It was not without hesitation that he took this step, having the natural reluctance to face Colonel Mannering, which fraud and villainy have to encounter honour and probity. But he had great confidence in his own savoir faire. His talents were naturally acute, and by no means confined to the line of his profession. He had at different times resided a good deal in England, and his address was free both from country rusticity and professional pedantry; so that he had considerable powers both of address and persuasion, joined to an unshaken effrontery, which he affected to disguise under plainness of manner. Confident, therefore, in himself, he appeared at Woodbourne about ten in the morning, and was admitted as a gentleman come to wait upon Miss Bertram.
He did not announce himself until he was at the door of the breakfast-parlour, when the servant, by his desire, said aloud--"Mr. Glossin, to wait upon Miss Bertram. "Lucy, remembering the last scene of her father's existence, turned as pale as death, and had well-nigh fallen from her chair. Julia Mannering flew to her assistance, and they left the room together. There remained Colonel Mannering, Charles Hazlewood, with his arm in a sling, and the Dominie, whose gaunt visage and wall-eyes assumed a most hostile aspect on recognising Glossin.
That honest gentleman, though somewhat abashed by the effect of his first introduction, advanced with confidence, and hoped he did not intrude upon the ladies. Colonel Mannering, in a very upright and stately manner, observed, that he did not know to what he was to impute the honour of a visit from Mr. Glossin.
"Hem! hem! I took the liberty to wait upon Miss Bertram, Colonel Mannering, on account of a matter of business.""If it can be communicated to Mr. Mac-Morlan, her agent, sir, Ibelieve it will be more agreeable to Miss Bertram.""I beg pardon, Colonel Mannering," said Glossin, making a wretched attempt at an easy demeanour; "you are a man of the world--there are some cases in which it is most prudent for all parties to treat with principals.""Then," replied Mannering, with a repulsive air, "if Mr. Glossin will take the trouble to state his object in a letter, I will answer that Miss Bertram pays proper attention to it.""Certainly," stammered Glossin; "but there are cases in which a viva voce conference--Hem! I perceive--I know--Colonel Mannering has adopted some prejudices which may make may visit appear intrusive, but I submit to his good sense, whether he ought to exclude me from a hearing without knowing the purpose of my visit, or of how much consequence it may be to the young lady whom he honours with his protection.""Certainly, sir, I have not the least intention to do so," replied the Colonel. "I will learn Miss Bertram's pleasure on the subject, and acquaint Mr. Glossin, if he can spare time to wait for her answer." So saying, he left the room.
Glossin had still remained standing in the midst of the apartment.
Colonel Mannering had made not the slightest motion to invite him to sit, and indeed had remained standing himself during their short interview. When he left the room, however, Glossin seized upon a chair, and threw himself into it with an air between embarrassment and effrontery. He felt the silence of his companions disconcerting and oppressive, and resolved to interrupt it.
"A fine day, Mr. Sampson." The Dominie answered with something between an acquiescent grunt and an indignant groan.
"You never come down to see your old acquaintance on the Ellangowan property, Mr. Sampson--You would find most of the old stagers still stationary there. I have too much respect for--the late family to disturb old residenters, even under pretence of improvement.
Besides, it's not my way--I don't like it--I believe, Mr. Sampson, Scripture particularly condemns those who oppress the poor--, and remove landmarks.""Or who devour the substance of orphans." subjoined the Dominie.
"Anathema, Maranatha!" So saying, he rose, shouldered the folio which he had been perusing, faced to the right about, and marched out of the room with the strides of a grenadier.
Mr. Glossin, no way disconcerted, or at least, feeling it necessary not to appear so, turned to young Hazlewood, who was apparently busy with the newspaper.--"Any news, sir?" Hazlewood raised his eyes, looked at him, and pushed the paper towards him, as if to a stranger in a coffee-house, then rose, and was about to leave the room. "I beg pardon, Mr. Hazlewood--but I can't help wishing you joy of getting so easily over that infernal accident."This was answered by a sort of inclination of the head as slight and stiff as could be imagined. Yet it encouraged our man of law to proceed. "I can promise You, Mr. Hazlewood, few people have taken the interest in that matter which I have done, both for the sake of the country, and on account of my particular respect for your family, which has so high a stake in it; indeed, so very high a stake, that, as Mr. Featherhead is turning old now, and as there's a talk, since his last stroke, of his taking the Chiltern Hundreds', it might be worth your while to look about you. I speak as a friend, Mr. Hazlewood, and as one who understands the roll;and if in going over it together--""I beg pardon, sir, but I have no views in which your assistance could be useful.""Oh very well--perhaps you are right--it's quite time enough, and Ilove to see a young gentleman cautious. But I was talking of your wound--I think I have got a clew to that business--I think Ihave--and if I don't bring the fellow to condign punishment!--""I beg your pardon, sir, once more; but your zeal outruns my wishes. I have every reason to think the wound was accidental--certainly it was not premeditated. Against ingratitude and premeditated treachery, should you find any one guilty of them, my resentment will be as warm as your own." This was Hazlewood's answer.
