The Landlord of the Sun. A novel

Chapter I

A CONTINENTAL TRIP. GIDEON HARCOURT had taken upon himself to superintend the law proceedings necessary to be accomplished in settling the sum of twenty thousand pounds on Charlotte Brandon. The progress he made in drafting the deed of settlement was very slow, and nearly a month had passed before it was fully completed for Messrs. Thornbury and Potts to carry through. It must not be imagined that this tardiness arose from want of interest Gideon took in the responsibility he had accepted. Brandon, who was anxious to have it completed without delay, had spoken once or twice to Harcourt on the subject, when, one evening, after dinner, the latter said to him : " I wish, Brandon, to have a little conversa tion with you on a somewhat delicate point. vol. in. B TJie Landlord of " The Sun." I should not have mooted it had it not related in some way to yourself, but in a far greater degree to Charlotte.

Your name in connection with that unfortunate circumstance which occurred, and to which I will not particularly allude, renders you peculiarly liable to detec tion ; and although the adoption of your christian name as a surname might to a certain degree make it less dangerous, I would summit to you the better plan would be to adopt another surname. This is frequently done. True, you may read in the papers of the Crown giving permission to an individual to bear the name and arms of another, but the name is not unfrequently changed without it. In your case, perhaps, the maiden name of your mother might be added to your own. The few young friends Charlotte has, may easily be made to believe that her change of name has been caused by a large fortune left to you, and to which the fact of your settling so great a sum of money on her will give great plausibility.

It appears to me that if you do so you will be able to remain without the slightest fear of detection, especially if you do not habitually reside in London." " I am perfectly ready to adopt the course you suggest," said Christian, " and am much obliged to you for proposing it. My daughter will thus be relieved from the stigma of bearing the name of a convicted felon, though I flatter myself that the last ten or twelve years o'f my life have, to a certain extent, absolved the crime I was formerly guilty of. Yes, I like the idea immensely." " What name will you assume, then?" asked Harcourt. " I cannot do better than adopt the one you suggested. My mother's maiden name was Gourlay." " That you definitively decide on ?" said Harcourt. " Certainly, and to-morrow I will order cards to be printed with that name."

The reader may reasonably inquire what should have induced Harcourt to take so much interest in this subject, and to return a satisfactory answer would be somewhat difficult. Even the best that could be given might induce the belief that, notwithstanding the lecture to his wife on the impropriety of encouraging any matrimonial views between their son and Char lotte Brandon, Harcourt was not as free from them himself as he pretended. The most charit able way of looking at the affair would, perhaps, be that the idea was latent in him without his being aware of it. Certain it is, that it would B The Landlord of " The Sun" 4 render it far more easy for him, in case the union should ever take place, to introduce the father of his future daughter-in-law by a name more respectable than the one he had formerly borne, however honourable his life afterwards might have been.

However, all this is simply conjecture ; and although very reasonable sus picions to the contrary might arise in the reader's mind, Harcourt thought he was solely instigated in advising a change of name by the interest he felt in his friend. The deeds were at length completed, and all was now in readiness for their departure for the Continent so soon as Giddy should return from school. Christian Brandon had his cards printed as "Mr. Christian B. Gourlay," the name by which he was to be known in future. Mrs. Harcourt had infomed her son by letter of this change in the name, hinting that it was in consequence of a fortune which had lately been left him, Giddy having been kept in ignorance of Brandon's true history, always imagining that he was a merchant in America who had left his daughter under the care of his (Giddy's) father, who had been appointed her guardian under the will of her aunt.

Giddy at last arrived from Eton, and was introduced to Mr. Gourlay, who accosted the lad with great cordiality. He looked at him with great interest, and that not merely from the good feeling he would entertain for a son of an old friend, but from the handsome and attractive appearance of the young fellow himself. It would do an injustice to Giddy to say that he strongly resembled his father, for, although Harcourt's countenance was indicative of great intelligence, he was still by no means handsome, though, at the same time, far from being ugly. His son, on the contrary, was remarkably good looking, with a clear expansive brow, well marked features, and an open, bold, confiding expression of countenance. It was one of those so frequently met with among English boys in our great public schools.

While perfectly good tempered, and even amiable and docile, there were, at the same time, about him positive indications that an offence could not be offered with impunity, and that the difficulties lying in the way of any enterprise he might be about to attempt would rather stimulate him to exer tion than otherwise. Again, he was like Christian when a boy, remarkably well made, powerfully knit together, though supple and tall for his ao*e. The impression made by Christian on Giddy was scarcely less favourable. He ad mired the good-humoured, open expression of " TJie Sun." his countenance, and from the interest he took in athletic exercises, the great strength visible in the form of Charlotte's father particularly attracted his attention and admiration. At the time of the introduction, Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt and Charlotte were all in the room, and each watched the meeting with considerable interest.

