The Pillars of the House; Or, Under Wode, Under Rode, Vol. 1 (of 2)

hanical churl!

, when her father was in trade, and she looked so vulgar; while Wilmet contended against her finery, and Cherry transferred the heartlessness to her cruel father and mother, and Robina never ceased t

e evening; and as the boys themselves were always ready to act as horses, they obtained it on moderate terms, which made the sum hold out in a marvellous manner. And not only were these drives delight unimaginable to the

s a sensitive little body, who found it hard not to be fretful, when told that it was very ill-natured to object to having her paints daubed over her drawings by Lance, Robina, and Angel-an accusation often brought against her by rough, kindly Sibby, and sometimes even by Wilmet in an extremity; while Mamma's subdued entreaty, that she would do something to please the little ones, if it could be without misc

much sense of the absurd, and was generally the victim of Edgar's wit; but, on the other hand, he was much in the habit of objecting to anything Edgar o

sisters. Mamma and Cherry felt it no small comfort to have no one at home who did not sleep away two or three of the morning hours; and the lessons that the little gi

etings, by sick-beds, or in cottages, as bright and as popular as ever, perhaps the more so that he was more transparently thin, and every stranger started at the so

to see Mr. Underwood looking indeed like some ethereal ascetic saint, with his bright eyes and wasted features, and to hear him preach in extempore-as was his custom-a sermon on the blessedness of angel helps, which in its intense fervour, almost rapture, was to many as if it came from a white-winged angel himself. Mr. Audley glided into his own place, and met Felix's look of relief. The sermon was finished, and the blessing given; but before he could descend the steps, the cough had come on, and with it severe h?morrhage. They had to send one star

ng the same effect seemed to be produced on Angela and Bernard. They made so much less disturbance when entrusted to Cherry, that the mother often sent Alda to sit by papa, even though she knew he liked nothing so well as to have his little pupil's soft voice repeating to him the Latin hymns she loved to learn on pu

stant, and even had spoken of sending for others of his catechumens. Wilmet and Alda were both at school, the two babies out with Sibby, Mamma at work, Papa dreaming over a Comment on the Epistle to the Philippians, which was

; she had sent many enquiries, some dainties, and a good many recipes; and she had made no objection to Mr. Bevan's frequent and affectionate visit

her, and cheerily answered her inquiries for his cough. She even discussed the berries in the hedges, and the prospects of a mild winter, in a frien

was misbehaving, or that some Christmas dole was to be curtailed, and that he would have to announce it because Mr. Bevan would not. He was not prepared

aid Mr. Underwood, not at all moved, so sec

. It was laid out on a pic-ni

eople were so good-natured, that very little actually wen

that remainder has been made to cover

My Lady, evidently angered at their blindness, went on, 'It is a painful duty, Mr. Underwood, especially

ou. What

uld amount to more than a pound. Besides which, your daughters have been provided with books and music-fru

Mr. Underwood

ardly doubted, though possibly the boy may have done it

he allow, L

gives his boy an absurd amount of pocket-money, and when she was tax

her little sofa all this time, but now dashed forward, stumping impet

ee. Tell Lady Price what you mean, Geraldine,' he added gravely, to

hair over her face, 'he earned it-he earned eve

girl?' said Lady Price, still severely.

the papers he had to print for the boys' work at the Grammar School, because it is all Lati

y cleared; but Lady Price coughed drily, sayin

h tears. 'I don't know what Felix wil

s a proof of shame,' began Lady Price in a consoling tone that fil

and Wilmet never will bear that Papa should k

unguarded words, ran into her mother's

am glad my little girl has been able to satisfy you th

is not my affair; but I must say I should like

ave a boy to be perfectly t

will spea

inly I

relief to Mr. Bevan and me to find your son not consciously in fault, for it would have b

door in that extremely polite manner that always made her feel smallest; and then he d

Papa!' cr

with tears in her eyes; 'but

'A little quietness now, if you please, my dear; and send Felix to me

s own accord, radiant, with a paper containing a report of a public

Mr. Underwood; 'where

, father. It was

must exhaust even that Fortunat

I wanted to tell you; but I

better time than the pre

re properly done. Old Smith used to do it, by real force of Chinese accuracy, but he has been ill for some time, and Mr. Froggatt can't see to do it himself, and Charlie won't, and can't be trusted either. So one day, when I was reading in the shop, Mr. Froggatt asked me to see if a thing was rig

my boy. Go on; what

lix: 'it always was an extra for being so troublesome. It was seven

n do you

heet of the Pursuivant, because Mr. Froggatt had to go out, and that made it more. A

me earnings of yours will e

r man in Smith's place, and got him gradually into editing the paper too. He said he wished I was not a gentleman's son, for if I had not been

rwood was exceedingly

elshelf, and looking into the fire, 'any other way I can only be

me seconds; then said in a low voice, 'I see you know all about it, Felix; and that

word of despondency to him before, and he could only go on

a relic of former days, the family shield and motto within-namely, a cross p

! The load is the Cross. Bear thy cross, and thy cross will bear thee, like little Geraldi

