Wyncote

Chapter I

" Well, I am thankful to think that Ave have nearly done with Rome ! " exclaimed Mrs. Cooper, as she sank into an easy chair in her draAving-room in the Via Condotti. "Joanna, ring for Maple and pLit my bonnet on the table ; hoAv dreadfully tired I am ! " . " Please, mamma, don't take off your bonnet till Maple brings your cap," answered a tall schoolroom girl, with strongly-marked features and a decided manner; "and, Rose, Avill you ring the bell while I dot off the churches we have seen to-day ? Dear me ! there is so much left to do, and so very little VOL. I. b WYNCOTE. 2 time left to do it in. Here is San Agostino — some one said we ought to go there ; and San Lorenzo, Avhere the Guido is, Ave have not seen that; and Avhat with the packing, and the tiresome picnic at the Pamphili Doria to-morrow, Ave shall get through very little more."

" The only thing I care to see is home, Joanna," said Mrs. Cooper, putting on the cap Avhich the maid had brought. " Rose," she went on, turning to her eldest daughter, " has any one called to-day ? " " No one, mamma. But yes — did you knoAV that he Avas here ? " and the colour rushed to Rose's cheeks. " Hoav can I tell till I knoAV Avhose card it is, Rose ? " " I thought that I had said it Avas George Wyncote's card, mamma." " Oh dear, no ! I had no idea that he was coming ; and Miss Camilla especially begged me to call upon some artist or other, and I have forgotten all about it. Whatever shall WYNCOTE. 3 I do ? " and Mrs. Cooper rose from her chair, full of nervous trepidation at the idea of having neglected the directions of her local potentate. " Whatever shall I do, Rose ? " " I did remind you, mamma," put in Joanna, " but you thought then that Miss Camilla Avas a long Avay off, and said that there Avas plenty of time ; noAv you are so near the end of your freedom that the old lady's chains begin to be felt once more."

" I Avish you Avould be more respectful in your Avay of speaking of Miss Camilla," said her mother. " At sixteen I should not have dared to give an opinion myself. Shall I ask them to the picnic, Rose ? Every one has failed us except the Barbers, and Tytlers, and Signor Tiracelli." " And you can ask George, too, " put in Joanna, before Rose had time to speak. " What is the artist's name, mamma ? " " Heron, Mr. Heron," said Mrs. Cooper, referring to her note-book ; " and he lives in the Piazza di Spagna. Give me my blotting book, Joanna. I will Avrite at once." WYNCOTE. 4 " Oh, Rose, it is just under your hand ; will you give it to mamma ? I Avonder if, while you are packing, this Mrs. Heron will take me to see the things we have forgotten ? " " Just tell me Avhere George is staying. Rose," said Mrs. Cooper, hurriedly folding her notes.

" At the Europa, mamma," ansAvered Rose, as she Avalked to the AvindoAV and looked out into the street. She had been heartily Aveary of Rome only an hour ago. She had hated the galleries and churches, through Avhich Joanna had remorselessly dragged her. She had cared little for this toAvn of dirty streets and narroAv frottoirs, and she had Avished that Joanna had neA'er caught the cold which had driven them aAvay from the green meadoAvs at home, from the SAveet country paths, and from English sights and sounds. But noAv, as she leaned against the AvindoAV, she felt that all Avas changed. The galleries and churches Avould be full of interest noAv that WYNCOTE. 5 George Avould be with her to tell her Avhat to admire. As she mechanically watched the passers by, her thoughts travelled back to her childish life ; to the days Avhen George Avould carry her off for long walks in the green fields, to fetch daffodils and marsh mari golds, and would bring her home, triumph antly Aveary, on his shoulder : to her girlhood, Avhen he, a busy Avorker in London, Avould send her down books, and music ; and to the happy Christmas and summer times, AA'hen his coming home again brightened her life : and, lastly, to a feAV months ago, Avhen Miss Camilla began to frown and bridle, and to hint that on no account must George make an imprudent marriage ; and, though the words had been spoken to Mrs. Foster, the doctor's wife, yet Miss Camilla's eye had all the time been fixed upon Rose.

