Constance Mordaunt; or, Life in the Western Archipelago

Chapter I

Amongst Mrs. Latour's foreign visitors, the most favoured by that lady was a young officer of hand some appearance and very engaging manners,, of the name of De Belcourt. For some reasons best known to himself, he had not liked to ask the Governor to introduce him ; and Gorget, to whom lie applied, evaded doing so, stating as a reason that he was not sufficiently intimate with the family to take such a liberty. De Belcourt was not a man to give up a point on which he had set his heart, and he determined to effect his object, if neces sary, by stratagem. According!}', he contrived one evening to overtake Gorget on his way to Mrs. VOL. II. B Latour's, and to keep him in such close conver sation on a matter about which he was interested, that they had entered the marble portico of that lady's house, into which doors from the saloon opened, ere Gorget was aware of it.

The light from within streamed out on their faces, when De Belcourt started, and in pretended con fusion seized his companion by the arm, exclaim ing as he did so, " On m'a vu. II n'est plus temps de me retirer. II faut me presenter." Gorget felt indignant at having been so tricked, for he doubted the fact of De Belcourt's having been seen, though so broadly asserted ; but there was no possibility of refusing the request without an open rupture. With the best grace he could he introduced Belcourt, first to Mrs. Latour, and afterwards to Mrs. Mordaunt. To the juniors of the family no introduction was necessary. De Belcourt had been used to good society, and was not wanting in assurance. Ferdinand de Belcourt was of an ancient and honoured race, and on the death of his father he had inherited a fine fortune, which he soon dissi pated in the haunts of folly and vice.

The world he looked on as a stage, on which he was bound to play any part which might be assigned him by circumstances, and certes there was no part which his versatile talents would not have enabled him to fill. He was an excellent musician, a first-rate painter, and an accomplished linguist, speaking several languages like a native. He had entered the army from no love of the profession, but simply as an experiment. In society there was an air of candour and vivacity about him which was very taking ; and among his comrades he was considered a pleasant merry fellow, rather too satirical and fond of practical jokes, but "un bon enfant" at bottom. He did not, however, deceive such men as Blanchelande and Gorget ; the latter shunned him instinctively ; the former, with a full know ledge of his character, dreaded so much his powers of ridicule and his unscrupulous tongue, that he acted on the mistaken principle, that it was " better to have him for a friend than an enemy," and avoided an open rupture.

Such was the being that was introduced into this dovecot; and when Mrs. Latour thanked Gorget for having procured her so agreeable an acquaintance, he sighed to think of the possible consequences. B Belcourt's appearance was certainly much in his favour. He was tall and slender, with only a slight stoop in his shoulders; an abundant crop of bright brown hair, fair complexion, blue eyes sparkling with mischief, and a mouth which would have been beautiful but for the expression which lurkedoccasionally about its corners. He had met the girls several times out riding, and been particularly struck with Constance's remarkable beauty ; but even after he became a visitor at the house, few opportunities were afforded him of speaking to her, or rather of making himself agreeable. The dances of that day were not favourable toconversation ; and when over, Constance was either to be found seated beside her mother, playing backgammon with Dr. Mildman or Mr. Zweertz, or hemmed in by a set of merry companions, with all of whom she was an especial favourite.

Occasionally, De Belcourt would take part in a trio with Petronella Zweertz and herself, but the performance over, they appeared to think as little about him as of the instrument on which they had been playing. This indifference piqued De Belcourt consi derably ; and he never spoke of Constance to hisbrother officers but as " La belle sauvage," " cette petite diablesse ;" yet he was in no way dis couraged — the immense confidence he had in his handsome person and Machiavellian resources, led him to consider her conquest merely a question of time. Before committing himself, however, he determined to ascertain the exact amount of her worldly endowments. Accordingly, one evening, when the young people had obtained Mrs. Latour's permission to dance to the piano, he seated himself during one of the intervals by the side of Mrs. Mordaunt.

