The Mysterious Wanderer Volume I Part 8

CHAPTER VIII.

Frederick now turned the discourse to the occurrence of the preceding night; and proposed going on sh.o.r.e, to learn, if possible, who were the a.s.sailants, as he could not from their conduct think them robbers. The Captain consented; when Harland, who burned with impatience to revenge his quarrel with young Ferrand, asked permission to accompany him; which having obtained, he hastily took his pistols, and, with Frederick, was conveyed to sh.o.r.e.

The soldiers who the night before, on the report of the pistol, hastened to the spot where the Captain had been a.s.saulted, found the wounded man, and conveyed him to the fort; he was there discovered to be one of the Governor's attendants: and, on being questioned, declared he had been attacked by several men, against whom he defended himself, till one of them shot him; that, as soon as he fell, the ruffians fled, imagining, he supposed, that they had effectually executed their purpose, and he was soon after found by the soldiers.

The Governor was accordingly informed of the circ.u.mstance, and ordered an immediate search to be made after the supposed a.s.sa.s.sins. At this juncture, the companions of the wounded, who were likewise in the service of the Governor, returned, and endeavoured to get unperceived to their apartment; but the blood with which one of them was plenteously bedewed, betrayed them to their fellows: they were seized, confined, and, as soon as the Governor rose in the morning, conveyed into his presence. At first they refused to answer to the charge against them; till the Governor threatened to have them instantly punished for their cruelty; when they vehemently protested their innocence; but, on being further urged, confessed they had been instigated by a considerable gratuity from young Ferrand, to undertake the a.s.sa.s.sination of Lieutenant Harland; in the attempt of which their companion had been wounded.

This, the wounded man was at last likewise induced to acknowledge; and, with great apparent contrition, implored the clemency of the Governor.

That gentleman, justly incensed at this proceeding of his nephew, ordered him to be immediately called; and committed the men to strict confinement, till he should learn whether or not they had perpetrated their design.

At this instant Frederick and Harland arrived; on beholding the latter, young Ferrand turned pale; and the Governor, with some surprise, demanded an explanation of Frederick, of what he knew concerning the affair. Frederick gave an account of the a.s.sault, and concluded with the a.s.surance, that his uncle, whom the men had mistaken for Harland, was not in the least danger. The Governor expressed his satisfaction at the latter intelligence, so much more favourable than he had expected: but, as he could not readily pardon the violent measures his nephew had pursued, he commanded him immediately to retire to his country seat: and, to prevent his having an opportunity of meeting Harland, ordered the Lieutenant instantly to return and remain on board.

Inconceivable was the rage of Harland and Ferrand at this restriction: but they were obliged to obey; each secretly tormented with the idea, that his rival would find opportunities of seeing Louise, and gaining her affections. The keen eye of jealousy had soon told Ferrand Louise preferred Harland to himself; wounded pride and indignation now led to the desire of revenge; and before he reached the abode, appointed by his uncle, he resolved to carry her off; by which means he should effectually punish her disregard for himself, and triumph over his rival. He had trusty slaves, and a retreat well calculated to secrete his prize from the knowledge of her friends and his uncle, who might otherwise severely resent his committing this second outrage.

Whilst Ferrand was settling his plan of procedure, Harland returned on board; one moment glowing with rage to chastise the East-Indian; the next, nearly frantic, lest his rank, and the interest of his uncle, should ultimately gain him the hand of Louise. The being debarred from seeing her, likewise added to the tumult of his mind; which the presence of Sir Henry, or the commendations bestowed on him by others, did not tend to alleviate.

Often in secret had he sighed for that cordiality and esteem Sir Henry experienced, instead of the cold respect with which himself was treated: but pride would not let him deviate from the conduct he had hitherto pursued; and, at the moment he regretted its influence, it hurried him into greater excesses.

In a few days the Captain, being perfectly recovered, sent an invitation to the Governor, and the princ.i.p.al part of the company he had met at that gentleman's, to pa.s.s the ensuing day on board the Argo: at the time appointed, the impatient Harland anxiously watched the approaching boats, and with joy perceived the lovely Louise seated by the Marchioness.

On beholding the fair European, the gaiety Sir Henry had a.s.sumed, suddenly deserted him; in vain he endeavoured to withdraw his eyes and attention from the fascinating maid; emotions but too perceptible agitated him, and the consciousness of betraying his feelings, increased them to the most painful degree.

Harland at last observed him, and jealousy whispered that Sir Henry loved Louise. The idea, in an instant, clouded the happiness her presence had given rise to; as Sir Henry, he well knew, must prove a far more formidable rival than Ferrand, whose chief recommendations were rank and fortune; but Sir Henry, to equal attractions, united a person, in which every manly beauty, fast springing to perfection, received additional l.u.s.tre from an innate elegance of manners. Melancholy, indeed, had too apparently "marked him for her own," but that melancholy rendered him still more interesting.

Louise heeded not his agitation or attention, till an accident, trivial in itself, forced it to her observation, and confirmed the suspicion of Harland.

