 Book 8, Chapter 5 of Camilla This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org reading by Lars Rolander. Camilla or a picture of youth by Fanny Burney, Chapter 5 An Agreeable Hearing Early the next morning, Camilla went to the hotel in the carriage of Mrs. Burlington, eluding, though not without difficulty, the company of Mrs. Mitten. She found the party all in good spirits. Indiana, in particular, was completely elated. Joined to the admiration she believed awaiting her in this large and fashionable town, she now knew she might meet there the only person who had ever excited in her youthful and nearly vacant breast any appropriate pressure super-added to the general zest of being adored. She did not indeed think of marrying anyone who could not offer her a coach and fore. But so little was she disturbed by thinking at all that the delight of being audulated by the man she preferred carried with it no idea of danger. Eugenia, too, soothed with the delusions of her romantic but innocent fancy, flattered herself she might now seek continually the object she conceived formed for meriting her ever-reverential regard. And Mrs. Marglen was importantly occupied upon affairs best suited to her taste and ancient habits, in deliberating how first to bring forth her fair charge with the most brilliant effect. Camilla was much embarrassed how to parry an introduction to Mrs. Burlington, upon which all the females built as the foundation of their Southampton prosperity. The young ones already informed she was the sister of Melmont, languishing to know her for his sake. And Mrs. Marglen formally acquainted with the noble family of her husband, being impatient to resume her claims in similar circles. But an awkward beginning apology was set aside by the entrance of Edgar and Dr. Marchmont. Indiana now put forth innumerable questions upon what she might look forward to with respect to balls and public places. Eugenia asked nearly as many concerning the buildings, antiquities and prospects, and Mrs. Marglen more than either relative to the company, their genealogies and connections. The two doctors soon sat aloof, conferring upon less familiar matters, but Edgar only spoke in reply, and Camilla uttered not a word. Soon after, a voice on the stairs called out, Oh, never mind shooing me the way. If I come to a wrong room, I'll go on till I come to a right. And the next minute, Junglin Mercelled into the apartment. I could not get to you last night, cried he, and I can only stay a moment now. I have a pretty serious business upon my hands, so if you can give me any breakfast, don't lose time. Mrs. Marglen, willing to please the brother of Indiana, readily ordered for him whatever the inn would afford, of which he failed not heartily to partake, saying, I have met with a good comic sort of adventure here already. Guess what it is? Indiana complied, but his own wish to communicate was so much stronger than that of any one to hear. That, before she could pronounce three words, he cried, Well, if you're so excessive, cures, I'll tell it you, I'm engaged in a duel. Indiana screamed. Mrs. Marglen echoed her cry. Eugenia, who had looked down from his entrance, raised her eyes with an air of interest. Camila was surprised out of her own concerns, and Edgar surveyed him with an astonishment not fully unmixed with content, but the two doctors went on with their own discourse. Nay, nay, die, don't be frightened. It's not a duel in which I'm to fight myself. I'm only to be second. But suppose I were first? What signifies these are things we have in hand so often we don't think of them? La, brother, you don't say so, cried Indiana. La, how wrong! He then pretended that he would tell nothing more. Camila inquired if he had seen Mr. Westwin, whom she had met with the preceding day. Not I, Faith, but that's a propo enough, for it's his son that has asked me to be second. Oh, poor, good old Mr. Westwin, I'm glad Camila, now much interested in this history. And can you not save him such a shock? Can you not be mediator instead of second? He seems so fond of his son. Oh, as to him it's no matter. He is such a harsh old hunks. I should be glad to have him worked a little. I've often wanted to pull him by the nose, myself. He takes such liberties with me. But did you ever hear of such a fool as his son? He deserves to be badgered as bad as his father. He's going to fight with as fine an honest fellow as ever I met with, for nothing at all, absolutely nothing. Dear, how droll! said Indiana. But why can you not interfere? cried Camila. Poor Mr. Westwin will be made so unhappy if any evil befalls his son. Oh, Faith, as to him he may take it as he will. I shan't trouble my head about him. He has made free enough with me. I can assure you it's only to have him out of the way that the business is put off till noon. It was to have been in the morning, but the old tyrant took it into his fate to make poor Henry, who is one of your good ones and does nothing to vex him on purpose, ride out with him. He has promised, however, to get off by twelve o'clock. When four of us are to be at a certain spot that I shan't name. Camila again began to plead the merits of the father, but Indiana more urgently demanded the reason of the combat. I dare say, brother, they fight about being in love with somebody. Don't they, brother? Now, do tell me. Not a wit. It's for a girl he don't care a straw for and never saw but once in his life and don't care a farthing if he never sees again. Dear, how droll, brother! I thought people always thought about being in love with somebody they wanted to marry and never but when she was excessive pretty. Oh, Faith, marriage seldom deserves a fighting match, but as to being pretty, that's all Harry has in his excuse, so he pretends she is as divine as an angel. Dear, well, and don't you know anything more than that about it? No, nor he neither. He only saw her at a bathing house where a fine jolly dungbuck was paying her a few compliments that she effected not to like and presently in a silly dispute whether she was a girl of character they had a violent quarrel and Harry was such a fool as to end it with a challenge. At the words of bathing house the blood forsook the cheeks of Camilla with sudden personal alarm but it mounted high into them again upon hearing the nature of the dispute though yet again it sunk and left them folly pallid at the brief and final conviction she was the sole cause of this duel and upon so disgraceful a dispute. The emotions of Edgar, though less fearful were not less violent nor painful that Camilla should be the subject of any challenge was shocking but of such a one he thought a dishonor yet to prevent and with the least publicity its effect was the immediate occupation of his mind. A short pause ensued broken presently by Claremont who looking at his watch suddenly jumped up and calling out Faith I shall be too late was caping out of the room but the shame of Camilla in the disgrace was overpowered by her terror of its consequences and starting up and clasping her hands oh cousin oh Claremont she cried for heaven's sake stop this affair Claremont satisfied that a sufficient alarm was raised to impede the transaction without any concession on his part declared himself bound in honor to attend the appointment and in extreme seeming haste and earnestness walked off stopping however when he came to the door not to listen to the supplications of his cousin but to toss off a fresh cup of chocolate which a waiter was just carrying into the next room. Camilla now her face varying in color twenty times in a minute and her whole frame shaking while her eyes were cast conscious and timid on the floor approached Edgar and saying this young man's father is my dear uncle's friend burst into tears Edgar fully dissolved took her hand pressed it to his lips besought her in a low voice to dismiss her apprehensions in the confidence of his most ardent exertions and again kissing her hand with the words two oh far two dear Camilla hastened after Linmir affected in a thousand ways she dropped weeping upon a chair should the duel take place and any fatal consequences follow she felt she should never be happy again and even should it be prevented its very suggestion from so horrible a doubt of her character seemed a stain from which it could never recover the inconsiderate facility with which she had wondered about with a person so little known to her so underbred and so forward appeared now to herself inexcusable and she determined if but spared this dreadful punishment to pass the whole of her future life in unremitting caution Tutinia with a kindest sympathy and Indiana and Miss Morgland with extreme curiosity sought to discover the reason of her emotion but while begging them to dispense with an explanation old Mr Westwin was announced and appeared the horrors of a culprit the most cruel as well as criminal seemed instantly the portion of the self-condemned Camilla and as he advanced with cheerful kindness to inquire after her health his ignorance that all his happiness through her means was that moment at stake pierced her with a suffering so exquisite that she uttered a deep groan and sunk back upon her chair an instance recollection brought her more of fortitude though not of comfort and springing up and addressing though not looking at Mr Westwin who was staring at her with astonishment and concern where sir she cried is your son if you have the least knowledge which way he's gone which way he may be traced you can force him back this moment immediately my son repeated the good old gentleman wanting no other word to participate in any alarm what hell Westwin follow him seek him send for him and do not a single instant lose sight of him all day my dear young lady what do you mean I'll send for him to be sure if you desire it but what makes you so