Читать книгу Quintus Servinton - Henry Savery - Страница 12

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"Ah! happy hills; ah! pleasing shades,

Ah! fields beloved in vain;

Where once my careless childhood strayed,

A stranger yet to pain."

ODE ON A DISTANT PROSPECT OF ETON COLLEGE

It was on a Thursday, that Quintus upon rising in the morning, found himself for the first time in his life, separated from all the associations of his early years, and wholly under the control of strangers. According to the usual plan of the school, he was left to his own pursuits throughout the day, not being required to take part in any lessons, and following a natural bent of his mind, he rambled through the village, pursuing his way for some hours in the midst of the beautiful scenery by which it was on every side encompassed. Nature had, indeed, been singularly lavish in the bestowment of her romantic charms, upon the neighbourhood of Rundleton. It was situated four miles from Oswestry, upon the banks of the Vyrnew; the clear, purling waters of which, joined the Severn, not far from the village, having intersected in their course, a rich tract of thickly wooded country, densely inhabited by a wealthy yeomanry, whose several farms and houses, varying in size, from the well-tiled manse with its highly cultivated inclosures, to the neatly thatched cottage with its little garden, gave an enlivening appearance to the landscape, and assisted to carry the eyes of the traveller forwards, to the grand and towering Brythen mountains, which formed its extreme boundary. Here and there, was a better sort of dwelling, having for its occupants some retired family, who, attracted by an agreeable neighbourhood and its convenient distance from a good market town, had selected it for their residence. To a boy of Quintus's natural taste and disposition, nothing could be more congenial than this spot; for, from his earliest years, he had ever shewn a strong inclination for every thing connected with the country, and a quiet stroll through Lartingham woods, or the acquisition of knowledge from the labouring farmers or gardeners, upon the nature of their several employments, had always been his greatest pleasure, at the time that his brothers were playing at ball or marbles, or at spinning tops, or were engaged in other similar occupations.

Returning to the school after some time thus employed, part of which, had been devoted, as is no unusual custom with village strangers, in deciphering the almost obliterated epitaphs in the Churchyard, Dr. Simpson conducted his new pupil to his study, and led him into a conversation, calculated to elicit what progress had been made in his education. It was with pleasure he found that, in many essentials, he had been well grounded; and he derived additional satisfaction from the request made him, in the course of conversation, that he might be permitted to commence his studies the next morning, telling the Doctor that he already found loitering, a very slow death for time. In pursuance of this desire, which was quite novel under similar circumstances, Quintus had a place assigned in the third form, under the charge of a Mr. Mesnard, who presently entertained a strong feeling of good will towards him, and consequently took great pains to promote his improvement.

The recollection of home having lost much of its bitterness, mitigated as it had been from the first, by the kindness of his masters, Quintus applied himself to his studies, with diligence and attention; and in a very short time, it was manifest that a desire to emulate and surpass others was a ruling principle of his nature, and that it was leading him at a rapid rate, through the different steps or gradations of the school boy's course; but it was also remarked of him, that this spirit extended only, to objects or pursuits in which his taste or fancy were enlisted; for he regarded all others, with much indifference.

With a character of this sort, it behoves those who have the care of its education, to exercise sound judgment, in adapting it to such objects, as are fit to be regarded with emulation; otherwise, a feature of the mind, capable of becoming invaluable to its owner, may oft prove a means of urging him to destruction.

