Yesterday. I carried it to her on a Salver, and she, not knowingwho sent it, opened it carelessly, when, seeing your Name, she dropped it like a red-hot Coal, and fell back on her Settee, crying to me to throw the Billet in the Fire. But then called me back to bid me look in it first, and see what you said, she smelling to her Scent-Bottle all the While. When I told herLadyshipthe Contents, she said she would by no Means have you back yet, it would be highly dangerous, and perhaps cost many precious Lives; that you had better go down somewhere into the Country, to your Home, in short, till you got thoroughly disinfected; and after that she would let you know her Mind about you. So I have brought your Trunk, and your Half-Year's Wages; and here are five Pounds to clear off your Expenses here and pay for your Journey into the Country."
I never saw a Face light up with Joy asGatty'sdid, that Moment! "Oh, this is delightful!" said she, "Thank you kindly,James, for being the Bearer of such good Tidings! I have little Doubt that I shall be quite strong and well after spending a Month at Home, and then I will do as myLadypleases."
When the Man was gone, she pressed the five Pounds on myMother, with the humblest Expressions of Gratitude; but myMotherwould by no Means take it. At length it was decided to inclose three Pounds in a Packet to Dr.Elwes, not to be sent to him tillGattywas gone; and the other two would pay her Journey, outside the Coach, to her native Place, so that my LadyBetty'sBounty but just cleared Expenses.
Gattywas now in the gayest Spirits, and whereas she had hitherto seemed rather a quiet Girl, she was now talking incessantly. There was Something moving in witnessing the Joy she experienced in looking forward to seeing her Mother, and the Glee with which she spoke of her little Brothers and Sisters, the Dog, the Cat, the most trivialThing connected with Home. For Instance, "Pussy," she would say, "you are handsomer than our old Tortoiseshell; and yet I would not exchange oldTibbyfor you." "How gladTowlerwill be to see me! I fancy him at the Gate, wagging his Tail. He is deaf, and has lost most of his Teeth, but I hope he is not so blind but what he will know me again."
As her Luggage was but light, I made her find Room for a small but very rich Plum-Cake, a present from myMotherto hers, and also some Gingerbread-Nuts for the Children.
In the Afternoon, a Boatman stepped into the Shop with some Boat-Cloaks, saying that Mr. and Mrs.Arbuthnotwere coming up from the Water-Side to take Tea in our Gardens. I knew not the young Gentleman was married; and indeed he was not so, but his Companion proved to be his Aunt; the quietest, sweetest-looking old Lady I ever set Eyes on. The Sky having clouded over, we had little Companythat Afternoon; I set their Table in our nicest Arbour, and had Pleasure in serving them myself, and providing them with the freshestShrewsburyCakes and lightest Buns. They seemed on the pleasantest of Terms together; the young Man's Attention to the oldLady, without fulsomeness, was very agreeable to see; and their Conversation was somewhat above the common Run. Towards the Conclusion of their Repast, a Rain-Shower came on, which alarmed Mrs.Arbuthnot, and made her request Shelter in the House. I instantly shewed them into our Parlour; whereGatty, having finished her Packing, was embroidering an Apron whichPruehad commenced for myMother, but had got tired of before it was half done.Gattywas such a superior Needlewoman that her Work, besides being done so quickly, putPrudence'squite to shame; the Leaves, Flowers, and Sprigs seemed to grow under her nimble Fingers. Old Mrs.Arbuthnotwatched her a little While, admiring herFacility; and then raising her Eyes fromGatty'swhite Hands to her almost as white Face, "You look very delicate, young Woman," says she.
"Oh, Ma'am, I'm a great deal better now; almost well," saysGatty, scarcely looking up.
"Have you been very ill?"
"Yes, Madam, I have had a Fever."
"This is the young Person, Aunt," says Mr.Arbuthnot, "whom I mentioned to you as having been taken ill, the Day of LadyBetty'sFolly."
"And are you going to return to LadyBetty?" says Mrs.Arbuthnot.
"No, Madam, I am going Home To-morrow; into the Country."
"The best Place for you, Child. Are you going into Service no more?"
"I wish it were so, Madam," saidGatty, hemming away a Sigh.
"I should think LadyBetty'sPlace too hard for you; she goes out a good deal."
"The Hours try me, Madam. I have been used always to go to Bed early."
"How early?" put in Mr.Arbuthnot.
"Nine o'clock, Sir."
"And now?—at LadyBetty's?"
"Not till Two or Three in the Morning; sometimes Four."
He shrugged his Shoulders, and drew in his Breath.
"My Dear," remonstrated Mrs.Arbuthnotgently, "I am not sure we have any Right to inquire into the Details of herLadyship'sHousehold."
He smiled, and looked brimfull of Questions he wanted to ask.
"Perhaps some other Employment might be found less injurious to your Health," resumed the oldLady. "You seem a skilful Embroidress. That Pattern is charming; I should like to have it."
"I shall be very happy to copy it for you, Madam," saidGatty.