Mrs. Harcourt drew from it the most favourable conclusion. With the perspicuity of a true woman in matters of the kind, she easily perceived her son had a most pleasing impression on Christian. Although it would be wrong to imagine Charlotte yet entertained anything beyond a sisterly affection for Giddy, that was sufficiently strong to cause her much pleasure in seeing the welcome reception her father had given him. What Harcourt's ideas ou the subject were it would be difficult to say beyond the fact, that Christian's friendly tone and manner gave him great satisfaction. In the evening the family met in committee to arrange matters for their trip, as it was now within two days of their departure. Harcourt had written to Meurice's, in Paris, to reserve an apartment for them, and a reply had already arrived to say it would be ready for their reception.

Miss Fanny Turner, the lady whom Mrs. Harcourt had engaged as companion for Char lotte, and who was to remain with her during the whole time she was on the Continent, now joined the party, so as to be in readiness to start with them. The choice of a lady for the appointment had caused Mrs. Harcourt much anxiety and trouble. To do her justice, the one she selected from many applicants did her judgment great credit. Miss Turner was in every way qualified for the post. She was intelli gent, amiable, and well educated. She had resided many years on the Continent, and spoke both French and Italian with great fluency. In the French language especially it would have been difficult to distinguish her from a native. In age and staidness of deportment she also was well adapted for the duties she had to perform.

The number of summers she had seen might have amounted to thirty, one or two more or less. In person she had many attractions. Though somewhat tall in stature, she was remarkably well formed, and her features delicate and regular, with an expression of countenance both gentle and confiding. Alto gether she was a very loveable girl or woman, as the reader may consider a lady of her age. Indeed, so attractive was she, that at first Mrs. Harcourt had some little objection to engage " The Sun" her, thinking the attention she would receive might disturb her thoughts from the surveil lance she was expected to exercise over Char lotte. On making further inquiries, however, Mrs. Harcourt's scruples vanished, for she found Miss Turner had been for many years engaged to a curate, whom she tenderly and faithfully loved, and to whom she was to be married as soon as he could find any one liberal enough to present him with a living, which appeared at the time a very remote probability.

During the two days Miss Turner resided with the family prior to leaving England, she contrived to gain Charlotte's confidence, and for many years afterwards*they remained excellent friends. The day at length arrived for their departure, and all were in high spirits. Not one of the party, with the exception of Miss Turner, had hitherto visited France, and great indeed were their expectations at the pleasure they should receive. The eyes of both Charlotte and Giddy seemed to sparkle with delight, and indeed it would almost have been difficult for the reality to have surpassed the satisfaction they felt in anticipation of what was in store for them. The carriage at last came to the door, and they pro ceeded to the station, where they were to take the train to Folkestone, that line having been lately completed.

Of their journey and adven tures by diligence to Paris little need be said beyond that each successive object gave them a fresh delight, which possibly was still further increased by the happiness they felt in each other's society. Arrived in Paris, they engaged a professed cicerone, who accompanied them in their visits to all the many sights and curiosities there exhibited. When these were finished, then for the first time a sensation of sorrow began to be felt by all — the rapidly ap proaching day for their parting — as Harcourt, notwithstanding his best wishes to remain longer with his friends, found it imperative that he should return to the duties of his pro fession in London. The feeling of depression continued to in crease till within two days of Harcourt's de parture, when it was somewhat relieved by his allowing his wife and son to stay a fortnight longer.

Mrs. Harcourt, notwithstanding her love for her husband, would willingly have made it a month, but this wish of his wife's Harcourt positively refused to gratify. He urged that Gideon's holidays would then have expired, and he must return to his studies. A somewhat animated conversation ensued on the subject between the husband and wife, Mrs. The Landlord of " The Sun." Harcourt saying that probably Giddy might never have another opportunity of visiting Paris, and that it was cruel not to allow him to remain there as long as possible. " I am sorry to refuse you anything, my dear," said her husband ; " but still prudence must be kept in view. Giddy is now getting almost old enough to leave Eton for Oxford. Although a good lad, he is, I am sorry to say, by no means as far advanced in his education as I could wish, and it is absolutely necessary he should pursue his studies with greater energy than he has hitherto done.

