Japhet, In Search Of A Father by Frederick Marryat

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I went out, and had half closed the door after me, when the general
cried out, "Stop--don't go--Japhet--my son--I was in a passion--I beg
your pardon--don't mind what I said--I'm a passionate old fool."

As he uttered this in broken sentences, I returned to him. He held out
his hand. "Forgive me, boy--forgive your father." I knelt down and kissed
his hand; he drew me towards him, and I wept upon his bosom.

Chapter LXXV

Father still dutifully submissive at home--Abroad, I am splitting
a straw in arguments with Susannah about straw bonnets--The rest
of the Chapter contains coquetry, courting, and costumes.

It was some time before we were sufficiently composed to enter into
conversation, and then I tried my utmost to please him. Still, there was
naturally a restraint on both sides, but I was so particular and devoted
in my attentions, so careful of giving offence, that when he complained
of weariness, and a wish to retire, he stipulated that I should be with
him to breakfast on the next morning.

I hastened to Mr Masterton, although it was late, to communicate to him
all that had passed; he heard me with great interest. "Japhet," said he,
"you have done well--it is the proudest day of your life. You have
completely mastered him. The royal Bengal tiger is tamed. I wish you
joy, my dear fellow. Now I trust that all will be well. But keep your
own counsel, do not let this be known at Reading. Let them still imagine
that your father is as passionate as ever, which he will be, by-the-bye,
with everybody else. You have still to follow up your success, and leave
me to help you in other matters."

I returned home to the Piazza, and, thankful to Heaven for the events of
the day, I soon fell fast asleep, and dreamt of Susannah Temple. The next
morning I was early at the Adelphi hotel; my father had not yet risen,
but the native servants who passed in and out, attending upon him, and
who took care to give me a wide berth, had informed him that "Burra
Saib's" son was come, and he sent for me. His leg was very painful and
uncomfortable, and the surgeon had not yet made his appearance. I
arranged it as before, and he then dressed, and came out to breakfast.
I had said nothing before the servants, but as soon as he was comfortable
on the sofa I took his hand, and kissed it, saying, "Good morning, my
dear father; I hope you do not repent of your kindness to me yesterday."

"No, no; God bless you, boy. I've been thinking of you all night."

"All's right," thought I; "and I trust to be able to keep it so."

I shall pass over a fortnight, during which I was in constant attendance
upon my father. At times he would fly out in a most violent manner, but I
invariably kept my temper, and when it was all over, would laugh at him,
generally repeating and acting all which he had said and done during his
paroxysm. I found this rather dangerous ground at first, but by degrees
he became used to it, and it was wonderful how it acted as a check upon
him. He would not at first believe but that I exaggerated, when the
picture was held up to his view and he was again calm. My father was not
naturally a bad-tempered man, but having been living among a servile
race, and holding high command in the army, he had gradually acquired a
habit of authority and an impatience of contradiction which was
unbearable to all around. Those who were high-spirited and sensitive
shunned him; the servile and the base continued with him for their own
interests, but trembled at his wrath. I had during this time narrated to
my father the events of my life, and, I am happy to say, had, by
attention and kindness joined with firmness and good temper, acquired a
dominion over him. I had at his request removed to the hotel, and lived
with him altogether. His leg was rapidly arriving to a state of
convalescence, and he now talked of taking a house and setting up his
establishment in London. I had seen but little of Mr Masterton during
this time, as I had remained in-doors in attendance upon the general. I
had written once to Mr Cophagus, stating how I was occupied, but saying
nothing about our reconciliation. One morning, Mr Masterton called upon
us, and after a little conversation with the general, he told me that
he had persuaded Mr Cophagus and his wife to leave Reading and come to
London, and that Susannah Temple was to come with them.

"On a visit?" inquired I. "No, not on a visit. I have seen Cophagus, and
he is determined to cut the Quakers, and reside in London altogether."

"What! does he intend to return to the pomps and vanities of this wicked
world?"

"Yes, I believe so, and his wife will join him. She has no objection to
decorate her pretty person."

"I never thought that she had--but Susannah Temple--"

"When Susannah is away from her friends, when she finds that her sister
and brother-in-law no longer wear the dress, and when she is constantly
in your company, to all which please to add the effect I trust of my
serious admonitions, she will soon do as others do, or she is no woman.
This is all my plan, and leave it to me--only play your part by seeing
as much of her as you can."

