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Chapter X.Part I.
Part I.
There are times when the mind, of the young especially, is so disposed,
that any external influence, however slight, suffices to call forth whatever
has the appearance of virtuous self - sacrifice; as a scarcely expanded flower
abandons itself negligently to its fragile stem, ready to yield its fragrance
to the first breath of the zephyrs that float around. These moments, which
others should regard with reverential awe, are exactly those which the wily
and interested eagerly watch for, and seize with avidity, to fetter an
unguarded will.
On the perusal of this letter the Prince * * * instantly saw a door
opened to the fulfillment of his early and still cherished views. He therefore
sent to Gertrude to come to him, and prepared to strike the iron while it was
hot. Gertrude had no sooner made her appearance, than, without raising her
eyes towards her father, she threw herself upon her knees, scarcely able to
articulate the word `Pardon.` The Prince beckoned to her to rise, and then, in
a voice little calculated to reassure her, replied, that it was not sufficient
to desire and solicit forgiveness, for that was easy and natural enough to one
who had been convicted of a fault, and dreaded its punishment; that, in short,
it was necessary she should deserve it. Gertrude, in a subdued and trembling
voice, asked what she must do. To this question the Prince (for we cannot find
in our heart at this moment to give him the little of father) made no direct
reply, but proceeded to speak at some length on Gertrude`s fault, in words
which grated on the feelings of the poor girl like the drawing of a rough hand
over a wound. He then went on to say, that even if . . . supposing he ever . .
. had had at the first any intention of settling her in the world, she herself
had now opposed an insuperable obstacle to such a plan; since a man of honour,
as he was, could never bring himself to give to any gentleman a daughter who
had shown such a specimen of her character. His wretched auditor was
completely overwhelmed; and then the Prince, gradually softening his voice and
language, proceeded to say, that for every fault there was a remedy and a hope
of mercy; that hers was one the remedy for which was very distinctly
indicated; that she ought to see in this sad event a warning, as it were, that
a worldly life was too full of danger for her . . .
`Ah, yes!` exclaimed Gertrude, excited by fear, subdued by a sense of
shame, and overcome at the instant by a momentary tenderness of spirit.
`Ah; you see it too,` replied the Prince, instantly taking up her words.
`Well, let us say no more of what is past: all is cancelled. You have taken
the only honourable and suitable course that remained for you; but, since you
have chosen it willingly and cheerfully, it rests with me to make it pleasant
to you in every possible way. I have the power of turning it to your
advantage, and giving all the merit of the action to yourself, and I`ll engage
to do it for you.` So saying, he rang a little bell that stood on the table,
and said to the servant who answered it, - `The Princess and the young Prince
immediately.` Then turning to Gertrude, he continued: `I wish them to share in
my satisfaction at once; and I wish you immediately to be treated by all as is
fit and proper. You have experienced a little of the severe parent, but from
henceforth you shall find me an affectionate father.`
Gertrude stood thunderstruck at these words. One moment she wondered how
that `yes,` which had escaped her lips, could be made to mean so much: then
she thought, was there no way of retracting - of restricting the sense; but
the Prince`s conviction seemed so unshaken, his joy so sensitively jealous,
and his benignity so conditional, that Gertrude dared not utter a word to
disturb them in the slightest degree.
The parties summoned quickly made their appearance, and, on seeing
Gertrude, regarded her with an expression of surprise and uncertainty. But the
Prince, with a cheerful and loving countenance, which immediately met with an
answering look from them, said, - `Behold the wandering sheep: and I intend
this to be the last word that shall awaken sad remembrances. Behold the
consolation of the family! Gertrude no longer needs advisers, for she has
voluntarily chosen what we desired for her good. She has determined - she has
given me to understand that she has determined . . .` Here Gertrude raised
towards her father a look between terror and supplication, as if imploring him
to pause, but he continued boldly: `that she has determined to take the veil.`
`Bravo! well done!` exclaimed the mother and son, turning at the same
time to embrace Gertrude, who received these congratulations with tears, which
were interpreted as tears of satisfaction. The Prince then expatiated upon
what he would do to render the situation of his daughter pleasant, and even
splendid. He spoke of the distinction with which she would be regarded in the
monastery and the surrounding country: that she would be like a princess, the
representative of the family; that, as soon as ever her age would allow of it,
she would be raised to the first dignity, and in the mean while would be under
subjection only in name. The Princess and the young Prince renewed their
congratulations and applauses, while poor Gertrude stood as if possessed by a
dream.
