Jeremy Poldark (24 page)

What foods? Breadfruit from the South
Seas?"

No, the ordinary staples of life. Green
vegetables, fruit, fresh meat Any one of those three in sufficient:
quantity."

"Why do they not buy them then? I suppose
they're too poor. But scorbutus is only scurvy, isn't it? “Thousands of our
sailors suffer from it and are no worse when they get home."

“It depends on the length of the voyage. Many
die."

"But they cannot get the foods anyhow. Why
don't the people of Sawle spend less on gin? Drunkenness is no less for all
their poverty. Or why don't they h in oranges instead of brandy when they sail
to France?

He said: " Oranges, when they can be had at
all, are selling at twopence-halfpenny or threepence each. ““Meat is prohibitive.
Gin costs them sixpence a quart or less. They're only human after all. ' And,
even so, many of them are as sober as you or I"

She inclined her head. "Thank you. I'm very
much complimented by the association... But there, Dr. Enys, shall you do any
good by attempting to preserve all these people? They will multiply and
multiply and so there'll be ever more mouths to, feed. Admitted it is sad to
see them die, but it keeps the numbers in check and preserves a balance. If
there's more food than people, then the people grow in numbers until there's
more people than food. When that happens some die off until the food is equal
to maintain the others. Is it for us to interfere? Ah, I see I've shocked
you."

“Only by assuming that you yourself are
different from the rest and not to be included in this stocktaking"

She smiled sweetly.-"Well, of course I'm
different from the rest! ' It's no virtue but a happy chance. I was born a
Penvenen, and so am rich and educated. If I had been born poor and weakly I
should no doubt die of one of your nasty diseases, but don't expect me to weep
about it now !"

" It's a comfortable reasoning,"
Dwight said, "but dangerous. Isn't it the sort of philosophy which has
caused all this trouble in France?"

Before she could reply, the door opened and Ray
Penvenen came in He greeted the young doctor cordially enough, though not with
the freedom his niece permitted herself. After a few minutes Dwight left, glad
to escape and to sort out his Impressions. The unfamiliar scent of her clung
about, him all the day, perhaps in his memory more than in his nostrils. Even
the taste of the wine was foreign, quickening to the pulse. That philosophy, he
thought; the perfect one for the middle-aged bachelor with money dulling his
heart. But not for the girl of nineteen or twenty. Monstrous. And so was she;
but against judgment he was deeper in than ever. There was no escape - except
to hope that she would quickly become an M.P.'s wife and move up to London to
keep house there: Out of sight would not be out of mind, but it would at least
be out, of danger,

Ray Penvenen hitched' his coat to set it more
firmly on his shoulders. "I hear Unwin is coming down tomorrow.''

"Yes," said Caroline. "For about
a fortnight."

"You did not tell me."

"I thought Sir John would this
morning."

"Unwin will expect some definite word from
you while he is down."

"Did Sir John say as much?"

"Not as much. But he let it be understood."

Caroline moodily picked up 'her skirts and
perched on the window seat. "The petition has not even been heard yet. He
can hardly expect me to marry a member of Parliament who doesn't know whether
he really is one. That's demanding a good deal."

Ray said dryly: "My dear, you're not
overtly marrying Unwin for the prestige and the position. One is supposed to
marry because one loves a man."

“Oh, love, yes, I've heard of it. But is Unwin
marrying me because he loves me or because he covets the twenty thousand pounds
you and Uncle William have settled on me? Ask him that"

"My dear, it is for you to ask him - if you
choose." Penvenen glanced at his niece and then, remembering her
capabilities, added hastily: "Or perhaps you'd better not. I was only
warning you that the question of a date for your marriage may be broached
during his stay, and it's as well to ponder what your response will be."

“Dear, dear, it all sounds very pompous. Uncle,
I'm an heiress but have little money to handle. Now I rather like the feel of
money, the jangle: it gives, the weight in one's purse, the tawny yellow colour
of the gold. Suppose` you gave me some. Um? What do you say?"

