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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mabel, Vol. III (of 3), by Emma Newby
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Mabel, Vol. III (of 3)
+       A Novel
+
+Author: Emma Newby
+
+Release Date: April 3, 2012 [EBook #39359]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MABEL, VOL. III (OF 3) ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Paula Franzini and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was produced from images generously made
+available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                       MABEL.
+
+                      A Novel,
+
+                 BY EMMA WARBURTON.
+
+                _IN THREE VOLUMES._
+
+                      VOL. III.
+
+                       LONDON:
+          THOMAS CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER,
+        30, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE.
+
+                        1854.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  CHAPTER I                   1
+  CHAPTER II                 21
+  CHAPTER III                46
+  CHAPTER IV                 88
+  CHAPTER V                 102
+  CHAPTER VI                123
+  CHAPTER VII               154
+  CHAPTER VIII              172
+  CHAPTER IX                193
+  CHAPTER X                 220
+  CHAPTER XI                247
+  CHAPTER XII               257
+
+
+
+
+MABEL
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+                    To your household Gods
+  Return! for by their altars Virtue dwells,
+  And Happiness with her.
+
+
+There was something so pleasant in the feeling of the cheerful fire,
+that Mabel, who, for many days, had been up early and late, could not
+resist its influence; her thoughts began to wander from the book which
+she had again taken up; her heavy eyelids closed, and she fell asleep.
+
+Again she was, where memory often carried her, in their happy cottage at
+Aston; she was again kneeling by her sister's side, holding her little
+hand in hers, and watching her tranquil sleep. Again the rumbling sound
+of many feet, and many voices, stole upon her ear, the air was thick
+with smoke--a smell of burning, and then, again, that fearful, hoarse,
+deafening cry of "fire."
+
+She again awoke, startled at the sound, and, before she could analyse
+her remembrance, or distinguish the past from the present, she perceived
+that she was in flames. Her dress had fallen too near the fire, and had
+become ignited. Lucy was at the door, screaming fire, and calling wildly
+on the names of all in the house, for assistance. Caroline rushed to
+her, but retreated with a scream, just as Hargrave, who had been
+attracted by the sound of his name, came towards them. Quickly passing
+her, as she remained screaming with terror, he was by Mabel's side in an
+instant, and wrapping his powerful arms around her, he laid her on the
+floor as if she had been a child; then, folding the rug over her, he
+very soon succeeded in extinguishing the flames.
+
+Caroline, reassured, now entered the room, and Lucy pattered back again,
+with her naked feet, into bed, and drew the curtains closely round her.
+
+"Why, she has fainted!" cried Caroline; "and see how her chest is
+burnt," she added, tremblingly pulling aside the dress, which gave way
+to her touch, and displayed a scar upon her fair bosom. Hargrave turned
+aside his head, but she saw that he was pale, and that his hand trembled
+as he supported the senseless form of the beautiful girl. "Look," added
+Caroline, directing his attention again to her, "I shall remove this
+chain, for I am sure it will hurt her."
+
+It was a small linked, gold chain, of African workmanship; and when
+Caroline drew it from her neck, she perceived that it was attached to a
+simple gold locket, large enough to contain a portrait. Holding it up,
+she said, laughingly:--
+
+"Here is a secret; I must have just one little peep."
+
+As she said this, she applied her finger to the spring, and was about to
+unclasp it, when Hargrave, suffering Mabel's head to rest upon the
+floor, started forward, and putting his arms round her, not only
+arrested her purpose, but took the locket from her hand, thrusting it,
+as he did so, into his bosom.
+
+"It is sacred," he said, trying nervously to smile away Caroline's
+rising anger; and anxious to avoid a retort, he took Mabel in his arms,
+and carried her to the next room, where, laying her upon the sofa, he
+begged Caroline to watch her till he should return with a medical man.
+
+The poor girl was not long left to the care of so angry a nurse, for the
+good-natured cook, upon whom she had made a very favourable impression,
+hurried up-stairs, and busily tried her numerous list of restoratives
+from fainting. She brought with her, too, a plate of raw potatoes, and a
+knife.
+
+"And if," she said, "Miss Villars would but scrape a little of them,
+there was no knowing how it would cure the pain."
+
+Caroline forced herself to comply, but knowing the stain which her fair
+fingers might sustain from such an employment, she drew on a pair of
+white gloves to protect them.
+
+"Only look at her pretty neck now," lamented the cook, in tones at once
+of admiration and pity, which sounded ill in her young mistress's
+ears--rather as if she intended to detract in some way from her own
+acknowledged beauty--and she contemplated, with some uneasiness, the
+fair white bosom, and the beautifully rounded arm, which the cook was
+regarding with so much complacency.
+
+Mabel soon, however, opened her eyes again, and looked wonderingly about
+her; when she saw how Caroline was employed, she smiled, almost with a
+look of gladness, as she eagerly thanked her for the trouble she was
+taking for her.
+
+Mr. Mildman, the medical attendant of the family, soon made his
+appearance, and, after a slight examination, dispelled every fear of any
+serious consequences, commended the skill of the cook, and said he
+should not interfere with her remedy, except, indeed, by a little
+soothing medicine, or, perhaps, a little ointment to allay the
+irritation of the burn, gently commiserated with Mabel on the terror she
+had suffered, made a few jocose compliments to Caroline on her
+usefulness, and hurried away again.
+
+"I thought," said Caroline, returning to the sitting-room, "that Mabel
+professed to have too strong a mind to faint for such a trifle--Mr.
+Mildman says it is a mere nothing."
+
+"If," said Hargrave, severely, "you had as many bitter recollections
+connected with that terrible word 'fire' as she has, poor orphan, you
+would believe that the strongest nerves would fail, sometimes."
+
+Mrs. Villars looked entreatingly at her, and managed, by dint of many
+signs, to suppress the angry reply which was rising to her lips. This
+she the more easily did, as Hargrave seemed bent on making her forget
+the rudeness of which he had been guilty; he laughed and talked and
+sang, and did whatever they asked him, with so good a grace, that, in a
+few minutes, he succeeded in restoring her good humour, even to her own
+surprise, and led by his example, and rejoicing in its magic effect, the
+whole party were soon in the gayest spirits--though none gayer than
+Hargrave himself.
+
+Meanwhile, Mabel, having escaped from the hands of the cook, who wished
+to imprison her to the sofa, returned to Lucy's room--and, fearing that
+she might be prevented from remaining with her, suppressed every
+sensation of the acute pain she was suffering, lest, perhaps, she might
+lose the only opportunity of winning the wounded heart of the wilful and
+fickle girl.
+
+Had the high mental abilities she possessed, usurped the power over her
+heart, which her fond father had once feared, she might have looked on
+her companion's sorrows with contempt, as she saw her, by turns,
+forgetting, without contending with affliction, at others, bending
+before it in despair. But the path of sorrow had not been trodden by her
+in vain. Under its chastising influence, she had learnt the softer
+feelings most fitting a woman's nature, and could see, with childish
+simplicity, the value of a single spark of Heavenly flame above all the
+mental light, which, without it, might illuminate a world. She had
+placed, with careful hands, the veil of charity over eyes which could
+have detected faults under the shrewdest disguise; and, while she could
+not hide from herself the fact that Lucy was selfish, weak, and vain,
+she hoped, and, perhaps, not unjustly, that a better nature might
+slumber beneath, waiting but the kindly culture of a friendly hand to
+call it into life and being.
+
+As she now sat, trying to read, her companion watched her with covert
+attention, and, as thoughts of high and holy purpose spread their
+influence over her countenance, she regarded her with wonder, not
+unmingled with awe and pleasure.
+
+Then she perceived, with some curiosity, that Mabel raised her hand to
+her neck, while an expression of pain died upon her lips; then, as if
+recollecting herself, the hand wandered in search of something, and, not
+finding it, she rose, and looked about the room, and then in the next,
+but returned again, disappointed.
+
+"What are you looking for?" enquired Lucy, at length, seeing how
+troubled her face became.
+
+She started at perceiving she was noticed, and replied, with ill
+affected carelessness--
+
+"I had a chain round my neck which I can't find."
+
+"Oh," said Lucy, "that is quite safe--for Henry has it for you."
+
+"How did he get it?" said Mabel, her face and neck suffused with deep
+crimson.
+
+"Caroline wanted to look at it--but, just as she was going to raise the
+spring of the locket to see what was in it, he put his arms round her,
+and took it from her--not very polite certainly--but your locket is
+safe--for I do not suppose he will look at it, as he took it from
+Caroline."
+
+Mabel covered her face with her hands, and Lucy saw, with surprise, that
+tears were trickling through her fingers--but presently she brushed them
+aside, exclaiming--
+
+"How silly to be put out by such a trifle--promise me, dear Lucy, not to
+say how vexed I was at nothing."
+
+"No, Mabel--it would indeed be unkind to notice the few unreasonable
+moods in which you ever indulge."
+
+Neither said more at that time--and Lucy, as had been her habit lately,
+was silent for some hours.
+
+The evening had closed in, Mabel had excused herself from appearing at
+the dinner-table; and, as it was now too dark to see to read or work,
+she laid aside her book, and seated herself to remain awhile unoccupied.
+Then Lucy raised herself a little, and leaning her head upon one hand,
+looked attentively at her, while she said, in a low tone--
+
+"I have been thinking, these long, long days, of all the wrong I have
+ever done you. Nay, do not interrupt me--let me condemn myself as I
+deserve. When I first went to Aston, I well remember how kindly you
+tried to make me happy, even while I was turning you into ridicule, in
+order that I might prevent Captain Clair admiring you. With the wish to
+shew my superior nerve, and spirit for fun, I persisted in being one
+great cause of poor Amy's accident, while I called you prudish and old
+maidish. When I was in despair, you turned from your own grief to
+comfort mine; and yet so selfish was I still, that when I refused to
+leave you to nurse alone, it was only because I loved Captain Clair.
+When I found he loved you, I left you without remorse--and, oh! when she
+was dying--the poor child I had helped to murder--I was acting a part at
+a fancy ball, without one thought but of the admiration I excited. You
+came here. I felt, at first, that I could have done anything to please
+you; but I soon forgot you again--for I was once more infatuated, and
+could see nothing, think of nothing, but Beauclerc. I left you alone, to
+contend with my sisters, who were prejudiced against you--and when you
+interfered, for my good, I met you with peevishness and ill-humour. And
+how have I been punished--that very ball was the beginning of my
+unhappiness. When I went to the fancy ball, I deserved to meet
+Beauclerc, and to be deceived in him as I have been. And now, mother and
+sisters all desert me--none can bear to witness the workings of such a
+frivolous mind as mine--none stand by me--none care for me--but you, you
+whom I have most injured--no one but you thinks my spirit worth
+preserving from its sin and worldliness. Oh, Mabel, you have entirely
+conquered me--but I dare not promise anything--I am so very, very weak."
+
+"It is for such a moment as this," replied Mabel, "that I have waited and
+watched. Lucy, you are dear to me, because I have thought and prayed for
+you so long. I know how difficult it is to do right, when you have long
+done wrong; but I know, that if you try, there is no difficulty you will
+not overcome."
+
+"And if I do not try," said Lucy, tears gathering in her eyes, "what is
+to become of me; I leave nothing but trifling and despair behind me.
+Only point out some way by which I can shew I repent, for I know I must
+be doing something, or I shall fall back into idle habits again--only
+point out something for me to begin with, and I will get up
+to-morrow--for I am not ill--only unhappy."
+
+"I can tell you, then," said Mabel, "of one social duty, of which you
+never think, and, without performing it, I can scarcely believe that a
+blessing can rest either on your worldly fortune, or your eternal hopes.
+Pardon me for speaking severely--but why has your father, upon whose
+hardly earned wealth you have rested so much of your pleasure, why is he
+left alone to feel that no one cares for him?"
+
+"But, do you think he would care for my company? and, besides, you are
+always with him."
+
+"He would indeed care, if you would but try to please him--and I shall
+give up my place, when you are ready to take it. Indeed, my duty lies
+elsewhere, and I must soon obey its call. I would not have any one
+ignorant of their real talents through false modesty," she continued,
+"because they are weapons lent us by Heaven, which we must either use,
+or abuse, or leave to rust in our hands. You know you have a winning
+way, when you like--it has been your snare in society--but it may make
+your peace at home."
+
+"I will try," cried Lucy, smiling, "no one can give comfort as you can;
+but I will not talk, I have wasted too much on words already."
+
+"But one thing more," said Mabel--"can you bear now to let me speak of
+Mr. Beauclerc?"
+
+"I meant to have forgotten him," replied Lucy, shrinkingly; "but what of
+him?"
+
+"He has written to me--and, if you will let me, I should like you to
+hear his letter."
+
+"Very well then," she returned, but her countenance had fallen.
+
+Mabel read--
+
+Lucy blushed when she came to the commendation of "her artless candour
+and ingenuousness."
+
+"Well," she said, "I forgive him, he can ask no more."
+
+"Nor does he," replied Mabel, "but you can do more, and I strongly
+advise you to do so. It would not only be generous, but prudent, to aid
+in making a reconciliation between him and his wife; for, if he
+reflects, and the world comments on your conduct, it had better be on
+your generosity than on any thing else. I carefully bring forward these
+motives, because it is dangerous to pique oneself on doing a noble
+thing, when, being prudent, it serves our own purpose. Will you do this,
+dear Lucy?"
+
+"I will try," said she, very slowly, as if with difficulty, "but Millie
+and I have quarrelled."
+
+"She had cause for irritation, if she believed that you were flirting
+with her husband; and I am sure you can allow for any thing she may have
+said under that impression; for, without intending it, how greatly you
+must have pained her."
+
+"Yes, Mabel, yes, I have pained every body and lost my own peace as
+well. Oh, what would I give to be conscience free--free from all the
+petty wickedness of which I have been guilty. Believe me, all the time
+that Beauclerc seemed flirting, he was only talking seriously, and he
+never would have been so much with me had I not attracted him by a
+thousand artifices--pleading my own ignorance and great admiration for
+his talent, which I really felt, but ought not to have spoken. But you
+will not reproach me, for I am bitterly punished, and even your contempt
+is disarmed. I will go to Millie, yes, I will do every thing so that I
+may win peace at last. Oh that to-morrow were come; but, that it may be
+blessed, I will pray to-night. Now, dearest Mabel, do go to bed, you
+look so pale and ill, and I have been talking and keeping you up, and
+how your poor neck must pain you--I shall ring for that good tempered
+cook to come and dress it for you."
+
+"Good night love." And so the girls parted for the night.
+
+To-morrow came, and Lucy rose, pale, but composed, and this satisfied
+Mabel more than any greater display of ardour.
+
+"It is difficult," she said, turning from the mirror, which reflected
+back her altered features, "but it may bring me peace. Give me your arm,
+Mabel dear, and then we will go to the study--my face will look strange
+there, after that of the intellectual Mabel."
+
+"Hush and take courage, we shall see which will be the favorite soon.
+Believe me, much as I value my uncle's favor, I shall be glad to resign
+it to you, if we cannot both be loved."
+
+"Do not make me cry," returned Lucy, "I have shed tears enough--see how
+heavy my eyelids look."
+
+Arm-in-arm they proceeded to the study, where Mr. Villars was seated at
+his work, no longer a disappointed student. He looked up, with a little
+surprise, on seeing Lucy, but, without a moment's hesitation, she
+advanced towards him, and, laying her hand on the table to steady
+herself, for she trembled with weakness, she said--
+
+"Papa, the world has vexed me, will you let me come to you, for then I
+shall be safe."
+
+She could scarcely have chosen a better introduction, for, had she
+offered her services and her company, both would probably have been now
+declined; but Mr. Villars was a kind-hearted man, and the speech touched
+him, and he replied, taking her hand--
+
+"Come, my poor girl, whenever you like, for you are right in saying you
+will be safe with me, and I need a companion when Mabel is out of the
+way."
+
+Then Mabel drew her to her own chosen seat by the fire, and gave her a
+footstool, telling her, that, if she liked, she might go on copying
+something she had begun, and when she was tired she could tack some
+papers together, with the needle and thread which she placed ready for
+her hand, on the little table where she had laid some writing materials.
+
+As she busied herself in these little preparations, it was beautiful to
+see how her cheek flushed with rich color, and how bright her eye
+sparkled, and then, as she gently moved away and left them to
+themselves, how cheerfully she looked back upon them; as if, in that
+kindly glance, she left a blessing behind her, when she departed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+  Ridicule is a weak weapon, when levelled at a strong mind.
+
+
+Trusting that this introduction to her father's study might be to Lucy
+the beginning of a life of usefulness and activity, Mabel took her work
+to the common sitting-room, which, during Lucy's illness, she had rarely
+entered. But now she began to feel conscious, that solitude, and
+retirement were becoming too dear to her, and she resolved, rather to
+court, than avoid the society which the house afforded, however
+uncongenial it might be.
+
+She found the sisters at work, or rather, at something which might
+better be termed an excuse for work. Caroline was leaning over her
+embroidery frame, engaged in talking with Selina, who was twisting silk
+over a small lyre, intended for the formation of a watch guard, which
+was to be presented, not to any person in particular, but as a
+gratifying remembrance to any old gentleman, at whose house she might
+next have the pleasure of staying. Maria was hemming a silk
+pocket-handkerchief, covered with innumerable foxes-heads; intended,
+perhaps, for some gay hunting friend.
+
+They all looked up upon her entrance, as if to say, they scarcely cared
+for this addition to their party, and were not very pleased to see, that
+she had relieved herself from the restraints of her sick-room
+attendance. If this caused, for an instant, a painful sensation, she
+instantly checked the thought, with that ready self-controul, which she
+had taught herself to exercise, ever since she had been old enough to
+observe the unhappiness caused to her mother, by too great an indulgence
+of her original sensitiveness of disposition, which, from its extreme
+delicacy, could scarcely venture into the every day world without
+carrying back to retirement food for reflection and regret. She was,
+therefore, prepared to meet the world in all its roughness, and had
+saved herself from a great deal of trouble and annoyance, by never
+taking offence till it was too plain to be mistaken; and, from the
+effects of this early curb upon her temper, she had almost begun to
+believe the world as kind as her own warm-hearted zeal would have made
+it.
+
+Taking her seat by Maria, who was a little apart from her sisters, she
+offered her assistance in her work. Even Maria had learnt to abate
+something, in her presence, of her natural sharpness--and she received
+the offer with something like politeness.
+
+"There," she said, carelessly selecting a pocket-handkerchief from the
+bundle which lay at her feet; "if you like to take the trouble, you will
+save mine, for I am heartily tired of them."
+
+Mabel's nimble fingers were soon engaged, while Maria gave her a
+ludicrous account of the fatigue she had been enduring.
+
+"I am no great worker," she said; "and this long side has taken me more
+than an hour, moaning bitterly all the time; but, then, I reflect, that
+as I am no beauty, I must do penance, since being agreeable is in
+fashion just now; and if I did not keep Mamma on tenter-hooks, expecting
+an offer now and then, a sorry life I should lead. So, with these
+pleasing thoughts, I turn again to the everlasting hem, where the silk
+will unravel for ever, provoking the deploring eyes of a hundred foxes,
+which I think must be the ghosts of all the men who are mourning, not
+that I jilted them poor fools, but _tout au contraire_. Well-a-day, I
+think I was made for hunting foxes rather than fox hunters. There, I
+shall rest while you are working for me."
+
+So saying, she took up a novel which lay open on the table, and which
+had occupied her attention at intervals--placed her feet upon a chair,
+and soon became quite absorbed.
+
+Mabel excelled in needle work, for in her own home her fingers had never
+been idle, when her mind had not been seriously occupied. Many a light,
+happy hour had she passed in superintending the domestic requirements of
+their cottage, or in exercising her ingenuity, to supply the want of new
+fashions, on a cap for her mother, or a dress for herself or Amy, and
+now, with the rapidity of habit, she ran over the ground which Maria had
+found so heavy, in comparison with the more tempting pages of the light
+book by her side.
+
+Her companions, however, were not very agreeable, for Caroline and
+Selina were carrying on a whispered conversation, and occasionally a
+word reached her, only sufficiently distinct to make her guess, that she
+was the subject of observation; together with half uttered allusions to
+landing-place conversations, slyness, &c., which made her cheeks tingle
+rather unpleasantly. Once too, Caroline had asked her what had become of
+Lucy, in a tone which seemed to imply that her duty was to be with her,
+forgetful that, if so, the duty was self-imposed.
+
+She was then not a little relieved when the loud sounding bell announced
+a visitor.
+
+After a longer delay than usual a gentleman was introduced by the name
+of "Morley." All eyes turned instantly upon him, and Mabel's were
+interested in a moment. He was short in stature, and the bony strength
+of his limbs, joined to great leanness, gave his person an angular
+appearance. His features were strongly marked, the flesh had shrunk
+from the high cheek-bone, leaving it more strikingly a feature of his
+face; while his complexion bore the bronze of many an Eastern sun,
+heedlessly encountered, for it was nearly copper colored. This, and a
+slight stoop in the shoulder, gave him an appearance of age; while his
+hair of untinged black, the arched eyebrow, and piercing eye, spoke
+almost of youthfulness. That eye was the single attraction of his face,
+and so rigidly still was every other feature, that it seemed the only
+weapon of offence or defence, made to express the hasty fire of an
+enthusiastic mind, or the milder sensations of the heart beneath. If it
+closed, it left the countenance in stern and harsh composure, with
+something upon it that spoke contempt of pleasure and defiance of pain;
+as if, upon the rack, every nerve had been wound up for endurance of
+severest trial, and utterly refused a compromise. But open, that eye
+gazing with all its power, it forced the observer's thoughts back upon
+himself, and seemed there to detect the slightest shade of falsehood or
+deceit, which might before have slumbered unperceived.
+
+His dress too, partook of his singularity, for it seemed made for a
+stouter and taller man, and hung loosely about him, in shabby _neglige_;
+and over all he wore a kind of thick Spanish cloak, which, like his
+face, had had a tolerable share of wear and sunshine, and helped, with
+all the other ingredients of face, figure, and dress, to mark him for a
+"character."
+
+All the girls were a little surprised. Selina assumed, with admirable
+quickness, her pretty mean-nothing smile, and Maria laid down her book,
+and, being in the back-ground, indulged in a full stare; while Caroline
+said she feared there was some mistake, as her mamma was not acquainted
+with the name.
+
+"Very possibly," replied Mr. Morley, "but I conclude your servant acted
+by your orders when he said, that if I wanted to wait for Colonel
+Hargrave I had better do so here."
+
+Caroline slightly colored, as she was fully aware that any gentleman of
+marriageable rank and age had rather too free an introduction to the
+house, and was seldom allowed to leave it without having had a tolerable
+opportunity of falling in love. This general desire of the mistress to
+admit all gentlemen, was pretty well known to Jones, their accomplished
+serving man, who had been in the family long enough to comprehend and
+half sympathise with its views; and he seldom suffered a stranger's call
+to end without admittance to the drawing-room by some clever mistake.
+And without too severe a scrutiny of Mr. Morley's appearance, beyond the
+intuitive feeling that he was a gentleman (a point in which servants
+seldom err) he had persuaded him that it would be better for him to wait
+for Colonel Hargrave in the sitting-room, where the young ladies were.
+But Caroline was not quite so quick in this discovery, and treated him
+with an air of condescending haughtiness, as she said--
+
+"If you wish to speak with the Colonel, pray take a seat; he is only
+gone to put a letter in the post for me, and I expect him back
+directly."
+
+Satisfied with this display of her influence, she bowed to a chair which
+Mabel, springing up, instantly gave him; for, quickly reading the
+gentleman under the disguise of eccentricity, she was anxious to atone
+for Caroline's manner, which too plainly testified her idea that he was
+a tradesman calling for orders, or a supplicant, begging pecuniary
+assistance.
+
+"Thank you, Miss Lesly," said he, in a voice of peculiar depth and
+melody.
+
+The sisters exchanged glances. So little do we naturally like to be
+overlooked by the most indifferent people, on the most indifferent
+occasions, that Caroline's eye grew dark as she imagined that her cousin
+had already become an object of remark; forgetting that the difference
+in her dress might easily distinguish the orphan.
+
+The mention of her name seemed to Mabel to claim something like
+acquaintance, and, seeing that her cousins were unwilling to shew him
+any politeness, she at once endeavoured to draw him into conversation.
+At first he seemed to pay little attention to the trifling subjects,
+which, at the commencement of a conversation, almost necessarily form an
+introduction to others; but, at length, as if roused by the tones of her
+sweet voice, he eagerly entered upon a topic of foreign interest, which
+she casually mentioned, with as much eloquence and enthusiasm as he had
+before shewn indifference.
+
+Mabel, at the same time, shewed that she was perfect mistress of the
+subject she had introduced, in all its details, and, without once
+violating that delicate calmness in debate, which feminine modesty
+should never exceed, she drew out his opinions, and stated her own,
+with so much truth and elegance, that Maria laid down her book, and
+listened with wondering attention.
