Finally came the parting with Miss Amelia, over which picture I intend to throw a veil. But after a scene in which one person was in earnest and the other a perfect performer--after the tenderest caresses, the most pathetic tears, the smelling-bottle, and some of the very best feelings of the heart, had been called into requisition--Rebecca and Amelia parted, the former vowing to love her friend for ever and ever and ever.

Finally came the parting with Amelia, a scene in which one person was in earnest and the other a perfect performer. After the tenderest caresses and the most pathetic tears, Rebecca and Amelia parted, the former vowing to love her friend for ever and ever and ever.


Our old friends the Crawleys' family house, in Great Gaunt Street, still bore over its front the hatchment which had been placed there as a token of mourning for Sir Pitt Crawley's demise, yet this heraldic emblem was in itself a very splendid and gaudy piece of furniture, and all the rest of the mansion became more brilliant than it had ever been during the late baronet's reign.

The Crawleys' house, in Great Gaunt Street, became more brilliant than it had ever been during the late baronet's reign.


The black outer-coating of the bricks was removed, and they appeared with a cheerful, blushing face streaked with white: the old bronze lions of the knocker were gilt handsomely, the railings painted, and the dismallest house in Great Gaunt Street became the smartest in the whole quarter, before the green leaves in Hampshire had replaced those yellowing ones which were on the trees in Queen's Crawley Avenue when old Sir Pitt Crawley passed under them for the last time.

The black outer coating of the bricks was removed, to reveal a cheerful, blushing face: the old bronze lions of the knocker were gilded, the railings painted, and the house became the smartest in the area.


A little woman, with a carriage to correspond, was perpetually seen about this mansion; an elderly spinster, accompanied by a little boy, also might be remarked coming thither daily.

A little woman with a carriage was perpetually seen about this mansion; an elderly spinster and a boy also might be observed daily.


It was Miss Briggs and little Rawdon, whose business it was to see to the inward renovation of Sir Pitt's house, to superintend the female band engaged in stitching the blinds and hangings, to poke and rummage in the drawers and cupboards crammed with the dirty relics and congregated trumperies of a couple of generations of Lady Crawleys, and to take inventories of the china, the glass, and other properties in the closets and store-rooms.

It was Miss Briggs and little Rawdon, there to see to the renovation of Sir Pitt's house: to superintend the stitching of blinds and hangings, to rummage in cupboards crammed with dirty relics, and take inventories of china and glass.


Mrs. Rawdon Crawley was general-in-chief over these arrangements, with full orders from Sir Pitt to sell, barter, confiscate, or purchase furniture, and she enjoyed herself not a little in an occupation which gave full scope to her taste and ingenuity.

Mrs. Rawdon Crawley was managing these arrangements, with orders from Sir Pitt to sell or buy furniture; and she enjoyed herself in this occupation.


The renovation of the house was determined upon when Sir Pitt came to town in November to see his lawyers, and when he passed nearly a week in Curzon Street, under the roof of his affectionate brother and sister.

Sir Pitt had decided to renovate the house when he came to town to see his lawyers.


He had put up at an hotel at first, but, Becky, as soon as she heard of the Baronet's arrival, went off alone to greet him, and returned in an hour to Curzon Street with Sir Pitt in the carriage by her side.

He put up at a hotel at first, but Becky, when she heard of his arrival, went off to greet him, and returned to Curzon Street with Sir Pitt in the carriage by her side.


It was impossible sometimes to resist this artless little creature's hospitalities, so kindly were they pressed, so frankly and amiably offered.

It was impossible sometimes to resist this artless little creature's hospitalities, offered so kindly and frankly.


Becky seized Pitt's hand in a transport of gratitude when he agreed to come.

Becky seized Pitt's hand in gratitude when he agreed to stay.


"Thank you," she said, squeezing it and looking into the Baronet's eyes, who blushed a good deal; "how happy this will make Rawdon!"

"Thank you," she said, squeezing it and gazing at the Baronet, who blushed; "how happy this will make Rawdon!"


She bustled up to Pitt's bedroom, leading on the servants, who were carrying his trunks thither.


She came in herself laughing, with a coal-scuttle out of her own room.


A fire was blazing already in Sir Pitt's apartment (it was Miss Briggs's room, by the way, who was sent upstairs to sleep with the maid).

At her house, a fire was blazing already in Sir Pitt's apartment (it was Miss Briggs's room; she was sent upstairs to sleep with the maid).


"I knew I should bring you," she said with pleasure beaming in her glance.


Indeed, she was really sincerely happy at having him for a guest.

Becky was sincerely happy at having him for a guest.


Becky made Rawdon dine out once or twice on business, while Pitt stayed with them, and the Baronet passed the happy evening alone with her and Briggs.

She made Rawdon dine out once or twice on business, so that Pitt passed the happy evening alone with her and Briggs.


She went downstairs to the kitchen and actually cooked little dishes for him.

She actually cooked little dishes for him in the kitchen.


I can make you better dishes than that, and will when you come to see me."


"Everything you do, you do well," said the Baronet gallantly.


"A poor man's wife," Rebecca replied gaily, "must make herself useful, you know"; on which her brother-in-law vowed that "she was fit to be the wife of an Emperor, and that to be skilful in domestic duties was surely one of the most charming of woman's qualities."

"A poor man's wife must make herself useful," Rebecca replied gaily.
Her brother-in-law vowed that "skill in domestic duties was surely one of the most charming of woman's qualities."


And Sir Pitt thought, with something like mortification, of Lady Jane at home, and of a certain pie which she had insisted on making, and serving to him at dinner--a most abominable pie.

And Sir Pitt thought, with mortification, of a certain pie which Lady Jane had insisted on baking for him - a most abominable pie.


Besides the salmi, which was made of Lord Steyne's pheasants from his lordship's cottage of Stillbrook, Becky gave her brother-in-law a bottle of white wine, some that Rawdon had brought with him from France, and had picked up for nothing, the little story-teller said; whereas the liquor was, in truth, some White Hermitage from the Marquis of Steyne's famous cellars, which brought fire into the Baronet's pallid cheeks and a glow into his feeble frame.

Besides the casserole, which was made of Lord Steyne's pheasants, Becky gave her brother-in-law a bottle of white wine; some that Rawdon had brought from France, and had picked up for nothing, the little story-teller said. In truth, it was White Hermitage from the Marquis of Steyne's famous cellars, which brought a glow into the Baronet's pallid cheeks.


Then when he had drunk up the bottle of petit vin blanc, she gave him her hand, and took him up to the drawing-room, and made him snug on the sofa by the fire, and let him talk as she listened with the tenderest kindly interest, sitting by him, and hemming a shirt for her dear little boy.

Then she gave him her hand, and took him to the drawing-room, and made him snug on the sofa by the fire, and let him talk as she listened with the tenderest interest, sitting by him, and hemming a shirt for her dear little boy.


Whenever Mrs. Rawdon wished to be particularly humble and virtuous, this little shirt used to come out of her work-box.


It had got to be too small for Rawdon long before it was finished.

It was too small for Rawdon long before it was finished.


Well, Rebecca listened to Pitt, she talked to him, she sang to him, she coaxed him, and cuddled him, so that he found himself more and more glad every day to get back from the lawyer's at Gray's Inn, to the blazing fire in Curzon Street--a gladness in which the men of law likewise participated, for Pitt's harangues were of the longest--and so that when he went away he felt quite a pang at departing.

Well, Rebecca listened to Pitt, she talked to him, she sang to him, she coaxed and coddled him, so that he found himself more glad every day to get back from the lawyer's to the blazing fire in Curzon Street, and when he went away he felt a pang.


How pretty she looked kissing her hand to him from the carriage and waving her handkerchief when he had taken his place in the mail!

How pretty she looked kissing her hand to him when he had taken his place in the mail-coach!


She put the handkerchief to her eyes once.


He pulled his sealskin cap over his, as the coach drove away, and, sinking back, he thought to himself how she respected him and how he deserved it, and how Rawdon was a foolish dull fellow who didn't half appreciate his wife; and how mum and stupid his own wife was compared to that brilliant little Becky.

As the coach drove away, Pitt, sinking back, thought to himself how she respected him and how he deserved it, and how Rawdon was a foolish dull fellow who didn't appreciate his wife; and how mute and stupid his own wife was compared to that brilliant little Becky.


Becky had hinted every one of these things herself, perhaps, but so delicately and gently that you hardly knew when or where.

Becky had hinted every one of these things herself, but so delicately that you hardly knew where.


And, before they parted, it was agreed that the house in London should be redecorated for the next season, and that the brothers' families should meet again in the country at Christmas.

Before they parted, it was agreed that the house in London should be redecorated, and that the families should meet again in the country at Christmas.


"I wish you could have got a little money out of him," Rawdon said to his wife moodily when the Baronet was gone.

"I wish you could have got some money out of him," Rawdon said to his wife moodily when the Baronet was gone.


"I should like to give something to old Raggles, hanged if I shouldn't.

"I should like to give something to old Raggles.


It ain't right, you know, that the old fellow should be kept out of all his money.


It may be inconvenient, and he might let to somebody else besides us, you know."

He might let to somebody else, you know."


"Tell him," said Becky, "that as soon as Sir Pitt's affairs are settled, everybody will be paid, and give him a little something on account.

"Tell him," said Becky, "that as soon as Sir Pitt's affairs are settled, everybody will be paid, and give him a little something meanwhile.


Here's a cheque that Pitt left for the boy," and she took from her bag and gave her husband a paper which his brother had handed over to her, on behalf of the little son and heir of the younger branch of the Crawleys.

Here's a cheque that Pitt left for the boy." She gave it to her husband.


The truth is, she had tried personally the ground on which her husband expressed a wish that she should venture--tried it ever so delicately, and found it unsafe.

The truth is, she had tried the ground about money - tried it ever so delicately, and found it unsafe.


Even at a hint about embarrassments, Sir Pitt Crawley was off and alarmed.


And he began a long speech, explaining how straitened he himself was in money matters; how the tenants would not pay; how his father's affairs, and the expenses attendant upon the demise of the old gentleman, had involved him; how he wanted to pay off incumbrances; and how the bankers and agents were overdrawn; and Pitt Crawley ended by making a compromise with his sister-in-law and giving her a very small sum for the benefit of her little boy.

