Rank and Talent; A Novel, Vol. 1 (of 3)Scargill, William Pitt
General
Rank and Talent; A Novel, Vol. 1 (of 3)
Scargill, William Pitt
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
thankful that it is no worse.
The information and direction which the stranger sought were soon
communicated to him, and most thankfully received by him. He then was
rising to take leave and repeat his grateful acknowledgments, when
his eye was arrested by the print which Mr. Martindale held in his
hand, and which he had unrolled while he was talking. As soon as the
Colonel saw the picture, he recognised the scene which it represented,
and uttered an ejaculation, indicative of surprise and pleasure. Mr.
Martindale then, for the first time, observed the print, and noticed
its subject: he also looked upon it with surprise, but not with
pleasure; and then he asked the stranger if that scene were familiar to
him. With very great emotion the Colonel replied:
“That scene brings to my recollection the happiest day of my life.”
For a few seconds the party were totally silent; for the clergyman
and the foreigner were struck dumb with astonishment at the altered
looks of the old gentleman, and were surprised to see him crushing
the picture in both his hands. He then, as if with an effort of great
resolution, exclaimed:
“And it brings to my recollection the most miserable day of my life.”
Mr. Denver was not used to emotions; he was quite perplexed what to do,
whether he should sympathise or retire. He very wisely and very calmly
begged Mr. Martindale not to be agitated. That was a very rational
request; but, unfortunately, when persons are in a state of agitation,
they are not in a condition to attend to rational requests. Colonel
Rivolta was more accustomed to the sight and expression of strong
emotions, and he did not make any rational request; but turning towards
the old gentleman, with a look of kindness and sympathy, he said:
“Ah, sir! I am sorry, very sorry, that I have caused you to think again
of your miseries. But your lot is now in prosperity. Ah, sir! we are
all liable to calamity: it is sad to think of the many pains of life;
but your sorrow, sir, is no doubt without reproach to yourself.”
The agitation of the old gentleman abated, and he replied: “I thank you
for your kindness, sir, but my sorrow arises from self-reproach. I have
inflicted injuries which can never be redressed.”
He hesitated, as if wishing, but dreading to say more. Then changing
the tone of his voice, as if he were about to speak on some totally
different subject, he continued addressing himself to Colonel Rivolta:
“I presume, sir, you are a native of Genoa, or you are very familiar
with that city.”
“I was born,” replied the foreigner, “at Naples; but very early in life
I was removed to Genoa, that I might be engaged in merchandise; for my
patrimony was very small, and my relations would have despised me, had
I endeavoured by any occupation to gain a livelihood in my native city.”
“Then you were not originally destined for the army.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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