good as to think about my son did you ever see my son do you know my son do you know how Westwin don't ask now dear sir secure him first and make what inquires you please afterwards Mr Westwin in evident consternation walked out Camilla herself opening the door but turning back in the passage strongly said if the boy has been guilty of any misbehavior I won't support him I don't like misbehavior it's a bad thing I can't take to it oh no no quite the contrary exclaimed the agitated Camilla he is good kind generous I owe him the greatest obligation and I desire nothing upon earth so much at this moment as to see him and to thank him the old gentleman's eyes now filled with tears and coming back and most affectionately shaking hands with her I was afraid he had misbehaved he cried but he was always a good lad and if he has done anything for the niece of my dear Sir Yuke Tyrol I shall hug him to my heart and then in great but pleased perturbation he hurried away saying to himself as he went I'll take him to earth to be sure I desire nothing better God bless her if she can speak so well of my poor hell she must be the best girl living and she shall have him yes she shall have him if she's a mind to him and I don't care if she isn't worth a grot she's nice to my old friend that's better Camilla speeding but not hearing him returned to her seat yet could not answer one question from the horrors of her fears and her shame of the detail of the business when the breakfast was over Miss Margeline decided everyone would get ready to go to the lodgings and with Indiana repaired herself to visit them and give general orders Dr. Marchmont had glided out of the room in anxiety for Edgar to the great dissatisfaction and almost contempt of Dr. Orkborn with whom he was just discussing some controverted points upon the shield of Achilles which that he could quit for the light concerns of a young man added again to his surmises that although he had run creditably the usual scholastic race his reputation was more the effect of general ability and address than of such sound and consummate learning as he himself possessed ruminating upon the ignorant injustice of mankind in suffering such quacks in literature and philology to carry the palm of fame he went to his chamber to collect from his bolsterer and bedside the hoarder books and papers from which the preceding night he had disencumbered his coat waistcoat and great coat pockets inside and out to review before he could sleep and which now were again to encircle him to facilitate their change of abode but Eugenia would not quit her afflicted sister who soon in her gentle breast deposited the whole of her grief her apprehensions and her plans charging her instantly to retire if Edgar should return that whatever might be the event he should unfold she might release him immediately from an engagement that his last words seemed to avow did not make him happy and that probably he now repented the design was so consonant to the native heroism of Eugenia that she consented with applause to aid its execution about half an hour which seemed to be prolonged twenty times the duration of the whole day past in terrible expectation Edgar then appeared and Eugenia suspending her earnest curiosity to comply with the acute feelings of her sister retreated Camilla could scarce breathe she stood up her eyes and mouth open her face pale her hands uplifted waiting but not daring to demand intelligence Edgar entering into her distress with the tenderness that drove from him his own eagerly satisfied her all he cried is safe the affair has been compromised no duel has taken place and the parties have mutually pledged themselves to forget the dispute tears again but no longer bitter flowed copiously down her cheeks while her raised eyes and clasped hands expressed the fervency of her thankfulness Edgar extremely touched, took her hand he wished to seize a moment so nearly awful to enforce upon her mind every serious subject with which he most desired it to be impressed but sorrow was ever sacred to him and desiring only at this period to console her this adventure, he cried has now terminated so well you must not suffer it to wound you dismiss it sweet Camilla from your memory at least till you are more composed no sir cried Camilla to whom his softness by restoring her hope of an ultimately happy conclusion restored strength it ought never to be dismissed from my memory and what I am now going to say will fix it there indelibly Edgar was surprised but pleased his most anxious wishes seemed on the point of being fulfilled he expected the volunteer explanation of every perplexity a clearance of all mystery I am sensible that I have appeared to you she resumed in many points reprehensible in some perhaps inexcusable inexcusable? oh no, never, never the letters of Sir Cedric Clarender I know you think I ought not to have received Edgar biting his nails looked down and indeed I acknowledged myself in that affair a most egregious dupe she blushed but her blush was colorless to that of Edgar resentment against Sir Cedric beat high in every vein while disappointment to his delicacy in the idea of Camilla dupe by any man seemed in one blow to detach him from her person by a sudden dissolution of all charm to his mind in the connection Camilla sought too late she had been too hasty in a confession which some apologizing account should have preceded but what her courage had begun pride now aided her to support and she continued for what belongs to that correspondence and even for its being unknown to my friends I may offer perhaps hereafter something in exculpation hereafter I say building upon your long family regard for though we part it will be I trust in amity part repeated Edgar recovering from his displeasure by amazement yes part said she with assumed firmness it would be vain to palliate what I cannot disguise from myself I am lessened in your esteem she could not go on imperious shame to possession of her voice crimson her very forehead blushed even in her eyes demolished her strained energy and enfeebled her genuine spirit but the conscious taciturnity of Edgar recalled her exertions struck and afflicted by the truth she had pronounced he could not controvert it he was mute but his look spoke keen disturbance and bitter regret not so low however am I yet I trust fallen in your opinion that you can wonder at the step I now take I'm aware of many errors I know too that appearances have often cruelly misrepresented me my errors you might have the candor to forget and false appearances I could easily clear in my own favor but where and what is the talisman which can erase from my own remembrance that you have thought me unworthy Edgar started but she would not give him time to speak what she had lost out it was too painful to her to dwell upon or hear answer and rapidly and in an elevated manner she went on I hear therefore solemnly release you from all tie all engagement whatever with Camilla Tyrol I shall immediately acquaint my friends that henceforth we both are free she was then retiring Edgar confounded by stroke so utterly and every way unexpected neither answering nor interposing till he saw her hand upon the lock of the door in a voice then that spoke him cut to the soul though without attempting to stop her this then he cried Camilla is your final adjourn she turned round and with a face glowing and eyes glistening held out to him her hand I knew not if you would accept she said a kinder word or I should have assured you of my unaltered regard and have claimed the continuance of your friendship and even if your patience is not utterly exhausted of your watchful console farewell remember me without severity my own esteem must be permanent as my existence the door here was opened by Miss Maragland and Indiana and Camilla hastily snatched away the hand which Edgar grasping with a fondness of renovated passion secretly meant to part with no more till a final reconciliation once again made it his own but compelled to yield to circumstance he suffered it to be withdrawn and while she darted into the chamber of Eugenia to hide her deep emotion from Indiana who was tittering and Miss Maragland who was sneering at the situation in which she was surprised he abruptly took leave himself too much impressed by this critical scene to labor for uninteresting discourse End of Chapter 5, Read by Lars Rolander Book 8, Chapter 6 of Camilla This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Reading by Lars Rolander Camilla or a picture of youth by Fanny Burney, Chapter 6 Ideas upon marriage While in the bosom of her faithful sister Camilla reposed her feelings and her fears alternately rejoicing and trembling in the temerity of the resolution she had exerted Edgar sought his not less faithful nor honorable but far more worldly friend Dr. Marchmont He narrated with extreme emotion the scene he had just had with Camilla asserting her possession of every species of excellence from the nobleness of her rejection and abhorring himself for having given her a moment's doubt of his fullest esteem Not a solicitude he declared now remained with him but how to appease her displeasure satisfy her dignity and recover her favor Softly, softly, said the doctor, measure your steps more temperately ere you run with such velocity If this refusal is the result of an offended sensibility you cannot exert yourself too warmly in its consolation. Even if it is from pride it has a just claim to your concessions since she thinks you have injured it, yet pause before you act May it not be merely from a confidence of power that loves to tyrannize over its slaves by playing with their chains or a lurking spirit of coquetry that decides to regain the liberty of trifling with some new sarseddly clarandel or perhaps with sarseddly himself Dr. Marchmont, how wretchedly ill you