Chapter 4
Till Jonouchi entered the drawing-room at Netherfield, and looked in vain for Mr. Pegasus among the cluster of red coats there assembled, a doubt of his being present had never occurred to him. The certainty of meeting him had not been checked by any of those recollections that might not unreasonably have alarmed him. He had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unsubdued of his heart, trusting that it was not more than might be won in the course of the evening. But in an instant arose the dreadful suspicion of his being purposely omitted for Mr. Kaiba's pleasure in the Mutous' invitation to the officers; and though this was not exactly the case, the absolute fact of his absence was pronounced by his friend Denny, to whom Mai eagerly applied, and who told them that Pegasus had been obliged to go to town on business the day before, and was not yet returned; adding, with a significant smile, "I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now, if he had not wanted to avoid a certain gentleman here."
This part of his intelligence, though unheard by Mai, was caught by Jonouchi, and, as it assured him that Kaiba was not less answerable for Pegasus's absence than if his first surmise had been just, every feeling of displeasure against the former was so sharpened by immediate disappointment, that he could hardly reply with tolerable civility to the polite inquiries which he directly afterwards approached to make. Attendance, forbearance, patience with Kaiba, was injury to Pegasus. He was resolved against any sort of conversation with him, and turned away with a degree of ill-humour which he could not wholly surmount even in speaking to Mr. Mutou, whose blind partiality provoked him.
But Jonouchi was not formed for ill-humour; and though every prospect of his own was destroyed for the evening, it could not dwell long on his spirits; and having told all his griefs to Tristian Honda, whom he had not seen for a week, he was soon able to make a voluntary transition to the oddities of his cousin, and to point him out to his particular notice. The first two dances, however, brought a return of distress; they were dances of mortification. Mr. Otogi, awkward and solemn, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave him all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment of his release from him was ecstasy.
He danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of talking of Pegasus, and of hearing that he was universally liked. When those dances were over, he returned to Tristan Taylor, and was in conversation with him, when he found himself suddenly addressed by Mr. Kaiba who took him so much by surprise in his application for his hand, that, without knowing what he did, he accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and he was left to fret over his own want of presence of mind; Tristian tried to console him:
"I dare say you will find him very agreeable."
"Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all! To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil."
When the dancing recommenced, however, and Kaiba approached to claim his hand, Tristian could not help cautioning him in a whisper, not to be a simpleton, and allow his fancy for Pegasus to make him appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man ten times his consequence. Jonouchi made no answer, and took his place in the set, amazed at the dignity to which he was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Kaiba, and reading in his neighbours' looks, their equal amazement in beholding it. They stood for some time without speaking a word; and he began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to his partner to oblige him to talk, he made some slight observation on the dance. He replied, and was again silent. After a pause of some minutes, he addressed him a second time with:—"It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Kaiba. I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some sort of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples."
He smiled, and assured him that whatever he wished him to say should be said.
"Very well. That reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and by I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. But now we may be silent."
"Do you talk by rule, then, while you are dancing?"
"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together; and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged, as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible."
"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?"
"Both," replied Jonouchi archly; "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb."
"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure," said he. "How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly."
"I must not decide on my own performance."
He made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone down the dance, when he asked him if he and his siblings did not very often walk to Meryton. He answered in the affirmative, and, unable to resist the temptation, added, "When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance."
The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, but he said not a word, and Jonouchi, though blaming himself for his own weakness, could not go on. At length Kaiba spoke, and in a constrained manner said, "Mr. Pegasus is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends—whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain."
"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship," replied Jonouchi with emphasis, "and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life."
Kaiba made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject. At that moment, Sir William Honda appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Mr. Kaiba, he stopped with a bow of superior courtesy to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.
"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Jono (glancing at his brother and Mutou) shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Kaiba:—but let me not interrupt you, sir. You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young man, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me."
The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Kaiba; but Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Yami and Yugi, who were dancing together. Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner, and said, "Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of."
"I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have interrupted two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot imagine."
"What think you of books?" said he, smiling.
"Books—oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings."
"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions."
"No—I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always full of something else."
"The present always occupies you in such scenes—does it?" said he, with a look of doubt.
"Yes, always," he replied, without knowing what he said, for his thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by him suddenly exclaiming, "I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Kaiba, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created."
"I am," said he, with a firm voice.
"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?"
"I hope not."
"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."
"May I ask to what these questions tend?"
"Merely to the illustration of your character," said he, endeavouring to shake off his gravity. "I am trying to make it out."
"And what is your success?"
He shook his head. "I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."
"I can readily believe," answered he gravely, "that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Sir Wheeler, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either."
"But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity."
"I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours," he coldly replied. He said no more, and they went down the other dance and parted in silence; and on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Kaiba's breast there was a tolerable powerful feeling towards him, which soon procured his pardon, and directed all his anger against another.
