The Lady Charlotte. A novel

Front matter

THIRD EDITION. By Adeline Sergeant. "THE IDOL=MAKER." In Crown Svo, Cloth Gilt, 3s. 6d. A FEW PRESS OPINIONS. Daily Telegraph. " During the past decade Miss Adeline Sergeant has enriched English fictional literature with a dozen or so of eminently readable novels, none of wliich, however, have heretofore revealed the inventive and constructive capacities which entitle her latest story, 'The Idol-Maker,' to rank among the best fiction of the Victorian age. In conception and execution alike this story displays the wholesome qualities which, at different times, conferred world-wide and lasting popularity upon 'The Mill on the Floss' and 'Diana Tempest.' The central interest of its ingenious and symmetrical plot is generated by a desperate conflict of convictions between two kinsmen, uncle and nephew ....

Miss Sergeant's masterpiece." Scotsman. "The novel is very happily conceived, and developed on lines at once healthy, inspiriting, and pleasing." Daily Chronicle. " A sound, conscientious bit of literary workmanship, with a good and original idea as its foundation. AVe wish we could have had a little more of the Idol-Maker himself, for whenever Miss Sergeant is handling this admirable creation of hers she is at her best." Sheffield Independent. " This ingeniously constructed story .... In the clever working out of her plot, in its dramatic incidents, and in the continuously sustained interest of their succession as well as in development and interplay of character, Miss Sergeant easily maintains her high position as a writer of interesting fiction." Aberdeen Free Press. " In all respects this novel is worthy of the reputation of Miss Sergeant.

The style is vigorous, and terse, the character-drawing is admirable, and the conception on which the interesting tale is based is original. Nothing could be more effective than the contrast between the Idol-Maker and his nephew. A powerful novel that cannot fail to appeal to a wide circle of readers." LONDON ; HUTCHINSON & CO., 34 PATERNOSTER ROW THIRD EDITION. By Adeline Sergeant. 44 Roger Vanbrugh's Wife." In Crown Svo, Cloth Gilt, 3s. 6d. A FEW PRESS OPINIONS. Globe. " Miss Sergeant's ability is beyond question ; and it is not less evi denced in the book before us than in certain others. The story is the work of an accomplished craftswoman, who has learned the first duty of a novelist — to be interesting. " Scotsman. " It is eminently readable, containing good descriptive matter, pas sages of animated dialogue, and presenting striking, even dramatic, situations.

Chapter I. Cousins

" You seem to have made yourself pretty snug doAvn here," said Arthur Ellison, stretching his limbs comfortably over the chintz-covered sofa, and settling his fair head into the solitary cushion Avith which his cousin had provided him. " Why shouldn't I ? " said Esther, a little sharply, as if she discerned a possible reproach in the Avords. " No reason in the Avorld. I may smoke, I suppose ? " And Avithout Avaiting for her consent, he exerted himself so far as to extract a cigarette from a silver case, and to light it Avith a fusee, which diffused a pleasant aromatic odour through the room. Esther Avatched him silently with a doubtful look. When A abe Xa&g Cbarlotte. 2 the cigarette Avas well alight between his lips, he laid his left arm behind his head, and surveyed the apartment Avith an air of quizzical satisfaction.

It was a fair-sized room, Avith a Ioav ceiling, across Avhich ran a broad Avhitewashed beam ; the case ment AvindoAvs had diamond panes, and evidently opened into a garden, for sprays of jessamine and rose seemed to be trying to force their Avay across the low Avooden sill. It had, to some eyes, a rustic, old-fashioned charm, emphasised by the wooden panelling and rudely-carved mantelpiece, now dark with age ; by the red tiles of the floor, where the carpet left them exposed ; and the gleaming brass of the high fender. There were quaint old en gravings on the Avails, in black frames, and some curious and rather valuable china on the mantel shelf. Fortunately, the farmer's Avife to Avhom the room belonged had not modified its general aspect of old-world simplicity by any attempt at modern fashions ; and the utmost that Miss Ellison, her lodger, had done, by way of alteration, was to hide some faded upholstery under loose chintz covers of artistic design, and to fill every avail able jug, vase, and basin, Avith flowers and leaves and grasses of all kinds.

