Lindigo, the White Woman/Chapter 5
CHAPTER V.
THE BONFIRE.
The wished-for day at length arrived on which the bonfire was to be held at the castle, and many a cheerful countenance might be seen making its way towards the the scene of attraction. Mr. Stuart, according to promise, called at Mr. M'Kay's, driving his old family carriage. Bella, who was ready some time, hailed his arrival with a beaming countenance, but which was suddenly, however, changed into disappointment on seeing him unaccompanied by his son. Mr. Stuart instantly interpreting her looks and hesitation, exclaimed encouragingly, "Step in, my dear; I fear we shall lose some of the sport. Charlie will soon overtake us on that unruly animal 'Black Prince,' which no other person can ride but himself. I really think he preferred driving to-day for a wonder, as he tried several times to coax Munro to mount the hunter, but Donald thinks more of his limbs than trust them to such a fiery animal."
This intelligence brought back the cheerfulness to the beautiful countenance of our heroine, which made her spring up into the carriage, and taking her seat beside her respected and agreeable neighbour, who enlivened their drive by many pleasant and interesting remarks.
They had not proceeded more than half their journey when Mary Grant (who was sitting with the driver, old Munro) screamed out, "Gracious! He'll leap over us!" Bella, who was constantly casting stolen glances on both sides of the road, looked out to see what was the matter, and exclaimed with admiration. "Oh! look, Mr. Stuart, what a noble sight! How splendid he looks! How admirably he curbs him!"
Mr. Stuart followed her gaze, and beheld, indeed, a most exciting sight—his son curbing the infuriated Black Prince, who, on seeing the carriage and horses before him, endeavoured to gallop off at full speed, only for the bold and excellent horsemanship of his rider, who brought him at last to the side of the carriage, quite humbled, tossing his proud head and glossy black mane, and champing his silver bit, as if asking forgiveness of the beaming countenance which greeted himself and master.
On arriving at the Castle all the guests had already arrived; and Mr. Stuart led his young charge towards the grand entrance, where Lord Lundy, surrounded by his friends, was receiving the company.
Mr McKay being master of the ceremonies, introduced his neighbour in due form; afterwards his daughter who, on perceiving his lordship advancing graciously with an extended hand towards her, suddenly shrunk back, to the amazement of all the spectators, withholding her hand, and casting on him a disdainful look, making a cold bow, and then turned round, leaning on her neighbour's arm.
His lordship bit his lip in disappointed vexation; and, in order to divert the spectators' attention, turned round to Mr. McKay, who had not observed the strange conduct of his daughter, he being engaged with some other object.
"Really, Mr. McKay, you are very absent," exclaimed his lordship, forcing a smile; "you forgot to introduce your son, whom I presume is yonder young gentleman," pointing to Charlie, who had entered, and witnessed the whole.
"I really must beg your lordship's pardon," replied Mr. McKay; "but I am sorry to say that I have not the honor of being this gentleman's father. Allow me to present my neighbour's son, Charles Edward Stuart—a name greatly venerated amongst us Highlanders." On hearing these words his lordship turned deadly pale, and stopped short, Charlie at the same time eying him with a scornful look; and both, bowing stiffly, turned on their heels and mixed with the company.
This strange conduct puzzled the spectators; and some attributed his lordship's visible coolness towards Charlie to his loyalty to the present Sovereign, and hostility to the base Pretender or any one bearing his name.
The gay assembly were now invited to the balcony to witness the games and sports contested on the lawn before the Castle. It would be superfluous to enumerate here each and every feat, with the several prizes; suffice it, that the majority fell to Donald Munro, to the gratification of many present, especially Mary Grant, who, regardless of Mr. Brown whispering compliments to her charms, waved her white pocket-handkerchief at each successful feat of her lover.
A most interesting match was now commenced, in which the gentry only took part. The prize was a splendid rifle to be presented to the best shot at 200 yards. The competitors fired in succession according to their lots, but none penetrated the mark, which was a small bull's eye in the centre of a target composed of a deal board. The Honorable Captain Somerville hit the edge. "When his lordship's turn came he penetrated the very centte, thus leaving no chance to Charlie Stuart, who was the last on the list. A look of disappointment was visible in every Highland face on seeing themselves beat by an Englishman, and their only hope in Charlie Stuart (who was admitted to be the best shot among them) was now annihilated.
However, the latter, who shared in their disappointment, fell on an expedient to save the honour of his country, and which astonished the spectators as to its novelty. This was by placing a wafer in the hole which his Lordship's bullet had pierced through the target; then taking his stand at the distance, instead of taking a rest like his predecessors, fired off his arm, the ball carrying away the wafer, without touching the wood.