He began a long speech, explaining how short of money he was himself; how the tenants would not pay, and his father's death had caused him great expenses, and the bankers and agents were overdrawn. He ended by making a compromise and giving Becky a very small sum for her little boy.


Pitt knew how poor his brother and his brother's family must be.

Pitt knew how poor his brother's family must be.


It could not have escaped the notice of such a cool and experienced old diplomatist that Rawdon's family had nothing to live upon, and that houses and carriages are not to be kept for nothing.

It could not have escaped his notice that they had nothing to live upon.


He knew very well that he was the proprietor or appropriator of the money, which, according to all proper calculation, ought to have fallen to his younger brother, and he had, we may be sure, some secret pangs of remorse within him, which warned him that he ought to perform some act of justice, or, let us say, compensation, towards these disappointed relations.

He knew very well that he had the money which properly ought to have gone to Rawdon, and he felt, we may be sure, some secret pangs of remorse, which warned him that he ought to perform some act of compensation towards these disappointed relations.


A just, decent man, not without brains, who said his prayers, and knew his catechism, and did his duty outwardly through life, he could not be otherwise than aware that something was due to his brother at his hands, and that morally he was Rawdon's debtor.

As a decent, clever man, who said his prayers, and did his duty outwardly through life, he was aware that something was due to his brother.


But, as one reads in the columns of the Times newspaper every now and then, queer announcements from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, acknowledging the receipt of 50 pounds from A.


B., or 10 pounds from W. T., as conscience-money, on account of taxes due by the said A.


B. or W. T., which payments the penitents beg the Right Honourable gentleman to acknowledge through the medium of the public press--so is the Chancellor no doubt, and the reader likewise, always perfectly sure that the above-named A.


B. and W. T. are only paying a very small instalment of what they really owe, and that the man who sends up a twenty-pound note has very likely hundreds or thousands more for which he ought to account.


Such, at least, are my feelings, when I see A.


B. or W. T.'s insufficient acts of repentance.


And I have no doubt that Pitt Crawley's contrition, or kindness if you will, towards his younger brother, by whom he had so much profited, was only a very small dividend upon the capital sum in which he was indebted to Rawdon.


Not everybody is willing to pay even so much.


To part with money is a sacrifice beyond almost all men endowed with a sense of order.

However, to part with money is a sacrifice beyond almost all men who have a sense of order.


There is scarcely any man alive who does not think himself meritorious for giving his neighbour five pounds.


Thriftless gives, not from a beneficent pleasure in giving, but from a lazy delight in spending.


He would not deny himself one enjoyment; not his opera-stall, not his horse, not his dinner, not even the pleasure of giving Lazarus the five pounds.


Thrifty, who is good, wise, just, and owes no man a penny, turns from a beggar, haggles with a hackney-coachman, or denies a poor relation, and I doubt which is the most selfish of the two.


Money has only a different value in the eyes of each.


So, in a word, Pitt Crawley thought he would do something for his brother, and then thought that he would think about it some other time.

So Pitt Crawley thought he would do something for his brother, and then thought that he would think about it some other time.


And with regard to Becky, she was not a woman who expected too much from the generosity of her neighbours, and so was quite content with all that Pitt Crawley had done for her.

As for Becky, she did not expect too much, and so was content with all that Pitt had done for her.


She was acknowledged by the head of the family.


If Pitt would not give her anything, he would get something for her some day.


If she got no money from her brother-in-law, she got what was as good as money--credit.

If she got no money from her brother-in-law, she got credit.


Raggles was made rather easy in his mind by the spectacle of the union between the brothers, by a small payment on the spot, and by the promise of a much larger sum speedily to be assigned to him.

Raggles was made easy in his mind by the reunion between the brothers, by a small payment on the spot, and the promise of a much larger sum to follow.


And Rebecca told Miss Briggs, whose Christmas dividend upon the little sum lent by her Becky paid with an air of candid joy, and as if her exchequer was brimming over with gold--Rebecca, we say, told Miss Briggs, in strict confidence that she had conferred with Sir Pitt, who was famous as a financier, on Briggs's special behalf, as to the most profitable investment of Miss B.

And Rebecca told Miss Briggs in strict confidence that she had conferred with Sir Pitt, who was famous as a financier, on Briggs's special behalf, as to the best investment of Miss B.


's remaining capital; that Sir Pitt, after much consideration, had thought of a most safe and advantageous way in which Briggs could lay out her money; that, being especially interested in her as an attached friend of the late Miss Crawley, and of the whole family, and that long before he left town, he had recommended that she should be ready with the money at a moment's notice, so as to purchase at the most favourable opportunity the shares which Sir Pitt had in his eye.

's remaining capital; that Sir Pitt had thought of a most safe and advantageous way in which Briggs could lay out her money, and recommended that she should have the money ready at a moment's notice to buy the shares which Sir Pitt advised.


Poor Miss Briggs was very grateful for this mark of Sir Pitt's attention--it came so unsolicited, she said, for she never should have thought of removing the money from the funds--and the delicacy enhanced the kindness of the office; and she promised to see her man of business immediately and be ready with her little cash at the proper hour.

Poor Miss Briggs was very grateful; and she promised to be ready with her little cash at the proper hour.


And this worthy woman was so grateful for the kindness of Rebecca in the matter, and for that of her generous benefactor, the Colonel, that she went out and spent a great part of her half-year's dividend in the purchase of a black velvet coat for little Rawdon, who, by the way, was grown almost too big for black velvet now, and was of a size and age befitting him for the assumption of the virile jacket and pantaloons.

And this worthy woman was so thankful for Rebecca's kindness that she went out and bought a black velvet coat for little Rawdon, who was grown almost too big for black velvet now.


He was a fine open-faced boy, with blue eyes and waving flaxen hair, sturdy in limb, but generous and soft in heart, fondly attaching himself to all who were good to him--to the pony--to Lord Southdown, who gave him the horse (he used to blush and glow all over when he saw that kind young nobleman)--to the groom who had charge of the pony--to Molly, the cook, who crammed him with ghost stories at night, and with good things from the dinner--to Briggs, whom he plagued and laughed at--and to his father especially, whose attachment towards the lad was curious too to witness.

He was a fine open-faced boy of about eight, with blue eyes and waving flaxen hair, sturdy but generous and soft-hearted, fondly attaching himself to all who were good to him - to the pony - to Lord Southdown, who gave it to him - to the groom who had charge of it - to Molly, the cook, who crammed him with ghost stories at night, and with good food by day -to Briggs, whom he plagued and laughed at - and especially to his father, whose attachment towards the lad was curious to witness.


Here, as he grew to be about eight years old, his attachments may be said to have ended.


The beautiful mother-vision had faded away after a while.


During near two years she had scarcely spoken to the child.

For nearly two years she had scarcely spoken to the child.


He had the measles and the hooping-cough.

He had the measles and the whooping-cough.


One day when he was standing at the landing-place, having crept down from the upper regions, attracted by the sound of his mother's voice, who was singing to Lord Steyne, the drawing room door opening suddenly, discovered the little spy, who but a moment before had been rapt in delight, and listening to the music.
His mother came out and struck him violently a couple of boxes on the ear.

One day when he was standing on the landing, attracted by the sound of his mother's voice singing to Lord Steyne, the drawing room door opened suddenly: and she discovered the little spy and boxed his ears violently.


He heard a laugh from the Marquis in the inner room (who was amused by this free and artless exhibition of Becky's temper) and fled down below to his friends of the kitchen, bursting in an agony of grief.

He heard a laugh from the Marquis as he fled down to his friends of the kitchen, in an agony of grief.


"It is not because it hurts me," little Rawdon gasped out--"only--only"--sobs and tears wound up the sentence in a storm.

"It is not because it hurts me," little Rawdon gasped out - "only- only-" He ended in a storm of sobs.


It was the little boy's heart that was bleeding.


Why don't she ever sing to me--as she does to that baldheaded man with the large teeth?"

Why don't she ever sing to me - as she does to that bald man with the large teeth?"


He gasped out at various intervals these exclamations of rage and grief.


The cook looked at the housemaid, the housemaid looked knowingly at the footman--the awful kitchen inquisition which sits in judgement in every house and knows everything--sat on Rebecca at that moment.

The cook looked at the housemaid; the housemaid looked knowingly at the footman. The awful kitchen inquisition which sits in judgement in every house sat in judgement on Rebecca at that moment.


After this incident, the mother's dislike increased to hatred; the consciousness that the child was in the house was a reproach and a pain to her. His very sight annoyed her.

After this incident, the mother's dislike increased to hatred; the very sight of the boy was a reproach and an annoyance to her.


Fear, doubt, and resistance sprang up, too, in the boy's own bosom.

Fear and doubt sprang up, too, in the boy's bosom.


They were separated from that day of the boxes on the ear.


Lord Steyne also heartily disliked the boy.


When they met by mischance, he made sarcastic bows or remarks to the child, or glared at him with savage-looking eyes.

When they met, he made sarcastic bows or remarks, or glared at Rawdon savagely.


Rawdon used to stare him in the face and double his little fists in return.

Rawdon used to stare back and clench his little fists in return.


He knew his enemy, and this gentleman, of all who came to the house, was the one who angered him most.


One day the footman found him squaring his fists at Lord Steyne's hat in the hall.


The footman told the circumstance as a good joke to Lord Steyne's coachman; that officer imparted it to Lord Steyne's gentleman, and to the servants' hall in general.

The footman told it as a good joke to Lord Steyne's coachman; that officer told the servants' hall.


And very soon afterwards, when Mrs. Rawdon Crawley made her appearance at Gaunt House, the porter who unbarred the gates, the servants of all uniforms in the hall, the functionaries in white waistcoats, who bawled out from landing to landing the names of Colonel and Mrs. Rawdon Crawley, knew about her, or fancied they did.

And soon afterwards, when Mrs. Rawdon Crawley arrived at Gaunt House, the porter and footmen knew all about her, or fancied they did.


The man who brought her refreshment and stood behind her chair, had talked her character over with the large gentleman in motley-coloured clothes at his side.


it is awful, that servants' inquisition!

It is awful, that servants' inquisition!


