Richard Carvel -- Volume 02

exist, nor to permit him to do so. I gave him to understand that tho' I went to him for instruction, 'twas through no fault of mine. That I would learn what I pleased and do w

of the court of his Holiness of Rome. For he had drifted about the earth like a log-end in the Atlantic, before his Lordship gave him his present berth. We passed, too, whole mornings

ever encountered. But trust him I never would, always meeting him on the middle ground; and there were times, after his talks

had come over me, that I was no longer

ed was ever in the Carvel blood, in Captain Jack, in Lionel, in the ancestor of King Charles's day, who fought and bled and even gambl

s. I commanded my wine at the Coffee House with the best of the bucks, and was made a member of the South River and Jockey clubs. I wore the clothes that came out to me fro

es dressed alike and talked alike at the parties they both attended. The non-importation association had scarce made itself felt in the dress of society. Gentlemen of degree discussed differences amicably over their decanters. And only on such occasions as Mr. Hood's return, and

less than I. He questioned me closely upon my studies, and in my grandfather's presence I was forced to answer. And when the rector came to dine and read to Mr. Carvel, my uncle catechised him so searchingly on my progress that he was pushed to the last source of his ingenuity for replies. More than once was I tempted to blurt out the whole wretched busines

f our best families openly espouse the pernicious doctrines of republicanism. They are gone half mad ov

y in life, gained her ample attention. I think she would have gone but little had not her father laughed her out of some of her domesticity. No longer at Sunday night supper in Gloucester Street was the guest s

a belle. And I must have another clerk now to cop

he words, and run to perch on her fathe

d Richard here, who make me go into the world? You know I would a thousand tim

l fly up the stairs to don a fine gown at the first rap of the knoc

," replies the quiet invalid, with a smile

recollection. "And when this strapping young Singleton comes, Richard, 'twould do you good to be hiding there in that cupboard,-and it would hold you

d invariably

ys Patty, with a fine

the cura

on the shoulder, "this I know, that you ar

," says she. "Richard is one of the famil

t it seemed my fate to be one o

cries the barrister. "I have not seen human nature in court for naught. Run, now," says he, pinching her cheek as she stood hesitat

and even to his face. So will: the best-hearted and soberest of women play the coquette. Singleton was rather a reserved young Englishman of four and twenty, who owned a large estate in Talbot which he was laying out with great success. Of a Whig family in the old country, he had been drawn to that party in the new, and so, had made Mr. Swain's acquaintance. The next step in his fortunes was to fall in love with Patty, which was natural enough. Many a night that winter I walked with him from Gloucester Street to the Coffee House, t

her back in the little parlour in Gloucester Street; "father has argued and, p

to preach, or to boa

e wilder than you used to be; that you play mo

s si

t whose door it

blood, Patty,

ced at m

se. And if he had only your faults I would say nothing. He does not care

talking-to for having so little regard for his sister, the hem of whose skirt he was not worthy to touch. He took it meekly enough, with a barrel of

er partner at the balls. But I could not bring myself to take third or fourth rank in the army that a

as few could boast? She was already launched upon that career. And rumour had it that Mr. Marmaduke was even then considering taking her home to London, where the stage was larger and the triump

ra, tho' for

than the Li

arned in Be

thus to con

of this To

ndora, sca

e'en by Jov

r all of

ors, play

all your He

pride in his daughter's beauty got the better of her. The strut in his gait became more marked the day that poem appeared, and he went to the Coffee House both mornin

ecame so proficient in my young days. He had learned to speak French like a Parisian, had hobnobbed with wit and wickedness from Versailles to Rome, and then had come back to Annapolis to set the fashions and to spend the fortune his uncle lately had left him. He was our censor of beauty, and passed judgment upon all young ladies as

e races beside the Manners coach, leaning gallantly over the door. My lady held court in her father's box, received and dismissed, smiled and frowned, with Courtenay as her master of ceremonies. Mr. Dulany was one of the presidents of the Jockey Club that year, and his horse winning the honours he presented her with his colours, scarlet and white, which she graciously wore. The doctor swore he would import a horse the next season on the chance of the privilege. My aunt was furious. I have never mentioned her beauty because I never could see it. 'Twas a coarser type than attracted me. She was then not greatly above six and thirty, app

a wench out of the King's passengers I'd warrant our macaronies to compose odes to her eyebrows." And at that moment perceiving me she added, "Why so discon

ver the fashion, Aun

succeeded in getting her head-gear safe within;

present," I said, smiling: "Surely yo

nd, sir, I think I might

te that, Aunt Car

ving directions in no mild tone

s. And if you care to search through the heap of Maryland Gazettes in the garret, I make no d

f his Excellenc

Theatre i

Company of Com

nd of this Instant

AND

ng Gentleman fo

the Far

N HER

ly at Seven of t

Printing Office.

e admitted beh

ose days, and had organized many private theatricals. The town was in a ferment over the event, boxes being taken a week ahead. The doctor him

r see the

s' Wanto

r Eye's P

le Laugh

Tis Cyther

likewise in Mr.

the censor having pronounced it far above any provincial playhouse he had seen abroad. The scenes were very fine, the boxes carved and gilded in excel

all brilliant with the costumes of ladies and gentlemen. Miss Tayloe and Miss Dulany were of our party, with Fitzhugh and Worthington, and Mr. Manners for propriety. The little fop spent his evening, by the way, in a box opposite, where my Aunt Caroline gabbled to him and Mr.

m in the balcony. It seemed as though he cast his burning words and languishing glances at my lady in the box, whereupon there was a deal of nudging round about. Miss asked for her smelling salts, and declared the place was stifling. But I think if the doctor had cherished a hope

Betty?" she de

uring the rest of the evening she would have nothing to do with him. Presently she turned to me. Gla

o quiet, Richard. You are sh

ough," I answe

have a rival

ve a dozen,"

s but yesterday," said Dolly, "and as they came out upon the ro

ed for Patty never entered my h

a crooked mouth, and I credit Patty with ample sense to choose

vered, "why should you think me in love with P

?" says Dolly. "I did

har

tter," I replied, w

e the doctor was flinging his impassioned speeches in vain. And though the lig

ght a quiver of earnestness was in her voice. Her face

u ask me? Have I ever be

urned

nding to her ear, "is

her laug

"I thought you m

who had no novelty and no wit. I sat still, barely conscious of the rising and falling voices beyond the footlights, feeling only her living presence at my side

iss Manners?" says

e orchard wall, doctor

d have climbed i

Marmaduke joining in from the back of the box. And