Chapter XXXI: In Which Jos Sedley Takes Care of His Sister

by William Makepeace Thackeray

　　Thus all the superior officers being summoned on dutyelsewhere, Jos Sedley was left in command of the littlecolony at Brussels, with Amelia invalided, Isidor, hisBelgian servant, and the bonne, who was maid-of-all-workfor the establishment, as a garrison under him. Thoughhe was disturbed in spirit, and his rest destroyed byDobbin's interruption and the occurrences of the morning,Jos nevertheless remained for many hours in bed,wakeful and rolling about there until his usual hour ofrising had arrived. The sun was high in the heavens, andour gallant friends of the --th miles on their march,before the civilian appeared in his flowered dressing-gownat breakfast.

　　About George's absence, his brother-in-law was veryeasy in mind. Perhaps Jos was rather pleased in his heartthat Osborne was gone, for during George's presence, theother had played but a very secondary part in thehousehold, and Osborne did not scruple to show his contemptfor the stout civilian. But Emmy had always been goodand attentive to him. It was she who ministered to hiscomforts, who superintended the dishes that he liked,who walked or rode with him (as she had many, toomany, opportunities of doing, for where was George?)and who interposed her sweet face between his angerand her husband's scorn. Many timid remonstrances hadshe uttered to George in behalf of her brother, but theformer in his trenchant way cut these entreaties short."I'm an honest man," he said, "and if I have a feelingI show it, as an honest man will. How the deuce, mydear, would you have me behave respectfully to such afool as your brother?" So Jos was pleased with George'sabsence. His plain hat, and gloves on a sideboard, andthe idea that the owner was away, caused Jos I don'tknow what secret thrill of pleasure. "He won't betroubling me this morning," Jos thought, "with hisdandified airs and his impudence."

　　"Put the Captain's hat into the ante-room," he saidto Isidor, the servant.

　　"Perhaps he won't want it again," replied the lackey,looking knowingly at his master. He hated George too,whose insolence towards him was quite of the Englishsort.

　　"And ask if Madame is coming to breakfast," Mr.Sedley said with great majesty, ashamed to enter with aservant upon the subject of his dislike for George. Thetruth is, he had abused his brother to the valet a scoreof times before.

　　Alas! Madame could not come to breakfast, and cutthe tartines that Mr. Jos liked. Madame was a great dealtoo ill, and had been in a frightful state ever since herhusband's departure, so her bonne said. Jos showed hissympathy by pouring her out a large cup of tea It washis way of exhibiting kindness: and he improved on this;he not only sent her breakfast, but he bethought himwhat delicacies she would most like for dinner.

　　Isidor, the valet, had looked on very sulkily, whileOsborne's servant was disposing of his master's baggageprevious to the Captain's departure: for in the first placehe hated Mr. Osborne, whose conduct to him, and toall inferiors, was generally overbearing (nor does thecontinental domestic like to be treated with insolence asour own better-tempered servants do), and secondly, hewas angry that so many valuables should be removedfrom under his hands, to fall into other people's possessionwhen the English discomfiture should arrive. Of thisdefeat he and a vast number of other persons in Brusselsand Belgium did not make the slightest doubt. The almostuniversal belief was, that the Emperor would dividethe Prussian and English armies, annihilate one after theother, and march into Brussels before three days wereover: when all the movables of his present masters, whowould be killed, or fugitives, or prisoners, would lawfullybecome the property of Monsieur Isidor.

