Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Melancholic Rich Man's House

While the Calista was heading north to a point known only to its captain, an incident occurred in Corfu which in itself should call the reader's attention to the hero of the story. It is known that, following certain treaties of 1815, the Ionian islands, formerly under the protection of France, came under British patronage from this year.These islands include Seligo, Zante, Itak, Kefalonia, Lycard, Paxos and Corfu.Corfu is located in the northernmost section and is the most important island.It was called Kosir in ancient times, and had Arcinus as its king, who possessed Cazon and Med.After the Trojan War, the wise Odysseus was established as king, and has since occupied an important position in ancient history.It fought successive wars with the Franks, Bulgarians, Sarrasins and Naples. In the 16th century, it was swallowed up by Barbarus. In the 18th century, it was protected by the Earl of Huronburg. At the end of the First Empire, it was guarded by General Don Zero. Here It became the residence of the British High Commissioner.

The High Commissioner at that time was Frederick Adam, who served as Governor of Ionia.In order to cope with the possible accidents that the Greeks may have in the war against Turkey, he has a lot of warships in his hands to serve as maritime security missions, and what he needs are high-top warships, because these islands are occupied by the Greeks for a while, and the Turks for a while. Take it away, as long as you hold a piece of paper, anyone can occupy this place, let alone those pirates, they are thinking about how to conveniently rob ships. You can meet many foreigners in Corfu, especially in the past three or four years, the War of Independence has attracted all kinds of people.Many people went to the war from Corfu before landing, but some people stayed here temporarily to rest for a period of time to eliminate the excessive fatigue caused by the war.

Among the latter was a young Frenchman who, absorbed in this noble cause, had for five years been an active and proud participant in the events of the peninsula. Henry Darbelle, Captain of the Royal Navy, the youngest officer of his rank, is on extended leave.From the outbreak of the war, he joined the French Aid to Greece Volunteer Army.He was twenty-nine years old, of medium build, and strong enough to withstand the rigors of a naval career.He is personable, outstanding in character, sincere in eyes, dignified in appearance, faithful and reliable in dealing with people, which makes people have a good impression of him as soon as they meet, and usually this kind of good impression is gradually developed during long-term relationship.

Henri Darbelle was born into a wealthy family, originally from Paris.He barely saw his mother, and his father died just before he reached adulthood, after he had graduated from naval school.He had inherited a substantial fortune, but it never occurred to him to give up the naval career, on the contrary, he wanted to continue his naval career--one of the most beautiful careers in his opinion.When the Greek flag was hoisted against the Turkish crescent, he was a lieutenant. Like so many brave young men, Henri Darbelle threw himself into the movement without hesitation and irresistibly.They were led by some French officers to the eastern border of Europe.He was the first batch of patriots who shed blood for the cause of Greek independence.From 1822 he was named in the honorable Moroccan Dato's list of the defeated at the famous Battle of Arta, and was victorious at the Siege of Mythoroch.He was also involved in the battle that killed Marco Pozzari the following year. In 1824, he took part in the naval battle, where Muhammad had defeated the Greeks at sea in the past, and this time he avenged himself. After the defeat of Tripolizza in 1825, he commanded part of the regular army under Colonel Fabvier. In July 1826, he rescued Andronica from the horseshoes of Chudach soldiers at the Battle of Qaidari, a terrible battle that took a heavy toll on the volunteers.

Henri Darbelle, however, was still willing to follow his superior, and rejoined him at Med before long. At this time, Racopolo in Athens was defended by 1,500 people led by Major Gulas.More than 500 women and children took refuge in the castle. When the Turks captured the city, they did not have time to escape.Gulas' army had food for a year, 14 cannons and 3 howitzers, but lacked ammunition. Determined to capture supplies for Racopolo, Fabvier enlisted volunteers to carry out this daring project.There were 530 people who responded to the call, of which 40 were volunteers, led by Henri Darbelle.Each warrior was equipped with a pack of explosives, and at the order of Fabvier they embarked at Med.