Of course Rose said to herself that it was true ; that of course George must marry some rich Avoman, Avho could repair Wyncote, WYNCOTE. 6 keep fences in order, and put up gates ; and though Rose had some money, her feAV thousands Avould go but a very short AA'ay in restoration. But still Miss Camilla might have left things alone. It had been so difficult, ever since that day, not to blush Avhen her ears seemed listening to every Avord George spoke ; such harmless Avords, too — for Miss Camilla need not haA'e seared, he Avas only a friend, such as you read of sometimes ; or a brother, such as some girls have. At any rate, Rose thought, as she leaned out of the open AvindoAV and looked up the street across the piazza, Avhere he liA'ed, to the steps leading to the church of the Trinita, at any rate, he Avas here in Rome, and she Avas going to be very happy, Avith no Miss Camilla to make her blush and feel uncomfortable.

She still stood at the Avin dow, busy with her OAvn thoughts, which Avandered aAvay again to Wyncote to her mother's house at the entrance of the village. WYNCOTE. 7 to the croquet-ground under the cedar, to the path under the great oaks in the avenue, and to the grand old house at the end; and Avas only recalled to the present by the sound of the AA'e Maria, as it rang from the different churches — one bell catching up the tinkling music after another — until the Avhole great city seemed filled Avith a Avave of sound, Avhich rose, and fell, and rose again to die aAvay as the last light faded from the church of the Trinita, and the city was once more silent. " How long you have been standing at that AvindoAV, Rose," said Joanna, impatiently, from Avithin the room. " I have been finishing up these sketches, and Avondering when you would turn round ; but it is too dark to draAV any more, and here is Mr. Heron's note.

I may as well open it, as mamma isn't here. Oh, Rose ! there is no Mrs. Heron at all ; he says he will send his little girl to-morroAv, and declines coming himself. A little girl ! I never bargained for a little girl. WYNCOTE. 8 She Avill be told off to me, and I had so counted on there being a good-natured Mrs. Heron, Avho would take me about." " You should not open my letters, Joanna. Does George come?" asked Mrs. Cooper, as she entered the room. "He Avas not at home, mamma ; but he is sure to come, and -will take back a capital account of you to Miss Camilla Avith regard to Mr. Heron, and you will go home quite happy." Rose had again retreated to the AvindoAV, and, leaning her arm upon the AvindoAv-sill, Avas once more looking down the street. All the light had faded aAvay, and a great still ness seemed to be falling over the church and the long flight of steps.

The street below Avas empty Avith the exception of two or three capucins, Avith their umbrellas under their arms, returning home after their day's begging, and a girl in black, Avho Avas Avalk ing swiftly up from the Corso. Rose's eyes folloAved her as she passed WYNCOTE. 9 under the AvindoAV ; and when she stopped at the jeAveller's shop on the opposite side of the street, Rose forgot the Trinita and the capucins, and home, and George Wyncote, and became absorbed in her movements. There must have been a mutual attrac tion, for the girl suddenly turned and raised her eyes to the AvindoAV, to the sweet English face, shaded Avith the soft golden hair, which was gathered up at the back of her head, and to the blue eyes looking doAvn upon her, smiling a bright, astonished smile as their eyes met.

For, instead of the Italian Rose had expected to see, the girl who looked up Avas as unmistakably English as herself; only, while Rose Avas overflowing Avith happiness, the stranger below seemed burdened Avith sorrow. She Avas so full of trouble that the start, Avhich had brought a smile into Rose's face, brought tears into her eyes, and Rose saw her features quiver as she turned away. But not to leave the spot, for there she WYNCOTE. 10 stood at the shop windoAv, Avith her eyes fixed on the glittering treasures inside — on the brooches and bracelets, on the necklaces and earrings ; and Rose still leaned out of the windoAv Avith her eyes fixed on her. What did a girl with a face like that Avant at a jeweller's shop ? People in shabby black gowns, and Avith eyes full of tears, did not usually buy ornaments.

