Chapter XI

But though the pleasures of the day were past,--
For lively pleasures are not formed to last,--
And though less vivid they became, less strong,
Through life they lived and were enjoyed as long;
So deep the impression of that happy day,
Nor time, nor cares, could wear it all away.
CRABBE.

A supplementary chapter is rarely an interesting one. Interest lies less in broad facts than in details, and a narrative of dry facts is as unsubstantial and uninvigorating a repast as a dinner of dry bones. Some few words, however, may be needful here.

The result for which Adelaide Vansittart had been toiling for several years (to do her justice, without any hope or wish of displacing Angela) was attained, and she became Mr. Gresham’s wife, enjoying to the uttermost that lavish wealth, and that “position,” which she had so long contemplated with envy. The attainment of their wishes is, however, sometimes, and to some characters, a benefit, and in the sun of satisfaction faults die away and virtues appear. So it was with her. She became less worldly, less frivolous, and less selfish; was pleased to do good, and if a fine lady, was a very estimable one. There was, indeed, in both hers and Mr. Gresham’s hearts, a certain hollowness and shallowness which could not perfectly be overcome; but even this suffered some change by and through the birth of a son, and through the anxieties of the very sincere affection they gave to him.

Upon the whole, Mr. Gresham’s choice was good, and his marriage a happy one. If his wife did not actually love him she was very contented with him, consulted him on all points, and governed him absolutely.

A happiness of another kind was that which reigned at Audley Court. To say that Robert never gave his wife a moment’s uneasiness, would be to say what human nature scarcely warrants, for there was that weakness and indolence in his disposition, which could not fail at times to be weary in well doing. There were, after his life became more free and unfettered, occasional returns of his old restlessness; there were days on which Hope felt a secret vague misgiving that all was not well, that longings for a more lawless life assailed him; but these were but passing clouds; perhaps to her loving eyes merciful clouds, lest she, even she, clinging too closely to the joys of this world, should lose the clearness of her gaze above. Robert was sincerely bent to do well, and sincerely humble in his distrust of himself, and sincerity and humility are man’s best guardian angels. With them he cannot wander far, or, if he wander, cannot fail to be brought back. So far from shrinking from advice or warning, he again and again implored Mr. Addison to watch over him; begging him even though he might at the time resent it, never to fail to speak, if he saw in him anything unworthy of his father’s heir and Everard’s brother.

Between the two brothers unchanging confidence and affection subsisted. If Everard had once been neglected, if but a tranquil love was his portion, that time was for ever past. He had assumed, he had been forced to assume, his father’s place, and though the place had been left for ever, the reverend love he had won in it remained. If Everard spoke his words were law; if Everard came it was a gala day. Far more than he had ever hoped for, or desired, was poured overflowing, without measure, into his bosom, and he was happy.

Happy, not elated; unconscious, unpresuming; stedfast himself, pitiful to others; strong, but not in his own strength; guided by the memory of his father dead, and the will of his Father above.

Of his and Angela’s married life, one trifling circumstance only shall be recorded, and this not because an uncommon or an unexpected one, but simply as one of those every day instances, of how little youth and inexperience knows of its tastes and requirements.

They began life on £2,000 a year, a sum amply sufficient for every comfort, and most luxuries, but a sum needing management, and certainly far removed from Mr. Gresham’s lavish wealth. Out of this income £200 a year was allotted to Angela. When her father mentioned the fact to her, she remonstrated against the sum as excessive, assuring him her tastes were very simple, and her needs few. He replied that it was befitting her position, and refused to attend to her request that an alteration should be made.

Six months after her marriage, having been supplied in her trousseau with everything woman could desire, Everard one day observed to her that he thought she had a few bills, and it would be as well to collect them. She readily acquiesced, though at the same time she assured him they only amounted to a few pounds. The bills were collected, and the few pounds, when added together, amounted to something only a little less than her year’s income.

With a countenance expressive of the utmost horror and dismay, Angela carried the sum total to her husband. He smiled, and furnished her with the money required without reproach or remonstrance, or, indeed, without much appearance of surprise.

This was in March. In the Christmas following the bills had no need to be collected. They came in of themselves, and in considerable numbers. During the nine past months Angela had practised what she called rigid economy; nevertheless, when the accounts were made up, they stood to her income in nearly the same proportion as before.

With a countenance of still greater dismay, and yet without much trepidation, the total was again carried to Everard; but this time the effect of her communication was different. Far from smiling, his countenance was grave and sad.

“You are angry,” she cried, in sudden terror, for such a cloud had not shadowed his face since their marriage.

“Angry, dearest,” he said, distressed at the word, “oh no, very far from angry; only fearful that I was wrong in allowing you to sacrifice so much as you did for me when you married me.”

“You never shall say that again,” she said, with tears of passionate regret.

And he never did. There was no need.

Her life, her joy, seemed to hang upon his approving look. When she saw a shadow on his brow, she knew she had not done well, and she was not happy.

Happy surely are those who have chosen for their earthly guardians, spirits tried, and stedfast and strong. Happy. And yet for them life’s trials are but begun. It is not moroseness, it is but wisdom to feel that for such, even in their very safety and happiness, the world has fierce temptations in store; not the snares of earthly vanity, but the more subtle snare of earthly idolatry.

Whatever passes as a cloud between
The mental eye of faith and things unseen,
Causing that brighter world to disappear
Or seem less lovely, and its hope less dear,
This is our world, our idol; though it bear
Affection’s impress, or devotion’s air.

THE END.

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LODGE’S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE

LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTENTS.

Historical View of the Peerage.

Parliamentary Roll of the House of Lords.

English, Scotch, and Irish Peers, in their orders of Precedence.

Alphabetical List of Peers of Great Britain and the United Kingdom,
holding superior rank in the Scotch or Irish Peerage.

Alphabetical List of Scotch and Irish Peers, holding superior
titles in the Peerage of Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

A Collective List of Peers, in their order of Precedence.

Table of Precedency among Men.

Table of Precedency among Women.

The Queen and Royal Family.

The House of Saxe Coburg-Gotha.

Peers of the Blood Royal.

The Peerage, alphabetically arranged.

Families of such Extinct Peers as have left Widows or Issue.

Alphabetical List of the Surnames of all the Peers.

Account of the Archbishops and Bishops of England, Ireland, and the
Colonies.

The Baronetage, alphabetically arranged.

Alphabetical List of Surnames assumed by members of Noble Families.

Alphabetical List of the Second Titles of Peers, usually borne by
their Eldest Sons.

Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of Dukes, Marquises, and Earls,
who, having married Commoners, retain the title of Lady before
their own Christian and their Husbands’ Surnames.

Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of Viscounts and Barons, who,
having married Commoners, are styled Honourable Mrs; and, in case
of the husband being a Baronet or Knight, Honourable Lady.

Mottoes alphabetically arranged and translated.

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