Ralph Darnell

Front matter

RALPH DAE NELL. BY THE SAME AUTHOR. SEETA. 3 vols., crown 8vo, cloth. A NOBLE QUEEN : a Romance of Indian History. 3 vols., crown 8vo, cloth. THE CONFESSIONS OF A THUG. Crown Svo, cloth, price 6s. TARA : a Mahratta Tale. Crown 8vo, cloth, price 6s. LONDON : C. KEGAN PAUL & CO., 1 Paternoster Square. (Chap. XXII.) THE BARONET IS EXPLICIT Ralph Darnell. EY MEADOWS TAYLOR, C.S.I., M.R.A.S., M.R.I.A., Etc, Etc, AUTHOR Of "TARA," " CONFESSION'S OF A THCG," ETC, ETC. SECOND EDITION. LONDON: C. KEGAN PAUL & CO., 1 PA.TERNOSTER SQUARE. 187 9. COLSTON AND SON, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH. The Ric/lits of Translation and of Reproduction are reserved. TO MY DEAR FATHER, WITH THE LOVE OF AIV LIFE I gebtcate THIS VOLUME. Old Co ort, Uarolds Cross, near Dublin, August 16, 1S65. PEEEACE. When I wrote " Tara," it was to illustrate one of the events which had an important effect upon the history of India : the first blow against the dominant power of the Mahomedans, which was struck in 1657.

A hundred years later, on the 23d of June 1757, a blow still more momentous in character fell upon all native powers in India, Mahomedan and Mahratta alike, by the foundation of a Political authority which, heretofore insignificant, rose into immediate action after the battle of Plassey. In this volume I have endeavoured to follow the events and actionsof history ; and to invest it with such English interest as was, in many instances, com mon to the period. MEADOWS TAYLOR. CONTENTS. PART FIRST. CHAP. PAGE I. THE GOLDEN COCK, LOWER THAMES STREET, .... 1 II. COMPANIONS, ........ 6 III. A LITTLE PLAY, ........ 10 TV. SAFE HOME, ........ 16 V. MORNING, ........ 23 VI. ROGER DARNELL AND COMPANY, . ..... 30 Vn. THE DARNELLS PAST AND PRESENT, . . . . .34 VIII. AN INDIAN LETTER OF 1755, ...... 40 IX.

IMPROVEMENTS, ........ 44 X. THE DARNELLS OF MELCEPETH, . . . . . .51 XI. ROBERT SMITHSON'S VISIT, . ... . . .59 XII. BESSIE GROVER'S MISSION, . . . . . .67 XIII. RESOLUTIONS AND PREPARATIONS, . . . . .74 L', PART SECOND. XIV. STEADY, RALPH ! ....... 85 xv. mr. Elliot's supper and concert, . . . . .93 XVI. IN WHICH MISS CONSTANCE DARNELL'S POLITICAL OPINIONS ARE EVINCED, ........ 101 XVII. " INSTRUCTIONS FOR A WILL, " . . . . . .109 XVni. RALPH DARNELL'S VISITORS, . . . . . .114 XIX. A DINNER IN BLOOMSBURY SQUARE, ..... 123 XX. PROMENADE, ........ 130 XXI. TEMPTATIONS, . . . . . . . .137 CONTENTS. VIII CHAP. PAGE XXII. THE BARONET IS EXPLICIT, . . . . . .142 XXIII. IN WHICH SEVERAL IMPORTANT MATTERS ARE DETAILED, . .148 XXIV. BURY COURT, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THIS HISTORY, . 154 XXV.

Chapter I. The Golden Cock, Lower Thames Street

It was a rough afternoon that of the 21st March 1755. True to its period, a blustering equinoctial gale had set in since morning, and was rapidly increasing. Clouds of dust in the then ill-swept streets of London swirled along with little intermission, enveloping horses, vehicles, and passengers in temporary obscurity ; then passing on to meet wayfarers, caught them suddenly at the corners of sheltered streets, causing them to stagger, or clap their hands hastily upon the small three-cornered hats which sate lightly upon the wigs then worn by most of the liege subjects of His Most Gracious Majesty King George the Second. During the course of the morning, a few smartly dressed and venturesome beaux had tried the Mall ; and even a few of the ladies of the then " fast " species of our ancestresses had sallied forth, for the sky for a while was clear and bright ; but the wind was too much for them.