On December 13, the small force landed at the foot of Racopolo Castle, and the bright moonlight shone upon them, where the Turks greeted them with a hail of bullets.Fabvier exclaimed: "Forward!" Everyone carried a pack of explosives that could blow people into the sky at any time, crossed the moat, and rushed into the castle with the gate wide open.The besieged defenders triumphantly repelled the Turks, with the result that Fabvier was wounded, his adjutant was killed, and Henri Darbelle was shot and fell.The regulars and commanders were now shut up in the castle with those whom they had ventured to rescue, and they would never be let out again.

Although the young officer was injured, fortunately, his life was not in danger, so he shared the joys and sorrows with everyone and swallowed a few mouthfuls of barley every day as food.After half a year like this, Racopolo was not free until he surrendered and got the consent of Chudage.It was not until June 5, 1827 that Fabvier, his volunteers, and the besieged soldiers and civilians were allowed to leave the castle of Athens and sail to Salamini. Henri d'Arbelet was still very weak at this time, and he did not want to stay in Athens, so he came to Corfu.He rested there for two months, recovered from fatigue, and waited for the opportunity to return to the army.Waiting for fate to give him new impetus, until then he had been living the life of a soldier.

At the end of Strada Rile in Corfu, there is an old house, very unremarkable in appearance, half Greek and half Italian, where the people who live in it rarely go out, but they are often talked about.He was a bank boss, and his name was Elizondo.People couldn't tell whether he was in his sixties or seventies. For more than twenty years, he had been living in this dark old house and hardly ever went out.But there are many people from all countries and walks of life... all of whom are his regular customers... come to visit him.There was no doubt that he had a big business in the house, and a good reputation, and was regarded by all as a rich man.In the Ionian islands, not even his few Dalmatian counterparts Chara or Lagus had a credit comparable to his.A business that he takes over means making money.Of course, he is very cautious and his hands are tight.The goods he wants must be of the highest quality and must be fully warranted. His cash-box is like a cornucopia. The clerk takes care of some insignificant transcriptions.He himself was both a cashier and an accountant, personally filling out every money order and answering every letter.No outsider has ever sat in his counting room.Of course this is necessary for his business secrets.

Where is this bank boss from?Some said it was Iria or Dalmatian, but no one was sure about that either.He never mentioned his past and present.Also never dealt with the society of Corfu.It was like this when the French were in charge before, but now that the British governor is here, he is still the same. You can’t believe the rumors that he has hundreds of millions of property, but he must be a rich man, although he seems to be living a good life. simple. Elizondo is a widower and has been alone since he arrived in Corfu with his youngest daughter, who was only two years old at the time.Now, this little girl named Hadzina is twenty-two years old.She takes care of the housework in this old house.

Everywhere, even in these eastern countries, the beauty of women is always beyond doubt, and Hadzina Elizondo was recognized as beautiful, although her pretty face was always tinged with a faint sadness.However, how can a girl be happy without a mother to guide her and live in such an environment without even a close female companion?Hadzina was of medium stature, but graceful.She inherited from her mother the appearance and figure of a Greek woman, reminiscent of the Laconian maidens, noted for their beauty throughout the Peloponnesus. There was no deep communication between her and her father.The owner of the bank lives alone, doesn't talk much, is reserved...he's the kind of guy who always looks away, turns his head away as if the sun would hurt his eyes, he rarely interacts with people both privately and publicly , and don’t trust others, even at home with clients, how could Haddina show her emotions under such circumstances, her father’s heart is like a cold wall without warmth at all.