You see a woman in a great party in a splendid saloon, surrounded by faithful admirers, distributing sparkling glances, dressed to perfection, curled, rouged, smiling and happy--Discovery walks respectfully up to her, in the shape of a huge powdered man with large calves and a tray of ices--with Calumny (which is as fatal as truth) behind him, in the shape of the hulking fellow carrying the wafer-biscuits.


Madam, your secret will be talked over by those men at their club at the public-house to-night.


Jeames will tell Chawles his notions about you over their pipes and pewter beer-pots.


Some people ought to have mutes for servants in Vanity Fair--mutes who could not write.

Some people ought to have mutes for servants in Vanity Fair.


That fellow behind your chair may be a Janissary with a bow-string in his plush breeches pocket.


If you are not guilty, have a care of appearances, which are as ruinous as guilt.

If you are not guilty, beware of appearances, which are as ruinous as guilt.


"Was Rebecca guilty or not?" the Vehmgericht of the servants' hall had pronounced against her.

Whether Rebecca was guilty or not, the tribunal of the servants' hall had pronounced against her.


And, I shame to say, she would not have got credit had they not believed her to be guilty.

She would not have got credit had they not believed her to be guilty.


It was the sight of the Marquis of Steyne's carriage-lamps at her door, contemplated by Raggles, burning in the blackness of midnight, "that kep him up," as he afterwards said, that even more than Rebecca's arts and coaxings.

It was the sight of the Marquis of Steyne's carriage-lamps at her door, seen by Raggles, that kept his hopes up.


And so--guiltless very likely--she was writhing and pushing onward towards what they call "a position in society," and the servants were pointing at her as lost and ruined.

And so - guiltless very likely - she was writhing and pushing onward towards "a position in society," while the servants were pointing at her as lost and ruined.


So you see Molly, the housemaid, of a morning, watching a spider in the doorpost lay his thread and laboriously crawl up it, until, tired of the sport, she raises her broom and sweeps away the thread and the artificer.


A day or two before Christmas, Becky, her husband and her son made ready and went to pass the holidays at the seat of their ancestors at Queen's Crawley.

Just before Christmas, Becky, her husband and her son went to pass the holidays at Queen's Crawley.


Becky would have liked to leave the little brat behind, and would have done so but for Lady Jane's urgent invitations to the youngster, and the symptoms of revolt and discontent which Rawdon manifested at her neglect of her son.

Becky would have liked to leave the little brat behind but for Lady Jane's urgent invitations to the youngster, and Rawdon's reproaches at her neglect of her son.


"He's the finest boy in England," the father said in a tone of reproach to her, "and you don't seem to care for him, Becky, as much as you do for your spaniel.

"He's the finest boy in England," the father said, "and you don't seem to care for him, Becky, as much as you do for your spaniel.


He shan't bother you much; at home he will be away from you in the nursery, and he shall go outside on the coach with me."

He shan't bother you much; he shall go outside on the coach with me."


"Where you go yourself because you want to smoke those filthy cigars," replied Mrs. Rawdon.

"Where you go when you want to smoke those filthy cigars," replied Mrs. Rawdon.


"I remember when you liked 'em though," answered the husband.


Becky laughed; she was almost always good-humoured.


"That was when I was on my promotion, Goosey," she said.


"Take Rawdon outside with you and give him a cigar too if you like."

"Take Rawdon outside with you and give him a cigar too if you want."


Rawdon did not warm his little son for the winter's journey in this way, but he and Briggs wrapped up the child in shawls and comforters, and he was hoisted respectfully onto the roof of the coach in the dark morning, under the lamps of the White Horse Cellar; and with no small delight he watched the dawn rise and made his first journey to the place which his father still called home.

So Rawdon and Briggs wrapped up the child in shawls, and he was hoisted respectfully onto the roof of the coach in the dark morning. With delight he watched the dawn rise and made his first journey to the place which his father still called home.


It was a journey of infinite pleasure to the boy, to whom the incidents of the road afforded endless interest, his father answering to him all questions connected with it and telling him who lived in the great white house to the right, and whom the park belonged to.

It was a journey of infinite pleasure to the boy, to whom the incidents of the road gave endless interest, his father answering all his questions and telling him who lived where.


His mother, inside the vehicle, with her maid and her furs, her wrappers, and her scent bottles, made such a to-do that you would have thought she never had been in a stage-coach before--much less, that she had been turned out of this very one to make room for a paying passenger on a certain journey performed some half-score years ago.

His mother stayed inside the vehicle with her maid and her furs and her scent bottles.


It was dark again when little Rawdon was wakened up to enter his uncle's carriage at Mudbury, and he sat and looked out of it wondering as the great iron gates flew open, and at the white trunks of the limes as they swept by, until they stopped, at length, before the light windows of the Hall, which were blazing and comfortable with Christmas welcome.

It was dark again when little Rawdon was wakened up to enter his uncle's carriage at Mudbury. He looked out of it wondering as the great iron gates flew open, and at the white trunks of the limes as they swept by, until they stopped before the windows of the Hall, which were blazing with Christmas welcome.


The hall-door was flung open--a big fire was burning in the great old fire-place--a carpet was down over the chequered black flags--"It's the old Turkey one that used to be in the Ladies' Gallery," thought Rebecca, and the next instant was kissing Lady Jane.
She and Sir Pitt performed the same salute with great gravity; but Rawdon, having been smoking, hung back rather from his sister-in-law, whose two children came up to their cousin; and, while Matilda held out her hand and kissed him, Pitt Binkie Southdown, the son and heir, stood aloof rather and examined him as a little dog does a big dog.

The hall-door was flung open - a big fire was burning in the great fire-place - a carpet was down over the black flagstones.
Rebecca kissed Lady Jane and Sir Pitt; but Rawdon, having been smoking, hung back from his sister-in-law, whose two children came up to their cousin, young Rawdon. While Matilda kissed him, Pitt Southdown, the son and heir, stood aloof and examined him as a little dog does a big dog.


Then the kind hostess conducted her guests to the snug apartments blazing with cheerful fires.


Then the young ladies came and knocked at Mrs. Rawdon's door, under the pretence that they were desirous to be useful, but in reality to have the pleasure of inspecting the contents of her band and bonnet-boxes, and her dresses which, though black, were of the newest London fashion.

The young ladies knocked at Mrs. Rawdon's door, pretending that they wished to be useful, but in reality to have the pleasure of looking through her bonnet-boxes, and her dresses which, though black, were of the newest London fashion.


And they told her how much the Hall was changed for the better, and how old Lady Southdown was gone, and how Pitt was taking his station in the county, as became a Crawley in fact.

They told her how much the Hall was changed for the better, and how Pitt was taking his station in the county, as became a Crawley.


Then the great dinner-bell having rung, the family assembled at dinner, at which meal Rawdon Junior was placed by his aunt, the good-natured lady of the house, Sir Pitt being uncommonly attentive to his sister-in-law at his own right hand.

When the family assembled at dinner, Rawdon Junior was placed by his aunt, while Sir Pitt was uncommonly attentive to Rebecca beside him.


Little Rawdon exhibited a fine appetite and showed a gentlemanlike behaviour.


"I like to dine here," he said to his aunt when he had completed his meal, at the conclusion of which, and after a decent grace by Sir Pitt, the younger son and heir was introduced, and was perched on a high chair by the Baronet's side, while the daughter took possession of the place and the little wine-glass prepared for her near her mother.

"I like to dine here," he said to his aunt after the meal.


"I like to dine here," said Rawdon Minor, looking up at his relation's kind face.


"I dine in the kitchen when I am at home," replied Rawdon Minor, "or else with Briggs."

"I dine in the kitchen when I am at home," he replied, "or else with Briggs."


But Becky was so engaged with the Baronet, her host, pouring out a flood of compliments and delights and raptures, and admiring young Pitt Binkie, whom she declared to be the most beautiful, intelligent, noble-looking little creature, and so like his father, that she did not hear the remarks of her own flesh and blood at the other end of the broad shining table.

Becky was so busy complimenting the Baronet, and admiring young Pitt - whom she declared to be the most noble-looking creature, and so like his father - that she did not hear the remarks of her own son.


As a guest, and it being the first night of his arrival, Rawdon the Second was allowed to sit up until the hour when tea being over, and a great gilt book being laid on the table before Sir Pitt, all the domestics of the family streamed in, and Sir Pitt read prayers.

Young Rawdon the Second was allowed to sit up until the hour when a great gilt book was laid on the table before Sir Pitt, all the servants streamed in, and Sir Pitt read prayers.


It was the first time the poor little boy had ever witnessed or heard of such a ceremonial.

It was the first time the poor little boy had ever witnessed such a ceremony.


The house had been much improved even since the Baronet's brief reign, and was pronounced by Becky to be perfect, charming, delightful, when she surveyed it in his company.

The house, improved since the old Baronet's day, was pronounced by Becky to be charming.


As for little Rawdon, who examined it with the children for his guides, it seemed to him a perfect palace of enchantment and wonder.


There were long galleries, and ancient state bedrooms, there were pictures and old China, and armour.

There were long galleries, and ancient state bedrooms; there were pictures and armour.


There were the rooms in which Grandpapa died, and by which the children walked with terrified looks.

There were the rooms in which Grandpapa died, and past which the children walked with terrified looks.


he asked; and they told him how he used to be very old, and used to be wheeled about in a garden-chair, and they showed him the garden-chair one day rotting in the out-house in which it had lain since the old gentleman had been wheeled away yonder to the church, of which the spire was glittering over the park elms.

he asked; and they told him how he used to be wheeled about in a garden-chair, which they showed him rotting in an out-house.


The brothers had good occupation for several mornings in examining the improvements which had been effected by Sir Pitt's genius and economy.

The brothers spent several mornings in examining the improvements to the place.


And as they walked or rode, and looked at them, they could talk without too much boring each other.

As they walked or rode, they could talk to each other.


And Pitt took care to tell Rawdon what a heavy outlay of money these improvements had occasioned, and that a man of landed and funded property was often very hard pressed for twenty pounds.

Pitt took care to tell Rawdon what a heavy outlay of money these improvements had caused.


"There is that new lodge-gate," said Pitt, pointing to it humbly with the bamboo cane, "I can no more pay for it before the dividends in January than I can fly."

"There is that new lodge-gate," said Pitt, pointing to it. "I can no more pay for it before the dividends in January than I can fly."