It blew in fierce gusts from the river clown Birdcage Walk, and even the unavoidable precautions of gay bandanas tied round hats and wigs, or curls and toupees, had been frequently insufficient, and many an honest sixpence had been earned by gamins, porters, and chairmen, following and recovering lost possessions. Beaux and belles, with their own powder blown into their eyes, together with street dust ; their mouths closed tightly, or tied up in mufflers ; the hoops of the one, and the gay -laced coats and ruffles of the other, sorely discomposed by the storm • unable to flirt, or even in most cases to exchange more than the barest civilities, had already given up the fight, and left victory with the boisterous element. It was difficult, very difficult, for chairs to get about ; extra porters were reaping a plentiful harvest by steadying those top-heavy vehicles ; and as each passed, you might have seen that, whether gay lady powdered and frizzed after the wonderful fashion of the time, or gentleman of quality in lace or embroidered satin or velvet, bound to the rout, club house, or coffee-tavern, the person within expressed anxiety at every A succeeding blast ; and you might have heard very often a faint shriek of alarm, as a fair inmate nervously clutched the tassels which hung at her sides.

Hackney coaches seemed but little if anything better, for they swayed about on their long springs ; and their drivers, half blinded, and barely able to keep their lofty seats, seemed hardly to be trusted by the passengers within ; for here and there a head might be seen to emerge suddenly from the window, to be as quickly with drawn when there came up a fresh whirlwind, and its fellow-travellers urged the throwing up of the glass as rapidly as possible, and appa rently yielded themselves to their fate. It was, however, on the river that the gale was beginning to be felt most severely. Often during the morning, the skippers and mates of the vessels lying below London Bridge, by the Tower Wharf, and elsewhere, had looked up to the sky in their short, rapid deck-walk ; and as they swung their arms with loud thuds against their sides, had said, "It will blow off; it's only a fresh breeze, after all."

They are thankful, nevertheless, that they are not off Flamborough Head, or the Goodwin, pitching and labouring in the heavy seas. As the afternoon drew on, however, scraps of grey cloud came one by one out of the east, and hurried up the river, seeming to sweep past the cross of St. Paul's or touch the weathercocks on the church steeples. They might easily be counted at first, as they disappeared over West minster Abbey and St. James's, and joined together beyond ; but they increased so fast, that the sun, who had blinked from among them as long as he could see, gave up at last, and was hidden away altogether before he had set. As the sky grew thicker and the scud drove lower, many a watchful mate and skipper looked to his ship's tackle, and made everything as snug as he could. Topgallant masts were lowered, and their yards struck ; topsail and lower yards were braced up sharp to the wind ; the strong cables and hawsers by which vessels were moored in their places were carefully looked to, precautions to prevent chafing were taken as far as possible, and soft rope-fenders were thrown over the vessels' sides.

Still the wind rose, and the scud flew faster overhead. The wind was rising with the tide. As the sea-stream hurried up, it seemed impelled by the gale, which swept on in gusts, blackening the surface as the wind struck it, and often, indeed, scooping up and whisking away in spray whatever it could lay hold of; but there were no waves as yet. The current set upwards through London Bridge, and a few wherries, plied with lusty stroke, seemed to fly over the surface, and, as if endowed with life, to enjoy their rapid course westwards. Those coming down the river, however, grew fewer and fewer. It was next to impossible to meet both tide and wind, and, after struggling for a while, one by one the stout watermen, like the fashionables on the Mall, gave up the contest, landed their THE GOLDEN COCK, LO WER THAMES STREET. 3 fares at the nearest steps, and made their boats fast for the night as best they could.

