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April’s Message
by
But Lord Brudenel had drawn himself erect, stiffly. “I am to understand, then, from this farrago, that on account of the–um–a–incident we have just witnessed you decline to marry my daughter?”
“I would sooner cut off my right hand,” said the Duke, “for I am fonder of Marian than I am of any other living creature.”
“Oh, very well!” the Earl conceded, sulkily. “Umfraville wants her. He is only a marquis, of course, but so far as money is concerned, I believe he is a thought better off than you. I would have preferred you as a son-in-law, you understand, but since you withdraw–why, then, let it be Umfraville.”
Now the Duke looked up into his face for some while. “You would do that! You would sell Marian to Umfraville–[Footnote: “Whose entrance blushing Satan did deny Lest hell be thought no better than a sty.”] to a person who unites the continence of a partridge with the graces of a Berkshire hog–to that lean whoremonger, to that disease-rotted goat! Because he has the money! Why, Harry, what a car you are!”
Lord Brudenel bowed, “My Lord Duke, you are to-day my guest. I apprehend you will presently be leaving Halvergate, however, and as soon–as that regrettable event takes place, I shall see to it a friend wait upon you with the length of my sword. Meanwhile I venture to reserve the privilege of managing my family affairs at my own discretion.”
“I do not fight with hucksters,” the Duke flung at him, “and you are one. Oh, you peddler! Can you not understand that I am trying to buy your daughter’s happiness?”
“I intend that my daughter shall make a suitable match,” replied the Earl, stubbornly, “and she shall. If Marian is a sensible girl–and, barring to-day, I have always esteemed her such,–she will find happiness in obeying her father’s mandates: otherwise–” He waved the improbable contingency aside.
“Sensible! Faith, can you not see, even now, that to be sensible is not the highest wisdom? You and I are sensible as the world goes,–and in God’s name, what good does it do us? Here we sit, two miserable and empty-veined old men squabbling across a deal-table, breaking up a friendship of thirty years. And yonder Marian and this Humphrey Degge–who are within a measurable distance of insanity, if their conversation be the touchstone,–yet tread the pinnacles of some seventh heaven of happiness. April has brought them love, Harry. Oh, I concede their love is folly! But it is all folly, Harry Heleigh. Purses, titles, blue ribbons, and the envy of our fellows are the toys which we struggle for, we sensible men; and in the end we find them only toys, and, gaining them, we gain only weariness. And love, too, is a toy; but, gaining love, we gain, at least, a temporary happiness. There is the difference, Harry Heleigh.”
“Oh, have done with your, balderdash!” said Lord Brudenel. He spoke irritably, for he knew his position to be guaranteed by common-sense, and his slow wrath was kindling at opposition.
His Grace of Ormskirk rose to his feet, all tension. In the act his hand struck against the open despatch-box; afterward, with a swift alteration of countenance, he overturned this box and scattered the contents about the table. For a moment he seemed to forget Lord Brudenel; quite without warning Ormskirk flared into rage.
“Harry Heleigh, Harry Heleigh!” he cried, as he strode across the terrace, and caught Lord Brudenel roughly by the shoulder, “are you not content to go to your grave without killing another woman? Oh, you dotard miser!–you haberdasher!–haven’t I offered you money, an isn’t money the only thing you are now capable of caring for? Give the girl to Degge, you huckster!”
Lord Brudenel broke from the Duke’s grasp. Brudenel was asplutter with anger. “I will see you damned first. You offer money,–I fling the money in your fat face. Look you, you have just insulted, me, and now you offer–money! Another insult. John Bulmer, I would not accept an affront like this from an archangel. You are my guest, but I am only flesh and blood. I swear to you this is the most deliberate act of my life.” Lord Brudenel struck him full upon the cheek.