Mrs.Jessop's drawing-room,ruddy with fire-light,glittering with delicate wax candle-light;a few women in pale-coloured gauzy dresses,a few men,sublime in blue coats,gold buttons,yellow waistcoats,and smiles--this was all I noticed of the scene,which was quite a novel scene to me.
The doctor's wife had introduced us formally to all her guests,as the custom then was,especially in these small cosy supper-parties.
How they greeted us I do not now remember;no doubt,with a kind of well-bred formal surprise;but society was generally formal then.My chief recollection is of Mrs.Jessop's saying pointedly and aloud,though with a smile playing under the corners of her good little mouth:
"Mr.Halifax,it is kind of you to come;Lady Caroline Brithwood will be delighted.She longs to make your acquaintance."After that everybody began to talk with extraordinary civility to Mr.
Halifax.
For John,he soon took his place among them,with that modest self-possession which best becomes youth.Society's dangerous waters accordingly became smooth to him,as to a good swimmer who knows his own strength,trusts it,and struggles not.
"Mr.Brithwood and Lady Caroline will be late,"I overheard the hostess say."I think I told you that Miss March--"But here the door was flung open,and the missing guests announced.
John and I were in the alcove of the window;I heard his breathing behind me,but I dared not look at or speak to him.In truth,I was scarcely calmer than he.For though it must be clearly understood Inever was "in love"with any woman,still the reflected glamour of those Enderley days had fallen on me.It often seems now as if I too had passed the golden gate,and looked far enough into youth's Eden to be able ever after to weep with those that wept without the doors.
No--she was not there.
We both sat down.I know not if I was thankful or sorry.
I had seldom seen the 'squire or Lady Caroline.He was a portly young man,pinched in by tight light-coloured garments.She was a lady rather past her first youth,but very handsome still,who floated about,leaving a general impression of pseudo-Greek draperies,gleaming arms and shoulders,sparkling jewellery,and equally sparkling smiles.These smiles seemed to fall just as redundantly upon the family physician,whom by a rare favour--for so,I suppose,it must have been--she was honouring with a visit,as if worthy Dr.Jessop were the noblest in the land.He,poor man,was all bows and scrapes and pretty speeches,in the which came more than the usual amount of references to the time which had made his fortune,the day when Her Majesty Queen Charlotte had done him the honour to be graciously taken ill in passing through Norton Bury.
Mrs.Jessop seemed to wear her honours as hostess to an earl's daughter very calmly indeed.She performed the ordinary courtesies,and then went over to talk with Mr.Brithwood.In their conversation I sought in vain the name of Ursula.
So it ended--the sickening expectation which I had read in the lad's face all day.He would not see her--perhaps it was best.Yet my heart bled when I looked at him.But such thoughts could not be indulged in now,especially as Mrs.Jessop's quick eyes seemed often upon him or me,with an expression that I could not make out at all,save that in such a good woman,whom Miss March so well loved,could lurk nothing evil or unkindly.
So I tried to turn my attention to the Brithwoods.One could not choose but look at her,this handsome Lady Caroline,whom half Norton Bury adored,the other half pursed up their lips at the mention of--but these were of the number she declined to "know."All that she did know--all that came within her influence,were irresistibly attracted,for to please seemed a part of her nature.To-night nearly every one present stole gradually into the circle round her;men and women alike charmed by the fascination of her ripe beauty,her lively manner,her exquisite smile and laugh.
I wondered what John thought of Lady Caroline Brithwood.She could not easily see him,even though her acute glance seemed to take in everything and everybody in the room.But on her entrance John had drawn back a little,and our half-dozen of fellow-guests,who had been conversing with him,crept shyly out of his way;as if,now the visible reality appeared,they were aghast at the great gulf that lay between John Halifax the tanner and the Brithwoods of the Mythe.Afew even looked askance at our hostess,as though some terrible judgment must fall upon poor ignorant Mrs.Jessop,who had dared to amalgamate such opposite ranks.
So it came to pass,that while everybody gathered round the Brithwoods John and I stood alone,and half concealed by the window.
Very soon I heard Lady Caroline's loud whisper;"Mrs.Jessop,my good friend,one moment.Where is your 'jeune heros,''l'homme du peuple?'I do not see him.Does he wear clouted shoes and woollen stockings?Has he a broad face and turned-up nose,like your 'paysans Anglais'?""Judge for yourself,my lady--he stands at your elbow.Mr.Halifax,let me present you to Lady Caroline Brithwood."If Lord Luxmore's fair daughter ever looked confounded in her life she certainly did at this minute.
"Lui?Mon dieu!Lui!"And her shrug of amazement was stopped,her half-extended hand drawn back.No,it was quite impossible to patronise John Halifax.
He bowed gravely,she made a gracious curtsey;they met on equal terms,a lady and gentleman.
Soon her lively manner returned.She buckled on her spurs for a new conquest,and left the already vanquished gentilities of Norton Bury to amuse themselves as they best might.
"I am enchanted to meet you,Mr.Halifax;I adore 'le peuple.'
Especially"--with a sly glance at her husband,who,with Tory Dr.
Jessop,was vehemently exalting Mr.Pitt and abusing the First Consul,Bonaparte--"especially le peuple Francais.Me comprenez vous?""Madame,je vous comprends."