Driven from Home; Or, Carl Crawford's Experience
Page 34
CHAPTER XXXIV.
CARL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF AN ENGLISH LORD.
"There they are now," said the stranger, suddenly pointing out twopersons walking slowly along the piazza. "The small man, in the roughsuit, and mutton-chop whiskers, is Lord Bedford."
Carl eyed the British nobleman with some curiosity. Evidently LordBedford was no dude. His suit was of rough cloth and ill-fitting. He wasbarely five feet six inches in height, with features decidedlyplain, but with an absence of pretension that was creditable to him,considering that he was really what he purported to be. Stuyvesantwalked by his side, nearly a head taller, and of more distinguishedbearing, though of plebeian extraction. His manner was exceedinglydeferential, and he was praising England and everything English in afulsome manner.
"Yes, my lord," Carl overheard him say, "I have often thought thatsociety in England is far superior to our American society."
"Thanks, you are very kind," drawled the nobleman, "but really Ifind things very decent in America, upon my word. I had been readingDickens's 'Notes' before I came over and I expected to find you veryuncivilized, and--almost aboriginal; but I assure you I have met somevery gentlemanly persons in America, some almost up to our Englishstandard."
"Really, my lord, such a tribute from a man in your position is mostgratifying. May I state this on your authority?"
"Yes, I don't mind, but I would rather not get into the papers, don'tyou know. You are not a--reporter, I hope."
"I hope not," said Mr. Stuyvesant, in a lofty tone. "I am a scion ofone of the oldest families in New York. Of course I know that socialposition is a very different thing here from what it is in England. Itmust be a gratifying thing to reflect that you are a lord."
"Yes, I suppose so. I never thought much about it."
"I should like so much to be a lord. I care little for money."
"Then, by Jove, you are a remarkable man."
"In comparison with rank, I mean. I would rather be a lord with athousand pounds a year than a rich merchant with ten times as much."
"You'll find it very inconvenient being a lord on a thousand; you mightas well be a beggar."
"I suppose, of course, high rank requires a large rent roll. In fact, aNew York gentleman requires more than a trifle to support him. I can'tdress on less than two hundred pounds a year."
"Your American tailors are high-priced, then?"
"Those that I employ; we have cheap tailors, of course, but I generallygo to Bell."
Mr. Stuyvesant was posing as a gentleman of fashion. Carl, who followedat a little distance behind the pair, was much amused by his remarks,knowing what he did about him.
"I think a little of going to England in a few months," continuedStuyvesant.
"Indeed! You must look me up," said Bedford, carelessly.
"I should, indeed, be delighted," said Stuyvesant, effusively.
"That is, if I am in England. I may be on the Continent, but you caninquire for me at my club--the Piccadilly."
"I shall esteem it a great honor, my lord. I have a penchant for goodsociety. The lower orders are not attractive to me."
"They are sometimes more interesting," said the Englishman; "but do youknow, I am surprised to hear an American speak in this way. I thoughtyou were all on a level here in a republic."
"Oh, my lord!" expostulated Stuyvesant, deprecatingly. "You don't thinkI would associate with shopkeepers and common tradesmen?"
"I don't know. A cousin of mine is interested in a wine business inLondon. He is a younger son with a small fortune, and draws a very tidyincome from his city business."
"But his name doesn't appear on the sign, I infer."
"No, I think not. Then you are not in business, Mr. Stuyvesant?"
"No; I inherited an income from my father. It isn't as large as I couldwish, and I have abstained from marrying because I could not maintainthe mode of living to which I have been accustomed."
"You should marry a rich girl."
"True! I may do so, since your lordship recommends it. In fact, I havein view a young lady whose father was once lord mayor (I beg pardon,mayor) of New York. Her father is worth a million."
"Pounds?"
"Well, no, dollars. I should have said two hundred thousand pounds."
"If the girl is willing, it may be a good plan."
"Thank you, my lord. Your advice is very kind."
"The young man seems on very good terms with Lord Bedford," said Carl'scompanion, whose name was Atwood, with a shade of envy in his voice.
"Yes," said Carl.
"I wish he would introduce me," went on Mr. Atwood.
"I should prefer the introduction of a different man," said Carl.
"Why? He seems to move in good society."
"Without belonging to it."
"Then you know him?"
"Better than I wish I did."
Atwood looked curious.
"I will explain later," said Carl; "now I must go in to breakfast."
"I will go with you."
Though Stuyvesant had glanced at Carl, he did not appear to recognizehim, partly, no doubt, because he had no expectation of meeting the boyhe had robbed, at Niagara. Besides, his time and attention were so muchtaken up by his aristocratic acquaintance that he had little notice foranyone else. Carl observed with mingled amusement and vexation that Mr.Stuyvesant wore a new necktie, which he had bought for himself in NewYork, and which had been in the stolen gripsack.
"If I can find Lord Bedford alone I will put him on his guard," thoughtCarl. "I shall spoil Mr. Stuyvesant's plans."
After breakfast Carl prepared to go down to the falls.
On the way he overtook Lord Bedford walking in the same direction, and,as it happened, without a companion. Carl quickened his pace, and ashe caught up with him, he raised his hat, and said: "Lord Bedford, Ibelieve."
"Yes," answered the Englishman, inquiringly.
"I must apologize for addressing a stranger, but I want to put youon your guard against a young man whom I saw walking with you on thepiazza."
"Is he--what do you know of him?" asked Lord Bedford, laying aside hisair of indifference.
"I know that he is an adventurer and a thief. I made his acquaintance ona Hudson River steamer, and he walked off with my valise and a small sumof money."
"Is this true?" asked the Englishman, in amazement.
"Quite true. He is wearing one of my neckties at this moment."
"The confounded cad!" ejaculated the Englishman, angrily. "I suppose heintended to rob me."
"I have no doubt of it. That is why I ventured to put you on yourguard."
"I am a thousand times obliged to you. Why, the fellow told me hebelonged to one of the best families in New York."
"If he does, he doesn't do much credit to the family."
"Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English. He evidentlywanted to gain my confidence."
"May I ask where you met him?" asked Carl.
"On the train. He offered me a light. Before I knew it, he was chattingfamiliarly with me. But his game is spoiled. I will let him know that Isee through him and his designs." "Then my object is accomplished,"said Carl. "Please excuse my want of ceremony." He turned to leave, butBedford called him back.
"If you are going to the falls, remain with me," he said. "We shallenjoy it better in company."
"With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford. I am travelingon business and don't belong to one of the first families."
"I see you will suit me," said the Englishman, smiling.
Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless. "My lord," hesaid, "I lost sight of you. If you will allow me I will join you.
"Sir!" said the Englishman, in a freezing voice, "I have not the honorof knowing you."
Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
"I--I hope I have not offended you, my lord," he said.
"Sir, I have learned your character from this young man."
This called the attentio
n of Stuyvesant to Carl. He flushed as herecognized him.
"Mr. Stuyvesant," said Carl, "I must trouble you to return the valiseyou took from my stateroom, and the pocketbook which you borrowed. Myname is Carl Crawford, and my room is 71."
Stuyvesant turned away abruptly. He left the valise at the desk, butCarl never recovered his money.