The applause which followed this feat was most deafening. Hats, bonnets, and caps were hurled into the air, and the surrounding plantation echoed back the exclamations. However, the prize was not yet won; the umpires decided this a tie, and both competitors had to fire again, using the wafer, and firing off their arms.
Charlie's turn now came first, when he repeated his former shot, without touching the wood, Lord Lundy's ball carrying a portion off, he consequently lost.
The next sport was a stag hunt. A large red deer was let loose in the park, and all the best hounds were unleashed after him.
This was an animated and most interesting scene: to see the noble forester hotly pursued by his speedy and wiry pursuers. The first that showed in front were a couple of English thoroughbred greyhounds, the property of Lord Lundy; at a short distance behind them followed a large grey Highland staghound, the property of Charlie Stuart, followed by a number of inferior dogs. This order was kept the first round of the park, without gaining on the stag, who was unable to find an opening in the high wall.
Bran—which was the name of Charlie's hound—was unable to reach his more light and speedy competitors on level ground, especially in a short distance; however, on the second round his powers of endurance began to tell, and he soon closed on the leading couple.
The excitement now became intense; the three dogs were abreast, and taking the same bounds, when "Bran gu brath!"—Bran for ever!—could be heard in every tree and high position around the castle, where every individual had taken a station. It soon became manifest that Bran was the superior animal, as he gained on the stag in every stride, which, on seeing himself hard pressed, faced the high wall, and cleared it at a bound. Bran, on coming up, followed his example, to the surprise and admiration of the majority of the spectators, and in a short time overtook his game, which he despatched in a moment. The other dogs were unable to clear the park wall, and were consequently led away.
Donald Munro led Bran to the castle to receive his reward, which consisted of a splendid garland, of great value, which was to be suspended round his neck by one of the fair occupants of the balcony.
Mr. McKay, on exhibiting the glittering trophy, invited one of the ladies to volunteer to execute the pleasant commission, when the Hon. Miss Somerville, the Captain's sister, descended the grand staircase, and took the garland; on approaching the noble hound he manifested his displeasure at the freedom of the fair stranger by giving a low growl, which made the fair lady retreat at once, and give up the attempt; on perceiving this, Bella McKay tripped down the stairs, smiling and blushing, took the garland from the honourable lady, and placed it on the hound's neck, which soon changed his former sulkiness into pleasure at the caressing, delicate hand, which stroked his rough coat.
This ceremony, which greatly pleased the majority of the assembly, particularly the owner of the hound, had made a far different impression on the noble host, who saw two of his schemes miscarry. However, as the principal and more praiseworthy feat was yet to come on, in which his own superiority would be displayed, he withheld his disappointment.
This was the last and most exciting event—the steeple-chase, the winner of which was to receive a beautiful milk-white lady's pony, fully caparisoned, and which he was to present to the fair lady of his choice, among the beauties of the assembly.
The equestrians were mounted, and soon took their station before the castle; but, on looking over the list of entries, Charlie Stuart was missing; and it was not until the last sound of the horn that he made his appearance.
It has been already stated, that Charlie was an excellent horseman, and his indulgent parent purchased for him the best bred hunter that could be found in the country; not that the Highland hills were adapted for such costly cattle to hunt over, or travel, but only for the name and honour of possessing such an animal.
This horse—"Black Prince," was a very powerful animal, and having very little work to perform, became very fiery, spirited, and almost unmanageable. Having a long rest while his owner was away at the University, he showed more restlessness on this occasion, than formerly, especially before the grand display which the castle presented.
On mounting at the stables, Charlie was unable to bring his charger to the start, which was under the balcony that the equestrians might receive the congratulations of its fair occupants; but if the truth must be told, it was rather that the principal competitors would be able to display their handsome persons on their beautiful thoroughbred hunters. Charlie finding persuasion unavailing, and time up, applied whip and spur to his headstrong charger, who seeing any more opposition vain, bounded off to the castle as if he was going to charge the cavalcade. The brilliant assembly of ladies gave a scream of affright on seeing "Black Prince" with his rider approaching with such a threatening attitude; but the skilful equestrian curbed his fiery animal in time, brought him submissively into his place in the ranks pawing the ground, and tossing his glossy black mane, as if looking with contempt on his companions.
Many exclamations might be heard from all parts, particularly from the balcony, such as—"How grand! What a splendid animal! How beautifully he curbs him!" &c.
