CHAPTER VIII.
AN ANGRY FATHER.
Jaqueline was very busy paying visits and having a good time. They hadbeen up to the Pineries twice without her. Truth to tell, she was alittle afraid of her own counsel, and hoping Marian would have spiritenough to assert herself. One day she was very much surprised by theadvent of Mr. Ralston.
"Yes, honey; he jes' done ask to see you, not yer mar ner ennyone! Andhe looks jes laik a lover comin' to de house," announced Julia, one ofthe waiting-maids.
Jaqueline went down with a deeper flush on her cheek and abeating heart. There was a courteous greeting, and then a touch ofembarrassment. Ralston was first to surmount it.
"Miss Mason," he began abruptly, "when have you seen Miss Floyd?"
"Not since she was here. I have been away from home. Papa and part ofthe family were up last week."
"Will you read this note?"
It was from Marian--very brief and cold. She had considered the matter,and felt that it would be impossible to keep up the acquaintance. Itwould be useless either to come or to write.
"If Miss Floyd was merely amusing herself, of course that is the end ofit. Do you know whether she has a lover? There was some mystery abouther I could not quite fathom. I may have been misled, but I thought shecared for me. Indeed," he added, flushing a little and softening histone, "it seemed a case of mutual attraction at first sight. We becamesuch friends while she was at her sister's."
Jaqueline considered a moment. Then she said: "I had better tell youthe whole story. And if you knew grandpapa--he is as arbitrary as aking. He looks like one too."
She recapitulated the advances of Mr. Greaves, and admitted that Marianwas yielding and stood in awe of her father. "But I am quite certainshe loves you," declared the incautious girl.
"I felt rather certain," with a satisfied half-smile. "And I canunderstand that Mr. Greaves is a rival not to be despised. I haveno broad acres nor ancestral home, but youth and ambition and a goodprofession. Surely when Mr. Floyd comes to understand, he cannot forcehis daughter's inclinations! I will devote my whole life to her, mybest energies. I am sure I shall succeed."
"Marian never could resist him if she saw him now," Jaqueline thought,he looked so proud and so in earnest. But Grandpapa Floyd!
"You give me hope. You are young to advise anyone in a love affair,"and he laughed in a genial, amused fashion. "I came here becauseyou knew about those two days, and I thought you might be more inMiss Floyd's confidence than her sister, though I can count on Mrs.Jettson's influence and approval, I am certain. Do you think Miss Floydmay have told her father?"
"Oh, no; I am sure she has not. Only I do think some influence has beenbrought to bear upon her, and she has felt afraid----"
Jaqueline looked very pretty and spirited, standing up straight andslim, her dark eyes aglow with earnestness and eager interest. Shewould not be afraid to stand up for her lover.
"Shall I go or write?"
"Oh, I am afraid to advise!" She turned pale then.
"And it is unmanly to ask it."
"Perhaps papa could tell better."
"I wonder if I might see him?"
"Oh, yes. Will you amuse yourself while I find him? Louis is away, andthe children are having a picnic down in the grove."
Mr. Mason was ensconced in a willow easy-chair, with a high back anda cushion, while his wife was reading aloud from the pages of OliverGoldsmith. He glanced up, and Jaqueline suddenly realized the gravityof the matter in hand.
"Mr. Ralston is here, and would like to see you, papa!" she exclaimedpersuasively.
"Ah--can't you bring him out here?"
"It is quite important and----" hesitatingly.
"Yes, I'll come." He reached for his coat, and sighed at the addedwarmth.
Jaqueline slipped her hand through his arm.
"It's about--Marian."
"I was afraid there would be trouble. Jack, was their meeting here pureaccident? Tell me the truth. Or did you have mischief in your mind?"
"It wasn't _quite_ that. But Marian did not know. And I did not reallypromise Mr. Ralston."
"I wish you had kept out of it, my girl."
"But Marian _does_ love him. And surely grandpapa will never make hermarry that stupid old Mr. Greaves!"
"Take care. I am getting old."