+
+In a house where every thing was display, Mabel had never yet found or
+sought, an opportunity of shewing the talents, which vigilant and
+miscellaneous reading had richly cultivated. She had infused, rather
+than spoken, her sentiments, but now, her tongue unloosed by the evident
+pleasure she was giving, and her mind recalled to old subjects of
+interest, she spoke as if a sudden spell had wakened her energy.
+
+"I see," said Mr. Morley, after watching, in silence, the flushed cheek
+and sparkling eye which added emphasis and sincerity to what she said,
+"I see that you would tell me that 'Honesty is the best policy,' in
+public as in private life. If there were many women in this world who
+could enforce this doctrine in the same manner, we should not so often
+see, the husbands, brothers, and sons, of old England, erring from that
+golden rule. Cherish such sentiments, for the fountain of the heart
+should be pure and holy, since the current of the world can so soon soil
+its waters. I can better excuse an erring practice than an erring
+principle, for the one may be the result of a thousand strong and bitter
+temptations, but the other must be the effect of ignorant or wilful
+wickedness and ingratitude. The good may fall seven times in a day,
+indeed, but the man of corrupt principle is too low to fall at all. If
+you feel as you speak, and act as you feel, you are a noble girl, and
+worthy to be a statesman's wife."
+
+Every word which he uttered with the tone of unquestioned authority,
+went, like a poisoned sting, to Caroline's heart. She bent over her
+work, with affected contempt, but she would have given much, if, at that
+moment, she could have struck him as the Asiatic would a slave. Greatly,
+too, to her mortification, she saw the side door, which connected the
+room in which they were sitting, with the drawing-room beyond, open,
+and Hargrave entered.
+
+"Pardon me, my dear sir," he said, hurrying to Mr. Morley, and taking
+his hand; "but as I came to meet you, the sound of your voice
+overpowered me--and, waiting to recover myself, I overheard part of the
+conversation in which you were engaged."
+
+As he said this, he turned his eyes towards Mabel, perhaps expecting, to
+see something in her countenance, of the animation expressed by her
+words; but her face was suffused, as with the brightness of the rose,
+shrouded by evening dew--her eyes were bent on the ground--and, as if,
+like that lovely flower, her head were too heavy for her slender neck to
+support, she bent it also beneath his glance. Could this be the
+tranquil, self-commanding Mabel, blushing, perhaps, because she
+perceived, that, while seeking to draw a timid stranger into
+conversation, she had been insensibly gratifying the same wish, on his
+part, and had been, unconsciously, displaying her own powers to his
+observation.
+
+Mr. Morley gently touched the arm of the younger man, who turned round,
+as if to introduce him to Miss Villars--but, as he did so, the hall-bell
+again announced a visitor.
+
+"Come, my dear sir," he then said, changing his purpose, "come to my
+room, before we are inveigled into fashionable talk--I must have you all
+to myself."
+
+And he dragged rather than led him from the room, just as Mr. Stokes, a
+sporting gentleman from Gloucestershire, was announced.
+
+Maria started from her lazy position, flung aside her book, and darting
+to Mabel, snatched the pocket-handkerchief she was hemming from her
+hand, almost disordering her hair by the violence of the action, and
+then hurriedly seated herself, as if she had been working. This little
+diversion, in her favor, was covered by the retreat of the two
+gentlemen, and the necessary pause at the door, as the one party
+retreated, and Mr. Stokes entered, whip in hand, with splashed boots,
+and the dress which most became him, his red hunting coat, which gave
+point to his blunt, off-hand manners.
+
+Mabel pitied, and struggled, with her accustomed gentleness, to excuse
+her cousin's rudeness, as she listened to Mr. Stokes's blunt compliment
+on Maria's needle-work, and his animated account of the chace, from
+which he had just ridden home.
+
+Some accidental allusion to Gloucestershire soon told him that Mabel was
+from his native country--and being a great lover of everything that
+seemed like home, he began talking to her so fast, that she had little
+need to say anything to help forward the conversation. Maria was
+evidently annoyed--and Mabel did her best to be silent; but it was an
+unfortunate afternoon, and seemed destined to make her worse enemies
+than she had before. Her silence could not be imputed to stupidity by
+the dullest, who looked in her face; and the squire, charmed with the
+idea of having made her shy, which he deemed the effect of something in
+himself, and, at the same time, feeling the charm of retreating beauty,
+pursued what he deemed an amusing advantage, addressed all his jokes and
+stories to her, and called for her approval of his quotations from their
+county dialect, which were so inimitable and so familiar, that she could
+no longer suppress her smiles. Maria bit her lips to conceal her
+vexation. True, he laughed just as immoderately over the use she made of
+the whimsical slang of the day--called her a "funny fellow," and taught
+her pretty oaths, which, after all, are but a kind of paper currency for
+sin. Yet, when he spoke to Mabel, he insensibly assumed more respect for
+himself and her; for few men are so quick at discovering where respect
+is really due, as those who are the most ready to lay it aside, when in
+their power to do so.
+
+Maria was shrewd and penetrating. Her self-love had received too many
+rebuffs in the gay world in which she lived, to blind her to the
+truth--and she had not listened more than one tedious hour--for the
+Squire paid long visits--before she discovered that she had made a fatal
+mistake in his character. She soon perceived that neither the roughness
+of his manners, nor the random style of his conversation, had left him
+insensible to the purity of a deep, blue eye, or the magic influence of
+feminine delicacy and refinement.
+
+And was it to win the heart of such a man that she had so studiously
+dropped the little she had possessed of feminine reserve, to adopt the
+coarser and freer manners which she had imagined a sportsman would most
+admire. She felt the ground was lost, which she had no power to
+retrieve, and her spirit chafed, with all the bitterness and
+mortification which those must feel, who have in any way debased
+themselves to obtain any worldly object, and are conscious of it only
+when they find themselves disappointed. She would have been still more
+chagrined could she have divined that nothing but her having so rudely
+snatched the handkerchief had given a turn to Mabel's thoughts, and
+prevented her leaving the room, since by doing so, she would have
+appeared either snubbed or affronted.
+
+Poor Maria! she had never believed herself so near marriage before.
+
+Scarcely had they reached this height of discomfort, when another
+morning visitor was introduced--Miss Lovelace, with a multitudinous
+number of light ringlets and narrow flounces. With a nod to Maria, which
+meant--"I see you are better engaged," she took her seat near the two
+elder girls, and was soon deep in an account of a charming ball, which
+she had attended the night before, with which she mixed many hints of
+her own conquests, together, with her indignation at all the spiteful
+things people said of her, and the Misses Villars.
+
+After talking, with the utmost rapidity, for half-an-hour, she suddenly
+changed her tone to one of commiseration, as she enquired--
+
+"And how is poor Lucy?"
+
+"Thank you, she is down stairs to-day," replied Caroline.
+
+"Oh, I am so glad--for I heard such dismal accounts of her, last night,
+I could not help coming to see how she was. I won't ask to see her--but
+I do so pity her."
+
+"I suppose her story is half over the town," said Caroline; "silly
+girl--of course, mamma knew nothing about it, or she would have seen
+into it before."
+
+"Did not she though?" said Miss Lovelace, with great interest, gathering
+materials, as she was, for the next visit. "Why, every one saw it long
+ago, and said she was dying for him--the wretch."
+
+"And what do people say now?" lisped Selina, as if she were talking of
+the reputation of a hair pin instead of that of a sister.
+
+"Why, you know, now, the truth is in every one's mouth--quite the talk
+of the day. How it was known that he was married, I cannot tell--but my
+maid told me--and all my partners were talking of it last night. I told
+young Philips I would never waltz with him again, if he did not find
+some innocent way of murdering Mrs. Beauclerc, and bringing Lucy's love
+affair to a happy conclusion. And the best of it is, young Philips
+himself has been as bad, for he has been wandering up and down the
+Circus like a mad thing, for this month past, trying to catch a sight of
+Miss Foster, and contented if he only saw her shadow pass the window."
+
+Here they all laughed, and Mr. Stokes chimed in.
+
+"What is that story about Miss Lucy Villars and Mr. Beauclerc? I heard
+something of it at the hunt, from young farmer Sykes--but I thought it
+might be delicate ground."
+
+Mabel did not wait to hear the answer to this last remark--for when the
+sisters so coolly deserted the standard of delicacy, she felt she had no
+right to interfere; and blushing, more for them than for Lucy, she left
+the room, rather too precipitately--for Mr. Stokes, having, the minute
+before, whispered a compliment, which she had been too occupied even to
+hear, he attributed her flight to the sudden admiration she was
+conscious she was exciting. As the door closed upon her, he remembered
+how often he had joined Caroline and Maria, in laughing over the
+eccentricities of their country cousin, whom he had never before
+seen--and, fearing a repetition of the same remarks, or their ridicule,
+if he refused to join in them, he took up his hat, and rapidly
+apologising for having made such a complete "visitation," he wished them
+good morning, and departed, without waiting to hear more than he could
+help of Miss Lovelace's answer to his question.
+
+Mabel had no sooner escaped from the drawing-room, than she hurried to
+the study. Her first glance told her that Lucy had been exerting herself
+beyond her strength to appear cheerful and happy, for she looked pale
+and wearied; and no sooner did she see her enter, than she went to her,
+folded her arms round her, and laid her head upon her shoulder--then,
+raising it again, that she might look her in the face, and thank her for
+all her kindness to her, she burst into hysteric sobs.
+
+Mabel drew her away, led her to her own room, and caressed and soothed
+her again into tranquillity, when she made her go to bed, and then
+stopped and praised her first day's effort so warmly, that Lucy almost
+smiled her thanks.
+
+She then returned to the study, where Mr. Villars was waiting, in some
+alarm. Taking her hand, he enquired, anxiously--
+
+"How is my child?"
+
+"She is much better, dear uncle--but she is very weak, you know,
+yet--and her spirits are uncertain--though she tried to exert them, lest
+you might think her dull. I shall give her entirely to you to take care
+of now."
+
+"My good girl," he replied, with the thick, husky voice of suppressed
+emotion, "when I worked, for so many long years, at a business that I
+hated--I dreamed of such a time as this. The last few hours have been
+the happiest I have spent since my retirement. And is not this your
+doing? How true it is, that we often entertain angels unawares."
+
+She tried to speak, while tears of hallowed pleasure dimmed the sparkle
+of her deep azure eyes, her lips trembled, and her cheek flushed; then
+stooping over the hand that held hers, she kissed it, drew herself away,
+and fled from the room.
+
+She might have said to herself--"What! have I devoted so many weeks to
+his service, and yet a few hours from the truant Lucy give him more
+pleasure than all those of my unwearied service!"
+
+But no such thought, even by its most transitory influence, sullied the
+heart of the self-devoted girl.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+  Merrily, merrily,
+  Welcome and sweet,
+  Ready hearts, waiting them,
+  Sabbath chimes greet.
+  Mournfully, mournfully,
+  Yet do they fall
+  On the dull, worldly ear.
+  Deaf to their call.
+
+                   CULVER ALLEN.
+
+
+"Who is your fat friend?" enquired Caroline of Hargrave, when they met
+at dinner.
+
+"The gentleman who called this morning," he replied, drawing himself up
+with much hauteur, "is my uncle."
+
+Mrs. Villars cast a look upon her daughter, which seemed to say, half
+in entreaty, and half in reproof.
+
+"Oh, your unfortunate tongue."
+
+At the same time, Hargrave, perhaps, perceiving that Mabel's quick
+glance was upon him, suddenly changed his manner, and seemed, by the
+gentleness of his tone, anxious to apologise for the short feeling of
+anger Caroline's query had occasioned.
+
+"I had not time to introduce him this morning," he said, "before the
+entrance of Mr. Stokes; but I was otherwise going to ask my aunt to give
+him the _entree_ of the house, as he is a perfect stranger here, and his
+only object is to see me."
+
+"Oh, certainly," said Mrs. Villars, with one of her blandest
+smiles--"any friend of yours is welcome here, as a matter of course; I
+shall be delighted to know him."
+
+"He is a singular being," returned Hargrave, smiling his thanks; "and
+those only who are familiar with his peculiarities, can see through
+them, the greatness and goodness of his heart. There is no man to whom I
+owe so much--and few whom I esteem so highly."
+
+"Indeed," said Caroline, "one ought not to judge so hastily of
+strangers. I am sure, I beg your pardon, for speaking of him
+disrespectfully."
+
+Hargrave's timely change of tone had thus prevented the display of
+temper which Mabel had foreseen and dreaded.
+
+"Pray do not mention it," he rejoined, quickly; "I ought to have
+forestalled observation, by introducing him to you--and you said
+nothing, after all--I only thought you looked contemptuous--so I was too
+hasty, and it was my fault. You may, probably, never have heard of him,
+for he has not been in England for many years. He is my maternal uncle,
+the son of my grandmother, by her first husband--my own mother being a
+Lesly. I have heard that, when a very young man, he was of such
+enthusiastic temperament, that he entered the church mission, which
+took him abroad, for a long time, where, amongst heathen and savage
+life, he devoted himself to the work he had undertaken with great
+success, enduring, cheerfully, every kind of privation, being separated
+from the society of his equals, and without reserving to himself a
+single solace, but the one feeling that he was performing his duty. One
+cannot help admiring such a character," he added, hastily, as if
+excusing his energy, and concluding the last words in a tone of cold
+considerative philosophy.
+
+"Well, and has he never been home since then?" enquired Caroline.
+
+"Yes," replied Hargrave, "he returned about twenty years ago to take
+possession of a large property in Northumberland, which he inherited by
+the death of his elder brother--but after converting all that could be
+alienated into ready money, he let his house and land to a friend, upon
+whose charity to his poorer tenants, he could fully rely, and did so, at
+a rent sufficiently low to enable him to expend what otherwise might
+have come direct to him, in useful improvements. It was during his stay
+at Aston, with my father, that I first saw a little of him; but I cannot
+say I knew him till we met as strangers, a short time ago, in India,
+where I found him devoting his wealth to the advancement of
+Christianity."
+
+When he reached the last word, he uttered it in so incoherent a tone,
+that it seemed as if he had some difficulty in pronouncing it; and, as
+soon as dinner was concluded, he retreated to his room, in one of those
+moods, when, by common consent, they always left him to himself. He did
+not make his appearance again that evening; and when Caroline retired
+for the night, her chamber being above his, she could still hear the
+hasty tread up and down his room, which varied the dull silence which
+ever now and then preceded it; and next morning, when she woke, the
+first sound that greeted her ears, was the same hasty tread, resumed
+with the dawning light.
+
+It was Sunday, and knowing that Hargrave would most likely absent
+himself, as usual, for the whole day, she resisted her disposition to
+take another nap, and got up, anxious not to lose the chance of seeing
+him, and, perhaps, having a _tete-a-tete_ before breakfast.
+
+Of all the days in the week, Sunday, in that house, was the least
+comfortable, particularly at breakfast time.
+
+Every one was late, and never came down at any particular time--and
+somebody was sure to have a cold, and require breakfast sent
+up-stairs--joined, too, to all this, was the stiffness originating in
+the feeling that they were in Sunday costume, composed of dresses which
+required a great deal of care to be taken of them.
+
+Caroline often secured to herself the pleasure of giving Hargrave a cup
+of tea before the others made their appearance; and Mabel, having,
+unluckily, made her _entree_, one morning, at what she deemed so
+inopportune a period, avoided being early ever afterwards.
+
+Caroline, having, this morning, been fortunate enough to secure her
+position, made a rather ostentatious display of her care for his
+comfort.
+
+"There," she said, when he came in, "I have made you some toast--and
+your tea is quite ready--no, I mean your chocolate--for you must try
+that this morning--it is best quite hot--so I have got it in this little
+pot by the fire, for, see, I have been making it myself."
+
+"Thank you," said Hargrave, in a sufficiently discouraging tone, as he
+accepted her services.
+
+"You are a naughty boy," she returned; "you never say anything more than
+that sulky thank you."
+
+"Because I am really sorry to give you so much trouble," said he,
+sincerely; "I am so accustomed to wait on myself, that--"
+
+"Say no more, you sulky creature," cried she, with one of her blandest
+smiles; "'virtue is its own reward'--so I will give you your chocolate
+without any thanks. But I wish you would not go away to-day--do come
+with us to the Octagon?"
+
+"No, thank you--I am engaged."
+
+"Why, you are as punctual to your engagements, as if you were courting
+some country lass, in your Sunday's best. I am afraid you are doing no
+good. You are not going, I hope, to act the play of the lowly lady over
+again?"
+
+"What was that?"
+
+"Why, do you not remember the story of the young lord, pretending to be
+a country-man, or artist, or something of that kind, and so marrying a
+young lady--no, not a lady, a poor girl, I mean--and never telling her
+till he took her home to his grand house?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I do, now you speak of it. Not a bad idea, upon my word--it
+would be something novel to be certain of exciting a disinterested
+affection."
+
+Caroline's cheeks tingled--she had never got him so near the subject
+before.
+
+"Are you one of the sceptics on that point, then?" she enquired.
+
+"No--yes--well, I really do not know--but I am, at times, puzzled to
+think what makes women marry sometimes so badly, and often with so
+little consideration."
+
+"Oftener for love than you suppose," said she, leaning over his
+shoulder, to put a tempting white nub of sugar in his chocolate,
+suspending it awhile as she held it.
+
+"Perhaps so," he replied, attacking his plate of ham, which she had been
+thinly slicing for him, with very good appetite.
+
+"I suppose," said she, "having Aston Manor, and its goodly acres, tacked
+to your other accomplishments, makes you suspicious?"
+
+"Not unjustly so--no--no--I would soon contrive some test by which to
+try the woman I admired, if I doubted her. Thank you, no more chocolate,
+I am going."
+
+So saying, he rose, and drew on his gloves, and wished her good
+morning--leaving her in a pleasing reverie.
+
+"Ha, master Henry," she observed to herself; "you are not so deep, but
+you let out a secret, now and then. So you are testing me, are you--I
+understand."
+
+As she indulged these thoughts, one by one of the breakfast party
+strolled in, and conversation was soon briskly engaged in on the
+bonnets, shawls, and gloves, which they intended wearing, interspersed
+by some hints from Caroline, on the agreeable nature of her morning's
+_tete-a-tete_. Before the meal was fully concluded, the bells from the
+different churches began to ring, but, somehow, they were not in harmony
+with the voices of the little party, as, one after another, they took up
+the same solemn tune, in different notes, all speaking the same
+language, but in such harsh tones, it seemed as if the sisters disliked
+them, for they rose up hastily, and hurried off to dress for church.
+
+Neither did those bells seem to speak less harshly, when they intruded
+their voices into the quiet study; yet there was a sadness, too, about
+them, when they found Mr. Villars seated there, at his table, surrounded
+by books and papers--his inkstand, and letter-drawer, and scraps of his
+book--and wearing his dusty coat--and as his pen ran rapidly and
+unceasingly across and across the paper, they seemed to whisper, still
+in sadder, sadder tones--
+
+  "No man can do seven days' work."
+
+Perhaps he heard that whisper, for he stopped, and listened, and laid
+his hand uneasily upon his aching brow; and when he went on again,
+trying to shut out their voices, something darker and darker stole upon
+his mind, and he stopped and listened again to the same sad
+tones--sadder, sadder still--as he heeded them more and more.
+
+But merrily, merrily, merrily over the hills and green meadows--up from
+the busy town, and borne upon the rippling waters of the Avon, came
+those bells--when Mabel sat at her garret window, and looked out upon
+the small peep of blue sky, which was not shut out by the dark walls and
+tall chimney pots, which surrounded her--and as they fell upon her ear,
+they whispered--"We are glad sounds to those who listen for us as you
+do"--But back with those bells had her thoughts gone to the student, in
+his silent room--and the expression of her face grew more and more sad.
+
+"I cannot leave him there," she said, to herself; "but what can I say to
+him? Oh, is there not enough. I will tell him how he is wasting himself
+week after week without rest. I will tell him, that knowledge so
+acquired is like the manna of the wilderness, which only turned to
+corruption, when gathered on the Sabbath. Yes, surely he will listen to
+me, for truth is so plain--I will go now."
+
+The light of enthusiastic fervour brightened her saddened
+countenance--and once again stopping to take sweet counsel with the
+bells--she left her room full of strong resolve. But when she reached
+the study door, and laid her hand upon its lock, she paused,
+tremblingly. Often had she come before, on the same errand, and as often
+had retired, unheard, and disappointed at her own timidity. Now, her
+beautiful cheek flushed, and her heart beat so loudly, that she laid her
+hand upon it to still its beating; yet trembling, throbbing, uneasy, as
+was that heart, it was true to its purpose still.
+
+She had sat in her garret room for more than an hour that morning,
+thinking of what she should say--she had listened to the Sabbath bells,
+as one after another they took up the same hallowed tone--and still she
+had found no words strong enough and meek enough to speak to him. Yet
+had she come.
+
+Mr. Villars raised his head, as she entered, and, after a quick
+greeting, went on with his writing. Across and across the paper went
+the unwearying hand. She stood at the other side of the table, hoping he
+would look up and say something--but he still continued writing.
+
+On went the bells--from the venerable and gray stoned Abbey belfry--from
+the good, old-fashioned, little church of Walcot--and, far as the ear
+could reach, from the ivy-covered tower on the hill--on they went--and
+Mr. Villars continued writing--and Mabel stood irresolute, for all her
+eloquence was gone; but, at length, she stammered forth--
+
+"Uncle, will you come to church?"
+
+He looked up--her very soul was in those few words--and in the tearful
+eyes which seconded her request.
+
+On went the bells.
+
+He laid down his pen, and looked at her--but her eyes were fixed upon
+the ground.
+
+"Who is going?" he said, at length, looking more fixedly.
+
+"Lucy and I."
+
+"Very well then, make haste and put on your bonnet, for I hear the
+bells."
+
+He did hear them indeed, for what a clatter they made, one after
+another, as if they _would_ be heard.
+
+Mabel ran away all joyousness--very soon she had her bonnet on, for that
+took little time, and then she was down with Lucy--getting her shawl,
+and finding her lost gloves, and her prayer-book, and then, all pleasant
+bustle, as if she feared he would change his mind, down again to her
+uncle's study, ready with the soft brush to smooth his sleek hat.
+
+And then they were in the street, and taking their way, not to any of
+the fashionable places of worship, but down the shady part of the old
+town to a little church which seemed to hide itself from view, so small
+that the imagination could scarcely wander round its walls, from the
+voice of the venerable preacher, whose simple but well chosen language
+brought conviction with it. There too, the white-haired, aged clerk, in
+his stiff quaint reading desk, and the twelve old pensioners, nearly as
+old as himself. And then so few to listen they could not choose but
+hear.
+
+Mabel felt tremblingly happy, for she had succeeded in her desire to get
+her uncle to break his bad habit of remaining shut up on a Sunday. She
+saw, too, that he was happier, as they walked home together, though he
+often looked, when he met any one he knew, as if he had been committing
+some crime. But however that might be, he himself proposed going in the
+evening, and gladly did she consent, and when they walked home again
+through the lighted streets, talking of what they had heard, alone, for
+Lucy was too delicate to venture in the evening air, she felt happy
+indeed. And when they reached home again no one was more ready to join
+in the conversation over the bright fire where the sisters sat, glad to
+welcome Hargrave back from his mysterious absence. And Mr. Villars too,
+as he went to bed that night, could scarcely understand why he felt such
+pleasant fatigue, not that fatigue which makes the very heart ache, and
+keep the eyes awake with uneasy watchfulness, but which closes them in
+light repose, and bids them open again in cheerful, buoyant hope to the
+light of day.
+
+For many a long week, indeed, he had not welcomed Monday morning so
+pleasantly. The sun shone so brightly that the spendthrift might almost
+have been excused for being guided by the presence of the ill-fated
+swallow. The Spring air was light and warm, and the rich, pink blossom
+of the almond supplied the place of leaves and flowers.
+
+Colonel Hargrave was as gay as the sunshine, as he stood joking with the
+little party lingering over the breakfast table.
+
+"Pray, ladies," said he, "how do you mean to make the most of this
+lovely day?"
+
+"By keeping you with us, for the first thing," said Caroline.
+
+"You wicked creature," said her mamma, by way of adding point to the
+observation; the object of which, however, remained rigidly indifferent.
+Nobody could say he flirted; he withdrew from all approach to such a
+thing, with the rapidity of a frightened girl. Mrs. Villars tried to
+believe, though against her better judgment, that he was timid, yet he
+had received sufficient encouragement to have made a boy propose; but
+never by muttered word or tender look had he taken advantage of it,
+never had he been betrayed into a _tete-a-tete_ walk--never had he
+offered Caroline a present which had not a fac-simile in one to each of
+her sisters. In short, he was the most impenetrable being possible.