They had not long separated, when Marik came towards him, and with an expression of civil disdain accosted him:
"So, sir Jono, I hear you are quite delighted with Maximillion Pegasus! Your brother has been talking to me about him, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man quite forgot to tell you, among his other communication, that he was the son of old Pegasus, the late Mr. Kaiba's steward. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all his assertions; for as to Mr. Kaiba's using him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has always been remarkably kind to him, though George Pegasus has treated Mr. Kaiba in a most infamous manner. I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Mr. Kaiba is not in the least to blame, that he cannot bear to hear Maximillion Pegasus mentioned, and that though my brother thought that he could not well avoid including him in his invitation to the officers, he was excessively glad to find that he had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the country at all is a most insolent thing, indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, Sir Jono, for this discovery of your favourite's guilt; but really, considering his descent, one could not expect much better."
"His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same," said Jonouchi angrily; "for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Kaiba's steward, and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself."
"I beg your pardon," replied Marik, turning away with a sneer. "Excuse my interference—it was kindly meant."
"Insolent man!" said Jonouchi to himself. "You are much mistaken if you expect to influence me by such a paltry attack as this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the malice of Mr. Kaiba." He then sought his elder brother, who has undertaken to make inquiries on the same subject of Mutou. Yugi met him with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well he was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. Jonouchi instantly read his feelings, and at that moment solicitude for Pegasus, resentment against his enemies, and everything else, gave way before the hope of Yugi's being in the fairest way for happiness.
"I want to know," said he, with a countenance no less smiling than his brother's "what you have learnt about Mr. Pegasus. But perhaps you have been too pleasantly engaged to think of any third person; in which case you may be sure of my pardon."
"No," replied Yugi, "I have not forgotten him; but I have nothing satisfactory to tell you. Mr. Mutou does not know the whole of his history, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances which have principally offended Mr. Kaiba; but he will vouch for the good conduct, the probity, and honour of his friend, and is perfectly convinced that Mr. Pegasus has deserved much less attention from Mr. Kaiba than he has received; and I am sorry to say by his account as well as his brother's, Mr. Pegasus is by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. Kaiba's regard."
"Mr. Mutou does not know Mr. Pegasus himself?"
"No; he never saw him till the other morning at Meryton."
"This account then is what he has received from Mr. Kaiba. I am satisfied. But what does he say of the living?"
"He does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though he has heard them from Mr. Kaiba more than once, but he believes that it was left to him conditionally only."
"I have not a doubt of Mr. Mutou's sincerity," said Jonouchi warmly; "but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances only. Mr. Mutou's defense of his friend was a very able one, I dare say; but since he is unacquainted with several parts of the story, and has learnt the rest from that friend himself, I shall venture to still think of both gentlemen as I did before."
He then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Jonouchi listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which Yugi entertained of Mr. Mutou's regard, and said all in his power to heighten his confidence in it. On their being joined by Mr. Mutou himself, Jonouchi withdrew to Tristian Honda; to whose inquiry after the pleasantness of his last partner he had scarcely replied, before Mr. Otogi came up to them, and told him with great exultation that he had just been so fortunate as to make a most important discovery.
"I have found out," said he, "by a singular accident, that there is now in the room a near relation of my patroness. I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who does the honours of the house the names of his cousin Sir Ishtar, and of her mother Lady Ishizu. How wonderfully these sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with, perhaps, a nephew of Lady Ishizu Ishtar in this assembly! I am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology."
"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Kaiba!"
"Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Ishizu's nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se'nnight."
Jonouchi tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme, assuring him that Mr. Kaiba would consider his addressing him without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary there should be any notice on either side; and that if it were, it must belong to Mr. Kaiba, the superior in consequence, to begin the acquaintance. Mr. Otogi listened to him with the determined air of following his own inclination, and, when he ceased speaking, replied thus:
"My dear Jonouchi, I have the highest opinion in the world in your excellent judgement in all matters within the scope of your understanding; but permit me to say, that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom—provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young man like yourself." And with a low bow he left him to attack Mr. Kaiba, whose reception of his advances he eagerly watched, and whose astonishment at being so addressed was very evident. His cousin prefaced his speech with a solemn bow and though he could not hear a word of it, he felt as if hearing it all, and saw in the motion of his lips the words "apology," "Hunsford," and "Lady Ishizu Ishtar." It vexed him to see him expose himself to such a man. Mr. Kaiba was eyeing him with unrestrained wonder, and when at last Mr. Otogi allowed him time to speak, replied with an air of distant civility. Mr. Otogi, however, was not discouraged from speaking again, and Mr. Kaiba's contempt seemed abundantly increasing with the length of his second speech, and at the end of it he only made him a slight bow, and moved another way. Mr. Otogi then returned to Jonouchi.
"I have no reason, I assure you," said he, "to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Kaiba seemed much pleased with the attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Lady Ishizu's discernment as to be certain she could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with him."