"But you will never be stupid." She reached up and kissed him.
"You know grandfather is very fond of having his own way. Mr. Greavesisn't so bad, when all is said."
"You wouldn't make me marry him?"
"I am afraid I would have a tough job," and he laughed.
"Now I shall leave you to your own wisdom."
The squire nodded.
The young lover presented his case in a very straightforward, honorablefashion. Mr. Mason's heart went out to him, but he understood hisstepfather's obstinacy and his dislike to be meddled with or thwarted.His mother was in favor of the marriage also, which would make itharder for Marian.
"If you write to Mr. Floyd you will receive a polite but decideddismissal. If you see him I am afraid the result will be the same, andless pleasant to remember."
"Do you suppose I am coward enough to relinquish the woman I love insuch an emergency as this? If I heard from her own lips that she didnot care for me, that would influence my conduct. But I am certain shedoes care, and I want her to know that I am ready to take any step forher happiness. I am too much of a soldier to give up without an effort,even if I have seen only fair-weather service. What would you have donein your youth?"
"Made a good fight," smiling at the other's eagerness.
"Then I shall go. To be merely dismissed would be mortifying. Andany woman would despise such a tame lover! Thank you for your cordialreception. In any event I shall count on your friendship."
He shook Mr. Mason's hand warmly.
"But you will stay and have some supper with us? And why not accept ourhospitality for the night?"
"Thank you. I have some important matters on hand to-morrow morning.I am truly sorry not to have a delightful evening with you, and I amindebted to you for this kindly attention on a troublesome subject. Isincerely trust that some day I shall stand in a nearer relation. Youcan wish me success--I hope?"
The truth and honor in the lines of the face appealed to the elder man.He had found so many charms in his new wife, so much sweetness in thedaily love, that he could be generous in his wishes.
"Yes, I hope you will succeed," and the squire said it from the depthof his heart, although his latent judgment was not so hopeful.
"He will go to the Pineries," he said as he rejoined his wife anddaughter. "It will not do any good, and I am afraid we are in for afamily fracas. Marian may refuse to marry Mr. Greaves, but her fatherwill not accept Ralston. I am sorry. They would make a nice, happyyoung couple."
"But she might wait a year or two."
"It isn't easy waiting when there is no real hope, and the influenceis all on the other side. You see, Grandfather Floyd has trained hischildren to habits of obedience. He isn't turned about with every windof doctrine, as I am. Not a child stands in awe of me. And when I pickout my future son-in-law, Miss Jaqueline, I expect you will turn upyour pretty nose and utterly refuse him."
"I shall if he has four children belonging to another woman."
Her father raised his brows. The young girl turned scarlet and claspedher arms about Mrs. Mason's neck.
"Mother dear, forgive that awkward speech. We are all glad to have you,as you must be aware by this time, and since you are such a comfort andpleasure to papa it would be the height of jealous unamiability not tolove you. But if _you_ had left four children you wouldn't want me fortheir stepmother, would you, now? Confess the truth."
She looked very arch and pretty, and her voice had a persuasive cadencethat amused her father.
"They might fare worse, my dear girl," returned Mrs. Mason. "I shouldtrust Annis anywhere with you. And Marian would make a charming mother,but I do think she is entitled to
some young, sweet life of her own. Icannot help thinking how one extreme begets another. Your grandparentsare very authoritative----"
"Domineering is better," interposed the squire laughingly. "You aregreat for picking out the softer words, Patty. Mr. Floyd is of the oldschool, and his beliefs intensify with age. His children were put inthe world to honor and obey him. Brandon married an heiress with anestate and no end of slaves. Jane slipped through with the man of herchoice, but you can notice that he is rather captious about Arthur,who is doing very well and will be a rich man if he doesn't blunder inthe Washington bogs. I think myself Marian and Dolly are kept in verynarrow bounds. Dolly has a way of slipping out, but Marian is rathertimid."
"The system has made her so, but I should think she would haveinherited a good deal of spirit and force of character."