The three succeeding years thus glided on at Rundleton, advantageously to Quintus, so far as his education was concerned, and satisfactorily to Dr. Simpson, as regarded his general conduct. When he entered upon his sixteenth birth-day, he had reached nearly the top of the under master's form, and stood within three of a post of great honor and distinction, formed something upon the model of Eton, and, like that celebrated school, designated by the high sounding title of Captain. It was not at Rundleton merely honorary, but bestowed upon its fortunate holder many enviable pleasures and comforts, and towards it, Quintus had long cast a wistful eye. Among its privileges, were a release from the customary close application to learning, as it was rather sought to maintain by exercises, the information already acquired, than to add to it by new studies—an extension of the school boundaries, permitting unrestrained rambles over the neighbourhood;—a sanction to visit any respectable families who chose to notice the individual—a seat at the Doctor's table,—and a single bed in the under-master's room. But, its qualifications were rigid in the extreme, and its tenure, in the highest degree precarious—wholly depending upon unexceptionable behaviour; for, until the head master had ascertained that the candidate was nearly as far advanced in learning as his tutor, according to whatever had been his course of study, he was not eligible; nor was this alone sufficient; for if, during the preceding six months, his name had once appeared in the misdemeanour list, his proficiency at his books would not avail him. It was seldom that this enviable post was altogether vacant, although it was frequently changing hands, as a necessary consequence of a removal of some other sphere of life; but, generally speaking, no sooner had one vacated it, than there was another, ready and waiting to succeed to its honors. About the period that Quintus began to view this, his long sought object of ambition, as nearly within his reach, when there were only two boys between himself and the top of the under-master's form, and when he who was distinguished by the proud title of captain was in daily expectation of proceeding to one of the Universities, the unlooked for arrival of his parents, accompanied by his favourite sister, gave for the moment, a new turn to his ideas and feelings. The immediate purpose of this visit, independently of the desire to see Quintus, was to judge of his proficiencies and acquirements, with the view of deciding his future destination:—and, by not giving notice of their intention, they justly enough thought that they should see things in their true colors, and be thus enabled to arrive at a more correct judgment than could otherwise be formed. It was, therefore, with infinite satisfaction that Mr. Servinton, who had alighted from the carriage at the entrance to the village, and proceeded on foot to the rectory, found his son, in every respect, such as his fondest hopes could have pictured; and saw by his robust, clean, and healthy appearance, that the accounts he had, from time to time received from him, were fully borne out; confirming also the opinion he had himself formed, upon his former visit.

In the conversations that subsequently arose, his parents observed with much pleasure, that unlike his elder brothers, the bias of his mind was decidedly inclined to business; and they determined to encourage this, by every means in their power. The report he gave of the school; of Dr. Simpson as an individual, of his plans and regulations, and particularly of the system of emulation he adopted, crowned as it was by the captainship, the charms of which he painted in their most glowing colours, induced his parents to conceive an idea, which was afterwards matured and acted upon, under the impression that it would forward their future views for him.

In order to be under no restraint, the visitors declined from the first, a pressing invitation to take up their quarters at the rectory, preferring to stay at the village inn, where the utmost exertions of a civil landlord, aided by the notable management of his clever, industrious spouse, were cheerfully bestowed, towards endeavouring to make their humble roof agreeable to guests, so different from those whom they usually entertained. But, where cleanliness and obliging attention are met with in a country inn, delightfully situated in the midst of romantic scenery, rendered additionally agreeable by its being the finest season of the year, who, but the most fastidious, can fail to be pleased and gratified? Yet, although the few days of their stay at Rundleton were thus passed, the intercourse between the rectory and themselves, was frequent and regular. The Doctor himself, could never be otherwise than an agreeable companion, to sensible, well-informed persons, and soon became a favourite with the whole party. His wife, it must be admitted, was greatly his inferior in her intellectual powers, for in company, she was one of the negative sort, who, if they fail to enliven by their wit—cheer by their vivacity, or entertain by their sprightliness; on the other hand, give little cause of offence, seldom taking part in conversation, beyond the two comprehensive monosyllables, "Yes" or "No." But her forbearance in this respect, was amply atoned for, within her own household; as her husband and servants there discovered to their sorrow, that all the apparent milk and honey of her disposition, were capable of assuming very different forms; and yet so scrupulously correct was she, in certain of her observances, that she had been known to refuse allowing her husband to have his breakfast on a Sunday morning, when he might have happened to be a little later than usual, alleging as a ground for having ordered the table to be cleared, that she could not reconcile it to her conscience, to keep the servants from preparing for the morning service. Quintus had made his sister laugh at some of Xantippe anecdotes of Mrs. Simpson, but roguishly enough, said nothing about her to his parents, until after she had paid her first complimentary visit. He knew full well how she would behave, but upon this occasion, her more than usually quiet, demure manners, her downcast, mild expression of countenance, and her seeming placidity, were almost too much for his gravity; and as he and his sister regarded each other with significant glances, even her presence could scarcely keep him in check. After she had taken her leave, Mr. Servinton observed, "I'll tell you what 'tis, Charlotte, this Mrs. Simpson seems a nice sort of a body, that's what she is; but hardly lively enough."

