The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 260: what you’re looking at

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

258 “Do you leave us so soon?’ demanded the marquis, as Burley rose to follow the ladies into the drawing- room. “At your age fly the bottle! I blush for you!” “Thank you, marquis; I am not a votary of Bacchus. To me the habit of drinking to excess is disgusting, and I would it were put down by act of Parliament. What can be more revolting to decency than a man stultifying himself with wine, and then entering the society ef ladies? And yet men who style themselves gentlemen practise it.” “ But does it follow that a mgn must stultify him- self because he sits for an hour or two after dinner?” demanded the dean, who was willing, if possible, to detain him from Georgina. *‘ Do you make no distine- tion between the rational enjoyment of the gifts of Providence and their abuse? Yours is a strange philosophy.” “Few know when to stop,” said Burley, “The custom, I contend, is a bad one; and I, for one, am determined never willingly to sanction it,” “ A young statesman,” observed Fitzgerald, sarcas- tically, for he liked not the dogmatic style of the speaker, “is a Diogenes when in his tub.” “ And a clergyman,” retorted the young man, with more temper than politeness, ‘* when the tub is in him. I am neither to be argued nor sneered out of a resolu- tion which I know to be right.” With these words he quitted the room to join the ladies, Fitzgerald félt the retort, but was too politic to resent it: althongh his long absence from the world had not blunted the keen spirit of satire which he possessed, prudence had tempered the use of it; added to which, he felt that a contest of wits with one so much his junior would neither be dignified in one of his years nor in character with his profession, the outward proprieties of which he most scrupulously observed on all occasions, and, let us add, many of its charities and virtues. : “That was a keen bit, dean,” observed the marquis, as the door closed upon Burley; “I told you that he was singular in his opinions, and sometimes rude in expressing them.” “Tt fell hurtless, my lord,” replied Fitzgerald, with dignified composure. “Of all the follies which, in common with my fellow-creatures, | may have been guilty of, excess is the last I have to reproach myself with. I do not remember, even in my college days, to have exceeded a pint of wine—intoxicated I am sure I never was—so that the retort which perhaps I provoked from Mr. Burley falls pointless. But let it pass—lI shall think of it no more.” “ It was rude,”’ observed the marquis, “ He is a fortunate young man,” observed the dean, “ Yes,” said the marquis,“ he may be considered fortunate in many respects. But do you allude to his fortune, talents, or disposition ?” “To neither,’ replied Fitzgerald, “but to that which is above them all, in having secured the affec- tions of your accomplished daughter, Lady Georgina is indeed a being to make any man happy.” “‘Umpb !’’ ejaculated his lordship, * perhaps he is not so fortunate as you imagine. *Tis true I have observed something like a flirtation between them, but not a word has been said to me on the subject. Indeed,” ke added, for the words of his wealthy creditor had given him subject for reflection, “I am not altogether certain that I should approve, for although Georgina will have scarcely any fortune, I do net altogether like the fellow; yet if Erringcourt HE MYSTERIES OF LONDON. : s tse sss sees leaves him his estates, I dun’t know whether, in pru- dence, [ ought to refuse him.” “Fortune with the suitor of Lady Georgina, I should conceive, would never be an object; her beauty and amiability will be sufficient dower.” This was the very opening the marquis wished for, and had even been expecting; but he was too old a tactician to show his feelings; he therefore ans wered | him with well-affected surprise: “This from a confirmed bachelor! If such are your ideas, | wonder you have never proposed to some fair lady or another. Few,’ he added, after a pause, which was intended as an encouragement, “I should imagine, would refuse you.” “Your own daughter, Lady Georgina, fer instance, my lord.” “Would be honoured by such an alliance?” ex claimed the delighted peer. : “She may think differently, my lord,” continued Fitzgerald, doubtiagly ; “ my years and person——” “ Might satisfy any reasonable woman,” interrupted Lis host, whose anxiety for the match now equalled she dean’s; for he saw at once the advantage which might be derived from such a connection. “As for this trifling with Burley, believe me, it is nothing; but for your satisfaction he shall be reeeived here no more. His rudeness to-day has given me a fair excuse.” “ Not on my account, my lord.” “On your accoutit,” aided emphasis; “ since I am, I presume, from this day forth to consider you as a suitor fot my daughter’s hand.” “Favoured by your approbation and en mont, tnarquis, I should be afworthy of that honour did I hesitate to declate myself, Nor do I invite Lady Georgina,” he added, proudly, “to share an undistinguished name, My family is noble, although unfortunate, siace I am the last and sole representa- tive of the house of Derwent water?’ The peer was agreeably surprised to find that the alliance would be so equal in puift of birth, although he felt some political scruples, well knowing that his own polities aid thoée of his family had ever been opposed to the cause in which the house of Radclift fell, “And are you,” he said, after a pause, “as rank a Jacobite as your ancestors?” **No, my lord,” replied Fitzgerald, smiling—“ we have lost too much for that. My views—for longer concealment would be useless and ungenerous between us—are, if possible, to re-establish my name and the forfeit honours of my fathers. Their wealth I regret not. Let the jackals keep their prey—I am more than sufficiently rich already.” “It will be difficult,” replied the marquis, musingly, “but net impossible. Could you but once be intro- duced into the legislature, your talents might achieve | it, But that plan is impossible,” he added. “As a | clergyman, you are debarred,” "om “From the Commons, certainly,” replied the dean, “but not the Lords, As a bishop I might obtain the | same influence with government as in the lower house. I have talents not untried, and energies not yet dé- stroyed by time and disappointment,” “ Of course,” said his lordship, who began to seo his way more clearly, “once united to my family, your | interests would become mine; and I think few minis- ters would venture to refuse me, I have three | boroughs, besides my vote in the upper house. But could ~ou not contrive to do something to give a colour tw the demand—build-7. 57 ¥2 2) Yo! | O ' /