"You need not fear that," replied I.

"Does your father know of your attachment?" inquired Mr Masterton.

"No, I passed her over without mentioning her name," replied I. "It is
too soon yet to talk to him about my marrying; in fact, the proposal
must, if possible, come from him. Could not you manage that?"

"Yes, I will if I can; but, as you say, wait awhile. Here is their
address--you must call to-morrow, if you can; and do you think you can
dine with me on Thursday?"

"Yes, if the general continues improving; if not, I will send you word."

The next day I complained of a headache, and said, that I would walk out
until dinner-time. I hastened to the address given me by Mr Masterton,
and found that Mr Cophagus and his wife were out, but Susannah remained
at home. After our first questions, I inquired of her how she liked
London.

"I am almost afraid to say, Japhet, at least to you; you would only
laugh at me."

"Not so, Susannah; I never laugh when I know people are sincere."

"It appears to me, then, to be a vanity fair."

"That there is more vanity in London than in any other city, I grant,"
replied I; "but recollect, that there are more people and more wealth.
I do not think that there is more in proportion than in other towns in
England, and if there is more vanity, Susannah, recollect also that
there is more industry, more talent, and I should hope a greater
proportion of good and honest people among its multitudes; there is also,
unfortunately, more misery and more crime."

"I believe you are right, Japhet. Are you aware that Mr Cophagus has put
off his plain attire?"

"If it grieves you, Susannah, it grieves me also; but I presume he finds
it necessary not to be so remarkable."

"For him, I could find some excuse; but what will you say, Japhet, when
I tell you that my own sister, born and bred up to our tenets, hath also
deviated much from the dress of the females of our sect?"

"In what hath she made an alteration?"

"She has a bonnet of plaited straw with ribbons."

"Of what colour are the ribbons?"

"Nay, of the same as her dress--of grey."

"Your bonnet, Susannah, is of grey silk; I do not see that there is
vanity in descending to straw, which is a more homely commodity. But
what reason has she given?"

"That her husband wills it, as he does not like to walk out with her
in her Quaker's dress."

"Is it not her duty to obey her husband, even as I obey my father,
Susannah?--but I am not ashamed to walk out with you in your dress; so
if you have no objection, let me show you a part of this great city."

Susannah consented; we had often walked together in the town of Reading:
she was evidently pleased at what I said. I soon escorted her to Oxford
Street, from thence down Bond Street, and through all the most frequented
parts of the metropolis. The dress naturally drew upon her the casual
glance of the passengers, but her extreme beauty turned the glance to an
ardent gaze, and long before we had finished our intended walk, Susannah
requested that I would go home. She was not only annoyed but almost
alarmed at the constant and reiterated scrutiny which she underwent,
ascribing it to her dress, and not to her lovely person. As soon as we
returned I sat down with her.

"So I understand that Mr Cophagus intends to reside altogether in London."

"I have not heard so; I understood that it was business which called him
hither for a few weeks. I trust not, for I shall be unhappy here."

"May I ask why?"

"The people are rude--it is not agreeable to walk out."

"Recollect, my dear Susannah, that those of your sect are not so plentiful
in London as elsewhere, and if you wear a dress so different from other
people, you must expect that curiosity will be excited. You cannot blame
them--it is you who make yourself conspicuous, almost saying to the people
by your garment, 'Come, and look at me.' I have been reflecting upon what
Mr Masterton said to you at Reading, and I do not know whether he was not
right in calling it a garb of pride instead of a garb of humility."

"If I thought so, Japhet, even I would throw it off," replied Susannah.

"It certainly is not pleasant that every one should think that you walk
out on purpose to be stared at, yet such is the ill-natured construction
of the world, and they will never believe otherwise. It is possible, I
should think, to dress with equal simplicity and neatness, to avoid gay
colours, and yet to dress so as not to excite observation."

"I hardly know what to say, but that you all appear against me, and that
sometimes I feel that I am too presumptuous in thus judging for myself."

"I am not against you, Susannah; I know you will do what you think is
right, and I shall respect you for that, even if I disagree with you; but
I must say, that if my wife were to dress in such a way as to attract the
public gaze, I should feel too jealous to approve of it. I do not,
therefore, blame Mr Cophagus for inducing his pretty wife to make some
alteration in her attire, neither do I blame but I commend her for
obeying the wishes of her husband. Her beauty is his, and not common
property."