After entering on some indifferent topics of conversation, his eye glanced, as if by accident, at Constance, and turning to Mrs. Mordaunt, he observed — " Madam, you have a charming daughter." " Which do you mean ?" said Mrs. Mordaunt, surprised, and rather annoyed by the abruptness and freedom of the remark. " You know I have two." '•' Oh ! Mademoiselle Constance, of course ; she is exquisitely beautiful \" Mrs. Mordaunt felt displeased, and fixed her large grey eyes inquiringly on the face of the speaker; but he looked so thoroughly careless and insouciant, that she answered in the same light tone as his own. "Every one, you know, thinks their own charm ing. "You would be very difficile for her, I dare say ?" continued De Belcourt. " Undoubtedly I should. I think good morals, good manners, and a certain independence as to the means of living, indispensable to domestic happiness."

" Pour cela, c'est juste ; but as you expect so much for your daughter, what fortune do you give her ?" " Sir," said Mrs. Mordaunt, with marked displeasure, " I consider my daughter's virtues and endowments a sufficient dowry in themselves. Her happiness is entrusted to my care, and I would not barter so precious a commodity on any consideration. When she is old enough she will choose for herself, according to the custom of her country. I request this conversation may not be renewed." De Belcourt's eyes sparkled more than ever. "Ah, Madame," he exclaimed, laughing, "you English ladies take everything ' au serieux.' But excuse me, I see my partner waiting for me ;" and darting across the room, he led out a pretty young Creole, and was soon apparently heart and soul in the dance. " What a frivolous fellow," thought Mrs. Mor daunt.

"He has never shown Constance any atten tion ; and were he to do so, I am sure the fancy would be but of slight duration ;" and so little importance did she attach to the conversation, that she did not mention it for some time after, and then merely as a proof of his excessive levity. After the departure of the guests, a privileged few generally remained to partake of chocolate or rice -milk ; and as is still too frequently the custom, the absent were freely discussed. " What think you of Monsieur Gorget's friend 1" inquired Mrs. Mordaunt. " He certainly is handsome," said Laura. " And clever," added Compton. " Agreed," said Constance, almost out of breath with her efforts to catch a large firefly which had flown in at the open window ; " but he is too satirical to please me. He is always ridiculing one half of his acquaintances for the amusement of the other half."

" There is no danger for my dear child," thought Mrs. Mordaunt. Her mother's heart was satisfied, and there remained no arriere pensee in her mind as to the future. "And now for Captain Berchet," said Perry, glancing slily at Laura, to whom he addressed himself. " The very essence of vice and vulgarity," she answered promptly. The efforts he had made to be agreeable to her having rendered him more odious in her eyes. Not a voice was raised in his favour. " The court is unanimous," said Compton, good humouredly; " withdraw the culprit" "Not yet, Compton," interposed Perry; "I must give you an example of the fellow's want of principle. On my mentioning before him (for he understands English) that Mr. Frampton had lost his election after expending 30,000Z. on it, he inquired, ' How long each member stayed in V ' Seven years/ I replied, ' unless there is a dissolu tion in the meantime.' ' What, realize 30,0002. with profit in seven years !' ejaculated the little man ; ' ma foi, speechifying is a pleasanter trade than soldiering, and must answer better than even mercantile speculations.' ' The life of a senator,' I observed, ' being a pleasanter one than that of a soldier, must depend entirely on a man's tastes.

I know of no pecuniary advantage attached to the discharge of its duties ; on the contrary, it obliges a man to live in London a certain number of months in the year, when he probably has a country house or an establishment elsewhere, and unless he should become a placeman, he is never likely to recover his expenses.' ' Comment !' exclaimed Berchet, his small grey eyes twinkling in their sockets ; ' what, then, can be the motives for so lavish an expenditure ?' ' The laudable desire to serve the cause of freedom and religion ; better the condition of one's fellow-creatures by improving the laws; gaining influence in the councils of the country ; and a secret wish, no doubt, to stand well in the estimation of one's com peers.' ' Bah !' said Berchet, with a look of in effable contempt, in which might be traced some what of incredulity, and shrugging his shoulders, he wheeled on his heel and walked off.