Fortunately, beside her, there is a kind, loyal, and loving person who only lives for her mistress, who is sad for her sorrow and happy for her smile.His life is closely related to Hadzina.Seeing him, you can think of a brave and faithful dog, as Michelet said, "a follower of man", or as Lamartine said, "a humble friend", no!He's a human being, only he's looked down upon as a dog.He had never left Hadzyna since she was born, had held her in his arms, and served her like a maid. He was a Greek named Kechalis, the son of Haddina's mother's nurse, who had been with the banker in Corfu since her mother's marriage, and had been in the family for more than twenty years, His status is higher than that of ordinary servants, and he helps Elizon do some simple copying work. Kechalis looks like many Laconians. He is tall, broad-shouldered and broad-backed, muscular and well-developed. A dark wool round hat and a short local style skirt tied around the waist. Whenever Hadzyna went out, either for housework, or to go to St.-Spirition's Church, or to breathe the fresh sea breeze that would never blow into the old house of Strada Tuller , always accompanied by Kechalis.In this way, the young people of Corfu can see them on the road in Esplanade or the suburbs of Castades. More than one person tried to get close to her father.They were attracted not only by her beauty, but probably also by her wealth.But the girl herself refused all proposals, and her father never forced her.Only the loyal Kechalis is working tirelessly to make the mistress happy in this world. This cold, serious and melancholy family lived alone in a corner of the capital of Dekorsi when Henri Darbelle came into their lives by chance. It started as a business relationship that brought together the bank owner and the French officer.On leaving Paris the young officer brought some large money orders from the Elizondo Bank, which he went to Corfu to cash.His expenses in Greece were also in Corfu, and he came to the island several times, so he made the acquaintance of Hadzina Elizondo.The girl's beauty moved him deeply, and the memory of the girl has always accompanied her on the battlefields of Morey and Latik. After the surrender of Racopolo, Henri Darbelle had nothing to do but return to Corfu, still recovering from the exhaustion and damage of his body during the siege.After arriving in Corfu, although he lived outside, he stayed at the bank owner's house for several hours every day, and received warm hospitality, which had never been received by a foreigner. About three months passed in this way.Gradually, what used to be a business visit turned into an interesting daily visit, and the young officer fell in love with Hadzyna.And how could she not feel it?He was so attentive around her, listening to her talk, looking into her eyes!The girl took good care of his body, which made Henry very happy. On the other hand, Kechalis made no secret of his affection for Henry, and he liked Henry's frank and lovely character more and more. He used to say to the girl: "Hadzina, you are right, Greece is your homeland, just as it is mine, and don't forget that this young man fought and was wounded for our country!" One day Haddina said to him: "He loves me!" This sentence, the girl also said in the simple way she usually talks about everything. "Well, someone should love you." Kechalis replied. "Your father is old, Hadzina! I cannot be with you forever! Where in life can you find such a reliable protector as Henri Darbelle?" Haddina did not answer.She seemed to say in her heart that if she was loved, she would love, but her natural prudence kept her from speaking, from affirming her feelings, even to Kechalice. But things are already there.This is no secret to the Corfu society. The parties have not officially discussed this matter, but others are already talking about their marriage, as if everything has been decided. It is worth pointing out that the bank boss showed no remorse or reluctance for the young officer's approach to his daughter.As Kechalis said, he felt himself growing old very quickly.Hard as his heart was, he was afraid that Khadzina would live alone, and of course she would inherit all the property.Henry never worried about the money issue.Whether the banker's daughter had money or not didn't need to think about it, not even for a moment.His love for this girl springs from another noble feeling, not for dirty gain. He loves her beauty and kindness, and it is precisely because of the desolation of her life that he sympathizes with her and feels her purity and nobility. Her heart, her broad heart of benevolence, and the tenacity hidden deep in her heart. Therefore, whenever they were together, Hadzina told of oppressed Greece and all that her sons and daughters had done to free her, they always had a common vision and point of view.Now that Henry spoke Greek very well, they would be very excited about it.When a victory in a naval battle compensates for the defeat of Morey or Latik, they feel the same joy. At this time, Henry needs to describe in detail all the battles he participated in, and recall the heroic Greek or foreign country. The names of people, as well as those heroines, like the aforementioned Popolina, etc., they are the role models Hadzina wholeheartedly followed, and of course Andronika, who was rescued by Henry. One day, when Henry was talking about Andronica, Elizondo was also listening. He unconsciously made a movement that