Felix, with a sense both of deprecation

; and when a crutch is offered to me, I take hold of it as a log instead of a rood. I d

son than ever. 'Oug

ot all folly, I hope; but I had thought you wo

eyes now. 'There are the other

d." It is lowering! Yes, you are right. Even suppose you could be educated, by the time you were ordained, you would still have half these poor children on your hands, and it would only be my own s

e others instead,' sai

verse in his beloved Epistle-'Look not every man on his

Do you consider what

said Felix in

tle bookseller in a country town is a mere tradesman, and though a man like Audley may take you up from time to time, it will never be on an abs

indeed I thought of all that. Of course I don't

t again. I suppose you don't know

e ￡250 a year f

, so there will be ￡150 a year to depend on, besides what we had of our own, only ￡2,350 left of it now. I have had to break into it for the doctor's bills, but at least there are no debts. Thank God, we have been saved from debt!

e to a stunned expression which was only dispelled with a sudden st

up my mind to expect that no help will come to you but from yourselves. Except that I hope some of you may be educated by clergy o

,' said Felix, 'in case an

n you are now, when I am out of the way. And yet-' A violent cough came on. 'We must wait, Felix,'

miled at little Bernard's most earnest attempts at a game of play, and had not a word for even Cherry, only wh

it down on the table before him, he said gently, 'My dear, I want to kn

rather hastily. 'Some nonsens

general nonsense, but of that which concerns you. Wh

Some of the girls will s

I know exactly what he has done. I want you to tell me w

s Price!' was all

sp she did not forget for weeks, and forcing her to look at him, said,

d so!' cried Alda,

it for a scene, and I may not be ab

artling to Alda than to her bro

Alda? or was it the

head, but s

ce counts every grape that goes into this house-and they would know how I got my new music

ey kne

o idea how nasty

a by seeing how nasty they are making you!

wn; and she also knew that though she had spoken truth as to her words, she had allowed remarks to pass without protest, o

e more fears for you than for any one of my children. Did you ever hear that false shame leads to true shame? Never shuffle again! Rem

true: it is very good of Felix, and I should not have equivocate

g when his mother came to the door of the a

Felix. It has been a very bad night, an

, I am ve

r boy. I think it will real

Mother, do

nd clothed, was worn out of me years ago. I can't feel anything

er been admitted to their father's room in the early morning, and Felix thought he must be suddenly worse wh

'Don't come up to me. I'm incog. till I'm

, Fa

he nonsense is conquered, Felix; more shame for me that it has followed me so far; but the sense remains. I must try to be sure that this sacrifice of yours

nly, 'would you please be photograp

hat is, if I am ever capable of getting up

ou!' and Fel

of furnaces. He was a very good religious man, as Mr. Underwood well knew, having been his great comforter through several family troubles, which had left him and his wife alone with one surviving and woefully spoilt son, who hated the trade, and had set his heart upon being a farmer-chiefly with a view

uenters, such as had quite warranted his first requests for Felix's good-natured help; and it had been really as a sort of jesting compliment that he had told the young gentleman that he wished he would take Smith's place, little e

the newspaper valuable and beneficial; while Charles's desertion left them to decline with his father's declining years, and in danger of being supplanted by some brisk new light. Felix Underwood was indeed very young, but he had already proved his power of usefulness, and a very few years would make him capable of being a right hand to the old man, and he might in time make a position for himself. Mr. Froggatt would otherwise ere long be forced by his own infirmity, to dispose of the business at a disadvantage, and this would, he confessed, go to his heart. Mr. Underwood felt greatly reconciled to the project. There was real usefulness in the work, great means of influencing men for good, and though there would be much of mechanical employment, for which it was a pity to give up the boy's education, yet it was a stepping-stone to something better, and it gave present and increasing mean

us vivacity that he inquired of Mr. Underwood if it we

not argue it with me, Audley; my own mind

erference; but could you not

e are so many to be done for, that

Felix out o

is not right to withhold him, and throw his education upon the kind friends who might be helping th

he mig

should have chosen for him? He may be a leaven for good-among the men we have never b

ly could not speak at fir

ake,' said he, smiling at las

ving Vale Leston, and by that wonderful resolute patience that-that I shall never be able to thank her for. I scarcely dare to let her know that I see it. And when I look on to the winter that is before her,' he added, much less calmly, 'I think she may not be long afte

you from Va

the style of man to be asked, even if I could saddle him with the charge. Probably twelve

