Part 35 (1/2)
CHAPTER XI
The next morning Adriana called on her mother-in-law. In her wedding Bible, Peter had written the words of the pious Raguel--”Honor thy father and thy mother-in-law, which are now thy parents; that I may hear a good report of thee”--and she had conscientiously tried to fulfil this domestic law. But Harry's marriage had never been quite forgiven by his parents, and in some way both of them had convinced themselves that Harry was not to blame for it. Adriana had cast some spell over him--or won some advantage--or Miss Alida, to further her own plans, had used some underhand influence which they felt it as hard to understand as to forgive. But Mrs. Filmer was much too polite and conventional to permit the public to share her dissatisfaction.
However cold and formal she was to Adriana, she talked of her daughter-in-law to her acquaintances as ”a most suitable person for her son's wife.”
”The match is the realization of my husband's desire to unite the two branches of the family and consolidate its wealth,” she said to every one. And in her heart she did acknowledge not only this advantage, but also the many virtues and charms of Adriana; for it was not her reason that was disappointed; it was her maternal jealousy that was offended.
On this morning she was unusually pleasant to Adriana. She had not seen her for some months; she had brought her some handsome souvenirs, and been soothed by her satisfaction and grat.i.tude; and she was very desirous to make peace between Adriana and Rose, and so induce Adriana to give Rose the benefit of her influence and countenance in society.
The visit was, therefore, so confidential and affectionate that Adriana, in a moment of unguarded emotion, resolved to tell Mrs.
Filmer about the change in Harry. Naturally she thought it would delight his mother; and she considered the momentary reluctance that a.s.sailed her as a selfish feeling.
”Mother,” she said, ”I have something very good to tell you about Harry.”
”What is it? Gracious knows, I ought to hear something pleasant about Harry; for Rose's affairs are enough to break my heart.” Her tone was querulous, rather than interested, and Adriana wished she had not spoken. A sudden fear that she was violating a sacred confidence troubled her, for where there is no sympathy, spiritual confidences are violated and wronged by being shared. It was, however, too late to be silent, but she involuntarily chose the person most removed for the opening of the conversation.
”Do you remember Cora Mitchin?”
”I remember nothing about such people.”
”Unfortunately, Harry knew her, and I have----”
”Adriana, let me tell you one thing, a wise woman does not trouble herself about her husband's private friends. Harry is kind to you. He keeps his home handsomely. He is seen at your side both in church and society, and it is quite possible to ask too much from a good husband.
Harry is young yet--too young to have so many obligations and cares as he has.”
”I think you mistake me, mother. Have I made a complaint of Harry? Not one. I was only going to tell you that the girl I spoke of has been genuinely reformed and has joined the Salvation Army.”
”I cannot believe in such reformations. I thought it was of Harry you had good news to tell.”
”The girl came to see me at our house, and as Harry came in while she was present, she told him about her conversation; and the circ.u.mstances have had a great influence upon him. I do not think Harry will err in that respect again.” But Adriana spoke coldly, and felt unable to enter into details; Mrs. Filmer's face was so unresponsive and even angry.
”The girl came to your house! What an impertinence! And you received her and allowed her to talk about her--conversion! I am simply amazed at you, Adriana! And you think Harry will err no more? You poor deluded woman! The girl was probably hunting Harry up. I have no doubt she considers her visit to you a most excellent joke. Did you see no look of understanding between Harry and this converted young woman?”
”I left them alone to converse.”
”Excuse me, Adriana, but I cannot comprehend such romantic puddling folly--such quixotic generosity! It was wrong, both for Harry and for yourself.”
”I am sure it was not wrong, mother. I know that Harry was greatly moved by the girl's experience. I can trust Harry for the future. With G.o.d's help he is going to be a very different man. He told me so this morning. I believed him. And I did hope you would be glad to hear it.”
”Of course I am glad. If he keeps his intentions it will be a good thing--but men never do.”
”If they trust to themselves, they fail, of course; but Harry knows better than that.”
”I only hope he will not grow too good. One saint in the family is sufficient;” and with a smile which did not quite take away the sting of the mock compliment, Mrs. Filmer put Adriana--who had risen--back into her chair, saying:
”You must not go yet, Adriana. I want to consult you about Rose. Her affairs seem to be in a very bad way. We will waive all discussion of the causes for this condition at present, and just consider what is best to be done.”
”Antony will return for one word of contrition.”