Читать книгу Quintus Servinton - Henry Savery - Страница 11

Table of Contents

"But do not so; I have five hundred Crowns,

The thrifty hire I saved under your father;

Take that.——Here is the gold,

All this I give you, let me be your servant."

AS YOU LIKE IT

Upon reaching D——, the first thing they learnt was, that the bank doors had been beset, since the usual hour of closing, by crowds of applicants, eager to exchange the promissory notes of the firm, for specie. This was not unexpected; and Mr. Craft had given directions, previous to his departure for Lartingham, that upon his return, an accurate statement of the paper in circulation should be prepared, in order that their future course might be the more easily determined. Mr. Briefless also, acting the part of a true friend, had been employing the same interval in waiting upon a few staunch friends of the house; and by their united efforts, a very considerable sum had been collected, ready to be advanced at a moment's notice to meet this sudden exigency; for Mr. Servinton was known to be a man of such nice honor, that no person believed for an instant, he would receive assistance unless he were confident he could do so with perfect safety to the party that offered it. Mr. Briefless was thus in waiting, anxious to bestow all the help in his power, either by advice, or by untying, at the mere word of his friend, several well filled bags of gold.

"Thank you—thank you, my dear Briefless," quickly ejaculated Mr. Servinton, "but I'll tell you what 'tis, until I see how we stand, I'll not make bad worse—nor will I put a load on another man's shoulders which I cannot bear myself."

"Here is the return of the notes in circulation, Sir," said the head Clerk, who now entered with a paper in his hand, "and here is the state of the house, with respect to funds in hand."

Casting a hasty glance over each, Mr. Servinton instantly ordered the doors to be thrown open, although long after the customary hours of business, and as the evening drew on, causing the Bank to be well lit, so as almost to give it the appearance of an illumination; he had a bushel measure filled with guineas placed on the counter, and holders of notes were instantly invited to exchange them. No sooner was the heap at all lessened, than it was quickly replenished by emptying fresh bags, and a conspicuous notice was fixed up, announcing that the doors would not be closed by day or night while any notes remained in circulation; but so soon as they were all withdrawn, they would be shut for a few days, in order to complete some other arrangements.

This decided line of conduct was attended by the happiest results. The news of the never failing bushel spread rapidly, and long ere night had exchanged its mantle for the glimmering twilight, scarcely a note was brought in. Nevertheless, the doors continued open—the bushel was kept filled—and in the course of the next forenoon, the state of affairs was so altered, that many of the very persons who, a few hours previously, had been most clamorous for specie, now were equally desirous of making a re-exchange; and within a few days the confidence of the public was entirely restored.

Meanwhile, Mr. Servinton had proceeded to London, to attend the meeting of Messrs. Discount's creditors, in pursuance of Mr. Plaint's summons. At that period, the idea of becoming a bankrupt was considered a thing so very shocking, that almost any alternative was resorted to in preference. Now-a-days, the case is different—the world is become more enlightened and charitable, and a misfortune of this nature, is rather estimated by the cause that has produced it, than by its immediate effect upon the altered circumstances of the sufferer. It has now long been admitted that, whenever a house of magnitude becomes involved in difficulties, there is no way of doing such ample justice to all parties, as by the operation of the Bankrupt Laws. If the character of the party can bear the scrutiny thus afforded, a suitable provision is made, equally for his protection and maintenance, as for his release from all embarrassments, and at the same time for the equitable distribution of his effects among his creditors; and the repeated instances that have been exemplified of the beneficial effects of the system, have greatly served to remove the dread with which it was formerly contemplated.

The partners of Messrs. Discount and Co., were all men of high connexions; and as Mr. Servinton, notwithstanding his own losses, felt a degree of sympathy for the fallen bankers, it was not difficult to persuade him to consent to an arrangement that was proposed by their friends, the object of which was to avoid a threatened docket. Happy would it afterwards have proved for himself and family, had he been less accommodating; for although, by the balance sheet exhibited at the meeting, no eventual deficiency appeared probable, the estate became so wasted and frittered, so many law and chancery suits were perpetually arising, and the parties so squabbled amongst themselves, that it was nearly twenty years before any dividend was made, and then only a very small one.

Upon Mr. Servinton's return to D——, his own affairs occupied his serious attention, and formed the subject of much deliberation between himself and friends. His resources, although much straitened, were still large; and as the yearly income derived from the bank had been considerable, it was ultimately resolved to add to its means, by increased strength of connexion, and that, as a simultaneous measure, various reductions should be made in his private establishment.