Indeed, not a day ought to be lost. He has to make his way in the world, and that in the present day is not done by energy and perseverance alone, but requires a good education as well." "What nonsense it is of you to talk in that manner," said Mrs. Harcourt. "You really speak as if the boy had not a shilling in the world. With his expectations, there is no occasion for him to work like the son of a country curate." " His expectations !" said Harcourt, looking at his wife with surprise. "And what may they be, might I ask?" His wife merely shrugged her shoulders and remained silent. " I think I understand you," continued Harcourt. " Now, I warned you before that I would not have you entertain any subject of the kind. It is utterly derogatory, if not dishonourable." "Gideon, you worry me!" said his wife; " what is the use of your going on in that manner ?"

"I should be sorry there should be any difference between us " Gideon com menced slowly, sententiously, and emphatically. " Nonsense !" said his wife, sharply interrupt ing him. " I say nonsense, Gideon. There is no difference in opinion between us ; or, if any, it is simply that you act the hypocrite, and I do not. You have the thing at heart as much as I have, with all your plausibility. Now, I won't have you lecture me any more on the subject;" and she then hurried out of the room, to her husband's great satisfaction, for he hardly knew what reply to make. Harcourt had his own way, however, in the matter. At his departure he left definite orders that his wife and son should return to England at the expiration of the fortnight. During the allotted time which was to elapse before Mrs. Harcourt was to leave Paris, she, to the fullest extent in her power, used the TJie Landlord of " TJie Sun." opportunity it afforded her of establishing a good relationship between her son and Char lotte.

She appeared suddenly to have taken a great fancy to the society of Miss Turner, which especially developed itself in the after noons at home, when Christian, who had opened a subscription at Galignani's, left the hotel to read the papers. It must not be ima gined that Mrs. Harcourt carried out her plot with any disregard to propriety, quite the con trary, her plan of operation went no further than merely to allow the intimate friendship which already existed between the two young people somewhat to ripen. She calculated, and with great justice, that the figure of the beautiful girl would be too well and deeply stamped on the memory of her son to allow it to fade ; while, with the pardonable pride of a mother, she was equally persuaded that the strong friendship which Charlotte entertained for him must, as a natural sequence, ripen to something warmer as the girl grew older.

Possibly another reason for encouragiug the frequency of their interviews, during their stay in Paris, arose from the fact that now she could think coolly on the subject, she felt the truth of her husband's argument — that Giddy's education should be proceeded with without interruption. Christian had resolved to visit the principal cities in Italy and Germany, and cer tainly would not return to England for two years, and Mrs. Harcourt carried her philo sophy so far as to think the separation which was likely to take place between the young people would be advantageous to Giddy, as Charlotte's presence would not interrupt him in his studies. She felt no fear on Charlotte's account, having an innate conviction that there was no danger during the time of her affections being engaged by any other admirer.

And in this conviction she was further encouraged by the confidence she had in the discretion and judgment of Miss Turner. This, perhaps, formed no inconsiderable stimulus in the intimacy which she attempted to cultivate between herself and Miss Turner- To think that that lady was blind to the wishes and intentions of Mrs. Harcourt, would be doing her perspicuity a great injustice. She clearly saw through Mrs. Harcourt's manœuvres. At the same time, she fell easily into them, having conceived a great liking for Giddy, who had shown her considerable attention during his stay in Paris, aud she was one of those on whom even one single kind word is never thrown away. " The Sun." 14 Christian's occupation during the fortnight since he had lost the companionship of his friend Harcourt consisted principally in reading subjects connected with the history of France in general, and Paris in particular, studying the state of politics, and attending meetings in the Chamber of Deputies, accompanied by a friend whose acquaintance he had made.

This gentleman had resided for many years in Paris, and was well acquainted both with the state of politics and many of the deputies. Christian had even gone so far as to engage a French master to instruct him in the language, at which he studied assiduously for more than an hour every morning. Although at his time of life it was not so easy to acquire the accent, he gave evident promise of being able in a few months to read the language fluently, and even to converse upon ordinary subjects with con siderable facility. The evenings he passed in company with his daughter and her friends at a concert, or some other place of amusement, and iu this manner the time glided smoothly away till the fortnight had expired. The day for Mrs. Harcourt and her son to leave Paris at last arrived. Christian, with his daughter and Miss Turner, accompanied them to the diligence office in the Rue de la Jussienne.

He appeared to entertain great regret at losing his amiable lady companion; while Mrs. Harcourt wept bitterly at parting with Charlotte. Nor was her sorrow without good excuse, for they had never been separated for more than a day together for ten or twelve years. Apart from any httle motherly matri monial speculation she entertained between her son and Charlotte, she really loved the girl as dearly as if she had been her own daugh ter. So bitterly did she feel the parting, that it almost appeared as if she had made an effort to put off the painful thought till the last moment and now that it had arrived, she con sidered herself at liberty to give full sway to her sorrow. Charlotte's grief at the parting was scarcely less demonstrative than that of Mrs. Harcourt. Notice was now given by the conductor for the passengers to take their places.