Why did she stand there, Avith her hands tightly clasped round a small cardboard box, as if she Avere rooted to the spot ? Her face Avas half turned toAvards Rose, Avho could see tear after tear run doAvn her cheek unheeded. Rose did not move : there Avas a so lemnity in this mute trouble of a girl of her own age, which made her afraid of making a sound to disturb her. But some one was going to disturb her. It Avas one of the fraternity for collecting alms, Avho Avas coming doAvn the street from the Piazza di Spagna, and Avho, as he came WYNCOTE. 11 close to the Aveeping girl, shook his box before her. Rose kneAv hoAv it had ahvays startled her to have this box, or one just like it, shaken at her elboAv. She had ahvays hurriedly put in a franc, in terror lest the dis guised brother should be Signor Tiracelli, or some other acquaintance Avhom she would meet in daily life, and Avho Avould remember that she had given nothing.

But either the girl had no money, or Avas not afraid of refusing it, for she shook her head and dreAv back to let the barefooted brother move on to startle some one else. For she Avas startled noAv, and, Aviping her eyes, she turned the handle of the shop door and Avent in. Rose could see her no longer until the jeAveller Avas driven by the darkness to the door, Avhere he stood Avith the girl behind him, her hands 'clasped and her eyes fixed on his face, while he held a gold cross up to catch the dim light. Rose Avas too high above them to hear the AA'ords, nor could WYNCOTE. 12 she have understood the rapid Italian they spoke even if she had heard ; but she felt sure that she understood the Avhole story, as the jeAveller lowered his hand and gaA'e the cross back to the girl, shaking his head at the same time.

He seemed to make some offer, but what ever it was, she apparently refused it ; for, putting the cross into the cardboard box Avhich Rose had seen in her hand before, she passed the jeAveller, and Avalking rapidly up the street, disappeared in the Piazza di Spagna. WYNCOTE. 13

Chapter II

" A signor has left this note for the ladies," announced a grinning little donna next morning at eleven o'clock, as she appeared at the draAving-room door with dishevelled hair, and an apron Avhich had seen much service. "Hoav very tiresome!" exclaimed Mrs. Cooper, in an agonized tone, as she looked at Maria and took the letter ; " only imagine Giacomo being out, and Maria opening the door such a figure as that, and the note is from George Wyncote. What will Miss Camilla think ?" " George is not likely to have remarked Maria, mamma; What does he say ?" and Rose turned eagerly from the piano, Avhere she was arranging her music. " He has gone on to the Pamphili Doria, WYNCOTE. 14 and we shall find him under the ilexes near the entrance. He has sent me a long letter from Miss Camilla, which he forgot to bring Avith him yesterday evening.

How very glad I am that I asked the Herons ; my mind is quite at ease now ; and besides, as the Tytlers 1 have failed us, even one more to-day is an advantage." " A signorina to see the ladies," said Maria, as she entered Avith another grin, rendered still more ghastly by her having evidently spent the interval since her last appearance in the charcoal ; and Joanna looked up full of curiosity to see Avhat kind of companion fate had provided her Avith for the day. Mr. Heron's little girl Avas some steps behind Maria, and, Avhen she appeared, and Mrs. Cooper advanced to meet her with Miss Camilla's open letter in her hand, the neAv comer stopped and crimsoned, while Rose started and coloured also. Mr. Heron's little girl Avas a young lady, WYNCOTE. 15 as tall as Rose herself; and Avhat Avas more, Rose recognized her at once for the Aveep ing girl of the night before.

There were no tears in her eyes now, but everything else Avas unaltered ; there Avas the same sad face, the same shabby gOAvn, the same black hat, and the cross Avas there as Avell, hang ing to a black ribbon round her throat. She only paused for a moment, and then, recollecting herself, she took Mrs. Cooper's outstretched hand, and blushed still deeper as she made excuses for her father. " Papa never goes out anywhere now," she said, in a soft, musical voice. "He told me to ask you to thank Miss Wyncote for remembering him." " Miss Camilla Avill be quite delighted to hear that I have seen you. Please sit down," said Mrs. Cooper, sinking again into her chair. " I am at this moment reading a letter from her. I dare say you will for give my finishing it. We live close to her at home, in a house I have hired from the WYNCOTE. squire ever since poor Mr. Cooper died.