Lord Lundy and his cousin, the gallant Captain, who were two of the best horsemen in England, and mounted on magnificent thoroughbred hunters, were thunderstruck at the sight of Black Prince and his rider, never for a moment expecting to meet such a promising mount in the wild Highlands. A shade of disappointment passed over their countenances, and the Captain, drawing close to his cousin, whispered in his ear, "I fear, my noble cousin, the day means to go against us, and that this match will share the fate of the others."
"It seems like it, Captain; but mind, if I fail, you must uphold our honor."
"I will do my best, my Lord; but who would expect to meet such horseflesh among these mountains?—and if I mistake not, a good horseman, too. See how well he is at home: an excellent seat, by George!"
"Don't you think the animal is rather heavy for such work; surely our thoroughbred cattle ought to show the way over these leaps, particularly the last rasper; there's nothing like blood, Captain!" the latter answered by a dubious shake of the head.
The start now took place, and the whole cavalcade made for the first of the leaps, which were all composed of stone walls, Lord Lundy and his cousin clearing it beautiful, Charlie afterwards, and the others bringing up the rear. In this order they kept for some time, the English horses proving superior in speed and taking the leaps at the same time, while Black Prince followed at some distance, hard held, but clearing the leaps at least a foot higher than the others. The hard pace now began to tell upon the leading pair, when Charlie giving his horse more rein, soon closed, and the three took the second leap from home together.
The excitement at this moment became intense, but his Lordship's horse began to drop behind, while the other two were neck and neck coming to the last leap, which was a foot higher than the rest.
Both horses were in the air at the same time, when the Captain's horse struck heavy, fell on his head, breaking his neck, pitching his rider some yards before him on his shoulder, and Charlie came in a winner amidst deafening cheers.
Lord Lundy's horse refused the last leap, and was not persevered with.
At the final struggle, when the two leading horses were coming to the last leap, Bella McKay, who was leaning on Mr. Stuart's arm, became excited and alarmed that some accident would happen, her eyes became dim, and seeing a horse and rider coming to earth, she gave a faint scream and fell insensible in her supporter's arms.
On recovering, she asked feebly "Is he safe? Is Charlie hurt?" Her kind friend assured her that it was not Charlie but the Captain who had fallen; but not seriously hurt, although his noble horse was past recovery.
The blushing girl, who thus unconsciously betrayed herself to her neighbour, stammered out some unintelligible thanks that no one was hurt.
When order was restored, a groom appeared leading the beautiful pony, and Mr. McKay, in presenting it to Charlie, expressed himself as follows:—"I have great pleasure in presenting this handsome and valuable prize to my young and promising neighbour, which he has so gallantly won against such noble competitors, and trust at the same time that he will adhere to the rules of the games by presenting it to the lady of his choice, among the beauty and brilliancy of our fair assembly."
The young man received his prize, and modestly raised his eyes to the balcony, where a great deal of whispering and blushing was going on, each wishing to be the fortunate recipient of such a valuable gift from so handsome and accomplished a donor.
Charlie mustered sufficient courage to address himself in the following words:—"Not deigning to flatter myself with the vain idea that my gift, however valuable, could be acceptable to the humblest among such beauty and attraction; yet I dare hope that there is one among them who, in this instance, will excuse my presumption. I shall, therefore, call on my young and beautiful neighbour, Miss McKay, to accept from the hands of her old playfellow this token of his regard."
The lovely young girl thus called upon tripped down the stairs with, smiles and blushes, and, with becoming modesty, held out her hand to receive the present, and on taking hold of the bridle, raised her eyes for a moment, when hers and Charlie's met, which sent the crimson over their handsome faces, and increased the whisperings among the spectators, and the burning jealousy of Lord Lundy. He now saw all his plans for raising himself in the estimation of Bella McKay, and his vain anticipations frustrated. The very means he adopted, at great expense and trouble, to signalise his achievements, proved the very weapons of his own discomfiture, and the stepping-stones for exalting his rival.
Not wishing to expose his mortification and disappointment, the fete was carried on with as much hilarity as if he were the successful candidate, and his liberality and hospitality were in no degree lessened.
The assembly were now invited to partake of the grand banquet. That for the gentry was laid out in the great hall of the castle, and that for the commoners on the lawn, between the castle and Loch-nan-eal, a beautiful lake, formed by nature, and bordered by plantations. Eatables and drinkables of every description were profusely supplied to all classes, which raised their spirits to the highest pitch for the dancing that followed.
Piles of combustible materials were lit at dusk on the margin of the lake, around which groups of merry dancers were formed into reels stepping out and revolving to the tune of several bagpipes, whose thrilling strains echoed through woods and hills.
