Sir Peter had not heard from Kenelm since
a letter informing him that his son had left town
on an excursion, which would probably be short, though
it might last a few weeks; and the good Baronet now
resolved to go to London himself, take his chance
of Kenelm’s return, and if still absent, at
least learn from Mivers and others how far that very
eccentric planet had contrived to steer a regular course
amidst the fixed stars of the metropolitan system.
He had other reasons for his journey. He wished
to make the acquaintance of Chillingly Gordon before
handing him over the L20,000 which Kenelm had released
in that resettlement of estates, the necessary deeds
of which the young heir had signed before quitting
London for Moleswich. Sir Peter wished still
more to see Cecilia Travers, in whom Kenelm’s
accounts of her had inspired a very strong interest.
The day after his arrival in town Sir Peter breakfasted
with Mivers.
“Upon my word you are very comfortable here,”
said Sir Peter, glancing at the well-appointed table,
and round the well-furnished rooms.
“Naturally so: there is no one to prevent
my being comfortable. I am not married; taste
that omelette.”
“Some men declare they never knew comfort till
they were married, Cousin Miners.”
“Some men are reflecting bodies, and catch a
pallid gleam from the comfort which a wife concentres
on herself. With a fortune so modest and secure,
what comforts, possessed by me now, would not a Mrs.
Chillingly Mivers ravish from my hold and appropriate
to herself! Instead of these pleasant rooms,
where should I be lodged? In a dingy den looking
on a backyard excluded from the sun by day and vocal
with cats by night; while Mrs. Mivers luxuriated in
two drawing-rooms with southern aspect and perhaps
a boudoir. My brougham would be torn from my
uses and monopolized by ‘the angel of my hearth,’
clouded in her crinoline and halved by her chignon.
No! if ever I marry—and I never deprive
myself of the civilities and needlework which single
ladies waste upon me by saying I shall not marry—it
will be when women have fully established their rights;
for then men may have a chance of vindicating their
own. Then if there are two drawing-rooms in the
house I shall take one; if not, we will toss up who
shall have the back parlour; if we keep a brougham,
it will be exclusively mine three days in the week;
if Mrs. M. wants L200 a year for her wardrobe she
must be contented with one, the other half will belong
to my personal decoration; if I am oppressed by proof-sheets
and printers’ devils, half of the oppression
falls to her lot, while I take my holiday on the croquet
ground at Wimbledon. Yes, when the present wrongs
of women are exchanged for equality with men, I will
cheerfully marry; and to do the thing generous, I
will not oppose Mrs. M.’s voting in the vestry
or for Parliament. I will give her my own votes
with pleasure.”