"Alas, Child, I could not work it if you would give it to me, unless yougave me your Eyesight too! But I'll tell you what you might do for me. You are going into the Country, you say. Probably you will there have Leisure to work on your own Account."
"Oh yes, Madam!"
"Work me a Set of Aprons, then, as your Time and Strength permit; I will Pay you for your Trouble when they are finished; but here is Something for the Muslin and Silks, which I will get you to supply."
And she put Money into her Hand.
"I think I have some prettier Patterns than this up-Stairs, Madam," criedGatty; and she flew up-Stairs, without at all regarding the Trouble of unpacking her Box to get the Patterns, which were at the very Bottom, in order to lie flat.
"There is Something very well-spoken and obliging about her," said Mrs.Arbuthnotto me. "Is she of respectable Condition?"
"HerFather, Madam, was a CountryCurate, and died, leaving a large young Family unprovided. HerMotheris a distant Relation of LadyBetty's.Gattybecame LadyBetty'sMaid, because no better Independence offered to her, and she wanted to assist herMother."
"Tut! tut! This is a sad Story—Surely Something more suitable might be found."
"You spoke of an Embroidery-Shop, Madam—wethought of that too, asGattyis so clever, and can design as well as execute Patterns; but myMotherthought it would expose such a pretty, unprotected Girl, thoughtless and ignorant of Evil, to many Temptations we had not taken into the Account."
"The Clouds are breaking, now, Aunt," said Mr.Arbuthnot, returning from the Garden-Door, where he had been apparently watching the Weather, but very likely hearing none the less of what was said. "I think we may shortly venture to return."
"Presently, my Dear. The young Person has gone to fetch me some Patterns."
"By-the-by, Ma'am, would not such a young Person as Mrs.Gattybe very useful to you in the Parlour, writing your Notes, threading your Needles, and making Tea for you? Mrs.Rachaelis getting past Work now, and is not much of a Companion."
"My Dear, I have thought of it myself, but we will do Nothing hastily. At present we will let Mrs.Gattygo Home to recover her Health and make my Aprons."
Gattyat this Moment reappearing, no more was said, except about the Patterns, which occasioned more Debate than Mr.Arbuthnotcould reasonably be expected to listen to as patiently as he did. But perhaps he was thinking of some other Matter all the Time. After this, they went away.
Though there was now not much Daylight left,Gattyknew she should matchthe Muslin and Silks so much better in Town than in the Country, that she resolved on going out to buy them; and I, to have all of her Company I could, went with her. The Walk was a long one, but our Spirits made us insensible of Fatigue, and the Weather after the Shower was delightful. In the Evening Mr.Fenwickreappeared, though not to Tea, and asked us what he should read. "Oh, something cheerful, please, Sir!" criedGattyhastily, which made us all laugh; but she said she had no Mind to cry again before she went Home. So he read to us about SirRoger de Coverly.
At NightGattywas in such a nervous Fidget, she could scarce keep still. She kept saying, "I hope to Goodness I shall not over-sleep myself! Don't let me over-sleep myself!" I told her there was no Danger, for I always could wake what Time I chose in the Morning, if I resolved on it overnight; and I had already resolved I would wake, and wake her, at Five. Itold her I meant to see her off. She said, "Oh, don't!" I said, "Yes, I shall—I want to see the Last of you, so it's no Use speaking. Otherwise you may miss the Coach, and be returned on our Hands like a bad Penny." She laughed, and said, "It is quite insincere of me to pretend to wish you not to go, for I wish to have you with me to the very Last; only it is such a Shame to give you so much Fatigue and Trouble." I said, "People who really care for one another, don't mind Fatigue and Trouble. Would not you do as much for me?" "Yes, to be sure I would," says she.
"Very well, then," said I, "say no more about it, but let us get to Sleep as fast as we can."
It was quite Dark when we got up next Morning, but every one was up, to seeGattyoff. We all insisted on her making a hearty Breakfast, and she declared that every Morsel seemed to stick in her Throat; so that it was "most Haste,worst Speed."Prueput her up a large Packet of Sandwiches and Biscuits, saying she would find her Appetite by-and-by; and my Mother pinned her Handkerchief closer at the Throat, bidding her beware of Cold. I thought there would be no End to her Leave-taking.—When she had kissed all round, she began again. "Am not I to come in for my Share, Mrs.Gatty?" says myFather, who was eating an Anchovy. "Oh yes, Sir," says she, laughing, and colouring a little; and kissed him too.
"That's right," says he; "you're one of the right Sort—frank, without being forward—A thorough nice Girl, out and out—I wish the World were full of People like you."
"Thank you for all your Kindness, Sir," says she.
"Pooh," says he, "I've shown you no Kindness; the Women have, I grant ye; all the better for both Parties."
"Come,Gatty," said I, "we shall losethe Coach." So off we set, withPetercarrying the Trunk.
