Chapter I JEAN MUIR
"Has
she come?""No,
Mamma, not yet.""I
wish it were well over. The thought of it worries and excites me. A
cushion for my back, Bella."And
poor, peevish Mrs. Coventry sank into an easy chair with a nervous
sigh and the air of a martyr, while her pretty daughter hovered about
her with affectionate solicitude."Who
are they talking of, Lucia?" asked the languid young man
lounging on a couch near his cousin, who bent over her tapestry work
with a happy smile on her usually haughty face."The
new governess, Miss Muir. Shall I tell you about her?""No,
thank you. I have an inveterate aversion to the whole tribe. I've
often thanked heaven that I had but one sister, and she a spoiled
child, so that I have escaped the infliction of a governess so long.""How
will you bear it now?" asked Lucia."Leave
the house while she is in it.""No,
you won't. You're too lazy, Gerald," called out a younger and
more energetic man, from the recess where he stood teasing his dogs."I'll
give her a three days' trial; if she proves endurable I shall not
disturb myself; if, as I am sure, she is a bore, I'm off anywhere,
anywhere out of her way.""I
beg you won't talk in that depressing manner, boys. I dread the
coming of a stranger more than you possibly can, but Bella
must not be
neglected; so I have nerved myself to endure this woman, and Lucia is
good enough to say she will attend to her after tonight.""Don't
be troubled, Mamma. She is a nice person, I dare say, and when once
we are used to her, I've no doubt we shall be glad to have her, it's
so dull here just now. Lady Sydney said she was a quiet,
accomplished, amiable girl, who needed a home, and would be a help to
poor stupid me, so try to like her for my sake.""I
will, dear, but isn't it getting late? I do hope nothing has
happened. Did you tell them to send a carriage to the station for
her, Gerald?""I
forgot it. But it's not far, it won't hurt her to walk" was the
languid reply."It
was indolence, not forgetfulness, I know. I'm very sorry; she will
think it so rude to leave her to find her way so late. Do go and see
to it, Ned.""Too
late, Bella, the train was in some time ago. Give your orders to me
next time. Mother and I'll see that they are obeyed," said
Edward."Ned
is just at an age to make a fool of himself for any girl who comes in
his way. Have a care of the governess, Lucia, or she will bewitch
him."Gerald
spoke in a satirical whisper, but his brother heard him and answered
with a good-humored laugh."I
wish there was any hope of your making a fool of yourself in that
way, old fellow. Set me a good example, and I promise to follow it.
As for the governess, she is a woman, and should be treated with
common civility. I should say a little extra kindness wouldn't be
amiss, either, because she is poor, and a stranger.""That
is my dear, good-hearted Ned! We'll stand by poor little Muir, won't
we?" And running to her brother, Bella stood on tiptoe to offer
him a kiss which he could not refuse, for the rosy lips were pursed
up invitingly, and the bright eyes full of sisterly affection."I
do hope she has come, for, when I make an effort to see anyone, I
hate to make it in vain. Punctuality is
such a virtue, and
I know this woman hasn't got it, for she promised to be here at
seven, and now it is long after," began Mrs. Coventry, in an
injured tone.Before
she could get breath for another complaint, the clock struck seven
and the doorbell rang."There
she is!" cried Bella, and turned toward the door as if to go and
meet the newcomer.But
Lucia arrested her, saying authoritatively, "Stay here, child.
It is her place to come to you, not yours to go to her.""Miss
Muir," announced a servant, and a little black-robed figure
stood in the doorway. For an instant no one stirred, and the
governess had time to see and be seen before a word was uttered. All
looked at her, and she cast on the household group a keen glance that
impressed them curiously; then her eyes fell, and bowing slightly she
walked in. Edward came forward and received her with the frank
cordiality which nothing could daunt or chill."Mother,
this is the lady whom you expected. Miss Muir, allow me to apologize
for our apparent neglect in not sending for you. There was a mistake
about the carriage, or, rather, the lazy fellow to whom the order was
given forgot it. Bella, come here.""Thank
you, no apology is needed. I did not expect to be sent for." And
the governess meekly sat down without lifting her eyes."I
am glad to see you. Let me take your things," said Bella, rather
shyly, for Gerald, still lounging, watched the fireside group with
languid interest, and Lucia never stirred. Mrs. Coventry took a
second survey and began:"You
were punctual, Miss Muir, which pleases me. I'm a sad invalid, as
Lady Sydney told you, I hope; so that Miss Coventry's lessons will be
directed by my niece, and you will go to her for directions, as she
knows what I wish. You will excuse me if I ask you a few questions,
for Lady Sydney's note was very brief, and I left everything to her
judgment.""Ask
anything you like, madam," answered the soft, sad voice."You
are Scotch, I believe.""Yes,
madam.""Are
your parents living?""I
have not a relation in the world.""Dear
me, how sad! Do you mind telling me your age?""Nineteen."