think of women. I think of them as they are I think of them as I have found them. They are artful, though feeble. They are shallow, yet subtle You have been unfortunate in your connections? Yet who had better prospects, with energies as warm with hopes as alive as your own? Twice have I conducted to the altar two beings I thought framed for my peculiar felicity, but my peace, my happiness, and my honour have been torn up by the root, exactly where I thought I had planted them for my whole temporal existence. This hodge, which to you appears hard and suspicious, has been the dupe of its acceptabilities, first in a creature of its own choice, next where it believed itself chosen. That first man, Albert, had you seen her, you would have thought as I thought her myself, an angel. She was another Camilla. Another Camilla? Grace, sweetness, and beauty vied in her for preeminence. Yes, another Camilla, though I see your incredulity. I see you think my comparison almost profane, and that grace, sweetness, and beauty waited the birth of Camilla to be made known to the world. Such, however, she was, and I saw and loved at once. I knew her character fair, I precipitately made my addresses, and concluded myself beloved in return, because I was accepted. Edgar shrank back and cast down his eyes. Nor was it till the moment, heartbreaking yet to my recollection, of her sudden death that I knew the lifeless, soulless, inanimate frame was all she had bestowed upon me. In the private drawer of her bureau, I then found a pocketbook, in the first leaf I saw a gentleman's name. I turned over, and saw it again. I looked further, and still it met my view. I opened my chance, but nothing else appeared. There it was still, traced in every hand, charactered in every form, shape, and manner, the wayward wistful eye could delight to fashion, for holding it without end, while over the intermediate spaces, verses, quotations, short but affecting sentences, were everywhere scattered, bewailing the misery of disappointed hope, and unrequited love, of a heartless hand devoted at the altar, a wows in chaining liberty, not sanctifying affection. I then, alas, too late, dived deeper with then useless investigation, and discovered an early passion never erased from her mind, discovered that I had never made her happy, that she was merely enduring, suffering me, while my whole confiding soul was undividedly hers. Hedgar shuddered at this picture. But why then, he cried, since she seemed aimable as well as fair, to accept you? Ask out the married women in the nation how they became wives, they will tell you their friends urged them, that they had no other establishment in view, that nothing is so uncertain as the repetition of matrimonial powers in women, and that those who cannot solicit what they wish must accommodate themselves to what offers. This first adventure, however, is now no longer useful to you, though upon its hard remembrance was founded my former caution, but I am even myself satisfied at present that the earliest partiality of Camilla has been yours, what now you have to weigh is the strength or inadequacy of our character for guiding that partiality to your mutual happiness. My second melancholy history will best illustrate this difficulty. You may easily believe the last of my intentions was any further essay in a lottery I had found so inauspicious, but while cold even to apathy, it was my inevitable chance to fall in the way of a pleasing and innocent young creature who gave me unsought and unwished for her heart. Who nevertheless soon caught my own for what is so alluring as the voluntary affection of a virtuous woman? Well, cried Edgar, and what now could disturb your tranquillity? The insufficiency of that heart to its own decision. I soon found her apparent predilection was simply the result of the casualty which brought me almost exclusively into her society, but unmarked by any consonance of taste, feeling or understanding. Her inexperience had made her believe since she preferred me to the few who surrounded her, I was the man of her choice. With equal facility I concurred in the same mistake, for what is so credulous as self-love. But such regard, the child of accident, not selection, was unequal upon the discovery of the similarity of our dispositions to the smallest sacrifice. My melancholy returned with a view of our mutual delusion. Lassitude of pleasing was the precursor of discontent. Discipatient then, in the form of amusement, presented itself to her aid. Retirement and books came to mind. My resource was safe though solitary. Curse was gay but perilious. Discipatient, with its usual protest powers, from amusement changed its form to temptation, allured her into dangers, impeached her honour, and blighted her with disgrace. I just discerned the precipice whence she was failing, in time to avert the dreadful necessity of casting her off forever. But what was our life thence forward? Cares unparticipated, griefs uncommunicated, stifled resentments, and unremitting weariness. She is now no more, and I am a lonely individual for the rest of my pilgrimage. Take warning, my dear young friend, by my experience. The entire possession of the heart of the woman you marry is not more essential to your first happiness than the complete knowledge of a disposition is to your ultimate peace. Edgar thanked him in deep concern to have awakened emotions which the absorption of study and influence of literature held generally dormant. The lesson however, which they inculcated, he engaged to keep always present to his consideration. Though but for the strange affair of Sir Cedric Clarendel, he should feel confident that in Camilla there was not more of exterior attraction than of solid excellence, and with regard to their concordance of taste and humor he had never seen her so gay nor so lovely as in scenes of active benevolence or domestic life. She had promised to clear her after the transaction with Sir Cedric, but he could not hold back for that explanation, hurt already by his apparent scruples. She had openly named them as the motives of her rejection. Could he then shoo her yet demurred without forfeiting all hope of a future accommodation? Delicacy, said Dr. Marchman, though the quality the most aimable we can practice in the service of others must not take place of common sense and sound judgment for ourselves, her dismission does not discard you from her society. On the contrary, it invites your friendship. Ah, doctor, what innocence, what sweetness does that very circumstance display? Learn, however, their concomitance ere you yield to their charms. Learn if their source is from a present yet accidental preference or from the nervous spring of elevated sentiment. The meeting you surprised with Sir Cedric, the presumption you acknowledged of his letters, and the confession made by herself that she had submitted to be duped by him. Oh, Dr. Marchman, what harrowing drawbacks to felicity, and how much must we rather pity than wonder at the errors of common young women when a creature such as this is so easy to be misled? You must not imagine I mean a censor upon the excellent Mr. Tyrol, when I say she's left too much to herself. The purity of his principles and the virtue of his character must exempt him from blame, but his life has been both too private and too tranquil to be aware of the dangers run by female youth, when straying from the mother's careful wing. All that belongs to religion and to principle he feels and he has taught, but the impediments they have to encounter in a commerce with mankind he could not point out, for he does not know. Yet there is nothing more certain than that seventeen weeks is not less able to go alone in a nursery than seventeen years in the world. This suggestion but added to the bias of Edgar to take her if possible under his own immediate guidance. No first, cried the doctor, if to your guidance she will give way. Know if the affair with so sadly has exculpations which render it single and advantageous, or if there hang upon it a lightness of character that may invest caprice, chance, or fickleness, with powers of involving such another entanglement. End of Chapter 6, Read by Lars Rolander Book 8, Chapter 7 of Camilla This is a LibriVox recording, or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Reading by Lars Rolander Camilla or a picture of youth by Fanny Bernie, Chapter 7 How to Treat a Defamer As the lodgings taken by Miss Margeline could not be ready till the afternoon, Camilla remained with her sister, a sojourn which, while it consoled her with a society, and gratified her by the approbation of Eugenia, had yet another allurement. It detained her under the same roof with Edgar, and his manner of listening to her rejection, and disguised suffering before they were parted, led her to expect he might yet demand a conference before she quitted the hotel. In about an hour, as unpleasantly, as unceremoniously, they were broken in upon by Mrs. Mitten. How monstrous luck he might dare, cried she to Camilla, that I should find you and your little sister, for I suppose this is she, together. I went into your dining room to ask for you, and there I met those other two ladies, and I made acquaintance with them. I assure you already, for I told them I was on a visit to the Honourable Mrs. Burlington's, so I've had the opportunity to recommend some shops to them, and I've been to tell some of the good folks to send them some of their nicest goods for them to look at. For really, since I've been bustling a little about here, I've found some of the good people so vastly obliging. I can't but take a pleasure in serving them and getting them a few customers, especially as I know a little civility of that sort makes one friend surprisingly. Often and often have I got things under prime cost myself, only by helping a person on in