When we reached theOld Angel Inn, a noisy Bell was ringing, enough to deafen one; and a Man blowing a Horn out of the Window. The Coach was already at the Door, and a Porter was shoving a very fat Woman into it, to the apparent Disgust of a Gentleman wrapped in a Roquelaure, who was already withinside. Then the Porter handed the old Woman a Dram-Bottle, and a Puppy-Dog tied up in a red Handkerchief. A thin, tall Gentlewoman in a velvet Hood and green Joseph next followed; and two rough-looking Men got in last. On the Coach-Roof were two Men hallooing and wanting to be off. In the Basket, whereGattywas to go, was an old Woman smoking a Pipe. We took our last Kiss—a hearty one, and our last Look—a cheerful one; she scrambled up into the Basket, which was a very awkward Appurtenance, and the lumbering old Coach drove off, rocking and swayingfrom Side to Side like a Ship in a Gale of Wind. Going under the Archway, one of the Men on the coved Roof of the Vehicle got a severe Rap on the Head. He hallooed out pretty loudly, but his Voice was drowned by the Horn.
BeforeI reached Home, a drizzling Rain began to fall, which I was very sorry for onGatty'sAccount.
In the Course of the Evening, Dr.Elwescalled. He said, "What could that young Baggage mean by sending me her three Pounds? I give them in Charge to you, Mrs.Patty, to remit to her, since I don't know her Address."
I said, "You are very kind,Doctor, but LadyBettyis well able to remunerate you."
He said, "Oh, hang LadyBetty—I don't return the Money to her, but to Mrs.Gatty."
"Perhaps," said I, "Mrs.Gatty'sPride will be hurt."
"And have I no Pride, neither?" says he. "I am not accustomed to take Fees of a Lady's Maid."
So, as I saw it was to be so, I said no more, except by Way of Thanks inGatty'sName; and resolved to remit her the Money as soon as I received a Letter from her.
The Letter was not long a-coming. I have it before me now.
"Larkfield, Hants.,"Sept. 14, 1749."Dear Mrs.Patty,"Your last Look said so plainly that you should like to hear a Voice from the Basket, that I have taken the largest Sheet of Paper I can find, to tell you about my Journey Home, and how happy I am. About Half-an-hour after we started, it began to rain pretty fast, which incommoded me more than myCompanion, as she covered her Head and Shoulders with a piece of Sacking, from which the Rain ran down upon me. When we changed Horses, the Men inside got out to stretch themselves, and I then observed that the Passenger in the Roquelaure was SquireHeavitree, the Father of a Gentleman Farmer in our Neighbourhood whom we know pretty well, and who was doubtless on his Way to visit his Son and have a little Shooting. He, pitying me in the Rain, stepped up and said, 'Young Woman, if my Roquelaure will be of any Service.... Why,Gatty! is it you? Art going Home, Child? There's Room inside the Coach for thee.... Come down, come down from the Basket, I'll pay the Difference!' And, almost whether I would or no, he made me alight and get into the Coach, where I had to ride bodkin between him and the fat Woman with the Puppy-Dog. At first I was very glad to be sheltered from the Rain,but the Coach was very close, and we had only one Window partly open. TheSquirechatted so cordially with me, however, that I had little Time to think of Disagreeables; and when he had told me all he had to tell, he fell to questioning. Most of the Passengers were nodding, which was all the better, as I did not like mentioning Names before Folks. By-and-by, theSquirebecame quiet, and I guessed he was going to nod too; but, stealing a Look at him, I saw he was only thinking. We were now going slowly over a heavy, sandy Road, and the Coach rocked a good deal, and sometimes stuck. I feared once or twice we should be overturned; but theSquiresaid, 'No Danger;' and, to divert my Attention, pointed out a Gibbet across the Heath, on which a Highwayman hung in Chains; no very pleasant Object. As I looked somewhat apprehensively towards it, suddenly the open Window was blocked up by a Horseman with ablack Crape over his Face, who, crying 'Your Money or your Lives!' fired straight through the Coach, so as to shatter the opposite Glass. The next Moment, another Highwayman appeared at the other Window. There's no describing the Noise, Uproar, and Confusion, the Smoke, Stench of Gunpowder, shrieking of Women, and barking of the Puppy. The next Moment, our stout oldSquire, disengaging a Blunderbuss from its Sling over our Heads, presented the Muzzle full at the Highwayman who had not yet fired, and sprang out of the Coach with it; on which, the Man galloped up the Bank, stooping low, so as to keep his Horse's Neck between his Head and the Piece; at the same Time dropping his Pistol, which was secured to his Waist by a leathern Strap. He called to the Postilion who rode our third Horse, 'Drive on!' 