Penvenen's face always looked different when
this subject was mentioned. I have no objection to advancing you something - though
there's little you could find to spend it on. You're admirably clothed, well
fed and housed, have three hunters and a personal maid. I should not have
thought How much do you want?"

“Oh .. fifty pounds, perhaps."

A glass clattered as Penvenen locked the canary
away.

" You can't be serious."

" Oh yes, indeed. Why not? It's a round
comfortable sum and will last me some time. After all, what is the use of being
rich if one can't have a little flutter now and then?"

" I can't possibly give you so much. For
gambling of some sort it would be a sheer waste. You know I disapprove of the gaming
tables - and two or three tickets is all one needs in a lottery. One is just as
likely to draw a prize with few as with many."

Caroline smiled at her hands. " Oh, this is
a new kind of gaming, Uncle. It appeals to me, and I have a fancy to indulge
the whim."

The following week, oneof the quarterly'
meetings of the Wheal Leisure venturers was due, and it was Mr. Treneglos's
turn to entertain the others at Mingoose: A distribution which was equal to a
fifteen per cent return on their investment meant sixty per cent for the year
and was something to be well satisfied with. Three years ago the mine had
employed fifty-six men. Now it took just over the hundred and was a spot of
prosperity in, a depressed countryside.

Ross was not, however, altogether surprised when
Mr. Renfrew again proposed that the exploratory tunnel being driven towards the
ancient Trevorgie workings should be stopped and the labour turned to more
productive purposes: There had been such propositions before, put mainly by Mr.
Pearce, but they had been defeated. Ross had been aware for some time that some
of his colleagues had been coming round to Mr. Pearce's view, so now he waited
and did not speak as it was his impulse to. Mr. Pearce also was silent, and it
was as if both were waiting for the neutral voters to declare themselves.

Presently Henshawe said : " I think we
should persevere a month or two more. We've gone so far that it's a pity to abandon
it now."

" I b'lieve we've come right past the
workings,", said Renfrew. " Missed them. We might go on for years
more and never connect."

" Not according to that old map,"
shouted Mr. Treneglos, trying to make himself heard above the noises in his
head.

Remember that old map showed the Trevorgie
workings as turning and branching towards Marasanvose, and we're not at the
branch yet. All the same, I'm disappointed. I never thought twould be such a
long job. It's a drain on our profits all the time."

Ross said : " It was the means of our
finding the second lode. That's not wholly unprofitable."

No," said Mr. Pearce, entering the lists
also. "But the best mass was found in the other direction. We should do
better, I declare, to strike out farther to the northeast where the going is
easier and the quality promises better." He scratched himself.

Mr. Treneglos undid the top button of his
trousers. "Well, tis as the majority says. There's no doubt we can afford
it, what? We've a handsome profit to show, and a better in prospect. But damme,
I'm coming round to the contrary view from what I've held all along. Twas not
as if we was driving an alit which would help unwater the mine. We've tunnelled
under, the valley and now we're tunnelling under the hill. What did you say,
Pearce? What?"

Pearce shook his wigged head, disclaiming
speech.

Ross said: "I have talked the company into
continuing twice; but I don't want to again if the feeling's against it. I
still think we should do well to persevere; but the 'proposition' was mine, in
the first place, and when you add up the men's wages over the months it totals
to a sum in the end. So I'll say no more and leave it to the vote."

The vote was taken. Ninety parts (Ross's and
Henshawe's) were for continuing, one hundred and fifty against.

Ross said : "One thing I should have
brought up. I take it the men on the work will not be set off - that they'll be
put to other employment."

Mr. Renfrew screwed up-his eyes. "I should
like to see a widening of the main shaft. The air is still bad, and we could
profitably use 'em that way."

The venturers discussed this for some minutes,
the matter was settled and the meeting seemed about to break up,

Then Mr. Pearce coughed and said, smiling
apologetically:

" There's one other matter I should have
brought up earlier. Awaiting the right opportunity, as it were. That is to say,
that one of the adventurers - that is one I act for, if you understand - Mr.
Benjamin Aukett, has disposed of his holding in the mine to a Mr. Henry Coke.
I am not sure yet whether Mr. Coke will wish to attend the meetings, but I
rather -hm-gather he will wish me to represent his interest, as I did Mr.
Aukett's. In any case the sale has only just taken place, and I shall be able
to report more fully in April."