+
+"Oh, for a ride," said Mabel, "far off into the country--would it not
+be delightful--why do you not go?"
+
+"The very thing," said Hargrave, "let us take the day while we have it.
+You will go, will you not," he said, referring the matter to Caroline.
+
+She readily agreed, and after a short discussion about the horses, which
+he engaged to procure from the livery stables where his own horse was
+kept, she went to prepare for the ride, with her sisters, while Hargrave
+hurried off, full of sparkling good humour.
+
+Mabel would willingly have joined them, but she had no riding dress, and
+she checked the expression of a regret, lest it might damp their
+pleasure, little thinking, poor girl, how little they cared for her; and
+though she sighed for the air of her own Cotswold hills, she took up her
+needle and tried to work cheerfully. But accustomed as she had been, to
+the bracing air of Gloucestershire, her health had begun to vary under
+the enervating influence of the Bath air. Added to which, she had lately
+endured much fatigue, varied only by the pleasures derived from the
+industrious workings of a happy spirit, and she now began to feel, what
+she had before only readily sympathized in, the seemingly causeless
+depression which weak health so often engenders. For this, however, she
+severely reproached herself, for so slow and imperceptible had become
+its progress, that, unconscious of bodily weakness, she attributed her
+mental depression to a faulty principle. And now she taxed herself,
+thinking she must have relaxed the reins of self-government, or she
+never could feel so slight a disappointment so acutely, for she felt the
+tears starting to her eyes, when her cousins entered, fully equipped.
+Caroline and Selina looked overpoweringly charming, in becoming hats of
+the very last fashion, and even Maria seemed determined to rival her
+sisters, and partly succeeded, by the air of fun and off-hand
+carelessness, which, as she had once explained, never left a person time
+to scan her features.
+
+Presently, in Hargrave hurried, looking pleased, healthy, and doubly
+handsome; he could not refrain from complimenting the sisters, but he
+had hardly heard their smiling reply, before he perceived Mabel sitting
+by the window, and struggling to look indifferent.
+
+"What!" said he, in a tone of pique, "are you not ready, Miss Lesly--was
+not the ride your own proposition?"
+
+Mabel never knew how very easy it was to cry before, but with affected
+calmness she replied, as she tried to smile--
+
+"I would willingly have accompanied you, but I have neither hat nor
+habit."
+
+He looked at her for an instant, half angrily, but there was something
+so constrained in her smile, that it led him, for the first time, to
+observe that the color was waning on her cheek, and he looked earnestly
+at her as she hastily laid down her work and left the room.
+
+"Selina," he said, gravely, for it was evident that something vexed him,
+"you said one day that you had two habits--cannot you lend her one?"
+
+"It is so shabby that I did not like to offer it, and now it is too
+late--I am very sorry I did not think of it, but it is too late now you
+know," she said, seeing the gathering storm on Caroline's lowering brow.
+"We are keeping the horses waiting, come along," she added, hurrying to
+the door, "do come."
+
+Hargrave quietly seated himself.
+
+"I am not coming," he said, "I cannot go and leave that poor pale girl,
+at home."
+
+"Oh, there are Lucy, and papa, and mamma," cried Maria, "I will ask
+mamma to take her to the Pump-room."
+
+"Lucy never rides now," said Hargrave, "or we would not consent to leave
+her at home, either. The Pump-room on such a day as this--it makes my
+head ache to think of it." So saying, he threw down his gloves and whip,
+laid aside his hat, and took up the paper.
+
+The party were at a stand still. Hargrave looked seriously annoyed, and
+Caroline verging upon a storm.
+
+"What shall I do?" said Selina, in a perplexed tone, looking from one to
+the other.
+
+"Go and find your habit," said Hargrave.
+
+"But it is so shabby," she said, looking fearfully at Caroline.
+
+"You know Miss Lesly is above such trifles, besides, she can decide
+that."
+
+"But there is no hat."
+
+"There is one hanging up in the hall that looks like a lady's hat, for
+it has strings, try that."
+
+"That old thing, covered with dust?"
+
+"I dare say she will put up with it, if you will only find it, if not I
+am afraid we must stay at home."
+
+"What shall I do?" she whispered to Caroline, in a trembling voice.
+
+"Do as you like," she retorted, angrily, and aloud, as she turned to the
+window.
+
+"Do come," said Selina, turning again to Hargrave, "Caroline never likes
+waiting with her hat on, it makes her head ache."
+
+"I am sorry to hear it," replied the inexorable Hargrave, without
+moving.
+
+"Well, here's a fix, all about nothing," cried Maria.
+
+"I am sorry you think so," said Hargrave.
+
+"Come, come, do not look like a methodist parson, while we are wasting
+all the sunshine. I have half a mind to gallop off by myself, and make
+the neighbours stare. Come, Selina, do go and get your habit, for I see
+Henry is determined to make Mabel a Guy--for the old hat is only fit
+for a bonfire. I did intend being charitable with it, on the last fifth
+of November, but I forgot it luckily."
+
+Thus urged, Selina at length retreated to find her habit, which, when
+produced, was found to be in very good condition. But Maria's
+description of the hat had been more truthful, for the dust of repeated
+house-cleanings seemed to have settled on its unlucky beaver; and Maria,
+having climbed up to reach it from its peg in the hall, threw it down in
+disgust, raising a cloud of dust which threatened to soil her new habit.
+
+Hargrave, however, who was now entirely restored to good humour, seized
+it as it fell, and began brushing it with great vigour.
+
+As he did so, the door bell rang, and, before he had time to retreat,
+Mr. Stokes entered, whip in hand.
+
+"Just in time, I hope, Colonel," he cried, "if I may be allowed to join
+your party--a ride--why it is the very thing--I see four side-saddles,
+and I am sure you cannot monopolise four ladies--may I go?"
+
+Hargrave being in a compliant mood, replied gaily--
+
+"You are welcome, I am sure--for I shall be glad to be relieved of half
+the burden. Ladies are troublesome creatures--particularly this one.
+Here, Maria, the hat will not hurt you now--run off with it--and try and
+persuade Miss Lesly to wear it, if you can."
+
+"It has raised dust enough to make you doubt it, certainly," she
+replied, running gaily up-stairs, with her habit tucked over her arm.
+
+There was some little difficulty to find Mabel, however, for she was
+gone to her own room, and no one was anxious to climb up to the top of
+the house to fetch her. At length, however, by dint of loud calls at the
+bottom of the stairs, she was made to know she was wanted.
+
+When, by this means, she was brought down, she could hardly understand
+the combined movement which had so soon produced all that was required
+for her enjoyment of the ride--but putting on the habit as quickly as
+she could, and tying her black veil on the old hat, she hastened,
+without much question, to gratify the sisters, who scarcely allowed her
+time to snatch up her gloves, and tie on her hat, before they hurried
+her down stairs.
+
+Maria could not check her desire to prevent her studying her appearance,
+since that might render her so much more charming in the eyes of her
+esquire--but she excused herself by thinking that she might get plenty
+of admirers without taking Mr. Stokes. Could she have guessed the powers
+of her own fascinations on his heart, Mabel might have aided her--but as
+she did not--nothing destroyed the faultless grace of her easy
+movements, which made everything suit her--however unlikely it
+seemed--and the look of pleasure and gratitude with which she regarded
+the party, was quite sufficient to nullify the foil of an ill-fitting
+habit, and a dust-worn and tumbled hat.
+
+"Thank you," said Hargrave, as he passed her, to hand Caroline and
+Selina down.
+
+And Mr. Stokes could scarcely withdraw his eyes from her, as he walked
+by her side to the hall, not talkative, as usual, but in silent
+observation.
+
+"Now," said Hargrave, as the horses drew up, "I have only been able to
+hire three gentle horses. This beautiful creature is high-spirited, and
+very difficult to manage," he said, laying his hand on the neck of one
+of the horses, as he pawed the ground, in rather a threatening manner;
+"but I thought that you would not mind him, Caroline--for you care for
+nothing in horse-flesh."
+
+Caroline, however, was perverse, and chose that day to be timid. Indeed,
+the idea of Mabel's sly rivalry, as she called it, haunted her like a
+phantom--and she thought it certain, that if one staid behind, it would
+be she, so that she insisted on choosing the very quietest horse. Maria
+was already mounted by Mr. Stokes, whose services she had demanded--and
+Selina was always timid.
+
+Hargrave bit his lip.
+
+"Oh, I am not in the least frightened," said Mabel; "I never am timid."
+
+"But you have not been on horseback so long," suggested Hargrave.
+
+"No--but never mind me."
+
+And before he had time to argue further, she had accepted Mr. Stokes's
+hand, and sprang lightly to her saddle.
+
+"Well," said Hargrave, "it does not much signify--for I promised the man
+that I would hold one of his bridles."
+
+Caroline no sooner perceived, that by her wish to disoblige her cousin,
+she had robbed herself of his constant attention during the ride, than
+she repented--and saying, that she knew she was very frightened, offered
+to change places with her--but it was too late--for Mabel, with
+guileless heart, did not see the hidden motive, and persisted on keeping
+her horse; and Caroline had nothing to do but to mount her own, and rue
+her perverseness.
+
+How provoking to see him carefully adjust the reins, and placing one in
+Mabel's hand, take the other over his arm, looking, as he did it, so
+manly and handsome. Even Selina's constant smiles provoked her, when she
+saw her by her side, and knew that even Maria was better off, riding
+with Mr. Stokes behind, while she looked only like a chaperone to the
+party.
+
+To Mabel, the feeling that she was again on horseback, afforded exquisite
+pleasure. The hysterical sensation had passed, leaving her only more
+sensitive to the pleasure which followed it, and her spirits rose with a
+buoyancy and lightness, which, for many months, had been strangers to
+her; she did not stop to analyse the various causes which contributed to
+her light-heartedness, while the air she breathed--the noble animal she
+rode--the blue sky--and the sparkling sun-light--everything around her
+seemed to reflect the gladdened likeness of her own thoughts. She seemed
+again the light-hearted being, whose gay smile and merry laugh had
+carried joy wherever they went--before clouds of sadness and trial had
+darkened her life's dream of happiness.
+
+The veil which had been thrown over her beauty by the withering hand of
+grief, was, for awhile, withdrawn, and her eyes sparkled with dazzling
+brilliancy, brighter, far brighter, even than in days gone by, as she
+turned them on her companion, who was riding by her side in embarrassed
+silence, watching the fiery eye, or impatient toss of her steed, to
+which she seemed indifferent.
+
+They had now left the town behind them, wrapped in its shadowy mist, and
+had entered on the country so peculiarly beautiful, in its vicinity.
+
+"And is it to you that I owe this exquisite treat?" she enquired,
+checking the rapid canter into which they had broken, on perceiving how
+really apprehensive he appeared.
+
+"I believe you owe it more to yourself," he replied, shaking off his
+embarrassed air; "since they all declared you would not wear that old
+hat."
+
+"Then I owe it to your superior discrimination, that you knew I did not
+care for such a trifle, in comparison with a ride. It reminds me of
+old, happy old times--and I feel like a new being."
+
+"Ah, I used, in my old days of lofty aspiration, to look on good temper
+as the virtue of second rate characters, and I believed that great minds
+must be fickle and changeable."
+
+"And if you have altered your opinion, why do you not practise your new
+doctrine?" she said, archly.
+
+"You allude to my getting out of temper at dinner on Saturday; but then
+you must own I instantly recovered myself."
+
+"I do not mean then only; but I often see the flash which denotes the
+inward storm, though no thunder follows."
+
+"What, am I to sit unmoved, and hear the best motives
+misjudged--self-devotion ridiculed--the mourner made to feel all the
+bitterness of grief--and the orphan without a friend?"
+
+"If you speak of me," replied his companion, with a gay smile, "do not
+forget that I have some friends left still; but if I had none, no
+champion of mine should use the weapons I would not wield myself; and,
+remember, I can change my position when I like."
+
+"How?"
+
+"By changing dependence, if it be so--but I do not like to call it
+that--for independence."
+
+And she leant forward, and patted her horse's impatient head, with a
+look of childish unconcern.
+
+"Then how can you remain here if you have the power to leave?"
+
+"You will think me vain if I tell you," she said, carefully smoothing
+back the mane, which would get on the wrong side.
+
+"No, no--tell me why? for you make me curious."
+
+"Well, then--I hoped Lucy had some real affection for me--and I thought
+I might influence her, as I hope I have done--and I was deeply
+interested in my uncle--for he has been so kind to me--and I like him so
+much. Besides, had I any right, without good cause, to cast off my
+aunt's protection, since it was a pledge which she had given to my dear
+mother. No, I should have had no right to do that, at first--and I could
+not, had I wished to do it--for I had not spirit then to leave the
+refuge of the lowest hovel, had it given me shelter. There were many
+discomforts here, which were yet preferable to being so entirely
+unprotected, as I soon shall be--we women shrink from the idea of being
+our own protectors. But I cannot stay much longer where I am
+unwelcome--a few more thoughts for Lucy--a few more efforts to make them
+all love me, and then I think I shall go."
+
+"But where will you go?"
+
+"Oh, I have thought of that. There is a school friend of mine--a very
+dear friend, too, though I have not seen her for many years--she is now,
+poor thing, a widow--and, young as she is, has a family of six children,
+almost unprovided for, while she herself is in weak health. Now, I am
+thinking of offering to go, and live with her, and take charge of her
+children's education; for, you must know, that my aunt has more than six
+hundred pounds, which belong to me, the interest of which will furnish
+all I need, and enable me to do without a salary."
+
+"Your aunt has your money, you say--how is that?"
+
+"Why, mamma lent it to her, at different times, when she so warmly
+promised a home for us; but then, unfortunately, my dear mamma lost the
+written promise to repay it, which she had for the money; but then, that
+makes no difference between relations--a debt of honor must be binding;
+only I am uncomfortable about asking for the money, as my aunt would
+find it difficult to get such a large sum, I fear. And this is another
+reason which has kept me so passive."
+
+"You were not once so unsuspicious," said Hargrave, "as to think a debt
+of honor as good as a security."
+
+"No; but then I had those to care for who made me feel as cautious as a
+man. Once more, I am a weak woman. But what do you think of my plan?"
+
+"I think it a very good one, if you can get your money, but private
+security is always bad, and you have not even that. Do you consider to
+what a life you are dooming yourself."
+
+"Not so bad as thousands, for, remember, I shall confer, as well as
+receive a benefit, for my friend cannot afford a governess, and is too
+unwell to educate her children herself. So I shall place her under a
+slight obligation."
+
+"And doom yourself to a life of drudgery."
+
+"Be quiet," said she, raising her whip playfully, "you ought to
+inspirit, and not discourage me--you should speak of the advantages of
+such a situation, of the influence it affords--of, in short, any thing
+but what you are talking of."
+
+"You are a strange girl, Mabel," he said, looking steadily down upon her
+glowing face, "were I you, I should be rebelling, proud, or grovelling
+in despair."
+
+"I am afraid you might."
+
+"Why do you think so," he returned, in a tone of pique; "have you
+charity for all, and none for me?"
+
+"Because," said she, almost sadly, "I should be so, if, like you, I
+trusted solely to my own strength."
+
+He was silent for a few minutes, and then he said, thoughtfully.
+
+"I am afraid there is no one like you."
+
+"Yes, thousands, who have shewn in the world far more brilliant examples
+of the truth of what I believe, who have died unheeded and unrewarded on
+earth."
+
+They were here interrupted by Caroline, who trotted up to them, leaving
+poor Selina by herself.
+
+"I wish," she said to Mabel, "you would let me have a canter on that
+horse; mine is such a stupid animal."
+
+Mabel looked puzzled.
+
+"How dull you are," said Caroline, in a voice which she believed only
+reached her ear. "Cannot you see that Henry wanted a _tete-a-tete_ with
+me; did he not say as much, though I was not going to let him have me
+whenever he liked."
+
+"Yes, that was true," thought Mabel, "he had said he meant the horse for
+her, and for how long after had he been sad and thoughtful." She felt a
+choking sensation of pain, "had she then so thoughtlessly been keeping
+them asunder, while she only talked of her own affairs. Were not these
+almost the only kind words he had addressed to her, since she had
+entered the house--how wrong she had been to prize them so highly." As
+these quick thoughts passed through her mind, withering as they did the
+effects of the glad sunshine which had preceded them, she turned her
+eyes timidly and almost apologetically to Hargrave. There was a look of
+deep seated annoyance on his face. "Ah, he thinks I shall still refuse
+to take the hint"--she thought--and laying her hand lightly on the
+pommel, she quickly disengaged herself from the saddle, and jumped down
+before Hargrave had time to prevent her.
+
+"Now then," cried Caroline, in delight; "come Henry and help me to
+mount."
+
+Hargrave descended as slowly as possible, and, as sulkily as he well
+could, gave his assistance to both, then slowly mounting his own steed,
+he took the bridle and rode on in silence.
+
+In vain Caroline tried to get something beyond a monosyllable--she was
+quite unsuccessful; Hargrave fenced himself in one of his most bearish
+humours, and, when they entered the town again, he called to Mr. Stokes,
+and begged him to take the rein he held, and take every charge of Miss
+Villars; and when he found him nothing loath to shew his horsemanship,
+he politely gave up his place by his fair cousin's side, and, turning
+his horse's head, urged him back again. At first the horse was
+obstinate, and would not part company so easily; but Hargrave tried the
+power of his spurs, with more success than he had done that of his whip,
+and they started off at a furious gallop, and were soon out of sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+  She whispered to revenge--forgive, forgive.
+
+                                        POLLOK.
+
+
+While the riding party was so occupied, Lucy walked alone to the Circus,
+and as, on her way thither, she passed some well-known shop or house,
+she could not help wondering to herself how very long it seemed since
+that foggy morning after her first meeting with Beauclerc, when, with
+glowing fancy and light steps, she had hastened to her friend Millie
+Foster, in order that she might have the pleasure of describing him.
+Since that meeting, their acquaintance had tacitly dropped, Miss Foster
+had never sought her, and Lucy was not sorry to avoid a friend, who
+seemed likely to prove too officious an adviser. She being rather
+inclined to agree with the Scotch damsel who says:--
+
+  I'll gie ye my bonny black hen
+  If ye will advise me to marry
+  The lad I lo'e dearly, Tam Glen.
+
+Often now, as she walked, she paused, for she was weary, and very, very
+changed; and pale was the cheek that had then been so bright and
+glowing. Often her spirits failed, and she seemed inclined to turn back,
+and urge to herself her aching limbs as an excuse for her failing
+purpose. Her airy form dragged rather than tripped over the ground; yet
+still she went on.
+
+As she was thus proceeding, with her eyes bent upon the ground, fearing,
+that, if she raised them, some unwelcome acquaintance might recognise
+her as the lady with the married lover, some one knocked slightly
+against her--they both stopped to apologise.
+
+It was Beauclerc.
+
+He looked timidly, as if he would enquire for her if he dared.
+
+"Give me your arm up this hill," said Lucy, with gentle calmness. "I am
+tired and faint."
+
+He offered it instantly, though rather surprised, and she saw that he
+was pale and thoughtful.
+
+"I am going," she said, quietly, "to see what I can do for you; but I
+can do little, and you can do much. Give me an hour by your watch to be
+alone with her--then force your way in--this is all I can do. Good-bye.
+You can wait in the Circus."
+
+She took her hand from his arm; he made no reply; but the look of
+remorse which met hers, spoke more than words could do.
+
+Lucy went on with a quicker step, and did not again stop till she
+reached the well-known door, and then she hastily rang.
+
+The old butler made his appearance as usual, but looked vexed to see
+her.
+
+"Is your mistress at home? and can I see her?" said Lucy.
+
+"She is at home, ma'am; but she has been very ill, and I do not think
+she will be able to see you."
+
+"She will not see me, you mean; but I must go to her. Good Geoffry, tell
+me where she is," she said, passing him quickly.
+
+"Not with bad news, as you came before," said the old man.
+
+"No, no, no--only let me go to her," she cried, with the impetuosity of
+a spoilt child.
+
+"You will find her in her own room, ma'am; be careful, whatever you do,
+for she is very poorly."
+
+"Where is your master then?"
+
+"He is gone to London on business, ma'am; but he will be back to-morrow,
+I hope."
+
+"Show me to her room--no, stay, I will go alone."
+
+She passed him, and ran quickly up-stairs, and stopped at the door she
+well knew, and tapped gently.
+
+A moment's pause succeeded, and then a slow and reluctant permission to
+enter was given; and she opened the door, and paused, for an instant, on
+its threshold.
+
+In the lonely and darkly hung chamber, which was mostly ornamented by
+heavy bookcases and frowning pictures, sat the once happy wife. Her
+white hand, as it rested on the volume, which, with many others, lay
+before her, was thin and attenuated, and though there was not a trace of
+tears on her cheek, or in the dark beauty of her eye, yet that cheek was
+pale and sunken, and the eye was hollow and heavy, while the heavy
+tresses of her raven hair seemed to oppress the head, which she was
+resting on her other hand, as she read.
+
+When Lucy appeared, she raised her head, glanced at her, for an instant,
+and then resumed her reading.
+
+"Do not turn away from me," said Lucy, advancing, "nay, you dare not,
+for you have used me ill. It is I, not you, who should be angry."
+
+Millie looked at her in haughty surprise; but the speech had had its
+effect--she was roused.
+
+"I injure you," she said, contemptuously, "I may have suffered the moth
+to take its wanton flight after one attempt to warn it; but I certainly
+did not hold the fire to its wings."
+
+"But if you would not stretch out your hand to save that moth when you
+could, you have done wrong. You are infinitely more clever than I am;
+but a child knows right from wrong--and I tell you that you were
+wrong--yes, very, very wrong."
+
+They say a child's questions can pose the learned--certainly the words
+of a dissipated but repentant girl puzzled the intellectual Millie, who
+had encircled herself with the stern barriers of injured virtue, and had
+been contented.
+
+"Yes, you were wrong," repeated Lucy, gathering strength and courage as
+she spoke, "for a few thoughtless, wilful words of mine, for the sake of
+your own rash vow to expose me to the ridicule, which none dread more
+than yourself, you have made me the laughing stock of an idle town--you
+have brought scandal on the head of him you have vowed to honor--and
+you have perilled my happiness, and my honor, as a woman ought not to
+peril that of her worst enemy, much less one whom she once called
+friend."
+
+"I?" said Millie.
+
+"Yes; when you refused to speak the one word which would have opened my
+eyes, you did all this. And yet you dare to look upon me as upon some
+foul thing which your delicate eyes must turn from with disgust and
+loathing--but it shall not be. I dare you to speak your thoughts. I tell
+you, that wild butterfly of the ball-room, as I have been--the plaything
+of an hour--I dare to stand before you, and to say that I would hide my
+face for shame, had I exposed another, body and soul, as you have
+exposed me."
+
+As she stood, with the glow of indignation on her face, a film seemed to
+fall from Millie's eyes, and, laying her head upon the table, she
+groaned aloud. Lucy's first impulse was to rush to her, but she
+remembered the look of anguish which Beauclerc shewed when they parted,
+and she restrained herself, remaining impatiently watching the large
+tears which found their way through her thin fingers.
+
+"I have wronged you, Lucy," said Millie, sobbing, as she raised her
+head, and glanced timidly at her; "forgive me."
+
+"Sacred things," returned her companion, "seem profaned by such
+thoughtless lips as mine, but I have heard that there is a law, and no
+earthly one, which says, 'forgive, or never be forgiven.'"
+
+"Forgive me, then," said Millie. "Oh, you do not know how I loved, and
+what I suffered--how my spirits have been wrung and agonised--how, day
+after day, have I sat here and thought, till, in the anguish of my
+heart, I believed my senses had forsaken me."
+
+"And did you never feel all this time," said Lucy, steadily, "that you
+too had done something wrong."
+
+"Not till this moment," replied Millie, her tears now flowing unchecked;
+and Lucy, as she watched them, almost wondered to see how they softened
+her features, and turned them all womanly again.
+
+"Till now," she continued, "I believed myself injured, and supporting my
+injury with the dignity of a Roman matron; but I had not forgiven, no,
+not in my inmost thoughts. I believed it to be beyond all necessity."
+
+"Did you never remember that he was alone, and in prison, reaping the
+bitter fruits of deceit?"
+
+"I did; but he deserved that, and more."
+
+"I have heard," said Lucy, meekly, "that we have no light to judge, and
+that nothing but mercy and forgiveness suits us fallen creatures. But
+more; did you never think that when those prison horrors were over,
+prosperity and wealth succeeded. Did you not know that you were
+supremely loved still? Did you not know the power your intellect gave
+you to direct his aright? You did; and yet you left him to the flattery
+of such foolish admiration as mine."
+
+"Spare me, oh, spare me," said Millie; wringing her hands, "why do you
+torment me so?"
