A Ward in Chancery. A novel, etc

Front matter

A NOVEL BV MRS. ALEXANDER L<tlj. AUTHOR OF "THE WOOING O'T," "FOR HIS SAKE," ETC. LONDON OSGOOD, McILVAINE & CO. 45, Albemaele Steeet, AV. CONTENTS. CHAP. PAGE I. TEANSFOEMATION 1 II. Lady Saeah Temple 20 III. Affaies 33 IV. A Debate 52 V. In Society 67 VI. Wanted, a Governess 82 VII. Maud Analy 98 VIII. An Autumn Holiday . . . . ; 116 IX. Treasure Trove 137 X. John Thurston 152 XI. Plans 168 XII. Convalescence 187 XIII. Halcyon Days 200 XIV. A Little Cloud 217 XV. Shadows 237 XVI. Oh! for One-and-Twenty . . . .255 XVII. Broken Gleams 273 XVIII. Reconciliation 287 XIX. There Bemaineth a Best ....

Chapter I. Transformation

Dinnee-houe was past in the severely genteel resi dences situated in Chichester Gardens, Bayswater, that favourite quarter of the upper bourgeoisie, where, among the weU-kept houses, none showed greater marks of care, none had a more abundant supply of flowers in the window-boxes, fresher muslin curtains, brighter brasses, nor more snowy steps, than No. 21, the abode of Thomas Landon, Esquire, of that well-known firm, Redman, Landon, and Kellett, solicitors, of Great Gorman Street, E.C. The interior was worthy of the outside. There was an air of perennial youth about the mansion and its 'plenishing, which bespoke incessant cleaning, studious preservation, and frequent renewals. Tet a certain sense of oppression pervaded the spotless passages and apartments, for one shrank with horror from the pro bability of carrying dust into those sacred precincts, or leaving a trace of mud on the immaculate mats.

At this restful period of the day anyone acquainted with the habits and customs of Chichester Gardens, and of the squares and terraces around that desirable Va locality in general, and of the Landon family in par ticular, might predict Avithout hesitation that Mr. Landon would be found studying the evening paper in his special and rather un-ea,sj chair ; Mrs. Landon established beside her work-table, occupied with a long strip of silk embroidery intended for a mantel border ; and Miss Landon, the baby of the family, sitting on the balcony among the mignonnette boxes and hyacinths, reading the last popular novel from Mudie's, or, as the season was early and exceptionally fine, exchanging ideas, or what they considered ideas, with some con fidential young friend and neighbour in the general pleasure-ground on which the mansions opened at the back.

On such fine evenings Charles, the younger son, generally lit a cigar and sallied forth, U Miss Lorrimer, — the beauty of the gardens, did not want him to practise with her for some tennis competition, whereat she was anxious to make a brilhant success. But on this especial evening our supposed prophet would have been " out " in his reckoning, for, wonder of wonders, Mr. Landon was away, and his wife, son, and daughter, were gathered in the drawing-room engaged in un usually animated conversation respecting a letter just arrived by the last post from the head of the house. It had been expected, and both the son and daughter had stayed indoors to hear its contents. They waited patiently until Mrs. Landon had perused the epistle, and then Charlie cried, " Now then, mother, what's the news ? " " Tes, do tell us what she is like," urged his sister.

" Tour father seems to suffer greatly from the heat in Paris ; I hope he will escape an attack of fever ; for, besides the heat, he has much to annoy him, and I must say I greatly dread this girl coming here. Her up- TRANSFORMATION. bringing has been so strange, she can hardly be a suitable companion for you, Emily." " Does my father say what she is like ? " asked Emily. " No, he does not notice looks much ; he says — where is it — oh, here — ' I called on my niece the afternoon of the day on which I arrived. The place she lives in is most undesirable ; it is in a narrow and not over clean street, and on the fourth storey ; the room was sordid and untidy, nor was the relative with whom she resides either neat or ladylike. The young person herself is somewhat forbidding, and does not seem to recognize the friendly spirit which actuated me in going personally to seek her, and, although exceedingly quiet in manner, is, I fear, somewhat obstinate.