'No, stop,' cries theSquire, 'for I see another Coach coming up, which may contain an unarmed Party!'The Highwayman, reiterating, 'Drive on!' galloped across the Heath, followed by his two Companions; for athirdhad been at our first Horse's Head all the While. TheSquirecontinued levelling his Piece at them as long as they were within Range, then took off his Hat, wiped his Head, and turned about to us with a Look of Satisfaction. The other two Men, who all this While had been as white as Death and as still as Stones, now cried, 'Well done,Squire! we're much indebted to you!' while the outside Passengers gave him three Cheers. He took mighty little Note of them, but stepped up to the Coach that had now come up, which proved to contain the Duke ofNewcastle, who, being unarmed, was very glad to continue his Journey in Company with us. Thus were three Desperadoes put to flight by one energetic old Man! In another Hour we reached the Inn where we were to dine, where the Duke parted Company withus. TheSquiresat at the Head of the Table, and made me sit next him, and insisted on pledging all the Ladies, to keep up our Courage. Every body talked fast and ate fast too, as we were elated at our Escape and pretty hungry. I should tell you, the fat Woman maintained that her snappish little Puppy had thrown the Robber off his Guard; but theSquireshook his Head upon't. While fresh Horses were putting to, a couple of Horsemen, apparently a Clergyman and his Servant, rode into the Inn-Yard. TheSquire, stepping out to them, related what had just occurred, and cautioned them against crossing the Heath unarmed. They thanked him, but told him they were two Police-Officers in Disguise, and well armed in the Hope of Attack. In fact, as we have since learnt, they were beset by the very Men who had assailed us, and giving Chase to the Gang, who dispersed as wide as they could, followed them allacross the Country till they succeeded in capturing two; one of whom swam his Horse across a River, but was taken on the other Side. TheSquirehas since been asked to appear against them, but has declined, saying there is already sufficient Evidence, and he has no Mind to swear away Lives that he spared when his Blood was hot."After this, you may suppose we could talk of Nothing but Murders, Robberies and such-like delightful Subjects during the greater Part of our Journey: and each seemed trying to outdo the other, in hope of making the others forget how tamely all had behaved except theSquire. Gradually we dropped our Companions at one Place or another, till none remained but theSquire, myself, and the fat Woman. He now began to be amused at the Joy I could not help betraying at the Sight of every well-known Landmark, and tried to tease me by supposing a Dozen ridiculous Accidents that mighthave happened at Home, to disappoint me of my Pleasure. At length, we stopped at the Corner of a By-Road inLarkfieldParish, and young Mr.Heavitreecomes up. 'Are you there,Father?' says he, scrambling up on the Step to look in. 'All right, my Boy,' says theSquire, grasping his Hand, which he shook heartily, 'and here'sGatty Bowerbankcome Home to see herMother.' Mr.Heavitreegave me such a cheerful Smile! 'How glad they will all be!' said he, 'they do not in the least expect you, and have been wondering why you have let them be so long without a Letter. I was at yourMother'sjust now.' 'She's quite well, then?' cried I. 'Oh yes,' said he, 'butyoudon't look very well, I think.' 'Manners,Jack!' says theSquire. 'Well,Father, I meant no Harm; here are Horses, Sir, for you and me, and a light Cart for your Luggage.' 'Put Mrs.Gatty'sBaggage into the Cart too, my Boy,' says theSquire, 'andsend the Horses round to theGreen Hatch, for I've a Mind to walk across the Fields with this young Damsel, and see what Reception she gets, and I suppose you won't Mind coming along with us.' 'Not I, Sir,' said Mr.Heavitree, 'I shall like it very much.' So, when the Luggage was put in the Cart, and the Coachman was settled with, we started off, as sociable as could be, talking about the Highway Robbery; and theSquiretook Care to tell his Son that I was the only Woman who did not scream when the Pistol was fired into the Coach. Well, we got to the dear old Garden-Gate; and there, strolling along the pebbled Walk just within it, wereLucyandPen, their Arms about each other's Necks.—TheSquirehemmed; they looked round; and oh! what a Cry of Joy they gave! MyMother, hearing the Noise, came out...."Dear Mrs.Patty, I am writing as small as ever I can, and must write stillsmaller, if I mean to get in Half of what I want to say. Imagine what a happy Evening we had! My dearMothershed many Tears, though, when she heard of your Kindness to me throughout my Illness; and desired me to express her Thankfulness to you all in the strongest Terms I could frame. My Ten Pounds proved very acceptable, as it made up, with her Savings, just the Sum she wants to bindJoeto our Village Doctor.Penelopeis learning to make Bone-Lace; and Mrs.Evansis so well content withLucy, that she is going to take her as second Teacher in her School next Quarter, so that we are all getting on mighty well, one Way and another. Also myMotherhas realized a pretty little Sum by the Sale of some of myFather's LatinBooks, and there are yet more left. Your delicious Plum-Cake was done ample Justice to, and the Boys declare there never were such Gingerbread-Nuts. Now I have filled myPaper to the very Edge, and yet how much I have left unsaid! Put yourself in my Place, and you will know all I would say to you, and to dear Mrs.Honeywood, and toPrue; not forgetting Mr.Honeywood, to whom give my kind Regards.""Your ever attached and grateful"Gertrude Bowerbank."
"Larkfield, Hants.,
"Sept. 14, 1749.