+
+"Oh, Millie," Lucy replied, hurrying to her, and kneeling by her side,
+taking her hand in hers, and looking up entreatingly. "I don't know how
+I have had the courage to talk as I have done, but it was to make you
+forgive him. Oh, do Millie. You know he never admired me, he only wished
+to make me his friend, to reconcile you, for you would not even take in
+his letters, and what was he to do, unless he forced you back, as you
+know he has a right, but he wants you to come willingly."
+
+At this moment the clock struck, and Lucy continued even more
+earnestly.
+
+"For my sake, for his, for yours; for, look how pale and ill you are,
+and I know you love him, and he is so unhappy."
+
+All this was hurriedly spoken, almost in a breath, for she heard a
+footstep upon the stair--it came nearer, they both looked to the door,
+it opened, and Beauclerc entered. Another moment, and he had lifted his
+weeping wife in his arms, blessing Lucy as he did so.
+
+She waited but one minute longer--to see them together, and then she
+left them, and ran down stairs. The old butler was waiting anxiously.
+
+"All is well," she said, as she flitted past him. He was going to ask
+further, but she was gone down the hill, and across the streets, and
+home, before she stopped to think, and then she went to the garret
+chamber to seek for Mabel. She found her sitting on her travelling
+trunk--with her habit on, but her hat laid at her side--thinking sadly,
+and seriously; but when she saw her, she looked up with ready interest.
+
+"I have said all you told me, and something more," said Lucy, flinging
+her bonnet down, seating herself on the floor, and laying her head by
+her side, upon the box.
+
+"Well, and what success did you meet with, my sweet Lucy?"
+
+"Oh, it is all right between them now, for I met him going there, and
+told him to meet me when I had been with her one hour. He did, and so I
+am sure I left them happy."
+
+"And are you not more happy yourself, dear Lucy?"
+
+"Yes, I think I am--I hardly know--yes, I believe I am; but I am a new
+traveller in your track," she said, looking up with a smile.
+
+"And every step is hard to take--I know it, darling, I know it," Mabel
+said, fondly smoothing the entangled ringlets of her light brown hair;
+"but you will go on--I know you will, for it leads to happiness at
+last."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+  O, envy! hide thy bosom, hide it deep:
+  A thousand snakes, with black envenomed mouths,
+  Rest there, and hiss, and feed through all thy heart!
+
+                                                POLLOK.
+
+
+Caroline had no sooner returned from the ride, which had been to her
+full of disappointment, than she went to her mother, and begged her to
+find a remedy for, what she termed, their dependent's insolence. Mrs.
+Villars attempted, but in vain, to parry her angry threats--for
+Caroline was a stranger to the early discipline, which makes a person
+submit to what is right, for right's sake--and her mother's doctrine of
+expediency was too deeply engrafted in her disposition, to allow of her
+adopting any other rule of conduct. Why she imagined that her cousin
+stood in her way, she scarcely knew herself, except that she felt by
+instinct, that there was a superiority about her, which placed herself
+in a lower position. She had never, either, forgiven her resistance of
+her first attempts to humble her to what she deemed her fit position in
+the family--and though she had since abstained from any such open
+attack, her anger had not been the less strong, because it smouldered in
+silence.
+
+She was conscious that she appeared to less advantage in contrast to
+Mabel, and she now resolved to remove her. This she boldly declared to
+her mother, in violent terms, refusing to listen to any excuses, for,
+what she termed, her bold behaviour--and the latter saw, with horror,
+that she had raised, in her own family, by careful culture, a power of
+evil, which was urging her still further in the path of sin and fraud.
+
+To do her justice, she never began with the intention of doing
+wrong--she always believed herself led on by circumstances, and
+compelled by expediency. The remembrance of purer thoughts, shared with
+her more romantic sister, rose to check her at every step, though seldom
+strong enough to restrain her altogether.
+
+But it was not so with her daughter--she had no such hallowed nursery
+recollections--she had often heard her mother's praises of her beauty,
+but never her prayers for her purity--and, with strong, unrelenting
+terms, she demanded, what her mother wished, but feared to do?
+
+Mrs. Villars was afraid to refuse, and yet did not know how to gratify
+her--for how could she send Mabel away without repaying her money? She
+felt she could not dare to tell her husband, that she had spent such a
+sum in trifles, which she had now forgotten, or, in the purchase of
+fashions, which had long grown old; she did not even dare to tell
+Caroline, that she had been guilty of such meanness. It was impossible
+to decide; and anxious to gain time, she dismissed her daughter with
+promises and caresses, hoping to discover some method of evading the
+annoyances which menaced her.
+
+But as time passed on, they only thickened round her--while Caroline
+became daily more impatient of delay.
+
+From the first day of his introduction to Mabel, Mr. Stokes never
+appeared to lose sight of her--the slightest chance of meeting was
+sufficient to bring him to the most unlikely places; and Maria was too
+shrewd to be ignorant of the nature of his attentions--for there was too
+much seriousness about them to be easily mistaken, and she watched his
+movements with bitterness.
+
+Caroline no sooner perceived this, than she hastened to sympathise with
+her, with more warmth than she had ever before displayed; while she
+still further fired her jealousy, by artful remarks upon Mabel's beauty
+and prudery, two qualities which Maria had never possessed, and led her,
+with little difficulty, to join in begging their mother to get rid of
+her as soon as possible.
+
+Indeed, with some shew of reason, for spite of every drawback, furnished
+by circumstances, they, little knowing the one sorrow of her heart,
+imagined her at the height of her triumph, and secretly rejoicing over
+them.
+
+Clair still continued to seek her society--and she, perceiving, at once,
+from the frankness of his manner, that they met on different terms,
+rather encouraged his visits--for, in her close attendance upon Lucy,
+she believed that she perceived a secret regard for him, mingling with
+all her actions and feelings, forming a part even of her very errors.
+Much then as she had lately learnt to esteem Clair, she could not help
+cherishing the hope, that the altered girl might find in him a supporter
+in her new ideas of life, while she, with all the grace which had
+charmed his laughing hours, might, in his graver moments, become now a
+fit companion.
+
+With these thoughts, though she felt the indelicacy of forwarding such a
+scheme by any direct means, she encouraged his intimacy with the family,
+that he might have an opportunity of judging for himself of the
+alteration which had taken place in Lucy's character.
+
+This required but very little coloring, to be set down as coquetry; but
+when accused of it, she only laughed, and told them to wait, and see.
+
+Nor was this all. Mr. Morley, who seemed to haunt his nephew, like his
+shadow, sometimes condescended to bestow some marks of high favor on
+Mabel, and as Mrs. Villars seldom acted herself without some covert
+motive, she easily believed that the pleasure with which Mabel received
+those transitory attentions, was rather caused by her hopes of eventual
+advantage; for as Hargrave had said, that a large landed property still
+remained, and as he had no children, the question of what was to become
+of it at his death, might be one which she was answering to her own
+satisfaction.
+
+Still the money difficulty remained strong as ever, and made her evade
+all the schemes of her two daughters, till she perceived that her niece
+was gaining ground in the favor of all around her; and, though unaware
+of it herself, was becoming the great attraction of the house. This was
+an evil which must be checked, and she thought again and again, till, at
+length, an idea occurred to her, which, though she, at first, rejected,
+she finally adopted, reasoning with herself, that the interests of her
+dear children required every sacrifice.
+
+One other difficulty also remained in the affection of Mr. Villars,
+which rendered him deaf to every insinuation against her--indeed, on the
+contrary, he remarked, with pleasure, her returning animation of
+spirits, and took every opportunity of introducing her--thus helping her
+popularity, to his wife's great annoyance.
+
+To gain her husband, therefore, became a point of importance, as she
+wished to remove Mabel, at least, with an appearance of kindness; and
+after many a struggle with her better-self, she resolved to make a
+bolder attempt, and, choosing one wet afternoon, she went down to the
+library, to settle some money matters. Mr Villars, too glad to bring his
+wife to anything so steady as accounts, which she generally avoided,
+willingly gave her his attention, though to do so, he had to lay down a
+page of his book, and forget a brilliant idea.
+
+She did not, however, give very much time to figures, and soon managed
+to enter upon her real business; and when she closed the book, over
+which they had been looking, she said, with one of her sweetest looks,
+and she really did look well when she liked--
+
+"My dear, I wish to talk to you about something which is very much on my
+mind."
+
+"Well, my dear, say anything you like, I have plenty of time."
+
+"You know, then, how kind and good you have been to me in allowing me to
+bring my niece here--I do assure you I have felt it deeply, though I
+have never said anything about it before, it was so like you. Well, now
+I think it is time to carry out my original intention, and relieve you
+of the burden, by providing for her in some way. Now, I was thinking if
+I could get her a place as companion or governess, what an excellent
+thing it would be for her."
+
+"My love," said her husband, "make yourself perfectly easy; your niece
+is no burden to me; she is perfectly welcome here, as long as she needs
+a home--and with regard to her pocket-money, let her fare as the other
+girls do."
+
+Here, thinking he had settled the matter to the perfect satisfaction of
+all parties, he took up his book.
+
+"But, my dear," began his wife, and he laid it down again, "consider how
+unjustly this would be acting; to lead her on with false hopes, when,
+eventually, she must be unprovided for. How much better to inure her to
+work when she is young. Indeed, her dear mother entreated me to see to
+it, and how can I neglect her wishes?"
+
+"Depend upon it, Caroline, your sister would, when thinking of her
+orphan child, gladly have exchanged a life of hardships, for one of
+comfort and repose. Why did you not assure her that I would take care of
+her?--you know I am neither parsimonious nor poor."
+
+"Ah! but, indeed, I should be more satisfied if I did as I promised."
+
+"You would wrong yourself and me--do not think of it."
+
+"But you must see what a drawback she is to our daughters settling; and,
+really, for their sakes, poor things, it is to be thought of. I am
+getting quite anxious about them, having all four out together, and she
+makes a fifth. Not that I mean, for an instant, to say that she is more
+beautiful, or has a better figure, or does anything better than they
+do; for her voice wants a good deal of tuition--but she has an artful
+way of doing things, which makes her get on, and persuades every one to
+like her; why, the very servants would rather do anything for her, than
+any one else. And, only think of her mock modesty, pretending not to
+care how she looked, and attracting more attention all the time, when
+she went out riding with that old hat, which hung so long in the
+passage. Really, her airs require a little pulling down."
+
+"Caroline," said Mr. Villars, much vexed at the altered tone of her
+argument. "I never approved of the plan of depreciating others when they
+stand in our way, and I once hoped that our daughters--possessing every
+natural endowment--would not need such a false elevation. Surely they
+can be admired on their own account, and not simply because there is no
+one else to admire. Johnson says, 'Every man ought to aim at eminence,
+not by pulling others down, but by raising himself; and enjoy the
+pleasure of superiority, whether imaginary or real, without interrupting
+others in the same felicity.'"
+
+"I am afraid," replied Mrs. Villars, who had listened with some
+impatience to this quotation, "such moralizing will not get us on in
+life--the world requires management, at least, I have always found so,
+and, therefore, I do think that we are not doing our duty by our
+children, in letting this girl always outshine them. I am sure no parent
+would be further from such a wish than yourself."
+
+"But I do not see how doing a wrong thing can serve them. You spoke,
+just now, of the necessity of Mabel's supporting herself, eventually,
+but if she is admired, as you say, and as I think she deserves to be,
+why not give her the chance of being married; she can have but one
+husband after all."
+
+"Only one husband!" repeated Mrs. Villars, "why she acts as if she
+wanted twenty. How can you tell what is going on, shut up here with your
+books? First, there is Clair, who paid such attentions to Lucy at Aston;
+see how she treats him now she has got him on her books--why just on,
+and just off, ready for any emergency."
+
+"I never saw anything improper in her conduct, indeed, I was pleased
+with the respect he paid her, seemingly apart from love or pique."
+
+"Why one would think that you sat down here and invented people's
+conduct as you wished it to be; but surely, love, you must have seen the
+very pointed attentions Henry paid Caroline, before that insinuating
+girl came to the house?"
+
+"No, indeed, I never knew anything more than you told me, and, for my
+own part, I never saw anything like attentions even."
+
+"You never see anything, I declare, but I tell you he did, though you do
+seem to doubt it--you should see how she manoeuvres to appear angelic
+in his eyes. More artfulness I never met with; so cheerful, so
+forgiving, and so everything, when she likes, that really it is quite
+provoking. Poor Caroline says she cannot bear it."
+
+"Why does she not imitate the rival she cannot outshine, for she has
+sufficient natural grace and talent to make her fascinating. Oh!
+Caroline, I fear there was something wanting in our children's
+education."
+
+Perhaps she agreed with him, for she did not stop to argue the point,
+but continued in the same tone.
+
+"I do declare this is not all, and you shall know what she is; of that I
+am determined. There is Mr. Stokes, whom I expected to come forward for
+Maria, has taken to dangle after her, and she has found the art of
+pleasing him too, poor silly man, by always pretending to avoid his
+attentions, and, as if this was not enough, she puts another iron in the
+fire, for safety, and tries to make a fool of Mr. Morley, poor old man.
+Why, if this goes on, we shall be the laughing-stock of the place."
+
+"There can be nothing ridiculous," replied Mr. Villars, "in protecting
+an orphan niece, without home or friends. I cannot believe that Mabel
+tries at anything of the kind, nor do I believe, that if my daughters
+act properly, she could hurt them if she did try."
+
+"But," said she, entreatingly, "you will consent, won't you, dear, to
+let her take a governess's place, for a time at least, only till
+Caroline is married?"
+
+"I will not, indeed, consent to anything unjust. There is a certain
+prejudice existing in society against the position held by a governess,
+and I should think it most injurious to her interests if I allowed her
+to assume it, unless I meant to neglect her altogether. Do not, I
+entreat you, let a mistaken love for your children, make you neglect
+what you owe to yourself. Remember, that, as the sister of Mrs. Lesly,
+you owe something to poor Mabel; and you cannot offer, as an excuse for
+refusing her a refuge, that I am unable or unwilling to allow you to go
+to the lengths of even romantic generosity. We owe her much for the good
+she has done our Lucy."
+
+"What! In making her a prude and a saint; there is an end of her chance
+of settling, I see clearly--"
+
+"I do not see why, for there is nothing exaggerated about her tone of
+feeling--but I know we always differed in the management of our
+children; I have grieved enough over it, but it is now too late to
+remedy our mistakes, we can only trust to circumstances; they, with
+Mabel's assistance, have worked a striking change in Lucy. There, let us
+say no more about it, you would be sorry to do an unkind thing, I
+know."
+
+Saying this in a tone of more than usual decision, he left the room,
+thinking sadly over the selfishness of his wife and family, which this
+conversation had laid so openly before him.
+
+No sooner had he left the house, than Caroline and Maria went to the
+library, anxious to hear the success of the interview. Poor Mrs. Villars
+stood like a culprit before them, when obliged to confess that their
+papa had gone, with the understanding that the matter was ended, and
+Mabel was to remain. The mother and children seemed to have changed
+places.
+
+"Well, I did think you would have managed better than that," said Maria.
+
+"I do not think you half tried," said Caroline.
+
+"Try yourself, then," retorted her mother.
+
+"That, indeed, I will not; you brought the evil into the house, and it
+is but fair that you should have the pain of removing it."
+
+"Well, well, my dears, I will do my best, only do not be so angry with
+me--go and get ready for dinner, there's dear children, I will try
+again."
+
+"Soon then, if you do at all," said Caroline.
+
+"Yes, very soon, dear, impetuous girl."
+
+Satisfied with this promise, they went to prepare for dinner.
+
+Unfortunately, as it happened, Mr. Villars was met, not far from his own
+door, by Mr. Stokes, who skilfully managed to get him to ask him in to
+dinner. That he had but one object in doing so, was evident, by the
+pointed attentions he paid to Mabel; and, in the evening, having managed
+to get her to play a game of chess--he kept her over it for an hour or
+two, refusing to see any of her mistakes, or to take any of the pieces
+she carefully threw in his way. She grew more and more impatient, when
+she saw that he was bent upon keeping her; and when she had been nearly
+three hours over the game, she begged him to allow her to give it him.
+
+"On one condition," he replied, "that you will allow me to give you any
+thing I like in return; this, for instance," he continued in the same
+low key, glancing down significantly at the large strong hand which
+rested carelessly on the chess-board.
+
+"No no," said Mabel, blushing from her neck to her forehead; "I gave you
+the game, but I will never take any thing in return."
+
+The last few words were said with decision, and point, though covered by
+the appearance of jest, as she rose and left the table. Maria saw every
+thing, and marked well the expression of Mr. Stokes's face, so serious,
+so unlike his usual jocular tone.
+
+"It will be too late," she said to herself again and again, "if I do
+not take care, but I will trust to my wits still." Mr. Stokes soon
+afterwards took his leave.
+
+Before they went to rest, the mother and sisters found an opportunity of
+talking over Mabel's coquetry--and so far strengthened themselves in the
+idea of the necessity of removing her, that Mrs. Villars determined to
+do so, whatever came of it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+  Mourn not the perishing of each fair toy,
+  Ye were ordained to do, not to enjoy,
+  To suffer, which is nobler than to dare;
+  A sacred burthen is this life ye bear,
+  Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly,
+  Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly;
+  Fall not for sorrow, falter not for sin,
+  But onward, upward, till the goal ye win.
+
+                                       F. BUTLER.
+
+
+The next day was unusually warm. Heavy clouds had been slowly rising up
+from behind the hills all the morning, till they covered the whole sky,
+and frowned darkly down upon the gay city--and the air was hushed with
+heavy silence. Mrs. Villars and her daughters were sitting in the
+drawing-room, at work; and Colonel Hargrave sat at a side table, near
+the window, touching up a sketch, which he had that morning finished, of
+the venerable abbey. Mr. Villars, too, walked into the room, for people
+love to be together when a storm is coming. He took up the paper, and
+sat down. Lucy looked fondly at him from her work--and then walked to
+the window to look at Hargrave's drawing, and to whisper him to come
+away, in case it lightened--for, between them, a friendship had sprung
+newly up--she had thanked him for all that had before offended her, and
+he was always ready with some little act, which shewed he felt a
+kindness for her.
+
+He told her he was finishing his sketch for her album--and she thanked
+him frankly, and not with the blush, as formerly, which is as often the
+tell-tale of a sinful, as of an innocent heart, and reminded him that he
+had promised her some lines for her album, as well, and she would go and
+fetch it.
+
+"Well," said he, when she returned with it; "bring me a pen, for I have
+just made an impromptu."
+
+She brought him a large goose quill, and, after carefully mending it, he
+wrote as the sky grew blacker and blacker, the following lines:--
+
+  "As the sun-light on the fountain,
+  As the ivy on the tree,
+  As the snow upon the mountain,
+  Or the moonlight on the sea.
+
+  "As the zephyr gently blowing,
+  As the dew-drop on the rose,
+  As the rippling water flowing,
+  As the sun at evening's close.
+
+  "So is woman in the beauty,
+  Of a heart unstained by sin;
+  When bright eyes beam with purity,
+  Which they borrow from within."
+
+"There," he said, passing her back the book, "now I will finish the
+sketch; but," he added, under his breath, "do go and look for Mabel, the
+storm is coming up so fast--I hope she is not out."
+
+"No, she is in her room I dare say, but I will go and find her if I
+can."
+
+So saying, Lucy left the room, bearing the album with her, to read the
+lines to Mabel.
+
+As soon as she was gone, Mrs. Villars looked up from her work and said
+to Hargrave--
+
+"I want your advice, Henry, on a little matter."
+
+"I shall be most happy to give it," he said, gaily, still intent upon
+his drawing.
+
+"Well, then, do you not think the most prudent thing we could do for
+Mabel would be to get her a nice place as a governess?"
+
+"Really," replied he, shrugging his shoulders, "really, that is a matter
+which must so very much depend upon yourself, that I must be excused
+giving an opinion."
+
+Caroline remarked, with pleasure, that he did not seem surprised.
+
+"But Henry," continued Mrs. Villars, "as a friend of our family, do you
+not think that, the kindest and best thing that can be done for her?"
+
+"It shall not be," said Mr. Villars, laying down his paper, "with my
+consent."
+
+"Yes, but Henry," she said, still speaking to him, "do you not see what
+an artful flirt she is, and how injurious she is likely to prove to my
+daughters."
+
+Hargrave only gave another doubtful shrug.
+
+"And see," she continued, "how useful she has contrived to make herself
+to Mr. Villars."
+
+"No, no," said Mr. Villars, speaking entirely to his wife, "she has been
+so disinterested that far from trying to ingratiate herself, only, she
+has made Lucy my constant companion, and so quietly has she withdrawn
+from my notice, that I could now very probably part with her, without
+any loss of comfort; but Caroline, you cannot imagine the misery and
+horror from which she has saved me."
+
+He stopped, and then continued in a more agitated tone of voice--
+
+"I have studied the history of the human mind too deeply, to be mistaken
+in myself, and I am convinced that, e'er this, mine would have sunk into
+that ruin which has wrecked many a better and wiser man than myself.
+There was inertness in my ideas, sameness in my thoughts, a sense of
+causeless misery and perpetual fear; all fatal signs of that
+derangement, which the worst and the best shrink from with terror, as
+something too dreadfully vague for contemplation. What I might have been
+now, had I not received, as it were, a fresh impetus from that angelic
+girl, I tremble to think; for what I am, I feel grateful to her as the
+second cause." Here he bowed reverently, as if a holier name mingled
+with his silent aspirations, and as he did so, the first flash of the
+thunder storm played round his head, and gave almost majesty to his
+words--at the same time that the side door, behind him, leading from the
+best drawing-room, opened, and Mabel glided in and stood by his side.
+Her manner was perfectly collected, but there was a deep red spot upon
+each cheek, and her eye glistened, as she cast it round the room.
+
+"You have been listening," said Caroline, when she had recovered from
+the sudden effect of her entrance.
+
+Mabel turned directly to her, and replied--
+
+"I went into the drawing-room to read and watch the storm--a few minutes
+since I heard my own name mentioned, and, while I hesitated whether I
+should come here at once, I have heard what has deeply gratified me. To
+you, dear sir," she said, turning to her uncle, "I owe very much--very
+much kindness and support I have received from you; I will not repay it
+by being the cause of discord in your family, for one moment longer than
+I can help--nay," she said, placing her hand fondly in his, "do not say
+any thing; you can offer me a home I know, but not a welcome--that you
+cannot command." Then, looking to her aunt, she continued, "it was at
+your express desire, ma'am, that I came here--not only your desire, but
+your entreaty--but do not think I meant always to encroach upon your
+kindness. This will convince you, that I did not." Here she handed her
+an open letter. "And now I must solicit the favor of a few moments alone
+with you."
+
+Mrs. Villars turned pale, but immediately rose, and Mabel, gently
+pressing her uncle's hand, followed her from the room.
+
+As she had stood there, her indignant face turned upon them all, the
+lightning had flashed about her unquailing form, and when she was gone
+they were all silent, as if her presence had awed them still.
+
+"What do you want with me?" said her aunt, when she had closed the door
+of the breakfast room, behind them.
+
+"Will you have the kindness first to read that letter?"
+
+"Well, I see from it that your friend--let me see where does she
+live?--Oh, yes, I see, at Stratford--romantic place certainly,
+Shakespeare and all that--well, she says she will be happy to receive
+you--eh?"
+
+"Yes," replied Mabel; "she was an old friend of mine, and not being well
+off, or in good health, I have offered to educate her children for
+nothing."
+
+Mrs. Villars opened her eyes.
+
+"Thus you see, aunt, I shall be able to do very well; for my little
+fortune, small as it is, will keep me in dress."
+
+Mrs. Villars smiled kindly, saying, that though Mabel had not been
+perfectly candid, still she rejoiced to hear that she had not been left
+without resources, as she had imagined.
+
+This speech was spoken so smoothly, that Mabel was puzzled.
+
+"Surely aunt there was nothing left for me to tell--the only money I
+have, is in your hands, and when you can conveniently let me have it, or
+part of it, I shall carry my plan into execution."
+
+"There must be some mistake in this, my dear. I have no money of yours,
+except the half sovereign you kindly lent me the other morning. What do
+you mean?"
+
+She was astonished; but she answered quickly, though respectfully--
+
+"I am speaking of the six hundred pounds my mamma lent you, from time to
+time; and which you promised to keep safely for me."
+
+"I promised, my dear," said Mrs. Villars, with well feigned
+astonishment. "I never said or thought of such a thing; but I will tell
+you how this mistake arose. I did borrow the sums you mention, from time
+to time, as you say, and you may remember, when your poor dear mother
+and I met last." The lightning flashed in her eyes, and she covered them
+with her hands; but the rain had begun to patter against the window, and
+the thunder rolled, at longer intervals; as the storm abated, she became
+bolder, and continued--"Well, at that time, we were very long alone, as,
+perhaps, you remember. Then she said to me--I remember the very words,
+and where she was sitting, poor thing--'Caroline,' she said, 'I never
+had the courage to tell you, that I have often vexed so deeply, to think
+that, when I married, I accepted a larger portion from our father's
+generosity than he gave you; and I shall never die happy till I have
+made it up to you--in order to do that, I shall cancel all your
+obligations to me, and give you a hundred more to-day.' I begged her to
+think of her children, and the answer she made was remarkable. 'I would
+rather leave them honesty than money.' It was so like her, poor thing."