And a smile passed over Miss Muir's lips, as she folded her hands
with an air of resignation, for the catechism was evidently to be a
long one."So
young! Lady Sydney mentioned five-and-twenty, I think, didn't she,
Bella?""No,
Mamma, she only said she thought so. Don't ask such questions. It's
not pleasant before us all," whispered Bella.A
quick, grateful glance shone on her from the suddenly lifted eyes of
Miss Muir, as she said quietly, "I wish I was thirty, but, as I
am not, I do my best to look and seem old."Of
course, every one looked at her then, and all felt a touch of pity at
the sight of the pale-faced girl in her plain black dress, with no
ornament but a little silver cross at her throat. Small, thin, and
colorless she was, with yellow hair, gray eyes, and sharply cut,
irregular, but very expressive features. Poverty seemed to have set
its bond stamp upon her, and life to have had for her more frost than
sunshine. But something in the lines of the mouth betrayed strength,
and the clear, low voice had a curious mixture of command and
entreaty in its varying tones. Not an attractive woman, yet not an
ordinary one; and, as she sat there with her delicate hands lying in
her lap, her head bent, and a bitter look on her thin face, she was
more interesting than many a blithe and blooming girl. Bella's heart
warmed to her at once, and she drew her seat nearer, while Edward
went back to his dogs that his presence might not embarrass her."You
have been ill, I think," continued Mrs. Coventry, who considered
this fact the most interesting of all she had heard concerning the
governess."Yes,
madam, I left the hospital only a week ago.""Are
you quite sure it is safe to begin teaching so soon?""I
have no time to lose, and shall soon gain strength here in the
country, if you care to keep me.""And
you are fitted to teach music, French, and drawing?""I
shall endeavor to prove that I am.""Be
kind enough to go and play an air or two. I can judge by your touch;
I used to play finely when a girl."Miss
Muir rose, looked about her for the instrument, and seeing it at the
other end of the room went toward it, passing Gerald and Lucia as if
she did not see them. Bella followed, and in a moment forgot
everything in admiration. Miss Muir played like one who loved music
and was perfect mistress of her art. She charmed them all by the
magic of this spell; even indolent Gerald sat up to listen, and Lucia
put down her needle, while Ned watched the slender white fingers as
they flew, and wondered at the strength and skill which they
possessed."Please
sing," pleaded Bella, as a brilliant overture ended.With
the same meek obedience Miss Muir complied, and began a little Scotch
melody, so sweet, so sad, that the girl's eyes filled, and Mrs.
Coventry looked for one of her many pocket-handkerchiefs. But
suddenly the music ceased, for, with a vain attempt to support
herself, the singer slid from her seat and lay before the startled
listeners, as white and rigid as if struck with death. Edward caught
her up, and, ordering his brother off the couch, laid her there,
while Bella chafed her hands, and her mother rang for her maid. Lucia
bathed the poor girl's temples, and Gerald, with unwonted energy,
brought a glass of wine. Soon Miss Muir's lips trembled, she sighed,
then murmured, tenderly, with a pretty Scotch accent, as if wandering
in the past, "Bide wi' me, Mither, I'm sae sick an sad here all
alone.""Take
a sip of this, and it will do you good, my dear," said Mrs.
Coventry, quite touched by the plaintive words.The
strange voice seemed to recall her. She sat up, looked about her, a
little wildly, for a moment, then collected herself and said, with a
pathetic look and tone, "Pardon me. I have been on my feet all
day, and, in my eagerness to keep my appointment, I forgot to eat
since morning. I'm better now; shall I finish the song?""By
no means. Come and have some tea," said Bella, full of pity and
remorse."Scene
first, very well done," whispered Gerald to his cousin.Miss
Muir was just before them, apparently listening to Mrs. Coventry's
remarks upon fainting fits; but she heard, and looked over her
shoulders with a gesture like Rachel. Her eyes were gray, but at that
instant they seemed black with some strong emotion of anger, pride,
or defiance. A curious smile passed over her face as she bowed, and
said in her penetrating voice, "Thanks. The last scene shall be
still better."Young
Coventry was a cool, indolent man, seldom conscious of any emotion,
any passion, pleasurable or otherwise; but at the look, the tone of
the governess, he experienced a new sensation, indefinable, yet
strong. He colored and, for the first time in his life, looked
abashed. Lucia saw it, and hated Miss Muir with a sudden hatred; for,
in all the years she had passed with her cousin, no look or word of
hers had possessed such power. Coventry was himself again in an
instant, with no trace of that passing change, but a look of interest
in his usually dreamy eyes, and a touch of anger in his sarcastic
voice."What
a melodramatic young lady! I shall go tomorrow."Lucia
laughed, and was well pleased when he sauntered away to bring her a
cup of tea from the table where a little scene was just taking place.
