THE HUMORS OF A LADY-MILLIONNAIRE
While Clary and her governess rode to Marseilles at a late hour, Madame Caraman was devoured with curiosity; but she was, nevertheless, sensible enough not to ask any question of her stubborn ward. When, however, the young girl spurred the horses continually on the governess felt uneasy; she had, besides, often the sensibility of a hen who has to bring up a young duck, and therefore she ventured to make slight objections against the uncommon maddening speed which, owing to her heavy size, became every moment more troublesome to her.
"Clary, at this hour to ride to Marseilles! What would Lord Ellis say to it? I have undertaken a sacred cause, and—"
"Do not trouble yourself, Mamma Caraman. I shall answer for all."
"Also when we break our necks?"
"Even then."
The governess was silent, not because she felt convinced, but owing to the want of breath. By degrees she got used to her present situation, and one does not read Alexandre Dumas in vain. Could there be anything more romantic than this night trip? The moon lighted[Pg 292] up trees and shrubs with a fine white light, and they thus appeared as spectres, who in a maddening quick fear fly along.
"It is a great pity that he of blessed memory cannot behold me thus," muttered Madame Caraman to herself; "he would, no doubt, have rejoiced over me."
Now the town was reached, and Clary adopted a more moderate pace, while she and her companion turned into Troailles Street. Before a palace-like house a halt was made, and through Madame Caraman's head passed suddenly a correct supposition.
"Ah, we intend then to pay a visit to the firm of Mortimer & Co.," said she, with surprise; "a strange hour, and the bank will probably not be open yet."
Clary did not mind the remark, and she ordered the groom to get down from his horse and to knock. John, being used to obey punctually the orders of his young mistress, knocked with both fists at the closed gates, and Clary nodded her consent to it.
"Listen, Clary," said Madame Caraman, suddenly; "there is dancing in the house."
Indeed they could now plainly hear the sound of excellent music, and in the well lighted windows of the first story one could perceive here and there something like light shadows passing by.
Ere Clary could answer, the porter appeared and opened the gates, asking the pleasure of the cavalcade.
"Tell your master," said Clary, imperiously, "that I wish to speak to him at once."
"Oh, dear, that is impossible," stuttered the servant, stupefied; "the office is closed, and will only be opened again to-morrow morning at eight o'clock."
[Pg 293]
The porter was now ready to lock the gates again, but John had already, at a wink from his mistress, placed his horse between the gates, and, good or bad, they had to be left open.
"Please ask your master to be kind enough to come down at once," said Mademoiselle Ellis, peremptorily.
"Excuse me, mademoiselle, do you belong to the ball guests?" asked the man, shyly.
"Ah, is there a ball in the house?"
"Yes, mademoiselle; Mortimer & Co. give their only daughter in marriage to-day; if, then, mademoiselle is invited?"
"No."
"Then mademoiselle came upon business matters?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Then I am really sorry that I cannot announce mademoiselle; my orders are very strict."
"You refuse to obey me?"
"I regret very much, but—"
"In this case I must myself try to procure a hearing. Back!"
Ere the frightened porter could hinder it, Clary had given the horse the spurs and they crossed the threshold. Madame Caraman followed courageously, and then they stopped in the midst of the vestibule, ornamented with exotic plants, candelabra, and various hangings of the richest and rarest description. A number of lackeys felt perplexed when they perceived so unexpectedly the beautiful horses stepping on the carpets placed in the fore-court; some dozens of hands were stretched out in order to stay the horses, but they played a wrong game.
Not in vain was an ancestor of Miss Clary victorious[Pg 294] in a combat with the Highlanders; her grandfather as well as her uncle had manfully subdued Tippoo Sahib, and her father had carried the victory at the last Derby. With her horsewhip she frightened the intruders, and Clary gave her horse the spurs again; in a moment the young girl and her governess rode upstairs! In the hall where the ball was given the elite of the most elegant society in Marseilles were gathered together; all the notables which the English colony of that place could muster were there, as well as all those in high office, and also the moneyed aristocracy; in fact, everybody of standing felt glad to attend the marriage feast of the house of Mortimer & Co. Just now the sounds of a quadrille commenced, and the various pairs began to arrange themselves for the occasion, when the lackey in attendance was pushed aside and a horse's head looked inquisitively into the ball-room.