+
+Here she put her handkerchief to her eyes, while Mabel watched her with
+mingled pity, contempt, and indignation.
+
+"Well, my dear, she went to her old secretary--you remember it, I am
+sure."--Of course she did, a thousand remembrances clung to every
+old-fashioned article of that dear home; but duplicity and cunning were
+before her, and she was too shocked to think of them now--"From that
+secretary," continued her aunt, "she took a bundle of papers. I saw my
+own writing, at once, and knew them to be the securities, that is, the
+written promises I had given her for the money. I stretched out my hand
+to take them, but she put it back, while she threw the papers in the
+fire."
+
+"There was no fire," said Mabel, as if thinking aloud.
+
+"No, you are right," said Mrs. Villars, colouring violently, for, from
+that moment, she saw she was suspected. "I meant to say she burnt them
+at the taper I had lighted to seal a letter. And now, you see, there has
+been a little mistake, which I am sorry for; had you spoken before, it
+might have been avoided; but, perhaps, you divined what is really the
+case, that if I wished to give you the money, I have not got it by me;
+and, therefore, I must take advantage of my poor dear sister's
+generosity."
+
+Mabel did not, for an instant, doubt her aunt's falsehood; but,
+immediately remembered that she had nothing to plead but her own
+assertion of her mother's words, unsupported by any evidence. On such
+proofs, to obtain her money, appeared at once, to be impossible, and no
+other reason would have led her to expose a relation, to the charge of
+the meanest subterfuge and falsehood; but, though she said nothing, her
+whole soul was in her face, and Mrs. Villars writhed under its
+expression. Hoping to arrange a compromise on good terms, she handed her
+five sovereigns, saying--
+
+"There, my dear, ask me for more when you want it."
+
+"Thank you," said Mabel, pushing back the money, "I have sufficient for
+my present wants; but, as I shall be obliged to find a different
+situation from this," she added, taking up the letter, "I shall be glad
+if you will allow me to remain here a little while longer."
+
+"Certainly, my dear, certainly; and I should be glad if you could
+remain here altogether--that is, if you would not make yourself
+obnoxious to Caroline--that is, if you would not be quite so
+independent."
+
+"I have done nothing to offend either of my cousins," said Mabel, her
+bosom heaving with emotion. "I have not deserved the treatment I have
+received, either at their hands, or yours, and you know I have not."
+
+"If this is all the return your sainted pretensions can make," said her
+aunt, chafing herself into a passion, "for all my kindness to you--if
+you have not one word of thanks to offer me, you are but a poor
+companion for my daughters. I must make an example of you, and,
+therefore, I leave you to yourself. I care not what becomes of you. Go,"
+she screamed, with shrill violence, as she herself advanced to the door,
+and, as if either satisfied or ashamed, burst from the room, as if it
+were contaminated.
+
+Mabel covered her face with her hands, and burst into tears; indignation
+and a sense of desolation, struggled within her, and sob after sob burst
+from her, with a violence which, though natural to her temper, was
+usually suppressed entirely.
+
+Suddenly she heard a step, and, before she could recover herself, Mr.
+Morley stood before her, coming as he did, in his customary shadowy
+manner.
+
+"Why do you weep," he said, in a tone of severity.
+
+"I have quarrelled with my aunt."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"And I wish to leave this house as soon as I can."
+
+"Have you done wrong?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then what have you to fear?"
+
+"Myself, for I am deeply agitated."
+
+"What, you fear that you cannot forgive. Rise, Mabel, and face the
+storm, not of worldly trouble, but of your own passions, drive them
+back; do not sit down and weep over them as one who has chosen no other
+trust than her own, weak, defenceless heart. There are more eyes upon
+you than you imagine--the weak to find confidence, and the fool and the
+scoffer, to find jest and scorn. And, besides, what are you called upon
+to do--to leave a house where dependence would grind your spirit, or
+envy calumniate, and make you seem vile in the eyes of others.
+
+"And what have you to endure? A few years of honest labour, re-paid by
+the wide spreading opportunity of sowing the seeds of virtue in the
+hearts of many, who, in years to come, may bless you for the happiness
+which the stability of their first principles has cast upon their
+households--which may again send forth fresh seeds of virtue to new
+generations, disseminating to children's children the thoughts and
+principles which were first inculcated by you. Is not this influence
+enough for you, though you yourself may live and die unheeded, and soon
+forgotten--your better part will live in others. I do not speak to you,"
+continued Mr. Morley, as with one hand extended, he seemed rather to
+address an assembly, "as valuing such paltry things as wealth, or
+praise, or idle ease, but because you are, for a moment, forgetting what
+you do value--for these are times when temptations take us unawares,
+and, in a weak moment, have the power to surprise us, and I tell you
+again, Mabel Lesly, that the wicked and the wavering watch your
+movements for derision or guidance."
+
+Strong medicines should be given to strong minds. Mabel's fears, and
+sorrow, and indignation, vanished, before he had ceased speaking.
+
+"Thank you," said she, ardently, "the staff that can prop up the falling
+indeed deserves thanks, and I am grateful that you have come between me
+and weak and wicked thoughts. But do go further, and give me some
+advice--I will go any where, happily, only I cannot remain here."
+
+"Well," said he, slightly relaxing his exalted tone, to one more suited
+to common life, "we will see what can be done."
+
+Here he drew the last edition of the _Times_ from his pocket, and
+glanced down the advertisements, with rapid attention.
+
+"There is nothing here," he said, at length, "nothing wanted, but a
+companion for an old lady, any one else will do for that, and you might
+stagnate in such a position. I will go out amongst my friends, and
+enquire for you."
+
+"Something immediate," said she, earnestly.
+
+Mr. Morley frowned.
+
+"You are impatient of enduring a few days of discomfort, how can you
+meet a life of labour?"
+
+"That would be ease to my present position."
+
+"Pride, pride, will that ever be uppermost? But do not fear me, I always
+finish one thing at a time, so that I shall not be long about my
+business. Let me see; what is the list of your acquirements--sound
+English education, music, singing, French, a little German, a little
+Italian, and a little Latin. Umph! I think that will do--good-bye."
+
+So saying, he glided from the room, with noiseless tread.
+
+Mabel retired soon after to her own room, where she employed herself
+till dinner time, in writing letters to many of her friends, and
+particularly to her old school-fellow, expressing her regret at not
+being able to go to her, as she had hoped, without a salary--finding it
+necessary to maintain herself entirely.
+
+This occupation did much to restore her self-possession, by the time
+when it was necessary for her to appear at dinner. But there was so
+much restraint thrown over the little party, by the remembrance of the
+scene of the afternoon, that the usually social meal passed in dulness
+and silence; when, however, they all went to the drawing-room, to amuse
+themselves for the evening, the spirits of the sisters rose, even to
+more oppressive gaiety--though Lucy sat apart from them in silence,
+perplexed and troubled.
+
+Caroline had seated herself near the window, in order that she might
+display, with greater advantage, a portfolio of her own drawings, to
+Hargrave. They were very neatly executed, and the copy was as like the
+original as might be, yet Mabel could scarcely think them worth the high
+encomiums which he bestowed upon them, while Caroline blushed and evaded
+his compliments, though evidently gratified all the while, and willing
+to receive as many more as he chose to cater for her.
+
+"I wish," thought Mabel, "that they would not laugh quite so loud, my
+spirits are out of tune to-night."
+
+Just then she heard Caroline whisper something to Hargrave, as she leant
+forward, over the little table which parted them, so far, that a curl of
+her silken hair touched his cheek. Her sensitive ear caught the word,
+"governess," slightingly spoken, while Hargrave only replied by a shrug,
+and a slight elevation of his eyebrows; and when Caroline whispered
+something, with a still more provoking expression, he actually laughed
+aloud.
+
+Mabel was conscious that she was turning giddy, and she rose with the
+intention of leaving the room, when the door opened, and Mr. Morley
+beckoned her to come to him.
+
+"Have you thought it over," he said, when she came to him, in the
+passage.
+
+"Oh, yes," she replied eagerly; "and I have written to several friends."
+
+"Right, never depend on any but yourself. As it happens, however, I
+have heard of something. Put on your bonnet, and come out with me."
+
+Without remaining to ask any questions, she did as he desired, and was
+soon walking by his side, along the lighted streets.
+
+"Not very pleasant, there, eh?" he enquired, elevating his eyebrows, to
+designate the house they had left.
+
+"Not very," she answered, in a low, half choked voice, and they said
+nothing more till they reached the White Lion Hotel. Then, when they
+heard the hum of its business within, Mr. Morley suddenly stopped, and
+enquired if she were frightened.
+
+"I might have been, yesterday," was the reply; "but, to-night, I feel
+nothing so much as the anxiety to be free."
+
+"Free," muttered he; "free; that is a word for men; the more our
+intellectual range is unfettered, the freer we are to pursue unbeaten
+tracts of usefulness the better; but free is a dangerous word on the
+lips of a woman."
+
+"You mistake me, sir," she said, blushing; "I did not mean free from
+constraint, for that I must meet with in the situation I am trying to
+obtain; but, indeed, it is very hard to stay where I am, neither useful
+nor welcome. If this be wrong, excuse me, to-night, for my feelings have
+been sadly tried."
+
+"Excuse," he said, severely; "that is a word which has been fertile in
+wrong. Excuse--excuse," he continued to mutter till they had entered the
+hotel, where he enquired, rather fiercely, for Mrs. Noble, and they were
+soon ushered into the apartment, where the lady, he enquired for was
+sitting. She was a stout, heavy, weighty looking person, with a sallow
+complexion, a pair of small, dead black eyes, and hair of the same dull,
+heavy hue, shading a forehead of no ordinary expanse; and her
+countenance gave an idea of cumbrous intellect. She was seated in an
+easy attitude, from which she did not care to move, by the dinner-table,
+on which lay some early strawberries.
+
+"This is Miss Lesly," said Mr. Morley, whose manner was still ruffled.
+
+Mrs. Noble acknowledged the introduction by a heavy bend--and a still
+heavier stare, while she slowly begged them to be seated.
+
+"Mr. Morley has, no doubt, been kind enough," she observed, at length,
+turning to Mabel, "to explain the nature of the situation I have to
+offer, and I conclude you feel inclined, and able to undertake it."
+
+"No, indeed," said Mr. Morley; "I have done nothing of the kind."
+
+"Then I must explain that I have eight children under fourteen, whom you
+would have to instruct. You can, I believe, undertake French, Latin,
+German, and the ordinary branches of a sound English education, together
+with music?"
+
+"I think I could, with children of that age, and if you would let me
+try, as I have no other interest now, I could devote myself entirely to
+them."
+
+"I do not offer more than thirty pounds a year."
+
+"It will be quite sufficient for me," replied Mabel.
+
+"The weather is warm," returned Mrs. Noble, after a long silence, which
+she suffered without the slightest appearance of impatience; "You had
+better take off your bonnet and shawl."
+
+Mabel hesitated, but Mr. Morley interposed.
+
+"Take them off; she wants to see what you look like."
+
+"You are quick," said Mrs. Noble, laughing, drowsily.
+
+Mabel instantly laid aside her heavy crape wrappings, with a blush and
+half a smile, as she stood as gracefully erect, as if for the artist's
+hand to sketch.
+
+Mrs. Noble fixed her small gimlet eyes upon her face, as if she would
+have read every sign which might be found there. Beauty rested in every
+line of her fair features--yet, few would stop to call her beautiful,
+even when asleep. Candid, intellectual, gentle, affectionate,
+high-minded, pure--any thing but beautiful. And nothing gained more upon
+the confidence of others, than the confiding way she seemed to have, as
+if she could not help believing that all were as truthful and true
+hearted as she was herself.
+
+"Good," said Mrs. Noble, "good, if I read that book right--I care not
+how soon my children learn it by heart."
+
+Mabel looked up, and light played in her eyes, and danced about her
+countenance. It is so pleasant to be trusted when we mean to be
+trustworthy.
+
+"One thing I have forgotten to mention," observed the lady, after
+another long pause, which she sustained with as much composure as
+before. "One of my little girls is a great invalid--indeed, is unable to
+walk, and I must stipulate for something more than common kindness to
+her."
+
+"I had a little sister, who could not rise in her bed," was the
+affectionate reply, and while her eyes moistened, the mother's filled
+with tears.
+
+"And when may I come to you?" enquired Mabel, a little eagerly.
+
+"I must make some little arrangements for you," replied Mrs. Noble,
+"otherwise I would take you with me; but you may come to me this day
+week, and you will then join me at Weymouth. You must come by the coach,
+and a servant shall be waiting to meet you, and bring you to me. Did
+Mr. Morley tell you that I wished you to accompany me, in a few weeks,
+to the south of France?"
+
+"No, ma'am; but I shall be most ready to go there."
+
+Perceiving that there was no more to be said, Mabel put on her bonnet,
+and, with Mr. Morley, wished her good evening.
+
+"Well," said her companion, when they were again in the street, "you
+have to fight the battle of life under new circumstances, that is all."
+
+"Yes, that is all," said Mabel, cheerfully, "and with many thanks for
+the helping hand you have given me."
+
+"I fear you will not be sufficiently tried to bring out the whole
+strength of your moral character, which I wish, for your sake, to see
+developed. She half loves you already."
+
+"I wish that were true," said Mabel, laughing. "I am not sufficiently
+heroic to object to anything so pleasant as that. I should be quite
+miserable if I could get no one to love me."
+
+"For shame!" said Mr. Morley, turning sternly upon her. "Is it not
+sufficient pleasure to feel that you are doing your duty."
+
+"Sufficient to make me do it, perhaps; but still, there is something so
+pleasant in being loved by those about us, that I would not willingly
+place myself in a position where it was impossible, unless called upon
+by some imperative duty."
+
+"Earth--earth--earth," said Mr. Morley, stopping at the door in Sydney
+Place, "clinging every where--mixing with every thing."
+
+"Oh, do not be angry with me," said Mabel, "for such a little fault."
+
+"Oh, earth, earth," he repeated, even when the door opened, "your
+spirit is every where." And turning away, spite of everything she
+said, he went off down the street, repeating still between his
+teeth--"Earth--earth--earth."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+  It hath done its sacred mission
+  Sorrow's hand was sent to cure,
+  Bless it for the bitter anguish
+  Thou wert called on to endure.
+
+                             CULVER ALLEN.
+
+
+"Only one week," thought Maria, "and the house will be cleared of a
+nuisance; but I must play my cards well for this one week, short as it
+is, or my game will be lost."
+
+She was standing in the drawing-room as she said this, dangling her
+bonnet by one string, for she had just come in from their afternoon's
+walk in the park, and from busy, shopping, fascinating Milsom Street.
+
+"Let me only keep things right for one week," she continued, to herself,
+"and I have him; but I fear it is but a desperate chance."
+
+She was interrupted in these meditations by a brisk rapping at the
+street-door, and, very soon afterwards, Mr. Stokes made his appearance,
+and Maria's quick eye immediately saw signs of a proposal in the
+carefully arranged morning costume, and the very precise tie of his
+cravat, though, that the same proposal would not be meant for her, she
+saw with equal readiness.
+
+His first enquiry was--"Whether it was quite true that Miss Lesly was
+about to leave them?"
+
+"How tiresome," said Maria, "then I suppose every one knows it; and yet
+we have been so anxious to keep it private."
+
+Here she looked much vexed.
+
+"What has gone wrong, then?" enquired the Squire.
+
+"Oh, nothing," said Maria, in a tone which implied everything had. "It
+is true, we are obliged to send her away; but there is no use making a
+talk about it. It is no business of anybody's, is it?"
+
+"Oh, dear no," said the Squire, nervously.
+
+"I should think one's poor relations might be sent to their native
+obscurity, without everybody's taking it up," added Maria.
+
+"Yes--but she seems so sweet-tempered. I should have thought her a great
+acquisition to your family party."
+
+"You do not really mean to say you think so?" said she, looking as if
+she would say--"I know you are a better judge than that"--"She is sweet
+in company, I know--but in private she is as haughty as a young
+duchess--She even finds fault with mamma. She comes of a good family,
+certainly; but, I fear, she is something like the dregs of the cask,
+only a little bit turned sour."
+
+Mr. Stokes began whipping his boots, as if greatly annoyed at the dust
+upon them.
+
+"Oh, dear," said Maria; "let me get you a duster."
+
+She instantly sprang to an old arm-chair, and bringing one from its
+secret recesses, began dusting his boots, upon her knees, before he had
+time to prevent her.
+
+"Well," she said, rising, and resuming her seat, and glancing at his
+large, but well-turned foot, "there is nothing to be ashamed about."
+
+"Really," he said, jocosely, "I ought to feel flattered."
+
+"Well," said Maria, resuming the conversation she had interrupted, "I am
+thankful I have not a pretty face--it is the fruit of more mischief
+than enough."
+
+Mr. Stokes gave another stroke to his boots--(there was not a particle
+of dust remaining on them.)
+
+"Oh, I forgot," said Maria, unlocking her work-box; "I have not given
+you your last pocket-handkerchief--Is not this beautiful work?"
+
+Mabel had finished it for her.
+
+As she said this, she held it so close to his eyes, that, for
+gallantry's sake, he was forced to kiss the hand that offered it.
+
+He did so; and Maria gave him a very gentle slap on the cheek, at the
+same time, bringing her half laughing, half pouting face so near his,
+that, forgetful of better manners, he gave it a kiss.
+
+Maria only laughed still more, saying--
+
+"Oh, you naughty man--fie, for shame."
+
+The Squire laughed, too, though not so gaily, for he had been turned in
+a purpose which he hoped would have secured his domestic happiness, so
+that he soon shook hands with her, and hurried away.
+
+Maria was delighted with the success of her interview, and went about
+the house in the most evident spirits.
+
+But in the evening came a P. P. C. card from Mr. Stokes; and she learnt
+that he had started for Gloucestershire.
+
+Maria was so put out with this information, that she could have killed
+flies, rather than have revenged her injured feelings on nothing; and
+she eagerly seized the better opportunity of gratifying herself by
+spiting Mabel.
+
+Every discomfort that she could throw in her way--every allusion before
+strangers to her destination, as a governess, were eagerly used for her
+annoyance. If she were out of spirits, she asked some question, which
+forcibly dragged into sight the worst points of her position--or pitied
+her in that tone and manner, which has placed pity as akin to contempt.
+
+But, with all this, Mabel contended only with patience and good temper,
+though she, sometimes thought, that hours of heavy trial were scarcely
+so difficult to bear, as the perpetual annoyances by which she was
+surrounded.
+
+Had one discontented word, one passionate or impatient look escaped her,
+Mrs. Villars would have had a lighter conscience; but, as it was, she
+would willingly have entreated her to remain, had it not been for
+Caroline, whose fiery temper so greatly awed her. Alas! unhappy woman,
+few would envy you. The thought of the orphan's money, procured for past
+wanton and thoughtless expenditure; dresses, flowers, and finery, which
+were now only encumbrances; shows and visits, which had answered no
+purpose--these were but slight compensations for a wounded conscience.
+
+"Only one week," also soliloquised Lucy, as she sat near the
+old-fashioned window, of the study, and looked out, sadly--"only one
+week, and Mabel will be gone; and yet nothing I can say can stop this
+cruel act."
+
+She leant her elbow on the window sill, and supported her head with her
+hand.
+
+That face, once so light, and fickle, and coquettish, had acquired, now,
+that modesty and sobriety of expression, which, some think, once lost,
+is never again recovered.
+
+Her step was more thoughtful, and the light, ringing laugh, once so
+fickle, and so joyous, but so often heedless and unfeeling, was now
+seldom or never heard--and in its place, there was a bright look--it
+could scarcely be called a smile--that seemed to say, she tried to be
+happy, rather from the fear of giving pain, than, as before, in the
+buoyancy of an untamed spirit, seeking indulgence for the selfishness
+of a spoilt, and unchecked fancy. Could it really be Lucy, upon whose
+lip the unkind word died before the angry flush that preceded its
+thought had passed from her cheek. Could it be Lucy, who listened with
+unaffected interest and humility, to the high-toned conversation of her
+father; or, with girlish playfulness, enticed him to take the walk his
+health required; and, as he did so, led him where the birds carolled,
+and the sun shone on green meadows, beside the beautiful Avon--sometimes
+alone, but often with Mabel--and, when with her, listening, rather than
+attempting to join in conversation, drawn from the well-stored mind of
+each. Could this, indeed, be the wild girl whom Mabel had watched with
+such untiring care, fearing lest the follies of the gay world might
+again ensnare her, and lead her from peace and hope, back to vanity and
+heartlessness again. It was, indeed, the same Lucy, though very, very
+changed, as she sat now by the study window, listening more to the echo
+of her own thoughts, than to any real sound.
+
+The essence of spring will find an inlet to the heart, if possible--and
+though the view of the shady little court, on which the window opened,
+was bounded indeed, the air from the pure sky blew fresh upon her
+forehead, and seemed to speak of the green fields and budding flowers it
+had left behind.
+
+Who has not felt, when the opening year is returning to its activity,
+and when sober autumn, and hoary winter, have given place to their young
+sister spring, who hastens to sow her seeds, and send forth the buds
+which are to furnish summer blossoms and fruits, and the harvest time of
+plenty and rejoicing--a sensation he scarce can comprehend--urging him
+to activity.
+
+Who is so sluggish as never to have heard an echo in his own bosom,
+warning him to be up and doing a something, it signifies not what, if
+good or prudent, in preparation for coming years--to cast off the sloth
+which has fallen upon him, and, like the budding year, to begin life
+afresh.
+
+Spring and autumn, summer and winter, flit over our heads, and as they
+pass to their grave, in the bosom of eternity, leave us their warning;
+and, though the lesson is too often unheeded, we cannot think but that
+it will come to all.
+
+As Lucy sat there, the bells from a distant church began to ring, and,
+sometimes, bursting on her ear, at others, retiring, as if they would
+lead her fancy with them far, far away, added still deeper emphasis to
+her thoughts; but she was presently disturbed from them, by the sudden
+entrance of Captain Clair, who apologised for breaking in upon her
+solitude, by saying, that Mr. Villars had requested him to find a book
+there for him.
+
+"And where is papa, then?" said Lucy; "I have been waiting here so long
+for him."
+
+"He has been walking up and down Pulteney Street with me," said Clair;
+"and we were talking of something which he wishes to find in this book."
+
+Though he laid his hand upon the volume, with little difficulty, he
+still lingered. But Lucy said nothing to tempt him to remain.
+
+"Why do you always so carefully avoid me?" he said, at length.
+
+"Because you are like an evil conscience, always bringing up hard
+things."
+
+"Is there not a way of soothing the remembrance of the past, without
+banishing it, by repenting, rather than forgetting? and that remedy, I
+think, you have already tried. We have both erred--let us forgive."
+
+"I have repented," said Lucy; "and I do forgive you; do not think there
+are any petty jealousies between us. Yet, I must confess, I am not quite
+pleased with you."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because you courted Mabel in prosperity, and forsake her now, when she
+needs friends, if ever she did. I am so unhappy when I think of losing
+her."
+
+"I see you have altogether mistaken me," said he, quickly; "your cousin
+would not accept me, were I again to offer myself. I have such good
+reasons, indeed, for believing so, that I have felt it my duty to banish
+every feeling approaching to love, when I think of her. Do me the
+justice to believe, that, foreseeing such a time as this, as I did when
+I first proposed to her, it is very unlikely I should draw back now?"
+
+"Yes, it is, indeed," said Lucy; "but I wish it had not been so--I
+should be so happy if she were not obliged to go away so far, and to
+spend all her life in teaching."
+
+"I wish, indeed," he replied, "it could be avoided; but you can do
+nothing, and, therefore, cannot reproach yourself. Only be as kind to
+her as you can, though, I know, you need no injunction about that."
+
+"No, indeed, not now," said Lucy, with a sigh; "but do not keep that
+dear papa of mine waiting. He will be ruining himself at the first
+bookseller's, if you do not go, and take care of him."
+
+Clair smiled, and taking up the book, hurried away; and Lucy went
+up-stairs, to make another useless effort to persuade Caroline to get
+their mother to make Mabel stay.
+
+Shortly after she had left the room, Mabel herself entered, and, seeing
+it unoccupied, took up a book, to wait for her uncle's return.
+
+She had not waited very long, before he returned alone.
+
+Mabel advanced timidly to meet him.
+
+"Dear uncle," she said, "I want you to tell me that you were not
+offended with me yesterday."
+
+"Offended with you, my poor child," said he, kindly; "far from it. Sad I
+am, indeed, about many things. I cannot bear the thought that my
+daughters' unkindness forces you to fly from us."
