The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth

by William Harrison Ainsworth

  “Even if it should be offered me, I do not intend to resume my former position,” said Mildred.

  “As yet you cannot tell,” said Sister Aline. “Darcy’s death seems to have wrought a wonderful change in your husband’s feelings, and from your description of his conduct towards you it appears highly probably that a reconciliation will take place. It will certainly be promoted by your father.”

  “But I should hesitate,” said Mildred.

  “Why hesitate?” rejoined the other. “If you have any conscientious scruples, give them due weight, but I see occasion for none. Leave the arrangement of the affair to your father. But pray do not offer any needless opposition! You have everything in your favour. You are here, on the spot. You have not to be brought back. All may be quickly settled.”

  “I must not indulge in these thoughts,” said Mildred. “Wherefore not?” rejoined Sister Aline. “It seems to me that they naturally arise from the present position of affairs. Depend upon it, their speedy consideration will be forced upon you, so you may as well make up your mind at once.”

  “I cannot! I cannot!” replied Mildred. “I am surprised you should recommend such a course to me.”

  “Circumstances, I repeat, have totally changed, and you will have to adapt yourself to them, and it seems to me that you can do so without difficulty. But here comes your father,” she added, as Mr. Warburton entered the room, and respectfully saluted her.

  “I heard you had returned and came to see you. You may be of great use to us at this juncture.”

  “I shall be happy to aid you in any way, and I think I understand how you require my assistance,” replied Sister Aline. “I have learnt with the greatest possible satisfaction, that a perfect reconciliation has just taken place between your daughter and her husband.”

  “I rejoice to say it is a perfect reconciliation,” replied Mr. Warburton.

  “The sole obstacle has been removed,” said Sister Aline. “From Darcy’s dying lips I learnt the truth.

  He deemed himself rightfully punished, and confessed that the wicked design he carried into effect was prompted more by hatred of Stanley than passion for his wife.”

  “Well, he is gone to his account, and let us think of him no more,” said the Squire. “I hope Mildred may be able to banish him for ever from her recollection.”

  “I do not doubt it,” said Sister Aline.

  “I shall never think of him — save with detestation, and as the destroyer of my happiness,” said Mildred.

  “There is much happiness in store for you, I trust,” said her father.

  “Your penitence is sincere, and your husband has pardoned you,” said Sister Aline.

  “But will the world pardon me?” said Mildred.

  “Perhaps not. But what matters the world, if your husband and your father support you?” said Sister Aline.

  “As they certainly will,” added Mr. Warburton. “Do not distress yourself. All will now be well — of that you may rest assured.”

  Another interruption was here offered by the entrance of Stanley himself, who seemed as much pleased to meet Sister Aline as the Squire had previously been.

  “Welcome back again!” he said to her. “I heard that you were here, and came to satisfy you that Mildred and I are now entirely reconciled. Are we not?” he added, appealing to his wife, who heartily assented.

  “With his dying lips Darcy completely exculpated her,” said Sister Aline, “and confessed he was in fault. Shall I repeat his words?”

  “No,” replied Stanley. “He has been punished, and that is enough. My desire is entirely to forget him.”

  “And nothing shall ever remind you of him,” said Mildred. “Never again shall his name be mentioned by me.”

  “Nor by me,” added the Squire.

  “Let the past be buried in oblivion,” said Sister Aline. “The future offers you happiness. Disturb it not by painful recollections.”

  Stanley then turned to Mr. Warburton and said, “Henceforward our plans shall be entirely directed by you. Do you not agree in that?” he added to his wife.

  “Entirely,” she replied.

  “You shall have my best advice,” replied the old gentleman. “The only difficulty will be at first But” with a little management all will be easily overcome.”

  “Overcome it will be since you undertake it, sir,” said Sister Aline; “but not easily.”

  “Yes, easily, if we go the right way to work,” replied Mr. Warburton confidently.

  “There will be considerable disappointment, I fear, sir,” said Sister Aline.