"I can lend you, Pitt, till then," Rawdon answered rather ruefully; and they went in and looked at the restored lodge, where the family arms were just new scraped in stone, and where old Mrs. Lock, for the first time these many long years, had tight doors, sound roofs, and whole windows.

"I can lend you something, Pitt, till then," Rawdon answered rather ruefully; and they went and looked at the restored lodge, where the family arms were newly scraped in stone; and where old Mrs. Lock, for the first time in many long years, had tight doors, sound roofs, and whole windows.


We of peaceful London City have never beheld--and please God never shall witness--such a scene of hurry and alarm, as that which Brussels presented. Crowds rushed to the Namur gate, from which direction the noise proceeded, and many rode along the level chaussee, to be in advance of any intelligence from the army.

Crowds hurried to the Namur gate in alarm.


Each man asked his neighbour for news; and even great English lords and ladies condescended to speak to persons whom they did not know.

Each man asked his neighbour for news; and even great English lords and ladies condescended to speak to strangers.


The friends of the French went abroad, wild with excitement, and prophesying the triumph of their Emperor.

The friends of the French were wild with excitement, prophesying the Emperor's triumph.


The merchants closed their shops, and came out to swell the general chorus of alarm and clamour.


Women rushed to the churches, and crowded the chapels, and knelt and prayed on the flags and steps.

Women rushed to the churches, and knelt and prayed on the steps.


The dull sound of the cannon went on rolling, rolling.


Presently carriages with travellers began to leave the town, galloping away by the Ghent barrier.

Presently carriages with travellers began to leave the town.


The prophecies of the French partisans began to pass for facts.


"He has cut the armies in two," it was said.


He will overpower the English, and be here to-night."

He will overpower the English, and be here tonight."


"He will overpower the English," shrieked Isidor to his master, "and will be here to-night."

"He will overpower the English," shrieked Isidor to his master, "and will be here tonight."


The man bounded in and out from the lodgings to the street, always returning with some fresh particulars of disaster.


Jos's face grew paler and paler. Alarm began to take entire possession of the stout civilian. All the champagne he drank brought no courage to him.

Jos's face grew pale; all his champagne brought no courage.


Before sunset he was worked up to such a pitch of nervousness as gratified his friend Isidor to behold, who now counted surely upon the spoils of the owner of the laced coat.

Before sunset he was worked up to such a pitch of nervousness that Isidor now felt sure of winning the spoils of his possessions.


After hearing the firing for a moment, the stout Major's wife bethought her of her friend in the next chamber, and ran in to watch, and if possible to console, Amelia. The idea that she had that helpless and gentle creature to protect, gave additional strength to the natural courage of the honest Irishwoman. She passed five hours by her friend's side, sometimes in remonstrance, sometimes talking cheerfully, oftener in silence and terrified mental supplication.

After hearing the firing, the stout Major's wife ran in to console Amelia, and passed five hours by her friend's side; sometimes talking cheerfully, oftener in silence and terrified mental supplication.


"I never let go her hand once," said the stout lady afterwards, "until after sunset, when the firing was over."

"I never let go her hand once," said she afterwards, "until after sunset, when the firing was over."


Pauline, the bonne, was on her knees at church hard by, praying for son homme a elle.


When the noise of the cannonading was over, Mrs. O'Dowd issued out of Amelia's room into the parlour adjoining, where Jos sate with two emptied flasks, and courage entirely gone.

When the noise stopped, Mrs. O'Dowd came into the parlour, where Jos sat with two emptied flasks and courage entirely gone.


Once or twice he had ventured into his sister's bedroom, looking very much alarmed, and as if he would say something. But the Major's wife kept her place, and he went away without disburthening himself of his speech.

Once or twice he had ventured into his sister's bedroom, and went away without saying anything.


He was ashamed to tell her that he wanted to fly.


But when she made her appearance in the dining-room, where he sate in the twilight in the cheerless company of his empty champagne bottles, he began to open his mind to her.

But when Mrs. O'Dowd appeared in the dining-room, where he sat in the twilight, he began to open his mind to her.


"Mrs. O'Dowd," he said, "hadn't you better get Amelia ready?"


"Are you going to take her out for a walk?"


said the Major's lady; "sure she's too weak to stir."

said the Major's lady; "sure she's too weak."


"I--I've ordered the carriage," he said, "and--and post-horses; Isidor is gone for them," Jos continued.

"I've ordered the carriage," he said, "and - and post-horses; Isidor is gone for them."


"What do you want with driving to-night?"

"What do you want with driving tonight?"


"Get her up," said Jos; "she must get up, I say": and he stamped his foot energetically.

"Get her up," said Jos; "she must get up, I say!" He stamped his foot.


"I say the horses are ordered--yes, the horses are ordered.


"Everybody is going; there's a place for you!


The Major's wife looked at him with infinite scorn.


"I don't move till O'Dowd gives me the route," said she.


"You may go if you like, Mr. Sedley; but, faith, Amelia and I stop here."


"She SHALL go," said Jos, with another stamp of his foot.

"She shall go," said Jos, with another stamp of his foot.


Mrs. O'Dowd put herself with arms akimbo before the bedroom door.


"Is it her mother you're going to take her to?"


she said; "or do you want to go to Mamma yourself, Mr. Sedley?


Good marning--a pleasant journey to ye, sir. Bon voyage, as they say, and take my counsel, and shave off them mustachios, or they'll bring you into mischief."

A pleasant journey to ye, sir; and take my advice, and shave off them mustachios, or they'll bring you into mischief."


yelled out Jos, wild with fear, rage, and mortification; and Isidor came in at this juncture, swearing in his turn.

yelled out Jos in fear, rage, and mortification; and Isidor came in, swearing too.


Jos was not the only man in Brussels seized with panic that day.


But Jos's fears, great and cruel as they were already, were destined to increase to an almost frantic pitch before the night was over.

But Jos's fears were destined to increase to an almost frantic pitch before the night was over.


It has been mentioned how Pauline, the bonne, had son homme a elle also in the ranks of the army that had gone out to meet the Emperor Napoleon.

It has been mentioned how Pauline, the cook, had a lover in the ranks of the army that had gone to meet Napoleon.


This lover was a native of Brussels, and a Belgian hussar.

This man, Regulus, was a Belgian hussar.


The troops of his nation signalised themselves in this war for anything but courage, and young Van Cutsum, Pauline's admirer, was too good a soldier to disobey his Colonel's orders to run away.


Whilst in garrison at Brussels young Regulus (he had been born in the revolutionary times) found his great comfort, and passed almost all his leisure moments, in Pauline's kitchen; and it was with pockets and holsters crammed full of good things from her larder, that he had take leave of his weeping sweetheart, to proceed upon the campaign a few days before.


As far as his regiment was concerned, this campaign was over now.


They had formed a part of the division under the command of his Sovereign apparent, the Prince of Orange, and as respected length of swords and mustachios, and the richness of uniform and equipments, Regulus and his comrades looked to be as gallant a body of men as ever trumpet sounded for.

They had marched under the Prince of Orange, looking as gallant a body of men as ever trumpet sounded for.


When Ney dashed upon the advance of the allied troops, carrying one position after the other, until the arrival of the great body of the British army from Brussels changed the aspect of the combat of Quatre Bras, the squadrons among which Regulus rode showed the greatest activity in retreating before the French, and were dislodged from one post and another which they occupied with perfect alacrity on their part.

When Ney dashed upon the allied troops, before the arrival of the British army, the Belgian squadrons retreated before the French, and were dislodged from their posts.


Their movements were only checked by the advance of the British in their rear.


Thus forced to halt, the enemy's cavalry (whose bloodthirsty obstinacy cannot be too severely reprehended) had at length an opportunity of coming to close quarters with the brave Belgians before them; who preferred to encounter the British rather than the French, and at once turning tail rode through the English regiments that were behind them, and scattered in all directions.

Thus forced to halt, the enemy's cavalry came to close quarters with these brave Belgians; who, preferring to meet the British rather than the French, turned tail and rode through the English regiments behind them, and scattered in all directions.


The regiment in fact did not exist any more.

The Belgian regiment did not exist any more.


Regulus found himself galloping many miles from the field of action, entirely alone; and whither should he fly for refuge so naturally as to that kitchen and those faithful arms in which Pauline had so often welcomed him?

Regulus found himself galloping many miles from the battlefield, entirely alone; and naturally he flew to that kitchen where Pauline had so often welcomed him.


At some ten o'clock the clinking of a sabre might have been heard up the stair of the house where the Osbornes occupied a story in the continental fashion. A knock might have been heard at the kitchen door; and poor Pauline, come back from church, fainted almost with terror as she opened it and saw before her her haggard hussar.

At ten o'clock the clinking of a sabre might have been heard, and a knock at the kitchen door; and poor Pauline, come back from church, almost fainted with terror as she saw her haggard hussar.


He looked as pale as the midnight dragoon who came to disturb Leonora.


Pauline would have screamed, but that her cry would have called her masters, and discovered her friend.


She stifled her scream, then, and leading her hero into the kitchen, gave him beer, and the choice bits from the dinner, which Jos had not had the heart to taste.

She stifled her scream, and leading her hero into the kitchen, gave him beer, and choice leftovers from dinner.


The hussar showed he was no ghost by the prodigious quantity of flesh and beer which he devoured--and during the mouthfuls he told his tale of disaster.

Between mouthfuls, he told his tale of disaster.


His regiment had performed prodigies of courage, and had withstood for a while the onset of the whole French army.

His regiment had performed prodigies of courage, he said, and had withstood for a while the whole French army.


But they were overwhelmed at last, as was the whole British army by this time.

But they were overwhelmed at last, as was the British army.


Ney destroyed each regiment as it came up. The Belgians in vain interposed to prevent the butchery of the English.

Ney destroyed each English regiment, and the Belgians interposed in vain.


The Brunswickers were routed and had fled--their Duke was killed.


He sought to drown his sorrow for the defeat in floods of beer.

He sought to drown his sorrow in floods of beer.


Isidor, who had come into the kitchen, heard the conversation and rushed out to inform his master.

Isidor came in, heard the conversation and rushed out to inform his master.