The castle hall was brilliantly illuminated, where the higher class held their grand ball, and where equal enthusiasm prevailed.
Although there was no lack of amusement and enjoyment, and all classes of society seemed to be in the height of happiness, yet there was one couple—who, on all former occasions, distinguished themselves for animation and delight—were far from being affected with the universal hilarity.
These were Charlie Stuart and Bella McKay, who, by a preconcerted plan of Lord Lundy and his gallant cousin, were kept separate during the evening.
It was arranged by these two, that his Lordship should engage Bella for all the dances during the evening, and should any unforeseen etiquette, which, in his position as host, made his absence for any time imperative, the captain was to take his place, and engage the young lady in question; thus separating the young lovers (as they now had ample proof) for this time, and also besiege the young lady's heart, that she might become reconciled, and look more favourably towards his Lordship.
So successful had this plan proved, that the lovers, who, at all former balls, were partners in every dance, could not on this occasion exchange a single word, or give vent to their new-born passion, save by a few stolen glances from different sides of the hall. My young readers, who have experienced the first effects of dawning love, can better judge their feelings.
Too modest and inexperienced to make any advances in the presence of so many spectators who were witnesses to the incidents of the day in which they themselves figured so conspicuously, and conscious that the majority of the brilliant assembly were watching their every movement.
Bella submitted to this unavoidable and compulsory separation with a heavy heart through etiquette and dread of parental displeasure. But how much more miserably Charlie passed that evening, suffering under the first pangs of jealousy, attributing Bella's estrangement to the fickleness of her sex, or sharing in the ambition common to them by being flattered, and appreciating the homage and attention paid them by superior and more wealthy suitors, never doubting but this was voluntary conduct on her part.
What added more to his misery was the whispering of the dashing and gallant Captain in her ear, and her visible confusion when he himself met her gaze, with suspicious looks from the Captain. Unable any longer to withstand such a sight he strolled out on the balcony to cool his heated brain.
We must here state that Charlie's charges against his fair neighbour were unfounded in this instance, although appearances went very far to confirm these suspicions.
Many attempts were made by Lord Lundy during that evening to overcome the coy maid's prejudices against him, and ingratiate himself in her estimation. He eloquently pleaded his cause, and begged that she would forget his rash and thoughtless conduct towards her at the Bridge of Linn, which he would now give worlds to recall. All these flattering protestations were unavailing; although Bella forgave him, she could never forget, or return the attachment which he professed towards her.
The Honorable Captain lent his powerful aid as mediator, but Bella cut him short by informing him in explicit terms that she could never listen to the addresses of any man breathing, however exalted, who would act such a dishonorable part, or conduct himself in such a manner towards any unprotected female, and therefore wished to bury the subject for ever, otherwise she would be compelled to shun the company of any person who would introduce the subject.
The Captain, not wishing to be deprived of such pleasant company, and seeing any further pleading fruitless, dropped the subject, and turned the conversation towards the channel which he well knew the current of his fair companions thoughts ran, namely, in extolling Charlie Stuart's manly and accomplished qualities. The blushing cheeks, the downcast looks, and the stolen glances at the object of his enconiums, plainly told the experienced officer how her young heart was engaged; and little did Charlie think, at that moment, that those glances, which he so unjustly interpreted, were the dumb symbols of overflowing love towards himself.
When the young man issued from the hall, tormented by conflicting feelings, he encountered his servant Donald, who, apparently, had partaken of a share of his own malady, stepping moodily the whole length of the balcony.
"How is it, Donald," asked his master, "that you are not among the gaiety yonder at the lake."
"Not to give you an ill answer, Mr. Charlie, I care but little for their enjoyment, for I think one half of them are going daft, particularly the girls; there is that Mary Grant, with her head stuffed with high notions crammed into it by that flunkey Brown, and too proud to give a poor countryman a look, and if these glass doors tell the truth, I think her young mistress is infected with the same distemper."
This was a home thrust to his master, who could not deny its truth; but the following conclusion to Donald's grievance brought a smile to his countenance:—"I wish I had an opportunity to cure them of that notion."
"How could you cure them?" inquired his master, curious to know his servant's remedy for curing Highland girls' love for Englishmen.
"Bless you it is the easiest thing in the world; just if these spindle-shanked Englishmen were coaxed to wear our Highland dress for one night, not a single Highland girl would ever look at them afterwards.
Light as his young master made of Donald's cure, the latter proved its efficacy, as will be seen hereafter.