Lartingham Hall changed its owner, and the family removed into town; but some of the old hereditary estates were still preserved. The carriage and horses were sold, and the train of livery and other servants dismissed. When it came to the turn of some of the domestics who had long dwelt under his roof to be told the meditated changes, they entreated permission to remain, even without wages; and more especially the ancient and faithful Sam, could not believe it possible that he was to be in the list of those who were to be parted with. "Oh, my dear master," said the worthy old man, "I have lived with you since you were little bigger than Master Quintus here; I have known you and yours in better days; and God forbid I should leave you—no master," (at the same moment taking from his pocket a yellow canvas bag,) "what's here Sir, has been saved by my father and me, during the last sixty years; we have each had the best of masters; for your honored father Sir, was as good to mine as you have been to me. Please to take it Sir, and use it, but don't part with your old servant."

Sensibly affected by the old man's gratitude and attachment, it was with difficulty Mr. Servinton could reply to him; but, as mature deliberation had preceded the plan that had been determined to be pursued, there was no alternative; smoothing therefore, in the best manner he was able, his manner of declining what had been so kindly offered, he continued his proposed arrangements, and in a very short time every thing had quietly assumed a new form and order. But misfortunes, it is said, seldom come single, and so it now happened with this family; for scarcely had they begun to feel some little repose after their late troubles, than the death of one of the daughters, who had been married two years previously, followed the giving birth to a child, after a few hours of intense suffering. This new affliction was received with equal fortitude and resignation as before; it came unexpected, and was rendered the more poignant by the many estimable qualities that had adorned the deceased, which, joined to a fine form and handsome features, had attracted admirers at an early age, and had led to her marriage before she had reached her eighteenth year.

Happy is he who can view the troubles of life, as a means of preparation for a future and better state of existence. Let any one, no matter who, be apparently to the world, the wisest and best of his race, his own conscience will oft tell him, that he is but a weak and erring mortal. Sometimes, we see persons negatively good only, who, by their various qualifications were designed by Nature, to be active instruments of benefit to their fellow creatures;—these should recollect, that their ten talents were not given them to be buried, but, according to what they have received, so will they be called upon in the great day of account. When all other methods have sometimes failed to bring people to a sense of their true condition, troubles and afflictions have had the desired end, and have wrought a cure that appeared hopeless. Instead of murmuring or repining, it is therefore, only a part of our duty, to apply the touchstone of adversity to our bosoms, when overtaken by it; to weigh ourselves in the balance, which is ever held within us, by conscience; and to mark well; the faults that are thus brought home to us. The man, who is able to do this, may have reason to be thankful, that he has tasted of affliction. He cannot fail to be improved by it, however grievous it may have appeared at the moment; and he is certain, in the end, to reap his reward.

Mr. and Mrs. Servinton thus tried and proved themselves. They had each the sense to feel that, human means were insufficient towards enabling them to bear the calamities with which they were visited; and consequently, had recourse with fervour and devotion, to the only true source of comfort.

In a conversation they held, upon their plans for their younger children, it was wisely settled that they should be forthwith taught chiefly to depend upon their own exertions, for their progress through life. "We will give all of them the best education we are able," said Mr. Servinton, "and the boys must shift for themselves." "Yes," replied his wife, "but beyond every thing, they must be religiously brought up.—Let them be as well grounded in that way, as in Latin and Greek, and we shall have done our duty to them, and may safely leave them to their chance through life."

"Mr. Knowall gives me a very good account of Quintus" continued Mr. Servinton, "and says, he has more application than most of his scholars. I think he would take well to business, if we can keep him from being spoilt, like his elder brothers; and I have heard of a school at Rundleton in Shropshire, which I think, will just do for him. If we send him there, I should like him to remain without coming home, till he is of an age to go to some counting-house, and we will then try to find some friend in London, to whom he may be sent for instruction. Perhaps, if one of the boys would take to the desk, the others would follow; and if Quintus were to set a good example, Alfred might be brought into the bank."

"But why should the poor boy be so long separated from us? and why look for the future, to London, instead of having him near ourselves," said Mrs. Servinton?

"I am fully of Briefless's opinion upon this point," was the reply, "and I am satisfied that the generality of youth, are better, if removed from the constant eye and control of their parents, particularly if they be well disposed, than by always being near them. With regard to Quintus, he has hitherto been so good and orderly, that with the exception of his occasional want of openness, if he be well managed, I have no fear of him. I cannot throw from my mind, the occurrence and prediction which attended his birth. Unfornately, the woman's fortune-telling, has been hitherto, but too truly fulfilled; and if his life is to be chequered, as was foretold, let us, as his parents, at least do our share towards adapting him to pass through it, with advantage to himself."