It was a horse, surely and truly a horse—there was no doubt about that! The animal that put its proud-holding head into the ball-room had a silver bit, and its fine, cunning eye rested quite astonished upon the elegant company; who also, almost petrified with astonishment, came to a general standstill.
The lady of the house broke into shrieks, while Mortimer with his hands prevented further intrusion.
And yet what he saw was after all not so terrible, for an exquisitely beautiful young lady sat gracefully on the four-footed intruder, and a pair of provocative eyes shone brightly under a riding hat ornamented with rich feathers.
The wife of Lot, however, could not have been more torpid than the company in Palais Mortimer, especially[Pg 295] when behind the first horse's head a second one appeared, and Madame Caraman became visible.
Mortimer thought he was dreaming. Was his ball-room then turned into a riding-school?
Miss Ellis did not give him much time to become horrified; she bowed politely before the banker, and said:
"Mr. Mortimer, if you please, I have to speak to you!"
Well, although the banker was an Englishman he was not a friend of horses, and while he with some anxiety looked at the splendid horse and its rider, Clary's animal forgot its manners so far that it commenced without the least ceremony to scrape upon the heavy carpet as if it were in Hyde Park or Rotten Row, and also Madame Caraman's horse neglected the rules of etiquette in that manner that the trainers of his youth deserve punishment for having only partly fulfilled their duty.
The dancing pairs stood, as far as it could be accomplished, quite safe in the background, and the older ladies and gentlemen quietly returned thanks to God, that it was Mr. Mortimer's house, and not theirs, in which this scene was played.
"Mr. Mortimer," Clary began anew, "please come this way."
The banker so far overcame his timidity that he put his eyeglass closer to his eye in order to look more exactly at the horses and their riders; and as soon as he recognized Clary he came forth resolutely. Oh, one is not a banker for nothing, and one knows what wealth amounting to a million pounds sterling really signifies!
Mr. Mortimer forgot that two horses were in his [Pg 296]ball-room destroying his carpets; he forgot that hundreds of eyes were turned expectantly toward him, and, waiting for the moment when he would show the bold intruders to the door. He made a low bow to Clary and inquired almost submissively:
"I am at your service, Miss Ellis."
"I have to speak to you, Mr. Mortimer; the affair cannot be put off."
"I am ready for you," and pointing to the left, he continued: "Pray will you kindly accompany me to my office?"
"With pleasure, but I should first like to leave the saddle."
Ready to serve, the banker assisted the ladies to descend from their horses and walked in front of them to the office. The governess found the whole affair very amusing, and when Clary whispered to her to order John to take the horses in the yard, she nodded quite pleased; it was almost more interesting than a romance.
In the meantime Mr. Mortimer's partner had risen from the whist-table, and wishing to be of some assistance, he saw that the horses in the stable were properly cared for, and then waited patiently to be called by his partner.
This, however, did not immediately take place. Mr. Mortimer sat with his beautiful customer, for as such he considered Clary, whose bills he honored, and when she attempted some excuses for her "peculiar" intrusion, he replied smilingly:
"If anybody is possessed of wealth such as Mademoiselle Clary can boast of, every eccentricity is excusable."
"I am exceedingly obliged," said Clary laughing. "I[Pg 297] should nevertheless not have chosen this course except through necessity. But in order to return to our business, I have to inform you of my demands."
"No doubt: in the first instance, money! How much do you stand in need of?"
"Am I at liberty to draw upon you for the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand francs, Mr. Mortimer?"
"Pooh! a mere bagatelle; to-morrow morning it is at your disposal."
"To-morrow morning? No, Mr. Mortimer, I am in want of it at once."
"At once, mademoiselle? Impossible! The bank is closed."
"Then order it to be opened."
"But this is against the rules of our establishment!"
"You will have to deviate from this rule on my account, unless you prefer to decline altogether to do business with me. Mr. Bradwood will, no doubt, be ready to take your place!"
Bradwood, the rival, the bete noire of the banking-house of Mortimer & Co.
Mr. Mortimer's hair stood on end. No, that can and dare not be. Should he erase from his books the name of Lord Ellis of Crainburton? It would be a crime to think of such a thing! The transaction was certainly opposed to all rule and law; it was eleven o'clock in the evening, and at a time of the celebration of a festival, but what was to be done? Mr. Mortimer wrote a line, rang the bell, and when the servant entered gave him the note to deliver to Mr. Edwards.
