Rank and Talent; A Novel, Vol. 1 (of 3)

by William Pitt Scargill

Isabella Featherstone observed his altered manner, and supposed that he was endeavouring to make amends for his abrupt and uncourteous manner of the preceding day. All the party, indeed, thought that a remarkable change had taken place in Mr. Martindale, but no one thought of attributing the change to any thing else than a little caprice. Isabella took great pains to show how ready she was to accept the practical apology, which she conceived was thus offered by the old gentleman. She talked therefore with more than her usual fluency, and exclaimed with more than usual rapture at every thing which could at all vindicate or allow of rapturous exclamation. The remains of antiquity, the works of modern art, the heathen temple or Christian church, were in their turns all complimented to the utmost of the young lady’s power of eloquence. Unmeaning compliments are inexhaustible; and well it is that they are so, or the great abundance and almost infinite variety which was drawn forth from Mr. Martindale’s portfolios would have puzzled and perplexed the flatterer. To all this commendatory language the old gentleman was silent; and the party, who could not but notice the fluency of Isabella’s compliments, began to tremble for her, thinking that the old gentleman was silently meditating some keen satirical retort; the usual coin in which such geniuses as he repay the volubility of superabundant compliment. But their fears and apprehensions were unfounded. The young lady continued unexhausted and unreproved.

To examine a very large collection of prints and drawings, especially when an interest is felt or affected, occupies no inconsiderable portion of time. So the morning was rapidly passing away, and might have been entirely consumed by this amusement, had it not been for an interruption which put a stop to their employment.

A servant announced that the Rev. Mr. Denver and another gentleman wished to speak with Mr. Martindale on particular business. The old gentleman was not best pleased with the interruption. Impatiently asking the servant into which room he had introduced the gentlemen, he immediately followed the man out of the apartment; and such was his haste, that he never thought to put out of his hand an engraving which he was just about to show to his party, but carried the print with him.

Mr. Denver introduced to Mr. Martindale with great parade Colonel Rivolta, whom he described as having recently made his escape from the continent, where he was exposed to persecution, if not to death, on account of his political opinions. The reverend gentleman then proceeded to state, that the Colonel had previously to his own arrival in England sent over his wife and daughter, whom he had committed to the care of Richard Smith; that with them he had also transmitted some property, which old Richard had invested for their use and benefit; that unfortunately the very first night of the Colonel’s arrival at Brigland, the cottage in which Richard Smith dwelt had been entered by the gipsey, of whom mention has been already made; that in consequence of that event the poor old man had been so seriously alarmed, that he had been totally unable to attend to any thing, and that he had died, leaving this poor foreigner in a strange land, not knowing how to proceed as to the recovery of his little property. Under these circumstances, Mr. Denver had taken the liberty of introducing the poor man to Mr. Martindale; knowing from the general benevolence of his disposition, and from his acquaintance with practical affairs, that he would be best able to counsel and assist the foreigner in his present difficulties.

This appeal to the vanity and virtues of the old gentleman compensated for the interruption which had taken him from his company. And, indeed, we must do Mr. Martindale the justice to acknowledge that there really was a considerable share of benevolent feeling in the constitution of his mind, though that benevolence was attended, as it not unfrequently happens, by a very competent share of conceit. He was indeed very happy in performing acts of kindness, and also very happy in enjoying the reputation of those acts. This is a failing which moralists ought to treat with much gentleness and consideration; for it does a great deal for those countless and useful institutions which are supported by voluntary contributions. Forgetting then the company which he had left, the old gentleman began to enter very freely and fully into the concerns of the foreigner, and to offer his best services to assist him in his difficulties. He soon found, however, upon inquiry, that there was not really so much difficulty as Mr. Denver had imagined or represented; and he was not altogether displeased at the opportunity thus afforded to him of ridiculing the clergyman for his ignorance of matters of business. It is indeed a sad fact, that so many of this order are quite ignorant of the affairs of common life in those points where they might often be of essential service to their parishioners. One should imagine that some little knowledge of this kind might be advantageously acquired even by the sacrifice, were it necessary, of some of that energy and time devoted to dactyls and spondees, or to hares and partridges. But we must take the world as we find it, and be thankful that it is no worse.

The information and direction which the stranger sought were soon communicated to him, and most thankfully received by him. He then was rising to take leave and repeat his grateful acknowledgments, when his eye was arrested by the print which Mr. Martindale held in his hand, and which he had unrolled while he was talking. As soon as the Colonel saw the picture, he recognised the scene which it represented, and uttered an ejaculation, indicative of surprise and pleasure. Mr. Martindale then, for the first time, observed the print, and noticed its subject: he also looked upon it with surprise, but not with pleasure; and then he asked the stranger if that scene were familiar to him. With very great emotion the Colonel replied:

“That scene brings to my recollection the happiest day of my life.”

For a few seconds the party were totally silent; for the clergyman and the foreigner were struck dumb with astonishment at the altered looks of the old gentleman, and were surprised to see him crushing the picture in both his hands. He then, as if with an effort of great resolution, exclaimed:

“And it brings to my recollection the most miserable day of my life.”

Mr. Denver was not used to emotions; he was quite perplexed what to do, whether he should sympathise or retire. He very wisely and very calmly begged Mr. Martindale not to be agitated. That was a very rational request; but, unfortunately, when persons are in a state of agitation, they are not in a condition to attend to rational requests. Colonel Rivolta was more accustomed to the sight and expression of strong emotions, and he did not make any rational request; but turning towards the old gentleman, with a look of kindness and sympathy, he said: