Authors: George W. M. Reynolds,James Malcolm Rymer
THE BLACK CHAMBER AGAIN
A FEW days after the incidents just narrated, the following
letters were opened in the Black Chamber of the General Post-Office.
The first was from the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs
of Castelcicala to the representative of that state at the British court:-
"Montoni, Castelcicala
"The undersigned is desired by his lordship the Marquis of
Gerrano, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to inform your excellency that the
information you forwarded relative to the Englishwoman Eliza Sydney, has failed
to produce the desired effect. Your excellency stated that Mrs. Arlington, the
correspondent of the said Eliza Sydney, was the mistress of the Earl of
Warrington; and that Eliza Sydney herself had been confined for two years in a
criminal prison in England. Your excellency moreover forwarded the English
newspapers of the time, containing a full and detailed report of her crime and
trial. These statements have failed to produce any effect in a certain quarter,
in consequence of the infatuation of a high personage In respect to this Eliza
Sydney, and the apparent frankness (as the Marquis of Gerrano has learnt) with
which she avowed the entire history of her past life to the high personage
alluded to. It is now of the greatest consequence that your excellency should
ascertain whether Eliza Sydney's conduct has ever been tainted with incontinence;
whether, in a word, she has not indulged in immoral and vicious courses. The
result of your excellency's inquiries must be forwarded by courier without
delay; as you will perceive, by the enclosed copy of
a ducal ordinance issued this morning, that the infatuation above alluded to
grows to a very dangerous point.
"The undersigned avails himself of this opportunity to
state that the Marquis of Gerrano is greatly afflicted at the perverse and
obstinate conduct of the Prince Alberto, in steadily refusing the offers of a
pension for life made by the Government of his reigning Highness through your
Excellency. The Marquis of Gerrano desires your Excellency to redouble your
assiduity in inducing the Prince to accept the terms proposed, for which purpose
a farther delay of three months will be granted; and should his reply then
continue unfavourable, the Government of his Highness will adopt measures to
ensure the succession to the ducal throne of Castelcicala to a Neapolitan
Prince.
"The undersigned renews his expressions of perfect
consideration toward your Excellency.
"BARON
RUPERTO,
"Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
"July 13, 1839."
The following is a copy of the ducal ordinance
to which reference was made in the above letter:-
ANGELO III., BY THE GRACE OF GOD, GRAND DUKE OF CASTELCICALA.
"To all present and to come, Greeting:
"We have ordered and do order that which follows:-
"1. The style and title of Marchioness of
Ziani are conferred upon the Signora Eliza Sydney.
"II. A pension of one thousand ducats annually shall be
paid to the Marchionees of Ziani from the public treasury.
"III. Our Minister Secretary of State for the
Department of the Interior will execute the first article of this ordinance;
and our Minister Secretary of State for the Department of Finance will execute
the second article.
"
By the Grand Duke
, ANGELO III.
MARQUIS OF VINCENZA,
"Minister of the Interior.
COUNT FP MARCOTTI,
"Minister of Finance.
"
July
13. 1839.
The next letter, read in the Black Chamber upon this occasion, ran
as follows:-
"Montoni, Castelcicala
"I received your charming letters, my
dearest Diana, and return you my most sincere thanks for the kind expressions
of love and friendship which they contain, and for the advice which you proffer
me. You moreover inform me that you have shown my letters of March, April, and
May, to the Earl of Warrington; and that his lordship approves of the cautious
manner in which I have acted, and recommends me to accept the honourable offer
of marriage made to me by his Highness Angelo III. He
assured you that his highness
never once insulted me by hinting at the possibility of a connexion upon any
other terms than those of marriage; and when he proposed a morganatic union, it
was merely in accordance with the practice of many European sovereigns. I
however expressed myself firmly to his serene highness upon this
head, stating that, although a morganatic marriage was perfectly valid so far
as the religious ceremonies went, still it was not strictly legal, and would
not please those who wished me well in England.
"In my last letter I informed you that some one had
represented to the Grand Duke my misfortunes in England. Happily this
announcement failed to produce any change In his conduct or views with regard
to me, as I had previously made him acquainted with all those particulars of my
own accord.
