Chapter VI (2)

"Yesterday this interesting event came off with signal _éclat_.
Notwithstanding the very unfavorable state of the weather, about
five o'clock in the evening an imposing cavalcade, comprising many
of the leading gentry and yeomanry of this part of the county, on
foot and on horseback, preceded by an admirable band, and a large
and splendid banner, bearing the inscription--'_Welcome to
Yatton_,' went out to meet the above distinguished gentleman, whose
_cortège_, in two carriages, made its appearance in the village
about half-past five. The band immediately struck up 'See the
Conquering Hero comes!' which inspiriting air, however, was nearly
drowned in the shout which welcomed the new proprietor of the noble
estate of Yatton. His carriage was of the most tasteful, splendid,
and unique description, and attracted universal admiration. Mr.
Titmouse repeatedly bowed through the carriage-windows, in graceful
acknowledgment of the cordial welcome and congratulations with
which he was received. He was dressed in a light blue surtout, with
velvet collar, full black stock, and a rich velvet waistcoat of
plaid pattern. His countenance is handsome and expressive, his eye
penetrating, and his brow strongly indicative of thought. He
appears to be little more than twenty-five years old; so that he
has before him the prospect of a long and brilliant career of
happiness and public usefulness. Tables were spread in all the
chief apartments, groaning beneath the most costly viands. All the
luxuries of the season were there; and the wines (which we believe
were those of Mr. Aubrey) were of the first description. Grace was
said by the exemplary vicar of Grilston, the Rev. Mr. Fleshpot; and
the Rev. Mr. Mudflint returned thanks. Sir Harkaway Rotgut Wildfire
(whose amiable lady and accomplished daughter were present)
proposed the health of Mr. Titmouse in a brief, but manly and
cordial address; and the manner in which Mr. Titmouse acknowledged
the toast, which was drunk with the greatest possible
enthusiasm--the simplicity, point, and fervor which characterized
every word he uttered--were such as to excite lively emotion in all
who heard it, and warrant the highest expectations of his success
in Parliament. Nothing could be more touching than his brief
allusions to the sufferings and privations which he had
undergone--nothing more delicate and forbearing than the feeling
which pervaded his momentary allusion to the late occupant of
Yatton. When, however, he distinctly avowed his political
principles as those of a dauntless champion of civil and religious
liberty among all classes of his Majesty's subjects--the applause
was long and enthusiastic. After dinner, the great hall was cleared
for dancing, which was opened by Mr. Titmouse and Miss Wildfire;
Lady Wildfire being led out by the Honorable [!] Mr. Yahoo, an
intimate friend of Mr. Titmouse. We should not omit to mention that
Miss Quirk (the only daughter of Caleb Quirk, Esq., the head of the
distinguished firm of Quirk, Gammon, and Snap, of London, to whose
untiring and most able exertions is owing the happy change which
has taken place in the ownership of the Yatton property)
accompanied her father, at the earnest request of Mr. Titmouse, who
danced several sets with her; and it is whispered--but we will not
anticipate family arrangements. Sir [!] Algernon Fitz-Snooks, a
distinguished fashionable, also accompanied Mr. Titmouse, and
entered with great spirit into all the gayeties of the evening. The
'light fantastic toe' was kept 'tripping' till a late, or rather
very early hour in the morning--when the old Hall was once more
(for a time) surrendered to the repose and solitude from which it
has been so suddenly and joyously aroused."

[In another part of the paper was contained an insulting paragraph, charging Mr. Aubrey with being a party to the "flagrant and iniquitous job," by which Sir Percival Pickering had been returned for the borough; and intimating pretty distinctly, that Mr. Aubrey had not gone without "_a consideration_" for his share in the nefarious transaction.]

A somewhat different account of the affair appeared in the "YORK TRUE BLUE" of the same day.