"Milor Duke is a prisoner; the Duke of Brunswick is killed; the British army is in full flight; there is only one man escaped, and he is in the kitchen now--come and hear him."

"The British army is in full flight; there is only one man escaped, and he is in the kitchen now - come and hear him."


So Jos tottered into that apartment where Regulus still sate on the kitchen table, and clung fast to his flagon of beer. In the best French which he could muster, and which was in sooth of a very ungrammatical sort, Jos besought the hussar to tell his tale.

So Jos tottered into that room where Regulus sat clinging to his flagon of beer, and in ungrammatical French begged the hussar to tell his tale.


The disasters deepened as Regulus spoke.


He was the only man of his regiment not slain on the field.

He was the only man of his regiment not slain.


He had seen the Duke of Brunswick fall, the black hussars fly, the Ecossais pounded down by the cannon.

He had seen the Duke of Brunswick fall, the black hussars fly, the Scots pounded down by the cannon.


"Cut in pieces," said the hussar--upon which Pauline cried out, "O my mistress, ma bonne petite dame," went off fairly into hysterics, and filled the house with her screams.

"Cut in pieces," said the hussar.
Pauline cried out, "O my poor mistress," went off into hysterics, and filled the house with her screams.


Wild with terror, Mr. Sedley knew not how or where to seek for safety.

Wild with terror, Mr. Sedley knew not where to seek for safety.


He rushed from the kitchen back to the sitting-room, and cast an appealing look at Amelia's door, which Mrs. O'Dowd had closed and locked in his face; but he remembered how scornfully the latter had received him, and after pausing and listening for a brief space at the door, he left it, and resolved to go into the street, for the first time that day.

He rushed back to the sitting-room, and resolved to go into the street.


So, seizing a candle, he looked about for his gold-laced cap, and found it lying in its usual place, on a console-table, in the anteroom, placed before a mirror at which Jos used to coquet, always giving his side-locks a twirl, and his cap the proper cock over his eye, before he went forth to make appearance in public. Such is the force of habit, that even in the midst of his terror he began mechanically to twiddle with his hair, and arrange the cock of his hat.

So, seizing a candle, he put on his gold-laced cap: such is the force of habit, that even in his terror he began mechanically to twiddle with his hair, and arrange his hat.


Then he looked amazed at the pale face in the glass before him, and especially at his mustachios, which had attained a rich growth in the course of near seven weeks, since they had come into the world.

Then he looked amazed at the pale face in the mirror, and his freshly-grown mustachios.


They WILL mistake me for a military man, thought he, remembering Isidor's warning as to the massacre with which all the defeated British army was threatened; and staggering back to his bedchamber, he began wildly pulling the bell which summoned his valet.

They will mistake me for a military man, thought he, remembering Isidor's warning that the British army would be massacred; and staggering back to his bedchamber, he began wildly pulling at the bell.


Jos had sunk in a chair--he had torn off his neckcloths, and turned down his collars, and was sitting with both his hands lifted to his throat.

Jos had sunk in a chair - he had torn off his neckcloths, and turned down his collars.


"Coupez-moi, Isidor," shouted he; "vite!


Isidor thought for a moment he had gone mad, and that he wished his valet to cut his throat.

Isidor thought for a moment he had gone mad, and wished his throat to be cut.


"Les moustaches," gasped Joe; "les moustaches--coupy, rasy, vite!"

"Les moustaches," gasped Joe; "les moustaches - coupy, rasy, vite!"


--his French was of this sort--voluble, as we have said, but not remarkable for grammar.


Isidor swept off the mustachios in no time with the razor, and heard with inexpressible delight his master's orders that he should fetch a hat and a plain coat.

Isidor swept off the mustachios in no time with the razor, and heard with delight his master's orders that he should fetch a plain coat and hat.


"Ne porty ploo--habit militair--bonn--bonny a voo, prenny dehors"--were Jos's words--the coat and cap were at last his property.

"Ne porty ploo - habit militair - bonny a voo," were Jos's words; and the military coat and cap were at last Isidor's property.


This gift being made, Jos selected a plain black coat and waistcoat from his stock, and put on a large white neckcloth, and a plain beaver.

Jos donned a plain black coat and waistcoat, a large white neckcloth, and a beaver hat.


If he could have got a shovel hat he would have worn it.


As it was, you would have fancied he was a flourishing, large parson of the Church of England.
"Venny maintenong," he continued, "sweevy--ally--party--dong la roo." And so having said, he plunged swiftly down the stairs of the house, and passed into the street.

You would have fancied he was a parson as he plunged into the street.


Although Regulus had vowed that he was the only man of his regiment or of the allied army, almost, who had escaped being cut to pieces by Ney, it appeared that his statement was incorrect, and that a good number more of the supposed victims had survived the massacre. Many scores of Regulus's comrades had found their way back to Brussels, and all agreeing that they had run away--filled the whole town with an idea of the defeat of the allies.

Although Regulus had vowed that he was the only man of his regiment left alive, it appeared that this was incorrect; many scores of his comrades had found their way back to Brussels, and filled the whole town with the idea of the allies' defeat.


The arrival of the French was expected hourly; the panic continued, and preparations for flight went on everywhere.

The arrival of the French was expected hourly; preparations for flight went on everywhere.


He made Isidor inquire of scores of persons, whether they had any to lend or sell, and his heart sank within him, at the negative answers returned everywhere.

He made Isidor inquire, and his heart sank when none were found.


Even fear could not render that ponderous body so active.

Even fear could not make that ponderous body so active.


Almost all the hotels occupied by the English in Brussels face the Parc, and Jos wandered irresolutely about in this quarter, with crowds of other people, oppressed as he was by fear and curiosity.

Jos wandered irresolutely through the Parc, with crowds of other people.


Some families he saw more happy than himself, having discovered a team of horses, and rattling through the streets in retreat; others again there were whose case was like his own, and who could not for any bribes or entreaties procure the necessary means of flight.

Some were happier than himself, having discovered a team of horses, and rattling through the streets; others, like him, could not leave.


Amongst these would-be fugitives, Jos remarked the Lady Bareacres and her daughter, who sate in their carriage in the porte-cochere of their hotel, all their imperials packed, and the only drawback to whose flight was the same want of motive power which kept Jos stationary.

Amongst these, Jos noticed Lady Bareacres and her daughter, who sat in their carriage ready, but with no horses to drive them away.


Rebecca Crawley occupied apartments in this hotel; and had before this period had sundry hostile meetings with the ladies of the Bareacres family.

Rebecca Crawley occupied rooms in their hotel; and had previously had hostile meetings with the Bareacres family.


My Lady Bareacres cut Mrs. Crawley on the stairs when they met by chance; and in all places where the latter's name was mentioned, spoke perseveringly ill of her neighbour. The Countess was shocked at the familiarity of General Tufto with the aide-de-camp's wife.

My Lady Bareacres cut her on the stairs, shocked at her familiarity with General Tufto.


The Lady Blanche avoided her as if she had been an infectious disease.

The Lady Blanche avoided her as if she were an infectious disease.


Only the Earl himself kept up a sly occasional acquaintance with her, when out of the jurisdiction of his ladies.

Only the Earl himself kept up a sly occasional acquaintance with her, out of hearing of his ladies.


Rebecca had her revenge now upon these insolent enemies.

Rebecca had her revenge now upon these enemies.


If became known in the hotel that Captain Crawley's horses had been left behind, and when the panic began, Lady Bareacres condescended to send her maid to the Captain's wife with her Ladyship's compliments, and a desire to know the price of Mrs. Crawley's horses.

It became known in the hotel that Captain Crawley's horses had been left behind; and when the panic began, Lady Bareacres condescended to send her maid to the Captain's wife with her Ladyship's compliments, and a desire to know the price of Mrs. Crawley's horses.


Mrs. Crawley returned a note with her compliments, and an intimation that it was not her custom to transact bargains with ladies' maids.

Mrs. Crawley returned a note saying that it was not her custom to bargain with ladies' maids.


This curt reply brought the Earl in person to Becky's apartment; but he could get no more success than the first ambassador.

This curt reply brought the Earl in person to Becky's apartment; but he had no more success.


Mrs. Crawley cried in great anger; "why didn't my Lady Bareacres tell me to go and saddle the horses!


Is it her Ladyship that wants to escape, or her Ladyship's femme de chambre?"


And this was all the answer that the Earl bore back to his Countess.


The Countess herself actually came to wait upon Mrs. Crawley on the failure of her second envoy.

So the Countess herself actually came to see Mrs. Crawley.


She entreated her to name her own price; she even offered to invite Becky to Bareacres House, if the latter would but give her the means of returning to that residence.

She begged her to name her own price; she even offered to invite Becky to Bareacres House.


"I don't want to be waited on by bailiffs in livery," she said; "you will never get back though most probably--at least not you and your diamonds together.

"I don't want to be waited on by bailiffs in livery," she said, "and you will probably never get back - at least not you and your diamonds together.


They will be here in two hours, and I shall be half way to Ghent by that time.

They will be here in two hours, and I shall be half way to Ghent by then.


I would not sell you my horses, no, not for the two largest diamonds that your Ladyship wore at the ball."

I would not sell you my horses, no, not for the largest diamonds that your Ladyship wore at the ball."


Lady Bareacres trembled with rage and terror.


The diamonds were sewed into her habit, and secreted in my Lord's padding and boots.

The diamonds were sewed into her clothing, and my Lord's padding and boots.


"Woman, the diamonds are at the banker's, and I WILL have the horses," she said.

"Woman, I will have the horses," she said.


The infuriate Countess went below, and sate in her carriage; her maid, her courier, and her husband were sent once more through the town, each to look for cattle; and woe betide those who came last!

The infuriated Countess went and sat in her carriage; her servants and husband were sent once more through the town to look for horses.


Her Ladyship was resolved on departing the very instant the horses arrived from any quarter--with her husband or without him.


Rebecca had the pleasure of seeing her Ladyship in the horseless carriage, and keeping her eyes fixed upon her, and bewailing, in the loudest tone of voice, the Countess's perplexities.

Rebecca had the pleasure of seeing her Ladyship in the horseless carriage, and loudly bewailed the Countess's perplexities to all around.


she said, "and to have all those diamonds sewed into the carriage cushions!

she said loudly, "and to have all those diamonds sewed in the carriage cushions!