As Jonouchi had no longer any interest of his own to pursue, he turned his attention almost entirely on his brother and Mr. Mutou; and the train of agreeable reflections which he observations gave birth to, made him perhaps almost as happy as Yugi. He saw him in idea settled in that very house, in all the felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow; and he felt capable, under such circumstances, of endeavouring even to like Mutou's two brothers. His mother's thoughts he plainly saw were bent the same way, and he determined not to venture near her, lest he might hear too much. When they sat down to supper, therefore, he considered it a most unlucky perverseness which placed them within one of each other; and deeply was he vexed to find that her mother was talking to that one person (Lady Honda) freely, openly, and of nothing else but her expectation that Yugi would soon be married to Mr. Mutou. It was an animating subject, and Mrs. Wheeler seemed incapable of fatigue while enumerating the advantages of the match. His being such a charming young man, and so rich, and living but three miles from them, were the first points of self-gratulation; and then it was such a comfort to think how fond the two brothers were of Yugi, and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much as she could do. It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her younger daughters and Jou, as Yugi's marrying so greatly must throw them in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of life to be able to consign her single children to the care of their brother, that she might not be obliged to go into company more than she liked. It was necessary to make this circumstance a matter of pleasure, because on such occasions it is the etiquette; but no one was less likely than Mrs. Wheeler to find comfort in staying home at any period of her life. She concluded with many good wishes that Lady Honda might soon be equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing there was no chance of it.
In vain did Jonouchi endeavour to check the rapidity of his mother's words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Kaiba, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.
"What is Mr. Kaiba to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear."
"For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. What advantage can it be for you to offend Mr. Kaiba? You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing!"
Nothing that he could say, however, had any influence. Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Jonouchi blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. He could not help frequently glancing his eye at Mr. Kaiba, though every glance convinced him of what he dreaded; for though he was not always looking at his mother, he was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed on him. The expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.
At length, however, Mrs. Wheeler had no more to say; and Lady Honda, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken. Jonouchi now began to revive. But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for, when supper was over, singing was talked of, and he had the mortification of seeing Anzu, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties, did she endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, but in vain; Anzu would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song. Jonouchi's eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations, and he watched her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Anzu, on receiving, amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another. Anzu's powers were by no means fitted for such a display; her voice was weak, and her manner affected. Jonouchi was in agonies. He looked at Yugi, to see how he bore it; but Yugi was very composedly talking to Mutou. He looked at his two younger sisters, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Kaiba, who continued, however, imperturbably grave. He looked at his father to entreat his interference, lest Anzu should be singing all night. He took the hint, and when Anzu had finished her second song, said aloud, "That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit."
Anzu, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; and Jonouchi, sorry for her, and sorry for her father's speech, was afraid his anxiety had done no good. Others of the party were now applied to.
"If I," said Mr. Otogi, "were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman. I do not mean, however, to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a parish has much to do. In the first place, he must make such an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to himself and not offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not think it of light importance that he should have attentive and conciliatory manners towards everybody, especially towards those to whom he owes his preferment. I cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of testifying his respect towards anybody connected with the family." And with a bow to Mr. Kaiba, he concluded his speech, which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room. Many stared—many smiled; but no one looked more amused than Mr. Wheeler himself, while his wife seriously commended Mr. Otogi for having spoken so sensibly, and observed in a half-whisper to Lady Honda, that he was a remarkably clever, good kind of young man.
To Jonouchi it appeared that, had his family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or finer success; and happy did he think it for Mutou and his brothers that some of the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that his feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which he must have witnessed. That his two brothers and Mr. Kaiba, however, should have such an opportunity of ridiculing his relations, was bad enough, and he could not determine whether the silent contempt of the gentleman, or the insolent smiles of the brothers, were more intolerable.
The rest of the evening brought him little amusement. He was teased by Mr. Otogi, who continued most perseveringly by his side, and though he could not prevail on him to dance with him again, put it out of his power to dance with others. In vain did he entreat him to stand up with somebody else, and offer to introduce him to any young lady or Hikari in the room. He assured him, that as to dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to it; that his chief object was by delicate attentions to recommend himself to him and that he should therefore make a point of remaining close to him the whole evening. There was no arguing upon such a project. He owed him greatest relief to his friend Tristian Honda, who often joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. Otogi's conversation to himself.
He was at least free from the offense of Mr. Kaiba's further notice; though often standing within a very short distance of him, quite disengaged, he never came near enough to speak. He felt it to be the probable consequence of his allusions to Mr. Pegasus, and rejoiced in it.
The Longbourn party were the last of all the company to depart, and, by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Wheeler, had to wait for their carriage a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Bakura and his brother scarcely opened their mouths, except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every attempt of Mrs. Wheeler at conversation, and by so doing threw a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long speeches of Mr. Otogi, who was complimenting Mr. Mutou and his brothers on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests. Kaiba said nothing at all. Mr. Wheeler, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Mutou and Yugi were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other. Jonouchi preserved as steady a silence as either Bakura or Marik; and even Mai was too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of "Lord, how tired I am!" accompanied by a violent yawn.
When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Wheeler was most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn, and addressed herself especially to Mr. Mutou, to assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Mutou was all grateful pleasure, and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her, after his return from London, whither he was obliged to go the next day for a short time.
Mrs. Wheeler was perfectly satisfied, and quitted the house under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding clothes, she should undoubtedly see her son settled at Netherfield in the course of three or four months. Of having another Hikari married to Mr. Otogi, she thought with equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Jonouchi was the least dear to her of all her children; and though the man and the match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each was eclipsed by Mr. Mutou and Netherfield.