I explained to her that she had been made a ward in Chancery for the better protection of her property and to lighten the responsibility to myself. She is evidently reluctant to reside under my roof, and positively refuses to leave Paris until she procures a complete outfit, of which she seems, I admit, much in need. I explained that I could not prolong my absence, whereupon she remarked that she did not expect I could, nor did she need my escort, as, considering she had taken care of herself and her father since she was thirteen, she was quite capable of travelling alone ; on this point, however, I was firm, and the matter was finally arranged, as I find one of the young women who board with this Madame Carri chon is coming over to take an engagement in England, and can accompany Andree Nugent.' " " Andree !

" repeated Charlie in a tone of astonish ment, " what a name !" " It is French for Andrew," explained his sister. " Miss Andrew Nugent," cried Charlie, with a burst of laughter. " By Jove, the governor is bringing us a queer importation. Tou and the mater have your work cut out for you, Emily." " I must say I think it would have been wiser and better in every way U your father had placed his ward in some high-class estabUshment for young ladies," said Mrs. Landon, with a sigh, and resumed her reading of the letter. " ' Madame Carrichon is a very objectionable person, and talked volubly all the time I was in her presence in a loud, harsh tone, and although I could not understand what she said, I rather think her remarks were hostile and uncomplimentary. I am thankful to say, however, that I have handed my ward a sufficient cheque for her outfit and traveUing expenses, though not all she wanted ; straitened as her circumstances have been, she does not seem to recognize the value of money — " set a beggar on horseback," etc.

(I will not finish the proverb). I am therefore free to return, and hope to be with you on Wednesday to dinner, and very thankful to leave this hot, noisy toAvn ; all else when we meet. With love to Emily,' etc." Mrs. Landon would have blushed to read aloud the concluding line, "your affectionate husband," to her children ; it seemed too confidential and familiar. " I had no idea my father would return so soon," said Emily, in a tone which did not exactly express joy at the prospect; "I wonder what Richard wdl say?" " Oh, he was always in favour of keeping the heiress under our oavu especial thumb," repUed Charlie, who was the liveUest and most modern of the Landon family. " But I am afraid she is deucedly plain — ' forbiddino- ' is an appalling term ! I hope she will not look fearfully common ; my father ought not to have left her to her TRANSFORMATION. 5 own devices in the matter of dress — she will make a guy of herself."

" I am not afraid of that," observed Emily ; " French women generally have taste." " But how on earth can she be a gentlewoman, brought up, as she has been, among quite common people? " " Well, my dears, we must try and do our duty by her by giving her every advantage and the best advice," said Mrs. Landon. "I suppose she speaks English, at all events, as your father seems to have understood her." " I suppose we must take her to Mrs. KeUett's dance on the 27th," Emily added with a sigh, " and I shall have to look after her and provide her Avith partners." " The partners wiU provide themselves," said Charlie, laughing, "when they know the amount she represents ! What extraordinary luck, to be sure ! — and I believe the late sainted Sarah Jane Witham never beheld her ! " Mrs. Landon's gentle and rather anxious countenance relaxed at the mild jest.

CharUe Landon was a fair, blue-eyed man, tall and slim, with flaxen moustaches which scarcely hid his laughing Ups — a careless, light-hearted young fellow, and his mother's favourite. He supplied the youthful element in the household, [for though his sister loved gaiety, she never provided it. The elder son, Richard, was rather an awe-inspiring member of the family ; he had a soul above solicitorship, and insisted on being called to the Bar, thanks to the favour of a whimsical and very elderly aristocratic cUent of his father's, who had taken a fancy to him and lifted him into a loftier, airier, social sphere than that of Chichester Gardens, where his visits became somewhat of a fearful joy, so exalted a person did he seem in the admiring eyes of his kinsfolk. The subject of conversation meanwhile continued to engross the speakers, and many were the conjectures hazarded as to the changes which would result from the presence of the stranger within their gates, untd Miss Landon, a ladylike girl, neither fair nor dark, tall nor short, plump nor thin, with eyes rather light for her hair and complexion, and a small, neat mouth, which bespoke nothing particular, rose, and declaring herseU quite tired of the topic, Avished her mother and brother good-night.