-' asked the younger

o will not violently break up the home and disperse the children. I believe Felix will be a compe

give me grea

ou down to Bexley, or even to England, I should refrain from this request as a temptation. Mind, you are only asked to act in case the children should lose thei

t think

ago, from a poor man in Smoke-jack Alley, who would let no one lift him but me. They are healthy young things, all but dear little Cherry, and I hope they have spirits to keep care from making them otherwise. You will say a kind word to my little

Underwood and the witnesses; and Mr. Audley felt himself bound to remon

ly indignant. Then he got a burnt stick, and after shutting himself up in his attic

low?' asked Felix. '

'It is Friday grinn

a ditch,' said Felix. 'Come, Ed

tched the others out of the house, he

ried. 'You'

ure! You

jans! O Edgar-how brave he looks-how his hair flies

rry?' said Edgar, gazing wistfully. 'I did

crewing up her eyes; 'it is in him to

in. O Cherry-to have such things in my head, and not get them out!

so like to do one touch to his face, but he's so big!

up. I'll hold y

without pain, raised to a chair, where, with Edgar's arms round her waist, she actually worked for ten minutes at

aid Edgar, lifting her down, and proceeding to

! but it is not suc

lunderbore's. O Cherry, if I were but older-I know I could-I'd save Felix from this h

e day you wi

ust fancy, Gerald, if that picture was

girl, gazing through her eye-lashes at the dim strokes in th

so long hence! Oh!

ng. You will be a great

than the other cri

es not look quite so

na and Angela had peeped in, and emulated the terror of the Trojans, or the savages; and Sibby had fallen on the young gentleman for being 'so bold' as to draw a frightful phooka upon their walls, just to frighten the darlints. Indeed, it was long before Angela could be got past the door at night witho

t gratis. And he not only insisted on so doing, but he came down from his studio, and took Mr. Underwood in his own chair, under his own window-producing a likeness which, at first sight, shocked every one by its

d in some measure, so as sometimes even to ge

n Felix's arm, with the two elder girls close behind him, when Alda s

me moment he drew up, and exclaiming, 'Edward! bless me!' was off his horse in a moment, and was wringing those unsubstantial fingers in a crushing grasp. There was not much to be seen of Mr. Underwood,

s, I'll come in with you! Bless me! bless me! Mary has been at me ever so many times about y

by the groom, and the new-comer followed in silence, while Felix helped his father up the steps, and unwound his wraps, after which he turned round, and with

as the clergyman sank back into his arm-chair, the merchant gaze

pointing to him and turning to Mrs. Underwo

t? Only since the end of September, a

ave you ha

know how us

. I'll have Williams down b

advice in the world could tell us no more than we know already.

therwise it went against the grain with her, and I'm afraid she'll never take to the place. 'Twas that kept us abr

young lady. 'Do let me see th

ending, for the dining-room was by many degrees more shabby than the drawing-room; however, she could only ob

ore, and appeared carrying the one and leading the other, who never having closely inspected

seldom enjoying such an opportunity as the present; and the two babies had a

been on the

I must have French masters, and more polish, but I don't li

iable,' said F

t? Oh! I should like i

There was a poor dog at the hotel that had been left behind by some English people, and could not bear the French voices,

places, and churches, and

on, and write it after, which was worse! And then the great bare shiny rooms with nothing to do. The only thing I liked was looking at a jolly little old woman that sold hot chestn

, 'only I am afraid Mamma won't like the place. She s

don't know,'

or Christmas,' added Marilda, 'and you must

ed Alda. 'If Papa will but be well

e way home of how clever your father was, and how wickedly Cousin Fulbert at Vale Leston had served him, and he promised me when I

; and as the children herded to the door, her father turned round and looked at the boys inqui

'One or two more or less would not make much odds-eh, Edward?-Mary, what kissing all round?-D'

view, that one of them was going to be adopted. Their notion was not so much out as such speculations generally are, for Mr. Underwood was no sooner alone with Felix a

us, did you

ve to-morrow is as to which

me to take

ve any decision to make for you, and I had rather you should m

ld not, and must not, go to my work; there would be nothing coming i

n a manner provided for, but when he found you had a

is the one of us all that ought to have the very best! Such a fellow as he is! He is sure of the prize this time, you

name should be Thomas. Besides, I do not think your mother could get on without you. And, Felix,' he lowered his voice, 'I believe that this is providential. Not only as s