"I do not know," was the reply—"I think her manners more affected than real; but, even if they are not so, I see nothing they have to recommend them, beyond what a well dressed doll might possess."

"Why, my dear," replied her husband, "we do not always expect to find ladies so talkative and agreeable, as some I know; or perhaps, as gentlemen are expected to be; and I'm sure, as the Doctor is so very pleasant, one in a family is enough."

"Perhaps others may not think so. I never yet heard, that because the husband happened to be sensible and agreeable, it is necessary that his wife be like an automaton."

"Every body is not like you, Charlotte, but there, 'tis no use talking—there's no saying a word—that's what there isn't;" but as there was no library to which he could retire, the frown that was gathering across his features, indicating what was going forward within his bosom, presently subsided, and the conversation dropped.

Shortly afterwards, when Quintus thought he might safely introduce an observation, he said to his mother, "If Papa could sometimes see Mrs. Simpson as I have, I don't think he'd like her much; for she's a terrible virago, when things are not as she likes, and sometimes she drives the poor Doctor out of the house, to avoid her tongue; and I'll lay any wager that when you dine with them to-morrow, something or other will occur to show it, for she is sure to break out." Mrs. Servinton never pursued beyond a certain point, conversations that were not quite pleasant; and therefore, made no reply, but, if the truth be told, was not probably displeased, to receive this testimony to her superior sagacity.

The next day, mighty preparations having been made at the rectory, to do honor to an invitation that had been given a few days previously, Mr. Servinton and his family went there to dinner. Every thing bore evident marks of the precise and formal character of the mistress of the house—all went off well for a time, and hilarity seemed the order of the day, although Mrs. Simpson herself, scarcely said a single word, after the first ceremonies of reception were over. But, alas! a sad reverse was in store. The dinner, which was excellent of its kind, had been served up, and nearly all the removes made, when a servant entered, and whispered something in her mistress's ear. What was the import of the communication, did not immediately become known; but Mrs. Simpson's perturbed features too well betrayed, that something untoward had occurred, and rising from table, and making a sort of running courtesy, as a tacit apology to her guests, muttering as she moved along the room, the words "abominable carelessness," she abruptly withdrew. The Doctor, comprehending by the turn of her countenance, that a storm was brewing, and wishing to prepare for it, gravely observed, "I am afraid all is not right in the castle. We are sadly plagued with servants," then, turning to the footman, and desiring him to keep the door shut, endeavoured to give the conversation a different turn. But neither this precaution, nor his utmost exertions, could prevent the tones of the lady's voice, being presently heard in high and indignant altercation, and sentence of death was distinctly pronounced against some unfortunate animal, "I'll have the wretch hanged directly," being repeatedly uttered in an elevated key. Dr. Simpson was the only one of the party, who had no difficulty in at once understanding the whole affair: he guessed, truly enough, that a spaniel of King Charles's breed, which had lately been given him by a friend whom he greatly esteemed, and for whose sake he highly valued the animal, had been committing some theft connected with the dinner; and was presently confirmed in this opinion, by the piteous howlings of the dog, as they reached the parlor, evidently the effects of severe corporal punishment. Dreading the manner in which the intelligence would break upon the ears of the company, and anticipating that it would be less becomingly than his own, he observed, "I apprehend that some accident has occurred, of a nature that is fortunately better timed at the end, than the beginning of a feast. Flora's tones seem to bespeak that some theft has been committed." At this moment the door flew open, and Mrs. Simpson rushed in, her face red with anger, and her eyes darting fire in exchange for the mild, quiet expression they had previously worn, and without bestowing one glance upon her company, she proceeded in a hurried manner to her vacant chair, instantly saying in a loud tone, "Dr. Simpson! I insist upon it, that you immediately give orders for Flora to be hanged. She has carried away one of the birds just as it was coming to table, and has ruined the dinner; do you hear, Dr. Simpson? I insist upon it, she shall be hanged directly! Dr. Simpson! do you hear me?"