+
+"Do not blame them, do not think of that, dear uncle, and believe only,
+how thankful I am that you have already shewn me so much kindness. I do
+not need consideration as much as I did, for I am quite resigned to all
+my losses now, and can go into the world and meet it with courage."
+
+"I wish you were not going on Wednesday, either, for I have business
+which I must attend to that evening, and I should like to have spent it
+with you."
+
+"Better as it is," said Mabel, smiling faintly, "I could not bear the
+thought of its being a last evening."
+
+"No, no,--not the last by many times, I hope," said her uncle, "but I
+shall be up to see you into the coach in the morning, and, perhaps, may
+go a stage with you. But now I want to ask you how much money you will
+require for the present?"
+
+"None, I thank you," said Mabel, smiling at the coolness with which he,
+evidently, hoped to surprise her into taking some.
+
+"You pain me," he said, taking out a well-filled purse. "See, I have
+been to the bank to replenish my store for you, you will not grieve me,
+I am sure."
+
+"No, no, dear uncle," said she, putting aside his hand. "I accept your
+kind offer, but will not take it now. Should I lose my health, or ever
+be really destitute--should all my bright visions fail, and leave me one
+among the many who know not where to find their daily bread while every
+friend shrinks from them--then I will come to you for my purse, but not
+till then. Nay, you know not how I prize my independence, do not take
+from me the only bright speck I see at this moment in my future course."
+
+"Noble-hearted girl," he said, looking almost proudly on the bright and
+beaming face which was turned to him. "Mind, I take that promise, and I
+shall return this purse to a place of safety, where it shall remain
+untouched for you. Ah, but I wish you could be with us still, I grieve,
+beyond expression, over the cause of your departure."
+
+"Oh, no, indeed, it is much better for me, very much better, if you knew
+all--do not think of it again; when I have got over the pain of parting
+from you, my kind, good uncle, I shall be very happy I have no doubt."
+
+But her lips trembled as she made this assertion, and, feeling her
+courage fail, she hastily left the study to spare him the sight of her
+agitation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+  Love took up the glass of Time, and turned it in his glowing hands;
+  Every moment, lightly shaken, ran itself in golden sands.
+  Love took up the harp of Life, and smote on all the chords with might,
+  Smote the chord of Self, that, trembling, pass'd in music out of sight.
+
+                                                    LOCKSLEY HALL.
+
+
+On the day before that fixed for Mabel's going, a grand ball was to be
+given at the Assembly Rooms, to which Mrs. Villars and her daughters
+readily engaged themselves. For this party Caroline and Maria made the
+most elaborate preparations, for the sake of triumphing over Mabel.
+They perpetually interrupted her small but neat preparations for her new
+situation, by begging her just to do this or that little thing for them,
+though they would not ask her for the world if it made her melancholy.
+
+Mabel did everything she was asked to do, struggling all the while to
+suppress the contempt with which these petty annoyances inspired her.
+Still the week dragged heavily on, and she could not help rejoicing to
+think it was so near its close.
+
+On the morning of the ball, Caroline requested her, half
+condescendingly, to dress her hair in the evening, for Mabel's taste in
+dress was very superior. She consented at once--and, in order that she
+might give her undivided attention to her, for this last time, she spent
+the afternoon in finishing her simple packing.
+
+When she had nearly completed it, Lucy knocked at the door, and, when
+she entered, Mabel saw that she had been crying.
+
+"Would you believe it possible?" said she, scarcely able to speak for
+indignation, "but mamma insists that I should go to the ball to-night,
+spite of everything I say--I did so hope to spend this last night with
+you. What shall I do?"
+
+"You had better go," replied Mabel, "if my aunt wishes it. You have
+promised to practise self-denial, and we must not choose amongst our
+trials which we will bear and which refuse."
+
+"But how cruel it is to you!"
+
+Mabel's lip quivered, for she perceived the hidden purpose of this
+command.
+
+"I should like you to stay very, very much," said she, "but yet I must
+persuade you to go, yes, even for my sake, do not let it be said that I
+encourage you in disobedience."
+
+"No, no, nothing shall be said against you which I can help," cried
+Lucy, "and I will go to the ball, if you wish it--but I should be so
+happy to stay with you, I shall try and get some friend to bring me home
+early; but let me help you, dear Mabel."
+
+"I have done, thank you, only, like all travelling trunks, this lid will
+not close--jump upon the top of it and press it down for me."
+
+Lucy did so, but her light weight had very little effect on the
+obstinate trunk, so that they were obliged to stand hand-in-hand upon
+it, and stamp it down with all their might. They could not do this
+without laughing, and then Mabel leant down and turned the key in the
+lock, and kissed her fair-haired companion, when she raised herself
+again, and they jumped off the defeated trunk.
+
+But now that all was packed but the bonnet and travelling cloak, and the
+neatly folded umbrella, the room looked again as desolate as it did when
+she had first entered it; and yet so many hallowed recollections of
+resignation learnt, and evil thoughts subdued, were connected with that
+poor room, that Mabel felt that she could readily have wept at parting
+from it, for the last time, but checking herself, she went with Lucy
+down stairs, and busied herself in choosing her a dress for the ball.
+
+After dinner, she retired immediately with Caroline, and, glad of
+employment, was soon, almost gaily, twining the silken tresses of her
+raven hair, with more than her ordinary skill, and talking, all the
+while, of flowers, and braids, and ornaments, as if she had no other
+thought that night. And how could Caroline fail to be satisfied, when
+she cast her proud glance upon the mirror, where dark eyes spoke back
+the same proud smile of conscious beauty--yet, as they turned in their
+fever of admiration, from their own reflection, to that of Mabel, an
+uneasy sensation of envy again fired her jealous fancy.
+
+In the simple dress of the orphan girl--simpler even than usual, for it
+was the travelling dress of the following day; in the delicate color,
+scarcely heightened by the interest she had been taking in her toilet,
+there was surely nothing which could account for Caroline's uneasy look,
+and yet she felt herself inferior.
+
+"Come girls, come Carry," cried Mrs. Villars as she passed the
+dressing-room door. "Why, Carry, love, you do look brilliant to-night;
+just one more peep at the glass, and then come down."
+
+Caroline drew over her shoulders an ermine tippet, with considerable
+attention to the becoming, and, having adjusted it in graceful
+carelessness--followed, with her sisters and Mabel, to the drawing-room.
+Colonel Hargrave was standing by the fire, fitting on a pair of white
+gloves, looking remarkably handsome and _distingue_, and certainly well
+deserving the approbation of the proud beauty.
+
+"You look positively killing," said Caroline, who had no eyes for any
+but him, "you must dance first, as usual, with me, remember."
+
+"With much pleasure," said he, bowing, and at the same time offering his
+arm.
+
+Mabel looked at them, for a moment; truly they were a handsome couple as
+they stood side by side, prepared to leave the room.
+
+Hargrave's eyes met hers with that look of almost infantine joyousness,
+which Clair had described as peculiar to him. From that time Mabel felt
+as under the influence of a shadowy dream. She turned aside to put on
+Selina's shawl.
+
+Selina needed every body's assistance, she never did any thing by
+herself.
+
+It was time to go.
+
+"Well, my dears," said Mrs. Villars, "we had better wish Mabel good-bye,
+to-night, as I fear we shall not be up in the morning. I have given
+orders that your breakfast shall be all comfortable," she added, half
+turning to her niece, but avoiding her eye, "good night, my dear, a
+pleasant journey."
+
+"Good bye, aunt," said Mabel, seriously. How she pitied her shuffling
+confusion!
+
+"Good-bye, dear," said Caroline, with an assumption of kindness which
+she could well afford, as she leant on the arm of the handsome Hargrave,
+"you will write and tell us how you are going on."
+
+She did not answer; she felt her heart swelling, and she wished them
+gone.
+
+Selina gave her a pretty, insipid kiss, and Maria bade her good-bye,
+hoping she would soon learn to keep the brats in order. But Lucy
+lingered, to fling her arms round her, and promised to be up so early in
+the morning; and when she tore herself away, and ran down stairs, they
+were all gone. Hargrave had gone without a word. The slight bustle of
+retreating steps followed the closing of the hall-door, and she was left
+to spend her last evening alone.
+
+It is very sad to be alone--quite alone, in every earthly sense; yet,
+she tried hard to reconcile herself to the coldness and unkindness of
+those who, while they enjoyed their charming party, had left her without
+one soothing word, to encounter what, to the most resigned, must still
+be a trial--the entering, for the first time, upon a strange home. Mabel
+thought of Mr. Morley's rallying words; but the heart will not always be
+heroic, and she seated herself at the table, with little inclination for
+any employment; yet, trying hard not to think all the while.
+
+At length, after she had sat there--she knew not how long, but it seemed
+an age--the door stealthily opened, and the cook, who seldom, on
+ordinary occasions, emerged from the kitchen, forced half her body into
+the room through the opening, which was as small as possible; sufficient
+to admit her head and shoulders, and no more.
+
+"Please, Miss," said she, "you'll excuse my bringing in your tea, for
+the rest are gone to a dance, and there is nobody in the house but me.
+Miss Maria begged Missis to let them go to-night."
+
+Mabel instantly assented, and she presently appeared, shyly, bringing in
+the tea-tray, on which she had placed a tiny tea-pot, which she said her
+master always used when he breakfasted alone, and she said that the
+great one looked unhandy for one.
+
+"Thank you, cook," said Mabel, on whom an attention was never bestowed
+in vain; "that looks nice and comfortable."
+
+"I am sorry you are going, Miss," said she, stopping to look at her,
+"for I like to see a kindly face about the house; but, I beg your
+pardon, Miss, here's the toast nice and hot, and the tea has been made
+some time."
+
+Saying this, she retreated, leaving her to wonder how the influence of a
+kindly face could penetrate to the kitchen. The few kind words of the
+servant, however, had not been offered without effect.
+
+Presently, cook again appeared, and peering in as before, with a face
+full of mystery, said--
+
+"If you please, Miss, Colonel Hargrave is come in, and wants to know if
+you will give him a cup of tea."
+
+"Certainly," replied Mabel, in surprise.
+
+"I told him you would," said the cook, handing in a cup and saucer,
+which she had providently provided, and then departing again.
+
+In a few more seconds, Hargrave himself entered the room.
+
+"What!" said Mabel, "are you so soon tired?"
+
+"Yes," he replied, "and do you not think I have done my duty?--for I
+danced once with Caroline, and took the trouble of seeing them all
+provided with partners, two or three deep, before I stole away."
+
+"Here is tea and toast then," said Mabel, trying hard to speak
+cheerfully; but, to be at ease, was out of the question, with Hargrave
+seated directly opposite to her, and looking at her, as she felt, only
+more steadily, because she had not courage to raise her eyes. She played
+with her spoon, as if it were a curious piece of mechanism, which
+possessed some secret spring, which careful handling might discover, and
+then, seeming to fail in this, she traced, in imagination, the flowers
+on the table-cloth, with so much attention to the subject, that she
+quite started when he spoke again, and the voice was so like that of
+years gone by, that it seemed to come from the grave of old
+recollections.
+
+"Does not this remind you," he said, "of a time, long ago, when we used
+to have tea in your shady arbour, on the old table I made for you; when
+that dear child was on my knee, and there was the dish of strawberries,
+on which you so prided yourself, and the little tea-pot, which Betsy
+used to keep so bright?"
+
+Mabel turned away her head.
+
+"Yes--that was a sunny time--I see you have not forgotten it, nor our
+long walks, when I carried Amy over the wet fields, with you by my side,
+caring very little for all the stiles, and broken hedges, and deep
+ditches, which only made the walk more pleasant and exciting; and then,
+as we went, how we talked of noble deeds, and seemed, in our fancy, to
+emulate them--how many bright visions came with the merry carol of the
+birds, the glad sunshine above us, and the innocent flowers at our feet,
+and with the echo of our own wild gaiety, as the hills sent it back upon
+our ears. But do you remember that sparkling trout-stream, where, as I
+fished, we sat for hours, without speaking a word, thinking of--I know
+not what; but quite enough to make us still and happy. Oh, Mabel, Mabel,
+will you refuse to recall those happy scenes again. Will you not say
+the word which would send me back, almost a boy, to my native hills
+again?"
+
+For an instant a bright, sunny light, illumined her countenance, but in
+that same instant it had passed, leaving nothing but darkness and
+sadness behind, and her lip quivered with agitation, when she rose and
+tried to answer him, but her voice failed her many times before she
+could say, in trembling accents--
+
+"You have placed a gulf between us, and you know I dare not pass it."
+
+Hargrave rose also, and staying her in her purpose of leaving him, he
+took both her hands, holding her from him, that she might see all the
+intense affection, which glowed in every line of his manly face.
+
+"Only tell me you love me still," he said, in a low, thrilling voice.
+
+"Oh! Henry, let me go," she cried, looking timidly at him; "this night
+of all others. Oh! let me go."
+
+"What!" he said, loosening her hands; "am I not worthy to speak to you?
+But I have deserved all this--richly deserved it; the guard I have
+placed upon my feelings must have seemed an insult."
+
+"No, no, Henry; oh! do not be angry," she said, entreatingly.
+
+"At least hear me then," said Hargrave, advancing one step to meet her,
+while his face grew pale as he spoke. "I am no longer that daring
+infidel you believe me, but a sinner condemned by the very creed I
+profess; little as I deserve it, will you take me back--back to that
+very innermost heart, in which I was once enshrined?"
+
+Was there any doubt to be implied in the cry of joy, with which Mabel
+sunk upon his breast. He looked down upon her with love and pride--such
+love, breathing in every changing expression of his features; but they
+were silent, there were no words that could have spoken all the
+happiness of that one moment. Time seemed to have gone back, and placed
+them as they were six years before, in all the fond and trusting
+confidence, which, till then, had received no check.
+
+But now a loud knocking and ringing announced the return of the gay
+party, much sooner than had been expected, indeed, for they had missed
+Hargrave, and, without him, and the certainty of knowing where he was,
+the ball was nothing.
+
+Their feet were on the stairs.
+
+"Mabel," he said, almost breathlessly, as he released her waist, and
+drew her hand within his arm, "there is no mistake between us--you will
+be my wife--say you will?"
+
+He bent his head to catch the murmured reply, and, at the same moment,
+the door was thrown open, and Mrs. Villars and her daughters stood
+aghast at the spectacle that presented itself.
+
+How beautiful Mabel looked, clinging to his arm, blushing, and
+trembling, and shrinking from the astonished gaze of her aunt and
+cousins. But for one moment only, and then, flitting past them, she was
+gone.
+
+"Sir!" said Mrs. Villars, drawing herself up and advancing to the
+attack, "your conduct surprises me."
+
+"Stay, madam," said Hargrave, with manly honesty, "I owe you an
+explanation for my strange inconsistency, and I am ready to give it at
+once. Mabel Lesly and I were lovers from children, till we parted six
+years ago; she then refused to be my wife, because she disapproved of my
+ideas on religion, and, with much violence on my side, we parted. The
+obstacle is now removed, and she will be mine. Why I delayed the
+explanation till this night, and why I waited to see her tried to the
+very last, is a matter of which my feelings must alone judge."
+
+"Whatever your feelings may be, you certainly have no right to trifle
+with those of my daughter."
+
+"_I_ trifle with your daughter's feelings!" said Hargrave, as his dark
+eye flashed fire, and made her almost quail before it. "There is not one
+word, or look, or action of mine that will bear such an interpretation.
+I should despise myself had I been guilty of such meanness. I might as
+well be accused of paying attention to all four of your daughters; I am
+grieved that you should think me worthy of such an accusation. I hear
+Mr. Villars, let me ask him--let me clear myself at once."
+
+"No, no," said Mrs. Villars, in alarm, throwing herself before him, "say
+nothing to him, and I will not say another word about it."
+
+"But, if I have done so, it is fit that her father should know it, and
+redress her injuries. Let me call him."
+
+He attempted to pass her, but she held him back, and burst into tears.
+
+"Not for worlds," she said; "he will never forget it."
+
+"Then you retract what you said," he replied, sternly.
+
+"Yes, yes, I do," she cried.
+
+And Hargrave walked back to where he had before been standing, and
+instantly recovered his good humour. Mrs. Villars soon followed her
+daughters, who had retreated, from different reasons, before; while he,
+late as it was, went down to the study, where he found Mr. Villars, and
+fully acquainted him with the facts and feelings which had led to this
+unlooked-for change in Mabel's life--over which he most heartily
+rejoiced.
+
+Meanwhile, burning with ungovernable passion, Caroline pursued Mabel to
+the garret chamber, and, after insisting on her opening the door,
+attacked her with such rapid accusations of cunning, meanness, and
+duplicity, and in language so loud and inflamed, that Mabel felt
+powerless to answer her. It seemed as if all the malice of the last few
+months had been concentrated in that moment, when she stood at her open
+door, loading her with invectives, almost as inappropriate as they were
+undeserved. Where she would have stopped the mad passion which overcame
+her, it is difficult to say, but the stealthy opening of the doors of
+the servants' rooms, which were close by, and the suppressed tittering
+and whispering which issued from them, recalled her to something like a
+sense of what she was doing, and, pulling the door to with violence,
+that sent an echo down all the long stair case, she descended, to
+revenge herself further on her mother. But Mrs. Villars had taken the
+precaution of entrenching herself behind a carefully fastened door, and
+though she could not shut her ears to the distant rumbling of the storm,
+she escaped its first fury.
+
+Poor Mabel, spite of all her happiness, cried herself to sleep, that
+night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+  Yet must my soul unveiled to thee be shown,
+  And all its dreams and all its passions known,
+  Thou shalt not be deceived, for pure as Heaven,
+  Is thy young love in faith and fervour given.
+
+                                             HEMANS.
+
+
+What a breakfast they had next morning! Mabel agitated; Lucy frightened
+and silent; and the rest tired and wofully cross.
+
+If Caroline had looked most beautiful the night before, she was now
+quite the reverse. Some indeed say, that there were lines made by
+passion on her face, which never quite wore away again, but grew deeper
+as she grew older. However this may be, there she sat that morning,
+looking, every minute, ready to break out afresh with some bitter
+remark, should occasion offer; particularly, as, under the impression of
+happy circumstances, Mabel's countenance seemed to grow more and more
+beautiful.
+
+Colonel Hargrave, the servant told them, had taken his breakfast with
+Mr. Villars, and had since gone out.
+
+This was a momentary relief to Caroline, it seemed like coldness or
+inconstancy; and whenever she saw Mabel's eyes turn anxiously to the
+door, she caught the glance, and returned it with one of malicious
+exultation. At length, however, he came in, looking so happy, that all
+her short-lived triumph was over.
+
+Gently, and unobtrusively pressing Mabel's hand, and bidding the others
+good morning, with cheerfulness which was not responded to--he told her,
+that he had been to place a letter, written by her uncle, in the hands
+of the Weymouth coachman, for Mrs. Noble, and that he had received many
+promises of its safe delivery.
+
+Mabel thanked him, and waited anxiously for even a ceremonious
+invitation from her aunt to remain with them, but none came, and no one
+spoke. Lucy, vexed and ashamed, stole away, and her sisters remained, in
+perfect silence, secretly determined to put the lovers out of
+countenance. Mabel could scarcely believe how very happy and how very
+uncomfortable she felt at that moment.
+
+"I came in partly to ask you to take a short stroll with me, Mabel,"
+said Hargrave, turning to his betrothed, and looking, in truth, rather
+impatient to be gone.
+
+She got up instantly, and went to put on her bonnet, while the mother
+and sisters remained in the same dead silence, till her return, seeming
+determined to keep aloof from all their proceedings.
+
+But they were quickly gone, and passing by the busy streets, were soon
+on their way to the country--where they seemed to breathe freely, and
+insensibly slackened their pace. How gloriously the sun shone that day,
+over the green hills and valleys--and what sweet odours did the earth
+yield back as willing incense. They felt, and enjoyed every thing, even
+while they seemed to have no thought for any thing but each other.
+
+"I tremble to feel so happy," said Hargrave, at length, speaking almost
+for the first time, as they lingered by a low stile which interrupted
+their walk, and turned to gaze around them; "knowing myself to be so
+unworthy--but I am, really, very, very happy; and at this moment, when I
+have regained all that impenitence had lost, I feel, indeed, forgiven.
+I have a hundred things to say, and yet, while we are alone, it seems
+happiness enough to be silent."
+
+"It has all come so rapidly," said Mabel, "that I feel in some fairy
+dream. Do tell me how, and why,"--she hesitated.
+
+"How, and why, we are standing here as we are," he replied, with a
+smile; "but, tell me first, do you not feel as you used, when we
+wandered on the hills, at Aston. I scarcely think six years have passed
+as they have done."
+
+"Come, talk seriously, dear Henry," said Mabel, "or my heart will break
+for very happiness; tell me what has worked this blessed change."
+
+"It is a long and painful story, love," returned Hargrave, "but I will
+tell it now, and then we shall quite understand each other. Do you
+remember that dark day on which we parted; when, with all the pride
+which made my spirit so cruel, I cast you from me, and saw you fall
+against your mother's knee, as if a look of mine might crush, but could
+not turn you, because you would not follow my free spirit in the
+unfettered liberty it had made for itself?
+
+"They tell me, that, after that day, sickness laid you low, but only
+strengthened the principles for which you had martyred your affections.
+They tell me, that, in watching her child, your mother grew ill, and
+that you rose from sickness to be her nurse, and that you managed her
+affairs, and once more became the light of that loved home; they tell me
+poverty came, year by year, and that the little which had been saved
+became the prey, of a rapacious woman. That then came sickness, and
+trial, and death, in all its gloom--your home destroyed, nothing left
+but blackened ruins to remind you of the past. I know that you have
+since been subject to a thousand little vexations, and annoyances; a
+cold welcome, and a zealous watch. Now, tell me, have you never repented
+the hour which parted us?"
+
+Mabel looked up timidly.
+
+"Nay, never fear me; I can bear the truth, now."
+
+"No, Henry; you know I have never repented."
+
+"Ah, well I do," he said; "there could not have been such an angel calm
+round your whole being, had there been an unsettled principle within.
+
+"Now, listen; when I turned my back upon Aston, as I believed, for ever,
+in my mad fury, I might have kept my purpose, had you turned upon me, in
+your beauty, and spurned me as I had spurned you; but that deep,
+beseeching look, that prostrate form clinging to the earth in its
+wretchedness, but, without a frown or reproach for me--I carried it
+away--that last glance of yours; it haunted me, and would not let me go,
+though I turned upon it in fury, and would have beaten it madly back.
+
+"I need not tell you with what haste I exchanged my place in the English
+army, to one in a regiment starting for India; or, how I fought upon its
+burning plains, amongst the brave and the victorious. Even then, that
+last look pursued me. I studied with the learned, in Eastern lore. I was
+praised for my knowledge. Learning and enterprise were my pursuits--my
+society, the bold, and free-thinking; and my mind and imagination
+unfettered. But, what the world calls vice, that I knew not--there was
+something in the long forgotten, but not unfelt, impressions of
+childhood, and a mother's purity and love, that kept me back from
+that--and, while my charity was profuse, and my hand dealt bountifully
+to mankind, I proudly turned upon the professors of religion, and, as I
+held their weak points up to scandal, I bade them acknowledge the
+superiority of my moral code."
+
+"Oh, Henry, say no more," cried Mabel.
+
+"Do not shrink from me, because my confession is unreserved, but hear it
+to the very end. All this time, I forgot that pride and malice were in
+my heart, though I did sometimes feel what I have since seen expressed
+by Luther: 'An evil conscience is like a tormenting spirit, it is
+alarmed in the midst of outward prosperity.'
+
+"So I continued till about a year since, when, one evening, I was at
+supper with a large party of friends, whose views corresponded with my
+own. With them there were some strangers, and amongst them, a strange
+old man, who regarded me attentively. I remember speaking more freely
+than I used, that night; and, conscious that I had done so, I left the
+party earlier than I had intended, partly because I was anxious to
+escape from the eyes of that strange man.
+
+"The evening was delightful, and, instead of returning to my tent, I
+took a stroll in the moonlight. Much to my annoyance, I soon perceived
+that I was followed by the very man it had been my whim to avoid.
+Turning round, to confront him, our eyes met again, and I stood
+transfixed by the strange expression of his face.
+
+"'I have heard,' he said, after looking at me for a while, 'hundreds of
+miles south, of your charity, and your munificence. I came to see their
+author, and am disappointed.'
+
+"'Since you have done me so much honor, may I ask whom I address, sir?'
+I said, with overstrained politeness.
+
+"'Your mother's brother, Mr. Morley,' he replied, 'who hoped never to
+have seen one, in whose veins ran kindred blood, defile his intellect,
+as you have done.'
+
+"This strange introduction only led to a long and heated argument on
+religious subjects, in which my unexpected casuistry so far baffled him,
+as to leave him without an answer; and I parted from him in triumph.