　　As he helped Jos through his toilsome and complicateddaily toilette, this faithful servant would calculate whathe should do with the very articles with which he wasdecorating his master's person. He would make a presentof the silver essence-bottles and toilet knicknacks to ayoung lady of whom he was fond; and keep the Englishcutlery and the large ruby pin for himself. It wouldlook very smart upon one of the fine frilled shirts, which,with the gold-laced cap and the frogged frock coat, thatmight easily be cut down to suit his shape, and the Captain'sgold-headed cane, and the great double ring withthe rubies, which he would have made into a pair ofbeautiful earrings, he calculated would make a perfectAdonis of himself, and render Mademoiselle Reine aneasy prey. "How those sleeve-buttons will suit me!"thought he, as he fixed a pair on the fat pudgy wrists ofMr. Sedley. "I long for sleeve-buttons; and the Captain'sboots with brass spurs, in the next room, corbleu! whatan effect they will make in the Allee Verte!" So whileMonsieur Isidor with bodily fingers was holding on to hismaster's nose, and shaving the lower part of Jos's face,his imagination was rambling along the Green Avenue,dressed out in a frogged coat and lace, and in companywith Mademoiselle Reine; he was loitering in spirit onthe banks, and examining the barges sailing slowly underthe cool shadows of the trees by the canal, or refreshinghimself with a mug of Faro at the bench of a beer-houseon the road to Laeken.

　　But Mr. Joseph Sedley, luckily for his own peace, nomore knew what was passing in his domestic's mind thanthe respected reader, and I suspect what John or Mary,whose wages we pay, think of ourselves. What ourservants think of us!--Did we know what our intimates anddear relations thought of us, we should live in a worldthat we should be glad to quit, and in a frame of mindand a constant terror, that would be perfectly unbearable.So Jos's man was marking his victim down, as yousee one of Mr. Paynter's assistants in Leadenhall Streetornament an unconscious turtle with a placard on whichis written, "Soup to-morrow."

　　Amelia's attendant was much less selfishly disposed.Few dependents could come near that kind and gentlecreature without paying their usual tribute of loyaltyand affection to her sweet and affectionate nature. Andit is a fact that Pauline, the cook, consoled her mistressmore than anybody whom she saw on this wretchedmorning; for when she found how Amelia remained for hours,silent, motionless, and haggard, by the windows in whichshe had placed herself to watch the last bayonets of thecolumn as it marched away, the honest girl took thelady's hand, and said, Tenez, Madame, est-ce qu'il n'estpas aussi a l'armee, mon homme a moi? with whichshe burst into tears, and Amelia falling into her arms,did likewise, and so each pitied and soothed the other.

　　Several times during the forenoon Mr. Jos's Isidorwent from his lodgings into the town, and to the gatesof the hotels and lodging-houses round about the Parc,where the English were congregated, and there mingledwith other valets, couriers, and lackeys, gathered suchnews as was abroad, and brought back bulletins for hismaster's information. Almost all these gentlemen were inheart partisans of the Emperor, and had their opinionsabout the speedy end of the campaign. The Emperor'sproclamation from Avesnes had been distributedeverywhere plentifully in Brussels. "Soldiers!" it said, "thisis the anniversary of Marengo and Friedland, by which thedestinies of Europe were twice decided. Then, as afterAusterlitz, as after Wagram, we were too generous. Webelieved in the oaths and promises of princes whom wesuffered to remain upon their thrones. Let us march oncemore to meet them. We and they, are we not still thesame men? Soldiers! these same Prussians who are soarrogant to-day, were three to one against you at Jena,and six to one at Montmirail. Those among you whowere prisoners in England can tell their comrades whatfrightful torments they suffered on board the Englishhulks. Madmen! a moment of prosperity has blindedthem, and if they enter into France it will be to find agrave there!" But the partisans of the French prophesieda more speedy extermination of the Emperor's enemiesthan this; and it was agreed on all hands that Prussiansand British would never return except as prisoners in therear of the conquering army.

　　These opinions in the course of the day were broughtto operate upon Mr. Sedley. He was told that the Dukeof Wellington had gone to try and rally his army, theadvance of which had been utterly crushed the nightbefore.

　　"Crushed, psha!" said Jos, whose heart was prettystout at breakfast-time. "The Duke has gone to beat theEmperor as he has beaten all his generals before."

　　"His papers are burned, his effects are removed, and hisquarters are being got ready for the Duke of Dalmatia,"Jos's informant replied. "I had it from his own maitred'hotel. Milor Duc de Richemont's people are packingup everything. His Grace has fled already, and theDuchess is only waiting to see the plate packed to join theKing of France at Ostend."

　　"The King of France is at Ghent, fellow," replied Jos,affecting incredulity.