Joanna Avas a baby, and Rose a tiny child when Ave went there ; so Ave know Miss Camilla well, and she is such a very de lightful person. Please sit here, close to the AvindoAV ; this is my daughter Rose, and this is Joanna." Joanna put doAvn her "Murray" most unwillingly ; and an uncomfortable silence fell on every one — a silence only broken by a few unconnected sentences read aloud by Mrs. Cooper out of Miss Camilla's letter. " She is so dull Avithout us, Rose. I am so glad to hear that, and she is looking forward to our coming back. Then that tiresome Mary Waters has thrown up her place, after being entirely fitted out by Miss Camilla. She hopes we will take her our selves, and she trusts that neither you nor Joanna are being drawn away by the errors of Rome. I Avonder if she will think me Avrong in taking you to the service at St. Peter's ; at any rate, you shall not go to WYNCOTE. 17 (t, the Trinita next Sunday afternoon ; and, oh, Rose, can Ave help her ?

She Avants a companion for Mrs. Wyncote. Just listen to Avhat she says, ' And noAv can you help me in my search for a young lady who could take Miss Price's place ? I haA'e filled it myself since she left, but I am so busy Avith school and housekeeping, and also so per petually in the parish, trying to remedy the defects in poor Mr. BroAvne's teaching (an occupation in Avhich Mrs. Foster assists me), that I have no time even to read the papers to mamma. She is at present dependent on her maid, and she complains grievously of the change. We will give forty pounds a year ; help us if you can.' I am afraid it must be uninteresting to you, Miss Heron, except for the pleasure it may give you to hear one of Miss Camilla's very Avell ex pressed letters." " The carriage is come, mamma," said Joanna, springing to her feet.

" I am so sorry I made you jump; did I frighten you ?" VOL. i. c WYNCOTE. 18 " Oh, no," said Miss Heron, to Avhom the question Avas addressed, and Avho had been bending forAvard, listening eagerly to Miss Camilla's letter Avith a strange look of anxiety on her face. " Can I help you Avith those shawls and baskets, Miss Cooper ?" " No, thank you ; Giacomo will carry them doAvn." And then, as Mrs. Cooper began hur riedly to lock draAvers, as if she expected thleA^es, and Joanna to push " Murray " into her already over-full sketching-bag, Rose dreAv the girl into the passage, and laid her hand on her arm. She felt so sorry for her, so grieved that she should have Avitnessed her distress of the evening before ; she was so touched by her sweet sad face and look of utter dejection, that she could not prevent this little sign of sympathy.

" I am so sorry, Miss Heron, that I laughed Avhen you looked up at me yester day. I Avas so astonished at our eyes meet- WYNCOTE. 19 ing, and then, Avhen I sa\v you Avere in trouble, I felt sure that I must have dis tressed you." " You did not distress me. I only Avon dered if I should ever again look as happy as you did just then." " Can I do anything for you ? Can mamma ?" asked Rose, eagerly. " Do you think that she would ask Miss Wyncote to take me as companion ? I can read Avell aloud, and I can do all kinds of needleAvork. I have an aunt Avho Avould pay my journey to England, though she Avould not send the money to help papa if I stayed here," she added bitterly. " Now, Rose, and Miss Heron," said Mrs. Cooper, as she came out of the draAving room, and seemed to SAveep them doAvnstairs in her bustle.

" Now, Joanna, hoAv glad I shall be when picnics and sight-seeing are over, and Ave can be at home and in peace." " And with Miss Camilla," added Joanna, WYNCOTE. 20 as she established herself opposite her mother, and the carriage rolled away. " Mamma," said Rose, as soon as Mrs. Cooper was satisfied that nothing had been forgotten, and that Joanna Avas properly Avrapped up, "Miss Heron Avould like to go to Wyncote herself." "Really!" exclaimed Mrs. Cooper, "as companion ? " " I should be very grateful if you Avould tell Miss Wyncote about me," said Miss Heron. "I am anxious to do something for myself, if I can ; and, as I told Miss Cooper, I haA-e an aunt who will pay my journey to England." " I am sure Miss Wyncote will be de lighted : and will Mr. Heron not object ?" " There is nothing else to be done," ansAvered the girl sadly ; and the carriage clattered on over the bridge and down the streets, Avhile Mrs. Cooper Avas Avondering how she could ask the difficult question of references.

