Angèle's Tempters. A novel

Chapter XXVIII

Mary and George at Amiens . . . 213 Epilogue ....... ,,.,« CHAPTEE I. GABRIEL JACOBWITZ. Industry and economy and a strict observance in his daily habits had made Marcus Jacobwitz, after a few years, a comparatively rich man. AVhilst many of his companions still retained the loose habits and careless living of their youth, Marcus had risen to the worthy position of a prosperous cabinet-maker. One thing only was wanting to complete his happiness : the crowning blessing of a wife ; and this, as our story opens, was his one daily thougbt. He was musing on this interesting topic on a certain bright June holiday, whilst promenading in the park, when his attention was attracted by a lovely young girl, apparently about seventeen years of age. A thrill of excitement shot through him, and her presence exercised upon him that mysterious influence which, B for the want of a better definition, is called, " love at first sight."

The girl was accompanied by a young man who, from his significant gesticulations, was evidently making love to her, at sight of which the green-eyed monster immediately whispered to Marcus that he bad a rival. He followed the pair at a short distance, and was soon reassured on perceiving that the other's advances were by no means well received ; and his pleasure was greatly increased when the young lady suddenly turned away from her companion, passed down a neighbouring avenue, and left the park alone. Under tbe influence of the magnetic spell which overpowered him, Marcus followed the lady to within a short distance of her residence, opposite which (as true love stopped at nothing) he shortly secured apart ments, from which he laid siege to the heart of the young maiden. What untold happiness to see her come to the window which faced his room, and to hear her address some endearing epithets to a little bird which hopped from its cage on to her shoulder and kissed her very prettily !

His pleasure was enhanced by the view of a rosy mouth, her teeth showed like a casket of pearls ; and the sweet dimpled chin was emblematic of a certain childlike innocence and gaiety ; her lovely countenance and small well-formed hands and feet were of themselves full of charms and delight to the beholder ; and her soft, melodious voice, which would penetrate his room, completed his fascination. It was a surprise to her parents that Eachel would not accept the attentions, and what were really brilliant offers, which she had received from young men of excellent position and belonging to high class families. The reason why Rachel Presinsky's numerous admirers had not been successful in gaining her favourable notice may be explained by the fact that the attractive appearance of Marcus Jacobwitz, the young artisan, did not fail to interest and gain the attention of the young and impressionable girl.

On the other hand, it will not be a matter of sur prise that, while sitting at his window during his leisure hours, the interest and attention of Marcus should have been arrested by the sight of the beautiful maiden, who was sometimes to be seen at the opposite window, engaged in such feminine work as embroidery, and suchlike delicate and artistic employment. Nor need it be a matter of wonderment that this interest was, by what may be called electric sympathy, warmly recipro cated by Rachel — that the young people, in brief, became deeply attached to each other, and that their mutual aflection culminated in a happy marriage, the result of which was the birth of several children. The business of Marcus prospered, and domestic happiness seemed assured by its quiet and healthful surroundings ; when, at a terrible moment, the black clouds of war loomed in the horizon, and a change seemed ominously to impend over the heads of this happy household.

Once more brave, unhappy Poland was engaged in an agonising struggle with her arch-enemy the half savage, brutal Muscovite giant ; and her noble efforts for emancipation, which her oppressor called insurrec tion, were, alas ! once more crushed by the dead-weight of numbers, and her beautiful country overrun and cruelly despoiled by the ruthless enemy. During the struggle bullets had been flying in all directions, and many innocent spectators fell victims to the deadly shower. Among these sufferers, Marcus had been partially disabled by an accidental shot, received during the fighting which went on at this period. Gabriel, his eldest son by his beloved Rachel, was at this time nineteen years of age, and had been for some years assiduously engaged in following his studies at a college in Warsaw, a course of education which had necessarily entailed considerable sacrifices upon his devoted parents.