attracted his daughter's attention. "Dad, what's the matter?" she asked. "Nothing." The banker replied. Then, in a casual tone, he asked: "Did you know this Andronica before?" "Yes, Mr. Elizondo." "Do you know how she is now?" "I don't know," Henry said. "After the Battle of Qaidari, I think she should go back to Mane, which is her hometown. Maybe she will appear on a battlefield in Greece someday." "Yes, this is the place to be," added Hadzyna. Why would Elizondo be interested in Andronica and ask these questions?No one asked him.Even if someone asked, he would hesitate.But his daughter didn't know much about him, so she didn't take it to heart.What could there be between her father and Andronica, whom she adored? Besides, on the Greek War of Independence, the bank boss never stated his position. Which side did he stand on, the side of the oppressor or the side of the oppressed?It's hard to say, but one thing is for sure, almost as much mail comes from Turkey as from Greece.But it bears repeating that Elizondo never complained about the young officer's devotion to the cause of independence.It's just that Henry can't live anymore, his body has recovered, and he has to go back to his career.He often talks about it with girls. "It's your duty, go for it!" replied Haddina. "Your departure will make me painful, but I understand that you must join your comrades. Yes, as long as Greece has not gained independence, you should fight for it!" "I'm going, Haddina, I'm going!" Henry said to Haddine one day, "but I want to be sure that you love me as much as I love you!" "Henry, I don't hide the feelings you arouse in me," said the girl. "I am no longer a child, and I am serious about the future. I believe in you," she added, giving him her hand, " Please believe me! I will be what I was when you left, and I will be what I will be when you come back!" Henry takes Haddina's hand, expressing his love and affection. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart!" he said. "We have loved each other forever...! If we are tormented at parting, at least I have your assurance, your love!... But, Haddina , before I leave, I want to talk to your father!...I hope he can agree that we fall in love, and he won't obstruct us..." "Go, Henry," answered the girl, "and get his promises as well as mine!" Henri d'Arbellé did it, because he had decided to return to Colonel Fabvier's side and continue the fight. During this period, the cause of independence suffered repeated setbacks, and the London Convention did not play any practical role.People can't help but ask, are the great powers unable to come up with any effective solution to the Sudan except fantasy? At this time, the Turks were carried away by their victory, and their ambitions were even more inflated.Two fleets were cruising in the Aegean Sea, one commanded by British Admiral Codrington and the other commanded by French Admiral Leni.The Greek government has moved to the safer Aegean islands to keep peace talks going, but the Turks remain stubborn. The Ottoman fleet consisting of 29 warships, including Egyptian and Tubas warships, sailed into the vast Navarino waters on September 7. They brought sufficient food and grass to replenish Ibrahim's armaments and prepare to attack Sidra. It was in Sidra that Henry decided to join the volunteer army.The island, situated at the end of the Gulf of Agrid, is the richest of the archipelago. It has contributed to the cause of Greek independence with blood money. Mados and others have fought for it to the horror of the Turks, and now the island will receive a terrible vengeance. Henry must start at once to reach Sidra before Ibrahim's team.The departure date was finally set for October 21. A few days before his departure, according to the agreement, the young officer came to Elizondo and proposed to his daughter.He told him frankly that Haddina would be delighted if he agreed to the marriage.All that was left was his permission to hold the wedding when Henry returned.Hopefully he won't be gone for too long. The owner of the bank was very clear about the young officer's life experience, social status, property status, and his family's influence in France. Business.As for property, Henry didn't mention it, and he would never take the initiative to bring it up. He had no objection to the marriage itself, since it was his responsibility to make his daughter happy. All this was talked about with great indifference, but the main terms were agreed.Henry now had Elizondo's promise, and the father had his daughter's thanks, though he said it with his usual cool tone. The progress of the matter made the two young men very satisfied, and it should be said that Kechalis was the happiest. He cried like a child, and really wanted to hug the young officer tightly. Henry's time with Hadzina was running out, and he had decided to take a brig from the east coast, and the sailing time was scheduled to sail from Corfu to Hydra on the 21st of this month.Needless to say what happened to those last days in the old house.The two men kept together for a moment, and talked endlessly in that gloomy hall, and their dignified air imbued these conversations with touching tenderness and moderated serious topics.The future already belongs to them together, but what separates them is the present, so they have to face the present calmly. They calculate good luck and bad luck, but they are not discouraged and do not intend to bow their heads.They were all