his trait. So one can't say good nature's always thrown away. However, I come now on purpose to put a note into your hands from Mrs. Burlington, for all the servants were out of the way, except one, and he wanted to be about something else, so I offered to bring it, and she was very much pleased. So I fancied about some secret, for she never offered to shoe it me. But as to the poor man said from the walk, I won his heart down right. I dare say he'll go off on any odd errand for me now without bails. That's the best of good nature, always comes home to one. The note from Mrs. Burlington contained a tender application for the return of Camilla, and a pressing and flattering invitation that her sister should join their little party as the motives of honour and discretion, which made her, at the request, and for the sake of her brother, sacrifice her eagerness to be presented to Miss Lindmere, operated not to impede her acquaintance with Miss Eugenia. This proposition had exquisite charms for Eugenia. To become acquainted with the sister of him, to whom, hence forward, she meant to devote her secret thoughts, and chanted her imagination. Camilla, therefore, negotiated the visit with Miss Margland, who, though little pleased by this separate invitation, knew not how to refuse her concurrence, but Indiana, indignant that the sister of Eugenia must have waited upon her and solicited her friendship privately resolved, in peak of this disrespect, to punish the brother with every rigor she could invent. Camilla upon her return found Mrs. Mitten already deeply engaged in proposing an alteration in the dress of Eugenia, which she was aiding Molly Mill to accomplish, and so much she found to say and to do, to propose and to object to, to contrive the alter, that from the simplicity of the mysteries and the ignorance of the maid, the one was soon led to conclude she should have appeared improperly before Mrs. Burlington, without such useful advice, and the other to believe she must shortly have lost her place, now her young lady was come forth into the world, if she had not thus miraculously met with so good a friend. During these preparations, Camilla came on back to the dining room to receive Mr. Westwin. She did not hear this call with serenity, the danger which however unwittingly she had caused his son, and the shocking circumstances which were its foundation, tingled her cheeks and confounded her wish of making acknowledgments, with the horror that such an obligation could be possible. The door of the dining room was open, and as soon as her steps started, Mr. Westwin came smiling forth to receive her. She hung back involuntarily, but pacing up to her and taking her hand. Well, my good young lady, he cried, I have brought you my son, but he is no bolster that I can assure you, for though I told him how you wanted him to come to you, and was so good as to say you were so much obliged to him, I can't make him own he has ever seen you in his life, and him is carrying his modesty over far, I don't like affectation, I have no taste for it. Camilla, discovering by this speech as well as by his pleased and tranquil manner, that he had escaped hearing of the intended duel, and that his son was still ignorant whose course he had espoused, ardently wished to avert further shame by concealing herself, and step by step kept retreating to Camilla, though she could not disengage her hand from the old gentleman, who trying to draw her on said, come, my dear, don't go away. Though my son won't confess what he has done for you, he can't make me forget that you were such a dear soul as to tell me yourself of his good behavior, and of your having such a kind opinion of him. And I have been telling him, and I can assure you, I keep my dear old friend Sir Hugh Tirold, it shall value him fifty pound a year more to his income, if I straighten myself never so much. For a lad that knows how to behave in that manner will never spend his money so as to make his old father ashamed of him, and that's a good thing for a man to know. Indeed, sir, this is some mistake," said the young man himself, now advancing into out an excuse from entering. It's some great mistake. I have not the honour to know." He was going to add Miss Tirold, but he saw her at the same moment, and instantly recollecting her face stopped, blushed, and looked amazed. The retreating effort of Camilla, her shame and her pride, all subsided by his view, and gave place to the more generous feelings of gratitude for his intuitive good opinion, an emotion for the risk he had run in her defence, and with an expression of captivating sweetness in her eyes and manner. "'That you did not know me,' she cried, "'makes the peculiarity of your goodness, which indeed I'm more sensible to than I can express.' "'Why, there, there, now, there!' cried Mr Westwin, while his son enchanted to find his character, he had full gratitude for such thanks. "'Only but listen,' she says, the very same things to your face that she said behind your back, though I am afraid it's only to please an old father, for if not, I can't for my life find out any reason why you should deny it. Come, Hal, speak out, Hal!' Equally at a lost how either to vow or obeyed what had passed in the presence of Camilla, young Westwin began a stammering and awkward apology. Camilla, feeling doubly his forebearance, said, "'Silence may in you be delicate, but in me it would be graceless.' Then turning from him to old Mr Westwin, "'You may be proud, sir,' she cried, of your son. It was the honour of an utter stranger he was protecting, as helpless as he was unknown at the time she excited his interest, nor had he even in view this poor dearest Hal,' cried Mr Westwin, ringing him by the hand, "'If you have but one small grain of regard for me, don't persist in denying this. I'd give the last hundred pounds I had in the world to be sure it was true.' "'That to hear the name of this lady,' said the young man, "'should not be necessary to inspire me with respect for her. Who can wonder that any opportunity could arise in which he would want defence is all the price. "'You own it then, my dear Hal. You own you've done her a kindness. Why then, my dear Hal, you've done one to me, and I can't help giving you a hug for it. Let who will think me an old fool?' He then fervently embraced his son, who confused, though gratified, strove vainly to make disclaiming speeches. "'No, no, my dear Hal,' he cried. "'You shan't let yourself hear me again. I promise you, though you two or three times try to make me think nothing of you. But this young lady here, dear soul, speaks another language. She says I may be proud of my son, and I dare say she knows why, for she is a charming girl as ever I saw. So I will be proud of my son. "'Poor dear Hal, thou hast got a good friend I can tell thee in that young lady. And she sneezed to the best man I ever knew, and I value her good opinion more than anybody's.' "'You are much too good,' cried Kamila in an accent of tender pleasure, the result of grateful joy that she had not been the means of destroying the paternal happiness of so fond a father, joined to the dreadful certainty how narrowly she had escaped that misery. "'You are much too good, and I blush even to thank you and I think what she meant to add was in a moment forgotten and that she blushed cease to be metaphorical when now as they all three entered the dining room together, the first object that met her eyes was Edgar. Their eyes met not again. Delighted and conscious, she turned hers hastily away. "'He comes,' thought she, to me, he will not submit to the separation. He comes to reassure me of his scheme and to receive once more my faithful heart.' Edgar had seen by chance the Westwinds pass to the room of the Cleaves Party and felt the most ardent desire to know if they would meet with Kamila and what would be her reception of her young champion, who soared with extreme trouble he had himself that morning sheathed and whose gallantry he attributed to a vehement, however sudden, passion. Dr. Marchmont acknowledged the epoch to be highly interesting for observation and, presuming upon their old right of intimacy with all the party, they abruptly made a second visit. Miss Morgland and Indiana, who were examining some goods sent by Mrs. Mitten, had received them all for without much mark of civility, and Mr. Westwind immediately desired Kamila to be sent for and, kept upon the watchtower made him hasten out to meet her. Edgar could not hear unmoved the dialogue which ensued. He imagined an amiable rival was suddenly springing up in young Westwind, at the very moment of his own dismission which he now even thought possible this incipient conquest had urged, and when Kamila walking between the father and the son with looks of softest sensibility came into the room he thought he had never seen her so lovely and that her most bewitching smiles were purposely lavished for their captivation. With this idea he found it impossible to speak to her. Their situation indeed was too critical for any common address, and when he saw that she turned from him he attempted to converse with the other ladies upon their purchases, and Kamila left to her two new beau had the unavoidable appearance of being engrossed by them, though the sight of Edgar instantly robbed them of all her real attention. Soon after the door was again opened, and Mr. Gert the young perfumer came smirking and scraping into the room with a box of various toys, essences, and cosmetics recommended by Mrs. Mithin. Ignorant of the mischief he had done her and not even recollecting to have seen him Kamila made on to look at his goods, but Edgar to whom his audacious assertions were immediately brought back by his sight would have made him feel the effects of his resentment, had not his passion for Kamila been of so solid, as well as