"YATTON HALL.--We have received one or two accounts of the orgies
of which this venerable mansion was yesterday the scene, on
occasion of Mr. Titmouse taking possession. We shall not give
publicity to the details which have been furnished us--hoping that
the youth and inexperience of the new owner of Yatton (all
allowance, also, being made for the very natural excitement of such
an occasion) will be deemed a palliative in some measure of the
conduct then exhibited. One fact, however, we may mention, that a
very serious _fracas_ arose between Mr. Titmouse and a certain
well-known sporting baronet, which is expected to give employment
to the gentlemen of the long robe at the ensuing assizes. Nor can
we resist adverting to a circumstance, which our readers will, we
trust, credit, on being assured that we witnessed it with our own
eyes--that Mr. Titmouse positively travelled in the cast-off state
carriage of the Lord Mayor of London!!!! Nothing, by the way, could
be more absurd and contemptible than the attempt at a 'Procession'
which was got up--of which our accounts are ludicrous in the
extreme. Will our readers believe it, that the chief personages
figuring on the occasion, were the editor and publisher of a
certain low Radical print--which will no doubt, this day, favor its
readers with a flaming description of this 'memorable affair!'"

* * * * *

Titmouse, assisted by his attentive valet, made a desperate attempt to get up, and present himself the next day at dinner. Aided by a glass of pretty strong brandy and water, he at length got through the fatiguing duties of the toilet, and entered the drawing-room, where his travelling companions were awaiting his arrival--dinner being momentarily expected to be announced. He was deadly pale; his knees trembled; his temples throbbed; his eyes could not bear the light; and everything seemed in undulating motion around him, as he sank in silent exhaustion on the sofa. After a few minutes' continuance, he was compelled to leave the room, leaning on Gammon's arm, who conducted him to his chamber, and left him in charge of his valet, who got him again into bed, and there he lay, enduring much agony, (Dr. Goddart being sent for,) while his friends were enjoying themselves at dinner.

Snap had set off the ensuing day for town, by the first coach, pursuant to the arrangements already spoken of; but I think that old Mr. Quirk would have made up his mind to continue at Yatton until something definite had been done by Titmouse, in two matters which absorbed all the thoughts of the old gentleman--his daughter and the _Ten Thousand Pounds_ bond. Miss Quirk, however, intense as was her anxiety to become the affianced bride of Titmouse, and as such the mistress of the delightful domain where at present she dwelt only as a guest, and in a very embarrassing position--was not so blind to all perception of womanly delicacy as to prolong her stay; and at length prevailed upon her father to take their departure on the day but one after that on which they had arrived. Mr. Quirk was perfectly miserable. He vehemently distrusted Titmouse--and feared and detested Gammon. As for the former gentleman, he had not made any definite advances whatever towards Miss Quirk, nor afforded to any one the slightest evidence of a promise of marriage, either express or implied. He chattered to Miss Quirk an infinite deal of vulgar absurdity--but that was all, in spite of the innumerable opportunities afforded him by the lady and her anxious parent. Was Titmouse acting under the secret advice of that deceitful devil Gammon?--thought Mr. Quirk, in an ecstasy of perplexity and apprehension. Then as to the other matter--but there Gammon had almost as deep a stake, in proportion, as Quirk himself. On the morning of his departure, he and Gammon had a very long interview, in which they several times came to high words; but in the end Gammon vanquished his opponent as usual; allayed all his apprehensions; and accounted for all Titmouse's conduct in the most natural way in the world. "Look at his position just now," quoth Gammon--"the excitement, the novelty, the bewilderment, the indisposition he is experiencing: surely, surely _this_ is not a moment to bring him to book!" In short, Gammon at length brought Quirk, who had received the first intimation of the matter with a sudden _grunt_ of surprise and anger, to acknowledge the propriety of Gammon's remaining behind, to protect Titmouse from the designing Yahoo that had got hold of him; and solemnly pledged himself, as in the sight of Heaven, to use his utmost efforts to bring about, as speedily as possible, the two grand objects of Mr. Quirk's wishes. With this the old gentleman was fain to be satisfied; but entered the chaise which was to convey Miss Quirk and himself to Grilston, with as rueful a countenance as he had ever exhibited in his life. Mr. Titmouse was sufficiently recovered to be present at the departure of Miss Quirk, who regarded his interesting and languid looks with an eye of melting sympathy and affection. With half a smile and half a tear, she slipped into his hand, as he led her to the chaise, a little sprig of heart's ease, which he at once stuck into the button-hole of his coat.