She might well enquire whether or not she was heard, for the Doctor, perfectly thrown aback by what had occurred, and acquainted by dire experience, with the violence of his wife's rage when her will was opposed, as he knew must now be the case, was very desirous of avoiding a discussion before strangers, which would be certain to call in question her good breeding, to say the least; as he felt determined to protect his dumb favourite, whatever was the consequence. He therefore paused, scarcely knowing what reply to make, that would not have the effect of making matters worse; and hence arose her repeated exclamations. Aware, however, that he could not by silence, avoid the storm, and foreseeing that unless it were dispelled, his lady was not likely to be kept in awe by the presence, even of her company, he ventured to say, "I am sorry my dearest, for what has happened. I dare say our friends will excuse the disaster, and we had better let the subject drop till to-morrow."

"Don't talk to me of to-morrow, Doctor Simpson," quickly interrupted his spouse, greatly exasperated instead of cooled by her husband's endeavour to pacify her. "I insist upon your ordering Flora to be hanged immediately." The Doctor repeated his conciliating replies, but, far from having the effect he intended, he found they only increased the evil, and added to the already ample demands upon his forbearance. He therefore discontinued attempting to appease her, and redoubling his attentions to his guests, sought thus to atone for the interruption her misconduct had occasioned. Unfortunately, this still added fuel to the fire that was raging in her bosom—she nearly raved with anger, using most intemperate language, and repeatedly insisting upon the immediate death of the offending spaniel. Still, the Doctor continued to turn a deaf ear to her bursts of temper, until at length, losing all command of herself, she leant forward towards a dish, in which were some excellent college dumplings, and seizing one of them, insantly hurled it at her husband's head. It required all the good breeding of the visitors, to command their features, under the ludicrous appearance the Doctor now exhibited. Nevertheless, he bore it with the utmost composure, and excusing himself for a moment to his company, whilst he sought the use of a basin and towel, presently returned to his place at the table, and ordered the house-keeper and another female domestic to be sent for.

No sooner was this summons obeyed, than he said in that mild, yet decisive tone, never capable of being misunderstood, "Mrs. Bakewell, do you attend your mistress to her dressing-room, and either you or Martha, will remain with her. John! open the door for your mistress."

By a line of conduct only, such as this, could he subdue the dreadful paroxysms of temper, in which she sometimes indulged; but, so good and amiable was his disposition, that whenever he alone was the victim of her ebullitions, he usually retired till they were over, avoiding whatever could tend to aggravation. Circumstances, such as the present, now and then rendered it his imperative duty to exercise his sovereign rule; but, although when he did so, he was firm and decisive, he was never harsh nor unkind. After she had withdrawn, for, being well aware that resistance was useless, it was not attempted, a maiden sister of the Doctor's, who resided with them, did the honors of the table, and every thing resumed its former serenity.

When the ladies had retired and the gentlemen were engaged in a general conversation, Mr. Servinton took the opportunity of making some enquiries of Dr. Simpson, respecting the Captainship of the school; which drew from him in reply a full explanation, accompanied by many sensible remarks, derived from his long experience in the subject of education, and especially upon the great advantage he had found in exciting a spirit of emulation among his scholars; concluding by saying, "I think Quintus likes my plan very well; and that it precisely suits his disposition. We have now been nearly four years together; and I must say, that I look forward to the separation which cannot be very remote, with some regret."

"It is very gratifying to hear my boy so spoken of," replied Mr. Servinton, "and it is only doing him justice to say that, on his part, there seems a fully reciprocal feeling; so much so indeed, that we think of leaving him under your charge a few months after he shall have attained the object to which he tells me he now confidently aspires—but, if we do so, it will be under the idea of accomplishing a particular object we have in view for him, and which I will more fully explain some other time." Dr. Simpson was much gratified by the testimony of approval, so conveyed by a gentleman of Mr. Servinton's attainments—and after an hour or two, whiled away by entertaining and agreeable chat, the party separated, appearing to lose all recollection of the unfortunate occurrence at the dinner-table.

The disgraceful scene they had witnessed, became, however, a subject of conversation with the Servintons, after they retired to their humble dwelling; and in the course of it, Mrs. Servinton observed, "I am sorry and ashamed that Quintus and Marianne should have been present. It was a very bad example for them."

"Not at all my dear," replied her husband. "If Quintus should chance hereafter to marry such a termagant, he has had an admirable lesson how to manage her; and as for dear Marianne, there is no fear of her."

