The $30,000 Bequest, Mark Twain [best book club books for discussion TXT] 📗

>for my own danger. Father, I am only woman. Mother, I am only

the templement of thy youthful years, but will suffer courageously

whatever punishment you think proper to inflict upon me, if you will

but allow me to comply with my most sacred promises—if you will but

give me my personal right and my personal liberty. Oh, father! if

your generosity will but give me these, I ask nothing more.

When Elfonzo offered me his heart, I gave him my hand, never to

forsake him, and now may the mighty God banish me before I leave him

in adversity. What a heart must I have to rejoice in prosperity

with him whose offers I have accepted, and then, when poverty comes,

haggard as it may be, for me to trifle with the oracles of Heaven,

and change with every fluctuation that may interrupt our happiness—

like the politician who runs the political gantlet for office one day,

and the next day, because the horizon is darkened a little, he is

seen running for his life, for fear he might perish in its ruins.

Where is the philosophy, where is the consistency, where is the charity,

in conduct like this? Be happy then, my beloved father, and forget me;

let the sorrow of parting break down the wall of separation and make

us equal in our feeling; let me now say how ardently I love you;

let me kiss that age-worn cheek, and should my tears bedew thy face,

I will wipe them away. Oh, I never can forget you; no, never, never!”

 

“Weep not,” said the father, “Ambulinia. I will forbid Elfonzo

my house, and desire that you may keep retired a few days. I will

let him know that my friendship for my family is not linked together

by cankered chains; and if he ever enters upon my premises again,

I will send him to his long home.” “Oh, father! let me entreat you

to be calm upon this occasion, and though Elfonzo may be the sport

of the clouds and winds, yet I feel assured that no fate will send

him to the silent tomb until the God of the Universe calls him

hence with a triumphant voice.”

 

Here the father turned away, exclaiming: “I will answer his letter

in a very few words, and you, madam, will have the goodness to stay

at home with your mother; and remember, I am determined to protect

you from the consuming fire that looks so fair to your view.”

 

Cumming, January 22, 1844.

 

Sir—In regard to your request, I am as I ever have been, utterly opposed

to your marrying into my family; and if you have any regard for yourself,

or any gentlemanly feeling, I hope you will mention it to me no more;

but seek some other one who is not so far superior to you in standing.

 

W. W. Valeer.

 

When Elfonzo read the above letter, he became so much depressed

in spirits that many of his friends thought it advisable to use

other means to bring about the happy union. “Strange,” said he,

“that the contents of this diminutive letter should cause me to have

such depressed feelings; but there is a nobler theme than this. I know

not why my MILITARY TITLE is not as great as that of SQUIRE VALEER.

For my life I cannot see that my ancestors are inferior to those

who are so bitterly opposed to my marriage with Ambulinia. I know

I have seen huge mountains before me, yet, when I think that I know

gentlemen will insult me upon this delicate matter, should I become

angry at fools and babblers, who pride themselves in their impudence

and ignorance? No. My equals! I know not where to find them.

My inferiors! I think it beneath me; and my superiors! I think

it presumption; therefore, if this youthful heart is protected

by any of the divine rights, I never will betray my trust.”

 

He was aware that Ambulinia had a confidence that was, indeed,

as firm and as resolute as she was beautiful and interesting.

He hastened to the cottage of Louisa, who received him in her usual

mode of pleasantness, and informed him that Ambulinia had just that

moment left. “Is it possible?” said Elfonzo. “Oh, murdered hours!

Why did she not remain and be the guardian of my secrets?

But hasten and tell me how she has stood this trying scene,

and what are her future determinations.” “You know,” said Louisa,

“Major Elfonzo, that you have Ambulinia’s first love, which is

of no small consequence. She came here about twilight, and shed

many precious tears in consequence of her own fate with yours.

We walked silently in yon little valley you see, where we spent

a momentary repose. She seemed to be quite as determined as ever,

and before we left that beautiful spot she offered up a prayer

to Heaven for thee.” “I will see her then,” replied Elfonzo,

“though legions of enemies may oppose. She is mine by foreordination—

she is mine by prophesy—she is mine by her own free will, and I

will rescue her from the hands of her oppressors. Will you not,

Miss Louisa, assist me in my capture?”

 

“I will certainly, by the aid of Divine Providence,” answered Louisa,

“endeavor to break those slavish chains that bind the richest of prizes;

though allow me, Major, to entreat you to use no harsh means on this

important occasion; take a decided stand, and write freely to Ambulinia

upon this subject, and I will see that no intervening cause hinders

its passage to her. God alone will save a mourning people. Now is

the day and now is the hour to obey a command of such valuable worth.”

The Major felt himself grow stronger after this short interview

with Louisa. He felt as if he could whip his weight in wildcats—

he knew he was master of his own feelings, and could now write

a letter that would bring this litigation to AN ISSUE.