Any allusion to the Gipsy story, was always disagreeable to Mrs. Servinton, who had never attached the least importance to it, and who generally contrived to dismiss it by a short, pithy mode of expression, peculiar to herself, which she sometimes adopted, when she wished to put an end to unwelcome subjects. Upon this occasion, she merely observed that, she must beg to defer the discussion, till some better arguments than a drunken Gipsy woman's authority could be adduced; but the tone in which these words were spoken, led her husband to walk out of the room with his hands behind him, lowering his lip, and contracting his usually pleasant features into a frown, as he muttered "I don't like such replies, that's what I don't like, Charlotte," retiring as was his custom, to his study, when any thing disagreeable occurred.

Although Mrs. Servinton did not adopt her husband's opinion, with respect to Quintus, as a consequence of certain of the arguments he had used, there were others that induced her to a conclusion, nearly similar to his own; but her feelings as a mother, were not easily reconciled to the idea of sending a son, twelve years old, to such a species of banishment, as was recommended. The school that had been proposed for him, was partly on a public, and partly a private principle. It had been originally founded upon certain bequests, giving particular advantages to particular classes of scholars; such as, the being boarded, clothed, and educated upon easy terms, and afterwards opening the door of admission to one or two scholarships at Oxford. But the greater portion by far, of the pupils, were upon the private establishment; which, in point of much of its internal economy, was of that peculiar nature, as to afford parents many conveniences with respect to their sons, not by any means common. Although the classics formed a material part of the course of tuition, they were not so exclusively attended to, as in many endowed schools; but on the contrary, what is generally understood by the term, "commercial education," formed part of the daily routine of exercises; added to which, a taste for rural occupations was encouraged, by allowing the boys, opportunities of practically acquiring knowledge of this description, during certain portions of time, when a relaxation from their lessons was permitted.

The master was a Clergyman of the Established Church, and resided at the rectory belonging to a small village, romantically situated on the banks of a stream, which joins the Severn a short distance from the commencement of that majestic importance, by which its farther progress is distinguished. One of the recommendations of this school, in the opinion of Mr. Servinton, was that, only one short vacation was allowed throughout the year; thus attaining a point, upon which he had been led to attach considerable importance, as materially tending to promote one object he had in view for his son. Quintus had already made some progress in the classics and in general knowledge;—was strong, healthy, and well qualified to make his way in a large school; not disposed to be quarrelsome, but ocasionally showing his peevishness for which there is no remedy, equal to a promiscuous intercourse with other boys, where it dare not be shown. As a general rule of education, nothing perhaps, is better adapted to the improvement of young minds, than a well managed extensive boarding-school. By keeping a boy at home or in immediate contact with his relations, he oft acquires a narrowness of disposition and a selfishness, which never afterwards leave him. He is apt to attach too much importance to himself; to assume airs and consequence, inconsistent with his years; and not unfrequently is involved in contentions with his parents, or brothers and sisters, upon trifles, which engender disrespect or quarrels if interfered with, but grow to evils of much greater magnitude, if suffered to pass unnoticed.—But, where the authority of a master is used as a check upon these youthful follies and petulancies, they yield to it, as a matter of course, without hesitation.—Where the boy mixes with one or two hundred school-fellows, some of whom are three or four years older than himself, some as much younger, but all daily shewing a great variety of tempers and dispositions, he enters upon the stage of life in miniature; and his little ebullitions of anger and ill-nature, are kept in proper awe, fearing what might ensue. If the boy be of good abilities, he will be stimulated to exertion by the desire of surpassing others. If he be slow at learning, and increased application be necessary in the performance of his task, still it must be got through, and more will be done towards tilling the unprofitable soil of his abilities, than it could be possible to accomplish, under a more private system of education. Unless for a delicate, sickly child, who might not have strength to indure the fatigue, and buffeting of a large, and particularly a public school, it unquestionably presents many advantages peculiar to itself.

Such were the views entertained by the Servintons, founded upon their experience, with regard to their eldest boys. Acting upon the influence of the motives, that have been already explained, Dr. Simpson was now written to, making many enquiries respecting his establishment, intending, should they prove satisfactory, to send Quintus thither without delay; and, although at first, Mrs. Servinton disliked exceedingly, the idea of his spending the vacations there, so as almost to wean him from home, in the end she acquiesced.