I really think hanging too good for that fellow. I am convinced he would sell his country for a trifling consideration, and I am mistaken if his brother officers do not think of him as I do ; but they are a good-humoured, rollicking set, and tolerate him as they would an amusing bear." Compton smiled at Perry's tirade against the " unfortunate Berchet," as he called him, but did not undertake his defence, and soon after the habitues took their leave.

Chapter II

Berchet's mad passion for Laura soon became the talk of his brother officers, and a source of great amusement to them. De Belcourt rubbed his hands with the delight of a mischievous schoolboy, and volunteered his services as a prompter behind the scenes. He persuaded Berchet that he ought to send bouquets every now and then, which, as they were addressed to " the ladies," could not, of course, be returned ; then he was to show himself often on horseback, followed by a groom ; and finally, to give a serenade under Laura's windows. Had the latter been open, she would have been struck with the peals of laughter which, though meant to be sotto voce, often rose above the instruments. Mrs. Mordaunt had at first joked Laura on her conquest of " the little great man," but as she watched the expression of his countenance after a rebuff, she became alarmed, dreading the consequences of a disappointment on one of so un amiable a nature.

At last he was so troublesome and obtrusive, that it became a question with Mrs. Latour and the rest of the family how to get rid of him. When not on duty, he was riding up and down, or walking about close to the house, as if keeping guard on the inmates, and whenever they moved out they were sure to meet him. It was always so contrived, however, that he should have no opportunity of speaking to Laura. Worn out at last by these precautions, Berchet decided on writing. He considered Captain Berchet, au service de la Republique, irresistible, and added that Mde. Latour dared not refuse him her niece. As Laura opened the letter and read it, her face flushed with indignation. She was for tear ing it up and taking no notice of it, but Mrs. Mor daunt said she rather rejoiced that matters had been brought to a crisis, as it would enable Laura, by a firm refusal, to rid herself at once and for ever of all importunities.

It was with difficulty that Laura could be persuaded to follow her aunt's advice to write a flat but civil refusal. The effect intended was not produced. The following day came a second letter, and though returned unopened, De Belcourt had no difficulty in persuading him that Laura was not a free agent in the matter, and he undertook for a wager to warrant that the next letter would be opened and read by her. Amongst this gentle man's multifarious accomplishments, was the facility with which he could imitate writing, and having seen notes from Mrs. Everett often lying on the table during his visits at Mrs. Latour's, he determined to take advantage of it to ensure the success of his plot. A fortnight had scarce elapsed before these worthies concocted a letter between them, which De Belcourt contrived to introduce into a basket of fruit sent as a present by Mrs. Everett, whilst the messenger was engaged in conversation with Jimbo.

Laura opened the letter without the slightest mistrust, and was amazed, on glancing her eyes over the contents, to find it was from Berchet, charging her, in the most barefaced manner, with having encouraged his attentions. Her breast heaved, and the tears started to her eyes with vexation at this foul slander. Throwing herself into her aunt's arms, she declared she " would tell Edward of the man's impertinence." There was nothing that her aunts dreaded more than that Berchet's presumption should reach Edward Compton's ears ; and after pacifying their niece, they easily persuaded her of the danger of such a step. Mrs. Mordaunt returned the letter in an envelope, merely saying that it had been opened under the impression it came from a friend. The whole family became perplexed how to proceed in the event of Berchet's continuing his annoyances.

Mr. Everett's ignorance of French would prevent his interfering in the matter, and Mr. Zweertz they felt would be no match for such a corrupt specimen of mortality. Their thouo-hts turned to General Blanchelande, of whose good will they, were certain, and that gentleman beino detained at home by indisposition, they took an opportunity of communicating with him through Gorget. It was with surprise that Mrs. Mordaunt heard that the General (thouo-h averse to interfere in the private affairs of his officers) had at an early stage of the matter told Berchet of the engagement of Miss Latour to Mr. Compton, and had pointed out to him the impropriety of pressing his attentions on one to whom they were disagreeable, and whom it was his dutjr, as an officer and a gentleman, rather to pro tect. Situated as they were, it looked like taking a mean advantage.