Susannah did not reply; she appeared very thoughtful.

"You disagree with me, Susannah," said I, after a pause; "I am sorry for
it."

"I cannot say that I do, Japhet; I have learned a lesson this day, and,
in future, I must think more humbly of myself, and be more ruled by the
opinions and judgment of others."

Mr and Mrs Cophagus then came in. Cophagus had resumed his medical coat
and waistcoat, but not his pantaloons or Hessians: his wife, who had a
very good taste in dress, would not allow him. She was in her grey silk
gown, but wore a large handsome shawl, which covered all but the skirts;
on her head she had a Leghorn bonnet, and certainly looked very pretty.
As usual, she was all good-humour and smiles. I told them that we had
been walking out, and that Susannah had been much annoyed by the staring
of the people.

"Always so," said Cophagus, "never mind--girls like it--feel pleased--and
so on."

"You wrong me much, brother Cophagus," replied Susannah, "it pained me
exceedingly."

"All very well to say so--know better--sly puss--will wear dress--people
say, pretty Quaker--and so on."

Susannah hastily left the room after this attack, and I told them what
had passed.

"Mrs Cophagus," said I, "order a bonnet and shawl like yours for her,
without telling her, and perhaps you will persuade her to put them on."

Mrs Cophagus thought the idea excellent, and promised to procure them.
Susannah not making her re-appearance, I took leave and arrived at the
hotel in good time for dinner.

"Japhet," said the general to me as we were at table, "you have mentioned
Lord Windermear very often, have you called upon him lately?"

"No, sir, it is now two years and more since I have seen him. When I was
summoned to town to meet you, I was too much agitated to think of
anything else, and since that I have had too much pleasure in your
company."

"Say, rather, my good boy, that you have nursed me so carefully that you
have neglected your friends and your health. Take my carriage to-morrow,
and call upon him, and after that, you had better drive about a little,
for you have been looking pale these last few days. I hope to get out
myself in a short time, and then we will have plenty of amusement
together in setting up our establishment."

Chapter LXXVI

I renew old ties of friendship, and seek new ones of
love--Obliged to take my father to task once more--He receives
his lesson with proper obedience.

I took the carriage the next day, and drove to Lord Windermear's. He was
at home, and I gave my name to the servant as Mr De Benyon. It was the
first time that I had made use of my own name. His lordship was alone
when I entered. He bowed, as if not recognising me, and waved his hand
to a chair.

"My lord, I have given my true name, and you treat me as a perfect
stranger. I will mention my former name, and I trust you will honour
me with a recognition. I was Japhet Newland."

"My dear Mr Newland, you must accept my apology; but it is so long since
we met, and I did not expect to see you again."

"I thought, my lord, that Mr Masterton had informed you of what had
taken place."

"No; I have just come from a visit to my sisters in Westmoreland, and
have received no letters from him."

"I have, my lord, at last succeeded in finding out the object of my mad
search, as you were truly pleased to call it, in the Honourable General
De Benyon, lately arrived from the East Indies."

"Where his services are well known," added his lordship. "Mr De Benyon,
I congratulate you with all my heart. When you refused my offers of
assistance, and left us all in that mad way, I certainly despaired of
ever seeing you again. I am glad that you re-appear under such fortunate
auspices. Has your father any family?"

"None, my lord, but myself; and my mother died in the East Indies."

"Then I presume, from what I know at the Board of Control, that you
may _now_ safely be introduced as a young gentleman of large fortune;
allow me at least to assist your father in placing you in your proper
sphere in society. Where is your father?"

"At present, my lord, he is staying at the Adelphi hotel, confined to
his room by an accident, but I trust that in a few days he will be able
to come out."

"Will you offer my congratulations to him, and tell him, that if he will
allow me, I will have the honour of paying my respects to him. Will you
dine with me on Monday next?"

I returned my thanks, accepted the invitation, and took my leave, his
lordship saying as he shook hands with me, "You don't know how happy
this intelligence has made me. I trust that your father and I shall be
good friends."

When I returned to the carriage, as my father had desired me to take an
airing, I thought I might as well have a companion, so I directed them
to drive to Mr Cophagus's. The servant knocked, and I went in as soon
as the door was opened. Susannah and Mrs Cophagus were sitting in the
room.