As it was no time for out-door amusement, or even safe passage through the streets — for here and there a slate, or tile, or chimney pot came flying down through the air, and was smashed to pieces on the pavement, barely avoided in many instances by those on foot — so the taverns and coffee-houses were full of people. Some, driven into them by stress of weather, were taking temporary shelter ; others had fairly settled down to a night of cards, dice, or drink, as it might be. East or west it was the same ; and in the more fashionable resorts of St. James's, as in those of the city proper and its outskirts, the gay and dissolute of London gathered together. What matter if the houseless poor roamed about in rags and misery, and shivering sought what shelter they could find in by-lanes and under porches of great mansions or churches 1 what matter if, on the roaring sea, many a crew of hard-pressed seamen began to find sails blown from their bolt-ropes and grim death staring them in the face, and, with little hope of clawing off the dreaded lee-shore of eastern England, prayed their last prayer and commended their souls to God t I say none of these fierce and horrible strivings with the elements troubled the tavern-goers.

Within were warmth and comfort ; rich viands, generous wines, or strong spirits ; and amusement and excitement blended together in bright eontrast with the hideous riot without ; and thus the gay world, flirting, playing, or drinking — in palace, mansion, or tavern. — was happy after its fashion, and defied the storm. Not far from London Bridge, in Lower Thames Street, on the right-hand side as you went eastwards, stood at that time an old tavern of high local repute, which, as its sign without informed the passenger, was "the Golden Cock." This building was long and low, being of one story only over the ground-floor. Above, three lon<7 projecting oriel windows in the centre, with others at the sides, marked the positions of the large apartment frequented by parties of the higher character of guests, and its smaller ones for possibly more select or private company ; and the bright light which now streamed from all, and the dark forms which occasionally flitted before the latticed windows, showed them to be well filled as they were brightly lighted.

To the street, the oblong windows of the lower story, of similar shape to those above, but guarded by grim iron stanchions, were also full of light; and the whole place looked so cheerful in comparison with the street, that many a chance passenger had entered in at the half-open door, which was sheltered by a deep projecting porch, instead of struggling more with the gale— and, according to his quality, and perhaps the length of his purse, either went ud the broad black oak stairs which led to the upper rooms, or turned into the long low apartment to the left of the great hall. There a crowd of persons sat drinking ale or hot punch, and smoking vigorously ; and from the room, as the door opened occasionally, a confused clamour of tongues, or a droning song or lusty chorus, and a cloud of tobacco-smoke, and reek of ale, and gin, and brandy-punch, escaped into the outer hall, till the door was shut again.

This hall was a large room, in fact, with benches all round, and opened into an apartment or deep bay towards the river, which in summer was a favourite resort of watermen and sailors. Above it was a similar projecting room, which formed a portion of the central apartment before alluded to, and from both of these there was an uninterrupted view of the river ; and nothing could be pleasanter on a fine sunny day than to sit at the open windows of this room, watching the wherries, the ships, and the varying objects and changes of river life. On the right of the hall was the bar, now set out gaily with bright pewter pots, glasses, and a few silver flagons for the use of quality who would drink their mulled wine only out of precious metal. The place was brightly illuminated with strong oil lamps, whose light was reflected by sconces.

A roaring wood-fire burned in a wide chimney ; and through another door the large kitchen was discernible, glowing with brilliant tin and copper vessels, and with dels plates and dishes on its shelves. Here a long bright coal-fire glowing in the grate was covered with various pots and pans, stewing and bubbling, and partly screened by several active wenches with bare arms and short petticoats, whose principal employment at the present time seemed to be the frying of rashers of bacon and eggs — the hissing, crackling sound of which, and their appetising odour, came strongly into the hall. It was said that this tavern was part of an old mansion which had stood in the time of the Plantagenets ; and perhaps it did. Suits of mail and weapons might once have hung on the great hooks round the hall, and the benches and the wide fire-place have seen the rou"h merriment and watch and ward of the retainers of the house.