He had evinced in his early years so much latent intelligence, quick perception, and general intellectual aptitude, that his parents were induced to devote him to the service of religion, and hoped, with the pious ambition which so eminently characterises the Israelitish people, to see him one day attain the high and honourable position of Chief Rabbi. He had astonished both his friends and tutors by the extraordinary progress he made in the acquisi tion of languages, and in the knowledge of Talmudic and general Hebrew literature. His colleagues and fellow-students were proud of him, and he met with many marks of approval from his superiors. Like many others during this unhappy period, Gabriel's parents had found their affairs gradually become embarrassed ; and indeed so much was this the case, that they were now almost reduced to poverty, and it added greatly to their distress to know that Gabriel, although so successful in his studies, and whose career promised to be so brilliant, was at present utterly unable to help them to any great extent in their present need, as was evidenced by the smallness of the pittance which he occasionally transmitted to them ; thus showing how little he appreciated the sacrifires they had made to ensure his having a thoroughly classical education, and consequently doing their best to secure his future position.

In fact, by the great and unexpected success of a literary work which had recently been produced, and which had resulted in considerable emoluments to the author, Gabriel was enabled to indulge in all kinds of luxurious surroundings. Fine habiliments, the choicest wines, and cigars of the best brand only were satisfactory to him ; and a rumour of his epicurean style of living having reached his father, that anxious parent was induced to under take a visit to his son, which, owing to the present condition of ill-health to which Marcus had been reduced by his wound, was a somewhat formidable work, as his son resided at a distance of about one hundred versts. Gabriel had formed the acquaintance of one Herr Binger, a well-educated, accomplished and cultivated man, who it seemed was greatly delighted with the young student, who soon after was introduced to his wife and the various members of his family.

Thus Herr Binger and his young friend, while amusing themselves with a glass of wine and a cigar, would often engage in the intellectual treat afforded to lovers of strategy and mathematical problems by a pitched battle on the arena of the chess-board, and, altogether, the Binger family soon became charmed and delighted by the keen intellect, and apparently amiable disposi tion of their newly found young friend. It happened one evening that, in the course of a conversation upon the subject of culture and kindred topics, Gabriel took the opportunity of intimating to Herr Binger his desire and ambition to become one day Chief Rabbi. His more experienced friend, how ever, seemed rather to discourage the idea for the moment, suggesting that many years must necessarily elapse before such a position could possibly be attained, and that with his great natural gifts, and his useful and scholarly acquirements, there were many other ways in which his talents could meanwhile be utilised, more especially literary work, in which he had already proved his aptitude and gaiued a great success — a view which Gabriel subsequently appreciated, and accepted.

The result of the conversation was that it ended in a proposition and arrangement that Gabriel should take up his residence with the family of Herr Binger. This arrangement was proposed by the genial Herr Binger to afford Gabriel a few months repose after his severe application to his studies, with the friendly stipulation (made, no doubt, that Gabriel should not feel the obligation too great), that he should super intend the studies of the Herr's eldest son, Alexander, a youth about fourteen, who, in consequence of a certain constitutional weakness, was receiving his edu cation at home, not being deemed sufficiently robust to be sent away to college. Herr Binger, it should be observed, carried on the business of a corns actor in the ancient Polish capital, in which avocation he had amassed a considerable amount of wealth.

Among the inmates of this eminent trader's family was Diana Rosenbaum, a young woman of about twenty-three years of age, sister to Madame Binger. It was observed that a month or two after Gabriel had taken up his residence in the family, this young person frequently showed symptoms of indisposition, which, from their apparent mystery, caused her sister considerable anxiety and alarm. Diana seemed fit ful and restless, and entirely lost that elasticity of spirit which is characteristic of healthful youth. She would frequently absent herself from meals, and seemed always preoccupied, and when spoken to, the colour would rush to her cheeks, and her eyes would become bedewed with tears. But to her sister's solicitous enquiries she always gave evasive replies, denying that she was suffering from anything but temporary indis position, which would soon pass away.