To this remonstrance Berchet had answered that he did not believe in any engagement, and that he was not to be put out by such a " blanc bee," such a " serein," as ce Monsieur Compton, he did not care a crack for him ; and suiting the action to the word as he spoke, left the room with a scowl on his face which boded no good, the General said. " I will, however, Madame," said Gorget, " bear your message to the General, and I am sure I may venture to assure you of his desire to serve you to the extent of his power." To Gorget's astonishment he found De Belcourt with the General on his return, relating the whole affair to him as "a capital joke," keeping out of sight, of course, the part he had himself played in the business. General Blanchelande's disgust and dis approbation could be easily read in his expressive countenance, but he said little, knowing how useless it would be to talk of honour and of sentiment to one so devoid of both as De Belcourt.

As soon as the latter had taken his leave, Gorget delivered his message. The General paused a few moments in reflection, then turning to his secretary said : " This is not a matter in which I can interfere openly, but I can save the ladies from present an noyance by sending away their tormentor for a few weeks, and will do so. This will give time for his mad passion to cool, or for him to get some other villainous scheme into his head which will drive out this." Blanchelande spoke, alas, prophetically ! Ber chet was livid with rage when, on the following morning, he received an order to embark in twelve hours for the neighbouring island of St. Lucia, with despatches for the Colonel-Commandant. Though high in favour with some of the upstarts then in power, Berchet dared not demur. The revolution in France was progressing with rapid strides, and so much distrust and suspicion existed as to the dispositions of a part of the army, that disobedience to orders was severely and *■ summarily punished, and he knew that his pro tectors would by no means interfere in a breach of military discipline.

Berchet had, therefore, no option but to obey ; but before starting he determined to make one more effort at intimidation, and accordingly called at Mrs. Latour's and asked " to see the ladies." Jimbo, though not gifted with reasoning powers, had sagacity enough to find out that le Capitaine Berchet was always an unwelcome visitor ; and to his inquiry for Mrs. Latour, answered that she was " talking long de parson," and for Mrs. Mor daunt, that she was "very petickler engaged." " Well, the young ladies, I suppose, are at home? Take in my card." The boy obeyed reluctantly, and not returning after a lapse of ten minutes, Berchet looked at his watch, and, finding he had no time to spare, walked off, bursting with rage and disappointment. The incessant anxiety Mrs. Mordaunt had gone through for some weeks had brought on a low fever, and confined her to her bed several days ; during that time it was easy to see the retrospective turn her thoughts had taken.

VOL. II. c "Ah, Laura," she said one day, as the tears streamed silently down her cheeks, "had your dear uncle been alive we should not have needed the protection of these strangers. His door would from the first have been closed against so vulgar and obtrusive a visitor as Captain Berchet. Though our sex are not deficient in discernment, it is not so easy for us as for them to draw a line of de marcation in regard to society." As soon as she was well enough to leave her room, Mrs. Mordaunt sent for good Mr. Zweertz, and informed him and Dr. Mildman of the annoyance to which the family had been subjected, and wrote, with the concurrence of those friends and of that of her aunt and Mrs. Compton, to ask Mr. and Mrs. Everett to come into town. It was decided unanimously that the marriage of Edward and Laura should take place with as little delay as possible.

" Once under the protection of a husband," observed Mr. Everett, "the rascal must of necessity drop his pretensions ; at all events he may be made amenable to the law should he disturb thenj. peace. It was not thought prudent or necessary to let Edward Compton into the cause of this sudden concession to his wishes, and it was agreed that Mrs. Compton should take to herself the whole credit of having overcome Mrs. Mordaunt's scruples as to the propriety of their being married at a time of so much humiliation and distress. Laura had a well-furnished wardrobe, the island was plentifully supplied with French millinery, and Mr. Perry went so heartily to work with the set tlements that in a few days all preparations for the wedding were completed. None manifested their happiness on this occa sion so openly as Constance.