　　"He fled last night to Bruges, and embarks today fromOstend. The Duc de Berri is taken prisoner. Those whowish to be safe had better go soon, for the dykes willbe opened to-morrow, and who can fly when the wholecountry is under water?"

　　"Nonsense, sir, we are three to one, sir, against anyforce Boney can bring into the field," Mr. Sedleyobjected; "the Austrians and the Russians are on theirmarch. He must, he shall be crushed," Jos said, slappinghis hand on the table.

　　"The Prussians were three to one at Jena, and hetook their army and kingdom in a week. They weresix to one at Montmirail, and he scattered them like sheep.The Austrian army is coming, but with the Empress andthe King of Rome at its head; and the Russians, bah!the Russians will withdraw. No quarter is to be givento the English, on account of their cruelty to our braveson board the infamous pontoons. Look here, here it isin black and white. Here's the proclamation of hisMajesty the Emperor and King," said the now declaredpartisan of Napoleon, and taking the document from hispocket, Isidor sternly thrust it into his master's face,and already looked upon the frogged coat and valuablesas his own spoil.

　　Jos was, if not seriously alarmed as yet, at leastconsiderably disturbed in mind. "Give me my coat and cap,sir, said he, "and follow me. I will go myself and learnthe truth of these reports." Isidor was furious as Jos puton the braided frock. "Milor had better.not wear thatmilitary coat," said he; "the Frenchmen have sworn notto give quarter to a single British soldier."

　　"Silence, sirrah!" said Jos, with a resolute countenancestill, and thrust his arm into the sleeve with indomitableresolution, in the performance of which heroic act hewas found by Mrs. Rawdon Crawley, who at this juncturecame up to visit Amelia, and entered without ringingat the antechamber door.

　　Rebecca was dressed very neatly and smartly, as usual:her quiet sleep after Rawdon's departure had refreshedher, and her pink smiling cheeks were quite pleasant tolook at, in a town and on a day when everybody else'scountenance wore the appearance of the deepest anxietyand gloom. She laughed at the attitude in which Jos wasdiscovered, and the struggles and convulsions with whichthe stout gentleman thrust himself into the braided coat.

　　"Are you preparing to join the army, Mr. Joseph?"she said. "Is there to be nobody left in Brussels toprotect us poor women?" Jos succeeded in plunging intothe coat, and came forward blushing and stuttering outexcuses to his fair visitor. "How was she after the eventsof the morning--after the fatigues of the ball the nightbefore?" Monsieur Isidor disappeared into his master'sadjacent bedroom, bearing off the flowered dressing-gown.

　　"How good of you to ask," said she, pressing one ofhis hands in both her own. "How cool and collected youlook when everybody else is frightened! How is our dearlittle Emmy? It must have been an awful, awful parting."

　　"Tremendous," Jos said.

　　"You men can bear anything," replied the lady. "Partingor danger are nothing to you. Own now that youwere going to join the army and leave us to our fate.I know you were--something tells me you were. I wasso frightened, when the thought came into my head (forI do sometimes think of you when I am alone, Mr.Joseph), that I ran off immediately to beg and entreatyou not to fly from us."

　　This speech might be interpreted, "My dear sir, shouldan accident befall the army, and a retreat be necessary,you have a very comfortable carriage, in which Ipropose to take a seat." I don't know whether Josunderstood the words in this sense. But he was profoundlymortified by the lady's inattention to him during theirstay at Brussels. He had never been presented to anyof Rawdon Crawley's great acquaintances: he had scarcelybeen invited to Rebecca's parties; for he was too timidto play much, and his presence bored George and Rawdonequally, who neither of them, perhaps, liked to have awitness of the amusements in which the pair chose toindulge. "Ah!" thought Jos, "now she wants me shecomes to me. When there is nobody else in the way shecan think about old Joseph Sedley!" But besides thesedoubts he felt flattered at the idea Rebecca expressedof his courage.

　　He blushed a good deal, and put on an air of importance."I should like to see the action," he said. "Everyman of any spirit would, you know. I've seen a littleservice in India, but nothing on this grand scale."

