The Old Man's Bride CHAPTER 27.
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Nearly fifteen years have passed. Few beyond ordinary changes have taken place during this period. Mr. Bullfinch still cumbers the ground. More and more, daily does his life become that of a beast, which merely seeks sensual gratification. To eat and drink to excess — is his only enjoyment. Mrs. Bullfinch goes forth daily, in patience, and from a deeply grounded sense of duty, earning the food and clothing which both consume. So close was the relation between income and expenses for some years, that she was not able to redeem the gold watch which had belonged to her father. It had been pledged for a certain time. When that time passed, she considered the dear relic forfeited; and, with many secret tears, resigned it, as among her heart's lost treasures.
One day about this time, Mrs. Barker, who had remained the fast friend of Mrs. Bullfinch, said to her —
"Mrs. Wellford was asking me about you today. She has two dear little girls, whose musical education it is now time to commence. She has heard you spoken of so frequently, and has formed so high an opinion of your ability and character, that she is particularly desirous to have them under your care. Of course, I had nothing to say but what was in your favor. The only question is, as to your engaging any more scholars at present. You are doing too much, for health, now."
No change was visible in the countenance or manner of Mrs. Bullfinch, when this communication was made. She merely bent her eyes to the floor, in thought, for some moments. Then looking up, she replied —
"I hardly know what to say, Mrs. Barker. Nearly all my available time is now occupied, and it scarcely seems right to crowd in any more engagements."
"Very true. But think it over for a day or two. If you can undertake to give lessons to Mrs. Wellford's children, I think you will find the task an easy one, for, from what I have seen of them, they appear to be bright and teachable. As I said, their mother is particularly desirous to have you instruct them. She remarked to me while speaking of the matter, that if she could get them in your care, she should feel entirely satisfied."
"I will see what can be done, and let you know in a few days," replied Mrs. Bullfinch. Her manner was more abstracted than at first — yet no signs of emotion were visible; none, in fact, was felt. Years since, her heart had acquired an even pulsation not to be easily disturbed by memories of the past.
The first inclinings of Mrs. Bullfinch, were against accepting the office of teacher to Mr. Wellford's children. But, as she dwelt on the subject, her mind favored the proposition; and, in the end, she engaged to give them musical instruction. In arranging the hours, and acting from an instinct of delicacy — -she fixed upon those during which the father of the children would be occupied in business, and, therefore, away from home.
"Don't you think I'm fortunate?" said Mrs. Wellford to her husband, after she had made an arrangement with Mrs. Bullfinch.
"In what respect?" he inquired.
"In regard to Maggy and Ella. Mrs. Bullfinch was here this morning, and has agreed to undertake their musical education."
"She has!"
Mr. Wellford spoke with a degree of surprise that caused his wife to say —
"Why, what has possessed you to believe that she wouldn't teach our children?"
"I understood that she already had more scholars than she was able to attend to," replied Mr. Wellford, smiling. "Even you were in doubt as to whether her services could be procured."
"True enough. And yet there seemed to be, in your mind, some reason beyond this. However, we won't quarrel about that," Mrs. Wellford added, in a pleased tone of voice. "She has promised to come, and, from all I have heard of her, I think, as I said at first, we're fortunate. There's something very interesting about her; and I don't wonder that she attaches almost everyone. I was drawn towards her at first sight. So gentle, so retiring, yet so self-possessed and lady-like. I wonder what could have induced her to marry that old man?"
"His money, it is said," remarked Mr. Wellford.
"It doesn't seem possible that she could have been so mercenary. If that were her reason, how sadly she has been disappointed!"
"Sadly enough, without doubt," replied Mr. Wellford, speaking partly to himself.
"I am sure she never could have loved him."
"Loved him! No. She must have loathed him in her heart!"
"I can scarcely believe that of her," said Mrs. Wellford. "If she had loathed him — she never would have married him."
"I don't know. The pressure upon her may have been very great. Her father was poor and in ill-health. From her slender income as a teacher, came the entire support of the family.Filial love alone, I am sure, prompted the act. For the sake of her parents — she sacrificed herself."
"That was an error," remarked Mrs. Wellford.
"An error!" said her husband, warmly. "Nay, it was more than an error — it was a crime!"
"You speak strongly."
"Not too strongly, as I view these matters. To wed thus — where there was neither sympathy nor respect on her part, to say nothing of love — was an act so directly in violation of every law of nature, that I can designate it by no word of softer import than crime."
"If you were to look into her face," said Mrs. Wellford, smiling, "you would hardly find it in your heart to call her a criminal."
"Perhaps not. Doubtless, she has long since repented in dust and ashes. Poor thing! If all that is said of her husband's habits and conduct are true, she has led a sad life of it. But, when is she to commence giving Maggy and Ella lessons?"
"She will begin the day after tomorrow."
"At what hour?"
"Twelve o'clock."
"Does that suit you best?"
"It will suit Mrs. Bullfinch best."
"Your expectations are high," said Mr. Wellford. "I hope all will come out to your satisfaction."
I have no fears on that score. Wherever, among my acquaintances, she has given lessons, everyone is pleased. That I shall be so likewise, I do not, in the least, doubt."
"Nor do I," remarked her husband. "She is spoken of in the highest terms by people in whose judgment we ought to have every confidence. With you, I think we are fortunate in securing her services for our children."
A few days afterwards, Mr. Wellford said to his wife —
"What about Mrs. Bullfinch? Did she come according to engagement?"
"No."
"Did not come?"
"I've seen nothing of her since she was here to make arrangements about the lessons."
"A little singular, is it not?"
"I think so."
"She may be sick."
Mrs. Wellford did not reply, and her husband, after musing for some time, opened the morning paper, which a servant had just handed in, and commenced running his eyes over the columns. Suddenly, he made an ejaculation of surprise. Then, looking up, he said —
"I can explain this absence of Mrs. Bullfinch."
"In what way?" asked his wife.
"Her husband is dead!"
"Dead!"
"Yes, here it is: 'Died, suddenly, Adam Bullfinch, late merchant of Philadelphia.'"
"Not many tears will fall over his grave," said Mrs. Wellford. "Even if his wife stood, with dry eyes, beside it — no one would feel surprised."
Mr. Wellford made no answer. A short time his mind seemed lost in reverie. Then he resumed the reading of his newspaper.
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