It Avas almost as if the girl WYNCOTE. 21 guessed her thoughts, for turning round suddenly she said — " I ought to have told you that I can give you the names of two English ladies Avho knoAV me, and Avould recommend me ; they have tried to help me often this winter, but people stay too short a time in Rome to Avant lessons Avhile they are here." " I Avill Avrite to Miss Camilla as soon as I get home. I am sure she will think no recommendation necessary," said Mrs. Cooper patronizingly. " Shall I say that you can start as soon as you hear from her ?" " I must wait for money from England ; but I will write to my aunt to-day." " And now we must tell you whom you are to meet. Are you quite warmly wrapped up, Joanna ? Let me fold this plaid a little closer round you. First of all, Miss Heron, there is Mr. Wyncote, Miss Camilla's nephew, son of a younger brother, and heir to Wyn cote ; at least, heir, you understand, unless his old uncle, the squire, marries, Avhich is very unlikely."

WYNCOTE. 22 " George does not think it unlikely, mamma," said Rose. "Well, exactly. It Avas for that reason he took to business, Miss Heron, to the great distress of Miss Camilla. After the neAvs came, she never looked up for at least tAvo days. She said that Wyncotes had spent money, but had neA'er made it ; and that the disgrace Avould cling to the family for ever. But, notwithstanding this, he is charming, quite charming. Then there is Signor Tira celli, of the Marchesi Tiracelli, also charming, but poor as a church mouse. He is sup posed to be wishing to marry one of the rich Miss Barbers, Avho are coming, too ; they are quite fabulously rich, I believe." " And Avill appear in their latest acqui sitions," put in Joanna, " cameos, perhaps ; I saAv them at the shop yesterday. Last time Ave met them it Avas mosaics, and Fanny Barber had St. Peter's in one ear, and the colosseum in the other, Avhile the Arch of Constantine fastened her collar."

WYNCOTE. 23 " Here we are," said Rose, as the carriage drove under the ilexes. " Ah, yes ! and there is George Avaiting for us. Stop, coachman, I mean cocker. Oh, Rose, do say the right Italian Avord ; " and Mrs. Cooper Avaved her parasol in the air in greeting to some one, Avhile Rose coloured Avith pleasure and bent forward eagerly, as the carriage pulled up sharply. " This is Mr. Wyncote," Avhispered Mrs. Cooper to Miss Heron, as he sprang from the ground and came forward to meet them ; and Miss Heron turned to look at this charming, quite charming, young man. Strong, broad shouldered, fair haired — like many other young Englishmen, — looking as if the Avorld were his already, or, if not yet his, to be Avon by steady perseverance ; with no lines on his face but those caused by diligent Avork ; Avith a free and almost boyish manner, George Wyncote stood, Avith his hand on the carriage door, greeting Rose and her mother.

"It is so very good of you to come to- WYNCOTE. 24 day," said Mrs. Cooper. " Miss Camilla's letter Avas delightful ; and I must introduce Miss Heron. You knoAV she is the daughter of Miss Camilla's old friend. And noAv let us get out and walk under these delicious trees. Giacomo will take the things on to the place Avhere Ave dine. Hoav delightful this is," — she Avent on, Avhen they had shaken themselves free of the innumerable shaAvls Avith Avhich she ahvays encumbered the carriage — " hoAv very delightful — so like dear Wyncote ! Don't you see the likeness, George ? " " You must deduct the features of the place, the ilexes and St. Peter's," remarked Joanna. " A loss for Avhich my aunt Camilla Avould thank providence," added George, quietly. " George," said Rose in a Ioav \-oice, " walk a little sloAver, and listen to me.

Mrs. Wyncote Avants a companion, and Miss Heron Avould like to go." "Never!" said George, stopping sud- W YNCOTE. 25 denly, and letting Mrs. Cooper and Joanna move on. " What, Rose, Avould you be so brutal as to place any one less strong minded than Miss Price within the reach of Aunt Camilla's tongue, and poAver of exasperation ? " " Indeed," said a pleading voice at his elboAv, " I should be so happy if Mrs. Wyn cote Avould have me." " I beg your pardon. I am so sorry. I did not see that you were behind the others," said George, in confusion, and rais ing his hat ; " but really, do you know what you are undertaking ? My grandmother is old and exacting ; and my aunt is given to good Avorks, and Avhen she is not trying her hand on the schoolchildren will be trying it on you." " Yes, but we are poor," answered Miss Heron, " very poor.

