Japhet in Search of a Father Part 33

As soon as he was gone, I burst into a fit of laughter. "Well, Mr Cophagus, acknowledge that it is possible to persuade a man out of his senses. You knew me, and you were perfectly right in a.s.serting that I was j.a.phet, yet did I persuade you at last that you were mistaken. But I will explain to you why I did so."

"All right," said the apothecary, taking my proffered hand, "thought so--no mistake--handsome fellow--so you are--j.a.phet Newland--my apprentice--and so on."

"Yes, sir," replied I, laughing, "I am j.a.phet Newland." (I turned round, hearing a noise, the door had been opened, and Mr McDermott had just stepped in; he had returned for an umbrella, which he had forgotten; he looked at me, at Mr Cophagus, who still held my hand in his, turned short round, said nothing, and walked out.) "This is unfortunate," observed I: "my reason for not avowing myself was to deceive that very person, and now I have made the avowal to his face; however, it cannot be helped."

I sat down with my old master, and as I knew that I could confide in him, gave him an outline of my life, and stated my present intentions.

"I see, j.a.phet, I see--done mischief--sorry for it--can't be helped--do all I can--um--what's to be done--be your friend--always like you--help all I can--and so on."

"But what would you advise, sir?"

"Advice--bad as physic--n.o.body takes it--Ireland--wild place--no law-- better go back--leave all to me--find out--and so on."

This advice I certainly did not consent to follow.

We argued the matter over for some time, and then it was agreed that we should proceed together. I was informed by Mr Cophagus that he had retired with a very handsome fortune, and was living in the country, about ten miles from the metropolis; that he had been summoned to attend the funeral of a maiden aunt in Dublin, who had left him executor and residuary legatee, but that he knew nothing of her circ.u.mstances. He was still a bachelor, and amused himself in giving advice and medicines gratis to the poor people of the village in which he resided, there being no resident pract.i.tioner within some distance. He liked the country very much, but there was one objection to it--the _cattle_. He had not forgotten the _mad bull_. At a very late hour we retired to our beds: the next morning the weather had moderated, and, on the arrival of the mail, we embarked, and had a very good pa.s.sage over. On my arrival at Dublin I directed my steps to the F--t Hotel, as the best place to make inquiries relative to Mr De Benyon. Mr Cophagus also put up at the same hotel, and we agreed to share a sitting-room.

"Waiter," said I, "do you know a Mr De Benyon?"

"Yes, sir," replied he; "there is one of the De Benyons at the hotel at this moment."

"Is he a married man?"

"Yes--with a large family."

"What is his Christian name?"

"I really cannot tell, sir; but I'll find out for you by to-morrow morning."

"When does he leave?"

"To-morrow, I believe."

"Do you know where he goes?"

"Yes, sir, to his own seat."

The waiter left the room. "Won't do, j.a.phet," said Cophagus. "Large family--don't want more--hard times, and so on."

"No," replied I, "it does not exactly answer; but I may from him obtain further intelligence."

"Won't do, j.a.phet--try another way--large family--want all uncle's money--um--never tell--good night."

This remark of Mr Cophagus gave me an idea, upon which I proceeded the next morning. I sent in my card requesting the honour of speaking to Mr De Benyon, stating that I had come over to Ireland on business of importance, but that, as I must be back if possible by term time, it would perhaps save much expense and trouble. The waiter took in the message.

"Back by term time--it must be some legal gentleman. Show him up," said Mr De Benyon.

I walked in with a business-like air. "Mr De Benyon, I believe?"

"Yes, sir; will you do me the favour to take a chair?"

I seated myself, and drew out my memorandum book. "My object, Mr De Benyon, in troubling you, is to ascertain a few particulars relative to your family, which we cannot so easily find out in England. There is a _property_ which it is supposed may be claimed by one of the De Benyons, but which we cannot ascertain until we have a little search into the genealogical tree."

"Is the property large?" inquired Mr De Benyon.

"Not very large," replied I; "but still a very handsome property, I am told." The reader may surmise that the property referred to was my own pretty self. "May I ask you a few particulars relative to the present earl and his brothers?"

"Most certainly, sir," replied Mr De Benyon; "any information I can give you will be at your service. The earl has four brothers. The eldest Maurice."

"Is he married?"

"Yes, and has two children. The next is William."

"Is he married?"

"No; nor has he ever been. He is a general in the army. The third is myself, Henry."

"You are married, I believe, sir?"

"Yes, with a large family."

"May I request you will proceed, sir?"

"Arthur is the fourth brother. He is lately married, and has two children."

"Sir, I feel much obliged to you; it is a curious and intricate affair.

As I am here, I may as well ask one question, although not of great consequence. The earl is married, I perceive, by the peerage, but I do not find that he has any children."

"On the contrary, he has two--and prospects of more. May I now request the particulars connected with this property?"

"The exact particulars, sir, I cannot well tell you, as I am not acquainted with them myself; but the property in question, I rather think, depends upon a _name_. May I venture to ask the names of all your children?"

Mr De Benyon gave me a list _seriatim_, which I put down with great gravity.

"Of course, there is no doubt of your second brother not being married.

I believe we ought to have a certificate. Do you know his address?"

"He has been in the East Indies for many years. He returned home on furlough, and has now just sailed again for Calcutta."

"That is unfortunate; we must forward a letter through the India Board.

May I also be favoured with your address, as in all probability it may be advisable?"

Mr De Benyon gave me his address. I rose, promised to give him all the particulars as soon as they were known to me, bowed, and made my exit.

To one who was in his sober senses, there certainly was not any important information gained; but to me, it was evident that the Mr De Benyon who was a general in the army was to be interrogated, and I had almost made up my mind to set off for Calcutta.

PART TWO, CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.