The place was perhaps little altered from its original condition ; and if well-worn flags in the. hall, and the almost black colour of the staircase, with its heavy carved banisters, of the oak wainscot and the paneled ceiling, might be accepted as a proof of antiquity, there could be no doubt of that of the Golden Cock. The doors and windows of the rooms looking upon the river had been carefully shut since the gale had risen ; else, as you passed through the hall and bay beyond, you emerged upon a broad wooden terrace or stage, built upon piles, and protected by a stout rail to wards the water. Here, on fine summer days or evenings parties sat at small tables provided by the house, and smokedj drank, played THE GOLDEN COCK, LOWER THAMES STREET. 5 or ate as they had a mind to do ; while wherries rocked and bobbed on the wavelets in the river, and a crowd of smart watermen, dressed in their best, took fares for a row up to Westminster or Chelsea, or down river to see the large East and West Indiamen at Blackwall, or for a ramble in beautiful Greenwich Park.

It will be allowed, then, that the Golden Cock had many advan tages of position for the entertainment of its frequenters ; and there was not the least doubt that its host, Mister John Wilkins, was master of his trade, and did not neglect his opportunities. He was bound to serve his guests with the best, and he did so. A useful good-natured wife overlooked the kitchen ; and her store of receipts for all old-fashioned English dishes, and many French, were the envy of all tavern-keepers in London who knew of them. Nay, I have reason to believe that they formed the basis of that excellent book — " The Compleat Housewife, or Accomplish'd Gentlewoman's Com panion, compiled by Mister E. Smith, and printed for J. &, J. Pem berton at the Golden Buck, over against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet Street, in 1736."

The excellent preface to which sets forth, no doubt with Mistress Wilkins's entire concurrence, not only the profane but the religious and metaphysical view of the science of cookery ; and how, " in the Infant Age of the World the Inhabitants contented themselves with the provisions of Nature ? The Art of Cookery was unknown ; Apples, Nuts, and Herbs were both Meat and Sauce, and Mankind stood in no need of additional Sauce, Ragoes, etc., but a good appetite." How, also, "when Man began to pass from a Vegetable to Animal Diet, and feed on Flesh, Fowls, and Fish, their Seasonings grew necessary ; and probably Salt was the first Seasoning discovered, for of Salt we read Gen. xiv." And then how, "when Digestive Faculties became Weak and Impotent, the use of Soops and savory Messes began. So that Cookery began to be a Science, though Luxury had not brought it to the Height of an Art."

Thus we also read that "Jacob made such palatable Pottage, that Esau purchased a Mess of it at the extravagant Price of his Birthright ; and Isaac, before by his last Will and Testament he bequeathed his Blessing to his Son Esau, required him to make some savoury Meat, such, as his Soul loved — i.e., such as was relish able to his blunted Palate." I am afraid I cannot find time to follow the learned argument as to the identity of the first cook, therein set forth — whether it was Abraham, Esau, or Rebekah. This, it is pithily stated, is a question "too knotty for me to determine" — and no doubt it is so. I am convinced that Mrs. Wilkins had studied it profoundly, as she did the practice of her noble art. Was it not needful that she should be as much mistress of her peculiar department as her husband was of his ?

For the shipping was nigh at hand, and marjy foreign captains and their mates came to the Golden Cock, and were glad indeed to eat "ragoo," " fnccassee, "ollas,"and other dainty messes savouring of their own countries; while there were many liquids, such as hot sack with cream, clary wine with spices, brandy-punch or brandy-butter, ale-flip, and the like, for rich and poor, which had raised the good dame's reputation to a high pitch; and those that drank them declared them to be incomparably the best in London city. Perhaps, too, Mary and Susan, the two rosy-cheeked, bright-eyed, good natured daughters of this worthy and loving pair, with their smart caps and bright-green stuff gowns turned out through their pocket-holes over their tiny hoops, the bright scarlet quilted linsey petticoat beneath, and we will not say how much of swelling calf and neat ankle showing above the natty high-heeled shoes, might be described as they sat in the bar overlooking the bar-maids, pot-boys, and serving-men.

But I am afraid this might only lead me into a detail of the whole establishment, including Mrs. Sarah Baker the cook — irreverently called " Sallibaky," as invented by the French and Dutch captains ; and Richard Wiggins, the head-waiter, who was called, in like manner, " Dickiwig " — both being well known to the frequenters of the Golden Cock, and thriving well upon the bounties paid for their particular and individual services. And, I think, as all this might prove wearisome, and we are only visitors, like all the other guests on the evening of the 21st March 1755, we had better not stay with the young women in the bar, lest we should be tempted to flirt with them — an amusement in which, by frequent practice, they are doubtless well exercised — but go up-stairs at once, and join the genteel company assembled there.