Mrs. Landon soon followed her, and CharUe, selecting a novel from several bearing the mark of Mudie, retired to enjoy a read and a smoke before he slept. The coming change in the hitherto very unalterable conditions of the Landon family was certainly im portant. A rich old maiden lady, distantly related to Mr. Landon's elder and haU-brother, Major Nugent, had departed this life some little time before the opening of my story, and bequeathed all her property to the impe cunious daughter of the deceased Major. Her last will and testament had been a very un pleasant surprise to Mr. Landon. He had been Miss Sarah Jane Witham's legal adviser for many years, and had draAvn up many wills for his variable cUent in the course of them ; sometimes one of his sons, sometimes his daughter, were put down for handsome bequests, while he himself was always appointed executor.

When at last the end came, to his amazement a totaUy different will was found, by which, after a few trifling legacies to her old servants, and for the maintenance of a parrot, everything was changed, and the daughter of the testa- TRANSFORMATION. 7 trix's old friend, Major Nugent, was named residuary legatee. The document was very short and clear, and had been drawn up by a strange solicitor, a young, insignificant man, who was beginning to creep into business. Here again Mr. Landon was appointed executor. At the first shock he was inclined to refuse to act, but reflection showed him that it would be too open a mani festation of disappointment. He therefore determined to accept the office, and, as no guardian had been appointed, Andree Nugent was made a ward in Chancery, and directed to reside with her uncle until she came of age.

The minor was by no means satisfied with this decision. In truth, she was personally a complete stranger to her uncle and his family, of whom her father's opinion was anything but flattering. She had been accustomed to hear Mr. Landon described as a low-minded curmudgeon, who would sweep hell for six pence, or take a penny out of a blind man's hat — a strange construction to put on the conduct of a hard but strictly honest professional man. But oil and vinegar are not more opposite in nature than were the half brothers. The mother of both was left early a widow with a son still in his childhood ; after a couple of struggling years she gladly married Landon's father, an elderly solicitor. He managed to procure a cadetship for his stepson, who was for some time a promising officer, but gambling, horse-racing, and too much brandy-pawnee, made India rather too hot for him.

He retired in indifferent health, and went to recruit and economize in France ; there he married a bright, attractive French girl, of good but impoverished family, who pinched and worked for him, and kept him straight, through the best and happiest years of his lUe. He loved her fondly and trusted her completely, but he was essentially unlucky, and death was his bitterest foe when he snatched away the wife who was his dearest, wisest comrade, leaving him a little daughter just old enough to miss her sweet mother crueUy. Nugent was a man who could " foUow " finely, but could not stand alone. SoUtary evenings drove him from home. His narrow means forbade a respectable club, and chance acquaintances at second-rate restaurants are not conducive to moral stamina. One stay, however, was left him.

A sense of duty to his dead wUe, as weU as to his living daughter, kept him from drinking. Play, however, he could not resist ; and though he never risked high stakes, his money affairs got into sad disorder, and his Uttle girl grew accustomed to strange fluctuations in the family finances. In the first times of trouble Nugent unhesitatingly applied for help to his half-brother, feeling that in his place he (Nugent) would have willingly given it ; but after the first grudgingly granted appUcation Mr. Landon never again yielded, and Nugent's later letters were not even acknowledged ; hence the low opinion entertained by him of the highly respectable soUcitor who had inherited his father's share in the firm men tioned at the outset. When Andree, who bore her mother's name, was Uttle more than fifteen, a sudden chill, which he was id-fitted to resist, carried off Major Nugent, leaving his daughter penniless and desolate.

What would have become of her none can tell (for the Major's friends were not exactly calculated to guide and guard a young girl), had not an extremely belUgerent elder sister of her TRANSFORMATION. 9 mother's, who had generally been more or less at war with Nugent, and had had herseU a tolerably hard struggle for existence, taken compassion on the orphan and opened her doors to her. These doors were by no means gates of Paradise. Within were short commons, scanty furniture, frequent AvrangUng, and often deferred payments, for Madame Carrichon kept a pension au quatrieme for girl art students. Sometimes it was full to overflowing, some times at a very low ebb. It was chiefly used by English and Americans, and Andree's familiarity with their lan guage was of use. Gradually her capabilities developed, till she became well worth her food and what cast-off clothes her aunt could spare her.

