'Yes, he came while I was in John's room. He is not at all like what I expected.'
'No, ladies always expect a man to look like a hero or a brigand. She had just that round face, till the last when I saw her in London, and then she looked a dozen years older than John--enough to scare one.'
'See what he gave me.'
'Ha! was that hers? I remember, it was that my aunt kicked up such a dust about. So he has given you that.'
'Helen said she should like some one to have it who would find as much comfort in it as she did.'
'Comfort! What comfort do you want?'
'Only when I am foolish.'
'I should think so; and pray what is to be the comfort of a bit of coral like that?'
'Not the coral, but the thoughts, dear Arthur,' said Violet, colouring, and restoring the cross to its place within her dress.
'Well! you and John understand your own fancies, but I am glad you can enter into them with him, poor fellow! It cheers him up to have some one to mope with.'
CHAPTER 9
P. Henry.--But do you use me thus, Ned; must I marry your sister? Poins.--May the wench have no worse fortune, but I never said so. --K. Henry IV
Arthur met the new-comer, exclaiming, 'Ha! Fotheringham, you have not brought me the amber mouth-piece I desired John to tell you of.'
'Not I. I don't bring Turks' fashion into Christian countries. You ought to learn better manners now you are head of a family.'
Theodora entered, holding her head somewhat high, but there was a decided heightening of the glow on her cheek as Mr. Fotheringham shook hands with her. Lord Martindale gave him an affectionate welcome, and Lady Martindale, though frigid at first, grew interested as she asked about his journey.
The arriving guests met him with exclamations of gladness, as if he was an honour to the neighbourhood; and John had seldom looked more cheerful and more gratified than in watching his reception.
At length came the names for which Violet was watching; and the presence of Lady Elizabeth gave her a sense of motherly protection, as she was greeted with as much warmth as was possible for shy people in the midst of a large party. Emma eagerly presented her two friends to each other, and certainly they were a great contrast. Miss Marstone was sallow, with thin sharply-cut features, her eyes peered out from spectacles, her hair was disposed in the plainest manner, as well as her dress, which was anything but suited to a large dinner-party. Violet's first impulse was to be afraid of her, but to admire Emma for being attracted by worth through so much formidable singularity.
'And the dear little godson is grown to be a fine fellow,' began Emma.
'Not exactly that,' said Violet, 'but he is much improved, and so bright and clever.'
'You will let us see him after dinner?'
'I have been looking forward to it very much, but he will be asleep, and you won't see his pretty ways and his earnest dark eyes.'
'I long to see the sweet child,' said Miss Marstone. 'I dote on such darlings. I always see so much in their countenances. There is the germ of so much to be drawn out hereafter in those deep looks of thought.'
'My baby often looks very intent.'
'Intent on thoughts beyond our power to trace!' said Miss Marstone.
'Ah! I have often thought that we cannot fathom what may be passing in a baby's mind,' said Emma.
'With its fixed eyes unravelling its whole future destiny!' said Miss Marstone.
'Poor little creature!' murmured Violet.
'I am convinced that the whole course of life takes its colouring from some circumstance at the time unmarked.'
'It would frighten me to think so,' said Violet.
'For instance, I am convinced that a peculiar bias was given to my own disposition in consequence of not being understood by the nurse and aunt who petted my brother, while they neglected me. Perhaps I was not a prepossessing child, but I had deeper qualities which might have been drawn out, though, on the whole, I do not regret what threw me early on my own resources. It has made me what I am.'
Violet was rather surprised, but took it for granted that this was something admirable.
'Your dear little boy, no doubt, occupies much of your attention. Training and instruction are so important.'
'He is not five months old,' said Violet.
'You cannot begin too early to lead forward his mind. Well chosen engravings, properly selected toys, the habit of at once obeying, the choice of nursery songs, all are of much importance in forming these dear little lambs to the stern discipline of life.'
'You must have had a great deal to do with little children,' said Violet, impressed.
'Why, not much personally; but I believe Emma has sent you my little allegory of the 'Folded Lambs', where you will find my theories illustrated.'
'Yes, Emma gave it to me--it is very pretty,' said Violet, looking down. 'I am too stupid to understand it all, and I have been hoping for Emma to explain it to me.'
'Many people find it obscure, but I shall be delighted to assist you. I am sure you will find some of the ideas useful to you. What were your difficulties?'
It made Violet so very shy to be spoken to by an authoress in public about her own books, that she was confused out of all remembrance of the whole story of the 'Folded Lambs', and could only feel thankful that the announcement of dinner came to rescue her from her difficulties. She was not to escape authors; for Mr. Fotheringham took her in to dinner, Lady Martindale assigned Miss Brandon to John; but Arthur, with a droll look, stepped between and made prize of her, leaving John to Miss Marstone.
Violet trusted she was not likely to be examined in the 'Track of the Crusaders', of which, however, she comprehended far more than of the 'Folded Lambs'. Presently her neighbour turned to her, asking abruptly, 'Who is that next to Theodora?'
'Mr. Wingfield, the clergyman here.'
'I know. Is he attentive to the parish!'
'O yes, very much so.'
'Does Theodora take to parish work?'
'Indeed she does.'
'What, thoroughly?'
'She goes to school twice a week, besides Sundays, and has the farm children to teach every morning.'
'That's right.'
'And she is so kind to the children at the Lodge.'
'Let me see, they were afraid the boy was deaf and dumb.'
'Yes, he is, poor little fellow, and Theodora teaches him most successfully.'
'Well done! I knew the good would work out. How tall she is! and she looks as full of spirit as ever. She has had a season in London, I suppose!'
'Yes, she went out a great deal this spring.'
'And it has not spoilt her?'
'O no!' cried Violet, warmly, feeling as if she had known him all her life, 'she is more eager than ever in her parish work. She spares no trouble. She got up at four one morning to sit with old Betty Blain, that her daughter might get a little rest.'
'That head and brow are a fine study. She has grown up more striking than even I thought she would. Curious to see the difference between natural pride and assumed,' and he glanced from Theodora to her mother. 'How well Lady Martindale preserves! She always looks exactly the same. Who is that chattering in John's ear?
'Miss Marstone, a friend of Miss Brandon's.'
'What makes her go about such a figure?'
'She is very good.'