`We had better fix the day for going to Monza to make our request of the
Abbess,` said the Prince. `How pleased she will be! I venture to say that all
the monastery will know how to estimate the honour which Gertrude does them.
Likewise . . . but why not go this very day? Gertrude will be glad to take an
airing.`
`Let us go, then,` said the Princess.
`I will go and give orders,` said the young Prince.
`But . . .` suggested Gertrude, submissively.
`Softly, softly,` replied the Prince, `let her decide: perhaps she does
not feel inclined to-day, and would rather delay till to - morrow.
Tell me, would you prefer to-day or to - morrow?`
`To - morrow,` answered Gertrude, in a faint voice, thinking it something
that she could get a little longer respite.
`To - morrow,` pronounced the Prince, solemnly; `she has decided that we
go to - morrow. In the mean while I will go and ask the vicar of the nuns to
name a day for the examination.`
No sooner said than done; the Prince took his departure, and absolutely
went himself (no little act of condescension) to the vicar, and obtained a
promise that he would attend her the day after to - morrow.
During the remainder of this day Gertrude had not two moments of quiet.
She wished to have calmed her mind after so many scenes of excitement, to
clear and arrange her thoughts, to render an account to herself of what she
had done, and of what she was about to do, determine what she wished, and, for
a moment at least, retard that machine, which, once started, was proceeding so
precipitously; but there was no opening. Occupations succeeded one another
without interruption - one treading, as it were, upon the heels of another.
Immediately after this solemn interview, she was conducted to her mother`s
dressing - room, there, under her superintendence, to be dressed and adorned
by her own waiting - maid. Scarcely was this business completed when dinner
was announced. Gertrude was greeted on her way by the bows of the servants,
who expressed their congratulations for her recovery; and, on reaching the
dining - room, she found a few of their nearest friends, who had been hastily
invited to do her honour, and to share in the general joy for the two happy
events, - her restored health, and her choice of a vocation.
The young bride - (as the novices were usually distinguished, and
Gertrude was saluted on all sides by this title on her first appearance) - the
young bride had enough to do to reply to all the compliments that were
addressed to her. She was fully sensible that every one of these answers was,
as it were, an assent and confirmation; yet how could she reply otherwise?
Shortly after dinner came the driving hour, and Gertrude accompanied her
mother in a carriage, with two uncles who had been among the guests. After the
usual tour, they entered the Strada Marina, which crossed the space now
occupied by the public gardens, and was the rendezvous of the gentry who drove
out for recreation after the labours of the day. The uncles addressed much of
their conversation to Gertrude, as was to be expected on such a day; and one
of them, who seemed to be acquainted with everybody, every carriage, every
livery, and had every moment something to say about Signor this and Lady that,
suddenly checked himself, and turning to his niece - `Ah, you young rogue!`
exclaimed he; `you are turning your back on all these follies, - you are one
of the saints; we poor worldly fellows are caught in the snare, but you are
going to lead a religious life, and go to heaven in your carriage.`
As evening approached they returned home, and the servants, hastily
descending to meet them with lights, announced several visitors who were
awaiting their return. The rumour had spread, and friends and relations
crowded to pay their respects. On entering the drawing - room the young bride
became the idol - the sole object of attention - the victim. Every one wished
to have her to himself; one promised her pleasures, - another visits; one
spoke of Madre this, her relation, - another of Madre that, an acquaintance;
one extolled the climate of Monza, - another enlarged with great eloquence
upon the distinctions she would there enjoy. Others, who had not yet succeeded
in approaching Gertrude while thus besieged, stood watching their opportunity
to address her, and felt a kind of regret until they had discharged their duty
in this matter. By degrees the party dispersed, and Gertrude remained alone
with the family.
`At last,` said the Prince, `I have had the pleasure of seeing my
daughter treated as becomes her rank. I must confess that she has conducted
herself very well, and has shown that she will not be prevented making the
first figure, and maintaining the dignity of the family.` They then went to
supper, so as to retire early, that they might be ready in good time in the
morning.