Madame Carrichon's terms were extremely moderate, and to make even a small margin of profit required the closest cheeseparing. Here Andree passed four miserable years, not alto gether without gleams of reUef, for some of the girls were kind and sympathetic. It is wonderful how gene rous and helpful a poverty-stricken Bohemian com munity often are to each other. Andree had loved her father passionately. These " good-for-naughts " — who are no one's enemy but their own — generally are lovable, and to his daughter Nugent seemed the noblest, the most unfortunate of men. Her aunt had a very different opinion of the defunct, and once expressed it to Andree with brutal frankness, causing such an agony of grief and fury as startled the world-hardened woman, and reminded her of — what in deed a Frenchwoman seldom forgets — the sacredness of a parent in a child's mind.

She never again offended on this score. To this poor young slavey came Mr. Landon Avith the astounding news that she was rich, and comparatively free — rich beyond what her imagination could depict ; yet the news was not to her " tidings of great joy." First, there was the bitter feeling that fortune had sent her favours too late to benefit the one creature she had loved. Secondly, that for the present she was delivered into the hand of an enemy she hated and despised. She had sense enough, however, to see that for the pre sent she must submit, and therefore made up her mind to endure the period that must elapse before her majority would give her freedom. For the rest, she was almost painfuUy bewddered by the sudden, startUng change, and dazed by Madame Carrichon's eager chatter, and terrible suggestions of evil motives and diaboUcal intentions which she unhesi tatingly attributed to the immaculate Mr. Landon.

These did not appal Andree, who, though by no means brilliant inteUectually, had a fair share of common sense, and a profound conviction of her own ignorance on many subjects. Also she did feel it was hard and unjust that she should be obliged to leave Madame Carrichon directly her presence might be beneficial to the woman who had sheltered her when no other shelter was available. She had ventured to explain her desire that the outlay to which she had put Madame Carrichon should be re funded to the cold, sedate man, whose presence some what oppressed her, and he had promised to take the matter into consideration, which was not at aU satisfactory to Madame Carrichon, who firmly believed that the ruse Englishman never intended to give her a farthing. In fact, these first days of heiress-ship were rather TRANSFORMATION. wretched.

Fortunately the sum placed in her hands by her guardian was sufficient to leave a considerable balance, after providing the modest outfit which Andree thought so handsome and abundant; and this money she gladly bestowed on her aunt, with the sincere pro mise of making up in future for present shortcomings. Ultimately she was not sorry to leave the perpetual complaining and conjecturing behind her, and plunge into the unknown represented by her uncle's home and famdy, which must be, Andree thought, as severe and chilly as himself. If Andree looked forward with dismay to the Use that awaited her, Mrs. Landon and her daughter were scarcely less oppressed by the anticipation of her coming. The account given by Mr. Landon of his niece, though brief and slight, conveyed the impression of an obstinate and rather uncouth personage.

That she had had a French mother — who, no doubt, was some low person — scored heavily against her, and they almost prayed that she might not have inherited any vice which might bring disgrace on the spotless reputation of the famdy. To be sure the possession of ample means was at once a shield and spear — people are so indulgent even to erring women who possess three or four thousand a year ! By the time the day of their new inmate's arrival came, both mother and daughter had worked themselves into what in more excitable persons would have been a nervous crisis. Charlie, too, was a sort of jovial Job's comforter, U such a contradictory expression may be used. He hoped that " Andrew " would turn out a "good fellow." He trusted she spoke English, and didn't cry " Oh ! my God ! " oftener than once in every ten minutes.