When she had arranged her books on a side-table, and stacked her papers Cousins. 3 neatly on each side of the great inkstand, Esther felt that the room left nothing to be desired. Esther Ellison's face and figure were not out of place even in this rustic environment, although she knew less of the country than of the town. One could imagine that she would be by nature a lover of outdoor things, of trees and floAvers, birds and beasts. She Avas not very tall, but she Avas lithe and strong, and her movements had the quick alertness of some Avild creature rather than the more languid grace of a tOAvn-brcd girl. She had a grace of her own, but, to the trained eye, it was too unconventional — it had the SAviftness of the SAvallovv's flight, the aloofness of the un tameable woodland bird. Her complexion was as broAvn as a gipsy's, melting into a rich crimson in the cheeks, intensified by the deeper red of her curved mouth, with its rather pouting lips ; her eyes were dark and brilliant, betAveen tAvo roAvs of curling black lashes ; her hair, cut short and slightly parted on one side like a boy's, curled all over her small and prettily-shaped head.

There were dimples in her cheek and chin, Avhich seemed, somehow, to match the sparkle in her eyes ; but there Avas none of the plumpness Avhich one might have expected with the physique that Cbe Xa&g Cbarlotte. 4 she possessed; indeed, she was quite too thin for beauty, and the little nervous brown hands, Avhich Avere clasped before her on the table, were un deniably claAV-like. Her face, her figure, her usual attitude, expressed vivacity and eagerness amount ing to passion ; she could be brilliantly handsome and attractive at times, but she could also sink into absolute insignificance. When she lost her colour, and her eyes were dim, and her small features at rest, she Avas merely a little, plain, broAvn person, Avith a clever look, a shabby frock, and an appearance of age not justified by her three and-tAventy years.

She depended on her health, her spirits, and her surroundings for her good looks. Arthur Ellison knew this very well, and com mented on it to himself as he lay and looked at her and at the room. The rustic background set her off very well, he thought approvingly. Esther's dark head and vivid colouring were finely relieved against the yellow-brown of the panelled wall. It was a pity that she sometimes lost her colour when she was in London. The country air suited her better. He said so aloud. " Why? " Esther asked immediately. " Does it need saying ? Your eyes are bright, Cousins. 5 and your colour is good ; two things which show that you are happy and prosperous." " Is it not time that I Avas prosperous after the years of hard work I have had ? " Arthur shrugged his shoulders. " Prosperity does not always folloAV on toil," he remarked sententiously.

" Look at me." " I do look at you," said Esther, laughing, " and I observe no special signs of toil about you." She laughed, though with some reserve of manner, as though she thought more than she meant to say; but Arthur remained grave. He altered his position, bringing his feet to the floor and resting his head on one hand, while he kept his eyes on his brown boots, as though in profound meditation concerning their shape and colour. During the short silence that folloAved, Esther observed him keenly and someAvhat furtively. There Avas a touch of anxiety in the knit of her eyebrows and the set of her red lips. He Avas not, in her eyes, an unpleasing specimen of humanity to contemplate; but he could not be called a handsome man. He Avas rather under middle-height, and slightly built ; his hair and skin Avere fair, and his eyes a brilliant, but somewhat chilly, blue.

The attractiveness of his appearance consisted chiefly in Cbe Xabg Cbarlotte. the refinement and intelligence of his face ; his features Avere clearly and delicately cut, and denoted intellect above the average. But it Avas not a strong face, and it Avas undeniably a cold one ; thereby differing in essentials from that of Esther, which expressed Avarmth perhaps, first of all, and strength next. Unlike as they might be, they were first cousins, and had been brought up together, until, as their friends and they themselves averred, they were more like brother and sister than cousins. At seventeen and one-and-twenty respectively, they fell in love with each other, were engaged, and fell out again Avith remarkable rapidity ; the engagement Avas dissolved, but the habit of comradeship only interrupted, and never really broken.