He went on talking, hitching up his stomach'
from time to time and carefully avoiding Ross's eyes.

Who?" shouted Mr. Treneglos. "Who? Never
heard of him. A Whig, I suppose. Where's he live? What's "his profession?
Oh Gentleman. Well, that's a good sign. Hope he's as docile as Aukett. Bring
him along sometime if he cares to come. We've nothing to conceal. That's the
feeling of the meeting, I take it?"

The others agreed

Captain Henshawe said: "I wonder if you
know what his share changed hands at?"

"No, my dear sir, said the lawyer. "
Not an idea in the world."

Renfrew said: "I was, offered four hundred
and fifty pound for my share last month. That is fifteen pounds for a five-pound part. It shows a tempting profit. An' it shows just how hard people is
looking for an investment these days.

"What was the name of the man who
approached you?" said Ross.

"Name of Garth. Never heard of him. A
civil-spoken fellow, but not what you'd call a gentleman."

“I take it you're not intending to sell?"

No," said Renfrew, observing Ross's
expression with some surprise. "It pays me better to stay, in, apart from
all the tackle an' gear I supply."

The meeting ended soon after, and, as was their
custom, Captain Henshawe and Ross walked home together, in the gathering, misty
afternoon.

"Well," said Henshawe, trying to be
hearty, " it's near on three -years since" you paid four-fifty for
Surgeon Choake's share. At the time you'll mind me telling you I thought it a deal
more, than it was worth. But your belief's been justified. It's my way of
thinking old Aukett got upwards of five hundred for his share to make him
willing for the sale."

" That's my belief too."

Henshawe never liked it as much when the scarred
side of Ross's face was towards him. The scar was more than half hidden by the
long side hair, but all the same the tail of it down his cheek was a token of
wildness and intractability, qualities which Henshawe deplored since he was a
peace-loving, and an easygoing man.

"I do not suppose," he said, "that
twill make any difference to the running of the mine; in fact it cannot, for
Mr. What's-it will have to tag along with the majority. Anyway, there's little
anyone could cavil at while the profits are so good”

" No," said Ross

"It's a pity the work towards Trevorgie has
come to naught, but maybe we shall be able to start again in, a few
months"

They walked along in silence. Ross said:

"I wonder if Mrs. Trenwith will stand
firm?"

"Mrs. Trenwith? You mean hold on to her
share? I haven't a doubt. She's got too strong a nose for a profit, I reckon,
to part with it easy."

There are two kinds of profit.

"Yes, well, if she did, it would not be
serious, would it? Interests in other mines change hands every day-when there's
anyone these days to buy 'em. I agree we're very comfortable as we are, but I
don't suppose a new adventurer or two will upset our applecart."

"No," said Ross.

They came to the parting, of the ways.
"You'll drink with me before you go on?"

“You'll thank you, sur. I'm full to the brim as
it is. I'll be getting home along while the light holds."

Ross turned down through the apple trees towards
his house. As he came in sight of the front door he saw that there was a strange
horse waiting.

Jane Gimlett met him in the hall. If you please,
sur, there's a gent to see you. Bin here a half-hour he has. - Name of
Trencrom. You asked me always to tell you so as you'd know whether to go in
or no
."

".Where is Mrs. Poldark?"

“In with Mr. Trencrom, sur."

Ross took off his hat, and smoothed back his
hair. Mr. Trencrom's presence explained the large horse outside; but what
explained Mr. Trencrom? He was in no mood for company. Demelza alone, perhaps.
No one else. He went in.

His wife, in one of her white muslin frocks, had
her back to him and was pouring tea. The visitor faced him from the largest
armchair.

Mr. Trencrom was one of those peculiar people
who have an, iron in every fire. Like the Warleggans, he had the talent for, turning
his interests into money, but unlike them he had no ambition to social advancement:
He had been born the son of a wool stapler and that was what he would always
remain. He had part shares in seines, part shares in tucking mills, part shares
in tin stamps, part shares in little shops in little-towns. And everywhere the
money added up and brought in more. His investment in the Carnmore Copper
Company had been almost the only substantial loss of his career, and Ross had
not seen him since the venture failed. Of course everyone, certainly all the
magistrates, knew what his chief business was.

