Alice, or the Mysteries — Book 03

								


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BOOK III.


Harsh things he mitigates, and pride subdues.
Ex. SOLON: Eleg.

CHAPTER I.


YOU still are what you were, sir!

    .  .  .  .  .  .
.  .  .  With most quick agility could turn
And return; make knots and undo them,
Give forked counsel.--Volpone, or the Fox.
BEFORE a large table, covered with parliamentary papers, sat Lumley Lord
Vargrave.  His complexion, though still healthy, had faded from the
freshness of hue which distinguished him in youth.  His features, always
sharp, had grown yet more angular: his brows seemed to project more
broodingly over his eyes, which, though of undiminished brightness, were
sunk deep in their sockets, and had lost much of their quick
restlessness.  The character of his mind had begun to stamp itself on the
physiognomy, especially on the mouth when in repose.  It was, a face
striking for acute intelligence, for concentrated energy; but there was a
something written in it which said, "BEWARE!"  It would have inspired any
one who had mixed much amongst men with a vague suspicion and distrust.
Lumley had been always careful, though plain, in dress; but there was now
a more evident attention bestowed on his person than he had ever
manifested in youth,--while there was something of the Roman's celebrated
foppery in the skill with which his hair was arranged on his high
forehead, so as either to conceal or relieve a partial baldness at the
temples.  Perhaps, too, from the possession of high station, or the habit
of living only amongst the great, there was a certain dignity insensibly
diffused over his whole person that was not noticeable in his earlier
years, when a certain ton de garnison was blended with his ease of
manners.  Yet, even now, dignity was not his prevalent characteristic;
and in ordinary occasions, or mixed society, he still found a familiar
frankness a more useful species of simulation.  At the time we now treat
of, Lord Vargrave was leaning his cheek on one hand, while the other
rested idly on the papers methodically arranged before him.  He appeared
to have suspended his labours, and to be occupied in thought.  It was, in
truth, a critical period in the career of Lord Vargrave.
From the date of his accession to the peerage, the rise of Lumley Ferrers
had been less rapid and progressive than he himself could have foreseen.
At first, all was sunshine before him; he had contrived to make himself
useful to his party; he had also made himself personally popular.  To the
ease and cordiality of his happy address, he added the seemingly careless
candour so often mistaken for honesty; while, as there was nothing showy
or brilliant in his abilities or oratory--nothing that aspired far above