She thought no one so worthy of her darling Laura as Edward Compton. From morn till night her cheerful voice resounded through the house in song or laughter ; and happy as she was, Laura could scarce restrain her impatience at being so often hugged and kissed by her cousin. Mrs. Mordaunt availed herself of what she con sidered the best opportunity that might offer of urging on her adopted child the necessity of en deavouring to attain a more conciliatory tone and manner, if she wished to gain the goodwill of her c new neighbours and dependents, and, above all, retain the affections of her husband. "Surely, aunt," said Laura, "you would not wish me to be particularly civil to people I don't care about, or to affect a sympathy with sentiments and opinions I do not share? That would be playing the hypocrite."

" I am sorry, dear Laura," said Mrs. Mordaunt, looking grave, " to hear you talk in that way. There is a wide difference between being hypocri tical and being mild and conciliatory. The motto of all women should be, ' Bear and forbear,' and they should be trained to it from their cradles. A meek and gentle spirit, dearest, is beyond all price ; it pervades every look, word, and action of its possessor ; it enhances a kindness, softens a refusal, and sheds its influence on all around, whilst a proud and haughty manner wounds the broken spirit it would perhaps wish to heal, and lessens the effect of even a just rebuke, by the feeling of irritation which it produces. Do we not often hear of culprits thanking their gaolers for the manner in which they had discharged their harsh duties ?" Laura had become more and more serious as her aunt proceeded : the colour mounted to her cheeks, and throwing her arms round her neck, she hid her face on her shoulder, and sobbed aloud — " Aunt, dear aunt, my more than mother, I feel forcibly that what you say is right ; and I will strive, by God's help, to keep my stubborn spirit in future under subjection, and to follow your dear example ; but it distresses me to think how often I must have pained and annoyed you.

Only say you have not loved me less ? Without a full share of your affection I could not be happy even with my dear Edward." " Reassure yourself on that point, my beloved child," said Mrs. Mordaunt, tenderly embracing Laura. " I know too well the rich mine of good feelings and good principles within, to have heeded much the few weeds which grow on the surface. These have no deep roots ; try to extirpate them, not so much on account of those who know you, as on account of those who do not know you. When my poor brother and your mother (who, you know, died within a few days of each other) placed you in my arms, you were yet an infant, and I myself a young and helpless orphan. In your innocent ways and childish prattle I first learnt a mother's joys ; and any anxiety I may at times have felt on your account has been more than repaid by your unfailing love and tenderness."

Some hours after this conversation Edward Compton, who arrived at Mrs. Latour's radiant with happiness, was surprised and perplexed by the unusual seriousness of Laura's demeanour, the more so, as on his delicately adverting to it, a shadow flitted across her face, and she seemed desirous of evading an explanation. Edward was too delicate to press for a confidence not voluntarily given, neither was h*e distrustful or jealous, but he loved too well not to feel some what uneasy ; and on his return home, he men tioned the subject to his mother, from whom he had no longer any secrets. "What you tell me, Edward," said Mrs. Compton, "has greatly raised Laura in my estimation. It proves that she feels as she ought, how solemn is the engagement she is about to form. Depend on it, my son, that vows lightly pronounced are lightly kept."

