Daniel Deronda
乔治.艾略特 George Eliot
CHAPTER XXV.
How trace the why and wherefore in a mind reduced to the barrenness ofa fastidious egoism, in which all direct desires are dulled, and havedwindled from motives into a vacillating expectation of motives: amind made up of moods, where a fitful impulse springs here and thereconspicuously rank amid the general weediness? 'Tis a condition apt tobefall a life too much at large, unmoulded by the pressure ofobligation. _Nam deteriores omnes sumus licentiae_, or, as a morefamiliar tongue might deliver it, _"As you like" is a bad finger-post._
Potentates make known their intentions and affect the funds at a smallexpense of words. So when Grandcourt, after learning that Gwendolen hadleft Leubronn, incidentally pronounced that resort of fashion a beastlyhole, worse than Baden, the remark was conclusive to Mr. Lush that hispatron intended straightway to return to Diplow. The execution was sure tobe slower than the intention, and, in fact, Grandcourt did loiter throughthe next day without giving any distinct orders about departure--perhapsbecause he discerned that Lush was expecting them: he lingered over histoilet, and certainly came down with a faded aspect of perfect distinctionwhich made fresh complexions and hands with the blood in them, seem signsof raw vulgarity; he lingered on the terrace, in the gambling-rooms, inthe reading-room, occupying himself in being indifferent to everybody andeverything around him. When he met Lady Mallinger, however, he took sometrouble--raised his hat, paused, and proved that he listened to herrecommendation of the waters by replying, "Yes; I heard somebody say howprovidential it was that there always happened to be springs at gamblingplaces."
"Oh, that was a joke," said innocent Lady Mallinger, misled byGrandcourt's languid seriousness, "in imitation of the old one about thetowns and the rivers, you know."
"Ah, perhaps," said Grandcourt, without change of expression. LadyMallinger thought this worth telling to Sir Hugo, who said, "Oh, my dear,he is not a fool. You must not suppose that he can't see a joke. He canplay his cards as well as most of us."
"He has never seemed to me a very sensible man," said Lady Mallinger, inexcuse of herself. She had a secret objection to meeting Grandcourt, whowas little else to her than a large living sign of what she felt to be herfailure as a wife--the not having presented Sir Hugo with a son. Herconstant reflection was that her husband might fairly regret his choice,and if he had not been very good might have treated her with someroughness in consequence, gentlemen naturally disliking to bedisappointed.
Deronda, too, had a recognition from Grandcourt, for which he was notgrateful, though he took care to return it with perfect civility. Noreasoning as to the foundations of custom could do away with the early-rooted feeling that his birth had been attended with injury for which hisfather was to blame; and seeing that but for this injury Grandcourt'sprospects might have been his, he was proudly resolute not to behave inany way that might be interpreted into irritation on that score. He saw avery easy descent into mean unreasoning rancor and triumph in others'frustration; and being determined not to go down that ugly pit, he turnedhis back on it, clinging to the kindlier affections within him as apossession. Pride certainly helped him well--the pride of not recognizinga disadvantage for one's self which vulgar minds are disposed toexaggerate, such as the shabby equipage of poverty: he would not have aman like Grandcourt suppose himself envied by him. But there is noguarding against interpretation. Grandcourt did believe that Deronda, poordevil, who he had no doubt was his cousin by the father's side, inwardlywinced under their mutual position; wherefore the presence of that lesslucky person was more agreeable to him than it would otherwise have been.An imaginary envy, the idea that others feel their comparative deficiency,is the ordinary _cortège_ of egoism; and his pet dogs were not the onlybeings that Grandcourt liked to feel his power over in making themjealous. Hence he was civil enough to exchange several words with Derondaon the terrace about the hunting round Diplow, and even said, "You hadbetter come over for a run or two when the season begins."
Lush, not displeased with delay, amused himself very well, partly ingossiping with Sir Hugo and in answering his questions about Grandcourt'saffairs so far as they might affect his willingness to part with hisinterest in Diplow. Also about Grandcourt's personal entanglements, thebaronet knew enough already for Lush to feel released from silence on asunny autumn day, when there was nothing more agreeable to do in loungingpromenades than to speak freely of a tyrannous patron behind his back. SirHugo willingly inclined his ear to a little good-humored scandal, which hewas fond of calling _traits de moeurs_; but he was strict in keeping suchcommunications from hearers who might take them too seriously. Whateverknowledge he had of his nephew's secrets, he had never spoken of it toDeronda, who considered Grandcourt a pale-blooded mortal, but was far fromwishing to hear how the red corpuscles had been washed out of him. It wasLush's policy and inclination to gratify everybody when he had no reasonto the contrary; and the baronet always treated him well, as one of thoseeasy-handled personages who, frequenting the society of gentlemen, withoutbeing exactly gentlemen themselves, can be the more serviceable, like thesecond-best articles of our wardrobe, which we use with a comfortablefreedom from anxiety.
sends him hither and thither in a network of possible.