For a time, hoAvever, they saAV little of each other. They Avere alone in the Avorld, and had nobody to interfere with them. Arthur came up to London, and plunged into journalism and desultory, and rather Bohemian, literary life. Esther, whose passion was for learning, managed to get a scholarship at a woman's college, and by means of it, and by the expenditure of her very small patrimony, secured four years of residence at Oxford. She Avas almost penniless Avhen she left it, but she had secured a first class in history, had excellent testimonials, and was confident of her powers of earning her own living Cousins. 7 But she Avas not quite sure Avhether she could earn a living for Arthur as Avell as for herself; yet it some times seemed to her as if he half expected her to do so. Well, she Avas Avilling to do Avhat she could for him ; a Avoman is ahvays tender to the man Avhom she even fancies that she has loved ; and Esther was no exception to the rule.

Only sometimes she thought that Arthur took her sisterly affection a trifle too much for granted. And when he began to talk about her " prosperity," she shrank a little, as if she kneAv that she Avas about to be hurt. " It is strange," he said presently, in a reflective tone, " strange to think hoAv seldom prosperity comes to men of real genius. Perhaps poverty and ill-success should be accepted as signs of merit, after all. The greatest men have lived in a garret." " A garret isn't a bad place sometimes," said Esther. " Are you Avorking very hard just noAv, Arthur ? " " Of course I Avork hard," he answered, resenting the question. " But, as you know, the work that the world might some day value is exactly the Avork that doesn't pay. The Avork that pays is the miserable, degrading routine of journalism."

" I think it may be very fine Avork," said Esther, Avith kindling eyes. " What do you knoAv of it ? What do you know of modern daily life at all?" he said, with weary scorn. " You have lived like a Sybarite, immersed in luxury and lapped in dreams, first in academic Oxford," — he ahvays sneered when he spoke of Oxford, — "now in the most delightful part of Surrey, Avith a little easy coaching to do up at a grand house. Oh, yes, my dear Esther, you have always fallen on your feet." " Have I indeed ? " said his cousin indignantly. " And do you remember those three years before I got my scholarship? hoAv I drudged as a nursery governess, or earned a few shillings a week by ad dressing envelopes, Avhile I Avas working up for Oxford ? Do you think it Avas even easy for me at college, when I couldn't afford to be properly coached, couldn't dress like other girls, couldn't allo.v myself one scrap of rest or recreation ?

Oh, Arthur, you forget." " No, I do not forget. But I remember that it was all done to carry out your pet project, your one idea. It is always so Avith you, Esther ; you set your heart upon one object, and I believe you Avould sacrifice your dearest friend if he stood in the way." " I sacrificed no one then" said the girl, her dark eyes flashing fire. He moved his hand negligently. " Oil, no," he Cousins. 9 ansAvered, in a half-hearted Avay ; " I don't mean to say that you did. You Avorked Avell for yourself, that Avas all. I have often Avished I had your chances ; the feAv hundreds your father left you would have made a tremendous difference to me." " I offered to divide them with you, Arthur, and you refused to take anything." " Say, rather," said the young man coolly, " that you threw me over, and made it impossible for me to take a gift from you."

It sounded well, but Esther knit her broAvs over the remembrance of the many gifts that she could ill afford which he had taken from her during the last feAv years. " Oh, Arthur, don't let us quarrel," she said, thrust ing back the ugly thought. " I was so pleased when I saAv you this morning ; I didn't think that Ave should begin to discuss unpleasant things so soon." " We won't then," said Arthur, starting to his feet, not unmoved by the tears in those brilliant eyes. " I did not mean to be disagreeable either. I Avas in a bad temper Avhen I started, I suppose ; I had a manuscript returned this morning. That's enough to sour any man for the day. Isn't it, little one ? " He put his hand on her shoulder as he spoke, in a caressing, fraternal way. Esther put her fingers over it, and held it silently for a minute or tAvo.

She had to get rid of the tears on her cheek before she could venture to open her mouth. She Avas some times very meek with this cousin of hers — this man whom she had ceased to love, yet blamed herself for not loving. "I am so sorry," she said at last, in a perfectly natural tone. " What manuscript Avas it, Arthur ? The novel ? " " No, a short story. I counted on it ; I thought I Avas safe to get ten pounds. I'm stone-broke noAv. What a thing it is to be poor ! " " I have got ten that I can spare," said Esther eagerly. "Take it, and pay me back when your story is accepted, Arthur. Really, I don't Avant it." " No, no ; I won't do that. I shall get the money some other Avay. Never mind about me. You've told me no news of yourself yet, Esther. I scarcely saw you when you passed through London."