"I think I shall turn over a new leaf myself," declared the squire,with a twinkle of humor in his eye. "In the future, Miss Jaqueline, Iwish you to consult me about your goings-out and comings-in. You areto say 'Sir' to me in the most respectful fashion. Perhaps your motherwould like you to address her as 'Madam.' You are to take no hand inthe affairs of foolish young lovers. You are not to go careering aboutthe plantation on horseback, but to be sober, discreet, and industriouswith your needle. Perhaps it would be well for you to keep a journal.Is there anything else? I must consult Aunt Catharine. Your mother isquite too easy."
There was a laugh in every dimple and line in the young girl's face.Any pretense of austerity sat oddly enough on the squire's round,humorous countenance.
There was a sudden interruption of the three younger children racing upthe patch in a breathless fashion. Annis went straight to her mother'sarms, Charles halted at his father's side and snatched his hand.
"Is Annis my sister truly, papa?"
"But it's just the same," interrupted Varina, whose tone indicated thatshe had been in a warm discussion. "And, papa, can he marry her?"
"More family difficulties!" declared the squire. "Is the world goingcrazy? And, Varina, marriages do not begin with the babies of thefamily."
"I'm not a baby." Charles straightened himself up to his tallest."I said when I was a grown man I should marry Annis. I am going tostudy hard and go to Congress; perhaps I shall be sent abroad on somemission."
"And isn't the husband always the oldest, papa? Charles is almost twoyears younger than Annis."
"One year and eight months," corrected Charles. "I don't see whatdifference it can make. I shall be the tallest and earn the money. Andshe isn't my own sister. She isn't any real relation. But if she was mycousin I could marry her."
The squire laughed heartily, which rather disconcerted Varina.
"Truly," he said, "love seems to have broken out as a distemper. Andso you want Annis for a sweetheart, Charles? What does Annis say to allthis?"
Annis was caressing her mother's hand.
"She likes me better than anybody except her mother."
"Oh, little Annis, have you thrown me over? And after the pony, too!"
The squire's voice was whimsically upbraiding, and his glance touchedher tender heart. She flew over to him.
"Oh, I do love you!" she cried. "But you have mamma, and I know I cannever get back all of her."
"Do you want all of her back? Would you take her away?"
"I wouldn't have any home to take her to. And she likes it here and allthe children and you, and I like it too now. I don't mind giving partof her away."
"And next she likes me." Charles went around and stood by her side inhis manliest pose. They made a pretty picture.
"I thought you loved _me_ a good deal," interposed Jaqueline.
"Oh, I love you all!" said the child, though she glanced doubtfully atVarina.
"But, then, girls don't marry ever, no matter how much they love eachother," said the young admirer.
"And she _is_ our sister," persisted Varina.
"Not in that sense, my little girl. And the age makes no difference.So she can be Charles' sweetheart until he goes to college and getsanother one."
"But I do not mean ever to get another one. And we were playing keephouse under the big hemlock. Dinah had made us some cookies. And Renewas the company----"
"I shall not be company any more," returned the child, with a toss ofthe head. "If you want Annis, take her then."
"There, children, no quarreling. Aren't the cookies good enough to bepeacemakers?"
"But we've eaten them all up."
Varina marched off in a huff. Jaqueline was laughing. Mrs. Mason lookedannoyed. The stepfather kissed Annis tenderly.
"There," he said, "run off and finish your play. Be the best offriends, and have the best times you can. The world will look differentto you a dozen years hence, and love will settle perplexities."
Jaqueline had followed her sister, though she knew Varina was generallythe marplot in their play.
"Oh, Randolph, how could you!" exclaimed Mrs. Mason, with a touch ofupbraiding. "Such matters are too grave and serious for children'splays."
"Yet I suppose we have all taken a hand in it. When I was a boy of nineor ten I was very much in love with a young relative who used to visitus. She taught me to dance, and I remember I wrote some verses to her.She must have been at least fifteen, for two years later she married,and I was so surprised and hurt that I think I always hated her husbanduntil I was nearly grown and fell in love again. And after that I metyour cousin."
