Part 42 (1/2)
Since then they had travelled over most parts of Germany; and now, in the beginning of July, found themselves at the Baths of Ems. Two years'
travel had not produced any very beneficial effect on either of these sainted personages. They had gained, by visiting the capitals of all Europe, only a due acquaintance with the follies of each; and the only difference that could be observed in their conduct on their return was, that their affectation was rather more fantastical, and therefore more amusing.
”Corpo di Bacco, my champion! who ever thought of meeting thee thou holy saint! By the eyebrow of Venus, my spirit rejoiceth!” exclaimed St.
Anthony, whose peculiar affectation was an adoption in English of the Italian oaths.
”This is the sweetest spot, St. Anthony, that we have found since we left Paradiso; that is, St. George, in the vulgar, since we quitted Italia. 'Italia! O Italia!' I forget the rest; probably you remember it.
Certainly, a most sweet spot this, quite a Gaspar!”
Art was the peculiar affectation of St. John; he was, indeed, quite a patron of the Belle Arti, had scattered his orders through the studios of most of the celebrated sculptors of Italy, and spoke on all subjects and all things only with a view to their capability of forming material for the painter. According to the school of which Mr. St. John was a disciple, the only use of the human pa.s.sions is, that they produce situations for the historical painter; and nature, according to these votaries of the [Greek: to kalon], is only to be valued as affording hints for the more perfect conceptions of a Claude or a Salvator.
”By the girdle of Venus, a devilish fine woman!” exclaimed St. Anthony.
”A splendid bit!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed St. John; ”touched in with freedom, a grand tournure, great gout in the swell of the neck. What a study for Retsch!”
”In the name of the Graces, who is it, mio Santo?”
”Ay! name la bellissima Signora.”
”The 'fine bit,' St. John, is my sister.”
”The devil!”
”Diavolo!”
”Will you introduce us, most holy man?”
This request from both, simultaneously arranging their mustachios.
The two saints were accordingly, in due time, introduced; but finding the attention of Miss Fane always engrossed, and receiving some not very encouraging responses from Lady Madeleine, they voted her ladys.h.i.+p cursedly satirical; and pa.s.sing a general censure on the annoying coldness of Englishwomen, they were in four-and-twenty hours attached to the suite of the Miss Fitzlooms, to whom they were introduced by St.
George as his particular friends, and were received with the most flattering consideration.
”By the aspect of Diana! fine girls,” swore St. Anthony.
”Truly most gorgeous colouring! quite Venetian! Aurelia is a perfect Giorgione!” said St. John.
”Madeleine,” said St. George, one morning, to his sister, ”have you any objection to make up a party with the Fitzlooms to pa.s.s a day at Na.s.sau?
You know we have often talked of it; and as Violet is so well now, and the weather so delightful, there surely can be no objection. The Fitzlooms are very agreeable people; and though you do not admire the Santi, still, upon my word, when you know them a little more, you will find them very pleasant fellows, and they are extremely good-natured; and just the fellows for such a party. Do not refuse me. I have set my mind upon your joining the party. Pray nod a.s.sent; thank you. Now I must go and arrange everything. Let us see: there are seven Fitzlooms; for we cannot count on less than two boys; yourself, Grey, Violet, and myself, four; the Santi; quite enough, a most delightful party. Half a dozen servants and as many donkeys will manage the provisions. Then three light carriages will take us all. 'By the wand of Mercury!' as St.
Anthony would vow, admirably planned!”
”By the breath of Zephyr! a most lovely day, Miss Fane,” said St.
Anthony, on the morning of the intended excursion.
”Quite a Claude!” said St. John.
”Almost as beautiful as an Italian winter day, Mr. St. Leger?” asked Miss Fane.
”Hardly!” said St. Anthony, with a serious air; for he imagined the question to be quite genuine.
The carriages are at the door; into the first ascended Mrs. Fitzloom, two daughters, and the travelling saints. The second bore Lady Madeleine, Mr. Fitzloom, and his two sons; the third division was formed of Mr. St. George and Aurelia Fitzloom, Miss Fane and Vivian.
Away, away, rolled the carriages; the day was beautiful, the sky was without a cloud, and a mild breeze prevented the heat of the sun from being overpowering. All were in high spirits; for St. George had made a capital master of the ceremonies, and had arranged the company in the carriages to their mutual satisfaction. St. Anthony swore, by the soul of Psyche! that Augusta Fitzloom was an angel; and St. John was in equal raptures with Araminta, who had an expression about the eyes which reminded him, of t.i.tian's Flora. Mrs. Fitzloom's natural silence did not disturb the uninterrupted jargon of the Santi, whose foppery elicited loud and continued approbation from the fair sisters. The mother sat admiring these sprigs of n.o.ble trees. The young Fitzlooms, in crimson cravats, conversed with Lady Madeleine with a delightful military air; and their happy parent, as he gazed upon them with satisfied affection, internally promised them both a commission in a crack regiment.