warm texture, as to induce him to prefer guarding her delicacy to any possible display he could make of his feelings to others or even to herself. Mr. Gert in the midst of his exhibition of memorandum books, smelling bottles, toothpick cases, and pocket mirrors with washes to immortalize the skin, powders becoming to all countenances and pomatums to give natural traces to old age suddenly recollected Kamila. The gross mistake he had made he had already discovered by having dodged her to the house of Mrs. Burlington, but all alarm at it had ceased by finding through a visit made to his shop by Mrs. Mitting that she was uninformed he had propagated it. Not gifted with a discernment to see in the air and manner of Kamila her entire, though unassuming superiority to her accidental associate, he concluded them both to be relations of some of the upper domestics and with a look and tone descending from the most profound adulation, with which he was presenting his various articles to Mrs. Marglund and Indiana into a familiarity the most facetious. Oh, dear mom! he cried. I did not see you at first. I hope the other ladies well that's been so kind as to recommend me. Indeed, I saw her just now. Jung Westwin, to whom as to Edgar the bold defamation of Gert occurred with his presence, but whom none of the nameless delicacies of the peculiar situation and peculiar character of Edgar restrained into silence, felt such a disgust at the presumption of effrontery that gave him courage for this facetious address to a young lady whose innocence of his ill usage made him think its inury double, that unable to repress his indignation he abruptly whispered in his ear. Walk out of the room, sir. The amazed perfumer at this haughty and unexpected order stared and cried aloud. No offence, I hope, sir. Mr Westwin asked what was the matter. While Camilla crimson by the familiar assurance with which she had been addressed retired to a window. Nothing of any moment, sir, answered Henry, and again in a low but still more positive voice he repeated his command to Gert. Sir, I'm not used to be used in this manner, answered he, hardily and hoping by racing his tone for the favorable intervention of the company. Indiana now was preparing to scream and Miss Margeline was looking round to see whom she should reprehend, but young Westwin coolly opening the door with a strong arm and an able jerk twisted the perfumer into the passage saying, You may send somebody for your goods. Gert, who equally strong, but equally adroit as Henry, strove in vain to resist, vowed vengeance for this assault. Henry, without seeming to hear him, occupied himself with looking at what he had left. Camilla felt a rise of use with tears, and Edgar for the first time in his life found himself visited by the baleful passion of envy. Miss Margeline could not comprehend what this meant. Indiana comprehended but too much in finding there was some disturbance of which he was not the object. But Mr Westwin losing his look of delight said with something of severity. Ha! What did you turn that man out of the room for? He is perfectly aware of my reason, sir, said Henry, and then added it was a long story which he begged to relate another time. The blank face of Mr Westwin showed displeasure and he lifted the head of his cane to his mouth, and after biting it for some time, with a frowning countenance muttered. I don't like to see a man turned out of a room if he's done any harm tell him so, and if it's worse than harm, soose him in a horse-pond. I've no objection. But I don't like to see a man turned out of a room, it's very unmanorly, and I did not think Hal would do such a thing. Then he, and with a succinct bow bidding them all goodbye, he took a hasty leave, still however muttering all the way along the passage and down the stairs, loud enough to be heard. Kicking and jerking a man about does not prove him to be in the wrong. I thought Hal had been more of a gentleman. If I don't find the man turns out to be a rascal, Hal shall beg his pardon, for I don't like to see man turned out of a room. Henry's spirit was as irritable as it was generous, felt acutely this public censor, which, though satisfied he did not deserve, every species of propriety prohibited his explaining away. With a forced smile, therefore, and a silent bow, he followed his father. Miss Marland and Indiana now burst forth with a torrent of wonders, conductors and questions, but the full heart of Camilla denied her speech to the carriage of Mrs. Burlington being already at the door. She called upon a eugenia and followed perforce by Mrs. Mitten left the hotel. Edgar and Dr. Marchmont gave neither surprise nor concern by retiring instantly to their own apartment. Dr. Marchmont said the former in a tone of assumed moderation, I have lost Camilla, I see it plainly. This young man steps forward so gallantly, so ingeniously in nay so aimably that the contrast, chill, severe and repulsive must render me, in this detestable state, insupportable to all our feelings. Dr. Marchmont, I am not a doubt of the event. The juncture is indeed perilious and the trial of extremist hazard, but it is such as draws all uncertainty to a crisis, and therefore is not much to be lamented. You may safely, I think, rest upon it your destiny, to a general female heart a duelist the most dangerous of all assaults and the most fascinating of all charms, and a duelist, though precisely what a woman most should read, as most exposing her to public notice is the person of all others she can commonly least resist. By this test then prove your Camilla. Dr. Marchmont seems evidently her admirer, and his father her adorer. Her late engagement with you may possibly not reach them, or reaching but with its dissolution, serve only to render them more eager. Do you suppose him? cried Edgar after a pause of strongest service. Do you suppose him rich? Certainly not, that the addition of fifty pounds a year to his fortune to be very moderate. Clear her then at least, said he, with a solemnity almost reproachful. Clear her at least of every mercenary charge. If I lose her, he gasped for breath. She will not, you find, be bought from me, and peak anger, injustice, nay inconstancy all are less debasing than the solid corruption of which you suspected her. This does not necessarily prove her disinterested. She is too young yet to know herself the value she may hear after set upon wealth, and independent on that inexperience, there is commonly so little stability, so little internal hold in the female character, that any sudden glare of advantageous slur will draw them for the moment from any and every regular plan of substantial benefit. It remains therefore now to be tried if Beech Park and its master united can vie with a bright and intoxicating incense of a life voluntarily risked in support, not of her fair fame that was unknown to its defender, but simply of the fair countenance which seemed its pledge. Edgar heartless and sad attempted no further argument. He thought the doctor prejudiced against the merits of Camilla, yet it appeared even to himself that her whole conduct from the short period of his open avowal had seemed a willful serious of opposition to his requests and opinions. And while terror for surrounding dangers gave way to his disapprobation of her visiting Southampton with a lady she knew him to think more attractive than safe or respectable, her sufferance of the vulgar and forward Mrs. Mitten, with whom again he saw her quit the hotel was yet more offensive since he could conceive for it no other inducement than a careless if not determined humor to indulge every impulse in equal contempt of his counsel and her own reflection. All blame however of Camilla was short of his self dissatisfaction in the distance imposed upon him by uncertainty and the coldness dictated by discretion at a period so sensitive when her spirit was alarmed and her delicacy was wounded that a stranger should start forward to vindicate her innocence and chastise its detractors was singular, was unfortunate, was nearly intolerable and he thought he could with thankfulness have renounced half his fortune to have been himself the sole protector of Camilla. End of Chapter 7 Red by Lars Rolander Book 8, Chapter 8 of Camilla This is a LibriVox recording or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Reading by Lars Rolander Camilla or a picture of youth by Fanny Burney Chapter 8 The Power of Prepossession The two sisters were silent from the hotel to the house of Mrs. Burlington. From the height of happiest expectation, raised by the quick return of Edgar, Camilla was sunk into the lowest despondence by the abortive conclusion of the meeting, while Eugenia was absorbed in new joy and wrapped expectation. But Mrs. Mitten undisturbed by the pangs of uncertainty and unoccupied by any romantic persuasion of bliss spoke amply with respect to quantity for all three. Mrs. Burlington, though somewhat struck at first sight of Eugenia, with her strange contrast of Camilla, received her with all the distinguishing kindness due to the sister of her friend. She had the poems of Collins in her hand, and at their joint desire, instead of putting the book aside read aloud and, with tenderest accent, one of his most plaintive odes. Eugenia was enraptured. Ah, thought she, this is indeed the true sister of the accomplished Melmont. She shall share with him my adoration. My heart shall be devoted after my own dear family to the homage of their perfections. The ode to her great delight lasted till the dinner was when Melmont appeared, but her prepossession could alone give any charm to his sight. He could barely recollect that he had seen her or even Camilla before. He had conversed with neither, his eyes had been devoted to Indiana, and the despondence which had become his portion since the news of the marriage