Mr. Edwards was the bridegroom, and if he said yes, then the banker would also say the same.
[Pg 298]
"Your wish will be complied with, mademoiselle," said he, obligingly. "Have you, perhaps, any further requests to make?"
"Not very many—only mere bagatelles. I depart to-morrow morning for Algiers," said Clary, with indifference, as if speaking about taking a walk somewhere.
"For Algiers? H'm! the country is not bad, but the Frenchmen do not know much of colonization."
Madame Caraman opened her eyes very wide; she began to understand.
"I depart to-morrow morning early!" Clary coolly repeated.
Mortimer put his finger thoughtfully across his forehead.
"At daybreak, mademoiselle? Are you sure of it that to-morrow morning a vessel sails for that port? I am well acquainted with the departures of the various steamers—"
"And you know, therefore, that none of them sails for Algiers," interrupted Clary, laughing.
"Well, then?" asked the banker in an animated manner.
"Well, then, just on that account I have been looking for you."
"Looking for me?"
"Yes, indeed, you know all ship-brokers, and you will easily be able to help me out of my difficulties."
"But I do not exactly understand."
"Dear me, I am not speaking in the Coptic dialect!" exclaimed Clary, laughing. "I intend sailing to-morrow morning for Algiers. I have no vessel, and for that reason you will have to get me one."
[Pg 299]
"What? You desire a vessel—"
"Yes, yes. I am in want of a ship with captain, mate, sailors and boys—in short, with everything necessary for such an undertaking. To-morrow morning the ship, with steam up, must be ready for sailing, at the wharf of Marseilles. And now, please consider the matter; I am willing to allow you five minutes to do so."
The banker thought he was dreaming. Was it possible for anybody to demand of him, of the firm of Mortimer & Co., a complete, well-equipped steamer as if he could shake it out of his sleeve?
"Three minutes have already passed," reminded Clary, threatening with her finger.
Mortimer was scratching his forehead almost despairingly. It was close upon midnight, all offices closed. Where could he procure a vessel?
"The five minutes have passed," said Clary, coolly, rising to her feet.
Madame Caraman breathed more easily when she took hold of the door-handle; now the nonsensical plan was defeated.
"Pray do not trouble your cashier any further," remarked Clary, standing on the threshold. "I shall find somewhere else what I am in need of."
"But, mademoiselle," groaned Mortimer, before whose eyes Bradwood's figure appeared like a spectre, "you are demanding impossibilities of me."
"Mr. Mortimer," said Clary, with indifference, "two hundred years ago one of my ancestors pointed to the city of Edinburgh and said to his captain:
"'In two hours I desire to dine at the bishop's palace in Edinburgh!'
[Pg 300]
"The city was fortified, and from the walls the cannons spread their deadly fire; but the captain did not say it was impossible, but he inquired:
"'What does your lordship desire to have for dinner?'
"Two hours later my ancestor dined in the bishop's palace; the captain, of course, lost his life in the combat. Come, Madame Caraman."
"With pleasure," replied the governess, and both ladies left the office.
"Mademoiselle," sounded despairingly behind them.
"Well?" asked Clary, stopping.
"I do not promise for certain," stammered Mortimer, "but I believe—"
"Vessel, captain, mate, and sailors."
"Yes, dear me, yes," groaned Mortimer, dropping exhausted into a chair.
"And to-morrow at daybreak—"
"It will, no doubt, be possible to comply with your request."
"Especially be careful in selecting a captain; and the broker will have to sell me the ship."
"This transaction also will be carried out."
"Well, then, please arrange everything; my time is very limited."
Madame Caraman gazed despairingly at the banker; he was really ready to lend his hand to such a stupid affair?
"No, I do not give my permission," she at length resolutely declared. "I have obligations toward Lord Ellis, and I object to it."
Clary took the governess's head, kissed her heartily, and whispered to her:
[Pg 301]
"Be persuaded, Mamma Caraman. I desire it, and therefore we depart."
Submitting to Providence, she bent her head down; she was consoled.
"Do not lose time, Mr. Mortimer," she then said, respectfully, "it has to be."
Now a slender-built man, with rosy cheeks and red beard, entered the office; it was the bridegroom.
"Here is the amount required," said he, handing the banker a packet of bank-notes.
"Are the bank-notes legal tender in Algiers?" asked Clary.
