An Original Belle

by Edward Payson Roe

  BENT, as was Strahan, upon his scheme of disturbing Merwyn's prideand indifference, he resolved to permit several days to pass beforerepeating his call. He also, as well as Marian, was unwillingto compromise himself beyond a certain point, and it was his hopethat he might receive a speedy visit. He was not disappointed, foron the ensuing day Merwyn sauntered up the Strahan avenue, and,learning that the young officer had gone to camp, followed himthither. The cold glance from the fair stranger in the phaeton dweltin his memory, and he was pleased to find that it formed sufficientincentive to action.

  Strahan saw him coming with a grim smile, but greeted him withoff-hand cordiality. "Sorry, Merwyn," he said, "I can give you onlya few moments before I go on duty."

  "You are not on duty evenings?"

  "Yes, every other evening."

  "How about to-night?"

  "At your service."

  "Are you acquainted with the people who reside at a cottage--" andhe described Marian's abode.

  "Yes."

  "Who are they?"

  "Mr. Vosburgh has rented the place as a summer residence for hisfamily. His wife and daughter are there usually, and he comes whenhe can.

  "And the daughter's name?"

  "Miss Marian Vosburgh."

  "Will you introduce me to her?"

  "Certainly."

  "I sha'n't be poaching on your grounds, shall I?"

  "Miss Vosburgh honors me with her friendship,--nothing more."

  "Is it so great an honor?"

  "I esteem it as such."

  "Who are they, anyway?"

  "Well, as a family I regard them as my equals, and Miss Marian asmy superior."

  "Oh come, Strahan, gossip about them a little."

  The officer burst out laughing. "Well," he said, "for a man of yourphenomenal reticence you are asking a good many questions."

  Merwyn colored slightly and blundered: "You know my motive, Strahan;one does not care to make acquaintances that are not quite--" andthen the expression of his host's eyes checked him.

  "I assure you the Vosburghs are 'QUITE,'" Strahan said, coldly. "DidI not say they were my equals? You may esteem yourself fortunateif Miss Vosburgh ever permits you to feel yourself to be her equal."

  "Why, how so?" a little irritably.

  "Because if a man has brains and discernment the more he sees ofher the more will he be inclined to doubt his equality."

  Merwyn smiled in a rather superior way, and, with a light laugh,said: "I understand, Strahan. A man in your plight ought to feelin that way; at least, it is natural that he should. Now see here,old fellow, I'll keep aloof if you say so."

  "Why should you? You have seen few society queens abroad whoreceived so much and so varied homage as Miss Vosburgh. There arehalf a dozen fellows there, more or less, every evening, and youcan take your chances among them."

  "Oh, she's a bit of a coquette, then?"

  "You must discover for yourself what she is," said the young man,buckling on his sword. "She has my entire respect."

  "You quite pique my curiosity. I'll drive in for you this evening."

  At the hour appointed, Strahan, in civilian's dress, stepped intoMerwyn's carriage and was driven rapidly to the cottage. Throwingthe reins to a footman, the young fellow followed the officer with aconfidence not altogether well founded, as he soon learned. Manyguests were present, and Lane was among them. When Merwyn waspresented Marian was observed to bow merely and not give her hand,as was her custom when a friend of hers introduced a friend. Someof the residents in the vicinity exchanged significant smileswhen they saw that the fastidious and exclusive Willard Merwyn hadjoined their circle. Mrs. Vosburgh, who was helping to entertainthe guests, recognized nothing in his presence beyond a new socialtriumph for her daughter, and was very gracious. To her offices,as hostess, he found himself chiefly relegated for a time.

  This suited him exactly, since it gave him a chance for observation;and certainly the little drawing-room, with its refined freedom,was a revelation to him. Conversation, repartee, and jest wereunrestrained. While Lane was as gay as any present, Merwyn wasmade to feel that he was no ordinary man, and it soon came out inthe natural flow of talk that he, too, was in the service. Merwynwas introduced also to a captain of the regular army, and, whateverhe might think of these people, he instinctively felt that theywould no more permit themselves to be patronized than would the sonsof noble houses abroad. Indeed, he was much too adroit to attemptanything of the kind, and, with well-bred ease, made himself athome among them in general conversation.