"Well, you will let me know the turn of events," said Sir Hugo, "if thismarriage seems likely to come off after all, or if anything else happensto make the want of money pressing. My plan would be much better for himthan burdening Ryelands."
"That's true," said Lush, "only it must not be urged on him--just placedin his way that the scent may tickle him. Grandcourt is not a man to bealways led by what makes for his own interest; especially if you let himsee that it makes for your interest too. I'm attached to him, of course.I've given up everything else for the sake of keeping by him, and it haslasted a good fifteen years now. He would not easily get any one else tofill my place. He's a peculiar character, is Henleigh Grandcourt, and ithas been growing on him of late years. However, I'm of a constantdisposition, and I've been a sort of guardian to him since he was twenty;an uncommonly fascinating fellow he was then, to be sure--and could benow, if he liked. I'm attached to him; and it would be a good deal worsefor him if he missed me at his elbow."
Sir Hugo did not think it needful to express his sympathy or even assent,and perhaps Lush himself did not expect this sketch of his motives to betaken as exact. But how can a man avoid himself as a subject inconversation? And he must make some sort of decent toilet in words, as incloth and linen. Lush's listener was not severe: a member of Parliamentcould allow for the necessities of verbal toilet; and the dialogue went onwithout any change of mutual estimate.
However, Lush's easy prospect of indefinite procrastination was cut offthe next morning by Grandcourt's saluting him with the question--
"Are you making all the arrangements for our starting by the Paris train?"
"I didn't know you meant to start," said Lush, not exactly taken bysurprise.
"You might have known," said Grandcourt, looking at the burned length ofhis cigar, and speaking in that lowered tone which was usual with him whenhe meant to express disgust and be peremptory. "Just see to everything,will you? and mind no brute gets into the same carriage with us. And leavemy P. P. C. at the Mallingers."
In consequence they were at Paris the next day; but here Lush wasgratified by the proposal or command that he should go straight on toDiplow and see that everything was right, while Grandcourt and the valetremained behind; and it was not until several days later that Lushreceived the telegram ordering the carriage to the Wanchester station.
He had used the interim actively, not only in carrying out Grandcourt'sorders about the stud and household, but in learning all he could ofGwendolen, and how things were going on at Offendene. What was theprobable effect that the news of the family misfortunes would have onGrandcourt's fitful obstinacy he felt to be quite incalculable. So far asthe girl's poverty might be an argument that she would accept an offerfrom him now in spite of any previous coyness, it might remove that bitterobjection to risk a repulse which Lush divined to be one of Grandcourt'sdeterring motives; on the other hand, the certainty of acceptance was just"the sort of thing" to make him lapse hither and thither with no moreapparent will than a moth. Lush had had his patron under close observationfor many years, and knew him perhaps better than he knew any othersubject; but to know Grandcourt was to doubt what he would do in anyparticular case. It might happen that he would behave with an apparentmagnanimity, like the hero of a modern French drama, whose sudden startinto moral splendor after much lying and meanness, leaves you littleconfidence as to any part of his career that may follow the fall of thecurtain. Indeed, what attitude would have been more honorable for a finalscene than that of declining to seek an heiress for her money, anddetermining to marry the attractive girl who had none? But Lush had somegeneral certainties about Grandcourt, and one was that of all inwardmovements those of generosity were least likely to occur in him. Of whatuse, however, is a general certainty that an insect will not walk with hishead hindmost, when what you need to know is the play of inward stimulusthat sends him hither and thither in a network of possible paths? ThusLush was much at fault as to the probable issue between Grandcourt andGwendolen, when what he desired was a perfect confidence that they wouldnever be married. He would have consented willingly that Grandcourt shouldmarry an heiress, or that he should marry Mrs. Glasher: in the one matchthere would have been the immediate abundance that prospective heirshipcould not supply, in the other there would have been the security of thewife's gratitude, for Lush had always been Mrs. Glasher's friend; and thatthe future Mrs. Grandcourt should not be socially received could notaffect his private comfort. He would not have minded, either, that thereshould be no marriage in question at all; but he felt himself justified indoing his utmost to hinder a marriage with a girl who was likely to bringnothing but trouble to her husband--not to speak of annoyance if notultimate injury to her husband's old companion, whose future Mr. Lushearnestly wished to make as easy as possible, considering that he had welldeserved such compensation for leading a dog's life, though that of a dogwho enjoyed many tastes undisturbed, and who profited by a largeestablishment. He wished for himself what he felt to be good, and was notconscious of wishing harm to any one else; unless perhaps it were just nowa little harm to the inconvenient and impertinent Gwendolen. But theeasiest-humored of luxury and music, the toad-eater the least liable tonausea, must be expected to have his susceptibilities. And Mr. Lush wasaccustomed to be treated by the world in general as an apt, agreeablefellow: he had not made up his mind to be insulted by more than oneperson.