Mrs. Mason still looked unconvinced.
"It won't hurt Charles. I like to see boys chivalrous and devoted, andAnnis is such a darling. It would delight me if they were old enoughto have it all in sober earnest. There, do not look so grave over alittle childish nonsense. Let us rather be fortifying ourselves for theavalanche that is to descend on our devoted heads. One can hardly blameJaqueline, but I am afraid poor Marian will have a hard time. Presently_we_ shall begin to be plagued with lovers."
Mrs. Mason gave a little sigh. It had been quite a task at first toinduce Annis to be really friendly with the children; now she andCharles were inseparable. At first Varina had tormented them withchildish jealousy, though there were not many of their enjoymentsshe wanted to share. Boisterous games and frolics were more to herfancy than books, but Annis could have listened forever. They wereboth extravagantly fond of flowers and rambling about. Mrs. Mason hadso many duties to the household and the slaves, that she was oftenrelieved when the little girl found amusement elsewhere. And Charleswas an admirable companion, with his even temper, his heroic romances,his innate love for whatever was noble and true, his courtesy andkindliness. In the earlier years Varina had quite tyrannized over him,but as their tastes began to differ he quietly emancipated himself withthe rare art born in some people. The tutor had given him a dignity ofposition. Annis appreciated this quiet side of his nature, though sheenjoyed the songs and dances and frolics of the pickaninnies, and oftenjoined in a game of romps.
Just now the mother had a half-jealous feeling that her child shouldfind satisfaction elsewhere. There were so many years between her andwomanhood that it was foolish to pay heed to the child's play, sheknew.
From various causes they had not made their usual weekly visit tothe Pineries. Jaqueline half wished Patricia would insist upon going,but she did not. As for herself, she hardly dared venture, lest someuntoward questions might be asked.
And so one day the old-fashioned yellow coach with driver and footmanturned up the avenue. There had been a recent rain, and the air wascool and fragrant. Mr. and Mrs. Mason were out on the wide porch at thenorthern end. Dinner was over, and the squire had tilted back his chairwhere he could lean against the great square column, and prepared forhis siesta.
Mrs. Mason was sewing. The girls were in the big swing under some greatsycamore trees, and Louis was lounging on the grass.
"Randolph, your mother and Mr. Floyd," said his wife, startled.
Mr. Mason rose, but the footman had helped out Mr. Floyd, who satnearest, and Mr. Mason clasped his mother's hand aft
er she hadalighted.
"This is a great surprise and pleasure, but the air is magnificent,just the day for driving. I was over to the courthouse most of themorning. I've had that bother of the Chaffee estate on my hands, but weare getting it into shape. It has taken a good deal of my time."
"We had looked for you up," returned his mother, with a touch ofasperity in her tone.
"Scipio, see that the horses are put out----"
"The horses have been attended to. We stopped at Rhoby's and had alittle rest and a bite of something."
"But you will have dinner----"
"No, no!" Mr. Floyd waved his long white hand impressively. "We havenot come to stay, and will drive back presently."
Mrs. Mason had come forward and greeted her guests. But she felt thestorm in the air, and caught the perplexity in her husband's eye.
"Shall we go within?"
"No; it is so much pleasanter here. There is enough time in winter tobe shut up in rooms. Give me the great world out of doors, when it isneither too hot nor too cold."
"All are well, I suppose?" asked Mrs. Mason.
"Brandon's little son is quite ill--the second child. We only heardlast evening. Some kind of a fever. I hope it will not be severe. Theyare fine boys," declared their grandmother with pride.
"We have escaped wonderfully on the plantation. Very little sickness sofar," Mr. Mason remarked, and there was an ominous pause.
"Mr. Mason," began the old gentleman, clearing his voice, "I had avisitor a few days ago, who, I understood, had your countenance ina very impertinent matter. I was amazed that you should for a momententertain the thought that anything he might say would be acceptable tome--to us," glancing at his wife.