  “No doubt! — no doubt!” returned the Squire. “That must be anticipated. Expectations have been raised that can never be realized, and disappointment must naturally ensue. But I will make matters as smooth as I can.”

  “I am quite sure of that, sir,” said Stanley, “and the course you propose is precisely that which will best please me.”

  “Pray do not let me be brought forward at first, dear papa,” entreated Mildred. “I am not equal to the effort.”

  “Make yourself easy, my dear love,” he rejoined. “You shall be placed in no difficulty that I can possibly avoid. It is somewhat unlucky that certain ladies are here at present — but they really cannot interfere, however much they may feel inclined to do so.”

  “Interfere they will — on that you may depend,” said Stanley. “But their interference will produce little effect, if you stand firm.”

  “And rest assured I will,” said the Squire. “And now, since all is satisfactorily settled here, I will go downstairs to look after them.”

  “Heaven bless him!” exclaimed Sister Aline.

  CHAPTER XV.

  LADY STARKEY’S ADVICE TO MR. WARBURTON.

  CONSTERNATION prevailed among the ladies assembled at Beaucliffe.

  Things had taken quite a different turn from what they expected. Instead of promoting their plans, Darcy’s death seemed completely to have checked them. Stanley’s intentions were not quite clear to them, but they had strong suspicions of the truth, since the Squire had told them of the reconciliation, which they regarded in a very different light from what he did, and as a most unfortunate step both for Stanley and himself.

  After some consultation on the matter, which only served to increase their perplexity and annoyance, they resolved to defer its full consideration till next day.

  Meantime, Lady Starkey undertook to have some private talk with Mr. Warburton, and clearly ascertain what was to be the new state of things, that they might know how to act.

  This being decided upon, Mrs. Brereton returned with Rose, while Lady Talmash withdrew to her own room, with the intention of remaining there till summoned, leaving Lady Starkey alone in the drawingroom, where Mr, Warburton found her, From the position she had taken in a retired part of the room, and from her grave looks, he immediately-understood her object. But he was rather glad of the proffered tête-à-tête and said so to her ladyship as he approached her, “I have just come from Mildred’s room, where I left Stanley. A complete reconciliation has taken place between them.”

  “So I expected, after what you had already told me. I think it a very unwise step for Stanley to take, and do not hesitate to express my deep regret. It is equally unfortunate for you, sir, and I am surprised you should countenance it. Had you consulted me on the subject, I should have advised you most strongly against it.”

  “I had the strongest inducement to act as I did,” replied Mr. Warburton. “Mildred’s life I believe, depended on my acquiescence.”

  “I can understand paternal tenderness,” said Lady Starkey, “but cannot understand Stanley’s strange conduct — certainly not appreciate it. Their re-union will not have the effect of restoring her to society; and I am therefore quite at a loss to comprehend what will be gained by it. Of necessity, she must continue the life of complete seclusion she is compelled to lead at present.”

  “There I entirely differ with your ladyship,” rejoined the Squire. “B
ut should her friends cease to visit her, I am persuaded she won’t regret it. She will have the support of her husband, and my support.”

  “Are you quite sure she will have her husband’s support, sir?”

  “Quite sure,” replied Mr. Warburton. “He has pledged his word to me to that effect. Besides nothing can be kinder than his conduct to her.”

  “I cannot understand it. He is governed by some unaccountable impulse. But it will not last, and what will happen when it ceases? Ask yourself that question, sir. Things will be worse than ever.”

  “I don’t believe it,” rejoined Mr. Warburton. “I am certain of my daughters sincere repentance, and feel confident that her future conduct — should she be spared — will be such as to confirm Stanley’s good opinion.”

  “I hope your notion may prove correct,” said Lady Starkey. “But I have my doubts, and feel bound to express them. My opinion is likewise shared by Lady Talmash and Mrs. Brereton, both of whom think Stanley has made a very great mistake, and will find it out ere long. I think it right to give you this warning before the step is irrevocable, and I do so at the hazard of forfeiting your friendship, which I value much. Let the utmost kindness and attention be shown to Mildred, but do not place her in a position certain to produce greater misery than she has yet endured.”

