Joseph Wilmot, or, The Memoirs of a Man-Servant — page 257: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Q4A, JOSEPH WILMOT; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF A MAN-SERVANT. from the midst of pies of ruins. In a few weeks’ time Carrondale Castle will be like a structure built by enchantment—so different will its aspect be from what it was when you visited it with me a few months back. Upholsterers from Edinburgh have been down to take the dimensions of all the rooms, for carpets, draperies, and so forth—in short, the power of money is exhibiting its magic in this particular instance as well as in all others.” Here the conversation between myself and Mr. Duncansby terminated; and I saw nothing more of him for the remainder of that day. On the two following ones, a deluging rain poured down inces- santly; so that the family and the guests were completely confined to the castle. Then the weather cleared up again: but the ground was too damp for the ladies to walk out. An excursion in the carriages round the lake was the principal re- creation of this particular day ; and in the evening, when I repaired to Mr. Duncansby’s chamber to see if he required anything while dressing for din- ner, he bade me go to Sir Alexander Carrondale’s room, as the Baronet wished to speak to me. Thither I accordingly repaired ; and Sir Alexander, —making a sign for his principal valet who was with him, to retire,—addressed me in the kindest possible tone. *‘ Joseph,” he said, “ Mr. Duncansby has already told you that I am not unmindful of certain ser- vices which you rendered in a manner as delicate as it was generous. I need not allude to them farther: but I do not forget them. I remember that on two or three occasions you expressed to me your deep sympathy in the affairs of Sir Alex- ander Carrondale, when you little suspected that he of whom you spoke was before your eyes, veiled in the obscurity of the humble Donald Stuart. The sympathy you expressed for me, is reciprocated by the interest I feel in you. I am about to make you a proposition, which you must not think an unhandsome attempt on my part to withdraw you in a stealthy manner from Inch Methglin’s service. But if you choose to enter mine, you are welcome to do so; and perhaps I may be enabled to place you in a better situation than even that which you hold here.” I expressed my deepest gratitude to Sir Alexan- der for his kindness: but I hesitated about accept- ing it, for two reasons—first, the one which I pro- ceeded to explain, as will shortly be seen—second, because it occurred to me that the progress of the Baronet’s love-affair might yet require some little degree of management on his own and Miss Ven- nachar’s part ; and that if this were the case, they would need an intermediate through whom their correspondence must pass as heretofore. I did not however give this second reason for the response which I proceeded to deliver to Sir Alexander Carrondale’s proposition: but that was my prin- cipal motive at the time—for I felt so much in- terested in the lovers as to be even prepared to sacrifice myself to the continued ill-humour of Lennox Vennachar, rather than abandon the part which circumstances had led me to play in the delicate matter. “TI am deeply grateful,’ I said, “and should certainly be rejoiced to know that if I were com- pelled to leave Inch Methglin’s service, there is so excellent an opportunity for me to earn my bread in your’s. But inasmuch as from Mr. Ven- nachar himself I have received no unkindness— but, on the contrary, was liberally rewarded by him for saving Ivor—it might seem like ingrati- tude . “Enough, Joseph!” interrupted Sir Alexander : “TJ understand what you would say. Remain here while it suits you: but remember that at any time you wish to make a change, my doors will be open to you. And now you must suffer me to mark my sense of obligation by insisting on your acceptance of this.” With these words, the Baronet placed a pocket- book in my hand; and then, to stop the expres- sions of my gratitude for all his kindness, he good- humouredly pushed me out of the room. On retiring to my own chamber and opening the pocket-book, I found that it contained bank-notes to the amount of one hundred guineas—a larger sum than I had ever yet possessed in all my life. Nevertheless, a feeling of sorrow crept into my heart, that the little services I had rendered the lovers should thus be repaid by means of lucre. Yet on second thoughts I did not see very well how Sir Alexander could have acted otherwise ; for if he had given me a watch, books, or presents of that sort, they would have been seen by my fellow-servants, who would naturally have won- dered whence they came—and if I refused to tell, would think it strange indeed—whereas, if I did tell, suspicions of all kinds would be excited. Be- sides, Sir Alexander had tendered me the gift with as much delicacy as kindness; and I felt, after mature reflection, that it was verging upon a mawkish affectation to be distressed at his acknow- ledgment of my services having assumed a pecu- niary shape. The following day (the 30th of November) was the last of Sir Alexander’s visit at Inch Methglin ; and on the ensuing morning (December Ist) pre- parations were being made for the departure of himself and the worthy lawyer. This departure was to take place at noon, when the barge was to be in readiness. Shortly after eleven I repaired to Mr. Duncansby’s chamber ; and he said to me, “ Well, Joseph, the demand has been made and is refused.” I knew to what Mr. Duncansby alluded: but I was not bold enough to put any direct questions. “TJ had a private discourse with Sir Alexander,” continued the lawyer, “a few minutes ago in his own room; and he tole me all particulars. After breakfast he requested a private interview with Inch Methglin, who immediately granted it. I ought to tell you that during the four or five days we have been here, Lennox has studiously contrived to monopolize the society of his cousin ; so that Sir Alexander has not obtained a single moment’s opportunity to discourse with her in private. But yesterday he did manage to convey a note to her And who do you think was the go-between? I, Joseph!”—and the worthy law- yer laughed heartily. “In that note,” he continued, “Sir Alexander informed Emmeline that he meant to demand her hand of her uncle this morning —that he anticipated refusal—and that in this case he must leave Emmeline to decide his fate. That refusal has been given. The Chief was coldly polite; and in a few words he stated his reasons for declining the honour proposed by Sir Alexan- CoOnmmicooolks co im