+
+"The next day, he found me again, and told me that he had sat up the
+whole night, till he had prepared himself with the answer he could not,
+at first, command. If he had thought to convince me in my perverseness,
+he was mistaken--for obstinacy has an answer for everything; but there
+is something in genuine enthusiasm, and self-denying energy, which
+always claims respect, and though I argued as obstinately, it was more
+respectfully than before. He came to me again and again, and the same
+topic began or ended every conversation, and left me as hardened as
+ever. Ah, Mabel, it is a sad confession for such ears as yours; but I
+never have deceived you yet, and I never will."
+
+Mabel's bright eyes were dimmed by tears; but her hand rested
+confidingly in his, as he continued--
+
+"One evening I was sitting alone by the light of the moon; my thoughts
+had travelled, unchecked and unbidden, to England, and as I thought, I
+drew from my bosom, the first and only keepsake I had received from you,
+the small clasped Bible, in which you had written my name and your own.
+I had often tried to throw it away, but could not--wherever I went, it
+accompanied me, a silent reproach, but nothing more. That night, I
+opened it, and read; before I was aware, my uncle, who had entered
+unperceived, approached me. I would have hid the precious volume, had I
+had time; but he saw it, and I threw it carelessly aside. He took it up,
+and opened it. I never shall forget the look of benignity and pleasure
+which lighted up his features at that moment. Are they not worn out and
+haggard now? but they seemed beautiful then, as he said--
+
+"'There is hope.'
+
+"'No, uncle, that will not do,' I said, attempting to laugh, 'it is only
+a keepsake.'
+
+"He looked at the first page, and repeated, softly--'Mabel, Mabel.' I do
+not think he ever forgot the name; and, from that time, it was
+associated with good and holy things.
+
+"Anxious to change the subject, I prevailed on him to walk; and, as we
+went, I engaged him in talking over lighter topics, for I felt unable to
+renew our customary arguments that evening.
+
+"As we strolled on, we came upon a group of many peasants, who were
+eagerly engaged in looking at something in their centre, and talking
+loudly all the while. Wishing to observe what had attracted them, we
+drew nearer, and soon perceived that they were standing round two
+wretched women, who, with their caps torn under their feet, and their
+hair streaming about their faces, were fighting, with the fury of
+demons, using, at the same time, the most fearful imprecations, while
+the mob cheered and irritated them by turns. I was leaving the spot in
+disgust, when my uncle, passing his arm through mine, prevented my doing
+so. Though I had passed through many horrible scenes, I felt sick when I
+looked on this.
+
+"At length, one of the women, with a horrible shriek of triumph, held
+up, to the crowd, a handful of hair, which she had torn from her
+adversary's head; but, as she turned slightly to do so, the other took
+the opportunity of tripping her up, and they both rolled on the ground,
+struggling together, and the crowd closed round them. I turned a sick
+look on my uncle, who, far less moved than myself, exclaimed, in an
+emphatic voice--
+
+"'Who would spend an eternity with such companions?'
+
+"The boldest arguments he had used never made so strong an impression
+upon me as did these words. I broke from him, and pursued my walk alone.
+I, who had turned with disgust from every moral deformity--I, to whom
+refinement was as the breath of life, to be classed with such wretches
+as these.
+
+"The words fastened upon me; they seemed burning their impression on my
+very brain. That night I spent upon the floor of my apartment;
+conscience was awakened, and it was beyond my power to lay it to sleep
+again. For the first time, I felt the full consciousness of sin, and how
+terrible was the load; my spirit was weighed down, and the arguments
+which had upset the weak or wavering, and scoffed at the strong, failed
+utterly before that power of conscience. In the morning, my uncle found
+me in strong delirium, for the strength of my body, robust as it was,
+had fallen before the terror of that one wretched night. I wildly
+reproached him, and begged him to leave me to the curse which he had
+brought upon me; but what could turn such a man from his purpose? He who
+employed his time in persevering efforts for the happiness of thousands,
+now devoted himself entirely to me. After weeks of illness, I rose from
+my bed pale, emaciated, and wretched, but humbled to the dust. My first
+effort, however, was to seek my former friends, and to urge my own
+doubts upon them, but, those I had had the power to lead into error,
+laughed at my pain, and mocked at my scruples. I had lost caste with
+them, and retired from their society loaded with the most bitter
+ridicule.
+
+"In this miserable time came a thirst for England, my health required
+it, I retired from the army, and returned home. Did it not seem like a
+judgment upon me, that I reached my own village, but to find it in
+flames? No one can tell what a store of repentance I laid up that
+night: at the story of old Giles, which you may have heard from his own
+lips;--the rebuke which everywhere raised itself against me;--the
+wretchedness which on all sides appeared to upset my ostentatious moral
+well-doing; and the death of that poor child in her simple faith. Was
+not this a fit welcome for the returning infidel?"
+
+Mabel placed her hand upon her forehead; for there was terror in the
+remembrance of that awful night. And, then when he spoke again, the
+thought seemed to have passed from him, and his voice was low, and
+thrillingly gentle.
+
+"I dared not seek you then; I dared not bring to you uncertain
+repentance; and that it was not complete, I knew, because I could not
+even then humble myself to ask your forgiveness. But directly I came
+here, I found out one of my boyhood's friends, a good and simple-hearted
+clergyman, and with him I have spent every Sunday since I first arrived
+in Bath. The benefit I have received from him has been very great; and
+all that was left of pride or revenge in my heart, you have long since
+subdued by your gentleness and patience, and more than all, have I
+admired, the frankness which enabled you to avoid the error of foolishly
+seeming entirely to have forgotten me, while you preserved the most
+delicate reserve on all occasions. Mabel, dear, dear Mabel," he said,
+taking her trembling hand in both his, "you have entirely subdued me,
+and, cost what it may, I will not forfeit the smallest chance of
+regaining your confidence, for aught else the world has to offer."
+
+"It is yours, dear Henry, without reserve," said Mabel, raising her
+trusting eyes to his, "I give it back with all the unchanging love I
+have ever felt for you, and for no other."
+
+As Hargrave gazed down upon her, with pride and affection, there was a
+moment's happy silence, and then she looked up again, more timidly,
+while her lip slightly trembled.
+
+"And can you say that you have loved no other?"
+
+"I can indeed," he replied, while a half, well pleased smile, stole over
+his countenance. "In all my wanderings, no other image but yours has
+accompanied me, and much as I tried to banish it, it has been
+unrivalled."
+
+"I do not speak of your wanderings," said Mabel, half catching the
+smile.
+
+"Oh! I see, you mean your cousin. No: I honestly tell you, that I have
+never been led, even by the many petty plots by which I have been
+surrounded, to do anything which could place my conduct, with regard to
+her, in a doubtful light. Had I done so, I should have grieved deeply;
+and such a heartless act would have been a canker in my present
+enjoyment. I do own, that when I saw you thought so, I did not undeceive
+you, because I was anxious to see how you would act under an impression,
+which so often brings out evil, if any exists; but if you knew how much
+of our future happiness was at stake, you would forgive me for placing
+it beyond a doubt, that you were the same self-devoted, noble girl, who
+could refuse all that I had to offer, when her conscience called on her
+to do so."
+
+"But forgive me," persisted Mabel, "why did you stay here so long; did
+not that look suspicious?"
+
+"Well," said Hargrave, as they now walked on side by side, "I think I
+can explain that too. You know that when you were at Aston Manor, I
+could not be there, and wanted some plausible excuse for remaining away;
+no better offered, and every thing was done to induce me to remain in
+Bath; but I suppose you will not be quite satisfied till I tell you,
+that when, after a visit of a few days, I was pressed to remain, I
+agreed, only on condition that I should be allowed to pay for the extra
+expense, which my prolonged stay might cause; you will believe that I
+have done this in no grudging manner. And besides, the game and venison
+from Aston, and other luxuries of the kind, have been always at your
+Aunt's command. As I knew that I had a secret motive to serve, by
+remaining here, I felt that I could do no less with any satisfaction to
+myself. I do not think your cousins or uncle knew of this agreement, but
+Mrs. Villars regarded it as a whim of mine, and said if I liked to
+increase her pin-money, I might. Are you satisfied love?"
+
+"Quite," said Mabel, musingly.
+
+"I do not think, however, that I shall remain here beyond to-day--with
+them, I mean--for my popularity is gone--and my temper would be sorely
+tried, for little purpose--so I have taken rooms at the Lion. Besides, I
+have another purpose to serve, by remaining there, as it is near the
+Abbey--and I should like to be married there."
+
+"Yes--but--"
+
+"Yes--but--" repeated Hargrave, smiling on his blushing companion; "tell
+me, is there any reason why you should not be mine at once?"
+
+Mabel glanced at her mourning dress, and burst into tears.
+
+"Do you remember," he said, gently, "my asking you to let me see your
+little sister, that night, alone? It will be a comfort to you, to know,
+that, young and childlike as she was, I entrusted my secret to her, and
+she died in the confidence of an hour like this, when her Mabel, her
+dear sister, would be the honoured mistress of a happy home. Consider,
+dearest, how you are placed; you are not even offered a formal welcome
+here--and I tremble to think how much unkindness you must yet
+experience. As to going to other friends, no one would advise it, when,
+in your husband, you can find one, who can so fully sympathise in your
+feelings--and, I promise you, that, for the remainder of the year, we
+will continue quietly in the country, bent only on serving our poor
+tenants. The shorter time we linger here, the better--for I long to be
+away, and alone, sharing that confidence which I could not give even to
+you, so freely as I could to my wife. Do not trifle with me--say you
+will be mine, before this month has passed away."
+
+"So soon?" said Mabel.
+
+"Nay, if you love me--why should you hesitate? I am sure you will not."
+
+Mabel looked down--she always had been afraid to contradict him, since,
+when a child, she had looked up with veneration to his superior strength
+and height.
+
+"You doubt me still," said Hargrave, turning aside his head, with such a
+look of vexation, that she was quite conquered.
+
+Taking his hand, as she had often done in those old, childish quarrels,
+she looked up in his face, and whispered gentle words, which brought
+the smile back again.
+
+"And now, my love," he said, as he drew her closer to him, taking from
+his pocket the chain and portrait, which Caroline had so eagerly desired
+to examine, and placing it again upon her neck; "let me give you back
+your own. Little can you imagine the exquisite pleasure I experienced,
+when I discovered that the portrait of your undeserving lover was still
+so faithfully preserved. Nay, blush not, my darling--when love has been
+once confessed, there can be no indelicacy in cherishing it to the very
+death. It will be very, very hard for me to retrace what has been
+lost--but with my sweet wife to help me, there is nothing I will not
+dare; and, knowing that you are so good and truthful, and untouched by
+the world, as I have found you, through all these trying months, I have
+learnt to trust all my aching conscience to your care."
+
+He paused to look down upon the tearful face of his betrothed--but she
+was too much affected to reply.
+
+How gloriously the sun shone on, and how blithely the birds
+carolled--and how pleasantly hummed the bees, in their busy search over
+the clover fields. That was a day to be well remembered.
+
+"Well," said Hargrave, when they entered the town again, "we must
+temporise with our present difficulties. I suppose you would not like me
+to bribe my aunt into peace while you remain?"
+
+"Oh, dear no--only tell her what I have not the courage to say--and
+leave the bribery, as you call it, to me. I have a little treasure, a
+great treasure it seemed once, in case of need, which I can now readily
+part with--I mean, the box of plate which was saved from that terrible
+fire. It is a coveted thing, and, therefore, will be a welcome present,
+that will pay for any fancied obligation; and I will send for it
+directly."
+
+"A brilliant idea, truly; but only behold, here is Miss Lovelace--for
+the sake of gossip she shall be at our wedding."
+
+"What do I see," said that young lady, coming up with her ringlets and
+flounces, quite in a ferment, with surprise--"Miss Lesly, why I thought
+you were at Weymouth, by this time; well, I am quite glad to see you."
+
+"No doubt," said Hargrave, gaily; "the street is not exactly a place for
+explanations--but, depend upon it, you shall be one of the first to know
+the reason of this change in Miss Lesly's arrangements."
+
+Raising his hat, as he passed her, he left her in a perfect ecstasy of
+curiosity; but whatever her after assertions, as to the depth of her
+penetration might be, it is pretty certain, that she did not arrive near
+the truth, after all her conjectures.
+
+"Surely," thought she, "that ill-tempered Miss Villars has actually
+spoken the truth, and they are to be married--and Miss Lesly remains to
+be a useful bridesmaid."
+
+That she was not over pleased, when she arrived at this conclusion,
+might be inferred from the toss which she gave her little head, ringlets
+and all, as she went on her way.
+
+Meanwhile, Hargrave, having accompanied Mabel home, immediately resigned
+her to all the discomforts of her situation, while he went to seek an
+interview with Mrs. Villars.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+  Unfaithful one! from seed of tares
+  No golden grain can spring:
+  Unhappy one! the wind, once sown,
+  Shall but the whirlwind bring.
+
+                                CULVER ALLEN.
+
+
+Amongst all the curses pronounced against the rebellious Israelites,
+few, perhaps, in reality far exceeded that one--"Cursed shalt thou be
+when thou comest in." It struck to the very heart of domestic peace,
+destroying that sanctuary, which, dark as the world around may be, we
+look to as a shelter and a solace. If the curse be there, what other
+blessing can reach us with any effect!
+
+Such was the punishment which the cautious, wily woman of the world had
+been so carefully storing up for herself--for this she had chained her
+own temper--for this she had submitted to many weary vexations--for this
+she had been lavish in indulgence, even when her tired spirit would have
+willingly--so she believed--have turned from the cunning and fatiguing
+artifices of perpetual deceit--for this she had entered "into the fields
+of the fatherless," to find, only too late, that "their Redeemer is
+indeed mighty."
+
+The curse for which she had so strenuously laboured, had entered into
+her very household, and her own daughters were turned against her.
+
+Colonel Hargrave found Mrs. Villars in tears when he went to explain his
+wishes, and the reasons which led him to desire an early and private
+marriage.
+
+"Take her when you like, and the sooner the better," exclaimed the
+goaded woman; "I care not when, and I only wish you could take away the
+ill she has brought with her."
+
+Colonel Hargrave, who was accustomed to nothing but flattery in that
+house, felt a little surprise at the boldness with which the veil was
+now thrown aside.
+
+"I hope," he said, at length, "that you will allow her to remain with
+you for the next three weeks. I wish this as a favour, because I would
+not have her forced to seek the protection even of old friends, at such
+a time--but I may as well add, that I know as well as yourself how
+little you have done your duty to your sister's orphan, and I make this
+the only condition which will force me to keep silence on the subject."
+
+"Give me that promise and you shall not have cause to complain," said
+Mrs. Villars, apprehensively.
+
+"It is yours," he returned, with great self-possession, which contrasted
+well with her pale face, and conscience stricken manner. "It is my
+particular wish," he added, "that our marriage should be as simple as
+possible, on account of the circumstances, which attend it. Any undue
+display would only hurt Mabel's feelings, as her year of mourning is not
+ended; but alone and friendless as she is, without a home at command, I
+say, with no hesitation, that the only thing she can do is, to accept
+that one which will ever hold her as its most honored mistress. But as
+even a private marriage may put you to some inconvenience, you must
+allow me the pleasure and privilege of providing against it."
+
+As he said this, he placed a purse upon the table, which Mrs. Villars
+greedily laid her hands upon, and then he left the room, wondering,
+almost with some amusement, at himself, for the pique he felt at the
+sudden withdrawal of the adulation to which he had been accustomed, even
+though he had always seen its hollowness.
+
+As he went down stairs to leave the house, for he had already announced
+his intention of removing to the White Lion, he met Lucy coming up, with
+such a bright blush upon her cheek, and looking so prettily agitated,
+that he stopped to enquire if any thing were the matter.
+
+"Oh, I want Mabel--where is she--what have you done with her?"
+
+"She went up stairs to take her bonnet off, and I think she will be glad
+of your company, to rouse her from certain little fears of a ceremony
+not very distant."
+
+"Very well then, I will go to her," said Lucy, blushing yet more, and
+running past him. As he went on, he met Clair, coming from the study,
+and, as their destination was the same, they walked off arm-in-arm,
+talking of something which appeared entirely to engross them, till they
+reached the hotel, where they had dinner together.
+
+"Oh, Mabel," said Lucy, when she had found her sitting in her own little
+room, "can you find time to think with me for one minute?"
+
+"Of course I can," said Mabel, making her sit down on the trunk beside
+her.
+
+"This dear old trunk, how I shall always love it," said Lucy, "how often
+we have sat upon it talking together; and to think of the trouble we had
+to shut it up, only last night, and how miserable we were then, and how
+happy we are now." She hid her blushing face on Mabel's shoulder as she
+went on. "You know I have such a strange thing to tell you. While you
+were out, I went into the study to find papa to get him to walk, and
+there was Captain Clair, talking to him; so directly I came in, up gets
+papa, and, saying he has something very particular to see done before he
+goes out, makes me promise to wait for him, and then gives me such an
+affectionate kiss, and hurries off--cunning papa--and then what do you
+think happens."
+
+"I think I can guess," said Mabel, with a kiss and a smile.
+
+"No, I am sure you cannot. Arthur told me, Captain Clair, I mean, that
+he had been talking to papa about me, and that he loved me now, though
+he once thought he could love no one but you, and indeed, dear Mabel, he
+spoke so kindly and affectionately that--"
+
+"I understand you love," said Mabel, embracing her, "I thought so--I
+hoped so a long time since."
+
+"You thought so," said Lucy, "impossible! I never could even have
+dreamt of such a thing yesterday."
+
+"I tell you so," replied her cousin, "because I always knew his love for
+me only arose from the enthusiasm of circumstances; while those same
+circumstances only made him disapprove of you, as much as you did of
+yourself. I knew he could not see you so changed without really loving
+you."
+
+"And do you think I shall ever be good enough for him?"
+
+"Only keep as you are, and he will be quite satisfied."
+
+"And, do you know that the doctors say, that if he returns to India it
+will kill him; and he has been for a long time wishing to become a
+clergyman; and now he has quite made up his mind, and he has entered his
+name at the college, at Dublin, which is the easiest way he says."
+
+"That will be very, very nice, for we shall keep you both with us,"
+exclaimed Mabel. "I am so very, very happy."
+
+"And," almost whispered Lucy, "he so much wishes to be married on the
+same day that you and Henry are; but I hardly know whether mamma will
+consent."
+
+"Oh, I dare say she will," said Mabel, "and I am glad of it for your
+sake."
+
+Further conversation was interrupted by the dressing bell, and Lucy
+hurried away.
+
+As Mabel had anticipated, there was little difficulty in getting Mrs.
+Villars's consent, when it was formally demanded by Clair, for in this
+piece of unexpected good fortune she hoped to find, at least a temporary
+respite, from the malice of her two disappointed children. In this,
+however, she was mistaken, for the marriage of their sister was no
+satisfaction to their jealous minds, and they did not fail to show their
+impression of their mother's injustice, on every occasion, and quite
+destroyed the pleasure she would have taken in providing Lucy's
+_trousseau_.
+
+Mr. Villars looked upon the marriages as peculiar pet schemes of his
+own, and laid aside his writings to aid Mabel and Lucy in the choice of
+dresses and laces, with the most perfect good-humour and enjoyment. And
+when Lucy spoke with regret of leaving him, and felt half inclined to
+delay her marriage, for his sake, he would not hear of it, declaring
+that he should keep up a constant correspondence with both, and whenever
+he felt dull, if it were possible now that he had so much to do and to
+think of, he should run over and see them, wherever they were, and so
+recruit his spirits. For the present, he was almost their constant
+companion, for both Hargrave and Clair had so much to do, in a little
+time, that they had very little leisure at their disposal. There were
+settlements to be drawn, and Hargrave's was a very long one, licenses to
+procure, and a great many things besides, which, on such an occasion,
+were of no small importance. Besides which they were planning a visit
+together to Aston.
+
+On the afternoon before they started, however, they accompanied Mr.
+Villars and his fair companions on a shopping expedition, and a pleasant
+afternoon they managed to spend. Hargrave, too, had his purchases to
+make, which he did with some pride in his own taste, of some beautiful
+Irish poplins, which he ordered to be directed, with his compliments, to
+Mrs. and the Misses Villars, together with some lace scarfs, which he
+thought would look very pretty at the wedding.
+
+In due time they were delivered, and opened with much pleasure by Mrs.
+Villars and her daughter Selina, who seemed as tranquilly placid as
+ever, as if determined to find pleasure herself, whatever happened. She
+was just in the act of gathering the material in her fingers to see how
+well it would look made up, when Caroline entered.
+
+"What is all this?" she cried, looking round upon Hargrave's present.
+
+"Oh, my dear," said her mother, anxiously, "these beautiful poplins are
+from Henry Hargrave, who begs our acceptance of them, and hopes we will
+wear them at the wedding."
+
+"And what do you mean to do with them?" enquired Caroline, looking at
+her fiercely.
+
+"Why to wear them, of course, my dear; will you not do the same?"
+
+"Not I, neither will you; I will have no such cringing ways done within
+my knowledge." Here she looked significantly at her mother, and then
+walking to the table, she began, deliberately, to refold the dresses,
+which they suffered her to do without interruption, hoping that she was
+relenting towards them. But when she had carefully folded every rumpled
+yard of the dresses, she placed them as carefully in their separate
+papers, and then tying them altogether, she wrote on the outside, and
+rang the bell.
+
+"What are you doing, dear Cary?" cried Selina.
+
+"You will see," said Caroline, and at that moment, their man-servant
+appearing, she turned to him, and said--"Take that parcel to Colonel
+Hargrave, at the White Lion, with mamma's compliments."
+
+"Stop a moment, my dear, do consider," said her mother.
+
+"Ma'am," replied her daughter, "no consideration is necessary. James,
+take the parcel."
+
+And, without waiting further orders, he took it as she directed, leaving
+Mrs. Villars vexed and annoyed, but too timid to remonstrate.
+
+Caroline, however, was disappointed at the satisfaction of knowing that
+Hargrave was annoyed, for he never even alluded to the subject.
+
+The next morning, Hargrave and Clair set off, early, on their journey to
+Aston. The day was bright as a May morning could be desired to be, and
+the country, through which they drove, full of lovely home scenery. They
+had hired a phaeton, and took their own pace across the
+country--Hargrave driving, and delighting his companion with one of his
+very best humours, now sparkling with wit, or laughing in the merriment
+of his heart, and then suddenly changing his tone to one of deeper
+earnestness, as they spoke of the future or the past.
+
+It was not till the close of the evening, that they espied the
+well-known landmarks of the little village--the simple spire of the
+rustic church, and the many windowed halls of Aston Manor.
+
+As they entered the village, Hargrave suffered his horse to bring his
+tired trot to a walk, while they both eagerly looked around. Hargrave
+tried to fancy what his bride would feel, on the first sight of a place
+so loved, and so changed--and he thought, perhaps, she would have liked
+the old place better after all.
+
+"Still there is nothing sickly in Mabel's mind," he said to himself, as
+he looked round, and considered how very greatly it was improved in
+reality. Here, were well drained roads, raised pathways, and neatly
+built houses, which might have proved models for many an English
+gentleman's estate, well lighted, well ventilated, as they were, and
+slightly ornamented besides, with the simple porch, and the little
+gardens which surrounded them. It made his heart beat high with that
+quick sensation of pleasure, which is almost pain. And there, too, on
+the site of Mrs. Lesly's cottage, rose one, smaller indeed, but still
+sufficiently like to recall it, and as then, the lawn in front sloped
+down to the road--and all beside, even to the simple gateway, seemed
+like the time gone-by. And, for the first time that long day, Clair
+looked sad, for he remembered when he had first looked upon it--and he
+thought of the graceful child, in her almost infantine beauty, as she
+sat and twined, with so much care, her fading wreath of the wild lily.
+
+Little did he then think, that her dying wreath--dying even as she
+twined it--might so soon be regarded as her own fit emblem.
+
+But they have ascended the hill, and though it is May, and the day has
+been warm, there is a brisk column of smoke curling up from the parlour
+chimney of the dear old rectory. They got down at the Hargrave Arms, and
+leaving their phaeton, just as they are recognised by the landlord,
+stroll on together.
+
+It looked so like home, that old garden, as they entered it, they could
+almost fancy they heard the good rector's step in the well-known walks,
+and by the neat bee-hives; but no, the shutters were closed, and through
+their creeks issued a small stream of bright light, just giving a sly
+hint of the comfort they left in the snug parlour within.
