Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 180: what you’re looking at

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

172 If I were to tell him that I found the box buried in the garden, he would not believe the tale; it would naturally strike him that no person having incurred the risk of a burglary for the sake of the treasure, would forthwith bury it in the garden of the very house where the deed was perpetrated. And then, too, he would ask me how I came to dig so as to discover it ?—whether it were the result of information received or of accident ? It would be necessary to devise a thousand falsehoods ; and the wilful telling thereof would be worse as well as more dangerous than the mere suppression of the fact that the box is recovered.’ Emily was only too glad to support the reason- ing of her lover, and to encourage him in the con- clusions to which he had just arrived. Fortunately for thei project none of the labourers on the estate and none of the domestics of Mount Pleasant had seen him passing along with the box on his shoulder ; and consequently he felt certain there was nothing to fear on this score. Gustavus now hastened up to his chamber with the box; and he once more secured it in the cupboard whence it had been ab- stracted. **T will take an early opportunity,’’ he said to himself, ‘‘of transmitting this treasure to England by some secret and secure means. But as for my own voyage thither—that is no longer to be thought of! It seems written in the book of destiny itself that I shall remain altogether here with my beloved and beauteous Emily !”” Though Gustavus had co positively proclaimed his conviction that Mr. Hargrave would say nothing upon the subject to Mr. Pinnock, yet he conld not prevent certain doubts and misgivings on the point from floating in his mind. He therefore resolved to see Mr. Hargrave as soon as possible, and to explain to him that he had consulted his happiness by pardoning Emily. The youth liked as little as possible the idea of having to confront the misanthrope with such a tale: but he saw that it was ab- solutely necessary, and he nerved himself to swallow the bitter pill. Accordingly, on the ensuing day—during those sultry hours when Emily was wont to re- main indoors—Gustavus proceeded to the sea- shore where on former occasions he had met the misanthrope. But Mr. Hargrave did not make his appear- ance ; and the youth, after vainly tarrying for some time, proceeded in the direction of the cottage. He found Mr. Hargrave at home, seated in the parlour where their interview of the pre- ceding day had taken place. He was employed in writing: but the instant Gustavus crossed the threshold of the little room, he threw down his pen and surveyed him with keenest atten- tion. . Indeed there was a certain mistrust immediately expressed in Mr. Hargrayve’s look; and this rapidly increased in proportion as young Barrington’s confusion became the more eyi- dent. **T did not expect to see you before to-morrow when the vessel takes its departure for England,”’ said the misanthrope. ** You will think me very foolish, sir,’’ faltered Gustavus, colouring deeply ; “*‘ but—but—I have changed my mind——” *© Oh,” said Mr. Harerave drily, ‘‘I have no / AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE, right to think upon the subject at all: and there | is no need why I should trouble myself with your — e | vacilliations.”’ é ‘Certainly not, Mr. Hargrave,’’ rejoined the youth, stammering and blushing still more than at | first. ‘“‘ But I thought—after everything thathad — taken place——”’ ‘** Now, the truth is,” exclaimed the misan- thrope, starting up from his seat, “‘you are a love-sick boy, and you have suffered yourself to be cajoled by Emily Pinnock’s wiles. Well, you are not the only one of your sex who has be- trayed this weakness. Woman is at the bottom of every mischief in the world; and how could I have hoped that you could prove yourself an exception illustrating strength and fortitude ? You are not a Samson; and therefore an Emily Pinnock, with considerably less than a Dalilah’s fascinations, could, I have no doubt, easily be- guile you.” There was an exceeding bitterness in Mr. Hargrave’s accents as well as in his language, though his tone was also coldly contemptuous. Gustavus smarted and writhed under the terrible infliction: he was full cf eonfusion—he knew not what to say. ‘* And so you have doubtless abandoned your intention to convey that gold to your aged grandsire who has been twenty-five years in prison, and to your cousin Winifred—the poor orphan who is heaven knows how friendless ! These were your own words—eh !—of two or three days ago ?”—and now the expression of the misanthrope’s countenance was both stern and contemptuous. **T will send them that gold!” exclaimed the youth, with difficulty keeping back the tears that started to the very brims of his eyes. ‘‘Oh! not for a single instant was I so selfish as to think of keeping it for myself! And if, Mr. Hargrave, you would only do me one last act of kindness—if yon yourself would favour me by sending the gold——’’ ‘““T?” ejaculated the misanthrope: ‘‘and why should I send it? But of course I can answer the question myself :’’—then gazing with stern steadiness upon the youth, he added, ‘* You have concealed from Mr. Pinnock the fact of the re- storation of this gold !”’ *“Yes—for Emily’s sake. Oh, I love her, Mr. Hargrave!—and if you only knew her better a ‘“*T know her well enough, judging from the influence which she seems’ to have acquired over you.” **You speak strongly, sir,’ said Gustavus, now becoming somewhat indignant at the tone adopted by Mr. Hargrave in respect to the well- beloved quadroon. ‘‘ But I hope and entreat that you will make to her father’s ears no _re- velation which may in any way prejudice that gentleman against her ?”’ **You may rest assured,’’ answered the misan- thrope, ‘‘ that I shall interfere no further in yeur affairs. Pursue your own course. I was a fool for attempting to influence it with a good pnr- pose. Years and years have elapsed since I took an interest in any human being; and thus, on the very first occasion that I take a forward step which I deem calculated to bring me nearer to my fellow-creatures, I am rudely hurled back again into the depth of cynicism, disappointment, and apathy.’’ ‘* For God’s sake do not believe that I am ungrateful!’’ cried Gustavus, infinitely pained by the bitter language of one whose friendship he had so much esteemed. Enough! Leave me!” ejaculated Mr. Har- LE COMME OOS xeon