In extending her hand to re-place some fruit, a miniature fell from her bosom; Sir Henry took it up, but in restoring it to the fair owner, glanced his eyes on the features it represented. "Oh G.o.d, it is herself!"--he exclaimed, and grasped the hand of Louise--but checking the rising sentence, hastily gave the picture, and rushed past Frederick out of the cabin. Frederick instantly followed to ask an explanation, and found Sir Henry in the utmost agitation.

"For Heaven's sake, my friend," he exclaimed, "what is the occasion of this strange behaviour? Recollect yourself; nor force the company to surmises perhaps equally injurious to Mademoiselle St. Ursule and yourself. Yield not thus to the influence of your pa.s.sions, or I shall indeed fear for your reason. Believe me, Sir Henry, I wish not impertinently to pry into those secrets honour forbids your revealing--yet to those you can confide, I must a.s.sert my right. You know my heart: it beats with the sincerest friendship toward you: trust it then, Sir Henry--and let it at least share your sorrows!"

Sir Henry wrung his hand--"Oh Frederick, that night--that fatal night!--and now Louise"--

"Is, I am afraid, attached to George," said Frederick. Sir Henry did not notice the observation, but continued--"Yet why should I shrink from an explanation? No--I will wait on the Marchioness to-morrow."--

"To that you must first have my consent!" exclaimed Harland, bursting into the cabin. "I love Louise; and, before I will resign the thoughts of her, I will resign my life! You had better, therefore, withdraw your pretensions."

"What means this interruption, Lieutenant Harland?" said Sir Henry. "My pretensions to Louise are founded on ties far above your power to controvert or forbid!"

Pa.s.sion gleamed in the eyes of Harland; and Frederick, fearing a quarrel would ensue, entreated they would cease the subject, and return to the company: but Sir Henry declared he was too much indisposed to experience pleasure in society. Harland, whose jealousy had induced him to follow Sir Henry, to demand an explanation of his words, concluding the attempt would prove ineffectual, yielded to the remonstrances of Frederick, and returned to the gentle Louise; yet, the idea of Sir Henry's application to the Marchioness, and the fear that his overtures would be accepted, added poignancy to his torments. Harland determined, however, if possible, to frustrate his design; accordingly, as soon as the company returned on sh.o.r.e, he sought Sir Henry, and demanded a conference; this was refused; and he pa.s.sed the night in reflections ill calculated to calm the pa.s.sion which rage and jealousy had excited.

In the morning Sir Henry was taking advantage of the earliest boat, when Harland, who had been watching his appearance, hurried after him, and springing into it, declared he should not go unaccompanied. Sir Henry could not conceal his chagrin, but, seating himself in silence, they were conveyed on sh.o.r.e.

Meanwhile, Frederick, anxious to prevent the consequences he apprehended from the pa.s.sionate Harland, as soon as he rose, went to his cabin, to exert his influence in conciliating the jealous difference: but, being informed he was gone on sh.o.r.e with Sir Henry, and missing his pistols, he hastened to his uncle, and, acquainting him with the preceding transactions, begged he would permit him to follow them, to prevent hostilities. The Captain said he was too well a.s.sured of Sir Henry's forbearance to fear a duel: he rather supposed they were gone to the Marchioness, whither ordering the barge, he immediately proceeded, accompanied by Frederick: but Sir Henry and Harland had not been there.

On being landed, Harland took Sir Henry by the arm, and, conducting him from the town, asked if he recollected the sentiments he had avowed the preceding evening: these the Lieutenant repeated, at the same time declaring he would oppose every pretension for the favour of Louise, and more especially from him, whom he hated!

"As I am certain, no part of my conduct," said Sir Henry, "has given just cause for your hatred, I can forgive that arising from jealousy. On no account, however, shall I defer my intended visit to the Marchioness, in which you have altogether mistaken my motive."

"Mistaken your motive!" repeated Harland haughtily. "Do you not love Louise--what other proof, then, is requisite?"

"That I love Louise," said Sir Henry, "I acknowledge; but, as we cannot agree upon this subject, I will wish you good morning." He coolly bowed, and was leaving him, when Harland, catching hold of his arm, presented his pistols, and desired he would take his choice.

"I shall not fight, Lieutenant," said Sir Henry: but Harland forced a pistol into his hand, and, retiring a few paces, fired; but fortunately without effect. Sir Henry discharged his pistol in the air, and, returning it, asked if he was satisfied? Pa.s.sion had by this time so far overpowered the Lieutenant as to deprive him of articulation; and Sir Henry continued--"From my general conduct, Harland, you must be convinced it is not fear which deters me from fighting: but as you are mistaken in the motive which induces you to this action, I should think myself unpardonable to resent it, otherwise than by a.s.suring you of your mistake. Conscious of the rect.i.tude of my intentions, I do not fear any scrutiny you may make on my conduct; for which, if you hereafter demand satisfaction, you shall find me ready to render it, in any way you require."

He again bowed, and, repeating his salutation, walked on. "Stay! Sir Henry," vociferated Harland: "at least you shall not go alone to the Marchioness: and beware how you act; for, depend upon it, you shall hereafter render me account!"