Their conversation was now interrupted by the appearance of Mr. McKay, who was in search of Donald to play the "Reel of Tulloch" on his pipes, as the English gentry were very anxious to see that interesting dance.
Mr. McKay pressed Charlie to join in it, and both re-entered the ball-room, when her father approached Bella, inviting her to dance with her old partner Charlie Stuart, as his Lordship, who was sitting by her side, did not like to dance the reel, being ignorant of it.
With what alacrity and visible joy the young girl sprang to her partner's side at this intimation. A bird released from its captivity could not show more happiness than the charming girl when clinging to her lover's arm on their way to the end of the hall, to take their places. What a revolution came over the motions and looks of the interesting couple, as they glided through the intricate reel, drinking love from each other's beaming looks, as if unconscious of the existence of any other person in that large hall.
Bursts of admiration were heard from all parts of the room, such as, "How charming they look! What a match! How gracefully they move!"
The objects of these remarks were truly deserving of such compliments; both dressed in full suit of Highland costume, Bella in her favourite silk McKay tartan, and Charlie in his Royal Stuart.
With what jealous looks Lord Lundy watched the happy pair! What a sudden transformation came over the listless and disinterested partner of his dances during the evening! How happy he would feel were the least of her sparkling looks or sweet smiles bestowed upon himself!
When the music had ceased, and the couples were taking their seats, Charlie was going to conduct his fair partner to her former seat beside Lord Lundy, Bella clung to him nervously, and whispered in his ear, "Not there I beseech you, let us seek the fresh air." With a heart bounding with joy, Charlie wheeled round on his heel at this intimation, leading his willing charge to the balcony.
On arriving at the other end, Bella drew a long breath as if relieved of a heavy weight, on escaping from her tiresome company, and exclaimed, "Oh, what a relief."
"It is indeed, very oppressive in there," replied Charlie, misinterpreting her.
"'Tis not the closeness of the hall I mean, but in getting out of the tiresome company with which I have been persecuted all the evening," added Bella.
"Indeed," replied her companion, as if doubting her words; "I thought the company was very agreeable to you, the Captain's in particular."
Bella raised her eyes to him mournfully, on hearing, for the first time in her life, the reproachful tone of his voice, and, in quivering accents, said: "I thought you would be the last on earth to insinuate, or harbour the belief, that I could over enjoy the company of one, or friend of a person who conducted himself so ungentlemanly towards me, when he believed me unprotected. The Captain is certainly more bearable and charitable towards my feelings, and you should know how he praised your conduct, and all your achievements this day."
The truth now dawned on her repentant hearer. 'Twas not his own cause the Captain was pleading that evening, which caused Bella's blushes, and the stolen glances she threw at himself. He, therefore, with an impulse, not peculiar to him, drew the blushing girl towards him, and pressed her momentarily to his heart, replying vehemently—"Pardon my folly, dear Bella, I was only annoyed and disappointed at being separated from my old partner this evening; I shall never after this moment, harbour such stupid suspicions." A moistened eye and a fond pressure of the hand was the only acknowledgment to this outburst of feelings, and the happy lovers turned their gaze towards the novel and romantic scene before them. The happiness which this hour imparted to their young souls was an era in their life, and was indellibly imprinted on their minds, through the many vicissitudes and misfortunes of their after life, as yet a stranger to their buoyant spirits.
It was, indeed, a scene calculated to nourish a budding and ardent love. The beautiful Loch-nan-eal lay in still repose like a mirror, reflecting back the fantastic shadows of the dancers round the fires, which shot incessantly over its unruffled face, like so many sprites or goblins. The plantain trees stood solemnly like so many gigantic spectators, echoing back the merry peals of the enthusiastic revellers, who wheeled and stepped in many groups to the thrilling strains of the Highland pipes.
What a crowd of delightful and happy sensations filled the hearts of the young lovers, as they stood silently contemplating the enchanting prospect; their minds were too full, and their modesty yet too powerful to allow them to give utterance to their feelings. But those deep sighs and stolen looks in each other's eyes, told more than the most eloquent language could impart.
Yet, there hung around them some unfathomable cloud which they could not dispel. Was it a presentiment, or some invisible power which threatened to separate their young hearts at this early union? Alas! the mysterious veil could not yet be removed. It might be as well that their present happiness should not be clouded by the misfortunes which were in store for them.
Daylight soon warned them that their absence might be noticed, and which also put an end to the great festival or bonfire, and the happy assembly turned their way towards their respective home's, where the celebrated gathering became one of their fireside sgsulachdare, or winter tales, for years after.