What a prize it will be for the French when they come!--the carriage and the diamonds, I mean; not the lady!"

What a prize it will be for the French when they come! - the diamonds, I mean, not the lady."


She gave this information to the landlord, to the servants, to the guests, and the innumerable stragglers about the courtyard.


Lady Bareacres could have shot her from the carriage window.


It was while enjoying the humiliation of her enemy that Rebecca caught sight of Jos, who made towards her directly he perceived her.

It was while enjoying her enemy's humiliation that Rebecca caught sight of Jos coming towards her.


That altered, frightened, fat face, told his secret well enough.

That frightened, fat face told his secret.


He too wanted to fly, and was on the look-out for the means of escape.


"HE shall buy my horses," thought Rebecca, "and I'll ride the mare."

"He shall buy them," thought Rebecca, "and I'll ride the mare."


Jos walked up to his friend, and put the question for the hundredth time during the past hour, "Did she know where horses were to be had?"

Jos walked up and put the question for the hundredth time, "Did she know where horses were to be had?"


"I thought you were the champion of all the ladies, Mr. Sedley."


"And Amelia?--Who is to protect that poor little sister of yours?"

"And who is to protect poor little Amelia?"


"What good can I do her, suppose--suppose the enemy arrive?"

"What good can I do her, if the enemy arrive?"


"They'll spare the women; but my man tells me that they have taken an oath to give no quarter to the men--the dastardly cowards."

"They'll spare the women; but my man tells me that they'll give no mercy to the men - the dastardly cowards.


"Besides, I don't want to desert her," cried the brother. "She SHAN'T be deserted.


There is a seat for her in my carriage, and one for you, dear Mrs. Crawley, if you will come; and if we can get horses--" sighed he--

There is a seat for her in my carriage, and one for you, dear Mrs. Crawley, if you will come; and if we can get horses-"


Jos could have flung himself into her arms at the news.

Jos could have flung himself into her arms.


"Get the carriage, Isidor," he cried; "we've found them--we have found them."


"My horses never were in harness," added the lady.

"My horses never were in harness," she added.


"Bullfinch would kick the carriage to pieces, if you put him in the traces."
"But he is quiet to ride?" asked the civilian.
"As quiet as a lamb, and as fast as a hare," answered Rebecca.

"Bullfinch would kick the carriage to pieces, but he is quiet to ride, and as fast as a hare."


He was already on his back, in imagination, without ever so much as a thought for poor Amelia.


What person who loved a horse-speculation could resist such a temptation?


In reply, Rebecca asked him to come into her room, whither he followed her quite breathless to conclude the bargain.

Rebecca asked him to come into her room to conclude the bargain.


Jos seldom spent a half-hour in his life which cost him so much money.

He had seldom spent a half-hour which cost him so much money.


Rebecca, measuring the value of the goods which she had for sale by Jos's eagerness to purchase, as well as by the scarcity of the article, put upon her horses a price so prodigious as to make even the civilian draw back.

Rebecca put upon her horses a price so prodigious as to make even Jos draw back.


"She would sell both or neither," she said, resolutely.


Rawdon had ordered her not to part with them for a price less than that which she specified. Lord Bareacres below would give her the same money--and with all her love and regard for the Sedley family, her dear Mr. Joseph must conceive that poor people must live--nobody, in a word, could be more affectionate, but more firm about the matter of business.

She said Lord Bareacres below would give her the same money - and though she loved the Sedley family, her dear Mr. Joseph knew that poor people must live. Nobody could be more affectionate, but more firm about the business.


Jos ended by agreeing, as might be supposed of him.


The sum he had to give her was so large that he was obliged to ask for time; so large as to be a little fortune to Rebecca, who rapidly calculated that with this sum, and the sale of the residue of Rawdon's effects, and her pension as a widow should he fall, she would now be absolutely independent of the world, and might look her weeds steadily in the face.

The sum was so large that he was obliged to ask for time. It was a small fortune to Rebecca, who rapidly calculated that with this sum, and the sale of Rawdon's effects, and her widow's pension should he fall, she would now be absolutely independent.


Once or twice in the day she certainly had herself thought about flying.

Once or twice that day she had herself thought about flying.


But her reason gave her better counsel. "Suppose the French do come," thought Becky, "what can they do to a poor officer's widow?

But she reasoned, "Suppose the French do come, what can they do to a poor officer's widow?


We shall be let to go home quietly, or I may live pleasantly abroad with a snug little income."

We shall be allowed to go home quietly, or I may live pleasantly abroad with a snug little income."


Meanwhile Jos and Isidor went off to the stables to inspect the newly purchased cattle.

Meanwhile Jos and Isidor went off to the stables.


Jos bade his man saddle the horses at once. He would ride away that very night, that very hour.

Jos bade his man saddle the horses at once; he would ride away that very night.


And he left the valet busy in getting the horses ready, and went homewards himself to prepare for his departure.

He left the valet getting the horses ready, and went home to prepare for his departure.


He would go to his chamber by the back entrance.


He did not care to face Mrs. O'Dowd and Amelia, and own to them that he was about to run.

He did not care to face Mrs. O'Dowd and Amelia, and confess that he was about to run.


By the time Jos's bargain with Rebecca was completed, and his horses had been visited and examined, it was almost morning once more.


But though midnight was long passed, there was no rest for the city; the people were up, the lights in the houses flamed, crowds were still about the doors, and the streets were busy.

But there was no rest for the city; the people were up, the lights in the houses flamed, and the streets were busy.


Rumours of various natures went still from mouth to mouth: one report averred that the Prussians had been utterly defeated; another that it was the English who had been attacked and conquered: a third that the latter had held their ground.

Rumours went still from mouth to mouth. One report said that the Prussians had been utterly defeated; another that the English had been conquered: a third that they had held their ground.


This last rumour gradually got strength.


Stragglers had come in from the army bringing reports more and more favourable: at last an aide-de-camp actually reached Brussels with despatches for the Commandant of the place, who placarded presently through the town an official announcement of the success of the allies at Quatre Bras, and the entire repulse of the French under Ney after a six hours' battle.

Stragglers had come in from the army bringing reports more and more favourable: and at last an aide-de-camp reached Brussels with despatches for the Commandant, who announced the success of the allies at Quatre Bras, and the entire repulse of the French after a six hours' battle.


The aide-de-camp must have arrived sometime while Jos and Rebecca were making their bargain together, or the latter was inspecting his purchase.

The aide-de-camp must have arrived while Jos and Rebecca were making their bargain together.


When he reached his own hotel, he found a score of its numerous inhabitants on the threshold discoursing of the news; there was no doubt as to its truth.

When he reached his hotel, he found a score of inhabitants discussing the news; there was no doubt as to its truth.


And he went up to communicate it to the ladies under his charge.

He went up to tell it to the ladies under his charge.


He did not think it was necessary to tell them how he had intended to take leave of them, how he had bought horses, and what a price he had paid for them.

He did not think it was necessary to inform them how he had intended to leave them, how he had bought horses, or the price he had paid.


But success or defeat was a minor matter to them, who had only thought for the safety of those they loved.

But success or defeat was a minor matter to them, who only thought of the safety of those they loved.


Amelia, at the news of the victory, became still more agitated even than before.

Amelia, at the news of the victory, became even more agitated.


She was for going that moment to the army.


She besought her brother with tears to conduct her thither. Her doubts and terrors reached their paroxysm; and the poor girl, who for many hours had been plunged into stupor, raved and ran hither and thither in hysteric insanity--a piteous sight.

She begged her brother in tears to take her to the army; and the poor girl raved and ran hither and thither in hysteric insanity.


No man writhing in pain on the hard-fought field fifteen miles off, where lay, after their struggles, so many of the brave--no man suffered more keenly than this poor harmless victim of the war.

No man writhing in pain on the battlefield fifteen miles off suffered more keenly than this poor harmless victim of the war.


Jos could not bear the sight of her pain.


He left his sister in the charge of her stouter female companion, and descended once more to the threshold of the hotel, where everybody still lingered, and talked, and waited for more news.

He left his sister in the care of her female companion, and descended once more to the hotel doorway, where everybody still lingered, waiting for more news.


It grew to be broad daylight as they stood here, and fresh news began to arrive from the war, brought by men who had been actors in the scene.


Wagons and long country carts laden with wounded came rolling into the town; ghastly groans came from within them, and haggard faces looked up sadly from out of the straw.

Wagons and country carts laden with wounded came rolling into the town; ghastly groans came from them, and haggard faces looked up sadly from out of the straw.


Jos Sedley was looking at one of these carriages with a painful curiosity--the moans of the people within were frightful--the wearied horses could hardly pull the cart.

Jos watched one pass: the moans within were frightful - the wearied horses could hardly pull the cart.


a feeble voice cried from the straw, and the carriage stopped opposite Mr. Sedley's hotel.

a feeble voice cried from the straw, and the carriage stopped opposite the hotel.


cried Amelia, rushing in a moment to the balcony, with a pallid face and loose flowing hair.

cried Amelia, rushing to the balcony, with a pale face.


It was not George, however, but it was the next best thing: it was news of him.

It was not George, but it was the next best thing: it was news of him.


It was poor Tom Stubble, who had marched out of Brussels so gallantly twenty-four hours before, bearing the colours of the regiment, which he had defended very gallantly upon the field.

It was poor Tom Stubble, who had marched out of Brussels so gallantly twenty-four hours before, bearing the regimental colours, which he had defended very bravely.


A French lancer had speared the young ensign in the leg, who fell, still bravely holding to his flag.

A French lancer had speared him: he fell, still holding his flag.


At the conclusion of the engagement, a place had been found for the poor boy in a cart, and he had been brought back to Brussels.

After the battle, a place had been found for the poor boy in a cart, and he was brought back to Brussels.


cried the boy, faintly, and Jos came up almost frightened at the appeal.

cried the boy faintly, and Jos came up almost frightened.


He had not at first distinguished who it was that called him.


Little Tom Stubble held out his hot and feeble hand.


"Osborne--and--and Dobbin said I was; and you are to give the man two napoleons: my mother will pay you."

"Osborne - and - and Dobbin said I was; and you are to give the man two napoleons: my mother will pay you."