' said Fel

y's faith; but the worst of it is, he does not know what is meddling,

knows enough to be on his guard

ch things do not come down to the lower forms. And they will be eligible for clergy orphans. Audley spoke of a choristership for Clement in the clergy-house at Whittingtonia. Was there

d Felix; 'not like ours, you know,

and asked, 'Have you seen enough of

at Felix looked up surprised. 'I should think her mother wanted to

lect, declared his intention of taking home one of the girls to be as a sister to his Mary, and then, evidently bethinking himse

ink from the words of her husband and daughter that there was a good deal of the nouveau riche about her, and Mrs. Underwood did not know how to think of trusting a daughter in a worldly, perhaps irreligious, household. But Mr. Underwood was a good deal touched by his cousin's warmth and regret; he believed that the family kept up relig

d spare h

d be losing my right

ing her among girls who hurt her, if they do not Wilmet. Be

ous any

Alda, and Tom, who will look after her in the main, th

w I can spare her be

not, it seems. Justice settles the point, dearest, as

inct was to keep all her brood round her; but, silent and deferential woman that she w

ame her father, and hampers on hampers of game, wine, and fruits ensued; while Marilda seized on Alda, and turned of he

flock to share the feast, with cries of

' she said to Alda. 'I don

thrust in Lancelot, 'iron

tered Alda

me go down and see! I

rilda-yo

ins, only your hands are so sticky. What, down here!-Oh, Wil

, if Sibby

et me

was heard calling for Edgar, who, turning crimson, went upstairs, leavin

, pausing in her smoothing op

e. 'I have g

can't bear it. I didn't think he was i

t go and be my father's clerk, and be one

hook hi

is your wo

y. 'It gives present payment,

d on his. 'I like you!' sh

cue at their last meeting-performed a wonderful progress, holding on by his fingers and toes along the le

ave this little darling Angela to pet, but Mamma wouldn't have her, and I did so beg for Geraldine, to let her have a sofa and a pony-carriage! I do w

really?'

her to choose from-that is, if sh

said Wilmet. 'Hark, the

the drawing-room. Wilmet hung back. 'I will not be

rest! Let us all come out of this place.' And it was he who took off his sister's ironing a

d voice she expected; 'it is very good

f ready courtesy, answered, 'Yes, yes, I'm no end of grateful. I'll get

chant! Do such stupid useless things, only to bother people

said Edgar; 'but I'd rather make delight! But it can't be hel

em with 'Good morning, my dears! Just as Marilda told me, so much alike as to be quite romantic. Well, no doubt it is a pity to se

happy whichever it is! You shall be in all respects li

irls both, that will do us credit, unless it is their own fault. Excellent g

hich it shall be?'

rm, 'will value these advantages, and is not quite such a home-bird as her sister. I h

at home, and contempt for Mary Alda in comparison with her own twin, seemed to take away any elation, as Mr.

said Mr. Underwood. 'Let me

than ever they had been in their lives. It was to be on Twelfth Day, but Mrs. Underwood hinted to the twins that they had better not talk to the younger ones about it, for she scarcely believed they would go. She had never before spoken out that conviction which had long cr

id Mr. Audley one day at the r

at last!' was the repl

to trust, and he did trust with all his heart, cheered as it was by the tardy cordiality of his cousin, and the indefinable love of kindred that was thus gratified. Thomas Underwood poured in good things of all kinds on the invalid and his house, fulfilled his promise of calling in further advice, and would have

us judge of the Rector. But when, after a brilliant examination, he became aware that he was to lose both the elder Underwoods at once, his mortification was great; he came to call, and Mr. Underwood had again to undergo an expostulation

re too many younger boarders here for Felix to be spared. No, thank you; I a

crifice such a

at the cost of prospects. He cannot aff

ut I cannot think it is right

less wrong than to leave the

hould

y in me, after all. I was foolish enough about it at first, but I am quite content no

to your sons to raise the reputation of the school; but perhaps it is only put off a lit

hanks, much feeling of your g

th as much indignation as could be show

yder; the desire is mine-and remember, it is that of a man who is dying, and who really loves and values yo

ng, 'You know how I respect your motives; but let me say that I doubt your finding any place where the ideas you deprecate are no

how them how strong the approach of death makes that faith

e at the core the same as your own. All our question is what outworks are untena

ink, you will understand what faith is. Meantime, your uncertainties are doing more mischief than you understand-they pervade all your teaching more than you know. I dread what they may do t

ith a small old copy of Jeremy Taylor's 'Holy Living and Dying;' then sitting down again, wrote the schoolmaster's name in it, above his own 'Under-wode, Und

a note of warm thanks that evening, promising to do whatever lay in his power for the boys, that their father would not think dangerous for them; and he added, that whatever he should for

cerely told those who would have grieve

s I had become sluggish and mechanical in fixed habits of easy country work, came this thorough change, break, and rousing. I tell you, I can never be thankful enough for the mercy. Not to leave

t,' said Mr.

wed to be spent in that service. And for the children, I wish only for