of his aunt, seen but rendered the more peculiarly bitter by this intimate connection with a family of an object so adored. Yet though nothing could be more spiritless than the hour of dinner, Eugenia discovered in it no deficiency. She had previously settled that the presence of Melmont could only breathe sweets and perfection, and the magic of treasuries works every event into its own circle of expectation. Melmont did not even accompany them back to the drawing room. Eugenia sighed, nobody heard her. Mrs. Mitten said she had something of great consequence to do in her own room, and Mrs. Burlington, to divert the languor she found creeping upon them all, had recourse to Hammond's elegies. These were still reading when a servant brought the name of Lord Valhurst. Oh, deny me to him, deny me to him, cried Mrs. Burlington. Disarrelation of Mr. Burlington's and I hate him. The order was given, however too late, he entered the room. The name, as Camilla knew it not, she had heard unmoved, but the sight of a person who had so largely contributed to shock and terrify her in the bathing house struck her with horror. Brought up with the respect of other times she had risen at his entrance, but she turned suddenly round upon recollecting him, and instead of the courtesy she intended making involuntarily moved away her chair from the part of the room to which she was advancing. This was unnoticed by Mrs. Burlington, whose chagrin at his intrusion made her wish to walk away also, while with Lord Valhurst it only passed joined to her rising for a mark of her being but little accustomed to company, that Eugenia rose to was not perceived as she rather lost and gained in height by standing. Most obsequiously but most unsuccessfully the pair made escort to Mrs. Burlington inquiring after her health with fulsome tenderness and extolling her good looks with nearly gross admiration. Mrs. Burlington listened for she was incapable of incivility, though weary and disgusted she seldom made the smallest answer. The two sisters might with ease equally have escaped notice, since though Mrs. Burlington occasionally dressed them the pair never turned from herself. Had not Mrs. Mitten abruptly entering in search of a pair of scissors, perceived him and hastily called out, Oh, lout, sir, if it is not you, I know you again well enough, but I hope now you seize in such good company as these good ladies you'll believe me another time when I tell you we're not of the sort of persons you took us for. Dear old my dear, I hope you've spoken to the gentleman. Lord Valorst with difficulty recollected Mrs. Mitten from the very cursory view his otherwise occupied eyes had taken of her. But when the concluding words made him look at Camilla, whose youth and beauty were not so liable to be forgotten, he knew at once her associate and was aware of the meaning of her harangue. Sorry to appear before his fair kin's woman to any disadvantage, though by no means displeased at an opportunity of again seeing a young creature he had thought so charming. He began an apology to Mrs. Mitten while his eyes were fixed upon Camilla, vindicating himself from every intention that was not respectful and hoping she did not so much endure as to mistake him. Mrs. Mitten was just beginning to answer that she knew better when the words, Why my lord offended Mrs. Mitten? Dropping from Mrs. Burlington instantly knew strung all her notions. To find him a nobleman was to find him innocent, for though she did not quite suppose that a peer was not immortal, she had never spoken to one before. And the power of title upon the air, like that of beauty upon the eye, is, in its first novelty, all commanding. Many fold as are the drawbacks to the influence of either. When Eve is lost by familiarity, and habitual reflection takes place of casual and momentary admiration. Title then, as well as beauty, demands mental auxiliaries. And those who possess either more watched than the common race seem of high responsibility. But proportion to the sensor they draw where they are, is the veneration they inspire where their eminence is complete. Nor is this the truth complete. Nor is this the tribute of prejudice, as those who look up to all superiority with envy love to aware. The impartial and candid reflectors upon human frailty, who, in viewing it, see with its elevation its surrounding temptations will call it but the tribute of justice. To Mrs. Mitten, however, the mere sound of a title was enough. She felt its ascendance without examining its claims and dropping the lowest curtsy her knees could support. Confusely said she hoped his lordship would excuse her speaking so quick and improperly, which she only did from not knowing who he was. For if she had known him better, she should have been sure he was too much the gentleman to do anything with an ill-design. His lordship cautiously accepted the apology and advanced to Camilla to express his hopes she had not participated in such injurious suspicions. She made no answer and Mrs. Burlington inquired what all this meant. I protest, my dear madam, said the pair. I do not well comprehend myself. I only see there has been some misunderstanding, but I hope this young lady will believe me when I declare upon my honor that I had no view but to offer my protection at the time I saw her under alarm. This was a declaration Camilla could not dispute and even felt inclined to credit from the solemnity with which it was uttered, but to discuss it was every way impossible and therefore coldly bowing her head she seemed aqueousant. Lord Valhurst now pretty equally divided his attention between these two beautiful young women, looking at and complimenting them alternately, till a servant came in and said the two Mr. Westwinds desired to see Mr. Tyrold. Camilla did not wish to avoid persons to whom she was so much obliged but begged she might receive them in the next apartment that Mrs. Burlington might not be disturbed. The eager old gentleman stood with a door in one hand and his son in the other awaiting her. My dear young lady, he cried, I have been hunting you out for hours. Your good governess had not a mind to give me your directions thinking me, I suppose, I was some old fellow and I did not know which way to turn till Hal found it out. Hal's pretty quick, so now my dear young lady, let me tell you my errand, which I won't be tedious in for fear another time you may rather not see me and the more I see you, the less I like to think such a thing. However, with all my good will to make haste, I must premise one thing as it is but fair. Hal was quite against my coming business, but I don't think it the less right for that. And so I come, I never yet saw any good of a man being ruled by his children. It only serves to make them think their old fathers superannuated, and if once I find Hal taking such a thing as that into his head, I'll cut him off with a shilling, well as I love him. Your many, sir, said Henry Cullering, though smiling, gives me no alarm, for I see no danger, but shall we not detain Mr. Earl too long from her friends? I now, there, comes in what I take notice to be the taste of the present day. A lad can hardly enter his teens before he thinks himself wiser than his father, and gives him his counsel and tells him what he thinks best, and if a man isn't upon his guard he may be run down for an old dotard before he knows where he is, and see setting up for a member of parliament making laws for him. Now this is what I don't like, so I keep a tight hand upon Hal, that he may not do it. For Hal's but a boy, ma'am, though he's so clever, not that I pretend I'd change him neither for ever an old fellow in the three kingdoms. Well, but now I'll tell you what I come for. You know how angry I was about Hal's turning that man out of the room. All the pains I could to come at the bottom of the fray, intending all the time to make Hal ask the man's pardon. And now what do you think is the end? Why I've found out Hal to be in the right. The man proves to be a worthless fellow that has defamed the niece of my dear Sir Yuke Tirold, and if Hal had lashed him with a cat on nine tails I should have been glad of it. I can't say I should have found fault. So you see, my dear young lady, I was but a cross-old fellow to be so out of sorts with poor Hal. Camilla with mingle gratitude and shame offered her acknowledgments, though what she heard astonished if possible even more than it mortified her. How in the world thought she can I have provoked this slander? She knew not how little provocation is necessary nor how calamity, nor how regularly the common herd where appearances admit to interpretations decide for the worst. Gert designed her neither evil nor good, but not knowing who nor what she was simply filled up the doubts in his own mind by the bias of his own character. Confused as much as herself Henry proposed immediately to retire, and Camilla did not invite them to stay. Mr Westwind could not refuse his consent, though sending his son out first, he stopped to say in a low voice. What do you think of Hal, my dear young lady? Ain't he a brave rouge? And did not you tell me I might be proud of my son? And so I am, I promise you. How do you think my old friend will like Hal? I shall take him to Cleves. He's another sort of lad Mr Clermont. I hope, my dear young lady, you don't like your cousin. He's but a sad spark. I give you my word, not a bit like Hal. When the carriage came for Eugenia who was self persuaded, this day was the most felicitous of her life. She went so reluctantly that Mrs Burlington caught by her delight in the visit, though unsuspicious of its motive, invited her to renew it the next morning. At night Mrs Mitten, following Camilla to her chamber, said See here, my dear, what do you say to this? Did you ever see a prettier cloak? Look at the cut of it. Look at the