Part 55 (2/2)
Susannah was astonished at this new feature of the case, so aptly put by the old lawyer. Mrs Cophagus looked at her husband, and Cophagus pinched my arm, evidently agreeing with him. When Mr Masterton had finished speaking, Susannah waited a few seconds, and then replied, ”It becomes not one so young and weak as I am, to argue with thee, who art so much my senior. I cannot cavil at opinions which, if not correct, at least are founded on the holy writings; but I have been otherwise instructed.”
”Then let us drop the argument, Miss Susannah, and let me tell you, that j.a.phet wished to resume his Quaker's dress, and I would not permit him.
If there is any blame, it is to be laid to me; and it's no use being angry with an old man like myself.”
”I have no right to be angry with anyone,” replied Susannah.
”But you were angry with me, Susannah,” interrupted I.
”I cannot say that it was anger, j.a.phet Newland: I hardly know what the feeling might have been; but I was wrong, and I must request thy forgiveness;” and Susannah held out her hand.
”Now you must forgive me too, Miss Temple,” said old Masterton, and Susannah laughed against her wishes.
The conversation then became general. Mr Masterton explained to Mr Cophagus what he required of him, and Mr Cophagus immediately acceded.
It was arranged that he should go to town by the mail the next day. Mr Masterton talked a great deal about my father, and gave his character in its true light, as he considered it would be advantageous to me so to do. He then entered into conversation upon a variety of topics, and was certainly very amusing. Susannah laughed very heartily before the evening was over, and Mr Masterton retired to the hotel, for I had resolved to sleep in my own bed.
I walked home with Mr Masterton: I then returned to the house, and found them all in the parlour. Mrs Cophagus was expressing her delight at the amus.e.m.e.nt she had received, when I entered with a grave face. ”I wish that I had not left you,” said I to Mrs Cophagus; ”I am afraid to meet my father; he will exact the most implicit obedience. What am I to do? Must not I obey him?”
”In all things lawful,” replied Susannah, ”most certainly, j.a.phet.”
”In all things lawful, Susannah! now tell me, in the very case of my apparel: Mr Masterton says, that he never will permit me to wear the dress. What am I to do?”
”Thou hast thy religion and thy Bible for thy guide, j.a.phet.”
”I have; and in the Bible I find written on tablets of stone by the prophet of G.o.d, 'Honour thy father and thy mother;' there is a positive commandment: but I find no commandment to wear this or that dress. What think you?” continued I, appealing to them all.
”I should bid thee honour thy father, j.a.phet,” replied Mrs Cophagus, ”and you, Susannah--”
”I shall bid thee good night, j.a.phet.”
At this reply we all laughed, and I perceived there was a smile on Susannah's face as she walked away. Mrs Cophagus followed her, laughing as she went, and Cophagus and I were alone.
”Well, j.a.phet--see old gentleman--kiss--shake hands--and blessing--and so on.”
”Yes, sir,” replied I; ”but if he treats me ill I shall probably come down here again. I am afraid that Susannah is not very well pleased with me.”
”Pooh, nonsense--wife knows all--die for you--j.a.phet, do as you please-- dress yourself--dress her--any dress--no dress like Eve--sly puss--won't lose you--all right--and so on.”
I pressed Mr Cophagus to tell me all he knew, and I found from him that his wife had questioned Susannah soon after my departure, had found her weeping, and that she had gained from her the avowal of her ardent affection for me. This was all I wanted, and I wished him good night, and went to bed happy. I had an interview with Susannah Temple before I left the next morning, and, although I never mentioned love, had every reason to be satisfied. She was kind and affectionate; spoke to me in her usual serious manner, warned me against the world, acknowledged that I should have great difficulties to surmount, and even made much allowance for my peculiar situation. She dared not advise, but she would pray for me. There was a greater show of interest and confidence towards me than I had ever yet received from her: when I parted from her I said, ”Dear Susannah, whatever change may take place in my fortunes or in my dress, believe me, my heart shall not be changed, and I shall ever adhere to those principles which have been instilled into me since I have been in your company.”
This was a phrase which admitted of a double meaning, and she replied, ”I should wish to see thee perfect, j.a.phet; but there is no perfection now on earth; be therefore as perfect as you can.”
”G.o.d bless you, Susannah.”
”May the blessing of the Lord be on you always, j.a.phet,” replied she.
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