"'Pon my soul--must you go? Devilish sorry you can't stay to have seen some fun!--The old gent" (meaning her father) "don't quite seem to like it--he, he!" said he, in a low tone; then he handed her into the chaise, she dropping her veil to conceal the starting tear of mingled disappointment, and desire, and disgust, and they drove off, Titmouse kissing his hand to her as he stood upon the steps; and, as soon as they were out of sight, he exchanged a very significant smile with Mr. Gammon.

The next day, Titmouse rose about ten o'clock, almost entirely recovered from his indisposition. Accompanied by Mr. Yahoo and Mr. Fitz-Snooks, with whom he was conversing as to the course he should take with reference to Sir Harkaway--whom, however, they advised him to treat with silent contempt, as he, Titmouse, was clearly in the wrong--he took a stroll about noon, down the path leading to the park gates. They all three had cigars in their mouths, Titmouse walking between them, as odious-looking a little puppy, sure, as man ever saw--puffing out his smoke slowly, and with half-closed eye, his right hand stuck into his coat-pocket, and resting on his hip. These three figures--Heaven save the mark!--were the new lord of Yatton and his select friends!

"By jingo, surely here comes a parson," quoth Titmouse; "what the devil can he want here?"--'Twas Dr. Tatham, who slowly approached them, dressed in his Sunday suit, and leaning on his old-fashioned walking-stick, given him many, many years ago by the deceased Mrs. Aubrey.

"Let's have some sport," said Fitz-Snooks.

"We must look devilish serious--no grinning till the proper time," said Yahoo.

"Hallo--you sir!" commenced Titmouse, "who are you?" Dr. Tatham took off his hat, bowed, and was passing on.

"_Devilish_ cool, upon--my--soul--sir?" said Titmouse, stopping, and staring impudently at the worthy little doctor, who seemed taken quite by surprise.

"My worthy old gentleman," said Yahoo, with mock respect, "are you aware who it was that asked you a question?"

"I am not, sir," replied Dr. Tatham, quietly but resolutely.

"My name is Tittlebat Titmouse, at your service--and you are now in my grounds," said Titmouse, approaching him with an impudent air.

"Am I really addressed by Mr. Titmouse?" inquired Dr. Tatham, somewhat incredulously.

"Why, 'pon my life, I _think_ so, unless I'm changed lately; and by Jove, sir--_now_, who are you?"

"I am Dr. Tatham, sir, the vicar of Yatton: I _had_ intended calling at the Hall, as a matter of courtesy; but I fear I am intruding"----

"Devil a bit--no, 'pon honor, no! you're a very good old fellow, I don't doubt!--Pray--a--is that little church outside, yours?"

"It is, sir," replied Dr. Tatham, seriously and sternly; his manner completely abashing the presumptuous little coxcomb who addressed him.

"Oh--well--I--I--'pon my soul, happy to see you, sir--you'll find something to eat in the Hall, I dare say"----

"Do you preach in that same little church of yours next Sunday?" inquired Mr. Yahoo, whose gross countenance had filled Dr. Tatham with unspeakable aversion.

"I preach there _every_ Sunday, sir, twice," he replied gravely and distantly.

"You see, sir," lisped Fitz-Snooks, "the prayers are so--so--_devilish_ long and tiresome--if you could--eh?--shorten 'em a little?"--

Dr. Tatham slowly turned away from them, and, disregarding their calls to him, though their tone of voice was greatly altered, walked back again towards the gate, and quitted the park for the first time in his life, with feelings of mortal repugnance. On reaching his little study, he sat down in his old armchair, and fell into a sad revery, which lasted more than an hour; and then he rose, and went to see the old blind stag-hound fed--and looked at it, licking his hands, with feelings of unusual tenderness; and the doctor shed a tear or two as he patted its smooth gray old head.

On Saturday morning, Mr. Titmouse, at Mr. Gammon's instance, had fixed to go over the estate, accompanied by that gentleman, and by Mr. Waters and Dickons, to give all the information required of them, and point out the position and extent of the property. To an eye capable of appreciating it, in what admirable order was everything! but Titmouse quickly tired of it, and when about a mile from the Hall, discovered that he had left his cigar-box behind him; at which he expressed infinite concern, and, greatly to the annoyance of Gammon, and the contempt of his two bailiffs, insisted on returning home; so they re-entered the park. How beautiful it was! Its gently undulating surface, smooth as if overspread with green velvet; trees great and small, single and in clumps, standing in positions so picturesque and commanding; the broad, babbling, clear trout-stream winding through every part of the park, with here and there a mimic fall, seen faintly flashing and glistening in the distance; herds of deer suddenly startled amid their green pastures and silent shades, and moving off with graceful ease and rapidity; here and there a rustic bridge over the stream; here an old stone bench placed on an elevation commanding an extensive prospect; there a kind of grotto, or an ivy-covered summer-house; then the dense, extensive, and gloomy woods, forming a semicircular sweep round the back of the Hall; all around, nearly as far as the eye could reach, land of every kind in the highest state of cultivation, plentifully stocked with fine cattle, and interspersed with snug and substantial farms.