Perhaps she might teach the cook how to make an omelette; that would be a distinct gain. Heaven grant she might eat in a civilized manner! " When is Richard coming to dinner ? " he added ; " I shall be amused to see their first meeting." " Why, Richard was from the first most anxious that your father should offer Miss Nugent a home in our house," said Mrs. Landon; "and indeed it is very generous of him, for of course Miss Witham' s will was rather a disappointment." "What!" cried Charlie, in mock amazement. "Is my father giving her free quarters ? " " Nonsense, Charlie ; why should he, when she can weU afford to pay. But it is time to prepare for dinner ; your father was to meet Miss Nugent at Charing Cross at 6.30, and they wiU be here in half an hour, I imagine. Come, Emily." The important moment was at hand.

Mrs. Landon and her daughter had scarcely returned to the draAving-room when a luggage-laden cab drew up at the door, and in a few minutes Mr. Landon ushered in a young lady in black. " I have brought you a relative whom you will, I am sure, make as much at home and as comfortable as possible," he said, more graciously than he had yet spoken. " I shall certainly try," returned Mrs. Landon, some what touched by the sight of the orphan who was thus plunged among utter strangers, and coming forward to shake hands with her, while Emily followed and murmured that she was pleased to make her acquaintance. Both looked with interest and curiosity at their new inmate. She was about middle height and decidedly plain ; a small bonnet with a black net veil sat neatly over her TRANSFORMATION. somewhat rough dark hair, and beneath was a face, not delicately or transparently pale, rather thickly white; black strongly-marked eyebrows, eyes of very deep brown, both brow and eyes well shaped ; the lower part of the face square and firm ; a wide, close-shut mouth, a rather massive chin ; she was highshouldered and broad, even through the disguise of a well-cut travelling cloak, yet not common looking, but very grave, with almost an expression of solemnity.

As she Ustened to her hostess's civil words, a smile relaxed her Ups — a pleasant smile, though scarcely a pretty one, showing fine white teeth. " Thank you, you are very kind," she said. Mrs. Landon was struck with her voice ; it was soft and sweet, and had just a touch of foreign accent which gave it distinction. "Had you a comfortable journey? " continued Mrs. Landon. "Tes, I had, but the sea was rough, and my com panion, Miss Analy, suffered a good deal ; I am so sorry she is obliged to pass the night alone here. I should have liked to stay Avith her, but Mr. Landon would not allow me." " No, of course not ; that would not do. Now you would Uke to go to your room ; dinner wiU soon be ready ; and let me introduce my son, my second son, Charles." Miss Nugent made a slight, quickly-checked move ment, as though she would have put out her hand, but the young man contented himseU with a low bow, observing to himself that their French cousin was on the whole better than he expected.

Then Mrs. Landon conducted her guest upstairs to the best spare bedroom, which looked upon the well-kept pleasure ground before mentioned. Every step in her progress, from the moment she touched English soil, had been a discovery to Andree, who was naturally observant, and this first sight of a typical EngUsh interior was never to be for gotten. Accustomed as she had been to the ruggedness of French Bohemian Use, the dainty cleanliness, the completeness of everything, struck her almost Avith awe. Her room, though of moderate size, was in her eyes palatial. The carpet harmonized deUghtfully with the pretty cretonne curtains of the Avindows and draperies of the bed. The snowy counterpane and gaily embroi dered night-gown bag, the well-appointed writing-table and easy chair at the foot of the bedstead, the large wardrobe with looking-glass doors, the highly-poUshed chest of drawers, the marble washstand, the duchesse dressing-table with its fixed glass and multitude of Uttle drawers, the ornaments on the mantelpiece and over mantel, the store of towels, the ladyUke young woman occupied in unstrapping her trunk, — aU seemed to Andree fit for a princess.

Was all this comfort and elegance an earnest of her future Use ? Why, why had it all come too late ! " I hope you have everything you want," said Mrs. Landon, " if not, pray ring, and Jenkins," nodding to the ladyUke young woman, " wiU attend to you ; she is quite handy, and always dresses my daughter. If you Avill give her your keys she will unpack your things and put them away. H you have not room enough we must make a place for another wardrobe at the other side of the window." " Oh, there is abundant room," said Andre'e, " and I do not Uke to trouble anyone to unpack for me." " It is no trouble, it is her business," returned Mrs. Landon quietly. " Now I shall leave you to dress," and TRANSFORMATION. she left the room. Almost mechanicaUy Andree gave her keys to Jenkins, who, with a deferential air, took off the visitor's cloak, and stood waiting to receive her bonnet ; suggested unbuttoning her boots, an offer which was rejected, and then rapidly and deftly took out and spread on the bed the contents of a huge box.