  Meanwhile, he watched Marian with increasing curiosity. To him shewas a new and very interesting type. He had seen no such vivacityand freedom abroad, and his experience led him to misunderstandher. "She is of the genus American girl, middle class," he thought,"who, by her beauty and the unconventionality of her drawing-room,has become a quasi-belle. None of these men would think of marryingher, unless it is little Strahan, and he wouldn't five years hence.Yet she is piquant and fascinating after her style, a word and ajest for each and all, and spoken with a sort of good-comradeship,rather than with an if-you-please-sir air. I must admit, however,that there is nothing loud in tone, word, or manner. She is asdelicate and refined as her own beauty, and, although this ratherflorid mamma is present as chaperon, the scene and the actors arepeculiarly American. Well, I owe Strahan a good turn. I can amusemyself with this girl without scruple."

  At last he found an opportunity to say, "We have met once before,I believe, Miss Vosburgh."

  "Met? Where?"

  "Where I was inclined to go to sleep, and you gave me such a charmingfrown that I awakened immediately and took a long ramble."

  "I saw a person stretched at lazy length under the trees yesterday.You know the horror ladies have of intoxicated men on the road-side."

  "Was that the impression I made? Thanks."

  "The impression made was that we had better pass as quickly aspossible."

  "You made a very different impression. Thanks to Strahan I am herethis evening in consequence, and am delighted that I came."

  "'Delighted' is a strong word, Mr. Merwyn. Now that we are speakingof impressions, mine is that years have elapsed since you weregreatly delighted at anything."

  "What gives you such an impression?"

  "Women can never account for their intuitions."

  "Women? Do not use such an elderly word in regard to one appearingas if just entering girlhood."

  "O Mr. Merwyn! have you not learned abroad that girls of my ageare elderly indeed compared with men of yours?"

  He bit his lip. "English girls are not so--"

  "Fast?"

  "I didn't say that. They certainly have not the vivacity andfascination that I am discovering in your drawing-room."

  "Why, Mr. Merwyn! one would think you had come to America on a voyageof discovery, and were surprised at the first thing you saw."

  "I think I could show you things abroad that would interest you."

  "All Europe could not tempt me to go abroad at this time. In yourestimation I am not even a woman,--only a girl, and yet I have enoughgirlhood to wish to take my little part in the events of the day."

  He colored, but asked, quietly, "What part are you taking?"

  "Such questions," she replied, with a merry, half-mocking flash ofher eyes, "I answer by deeds. There are those who know;" and then,being addressed by Mr. Lane, she turned away, leaving him withconfused, but more decided sensations than he had known for a longtime.

  His first impulse was to leave the house, but this course wouldonly subject him to ridicule on the part of those who remained.After a moment or two of reflection he remembered that she had notinvited him, and that she had said nothing essentially rude. He hadmerely chosen to occupy a position in regard to his country thatdiffered radically from hers, and she had done little more thandefine her position.

  "She is a Northern, as mamma is a Southern fanatic, with thedifference that she is a young, effervescing creature, bubblingover with th
e excitement of the times," he thought. "That fellow inuniform, and the society of men like Strahan and Lane, haye turnedher head, and she has not seen enough of life to comprehend a manof the world. What do I care for her, or any here? Her briery talkshould only amuse me. When she learns more about who I am and whatI possess she will be inclined to imitate her discreet mamma andthink of the main chance; meanwhile I escape a summer's dulnessand ennui;" and so he philosophically continued his observationsand chatted with Mrs. Vosburgh and others until, with Strahan, hetook his departure, receiving from Marian a bow merely, while toStrahan she gave her hand cordially.

  "You seem to be decidedly in Miss Vosburgh's good graces," saidMerwyn, as they drove away.

  "I told you she was my friend."

  "Is it very difficult to become her friend?"

  "Well, that depends. You should not find it difficult, since youare so greatly my superior."

  "Oh, come, Strahan."

  "Pardon me, I forgot I was to express only my own thoughts, notyours."

  "You don't know my thoughts or circumstances. Come now, let us begood comrades. I will begin by thanking you cordially for introducing meto a charming young girl. I am sure I put on no airs this evening."

  "They would not have been politic, Merwyn, and, for the life ofme, I can see no reason for them."

  "Very well. Therefore you didn't see any. How like old times weare! We were always together, yet always sparring a little."

  "You must take us as we are in these times," said Strahan, with alight laugh, for he felt it would jeopardize his scheme, or hoperather, if he were too brusque with his companion. "You see it ishard for us to understand your cosmopolitan indifference. Americanfeeling just now is rather tense on both sides of the line, and ifyou will recognize the fact you will understand us better."