"If Marianne be wise, she will never marry," answered Mrs. Servinton, "it's nothing but a life of trouble."

"Marriage does not of itself, add to our troubles, my Charlotte," was his affectionate reply, "on the contrary, it often greatly lessens them.—How could I have borne all my afflictions, had you not supported and comforted me through them?"

"Most likely, many of them were the result of marriage," answered his wife, unwilling to yield one of her favourite doctrines, and yet, appreciating her husband's words, for she added, in an altered tone, "but a woman, once married, has duties to perform;—and certainly her highest duty, as well as her chief pleasure, ought to consist in contributing to the happiness of her husband."

The time had now arrived for their leaving Rundleton; and instead of returning home the direct road, they proposed to include the lakes of Cumberland and Westmoreland in their route, and having upon the whole been well satisfied with every thing they had learnt and seen, connected with Quintus and his general progress, they were disposed to let him be of the party, and, after visiting Windermere, return to school; but the idea was abandoned upon a more mature consideration, fearing lest, the interruption it would cause to his studies, might impede his reaching the goal he appeared to be anxiously contemplating.

At the parting interview between Mr. Servinton and the Doctor, the former expressed the great pleasure he had derived, from all he had witnessed connected with his son, and then stated his intention of leaving him at school, a few months after he might have obtained his hoped for honors, explaining that it was not so much under the idea of prosecuting any particular course of study, as of maintaining what he had already acquired, and at the same time, of leading him as much as possible, to the pursuits of trade, by letting him be employed in his leisure hours, upon any business connected with the extensive establishment, under the Doctor's control; for, attached to the school, was a large farm for the purposes of supply, giving occasion to many dealings, between the neighbouring jobbers and farmers and the steward or bailiff, by the latter of whom also, the accounts of the school were kept, and who was always fully employed in one way or another, upon objects of this nature.

Quintus was extremely delighted with this arrangement, anticipating from the change, great and varied pleasure. Shortly afterwards the captain of the school was removed to Cambridge, creating a vacancy which, for an unusual circumstance, could not be immediately filled up; for, among all the boys, there was not one, who was able to undergo the strict examination, by which alone, the post of honor could be attained. Quintus had somewhat lost ground by the recent visit of his parents; and notwithstanding he was nearly qualified, still, there was a something deficient. There were two others of nearly his own age, who were now his formidable rivals, having made considerable strides whilst he had been latterly otherwise engaged, and so nearly indeed, had they reached in their march towards overtaking him, that it was almost difficult to know, in whose favour the scale of pretensions preponderated. The first of the ensuing month, was fixed for the important day when the grand trial was to take place, and each of the three, applied himself with diligence to his own improvement in those particulars, that had proved stumbling-blocks at a late examination. But Quintus, possessing equally good abilities with either of the others, was the superior of both, in two other essential points. The one was that, he always showed a preference to his studies over the boyish amusements of the school, which inclined him to devote his play hours to his books, whilst one of his rivals being a most expert cricket player, was engaged in daily matches at this noble game, entirely forgetful at the time, of every thing else; and the other, being naturally indolent, and disliking application that could in any manner be avoided, neglected to make the most of his talents. His other point of superiority, was sagacity, or cunning perhaps, which induced him to conceal his real mode of employing his leisure, and to extend his exercises to many branches of study, beyond that particular subject, which had previously occupied his attention, when, like his two companions, he had been plucked; and to qualify himself in them, in case the next examination should take such a turn, as might thus give him an advantage. The more to mask his real pursuit, he affected, upon talking of the subject, to treat it with indifference, and in school hours exhibited no particular industry; on the contrary, rather assumed dullness or stupidity, in saying his daily lessons, and was turned back more frequently than usual, when in reality he was thoroughly perfect, if he had chosen to have appeared so. Thus, at the time that the other candidates thought he was conning over his daily lesson, he was in fact, diligently occupied upon his main, and leading object; anxiously devoting all the energies of his mind, for the ordeal he was to go through. By these stolen marches in support of his natural, and acquired advantages, he so far surpassed his rivals, that when the dread day arrived—although they were both fully equal to him in some things, he so completely distanced them in others, that he was formally inducted captain of Rundleton school, with all possible pomp and ceremony.