They arrived at the Marchioness's, as the Captain concluded the account he had received from Frederick. She smiled when they entered; and Harland, with all the incoherence that anxiety and jealousy could excite, renewed his entreaties, that she would permit his addresses to Louise. He offered to settle the whole of the fortune he then possessed on her; and even to engage his parents to make an addition, if required.

The Marchioness listened calmly to his offer, and gently chid him for his disobedience of the Governor's orders; but, on being farther importuned by the impatient Harland, repeated her former motives for refusing him: then addressing Sir Henry--"The same reasons, I presume, Sir Henry, will answer your pretensions."

"My pretensions, Madam," faltered Sir Henry, "are different from those of Lieutenant Harland. I seek a child, who nineteen years since was left at the gates of St. Ursule, in Rennes: whether Louise be that child, is easily known: tell me, Madam, if you have ever beheld a miniature similar to this?"

He drew one from his bosom, and presented it to the Marchioness.

"Similar to this!" she repeated with surprise. "Good Heavens, this is the miniature that was found with Louise! Tell me, I entreat you, Sir Henry, how it came into your possession; or if you know aught which could develope the mystery of her birth?"

At that moment Louise entered, and the Marchioness continued--"St.

Ursule, my child, come hither. You are in the highest degree interested in the present subject. Sir Henry Corbet has brought this miniature, and inquires for a child who some years back was left at the gates of St.

Ursule, in Rennes."

The colour fled the interesting face of Louise at this account: with a trembling hand she took the miniature, and compared it with that she constantly wore; the resemblance was exact. "Oh, Sir Henry!" she exclaimed; "tell me, I conjure you, whence this picture? You seek a child--say, do you know my parents, or the reason of their cruel desertion of me in my infancy?"

"Cruel desertion indeed!" said Sir Henry; "arising from shame to acknowledge their offspring! But no longer shall you be a dependent! My heart claimed you the moment I beheld you; and a view of your mother's picture, last night, but confirmed my suspicion, that you were--my sister!"

He clasped her in his arms in an affectionate embrace, unresisted by Louise; who, surprised and bewildered at the unexpected claim, was for some moments incapable of speaking.

"Your sister!" exclaimed the Captain and the Marchioness. "Good G.o.d! Sir Henry, by what strange circ.u.mstances?"

"Seek not an explanation, now," said Sir Henry, "which must expose the frailties of a parent. The time is approaching, when every action must be revealed; but till then, spare me--spare Louise!"

Louise now disengaged herself from the arms of Sir Henry, and, throwing herself into those of the Marchioness, cried--"Oh, Madam, congratulate your Louise; she is no longer the child of desertion: she has found a relation--she has found a brother!"

The Marchioness embraced her affectionately; and Sir Henry then presented her to the Captain and Frederick, as his sister.

"And will not you too partic.i.p.ate in the happiness of this moment?" said the smiling Louise, advancing to Harland; who had witnessed the discovery with sensations of horror rather than surprise. Roused from his torpor by this address, he regarded her a moment, then, wildly dashing his forehead, exclaimed--"By Heavens, my brain is on fire!" and ran precipitately out of the room. This incoherent behaviour of Harland repressed the joy arising in the bosom of Louise: she looked round as entreating an explanation.

"Do not be alarmed, my sweet girl," said the Captain: "these flights of Harland's are not unfrequent: reflection will restore him to himself."

The Marchioness would have urged the particulars of Louise's birth: but Sir Henry again entreated to be spared the relation, at the same time expressing a wish that Louise should accompany him to England. The validity of his claim, the Marchioness could not doubt: the account she had received of him from the Captain would not admit the idea; yet she declared she could not consent to part with Louise till the difficulties in which he appeared involved, were terminated; she would then with pleasure resign the office of guardian. With this determination Sir Henry was obliged to comply, and, after pa.s.sing an interesting and agreeable day, returned with Frederick on board.

Here the servant of Harland, with a pallid countenance, informed them, his master had returned in the morning, in a state approaching to frenzy, which, after many inconsistent actions, had produced an attempt on his life! Alarmed at this account, they hastened to his cabin, where they found him in a raging fever.

The shock he had experienced on finding that Sir Henry, to whom he had avowed such enmity, was the brother of Louise, and who in all probability would have the guidance of her future conduct, was to be equalled only by the knowledge of her birth, which, contrary to his sanguine expectations, was ign.o.ble: yet this consideration yielded to the idea, that Sir Henry, in revenge, would influence his sister against him, and perhaps withdraw her from his knowledge.

Hurried into an excess of desperation on this supposit.i.tious disappointment to his love, he had madly attempted self-destruction; in which he was prevented by his servant; but his mind, unable to regain its wonted powers, had resigned him a prey to a burning fever.

On beholding Sir Henry, every torturing reflection rose with additional poignancy: his friendly inquiries he deemed insulting, and desired to be left alone, or to the care of the surgeon and his servant. Sir Henry complied, fearing his refusal would recall that frenzy, which a few hours after returned from the violence of his disease.