"Susannah," said I, "I know you do not like to walk out, so I thought,
perhaps, you would have no objection to take an airing in the carriage;
my father has lent it to me. Will you come?--it will do you good."

"It is very kind of you, Japhet, to think of me; but--"

"But what?" replied Mrs Cophagus. "Surely thou wilt not refuse, Susannah.
It would savour much of ingratitude on thy part."

"I will not then be ungrateful," replied Susannah, leaving the room;
and in a short time she returned in a Leghorn bonnet and shawl like her
sister's. "Do not I prove that I am not ungrateful, Japhet, since to do
credit to thy carriage, I am content to depart from the rules of our
persuasion?" said Susannah, smiling.

"I feel the kindness and the sacrifice you are making to please me,
Susannah," replied I; "but let us lose no time."

I handed her down to the carriage, and we drove to the Park. It was a
beautiful day, and the Park was filled with pedestrians as well as
carriages. Susannah was much astonished, as well as pleased. "Now,
Susannah," said I, "if you were to call this Vanity Fair, you would
not be far wrong; but still, recollect that even all this is productive
of much good. Reflect how many industrious people find employment and
provision for their families by the building of these gay vehicles,
their painting and ornamenting. How many are employed at the loom,
and at the needle, in making these costly dresses. This vanity is the
cause of wealth not being hoarded, but finding its way through various
channels, so as to produce comfort and happiness to thousands."

"Your observations are just, Japhet, but you have lived in the world,
and seen much of it. I am as one just burst from an egg-shell, all
amazement. I have been living in a little world of my own thoughts,
surrounded by a mist of ignorance, and not being able to penetrate
farther, have considered myself wise when I was not."

"My dear Susannah, this is a chequered world, but not a very bad
one--there is in it much of good as well as evil. The sect to
which you belong avoid it--they know it not--and they are unjust
towards it. During the time that I lived at Reading, I will candidly
state to you that I met with many who called themselves of the
persuasion, who were wholly unworthy of it, but they made up in outward
appearance and hypocrisy, what they wanted in their conduct to their
fellow-creatures. Believe me, Susannah, there are pious and good,
charitable and humane, conscientious and strictly honourable people among
those who now pass before your view in such gay procession; but society
requires that the rich should spend their money in superfluities, that
the poor may be supported. Be not deceived, therefore, in future, by the
outward garments, which avail nothing."

"You have induced me much to alter my opinions already, Japhet; so has
that pleasant friend of thine, Mr Masterton, who has twice called since
we have been in London, but is it not time that we should return?"

"It is indeed later than I thought it was, Susannah," replied I, looking
at my watch, "and I am afraid that my father will be impatient for my
return. I will order them to drive home."

As we drove along, leaning against the back of the carriage, my hand
happened to touch that of Susannah, which lay beside her on the cushion,
I could not resist taking it in mine, and it was not withdrawn. What my
thoughts were, the reader may imagine; Susannah's I cannot acquaint him
with; but in that position we remained in silence until the carriage
stopped at Cophagus's door. I handed Susannah out of the carriage, and
went up stairs for a few moments. Mrs Cophagus and her husband were out.

"Susannah, this is very kind of you, and I return you my thanks. I never
felt more happy than when seated with you in that carriage."

"I have received both amusement and instruction, Japhet, and ought to
thank you. Do you know what passed in my mind at one time?"

"No--tell me."

"When I first knew you, and you came among us, I was, as it were, the
guide, a presumptuous one perhaps to you, and you listened to me--now
it is reversed--now that we are removed and in the world, it is you that
are the guide, and it is I who listen and obey."

"Because, Susannah, when we first met I was much in error, and had
thought too little of serious things, and you were fit to be my guide:
now we are mixing in the world, with which I am better acquainted than
yourself. You then corrected me, when I was wrong: I now point out to
you where you are not rightly informed: but, Susannah, what you have
learnt of me is as nought compared with the valuable precepts which I
gained from your lips--precepts which, I trust, no collision with the
world will ever make me forget."

"Oh! I love to hear you say that; I was fearful that the world would
spoil you, Japhet; but it will not--will it?"

"Not so long as I have you still with me, Susannah: but if I am obliged
to mix again with the world, tell me, Susannah, will you reject me?--will
you desert me?--will you return to your own people and leave me so
exposed? Susannah, dearest, you must know how long, how dearly I have
loved you:--you know that, if I had not been sent for and obliged to obey
the message, I would have lived and died content with you. Will you not
listen to me now, or do you reject me?"