  "I think I am already aware of the fact. If Miss Vosburgh were ofour sex you would soon have another recruit."

  "I'd soon have a superior officer, you mean."

  "I fancy you are rather under her thumb already."

  "It's a difficult position to attain, I assure you."

  "How so?"

  "I have observed that, towards a good many, Miss Vosburgh is quiteyour equal in indifference."

  "I like her all the better for that fact."

  "So do I."

  "How is it that you are so favored?"

  "No doubt it seems strange to you. Mere caprice on her part,probably."

  "You misunderstand me. I would like to learn your tactics."

  "Jove! I'd like to teach you. Come down to-morrow and I'll giveyou a musket."

  "You are incorrigible, Strahan. Do you mean that her good-will canbe won only at the point of the bayonet?"

  "No one coached me. Surely you have not so neglected your educationabroad that you do not know how to win a lady's favor."

  "You are a neutral, indeed."

  "I wouldn't aid my own brother in a case of this kind."

  "You are right; in matters of this kind it is every one for himself.You offered to show me, a stranger, some attention, you know."

  "Yes, Merwyn, and I'll keep my word. I will give you just as goodcourtesy as I receive. The formalities have been complied with andyou are acquainted with Miss Vosburgh. You have exactly the samevantage that I had at the start, and you certainly cannot wish formore. If you wish for further introductions, count on me."

  Merwyn parted from his plain-spoken companion, well content.Strahan's promise to return all the courtesy he received left avariable standard in Merwyn's hands that he could employ accordingto circumstances or inclination. He was satisfied that his neighbor,in accordance with a trait very common to young men, cherished forMiss Vosburgh a chivalric and sentimental regard at which he wouldsmile when he became older. Merwyn, however, had a certain senseof honor, and would not have attempted deliberately to supplant oneto whom he felt that he owed loyalty. His mind having been relievedof all scruples of this character, he looked forward complacentlyto the prospect of winning--what? He did not trouble himself to definethe kind of regard he hoped to inspire. The immediate purpose tokill time, that must intervene before he could return to England,was sufficient. There was promise of occupation, mild excitement,and an amusing triumph, in becoming the foremost figure in Marian'sdrawing-room.

  There is scarcely need to dwell upon the events of a few subsequentweeks and the gradual changes that were taking place. Life withits small vicissitudes rarely results from deliberate action.Circumstances, from day to day, color and shape it; yet beneaththe rippling, changing surface a great tide may be rising. Strahanwas succeeding fairly well in his recruiting service, and, makingallowances for his previous history, was proving an efficientofficer. Marian was a loyal, steadfast friend, reprimanding withmirthful seriousness at times, and speaking earnest and encouragingwords at others. After all, the mercurial young fellow daily won herincreased respect and esteem. He had been promoted to a captaincy,and such was the response of the loyal North, during that drearysummer of disaster and confused counsels, that his company was nearlyfull, and he was daily expecting orders for departure. His drillground had become the occasional morning resort of his friends, andeach day gave evidence of improved soldierly bearing in his men.

  Merwyn thus far had characteristically carried out his plans to"kill time." Thoroughly convinced of his comparative superiority,he had been good-naturedly tolerant of the slow recognition accordedto it by Marian. Yet he believed he was making progress, and thefact that her favor was hard to win was only the more incitement.If she had shown early and decided preference his occupation wouldhave been gone; for what could he have done in those initiatoryweeks of their acquaintance if her eyes and tones had said, "I amready to take you and your wealth"? The attitude she maintained,although little understood, awakened a kind of respect, while thebarriers she quietly interposed aroused a keener desire to surmountthem. By hauteur and reserve at times he had made those with whomhe associated feel that his position in regard to the civil conflictwas his own affair. Even Marian avoided the subject when talkingwith him, and her mother never thought of mentioning it. Indeed,that thrifty lady would have been rather too encouraging had nother daughter taken pains to check such a spirit. At the same timethe young girl made it emphatically understood that discussion ofthe events of the war should be just as free when he was presentas when he was absent.