Chapter II. Companions

A busy and a noisy party filled the best apartment of the tavern. The room was low and broad, set out with tables round the sides, at which most of the company there were engaged with cards ; or, with flagons or glasses before them, were drinking the many-titled potations which they ordered as fast as they could be brought by the ever active Richard and his mates. According as the guests were old customers or new-comers driven in by the storm, the cries of " Dickiwig " or more respectful " Richard " sounded from impatient thirsty throats on all sides, and the errands to be done for viands or for liquid compounds, were only equalled by the number of the «uests and their requirements. COMPANLONS. 7 The room afforded evidence of the noble rank of its ancient pro prietors. The walls were of polished oak wainscot, laid out in panels ; the corners were finished in rich devices of flowers or scrolls of carved ornaments ; and the ceiling, also divided into panels, had three divisions along its length, the centre of each being marked by a boss of carving similar to that on the corners of the panels, but richer and more elaborate.

From the dark colour of the wood, the room might have had a gloomy aspect but for the brilliancy with which it was lighted. All round the walls, in the centres of each of the panels, were brass branches, holding polished silver or plated reflectors, which increased the light of the oil-lamps burning therein ; and from the centre bosses of the ceiling depended brass chandeliers, holding in each twelve wax candles. The game, as old Wiggins used to say — he had picked up the saying from the French captains, who often came — " was worth the candles," and he would have nothing but the best wax tapers in his domain. So, with the wind roaring without, and now beating furiously against the long windows towards the river, the room had a peculiarly rich and comfortable appearance ; and even those who had intended only to stay a while altered their minds, called for cards, and betook themselves to boston, piquet, or cribbage ; or ordered supper and wine, and determined to make a snug night of it.

There might have been fifty people or more in the room. Here were groups of the foreign captains, who, overtaken by the storm, could not get back to their ships, French and Dutch together, men with dark, bronzed faces, ear-rings in their ears, and wearing cos tumes gay with lace and embroidery, or clad in the plain cloth and baggy breeches of Flanders and the Low Countries. Few, if any, of these mingled with the Englishmen present ; they gathered together according to their nationalities, and carried on their conversation in their own tongues, playing at dominoes or cards, and apparently with no stakes on their games. The Englishmen present, however, were very different. We see now in old portraits of the time, on the stage, in pictures, or at fancy balls where proper costume is a point critically observed, what the dress of our great-great-grandfathers was, and how richly and how becomingly it clothed their figures : satin and velvet in full dress, with a liberal use of costly lace and embroidery in silk, silver, or gold ; cloth also, but never without gold or silver trimming on those who affected or indulged in fashionable costume.

The high riding-boot, the neat long gaiter, or the bright silk stocking, fitted well with the short nether garment ; while the waistcoat fell low over the hips, and was as resplendent as the genius of the tailor, or the pocket of the wearer, could contrive it to be. My own opinion is, also, that these garments were very comfortable. The sleeves were wide and loose, the waistcoat sat easily in its place, and the nether garments, however continued below, gave free scope to tlie limbs. For the trader or quiet merchant, the colour and fashion were as sober as he could desire ; while for the gay man of fashion, what limit was there, except his purse, to the brilliancy of the cos tume, whether for day or night ? Not that there were any very memorable examples of this costume present on this evening ; and the dress of the majority might have been called plain almost to soberness ; but there were a few excep tions, and as they belong to characters which have to do with this history, I may briefly note them.

At a small table, not far from the roaring fire, which was liberally supplied with logs of wood, sat two men, more richly dressed than others present, who, by the attention paid to them by the head-waiter, were evidently persons of some consequence in his, and no doubt in their own, opinion. The younger of the two wore a light grey velvet suit, with bright steel buttons, which, as well as the richly-cut hilt of his sword, sparkled in the strong light. On the front and flaps of his waistcoat was a delicate embroidery of flowers in silk, and the dress jabot or cravat, as well as the ruffles on his wrists and breast, were of the finest Flanders lace. He was evidently dressed for an evening party, and was not perhaps in the best of humours at being detained by the rough weather, into which he was in no trim to emerge from his present shelter.