All this, thought Titmouse, might do very well for those who fancied that sort of thing; but as for _him_, how the devil could he have thought of leaving his cigars behind him? Where, he wondered, were Yahoo and Fitz-Snooks? and quickened his pace homeward.

On Gammon the scene which they had been witnessing had made a profound impression; and as his attention was now and then called off from contemplating it, by some ignorant and puerile remark of the proprietor of the fine domain, he felt a momentary exasperation at himself for the part he had taken in the expulsion of the Aubreys, and the introduction of such a creature as Titmouse. That revived certain other thoughts, which led him into speculations of a description which would have afforded uneasiness even to the little idiot beside him, could he have been made aware of them. But the cloud that had darkened his brow was dispelled by a word or two of Titmouse. "Mr. Gammon, 'pon my soul you're devilish dull to-day," said he. Gammon started; and with his winning smile and cheerful voice, instantly replied, "Oh, Mr. Titmouse, I was only thinking how happy you are; and that you deserve it!"

"Yes; 'pon my soul it ought all to have been mine at my birth!--Don't it tire you, Mr. Gammon, to walk in this up-and-down, zig-zag, here-and-there sort of way? It does _me_, 'pon my life! What would I give for a cigar at this moment!"

The next day was the Sabbath, tranquil and beautiful; and just as the little tinkling bell of Yatton church had ceased, at half-past ten o'clock, Dr. Tatham rose, in his reading-desk, and commenced the service. The church was quite full, for every one was naturally anxious to catch a glimpse of the new tenants of the squire's pew. It was empty, however, till about five minutes after the service had commenced, when a gentleman walked slowly up to the church door; and having whispered an inquiry of the old pew-opener which was the squire's pew, she led him into it--all eyes settled upon him; and all were struck with his appearance, his calm keen features, and gentlemanly figure. 'Twas, of course, Gammon; who, with the utmost decorum and solemnity, having stood for half a minute with his hat covering his face, during which time he reflected that Miss Aubrey had sat in that pew on the last occasion of his attendance at the church, turned round, and behaved with the greatest seriousness and reverence throughout the service, paying marked attention to the sermon. Gammon was an unbeliever, but he thought Dr. Tatham an amiable and learned enthusiast, but who was most probably in earnest; and he felt disposed to admit, as his eye glanced round the attentive and decent congregation, that the sort of thing was not without its advantages. Almost all present took him for Titmouse, and watched every turn of his countenance with intense interest; and, in their simplicity, they rejoiced that Mr. Aubrey's successor was, at all events, so grave and respectable-looking a man; and they fancied that he frequently thought, with kindness and regret, of those whose seat he was occupying. About the middle of the service, the main-door of the church standing wide open, the congregation beheld three gentlemen, smoking cigars, and laughing and talking together, approaching the porch. They were dressed very finely indeed; and were supposed to be some of the great friends of the new squire. They stopped when within a few yards of the church; and after whispering together for a moment, one of them, having expelled a mouthful of smoke, stepped forward to the door, holding his cigar in one hand, and with the other taking off his hat. There was a faint smirk on his face, (for he did not catch the stern countenance of Gammon anxiously directed towards him,) till he beheld Dr. Tatham's solemn eye fixed upon him, while he made a momentary pause. Titmouse blushed scarlet; made a hesitating but most respectful bow; and, stepping back a few paces, replaced his hat on his head, and lit his cigar from that of Mr. Fitz-Snooks, within view, perhaps unconsciously, of more than half the congregation. Then the three gentlemen, after Mr. Titmouse had spoken a word or two to them, burst out into a laugh, and quitted the churchyard.