Mrs. Harcourt gave one last affectionate embrace to Charlotte, and then took her seat in the coupe. It was now Giddy's turn to enter. He had already bid adieu to Christian, and was about doing the same to Charlotte, when Miss Tur ner noticed a tear gathering in the lad's eye, and she thought it time for her to interfere ; in fact, she had been no inattentive observer of " The Sun." 16 the whole proceedings. She had for some minutes noticed the increasing melancholy on the countenance of Giddy, and she was some what in fear that Charlotte might notice it also, but after a moment's consideration she easily saw the girl's sorrow at parting with Mrs. Harcourt entirely occupied her mind. Mrs. Harcourt having now taken her seat, there was nothing left to attract Charlotte's thoughts from Giddy. Her own eyes being dimmed with recent tears, she evidently did not at first notice that Giddy's were the same, and Miss Turner, from prudential motives, immediately determined what course to take.

Advancing at the moment, she put out her hand for Giddy to take, saying as she did so, " You must be quick and take your seat, or the diligence will start without you." Giddy, with something like vexation on his face, turned towards her, when the conductor again gave notice to the passengers to take their seats. Finding he could no longer delay, Giddy shook hands with Charlotte, and then hurriedly getting into the vehicle, took his place beside his mother. All being now in readiness, and the signal having been given to the postillion, Mrs. Harcourt and her son started on their way to England. Arrangements were now made by Christian to pass the winter in Paris. For this purpose he secured in the hotel a commodious apart ment, thereby relieving himself from all an xieties which lodgings in a private establish ment would have occasioned.

During the winter months very little occurred worthy of notice. Christian, in every sense of the word, was thoroughly happy. He considered, with great justice, his daughter was too young to be present at any of the numerous balls given in Paris, to many of which she was invited. She was, with her father and Miss Turner, who took part in all her amusements, a frequent visitor at the operas, both French and Italian, and at every good concert which was given. Christian was a great lover of music, although not a musician himself. Charlotte, as before stated, had a good ear, an excellent voice, and correct taste, while Miss Turner, from more mature age and experience, even surpassed her in these qualifications. Nor was Charlotte's education all this time being neglected. for Miss Turner, from the many years she had resided in France, spoke and wrote the French language as perfectly as if she had been a well educated native.

She also superin tended Charlotte's practice at the piano, as vol. ut. c " The Sun." 18 well as her singing, for Christian had placed her as a pupil to Hertz, who was then in his prime, and engaged an excellent Italian singing master, under whose instructions she had made considerable progress. Regularly every fortnight a letter came for Miss Turner from her curate, which was res ponded to by her the week following. Nothing could be more methodical than this lady's habits, and she testified it in all things, no matter how small. She knew perfectly well the minute the postman ought to arrive at the hotel with a letter from England, and till that minute had come not the slightest sign of im patience did she manifest, but would sit as im passive as if she had no expectation on the subject. When the time had passed, however, and no letter had arrived, a strong change came over her.

She was now as irritable and nervous as she had appeared apathetic before, and this irritation would continue until the letter was placed in her hand, when she would put it in her pocket and then resume her ordinary quiet demeanour, apparently not casting a thought on the subject. This seem ing indifference, however, was more the result of habit than anything else, for it would have been impossible for any one to have loved an- A Conti . 19 other more fondly or unselfishly than Mis3 Turner did the curate. The first moment she could conveniently devote to herselT after having received the letter, she took it from her pocket, and every word was rather devoured than read. The following week Mis; Turner would retire to her bedroom, and then write a reply to her letter, and nothing could induce her to omit doing so on the appointed day, no matter how attractive some outdoor amusement might be at the time.

At last both Mr. Gourlay (the name by which Miss Turner alone knew Chris tian) and his daughter gave up all further idea of proposing, on the day they knew she was to write her letter, any other occupation or amusement. Her reply posted, she would remain : till the next letter was due. Charlotte frequently, half in jest, half in earnest, attempted to draw from her companion some description of the curate, but all without avad. Miss Turner, communicative enough on any other subject, was dumb on this, and at last Charlotte ceased to question her upon it. Occasional letters passed between Harcourt and Christian, and many between Charlotte and Mrs. Harcourt. A: last one arrived for Charlotte addressed in a different handwriting ; c TJie Landlord of " The Sun" and then Miss Turner, who had hitherto not interfered in Charlotte's correspondence, proved that she was by no means unwatchful on the subject.