"In a word, my dearest Diana, his Serene Highness has
offered me his hand, - offered to raise me to a seat by his side on the ducal
throne, -offered to make me his bride in sight of the world. Could I
refuse? or why should I? You ask me if I can love his Serene Highness? Ah! how
can I help revering one who shows such love for me? And then, human nature has
its weak points; and rank, honour, wealth, and distinction cannot fail to
attract even one naturally so retiring as myself. Oh! how pleasant will it be
to possess riches and influence for the mere purpose of doing good!
"Well, then - all is decided I am to be Grand Duchess
of Castelcicala. The marriage is to take place in six weeks from the present
date. The daughters of General Grachia are to be my bridesmaids. As a
preliminary step towards this high honour, the Grand Duke has conferred upon me
a title and a pension. To the world I am now the Marchioness of Ziani: to you,
Diana, I am still, and always shall be - Eliza Sydney.
"I was surprised to learn from you that the villain
Montague Greenwood has succeeded in obtaining a seat in the English Parliament.
Ever since I have had power and wealth in the prospective, I have meditated
upon the best means of protecting others from that villainy which he designed
against me, but which Providence so signally frustrated. At length I thought of
a plan, and despatched a trusty person to England a few days ago to execute it.
This person has instructions from me to call upon you on his arrival in
England, and communicate to you my scheme. He is also the bearer of a trifling
token of my sincere friendship and gratitude towards you, dear Diana, and which
little token I hope you will accept for my sake.
"I need scarcely say that you will oblige me by
tendering my best thanks to the Earl of Warrington for the kind advice he sent
me through you, and renew to him the expression of my eternal gratitude for all
he has done for me.
"You shall hear again shortly from your devoted and
attached
ELIZA SYDNEY.
"July 13, 1839."
The third letter read upon this occasion, was addressed to Count
Alteroni, Richmond, and ran in the following manner:-
"Montoni, Castelcicala,
"July 13,
1839.
"Things, my lord, are growing towards a crisis in this
country. No. 29 is literally infatuated with No. 1. He has this morning created
her a marchioness; and in a month or six weeks he will, it is said, espouse
her. There is no possibility of preventing this, No. 29 being quite despotic;
and now his foolish ministers see their mistake in having maintained him in his
absolutism, and refused the country a constitution.
"Number 29, you will understand,"
interrupted the Examiner, "evidently means the Grand Duke; and No. 1
represents Eliza Sydney. Proceed."
The clerk who read the letter continued as follows:-
"The ministers know not what to do. They
are at their wits' end. I know for a fact that they obtained from England
certain information relative to No. 1, which proved that she had been in a
criminal gaol; but No. 29 made no account of it. No. 1 is very beautiful;
fascinating in manners; somewhat shy and reserved; and yet amiable. She is also
accomplished. When she first came to Montoni she spoke the Italian language
imperfectly: she now speaks it fluently ;- and this knowledge she has acquired
in a few months. There can be no doubt that she will exercise an immense
influence over No. 29, if she choose to make use of it. And who knows what a
woman, suddenly rising from private life is the first ducal throne in this
world, may do? She does not, however, seem to be ambitious. Nevertheless,
something ought to be done. If this marriage take place, you are well aware
that issue may follow, for No.1 is young; and in that case * * * *
I really think that if your lordship were to land suddenly upon the
Castelcicalan coast, without delay, this union might be prevented. I hinted to
your lordship in my last letter the immense ascendancy gained by No. 1 over No.
29: your lordship's reply astonished me. Your lordship states that if No. 29
choose to marry according to his fancy, no human power has a right to control
him. With due deference, is not this carrying liberality of opinion a little
too far? Your lordship expresses a determination to trust to the issue of
events, and do nothing that may stand the chance of plunging the country into a
civil war. These self-denying sentiments are no doubt highly patriotic and
noble ;- but is it in human nature to resign without a struggle? * * * *
* In any case I am your lordship's faithful servant, and am anxious only
to execute your lordship's wishes. I therefore await your lordship's
instructions.
"NUMBER 17"
"You have taken copies of these
letters?" said the Examiner.
"Yes, sir," replied the clerk thus addressed.
"Then let them be immediately conveyed to the office of
the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, as their contents are highly
important."
"Yes, sir."
And this order was forthwith obeyed.
THE SECOND EXAMINATION - COUNT ALTERONI
FORTY-TWO days after the appearance of Mr. Tomlinson's name in the
Gazette, among the category of Bankrupts, the second examination of this
gentleman took place at the Bankruptcy Court in Basinghall Street.