+
+To raise the window of the glass-door, and to spring into the passage,
+was but the work of one moment, and in the next, they were in the snug
+parlour itself, and shaking hands with Mr. Ware and his sister with a
+heartiness which nothing could exceed. And how the good man's face
+glowed when he welcomed his dear old pupil back, and, in the warmth of
+that one greeting, assured himself that he was "just as he used to be
+when he was a boy." And how, not altogether, or even one at a time,
+scarcely in any connection either, and certainly not as long stories are
+sometimes told, they made him understand why they had come, and all the
+changes which had taken place--and best of all, that Mabel was coming
+back to be mistress of Aston Manor, and Lucy--happy hearted Lucy--was to
+be Clair's wife, would all take too long to tell. But that they were a
+thoroughly comfortable and happy party, that night, there is no doubt.
+Then, as it grew later, Mr. Clifford, the young architect, returned from
+a long day, spent with some friends, and Hargrave was delighted to see
+him.
+
+"Your work has been done almost with the rapidity of magic," he said,
+speaking kindly to him, for it had been his first essay. "I was quite
+pleased with what I saw as we lingered through the village."
+
+Mr. Clifford looked much gratified by his approval.
+
+"I am come down," Hargrave continued, "partly for the purpose of letting
+these cottages to those most deserving, and most honest; and you, my
+dear sir, must assist me," he said, turning to Mr. Ware; "my bailiff has
+already given notice, that they should all assemble in the large room,
+at the new inn, to-morrow, and you must come with me to see that I do
+justice."
+
+"Most willingly, my dear Hargrave," replied Mr. Ware, whose countenance
+looked one continued beam of delight.
+
+"And the next morning," continued Hargrave, "we are going to run away
+with you, as we cannot think of being married by any one but you."
+
+Mr. Ware looked still more pleased, as he, at first, modestly declined,
+but very easily suffered himself to be persuaded to take the office
+assigned him.
+
+"Now then, I have another plan to propose," pursued Hargrave. "You all
+know the little hamlet of Cheswell, over the hill--and how, of late
+years, it has increased to look more like a village of itself--and you
+may, perhaps, know how valuable the stone quarries have become to this
+estate. Well, I am thinking of erecting there, a small church, together
+with a snug house for a clergyman, and school house for the neglected
+children of that neighbourhood; partly from the knowledge of the great
+utility of such a measure, and partly because I wish to give some public
+testimony of my respect for the ordinances I once abused."
+
+He colored deeply, as he made this confession, and then continued, more
+rapidly--
+
+"I intend to endow this church property--and if, by the time it is
+finished, Clair is in orders, I shall present him with it. Why not, my
+dear sir, let him remain with you, till that time. I am sure," he added,
+with a bow to Miss Ware, "my cousin Lucy cannot learn to keep house, at
+once with cheerfulness and economy, better anywhere than here."
+
+"Delightful," exclaimed Mr. Ware. "Arthur, my dear fellow, I have long
+known your intention of leaving the army; and may venture to say that
+your plans have not been settled with lightness and inconsideration.
+Will you come and live with us, for the present? Lucy can be with your
+aunt, whenever you may be forced to be long absent--you need not doubt
+that she shall be as welcome as you are."
+
+"Should Lucy consent, I will gladly accept your offer, dear uncle,"
+returned Clair; "but help me to thank Hargrave for this unexpected,
+unlooked-for kindness."
+
+"No, no," said Hargrave, rising, and looking really embarrassed--"oblige
+me, by not saying a word. Come with me--I am going to carry you with me
+to the Manor. I shall sleep there to-night, for the first time, for more
+than six years--come and help me to do the polite to my faithful
+housekeeper."
+
+"Ah, Colonel Hargrave," said Miss Ware, as she pressed his hand with
+reverence, for, with all his faults, she never forgot that she owed to
+him the happy home they had enjoyed, for so many years, "you will be
+welcome there, indeed, for you are come back to make us all happy."
+
+Hargrave looked still more embarrassed, tried to say something, and
+failed--so seizing Clair by the arm, he hurried him off, without waiting
+for another word.
+
+The first sound which greeted his ear, on the following morning, was a
+merry peal from the old church. He started up, and almost glad to find
+that Clair was still sleeping, he went, alone, to every part of the
+house, so well known, and so well remembered. Once again he felt master
+of his own--and the spell which had sent him forth a wilful wanderer was
+broken for ever.
+
+With what pleasure he loitered from room to room, and then out to the
+green-houses and gardens; and, sometimes, he almost started, as some
+once familiar object distinctly recalled to mind the days of his
+boyhood. And then he would pause, to fancy how beautiful and how happy
+all would be, in the sunshine of his Mabel's presence.
+
+But now Clair came to seek him, and they returned to a hearty breakfast,
+and then hurried off to the rectory, to fetch Mr. Ware and young
+Clifford to come with them to the inn, where already many an anxious
+peasant awaited them.
+
+And when they did reach it, it was no light task to answer all claims,
+and equally to distribute favors, to the many who sought them.
+
+Clair's head began to ache, many times, from the heated air of the large
+but well-filled room, and he, many times, strolled back to the rectory,
+to refresh himself.
+
+Mr. Ware went back to his regular lunch, and dinner--and even Clifford
+found many opportunities of absenting himself; but still Hargrave sat
+on, apparently unwearied, as one after another sought his hearing, and
+laid claim to this or that disputed tenement. And his patience was well
+rewarded, by the satisfaction which he had afforded--for, towards the
+close of day, when the last claimant had been satisfied, the room was
+still thronged by those who were anxious to thank him for the attention
+he had shewn.
+
+"Before I bid you good night," said Hargrave, rising as he spoke--and,
+as he did so, the fading rays of the evening sun played carelessly with
+his dark hair, and shed a light upon his face; "I have one question to
+ask you. Is there one among you, who will disapprove of my leniency in
+continuing this man," here he laid his hand upon the shoulder of his
+bailiff, who, with eyes fixed upon the ground, stood next him, and had
+been near him all day, "as my steward. If, since the night of the fire,
+he has done one wanton, or careless act--If he has neglected my
+interests by injuring you--speak, and he does not continue a day longer
+in his office; but, if not, I am not the man to close the gates of mercy
+against the repentant; and I say, that he shall have full opportunity of
+atoning for the past. If he has done wrong, in any one single instance,
+speak--if not, hold up your hands."
+
+Every hand was raised, and the timid, but grateful expression, with
+which Rogers ventured to raise his eyes for the first time, seemed to
+say that the testimony thus given him was deserved.
+
+"Very well," said Hargrave; "then he is my steward still, and long may
+he do his duty--but, my friends, remember, that I shall now be almost
+constantly with you, and I invite you all to dine on my grounds--on my
+wedding day, for I shall soon give Aston a mistress, who is already
+known, and loved, here. Mr. Clifford, who has already done so much for
+your comfort, will be kind enough to superintend your gaiety, and join
+you, I hope, in drinking my health. The only thing left me to ask, is
+your confidence, and your love, my good people, for I am come back to
+make a home among you."
+
+The buzz of approbation which echoed through the long room, and even
+into the court-yard, beyond, might have satisfied him--but when, with a
+smile, he drew from his pocket a wig of shaggy hair, of the reddest hue,
+together with the slouched hat of a traveller, and placed them upon his
+head, they exclaimed, as with one voice, "The stranger!" and almost rent
+the place with their acclamations, pressing, at the same time, so
+closely round him, that he was glad to escape by a side door, from their
+eager protestations--and, as he paced rapidly up the path, through the
+fields, to the manor, he could still hear, in the distance, the untired
+hum of many voices, talking in surprise over the little romance of which
+he had been the hero.
+
+There were many happy hearts in Aston that night, but none happier than
+that of its repentant master.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+  O breathe those vows all hopefully,
+  A blessing from above
+  Is resting on the sacred bond
+  Of hallowed human love.
+
+                             CULVER ALLEN.
+
+
+"As soon as you have prepared your drawings for the new church, we shall
+be glad to see them," said Hargrave, to young Clifford, as he took up
+the reins, and drove off from the rectory with Mr. Ware, and his nephew.
+There was such a magic in that simple pronoun, 'we,' that he could not
+forget it long after it had passed his lips, leaving the young architect
+to indulge a long day dream on his kindness, which was to end in the
+happiness of one other patient young being, long plighted to his
+uncertain fortunes. Hargrave had, indeed, been determined to be lavish
+of the blessings which he had, himself, so bounteously received, and
+already reaped the fruits of well-doing in the pleasure it gave him.
+
+Before evening they reached Bath, where the good rector was received
+with unaffected delight by Mabel, and with much timid apprehension by
+his nephew's intended bride, who was, however, soon reassured by the
+kindness of his manner.
+
+In the midst of all this busy happiness, Caroline and Maria continued to
+make themselves often remembered, and poor Mabel had to endure very much
+at their hands, and to experience so many complicated annoyances, that
+she looked to her marriage as to a haven of rest. She had received from
+Mr. Ware the box of plate, of which he had the charge, and presented it
+to her aunt, and, so far, had discharged all duty to her: but, though
+she had been cruelly injured, she could not help sincerely pitying her,
+since so much painful dissension had sprung up between her and her
+daughters; at the same time, that she must deeply feel the
+disappointment of all her schemes.
+
+But time hurried on till the first of June, which had been fixed for the
+double marriages, and on that morning the bells of the venerable Abbey
+startled the passers by with such a merry peal, as left little doubt of
+their import. It really would be difficult to calculate the exact
+quantity of Macassar oil and scents, which were expended in the two
+hours which Miss Lovelace spent at her toilet, on the occasion; but,
+certainly, her ringlets were in the very best order, when she arrived in
+Sydney Place, and the pink silk dress which had been presented to her,
+with its numberless tiny flounces, from her very waist to the ground,
+became her exceedingly. Unfortunately, the party was, she found, very
+deficient in beaux--but, as scandal was to her, almost as rich a source
+of amusement as flirtation; she contented herself by keeping her eyes
+open, and noting down facts in her memory with wonderful precision;
+subject, indeed, to a coloring of her own, with which she always
+heightened events in narration much in the same way as that in which the
+lights and shadows of a highly finished picture often far exceed those
+of reality.
+
+She proved herself, indeed, a most useful bridesmaid, for Selina, who
+alone would consent to appear at church, required quite as much
+attendance as the brides, and, in this way, she learnt a great many
+secrets that morning, which were afterwards circulated no one could
+imagine how. In her readiness to do any thing for "dear Miss Lesly," she
+found out that she had all this time been sleeping in the servants'
+attic, and in a room not even so well furnished as theirs; and she drew
+a strong contrast between its humble appearance, and the beautiful pearl
+bracelet which she fastened round her wrist--bearing testimony, in her
+own mind, to the rare beauty which, on the morrow, she piqued half her
+friends, by describing in the most glowing colors--because she alone had
+been present to see how lovely Mabel had looked in her simple bridal
+attire, standing in all the modest dignity of her nature, in that small,
+mean, garret chamber.
+
+Then, as she stepped into the carriage, which was to take her to church,
+attended by the eccentric Mr. Morley, she noted, from the window, the
+exact degree of emotion shewn by the two brides as they left the house,
+Lucy being supported by Mr. Villars--nor were the liveries and horses,
+belonging to the fashionable equipage which lingered near the church
+door, forgotten, or the more modest looking one, which stood near it,
+and had been hired by Clare, for the occasion. Lightly did she trip up
+the aisle, and take her place, casting a pretty glance round her, which
+told her, at once, that a venerable man, with hair of silvery whiteness
+waited for them, by the altar, and that Hargrave and Clair, with their
+own chosen friends, were standing by, looking very handsome, indeed, but
+much more serious than she thought necessary; still, it became them very
+well, and made them look more interesting--she did not take time to
+consider the touching solemnity of the ceremony she was come to assist
+in, or to read in Hargrave's earnest manner the steadfast resolutions,
+which were never broken, of loving, and protecting, and confiding in
+that fair being, whose light step soon trod the silent aisle, and
+brought her, in all her trusting affection, to his side--in all the
+purity of untainted womanhood, to plight her single-hearted faith to
+him, and, without a doubt, to place the happiness of a life-time in his
+keeping.
+
+How peacefully upon his wearied heart fell the blessing which was
+pronounced with trembling lips, and how proudly he led her away when all
+was over, and whispered--
+
+"Nothing can part us now, love."
+
+And how happy Arthur Clare looked as he led the blushing Lucy to the
+carriage, trembling as she was, so much, that he was almost obliged to
+lift her in. But Miss Lovelace's powers of observation were still
+further called into action, when she reached Sydney Place again; she
+could scarcely believe her own eyes, indeed, as she afterwards affirmed,
+when she met Caroline and Maria, for the first time, and found them
+wearing old silk dresses, rather more faded than those they usually wore
+of a morning. The pink silk flounces, and the glossy and well arranged
+ringlets suffered a simultaneous shock--nor could she resist, slightly
+raising her eyes as they encountered those of Hargrave, who, she
+instantly noticed, remarked the intended slight.
+
+She saw, too, that Caroline did not even make a shew of congratulation;
+indeed, so many other instances could be observed of the intentional
+neglect of the refinements of a marriage festival, even of the simplest
+kind, that she did not wonder that Hargrave seemed impatient to be gone,
+and that, when he had secured the hand of his fair bride he should hurry
+her into the carriage and seat himself beside her, with a look of
+indescribable relief, as they drove rapidly away--leaving Lucy and her
+husband to a more prolonged leave taking.
+
+Miss Lovelace, finding that with the departure of the wedding party, her
+services were deemed concluded, only remained to take a peep at the
+disappointed family circle before she departed.
+
+She was not slow in divining the state of things amongst them, and Mrs.
+Villars's altered looks betrayed much of the annoyances she suffered.
+Indeed, as she afterwards remarked, in giving an account of the wedding,
+poor Mrs. Villars aged very fast, and as for Caroline and Maria, she had
+never seen girls expose themselves as they had done; she was sure,
+indeed, after the way in which they had treated the lovely Mrs.
+Hargrave, they had lost their chance of settling, if, indeed, they ever
+had any. As for herself, she said that she had determined to have
+nothing more to do with them, for that handsome Colonel Hargrave was
+better than the whole family put together.
+
+To such heartless scandal, we must leave Mrs. Villars and her daughters;
+but reluctantly, most reluctantly, for we feel that they were intended
+for something better.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+              Who would not have an eye
+  To see the sun, where others see a cloud,
+  A frame so vernal, as in spite of snow,
+  To think it genial summer all year round;
+  I do not know the fool, would not be such
+  A man.
+
+                              SHERIDAN KNOWLES.
+
+
+Once again we must change the scene, and, for the last time, take a peep
+at the lovely village of Aston.
+
+Two months had passed since the events recorded in the last chapter; and
+one busy year had gone its round since the time of Captain Clair's
+first visit to the rectory. He was now fully established there, with his
+cheerful little wife.
+
+Miss Ware shook her head when she first heard of this intended
+arrangement; but no one approved of it more highly than she did now; for
+all the winning little graces, which had made Lucy the admired coquette
+of the ball-room, used, with a higher motive, made her the pet and pride
+of the home into which she had been adopted.
+
+Miss Ware was perpetually discovering something new to love in her,
+which she always prided herself in being the first to perceive--nor did
+Arthur Clair ever seem disposed to contradict her--too glad to see his
+wife admired and loved.
+
+In his aunt's eyes, indeed, no one could do anything so well--no one
+could feed the poultry with so much care and fondness for them, or
+arrange the flowers in the vases, or run about to the cottages, with
+such grace as did the little coquettish Lucy. And in all this Clair was
+well inclined to agree, for to him she was all that affection could be,
+looking up to him with half real and half sportive reverence; humouring
+his whims, and winning him from his faults. Sometimes she would come and
+seat herself on the sill of the open window, in the room where he was
+studying, and calling round her, from the yard, turkeys, ducks, chickens
+and pigeons, would feed them from the large, wooden bowl, which she held
+upon her lap, turning with a light laugh to to her husband, when
+anything occurred to excite her merriment. But when she saw this tired
+him, and he really wished to read quietly, she would run away with her
+motley group of followers, and then, escaping from them, would stroll
+back again, and, seating herself by his side, would take up a book and
+read in silence, till he himself proposed a change, and they would go
+out together.
+
+On the day to which we must now call attention; they were all standing
+in the garden, prepared for a walk. Mr. Ware's hat had been smoothly
+brushed, gloves--always unwilling companions of his--were in his hand,
+while his sister displayed her best mantle and bonnet, and took his arm
+with an air of greater ceremony than was her wont, looking, now and
+then, at Lucy, who was as carefully, but more gaily dressed than
+herself. They were, in fact, upon their way to Aston Manor, to make the
+bridal visit, as Colonel and Mrs. Hargrave had returned the evening
+before.
+
+As they strolled through the village, they found so many causes to make
+them linger, that they spent twice as much time as was needed on the
+way. Old Giles, whose new cottage lay the nearest to the Manor gates,
+could not help persuading them to come in and take a peep at his room,
+which was filled with every moderate comfort, to which he had ever been
+accustomed. "Which was a good return," he said, "for the foolish story
+he had told about himself and his young master, at the inn, little
+dreaming that that master was the most attentive of his listeners; and
+to think that he had come down that morning early, to tell him that he
+should always have a pension from the family, and never want for
+anything again. Was not that more than he deserved?" he asked, with
+tears in his eyes.
+
+Heartily congratulating their old friend, the little party proceeded to
+the Manor.
+
+They were not unexpected, for Mabel was waiting their coming. She was
+sitting in the room which Hargrave had dedicated expressly to her,
+though with the reserve that it should not be termed her boudoir. Here
+were paintings of the most exquisite art, and books of the first authors
+in poetry, science, or the light literature of the most generally known
+of the modern languages, while the work-table, and the sweet toned
+cottage piano, were not forgotten--nor the harp, whose expensive music
+had been so long laid aside. On the table before her lay an open parcel
+of the last new books, from Town, which she had been attentively
+considering, and, at the window, which opened to the ground, stood
+Hargrave, sometimes looking out upon the sunny Italian garden, whose
+bright flowers bloomed in untiring loveliness, but oftener looking in
+upon his bride, who was to him the glad sunshine of everything on which
+his eyes rested.
+
+Laying aside the book, which had, for some time, occupied her, Mabel
+rose, and hurried to meet her friends, with that true, genuine warmth of
+manner, which at once told them, that all the affection they brought
+with them was entirely returned.
+
+And then, Hargrave was with them, welcoming all, with the frank-hearted
+cheerfulness which had so long been a stranger to him.
+
+They had so much to tell, that half that sultry afternoon slipped away
+before they were aware of it; and Hargrave, leading Mr. Ware out into
+the garden, told him how they had risen early that morning, and, before
+any idlers were stirring, had gone down to the church-yard to see the
+tomb of Mrs. Lesly and her child.
+
+"And how did she bear it?" enquired Mr. Ware.
+
+"Much better than I had expected--but not better than I might have
+hoped," replied Hargrave, with some emotion--"for she has, I am sure,
+nothing to regret, with regard to them; and remorse, after all, is often
+half the cause of our deepest griefs--nay, she must feel, that if they
+have any knowledge of her present fortunes, they would only rejoice with
+her; but it is a trial to her, at first, coming back here--and you
+cannot think how anxiously I have been watching her all the morning."
+
+"Nay, you have no cause for that," said Mr. Ware, kindly, as they turned
+again to the window; "if Mabel could make herself happy in adversity, do
+you think it possible that she would be unhappy with you?"
+
+Hargrave returned the compliment by a cheerful smile, which was altered
+to one of exquisite sweetness, when Mabel came out, beaming with
+delighted pleasure.
+
+"Look, love," she said, holding up a book to him, "see what I have found
+in the parcel--'The Merchant's Recollections!' my dear uncle's novel,
+published already. What a pleasure for dear Lucy--I am going to let her
+carry it away with her to look at first."
+
+"And yet you are dying to read it, all the while you are giving it away,
+my sweet wife; but give this copy to Lucy, and I will order another
+from town for you. Mabel has been talking of you, all the morning, my
+dear sir," he said, turning to Mr. Ware, "sending you, in imagination,
+the first papers, books, flowers, and fruit, and thinking how you will
+dream old times are come back again."
+
+"Hush," said Mabel, "those were all to be surprises."
+
+"Oh, I quite forgot that; but now you will be bound to carry your long
+dreams into reality; but one thing, remember, dear sir, that in all my
+wanderings, I have ever looked back, with the greatest regret, to the
+loss of your society, and I am selfishly anxious to secure as much of it
+now as possible."
+
+"If I am a welcome guest," replied the good Rector cheerfully, "you will
+no doubt very often find me a ready one, for, though we have lived in
+seclusion so many years, I have not lost my taste for that society,
+which a house like yours ought to afford; indeed, without my friend
+Mabel, I scarcely know how I should long have got on without it."
+
+"Thank you, thank you," returned Hargrave, "let me ever be the same to
+you as I was in sunny Italy, with no constraint between us, but that of
+self-respect; and now love," he said, turning to Mabel, "go and put on
+your bonnet, and we will shew our friends your beautiful Arab, and our
+intended improvements, and then we will walk to the village to see your
+two old servants; you had better go there at once, and then all fear of
+visiting the old place will be gone."
+
+Mabel's pretty straw bonnet was soon put on, and she was walking with
+them through the gardens and pleasure grounds, giving her own happy tone
+of feeling to every thing they looked upon; for wherever she stirred,
+there, life, and industry, and comfort were sure to appear. She was now
+the half idolized mistress of a wide domain, and more well stored wealth
+than she could afford time to calculate, and, wide as her influence was
+likely to extend, would she spread abroad the sun-light principles of
+her own pure heart.
+
+And, as she goes forth with Hargrave, leaning fondly on his arm, and
+bringing forward a hundred plans, which would call forth his energy, and
+bring a blessing on those around them--we will leave them, not sluggish
+and contented, as if the cares and exertions of life were ended, but
+happy in their restored love to begin it anew.
+
+
+                             THE END.
+
+
+    T. C. Newby, Printer, 30, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square.
+
+
+
+
+                          _In the Press._
+
+                            TICONDEROGA:
+                       AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE,
+
+                           IN THREE VOLS.
+
+                                 BY
+                        _G. P. R. JAMES, Esq._
+
+
+                               HOPE:
+                     A STORY OF CHEQUERED LIFE.
+
+                         BY ALFRED W. COLE,
+               Author of "The Cape and the Kaffirs," &c.
+
+
+                          _In the Press._
+
+                              LISMORE.
+                              A NOVEL.
+
+           By the Author of "The Lady of the Bed-Chamber,"
+                  "The Double Marriage," &c., &c.
+
+
+                  THE WORLD, AND HOW TO SQUARE IT.
+
+                          BY HARRY HIEOVER,
+            Author of "Proper Conditions for all Horses,"
+              "Sporting Facts and Sporting Fancies," &c.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+
+A Table of Contents has been added to this ebook for the reader's
+convenience.
+
+In general every effort has been made to replicate the original text as
+faithfully as possible, including some instances of no longer standard
+spelling and punctuation. In particular there was a tendency for
+characters to ask semi-rhetorical questions punctuated with a period
+instead of a question mark; this has not been changed since it may be
+a stylistic choice, not a printer's error. However, punctuation errors
+that appear to be of typographical nature have been repaired (for
+example, many missing opening or closing quotation marks have been added).
+Hyphenation and accent marks have been standardized.
+
+The following changes were made to repair apparent typographical errors:
+
+  p. 20 "gave her a footstool, tellling" tellling changed to telling
+  p. 25 "she took up a novel whieh" whieh changed to which
+  p. 50 "to the advancement of christianity." Christianity capitalized
+  p. 65 "sparkling good humonr" humonr changed to humour
+  p. 83 "too ununwell to educate" ununwell changed to unwell
+  p. 88 "forgive, forgive. POLLOCK" POLLOCK changed to POLLOK
+  p. 95 "and, laying hear head" hear changed to her
+  p. 110 "chosing one wet afternoon" chosing changed to choosing
+  p. 113 "good deal ot tuition" ot changed to of
+  p. 115 "pleased with the repect" repect changed to respect
+  p. 120 "have the pain of romoving" romoving changed to removing
+  p. 144 "to Hargrave, as she lent" lent changed to leant
+  p. 144 "the hoom, when the door" hoom changed to room
+  p. 148 "offer more than thirty ponnds" ponnds changed to pounds
+  p. 157 "resuming the conversar tion" conversar tion changed to
+             conversation
+  p. 174 " carcely able to speak" ' carcely' changed to 'scarcely'
+  p. 175 "Mabel lent down and turned" lent changed to leant
+  p. 233 "the well-known landmarks ef" ef changed to of
+  p. 235 "It looked so liked home" liked changed to like
+  p. 245 "much for you comfort" you changed to your
+  p. 245 "pocket a whig of shaggy hair" whig changed to wig
+  p. 257 "CHAPTER XIII" XIII changed to XII
+  p. 257 "Two months had passed since the the" extra 'the' removed
+  p. 263 "sure, nothimg to regret" nothimg changed to nothing
+  p. 267 "bnt happy in their restored" bnt changed to but
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Mabel, Vol. III (of 3), by Emma Newby
+
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