Randolph Mason met the issue squarely.
"You mean Lieutenant Ralston?"
"That ill-bred puppy who, if he wants to do his country any service,had better go out against the Indians and protect the border peoplefrom their depredations instead of flirting around after women. Iwonder that you sent him on such a fool's errand. You knew my plansconcerning my daughter Marian?"
"I advised him to write to you, but he was very much in earnest andthought he could plead his cause better."
"The fellow is a silly, insufferable idiot! Yes--I know," waving hishand authoritatively, "the kind of people Jane consorts with, and Imight have been certain the society there would do the girls no good.But that you should not only aid and abet him, but allow your home tobe made the scene of an intrigue, is treating your mother and myselfshamefully, and exposing your young sister to the machinations of anunprincipled fellow! If you choose to allow your daughters to consortwith such cattle----"
"Hold, Mr. Floyd! I will not have an honorable young man accused inthat manner, neither will I allow you to traduce my household. Therewas no intrigue, but an accidental meeting here----"
Mr. Floyd rose in a passion, his eyes sparkling, his face flushed.
"Do you dare to tell me there was no underhand plan in all this?Jaqueline's adroitly worded note, that might have aroused suspicionif we had not considered you above such a scheme. It was atrocious,sir! We had refused to have her visit her sister on that account. Shehad met the young man there. And how was it _he_ should come at thisparticular juncture?"
"My son brought him down from Washington. He is in the habit of askinghis friends. Another friend was coming, Mr. Roger Carrington."
"Where is Louis? Let me see him. Let him deny his part of the plan, ifhe can, with truth."
"Mr. Floyd, do common justice to the young man. He is a fine, highlyesteemed person, in a good position, and numbers his friends among thebest. His attentions would be no insult to any woman. That a prettyyoung girl should be admired is no uncommon thing; that more than oneman should want to marry her is nothing derogatory. You may not care toaccept him for a son-in-law----"
"She should not marry him if she never married at all!" thundered theirascible old man. "I had other and better plans for her. Some monthsago one of our most estimable neighbors, a man of large propertyand unsullied reputation, asked for her hand. Being a widower, hewould make no advances until the year of mourning had expired, whichcertainly evinced a delicacy worthy of all commendation. Marian knewshe was as good as betrothed. Ha! Louis!" as the young man crossedthe porch. "Tell me the truth, sir? Did you not bring that schemingadventurer down here to meet Marian?"
"I have no idea to whom you refer. I have no such person on my list ofacquaintances," declared Louis haughtily.
"That beggarly lieutenant! Don't tell me he wouldn't be glad enough tomarry a girl with a good dower."
"I certainly asked Lieutenant Ralston to come with Mr. Carrington. Iknew the Fairfax girls were to be here, but Marian was a surprise tome."
"You are not telling the truth, young man."
"Very well. Believe as you like." Louis turned on his heel and walkedoff indignantly.
"Father," said Mrs. Floyd reprovingly, "Jaqueline must have known. Itwas her letter that made all the trouble. I dare say Louis was not inthe plot."
Mrs. Floyd was proud of her fine-looking grandson. He had always beena favorite.
"Yes; where is that deceitful girl? I warn you, Randolph Mason, thatyou will have trouble with one so headstrong and lawless."
"You forget you are speaking of my daughter."
"I don't care whose daughter she is!" the old man roared in his anger."I want to tell her that her schemes have fallen through, that shehas only made Marian a miserable, disobedient girl in encouraging thiswicked fancy when she was on the eve of an engagement with her parents'approval and sanction."
Jaqueline walked across the path and up the steps with her head heldhaughtily erect.
