The Soldier's Wife — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

trance of Mr. Bates who, having just _, plied to a customer’s hur some of the bear’s-prease which he manufactured out of hog’s-lard, was wiping his hands on his already dirty apron, “What's all this mean, Fred?’ he inquired, affecting a great air of sympathy. “Simply because I changed my mind, Mr Bates, and withdrew from the enlistment—or rather gave notice tnat I should withdraw—that red-couted ruffian has heaped upon me the fil- thiest and most abominable abuse. He has also put me under arrest.” “Have you paid the smart-money, then ¢” de- manded Bates eagerly. « No, not yet,” replied Lonsdale. “ And now, my good friend,” he added in a confidential tone, “ you could do me a particular service—” “Anything in the world, Fred!” ejaculated the barber. “ What is it, my dear fellow ?” “ Hither to-night, or early to-morrow morning,” returned Lonsdale, “a little parcel or letter will be delivered here for me. You must take charge of it, and bring it up to me immediately —as it is of the highest importance.” “Ah! I understand,” said the barber: “it’s the smart-money that you have got to pay Well, I am heartily glad you have found a friend to assist you. Depend upon it, directly the packet comes I will bring it up; and what’s more I will sit at home the whole evening to wait for it, instead of going up to Bushel’s to take my glass and hear the sergeant’s stories.” “T am truly obliged for your kindness,” ex- claimed Frederick, in the most truthful confi- dence. “Oh, if you had seen how that man suddenly showed himeelf in his true colors just now! But you did behold enough to convince you what he is.” “Ah!” said the barber, shaking his head, “ I any afraid I have been deceived in him.” “Oh! what an escape I have had,” continued Lonsdale. “I shudder at the bare idea of hav- ing stood the chance of falling into the power of such a brutal tyrant. Heaven help the poor unfortunate fellows who will have to accompany him away from Oakleigh to morrow |” “Then you are sure of getting the money, Fred ?” observed the barber. “ Because if not,” he added with every appearance of the most friendly interest, “I will try and borrow it for you.” “ A thousand thanks for your kindness, but I am certain of being able to obtain it.” “So much the better,” rejomed Bates. “* And now keep quiet up here: don’t put yourself any farther into the power of Langley hi “Not for worlds !” ejaculated Frederick, with v shudder, as he thought of what poor Lucy would suffer if anything should happen through his imprudence to frustrate the plans which she in ber loving devotedness had formed, and which had been agreed upon between them, Mr. Bates left Lonsdale to hunself, and des. cended into his shop: but instead of remaining there, he put on his hat and hurried off to. the Royal Oak, where he found Mr. Langley en- deavoring to soothe bis indignation by means of a pipe of tobacco and a pint of Bushel’s old ale. The conference which now took place between the barber aud the sergeant, was not long—but it was important, aud when Mr, Bates took his THE SOLDIER'S WIFE. leave, a couple of balf-crowns were chinking m his waistcoat pocket that were not there woe he entered the public-house. Moreover Mr, Langley was now enabled to enjoy his pipe and his pit with a far greater zest than he would had it not been for the officious barber's visit, Meanwhile Lonsdale had betaken himeelf to the few books that he possessed ; and though the hours passed slowly and heavily away, yet still they did pass, Every now and then Bates came creeping up to inform him that the ser- geant had just called to inquire if he were keeping close to his room; and at each sue- cessive visit Mr, Bates expressed hiniself ig stronger terms at the tyranny thus practised against Lonsdale. Sunset was now wire ing; and Frederick thought to himself tha possibly—indeed most probably—either Luey or Maytha was at that moment waiting for him in the grove;.and so friendly did Bates appear, that he was almost inclined to reveal the secret of his love to him, and get him to go to the trysting-place. But then he thought that it would be far more prudent to keep the secret altogether inviolable : because he feared Bates’s yarrulity, although he placed the ut- most reliance op the man’s friendship. Besides, he felt assured that Lucy would send him the money by some means or other ; and therefore, having no fear for the issue, he resolved upon leaving matters to take their chance. The sun went down—Frederick lighted hig candle in his Jittle room, and continued read- ing. Ten o’clock struck by the village church ; and Bates came up to tell him that no packes had arrived, but that Langley had been down ta assure himself that he kept under arrest. “The parcel will not therefore be delivered to-night,” said Lonsdale: “ but it is sure to be here in the morning. I have no doubt upon the subject.” “Tam delighted to hear it,’ answered the barber. “By ten therefore to-morrow, you will be a free man. And now good night, Fred—and pleasant dreams to you.” , “Good night,” responded Lonsdale: and soon after Bates had quitted him, he sought his humble pallet, to dream of Lucy and happiness, When he awoke in the morning, the church clock was striking six. He rose and dressed himself with a light heart. This was to be the day of his emancipation from the power of the odious despot Langley. Ina few hours indeed, that individual would not dare look, much more speak, a taunt against him! And, Oh! to be free to conduct his Lucy to the altar—tfree to bear her away to some large town or city where they might set up their little house- keeping and take measures tu earn their liveli- hood! Oh, how sweet would be the kread which he should thus acquire, and which she would share! He had no longer any mistrust for the future: all his prospects were now of roseate hues and gilding gloriously blended, His imagination took wings and soared high up n the heaven of hope. When the marriage was accomplished, might not Mr, Davis relent # did he not love his daughter ? and would he not forgive her? Yes: this was to be expected: and then their happiness would be complete, GEomicbooks (ele)