　　"You men would sacrifice anything for a pleasure,"Rebecca answered. "Captain Crawley left me this morningas gay as if he were going to a hunting party. Whatdoes he care? What do any of you care for the agoniesand tortures of a poor forsaken woman? (I wonderwhether he could really have been going to the troops,this great lazy gourmand?) Oh! dear Mr. Sedley, I havecome to you for comfort--for consolation. I have beenon my knees all the morning. I tremble at the frightfuldanger into which our husbands, our friends, our bravetroops and allies, are rushing. And I come here for shelter,and find another of my friends--the last remaining tome--bent upon plunging into the dreadful scene!"

　　"My dear madam," Jos replied, now beginning to bequite soothed, "don't be alarmed. I only said I shouldlike to go--what Briton would not? But my duty keepsme here: I can't leave that poor creature in the nextroom." And he pointed with his finger to the door ofthe chamber in which Amelia was.

　　"Good noble brother!" Rebecca said, putting herhandkerchief to her eyes, and smelling the eau-de-colognewith which it was scented. "I have done you injustice:you have got a heart. I thought you had not."

　　"O, upon my honour!" Jos said, making a motion asif he would lay his hand upon the spot in question. "Youdo me injustice, indeed you do--my dear Mrs. Crawley."

　　"I do, now your heart is true to your sister. But Iremember two years ago--when it was false to me!"Rebecca said, fixing her eyes upon him for an instant, andthen turning away into the window.

　　Jos blushed violently. That organ which he wasaccused by Rebecca of not possessing began to thumptumultuously. He recalled the days when he had fled fromher, and the passion which had once inflamed him--thedays when he had driven her in his curricle: when shehad knit the green purse for him: when he had sateenraptured gazing at her white arms and bright eyes.

　　"I know you think me ungrateful," Rebecca continued,coming out of the window, and once more looking athim and addressing him in a low tremulous voice. "Yourcoldness, your averted looks, your manner when we havemet of late--when I came in just now, all proved it tome. But were there no reasons why I should avoid you?Let your own heart answer that question. Do you thinkmy husband was too much inclined to welcome you?The only unkind words I have ever had from him (Iwill do Captain Crawley that justice) have been aboutyou--and most cruel, cruel words they were."

　　"Good gracious! what have I done?" asked Jos in aflurry of pleasure and perplexity; "what have I done--to--to--?"

　　"Is jealousy nothing?" said Rebecca. "He makes memiserable about you. And whatever it might have beenonce--my heart is all his. I am innocent now. Am Inot, Mr. Sedley?"

　　All Jos's blood tingled with delight, as he surveyedthis victim to his attractions. A few adroit words, oneor two knowing tender glances of the eyes, and his heartwas inflamed again and his doubts and suspicionsforgotten. From Solomon downwards, have not wiser menthan he been cajoled and befooled by women? "If theworst comes to the worst," Becky thought, "my retreatis secure; and I have a right-hand seat in the barouche."

　　There is no knowing into what declarations of loveand ardour the tumultuous passions of Mr. Josephmight have led him, if Isidor the valet had not madehis reappearance at this minute, and begun to busyhimself about the domestic affairs. Jos, who was just goingto gasp out an avowal, choked almost with the emotionthat he was obliged to restrain. Rebecca too bethoughther that it was time she should go in and comfort herdearest Amelia. "Au revoir," she said, kissing her handto Mr. Joseph, and tapped gently at the door of hissister's apartment. As she entered and closed the dooron herself, he sank down in a chair, and gazed andsighed and puffed portentously. "That coat is very tightfor Milor," Isidor said, still having his eye on the frogs;but his master heard him not: his thoughts wereelsewhere: now glowing, maddening, upon the contemplationof the enchanting Rebecca: anon shrinking guiltilybefore the vision of the jealous Rawdon Crawley, with hiscurling, fierce mustachios, and his terrible duelling pistolsloaded and cocked.