 

Cumming, January 24, 1844.

 

Dear Ambulinia—

 

We have now reached the most trying moment of our lives; we are

pledged not to forsake our trust; we have waited for a favorable hour

to come, thinking your friends would settle the matter agreeably

among themselves, and finally be reconciled to our marriage;

but as I have waited in vain, and looked in vain, I have determined

in my own mind to make a proposition to you, though you may think

it not in accord with your station, or compatible with your rank;

yet, “sub loc signo vinces.” You know I cannot resume my visits,

in consequence of the utter hostility that your father has to me;

therefore the consummation of our union will have to be sought

for in a more sublime sphere, at the residence of a respectable

friend of this village. You cannot have an scruples upon this

mode of proceeding, if you will but remember it emanates from one

who loves you better than his own life—who is more than anxious

to bid you welcome to a new and happy home. Your warmest associates

say come; the talented, the learned, the wise, and the experienced

say come;—all these with their friends say, come. Viewing these,

with many other inducements, I flatter myself that you will come

to the embraces of your Elfonzo; for now is the time of your

acceptance of the day of your liberation. You cannot be ignorant,

Ambulinia, that thou art the desire of my heart; its thoughts

are too noble, and too pure, to conceal themselves from you.

I shall wait for your answer to this impatiently, expecting that you

will set the time to make your departure, and to be in readiness

at a moment’s warning to share the joys of a more preferable life.

This will be handed to you by Louisa, who will take a pleasure in

communicating anything to you that may relieve your dejected spirits,

and will assure you that I now stand ready, willing, and waiting

to make good my vows.

 

I am, dear Ambulinia, your

 

truly, and forever,

 

J. I. Elfonzo.

 

Louisa made it convenient to visit Mr. Valeer’s, though they

did not suspect her in the least the bearer of love epistles;

consequently, she was invited in the room to console Ambulinia,

where they were left alone. Ambulinia was seated by a small table—

her head resting on her hand—her brilliant eyes were bathed in tears.

Louisa handed her the letter of Elfonzo, when another spirit animated

her features—the spirit of renewed confidence that never fails

to strengthen the female character in an hour of grief and sorrow

like this, and as she pronounced the last accent of his name,

she exclaimed, “And does he love me yet! I never will forget

your generosity, Louisa. Oh, unhappy and yet blessed Louisa! may you

never feel what I have felt—may you never know the pangs of love.

Had I never loved, I never would have been unhappy; but I turn to Him

who can save, and if His wisdom does not will my expected union,

I know He will give me strength to bear my lot. Amuse yourself

with this little book, and take it as an apology for my silence,”

said Ambulinia, “while I attempt to answer this volume of consolation.”

“Thank you,” said Louisa, “you are excusable upon this occasion;

but I pray you, Ambulinia, to be expert upon this momentous subject,

that there may be nothing mistrustful upon my part.” “I will,”

said Ambulinia, and immediately resumed her seat and addressed the

following to Elfonzo:

 

Cumming, Ga., January 28, 1844.

 

Devoted Elfonzo—

 

I hail your letter as a welcome messenger of faith, and can now

say truly and firmly that my feelings correspond with yours.

Nothing shall be wanting on my part to make my obedience your fidelity.

Courage and perseverance will accomplish success. Receive this

as my oath, that while I grasp your hand in my own imagination,

we stand united before a higher tribunal than any on earth.

All the powers of my life, soul, and body, I devote to thee.

Whatever dangers may threaten me, I fear not to encounter them.

Perhaps I have determined upon my own destruction, by leaving

the house of the best of parents; be it so; I flee to you; I share

your destiny, faithful to the end. The day that I have concluded

upon for this task is SABBATH next, when the family with the citizens

are generally at church. For Heaven’s sake let not that day

pass unimproved: trust not till tomorrow, it is the cheat of life—

the future that never comes—the grave of many noble births—

the cavern of ruined enterprise: which like the lightning’s

flash is born, and dies, and perishes, ere the voice of him

who sees can cry, BEHOLD! BEHOLD!! You may trust to what I say,

no power shall tempt me to betray confidence. Suffer me to add one

word more.

 

I will soothe thee, in all thy grief,

 

Beside the gloomy river;

 

And though thy love may yet be brief;

 

Mine is fixed forever.

 

Receive the deepest emotions of my heart for thy constant love,

and may the power of inspiration by thy guide, thy portion, and thy all.

In great haste,

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Ambulinia.

 

“I now take my leave of you, sweet girl,” said Louisa, “sincerely

wishing you success on Sabbath next.” When Ambulinia’s letter was

handed to Elfonzo, he perused it without doubting its contents.

Louisa charged him to make but few confidants; but like most young

men who happened to win the heart of a beautiful girl, he was so

elated with the idea that he felt as a commanding general on parade,

who had confidence in all,