The Master of the Ceremonies Part 49

"I am sure you would not say anything to wound me," said Claire, kissing her.

"Indeed I wouldn't, my dear: and, do you know, ever since I found out how you people here were situated, through Mr Denville coming to see my Josiah, who is the real best of men, I seemed to take to you like. I went home and had a good cry after I'd been here the first time, and seen you managing your poor father, and your sister and brother so well."

Claire's brow grew troubled, but her visitor prattled on.

"You had another brother, hadn't you, my dear, who couldn't agree with your father like, and then went away?"

"Yes," said Claire, bowing her head to hide her face.

"Ah, my Josiah told me so. Well, well, there's troubles in every family, my dear; and so long as pa has got you he has not much cause for complaint."

Claire looked up, trying to smile, but it was a sorry attempt; and soon after her guest rose, a.s.suring her that she need not be uneasy about Mr Linnell.

"One word before I go, my dear, though, just as a secret. It isn't that I'm curious, because I don't care who it is marries, or whom they marry; but I've no girls of my own, and I do take an interest in you. Now, just in a whisper like. I am an old friend."

"Yes, yes--indeed, you are. The only dear friend I have."

"Then tell me now; put your lips close to my ear--it is to be Mr Linnell, is it not?"

"Never!" said Claire firmly.

"Oh, my! And I told you to whisper. I won't believe it's that horrible Major."

"Mrs Barclay," said Claire, putting her arms round her homely friend's neck, "they say that every woman has her duty in life: mine is to watch over and help my father, and to be such protection as I can to my sister and brothers."

"What, and not get married at all?" cried Mrs Barclay, in a tone of disappointment.

"And never be any man's wife," said Claire sadly. "Oh!"

"Stop one moment, Mrs Barclay," whispered Claire, in a strangely hesitating manner, "you do like me, I know."

"Indeed, I do, my dear, though I must say you disappoint me horribly."

"Then I want you--whatever comes to pa.s.s--whatever people may say of me--to try and think the best of me."

"Why, my darling!"

"Yes: I know you will; but your confidence may be sorely tried, and I want you to think well of me always. I cannot do all I wish, and--and-- I cannot explain myself; only think the best you can of me. Good-bye, good-bye!"

"She is the strangest girl I ever did meet," said Mrs Barclay, as she panted away in her thick silk and enormous open bonnet. "Think well of her, whatever comes to pa.s.s! Why, of course I will, poor girl!"

Volume Two, Chapter IX.

AN INTERESTED PATRON.

"Well, Denville," said Lord Carboro', "I wanted to see you."

"In what way can I serve your lords.h.i.+p?" said the MC, with his best bow.

"A pinch of your snuff."

The pinch was taken, and the box snapped and returned.

"Your arm."

Denville's breast swelled as he offered his arm to the elderly beau, and a flush of hope rose into his cheeks. The sun must be coming out at last.

It was a pleasant thing to be seen walking along the Parade in so familiar a way with Lord Carboro', and to his great delight Denville saw that the Parade was well filled.

He expected that this would be only a temporary condescension from the wealthy old n.o.bleman; but Lord Carboro' held on tightly, made a few very nasty remarks about some of the people they pa.s.sed, and then said suddenly:

"Drelincourt has been asking me to interest myself with the Prince to get your boy a commission."

"Indeed, my lord?"

"Yes, indeed. 'Nother pinch of snuff."

The box--_sniff--snuff--snap_.

"Like to know what I said to her?"

"My lord, I am a father."

"Yes, Denville, I know it. Well."

The old man changed the conversation to make another remark or two about some visitors, and then said, suddenly returning to the subject:

"Drelincourt asked me to get the lad a commission."

"Yes, my lord."

"You don't think of letting that old harpy claw up the boy?"

"Oh, my lord!"

"Of course, it would be madness. I told her I'd see her ladys.h.i.+p made a mummy first."

The MC's heart sank.

"She means to marry fat Matt Bray. I hope she will. I said I'd see her ladys.h.i.+p made a mummy first, Denville; and--he, he, he! she showed real colour. It came up in her cheeks, all round the rouge. Poor old girl!

she is as bad as her sister was: hates to hear about dying. Doosid awkward thing, old Teigne being killed in your house. I wonder who got her diamonds."

Denville's hands began to tremble, and the beads of perspiration to stand upon his forehead.

"Must all die some day, I suppose. Great nuisance to think about if the weather's fine, Denville; but when it's a cold, easterly wind, or one's gout's bad, I often feel as if I shouldn't mind being tucked up comfortably. How do you feel about it, Denville? You're not a chicken."

"My lord, I feel sometimes as if, once I could see my boy settled, and my daughter well married, it would be a relief to lie down and take the long sleep," said the MC solemnly.

"Denville," said Lord Carboro', after a pause, during which he held on tightly to his companion's arm. "I've gone on for years calling you an artificial old humbug, with your deportment and niminy-piminy ways. I hadn't the common sense to see that they were like my wig and stock, sir--put on. I beg your pardon, Denville. I do, sir: I beg your pardon. You've the right stuff in you after all, and, sir--I'm very proud to tell you that what I wouldn't do for that old harpy, Drelincourt, I would do on my own account."