　　Rebecca's appearance struck Amelia with terror, andmade her shrink back. It recalled her to the world andthe remembrance of yesterday. In the overpowering fearsabout to-morrow she had forgotten Rebecca--jealousy--everything except that her husband was gone and wasin danger. Until this dauntless worldling came in andbroke the spell, and lifted the latch, we too haveforborne to enter into that sad chamber. How long had thatpoor girl been on her knees! what hours of speechlessprayer and bitter prostration had she passed there! Thewar-chroniclers who write brilliant stories of fight andtriumph scarcely tell us of these. These are too meanparts of the pageant: and you don't hear widows' criesor mothers' sobs in the midst of the shouts and jubilationin the great Chorus of Victory. And yet when wasthe time that such have not cried out: heart-broken,humble protestants, unheard in the uproar of the triumph!

　　After the first movement of terror in Amelia's mind--when Rebecca's green eyes lighted upon her, andrustling in her fresh silks and brilliant ornaments, the lattertripped up with extended arms to embrace her--a feelingof anger succeeded, and from being deadly pale before,her face flushed up red, and she returned Rebecca's lookafter a moment with a steadiness which surprised andsomewhat abashed her rival.

　　"Dearest Amelia, you are very unwell," the visitor said,putting forth her hand to take Amelia's. "What is it?I could not rest until I knew how you were."

　　Amelia drew back her hand--never since her lifebegan had that gentle soul refused to believe or toanswer any demonstration of good-will or affection. Butshe drew back her hand, and trembled all over. "Whyare you here, Rebecca?" she said, still looking at hersolemnly with her large eyes. These glances troubled hervisitor.

　　"She must have seen him give me the letter at theball," Rebecca thought. "Don't be agitated, dear Amelia,"she said, looking down. "I came but to see if I could--if you were well."

　　"Are you well?" said Amelia. "I dare say you are.You don't love your husband. You would not be here ifyou did. Tell me, Rebecca, did I ever do you anythingbut kindness?"

　　"Indeed, Amelia, no," the other said, still hangingdown her head.

　　"When you were quite poor, who was it that befriendedyou? Was I not a sister to you? You saw usall in happier days before he married me. I was all inall then to him; or would he have given up his fortune,his family, as he nobly did to make me happy? Why didyou come between my love and me? Who sent you toseparate those whom God joined, and take my darling'sheart from me-- my own husband? Do you think youcould I love him as I did? His love was everything to me.You knew it, and wanted to rob me of it. For shame,Rebecca; bad and wicked woman--false friend and falsewife."

　　"Amelia, I protest before God, I have done myhusband no wrong," Rebecca said, turning from her.

　　"Have you done me no wrong, Rebecca? You did notsucceed, but you tried. Ask your heart if you did not."

　　She knows nothing, Rebecca thought.

　　"He came back to me. I knew he would. I knew thatno falsehood, no flattery, could keep him from me long.I knew he would come. I prayed so that he should."

　　The poor girl spoke these words with a spirit andvolubility which Rebecca had never before seen in her,and before which the latter was quite dumb. "But whathave I done to you," she continued in a more pitiful tone,"that you should try and take him from me? I had himbut for six weeks. You might have spared me those,Rebecca. And yet, from the very first day of our wedding,you came and blighted it. Now he is gone, are you cometo see how unhappy I am?" she continued. "You mademe wretched enough for the past fortnight: you mighthave spared me to-day."

　　"I--I never came here," interposed Rebecca, withunlucky truth.

　　"No. You didn't come. You took him away. Are youcome to fetch him from me?" she continued in a wildertone. "He was here, but he is gone now. There on thatvery sofa he sate. Don't touch it. We sate and talkedthere. I was on his knee, and my arms were round hisneck, and we said 'Our Father.' Yes, he was here: andthey came and took him away, but he promised me tocome back."

　　"He will come back, my dear," said Rebecca, touchedin spite of herself.

　　"Look," said Amelia, "this is his sash--isn't it a prettycolour?'' and she took up the fringe and kissed it. Shehad tied it round her waist at some part of the day. Shehad forgotten her anger, her jealousy, the very presenceof her rival seemingly. For she walked silently and almostwith a smile on her face, towards the bed, and began tosmooth down George's pillow.

　　Rebecca walked, too, silently away. "How is Amelia?"asked Jos, who still held his position in the chair.