  “If I thought so, I might hesitate,” replied the Squire; “but I am confident your apprehensions are ill-founded. I have entire faith in her, and so has Stanley. Ah! here he is to speak for himself,” he added, as the person in question entered the room.

  “Lady Starkey has been severely censuring the step we have just taken in regard to Mildred, and declares we shall bitterly repent it.”

  “You will, I am certain, Stanley,” she said. “Is it too late to retreat?”

  “I have no intention of retreating,” he replied. “I am quite ‘satisfied with the explanation given by Mildred, whose conduct, though imprudent in the extreme, has not been as guilty as supposed. Confirmation has been given to Mildred’s statement by Darcy’s dying confession made to Sister Aline, in which he acquitted her of all but imprudence.”

  Lady Starkey looked incredulous.

  “I cannot believe Mildred’s statement, even supported by Sister Aline,” she said.

  “I firmly believe it,” rejoined Stanley; “and I shall feel highly indignant if your ladyship persists in your doubts after this explanation.”

  “Which I can confirm in all particulars,” added Mr. Warburton.

  “I do not like to say so,” rejoined Lady Starkey; “but I cannot but think that you have both been imposed upon.”

  “How? — imposed upon!” cried Mr. Warburton. “Your ladyship is strangely unwilling to believe the truth!”

  “It almost seems as if you had some motive for this incredulity,” observed Stanley.

  “My motive is unwillingness to see you made a dupe,” she replied. “But let us postpone any further consideration of the matter till to-morrow, when your mother will be here, and when Lady Talmash can give you her opinion.”

  “I do not care for Lady Talmash’s opinion,” said Stanley. “I am fully satisfied, and neither her ladyship nor anyone else will shake my conviction of the truth. However, I am quite willing to discuss the subject, as you propose, to-morrow. But it must be for the last time.”

  Thereupon, he and the Squire bowed to Lady Starkey, and went out through the open window into the garden.

  CHAPTER XVI.

  SISTER ALINE’S TESTIMONY IN FAVOUR OF MILDRED.

  NEXT morning Mrs. Brereton, accompanied by Rose, came over to Beaucliffe.

  They were received by Stanley, who conducted the younger lady to the drawing-room, at the door of which he left her and then took his mother in the library, where they found Mr. Warburton writing letters.

  On the entrance of Mrs. Brereton he immediately desisted from his task and welcomed her as heartily as ever; but it was evident from her look and manners that the lady was deeply displeased both with him and her son.

  “You don’t seem quite the thing this morning, my dear madam,” said the Squire, as he gave her a chair. “I hope nothing has occurred to put you out.”

  “Pardon me, sir,” she rejoined. “A great deal has occurred to put me out I don’t think I had a wink of sleep all night. I have been thinking over what I heard yesterday of the probable reconciliation between Stanley and Mildred, and I really cannot make up my mind to permit it. I must tell you both plainly what I feel,” she added, looking from one to the other.

  “I am very much surprised by what you say, mother,” observed Stanley, beginning to exhibit symptoms of impatience. “In an affair of this kind it appears to me that I myself am the best judge. If I am satisfied, you ought to be.”

  “And some respect, surely, ought to be paid to my opinion,” said Mr. Warburton, rather sharply. “My view of the case is totally changed from what it was at first. I now know the truth, of which I was ignorant at the time.”

  “But you were aware that your daughter had eloped, I suppose, sir?” rejoined Mrs. Brereton.

  “I was totally unaware of the peculiar character of the elopement, ma’am,” said Mr. Warburton. “Darcy’s dying confession enlightened me. He completely exonerated Mildred. It was an act of extreme imprudence and folly on her part — but that was all.”

  Mrs. Brereton stared at him in surprise.

  “If I could believe that, I might think differently,” she said, gravely.

  “I can corroborate the statement,” said Stanley. “Folly there has been, as Mr. Warburton has just told you — but nothing more.”