Gertrude, annoyed, piqued, and at the same time a little puffed up by the
compliments and ceremonies of the day, at this moment remembered all she had
suffered from her jailer; and, seeing her father so ready to gratify her in
everything but one, she resolved to make use of this disposition for the
indulgence of at least one of the passions which tormented her. She displayed
a great unwillingness again to be left alone with her maid, and complained
bitterly of her treatment.
`What!` said the Prince; `did she not treat you with respect? Tomorrow I
will reward her as she deserves. Leave it to me, and I will get you entire
satisfaction. In the mean while, a child with whom I am so well pleased must
not be attended by a person she dislikes.` So saying, he called another
servant, and gave her orders to wait upon Gertrude, who, though certainly
enjoying the satisfaction she receivedi was astonished at finding it so
trifling, in comparison with the earnest wishes she had felt beforehand. The
thought that, in spite of her unwillingness, predominated in her imagination,
was the remembrance of the fearful progress she had this day made towards her
cloistral life, and the consciousness that to draw back now would require a
far, far greater degree of courage and resolution than would have sufficed a
few days before, and which, even then, she felt she did not possess.
The woman appointed to attend her was an old servant of the family, who
had formerly been the young Prince`s governess, having received him from the
arms of his nurse, and brought him up until he was almost a young man. In him
she had centred all her pleasures, all her hopes, all her pride. She was
delighted at this day`s decision, as if it had been her own good fortune; and
Gertrude, at the close of the day, was obliged to listen to the
congratulations, praises, and advice of this old woman. She told her of some
of her aunts and near relations who had been very happy as nuns, because,
being of so high a family, they had always enjoyed the first honours, and had
been able to have a good deal of influence beyond the walls of the convent; so
that, from their parlour, they had come off victorious in undertakings in
which the first ladies of the land had been quite foiled. She talked to her
about the visits she would receive; she would some day be seeing the Signor
Prince with his bride, who must certainly be some noble lady; and then not
only the monastery, but the whole country would be in excitement. The old
woman talked while undressing Gertrude; she talked after she had lain down,
and even continued talking after Gertrude was asleep. Youth and fatigue had
been more powerful than cares. Her sleep was troubled, disturbed, and full of
tormenting dreams, but was unbroken, until the shrill voice of the old woman
aroused her to prepare for her journey to Monza.
`Up, up, Signora bride; it is broad day - light, and you will want at
least an hour to dress and arrange yourself. The Signora Princess is getting
up; they awoke her four hours earlier than usual. The young Prince has already
been down to the stables and come back, and is ready to start whenever you
are. The creature is as brisk as a hare! but he was always so from a child: I
have a right to say so who have nursed him in my arms. But when he`s once set
a - going, it won`t do to oppose him; for, though he is the best - tempered
creature in the world, he sometimes gets impatient and storms. Poor fellow!
one must pity him; it is all the effect of his temperament; and besides, this
time there is some reason in it, because he is going to all this trouble for
you. People must take care how they touch him at such times! he minds no one
except the Signor Prince. But some day he will be the Prince himself; may it
be as long as possible first, however. Quick, quick, Signorina, why do you
look at me as if you were bewitched? You ought to be out of your nest at this
hour.`
At the idea of the impatient Prince, all the other thoughts which had
crowded into Gertrude`s mind on awaking, vanished before it, like a flock of
sparrows on the sudden appearance of a scarecrow. She instantly obeyed,
dressed herself in haste, and, after submitting to the decoration of her hair
and person, went down to the saloon, where her parents and brother were
assembled. She was then led to an arm - chair, and a cup of chocolate was
brought to her, which in those days was a ceremony similar to that formerly in
use among the Romans, of presenting the toga virilis.