"Dear Mrs.Patty,
"Your last Look said so plainly that you should like to hear a Voice from the Basket, that I have taken the largest Sheet of Paper I can find, to tell you about my Journey Home, and how happy I am. About Half-an-hour after we started, it began to rain pretty fast, which incommoded me more than myCompanion, as she covered her Head and Shoulders with a piece of Sacking, from which the Rain ran down upon me. When we changed Horses, the Men inside got out to stretch themselves, and I then observed that the Passenger in the Roquelaure was SquireHeavitree, the Father of a Gentleman Farmer in our Neighbourhood whom we know pretty well, and who was doubtless on his Way to visit his Son and have a little Shooting. He, pitying me in the Rain, stepped up and said, 'Young Woman, if my Roquelaure will be of any Service.... Why,Gatty! is it you? Art going Home, Child? There's Room inside the Coach for thee.... Come down, come down from the Basket, I'll pay the Difference!' And, almost whether I would or no, he made me alight and get into the Coach, where I had to ride bodkin between him and the fat Woman with the Puppy-Dog. At first I was very glad to be sheltered from the Rain,but the Coach was very close, and we had only one Window partly open. TheSquirechatted so cordially with me, however, that I had little Time to think of Disagreeables; and when he had told me all he had to tell, he fell to questioning. Most of the Passengers were nodding, which was all the better, as I did not like mentioning Names before Folks. By-and-by, theSquirebecame quiet, and I guessed he was going to nod too; but, stealing a Look at him, I saw he was only thinking. We were now going slowly over a heavy, sandy Road, and the Coach rocked a good deal, and sometimes stuck. I feared once or twice we should be overturned; but theSquiresaid, 'No Danger;' and, to divert my Attention, pointed out a Gibbet across the Heath, on which a Highwayman hung in Chains; no very pleasant Object. As I looked somewhat apprehensively towards it, suddenly the open Window was blocked up by a Horseman with ablack Crape over his Face, who, crying 'Your Money or your Lives!' fired straight through the Coach, so as to shatter the opposite Glass. The next Moment, another Highwayman appeared at the other Window. There's no describing the Noise, Uproar, and Confusion, the Smoke, Stench of Gunpowder, shrieking of Women, and barking of the Puppy. The next Moment, our stout oldSquire, disengaging a Blunderbuss from its Sling over our Heads, presented the Muzzle full at the Highwayman who had not yet fired, and sprang out of the Coach with it; on which, the Man galloped up the Bank, stooping low, so as to keep his Horse's Neck between his Head and the Piece; at the same Time dropping his Pistol, which was secured to his Waist by a leathern Strap. He called to the Postilion who rode our third Horse, 'Drive on!' 'No, stop,' cries theSquire, 'for I see another Coach coming up, which may contain an unarmed Party!'The Highwayman, reiterating, 'Drive on!' galloped across the Heath, followed by his two Companions; for athirdhad been at our first Horse's Head all the While. TheSquirecontinued levelling his Piece at them as long as they were within Range, then took off his Hat, wiped his Head, and turned about to us with a Look of Satisfaction. The other two Men, who all this While had been as white as Death and as still as Stones, now cried, 'Well done,Squire! we're much indebted to you!' while the outside Passengers gave him three Cheers. He took mighty little Note of them, but stepped up to the Coach that had now come up, which proved to contain the Duke ofNewcastle, who, being unarmed, was very glad to continue his Journey in Company with us. Thus were three Desperadoes put to flight by one energetic old Man! In another Hour we reached the Inn where we were to dine, where the Duke parted Company withus. TheSquiresat at the Head of the Table, and made me sit next him, and insisted on pledging all the Ladies, to keep up our Courage. Every body talked fast and ate fast too, as we were elated at our Escape and pretty hungry. I should tell you, the fat Woman maintained that her snappish little Puppy had thrown the Robber off his Guard; but theSquireshook his Head upon't. While fresh Horses were putting to, a couple of Horsemen, apparently a Clergyman and his Servant, rode into the Inn-Yard. TheSquire, stepping out to them, related what had just occurred, and cautioned them against crossing the Heath unarmed. They thanked him, but told him they were two Police-Officers in Disguise, and well armed in the Hope of Attack. In fact, as we have since learnt, they were beset by the very Men who had assailed us, and giving Chase to the Gang, who dispersed as wide as they could, followed them allacross the Country till they succeeded in capturing two; one of whom swam his Horse across a River, but was taken on the other Side. TheSquirehas since been asked to appear against them, but has declined, saying there is already sufficient Evidence, and he has no Mind to swear away Lives that he spared when his Blood was hot.