With this imperfect preparation of a war policy, Lush was awaitingGrandcourt's arrival, doing little more than wondering how the campaignwould begin. The first day Grandcourt was much occupied with the stables,and amongst other things he ordered a groom to put a side-saddle onCriterion and let him review the horse's paces. This marked indication ofpurpose set Lush on considering over again whether he should incur theticklish consequences of speaking first, while he was still sure that nocompromising step had been taken; and he rose the next morning almostresolved that if Grandcourt seemed in as good a humor as yesterday andentered at all into talk, he would let drop the interesting facts aboutGwendolen and her family, just to see how they would work, and to get someguidance. But Grandcourt did not enter into talk, and in answer to aquestion even about his own convenience, no fish could have maintained amore unwinking silence. After he had read his letters he gave variousorders to be executed or transmitted by Lush, and then thrust his shouldertoward that useful person, who accordingly rose to leave the room. Butbefore he was out of the door Grandcourt turned his head slightly and gavea broken, languid "Oh."
"What is it?" said Lush, who, it must have been observed, did not take hisdusty puddings with a respectful air.
carriage with us. And leavemy P. P. C. at the Mallingers?
"Shut the door, will you? I can't speak into the corridor."
Lush closed the door, came forward, and chose to sit down.
After a little pause Grandcourt said, "Is Miss Harleth at Offendene?" Hewas quite certain that Lush had made it his business to inquire about her,and he had some pleasure in thinking that Lush did not want _him_ toinquire.
"Well, I hardly know," said Lush, carelessly. "The family's utterly doneup. They and the Gascoignes too have lost all their money. It's owing tosome rascally banking business. The poor mother hasn't a _sou_, it seems.She and the girls have to huddle themselves into a little cottage like alaborer's."
"Don't lie to me, if you please," said Grandcourt, in his lowest audibletone. "It's not amusing, and it answers no other purpose."
"What do you mean?" said Lush, more nettled than was common with him--theprospect before him being more than commonly disturbing.
"Just tell me the truth, will you?"
"It's no invention of mine. I have heard the story from several--Bazley,Brackenshaw's man, for one. He is getting a new tenant for Offendene."
"I don't mean that. Is Miss Harleth there, or is she not?" saidGrandcourt, in his former tone.
"Upon my soul, I can't tell," said Lush, rather sulkily. "She may haveleft yesterday. I heard she had taken a situation as governess; she may begone to it for what I know. But if you wanted to see her no doubt themother would send for her back." This sneer slipped off his tongue withoutstrict intention.
"Send Hutchins to inquire whether she will be there tomorrow." Lush didnot move. Like many persons who have thought over beforehand what theyshall say in given cases, he was impelled by an unexpected irritation tosay some of those prearranged things before the cases were given.Grandcourt, in fact, was likely to get into a scrape so tremendous that itwas impossible to let him take the first step toward it withoutremonstrance. Lush retained enough caution to use a tone of rationalfriendliness, still he felt his own value to his patron, and was preparedto be daring.
"It would be as well for you to remember, Grandcourt, that you are comingunder closer fire now. There can be none of the ordinary flirting done,which may mean everything or nothing. You must make up your mind whetheryou wish to be accepted; and more than that, how you would like beingrefused. Either one or the other. You can't be philandering after heragain for six weeks."
Grandcourt said nothing, but pressed the newspaper down on his knees andbegan to light another cigar. Lush took this as a sign that he was willingto listen, and was the more bent on using the opportunity; he wanted, ifpossible, to find out which would be the more potent cause of hesitation--probable acceptance or probable refusal.