  Yet in a certain sense he was making progress, in that he awakenedanger on her part, rather than indifference. If she was a new typeto him so was he to her, and she found her thoughts reverting to himin hostile analysis of his motives and character. She had receivedtoo much sincere homage and devotion not to detect something cynicaland hollow in his earlier attentions. She had seen glances towardher mother, and had caught in his tones an estimate which, howevertrue, incensed her greatly. Her old traits began to assert themselves,and gradually her will accorded with Strahan's hope. If, withoutcompromising herself, she could humble this man, bringing him toher feet and dismissing him with a rather scornful refusal, such anexertion of power would give her much satisfaction. Yet her pride,as well as her principle, led her to determine that he should suewithout having received any misleading favor on her part.

  Merwyn had never proposed to sue at all, except in the way ofconventional gallantry. For his own amusement he had resolved tobecome her most intimate and familiar friend, and then it wouldbe time to go abroad. If false hopes were raised it would not muchmatter; Strahan or some one else would console her. He admittedthat his progress was slow, and her reserve hard to combat. Shewould neither drive nor sail with him unless she formed one of aparty. Still in this respect he was on the same footing with herbest friends. One thing did trouble him, however; she had nevergiven him her hand, either in greeting or in parting.

  At last he brought about an explanation that disturbed his equanimitynot a little. He had called in the morning, and she had chattedcharmingly with him on impersonal matters, pleasing him by herintelligent and gracefully spoken ideas on the
topics broached.As a society girl she met him on this neutral ground without theslightest restraint or embarrassment. As he also talked well she hadno scruple in enjoying a pleasure unsought by herself, especiallyas it might lead to the punishment which she felt that he deserved.Smilingly she had assured herself, when he was announced, "If he'sa rebel at heart, as I've been told, I've met the enemy beforeeither Mr. Lane or Mr. Strahan."

  When Merwyn rose to take his leave he held out his hand and said:"I shall be absent two or three days. In saying good-by won't youshake hands?"

  She laughingly put her hands behind her back and said, "I can't."

  "Will not, you mean?"

  "No, I cannot. I've made a vow to give my hand only to my ownfriends and those of my country."

  "Do you look upon me as an enemy?"

  "Oh, no, indeed."

  "Then not as a friend?"

  "Why, certainly not, Mr. Merwyn. You know that you are not myfriend. What does the word mean?"

  "Well," said he, flushing, "what does it mean?"

  "Nothing more to me than to any other sincere person. One usesdownright sincerity with a friend, and would rather harm himselfthan that friend."

  "Why is not this my attitude towards you?"

  "You, naturally, should know better than I."

  "Indeed, Miss Vosburgh, you little know the admiration you haveexcited," he said, gallantly.

  An inscrutable smile was her only response.

  "That, however, has become like the air you breathe, no doubt."

  "Not at all. I prize admiration. What woman does not? But thereare as many kinds of admiration as there are donors."

  "Am I to infer that mine is of a valueless nature?"

  "Ask yourself, Mr. Merwyn, just what it is worth."

  "It is greater than I have ever bestowed upon any one else," hesaid, hastily; for this tilt was disturbing his self-possession.

  Again she smiled, and her thought was, "Except yourself."

  He, thinking her smile incredulous, resumed: "You doubt this?"

  "I cannot help thinking that you are mistaken."

  "How can I assure you that I am not?"

  "I do not know. Why is it essential that I should be so assured?"

  He felt that he was being worsted, and feared that she had detectedthe absence of unselfish good-will and honest purpose toward her. Hewas angry with himself and her because of the dilemma in which hewas placed. Yet what could he say to the serene, smiling girl beforehim, whose unflinching blue eyes looked into his with a keennessof insight that troubled him? His one thought now was to achievea retreat in which he could maintain the semblance of dignity andgood breeding.

  With a light and deferential laugh he said: "I am taught, unmistakably,Miss Vosburgh, that my regard, whatever it may be, is of littleconsequence to you, and that it would be folly for me to try toprove a thing that would not interest you if demonstrated. I feel,however, that one question is due to us both,--Is my society adisagreeable intrusion?"

  "If it had been, Mr. Merwyn, you would have been aware of the factbefore this. I have enjoyed your conversation this morning."

  "I hope, then, that in the future I can make a more favorableimpression, and that in time you will give me your hand."

  Her blue eyes never left his face as he spoke, and they grew darkwith a meaning that perplexed and troubled him. She merely bowedgravely and turned away.

  Never had his complacency been so disturbed. He walked homeward withsteps that grew more and more rapid, keeping pace with his swift,perturbed thoughts. As he approached his residence he yielded toan impulse; leaped a wall, and struck out for the mountains.

  CHAPTER XIII.

  A SIEGE BEGUN.