In an arm-chair, behind a desk raised upon a species of
dais, sate the commissioner, embellished with a wig and gown. Close under the
desk was placed the registrar, also with wig and gown; and two or three
barristers, who were retained in the case, were similarly adorned. In a sort of
pew on the right of the commissioner sate the official assignee, with a pile of
books and papers before him. About two hundred persons thronged the room - most
of whom, by their sullen and sinister looks, might be easily recognised as the
creditors of the bankrupt. At a distance from the box in which witnesses were
placed during examination, stood Count Alteroni, with folded arms and severe
countenance.
A few moments before eleven o'clock a bustle was beard near
the door; and a whisper of "Here's the trade assignee," ran through
the crowd.
Mr. Greenwood entered the court with a patronising smile
upon his countenance, and an easy kind of gait, as if he were by no means
dissatisfied with himself. He was dressed in the most elegant manner; and his
left hand played negligently, as usual, with the costly gold chain that
festooned over his waistcoat.
As he passed through the crowd of his friend's creditors,
many of whom were known to him, he addressed a few words in an off-hand and
patronising manner to those whom he recognised at the moment.
"Fine day, Mr. Styles. How are Mrs. Styles and those
dear children?" (Mr. Styles was an old bachelor)- "Ah! Mr. Milksop,
how are you? quite delighted to see you! Why, upon my word, you are getting
quite stout." (Poor Mr. Milksop was as thin as a lath.) "But every
thing prospers
with you, I suppose! - Well, Mr. Chivers, how do
you
do? Any thing new on the
Stock-Exchange? I believe you don't suffer much by this business of
Tomlinson's, do you?"
"Only three thousand - that's all!" returned Mr.
Chivers, with a smile which would have turned new milk sour.
"Oh! a mere song!" exclaimed Greenwood, tossing up
his head. "Well, Vokes, are you here? - you don't mean to say that
you're wasting your time in this manner, eh? - Ah Tullett, my good friend
- delighted to see you. Why, how well you do look, to be sure!" (Mr.
Tullett was in a rapid decline; and he "grinned horribly a ghastly
smile" at this salutation.)
In this manner did Mr. Greenwood work his way through the
crowd, until he reached the desk of the official assignee, by the side of whom
he took a seat.
"Where's the bankrupt?" exclaimed the clerk of the
court in a loud and imperious tone of voice, while Mr. Greenwood bestowed one
of his patronising smiles upon the Commissioner.
"Here," replied Tomlinson; and he stood forward
close by the witness-box.
He was pale and altered; and the marks of care and anxiety
were visible upon his countenance. The glance he cast around him, as he took
his stand in the presence of the Commissioner, was hurried send fearful :- he
almost dreaded that the face of Michael Martin would meet his eyes as he thus
hastily scanned the crowd by whom he was surrounded. But his alarm was without
foundation: the old cashier was not there.
The examination of the bankrupt then commenced.
In answer to the questions put to him, he stated that he had
delivered in to the assignee as full and complete a statement of his affairs as
the loss of his books (which had been abstracted by the cashier at the time of
the robbery) would permit.
Mr. Greenwood observed that the accounts were highly
satisfactory, and would doubtless please every creditor present. It was,
however, unfortunate that the estate would not pay a single farthing in the
pound.
"Very unfortunate indeed," growled a creditor.
"I would much rather have heard that there was a dividend, than that the
accounts are so very satisfactory," murmured another.
"Mr. Tomlinson's creditors cannot complain of him, your
Honour," said Mr. Greenwood to the Commissioner "on the contrary,
they have every reason to be perfectly satisfied with him., He has given up
every thing —"
"Why, there was nothing left to give up!"
ejaculated Mr. Vokes.
"Nothing left to give up!" cried Mr. Greenwood,
casting a stern glance upon the unfortunate creditor; "permit me, sir, as
the trade-assignee duly chosen at the last meeting - permit me, sir, to inform
you that there were the desks, counters, stools, and various fixtures of the
bank - all of which Mr. Tomlinson surrendered in the most honourable and
straightforward manner, and which have realized a hundred and eighty-one
pounds, seventeen shillings, and sixpence, for the benefit of the estate."
"Well - and what has become of that sum?" demanded
Mr. Vokes.