When the long fixed day of his departure for Rundleton really arrived, places for himself and his father were secured in the coach to Newark, whence they were to complete their journey by posting across the country to Oswestry; that being the nearest town to Rundleton. The charm of novelty, serving at first to maintain Quintus's spirits, and indeed, rather to elevate them more than usual, soon gave way to a feeling of sorrow, that he had left the many and kind relations, from whom he was now parted, and when, on the second day of their journey, (for travelling had not, at that time, reached its present perfection), they stopped for the night at Cheadle, Quintus could scarcely restrain his tears, at what appeared the solitary dreariness of his situation. Upon reaching Rundleton, which was accomplished about noon of the fourth day, the sight of the large, old white-washed school-house, standing upon rather elevated ground, surrounded by a clump of trees, apart from any other building, produced a feeling, which filled his breast, almost to bursting, and put it out of his power to reply to the many kind expressions of his father, who was encouraging him to maintain his fortitude, promising it should not be long before they again met. But, all he could say, failed to enable Quintus to recover his composure; and they thus journied until the chaise turned a sharp angle of the road, which brought them close to the village, when driving rapidly towards an old-fashioned house, standing within a small, neatly kept flower-garden, they presently stopped at the door, of what proved to be Rundleton parsonage.

An elderly, respectable looking man-servant immediately advanced from the house, and letting down the carriage steps, Mr. Servinton and his son were ushered into a handsomely furnished parlour, used only, to judge by its precise and neat appearance, upon very special occasions. Presently, the dread personage, who had flitted for some days so terribly in Quintus's imagination, made his appearance; and, young as the boy was, he regarded his new master with great attention. He was of gentlemanly exterior and manners, apparently five and forty, or fifty years of age. An accident that had befallen him in his childhood, had given him rather an awkward gait in walking, which, a few years previously, had been increased by a fall, that had occasioned a slight distortion of one shoulder, raising it somewhat higher than the other. Nature however, to atone for these misfortunes, had bestowed upon him, an excellent understanding, an amiable temper, and an engaging countenance. A single reciprocal glance, gave Quintus confidence, and when Dr. Simpson spoke, the mild, soft tones of his voice, completely removed every boyish apprehension.

"My name is Simpson, Sir," said the Doctor, bowing to his visitors as he spoke, "and I presume I have the honor of addressing Mr. Servinton." An assent having been implied, by the inclination of head made in return, Dr. Simpson advanced towards Quintus, and taking him kindly by the hand, added, "and this I presume, is to be my pupil. I am very glad to see so nice a young Gentleman."

After a few more expressions of civility, Mr. Servinton entered upon a general communication of his wishes, respecting the education of his son; and was much pleased to observe Dr. Simpson's readiness in comprehending his object and intentions. He then requested permission to see the school, and the accommodations for the boys; having had sufficient experience to know, that there is nothing like ocular demonstration upon such subjects, in order to obtain correct information, and that, he could thus alone acquire the means of satisfactorily replying to many questions, certain to be put to him upon his return to D——. He had been already much pleased with Dr. Simpson's frank, and open manner; and the readiness with which he now acceded to his desire, still further confirmed the favourable impression that had been made. Following him as he led through the various apartments of the school-house, he minutely inspected every part of the establishment, deriving great satisfaction from witnessing the clean and healthy state of all he saw. The usual number of scholars was two hundred, and every thing was upon a scale in proportion. All the economy of the household, was plain, but admirable;—all its parts were in order; and all denoted the careful eye of able superintendence. Independently of the head-master, there was an under-master, and six ushers, each of whom, had a class or form of thirty boys under his particular charge. The under master's form comprised twenty scholars, who had gone through all other gradations; the whole being under the constant examination of the Doctor, who made changes in the different forms, according to the progress of the pupils. Upon the arrival of a new scholar, it was usual to allow him a few days unrestrained liberty, so as to enable him to become reconciled to the change of scene, and the separation from his relations, ere he was harnessed to his studies; and in the interval thus permitted, Dr. Simpson was accustomed to gently lead him to develop what knowledge he had already acquired, with the view of deciding in what form or class he should be placed.

Every thing Mr. Servinton saw and learnt, tended to assure him that his son was likely to be in good hands, and that, his principal object in view with regard to his education, bade fair to be realized. He returned therefore to the rectory, extremely well satisfied with the result of his inspection, and after spending an agreeable evening with the family, took leave, when he retired for the night, and at day break next morning, bent his way homewards.