In appearance he was very stout. He had only two
enemies in the world: the gaugers and his own bronchial. tubes.

" Well, Captain Poldark,"'. he said
breathlessly. " Excuse me rising. Been very ill this winter. Damp air does
me no good. Your charming wife. I said I took no liquor. She made tea.
Delicious. How are you? My dear sir."

" I find the climate trying;" Ross
said.

Demelza glanced at him and saw at once that there
was trouble.

"You'll take something too, Ross?"

" Something stronger," he said. You've
ridden far on a dull afternoon, Mr. Trencrom."

"Yes, as you say. It's some years since I
was in this part. What distressing news from France, Captain Poldark: 'They say
Mirabeau is gravely ill again and nearly, blind. If he should die."

`I haven't followed their politics very closely
of late."

"Nor I from choice. But when one is in
constant contact. If Mirabeau goes there'll be a landslide I'm told. The
King's position. Very dangerous. England can't stand by and watch."

" I don't think it can be our affair what
happens to Louis.”

" Well, up to a point. that's true. But
there are limits."

Limits on both sides. For we are without an army
or a navy."

Yes, yes, of course you're right. All the same -
I have grave fears for the future."

Ross sat in a chair and put his elbows on the
arms.

There was silence.

"However," said Mr. Trencrom, "I
have not called merely to discuss the foreign situation. As you will have
guessed. No doubt " He coughed. It was an extraordinary sound for so large
a man; his mountainous body quivered, and a small thin wheezy noise was
eventually produced as if deep inside him a very, small dog was dying of
asphyxiation. Then he wiped his mouth and continued. "Purpose one. To
renew our acquaintance. That is done. Purpose two. To inquire after your
affairs. If they prosper. Purpose three. To speak of mine. Now if – “

Suppose," Ross said, "that we spoke of
yours first. By doing so we might come at a quicker understanding and be able
to treat of mine in an incidental way."

Mr. Trencrom smiled at Demelza. "He was
always one for coming to the point I like directness. Of course.. But it
somewhat depends whether his affairs prosper - as to whether he is interested
in mine However. '

"Half
the countryside is interested in yours, Mr. Trencrom," said Ross.

The
fat man's smile became a chuckle, which ended in his tiny wrung-out cough.

It might well be that they have reason to be
anxious for my welfare, Captain Poldark: Things are none too satisfactory in
the trade. I do not know how long I shall be able to carry on to the present
extent."

“I
should have thought business was never more prosperous."

“Ah. Business is far from prosperous. Let me
explain." -

Mr. Trencrom went on to explain in his
breathless voice as if he were all the time climbing a steep hill. With some
horrid premonition of his direction, Demelza poured Ross a cup of tea and,
forgetting his own demand, Ross drank it. Business, said Mr. Trencrom was brisk
enough so far as consumption went. People were drinking as much as ever and,
although money was scarce, there was always a market for cheap good-quality
liquor. Mind you, he was being frank with them as he would not be with
everyone. He spoke in confidence and knew they would respect it.

Light faded in the room, but no one seemed to
notice its going. At the back of the house somewhere Gimlett was chopping
sticks; each series of sounds began with a tentative tap-tap growing firmer and
heavier and slower until the screech of splitting wood. Through the window the
cloudy fading sky was grey as iron.

The one great difficulty of the trade, Mr.
Trencrom explained, was the tiresome business of the landing of the goods.
Vercoe, the customhouse officer at St. Ann's, and his assistant Coppard were
hard men, ever, on the alert and ever ready to pounce. Attempts had been made
to soften them, to bring them to a more reasonable frame of mind, but their only
answer was to apply for extra help. And there was a rumour they might be
getting it. How much easier, Mr. Trencrom said, if they had only been sensible
like the gaugers at Newquay and Falmouth, where the officers were given a percentage
of the profit on the smuggled goods and no more said.