The real reason, which was at present known to Diana only, was that for some time past her heart had been susceptible to the approach of affection for Gabriel. In addition to his intellectual advantages, of which we have already spoken, Gabriel possessed those attractions furnished by manly physical beauty, by which the unguarded female heart is frequently taken captive before its owner is aware of the fact. His noble stature, and fine, well-cut features, lighted up by a bright, piercing eye, and a voice whose tones were clear and mellow, and into which he could, when he desired, throw the greatest tenderness and pathos, had great attraction for the innocent, unsuspecting heart of the simple Jewish maiden. His general poetical raptures about love were so near truth, and his light flirtations, interspersed with apparently sincere expressions of admiration, which he bad frequent opportunities of pouring into the ear of Diana, — sweet and loving terms, which, when true, are so full of charm to woman's heart, but which are so often only a " false, sweet bait," — all this had entirely disturbed the usual serenity of Diana's nature and disposition, and was the real cause of her heart's disquie tude, although, as a matter of fact, no single word of real love had passed between Gabriel and herself.

In fact, his expression of admiration had been more histrionic than real. They sang duets together, he often warmly pressed her hand, and bestowed upon her tender looks, that she was justified in expecting he would soon make a decided proposal for her hand. About this time Herr Binger had become seriously indisposed, but when convalescent he was advised by his medical attendant to take rural drives so as to inhale the salubrious air of the country, and relieve himself from the cares and anxieties of business. This was decided upon, and in his absence the conduct of his affairs was confided to Gabriel, who, it may be remarked, among his versatile accompbshments, had already attracted Herr Binger's attention by tbe display of qualities indicating commercial aptitude ; consequently that gentleman had no hesitation in placing his full trust in him, even to the extent of confiding to his management large sums of money to be disbursed from time to time for the necessary purposes of the business.

In pursuance of this course, Herr Binger accompanied by his wife, drove out into the environs of Warsaw on a certain bright sunny day in the month of June, purposing to spend a brief interval in the enjoyment of rural life. Two days had elapsed, and Gabriel was leaning out of the window of the saloon, throwing crumbs to the feathered songsters assembled below, and inhaling the pleasant odour from the rose-bushes, and the warm breeze which, whispering to the green leaves and foliage, could not fail to make one feel happy. Presently, our young gentleman was startled by hearing Diana's fingers gliding rapidly over the keys of the piano. He withdrew his head from the case ment, and was about to approach her, but she waved him off. He lounged into his easy chair, and resumed the perusal of Schiller's " Wallenstein " which, at tracted by the prospect without, he had temporarily relinquished.

Diana had selected one of Beethoven's symphonies, which she rendered with thrilling touch, which almost went to his heart. Her delicate fingers grappled so successfully and so easily with the various intricacies of the piece that Gabriel's surprise and admiration were immediately excited. Her rich heavy chestnut tresses waved to and fro, following her movements. Presently Gabriel, who was deeply intent in his Schiller, glided towards her and touched her upon the shoulder. She started, and ceased playing, saying, with some confusion, " Ah ! dear me ! you gave me a fright ! " " Pardon me," he replied, " I trust you will forgive my indiscretion." " It is granted," she said. "You executed that symphony of Beethoven's with such skill, that I must really compliment you." "You flatter, sir," said Diana, slightly colouring.

" Why call me sir, instead of calling me Gabriel, as in former times, Diana ? Ah ! dear, you really wound my feelings when you sir me." "It is but right I should so address you," she re sponded. " Dear Diana," he resumed, " I beseech you to forgive me for what I have done." " Forgive you for what you have done ! Nothing wrong, that I am aware of ; so you are excused, Gabriel." "Yes," he said, with some fervency, " I have avoided you. I know not why, but I sincerely regret it." " And why, sir, have you avoided me, I ask ? I am not aware that I have offended you, even with a harsh look, and own that for some time past you have sought to pain me by reason of your cool behaviour towards me, and I could not possibly divine the reason, sir." "Sir, always sir," said Gabriel who had taken her by the hand.

