the expedition of humphry clinker-第42章
按键盘上方向键 ← 或 → 可快速上下翻页,按键盘上的 Enter 键可回到本书目录页,按键盘上方向键 ↑ 可回到本页顶部!
————未阅读完?加入书签已便下次继续阅读!
not such a poor ignorant fellow as me; to hold dispute with
gentlemen of rank and learning As for the matter of knowledge; I
am no more than a beast in comparison of your honour; therefore I
submit; and; with God's grace; I will follow you to the world's
end; if you don't think me too far gone to be out of confinement'。
His master promised to keep him for some time longer on trial;
then desired to know in what manner lady Griskin and Mr Barton
came to join their religious society; he told him; that her
ladyship was the person who first carried my aunt and sister to
the Tabernacle; whither he attended them; and had his devotion
kindled by Mr W's preaching: that he was confirmed in this
new way; by the preacher's sermons; which he had bought and
studied with great attention: that his discourse and prayers had
brought over Mrs Jenkins and the house…maid to the same way of
thinking; but as for Mr Barton; he had never seen him at service
before this day; when he came in company with lady Griskin。
Humphry; moreover; owned that he had been encouraged to mount the
rostrum; by the example and success of a weaver; who was much
followed as a powerful minister: that on his first trial he found
himself under such strong impulsions; as made him believe he was
certainly moved by the spirit; and that he had assisted in lady
Griskin's; and several private houses; at exercises of devotion。
Mr Bramble was no sooner informed; that her ladyship had acted as
the primum mobile of this confederacy; than he concluded she had
only made use of Clinker as a tool; subservient to the execution
of some design; to the true secret of which he was an utter
stranger He observed; that her ladyship's brain was a perfect
mill for projects; and that she and Tabby had certainly engaged
in some secret treaty; the nature of which he could not
comprehend。 I told him I thought it was no difficult matter to
perceive the drift of Mrs Tabitha; which was to ensnare the heart
of Barton; and that in all likelihood my lady Griskin acted as
her auxiliary: that this supposition would account for their
endeavours to convert him to methodism; an event which would
occasion a connexion of souls that might be easily improved into
a matrimonial union。
My uncle seemed to be much diverted by the thoughts of this
Scheme's succeeding; but I gave him to understand; that Barton
was pre…engaged: that he had the day before made a present of an
etuis to Liddy; which her aunt had obliged her to receive; with a
view; no doubt; to countenance her own accepting of a snuff…box
at the same time; that my sister having made me acquainted with
this incident; I had desired an explanation of Mr Barton; who
declared his intentions were honourable; and expressed his hope
that I would have no objections to his alliance; that I had
thanked him for the honour he intended our family; but told
him; it would be necessary to consult her uncle and aunt; who
were her guardians; and their approbation being obtained; I
could have no objection to his proposal; though I was persuaded
that no violence would be offered to my sister's inclinations; in
a transaction that so nearly interested the happiness of her
future life: that he had assured me; he should never think of
availing himself of a guardian's authority; unless he could
render his addresses agreeable to the young lady herself; and
that he would immediately demand permission of Mr and Mrs
Bramble; to make Liddy a tender of his hand and fortune。
The squire was not insensible to the advantages of such a match;
and declared he would promote it with all his influence; but when
I took notice that there seemed to be an aversion on the side of
Liddy; he said he would sound her on the subject; and if her
reluctance was such as would not be easily overcome; he would
civilly decline the proposal of Mr Barton; for he thought that;
in the choice of a husband a young woman ought not to sacrifice
the feelings of her heart for any consideration upon earth
'Liddy is not so desperate (said he) as to worship fortune at
such an expence。'
I take it for granted; this whole affair will end in smoke;
though there seems to be a storm brewing in the quarter of Mrs
Tabby; who sat with all the sullen dignity of silence at dinner;
seemingly pregnant with complaint and expostulation。 As she had
certainly marked Barton for her own prey; she cannot possibly
favour his suit to Liddy; and therefore I expect something
extraordinary will attend his declaring himself my sister's
admirer。 This declaration will certainly be made in form; as soon
as the lover can pick up resolution enough to stand the brunt of
Mrs Tabby's disappointment; for he is; without doubt; aware of
her designs upon his person The particulars of the denouement
you shall know in due season: mean while I am
Always yours;
J。 MELFORD
LONDON; June 10。
To Dr LEWIS。
DEAR LEWIS;
The deceitful calm was of short duration。 I am plunged again in a
sea of vexation; and the complaints in my stomach and bowels are
returned; so that I suppose I shall be disabled from prosecuting
the excursion I had planned What the devil had I to do; to come
a plague hunting with a leash of females in my train? Yesterday
my precious sister (who; by the bye; has been for some time a
professed methodist) came into my apartment; attended by Mr
Barton; and desired an audience with a very stately air 'Brother
(said she); this gentleman has something to propose; which I
flatter myself will be the more acceptable; as it will rid you of
a troublesome companion。' Then Mr Barton proceeded to this effect
'I am; indeed; extremely ambitious of being allied to your
family; Mr Bramble; and I hope you will see no cause to interpose
your authority。' 'As for authority (said Tabby; interrupting him
with some warmth); I know of none that he has a right to use on
this occasion If I pay him the compliment of making him
acquainted with the step I intend to take; it is all he can
expect in reason This is as much as I believe he would do by me;
if he intended to change his own situation in life In a word;
brother; I am so sensible of Mr Barton's extra ordinary merit;
that I have been prevailed upon to alter my resolution of living
a single life; and to put my happiness in his hands; by vesting
him with a legal title to my person and fortune; such as they
are。 The business at present; is to have the writings drawn; and
I shall be obliged to you; if you will recommend a lawyer to me
for that purpose'
You may guess what an effect this overture had upon me; who; from
the information of my nephew; expected that Barton was to make a
formal declaration of his passion for Liddy; I could not help
gazing in silent astonishment; alternately at Tabby; and her
supposed admirer; who last hung his head in the most aukward
confusion for a few minutes; and then retired on pretence of
being suddenly seized with a vertigo Mrs Tabitha affected much
concern; and would have had him make use of a bed in the house;
but he insisted upon going home; that he might have recourse of
some drops; which he kept for such emergencies; and his
innamorata acquiesced In the mean time I was exceedingly puzzled
at this adventure (though I suspected the truth) and did not know
in what manner to demean myself towards Mrs Tabitha; when Jery
came in and told me; he had just seen Mr Barton alight from his
chariot at lady Griskin's door This incident seemed to threaten
a visit from her ladyship; with which we were honoured
accordingly; in less than half an hour 'I find (said she) there
has been a match of cross purposes among you good folks; and I'm
come to set you to rights' So saying; she presented me with the
following billet
'DEAR SIR;
I no sooner recollected myself from the extreme confusion I was
thrown into; by that unlucky mistake of your sister; than I
thought it my duty to assure you; that my devoirs to Mrs Bramble
never exceeded the bounds of ordinary civility; and that my heart
is unalterably fixed upon Miss Liddy Melford; as I had the honour
to declare to her brother; when he questioned me upon that
subject Lady Griskin has been so good as to char