"After this, you may suppose we could talk of Nothing but Murders, Robberies and such-like delightful Subjects during the greater Part of our Journey: and each seemed trying to outdo the other, in hope of making the others forget how tamely all had behaved except theSquire. Gradually we dropped our Companions at one Place or another, till none remained but theSquire, myself, and the fat Woman. He now began to be amused at the Joy I could not help betraying at the Sight of every well-known Landmark, and tried to tease me by supposing a Dozen ridiculous Accidents that mighthave happened at Home, to disappoint me of my Pleasure. At length, we stopped at the Corner of a By-Road inLarkfieldParish, and young Mr.Heavitreecomes up. 'Are you there,Father?' says he, scrambling up on the Step to look in. 'All right, my Boy,' says theSquire, grasping his Hand, which he shook heartily, 'and here'sGatty Bowerbankcome Home to see herMother.' Mr.Heavitreegave me such a cheerful Smile! 'How glad they will all be!' said he, 'they do not in the least expect you, and have been wondering why you have let them be so long without a Letter. I was at yourMother'sjust now.' 'She's quite well, then?' cried I. 'Oh yes,' said he, 'butyoudon't look very well, I think.' 'Manners,Jack!' says theSquire. 'Well,Father, I meant no Harm; here are Horses, Sir, for you and me, and a light Cart for your Luggage.' 'Put Mrs.Gatty'sBaggage into the Cart too, my Boy,' says theSquire, 'andsend the Horses round to theGreen Hatch, for I've a Mind to walk across the Fields with this young Damsel, and see what Reception she gets, and I suppose you won't Mind coming along with us.' 'Not I, Sir,' said Mr.Heavitree, 'I shall like it very much.' So, when the Luggage was put in the Cart, and the Coachman was settled with, we started off, as sociable as could be, talking about the Highway Robbery; and theSquiretook Care to tell his Son that I was the only Woman who did not scream when the Pistol was fired into the Coach. Well, we got to the dear old Garden-Gate; and there, strolling along the pebbled Walk just within it, wereLucyandPen, their Arms about each other's Necks.—TheSquirehemmed; they looked round; and oh! what a Cry of Joy they gave! MyMother, hearing the Noise, came out....
"Dear Mrs.Patty, I am writing as small as ever I can, and must write stillsmaller, if I mean to get in Half of what I want to say. Imagine what a happy Evening we had! My dearMothershed many Tears, though, when she heard of your Kindness to me throughout my Illness; and desired me to express her Thankfulness to you all in the strongest Terms I could frame. My Ten Pounds proved very acceptable, as it made up, with her Savings, just the Sum she wants to bindJoeto our Village Doctor.Penelopeis learning to make Bone-Lace; and Mrs.Evansis so well content withLucy, that she is going to take her as second Teacher in her School next Quarter, so that we are all getting on mighty well, one Way and another. Also myMotherhas realized a pretty little Sum by the Sale of some of myFather's LatinBooks, and there are yet more left. Your delicious Plum-Cake was done ample Justice to, and the Boys declare there never were such Gingerbread-Nuts. Now I have filled myPaper to the very Edge, and yet how much I have left unsaid! Put yourself in my Place, and you will know all I would say to you, and to dear Mrs.Honeywood, and toPrue; not forgetting Mr.Honeywood, to whom give my kind Regards."
"Your ever attached and grateful"Gertrude Bowerbank."
MyFather, who was smoking his Pipe whilst I read this Letter to him and myMother, presently said, "I see them all!"
"See who,Father?"
"Everybody in Mrs.Gatty'sLetter—The old Woman with her Pipe, the old Gentleman in his Roquelaure, the Robber hung in Chains on the lone Heath, the Highwaymen, the stout oldSquireleaping out with his Blunderbuss, my LordDukecoming up, the Police-Officers riding into the Yard, the young Farmer coming to meet his Father,Gattyflying up to herMother—that Letter is as full of Pictures as thisChinesePaper."
After ruminating on it a While longer, he began again, with:
"Gattyought to marry theSquire."
"OhFather! hisSon, if you please!"
"How do you know the Son is a single Man?"
"Nay, how do we know the Squire is a Widower? He's too old."
"Perhaps she won't marry either," saidPrue.
"Perhaps not, Mrs.Prue, but let me tell you, neither you nor your Sister could have writ that Letter."
"Well,Father, I suppose a Woman does not get married for writing a Letter. For my Part, I don't see much in it. Anybody, I suppose, could write, if they had Anything to write about."
"No, that don't follow—it's anon sequitur, as the Scholars say."
"I don't set up for a Scholar, not I,"saidPrue, "I never was so good a Hand at my Pen asPatty; but I worked the best Sampler, for all that."
"Well," says myFather, "say, when you write to her,Patty, that I don't care how often I pay a Shilling for such a Voice from the Basket as that. I wish she'd send us one every Week."