" I had no time," said Esther, quite restored to brightness by this time, and smiling upon him gaily; " and I Avrote you a long letter ; but I daresay you never read it. Sit doAvn again comfortably, and light another cigarette. We shall be having tea directly, and then we can go for a stroll." He did not move away from her side at once, Cousins. 11 although he disengaged his hand from hers, and began turning over her papers on the table Avith all the freedom of a brother. " What are these ? " he said. " Exercises ? " " Papers for me to correct. My pupil's papers, you knoAv." " This isn't a child's Avriting, is it ? " My pupil is not a child. Miss Daubeny is tAventy-one." " What does she want a governess for then ? " " Oh, Arthur, don't be so hopelessly retrograde. She did not want a governess.

I am not a governess ; I am a coach. I have coached her since Easter." " I know you are an aAvful swell at history ; but do you knoAv anything else ? " said Arthur, in a rallying tone. " I hope I do. But she has a special fancy for history as it happens, and she means to take it up when she goes to college. She has persuaded her uncle and aunt to let her go to Oxford." " Ye gods ! " ejaculated Mr. Ellison, " will wonders never end ? A wealthy, Avell-born young Avoman— she is that, isn't she ? — Avith no need to earn a living for herself as teacher or journalist, to throAv over a pleasant, easy-going, country life in favour of a woman's college. It must be your doing, Esther." Cbe Xa&e Cbarlotte. 12 "So Lady Charlotte says," remarked Esther, rather dismally. " But I have done nothing. I talked of my OAvn experiences, that was all ; but they seem to have fascinated Lisa."

" Lisa ! Is her name Lisa ? " " Yes, do you like the name ? " " It isn't a happy name," said Arthur, in a lazy, fantastic Avay, that Avas peculiar to him at times. " You remember that heart-rending book of Tour genieff s ? ' Lisa ' it is called in the French translation. Ever since then, any woman called Lisa is bound to be miserable." " Oh, don't say so ; it sounds like an evil omen." " Omens hang around the name. Your friend is doomed to an evil fate, and a melancholy end." " Arthur, don't ! I am not superstitious, but your prognostications are not pleasant." Arthur laughed, and turned over the papers again. "If you are not superstitious, my dear, you are Avonderfully sensitive. What's this flaming circular thing Avith Lady Charlotte Byng's name on it in big red letters ? Oh, I see, a sloAver shoAv, ' Will be opened at three o'clock precisely by the Lady Charlotte Byng.' And Avho's the Lady Charlotte Byng ?

I seem to knoAv her name." " Of course you do. The Byngs are the people Cousins. 13 who have Westhills, the house that I visit every morning. Miss Daubeny is their niece, and Lady Charlotte is a very Avell-kno .vn Avoman ; she was the daughter of the Marchioness of Mun caster." " You don't say so ? " said Arthur, recalling Avith interest a name which had once had an European fame and influence ; the name of a woman as beautiful as she Avas witty, who had possessed the confidence of a monarch, the friendship of the greatest men and Avomen of her day. She Avas dead noAv, but her memory survived ; and Lady Charlotte, her only surviving daughter, had inherited a fair share of her mother's talent, and also the prestige of her mother's name. To be one of Lady Muncaster's daughters had ahvays proved an introduction in itself to the greatest of great Avorlds.

" Which side is Miss Daubeny on ? " he asked, Avith some curiosity. "If she is Mr. Byng's niece, I shall not be surprised that she should be alloAved to make a NeAv Woman of herself. I can't fancy Lady Muncaster's grand-daughter being alloAved to go to college." " You completely mistake the position of Avomen at our colleges, Arthur," said his cousin, Avith severity. " There are members of the highest classes — " " Yes, yes, I knoAv all that ! At the same time I stick to it, — Lady Muncaster's grand-daughter Avouldn't have gone to college. She would have been a beauty, for one thing, and beauties don't give their minds to books." " Lisa Daubeny is very beautiful," said Esther ; " and, unfortunately for your theories, she is Lady Charlotte's OAvn niece." " I'm more interested in the aunt. What is she like ?