She inquired from whom the letter came, and, without hesitation, Charlotte told her it was from young Harcourt. "Well, my dear," said Miss Turner, "I think, before answering that letter, you had better ask your papa's permission." " Papa's permission !" said Charlotte. " Aud why ?" " Because no young lady should carry on a correspondence with a gentleman without per mission from her parents." " But Giddy is only a boy, and we have been brought up together as brother and sister." " Giddy may be a boy," said Miss Turner, " but I don't thiuk he considers himself one. You will do well to show your papa the letter, and if he makes no objection, then answer it." " Just as you please," said Charlotte ; " though I do not think papa would care about reading it." " No matter ; show it to him, at auy rate."

In the afternoon of the same day Charlotte took the letter to her father, who read it atten tively and then said : " I am very pleased, my dear, to see Giddy has not forgotten you. When you next write to Mrs. Harcourt," he continued, with con siderable emphasis in his tone, " ask her to tell him that you received his letter — and, in fact, send him any message you please." It must not be imagined that he acted in this matter solely from the impulse of his own thoughts. Miss Turner had seen him since her conversation with Charlotte, and submitted to him the impropriety of a correspondence being continued between Giddy and a girl of Char lotte's age. Christian immediately saw the rea sonableness of the objection, and thanked Miss Turner for having brought it under his notice. Charlotte did as her father requested, and sent her message through Mrs. Harcourt, who was somewhat annoyed at the girl for not writing to her son, and mentioned the subject to her husband.

" I think it quite right, my dear," was his reply ; " and whether Miss Turner or Christian has objected to her writing to Giddy, great discretion has been shown in the matter." Mrs. Harcourt attempted to argue the point with her husband, but she found him inflexible. During the whole time of Charlotte's residence on the Continent no direct correspondence was The Landlord of" The Swn." oarried on between her and young Harcourt, though soarcely a lot-tor passed between 018 mother and Charlotte -without containing some message from one lo the Other. The winter passed, and when spring was somewhat advanced Christian, with his daugh ter and Miss Turner, left Paris for Geneva. They remained in Switzerland the whole of the summer, and when autumn setin they crossed the Alps into Italy, Christian having deter mined to pass the winter in Koine and Naples.

On their way they visited Turin, Milan, and other towns on their road to Venice. With tho latter oity Charlotte was so much delighted, that she begged hor father to remain there for somo weeks — a wish he unhesitatingly gratified. They afterwards passed through Bologna to Florence, and in tho latter city re mained a, month. They then continued their way to Rome, where they stayed for three months, and afterwards proceeded onwards to Naples. To detain the reader with any Lengthened description of tho event s of their journey would boa useless waste of linn*. Suffice it, lo sa-y, that ouch ouo of the party fully appreciated tho different Objects of interest, winch came under their notice. Neither tho scenery of Switzerland nor the Italian lakes passed without eliciting the admiration due to them.

The different objects of art in the Italian cities visited by them were also fully appreciated. Christian almost made a study of them. Not content with simply beholding them, he en deavoured as much as possible, either by reading or in the society of the more intelligent class of travellers with whom he met, to study in what manner the beauties he saw really consisted. At first the labour was great, but as it progressed he began better to understand the subject.

Chapter II. The Ball

ALTHOUGH, after quitting Dresden, Christian had determined to return to England, the journey homewards was performed in the most leisurely manner. At Berlin they remained for more than a fortnight, and then continued their road through Cologne to Brussels. The object most interesting to Christian, as well as to most other Englishmen, was the field of Waterloo ; and the day after his arrival he hired a carriage, and, accompanied by his daughter and Miss Turner, went to visit it. Having secured the services of an intelligent guide, they proceeded over the whole field, which occupied the entire day. Christian was quite an enthusiast in things which particularly interested him, and he determined to fix well on his memory the relative positions of the two armies, the point at which the Prussians entered the battle-field, and all the disferent circumstances connected with the event.

Evening approached, and they had already commenced their homeward journey to Brussels, when they saw before them some men standing beside a one-horse carriage which had been overturned in consequence of having lost one of its wheels. The group consisted of two gentle men, both young, and the driver of the carriage. On Christian inquiring whether they thought it possible to get their carriage repaired that evening, one of the gentlemen replied, that he feared not, as the linch-pin had been lost, and the driver was not acquainted with anyone in the neighbourhood who could provide him with another. Christian then asked whether they were proceeding to Brussels, as in that case he should be happy to offer one of them a seat in the carriage, and, if the other did not object, he could have a place beside the coachman.