"Consumed by the expenses of the
fiat
," answered Mr. Greenwood
coolly. "But, as I was observing, your Honour, when I was interrupted -
interrupted in a most indecent manner - the position of Mr. Tomlinson is a most
honourable one —"
"Perhaps it is even enviable," said the
consumptive creditor, drily.
"And I for one," added Mr. Greenwood, "shall
certainly sign his certificate."
"Have no tidings been heard of the cashier who
absconded?" inquired the Commissioner.
"None, sir," answered the official assignee and
Mr. Greenwood simultaneously.
"What has become of' the bankrupt's furniture at his
private residence?" demanded a creditor.
"His landlord issued a distress for a year's rent the
moment the bank stopped," answered Greenwood. "The amount due to this
most hard-hearted and unfeeling landlord is a hundred and twenty pounds, arid
the furniture would not fetch more at an auction. I therefore, with the full
concurrence of the official assignee, allowed that very harsh man to keep the
goods."
A barrister, who had been retained for one of the creditors,
then proceeded to examine Mr. Tomlinson.
"You allege that about ninety-four thousand pounds were
abstracted from the bank by the fugitive cashier?"
"I do - or as nearly as I can guess."
"And yet, by this balance-sheet, I perceive that your
liabilities are two hundred thousand pounds. Were you not insolvent when the
robbery was perpetrated?"
"It would appear so, certainly."
"Then how do you account for that immense
deficiency?"
"I can account for it in no other manner than by
presuming that my cashier had carried on a systematic mode of plunder for some
years past; but as I placed implicit reliance on him, I was never led to an
investigation of my actual position."
"Do you mean to say that your cashier embezzled many
thousand pounds every year?"
"I am afraid that such was the fact."
The barrister asked no farther questions.
Another opposing counsel interrogated the bankrupt relative
to his affairs; but Tomlinson's replies were given in a manner which afforded no
scope for suspicion.
Ah! none divined how much it cost that unhappy man thus to
heap shame and infamy upon the head of a faithful old clerk, who had never
wronged him of a shilling!
The case terminated by the declaration of tie Commissioner
that the bankrupt had passed his second examination.
Tomlinson was glad to escape from the frightful ordeal to
which his feelings had been subjected for two mortal hours; and, while he
hurried home to conceal his emotions from every eye, and meditate upon his
condition in private, Mr. Greenwood busied himself in obtaining signatures for
his certificate. This a as an easy matter to a man of the financier's powers of
persuasion; and that very afternoon the names of four-fifths of the bankrupt's
creditors were attached to the parchment which was to relieve him of all past
embarrassments.
When Greenwood took the certificate to Tomlinson in the
evening, he said, "My dear fellow, you will soon be a new man. In
one-and-twenty days this document will have passed the Lord Chancellor and the
Court of Review, and be duly registered in Basinghall Street. I will then lend
you a thousand pounds, at
only twenty per cent.
, to start you as a stock-broker.
You see how well I have managed your business. You have passed through the
Court - and you have kept your furniture."
"Which I would have given up to my creditors,
had you permitted me," said Tomlinson sorrowfully.
"Nonsense, my dear fellow! Never give away what you can
keep by a little manoeuvring. Your landlord can now withdraw his friendly
seizure, and all will be well."
"Nothing will render me happy until I find out that
poor old man who has so nobly, so generously sacrificed himself for me,"
observed Tomlinson in a tone of deep dejection. "What can have become of
him?"
"Oh! do not bother yourself about him," cried
Greenwood impatiently. "He will turn up one of these days; and then you
can remunerate him handsomely."
"Ah! that would indeed be a moment of supreme happiness
for me!" ejaculated Tomlinson.
"Yes," continued Greenwood, musing: "a
five-pound note will recompense the old fellow well for his conduct."
"A five-pound note!" repeated Tomlinson. "Can
you be in earnest, Greenwood?"
"Well, if you think it is too much, give him a couple of
sovereigns," said Greenwood, coolly. "But I must take leave of you
now: I am compelled to devote a couple of hours this evening to the interests
of that free and enlightened body whom I have the honour to represent in
parliament. So, adieu, Tomlinson; and when your certificate is registered, come
to me."
Mr. Greenwood then took his departure from the bankrupt's
abode.
"The heartless villain!" cried Tomlinson, when the
door had closed behind the financier; then, after a long pause, he added,
"and yet his ingenuity has saved me from eternal degradation and
shame!"