"Everything has a more serious look now than it had before. There is herfamily to be provided for. You could not let your wife's mother live inbeggary. It will be a confoundedly hampering affair. Marriage will pin youdown in a way you haven't been used to; and in point of money you have nottoo much elbow-room. And after all, what will you get by it? You aremaster over your estates, present or future, as far as choosing your heirgoes; it's a pity to go on encumbering them for a mere whim, which you mayrepent of in a twelvemonth. I should be sorry to see you making a mess ofyour life in that way. If there were anything solid to be gained by themarriage, that would be a different affair."
Lush's tone had gradually become more and more unctuous in itsfriendliness of remonstrance, and he was almost in danger of forgettingthat he was merely gambling in argument. When he left off, Grandcourt tookhis cigar out of his mouth, and looking steadily at the moist end while headjusted the leaf with his delicate finger-tips, said--
"I knew before that you had an objection to my marrying Miss Harleth."Here he made a little pause before he continued. "But I never consideredthat a reason against it."
"I never supposed you did," answered Lush, not unctuously but dryly. "Itwas not _that_ I urged as a reason. I should have thought it might havebeen a reason against it, after all your experience, that you would beacting like the hero of a ballad, and making yourself absurd--and all forwhat? You know you couldn't make up your mind before. It's impossible youcan care much about her. And as for the tricks she is likely to play, youmay judge of that from what you heard at Leubronn. However, what I wishedto point out to you was, that there can be no shilly-shally now."
"Perfectly," said Grandcourt, looking round at Lush and fixing him withnarrow eyes; "I don't intend that there should be. I dare say it'sdisagreeable to you. But if you suppose I care a damn for that you aremost stupendously mistaken."
"Oh, well," said Lush, rising with his hands in his pockets, and feelingsome latent venom still within him, "if you have made up your mind!--onlythere's another aspect of the affair. I have been speaking on thesupposition that it was absolutely certain she would accept you, and thatdestitution would have no choice. But I am not so sure that the young ladyis to be counted on. She is kittle cattle to shoe, I think. And she hadher reasons for running away before." Lush had moved a step or two till hestood nearly in front of Grandcourt, though at some distance from him. Hedid not feel himself much restrained by consequences, being aware that theonly strong hold he had on his present position was his serviceableness;and even after a quarrel the want of him was likely sooner or later torecur. He foresaw that Gwendolen would cause him to be ousted for a time,and his temper at this moment urged him to risk a quarrel.
"She had her reasons," he repeated more significantly.
"I had come to that conclusion before," said Grandcourt, with contemptuousirony.
"Yes, but I hardly think you know what her reasons were."
"You do, apparently," said Grandcourt, not betraying by so much as aneyelash that he cared for the reasons.
"Yes, and you had better know too, that you may judge of the influence youhave over her if she swallows her reasons and accepts you. For my own partI would take odds against it. She saw Lydia in Cardell Chase and heard thewhole story."
Grandcourt made no immediate answer, and only went on smoking. He was solong before he spoke that Lush moved about and looked out of the windows,unwilling to go away without seeing some effect of his daring move. He hadexpected that Grandcourt would tax him with having contrived the affair,since Mrs. Glasher was then living at Gadsmere, a hundred miles off, andhe was prepared to admit the fact: what he cared about was that Grandcourtshould be staggered by the sense that his intended advances must be madeto a girl who had that knowledge in her mind and had been scared by it. Atlength Grandcourt, seeing Lush turn toward him, looked at him again andsaid, contemptuously, "What follows?"
Here certainly was a "mate" in answer to Lush's "check:" and though hisexasperation with Grandcourt was perhaps stronger than it had ever beenbefore, it would have been idiocy to act as if any further move could beuseful. He gave a slight shrug with one shoulder, and was going to walkaway, when Grandcourt, turning on his seat toward the table, said, asquietly as if nothing had occurred, "Oblige me by pushing that pen andpaper here, will you?"
No thunderous, bullying superior could have exercised the imperious spellthat Grandcourt did. Why, instead of being obeyed, he had never been toldto go to a warmer place, was perhaps a mystery to those who foundthemselves obeying him. The pen and paper were pushed to him, and as hetook them he said, "Just wait for this letter."
He scrawled with ease, and the brief note was quickly addressed. "LetHutchins go with it at once, will you?" said Grandcourt, pushing theletter away from him.
As Lush had expected, it was addressed to Miss Harleth, Offendene. Whenhis irritation had cooled down he was glad there had been no explosivequarrel; but he felt sure that there was a notch made against him, andthat somehow or other he was intended to pay. It was also clear to himthat the immediate effect of his revelation had been to hardenGrandcourt's previous determination. But as to the particular movementsthat made this process in his baffling mind, Lush could only toss up hischin in despair of a theory.