Handsome, I suppose, like all the Blundell family," said Arthur, surrendering the question of Miss Daubeny's position. " She has been splendidly handsome. She is good-looking iioav, but, of course, she must be nearly fifty." " Has she no children ? " None. Lisa lives with them and — " " She'll be the heiress, I suppose. I remember hearing that Byng Avas a Avealthy man." " Yes," — Esther hesitated a little, — " they will give her a doAvry. But there is a cousin in whose career they are very much interested ; I have a fancy that Westhills will go to him." " By Jove ! " said Arthur enviously, " Avhat luck some men have." Then after a pause : " Who is this cousin ? " Cousins. 15 ' A Mr. Thorold — Justin Thorold, member for PloAvborough." " Married ? " " No," said Esther, Avith some reluctance.

There Avas a deeper crimson on her cheeks than usual, and a loAvering of her eyelids, that might have excited her cousin's interest had his thoughts not been centred elseAvhere. " Then, I suppose," he said, " they mean to marry Miss Daubeny to Thorold. It's a very evident arrangement. The college scheme will fall through, Esther. Make the most of your time." Esther rose abruptly and began to gather her papers together and file them upon the side-table. Thus engaged, she turned her back upon Arthur, and he could not see the expression of her face. The maid-servant brought in the tea, and conversa tion Avas interrupted for a time. But as Arthur drank his third cup — he Avas an inveterate tea drinker — he recurred to the subject of the family at Westhills. " Lady Charlotte's by AA'ay of being a literary woman, isn't she ?

" " She Avrites books, yes. She loves literary people and artistic people — clever people of all kinds. She cares for so many things that I never knoAv which she likes best. She paints, carves, writes ; she has travelled in all parts of the world, and speaks every language under the sun ; she is an admirable landscape gardener, and a very successful farmer." " Spare my feelings," ejaculated Arthur. " What else ? " " Oh, everything else. I can't enumerate all her capabilities. She is a most remarkable woman. She can ride and row, and I hear she is a first-rate shot." " I should think she has not much time for family affection," said the young man slowly. " I have never heard her blamed for want of it." " What a Jesuitical ansAver ! I say, Esther, don't you think your incomparable Lady Charlotte might give me a helping hand ?

" Esther looked up at him quickly, a momentary suspicionin her dark eyes. But Arthur met her glance so frankly that she was disarmed. " She must knoAv lots of people. Somebody might Avant a secretary. I should like a secretaryship much better than a berth on an evening paper, Avhich is all I have in prospect at present." " Have you that in prospect ? Something per manent ? I am very glad." Cousins. 17 The young man flushed Avith vexation. "You used to be more sympathetic," he said peevishly. " What is the use of my wasting my time as a sub on a half-penny paper Avhen I might be making my Avay in the world elsewhere? As a private secretary I might see something of society; I might make friends who Avould be useful to me. You never use your opportunities in that way." "I'll mention your name to Lady Charlotte if you like, Arthur."

"It Avould be better if I could make her acquaint ance myself," said Arthur ungratefully. There was a little silence, and then he said Avith a laugh : " I've hit it. You shall introduce me to your Lady Charlotte." " I would if I could, but I don't see how." " But I see perfectly Avell. I'll run up to London for my traps, and stay here Avith you for a few weeks. I daresay there's a room to let in the house, isn't there ? " " Yes ; but, Arthur — I don't Avant to seem absurd and conventional — but — the Byngs are very correct and particular ; and I don't think they would think it a right thing for you to be here Avith me. I am quite sure they Avouldn't let Lisa, Miss Daubeny, B come to tea with me without a chaperon if you Avere on the premises." " Ridiculous ! " said Arthur ; but he paused and considered the matter.

" Oh, Avell, there's one way out of the difficulty — as regards yourself, I mean. You have only to say that I am your brother, and nobody will make the slightest objection." Esther laughed at the idea.