capes. Look at the mode. As for the lace, I don't think all Southampton can produce its fellow. What do you say to it, my dear? What everybody must say to it, Mrs Mitten, that it's remarkably pretty? Well, now try it on. There's a set. There's a fall off the shoulders. Do but look at it in the glass. I'd really give something you could but see how it becomes you. Now, do pray. Only tell me what you think of it. Almost the same, Mrs Mitten, that it's extremely pretty. Well, my dear, then now comes out the secret. It's your own. You may well stare, but it's true. It's your own, my dear. She demanded an explanation, and Mrs Mitten said that having taken notice that her cloak looked very mean by the side of Mrs Burlington's when she compared them together, she resolved upon surprising her with a new one as quick as possible. She had therefore got the pattern of Mrs Burlington's and cut it out, and then got the mode at an harbour dasher's, and then the lace at a milliner's, and then said to work so hard that she had got it done already. Camilla seeing the materials were all infinitely richer than any she had been accustomed to wear, was extremely chagrin by such officiousness, and gravely inquired how much this would add to her debts. I don't know yet, my dear, but I had all the things as cheap as possible, but as it was not all at one shop, I can't be clear as to the exact sum. Camilla, who had determined to avoid even the shadow of a debt, and to forebear every possible expense till she had not one remaining, was now not merely vexed but angry. Mrs Mitten, however, upon whose feelings that most troublesome of all qualities to its possessors, delicacy never obtruded, went on extolling her own performance, and praising her own good nature, without discovering that either were present, and so far from conceiving it possible, they could be unwelcome, that she attributed the concern of Camilla to modesty, on account of her trouble, and mistook her displeasure for distress, what she could do for her in return. And indeed, when she finished her double panegyric upon the cloak and its maker, with confessing she had set up the whole night in order to get it done, Camilla considered herself as too much obliged to her intention to reproach any further its want of judgment, and concluded by merely entreating she would change her note, pay for it immediately, discharge her other accounts with all speed, and make no future purchase for her whatsoever. End of Chapter 8 Read by Lars Rolander Book 8, Chapter 9 of Camilla This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Reading by Lars Rolander Camilla or a Picture of Youth by Fanny Burnie, Chapter 9 A Scuffle Eugenia failed not to observe her appointment the next morning, which was devoted to alleged poetry. A taste so similar operated perceptibly upon Mrs. Burlington, who detained her till she was compelled to return to prepare for a great ball at the public rooms. The profound deliberations of Miss Margland how to exhibit her fair pupil, having finished like most deliberations upon such subjects, by doing that which is done by everybody else upon the same occasion. Sir Eug had given directions to Miss Margland to clear his witnesses equally of all expenses relative to public places. Camilla therefore being entitled to a ticket and having brought with her whatever was unspoiled of her tonbridge apparel, thought this the most seasonable opportunity she could take for again seeing Edgar, who in their present delicate situation, would no longer probably think it right to inquire for her at the strangers. Mrs. Burlington had not proposed appearing in public till she had formed her own party, but an irrepressible curiosity to see Indiana induced her to accompany Camilla with no other attendant than Lord Valhurst. Mrs. Mitten sought vainly to be of the party. Mrs. Burlington, though permitting her stay in her house and treating her with constant civility, had no idea of including her in her own society, which she aimed to have always distinguished by either rank, talents or admirers, and Camilla, who now felt her integrity involved in her economy, was firm against every hint for assisting her with a ticket. Lord Valhurst, who alone of the fashionable sojourners had yet discovered the arrival of Mrs. Burlington, was highly gratified by this opportunity of attending to such fair creatures in public. Mrs. Burlington, as usual, was the last to enter the room, for she never began the duties of the toilet till after tea time. Two such youthful beauties were not likely to pass without observation. Mrs. Burlington, already no longer new to it, had alternately the air of receiving it with the most winning modesty, or of not noticing she received it at all, for though, but a few months since, and even seen by twenty persons, and even of those had never met a fixed eye without a blush, the feelings are so often the mere concomitance of the habits, that she could now already know herself the principal object of a whole assembly without any sensation or timidity or appearance of confusion. To be bold was not in her nature which was soft and aimable, but admiration is a dangerous altar of diffidence, and familiarity makes almost any distinction met unmoved. Camilla was too completely engrossed by her heart to think of her appearance. Lord Valorst from his time of life seemed to be their father, though his odulating air as little suited that character as his inclination. He scares new upon which most to lavish his compliments, or to regale his eyes, and turned half expiring with ecstasy from the soft charms of his kinswoman, with something he thought resembling animation to the more quickening influence of her bright-eyed companion. But the effect produced upon the company at large by the radiant beauty of Indiana, who had entered some time, was still more striking than any immediate powers from all the bewitching graces of Mrs. Burlington, and all the pleasant loveliness of Camilla. Her faultless face, her perfect form, raised wonder in one sex, and overpowered envy in the other. The men looked at her as at something almost too celestial for their divorce. The women, even the most charming amongst them, saw themselves distanced from all pretensions to rivalry. She was followed but not approached, gazed at as if a statue, standing quite after rather as a prodigy than a mortal. This awful homage spread not, however, to her party, the watchful but disdainful eyes of Miss Margillan obtained for herself, even with usury, all the haughty contempt they bestowed upon others. Teutonia was pronounced to be a foil, brought merely in ridicule, and Dr. Ortbun, whom Miss Margillan, though detesting, forced into the set in preference to being without a man, to hand them from the carriage and to call it for them at night, had a look so forlorn and distressed, while obliged to parade with them up and down the room, that he seemed rather a prisoner than an esquire, and more to require a guardian to prevent his escaping herself than to serve for one in securing his young charges from any attack. Miss Margillan argued nothing short of her half-score proposal so marriage the next day, from the evident brilliancy of this first opening into life of her beautiful pupil, whose own eyes, while they dastard all others, sought eagerly those of Melmont, which they meant to vanquish, if not annihilate. The first care of Miss Margillan was to make herself and her young ladies known to the master of the ceremonies. Indiana needed immediately the choice of the most elegant man in the room. Yet she was peaked, not delighted, and Miss Margillan felt still more irritated, that he proved to be only a baronet, though a nobleman at the same time had presented himself to Judea. It is true the pair was ruined, but his title was unimpaired, and though the fortune of the baronet, like his person, was in its prime, Indiana thought herself degraded by his sense, the partner of her cousin was of superior rank. Judea, insensible to this honour, looked only for Melmont, not like Indiana's blendily to see and kill, but silently to view and venerate. Melmont, however, was not there. He knew his little command over his passion in presence of its object. He knew, too, that the expense of public places was not beyond the propriety of his income, and virtuously devoted his seeming to his sick aunt. Edgar had waited impatiently the entrance of Camilla. His momentary sight of Lord Valhurst at the bathing-room did not bring him to his remembrance in his present Morshui apparel, and he was gratified to see only an old bore in her immediate suit. He did not deem it proper, as they were now circumstanced, to ask her to dance, but he quietly approached and bowed to her, and addressed some civil inquirers to Mrs. Burlington. The Westwinds had waited for her at the door, and the father had immediately made her give her hand to Henry to join the dancers. That's a charming girl! cried old Mr. Westwind when she was gone. A very charming girl, I promise you, I have taken a prodigious liking to her, and so has Hull. She was revived by this open speech, which made him hope there was no serious design. Edgar smiled upon the old gentleman who had addressed it to the whole remaining party, and said, You have not known that young lady long, I believe, sir? No, sir, but a little while, but that I don't mind. A long while and a short while is all one, when I like a person, for I don't think how many years they've got over their heads since before them, but how many good things they've got on the inside their hearts to make me want to see them again. Her uncles, the dearest friend I have in the world, and when I go from this place I shall make him a visit, for I'm sure of a welcome. But he has never seen my Hull. However, that good girl will be sure to speak a kind word for him. I know, for she thinks