Mrs. Coventry had sunk into her chair again, exhausted by the flurry
of the fainting fit. Bella was busied about her; and Edward, eager to
feed the pale governess, was awkwardly trying to make the tea, after
a beseeching glance at his cousin which she did not choose to answer.
As he upset the caddy and uttered a despairing exclamation, Miss Muir
quietly took her place behind the urn, saying with a smile, and a shy
glance at the young man, "Allow me to assume my duty at once,
and serve you all. I understand the art of making people comfortable
in this way. The scoop, please. I can gather this up quite well
alone, if you will tell me how your mother likes her tea."Edward
pulled a chair to the table and made merry over his mishaps, while
Miss Muir performed her little task with a skill and grace that made
it pleasant to watch her. Coventry lingered a moment after she had
given him a steaming cup, to observe her more nearly, while he asked
a question or two of his brother. She took no more notice of him than
if he had been a statue, and in the middle of the one remark he
addressed to her, she rose to take the sugar basin to Mrs. Coventry,
who was quite won by the modest, domestic graces of the new
governess."Really,
my dear, you are a treasure; I haven't tasted such tea since my poor
maid Ellis died. Bella never makes it good, and Miss Lucia always
forgets the cream. Whatever you do you seem to do well, and that is
such a comfort.""Let
me always do this for you, then. It will be a pleasure, madam."
And Miss Muir came back to her seat with a faint color in her cheek
which improved her much."My
brother asked if young Sydney was at home when you left," said
Edward, for Gerald would not take the trouble to repeat the question.Miss
Muir fixed her eyes on Coventry, and answered with a slight tremor of
the lips, "No, he left home some weeks ago."The
young man went back to his cousin, saying, as he threw himself down
beside her, "I shall not go tomorrow, but wait till the three
days are out.""Why?"
demanded Lucia.Lowering
his voice he said, with a significant nod toward the governess,
"Because I have a fancy that she is at the bottom of Sydney's
mystery. He's not been himself lately, and now he is gone without a
word. I rather like romances in real life, if they are not too long,
or difficult to read.""Do
you think her pretty?""Far
from it, a most uncanny little specimen.""Then
why fancy Sydney loves her?""He
is an oddity, and likes sensations and things of that sort.""What
do you mean, Gerald?""Get
the Muir to look at you, as she did at me, and you will understand.
Will you have another cup, Juno?""Yes,
please." She liked to have him wait upon her, for he did it to
no other woman except his mother.Before
he could slowly rise, Miss Muir glided to them with another cup on
the salver; and, as Lucia took it with a cold nod, the girl said
under her breath, "I think it honest to tell you that I possess
a quick ear, and cannot help hearing what is said anywhere in the
room. What you say of me is of no consequence, but you may speak of
things which you prefer I should not hear; therefore, allow me to
warn you." And she was gone again as noiselessly as she came."How
do you like that?" whispered Coventry, as his cousin sat looking
after the girl, with a disturbed expression."What
an uncomfortable creature to have in the house! I am very sorry I
urged her coming, for your mother has taken a fancy to her, and it
will be hard to get rid of her," said Lucia, half angry, half
amused."Hush,
she hears every word you say. I know it by the expression of her
face, for Ned is talking about horses, and she looks as haughty as
ever you did, and that is saying much. Faith, this is getting
interesting.""Hark,
she is speaking; I want to hear," and Lucia laid her hand on her
cousin's lips. He kissed it, and then idly amused himself with
turning the rings to and fro on the slender fingers."I
have been in France several years, madam, but my friend died and I
came back to be with Lady Sydney, till—" Muir paused an
instant, then added, slowly, "till I fell ill. It was a
contagious fever, so I went of my own accord to the hospital, not
wishing to endanger her.""Very
right, but are you sure there is no danger of infection now?"