"What wiU you please to wear, Miss?" asked Jenkins. Andree hesitated — only for a moment — for surely the house, the elegant toilettes of her hostess, demanded that she should don her very best go-to meeting garment of black silk grenadine made over silk, and adorned with jet. It cost, Andree thought, a fabulous sum, stiU she had better put it on. Probably she might now be able to afford several robes of equal cost, only nothing ought to tempt her into extravagance after the cruel poverty she had endured. How she wished the nice-looking young woman would go away ! Never, since her early childish days, had she had anyone to dress her. " Pray do not wait," she summoned courage to say at last ; " I do not want any assistance." " Very well, Miss ; tf you should require me I shall be close at hand; I can put away your things while you are at dinner."

Andre'e completed her toilette without assistance, and was even beginning to place her clothes in the drawers, when the sound of a gong vibrated through the air ; a knock on the door immediately followed, and Jenkins appeared, saying, " If you please, Miss, dinner is on the table ; " and Andree hastily, though reluctantly, abandoned her belongings to the care of Jenkins, and went downstairs. She was not shy, though far from assured ; moreover, her deep-rooted disUke and distrust of Mr. Landon gave her a curious defiant composure in her intercourse with him. He took little heed of women in general, having the usual unconscious contempt for them common among Englishmen. When she entered the drawing-room she found the party augmented by a gentleman, — a tall, well set-up man of, perhaps, thirty or more, with sandy hair and moustaches and Ught grey rather penetrating eyes ; he was somewhat like Mrs. Landon, certainly a good-looking man, and in very accurate evening dress.

This individual was hastily introduced as " My eldest son " by Mr. Landon, who immediately offered his arm to Andree, and they crossed the hall to the dining-room, for the houses in Chichester Gardens, among many other advantages, had their sitting-rooms on the ground floor. Here, too, everything was formidably superior in Andree's eyes, — snowy cloth, gUttering glass and sdver, the flower-decorated table, and the solemnity, the rigid activity, if such a contradictory phrase be admissible, of the two servants who waited ; the big sideboard with a sort of ornamental dresser, aU loaded Avith appliances for the table, the thick Persian carpet, — nothing escaped her notice. Then the food looked very nice, but she found it rather tasteless after the often scanty dishes cooked by her French aunt, where gravy, vege tables, and hunches of bread made up for the paucity of meat.

Mr. Landon " made conversation " for her with much poUteness, and Andree contrived to drop every subject he started with the fewest possible words. The others spoke together at intervals in a low tone. Once or twice Andree caught the eyes of Richard Landon fixed on her with a searching glance, but, though painfully conscious of the difference between the present and the past, between the hard, sordid lUe to which she had TRANSFORMATION. 17 been accustomed, and the moneyed ease which had lifted these kinsfolk of hers, who were so little kin, above all the degradation of physical needs, and put so wide a gulf between them, she kept an air of self-con tained composure. What were they to her ? she might be compelled for a short time, less than two years, to consort with them, but into her real life they should never enter.

" Pray, is this your first visit to England ? " asked Richard Landon, suddenly addressing her. " I may say it is. I beUeve I was here as a baby, but I have no recollection of that time." She met his eyes with a steady, impenetrable look. "It is just the time to receive a good impression, which I hope England and the English wiU make upon you." " I have always wished to come to England ; hitherto I have loved it because it is my father's country." "And I trust it wiU prove more lovable on nearer acquaintance." " I hope so," returned Andree, in not a very hopeful tone. " My mother must put you through a severe course of Uonizing, Miss Nugent. I shall try and get you places in the Ladies' Gallery ; you would Uke to hear a debate ? " " Thank you very much." Her face was quite un moved, nor did she commit herself to any expression of a desire to hear the words of wisdom which fall from the lips of our law-makers.