When the carriage was at the door, the Prince drew his daughter aside,
and said: `Come, Gertrude, yesterday you had every attention paid you; to -
day you must overcome yourself. The point is now to make a proper appearance
in the monastery and the surrounding country, where you are destined to take
the first place. They are expecting you.` (It is unnecessary to say that the
Prince had despatched a message the preceding day to the Lady Abbess.) `They
are expecting you, and all eyes will be upon you. You must maintain dignity
and an easy manner. The Abbess will ask you what you wish, according to the
usual form. You must reply that you request to be allowed to take the veil in
the monastery where you have been so lovingly educated, and have received so
many kindnesses, which is the simple truth. You will pronounce these words
with an unembarrassed air; for I would not have it said that you have been
drawn in, and that you don`t know how to answer for yourself. These good
mothers know nothing of the past: it is a secret which must remain for ever
buried in the family. Take care you don`t put on a sorrowful or dubious
countenance, which might excite any suspicion. Show of what blood you are: be
courteous and modest; but remember that there, away from the family, there
will be nobody above you.`
Without waiting for a reply, the Prince led the way, Gertrude, the
Princess, and the young Prince, following; and, going downstairs, they seated
themselves in the carriage. The snares and vexations of the world, and the
happy, blessed life of the cloister, more especially for young people of noble
birth, were the subjects of conversation during the drive. On approaching
their destination the Prince renewed his instructions to his daughter, and
repeated over to her several times the prescribed form of reply. On entering
this neighbourhood, Gertrude felt her heart beat violently; but her attention
was suddenly arrested by several gentlemen, who stopped the carriage and
addressed numberless compliments to her. Then continuing their way, they drove
slowly up to the monastery, amongst the inquisitive gazes of the crowds who
had collected upon the road. When the carriage stopped before these well -
known walls, and that dreaded door, Gertrude`s heart beat still more
violently. They alighted between two wings of bystanders, whom the servants
were endeavouring to keep back, and the consciousness that the eyes of all
were upon her, compelled the unfortunate girl closely to study her behaviour;
but, above all, those of her father kept her in awe; for, spite of the dread
she had of them, she could not help every moment raising her eyes to his, and,
like invisible reins, they regulated every movement and expression of her
countenance. After traversing the first court, they entered the second, where
the door of the interior cloister was held open, and completely blockaded by
nuns. In the first row stood the Abbess, surrounded by the eldest of the
sisterhood; behind them the younger nuns promiscuously arranged, and some on
tip - toe; and, last of all, the lay - sisters mounted on stools. Here and
there among them were seen the glancing of certain bright eyes and some little
faces peeping out from between the cowls: they were the most active and daring
of the pupils, who, creeping in and pushing their way between nun and nun, had
succeeded in making an opening where they might also see something. Many were
the acclamations of this crowd, and many the hands held up in token of welcome
and exultation. They reached the door, and Gertrude found herself standing
before the Lady Abbess. After the first compliments, the superior, with an air
between cheerfulness and solemnity, asked her what she wanted in that place,
where there was no one who would deny her anything.
`I am here . . .` began Gertrude; but, on the point of pronouncing the
words which would almost irrevocably decide her fate, she hesitated a moment,
and remained with her eyes fixed on the crowd before her. At this moment she
caught the eye of one of her old companions, who looked at her with a mixed
air of compassion and malice which seemed to say: ah! the boaster is caught.
This sight, awakening more vividly in her mind her old feelings, restored to
her also a little of her former courage; and she was on the point of framing a
reply far different to the one which had been dictated to her, when, raising
her eyes to her father`s face, almost, as it were to try her strength, she
encountered there such a deep disquietude, such a threatening impatience,
that, urged by fear, she continued with great precipitation, as if flying from
some terrible object: `I am here to request permission to take the religious
habit in this monastery, where I have been so lovingly educated.` The Abbess
quickly answered, that she was very sorry in this instance that the
regulations forbade her giving an immediate reply, which must come from the
general votes of the sisters, and for which she must obtain permission from
her superiors; that, nevertheless, Gertrude knew well enough the feelings
entertained towards her in that place, to foresee what the answer would be;
and that, in the mean while, no regulation prevented the Abbess and the
sisterhood from manifesting the great satisfaction they felt in hearing her
make such a request. There then burst forth a confused murmur of
congratulations and acclamations. Presently, large dishes were brought filled
with sweetmeats, and were offered first to the bride, and afterwards to her
parents. While some of the nuns approached to greet Gertrude, others
complimenting her mother, and others the young Prince, the Abbess requested
the Prince to repair to the grate of the parlour of conference, where she
would wait upon him. She was accompanied by two elders, and on his appearing,
`Signor Prince,` said she; `to obey the regulations . . . to perform an
indispensable formality, though in this case . . . nevertheless I must tell
you . . . that whenever a young person asks to be admitted to take the veil,
. . . the superior, which I am unworthily . . . is obliged to warn the parents
. . . that if by any chance . . . they should have constrained the will of
their daughter, they are liable to excommunication. You will excuse me . . .`
`Oh! certainly, certainly, reverend mother. I admire your exactness; it
is only right . . . But you need not doubt . . .`
`Oh! think, Signor Prince . . . I only spoke from absolute duty . . . for
the rest . . .`
`Certainly, certainly, Lady Abbess.`
Having exchanged these few words, the two interlocutors reciprocally
bowed and departed, as if neither of them felt willing to prolong the
interview, each retiring to his own party, the one outside, the other within
the threshold of the cloister. `Now then let us go,` said the Prince:
`Gertrude will soon have plenty of opportunity of enjoying as much as she
pleases the society of these good mothers. For the present, we have put them
to enough inconvenience.` And, making a low bow, he signified his wish to
return: the party broke up, exchanged salutations, and departed.