" Long since, dearest Diana, has my heart pined for you — yes, for you alone. I know not why. I durst not venture to express it to you. Will you try to return that love ?" But without giving her time to reply, he took her trembling hand into bis, and forced a kiss upon her lips. "Ah ! say dearest, that you will return my love, and make me the happiest man on earth." He had drawn her to his bosom, and could feel the quick beating of her heart. A tear fell from her large, dark eye, but not one syllable had escaped her lips. " Ah ! how I love you, my angel," he whispered, rapturously. " Say you will be mine." "Ah, Gabriel," faltered the bewildered Diana, "you cannot expect that I can say this just now. Your pro posal has come so suddenly upon me. I must consider it ; and you know, Gabriel, it would be very imprudent and unbecoming of me if I so readily acceded to your wishes.

Before doing so, I should wish to consult my sister and Herr Binger on the matter." " I give you credit for being a wise, nay, a very sen sible good creature ; but, my dear girl, give me some hope," and thus speaking he tried to coax, and even essayed to caress her. This time, however, she stepped a few paces back, and apparently seemed to regret that she had given way to the impulse of the moment, and in consequence thereof, had betrayed her womanly weakness. Then Gabriel, in less time than we can describe it, seized her two hands and held them firmly in his own. She had now given full vent to her love — of course, not doubting his fidelity and his passionate affection, which he answered with kisses. "You love me, then, my Diana?" he whispered into her ear. She faintly murmured, " Yes, ah ! yes, my dear Gabriel.

I love you very dearly. You knew it long ago. But," said she provokingly, " you really don't deserve my love, for I am deeply puzzled to know why you absented yourself on so many occasions from my presence. I ought not to love you," — meantime wist fully caressing his long silken curls — "you men are such mysterious beings; at one time you shun the object of your love, and at another you manœuvre to regain it, not considering the pain it occasions to the object of your passion. But I will say no more on that score." "Thanks, dear Diana, you are indeed all goodness, and may have full reliance that I shall appreciate your love, and endeavour to atone for any pain I may have innocently caused you, my darHng," he said, caressing her. In the midst of the lovers' conversation footsteps were heard approaching.

Without an instant's delay Diana re-arranged her disordered tresses, and resumed her position at the piano, with as much composure as she could possibly assume. Gabriel, too, had resumed reading, and, sitting in the arm-chair, had turned a leaf just as Herr and Madame Binger entered the room. Need we longer dilate upon this love scene, or the interview with the Herr and his wife which followed ? Suffice to say, that ere three months had elapsed, Diana had exchanged her name for that of Madame Jacobwitz, for, as will readily be conjectured, Gabriel, with that natural flow of language which belonged to him, and persuasive influence, had seized the propitious opportunity, and had asked Diana's hand in marriage. The Bingers were greatly pleased with Diana's choice, and bestowed upon her a substantial dowry, which would enable the young man to make a good start in any career his genius and taste might lead him to select.

His choice was soon made, for he elected to join his future brother-in-law in his commercial pursuits, and Herr Binger offered to give him all the assistance he could to promote his future welfare. In return, Gabriel thanked him and Madame Binger for their kindness, and overwhebned them with sweet compli ments. The day for the nuptials at length dawned. The splendid saloon had been partially divested of its magnificent furniture in order to provide more ample room for the guests who had been invited to the wedding dejeuner, and all the preparations were on an elaborate and luxurious scale. In the adjoining room could be heard the soft strains of delicious music, and the eye was delighted with GABRIEL JACOBYVTTZ. numerous choice bouquets and other tasteful decora tions which had been so abundantly provided ; whilst tbe light and rich products of the vine lent their aid on the joyous occasion to spread mirth and gaiety.

It should be mentioned that immediately after the nuptial ceremony had been solemnized, and at the moment when the bride was flushed with happiness, and all her relatives and friends were in the midst of their congratulations, she turned suddenly as pale as her bridal dress. It seemed as if a mysterious fore boding of evil had crept into her heart, and turned her into a statue cold as marble. The painful occurrence was both obvious and alarming to all present, who evinced their discomfort and uneasiness by significant glances, and communicating with each other in whis pers. She was conducted by the bridegroom, leaning heavily upon his arm, to the seat of honour provided for her at the table, and persuaded by him to take a glass of wine. Whilst partaking of the wine, he whispered a few words into her ear, which, with a reassuring kiss, had an extraordinary effect in bring ing the colour to her cheeks, and the light to her eye ; and with her recovery, her spirits were so buoyant, joyous and gay as to meet with sympathy, and to be greeted with acclamation by those around.