I put my arm round her waist, her head fell upon my shoulder, and she
burst into tears. "Speak, dearest, this suspense is torture to me,"
continued I.

"I do love you, Japhet," replied she at last, looking fondly at me
through her tears; "but I know not whether this earthly love may not
have weakened my affection towards Heaven. If so, may God pardon me,
for I cannot help it." After this avowal, for a few minutes, which
appeared seconds, we were in each other's arms, when Susannah disengaged
herself.

"Dearest Japhet, thy father will be much displeased." "I cannot help
it," replied I, "I shall submit to his displeasure."

"Nay, but, Japhet, why risk thy father's wrath?"

"Well, then," replied I, attempting to reach her lips, "I will go."

"Nay, nay--indeed, Japhet, you exact too much--it is not seemly."

"Then I won't go."

"Recollect about thy father."

"It is you who detain me, Susannah."

"I must not injure thee with thy father, Japhet, it were no proof of my
affection--but, indeed, you are self-willed."

"God bless you, Susannah," said I, as I gained the contested point, and
hastened to the carriage.

My father was a little out of humour when I returned, and questioned me
rather sharply as to where I had been. I half pacified him by delivering
Lord Windermear's polite message; but he continued his interrogations,
and although I had pointed out to him that a De Benyon would never be
guilty of an untruth, I am afraid I told some half dozen on this
occasion; but I consoled myself with the reflection, that, in the code
of honour of a fashionable man, he is bound, if necessary, to tell
falsehoods where a lady is concerned; so I said I had driven through
the streets looking at the houses, and had twice stopped and had gone
in to examine them. My father supposed that I had been looking out for
a house for him, and was satisfied. Fortunately they were job horses;
had they been his own I should have been in a severe scrape. Horses are
the only part of an establishment for which the gentlemen have any
consideration, and on which ladies have no mercy.

I had promised the next day to dine with Mr Masterton. My father had
taken a great aversion to this old gentleman until I had narrated the
events of my life, in which he had played such a conspicuous and friendly
part. Then, to do my father justice, his heart warmed towards him.

"My dear sir, I have promised to dine out to-day."

"With whom, Japhet?"

"Why, sir, to tell you the truth, with that 'old thief of a lawyer.'"

"I am very much shocked at your using such an expression towards one who
has been such a sincere friend, Japhet; and you will oblige me, sir, by
not doing so again in my presence."

"I really beg your pardon, general," replied I, "but I thought to
please you."

"Please me! what do you think of me? please me, sir, by showing yourself
ungrateful?--I am ashamed of you, sir."

"My dear father, I borrowed the expression from you. You called Mr
Masterton 'an old thief of a lawyer' to his face: he complained to me
of the language before I had the pleasure of meeting you. I feel, and
always shall feel, the highest respect, love, and gratitude towards him.
Have I your permission to go?"

"Yes, Japhet," replied my father, looking very grave, "and do me the
favour to apologise for me to Mr Masterton for my having used such an
expression in my unfortunate warmth of temper--I am ashamed of myself."

"My dearest father, no man need be ashamed who is so ready to make
honourable reparation:--we are all a little out of temper at times."

"You have been a kind friend to me, Japhet, as well as a good son,"
replied my father, with some emotion. "Don't forget the apology at all
events: I shall be unhappy until it be made."

Chapter LXXVII

Treats of apologies, and love coming from church--We finesse with
the nabob to win me a wife--I am successful in my suit, yet the
lawyer is still to play the cards to enable me to win the game.

I arrived at Mr Masterton's, and walked into his room, when whom should
I find in company with him but Harcourt.

"Japhet, I'm glad to see you: allow me to introduce you to Mr
Harcourt--Mr De Benyon," and the old gentleman grinned maliciously, but
I was not to be taken aback.

"Harcourt," said I, extending my hand, "I have to apologise to you for
a rude reception and for unjust suspicions, but I was vexed at the
time--if you will admit that as an excuse."

"My dear Japhet," replied Harcourt, taking my hand and shaking it warmly,
"I have to apologise to you for much more unworthy behaviour, and it will
be a great relief to my mind if you will once more enrol me in the list
of your friends."

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