During the drive home Gertrude felt little inclination to speak. Alarmed
at the step she had taken, ashamed at her want of spirit, and vexed with
others as well as herself, she tried to enumerate the opportunities which
still remained of saying no, and languidly and confusedly resolved in her own
mind that in this, or that, or the other instance she would be more open and
courageous. Yet, in the midst of these thoughts, her dread of her father`s
frown still held its full sway; so that once, when, by a stealthy glance at
his face, she was fully assured that not a vestige of anger remained, when she
even saw that he was perfectly satisfied with her, she felt quite cheered, and
experienced a real but transient joy.
On their arrival, a long toilette, dinner, visits, walks, a conversazione
and supper, followed each other in rapid succession. After supper the Prince
introduced another subject - the choice of a godmother. This was the title of
the person who, being solicited by the parents, became the guardian and escort
of the young novice, in the interval between the request and the admission; an
interval frequently spent in visiting churches, public palaces, conversazioni,
villas, and temples; in short, everything of note in the city and its
environs; so that the young people, before pronouncing the irrevocable vow,
might be fully aware of what they were giving up.
`We must think of a godmother,` said the Prince; `for to - morrow the
vicar of the nuns will be here for the usual formality of an examination, and
shortly afterwards Gertrude will be proposed in council for the acceptance of
the nuns.`
In saying this he turned towards the Princess, and she, thinking he
intended it as an invitation to her to make some proposal, was beginning:
"There should be . . .` But the Prince interrupted her.
`No, no, Signora Princess; the godmother should be acceptable above all
to the bride; and though universal custom gives the selection to the parents,
yet Gertrude has so much judgment, and such excellent discernment, that she
richly deserves to be made an exception.` And here, turning to Gertrude, with
the air of one who was bestowing a singular favour, he continued: `Any one of
the ladies who were at the conversazione this evening possesses all the
necessary qualifications for the office of godmother to a person of your
family; and any one of them, I am willing to believe, will think it an honour
to be made choice of. Do you choose for yourself.`
Gertrude was fully sensible that to make a choice was but to renew her
consent; yet the proposition was made with so much dignity, that a refusal
would have borne the appearance of contempt, and an excuse, of ignorance or
fastidiousness. She therefore took this step also, and named a lady who had
chiefly taken her fancy that evening; that is to say, one who had paid her the
most attention, who had most applauded her, and who had treated her with those
familiar, affectionate, and engaging manners, which, on the first
acquaintanceship, counterfeit a friendship of long standing. `An excellent
choice,` exclaimed the Prince, who had exactly wished and expected it. Whether
by art or chance, it happened just as when a card-player, holding up to view
a pack of cards, bids the spectator think of one, and then will tell him which
it is, having previously disposed them in such a way that but one of them can
be seen. This lady had been so much with Gertrude all the evening, and had so
entirely engaged her attention, that it would have required an effort of
imagination to think of another. These attentions, however, had not been paid
without a motive; the lady had for some time fixed her eyes upon the young
Prince as a desirable son-in-law; hence she regarded everything belonging
to the family as her own; and therefore it was natural enough that she should
interest herself for her dear Gertrude, no less than for her nearest
relatives.
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