excited when it came to what Henry was going to do. On the night of October 20th, which was the eve of departure, they chatted together and were very excited, because the young officer was about to leave the next day. Suddenly, Kechalis ran into the living room.He could barely speak, panting heavily, he came running, I don't know how fast he ran!Relying on his strong legs, he ran across the city in just a few minutes, until he reached the old house at the end. "What's the matter with you? . . . What's the matter, Kechalis? . . . Why are you so excited?" asked Haddina. "I heard... I heard... a message!... an important... a very important news!" "Say it!...Say it! Kechalis!" It was Henry's turn to be anxious, because he didn't know whether it was good news or bad news. "I can't tell!...I can't breathe!..." Kechalis was panting so hard that his throat was blocked. "About the war news?" asked the girl, taking his hand. "Yes Yes……!" "Then tell it! . . . " she went on, "tell me, my good Chalice . . . what is the matter?" "The Turks . . . lost the battle . . . at Navarino today!" In this way, Henry and Haddina got the news of the October 20 naval battle. Elizondo walked into the living room amidst the noise of Kechalis, and when he heard what happened, he couldn't help but pursed his lips tightly, his scalp swollen, but he didn't express his mood, but the young man would Full of joy poured out.News of Navarino quickly spread throughout Corfu.Through telegrams sent into the air along the coast of Albania, people soon knew the details of the battle. The British and French fleets plus the Russian fleet, with a total of 27 ships and 1276 cannons, attacked the Ottoman fleet moored in Navarino. Although Turkey had the upper hand in numbers...they had 60 giant warships with a total of 1994 cannons ...but he was beaten until he fled with his head in his arms.Many ships were blown up and sunk along with the soldiers on board.It seems that Ibrahim's wishful thinking of counting on the navy to help him attack Sidra has completely failed. This is really a major event for the Greeks, and it can also be said to be a major turning point in the cause of independence and the beginning of a new stage.Although the powers did not intend to destroy the Sultanate completely, what is certain is that their agreement finally liberated Greece from Ottoman rule, and it is also certain that it will not be long before the new dynasty will be self-governing. In the banker's old house, Hadzina, Henry and Kechalis clapped their hands and looked forward to the future.They were as happy as the whole city, and the sound of Navarino's cannons guaranteed the independence that the children of Greece aspired to. This victory of the Alliance of Great Powers, or to put it another way - the disastrous defeat of the Turkish Navy - changed the plans of the young officers, and Ibrahim would definitely give up his attempt to attack Sidra, which was obviously no longer a problem. From this point of view, Henry had to change his original plan, and he no longer needed to go to Sidra to join Fabvier.He decided to stay in Corfu and wait for the changes brought about by the Battle of Navano. In any case, the fate of Greece is beyond doubt, and Europe will not let it be destroyed.Before long, the Crescent Banner will give way to the Independence Banner throughout the Greek peninsula.Ibrahim has shrunk to the center of the Peloponnese and several cities along the coast, and the time to be completely driven out is just around the corner. In this way, Henry doesn't have to go anywhere on the peninsula.Colonel Fabvier was preparing to leave Mytilene to pursue the Turks on the Isle of Theo, but the Colonel's preparations were not yet complete, and the Congress was soon to be completed, so there was no immediate departure. The young officer's analysis of the situation was roughly the same, and Khadzina agreed with him, so there was no reason to delay the wedding, and the banker had no objection to it, so the date was fixed in ten days' time, that is, at the end of October. It is needless to say here what feelings the approach of the wedding day produced in the minds of the betrothed couple, and there was no longer any need to go to war, and Henry might have been killed.Hadzina doesn't have to look forward to it every day and wait in pain!But the happiest of the whole family, if you can count it, was C. Chalice.Perhaps he himself would not have been so happy to be married, and even the banker, who never showed his affection and was always ruthless, seemed quite satisfied.Because her daughter's future is guaranteed. It was agreed that the marriage might be simpler, and that it was not necessary to invite the whole town, as neither Haddina nor Henry wanted to have too many witnesses of their happiness.But there was always some preparation to be done, and they prepared unassumingly. On October 23, there are still 7 days until the big day, everything is going well, there will be no obstacles, and there will be no further delays.But then something happened that would have upset them if they found out. On this day, Elizondo found a letter in the morning mail. This letter obviously gave him an unexpected blow. He tore up the letter and burned it, but this is enough to show that people like him do not easily express their emotions. What kind of shock did people receive. He seemed to say to himself: "Why doesn't this letter arrive in eight days? Damn the man who wrote it!"