　　"There should be somebody with her," said Rebecca."I think she is very unwell": and she went away with avery grave face, refusing Mr. Sedley's entreaties that shewould stay and partake of the early dinner which he hadordered.

　　Rebecca was of a good-natured and obliging disposition;and she liked Amelia rather than otherwise. Evenher hard words, reproachful as they were, werecomplimentary--the groans of a person stinging under defeat.Meeting Mrs. O'Dowd, whom the Dean's sermons hadby no means comforted, and who was walking verydisconsolately in the Parc, Rebecca accosted the latter,rather to the surprise of the Major's wife, who was notaccustomed to such marks of politeness from Mrs.Rawdon Crawley, and informing her that poor little Mrs.Osborne was in a desperate condition, and almost madwith grief, sent off the good-natured Irishwoman straightto see if she could console her young favourite.

　　"I've cares of my own enough," Mrs. O'Dowd said,gravely, "and I thought poor Amelia would be littlewanting for company this day. But if she's so bad as yousay, and you can't attend to her, who used to be sofond of her, faith I'll see if I can be of service. And sogood marning to ye, Madam"; with which speech and atoss of her head, the lady of the repayther took afarewell of Mrs. Crawley, whose company she by no meanscourted.

　　Becky watched her marching off, with a smile on herlip. She had the keenest sense of humour, and theParthian look which the retreating Mrs. O'Dowd flungover her shoulder almost upset Mrs. Crawley's gravity."My service to ye, me fine Madam, and I'm glad to seeye so cheerful," thought Peggy. "It's not you that will cryyour eyes out with grief, anyway." And with this shepassed on, and speedily found her way to Mrs. Osborne'slodgings.

　　The poor soul was still at the bedside, where Rebeccahad left her, and stood almost crazy with grief. TheMajor's wife, a stronger-minded woman, endeavoured herbest to comfort her young friend. "You must bear up,Amelia, dear," she said kindly, "for he mustn't find youill when he sends for you after the victory. It's not youare the only woman that are in the hands of God thisday."

　　"I know that. I am very wicked, very weak," Ameliasaid. She knew her own weakness well enough. Thepresence of the more resolute friend checked it, however; andshe was the better of this control and company. Theywent on till two o'clock; their hearts were with the columnas it marched farther and farther away. Dreadful doubtand anguish--prayers and fears and griefs unspeakable--followed the regiment. It was the women's tribute to thewar. It taxes both alike, and takes the blood of the men,and the tears of the women.

　　At half-past two, an event occurred of daily importanceto Mr. Joseph: the dinner-hour arrived. Warriorsmay fight and perish, but he must dine. He came intoAmelia's room to see if he could coax her to share thatmeal. "Try," said he; "the soup is very good. Do try,Emmy," and he kissed her hand. Except when she wasmarried, he had not done so much for years before. "Youare very good and kind, Joseph," she said. "Everybodyis, but, if you please, I will stay in my room to-day."

　　The savour of the soup, however, was agreeable toMrs. O'Dowd's nostrils: and she thought she would bearMr. Jos company. So the two sate down to their meal."God bless the meat," said the Major's wife, solemnly:she was thinking of her honest Mick, riding at the headof his regiment: " 'Tis but a bad dinner those poorboys will get to-day," she said, with a sigh, and then,like a philosopher, fell to.

　　Jos's spirits rose with his meal. He would drink theregiment's health; or, indeed, take any other excuse toindulge in a glass of champagne. "We'll drink to O'Dowdand the brave --th," said he, bowing gallantly to hisguest. "Hey, Mrs. O'Dowd? Fill Mrs. O'Dowd's glass,Isidor."

　　But all of a sudden, Isidor started, and the Major'swife laid down her knife and fork. The windows of theroom were open, and looked southward, and a dull distantsound came over the sun-lighted roofs from thatdirection. ''What is it?" said Jos. "Why don't you pour, yourascal?"

　　"Cest le feu!" said Isidor, running to the balcony.

　　"God defend us; it's cannon!" Mrs. O'Dowd cried,starting up, and followed too to the window. A thousandpale and anxious faces might have been seen lookingfrom other casements. And presently it seemed as if thewhole population of the city rushed into the streets.