It indeed was Something curious, how myFather'sFancy was hit by this Letter, which he got me to read to him many Evenings following. What was more remarkable, Mr.Fenwickpraised it too, though after a more temperate Manner. He called it easy Writing. Now, sure, what is easy, is not so meritorious as what is difficult! And he added it was almost as good as some of the Letters in theSpectator; which, everybody must own, was immoderate.Gattycould historify plain enough what passed before her own Eyes and was heard by her own Ears; but she could not frame a Sentence that required some Exertion of the Mind to follow;which, I take it, is the Perfection of good Writing; at least, I know that's the Way with our best Authors. And no Shame to her for it: Women are not to be blamed for not shining in what is out of their Province; and she spelt perfectly well, and wrote a neat, flowing Hand, which had found Plenty of Practice under LadyBetty; only, to set her up with theAmandasandDorindasthat corresponded with SirRichard Steele; why, the Thing was clearly preposterous.
Meanwhile, Mr.Fenwickcontinued to find his Way down to us most Evenings, with his Book in his Hand; and I must say he made the Time pass very pleasantly and swiftly; but though he read quite loud enough for such a small Company, 'twas evident to himself as well as to us, that his Voice would by no means yet fill a Church; besides which, his Breath soon became short, and a red Spot would come on his Cheek; which, whenever myMothernoticed, she always made him shut hisBook, and would talk about Anything that chanced, rather than let him over-tire himself. Meanwhile, he heard Nothing, as far as I could glean, of Mr.Caryl: I know he got no Letters, nor received any Visitor; and that, I think, tended to make the red Spot infix itself on his Cheek. I pitied him heartily—"Hope deferred maketh the Heart sick"—but yet it was a Matter I could not presume to express Sympathy with him upon; nor was I qualified to allay any of his Uneasiness. But I kept anxiously looking out for Mr.Caryl'sentering the Shop. One Forenoon, LadyBetty'sMan, Mr.James, came in; and, says he, "Your Servant, Mrs.Patty—MyLadyis going to give a grand Masked Ball to-morrow Evening; and it occurred to me that you and your Sister might like to look on. If so, I can secure you good Places, where you will see without being seen; and you will only have to come early, and ask the Hall Porter for Mr.James."
I thanked him, and said it would be a vast Treat to us; and after a little Talk about Mrs.Gatty, and my offering him some Refreshment, which he readily selected in the Form of Cherry Brandy and Macarons, he went away.
Prudencewas mighty pleased to hear of our Engagement, as it would afford her a near View of the gay World, which was what she had long been desiring. After the Shop was closed, we set forth, attended byPeter, who was also to see us safe back; and on reaching the Square, we descried the House directly by the lighted Flambeaux.
Both the private and public Entrance were already in Commotion; but we asked the Hall Porter for Mr.James, who presently appeared, still in Deshabille. "You have taken me at my Word," saidhe smiling, "Your Coming is of the earliest, and I dare not let you go up-Stairs yet, so you must wait awhile in the Servants' Hall, till the Company begin to arrive."
I was never in a Servants' Hall of that Description before; and I must say that it afforded me Matter and Leisure for several Reflections. Servants, Pastry-Cooks—Men and Boys, and so forth, were bustling in and out, and we were pushed about a good Deal till we got into a quiet Corner behind the Clock. It struck me that the Pleasures of the Quality were purchased at the Price of a good Deal of Immorality in their Dependents. Many a Glass of Wine did I see swallowed on the Sly; many a Tart and Custard whipt off and hastily eaten in Corners. One would have thought, in a great House like this, Fragments of Dainties had been so common that they would have been no Temptations; but doubtless the poor Servants had been so overwrought and debarred of theirnatural Rest and regular Refreshments, that their Strength required a little keeping up, for they had an arduous Evening before them. The Maids flirted and jested; the Men used intemperate Language; in and out among them all sailed my Lady Housekeeper from Time to Time, as proud as a Dutchess, and in a Head and Primers that a Dutchess had probably worn, before they were a little soiled.
By-and-by the Bustle increases. Mr.Jamescomes in, superbly attired, and smilingly offers us Tarts and Tokay; but, though pressed, we declined. Then he beckoned us to follow him, and piloted us into a brilliant Ante-room where, behind some huge Orange Trees in Wooden Tubs, he found us Seats that commanded a Vistoe of the two Drawing-rooms beyond. Sure, theKing'sMajesty could scarce dwell in greater State. I think that neitherWhitehall,Windsor, norHampton Courtcould ever have made a greater Show.The Ante-Chamber Hangings were blue Velvet and Silver, the Drawing-room that came next beyond was amber Satin and Gold; the Chamber beyond that was hung with Goblin Tapestry. Also there were some large Mirrours, in which one might behold one's self from Head to Foot.
I had very little Notion of what a Masked Ball was really like, but I concluded the Company being attired as Monarchs, Roman Senators, and Potentates of various Descriptions, would be sufficiently possessed with their imaginary Dignities to display Gestures and Deportment of a corresponding Sort, which would doubtless be very majestical. And these again would be relieved by Light-Comedy Parts, which, well supported, would be humorous and diverting.
As, let People assemble as late as they will, some one must still be first, so it was on the present Occasion. A little Man, gaudily attired, entered with a good Deal of Flutter and Importance, who, as soon ashe found the Apartments empty, exchanged his Strut for his ordinary Gait, took off his Mask and put it on again several times, perambulated the Saloons, peeped into everything, examined himself again and again before the Mirrours, acted a little in Dumb-Show, sat down before one of them, and finally curled himself up on a Settee and dropped asleep.