Mrs. Mordaunt, for many reasons, wished the marriage to be strictly private ; and the invita tions were confined to the Everetts, Dr. Mildman, Mr. Perry, and the Zweertzs, and an early day was fixed for the celebration. But an unexpected difficulty arose ; the Rev. Mr. Dodesworth was not sufficiently well to attend. What was to be done ? Fortunately, he was on a visit at the Botanical Garden, and good Mr. Zweertz having been ad mitted into the family councils, immediately tendered the use of his house for the occasion. Edward Compton was too impatient to call Laura his own, and too amiable to object to any arrangement which might suit the convenience of his friends ; and though Mrs. Latour was dis appointed not to have the breakfast at her own house, she offered no opposition either. Petro nella and Anna Zweertz readily undertaking that the cakes and other delicacies provided by her liberal hand, should be laid out to the best advantage ; and though the bridal party arrived at an early hour at the Garden, every preparation was made, and the girls ready to welcome them with a beautiful bouquet for the bride.

The situation of the Zweertzs' house was de lightful It stood in the centre of a lawn, bounded in front by a bank masked by a hedge of the red and the yellow hibiscus intermixed ; beyond was a gently-rising pasture, dotted about with clumps of trees, which extended till lost in the wooded heights at the back. The other side of the house commanded a view of the picturesque little town of Kingstown, with its horseshoe harbour, enlivened by a few merchantmen at anchor, and numbers of sailing-boats of various descriptions. In the fore ground, separated from the house by a bit of lawn and a sunk hedge, lay Mr. Zweertz's nursery of new and valuable plants, a small stream winding through the centre. Two gigantic trees on the lawn, at each end of the open gallery, threw their branches across, and meeting in the centre, formed a leafy frame to the enchantinglandscape.

In the room looking towards the mountain the bridal party assembled. The day was cloudless and serene, and through the open windows came the perfume of orange blossoms, and the sound of trickling waters from a miniature cascade. How various were the emotions that swelled the heart of each individual. One sentiment alone was common to all, — love for the bride and admi ration of the bridegroom. Never had Laura Latour appeared to greater advantage. ' Her ample robe of white crape, embroidered in floss silk, became her tall and slender figure ; a wreath of orange blossoms set off to advantage her clear complexion and dark hair and eyes, whilst the somewhat haughty expression of her counte nance was softened down by the earnestness and depth of her feelings. Edward Compton's face beamed with happiness, and the steady light that shone from his eyes showed how seriously he was impressed with a sense of the solemnity of the occasion.

Mrs. Compton was calm and dignified: Mrs. Mordaunt, weak and pale from emotion ; secretly her thanks were poured forth to a merciful Creator, who had granted her prayers and pro vided a protector for those she best loved, when she should be taken from them. As Mr. Perry glanced furtively around, his eyes rested for a second on Constance's fair and beau teous face, and he silently ejaculated a wish that he might be one day permitted to call her his, whilst Petronella Zweertz stood beside him, the flush of excitement on her usually placid face. Why were her hands so cold and trembling as he led her to her place in the circle ? Perry knew not, nor did he care to know. In the performance of his sacred duties the Rev. Mr. Dodesworth was always earnest and impres sive, but the ceremony was necessarily less imposing than when performed in the Church of God.

The lofty arches, the slow procession up the nave, the position of the parties in front of the table of the holy Communion, are adjuncts of no small account in disposing the mind to serious reflection. Vows pronounced in such holy precincts cannot fail to make an impression even on the most thoughtless, and to check them, in after times, if anything can, when tempted to wander from the path of duty and principle. It was regretted both by Edward and Laura that they had no option. There was, alas, no consecrated place of worship in the whole island.

Chapter III

It was some weeks after Edward Compton's marriage ere Captain Berchet returned from his tour. He was, of course, furious d'avoir ete joue, and nothing could exceed the vulgarity and insolence of his behaviour to every member of the Mordaunt family whom he chanced to meet. Mrs. Latour at last, with a view to lessen these opportunities, took the decided step of closing her house for a time, — that is to say, giving up her evening reunions. The entree, however, was still per mitted to General Blanchelande and his secretary ; an exception was also made in favour of Monsieur de Belcourt, who was unfortunately one of her favourites. The Comptons had long meditated a return to Europe, and Mrs. Compton, dreading something disagreeable between her son and Berchet, determined to hasten their departure, if it could be managed, throuo-h the good offices of the Governor.