I had better tell you all about it, and then you will see how im portant it is for me to get a situation as soon as possible. We are too poor to stay in our WYNCOTE. 26 rooms in the Piazza di Spagna even one month more. If I go aAvay, papa can live in his studio in the Via Marguta, and if he rests his eyes for even one year, the doctor says that he will see to paint again. Till then I must go aAvay to earn money ; " and Miss Heron stopped and crimsoned, con fused at having been betrayed into this long speech to a stranger. " You are talking of being Mrs. Wyncote's companion," said Mrs. Cooper, AA'ho had Avaited for them to join her again. " It Avill be charming for her, and delight ful for Miss Heron. Don't you think so, George ? I am only so sorry that Ave are going so soon, and that we shall be of no use as an escort."

"It is a pity to leaA'e so soon, " said George. " You should stay while I am here, and I have taken a fortnight's holiday." " Oh, yes, mamma, do stay," said Rose, forgetting her yesterday's anxiety for English green fields. WYNCOTE. 27 " And I should finish Rome," said Joanna. " Yes, mamma, you must stay. Miss Camilla Avill be so very much obliged to you if you Avait for Miss Heron." " Very well," ansAvered Mrs. Cooper, Avith a mournfully resigned countenance, as she turned aAvay to superintend Giacomo, and to AA'elcome the Barbers and Signor Tiracelli, Avho had just arrived. " Such a lovely day, Mrs. Barber," she said, sorroAvfully. "What a pity every one else has failed ! And what a beautiful place this is, Signor Tiracelli ; I Avas just saying hoAv much it reminded me of England. May I introduce Mr. Wyncote ?

And noAv where shall Ave all sit ? " " I think you will be very happy," said Rose in a low voice, drawing Miss Heron's arm in hers, " Avhatever George may say ; and I shall have you so near me that we shall be able to walk and sketch together. But please call me Rose ; and Avhat is your name ? Miss Heron is so formal." WYNCOTE. 28 " My name is Phœbe. I like it because it Avas my mother's name." " And I like it too ; it reminds me of hay making and corn-fields. Let us sit doAvn here ; there is plenty of room on my shawl for us both. Hoav do you do, Miss Barber ? This is my friend, Miss Heron." The Miss Barbers looked at Phœbe's gown and hat ; and, giving them two chilly bows, seated themselves near to Mr. Wyncote; the cameos, Avhich Joanna had expected, nodding in their ears. One young lady assaulted George Avith a flood of questions, as to hoAv long he had been in Rome — hoAv long he Avas goings to stay — Avhat he had seen and Avhat he was going to see — Avhile the other kept an agonized Avatch over Signor Tiracelli, Avhom Joanna was engrossing.

" Can I get to the top of the capitol ? " she Avas asking, as he helped her to chicken and ham. " I have no doubt. English ladies do go, certainly. Will you have some salad ? " WYNCOTE. 29 " Why, have you never been ? " she asked, in a tone of horror, as she extended her plate. " Ah no ! Why should I ? I am ahvays here ; ' pour moi j'attends.' " " What foolish questions you do ask, Joanna," remarked her mother. " Hoav feAV Englishmen have ever been to the top of the, monument, for instance." " But the capitol is different, mamma. Then I ought to see the Guido in San Lorenzo in Lucina," she added, after a long pause, during which she had finished her chicken. " Is there a Guido there ? " asked Signor Tiracelli, languidly cutting a roll. " I dare say ; but it is not the church of our family, so I have never been inside."

" Do you see nothing, then ? " said Joanna indignantly. " Why should I, mademoiselle ? At present I am gay, I am young, my father is alive, and I live on the first floor, Avith money for WYNCOTE. 30 my gloves and for my flowers ; and I am like a bird. But alas ! my father Avill die, and I shall then ascend to the second floor, and my brother will reign in his stead ; and then my brother may die, and I shall ascend yet higher to the third floor ; and then I shall begin to see Rome. It will be time then ; for it Avill be fatiguing to descend and mount again to the fourth and fifth floor Avhen I am no longer young and gay ; so, 'pour moi j'attends,' mademoiselle." " What a dreary life ! " said Mrs. Cooper, shuddering. " Do not you Avish that you were an Englishman ?" " Ah, pardon, madame, Avhat should I do in England ?