In the mean the Count Alteroni returned to his dwelling at
Richmond. He reached home at about five o'clock in the evening, and found his
wife and daughter anxiously awaiting his arrival. The moment he entered the
drawing-room, the ladies cast a timid and yet inquiring glance towards him; and
their hearts sank within them when their eyes caught sight of his severe and
sombre expression of countenance.
"My dear wife-my beloved daughter," he said, advancing towards
them, and taking the hand of each in his own, "my worst fears are
confirmed. The bank will not pay one sixpence of dividend: Greenwood has
contrived to get his fellow-conspirator clear of the tribunal; and the creditors
have not a hope left. It was with the greatest difficulty that I could so far
master my feelings as to avoid an interference in those most iniquitous
proceedings. But my position - my rank forbade toe from attempting aught to
expose those villains. And now, my dear wife - now, my charming Isabella -
prepare yourselves to hear the worst. We are ruined!"
"Ruined!" exclaimed both the countess and her
daughter at the same moment.
"Oh! no," added Isabella: "we have many
friends, my dear father."
"To whom I will not apply," said the Count,
proudly. "No - we must wrestle with our evil fortunes, and trust to the
advent of better times. At present every thing seems to conspire to crush us;
and should that contemplated marriage take place in Castelcicala —"
"My dearest husband," interrupted the Countess,
"do not aggravate present griefs by the apprehension at that which as yet
only menaces us. It is scarcely possible that the Grand Duke will perpetrate
such a folly."
"And that title of Marchioness of Ziani - and that
pension, - do they not speak volumes?" cried the count bitterly. "Oh!
there are moments when I feel inclined to listen to the representations of
those faithful friends in my own country with whom I correspond, and who are
ever counselling me to —"
"Ah! my dearest father," exclaimed Isabella,
bursting into tears; "would you endanger that life which is so precious to
my mother and myself? would you plunge your native hand in the horrors of a
civil war? Oh! let us hear all our present ills with firmness and resolution;
and if there be a guardian Providence - as I devoutly believe - He will not
allow us to be persecuted for ever!"
"Noble girl!" cried the count; "you teach use
my duty;" - and he embraced his lovely daughter with the utmost warmth
and tenderness.
"Yes," said the countess, fondly pressing her
husband's hand, "we are crushed only for a time. Our course is now clear:-
we must give up our present establishment; and - as we have, thank God! no
debts —"
"Ah! it is that which cuts me to the very soul !"
interrupted the count. "You are not yet acquainted with the extent of our
misfortunes. A brave fellow countryman of mine, who supported me in all the
plane which I endeavoured to carry out for the welfare of the Castelcicalans, and
who was driven into exile on my account, was imprisoned in London a few months
ago for a considerable sum of money. I could not leave him to perish in a gaol.
I became answerable for him - and the creditor is now pressing me for the
payment of the debt."
"And what is the amount of this liability?"
inquired the countess, hastily.
"Eighteen hundred pounds," was the reply.
"Do not suffer that to annoy you, my dearest
father," exclaimed Isabella. "My jewellery and superfluous wardrobe
will produce —"
"Alas! my dearest child," interrupted the count,
"all that we possess would not realize any thing like that sum. But,
happen what will, our first step must be to give up this furnished mansion, and
retire to a more humble dwelling. That will not cost us many pangs. We shall
still be together; and our love for each other constitutes our greatest
happiness."
"Yes, my dearest husband," said the countess;
"even a prison should not separate us."
"Where my belayed father is - where my parents are -
there am I happy," murmured Isabella, the pearly tears trickling down her
cheeks.
Oh! in that hour of his sorrow, how sweet - how sweet upon
the ears of that noble Italian sounded the words, "husband" and
"father," which, coupled with tender syllables of consolation, came
from the lips of the two affectionate beings who clung to him so fondly. The
lovely countenance of his daughter - so beautiful, that it seemed rather to
belong to the ethereal inhabitants of heaven than to a mortal denizen of earth
- was upturned to him; and her large black eyes, shining through her tears,
beamed with an ineffable expression of tenderness and filial love.
Charming, charming Isabella - how ravishing, how enchanting
wast thou at that moment when thou didst offer sweet consolation to thy father!
The roses dyed thy cheeks beneath the delicate tinge of transparent bistre
which proclaimed thee a daughter of the sunny south - thy moist red lips