Chapter II. Miss Ellison's Brother

" MAY I ask what you are doing in my garden, sir ? " said Lady Charlotte, in tones expressive of deep wrath and deeper disdain. She looked like Juno, Arthur thought, as he rose from his seat on a low stone parapet, and bowed to the stately figure before him. At a glance he recognised the truth of Esther's description, but he amended it. Not only had Lady Charlotte been "splendidly handsome," but she was splendidly hand some noAv. After all, she was not yet fifty ; and, although she looked her age, he could not call her old. She Avas a tall woman, with a fine figure, loosely clad in a flowing dark gOAvn — he was not sure at first whether it Avas purple or black, but he vaguely surmised it to be the royal colour — Avhich seemed to fall of itself into folds of antique grace and beauty. It occurred afterwards to Arthur's somewhat sophis- Cbe Xao_?

Cbarlotte. 20 ticated mind that the folds were due to the art of a first-rate dressmaker, and not attributable to Lady Charlotte; but at the moment he could not help admiring their perfect lines, as if they were part of the wearer's individuality instead of a modiste's triumph. There was a fine old silver clasp at her waist, and an antique coin, set as a brooch, at her throat ; her rather large but beautifully-moulded hands were adorned Avith three curious and ancient rings ; but she wore no other ornaments. Lady Charlotte abhorred modern jewellery. Her thick, dark hair, with the wide wave in it which suggested the classic heads of antiquity, was parted in the middle, brought down loosely on each side almost over the ears, and coiled in a big loose knot on the nape of her neck. It was not just then a fashionable Avay of dressing the hair, but it suited the style of Lady Charlotte's fine head and face.

Her complexion Avas pale, the skin slightly olive in tone. The forehead Avas Ioav and broad, the beautifully-cut mouth rather too large, the high nose and square chin Avell shaped, but too salient. It Avas the look of the eyes — dark, passionate eyes, full of life and vigour — with the beautiful stormy brows above them, that excited Arthur's most ardent admiration. " One could understand the ÆMss Ellison's JBrotber. 21 Avriting of a sonnet to one's mistress's eyebroAv, with eyebrows like these," he murmured to himself. And later he found out that he was not the only admirer. A good many rhapsodies had been penned at one time or another on the subject of Lady Charlotte's beautiful broAvs. They had a superb arch, a delicate darkness, an expressiveness un equalled in the annals of contemporary beauty ; they almost deserved a place in history.

Her appearance, taken altogether, was imposing, and her voice added to its awe-inspiring effect. It was a very deep, mellow contralto, not loud, but capable, as one could imagine, of a tremendous volume of sound. If she had taken to singing, it had been said, she Avould have taken the world by storm. But she was not musical ; as she Avould frankly tell you, she could not sing a note. But she could, on occasion, thunder forth her wrath or indignation Avith perfectly appalling force. The magnificent tones, the lightning fire of her eyes, the darkness of her stormy broAvs, were all concentrated for the moment upon Arthur Ellison, Avhom she had discovered sitting on the parapet of a grassy terrace, overlooking a floAver-garden of which she Avas particularly fond. Lady Charlotte hated intruders, and this garden Avas her OAvn especial private property, planned by herself, in Avhich she greAv her favourite floAvers, and tried experiments with imported plants.

From the terrace, or grassy plateau above it, a splendid view of the surrounding country could be obtained, and thence a flight of steps led to the garden, which Avas situated at a stone's throAv from the house, and Avas enclosed by stone Avails, covered with climbing plants. The garden and the terrace were, in fact, copied from an old Italian model, and Lady Charlotte Avas justly proud of them ; but that a stranger should have penetrated to her pet spot, and should, Avithout permission, be making a sketch of Westhills, Avas an outrage not often perpetrated. Arthur rose quickly, and took off his hat, boAving Avith an easy grace which, even in that moment of wrath, Lady Charlotte was quick to appreciate. "I offer my most humble apologies," he said; "I Avill go at once. My sister left me in the avenue to await her return from the house, and 1 must confess that I caught sight of the terrace and was tempted to turn aside.