very well of him. She told me herself I might be a son. I can't say, but I've loved the girl ever since for it. Hedgar was so much pleased with the perfectly natural character of this old gentleman, that though alarmed at his intended call upon the favor of Sir Yub, through the influence of Camilla for Henry, he would yet have remained in a society, had he not been driven from it, by the junction of young Lindmer, whose shallow insolence he thought insupportable. Mrs. Burlington, who declined dancing, had arrived so late that when Henry led back Camilla, the company was summoned to the tea-table. She was languishing for an introduction to Indiana, the absence of melmont, obviating all present objection to their meeting. She therefore gave Camilla the welcome task to propose that the two parties should unite. Many years had elapsed since Miss Marglant had received so sensible a gratification, and in the coalition which took place, she displayed more of civility in a few minutes, than she had exerted during the whole period of her Yorkshire and Cleves residence. Notwithstanding all she had heard of her charms, Mrs. Burlington still saw with surprise and admiration the exquisite face and form of the chosen of her brother, whom she now so sincerely bewailed that, had her own wealth been personal or comparable, she would not have hesitated in sharing it with him to aid his better success. Lord Valhurst adhered tenaciously to his kinswoman, and the three gentlemen who had danced the last dances with Indiana, Eugenia, and Camilla asserted the privilege of attending their partners at the tea-table. In a few minutes Linmyr, coming up to them with Well, have you got anything here one can touch! Lent his hand on the edge and his whole body over the table to take a view at his ease of its contents. Suppose there was nothing, sir, said Old Westbin, look round and see what you could want. Really, sir, said Miss Marglen, between whom and Camilla, Linmyr had squeezed himself a place. You don't use much ceremony. Having taken some tea, he found it intolerable, and said he must have a glass of champagne. La, brother, cried Indiana, if you bring any wine I can't bear to stay. Miss Marglen said the same, but he whistled and looked round him without answering. Mrs. Burlington, who, though she had thought his uncommonly fine person in excuse for his intrusion, thought nothing could excuse this ill-breeding. Proposed they should leave and sit still, ladies, said Mr. Westbin, and drink your tea in peace. Then turning to Linmyr, I wonder, he cried, you ain't ashamed of yourself. If you were a son of mine, I'll tell you what I'd lock you up. I'd serve you as I did when I carried you over to Leipzig eight years ago. I always hated Pert boys. I can't fancy them. Linmyr affecting not to inwardly firing, called violently after a waiter, and in mere futile vengeance not only gave an order for champagne but demanded some stilton cheese. Cheese, exclaimed Miss Marglen, if you order any cheese I can't so much as stay in the room. Think what a nauseous smell it will make. The man answered they had no stilton cheese in the house but the very best of every other sort. Linmyr, who had only given this command to show his defiance of control, seized with equal avidity the opportunity to abuse the waiter, affirming he belonged to the worst served hotel in Christendom. The man walked off in dudgeon, and Mr Westwin losing his anger in his astonishment at this effrontery, said and pray, Mr Linmyr, what do you pretend to know of stilton cheese? Do they make it at Leipzig? Did you ever so much as make it in your life? Oh, yes, excellent, excellentissimo, I can eat no other. Eat no other? It's well my hell don't say the same. I'd churn him to a cheese himself if he did, and pray, Mr Linmyr, be so good as to let me know how you got it there. Ways and means, sir, ways and means. Why did you not send across the sea for it? A travel man, sir, thinks no more of what you call across the sea, than you that live always over your own fires, I'd think of stepping across a kennel. Well, sir, well, said the old gentleman, now very much peaked. I can't say but I feel some concern for my old friend to have his money dosed about at such a ranty pool rate. A boy to be sending over out of Germany into England for stilton cheese. It had been hell with all my heart. I promise you I'd given him enough of it, if the least little thought of the kind was but once to have got in his head. I'd have taken my best open stick and have done him the good office to have helped it out for him, and have made him thank me after too. I hate daintiness, especially in boys. I have no great patience with it. Only more incensed Linmyr called aloud for his champagne. The waiter civilly told him it was not usual to bring wine during tea, but he persisted, and Mr Westwin, who saw the ladies all rising, authoritatively told the waiter to mine no such directions. Linmyr, who had entered the ballroom in his riding-dress, raised a switch at the man which he durst not raise at Mr Westwin, and protested in a threatening attitude, he would lay it across his shoulders if he obeyed not. The man justly provoked, thought himself authorized to snatch it from him. Clermont resisted, a fierce scuffle ensued, and though Henry, by immediate intervention, could have parted them, Mr Westwin insisted there should be no interference saying if anybody's helped, let it be the waiter, for he is here to do his duty. He don't come only to behave unmanually for his own pleasure, I see him hard run, it's odd but I lend him my own fist to write him, I like fair play. The female party in very serious alarm at this unpleasant scene rose to hurry away. Lord Valhurst was ambitious to suffice as guardian to both his fair charges, but Henry, when prohibited from stopping the fray, offered his services to Camilla who could not refuse them, and Mrs Burlington, active impatient, flew on foremost with more speed than his lordship could follow, or even keep in sight. Indiana was handed out by her new adorer, the young Baronet, and Eugenia was assisted by her new assailor, the young nobleman. Edgar who had hurried to Camilla at the first tumult was stung to the heart to see who handled her away, and forcing a passage followed till Henry, the envied Henry posited her in the carriage of Mrs Burlington. The confusion in the room, meanwhile, was not likely soon to decrease, for old Mr Westwind, delighted by this mortifying chastisement to Clermont, would permit neither mediation nor assistance on his side, saying with great glee, It will do him a great deal of good, my poor old friend will bless me for it. This is a better lesson than he got in all life-sick. I feel that a man's a man, and not take it into his head a persons to stand still to be switched, when he's doing his duty according to his calling. Switching a man is a bad thing, I can't say I like it, a gentleman should always use good words, and then a poor man's proud to serve him. Or, if he's insolent for nothing, he may trans him and welcome I have no objection. Mrs Margland, meanwhile, had not been remiss in what she esteemed a most capital feminine accomplishment. Screaming, though in its exercise she had failed of any success, since while her voice called remark, her countenance repelled its effect. Yet as she saw that not one lady of the group retreated unattended, she thought it a disgrace to seem the only female, who from internal courage or external neglect should retire alone. She therefore called upon Dr Orpon, conjuring in a shrill and pathetic voice, meant more for all who surrounded them for himself, that he would protect her. The doctor who had kept his place in defiance of all sort of inconvenience either to himself or to others, and who with some curiosity was viewing the combat, which he was mentally comparing with certain pugilistic games of old, was now for the first time in the evening receiving some little entertainment, and therefore composedly answered, I have a very good place here, ma'am, and I would rather not quit it till this scene is over. So you won't come then, doctor, cried she modulating into soft wine, the voice which raged not terror rendered tremulous. Dr Orpon who was anything rather than loquacious, having given one answer said no more. Miss Margland appealed to all present upon the indecorum of a lady being kept to witness such undercoming violence, and upon the unheard of inattention of the doctor, but assured certainly to be sure, ma'am, or it's very shocking indeed with a hasty decambent from her neighborhood was all of sympathy she procured. The entrance at length of the master of the house stopped the affray calling off the waiter. Clermond then, though wishing to extirpate old Westwin from the earth, and ready to eat his own flesh with fury at the double disgrace he endured affected a loud hello as if he had been contending for his amusement, and protesting Bob the waiter was a fine fellow went off with great apparent satisfaction. Now then at least, sir, cried Miss Margland after the doctor was still ruminating upon the late contest kept his seat. I suppose you'll condescend to take care of me to the coach. These modern clothes are very much in the way, said the doctor gravely, and give a bad effect to attitudes. He rose, however, but not knowing what to take care of a lady to a coach meant, stood resolutely still till she was forced in desperation alone. He then slowly followed keeping many paces behind notwithstanding her continually looking back, and when with a heavy sigh at her heart fate she got unassisted into the carriage where her young ladies were waiting. He tranquilly mounted after her tolerably reconciled to the loss of his evening by some new annotations he had suggested for his work relative to the games of antiquity. End of chapter 9 Read by Losch Rlander