I wonder how much the Expectation of Pleasure makes up the real Amount of Pleasure apportioned to us in this Life. The Pleasure itself continually disappoints; the Expectation of it has often Something troubled and impatient; so that either Way there's perpetual Alloy.
Prudenceand I were now mighty anxious for the Company. A Group at length entered, consisting of Maids of Honour and Courtiers of Queen Elizabeth's Time, very much furbelowed and bedizened, who believed themselves the first till they espied the little Man on the Settee, when there were some small Jokesmade aboutCymonandIphigenia,Miltonand theItalianLady, SleepingBeautyin the Wood, and so forth. Then the Ladies settled their Ruffs at the Mirrours, and sailed up and down; and one of them walked through Part of a Minuet without Music with a Gentleman she called SirChristopher Hatton, who pointed his Toes extremely well. Then one of them said, "My Mask makes my Face so hot!" "And red too," said the other; "but what will it be by-and-by?" "I wonder ifHarrywill come," says one; "I'll lay any Wager I shall find him out."—"I'll lay any Wager you won't," says the other. Thought I, is this the Way Maids of Honour used to talk in the Days of good QueenBess? Well, perhaps it may be.
Just then the little Man woke up, rubbing his Eyes, and saying drowsily, "John, my hot Water at seven ..." on which the Ladies tittered, and he woke up, looked about, and probably felt foolish.Now the Musicians came, and took their Places, and began to tune up; andPruewhispered to me, "How delightful!" Indeed, the Music was, or seemed to me, first-rate, and I enjoyed it as much as anything; yet at length became inured to it, and scarce more attentive than to a common Street Band; and finally wished the Men would not play so loud, for it prevented my hearing what People were saying. The Ball-Rooms now began to fill fast; and were soon crowded withJews,Turks, andSaracens, Nuns, Monks, and Friars, Goddesses, Shepherdesses, and Milkmaids, Pulcinelloes, Mountebanks, and Ministers of State. Their Dresses were excessive fine, and I almost trembled to think of the Expense People had put themselves to for the Amusement of one Night; however, that was all for the good of Trade—if so be they paid their Bills.
As for supporting their Characters, there was scarce an Attempt at it; the utmost that the greater Part of 'em did was to say,in little squeaking Voices, "You don't know me!" "I know you!" This seemed to me stupider than Child's-Play; and I was beginning to weary of it, whenPrudencejogged me as a very pretty Figure passed, in striped Gauze and pink Satin, sprinkled with Flowers, as the GoddessFlora; and whispered, "LadyGrace Bellair."
Soon after, a smart youngSpanishCavaliero came in, whom she pronounced to be Mr.Arbuthnot; and a Bashaw with three Tails, whom she decided upon as SirCharles Sefton. Whether any of her Guesses were right, I knew not. By-and-by, Dancing began in the inner Saloon; and, for the first Time, I had a Glimpse of LadyBetty, who was the only Woman without a Mask; and when I saw how great was her Advantage therein over the rest, I wondered how Persons that evidently thought mainly of outward Appearances could make themselves such Frights.
By-and-by a singular Couple, Arm in Arm, left the Ball-Rooms for the Ante-Chamber, dressed likeCharlesthe Second's Courtiers, all but their Heads; for one had the Head of a Fox, and the other of a monstrous Goose. The latter said, "Quack!" whenever he was pushed by the Crowd, which was held an exceeding good Joke, for Folks cried, "Well done, Goose! Quack again!" and, when he did so, went into Peals of Laughter. At Length, with his Friend the Fox, he sat down on a Bench just in Front of our Orange-Trees, exclaiming to his Companion, "Precious hot Work! Even Popularity may be too fatiguing."
"I never had enough of it to know that," says the Fox.
"You! Why, you've been steeped in it to the Lips!—among a certain Coterie at any Rate. You are feigning Modesty, Mr. Fox."
"All I said was, I had never had too much; perhaps, not enough. Webelong to an insatiable Race. By-the-by, I proved myself a Goose To-Night in choosing to play Fox, for you are by far the more popular."
"And only by saying Quack."
"Quackery goes a great Way in this World,—I might have known 'twould be so."
"Monstrous fine Masquerade this!" said the Goose.
"Oh, delightful! Have you made out many People?"
"Why, to tell you the Truth, I've been so observed myself, I've had no Time to observe others."
"Quack!"
"Sir! name your Hour, Place, and Weapon."
"How quiet and retired is everything in this little Spot! You have Time to observe now."
"Why did you deny yourself to me Yesterday? I know you were at Home."
"The Truth is, I was desperately hypped."
"What made you so?"
"Study."
"What were you studying? The natural History of the Fox?"
"No, I was learning some Verses by Heart; and I'll spout them to you."
"Now then; don't be tedious."