This young fellow's thoughts, during the long feverish hours passed in the cart, had been wandering to his father's parsonage which he had quitted only a few months before, and he had sometimes forgotten his pain in that delirium.


The hotel was large, and the people kind, and all the inmates of the cart were taken in and placed on various couches.


The young ensign was conveyed upstairs to Osborne's quarters.

The young ensign was carried upstairs to Osborne's quarters.


Amelia and the Major's wife had rushed down to him, when the latter had recognised him from the balcony.


You may fancy the feelings of these women when they were told that the day was over, and both their husbands were safe; in what mute rapture Amelia fell on her good friend's neck, and embraced her; in what a grateful passion of prayer she fell on her knees, and thanked the Power which had saved her husband.

You may imagine the feelings of Amelia and the Major's wife when they were told that both their husbands were safe; in what mute rapture Amelia embraced her friend; in what a grateful passion of prayer she fell on her knees, and thanked the Power which had saved her husband.


Our young lady, in her fevered and nervous condition, could have had no more salutary medicine prescribed for her by any physician than that which chance put in her way.


She and Mrs. O'Dowd watched incessantly by the wounded lad, whose pains were very severe, and in the duty thus forced upon her, Amelia had not time to brood over her personal anxieties, or to give herself up to her own fears and forebodings after her wont.

She and Mrs. O'Dowd watched incessantly by the wounded lad, whose pains were very severe; and in this duty, Amelia had not time to brood over her anxieties.


The young patient told in his simple fashion the events of the day, and the actions of our friends of the gallant --th.

The young patient told in his simple fashion the events of the day, and the actions of our gallant friends.


They had suffered severely. They had lost very many officers and men.

The regiment had suffered severely, losing many officers and men.


The Major's horse had been shot under him as the regiment charged, and they all thought that O'Dowd was gone, and that Dobbin had got his majority, until on their return from the charge to their old ground, the Major was discovered seated on Pyramus's carcase, refreshing him-self from a case-bottle.

The Major's horse had been shot under him as the regiment charged, and they all thought that O'Dowd was gone, until returning from the charge, the Major was discovered seated on his horse's carcase, refreshing himself from a bottle.


It was Captain Osborne that cut down the French lancer who had speared the ensign.


Amelia turned so pale at the notion, that Mrs. O'Dowd stopped the young ensign in this story.


And it was Captain Dobbin who at the end of the day, though wounded himself, took up the lad in his arms and carried him to the surgeon, and thence to the cart which was to bring him back to Brussels.

And it was Captain Dobbin who, though wounded himself, took up the lad in his arms and carried him to the surgeon, and then to the cart which was to bring him back to Brussels.


And it was he who promised the driver two louis if he would make his way to Mr. Sedley's hotel in the city; and tell Mrs. Captain Osborne that the action was over, and that her husband was unhurt and well.

And it was he who promised the driver two louis if he would go to Mr. Sedley's hotel; and tell Mrs. Osborne that the action was over, and that her husband was unhurt.


"Indeed, but he has a good heart that William Dobbin," Mrs. O'Dowd said, "though he is always laughing at me."

"Indeed, he has a good heart, that William Dobbin," Mrs. O'Dowd said, "though he is always laughing at me."


Young Stubble vowed there was not such another officer in the army, and never ceased his praises of the senior captain, his modesty, his kindness, and his admirable coolness in the field.

Young Stubble vowed there was not such another officer in the army, and praised the senior captain's modesty, his kindness, and his admirable coolness in the field.


To these parts of the conversation, Amelia lent a very distracted attention: it was only when George was spoken of that she listened, and when he was not mentioned, she thought about him.

To these parts of the conversation, Amelia paid little attention: it was only when George was spoken of that she listened, and when he was not mentioned, she thought about him.


In tending her patient, and in thinking of the wonderful escapes of the day before, her second day passed away not too slowly with Amelia.

In tending her patient, a second day passed.


There was only one man in the army for her: and as long as he was well, it must be owned that its movements interested her little.

There was only one man in the army for her: and as long as he was well, its movements interested her little.


All the reports which Jos brought from the streets fell very vaguely on her ears; though they were sufficient to give that timorous gentleman, and many other people then in Brussels, every disquiet.

The reports which Jos brought from the streets fell vaguely on her ears; though they gave that timorous gentleman, and many other people, much disquiet.


The French had been repulsed certainly, but it was after a severe and doubtful struggle, and with only a division of the French army.

The French had been repulsed, certainly, but only after a severe struggle, and with only one division of the French army.


The Emperor, with the main body, was away at Ligny, where he had utterly annihilated the Prussians, and was now free to bring his whole force to bear upon the allies.

The Emperor, with the main body, was away at Ligny, where he annihilated the Prussians, and was now free to bring his whole force to bear upon the allies.


The Duke of Wellington was retreating upon the capital, and a great battle must be fought under its walls probably, of which the chances were more than doubtful.

The Duke of Wellington was retreating to the capital, and a great battle must be fought under its walls probably, of which the result was doubtful.


The Duke of Wellington had but twenty thousand British troops on whom he could rely, for the Germans were raw militia, the Belgians disaffected, and with this handful his Grace had to resist a hundred and fifty thousand men that had broken into Belgium under Napoleon.

Wellington had only twenty thousand British troops on whom he could rely, for the German troops were raw and the Belgians disaffected. With this handful he had to resist a hundred and fifty thousand men under Napoleon.


What warrior was there, however famous and skilful, that could fight at odds with him?

What warrior was there, however famous and skilful, that could fight him at those odds?


Jos thought of all these things, and trembled.


So did all the rest of Brussels--where people felt that the fight of the day before was but the prelude to the greater combat which was imminent.


One of the armies opposed to the Emperor was scattered to the winds already.


The few English that could be brought to resist him would perish at their posts, and the conqueror would pass over their bodies into the city.

The English would perish at their posts, and the conqueror would pass over their bodies into the city.


Addresses were prepared, public functionaries assembled and debated secretly, apartments were got ready, and tricoloured banners and triumphal emblems manufactured, to welcome the arrival of His Majesty the Emperor and King.

Tricoloured banners and triumphal emblems were made to welcome the arrival of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon.


The emigration still continued, and wherever families could find means of departure, they fled.

The emigration continued, and wherever families could find means of departure, they fled.


When Jos, on the afternoon of the 17th of June, went to Rebecca's hotel, he found that the great Bareacres' carriage had at length rolled away from the porte-cochere. The Earl had procured a pair of horses somehow, in spite of Mrs. Crawley, and was rolling on the road to Ghent.

When Jos, on the afternoon of the 17th of June, went to Rebecca's hotel, he found that the great Bareacres' carriage had at length rolled away: the Earl had somehow found a pair of horses.


Louis the Desired was getting ready his portmanteau in that city, too.


It seemed as if Misfortune was never tired of worrying into motion that unwieldy exile.


Jos felt that the delay of yesterday had been only a respite, and that his dearly bought horses must of a surety be put into requisition.

Jos felt that yesterday's delay had been only a respite, and that his dearly bought horses must surely soon be needed.


His agonies were very severe all this day.


As long as there was an English army between Brussels and Napoleon, there was no need of immediate flight; but he had his horses brought from their distant stables, to the stables in the court-yard of the hotel where he lived; so that they might be under his own eyes, and beyond the risk of violent abduction.

As long as there was an English army between Brussels and Napoleon, there was no need of immediate flight; but he had his horses brought to his hotel, so that they might be under his own eyes, and beyond the risk of abduction.


Isidor watched the stable-door constantly, and had the horses saddled, to be ready for the start.

Isidor watched the stable-door constantly, and had the horses saddled and ready.


After the reception of the previous day, Rebecca did not care to come near her dear Amelia.

After her previous reception, Rebecca did not care to come near her dear Amelia.


She clipped the bouquet which George had brought her, and gave fresh water to the flowers, and read over the letter which he had sent her.


"Poor wretch," she said, twirling round the little bit of paper in her fingers, "how I could crush her with this!--and it is for a thing like this that she must break her heart, forsooth--for a man who is stupid--a coxcomb--and who does not care for her.

"Poor wretch," she said, twirling the bit of paper in her fingers, "how I could crush her with this! - and she must break her heart for a stupid coxcomb who does not care for her.


My poor good Rawdon is worth ten of this creature."

My poor good Rawdon is worth ten of him."


And then she fell to thinking what she should do if--if anything happened to poor good Rawdon, and what a great piece of luck it was that he had left his horses behind.

And then she began thinking what she should do if anything happened to poor good Rawdon, and what a great piece of luck it was that he had left his horses behind.


In the course of this day too, Mrs. Crawley, who saw not without anger the Bareacres party drive off, bethought her of the precaution which the Countess had taken, and did a little needlework for her own advantage; she stitched away the major part of her trinkets, bills, and bank-notes about her person, and so prepared, was ready for any event--to fly if she thought fit, or to stay and welcome the conqueror, were he Englishman or Frenchman.

During this day too, Rebecca thought of the precaution which the Countess Bareacres had taken, and did a little needlework herself; she stitched away trinkets and bank-notes about her person, and so was ready either to fly or to stay and welcome the conqueror, whether English or French.


And I am not sure that she did not dream that night of becoming a duchess and Madame la Marechale, while Rawdon wrapped in his cloak, and making his bivouac under the rain at Mount Saint John, was thinking, with all the force of his heart, about the little wife whom he had left behind him.

And I am not sure that she did not dream that night of becoming a duchess, while Rawdon, wrapped in his cloak, and lying in the rain, was thinking with all his heart about the little wife he had left behind.


And Mrs. Major O'Dowd had the satisfaction of seeing both her patients refreshed in health and spirits by some rest which they had taken during the night.

Mrs. Major O'Dowd had the satisfaction of seeing both her patients refreshed in health and spirits.


She herself had slept on a great chair in Amelia's room, ready to wait upon her poor friend or the ensign, should either need her nursing.

She herself had slept on a great chair in Amelia's room.


When morning came, this robust woman went back to the house where she and her Major had their billet; and here performed an elaborate and splendid toilette, befitting the day.

When morning came, this robust woman went back to her own house, and here performed a splendid toilette, befitting the day.


And it is very possible that whilst alone in that chamber, which her husband had inhabited, and where his cap still lay on the pillow, and his cane stood in the corner, one prayer at least was sent up to Heaven for the welfare of the brave soldier, Michael O'Dowd.