"I am here to answer for any crime I may have committed," she saidin a clear, cutting tone. "Papa allows us some liberty in choosingour friends, and certainly as guests in the house they are under hissupervision. The Fairfaxes were old neighbors. The Carringtons were oldfriends of my own mother and her dear cousin. Mr. Ralston is held inhigh esteem in Washington. I was not at all sure Marian would come whenI wrote, but I thought it a good opportunity----"
"For that fellow to turn her head with his wretched nonsense, to makeher silly and disobedient and full of romantic notions. But it willdo no good, I tell you! She has been proposed to in due form by Mr.Greaves, and you may notify your friend that she is engaged. And, MissJaqueline, I warn you not to write her any letters upholding yourviews, which are certainly most pernicious and shocking for a younggirl. Until she is married you are not to meet again. I call you adangerous girl."
"That will do," said Randolph Mason, coming and taking his daughter'shand in his. "I think you quite forget yourself, Mr. Floyd. IfMarian had not cared for this young man there would not have been anytrouble. Beware how you compel her to marry one man while her heart isanother's!"
"My daughter has been trained to habits of obedience and respect forher parents' opinions," returned the old gentleman loftily. "You willfind that you have made a great mistake in the rearing of yours. But,on the other hand, they have been bereft of a mother's wisdom and care,such as _your_ mother has given to mine," and he bowed in a courtlyfashion to Mrs. Floyd. "I am afraid that you, madam," turning to Mrs.Mason, "will find your way a thorny one indeed, if you have any regardfor the probity and welfare of these children you have undertaken totrain."
"We will not go into a discussion of methods," returned Mr. Mason witha sort of dry austerity. "I am sorry that Marian's meeting LieutenantRalston here should have led to such an unpleasant culmination. Youngpeople of to-day do have more liberty than the older generation, yetI should have taken it very hard if Jaqueline Verney's father hadcompelled her to marry a man she did not like when she loved me. So wecannot blame the young man for trying----"
"That was a suitable, sensible match," interrupted Mr. Floyd. "Thisis a foolish, sentimental affair. And I have to say if it receives anymore encouragement from this house, it will make a lasting breach. IfMarian should dare to leave her home and t
hrow herself on this fellow'sprotection we should cast her out altogether, and she would be nodaughter of ours."
"Father, father!" entreated Mrs. Floyd, placing her hand upon his arm.
"I mean it. This is my warning. I will not be interfered with."
Mr. Mason had been standing beside his wife's chair. Now he advancedtoward his stepfather.
"I have made my apology. I am sorry such a thing should have happenedhere, though I cannot find it in my heart to blame the young people.And now let us heal the difference. Have a glass of wine and somerefreshments."
"We must return at once. It is a long ride. But I wanted you toknow what your daughter's meddling had led to, and my unalterabledetermination. Come, Elizabeth," holding out his hand to his wife."We shall be glad to see you and Mrs. Patricia, but for the present Iinsist there shall be no communication with the young people."
He glared at the group and turned away. Mr. Mason offered no furtherentreaty, but went around to his mother's side.
"Twice you have married the man of your choice," he said in a low tone."I suppose you have been very happy. Try and deal gently with Marianand persuade rather than force."
"You will understand when your girls want to make unsuitable andwillful marriages. You had better look sharply after Jaqueline. WhenMarian is left alone she will soon recover her tranquil frame of mind.Jane is interdicted as well. Jane has grown very frivolous since shehas had so much Washington society. And Mrs. Madison is extremelyworldly and vain, and not to be compared with Mrs. Adams or Mrs.Washington."
Mrs. Mason rose and bade her guests a formal adieu. Mr. Mason walkeddown the broad steps and saw them seated in the coach. When it hadturned into the winding part of the avenue Jaqueline made a rush andflung her arms around her father's neck.
"Oh, papa, dear!--I never supposed it would make any trouble. And Iwasn't sure Mr. Ralston would come, or Marian either, for that matter,and I never said a word to Marian. Jane is so much interested in thematter, and both she and Mr. Jettson like Mr. Ralston so very much. Butgrandpapa grows more and more arbitrary----"
"Of course he was very much vexed. I am afraid I am a foolish fellowand let you children run over me. You don't even seem to stand in aweof your stepmother. I shall have to get my backbone stiffened by someprocess."
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