Father-in-law and son-in-law looked upon her pitifully; they were Bank of England notes, which even a Greenlander would expect to have cashed on sight.
"Edwards," said the banker, vivaciously, "is Wharton in the ball-room?"
"Yes, father."
"Tell him to come here directly."
"Who is Wharton?" asked Clary.
"The only man I can trust to leave a ball at midnight to get a ship ready for sailing. It will be a dear affair though."
Clary laughed.
"Mr. Mortimer, am I rich enough to pay this Wharton?"
"Oh, with your fortune you could buy a thousand Whartons."
"And he will do all I ask of him?"
"Yes."
"Good! Wharton is my man. One thing more, Mr. Mortimer. You have the confidence of my family. I[Pg 302] will give you a power of attorney to do with my fortune what you wish in case—"
"In case?"
"I do not return from Algeria."
"Oh, mademoiselle!" exclaimed Mortimer, with emotion. "Are you going to run such dangers?"
"I do not say that, but business is business, and I always like to have things in order."
"Here is Mr. Wharton," said the son-in-law.
The person who entered was a man of herculean stature. His thick head was covered with bushy red hair.
Clary looked curiously at the giant.
"Are you an Englishman, Mr. Wharton?" she asked.
"No, an American from Baltimore, miss, and your humble servant."
"Mademoiselle," interrupted Mortimer, "will you please explain to Mr. Wharton the nature of the business?"
"Willingly. Will you take a seat, please?"
"Thank you," replied the Yankee, "I prefer to stand."
"Mr. Wharton, you have a ship at anchor at Marseilles?"
"A ship, no, a pearl—the Crocodile—which is famous all over the world for its stanchness and rapidity."
"You own it?"
"Yes."
"How much did it cost you, Mr. Wharton?"
"How much did it cost me? That is a peculiar question," muttered the American.
"Captain," said Clary, rising, "I am rich, very rich. I am going to make you a proposition, and hope you[Pg 303] will accept it. What price do you ask for the Crocodile?"
"But the Crocodile is not for sale. I would rather die than give up my ship."
The captain paced up and down the room with giant strides and struck his forehead with his fist. The proposition, together with the liquors he had drunk, excited him.
"Let us say 100,000 francs," said Clary.
The captain continued to strike his forehead.
"One hundred and twenty thousand francs."
The strokes became weaker.
"A good business," said Mortimer.
"And you shall not be separated from your beloved Crocodile," said Clary, laughingly; "for as soon as I become the owner of the vessel, I shall make you its captain."
"I'll accept the offer."
"Good; Mr. Mortimer will pay you the money."
"Willingly," said the banker, "as soon as everything is arranged."
"That shall be done at once," exclaimed the giant, gleefully; "and, miss, give me your hand to bind the bargain."
The young girl became frightened; if the giant were to grasp her slender fingers he might crush them, and yet she knew that the shake of the hand was the usual mode sailors chose to bind a bargain. Hesitatingly she held forth her hand, but Wharton, who guessed her anxiety, laid his fist in hers in as gentle a manner as possible. The girl laughed and said:
"Captain, have steam up at once!"
[Pg 304]
"Yes, miss; but the ball?"
"The ball is a secondary matter. You are my captain, and, naturally—"
"You are right. I didn't care for the ball, anyhow. It was only the fine brandy I thought of."
"I will tell Mr. Mortimer to let you have a few bottles. Captain, when does the sun rise to-morrow?"
"At 6.18 a.m."
"Good; at 6.19 you can depart."
"You will be satisfied with me. You have got a good captain, a boatswain and eight sailors. I am the smallest of the lot. Where are we going to, anyway?"
"To Algiers, captain. There is one thing more I wish to say."
"Speak, commodore."
"Have you noticed a yacht in the harbor? the flag is a gold mountain on a red field."
"Yes, the little peanut-shell," he said, disdainfully, "which is called the Ice Bird."
"Yes, the Ice Bird. This peanut-shell, as you call it, starts to-morrow morning for Algeria. Whether it intends to stop at Bona or Algiers I do not know. You would do well to find out."
"I will do so," said Wharton.
"Then good-by, and remember to-morrow."
When the ladies rode home the governess sighed.
"Oh, miss, what will Lord Ellis say?"
"That my brother has now a chance to come into the inheritance," laughed Miss Clary.
[Pg 305]