Whilst alone there, one prayer at least was sent up to Heaven for the welfare of the brave soldier, Michael O'Dowd.


When she returned she brought her prayer-book with her, and her uncle the Dean's famous book of sermons, out of which she never failed to read every Sabbath; not understanding all, haply, not pronouncing many of the words aright, which were long and abstruse--for the Dean was a learned man, and loved long Latin words--but with great gravity, vast emphasis, and with tolerable correctness in the main.

When she returned she brought her prayer-book, and her uncle the Dean's famous book of sermons.


How often has my Mick listened to these sermons, she thought, and me reading in the cabin of a calm!


She proposed to resume this exercise on the present day, with Amelia and the wounded ensign for a congregation.

She proposed to read them to Amelia and the wounded ensign.


The same service was read on that day in twenty thousand churches at the same hour; and millions of British men and women, on their knees, implored protection of the Father of all.

Prayers were read on that day in twenty thousand British churches; and millions of British men and women implored protection of the Father of all.


They did not hear the noise which disturbed our little congregation at Brussels.


Much louder than that which had interrupted them two days previously, as Mrs. O'Dowd was reading the service in her best voice, the cannon of Waterloo began to roar.

As Mrs. O'Dowd was reading the service in her best voice, the cannon of Waterloo began to roar.


When Jos heard that dreadful sound, he made up his mind that he would bear this perpetual recurrence of terrors no longer, and would fly at once.

When Jos heard that dreadful sound, he decided that he would bear this perpetual terror no longer, and would fly at once.


He rushed into the sick man's room, where our three friends had paused in their prayers, and further interrupted them by a passionate appeal to Amelia.

He rushed into the sick man's room, where our three friends had paused in their prayers, and made a passionate appeal to Amelia.


"I can't stand it any more, Emmy," he said; "I won't stand it; and you must come with me.

"I can't stand it any more, Emmy," he said; "and you must come with me.


I have bought a horse for you--never mind at what price--and you must dress and come with me, and ride behind Isidor."

I have bought a horse for you, and you must dress and come with me, and ride behind Isidor."


"God forgive me, Mr. Sedley, but you are no better than a coward," Mrs. O'Dowd said, laying down the book.


"I say come, Amelia," the civilian went on; "never mind what she says; why are we to stop here and be butchered by the Frenchmen?"

"I say come, Amelia," Jos went on; "never mind her; why should we stay here and be butchered by Frenchmen?"


"You forget the --th, my boy," said the little Stubble, the wounded hero, from his bed--"and and you won't leave me, will you, Mrs. O'Dowd?"

"You forget our regiment," said little Stubble from his bed. "And you won't leave me, will you, Mrs. O'Dowd?"


"No, my dear fellow," said she, going up and kissing the boy.

"No, my dear fellow," said she, going and kissing the boy.


"No harm shall come to you while I stand by.


I don't budge till I get the word from Mick.


A pretty figure I'd be, wouldn't I, stuck behind that chap on a pillion?"


This image caused the young patient to burst out laughing in his bed, and even made Amelia smile.

The young patient burst out laughing in his bed, and even Amelia smiled.


"I don't ask her," Jos shouted out--"I don't ask that--that Irishwoman, but you Amelia; once for all, will you come?"

"I don't ask her," Jos shouted - "I don't ask that Irishwoman, but you, Amelia; will you come?"


Amelia said, with a look of wonder, and gave her hand to the Major's wife.


"Good-bye, then," he said, shaking his fist in a rage, and slamming the door by which he retreated.

"Good-bye, then," he said, shaking his fist in a rage, and slamming the door behind him.


And this time he really gave his order for march: and mounted in the court-yard.


Mrs. O'Dowd heard the clattering hoofs of the horses as they issued from the gate; and looking on, made many scornful remarks on poor Joseph as he rode down the street with Isidor after him in the laced cap.

Mrs. O'Dowd heard the clattering hooves as the horses left; and looking through the window, made scornful remarks about poor Joseph as he rode down the street with Isidor after him.


The horses, which had not been exercised for some days, were lively, and sprang about the street.

The horses were lively, and sprang about.


Jos, a clumsy and timid horseman, did not look to advantage in the saddle.


"Look at him, Amelia dear, driving into the parlour window.


Such a bull in a china-shop I never saw."


And presently the pair of riders disappeared at a canter down the street leading in the direction of the Ghent road, Mrs. O'Dowd pursuing them with a fire of sarcasm so long as they were in sight.

Presently the pair of riders disappeared down the street in the direction of the Ghent road.


All that day from morning until past sunset, the cannon never ceased to roar.

All that day until past sunset, the cannon roared.


It was dark when the cannonading stopped all of a sudden.

It was dark when the cannonading suddenly stopped.


All of us have read of what occurred during that interval.


The tale is in every Englishman's mouth; and you and I, who were children when the great battle was won and lost, are never tired of hearing and recounting the history of that famous action.

The tale is in every Englishman's mouth; and you and I, who were children when the great battle was fought, are never tired of hearing the history of that famous action.


Its remembrance rankles still in the bosoms of millions of the countrymen of those brave men who lost the day.

Its memory rankles still amongst millions of the countrymen of those brave men who lost.


They pant for an opportunity of revenging that humiliation; and if a contest, ending in a victory on their part, should ensue, elating them in their turn, and leaving its cursed legacy of hatred and rage behind to us, there is no end to the so-called glory and shame, and to the alternations of successful and unsuccessful murder, in which two high-spirited nations might engage.

They pant for an opportunity of revenging that humiliation.


Centuries hence, we Frenchmen and Englishmen might be boasting and killing each other still, carrying out bravely the Devil's code of honour.

Centuries from now, we Frenchmen and Englishmen might be boasting and killing each other still, carrying out bravely the Devil's code of honour.


All our friends took their share and fought like men in the great field.


All day long, whilst the women were praying ten miles away, the lines of the dauntless English infantry were receiving and repelling the furious charges of the French horsemen.


Guns which were heard at Brussels were ploughing up their ranks, and comrades falling, and the resolute survivors closing in.

Guns were ploughing up their ranks, and comrades falling, and the resolute survivors closing in.


Towards evening, the attack of the French, repeated and resisted so bravely, slackened in its fury.

Towards evening, the French attack slackened in its fury.


They had other foes besides the British to engage, or were preparing for a final onset.


It came at last: the columns of the Imperial Guard marched up the hill of Saint Jean, at length and at once to sweep the English from the height which they had maintained all day, and spite of all: unscared by the thunder of the artillery, which hurled death from the English line--the dark rolling column pressed on and up the hill.

It came at last: the columns of the Imperial Guard marched up the hill of Saint Jean, to sweep the English from the height which they had maintained all day. The dark rolling column pressed on and up the hill.


It seemed almost to crest the eminence, when it began to wave and falter.

It seemed almost to crest the top, when it began to wave and falter.


Then at last the English troops rushed from the post from which no enemy had been able to dislodge them, and the Guard turned and fled.

The English troops rushed from the post from which no enemy had been able to dislodge them, and the Guard turned and fled.


No more firing was heard at Brussels--the pursuit rolled miles away.

No more firing was heard at Brussels - the pursuit rolled away.


Darkness came down on the field and city: and Amelia was praying for George, who was lying on his face, dead, with a bullet through his heart.


Every reader of a sentimental turn (and we desire no other) must have been pleased with the tableau with which the last act of our little drama concluded; for what can be prettier than an image of Love on his knees before Beauty?

Every reader of a sentimental turn must have been pleased with the scene just described; for what can be prettier than an image of Love on his knees before Beauty?


But when Love heard that awful confession from Beauty that she was married already, he bounced up from his attitude of humility on the carpet, uttering exclamations which caused poor little Beauty to be more frightened than she was when she made her avowal.

But when Love heard that awful confession from Beauty - that she was married already - he bounced up from the carpet with fearful exclamations.


"Married; you're joking," the Baronet cried, after the first explosion of rage and wonder.

"Married! you're joking," the Baronet cried in rage and wonder.


Who'd ever go to marry you without a shilling to your vortune?"

Who'd ever marry you without a shilling to your vortune?"


Rebecca said, in an agony of tears--her voice choking with emotion, her handkerchief up to her ready eyes, fainting against the mantelpiece a figure of woe fit to melt the most obdurate heart.

Rebecca said, in an agony of tears - her voice choking with emotion, her handkerchief up to her eyes, a figure of woe to melt the hardest heart.


"O Sir Pitt, dear Sir Pitt, do not think me ungrateful for all your goodness to me.

"O dear Sir Pitt, do not think me ungrateful.


It is only your generosity that has extorted my secret."


"Let me come back with you to the country, sir!


Let me watch over you as faithfully as ever!


Don't, don't separate me from dear Queen's Crawley!"

Don't separate me from dear Queen's Crawley!"


the Baronet said, beginning, as he fancied, to comprehend.


Coom back as governess--you shall have it all your own way."

Come back as governess - you shall have it all your own way."


She held out one hand. She cried fit to break her heart; her ringlets fell over her face, and over the marble mantelpiece where she laid it.

She held out one hand, and cried fit to break her heart.


Sir Pitt said, with a hideous attempt at consolation.


"Never mind, Becky, I'LL take care of 'ee."

"Never mind, Becky, I'll take care of 'ee."


it would be the pride of my life to go back to Queen's Crawley, and take care of the children, and of you as formerly, when you said you were pleased with the services of your little Rebecca.

I would be proud to go back to Queen's Crawley, and care for the children and you, as formerly.


When I think of what you have just offered me, my heart fills with gratitude indeed it does.

When I think of what you have just offered me, my heart fills with gratitude.


I can't be your wife, sir; let me--let me be your daughter."

I can't be your wife, sir; let me - let me be your daughter."


Saying which, Rebecca went down on HER knees in a most tragical way, and, taking Sir Pitt's horny black hand between her own two (which were very pretty and white, and as soft as satin), looked up in his face with an expression of exquisite pathos and confidence, when--when the door opened, and Miss Crawley sailed in.

Saying which, Rebecca went down on her knees, and, taking Sir Pitt's horny hand between her own soft ones, looked up in his face with exquisite pathos - when the door opened, and Miss Crawley sailed in.