asked Mrs. Coventry anxiously."None,
I assure you. I have been well for some time, but did not leave
because I preferred to stay there, than to return to Lady Sydney.""No
quarrel, I hope? No trouble of any kind?""No
quarrel, but—well, why not? You have a right to know, and I will
not make a foolish mystery out of a very simple thing. As your
family, only, is present, I may tell the truth. I did not go back on
the young gentleman's account. Please ask no more.""Ah,
I see. Quite prudent and proper, Miss Muir. I shall never allude to
it again. Thank you for your frankness. Bella, you will be careful
not to mention this to young friends; girls gossip sadly, and it
would annoy Lady Sydney beyond everything to have this talked of.""Very
neighborly of Lady S. to send the dangerous young lady here, where
there are two
young gentlemen to be captivated. I wonder why she didn't keep Sydney
after she had caught him," murmured Coventry to his cousin."Because
she had the utmost contempt for a titled fool." Miss Muir
dropped the words almost into his ear, as she bent to take her shawl
from the sofa corner."How
the deuce did she get there?" ejaculated Coventry, looking as if
he had received another sensation. "She has spirit, though, and
upon my word I pity Sydney, if he did try to dazzle her, for he must
have got a splendid dismissal.""Come
and play billiards. You promised, and I hold you to your word,"
said Lucia, rising with decision, for Gerald was showing too much
interest in another to suit Miss Beaufort."I
am, as ever, your most devoted. My mother is a charming woman, but I
find our evening parties slightly dull, when only my own family are
present. Good night, Mamma." He shook hands with his mother,
whose pride and idol he was, and, with a comprehensive nod to the
others, strolled after his cousin."Now
they are gone we can be quite cozy, and talk over things, for I don't
mind Ned any more than I do his dogs," said Bella, settling
herself on her mother's footstool."I
merely wish to say, Miss Muir, that my daughter has never had a
governess and is sadly backward for a girl of sixteen. I want you to
pass the mornings with her, and get her on as rapidly as possible. In
the afternoon you will walk or drive with her, and in the evening sit
with us here, if you like, or amuse yourself as you please. While in
the country we are very quiet, for I cannot bear much company, and
when my sons want gaiety, they go away for it. Miss Beaufort oversees
the servants, and takes my place as far as possible. I am very
delicate and keep my room till evening, except for an airing at noon.
We will try each other for a month, and I hope we shall get on quite
comfortably together.""I
shall do my best, madam."One
would not have believed that the meek, spiritless voice which uttered
these words was the same that had startled Coventry a few minutes
before, nor that the pale, patient face could ever have kindled with
such sudden fire as that which looked over Miss Muir's shoulder when
she answered her young host's speech.Edward
thought within himself, Poor little woman! She has had a hard life.
We will try and make it easier while she is here; and began his
charitable work by suggesting that she might be tired. She
acknowledged she was, and Bella led her away to a bright, cozy room,
where with a pretty little speech and a good-night kiss she left her.When
alone Miss Muir's conduct was decidedly peculiar. Her first act was
to clench her hands and mutter between her teeth, with passionate
force, "I'll not fail again if there is power in a woman's wit
and will!" She stood a moment motionless, with an expression of
almost fierce disdain on her face, then shook her clenched hand as if
menacing some unseen enemy. Next she laughed, and shrugged her
shoulders with a true French shrug, saying low to herself, "Yes,
the last scene shall
be better than the first.
Mon dieu, how tired
and hungry I am!"Kneeling
before the one small trunk which held her worldly possessions, she
opened it, drew out a flask, and mixed a glass of some ardent
cordial, which she seemed to enjoy extremely as she sat on the
carpet, musing, while her quick eyes examined every corner of the
room."Not
bad! It will be a good field for me to work in, and the harder the
task the better I shall like it.
Merci, old friend.
You put heart and courage into me when nothing else will. Come, the
curtain is down, so I may be myself for a few hours, if actresses
ever are themselves."Still
sitting on the floor she unbound and removed the long abundant braids
from her head, wiped the pink from her face, took out several pearly
teeth, and slipping off her dress appeared herself indeed, a haggard,
worn, and moody woman of thirty at least. The metamorphosis was
wonderful, but the disguise was more in the expression she assumed
than in any art of costume or false adornment. Now she was alone, and
her mobile features settled into their natural expression, weary,
hard, bitter. She had been lovely once, happy, innocent, and tender;
but nothing of all this remained to the gloomy woman who leaned there
brooding over some wrong, or loss, or disappointment which had
darkened all her life. For an hour she sat so, sometimes playing
absently with the scanty locks that hung about her face, sometimes
lifting the glass to her lips as if the fiery draught warmed her cold
blood; and once she half uncovered her breast to eye with a terrible
glance the scar of a newly healed wound. At last she rose and crept
to bed, like one worn out with weariness and mental pain.