A Simple Story

by Mrs. Inchbald

  CHAPTER V.

  The repulse Lord Margrave received, did not diminish the ardour of hispursuit; for as he was no longer afraid of resentment from the Earl,whatever treatment his daughter might receive, he was determined theanger of Lady Matilda, or of her female friend, should not impede hispretensions.

  Having taken this resolution, he laid the plan of an open violation ofall right; and determined to bear away that prize by force, which no artwas likely to procure. He concerted with two of his favouritecompanions, but their advice was, "One struggle more of fair means."This was totally against his inclination; for, he had much rather haveencountered the piercing cries of a female in the last agonies ofdistress, than the fatigue of her sentimental harangues, or elegantreproofs, such as he had the sense to understand, but not the capacityto answer.

  Stimulated, however, by his friends to one more trial, in spite of theformal dismission he had twice received, he intruded another visit onLady Matilda at the Farm. Provoked beyond bearing at such unfeelingassurance, Matilda refused to come into the room where he was, and MissWoodley alone received him, and expressed her surprise at the littleattention he had paid to her explicit desire.

  "Madam," replied the nobleman, "to be plain with you, I am in love."

  "I do not the least doubt it, my Lord," replied Miss Woodley: "nor oughtyou to doubt the truth of what I advance, when I assure you, that youhave not the smallest reason to hope your love will be returned; forLady Matilda is resolved _never_ to listen to your passion."

  "That man," he replied, "is to blame, who can relinquish his hopes, uponthe mere resolution of a lady."

  "And that lady would be wrong," replied Miss Woodley, "who shouldentrust her happiness in the care of a man, who can think thus meanly ofher and of her sex."

  "I think highly of them all," he replied; "and to convince you in howhigh an estimation I hold _her_ in particular, my whole fortune is ather command."

  "Your entire absence from this house, my Lord, she would consider as amuch greater mark of your respect."

  A long conversation, as uninteresting as this, ensued: the unexpectedarrival of Mr. Sandford, put an end to it. He started at the sight ofLord Margrave; but the Viscount was much more affected at the sight ofhim.

  "My Lord," said Sandford boldly to him, "have you received anyencouragement from Lady Matilda to authorize this visit?"

  "None, upon my honour, Mr. Sandford; but I hope you know how to pardon alover!"

  "A rational one I do--but you, my Lord, are not of that class while youpersecute the pretended object of your affection."

  "Do you call it persecution that I once offered her a share of my titleand fortune--and even now, declare my fortune is at her disposal?"

  Sandford was uncertain whether he understood his meaning--but LordMargrave, provoked at his ill reception, felt a triumph in removing hisdoubts, and proceeded thus:

  "For the discarded daughter of Lord Elmwood, cannot expect the sameproposals, which I made, while she was acknowledged, and under theprotection of her father."

  "What proposals then, my Lord?" asked Sandford hastily.

  "Such," replied he, "as the Duke of Avon made to her mother."

  Miss Woodley quitted the room that instant. But Sandford, who never feltresentment but against those in whom he saw some virtue, calmly replied,

  "My Lord, the Duke of Avon was a gentleman, a man of elegance andbreeding; and what have you to offer in recompense for your defects inqualities like these?"

  "My wealth," replied he, "opposed to her indigence." Sandford smiled,and answered,

  "Do you suppose _that_ wealth can be esteemed, which has not been ableto make you respectable? What is it makes wealth valuable? Is it thepleasures of the table? the pleasure of living in a fine house? or ofwearing fine cloaths? These are pleasures, a Lord enjoys, but in commonwith his valet. It is the pleasure of being conspicuous, which makesriches desirable; but if we are conspicuous only for our vice and folly,had we not better remain in poverty?"

  "You are beneath my notice."

  "I trust I shall continue so--and that your Lordship will never againcondescend to come where I am."

  "A man of rank condescends to mix with any society, when a pretty womanis the object."

  "My Lord, I have a book here in my pocket, which I am eager to read; itis an author who speaks sense and reason--will you pardon the impatienceI feel for such company; and permit me to call your carriage?"

  Saying this, he went hastily and beckoned to the coachman; the carriagedrove up, the door was opened, and Lord Margrave, ashamed to be exposedbefore his attendants, and convinced of the inutility of remaining anylonger where he was, departed.

  Sandford was soon joined by the ladies; and the conversation falling, ofcourse, upon the nobleman who had just taken his leave, Sandfordunwarily exclaimed, "I wish Rushbrook had been here."

  "Who?" cried Lady Matilda.

  "I do believe," said Miss Woodley, "that young man has some goodqualities."

  "A great many," returned Sandford, mutteringly.

  "Happy young man!" cried Matilda: "he is beloved by all those, whoseaffection it would be my choice to possess, beyond any other blessingthis world could bestow."

  "And yet I question, if Rushbrook is happy," said Sandford.

  "He cannot be otherwise," returned Matilda, "if he is a man ofunderstanding."

  "He does not want understanding neither," replied Sandford; "although hehas certainly many indiscretions."

  "But which Lord Elmwood, I suppose," said Matilda, "looks upon withtenderness."

  "Not upon all his faults," answered Sandford; "for I have seen him invery dangerous circumstances with your father."

  "Have you indeed?" cried Matilda: "then I pity him."

  "And I believe," said Miss Woodley, "that from his heart, hecompassionates you. Now, Mr. Sandford," continued she, "though this isthe first time I ever heard you speak in his favour, (and I once thoughtas indifferently of Mr. Rushbrook as you can do) yet now I will ventureto ask you, whether you do not think he wishes Lady Matilda much happierthan she is?"

  "I have heard him say so," answered Sandford.

  "It is a subject," returned Lady Matilda, "which I did not imagine you,Mr. Sandford, would have permitted him to have mentioned lightly, inyour presence."

  "Lightly! Do you suppose, my dear, we turned your situation intoridicule?"

  "No, Sir,--but there is a sort of humiliation in the grief to which I amdoomed, that ought surely to be treated with the highest degree ofdelicacy by my friends."

  "I don't know on what point you fix real delicacy; but if it consists insorrow, the young man gives a proof he possesses it, for he shed tearswhen I last heard him mention your name."

  "I have more cause to weep at the mention of his."

  "Perhaps so.--But let me tell you, Lady Matilda, that your father mighthave preferred a more unworthy object."

  "Still had he been to me," she cried, "an object of envy. And as Ifrankly confess my envy of Mr. Rushbrook, I hope you will pardon mymalice, which is, you know, but a consequent crime."

  The subject now turned again upon Lord Margrave; and all of them beingfirmly persuaded, this last reception would put an end to every furtherintrusion from him, they treated his pretensions, and himself, with thecontempt they inspired--but not with the caution that was requisite.