  “I am very glad of it,” said Mrs. Brereton. “My only regret is that matters have proceeded so far with Rose. But she has behaved very well, and though she admits that her disappointment is exceedingly great, she declares you shall have no reproaches from her.”

  “She is a noble-hearted girl,” said Stanley.

  “I am quite of the same opinion,” said the Squire.

  By this time Mrs. Brereton’s displeasure was gone; her looks had become cheerful.

  “‘the ladies shall be immediately acquainted with the explanation you have given me, and I do not think they can have anything more to say against the arrangement. At all events, I consider Stanley has acted properly and shall decidedly support him.”

  “I am glad to hear you say so, madam,” observed Mr. Warburton.

  “I am convinced I am acting for the best,” said Stanley. “I should have bitterly reproached myself if any ill consequences had ensued, which I could have prevented.”

  “I will go at once to the ladies, and tell them what I now think,” said Mrs. Brereton.

  “You will find them in the drawing-room, I make no doubt,” said Mr. Warburton. “And I am persuaded they will come round to our opinion. They won’t change mine, whatever they say or do.”

  “Nor mine,” added Stanley, as he opened the door for his mother.

  Mrs. Brereton found the ladies in the drawingroom, as she expected, looking very cross, while poor Rose appeared extremely despondent.

  “Well, what news do you bring?” cried Lady Starkey, eagerly. “Has Stanley become more reasonable?”

  “He is more determined than ever to carry out his plans,” replied Mrs. Brereton, “and I cannot but approve of the course he is pursuing, after the explanation he has just given me.”

  “What! you support the reconciliation?” cried Lady Starkey. “I should never have expected it.”

  “Nor I,” added Lady Talmash, equally surprised. “What will you say when you learn that Mildred’s flight was merely a trick to annoy Stanley. There was nothing serious about it.”

  Lady Starkey laughed incredulously.

  “We are not to be duped by such an explanation as that,” she said, “and I can’t suppose you are.”

  “I am satisfied of its truth,” rejoined Mrs. Brereton.

  “Then you will believe anything,” said Lady Talmash.

  “It is too absurd to be
treated seriously,” muttered Rose.

  “Nevertheless, I maintain its absolute truth,” said Mrs. Brereton. “It was a silly and perilous scheme, very likely to lead to serious consequences, suggested by Darcy and put in practice by him to annoy Stanley. Darcy confessed this with his dying lips to Sister Aline and expressed his deep contrition.”

  They all looked surprised at this statement, but still remained incredulous.

  “Darcy’s confession — granted it was made, of which I don’t feel certain,” said Lady Starkey, “produces no effect on me. He may have had a motive for what he said.”

  “Probably he desired to clear Mildred and set her right with her husband,” said Lady Talmash.

  “Such conduct does not seem quite consistent with his character,” remarked Rose.

  “Not at all,” said Mrs. Brereton. “I repeat I entirely believe Sister Aline’s statement and acquit Mildred of the grave part of the offence.”

  At this moment the door opened, and Mildred herself entered the room.

  She looked very pale and weak, and was supported by Stanley, and closely followed by her father and Sister Aline.

  Lady Starkey and Lady Talmash were quite startled by her unexpected appearance, but they arose and formally saluted her, while Mrs. Brereton and Rose advanced and shook hands with her affectionately.

  Though looking extremely pale and delicate, as we have just said, she had acquired a beauty of another and very touching kind, that exercised a powerful effect upon the two ladies who had joined her. Her voice was low and sweet, and her manner remarkably gentle.

  Stanley was evidently much offended by the reception she met with from Lady Starkey and Lady Talmash, and thus addressed them in a cold, sarcastic tone, “As it is just possible — after what has occurred — that you may not prolong your stay at Beaucliffe, I have brought my wife to bid you adieu.”

  “I very much regret that circumstances have prevented my seeing you during your stay,” said Mildred. “But I have been seriously indisposed, as you are aware—”