He was eminently handsome. A fair fresh face, the colour of which was almost effeminate in its tone and bloom, with light wavy hair, a high white forehead, and large blue eyes, were the first features you noticed, and generally with a pleasurable impression : but just then, the eyes were redder than they need have been ; the colour on the cheek was heightened, and had flushed up into the forehead ; the brows were knit ; and it was evident that the com bined influences of a good deal of wine and some high play were making themselves felt. The other features were perhaps not remark able or worth discussion, for there were weakness and sensuality about the small but pale-red lips, and irresolution in the shape of the chin, and white, soft, woman-like throat ; and as he now sat, there was a reckless expression in the eyes which plainly betrayed a dis solute character.

His figure left nothing to desire. It was tall, and to all appearance strong; and the very movements of the broad sloping shoulders and back, as he shifted his position occasionally with impatient gestures, showed him to be lithe and active. In truth, there were few better figures, or more graceful youn» men in London, than George Elliot at twenty-four. He walked wel£ danced well, was master of his sword's use, and had already fought severals duels with credit. He had excellent taste in dress, and COMPANIONS. 9 always made a conspicious figure upon the public promenades ; and because of all these outward evidences, and an independent position as to fortune, he was already well advanced in the favour of the gay ladies of the town, and into the rank of society which it was his highest ambition to attain.

When he should become a member of White's or Arthur's, indeed, he considered he should take his proper place in the world's esteem and his own. Before him sat John Forster, his companion, and, for the time, sworn friend, handsomely dressed in brown cloth, trimmed with gold lace. Not that the man was wealthy, or belonged to that higher class of gay folks to join which Elliot strove so hard ; but he knew, or seemed to know, everybody, and partly by effrontery, partly because of his very determined manner, and indifference to all obstacles in the gratification of his own will, Forster had risen to the place he occupied and maintained. Older by several years than Elliot, but hardly yet thirty, John Forster was a man who at once attracted attention and puzzled a good deal. He was not handsome or noble-looking, or even dignified ; but his face interested at once, nay, almost fascinated, especially the large brown eyes, which were soft or fiery as it might be, varying with every thought — now sha dowed, by the long lashes, as with a woman's tenderness, or opened wide with a daring, flashing stare, which few cared to provoke or encounter.

It seemed as if there were more than ordinary intelligence between those eyes and the mouth, for both varied together in intensity of expression which could not be controlled. His might have remained a gentle, loving, trustful, though passionate face under happy influences ; but these were long past, and it was fast hardening into reckless vice under the combined influence of entire selfishness, the society which he frequented, and its pursuits. John Forster was shorter than George Elliot, and he appeared thinner ; but the strength of the man was in reality much greater. In the muscular throat, the strong round chin, the low square forehead and high head, and the very slight projection of the under lip, which was only noticeable under strong excitement, there were evidences of strength of character as well as of body ; and as the two men sat holdiug their cards, so that their loose cuffs fell back from their hands, the contrast of the nervous resolute grasp of the one with the com parative irresolution and dimpled softness of the other, was very remarkable.

It was a critical period of the game too. Elliot, far ahead of his adversary in score, had backed himself heavily to win, but in this hand luck seemed to have changed.

Chapter III

A LITTLE PLAY. Both parties had counted up their cards, and begun to play. Forster exhibited irrepressible triumph, though when his companion occasionally spoke to him he replied from behind his hand, as if he feared to show the expression of his mouth. Elliot played very slowly, and with much thought — and he was by no means an indifferent player; but this was no common hand. Chance, or the coolest calculation, might save him from a capot ; but he knew Forster would exert every ingenuity to mislead him, and there was a heavy stake on the game, more than he cared to lose. At last there remained but two cards in his hand, and one of these might win a trick and save him ; which should he play ? What card had Forster reserved ? Perhaps, if he had shut his eyes and considered well, he might have saved the game ; but it was already as good as lost.