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lavengro-第182部分
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trust us with vehicles and horses; so that idea was laid aside。 We
then debated as to whether or not he should go into the Church; but
to go into the Church … at any rate to become a dean or bishop;
which would have been our aim … it is necessary for a man to
possess some education; and my master; although he had been at the
best school in England; that is; the most expensive; and also at
College; was almost totally illiterate; so we let the Church scheme
follow that of the coach。 At last; bethinking me that he was
tolerably glib at the tongue; as most people are who are addicted
to the turf; also a great master of slang; remembering also that he
had a crabbed old uncle; who had some borough interest; I proposed
that he should get into the House; promising in one fortnight to
qualify him to make a figure in it; by certain lessons which I
would give him。 He consented; and during the next fortnight I did
little else than give him lessons in elocution; following to a
tittle the method of the great professor; which I had picked up;
listening behind the door。 At the end of that period we paid a
visit to his relation; an old gouty Tory; who at first received us
very coolly。 My master; however; by flattering a predilection of
his for Billy Pitt; soon won his affections so much that he
promised to bring him into Parliament; and in less than a month was
as good as his word。 My master; partly by his own qualifications;
and partly by the assistance which he had derived; and still
occasionally derived; from me; cut a wonderful figure in the House;
and was speedily considered one of the most promising speakers; he
was always a good hand at promising … he is at present; I believe;
a Cabinet minister。
'But as he got up in the world he began to look down on me。 I
believe he was ashamed of the obligation under which he lay to me;
and at last; requiring no further hints as to oratory from a poor
servant like me; he took an opportunity of quarrelling with me and
discharging me。 However; as he had still some grace; he
recommended me to a gentleman with whom; since he had attached
himself to politics; he had formed an acquaintance; the editor of a
grand Tory Review。 I lost caste terribly amongst the servants for
entering the service of a person connected with a profession so
mean as literature; and it was proposed at the Servants' Club; in
Park Lane; to eject me from that society。 The proposition;
however; was not carried into effect; and I was permitted to show
myself among them; though few condescended to take much notice of
me。 My master was one of the best men in the world; but also one
of the most sensitive。 On his veracity being impugned by the
editor of a newspaper; he called him out; and shot him through the
arm。 Though servants are seldom admirers of their masters; I was a
great admirer of mine; and eager to follow his example。 The day
after the encounter; on my veracity being impugned by the servant
of Lord C… in something I said in praise of my master; I determined
to call him out; so I went into another room and wrote a challenge。
But whom should I send it by? Several servants to whom I applied
refused to be the bearers of it; they said I had lost caste; and
they could not think of going out with me。 At length the servant
of the Duke of B… consented to take it; but he made me to
understand that; though he went out with me; he did so merely
because he despised the Whiggish principles of Lord C…'s servant;
and that if I thought he intended to associate with me I should be
mistaken。 Politics; I must tell you; at that time ran as high
amongst the servants as the gentlemen; the servants; however; being
almost invariably opposed to the politics of their respective
masters; though both parties agreed in one point; the scouting of
everything low and literary; though I think; of the two; the
liberal or reform party were the most inveterate。 So he took my
challenge; which was accepted; we went out; Lord C…'s servant being
seconded by a reformado footman from the palace。 We fired three
times without effect; but this affair lost me my place; my master
on hearing it forthwith discharged me; he was; as I have said
before; very sensitive; and he said this duel of mine was a parody
of his own。 Being; however; one of the best men in the world; on
his discharging me he made me a donation of twenty pounds。
'And it was well that he made me this present; for without it I
should have been penniless; having contracted rather expensive
habits during the time that I lived with the young baronet。 I now
determined to visit my parents; whom I had not seen for years。 I
found them in good health; and; after staying with them for two
months; I returned again in the direction of town; walking; in
order to see the country。 On the second day of my journey; not
being used to such fatigue; I fell ill at a great inn on the north
road; and there I continued for some weeks till I recovered; but by
that time my money was entirely spent。 By living at the inn I had
contracted an acquaintance with the master and the people; and
become accustomed to inn life。 As I thought that I might find some
difficulty in procuring any desirable situation in London; owing to
my late connection with literature; I determined to remain where I
was; provided my services would be accepted。 I offered them to the
master; who; finding I knew something of horses; engaged me as a
postilion。 I have remained there since。 You have now heard my
story。
'Stay; you shan't say that I told my tale without a per …
peroration。 What shall it be? Oh; I remember something which will
serve for one。 As I was driving my chaise some weeks ago; I saw
standing at the gate of an avenue; which led up to an old mansion;
a figure which I thought I recognised。 I looked at it attentively;
and the figure; as I passed; looked at me; whether it remembered me
I do not know; but I recognised the face it showed me full well。
'If it was not the identical face of the red…haired priest whom I
had seen at Rome; may I catch cold!
'Young gentleman; I will now take a spell on your blanket … young
lady; good…night。'
End
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