The entertainment was all that could be desired ; the delicate dishes followed each other with rapidity and ANGELE'S TEMPTER3. profusion, and the clinking of the glasses, combined with the merry out-bursts of laughter, and the spark ling wine, all tended to create a very joyous confusion, and everything bespoke gaiety and happiness. As a matter of course, Herr Binger proposed the toast of the occasion, and in a happy choice of words expressed a hope that the union which they had that day witnessed, and which they were now celebrating, would conduce to the mutual happiness of the young couple, and that health and prosperity would crown their days. The bridegroom was apparently greatly affected by the kindly remarks of his new relative, Herr Binger, and rose to respond on behalf of himself and spouse.

With a flow of eloquence, evoked by his happiness, and in spired by his genius, he thanked them, and said he would not withhold from the world the kindness he had always received at the hands of his benefactor, Herr Binger, and his dear sister-in-law, Madame Binger ; and he would endeavour to prove his gratitude by following his advice, and by cherishing and promoting in every way in his power the happiness of his beloved wife. And, indeed, his subsequent conduct seemed to prove his sincerity — for all his affairs prospered, and every thing betokened peace and contentment — and in about twelve months after marriage, the affection of the young couple was blessed by the advent of a darling little daughter, Sabina, upon whom all their love was concentrated, and who was to them a jewel of delight.

From time to time the affairs of his business had called Gabriel away from home, and, of late, his absences were prolonged to eight and ten days, and even a fortnight, which circumstance began to cause Madame Jacobwitz some uneasiness ; the more so, as when, making enquiries of her husband on the subject, she received only evasive replies or vague explanations ; which did not satisfy her; there was also a marked difference in his personal appearance, which had be come so wild and haggard as to cause her alarm, and she feared to press her questions too closely. Still he appeased her fears by adducing new causes of absence ; money was to be called in, which needed his personal attention, or some important business operation, which he alone could negociate had to be transacted. These and such like reasons he gave for his repeated absences. from his wife's side.

On one occasion, after a short stay at home, during which time he lavished tokens of affection upon both his wife and little daughter, a letter reached him which once more called him away. After a few days, Madame Jacobwitz received a letter from him, couched in most affectionate terms. But who can depict her horror, when, on reading her letter, she found enclosed with it, written upon a small sheet of rose-tinted paper, the following note : c " My Dearest Clara, " Be sure and meet me on Tuesday next, at four o'clock, at the 'Royal Eagle,' as usual, about which time I shall arrive. Enclosed you will find fifty roubles, which is all I can spare at present. Hoping, darling, you are quite well, " Your ever loving "Gabriel." With a shriek, the fatal paper had dropped from her hands, and she sank, utterly overwhelmed, upon the couch, her heart ready to burst with indignation.

The monster, jealousy, had poisoned her mind, and for several days she was so stunned by the sudden revelation of her husband's perfidy as to be scarcely able to realise the actual state of things as they were. A few days after the discovery the faithless swain returned to his now unhappy home, and was about, as usual, to embrace his wife, when she shrank with horror from his touch, and dashed down at his feet the fatal rose-tinted missive. He tried to persuade her that she had utterly mis understood the matter, and had been deceived by appearances ; that the fatal letter which had caused her so much pain was, in reality, only a hoax, and was in truth not meant for any person in particular. But she was not to be imposed upon, and declared to him in passionate utterances that she had no lono-er any faith in him whatever, that the money losses he said he had incurred, his repeated and lengthy absences from home, and his general dissipated appearance, all proved that he had broken the oath which he had made before the Holy Ark to love and to cherish her, and had spent his time and substance in wild extravagance.

Then, with flaming eyes and trembling voice, she hurled upon him her bitter reproaches, and stigmatised him as a false and worthless scoundrel. "Everyone, and more especially I myself, thought you a paragon of nobleness, and now I find I am deceived. Ah ! cruel, wicked world. You have de ceived your benefactor, Herr Binger, who has frequently called here, and noting your constant absence, has left, muttering to himself: ' Oh, fool that I am, to have suffered myself to be so deceived,' and his distress has cut me to the very heart, when I have remembered all the kindness we have received from him and Madame Binger ; and to have deceived them so grossl}', to whom you owe the deepest gratitude, has redoubled my affliction." " It is enough," he replied, demurely ; " it is useless to deny the wrongs I have inflicted upon you, and I see it is.

I confess that I was weak-minded, and have been deluded." " Perchance," she bitterly retorted, " by mere accident your Clara's note was placed in the wrong envelope." As she hazarded this conjecture, she burst out crying, her tears flowing even more copiously than before. " But, I promise to be strong again, and will atone for your wrongs, my darling wife," he said, flinging himself on his knees, and most emphatically imploring her forgiveness. He knew full well that she could not stand against such pleading and utterances of remorse, and such apparently fervent expressions of repentance ; and her heart yearned to forgive him when she saw his sorrow ful countenance, and heard his earnest words of en treaty. A sweet reconciliation naturally soon followed, as he had fully expected. Love and affection once more reigned in the house of Gabriel Jacobwitz — but, alas ! only for a brief period.

After remaining at home for a few months, Gabriel once more, on the plea of a business necessity, left his wife and child with still greater demonstrations of affection towards them, and his wife waited with intense anxiety for his re-appearance. But his absence was so prolonged that she became ill by care and worry, and was only too probably saved from death by the tender solicitude of Madame Binger and her husband. But Gabriel did not return, and her life was now, to all intents, the life of a widow : of a woman who had lost her husband.

CHAPTER II.

PHŒBE PINCUS. London — the great metropolis, London — the Babel of all nations, with its millionaires and its palaces ; with its historians, poets, and its literature ; with its arts, its culture, and refinement ; its great luxuries, and its great crimes — its elevation and degradation ; where the rogue and the honest man run side by side in their panelled carriages, or sit side by side in the box of the opera-house : — London, the most philanthropic city in the whole world, with its numerous institutions for the welfare of mankind, where sometimes the scholar walks almost barefoot, and talent may be bought cheap ; — yes, London, the centre of civilization, where the cultured, and whither the uncultured, the countryman and the foreigner alike, emigrate, with a strong hope of mak ing a living, if not a fortune !

But lo ! how often do the hopes of such aspirants prove to be only idle dreams and delusions. Such was the case with a young man, apparently about twenty-three years of age, who, although a good linguist, and of good general capacity, found it impossible to obtain a position. Promises had been made, and hopes held out to him that employment would be given him in a short period ; but nothing transpired to favour him, and he was at length reduced to the utmost privations and to his last penny — thus verifying the proverb, that "AVhile the grass grows, tbe steed starves." It was a bitter cold November day. There was to be seen in the window of one Mrs. Pincus, in Cannon Street Road, in the east end of London, a notice stating that a young man, who could make himself generally useful, was wanted.

Such a young man, ill-clad, and of half-starved appearance, knocked at the door, which was opened by Mrs. Pincus, a good-natured, comely looking woman, who informed the would-be applicant that he did not appear strong enough for laborious work ; and giving him a small pittance, told him en couragingly that possibly she might be able later on to give him some work to do of a light character. Mrs. Pincus was a widow, and although herself English, her late husband was of Polish nationality. So discovering the yroung man to be of that nationality, and being pleased with his address and apparent intelligence, about eight days afterwards she wrote to him, to his great delight, engaging him to undertake some light and congenial work. Time went on, and after the lapse of a few months, he had managed to gain the esteem of the whole house- ITIŒBE PINCUS. 23 hold by his industry, which was increased by the fact that he had introduced certain improvements in the manufacturing department of Mrs. Pincus' business — that of a boot and shoe manufacturer — and which had won for him the regard of those with whom he had come in contact.